Atlas Shrugged Review

I can tell when I really enjoy a book because I am still thinking about it long after I have finished. I recently read the book Atlas Shrugged on a friend's recommendation. I must warn you that the book is intimidating due to the fact that it is so huge. We are talking 1100 pages! It took about 300 pages for me to really get into the book, but once I did I was hooked and I neglected my family for a couple of days while I read every minute I could.

The book was written 50 years ago, but there are many parallels between the book and what is happening to our government and society today. Apparently, many liberals in Hollywood fought hard against a movie coming out about it. Some favorite quotes:

"Watch money. Money is the barometer of a society’s virtue. When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion—when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing—when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors—when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you—when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice—you may know that your society is doomed. Money is so noble a medium that is does not compete with guns and it does not make terms with brutality. It will not permit a country to survive as half-property, half-loot."

"Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think that you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong."

"I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine."

"Love is our response to our highest values. Love is self-enjoyment. The noblest love is born out of admiration of another's values"

I highly recommend the book. For a summary of the book, click here. I also just saw that they recently made a movie of the book. It is a three part movie. Part 1 was out this past spring in theaters and will be on dvd this fall and Part 2 will be out in theaters soon after that. Yay! I've attached a trailer (with commentary) of the movie. I love who they cast as Dagny, the protagonist. She is just like I envisioned her in the book.

Best Baby Products - Birth to three months

When I had my first child I wasn't sure what baby products I would really use. It would have been really useful to have a list of "must haves" and "nice, but not necessary" to know which products were worth purchasing. I feel like I have a better grasp on what items I would put on this list (at least for the first three months) as I am now using my favorites again w/my daughter. So, here is my list. Feel free to leave comments with your favorites.

Baby "Must Haves" for 0-3 months:

• Large blanket to swaddle (the small receiving blankets just don't cut it, get a really large, thin blanket).
• Sound soother (A fan works great. I also bought a white noise cd on itunes that really calms my baby. We got tired of turning on the blow dryer and our cd has blow dryer white noise plus three other calming noises.)
• Zipper pjs (Gerber sells these - can purchase at Babies-r-us or Amazon.) In the middle of the night you don't want to be messing with snap pjs.
  
• Bouncer, like this one - this is the perfect place for the baby to sit and look around while you make dinner and get some things done. This is probably my number one favorite product. My son used his until he was 9 months and no longer could sit with out his whole body hitting the ground. My daughter absolutely loves it too and spends a lot of her awake time in this looking around.
  
• Travel system (I have the Graco snugride and their single and double strollers and love them both because they have plenty of storage space and they have held up well with all of the daily abuse they get. I bought my double on craigslist and it was almost brand new and saved $150.)
  
• Pack-n-play (Both of my kids slept in this everyday for the first 3 months and I like that it has a diaper changer and baby mobile.)
  

"Nice, but not necessary" Baby items for 0-3 months:

• Boppy - I used the boppy the first two weeks and that was about it. It does help when getting used to breast feeding, but a flat,thin pillow will work just as well of if not better. The lactation specialists I talked with at the hospital preferred flat pillows over the boppy. The boppy is nice to prop baby up, too, but I prefer the bouncer and my kids have, too. I think the boppy is overpriced for what it does.
  
• Miracle Blanket - I bought this with my daughter because she is a little houdini when it comes to getting out of her swaddle and it worked great until about 7 weeks when she outgrew it. I would like the blanket a lot more if it would have lasted longer. It was overpriced and short lived. However, it does make one fantastic swaddle!
  
• Baby Bjorn (I think this becomes nicer when the baby is older than three months. If you buy, I would consider buying on ebay for a better price.)
  
• Play mat (my three month old is just getting into this and it is nice, but not necessary for the first 3 months)
• Breast pump (This is nice, but not absolutely necessary, if you are breast feeding. I used a hand pump with my son and purchased an electric with my daughter. If you plan on pumping daily, get a Medela electric.)
• Swing (For my babies it wasn't necessary, but for fussy babies it may be a "must have." My son hated the swing but my daughter likes to nap in it. Look on craigslist or yard sales to get a better price.)
  

Great Resources preparing for baby:

• On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam (this book has helped me get both of my children to sleep well and get on a schedule)
• Happiest Baby on the Block DVD (Check your local library--they probably have this. It gives great advice on how to calm a newborn baby.)
  

Potty Training Resources

At the beginning of the month we began potty training my son. He has the concepts down, but we are still working on perfecting it. I've found a lot of good resources along the way that I thought I would share with you.

Books for Parents:
Potty train your child in just one day by Teri Crane
Potty Training 1-2-3: What Works, How it Works, Why it Works by Gary Ezzo and Anne Marie Ezzo

Books for Kids:
I checked out about all the children's potty books out there and these were mine and my son's favorites.

The Princess and the Potty
Everyone Poops
The Potty Book for Boys (or Girls)
The New Potty (Little Critter)
Max's Potty

Movies:
Potty Power - For Boys and Girls
Potty Time with Elmo

Potty Charts:
You can print out a great chart for boys here and girls here. Then grab some great stickers to post on the chart each time your child uses the potty.

Potty Supplies:
Gerber Training Pants - I like these because they are underwear (and not Pullups) but they are padded so if your child does have an accident they absorb a lot of it but still don't feel like a diaper like a Pullup does.

Safety 1st Comfy Cushy 3-in-1 Potty
I prefer the potty seats that connect to the toilet for easy cleanup, but I also like having a potty seat for times when I am busy and can't sit in the bathroom with my son. He can sit on his potty seat and watch a movie in the living room while he sits and waits. It isn't fun to cleanup but it isn't as bad as cleaning up messy underwear. It also doubles as a stool which is handy for washing hands after using the potty.

Mommy's Helper Contoured Cushie Tushie Potty Seat
This is a great little seat. It is soft and it also has a fairly big opening (unlike the potty seat, which is pretty small).

Treats and prizes - I give my son a sticker on the potty chart after using the potty and a small treat for going number one and I have big prizes for going number 2 (like a hotwheels truck).

Kipper

My friend recently was telling me about the children's tv show, Kipper. I thought I would check it out, so I borrowed one of the many dvds from my local library last week. Watching Kipper has now become a daily occurrence in our home. My 2.5 year old loves Kipper! I love it too because it is a very mellow show. It isn't one of those annoying kids shows that you can only handle occasionally. I actually enjoy watching it, too!

A summary of the show, from the Nick Jr. UK site: "Kipper is a mischievous little puppy dog who spends his time finding adventures. The series is based on the best selling books by Mike Inkpen. Martin Clunes narrates and provides the voice of Kipper. The stories feature fun and easy-to-follow storylines that encourage creative thinking and reinforce messages such as co-operation, courtesy and kindness to others - Kipper reflects a child's questioning mind."

To watch a clip of Kipper, visit Sprout online.

Emma on Masterpiece Theater

I just finished watching part one of three of Emma on Masterpiece Theater online. For all of you Jane Austen fans, you can watch the show online or watch it on PBS. Part two will be available this coming Monday. I am really enjoying the show so far and am excited to watch the next segment.

Songs for your home videos

I recently made a home movie using video footage and favorite photos from 2009. Some of the video I leave "as is" and don't add music, but for most of the video I have songs going along with the movie to make it more entertaining and enjoyable to watch. I find I spend a lot of time finding "the right song" to go with my photos. Here are some songs I've used that may help you when creating your movies.

For babies/kids:
One Day Old by Woodie Guthrie
Little Sack of Sugar by Elizabeth Mitchell
Who’s My Pretty Baby by Elizabeth Mitchell
Baby Face by Regis Philbin
You are My Sunshine (many versions)
I Am a Child of God
I Like to Move It by Reel to Real
My Girl by The Temptations
Apples and Bananas (all kinds of versions - great for tasting first solid food)
Bad Day by Daniel Powter (baby’s aren’t always all smiles)
You and Me by Frances England
Just to See You Smile by Tim McGraw
Bubbly by Colbie Caillat
Let's Hear it for the Boy by Deniece Williams (Chorus only)

Family Photos:
How Sweet it is by James Taylor
ABC 123 by The Jackson 5
American the Beautiful (great for outdoor vacation photos)
America by Neal Diamond (4th of July pics)
We are Family by Sister Sledge
Don’t Worry be Happy by Bobby McPherin
I Have Been Blessed by Martina McBride
I Love My Life by Jamie O'Neal
Settlin' by Jamie O'Neal
The Climb by Milie Cyrus
Beautiful World (and we're all here) by Jim Brickman and Adam Crossley
Somebody's Hero by Jamie O'Neal
Who I Am by Jessica Andrews
Heads Carolina, Tails California by JoDee Messina
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
Over the Rainbow by John Darnell
Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Aloha Oe by John Darnell (for Hawaii pictures)
O How the Years Go By by Amy Grant

Love:
I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
Baby I Love You
Love Song by Sara Barielles
I Cross My Heart by George Strait

Birthdays:
Celebration by Kool and the Gang
Next 30 Years by Tim McGraw (okay, for a 30th bday)
A Little Less Conversation by Elvis (this is great for a 1st bday when the child devours the cake)

Summer:
Beach Boys (look at their summer album on itunes)

Halloween:
Thriller by Michael Jackson
I Want Candy (Chorus only, since it really isn't about the candy you eat)

Upbeat:
Footloose by Kenny Loggins (my little guys love to dance so this was great)
Don't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerin
Chicken Dance

Background Music (when playing music with video footage that has talking):
Come Softly to me by the Fleetwoods
Favorite piano or classical music cd
Boston Pops or favorite orchestra (for visiting an aquarium I found "Under the sea" by I believe the Orlando Pops orchestra and it worked great with my footage)

Thanksgiving:
Thankful by Josh Groban

Christmas:
Your favorite songs from your Christmas collection

Fireproof/waterproof safes

As I have been archiving my video footage and photos from the past year today I have been thinking that I really need to buy a safe that would protect these dvds in case of a fire. I consider family photos to be among the most valuable possessions I have and I would be extremely sad if I lost them in a fire or flood. Here is a link to Amazon where you can look at the various fireproof (up to an hour) and waterproof safes to keep your valuables, such as digital photos.

October Must Read: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

Nobel Prize winner Pearl S. Buck traces the whole cycle of life: its terrors, its passions, its ambitions and rewards. Her brilliant novel — beloved by millions of readers — is a universal tale of the destiny of man. -Pulisher comments on The Good Earth

I read The Good Earth by Peral S. Buck last summer and it was one of those books I couldn't put down. I absolutely loved the book! I am fascinated by China and I loved learning more about China from a common man's perspective in the time of the last emperor. This book was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for the Novel in 1943 and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1944.

From the very first page I was drawn into Wang Lung's life as he excitedly, yet timidly prepares to wed a slave from the Great House of Hwang. I immediately loved Wang Lung's wife, O-lan and her wisdom and work ethic. I triumphed with Wang Lung and O-lan as they had a good harvest and felt their pain as they were destitute during the famine. I felt their joy and relief when they were able to go back to their land and again have a good crop.

As Wang Lung's wealth grew, I was saddened by the bad choices he made. He grew idle and immoral and in turn raised sons who were caught up with the ways of the world. It was interesting how many more problems came into Wang Lung's life when he stopped working the land himself and got caught up in his wealth.

This was a moving story and I highly recommend it. Once you read the book, I recommend you watch the movie The Last Emperor. It takes a look at the time period of the last emperor of China.

Lifelong Learning

“Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt.”

-Robert D. Hales

I am a big believer in being a lifelong learner. My husband and I both would both be professional students if we could. We look forward to retirement and taking college courses in subjects that we would like to learn more about that we just didn’t have time to when working on our degrees. However, I have a long way until retirement so I enjoy learning now through ways such as reading, learning new skills, watching documentaries and attending cultural events.

I am a huge fan of the local library. It is a free way to learn on about any subject you would like. I love the site Goodreads and have a list of books I want to read so before I head to the library I find a couple of books on my list and put them on hold at the library. That way I always know the book I would like is available.

I also enjoy attending theater productions. It isn’t something I get to do often, but I try to go at least once per year. You don’t have to spend a ton of money either. You can go to the high school productions, community theater, or get discount tickets the day of the production. I recently saw Wicked and absolutely loved it!

Movies and documentaries are also a fun way to learn. The local library is a great place to get educational or classic videos. Again, a free way to learn. I love movies with stories that get you thinking about the people and the time period and their struggles. Not only are they entertaining but educational. I’ve listed some of my recommended movies to watch below. Make sure to leave a comment with your suggestions! Click here for Top 100 movies of all time.

Singin’ in the Rain

Oklahoma!

The Last Emperor (fascinating look into China)

Pride and Prejudice (BBC version)

Sound of Music

Ten Commandments

Gone with the Wind

June's Must Read: Rebecca by Daphne Du Mauier

Last month the book club I belong to read Rebecca by Daphne Du Mauier. This Gothic novel had me hooked from the beginning. The book is full of twists and turns that will keep you wondering.

The book has many similarities to Charlote Bronte’s Jane Eyre (which is one of my all time favorites). Many call it the Jane Eyre of the 20^th century. The book begins in Monte Carlo where we meet our young narrator. She works as a companion to a wealthy woman and sees to her every whim. It is here that the narrator meets Maximilian de Winter, a wealthy, well-know Englishman and owner of Manderley (famous estate) whose wife recently died.

Without spoiling the plot, I won’t go into much detail of the rest of the story. I will say the narrator does find herself living at Manderley and has to deal with the unfriendly housekeeper Mrs. Danvers (pictured below)

and the strong memory of Mr. de Winter’s recently deceased wife, Rebecca. The book unfolds to a riveting mystery full of suspense, love, and drama.

Once you read this, I recommend watching the movie by Alfred Hitchcock. It is well done. You will understand the movie more if you first read the book. It follows the book almost exactly except for one change…I can’t say what it is or it will ruin it for you.

I hope you enjoy this read! I sure did.

Workout Playlist

I spent some time looking for workout music the past couple days and have come up with my first list. Rachel and Sara had some good suggestions. I liked the idea of using Pandora.com to type in a song you like and then get suggestions of other similar songs. I've got a mix of genres and decades, but I like to mix it up. I mean you've got to have a couple songs from the 80s, right?

Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
Breathe - Michelle Branch
Breathless - The Corrs
Bubbly - Colbie Callat (good warm up or cool down)
Come on Over Baby - Christina Aguilera
Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
Footloose - Kenny Loggins
Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
Heads Carolina Tails California - Jo Dee Messina
Hot N Cold - Katy Perry
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts
Love Song - Sara Bareilles
I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston
Let's Hear it for the Boy - Denise Williams
Bad Day - Daniel Powter

Workout Song Suggestions

I finally joined the digital music age and bought a phone with an mp3 player. I am working on putting together workout music that is really upbeat that will energize me while I run. Any suggestions?