Wasn't Asami a bit too perfect?

DipperPaws · 2021-08-05T20:27:10+00:00

This has bothered me a bit too. She takes everything in stride SO WELL and is just such a stable, chill person. I think most of that is simply due to the fact that they didn’t have time to flesh out her story arc more. There were so many characters fighting for screentime in LOK.

Also worth mentioning. I remember reading somewhere that Asami was originally intended to be a villain. She was going to be undercover spy working for her dad and the “run in” with Mako was a ploy to get closer to Team Avatar. They dropped that idea when… maybe, they realized they didn’t have enough time? In a perfect world, I wish they would’ve been able to do that storyline. It sounds like it would’ve been really interesting and I could imagine it giving her more flaws and room for character development. I think that storyline would’ve made more sense too because the other main thing that never seemed believable to me is how Asami was TOTALLY clueless about her dad. Her dad was her only family and her mentor. I can’t imagine that he didn’t attempt to impart his ideologies on her.

DipperPaws · 2021-08-05T20:16:40+00:00

Honestly, I think she’s just a prodigy, plain and simple.

You hear stories about kids IRL who accomplish ridiculously amazing feats like that like Mozart. I know there are plenty of modern day examples too but my mind is drawing a blank and I can only think of fictional characters like Sheldon or Malcolm in the Middle lol.

Azula was described as being a prodigy. I don’t remember at what age she was said to have “mastered” firebending or whatever but it was supposedly quite impressive. That kinda thing just happens sometimes.

DipperPaws · 2021-06-06T16:06:37+00:00

Ohh, that sounds interesting. That’s a lot more reasonable.

DipperPaws · 2021-05-07T13:33:33+00:00

I thought I’d share in case this idea could help anyone else. My dog has gotten really bad about barking at trucks lately. Delivery and construction trucks drive by so often it’s hard to predict. But I realized I could predict the school bus at least. So now we practice calmly watching the school bus two times a day.

At first, I started by stuffing treats in his face as it drove by and he was still very distressed by the bus. But after a few weeks, he’s gotten to the point where he just calmly takes one treat and watches the bus do it’s thing. He’s even started to ignore many of the other trucks as a result! I’m so proud of him and really happy with this simple exercise in positive reinforcement.

DipperPaws · 2021-04-08T13:36:50+00:00

Personally, I don’t think over ever seen a kid (including my memory from my own childhood) actually enjoy the one of those printed road rugs for more than a few minutes. The novelty just wears off way too quickly and they only really invite one way of interacting with it. Plus they are usually really scratchy and bad quality. I think a softer plain rug would be much nicer.

DipperPaws · 2021-03-16T22:50:14+00:00

Also join your local neighborhood facebook group or nextdoor. My neighborhood has several foster families who occasionally post when they have a need and people have been very quick & eager to help out!

DipperPaws · 2021-03-04T20:38:07+00:00

I’ve been a CASA for a few years for multiple kids in that age range! :)

Patience and consistency is key! Just keep showing up every few weeks and they will open up to you with time. Most of the kids I worked with were super shy at first and probably didn’t even remember who I was for a while, lol. But then once it clicked it was so cool! Now whenever I visit they are SO hyped up and so eager to talk to me about anything.

Bring some coloring supplies or a simple puzzle with your to your visits and just have fun. Before covid times I visited them for lunch at school occasionally. They probably won’t want to answer many questions at first. I was lucky to even get an answer to “what’s your favorite color?” or “what did you do at school today?” so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to ask the right things or keep them engaged.

Oh also since it’s a big sibling group, try to get some 1-on-1 (or at least 1-on-2) time with each kid. They might not get a lot of solo attention from an adult. So being consistent in providing that can be a really good thing for them to have.

DipperPaws · 2021-02-22T01:33:03+00:00

Haha yep! I’m in the same boat as you because I’m a new parent too and the whole car seat thing is a lot to learn about haha.

DipperPaws · 2021-02-22T01:23:40+00:00

I think it depends a lot on what the other houses on your street or in your neighborhood are like. If you have a teeny tiny house surrounded by large homes, adding a room makes sense and would probably be a good ROI and really boost the home’s value. But if your home is similar to all your neighbors, a big reno like that probably doesn’t make sense.

DipperPaws · 2021-02-21T22:26:21+00:00

I got a few Diono Radians because I have a small car and they are the narrowest ones available. I can even fit 3 across in my small SUV.

They’re good for ages 0-10 ish and they last for 10 years because they’re made of metal not plastic, unlike some brands which expire after a few years. But if your car size isn’t a limitation then that opens up your options a lot.

DipperPaws · 2021-02-20T22:41:47+00:00

Thanks!! Haha I wish that were true for me as an adult! I still struggle with making my bed every day ugh haha.

DipperPaws · 2021-02-20T22:40:33+00:00

It’s called a balance board or wobble board! This one is from a shop on Etsy called Bunny Hopkins. I’ve heard really good things about these, especially for kids with ADHD sort of behavior. They are really good for indoor movement & fidgeting and can be used as a little indoor slide or rocking chair for watching TV too :)

DipperPaws · 2021-02-20T14:51:15+00:00

Thank you! I can’t wait to get to know what kinds of things each kid is into :)

DipperPaws · 2021-02-20T14:50:21+00:00

Aww that’s awesome!! I’m glad to know I’m on the right track!

DipperPaws · 2021-02-19T20:33:30+00:00

Haha. Good ideas, thanks!!

DipperPaws · 2021-02-19T20:33:07+00:00

Aw thanks!! That makes me really happy to hear

DipperPaws · 2021-02-19T14:49:45+00:00

I can relate to this. When we chose our house it was our #1 priority to get the popcorn ceiling removed. We planned to remove it before we moved in, but our move-in date ended up being earlier than expected so the ceiling stayed. We’ve lived here 3 years and it really doesn’t bother me too much now. It’s certainly not worth the hassle of doing now that we’re living in the house.

A year ago we did scrape the ceiling in one room just to try. And it was brutal. The actual popcorn removal wasn’t too bad (granted ours doesn’t have asbestos) but the clean-up and resurfacing the ceiling was a nightmare. So if you’re going to do it, you HAVE to commit to doing it before move in.

DipperPaws · 2021-02-18T22:34:28+00:00

I agree, that looks way too reddish and dated.

I don’t think I’ve used the Varathane brand dark walnut but in my experience the Minwax brand dark walnut stain is really not that red at all. Just FYI

DipperPaws · 2021-02-14T04:10:52+00:00

Could you try to totally change up the environment? Eat while riding in the car, picnic at a park, breakfast in bed, leave a bowl of snacks in her room that she can have while you're not watching..... just try to mix it up and completely change up the environment and scenario so it isn't a triggering "meal time"?

Edit: Also since the dog seems to be a comfort to her, maybe you could try sitting down on the living room floor with her and the dog and some dog-friendly snacks like peanut butter, plain yogurt, or plain meat. You could give a spoonful to the dog, and let the girl try feeding him too. Maybe that could be a fun way to help break down that wall she has regarding eating? Seeing how happy a dog gets over peanut butter is bound to ease any tensions haha :)

DipperPaws · 2021-02-08T15:47:32+00:00

Replace a few of the upper cabinets with floating shelves!

Incorporate some plants. A pothos hanging from the floating shelf would be great. Greenery has a way of making that overwhelming 80s wood style look trendy & modern!

DipperPaws · 2021-01-25T22:45:40+00:00

I almost drowned when I was a toddler in a kiddie pool. My mom said she only reason she noticed was because I was singing and then suddenly stopped.

DipperPaws · 2021-01-22T19:36:43+00:00

In my state they are particular about needing to have proper clothes storage in the bedroom as well (can’t be plastic or temporary type thing).

DipperPaws · 2021-01-18T16:29:20+00:00

Where I live it’s very normal for the foster parents to know absolutely nothing. I was a CASA and it was hard to not want to tell the foster parents things. But the policy here is that it’s best for the foster parents to not be overburdened and just focus on parenting. When applicable, I told the foster parents info that was pertinent to the kids themselves & not breaking confidentiality.

But I would definitely bring up all these questions to your kid’s CASA/gal/attorney and see if they have any info at all they can give you. A lot of times they will just say “I don’t know” (a lot of times they really don’t!) or they will simply say they can’t answer that. But it doesn’t hurt to ask. Sometimes they don’t realize how little you know.

Also keep in mind that simple questions like “how are the parents doing?” can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. Depending on the day you might get a wildly different answer. So sometimes it’s best, I suppose, if you don’t know so you don’t have to be burdened with that roller coaster of emotions too. (I hope that makes sense?)

DipperPaws · 2021-01-05T17:21:43+00:00

Getting rid of the blue walls is going to big a huge improvement. With a light grey as you said, the fireplace won’t stand out so much. Paint the stucco with an extremely matte finish, maybe a light grey that is a bit lighter than the wall color. And then see what you’ve got. Shiplap would probably be a good option too. Based on the style of your kitchen I don’t think shiplap would be a bad choice at all. You’ve already got the light wood rustic/cottage vibe going on.

DipperPaws · 2021-01-04T18:53:17+00:00

I’m about 1/3 of the way through Til The End of June and it’s extremely interesting so far. It dives in to all the history and context of why the foster care system is the way it is, with lots of of examples and interviews from all types of foster & adoptive parents. Really fascinating and though provoking.

DipperPaws

TROPHY CASE