Advertisement:

I Am The Great Recycler

Over the years, my husband, Martin, has turned me into a dumpster diver, a yard saler/rummage saler and an estate saler, most recently.  These days, the only items that I buy new are my underwear, socks and shoes.  Everything else I find on top of dumpsters or acquire at yard/rummage sales.   My mother would be appalled... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
May 27, 2012 at 8:28 pm
• Leave a comment

The Power of No

Why can’t Americans just say no.  Not, I’ll call you back when they have no intention of doing so.  For some inexplicable reason, they seem to think that it is “nicer” to say they’ll call you back, thereby leading you on and ultimately, wasting your time than to just say no, I’m not interested.  This... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
May 6, 2012 at 10:35 pm
• Leave a comment

Kids Bowl For Free Program

Last year I discovered that there is a national program called Kids Bowl Free which apparently has been running for several years.  Children ages 5-15 can sign up for free and receive coupons for 2 free games of bowling every single day from May 1 to August 31 at participating bowling alleys.  In addition, up to... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
April 11, 2012 at 4:19 pm
• 1 comment
Advertisement:

ISATs Fallout Continues

Well, it”s been over 2 weeks since the ISATs ended and we are still experiencing the repercussions from the yearly nightmare at our house.   My 5th grader, E, hardly slept at all during the 2weeks of the ISATs because he was so anxious about taking the tests;  he attends a therapeutic school where the testing only lasts 90... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
April 2, 2012 at 4:11 pm
• Leave a comment

Raising Awareness About Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID)

I am still amazed at how few people are familiar with sensory integration dysfunction.  When I tell people that SID is my adopted son’s major disability, almost everyone says “what’s that?”  Yet, almost everyone is familiar with autism these days, which is a good thing.  Sensory integration is the ability to organize sensory information for use by the... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
March 22, 2012 at 10:08 am
• Leave a comment

Citizens of West Rogers Park: Please Join My Recycling Program

I have decided to go forward with trying to organize a neighborhood recycling program in W. Rogers Park.  I am not going to publicly chastise those of you who can’t be bothered to cart your recyclables to a recycling center.  I am going to offer to come to your house, pick up your recyclables and cart... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
March 15, 2012 at 4:41 pm
• Leave a comment
Advertisement:

Would You Work for Nothing?

Well, neither would I.  I have been a licensed massage therapist for over 15 years.  It is a very difficult profession;  not only is it physically and emotionally demanding, but it is difficult to find clients, especially in the current economic climate.  I make housecalls, so I spend my work day schlepping a massage table around... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
March 14, 2012 at 12:59 pm
• Leave a comment

Fish Food Contains What?

Those of you who know me personally and those of you who follow this blog will know that I have an 11 year old son, E, who has special needs.   His behavioral challenges are caused, for the most part, by his sensory integration dysfunction;  the brain’s inability to make sense of all the sensory messages he... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
March 12, 2012 at 3:56 pm
• Leave a comment

No Child Left Untested

If you have a child like mine, who has anxiety disorder, the tortuous ISATs that all Illinois school children in grades 3 -8 are required to endure, are upon us.   Those of you without children may not know that every year our children are subjected to several hours of multiple choice achievement testing at the beginning of March. ... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
March 7, 2012 at 11:20 am
• 2 comments
Advertisement:

Get With the Program, Rogers Park!

I have lived in many different northside neighborhoods in Chicago and have seen some enormous potholes, but that never prepared me for what I encountered when we moved to W. Rogers Park last year.   The streets are so bad in my neighborhood that the potholes have potholes.  Apparently, our immediate past alderman, the esteemed Bernie... Read more »
By Leslie Kahn,
February 24, 2012 at 11:28 am
• Leave a comment