My darlings, we are going to do a give-away of this fantastic book, Unbored, which I spoke of at length in this post. Honestly, even just since writing about it, our love has grown manifoldly, since Ben has now taught himself stop-motion animation via the book's excellent suggestions and advice. I had occasion to mention this to one of the book's authors/editors, Josh Glenn, who then sent me a brilliant video his kids had made that was 1 second of Playmobil seal-rescue action followed by a 30-second blooper reel. Film-makers after my own heart, is all I can say.
When I mentioned that I was thinking of doing an Unbored give-away (using some of the Amazon revenue you guys have generated here by buying so many copies of it--thank you!), Josh asked Bloomsbury, his publisher, and they agreed to match it! So we are going to give away two copies. Just leave a comment here, and we will do the usual: I'll pick a winner at noon on Friday.** Sound good? I was going to ask you to indicate that you're an actual reader here, because contests seem to draw in a lot of stray folks, but then that seems excessively narcissistic, even for narcissistic me. (a) What did Ben once do with a handful of Tampax? b) Why did he think the Grinch was so mean? c) What was Birdy's first word? d) How long do I braise pot roast?*) So we won't do it that way.
* Edited to add: I was kidding. I'm so sorry! The outpouring of anxiety in the comments is crushing! You don't need to wrack your poor brain for my egomaniacal pleasure, I promise.
** And to clarify further (gosh, I really am lame today): this will be a random drawing! So you really, really don't need to flex your credentials in any way.
I also want to mention that I am on the cover of More magazine this month! Oh wait, no I'm not. That's Marisa Tomei. But I do have a nice long story in there about my cat that I'm sure you're wanting to read.
I also have a piece about Strawberry (e) Who is Strawberry?) in the newly resurrected Brain, Child, which is on newsstands now. Hallelujah!
xo
I am not afraid of being commenter #1! I KNOW STATISTICS!
ReplyDeleteI would love that for my 7yo who is bored more often than not these days. If it isn't Minecraft it isn't worth his time :) Long time reader, like pre-Birdy. :) And yet somehow I don't know the answers to those questions off the top of my head. hmmm.
ReplyDeleteI'm a looooong time reader (all the way back to the Babycenter days - just looked it up...how has it been 10 YEARS?!), and I'd love to win that book.
ReplyDeleteMy almost 9yo would just love this! Want!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks very cool.
ReplyDeleteOh how much we would love this! And I'm a longtime reader- so pick me please! :) Loved, LOVED, the Strawberry article. And that Brain, Child is back. You don't know what you've got until it's (almost) gone.
ReplyDeleteI actually have been reading your columns since Babycenter also but I couldn't answer any of your questions. Blame it on "mom" brain - too much else to keep track of??? Anyway, I would really love that book. Chantal - my kids are exactly the same about Minecraft!
ReplyDeleteMy 11 year old would LOVE that book! I have been reading since 'Bringing Up Ben' and could not answer those questions. But, ask about the pinata, and I am with you!
ReplyDeleteI am an actual person with an actual 8-year-old who would really enjoy that book. Thank you! And thanks for all the recipes and laughs.
ReplyDeleteI hope I win. I never win anything and if I hear "I'm bored!" from my 11 year old one more time, my head will explode.
ReplyDeleteOo! I'm excited about this giveaway. (And put me in the category of long time readers, hello Babycenter & your WFB book is on my shelf!, who don't have a clue how long you roast your meat or why Ben doesn't like Grinch.)
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed!
I've been reading forever but also can't answer your questions!! I really have been reading, though. Got the latest Brain, Child the other day but haven't cracked it yet - now that I remember you're in it (I think you said so earlier - SEE, I REALLY WAS READING!) but I'd forgotten. I would love this book for my 10 and 7 year old kids!!
ReplyDeleteYes, it does sound good. I'd love to get my kids' hands onto that book. And yes, I'm an actual reader of this blog, and Brain, Child and the story of Strawberry made me all weepy.
ReplyDeleteWe would love that at our house! I have 4 kids to try and keep "unbored" :) . Reader back from BabyCenter days also! My oldest 2 are almost the same ages as Ben and Birdy.
ReplyDeleteI am going to second/third/kajillion the comment that I've read since pre-Birdy babycenter days and don't remember the answers to all of those questions. I think they should all become links, because while I'm sure you remember the stories, do you remember where you put them? FWIW my kids are 24, 21, and 12 (that 12 is the one that got me on babycenter again) and I don't remember where my brain puts stuff, much less blogging sites.
ReplyDeletea.) He dropped them in the tub while you were pregnant with Birdy and taking a bath!
ReplyDeleteb.) The Grinch's penis was three sizes too small!
I'll stop now.
My kids would love, lurve, luff this book.
I would love to pass this along to my nine year old. We all met you at a book signing in Rockville/Silver Spring MD about 7 years ago. When you bent down to say hi My daughter pointed to a mole on your face and said "what's THAT?" and we tried to pretend she was talking about your glasses.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I think I originally suggested you do the Amazon link stuff- thats got to be worth something
I am a reader, and a maker of recipes (as you know from my emails, my husband understand my references to your blog when I refer to you as "you know, the woman with the pulled pork recipe"). My children are 10, 8 and 4. We recently did a big cleanout of our game and puzzle closet (118 puzzles - how. did. this. happen?!) and part of that cleanout revealed that while we have some good, structured favorites, our children seem to most enjoy activities that are mostly self-directed and creative (fort building, art projects, cooking, Harumika.) Therefore, please pick us because we love to be unbored!
ReplyDeleteYay for Brain, Child!
ReplyDeleteYay for you!
I am reading your blog (my favorite and, actually, the only blog I read regularly!!) as a procrastinative measure, I mean a *break* (!) from writing a lecture on postpartum sexuality for the OB residents whom I teach. Howsa come I need a break you ask? Well, umm, I am very bad at deadlines. It's actually kind of an interesting and fraught topic and one that should be understood better by these doctors in training, yes?
So, that's my little break -- pick me! pick me!
xo
WV Mama
Another long time reader, my Matthew and your Ben are months apart in age. I don't remember all the answers to your questions...but I do KNOW that a man fell in love with me after eating empanadas, that were YOUR recipe, and both he and I are already happily married..and STILL happily married..but the recipe IS that good. I also know that your pubic hairs stood up like little soldiers! Oh the things stuck in my brain! Thanks to you I am mindful to not forever label my kids. Nathan used to hate salad, but recently is eating it and not hating it, at age 15...and I will not label him a salad hater! Love you Catherine.
ReplyDeleteD'oh! I was about to post about the tampons in the tub. I do remember that one! My oldest two are close in age to Ben and Birdy. They would love the book and I love them being unbored.
ReplyDeleteWe've got a couple of kids at our house who I'm sure could make good use of this book! My nine-year old LOVED Show Me a Story.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm glad you didn't decide to ask a quiz question, b/c I have been reading you since you were on Baby Center with "Bringing up Ben" and then BUBandB, but I don't know the answer to any of those questions. I can tell you that you have a couch in your kitchen, that you used to live in a co-op where most (all?) of you were vegetarians and they'd use bacon bits instead of real bacon which you thought was kind of missing the point of healthy, that you go camping somewhere in Cape Cod area every year (and there's one oyster/seafood place you REALLY love), your mom writes notes on recipes some of them funny when you incorrectly translate them... But I can't tell you how long you braise a pot roast, sorry, or what Ben did to tampons. I do remember one story about pulling over and apologizing to Ben after you yelled at him for being "such a monster"; and it gave me such courage and relief to know that someone as good and gentle as you usually are, occasionally fail (as do I), and let me know it was necessary and good to apologize to my children when we mess up. I almost didn't want to put this in here, b/c I don't want you to think that's how I remember you (I know you have many, many, many more positive parenting moments, but that one really stuck with me for its personal lesson).
ReplyDeleteAlso I wanted to comment on your last post about you being a fierce old school feminist, and people being offended that you spoke out in favor of Obama. A) Clearly those people have not been reading you for as long as the rest of us. B) I think what you were experiencing was people dealing with cognitive dissonance. It really doesn't occur to some people that us crazy liberals are kind, smart, nice, health-concerned, just like they are, and that they would have so much in common with us. So keep fighting the good fight. C)I recently read a post on OMSH's personal page --followed there b/c while I don't homeschool and would not consider it for my family, i do find her posts on Pioneer Woman's Homeschooling page to be sometimes useful and helpful as an involved parent-- where she postively and passionately endorsed a 'social studies' game that painted Social Justice as a horrible, bad idea. She was scolded by some people in her comment section, and while I read it and thought to myself "Guess I won't be stopping by this personal webpage again" I would never try to tell her how to feel or what to put on her personal page. So I hope that most people reading your page would do the same, and I'm so glad I can stop here instead of there.
So I could have answered 2 of your questions, because the tampon story is one of the most hilarious ones ever, and then I have a 6-year-old boy and 9-year-old boy, so of course Ben's idea about the Grinch's problem seemed like a logical conclusion at our house. You will also be happy to know that there is a former growler bottle being used at my house to make honey liquor, which I actually took a personal day from work to be able to make. I have priorities! Okay, enough rambling - love you, love your kindness and your bad-assedness. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteStrawberry is Birdy's guy (that's what we call them at my house!). In other news, I've read your book, your Disney column, your old blog at babycenter and this blog and I can't answer any of the other questions... Feeling inadequate, but I do want the book, I do! My children are very bored, b/c they have horrible cruel lives, so this would be perfect for them. xo
ReplyDeleteI've been a reader since you were on babycenter, but i'm not sure I could answer the questions due to my bad memory. But my son has that book on his Christmas list. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI knew A and B but not the others. I've already bought Unbored as a gift but we'd love to have one ourselves!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like exactly something my children would gobble up!! I love your writing Catherine- I've been forwarding your previous post and making readers out of all of my friends- you regularly make me cry, either the laughing or the touching variety. Like all of your other commenters I've been reading since you were on Babycenter and we were having our daughters' together! ~Missy
ReplyDeleteI have two wishing-to-be-unbored children who would really use this book! And I've been following you from place to place around the internet, and in print, for longer than I've been a parent. I'm always so happy to find you wherever you are...
ReplyDeleteOh those questions make me feel so nostalgic! "What are these???" Little Ben! xoxo
ReplyDeleteoh, I read you. always.
ReplyDeleteWould love for you to randomly pick my name even though I just recommended my library buy this book so I can check it out and renew it up to five times as long as no one else is waiting for the item.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a great idea!! I am totally getting my library to buy this just so I can read it and dream of all the fun my littles will have when they are bigger! The last book they ordered for me was *The Orchardist* and the second person to check it out was the librarian.Then she put it on hold for a friend of mine. Total insider trading. Small town libraries rule.
DeleteWhat a fun book to explore over the long holiday break!! Thanks for sharing with us all year long.
ReplyDeleteWould love to have a copy of this book. I've recently adopted a technique I read about somewhere: when the kids say "I'm bored," I answer with, "Really? Something to do is just around the corner." They repeat, I repeat, until they wander off and eventually *do* find something to do. But I have a feeling this book would help!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds wonderful! Happy Chrismukkah to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteThis post reminded me that I need to order this book for my nephews, who hopefully will then encourage my sons to be interested in non-computer-related activities! However, if I win, then I'll have a copy for us as well. :)
ReplyDeleteYou could turn this into a "what do you know about Catherine" post, which would be great fun. One of my favorite stories of yours was when you "had" to get married for practical reasons, which made me think more about marriage and commitment and families than I ever had before. And can I say, I LOVE that you're doing the Real Simple advice column because I feel like I sort of know you and so therefore it's a friend who is writing it! Will have to now get Brain, Child and More subscriptions.
Unbored sounds fantastic! Going to give it to all the nieces and nephews this year and would love to win one for us! I love that all of us are "proving" that we've read you forever. I've got certain stories bookmarked still, for example the one where Ben goes off to Kindergarten, even though my youngest is now in 2nd grade, and Hummus Among Us because it's so much more entertaining to make hummus while reading your essay than to just jot down the list of ingredients like a normal person would.
ReplyDeleteOh Catherine! You have a loyal bunch of followers. I found you after receiving a free subscription of Wonder Time, and then was devastated when it was cancelled (and so abruptly it was painful...) I was happy when I saw your name in Family Fun, and I am not sure how I ended up here. But your writing is so delicious (har har har). Your recipes never disappoint and I always come away from your blog laughing, feeling comforted, or filled with righteous feminists chutzpah. I hope I win the book, but after re-reading this post I think I may not deserve it for being such a suck-up.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love you even more for having worked at Saturn Cafe and taught at UCSC.
I am a follower and fellow Masshole who hopes to run into you at the Quabbin someday. Last Christmas I started calling you my BFF (is that a bad thing?) as I was looking at Whirley Pops, gifting and gorging on maple rosemary popcorn and consuming those unreal yeasted waffles! Not a stalker (I don't have the energy) but really enjoy your writing, insight and sense of humor! Happy Holidays
ReplyDeleteYes, I did order the book after your recommendation. Glad you get something from this! Could always take another as a lovely gift for a niece! I haven't been a reader for as long as some other fans,but certainly a regular now. Thanks for everything you do... happy christmas and new year. Oh, and yes, halleluiah for Brain, Child!
ReplyDeleteWe would love this book!
ReplyDeleteI want a copy! I can even answer those questions, and I will without looking at previous comments.
ReplyDelete(a) What did Ben once do with a handful of Tampax? He picked them up like a bouquet and dropped them in the bathtub, while crying. b) Why did he think the Grinch was so mean? His PENIS was two sizes too small. c) What was Birdy's first word? Actually, I don't know this one. Mama? Ben? d) How long do I braise pot roast? Okay, I don't know all these answers. But I'm vegetarian! I didn't pay attention to the pot roast posts! e) I think Strawberry is a pink hippo.
Just had to note to the Sarah above who called Strawberry Birdy's Guy--my son's special blanket/animal thing is named Guy, ever since he was a baby and I would ask him, "Do you love that guy?" And one day he saw it and yelled "Guy!" And that was his name.
ReplyDeleteLong, long time reader, and my 8-year-old definitely needs Unbored!
I am also a fan for many years. I think I may have ordered this book, but I'm not sure because I have begun the random ordering from amazon and then not opening the boxes, but instead just placing them, unopened in the basement. On christmas week, I open all the boxes to wrap the presents and hope amazon has come through. It's like a surprise for me all over again!
ReplyDeleteSo if I already have this book and I win, I will gift the extra copy to a worthy family.
Thanks pal.
Extra credit since I actually have your pot roast in the oven right this very minute?
ReplyDeleteAnd you know I'm a regular reader since I have previously stalked you for pickled green bean recipes via email a full year after you've offered to provide those to us :-)
Would LOVE to win this great book!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the opportunity! Also I'm a huge fan and longtime reader. I always look forward to your posts and sometimes wish you posted more than once or so a week, but then I remember that I'm trying to cut back on the amount of time I spend reading blogs and am grateful that you post only once or twice a week!
ReplyDeleteFound you at Baby Center when I was pregnant with my (now ten years-old!) son. I can't say I'ver ever tired one of your recipes (oh wait-just one: roasted chick peas), but I read you every week!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this book. And share any outtakes from future stop-action Lego movies.
ReplyDeleteI heard you were having a giveaway, so I rushed over. I've never read your blog before, but I love free stuff. HA! Just joking!!! I've read since the beginning at Baby Center! My older son is just a few weeks younger than Birdie. Like the above posters, I don't know the answers to any of those questions. If I knew there was going to be a quiz, I'd have studied!
ReplyDeleteAbout the Tampax, though? I used OB, not Tampax. One day while I was in the shower, my then 1 year old (now ten year old!!!) opened the cabinet under my bathroom sink and found my box of tampons. He took out each one and CHEWED ON THEM! I guess the hard cotton felt good on his little growing teeth. I moved my tampons from under the sink after that day.
could so use a copy of this book while at my inlaws for a week with kids in central mn!!! Thanks for always having such cool giveaways
ReplyDeleteI have never once entered one of your drawings, even though I have always loved what you gave away, but I can't pass this one up! I have a 12 year old son who is obsessed with stop-motion & has been doing it since he was about 9ish. He figured it out on his own, but would still love this book! My 7 year old son would love the book too. I've been reading you since BabyCenter, before Birdy came along. I've only commented a handful of time throughout the years. I've made your Fantastic Fearless 5-minute bread, your gingerbread & your plum cake.(All delicious) I’ve always wanted to make the granola but haven't attempted it yet. I LOVE your writing! Thank you for continuing to share with us & for doing these drawings!
ReplyDeletePick me, pick me! :)
ReplyDeleteKeeping my fingers crossed, Catherine. Love your recipes and your writing.
ReplyDeleteI actually already bought UNBORED based on your recommendation (my kids are going to love it!) but I would love to win a copy and give it away!
ReplyDeleteAnd are you going to publish a cookbook soon? I'm always having to google your recipes and it would be so much more convenient just have a Catherine Newman book on my shelf!
YES A COOKBOOK PLEASE!!!!!!
DeleteThe stoy of ben and the tampons is one of the funniest things i've ever read. I couldn't answer all of the questions though. My 11 & 9 year old would love that book. Thanks for all of the years you've given us! I've been with you since the beginining ;-)
ReplyDeleteyou're a riot!
ReplyDeleteand thanks for this lovely giveaway...
Which comment shall I post? I constantly have reams of comments for you going 'round my head. The short versions? Salted Caramel Popcorn? Never going back to any other kind! Homemade vanilla? Will finally be giving out this year! The Orchardist? It's been forever since I could really get into a book and stay up past 2:00 am to read it, but I could not put that book down! Roasted cabbage? Converted my family! Refrigerator pickles? Has been passed around the neighborhood more times than there are houses, and also, never going back to any other kind!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Brain, Child had been revived! Hooray! This really made my day. And so did your funny post. You are the best. (Just a little tiny ego scratch there for you.) :)
ReplyDeleteLove you, love your writing and love all your recommendations of book, games, recipes, and life in general.
ReplyDeleteLaughing, as usual! We need Unbored, please!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
Jane
long time reader, and we would love to win this book!
ReplyDeleteLong time reader, but glad I didn't have to figure out the answers to those questions. I do know who Strawberry is though, as we have her twin (Miss Monkey)at our house. My kids definitely need Unbored.
ReplyDelete-Cyndi
Long time reader and would love this book! Trying to outlaw the word "Bored" in my home but not really having succes :(
ReplyDeleteUnbored me, please!
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! I count as a 'real' reader! I would LOVE to have a copy of this book for my eight year old and five year old.
ReplyDeleteI'm still laughing about the recipe for air. So thankful for the recommendations and chance at a giveaway!
ReplyDeleteDid you know (said like Andy Rooney) that if you are entering into a real drawing with real paper slips where you put your real name (or do you?) and you crumple it up before you put the slip in the fish bowl or giant drum that you will double your chances of winning? (It's easier to grab a crumpled piece of paper.)
ReplyDeleteConsider this crumpled. Seriously.
Randomly pick me! Randomly pick me!
ReplyDeleteThis book has been hanging out in my amazon cart since your last mention. Maybe I was not meant to pay for it??
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying the comforts and joy of December...
Long time reader, my son is a couple of months younger than Ben. My favorite and only blog I really follow.
ReplyDeleteBarb WV
Pick me! Or not...but thanks for the chance. :o)
ReplyDeleteKristen
IA
This book would be just my 8 year olds thing! Eight years, that makes me cry, I started reading your blog over at the baby center when i was first back to work and was pumping. Thank YOU!
ReplyDeletei love you even if i'm not randomly picked for your drawing catherine!
ReplyDeleteErika
I'm a long time reader too. Love the story about the prank specimen cup that leaked urine everywhere. Have binders full of Catherine Newman recipes that are major parts of our meal rotations. My 3 boys would love this book!
ReplyDeleteI saw this and immediately thought of binders full of women. Binders full of Catherine is better!
DeleteI have three boys. 'Nuf said.
ReplyDeleteYou mean, a BOOK, not a SCREEN!? Well, yeehaw! I am in....I have been dying to get my hands on this book....especially with two boys who get "bored".
ReplyDeleteI just learned to read using only this blog and a children's dictionary. Please, pick me!
ReplyDeleteAnother long time reader that has a shitty memory. I remember something about Ben and tampons, but I can't for the life of me remember story. And roast meat? Do you do that? I thought you'd just use an air popper or something. But I have four kids. We'd all love to win the book!
ReplyDeleteSorry to post again, but I just read the comments...HOW could I forget the tampon story. Also, I totally forgot about refrigerator pickles. We made them for a couple of summers, and then I misplaced the recipe. Like other readers, I have so many 'Catherine Newman' favorites. But, can you figure out how to do a post about reader favorites? I have my picks, but I'd love to know what are the favorites of other readers.
DeleteI'm a long time reader. I remember when you were pregnant with Birdy and I was pregnant with my Bea.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the book looks great and I may have to buy it if I don't win.
I would love this book! Been reading your stories since Babycenter!
ReplyDeleteLaughing all the way, ha, ha, ha. Finn (as well as half the fourth grade) has something akin to the flu and has been out of it for four days. I'd really like to become Unbored.
ReplyDeleteI remember the tampon post way back when you were pregnant with Birdy and he was giving up naps and you took his bath instead!! I read everything you post and I read every post on Baby Center - though I honestly did not read every recipe posted on that Disney site - only because that site was a pain in the ass. But every recipe I did read I cooked and have loved every since. This book looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh, we need this book for our 9 and 11 yr old cyberschooled kids.
ReplyDeleteI have been a reader for 10 years. yikes. My daughter (had she not arrived 2 weeks late) would have had a birthday very close to Birdy's
ReplyDeletewould also love the book. :)
(insert praise and fawning and credentials here)
ReplyDeleteMy kids (and I) would love this book.
Book sounds awesome! Oh how my 8year old wants to see the playmobile bloopers! He has been obsessed with playmobile for YEARS!
ReplyDeleteI have been a reader for many years, and I would love to believe that this book is our answer to fun! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteReal reader here too. We'd love a copy!
ReplyDeleteThis book would be a most welcome addition under our Christmas tree. Many thanks from a longtime fan!
ReplyDeleteReally, I am surprised to find that you do not keep all of OUR statistics! Pot roast, I don't even eat pot roast?! Alright, I will forgive you if you send us the book for Christmas. Cheer-e-os.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway and for the reminder because it was meant for the wish list but never made it on there.
ReplyDeleteYay! I have this book in my shopping cart at Amazon (based on your recommendation of course) so I'll just put it on hold a few more days :)
ReplyDeleteI would so love this book for my boys!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book!! I just read your book and loved it:o)
ReplyDeleteMe! Me! Pick me! Pick me!
ReplyDeleteAnother long-time reader who doesn't remember the answers, although now that I've read the comments they sound familiar. My son, who is 13, now thinks he is too sophisticated for books like Unbored. : ( However, I have three grandchildren (the children of my daughter who shares a birthday with Birdy except she's 20 years older) who would love that book! (Boy, was that a run-on sentence!)
ReplyDeleteSounds great. Thanks for the giveaway offer. Oh, and I do actually read your blog. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love a good give away!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book. (Even though I know I don't have to say it, I have been reading your work since the BabyCenter days and love it!)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for Christmas for my children! I have been a reader since way back when. Remember Wondertime magazine? It was lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so awesome! I have it on my wishlist -- uh, I mean, my daughter's wish list...yeah that's right! I have been a long time print reader of yours (I LOVED Wondertime magazine and was so sad to see it's short lifespan) and just found your blog over the summer. While I have not been reading ALL the past blogposts, I definitely read all of your game ideas last week while Cyber Monday shopping for ideas.
ReplyDeleteI swear I go back and read the story of Ben and the Tampax at least once a year for a full-on laugh out loud laugh. I tried to explain it to someone once, and all I got for that explanation was a totally confused look- I think I ended up making them read the blog entry! Also - you have made me into a Whirly-Pop fanatic. Popcorn is our favorite snack around here. When I bought it, my sister said "You bought that because Catherine said to, didn't you?" Umm, yep! Keep the recommendations coming - fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great! I LOVE reading this blog...I ordered 2 new board games based on your recommendations!
ReplyDeleteRaising my hand here in North Carolina! I'd love to win.
ReplyDeleteA story in MORE? Whoa! That's wonderful!
Love your blog, used to read you in Wondertime, and own a copy of "Waiting for Birdy" (extra credit?) - would love to win the book, too.
ReplyDeleteI promise, I am not a stray - I have read your blog since you were still on "Babycenter" (when I was pregnant with my first child ten years ago). I have adored you ever since then, and now I can't believe I get to interact with you on the computer via this blog! Wow!
ReplyDeleteLOL- just so you know I'm legit, Strawberry might be my favorite photographed stuffed primate.
ReplyDeleteBook looks awesome!
So, someone above mentioned a cookbook. Oh yes PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Could you do that? Like, some nifty easy e-version that we could pay for (because I really would love to pay you, it's starting to make me feel guilty, the one-way flow here) but would also be easy on you? Is that even possible?
ReplyDeleteAlso: should we be clicking through you to Amazon? Continuing the theme above, is there something we can do that puts nickels in your piggybank?
Also: I would like to be entered for the book but (this is embarrassing) don't know how to sign in under a name that's not my actual email address, and so... well, I'll put my name here and if the gods should smile upon my poor head, you can find me. Right?
Truly, thank you for all that you do (to borrow from MoveOn).
- Kelda
Holy crow, that's a lot of competition! Nevertheless, I am entering. After all, I bought Powerball tickets & I feel, statistically speaking, that the chances of winning Unbored are probably higher than those of being struck by lightening twice. Maybe even once.
ReplyDeleteI just read your book 3x in 5 months!! Can you tell I have a newborn and 3yo? Your book has truly been my saviour a) dropped them in the bathtub b)his penis was (how many sizes??) too small c) something to do with nursing? d)ummm, no clue - I just found your blog!!
ReplyDeleteYes please to the Catherine Newman cookbook suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI know you said not to stress but I wanted to say I am also a long-time reader, and I just love your new column in Real Simple.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to give the book to my boys for Christmas, but early, at the beginning of their school break, to help us all avoid the scenario where they drive me crazy.
ReplyDeletePick me! Pick Me!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this one--the book sounds great. Not that it matters to the random number generator, but I'm also a real reader--love the posts and recipes.
ReplyDelete-NGM
Yea! Enter me in the drawing! The comments are cracking me up.
ReplyDeleteThe asterisks are too funny!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading through all the comments! YES to a cookbook, and I would love to win this book for my kids. :)
ReplyDeleteI book marked this the last time you mentioned it, so I would love to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteI love your commentors! Would love this book too! Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your posts and recipes and pictures and giveaways. Happy Happy to you and yours.
ReplyDeletePlease add me to the list of hopeful long-time readers.
ReplyDeleteWould love to get my (kids') hands on this book. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI so need "Unbored"! Hoping to remove it from my Amazon wish list when you draw the name of this faithful reader. xo
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would LIVE for this book; I can already imagine her spending afternoons pouring over it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, those questions made me feel so nostalgic! I have a new baby, and I foolishly spend so much time breaking my own heart obsessing over how soon he will be a big kid like his siblings, instead of just soaking up his present squishy baby goodness. Seems like something you might understand.
ReplyDeleteThat book sounds like quite the treasure! I'd love to be entered.
I would love to have this book so that the next time I declare that all the screens in the house must be turned off and my son (who loves books but doesn't always view them as "something to do") says "now I'm bored," I can just hand him this book and smile.
ReplyDeleteI *saw* your cat piece in MORE. It made me want to cuddle a cat. You are everywhere!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the answers to any of the tampon/ pot roast questions.
I hope I win the book, or that I get a review copy, or that more people would send me free books. My eleven year old wants The Insider's Guide to Colleges for Christmas. If you offer it as the next give away, maybe I will be the only person to enter!
I'm IN! Just going to cross my fingers because we need this book, and I don't think I can stalk it across the internets like I did with Show Me a Story. Yes - I stalked that book! After you featured it, it took me a couple of days to figure out that it was on a book tour and lots of sites were doing give-aways. I was searching and entering every contest I could find...and I totally lucked out! I entered a contest, ended up with a 50-50 chance, and WON! Woo!
ReplyDeleteSo - here's to awesome book give-aways!!
Thanks for the giveaway offer! I'm trying to figure out if the libraries in my area have How to Be a Woman right now (quite different reading, but I'm sure it'll keep me unbored) and just wanted to say thanks for metioning that book too.
ReplyDeleteBut I actually KNOW the answers to most of those questions! And they're not narcissistic. They are...test questions to see if the book was read thoroughly at least three times. :)
ReplyDeleteShow Me a Story was bought for my daughter's 1st grade teacher as an Xmas gift....she'll LOVE IT. If I don't win this one I am sure I'll be off to Amazon to place an order! And OMG...Ben and the tampons. Forgot about that...lol.
ReplyDelete~Lainey
My 9 year old daughter definitely needs this book. After I said goodnight to her last night she called out to me.....I'm bored. Sleeping bores her. We need help.
ReplyDeleteI will NEVER forget that the grinch's penis was 3 sizes too small. That story takes me way back. I know you were joking but I had to show off! :)
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DeleteAnd Birdy's first word was gentle right?
DeleteThis would be a great book for my kids! If I don't win it, I'll probably buy it, but I'd rather win it. :)
ReplyDeleteWould love this... My eight year old is always bored. Would love to try this out over winter break!!!
ReplyDeleteWe would love for this book to come to our house. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading everyone elses comments. It felt like a group of people that I would really like to get to know better. Many like minded individuals brought together by a wonderful woman.
ReplyDeleteI am up here in the frozen Canadian winter and we would love to have an opportunity to become unbored as we nestle in for the cold winter.
PS. My husband bought me "Waiting for Birdy" and I foolishly lent it out to another neurotic new mother and I didn't get it back. Poor me.....
Brain,Child is back?! Hooray! Consider me 'entered' for the contest. I know it doesn't matter - but I've been reading so long that my Colby has grown up hearing stories of Ben and then Birdy - since the days of BabyCenter!
ReplyDeleteI haven't ordered it for my kids yet, so I'd love to be entered in the contest. My kids are the same ages as yours and I've been stalking you since BabyCenter. I just renewed my Chop, Chop subscription...
ReplyDeleteWithout reading through all the comments that have been already posted, I can only answer three.
ReplyDeletea) Ben once dropped a handful of tampax in the bathtub while you were taking a bath, and got freaked and wanted to know what they were and what was happening.
b) He thought the Grinch's penis was two sizes too small
c) Birdy's first word, I believe was "gentle" or "gin-doh"
I had already noticed that Brain, Child was back because I'd gone to their site after you mentioned your article and didn't see anything about online only or anything like that. HOORAY! I wonder if they're still based on the town I just started working at. So many coincidences in this "small world" -- I lived where you live for 8 years, but only knew about you in the past two. And I met Brain, Child's founder in Philly and now (if she's still there) work in her town.
ReplyDeleteOK, I'd love to be entered in the contest and I've been reading for a LONG time, though I cannot really remember the answers. I do remember LOTS of other things like when Birdy was born, Ben's love of pink, etc, etc, etc.
(and I'm no longer using my first name connected to my blog, I'm temporarily "LitMama", blogging at Mama(e) in Translation since 2004)
What's sad, and totally makes me feel like a stalker, is that I know! I know the answers! To everything except the pot roast thing, because I don't make pot roast.
ReplyDeleteI'll confess that if I don't win I will probably ask the library to buy it. But I would still love a copy, too.
ReplyDeleteWow - what an amazing surprise to see Brain, Child my mailbox! What a gift. I thought for sure I would have heard about it from you first. I worried that I had missed a blog post. Maybe I'll notice it when I go to look up Birdy's first word.
I am a real and true blog reader. :) I would like to read this book. More to the point, I want my kids to make stop motion blooper reels.
ReplyDeleteYou know what my dear? I think you may have a lot more true long time readers than you even know...and you should hage a big party with all of them cause your kinda people are my kinda people.i just read a bunch of these comments which is simething i would never do. But really you should randomly pick me, really.
ReplyDeleteI have been a reader since my nearly 7-year-old daughter was born, and could easily answer your questions! I rarely comment, but check for new posts at least once a week.
ReplyDeletePlease sign me up for the contest! I am a loyal reader from early days, but rarely comment. The image of Ben and the tampons lives clearly in my memory!! Thanks for "passing on the love" by doing these give-aways.
ReplyDelete"Being bored is never allowed, sometimes I comb my hair with a fork"~Eloise.
ReplyDeleteWho wouldn't love a copy of Unbored? Sign me up! (please)
Strawberry is in the photo! I suppose you wouldn't want to send the book to Germany? It looks lovely but heavy ;)
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ReplyDeleteOohhh.... would love this for the kiddos (age 5 & 9)!
ReplyDeleteYay for Unbored! Yay for Brain, Child! Yay for you!
ReplyDeleteThis book would be well used in our house by my seven year old.
Would love to win this! Thanks for the opportunity. Love, a loyal reader who couldn't begin to answer those questions but is really curious now!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would love this book!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the answer to any of those questions, cuz I've been sleep deprived for 12 years, but have been reading your blog for longer than that!
ReplyDeleteWould love for my kids to be "unbored," especially with Christmas break coming up!
ReplyDeleteTampons in the tub! That's all I have to say. Except, I hope I win, it looks like a great book. --Cathy K
ReplyDeleteYou can add my name to that drawing!
ReplyDeleteWe'd love to be un-bored around here this winter! That book looks great. From a loyal and appreciative reader but infrequent commenter, Sandy J
ReplyDeleteI promise, Catherine. I am a reader and I have been following you since both our little girls were babies :o)
ReplyDeleteWe woul love this book! Val L
ReplyDelete(a) Ben dropped the tampons in the tub and interrupted your bath.
ReplyDeleteI laughed my head off and read it out loud to my husband. He didn't think it was funny. That was the moment I started to differentiate mom-humor from other forms of parent-humor.
Pick me!
I would love that book! I have a little one on the way, but I know some older kids that need entertaining for sure!
ReplyDeleteVery cool... thankx.
ReplyDeleteUnbored looks awesome. I know you don't need creds but I've been reading your blogs since you were first expecting Birdy (and I was expecting my girl). Love your writing, thanks for sharing your family with us, and your fantastic recipes, making your awesome meat sauce today.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading forever and the only question I can answer is the one about Strawberry. Names are capitalized, right? We are rarely bored around here because of our unfortunately tendency to over-busyness, but we would still *love* this book. And I think I am going to steal one of the above ideas and order Show Me a Story for my son's teachers.
ReplyDeleteIf you're taking requests, a cookbook would be AWESOME! And more info about Ben. My son turned nine yesterday, the best age. But, also, the cusp of puberty for my long-haired dancing boy, who also attends a hippy private school (see - I am reading!) but is less solidly-grounded than your Ben and who therefore benefits unknowingly from my "watching" your older boy from afar.
Count me in - this looks great for my daughter! I've been a fan forever!
ReplyDeleteI would love the book and am crossing my fingers for it! Thanks, Catherine! - Jennifer P.
ReplyDeleteHa! I had a fleeting moment of panic that I wouldn't be able to justify my loyal readership. Please include me in the drawing. Oh, and I will never forget Ben's concern when he dropped the tampons in the bathtub "What ARE these things?!"
ReplyDeleteI'm a reader, a breeder, a three-speed bleeder. Count me in! And thanks!
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance to win (and I am a reader!!!)
ReplyDeleteLove your style and humor. Thank you for continuing to blog and Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteWould love this for my very busy 11 year old.
ReplyDeleteMy kids would love this. And, I too am a reader, I always look forward to your recipes.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always unboring. Mmm...Dalai mama pot roast -- must pull that recipe out soon.
ReplyDeleteShipping to Canada?
ReplyDeleteAck! There are so many Jennifers in the comments already! Please enter me in your contest.
ReplyDeleteI'll sign this... Jennifer C S
Brain, Child is back? Hooray! I was also despairing when I realized that Family Fun got bought, but it's still around so yay on that count too. I would like to show off my love for you, if you don't mind, by telling you that the Tampax story (he threw them in the bath, right?) STILL makes me laugh, to this day. I also checked out Unbored from the library as soon as I read your post, though we'd *love* to have our own copy. :-)
ReplyDeleteDon´t know why but this entry doesn´t have a feel-good tone given you have to indirectly set guidelines for a give-away ... hmmm. Isn´t is all just good fun? That is why I read you as you are most often interesting. I can buy the book myself but participating in your contests seems fun enough by itself without indirect ¨rules¨ and structure and, well, some sort of undertone ...
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I would love a copy. Thanks, Jenny Royer.
ReplyDeleteOoh, fun. I know the kid who will be getting this for Christmas if I win! Also, I've been reading you for many years and I couldn't remember the answer to a single one of your questions, though they did sound vaguely familiar. I should ask my 14 year old, cause she reads your book every year or so, but she's currently at school.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has done some stop motion (chalk markers on a whiteboard), years ago, and it is a fabulous way for kids to entertain themselves for hours and hours. Here's the link, in case Ben wants to see... http://wisdomofthemoon.blogspot.com/2010/05/nontoxic-chalk-markers-for-your.html I'd love to see what he's made!
Me- pick me!!
ReplyDeleteThis would be a perfect gift for my creative and busy 9-year old. Thank you! And how has 10 years passed since Baby Center? I'm so old!
ReplyDeleteMe, me, me, please pick me!I have been a lurker since Baby Center and can't believe it as been so long. Both my 11 year old and 5 year old would love this :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, and my little one (Birdy's age) has been experimenting with stop-action animation himself. :)
ReplyDeleteHave your kids tried Scratch (free computer language for kids from MIT)? It's visual and easy to get started with. They can easily do their own art for backgrounds for the screens or import things. My 10-year-old really likes it. I know it's screen time, but making programming fun and creative is such a gift!!!
Me! Me! Please!
ReplyDeleteDang, I don't know the answers to ANY of those questions, but I am a huuuge fan and give your book to every single friend who is expecting a baby. I also just ordered a copy of this book for my ex-step-niece and nephew (haha), but I'd be so delighted with a copy for my own kiddo. This is the kind of book that would've MADE my childhood! Thanks for opportunity! sarahvaneck@gmail.com.
ReplyDeletefunny, I don't know the answers to any of your questions & I've been reading for 10 years...must be mom brain fog! The book looks fantastic, but I'm really hoping that the activities are something that the kids can do BY THEMSELVES :) Somehow, a book full of projects that I have to oversee or participate in sounds like my own little version of hell! Also, for your recipe posts I would love to see some school lunch ideas!!
ReplyDeleteRebecca A.
I would love Unbored, just to prove to my kids that they are not boring! :)
ReplyDeleteWe would love this book!
ReplyDeleteI actually do know the answers, or almost all of them. a) dropped them in your bath; b) because his penis was 2 sizes too small; c) Ok, I don't know this one; d) 4-5 hours; e) the pink moneky. He travels in her shirt, which is adorable.
ReplyDeleteOh, and book please! It looks wonderful.
This book looks super cool! Thanks for having the giveaway. xo
ReplyDelete