Toddlers, Pre-Schoolers and Grade Schoolers

By the end of this evening, I was at my last breath of patience. Over the last several days I've listened to the almost 2yo whine and cry continuously with no idea why; the 3yo whine and cry about being left out, left alone, or just not getting his way; the 4yo has been tame; and the typical school struggles with the 9yo...carelessness, doesn't pay attention, attention span of a gnat, etc. Now let me hasten to say this is all part of the territory of their ages and their other wonderful qualities far outweigh these temporary troublesome ones. So a calm deep breath, good nite's sleep and fresh new day makes all the difference.

As I drift off to sleep, I am reminded of their sweet or cute antics too.

The 3yo has been growing a drawl like you wouldn't believe...single syllables words are turning into 2-3 syllables...nap = nay-ap, have = hay-ave and so on. You get the picture. But what is funny is he doesn't really get out much or interact with much of anyone, so where did the drawl come from? Do I talk like that? If I do, please slap me! He has also been growing his own way of talking..."Ok, Mom, here's the deal..." How many 3yo's say that? And, "Actually Mom, ..."

Our almost 2yo is coming up on his 2nd birthday in a few weeks and I think the terrible twos are hitting him hard. Ever since I returned from Lotusphere and his grandpa left he has been a whiney bag grump with the strongest will I've seen in him yet. But again, his charm and good nature over-shadows his present disposition. He has a face for every moment, quick as a whip, and really does have a sweet side.

And I have to add that our 3yo is just about potty-trained! Yip-pee (no pun intended!) I am one child away from being diaper free! They all four sleep through the night. I think I have just about arrived...until the next crisis of raising children.

But like I tell everyone I meet that gawk at me wide-eyed and slack-jawed, these kids are fun good kids. I can take them out in public, sit with them in a church service, and let them go with another trusted adult without cringing. I wouldn't trade them for anything!

Time to buckle down...

Holidays are over. Lotusphere has come and gone. It is time to buckle down and get busy.

After Lotusphere I was really struck by the importance and urgency to step up my programming game. Lotus Formula language and LotusScript can only take me so far. As IBM Lotus Domino evolves there is more to know. It is time to add a few more skills to my bag. From what I was hearing all week, it was XML, Java, DXL, etc. I am okay with XML and probably DXL with a little effort, but that elephant, Java? That's where the JumpStart (JMP207) session on Sunday with Paul Calhoun and John Kidd were so valuable. Maybe I can eat an elephant...it's worth a try. And furthermore, I have a comrade who's been through these waters in express and accelerated mode - my brother. Ok, so he only had a semester or two of it in grad school - he's ahead of me! Well, I plan on investing (or have my company invest) in O'Reilly's Head First books...hopefully they will help this old girl stay young!

Movie Review: "Enchanted"

A few weeks ago I spent my last free movie ticket to see Disney's "Enchanted" starring Patrick Dempsey, Amy Adams, James Marsden and Susan Sarandon. The storyline is an animated princess gets sent to the real world of NYC by the evil step-mother/witch. The animated handsome prince comes to rescue her, but of course, she is going to fall in love with the real world divorce attorney. Didn't see that one coming, did you? Actually it was a real cute clean movie.

Before leaving for the theater, my little 9yo princess was kind enough to offer to accompany me to the theater. How sweet of her. I declined her gracious offer with the reasoning that I only had one ticket. ;-) After seeing the movie I think it could encourage her existing princess and "happily ever after" thoughts. I don't care for any of the Disney witch, wizard, sorcery, etc scenarios. But there was no sleeping around, bad language or excessive skin showing, so I may let this one slide for her and let her see it. It isn't out on DVD yet but she will let me know when it is.

Back from Lotusphere

I spent last week in Orlando/Disney World at Lotusphere. It was my first Sphere. I had typically attended The VIEW's Admin conferences in Boston in my previous Lotus days years ago. Then after my 4 yr sabbatical I am back in Lotus World. So I had the good fortune of attending Lotusphere which was more beneficial to me now since I am pure development now, not wearing the Admin and Dev caps.

Several regrets, however...1.) get registered earlier - no hotels on-site 2.) go to more sessions, bofs, etc. 3.) stick to the present and a little future, rather than lots of future and little present 4.) more networking with the pros, and more exploration of products. Those are a few...but I am just a newb to the Sphere. If there is a next time, which I hope there is, I will be a little more savvy.

I am gathering other Lotus blogs like a mad person - there is so much info to glean there and I love it all.

Lady Sterling