Love,The Jensens (and their driveway)
31.12.07
30.12.07
27.12.07
19.12.07
Holiday Hoopla
From Ann
1. List 12 random things about yourself that have to do with Christmas : DONE
2. Please refer to it as a 'hoopla' and not the dreaded 'm'-word : OK I DID IT, BUT I HEART RICHARD DAWKINS SO MUCH IT KINDA PAINED ME
3. You have to specifically tag people when you're done. None of this "if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged" stuff is allowed.: YOU CAN'T MAAAAKE MEEEE...
4. Please try and do it as quickly as possible. The Christmas season will be over before we know it: GEEZ, PRESSURE PRESSURE.
HERE GOES:
1) I love snowflakes. I want snowflake tattoos. I get silly when I get an actual snowflake (rather than a snow clump) on my coat. I called Conor the other day to tell him a snowflake landed on me. ] I want this book.
3) I also love stockings, but I'm too cheap to buy nice ones. I think I'll make some soon. When I was a kid we had these knit Snoopy stockings. They were really cute until you wanted to get your loot out and you had to disengage everything from the mess of yarn that was the inside of the stocking. About the only thing you could get out of it was an orange or some similarly edgeless item.
6) I have a little 3 tree cluster that I wired ornaments onto that we put outside. It's super cute. Conor has had to move it so many times, and it doesn't fit in a box. He has an irrational hatred of this tree and tries to come up with a reason to throw it away every time he comes across it.
1. List 12 random things about yourself that have to do with Christmas : DONE
2. Please refer to it as a 'hoopla' and not the dreaded 'm'-word : OK I DID IT, BUT I HEART RICHARD DAWKINS SO MUCH IT KINDA PAINED ME
3. You have to specifically tag people when you're done. None of this "if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged" stuff is allowed.: YOU CAN'T MAAAAKE MEEEE...
4. Please try and do it as quickly as possible. The Christmas season will be over before we know it: GEEZ, PRESSURE PRESSURE.
HERE GOES:
1) I love snowflakes. I want snowflake tattoos. I get silly when I get an actual snowflake (rather than a snow clump) on my coat. I called Conor the other day to tell him a snowflake landed on me. ] I want this book.
2) One of Conor's husbandly duties is to get me an ornament every year.
He got me 3 pottery barn snowflakes last year that I adore.
He got me 3 pottery barn snowflakes last year that I adore.
3) I also love stockings, but I'm too cheap to buy nice ones. I think I'll make some soon. When I was a kid we had these knit Snoopy stockings. They were really cute until you wanted to get your loot out and you had to disengage everything from the mess of yarn that was the inside of the stocking. About the only thing you could get out of it was an orange or some similarly edgeless item.
4) As a kid, our Christmas tree broke in half and for years we put it on a little round table so it wouldn't be 3 feet tall. Our neighbor called it the "Tannenbush".
5) Also as a kid, we had a big spire on top of our tree. We always thought it was totally LAME,
and wanted a star like normal people. What do I have on my tree now? A big ol' spire.
and wanted a star like normal people. What do I have on my tree now? A big ol' spire.
6) I have a little 3 tree cluster that I wired ornaments onto that we put outside. It's super cute. Conor has had to move it so many times, and it doesn't fit in a box. He has an irrational hatred of this tree and tries to come up with a reason to throw it away every time he comes across it.
7) The bottom third of our tree is pretty bare. Guess why.
8) I have never sent out Christmas cards. I'm not on the ball that way. I think I may have a tradition of sending out New Years cards.
9) I have also never had a live tree. I've always wanted one. I'm also not on the ball enough to keep it alive.
10) I wonder why people can't write witty self-deprecating Christmas letters. People take them too seriously. I can't stand the kid bragging. People take way too much credit for stuff their kids do.
11) Violet has expanded her Little People nativity.
LOOK OUT BABY JESUS!
LOOK OUT BABY JESUS!
12) My favorite ornaments I made several years ago from card stock. I painted them with either silver or a pearl paint, spray adhesive and really fine glitter. I hung them with a loop of copper colored wire. They catch the light on the tree so beautifully.
13.12.07
That's the Christmas spirit!
If Christians believe, as they claim, that God is omniscient and omnipotent. They have to then believe that the death of Christ was pretty carefully planned out and (pardon the bad pun) executed. If that is the case, then stop blaming the Jews for his death. Blame God. It was his idea.
...and peace on earth, good will towards men. 'cept them dirty Jews. And that Muslim guy.
...and peace on earth, good will towards men. 'cept them dirty Jews. And that Muslim guy.
10.12.07
Full Metal Rudolph
The censored version. I think the jingle bells make it funnier. We've watched Rudolph about 30 times this week.
8.12.07
30.11.07
I wish I found this funny. I really do. Unfortunately, I want to vomit while punching her in the head.
I by no means think that to succeed in life, one needs to know the capital of Hungary. There are plenty plenty plenty of world capitals I don't know. Of course, I have a world map for a shower curtain, so I learn while I bathe. But an occasional look around at the world outside of pop music might avail a person the opportunity to not make a total fool of oneself on national television. I guess it speaks to a larger problem of our myopic view of the world. Everyone doesn't have to be well versed in world geography. People live their lives productively without it. I don't quiz my plumber. I just hope he knows how to plumb. Perhaps I shouldn't expect my pop stars to do more than....well, pop?
I by no means think that to succeed in life, one needs to know the capital of Hungary. There are plenty plenty plenty of world capitals I don't know. Of course, I have a world map for a shower curtain, so I learn while I bathe. But an occasional look around at the world outside of pop music might avail a person the opportunity to not make a total fool of oneself on national television. I guess it speaks to a larger problem of our myopic view of the world. Everyone doesn't have to be well versed in world geography. People live their lives productively without it. I don't quiz my plumber. I just hope he knows how to plumb. Perhaps I shouldn't expect my pop stars to do more than....well, pop?
29.11.07
24.11.07
8.11.07
6.11.07
Religious Indoctrination
The Veggie Tales have landed. Those people over there at Big Idea have damned me. The songs are infections, the dialogue engaging. Saturated in religion. I can't bring myself to ban it. They have songs about homophones. They have haikus.....HAIKUS PEOPLE! The last one we watched had some pretty offensive stuff about pagans. That pissed me off. The God references are overwhelming. Why does it have to be so GOOD? Harumph.
3.11.07
1.11.07
31.10.07
26.10.07
23.10.07
Conor has successfully completed tech school: (party hats and streamers!)
He graduated as "Distinguished Graduate" with an unheard of 98%.
While in tech school, he also maintained a 4.0 in college through online courses.
Somehow, he also managed to read these:
WHAT THE HELL? I'm becoming concerned that he may be a robot.
He graduated as "Distinguished Graduate" with an unheard of 98%.
While in tech school, he also maintained a 4.0 in college through online courses.
Somehow, he also managed to read these:
WHAT THE HELL? I'm becoming concerned that he may be a robot.
15.10.07
Sadly, Sesame Street depicts bottle-feeding as the norm now. But this clip is so sweet. I had a little boy ask me if Finn was eating my arm.
13.10.07
Like a dog in heat
Every time I hear the commercials for the period-eliminating contraceptives, I find it a little disconcerting. I tend to embrace being a woman, and believe that even if this pill proves "safe" over the long term (which I doubt), that eliminating the menstrual cycle in adult women will have other lasting ill effects on the psyche, the circadian rhythm, and who knows what else. Well now we've come to realize that it may have an even more dire effect. Tips! A new study has shown that lap dancers in their fertile stage get better tips than their counterparts on contraceptives. (FYI, periods while on the pill are kind of "faux" periods anyway." From the study:
But the study does appear to show that the dancers somehow advertise their fertility to men, who then consider them more attractive during this fertile phase, as reflected in their tips. How they advertise, however, and whether they do it consciously, is unclear. "We don't know the mechanism of attraction," says Thornhill, who is also at the University of New Mexico but was not involved with the study. "Are the men detecting the scent of oestrus? Or does the women's behaviour change?" he asks.
But the study does appear to show that the dancers somehow advertise their fertility to men, who then consider them more attractive during this fertile phase, as reflected in their tips. How they advertise, however, and whether they do it consciously, is unclear. "We don't know the mechanism of attraction," says Thornhill, who is also at the University of New Mexico but was not involved with the study. "Are the men detecting the scent of oestrus? Or does the women's behaviour change?" he asks.
ideas, ideas, ideas!
I don't know if anyone has heard of TED. It is an annual conference for the free exchange of ideas. I'm addicted to the videos of the speakers. My latest obsession is this one.
She is a lexicographer who has such a refreshing view of language evolution. I tend to be a straight-laced, if it isn't in the dictionary, it isn't a real word. A "No you are NOT NAUSEOUS, unless you feel like you make other people sick, you are NAUSEATED!!! I feel like watching this did me some good.
She is a lexicographer who has such a refreshing view of language evolution. I tend to be a straight-laced, if it isn't in the dictionary, it isn't a real word. A "No you are NOT NAUSEOUS, unless you feel like you make other people sick, you are NAUSEATED!!! I feel like watching this did me some good.
11.10.07
5.10.07
McDonald's strip search hoax
You've all probably heard about the young woman at McDonald's who was strip searched, sodomized, forced to masturbate, and forced to perform oral sex on a man in a strange phone hoax. If not here's a link. I watched the victim on 20/20 tonight. While keeping in mind that I in NO WAY blame this young lady for the horrible things that happened to her, I found one thing she said to be very telling. The interviewer asked her why she submitted to the abuse when she could have run (though completely naked) from the office. Her answer was this.
"My parents taught me that when an adult tells you to do something, you do it. When you get your hand slapped, you listen."
It made me think of Violet's speech therapist when we lived in SC. She would pull Violet onto her lap without any sign of an invitation from Violet. That's NOT how she rolls! When Violet would struggle to get away, she would hold onto her, trying to cajole her into staying. I would simply take Violet by the hand and pull her out of the therapist's lap.
For me, it's as simple as this: If you teach your children that adults (ANY adult) are allowed to touch them without their permission, how can you ever expect them to be able to know when it isn't OK for an adult to touch them?
For me, it extends much further. Teach children to question authority. Even their parents.
"My parents taught me that when an adult tells you to do something, you do it. When you get your hand slapped, you listen."
It made me think of Violet's speech therapist when we lived in SC. She would pull Violet onto her lap without any sign of an invitation from Violet. That's NOT how she rolls! When Violet would struggle to get away, she would hold onto her, trying to cajole her into staying. I would simply take Violet by the hand and pull her out of the therapist's lap.
For me, it's as simple as this: If you teach your children that adults (ANY adult) are allowed to touch them without their permission, how can you ever expect them to be able to know when it isn't OK for an adult to touch them?
For me, it extends much further. Teach children to question authority. Even their parents.
In pharma's pocket
Not that I was remotely considering voting for Mitten Romney, but I just realized that he is the governor who overturned the Massachusetts legislature's decision to prohibit the distribution of those good ol' formula stuffed goody bags to new mothers by hospitals. Nothing like saying that breastfeeding thing (the one the the AAP recommends) ain't REALLY going to work out. So we'll just stock you up on formula now. I actually had a nurse come trotting out of the room bringing me the several cans of formula that I deliberately left sitting in the room. Possibly the same nurse who asked Conor "what possessed" me to have natural childbirth. I traipsed out with a "No thanks, we don't need it."Check out this handy breastfeeding in public pocket guide. Somebody...ahem.....needs to get crackin' in Idaho. They have NO legislation protecting public breastfeeding.
4.10.07
The realist in me knows that some savvy ad-exec came up with a really clever way to sell beauty products by marketing them in a pro-woman anti-patriarchy anti-beauty standards package. The optimist in me still likes it. There is a part of me wishing I was radical enough to hate it though. I applaud Unilever (Dove's parent company) for banning models with a BMI below 18.5. However they are still selling us on the necessity of being hairless and smelling like baby powder. They also sell skin-lightening cream in India. I'm going to tentatively go with applauding this sliver of corporate responsibility and hoping it spreads.
3.10.07
Hometown Pride!
Why am I not home to rally??!!! Aurora Planned Parenthood has fought the good fight, and is now open! Congratulations!And now a quote from Obama: ( I could possibly vote for any man who can say "pap" in an interview without falling apart.)
"I fully support Planned Parenthood's desire to open a new facility in Aurora. Planned Parenthood will provide a valuable and necessary service to the Aurora community, which has seen an increase in the uninsured population, as well as an increase in sexually transmitted disease rates. The proposed center will serve the growing population in a part of the state where access to a full range of reproductive health care services is lacking. Every day the health center is not open, more women go without critical services such as pap tests, contraceptive care, cancer screening, and breast exams."
"I hope the investigation by city officials into the permit process can be concluded as quickly and fairly as possible, so that this important facility can begin its operations."
Chavez
Seing as how I think Bush is the Devil too, I feel a little kinship with Chavez. Such as his rejection of western beauty standards. He has recently decried the growing practice of giving breast implants as 15th birthday presents.
29.9.07
My thoughts exactly
Behaviorism is as American as rewarding children with apple pie. We’re a busy people, with fortunes to make and lands to conquer. We don’t have time for theories or complications: Just give us techniques that work. If firing thousands of employees succeeds in boosting the company’s stock price; if imposing a scripted, mind-numbing curriculum succeeds in raising students’ test scores; if relying on bribes and threats succeeds in making children obey, then there’s no need to ask, “But for how long does it work? And at what cost?”
-Alfie Kohn
From his review of Supernanny
(his brilliant review...in my opinion)
-Alfie Kohn
From his review of Supernanny
(his brilliant review...in my opinion)
25.8.07
I have recently had a conversation that makes this so poignant for me. I have always adored Mother Teresa, though at odds with her faith. I was touched by her honesty.
17.8.07
hello, memaw?
My phone has been broken for quite some time. Since there is quite literally NO place within 100 miles of where I'm staying in Southern Illinois to get a Sprint phone repaired, Conor took it with him to Missouri. I have made several trips back and forth with 2 kids and no phone. Not so safe. I called to inquire about the status of my phone repair. It has been several weeks. My phone was not fixed. Conor called them up and layed the smack down. (It was kinda hot). So he got me a loaner phone. The person who had the phone before me left me contact numbers for Cody, Memaw, and Pappap. My ring tone options where Third Day and Larry the Cable Guy. There was a very blurry and too close picture of a hound dog of some sort.
You may henceforth refer to me as Dr. Doom
Your results:
You are Dr. Doom
Click here to take the Supervillain Personality Quiz
You are Dr. Doom
| Blessed with smarts and power but burdened by vanity. |
Click here to take the Supervillain Personality Quiz
4.8.07
good, bad, indifferent?
We had family photos taken before Conor went to tech school. We took a mid photo session break to put Finn down for a nap, and returned to take some pictures of just me and Conor. Walking downstairs with the photographer, she posed the strangest question I've ever been asked. I'm sure she was just attempting to make small talk. Nonetheless. Weirdest. Question. Ever.
She asked "Are your kids good?"
"Good?" I replied.
"Like, well-behaved," she answered.
WHAT?
I responded rather awkwardly that one was a toddler and one was a baby.
Now I'm of the opinion that babies cannot and do not misbehave. And well toddlers....If they aren't "misbehaving" (and I take some exception to that term) they probably aren't alive.
I've decided if anyone ever asks me if my kids are "good"..... as opposed to rotten to the core, I will respond:
Good? No way. That little one knocked over a liquor store. The girl uses the F-word constantly, and I've caught her with men in her bed. Twice.
She asked "Are your kids good?"
"Good?" I replied.
"Like, well-behaved," she answered.
WHAT?
I responded rather awkwardly that one was a toddler and one was a baby.
Now I'm of the opinion that babies cannot and do not misbehave. And well toddlers....If they aren't "misbehaving" (and I take some exception to that term) they probably aren't alive.
I've decided if anyone ever asks me if my kids are "good"..... as opposed to rotten to the core, I will respond:
Good? No way. That little one knocked over a liquor store. The girl uses the F-word constantly, and I've caught her with men in her bed. Twice.
23.7.07
silliness. where is danny masterson and heath ledger? i do find it humerous that i've been in love with kenneth branagh since i was 15 though.
15.7.07
11.7.07
Look at me! I'm participating.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope. I'm not Nathan though. God named him. Harumph.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Hrm. A couple weeks I think.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Ham. Nitrate free, of course.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Indeed. I have 2. The Flower and the Finn.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON , WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? That would be assuming I want more than my 2 friends.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Me?
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Before I had kids. Not now.
10. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Archer Farms Blueberry Flax Granola
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I don't even know the last time I wore tie shoes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Nothing stronger than natural childbirth.
13. What IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Vanilla. VANILLA???!!!
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyebrows.
15. RED OR PINK? Pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? I'm a scaredy cat.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? The fam.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Sure thing.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE You Wearing? Brown pajama pants. Barefoot.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Chicken Salad.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? I'm watching The Royal Tennenbaums.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Bittersweet.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Baby booby-milk breath.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Conor.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? It's DA MOMMA.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Curling. Shuffleboard.
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown. The plain brown that grows out of my head.
28. EYE COLOR? Blue.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No. I actually just had an eye exam. Thrilled at the prospect that perhaps my eyesight had deteriorated to the point I could feasibly wear glasses. No such luck. Perfect vision, still.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Hmm. I like fried okra like Momma. I like meat. I like pork too. Filthy delicious pork.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS I love scary movies. And I've been told I'm not happy with a movie until everyone is dead.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Before the one I'm watching now? "The Vanishing" A french mystery flick.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Purple. Maternity turned pajamas.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Can I pick Autumn? I don't dig hot summer. I don't mind winter.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Um. I'm a Prickly PEAR!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? I like vanilla custard.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I'm skipping this one.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? This one too.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I just finished "Siblings Without Rivalry", now I'm starting "The Continuum Concept".
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? My finger. I have a laptop.
41. WHAT DO YOU WATCH ON T.V ? I don't have TV.
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Laughing babies.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? I hate the Rolling Stones. Bleh.
44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? India
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Not really.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Illinois.
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? All my peeps.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope. I'm not Nathan though. God named him. Harumph.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Hrm. A couple weeks I think.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Ham. Nitrate free, of course.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Indeed. I have 2. The Flower and the Finn.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON , WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? That would be assuming I want more than my 2 friends.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Me?
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Before I had kids. Not now.
10. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Archer Farms Blueberry Flax Granola
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I don't even know the last time I wore tie shoes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Nothing stronger than natural childbirth.
13. What IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Vanilla. VANILLA???!!!
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyebrows.
15. RED OR PINK? Pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? I'm a scaredy cat.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? The fam.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Sure thing.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE You Wearing? Brown pajama pants. Barefoot.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Chicken Salad.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? I'm watching The Royal Tennenbaums.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Bittersweet.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Baby booby-milk breath.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Conor.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? It's DA MOMMA.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Curling. Shuffleboard.
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown. The plain brown that grows out of my head.
28. EYE COLOR? Blue.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No. I actually just had an eye exam. Thrilled at the prospect that perhaps my eyesight had deteriorated to the point I could feasibly wear glasses. No such luck. Perfect vision, still.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Hmm. I like fried okra like Momma. I like meat. I like pork too. Filthy delicious pork.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS I love scary movies. And I've been told I'm not happy with a movie until everyone is dead.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Before the one I'm watching now? "The Vanishing" A french mystery flick.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Purple. Maternity turned pajamas.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Can I pick Autumn? I don't dig hot summer. I don't mind winter.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Um. I'm a Prickly PEAR!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? I like vanilla custard.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I'm skipping this one.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? This one too.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I just finished "Siblings Without Rivalry", now I'm starting "The Continuum Concept".
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? My finger. I have a laptop.
41. WHAT DO YOU WATCH ON T.V ? I don't have TV.
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Laughing babies.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? I hate the Rolling Stones. Bleh.
44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? India
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Not really.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Illinois.
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? All my peeps.
3.7.07
I apologize if your search engine has lead you here
I thought it was quite enjoyable that I was doing a post about the Wiggles just after my last post.
So here are my thoughts on the Wiggles.
Apparently, it isn't cool to watch the Wiggles. Hipsters don't let their kids watch the Wiggles. There are cool artists out there making music for kids. Unfortunately, the Wiggles have something that toddlers totally dig.
NOW. My options are 1) Make damned sure my kids fit into my definition of what is cool or 2) Trust my kids to know what they like and don't like.
Provided it isn't damaging in someway (other than to the coolness factor), I'm going with option #2. I suppose option 3 would be to have never exposed her to them, but that ship has sailed.
I certainly think you should expose kids to all sorts of music and stimuli and what not. Even tell them what you think of it. But that's where my job ends.
29.6.07
This post is about alternative forms of sex
Thought I'd throw that warning out there.
I was involved in a discussion about the "True Love Waits" sort of pledge for chastity. 4 peer reviewed studies have found these bizarre ceremonies where Daddy pledges his protection of his daughter's "purity" to be essentially totally ineffective. It did, however, find high instances of anal sex in pledgers. I was stunned by this, as I was under the impression that the Bible forbade anal sex. Apparantly not. Although arguable by those who believe that sex should be for procreation. Nonetheless, I found a website that had THIS to say:
This is a good question: If you’re going to have sexual contact before marriage, why not just go the whole nine yards and have regular sex? There are many good reasons for having anal sex instead. The first reason is practical: having conventional vaginal intercourse can lead to unwanted pregnancies. While it’s true that the Lord bade us to “be fruitful and multiply,” (Gen 1:22) the Bible also counsels that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecl. 3:1) Pregnancy outside of wedlock can have dire and life-altering consequences for all those involved. Having anal sex allows you to greatly reduce this risk.
Second, for a young woman who has never engaged in sexual intercourse, having anal sex allows her to preserve her virginity (i.e., maintain an intact hymen) until marriage. There is no greater gift that a bride can give than to offer her pure, unsullied maidenhead to her husband on their wedding night.
Finally, anal sex allows both partners to save the most intimate and powerful sexual act, that of face-to-face vaginal intercourse, for their mates in marriage. This type of sexual relationship represents the most powerful union between a man and a woman, and so it rightfully should be reserved for one’s life partner. Fortunately, you can engage in anal sex prior to marriage and still be able to share the deeper, more meaningful act of consecrated love through vaginal intercourse with your wedded spouse
WHA? That is possibly the most bizarre thing I've read. This week anyway. I didn't link to it, because I really don't want them visiting me. If you're interested in the website, it is called "Sex in Christ".
Now. Let us discuss this purity nonsense. I respect a young woman's decision to wait to have sex until she is married, ready, 17 and three quarters, whatever. In other words, I respect her decision. What I do not respect is this notion that virginity is some prize that belongs to Daddy, and then to a husband. A virgin is no more "pure" than a non-virgin. What would that make her? Sullied, dirty, sinful? I realize the patriarchal religious roots. I do. I'm not addressing those. I'm addressing logical thougtful reasoning. I think if we can get away from seeing virginity as some sort of prize, it will go a long way toward viewing women as whole beings, rather than by the status of their hymen.
I'm sick of the idea that sex between myself and my husband is somehow lesser because we'd both had previous sexual partners. I remember this skit I did in church once. I had a paper heart and I slowly tore pieces off and gave them to different boys. Then when my "husband" came along, I only had a tiny little piece to give him. I have found that to be slightly misleading in reality. As I did not have a tiny remaning fraction of myself to give to him. I had a whole person. Me. With all my experiences that made me the person he loved.
Well when it comes to YOUR daughter, you'll think differently. Yes, I can hear your thoughts. Something else I'm sick of: The idea that teenaged girls are somehow pressured into sex as if they aren't sexual beings. They aren't someone's future wife, they are THEM. Making their own decisions. Nothing good will come of further demonizing sex, with the implication that for a woman, it makes her less than she was. That social construct will do nothing but perpetuate the idea that a woman's body belongs to someone other than HER. How 'bout I empower my kids to make informed decisions that are best for them and their partner.
Excuse my rant. It had nothing to do with any of you.
I was involved in a discussion about the "True Love Waits" sort of pledge for chastity. 4 peer reviewed studies have found these bizarre ceremonies where Daddy pledges his protection of his daughter's "purity" to be essentially totally ineffective. It did, however, find high instances of anal sex in pledgers. I was stunned by this, as I was under the impression that the Bible forbade anal sex. Apparantly not. Although arguable by those who believe that sex should be for procreation. Nonetheless, I found a website that had THIS to say:
This is a good question: If you’re going to have sexual contact before marriage, why not just go the whole nine yards and have regular sex? There are many good reasons for having anal sex instead. The first reason is practical: having conventional vaginal intercourse can lead to unwanted pregnancies. While it’s true that the Lord bade us to “be fruitful and multiply,” (Gen 1:22) the Bible also counsels that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecl. 3:1) Pregnancy outside of wedlock can have dire and life-altering consequences for all those involved. Having anal sex allows you to greatly reduce this risk.
Second, for a young woman who has never engaged in sexual intercourse, having anal sex allows her to preserve her virginity (i.e., maintain an intact hymen) until marriage. There is no greater gift that a bride can give than to offer her pure, unsullied maidenhead to her husband on their wedding night.
Finally, anal sex allows both partners to save the most intimate and powerful sexual act, that of face-to-face vaginal intercourse, for their mates in marriage. This type of sexual relationship represents the most powerful union between a man and a woman, and so it rightfully should be reserved for one’s life partner. Fortunately, you can engage in anal sex prior to marriage and still be able to share the deeper, more meaningful act of consecrated love through vaginal intercourse with your wedded spouse
WHA? That is possibly the most bizarre thing I've read. This week anyway. I didn't link to it, because I really don't want them visiting me. If you're interested in the website, it is called "Sex in Christ".
Now. Let us discuss this purity nonsense. I respect a young woman's decision to wait to have sex until she is married, ready, 17 and three quarters, whatever. In other words, I respect her decision. What I do not respect is this notion that virginity is some prize that belongs to Daddy, and then to a husband. A virgin is no more "pure" than a non-virgin. What would that make her? Sullied, dirty, sinful? I realize the patriarchal religious roots. I do. I'm not addressing those. I'm addressing logical thougtful reasoning. I think if we can get away from seeing virginity as some sort of prize, it will go a long way toward viewing women as whole beings, rather than by the status of their hymen.
I'm sick of the idea that sex between myself and my husband is somehow lesser because we'd both had previous sexual partners. I remember this skit I did in church once. I had a paper heart and I slowly tore pieces off and gave them to different boys. Then when my "husband" came along, I only had a tiny little piece to give him. I have found that to be slightly misleading in reality. As I did not have a tiny remaning fraction of myself to give to him. I had a whole person. Me. With all my experiences that made me the person he loved.
Well when it comes to YOUR daughter, you'll think differently. Yes, I can hear your thoughts. Something else I'm sick of: The idea that teenaged girls are somehow pressured into sex as if they aren't sexual beings. They aren't someone's future wife, they are THEM. Making their own decisions. Nothing good will come of further demonizing sex, with the implication that for a woman, it makes her less than she was. That social construct will do nothing but perpetuate the idea that a woman's body belongs to someone other than HER. How 'bout I empower my kids to make informed decisions that are best for them and their partner.
Excuse my rant. It had nothing to do with any of you.
25.6.07
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) -- An inmate stole the gun from a corrections officer and shot him to death Monday when the prisoner was unshackled for a doctor's appointment, authorities said.
Curtis Allgier fled the University of Utah medical center on foot, carjacked a Ford Explorer and was captured miles away at an Arby's restaurant after a high-speed chase.
Curtis Allgier fled the University of Utah medical center on foot, carjacked a Ford Explorer and was captured miles away at an Arby's restaurant after a high-speed chase.
So how far did this guy think he was going to get? I think he would find it ulitmately difficult to go incognito.
6.6.07
What The World Eats
A Time Magazine photo essay. It's really fascinating. Take a look. Tell me who you most closely resemble.
3.6.07
Take a whiff
ATTENTION LURKERS: I know you have favorite smells. Everyone does..... Delurk already.
Having just taken a big breath of hot rain, I got to thinking about my favorite smells. What are your top 5?
5) Summer thunderstorm
Not very original.
4) Starbucks bathroom soap
Seriously. That stuff smells great.
3) Jasmine.
The actual flowers, not pseudoscent. They remind me of India. They were incorporated into womens' braids and garlands. It's a bonus if they happen to be mixed with the smell of street vendors' cooking. As you can imagine, that doesn't happen too often.
2)Wood-fire
There is something very nostalgic about it. I suppose because I grew up with a wood stove in the basement.
1) Breastmilk breath. There is not a sweeter smell on earth than baby's breath au booby-milk. I heard someone describe it as "applesauce breath". That's pretty close, but I think it's really indescribable.
Coincidence?
Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries:
1 Norway
2 New Zealand
3 Denmark
4 Ireland
5 Japan
6 Finland
7 Sweden
8 Canada
9 Portugal
10 Austria
(We're number 96 by the way)
FULL LIST
19 countries have banned spanking. They are:
Finland
Norway
Austria
Cyprus
Italy
Croatia
Latvia
United Kingdom
Denmark
Israel
Germany
Greece
Portugal
Sweden
Bulgaria
Iceland
Romania
Ukraine
Hungary
Canada,Switzerland,and Belgium have limited bans that depend on a child's age.
The top ten peaceful countries are:
*Norway
New Zealand
*Denmark
Ireland
Japan
*Finland
*Sweden
*Canada
*Portugal
*Austria
1 Norway
2 New Zealand
3 Denmark
4 Ireland
5 Japan
6 Finland
7 Sweden
8 Canada
9 Portugal
10 Austria
(We're number 96 by the way)
FULL LIST
19 countries have banned spanking. They are:
Finland
Norway
Austria
Cyprus
Italy
Croatia
Latvia
United Kingdom
Denmark
Israel
Germany
Greece
Portugal
Sweden
Bulgaria
Iceland
Romania
Ukraine
Hungary
Canada,Switzerland,and Belgium have limited bans that depend on a child's age.
The top ten peaceful countries are:
*Norway
New Zealand
*Denmark
Ireland
Japan
*Finland
*Sweden
*Canada
*Portugal
*Austria
2.6.07
You make every day special, just by being you.
From Mental Floss Magazine
15 Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever
Back when I was in 7th grade I stood up in front of my English class and delivered a tongue-in-cheek, poorly researched presentation on why I thought Mister Rogers should be the next President. I ate up the first few minutes zipping up my cardigan, and putting on some sneakers, and then I proceeded to mock him roundly. It was a riotous success. Fourteen years later, I’m using this post to repent. The following are 15 things everyone should know about Fred Rogers:
1. Even Koko the Gorilla loved him
Most people have heard of Koko, the Stanford-educated gorilla who could speak about 1000 words in American Sign Language, and understand about 2000 in English. What most people don’t know, however, is that Koko was an avid Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fan. As Esquire reported, when Fred Rogers took a trip out to meet Koko for his show, not only did she immediately wrap her arms around him and embrace him, she did what she’d always seen him do onscreen: she proceeded to take his shoes off!
2. He Made Thieves Think Twice
According to a TV Guide piece on him, Fred Rogers drove a plain old Impala for years. One day, however, the car was stolen from the street near the TV station. When Rogers filed a police report, the story was picked up by every newspaper, radio and media outlet around town. Amazingly, within 48 hours the car was left in the exact spot where it was taken from, with an apology on the dashboard. It read, “If we’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it.”
3. He Watched His Figure to the Pound!
In covering Rogers’ daily routine (waking up at 5; praying for a few hours for all of his friends and family; studying; writing, making calls and reaching out to every fan who took the time to write him; going for a morning swim; getting on a scale; then really starting his day), writer Tom Junod explained that Mr. Rogers weighed in at exactly 143 pounds every day for the last 30 years of his life. He didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, didn’t eat the flesh of any animals, and was extremely disciplined in his daily routine. And while I’m not sure if any of that was because he’d mostly grown up a chubby, single child, Junod points out that Rogers found beauty in the number 143. According to the piece, Rogers came “to see that number as a gift… because, as he says, “the number 143 means ‘I love you.’ It takes one letter to say ‘I’ and four letters to say ‘love’ and three letters to say ‘you.’ One hundred and forty-three.”
4. He Saved Both Public Television and the VCR
Strange but true. When the government wanted to cut Public Television funds in 1969, the relatively unknown Mister Rogers went to Washington. Almost straight out of a Capra film, his 5-6 minute testimony on how TV had the potential to give kids hope and create more productive citizens was so simple but passionate that even the most gruff politicians were charmed. While the budget should have been cut, the funding instead jumped from $9 to $22 million. Rogers also spoke to Congress, and swayed senators into voting to allow VCR’s to record television shows from the home. It was a cantankerous debate at the time, but his argument was that recording a program like his allowed working parents to sit down with their children and watch shows as a family.
5. He Might Have Been the Most Tolerant American Ever
Mister Rogers seems to have been almost exactly the same off-screen as he was onscreen. Despite being an ordained Presbyterian minister, and a man of tremendous faith, Mister Rogers preached tolerance first. Whenever he was asked to castigate non-Christians or gays for their differing beliefs, he would instead face them and say, with sincerity, “God loves you just the way you are.” Often this provoked ire from fundamentalists.
6. He Was Genuinely Curious about Others
Mister Rogers was known as one of the toughest interviews because he’d often befriend reporters, asking them tons of questions, taking pictures of them, compiling an album for them at the end of their time together, and calling them after to check in on them and hear about their families. He wasn’t concerned with himself, and genuinely loved hearing the life stories of others. Amazingly, it wasn’t just with reporters. Once, on a fancy trip up to a PBS exec’s house, he heard the limo driver was going to wait outside for 2 hours, so he insisted the driver come in and join them (which flustered the host). On the way back, Rogers sat up front, and when he learned that they were passing the driver’s home on the way, he asked if they could stop in to meet his family. According to the driver, it was one of the best nights of his life—the house supposedly lit up when Rogers arrived, and he played jazz piano and bantered with them late into the night. Further, like with the reporters, Rogers sent him notes and kept in touch with the driver for the rest of his life.
7. He was Color-blind
Literally. He couldn’t see the color blue. Of course, he was also figuratively color-blind, as you probably guessed. As were his parents who took in a black foster child when Rogers was growing up.
8. He Could Make a Subway Car full of Strangers Sing
Once while rushing to a New York meeting, there were no cabs available, so Rogers and one of his colleagues hopped on the subway. Esquire reported that the car was filled with people, and they assumed they wouldn’t be noticed. But when the crowd spotted Rogers, they all simultaneously burst into song, chanting “It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood.” The result made Rogers smile wide.
A few other things:
9. He got into TV because he hated TV. The first time he turned one on, he saw people angrily throwing pies in each other’s faces. He immediately vowed to use the medium for better than that. Over the years he covered topics as varied as why kids shouldn’t be scared of a haircut, or the bathroom drain (because you won’t fit!), to divorce and war.
10. He was an Ivy League Dropout. Rogers moved from Dartmouth to Rollins College to pursue his studies in music.
11. He composed all the songs on the show, and over 200 tunes.
12. He was a perfectionist, and disliked ad libbing. He felt he owed it to children to make sure every word on his show was thought out.
13. Michael Keaton got his start on the show as an assistant– helping puppeteer and operate the trolley.
14. Several characters on the show are named for his family. Queen Sara is named after Rogers’ wife, and the postman Mr. McFeely is named for his maternal grandfather who always talked to him like an adult, and reminded young Fred that he made every day special just by being himself. Sound familiar? It was the same way Mister Rogers closed every show.
15. The sweaters. Every one of the cardigans he wore on the show had been hand-knit by his mother.
15 Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever
Back when I was in 7th grade I stood up in front of my English class and delivered a tongue-in-cheek, poorly researched presentation on why I thought Mister Rogers should be the next President. I ate up the first few minutes zipping up my cardigan, and putting on some sneakers, and then I proceeded to mock him roundly. It was a riotous success. Fourteen years later, I’m using this post to repent. The following are 15 things everyone should know about Fred Rogers:
1. Even Koko the Gorilla loved him
Most people have heard of Koko, the Stanford-educated gorilla who could speak about 1000 words in American Sign Language, and understand about 2000 in English. What most people don’t know, however, is that Koko was an avid Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fan. As Esquire reported, when Fred Rogers took a trip out to meet Koko for his show, not only did she immediately wrap her arms around him and embrace him, she did what she’d always seen him do onscreen: she proceeded to take his shoes off!
2. He Made Thieves Think Twice
According to a TV Guide piece on him, Fred Rogers drove a plain old Impala for years. One day, however, the car was stolen from the street near the TV station. When Rogers filed a police report, the story was picked up by every newspaper, radio and media outlet around town. Amazingly, within 48 hours the car was left in the exact spot where it was taken from, with an apology on the dashboard. It read, “If we’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it.”
3. He Watched His Figure to the Pound!
In covering Rogers’ daily routine (waking up at 5; praying for a few hours for all of his friends and family; studying; writing, making calls and reaching out to every fan who took the time to write him; going for a morning swim; getting on a scale; then really starting his day), writer Tom Junod explained that Mr. Rogers weighed in at exactly 143 pounds every day for the last 30 years of his life. He didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, didn’t eat the flesh of any animals, and was extremely disciplined in his daily routine. And while I’m not sure if any of that was because he’d mostly grown up a chubby, single child, Junod points out that Rogers found beauty in the number 143. According to the piece, Rogers came “to see that number as a gift… because, as he says, “the number 143 means ‘I love you.’ It takes one letter to say ‘I’ and four letters to say ‘love’ and three letters to say ‘you.’ One hundred and forty-three.”
4. He Saved Both Public Television and the VCR
Strange but true. When the government wanted to cut Public Television funds in 1969, the relatively unknown Mister Rogers went to Washington. Almost straight out of a Capra film, his 5-6 minute testimony on how TV had the potential to give kids hope and create more productive citizens was so simple but passionate that even the most gruff politicians were charmed. While the budget should have been cut, the funding instead jumped from $9 to $22 million. Rogers also spoke to Congress, and swayed senators into voting to allow VCR’s to record television shows from the home. It was a cantankerous debate at the time, but his argument was that recording a program like his allowed working parents to sit down with their children and watch shows as a family.
5. He Might Have Been the Most Tolerant American Ever
Mister Rogers seems to have been almost exactly the same off-screen as he was onscreen. Despite being an ordained Presbyterian minister, and a man of tremendous faith, Mister Rogers preached tolerance first. Whenever he was asked to castigate non-Christians or gays for their differing beliefs, he would instead face them and say, with sincerity, “God loves you just the way you are.” Often this provoked ire from fundamentalists.
6. He Was Genuinely Curious about Others
Mister Rogers was known as one of the toughest interviews because he’d often befriend reporters, asking them tons of questions, taking pictures of them, compiling an album for them at the end of their time together, and calling them after to check in on them and hear about their families. He wasn’t concerned with himself, and genuinely loved hearing the life stories of others. Amazingly, it wasn’t just with reporters. Once, on a fancy trip up to a PBS exec’s house, he heard the limo driver was going to wait outside for 2 hours, so he insisted the driver come in and join them (which flustered the host). On the way back, Rogers sat up front, and when he learned that they were passing the driver’s home on the way, he asked if they could stop in to meet his family. According to the driver, it was one of the best nights of his life—the house supposedly lit up when Rogers arrived, and he played jazz piano and bantered with them late into the night. Further, like with the reporters, Rogers sent him notes and kept in touch with the driver for the rest of his life.
7. He was Color-blind
Literally. He couldn’t see the color blue. Of course, he was also figuratively color-blind, as you probably guessed. As were his parents who took in a black foster child when Rogers was growing up.
8. He Could Make a Subway Car full of Strangers Sing
Once while rushing to a New York meeting, there were no cabs available, so Rogers and one of his colleagues hopped on the subway. Esquire reported that the car was filled with people, and they assumed they wouldn’t be noticed. But when the crowd spotted Rogers, they all simultaneously burst into song, chanting “It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood.” The result made Rogers smile wide.
A few other things:
9. He got into TV because he hated TV. The first time he turned one on, he saw people angrily throwing pies in each other’s faces. He immediately vowed to use the medium for better than that. Over the years he covered topics as varied as why kids shouldn’t be scared of a haircut, or the bathroom drain (because you won’t fit!), to divorce and war.
10. He was an Ivy League Dropout. Rogers moved from Dartmouth to Rollins College to pursue his studies in music.
11. He composed all the songs on the show, and over 200 tunes.
12. He was a perfectionist, and disliked ad libbing. He felt he owed it to children to make sure every word on his show was thought out.
13. Michael Keaton got his start on the show as an assistant– helping puppeteer and operate the trolley.
14. Several characters on the show are named for his family. Queen Sara is named after Rogers’ wife, and the postman Mr. McFeely is named for his maternal grandfather who always talked to him like an adult, and reminded young Fred that he made every day special just by being himself. Sound familiar? It was the same way Mister Rogers closed every show.
15. The sweaters. Every one of the cardigans he wore on the show had been hand-knit by his mother.
you did it!
I've been thinking a lot about praise being the flipside of punishment. I know I've mentioned before that we don't punish. Perhaps I'll post a detailed reasoning sometime. But for now I'm thinking about praise. We try not to praise. Sounds weird, huh? We don't believe in using emotional manipulation, which is one of the reasons we don't punish. We don't use rewards, praise, or punishment to elicit behavior.
As a matter of clarification, I will say to Violet that I really like it when she does such and such. It is an honest statement of appreciation, or a celebration of her accomplishment. What we don't do is use praise as a way to elicit "desired behavior". In other words, we don't use our approval or disapproval of her as a parenting tool. The occasional "good girl" pops out. Which makes me cringe. She's a "good girl" whether she's doing what I want or not.
I met a little girl once who was a praise junkie. She would constantly tell you about her accomplisments, vying desperately for your praise. She had zero self-satisfaction and could only really feel good about what she had done if someone else placed their value judgement on it. When you give kids a "good boy/girl" every time they sneeze, how are they to develop a real sense of accomplisment?
You see this at the park. Wow, you're such a good slider! It's gravity, people. If the child had been previously nervous about sliding and conquered that fear, you could acknowledge that. Like, "Jane, you decided to slide. I'll bet you feel good about that!" Allowing the child to revel in what THEY accomplished, rather than being limited to what YOU think of what they did.
It is my desire that my children learn to do what is right for the right reasons. Not because someone may approve or disapprove, or because they'll be punished if they don't. I want them to pursue what interests them with no concern for what others may think of it. It's a complicated and difficult road to navigate, but I'm feeling my way along.
All this to say Violet has started saying "YOU DID IT!" everytime she finishes something she set out to do.
As a matter of clarification, I will say to Violet that I really like it when she does such and such. It is an honest statement of appreciation, or a celebration of her accomplishment. What we don't do is use praise as a way to elicit "desired behavior". In other words, we don't use our approval or disapproval of her as a parenting tool. The occasional "good girl" pops out. Which makes me cringe. She's a "good girl" whether she's doing what I want or not.
I met a little girl once who was a praise junkie. She would constantly tell you about her accomplisments, vying desperately for your praise. She had zero self-satisfaction and could only really feel good about what she had done if someone else placed their value judgement on it. When you give kids a "good boy/girl" every time they sneeze, how are they to develop a real sense of accomplisment?
You see this at the park. Wow, you're such a good slider! It's gravity, people. If the child had been previously nervous about sliding and conquered that fear, you could acknowledge that. Like, "Jane, you decided to slide. I'll bet you feel good about that!" Allowing the child to revel in what THEY accomplished, rather than being limited to what YOU think of what they did.
It is my desire that my children learn to do what is right for the right reasons. Not because someone may approve or disapprove, or because they'll be punished if they don't. I want them to pursue what interests them with no concern for what others may think of it. It's a complicated and difficult road to navigate, but I'm feeling my way along.
All this to say Violet has started saying "YOU DID IT!" everytime she finishes something she set out to do.
31.5.07
boo hoo
Conor is going off to tech school this summer. Anybody wanna come visit, say July through October?
30.5.07
On Guatanamo
ROMNEY: I am glad [detainees] are at Guantanamo. I don’t want them on our soil. I want them on Guantanamo, where they don’t get the access to lawyers they get when they’re on our soil. I don’t want them in our prisons, I want them there. Some people have said we ought to close Guantanamo. My view is we ought to double Guantanamo.
Let's start scrounging up some more Arabs then. We've got work to do!
GIULIANI: In the hypothetical that you gave me, which assumes that we know there is going to be another attack and these people know about it, I would tell the people who had to do the interrogation to use every method they can think of. Shouldn’t be torture, but every method they can think of.
Like an Irish Jig? What are you implying exactly?
MCCAIN: R-Ariz., agreed that the U.S. should ensure that no prisoner at Guantanamo is subjected to torture. But, he said, closing the prison is premature without a legal resolution to the prisoners’ cases.“I don’t think they deserve a fair jury trial, but there should be some sort of adjudication” to decide whether detainees are held for life, executed or released rather than held indefinitely, McCain said.
Not a fair trial? What kind should it be?
CLINTON: “Guantanamo has become associated in the eyes of the world with a discredited administration policy of abuse, secrecy, and contempt for the rule of law. Rather than keeping us more secure, keeping Guantanamo open is harming our national interests. It compromises our long term military and strategic interests, and it impairs our standing overseas. I have certainly concluded that we should address any security issues on what to do with the remaining detainees, and then close it once and for all,” said Senator Clinton.
Well. Color me impressed.
OBAMA: “We need to bring to a close this sad chapter in American history, and begin a chapter that passes the might of our military to the freedom of our diplomacy and the power of our alliances. And while we are at it, we can close down Guantanamo and we can restore habeas corpus and we can lead with our ideas and our values.”-Barack Obama, Richmond, VA, May 8th
Does this man always speak in poetry? I heart him ever so much.
On the heels of another suicide
Let's start scrounging up some more Arabs then. We've got work to do!
GIULIANI: In the hypothetical that you gave me, which assumes that we know there is going to be another attack and these people know about it, I would tell the people who had to do the interrogation to use every method they can think of. Shouldn’t be torture, but every method they can think of.
Like an Irish Jig? What are you implying exactly?
MCCAIN: R-Ariz., agreed that the U.S. should ensure that no prisoner at Guantanamo is subjected to torture. But, he said, closing the prison is premature without a legal resolution to the prisoners’ cases.“I don’t think they deserve a fair jury trial, but there should be some sort of adjudication” to decide whether detainees are held for life, executed or released rather than held indefinitely, McCain said.
Not a fair trial? What kind should it be?
CLINTON: “Guantanamo has become associated in the eyes of the world with a discredited administration policy of abuse, secrecy, and contempt for the rule of law. Rather than keeping us more secure, keeping Guantanamo open is harming our national interests. It compromises our long term military and strategic interests, and it impairs our standing overseas. I have certainly concluded that we should address any security issues on what to do with the remaining detainees, and then close it once and for all,” said Senator Clinton.
Well. Color me impressed.
OBAMA: “We need to bring to a close this sad chapter in American history, and begin a chapter that passes the might of our military to the freedom of our diplomacy and the power of our alliances. And while we are at it, we can close down Guantanamo and we can restore habeas corpus and we can lead with our ideas and our values.”-Barack Obama, Richmond, VA, May 8th
Does this man always speak in poetry? I heart him ever so much.
On the heels of another suicide
In the proverbial nutshell
1) Kids play in garage
2) Dog pees in garage
3) Baby crawls through pee in garage
4) Baby is stripped, sanitized, and placed on the floor
5) Baby makes it to the fifth stair before Mother notices he's missing
6) Mother returns with Baby to discover Toddler has dumped tupperware full of itsy teeny weeny ponytail holders on the floor
7) Mother re-deposits Baby on the floor, and picks up 700 itsy teeny weeny ponytail holders.
8) Mother turns around to notice Baby is missing
9) Mother collapses at the bottom of the stairs as Baby looks down from the top landing.
2) Dog pees in garage
3) Baby crawls through pee in garage
4) Baby is stripped, sanitized, and placed on the floor
5) Baby makes it to the fifth stair before Mother notices he's missing
6) Mother returns with Baby to discover Toddler has dumped tupperware full of itsy teeny weeny ponytail holders on the floor
7) Mother re-deposits Baby on the floor, and picks up 700 itsy teeny weeny ponytail holders.
8) Mother turns around to notice Baby is missing
9) Mother collapses at the bottom of the stairs as Baby looks down from the top landing.
pictures from a previous accompanied trip up the stairs
24.5.07
Let them cry.
We have no TV. Well we have a TV, but we don't "get" tv. Get it? The satellite man (which sounds more exciting than it is) came to the door today. He wanted to offer us a cheaper option than cable. I stood there with Finnegan (who is currently known as "electric boogaloo") on my hip and told him we didn't have cable. He stood there for a second. "You don't have ANYTHING?" Nope. "Not even with the little one?" I was nice. But seriously. He's ten months old.
Now I'm not going to pretend that we don't watch movies around here. In fact, Violet has a pretty nasty addiction we're attempting to conquer. And by addiction, I mean if she gets hurt, or is generally upset, rather than crying and dealing with her emotions, she wants a movie. So we're working on getting her crying. Sounds kind of strange, I know. But it's what she needs. Don't worry, I'm not pinching her or anything to get her started.
It's just based on the general idea that if you have an emotional upset that you don't deal with (by releasing those emotions through crying or raging) those emotions don't go away. I think people often have this idea that kids have it easy. That crying is a manipulation. That they're not really feeling the emotions they obviously are. Kids feel things intensely. More intensely than you or I. They don't conjure up tears to get what they want. They genuinely feel hurt, confused, disappointed. Any number of things.
We tend to see the emotions of children as pretty one-dimensional. If a child is hurt or frightened and really letting loose, I hear people all the time say things like "Oh, he's MAD!" No he isn't. He's hurt. If you fell down and hit your head and were crying, and I said "Man, you're MAD!", wouldn't you feel a little insulted. Either that, or the pull the old "Oh, you're OK!" No. No, I'm not. I'm hurt. Dumbass. But by cajoling them into ignoring those feelings, we're doing them no favors.
I once saw a little girl trip and fall into a cement drainage ditch. She was holding a pail, and fell with her throat on the pail. Her mother scooped her up. She was terrified, had the wind knocked out of her, and then started making a noise I'll never forget. It sounded a little like a seal barking. So the neighbor starts talking about her fricking shoes. "OOOHHH. I like your shoes. Look how pretty your shoes are!" I wanted to take the shoe and stick it in her mouth. Just ignore your feelings! They'll go away.
I've found a little bit of freedom in the ideas that kids need to cry, just like adults. It does two things. I realize that 1) It is not my fault that she is crying. I have not failed as a parent, because my child is upset. and 2) I don't have to fix it. I hold her. I tell her it's ok to cry when she needs to. I had found myself getting angry when Violet would get upset. This has really changed that. I help her sort through her emotions. I'm patient. I hold her or sit with her. She gets her "sads out". And we go on with our day. Rather than trying to do a song and dance all day while nothing makes her happy, the mood has passed, and been dealt with.
Now I'm not going to pretend that we don't watch movies around here. In fact, Violet has a pretty nasty addiction we're attempting to conquer. And by addiction, I mean if she gets hurt, or is generally upset, rather than crying and dealing with her emotions, she wants a movie. So we're working on getting her crying. Sounds kind of strange, I know. But it's what she needs. Don't worry, I'm not pinching her or anything to get her started.
It's just based on the general idea that if you have an emotional upset that you don't deal with (by releasing those emotions through crying or raging) those emotions don't go away. I think people often have this idea that kids have it easy. That crying is a manipulation. That they're not really feeling the emotions they obviously are. Kids feel things intensely. More intensely than you or I. They don't conjure up tears to get what they want. They genuinely feel hurt, confused, disappointed. Any number of things.
We tend to see the emotions of children as pretty one-dimensional. If a child is hurt or frightened and really letting loose, I hear people all the time say things like "Oh, he's MAD!" No he isn't. He's hurt. If you fell down and hit your head and were crying, and I said "Man, you're MAD!", wouldn't you feel a little insulted. Either that, or the pull the old "Oh, you're OK!" No. No, I'm not. I'm hurt. Dumbass. But by cajoling them into ignoring those feelings, we're doing them no favors.
I once saw a little girl trip and fall into a cement drainage ditch. She was holding a pail, and fell with her throat on the pail. Her mother scooped her up. She was terrified, had the wind knocked out of her, and then started making a noise I'll never forget. It sounded a little like a seal barking. So the neighbor starts talking about her fricking shoes. "OOOHHH. I like your shoes. Look how pretty your shoes are!" I wanted to take the shoe and stick it in her mouth. Just ignore your feelings! They'll go away.
Now, don't for a minute think I'm advocating "crying it out" in the sense that you put a baby in a cage in a dark room and teach them to have a really really healthy relationship with sleep and darkness by screaming themselves to sleep. Or say, hey if you want to cry, cry, I'm leaving. I'm talking about holding a crying child and helping them release pent up emotions.
I've found a little bit of freedom in the ideas that kids need to cry, just like adults. It does two things. I realize that 1) It is not my fault that she is crying. I have not failed as a parent, because my child is upset. and 2) I don't have to fix it. I hold her. I tell her it's ok to cry when she needs to. I had found myself getting angry when Violet would get upset. This has really changed that. I help her sort through her emotions. I'm patient. I hold her or sit with her. She gets her "sads out". And we go on with our day. Rather than trying to do a song and dance all day while nothing makes her happy, the mood has passed, and been dealt with.
The Flipside of the Gardasil Push
Judicial Watch Uncovers Three Deaths Relating to HPV Vaccine Event Reports Obtained from FDA Detail 1,637 Adverse Reactions to Gardasil
(Washington, DC) -- Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today released documents obtained from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, detailing 1,637 reports of adverse reactions to the vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV), Gardasil. Three deaths were related to the vaccine. One physician’s assistant reported that a female patient “died of a blood clot three hours after getting the Gardasil vaccine.” Two other reports, on girls 12 and 19, reported deaths relating to heart problems and/or blood clotting.
As of May 11, 2007, the 1,637 adverse vaccination reactions reported to the FDA via the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) included 371 serious reactions. Of the 42 women who received the vaccine while pregnant, 18 experienced side effects ranging from spontaneous abortion to fetal abnormities.
Side effects published by Merck & Co. warn the public about potential pain, fever, nausea, dizziness and itching after receiving the vaccine. Indeed, 77% of the adverse reactions reported are typical side effects to vaccinations. But other more serious side effects reported include paralysis, Bells Palsy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and seizures.
“The FDA adverse event reports on the HPV vaccine read like a catalog of horrors,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “Any state or local government now beset by Merck’s lobbying campaigns to mandate this HPV vaccine for young girls ought to take a look at these adverse health reports. It looks as if an unproven vaccine with dangerous side effects is being pushed as a miracle drug.”
Judicial Watch filed its request on May 9, 2007, and received the adverse event reports from the FDA on May 15, 2007. Judicial Watch has posted the adverse event reports below.
(A recent study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also questioned the general effectiveness of Gardasil.)
(Washington, DC) -- Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today released documents obtained from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, detailing 1,637 reports of adverse reactions to the vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV), Gardasil. Three deaths were related to the vaccine. One physician’s assistant reported that a female patient “died of a blood clot three hours after getting the Gardasil vaccine.” Two other reports, on girls 12 and 19, reported deaths relating to heart problems and/or blood clotting.
As of May 11, 2007, the 1,637 adverse vaccination reactions reported to the FDA via the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) included 371 serious reactions. Of the 42 women who received the vaccine while pregnant, 18 experienced side effects ranging from spontaneous abortion to fetal abnormities.
Side effects published by Merck & Co. warn the public about potential pain, fever, nausea, dizziness and itching after receiving the vaccine. Indeed, 77% of the adverse reactions reported are typical side effects to vaccinations. But other more serious side effects reported include paralysis, Bells Palsy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and seizures.
“The FDA adverse event reports on the HPV vaccine read like a catalog of horrors,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “Any state or local government now beset by Merck’s lobbying campaigns to mandate this HPV vaccine for young girls ought to take a look at these adverse health reports. It looks as if an unproven vaccine with dangerous side effects is being pushed as a miracle drug.”
Judicial Watch filed its request on May 9, 2007, and received the adverse event reports from the FDA on May 15, 2007. Judicial Watch has posted the adverse event reports below.
(A recent study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also questioned the general effectiveness of Gardasil.)
...but that weed....that'll kill ya!
Visit the website for the reports
22.5.07
Gay Adoption
20.5.07
Belief-O-Matic
| 1. | Liberal Quakers (100%) |
| 2. | Unitarian Universalism (99%) |
| 3. | Mahayana Buddhism (92%) |
| 4. | Neo-Pagan (89%) |
| 5. | New Age (84%) |
| 6. | Theravada Buddhism (84%) |
| 7. | Reform Judaism (82%) |
| 8. | Jainism (82%) |
| 9. | Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (79%) |
| 10. | Secular Humanism (75%) |
| 11. | Bahá'à Faith (72%) |
| 12. | Taoism (70%) |
| 13. | Sikhism (68%) |
| 14. | Hinduism (62%) |
| 15. | Orthodox Quaker (61%) |
| 16. | New Thought (56%) |
| 17. | Scientology (54%) |
| 18. | Orthodox Judaism (53%) |
| 19. | Islam (49%) |
| 20. | Nontheist (47%) |
| 21. | Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (39%) |
| 22. | Seventh Day Adventist (30%) |
| 23. | Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (29%) |
| 24. | Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (27%) |
| 25. | Eastern Orthodox (20%) |
| 26. | Roman Catholic (20%) |
| 27. | Jehovah's Witness (15%) |
I always get the Quakers. I took this years ago, still the Quakers. I don't think I'd be into the silent church thing though.... We probably will start going to the UU church when Conor gets back from Tech School. The closest Friends church is in Downers Grove. I found, while taking the quiz, that it was honestly difficult me to divorce myself from what I was taught to believe, or what I'm "supposed" to believe, and answer the questions with what I actually believe. As hokey as the idea of taking a religion quiz is, it actually raised some interesting issues for me. Like the fact that I have the right to decide what I believe, sans an instruction manual or esteemed clergy to tell me what's allowed. Honestly, the idea that there may be no book out there with the answers is still terrifying, but rather liberating for me. Try it out. Let me know what you get. I'd be really interested to see. Just try to answer the questions honestly, with no residual childhood guilt.
Belief-O-Matic
17.5.07
16.5.07
Remembering the Legacy of Rev. Falwell
“I listen to feminists and all these radical gals… These women just need a man in the house. That’s all they need. Most of the feminists need a man to tell them what time of day it is and to lead them home. And they blew it and they’re mad at all men. Feminists hate men. They’re sexist. They hate men; that’s their problem."--Jerry Falwell
If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being.-- Rev Jerry Falwell
AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals.-- Jerry Falwell
"I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"Jerry Falwell 9/12/2001
"If Chief Justice Warren and his associates had known God’s word and had desired to do the Lord’s will, I am quite confident that the 1954 decision [Brown v. Board of Education] would never have been made…. The facilities should be separate. When God has drawn a line of distinction, we should not attempt to cross that line."
The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country.-- Rev Jerry Falwell, Sermon, July 4, 1976
“[homosexuals are] brute beasts...part of a vile and satanic system [that] will be utterly annihilated, and there will be a celebration in heaven.”
"[Vice President Gore] recently praised the lesbian actress who plays 'Ellen' on ABC Television...I believe he may even put children, young people, and adults in danger by his public endorsement of deviant homosexual behavior...Our elected leaders are attempting to glorify and legitimize perversion." People for the American Way, "Hostile Climate", 1998, p.9
The ACLU is to Christians what the American Nazi party is to Jews.-- Rev Jerry Falwell
Labor unions should study and read the Bible instead of asking for more money. When people get right with God, they are better workers.
I hope I live to see the day when, as in the early days of our country, we won't have any public schools. The churches will have taken them over again and Christians will be running them.
"The Anti-Christ is a Jewish male alive in the world today."Jerry Falwell
It appears that America's anti-Biblical feminist movement is at last dying, thank God, and is possibly being replaced by a Christ-centered men's movement which may become the foundation for a desperately needed national spiritual awakening.
Textbooks are Soviet propaganda.
Billy Graham is the chief servant of Satan in America.
Christians, like slaves and soldiers, ask no questions.
"Someone must not be afraid to say, 'moral perversion is wrong.' If we do not act now, homosexuals will 'own' America!...If you and I do not speak up now, this homosexual steamroller will literally crush all decent men, women, and children who get in its way...and our nation will pay a terrible price!"--Jerry Falwell quoted in People for the American Way's, "Hostile Climate,"
I am such a strong admirer and supporter of George W. Bush that if he suggested eliminating the income tax or doubling it, I would vote yes on first blush.
If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being.-- Rev Jerry Falwell
AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals.-- Jerry Falwell
"I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"Jerry Falwell 9/12/2001
"If Chief Justice Warren and his associates had known God’s word and had desired to do the Lord’s will, I am quite confident that the 1954 decision [Brown v. Board of Education] would never have been made…. The facilities should be separate. When God has drawn a line of distinction, we should not attempt to cross that line."
The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country.-- Rev Jerry Falwell, Sermon, July 4, 1976
“[homosexuals are] brute beasts...part of a vile and satanic system [that] will be utterly annihilated, and there will be a celebration in heaven.”
"[Vice President Gore] recently praised the lesbian actress who plays 'Ellen' on ABC Television...I believe he may even put children, young people, and adults in danger by his public endorsement of deviant homosexual behavior...Our elected leaders are attempting to glorify and legitimize perversion." People for the American Way, "Hostile Climate", 1998, p.9
The ACLU is to Christians what the American Nazi party is to Jews.-- Rev Jerry Falwell
Labor unions should study and read the Bible instead of asking for more money. When people get right with God, they are better workers.
I hope I live to see the day when, as in the early days of our country, we won't have any public schools. The churches will have taken them over again and Christians will be running them.
"The Anti-Christ is a Jewish male alive in the world today."Jerry Falwell
It appears that America's anti-Biblical feminist movement is at last dying, thank God, and is possibly being replaced by a Christ-centered men's movement which may become the foundation for a desperately needed national spiritual awakening.
Textbooks are Soviet propaganda.
Billy Graham is the chief servant of Satan in America.
Christians, like slaves and soldiers, ask no questions.
"Someone must not be afraid to say, 'moral perversion is wrong.' If we do not act now, homosexuals will 'own' America!...If you and I do not speak up now, this homosexual steamroller will literally crush all decent men, women, and children who get in its way...and our nation will pay a terrible price!"--Jerry Falwell quoted in People for the American Way's, "Hostile Climate,"
I am such a strong admirer and supporter of George W. Bush that if he suggested eliminating the income tax or doubling it, I would vote yes on first blush.
14.5.07
Meme
I was tagged by Purgatory Lory and Punk Rock Ladybug. One for 8 random things, and one for 7. So here are my 15 things. Conor would be so proud of my math!
1) I find removing body hair to be a completely ludicrous tradition. But I do it anyway.
2) If I could have one superpower from the Heroes crowd, it would be the ability to acquire and retain information, a la that chick from the diner that got her head chopped open.
3) I find doing things in order to not disrupt the status quo, or because you'd just "rather not know" to be the most deplorable qualities.
4) I recently learned about a practice called Christian Domestic Discipline, which entails physical discipline of the wife by the husband. Consensually. I'm not sure how I feel about it on the level that, an adult woman should be able to do what she wishes with her body, but I find it repulsive.
5) My favorite artist is May Ann Licudine.
6) Conor and I are getting matchy matchy tattoos. Aren't we special?
7) I swear Finnegan was trying to say "button" yesterday.
8) I have the uncontrollable urge to suggest parenting books to people, even though I realize that people don't get as thrilled about them as I do.
9) Wife beaters are sexy. SEXY I SAY! (the shirts...not the christian domestic discipline crowd)
10) So is chest hair, dammit!
11) However, gold chains resting in a nest of chest hair tufting from a wife beater are NOT.
12) I like visiting bizarre websites. (CDD, for example) I also like to look at families advertising for "sister wives", and read about feral children.
13) While I was writing this, Finn was playing in the toilet.
14) Since getting married and having kids, I think about death almost everyday.
15) Have you ever seen that montage from America's Funniest Home Videos of men changing diapers and falling all over themselves gagging? I didn't find it funny at all. It made me want to punch them in the face.
1) I find removing body hair to be a completely ludicrous tradition. But I do it anyway.
2) If I could have one superpower from the Heroes crowd, it would be the ability to acquire and retain information, a la that chick from the diner that got her head chopped open.
3) I find doing things in order to not disrupt the status quo, or because you'd just "rather not know" to be the most deplorable qualities.
4) I recently learned about a practice called Christian Domestic Discipline, which entails physical discipline of the wife by the husband. Consensually. I'm not sure how I feel about it on the level that, an adult woman should be able to do what she wishes with her body, but I find it repulsive.
5) My favorite artist is May Ann Licudine.
6) Conor and I are getting matchy matchy tattoos. Aren't we special?
7) I swear Finnegan was trying to say "button" yesterday.
8) I have the uncontrollable urge to suggest parenting books to people, even though I realize that people don't get as thrilled about them as I do.
9) Wife beaters are sexy. SEXY I SAY! (the shirts...not the christian domestic discipline crowd)
10) So is chest hair, dammit!
11) However, gold chains resting in a nest of chest hair tufting from a wife beater are NOT.
12) I like visiting bizarre websites. (CDD, for example) I also like to look at families advertising for "sister wives", and read about feral children.
13) While I was writing this, Finn was playing in the toilet.
14) Since getting married and having kids, I think about death almost everyday.
15) Have you ever seen that montage from America's Funniest Home Videos of men changing diapers and falling all over themselves gagging? I didn't find it funny at all. It made me want to punch them in the face.
11.5.07
happy birfday to me!
I have now retired my free hp camera! I'll be sending to Kiva. Kiva is a microfinance group that allows anyone to make small ($25 min) LOANS (not donations) to entrepreneurs in developing countries. If you've got an old digital camera sitting around, send it on to Kiva.
8.5.07
1.5.07
Immigration Day
Try out the citizenship test: I got 11 out of 10 right. I have no idea how that is possible....I must be THAT good.
Naturalization Test
In the spirit of the festivities, let us also celebrate the crazies:
In order for Satan to establish his 'New World Order' and destroy the freedom of all people as predicted in the Scriptures, he must first destroy the U.S. The mostly quiet and unspectacular invasion of illegal immigrants does not focus the attention of the nations the way open warfare does, but is all the more insidious for its stealth and innocuousness. - From a resolution sponsored by Don Larsen, Utah District 65's GOP chairman.
Naturalization Test
In the spirit of the festivities, let us also celebrate the crazies:
In order for Satan to establish his 'New World Order' and destroy the freedom of all people as predicted in the Scriptures, he must first destroy the U.S. The mostly quiet and unspectacular invasion of illegal immigrants does not focus the attention of the nations the way open warfare does, but is all the more insidious for its stealth and innocuousness. - From a resolution sponsored by Don Larsen, Utah District 65's GOP chairman.
25.4.07
10% off at pottery barn
Every once in a great while I start to care what kind of furniture I have, what I wear, how cute my kids' clothes are. I start to want, want, want. It is so easy to get wrapped up in stuff. It's the symptom of a lazy brain. Then I remember that I think it's funny that Violet will eat with a fork until you say "Hey! You're using your fork!" Then she puts it down and goes back to eating with her fingers. Who cares? Will she be eating with her hands when she's 15? Doubtful. Last time I had a pedicure? I think I was pregnant with Violet. Explain to me why either one of those things is important. I've let my mind wander toward normalcy. Whatever that may be. It seems that normalcy these days is working 8 hours at a job you either hate or can do half-conscious, spending 3 in front of the TV, off to sleep, and do it over. Every once in awhile you have sex with someone you love, or don't for that matter. How often do you make a human connection? That can wait until after Dancing With The Stars. Fuck normal. I don't use that word often. Especially not in writing. But someone save me from caring about what other people think. I don't want the hassle of normal. I want real live life. Nasty, dirty, gloriously resplendent life. My life need some pruning shears. And a wheelbarrow.
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same,
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same
And the people in the houses
All went to the university
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same
And there's doctors and lawyers
And business executives
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school,
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university
Where they are put in boxes
And they come out all the same
And the boys go into business
And marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same,
There's a pink one and a green one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
Words and music by Malvina Reynolds.Copyright 1962, Schroder Music Company
I am well aware this post was incoherent, disjointed, and probably made no sense to anyone but me. Night night.
skj
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same,
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same
And the people in the houses
All went to the university
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same
And there's doctors and lawyers
And business executives
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school,
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university
Where they are put in boxes
And they come out all the same
And the boys go into business
And marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same,
There's a pink one and a green one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
Words and music by Malvina Reynolds.Copyright 1962, Schroder Music Company
I am well aware this post was incoherent, disjointed, and probably made no sense to anyone but me. Night night.
skj
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