Keeping Up with the World

With the passing of the Oscars last night, award season is now over. This year I was at the point where I only really knew the nominees in the children's categories (e.g. best children's album, best animated film). Thank goodness for the Daytime Emmy's--at least I have seen those shows at least once. Being a stay-home mom, especially in the Midwest where its supercold in the winer and hot in the summer, we spend a lot of time inside--not even talking to other people outside the immediate family. Some days I feel so out of touch, that I can't believe what's happened to me. But I have found some ways to combat this isolation and feel like other adults in the world.

--The Latest News
First, I keep up with the news. I try to watch the local news at least a couple times a week. I also check on the daily news online. Even if I only read the headlines, at least I know there is something happening. I check the national and local websites once a day.

I like msnbc.com and cnn.com (as well as chicagotribune.com).

--The Gift of Gossip
Secondly, I give myself the gift of celebrity gossip. I subscribe to People Magazine. Its a bit expensive, since it is published weekly but you could share the subscription with a girlfriend. Or I read Us Weekly at the gym. And I even check eonline.com once in awhile. In our American world right now, celebrity news is as almost as important as 'real' news, so if you are in the know you can relate to other adults--should you come in contact with any.
(at least the crossword in the back should keep your brain working!)

--See Adult Movies
We try to see 'adult' movies at least once a month. I don't mean porn--although there is nothing wrong with that, if you like. I mean movies made for people over 13 years old. Movies are expensive to go to--especially on a date with your honey (dinner, movie, popcorn, babysitter=$100 easy).
Here are some tips:
(1) go to a weekend matinee--some theaters reduce the price even more from 4-6pm. Sitters are easier to find since they don't have to devote their whole evening to babysitting.
(2) rent a DVD--there are only $3-4 which is half of one ticket at the theater. Pop some popcorn at home for another $1. Too tired at the end of the day? Pop it in your laptop and watch it in bed or watch half one day and half another.
(3) Pay-per-view. It can be the same price as renting and you don't have to return it.
(4) Rent from the library. Our library is getting movies faster than before and you can borrow them for a week for a small fee (ours is $1).
(5) If you really watch a lot of DVD's, try a service such as Netflix or Blockbuster Online. They mail them to your door. If you are really going to watch a lot, it is definately worth it economically. You could also share a membership with a friend.
Also, since you probably won't be able to see every movie out there. Make the experience worth it, glance at reviews (rottentomatoes.com is great, you can see how a movie rates without reading through all the reviews and ruining the surprise endings) or ask friends for reviews.

--Read a Book or Watch TV.

I also love to read. After being in grad school, I longed to read anything that wasn't a textbook or research article. So, I became a library junky. I find a series of books or a particular author and read as much as I can. Right now I am reading books by Sue Grafton (her alphabet series, A is for Alibi, B is for Burglar...). They are great with a super female lead. Check it out at www.suegrafton.com

(**Also, by seeing you read, your children will see the importance of reading for themselves!)

By the time we get all the kids to bed and clean up a bit, its late and we are tired. Sometimes, I am just too tired to read coherently. So, I try to watch one 'adult' television show each week. I make the time. Usually, I prefer CSI but if I miss the beginning, I opt for ER. Something about watching something without dance numbers makes me feel like an adult again.

--Eat like an Adult
It is so easy to find yourself munching on macaroni and cheese with a side of chicken nuggets. But once in awhile, you need to eat gourmet. Make a separate meal for you and your honey (if the kids are having chicken nuggets, make a big salad with spinach, greens, veggies, apples, cranberries, nuts. Then slice up the chickken nuggets and add it to your salad). We also like to keep some of our favorite restaurants kid-free, meaning we only go there alone. It becomes a special place that we can feel like adults and not parents for a hour or two. Eat slowly and stay late for dessert and coffee.

--Get Out of the House!!
Finally, get yourself out of the house (and not to the grocery store!). I find that to only places I go are the grocery store and the gym. Although, I use the gym as my retreat, I also need time to go something alone and not practical. You don't always have to multi-task. Go to the movies, have coffee with friends, go out and talk on the phone for an hour--without interruption, read in the park, shop for clothes for yourself, treat yourself to lunch, go for a walk. Do something without the kids or even your sweetie and try not to think about them--as hard as that is. You probably have a cell phone, so if they are truly in need of you, they can call.


It is so easy to fall into the seculsion of your house and role as a mother or father. But you have to remember that you are also a woman or man, wife or husband. Take the time to be that adult. It will allow you to be a better parent.
Happy person=Happy parent!!!