Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?

In the aftermath of Wednesday’s blizzard, as we were outside shoveling/playing, I joked that we should persuade the city to use our driveway as the bus stop (actually situated about 10 feet to the side of our driveway). That way, the city would have to come clear our snow away. The 10-foot wide, 15-foot long, 4-foot deep snowdrift blocking our way to the street. The city has to clear the equivalent amount of snow away from the bus stop anyway, so what’s the difference? It would be a win-win situation.

Apparently not. Because the snow has still not been cleared away and our driveway that we Matt cleared is the bus stop! Hello city tax reduction?! Of course we don’t mind, the city is working hard to clear away the impossible amounts of snow. We’re lucky, some people’s streets still haven’t been plowed and ours, a fairly main route, was pretty much clear the day of the storm. But the sidewalks in our neighbourhood haven’t been touched, apart from the older man who spent all this morning working at clearing them by shovel. I wished I could have offered a hand, but I did keep a careful eye on him through the window in fear he’d have a heart attack.

And there’ve been plenty of other acts of kindness.

I was on Facetime with my sister in Sackville on the storm day and an ambulance appeared at the top of her road. People were literally shoveling around the ambulance so it could make its way to her neighbour’s house. A man with a snow blower helped it back up the road again.

As Matt was clearing the bus stop driveway, neighbours from a street over stopped by to help and the job was done much faster. Neighbours are snow blowing my parents driveway while they ride out the end of winter in Florida.

I’ve seen a lot of complaints on social media about the poor job the city has done handling the (copious) amounts of snow this year and that the responsibility of clearing sidewalks should shift back to residents (no please no no no we have so much sidewalk….). But how about stop the complaining, grab a shovel and help out. Just because it’s not our responsibility doesn’t mean we can’t help work on it anyway.

There’s nothing like a major weather event to get neighbours out in the fresh air, face-to-face and getting some exercise. Maritimers love talking about the weather so the camaraderie in the neighbourhood is high. Every passerby has a witty comment to share. Of course you know, I’d rather it be SPRING that brings out the best but regardless, I love seeing people rallying together, lending a hand and getting things done.

So this weekend, help a neighbour out. Clear a patch of sidewalk. Play in the snow. Embrace winter (oh crap. It’s officially spring.). We built an awesome slide in the snow bank for Bear and she used it for nearly an hour. Embrace the snow and enjoy it while it lasts and let me know how it goes.

Unless you’re on vacation somewhere warm this March break. In that case, I don’t want to hear about your sun, your sand or your pina coladas. I hope there’s sand IN your pina colada. Just kidding. Kind of.

Spring Forward

I am loving the recent time change. In the past, springing forward an hour has usually messed up my system and I’ve struggled to get back on track. This year, it has worked to my advantage.

We are so extremely lucky in that Bear sleeps in until a decent hour. The week before last, she started waking up around 7:15/730a.m. Yes, that is early for her. And me. I like to have the chance to be showered, dressed and ready to go before she’s out of her crib. The time changed, and she still woke up 7:15/7:30a.m. her body time, but that now reads 8:15/8:30a.m. on the clock, back to the time she used to wake. Excellent!

The night before the clocks changed we had company stay over, so she was up later than usual, slept in a bit the next morning, and has transitioned to the ‘new’ time (and her old schedule) seamlessly. I’m guessing as time passes she’s going to start waking earlier again, but I suppose I can’t complain.

The next best thing about the time change is the daylight. It has made all the difference for me. I’ve been stressing about having dinner too late (for Bear), but when we are sitting down to eat at 6:20 p.m. and it’s still broad daylight, it just doesn’t feel late anymore. I know it’s an illusion but it feels like we have so much more time until bed. And two days ago I took this photo at 6:45p.m. Still sunny! And it’s only going to get better. It’s like my spirit is lifted and I can finally see the end of winter, despite yet another snowstorm that will be walloping Nova Scotia on Sunday. Oh joy.

Storm aside, have a wonderful daylight-filled weekend!

For Whose Eyes Only?

A while back I wrote a post about song lyrics on the radio and the appropriateness for young ears. Some friends reminded me of the songs we used to listen to and it made me feel a bit better – we really didn’t put two and two together and when we did it was for a giggle. And I turned out ok – I think! I still don’t like the message in that song (catch up here), even for older girls. One of a million bad messages when it comes to media and pop culture, I suppose. It’s our job to help our kids navigate through that.

What I’m writing about now is something a little different – adult content in young adult books. I recently wrote an article for Atlantic Books Today about content in one book specifically, When Everything Feels like the Movies by Raziel Reid. It won the 2014 Governor General Award for Children’s Literature. It’s full of graphic sexual language and imagery, along side beautifully written passages, but over the top, explicit and vulgar content. You can read about the controversy here, where I had two industry insiders weigh in with their opinions.

• Is some content too adult for young adults? 

The article was not a place for me to share my own opinion, but to report those of others. So here is how I feel about it.

It’s a complex situation but the truth is that I do not want my daughter reading this book for many, many years. Or my 12-year-old niece. It is completely inappropriate and I actually felt I had to warn my sister about it, because any one would think handing over a book with a seal of approval stamped on it (the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature) is an appropriate thing to do.

The “young adult” that comes to my mind for who it would be appropriate would be young adults in their twenties. Which brings up the whole issue of the industry standard of young adult literature being categorized as for ages 12-18. That’s problematic in and of itself. What a 12-year-old is reading is — and should be — completely different to what an 18-year-old is reading.

I agree with the co-manager at Woozles in the article, in that there are parts that are beautifully written. I’m not naive, and I’m not a prude, but I found the language and imagery to be exhausting, from the start. Of course it’s an important message and an important story to be told but it certainly could have been done more effectively and less sensationally. The author’s argument is that he is depicting a culture. Sure, and it might be appropriate for the right youth in the right place and time but that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for the masses, which would have been the publisher’s decision. The book doesn’t come with a warning either. In the online write-up, Chapters calls it ‘edgy’. That’s an understatement.

I have to say I’m surprised this book won the GG award, and disappointed because it’s not a book that can be comfortably celebrated and promoted by everyone, to everyone. On the flip side, I agree with what the publisher at Breakwater has to say. I just wish the author had toned it down a bit.

I also like to think that there should be room on the shelf for every book, but can’t blame Woozles for their decision and I understand their logic. The book has just put everyone in an awkward position! But hey- it’s got people talking…

It’s also one of the selections for the CBC Canada Reads debate next week, being defended by my favourite, Lainey! I can’t wait to hear what she has to say, she’s ruthless.

And while it’s not our official book of the month, a few of us in my book club are going to read it (completely appropriate setting, I don’t think anyone is under age 30!) and I look forward to the discussion.

Have you read the book? What did you think? Do you think some adult content is too adult for young adult literature?

Spring Dreams

Monday afternoon. Pulled pork is in the slow cooker. Muffins are fresh out of the oven. After a busy morning at the library and lunch downtown, Bear is napping, I just finished the last 10 pages of my book and snow flurries are steadily falling outside the window.

Snow. Still. Falling. Will it ever end? At this rate, we’re going to have snow on the ground until May. It has come to the point Bear is begging me to go out in her stroller. “Mommy push Anna please stroller round round fun” (Yeah, I’m not sure when she started speaking in almost-sentences. It’s crazy). But the sidewalks are impossible to navigate. We finally tried on a warm day last week. It was like Navy Seal boot camp. A regular 25-minute trek took 45 minutes and my arms were aching by the time I pushed the stroller over ruts and ridges and through puddles that literally came up past my knees. An excellent free workout that incorporated cardio and weights but not one I’m keen to take on again. More than once did I actually believe the whole stroller was going to tip over sideways into the aforementioned over-the-knee-deep puddles.

While it is a most excellent location to walk around, I try to steer clear of the mall because the mall = shopping = spending money. I’ve walked the track at the Canada Games Centre and I think it’s time to return because it’s sad when your daughter is begging for a ride in her stroller. When the sidewalks and the roads were both ice/snow covered I was able to pull her around the neighborhood in her sled but now (almost) every intersection is bare pavement. I think it’s high time we hit up a park or golf course for a proper walk with the sled.

I can’t WAIT for spring weather. We are going to walk everywhere we can, every chance we get. And I’m sure it won’t be long before Ms. Independent demands to ditch the stroller and walk on her own and I’m sure our 25-minute trek will be back up to 45 minutes, but at least it will be toddler pace, not Navy Seal boot camp. There’s a difference, right?

Food challenge

A while back I was sharing weekly meal menus. While we still plan most weeks like that, I haven’t been sharing because eventually it became a little dull and repetitive, both the meal plans and the posts. Lately, the grocery lists are made at the last minute or on the fly, and it’s not been so inspiring. I think I have a lot more fun with food in the summer. It stays light later so dinner never seems rushed, we can throw food on the grill, we’re eating in the backyard.

These days, it’s all about getting something edible on the table on time. And by on time, I mean before Bear goes to bed! To spice things up a little I decided it would be a fun challenge to plan themed burger nights. Now that I’m writing this out it sounds really unhealthy but it’s not every night, just Saturdays. And they’re homemade with extra lean ground beef, cooked on the Panini grill and served with lots of veggies on the side. I can take no credit for the actual preparing of the burgers (M’s the burger king). These aren’t recipes, just what we used to achieve our theme. Here’s what we’ve come up with so far.

Greek
Lots of diced peppers, feta and Tzatziki. Served with lemon roasted potato wedges.

Indian Infusion
Infused with curry spice, cumin and topped with curry mayo. Served on mini nann rounds with sweet potato fries.

Asian-inspired
Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger. Served with rice and stir-fried veggies.

All-American
Thick, juicy, cheesy, served with fries and milkshakes. No regrets.

Hawaiian
Pineapple, onion, tomato, bbq sauce and roasted red pepper dip. Served with coconut pineapple smoothies!

Turkey
Tonight it’s all about the turkey burgers with carrots and peas on the side. So basically, Thanksgiving dinner.

I’m running out of ideas, but I’m thinking Tuscan chicken burgers with avocado are a must. Feel free to share your favourites. Have a great weekend and let me know what you’re eating!

Shack Wacky

I am slowly going crazy, 1-2-3-4-5-6 switch… I had this little rhyme in my head on more than one occasion last week.

The city is entrenched in ice and snow and it’s been far below freezing. Not ideal conditions to be running the roads with an 18-month-old, when there’s nowhere we really have to be. Our regular activities like music and gym have been cancelled more than once, so there have been a lot of stay-at-home days as of late. It doesn’t help that I really hate driving in winter conditions.

Yes, yes, I’m thankful I have no commute. I don’t have to deal with bad weather, traffic snarls, boots/mitts/hats/scarves x2 on a daily basis. Technically I can stay in my pajamas all day long (I don’t) and… just relax? Ha! Guess again. There is nothing relaxing about being home with a toddler when you don’t really have the option to leave. Sure, there’ve been days when we don’t leave the house (but the best piece of advice I received when having a baby was to try and leave the house at least once a day, no matter what. Yes. Do this. Everyday. For your sanity!). But that’s because it was my choice. There is a difference!

After a few days in a row of bad weather, the days get longer and l-o-o-o-n-g-e-r. Especially when a toddler has the attention span of a goldfish. Set up all the sensory play stations, art & craft tables and reading nooks you want. Each will be used for approximately 3 minutes and it will take you three times as long to clean them up as it did to set them up. Yet reading the exact same story 736 times in a row is just to be expected.

By 10:45a.m one day I had to leave the house. It had been flurrying for a while earlier on but it stopped, and the roads looked ok, and there were lots of cars passing by the house. There was just over an hour until I had to think about lunch and I just had to get out. No answer at my parents place. No point dropping by there. To the library it was. Bear LOVES the library. This is the kid who one day stood by the door with her backpack and when I asked her where she was going, she said “library” and when I asked her where she’d like to go on holiday, she replied “library.” By the time we were bundled up, out the door and across town it was 11:20. I didn’t care. Thirty minutes of playtime anywhere but my living room sounded good to me.

There weren’t many people around for a change. The place is usually packed so either everyone was already home for lunch or avoiding the roads like I’d been all week. Bear happily tore around the playroom and became fascinated with puppets. She even took them into the puppet show booth all on her own, making the little frog toy “talk”.

We were back home in the kitchen by 12:30p.m. The short but sweet outing broke up the day. Bear was chanting “Library! Fun!” And I had a bit of my sanity back. All in all, a good day. And only 25 more until spring!

My top 3 parenting videos of the moment

The Mother ’Hood Official Video

Ok, this one is hilarious AND it’s a tearjerker. Because it’s so true! You won’t catch me in the middle of any so-called ‘Mommy Wars’ (I value my life) but we’ve all encountered these different types of parents who think they know best. The first time I watched this I didn’t know what it was a commercial for. I wasn’t sure where it was going for a second there and pretty sure I held my breath.

2014 Ad Agency - Wieden + Kennedy (http://www.wk.com/)

The Mother 'Hood Official Video There's something going down on the playground. Don't they know that everyone has their own way of parenting? But when it comes down to it, we're all on the same side. Help us put an end to the judgment by sharing this video with every parent you know.

Thank You Mom

An oldie but a goodie. Something to think about as we encourage Bear into various activities, and through life in general, Olympian or not. Raising an athlete looks stressful. And exciting and amazing. Much like the rest of parenting! Also, I miss the Olympics.

2014 Ad Agency - Wieden + Kennedy (http://www.wk.com/)

Why Moms Get Nothing Done

This was my life yesterday. Bear loves to help make smoothies. Once all the ingredients were together I turned around for one second to put the almond milk back in the fridge and she helpfully put the container on to the base for me. Upside down like it’s supposed to be. Without the lid attached. No photo evidence because I can’t catch EVERY moment.

I had to hide the Parmesan cheese when we were at the table for dinner because she kept insisting on more and was making a mess with it. I forgot to put it away…. She found it.

While I cleaned the kitchen up after dinner, she emptied the drawers. So then I had to clean up from cleaning up. Note how much space I had to do dishes.

Moms work their buns off all day and yet somehow nothing is done at the end of the day...this is why. FOLLOW US! Website: http://www.storyofthislife.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstherLAnderson Instagram: https://instagram.com/storyofthislife/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/storyofthislife To use this video in a commercial player or in broadcasts, please email licensing@storyful.com Music Author: https://www.pond5.com/stock-music/41331143/bright-shine.html

Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend.