Are you effing kidding me? Why does everyone think that? That is not true at all. I’ve spent almost 10 years coming up next year in the suburbs, went to a high school here and I’ve seen a lot of dumbass kids. They’re not BRIGHT. You want me to talk about those white kids that you’re talking about right now. In fact, many of them seem to be sheltered and are the product of bad parenting where their parents have no control of them. They have the freedom to do whatever they want. They just happen to have more resources to go into the advance classes and pass the SATs. I look at them as clowns. Those same kids that you talking about making fun of kids in baggy pants and acting ghetto, I was one of those ghetto acting kids, were busy acting like idiots, swallowing quarters and dimes, doing some stunts from the TV show Jackass, messing with all kinds of drugs, flunking classes, saying a bunch of dumbass comments in class but because mommy and daddy were active in the PTA and had money, they were able to go into the Advance Placement classes, able to get those Kaplan classes to prep for the SAT. So by the time they turn 18, they are in blank university not knowing how to behave and acting like idiots, thinking they’re smarter than these people over there when they were just as dumb or probably dumber than those kids they’re making fun of. I’ve seen it first hand straight up. So and so white kid’s mom who’s part of the PTA coming into the principal’s office to get their son off the hook when they have x amount of drugs in their locker to have while some other black kid gets caught with a little bag of weed gets expelled.

You know what the problem with this society is and your mentality. When white kids act a fool or go out committing crimes, they get all this sympathy.. boo hoo, they’re just being kids, they’re going through a teenage phase. When the black kids act a fool and commit crime, oh.. something’s wrong with that kid. Lock him up.

And then you wonder why you have people always crying out racism because of this *****. You can’t expect to think like this, tell everybody your thoughts and expect a positive response. Can you? I know plenty of white kids from the suburbs that are dropouts too. You guys need to change your mentality. Nobody’s going to take you seriously thinking like that especially those that actually when somebody has actually seen what you’re talking about first hand.
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how do you balance work and family?

I’m a college teacher, work from 7am to 5pm. And no, I won’t leave my job because I need to give my daughter food to eat and clothes to wear.
luvbnamom:

how dare you judge me and tell me what to do. You do not know me or my family or my situation. No other mother responded as unpleasantly as you did. I was only asking how other mothers do it, not for your judgement.
NB: I have NOT said I cannot handle baancing family life and work life. I was asking other people on here how they do it.
Sexy Mama…ignore the thumbs down

I know what it’s like to be a SAHM, up until my daughter was four I did not work as her father was very well off financially. Things happened and we split so I no longer had that full income. Anyways, I do love working and being able to teach my daughter anything she wants to know about biology!

I am home when she gets home from school and ballet (luckily) so I do not miss too much of her being around.

Whether you’re a SAHM or a working mother I’m sure we’re all amazing mothers anyway! We just do what suits us and our family best.

I’m hurt though, when people say I should put my family first. Believe me, if my 9 year old asked me to stop working I’d drop everything for her in a second flat. She is by whole life.
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Pediatricians continue to acknowledge that babies do not always need to start solid foods with bland and pasty infant cereals. Many suggest the goodness of avocado as a first food for baby. It is said that an avocado is so packed with nutrients that it is the only single food that a human could survive on if lost in the jungle!

Babies need carbohydrates, and fats as well as proteins for their growth during the crucial first year and avocados deliver these essential nutrients and many more! An avocado is smooth and creamy when mashed – a perfect food that will be more readily accepted as baby begins solids. A wonderful “good fat” food for baby’s brain and physical development, try an avocado as baby’s first food instead of refined cereals! Avocado may be offered as early as 4 – 6 months old! As you begin to introduce a wide variety of foods, you will find that mashing an avocado and mixing with applesauce, peaches or pears, bananas and even yogurt make a wonderful meal or snack.

Do you doubt the goodness of avocado? Have a look at the nutrients in one medium avocado:

VITAMINS: (one medium)

Vitamin A – 1230 IU

Vitamin C – 15.9 mg

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – .2 mg

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – .25 mg

Niacin – 3.9 mg

Folate – 124.6 mg

Pantothenic Acid – 1.95 mg

Vitamin B6 – .56 mg

Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

MINERALS: (one medium)

Potassium – 1204 mg

Phosphorus – 82.4 mg

Magnesium – 78.4 mg

Calcium – 22 mg

Sodium – 20 mg

Iron – 2 mg

Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc. USDA-NAL source

“Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain. “California Fresh Avocados

Avocados are high in fat and calories and we are often told to stay away from them due to this. A medium size avocado contains approximately 700 calories and up to 30 grams of fat – WOW! While avocados are indeed full of fat, infants should not be on a “low fat” diet so disregard any advice to not feed avocados because they are high in fats! If you have any doubts, as always we recommend you consult your pediatrician. The benefits of avocados far outweigh the “risks”. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats which are said to lower “bad” cholesterol and also aid in maintaining a healthy heart. Also high in fiber, avocados are great aids in reducing the risks of cancer and heart attack.

Just how does one select the perfect avocado for baby’s first solid food? When selecting an Avocado, you want a dark green color with bumpy texture. The fruit should be firm yet yielding when gently pushed. When an avocado is sliced in half, the flesh color should be a green that gently transforms into a buttery yellow around the pit. Avocados are served fresh from their peels! There is no need to cook avocados for baby or adult! Give an avocado a gentle roll around your counter to help separate the meat from the shell before you slice!

If you want to freeze avocados, I suggest peeling and piting then freezing avocados in slices. You may then take out a slice, mash it up and then serve at room temperature. You can also create a bath of:

1/2 cup water and * 2 squeezes-drips of lemon juice Bathing the slices in mixture will help to retard browning. **Don’t feed citrus or acidic fruits to a baby before 1 yr esp. if your baby gets rashy from other foods! Using a drip or 2 of lemon juice in a puree or to bathe several avocado slices is not the same as pureeing up a few orange slices and serving them!**

Enjoy some simple avocado baby food “recipes”:

Mashed Avocado

(4)6-8 months old

Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.

Banana-Cado
(4)6-8 months old

Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

Peel and mash 1 banana

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved.

Avocados and Bananas do not need to be cooked.

Guacamole for Baby
8 months (due to wheat germ & Cheerios)

1 ripe avocado

wheat germ or crushed cheerios (optional)

pinch of garlic powder, pepper & basil

Peel and pit a ripe avocado and cut “meat” out and mash with a fork. Mix avocado, wheat germ/cheerios and spice then blend.

Fold in plain whole milk yogurt until a texture good for your baby is achieved. Allow baby to dip toast, soft cooked veggies or even her own fingers in the guac. for a yummy meal accompaniment.

Avocado & Cream Cheese Delight
8months

Prepare avocado as shown above then blend with Cream Cheese until a semi-smooth mixture is formed.

Add wheat germ or crushed cheerios and shape into little balls or spread on toast or crackers or blend with cereals.

Avocado Fruit Salad

6-8 months

3 or 4 ripe avocados

3 or 4 ripe bananas

3 or 4 Pears (steamed)

A couple of dollops Yogurt (for 8 months +)

Peel, deseed and slice fruits as needed.

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved

Add a couple of dollops of Yogurt if desired

*Use diced fruits as a Baby Finger Food snack for older infants and toddlers – drizzle the Plain Yogurt over the fruits.

Here are a few great foods to mix with avocados for baby:

Bananas

Pears

Apples

Summer Squash – Zucchini, Yellow (Crooked Neck)

Chicken

Yogurt

Always consult your baby’s pediatrician prior to introducing solid foods. Generalities may not apply to your baby’s particular circumstances!
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Did you know that, according to Michael Sky, “the real challenge (in life) is to choose, hold, and operate through intelligent, uplifting, and fully empowering beliefs.” Well, I believe him. Recognizing and believing in your own abilities is the core of self-image, and self-esteem.

The greatest hindrance to recognizing and developing your natural tendencies into talents and skills is fear; fear of uncertainty; fear of moving beyond your comfort zone; fear of disapproval; fear of loss; and, of course, self-doubt. It does not take a rocket scientist to see that these fears are counterproductive, self-destructive, and limit your ability to live a rich and rewarding life. So how do you move beyond fear to action? How do you face the fear and REFUSE to allow it to rule your life choices.

The answer lies in simply taking small steps and making daily, conscious choices to create new habits. Here is a guide that will show you how to asses your hidden talents, and set you on a path to purposeful living, in less than and hour!

To begin, you will need to get a journal or new notebook. This will be your “Life Lessons Workbook.” Your first lesson will to determine what natural abilities you currently possess. To do so, create an “Activities List” by asking yourself these basic questions and writing down your answers your Workbook.

1) What is your life’s passion? (What have you always wanted to do?)

2) What activities make you happy and bring you joy?

3) What talents would you like to develop?

4) What things were you good at as a child?

Do not agonize over these questions. You should write down what immediately comes to mind, and you should not spend more than 10 minutes answering the questions.

Next, evaluate your Activities List. What talents and skills were needed (or will be needed) to engage in activities? As a child, did you need to be energetic, fearless, competitive, or creative to participate in the sports you liked or the clubs you belonged to? Are you now required to be a good communicator, fair, and nurturing to manage your own household and settle sibling disputes?

Are you the office problem-solver and decision maker? Are you ambitious and confident as the leader of your PTA? Have you adapted to change easily by moving? Do your neighbors see you as the fun-loving social coordinator?

During your evaluation, create an “Abilities List” on the next page. Create the list by answering the questions outlined above, and any others you believe are appropriate. Write down your answers, and don’t be surprised when the list grows longer than you thought possible!

Now, your second lesson is a simple exercise: look at that growing list of abilities. Beside each item, write the sentence, “I AM (fill in the ability here.)” For example, if you have “problem-solver” on your Abilities List; write the sentence, “I AM a problem-solver.”

You are probably asking yourself, why am I doing this? The reason is that the simple statement of “I AM” sets forth your intentions and your beliefs. It declares to yourself, your peers, your friends, your family, and the universe your self-image, and it allows you to OWN the abilities you have listed.

Once you own those abilities, you are then able to move beyond your fear. (Why be afraid when you KNOW you are dedicated, fun-loving, creative, and a good communicator?) You are able to look toward to highest vision of your greatest aspiration rather than sabotaging yourself with self-doubt and fear of failure.

The next lesson in this process is to create your “Personal Priorities List.” To do so, you must again ask yourself some basic questions.

1) What are your current priorities? Is your family most important? Are you currently committed to advancing your career?

2) What do you most value about yourself and your life? Is honesty and integrity most important to you? Are you more motivated by status and prestige? Is it your spirituality, or your relationships?

3) Who do you most admire and why? What values guide their behavior? Do you agree? Do you want the same outcomes in your life that they have had theirs?

You should not spend more than 10 minutes answering these questions. The key here is to work with your first, true response. This response is usually an authentic response; a response from the person you truly are.

It is important to follow your authentic self, your authentic responses, because these are your true values, beliefs, priorities, and guiding principles. By knowing what they are, you have created a road map for your future. These keystones serve as the benchmarks of your future success and the beacons of your life’s journey.

Your final lesson is to asses your current lifestyle. Are you using your abilities and talents to achieve your Personal Priorities? Ask yourself these questions to find out. Again, do not agonize over these questions. You should write down what immediately comes to mind, and you should not spend more than 10 minutes answering the questions.

1) Are you devoting your energies to your priorities, values, and guiding principles?

2) Where is realignment needed?

3) What skills need to be re-learned, improved, or attained to fully achieve realignment?

Again, write down these answers in your Workbook. This will now become your Life Lessons Workbook; your tool to document your current status and will serve to gauge your future progress.

Now, when you have completed this exercise, if you are like 99% of the world’s population, you WILL find discrepancies between where you are now, and where you want to be. You WILL find inconsistencies between what you value and what you believe are priorities in your life, and where you are devoting your energy.

This is natural and normal. Each one of us is growing, learning, and changing every day. The question to ask yourself is whether you want to grow, learn, and change with direction? Or do you want to be ruled by the sea of society? Do you want to own the purpose for your life’s journey? Or do you want to be a passenger who is along for the ride and does not know your destination?

If you want to own your own direction and take control of your life’s course, then you simply need to continue working your Workbook lessons.

Go back to your Final Lesson. What discrepancies and inconsistencies did you find? Are there abilities that you need to develop, improve, or re-learn? Developing your natural abilities into talents can be as easy as trying out something new every month.

Each activity you undertake should be one that is aligned with your values, beliefs, priorities, and guiding principles. You should document each new activity in your Life Lessons Workbook, taking special note of the abilities that you are seeking to attain, improve, or re-learn. For example:

• To develop your communication and networking abilities, join your local Rotary or Toastmasters Club.

• To develop your nurturing and commitment abilities, join the local YM(W)CA or Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association.

• To develop your abilities to focus your energy and attention, learn karate, tai chi, or yoga.

• To develop your creative abilities, try your hand at painting, writing, or gardening.

• To develop your organizational abilities, choose a section of your office or your home each week to de-clutter and organize.

• To develop your time-management abilities, create a COMPLETE (business and personal) daily, weekly, and monthly schedule and ensure that you schedule time for self-development.

By working your Life Lessons, you will find that each time you complete this exercise, there will be less distance between where you are, and where you want to be. There will be less discrepancy between the person you are, and the PERSON YOU KNOW YOU CAN BE.

If you are faithful to your own Life Lessons and you consciously make choices aligned with your values, beliefs, priorities, and guiding principles, you will begin to life fully and purposefully. You will find talents and skills that you never knew you had, and you will be able to use those talents to succeed both professionally, and personally.

© Copyright 2006 Amy M. Potavin
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