For The Love of the Video Game

I have a confession to make - I am a woman and I enjoy video games.  Yes, it's true and I am not ashamed!  I grew up playing on Atari and Nintendo systems.  Now, thanks to the hubs, I have moved on to bigger and better systems like XBox 360, Playstation 3 and the Wii.  In fact, just a few weeks ago we were pulverizing each other in the latest version of Mortal Kombat and causing complete chaos in an old 360 game called Burnout - it's the safest format of road rage you'll ever encounter!  So, it stands to reason that I wholeheartedly support children playing video games.  I know a lot of people think that this leads to kids being obese and lazy, but as long as there is moderation (like with everything else in life) I say, let them play!  In my opinion, video games are fun and really can serve a good purpose in your child's life. 

Aside from educational value, video games are great for "rainy day" entertainment.  The Wii has literally saved my sanity on more than one occasion!  Since their toddler stage, the twinks have proven that they will become little tasmanian devils if they don't have some form of physical activity.  HALLELUJAH! for the Wii and all their sports and playground themed games!!  From golfing to dodgeball, the twinks can be thoroughly entertained for the full 1 - 1 1/2 hours they're allowed to play.  As an added bonus, the only drink they request while playing is water! Yes, WATER!!!  I don't know too many 6 years old that willing seek this out on their own, so I definitely consider this to be an added bonus! 

In addition to the active (physical) games, there are some great benefits to games that are simply played for the fun of gaming.  For instance, my little Mini Me has been developing her fashion design skills on her Nintendo 3DSXL with a Bratz video game that allows her to create outfits and sell them in her own boutique!  This has led to her expressing herself more creatively in paper drawings by using more colors, creating patterns and even illustrating action scenes (ever seen a bunny jumping out of a tree?! I have now!) I know you're probably thinking "Big deal - the kid is drawing more" but when you consider that she used to struggle with even making simple stick figures, this is a big deal!  As for my son, if he's not saving the world as one of his favorite super heroes,  then he's playing a key position on one of his favorite sports teams (mainly the Washington Redskins or the Capitals!)  What I've noticed with both of them is that aside from enhancing their hand-eye coordination and critical thinking skills (yes, even video game football requires critical thinking), the completion of goals and winning trophies in these "just for fun" games has increased my children's confidence.  Sure, it's a bit superficial, but to be honest, I don't care - my children enjoy feeling a sense of accomplishment and I enjoy celebrating their virtual victories!  

Which brings me to the last and most important point I'd like to make today - playing video games is a great opportunity for parents to bond with their children.  What's that?  You don't have time for video games? Oh, they aren't your "thing"?  Well, whether we want them to be or not, video games are very much a part of the 21st Century child's life.  Why not take the time to explore them with your child, instead of allowing someone else to do it for you?  Trust me, it will happen - whether at a play date or a family gathering, your child will discover the art of gaming.  Instead of dreading it, think of it as your chance to show your kids that they can have fun with you, too - you're not just a disciplinarian, who makes and enforces rules ALL the time.  Furthermore, you can teach your child the very valuable lesson of how not to be a sore loser or an ungracious winner.  I think we all can agree that this is a lesson that is better learned in the safety of your home than on the sometimes cruel school playground. 

Now, of course, I am speaking strictly from my own experiences.  Will you and your child's experience be the same as mine? Maybe...maybe not, but you won't know until you've tried.  Also, I'm not saying that there shouldn't be any rules about playing either.  The twinks game playing is mostly reserved for weekends and holidays.  If they are allowed to play during the week, they must first earn the privilege by doing reading or writing homework that I assign to them and to the level of my expectations (which are higher than their teacher's.)  And, please, make sure that your children are only playing the games that are appropriate for their age group.  No matter how much they think they can handle it, NO toddler or kindergartner should be given a Resident Evil or Call of Duty type game.  So, now that I've shared my point of view, let's hear yours....

Living It Up in 2013

Happy New Year!!!

OK, I know I'm a bit late, but between the holidays and battling a vicious cold epidemic in our area, I've been a little busy.  So, here we are more than half way through the first month of 2013, can you believe it?!?  

For those of you diligently sticking to your New Year's Resolutions, I applaud you!   Personally, I've never bought in to the whole resolution thing.  By now, I probably would have conceded defeat and resigned myself to trying again next year.  Instead, I prefer to reflect on the lessons learned and celebrate the goals I achieved during the previous year.  Now, you might think that being home for the past 9 months would mean that there wouldn't be that much for me to recall, but you'd be wrong!  I'm not going to go through all of my events in 2012 - we don't have that kind of time and quite frankly, there are some moments that I'd rather not relive even in memory - instead, I'll share with you the 3 most important things I've learned (in no particular order.)

1. Live out your passion and you will find happiness - Yes, I sound like a fortune cookie, but truth is truth.  I've been working since I was 16 years old and have done everything from retail sales to Veterinary Technician work.  I dedicated myself to giving 100% to each and every task that I did, no matter how big or small (and trust me, this is hard to do this when your day includes cleaning out kennels and litter boxes.)  My last job was an Administrative Assistant role and I was in it for almost 12 years...yes, 12 long and (for the last 3) miserable years.  Did I love it? No. Was I good at it? Yes. Was I ever happy with it? To be honest, no, I was comfortable and since the majority of the other roles didn't appeal to me, I stayed.  Since being freed of my corporate shackles (how's that for dramatic?!) I've been able to focus on pursuing my passions for owning my own business and creating fashion designs.  I'm not delusional enough to think that I'm going to be some overnight success and I already know it's tough and takes A LOT of hard work to be a successful entrepreneur.  Despite these harsh facts, I'm unbelievably happy about the path that I'm on and it shows in my voice, my attitude and my outlook on each day!   You better believe I'm going to be sure to keep this going for 2013!!

2.  Eliminate negativity - Life is too short to let negative influences or reminders weigh you down.  I don't care if it's a person, place or thing - if it is not adding something positive to your life, then it must go!  We've all had or maybe still have at least one friend or acquaintance who just never has anything good to say about anything.  Or maybe there's an object in your home that serves as a reminder of a dark time in your past;  whatever the case may be, it's time to let it all go.  I know it's not easy...many things worth doing aren't.  While Spring cleaning last year I came across a folder that I created when I was probably 11 or 12 years old.  Inside were newspaper articles and poems I wrote in memory of friends who had taken their own lives or were severely  troubled and considered a danger to themselves.  Since I did not attend their funerals and knew that I would not be allowed to visit anyone in a troubled youth facility, this folder was my way of mourning.  This may seem a bit strange to some of you, I know, but at the time it was almost therapeutic for me.  At any rate, last Spring I decided it was finally time to toss the folder and the sadness associated with it, out of my life.  It wasn't easy, but once I did it I literally felt at ease and sort of relieved to have lifted that spiritual weight off my shoulders.  From that moment on, I decided to purge myself of anything or anyone that brings me down.  As the saying goes, "Misery loves company"  Well, Misery is not welcome here and if you catch her trying to creep in to your world, I suggest you slam the door shut and lock it tight!

3.  Be the victor, not the victim - The first step in achieving your goals is to believe in yourself, if you can't do that, then don't even bother trying.  Life is never perfect and some face more trials and tribulations than others, but how you react to it is what determines your victory or defeat.  In my 20 years of employment,  I've been laid off twice.  Both times I've been able to use the opportunities to my benefit and pursue more satisfying endeavors.  In fact, the first time it happened, I was fortunate enough to have a friend working at a staffing agency in the same office building, so that afternoon, after packing up my desk, I went straight to her office and helped out for the rest of the day.  I mentioned earlier, that last year's lay off afforded me the opportunity to pursue my passions, but more importantly, it allowed me to spend some real quality time with my twins and get them prepared for going to school.  These may not sound like tremendous victories to you, but the point is that I turned negative situations in to positive opportunities, instead of wallowing in self pity or claiming to be a victim of circumstance.  I had no idea how things were going to work out then, nor do I know how they'll be this go around, but between my self confidence and the support of my family, there will be no "going gentle in to that good night";  I will forever rage on!  

As I said, these are just a few of the lessons learned that I'll be practicing this year.  What about you all?  I would love to hear what you'll be doing differently this year to live a happier, more balanced life?  Remember, knowledge is power, so don't be shy - share!

Until next time, be well & take care!