I can't go a day without...

Everyone has their own favourite things, whether it's a feeling, a place, a person, an object. Some of those things are just nice and we feel blessed when we are able to experience them. But there are others that are our lifeblood. Things that we must experience everyday or life becomes a struggle. Obviously there are times when some things might not be possible, but go without for too long and I notice a difference.

I can't go a day without:

Tea or coffee. I'm definitely not a morning person, never have been. So don't expect anything useful from me before I've had a hit of caffeine. Of course, the trouble with trying to get 3 kids organised and out the door on weekdays means I don't often get what I want. Fortunately, my favourite coffee shop is only a block from school and they take very good care of me!

Hugs and kisses from my kids. The unconditional love from my kids can get me through the worst of days. From sleepy morning bed time snuggles with Thing 3, to my favourite big boy hugs from Thing 1, they're precious moments that can't be taken for granted.

Sunshine. Of course, this one is a bit out of my control, but there's no feeling that sun on my skin can't improve. Some days it might only be whatever rays I can catch while driving around. Others I might have the luxury of just sitting for a while, feeling the sun on my face. Overcast days are my nemesis!

Internet time. I know this one is very superficial, but as the saying goes, so many of my friends live inside my computer. I get my news and weather from the web. My work involves the internet. But mostly, it's the interaction from Facebook and Twitter that I need. Since most of my conversations during the day are with small people it's nice to be able to chat with other adults!

Clearly, food and sleep are necessary every day but in both cases it can often be poor quality and less than I need! 

So tell me, what can't you go a day without?

iGeneration (or My Kids Need to Get Outside More)

Do you ever get the feeling that your kids might have inherited a particular gene from you, rather than their other parent? I'm not talking about hair or eye colour, or height, or skin tone. I'm talking about one of your traits that may, or may not, be a positive attribute. Maybe you're a neat freak and your child is showing similar tendencies. Or maybe you have to read the last chapter of a book before you decide whether to read it or not (yes, I have a friend who does this. Weird!). 

As for my kids, let me put it to you this way, all 3 are more likely to be found in front of some kind of techy electronic device than lovingly stroking a motorcycle with The Chef. Now, I know kids these days need to be computer savvy, 10 year old Thing 1 uses one at school and often for homework. This doesn't explain how Thing 3, by age 18 months, had worked out how to unlock my iPhone. At age 2 she recognised the app icons for "her" games (mostly games sourced for 4 year old Thing 2), and could even navigate to the video files and find an episode of In The Night Garden to watch. All without direction. I'm not sure whether to be stunned by her obvious genius, or concerned for her future.

Friends were stunned when, during a visit just after Thing 3's 2nd birthday, she trotted out of the room and came back with my backpack. Before I could ask what she was doing, she'd unzipped it, pulled out the iPad and, in one smooth movement, was on the couch watching ITNG. Surely that's not normal?

I do admit, though, that I indirectly encourage her because it's so cute. I probably spend more time looking for kiddy friendly apps than I do useful, grown-up apps. I swear they're for the kids. Really truly!

I fear we may have crossed the line though. Thing 1 asked for Plants v Zombies, so I downloaded it for him for the iPad. Thing 3 can now often be heard calling "Zombies ate my baaiins!!". Should I be more worried about being questioned by her daycarers, or the future therapy bills?

Those were the days

I know I'm obsessed with technology, and Thing 1 seems to be following in my footsteps where that's concerned. He would spend all day, every day, in front of the computer if given the chance. Of course, I can hardly criticise. You know, pot - kettle and all that. Often dragging him away from the computer means grunts, grumbles and 10 year old attitude. The plus side of his attachment to the little white laptop is that we have the perfect punishment on the occasions that the need arises.

But today, today things have been different.

Today Thing 1 has had a friend over. This friend comes from a normal household. One where they don't all sit around tweeting, Facebooking and blogging. OK, perhaps normal wasn't the right word to use in this instance, but you get my meaning.

Today the kids played like we used to. They played outside, kicked balls, jumped on the trampoline, rode ripstiks. They even played nicely with the little kids. They played board games (classics like Monopoly and Battleship). There was no unnecessary yelling. There were no fights. There was laughter and smiles. And all this time the tv was off.

It was bliss. Pure bliss.

Now I'm desperately trying to find a way to make "play like the kids in the olden days" a regular occurrence. I'm thinking there will be many more play dates with this particular friend, or I'll have to find a way to clone him. Unless any of you are specialists in genetics I'm thinking the first option is all I've got.

I wonder what sort of miracles he can produce if he sleeps over? I'll be sure to let you know when that happens. 

I have to admit, I'm sometimes a bit hesitant to host play dates because they're often more trouble than they're worth, depending on the child. Are you a happy play date host? Or does the idea of other people's children chill you to the bone?