Pink Asparagus

One thing both kids have been good at is imaginary play. Elliot created race-ball when he was 2 1/2; around the same age Audrey began traveling to China. I have no idea why China. It’s not like we’ve been there or have threatened to ship her there discussed the possibility as a vacation destination.

Audrey goes to China nearly daily. She’s very serious about it too. I’m been invited a few times, but not every time. And it’s not like I can meet her in China since its location moves around the house as often as she goes. Sometimes Elliot is a travel companion. Sometimes they go by elaborate water vessel (a large pile of blankets on the floor). Sometimes they travel by TARDIS (I can only hope. They use some sort of transporter and I’m a little nervous about the one on Star Trek – it breaks apart your molecules and glues them back together).

I finally got her on camera talking about an impending trip to China. I love the seriousness in her voice. This is something very real to her. And! the fact that I would make a video about it solidifies its importance.

She really does talk like this all the time, she’s not hamming it up for the camera.

If you haven’t already done so, I would be grateful for any advice you can dole out for an expectant new mom. No one has warned her about the one-size-fits-all mesh underwear…

For most of us, our first introduction to a community was either Sesame Street or Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. (Total aside, if your kids are little and like to play on your computer check out the new Sesame Street site. They completely revamped it. It’s all web-appy and not web-sitey. It’s easy to use. And! Not irritating. OH! They’re putting all the music videos on the site. And you can make your own “street” and … well, just go there – it’s well worth it.)

You’ve probably heard, PBS isn’t putting Mr. Rogers in the new lineup. There’s a movement afoot to reverse that decision.

I loved Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. It was a staple in my life. My kids have never seen it. Not for any good reason. I think they watch less television than I did. Or maybe I watched Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street longer and later than they will. Either way, my kids won’t notice. I’m not sure I want Mr. Rogers to stay around, honestly.

Some childhood issues are timeless and Mr. Rogers can always help you through those. I don’t think good ole Fred would have been able to talk about the Internet or having two mommies or sexual predators in the classroom. (I could be wrong, I did no googling to support my blathering on.) Mr. Rogers wouldn’t have street cred with my kids. He’d be right and gentle yet they wouldn’t hear his pearls of wisdom. Even though my kids are luddites, he’s too old-fashioned for their 21st century tastes.

I really did love his show. And I’ve just lost a half hour of my life on youtube watching more. But that’s nostalgia. Let Mr. Rogers rest in peace. And on DVD.

Ooh, the googles did set me a little straight. Fred tried to keep current. But come on, he was an old white guy in a cardigan and Keds. I highly recommend not drinking while watching; I accept no responsibility if you blow coffee out your nose onto your keyboard.

If you need a dose of good Fred Rogers, his goodbye is touching. He said goodbye to us, we should say goodbye to him too. It’s the neighborly thing to do.

What do you think? Do you wish your kids could have their daily dose of the Neighborhood? Or is it time for newer, hipper shows to take its place? Who do you like these days?

PS: We can’t forget Eddie Murphy’s Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood – I guess that’s how you know you’re an American Institution, SNL spoofs you.

In case you lived under a rock last year, Dr Randy Pausch gave his Last Lecture at Carnegie Mellon last September retiring from teaching to spend the final months of his life with his wife and small children. He died yesterday.

Here’s his appearance on Oprah, grab a tissue, you’ll need it for the final five seconds.

The world is truly worse off without Dr Pausch. Sadly, he wouldn’t have shot to fame if he hadn’t been dying. Hopefully he’s inspired many to achieve their childhood dream.

My chest contracts a little every time I watch it. I have no idea how TV people do it. But! I did meet Abby Cadabby’s puppeteer and asked her if she ever imagined that *this* would be her job. She was so genuinely excited that she gets to do this everyday. Before working on Sesame Street she was a puppeteer at a children’s theater. Meeting people that are living their dream is inspiring.

And yes, I do believe Grover is a natural Blue.

Maybe if there wasn’t a waffle on her plate she would have remembered the words.

I wish I could say my children won’t be affected by outside influences. They’ll go through middle and high schools with their self-esteem intact! Magic 8 Ball says: Doubtful. The media tells us we can be better people if we do/wear/carry/drink/eat/shop at/spritze their product(s). I like to think I’m a savvy consumer. I do believe I can help the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with moisturizers. Do I think I’ll turn back the clock and look 18 again? Nope, and that’s great. I want to look my age. Just… more vibrant. On the flip side, I’m pretty sure my food would taste better stored in a french door refrigerator. Sears/Home Depot/Lowes told me so.

I like it. It’s catchy and all the other things that effective marketing is supposed to be. And for me, the little girl looks like I think Audrey will look in a few years, so they got my attention. They did a great job luring me in. Dove cares about ME! And MY daughter! It wasn’t an ad for products, it was an ad reminding parents to talk to their kids about self-esteem! How many mothers are going to now reach for the Dove products because Dove cares about their daughter? Sneaky marketers, got the hook in when I wasn’t looking. Since Dove cares about me and my daughter, using their products will make me realize I don’t need a boob lift! Washing with a Dove bar (yum, chocolate Dove bar) will keep me from wanting to purge my lunch!

I applaud Dove. They use real women in their advertising. And they try to attach a message to their advertising. But in the end, they’re still trying to tell me that I’ll be more beautiful if I use their products.

But that song? Totally catchy and stuck in my head.

Listen closely and you’ll hear Elliot explain that the house is spinning. Can’t recommend watching it if you’re susceptible to motion sickness.

Elliot can spell his name and sing the ABC’s. Although you wouldn’t be convinced from this video. He’s just too much of a ham!