http://www.technoearthmama.com A new kind of woman for the 21st century Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:22:02 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I had a great ride to and from work today!  I was surprised, because I'd been having such a hard time back in the fall.  Aside from my frequent mechanical failures, I often felt like I was struggling just to keep the bike moving.  Small hills nearly had me in ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2009/01/bicycle-commuting-mama-feeling-good-except-where-i-hurt/ As I mentioned before, my new therapist prescribed a book for me, The Mindful Way through Depression.  I've only just started reading it, because the Portland Snowpocalypse delayed its arrival via UPS. I think mindfulness is going to take a lot of re-training for my brain. Author Jon Kabat-Zinn says "Mindfulness ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2009/01/clean-floor-oh-yeah/ Economical, tasty, and easy, split pea soup is a perfect winter meal. I'm sure there are thousands of recipes out there, but this is how I do it. It's simple enough to make any time, even after working all day. You should be able to find dry split peas ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2009/01/whats-for-dinner-split-pea-soup-with-bacon/ I haven't ridden my bike since well before the Portland Snowpocalypse started (around December 15).  You see, I stupidly gave myself a flat tire, and then was unable to add more air. One morning, the rear tire looked a little low, so I thought I'd better put a little extra air ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2009/01/getting-back-on-the-bike/ Although other Oregonians may already be familiar with it, I just discovered NW Republican today.  Strangely enough, it was in my Google Alerts email for "bicycle portland oregon."  Although I applaud them for giving kudos to Metroknow, after perusing a few posts, along with the "Moonbat Rules" on the lower ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2009/01/names-may-not-hurt-people-physically-but/ Happy New Year!  I've been reading feeds on Google Reader, and everyone's got either a Year in Review post or a New Year's Resolutions/Goals post (or sometimes both).  I don't have one for you.  I'm pretty satisfied with how 2008 went.  I'm looking forward to 2009.  I don't have specific ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2009/01/yes-it-is-a-new-year/ Oscar the Pig: Mommy Goes to Work, by Megan Calhoun, is a picture book for younger children intended to help them deal with separation anxiety. The book opens with Oscar contemplating his mother's impending departure for work, which is a new experience for him. "Who will take care of ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2008/12/book-review-oscar-the-pig-mommy-goes-to-work/ It's really not surprising that I'd be depressed right now. I've showed signs of depression since I was a teenager. Having children intensified it to the point that I began taking medication regularly and seeking counseling periodically (according to the National Institutes of Health, postpartum depression affects 10-15% ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2008/12/finding-my-way-out-of-or-through-depression/ That was good! Good enough to share with you! Being financially strapped as well as trapped by a snowstorm (it's very unusual to have a foot or more of snow here in Portland, Oregon), I've been trying to use up what we have in the pantry already. That's a ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2008/12/whats-for-dinner-garbanzo-pasta/ My kids have plenty of stuff.  We could stand to get rid of a good portion of the stuff, in fact.  But what did I just buy for them?  Yep.  More stuff. Why didn't I make a better choice?  It's about the money.  I'd rather give them something like good arts ... http://www.technoearthmama.com/2008/12/holiday-budget-vs-holiday-values/