Archive for November 2011

A Suburban Dad's Guest Blog: Dog Day Afternoons

By Rick Kaempfer When I tell people that I have three boys, they say: “That must be a zoo.” And while it does seem to be a little zoo-like at times, I think I have a more appropriate analogy. It’s really more like a kennel. Let me explain. Like dogs, boys can be man’s best... Read more »
By asuburbandad,
November 30, 2011 at 9:50 am • 

A City Mom Today's Feature on Portrait of an Adoption

In honor of November being National Adoption Month, ChicagoNow blogger Carrie Goldman of Portrait of an Adoption is running a special series called “30 Adoption Portraits in 30 Days.” Today, she’s featuring my family’s story, An Adoption Postcard From My Side of the Edge. As Carrie so eloquently puts it, the series is: Designed to... Read more »
By Kim Strickland,
November 28, 2011 at 9:27 am • 

How Not to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner

How Not to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner
Here are some easy steps to follow to guarantee your Thanksgiving dinner will raise your blood pressure and lower everyone else’s expectations for next year: 1) Don’t make sure the turkey has defrosted the day before Thanksgiving (today!!). This will ensure that cool, refreshing iced-turkey taste your family will grow to love. 2) Leave the... Read more »
By Kim Strickland,
November 23, 2011 at 9:09 am • 
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Should husband join exclusive "soup club"?

Should husband join exclusive "soup club"?
“So,” I say to my husband. “When were you planning on telling me?” He looks at me with that male, “I know I’m in trouble for something but for the life of me I can’t think of what” look on his face. “About the news,” I say. (I’m being cagey on purpose.) “When were you... Read more »
By Kim Strickland,
November 20, 2011 at 5:30 pm • 

Lockerless Schools? Not in Chicago.

Lockerless Schools? Not in Chicago.
According to this article in the USA Today, USA Today: Lockerless Schools?, many schools are transitioning to lockerless because of the influx of ebooks and ereaders. While this trend bodes well for the backs and shoulders of our kids, I was saddened to hear the news. The schools cite cost savings and the fact there... Read more »
By Kim Strickland,
November 17, 2011 at 9:59 am • 

A Suburban Dad's Guest Blog: 20 Years of Marriage

By Rick Kaempfer Twenty years ago today I married my lovely bride, Bridget. This is a recent picture of the two of us in Italy, celebrating that anniversary a little bit early. When you say the number “20” it sounds like a very long time ago, and I suppose it is, but I have no... Read more »
By asuburbandad,
November 16, 2011 at 10:02 am • 
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O'Hare World's Buzziest Airport: Sweet Beginnings aviation apiary raises bees and hope

O'Hare World's Buzziest Airport: Sweet Beginnings aviation apiary raises bees and hope
This article in Food Safety News: Food Safety News: When honey isn’t honey  came out just last week and personally, I find what it says about the quality of our honey supply startling, especially when you consider most people turn to honey as a healthier alternative to white sugar. But have no fear! A City... Read more »
By Kim Strickland,
November 13, 2011 at 11:11 am • 

Lucky 1111

Lucky 1111
1111 has been my lucky number for years [A City Mom 1/11/11 ] and so I feel compelled to post today at 11:11.  Unfortunately, due to some pretty poor planning on my part, I will not be celebrating 11:11 11/11/11 holding hands with other robe-clad individuals in a field, but in a dentist’s chair. I... Read more »
By Kim Strickland,
November 11, 2011 at 11:11 am • 

Psychoanalyzing Cats

Psychoanalyzing Cats
Last weekend I introduced myself to someone I knew only from a photo, but whom I sort of work with, (it’s complicated) and when I did, I not only got the stink eye, but the cold shoulder as well. I mean ouch, right? I tried not to stew on it, but you know me; I... Read more »
By Kim Strickland,
November 10, 2011 at 8:45 am • 
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A Suburban Dad's Guest Blog: German Practical Jokes

By Rick Kaempfer Yesterday was my mom’s 70th birthday, and we bought her a computer. This will be her first one, and she’s a little scared about jumping into the 1980s so quickly, without cautiously getting a feel for the landscape. Who knows if this computer thingee will catch on? I should tell you a... Read more »
By asuburbandad,
November 9, 2011 at 9:20 am •