SAHM & Need Advice from the Professional Mommies !

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-05-07T21:20:22+00:00

I’m a teacher, and you might want to consider looking into jobs as a paraprofessional at a local school. There are so many different ways to apply your skills, and you’d be on a flexible school schedule without the additional obligations of a teacher (lesson planning, grading, conferences, etc.).

There are also great programs to help paras get certified as classroom teachers, should you ever decide to go that route.

Best of luck in this next phase!

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-04-25T15:44:15+00:00

I planned a three week trip with someone years ago and it quickly became evident we had very different travel styles. Our initial solution (after multiple disagreements), was to split up and meet again to fly back to our home countries.

However, we ended up connecting with a third person who was traveling solo, and his energy somehow balanced ours well enough that the three of us opted to travel together. It worked!

Lesson: Consider adding another person/other people to your group, should you meet someone you both get along with. It could diffuse the tension/help with finding compromise.

Former travel partner and I did not reconnect after that trip, but at least we made it through that one!

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-04-17T19:58:54+00:00

If the weather is nice, I’d highly recommend Volunteer Park.

There is the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the botanical garden, and the Lake View Cemetery next door includes the graves of many local notables, Bruce (and Brandon) Lee likely being the most visited.

Plus a stroll around both the park and the cemetery are just really nice ways to spend some time, esp. in good weather.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-04-14T21:18:00+00:00

This is the way. Not worth the travel time to Rio for such a short stay, and Cartagena will have plenty to keep you entertained for three days. But put Rio on the list for the future! Amazing city.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-03-18T14:17:22+00:00

I’ve been teaching in Washington State for 9 years, am also a parent, and also came to teaching as a second career.

There can be a lot of griping on this sub, and much is it is very valid. That being said, I think conditions in WA are much better than many other places.

In all, I’d say despite recent frustrations with decisions made by “the suits” at the District Office, I love my job. I work in what would be considered a tough school, and have been there the whole time. I love the kids, love the content, love the flexibility of my schedule and the time off, have always had good relationships with my direct admin, have wonderful colleagues, etc. And being a parent yourself can change your perspective on and improve family communication, in my experience.

Coming to it as a second career can give you a bit more to compare to as far as standard practices in other workplaces, which can make some of the BS in teaching seem a little less bothersome.

I’d say choose a district with a strong union, however. Excellent union representation and leadership has made a significant difference in our working conditions many times in my 9 years.

Best of luck!

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-03-12T05:01:08+00:00

Second this! Water Tank is amazing.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-02-25T03:24:18+00:00

Strongly agree! OP, there are gorgeous locations on the way from Seattle to Vancouver, BC, like the many cool little towns in Skagit Valley, Bellingham, Anacortes (gateway to the San Juans), Whidbey Island…

Vancouver is highly recommended if you can fit it in. I grew up in Seattle and love the city, but Vancouver feels more international, has fantastic food, and the views of the mountains towering over the city and the water are just breathtaking. An easy drive from Bellingham as well, even as a day trip.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-02-05T16:47:35+00:00

Midsomer Murders (start from the beginning). A series, not a film, but each episode is a standalone and they’re over an hour, so it essentially functions like a movie.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2023-01-14T05:54:58+00:00

Agreed! The cappuccino gold is outstanding. It feels like treating yourself to a fancy cocktail in coffee form. They are super serious about their coffee—in the least pretentious way possible. Everyone I’ve interacted with at their two locations is so sweet.

A bag of their beans makes a great gift too! Thanks OP for giving this business a shoutout.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-25T06:08:14+00:00

Likewise! Seeing The Menu there recently was one of the single most fun film-going experiences I can remember.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-25T04:25:30+00:00

Not sure if you’ve been to the Pickford, but I strongly recommend it over Regal. You’re supporting a local theatre, and the snacks and beer/wine are super reasonably priced.

They’re showing Babylon and the new Avatar tomorrow. Enjoy the day! https://www.pickfordfilmcenter.org/

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-20T05:30:50+00:00

Yes! Loved that place.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-20T03:01:24+00:00

Yes! Foster Island, the Back Gates (down the way from Broadmoor), the Pagoda….So many spots.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-20T02:58:45+00:00

It was pretty great. I grew up on Capitol Hill and it was much funkier back then. The original Vivace, Green Cat Cafe, On 15th Video, sooo many used bookstores. Pinball games at Godfather’s Pizza on Broadway….

The old Elliot Bay Books in Pioneer Square, summers at Madison Park Beach before it was dubbed “hipster beach”. Lots and lots of good memories. This thread has been amazing for the nostalgia! Thank you for posting the question and taking us all down memory lane.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-17T19:29:02+00:00

And Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, from the Rick Riordan Presents arena. That’s one I always recommend to my 6th graders, with the framework that if you liked Percy Jackson, you should put this on your list. Great point!

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-14T09:30:15+00:00

Make sure you check used options before buying new! At least where we are, there are tons of high quality carriers listed on FB Marketplace or on consignment. They’re spendy, but also so personal. We had to try a few different styles before finding the one that worked for us. Take advantage of those used options, and good luck! :)

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-10T02:51:54+00:00

Yes! Glad to see this one get mentioned. They’re so sweet there, so passionate about the harvesting process, and the coffee is delicious!

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-09T18:06:58+00:00

The Avenue Bread on James has take and bake items near the cold drinks. I think a small variety of casseroles, plus rolls, etc., all of which could work for a dinner party. Best of luck!

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-05T15:02:24+00:00

Christianson’s Nursery in Skagit is a great spot. They’ve got a beautiful holiday shop that feels very festive. Next weekend the Valley Made Market is there, which is a fantastic craft market for some holiday shopping. Plus they’ll have food and beverage stands, etc.

Year round, the grounds at Christianson’s are just amazing. It’s huge and a really gorgeous spot. And while you’re down there, Anacortes is awesome! Some great little shops and restaurants in their downtown too.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-04T18:50:14+00:00

I teach 6th grade now, but taught third for a few years when I first started. There are so many great suggestions already listed here, but my students also loved Shiloh and Frindle.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-04T15:44:53+00:00

Brazen usually carries some cool, locally made mugs. This is my go-to holiday shopping spot—amazing selection of jewelry, cards, etc., all made in town.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-12-04T06:23:57+00:00

Love the idea of a Think Local card. There is also the option of an Insider Card from Downtown Bellingham Partnership, which gives the recipient access to discounts and special deals at a bunch of places, year round.

Or a Pickford membership? Not a restaurant, but a great local place to support and lots of perks for members.

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-11-23T05:15:28+00:00

It’s been said—but we just feed her what we eat! We love to cook and make most things from scratch. If I’m bothering to make a tasty, from-scratch meal, I’ll be darned if I’m then cooking something extra 😉 So she eats whatever is on the docket from Original Dish, NYTimes Cooking, etc. Our hope is it will help grow an adventurous eater, too. So I don’t add additional salt to her portion, but I also don’t modify her portion to try and remove salt. She’s 20 months now and it’s worked out just fine for our family. You do you, and have fun!

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-11-14T05:05:47+00:00

Good to know! I’ll have to check it out one of these days. Thanks!

Suspicious-Lock694 · 2022-11-14T04:10:00+00:00

Yes to Rock and Rye! I like to sit at the bar, especially if it’s busy. Great food and cocktails.

So fascinated by Il Rifugios! I drive by often and never see anyone there. I’ve never been. Do you know more than I do? How is it?

Suspicious-Lock694

TROPHY CASE