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Weekly Catch Archives
Table of Contents: 2003
December 5, 2003 …Your mouse, on your computer that is!
Yes, people, it’s that time of year, time to shop until you drop!
But wait – why not save the drop for other people and join me and
millions of others who shop and ship online!
Shopping online is easy and fun and can be cheaper, too, if you know
where to look for coupons. I’ve
got a bunch of tips for you below. So
save on gas, save on time, save your hair from falling out (or being torn out),
save on hours in line, hours in the parking log…
Must I go on??? Shopping Online with Coupons Here are sites that feature coupon codes for online retailers – please visit one of these sites before shopping! You won’t regret it! You can also earn dollars or points for every dollar spent online. Become a member of one of these sites and start making money while you shop: Shopping Online – Security Tips In order to make sure you’re shopping online safely (where no hackers can get your credit card info), check for the following: o In the URL address line, make sure there is an “s” after http – the “s” stands for secure page. o Check for a note from the retailer about their security policies, or a logo like “Verisign”, a company who protects consumers. o
The FCC offers more
tips Online Holiday Shopping FAQs:
So sit down, take a deep breath, have some cocoa and cookies, and do all your holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home this year! You deserve it! November 25, 2003 Want to find some fun activities for the kids on
Thanksgiving Day? Fun facts about
Thanksgiving to share with your relatives over dinner?
Check these great links out! Gobble
gobble!
Payson Road is excited to welcome back Jodi Beuder, Editor for the Corner and the Weekly Catch. For those of you who did not see the pictures of Brody on the news page...Jodi has been on maternity leave since giving birth to her beautiful baby boy Brody. We are so happy to have her back. Welcome back Jodi! Time Management Skills I decided I needed a lesson in
prioritizing my time. I thought
I’d share a little with you about what I learned today…
And now, resources on the Internet for
helping you manage time, stress and other such issues:
House/Apartment
Hunting Tips and Info As
the regular PRers know, we like to correspond the Catch with the Corner articles
so we have a bit of a theme going on. This week on the Corner I've written
an article called Obsessive Anyone? that
deals with two issues, house hunting and my satiric look at my own slight case
of OCD. So we've included a little bit of both for the Catch this week. House
Hunting--Looking for somewhere to live is enough to drive even the sanest person
nutty. Here are some quick links to
help you along the way. First and foremost, know your rights. Some
good sites online to look for your 'dream home' are: And
if you are just looking for a great vacation rental, check out these sites: Now
on the other hand, if you are identifying more with OCD these links might be a
little more helpful: For
those of you who read my article on the Corner this week, know that I put some
humor to my obsessive behavior, but all kidding aside, OCD has varying degrees
of seriousness, and oftentimes just putting a name to those 'quirky' habits we
have (checking your door locks 3 times exactly, extensive hand washing, for
example) makes us feel more at ease. For more information about OCD and other Compulsive Disorders please check out these links:
With a Little
Help From Our Friends at NPR
Surviving
Football Season It's NFL Season once again. I don't know why they say
women get upset about it. Because they don't get to hang out with their
"sig" other on Sunday? Who cares! Shopping!
Birthing
Classes My husband and I have
been taking a birthing class for four weeks.
We were told to take it much earlier in my pregnancy but I blew it and we
couldn’t get in until now… I
understand why they want moms to take the class early – I’m nine months
pregnant and it’s getting very difficult to get around.
This birthing class
has been quite interesting and challenging in many ways.
The first night our “teacher” gave us strong opinions about birthing
methods, nutrition, and interventions (drugs during labor like epidurals).
She subjected, us unsuspecting moms and dads-to-be to her strong opinions
of how "bad" certain things were. We all were looking at each
other in confusion – our doctors had told us otherwise about many of the
things this teacher was discussing. She
was making threats and telling us horror stories about decisions that we were
contemplating. It was very
upsetting. It turns out, this
teacher of ours wasn’t even an R.N. She
is a Doula (a birthing coach) with no medical school background.
My husband and I were so upset with our first class we almost didn’t go
back. But we told my OB/Gyn who got
very angry and made some calls, and now we have a new teacher! This lady, an R.N., is presenting the subject matter with
basically no opinions unless asked for. And
she is presenting options with both sides of the spectrum so we can make our own
decisions based on what side we feel most comfortable with.
What a difference this has made! I still get angry when I think about at first teacher instructing 16 couples, all about to be new parents, all clueless about labor and delivery, to make decisions based on her opinions. I strongly recommend to any first time parent about to choose a birthing class to do the following:
For more information about birthing classes and methods, check out these following resources:
Bottom line:
I think the best thing for a new mom and dad, when trying to make proper
decisions for yourselves about pregnancy, labor & delivery, and child care,
is to talk to your doctor.
We are lucky to have such a terrific OB/Gyn.
We feel very comfortable with her and because we have been seeing her
frequently for the past 9 months, we feel we can trust her and she knows us well
enough to be able to really assist us with making the right choices. Sure, you can read up on everything, and you can talk to everyone, but so much information is out there that it can become too confusing. Believe me, this is what we’ve been dealing with! If you can get lucky to find one person, hopefully your doctor, that you can trust, you can feel so much more comfortable about making good decisions. Listen to your body, your heart, and your conscience. You’ll know what’s right – no matter what anyone says. Don’t let them tell you otherwise! Insurance –
No Longer a Comforting Word It’s a Catch-22 –
if you don’t have insurance you could be arrested, fined, and royally screwed.
But with insurance you’re paying way too high a premium just to have
that peace of mind in case something
should happen someday. “Insurance
companies are raising automobile, homeowner, renters or business liability
premiums by 20% to 100% or more. The insurance companies blame mold, terrorism,
fires, drought, too many lawsuits, etc. They say they are losing money from
paying claims. That’s kind of
scary to read, isn’t it? Well
here are a few tips to help you research the insurance world:
Good luck, and may the force be with you all!
Wine Tasting
Here are some great books if you’re ready to learn more about the art of wine tasting:
And here are some great locations for cruising around and exploring the beautiful world of wine tasting and vineyards in the United States: If you're traveling abroad this summer, check out some of the incredible wine regions around the world: And check this great resource out:
Be safe and enjoy! Are You Ready for the
Summer? Hey! Are you ready for the summer? Are you ready for the good times? (Anyone remember that song? If you can name it right now I’ll give you a dollar. Still can’t think of it? I’ll give you two more seconds… OK! Too late – it’s from the movie Meatballs, one of my all-time favorite summer flicks!) But for real – summer is just around
the corner! Summer starts June 22nd!
Have you made plans? Are you
so busy seasons don’t make a difference in your life anymore?
Well it’s time to make a change! Take
a summer vacation! Do summer
things! Bring yourself back to a
place where you used to feel as a child, when school would get out and all you
had were lazy days and fun in the sun to look forward to! OK, maybe you have a full-time job and
a family to raise. But it’s
summer, so make something of it! It
can be as simple as cutting up some watermelon or making homemade lemonade for
your kid’s stand at the bottom of your driveway.
Here are some ideas to help you get into the sunny spirit of summer. Movies – these are my all-time favorite summer flicks. Watch these and you’re sure to find inspiration to begin your summer off with a bang:
If you want to venture out to the
movies, check out our list of Summer movie reveiws. Vacations – try something different this year. Take advantage of the hot months to visit some cool places that may bring you back to when your family went on trips together:
Food – what could bring you back more to your summers as a kid than that first lick of a homemade ice cream cone or sno-cone? Check out these classics: Lazy Days at Home – So you don’t have a ride, or you’re short on cash and need ideas to keep yourself and your kids busy at home… Now get out there and enjoy! Summer Movie
Preview and Review Have you been saving up? Because there are so many good movies coming out, starting TODAY, that everyone should go see!
Jodi has put together a great list of movies that have been released and will be
released this summer. We've added our best
Ebert and Roeper commentary to the films and as we see the films, update the
commentary with our review. So keep checking back as this is
updated frequently. (Please note this
is a partial list. For complete list visit Yahoo!
Movies.) OPENED
IN MAY: X2: X-Men United (May 2) – New opponents, new allies, new tricks and magic. I still haven’t seen it, but I’ve only heard good things. Great action, and Hugh Jackman rocks. I was surprised by the first X-Men, that I really liked it. I’m going to see this one in a matinee. - Jodi I saw it, and it ROCKED. It's getting better buzz in terms of story line vs. MATRIX RELOADED. It's got a good script, it's stylish, well directed and Wolverine just makes the movie. He's worth it alone. - Sarah The Matrix Reloaded (May 14) – The most anticipated release of the summer. Supposedly there’s a 14-minute car chase. That’s enough to get my husband to go. But Ralph on KROQ couldn’t say enough good things about this film, that the script was fantastic and the action scenes were breathtaking. I’m there. - Jodi I saw it. I loved it! I had been looking forward to it for so long then so many people told me that the plot sucked but the action was great. Being a stickler for a good plot, I adjusted my hype level accordingly. But I have to tell you, I don't agree. I thought it was great. The thing to remember is that this is a trilogy. There's a part three involved and so this one does feel somewhat incomplete but if you look at it as a piece of the great picture, you won't be disappointed. I even thought Keanu was great in it. Check it all by all means. The action and effects are unsurpassable. - Sarah Down With Love (May 16) – Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor star in this film which takes place in NYC in 1963. She’s an advice columnist with rules for love, and he’s a ladies man. She has a hard time not falling for him. I love Mr. McGregor, so I’ll be sure to drag my husband! - Jodi It's gotten a lot of great buzz as a fun, light summer romantic comedy. It was designed after the pillowy Doris Day/Rock Hudson comedies of the 50s. Even Tony Randall, their favorite side-kick, makes an appearance. And Renee and Ewan cash in on the success of their vocal talents with a song and dance number to end the picture. Looks like a winner. Not sure if I'll hit it at the big screen or not. But it promises to be a fun get away. - Sarah Bruce Almighty (May 23) – I liked this movie a lot. I truly think Jim Carrey could be up for awards for this one - he was adorable. And Jennifer Aniston was very good as well. I did wish they'd have shown him saving the world a little more, but at the same time, I accept the way his selfish means got him in trouble. You should see this movie, matinee or not.- Jodi I was very disappointed. Jim Carrey is given the power of God and all he can do with it is give Jennifer Aniston bigger boobs? The script was lacking in imagination. But Carrey is always good for a laugh. - Sarah Finding Nemo (May 30) – A Disney/Pixar film… A family favorite… This movie is based on the world of the sea, and it looks absolutely adorable. - Jodi I loved this film! It's sweet, it's touching, it's funny. Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres are hilarious. And Willem Defoe adds his signature - touching yet sinister mood to the whole thing. And Geoffrey Rush is delightful as one of the shark's with a heart. Go see it! - Sarah THE IN-LAWS (May 23) - starring Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks. The orginal starring Alan Arkin and Peter Faulk is one of my favorite films. Why did they remake that classic??? Anyway, Albert Brooks is a scream so this may be entertaining. It's about two sets of in-laws on the eve of their kids marriage. Douglas plays an undercover CIA agent and Brooks an unsuspecting dentist. My big recommendation here is to skip this one and go rent the original. - Sarah The Italian Job (May 30) – I haven’t heard a thing about this film, but the cast is pretty great (love Edward Norton!)… It’s a summer caper/heist movie and looks to be somewhat interesting… We’ll see… - Jodi It's not the most plausible
plot. But I still really enjoyed this film. It's got a great
cast and it's fast moving and very entertaining. You'll want to run
out and buy a mini cooper!. - Sarah Opening
in June: 2 Fast 2 Furious (June 6) – Yep, that’s right, it’s the sequel to The Fast and the Furious. My hubby liked the first one, so I may have to go see this one. There’s no Vin Diesel, but Paul Walker is a looker. This film is directed by John Singleton, and the word around town is the action sequences will blow you away. - Jodi Not sure how it will do at the box office without the Vin Man. I saw the trailer for it and it looked like a winner amongst the ever coveted 18-25 male audience target. But I think I'll wait for DVD.. - Sarah Prozac Nation (June 6) – Christina Ricci plays the main character, Elizabeth, drowning in a world of depression and the wonder-drug Prozac. The film is based on Elizabeth Wurtzel’s best-selling book of the same title. I have to see this one! - Jodi This one I must see for myself. Just as a point of cultural curiosity if nothing else. I also think Ricci seems well cast as Elizabeth. - Sarah From Justin to Kelly (June 13) – I’m not an American Idol fan, but I always hear the news about the show every week when I get into the office. This is sure to be the teeny-boppers movie of the summer. Stars Justin & Kelly from the first American Idol. - Jodi I'm a HUGE American Idol fan but even with that, I don't think there's much that will get me out to see this one at the theater. But it will be interesting to see if reality TV can penetrate the big screen as well. Let's hope not. - Sarah Hollywood Homicide (June 13) – Ahh, finally another Harrison Ford movie (he’s my fave). And it co-stars Josh Hartnett! These two play LAPD cops who moonlight in other jobs. Their biggest case in the movie surrounds the rap world. I can’t wait! - Jodi I must admit I am curious about this one. The last Harrison Ford film I liked was K2: THE WIDOWMAKER and that was not well received. I think he's got some hits left in him though. And I'm curious to see the two, Ford and Hartnett matched. Interesting choice. We'll see if the chemistry is there. - Sarah The Hulk (June 20) – Eric Bana (who?) stars as the main character, and Jennifer Connelly is his love interest. I’ve seen the previews and am not impressed with the “new” Hulk monster. Why couldn’t they stick with Lou Ferrigno? Anyway, Nick Nolte plays the villain. That’s pretty good. - Jodi I still haven't decided whether I liked this film or not. It was, by point of fact, a well made film. Ang Lee, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, directed it. I guess I question whether he was the right one for the job. He brought some interesting aspects to the whole comic book thing and tried to explore the characters like a real movie does, but I'm not sure that's what I was looking for with the HULK. I'll have to say, all in all, it's a good film and I do recommend seeing it. But just keep this in the back of your mind - it's not SPIDERMAN. - Sarah Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (June 27) – The first one was cute. This second one has Demi Moore in her comeback role as an Angel gone bad. Bernie Mac is the new Bosley. And Crispin Glover returns. Sounds like a good time to me! - Jodi I only saw the first
one because of Bill Murray. Now that he's gone, I don't know. I can't say
Demi Moore is as big of a draw for me. But the action sequences look pretty
cool. - Sarah OPENING IN
JULY: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (July 2) – Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as the Terminator, this time to help the 20-something John Conner (Nick Stahl) fight the world of machines. Of course we’ll go see this – it’s Arnold! - Jodi Okay,
I saw it and I dug it. Can't say that it's as good a
film as T2 and definitely not as good as T1 but it was
definitely entertaining. It's less about the effects
and more about the car chases, and of course Ahhhnuld.
You gotta see this one on the big screen. It's worth
it for a summer flick. - Sarah Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (July 2) – Reese Witherspoon is back again as Elle Woods. This time she’s found herself in the world of politics in D.C. fighting against animal testing. She got paid $15mil for this film. It better be funny! - Jodi The
plot is pretty contrived but if you put that aside, it's a
likeable film predominantly because of Reese Witherspoon.
She's just plain likeable. Should you go see it on the
big screen? That debatable. But definitely worth
the DVD rental. -Sarah Pirates of the Caribbean (July 9) – We saw the preview for this film and though it looks a little corny, I’m still drawn to seeing it. The special effects look cool, and Johnny Depp looks dreamy. And what could be cooler than a movie about your favorite ride at Disneyland? -Jodi The one time I've been to Disneyland, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride was closed! So I'm not missin this one too! It art design is spectacular and I love Johnny Depp. I'm in! -Sarah Bad Boys II (July 18) – Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return as two cops in Miami investigating a drug ring. The last bad boys was surprisingly entertaining. But will one be enough? You decide… - Jodi I agree with Jodi, BAD BOYS worked. It was everything a buddy movie should be. Let's hope this one can deliver the same package. -Sarah Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (July 25) – I never saw the first one but it was a blockbuster, too. Angelina Jolie created quite a following of drooling young men after the first one… This sequel’s story surrounds itself to the mysterious Pandora’s Box. -Jodi One
word...NOT. -Sarah Buffalo Soldiers (July 25) – Joaquin Phoenix. Enough said. OK, really, this film looks pretty good. It’s about the criminal drug world of the U.S. Army in the 80s. -Jodi I've
heard many a good thing about this film. I've always thought Joaquin to be
an interesting one to watch for. He's not quite hit his mark yet. Maybe
this is the one. -Sarah Seabiscuit (July 25) – The film about the famous race horse Seabiscuit, ridden by a former bicycle repairman. Tobey Maguire stars as the jockey, and Chris Cooper as the horse’s trainer. I know a lot of people looking forward to this one. Guess I’ll follow along. -Jodi Love
love love both of these actors. It's guaranteed to be a winner. -Sarah Stay
tuned for our August Movie Preview coming soon! OPENING IN AUGUST: AMERICAN WEDDING (Aug. 1) - I do
like the American Pie movies because they're silly and they remind me a little
of my high school days. I'm sure my hubby will want to see this one, about Jim
and the girl from "Band Camp" getting married. Stifler and Finch
return, as well as Eugene Levy as Jim's dad. - Jodi GIGLI (Aug. 1) - The first of two movies this year starring the uber-couple, Ben Affleck & J.Lo. Affleck is a hitman who kidnaps a mentally challenged boy, and Lopez plays his partner in crime. Or is she? I *might* see this one... - Jodi Yeah, "might" is being generous. I'd rather remove my own gall bladder with an oyster spoon. - Sarah THE SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS (Aug. 1) - This one looks very interesting, starring a slurry of "indie" actors (Campbell Scott, Robin Tunney, Hope Davis & Denis Leary). Scott plays a dentist who can't define the lines between fantasy life and reality. I doubt this one will hit Reno, but if it does, I'm there! - Jodi I'm very enthusiastic about this film. Directed by Alan Rudolph who did some really cool indie films like BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS and AFTERGLOW. I love Leary. The only weak link in the chain for me is Hope Davis (ABOUT SCHMIDT). I can't figure out how she has a career. But I'm still going to see this one. -Sarah FREAKY FRIDAY (Aug. 6) - Yes, another remake. This one is with Jamie Lee Curtis (mom) and Lindsay Lohan (daughter) who switch places for the day. The original is a classic. But if I were with my pre-teen nieces, we'd definitely see this one together! -Jodi I like Jamie Lee a lot, especially since she did that pictorial where she posed without make-up or touch ups. She writes wonderful children's books enhancing their self-esteem. She does good work. So I think I may go just to support her. The original with Jodi Foster was adorable. It's definitely for the kids but, maybe a matinee's in order. - Sarah LE DIVORCE (Aug. 8) - Kate Hudson, Naomi Watts, Stockard Channing & Glenn Close... Need I say more? This one is a definite yes, about two sisters who travel to Paris together to confront Watts' cheating painter husband. - Jodi Yes, this sounds like an interesting premise with a great cast - with the exception of Hudson whom I'm not really that charmed by. I think she's flying on her mother's wings. But I love Stockard Channing and hell, where's Glenn Close been the last few years? I'd go to this just to see her big comeback. -Sarah MATCHSTICK MEN (Aug. 8) - This one stars Nic Cage as a con-artist with many phobias who has a teenage daughter (Alison Lohman) who screws up his plans. Sam Rockwell co-stars. I might see this, even though I'm not a huge fan of Cage's anymore, because Alison Lohman was so good in White Oleander. -Jodi I love Sam Rockwell. I fell for him in CHARLIE'S ANGELS and then kept right on falling after I saw him in George Clooney's film, CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND. I do like Cage. I think he's talented. The combo of the two intrigues me. -Sarah FREDDY VS. JASON (Aug. 15) - Yeah, I don't think so. But I have a feeling this one will be a Blockbuster. Supposedly there is an amazing 15-minute fight scene between the two serial killers. But if you need me to explain any further about this movie, email me at jodi@ doyouliveinacave.com. Now, what master thinker, marketing God, came up with this brilliant idea? If you don't have an original thought, capitalize on the stupid ones of others. -Sarah Shopping Online:
Secrets to Saving Money Shopping online is fun, easy
and can actually save you money. Nowadays
there isn’t (or shouldn’t be) an online shopping site that does not have
secure shopping carts – this means you don’t have to hold your breath about
using a credit card over the internet anymore.
I’ve put together a few tips for you to help you shop safe and save $$
online!!! Safety: o A simple tip to remember when you’re entering your credit card: a secure server will have a web address beginning with https://www.nameofsite.com. The HTTPS is a secure server that is protected so no one can tap in and steal your info. o Check out Safe Shopping, built by the American Bar Association, this site answers all your questions about the safety of shopping online. o
You can also read these consumer
tips brought to you by Yahoo. Ease: o Shopping online should save you time – time spent driving, walking up and down aisles, finding the right products. Online shopping sites have begun to make it easy on you every time you shop. Check out Amazon.com, for example. They provide you with a list of your last visited items, items that would go well with choices in your shopping cart, and more. o Most sites now offer online gift certificates and gift cards, in case you’re still not sure what to get that special someone. o
Bigger sites offer credit-card storage and shipping and billing
address info, so your check-out can be quick, as well as secure.
Check out this
article for more info. Saving
$$: o Most shopping sites offer coupons and other discounts to entice you to shop online. Check out this list of online coupon sites that exist on the internet just to give you the best savings during your online shopping experiences: o Flamingo World (www.flamingoworld.com) – my favorite o Hot Coupons (www.hotcoupons.com) o Cash-Us (www.cash-us.com) o You can also join a site that offers you a percentage rebate from your purchases. Check out these sites (you earn every time you shop, and joining is free): o Ebates (www.ebates.com) o
Ask Mr. Rebates (www.askmrrebates.com) Have fun and shop safe! I shop online a lot and appreciate all the internet has to offer. Hopefully with these tips, you will too! Online Dating Last week
we did a piece on "the birds and bees" as a result of many
recent pregnancy sightings (including my own). So I guess it's
only fitting that this week we, go back, and take each step at a
time. So, we've decided to do a little research into the
increasingly popular world of online dating.
Like anything out there on the internet, be smart
about who you give your information. These dating services are anonymous,
but when you start getting into emailing people and giving them information
about who you are, just be careful out there! Resources for
the Parents-To-Be I’ve been amazed
since I’ve been pregnant how many wonderful resources there are on the
Internet and beyond for pregnant mommies and expectant daddies.
I’m so happy to be sharing them with you today.
Even if you’re not pregnant, I bet you know someone who is; and you can
share this info with them! There
are so many questions I have and I’m sure most expecting mommies and daddies
have. Hopefully these links will
provide some answers for you the way they have for me… Info on Pregnancy: o Baby Center – Here there is a fantastic Q&A section. Plus, there’s an area where you can submit your baby’s due date and receive weekly emails regarding your baby’s growth & development. I love this site and have used it for many of my curiosities. o Baby University – This site provides many articles on every subject from parenting to pregnancy to child birth. o
iVillage
– A site for women by women. Their
pregnancy section is a wonderful place to find information you need.
Join the chat room and discuss your worries with other mommies out there
who can help. Resources
for New Daddies: o About.com – New dads or dads-to-be can check out so many articles on what to expect and how to handle all these changes. o Tips for New Dads – This article is wonderful and written by a dad for all new dads. o Boot Camp for New Dads – This is an adorable site with terrific resources and a manly angle. Just what my husband needs. Maternity
Clothes: o Old Navy – They have the cutest, most affordable maternity items. You can get everything from capris to shorts to dresses and more. o Gap – My sister is so jealous that the Gap now has maternity clothes. They have great stuff, made for pregnant ladies, but it’s the same clothes they sell for non-pregnant ladies so you can keep up with all the new fashions! o A Pea in the Pod – These clothes are more expensive, but if you’re a working mommy-to-be, they’re really nice clothes that will last you through this pregnancy and even the next and the next! o Target – This store has some really great clothes, in all styles, at great prices. Sometimes it’s hard to choke down a couple hundred bucks for an outfit you know you won’t be able to wear but a few times. Target cures that problem! Good
Books to Read: o What to Expect When You’re Expecting – This book provides amazing detail of what mommies can expect in each month of their pregnancy. o The Pregnancy Journal – A great way to keep track of your pregnancy, and a wonderful memento to keep for your child. o The Expectant Father – This book is great and includes tips and advice for the father-to-be. o My Boys Can Swim – A manly guide for guys who need a guys point of view on becoming a father. Traveling Now – Is It
Safe? Many people are canceling their travel plans
while this war is going on. I
don’t blame them – the war is keeping our eyes open, our ears perked and our
curiosities and doubts in numbers. There are a number of other people, however, who are going on
with their lives as usual, and taking their trips, because airlines and other
travel companies are doing more than what is usual to make sure everyone can
enjoy a safe trip. In case you are
going somewhere, here are some tips and guides to follow to ensure you have a
good trip:
Be safe – go with your gut feeling, and do
lots of research before taking off. The
more you know, the more you can be aware and feel safe! Take care, JB indexA
Strange New Adventure By
Shanna Bright In July of
2002, I moved to Japan with the Japan Exchange Teaching Program. I left my
hectic life in Los Angeles and am now teaching English in Fuji City, Japan. I
suppose it was partly that trip in 1998 that eventually led to my recent move to
Japan. Sure, Japan and Italy are a far cry from each other. But what I felt
about myself, my feelings about life, what I felt in my heart when I was in
Italy is largely the same feelings I maintain, now that I live in Japan. What is it
about travel or living abroad that makes one feel so alive? For me, it is the
fact that every day is a challenge. I am doing my best to learn Japanese, but I
have a long way to go before I will carry on a decent conversation. In the
meantime, I can communicate in broken sentences, hand gestures and drawings. And
I listen with the utmost care, trying to understand what everyone else is saying
to me! This one simple thing - a language barrier drastically changes your life.
Ordering a hamburger at McDonald’s becomes an adventure. In a life where
nothing seems familiar, street signs, product labels, grocery store items, menus
- everything, your senses become heightened and you truly begin to look at life
- and at yourself in a completely different way. When I
first arrived here nearly eight months ago, I was a wide-eyed foreigner. But
now, I can whiz through Tokyo station and through Tokyo’s various subway
routes without looking at a map. I have finally figured out where and what
everything is at the grocery store...thanks in large part to making Japanese
friends. With that, I have met an extraordinary number of new friends, and even
strangers who have enhanced my life to no end. I have found a wonder and
amazement in life, and a contentment with me that I have never known possible.
Extensive traveling, or living abroad, enables you to learn so much about others, but mostly so, so, so much about yourself. If you are interested in learning more about how to teach or study abroad, here are the links that helped me do my research:
March 10, 2003 Perhaps it’s time we all
took a strong look at our television-watching habits.
If you’re like me, you watch too much TV.
And if you’re anything like me, who’s like Sarah, and you read The
Corner this week and screamed out “Amen!”, then now is really the time we
need to make a change. I’m not saying we should completely stop watching TV altogether. I don’t think I could quit cold turkey. I am saying habits need changing. Many parents allow their children an allotted time for television every day. One to two hours, tops. So who’s going to be watching over me as I dull my senses with TV every day? Sure it’s an escape, and it helps me relax and takes me away from work woes or other life’s woes. But no one is telling me it’s too much! Yet I know it is!!! So I propose we set our own precedent, much like our parents used to do (hopefully yours did too), in an opposite direction: Set aside one to two hours of your normal television watching time, every day, to do something ELSE! I’m going to need help on this, so I suppose you will, too. Here are some ideas:
I am going to make this new
resolution stick for one week, and then hopefully for one month, and so on.
I strongly suggest you try this along with me! It’s going to be hard, but after a while, you’ll forget
what you’re missing! Stay tuned for my updates on my success with this campaign… Also check out this week's Corner article, Armageddon Sick of All This Crack TV by Sarah Mason.
March
3, 2003
Payson Road Friend, Alicia Keenon has graciously offered to dispel the myths and give us an in depth look into a subject she understands so well, Astrology. You may have you're own ideas of what it's all about. Especially in the wake of all the psychic hotlines and influx of astrology websites. But the truth about Astrology is very different from all the tabloid hysteria. It's an old science that's as fascinating as it is somewhat mystical. Please check out Alicia's article, What is Astrology? and her amazing website which details more about her special talents and the world of astrology, Evolution Quest, www.evolutionquest.com Here are some Book Reference and Links to get you started on discovering this intriguing world.
Books:
There are many Astrology sites out there. It's difficult to sort through them all. Here are Alicia's recommendations. And check out her website as well, EvolutionQuest.
February
19,
2003 Yes, the weather
outside for those of you on the East Coast IS frightful!
And there is more weather headed your way over the next few days,
including freezing rain, wind and snow. Central
Park recorded some 19 inches of snow – the fourth largest snowfall in its
history! Hopefully you’ve got
power right now so you can read this; we’ve put together some tips on how to
survive and even possibly enjoy this crazy winter weather… Enjoy it! The good thing is, so much snow fell the skiing conditions are pretty good (as long as the day is somewhat clear and the wind stays calm). Check out your local snow conditions. Stuck inside? Maybe it’s time for a pre-Spring cleaning! Or play games! Have a picnic on the carpet! Do yoga or aerobics to get that blood pumping! Here are some more ideas for you. Make some hot chocolate, snuggle up in blankets, light some candles and read a book, either out loud or to yourself. What a great way for everyone to get ahead on their reading or homework! Keep it safe!
Further information:
Stay warm and dry as much as you can! Remember, your safety and the safety of your family should come first before anything! --jb
Make the Best
of V-Day OK, so maybe you
don’t have a Valentine. Maybe you
do. Either way, it’s upon us and there’s no way to avoid it.
So men, women, let’s make the most of the “Day of Love” and find a
way to enjoy every minute of it! Going to work?
Perhaps you can do what you did back in grade school – hand out
Valentines! I bought Sponge Bob
Valentine’s cards and some chocolates, and I’m going to hand them out, just
to bring me back. And hopefully it
will bring a smile to my co-workers faces!
Spread the love! Xoxo, Winter FUN?! Like the Corner
article says, Punxsutawney Phil (America’s favorite groundhog) saw his shadow.
So there’s going to be six more weeks of winter.
That’s just the way it goes. And
I said I was blue about it. But
I’m going to try to find ways to lift my spirits so I can get through these
next six weeks of cold and clouds with happiness… Have you never heard
of Punxsutawney Phil before? Haven’t
you seen Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray?
If you haven’t, check out the movie. And
check out the official Groundhog Day celebration
site. I will go to
Punxsutawney, PA, for Groundhog Day (February 2), sometime in my life.
That’s a promise. What else is going on in February? So many things:
What are some fun Winter activities to keep your mind and body warm and strong?:
What are some of YOUR
favorite Winter activities? Please
write us at jodi @paysonroad.com!
State of the Union I plan on watching President Bush’s
State of the Union address tonight at 9pm EST.
But before I can actually comprehend everything that Dubya is touching
upon, I need a quick rundown on the actual goings-on of the country. Sadly I have to admit that I’ve been so in denial about the
impending war that I’ve chosen not to read much about it.
I didn’t register as a new citizen of Nevada in time to vote in the
primaries in November, so again, I just haven’t been too involved in the
politics that surround me. But
I’m taking this opportunity today to learn and change my naiveté into
understanding. And I’m going to
share with you what I’ve found… Recently Bush introduced a $670 billion economic stimulus package to help boost the ailing U.S. economy. Here are a couple of snippets about this plan (courtesy of CNN.com ): Plan: Accelerate income tax rate cuts Plan: Marriage penalty relief
Each
of these sites has provided me with much information. I
decided to lead you to the links so you could follow more information as you see
fit. Each of the sites I found have
multiple articles and links within. I wish you all the best as you determine your stance within American politics – it’s changing every day. I know I’ve still got a lot to learn. Hopefully some of this information will help you as well.
Have a Super,
Super Bowl Party! If you can’t beat
em, join em, right? If we can’t
fight the fact that half of America will be watching the Super Bowl, then why
don’t we join the big party and become one of those 140 million Americans, so
we can come to work on Monday with something to talk about?
Enjoy the day – the advertisements, the wild crowds, the excitement of
the game… It can be a fun day if
you let it! Here are some splendid
Super Bowl party ideas for you, to make it be as fun and yummy as possible:
And for those
of you who are tired of the Super Bowl hoopla, here’s a wonderfully sarcastic
poem. Do you have more Super Bowl party ideas? If so, please send them to jodi @paysonroad.com, and we’ll add them to this list!
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