Okay, so I’m really behind on this challenge. I’ve been on vacation, so I’ve either been too busy or too tired to compose a post. Then I read this day’s task…to go to a mall. That was a bit difficult to do, but ProBlogger suggested if a mall wouldn’t work, visiting a tourist attraction would work. And yesterday was a great day for that. We went to San Francisco and the Fisherman’s Wharf. This is an excellent place for people watching and observations. But what was most interesting to me, and frankly just plain cool, were the famous sea lions that live on the docks at Pier 39.
Sea lions have always been in the San Francisco Bay, but it wasn’t until September of 1989 that they began to appear on the docks. There’s no definitive reason why the sea lions brought themselves to the docks. Many believe that it was because of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The idea that the animals might feel safer more inland is another theory. Whatever the reason for their appearance at Pier 39, they have become a fascination for tourists and scientists alike.
Then in the late fall and winter of 2009 the sea lions, who have numbered as high as 1,700, suddenly left their touristy home. Most scientists agree that this occurred because of a lack of food. This large group of Eumetopias Jubatus (that’s their scientific name, who are members of the marine mammal Otariidae family) migrated all the way up to Oregon. As mysteriously as they disappeared, they started to reappear in February of this 2010. Merchants were quite happy about this, since these pinnipeds (I’m rockin’ the official names) really draw the tourists to the pier. Now that they are back, the goal is to educate the tourists about these special animals and their part in the northern California ecosystem.
I’m not sure what I expected to see as my family and I made our way down the windy Pier 39 (Side note: San Francisco weather is unpredictable.
In early August, it was cold and windy. Be prepared for any weather eventuality). What I saw was amazing! These massive marine mammals (nice alliteration, huh?) were all huddled together, resting, seemingly a comfort to each other. A couple were causing some trouble, arguing a bit. Others barked back, as if telling them to quiet down. What I also saw was a very close-knit community who sticks together and looks out for its members. Could we humans learn something from these sea lions?
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I’ve joined and participated in forums and on-line groups before. As part of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge, we were asked by ProBlogger to find a forum and start participating. Instead of going to the familiar, I searched for something new. After a search, I came across Mothers’ Hideaway. It’s kind of an all-things-mom site. It seems like a couple of blogging ladies take care of posting entries covering a variety of topics from wifehood, motherhood, childhood, etc. Then there are the tropical-themed forums covering all subjects mommies could think of. I hung out in the Cabana section. This is where any topic goes.
I also am a big fan of GoodReads. It’s a great social networking site for sharing book recommendations with friends (your “friend” people similar to Facebook), keeping track of your own reads and joining different groups (forums).
Forums can be so helpful and useful. I just haven’t taken the time to take full advantage of what forums have to offer. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s taking the time to commit to them. Sometimes I get all involved for awhile and just forget about it. There are forums out there for everyone. It’s a question of finding right ones and taking the time to participate consistently.
So, let’s go find some forums!
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Several days ago we were at Target and my kids talked me into buying Silly Bandz. You know, those bracelets shaped like all kinds of things that magically seem to hold their shape. (“Mama, they’re not bracelets. They’re Silly Bandz!”). They have remained unopened and in hiding since then.
Until today.
My kids were playing outside with a neighbor when he sweetly shared his Silly Ringz (yes, that’s what I said, Ringz). My kids and the neighbor ran to our door, reminding me about our Shrek Silly Bandz. What choice did I have but to bring them out? I’ve resisted long enough. I’m kind of proud to say I used this as a “teachable moment.” Since our neighbor had so nicely shared, it was the nice and right thing to do to share our Bandz with him. So, we did.
Right now, I’m not so concerned with an obsession with these to develop. Check out Hip As I Want to Be ‘s post about her kids’ Silly Bandz obsession for a chuckle. My main concern is my children being taken advantage of when asked to trade or share. They are not so savvy when dealing with these kinds of trends. But, I guess, that would be the time where I have to let them learn the hard way (that’ll be another post). Any issues I should know about? What should I be prepared to handle?
This post was a homework assignment for the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge. If you’re interested in improving your blog, I highly recommend checking out ProBlogger.
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In early August, it was cold and windy. Be prepared for any weather eventuality). What I saw was amazing! These massive marine mammals (nice alliteration, huh?) were all huddled together, resting, seemingly a comfort to each other. A couple were causing some trouble, arguing a bit. Others barked back, as if telling them to quiet down. What I also saw was a very close-knit community who sticks together and looks out for its members. Could we humans learn something from these sea lions?
I'm a SAHM of a boy and a girl in Chicago Suburbia. I have a wonderful husband and two lovable dogs.
