Play Time: "Name Something Real!"

I'd like to share with you a new, highly entertaining and educational game, invented by the master himself. 

Here are the rules, as best as I can tell.

Name Something Real

1. Name something, as directed, that is real. Pretty much anything qualifies as long as it exists in real life. You may be asked to name something "in the whole world" or something "in the whole house". DO NOT deviate from these restrictions, else you will have to start again (apparently that is a very, very bad thing). Four-year-olds are nothing if not dramatic.

2. Define said real thing. You have three chances to come up with the correct definition.

3. When providing potential guesses as to the definition of the thing, be as silly as possible. Tapping your head and saying "think, think, think" a la Whinnie the Pooh will earn you bonus giggles.

Happy New Year! Resolutions: What I should do, and what I actually will do.

I'm back! I had a nice break with the family - punctuated by two flus and a cold. I took a break from my personal blog, but there was still LOTS going on at the book club.

If you're looking for e-books to load up that e-reader, iPhone or tablet you acquired over the holidays, visit Cookie's Book Club (the list of giveaways is at the top of the right sidebar). Some interesting guest posts too from some of my favourite 2011 independent authors!

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and are slowly acclimatizing yourselves to the new year. Happy 2012!

I can't tell you how happy I am to usher in a new year. In our house we dubbed 2011 'The Year of the Cold'. We had a minimum of twelve colds and flus last year (I lost track towards the end). In fact, 2011 went out with one final hurrah, as our tiny human woke up early on December 31st with the flu. Suddenly, today, January 1st of a brand new year, he is miraculously well. I've spent the morning feeling grateful and hopeful while at the same time crossing all of my digits and knocking on everything made of wood.

Kid History #6: "Health food will make you strong. But candy will make you rich! Or will it?"

In light of my recent dietary restrictions - I'll spare you the gory details - this Kid History episode is especially funny to me. If you've never heard of Kid History, well, you've been missing out on some serious belly laughs.

So, no Wordless(ish) Wednesday photos, just for today. Prepare to giggle and snort along with this video!

--> For more laughs from the Kid History gang, see:
Chidren's Storytelling - Pregnant Pauses and Creative Substitutions

If you're unable to view the above movie, you can link directly to it here: http://youtu.be/fh0NLQJfAYU

You can also visit the Kid History gang at Bored Shorts TV on YouTube.

His and Hers

Obviously, dad's life is somewhat different than mom's.

In our house dad works while mom stays at home with the boy.

Dad goes to the gym on his way home from work, thus extending his not-at-home day. Mom works out in the morning, while the boy is occupied by his own gym class, assuming the boy is not sick or otherwise uncooperative when it is time to go. And assuming it is not a holiday and that mom does not have some urgent errand to run that can't be done with a four-year-old in tow.

Dad eats warm lunches with friends from work whenever he likes. Mom is lucky to remember to feed herself some celery glazed with peanut butter. Mom always has the same company for lunch. Mom loves said company, but, honestly.

Guilty Pleasures

It's Monday Listicle time again with NorthWest Mommy.

Before we get to this week's listicle, I have the pleasure of announcing next week's listicle topic. I feel like I won a pageant or something! Hon? Where's my tiara? Ah, there we go.

My sister thinks you should all write a list of Ten Reasons you Want to be Scottish - we Scots apparently think quite highly of ourselves - but I fear that would alienate a few non-Scots. So... we'll go with my second-best idea which is Ten Tips for New Moms.

Knock Knock

My son is currently obsessed with knock knock jokes. We've had to institute a rule that no one answers the door during meals, just so that we get a reprieve.

Today, in honour of my son, I thought I'd share some of his favourites.

Knock Knock. Who's There? A Bee. A Bee who? A Bee C D E F G.......

Knock Knock. Who's There? Cows go. Cows go who? No! Cows go MOO!

How to Achieve a State of Deep Relaxation... in 2.5 Minutes or Less

For the last few nights, Jack has been leading the family through a wind-down yoga session as part of his bedtime routine. It's marginally relaxing. We usually do about seven or eight poses in approximately 2.5 minutes.

Let me tell you, this is one of the most adorable (and hysterical) things I think I have witnessed, and I'm not just saying that because I am heavily biased toward finding everything my son does to be super cute.

Nose Flick Thursday: The First, and Possibly Only, Edition

I'm never participated in Throat Punch Thursday before. It's not that I haven't felt the urge. I try to maintain a sort of peaceful atmosphere here at Cookie's Chronicles, but I think you'll agree that the people responsible for this atrocity deserve at least a nose flick (the throat punch may just be a little to aggressive for me). I bring you the first, and possibly only, edition of Nose Flick Thursday. (You see why this may be the only edition - not much of a ring to it.)

One day last week I was sitting in a coffee shop - a lovely urban coffee shop - having a lovely London Fog, working on my next book review.

I was enjoying a peaceful few moments to myself while Jack was a preschool when within minutes the lovely urban coffee shop was converted to a hunting lodge with the addition of a young deer's head.

Wordless Wednesday: Fashion Sense

I wish kids today could....

I remember my childhood. I was one of five kids. That tells you that I was not watched every minute of the day. If the weather was nice, we were outside. All day. We might be in our backyard or a neighbour's or running from house to house playing hide and seek. As we got older, we'd spend time at the park with our friends. We kids were fairly independent, gracing our mothers with our presence for meals, snacks, and to quench our thirsts. There was no preschool or playschool. There was just school school. Oh, and childhood.

You know how I love lists, and here comes another. This topic is courtesy of Stasha of North West Mommy.

These are ten things I did as a kid that I wish kids today could do.

The Inevitability of Change and the Futility of Resistance

I'm linking up again with Stasha of NorthWest Mommy for Monday Listicles. This week's topic was selected by MaNNaHaTTaMaMMa who harnessed her inner David Bowie and asks us to write about Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes.

Change is the only constant, so there's no shortage of material for this week's Monday Listicles list.

Being a mom opened my eyes to just how much things change. Life as an adult pre-kids meant that I could set my life up a particular way and settle into my new routine for pretty much as long as I liked. Ba-bye said life. Hello chaos! Just when we moms think we have something figured out, just when the skies start to look friendly, sha-blam. Trouble brews and we're reaching for our SuperMom capes once again.

Dysfunctional Family Moments: The Benefit of Sarcasm

Him: Where's my sunscreen?

Her: Um... in your gym bag? Or in your golf bag? Or by the back door?

Him: Here it is!

Her: Or right in front of you?

Him: You're a lippy woman!

Her: It's my survival mechanism.

Him & Her: <laughing>

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I looked it up! Sarcasm actually is a survival mechanism. Check it out: "Sarcasm Seen as Evolutionary Survival Skill"

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Guess Where I Am?

Good morning moms, dads and other stalkers! Guess where I am? 

Have you ever quietly abandoned your task in the kitchen and tiptoed past your happily playing child just so that you could go to the bathroom by yourself?

Did it work?

Most of the time, it doesn’t work for me. My child has dog-like hearing and eyes in the back of his head (wasn’t I supposed to develop those after becoming a mom?).

But today, it worked! And here I am… writing this post, checking my mail, breathing deeply. Ahh. I can hear my happy child singing and playing. It’s fabulous. I highly recommend spending secret time away from your child, within earshot.

He’s fine. He’s Happy. No need to feel guilty. So why is that I do?

Partly it’s because my child is currently waiting for me to finish my kitchen task so I can play dinosaurs with him. Partly it’s because I’m a mom and it comes with the territory.

Do I feel ridiculous sitting in the bathroom typing on my laptop (just so you’re not repulsed by the wrong image, I am sitting on a stool… not ‘the throne’)? Ya, a little.

Ideally I would have the fortitude to write while my son is tugging at my clothes and begging me – admist screams and stomps - to play with him. Or, alternatively, I would have the ability to say ‘no’ and that utterance would have the desired effect.

Oh well. This works too.

“Maaaaaaahm! Where arrrrrre you?”

I’ve been discovered.

“I’m in the baaaathroom. Be right therrrrre!”

Well, I feel refreshed. Time to be enthusiastic about dinosaurs. Rawr!

Have a fantastic Friday!

Deep Thoughts by the Jackster: Hair

Mom, I like your hair. Can I have it?
(No. I'm kind of attached to it, Jack.)

Oh.... Well, how can we get it off?
(I'd have to cut it off.)

I think we should shave it off.
(Ah... no thanks.)

You know, mom...

I have short hair....

And you have long hair...

Everyone has different hair....

And THAT's what life is all about!

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Thanks Jack! I always knew that life was about appreciating our differences... and hair, of course.

We all have good hair days and bad hair days. We each wear our hair a little differently, but in the end we are the same. We all have hair. I think what Jack wants us to do is to challenge our preconceived notions about hair and to embrace people's hair choices.

Remember, there are few things that bring as much joy to a person as being told, "Wow, your hair looks great today!"

Vive la différence! Vive les cheveux!

Retrieved May 27, 2011 from http://www.godriddance.com/category/beauty-and-cosmetics/

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The Most Beautiful Moment of My Husband's Life

I want to share a moment with you filled with deep emotion, a personal moment that my husband will remember for as long as he lives.

Have you ever had such an intense feeling of joy that you couldn't contain it? There's that screech that comes out when we hear that our girlfriend is pregnant. Sometimes we're so happy - when we or someone we love gets married, when a child is born and so on - that tears escape down our cheeks.

Well last week I saw my husband happier than I have ever seen him before. Now, consider that we are married - so there was a marriage - and that we have had a child together. Neither of these events have made him as happy as he was last week when his favourite hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks, won the 7th game in the series against the Blackhawks in overtime.

I've always known about my husband's love of hockey, but it never occurred to me that I might be his second love. He was so overcome with emotion when they won that he picked me up and started jumping up and down in celebration. He was almost in tears when he pronounced that he hasn't been this happy since the Canucks beat the Flames on their way to the Stanley Cup final in 1994.

I'm very happy for my husband, don't get me wrong. But just for a second, I was feeling a little less than worthy. Now, after some reflection, I understand that there are different levels of love and that the love for a child, the love for a spouse and the love for a sports team can coexist.

And now, since it is my vow and my pleasure to support my husband's interests....

Go Canucks go!

 Retrieved May 2, 2011 from http://www.globalmaritimes.com/sports/Photos+Canucks+fans+show+their+Game+love/4679210/story.html

Snow Days and Sick Days

My son is at a fun age. I sure will miss his excitement and all of the things that he's so willing to share with me: hugs, kisses, funny stories... The one thing I will not miss him sharing with me is the common cold. It's been way too common around here this year. That's the trouble with preschoolers: they go to preschool and they come home with whatever new virus made it's way onto the toys that they all share. I know that this benefits Jack. His immune system is becoming highly robust.

If I have to be sick it may as well be on a day like today. When last I checked it was spring. But today everything is covered in a blanket of snow and it's still snowing. Just a few days ago I put away our winter coats and boots - not too far away, mind you. Winter gear never gets packed away in boxes and stored in the basement - not here in Coldville. Anyone remember Mr. Sneeze?



Atishoo! Ugh. Pardon me. I know how Mr. Sneeze felt. Anyone know where I can find a wizard? I dream that one will come and turn everything in my world a warm and sunny yellow. That way I won't have to move. I could retire here if it weren't for the winter that invades all other seasons. Winter, go away already. Yes, you're very formidable and awe-inspiring, but the other seasons are waiting patiently for their turns. Shoo!

I hope you are someplace warm today, or that you really like snow! Have a healthy day, friends!

Quiet Time: A Welcome Daily Ritual

I have a confession to make. I am not just a parent. I am also a human being, separate from my child, with needs of my own. One of those needs is the need for space inside my own head - silence, if I so choose - the absence of chatter. Freedom from such brain clutter as, "Mom, which train do you want to be?", "Mom, what do strawberries sound like when they're being eaten?", and "Mom, can you knit me something today? Tomorrow? Then when?" I can only respond to so many of these questions and demands before tuning out and then accidentally saying yes to something I didn't hear and wouldn't have said yes to if I had. "Mom, I'm going to kick the cat, ok?" "Un-hun.... Wait! What?"

The point is, sometimes I need a break to recharge. I used to do this while my son was napping. Jack rarely naps anymore, but we both continue to spend some time alone each day. We call it "quiet time" even though it frequently isn't... quiet, I mean. Once a day, I allow myself one hour of total freedom to do whatever I choose. You stay-at-home moms know how important this is. We love our kids, and we have opted to be home with them believing it to be the best choice for our families. But, we also recognize that a mom without time for herself is an unhappy mom. Our families want and need us to be happy. Around here - and around the world, I'll bet - there is a saying: When mama's happy, everybody's happy.

What an adventure!

I'm back! Jack and I had a very fun and wonderful visit with his Auntie, Uncle and cousin. There were a few wrinkles, of course. Issues? When travelling with a preschooler? You don't say!

The trip started out very well. I was so relaxed that by the time Jack and I wandered through security, grabbed a snack, played in the kids play area and meandered to our gate, the last few people were boarding the plane. Oops. So much for pre-boarding. We may have been the last two on the plane. Our seats were, of course, at the very back. I arrived with my hands full, looking slightly mystified, when a hand reached out to grab my tea. Why, thank-you kind stewardess! Maybe a minute after I got all of our stuff stowed and Jack and I settled into our seats, we were backing away from the terminal. That worked out pretty well actually. Who wants to be on an airplane any longer than is absolutely necessary? The flight went well until the very end when all of the electronics had to be turned off and stowed. From then until we landed and deplaned, Jack screamed "iPAD, iPAD, iPAAAD!!!!!!" at the top of his lungs. I was very glad to be at the back of the plane. The funniest part of that experience was the pilot saying, "I think someone needs a WestJet spanking!" (Since I can't convey the perfect timing and delivery of that line, you'll just have to trust me that it was hilarious rather than creepy.)

Cookie's Mom Proudly Presents: Seven Talented Guest Bloggers

http://uclaextensionmusic.wordpress.com/

Spring has sprung, the birds are singing, there are places to go and people to see. I'm taking a little spring vacation and a break from writing. I know, I know. I'll miss you too. But, don't despair! There's lots of fun happening over at Cookie's Book Club.



I'm handing the keys over to a gang of rebels otherwise known as authors. Visit Cookie's Book Club daily to hear what they have to say. While you're there, if you don't mind, have a look around the place for me and make sure they're all behaving themselves! Who knows what shenanigans this bunch will get up to in my absence! I'll see you back here in about a week.

Note added April 6, 2011: I would like to thank the authors who participated in this week's guest blog extravaganza! If you haven't had a chance to read their posts yet, do take a look. You're sure to be entertained and enlightened by what they have to say! I have added direct links to their individual posts below (just click on their names).

Christopher Bunn, author of The Hawk And His Boy and The Shadow at the Gate.

Karen Cantwell, author of Take the Monkeys and Run and The Chronicles of Marr-nia.

Gabriela Popa, author of Kafka's House and When The Moon Had Feet.

Andre Jute, author of The Larsson Scandal and Iiditarod.

Donna Fasano, author of The Merry-Go-Round and Taking Love in Stride.

Alexis Leno, author of Shifting Fate and Red Sand and Other Stories.

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NOTE added April 6, 2011: Noah K. Mullette-Gillman will not be appearing on Cookie's Book Club this week. He's hard at work on the sequel to Luminous and Ominous, and it's far too noisy over there to get any work done.

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Photo retrieved March 27, 2011 from http://jerriehurdnovels.wordpress.com/

Aw, c'mon guys! Somebody could at least take out the garbage.

Sigh... Writers!

I'm twitterpated!

It's springtime! A time of year when all of the world's creatures become twitterpated.

Term:	twitterpated
Part of Speech:	adj
Definition:	confused by affection or infatuation
Etymology:	twitter + -pated 'pertaining to the head'

                                              Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/twitterpated

If you've ever watched Bambi (it's ok, you can tell me), you're familiar with the term. If you haven't, here's a snippet:




I was lying in bed this morning, not sleeping (Jack woke me up to get him a blanket in the middle of the night), and thinking about the previous day. Yesterday I created a Twitter account. I kid you not. You can now follow me on Twitter - just click on the bright blue button somewhere over there------>.

Since it's inception, I've been talking about how ridiculous the concept of tweeting is. Why do I need to know what Amy is doing every minute of the day. Amy is waiting in line for coffee to go. Amy just found a quarter on the Subway! Amy is bored. Bored. Bored. Bored.

Well, I see now that it can actually be a useful tool, particularly if you're a blogger. There are a few interesting people and companies that I can follow on Twitter, and then decide if I want to visit their web page to learn more. It saves me time. I get many quick bits of info without having to visit many different sites. I can also tweet about my own blog entries, keep my viewers informed and save them some time too.

Still I was laying there this morning thinking to myself that I'd sold out. How could I have changed my tune seemingly overnight? And then it hit me. It's spring. And I am twitterpated! In that state a person will do all sorts of crazy things, like becoming attracted to something she once had no interest in.

Spring is in the air people. Watch your step!