text:
I'm Failing
I'm flat out failing.
What with all the transitions here lately, I'm falling behind in every single area of my life – including dental hygiene – and feeling like the world is operating with a clock that is four hours too fast. I wish I was kidding.
First of all – thanks for being such good friends that I can tell you all this stuff.
Secondly – how does anyone get anything done? I mean…seriously. I have zero time now that Jer isn't home. Jeremy's job changed in the area of 'location' so now he has that two hour commute into and from work each day. Before – when he telecommuted – we went to bed at midnight and I stayed upstairs and blogged from bed till two in my blanket tent. That's right. I had a 2 am bedtime every night. And it worked. Mostly because Will was still waking up every night at least once between the hours of midnight and 2 with a night terror. Thankfully those screamfits (that will literally make a mother crawl out of her skin – I'm on my 258th skin coat already), well, they stopped. But it was good to have such a late night bedtime because I could go in and calm him down. Well, now Jeremy needs to be in bed and trying his best to be asleep by 10pm….because of his 5:30am alarm. And he can't do it with the laptop glaring in his face…or under a quilt. And neither of us can fall asleep without the other person…it's a sickness called marriage.
Jer being gone in the morning means that he can't wake up with Will and feed him breakfast – giving me an extra hour in the mornings. So instead of waking up at 8 – now I am up at 7. And Jer doesn't get home till 7 pm. I shouldn't complain because I know this could be worse…but that means twelve straight hours of toddler-dom. And I don't like my kid that much…yup…parent of the year…right. here. But it's true. I love Will…he's funny and good and everything I would want him to be…but I don't play the way he wants sometimes…and I don't have the energy to keep up….and I wanna just pull out my iphone and get a break by hitting up my blog reader…or take a shower…or anything that doesn't involve Matchbox cars or stacking blocks or balls or jumping. Always with the jumping. I wanna get something done. I wanna go to the grocery store without the chance of a complete meltdown. I wanna take a nap. I wanna be able to walk barefoot in my house without having crumbs or sand or random pebbles from Will's 'collection' stick to my toes.
So basically I am failing as a mom. I lose my patience. I yell. I put him in time-out seven times yesterday. I fed him a lunch of french fries two days ago and dinner today was a hardboiled egg and a burned crescent roll. At Walmart, I went to change his diaper only to realize that I forgot to restock the diaper bag and had to fashion one in the back of the car out of the emergency duct tape and some Chickfila napkins. And even with being with me 24/7, he still only wants Jeremy to kiss his boo-boos.
On top of that – my house is literally a disaster zone. I expect the President to send in the troops any minute just to contain the chaos. Will ate a piece of old banana that was on the kitchen floor because he was hungry and tired of waiting for me to slice cheese for him. And during a post-creek Mommy-Will bath, the little man pushed the jet button before the water was high enough and black disgustingness shot out all over the bathroom and I have yet to clean it up. That was two weeks ago. Yes. Failing.
Oh and the blog…forget about it. I have probably close to thirty posts that are waiting for the photos to be edited, downloaded, uploaded and the text to be written. Not to mention two shoots that are waiting on me, thank-you cards waiting to be written, hundreds of emails just sitting in my inbox and I forgot to do a very important giveaway yesterday. So yeah. Failing.
And wifey stuff? Yeah. Not happening. I procrastinate making dinner until Jeremy comes to me at 9pm and says things like "it's fine – I love peanut butter and honey." and then I feel so bad that I have to make him something more edible (also because we are out of peanut butter). I call him as he's sitting in traffic on the way home, most times I'm in tears, telling him how I'm not cut out for being alone all day…that Pinterest is the devil for making me feel inadequate, and that my sciatica is making my entire rear end numb…and that my pregnant sense of smell is so fierce that I avoided Will for thirty minutes simply because his stenchy diaper was making me gag. Basically complaining to the point that there is nothing that he can say that can make me feel better. And when he tries – I yell at him for not listening. It's not pretty.
Pray for me. I'm trying. I really am. And I miss Jeremy. It makes me wanna cry. I don't know how all the other moms do it…but I feel like I'm drowning…and can't imagine how difficult it will be with a newborn too. I am so so blessed and it's like I can't do right by my blessings.
Is it just me? Please tell me it gets easier. Pretty pretty please.
p.s. On the flip side of things – my yard hasn't ever looked nicer. I get a ton done outside because Will is such an amazing independent player out there…also, I have finally mastered the 'tone' which gets Will to obey instantly. It's the best thing ever. And we started bible craft times in the morning – basically the highlight of my day – but since Will doesn't like to color longer than ten seconds – it can be challenging…but still – highlight. Also – Jeremy has to shave every single day. Holy porkballs - I could make out with that all day
April 23, 2012
I give you a high five for writing this. For putting yourself out there and being so incredibly honest.
Please don't be so hard on yourself. You are such a good mommy to Will. You have such a kind heart and raising a toddler is exhausting. Even though I am an odd one that loves to clean and organize, I have had plenty of moments just as you described. And I mean plenty. We are human. We are mommies.
Don't let pinterest make you feel bad. In fact, I love pinning your work. You are inspirational, don't forget it.
Sorry to hear about Jeremy. The hubs and I are the same, we don't go to bed without one another. Ever. And he works so close to home that it makes for a sweet convenience that I sometimes take for granted and honestly couldn't imagine life without. I can only imagine how hard it is on you both to adjust. Sending virtual hugs to you.
Thanks for trusting in us and sharing the real deal. All of us bloggers should do more of that.
AJ permalinkApril 23, 2012
This actually makes me feel better to know that you have days like mine. I seriously felt like you were describing my life. So ya, we totally get you Katie. You are not a bad mom or wife. This stuff is hard enough without all the crazy that we get from hormones. We totally get it. And if we don't get as many blog posts from you because you have too much else. We totally get it. Lots of prayers, lots of love, and sometimes tears really do make you feel better.
Leigh-Anne permalinkApril 23, 2012
You completely are not alone. It's easy to think you are a failure as a mom when you lose your cool. I was so upset the other day that my toddler just wouldn't listed. I screamed at her and put her in her room and she said…"Mommy, you're horrible." She's two by the way. I was stunned, and sad, though now with the distance of time, I can find some humor in it. The reality is that no matter how together you have it, we all struggle. We all have our good days and our bad days. The great thing is that kids are very resilient, and despite our less than wonderful moments, we are still the center of their universe- at lease while they are still young. Hang in there, and thanks for putting this out there.
Tammy permalinkApril 23, 2012
Have you ever thought of sharing some child care with a friend that has a toddler about the same age? You take her child one day and she takes yours. You have one day free to get all the stuff done around the house (*sleep*) that you cant do with a toddler and then a second day when your son has a playmate and might not need your undivided attention. Makes the week go faster too.
I dont miss those days, I had three kids under 4 and I am not sure I remember all of it coherently (we had night terrors too) because of the lack of sleep/ proper nutrition/ showers that I experienced. Now my kids are almost all teenagers and I get no sleep for a whole multitude of other reasons. Plus Im getting re-married and have four step kids. So seven kids and a hubby-to-be who travels for work. Talk about crazy town.
And just remember dirt will improve his immune system. So a banana from the floor or a goldfish cracker from between the car seats is actually good for them!
Erin permalinkApril 23, 2012
Oh, Katie, don't worry. We've all been there, and the Moms that haven't been there, just aren't admitting it. Thank you for posting this, it makes me feel like we are not failures. The past couple of weeks have been rough around here too. Three kids under 4, a house we have lived in just a year, my husband is working constantly, and I'm exhausted. I know what it is like, but it does get better, you'll get into a routine soon enough, and hopefully by the time the new baby arrives you will have a system. Good luck and best wishes. I'll pray for you, please pray for me
Christa permalinkApril 23, 2012
Hi Katie,
I've never left a comment before, and I know you have a ton of other comments so my thoughts are probably just being repeated by 7686 other people, but I just wanted to say (a) You're not alone, being a stay at home mom is a tough, tough job. I've been at home for a little over 3 years now and I called my husband crying all the time for a long time. Sometimes I still do. He doesn't have a really long commute (1/2 hour) but he's a detective/bomb technician/youth director at our church, so between working overtime on cases, getting called into work and doing youth activities often times it feels like we never get to see each other. But, like Jeremy, he's a phenomenal husband and daddy, and we try to make the most of our time together, (and we try to include our family in youth outings). (b) My biggest fear is being inadequate. At anything and everything. So when dishes are in the sink, flour is on the countertop, and my 3 year old is playing on my iphone, it makes me feel like a meltdown is coming and I'm a horrible mother. You're not alone. The verse that has helped me these last 3 years has been 2 Cor. 12:9-10 which says, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." I actually have it taped it my kitchen cabinets as a reminder that when my strength is gone, I have Christ in my corner to pick me up. Lastly, (c) it does get better. Really, it does. I'm not saying that life is perfect and I don't still have crying and frustration, but the feeling of being overwhelmed constantly gets less and less, and calm will make it's way back into your life. I'm also the mom with 2 boys who constantly want to play trucks, jump, play in ANYTHING involving mud (which means double duty in the laundry room), and sometimes I don't want to do those things. I have to admit I haven't figured that part out yet, I'm feeling guilty about taking the time to write this comment because my child is entertaining himself, but it will be okay. You've got an army of prayers on here He's faithful and good, and I know you know that, but be encouraged.
p.s.- Thanks for sharing. You have courage and I admire you for it
April 23, 2012
I'm not a mom but I can understand what it feels like to "fail" in life. I have no excuse and there's many days when stuff just doesn't get done so I can't imagine what that's like with a child too … and I suck at patience. You're amazing and at the end of the day your husband and your baby love you. Every day isn't going to be perfect. Every month, year, etc. isn't going to be perfect. But keep on truckin cuz eventually you'll feel better!
Brooke Connally permalinkApril 23, 2012
I recently read this article from John Piper on motherhood. Its really worth a read. It encouraged me so much as a mom of a 2yr old and newborn. Also, remember that everyone will probably forget about us one day, and our blogs, work, etc. But your children are your legacy. They will live past you, and will have their own children. Its Gods design for you to impact eternity. More than a clean house, or creative mom, or money, Jer just needs his mom. No one can fulfill his emotional & physical needs like you can. Hang in there.
Ma-ma-ma permalinkApril 23, 2012
Here's how I handled my third pregnancy (surprise!) when I was already crazy with two kids (3 and 18 months) and freelance part-time biz:
1. Make a list of your top 5 priorities (these are things you absolutely MUST have/do)
2. Make a list of the 5 things you can live without (what do you let slide most frequently?)
Every day when you make your to-do list, put those 5 priorities on it. Then put one "wish list" item on it that you want to do. (Forget about those 5 things that weren't important anyway). If you get all your 5 top things done, treat yourself to that wish list thing. Carry that wish list thing every day on your list until you get to do it.
Why does this work? It makes you take life one day at a time, because that's all you can do.
Brooke Connally permalinkApril 23, 2012
Oops, meant to say Will )
Kim permalinkApril 23, 2012
Well, that was a well-timed post. I have been feeling the same way lately and horribly guilty for having these thoughts. I have a three year old boy, a 21m old girl, and a 3 week old boy. I work full time (although I'm on maternity leave right now). I know I should enjoy every moment of this time in my life but I find myself snapping at them and exhausted. My house is a disaster and smells of dog and old peanut butter crackers. Forget nutritious dinners. Even on maternity leave and watching food network all day, I can't seem to get past the 5 regular meals in my rotation. And with baby #3 here and not sleeping at all at night, I'm starting to get the "I have done this 2 times before, I should be better at this by now" feelings. I guess this is just part of being a woman and a mother. Maybe we all secretly harbor these feelings?
Thanks for posting,
marissa permalinkApril 23, 2012
Hang in there! I was feeling the same way last week. Honestly, thanks for sharing, it's nice to know someone else is going through similar experiences. Commuting crazy distances is the worst, but I just have to keep reminding myself a job is a job and such a blessing even if its not exactly how (or where) I want it to be. Also, just saw your pregnancy photos…so cute! and I love your haircut!
April 23, 2012
Knowing other people have days/weeks like this makes me feel better. My house is a disaster zone. My 10 month old thinks it is more fun to lean over the high chair and feed the dogs then to eat himself. My 2 1/2 year old has decided that nothing I make is what she wants to eat. I do work so I get a break but then I feel guilty for working and not spending enough time with the kids. And then if my daughter acts up and I have to put her in a time out I feel like a bad mom because I wasn't with her for most of the day. Thank you for sharing your life and letting me know there are others out and that it is hard to get everything done.
Rachel permalinkApril 23, 2012
Thank you. That's all, just thanks.
Angie Lee permalinkApril 23, 2012
Thank you for that. You are not alone. I started those feelings when I was pregnant and had a 3 year old at home. I was also a working mommy so I didn't have the "sick of my kid"' feelings until the weekend. Now that I have two little boys and I'm still a working mommy, yep, same feelings. I just know now that I have more good times than bad and my attitude could change for the worse or better in an instant. Just gotta get through each "instant". My husband also works too much which I know I should be grateful for but some days are just harder than others and I know I gotta rely on the help of others. Good luck & hang in there from one mommy to another!
April 23, 2012
Katie-girl, Praying for you! I am nowhere close to being in your shoes, but I can definitely relate to having a significant other who works two hours away from home. My boyfriend started his job in January and I am still not used to having him working so far away – half the time he stays with his parents who live closer to his job. It's really hard not having him around as much. Hang in there.
alison permalinkApril 23, 2012
gym with childcare to give you a break (and take a fun dance class or walk) and will a chance to play with some other kiddos. just a thought. or a music class for will that he can participate in without you and you could read your blog reader. sounds like you need a break in your days
Melissa Peterson permalinkApril 23, 2012
Take a deep breath and give yourself a hug from all of us. (that's a trick my mommy taught me way back in the day, when she just couldn't be there to make me feel better.) And remember that you are amazing and wonderful and a great mommy! And thank you so much for sharing all those parts of you with us.
Alyssa permalinkApril 23, 2012
I had a bad day at work. Thanks for posting this. We all have bad days at work regardless of what we do.
Bobbi Sue Hiber permalinkApril 23, 2012
Hey Katie…..found this today….thought you might get a giggle!
A man came home from work and found his 3 children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn around garden, The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and no sign of the dog, walking in the door, he found …an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, the throw rug was against one wall, In the front room the TV was on loudly with the cartoon channel, the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel… She looked up at him, smiled and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?…
"Yes," was his incredulous reply..
She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'
Alicia permalinkApril 23, 2012
Read this article today and thought of you. Hope you catch this… and hope you know you are NOT alone.
The juice box mom…. love it.
April 24, 2012
Thank you for sharing your feelings. You are not a failure! I so appreciate you being real about it. I feel much the same way, frequently. Something I've been trying to do is write things down on my calendar (I don't have anything fancy) so I don't have to try to remember them, and I also have been trying to limit my to-do list. Usually I have at least 20 things on it each day. I've been trying to limit it to around 5. It really helps me not feel overwhelmed!
Also, I've decided I'm going to try working out at the YMCA in May. My husband works a lot of long hours and I need a break from our almost-3-year-old since she's decided she's not napping anymore. Our local YMCA is great from what my friends tell me, so I'm going to give it a try. Our budget is tight (you have mentioned yours is too) but I've decided that my sanity is worth fitting it in. Good luck!
Kristen permalinkApril 24, 2012
My girlfriend, who is a pediatrician and has four small children of her own, said to me once, "There is a reason they have no memories from that age, you know!" I think that's a pretty wise statement, actually. All you can do is put your best foot forward every day, and when you're pregnant sometimes that best foot includes cereal for multiple meals a day and snuggling while watching cartoons.
I'm in a somewhat similar situation to you (aren't all 768 commenters?). My husband just WORKS 60-70 hours a week and we have a big ass house. If I am really, really honest, I would say buying the house was a mistake. Not a financial mistake, but more of a life mistake. I spend a LOT of time caring for this house and all the crap in it. It is gorgeous and I envision my daughter's wedding reception here, my kids inviting all their teenaged friends over, etc. But the price of these daydreams is that I give a lot of my time and life to maintaining what is essentially a pile of stuff that will someday be dust. I wouldn't do it over again, even though I am "living the dream" as far as society goes.
Pinterest and blogs and magazines give an image of home life that is just as fake as an airbrushed model on the cover of a fashion magazine. The caption for all the photos you pin may as well be, "This is what my life might look like if I didn't spend so much time working on my blog." Don't compare yourself to something that isn't real and isn't achievable. Love God, love your people, do the best you can and forget about comparing.
jae permalinkApril 27, 2012
*The caption for all the photos you pin may as well be, "This is what my life might look like if I didn't spend so much time working on my LIFE!!!"*
I'm sure pinterest would be a great thing for saving recipes or crafts, but I see so many people coveting what they want and don't have that I feel I don't need that in my life. I want to love what I have. And I do. Who needs to be perfect? Who needs to have "it all"?
You're not failing, Katie, you're living life and sometimes it's a bumpy mess but that makes the smooth ride so much better!!
Susie permalinkApril 24, 2012
Hi Katie! It will get better, promise : ) I'm 26 weeks prego now, with a 20 month old at home. I thought I was going to die for the first 16 weeks. I couldn't deal. I'd lie on the couch and my little guy would haul on my hair to get up and I could barely grunt. I felt sick 24/7 and got lots of acne (none of which happened with the first pregnancy). We are having a girl this time by the way ; ) Once your energy comes back you will start to feel like yourself again. Your patience will return as will "liking" your son ; ) Suddenly things will start to feel possible again. Getting together with other Moms and kids is so good for the soul – not sure if you have access to a play group once or twice a week. It really tires them out and makes them less demanding for your attention once you get home.
Love your blog! Take it easy, take your time, inhale blessings, exhale gratitude, it's allllll good : )
Susie permalinkApril 24, 2012
Oh, Katie — I know these times so well. It hurts my heart to hear that you're going through such a tough time right now — I will pray for encouragement for you.
My fellow commenters here are so wise, so I'll just echo two things that resonated with me:
1. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor 12:9
2. Kristen (above) is a wise lady — she said "Love God, love your people, do the best you can…" That's it — that's all He asks of us.
Hang in there, Katie — it will get better.
Sending a virtual hug your way!
Donna permalinkApril 24, 2012
Oh, Katie, it does get better! I am a mom of three, now ages 5-12. I have always been a stay-at-home mom, and at times, the feeling of isolation was unbearable. I too cried to my husband, felt short-tempered at times, my home was often a mess because I had no will to clean it. If you can get out of the house a little, maybe find another mom who wants to occassionally have lunch, something to look forward to OUTSIDE of the house, it will do you good. Later, your kids will keep each other busy. But you need a little help. The expression " it takes a village to raise a child " is so true. You are not a failure, thanks for sharing.
April 24, 2012
Kudos to you, both for putting yourself out there and for doing a better job than you know. I know you feel like you're failing (I am totally with you on so, SO much of this), but I'll tell you what my husband tells me: Being Mommy is hard. It's harder than anything you've ever done and you, my dear, are doing a wonderful job. No one can do better by your little man–he misses you when you're gone and loves you more than you realize.
April 24, 2012
Yup. Another. Comment.
You wouldn't know it, but you and I have been on a good ole Ross and Rachel "break" for a long while now. It's not you, it's me. . Your blog just always made me feel like a big giant ZERO because you just seemed so normal but yet extraordinarily great at everything you put your mind to do. I like to think I'm normal, too but I seemed to be failing miserably at everything. Then you went and had a kid and still managed to maintain your absolute perfection. Err. My kids are 3 and 1. I'd always held on to a teensy amount of pride because you and your bf were DINKs (dual income no kids), so of course you had the time, energy and sanity for all the stuff you've accomplished! Once Will came along and you were still cranking out amazingness? Frankly, I just couldn't take it anymore. I'd see the latest BP post in my inundated inbox and just scroll on by. But then, by chance I took a peek. And there it was. Mrs. Perfect posted she was… failing. I teared up because I could have written a lot of it myself at any given point in the last 4 yrs since getting pregnant with my first. It is getting better.
What's working for me? I think a sensible/flexible schedule with afternoon naps, daily showers, good quality face-to-face girlfriends (Facebook doesn't count) and mommy times out go a long way, but keeping my priorities lined up with my faith this year has proven to take me to a new place of rest. Seek ye first, right? Everything else seriously does fall into place. My circumstances haven't changed a whole lot and I still get discouraged from time to time, but when I have peace and joy – "things" in general have a whole new perspective. I read a Proberbs31 daily devotion to keep my bearings. I read there once, "Comparison is the death of contentment." I know the reverse could probably be said (something like "Comparison is the birth of great change.") but generally, it's just not good for girls to sit around and compare themselves to one another…so I took a much needed break from Facebook, blogging, blog-surfing, Pinterest and TV. I know, it's not exactly feasible for you since social media is your livelihood but. I digress. I try to stay in the Word daily (with purpose, not just reading randomly to meet quota), I try to find time to pray daily, and I make sure to do a time of prayer and devotion with my oldest every night. Like I said, circumstances still aren't ideal but I am happy knowing I'm at least putting first things first. He'll give me the strength to do the "stuff" on the list. In due time!
Wishing you the best in the rest of your pregnancy, a pain-free delivery, and pain-free nursing this time around. (Just read about your nursing with Will, btw. Nursed my oldest for 22 mos, the youngest 12 mos and counting. Knew I was blessed but your post took my gratefulness to a new level!) Continued blessings to you and yours!
April 24, 2012
Katie, don't be so hard on yourself.
You're facing some major changes in your life, the baby coming, Jerry not working at home anymore, a sweet but demanding toddler… Anyone would be overwhelmed!
You'll do great, you'll see.
Lots of love
Randa permalinkApril 25, 2012
Hi Katie,
Already commented once but since so many other ladies mentioned crock pots, I thought I'd actually send you a tested-and-loved easy peasy recipe (use whatever salsa and broth are available to you): http://leftonamelia.com/main-dishes/shredded-chicken-tacos/
The chicken tastes so good, we like to pick at it before even assembling our tacos!
Found that lady's blog through Erika of Urban Grace Interiors. I think they're friends.
Love to you!
Jamie permalinkApril 25, 2012
You describe my life!!! Especially the barefoot sand/rocks/worms in the toes thing. I have gotten so much out of joining a mom's group on Meetup.com. I know you live quite a ways away from a largeish town but it may be worth a shot. When I had #2 these Mamas brought me meals for an entire week!! We have no family in the area so it was very hard for us.
I am going to be brutally honest with you: It is harder with a baby. Much harder. I am just starting to find relief and my second is almost 6 months. I had (still do) many days of tears. Just keep up with your doctor, family, friends, and know that there is help when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask.
But remember: Babies don't keep. Let the house go. Hold your babies and love them and love yourself. Their eyes looking into yours makes all the difference. I live by this poem:
Enjoy Mama…
April 25, 2012
Apart from all your awesome projects – this is why I love your blog. I love how you always keep it real. You're doing a great job! Raising a toddler is hard work – I'm amazed you do all that you do. When my kids were younger I didn't do half of the things you accomplish. Give yourself a break- you deserve one!
Megan permalinkApril 25, 2012
Sing it sister. You are not alone, none of us are – it is nice to hear people be honest! If women could be more honest with each other, and less competitive, we'd all feel better. Hang in there.
April 26, 2012
I read your blog because you are such a real person. There are times when I read blogs not unlike yours where I walk away and think.. Wow! I'm such a loser! I am doing nothing crafty, I'm not making individual snack sizes of all of my groceries, I don't extreme coupon, or get up 3 hours before my kids and work out. Heck I don't get regular haircuts, haven't been to the bathroom by myself in like 4 years now. My house is never clean, I don't have some BHG worthy house done for 3 dollars off of garage sale finds. I don't have anything painted gray. I sometimes think blogs are a double edged sword. On one hand your getting some good ideas, on another your in a place where your sort of comparing your life to others. And that can be bad. Your a good mom. The second pregnancy is harder because you have another kid. It's funny how you realize how much time you had in whatever your previous life stage, because you always feel busy and stressed out no matter where your at in the cycle. Thanks for keeping it real. It takes guts to put yourself out there and hope others don't judge you.. We aren't.
Jenni permalinkApril 27, 2012
This is why I read this blog (well I've got about 100 other reasons too). You are the queen of keepin' it real. Thanks for articulating everything I feel on the daily and not making me feel so guilty for having those emotions, because someone else is too. You are thebomb.com and I believe even though it's hard now, it'll get easier soon and the joy you'll have seeing the people your children become will be worth the pain of this and more. Keep your head up!
April 28, 2012
Oh GOODNESS it gets easier. So much easier. (At least in this way. Then we get to deal with pre-teen emotions and relationships. WHEE.)
But, anyway, I've been where you are. Literally. Years ago, I just knew I was a horrible mom. We ate like crap, because I didn't have the energy or brain power to shop or plan meals, I "knew" I should be devoting more one-on-one time to my son(s), etc., etc., etc. Here's the thing: Will knows you love him, and he will always know that. He will NOT remember the current, frazzled, pregnancy-exhausted mom you are right now.
You are not failing. You are completely normal. More moms are in this state than anyone knows; we're just too afraid to tell anyone.
I'll share the better with you, to give you that light at the end of the tunnel: Kids are 12 & 8. There's still lots of building (Lego), jumping (outside), and constant GOING, but here's the thing – I DON'T HAVE TO WATCH THEM EVERY SECOND. Oh my GOSH, the difference that makes! You will get here, too. One day at a time, heck, one minute at a time in the meantime, and you will be here. I promise.
Collette permalinkApril 29, 2012
I LOVE YOU. Seriously. Couldn't be sending more love your way right now. I love your honesty and courage and completely uncensored life story which you so graciously share as often as possible. You are real and wonderful and you make my heart grateful. Just keep loving and loving and loving. The rest will fall into place. MUAH XOXO
Jen permalinkApril 30, 2012
Someone told me once, don't compare yourself to other people, especially those online (pinterest) because they're showing you their highlight reel, and you're comparing your behind the scenes reel to their highlights. It'll never live up to your expectations if you do that. Just take a deep breath and be preggers. Just be.
Nightowl_72 permalinkMay 4, 2012
Let me start by saying: Take a breath, when you finish that take another. My best advice is to just "keep breathing". Take life one breath at a time right now. You will get through this.
I was a single mum to 3 daughters for the best part of 20 years from the age of 17. My oldest was very physically and emotionally demanding. I would call my mother crying and get zero sympathy, usually laughter. She'd tell me I deserved to have a horrible child because I was one to her. Please believe me when I say I know just how excruciatingly difficult it can be at times.
I have learnt in no particular order:
a) There are things you can control and things you can't. Let go of the ones you can't.
b) You can only do the best you can at the time, with the feelings, energy and personal limits that you have at that time.
c) You will not remember the unswept floor, crud in the bathtub, cereal for dinner etc. in 10 years time, 5 years time or maybe even 1 years time. But you will remember the feeling of having good experiences with your precious child. As another poster said "Babies don't last".
d) Forgive yourself and allow that while everyone in your life is human and imperfect – So are you!!
e) Striving for perfection is like beating your head against a brick wall. Whenever one area of your life is doing well, usually it mean another is suffering because you aren't balancing your time.
f) You CAN'T do it all. You might be capable of anything but it is physically impossible to be all things to all people. You must choose what is most important to you and do that first.
Slow down and let your body tell you what it needs. Take some time. Don't let other peoples expectations (or what you think they expect) control your life.
Next time you would normally go on Pinterest (you know all that perfection is faked right?), go for a walk instead. I bet you feel better for it.
Megan permalinkMay 7, 2012
Oh Katie, what a heart wrenching post. Thank you for trusting us enough to share at this level.
I am neither a wife nor a mom yet but I have days when I feel like I'm failing at all the roles I have, too. But the reality is that we're never doing as badly as we think. There is nothing wrong with PB&H for dinner now and then. And I can't imagine anyone staying sane after 12 hours alone with a toddler no matter how much you love them. You're human.
One thing that helped me was scaling back my mental "to do" list. I realized I was adding stress to myself by thinking I "had" to do all these things. But I didn't HAVE to. I wanted to, but I reached the point where I wanted peace more.
That's when I separated out what I really had to do to function and live – work, laundry, grocery shopping, pay bills, etc. Beyond that I picked two things I wanted to do and gave myself permission to put off the rest indefinitely. That included blogging, home projects, and even occasionally catching up with friends. (I didn't stop, but I scaled back). It was a lifesaver. I stopped feeling guilty and frustrated and could be fully present in the few things I did make time for.
You have many more responsibilities than I do with your son and husband but perhaps if you give yourself permission to scale back or lower your expectations in some areas it'll take a bit of the the stress away.
Whatever you do I hope you feel better soon. I don't know you personally but from all I've read here and on YHL you seem pretty awesome to me!
Ashley permalinkMay 15, 2012
I know I'm almost a month late on commenting, but I wanted to do it anyway. Katie, thank you so much for this post. Reading this was a real turning point for me. So much of what you said, was exactly how I was feeling. After reading your post, I realized that I wasn't a failure, and I wasn't the only one overwhelmed with life. Realizing all of that brought along a huge attitude shift for me. My husband and I own a restaurant, and we have a 7 month old baby girl. I take care of her all day and night, along with doing the booking keeping, and working in the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights (and other times when I'm needed.). I felt like I wasn't doing my best in any area. Mainly, I was just hanging on and trying to survive! I felt like maybe there was some magic secret to being a mom/business owner that I just hadn't figured out yet. Then there was the guilt of knowing how blessed I am, but not feeling truly as grateful as I should. Knowing that I wasn't alone in being overwhelmed helped me to change my way of thinking, and I have been so much happier. Thank you so much for sharing this with your readers. It was so brave of you to be so open and honest. I just wanted you to know that it really did make a difference to someone, and I am very grateful to you!
Jennifer Sharpe permalinkJune 29, 2012
Finally! A mom that is brutally honest. Thank you. Your post really resonated with me and probably a million other moms (if they're honest). My oldest just turned 3 and my other girl is 5 months. My toddler really tests me. I can't tell you how many times I've thought the same thing about wanting to walk barefoot without feeling crumbs on the floor! I love her but there are definitely days that I do not like her! It's just nice to know that others feel the same way. As they say, one day we're going to miss this…!?
Brynn permalinkJuly 20, 2012
First time commenter- I have recently begun to read through your blog since finding out about you on YHL. Truth be told, I was getting jealous of everything about you. And then I read this. And I felt bad, but also relieved. I am a full time work outside the home mom, and I also feel like a failure sometimes/a lot of the times. But I also feel so blessed to have everything I have, which makes me feel bad for feeling bad about what I don't have. It was a refreshing read and it is because of your honesty that I will continue to read your blog for a long time. Thank you for being willing to share such intimate details of your life.
Love and blessings to you…
PS Sorry this is so late to this post.
Brynn permalinkJuly 20, 2012
And also- you are NOT a failure.
I love the supportive followers you have. SO much better than the nitpicking over which mothering type is best and such. All that does is bring us mothers down. As a whole. We should all strive to support one another. We could all use it. )
Amy permalinkApril 10, 2013
I have been reading your blog for a few months now ( LOVE it!) and am always insanely jealous of your organization, creativity, faith, etc. I feel so inadequate when I am done reading but your blog makes me strive to be a better mother, wife, and Christian. I just found this post this morning and I am so thankful! It's great to see that everyone has problems and we only see the "finished projects" most times. Everyone has a "bloopers reel" and sometimes we forget that. Thanks so much for sharing.


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We know Petrie checked out Brackins at Iowa St. versus Cal game...
but does anybody know if he's going to check out, or has already checked out, Charles Garcia? Seattle Univ. has played Davis and will play Davis again, and will also be visitn Sac St.? Anybody going to check him out?
And Louisian Tech's Magnum Rolle (awesome name) will be visiting Nevada and Fresno St in a few weeks.
Possible 2nd round steals??!!

subset: commoncrawl


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The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal
Award winning bloggers Driftglass (driftglass.blogspot.com) and Blue Gal (bgalrstate.blogspot.com) talk about politics from the Left. This podcast is not safe for work.
|Recent Episodes
|Ep 246 Megan McCardle Blames The Tea Party On Obamacare?
|August 22, 2014
|A really awful example of the David Brooks School of Writing; Blue Gal takes on fellow White "bubble dwellers" on Facebook; a New Jersey listener is tired of The American Swastika; and after a Science Fiction University lightning round, a visit from the DG/BG dependants (who are up past their bedtime). More at ProfessionalLeft.blogspot.com
|Ep 245 Ferguson and Chuck Gregory's Very Bad Product
|August 15, 2014
|We discuss Sarah Palin, Ferguson, the "loss" of David Gregory for Chuck Todd? and why Fox News is ready to show us some Pandas. After the music, Bible Bitch deals with a sad news week. More at ProfessionalLeft.blogspot.com
|Ep 244 Executive (dis)Function
|August 8, 2014
|Back to school! And what about Congressional Fail? Or is the fail deliberate? Plus Science Fiction University takes on Time Travel. More at ProfessionalLeft.blogspot.com
|Ep 243 Who Gets To Be Alpha Teabagger?
|August 1, 2014
|Ted Cruz takes over the Republican House; Chuck Todd goes all Both Sides; No Labels is outed as an ineffectual vanity project; plus Bible Bitch and Science Fiction University. More at ProfessionalLeft.blogspot.com
|Ep 242 Dear Abby (Huntsman)
|July 25, 2014
|OOPS: Please note: There's an extra fifteen minutes of empty air at the END of this week's podcast. Technical error, does not affect the whole show, but when we say goodbye at around 1:15 it's over! Thanks. We are temporarily devastated by the latest ACA ruling. And leave it to a Republican from Michigan to "forget" she has 3 million dollars in the bank. Abby Huntsman forgets about "do no harm" when it comes to foreign policy, MSNBC can't handle the Gaza heat, and the only thing that matters about Netroots Nation is who wasn't there? (Hillary Clinton and yours truly.) More at ProfessionalLeft.blogspot.com


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We've all heard about how the Yankees don't want to break the $189 million threshold, in hopes of avoiding the luxury tax that would follow.
However, the team is still planning to add at least "two top free agents" this winter, according to reports, after the team fielded a lackluster team – at least in Yankees' standards – in 2013.
According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York, the front office is hard at work, looking to return the team to the postseason and stay on budget, spending roughly $300 million total.
Granted, the team's top priority is bringing back Robinson Cano. That being said, ownership has said that they will not go ten years on a contract, which is reportedly what Cano is seeking in his next deal that is rumored to be in the $300 million ballpark.
Apart from Cano, Masahiro Tanaka, Braves backstop Brian McCann and Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran are all rumored to be on the Bronx Bombers' wish list, and as mentioned, the team believes they can add at least two of these pieces without breaking their budget.
According to Marchand, there are several ways the team is shedding a massive amount of payroll this winter.
A source estimates the Yankees are shedding $85MM-$90MM in payroll this winter, which includes the salaries of retiring players Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte as well as free agents Hiroki Kuroda, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Curtis Granderson. The Yankees have a strong interest in keeping Kuroda and would be open to Granderson if he accepted the one-year qualifying offer, but they aren't obligated to either player. Beyond that, Derek Jeter exercising his $9.5MM player option (down from $17MM last year) andAlex Rodriguez's suspension being upheld would also help the cause.
In other words, don't expect New York to be sitting on the sidelines next October. They'll be back.
Tags: Brian McCann Carlos Beltran Masahiro Tanaka MLB New York Yankees Robinson Cano


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Save to My Recipes
Linguine with Leeks, Radicchio, and Walnut Pesto
Servings: Makes 2
- 8 ounces linguine
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cups thinly sliced leeks (including some dark green parts)
- 1/2 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus shaved Parmesan for garnish
- 1/4 cup walnut pieces (about 1 ounce) plus additional for garnish
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups thinly sliced radicchio
PREPARATIONView Step-by-Step Directions
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add leeks; season with salt and pepper. Cover; cook until tender and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Puree parsley, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/4 cup walnuts, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons oil in mini processor until coarse puree forms. Season pesto with salt and pepper.
Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Add pasta, pesto, and radicchio to leeks; toss, adding cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if dry. Garnish with walnuts and shaved Parmesan.
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Linguine with Herb Broth and Clams
Cacio e PepeLiterally "cheese and pepper", this minimalist pasta is like a stripped-down mac and cheese.
Pissaladière Niçoise
Fresh Peach and Ginger-Cream Shortcakes


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Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
SOURCE Onassis Mining Group, Inc
NEW YORK, July 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Trai Thien USA, Inc. (OTCBB: TRTH) today announced its acquisition of Onassis Mining Group, Inc. ("Onassis Mining"). Onassis Mining is a New York based mineral exploration and development company,
As part of the acquisition, Khanh Quoc Nguyen stepped down as Trai Thien USA's Chief Executive Officer and as the Chairman of the Board and Nguyen Van Thong stepped down as Director. Eliron Yaron, Chairman of the Board of Onassis Mining, was appointed as Trai Thien USA's new Chairman of the Board and sole Director.
The Company plans on changing its corporate name and stock symbol to reflect is new business direction.
About Onassis Mining
Onassis Mining Group, Inc. is a New York based mineral exploration and development company focused on gold exploration, mining and processing in South America. Onassis owns 100% of PIEDRA DE ORO S.A, an Ecuadorian mining company, which holds mining rights in the Muluncay Concession lying within a major historic gold-silver producing district known as the Portovelo-Zaruma-Ayapamba district in Ecuador.
Forward-Looking Statements: Any information contained within this news release, which is not historical data, may be deemed "forward-looking statements." Such statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from the assumptions currently anticipated.
Joel Gering
©2012 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.


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UFC on FX Results: Mike Easton defeats Jared Papazian by majority decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-29)
UFC On Fox 2 Fight Week has begun and that means a video blog from Dana White with backstage footage from Friday's UFC On FX event.
A comprehensive wrap up of the UFC on FX 1: "Guillard vs. Miller' event that took place on Fri., Jan. 20, 2012, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
MMAmania's Brian Hemminger takes a look at last night's thrilling UFC on FX bantamweight bout between Mike Easton and Jared Papazian. What helped Easton sway the judges in his favor? Find out inside.
Date: January 21, 2012
|Mike Easton
|Jared Papazian
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It's deadlicious™ !
Deadlicious™ is our universe. Made of our discoveries, personal backgrounds and homemade culture. It's a strange and funny mixture that we want to share with you. It's what we are, real and rock'n'roll !
Filo Loco ♠ Big G ♥ King Santo ♦ Jimmy Pantera ♣
All content on this site is copyrighted and/or trademarked, and all rights are reserved by the respective authors. Visuals and references are presented here as quotes under Fair Use for the purpose of scholarship, information or review.
Une toute petite erreur
Libellés : paperback covers
1 comment:
- ROBO32.EXE said...
sublime couv' ! (comme toujours chez Gueber)
et puis Dan Curtisssss....
- 7/9/09 13:52
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UGA grad Jessica Caldas unveils her first Beep Beep Gallery solo showing. A printmaker by trade, Caldas also works in paint, sculpture, and mixed media, and her subject matter often explores women's issues. beepbeepgallery.com


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In honor of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program, In Good Keeping is available for purchase through the University of Virginia Bookstore at a special discount.
Told in the voice of the master artists from the first five years of the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship program, In Good Keeping pairs Morgan Miller's photographs and State Folklorist Jon Lohman's reflective text to showcase a wide range of folk traditions and master practitioners — from canning to decoy carving, from bluegrass fiddling to steel drum making. This book rewards readers who are familiar with Virginia's traditional arts and newcomers alike, while reaffirming the importance of passing these cherished traditions on to future generations.
From now through the month of June, In Good Keeping can be purchased for the discounted price of $19.50, plus tax and shipping, a 50-percent savings. Use the discount code "folklife" and order a copy of In Good Keeping now from The VFH Store.


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Firstly comes the question of — believe it or not — economics. Beyond a handful of big deals given to players in the off-season, Pianigiani was given a contract of two years plus a third-year option. Showing the Italian the door right now would cost the Turkish team $4 million. While the contract does account for payment by installment, Fenerbahçe would still have to immediately pony up $1 million — and what European club has that kind of money lying around in 2013?
Simone Pianigiani to leave Fenerbahce Ulker … for $1 million
2012: The year in Euro-centric basketball highlight clips
What say we close out 2012 with a whole bunch of highlight clips? BiE knew you'd be willing. Tomorrow, a list of the most popular BallinEurope stories of the calendar year will be running, but today comes an attempt to encapsulate the past 365 days in European hoops, YouTube style.
From Ibaka's blocks to the return of Ricky Rubio, from a stunner in Istanbul to a double miracle in Italy, from the US to the Continent and back again, BallinEurope's got your highlights right here… Continue Reading…
Monday hangover: It's all about Fenerbahçe Ülker
BallinEurope had planned this second edition of the "Monday Hangover" to take a wide look at events in Euroleague play and top European domestic leagues, but the headlines vis-à-vis Continental basketball have been dominated by Fenerbahçe Ülker…
Talk about your roller-coaster weeks: The Istanbul side entered Euroleague week two as the vogue choice for a 2013 Final Four bid before suddenly confronted with a few obstacles on the way through the season. Take a look at a tumultuous four days in Fenerbahçe's existence.
Thursday: Passport-gate begins. After the team's charter flight lands at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, Romain Sato is detained on charges of traveling with a forged passport. While Sato is spending just about 24 hours in custody, rumors that the forward could be extradited to the Central African Republic, Sato's country of origin, arise.
While Fenerbahce readies for Olimpija, Sato awaits prosecution [UPDATED]
Here's one way to slow down the fearsome-looking Fenerbahce Ülker: detain a key starter. It seems as though Romain Sato won't be suiting up for his side's Euroleague game against Union Olimpija after being detained at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport yesterday afternoon for an alleged violation it's a bit difficult to believe…
Euroleague Power Rankings: 2012-13 Opening Day Edition
All right, it's that time again! With hours to go before the 2012-13 Euroleague season tips off, BallinEurope breaks out its first power ratings for the big league.
Whereas normally a disclaimer to the effect of "the following ratings are based on current trending only and are not necessarily based on the overall quality of the teams" runs here, this year BiE's switching things up a bit. To wit: For this edition of Euroleague power rankings, the teams *will* be run based on BallinEurope's totally subjective viewpoint. (Mainly because BiE couldn't figure out what to do with Barcelona…)
Get your arguments ready and read on for this season's first power rankings, with Official BallinEurope Fearless Predictions™ for the upcoming season peppered throughout. Enjoy the games!
The favorites
1. Olympiacos Piraeus. The usual reserved spot for the defending champion comes with some justification this year, as Vassilis Spanoulis & Co. show no signs of letting up on their 2011-12 season-ending 22-4 run. In the off-/preseason, Olympiacos' foursome of Spanoulis, local hero Georgios Printezis, Kostas Papanikolaou and Evengelos Mantazaris suited up for a disappointed Team Greece – all but Mantazaris acquitted themselves nicely, with 50-of-89 (56.2%) overall shooting and Spanoulis dishing out just under six assists per game in three Olympic qualifiers.
NBA Europe Live, Euroleague American Tour: Bo knows highlights; Celtics regroup against Milano; Stern travels; video clips
The past three days saw five cross-continental club games play out in Europe and the US in the 2012 Euroleague American and NBA Europe Live tours. And, hey, it's Monday, so let's just roll the highlight clips!
• Naturally, the biggest news was all about the lone upset among the games: Fenerbahçe Ülker's 97-91 toppling of the Boston Celtics in Turkey. Bo McCalebb added to his already-heavy personal highlight film with several sweet plays and incredible speed. (Seriously, is he getting faster?) Directly below, he bamboozles Pierce ("Damn, he's quick," The Truth was surely thinking), blows past Rajon Rondo and finds Oguz Savas for an easy two after getting Brandon Bass to leave his feet…
Touring bullets: Notes, links, videos on Euroleague American and NBA Live tours
Who cares if the games are meaningless in any real sense? BallinEurope missed the Euroleague American Tour and NBA Live Tour games tremendously in 2011 – one item doubtlessly on BiE's list of underrated casualties of the player lockout – and is thrilled to see them back.
In just a couple of hours, the Boston Celtics and Fenerbahçe Ülker will tip off the first of eight games to be played in five days' worth of international club clashes, as teams in both continents' big leagues prepare for 2012-13 seasons. This evening, a few notes, links and videos for you themed on these tours; naturally, BiE'll be doing this in the time-honored tradition of the ESPN TrueHoop Network, i.e. bullet-style. To catch tonight's and the other games, head over to Euroleague TV.
• The Dallas Mavericks' goal on their European road trip? To build team chemistry. Also, on Saturday in Berlin, Dirk Nowitski expects to seat some 100 friends and family. Loftily stated Dastardly Dirk, "I told the NBA for all the crap I've been doing for them for fourteen years they better hook me up with a bunch of tickets."
European present, NBA future? Five rights-owned draftees to watch in 2012-13
A handful of rights-owned players will be suiting up to play on both sides of the Atlantic over the next eight days, but today BallinEurope takes a slightly wider view beyond these exciting-but-mostly-irrelevant dozen games. Below a look at five players – a bit of a future dream team, perhaps, though desperately seeking a monstrous big man – taken in recent NBA drafts and currently developing in Europe's higher levels. And yes, there will be highlights.
Your five for the European present and NBA future, then…
Interview clip: Emir Preldzic can't wait to take on Boston Celtics, Euroleague
And here's one more for you from BallinEurope's friends at Germany-based Sport Eagle TV: The totally tired Emir Preldzic weighs in briefly on a few topics, including a fearless prediction on Fenerbahçe Ülker's finish in Euroleague 2012-13 – and check out how much he's looking forward to playing the Boston Celtics as part of the NBA Europe Live Tour in September…
Resurrected NBA Europe Live Tour brings Celtics, Mavericks to four countries in October
One of the forgotten casualties of the 2011 player lockout was the NBA Europe Live Tour bringing top teams from North America to Euroleague arenas – and sometimes vice versa. The NBA Europe Live Tour 2011 was cancelled due to the labor issues, but happily EL officials announced at about noon CET today that the tour is back on for 2012.
Official press release follows, but BallinEurope'll tell you straight up front that the games on the NBA Europe Live 2012 tour include: Boston Celtics vs. Fenerbahce Ulker on October 5; the Dallas Mavericks vs. Alba Berlin on Oct. 6; Celtics at Emporio Armani Milano on Oct. 7; and, presumably the Mavs against that unnamed Liga Endesa team soon thereafter.


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Using the recommendations of veterinarians and nutritionists as a guideline, Nutro has formulated Nutro Natural Choice Wholesome Essentials Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Dry Cat F... Learn More
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Or at least that's what most of Wall Street was espousing until July. Yet, in the last eight weeks, it has become clear that their analysis was wrong.
- Housing woes persist, and effects are spreading
- Savers may want to lock in CD rates now
- Guideposts can suggest if more trouble is brewing in economy
- Target-date funds easy, but aren't a no-brainer
- The savings game
- The Leckey file
- Getting started
- Spending smart
- Can they do that
- Taking stock
- High oil prices are fueling wild ride for energy stocks
- The week ahead
- Homes
- Finance
- Sales
See more topics »
If fear lasts, analysts worry that the economy will slow, possibly going into a recession.
This is how the housing problem evolved into larger issues for the economy and investors.
In the beginning
The groundwork for the current problem was laid when the technology stock market bubble burst in 2000 and terrorist attacks followed in 2001. To prevent a serious recession, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates. The idea was to make borrowing money cheap.
It worked. Money flowed throughout the world. It made home buying easy, and it stoked development from Asia to Latin America.
In the U.S., individuals who became afraid of stocks looked for a new fail-safe investment. They turned to something solid--homes. Families and home speculators poured money into housing, and the intense demand caused prices to soar.
"My neighbors used to talk to me about their stocks," said Minneapolis stock and bond analyst Jim Floyd amid the housing mania. "Now they only want to talk about their homes."
People were afraid not to buy the home of their dreams. They imagined prices going higher, pricing them out of the market. And they were enticed by the myth that homes always are a good investment.
Lenders offered exotic mortgages so that people would qualify immediately for loans, ones that they may not be able to afford later on.
The process was built on the assumption that home prices would keep going up in value. And homeowners, mortgage lenders, Wall Street investment banks and financial institutions eventually paid the price of naivete or greed.
Homeowners' predicament
When a homeowner's affordable monthly payments ran out and were about to escalate, the person had an easy out as the housing market was booming. Interest rates were low, and housing prices were climbing, so it was simple to get a lender to refinance their home.
Homeowners with weak credit, so-called subprime borrowers, played the refinancing game over and over again.
Whenever mortgage rates adjusted to unaffordable monthly payments, they simply dumped the old loan and replaced it with a new one. They refinanced so they could lock in monthly payments they could afford for another one or two years.
But now they cannot get a reprieve from awful monthly payments: The low interest rates that made mortgages so cheap in the past are gone. And because so many people have homes they can't afford, they have been rushing to sell them. That has caused prices to stagnate or drop.
Some people are stuck, unable to refinance their home and unable to sell it at a price high enough to pay back the bank. Many homes are worth less than what homeowners borrowed. And lenders won't dare refinance a mortgage for someone who owes more money than their home is worth.


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A team of researchers led by Virginia Tech and University of California, Berkeley, scientists has discovered that a regulatory process that turns on photosynthesis in plants at daybreak likely developed on Earth in ancient microbes 2.5 billion years ago, long before oxygen became available.
C... Read More
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a new mechanism by which the deadly Staphylococcus aureus bacteria attack and kill off immune cells. Their findings, published today in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, explain a critical survival tactic of a pathogen that causes more ski... Read More
Leading virologists join together to tackle viruses, leukemia and neurologic disorders (press release)
The Global Virus Network (GVN) announced today the launch of a Task Force on HTLV, Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV), the world's first known human retrovirus and only known leukemia-causing virus. Experts from 11 countries*, led by Dr. Robert Gallo, GVN co-founder and scientific director and di... Read More
TB-causing bacteria appear to mask their identity to avoid recognition by infection-killing cells in the upper airways. The bacteria call up more permissive white blood cells in the deeper regions of the lungs and hitch a ride inside them to get into the host's body.
These findings are report... Read More
Later this month (May 2014) the World Health Assembly will decide whether to destroy the remaining stocks of variola virus – the agent of smallpox – or to allow continued research on the virus at WHO-approved laboratories. We are interested in your opinion on this issue. Please follow the link t... Read More
The American Academy of Microbiology has released its newest report on the human microbiome. Based on the deliberations of some of the leading experts, the report answers common questions people have about this new field of science. While there is still much to be learned, this report presents t... Read More
A UNSW-led team of researchers has discovered how algae that survive in very low levels of light are able to switch on and off a weird quantum phenomenon that occurs during photosynthesis.
The function in the algae of this quantum effect, known as coherence, remains a mystery, but it is thoug... Read More
Researchers from Germany have identified the mechanism by which Salmonella infections can reduce the incidence of asthma in mice. The research, which appears ahead of print in the journal Infection and Immunity, opens up new avenues of research that could lead to treatments.
Incidence of alle... Read More
The most abundant photosynthetic organism in the world sheds countless little sacs into the oceans, which could be having a dramatic impact on marine ecosystems, according to a new study. These microbial buds contain proteins and genetic material, which may influence the growth of other marine m... Read More
Researchers Find Rising Incidence of Patients Admitted With Infections Resistant To Common Antibiotics
The emergence of community-acquired infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTI), due to strains resistant to common antibiotics are on the rise, according to Rhode Island Hospital researchers. The study is published online in the journal Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control.
... Read More
Tuberculosis (TB) represents a serious public health problem: 8.7 million cases in 2001 and over 1.4 million deaths per year. In 2006, extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis has been confirmed in 84 countries, heralding the possibility of virtually untreatable tuberculosis. The emergence ... Read More
Proteases are vital proteins that serve for order within cells. They break apart other proteins, ensuring that these are properly synthesized and decomposed. Proteases are also responsible for the pathogenic effects of many kinds of bacteria. Now chemists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen ... Read More
The man arrived at the hospital with a fever and a bad cough. Relatives accompanied him through the doors, beneath the red neon sign reading "Emergency."
It looked like pneumonia, but when doctors at Community Hospital learned that the patient was a healthcare worker in Saudi Arabia, they beg... Read More
Unable to embed Rapid1Pixelout audio player. Please double check that: 1)You have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player. 2)This web page does not have any fatal Javascript errors. 3)The audio-player.js file of Rapid1Pixelout has been included.
Three years ago today, on 13 January 2011, the last case of poliomyelitis was reported in India. This achievement represents a remarkable turnaround for a country where control of the disease had for years been extremely difficult. As recently as 2009 there were 741 confirmed cases of polio caus... Read More
Bioengineer Ingmar Riedel-Kruse of Stanford University has created a series of games where players control organic microbes.
The games, which you can see showcased in the video below, places a collection of single-celled protozoans called paramecia in a thumbnail-sized chamber with electrode-... Read More
As many as 75 scientists working in government laboratories may have been exposed to live anthrax bacteria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday. The scientists are being offered treatment to prevent infection.
The potential exposure occurred after researchers worki... Read More
Adoption of the fist bump as a greeting could substantially reduce the transmission of infectious disease between individuals
Could a fist bump be a cleaner, better way for people to greet each other, especially in germy hospitals? British researchers have done an experiment that seems to say yes.
They tested just how many bacteria are transferred hand to hand during a handshake, a high-five and a fist bump. Handsha... Read More
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists highlights a new approach for developing a universal influenza vaccine that could protect against multiple flu strains, including deadly pandemic strains. The research appears today in the advance online edition of the scientific jo... Read More
Where humans travel, bacteria will follow. If people are in space for any amount of time, bacteria are sure to thrive there so it's good to know that there are already researchers looking at how the environment within spaceships affects bacterial populations. Work done on planktonic colonies of ... Read More


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Fruita lay at the base of Colorado National Monument and is western Colorado's gateway to McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The city's location affords plenty of opportunity for adventure, with hiking, biking, and rafting all close by. Fruita is also a renowned paleontological center, featuring the Museum of Western Colorado's Dinosaur Journey and professionally-led dinosaur excavations.


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Browse All Accessories
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Style It Up is on the scene again for another college fashion show. We check out Boston University's UMOJA Black Student Union's 23rd Annual Impact Fashion Show: Fashion is Black. Our College reporter Michelle Leonardo speaks with a few designers and models. Featured designers: Joe Malaika, Dujour Vintage, Perpetual Anastasia, Sparklle T., Style team Urban Fresh
Local Boston fashion show profiling fashion designers in the New England area and spotlighting fashion events around town.


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"Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time." Winston Churchill
"Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." Inscription on the Liberty Bell
Ronaldus Magnus
It Always Comes Back to Ronaldus Magnus
Reagan nostalgia is often overdone, and I've been at the forefront in criticizing Republicans who claim to be "Reagan Republicans" but who don't bother to study the man carefully enough to understand the skill and practice involved in his success. Many lazy Republican pols seem to think it sufficient just to invoke his name. On the other hand, Reagan was ahead of his time on so many issues, and among »
Team Obama channels Vladimir Putin, not Ronald Reagan
Lena Dunham's embarrassing "First Time" ad on behalf of President Obama has drawn quite a bit of criticism because in it Dunham uses sexual innuendo to compare the first vote experience to a girl losing her virginity. The left, though, claims that Dunham's "first time" joke about voting "goes way back to another presidential candidate: Ronald Reagan, less than a week before he ushered in the Republican landslide of 1980." »
Final Observations
I was on the road all day yesterday down to LA and back (more about that errand in due course), so I missed the debate after party here. One benefit of a long morning car trip on the left coast is getting to listen to Rush Limbaugh the old fashioned way on the car radio, and Limbaugh was making many of the same observations about the debate as Scott, Paul, »
Are you better off than you were four years ago?
Is it Reagan's Revenge that the question Reagan posed to the nation in his 1980 debate with Jimmy Carter inevitably haunts Obama today as he stands for reelection? Watch David Axelrod dance around the question this morning on Fox News Sunday. I don't think it's enough for Romney to prevail that the answer to the question is no, any more than it was for Reagan, but the answer is no. »
Remember What A REAL Recovery Looked Like?
When Ronald Reagan ran for re-election in 1984, he won in a landslide, carrying 49 states. Why? Because he had a great record to run on. His free-market policies led to explosive economic growth that blew away the stagflation of the Carter years and reinvigorated the American spirit. Reagan ran on a simple platform–freedom brings prosperity–as this ad from Americans For Prosperity reminds us: Barack Obama can't run a campaign »
Friedrich Hayek, Cold Warrior
My occasional series on F.A. Hayek last fall drew exclusively from his economic books, especially The Constitution of Liberty. But cleaning up some old files today I came across a 1983 interview with Hayek in Encounter magazine where he displayed that he was not only a dedicated Cold Warrior, but understood the logic of deterrence and completely approved of President Reagan's peace-through-strength strategy: Question: Isn't high arms expenditure also a »
Things Are Spinning Out of Control
Okay, I take a back seat to no one in admiring Ronaldus Magnus, but this is just over the top (though I do admit I kinda like it–I mean, if we can have "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter," why not this): »
Tear down this wall at 25, part 2
Not many speeches are mighty deeds. When Ronald Reagan stood in front of the Berlin Wall at the Brandenburg Gate on June 12, 1987, he performed a mighty deed by giving the speech he gave (video excerpt below). Our friend Peter Robinson was the man who wrote the speech. He tells the story behind the speech in his memoir How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life. On the occasion of the »
Tear Down This Wall at 25
Today, as has been widely noted throughout the morning on all the right Twitter feeds and Facebook posts, is the 25th anniversary of Ronaldus Magnus's speech at the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin, where he issued his demand, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Oh what the heck, here's how I describe the scene in the opening passage of The Age of Reagan: MOST of his senior aides didn't want him »
Bush League
I've always liked Jeb Bush. He was a great governor of Florida, and would likely make a very good president. He might still have been a contender some day if he hadn't put his foot in his mouth in the precise fashion he did over the weekend, embracing the stupid liberal talking point that Ronaldus Magnus couldn't win the Republican nomination today. Not only that, he complains, Poppy Bush couldn't »
Reagan's Westminster Address, 30 Years Later
Today is the 30th anniversary of Reagan's famous address in Westminster Hall, London, where he outraged fashionable opinion with his argument that it was Communism that would end up "on the ash heap of history." Kudos to the Washington Post editorial page today, which takes positive note of the anniversary to say: THIRTY YEARS AGO, on June 8, 1982, President Reagan delivered an address to the British Parliament that stands »
Happy Birthday, President Reagan
Steve noted earlier today that it is Ronald Reagan's 101st birthday. Americans For Prosperity released this video in honor of the occasion, contrasting Reagan's leadership with that of the current president: »
Newt Vs. Reagan, The Sequel
Both Elliott Abrams, at National Review Online, and, as John Hinderaker noted yesterday, Pete Wehner (quoting from my book) have brought up Newt Gingrich's pungent criticisms of Reagan back in the 1980s, supposedly giving the lie to Newt's claim to have been solidly aligned with Reagan in those glory days of conservative nostalgia. It is perfectly fair of Elliott and Pete to call Newt on his revisionist history, but what »
There They Go Again, Again
There's a splendid line in The Queen, the film about how the royal family responded to the death of Princess Diana in 1997, where the new Prime Minister Tony Blair (played pitch perfect by Michael Sheen) turns savagely on his press assistant Alastair Campbell and says, "When you get it wrong, you really get it wrong!" The line comes immediately to mind when seeing the latest issue of The Economist, »
William Niskanen, RIP
It is with great sadness that the news comes today of the passing of William Niskanen, the long-time chairman of the Cato Institute and veteran of the Reagan Administration (he was chair of Reagan's council of economic advisers for a spell). Niskanen was one of the great gentlemen of Washington and one of the intellectual giants of our movement. His modest, quiet manner in a town of loud climbers made »
There They Go Again, Again
So now it's Nancy Pelosi's turn, saying on ABC's "This Week" yesterday: "Listen to Ronald Reagan when he talked about how unfair it was for a bus driver to be paying at the same rate as a millionaire. . . . He speaks beautifully to the unfairness of that scenario." Sigh. Well, good news: my Commentary magazine October cover story, "The Liberal Misappropriation of a Conservative President," is now out from behind »


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Travel, Share our Culture, and Grow in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Career opportunities are wide open, just like BC's great outdoors!
Tourists love British Columbia as much as we do! Take advantage of our booming tourism and hospitality industry by signing up for the International Hospitality Management program. You will learn how to effectively manage customer service and housekeeping at hotels, convention centres, or even international destinations. Choose to work in sales and marketing, food services, or human resources.
Graduates are employed by hotels, resorts, convention centres and restaurants. They assist with all aspects of guest services, presenting a positive impression of the business and industry. Workers in this industry are seen making hotel room reservations, registering arriving guests and answering inquiries regarding hotel or resort services in person, by mail, internet or telephone. Employees may also work in the Sales & Marketing, Human Resource department, Food & Beverage and Accounting departments, in both local and international hotels and resorts.
Many Sprott Shaw programs offer
AHLA (American Hotel and Lodging Association) certificates.


text: @jagehtso: Yes, unfortunately too far fetched. Microsoft and Sony would NEVER and I mean NEVER allow a competing store on their closed consoles. Those stores are what they are seeing as their primary way to make money on this generation of consoles, and no way are they sharing that sweet sweet cash with Gabe.