|
|
-
Before I began my career in journalism, the only parade I had ever been "in" was a Halloween Parade with my Girl Scout troop when I was 7.
We marched down the street as the "Eyes and Ears of New Tripoli." Being on the taller side, I was an ear. An ear of CORN. The "eyes", of course, were potatoes.
Yes, there are pictures to prove it .. but i couldn't bring myself to post them here.
You can see why, as a teenager, I stayed as far away from parades as i could.
But life often comes full circle, and nowadays, as part of the CBS 21 team, I ride in several parades every year.
![]()
Most recently, the York St. Patrick's Day Parade. No funny costumes, no silly themes.... I just get to be me, and that's just fine with me.
This parade was the first time I let my oldest son Chase ride with me ....as you can see, he LOVED it.
How lucky was he to ride on a Corvette, and wave to the crowd ... no costume required.
But he's only 4 ... so his turn may be yet to come.
|
-
As most of my co-workers know, I take A LOT of pictures of my sons. In fact, my desk is covered with pictures .... so many, I've ran out of frames, and am now taping them around my computer monitor!
But in the past few months, I've ran into a problem with my two boys. I can't seem to get a nice picture of them. You see, they have a new obsession. And it involves their tongues.
Nearly every picture I take includes a nice, wet, glistening shot of their tongues. They think its hysterical. I hope its just a phase. I beg and beg them to give me a nice smile, and this is all I get.
I have to admit the funny faces make me laugh. And I know, years from now, these will probobly be some of my favorite photos.... but I do wish I could capture just one nice smile for the photo album.
For now, I guess I'm out of luck 
|
-
When is the last time you took a walk in the woods? That is the question I posed to my husband last week, when we were looking for something to do.
We had sent the boys to Gram and GrandPops for the weekend... we were both off from work (a rare occurance) ... and although a weekend in the Bahamas would have been nice... we were looking for something a little more affordable to do.
So, we jumped in the car and drove to the Poconos. I had not been to that area since I was a kid. I remember visiting Boulder Field as a child, so Hickory Run State Park is where we decided to go.
We spent all day hiking the trails ... watching the waterfalls and the streams, and hunting for snakes and deer. It was so refreshing to just walk, smell the air, get some exercise, and talk.
And the bonus? We didn't spend one dollar.
And that's a good thing, because just two days before, we had taken the boys to Sesame Place. We had a great time there as well... however, as you already know... even one day at an amusement park will set you back a couple hundred bucks.
So, if you're looking for something to do, even if your not an avid hiker or camper, I suggest visiting one of our many beautiful state parks. It was the best afternoon I've had in quite a while... there's just something about "simple", that sometimes is best.
|
-
I woke up yesterday with a knot in my stomache. This was the day. The day I had to take my 3-year-old to the hospital for eye surgery.
I had been struggling with this for weeks. What do I tell him? Do I explain what was about to happen, or do I just take him there and hope for the best? I decided on a mix of both.
I told him we were going to see the doctor at a "bigger" office. He knew it was the eye doctor, but he didn't know what was about to happen. Although, he figured it out pretty quickly, once we asked him to put the hospital gown on, and an i.d. bracelet.
He was scared, but I have never been more proud of my "big" little man. He faced the music with all the braveness a 3 year old could muster. He only cried briefly, as they put the mask over his face. Then he was out. And even when he woke up to blurry, double vision and wires and IV's connected to him... he was still the bravest little person in the recovery room. He was scared, crying and unable to see.. but not hysterical. Just in need of some holding from his mommy and daddy.
He survived. WE survived. And I have to say, he was probobly a better sport than even I would have been. I've watch him play Spiderman, Superman and Batman countless times before, and never really thought much of it. Until I saw the true SuperHero come out in the hospital. He definately earned the title.
|
-
Last week, I had the pleasure of co-emcee's the American Literacy Corporation's annual awards breakfast.
It was a great morning, where 5 children's book authors were recognized for their outstanding work in the field of children's literature. 5 extremely creative, talented authors, whose work I've read to my own children.
And, as I was listening to them speak, I realized, just how tough a job they have. You read these simple children's books, and think, "anyone could write that." But when you REALLY read the books, you realize just how much thought goes into each page.
To find topics that are interesting to both toddler's and their parents is no easy task. You think a simple story about a dinosaur or a bunny is easy enough to write, but its really not.
The best children's books are those that both child and parent can read, and enjoy. I can't tell you how special those few books, that my children ask me to read over and over again, are. It's an experience that we both enjoy!
And, studies show that reading to your kids, is not enough to get them interested in picking up a book themselves. It takes parents, reading for their own enjoyment, to set a good example.
So the next time you have the chance to skim a children's book, really take a look at how it was written. Take a moment to appreciate the art of storytelling... for all ages. You just might enjoy it!
|
-
There's nothing like an energetic 3-year-old, to remind you how to have fun.
Monday morning, I woke up early, (and grumpy) ready to shovel the driveway--again.
I dressed myself and my son in three layers of snow gear, grabbed the shovel, and let him throw snowballs at me, while I got to work.
After each heavy heave, I'd glance over, and he would be making a snow angel, or digging a tunnel, or eating a handful of fluffy, white frozen water. I couldn't help but smile at just how different our views of the weather were. What was a pain in the neck for me, was nothing but sheer joy for him.
But the real joy for both of us, came after a straight hour of begging. Chase desperately wanted to ride his sled. Finally, once the driveway was clear, I gave in.
I pulled him around the yard, pushed him down a tiny hill, loaded the sled with snow.... everything he wanted to do. Except one. He kept saying "now I push Mommy!" I polietly decline and said I was too big to sled. But after the 10th request I finally jumped on.
We slid down the hill together... and it was better than I remembered! I instantly had flashbacks of sledding with my Dad when I was a kid, and how much fun it was. How could I have declined that request??
I can honestly say the next time it snows, the driveway will wait. The boys and I have sledding to do!
|
-
Yes, my parents "kept" me in the basement as a child. My brother and I both. Our rooms were conviently located below ground level, good for them and great for us. We thought it was the coolest thing... we had a decent amount of privacy, and they kept their sanity.
However, fast forward to today, put an entire family of 4 in my old room, and its not so cool.
My husband, two children and myself have spent the past 5 weeks living in my childhood bedroom. Why? To make a long story short, we sold our house, bought a different one (that wasn't quite ready) and needed a place to stay in the interium. Here is where I send a big THANKS MOM AND DAD!
They have been phenominal. We have put a strain on their space, electric bill, pantry closet, and sanity. Even their dogs, I think, have had enough. Everyone, is ready for some space.
Between my 3-year-old jumping on the couch, my 1-year-old pulling the dog's tail, my husband and I struggling to sleep in a full-size bed with at least one kid crammed in the middle....I have never had a greater need for space.
However, interestingly enough, I am going to miss the company. There is never a dull moment. Although *dull* right now, sounds really, really, NICE.
|
-
The bruises and scratches are still fresh.... the pain, still there. My hands are a mess! Why?? Fisher Price is out to get me! Well, not just me, but every parent who has to rip, cut, saw, tear, or knaw their way through the REDICULOUS amount of twist ties, plastic, glue, and packaging to get to their children's toys.
It took only a few moments to rip the paper off ... but getting the toys out of the boxes... took at least an hour. Add in two VERY excited kids, pulling at my arms and begging for their new toys, and I was thinking of a few choice words I'd like to share with Fisher Price.
I understand the need to secure toys for shipping, display and theft.... however, it seems as though everytime I buy one of their toys, the packaging gets even worse.
I found myself wondering HOW they created a machine to twist dozens of ties so tightly in one package! No human hand could twist that tightly in such a cramped space! Maybe there are small elves working for Fisher Price that jump into each box.... on a mission to protect the toys they slaved to make.
Maybe my memory is flawed, but I don't remember that much packaging when I was a kid... or multiple Band-Aids on my parents hands at Chrstimas Dinner...
|
-
You would think a jolly, friendly, man who is about to bring you the toys you've been dreaming about for months.. would be a welcome sight.
But for many of our fellow citizens, (with 2 to 4 years of living under their belts) he might as well have fangs and a sign that reads "I eat small children."
My 3 year old finally gets it. This will be the first Christmas he understands the "fun stuff." Santa, his reindeer, jingle bells, the whole nine yards. I am so excited... I can barely wait for Christmas morning... just to see his face when he wakes up. But there is one thing missing..... a picture with Santa.
Just walking by the man is enough to send him running under my coat. On the most recent trip to the mall, I explained that Santa needs to know what he wants, so he can deliver the right gifts.... he gave some thought to this one, but still, wouldn't take the picture.
I've tried everything.... bribes, begging, offering to sit with him.... he still won't do it. I suppose my dreams of a smiling picture with Santa will have to wait until next year.
As for HIS dreams of a "T-Rex mountain" play set under the tree? Don't worry, he found a way to get his message across. As we were leaving the mall....from the safety of the second floor balcony... he waived to Santa and proudly shouted... "T-Rex Mountain!"
Don't worry baby, Santa heard you loud and clear 
|
-
... and i don't care if they don't want to admit it, but there are plenty of others in this newsroom with the same problem today. 
Is anyone else disturbed by the 70 degree weather in December?? It's like we've been transported to Florida for the holidays. It feels a little awkward driving by christmas decorations with short sleeves on and the windows down. I actually had to turn my air conditioning on this morning, so my hair wouldn't frizz.. (it frizzed anyway.)
I am the biggest baby when it comes to cold weather.... i am the one who is always cold in a room full of toasty people. But, this year, I am ready for a little brisk air.
We have several Floridians in our newsroom who say Christmas in Paradise really isn't that wierd. I can't even imagine it. Santa wearing Speedos??? Not my thing. I need a big sweater and a couple of snowflakes to make Christmas complete.
Maybe one day, I'll venture south for the holidays.... although I'm not sure I need to.... with this weather... i feel like I am already there.
|
-
.. and Matchboxes.. and Dinosaurs.....and don't forget the Play-doh. We hadn't even carved the turkey, and my 3-year-old was busy paging through the ads... deciding what he wants for Christmas.
This is the first year he fully understands how "Santa Claus" works. We've talked to him about the real meaning of Christmas, but like any kid, he is focused on the PRESENTS. I'm sure his mind is working overtime, trying to figure out how this big man, wearing a red suit is going to deliver his "16 inch, Fisher Price, T-Rex Mountain Play Set" with:
- T-Rex skull detail on front with light up eyes and roaring sounds that activate when figure is placed inside the mouth.
- A small predator dinosaur and caveman figure.
- A trees, plants and other traps that fall on figures or dinos when activated.
- Home to T-Rex and the predator tribe of the Imaginext Dinosaur line.
...he knows what he wants. Here is where I get discouraged. Yes, he will find "T-Rex Mountain" under the tree. ( his Grandma Watson is stepping in as Santa for this one....Thanks Mom!) And while I absolutely can't wait to see his face when rips off that paper... when do I emphasize the difference between "need" and "want?"
I know it will likley take many, many years for my children to understand how lucky they are to have a home with food in the fridge and toys to play with. I just wonder how the "commercialization" of Christmas is helping my quest for compassionate kids. It certainly makes our job as parents tougher.
|
-
I spent 4 years sweating, shivering, traveling, cheering, and mostly, crying over Temple Football. You see, despite their endlessly horrible record, I went to nearly every Saturday game in my time as a student there.
I remember sitting in Veterans Stadium, one of, literally, a handful of students who actually took the time to go to the games. Iremember only a few wins, mostly losses. But through it all, I was determined to support the team my tuition was paying to outfit.
Maybe that's why, now, I feel the Owls should walk from football.
I know, over the years this topic has been tossed around... switching conferences... pouring more money into the team... but when do you just give up? How many decades have to go by before you just throw in the towel?
Penn State will, almost certainly, beat my fighting Owls by a long shot. Maybe Joe Pa's absence will give them a slim chance.... but I doubt it.
I know I should still support the team no matter what.... maybe I'll tune out for a few years and hope to watch a winning team a few decades from now.
|
-
So my oldest son will turn 3 on Halloween. Yes, October 31st is his official birthday. I remember the day fondly... the maternity ward nurses were dressed in costume.....mine, in a devil costume. An omen?? Sometimes, when he hasn't had a nap and is hungry.. i think maybe.
Actually, (here comes the gushing) he's a really great kid. Funny, cute, loving, and, just like his mother, FULL of attitude. That's the funny thing about kids.... they make you realize how bad YOU were at that age.
So, when I asked him this week if he wanted a birthday party... of course he gave a resounding "Yes Mommy!" Let the headache begin.
Maybe someone with a holiday birthday can help me out here...What should I do with this?? A Halloween theme? Ignore Halloween? Go strictly Birthday?? I don't know.
I realize, right now, he won't know the difference.... but a few years from now, will he resent me for sentencing him to a lifetime of costume party birthdays?
Unfortunately I have two holiday children. My youngest was born four days after Christmas... I am already taking the Exedrin for that. Trying to convince family to come to his 1st birthday party, right between Christmas and New Years.
So what do you think?? Costumes or no costumes?? Orange and Black balloons? Or Red, Blue and Yellow??
I'll ask for advice on the next birthday later.
|
-
It's GREAT! .... for now. Ask me in January what I think of the cold chill in the air, and I'll have a completely different answer.
Over the past week, I have heard a number of people say "I love this time of year." I second that thought... however, I think, I say that same thing 4x's a year.
There's something about pulling out clothes you haven't worn in a while, a new smell in the air, maybe a memory of something fun you did last year... all make the change of the season's a welcome event. Until that change wears into long weeks of "too hot" or "too cold" or "too rainy" or "too windy" days.... then we have had enough.
With that said, I do know several people who have one favorite season. One of our photogs loves winter... I mean LOVES winter. Another loves summer... so he's moving to Florida.... me.... It's whatever is "in season."
This morning I arrived at work in a chilly 32 degrees... the coldest morning so far this year. That means I am still liking it.... give it 3 weeks, and I'll be ready for summer.
|
-
Do you know anyone who looks like a celebrity? You know, that person, who, at first glance instantly reminds you of someone, you just can't figure out who. All of a sudden, it hits you and you blurt out... "you know who you remind me of??!!...(enter celebrity name here)!"
You gotta wonder what THAT person is thinking. Depending on the celebrity... it could make or break their day 
I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Kunda yesterday. He is the Cumberland County man who won the Rocky Look-Alike contest in Philadelphia earlier this month. He really DOES resemble a young Rocky. But, in his words, just about any guy of Italian decent with a curled up lip, can do a mean Rocky impersonation.
Which brings me to my next point... What is it about some movie characters that makes them American Icons? What is it about ROCKY BALBOA that makes millions want to run the Art Museum steps and throw up their arms in victory? Kunda says it's the underdog story...the winning against all odds.... the thrill of conquering your greatest challenge.
Wouldn't it be great if we could command great soundtrack music to instantly start playing when we embark on a new adventure?? I often think, with the Rocky theme song behind me... I can do anything.
So, if I could send one message to Sylvester Stallone.... it would be... "don't mess this one up." The new Rocky movie hitting theatres in December better be the best so far. Because Rocky Balboa fighting his heart out in 1976.... deserves to go out in style.
|
|
|
