Friday, May 30, 2008

No Leverage At All

I recently had an article published which talked about my BlackBerry addiction...and as usual, I had to make a jab at my husband's typical male attribute of not paying avid attention to every exciting thing I have to say. As he says "I have no leverage around here. If I make the slightest mistake, it ends up in a newspaper or magazine or your tv show." I said "That's right, so watch your step Mister."

The truth of the matter is that part of the "Supermom" schtick I present relies on the belief that I have to do everything around here (mostly true) and that he is the average do-nothing kind of husband (sorta true). I like to call it creative license...I'm sure he'd have another word for it (starts with cr and ends with ap). I keep telling him to write his own story and he can say whatever he wants about me. Bearing in mind he's really just giving me more material for the next article. And I do have a new book coming out in the spring so he'd really better watch it.

Funny thing is, the only thing that bothers him more than the bending of the truth is when I don't mention him at all. Men.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Field Trip Fun

With four kids, I've been on many field trips. My youngest (Nic) is 6, and I know the days are numbered where he will actually want me to go with him, let alone sit besides him on the bus. (I'm not allowed to drop my teenagers off at the front door of their high school, let alone wave at them and cry "Make good choices." Go figure.) But the trip is more than it seems on the surface. It's a complex political and social arena.

Yesterday Nic and I ventured out to an outdoor conservation area with his class, and as usual, the best part of the trip for him was the bus ride there and back...particularly if you sit in the very last row so that you can feel every last bump in those stitches you thought were well healed by now.

The second biggest thrill was having lunch out of a bag, with Mom. Interesting observations on the types of lunches Moms provide - there's my buddy with her Tim Horton's sandwich and her son's Lunchable - and there's the "good" Mom (who makes homemade Valentine Cards), with the pre-cut grapes, whole wheat crackers, sliced apples, granola and I think a vegan salad...all preciously sealed in "wasteless" plastic containers. If you think the other parents weren't looking at your lunch, think again, amateur. I like to strike a happy balance - a thermos (wasteless), but filled with KD and ketchup. Some carrots...but bought pre-packaged. Alliances are key, and you don't want to be defending or offending someone you may require for school pick up in the future.

I won't even get into the appropriate field trip wardrobe...but apparently dressing like YOU are the 6 year old is a totally acceptable option.

Monday, May 26, 2008

A Blog is Born

Why a blog? Does the world really need another one? We'll see.

Starting today, I'll be posting blogs on some of the "behind the scenes" events which happen around here - from the television shows, the publishers, the media, and of course my main source of "material" (otherwise known as my four children and long-suffering husband).

The "Funny Mummy Files" which have been going to subscribers in newsletter format will now appear here in the blog, with hopefully the same articles to read, promotional events, and freebies I've been able to pass on.

The impetus for the blog? I attended the Canadian Writers Union AGM last week, and was inspired by so many great writers (including Barbara Gowdy, Russell Smith, Trevor Cole - all of them very funny - who knew?) and their advice and insight into this media.

So...we'll see what happens. I have a habit of over-sharing - could be scary.