Winter 2011
How to Squeeze in more Exercise The Pregnancy Test is Positive Now what do I do?
40 Fabulous
To Text or Not To Text
meet Martha
What is your favorite thing to do together?
Preventive Dentistry
for Infants and Children
Kimberly D. Thiel, D.D.S. Yuba City’s
Premier Pediatric Dentist
• Learn how to care for your infant’s teeth and prevent cavities • Gain important information about achieving optimum oral health • The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental visit by age 1 Now offering Early Orthodontics Ask about our program for 2 year olds 1045 Live Oak Blvd, Suite B Yuba City, CA 95991 (530) 755-0571
please visit: www.KimberlyThielDDS.com
We love any time that we get to spend together; our favorites are shopping, eating out (sushi, Italian and any other delicious food), talking, Yoga/Pilates, Zumba, trips to Tahoe, Bible studies, doing makeup jobs, and just being together! We’re best friends!
What have you learned from one another?
Martha: I’ve learned by LeiLani’s example to live more in the moment, which is challenging for me, being such a planner. Something that’s always come naturally to her is making people feel loved and valued; now it’s great to watch her do that as a makeup artist, speaking worth and encouragement to all those that she encounters. LeiLani’s strength of character and faith has seriously been tested through her recent divorce, and what has come out of the fire is pure gold. There’s a strength that has come through her forgiveness that has made her even more beautiful than she already was. LeiLani: My mom is my hero, and everything I’ve learned of significance has come from her. She is incredibly selfless and generous with her time, love and vast talents. She makes everything she touches more beautiful, including people. She’s the most beautiful woman I know.
& LeiLani
How would you describe each other?
Martha: LeiLani is the life of the party! She knows no stranger, and is a friend to all. She is the ultimate entertainer, the funniest person I know (she wrote that), and always up for fun and hilarity! She is an amazing mom and daughter. I always said her kids would have the most fun mom, and they do! LeiLani: My mom can do anything better than anybody and look better than anybody doing it! Seriously! She’s stunning and ridiculously talented. She’s also super organized, an amazing hostess, a phenomenal mom and grandma (we call her Mimi), and always gets the job done! She totally trumps Martha Stewart!
LeiLani and Martha are lifelong locals to Yuba City. Currently, LeiLani is a free-lance makeup artist for weddings and special events and Martha assists her in her business, Makeup by LeiLani. Martha and her husband, Alex Miladi, have owned and operated Miladi Karate Academy for the past 20 years, as well as Charisma School of Dance. Their lives revolve around the smallest members of the family, Max (4) and MiaBella (2).
20
4 How to Squeeze in More Exercise 6 Understanding Your Money Personality 8 The Pregnancy Test is Positive. Now what do I do? 10 Pain Management Options in Labor & Delivery 12 Life with Menopause
in every issue 15 40! Fabulous, Friendship & Fritzie 20 Being Your Child’s Teacher Starting with Pre-Kindergarten Years 22 To Text or Not to Text 24 The College Admission Maze
2 18 26 28 30
From the Publisher Share with ME Me and My Home Book Banter Generations & Traditions
15
on the cover Martha & LeiLani Miladi, photographed by Moments to Remember Photography by Michelle Chandler.
Me and Mine magazine is an LLC and its information, format and designs are protected by copyright laws. Any reproduction of content, photography or arrangement is not permitted unless written permission is granted by the publisher of the magazine.
Contributing authors and photographers are responsible for content and accuracy in their submissions and Me and Mine Magazine, its founders or members assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Me and Mine Magazine, LLC, copyright 2010
www.meandminemagazine.com
8
26
22
5, 4, 3, 2, 1…
Happy New Year!!!
As we welcome 2011, I hope your holiday season was wonderful and you are ready for the excitement of the New Year!
It seems that the New Year is always a perfect time to ask ourselves, “Are my dreams coming
true?” Whether we are in the habit of delaying our happiness or waiting to finish or begin something, our list of resolutions each New Year brings us an opportunity for change. My resolutions usually
have something to do with eating healthy, exercising, and getting organized. Every year, I manage to
stay on track for a week or so, and then forget about the whole list. This year, I’m trying something a
bit different. It’s not really a resolution list, but more of a To Do list for 2011. So, I figure, if I put it in print, it’s a MUST Do! Here it is:
1. Go to Apple Hill. Every year, my mom and I say we’re going to Apple Hill and this year, we will. 2. Ride the Yuba Sutter Transit bus with my daughter. Just seeing the “Green Bus” excites her, so this year she will love riding it on an adventure around town.
3. Go to the movies more with my husband. 4. Go to bed earlier.
5. Always put my keys and cell phone in the same place when I’m home. Those two things end
Thank you to our contributors!
My Moments To Remember Photography by Michelle Chandler mymomentstoremember.com
Sarah Tamagni Photography sarahtamagniphoto.blogspot.com Winks Photography winksphoto.blogspot.com
Aurora Studio aurorastudiophotography.com Editor: Jessica Jaeger Account Manager: Rona Desmond
up in the most mysterious places and take minutes, sometimes hours to find.
I would love to know about your resolutions or To Do’s for the year! In fact,
I would love to know a lot more about you. When you have a minute, visit our website, click on the “Tell Us About You” button and send us a note. Tell us what you enjoy doing, or things you love! Share with us what you would like see in the magazine, including photos, stories, parenting advice or entertaining ideas. We want to get to know you!
I look forward to the exciting year we have ahead of us, so let’s
celebrate pleasures grand and small, love given and received, your many
gifts and talents, friendships old and new, and the courage to set reasonable
yet reachable goals…and achieve them!!! Here’s to all the joy that awaits us in this New Year!
Jennifer Jaeger Traynham, Publisher
Are your periods controlling your life? If so, then you may suffer from a common condition called Menorrhagia or excessive menstrual bleeding. Sutter Medical Foundation’s Ob/Gyn physicians offer a procedure called endometrial ablation. This quick, safe, and simple medical procedure can lighten or stop your periods permanently, without the side effects of hormones or the risks of hysterectomy.
Call Sutter Medical Foundation Obstetrics and Gynecology at 530-740-3363 for more information.
2
suttermedicalfoundation.org/snmg/
K579110A
how to Squeeze in
More Exercise! Written by Jill Wheaton Photography by Winks Photography
We are chauffeurs, coaches, chefs, doctors, therapists, taxi drivers, cleaners and much more. We are MOMS! We do everything for our kids and our families, but not much for ourselves.
When time and money get tight, our exercise routine is the first thing to get
dropped. But because we wear so many hats every day, we need to keep our bodies healthy. Exercise is a great way to do this. Here are a few things you
can do every day that won’t take up much time. If you can squeeze in just 5
minutes of exercise 6 times a day, you will reach 30 minutes a day. It doesn’t matter how you add it up, it just matters that you do it!
Park your car further out in the parking lot (when it’s safe to do so)! There are approximately 2000 steps in
Make commercials work for you! If you are like me, you hate watching
commercials, so get up off that couch and do
thighs) while you stand in line or while
consistently. A good way to measure this is
break. Mix it up and make those commercials
up.
a mile, and walking a few extra steps before
you get into the store will add up if you do it
to buy an inexpensive pedometer. This is not required, but it is an option.
Stuck in traffic? Try doing some
glute squeezes while you sit there. Contract the muscles in your gluteus (bottom) and
hamstrings (back of thighs) for one to two
seconds. Start with three sets of ten with 30 seconds off between sets. Need a little extra
crunches or stretches on each commercial fly by!
Dishes are inevitable, so why not do calf raises while you wash? You can work on your calves and
clean your kitchen. You will be surprised how quickly your calf muscles will burn!
so much time in checkout lines. The next
Need to work on your arms?
holding onto the cart) and then switch.
Grab a soup can in each hand and extend
your arms straight out to each side, keeping a slight bend to your elbow. Then, start
making little circles with your arms. Set a
kitchen timer for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
Take the stairs! If your office or
shopping center has more than one floor
(and you don’t have a stroller with you) take
the stairs! Jog up the stairs or take them two at a time to really get your heart pumping through that little extra cardio.
you are cooking at the stove. Your goal is to
tighten the muscle and bring your knee cap
You can do anything if you get a little
creative. Just pick some down time (i.e.
cleaning, cooking, and standing in line)
and make it YOUR time! You’ll feel so much better. If you have any questions about
these exercises, please email me at jill. wheaton@babybootcamp.com.
Improve your balance. We waste
challenge? See if you can hold the squeeze for 30 seconds on your last set!
4
something. Try doing squats, lunges, planks,
Another great exercise is Quad Sets. Tighten your quadriceps (front of
time you’re waiting to buy your groceries, try standing on one foot for one minute (without Balancing works your core and strengthens your ankles, feet and legs.
Lead by example. When your child is old enough to play in the bath before or after you wash them, take that down time
and stretch. We can’t leave them unattended, so why not interact with them while you
stretch? Your body and muscles will thank you!
Jill Wheaton, of Plumas Lake, has been a Baby Boot Camp franchise owner since August 2007 and is also an AFAA certified personal trainer. She enjoys working closely with her clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. Jill enjoys competitive running and has completed many 5k, 10k, half and full marathons. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography.
GENERAL COSMETIC DENTISTRY INVISIBLE BRACES
CLEAR BRACES
Reposition Teeth With Clear, Removable Aligners.
1275 Tharp Road Suite A Yuba City (530) 673-4614 360 A 5th Street Colusa (530) 458-4616
www.tomgibsondds.com
Come in and check out Little Bean our children’s collection
Frannie Bean
Kitchen Store & More
Using the freshest ingredients for an old world dining experience 6241 Highway 99, Live Oak, CA | Phone 530.695.3384
www.pasquinisfinefood.com
960 Tharp Rd., Suite C, Yuba City 530-822-0100
understanding
Your Money
P e r s o n a l i ty
Written by Sharen Dowdall Cornils MA, MFT Photography by Wow Now Photography
It’s not just about what you learned growing up, or what
society may have taught you. Your environment also contributes to
unhealthy spending. Think about the advertising you are bombarded with every day. Often, we confuse advertising with information.
Advertising is not information. It is designed to make you unhappy
with who you are and what you have so that you will buy a product. This doesn’t mean that products or advertising are inherently bad,
but it does mean that if you are not making healthy financial choices, you could end up in serious debt.
If you are already carrying more debt than you want or can
handle, believe me, you are not alone. All we need to do is read the local newspaper to see how many hard-working people are losing
their homes or racking up credit card debt. These are tough times,
which require us to also be tough and honest with ourselves about what we are doing with our money.
Many things affect the way you spend money.
Let’s start by identifying the Seven Spending Personalities. You may find that you fit into one of the categories, or may even see parts of yourself in several of them. That’s okay. Identifying the problem is critical to healthier spending.
1) The Impulsive Buyer. This person buys
on a whim, makes unplanned purchases, lacks self-control
in buying situations, and has
not established clear priorities for spending. Have you ever
gotten home from shopping and been filled with remorse? For me, it was all about a $3,000 gold bracelet I just had to
have. A little voice in my head said, “Oh well, it will be okay.”
Fortunately, a saner voice said, “Take that bracelet back!” I
listened to the saner voice, and
6
as embarrassing as it was, I took the bracelet back the next day.
That was a valuable lesson for
me about impulse buying: you can take things back!
2) The Fanatical Shopper. This person goes to extreme efforts to save a
cheapest product. It may have
been smarter to plan to spend a few extra dollars; save time,
energy, and gas; and get a better, longer lasting product in the first place.
They have to be in control,
3) The Passive Buyer. This buyer dislikes
may neglect quality to get the
be talked into buying by the
few dollars, and will shop for
weeks to find the lowest price. and view shopping as a battle of wills. Because of this, they
lowest price, and often end up with something that doesn’t
meet their needs. Guess what
happens then? Out they go again to continue the search for the
shopping, doesn’t comparison shop, doesn’t ask questions,
lacks sales resistance, and may salesperson. Passive buyers are often very busy, and see shopping as a low priority.
No plan generally equals an
unhappy money experience.
4) The Avoidance Buyer. These buyers go
shopping to escape the stress
5) The Esteem Buyer. 6) The Gotta Have It These buyers buy only designer Buyer. This person collects labels from prestige stores,
things as a hobby. This hobby
of revenge, or because they are
impress others. However, those
makes our lives harder instead
in life. Ever heard of Retail
Therapy? They may shop out
lonely or bored. They may buy
gifts instead of showing affection for loved ones. In the end, their accrued debt makes them feel
even worse, as they can become more stressed and lonely.
refuse to shop or buy in discount stores, and are trying to buy to
people we are trying to impress
don’t have to pay our credit card bills every month. Even more
importantly, one’s self-esteem needs to come from within,
not from a new outfit. Also, in
discount stores one can find a
quality product for a much lower price.
4 tips Leave your credit cards at home. You are just looking at this point.
consumes money that could
be better spent elsewhere, and
them in the future. Anybody
ever meet a person who got rich collecting Beanie Babies?
7) The Hot Potato Buyer. This buyer frets
of easier. These buyers focus
and stews over what to do
to drugs, alcohol, tobacco,
implementing a good plan. After
on accumulating possessions, and may also have addictions gambling or overeating.
Remember the Beanie Babies fad? Millions of dollars were
spent on collecting these and
other fad items, with promises of making money by selling
about money and spending.
They procrastinate instead of worrying about spending so
much, the Hot Potato Buyer may make an impulsive decision just to try to end the worrying and get rid of the “hot potato.”
to put into practice when you leave the house to go shopping
No matter what you see that you feel you must have, leave the presence of that item. Get physically away from it for 24 hours.
If after 24 hours you still want the item, price it at three different places.
Write your spending goals and priorities down and carry them with you. Revisit them before you buy and ask yourself if this purchase meets your goals and focuses on your spending priorities.
Just try these and see how much better it feels to make healthier money choices.
All of these money personalities are not abnormal, but they are
problematic if you’re trying to make healthier money decisions. I saw aspects of myself in three of these, depending on what was going on in my life. See if you’re able to identify some of your habits in any of
these “personalities.” That is a good jumping-off point for beginning to learn some really basic things about making better choices about money. One example is something I shared in an article in the last
issue, “Track Your Spending.” To learn where you are leaking money, simply write down everything you spend on things other than rent/ food/gas/utilities—all the non-critical items you buy each day. Do
this for two weeks. You may be surprised at how much money you are leaking.
What’s next? Now that you have taken a look at what your Money Personality might be, we will look at other simple ways to
overcome unhealthy spending. In the next issue we will look at each type of spending personality and how to overcome or avoid pitfalls.
Sharen Dowdall Cornils is an RN, holds a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology, is a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Children’s behavior issues, and a Management Training Consultant specializing in Executive Coaching. She lives in Yuba City and contributes to articles for several publications. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography.
7
The Pregnancy Test is Positive. Now what do I do?
Written by Dr. Christopher Genobaga Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
Is the store-bought pregnancy test accurate? Pregnancy tests measure the presence of
pregnancy hormone, hCG, in a women’s urine. Most of the over-the-counter pregnancy tests are very accurate and reliable one week after a missed period. If you just can’t wait that long, there are a few tests that can detect pregnancy
In my experience as an Obgyn and as a father of 4 children, it is difficult to express the full range of emotions that you experience when that first
pregnancy test is positive. Terror, confusion, joy, and anxiety are but a few of the emotions that instantly
wage war against your search for clarity and reason. Within five minutes of seeing the positive test, a
multitude of questions and worries fill your mind
and you want answers... immediately. You call your doctor’s office only to find that the next available
appointment is 2 weeks away. In your current state of panic, this is an eternity. In hopes of alleviating some of those initial anxieties, here are some answers to common questions.
hormone levels 1-2 days after a missed period. These include Clear
ultrasound to establish an accurate gestational age. It is important
your doctor’s office and request a blood test to confirm pregnancy.
actually 4 weeks earlier and not 6 weeks earlier.
Blue Easy, One Minute; and First Response, Early Results. If you are
still in denial and not convinced that you are pregnant, you could call With the accuracy of today’s urine tests, a blood test is not usually necessary.
How far along is my pregnancy?
The age of pregnancy is calculated by estimating the number of days between the first day of your last menstrual period and the present. For example, if your last period started 6 weeks ago, you would currently be 6 weeks pregnant. The confusion starts when a women’s period is irregular or when birth control alters the regularity of a woman’s
period. In those situations, pregnancies have to be dated by using an
to note that conception is usually 2 weeks after the start of your
last period. If you are 6 weeks pregnant, the date of conception was
How soon should I see my doctor?
The question is not if, but when, to start prenatal care.
Adequate prenatal care is essential to the success and health of
your pregnancy and has been shown to significantly reduce infant mortality rates. Starting prenatal care in the first trimester is
important and allows your provider the chance to screen and test
for medical conditions that could adversely affect your pregnancy.
Also, if you have chronic medical conditions that require medication, call your doctor as soon as possible. These conditions may include hypertension, diabetes, seizure disorder, or depression/anxiety
disorders. It is important for your doctor to review those conditions and medications to evaluate their implications in your pregnancy. Our local community has many good local physicians, midwives, and clinics that provide these services. Simply call and make an
appointment. Your primary care physician may be helpful in making a choice of which doctor to see during your pregnancy.
What should I do in the meantime?
Get healthy. I would first start by buying prenatal vitamins. There are many good prenatal vitamins available over the counter in your local drug store. Look specifically for adequate folic acid, which is
400 micrograms per day. Folic acid is important in preventing birth defects in the brain and spinal cord and also birth defects such as cleft lip and palate.
8
Quit smoking. Smoking in pregnancy significantly increases risks
of bleeding, low birth weight, preterm labor and still birth.
Make healthy food choices that include a well balanced diet and
healthy snacks. Choose foods rich in folates, such as beans, legumes,
green leafy vegetables and oranges. Pregnant mothers need an extra 300 calories per day. If you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or
Jeetinder Sohal, MD, ObGYN is dedicated to quality women’s healthcare...
heartburn during early pregnancy, it may be helpful to divide your food intake into 6 smaller healthy meals instead of 3 larger meals.
Avoid seafood that may be high in mercury, which may cause some
• Gynecology • Obstetric Care • Preventive Care
birth defects. Swordfish, shark, and tilefish are examples of fish with
high mercury content. Also restrict your intake of fish low in mercury (salmon, talapia, canned tuna, sardines) to 12 ounces per week.
When should I tell my family?
The decision about when to share the wonderful news is up to the individual parent. Here are some numbers that
Jeetinder Sohal, MD 470 Del Norte Ave Yuba City, CA 95991
• Menopausal Evaluation and Therapy
• Teen Care • Surgical Offerings • Contraception • Infertility
530-751-7350 • M-F 9am to 5pm smgobgyn.com
may help you decide on the appropriate time. The risk of miscarriage during the early part of pregnancy is an unfortunate reality. 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage in the first 6 weeks. That
number decreases to just below 5% if a fetal heartbeat is seen on an ultrasound and the mother has no symptoms of bleeding. That risk
drops to 3% after the 13th to 20th week. These percentages increase overall in the presence of specific risk factors such as alcohol use,
heavy caffeine use, smoking, and history of prior miscarriage, but after the 13th week, you’re pretty safe to share the news.
What are common things I may feel before that first doctor’s visit?
Don’t be surprised if you start to feel significant changes in your body within those first few weeks of pregnancy. It
Walk-ins welcome. Limp-ins welcome too!
Just remember that pregnancy is experienced differently from person
Our professional health care staff will provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries that are non-life threatening, but do require treatment.
is common to feel breast tenderness, headache, mood swings, nausea, food aversions, and extreme fatigue in the early weeks of pregnancy. to person and even from pregnancy to pregnancy. Don’t panic if things are a little different the second or third time around.
My last piece of advice is to take time to kneel down and say a prayer of thanks. New life and children are truly a blessing, a precious gift that must be honored with reverence and respect. So enjoy it and welcome to the show that never ends... parenthood. Dr. Christopher Genobaga, MD, FACOG has been practicing in the Yuba-Sutter area for ten years, with a special interest in minimally invasive Gynecology surgery. He attended Medical School at Loma Linda University. Dr. Genobaga lives in Yuba City with his wife and four children.
• • • • • • • • •
Colds, flu and other viral illness Bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma attacks Ear, throat and sinus infection Rashes, poison ivy and allergic reactions Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration Fractures, sprains strains and dislocations Wound repair and abscess drainage Lacerations (cuts), abrasions (scrapes & splinters) Work-related injuries and more
No appointment is necessary. Visa, Mastercard, check cash, most health insurance, Medi-Cal and Medicare
1531 Plumas Court in Yuba City
Near Queens & Live Oak. Next to DaVita Dialysis
www.frhgurgentcare.org
751-4900
Pain Management
Options in Labor & Delivery
Written by Lori Meinking Photography by Wow Now Photography
If you’re like most women, the pain of labor and delivery is
not something to which you are looking forward. Though some
women do experience little pain during labor, they are a minority. Most women experience labor as a painful process. For this
reason, it is important to educate yourself about your options for
pain management during labor, and to decide which methods will best fit your needs. Keep in mind that your best bet is to be wellinformed and flexible in your options because you won’t know
how painful labor will be until you actually experience it. Work
with your midwife or doctor to decide which types of pain relief you are interested in, so that there is no confusion once you are
in labor! Generally, mothers and their providers want to use the safest and most effective method of pain relief for both mother and baby.
to rest and relax as much as
contractions. There are many
Analgesics
harness the power of breathing to help you through your
methods of patterned breathing techniques that can be very effective in labor.
Focusing on something
other than contractions helps
main types
of pain management for labor and birth:
• Natural Labor or Non-Medicated Measures • Analgesics (IV pain medication or a shot) • Anesthesia (epidural)
Natural Labor
Lamaze teaches that birth is a
pain, such as through relaxation
should be empowered to
supportive coach.
normal, natural, and healthy process and that a woman
approach it with confidence.
Lamaze teaches women ways
to decrease their perception of
10
Childbirth classes can help you
techniques, breathing exercises, distraction, or massage by a
Breathing techniques help
by calming and relaxing you
as labor contractions intensify.
women cope with labor. Some women prefer an internal
focus. They visualize their
bodies working for them, or
mentally “remove” themselves
to a pleasant and peaceful place. Others prefer an external focus. Concentration on an object or a face, listening to music, or
movement such as swaying or massage helps many women.
Relaxation is one of the
most important skills you can learn to reduce the pain and
discomfort of labor. When under stress, most people are unaware of how tense their necks,
shoulders, arms, etc., really
are. The less your body has to
“work” in these areas, the more progress it can make during
each contraction. Although you
won’t have a lot of time between contractions, you should try
possible between each one.
Analgesics (systemic painkillers) are medications to relieve
pain such as Fentanyl, Stadol,
Morphine, Demerol, and Nubain. These narcotics dull the pain
but do not completely eliminate it. They are either delivered
into the bloodstream through
an IV or injected into a muscle,
and they affect your entire body rather than concentrating pain relief in the uterus and pelvic
area. You may feel sleepy and/ or light headed after receiving
IV pain medication. The smallest
dose possible is given because of the potential adverse effects of
these drugs on the fetus. These drugs easily cross the placenta to the fetus and may take a long time to clear from the
baby’s system even after birth.
Analgesics can cause respiratory depression in the baby, and for this reason analgesics are not
given to the mother if the birth is imminent.
4
STEPS
for Kids
California state law mandates all children under the age of 6 years or 60 pounds, be properly restrained in the rear seat, in an appropriate child passenger restraint system. A citation can be issued to the parent or guardian for each child not in compliance.
STEP 1 Rear-Facing Seats
STEP 3 Booster Seats
• Newborns & infants up to 20-35 pounds. Infants should ride facing up to the maximum weight rating on the child paasenger restraint system, check seat for weight rating.
• For children over 40 pounds. • Must be used with lab and shoulder belts. • Lap belt fits low and tight across hips. • Shoulder belt crosses the collar bone and center of chest.
STEP 2 Forward Facing Seats • Children over one year of age AND at least 20 pounds. • Face forward only. • Most can be converted to a belt positioning booster after child reaches 40 pounds.
530.743.1565
Anesthesia
Epidural: The basics behind an
your spine. The catheter is
of labor and delivery. It is a
been numbed. The medications
epidural are that it can greatly reduce or eliminate the pain
form of continuous pain relief
to the lower part of your body while allowing you to remain
fully conscious. Medication is
delivered through a small catheter (or tube) that is inserted into
the epidural space just outside the membrane that surrounds
inserted through a needle into your back after your back has
used in an epidural are usually a combination of local anesthetic
and narcotics. The medication is
controlled by a pump that infuses continuously and is set up by the anesthesiologist.
STEP 4 Seat Belt • Age 6 or older or over 60 pounds. • Must be in the back seat unless exempt. • NHTSA recommends all children 12 and under should be in the back seat.
Appointments can be made at the CHP or Yuba City Police Depart. for parents to have their seat inspected for proper fit and installation by a nationally certified technician. Parents should periodically check their child seats for any manufacturer recalls. They may do so at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gav/recalls/childseat.cfm Ad Courtesy of California Highway Patrol
Lori Meinking has founded Yuba City Midwife, as a joint practice with Dr. Christopher Genobaga’s “W” A Center for Women’s Health, Inc. After ten years experience in labor and delivery as a Registered Nurse at Fremont Medical Center, Lori has completed her training as a midwife. Lori was raised in the Yuba-Sutter area and lives in Yuba City with her husband and two daughters.
11
Life Menopause
with
impede
sexual
function.
Written by Stanley T. Nowinski, M.D.
Menopause is the end of menstruation that comes after the loss of ovarian activity. It usually occurs in women somewhere between the ages of 45-55.
It is a normal process, not a medical problem or disease. That being said, many women do
have troublesome symptoms associated with it. Medical issues in menopausal women
involve primary and preventive health care
and counseling and address diet, fitness, use
of alcohol and tobacco, cancer screening, and the role of hormone therapy.
Most women experience a period of
irregular menstruation before menopause. Common symptoms include vasomotor
symptoms (hot flashes) and vaginal dryness. Other medical conditions associated with menopause include osteoporosis, cancer,
heart disease, risk of stroke, diabetes, lung disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and adult
macular degeneration (loss of sharp vision). Low estrogen levels after menopause may contribute to most of these conditions.
For hot flash relief, estrogens alone
or estrogens plus progestins (man-made
progesterone) are very effective. Estrogen
is also effective for the treatment of vaginal
dryness and other changes in the body that
12
Different forms of
estrogens appear to
be equally effective.
Menopausal women
can slow the development of osteoporosis with proper nutrition, avoiding alcohol
and cigarettes, and exercising regularly.
The National Institute of Health currently recommends 1000mg per day of calcium for women taking estrogen therapy, and 1500mg per day for women not taking
estrogen therapy or over the age of 65.
Accident prevention and safety issues are
also important because of the risk of bone fractures.
The benefits and risks of menopausal
hormone therapy (HT) should be discussed in detail with a doctor before starting
therapy and before renewing an annual prescription. For the woman who has
an intact uterus, the use of an estrogenprogestin regimen reduces the risk of
endometrial cancer. An alternative is the use of low dose estrogen, but only if the woman can be monitored
closely to detect any
changes. A progestin intrauterine system, such as an IUD, may
be used to protect the endometrial lining as an alternative. Women
have a number of
concerns regarding HT. Unopposed
estrogen (too much estrogen with not
enough progesterone to balance it)
increases the risk of
endometrial cancer. There is, however, no
relationship between estrogen therapy and ovarian cancer. There is clinical evidence that HT increases the risk of developing breast cancer, but the risk appears to
disappear once HT is discontinued. For estrogen-only users who have had a
hysterectomy and oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries), the risk of breast cancer does not seem to be increased. However, there is an increased risk of
gallstones and related surgery with the
use of HT, and the risk of blood clots and
pulmonary embolism (blockage of blood
vessels in the lungs) is increased two fold. In addition, HT does not treat or prevent coronary heart disease.
Women are advised against estrogen
therapy if they have any of the following conditions: abnormal vaginal bleeding, known estrogen dependent cancer,
blood clots, recent stroke or heart attack, liver disease, or pregnancy. A history of
endometrial (uterine) cancer is considered
risky for HT, but there is lack of evidence to support this.
At least three treatment regimens are used for HT: • Cyclic. Estrogen is given for 25 days with the addition of a cyclic progestin. • Combined. Estrogen and a low dose of progestin are given daily. • Estrogen-only. Estrogen is given for 25 days per month or more. Endometrial sampling or ultrasound of the uterus can evaluate the woman who uses estrogen alone.
Katie Rollins
“…because I love people & I love real estate.” - the keys to exceptional service.
Thinking of buying or selling a home?
For exceptional service accompanied by honesty and friendliness, call me - Katie Rollins and find the keys to a great real estate experience.
For breast cancer survivors, alternatives to HT should be
considered. Alternatives to HT include drugs called SSRI’s,
botanicals such as soy protein, black cohosh, and St. John’s wort. Compounded bioidentical hormones are plant derived and are
prepared by a pharmacist. Most compounded products have not
undergone rigorous clinical testing for safety or effectiveness. They
have the same indications and safety issues as those associated with HT agents.
Women should have detailed conversations on these topics
Lic# 01494928
530-701-1933 Katie.Rollins@Century21.com 409 Century Park Drive
Yuba City, CA 95991
with their personal physician.
Women in the stages leading up to menopause should be aware
of the normal events of aging due to reduced ovarian function. In
addition, they should realize that changes in life style, specifically in
creating
beautiful smiles
diet and exercise habits, might benefit their overall health. Quitting smoking, monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure, managing
orthodontics specialist and dentafacial orthopedics
weight, and regularly seeing a physician are encouraged.
American college of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Guidelines for Women’s Health Care 3rd edition. ACOG Washington D.C. 2007. Sin52310
clear braces invisilign® treatments available over 30 years of providing quality orthodontics excellence in creating beautiful smiles by an orthodontic specialist
GALEN FILLMORE, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Stanley Nowinski has a practice in Yuba City at Sutter Medical Foundation and has over 23 years of experience in practicing general Obstetrics/Gynecology in the Yuba Sutter area. His professional involvement with the medical community includes prior terms as the Chief of Staff at Fremont-Rideout Health Group, President of the Yuba/Sutter/ Colusa Medical Society, and Director of the Great Beginnings Midwifery Program. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography.
YUBA CITY 751-1225
OROVILLE 533-3053
GRIDLEY 846-3673
CHICO 893-8201
1215 Plumas St., Ste. 1101 540 Vermont St.
2770 Olive Hwy, Ste. F
250 Vallombrosa, Ste. 300
ORLAND 988-9118
754 E. Walker Street, Ste. 2
www.FillmoreDDS.com Complimentary Orthodontic Exam
visit www.meandminemagazine.com for coupons and savings towards orthodontic treatment.
Family Physicians A Medical Corporation
J. David Miller, III, D.O. | Kimdary Chek, M.D. Dwain W. Rickertsen, M.D. | John G. McAvoy, P.A.
Laser Skin Care Services
Extended Services
Remove unwanted hair with state-of-the-art lasers
"Hunger Free " Weight Loss Program
Botox to Prevent Wrinkles Restilyn Injections to fill in Wrinkles or Enlarge upper/lower Lip Facial Chemical Peels to Regenerate Beautiful Healthy Skin Obaji Prescriptive Skin Care Products for the Finest in Skin Care Shrink Spider Veins with Fast, Easy Laser Treatments Lighten and Remove Sun Spots and Freckles Tighten, Lighten and Eliminate Redness with our 3D Skin Rejuvenation Packages
Class II and III Flight Physicals Travel Vaccinations Non Surgical Alternative for Back Pain Office Hours Mon. - Thurs. 7am to 6pm Fri. 7am to 5pm We are located at 1233 Plumas St. Suite A Yuba City, CA 95991
Please check out our website for more information and valuable coupons at : familyphysiciansinc.com
Call (530) 671-2020 or (530) 751-1701 for an appointment today!
Got Frizz? TREATMENTS
SERVICES
Keratan Smoothing Chi Relaxer
Latest Hair Cuts Hair Extensions
Be your own celebrity with
elissa oma
Color Specialist
CALL TODAY TO MAKE APPOINTMENT
530.415.6641
40!
&
Fabulous, Friendship Fritzie
Written by Rona Desmond Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
Oh forty...
a perfect milestone of love, friendship and everything pretty. A celebration of where we’ve been, of our selfdiscoveries, of the acceptance
of blessings on this journey, and
most importantly, a celebration of
friendship! Fritzie’s 40th birthday was a celebration of friendship,
old and new. It was a tribute to a
cherished friend to let her know how much she is loved! Over the past 25
years, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve stuck together through shoulder pads
and leggings, mini-skirts and marriage and motherhood, divorces, deaths
and every step in between. Love for my sweet, beautiful friend Fritzie decorates my life.
A circle of friends completes life,
and keeps us together on our journey.
Girlfriends are the greatest gift; we support each other as we laugh and cry. We
understand each other. We are passionate about each other, wanting the best for our friends in every single situation in their
lives. This special bond between women lifts us up and supports us. Always!
Fritzie’s birthday had to be special.
She was celebrating this beautiful time
in her life, expecting her third baby, and
turning forty! She had given her friends
the incredible gift of traveling through life
with her. We had celebrated each step of our
friendship, and together we understood that every part of our destiny has been a lesson, and that it’s our journey together that has made our lives worthwhile. On birthdays, we have our cake, but on every day of the
year that we spend together, we eat it too!
“Our friendship is a true unconditional love.
There is no definition of what this friendship delivers; it is extraordinary. Fritzie is a special gift, and when I speak of our friendship, I am tickled. One of my greatest blessings is having Fritzie by my side. She has given me joy in so many ways, through her family, Jess & Olivia who light up my life, and the love she gives freely to my own. I can’t imagine my life without her. A hand holds our friendship, much greater than our own; together we have moved mountains and encouraged each other to fly. This power has protected us; it has delivered joy & sheer delight! Her gifts are strength for daily tasks, courage to face the road ahead, strong will to bear the load, and an inward joy of all things felt and seen. -Rona
”
15
DIY!
The very essence of friendship and love is creativity, so I wanted everything for Fritzie’s
birthday to reflect the creative nature of loveliness. With this in my heart, we cut, glued,
and crafted our dreams into a beautiful vibrant display of color and whimsy. I loved this theme; it was a fun way to decorate for her 40th! I used tons of great DIY projects and creative ideas to be shared here to help inspire parties of all occasions.
I pictured this party being colorful, cheery, and sassy. So… As you can see, I jumped
Gifts, along with clip on
made this idea fabulous;
party. I loved the idea of
container, also from Twigs.
flags, flutes decorated with
on the tissue paper pompom bandwagon for this
brightly colored clusters of these hanging everywhere. I used a mixture of
rounded and pointed petal poms in bright
pink, turquoise, light
pink, purple and orange.
Bright colored butterflies, flowers and poms were
hung throughout the patio. I totally lucked out in
finding the fabric on the
clearance table at Joann’s fabric store. It matched the colors of the party perfectly. With only
having so much of the
fabric, I decided to use it as a table runner along
with white china, courtesy of City Cafe. I wrapped white napkins with
coordinating paper bands, and glittered “40” at each setting.
I created a centerpiece for the table using branches
borrowed from Twigs Fine
16
birds and butterflies. A
beautiful tutu dressed the Cut pieces of fabric
ribbon hung from the
guest of honor’s chair
and were secured with a
pom. Vintage patterned pennants hung from the
windows, above the tables, and around the patio. Instead of having a
“signature drink” at the
party, we had a Signature Drink STATION! This is
a fun idea that you could
really tailor to any sort of theme or occasion. The drink station offered a
DIY Champagne & Cider Bar where guests could choose their favorite
mixer (flavored juice) then top it with champagne or cider to create their own drink! The little details
pretty drink stirrers
embellished with vintage a butterfly glued to each stem, colorful signs and pretty cocktail napkins
also added color to this station.
Seriously stunning eye
candy came in the form
of the dessert table and
all its sweets! From the gorgeous pink flowers
arrangements (purchased at Sam’s Club) placed in apothecary jars to
the whimsy flag topped
cupcakes to the fabulous cake (from Cakes by
Request) and everything
in between, this table was almost too pretty to eat!
SilkPaveOvalPendant.qxd:HOF_PrintAd2010
Life can be puzzling now & then.
Somehow at the most difficult times,
10/13/10
SilkPaveOvalPendant.qxd:HOF_PrintAd2010
1:52 PM
10/13/10
1:52 PM
Page 1
Page 1
Our friends give us wings to fly.
“40... memories, wishes and quotes for the birthday girl." A collection of everyone’s story with Fritzie!
WHY SETTLE FOR LESS THAN PERFECTION
W H Y S E T T L E View FO R LESS THAN PERFECTIO our entire collection at heartsonfire.com View our entire collection at heartsonfire.com
“In my imaginary neighborhood you live right next door…don’t even get me started on the imaginary universe we could create! Thanks for making my life sparkle!” -Fritzie
1258 Stabler Lane, Suite 140 Yuba City, California 95993 (530) 673-7000
Hi, just some thoughts about your publication ... 1. I think it’s done well: colorful, locally focused. 2. I enjoyed the articles: they are informative and cover a nice variety of topics. 3. I was surprised that there was no “cover story” to go with your cover photo, this didn’t make sense to me. Thank you for your time! Have a blessed day, Melinda, Yuba City
“I’m pretty sure Gracie won’t get sunburned today!”
Thank you for your e-mail Melinda! Check out the Inside Cover…and thanks for the idea!
Prevent undereye circles! Most of us have to come to terms with the fact that under-eye circles, bags, and pigmentation are hereditary; but dehydration, stress and lack of sleep are definitely huge culprits as well. To prevent and
Jolene, Biggs
diminish, I always say to treat and conceal.
Draegan is a very happy baby!
Always smiling and loves to play with his older brother & sister. Submitted by Christina, Williams
A great eye cream is necessary and should be used morning and night. To target the puffiness and dark circles, I love Clinique’s “All About Eyes” that comes in
Artichoke Dip
Water Packed Artichokes 2 cloves garlic • 1 cup mozzarella ½ cup shredded parmesean 3 or 4 drops hot sauce • ½ cup of mayo Mix all together, Bake at 350 for 30 mins, and serve with Pita Chips Super Easy and SO GOOD!
my family!
Just thought I’d share a photo of Kimbra, Yuba City
18
Would love to be on your mailing list, but I wasn’t sure how to get on.... Please let me know. I love your magazine!!! JENNIFER, Oregon House
Hi Jennifer! We would love to have you on our mailing list! Our magazine is FREE! To sign up, visit our website www.meandminemagazine.com, click on the “Tell Us About You” button and send your address our way. So happy you love the magazine!!!!
a light gel or more hydrating cream. Apply with your ring finger (as it is the weakest finger and will tug the least), with a patting and smoothing motion under the eye mainly and lightly on the top of the lid. Then conceal with a full-coverage concealer that doesn’t crease. It’s like a nap in a tube! LeiLani Miladi – Makeup Artist/Owner of Makeup by LeiLani
OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH SCHOOL Where Faith & Knowledge Meet. Choose OLL for all the right reasons. A safe & secure environment An education that instills faith, service, & morals Dedicated & qualified teachers committed to your child’s success
741 Ware Ave. Colusa
530-458-8208 www.theollschool.org
Peach Tree Healthcare acknowledges that each pregnancy and birth is a unique event. Our prenatal program is designed to prepare you for the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Early and regular checkups are important to you and your baby’s health. Peachtree Clinic’s Prenatal Program provides: • Routine pregnancy checkups, lab work and access to specialists. Dr. Christopher Genobaga OB/GYN
• Hospital care during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.
Prenatal care is more than just health care while you are pregnant. At Peachtree Clinic, your health care provider may discuss many issues, such as nutrition and physical activity, what to expect during the birth process and basic skills for caring for your newborn. Lori Meinking, CNM, NP, MSN Certified Nurse Midwife
5730 Packard Ave., Suite 500 Marysville, CA 95901 530-749-3242
You are the perfect person to teach them the ways of life, including educating them. Most of us know by now that today’s kindergarten is not the kindergarten of our past. Its focus is no longer play and make-believe, but about making strides toward literacy and academic readiness for the many years of education ahead. Those of you who have had a child go through kindergarten recently know how much is expected of them in this precious precursor to their first year of elementary school. Students are, amongst many other things, expected to already know many of the basics upon entering kindergarten: name writing, alphabet recognition and sounds, number recognition, alphabet and number writing, shape recognition, color recognition, social competency, spatial awareness, and much
Being Your Child’s Teacher
Starting with the Pre-Kindergarten Years Written by Meghan Hamilton Photography by Sarah Tamagni Photography
more. How does one make sure that their little one is truly ready to meet kindergarten expectations? The answer may not be what you think. From the moment you decided to embark on the journey of parenting, you also, in that moment decided to be a teacher. You are your child’s first and best teacher. You know them better than anyone: their strengths, their weaknesses, what makes them happy and sad. You are the perfect person to teach them the ways of life, including educating them. Our society too often passes the blame for educational failures onto the teachers and the educational system. While both may potentially contribute to a students’
The first step in educating your child starting with the prekindergarten years is knowledge. You must first know what the expectations are of your child once they reach kindergarten. In the state of California these expectations are called “content standards” and are readily available for viewing at the State of California’s website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/. The standards are organized by subject matter and provide a detailed description of what is expected of students at every grade-level. While the language used within these standards can be daunting to read, they will give you an understanding of the skills your child needs to acquire before entering first grade.
20
educational failure, the true reason is in fact much closer to home. On that magical day when our children are born, we begin educating them. We teach them how to walk and talk, to say please and thank you. As they grow older we teach them how to be independent and use the potty on their own, tie their shoes and brush their teeth. As their teacher, don’t we owe it to our children to also begin giving them the tools they need to be successful students? In this internet-age all of the information we need to navigate the task of educating our children is at our fingertips.
So, you may ask, what is the first step?
Assessing the amount of time you can commit to educating your child is an important second step. For households with two working parents, there is little time in the day to effectively teach all that is expected. For these parents, sending their child to a quality preschool may be the best choice. For other households, where a parent is home throughout the day and the amount of time they have to dedicate to teaching their child is greater, enrolling in preschool part time or a “homeschool preschool” approach may be the best fit. Whatever choice you make as a parent, keep in mind that being your child’s teacher does not always mean that you are the one teaching them. Being your child’s teacher means that you are taking an active role in their academic career and placing them on the path to educational success.
The third (but far from final) step in educating your child is to bring school home. If you have decided to send your child to preschool, it does not mean that you have been excused from your teaching duties. You must still reinforce concepts that are being taught in school. While you may not be able to reinforce all of the information that your little one is learning at school, you can make sure that your child is excelling at the basics by creating a fun, daily routine that involves any or all of the exercises on the next page.
daily exercises • • • • • • • • • • •
Alphabet writing/recognition Name writing (first and last, capital and lowercase letters) Letter sounds Color recognition Shape recognition Spatial awareness (left, right, above, below, etc.) Number writing/recognition Counting objects Money recognition Rhyming words Reading a story By taking an active role as
your child’s teacher you will ensure that not only are
you and your child ready
for kindergarten, but all of
the educational adventures ahead.
Other resources: “Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten!” by Cedar Valley Publishing “Let’s Get ready for First Grade!” by Cedar Valley Publishing Fusion Schools website: www.fusionkids.com CA Content Standards website: www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/ Meghan Hamilton is a Co-Owner/Founder of Fusion Schools. She possesses a BS in Human Development from UC Davis and a CA Teaching Credential. Meghan is the author of the Fusion Early Learning Curriculum which has been developed and implemented at Fusion Schools. She is an alumni of YCHS, and now lives with her husband, Tom, and her two children, Jack and Emma, in Fair Oaks, CA. Photo by Aurora Studio.
d ev egt en : d go on’ the t re
d r an
out
t to g: glo
ut o d
o g to
n m t a o r o c : ove g: g lol: la : o u rb 2
g2 ouol: laugh t tmi: t oo m loud uch in fo
ove
er
go
cul8r: see youy later
: oao
c
w:
om
gh out g l oud t m Text i: to or cuNot nt: To o l m to Text 8 no r: s uch in fo te ee
on
oa
a
xt
w my
te no
’t talk
n ct: ca
co
nt:
: crb
igh
r me
t h ig
k ruok: are you okay?
ac tb
u m are yo imru: I a
Written by Sara Nowinski Photography by Sarah Tamagni Photography
xt
you
late
What happened to the days when, in order to communicate with someone, we had to have the courage and social know-how to actually walk up to a person and talk? What happened to the days when calling someone out for a fight after school actually had to be done face to face?
This list of “what happened to” questions
of the easily accessible freedom that both
it comes to using text messaging and the
is convenient as a parent to be able to text
ficult discussions with parents who didn’t
of assuming that a child will automatically
goes on and on thanks to the double-edged sword of texting and the internet. Sure, it
our children to ask questions like, “Where
are you going after school?” “Did you feed the dog today?” or “Have you done your
homework?” But texting can also be harmful, in that many teens spend more time
texting than doing other important things, like spending time with family, doing their
homework, or engaging in physical activity.
In addition to text messaging, many teenag-
ers also have direct access to the internet on their phones, leading them into the temptation of posting pictures and information on the internet in a matter of seconds. Along with the privilege of having a phone with these capabilities comes a great deal of
responsibility. Teens need to know how to
appropriately use the technology that is so readily available to them.
The brightest, most logical teenager
can easily succumb to the temptation of
their cell phone. They may say or do things they would normally not say or do because
22
the internet and text messaging offer. As a school administrator, I have had many difrealize what their son or daughter was
doing with his or her phone. Unfortunately, many things that go on after school hours,
such as bullying through text messaging or
online social networking sites like Facebook,
internet. And, in my experience, these conversations cannot start too young. Instead be tech savvy and use their phones wisely,
we should guide them through, step by step, like any other lesson or new life experience.
end up being dealt with in the principal’s
office at school. The freedom of having such readily available contact with peers has
presented itself, on numerous occasions, as
being more freedom than kids can handle. It
is not uncommon to have conversations with parents who are furious that their child has been involved in using inappropriate lan-
guage or looking at inappropriate pictures on a phone.
Because this technology has become
such an integral part of our lives, we need to
make sure that we spend time educating and coaching our children about how to properly use it. As children get older, it is imperative that we talk with them candidly about the importance of making good choices when
Sara Nowinski is the Principal at King Avenue School in Yuba City. She has a Masters in educational management from the University of LaVerne. She lives in Sutter County with her two daughter, ages 2 and 4. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography.
o
er
BAKERY BOUTIQUE
101 C Street Marysville 742-9020
Yum! Double Decker Cupcakes!
The College Admission Maze They say that when your child enters high school, the years just fly by! This is absolutely true and before you know it, your child will be graduating. As a parent myself, I can understand that uneasy feeling of not knowing how to best help your child through the maze of college admissions. Here are some tips that I always share with students and parents about the college admission process.
Written by Amandeep Kandola Photography by Winks Photography
of the colleges they want to
acronyms for placements
they want to attend a particular
Placement Test) used by the
attend. You would be surprised at how many students think
college but change their minds
after simply visiting a different
campus. Don’t limit your visits to one or two schools; visit as
many colleges as you possibly can.
Tip #4
Know your educational
acronyms. Counselors are
infamous for throwing out
acronyms like CSU, UC, SAT, ACT, FAFSA, ELM/EPT, and AP and
BREATHS! It is going to be okay and you will survive this nervewracking process.
Tip #2
Start talking about college as soon as possible. The
conversation about what your child wants to do after high
school needs to begin in his/ her freshman year—or even in junior high! I know what
some of you are thinking—they are barely getting used to high school and you already want me to stress them out about
college? While you don’t want to stress them out, it is important
24
made freshman year will affect college admissions. In order for your child to reach his/
her goals, he/she must have a roadmap of how to get there.
While it’s normal for teenagers to change their minds about
what they want to do in life and
where they want to go to college, it is important for them to take classes that will keep all the
doors of higher education open to them.
Tip #3
Visit the colleges that your son or daughter is interested in
attending before he/she is a
senior. It is important for your
child to get a feel for the culture
freshman.
• AP = AP courses are advanced placement classes offered at
your high school. Towards the
end of the school year, students have the opportunity of taking the AP exam for their AP
courses. If a student passes the exam, he/she will earn college
credit for the high school class.
Tip #5
to not be afraid or hesitant to
at me because you teach your
ask your child’s counselor what
RELAX and TAKE SOME DEEP
CSU system for incoming
Know your A through G.
with them. My advice to you is
for them to know that decisions
Math) and English (English
forgetting that parents and/or students may not be familiar
Tip #1
tests in Math (Entry-Level
in the world they are talking about! Here are some of the
most common acronyms when it comes to college application and admissions process:
• CSU = California State University
• UC = University of California • SAT/ACT = The Scholastic
Assessment/Aptitude Test
(SAT) and American College Testing Program (ACT) are
both standardized tests that are used to evaluate basic
knowledge of subjects learned in the classroom. Scores on
these tests are used as a factor in determining eligibility and/ or granting admissions to college.
• FAFSA = Free application for federal student aid
• ELM/EPT= These are
If you’re a kindergarten teacher,
you’re probably ready to scream students A-Z, and I am telling
you that you only really need to know A-G. In all seriousness, for admission to a CSU or UC,
you really do only need to know those letters! To satisfy basic admissions requirements for
the CSU and UC systems, your student must fulfill the A-G
requirements by taking rigorous high school courses in specified subject areas. You can access information about specific
subject requirements by going to http://www.ucop.edu/a-
gGuide/ag/a-g/welcome.html. On this website, you will also
be able to pull specific courses at your student’s high school
that meet the A-G requirements by clicking on the option called “Doorways.” There are NO
exceptions for admissions when it comes to the UC and the CSU
system so it is important to have a complete understanding of the A-G requirements.
Tip #6
Don’t let money be a factor in determining if your child will attend college. There are so
many opportunities for financial aid. There are scholarships,
grants, and loans to help your student through college. As
parents, we worry about the amount of debt our children
will have by the time they exit college. But depending on
your financial need, there is a
lot of free money to help with
college expenses. For example, the UC system offers the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. With this plan, if you make
less than $70,000 a year, your
child’s system-wide fees (which are currently $10,302) would be paid through grants and
scholarships. The CSU system
also offers the State University Grant to help cover the State University fee for qualified
students. The important thing to remember when it comes
to financial aid is to make sure your child applies before the deadline. For all federal and
state money, your student must complete the FAFSA.
Tip #7
Google it! Let technology
be your friend. There is a
lot of information on college admissions that is readily
available to you via the internet. If you are not sure where to go,
just google it! Here is a list of the most common websites I refer parents to:
• CSU admissions: www. csumentor.com
• UC admissions: http://www. universityofcalifornia.edu/ admissions/
• Career planning, financial aid, and comprehensive
admissions information on
colleges in California: www. californiacolleges.edu
• Free application for federal
student aid: www.fafsa.ed.gov
Tip #8
Know your deadlines. I cannot stress how important it is for parents to have a complete
understanding of the deadlines for applications, grants, and
scholarships. Don’t base your college deadlines upon what
other people tell you. Do the research yourself and make sure you have the correct
information. As our budget
crisis continues and colleges continue to lose funding, the
admissions process has become more competitive than ever. You need to make sure you
jump through all the hoops,
or it could affect your child’s
admission to college. Get the proper information straight
from the college that your child is interested in attending by navigating their website or
making direct contact with the campus.
Tip #9
Identify and access your
allies. To me, this is the most
important tip of them all! You are not alone in this abyss of
college admissions. Your biggest ally in successfully navigating through this process is your child’s school counselor. If
you have questions about the college admissions process,
don’t hesitate to contact them.
up into manageable steps. Of course, you must have a plan,
so you need to gather as much
information about the process as possible. You and your student have resources available to
assist with this planning. Take some deep breaths and take
the big leap towards helping
your student achieve the college dream!
Yes, it is okay for you to come
in and cry about how difficult it is to think about sending
your child away to college. We
understand because most of us are parents too. Besides your
child’s counselor, here are some
other key allies you may want to identify at your school:
• The person that is responsible for posting scholarships.
• The records clerk to get
official transcripts for college applications.
• If your student is in AVID, the AVID teacher is a beacon of
knowledge about the college admissions process.
Amandeep Kandola has been a school counselor for Yuba City Unified School District for the last twelve years. She is currently a counselor at Yuba City High School. Amandeep lives in Yuba City with her husband, Ranjit and their two sons, Simon and Saajan. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography.
Even though the college
admissions process may seem complicated, it can be broken
25
Do you have a junk drawer? Junk drawer? Oh, we have junk drawers & closets & a garage too! best known for building Hearst Castle in
San Simeon, CA. An addition to the house
was built over a walkway that leads to our
neighbor’s house on the North. This house
was built on fifty feet of land, twenty-five feet from one neighbor and twenty-five feet from the owner’s mother, who lived next door.
They had a path that led from our back door
to the mother’s back door, which is still there under a newer section of the house.
The property runs downhill from the levee.
One day I got a call from my neighbor asking me why there was a car parked on my front Interview with Sandi Cook Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
How long have you lived in your home?
We purchased the home from my parents
in 1997, but I lived here while I was growing up from 1981 to 1987. So really, I’ve lived here 19 years!
Does your home have any fun history?
Oh, wow! Well it’s rumored to be haunted, although I’ve never had anything exciting happen while we’ve owned it. When my
parents bought the house in 1981, my dad found an infant’s tombstone in the back-
yard from the 1800’s, which predates the
house. And one night after being at a family wedding, we arrived home to find that
someone or something had mysteriously moved our Ukrainian Easter Eggs, which
my sister Peri had made years before. The eggs were usually kept in a basket on top
26
of a tall china closet, but had been moved around the house; one was on the floor behind the sofa in the living room, the
second was on the floor in the dining room, the third was put between the locked front
door and the looked screen door, the fourth was undisturbed in the basket and the fifth was gone without a trace! The house was locked with no evidence of anyone breaking in, and nothing else was disturbed or missing!
This house was built in 1920 by Julia
Morgan, a famed female architect who is
door steps. I rushed home to find a car about three feet from the front porch! Across the street, another neighbor forgot to set her
parking brake, so her car had rolled down her drive, across the street, and parked itself at
our front door! Luckily, it didn’t hit anything.
What is your fondest memory in your home?
The night my husband proposed to me on the front steps. He had
carried the ring around all night in the pocket of his jacket. We’d had
dinner in Old Sacramento, and walked around for hours there while he tried to muster up the courage to ask! We drove home, still with the
ring in his pocket (which I knew about the whole time), but not until
we said goodnight did he pop the question while standing on the front steps! And yes, he was standing, not kneeling on one knee! It was a
good night! There are so many great memories here, but that tops the list!
What is your favorite holiday to decorate for? As with most people, Christmas is my fa-
vorite. Everything is happy and cheerful, and I’ve never met a Christmas decoration I didn’t like! This house is easy to
adorn with shiny things. It is one of the coziest homes I’ve ever been in, and Christmas just makes it glitter!
How would you describe your home décor?
Well I tend to be a “junk collector,” so I guess eclectic is my decorating style. It seems I like everything! With three kids who seem to have caught the “junker bug,” we decorate with treasures from vacation souvenirs, collected rocks, or anything else of rare backyard beauty!
Do you like to entertain?
I love to entertain! I would have a party every weekend if someone would clean my house! I really do love to have company. Growing up, my parents always had people over; our house was always the gathering place for family events, BBQ’s, holidays, or for no reason at all! Our house just seemed to be the place everyone came to visit. My dad is the fifteenth out of sixteen kids, so we have an enormous family! Every day seemed like a special occasion, so I think entertaining is in my blood.
What do you love most about your home?
I don’t want to sound too sappy, but I love the way it makes me feel. It
gives me a sense of belonging. I like that it has a history. It’s sound and grounded, and I feel like it’s always going to be here. I know I’m home.
The Women’s Murder Club Series: A synopsis of the first three of nine novels: 1st to Die, 2nd Chance, and 3rd Degree Written by James Patterson, reviewed by Sharen Cornils
I love to read murder mysteries and James Patterson is one of my favorite authors of this genre. Many consider him the
world’s most popular thriller writer, with over 110 million copies of his books in worldwide print. Several of his books have been
made into movies, and his recurring character Alex Cross is a grand character. In 2001, James Patterson decided to go another way, and the Women’s Murder Club was born. Wow, women as crime solvers? Strong women at the top of their game? I’m in! In this
series, the main characters are all successful, professional women in law enforcement, the DA’s Office, the Coroner’s Office, or the news media. The character development linking these independent women examines their strengths, humanity, feminine intuition and willingness to reach out to other women for help in solving the horrific crimes committed.
In 1st To Die, we meet Inspector Lindsey Boxer of the San Francisco Police Department’s Homicide Division. She is faced with a series of
brutal murders of brides and grooms on
their wedding days in San Francisco, the
Napa Valley, and Cleveland Ohio. She also
finds she has a significant health challenge, and a new love interest along with the murders.
Lindsey has no female peers in the
police department, and Patterson does a
wonderful job taking us into the often lonely life of the single professional female in a
“man’s” world. But Lindsey has reached
out and developed a close friendship with
the medical examiner, Claire Washburn, an African-American female who becomes a
mother figure to Lindsey. Their friendship and mutual trust provides comfort and
solace as each faces the challenges of the often terrible realities of their work and Lindsey’s illness.
In this first book of the series, Lindsey’s
vulnerability forces her to reach out to the women who will eventually become the Women’s Murder Club. We meet Cindy
Thomas, a budding reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle and Jill Bernhardt, a
hard-driving Asst. District Attorney. While
each is wary of the other at first, they begin
to see that they can trust, rely on, and really
28
help each other through both the case and
accept his return to her life. We also get
as well as evil, and I have to say that I
department, Jacobi. Her skill at solving
personal issues.
The murderer in this novel is clever
was almost totally surprised by the plot
twists. In the end, the Women’s Murder Club decides to consult with each other
informally on future cases, and to nurture the friendships that have developed and grown.
In 2nd Chance, which was written in 2002, the Women’s Murder Club is confronted with a series of seemingly unrelated murders that occur all over the Bay Area. First, a small child is shot by a well-trained sniper. This murder is followed by several
to see growth in the relationship between
Lindsey and her male partner at the police crimes and her willingness to give 110%
result in increased respect from her fellow detectives.
Women’s Murder Club. We see that their lives are not easy, and each is faced with personal crises that seem to draw the
women closer as friends and confidantes. Each woman knows she can count on her
friends for support and help. Much like real
life, the women in the book are able to bond, especially with other women they have grown to respect and admire.
The third novel, 3rd Degree, takes us to another level of understanding with these women. They face
other sniper murders, where all the victims are persons of color. Are these racially
motivated murders, or is there some other
nefarious purpose? The plot takes us from
upscale Palo Alto to the darkest hell holes of the California prison system. Secrets, long
We also get to delve deeper into the
personal lives of each member of the
a threat far greater than any
in the first two novels, both personally
buried, are revealed in an alarming series of
and professionally. Each character takes the
with her father, whom she hasn’t seen
personally? Is each woman really taking
events.
In this book, Lindsey is also reunited
for many years. Their relationship is
complicated due to his earlier abandonment of Lindsey and her mom. Her anger and
ambivalence towards him makes it hard to
helm for part of the book. Each is incredibly competent professionally, but what about good care of herself?
In this book, the antagonist takes on
a much more contemporary face, drawing from events that we all have come to fear.
KERATIN COMPLEX SMOOTHING TREATMENT BY COPPOLA
Alex Martinez Savvy Salon and Spa
Call today for a complimentary consultation
(530) 788-3576
For special coupons see www.meandminemagazine.com
Issues facing us today surface
novels by well-known authors
devastating events. How are they
Women’s Murder Club series,
as Lindsey and the WMC search for motives and clues for the linked?
Patterson seems to be able
to hit readers with plot twists
and turns that keep us guessing. It is truly an emotional roller coaster, but one well worth
it. The third book is the most
surprising and gut-wrenching, but I could not put it down.
I personally appreciate
who choose to empower women in traditional male roles. In the
Patterson showcases the strength women have to persevere, stand
toe to toe with an adversary and
most often, win. Patterson gives credence to the fact that women may think differently than men, but that his female characters, working together, are crime solving butt-kickers!
The Happiness Project
is a contagious book. Just like happiness, we all want it. Gretchen Rubin is the author of this wonderfully inspiring novel. She has an epiphany one afternoon when she realizes that “time is passing, and [she’s] not focusing on the things that really matter.” With that, she decides to devote one year to a happiness project. Her project was carefully created while she immersed herself in principles set forth by experts, from Epicurus to Thoreau to Oprah to Martin Seligman to the Dalai Lama, searching for what worked best for her.
Gift Outlet Open Monday - Friday 8 am to 4 pm 901 N Walton Avenue Yuba City CA 95993 800-447-5218 www.sunsweet.com
Happiness comes differently to all of us, but with this book, even thinking about beginning the project feels exciting! Rubin’s passion for both happiness and her project jumps right off the pages, and will inspire you to start your own happiness project! The Happiness Project is entertaining and thought-provoking, and you will not be able to put it down. Read along with us! This is a book you will reach for again and again, so we invite you to be a part of our Q&A in your own happiness project!
29
The Onstott Family What is the definition of “My Family”? Our family has lived in
Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
Northern California for so many generations that we have lost track of who’s actually family, and who’s not. We know our obvious relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.), but we’ve adopted (and been adopted by) so many other local families that our “family” is really not just about bloodlines, but about relationships with dear friends and other families created generations ago. Family is what you have when everything else disappears. It’s easy to say you’re connected with people, but the real test is tough times. Who is standing by when the doctor calls with a scary diagnosis? Who is there to pick you up when the job you loved is no longer yours? It’s easy to celebrate the good times, and friends are always standing at the ready for that (which is nice, to be sure). But family is really about who is there, and in what capacity, when needs are greatest. We are so very fortunate to have such loving and supportive family, all around us. We feel extremely blessed and humbled.
ok with failing and picking yourself back up. 2) That the most important “job” I’ll ever have is that of a mother. I didn’t know what she meant until I had my own child. Wrapped up with this was the lesson that to be a great mother, it’s really helpful to be a great wife, and to focus on your marriage as the center of your family. As much as I loved my career on Wall Street, I left when little Jackie was eight months old to be a stay-at-
and that the history that comprises your past (and your parents’ and grandparents’ past) is something to be honored. We all grew up feeling—obviously, over several generations, and in completely different circumstances—that we owed it to ourselves and our family to make the most of our lives. The expectation in our family is that you leave the world a better place than you found it, by raising wonderful children, by focusing on causes that are meaningful, and by being a good friend.
What do you all have in common? We all share a
“Family is what you have when everything else disappears.”
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your mother?
Courtney: Hard to pick one thing, so I’ll give you top 3. 1) To be self-sufficient and independent. My parents really value education, and encouraged us to stretch ourselves as kids and young adults. They encouraged me to go to Wall Street to start what was a very rewarding career. Working at Goldman Sachs was the best training I could have asked for; I learned to communicate complex messages clearly to clients, I developed confidence, and I had an absolute blast. My mom has always been a woman who’s not afraid to try something new, and to put herself out there. She taught me that part of being independent is being
30
home mom. Best decision I’ve made yet. 3) There’s no harm in being nice to everyone. I grew up in a particularly cliquey high school, and I remember my mom observing my behavior and sitting me down to remind me that no one will ever be any worse off by being kind. I’ve been struck at how sage this advice is...the world is such a small place! And, frankly, it just feels better to be nice.
What traits to do you hope to pass along to your children and grandchildren? We hope that our
children feel a sense of the legacy we are all a part of. It is so powerful to feel that you are a part of something bigger than yourself,
sense of style, especially in our homes. We all love mixing Asian pieces with more traditional furniture, and none of us shy away from color. We are all quite stubborn (including little Jackie), and fairly outspoken, which can make for fun arguments sometimes! We’re all social in nature, and love to be with family and friends.
Do you have any family traditions? We
host lots of parties and dinners together, and this has always been a tradition in our family. It was a tradition in Grandma’s family as well... Lollie and Daddy Paul hosted some legendary parties! We spend every Christmas and Easter together as a family. One thing we’ve started doing at Christmas is a Secret Santa draw. The children in the family still get gifts from everyone, but all of us adults are assigned one family member to indulge. We found that Christmas was becoming more about the gifts than about the time we were spending together—and frankly, none of us needed another scarf or necktie! Focusing on one person during the holidays allows us to be really thoughtful about that gift, and to spend the time and money we were spending on one another to give back to our communities.
left to right Courtney Baer Smith, Jackie Smith, Jackie Onstott, Christine Onstott Baer
A SMART Choice!
Day, Evening, Internet & Television Classes
Enrollment Fees are only $26 a unit Yuba College 2088 North Beale Road - Marysville, CA 95901 (530) 741-6700 yc.yccd.edu Find us on Facebook and Twitter
EMPLOYEE OWNED Lesa HoLmes Lesa Holmes is a familiar face in the community, and she should be. With 20 years in the waste industry, Lesa is the Recycling Supervisor at Recology Yuba-Sutter. “It’s joyful when someone recycles correctly!” Holmes shared of her experience with checking curbside trash containers for the correct items. Holmes is a proud employee owner at Recology Yuba-Sutter. What gives her pride? “The community is following through and doing their job.” she said. “Waste Zero is the best use of our resources.” At home, Holmes has a compost bin, conserves water, helps the kids in her life make school projects out of recycled products and recycles bottles and cans. “It’s how we shop and how we live,” she said. GREEN TIP: If you need help with sorting recyclables and aren’t sure which bin to put an item in, call Recology Yuba-Sutter at (530) 743-6933. We’d be happy to answer your recycling questions!
Michael D. Larson, DDS, MSD.
YUBA CITY ORTHODONTICS 1215 Plumas Street, Ste. 500 Yuba City, CA 95991
(530) 674-5047
Next Issue coming soon APRIL 2011!
Don’t miss out on great savings from our advertizers online at meandminemagazine.com
A SMILE IS
THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY
1788 Lassen Blvd. • Yuba City
AA Self Storage Get organized... we store it until you need it.
2 MONTHS FREE Storage Unit 5x5 or 5x10 Ideal for: Office - Record Storage - Apartments - Contractors - Personal Items ATV’s - Jet Skis - Hunting/Fishing - Christmas Decorations
671-0563 • aa-ministorage.com
Professional Stress Advice for Busy Mothers
Take a day off! Usually the wife is the one looking after the kids, picking up after them, feeding and bathing them in addition to all other regular household chores. Let your Professional Stress Advice for Busy Mothers... husband do the chores for one day while you relax and let us take care of you!
Join us at Spa Therapy Wellness Center
JOIN US AT SPA THERAPY WELLNESS CENTER POPULAR MONTHLY SPECIALS RESULT DRIVEN PRODUCTS & SERVICE ON-LINE BOOKING OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK 9AM-8PM MEDICAL MASSAGE INSURANCE BILLING EXCUSIVE FACEBOOK WEEKLY & MONTHLY SPECIALS PROUD OF OUR LOHAS GREEN STATUS
call 530-751-5166
visit www.yubacityspa.net
Take a day off! Usually the wife is the one looking after the kids, picking up after them, feeding and bathing them in addition to all other regular household chores. Let your husband do the chores for one day while you relax and let us take care of you!
“Making sure my girls grow up healthy is a top priority and this service makes it quick and easy.” Jennifer Jaeger Traynham mother of two and publisher for Me and Mine.
Have you signed up to manage your health online? Once you have, you can go online to take care of your child’s health, too. Sutter Medical Foundation is pleased to introduce a more convenient way for you to request access to the health information of your child under the age of 12. n
n
Simply log into online patient services and click on Proxy Access . Fill out the online request form – it only takes a few minutes.
Manage your child’s health online n View and print your child’s vaccination records n Request prescription renewals n Access your child’s test results n Request an appointment
Start going online to take charge of your child’s health today!
Visit suttermedicalfoundation.org/snmg/ for more information. K560810A