Don't Create "Jealous" Children - General/Family

I never understood when I used to hear classmates say that they were jealous of their siblings, or when I would see how some parents would make statements like "he/she is always pulling her siblings toys or has these jealous like tantrums-they're just still adjusting to the new sibling" or the "they're just still learning each other and you know boys will be boys" or "she was used to being our only princess so we think its hard on her now with the new sister, I'm sure she'll get used to it..." There's really so many more other statements I've heard but not going to repeat them all! 

What am I getting at you may ask? Simply this, the child adjusting to the new baby is paying attention to YOUR statements and YOUR vibes...so if the siblings begin to have a "jealous streak" it's because of you, the parent! I feel that jealousy among siblings is something that transferred or created by the parent/s not necessarily because the child actually feels that emotion. I'm not saying this is a fact, it's just based off of my observation of other parents and their parenting style in addition to witnessing that of my own household with my kids. You see my oldest was still basically a baby when I was pregnant again, therefore I knew that though my oldest was used to my doting on her and also all my attention focused on her, I decided to try to make a bridge so to speak, between my kids...

I started to have my oldest partake in certain chores with me, so that I was still spending time with her but not necessarily doting time on her. This was a good way to transfer regular house chores into helping me once her sibling came into the picture. Another thing that I feel was important was the invisible bonding that I was trying to bring into play. Once the baby inside me was kicking and you could really feel it placing a hand on my tummy, I started developing these unwinding times with my oldest. Usually before nap time and always before bed, I would make myself comfortable on this one couch in my parents house and have my oldest in the v-of my legs. I would position my oldest in a manner that was comfortable to her and wouldn't put pressure on her sibling inside me! I started noticing a routine during these moments. The baby on the inside at specific moments of laughter would move inside me almost closer to her older sibling. When my oldest would move in a manner that would cause me a slight twinge of discomfort the baby inside would start to kick at the exact location where the older sibling would move her little ahead and get comfortable somewhere else. This was something that continued on until the youngest came out.

So when the baby was born she not only recognized her older siblings voice but always sensed her presence and touch. It was fascinating and spellbinding for me to witness each and every time, hell even to this moment they still do that! 

Granted the first two weeks were a slight hard on my oldest, but the adjustment phase was more due to adjusting to a crying baby when hungry and the new sleep pattern of her mommy! Otherwise the kiddos would gravitate to each other without concern and my oldest was becoming comfortable in her older sibling role! Snuggle time with my oldest she knew we still had but that other times during the day was snuggle time for the three of us. Another example of time spent together without concern would be during breast feeding. I dont know how some women can just whip out a boob and start breast feeding in front of the smaller siblings, first off if they aren't curious or dont even know what's going on with the boobs and boob milk than why the fuck would I want to bring that curiosity on now-I would rather wait until they're at the age where they are understanding better their boobs (well for females anyway). So I managed to cover up adequately during the daily feeding time of the new baby and would have my oldest, again in the v-of my legs, so I could read her books while her baby sibling ate. My oldest never was once asked what I was doing with the baby or why I was awkwardly covered, my oldest was just more excited about reading together and thought that her baby sibling was also listening to. 

I got to watch closely how my ex-husbands upbringing was with one mom, three different father figures, and two siblings from two other dads...I wouldn't say there was jealousy among the brothers but from and outsider looking in, there wasn't a truly nurturing loving bond between all three of those boys. Between watching that dynamic and my never (even to this day) and I mean never having been jealous of my sister-I vowed that I would never be the contributor to that sentiment between my kids...

So I dont know about many of you, but start small and the rewards are great at the end. Don't feed into what everyone in society claims to be "normal" because jealousy among siblings is most definitely not normal. Also make sure to include your oldest child in the chores of what you're doing for the new baby, that way they partake in the time of the parents and dont necessarily feel lonely or that time isn't being spent with them. 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

The Oceanaire Seafood Room - Restaurant Review/Recommend

With only ten locations across the nation, after having their service and their food, I can understand why they pride themselves on their food. Although, I have not personally had the food and service at their location in Dallas, TX (in the Galleria Mall) my uncle has and that same uncle was in attendance with me and my immediate family at the Washington, DC location. Locations & Menus | Oceanaire restaurants in the US (theoceanaire.com) 

I do know that the Galleria location in Dallas did get a facelift and my uncle states that their food was delicious however, hearing the praise my uncle gave to the seafood plates and the restaurant overall in Washington - well I had to write about it. It's not that the Dallas location doesn't have good service and food, my uncles claims that the better flavors in food have probably something to do with the fact that the Washington location is closest to the west coast - where some delicious seafood spots in the nation are located to begin with. Penn Quarter - Washington, D.C. | Hours + Location | The Oceanaire | Fine dining seafood restaurant in the US (image below from google search of Washington DC location) 

The DC location inside had both a cozy and yet a contemporary feel-it wasn't cold like some other contemporary interiors settings are. The establishment itself was very clean and the restrooms were well maintained. A few creaks to the flooring but I honestly don't know how long this location has been there, so I would say either poor install or perhaps the ground the establishment is at has moved. Their staff were all well reversed in the menu items, the hostesses were sweet and caring especially with my kids in tow. I know it may not seem like it or perhaps this restaurant doesn't advertise it (then again my kids are always well educated/behaved in restaurants compared to almost ALL other kids) but they were extremely family friendly to our needs that evening for dinner...I wasn't able to take pictures of everything that was ordered - I know probably not the best thing to say while I'm writing a recommendation but I'm sorry I was more focused on enjoying the experience and the food than worrying about pictures at that moment ;-) But what I did take pictures of are labeled below (image directly below this text is from google search, from a Facebook link)

We started with their fully loaded and large Seafood Tower (image above) which was both deliciously fresh and the seafood was very fresh and satisfying. I also had one of their Ceasar Salads as a side and then ordered their special they had for the evening. Finishing my meal with a deliciously crafted gluten free chocolate dessert.

So, if you happen to make a stop at one of their locations let me know or perhaps comment so others can get the feedback. 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Remembering those in the Armed Forces - General

I'm writing this post Veterans Day so since I didn't write anything for that day nor the two previous military associated holidays, figured why not encompass them all in this one. Memorial Day comes first in the year on May 29th, then the Armed Forces Day being on June 24th, and the more recent holiday being Veterans Day on November 11th.

So, what's the main difference between them all you might ask? Well from all the definitions out there this is the only way I can explain it; Veterans Day is special in our commemoration of those who dedicated their lives in serving in the Armed Forces. Whether it's those who retired and/or were honorably discharged whereas Memorial Day is honoring all the lives lost because of their service in the Armed Forces (no matter their cause of death). With Armed Forces Day commemorating all the lives in the Armed Forces that are actively and currently giving their lives to serve in the Armed Forces.

I've always admired the military branches and the special organizations that are within each branch, but I think I felt more emotionally empathetic towards those who serve when my family and I went to Washington DC and walked through some of the war memorials...

Even with the hordes of people walking through these military park areas and memorials, it's astonishingly eerie and peacefully quiet. Almost like a reverence people have as you come upon the specific areas. I'm not kidding you it was so-well for lack of a way to describe it so you understand-spell bounding while also sad. It's almost as if babies in their strollers also knew walking through! I know I personally teared up the moment was going through my photos taken and I noticed that my daughter's reflection was on the beautifully designed memorial wall with the names engraved in the wall. Because of their sacrifice at keeping the fight somewhere else, new lives (even the dumb, entitled, and egotistical asses that don't contribute back to a better world) like mine and that of my kids can enjoy the "freedom" we have compared to other nations. 

"The greatest sacrifice is when you sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of someone else."

So, here's a big thank you to all who currently served, who honorably served, and to those lives lost while in the Armed Forces fighting for a cause that us regular civilians perhaps don't fully comprehend or support.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Staunton, Virginia - General

If you're looking for a quaint little town with some history and some good places to eat and attend with your family, then Staunton, VA is the place for you. The little city is surrounded by beautiful lands around allowing the drive there to be peaceful; there are two main entries into the city, and both don't have the same landscape as you're driving in. (image below not mine, from google)

The town has a cute little train station that has the AMTRAK and other trains touring through. I haven't taken one of the day or weekend trips but it's definitely on my list of things to do, on top of the cross country one that starts in Staunton and goes across near California. 

The town itself has pretty architectural pieces, buildings, churches, as well as some delicious home cooking restaurants that are not your normal chain meals. Venturing into three so far and they have not disappointed! So, keep an eye out for those posts. (image below not mine, from google)

The city has easy access from highway 81 and should be on your list of stops to partake in on the east coast side. I know that my family and I have been enjoying and are continuing to explore the quaint little town...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

All Souls Day - Religious/General

For those of you who don't know, I AM a practicing Catholic. For all you haters on the Catholic faith, this post isn't for you and as I am respectful of all other Christian denominations (especially after dating so many outside of the Catholic Church) I kindly ask that you. respect my beliefs as I've done for all others. 

Now onto to what this post is about...You see we recently had two important celebrations this past week. All Saints Day and All Souls Day and for those of you who don't know, yes there is a difference between the two holidays. I love how simply the jesuit website puts it 

(https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/resources-by-theme/all-saints-all-souls#:~:text=All%20Saints%27%20Day%20is%20celebrated,have%20passed%20within%20the%20faith.): "All Saints Day is celebrated to remember all saints and martyrs during Christian history, followed by All Souls Day to commemorate those who have passed on within the faith."

All Souls Day is a holy day set aside for honoring the dead. The day is primarily celebrated in the Catholic Church, but it is also celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and a few other denominations of Christianity. The Anglican church is the largest protestant church to celebrate the holy day. Most protestant denominations do not recognize the holiday and disagree with the theology behind it. According to Catholic belief, the soul of a person who dies can go to one of three places. The first is heaven, where a person who dies in a state of perfect grace and communion with God goes. The second is hell, where those who die in a state of mortal sin are naturally condemned by their choice. The intermediate option is purgatory, which is thought to be where most people, free of mortal sin, but still in a state of lesser (venial) sin, must go. https://www.catholic.org/saints/allsouls/

This is all not to be confused or associated with Dia de los metros aka The Day of the Dead, something I think Americans have re-created into academia and the Disney movie Coco that this "holiday" originated in Mexico, something that is inaccurate - well at least somewhat. You see there are certain states in Mexico that have and celebrate this holiday but it's not something that's technically "Mexican made" so to say. Other Latin American cultures not just Mexican celebrate this holiday as well. I have a theory but considering that there are many "historians" or those who educate themselves on cultures and traditions, they could argue or refute my personal theory...but lets be frank, the fact is unless you submerge yourself into the culture and have lived it and breathed it for years or more importantly been exposed to the oldest of towns in Mexico you really won't get the facts behind which states in Mexico started celebrating the Day of the Dead, because believe me the family I still have in Mexico and even family friends from my parents that have had generations upon generations living in Mexico DO NOT celebrate nor have they ever understood how people claimed to to state that the Day of the Dead originated in Mexico.

Guess this is something I'm going to want to look into and find out more about...but hey don't take my word for it and do some digging of your own ;) 

For all my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ - hope you had a fun Halloween, a serene Saints Day, and a memorable All Souls Day.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Thunderstorms - General

How many of you are afraid of thunderstorms? Now how many of you love thunderstorms? I don't know about you but there's something mesmerizing when the storm clouds roll in and form, the colors begin to change, cloud forms begin to take shape and some of them massive beyond the view of the eye...then there's the overall temperature changes, the wind levels, perhaps the shadowing of the day or the deep darkening of the already night sky. There's just so many things to be fascinated over when it comes to thunderstorms. Honestly how can anyone NOT enjoy them?...

Guess I'm one of those idiots or weirdos that love the thunderstorms. Everywhere I've ever lived I've been fortunate and had the luxury to make sure there is a nice enough patio, balcony, terrace, or outdoor sitting area that I can enjoy the storms as they roll in or even better, to watch as the storms eyes is on top of my location...either way, outside is where I prefer to be when it comes to thunderstorms. No I'm not crazy saying I'm some sort of storm chaser BUT I do thoroughly enjoy trying to capture the lighting flashes as they occur. Over the years I've managed to take decent ones on my iPhones with very few on my good camera, lets face it my iPhone is more easily accessible and my professional Canon Camera is HEAVY and bulky as f*** to carry around all the time. For example the image below is from an older iPhone model just as I was lowering the back seat window. I remember it so vividly! The lightning struck really close to my location and as this was at the feeder road overpass intersection above where Highway 635 and the NTTA intersect in Dallas, that nice incline provided me a good angle for this surprise shot I didn't think I could manage to capture.

The image below is from the terrace of the house my family and I used to live in (pre having my kids). That house was pretty awesome because the terrace allowed one to have a full 360 view so no matter which direction the storm was coming from at that house one would always be able to see it forming, growing, and in which direction it was coming from and especially if it was just passing through in a neighboring city around us. The picture was taken from yet again another iPhone but definitely a newer version than iPhone used in the image above.

This last image on this post, was also taken from an iPhone and it was while traveling southbound on highway 75. I remember this storm was traveling south so driving into work was a fascinating drive because as you're facing south into the Dallas area, the north sky was pitch black and continuing to darken. 

Actually, I not only enjoy watching a storm pass by but have no problem/issue driving in a storm, regardless of the type of storm. Over the years it doesn't matter what vehicle I'm in, I trust in my abilities and driving methods BECAUSE of the circumstances surrounding when and where I've driven. I will say though that I do try to at least be knowledgeable and trust the vehicle that I'm driving. Typically it's always mine, but if I'm ever driving someone's else's especially in a storm, its because I've driven it enough or I'm aware of that make and model to trust the capacity in the storm-regardless of the dumbass drivers around me. Perfect example would be my driving in 2018 through the hurricane storm that was already inland on the east coast of the nation. Granted the magnitude of the force and storm itself was nothing compared to when it touched the coast but my goodness I've been in and through some serious storms, but THAT one truly takes the cake on testing my driving instincts, muscles, and mental focus.

So you got it! I'm the unique weirdo who loves storms so much to be driving in them (cautiously), watch them pass by, or even take pictures of them. Although as exciting and as interesting as everything I've explained is to me...the best part I think for storms is when you're lying in bed as they pass by. The pitter patter or even when the storm is roaring outside, truly is soothing and a different level of appreciation. If you're married/have a significant other/living with someone having sex during a storm is another level of heightened senses and body reaction too I might add...if you haven't tried it-DO IT! Then again "making love" with the right person that you love is always supposed to be phenomenal - so add on a storm and explosiveness! 😋 just saying...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Jessie Ware - General

I know I wrote about another music artist recently, a Mr Matt Nathanson. Even though he's wonderful this gal takes my heart and body when it comes to her music and rhythm! Ironically too, both these artists my sister found sine they weren't mainstream music artists, so she exposed me to a few of their songs. Jessie Ware I was enlightened by her music around early 2013, so it was pretty cool that my sister had found also a down to earth venue where Jessie Ware would be performing. To say that there was no seats anywhere for you to enjoy the concert, should explain it all...she was doing well working on expanding her name and music so the venue wasn't some known establishment and though in Dallas, not in the best of areas.

Jessie Ware is one artist I almost have all her sings on my playlist and her music can be both soothing and calming where others are upbeat and just a feel good song. She is another rare artist where she sounds in person like her albums. She's not a very theatrical artist when it comes to performing her music but you still won't be disappointed. 

These are three of my favorite songs from her song history:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u03f5Wnwff0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLIESvLSDKA&list=OLAK5uy_kwnL5gCyQ6OLq9k7QgozgaLiwa6OHflaA&index=5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAMM8JVbr8g

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman