Goodnight iPad

Posted by random olio

I am a fan of children’s books. Maybe it was all of the years I took care of children, babysitting, working at a day care, and as a camp counselor. One of my favorite books is: Goodnight Moon. It is simple, children memorize it quickly, and it introduces bedtime. Ah the perfect pre-bed book, right?

So when I came across the iPad version of Goodnight Moon, a huge smile came over my face. No, I do not mean that it is the original version of Goodnight Moon for the iPad, it is a new version called: Goodnight iPad. I am not at all for product placement, or getting kids hooked on specific products, but the reality of it is that kids are getting hooked on technology devices earlier and earlier. Many know how to work apps on their parents iPhones and iPads before their parents understand how to truly use them. At 5 and 6 they can go onto the Redbox app and reserve a movie, while their parents drive to pick it up.

Since kids are so savvy these days, it does make sense that there would be a book that for the most part encapsulates what is in their surroundings. Instead of: “Goodnight brush” and “Goodnight mush” they most likely have a closer affinity to saying: “Goodnight iPhone” and “Goodnight iPad.” Their technology exposure is sad to an extent, yet we are not setting such great examples for them. See past blog post about never going to the bathroom without your iPhone.

Goodnight Moon - in Israel

So check out: “Goodnight iPad” I think even those of you who do not have little ones at home will enjoy it.

Women are Kickass: International Women’s Day

Posted by random olio

I have been on a women kick lately. Heck, when am I not on a women kick? Today is International Women’s Day. I have been writing about a few women’s issues in the news that have bothered and angered me. Today, however, is about cherishing and embracing women. In honor of women all over the world, I ask you (both men and women): What woman has most inspired and empowered you?

Is there a woman that has taught you to speak up and confidently use your voice? Has she taught you to value yourself, care about others, give back to your community? Is she your mother, grandmother, lover, friend, teacher? How has she been your role model? Today I want to think about and cherish those that have helped me to play, be creative, frolic, get my hands dirty, while also encouraging me to be direct, strong, and principled and to live confidently and boldly.

Do something amazing today in honor of the bravery and equality of women. Be grateful for all the women that have come before us, risked their lives, and taken a stand for what they believe in.

in front of house in Southeast Portland

Thank you to all the women that have come before me that allow me the freedoms I have today.

In the news: Virginia and transvaginal ultrasound

Posted by random olio

I am not a huge fan of politics. I can have really strong views on things and find it sometimes hard to have an amicable conversation with someone that is adamantly on the other side of a debate. So, often I keep my mouth shut. However, I have to speak up on this topic. There have been so many “women’s” issue in the news and up for debate lately. My recent blog post is another women’s related issue currently in the news.

I believe in a woman’s right to choice. Especially in a situation where she has been raped. I agree with Cassie in her blog on this topic: “Your body, your decision.” Imagine if women got to decide what happened to men’s bodies? Wow, what a revolution that would bring! I am not sure how many of you are following what has been in the news about the Virginia debates on transvaginal ultrasound. I have found many things pop up online on news sites, blogs, and all over Facebook. I am grateful that the law was passed in Virginia with an amendment that women have to undergo an ultrasound before having an abortion, but it can be an external one.

I wanted to share Cassie’s blog that I think was well written about this topic, a video a friend shared on Facebook, and a Jon Stewart excerpt from The Daily Show.

I urge you to read the above blog link, watch the two videos, and do your own research. Talk about this debate with others. Even if this conversation is not happening in your state, the issue needs to be discussed, as it could move to your state. This Mother Jones article shares more about what is happening on this topic in other states.

A woman should not be required to have a transvaginal ultrasound without a choice.

Authenticity

Posted by random olio

Authenticity. It is something I believe we are losing more and more of in our society. At times, I am not sure we are even present in our conversations due to the instant gratification of checking our smart phones to log onto Facebook, Twitter, emails, texts, LinkedIn, the list goes on. (I am just as much to blame, so do not feel I am on a soap box). So if we are not present and in the moment in our conversations, how are we being authentic? Are you focused on what your significant other, partner, friend, sibling is saying, or are you thinking about the work your boss just added onto your plate? Or the latest gossip from your friend? If we cannot focus, how can we truly be ourselves?

On top of our distraction, our focus tends to be about when we are going to get the next greatest job, or the next best car, or the newest iPhone or iPad (we are a Mac house, so I only talk in “i’s”). I am grateful to live in a community that does not focus so much on material wealth. One that cares about relationships and connections. I have been networking these past few weeks, and one thing I have learned about Portland is that we are a very connected town. I knew that in certain ways, but I did not know it was so important in finding a job. Most everyone I have talked to speaks to how forming relationships and connections is really the only way to get something done in Portland.

part of sign in Amsterdam

We need to be more authentic with each other. Are you being authentic in your daily life? With your spouse, partner, friends, family? By taking a stand for what you believe in, and acting in those ways, are you impacting those around you? Do you inspire them to embrace their own authenticity? If so, I can assure you – you will be happier.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Posted by random olio

I am old school about letter writing. A good friend and I were talking recently about writing letters, and how we used to write to each other all the time. I truly think it has become a lost art. Do you own any stamps? I do. Yes, I need them for the occasional strange bill that takes forever to pay online, and I need them for the cards and letters I send in the mail. Regardless of what popular opinion says, I believe there is something that is still precious about receiving a letter in the mail.

Yes, it takes more time than Facebook, or an email, or a Tweet. Yes, it takes a stamp (I cannot seem to even keep up with what a stamp costs, now that they sell the ‘Forever’ stamps). Yes, it require paper and an envelope. It also requires a bit of thought, a little love, and possibly a little creativity. I promise that you have what it takes. You can occasionally break the techno-mold (no not the green furry stuff), the I am in a rut and always do things electronically. Try it. Take out a piece of paper, or go to a fun stationary or paper store and purchase a card. Or, heck, cut up your empty cereal box. Decide who you would like to send a little love to this week, this month, this year, and write a note of what they mean to you. Be honest, be real, be direct. Be you. Put it in the envelope, address the envelope, and put a stamp on it. Then drop it in the mail.

Result: A happy friend, family member, lover. A happy recipient of a few extra minutes of your time. It will show. They may never tell you, but it will mean something to them. Then (oh my gosh yes) do it again. And again, and again. It will then be easy for you to resurrect the lost art of letter writing.

This individual took a month off from the Internet and corresponded with folks via paper mail. Now, I am not sure I could go that far (a month without the Internet would be like a month without water). What I can do is to try to continue to resurrect this lost art. Are you with me?