The Switch

The switch. 

As hard as it is to believe my grandson will be celebrating his second birthday this month. Where has the time gone? But if truth be told he is just so much fun at this age I really am enjoying being a part of his world. 

My daughter and son-in-law have done a great job at parenting, and realized that now that he was almost two it was probably time to give up the pacifier. Up to this time it was basically only using it at nap time and at night, but now that he was able to ask for his beloved "pass" they felt it was time to let it go. 

Of course, the paci did provide comfort at bedtime, so my daughter decided to replace it with something new. On their way down the hall for his nap she remembered a box of toys that had not been unpacked since their move. She opened the closet door, ripped open the moving box, and pulled out a small stuffed horse. 

She gave it to him, and he seemed quite satisfied. In fact, she sent me a video recently of him cuddling with the horsy while sitting in his crib after waking up from the night before. Everything seemed to be falling into place until the next time he went down for a nap. 

He took off like a shot, ran down the hall, opened the closet door, lifted the lid of the box, and deposited horsy back where he came from. He closed the lid, and shut the closet door and proceeded to head to his crib. 

Now the interesting thing was that he still wanted the horse at night. Two days in a row he repeated the same nap time ritual placing horsy back into his own box. After waking up he returned to let the little guy out a few hours later. 

Now what intrigues me the most is trying to figure out what he is actually thinking. He obviously remembered where the horse came from, and felt the need to return it, and yet he insisted on sleeping with it at night. 

It will be interesting to see if the pattern continues. One thing for sure this little guy really keeps us on our toes as it appears nothing gets past him. 

Critical Thinking

Thinking critically.

If you were to visit Study.com you would find the following definition for critical thinking: 

Critical thinking means making reasoned judgements that are logical and well-thought out. It is a way of thinking in which you don't simply accept all arguments and conclusions you are exposed to but rather have an attitude involving questioning such arguments and conclusions. 

It's easier not to think critically. Critical thinking requires time and work, something we may not be willing to invest. We may catch our news from our phone, the mainstream media, the car radio, or maybe even the newspaper. However, only relying on one source may not allow you the complete picture. 

We may not even be interested, and chose not to know what is happening around us. Of course, the decision is up to each individual, but I think in knowing the truth we can make more informed decisions. Taking time to think critically seems almost more important today than ever. 

Over the last year or two it has become very apparent that media bias works on both sides. In fact, it has become more difficult to know exactly who to believe or trust. I find myself quite frustrated because I wish that somebody else would do the work for me. 

Sometimes we have to trust our gut when it tells us that something isn't right. Don't just accept what they are telling you is correct when what you see with your own eyes tells you something different. 

Don't think it is wrong to ask questions. Don't just assume that the "experts" have all the answers. Don't fall prey to The Emporer Has No Clothes. Don't be afraid to speak out if need be. 

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."

Benjamin Franklin

The Friendly Skies

The friendly skies. 

If you've traveled recently you may have noticed that your flight attendant looks a lot like you. Now this may not seem remarkable, but there once was a time when this was not the case. 

To be a flight attendant, or should I say stewardess, in the 1970's it was required that you were young, beautiful and a woman. I can remember considering the career, but quickly discounting it because although I was young and a woman, I didn't feel confident that my looks were enough.  

In fact, my best friend, and I decided that the only way we could receive the flight benefits was to work the ticket counter. Being a stewardess seemed an impossible dream. I know it was for my sister who was turned away because she was just a little too short. 

A friend of mine flew with Southwest back when they were known for their hot pants and roasted peanuts. She was the first attendant to fly while pregnant which was considered very cutting edge at the time. 

Now flight attendants today are my age with corresponding waist lines. Men have joined the ranks as well. I think it's probably better this way. However, it's interesting how things have changed when it comes to flying the friendly skies. 

Tiny Homes Revisited

Tiny homes revisited. 

Well my bubble burst a little over a week ago when I attended the Tiny House Jamboree. I had fallen in love with the romantic notion of living tiny, but the reality faced me square in the face when I got to actually go inside about twenty of these tiny abodes.

No matter what their actual size they ALL were WAY too small. I used to think that maybe one person could live alone in these tiny dwellings, but after my encounter with the real deal I'm afraid the width alone is just too prohibitive. 

As I made my way through the crowd of giddy potential home buyers, I couldn't help but wonder how they might feel after living a year or two in the micro hermitages? One thing for sure, if you choose tiny you might as well forget about clothing. Apparently these homes come sans closets. 

One thing that I noticed that seemed a little disconcerting was a young couple with three young children, and one on the way all crammed together in a dwelling less than 250 square feet. It was a modern day Old Woman and the Shoe!

As much as the dream of the tiny house may seem appealing, some recent research is finding that living in such a tiny space may not be good for your mental health, as well as locating land that accepts tiny homes are few and far between. One couple I read about gave up the life because they tired of rural living and missed the local coffee shop and the library. 

I've even read about tiny home theft being a real thing. I guess they really are just a little too portable. My practical side wonders about things like insurance, and resale value. Do these things depreciate in value? I'm also finding that these homes can hover around one hundred thousand if you prefer luxury amenities. 

The tiny house mindset of living in a home you can afford, allowing you to have more money for other pursuits, and being able to easily move from place to place may be appealing, but then again its downfalls might just be too difficult for day to day living. Downsizing is one thing, but this may just be too extreme. I suppose only time will tell to see if this trend becomes a viable lifestyle or a passing fad. 

The Garlic Press

The garlic press.

Well it's a sad day in our household, as my beloved garlic press has finally bit the dust. Now I know that most people may not have such an attachment to a cooking utensil, but this  little press symbolizes so much more than a convenient way to mince garlic. 

It was about twenty years ago that I attended my first Pampered Chef party, and was introduced to quality cooking utensils. Now although, the garlic press was not my first purchase it ranked right in there with the first five. At that time I was still uncertain about the difference between a clove or a pod of garlic, and had relied on the powdered version in my cooking. 

What my garlic press did for me was open the door to a whole new way of cooking. Up until then I considered myself the queen of the twenty minute meal. Of course being a working mom didn't really allow me too much time to devote to culinary endeavors, and I had gotten pretty good at opening cans and boxes in order to provide a nightly meal for my family. 

What I discovered with the addition of real garlic to my meals was a total flavor explosion.  The garlic press then led to a chef's knife which I had always avoided due to too many scary movies as a kid. Paired with a large chopping board, I found that ingredients like onions and peppers could make a bland hamburger goulash rise to a new level. 

Today I've ventured even further with new recipes, new ingredients, and new cooking utensils. I'm finding that using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in the world, and I have to pay tribute to that hard working garlic press who gave his all over all these years. 

I'll be making a trip to the store to find a new one, but can't help feeling a little sad as I put this little guy to rest. Just like a mechanic depends on quality tools, cooking is no different, and investing in the proper equipment can make the job more enjoyable and the results more tasty. 

A Ladies Man

A ladies man. 

Well apparently Cooper is a ladies man. Chuck and I recently traveled to Florida, and left Cooper with a wonderful pet sitter who lives just around the corner. Each day she would send an update, and a picture or two. 

It all began with a crush on a cutie named Genie, with whom he liked to snuggle. Per his babysitter, though, he was a perfect gentleman. However, a few days later he became quite smitten with a new little beauty named Mini. The two became inseparable, and I think Cooper had officially fallen in love. 

I was so pleased and relieved that he was having such a great time, and couldn't help but smile  when I learned that he had also won the sitter's heart. She told me that she generally did not have favorites, but Cooper was quickly becoming one. 

I found out that one night Cooper had escaped his kennel, and found his way to her room. Now not even her own dog is allowed to sleep in the bed, but I guess she didn't have the heart to turn him away. 

I know he has won my heart over the years, and apparently at least the hearts of three others this past week. I sure did miss him, but knowing he was in good hands made the trip even more enjoyable. 

Lighthouse Lamentations

Lighthouse lamentations. 

Chuck and I just returned from visiting his father in Florida. We enjoyed getting to visit with his Dad, brother and nephew, and had a fun time checking out the sights, including dipping our toes in the ocean. 

One of our excursions was a tour of an historical lighthouse which included the opportunity to climb to the top. Now what was I thinking, or perhaps I should say why was I not thinking! I embraced the challenge with the heart of a thirty year old. As I made my way to the top, all one hundred and five steps, I found myself winded and a little light headed when I got to the top. To be honest I don't remember my knees protesting at all. 

All I remember is wanting to get back down before I toppled back down those steps due to feeling light headed. Apparently, my knees were beginnng to pay the price, and continued to do so for the next few days as we walked quite a bit.

However, it was an encounter with an innocent recliner that might have done me in. After watching a movie in a reclined position with my leg flopped over on its side, I noticed a twinge of pain when I got up. It only continued to get worse, and I found myself in a wheelchair at the airport. 

That night my pain level rivaled childbirth, and I knew I was in trouble. After a trip to the doctor I was relieved to learn that I had strained it, and probably had pulled a ligament. I had already imagined a possible surgery, and was not relishing the thought. 

Per doctor's orders I'm on bedrest for the next few days, and my sweet husband is taking care of all three of us. (Cat and dog included.) 

What I've come to realize is that I really need to make sure my calves and thighs are strong enough to help support my knees in the future. My advice to you is probably don't seek out a lighthouse to climb! Especially if you are over sixty.