Look Up

Recently, I stumbled across this video, and it inspired me to take one day each week where I don't turn on my computer, cell phone, or iPad... at least for the month of May. We will see how I do before I decide if I want to continue it. I have always been hesitant to try something like this in the past, but now that I'm a mom I want to make sure Ezra doesn't think it is normal to stare at a screen all day.

Our goal has been for him to make it to 3 years old without watching TV or movies. We have already broken it, but I am still trying regardless. Less is still better, right? Because of this goal, I hardly ever let him look at the computer, phone, or iPad, but he is already drawn to it, and I catch him just staring at my computer screen when I do homework around him. This scares me. I want to be present with him when he plays. I want him to know that I love him and care about the things he finds interesting. I want to be present with Joe when he gets home from school or work. I want to unplug.

So, for the month of May I will be banning the computer, cell phone, and iPad on Wednesdays... at least, as much as I possibly can. I know I will still have to plug in to do homework, but I am going to try to avoid even that as much as possible. I found this great app called StayFocused which I will use to block non-school related websites on that day and only allow those websites for a set amount of time on other days. Check it out - it is pretty sweet. I know this is a tremendously small step, but I have to start somewhere. Wish me luck!

(Note: There is one bit of language in this video. Sorry!)

No Airbrushing Allowed

I recently came across an article and sobbed (link at bottom of post). I sobbed for the way my body used to be, but with the knowledge that, even if I could, I would never take it back, because being a mother is the most life-altering, important, and wonderful decision I have ever made. Motherhood brings me joy every day, but I would be a liar if I said that I don't weep simply from the fact that I had my baby almost 7 months ago, and my body is still flabby, loose, marked up, and just plain bigger than I would like. My body has changed, and I have to realize that this is okay, as it is because of this change that I have my son, someone who makes me happy every day.

The pictures in this article celebrates that "stretch marks, C-section scars and rounded bellies are the marks of a woman who’s grown life inside of her. They’re brandings of power..." It also states, "Airbrushing the reality out of women’s bodies has become so much the norm, reality isn’t often seen, let alone celebrated. Even supermodels are Photoshopped into standards of total perfection that can’t be met in reality." There's the cause of the trouble right there. 

(Now, I must take a moment to say that the photos in the article are semi-nude (all the important parts are covered though), so if this offends you, please don't click on this link. If not, by all means look and perhaps have a good cry. Don't worry, I won't judge).

An Open Letter to Paramount Pictures

Dear Sir or Madam of Paramount Pictures,

Each year when Christmas rolls around, I watch the 1970 version of Scrooge, starring Albert Finney. This has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. As I have gotten older, I have started looking for the soundtrack, but am disappointed year after year when it is continually not released in CD format. Sure, I could buy the vinyl version, but then how would I listen to it in my car or on my iPod? I could buy the Broadway version, but the vocals are lacking quality and nostalgia. To be frank, nothing but Albert Finney's vocals could ever do. This film might just be my favorite of all time, and it is certainly my favorite version of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Please read further to understand why.


During different stages of my life, different aspects of this film have captivated me, but my attachment has always revolved around the music. As a cantankerous teenager, I thought the song I Hate People was hilarious. As an adult I enjoy Scrooge's blind idea that he is soft-hearted and "a martyr to [his] own generosity." The portrayal of the Cratchit family is a favorite; Bob Cratchit exudes optimism and love, and teaches me to do the same no matter the circumstances. His song, Christmas Children, gets me into the Christmas spirit without fail.


Then there are the street urchins. How can you not love street urchins singing Father Christmas? They make my heart smile. While there are beautiful and funny moments in the film, there are also moments which can scare the pants off of you. I can remember clearly the pounding of my heart as I covered my eyes during the scenes where Marley first appears or Scrooge drops into the grave. This film has it all, even romance! Happiness is a beautiful number - so romantic, and yet, so heartwrenching because you know they will not end up together.

But the most beloved scene is when Christmas Present is teaching Scrooge to like life. This is my favorite song of the bunch, and I find myself singing it, alongside Thank You Very Much, once a week or so. It lifts my spirits, and reminds me how much I have to be grateful for.

I could go on and on about the minister's cat game and the hot soup man dancing on Scrooge's coffin, but I will spare you. I would just like to make one final point. After all is said and done, Scrooge has changed. He dresses up like Santa Clause and everyone parades through the streets throwing their hats in the air and cheering. Surely, a change such as this deserves such a big fuss, and it moves me to tears every time.

It is clear to see that I implore you on the grounds of sentimentality to release this soundtrack in CD format. Surely, it cannot cost much in fees to release it to Spotify or iTunes. I know there are others who wish to buy this wonderful soundtrack, so you would quickly recoup any losses to such a venture. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have not seen this film, I urge you to watch it. Christmas Present's hat alone makes it worth the time.

All the best,

Julia Meservy

I don't always pick Joe up from school...

...but when I do, I take stalkerish pictures of him.

Easter Sunday in the Park

Manito Park on Easter.

Since after Easter it has done nothing but rain, rain, rain. Ezra and I are all cooped up, but we hope April showers will bring May flowers. On a brighter subject, we had a lovely Easter Sunday - it was a gorgeous day. Joe and I decorated a dozen eggs, and we were able to take some beautiful pictures of Ezra at Manito Park in his Sunday best. His little bowtie just kills me. If he gets any better looking I might faint. Without further ado, here are our eggs and little tyke. Happy Easter!

Ezra in his Easter jammies. Thank you Grandma! Who doesn't love a bunny with a mustache?

We had little chickadee deviled eggs after Easter dinner.

This is Ezra's favorite face. He thinks it is hilarious.

Hide Yo' Kids, Hide Yo' Wife

Last night started out normal enough. We finished dinner, put the babe to sleep, and then Joe went for a jog. Nothing unusual, right? Right? Except then a helicopter started circling our neighborhood. I just assumed it was one of those EMS helicopters; although, part of me thought about Koreans taking over Spokane. I got on facebook for the umpteenth time that day and saw friends posting about a man who had stolen a police car with assault rifles inside. He was on the run in our neighborhood. I ran to the balcony trying to see if I could still see Joe, but he was already gone. I tried calling him, but he had left his phone. I could do nothing but wait for him to finish his run.

Thankfully, Joe ran into the police who were racing up and down our street. They were telling everyone to stay inside - the man on the run was dangerous and already had a record. Joe came straight home, and all was well. The criminal was found later that evening about a block or so away from our apartment. You can view the news story here. 

In this house, every day calls for an impromptu photo shoot...

               

Until we're done.