I don’t have many birds in my backyard and that makes me sad.  We do have the occasional robin and sometimes a cardinal.  But for the most part the birds don’t really visit us.  Watch my video to see that we don’t have any birds.

Now did you know that ornithologist technically means bird watcher?  I had no idea.  But, according to Wikipedia “Ornithology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of birds.”  Honestly, I just thought bird watching was called bird watching.  And apparently there is a very long history of ornithologists with information about the topic dating all the way back to 1500 BC.

I love bird watching and would love to look into getting some bird feeders for my back yard so that I can learn more about these interesting and beautiful creatures.

Toddlers are busy little people.  I know because I have one of those busy little people at my house.  I worked in day care and as a teacher before I had my own children.  I thought I knew a lot about kids.  And I did- but you know what I found?  It’s a lot harder to be with those busy little people for 24 hours a day 7 days a week than it is to be with them for 8 hours a day before sending them home.  I have found a few things that seem to keep my toddler happy:

1. Plan several activities to do with her each day.  She loves doing art activities and crafts as most toddlers do.  We don’t have to do several each day but I have several ready to go in case she wants to do them.
2. Get outside- let them run and play and get some of that energy out.
3. Have play-dates.  I know it’s hard at this age because toddlers don’t like to share.  But, they have to start to learn about being with others, so we go to occasional play-dates.
4. Give toddlers your time.  Most of the time when my toddler starts acting up it’s because she wants my attention.  Even if it is negative attention.
5. Take breaks- have someone else watch your toddler once in a while so you can relax and spend some time alone.  If you’re happy and rested you will be a better parent.

I was looking at a site today with a lot of information about pet care that I just wanted to share with you.  PetWave is full of advice and tips about taking care of your pets. 

Since I have a dog I decided to check out some dog grooming information.  There was an interesting article about how grooming your dog can promote good health.  There was also a good article about how shedding is related to seasons.  While I did know that there was a lot of good information in the article that I did not know before.

If you need some advice and tips about your pets be sure to check out PetWave.

The last time we moved I had very specific things I wanted in our new home.  I had a list of things I said were absolutely necessary.  The problem was that the house I wanted did not exist.  So, I had to compromise what I wanted to have and only get some things.  The next time we move I am really hoping that we can have our own home built.  If we use custom home builders then I can actually get everything that I want.  Not only will I be able to have the layout the way I want but all of the interior colors will be just what I want.

I saw an interesting article on Yahoo today that I thought I would share.  I am always looking for ideas to save some money on the amount of gas we have to use.  Hybrid cars are expensive and not an option for us.  So, this article 6 Sippin’ Hybrid Alternatives gives some good alternatives that get good gas mileage and are relatively inexpensive for a car.

Okay, so this isn’t a tip- but it’s a funny story anyways.  Enjoy!

A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him. The waitress asks them for their orders.

The man says, “A hamburger, fries and a coke,” and turns to the ostrich, “What’s yours?”

“I’ll have the same,” says the ostrich.

A short time later the waitress returns with the order “That will be $9.40 please,” and the man reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change for payment.

The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, “A hamburger, fries and a coke.”

The ostrich says, “I’ll have the same.”

Again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.

This becomes routine until the two enter again. “The usual?” asks the waitress.

“No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and a salad,” says the man.

“Same,” says the ostrich.

Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, “That will be $32.62.”

Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.

The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. “Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket every time?”

“Well,” says the man, “several years ago I was cleaning the attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.”

“That’s brilliant!” says the waitress. “Most people would ask for a million dollars or something, but you’ll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!”

“That’s right. Whether it’s a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,” says the man.

The waitress asks, “What’s with the ostrich?”

The man sighs, pauses and answers, “My second wish was for a tall chick with a big butt and long legs who agrees with everything I say.”

It’s back to school time and I’m sure that means lots of shopping if you have kids.  Buying all sorts of school supplies can be pretty expensive, but what always gets me is the price of buying new school clothes.  Especially with a teenage girl to buy for.  Even though she doesn’t necessarily need any new clothes- she is still the same size she was last year- she still has to get new school clothes.  I like to do some shopping online to save money.  Today I was checking out the prices for baby phat jeans online and you can certainly save a lot of money if you purchase online instead of in the stores.

Just one recall today- be sure to check it out to see if it affects you.  Also, make sure you go to CPSC and sign up to get your own recall alerts.

Power Light Modules Recalled by GCI Technologies Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Power Light Modules

Units: About 7,500

Importer: GCI Technologies Corp., of Edison, N.J.

Hazard: Internal wiring in the module’s circuit boards is incorrectly installed, posing a risk of an electrical fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Gemini brand power light modules used in DJ rack systems. Models included in this recall are PL-01 and Pl-02. The model numbers are printed on the front of the module, near the power switch. Models included in this recall have an ETL logo on the back panel.

Sold by: Professional audio stores and dealers nationwide between July 2004 and September 2007 for about $130.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power light modules and contact GCI Technologies to request a repair or replacement.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact GCI Technologies toll-free at (866) 449-1200 between 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at info@gci-technologies.com. Consumers can also visit the firm’s Web site at www.geminidj.com

To see this release on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08371.html

I found a great site today that I want to recommend.  Divine Caroline is one of my new favorite sites.  There is advice about relationships, travel, career, money, food, your home, etc.  Just about anything you can think of- it’s covered.  I would recommend checking this site out if you’re looking for a good read!

I was checking out SJA Mobile’s site earlier today and I started thinking.  I know back when I was in high school… not that long ago- I graduated 13 years ago- that no one had a cell phone.  When I went to college a few people had them- the big boxy kinds that had to stay in your car.  Now it seems like everyone I know has a cell phone.  There are still a few people lagging behind, but for the most part everyone feels the need to have a cell phone.  Do you know anyone who doesn’t?