With this beautiful October weather still gracing us with it's presence, it has been like having 'bonus' days for getting out in the fresh air. None more so than for a trip to the park.
Now I feel very lucky with the park facilities near to where we live as there are several choices (probably due to it being a seaside resort) but my favourite is one situated on a big massive playing field (over run by the local football club on weekends but fine throughout the week).
J2 can run his energy off (relatively) safely (may have to occasionally dodge the odd dog poopy from bad dog owners that do not clean up, but for the most part people are pretty good here) as free from cars and roads nearby as well as on the playground facilities.
I think I appreciate the fact that I can take my toddler to the park, such a simple occurrence for most, because it has never been something I can do with J1. The few times I did try and just 'carry on' as I would with an able bodied baby, it was just made screamingly obviously that he was not an able bodied baby and I would return home in tears. The times I tried to go with friends, for fresh air or change of scenery for us both, just having my baby sitting watching everyone else charge around, again just turned into a traumatic event emotionally.
So having the park on my list of things to do, for free, to entertain the energy ball that is J2 - is still very much in novelty phase and one of my (in the words of Sister Maria) 'favourite things'! We have a lovely old time, my little spit-fire can run his little legs off without me having to say 'Mind the unit / breakfast bar / table!' and climb and whizz up and down the slide as many time as his little legs can carry him.
Luckily he has a few 'favourite' playground articles that he favours and these are the smaller things, he approaches the other things but as J2 doesn't have the best attention span, the minute he realises he can't climb up something he loses interest and goes back to what he can achieve. Even so, he has a little try and I let him (ready to catch of course!).
However, I am quickly learning that this isn't the general 'way' of the playground / park, which seems bizarre to me. We have been frequenting the park a lot over the last two months and not one visit goes by where I do not end up thinking 'For pity's sake, get off the kids back and let them have fun!' There is always (actually usually more than one) adult, constantly moaning, checking and nothing short of bawling at a child for doing nothing more than, well, playing.
It baffles me? You bring them to the park to play, run, climb, shout, laugh and even scream with excitement and boisterousness? Why, in that case do you cause yourself a hernia and I am sure take years off of your life span, stressing at every move they make? Now I am all for a cautionary parent making sure that bones are not going to be broken or harm come to, but seriously, one parent actually dragged their child (who believe me, had done very little wrong) away (bawling of course) because they were having 'Too much fun!' WHAT?
So this is definitely the 'maddest' thing I have come across this week. And maybe next time you are taking the kids to the park, if you find yourself hurling yourself to save your child everytime they take a solitary step in the playground, just remind yourself why you brought them and be thankful that your child can and wants to play, even if it is a little rough and tumble.
And above all, enjoy it. Enjoy watching them being children.
Showing posts with label Monday Madness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday Madness. Show all posts
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Holding Out For a Hero (belated Monday Madness)
I was planning on doing this post for my Monday Madness, however, our own health madness really kicked in with a vengence this week and the weekend saw myself laid up in bed unwell, and then 'The Hubby' got taken into hospital for emergency surgery on Monday and it has been a whirlwind of arranging suitable childcare so that I can visit in the measly hours they allow at the hospital.
So, pretend it's Monday for five minutes (and when you stop pretending it's Monday and realise it is actually Wednesday you'll be really happy) for Monday Madness.
And what comes 'madder' in an 'excited and bouncing up and down way' than finding out one of your very best friends is going to be on a gameshow on National TV? And I don't mean a Channel 5 jobby, I mean ITV 1, on Sunday Prime Time. Nothing does, thats what!
Now I hear the word 'game show' and think 'why would people?'. They are usually gaudy, humiliating (some... well a lot) and half the time the prize isn't worth the life long tarnish that you would brush yourself with for being a contestent. However, this was no ordinary friend, this was Ms L. There is no way Ms L would associate herself with anything that would humiliate her infront of an audience of, well I assume millions.
And no she certainly did not. Ms L, has recently got involved with an amazing charity called Bullies Out (http://bulliesout.com/) who provide help, support and information to anyone affected by bullying. Already training to trek up Kilimanjaro with her Hubby and anyone else she can cajoule, er I mean encourage (and this lady is very persuasive) to raise money for the charity she also managed the no small feat of getting an opportunity to win the charity some money by being on a 'worthwhile' gameshow (I know, there are not many of them) called Holding Out For a Hero.
Wikipedia gives this description :
Holding Out For A Hero is an ITV entertainment programme in which contestants don't win money for themselves, but for somebody else, who they considered to be their hero. The show is presented by Gethin Jones. Every week three contestants compete to win a huge sum of money for somebody else.
And that pretty much sums it up! And it also sums Ms L up, someone who always puts others first. Now, of course I am very jealous that Ms L got up close and well, ok maybe not personal with Gethin Jones, but up close but moreover I am so PROUD of her. I cringe at the thought of what I would be like on a quiz show and under pressure (my neck would flush red, my cockney of cockney accents would get even more cockney with nervousness and my laugh would reach a pitch only dogs could hear) and I doubt I would be able to answer the question 'Whats your name' correctly, but Ms L...?
No no no, cool as a cucumber, clear, concise, answered her questions correctly and looked fabulous! Did she win the big big bucks? Unfortunately no, another worthwhile charity did (and that is what is great about this show, whatever charity is on playing for the money deserves it and even the ones who don't win the big amount get a decent donation from the show) but she gave them a damn good run for their money, she did everything right, lady luck just did not pull out all the stops when it came to the last pick of 'how much the question was worth'.
What's more we finally gave in an told J1 about it on Sunday morning and it kept him excited and happy all day, he was beside himself when he saw her come on the TV and we have had to watch it everyday since! Happy J1, Happy Mummy!
So, pretend it's Monday for five minutes (and when you stop pretending it's Monday and realise it is actually Wednesday you'll be really happy) for Monday Madness.
And what comes 'madder' in an 'excited and bouncing up and down way' than finding out one of your very best friends is going to be on a gameshow on National TV? And I don't mean a Channel 5 jobby, I mean ITV 1, on Sunday Prime Time. Nothing does, thats what!
Now I hear the word 'game show' and think 'why would people?'. They are usually gaudy, humiliating (some... well a lot) and half the time the prize isn't worth the life long tarnish that you would brush yourself with for being a contestent. However, this was no ordinary friend, this was Ms L. There is no way Ms L would associate herself with anything that would humiliate her infront of an audience of, well I assume millions.
And no she certainly did not. Ms L, has recently got involved with an amazing charity called Bullies Out (http://bulliesout.com/) who provide help, support and information to anyone affected by bullying. Already training to trek up Kilimanjaro with her Hubby and anyone else she can cajoule, er I mean encourage (and this lady is very persuasive) to raise money for the charity she also managed the no small feat of getting an opportunity to win the charity some money by being on a 'worthwhile' gameshow (I know, there are not many of them) called Holding Out For a Hero.
Wikipedia gives this description :
Holding Out For A Hero is an ITV entertainment programme in which contestants don't win money for themselves, but for somebody else, who they considered to be their hero. The show is presented by Gethin Jones. Every week three contestants compete to win a huge sum of money for somebody else.
And that pretty much sums it up! And it also sums Ms L up, someone who always puts others first. Now, of course I am very jealous that Ms L got up close and well, ok maybe not personal with Gethin Jones, but up close but moreover I am so PROUD of her. I cringe at the thought of what I would be like on a quiz show and under pressure (my neck would flush red, my cockney of cockney accents would get even more cockney with nervousness and my laugh would reach a pitch only dogs could hear) and I doubt I would be able to answer the question 'Whats your name' correctly, but Ms L...?
No no no, cool as a cucumber, clear, concise, answered her questions correctly and looked fabulous! Did she win the big big bucks? Unfortunately no, another worthwhile charity did (and that is what is great about this show, whatever charity is on playing for the money deserves it and even the ones who don't win the big amount get a decent donation from the show) but she gave them a damn good run for their money, she did everything right, lady luck just did not pull out all the stops when it came to the last pick of 'how much the question was worth'.
What's more we finally gave in an told J1 about it on Sunday morning and it kept him excited and happy all day, he was beside himself when he saw her come on the TV and we have had to watch it everyday since! Happy J1, Happy Mummy!
Monday, 3 October 2011
For The Love of Shoes (Monday Madness)
One thing my husband and I often do not agree wholly on is what is an appropriate amount of money to spend on clothes and shoes. Hubby is a lot more... liberal shall we say, with funds than I am!
I admit when I was a working women I was not as conscious as I am now of spending and have been known to partake in purchasing a few too many pairs of Karen Millen shoes and bags in my time, but now I am much more frugal in the material world of shopping.
Don't get me wrong, my kids always have an array of 'posh' clobber for when the occasion calls for it, but for days rolling around indoors, I am happy to buy and dress them in supermarket clothing ranges, which I think everyone must admit have come on leaps and bounds in the past few years.
However, every now and again I see something extravagant and know that if I mention it to my hubby he will encourage me, usually joining me to go and buy it (as it will be purchased without me cribbing about what else the money could be spent on). Such an event occurred today.
Whilst enjoying the late summer days and the fact that he is still home after his foot operation we took the opportunity to spend a couple of hours in town, running some errands and having some lunch with J2 whilst J1 was at school (we mustn't mention we did this however or J1 will be most miffed). While we were doing this we stumbled across a shop, that although I walk past every day I can't say I have taken much notice of. But something had caught my eye. Something so cute, and so trendy I couldn't just walk past.
Little tiny, baby All Star Converse trainers!
Now I was a bit of a fan of the Converse trainer the first time around so was thrilled to see that they have made such a massive comeback of late, but to see them available in J2 size was too much excitement! I tried to not picture him dotting around in them but couldn't. We ventured into the shop. The lady must have sniffed my exhilaration (probably a give away was me saying 'OMG LOOOOOOKKKKKKKK' at all the styles and colours lined up on the walls) as soon as we walked in because she was over, helpfully plucking them off the walls and checking her stock for sizes.
Now, although it pains me that they cost more than I would pay for my own shoes (the price of childrens shoes is complete madness), how cute they are and how much J2 seems to love them (he does have a good dose of me in his genes obviously as he is a bit of a shoe fan) softens the blow and I can honestly say that it is a very rare occasion that I indulge, but look how cute they are!
I admit when I was a working women I was not as conscious as I am now of spending and have been known to partake in purchasing a few too many pairs of Karen Millen shoes and bags in my time, but now I am much more frugal in the material world of shopping.
Don't get me wrong, my kids always have an array of 'posh' clobber for when the occasion calls for it, but for days rolling around indoors, I am happy to buy and dress them in supermarket clothing ranges, which I think everyone must admit have come on leaps and bounds in the past few years.
However, every now and again I see something extravagant and know that if I mention it to my hubby he will encourage me, usually joining me to go and buy it (as it will be purchased without me cribbing about what else the money could be spent on). Such an event occurred today.
Whilst enjoying the late summer days and the fact that he is still home after his foot operation we took the opportunity to spend a couple of hours in town, running some errands and having some lunch with J2 whilst J1 was at school (we mustn't mention we did this however or J1 will be most miffed). While we were doing this we stumbled across a shop, that although I walk past every day I can't say I have taken much notice of. But something had caught my eye. Something so cute, and so trendy I couldn't just walk past.
Little tiny, baby All Star Converse trainers!
Now I was a bit of a fan of the Converse trainer the first time around so was thrilled to see that they have made such a massive comeback of late, but to see them available in J2 size was too much excitement! I tried to not picture him dotting around in them but couldn't. We ventured into the shop. The lady must have sniffed my exhilaration (probably a give away was me saying 'OMG LOOOOOOKKKKKKKK' at all the styles and colours lined up on the walls) as soon as we walked in because she was over, helpfully plucking them off the walls and checking her stock for sizes.
Now, although it pains me that they cost more than I would pay for my own shoes (the price of childrens shoes is complete madness), how cute they are and how much J2 seems to love them (he does have a good dose of me in his genes obviously as he is a bit of a shoe fan) softens the blow and I can honestly say that it is a very rare occasion that I indulge, but look how cute they are!
Monday, 26 September 2011
My Kid's Ginger - Deal with it! (Monday Madness)
When I was pregnant, both times around, other new mum's would say to me 'Be prepared to be asked if you have a girl or a boy, even if you have them dressed head to toe in blue / pink'. And certainly after the birth of my first baby boy, despite being head to toe in blue with a blue blanket with a blue embroidered 'BOY' on it, I was still asked.
However this wasn't the case with my second little man. People, instead felt they were far more entitled to comment on the colour of his hair than whether he had a 'pee pee' or 'noo noo'. They would look in coo, scan that beautiful little face and then say 'Ohhhh look at that hair, oh well, it's more strawberry blond isn't it.' like saying that would lessen the pain. Of what?
Actually 'No' it is most certainly not 'strawberry blonde', my own hair is 'strawberry blonde'. That is blond with red hints when the light hits it in a certain way, and I have always felt god damn blessed to have that hair because as far as I can see a lot of people pay a lot of money to a lot of hairdressers to make it look like that!
No thank you people, my little man does not have 'strawberry blonde' hair, he has GINGER hair. G.I.N.G.E.R say it loud and proud! Red or Orange, whichever term you prefer to describe Ginger hair is what my little guy has got and it's gorgeous. It's vibrancy matches that of his personality, it's 'typical' trait of 'firey temper' matches him to a tee, it's playfulness look matches him down to the ground. He was born to be a red head, a ... Ginger.
I don't feel the need to 'whisper', the word 'Ginger' when talking about my little boy, like it is something I am ashamed of. I don't feel the need to tell everyone he is ginger when I am talking about him like it is something that needs drawing attention to because it's special. It's his hair colour, it won't map out whether he will be a success in life or decide how happy he will make himself as an adult.
The reaction I have liked the most (actually caused true mortification to my friend, Mrs B-R, which caused no end of amusement to me) came from Mrs B-R's nan, Mrs G. She got out of the car, saw him and said 'Blimey Lyns, he's proper Ginge isn't he! Right, where are we going?' I loved that! No, recognition of hair colour and then the 'pity' look or the attempt to pretend he isn't actually ginger. I think he liked it too because later that evening he fell asleep on her, which detaching himself from me at the time was unheard of.
I want my boy to be proud of his hair colour, not subjected to reactions to ever make him think he shouldn't be. I say listen to Ed Sheeren who said goodbye to his original record company because one of the things they suggested if he wanted to make it big was to change his hair colour! BIG mistake eh!
However this wasn't the case with my second little man. People, instead felt they were far more entitled to comment on the colour of his hair than whether he had a 'pee pee' or 'noo noo'. They would look in coo, scan that beautiful little face and then say 'Ohhhh look at that hair, oh well, it's more strawberry blond isn't it.' like saying that would lessen the pain. Of what?
Actually 'No' it is most certainly not 'strawberry blonde', my own hair is 'strawberry blonde'. That is blond with red hints when the light hits it in a certain way, and I have always felt god damn blessed to have that hair because as far as I can see a lot of people pay a lot of money to a lot of hairdressers to make it look like that!
No thank you people, my little man does not have 'strawberry blonde' hair, he has GINGER hair. G.I.N.G.E.R say it loud and proud! Red or Orange, whichever term you prefer to describe Ginger hair is what my little guy has got and it's gorgeous. It's vibrancy matches that of his personality, it's 'typical' trait of 'firey temper' matches him to a tee, it's playfulness look matches him down to the ground. He was born to be a red head, a ... Ginger.
I don't feel the need to 'whisper', the word 'Ginger' when talking about my little boy, like it is something I am ashamed of. I don't feel the need to tell everyone he is ginger when I am talking about him like it is something that needs drawing attention to because it's special. It's his hair colour, it won't map out whether he will be a success in life or decide how happy he will make himself as an adult.
The reaction I have liked the most (actually caused true mortification to my friend, Mrs B-R, which caused no end of amusement to me) came from Mrs B-R's nan, Mrs G. She got out of the car, saw him and said 'Blimey Lyns, he's proper Ginge isn't he! Right, where are we going?' I loved that! No, recognition of hair colour and then the 'pity' look or the attempt to pretend he isn't actually ginger. I think he liked it too because later that evening he fell asleep on her, which detaching himself from me at the time was unheard of.
I want my boy to be proud of his hair colour, not subjected to reactions to ever make him think he shouldn't be. I say listen to Ed Sheeren who said goodbye to his original record company because one of the things they suggested if he wanted to make it big was to change his hair colour! BIG mistake eh!
Monday, 19 September 2011
Monday Madness - Please don't ever...
Always on the look out for fodder for a 'Monday Madness' blog I have been spoilt / inundated / surrounded by contenders for the content of this post this week. So much so that I can't choose one winner to write about.
Therefore I give you a blog of pleading and begging, of things to 'please never do' so that both mine, and your, children never have to witness or be subjected to it.
These are the terrible things that I have seen this week and I beg ...
...PLEASE DON'T EVER...
* Buy Christmas chocolates in SEPTEMBER.
Yes, one particular supermarket that I frequent (actually read that as 'used to frequent' - haven't been in there since in disgust) had not just one side, but two whole sides of an aisle smothered in Christmas chocolates. This is wrong. I am still trying to eek out my summer wardrobe in September and do not need Christmas shoved down my throat yet. I understand that people need to budget, certainly, I am one of those people. But, budget the cost, put it away and buy it in DECEMBER. The whole month already dedicated to Christmas. All this early advertising and product placement is just ruining it for this generation of children. Well that is my opinion anyway.
* Ladies - Wear a 'Council Estate Princess' hoodie
At whatever age you are, if one of these graces your body you should be shot, but particularly if you are 50+. I was subjected to this vision, I am ashamed to say in my home town.
* Gents - Wear a 'Last Night a BJ Saved My Life' T.Shirt
Just one thing to say on this. D.O.N.T. If you do it's unlikely you have ever, or will ever experience it!
* Wear Your Pyjama's / Dressing Gown / Slippers Out Shopping
I have seen this occurrence on several different occasions now so am doubting that it is a charitable and / or fundraising activity (and I have to say all by young, teenage girls) and I quite frankly, just don't get it. But I'll tell you this for nothing, if I caught one of my kids parading around the town centre in their PJ's and slippers, they would stand and watch me shred their wardrobe (that they have probably previously told you they can't live without that top / jeans / shoes) GET DRESSED YOU ARE NOT MAKING ANY STATEMENT APART FROM ... YOU'RE A SKANK.
* Give your child a basin haircut
Witnessed at the Yarmouth Races recently. Such a dear little boy, an angelic little face and so well behaved. But being laughed at by so many people (quite literally pointed and sniggered at made me feel quite sick) because he had been subjected to a true basin haircut, with the fringe a good inch shorter than the rest. I wanted to shake the parents for making the poor, beautiful little boy the brunt of the crowds hidden laughter. If I were a hairdresser I would have whipped out the scissors and cut it for free. He may be the son of parents who buck the system and stick their fingers up to the world, but let the child make his own decision when he is old enough if he wants to be that person too.
And thus concludes my post on what the 'maddest' thing(s) I have seen / heard this week. Better starting keeping my eyes peeled for next weeks madness. Apparently having seen what I have this week I won't have to try that hard!
Therefore I give you a blog of pleading and begging, of things to 'please never do' so that both mine, and your, children never have to witness or be subjected to it.
These are the terrible things that I have seen this week and I beg ...
...PLEASE DON'T EVER...
* Buy Christmas chocolates in SEPTEMBER.
Yes, one particular supermarket that I frequent (actually read that as 'used to frequent' - haven't been in there since in disgust) had not just one side, but two whole sides of an aisle smothered in Christmas chocolates. This is wrong. I am still trying to eek out my summer wardrobe in September and do not need Christmas shoved down my throat yet. I understand that people need to budget, certainly, I am one of those people. But, budget the cost, put it away and buy it in DECEMBER. The whole month already dedicated to Christmas. All this early advertising and product placement is just ruining it for this generation of children. Well that is my opinion anyway.
* Ladies - Wear a 'Council Estate Princess' hoodie
At whatever age you are, if one of these graces your body you should be shot, but particularly if you are 50+. I was subjected to this vision, I am ashamed to say in my home town.
* Gents - Wear a 'Last Night a BJ Saved My Life' T.Shirt
Just one thing to say on this. D.O.N.T. If you do it's unlikely you have ever, or will ever experience it!
* Wear Your Pyjama's / Dressing Gown / Slippers Out Shopping
I have seen this occurrence on several different occasions now so am doubting that it is a charitable and / or fundraising activity (and I have to say all by young, teenage girls) and I quite frankly, just don't get it. But I'll tell you this for nothing, if I caught one of my kids parading around the town centre in their PJ's and slippers, they would stand and watch me shred their wardrobe (that they have probably previously told you they can't live without that top / jeans / shoes) GET DRESSED YOU ARE NOT MAKING ANY STATEMENT APART FROM ... YOU'RE A SKANK.
* Give your child a basin haircut
Witnessed at the Yarmouth Races recently. Such a dear little boy, an angelic little face and so well behaved. But being laughed at by so many people (quite literally pointed and sniggered at made me feel quite sick) because he had been subjected to a true basin haircut, with the fringe a good inch shorter than the rest. I wanted to shake the parents for making the poor, beautiful little boy the brunt of the crowds hidden laughter. If I were a hairdresser I would have whipped out the scissors and cut it for free. He may be the son of parents who buck the system and stick their fingers up to the world, but let the child make his own decision when he is old enough if he wants to be that person too.
And thus concludes my post on what the 'maddest' thing(s) I have seen / heard this week. Better starting keeping my eyes peeled for next weeks madness. Apparently having seen what I have this week I won't have to try that hard!
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