We live in a time where social media is often the main source of communication. Many use Facebook, Twitter, and various Blogs as ways to keep in touch, share joys and sorrows, offer helpful advice, and yes, buy and sell items. I, personally, use facebook to keep in touch with friends and family and share about my personal experiences both good and bad. The key word is personal....it is up to me what I chose to share online and with how many people. I try to be respectful, and I do consider the fact that I am also "friends" with my 11 year old son. Nothing, that would be offensive to him will be shared on my postings. I have my "privacy settings" set accordingly to my personal preference.
This being said, my preferences may not be the same as someone elses. I am sure some out there have their sites set to public viewing, but that is their personal choice, not mine. I have to laugh at some of the posts I see that divulge the most intimate details, sometimes delivered in the most obvious of drunken states (sometimes postings disappeared the next day). Again, it was their personal choice to post it, not mine and really none of my business, regardless if I saw it on facebook or not. I have seen couples, literally fighting back and forth with each post for all "friends" to see. Inappropriate? In my opinion, yes, but that is my subjective viewpoint, so, I don't fight with my husband online. I have posted things about my personal life....it helps me when I need to vent and share my joy (with pics and good news). I make comments about myself, my kids, my husband, and my friends. I don't share anything that is intentionally hurtful, spiteful or embarrassing to anyone. I don't use facebook to be secretive (its on the internet folks). Anything, I post, my immediate family already knows or has access to it.
Which brings me to my point...if you see someone's post and you think it's too private...move on. It was their personal choice to post it, not yours. Perhaps find some humor in it or find a way to relate to a person's pain or happiness. If someone's postings regularly offend you, "unfriend" them, problem solved. Remember, each of us are different, and our individual choices are just that......personal!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Real Housewives of .........
.....well, in my case, Tallmadge. So the other day my husband turns on a show called Storage Wars, another reality tv show, My two older boys and him are glued to the tv and watching the marathon that was on. I just got to thinking, reality tv, this is now entertainment? Which, of course, got me thinking of another reality tv show...Housewives of.....Beverly Hills, New York, New Jersey, take your pick.
I have only seen a few bits and pieces of these shows and I can honestly say I can not relate at all. I am a housewife now, that is the only thing I have in common with these shows. I do not have a personal assistant, a maid, a nanny, a cook, or a driver. In fact, I solely have the responsibility of all of these professions. Not too mention being a wife and a mother to four kids ages 11 years to 11 months. Most of the "Housewives" that I know, do not have daily lunch meetings, spa appointments, etc. In fact, generally speaking, are appointments include, drop off or pick up for school, dentist or doctor appointments, grocery store rendezvous, or after school activities.
I believe the title of "Real Housewives of...." is misleading. Why not just "Housewives of..." of "Outlandish Housewives of...?" Real to me means more of the norm or what is realistic. I wasn't always just a stay at home mom or housewife. I was part of the regular workforce, both before and after I had children. I was a working mom for many years and yes, it wasn't always easy. And truth be told, I always hoped that one day I would be able to stay home with my kids. I don't know where I got my perception of a housewife exactly, maybe books, movies, tv shows, etc., but let me be the first to tell you....the reality of it was definitely not as easy, nor glorified as the perception I had. It is funny, I am not the only one that had this perception, many still think of what I do as not a job or how lucky I am not to have to work. Let me clarify, I do work but my work does not end at 5 pm or after an 8 hour shift. Weekends are no different...there are no days off or really any breaks. People, expect more from me because I must have the time, because "I don't work." I should be able to do things at a moments notice because I am just a housewife. How did we get to this point as a society?
I wonder why the reality show doesn't cover a more realistic "housewife?" Would that be too boring or perhaps not entertaining enough? I can honestly say, I am never bored and I am entertained throughout each and everyday. I get a shout out every 15 minutes some times, how cool is that! I also am well versed in matters of science....that would be an educational program. Today's science experiment, as conducted by Miss P and Lil Cullen, showed the effects of combining red sprinkles with water in the play kitchen. Be warned, do not try this at home and only under close supervision with protective gear on.
Yes, lets get "real!"
I have only seen a few bits and pieces of these shows and I can honestly say I can not relate at all. I am a housewife now, that is the only thing I have in common with these shows. I do not have a personal assistant, a maid, a nanny, a cook, or a driver. In fact, I solely have the responsibility of all of these professions. Not too mention being a wife and a mother to four kids ages 11 years to 11 months. Most of the "Housewives" that I know, do not have daily lunch meetings, spa appointments, etc. In fact, generally speaking, are appointments include, drop off or pick up for school, dentist or doctor appointments, grocery store rendezvous, or after school activities.
I believe the title of "Real Housewives of...." is misleading. Why not just "Housewives of..." of "Outlandish Housewives of...?" Real to me means more of the norm or what is realistic. I wasn't always just a stay at home mom or housewife. I was part of the regular workforce, both before and after I had children. I was a working mom for many years and yes, it wasn't always easy. And truth be told, I always hoped that one day I would be able to stay home with my kids. I don't know where I got my perception of a housewife exactly, maybe books, movies, tv shows, etc., but let me be the first to tell you....the reality of it was definitely not as easy, nor glorified as the perception I had. It is funny, I am not the only one that had this perception, many still think of what I do as not a job or how lucky I am not to have to work. Let me clarify, I do work but my work does not end at 5 pm or after an 8 hour shift. Weekends are no different...there are no days off or really any breaks. People, expect more from me because I must have the time, because "I don't work." I should be able to do things at a moments notice because I am just a housewife. How did we get to this point as a society?
I wonder why the reality show doesn't cover a more realistic "housewife?" Would that be too boring or perhaps not entertaining enough? I can honestly say, I am never bored and I am entertained throughout each and everyday. I get a shout out every 15 minutes some times, how cool is that! I also am well versed in matters of science....that would be an educational program. Today's science experiment, as conducted by Miss P and Lil Cullen, showed the effects of combining red sprinkles with water in the play kitchen. Be warned, do not try this at home and only under close supervision with protective gear on.
Yes, lets get "real!"
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Time management for one or six?
I have had many conversations about time management and multitasking with friends, family, and previous coworkers over the years. I have to face it, when it comes to managing my time, I have made some mistakes. I have been to seminars and read various articles in order to improve this area but I have to face the fact, I am a procrastinator by nature, always have been. In school, I always waited til the last minute to get papers done, study for tests and it worked for me. Deadlines are fine, but, you will find me handling the situation right before the due date. This is how I handle my time.
Scroll forward several years, I am now a stay at home mom with four kids (Ages 11, 9, 4, and 11 months) and a husband (48) in the house. With six of us, time management has been a bit of an issue. I have been told I can do better with managing my time (yes, I am writing this blog while I could be working on something else, but I have to have some outlet). So, the question of the day is...does my time management encompass one or six? Let me give you a scenario from this morning....typical, boys up and get ready for school. Jeff up and gets ready for work. I get breakfast for them and make lunch. I get the baby changed and give him a bottle. Peyton is also up by now but she won't have breakfast until everyone leaves. Kiss all goodbye and go to start the rest of my day. I notice when everyone leaves the bags of trash by the door (we had a second Christmas the night before). Three people have since walked past the trash leaving the house, not one of them made an effort to take any of them out. The kids took their bowls to the sink, one wasn't rinsed out and still had rice crispies stuck to side and the sink had rice crispies in the bottom. My husband's breakfast dishes were still on the table. One of the boys left their light on and shades closed and the hair gel was left out on the bathroom sink and the bathroom light was left on. All things that could have been and should have been managed by someone else, but I had to handle. These are twenty minutes I could have used elsewhere.
So again, is it "my" time management that needs tweeking or am I coordinating for six? See, if I am judged on my inability to manage my time wisely, is it a fair assessment when there are additional factors? Just food for thought.....
Scroll forward several years, I am now a stay at home mom with four kids (Ages 11, 9, 4, and 11 months) and a husband (48) in the house. With six of us, time management has been a bit of an issue. I have been told I can do better with managing my time (yes, I am writing this blog while I could be working on something else, but I have to have some outlet). So, the question of the day is...does my time management encompass one or six? Let me give you a scenario from this morning....typical, boys up and get ready for school. Jeff up and gets ready for work. I get breakfast for them and make lunch. I get the baby changed and give him a bottle. Peyton is also up by now but she won't have breakfast until everyone leaves. Kiss all goodbye and go to start the rest of my day. I notice when everyone leaves the bags of trash by the door (we had a second Christmas the night before). Three people have since walked past the trash leaving the house, not one of them made an effort to take any of them out. The kids took their bowls to the sink, one wasn't rinsed out and still had rice crispies stuck to side and the sink had rice crispies in the bottom. My husband's breakfast dishes were still on the table. One of the boys left their light on and shades closed and the hair gel was left out on the bathroom sink and the bathroom light was left on. All things that could have been and should have been managed by someone else, but I had to handle. These are twenty minutes I could have used elsewhere.
So again, is it "my" time management that needs tweeking or am I coordinating for six? See, if I am judged on my inability to manage my time wisely, is it a fair assessment when there are additional factors? Just food for thought.....
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