I was on Work It Mom last night and came across this article:
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/04/the-case-against-breast-feeding/7311/
She left out some other research, done in 2004, which says that yes, instances of obesity ARE less in breastfed children. The LARGEST factor is, of COURSE, activity level, but it does, in fact make a difference.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14754976
She also left out the fact that, since human milk is easier for babies to digest for human babies, digestion in a breastfed infant is more efficient. Since formula takes longer to digest and the respiratory systems of infants under 6 months, infants are harder to wake in active sleep who are formula fed, since their bellies are full because they take longer to digest the formula than the breastmilk. SIDS risk is, therefore, increased.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14709496
Also, there is a component in breastmilk which kills cancer cells.
http://www.drmomma.org/2009/08/breastmilk-component-kills-cancer-cells.html
I take no issue with anyone who formula feeds. It is a personal choice and I understand that some women try very hard to nurse and just can't, or their lifestyle does not allow for it. However, discounting the benefits of nursing, in my opinion, is just grasping at straws. Yes, formula is a godsend. Yes, formula fed babies turn out FINE and there are breastfed babies who do not.
What bothers ME about this article is this woman's suggestions based on narrow information and her obvious displeasure with motherhood and scorn for other women. She claims to be anti-judgmental but clearly isn't.
(Personally, I breastfed exclusively the first 6 months and now she nurses when she is with me and gets formula at daycare. She also eats plenty of solids. I do not have an issue with her having formula and am grateful breastfeeding came so easy for us, despite a bout with mastitis and trouble getting a deep enough latch as a newborn.)
3.13.2011
3.09.2011
Cloth diapers and the like
Well, lately I have been thinking about the world my daughter will grow up in, and how I can do my part to make sure there are not too little resources for too many people. This has led to several decisions.
1. Switching to cloth diapers and reusable wipes. It has actually not been so bad. There are covers and inserts, and even rice paper so you can just dump the poop in the toilet. She has a rash, though, and I think it may be from sleeping with the rice paper against her skin all night. I may even need to get up and change her diaper once a night now. At daycare she will still use disposables and I will only be using the reusable wipes at home. The reusable wipes are just peices of soft fabric that I soak in a solution.
2. I will only give birth to one more child, if I can help it. If I want a third, I will adopt. One child per parent leads to a flat population growth, and since there is already overpopulation, it is the best way to preserve the planet, not to cause exponential growth.
3. I am trying not to use or buy things that I don't need and won't use.
Being a mommy has made me so conscientious. It is one of the many good things about becoming a parent!
1. Switching to cloth diapers and reusable wipes. It has actually not been so bad. There are covers and inserts, and even rice paper so you can just dump the poop in the toilet. She has a rash, though, and I think it may be from sleeping with the rice paper against her skin all night. I may even need to get up and change her diaper once a night now. At daycare she will still use disposables and I will only be using the reusable wipes at home. The reusable wipes are just peices of soft fabric that I soak in a solution.
2. I will only give birth to one more child, if I can help it. If I want a third, I will adopt. One child per parent leads to a flat population growth, and since there is already overpopulation, it is the best way to preserve the planet, not to cause exponential growth.
3. I am trying not to use or buy things that I don't need and won't use.
Being a mommy has made me so conscientious. It is one of the many good things about becoming a parent!
3.05.2011
Lately
Well, I have made the decision to move back to Columbus when I graduate and live with my parents until I can get on my feet financially.
I really do not think I will wind up in Kentucky anyway. They are not very big on quarter horse showing here, and that's what I want to be involved in. Also, the law schools here only prepare students for practicing law in Kentucky. I would like a broader range of options.
I may have to put off law school, too. I have heard only the top law schools have students gaining employment out of law school. I think I would be fine there, but it would be smarter to work a few years before law school, pay my mom back for loans, pay back my Sallie Mae loan, and save some so that I am not paying loans back later. That will also give me time tofind and apply for fellowships, grants, and scholarships.
I also have this little pipe dream of starting to build up a boarding business in the next few years, starting to invest in a few lesson horses to teach lessons on, etc. and getting a new show horse and being able to show on a little more competitive scale on a breed show level. Eventually, I want to take in Open show training clients and work my way up to Breed shows.
One thing at a time though and before I get ahead of myself, I would like to take Kandi to some open shows first to get back into showing my own horse. This means I need to find the kind of job which allows for this.
Anyway, this is just thinking out loud. Who knows where life will really take me? I am sure everything will turn out fine. I am just glad to be moving home to have a chance to build up a nestegg!
Senioritis is really kicking in. 10 more weeks!
I really do not think I will wind up in Kentucky anyway. They are not very big on quarter horse showing here, and that's what I want to be involved in. Also, the law schools here only prepare students for practicing law in Kentucky. I would like a broader range of options.
I may have to put off law school, too. I have heard only the top law schools have students gaining employment out of law school. I think I would be fine there, but it would be smarter to work a few years before law school, pay my mom back for loans, pay back my Sallie Mae loan, and save some so that I am not paying loans back later. That will also give me time tofind and apply for fellowships, grants, and scholarships.
I also have this little pipe dream of starting to build up a boarding business in the next few years, starting to invest in a few lesson horses to teach lessons on, etc. and getting a new show horse and being able to show on a little more competitive scale on a breed show level. Eventually, I want to take in Open show training clients and work my way up to Breed shows.
One thing at a time though and before I get ahead of myself, I would like to take Kandi to some open shows first to get back into showing my own horse. This means I need to find the kind of job which allows for this.
Anyway, this is just thinking out loud. Who knows where life will really take me? I am sure everything will turn out fine. I am just glad to be moving home to have a chance to build up a nestegg!
Senioritis is really kicking in. 10 more weeks!
2.19.2011
Life Happened.
You thought you were tough
That ego, it lies
Tells you that you're bigger than you are
That you can do it alone
Life comes along
Slaps you in the face
Reminds you of your mortality
Those fires you go through
Those tides you cross
The bridges you burnt
Led you here to this
Not what you pictured
Not the way you planned
Life is not ecstacy
More like a roller coaster
At the mercy of its' creator
You can take it and run with it
Or fight it
And die not knowing what it can be
That ego, it lies
Tells you that you're bigger than you are
That you can do it alone
Life comes along
Slaps you in the face
Reminds you of your mortality
Those fires you go through
Those tides you cross
The bridges you burnt
Led you here to this
Not what you pictured
Not the way you planned
Life is not ecstacy
More like a roller coaster
At the mercy of its' creator
You can take it and run with it
Or fight it
And die not knowing what it can be
2.12.2011
2nd wind
Well I got the 2nd interview at Bankers, went, and didn't get a third. I'm okay with that. I have realized from my internship and from that that what I DO NOT want to do is walk into an office and stare at a computer screen everyday.
I do not want to work in an equine related office and watch OTHER people enjoy their horses either. I WANT TO ENJOY MY HORSE.
Watching other people enjoy there's and being involved in those politics just doesn't interest me like I thought. I want a job that fits that. I do not know what I want to do. For someone who always knew what she wanted out of life, discovering that I have no freaking clue is scary.
The fact that I have a daughter to support that I don't want the state's help to support her is even more scary. For a couple weeks I was obsessively job hunting. I spent more time job hunting than on school work. I even put up a profile on a childcare site. I don't even WANT to do childcare. I can only handle other people's children in small doses.
I know I want to go to law school eventually, but not how to fund our lives and our healthcare in the meantime and during. I have decided to take it back a notch and JUST focus on school for now.
I even am considering the military. Not something I EVER thought I would ever consider, but it's not an office job and it's one I could be proud of and that Kiley could be proud of. Plus, I would never have to worry about being laid off. I promised my mom that I would move home and look full time for a job that would be fulfilling after I graduate but if the military still seemed the best option, that's what I would do. She isn't too happy about the military idea.
I have also considered a masters in english between now and law school. I think maybe I don't know what to do without school.
Nonetheless, whatever I do, I want to play with horses. Eventually training them would be my ideal goal, but I have about 10 more years of experiences and qualifying and thousands more dollars in showing to do first. I may not even be good enough. I may be able to start riding reiners with a guy in Indiana. I can only hope! I want to be able to buy a "starter" reiner for me in a year or two.
Or, maybe an all around horse. I don't know, but either way reiners and cow horses are what I really want to ride. And that takes money, especially if you want to show A circuit type shows, which I do.
That's what makes me think writing would be a good option. If I wrote a good enough book or books, I would make a decent living and have the flexibility to show a lot. Law also might be flexible enough eventually.
So much to think about....
ON another note, Kiley pulled herself up to her knees! Woo hoo! She tried it again and fell on her head though, so she hasn't been brave enough to do it again. She's getting there, though. I am so proud of her! Watching her grow up is an AMAZING ride!
I do not want to work in an equine related office and watch OTHER people enjoy their horses either. I WANT TO ENJOY MY HORSE.
Watching other people enjoy there's and being involved in those politics just doesn't interest me like I thought. I want a job that fits that. I do not know what I want to do. For someone who always knew what she wanted out of life, discovering that I have no freaking clue is scary.
The fact that I have a daughter to support that I don't want the state's help to support her is even more scary. For a couple weeks I was obsessively job hunting. I spent more time job hunting than on school work. I even put up a profile on a childcare site. I don't even WANT to do childcare. I can only handle other people's children in small doses.
I know I want to go to law school eventually, but not how to fund our lives and our healthcare in the meantime and during. I have decided to take it back a notch and JUST focus on school for now.
I even am considering the military. Not something I EVER thought I would ever consider, but it's not an office job and it's one I could be proud of and that Kiley could be proud of. Plus, I would never have to worry about being laid off. I promised my mom that I would move home and look full time for a job that would be fulfilling after I graduate but if the military still seemed the best option, that's what I would do. She isn't too happy about the military idea.
I have also considered a masters in english between now and law school. I think maybe I don't know what to do without school.
Nonetheless, whatever I do, I want to play with horses. Eventually training them would be my ideal goal, but I have about 10 more years of experiences and qualifying and thousands more dollars in showing to do first. I may not even be good enough. I may be able to start riding reiners with a guy in Indiana. I can only hope! I want to be able to buy a "starter" reiner for me in a year or two.
Or, maybe an all around horse. I don't know, but either way reiners and cow horses are what I really want to ride. And that takes money, especially if you want to show A circuit type shows, which I do.
That's what makes me think writing would be a good option. If I wrote a good enough book or books, I would make a decent living and have the flexibility to show a lot. Law also might be flexible enough eventually.
So much to think about....
ON another note, Kiley pulled herself up to her knees! Woo hoo! She tried it again and fell on her head though, so she hasn't been brave enough to do it again. She's getting there, though. I am so proud of her! Watching her grow up is an AMAZING ride!
2.03.2011
Job Prospecting
Well, I have had two job interviews this week.
Tuesday was at Powers Agency, which provides supplemental benefits to Unions. They told me I would have 15-16 hour days. That would be a no go. I have to have time with my baby. Anyway, I wouldn't be able to start until May anyway and they want someone to start putting in those kinds of hours now. I can't do that EVER, let alone while I am in school.
Yesterday morning I interviewed at Banker's Life and Casualty. They help with retirement planning and medicaid supplements. I think I would like that, I always enjoyed older people. It also will mean a 6 figure income in a few years. It was an odd interview, a group interview. From the group, they take people they like and call for a second interview. I got a call for a 2nd interview this morning. I don't know that they will want me, since I want to go to law school, but apparently they liked me well enough to call me back. Either way, it would be a good position. I could afford nice horses and private school for Kiley! Oh, and benefits!!
While I would be thrilled landing a job at Bankers, I would also be okay with not getting that job. I am trying to let God take the wheel and be okay with life on life's terms, rather than stressing over life not happening on my terms. That is a constant struggle for me.
I also called Mike Craig, who owns and operates Craig Performance Horses. I may have a chance to train with him and get into reiners, which I have been wanting to do for a long time. With this job, I could afford to buy a reiner. Win!
Tuesday was at Powers Agency, which provides supplemental benefits to Unions. They told me I would have 15-16 hour days. That would be a no go. I have to have time with my baby. Anyway, I wouldn't be able to start until May anyway and they want someone to start putting in those kinds of hours now. I can't do that EVER, let alone while I am in school.
Yesterday morning I interviewed at Banker's Life and Casualty. They help with retirement planning and medicaid supplements. I think I would like that, I always enjoyed older people. It also will mean a 6 figure income in a few years. It was an odd interview, a group interview. From the group, they take people they like and call for a second interview. I got a call for a 2nd interview this morning. I don't know that they will want me, since I want to go to law school, but apparently they liked me well enough to call me back. Either way, it would be a good position. I could afford nice horses and private school for Kiley! Oh, and benefits!!
While I would be thrilled landing a job at Bankers, I would also be okay with not getting that job. I am trying to let God take the wheel and be okay with life on life's terms, rather than stressing over life not happening on my terms. That is a constant struggle for me.
I also called Mike Craig, who owns and operates Craig Performance Horses. I may have a chance to train with him and get into reiners, which I have been wanting to do for a long time. With this job, I could afford to buy a reiner. Win!
1.30.2011
And graduation is creeping up....
I started my FINAL semester! May 14, 2011 is only THREE AND A HALF months! Woo hoo!!
Senioritis has hit hard and I am looking forward to graduating. I get a little emotional thinking about it though, because it signifies the end of an era of my life. I mean, for about 17 years, I have gone to school, had homework, had part time jobs, but I have never had a degree that should officially make me capable of supporting myself. As in, I provide insurance, rent money, etc. I pay for the cell phone bill. I don't get to ask mom to help me with Kandi's board. It's me. I am responsible for making sure Kiley has what she needs too. I don't get to use the "I'm just a poor college student" excuse ever again. I am not complaining, it's just a little bitter sweet!
Last week, I posted my resume on CareerBuilder and got two seperate interviews. One company supplies benefits for unions and one helps with retirement planning. I don't hate those prospects...they seem like something that would be meaningful. One is on Tuesday at noon, one on Wednesday at 9:30.
These two interviews coming up have really got me thinking about and stressing over the future. I really want to go to law school in a year or two, but I don't know that I will be able to handle it financially until 3-5 years down the road. I am starting to think putting it off a little would be better because then I could save more and have less debt coming out of law school. I guess plenty of people wait 5 years. That would be okay, forgivable. I am the kind of person who wants it RIGHT NOW. Kind of like when I was drinking, I wanted to feel better RIGHT NOW and the feel of that whiskey coarsing through and warming up my veins helped me feel that way.
I want to write again. I may do a little more for CHA's publication, but I also want to write a book....and articles. I saw A Dog Year with Jeff Bridges last night and it sort of motivated me to start writing seriously again. I like writing and it would be something I could support myself with eventually while I showed more and more...maybe if I ever went pro I could support myself instead of relying on sponsors. I just lost my muse in high school and keep waiting for it to come back. Kiley inspires me sometimes, always when I don't have time to sit down and write. Riding inspires me a lot, especially after a good ride, but again I never have a moment to write at that point...
I want to write about horsemanship, good horsemen, innovative businessmen, honest lawyers, non career politicians, passionate people who fought for what they believe in, women who were brave enough to be mothers AND career women and who still stayed true to themselves, inspiring people, religious leaders, breastfeeding mothers, single mothers, compassionate people who tried to change things....basically, people who matter to the world. Modern day heroes.
Senioritis has hit hard and I am looking forward to graduating. I get a little emotional thinking about it though, because it signifies the end of an era of my life. I mean, for about 17 years, I have gone to school, had homework, had part time jobs, but I have never had a degree that should officially make me capable of supporting myself. As in, I provide insurance, rent money, etc. I pay for the cell phone bill. I don't get to ask mom to help me with Kandi's board. It's me. I am responsible for making sure Kiley has what she needs too. I don't get to use the "I'm just a poor college student" excuse ever again. I am not complaining, it's just a little bitter sweet!
Last week, I posted my resume on CareerBuilder and got two seperate interviews. One company supplies benefits for unions and one helps with retirement planning. I don't hate those prospects...they seem like something that would be meaningful. One is on Tuesday at noon, one on Wednesday at 9:30.
These two interviews coming up have really got me thinking about and stressing over the future. I really want to go to law school in a year or two, but I don't know that I will be able to handle it financially until 3-5 years down the road. I am starting to think putting it off a little would be better because then I could save more and have less debt coming out of law school. I guess plenty of people wait 5 years. That would be okay, forgivable. I am the kind of person who wants it RIGHT NOW. Kind of like when I was drinking, I wanted to feel better RIGHT NOW and the feel of that whiskey coarsing through and warming up my veins helped me feel that way.
I want to write again. I may do a little more for CHA's publication, but I also want to write a book....and articles. I saw A Dog Year with Jeff Bridges last night and it sort of motivated me to start writing seriously again. I like writing and it would be something I could support myself with eventually while I showed more and more...maybe if I ever went pro I could support myself instead of relying on sponsors. I just lost my muse in high school and keep waiting for it to come back. Kiley inspires me sometimes, always when I don't have time to sit down and write. Riding inspires me a lot, especially after a good ride, but again I never have a moment to write at that point...
I want to write about horsemanship, good horsemen, innovative businessmen, honest lawyers, non career politicians, passionate people who fought for what they believe in, women who were brave enough to be mothers AND career women and who still stayed true to themselves, inspiring people, religious leaders, breastfeeding mothers, single mothers, compassionate people who tried to change things....basically, people who matter to the world. Modern day heroes.
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