The North Face Nation

I went to a Black Hawks game on Sunday with my friends. As we arrived to the United Center, I realized that ONE out of THREE people were wearing The North Face jacket of some kind. As we drove to the parking lot, there was just a sea of people with the white lettering on their right shoulder. There were less people wearing hockey jerseys. I have had the conversation before with ...someone, but I never saw so many of the same brand of jacket in such a small area. I guess it's the label right? I have a Colombia fleece jacket that's really nice, and I only spent $30 (at Nordstrom Rack) as opposed to close to $150.


Of course I made a comment to the girls who both had their North Face jackets on. To make it worse, I had also pointed out that most of the women and girls wearing the North Face jackets. were also wearing Ugg's. I looked at both of their feet as we got out of the car, and they two were wearing Ugg's.



What's the big deal? I know it sounds funny from someone who love designer jeans, but I love them because of the way they fit. Is there something I am missing with these jackets?



The issue is not money, it's the very specific brand. Why does everyone have one?





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3.5 miles today

The Terrific Two's Emerging

How sweet they look!!!!

Yes, they are beginning to morph into screaming, hitting, pushing, defiant children. I knew it would happen. I used to be in a room filled with 10 of them. The quietest, most gentle kids seemed to be the ones who really start to act out. I guess they make up for lost time.




Vaughn has quickly found his independence, and finds that if he pushes and hits anyone, he gets a reaction one way or another. Rick and I really try not to react, and just tell him over and over again "we don't push one another", and "it's not nice to hit!" He repeats "no pushing, no hitting", walks up and smacks me in the face. We redirect, give him a ball to push and tell him, "push the ball". We have started to remove him from the room, and put him in the corner. He stands there willingly, and says "manners, not nice...corner" It's hard not to laugh, but we keep our composure.



Avery is actually manageable right now. She is spirited, and will sometimes hit or push, but when we discipline her, she crumbles. She buries her face in my lap, or falls to the ground in a fetal position. It's pretty funny too.



Meal times are especially fun when slices of apples are chucked at you. Vaughn loves to throw anything, and put his feet on the table. I know it's just a matter of ignoring behaviors, and staying calm, but some days it's really hard. If we remind him of using good manners, he says "yes, manners", laughs, takes a big sip of milk and spits it all over the place. ARGHHHHH!!!!!!! Avery is not that extreme since food is worth it's weight in gold to her. She will almost never intentionally throw food on the floor. She does, however , put her feet on the table, and scream.



I WON'T call them terrible though. They are smart kids, and are just trying to find out where the limits are. They challenge us more every day, but make us laugh just as much. It's all a phase, and if handled the right way, will pass quickly. I just really hope they do not become the kind of kids who people talk about in a negative way, like they talk about Rick or my cousin Chuck. I'll often hear, "Wow, Richie was quite a kid!!! I hope they don't act that way" Thankfully, both turned out to be wonderful caring adults.



I am looking forward to summer, when they can expel a lot of energy. Most the time, kids act out when they have an over abundance of energy, no structure, and overtired. Thankfully, I am very structured, and they get plenty of sleep.




Spring where are you!!!!!!!!!!!









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ran 3.5 miles today

Update

Very quickly, I'm updating my progress. I started bringing the kids to the community center twice a week so I can work out. The regular teacher is in love with both V and A and is very good with them, although, they do cry for a bout 5 minutes after I leave. When I peak in after my run, they are happily playing with Mrs. Liz. They have so much fun, they don't wan to leave.



Today I ran 3.2 miles easily. Every week, I'll try to get a bit faster since I'd like to run some races this year. I'm not concerned about time right now. I just want to go the distance (maybe more) and speed up from there on in. I do feel so much better already. It's nice to drop the kids off, plug in and tune out.


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