Hanging By a Thread

Random Tidbits: Completely Unrelated, Useful/Interesting/Semi-Important/You Fill-in-the-Blank Information

You know when you're driving along and your kid pipes up and says something like, "Mom, whatever happened to that stick that I picked up last summer when we were walking around that lake?" and then a few minutes later says, "For my next birthday {which is something like 8 months away, generally}, can I have a birthday cake that has Transformers, Mickey Mouse and Word Girl on it?" And the whole time you're thinking I have no idea and where are these random thoughts coming from.

Well, that's what this post is like.

I've had very few minutes to write lately, but I have a number of random tidbits knocking around in my head. It happens frequently that I have a random thought, save a clipping or jot down an idea that doesn't warrant an entire post, but is still worth mentioning. Sometimes I let them linger until I might have enough to weave the tidbits into something more, but often they simply unravel and these loose ends rot away tucked in a file or pasted on a "sticky note" on my computer desktop or randomly written in a notebook.

So, I decided I'd piece together a quick, unconnected run-down of these various bits of information; some tips, some interesting points, some important notes, some simple observations.

1. Tightening the Belt. For a while I had an internal struggle with trying to figure out whether the strap should be locked or left loose or did it even matter. Booster seats. There's just not the plethora of information about these "tween" seats; that is, "in between" 5 point harnesses and a seat belt without a special seat. I know some parents just leave it loose. I always tighten the seat belt strap.
   1. For one thing, Darling 2 is apt to fall asleep in a moving vehicle and slump forward or sideways. If the belt is loose, he could slip right out of the seat or be injured if the belt snapped tight in an accident or sudden stop.
   2. I dug around online and surprisingly didn't find any definitive answers. So, I asked a resident expert; whom I happened to run into at my Caribou Coffee. She said either way is fine. If you have a sleeper or wiggler then it's best to lock the belt. But if your child is older and is not prone to moving around and getting out of the belt, then loose is fine.
   3. So, there you have it. I still tighten out of habit and because Darling 2 still likes to fall asleep in the car, but Darling 1 likes to remind me that he doesn't have to be locked in now that we know the answer to this question.
2. Mythbusters – Distracted Driving. Do you know about Mythbusters? It's a fun program that we found on Netflix over Winter Break. They take various statements or "facts" and put them to the test. On one program they ran their own test to see whether talking on the phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, as some studies have reported.
   1. Now they weren't legally drunk, but they were as close to it as possible; with police officers overseeing the experiment.
   2. And they weren't recklessly driving around on the roads with other drivers. They were on a driving course with an instructor.
   3. But the tests and testers were serious and the drivers were blown away by how difficult it was to stay on task and not break laws by missing signs, weaving, etc. while talking on the phone and after a few drinks.
   4. Their conclusion was that it is not a myth. Texting/talking on the phone is just as dangerous as driving drunk (or almost drunk), and they did indeed feel out of control {and it's rare that they don't bust the myth}. There you have it. So, Phone Down; Eyes Up! {TAKE MY CHALLENGE!}
3. Teachers Packing Heat. Some teachers may have decided to take matters into their own hands when it comes to "securing" their classrooms.
   1. In the weeks following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, according to MotherJones.com, about 600 teachers in some 15 states have signed up for a free firearms training program offered by Buckeye Firearms Association.
   2. MotherJones.com noted that there are only three states in the U.S. that allow concealed weapons in schools: Utah, Kansas and Mississippi.
   3. Now, 600 is a very tiny percentage of the number of teachers in our country, but it's an interesting note.
   4. I'd be curious to know which 15 states those teachers come from; and how many of those 600 are male and how many are female.
   5. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want my kids' teachers packing heat in class.
   6. And on a lighter note, I just pictured Darling 1's amazingly patient, kind and loving kindergarten teacher from last year, with a gun strapped to her hip; now that puts class rules in a very different light.
4. Boo Indeed! Sometimes you miss the ugly, prickly weed when looking for the "Green."
   1. I found a write up for a product called, Bambooee, in MN Parent under Hot Stuff/Go Green. It says this about the products on this page, "Ta-ta, toxins! These products eschew chemicals and/or promote reuse!"
   2. So, the Bambooee is apparently an earth-friendly, sustainable, reusable paper towel. The packaging in the photo says, "Reusable Washable Bleachable." BLEACHABLE? Earth-friendly? No Chemicals? Hmmmm.
   3. Sorry, but why would someone who is choosing to use this product; to be earth friendly, with sustainable, organic products want to or choose to use bleach on this natural, organic, sustainable product?
   4. Bleach is a toxic, harmful chemical, and if you introduce it to your natural, organic, sustainable, bamboo towel, then you're missing the point. I have a better product for you anyway...talk to me {cough, Norwex, cough}
5. Check Your Sources. OK, I am going to expand on this one in another post, but this issue warrants a quick mention here too.
   1. Please check the accuracy and the source of the information you post, Like and share on social media sites. I have noticed an increase in false information and misattributed, made up quotes zipping around on Facebook lately. It's a good rule of thumb to do a quick search to ensure that you are passing good and true information, before you click it out to your hundreds of friends and/or fans.
6. Loose Lips Sink Ships. And along those same lines, not every conversation or thought or situation should be retold or discussed or mentioned on social media sites.
   1. Some things should be left to the imagination; some things should remain confidential; and sometimes "it just wouldn't be prudent" to post every last detail.
   2. So, let your gut instinct be your gauge, but if your gut tells you everything is fair game; then, let's say,
      1. if it's about someone else, especially if you are in any way related or work together;
      2. if it's not nice or puts that person in a bad light;
      3. if there is a contract of any kind involved;
      4. if it sounds like it could be from a red neck reality show
   3. don't post it at all. Instead, call your mom, your spouse, your sibling or best friend and get it off your chest by sharing it with one person rather the 348 of your closest FB friends.

Over and out....

Anna

 

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God is with Us {Always and Everywhere}

Curb Appeal: Sometimes Things in Life are Free

Free Stuff

"??Lamb Meat?? We have some lamb meat that we would like to give away, it has been in our deep freezer. There is nothing wrong with it, my family just don't eat it. We have Lamb roast, lamb stew meat, and a leg of lamb. Thanks for looking!"

    ~from a Craigslist posting under Free Stuff

Uh huh.....I don't know about you, but lamb meat from someone's freezer is NOT something I'd accept from a stranger, free or not.

But hold the phone; if you live in a city and you aren't checking this heading on your local Craigslist site before you head out the store, then you're selling yourself short.

At first, it was amusing to see what people were posting; the frozen lamb meat??, a sprinkler that kind of works, a couple of hens and some roosters, Depends adult diapers, but then I started really looking at the postings and for one whole weekend we monitored the "Free Stuff."

The Haul

Here's what we got....for free: a solid oak dining table, a slightly nicked and scratched Ethan Allen shelving unit, a three tiered wall shelf, a wicker chair {I'm a sucker for wicker}; art paper, crayons and chalk (for the kids), a 2 drawer file cabinet and a small shelving unit for closet organization, or office supplies, in my case, and big camping tent.

There were some cool things we weren't quick enough on the draw to get too. And there were things we just didn't need, but that would have been fabulous in someone's home.

Often all these items need are a good scrubbing and perhaps a coat of paint or varnish and sometimes, they are in perfect condition; like the dining table we got.

The Ethan Allen piece can be seen in the photo above. I cleaned it, filled in a few scratches with wood fill and then painted it yellow. I pulled together an ensemble of items from various rooms in our home to make this inviting area in our bedroom, without spending anything.

Before we got this round dining table, we had always had a rectangle table. This table is much smaller than our old one, but the change in shape seems to have changed our meal time atmosphere. For some reason, this smaller, round table is creating more unity and better conversations to our mealtime and work/homework time in the evenings.

I haven't found a place for my wicker chair or wall shelf yet, but I will. And I'll be watching the Free Stuff listings too. I may never buy another piece of wood furniture again.

Items to Skip Over

There are items I would avoid, besides the frozen lamb meat. I would never get a mattress/box springs, linens or luggage from Craigslist. I would be concerned about bed bugs, etc. Unless, you know how to re-upholster, I wouldn't choose the free couches and chairs, etc. either, but there could be some exceptions. I would steer clear of any food listings, formula listings or anything with an expiration date. And one should NEVER pick up for free (or buy) a used car seat or car seat base for safety reasons.

The Scoop

The thing about Craigslist is that you just never know what you're going to find. So, check it out, have fun, be creative and use your head when it comes to what you get and where you go to get it, but don't think about it for too long, because if it's fantastic and free, it won't be on the curb for long. Over and out...

Anna

Vote Smart: Get the 411 Before You Go to the Polls

Campaign Season

Vote No; Vote Yes; Vote this; Vote that. It can get confusing with all the yard signs, Facebook posts and ads online and on TV and radio. To me, the most important thing is that people do vote, regardless of how they vote.

At this time of year, everyone complains about some particular candidate or a whole party's views; and everyone becomes a political expert full of world-changing opinions, but they do vote and where are they getting their information?

Voter ID

There are those who complain and rant and say how they would do it, but aren't even registered to vote and don't intend to ever set foot in a voting booth. To those people, I say that every vote can make a difference, but if they refuse to vote, then hold your tongues because you don't get an opinion involving candidates, policies or parties.

To those who do vote and do it quietly without sounding great bugles announcing who and why and wherefore, I admire you; for politics is a personal business, in my opinion. Now, that isn't to say that these people can't firmly stand up for what they believe is right by volunteering to aid a candidate's campaign or taking a firm position if asked about a particular issue or candidate. These people do these things, but not with great fanfare.

Then, there are those who must tell every friend on Facebook, every neighbor, co-worker, family member and even strangers their strong political beliefs. These people often push their views on others and seem to want to offend others in order to start a debate; the more public the better for these people. Generally, it's these people that need a stage for every aspect of life though, not just during the politically charged months of the year. These people I don't understand, and I try to avoid them at all costs. But they do vote, and for that, I respect them.

Hitting Home with the Voter

Sometimes, politics hits home and can affect families. For instance, many voters across the country will consider measures that deal with the definition of marriage, school referendums, taxes, etc .

Yesterday, I got an email from a group that supports the Minnesota Zoo, encouraging its members to be sure to ask their candidates if they support the Zoo, considering that a very small, but vital part of their budget comes from the state's budget. I have never considered the Zoo when I vote, but I will this year thanks to the email.

Voter Education

So, if you are going to vote, and I sincerely hope you do vote, then you do need to be sure you understand the issues and what each of your candidates stand for in this race; one way or another the winner of these races will impact your life.

For unbiased, unabashed candidate info go to Project Vote Smart. This non-profit, non-partisan organization gives you the information you need about each candidate and ballot measure in your voting precinct.

If your head is spinning from all the speeches, debates and ads, and you just want the facts, please, then go to FactCheck.org. This non-profit group is busy fact-checking and debunking ads, speeches, quotes, articles, etc. so that you can sleep easy and be clear about the issues and the candidates spinning them before you vote.

And if you just need to know exactly how your candidates stand on the issues and will most likely vote while in office/support as a local/state/federal official, then check On the Issues. Here you will find very succinct listings of where your guy or gal sits on a long list of important issues.

The Scoop

During the next month or so, there will be no escaping politics. It has invaded yards, voicemails, radio, TV, billboards, magazines, newspapers and stores...even children's stores. This photo was taken in a Toys R Us. You can try to maneuver the claw to grab and win a Mitt Romney doll or Barack Obama pillow head. I bet all the kids try for those over the veggie heads, angry birds and teddy bears. Over and out...

Anna

The Final Act: Custom Made Funerals

Loss

When you lose someone you love are there ever any words anyone can ever say that make you feel better? I don't think so. I think it's just something you have to work out in your own head and heart.

This is one instance when I'm at a loss for words. I feel awkward and inadequate when it comes to saying the "right thing" to someone mourning the death of a loved one.

When a person has been suffering or has lived a long, good life; the loss is bittersweet. There is pain and sadness knowing that you won't be seeing, talking with, living life with this special person for the rest of your life, but there is also a peace of mind, a relief that the person you love is no longer hurting.

For me, that pain trumps the peace for the first few days after the death of a loved one and nothing anyone says to me changes how I feel or how I see things.

This past weekend, my sister-in-law lost her mom to a vicious, hard-fought battle with cancer. There are no words for me to say to her. My heart weeps for her; the pain of losing one's mother is too great to be soothed by words. But even through her own pain and loss, my steadfast, faithful, unselfish sister-in-law is grateful that her mother has now been made whole again and is no longer in pain.

I've written much about death since August of 2011. Our family has experienced a lot of loss this past year. And while I've written about wills and trusts, estate planning, digital legacies and more over the years, I have not discussed funeral planning.

Making Your Wishes Known

I started thinking more about end-of-life provisions after a conversation with a friend. She was telling me how thankful she is that her dad has taken care of all of his funeral provisions and estate planning and took the time to discuss it with her. When the time comes, she and her siblings won't have to worry about figuring out the final arrangements while dealing with their grief and loss.

So, I did a little research, and what I found warmed the heart of this control freak.

I found a way to reach out beyond the hereafter and dictate my last plans; a website that allows me to dictate just about every detail of what happens with my remains and lets me set out exactly what I want said, sung, played, read and done at the service, celebration or memorial of my choosing. I can even write my obituary and upload photos I want my family to use at the service, with the obit, etc. and design my own headstone, if so desired.

My Wonderful Life allows a person to leave letters to loved ones to be received after the person is deceased; list and explain bequeaths; make notes about where important information is located, etc. A person can designate 1 to 6 "angels" to be the "administrators" of the person's "Book" once the person is gone.

The site is password protected and secured with SSL (Secured Sockets Layer) and personal information is encrypted in their database. The information can be accessed by the person with the account at any time to add or change information or the designated angels, upon the death of the account holder.

I love this idea. My Wonderful Life gives each person a chance to express feelings regarding family, death and funerals, etc. without having to discuss this often uncomfortable subject with family and/or friends. Whether someone is 29, 86, 47 or 66, completely healthy, very ill or simply getting on in years, this site allows a person to express thoughts and feelings about death, dying and after death and set out his or her affairs.

The Scoop

Now, to be clear, this site is not meant to replace wills or other legal documents or meeting with an attorney to be sure your affairs are in order, in the legal sense. This website simply allows for more articulation of preferences and feelings and explanations, if needed.

The idea for this website was born from the death of the co-founder's spouse and the need for people to have a place to make these decisions about seemingly mundane aspects of death and the services that followed in addition to leaving notes about various items, relationships, legacies, etc.

So, if you're like my parents who have very definite ideas about how they would like their untraditional send offs to go, this just might be the place for you. Of course, talking to your family members about your wishes, even if you use this website, is still a good idea. Check it out for yourself; it's free to register: www.mywonderfullife.com. Over and out...

Anna

Modern House Call: A Virtual Visit to the Doctor

Medical History

I have a history of allergies; allergies to dust, mold, pollen, etc. I can't really remove these things from my life; unless I went to live in a bubble. And sometimes a quiet, clean, allergen free bubble sounds pretty good, especially at this time of year.

Historically, April is a rough month for me. Here in MN, the temps are up and down; then it's wet; and then it's dry; then it's windy, and on and on. All of these weather conditions make for a sneezy, snotty, achy, fuzzy, bleary-eyed me.

I really hate to go to the doctor's office, but I've had enough sinus infections in my time to know when it's time to get the big guns to fight this pressurized invasion in my head. Part of the issue is that I can never get into to see "my" doctor. In fact, I haven't seen "my" doctor since 2006. Instead, I've seen others in her clinic or gone to urgent care clinics covered by my insurance for a quick exam and prescription.

Virtual Office Visit    

Well, a month or so ago, while listening to music on Pandora I heard an ad for a virtual medical clinic. I was only vaguely tuned in since I don't really listen to advertisements, but I did wonder about it and made a mental note to look it up sometime.

Then, just a few weeks ago, a friend was explaining how she had been sick right before leaving on a business trip. She didn't have time for a doctor visit, but thought she needed some antibiotics for a sinus infection. So, my friend went to the online medical clinic, answered a series of questions and got the prescription she needed to feel better.

So, last night as I sat blowing my nose, holding my head and feeling lousy from the pressure in my ears and sinus cavities as I have for the last week or so, I remembered this virtual clinic. And I decided I'd give it a try.

After answering a series of general health and medical history questions and specific questions regarding symptoms, completing forms for payment, insurance information and picking my preferred pharmacy, my file was submitted to a nurse practitioner.

Less than 30 minutes later, I received a text and email that my treatment plan was available at the site. My prescription had been sent to the pharmacy and she also suggested other treatments such as steam, saline sprays, etc for the pressure and pain in my head.

There was even a photo and name of the nurse practitioner helping me; complete with a get well soon note and instruction to call the number provided if I'm not better in 3 to 5 days. It was 11:30 on a Sunday night, and I had "been to the doctor" and was about to get started on antibiotics.

Online Medical Options

The service I used was Virtuwell by HealthPartners, a MN based not-for-profit HMO. Virtuwell currently serves residents of MN and WI, as well as those who are traveling in those states.

There is another similar service here in MN called Zipnosis. Zipnosis is a part of Fairview Medical Services. Both Virtuwell and Zipnosis were created with many patient safeguards in place, but they are constantly re-evaluating and making changes as necessary, meeting as often as once a week to discuss cases and issues that have arisen through the week; monitoring clinician and patient practices, etc.

For those in MN, here are a few comparisons:

• Virtuwell costs $40 per "visit" and accepts insurance, but you don't have to have insurance to use this system.
• Zipnosis $25 per "visit", but doesn't accept insurance.
• Both Virtuwell and Zipnosis are available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year
• Zipnosis serves MN residents only.
• Both have treatment plans, which may include antibiotics, to you within 30 minutes
• Both provide follow-up care/information if treatment plan doesn't work
• Virtuwell treats patients 2 years and up
• Zipnosis treats patients 13 years and up
• Both have limited services as to what types of maladies they will treat.
  • Anything other than routine infections and easily diagnosed and treated illnesses, will be referred to see a doctor immediately
• Both allow the patient to upload an image of his or her condition, if a visual is necessary. {For skin issues, etc.}
• Virtuwell is staffed by nurse practitioners
• Zipnosis is staffed by physician assistants

There are a few other websites that charge a yearly fee, plus a fee for each call or a flat fee per visit to connect to a doctor for a video or phone consultation and diagnosis for sick patients outside of MN and WI. If you aren't in MN, check out these online medical clinics:

• Ringadoc; and
• MD Live Care

The Scoop

These services save time, money and energy, allowing a person with or without insurance to get treated for common infections from any location whether work, home or in the middle of a hectic schedule at any time of day or night at an affordable flat fee.

There is also room for misdiagnosis and/or misuse of this virtual medical clinic model. Of course, there is always a chance of misdiagnosis and abuse of the system {someone trying to acquire prescriptions for the wrong reasons} should someone go to a clinic and physically see a doctor, as well.

I think that each person must use his or her 6^th sense about whether he or she is really ill with odd, inconsistent or serious symptoms and decide whether to go to their doctor, urgent care or an ER. If not, then this convenient, highly monitored system is probably a good idea for your run-of-the-mill, irritating infections. But I don't think I'll use it for my kids unless it's middle of the night, raging ear infection, etc.

Have you used these services? What's your take on them? Over and out...

Anna

 

 

A Pinterest{ing} Question: Is it Safe to Pin?

Failing to See the Forest for the Trees

A few weeks ago, we tried one of those do-it-yourself yogurt bars where you choose from 16 some odd flavors of yogurt and then pile on the toppings. You can go crazy or keep it modest. I let the boys choose their flavors and toppings with minimal help from me, allowing them to create their own unique treat. They actually kept it pretty respectable with a balance of fruit and candy.

On the way out the door, Darling 1 dropped his cup, spilling some of the kiwi fruit, gummy bears and brownie chunks out on the sidewalk. He panicked and began to go into hysterics, but I scooped it up and assured him that I had saved most of his delicious concoction. Once seated and chowing down on his frozen yogurt treat, he forgot about those lost gummy bears; and despite this small hiccup and near meltdown, he enjoyed his very distinctive "fro-yo" creation.

Sometimes we lack vision and can't see past a small stone in the path that we mistaken for a giant boulder. When that happens it takes insight from others to realize it's not really such a big deal.

Jumping the Gun

About a month ago, a woman wrote a post explaining her tearful decision to close her Pinterest account over fear of lawsuits regarding the photo links she "pinned" on this social media platform. After reading the Pinterest Terms of Use and considering copyright laws she basically panicked, pulled her boards down and spread her paranoid post across the blogosphere. I've been ruminating on this issue since reading the article. And finally, I have a chance to write about it.

For those who don't know, Pinterest is a relatively new social media platform where users can create virtual bulletin boards with different themes. Each time a user places a photo link on a board, it's called "a pin." Many websites have added buttons titled "Pin This" or other similar statements to encourage readers to post the link with a photo to their Pinterest boards.

I do have a Pinterest account, but I admit that I have barely used it and I'm certainly no expert on Pinterest, but my opinion is that this woman made a mountain out of a molehill. There are two issues to address: 1) Terms of Use; and 2) copyright laws. Neither of these issues are unique to Pinterest.

Terms of Use

The woman who sadly left Pinterest was apparently shocked to find that Pinterest claimed indemnity when it came to copyright issues, including attorney fees. Well, let me tell you that all online platforms who have covered all their bases, dotted every i and crossed every t is going to place all the blame squarely on your shoulders and leave your mess in your lap should you violate someone's copyright. And why shouldn't they?

After all, it's not Typepad's {my blog host} responsibility to make sure that I don't infringe on anyone's copyright, etc. They are merely the paid host of thousands of blogs. They are not the regulators of content, nor the owners of any of the content contained within each blog. Just as it is not Pinterest's obligation to ensure that everyone being pinned is alright with this. So, any legal actions, including any costs incurred, are the user's liability not the platform's problem.

This should not have been a shock to this woman. This is standard language in a Terms of Use policy. I would be shocked if the Terms of Use didn't contain these provisions. There's no reason to quit Pinterest because of this standard and fair language.

Copyrighted Material

As with any social media platform, all users should have at the very least a vague understanding of copyright laws in order to protect their own works and protect themselves from getting in trouble if using someone else's original work. I think, in general, misunderstandings about what constitutes copyrighted material and what is an infringement of such copyright abound in the world of social media.

It's actually quite easy to infringe on someone's copyrighted material if you're pinning content on Pinterest, posting photos that you didn't take or writing articles with liberal use of other's written words without permission from the copyright owner.

Here are a few of the basic concepts:

• What type of material is protected by copyright? {the short answer}
  • Copyright protects original works of authorship including literary, musicals. Dramatic and artistic works.
  • Copyright does not include ideas, systems, facts or methods of operation.
• What constitutes copyright infringement?
  • In general terms, a copyright is infringed when a person makes a derivative work, reproduces, performs, publicly displays or distributes copyrighted material without the permission from the copyright owner.
• What is fair use?
  • Fair use is a doctrine that allows for limited use of copyrighted materials without first acquiring permission from the copyright owner.
  • Under fair use, copyrighted material may be used for news reporting, criticism, commentary, educational uses, research and the like.
  • In determining whether fair use applies, a court will look at 4 factors;
    • Purpose and character of the use;
    • Nature of the original; material made for commercial use is less protected;
    • Amount and substance of original used; and
    • Effect that the use has had on the market of the original material.

Pinning without Permission

While "pinning" a photo that acts as a link to the original source, may or may not be considered copyright infringement {the courts haven't considered this specific issue yet}, most website owners are not going to be upset by this link. The pinning to a board in Pinterest will likely cause increased traffic to the original source's site, which for most will be considered a positive effect.

One exception might be photographers who are showcasing photos of clients or selling their art on their sites. These sites are often protected by passwords and/or have water marks on photos and provide language about the use of their photos.

However, should your "pin" not link the material to the original source, a problem could arise. And yet, most likely the first course of action will not be to file a lawsuit. Most of these issues can easily be corrected by contacting the person who is infringing on another's copyright and demand that the offending person take down copyrighted material immediately.

If that doesn't do the trick, a formal cease and desist letter would follow. And then, if there is still infringement or if there is a gross infringement or habitual infringement, a petition would most likely be filed in federal court.

The Scoop

Few with a heavy online presence haven't had to send a demand to take down a page or post or photo. It happens often, whether on purpose or in ignorance. I don't mean to say it isn't a big deal; it is. But it's usually something that can easily be dealt with without filing a lawsuit.

So, should you close up shop at Facebook, Twitter, your blog, Pinterest, et al? I don't think so. But I do think you should know what the Terms of Use that you have agreed to say and understand the basics of copyright law. When in doubt about whether what you're "taking" from another constitutes copyright infringement be sure to look it up; you can find anything online. Oh, and I'm fine with you "pinning" this on Pinterest, sharing it on Facebook or Retweeting it on Twitter Over and out....

Anna

Something Different: IDEA Part C Updates to Take Effect

Gawking Strangers

The stares. I'm still not used to the stares. And it's not kids; it's adults; it's other parents. We were surprised by this part of it. I suppose we shouldn't have been though. Three weeks ago, Darling 1 got two casts from below his knees down to his toes. He isn't hurt; he isn't in pain. He is a toewalker and has been since he began walking at 10 months.

I've been working on treatment for this since that time. Finally, he's getting treatment. He's growing new muscle in his calves that will give him more range of motion. We have a remedy. Every Tuesday he gets new casts, slowly, but surely changing the angle of his foot.

The Casts

The new casts each week is the fun part of this process. He is being very brave, and we are very proud of him. He has had only a few melt-downs about not being able to wiggle his toes or being itchy, etc. But he knows what the casts are doing, and he wants to be able to walk flat-footed. So, he endures.

His friends, classmates and teachers have been wonderful about it. They love to see what colors and designs will show up each Wednesday. They are totally accepting of his new look. Darling 1 gets around perfectly fine; he just can't run, but he can walk really fast.

Mind Your Own Beeswax

The adults we come in contact with, or merely pass by, are the ones who stare and ask questions; questions that make Darling 1 cast a fixed gaze to the ground. The stares have gotten to me. I stare back. I answer the probing questions from strangers with terse, vague answers. Darling 1 hasn't noticed that anyone is rubber-necking as they drive by as he happily walks along next to me on our way home from school or as we amble into the store from a parking lot or as he easily makes his way up, over, under and through the playground equipment at the park or while we wait to be called back for our appointment at Children's Hospital. Thank God.

I know these strangers don't mean any harm; they don't mean to be rude; they're simply curious. "Two casts?" "Wow, two broken legs?" "Oh, that must hurt?" "What did you do?" Well, when you're 5 years old and just want to fit in and you see the differences, those questions can be hurtful and perplexing.

I won't pretend to know all the heartbreak, the difficulties or the joys and the pride of raising a child with extreme disabilities. I'm sure they are many. But I now have a new appreciation for the outward appearance of something different from others, i.e. helmets, leg braces, etc.

IDEA Part C

If your young child has developmental delays or disabilities, you should be aware that on Friday, October 28, 2011, new, updated Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C regulations will take effect. IDEA Part C applies to the youngest of those at risk; birth to 2 years. Part C has been around since 1986, but has not been fully updated since 1999 (there was a statutory update in 2004).

Well, a lot has changed in our world since 1999. Check for specific information or topics in this side-by-side comparison of new and old text. There is a lot of text (over 900 pages); so, I suggest looking up the subject you are interested in and viewing those parts, as opposed to reading through all the regulations.

There are agencies trying to wade through these new texts and get summaries and outlines out. Here are a few websites to watch for more information: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY), idea Partnership and the U.S. Department of Education.

IDEA aides over 340,000 children and infants. This federal grant program provides over 400 million dollars to State run IDEA programs. This program assists States in facilitating early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays. The objective is to prepare as many of these kids as possible for preschool and kindergarten to ensure a greater rate of educational success for these high needs kids.

The Scoop

If your child falls into these categories be sure to monitor the changes on the sites listed above. I also don't pretend to know much about the laws governing special needs and disabilities, etc., but the sites listed above specialize in these areas. And if your child does not fall into these categories, remember... please don't stare when you see a child who is different in some way. Over and out...

Anna

Hunger Pangs: Finding Ways to Help from Around the Globe

Empty Cabinets and Empty Pockets

There have been a few times in my life when I was close to being without food in my cupboards and no money with which to buy food. One time was during law school. It was the very end of the fall semester of my second year. I lived from loan to loan from semester to semester through law school.

That semester I must have spent more or spent it too soon. I don't remember why exactly I was in that position, but I was. My parents also helped me out with a monthly amount, but I must have already spent that too, and I couldn't bring myself to ask for more. All I had to do was make it through finals and then my family would be coming to visit me and that meant my parents would be paying for and cooking meals.

I recall feeling hungry. I recall feeling sorry for myself. I recall looking at mostly empty cabinets and trying to pull together enough for a meal. I recall my mom sending me a care package and hoping and praying there was money or food in the box, but there wasn't. There were lovely things to lift my spirits, make me smile and encourage me with my studying, but no food or money with which to buy the needed food.

All the while, I was studying nonstop for finals. This couldn't have been good for my brain or my grades, trying to absorb information without proper nutrition, but somehow I made it through those finals. I had enough to eat so that I did not truly starve or become malnourished. And I had only myself to worry about. I didn't have a family to think of or share my meager meals with; it was just me. But I certainly felt tinges of despair over not having enough food.

Feeling of Helplessness

Lately, one cannot escape the horrible, maddening, tear-inducing images of women, children and families in Somalia who are quite literally starving and thirsting to death. I almost can't bear to look at those photos or read those articles because it makes me feel so utterly helpless. Those stories make me think of my own family and how I would feel if we were in such a position.

I feel as though my hands and feet are bound and I have been rendered quite defenseless. When the blessed saint-like aid workers can't get to these vulnerable people; when basic human dignities can't reach these desolate people; how can I help them?

I want to stand up and shout, "This should not be!" "This is absurd!" I wonder how people can be so cruel; so despicable; so evil. And I know I'm seeing the devil himself when such horrors take place. But how can I stop this insanity? How can I help these people whose only goal in life at this moment is to survive another wretched day?

Helping the Horn of Africa

I read an article by Josette Sheeran, the Executive Director of the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP), in which she shares ways that each of us can help out in little ways that can make a big impact all together. WFP provides food assistance to more than 105 million people in 75 countries.

These are the suggestions as outlined on their website:

Horn of Africa: 10 Ways You Can Help

1. Make an online donation;
2. Donate by text message;
3. Take the quiz and give a child a warm meal provided for by an anonymous donor; then challenge your friends to do the same;
4. Share a video;
5. Stay current by watching or reading the latest news regarding this crisis;
6. Get Social by following on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube;
7. Grab a banner;
8. Get ads published by asking your local newspaper(s) to publish a print ad on this crisis;
9. Be creative by taking up a collection at school or in the neighborhood, holding a garage sale or bake sale or cutting back on unnecessary items at the grocery store and donating the saved money to this food crisis; and
10. Keep WFP posted on your efforts.

No Satisfaction

I can do many of these things, although I must admit this list doesn't make me feel better about these dire situations. When there are more than 400,000 refugees crowded into a camp in Kenya built for 90,000 displaced persons; when women are beaten and raped along this death march in search of water and food; when robbers take every drop of water from families and children die from dehydration, how I can possibly be satisfied with giving a little money or sharing the information in hopes that others will also donate in some way?

I can't. And I won't be satisfied. I will teach my children about the pain, the suffering, the need, all caused by man's greed, selfishness and cruelty. I will pray. And I will do my part when and where I can whether here in the U.S. or abroad. And I will play the Rice Game to donate a meal and grab a banner and follow and read and share information and more. But I won't be satisfied and I won't forget.

For more information about WFP and ways that you can help, follow the link above or go to www.wfp.org.

The Scoop

Now I am not so naïve to think that lack of food and nutrients is an isolated crisis in some faraway land. The rest of this week I will be talking about resources for families in need of groceries and meals in the U.S. Additionally, as school begins again, families may find themselves in need of free or reduced rate breakfasts and lunches for the first time. I will provide information and resources regarding these issues, as well. The face of poverty is changing.

I know some of you are already making an effort to help get food and clean water to people in need, both here and abroad. What tips or resources or additional information can you add? Thanks for listening. Over and out....

Anna

Coffee with Anna: Week in Review Vlog

Welcome to Motherly Law's first Week in Review vlog. A vlog is a video blog; for those of you not familiar with that term. I'm going to give this a shot for a few weeks and see how it goes.

So, get a cuppa java and sit back and watch.

 

I would love your feedback, but do be kind, please. {Yes, Mom, I know I need a haircut, and I'm getting one today.} Please drop me a line! Thanks for watching. Over and out...

Anna

On Georgia Peaches & Writing

The Truckload Sale

On Thursday, I bought a crate of Georgia peaches from the back of a semi truck parked in a Menard's parking lot. I really love a good peach, but it's incredibly hard to get a really good peach, especially in the state of Minnesota. So, I took a chance, standing in that hot parking lot with my boys staring into a mostly empty, big, gleaming, silver semi trailer, and bought a crate of approximately 55 peaches from a fairly questionable character.

I was worried the peaches wouldn't be tasty; I was worried the peaches wouldn't be juicy; I was worried the peaches wouldn't be fresh; I was worried that I had been ripped off. I needn't have worried. The peaches are quite tasty, juicy and fresh. And we have been eating peaches every day with almost every meal for the last three days and loving it.

Even still, a family of 4 can only eat so many fresh peaches before the peaches aren't so fresh anymore. So, I turned to the Internet, my trusty companion, for some scrumptious fresh peach recipes to help use up these sweet golden orbs before they are mushy, brown lumps.

Message from a Blog

In so doing, I came across a foodie blog, Orangette. I had never read it, nor heard of it before, but the author, Molly Wizenberg, has done quite well with it since writing her first post on July 29, 2004, even landing a book deal in 2008. It's beautifully written with lovely recipes, and I liked the author immediately {maybe it's her Oklahoma roots}.

When I was reading about Molly and Orangette, I felt uplifted; I felt inspired to keep trucking along with my nose to the grindstone, honing and sculpting my own little 17 month old blog. Molly, who originally had wished to write for a food magazine, was found by her book editor and agent and Bon Appétit, only 3 or so years after beginning to blog.

While it's not my goal to write for a food magazine....well, let me rephrase that, I certainly would write for a food magazine if given the chance or new magazine or parent magazine, etc. However, the point is, it happens: a person launches a blog and writes to write and does get noticed...at least some of the time. And that's exactly the message I needed to hear.

Recently, someone said to me, "I wouldn't blog if I didn't make any money from mine." when I said I didn't make anything from Motherly Law. And someone else asked me, "What do you hope to gain from your blogging?" Well, it can be a bit disheartening to ponder these things.

I write to gain experience; I write to have exposure; I write to express myself; I write to inform; and I write so that I may have the opportunity to write for a magazine, a website or other publication one day. And I think that's OK.

The Scoop

Incidentally, I didn't find any peach recipes on Orangette, but I did find a number of recipes in various other spots that I will be trying out in the next week or so, including a tasty Insalata con Peche with prosciutto and the Peach & Biscuit Crostata in my oven right now. Over and out....

Anna

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