It's been about a year since I started contributing to Chicago Moms Blog and a couple of weeks ago the news broke that the site and its regional sister sites will no longer be operating as of July 1st. I was shocked, then bummed, but I knew that the leadership in the Chicago Moms Blog community would take advantage of the opportunity. I'm excited for a new chapter, but beyond appreciative of the time I had to contribute to Chicago Moms Blog.
Contributing to the site helped me to stop wincing when I said "mom blogger" out loud. It allowed me to grow confidence and work on my "mom voice," to get to know other mom bloggers in the area, mingle with sponsors, and it was through my affiliation with this group that the NBC spot came my way. I joined the Book Club, which got me reading and thinking and writing in a way I have not in a really long time. Being a contributor gave me deadlines and goals for posting, it gave me a reason to have to post. I found a space for myself as a mom in Chicago.
So, when the news broke I went through my concerns, but like I said, I knew that if I sat tight a new opportunity would present itself. And it has. (Details to come in mid-July.) For now, if you want to look back at my time with Chicago Moms Blog, you can see my posts here.
And if you have some extra time on your hands, check out the rest of the Chicago Moms Bloggers here. You'll be seeing more of them in the new Chicago group. Just wait and see.
6.30.2010
6.29.2010
Internet Safey - Then vs. Now
I remember when my parents got our first computer with internet. We had AOL and it was a big deal. I still remember the sound of the modem dialing up, the anticipation of "chatting" with someone, seeing my name pop up on a list of people who were also on the internet. I was in junior high. My parents didn't know what I was up to. I was always a night owl, usually reading, but when the rest of the lights would go out, I'd creep into the basement and play with the new computer. Sometimes it was Sim City or Zelda, usually it was the internet.
There was a guy who would pop up and talk to me. I assumed we were the same age, but the interaction must have been basic and slow, given my junior high level of communication and two-fingered typing skills. I recall we talked a couple of times, nothing major and then he asked for my phone number. I gave it to him. Internet security and safety didn't seem to be a big deal in the early 90's. Anyway, he called me and I remember answering the phone and hearing a far older voice than I was prepared to hear. Instantly, I knew a line was crossed, but he was in California and I was in junior high, it seemed to me that nothing could go wrong. And it didn't. Maybe he didn't realize how young I was, but he likely did. I knew I shouldn't talk to him, that my mom would flip out if she heard his voice, so I told him not to call me anymore.
We continued to talk online, but not on the phone. I was clearly freaked out by the depth of his voice and somehow the internet felt safer. Then a package showed up. Now, I don't remember if I gave him my mailing address, maybe I did? It included photos of him and a sweatshirt from his university. That's right. UNIVERSITY. He was over the age of 18. I was probably 12 and I'm sure I sounded like it. My mom saw the package and communication halted immediately. My choice as well. I didn't know exactly what I was doing, but I knew it couldn't be good. I don't believe I ever signed on to chat again. I was spooked enough by the weirdness of the situation, I didn't even need to watch an episode of the Dateline sting operations cornering internet predators.
When I think of the situation, I still get slightly nauseated. It gets worse when I think of it in context of my own child. What will the internet have in store for him? There were no photos of me online at the time, someone had to really work to find me, but now it's all out there. Even as adults, we're at risk. One of my nearest and dearest is right now dealing with some unwanted internet attention from someone who is anonymously harassing her, but knows a ton about her life. She has a blog and her name and profile are on her company site. It wasn't hard to find information about her. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn... But, aren't these the basics sites that everyone is on? It's scary to think that someone is trolling these sites for personal information used to harass her. That's scary for a 31 year-old adult. What will it be in 10 years when I have a 12 year-old on my hands?
I've learned my lesson and try really hard not to list the things "I'll never do." I can't say I'll never let my son go on a computer without supervision or that I'll never let him have an account with whatever social media tool is all the rage. I can't say I'll always use the parental controls or check his online activity every night or keep all of our family's computers in common areas or insist that he play a board game with me instead of games on the computer.
But, I know I'll try as hard as I can to keep him safe, to give him the confidence to make good judgements. And I know I'll remember that uneasy feeling I got when I heard that too-deep voice and saw the photos of someone I knew I shouldn't be chatting with. My red flags went up, but that doesn't mean that every kid's does.
This post was inspired by National Internet Safety Month, which was the Yahoo! Motherboard topic this month.
There was a guy who would pop up and talk to me. I assumed we were the same age, but the interaction must have been basic and slow, given my junior high level of communication and two-fingered typing skills. I recall we talked a couple of times, nothing major and then he asked for my phone number. I gave it to him. Internet security and safety didn't seem to be a big deal in the early 90's. Anyway, he called me and I remember answering the phone and hearing a far older voice than I was prepared to hear. Instantly, I knew a line was crossed, but he was in California and I was in junior high, it seemed to me that nothing could go wrong. And it didn't. Maybe he didn't realize how young I was, but he likely did. I knew I shouldn't talk to him, that my mom would flip out if she heard his voice, so I told him not to call me anymore.
We continued to talk online, but not on the phone. I was clearly freaked out by the depth of his voice and somehow the internet felt safer. Then a package showed up. Now, I don't remember if I gave him my mailing address, maybe I did? It included photos of him and a sweatshirt from his university. That's right. UNIVERSITY. He was over the age of 18. I was probably 12 and I'm sure I sounded like it. My mom saw the package and communication halted immediately. My choice as well. I didn't know exactly what I was doing, but I knew it couldn't be good. I don't believe I ever signed on to chat again. I was spooked enough by the weirdness of the situation, I didn't even need to watch an episode of the Dateline sting operations cornering internet predators.
When I think of the situation, I still get slightly nauseated. It gets worse when I think of it in context of my own child. What will the internet have in store for him? There were no photos of me online at the time, someone had to really work to find me, but now it's all out there. Even as adults, we're at risk. One of my nearest and dearest is right now dealing with some unwanted internet attention from someone who is anonymously harassing her, but knows a ton about her life. She has a blog and her name and profile are on her company site. It wasn't hard to find information about her. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn... But, aren't these the basics sites that everyone is on? It's scary to think that someone is trolling these sites for personal information used to harass her. That's scary for a 31 year-old adult. What will it be in 10 years when I have a 12 year-old on my hands?
I've learned my lesson and try really hard not to list the things "I'll never do." I can't say I'll never let my son go on a computer without supervision or that I'll never let him have an account with whatever social media tool is all the rage. I can't say I'll always use the parental controls or check his online activity every night or keep all of our family's computers in common areas or insist that he play a board game with me instead of games on the computer.
But, I know I'll try as hard as I can to keep him safe, to give him the confidence to make good judgements. And I know I'll remember that uneasy feeling I got when I heard that too-deep voice and saw the photos of someone I knew I shouldn't be chatting with. My red flags went up, but that doesn't mean that every kid's does.
This post was inspired by National Internet Safety Month, which was the Yahoo! Motherboard topic this month.
6.26.2010
Outdoor Family Fun
Welcome NBC 5 viewers... If you are here because you saw my segment, I'm impressed by your early morning ways. Pat on the back!
If the weather in Chicago stays the way it was yesterday, then we'll have plenty of reasons to use some of these great items below, so check them out. I think they're all pretty neat.
Here is more information about the items I showed, how you can get them, and why I like 'em:
Snack Trap (snacktrap.com)$4.99
If the weather in Chicago stays the way it was yesterday, then we'll have plenty of reasons to use some of these great items below, so check them out. I think they're all pretty neat.
Here is more information about the items I showed, how you can get them, and why I like 'em:
Snack Trap (snacktrap.com)$4.99
Thermacell Outdoor Lantern (mosquitorepellent.com) $31.99
- Applying bug spray or lotion is on the list of my least favorite mom tasks
- Non-toxic, portable, safe, non-intrusive, and, can I repeat, NON-TOXIC (no need to worry about what you're rubbing into that little skin)
- Keeps insects away for a 15 x 15 area and is 98% effective
- Doubles as a lantern for a romantic dinner when the kids go down and the mosquitoes get sick of trying to feast on you
- Compact diaper bag instead of the huge one I'm used to dragging around town
- Awesome built-in Smart Wipes Dispenser that allows mom to deal with wipes one-handed, so the other one can hold down squirming, pantless child
- Love the stroller attachments, changing pad, and well-designed pockets
- It can fit in mama's big ol' purse
- When nature calls you might just be in nature... No public bathroom, no problem
- Full size, safe, portable, disposable, and biodegradable
- Just flip it out and then fold it up and dispose
- No more holding kids over freaky public toilets
Kinda like if tennis, badminton, and racquetball had a baby without tons of rules
- Easy, portable, fun all wrapped up in a compact carry case
- No need for a net or a strict-sized playing field
- Includes special lights to play at night
- A little more refined than bags at a BBQ, no?
- Instant protection from the sun, wind, or rain in 3 seconds
- Fits the whole family for a picnic or hanging out at the beach
- Top air vents and side windows for efficient air flow
- Convenient carry bag for taking it to and fro
Disclosure: I received complimentary samples of these products for the NBC 5 review. I was not compensated in any other way.
6.25.2010
Vanity, Kids Toys, and NBC News
Ever since I got pregnant with the little guy I've had some issues with my skin... on my face... as in breaking out. And it never went away. I kept thinking it was a hormonal thing that had everything to do with being pregnant and getting back to my "normal self." But, seriously, the self I was for 29 years may have been a stepping stone to my mom self. Adult acne and all, this may just be my new reality. So, let's just say that this whole break out thing has been new for me, kinda like I'm in junior high.
This week has proved to be one of those weeks when my skin issues have roared their ugly head (tee hee hee). And, of course, the timing could not be worse. Here's the deal: I'll be on NBC Chicago Morning News tomorrow morning to discuss outdoor toys for kids. If you're like us Hannemaniacs and wake up at the crack of dawn you can catch me around 6:15 am.
Keeping this in mind, I decided to fight back against my face yesterday. Why? Vanity set in. I had an appointment with the adorable dermatologist's nurse for stitch removal from that pesky mole and asked if she had any tricks up her sleeve for clearing up the mess on my face. She asked if I wanted to see the doctor.... Um, of course. So, he came in about 10 minutes later and took a look at my face.
Doc: "Hello, again. Heard you're going to be on tv. Let's get you ready!"
Me: "Yeah, well, I mean, it's not a big deal and I'm not usually this vane and, I mean, um, this is just out of control. But, seriously, I don't have to explain vanity to you, I can't imagine some of the patients you probably see...." (OK, it's safe to say I should have an off switch)
A little one on one time with the doc and he lays out his plan of attack. Shots, pills, and a topical gel. Yikes. It seems major, but promises to clean this up lickety split.
The shots were administered yesterday, kinda hurt, not gonna lie. And the topical gel seems to have made an overnight difference, except I felt like my face was tingling a bit. But, I think I'm going to draw the line at the pills. I want to see what the shots and topical gel can do on their own. (Say it with me: self sabotage)
So, anyway, moral of the story:
1. I will be on NBC News tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn talking outdoor toys.
2. Adult acne is real, people.
3. Vanity has set in for this Mom Blogger.
4. Per usual, I say I want help, but only commit to about 66% of anything I'm told to do.
This week has proved to be one of those weeks when my skin issues have roared their ugly head (tee hee hee). And, of course, the timing could not be worse. Here's the deal: I'll be on NBC Chicago Morning News tomorrow morning to discuss outdoor toys for kids. If you're like us Hannemaniacs and wake up at the crack of dawn you can catch me around 6:15 am.
Keeping this in mind, I decided to fight back against my face yesterday. Why? Vanity set in. I had an appointment with the adorable dermatologist's nurse for stitch removal from that pesky mole and asked if she had any tricks up her sleeve for clearing up the mess on my face. She asked if I wanted to see the doctor.... Um, of course. So, he came in about 10 minutes later and took a look at my face.
Doc: "Hello, again. Heard you're going to be on tv. Let's get you ready!"
Me: "Yeah, well, I mean, it's not a big deal and I'm not usually this vane and, I mean, um, this is just out of control. But, seriously, I don't have to explain vanity to you, I can't imagine some of the patients you probably see...." (OK, it's safe to say I should have an off switch)
A little one on one time with the doc and he lays out his plan of attack. Shots, pills, and a topical gel. Yikes. It seems major, but promises to clean this up lickety split.
The shots were administered yesterday, kinda hurt, not gonna lie. And the topical gel seems to have made an overnight difference, except I felt like my face was tingling a bit. But, I think I'm going to draw the line at the pills. I want to see what the shots and topical gel can do on their own. (Say it with me: self sabotage)
So, anyway, moral of the story:
1. I will be on NBC News tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn talking outdoor toys.
2. Adult acne is real, people.
3. Vanity has set in for this Mom Blogger.
4. Per usual, I say I want help, but only commit to about 66% of anything I'm told to do.
