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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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perspective

A Lesson in Peel n’ Eat Shrimp

Ilina · March 31, 2010 ·

My sons are at an age that I can recount stories from my formative years. Only the G-rated ones, of course. Um, not that there are any stories that venture out of NC-17 territory. While we were waiting to be served at a restaurant recently, I told Bird and Deal about how I was a … [Read more...] about A Lesson in Peel n’ Eat Shrimp

Tags: attitude, Bird, food, fun, lessons, perspective

My Latest Hang Up

Ilina · March 22, 2010 ·

You know how when you bring home all those teeny tiny itty bitty onesies and Jon-Jons that are so cute when your baby is the size of a sprinkle? You know how the outfits are so dang small that your husband couldn't wear them as mittens, much less snap the things? You know how you … [Read more...] about My Latest Hang Up

Tags: aging, baby, Bird, children, motherhood, perspective, rites of passage

Want vs. Need

Ilina · February 9, 2010 ·

Bird's homework yesterday was to make a list of five things he Wants and five things he Needs. Then we had to work together to determine the price of one item he covets, find out where to get it, and figure out how he could earn the money to buy it. We went through the exercises, … [Read more...] about Want vs. Need

Tags: Bird, perspective, shoes, shopping, toys, values

A New Year’s Eve Whine

Ilina · December 31, 2009 ·

The year was 2003. I was five months pregnant with Bird. We had bought and renovated an 80-something year old house. We were planting roots.And then I got laid off from my job at an advertising agency. Funny how it's so easy to fire a pregnant woman, yet it's a stretch to hire … [Read more...] about A New Year’s Eve Whine

Tags: celebrate, complaints, feelings, hope, money, perspective, thankful, time

Kids & Pets: All the Same

Ilina · December 14, 2009 ·

There are days I'm a better pet owner than I am a mother. I seem to have more patience with Lark, perhaps because he doesn't whine or throw temper tantrums. He also does not kick me or scream "NO" in a volume that would raise the OSHA red flag. Did I mention that Bird kicked our … [Read more...] about Kids & Pets: All the Same

Tags: boys, children, love, perspective, pet, potty training

Bring Sexy Back, One Girls Weekend at a Time

Ilina · November 17, 2009 ·

Reporting for duty after a much needed vacay from reality. Reality doesn't suck, but it sure does suck the life out of me. Sometimes it's nice to steal away and forget that my name is Mom. Sometimes I like to be Ilina again. You know, the woman who wears dry clean only clothes, … [Read more...] about Bring Sexy Back, One Girls Weekend at a Time

Tags: aging, attitude, confidence, individuality, kids, mom, motherhood, perspective, self esteem, vacation, wine, women, youth

Food Safety: Caveat Emptor

Ilina · October 19, 2009 ·

"Caveat Emptor: is one of the many phrases I remember from my early days of Latin in the esteemed Dr. Larrick's class. (Sidebar: Every student should have been lucky enough to have had Dr. Larrick. He continues to inspire students in ways few can. Teaching is a gift. One that he … [Read more...] about Food Safety: Caveat Emptor

Tags: America, consumer, cook, dinner, food, health, perspective, responsibility, sick, wellness

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Writer. Marketer. Energizer.



Progressive, mom, writer, reader, traveler. Believe in good manners, home cooking, spending $ on experiences, not things, Oxford comma. ENFJ.

There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl's complexion. - Holly Golightly
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