Halloween Vocabulary

The stylistas at Daily Candy are brilliant at picking the latest trends and informing the not-so-hip masses.  They've also created a new lexicon.  For example:

Costomb n. The overcoat you inevitably have to wear every year, which totally kills your costume.

Veepie Crawler n.  One of the hundreds of Sarah Palin/Tina Fey costumes you'll spot this year.

Wee-atch n.  That ho who copied your witch costume.

For more visit the Daily Candy site.

Happy Halloween!

Multitasking Reconsidered

As a person who likes to juggle many projects, hobbies, and activities at once, I always assumed that multitasking was essential to keeping all the balls in the air.  Recent news reports have shaken my world view on multitasking.  

For example, a recent New York Times article states, "while multitasking may seem to be saving time, psychologists, neuroscientists and others are finding that it can put us under a great deal of stress and actually make us less efficient."  

An NPR story cites research showing that "people don't do lots of things simultaneously, instead we switch our attention from task to task extremely quickly."  This switching makes your brain work harder and can reduce your ability to learn and retain information.

Everyone's A Critic: Rock Daddy Rock by Chris Bihuniak

Recently, I received an e-mail from Chris Bihuniak asking me to listen to his new CD for kids, Rock Daddy Rock, and to review it.  Excited to have a new blog reader, I quickly agreed.

Then I looked at his promotional material more carefully.  Chris describes his CD as "comedy-rock songs about the silly, gross and wonderful behaviors of kids."  Gross behavior?  What did I agree to?

The CD arrived a couple days later.  I looked at the song list before popping the CD in the player.  Track 1: Boogers; Track 3: Wart; Track 9: Don't Pass The Gas.  Ew!  

Now, I'm not totally anti-potty words in music for kids.  One of my favorite songs is The Poopsmith Song, by Over the Rhine.  But about 30 second into "Boogers" I started wondering whether I should send the CD back to Chris.  Around that time, Mr. S. walked in the room, exclaimed, "What are you listening to?" and walked out.

I kept listening.  Some of the songs, like the Beastie Boys-esque "Don't Hit, Don't Spit," really rock.  "When You Grow Up" and "Biter" made me want to dance and reminded me of Little S favorite The Sippy Cups.   Songs like "Gun (Peace Sign)" and "Turn It Off" provided good messages without preaching.  (I especially enjoyed hearing Bihuniak's kids sing,  "I'll clean my room and do it with no pay and do my very best to keep it clean that way" in "Your Room's A Mess.") 

I was about to write the CD off as a decent effort, highly unlikely to appeal to moms, when Little S walked into the room.  She stared the CD over and listened carefully.  Then, she put on her ballet shoes and tutu, replayed the CD, and danced for the entire CD.  "It really makes me want to move, Mom," she said.  "We should listen to it every morning to get us going."  She played it five times in a row.

Two days later, she hasn't stopped listening to Rock Daddy Rock.  Part of the appeal is listening to songs like "Don't Pass the Gas" without getting into trouble for using potty words.  But the real delight comes from Bihuniak's hard rocking and danceable music.

I can only hope that Little S's teacher won't call asking why she's suddenly talking about boogers, warts and gas.

You can find samples of Rock Daddy Rock songs here.

Bag Lunch Blues: A Taste of my own Medicine

This week I went on the pumpkin patch field trip with Little S and her classmates.  I enjoyed every minute of the trip.  Well, every minute except the time I spent eating my bag lunch.

On school mornings, I throw together lunches for Little S.  I try to hit all the food groups, limit the amount of sugar and plastic waste, and include some favorites.  But, especially by the end of the week, the lunches are a little random.

As I ate my soggy pb&j sandwich, my past-its-prime apple and a handful of trail mix at the pumpkin patch, I vowed to put a little more effort into making healthy, attractive and delicious lunches.  

Here are some lunch tips I found from WebMD, Food Network, and Parents Magazine.

OMFGG:So that's what the kids are listening to these days

During the worst of my writers-strike-induced T.V. withdrawal last year, our babysitter recommended that I watch The O.C. on DVD.  The first season was captivating:  the lush Southern California setting, the teen angst and romance, the Cohen family comic relief.  I decided to watch the entire series.  

The quality of the series was, to be polite, uneven.  Despite the ups (Chrismukkah) and downs (that hippy guy at Brown?  Kaitlyn's reappearance?) of the plot line, the music selected for the show was consistently good.

The theme song, California by Phantom Planet, is a great example.  Its haunting longing embodies the unease of the main character, Ryan, and the opening is instantly recognizable.  Jem's version of Maybe I'm Amazed is beautiful and well matched to the wedding scene.  Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah and Youth Group's version of Forever Young -- amazing.

When The O.C. creators, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, announced that they were creating a new show, Gossip Girl, I ran to set my DVR.  Gossip Girl is much lighter on the teen angst.  It focuses on the lush Manhattan lifestyle of the characters and is the TV equivalent of cotton candy (in the best escapist fantasy sort of way).

Once again, Schwartz and Savage have found incredible indie music to orchestrate their show.  Next week, the Gossip Girl CD, OMFGG (Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl), will be released.  I can't wait.  

Truth be told my music selection is anything but hip these days.  NPR and songs about backpacks and loose teeth have taken over my car stereo.  I can't wait to put OMFGG in the CD player, listen to what the kids are listening to these days, and spend a moment in the alternate universe without home repairs, carpools and juice boxes.

Or maybe I'll download the iTunes version right now.  This version features two bonus tracks: Glamorous by the Constance Billard A Capella Choir and Everytime by Lincoln Hawk.

xoxo,

SherriLynn

Smart Sisterhood: Women's Forum for the Economy and Society

Today's New York Times has an article on Women's Forum for the Economy and Society.  The Forum is described as a female-friendly alternative to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.  In addition to discussing timely public policy issues, the assembled women considered the challenges facing women in the workplace and elsewhere.

The number of female leaders at the highest levels in politics and business are very small.  And the conversation  continues to whether this problem is caused by individual choices or structural societal problems.

Meanwhile, the Forum participants interviewed in the story were energized by the networking, support and role models.  Seems like a step in the right direction. 

Barefoot Contessa BtB: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

Rarely, in our house at least, is salad the highlight of the meal.  This salad, from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, stole the show at dinner tonight.

The salad provides a combination of flavors, textures and temperatures that meld together well.  Roasted butternut squash and a warm vinaigrette wilt the arugula and melt the parmesan cheese just the right amount.  

Preparing the salad requires more dishes than Mr. S would like to wash: a skillet for toasting the walnuts, a saucepan for warming the vinaigrette, a sheet pan for the squash.  But the result is worth the effort.

Note:  Kitchen novices might want to learn more about cutting a butternut squash before tackling this recipe.  I hacked mine apart.  You might opt for a more graceful approach.

Can't wait to see the full cookbook on October 28.  In the meantime, I'll be stockpiling butter.

The Effect of the Economic Downturn on Non-Profits

I serve on the board of a local non-profits and am involved with many others.  One question a lot of folks involved with non-profits are pondering these days is, how will the grim economic news impact non-profit fundraising?

Experts argue that the impact will be limited, especially in historical context.  Yet, stories are circulating about non-profits struggling to raise money and feeling pessimistic about fundraising efforts.

Next week I need to motivate my fellow board members to keep working on our largest fundraising campaign of the year.  It's hard when every time I turn on the radio or open the paper I seem to learn more depressing economic news.  My usual motivational tools, cupcakes and tokens gifts, are only so effective.

I plan on looking deeper into the advice, tips and suggestions that seem to be everywhere.  A number of sources agree that continuing to ask, cultivate and acquire new donors is essential.  

Has the economic news changed your giving? What does effective solicitation look like to you in this economy?

What's in Little S's CD Player, Oct. 08 edition

If you've seen my post on Lecia's delightful blog,  A Day That is Dessert, then you'll know that Little S and I are big fans of the Seattle band, Recess Monkey.  We listen to them all the time, attend their concerts and even appear (briefly) in their video.  But, as Jack from Recess Monkey told us, if you don't rotate your CDs, you'll get bored of even the best music.  

Here's what's in our 6-disc changer:

1.  Central Services Board of Education.  We have a pre-release version of their upcoming self-titled CD.  With songs questioning whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable, sharing fun facts about the number eight and imagining a post-global warming world where lobsters live in Space Mountain, the music makes me smile and I often learn something new - like the story behind the inventor of pavement.  Don't miss their CD release party, Nov. 15 at Town Hall in Seattle.

2.  John Vanderslice, Pixel Revolt.  Recess Monkey loves John Vanderslice and includes "shout outs" to him in nearly every album ergo . . . Warning: this is not kid's music!

3.  Recess Monkey, Wonderstuff (Disc 1).

4.  Justin Roberts, Way Out.  Justin Roberts was my first introduction to cool kids music.  He is a great musician and storyteller.  We play his Picture Day song every Picture Day.  It makes the hair brushing just a little easier.  Justin will be in Seattle, Nov. 14.

5.  Recess Monkey, Tabby Road.  Did I hear the voice of Little S's friend during Under My Bed?

6.  Justin Roberts, Pop Fly.  Pop Fly will stick in your head for days.  So will Stay At Home Dad, just ask Mr. S.

Happy listening!  Sherri"Just Say No to Purple Dinosaurs"Lynn

Farewell to Lisa Belkin's print column, Life's Work

I love the New York Times: the insightful Supreme Court and legal reporting, the economic and political analysis, the in-depth international articles.  My "must reads," however, are a little lighter: the Sunday Styles section starting with the wedding announcements, Mark Bittman's recipes, and, until now, Lisa Belkin's Life's Work column.

Lisa Belkin is well know for writing a 2003 article on the Opt-Out Revolution.  This article described the phenomenon of female high-achievers who opt-ed out of the working world to raise their children.  The article evoked a lot of strong reactions.  To me, it rang true.  Many of my friends with Stanford, Yale and other fancy degrees decided to opt-out from the working world. For a while, at least.  

Lisa's weekly column dealt with many work/life balance issues.  In announcing the end of her regular column, Lisa said "[W]hen I was first asked to take on this column, I thought it would be about answers.  I figured I would call smart people and ask them the secrets to balanced working life, and then I would put that in the newspaper and be a hero.  It didn't take me long to realize there were no answers -- just endless and penetrating questions."

Lisa will continue writing for the New York Times magazine and in the blogosphere.  Best of luck with your new endeavors, Lisa.  I'll miss your column! 

Kindergarten Admissions Season

Yes.  It's that time of year when concerned parents are frantically visiting independent schools, writing essays about their darling children, and wondering whether they can justify paying five-figure tuition for kindergarten.

Little S is at an independent school and we love it!  If you're considering applying to an independent school, I highly recommend reading Kindergarten Wars by Alan Eisenstock.  Eisenstock interviewed admissions directors, educational consultants, teachers and parents, and then wrote a compelling narrative following a number of families through the admissions process.  He addresses many of the bigger questions (Does elite kindergarten start your child on a path to an elite college?) and offers admissions tips (Be nice to each other and the school staff.) You can read the first chapter here.

If you're really into "Admissions Lit," check out The Ivy Chronicles and Admissions too. 

Countdown to the New Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

When I was in college and law school, I thought it was un-feminist to cook.  At some point, I got tired of take-out burritos, moved into a house with a real kitchen, and started buying kitchen gadgets.  It was time for me to learn to cook.  

I asked one of my fabulous-cook friends her secret.  "Ina Garten," she whispered.  I promptly went out and bought Ina's Barefoot Contessa cookbook.  

I worked my way through that book and through nearly all of her following books: Barefoot Contessa Parties, Barefoot Contessa Family Style, Barefoot in Paris, and Barefoot Contessa at Home.  Some of the recipes challenged my nascent skills (see the marshmallow disaster of 2003), but I learned a lot about making simple food delicious (roasting) and embracing butter (see any Barefoot Contessa dessert).  

Ina's latest book, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, comes out on October 28th.  For those of you, who can't wait to try the new recipes, here are a few: butternut squash salad and mustard roasted fish, easy sticky buns, roasted turkey roulade and baked sweet potato fries. You can find more new recipes by watching Ina's show on the Food Network, starting Saturday, October 18.  

Music To Your Ears

While I'm atoning and traveling, why don't you mosey over to Lecia's blog, A Day That Is Dessert, and check out our joint post on kids music that will be music to your ears too.  And while you're there, check out the amazing pictures of Lecia's family, adventures and Seattle. 

SherriLynn. Floral Designer?

In line with my desire to try things out of my comfort zone, I agreed to take a floral design class at Fiori Floral Design.  One cut finger, several chocolate cookies, and 3 1/2 hours later, I now understand why seemingly "small" bouquets cost more than $100.

Check out the arrangements we made:

Why Twittering is Good Practice for my Upcoming Reunion

My 15th college reunion is this weekend.  I went to my 5th and 10th reunions and had a blast.  It wasn't at all like Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion.

This time, I have dinner plans with some of my dearest friends and genuinely look forward to catching up with classmates I haven't seen since the last reunion.

Many reunion encounters, however, come with the obligation to summarize the last 5, 10 or 15 years of your life in 60 seconds or less.  At the 5th reunion it was easy: federal law clerk enjoying the Seattle scene.  The 10th too: traveling with husband to exotic locales after working at DOJ and appellate litigation boutique.  Accurate summaries that appeal to the competitive, achievement-oriented alum.

The life summary for this go-around isn't as easy.  There are the boring, obvious options: Mom, community volunteer, legal researcher.   The cliche: Soccer Mom (even though Little S doesn't play soccer).  The self-aggrandizing: CEO of my family, Vice President of WW Enterprises.  The humorous: recovering attorney making up for the bad things she did in private practice.  The slightly obscure: Recess Monkey super fan.

Maybe, 15 years out, we all realize that our lives are a lot more than titles or flashy adventures.  Maybe we've been through enough ups and downs in our personal, work and community lives to look beyond a classmate's elevator speech for the real experience.

Or maybe not.  In which case, I'm open to suggestions.

UPDATE:  I'm back from my reunion.  Many classmates are struggling with the same issue and are trying to find the right balance between work and family, overachievement and sanity.  One slightly drunk friend, when told I wasn't currently employed yelled, SherriLynn isn't working?!  Sigh.

Mark Madsen Was Almost my 200th Friend on Facebook

I get way too much e-mail from Facebook.  Usually, I flip through it and delete it without much thought.   A message I received today stopped me cold:  Mark Madsen accepted my friend request and became my 199th friend.

I normally don't try to friend celebrities and athletes.  But Mark (sigh), Mark is different.  

In law school, my days consisted of going to class and the library, eating burritos and watching Stanford basketball.  My first year, I was all about the women's team: Kate Starbird, Jamila Wideman.  Then something happened.  The men's team started playing well.  And, in 1996, Mark started playing for Stanford.

He was a tough competitor for the Cardinal.  He lived up to his Mad Dog nickname.  He turned in highlight reel performances during the NCAA tournament.

And, he was a gentleman off the court.  One day, he noticed my friend, Ginger, buying Stanford Basketball t-shirts at the bookstore.   He offered to autograph the shirts.  I still have the one she gave me.  (see above)  I've never worn it. 

After Stanford, Mark went on to the NBA to play for the Lakers and the Timberwolves.  While with the Lakers, he became friends with Shaq and, unfortunately, showed the world his dance moves.  

I watched Mark play as a Laker once.  We had front row, center court seats, right next to Tim Russert.  Tim noticed my enthusiasm for Mark and started teasing me by yelling, Go White Guy!  By the end of the game, he was cheering for Mark too.

Thanks for accepting my friend request, Mark.  And, good luck with your blog.

What Should I Be When I Grow Up - Part 1

"Go to law school," my dad said to me.  "I'll pay for it."  

And so I did.  

I met some great people in law school, and had some cool experiences during my legal career.  But I never aspired to be an attorney in private practice.  So, when we moved back to Seattle, I didn't look for another job.  "I'll figure it out when Little S is in school full time," I told myself. 

Maybe I've been waiting to be struck by a bolt of lightening.  Hoping I'd wake up one morning and shout, "Eureka!  I have the answer."  It hasn't happened.

In his book, What Should I Do with My Life?, Po Bronson offers the following advice for those waiting for the loud clang of inspiration:

"usually, all we get is a glimmer.  A story we read or someone we briefly met.  A curiosity.  A meek voice inside, whispering.  It's up to us to hammer out the rest.  The rewards of pursuing it are only for those who are willing to listen attentively, only for those people who really care. . . . It won't be easy, and it won't be quick.  Finding what we should do is one of life's great dramas.  It can be an endless process of discovery, one to be appreciated and respected for its difficulty."

I intend to spend some time following those glimmers.  I'll keep you posted.