Welcome Back, Cupcakes. Or rather, welcome back to me. I have been 'on hiatus' for the past few months due to a whirlwind of activities that have occurred in my personal life - most of it, bad.
But I digress.
After having more than a few months to reflect on life as it is, I have a whole slew of things to write about - so here's hoping I will have a good, fresh start.
So the latest thing that has been wracking my brain has been this Lindsay Lohan lawsuit that is going on with e*trade. Unfamiliar? Check out this link:
http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/10/lindsay-lohan-etrade-markets-faces-lawsuit.html?boxes=marketschannelnews
I love how in the beginning of the article, it even says that the baby in the commercial bears no resemblance to Ms. Lohan but yet, because her name is Lindsay, it's GOTTA BE her. According to her lawyer, Lindsay has the same single-name recognition as 'Oprah' or 'Cher.'
Oh really? Does this mean that no one in media can even utter the name 'Lindsay' ever again for fear of getting sued because you must be referring to Lindsay Lohan?
It's all laughable really - is her career that much in the toilet (you betcha) that you have to sue over a talking baby named 'Lindsay?' What's worst is that she supposedly cried over it to her mother.
Reality check - I can honestly say that when I saw that commercial, I did not link the Lindsay baby with Lindsay Lohan. I was more focused on the 'milk-a-holic' part. And the fact that it was another e*trade commerical. And wondering where the other e*trade commercial was with all the little girls and 'Daniel' (that they showed on the 'Today' show).
What's even more baffling to me is this: Is Ms. Lohan's lawyer SERIOUS? Or do you think she's secretly rolling her eyes and laughing behind her client's back thinking 'This girl is delusional.'
I like to think the latter because no person in their right mind would think this is a plausible claim.
Get off your high-horse Lindsay - you're a failed actress and a failed fashion designer (let's not even go there, Ungaro) - not everything is about you.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Express...My Ass
Webster's Dictionary's definition of 'express' that suits this discussion: traveling at high speed.
This is what I understand 'express' to mean as well. Like 'Panda Express' - ghetto Chinese food lickety split.
So when you advertise a service as '...Express...,' I'm going to think that I can use this service and the transaction will occur quickly.
This brings me to the subject of this semi-rant: Chevy Chase Bank.
To do your banking at Chevy Chase (specifically the one near me), you have the following options:
1) Going in and speaking with a teller in person
2) Using the ATM
3) Using Teller Express
Up until now, I have been going in and using the in-person teller for my banking needs. That was because the previous Chevy Chase bank I used didn't have a drive-thru option. After seeing that this closer Chevy Chase had a service called 'Teller Express' where I just drive up and do my banking without ever having to leave my car, I knew this was the option for me...especially with two babies in the back seat.
I tried the Teller Express service two weeks ago...express, it was not. Not only was I waiting about 10 minutes behind two other cars trying to use Teller Express, when I finally got up to the bay to use the darn thing, I had to wait another five minutes for a teller to actually acknowledge the receipt of my stuff and help me. I became annoyed...I probably approached the bay annoyed at the long wait I had endured. When they acknowledge you in Teller Express, they have a two-way video screen that lets you see the teller helping you. But when they hang up the phone, it's just a screen with your face on it...or in my case, with my annoyed face on it. So I continue to scowl at myself.
After five minutes of submitting my paper work, I rang the 'Call' button. The teller got on the video screen and said, 'Ma'am, you're going to have to give me a minute.' I said, 'Fine.'
Three minutes after that, I rang the 'Call' button again and the teller, not so kindly, said, 'Ma'am there were other people in the bank ahead of you.'
'Oh okay - wha?!' Excuse me...I didn't know I was in a queue with the rest of the customers inside the bank. I didn't know we collectively formed one line.
I not-so-politely explained that I had two newborns in the car and used this service cause it was 'express.'
She said, 'I understand, Ma'am. I have kids of my own. Maybe next time you should try coming into the bank if you're in a rush.'
What?
WHAT?!
That just made no sense whatsoever. Did you not hear me when I said I had TWO newborns in the car? Do you not understand that I'm in Teller Express and expect to be waited on quickly and efficiently? (Seriously - I was only making a deposit)
Obviously Chevy Chase's definition and my definition of 'express' are not the same. So that we're clear, when I read 'Teller Express,' I was thinking that I could get faster service by driving up (there's only one Teller Express bay) rather than walking in...after all, it is 'express.' Am I wrong to assume this? Do I need to go back to school because I'm misinterpreting?
I made another visit to Chevy Chase today and used Teller Express to see if it was any better. It was not. And I got the same 'stupid' (for lack of a better word) teller I got last time. She tried to lecture me this time on how she needed to get a manager signature for me to make a deposit...blah blah blah. Funny, she didn't mention this last time. Excuses Excuses. I also think she recognized me and wanted little-to-no contact with me...which is fine by me.
I do offer up one suggestion to Chevy Chase - either re-evaulate what Teller Express means to you OR call it Teller Excuses because that's all I'm hearing when I use it.
Writer's Note: Chevy Chase is not and will never be my personal bank...the banking needs mentioned above were for a 'business transaction' and I did not choose Chevy Chase to be the bank of choice.
This is what I understand 'express' to mean as well. Like 'Panda Express' - ghetto Chinese food lickety split.
So when you advertise a service as '...Express...,' I'm going to think that I can use this service and the transaction will occur quickly.
This brings me to the subject of this semi-rant: Chevy Chase Bank.
To do your banking at Chevy Chase (specifically the one near me), you have the following options:
1) Going in and speaking with a teller in person
2) Using the ATM
3) Using Teller Express
Up until now, I have been going in and using the in-person teller for my banking needs. That was because the previous Chevy Chase bank I used didn't have a drive-thru option. After seeing that this closer Chevy Chase had a service called 'Teller Express' where I just drive up and do my banking without ever having to leave my car, I knew this was the option for me...especially with two babies in the back seat.
I tried the Teller Express service two weeks ago...express, it was not. Not only was I waiting about 10 minutes behind two other cars trying to use Teller Express, when I finally got up to the bay to use the darn thing, I had to wait another five minutes for a teller to actually acknowledge the receipt of my stuff and help me. I became annoyed...I probably approached the bay annoyed at the long wait I had endured. When they acknowledge you in Teller Express, they have a two-way video screen that lets you see the teller helping you. But when they hang up the phone, it's just a screen with your face on it...or in my case, with my annoyed face on it. So I continue to scowl at myself.
After five minutes of submitting my paper work, I rang the 'Call' button. The teller got on the video screen and said, 'Ma'am, you're going to have to give me a minute.' I said, 'Fine.'
Three minutes after that, I rang the 'Call' button again and the teller, not so kindly, said, 'Ma'am there were other people in the bank ahead of you.'
'Oh okay - wha?!' Excuse me...I didn't know I was in a queue with the rest of the customers inside the bank. I didn't know we collectively formed one line.
I not-so-politely explained that I had two newborns in the car and used this service cause it was 'express.'
She said, 'I understand, Ma'am. I have kids of my own. Maybe next time you should try coming into the bank if you're in a rush.'
What?
WHAT?!
That just made no sense whatsoever. Did you not hear me when I said I had TWO newborns in the car? Do you not understand that I'm in Teller Express and expect to be waited on quickly and efficiently? (Seriously - I was only making a deposit)
Obviously Chevy Chase's definition and my definition of 'express' are not the same. So that we're clear, when I read 'Teller Express,' I was thinking that I could get faster service by driving up (there's only one Teller Express bay) rather than walking in...after all, it is 'express.' Am I wrong to assume this? Do I need to go back to school because I'm misinterpreting?
I made another visit to Chevy Chase today and used Teller Express to see if it was any better. It was not. And I got the same 'stupid' (for lack of a better word) teller I got last time. She tried to lecture me this time on how she needed to get a manager signature for me to make a deposit...blah blah blah. Funny, she didn't mention this last time. Excuses Excuses. I also think she recognized me and wanted little-to-no contact with me...which is fine by me.
I do offer up one suggestion to Chevy Chase - either re-evaulate what Teller Express means to you OR call it Teller Excuses because that's all I'm hearing when I use it.
Writer's Note: Chevy Chase is not and will never be my personal bank...the banking needs mentioned above were for a 'business transaction' and I did not choose Chevy Chase to be the bank of choice.
Breastfeeding Drop-Out
Hi Everyone...my name is Jennifer and I am a breastfeeding drop out. It's one of those things in my recent memory in which I still hold some guilt. I feel like I need to write about it in order to let the guilt go so here it goes.
While I was pregnant, I was not accosted by La Leche League members about breastfeeding. I had heard about all the benefits of breastfeeding and I'll admit that I went into it with some apprehension due to the fact that I was having twins and the thoughts of breastfeeding, prior to becoming pregnant, were never very 'attractive' to me. But honestly, after I became pregnant and as I was nearing the due date, I was actually looking forward to trying breastfeeding to see if I could provide these benefits to my little ones. So to say I went into it with a negative attitude would be untruthful....I'd like to say that I went into it with a semi-opened mind.
Fast forward to delivery day - right there in the operating room, while my tummy will still opened for all to see - they actually tried to latch the babies onto my breasts right there....WHOA WHOA WHOA. My arms were strapped down to the table, I was paralyzed from the chest down (thanks to the epidural) and here are the nurses, showing me my babies for the first time and then yanking back the covers of my chest and saying 'Hey, let's see if they'll latch.' It was like a science experiment that I didn't want to participate in. I don't recall allowing them to 'test the faucets' in this manner...is this normal? I mean, I'm a pretty modest person so for all these people to just whip out my boobs to try and get the boys to suck? I felt a bit violated, to say the least. (BTW - the science experiment didn't work)
The boys and I went on a break - they slept for pretty much the first day and I was recuperating from the c-section. On Day 2, the real work began...latching day. The breastfeeding coach that was assigned to me was very helpful. At first I didn't think I was going to like her because she didn't exactly come off as a people person. I admit that when she first arrived and was asking me what I wanted to get out of motherhood, I went on the defensive...I didn't know if she was part of La Leche League....so I wanted to respond to her with answers that she would approve of (what do you think is best for me? what would you like me to do?). I think she sensed my defensiveness because she came out and said, 'I'm not a breastfeeding nazi. I just want to understand what you want to do.'
That made me feel better. So I told her I wanted to try it but I was very afraid that I wouldn't be able to produce enough milk for both boys. She told me not to worry about that and to begin supplementing with formula and we did.
We were rock stars! The boys latched on very quickly and I didn't mind the breastfeeding at all. By the time we left the hospital, the breastfeeding coach was so impressed with how fast we learned everything. I felt confident that I was going to be able to breastfeed both boys (not at the same time...never at the same time). That confidence went away about two days after getting home.
I had help- I had my parents and my husband home with me the first two weeks. So breastfeeding wasn't too bad those first couple of weeks...we had some issues latching and positioning but it eventually worked itself out. We continued to supplement with formula and the boys were growing and gaining weight. After my parents left and my husband went back to work, that's when things started going downhill. I was now alone...alone with the boys. Me versus them. After trying, unsuccessfully, to breastfeed and supplement on my own, I decided that I would give them formula during the day and breastfeed through the night - but pump during the day so my husband could help with feeding overnight. After about a week of that, I couldn't do it anymore - I wasn't getting the time to pump during the day - I started to feel guilty because I started thinking about 'turning off the faucets.'
After discussing with a couple of other Moms (of singletons and twins), I realized that I didn't have to feel guilty. One mother put it this way - 'I found out that I was a better mother when I stopped breastfeeding.' I felt like she was reading my mind! I was so stressed out - I was so upset and sleep deprived....and I realized that I, too, would be a better mother if I stopped breastfeeding. The other thing was this - in the first couple of weeks of life, I was breastfeeding and supplementing with formula. Somewhere around week 3, it reversed and became formula feeding with breast milk supplements. That didn't make sense to me.
At one month, I turned off the faucets for good - and how long did it take to dry up? A day...seriously. And honestly, I feel like I've become a better mother. I was no longer stressed about feeding the boys, I could actually take naps to catch up on some much needed sleep, and I felt somewhat sane again.
Kudos to all the moms out there that breastfeed for months and months - at least I can say that I did it for a month but there's still some underlying guilt of whether or not I could have gone longer. What-if's. Oh well - what's done is done and my boys are growing healthier and stronger every day - they're above average in all their measurements and ahead of the game developmentally (according to the doctor) so that makes living with the guilt a little easier.
Thanks for letting me share my story. And much to my surprise, I haven't been ridiculed, stoned or judged (at least not to my face) for my decision. It was what was best for me and my family....besides, one of the doctors in my pediatric office put it best when a new mom asked him his take on breastfeeding - yaye or naye. His response: 'Harvard, Yale and Princeton didn't seem to have a problem with my formula-fed kids.'
While I was pregnant, I was not accosted by La Leche League members about breastfeeding. I had heard about all the benefits of breastfeeding and I'll admit that I went into it with some apprehension due to the fact that I was having twins and the thoughts of breastfeeding, prior to becoming pregnant, were never very 'attractive' to me. But honestly, after I became pregnant and as I was nearing the due date, I was actually looking forward to trying breastfeeding to see if I could provide these benefits to my little ones. So to say I went into it with a negative attitude would be untruthful....I'd like to say that I went into it with a semi-opened mind.
Fast forward to delivery day - right there in the operating room, while my tummy will still opened for all to see - they actually tried to latch the babies onto my breasts right there....WHOA WHOA WHOA. My arms were strapped down to the table, I was paralyzed from the chest down (thanks to the epidural) and here are the nurses, showing me my babies for the first time and then yanking back the covers of my chest and saying 'Hey, let's see if they'll latch.' It was like a science experiment that I didn't want to participate in. I don't recall allowing them to 'test the faucets' in this manner...is this normal? I mean, I'm a pretty modest person so for all these people to just whip out my boobs to try and get the boys to suck? I felt a bit violated, to say the least. (BTW - the science experiment didn't work)
The boys and I went on a break - they slept for pretty much the first day and I was recuperating from the c-section. On Day 2, the real work began...latching day. The breastfeeding coach that was assigned to me was very helpful. At first I didn't think I was going to like her because she didn't exactly come off as a people person. I admit that when she first arrived and was asking me what I wanted to get out of motherhood, I went on the defensive...I didn't know if she was part of La Leche League....so I wanted to respond to her with answers that she would approve of (what do you think is best for me? what would you like me to do?). I think she sensed my defensiveness because she came out and said, 'I'm not a breastfeeding nazi. I just want to understand what you want to do.'
That made me feel better. So I told her I wanted to try it but I was very afraid that I wouldn't be able to produce enough milk for both boys. She told me not to worry about that and to begin supplementing with formula and we did.
We were rock stars! The boys latched on very quickly and I didn't mind the breastfeeding at all. By the time we left the hospital, the breastfeeding coach was so impressed with how fast we learned everything. I felt confident that I was going to be able to breastfeed both boys (not at the same time...never at the same time). That confidence went away about two days after getting home.
I had help- I had my parents and my husband home with me the first two weeks. So breastfeeding wasn't too bad those first couple of weeks...we had some issues latching and positioning but it eventually worked itself out. We continued to supplement with formula and the boys were growing and gaining weight. After my parents left and my husband went back to work, that's when things started going downhill. I was now alone...alone with the boys. Me versus them. After trying, unsuccessfully, to breastfeed and supplement on my own, I decided that I would give them formula during the day and breastfeed through the night - but pump during the day so my husband could help with feeding overnight. After about a week of that, I couldn't do it anymore - I wasn't getting the time to pump during the day - I started to feel guilty because I started thinking about 'turning off the faucets.'
After discussing with a couple of other Moms (of singletons and twins), I realized that I didn't have to feel guilty. One mother put it this way - 'I found out that I was a better mother when I stopped breastfeeding.' I felt like she was reading my mind! I was so stressed out - I was so upset and sleep deprived....and I realized that I, too, would be a better mother if I stopped breastfeeding. The other thing was this - in the first couple of weeks of life, I was breastfeeding and supplementing with formula. Somewhere around week 3, it reversed and became formula feeding with breast milk supplements. That didn't make sense to me.
At one month, I turned off the faucets for good - and how long did it take to dry up? A day...seriously. And honestly, I feel like I've become a better mother. I was no longer stressed about feeding the boys, I could actually take naps to catch up on some much needed sleep, and I felt somewhat sane again.
Kudos to all the moms out there that breastfeed for months and months - at least I can say that I did it for a month but there's still some underlying guilt of whether or not I could have gone longer. What-if's. Oh well - what's done is done and my boys are growing healthier and stronger every day - they're above average in all their measurements and ahead of the game developmentally (according to the doctor) so that makes living with the guilt a little easier.
Thanks for letting me share my story. And much to my surprise, I haven't been ridiculed, stoned or judged (at least not to my face) for my decision. It was what was best for me and my family....besides, one of the doctors in my pediatric office put it best when a new mom asked him his take on breastfeeding - yaye or naye. His response: 'Harvard, Yale and Princeton didn't seem to have a problem with my formula-fed kids.'
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Childhood: Take Two!
Who knew that having kids would be like reliving your childhood. I always thought that having kids meant 'growing up' and being the authority and helping to guide and shape your child's life. Perhaps that is true but these first few years are like having a second childhood! Maybe not all of it but definitely a lot of it.
When I go to Target or am out shopping, I'm looking for toys and stuff that not only my boys will like but that I might like too...I'm always trying to find things that will stimulate their minds but be fun at the same time. I worry that I'm not doing enough to help their early development...should they really be licking and gnawing on their stuffed animals? That just seems gross to me (hello, cotton mouth!) but sometimes I have to remind myself to just let it go. There will probably be a lot more worst things heading into their mouths in the months and years to come.
These are all the 'grown up' things that run through my mind when it concerns my kids but the other part of raising my children has involved watching cartoons, playing their games and purchasing fun outfits for them. The boys watch a lot of Noggin during the day - they're starting to understand what's going on and even chuckle along sometimes. Among the shows they watch - 'Ni Hao Kai-Lan,' 'Max & Ruby,' 'Wow Wow Wubbzy' - okay - those are my favorites among the shows that they watch. I actually get excited when those shows come on. When I'm in my room, late at night, getting ready to hit the sack, I actually turn to Noggin to see what's on...part of me thinks this is force of habit...the other part is just enjoyment. I don't watch it, because it's usually just a repeat of what was on earlier.
My husband remarked the other night that he couldn't wait for the boys to get bigger and come into our room on a Saturday morning and watch Saturday morning cartoons with us in bed - too bad Saturday morning cartoons are just not what they use to be. And when we were playing with the boys while Ni Hao Kai-Lan was on the TV once, I said, 'Oh, I don't think I've seen this one.' He responded with a summary of the episode including the moral of the story and the song that they sing at the end. I couldn't help but look at him all funny and chuckle. You'd think he was telling you about an episode of Law & Order! But you know it's pretty sad when my husband and I are sitting in front of the TV, each holding a sleeping child, with Max & Ruby still on in the background....boy, I haven't watched Access Hollywood in MONTHS!
When I go to Target or am out shopping, I'm looking for toys and stuff that not only my boys will like but that I might like too...I'm always trying to find things that will stimulate their minds but be fun at the same time. I worry that I'm not doing enough to help their early development...should they really be licking and gnawing on their stuffed animals? That just seems gross to me (hello, cotton mouth!) but sometimes I have to remind myself to just let it go. There will probably be a lot more worst things heading into their mouths in the months and years to come.
These are all the 'grown up' things that run through my mind when it concerns my kids but the other part of raising my children has involved watching cartoons, playing their games and purchasing fun outfits for them. The boys watch a lot of Noggin during the day - they're starting to understand what's going on and even chuckle along sometimes. Among the shows they watch - 'Ni Hao Kai-Lan,' 'Max & Ruby,' 'Wow Wow Wubbzy' - okay - those are my favorites among the shows that they watch. I actually get excited when those shows come on. When I'm in my room, late at night, getting ready to hit the sack, I actually turn to Noggin to see what's on...part of me thinks this is force of habit...the other part is just enjoyment. I don't watch it, because it's usually just a repeat of what was on earlier.
My husband remarked the other night that he couldn't wait for the boys to get bigger and come into our room on a Saturday morning and watch Saturday morning cartoons with us in bed - too bad Saturday morning cartoons are just not what they use to be. And when we were playing with the boys while Ni Hao Kai-Lan was on the TV once, I said, 'Oh, I don't think I've seen this one.' He responded with a summary of the episode including the moral of the story and the song that they sing at the end. I couldn't help but look at him all funny and chuckle. You'd think he was telling you about an episode of Law & Order! But you know it's pretty sad when my husband and I are sitting in front of the TV, each holding a sleeping child, with Max & Ruby still on in the background....boy, I haven't watched Access Hollywood in MONTHS!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Reality Check: New Mommies
I think anyone that adopts a child deserves a gold star - my husband and I had thought about adopting before we had the twins but we really wanted to try and have kids of our own first before looking into adoption...but I was really happy that my husband was willing to even go the adoption route as there are many people out there that don't like the thought of adopting, especially overseas.
My Mom got to experience, a little bit, of what an overseas adoption was like on a trip to China...she happened to be staying at a hotel where a bunch of newly minted parents were staying with their newly adopted baby girls. She said that they all gathered in the lobby and were just filled with so much excitement and love because they've been given this gift to look after. I imagine that coming home with that new baby would be very much the same as if they had had that child naturally on their own....CHAOS!
Coming home with a new child, for any type of parent (natural and adoptive) is a whirlwind trip...first time parents, especially, are always filled with questions and precautions. Getting your child use to their new environment and surroundings. Trying to bring some order back into your life with a new baby. Trafficking guests that come through to coo at your brand new bundle - it's all overwhelming.
So I'm wondering, how is it that a celebrity, who recently adopted a baby a few short weeks ago has been able to have a celebratory dinner with her husband and her mom, sans new baby, after only a few short weeks of acquiring said baby? My boys are 17 weeks old and my husband and I haven't been able to go out to dinner on our own YET! I'm sure we could have if we wanted to, by now, but we actually like being with our boys - we like that they know who we are and give us big smiles when we get home from work. We've taken them out to dinner with us but we also like to be home for their last feeding before they go to bed.
Reality check lady - it's nice that you have all this money and can probably afford a nanny, no problem...but I know that when I became a new mommy, all I wanted to do is be with my kids. When I read and saw that this celebrity adopted a child, it made me think 'what a kind and decent human.' But a week later, when I read that she's out with her family (sans baby) having a celebratory dinner, it makes me think, 'Must be nice to not be hands on.'
For the record, we have a live-in nanny and even I don't take advantage of that by going out to dinner with my husband whenever....we are, however, going to have an early dinner, without our kids, for our anniversary this Sunday but I'm still going to make sure that I make it home for their last bottle before they go to bed.
My Mom got to experience, a little bit, of what an overseas adoption was like on a trip to China...she happened to be staying at a hotel where a bunch of newly minted parents were staying with their newly adopted baby girls. She said that they all gathered in the lobby and were just filled with so much excitement and love because they've been given this gift to look after. I imagine that coming home with that new baby would be very much the same as if they had had that child naturally on their own....CHAOS!
Coming home with a new child, for any type of parent (natural and adoptive) is a whirlwind trip...first time parents, especially, are always filled with questions and precautions. Getting your child use to their new environment and surroundings. Trying to bring some order back into your life with a new baby. Trafficking guests that come through to coo at your brand new bundle - it's all overwhelming.
So I'm wondering, how is it that a celebrity, who recently adopted a baby a few short weeks ago has been able to have a celebratory dinner with her husband and her mom, sans new baby, after only a few short weeks of acquiring said baby? My boys are 17 weeks old and my husband and I haven't been able to go out to dinner on our own YET! I'm sure we could have if we wanted to, by now, but we actually like being with our boys - we like that they know who we are and give us big smiles when we get home from work. We've taken them out to dinner with us but we also like to be home for their last feeding before they go to bed.
Reality check lady - it's nice that you have all this money and can probably afford a nanny, no problem...but I know that when I became a new mommy, all I wanted to do is be with my kids. When I read and saw that this celebrity adopted a child, it made me think 'what a kind and decent human.' But a week later, when I read that she's out with her family (sans baby) having a celebratory dinner, it makes me think, 'Must be nice to not be hands on.'
For the record, we have a live-in nanny and even I don't take advantage of that by going out to dinner with my husband whenever....we are, however, going to have an early dinner, without our kids, for our anniversary this Sunday but I'm still going to make sure that I make it home for their last bottle before they go to bed.
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