my laundry got done.
Today I introduced the concept of a limit to "screen time" in our house. We have had some informal lines drawn before and I have been talking around the issue, bringing it up more than once since Christmas, but today I made some demands. After 3 hours of tv, an hour of PS2 and another 1.5 hours of watching shows on my computer (while I started watching the football game), I told mac he needed to find something non tv and non video game to occupy himself. Thus started the pouting, with some stomping and crying thrown in. I didn't waver and mac chose to NOT play with any of his toys, or draw, or color, or read for over 2 hours. lunch was in there as were 2 trips to the laundry room with me. AFter the game I turned off the tv and I got about doing more of the work I need to do around the house (wash dishes, iron, put away stuff), he actively worked to annoy me and then pronounced, "I will just do what I want anyway" and took out the DS.
He has chosen his own punishment for tonight, which is taking a bath without me in there. And now there are official screen time rules: after chores are done morning and night he can distribute as he chooses: 1 hour of tv and 1 hour of video games per weekday, 3 hours of tv and 1 hour of video games on weekends (after max times are met he can ask for more to be handed out based on behavior).
The pouting continues.
So the Obamas have narrowed it down to a poodle or a Portuguese water dog.
Whenever I happen across that, being presented by the History Channel as if it's real science, my eyes start rolling like slots in a Vegas double jackpot machine.
It's really appalling. I've held out this long (45 minutes in) in case they argue against the point too. But I've calmed myself down with reading on the internet--both crackpots and sensible people.
Now they're suggesting there's a wormhole from the Bermuda Triangle to near Japan.
Pouting is pretty much the powerless child's only weapon. I say this as a very pouty child with a micromanaging mother--a far different experience than Mac has had in a world he's had *no* control over. But I can see where the pouting comes from. That you're giving him choices--albeit choices he doesn't like--is the best thing you can do to empower him.
Standard poodles are great dogs.
So the Obamas have narrowed it down to a poodle or a Portuguese water dog.
I read it was Labradoodle or Portuguese water dog.
Oooo, presidential puppy-cam.
I changed to the 14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards just in time to see Heath Ledger win the supporting actor award. If he wins the Golden Globe there will be weeping in this house.
So the Obamas have narrowed it down to a poodle or a Portuguese water dog.
My therapist had a Portuguese water dog. Nice dog, very even-tempered. (She brought him to the office to help out with the patients.)
I had a nice brunch with a friend after I convinced her that wasting two hours on a movie when I'm leaving town so soon would not be the best idea. I also convinced her to take a lot of my stuff as "donations" to the KC Rep. I'll get rid of the stuff and a tax deduction!
Unfortunately, I am feeling really crappy. After we loaded her up, I wanted to take a nap, but I sold my couch yesterday! So, I laid down on the floor and dozed for awhile. Moving is hard enough without a cold on top of it. *sigh*
Tomorrow, I take the car in to make sure it is highway travel-worthy. I normally avoid the interstate at all costs. Then I need to deal with the unemployment office.
Beverly - thank you for the comment. The pouting started progressing and he tried to trip me at one point, bad choice on his part as I had a bottle of water in my hand and as I got my balance I stood right over him (he was lying on the floor) and pour it on his tummy. It lightened the mood and we have had a fine night since.
