From the Mommy Desk…
“7 : An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess”
I think most moms can relate to this scenario, “bored child opening and closing refrigerator door and repeatedly looking into the pantry and declaring ‘there’s nothing to eat here.’” Really? Most Americans don’t have a clue as to how much there really is to eat. Or fill in the blank: “Mom, I have nothing to wear;” “Mom I have nothing to do;” “Mom, I need ……..”
I recently stumbled upon a book that has the potential to radically change my life (and those of my family if they let me). “7: And Experimental Mutiny Against Excess” is the true story of how Austin, Texas author Jennifer Hatmaker took seven months, identified seven areas of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence. Her main theme is that the real principles of a Christian (Christ-like) life should be focused on tithing, fasting and prayer and by cutting back on possessions, food, stress and other excesses may lead to a closer relationship to God, and a call to Christ-like simplicity of the authentic Christian life.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always loved New Year’s Resolutions and “giving up something” for Lent. The past couple of years I’ve tried to combine “giving up” with “doing something” and it has been very rewarding. So to me, this book (which incidentally is very, very funny) was not only a challenge but an exciting chance to carry out Lenten principles past the actual day of Easter.
Jen Hatmaker picks seven key areas: food, clothes, spending, media, possessions, waste, and stress in her book to focus on. It her rather radically experiment, she dedicates an entire month to each area and drastically changes how she lives. (For example, during the first week focused on food, she only eats 7 foods for 30 days.) Luckily for us, you can still apply the principle of 7 in a more “condensed version.” In fact, her bible study on 7 lists several “options” each week for those interested in the “lite” version of eliminating excess, like cutting out all fast food.
I decided that I would start my own “mini 7 experiment” before bringing the bible study to my Sunday school class. I never follow recipes exactly so I guess it is no surprise that I started my own experiment in the middle. One of the things that bothers me both personally and as a mom is how much time we spend on media and technology. So I decided this first week I would eliminate Facebook. How’s it going? Actually great! I have so much more time. I didn’t realize how much time, lost and wasted time, I was spending on Facebook. Not that there is anything wrong with Facebook (and because I didn’t want to offend anyone I have checked to see if I had a message) but we can get so wrapped up in anything that it begins to become an idol.
My mini 7 experiment will consist of going 7 days and focusing on each area that is in the book, but to a much more manageable approach. I am hoping that I will feel the sacrifice and that at the end of the experiment I will have a cleaner, simpler life and a closer relationship to God. If you want to follow along with me, here is my list:
Week 1 – no Facebook
Week 2 – Eliminate 7 foods from my diet (I’ve chosen baked goods, salty food (like chips), bread, soda, potatoes, cheese and chocolate)
Week 3- Wear 7 items of clothing for 7 days (undergarments and shoes not included)
Week 4- No spending (I will purchase groceries and gas on Sunday and see if I can make it to the following Sunday with no purchases – that includes my daily coffee drink – eeeeek!)
Week 5 – Give away (or throw away) – 7 items of possessions every day for 7 days
Week 6 – No TV (I know I started the experiment on Media, but I have to try this one too)
Week 7 – Pray for 7 minutes a day (with the timer set, in quiet no distractions)
Week 8 – Waste – recycle all that I can. I often hear complaints that we don’t have a recycling program in Paris. But we can still find ways to recycle – Aikin Elementary has a drop-off trailer for cans in the back parking lot, Christians in Action takes cardboard, Brookshires has a plastic bottle drop off, Walmart bags can go back to the store or to the Food Pantry.
I’d love to know if any of you, my readers, have read the book or are going to follow along with the 7 experiment. I’ll check back in with you and let you know how it’s going!
From one mom to another,
Jenny Wilson
From the Mommy Desk….
Hiroshima 2008 – Vagina Monologues Poster by Nicky Fernandes
Several well respected women in our community have taken a very courageous step to participate in the upcoming play, The Vagina Monologues, by Tony award winning playwright and activist Eve Ensler. The play features women’s stories from all around the world and strives to provide a forum for a subject that has been labeled taboo in our society. It celebrates a diverse group of women’s stories and makes them public so that a greater understanding and appreciation of women can be reached.
Even so, I understand that some people can’t even say the word vagina. As one of my friends put it, “it’s not a cuss word, its’ not.” However, I will tell you up front that there are cuss words in The Vagina Monologues – a lot of them. But they are there to serve a purpose. To shock, yes. To be witty, yes. To empower women to take back words that have been used to degrade them… absolutely. The Vagina Monologues will make you uncomfortable, the play will also make you laugh, cry and hopefully get angry. Get angry enough to do something to stop domestic violence and sexual abuse against women. That is the real purpose behind the play.
Ms. Ensler’s experience performing the Vagina Monologues inspired her to create V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Due to its popularity, V-Day has gained over 1 billion activists hence the “1 Billion Rising” campaign – a call for one billion women around the world to join together to dance in a show of collective strength. According to their website, 1-in-3 women will be either raped or beaten in their lifetime. One woman is too many, and one-third is unacceptable.
The local play is being produced by PCT Off -Plaza and will be held at the Plaza Theatre in downtown Paris on April 12-14th. The Friday night performance will begin at 9pm after Wine Fest. The Saturday and Sunday performances will be at at 7:30pm. The local production is more than just a play, it too is a V-Day event. Locally, all ticket sales and fundraising efforts will benefit the SafeT women’s shelter. A “Walk in My Shoes” fundraiser is planned for Sunday, April 14th at 5pm. This international walk is for men to walk a short distance wearing women’s high heel shoes to show their support for ending domestic violence and sexual abuse against women and girls. This walk will begin at the PCT Brown Center for Creative Arts, 115 Clarksville Street, and end at the Plaza Theatre. Registration fee is $35 and shoes may be rented for $5 (limited supply).
This play is for mature, over 18 audiences only. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online through brownpapertickets.com or calling the PCT box office at 903-784-0259.
From one Mom to another,
Jenny Wilson
This weekend is Easter and there is a lot to do with your kids to celebrate. First on Saturday, from 10am-noon is the Easter Egg Decorating at the Sam Bell Maxey House, 812 S. Church Street. This free event includes egg decorating, lawn games, decorating Easter Bonnets and Hats as well as an egg roll at 10:30am and 11:30am. There will also be a 188th birthday celebration of the historic home at 11am.
Also on Saturday, if you want to take a drive down south about 20 miles to Cooper Lake State park, they are having an Easter Egg Hunt at 1:30pm at the South Sulphur Unit. Kids will be grouped into two ages 1-5 and 6-10. More than 1,500 candy filled eggs and special prizes. This is also a free event (no park entry and no cost to participate), but you need to bring your own basket. Call 903-945-5256 for more information.
Older kids will enjoy “Driving Miss Daisy” at the Paris Community Theatre. Or bring your own parents who will enjoy the show and make it a multi-generational event. This wonderful production, is Thursday-Saturday evening at 7:30pm and a Sunday matinee at 2:30pm (long after Easter Sunday lunch). Tickets are only $10 and can be reserved by calling 903-784-0250.
You can also stay inside with your family (rain is predicted) and watch “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” – a total classic and one of the few decent Easter holiday kids’ movies.
Linus: Every Easter the Easter Beagle comes dancing along with his basket full of eggs, which he hands out to all the good little children.
Sally: That sounds faintly familiar. I remember sitting out in a stupid pumpkin patch all night waiting for The Great Pumpkin to come. That was the worst night of my life.
Linus: But this is different. That was Halloween. This is Easter.
From one mommy to another,
Jenny Wilson
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Jenny Wilson is a mother of three. She teaches a Mommy & Me class at Central Presbyterian Day School, is a member of the Paris ISD school board and serves on the board of Paris Community Theatre and Children’s Advocacy Center. She also is on the PCT Children/Teen Theatre Advisory Committee, the Aiken Parent Association Board, the PJH Parent Association and is a Sunday school teacher at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. She also is a certified yoga instructor and owner of Everyday Yoga.
Most area schools have spring break next week (March11-15). If you don’t have out of town plans, there are many choices in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area that will make a memorable spring break for your kids.
Here are 15 spring break ideas close to home….
1. Dallas Arboretum
Dallas Blooms runs March 2-April 7, 2013 when the tulips and daffodils are in full bloom. Kids expend a lot of energy running through the grounds and exploring the old Texas cottages. The arboretum is located in East Dallas at 8525 Garland Road. Call 214-515-6500.
2.Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium is a wonderful indoor adventure for all ages. This multi-level space includes a river rainforest, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, penguins, fish and a mind-blowing walk through shark tunnel. The Dallas World Aquarium, located at 1801 N Griffin Street in downtown Dallas, is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Adults $20.95; children (3-12) $12.95; under 2 no charge; seniors $16.95. Call 214-720-2224 for more information.
3. Cosmic Jump
Cosmic Jump has a variety of jumping equipment including both dodge ball and slam dunk trampolines. At night you can glow on the trampolines with live DJ’s, an incredible sound system and black lights. This is great for Spring Breakers of all ages. Rates are $8.66 for one hour and $12.99 for 2 hours for ages 7 and under. For ages 8 and older its $12 plus tax for the first hour. A current special offers 2 hours for $16 (it’s usually $6 for each additional hour).Cosmic Jump, 1300 N. Central Expressway, Suite 300, Allen, Texas 75013. Call 214-383-1400. New Lewisville location I-35 and SH 121 near Chili’s, 972-315-0234.
4. Amon Carter Museum
Free Family Fun Week at the Amon Carter Museum, (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth) is March 13-16, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Explore the amazing art and art-making featuring the four seasons. Discover the works of art related to spring. Refreshments are provided. No reservation required. Admission is free for everyone. Lemonade and cookies too! The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is open Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. 817-738-1933
5. Check Out Museums in the Fort Worth Cultural District
Other great museums in Fort Worth, and adjacent to the Amon, is the Kimball Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
6. Dallas Zoo “Spring Break Camp”
Campers will learn scientific principles while they enjoy outdoor adventures March 11-15, 2013. The fun begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. each day, with Before Camp and After Camp sessions available. The Zoo is introducing a special one-day camp for children in kindergarten through 5th grade on Wednesday, March 27.Spring Break Camp is offered for grades Pre-K to 5th.
Or just visit the zoo, located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, in south Dallas. Open daily, for more information call 214-670-5656.
7. Dallas Museum of Art
Saturday, March 9 is WFAA Family First Day 11 am – 5 pm; free admission to Chagall: Beyond Color. Drop by the Art Spot in C3 and find Crackers, the four-legged family member in the sculpture Family Portrait 1963 by Martin Delabano. Create a sculpture of your pet or create an imaginary pet pal for Crackers at the Art Spot, or use the sketching materials and try your hand at drawing. Other spring break week activities include the “Come Fly With Me-Kite Making Workshop” with Amie Adelman on Tuesday March 12, 2013 11 a.m. 2 p.m. and there will be family friendly activities will be offered daily from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood, Dallas, call 214-922-1200.
8. Dave and Buster’s
Kids love all the electronic games and silulator games such as formula race cars, fighter jets and motorcycles, and a golf simulator. Retro favorites like Ms. Pacman and Galaga plus shuffleboard and billiards. Enjoy half-priced games every Wednesday. There are several DFW locations in Arlington, 2 locations in Dallas, and Frisco.
9. Great Wolf Lodge
Everything you need for the perfect Spring Break is here – themed restaurants, interactive arcades, full service spas (and even a version for kids), fitness centers and special spring break activities for the kids. Spend all day relaxing as the current sweeps you along the endless, winding lazy river. The kids will enjoy the 4-story interactive treehouse with spray stations and soaker buckets.100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051. 800-943-1127
10. Ice Skating
The Dallas Galleria, at 13350 Dallas Parkway, offers ice skating daily. For more information, call 972-392-3361.
11. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Less than an hour from Fort Worth at 2155 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, is the Fossil Rim
Wildlife Center. Explore the rugged beauty and discover a sanctuary for endangered species.
You can purchase feed for the animals and snacks for yourself. Fossil Rim will open a half hour
early at 8 a.m. from March 4-17, 2013. Avoid the crowds and feed all the exotics early.
Be in line by 9 a.m. and receive a free bag of feed (a $7.95 value).
12. Fort Worth Zoo
One of the very best zoos in the country is located in Ft. Worth. The Fort Worth Zoo is open 365 days a year.
1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110. 817-759-7500
13. TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition
Perfect for kids who love history and running through March 24, 2013 . It’s the 100th anniversary of the most
magnificent ship in history. Experience Titanic’s voyage from launch to tragic ending, to modern-day recovery
and restoration efforts. OK for all ages. Also check out the planetarium or “Flight of the Butterflies” in the Omni
Theater. At the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
817-255-9300Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5pm; Sunday: Noon – 5 pm.
14. Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags will be open during spring break. Opening Weekend is March 2-3, 2013 and this year there are
new rides and a lot of new adventures and more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for Sunday, March 18 when hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at
2201 d to Six Flags, in Arlington. Call 817-640-8900.
15. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Great for little boys (and girls) who love Legos! LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Grapevine Mills Mall,
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas, 972-539-9386. Open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
(last admission 6 p.m.); Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (last admission 7 p.m.); Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(last admission 4 p.m.). Discounted tickets are available if you purchase online.
Have a wonderful and safe spring break!
From one mommy to another,
Jenny Wilson
Jenny Wilson is a mother of three. She teaches a Mommy & Me class at Central Presbyterian Day School, is a member of the Paris ISD school board and serves on the board of Paris Community Theatre and Children’s Advocacy Center. She also is on the PCT Children/Teen Theatre Advisory Committee, the Aiken Parent Association Board, the PJH Parent Association and is a Sunday school teacher at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. She also is a certified yoga instructor and owner of Everyday Yoga.
If you read my column often, you know that I am passionate about the Paris Community Theatre. I think PCT is a cultural gem to Paris and needs to be supported. In case you don’t know, PCT receives no funds from the city, state, or federal government. PCT is 100% funded by ticket sales, individual donations and local businesses’ sponsorships. This year, PCT is holding the 1st ever, and hopefully 1st annual, Karaoke Night Fundraiser. This is definitely not going to be a stuffy, black tie affair. If you spend any time around a PCT production, you know they are just a fun bunch. This will be a fun night of karaoke, laughs and probably more than a few drinks. It’s Saturday, March 2nd from 7:30pm – 10 pm at The Depot, 1264 South Main.
Most moms I know actually get pretty excited when they start talking about Karaoke. It’s a guilty pleasure. Usually focused on songs from the 80s. Karaoke’s been around in Asia since the 1970s–no big surprise that Japan is credited for starting it–but it’s a fairly new form of entertainment here in the US. Many karaoke fanatics have bought karaoke systems and have karaoke parties in their living rooms with friends. The brave often sing in crazy Karaoke bars. But whether you are an old veteran or a Karaoke newbie there’s a few things to think about when picking your songs.
Karaoke “Do’s”:
1 – Like I said, most moms get stuck on the 80s and there’s really nothing better than belting out some of the 80s rock songs. Think Bon Jovi, Guns n”Roses, Poison and Def Leppard. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” just never gets old… trust me.
2- If you stick to the true 80s legends – Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson – you’ll be fine. But in my opinion stay away from silly pop songs like Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.”
3)-Duets – always easier to get up on stage with someone else – a few good choices “Love Shack” by the B52s and “Summer Nights” from Grease or my all time favorite, Meatball’s “By the dashboard lights”
4. Journey. Enough said. “Don’t Stop Believing” is #1 Karaoke song –okay, I’m singing…
5. ABBA – refer to #4. Dancing Queen – LOVE it!
6. If you want the crowd to sing along with you go for “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Hotel California” or of course “Freebird.”
Karaoke “Don’ts”:
1. Don’t pick a song no one has ever heard of before
2. Don’t pick a slow, sad song, where here to have fun people not get depressed
3. Don’t pick anything looooong. Get on stage, sing for 2 minutes, go have another drink
4. Avoid the overly sexual song… awkward!
5. Don’t think you can rap- seriously.
6. Unless you really, really can sing. Do not attempt Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston or Alicia Keys
7. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is just a “don’t”. Really don’t.
Hope to see you Saturday night at the Depot! Tickets are just $15 each, and all funds raised go to support PCT. The night will feature great prizes, a live auction, and complimentary appetizers from 7:30-8:30pm. Cash Bar, over 21 only. For tickets email pct@1starnet.com, or call 903-784-0259 weekdays 1:00 – 5:00pm.
From one Mommy to another,
Jenny Wilson
Jenny Wilson is a mother of three. She teaches a Mommy & Me class at Central Presbyterian Day School, is a member of the Paris ISD school board and serves on the board of Paris Community Theatre and Children’s Advocacy Center. She also is on the PCT Children/Teen Theatre Advisory Committee, the Aiken Parent Association Board, the PJH Parent Association and is a Sunday school teacher at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. She also is a certified yoga instructor and owner of Everyday Yoga.
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