My blog has been acting up this morning, so I wasn't able to post when I got up. Instead, I jumped on the treadmill for a quick 3 mile run.
The post I originally had in my head was pretty negative. Thanks to running endorphins, I can't even remember what was making me so crabby.
So, what's fabulous in my life today? Running. And these…
1. As I mentioned earlier this week, I'm kind of done with summer. Despite my mental state, I'm trying to salvage the last few days and come up with ways to put us all in a better mood. I happened upon TeachMama's blog yesterday where she talks about having the kids make happy notes and distribute them around the neighborhood. What a cool idea! And here I was impressed with myself because I took the kids to the pool…
2. Speaking of swimming, both boys have come a really long way this year. Shoo is absolutely unafraid of water (scary for mommy!) and Jones has actually managed to do the crawl stroke and breathe at the same time. Something tells me that next summer I'm going to have to get a pool membership. Regular visits to the pool strike fear in the heart of this mommy with pale skin and freckles and a hatred of putting her face in the water. Guess I should invest now in the head to toe UPF swimsuit. ;o)
3. Today is the Open House at Jones' school. He's very excited about his teacher, as am I. I'm not very excited about the homework this year. Everyone tells me that 3rd grade is a huge jump as far as academic requirements and homework. Gah! Hit me with your best advice for getting a high energy boy to actually sit down and do his homework. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need it!
Huh? Really?
Well, not exactly. I was google surfing (what can I say, I'm a research librarian, searching the web makes me happy…) and happened upon "Green Thing". I really enjoyed reading their blog. One thing in particular jumped out at me: They designated the third week in August as "World Tap Water Week". Love it! (And yes, as usual, I'm behind the times. It's the story of my life…)
They spent an entire week reminding us that tap water is safe (some studies suggest safer than bottled water), cheap, and (for those of us in developed countries) accessible. And they did it in an amusing way, with hilarious pictures of ads and links to cool reusable bottle options.
So, happy belated World Tap Water Week! Go get yourself a nice glass of water from the faucet to celebrate.
I find summer to be the most challenging time of year. I don't like being hot. Hmm, that may be an understatement. I hate being hot. Yeah, that's more accurate.
We've had a really hot summer this year and the heat just doesn't want to quit. All I want to do is sit in an overly air conditioned space and not move.
Unfortunately, I have two kids. Two very active boys. Two very active boys who really need to be back in school. Two boys who, despite being excited about school, are throwing tantrums left and right because they are nervous about starting school again.
I'm running on empty. I have nothing left to give. I'm out of creativity, I'm out of patience, I'm just plain exhausted. I experience this at the end of every summer, so I know I'll survive it, as will the kids. Sadly, that doesn't make the days go faster nor does it help me find the energy to find fun things to do. (I swear, sometimes I think I suffer from reverse SAD.)
Four more days of summer. I can survive four days, right?
Earlier this month on Moms' Help Desk, I researched whether it was better to dispose of food waste by composting, putting it down the drain, or putting it in the trash. Hands down, the answer was to compost what you can, but not everyone has the space to do so.
Well, recently, a reader informed me of a new option that is starting in DC in September.
Compost Cab!! If you live in the area that is covered, starting after Labor Day, they will provide bins for food waste, pick it up once a week, compost it for you, and return some wonderful composted soil back to you later (if you want it). If you don't want the soil, you can donate it to a local, not-for-profit urban farmer.
Sounds like a neat idea to me. (Disclaimer: I am not in any way associated with Compost Cab, nor is it available in my area for me to try out. I just like the concept.)
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The National Geographic Museum is a small museum with frequently changing exhibits that is located an easy walk from both Farrugut North and Farragut West. We've been there as a family for a frog exhibit and more recently for Jones' school field trip to the Terra Cotta Warriors. A random comment by Stimey on twitter alerted me to a demonstration of the Lifestraw, so we decided this was a good time to head there again.
The Lifestraw is part of the exhibit Design for the Other 90%. This exhibit focuses on ways to bring food, water, shelter, energy, education, healthcare, and affordable transportation to the approximately 90% of the world's population who do not have easy access to those things.
The Lifestraw demonstration was pretty neat. A mixture of dirty water, food coloring, and tap water was put into the reservoir to go through the filter.
The water was then passed through the filter and into a cup. According to the website, "it has proven to be effective against waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea, and removes particles as small as fifteen microns."
I found it interesting that (according to the presenter) it removes 99% of the dirt and germs, yet a fair amount of food coloring remained. It was an extremely slow process, which reminded me of how lucky we are. All we have to do to get safe drinking water is turn on the tap. Not only is our tap water safe, it's relatively cheap, and filling a glass takes mere seconds.
The other exhibit taking place at the National Geographic Museum right now is Da Vinci-The Genius. This exhibit featured reproductions of many of his inventions, as well as a "Please touch" room that allowed the boys to try a few things out. There was an eight sided mirrored room that according to Da Vinci, if a person were to stand in such a room, he would "be able to see every part (of himself) endless times." The boys thought this room was pretty darn cool.
(Note the mouse measuring tape in Jones' hand? Stimey gave the boys each one and I think they may have liked them even more than the museum.)
All in all, it was a fun visit and the National Geographic Museum did not disappoint.
Because these guys are what's fabulous in my life right now.
Thanks DialMforMinky for reminding me to find the fabulousness in life.
Welcome to anyone who's stopping by from the Green Friday Follow. Leave a comment and I'll hop on by.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival begins in just a few days. Every year, we talk about going, but between races, soccer, and birthdays, we never seem to make it there. So, I asked a running buddy and local mom, MissZippy, to write a review of the event for you all. She was kind enough to oblige! And we WILL attend this year. Maybe.
So, without further ado, here's MissZippy:
Step Back in Time
Summer is almost over, the kids are getting back to school, but arguably, the DC metro area’s best weather happens as we transition into fall. How to enjoy it as a family? One option is to take a step back in time at the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, Md.
Held every year from late August through late October, the Faire has something for all ages. My family makes an annual trip down Rte. 97 to take it all in.
As you pass through the “castle” gates into the Faire, you’re instantly surrounded by period costumed people of all ages and sizes. And it’s not just the staff—plenty of Faire goers get into the spirit as well and don King Henry-esque clothing. Those who do work there are fully into their roles, speaking in Elizabethan English.
The Faire is spread out over 25 wooded acres, so pick up a map at the gates to get a lay of the land. It will also provide you with a schedule so that you can make sure you catch the acts that pique your interest. You’ll find strolling entertainment, stages that feature anything from bawdy skits to magic shows, and my kids’ favorite—the jousting arena.
There’s also a nice play area for kids that features a playground, a climbing wall, and a giant slide. Both my kids and my big kid husband hit the slide multiple times each year.
If you’re hungry, the Faire has you covered also. We always laugh about the variety of food on a stick to be found here. You’ll find ice cream, cheese, bananas and just about anything you can imagine on a stick. There are also giant turkey legs to carry around and nosh on ala old times. For adults, a beer garden offers lots of tasty beverage options too.
And no fair would be complete without vendors, but the Renaissance Faire sets its shops up in old-fashioned storefronts that make browsing (and buying) entertaining and relaxing. My kids seem to always leave with a new wooden sword or fairy wand—lots of pottery, woodworking, and other crafts abound too.
The Faire opens the weekend of August 28 and runs every weekend through October 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost of admission is $18 for adults and $8 for kids 7 to 15. If you’re planning to take the family, check out the opening weekend, when kids are admitted free.
More details can be found at the Maryland Renaissance Festival site. Huzzah!
(Review provided by MissZippy. Photos provided courtesy of Maryland Renaissance Festival Advertising.)
Why, yes, I was a child of the 70s. Why do you ask?
Today, the boys and I head back to Virginia. I've missed Beer Geek and my house and my friends. I'm ready to sleep in my own bed and cook in my own kitchen, but we've had an awesome time here.
We spent the last two weeks:
This may have been the best Camp Grandma and Papa so far. Can't wait for next year!
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