Surprise Giveaway! Stroller Strides Classes for Raleigh Moms!

Calling all Raleigh Moms! I have something really exciting to share! A couple weeks ago I went to the inaugural class for the new Midtown Raleigh Chapter of Stroller Strides. This is a national company that helps moms get back into shape and spend time with their babies! A win win for new moms on the go.

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Dig Dig Dig

I am super excited about Garden 3.0, let me tell you! We were gifted some lettuce by our neighbor and I planted it last week. I wasn't really sure what to do with it because it needs partial shade and for the most part, we just moved our boxes to full on sun. That is, we thought we had until last evening. I noticed that the back half of the far box was shaded in the late afternoon, so I moved the lettuce there.

Today I went to the Farmer's Market to pick up the transplants for this year. While I think it's awesome to start from seed and probably more fulfilling, I know my limits! So to market I went. It was such a beautiful day! I could really get lost at the farmer's market. Sigh. There were so many choices, but I kept to my decision of sticking with what I know and what we will eat. Here is the 2010 Garden:

• Better Boy Tomatoes
• Slicing Cucumbers
• Golden Sweet Peppers
• Yellow Squash
• Bib Lettuce
• Red Lettuce
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Cilantro

I also decided to pot the herbs instead of putting them in the box with the big kids. I've never had a problem with any plants getting choked out, but they are so pretty, I wanted them to stand out a bit. And having them on the back porch makes them even more accessible.

I am so ready to eat these veggies! Grow babies grow :-)

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The Squeaky Wheel gets the Grease...

Ahh politics. I have missed you. In the past few weeks as I have been following the Wake County School Board drama, I was reminded of how getting involved makes me feel. I realize that everything isn't about me, but things DO affect me. And I have thoughts. And opinions. I used to be very outspoken about my opinions. Probably obnoxious (ask my roommates from during the 2000 Presidential Election debacle and they will tell you it was Chris Matthews all day all the time for me!) but at least I was dedicated. This week I wrote my first ever Letter to the Editor. And it was published at the very top of the Editorial page of the Sunday paper! I don't know why I got so excited about it. But I felt heard. SOMEONE listened. And then I realized, that I finally got squeaky. And it's been a long time since I made any noise.

My degree is in Political Science (International Affairs) and I chose it because I am genuinely interested in the world around me. I think I "get" certain things about the political landscape that are somewhat shocking to a lot of people (like political game play and how e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. does it. period.) And if I am honest, the game play is part of the appeal. Which is also shocking to some, especially when we are talking about people's livelihood. But it's an important piece of the puzzle because once you get that, you can move on and just work with the system to bring change. And as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day.

When I decided not to move away 5 years ago, or pursue a career on the International stage, I think I threw the baby out with the bathwater. I stopped following politics (international and otherwise) so closely and kept my opinions to myself. But as with everything else in my life after having a baby, I feel those clipped wings starting to grow again. Only this time, I am finally free to get involved locally. I have roots and weight behind my voice. I can't explain why really, as I am pretty sure my voice always mattered. But for some reason I am no longer ashamed to have an opinion.

I do prefer diplomacy to debate and that has always been true. If I sense you are a die hard (blue state or red) I am going to try and pull you to the middle. That's just what I do. But I'm not gonna lie. I am excited to get back on this bike and I hope I can do some good in my community. As a result, you might see my opinions pop up more around here as I decide what they are. And if you agree or disagree, I would love to hear about it.

No, really.

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This is an Opinion Post.

I'm going to share my opinion today. Something I don't often do but today I'm going there. I'm going there because I am tired of being marginalized. And I am SICK and tired of being boxed in and grouped in with stereotypical caricatures. I think that any number of people on any given day feels the way I feel, depending on the issue. But today is my day. And in the interest of full-disclosure, I am white. I am female. I am not by American standards wealthy, but I am in the wealthiest 10% of people in the world.

You may or may not know about a local decision that was made in our county. The Wake County School Board has recently decided to end diversity-based busing in favor of community schools. I am neither for OR against this decision. But if I had to lean, I would lean toward FOR. I am telling you this because I am really, SO sick and tired of being marginalized as a Segregationist or an Elitist as many are calling those who support this decision.

If you are against this decision, and that is what you REALLY believe about the opposing opinion, then I can't see how anyone will ever bring change to the table. The Wake County School System as it stands needs serious help. It NEEDS CHANGE. Now, perhaps this isn't the best way, but I think the fact that things are happening is a step in the right direction.

Right now, my home is in a low-income neighborhood. We chose this neighborhood because it was affordable and diverse. The school we are zoned for however, is in an affluent neighborhood and only about 15 minutes away. The school right around the corner is one of the lowest rated in Wake County. So you might ask, WHY then am I for the end to busing?  And I would answer, because this is my community. I want to love it. I live here and if there is a part that is hurting, I want to help fix it. Not shrug my shoulders and send my child to a school in a better neighborhood.

Many children would not be zoned for a school 15 minutes away but an hour or more. That is NOT acceptable! Children that are riding a bus for several hours each day are NOT reaping the benefits of a better education. They likely will not be able to participate in extra-curricular activities because of the bus schedules, will have LESS time to do homework and will be getting up earlier potentially getting less sleep than if they were able to attend a community school. The fact that they would be in a school with many different color faces and different sized pocketbooks does not seem like a good enough trade off to me.

I concede that putting an end to busing is not the end all-be all solution to the problem. But it does not a racist make. As concerned parents, we need to let our actions be the guide to what we want for our children. Are we better people by living in gated communities and opening the doors of our schools to the less fortunate while still enjoying our affluence? Or maybe, just maybe, could we disperse into the communities of need and get involved? Could we meet people and love our neighbors instead of shipping them off to be someone else's problem? If my son ends up in our neighborhood school when all is said and done, I want to love that school. Get involved and do my part. It is after all, my responsibility as his mother. If there are communities that need more help, then by all means LET US HELP THEM. To redirect the problem does not solve the brokenness. That requires personal, hands on involvement. And if you ask me, THAT is the conversation we should be having.

***image via flickr commons

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A Visit With Ms. Betty

Yesterday, Oscar and I walked across the street to visit with our neighbor, Ms. Betty. It was cold and rainy and I almost chickened out. But, thanks to the accountability of the internet and yesterday's post, we soldiered on!

Ms. Betty came to the door and immediately invited us in. Her home was much like my grandparents used to be, a little too warm, full of a lifetime of collectibles, and game show blaring on a too loud tv. It was wonderful. Oscar immediately started groping for every breakable thing within his reach. And let me tell you, it was a porcelain wonderland! Needless to say, he was restrained to my lap for most of our visit.

We came armed with a box of thin mints and Ms. Betty told us all about how her family had just been to visit for her birthday. Her church even threw her a birthday party and over seventy people came! Can you imagine the love she must have felt!? So amazing. Ms. Betty has been in her home since it was built, over 40 years ago. She still takes her own trash to the street and works in her garden in the spring. She lost her husband some years back so, she says, she doesn't do as much as she used to. But I think she is amazing. Every Sunday I see her in her robe picking up her paper, and taking her neighbor's paper to their porch so it doesn't get stolen. I'm so glad we got to spend some time together.

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Community

Growing up, mine was always the house where people congregated. It seemed like there was always an extra person or five in our living room and we loved it that way. There was always a sense of family and safety in our living room. Now that we have a living room of our own,  I really want our door to be open to our friends and our community.

We hosted community group last night and it was great. We've been discussing what it means to love our city and as we were sitting there staring at each other I started to really long for that true community again. We have good friends, don't get me wrong. But there is definitely something lacking in our willingness to be intentional with people, friends and neighbors alike.

This is something Jerry and I have been discussing for a while now as we really dig our roots in to this city and this home as a family. We are in it for the long haul and we want to be that house. That safe house where people know we will welcome them in, whether it be for help, conversation, or just a glass of water. Especially now that we have Oscar, we want to teach him what it means to love your neighbor. And there's no better way than to actually do it.

We are really fortunate to have a home and a life where we can make these choices. It's time to be intentional. To be local. To engage and be the community. Not just look on from my front window. For me, it starts with a visit to Miss Betty, the elderly woman who lives across the street. When Oscar wakes up from his nap, we'll go see her and hopefully have a visit. If she isn't home, we'll try again.

We are neighbors after all.

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Pajama Pals!

Jerry and I are participating in the Give a Day: Get a Day program through Disney for our upcoming Florida vacation. Through this program, we agree to volunteer with a local organization in whatever capacity needed.

Well, we were accepted by Pajama Pals and I am so excited! Over the next couple weeks, we will be doing a Pajama and Book drive to collect PJs and books for children in need! It's an awesome non-profit program to give these kids some basic essentials that we often take for granted. And another really great thing about this program is that it will be helping out kids right here in North Carolina!

So, how can you help?

We will be collecting NEW Pajamas (with tags) and new or gently used children's books. Sizes range from infants to adult xxl. We would love to bless the socks off this organization and more importantly, these kids! Please let me know if you would like to donate and I will arrange a time to pick-up or send you our mailing address.

Thanks so much!

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The 3/50 Project

I came across this project while browsing the website of a local business here in Raleigh. The store is called Babiology and oooh boy is it fun! They sell new items as well as consignment AND cloth diapers!!! YAY! Found out about the store from my friend Regan and loved it immediately. Sidenote, this is completely relevant to the book I am currently reading called The Tipping Point, which is all about interconnectedness and social epidemics. Love.

So anyway, I found the 3/50 Project and I love it! See if you can spend $50 a month at a local business and how much it will help! Not suggesting an EXTRA $50. Just, if you need something, try and see if you can shop locally first. I know 'shop local' seems to be everyone's mantra these days, but this just makes it more tangible if you ask me. Certainly there are things I could get from a local vendor instead of oh I dunno, Target? Plus I love that hometown feel. So there! Go shopping!

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Hey Raleigh, What are you doing tonight?

 

Come out to The Pour House to see two great bands! The Whalewatchers will go on at 9:30pm, followed by Glorydive! Not only are they all great people, they are great bands! AND this Reunion show for Glorydive is NOT something you want to miss! See you there!

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The Raleigh Handmade Market Does it Again!

Twice a year I turn into a giddy little girl just chomping at the bit to get my hands on some seriously awesome goodies. I'm talking about a local craft fair called The Handmade Market. For several years, The HandMaidens have been hosting an amazing one day market with quality items for men, women, children, the home and this year, even the dogs!

I love going and shopping the locally produced wares for Christmas gifts, a special treat, or just walking around all googly-eyed at all the prettttty. I always want to spend more than I can but this year it was especially true! I managed to keep a handle on things but not without walking away with a few goodies! I got a beautiful bobby-pin for my hair with a clay leaf made by the talented Tasha McKelvey. I loved all of her jewelry and could have snatched up one of everything!


I snagged a delicious smelling Eucalyptus and Lavender bar of soap from Jackson Sage for Jerry. He might want to lock it up though because I might not be able to resist!



I also got a headband from Zass Design. This was my first introduction to Zass and I loved their style! Everything is made from recycled materials. They even make their gift bags from old magazines! So great. With my shorter hair, I am always on the lookout for interesting things to stick in there. And the best part is that their headbands aren't too tight! Double win!

Finally, I was able to help support my friend Paige of Paige Puckett Pottery! She has been in the Handmade Market as a Vendor before, but has been on hiatus for a little while. Let me be the first to say, welcome back Paige! We missed you and your amazing Pottery!


Seriously, it was a fabulous show and if you missed it, don't worry! You can find all of the vendors on the Handmade Market website! Be sure to bookmark it also, so you can be sure to clear your calendar for the spring show. And as always, thanks to The Handmaidens for providing us a chance to shop local and have an awesome time. You rock!

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