Chasing After the Naughty Dingos, 6 years on -- July Thread - Page 3

[LaLaLaLa]

Hello!

Plady--I wish I could help, but as far as I know we don't have scary spiders around here.  I hope, I hope.  It looks like a mosquito bite, but those probably wouldn't hurt so much as itch.

Zub--I'm sorry your DS has had a rash!  I tend to get lots of rashes for no reason, and my DD has apparently inherited that tendency.  She generally gets a rash on her ears and neck, and it travels over the course of the day down her body.  Face, chest, arms, abdomen, legs, feet, then gone.  The first time she did this she had no other symptoms and I was wracking my brain trying to figure out if she might be allergic to something we'd fed her.  Twice I've taken her to the doctor for a rash and she's given DD a children's Benedryl and told me it's probably DD's reaction to a virus and it's not contageous.  The last time I took her to the doctor to get a note just so I could drop her off at school without them freaking out.

I hope your rash is just as much nothing as ours have been.

This morning we woke up in Hershey, PA, got in the car just after 11, and drove home.  To Massachusetts.  We arrived back at our house just after 8 tonight.    Wow, that was a really awful idea.  When heading home, though, DH just wants to get there, instead of dithering around.  I figured we'd take it slow and maybe stop for the night somewhere.  It is good to be home, though.  And DS, whom I'm mildly neglecting as he demands I make macaroni and cheese, says I need to use the Hershey kiss smiley since we just came from Hershey Park.    There, now go feed yourself, okay? 

I did manage to run this morning before we left.  Five hot, sticky miles.  At the end I turned my ankle a bit trying to avoid the overgrowth on the sidewalk, so I'm hoping my ankle discomfort will feel better tomorrow.  DH has the day off, as we expected to still be on vacation, so I hope to take advantage of that to go for a long run.  We'll see what the weather is like in the morning.

Have a good night, all!

[bec]

Thanks for the advice, Sparkle!  A little research on reviews has taken the Costco bike out of the question.  But, I am still thinking about bikesdirect.  The one I was looking at lists for $1400, and seems to have good reviews and is only $600 online.  I am thinking of going to a local bike shop, seeing what size bike I should get, and then seeing if I can find something comparable online.  It sounds like I can get more for my money that way.  I don't want to get something only to be disappointed in it in a year.

[tjsmama]

bec, just remember that, as with shoes, the customer service that you'll get from your local bike shop will probably make up for the difference in price. I get free lifetime tunes with my bike, and they've been great about working with me on fitting and minor issues for no charge (although I did pay the tri shop to do my fitting when I put on aerobars). I'm not saying that buying a bike off the internet is a bad idea, but again, just like with shoes, for a first purchase, I would definitely recommend going with an expert.

I'm in Ohio. On four hours of sleep last night! The flight was pretty uneventful, other than the fact that the airports and the plane were ridiculously crowded with occasional travelers. I have to admit that I'm a teeny bit of a travel snob, but seriously...some of the cluelessness and sheer stupidity that I observed today just is mind boggling. Sigh. I was super happy to be reunited with DS, and even got some Skyline chili before we headed north to my hometown. Mmmm....skyline.

Tomorrow, hopefully a run, but we shall see...

[bec]

I know you are right about the local bike shop experience.  I get that.  I really do.  But, it seems that I can get SO much more bike for my money if I buy online!  Honestly, what I wish is that I had you or Sparkle's DH or Jaygee to go bike shopping with me.  The problem is that I am so limited in my own knowledge about bikes that I don't know what is going to be some bike guy pushing his bike on me, and what is my best buy, kwim?  And I sort of doubt that they are going to spend a significant amount of time on me if they know that I am planning on buying my bike on the internet.  With shoes, I tend to buy from my local dealer and then look for deals online after I know what I got.  But, that's like $100 tops.  This is so much more!  I think I need to go out and just go to some shops and take some bikes for test drives.  The problem with renting bikes around here is that they are pretty pricey to rent (like $50 for an hour or so).  If my tri class teacher wasn't SUCH a flake, I would ask her if she would go with me, but she really is flakey and I doubt it would work out without great frustration!  I just wish a great bike would fall into my lap!   This is the whole reason I hate car shopping too.  It's such a big decision, and I have a hard time figuring out exactly what my needs are, and I get frozen in indecision!

[sparkletruck]

Bec - there are a few basic things to look for; fit, components, weight/what the frame is made of (steel, carbon, titanium). Once you know what size you are, ride several types of bike material (above). Carbon is lighter and more sprightly (subtle but you'll feel it) but also more rattle-y. If you are going to be on your bike for hours, it absorbs less shock than steel, so your body absorbs it instead. Steel is more rigid, but more forgiving. You can have two bikes that fit the same but ride quite differently b/c of that. A lot of people prefer carbon, but in test riding a bunch, I actually found I preferred steel. With the fit, things can be adjusted, like the handlebars forward and back (so if your legs fit the pedals well but you feel too stretched out on the handlebars, you can adjust for this to be more comfortable). Obviously seat height, but also handlebar height. Things a good bike mechanic would know how to adjust. Components come in levels, with Shimano generally being the entry level. The better the components, the more expensive the bike. I will have to wait for Dh to wake up to remind me of the details. Some bikes have the shifters on the handlebars, some on the top bar (so you are reaching down between your legs essentially) - you may have a preference. I dont think ordering online is bad to do at all, as I said we found a great bike (Jamis) online for a great price, but do your homework first! And, if you ask around you will find a reputable bike shop. There are bike shops that are trying to make money and those that want to make money but really just love bikes and are staffed by bike nerds who love to help you with all the techy stuff. Ask your tri coach where she would go. Good luck. And you can always take notes and then ask questions here

[Nickarolaberry]

Hi Dingos.

Grrrr....I'm so frustrated. I went up to Mass. on Wednesday and saw 4 houses. One was fairly perfect for our needs, so we submitted the application, etc. AGAIN the homeowner now is getting cold feet about renting (this is what happened to the first house we saw a couple weeks ago). So now we are waiting on them to make up their minds.

I told the realtor that they have to decide today otherwise we're moving on. I did see a house last Friday through Craigslist and although it is fine it wasn't optimal for a few reasons (location is a bit far from synagogue; there are a few weird oddities, like a bidet (!) in the bathroom which creeps me out; etc.) but it would be a totally fine house to rent and the owner seems like someone we could have a decent relationship with. So if this one falls through I think we'll just go with that if it's still available. It's like the never-ending Odyssey. I know I684 and I84 and I91 awfully well these days...

Trying to have faith and be Zen about it all, but it is not easy.

Speaking of Odysseys, I'm trying to research SUV's (we have an Ody. It sucks in the snow. We need something that will go in the snow.) and getting totally overwhelmed. I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to get the new Outback but I'm not sure if it has enough cargo room or space for the kids in general. It would be tight and no extra room whereas we're used to being able to shlep people and stuff. So I was also looking at a Suburban or Tahoe but they seem very big. And the Pilot has brake issues apparently. So I don't know. Matt needs space for his race stuff (not just his own, but as a race director he always has signs, cones, whatnot) and his bikes. We have 3 kids, one in a high backed booster and one in a 5 pt. harness. I'm thinking the only things that are going to feel big enough are the Suburban/Tahoe or something like an Explorer or Expedition but it is giving me a panic attack about the gas mileage etc. 

Sigh. 

Ok, running! Yesterday had a great 6 miler with my sister in law's best friend who has become a good friend of mine. She kicked my ass; she's tall and a triathlete but she didn't mind running with pokey me so we did it in about 57 mins. and change which was a tempo run for me and an easy workout for her.  The hills are KILLER in my brother/sil's neighborhood. Between the hills and the trails I am getting a lot stronger I think. I do need to do some core work and I keep saying that but I hate doing it so I don't. Bad.

Happy Friday mamas!

[Plady]

Thanks for the thoughts mamas.  I watched her until she got annoyed and then she forgot all about it and then the redness totally faded.  I'll keep an eye on the area but now there's nothing to see.  One disaster averted!  And C's tooth which has been loose and hanging by a thread for MONTHS finally came out tonight at dinner and there was a lovely release of chi or something and the rest of the meal was basically a gigglefest.  Another disaster averted as tomorrow I was going to haul her to a dentist to have them yank it.

No RR today, it was just kind of long and tiring.  Dh and I were going to watch some Netflix but nothing we want to watch will stream so I may just retreat with a book and then go to bed before dark. !

Bec, that $1400 for $600 sounds like a pretty good deal.  I don't know anything about bikes but the time I borrowed some super nice ultralight bike for a tri it was just an incredible feeling and I have no idea how well it 'fit', it just flew!

Sparkle - I finally ordered up some CLO.  I didn't get your kind because the taste sounded so bad that I didn't think we'd be able to really make it a habit.  I went with a lemon flavored one that got good taste reviews on amazon.  I'll keep you posted.

ETA Hmm, this was supposed to post last night.  Oh well.  Nothing new to report.  Nic, good luck with your preferred house!

[bec]

Thank you for the advice, Sparkle!!!!  I don't quite feel so in the dark.

[sparkletruck]

Bec - re: components - you want Shimano 105's. These are VERY standard, "entry level serious" as my Dh calls it. I have them, I think Jaygee does, etc..

NRR: DD1 woke yesterday at 5am with nausea and a fever. The fever broke yesterday afternoon and she seemed on the men last night at dinner. This morning she woke with a sore throat, and yes, Dh diagnosed it as strep (fever, swollen glands, puss) The kids Tri is tomorrow! Not to mention a 4 hour birthday party that the kids have been so excited for all week. We will still do the birthday with the help of ibuprofen (she will have been on abx for 30 hours by then), and Ds says he still wants to do the tri, but I was so excited to see how she'd do. She is athletic, and faster on most legs than Ds (who is faster on the bike ... I think he could really smoke the bike leg, which is what I told him to do; "go as fast as you can without crashing or cutting someone else off and making them crash" ) Sigh

[Geofizz]

Originally Posted by Nickarolaberry 

I told the realtor that they have to decide today otherwise we're moving on. I did see a house last Friday through Craigslist and although it is fine it wasn't optimal for a few reasons (location is a bit far from synagogue; there are a few weird oddities, like a bidet (!) in the bathroom which creeps me out; etc.) but it would be a totally fine house to rent and the owner seems like someone we could have a decent relationship with. So if this one falls through I think we'll just go with that if it's still available. It's like the never-ending Odyssey. I know I684 and I84 and I91 awfully well these days...

Trying to have faith and be Zen about it all, but it is not easy.

Speaking of Odysseys, I'm trying to research SUV's (we have an Ody. It sucks in the snow. We need something that will go in the snow.) and getting totally overwhelmed. I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to get the new Outback but I'm not sure if it has enough cargo room or space for the kids in general. It would be tight and no extra room whereas we're used to being able to shlep people and stuff. So I was also looking at a Suburban or Tahoe but they seem very big. And the Pilot has brake issues apparently. So I don't know. Matt needs space for his race stuff (not just his own, but as a race director he always has signs, cones, whatnot) and his bikes. We have 3 kids, one in a high backed booster and one in a 5 pt. harness. I'm thinking the only things that are going to feel big enough are the Suburban/Tahoe or something like an Explorer or Expedition but it is giving me a panic attack about the gas mileage etc. 

On the bidet, you might get used to it, or you could put a house plant there.  Just think, easy watering.

On the Outback:  Hauling 3 kids and their stuff isn't a problem.  We love ours, though I'd prefer a car with better gas mileage for size.  The bike rack, however, isn't easy to fit onto the back.  We have a roof box for the top that's easy to use and holds enough that we can go camping for several days comfortably (2 coolers, tent, camp chairs, etc).  We've gotten a full carseat, a high-back booster, and a booster into the back, though buckling up is a little awkward.

Originally Posted by tjsmama 

I'm in Ohio. On four hours of sleep last night! The flight was pretty uneventful, other than the fact that the airports and the plane were ridiculously crowded with occasional travelers. I have to admit that I'm a teeny bit of a travel snob, but seriously...some of the cluelessness and sheer stupidity that I observed today just is mind boggling.

I still find it amazing that people try to take huge bottles of shampoo through, wearing huge necklaces and bracelets and complicated shoes.  Seriously, have they been living under a rock?  I will pick longer lines through security to avoid being behind someone who's packed themselves with plastic bags - a sure sign of cluelessness.

Originally Posted by doctorjen 

NRR - we're in Missouri. Our moving van came yesterday and it was utter chaos all day, but they eventually pulled out with our stuff.  We got up very early and drove the 430 miles today, and arrived in time to stop in at the school's dept of public safety to do residency verification so the kids can register for school tomorrow.  We close in the morning, register the kids in the afternoon (at 2 different schools, and will still have to do a third school in early August), and will sleep tomorrow night in our empty new house.  The moving truck arrives again on Friday with our stuff.  I start work on Monday July 18, so hope I can get the house at least a little situated before then!

I can't wait to hear how the new job comes together.  Best wishes to your family in the move.  What's your DH doing?

JenB, best for your move too.  Let me know if you want me to hook you up with some locals - including some who might know some resources for your older DS.  Here's to a smooth adjustment to both families. 
 

So, our nanny finally found another job.  Our contract says she needs to give us 2 weeks notice.  Her last day is in two weeks, but she's taking 3 days next week for training.  Ummm, that's not giving us two weeks.  So I'm scrambling for summer camps for DS to fill the gap -- the poor kid is now in math camp immediately after Safety Town, and while I'm sure he'll like math camp, it's the last thing he needs and he'll be exhausted.  I wanted him to ride his bike and go swimming next week, not learn more math.  :lol 

Anyone know why nannies appear to prefer babies and toddlers to school aged kids?  My kids are EASY compared to babies and toddlers, and I pay the same.  I have this sense that we get fewer people than are out there applying for the job considering our location and payrate.  Is there a trend for earlier in the day (our hours are 11-6).  I've actually started contacting people that post their own info looking for jobs instead of just posting my own job ad, and none reply.  Is it me?  Do I have nanny boss B.O.?

RR  I didn't run at all while in Europe, but counted on Time On Feet, which seems to have served me well.  It's HOT here, though.  It was in the 60s most of the time we were gone, and we came back to 90F and humid.  Blech.

Edited by Geofizz - 7/8/11 at 8:50am

[sparkletruck]

Geo - I think older kids are harder; nanny cant talk on her phone or otherwise do her own thing without being found out?

[Geofizz]

Originally Posted by sparkletruck 

Geo - I think older kids are harder; nanny cant talk on her phone or otherwise do her own thing without being found out?

Hmmm. Maybe.  I don't post much about what we're like (no TV, academic focus yet with a priority for unstructured time).  Our current sitter reads 2-3 books a week on her kindle while the kids are digging in the mud.  Seems like a pretty posh way to make a (paltry) living, even if it means little phone time.

This morning's thunderstorms cleared the air a bit.  Hope it holds until an evening run can happen.

Question:  Any good strategies for dealing with lying in a nearly 9 year old?  My instincts were off (make her write me a letter of apology) but I think I ultimately handled it ok (asked her why she felt she could/should lie, then talked about the consequences in that she will have to rebuild my trust in her).   Ohhh, that child can piss me off sometimes.*

Hmmm, maybe I wouldn't want to nanny that child either.  

[sparkletruck]

Yeah, responsibility + trust = privileges, and the inverse. DS tends to be our liar. It is helpful to have DD1 as an example, i.e., "the reason she gets x, y, and z is because she does q, r, and s; when you do that...."

Why is it that when my mood takes a nose dive the first thing to go is exercise and good eating, and the last thing to go is everything and anything I do for everybody else. Bleh

... and why is it that I'm growing more hair on my face than on my head these days!!!

[bec]

We haven't had any lying issues for a while around here, but when we do, we have had the discussion about trust, the consequences of lying, and the fact that you will always get into far more trouble over the lie than if you had just told us what you did wrong in the first place.  I know there is a lot of debate about punishment, but we do, on occasion, punish the kids.  We have removed privelages for lying. 

Nic - Good luck on the house!

Sparkle - Ok, Shimano 105.  The bike I am looking at at bikesdirect has Shimano components, but they don't seem just one set.  Is that a problem?  It has the Shimano Tiagra for the front and rear derailleurs, Shimano Sora for the shifters, and Shimano HG 12-25T for the cassette/freewheel.  Is it all right that I'm using you for my bike expert? 

Editing to add that I found a ranking list (love google) of Shimano components.  Would you (or your DH) agree that from best to worst:

Dura Ace
ultegra
105
tiagra
sora
2200

[zubeldia]

Geo, sorry about the nanny situation. Ours quit very suddenly when she decided to get married and move to Texas in the space of 2 weeks! It honestly sounds like a very nice job she has with you... what I would do to read a few books a week!

Lalala. I am a pretty rashy person myself... (I also have lupus which makes me a prime candidate for a nice rash). We did take Raf for a follow-up today and he was diagnosed with pityriasis rosea. I'm hoping it won't last the three months that it can hang around!!

No RR for me yet.. maybe later. We're off to  Storyland for the next day or so so hopefully will get to do some nice running in the White Mountains.

[sparkletruck]

Bec - yes. Dura Ace is what the guys in the Tour are using. Ultegra is what my friend who just got a $3500 bike has, and 105's is what your typical amateur athlete has. Shimano is a huge component maker, like, they make components for WalMart bikes too...

[bec]

Thank you so much!  Ok, I'm currently thinking about this Windsor Fens.  It has good reviews, as well as several good reviews from people who have bought this bike from bikesdirect.  I have a local bike technician that I can get to work on it for fairly cheap for things like tuneups and the like.  But, he has a strictly Giant shop, and his bikes start at a pretty high price.  Now, I just need to go and try some bikes out locally and see what size I need.

[mommajb]

I know nothing about bug bites except that ticks need to be removed and nail polish is the local remedy for chiggers.

rashes - I tend to ignore them and then when I run into the peditrician out and about she invariably does a double take on one of my kiddos and tells me it is strep and I need to call the office for abx.

I am not a bike enthusiast and one again am no more help than your average cheer leader. If ou got a great deal ad it didn;t work for you presumably you could turn it around w/o a loss of cash?

la - could you visit my inlaws for me? They are in eastern PA and I would really appreciate it.

nic, we tried a "relocation expert" and a real estate agent. Then we used craigslist. After finding a neighborhood or 2 we iked we siply walked the streets looking for "for rent" signs until we found a land lord that wasn't terrrified by 5 children. Silly woman.

sparkle - I hope everyone is magically better for the tri and party!

geo, what kind of resources for ds? I am interested... and on the nanny front, where are you posting? Who are you getting? I think early elementary is one of the easiest ages for teen babysitters though I realize you are looking for a slightly older than that nanny. If I knw why they lied it helps: fear of punishment, upset about a mistake or worse, sneakiness and an assumption that they won't get caught or simply know better than I do. For one I would discuss why it is wrong but try to build trust and self confidence for the other I make sure they know they will get caught, that I made a considered decision, and that sneaks are not trusted. Good theory, the practice is hard.

We are on are way to San Diego. The truck was full to the gills. Totally full as in we left a trike and a stroller behind. Linus thinks we are almost there as we are two hours from the old house (which had a showing this morning and another tomorrow!) at my parents. Our flight is tomorrow. I am packed, our jammies are layed out as are tomorrow's clothes. I promise you the last 48 hours has been so emotionally hard watching my children say goodbye to their friends. I just walked away in tears at one point. We left the house this morning drove to dd3's best friend's house for a farewell and went to get dd2 from her sleepover. I drove for one hour, made a bathroom break and checked in for our flight, drove 30 minutes and made another bathroom break, finished the drive, met Indianapolis friends for lunch, and know I wait. Anxiously.

I should post more often and a little less lengthily.

[bec]

Mommajb.  That sounds so hard.  I just tear up thinking about making my kids say goodbye to their friends.  I hope you have a safe and pleasant journey!

I'm realizing I have bike buying anxiety!  But, on the other hand, talking to my friend, I realized that I think I really have (thanks to Sparkle!) narrowed down what my requirements are!  I think I will spend the weekend going to local bike stores and seeing what they have!

[Nickarolaberry]

Geo, package going out tomorrow. Sorry for the delay, I couldn't get the post office on time today.