Recent PostsAbout This Blog Welcome to my blog. I'm Anne-Marie Nichols, a 40-something WAHM to Nathan, 6, and Lucie, 3. I've been married 12 years to their dad Paul, a scientist. When I'm not doing the mommy thing, I'm a freelance writer, and vice president of the board of directors for a Colorado public charter school. In my spare time I like to sleep, eat, read, and decorate cakes. I created this online journal to share some entertaining and insightful stories from my own experiences as a writer, domestic engineer, and mom. I encourage you to share this blog with your friends, and hopefully it will spark some lively discussions on issues we can all relate to. Enjoy! Blog CategoriesToday's Recipe
The paprikasch is a popular dish in Vienna. It is traditionally served as a stew, but it makes a lovely soup. |
Sep 8 2008Mrs. Book LadyCategory: Just MeNot only have I been reading to the students in Nathan's class, but I've started to read to children in my community. The first time was a story time I hosted at my house. It was as a customer appreciation event for my Usborne Books clients. I called it TGI Friday Night Reading and gave mini Usborne Books out to all the kids (and a few moms) who came over in their pajamas. During the story telling -- I read The Frog Prince -- the kids were quiet and attentive. Afterwards, we had a snack time and the kids ran around the house being rambunctious. It was more Animal House than Quiet Story Time, but that was O.K. Nathan and Lucie had a blast. What could be better than having kids from school and playgroups come over in their pajamas? After my friends helped me clean up, the house was actually tidier than when we started, except for the spilled hot chocolate in Nathan's room. I think one of his school buddies did it, but what's a little spill between friends? I plan to do more story time events soon and already booked an after-school Christmas story event at a local bank. Story times are a great way to entertain kids while spreading a love of reading. Instead of Mrs. Lucie's/Nathan's mom, how about calling me Mrs. Book Lady?
Sep 5 2008Traveling for businessCategory: Just MeThis summer I'll be taking a few business trips. I haven't done this since I left the corporate world seven years ago and I'm excited. Usually it's Paul who gets to go to conferences or to meet with clients. I just came back from Tulsa, Oklahoma for an Usborne Book convention. Imagine 550 women giving our company's founder a standing ovation over new children's books. I love people who love books! For Paul it was an intensive three days of dealing with babysitters, going to Rockies baseball games and a co-worker's party, and the daily upkeep of two kids, one who is semi-potty trained and the other who is obsessed with going to play golf right now. He managed, but as he admitted, just barely. For me it was an intensive three days of traveling, going to training sessions, awards banquets, networking, book shopping, and having a luxurious hotel room to myself. Poor ol' me. Being a good wife and mom, I would check in regularly by cell phone to make sure everyone was still alive and sane. Calling from the airport the first evening to let Paul know I arrived, I found him getting the children ready for bed. I briefly talked to Paul, Lucie, and then Nathan. Everything was fine until Nathan put his sobbing sister back on the phone. Lucie: "Mommy (sniff, sniff) I want you! I want you now, mommy! Mommy!" She starts crying again. Me (at the curb waiting for the hotel shuttle trying hard not to sound like an idiot): "Oh baby. It's o.k. Mommy will be home soon. I love you. Please don't cry. It's o.k. Daddy and Nathan Boy are there. I love you. Don't cry. It's o.k. You're fine. I love you. Give the phone to Daddy please. Can you give the phone to Daddy?" All the time I'm thinking, "I'm not going to cry. Oh my god, this sucks. I miss my baby. I'm not going to cry. How come the kids don't do this when Paul leaves? This is so damn hard, how do other parents do this?" My next trip is in a month, lord help me.
Aug 27 2008My letter to the editorCategory: Just MeUsually, I'd write a letter to the editor. But it's my local, small town paper. If they run my comments, people will think what's printed is my official opinion as a charter school board member, and not as a parent in the community. It's happened before. I expressed my opinion about the school district on my personal blog, was outed on a local website's forum, and drew much criticism. (Some people think that I can't have a personal opinion about anything because I'm in a "position of power." Tell that to Mr. Bush and the politicians in Washington.) Some of the comments were incredibly mean and hateful which was a bit scary considering that those people live in my neighborhood. But it really ticks me off when reporters write about "parents who work for a living." The story was about parents' reaction to the school district's eight late start days for teacher training. Parents with inflexible work schedules complained to them and the newspaper. Many parents have flex time, but some will get fired for coming in late no matter what the cause. Some parents work for money, and some work at raising their kids, taking care of a sick relative, or volunteer in their community. Most parents fit into several of these circumstances, and few of us have a choice in the matter. So Ms. Reporter, whether you work full or part-time, in or outside the home, for money or no pay -- ALL PARENTS WORK FOR A LIVING.
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