As the creators of the Ruby Slipper Guide, we struggled to figure out a good way to introduce ourselves and our website. It seemed to us that the best way to give you a good explanation would be to do an interview with Oprah or Barbara Walters. We called them, though, and they were surprisingly unavailable. So we have turned to the next best thing- an imaginary interviewer. Since it is our imaginations, we have decided to be interviewed by Brad Pitt, since we each imagine him more than is probably appropriate. Plus, he is a family man, and Imaginary Angelina wasn’t available.   Imaginary Brad Pitt: So tell me, what exactly is the Ruby Slipper Guide? Why did you decide to do it? Michele J.: The Ruby Slipper Guide started out as a resource for Lexie and me. We were tired of taking our kids to the same places and wanted to find new areas and activities. We looked around on the internet and had a hard time finding a good list of places to go with kids on the Eastside. There were plenty of suggestions for what to do in Seattle, but that wasn't what we wanted. So we started making a list and then decided to share our findings with other Eastside parents. Now you can just check here to get quick, fun ideas for places to go that are local. IBP: How do you define the Eastside? What do you include? Lexie T:   We define the Eastside as any place where a large number of Microsoft employees live, outside Seattle.  Did you know if Microsoft was a city, it would be the 6th largest city in the state, or something like that?  Actually, we think of the Eastside as anything along the I-405 corridor starting at the King County Border and down to the end of it near Renton, plus stuff east of that. We want it to be fairly convenient to get to for families living east of Seattle.  You may disagree, but this isn't your website. IBP: Why don’t you include Seattle? Do you hate Seattle or something? LT: No, we don’t hate Seattle! We both like Seattle a lot and even go there quite a bit. In fact, I was born and raised in Seattle so I actually have dual citizenship as a Seattlite/Eastsider. We know there are great things to do with kids there- the aquarium, Alki Beach, wading pools. But when you live on the Eastside, it can be kind of a hassle to cross the bridge and battle traffic, get somewhere and have some fun, and then get back over the bridge in time for nap. If there is something great to do that is just 15 minutes away without all the trouble, I would rather do that. Plus, there are already great websites that cover Seattle.  IBP: What if I have an idea to share? Will you post it? MJ: That depends, Brad. If it's an idea involving you and me, I probably won't share it (Lexie gets jealous). If you have a fun tip or activity that's appropriate, then yeah - we'll post it. IBP:  Where do you get your information?  LT:  Oh, you know, we have our ways.  Actually, we read the local community newspapers and scour the ads in local parent publications.  We talk to our neighbors and friends.  Since we live on the Eastside, we see signs in windows of local shops.  The key is, we write it down.  It's the same stuff you would do if you had the time.  But instead of doing all that work, you can just go have fun with your kids.    IBP: Who the heck are you guys, anyway? MJ: Once upon a time, I used to teach preschool. I thought it was fun being around kids, so I decided to have my own. I have two daughters, a toddler and an infant. Then I figured out that teaching kids was fun because at the end of the day a bus takes them home. I didn't realize there wouldn't be a bus to take my kids away at the end of the day - they're here all the time! Now my days are spent changing diapers and tripping on toys while having meaningful discussions about Dora the Explorer and Maisy with my toddler. LT:  Well, with my supermodel good looks and my incredible vision (honest, I have really, really good eyesight), I could probably get any job I want.  Before my daughter was born, though, I worked in education politics.  That means I worked on school levy campaigns and with state legislators to get more money for public schools.  And yes, it was as glamorous as it sounds.  And like Michele, I spent some time in the trenches as a teacher of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.  We know kids.  Now, I have one toddler who keeps me on my toes.  I enjoy long walks on the beach and candlelit dinners of macaroni and cheese and peanut butter and jelly.  Oh, and Michele and I met in a PEPS support group for new moms (do you know about PEPS?  Check them out here.).  IBP: Which one of you is available if I would like to get a personal tour of the Eastside? LT: You probably want to go with me. Michele is great, but… MJ: Oh, Lexie. Don't make me pull your hair and start a catfight.