Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Work on Vacation?
As we prepare to leave for vacation tomorrow the last few days I have been trying to work out how to get work done while driving. I figure its a long drive (12 hours) so why not take advantage of getting some work done while I in the passenger seat. Why in the world do I want to work on my vacation? The habits of a work at home mother never die.
Monday, October 26, 2009
You Don't Do Anything
That is the one phrase I hear that I can't stand. During the week at some point someone needs something and when I decline that is the phrase that appears.
As a WAHM it is hard for others to see that you actually work. Even my son will walk in the house and instantly ask if he can use the laptop. He looks at me when I say no because I am working as though I just spoke an unrecognizable language.
There are a few low rent offices nearby that I have considered inquiring about. It is merely for the change in perception that I don't nothing all day.
I think what makes it hard is when you hear WAHM you think just direct sales. You don't tend to think of running a business from home. Not that direct sales WAHMs don't work hard and long hours. Its the mindset is the point. There are many places this does happen but where I live its not widely seen or heard.
Its even harder when family members compare the work and school my husband does. Its not recognized that I do something. Its believed I am lazy, use my husbands money, and chat all day on the computer. My solution to changing this view has always been to invite these people to spend a day with me and see exactly what it is I do. Once person in particular refuses. Not sure if its because I will prove them wrong or its a simple fact they don't like me. I am ok with both. It is how it is. I just wish that each visit with this person I do not have to tolerate the comments or defend my actions in every way possible.
All I can say at this point is I do work long hours. I work all day and well into the early morning hours. A 16 hour day is not uncommon and many days I can only hope it ends before the 17th hour. I even work on the weekends. Sometimes to the displeasure of those around me as I answer emails through the blackberry.
Next time you come across a WAHM remember they work hard. They have a job. Maybe not in an office outside the home but they have a job. During that time they are often interrupted with children, spouses, meals needing to be made, cleaning to be done, dogs to be walked, errands to be run. Sleep is a privilege for the WAHM. Support a WAHM.
As a WAHM it is hard for others to see that you actually work. Even my son will walk in the house and instantly ask if he can use the laptop. He looks at me when I say no because I am working as though I just spoke an unrecognizable language.
There are a few low rent offices nearby that I have considered inquiring about. It is merely for the change in perception that I don't nothing all day.
I think what makes it hard is when you hear WAHM you think just direct sales. You don't tend to think of running a business from home. Not that direct sales WAHMs don't work hard and long hours. Its the mindset is the point. There are many places this does happen but where I live its not widely seen or heard.
Its even harder when family members compare the work and school my husband does. Its not recognized that I do something. Its believed I am lazy, use my husbands money, and chat all day on the computer. My solution to changing this view has always been to invite these people to spend a day with me and see exactly what it is I do. Once person in particular refuses. Not sure if its because I will prove them wrong or its a simple fact they don't like me. I am ok with both. It is how it is. I just wish that each visit with this person I do not have to tolerate the comments or defend my actions in every way possible.
All I can say at this point is I do work long hours. I work all day and well into the early morning hours. A 16 hour day is not uncommon and many days I can only hope it ends before the 17th hour. I even work on the weekends. Sometimes to the displeasure of those around me as I answer emails through the blackberry.
Next time you come across a WAHM remember they work hard. They have a job. Maybe not in an office outside the home but they have a job. During that time they are often interrupted with children, spouses, meals needing to be made, cleaning to be done, dogs to be walked, errands to be run. Sleep is a privilege for the WAHM. Support a WAHM.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Ever Considered a Maid or Personal Assistant?
I certainly have. As a WAHM I am busy busy busy. It would be a weight lifted to have someone come in once a week to clean or have a personal assistant take care of the little tasks 10-15 hours a week.
While casually mentioning this someone chimed in to inform me I was spoiled and that is only for the rich. With the reasonable costs of these services and the amount of time newly made available to me, I would be in a position to make more money.
They way I figure it is my time is roughly worth $40 an hour. If I can hire a personal assistant to take on a few tasks at $10 an hour I come out ahead. That is an extra hour I have to work. This is worth it to me. That means instead of running to drop off bills, pick up milk and dog food at the store, get gas for the car, quick run across the floor with the vacuum, I can be working.
I get back a minimum of 1 hour a day if I have someone else do these for me. $40 an hour minus $1o for assistant = $30 profit.
So its not because I am rich and spoiled. It just makes sense for me. After the beginning of the year I will have a minimum of a housekeeper once a week. Moving into spring/summer as I move forward with plans to open a store starting with exposure in fairs and expos, an assistant will be greatly appreciated and needed.
For much of what I need I could hire a mom to help me out and they can bring their young child; possibly children depending what I have on the task list that day.
Next time you could use extra time to work instead of every day tasks, consider an assistant. Hire a SAHM who wants to make a few extra bucks.
While casually mentioning this someone chimed in to inform me I was spoiled and that is only for the rich. With the reasonable costs of these services and the amount of time newly made available to me, I would be in a position to make more money.
They way I figure it is my time is roughly worth $40 an hour. If I can hire a personal assistant to take on a few tasks at $10 an hour I come out ahead. That is an extra hour I have to work. This is worth it to me. That means instead of running to drop off bills, pick up milk and dog food at the store, get gas for the car, quick run across the floor with the vacuum, I can be working.
I get back a minimum of 1 hour a day if I have someone else do these for me. $40 an hour minus $1o for assistant = $30 profit.
So its not because I am rich and spoiled. It just makes sense for me. After the beginning of the year I will have a minimum of a housekeeper once a week. Moving into spring/summer as I move forward with plans to open a store starting with exposure in fairs and expos, an assistant will be greatly appreciated and needed.
For much of what I need I could hire a mom to help me out and they can bring their young child; possibly children depending what I have on the task list that day.
Next time you could use extra time to work instead of every day tasks, consider an assistant. Hire a SAHM who wants to make a few extra bucks.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Grey before my time
There are moments as mothers we think quietly to ourselves that we are not doing the best we can for our children. Those times may be when they are screaming at us for not getting the right cereal, refusing to clean their room, throwing a tantrum in the middle of the store, a failing grade at school. Parents of special needs children may encounter this feeling several times in a short period.
I am the parent of a teenager with severe ADHD and a few learning disabilities. There are times I know he can't help doing what he does but I get to the point where I feel as though I have not done enough. I sit back and know its not my fault or his fault for that matter. That does not dissolve the feeling of failure.
A youtube video was recently posted displaying an incredible outburst by a teenager who lost his online game privileges (you can search for mom cancels warcraft account). Everyone kept commenting how it was staged and was not real. The main reason it was believed to be fake was because nobody could believe a teenager could be that angry. The sad part is my child has been that angry and emotioanl at times. To me it was reality hitting me in the face. To others it was hilarious and fake.
Even when I look back at the times I am ready to pull at the hair dye to conceal my age, I am reminded of all the wonderful things I am proud of. I am proud he is outgoing, creative, silly, intelligent, a good cook. I hear from parents how he is so polite and well behaved. Those are the moments I am reassured I have done my job.
I am not the perfect mother but I do my very best. I am there when he is ill. I am spending the night when he is in the hospital. I am there to cheer on his sports and plays. I am there to watch the moments he is proud. I am there when he is sad. I am there to dust him off when he falls. I am there to support him when he is standing tall. I will be there when he goes off on his own. I will be there when he brings that girl home I don't like. I will be there with a box of tissues on his wedding day. I will be there when he believes he isn't the perfect father. I will be there to remind him it is ok and he is a great father.
Today he may not realize it but I love him more than anything. Tomorrow he will learn I wasn't the evil troll who restricted his 10pm curfew and why I did it. Next week he will see the tears I shed, not because he was a bad child, but because I am so proud.
He will tell himself he will be a better parent than I but one day find himself doing the exact same things; saying the exact same things. For me that is the best compliment. For me its because he has learned why I did what I did and wants to pass that on.
I am the parent of a teenager with severe ADHD and a few learning disabilities. There are times I know he can't help doing what he does but I get to the point where I feel as though I have not done enough. I sit back and know its not my fault or his fault for that matter. That does not dissolve the feeling of failure.
A youtube video was recently posted displaying an incredible outburst by a teenager who lost his online game privileges (you can search for mom cancels warcraft account). Everyone kept commenting how it was staged and was not real. The main reason it was believed to be fake was because nobody could believe a teenager could be that angry. The sad part is my child has been that angry and emotioanl at times. To me it was reality hitting me in the face. To others it was hilarious and fake.
Even when I look back at the times I am ready to pull at the hair dye to conceal my age, I am reminded of all the wonderful things I am proud of. I am proud he is outgoing, creative, silly, intelligent, a good cook. I hear from parents how he is so polite and well behaved. Those are the moments I am reassured I have done my job.
I am not the perfect mother but I do my very best. I am there when he is ill. I am spending the night when he is in the hospital. I am there to cheer on his sports and plays. I am there to watch the moments he is proud. I am there when he is sad. I am there to dust him off when he falls. I am there to support him when he is standing tall. I will be there when he goes off on his own. I will be there when he brings that girl home I don't like. I will be there with a box of tissues on his wedding day. I will be there when he believes he isn't the perfect father. I will be there to remind him it is ok and he is a great father.
Today he may not realize it but I love him more than anything. Tomorrow he will learn I wasn't the evil troll who restricted his 10pm curfew and why I did it. Next week he will see the tears I shed, not because he was a bad child, but because I am so proud.
He will tell himself he will be a better parent than I but one day find himself doing the exact same things; saying the exact same things. For me that is the best compliment. For me its because he has learned why I did what I did and wants to pass that on.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Halloween Treats
With my son a teenager and not interested in the fun parts of Halloween, I am finally able to do these with my niece who is 2 1/2. I am very excited when my newest niece who is 2 1/2 months and my nephew who due to arrive late Dec/early Jan will be able to take part in these activities.
This year I will be taking my son to something we can enjoy for Halloween - Universal Studios Hollywood. We will be screaming and running from monsters during their Halloween Horror Nights and taking their RIP tour. You can see this at http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/hollywood/2009/index.php.
Because we will not be home this year for Halloween I want to do some special treats prior. I did a search and found the best and easiest recipes were at the kraftfoods.com in their Halloween Center. Not only did they have sweet treats but meals as well. How fun would it be to have a pre-Halloween dinner. She's a girly tomboy who loves monsters and finds them amusing. From a simple search of easy cookies or sweet treat turns into the planning of a Halloween themed feast.
You can find Halloween recipes at http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/Entertaining/HolidaysEvents/Halloween/Pages/HalloweenCenter.aspx
I will be saving these for next year since there are a few Halloween parties being planned.
This year I will be taking my son to something we can enjoy for Halloween - Universal Studios Hollywood. We will be screaming and running from monsters during their Halloween Horror Nights and taking their RIP tour. You can see this at http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/hollywood/2009/index.php.
Because we will not be home this year for Halloween I want to do some special treats prior. I did a search and found the best and easiest recipes were at the kraftfoods.com in their Halloween Center. Not only did they have sweet treats but meals as well. How fun would it be to have a pre-Halloween dinner. She's a girly tomboy who loves monsters and finds them amusing. From a simple search of easy cookies or sweet treat turns into the planning of a Halloween themed feast.
You can find Halloween recipes at http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/Entertaining/HolidaysEvents/Halloween/Pages/HalloweenCenter.aspx
I will be saving these for next year since there are a few Halloween parties being planned.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
CDC Says “Take 3” Actions To Fight The Flu
CDC Says “Take 3” Actions To Fight The Flu
These actions will protect against 2009 H1N1 too!
Flu is a serious contagious disease. Each year in the United States, on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications.
This flu season could be worse because there is a new and very different influenza virus causing illness called 2009 H1N1. CDC expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season and is preparing for an early and possibly severe flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from influenza (the flu):
Take time to get a flu vaccine.
CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza.
While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be most common.
Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
Seasonal flu vaccine also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from making them sick.
A seasonal vaccine will not protect you against 2009 H1N1.
A new vaccine against 2009 H1N1 is being made.
People at greatest risk for 2009 H1N1 infection include children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease.
Ask your doctor if you should get a 2009 H1N1 vaccine.
Take everyday preventive actions.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to keep our distance from each other to lessen the spread of flu.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.
If you get seasonal or 2009 H1N1 flu, antiviral drugs can treat the flu.
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
The priority use for antiviral drugs this season is to treat people who are very sick (hospitalized) or people who are sick with flu-like symptoms and who are at increased risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women, young children, people 65 and older and people with chronic health conditions. (Most people have been able to recover at home from 2009 H1N1 without needing medical care and the same is true of seasonal flu.)
Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter and are different from antibiotics.
For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started within the first 2 days of symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
Visit the CDC 2009 H1N1 website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu.
This information and more can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
These actions will protect against 2009 H1N1 too!
Flu is a serious contagious disease. Each year in the United States, on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications.
This flu season could be worse because there is a new and very different influenza virus causing illness called 2009 H1N1. CDC expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season and is preparing for an early and possibly severe flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from influenza (the flu):
Take time to get a flu vaccine.
CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza.
While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be most common.
Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
Seasonal flu vaccine also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from making them sick.
A seasonal vaccine will not protect you against 2009 H1N1.
A new vaccine against 2009 H1N1 is being made.
People at greatest risk for 2009 H1N1 infection include children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease.
Ask your doctor if you should get a 2009 H1N1 vaccine.
Take everyday preventive actions.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to keep our distance from each other to lessen the spread of flu.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.
If you get seasonal or 2009 H1N1 flu, antiviral drugs can treat the flu.
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
The priority use for antiviral drugs this season is to treat people who are very sick (hospitalized) or people who are sick with flu-like symptoms and who are at increased risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women, young children, people 65 and older and people with chronic health conditions. (Most people have been able to recover at home from 2009 H1N1 without needing medical care and the same is true of seasonal flu.)
Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter and are different from antibiotics.
For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started within the first 2 days of symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
Visit the CDC 2009 H1N1 website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu.
This information and more can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tea Giveaway!
Tea Time with Liv is having a tea giveaway!
Come see how you can win a free tea gift pack or tea sample pack
http://teatimewithliv.blogspot.com/2009/10/tea-giveaway.html
Home Drug Tests
As a mother of a teenager I hope that I have raised my son to be responsible and make good choices. We have had the talks concerning drugs, alcohol, and sex, but I am always worried the peer pressure will speak louder than the lessons he has learned.
I have always told my son I can and will drug test him randomly. I know all that I used to get away with when out of my parents sight so I am not naive to the fact there is something that will happen that I do not approve of. Just as I will periodically check up on any social networks he is involved in, I will check to make sure he does not involve himself in bad choices concerning drugs and alcohol.
This past weekend I made my way to Walgreens where they have home drug tests available. They have single tests for cocaine, marijuana, steroids, alcohol, and multi tests that test a variety of drugs. I chose a multi test that would test for drugs common in our city.
I am proud to say he passed with flying colors. Nothing came up questionable including his behavior. He did not fight it, seem overly nervous (beyond the nerves of a first time drug test by mom and dad).
Sadly I know there are kids in or around his peer group that have experimented with drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. With knowing I may randomly test him again I just hope he continues to make the right choices and not put himself in a bad position.
I have always told my son I can and will drug test him randomly. I know all that I used to get away with when out of my parents sight so I am not naive to the fact there is something that will happen that I do not approve of. Just as I will periodically check up on any social networks he is involved in, I will check to make sure he does not involve himself in bad choices concerning drugs and alcohol.
This past weekend I made my way to Walgreens where they have home drug tests available. They have single tests for cocaine, marijuana, steroids, alcohol, and multi tests that test a variety of drugs. I chose a multi test that would test for drugs common in our city.
I am proud to say he passed with flying colors. Nothing came up questionable including his behavior. He did not fight it, seem overly nervous (beyond the nerves of a first time drug test by mom and dad).
Sadly I know there are kids in or around his peer group that have experimented with drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. With knowing I may randomly test him again I just hope he continues to make the right choices and not put himself in a bad position.
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