Quote of the Day

On my radio show today (Coffee with Susan and Friends) we were talking about teaching our children about manners. Whilst the show LIVE there is a chat room that is always open and the conversation is always fun, interesting, very funny at times and always stimulating (to join the chat jump on blogtalkradio and register. You will need to come up with a user name and password. it only takes about 1 minute to go on....register and join the conversation).

Today the best line came through in the chat room. It was referred to by a caller and myself as pure, solid, 24 carat gold. It truly was the best line of the day. One of our listeners (who will remain anonymous until she chooses otherwise) said this:

"I've been told by my 5 year old that he hates me when I enforce a rule." I replied, "That's okay, I love you enough for both of us."

I think you'll agree, that's gold. What a wise, wise mother so quick to respond not with anger or biting back and a sharp comment, rather she responded with wisdom and love. 

I hope you will join our weekday conversation and share some of your wisdom with us. We all need a little more :)

Have the best day and keep changing the world.

Today's Fact: Gaston Leroux, born in Paris in on May 6, 1868 was a journalist and author of the Phantom of the Opera (1910).

Susan J Sohn

Guacamole - the best i've ever tasted

hey friends here's a recipe you will want to make it comes from my brother Robert. he makes this for every family gathering. mainly because we all crave it and he makes it so well and he knows it's always a hit. seriously it is the one thing that is gobbled up and we can always be found searching for more when the bowl is empty. this recipe serves 4 however my suggestion and my brother's would be to make a double batch when entertaining. trust us, there won't be any left. also, our suggestion would be to use mortar and pestle to grind everything together. the flavor is amazing that way. if you don't have one a fork and bowl work just fine. Guacamole  MAKES 4 SERVINGS 2 tbsp. finely chopped white onion 3 firmly packed tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro 2 tsp. finely chopped jalapeño 1 tsp. salt 3 medium-ripe hass avocados 3 tbsp. diced tomato 1. Grind 1 tbsp. of the onions, 1 tbsp. of  the cilantro, jalapeño, and salt together in a mortar and pestle until all the ingredients are well ground. (Alternatively, use a fork to mash the ingredients to a paste in a wide bowl.) 2. Cut avocados (about 8 ounces each) in half. Twist the halves to separate them and remove the pit with the tip of the knife. Place an avocado half, cut side up, in your palm and make 3 or 4 evenly spaced lengthwise cuts through its flesh down to the skin, without cutting through the skin. Make 4 crosswise cuts in the same fashion. 3. Scoop the diced avocado flesh into the mortar. Repeat with remaining avocado halves. Gently fold the avocado into the chile–onion paste, keeping the avocado pieces fairly intact. 4. Add tomatoes, remaining 2 tbsp. of the cilantro, and remaining 1 tbsp. of the onions. 5. Fold together all the ingredients. Taste and add salt, if necessary. 6. Serve immediately with tortilla chips. enjoy friends. let us know if you make it and how your family and friends enjoyed.  susan

May In Motion

Hey friends, May is here and it's time to get moving. Whether you are experiencing spring in the northern hemisphere or moving into winter in the southern, we want to keep ourselves fit, healthy and strong. With that in mind, we are launching may in motion.

This means we all stand up, get moving and get fit. The motivation for this came from a few conversations I've had recently. The first being with my father, talking about his recent heart surgery, the recovery and the gift of life. Another conversation I had brought up the subject of playing and I was again inspired to go out and just 'play' with my kids. Today my shoulder is extremely sore after 1.5 hours of baseball with my son. This conversation was with Julie Maloney of wiimommies. She and I will be having another conversation tomorrow on coffee with susan and friends so check it out and make sure you listen because we're talking about sex and a few other subjects ... spicy!

We want to hear from you. Let us know what you're going to do for may in motion. Will you be walking, biking, running or simply getting outside and playing with your children? We want to get everyone moving. so please share your story.

Susan

PS - Don't forget our SOUL FOOD COMPETITION ... we want your submissions so email your family favorite recipes to susanjsohn@gmail.com. Help us gather people around the dining table and enter to win our special prize!

Time Flying By

Have you ever found yourself looking at life and just wondering? Wondering where 39, 45, 67 or 78 years have gone (depending on your current age). Does it feel like time is slipping through your fingers like sand from the beach?

I had a day like that today. I found myself looking at life, thus far, marvelling at my three amazing children, my marriage, my aging parents and the world around me. I think all of this started to hit me last night as my hubby and I were driving home. We had popped out to have a quick dinner; just the two of us. On our way home, we sat quietly in the car, listening to our local radio station. During one of the ad breaks there was a mention of something medical, requesting those 50 and over to make sure they got themselves checked out.

After the ad was finished, I turned my head to look at my (very) handsome 41-year-old husband and said, "Hmmm, isn't that funny, it feels like it was only yesterday when I wouldn't have even had a second listen to an ad like that. Today, I've just realised that you are only 9 years away from that time and those tests, and I only 11 years. Where does time go and how does it slip through our fingers?"

Tonight, I sat listening to my eldest daughter rehearse her oral presentation for class tomorrow. I found myself astounded by her vocabulary, her poise and her confidence. It was in that moment that I realised where the time had gone. The time hasn't been like the sand from the beach and slipped through my fingers at all. I have lost nothing, rather I have gained the world because that time has been spent and deposited well within my children.

Yes, there are new lines on my face and grey can be found hidden and at times peeking out; indeed my numbers are increasing. However I ask myself, "Is time flying by?" My response, "Absolutely, it's going at rocket speed. However, today I am thankful that my moments, hours, weeks, months and years are being used well by three amazing lives, who in this moment depend on me being the best me I can be."

Susan J Sohn

Teaching Our Children

Children never cease to amaze me. Whether it be with their words, actions or tender hearts. They truly have a way of touching the inner-most parts of our being.

Last night, as I was putting my son to bed, we began talking about school and focusing on the week ahead. We talked about the importance of listening to his teacher and what good work looks like. I expressed my concern at his rushing through his work and making careless mistakes, all in an effort to finish as quickly as possible. As we talked, he began to tell me he was making mistakes because he couldn't remember what she was saying. He said that maybe, just maybe, he was a little like Dory in Finding Nemo. Tears filled his little eyes as he was telling me this and I could see and hear that something was bothering him.

I gracefully turned the conversation to dinosaurs and asked him what the name of the one with the long neck was. He answered and began to explain all the extraordinary things about this particular dinosaur. I then asked about the ones with the fin-like things on their backs. He paused, scratched his chin and responded with excitement. He again filled me in on all the important details. I asked him which dinosaur flies and he quickly told me. With all that information, I lay on his bed, his head cradled comfortably in my arm, and began to tell him how wise he was and how amazed I was at how much was stored in his mind.

I turned to sharks, knowing this was another keen interest of his. I asked about the hammerhead, the nurse and of course the great white. He was full of details including weight, length, eating habits, rituals, etc. He knew everything there was to know about sharks. Again, I lay marvelling at the mind of a young boy and the level of excitement as he shared his knowledge.

We lay quietly for a while and eventually he turned his little head in my direction and said, "I know what you've just done mum. You've showed me that I can remember, that I'm not like Dory, that if I get as interested in what my teacher is telling me as I am about dinosaurs and sharks, I'll get all the answers right." To this I simply responded with a hug and whispered gently in his ear, "My darling son, you are a wise, wise boy and you know so many things. I can't wait to see what you will do this week and how you will learn and remember. I think you're an amazing person and I love you."

As parents we need to LISTEN to our children and by that I mean truly listen. We need to take time to slow down, stop the noise and allow our children to be vulnerable with us. In these moments we need to allow creativity, kindness and gentleness to ooze out of us. Creativity because we need to discover ways to communicate so that they will understand. Kindness and gentleness because they are essential ingredients to great parenting.

Susan J Sohn xo

Menopause

Well friends today we did it. We interviewed an amazing guest on our show. Dr. Henry Hess, author of The Perfect Menopause - 7 Steps to the Best Time of our Lives. It was a great show and I STONGLY encourage you, whether you are peri menopausal, in the thick of it or just feeling slightly 'different' and can't put your finger on it.....listen to the show and get his book! 

One of my first questions was, "How can this be the Best Time of our Lives?' To hear his response listen ON DEMAND to Coffee with Susan and Friends on BLOGTALKRADIO. We had amazing callers, great conversation and more and it was all stuff we need to know.

Dr. Hess has confirmed a date for a follow on conversation where we will delve even further in to this conversation. I am so looking forward to that show and chatting with him again. May 28, 2009 9:30-10:30am is a date and time you WILL want to mark in your calendar.

Message me back after you've listened to the show. I can't wait to read your responses.

Susan

The Wind in My Hair

Yesterday afternoon I found myself with time on my own (a rare thing for a mum of three). I had no one calling my name, no books to be found, no keys to look for, no drink to get, no bum to wipe....... it was bliss!

My thoughts were drawn to curling up on the couch with a good book and a warm cup of Earl Grey, or continuing my work on thefamilyroom and my social media endeavors. Neither really captivated my thoughts on how to spend this precious time. Lurking in the back of my mind, however was the continual reminder of my determination to keep my body strong. As pondered this I decided to capture the moment and spend it on my physical self.

Before the motivation drifted I quickly changed into my exercise gear, laced up my shoes and headed for the garage. I pulled my bike out of the stand, jumped on and was on my way. I quickly realised one thing..... I had forgotten my helmet and in this day and age we are all required or it is strongly suggested that we wear a helmet ~ something that I find a little frustrating, especially on a good hair day! However in saying that, in an effort to teach my children I put the sucker on every ride.

Keep in mind, for this ride I was ALL ALONE. So friends, I threw caution to the wind and away I went without a helmet!!! I rode and rode and rode. Wind in my hair, twisting, turning and rolling along. I felt like a child again. I could even be seen riding with no hands and in my head I was calling out, 'LOOK MUM, NO HANDS!'

My ride was so much fun and I had a smile from ear to ear. My bum was aching from the seat, my legs were burning and I could feel sweat dripping down my back. I had truly exerted myself physically and that combined with the wind through my hair I was fully and completely satisfied.

I returned home to a big glass of water, changed back into my jeans, grabbed an apple from the fridge and headed off to pick my children up from school.

A good decision indeed. I encourage everyone, everywhere to dust off your wheels and go for a ride. There truly is nothing like the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.

Susan J Sohn

The Story of Stuff

In preparation for tomorrow's radio show 'Tightwad Tuesday' I want to encourage you to watch a short film clip that I was recently introduced to.

I love things that make me think and things that challenge me to not just accept the status quo. This short film does exactly that. The film is about STUFF, STUFF, STUFF. We all have it, we all deal with it and we all get bothered by it. 

One of my favorite parts of this film is the explanation of 'planned and perceived obsolescence'. If one thing drives me nuts it's when your washing machine, computer or even your car konks out 2 days after the warranty runs out..... this situation then forces us to purchase yet another machine to replace the one that could have, should have just been simply repaired. Oh the pain of STUFF!

Another point she makes is that happiness (in the US) was at an all time high in the 50's. Sadly now we have more stuff but less time and we are less happy in almost every area of life! I think we all know there is truth in that and as far as the 50's go, talk to your parents or your grandparents and they will tell you what life was like.

We live in such a 'disposable' world and it's not nice. Not only do we freely dispose of our STUFF but this trend (if you can call it that) seems to have filtered through to our relationships ~ families are breaking down, friendships are tossed to the side and the list goes on.

Like me, many of you (at some time or another) have probably complained about the STUFF your parents have tucked away in their homes, garages and sheds. I'm beginning to think our criticism should be directed back at ourselves and perhaps we should begin to learn from some of their frugality and resourcefulness in an effort to save our world.

We have a responsibility to our children and our children's children and to ourselves to keep our world and planet safe in all respects. This cycle and what is represented in this film is just one part of the equation, there are so many other angles we need to address as well.

Enjoy the short film and ask yourself ~ What can I do today that will make a difference? Every effort counts. Remember, it takes many drops to fill an ocean. Please join us tomorrow morning 9:30am mst for 'Tightwad Tuesday'. We want to hear your clever ideas on being resourceful, how to save, stretch and walk through this stage of the economic story.

http://www.storyofstuff.com

Susan J Sohn

PS - don't forget to enter our familyroom COMPETITION - Soul Food. We want your family favorite recipe. We are daring to make a difference and endeavouring to gather people across the globe to their dining tables. Together we CAN make a difference in this world.

Words to Live By

I was inspired to post the lyrics from the song 'If I Can Help Somebody' by Composer Alma Bazel Androzzo. Having been challenged by Susan Boyle's performance on Britian's Got Talent I thought these words should be shared and they are words that we should all live by:

If I Can Help Somebody

If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he is traveling wrong then my living shall not be in vain.

If I can do my duty as a good man ought, if I can bring back beauty to a world up wrought, if I can spread loves message that the master taught, then my living shall not be in vain.

Composer

Alma Bazel Androzzo

I hope these words inspire you to live different and cause you to be the biggest CHEERLEADER in your family and amongst your friends. Go for it and together let's make the world a better place.

Susan J Sohn

Go Susan Boyle

I encourage all of you to watch this video. I LOVE people and I LOVE the stories of life. Susan Boyle, a 47 year old British woman, truly awed the audience and the judges of this competition.

What a voice, what a woman and what courage. She fulfilled a dream to sing in front of many and to become a 'professional singer'. I love what the female judge said, "Everybody was against you. I honestly think we were all being very cynical and I think it's the BIGGEST wake up call ever. It was a complete priviledge to listen to you."

Friends, let's begin to cheer one another on, rather than poking fun, laughing and putting people in boxes. Let's be people who encourage one another to be the best we can be. Imagine if this voice was kept in the secret for another 47 years!!!!

What are you dreaming about? What are you hoping for? Allow a little of Susan Boyle's strength and courage to challenge you to dare to believe for the unbelievable. LIVE THE DREAM friends!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Susan J Sohn xoxo

COMPETITION TIME - Soul Food of Your Home

Okay friends welcome to our first EVER familyroom COMPETITION. We always talk about getting family and friends around the table, so today we want to hear from YOU! We want you to submit (to us) your favorite recipes. We want those that have been passed down through the generations, the ones that your family and friends crave, the soul food of your home.

Our hope is that we will gather recipes from around the globe. We want to share them and see families together around the dining table. Once submitted we will publish all the recipes and pick a competition winner. The WINNER will receive a special familyroom gift (these gifts are truly amazing and you WILL want to win) plus we will interview you and feature your story (because everyone has an amazing story) on our blog!!!!!

So friends start typing and sending or cutting and pasting and give us your family favorite. Together we will help thousands around the planet come to the table.

Email you submissions to susanjsohn@gmail.com. We can't wait to start receiving your entries. This is exciting!

Susan & friends xo

How to Pack Smart

Well friends, here I am in the middle of packing (to go and meet the Dell's ... woot, woot!) and I have decided that I need a break and I need to tell you something ~ what a multi-tasker or is that procrastinator? Hmmmmm, think I'll go with multi-tasker considering I'm almost finished. Just need to organise the liquids and make sure anything over 100mls is neatly packed in the checked luggage and everything else has a home.

As I was packing, I was trying to come up with a solution to avoid the inevitable mix-up of clothing (I'm only using one suitcase for the kids and myself, Philip gets his own plus shoes ... I'm sure he'll be happy) and the 'clothes hanging off of everything in the hotel room' look. I think I have come up with a marvelous solution ... PILLOW CASES!

That's right. I grabbed four pillow cases and have neatly folded and placed everyone's clothes in a separate pillow case. This will give everyone not only the ability to keep their 'stuff' together and separate, but also one or two of them will serve as much-needed laundry bags on the way home.

So, as I excitedly prepare for a getaway with some of our nearest and dearest friends, I find myself creating new ideas (or maybe not so new) to be efficient and to keep our family rolling. I can't wait to share the stories and pictures of our adventure together. Seeing these friends will be a good dose of medicine for the soul. I can't wait! 20 hours and counting.

Take care and please remember to jump on and listen to our radio show this week we have GREAT stuff lined up for you. Lastly, don't forget 'to the world you may only be someone, but to someone you may be the world'.

Say hello to your family for me.

Susan

Easy Chicken Surprise

As promised I am providing my TWITTER friends with the quick and easy dinner recipe I made last night. I was celebrating because my oven was finally fixed (after 1 month of waiting for a part to arrive........urgh!). Repair man left and I was ready, apron on pan in one hand and chicken in the other.....WHAT NOW? What was I going to make?

I decided to come up with something original or should I say, semi-original. I had seen a picture on the back of a Campbell's Soup can and thought it look tasty so decided to make it my own. I'm not usually one to use processed food at all but today I thought why not ~ give it a go. It turned out really well and something we can all pull together super quick and it's yummo!

Here's what I did:

Easy Chicken Surprise (my made up name)

Ingredients:

5 Chicken Breasts

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper 

1 Can Campbell's Mushroom Soup

Stove Top Stuffing

1 Tbsp Butter

1 Zucchini

Method:

Brown Chicken in Olive Oil (approx 10 mins)

Remove Chicken and place in small glass baking pan. Scrape bottom of pan and include with chicken.

Make Stove top stuffing as per box instructions. When finished add mushroom soup to stuffing and mix. 

Cover chicken with stuffing mixture.

Slice Zucchini and place slices on top of Chicken and Stuffing covering the entire dish.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Serve with peas, crunchy salad, your favorite dressing and you have a yummy meal!!!!

Enjoy!

Susan

Teen Suicide - A Very Real Issue

Hey everyone as you know I've been doing shows focussing on keeping our kids safe! Today we did another show along that very line and talked about Teen Suicide. Katherine Gagne of Junior Achievement and Shine Women's Conference was our guest and shared candidly about a suicide situation that has found it's way into her life. 

As a coach of a junior girls Volleyball team Katherine is now walking her own girls (mother of 3) plus her team members through the sudden loss of one of their own players. Sadly, she was lost to Teen Suicide. I encourage you to listen ON DEMAND to our conversation and continue to keep yourself aware of the danger that is lurking in the lives of our children (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susanjsohn).

I promised I would post some of the stats and information I shared on the show. This information is limited however it is a starting point for you to do some more investigating on your own.

Teen Suicide Statistics:

• 24.1% of teens have thought seriously about attempting suicide.
  
• 17.1% have made specific plans about suicide.
  
• 8.7% of students have attempted suicide.
  
• 2.8% have made an attempt that resulted in medical attention.
  
• *Suicide claims more lives in North America than homicide*
  
• Teen Suicide is the 6th leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 5-14
  
• Teen Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 15-24
  

Fast Facts on Teen Suicide:

• Teens having the highest risk include perfectionists or overachievers
  
• Teens who have been through a life altering event, such as divorce, pregnancy, loss of limbs or sight, or loss of a loved one are also very high risk.
  
• Teenagers with a conduct disorder, or who have a mental disorder, such as clinical depression, schizophrenia, or eating disorders have a high risk.
  
• Another high risk group are teens who are victims of bullying or domestic abuse.

Warning Signs:

• Depression
  
• Self-mutilation
  
• Drug/Alcohol use
  
• No sense of humour
  
• Changes in social interactions
  
• Change in eating and sleeping habits
  
• Loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed
  
• Drastic weight loss or gain commonly attributed to specific eating disorders
  
• Complete or near-complete withdrawal altogether from peers and social contact
  
• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
  
• Mood changes (especially if the teenager acts increasingly angry about life in general)
  
• Quietness, especially if the teenager used to confide in the parent and suddenly no longer does
  

Helpful Sites and Resources:

www.organizedwisdom.com

www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_suicide

www.americanacademyofpediatrics.com

National Alliance on Mentall Illness

Contact your GP and talk

I hope this has been helpful and that we all continue to use our voice and do what we can to keep our kids safe. Please, keep lines of communication open in your homes, make sure your children know they have a soft place to land when times are tough and they feel like there's no tomorrow or 'no light at the end of the tunnel'. 

Susan

Happy Valentine's Day

Hey all I hope you're having a great day. For some, it's already Valentine's Day and for others tomorrow is our day for LOVE.

Speaking about LOVE I encourage you to listen to today's online radio show (Coffee With Susan and Friends) on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susanjsohn. Today's show was all about LOVE!!! You can listen on demand so jump on and enjoy.

If you're lost for things to do this Valentine's Day I thought thefamilyroom could give you a few ideas. So here goes:

Movies

If you're interested in curling up on the couch with a special someone and watching a movie here's a list of familyroom favorites (just to name a few)!

• An Affair to Remember
• When Harry Met Sally
• The Notebook
• The Wedding Singer
• Sweet Home Alabama
• 50 First Dates
• Serendipity
• Return to Me
• Love Actually
• Say Anything
• Legends of the Fall
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• Snow Falling on Cedar
• High Fidelity

Carpet Picnic

Don't want to break the bank or maybe you can't find a babysitter? Have a carpet picnic at home with a few tasty morsels. You can have a night of appetizers a nice bottle of wine, music, dim lighting and vavoom you have created a fantastic night at home with a twist.

Chocolate Fondue

Enjoying a night with your girlfriends or a group of friends? Make it a simple night and enjoy a Chocolate Fondue. To make it even better add 1/4 cup of condensed milk to your melted chocolate. Dip strawberries, pineapple, melon, marshmellows and even a few nuts....Yummo!!

Go Out For Dinner

Book your favorite restaurant or why not try something new. Jump on YELP or another food search site and check out what's new, exciting and different in your area.

I think that's enough for now. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy. Find something to laugh about, go armed with conversation cards (if necessary) and just relax into the night.

Take care and share a great story from your night.

Enjoy.
Susan xo

For Mothers Everywhere!

Job: Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations
Pay: None
Start Date: Immediate

This is a little something for all amazing mothers who do what needs to be done everyday :)
Enjoy!

Susan

The Story:
A mother renewing her driver's licence was asked by the woman at the registry to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the staff member, "Do you have a job or are you just a …?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the mother. "I'm a Mum." The woman then replied, "Well, we don't list 'Mum' as an occupation but 'housewife' covers it."

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in a similar situation.

The clerk was obviously a career woman - poised, efficient and possessing a high sounding title like 'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar'. She quickly and very sternly asked, "What is your occupation?" What made me reply the way I did? I have no idea but it was great! The words simply popped out and I replied by saying, "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. For her benefit, I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "Just what you do in your field?" Calmly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters (first the Lord and then the whole family) and I already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). The job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers, the rewards are more of satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (my six-month-old baby) in the child development program. She was testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum'.

Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door. I wouldn’t change jobs ... ever!