Ben Franklin Blues

Oh my, oh my... Could you imagine being in a padded room with 100 billion 8 year- olds all trying to literally climb up the wall? I can, 'cause that it what is was like going to the Franklin Institute with my daughter's third grade class. I mean, I didn't know that kids where that excited about science. They were quite excited about the old faithful heart which was surprising to me. That thing is as least as old as I am and looks it. New exhibits like the Sports Challenge, Sir Issac's Loft, and others really got them going --and me (and other parents) after them. We are members and have seen these exhibits time and time again, but when experiencing these exhibits with 11 third graders (no kidding 11. And I must say go girl to Yolanda because she and I really held it down!) was exhilarating.

Unfortunately, if you don't have a membership or know someone that does or don't get reduced ticket prices, it gets expensive. I'm originally from New York, and when taking my children to the wonderful art, science, and history museum there--from borough to borough---I am truly grateful. See, my parents didn't have to pay enormous amounts for entry into cultural activities like those I mentioned and the borough botanical gardens, in New York you pay what you can. I think that is one of the reasons why my brother and I have such an affinity for the arts. Our parent took us regularly. Heck, my mom would just say see wants to see Water Lilies and pack us up to go. If she had to pay $10 a pop for us, I don't know if I would have developed this fondness. I don't know if we would have gone to the museums and zoos as often as we did. New York's cultural organizations enjoy a huge endowment from what I understand. It would be really cool if Philadelphia could explore the same and provide equal access to the splendor of the creative and scientific world.

Until then, Ben try not to be blue because thousands don't get a chance to see you.

His Touch

I have never been one to enjoy male company "up under me." I have always been fiercely independent and relished the idea of being smothered by the physical manifestations of a male's love. All of that changed when Tee came along. He was breast-fed until being weened (with strong resistance) when he was two. At three and a half, he still has a deep affinity for "Mommies breastesses." He sneaks in a caress at each and every opportunity.

Hass and I didn't do that as much. I had my morning cuddling sessions with her. She didn't seem to want all of that--ours we're definitely limited to no longer than three minutes, then she was off to explore. Even now I often must sneak in my hugs and kisses despite her protests. I have noticed, of late, her desire for a physical closeness to Mommy which I have been enjoying. It is always on her terms and usually at the most inopportune times--when she is getting dressed for school or supposed to be going to bed. Although some would say there is no wrong time for affection with one's child, I think these affectionate moments are a delaying tactic more than Hass actually wanting my embrace. On those more frequent cuddling exchanges while watching television, I really get a chance to enjoy her. She has such delicate movements when you really watch her. I don't think I was ever that graceful. I mean, without really working on it. Since my mom is no longer around, I really can't ask her directly (she and I do have a way to communicate through our love and God's love). I can't believe much of my grandmother's recollections. According to my father, I was graceful too. I'm not keen on that recollection. As I remember at nine, I had bloody ankles because I couldn't stop rubbing them together while I walked. Hass definitely doesn't have that problem.

Tee, rarely protests affection. Our morning cuddling sessions are one of the highlights of my day. Along with his "silly, silly, dance" that he does when taking off his pajama top. He has this way of letting the top sit on top of his head, almost like a jester's hat and he does this dance where he wiggles his hips from side to side (he wiggles his entire lower body as a matter of fact) and sings "silly , silly, silly." It is quite adorable. He rested he pajama top on his head like that once and I said with a big smile "you are so silly." That was the birth of the silly dance.

I am working on increasing the "touches" with my children. It is fine for my children to want to be "up under me." It doesn't mean they are trying to impede on my sense of independence, they are not putting on a display to "stake their claim" on me, nor are they trying to set a mood---they just like being close to Mommy and that is a-okay with me.

Smooches!

So What's Up With Reverend Wright?

I don't know if the Clintons paid Reverend Wright or what, but his antics (and his appearance at a Clinton sponsored event) makes me wonder. I mean, he's been quiet for nearly six weeks and then all of a sudden: Here he is in full performance mode. I am trying so hard to laugh so I won't cry. What does this say? Is Reverend Wright capitalizing on his 15 minutes of fame with no regard to his impact on Senator Obama's candidacy or he he really an "egomaniac?" I'm sorry, but I think he is trying to get paid and is getting paid.

After a New York Kind of Weekend

We often have challenges with our daughter after she spends the alternate weekend with family in New York. (I'll get into the rationale for the arrangement in later posts). Knowing the environment there, I am aware that it is far less structured than that my husband and I have created in Philadelphia. We've (mom taking the lead) read lots of ADHD parenting books, seen child development specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, social workers and just about anybody who I thought could help us help our daughter succeed in school and succeed socially. For girls, it is very important for them to have "girlfriends". Its half the reason why they go to school--or at least from my experience it appears to have a huge impact on their desire to go to school. My husband and I have taken parenting courses and he's been an strong advocate especially when it comes to creating the right school and home environment for our children. It is so important to have a partner where the two of you see eye-to-eye on important matters.

This morning Hass (nickname to protect the innocent?)was clearly unfocused. I knew she would have challenges this morning. After turning on the timer -- if she beats the timer, she's rewarded--I went back to my room. I heard a strange noise, one clearly not part of the morning dressing routine. "What are you doing Hass?" Clipping the thorns off my roses. She had an excellent guitar performance Saturday prior to going to NY and her brother and Dad got her roses. "Get dressed," I said in no uncertain terms. "OK," but I knew she wasn't on track. When I came in the room she was on the floor doing I don't know what. She only had her socks on and still her nightgown. Of course, I laid down the law. She wasn't able to wear the "cute" outfit we had gotten together the night before. She got herself together and by Dad's reports, did well upon going downstairs to eat. She redeemed herself and was able to change and wear the outfit she wanted.

A day in the life of Hass is never dull.

Love you Girl!

Urgh, My Tummy!

My God sister, niece, God mom and I had dinner together last night. The food was okay, but most importantly, we had a great time. Today I'm sick. My stomach hurts and I feel very nauseous. Still it was all worth it. Shout out to Deb for taking Tee for me! I've been shying away from the news. I'm tired of hearing about the Democratic nomination practice. I don't have the stomach for it. I am happy that the Sixers have been doing there thing. Anyway, all of you folks home from college, congratulations on completing another year. And for Michael, congrats on your success at my undergrad Alma mater LU.

I have to say I was very proud of my daughter. She had her first guitar performance at Settlement yesterday. She did very well. Go Hass...

The Day After

Okay, so Barack didn't win Pennsylvania--on to Indiana then. I still think he'll secure the nomination. I do think they need to take a good look at their campaign and do some minor adjustments. I do wonder why the pundits harp on questioning his ability to win over blue-collar white voters, while they don't question Hillary's ability to win over African-American voters. Is it because the pundits take us for granted? They believe that if Hilary is the Nominee, we will automatically file suit. Will we?

The media has been really anti-Barack in the recent months. Hey, he will be truly tested by the time the General rolls around.

Check u on da next post!

Primary Election Day

My family and I went to the polls today. We think it's important to show our children the value and importance of voting. It was bit bittersweet, however. We had gotten news that the campaign didn't expect win. We were disheartened, but nonetheless, will dutifully watch the returns this evening.

I kinda feel like I'm in limbo--a limbo that will abruptly end around 8:30 pm this evening when the news outlets project a winner. I'm hoping that it is Senator Obama. Even if it isn't, for him to have come into this with a double digit deficit--and get really close, if not win--is a tremendous victory for Pennsylvania.

All of the hoopla around this primary was at first exciting, but the tactics I see folks resorting to to win are downright reprehensible. This election will probably be the subject of scores of political science classes around the country come next year. Heck, I would be interested in taking one.