Motherly Law

Pop Quiz: Are You Up for a Challenge?

March has Challenged Me

March has been a wonderful, horrible, stressful, exhausting, nonstop, humbling, roller-coaster month for our family. I've been wonderfully blessed with so much support as I continue to write on Motherly Law and elsewhere. And ML continues to gain momentum in various ways. I'm excited to see what each new day brings my way as a result of all the writing and connecting I have done with ML.

I've been intending to update several posts as the laws have changed with some of the topics I have written about. I was going to write that post for today, but I really need to just drop into bed and sleep rather than stay up writing. So, I'll be updating posts on Saturday. Instead, I've come up with a ML Trivia Pop Quiz for you.

A Motherly Law Quiz

Here are some random questions regarding information from various posts. I hope you've been reading, but don't worry if you haven't or have and don't remember the answers. I have provided the answers at the bottom of this post:

1. What was the very 1^st ML post titled?
2. How many states ban the use of hand-held phones while driving?
3. In which post do I reveal the depths of my paranoia by telling you that I printed a photo list of the FBI's Most Wanted List the 1^st time I flew on an airplane after September 11^th, 2001?
4. Does the U.S. have any laws regulating naming a baby?
5. How much paid parental leave is mandatory in the U.S.?
6. Have I ever been bullied?
7. What do I always tell you to eat on Fridays in the Motherly Advice posts?
8. What new federal food safety law promises to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses?
9. What three blog conferences have I attended?
10. Which two U.S. Reps have guest posted on ML?
11. How do I refer to my sons and husband on the blog?
12. How many months have I been writing ML?
13. On what TV station's website can you find articles written by me?

Answers 1. Taking the Plunge 2. Only 8 3. Pool Safety Tips 4. No 5. There is no mandatory paid parental leave in the U.S. unlike most countries in the world 6. Yes, I have been bullied by a boss 7. Eat Chocolate 8. FSMA 9. BlogHer10, MN Blogger Conference & Blissdom11 10. Rep. Erik Paulsen and Rep. Keith Ellison 11. The Darlings 1 and 2 and DH {Dear Husband} 12. As of next Friday, it will have been a full 13 months 13. CBS Minnesota (WCCO)

The Scoop

How did you do with the quiz? Don't worry; DH couldn't even answer them all. If you want to read more about any of the questions, just click on the link in the answer to the question. I'll be back on Friday with a bit of Motherly Advice and on Saturday I will be writing updates for a handful of previous posts. Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

An Open Door & a New World: Motherly Law’s First Anniversary

A New Year and A New Set of Goals; Personal and Professional

14 Reasons to Read (& Love) Motherly Law

Up to My Neck in Work: 7 Links Challenge

Time is always of the essence for me since I am always running late. This week is no exception. Having just returned from Blissdom, with sick kids at home and work due this week, I decided it was time for another 7 Links Challenge, as inspired by ProBlogger. The last time I did this was the week I returned from BlogHer back in August. So, it seems appropriate to do this exercise again. Check out those links at Jet Lag Excuses: 7 Links Challenge. I changed the topics somewhat this time.

1. Post About Motherly Law/Anna

    

   14 Reasons to Read (& Love) Motherly Law. This one is self-explanatory. Read it and hopefully you will want to stick around and learn more about Motherly Law.

    

2. Post I Enjoyed Writing

    

   The Blanket: An Unexpected Gift. This post is warm and fuzzy like my blanket. I felt inspired to write this in December. It's full of powerful memories and emotions from my pre-teen years.

    

3. Post that was Difficult to Write {for no apparent reason}

    

   Celebrating Christmas: The Plastic Reindeer Rule; Analysis of Lynch v. Donnelly. I think this post was difficult to write because I have always loved this vein of caselaw and wanted to the readers to enjoy it too. I think it's interesting and entertaining.

    

4. Most Searched and Read Post on a Daily Basis

    

   Getting Over the Shock: How to Handle Being Bullied as an Adult. I was surprised by the number of reads on this post right off the bat. And I have been astonished at the number of searched each day regarding adult bullies. It was a very difficult time in my life, and it saddens me to know how many other adults are going through the same thing.

    

5. Post with a Great Title

    

   Striking a Balance: Tips for Effective Decision Making. When I went back through the titles of the last 6 months I was struck by how many titles I really did like, but this one wins the crown this time.

    

6. Post I Wish More People Would have Read

    

   When Staying Isn’t an Option: Tips for Identifying an Abuser and Leaving an Abusive Relationship. This post is about domestic violence. I think many of my regular readers disregarded this post because of the subject matter; thinking it didn't pertain to them, so there was no reason to read it. But I beg to differ. The information could help a friend, loved one or stranger down the road. So, if you haven't already, please read it.

    

7. Link to a Great Online Writer

    

   Heather King of The Extraordinary Ordinary Blog. We had a bit of a misunderstanding recently, but we both {over-explained} ourselves and feel better about everything now. Heather has a beautiful, fluid, candid way of writing interesting, totally relatable stories about everyday happenings, hence the extraordinary ordinary. Get to know her, you'll like her.

The Scoop

Check out these titles and any others you may have missed. Let me know your thoughts, feelings and questions about these and other topics. I would love to hear from you. This week I plan to randomly choose a few business cards from the great pile I collected at Blissdom and introduce you to a few new blogs. I promise to get back to the law next week. Over and out...

Anna

Q & A: Little Nuggets of Information to Tuck Away Until the Next Round of Trivia

Points to Ponder

Some people land on Motherly Law looking for information that's not necessarily on my site, but the key word combinations are in posts on Motherly Law. Since I have spent this week examining search engine traffic and searches, I decided I would answer a few of the search questions that brought people here, but did not lead them to the answers they were seeking.

1. 1.  "Did Lorenzo de Medici have children?"

    

   1. As a matter of fact, he did. According to Wikipedia, Lorenzo de Medici, born in 1449, an Italian politician, diplomat, patron of scholars, poets, and artists and ruler of the Florentine Republic during the Italian Renaissance, had 9 children. Two of his sons went on to become popes. Lorenzo's death in 1492 marked the end of the Golden Age of Florence. For more information on Lorenzo de Medici, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_de'_Medici

       

2. "Can toys be bought with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiary money?"

    

   1. According to SSA.gov, SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). SSI is designed to help aged, blind and disabled people, who have little or no income; providing cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. So, the answer is no, you shouldn't use SSI money for toys. For more information on SSI, go to www.SSA.gov/ssi/ .
3. "Cell phones in pool seems dangerous"
   1. The only danger of having your phone in or near the pool is the danger of ruining your phone's battery. If this should happen to you to, don't panic…yet. Try these steps from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-do-if-i-drop-my-cell-phone-in-water.htm.
4. "Is a temperature of 34 degrees OK in children?"
   1. OK, so I'm going to assume we are talking about 34 degrees Celsius because clearly a Fahrenheit temp of 34 is not OK. The conversion formula for Celsius to Fahrenheit is 9/5 * (Celsius Temp) + 32, so 34 Celsius is 9/5 * (34) +32 which is 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit. And 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit is still not a good temp. Hypothermia can set in at a body temp below 96 degrees Fahrenheit. So, the answer is no, 34 degrees Celsius or 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit is not OK in kids or adults.
   2. *To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit: Start by taking the number in Celsius and multiply it by 9. Then divide that number by 5, and then add 32. This is how you convert Celsius to Fahrenheit or use the equation F = (9/5) C + 32.

   Source: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_34_degrees_Celsius_in_Fahrenheit

5. "Is it safe to take candy from people on Halloween?"
   1. OK, so you can find the answer to this question on ML. The answer is yes and no. Read these tips from Never Take Candy from Strangers….Except on Halloween: Tips for Trick-or-Treating Safely for more on this subject.

Other Top Read Posts

These posts also get picked up by searches quite frequently. I predict that the bullying posts will soon surpass all others in the amount of search engine traffic. I have been surprised and saddened by how often the grown-up bullies post gets searched and read. Interestingly, the modification of a child support order post was not highly read when I first posted it, yet it gets read by search engine traffic frequently enough to make the top 10 list; coming in at number 5. I'm not surprised the Choosing Work Over Baby post regularly gets picked up by search engines. It's a topic that is ever on the minds of moms.

1. A Change in Circumstance: Modification of a Child Support Order
2. Grown Up Bullies: The Legal Remedies of Adult Bullying
3. We're Not Gonna Take It: Anti-Bullying Laws Leaving Kids Unprotected
4. "Choosing" Work over Baby: The Reality of Parental Leave in the United States

The Scoop

On Saturday, I will post a Saturday Summary regarding Obama's School Lunch Nutrition Bill highlighted in the last Sunday Spotlight. Then, on Sunday I will post a new Sunday Spotlight. I will also be posting a New Year Goals post sometime this weekend. And then next week, I'll get back to business with a topic yet to be determined.

Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve. Don't drink and drive; appoint a designated driver, if you intend to go out and drink; and be cognizant of the weather for the evening, especially here in MN. OK, I feel better now that the bossy, mom and attorney parts of me each got to speak her piece. Over and out…

Anna

Children Choking Apples?

4^th Place Winner Still Gets a Ribbon

Oh, I bet you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see which post is the 4^th most read post based on search engine traffic. Well, wait no longer….it's The Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, All-Natural, Free-Range, Fair Trade Grocery List: What Do All These Adjectives Mean??

Food for Thought

I have to admit that I have been surprised by how often this post gets picked up by search engine queries. This post explains the U.S. Department of Agriculture's labels in regards to organic, natural, grass-fed, sustainable, fair trade, etc. When I first posted it I got quite a response from readers, and it continues to be well-read.

Information about our food has become more important and more readily available to the consumer. People want to know who grew the plants or raised the livestock; where that farm is located; how quickly and by what means it arrived at the market; and what, if any, hormones, fertilizers, chemicals, etc. were used on the food product. And this is a good thing.

Intriguing Searches

This is not the only post involving food. I have also written about choking hazards, social host laws, BPA free containers, etc. Here is a list of the most fascinating searches on the topic of food, eating and drinking:

1. "children choking apples"
2. "organic adjectives"
3. "dried fruit Czech Republic "
4. "should I take my child to ER for choking"
5. "grazing, rooting and pecking"
6. "list of safe, natural adjectives"
7. "what to do if your baby swallows tinsel"
8. "sustainable grass types"

Clearly, a few of these searches were misdirected to Motherly Law. Other keywords are grammatically comical. Either way, I'm glad these people made their way to Motherly Law, and I hope they found something worth sticking around for on Motherly Law.

The Scoop

On Friday, I will answer a few of the questions posed from search engine queries and list a few more post links. Over and out…

Anna

Other related post you might also like:

Trying to Stay Focused: Making Time to Save Money on Organic Products

To BPA or Not to BPA? That is the Question: Tips for Limiting Your Family’s Exposure

Sippy Cups: BPA-Free or Not. What’s the Big Deal?

And the Third Runner up is….

Leaving  Children Unattended in a Vehicle

This third most read post based on traffic from search engines is another critical issue: Not Even for a Minute: Children Left Unattended in Vehicles. It's interesting how many people search for whether it's acceptable to leave a child for just a minute in a vehicle. A number of people are looking for a specific state's law regarding this issue. One query stated, "received a ticket for leaving child unattended in car for less than one minute." I'm not sure what this person was searching for in running this search, but clearly it's an issue parents have on their minds.

Risks on Many Levels

I completely understand the convenience of leaving a sleeping baby or toddler in the car while quickly dropping off or picking up another child at school or daycare; or leaving them strapped into the their car seats to run in a grab a cup of coffee, pick up the dry cleaning or make a stop at the ATM, but it really isn't worth the risk. I also can understand the parent unintentionally leaving the child in a car for a great amount of time because the parent is sleep deprived, distracted by stress, work, or other issues or changes in his or her daily routine and simply does not remember the child is still in the car.

I can be very absent-minded myself, and the threat of this hazard has always scared me so much that I tend to look in the backseat and check car seats even when I know the kids are not with me. Not only are there dangers of hypothermia for many parts of the country at this time of year or hyperthermia in other areas and/or other times of the year, but there is also a risk of your vehicle, along with your child, being carjacked. In fact, here in the Twin Cities, just last week there was a parent who left his car running and unlocked with his child in the car seat in his driveway while he ran inside to get something he had forgotten. The trip inside and back outside took no more than 20 to 30 seconds, according to the parent, but when he got back outside his vehicle and child were gone. Fortunately, this story ended well, the child, still strapped into his car seat, was found 90 minutes later, unharmed.

Odd Searches

While there are numerous searches for this somber topic, most are to the point and not humorous at all, as they should be. But there are some random queries that landed on various pages that are quite interesting; some that I feel quite certain the person searching did not find what he or she was looking for on Motherly Law, but perhaps the person still found something of interest.*:

1. "hot tub girl"
2. "don't take it personal when I delete you"
3. "effective decision making in weddings"
4. "bed wrestling tips"
5. "best way to end a marriage"
6. "different social rules after drinking"
7. "what to do if your eye gets burnt with fireworks"
8. "what not to accept from strangers"
9. "what states can you have alcohol delivered to your home"
10. "unintended nudes in college"

This last one I really don't understand, but to each, his own.

The Scoop

On Thursday, I'll be posting the 4^th runner-up and on Friday, I will be answering some of the questions posed in searches. Over and out….

Anna

*Again, if you find one of your searches listed, please don't be offended and try to find the humor in it. I'm sure many of my own queries don't make sense.

Other related posts you might also like:



There but for the Grace of God, Go I: Tips and Websites for Keeping Your Child Safe In and Around Vehicles

The Hope of Evolving: Laws Concerning Booster Car Seats

The Days Keep On Rolling: Great Websites for Getting the Best Fit for Your Child’s Car Seat

Amusing Searches: Second Most Read Post from Search Engine Traffic

Ignoring the Threat of Distractions

The second most read post based on traffic from search engines…drum roll, please…..Driving to Distraction: Texting While Driving. This post caused a lot of discussion, both in comments and on Facebook. It's another issue that's very important, and one I am passionate about too.

At the time I wrote this post I did not text at all. I have since brought home a little Android and have begun texting, but I NEVER, NEVER text while driving. While it's not safe for anyone to do it, not even a seasoned 17 year-old texting genius, if I attempted to text even one word while operating a vehicle I would most certainly cause an accident. I really don't understand how (literally) people text and drive. And yet, I do see people of all ages, texting while driving. They're not hard to spot with their heads bobbing up and down, going just a bit slower than the rest of the traffic, and ever so slightly weaving in and out of the lane. When I see this, I try to steer clear of that vehicle.

Many states have been passing laws to prohibit this activity, although I'm not sure it's curbing this illicit behavior considering I live in a state with such a law and still observe drivers texting while on the road. Again, this is a post I will be updating with any new state laws in a Motherly Law Year in Review post in March.

Searches

Here are some of the searches for the Texting While Driving post that I found odd and/or amusing:*

1. "hazards of texting studies"
2. "how is texting while driving a distraction"
3. "what unexpected can happen on the road while you drive"
4. "what are the social dangers about texting while driving"
5. "websites that can help with texting while driving"
6. "I'm concerned about my distracted driving"
7. "texting while driving, is it really a distraction"
8. "texting while driving funny story"

Nonetheless, they searched; they found; and I hope they got something out of the post.

The Scoop

On Wednesday, I will post the 3^rd most searched post and the strangest queries found on Motherly Law; the ones I'm sure did not mean to land on this site. Over and out….

Anna

*Dear Reader, If perhaps you see one of your searches listed, please do not take offense. I can only imagine how ridiculous many of my own queries look to another person.

Other related posts you might also like:

Driving to Distraction Part II: Why Using Your Cell Phone While Driving is as Dangerous as Driving Drunk

The Distracted Parent: Must Read Tips and Websites for Staying Focused and Driving Safely

Old Habits Die Hard: Must Read Tips and Web Sites to Help Break the Habit of Texting While Driving

Searches, Queries and Key Words: Most Read Post Based on Traffic from Search Engines

Top Post

This last week of 2010 I'm highlighting the top read posts based on searches. The Motherly Law post with the most searches is Last Will and Testament: Why It's So Important for a Parent and How to Get One of Your Very Own.

Last Wishes

This is a most important subject, and I'm glad to know it's an issue on the minds of those who have yet to get their last wishes down on paper; or on the minds of those dealing with their parent's or grandparent's wills or lack thereof; or perhaps on the minds of those wishing to change something in a will... Here are a few searches which have led people to the last will and testament post:

1. "funny stories about last wills and testaments"
2. "can you change last will and testament after father's death"
3. "can a conversation make a last will and testament"
4. "are last wishes without a will legally binding"
5. "does a last will and testament have to be followed"
6. "considering kids with wills"
7. "last will and testament for traveling parents"
8. "last will and testament. I don't want my child to get any money"
9. "last will and testament how to make sure it's carried out"
10. "how to ensure visitation rights in a will"

Some queries make me chuckle; some make me wonder; and some concern me, like #8. Sometimes the meaning of the search is obscure and other times it's quite clear. When I read #7 I think of parents who travel around to different kids; like a traveling circus or traveling carnival. And #9, well, the thing about a last will and testament is that if and when it's carried out, you're no longer around to ensure it's properly carried out. However, the very nature of a last will and testament is that your wishes will be carried out when you die as you intended and provided in the will. If, the person meant "how do I ensure that someone knows I have a last will and testament and knows where it's located at the time of my death," then the answer is, have your attorney keep a copy at his or her office; keep a copy yourself; and be sure to tell a spouse, a child or other confidant where you keep it.

Have you gotten your last wishes in writing and your estate in order? If not, take a look at this post and the related links below. This post is one that I will be expounding upon in a Motherly Law Year in Review post in March. So, stay tuned for more about Last Wills and Testaments.

The Scoop

Tomorrow I will highlight another often searched subject. Since I decided to take off the entire Christmas weekend, I will summarize the last Sunday Spotlight Article and post a new article next weekend. Thanks to those who have commented thus far. I've gotten a number of great, very opinionated comments on this article; keep 'em coming!

Anna

Other Related Posts You Might Like:

Death and Johnny Cash: Tips for Getting Your Estate in Order

April Showers Bring May Flowers: Estate Planning You Do Now Will Benefit Your Special Needs Child Later; Plus Supporting Autism Awareness Month

Putting All the Pieces Together: Ways You Can Support Autism Awareness, Plus a Supplementary Estate Planning Document

14 Reasons to Read (& Love) Motherly Law

The List

Why 14? It's my favorite number. Well, actually, I just made that up. I've never been able to definitively answer questions like, "What's your favorite color, day of the week, donut, dish soap, kind of pizza, or book?", probably because of #10 on the list. 14 seems like a good number and it's always been near and dear to me; it's my date of birth.

Without further ado, here's the list:

1. I'm funny; at least I make my Dear Husband laugh. Some even say I'm witty.
2. You'll probably learn something – the value of the information is a matter of opinion. You want my opinion? It's important information.
3. I'm passionate about the law and parenting and a million other things. Stick around and you'll find out more of my passions.
4. Motherly Law welcomes all types and every opinion as long as it's not mean and hurtful to others.
5. I encourage you to eat chocolate every Friday – just because it's Friday. OK, really… I advocate for eating it every single day of the year! Chocolate is one of my passions.
6. Motherly Law is child and pet friendly. Personally, I rarely go anywhere without kid prints and dog and cat hair on my clothing; not kidding. I've given up on that battle.
7. I have an active imagination; some might refer to it as paranoia. I prefer analytical, perceptive mind.
8. I stay well-caffeinated most hours of the day (& night).
9. I LOVE music. And I think somehow that makes my writing better. Just go with it. Who doesn't love music?
10. I question, analyze and research EVERYTHING.
11. I'm bossy.
12. I love to talk and it shows in my writing.
13. Just when you think you have me figured out, I add a new piece to the puzzle.

    And LASTLY,

14. I think you will like Motherly Law!

Give it a Shot

What are you waiting for? Give Motherly Law a trial run. Jump in and find a legal/parenting issue that you have a question on or something you are enthusiastic about. Please let me know if there's something you want me to write about or expound on. I would LOVE to hear from you. Don't want to miss a single post? Subscribe to a feed and get a reminder every time I post.

Learning About Each Other

What? You want to know more about me? Go check out my About page for more random tidbits. I want to know more about you too. Please watch for a post with a link to a survey later this week. I promise it will be quick and painless. And it will help me get to know my audience better. Thank you in advance!

The Scoop

In Monday's post, I will be highlighting some of the biggest election issues that could impact families in the near future. Be sure to read Monday's post before heading to the polls on Tuesday. Over and out…

Anna

Exciting New Hand Crafted Motherly Law Button

Button, button, who's got a button? I do, and it's a beauty! My friend and fellow blogger, the wonderfully talented Gussy, made it for me. (Psst…If you don't know Gussy go check out her fabulously ruffled, handmade bags).

If you read, follow, love or have any kind of positive attachment to Motherly Law, please grab my button for your site (See top right sidebar). When you grab it, please leave a comment so that I will know to thank you. I certainly appreciate your support!

Enjoy your Sunday. I'll be back on Monday with another riveting post. Over and out…

Anna

The Written Word: The Best Legal Headlines from the Past Week (In My Opinion)

I love reading articles on legal issues. These articles warn me, inform me and entertain me. I often find that truth really is much stranger than fiction. I recently came across two great sites that compile legal articles from around the country: http://www.onpointnews.com/ and http://overlawyered.com/. During this, the "Best of Motherly Law" week, I thought I would bring you the Best legal headlines I found in the past week:

 

• Court Boosts Child Safety in Girl's Suit Against Father
• McDonald's faces lawsuit over Happy Meals
• Worthy Proposes Punishment for Skipping Parent-Teacher Conferences
• School Nutrition Bill Allocates $1 Million to Study How Government Can Restrict Food Ads Directed at Kids

 

I would really love to know if you agree with these articles or have other opinions. Please drop me a line on Facebook, Twitter, here on the site or shoot me an email at motherlylaw@yahoo.com. I will bring you a bit of Motherly Advice on Friday. Over and out…

 

Anna