What I really like about the new Izea program is that they have a very specific code of ethics. In fact, their code of ethics makes it very difficult for bloggers to deny being a part of the program.

100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure: all bloggers are required to include a “Sponsored by___” button at the bottom of every sponsored post. This way, readers of your blog are aware that the information the you have posted is/may be bias to an extent. I like to think of this as a tool to encourage honest advertise despite the fact that there will be people who do not post honestly.

100% Transparency: you cannot hide. If you are signed up for SocialSpark, every one will know. And not only will they know, but they will be able to see just what advertisers are working with which bloggers. In other words, you will not be able to write sponsored posts about a product or service in secret. Again, with companies like Sony and Walmart setting up fake blogs to lure people to a product, this kind of visibility is refreshing.

100% Real Opinions: SocialSpark does not require you to write positive reviews on a product or service. However, each opportunity has it’s own requirements. The point is that you do not have to take an opportunity if you do not feel right about what the advertiser is asking you to write. In fact, SocialSpark encourages it’s writers to only take opportunities that they can be honest in writing. And the fact that your partnership is exposed to the public should be an incentive for one to keep his.her post honest.

100% Search Engine Friendly: Google feared that pay-per-post blogging would influence the rating of the site being linked. This is why many bloggers (like me) were penalized for participating in these programs. Well, to rectify this issue SocialSpark requires that bloggers use the no-follow tag in their posts. The purpose of SoicalSpark is to generate buzz about a product or service, not to increase the search-engine rankings

So while SocialSpark cannot make bloggers make ethical decisions when it comes to accepting opportunities, it does encourage honesty. When signing up for SocialSpark, do so with this in mind: while earning money from your site is nice and sometimes important, it is much nicer and more important to have dignity. Money should be an added bonus and not a goal when it comes to blogging.

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• March 29, 2006 -- Inside Man (0)
• May 4, 2007 -- Quid Pro Quo (0)
• April 22, 2007 -- A Welcome. A Warning. A Shoutout! (4)
• December 12, 2007 -- My New Online Venture (0)
• November 18, 2005 -- Even Sigourney Weaver Would Freak (0)

You are allowed 1 entry only, however, if you post a link to this contest on your blog AND a link to the review below you will be eligible for 2 more entries. Good Luck and Have Fun!!!! Contest ends June 11, 2008.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• May 10, 2008 -- The Bugaboo Bugs (2)

Kutoka lists this game as appropriate for ages 5-9. However, I would have to say that children even younger can benefit from it’s easy to follow story and simplistic activities when accompanied by an adult and used on the least-advanced setting. After all, it is never to early to begin teaching your child computer skills and what better way to do so than using an educational game that practices sight-words, phonics, comprehension, and following directions.

My biggest complaint about the Mia-Reading: The Bugaboo Bugs game is that it is a memory and resources hog. I have a Powerbook G4 (Mac) and the game does not run well on my computer. I had to use it on my work computer (a Windows PC) because my home computer did not have enough available resources. That fact that it is so graphically-dependent also explains the somewhat long installation time and the fact that my computer did freeze while trying to start-up the game. On the positive side, the game is compatible with both Macs and PCs.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• May 10, 2008 -- The First Ever Mom on the Rise/Kristina Reviews Giveaway (2)
• May 8, 2008 -- Hey, You’re the Parent (0)
• March 6, 2008 -- I Do More Before 1:00 pm than You Do All Day (0)
• February 6, 2008 -- Well, there goes my tenure (2)
• December 24, 2007 -- The Golden Compass: READ THE BOOK (1)

• Entering Motherhood is usually your choice. Living in the Hood is usually the product of a dwindling socio-economic culture which has been overwrought with racism and political corruption.
• Leaving Motherhood is NEVER a good thing. Leaving the Hood is cause for a 3-day party and several “shouts” to God.
• Competition between Mothers usually ends in criticism about cookies, clothing, and parenting choices. Competition in the Hood usually ends with gun play.
• Surviving Motherhood just means keeping your sanity. Surviving the Hood means keeping your life.
• In Motherhood when you run out of wine you break down and cry for hours. When you run out of wine in the Hood you can visit any one of the 6 12-hour liquor stores on the block.

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• January 26, 2008 -- This is the “Sometimes on the Decline” Part (1)
• July 29, 2007 -- 15. Morning Freewrite (Part 2) (1)
• December 12, 2007 -- It’s All Fun and Games (0)
• July 29, 2007 -- 27: The Day it Happened (Part 4) (0)
• January 17, 2006 -- 22 Week Update (0)

We allowed a friend to stay with us while he looked for a job. That was eight weeks ago. He went to HS with my husband and despite the fact that they did not speak often, they grew up together and were very good friends. So when he contacted my husband through Facebook to tell us that he was moving back to the area, we were excited.

He moved back without a job though he supposedly had a one lined up. He was living with a friend, but after being out of work for several months, the friend asked him to leave so that his girlfriend could move in and help pay the bills. He called us. With no where to go and limited funds, I agreed to let him come living with us.

He did. And his generosity was unmatched. He allowed us to cook for him, to clean up after him, to provide him with a car and gas, and to buy food, 40s, and cigs. He allowed us to fall behind in our bills and to hope for promised money. And even made sure to leave us a tablespoon of Tanqueray that we had for over 1 year and White Zinfandel that I occasionally had to drink at night. He even finished off our vodka so that we would not get crazy and trashed one night.

We were blessed with eight weeks of his compassion. He passed up a job just so that he could spend more time with our family and he even made sure to be a negative influence on my daughter. He introduced inappropriate TV shows around our 22 month old and even left empty beer bottles around in an attempt to spark her curiosity.

Finally, we could not take anymore of his kindness; it was killing us. We were burnt out and longed for the boring, simple life that we had before his excitement. My husband asked him to leave. We give him a week and a half to make arrangements. He spent that time attempting to make us feel guilty.

Maybe I should have titled this post, “I’m Free” or something like that. Either way, my point is that after 8 weeks of being taken advantage of, we are free. And freedom, well, freedom only cost us approximately $2180. We learned a valuable lesson too.

We learned that there really are two kinds of people: givers and takers. The takers are vampires. They will suck you dry and then move on to others with no care for those they hurt. They are damaged- probably from birth.

After a friend suggested that I start a new blog, I decided that the best way to deal with these people is to help the givers out by sharing our stories.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• May 8, 2008 -- Come Out Come Out Where Ever You Are (0)
• March 15, 2008 -- How Much is Enough (1)

Let’s talk for a minute about what it means to be a Parent- a real one. Parents teach their children morals and values, right? They learn how to say, “please,” and “thank you,” and more from the Parent. Real Parents care about fulfilling a child’s emotional, spiritual, and physical wants and needs, right?

So why the heck aren’t you Parenting? Why are you allowing your child to take things out of my shopping cart and throw them on the ground? Why are you OK with your child running up and down the aisles, pushing anyone who gets in her way? Why do you think it is OK to look at me, smile, and say “Toddlers”? I have a Toddler. She was sitting in the cart, behaving.

You, you are the reason our society is so screwed up. You are the reason that third graders plot to “take out” their teacher. You are the reason that 15 years old think it is alright to throw watermelons off bridges and into rush hour traffic.

And you are the reason that I hate people.

Sincerely,

The mother who almost gave you and your child and open-handed slap to the face.

————–

Originally posted on my now defunct blog “Wag the Dog”

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• May 10, 2008 -- The Bugaboo Bugs (2)
• March 6, 2008 -- I Do More Before 1:00 pm than You Do All Day (0)
• February 6, 2008 -- Well, there goes my tenure (2)
• December 24, 2007 -- The Golden Compass: READ THE BOOK (1)
• December 21, 2007 -- How to Relocate and Not Lose Your Mind (0)

Up until 4 years ago, I was living in a false reality. I was under the assumption that human beings were generally good people. We helped each other out because we knew that deep down, it is the right thing to do. But this is not the case.

The reality is that human beings are takers. We are takers and we never give back. We “pave paradise and put up a parking lot” and then we plant a tree to give the illusion of giving back to the world.

This rant comes from a very dark place. It comes from a place of complete disgust. We are helping out a friend. He is living with us because, after moving from Atlanta to NY, he could not find a job and needed a place to live. He was living with another friend, but it did not pan out. And now I know why.

We have allowed him to live with us and he has decided that he was going to screw us over so completely that we actually had to miss a rent payment. I’m not going to go into details; it is not necessary. All that needs to be said is this- friendships are precious to me, but when someone screws me over once and then does it again, I am not too forgiving.

I am at a loss when I try to understand someone who is content with being a leech- a mooch- a loser. The Revenge of Intellect tells me that most good people keep to themselves and don’t ask for help. What sucks is that all the bad people are asking for help and the good people who respond are getting screwed?

I have been dropped into Oz. I’m wearing the ruby-red slippers and I am pouring water over these slimy bastards, one by one. And I am asking that all of you good people- the ones in hiding come out, come out, where ever you are. We need to regroup. There is strength in numbers and we can take back morality.

——————–

Originally posted 3/18 on my now defunct blog, “Wag the Dog”.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• May 8, 2008 -- You’re Not Welcomed Here Anymore (1)
• March 15, 2008 -- How Much is Enough (1)

Earlier this week we moved to a new apartment. After almost two years of living in an apartment that was without heat when the temperature dipped below 30 degrees, we moved the the most beautiful apartment in which we have ever lived. To boot, we put SWHS in a toddler bed and that opened a can of worms. I am also having flashbacks to when we put her into the crib. I’m secretly wishing that she would pitch a fit so badly   that we have to get her crib back.

Is it wrong that I have to lovk her in her room in order to get some sleep? I don’t really lock her in, but I did put a child-proofing contraption on her door because she kept opening it and running through the house. I sort of feel like I locked the Princess away in the dark tower. Please don’t call ACS.

Have you read about my Verizon struggles? If not, head over to Kristina Reviews and chime in. I really need to know if anyone else is having problems.

Did I mention that SWHS is TWO? It came and went so quickly and I think in total, I saw her for about 2 hours on her birthday. That’s right, we celebrated her entry into the Terrible Twos by dropping her off at Nanny and Poppy’s. We had a party planned with a beautiful invitation made by your’s truly, but we had to postpone it because we were moving the next day. The party will be rescheduled for no other reason than I want to use the invitations.

So wha’t the new energy? Well, I have decided to take my blog in a whole new direction. I am cutting ties to some organization and I am going to write what I actually feel instead of what will earn me a buck or two. I have a lot to say and I’m tired of being fluffy.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• March 23, 2008 -- Schedules are Good, Trust Me (1)
• January 18, 2008 -- 10 Things I Can’t Wait to Do With My Daughter (0)
• January 4, 2008 -- Responsiblity: Someone has to take it! (1)
• February 27, 2007 -- Days Gone By (0)

At one point, I really wanted to scream, “Dude, you are a f—g drunk.” But, after knowing so many who ended up in drug treatment programs, I remembered that being told that you have a problem is not the same as being SMACKED in the face with reality.

So, we kicked his arse to the curb.

Maybe that’s what he needed.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• March 28, 2008 -- A New Way of Communicating (0)

See, I want to fit into one of these sexy costumes on my 5 year Anniversary. I want to look something like I did when I met my husband 13 year ago. So, I have decided that I have had enough.

I am giving up smoking 100%.
I am giving up junk food.
I am giving up mayo.
I am giving up white flour.
I am giving up weight.

Stay tuned for more.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• April 22, 2008 -- The One Where I Ramble About Nothing At All (0)

At any rate, we are moving on Saturday. And Mimi will be 2 on Sunday, April 27. I cannot believe that she will be TWO. Time moves to quickly and I have a very hard time accepting that my baby is a toddler.

We took her to the park today. She went down the slide. I wanted to cry. She used to be so scared of the slide. And now, now she cried when we had to go. She hated leaving her slide behind. She kicked and screamed all the way to the car and was still crying even as we made our way to Nathan’s for hot dogs.

She does not like hot dogs. What kid does not like hot dogs? She like the lemonade, the French-fries, the hot dog buns, but not the hot dogs. And she did not like the ride on horse of the little Elmo and Zoe car with the wood steering wheels. She did not like the cheep toys or the fact that there was such strange music pumping through the speakers.

She ran to her daddy so quickly and jumped into his arms. Then she spotted me and demanded that I hold her. And then I realized something: be it 2 or 20, she will always need her mommy and daddy.

It was a good day.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• April 22, 2008 -- The One Where I Decide that I Have Had Enough (1)

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• December 6, 2007 -- I Am So Scared (1)
• February 3, 2008 -- Congrats Giants (0)
• September 30, 2005 -- A Closer Look (0)
• August 3, 2007 -- It’s Hard to Have Faith (0)
• September 22, 2007 -- The Argument for Final Exams (3)

I met my husband when I was 18- my first year in college. We had great talks and he quickly became my confidante. I was dating someone else who told me on numerous occasions that I was “alright” but not pretty. So when my Drew told me that I was pretty, I was ready for marriage. OK, not really, but let’s just say that I was floored. Luckily, we spent 6 years building a very strong relationship before getting married, so I know that his claim of “You’re beautiful” was not the only reason that we stayed together.

I tell my daughter she is beautiful everyday. I tell her she is smart too, but I make sure that I tell her that she is beautiful. My husband does too, and I know that this will be one of the reasons that she will grow up with a healthy dose of confidence. I am a firm believer that if parents help build a child’s self-esteem, that child will avoid falling into the traps of teenage life. I know that if my parents told me that I was attractive, I would not have grown up feeling awkward. I would not have looked for affirmation of my attractiveness in seedy and worthless men. I would have already known.

My daughter will know.

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• September 13, 2007 -- I Plan to Live in the Top 2% (0)
• March 15, 2008 -- How Much is Enough (1)
• July 5, 2007 -- Moms on the Rise (0)
• March 23, 2008 -- Schedules are Good, Trust Me (1)
• February 20, 2008 -- The Evil Within (1)

When I was growing up, we did not butt-in to adult conversations, or curse at them, or talk back to them.

So what has changed? Why are children today so obnoxious?

Just wondering.

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• May 3, 2008 -- New Design, New Apartment, Toddler Bed, New Energy and More (2)
• August 25, 2007 -- How to plan a Vacation to Britain (1)
• January 26, 2008 -- This is the “Sometimes on the Decline” Part (1)
• October 23, 2005 -- Kristina Needs- According to Google (0)
• April 23, 2007 -- I’m Just Saying… (0)

What laptop would you suggest?

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• July 20, 2007 -- It’s All About the Invitations (1)
• March 3, 2006 -- Unfit Mother (0)
• May 12, 2007 -- Making Changes in My Life (1)
• January 12, 2006 -- So Much to Do (0)
• October 18, 2007 -- Negativity (3)

DOTM and I had had enough and decided to make our feelings quite clear. DOTM sent an email to him to explain exactly why we asked him to leave. It was quite specific, but his reply was far less than that. He did the cowardly thing and avoided saying anything that was worth while. That’s the problem with email. Cowards can dodge those they do not wish to face. Unfortunately, email was the only way that we could contact him.

I recently had an idea. Since most people are permanently glued to the TV or the computer, maybe we should all invest in closed captioning bubbles that pop up whenever we are saying something important. We could have a button that we push when we need visual aide so that people can always say what is on their mind.

Just a thought!

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• April 22, 2008 -- Psst, the first step is being told you have a problem! (0)

I am a big fan of air purifiers. A few years ago, our apartment was sprayed by a skunk. In fact, it was sprayed numerous times as the skunk was caught in the heating duct and every time the heat kicked on, the skunk would get spooked and spray. Needless to say, our apartment smelled horribly. Our landlord gave us a air purifies to help rid the place of the smell. It worked. The smell was not completely gone, but for the most part, it was bearable enough that we could move back in without having to worry about smelling like skunk. We have one in our apartment now and hopefully, we will be able to stop some of the allergy attacks that both SWHS and I both suffer from.

My neighbor told me that lemon juice can actually help the body fight allergies. So I did some research. It turns out that fresh lemon juice can help in the digestive process, relieve gas and bloating, relieve asthma symptoms, and more. Armed with some lemons and my air purifier, we may be able to make it through the change of season.

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• May 13, 2006 -- Thanks from the Drama Queen (0)
• May 18, 2006 -- Secrets of Motherhood for the First-Time Mom (0)
• August 26, 2007 -- Blogathon 2007 Sponsorship (0)
• February 1, 2006 -- Randomness (0)
• January 9, 2006 -- Hyperemesis is REAL (0)

I raced to the bedroom to see my daughter hanging upside-down with her leg caught. She was trembling an crying and screaming. I managed to get her leg out and held her tightly because, well, when your child goes through a traumatic experience like that, you need to hold on to them so that you don’t freak out.

She cried for 2 hours. She cried until I let her play with the bathroom faucet. Weturned the cold water on and off for a little while, and then I tried to put her back to bed. She looked at the crib with such fear. I had to put her in bed with me until she fell asleep.

Hey, my daughter is no dummy!

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• April 9, 2008 -- Baby, You’re Beautiful (2)
• February 22, 2007 -- Broken Hearted (0)
• September 22, 2007 -- Shopping the Wiki (0)
• June 25, 2007 -- The Meows Aren’t Coming from the Cat (0)
• February 23, 2008 -- Making My Mark on the Web (0)

But how do we make sure she goes to sleep? Part of it has to do with the fact that we were blessed with a very good sleeper. She has never really had a problem sleeping. The other part has to do with being VERY in synch with her emotional cues. I learned very early that she becomes a bit of a handful between 6:00 - 7:00 PM. She would get defiant and cranky because she was tired. So, rather than waiting for this to happen, I decided to bypass it all together by putting her to sleep BEFORE the witching hour begins.

Our bedtime routine is nothing too elaborate. I don’t bath her every night before bed. Sometimes I read her a story; but sometimes I don’t. But one thing remains consistent: we begin to wind down with music or just cuddling 20 minutes before bed. Then she gets a bottle, is changed and then put in the crib. We turn her stereo on to lullabyes and that’s it. It is quick, painless, and consistent. In fact, now that she can walk and talk a little, she takes us to the fridge to get milk, and then walks me to her room and says “night-night”.

I know that I am lucky. I know that for some babies, schedules mean nothing. However, I am a firm believer that babies get confused without routine. They need to know what to expect or they don’t know how to react. Despite all the warnings that we received about putting her to bed too early, we figured out what works. Every one says that MiMi is always so happy. I think it is because she is well-rested and not forced to endure my nightly whims: like going out to eat or going to the movies.

ShareThis

On this Topic:

• May 3, 2008 -- New Design, New Apartment, Toddler Bed, New Energy and More (2)
• January 18, 2008 -- 10 Things I Can’t Wait to Do With My Daughter (0)
• January 4, 2008 -- Responsiblity: Someone has to take it! (1)
• February 27, 2007 -- Days Gone By (0)

Written on 3.17 when using Default Wordpress Theme:

Excuse the boring theme, but until I can figure out what happened, this is all I have.

ShareThis

Others You May Like:

• November 12, 2007 -- The Cost of Losing Weight (0)
• August 3, 2007 -- It’s Hard to Have Faith (0)
• September 29, 2007 -- Show Him Some Love (0)
• April 22, 2007 -- How to become a Born-Again Virgin (1)
• March 1, 2006 -- 3-Hour GD Test (0)