Pokémon Go Go Go

Owen has been into Pokémon since he was old enough to play video games. He has always been a "collector" by nature, and Pokémon is basically just a virtual collection in it's most basic form. Of course there is a lot more to it, but I can't even pretend to understand any of it. What I DO know is that Pokémon GO has taken my son off the couch and out to walk, bike ride, explore, and play. If someone had told me a video game would do that for him, I would have scoffed! But it has! He and Ayla even logged 10.5kms in one day! What?!?

So what exactly IS Pokémon GO, and why is it all I hear about lately? Why are there people on every street corner staring at their phones, and why are those pasty "haven't seen the sun in decades" types suddenly hiking the city streets? I looked it up, and got most of this information from LifeHacker, so for more detail, I suggest reading about it there. But here is my synopsis: Pokémon as a franchise is basically an alternate world where monsters of various types roam. A Pokémon Trainer (such as yourself) can find them, catch them, and train them. From there they can battle each other in "gyms" and become stronger. They also increase in CP (power), and can Evolve into other, better creatures. *I am well aware that my knowledge of Pokémon is extremely limited, no need to correct me, my son does that enough already. 

Pokémon Go is a free app for your phone (iPhone or Android) that you can simply download and start playing. There are in-app purchases, but I haven't looked into that at all, since I refuse to do so on principle. In the game, your phone's GPS is used to show you the real in an augmented reality. This means you see a real map of where you are, but things such as Pokémon, Pokéstops and Gyms are superimposed onto the maps. Clear as mud? When my kids started playing it, it all sounded like nonsense to me. ANDDD... then I downloaded it. It took no time at all to figure out (it is actually very similar to Geocaching if you have ever done that, except the "caches" are virtual creatures you get to keep and you don't have to leave anything in it's place). Now I, too, find myself checking my phone when I am out and about, just to see what's around. A trip to the library took me over an hour, because I walked all around the parking lot catching Pokémon and hitting Pokéstops! I only have 17 (and counting) Pokémon in my Pokédex so far, but I do get the appeal now!

Back to the kids.... Now that I understand it a bit more, I am even more on board with this game! 
Owen has even started taking pics of the Pokémon he finds, and trying to have creative and visually pleasing compositions. So not only is he getting fresh air and exercise, he is being creative too! Amazing. And free. 

Best of all? I can get my kids out for a day of fun, outdoor activity, with no complaining! 

Happy kids, Happy Mom. 

Travel! or Why Being a Hermit Actually Sounds Pretty Good

I like travel. No. I'm trying to make that true but what IS actually true is that I like the IDEA of travel. I like hearing about other people’s travel experiences and feeling envious of them for wanting to do that. Travel makes me anxious. The packing and the planning and not knowing what to expect…. Really not my jam. I try to compensate with lists. Packing lists, food lists, lists of possible activities, itineraries and backup itineraries, and then of course I need a list to keep track of all the lists. Flying makes me feel I should bring nothing and driving makes me feel like I should bring everything. Clearly, I take all the fun out of it. 

Once I am actually ON a trip, I often feel paralyzed with indecision about what to do there. I need to make it worthwhile to be out of my comfort zone. But how? 

So today, Owen, Ayla and I leave to a family reunion in a tiny town in the neighbouring (my hometown) province of Saskatchewan. It is a place where the sun is unyielding, the summer storms are fierce and majestic, and the mosquitoes laugh mockingly at your attempt at bug spray as they carry you away to their lair. I love my family and can't wait to see them, and once I am there I'm sure all will be well. It's the preparation that gets me. 

But… Cancelling is rarely an option with these things, so departure is D-3hrs and counting and I'd better get busy! 

Long Dog-Days of summer... What to do?

During the long dog-days of summer, it’s hard to figure out what to do with the kiddos. Mine are all in the pre-teen/teen stage of life, so mainly they can entertain themselves. The main issue is all the screen time! Left to their own devices (pun intended), they will sit glassy-eyed and still, staring at a screen most of the day. YouTube videos by the hour, all those ridiculous teen shows on TV, XBox and PS4 and DS and blah blah blah. 

So Dan and I laid down the law a few months ago and instituted “screen-free” time between the hours of 10am-3pm. Go DO something! There are parks and bike paths and friends to play with! But instead, most days, it is “Mom/Laura, what are we going to do today….” (read in a super whiney voice). I don’t want them to think I am there to constantly entertain them, but I also do want to find fun things to do around the city. 

Enter the BEST website for that purpose: It is called To Do Canada, and there are many major cities (including mine) on there to explore. It tells me what festivals are on, what activities are happening, or suggestions for family fun! It even has sections for adult fun, road trips, day trips, and so much more! It is perfect for me, because I am not good at planning events. I am totally on-board, if someone plans something, but I don’t like being the planner. This website is perfect!