Family Culture

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/07/22/family-culture/


Just in time for back to school.... ok, well, it was posted in July and I'm just getting caught up....

Anyone else working on Fall Goals and Back to School Rituals???

Accept The Burden of Uncertainty

From my beloved 99u.com...

The wonderful thing about math is certainty. Every math problem has an answer. But entrepreneurship is different. There are no laws that bind the problem set. There are infinite paths to contemplate when creating something new. Even worse, the paths keep changing.

The most difficult part of starting something new is the processing power you must allocate to compute the onslaught of issues you’ll face that have no answer. Every solution is indefinite. Every way forward is liable to become obstructed by some unforeseen impediment. As such, the leader’s greatest fight is against uncertainty. You can compartmentalize just about everything, but you can’t unplug from uncertainty.

And know what? Uncertainty is a bitch. It plagues every plan you hatch, and it eats away at any attempt for peace of mind. For me personally, uncertainty caused the greatest amount of interference as I attempted to live my life while starting Behance.

I remember many occasions when I valiantly fought to disconnect – Christmas, the week of my wedding, my honeymoon, and even the birth of my daughter. And while I was “there” for all of these moments, 20 percent of my mind’s processing power was preoccupied. It wasn’t any specific deal or issue that stuck with me. On the contrary, it was the stuff I didn’t know, the “unknown unknowns.” There was no map for the voyage ahead, so I felt the need to live and sleep with an eye on the compass.

Click here to read more......

True Love

Despicable Me 2

My second favorite scene of the movie......

Just in case you forgot how cool we used to be.....

Blurred Lines

Anybody else think Robin Thicke is the love child of George Michael and Robert Plant??

The song Blurred Lines is all over the radio and when it comes on we all bop along... like you do with silly summer songs (Hey.... Macarena....) and I yell, "More Cowbell" and my kids don't get it.

And the line "What rhymes with hug me?" cracks me up. 

But it turns out there is controversy.... as always.  They are calling it "Rapey."  It might mean something.  Maybe it is the video?  I haven't seen the video.

Does this make sense to anyone?  Can you explain it to me? 


And does anyone else keep thinking the guy's name is Richard?  Because that would be funny....

The Right Tool for the Job....

We had some fun at our house.....

 

Emergency Evacuation List

I'm back at it with the emergency prepper stuff for fire.  I attended a meeting by the officials from Colorado Springs (BEFORE the Black Forest fire) about the urban interface in Helena.

Scared the crap outta me.

It isn't if... it is when.  The good news was... my house didn't burn in the scenario.  But let's be real.  Our day is coming.

So I am back to working a plan.  It is my duty to head up the evacuation.  Hot's job is such that he won't be available to help and he will need the peace of mind knowing we have a plan and are getting out.

I believe in a written plan.  Because if I don't have a list I run around like a chicken....  it is just the way I am.  So here goes... draft 1:

Before the fire:
make sure insurance coverage is adequate for replacement values
decide where you will go if you evacuate (me... I'm taking the kids and going to a hotel with a pool and HGTV)

2 minutes:
kids
dog
purse/wallet
cell phone

5 minutes (above plus):
cats (in carrier... carrier is currently on top of the upright freezer in the garage)
portable hard drive
personal document envelope/file box*
household binder**
cell phone charger
scanner/batteries
cash in house (there isn't much but....)

20 minutes (above plus):
comfort packs***
plug in old school telephone (located in desk hutch)
laptop/charger
turn on sprinklers
put evacuation sign on the door

30 minutes (above plus):
jewelry
safe contents
binoculars (2 pairs)
photo album box (hoping to get all of these scanned)
spare car keys

*personal documents envelope/file box may include:
phone/contact emergency list
medications/allergies list
copy of drivers license
passports
ss cards (or copies)
birth certificates
marriage certificates
vaccination records
pet records
financial account info
wallet content copies
recent utility bill (for proof of residency)
insurance policies
household inventory (include photos/serial numbers/etc)
flash drive backups

Ok, wait, funny story..... I was trying to think about the household inventory and the best way to manage it and I remembered the last time we evacuated.... I ran around with my camera on video documenting all the tools (and serial numbers) in the garage.  So instead of a household inventory I'm going to create a video inventory and keep a copy on a flashdrive and keep it somewhere else... maybe my office.

**household binder may include:
Ok... well MY household binder has contacts/emergency info etc and a lot of the things listed above for the file box... it has my current bills so I can fend off boredom after the adrenaline wears off by paying bills. Ok, wait, I confess....it also includes cleaning schedules and books I want to read.  Hmmm.  Oh... but in the back pocket are the pages I will put on the (2) doors when we evacuate.  There are mixed opinions about doing this... if you put a big note on your door saying you have evacuated that might be an invitation to looters... so think about this one carefully.  Our neighborhood is pretty sparse and we don't have much anyone would want to steal so I go with the sign.  It is printed on nice yellow cardstock and the tape is in the cupboard just above where it lives.

We have evacuated.
Contact Us
(Lists our various phone numbers)


***comfort packs:
One of the things I've learned is... once the adrenaline wears off you are bored.  So our comfort packs have stuff to do and things to make us happy.  And, yes, even if there is a wildfire, Target will still be open... you can buy most of this stuff later so don't stay in harm's way packing it up.

kindle/charger
ipod/charger
books/magazines
cards
stuffed animals/favorite blankets
small toys
swimsuits
change of clothes
personal care items

Other things to plug into the list if needed:
medications
eyeglasses
um... what else can you guys think of?

New Glasses

The last of myy original four "Davenport Warehouse" rocks glasses finally broke and I spent a few months shopping around for replacements.  (Yes, generally I let my kids drink from empty Kraft
"pimento spread" jars....).  I got some new glassware in Bozeman a few weeks ago.....  so far, so good.  Nice for milk, juice, water, wine, or mint julips....  And they stack and for about $2/glass they aren't too precious to let the kids use (ok... let's be real... and for me to take out of the dishwasher.... that's where most of my dishware dies.... in the transition from dishwasher to cabinet....)

http://www.worldmarket.com/product/stackable-double-old-fashioned-glass-set-of-4.do?&from=Search

This. This is my dad.

 

He cut the top out of his cap to accommodate his hair.  He thinks he invented something.  None of us have the heart to tell him it is a v-i-s-e-r.

It makes him crazy his hair won't get any longer.  He doesn't get the concept of deep conditioning and regular trimming.

He does shower every night and then put on the same dirty jeans every morning.

Yes, he's wearing an Orvis flyfishing shirt.

I've only seen him wear cowboy boots once.... when required for an O-mok-see.  He kicked off his tennies, put them on as he got on the horse and took them off before he got off the horse....  He has no idea that a new pair might actually be comfortable.

You can call him Doctor.

He is still smiling.... even after getting sucker kicked by a cow and being boss-man to a crew of idiots (hey.... you do get what you pay for....).

This best advice about cows?  "Raising cows won't make you any money, but if you raise cows you can't go anywhere because you have to take care of the cows so you won't spend any money either...."

 

Shoes

I'm in a fashion mood.

Why? 

Because.

I don't want to talk about anything depressing today... at least not yet.

So let's talk about shoes.

Part of my mother-in-law's fire evacuation plan includes loading all of her shoes in a laundry basket and putting them in her car.  Seriously.  It's the one collection she values and could never replace.

My favorite shoes are still my classic black Dansko professionals but they really need to be replaced.  Go ahead and click the shoe picture to see what is on the Dansko site....  make a suggestion for my replacement...... I got them at Sole Sister's....



I also have red mary janes (Dansko Diana) but I'll tell you a secret... they aren't my most comfortable shoes.  Dansko makes other red mj's that are cuter but I didn't pay much for these at 6pm.com


I also love Born.  I have two pairs of Born.  The boots (purchased on zulily.com) are fantastic and comfy.  I wish I had purchased the 9.5 instead of the 10.  The heels are Ofelia Bay Vintage t-strap... super comfy and, at sierratradingpost.com  ...  they were a bargain with a good coupon.

 

Cowboy boots.  Turns out this short heel and square toe is the current style.  I still want a pair of turquoise ones (if you follow me on pinterest you will see the obsession) but these are pretty awesome.  And, of course, I got a bargain at zulily....



Of course I have a pair of chucks... but I've evolved from my classic black hi-tops.  I now have pale pink low-tops.  My girls think I am a really cool mom when I wear them.

And I got a pair of Tom's for my birthday.  Love.  Yes, they are floral.  Sole Sister's. This is one pair of shoes I would strongly recommend you try on in person.  There is a lot of difference in fit between the different fabrics etc.  I went for fun, funky & most comfortable.  There isn't much arch and they fit more like slippers.  With my narrow feet and high arches I don't think I could walk 100 miles in them but they are surprisingly comfy for the long haul and as close to ballet flats as I may ever get. 

These are my summer shoes from last year.  So comfy.  That strap has velcro on it....  so you can snug them on if you need to move fast.  They replaced my beloved leather Keen slides that they don't MAKE any more.....  J-41 Sonoma Mules....  Paid $25 at Sierra....

I really want a pair of Chaco Zongo sandals but haven't made the move yet.  The best price I've seen is about $32 for these. 

And I love flip-flops but my arches are so high they usually cause me pain.

That pretty much covers my shoe selection.  There might be a few pairs lurking in the bottom of a tub in the garage.  And I have some runners, muck boots, heavy-duty hikers & a pair of old Solomon water shoes that I wear for painting that I didn't mention. 

What are you wearing?  What are you shopping for and why?  What is your dream shoe? 

Go Fish.

 

My boys went fishing last Friday with a friend.  They had a great time and came home with lots of stories.... Today I finally got photographic evidence....

Lunches

My sister loves this site for her fabulous actions.

I love her for all the posts about cute lunches.

The lunches are adorable but also doable.  I love Biggie and her bentos but her food is complicated.  These lunches are cute and simple.  And actually stuff my kids would eat.  And actually stuff I might have on hand.  (Ok, true, I haven't had raspberry bushes since we moved to this house and kids don't eat chokecherries.... so maybe not all garden-fresh... but.....)

Yes, I entered to win the Planet Box lunch box... because that is one AWESOME and EXPENSIVE lunch box.  My middle child would love it.

My middle child.  The tuff one.  My darling Fifi.  She adores all things small and cute.  Her idea of super exciting is sandwiches cut into little rounds.  Imagine what she would do with cucumber slices in the shape of her name. She adores lunch box notes.

Time too pinterest for inspiration... and maybe finally buy those alphabet cookie cutters I've been eyeballing for years.

Valentine

 

This was just posted on facebook by a cyber-friend of mine.....  I completely agree....

 In honor of Valentine's Day, here are some things I love: baseball, Motley Crue, reeses peanut butter cups, wildflowers, red shoes, dangly earrings, the beach, beer, scented markers, lip gloss, vintage bottles, handmade quilts, turquoise, post its...

 I would add:

aviator sunglasses, hooded sweatshirts, red wine, dark chocolate, porch swings, good books, down pillows, muck boots, baby ducks, pizza, daisies......

Mixing craft, design and ranching....

So over in this post I wanted you to guess what I was using for knitting stops.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastration

Are you horrified??

Gun Control

For years I've resisted posting much of anything about guns or gun control.  But this one... this one you must see.  This is my bedside table.  Yes, I am armed.  But it is an "automatic" so you have to cock this weapon.... I kinda wish it was a revolver so I could just pull the trigger......

(Yes, it is for the damn cats that scritch and claw at the windows in the middle of the night.)

Yes, it really is 5:48 AM.  And, yes, I need to either get a new table or repaint this one.

Grammy Review

I liked the Grammys this year.

I did.

I think it probably dates me that I liked the "old school" vibe. 

LL Cool.... love.  And the performance.  So classic.  And still looking so good.

Prince....love.  Wish he would perform.

Mumford & Sons.... Why do I love them so?  Must be the folk thing.

FUN.  Ok... I admit... I've, ahem, made fun of them in the past.  And capri pants on a man?  But the music is... well... kinda fun.  Oh.  And I think I want the blonde girl's hair.  Can anyone find a good picture of it?  I can't.

Jack White.  That might have been my favorite performance of the night.

Carrie Underwood was looking a little like a barbie cake in that dress... but it was a pretty clever display of technology if nothing else.

Mavis Staples.  Need I say more?  And that performance was completely ON.  You know what I mean?  Sometimes you can tell they didn't practice or are drinking or whatever but this one was so great.

Who the hell are Alabama Shakes?  That chick was totally rocking the metallic gold 80's shoulder pads.... and she can BELT a tune.... I will be checking them out later.

And to all the strong female role models... Kelly, Alicia, Beyonce, Carrie, Miranda, Adele.... my girls were ROCKING your music....

Rhianna.... ditch the dead weight (You know who you are....) and you can be on the strong female role models list.

Elton.  Sir Elton.  I love you.

Ok... I didn't quite get Frank Ocean and his performance.  (Is he Billy's son????)  But I'm ok with him... especially if he doesn't like Chris Brown.  That makes him good people in my book.

I have always loved the Lumineers.... yes, someday that song is going to get old and drive me nuts but for now....

You know I love Bob Marley.  And I love a good tribute.  That one got me.

Did I miss anything?  I was folding laundry in the kitchen and running around so I missed some of it.

Friday Clean Me Bedrooms

Bedrooms are a challenge for kids.  You can't tell a kid "go clean your room" or, 30 minutes later, they are just up there playing polly pocket meets dinosaur.  So we have a very set series of things we do to clean our bedrooms (hey... what works for the kids works for me....)

For the girls (ages 3 & 6) I give them category assignments:  First do this.  Then do this.  The categories are:  Bed, Books, Desk, Laundry (Dirty downstairs, Clean put away), Dress up, Kitchen toys, Dolly stuff.  Sometimes I say, "Go upstairs and put away the books, then report back."  Sometimes I give them tictacs. 

The boy (age 8) likes the "clock" method.  Due west is 12:00 (and his desk).  I say, "Clean from 12:00-1:00." Away he goes.  Then 1:00-2:00.  3:00 is his bed and book stack.  Ugh.  And on as he works his way around the room until it is all done. 

And what about me?  Well.... at least I don't have a closet to clean.  I sort/organize drawers under the bed (2), dresser drawers (2 big and 3 narrow jewelry ones), organize accessories (scarves/jewelry).  I tidy my night stand.  Dust maybe.  Wash sheets.  Vacuum/sweep.  And.... that's about all it takes.  I guess there are some advantages to a tiny bedroom.

The Basics (this is the 5 minute stuff that should happen every day/night)
Make the bed.  (Are we the only family that doesn't believe in a top sheet?)
Put clothes in the laundry.
Empty the potty chair.  (What?  It is a long, dark way to the one-and-only bathroom in our house.....)

Deep
Empty bed.  (Seriously.... so many toys and hair clips....)
Put away books.  (Also... turn spines to face the correct direction.)
Put away clean clothes.
Put away dress up clothes.
Put away kitchen toys.
Put away lego.
Put away games.
Put away dollies.
Put away art supplies/desk stuff.
Put away imagination stuff.
Clean the various forts.
Dust.
Shake the rugs.
Vacuum.

Deeper
Wash sheets.
Steam clean.
Wipe down the door and light switch.
Sort some closet items.
Go through some of the various boxes and bins and shelves that contain certain categories.... like does the kitchen box have a bunch of puzzle pieces?  This is the time when I find all of my lip gloss in toy purses.  And right now my blue eye sandbag thing is missing and I KNOW it is in a toybox somewhere....

Deepest
Wash comforters.
Wash pillows.
Wash windows.
Empty closets/wipe/clean/declutter.
Paint.
Clean closet.

Thursday Clean Me Living Room and Office

I like to watch tv as much as the next guy.  So I try to line up the best tv night with the living room.  I'm not really sure what was on Thursday night when I started this process......

The Basics (this is the 5 minute stuff that should happen every night)
Pick up the clutter.
Fluff the pillows.
Fold the blankets.
Fill the water thingy on the pellet stove.

Deep
Wash the blankets.
Dust.
Sweep.
Shake the rugs.
Spot mop.
Do basic filing.

Deeper
Wash the couch cushions/covers/pillows.
Really mop.
Steam clean.
Sort some drawers.
Scan paperwork.

Deepest
Wash windows.
Change shelf art or wall art.
Empty entertainment cabinets/wipe/clean/declutter.
Paint.
Check light bulbs.

Wednesday Clean Me Bathroom

The bathroom usually involves a couple kids in the tub. 

The Basics (this is the 5 minute stuff that should happen every night)
Hang up towels.
Clear counters.
Wipe up the toothpaste gunge.
Scoop cat box.
Empty garbage can.

Deep
Clean toilet.
Scrub tub.
Clean mirror.
Wash towels.  (Yes, I wash them and hang them right back up on the hooks.)
Dust.
Sweep.
Shake the rugs.
Spot mop.
Check levels of hand soap/toilet paper/shower stuff.
Do a load of laundry.
Wash/fill pet waterer. (We have two... one in the bathroom, one in the laundry room.)
Dump boiling water down the drains.

Deeper
Really mop.
Steam clean.
Wipe down the door and light switch.
Sort some cabinets and drawers.
Wipe cabinet fronts.
Wash rugs.
Wash shower curtain.
Disinfect tub toys.
Use the drain cleaner grabber thing on the sink & tub drains.  (The link is for one on amazon... I got mine at Harbor Freight for $1.49)

Deepest
Clean shelves.
Wash window.
Empty cabinets/wipe/clean/declutter.