LM's Eyes
It’s been a while since I sat down to write.
It’s been a while since I put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, and created something meaningful.
It’s been a while since I allowed myself to explore my thoughts and emotions in a way that allows me to collect them, understand them, and send them out into the world, to share with anyone who cares to read.
Today is the day. read more »
Happy Valentine's Day
I know: I am a day late. Valentine’s Day was yesterday. The champagne has been drunk, the chocolates consumed, cards exchanged, romantic evenings concluded.
In my defense, I waited until today to write this post deliberately. I wasn’t really sure what Valentine’s Day held in store for me this year, so I just didn’t know what to say. Here’s my recap:
My Darling Husband, my DH as I typically refer to him, is away on business most weeks from Monday through Friday, sometimes Sunday through Friday. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Tuesday, I was all but certain he would not be home. I envisioned our Valentine’s Day plans encompassing the ritualistic, long-distance, ‘Good morning‘ and ‘Good night‘ daily phone calls, a few “Miss you” texts throughout the day, followed by a be-lated glass of wine and exchange of ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ wishes when he returned at the end of the week. I was wrong. read more »
SOS: Send WordPress help, stat!
I am not insecure about my level of intelligence. I am reasonably well-educated—more so than many, not as well as some. But I read. I write. I have articulate conversations with intelligent individuals about religion, politics, economics, the arts. I can contribute ideas and think creatively. I have studied logic. I am strategic. And I definitely do not suffer fools gladly: I have virtually zero tolerance for stupidity. Especially in myself. Which brings me to the point of this little tirade: There is one thing, and one thing alone, that reduces both the size and functionality of my brain to that of a pea: Technology. To be more precise: Code. I spent the better part of the morning trying to update my ‘other’ Web site. You know, my day-job, career-oriented, required-to-promote-my-company-and-maybe-earn-a-living Web site, the one that I should, in all honesty, devote far more attention too. And after several hours of hard work, research, writing and re-vamping, a simple download was all that was required to make it complete. One poorly navigated thematic update later, and this is what my site now says:
Fatal error
That is all. Sure, there are a few extra numbers and symbols and tidbits of mumbo-jumbo following this ominous phrase, but you get the gist: I have lost the entire thing.
I am ready to scream, cry, spit, pound my fists, curse the high Heavens, and throw my computer across the room.
Yes, it happened while preforming the simple task of installing a new WordPress theme. Now I have no theme at all. And no content. My portfolio is lost. There is nothing. Except. This. One. Line. Check it out and see for yourself at http://twigmarketingcommunications.com. Share my pain.
This is not my first scuffle with blogging technology. It all started with a similar episode, way back when: Getting Started. You would think I would learn.
WordPress for Dummies has met it’s match in me. Apparently any “dummy” should be able to do this, any dummy, that is, except me. So here are today’s lessons:
If anyone knows how to fix this, send help!
Running Sports Bra from Bare Necessities
My entry into the modeling world took an unexpected turn when I agreed to model underwear at the young age of 20. While twenty is actually considered “old” in the modelling business, it felt very young to me when I was presented with the oportunity to stand around in very little clothing, in front a very large crowd (who knew taking photographs took so many people?). In the end, I said ‘Yes’ to the job, headed down a new career path, and quickly developed a level of self-confidence I hadn’t expected. Soon, I was immersed in the world of undergarments. I was surprised to learn what a great gift the perfectly-fitting bra truly is, and they became the #1 item on my Christmas gift-giving list!
During the last five months of my modelling career, I found myself exclusively modeling sports wear—an equally empowering and invigorating experience—and this was when my passion for sports bras was sparked. But life threw me another curve, as life often does, when I found out I was pregnant. My modeling days came to an end, but pregnancy gave me the opportunity to not only give birth to the best thing that has ever happened to me, but to also look at the world of undergarments from a new perspective: As a researcher and writer. Today, I get to write about all things bras, underwear, lingerie, nightgowns (and more!), and I absolutely love every minute of it.
Now, about those sports bras…
There is a ton of information out there on how to choose the right bra style and size for everyday wear. But those How-To lists usually neglect one of the most important bra styles—the sports bra. Whether you are finding your Zen in a yoga class, running a trail, or cross-country skiing, it is very important that you have the perfect fitting sports bra. Why? Because not only can a poorly-fitting sports bra be uncomfortable, it can also lead to health problems, such as stretched ligaments and sagging. So here are my tips for finding the perfect fit:
1. Get professionally measured
One of the best ways to get the proper fit is to head to a lingerie store or the lingerie section of your favorite department store and ask to be measured. These ladies are professionally trained to help women find the right size and style to suit them. Use them as a resource.
2. Know how to find your size
If you prefer to shop on your own or online, there are some easy ways to measure yourself at home with a soft measuring tape. If you don’t have one, you can find one at a local sewing or craft store. To measure, just follow these simple steps:
One-inch difference – Cup size A
Two-inch difference – Cup size B
Three-inch difference – Cup size C
Four-inch difference – Cup size D
Five-inch difference – Cup size DD
Note: Some sports bras don’t follow traditional measurements and are only available in S, M, L, and XL. In this case, trying on different styles and sizes is the best way to find the right fit, but you should still follow the pointers below.
3. Try on several
Once you’ve found your size and selected a few styles, try on several to see what works best. When trying on, make sure:
4. Look in the mirror
Turn around while looking in the mirror to make sure your sports bra sits in the same place on your front and back. A properly fitting bra should fall in the same place everywhere without riding up.
5. Do the “jiggle test”
When trying on the sports bra, jump up and down and see, a) if your breasts stay in place, and b) if you’re comfortable. This is especially important when fitting sports bras because they will be supporting you at your most active, when you need it most.
6. Replace every 6 – 12 months
Many women are wearing sports bras without proper support, simply because their bras are worn out. Sports bras support you during intense workouts and therefore tend to wear out sooner than other types of bras. To ensure that your are comfortable and getting the best support available, make sure to replace yours every 6–12 months.
The tips above are key to helping you find a great-fitting sports bra. Next time you go bra shopping, print off this list and carry it with you. And don’t forget your measurements!
• • •
Cindy Prosser modeled underwear until the baby… now she’s a part time, freelance writer, and a full time mom. When not glamorously overdressing for grocery store visits, she stays busy writing about plus size sports bras from Bare Necessities. For all things Bare Necessities, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
Disclaimer: The Know It All Mom posted this article because Cindy submitted a Guest Post story idea that I thought would be informative for all women. I hope it was! But just so you know, I was not compensated, either monetarily nor in the form of product. If you would like to be a guest blogger on http://theknowitallmom.com, please refer to the Submissions guidelines and send me your stories or ideas.
Good-bye, Punxsutawney Phil
By Heather Von St. James, Guest Blogger
Throughout my life, I have been called an eternal optimist. I have always believed that the glass is half full, not half empty. I am blessed with the ability to see the best in any situation. But my optimism was sorely tested on November 21, 2005, when I heard the three words that no one ever wants to hear: You have cancer. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a life-threatening form of cancer, just three-and-a-half months after the birth of my precious baby girl. I was only 36 years old.
When you are diagnosed with cancer, you have two choices. You can curse God, ask “Why me?”, and spend your time immersed in bitterness and self-pity, or, you can choose to accept the diagnosis and get ready for the fight for your life. I chose the second option, and I have never looked back. I was determined to make the best of this situation, to fight as hard as I could, both for myself and for my child, and to use my positivity to help others along the way.
My 2012 clean slate
If you have been following my Tweets of late—and if you haven’t, Tsk!Tsk!, you can follow me on Twitter by clicking http://twitter.com/theknowitallmom—you will know that I have been suffering from the January Doldrums. This is an affliction I fall victim to every year, after the family-and-friends-and-fun-filled extravaganza of the holidays comes to an anti-climatic end, and I am left to pack the twinkly lights and glitter-covered ornaments into their dusty, cardboard cases, stashing them away in a dingy basement corner, along-side other forgotten relics like tattered yearbooks and the figure skating medals I won when I was ten, until the hype and anticipation of the holidays returns next year and they re-emerge to assume their rightful glory. To quote myself, circa January 3, 2012:
The January doldrums are here. It only took 3 days. Missing Little Miss (school), Darling Husband (away on work), friends and family. Rainy day. Head cold. Blah.”
That pretty much sums up my mood. If I had had the space, I would have added a sad face, just for effect.
And yet, here I am, two days later, updating my blog, editing not one but two guest blogger submissions, writing again, and generally getting busy. Doldrums or not, a new year also brings a new set of goals, desires, obligations, and a renewed sense of zeal. I begin this year blissfully unemployed. The contract that pulled me away from my blog, that interrupted my yoga practice, that all but eliminated lunch dates with friends, that interfered with family time, and that generally invaded way, W-AAAY too much of my head-space, is now over. Done. Finito. Complete. I am free. I feel like I have been handed early parole for good behaviour, and I cannot take it for granted.
And so, my friends, with my head cold lingering and the Doldrums temporarily at bay, I wish you a very Happy New Year. I am raising my favourite old coffee mug, one quarter full with luke-warm coffee, to toast all of you, and to celebrate an up-coming year of many unknowns, ‘lots of opportunity, and a clean slate upon which I can create whatever I want. Cheers!
Recently, I have received many inquiries about guest posting on my site. The Universe is trying to tell me something. The message: Get back to the beginning. When I started this blog, my intention was to create a forum for parents everywhere to share their experiences, ideas, challenges, successes, frustrations, questions and concerns. But I am not good at delegating. I have tried to carry the blog myself, which has lead to months of fervent activity, followed by periods of complete inactivity. As I freely admit on my About Me page, I don’t actually know it all, but I’ve always believed that together we can figure it out, sharing a few laughs, and maybe even a few tears, along the way. So let’s share.
Beginning, in January, 2012—that means NOW folks, for all of you writers and wannabes out there!—I will be accepting submissions for publication. If you would like your creative non-fiction writing to be considered for publication on The Know It All Mom, here is what you need to do:
Submissions must be creative non-fiction. Although I love to read poetry, short stories, and most genres of fiction, the Know It All Mom is not the place for these children to find a home.Thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you very soon. Happy writing!
Air Canada at YVR
November 4, 2011
Goal: Today, my focus is to maintain my schedule. I have a very tightly booked series of meetings, phone calls, places-to-be, etc., that includes getting LM to the seaplane terminal on time for her flight and me to YVR on time for mine (The reason for these flights? See Gratitude below). Today’s schedule is a house of cards, and with one false move the whole thing tumbles to ground.
Gratitude: First, let me apologize for missing yesterday’s post, and here’s my excuse – I plumb FORGOT! It was a Thursday. I don’t usually work outside the home on Thursdays, but yesterday I did. On top of that, I learned yesterday morning that my mom and I need to make an emergency trip to Alberta, TODAY, to visit my Uncle, who is badly injured and currently in the hospital, and the rest of my family who still reside there. In the commotion of trying to work, to book flights and a hotel and a car, to make arrangements for LM, to make sure my DH changed his plans, and to manage all of the usual things that happen in my world on Thursdays, blogging went out the window. I am very grateful that things are not worse – they easily could have been – and that I have the resources and support to make a last minute trip possible. I am grateful that I can be there with my mom. This will be very hard for her.
Update from Day 11: The good news is that Wednesday was fantastic. LM: Suitably impressed, and what’s better, one of my students had a problem with her model, so LM volunteered to help the student out. Not only was she proud of me, I was ever-so proud of her!
Thanks for the follows!
November 2, 2011
Goal: Today is Take you Child to Work Day for LM’s grade 9 class. Fortunately, today is a very interesting day where I work, especially if you are a 14 year-old girl interested in fashion. My soon-to-graduate students are styling models for a hair and make-up fashion shoot required as a component of their program, and the shoot is, coincidentally, at the school today. This is relevant to my daily goal for one reason only: I want her think what I do is cool. A while ago she said to me that when people ask her what I do, she tells them I’m a writer. Which I was, have been, hope to be again. But when I took the contract to be the Senior Administrator of the college, writing, as many of you know, fell by the wayside. Today, I want her to see that a) what I do at the school is challenging, at times exciting, and demands skill; b) that I am proud of the work I do there and hope she is, too; and c) that I can be both, an Administrator and a Writer, hence my need to stay true to yesterday’s goal. I guess, in a nut shell, my goal today is to impress the heck outta’ my kid!
Gratitude: I just want to say thanks to all of the new people following me on Twitter (@theknowitallmom). For some reason, a lot of new folks are finding me and following, and that is very nice of them. So, “Thank-you”.
November 1, 2011Goal: I have been very happy to return to blogging on a regular basis, and my thirty day Goals and Gratitude gig is keeping me on track. But daily blogging does not mean writing, and by writing I am referring to something more than mini-updates on my life which may or may not have significance to anyone else but me. So the goal I am setting for myself today is to write something meaningful over the next week and post it by Day 17. So much has happened over the past year, I have A LOT of food for fodder, I just need to sort through it all and decide where to begin. Pen on paper, fingers on keyboard – usually that’s the best starting point. read more »
