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Sunday, October 31, 2004
Get out and vote! Last night, I really THOUGHT about my presidential vote and reaffirmed that it will go to Kerry. Honestly, I cannot think of a single issue that I agree on Bush with, plus, it scares the hell out of me that he thinks he hasn't made a SINGLE mistake.
Healthcare I find it ironic that many people think Kerry's "healthcare for everyone" idea is ridiculous, not to mention, cost-prohibitive.
What *I* can't understand is why we cannot fund healthcare for everyone, but yet, we can and DO fund The War in Iraq?
Stem-cell research Kerry is for it, Bush is very much against it. 'Nuf said.
The War in Iraq I believe this will end much quicker with Kerry as president, whereas Bush...nope. What about Sudan's geonocide? If we want to be such humanitarians, why not help the Sudanese refugees more?
Abortion Bush is anti-choice, Kerry is pro-choice.
Same-sex marriage While Kerry is not for mandating same-sex marriage, he is NOT stumping for a constitutional amendment that discriminates against American citizens.
Those are just a few of my reasons (not to mention, the potential Supreme Court nominee issues), along with believing that Kerry will bring us out of the recession that Bush is completely oblivious to...but maybe he WILL see it if the American people vote him into unemployment tomorrow? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/31/2004 10:08:00 PM
Friday Frou Frou: Mummy 1. What do you call your mother? (Mom, mummy, mum, etc) Ma or Jeannie.
2. What's scarier a Mummy or a Vampire? Mummy, especially if they got their toilet paper from MY house!
Scarecrow 1. What would your scarecrow scare away if you had your choice? Moving trucks.
2. How would you dress your scarecrow? Like Godzilla. Or Roseanne (Barr.)
Costumes 1. What is your favorite Halloween party memory? In 1996, my soon-to-be brother-in-law and I attended a Halloween party TOGETHER! He did a pretty good impersonation of Al Bundy, all moody and sitting on the couch, hand in his pants. I went as a pregnant cheerleader. teehee
2. What costume would best suit you this year?How about this?
Celebrating the Holidays: Trick or treat! 1. What do you prefer for Halloween treats...chocolate goodies or sugary candy, like Sweet Tarts? Actually, I love non-chocolate treats more. The chocolate stuff tends to be a bit melted for my liking.
2. Do you think school districts should ban Halloween from their schools? Only if they are going to ban all things holiday, like Valentine's Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.
3. What are your Halloween plans? Going over to Gusto's for awhile, then coming home to hand out 7 oz. bags of M&Ms to my little neighborhood beggar fiends. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/29/2004 09:27:00 PM
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Saving money 'Tis the time of year that heating costs almost require a second mortgage. Consumers Energy has a nifty list of 100 ways to save money on heating and electricity.
Of course, not everything is covered, so I have a few ideas of my own to share, like:
1. Wear a robe over pajamas and invest in a pair of slippers with soles (not SOULS, geez!)
2. Invest in a king-size velour or fleece blanket to lay on TOP of your bottom bed sheet, instead of using an electric blanket or warming pad.
3. Buy throw rugs to lay on non-carpeted floors.
4. Avoid plugging in air fresheners, VCRs, gaming systems, etc. Most people do not realize that VCRs and microwaves use more power when they have those little clocks on them. Instead, plug them in when they are needed, except air fresheners, that's just ridiculous, people!
5. Snuggle. Take it from me, furry pets provide warmth. Cats/dogs curled up at your side and around your head is a BONUS from December thru February. Unfortunately, this sucks from June to August. (See second sentence for reference.) It also sucks if your furry pet is a tarantula. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/27/2004 09:54:00 PM
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
T-H-U-N-K Lulu, did you hear that LOUD THUNK yesterday?
That was Ms. Conservative Nina flipping over in her grave!
"The Laramie Project" update Munchkin and I went to "The Laramie Project" last night...with my mom! We got home well after midnight, but the evening was well worth it!
Our day started off with a craft show (a great start on my Christmas shopping!), then we headed to my parents house in the early afternoon for a visit.
My mom WANTED to go, which kinda surprised me. After showing us the house my sister and her husband are buying (sigh...I will get into that some other time) and Burger King for dinner (buy-one-get-one-free double cheeseburgers, Niko had a yummy midnight snack!), we got to the auditorium early and chatted.
The play was AWESOME. It's very people-oriented: except for moving some chairs, the scenery really doesn't change. The teens performing were sensational...they captured the essence perfectly! BRAVO! BRAVO!!
There was not any protesting by Reverend Fred Phelps or his church members. They NEVER showed up! We did see Blue Water Pride and the students with their signs, which made me smile.
On our way to drop off my mother, we had a great conversation about prejudice and love. I know my mother isn't as passionate as me about gay rights, but the play seemed to open her eyes a bit more. And I reminded her that it wasn't too long ago that society deemed it "terrible" when a "White" married a "Mexican," and that whole race card.
I am NOT raising Munchkin to be "compassionate" about accepting people who are gay. To me, there isn't anything to be "compassionate" about! Who someone else loves isn't her biz...I can't remember being "compassionate" about two heterosexuals in love. I think it sounds rather sanctimonious, like a patting someone hand that it's OK. Dammit, it should be a non-issue!
When it comes to hamburgers, some people love Burger King, some people love McD's, I happen to love White Castle. Neeko doesn't care about the wrapper, he loves them all...just make sure they have cheese, please! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/24/2004 11:03:00 PM
High Noon 1. Great news!: Do you "high five" or "pat on the back"? Pat on the back. High five seems too "jock" for me.
2. Is noon your lunchtime? Nope, 1 p.m. w/Gusto. Whatever, if ever, when I am on my own.
Highway 1. What is the highest point that you have reached in this world? Literally, I have been in a plane, too, but on land, many times we were at elevations of 10,000+ going thru Wyoming on Alt.14 from Lovell to Burgess Junction. That was where we were above the clouds and had SNOW below us...in late July!
2. How often do you get your way? My favorite quote from this comes from the mom in My Big Fat Greek Wedding: "The men may be the head of the house, but the women are the neck and they can turn the head anyway they want."
Hi! 1. Do you say Hi or Hello? Hi!
2. Do you think it is rude when a sales clerk ringing your purchase(s) does not greet you? Yep. That's why I tend to go to smaller grocery stores. I have been in customer service and the best way to build a good relationship with a customer is to acknowledge them. It goes a long way toward future dealings with return customers, too, who are affectionately known as, "regulars." Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/22/2004 11:58:00 PM
This evening, I updated my WISH LIST over on Half.com for Munchkin and hubby. Next month is my birthday and I don't want to hear ANY whining! "But I never know what you want."
Munchkin LOVES the idea, so I am sure I will be seeing a similar list from her in the next few days. How did we ever survive before the Net?!!? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/21/2004 08:49:00 PM
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Gay Wednesday Michigan is getting set to vote on Proposal 2, which if passed, will not only cut off benefits for gay couples, but also unmarried, heterosexual couples.
IMHO, it's shameful. I hate that people want marriage and divorce MORE legislated in Michigan: premarital counseling perks, mandated divorce classes, etc. What's next...number of children?
This weekend, Munchkin and I plan to attend the St. Clair High School play, "The Laramie Project," which deals with the murder of a gay college student in Wyoming. Yesterday, the Times Herald reported there are supposed to be anti-gay protestors from Kansas. Today's news story is anti-anti-gay protestors from Blue Water Pride will be picketing the Kansans. I want to see what the locals do, if anything. And I believe this will be a learning adventure for Munchkin on The Real World.
Even more of an eye-opener than for those who read the New York Times Huckman/Klekamp announcement, finding out there is a "Beverly Hills" in Michigan! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/20/2004 08:10:00 AM
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Politics at home Ah, yes, I completely identified with this Detroit Free Press article on politics in families.
I plan to vote for Senator Kerry, while my husband says he will vote for President Bush. That is if I can get him to go to the polling station 2 blocks away! hmmm...
I am NOT party-aligned. On the local and state levels, I vote for a mix of Repubs, Dems and Libs. I voted for Gov. John Engler(R) over hotshot attorney, Jeffrey Feiger(D), in 1998. My presidential ballot, though, has been Democrat since 1992, my first presidential election.
I try to look at the candidates thoroughly, weighing their stances on various issues.
My husband, on the other hand, cares ONLY about gun issues. Not Social Security, not the war in Iraq that he detests, not stem cell research, THERE ARE NO OTHER ISSUES FOR HIM! He heard the NRA backs Bush from his coworkers, so that is IT for him. Of course, I chide him for taking ANY type of advice from a group of men who cannot read their union contract, let alone any newspaper!
He made his point to me easily. "They aren't reading, hun, they get the same calls we do from the NRA."
UGH! What kind of moron LISTENS to those canned calls? Oh, wait...I know.
Another point of contention btwn our beliefs is with gay marriage. He is adamently against gay couples tying the knot. "It's just not right. Marriage is supposed to be one man and one woman." He knows NOT to mention The Bible to me, because I love to remind him of his hypocrisy.
To which I have replied, "Yeah, yeah, you are on your SECOND marriage, buddy, so don't preach to me how sacred the vows are..."
Gay marriage doesn't bother me in the least. The supposed "moral decline" of marriages today is SOLELY placed upon the shoulders of heterosexuals. I say, let gay couples marry! Dammit, us heteros need to share this blame! At the very least, gay marriage could add significantly to our stale economy: money for licenses, weddings, even divorces!
Ah, yes, this house is especially lively during election year! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/19/2004 09:11:00 AM
Monday, October 18, 2004
O'Reilly goes Clinton By now, pretty much the entire US population who reads, listens to the radio or watches TV knows about the Bill O'Reilly scandal.
Now, I'm not such a prude that I am outraged over EVERY instance of sexual harrassment. In some instances, I know that some people make it out to be worse than it really is, especially when money will be involved. On the other hand, there are times that getting reported is a necessary comeuppance!
Before Gusto, I worked at company that had 3 male owners, one of whom was reminiscent of Lou Costello, quite a joker and clown. His favorite gigs were mooning his employees and telling dirty jokes. He never crossed the line of touching or making personal sexual comments to us, but it was still hilarious to see such a staunch, married, known Republican who sent his kids to Catholic school and volunteered with the sheriff dept., being so stupid.
Even then, I knew his hijinks could get him in LOTS of trouble, but most of us just treated him like the class clown, exceptions to this were the female office manager and one other owner (the 3rd owner was a drunk holed up at a different location.) He completely exasperated them! Which often made the silliness even more hilarious!
Unfortunately for O'Reilly, he wasn't smart about joking around. He took it TOO far with the wrong person. Irony at its finest. O'Reilly pulled a Clinton!
** Today's "WOW, LOOKIE HERE" goes to Lulu...I found this hilarious column on the whole thing. (No kidding, Matt Drudge is really gay? I thought that rumor was just FARK trolling.) ** Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/18/2004 11:01:00 PM
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Pounding the pavement The time has come for me to finally admit that I am looking at Monster.com and the classifieds for a new job. Actually, I began my browsing yesterday. My resume is updated and the cover letters are written. I even have a new professional, non-Yahoo! e-mail address.
Gusto is moving away in a few weeks, but unfortunately, I am not going with her. At least I have been lucky enough to know this was coming for about a year, although Gusto and I have treated it as The Pink-Tutu-Wearing-Elephant-in-the-room.
Several ideas have gone through my mind since last spring: freelance Web design? private investigator? start my own pet-sitting biz? hitman? work parttime? work fulltime? retail? office?
I hate the thought of "pounding the pavement." BTDT. It's not scary to me, years ago, I went out one morning, gave 5 applications and was hired 6 times. My current resume is even more impressive.
Yesterday, I was in Michaels and mentioned my plight while chatting with the clerk. She immediately gave me an application, asked me to fill it out and I could have a job. And she was the assistant manager!
Now, I have a big dilemma: do I want retail work? I love working with The Public, as I have once-upon-a-time. I'm GOOD at it. Just ask Lulu, that's how we met. In fact, I tend to move up nicely on the retail ladder.
The questions loom larger each day. I don't want to take a holiday job, but I don't want to get tied into a office career just yet. Gusto MAY be back next year. Our fingers are crossed that this is just a winter break.
I don't know if I have what it takes to run my own biz. Thing is, I might not like my boss. ;-)
The high cost of health care Health insurance is skyrocketing and many people don't seem to understand why. Benefits are decreasing and expenses are increasing.
Well, here is my opinion:
1. People are not taking care of themselves properly. So many are obese, smoking, etc. that they are GIVING themselves diseases, like diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer.
2. So many people over-use their policy, thinking it isn't a big deal. Two dental visits a year, 24 chiropractor visits allowed, unlimited DR. visits with just a $15 copay. Yet, these same people won't take similar advantage of their auto insurance. Why? Because they SEE their premiums going up because they foot that bill!
3. Many people do not question when their doctor says they need to come back for regular work-up, flu shots, etc. They also do not question or pay attention to charges to their insurance company.
I once read something about "85% of health care costs are brought on by less than 15% of those covered." I completely believe it because I see it every single month with my family!
My stepson has AT LEAST two doctor appts each week. His mother LOVES to use health care coverage and usually max's out most of his allowances each year. In fact, there are some areas that are "FAMILY allowances," which my stepson, alone, has max'd out!
For example: he has his weekly allergy shot (which won't ever cure him) and his weekly chiropractor visit. Then, he also has:
-- 1 visit to the dentist every 3 months (cleaning and fillings),
-- 1 visit to the podiatrist every month for his ingrown toenails,
-- 1 visit to the GP for an exam every 6 months,
-- 1 visit to the orthodontist (until next June or so) every 2 weeks,
-- 1 visit to the dermatologist every month,
-- 1 visit to the ophthalmologist specialist/surgeon at U of M each year, plus new frames and lenses, even when there is NOT a change in script. (She doesn't believe in DOC or Lenscrafters, so she goes to ANOTHER opthomologist to get the frames and lenses, which average $400 per pair.)
This also doesn't include his average of 4 visits per year to the ER for ailments ranging from tummyaches to stitches and the ensuing DR. appts for followup, nor does it include his prescriptions.
Yet, to further prove my point, his mother got into an accident recently and tried her damndest to NOT have an auto insurance claim on her SUV. And now that she DOES have one, she is all pissy about how it's not fair, and they are going to raise her rates, yada yada.
Right now, I am having a snitfit over my stepson's last visit to the ER and the 5 followup DR visits because OUR insurance has been billed for it. No biggie, right? Except it happened when my 14-year-old stepson went to work on a "side job" with his stepfather and injured himself WHILE WORKING. Thing is, my stepson was NOT supposed to be doing a single thing, he is not LICENSED for that kind of work. I think his stepfather's business health insurance should foot the whole bill.
Oh wait, he doesn't HAVE that type of insurance. It was a "SIDE JOB" for a biz that doesn't exist. And why doesn't he have health insurance for his side work? IT COSTS TOO MUCH! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/16/2004 10:54:00 PM
Phone Call 1. Do you have a cell phone? Yep, got mine in Nov. 1998. Started with Verizon and had that until almost exactly a year ago today! Now, I have Nextel. We still have a Verizon phone for hubby (which Munchkin usually has), but he mostly uses his work Nextel.
2. Do you take calls when you're in a restaurant? bathroom? In a restaurant, yes, but I tell the person I will call them back. I won't take a regular phone call in the bathroom, but I will talk to hubby on the Nextel in the bathroom at home.
Dial tone 1. Who do you wish you had the courage to dial this instant? Sorry, can't think of anyone I'm hiding from at the moment. That could change by tomorrow, tho. teehee
2. What tone appeals to you more: high or low sounds? Loooooow
In the Book 1. Is your home number listed in the phone book? Nope. Helps keep the solicitors away.
2. Which do you use more, the REAL phone book or the online versions? Online, of course! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/15/2004 06:29:00 AM
Thursday, October 14, 2004
A thief is a thief is a thief Ever have anything stolen from you?
Have you ever stolen anything from another person or biz?
It's amazing to me how many people won't think themself a thief for keeping something that is NOT theirs. Maybe they borrowed it. Maybe they ASSUMED it, such as, "Hey, you left this here, I'll hold onto it for you until you want it," then WON'T give the item back. Maybe they think it is trivial and doesn't count, like eating a few grapes at the grocery store without paying.
Yes, there is a back story to my post. Gusto had a unique collection stolen by a coworker last winter, but it didn't become apparent until just recently. Initially, it was ASSUMED, but now, the woman ignores our e-mails. When it all started last February, we thought there was some mix-up...I had offered to meet the gal and she had agreed, but then, she never contacted me again. We chalked it up to a new job and other priorities.
Unfortunately, we know that she HAS taken the collection "for keeps." Why would she? We don't know. Maybe it is spite, maybe it is another personality, maybe she just felt entitled. All we are sure about is that she IS ignoring Gusto and me and will NOT give the collection back, despite my begging to meet her ANY time/day and ANY place that is convenient for HER.
Still nothing.
IMHO, the woman probably tired of trying to be such a good person and decided to show her true colors again. It's sad. Her deed is now equal to a purse snatching or embezzlement or carjacking (minus the violence.)
My respect for her has been flushed down the toilet. Not that it really matters, though. I hope that every time she looks in the mirror, she remembers that she is nothing more than a common thief, never to be trusted.
A thief is a thief is a thief, right? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/14/2004 06:25:00 AM
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Dates Yesterday was The Homecoming Dance. Munchkin went and she looked SO gorgeous! It's hard to believe she's Old Enough To Be That Pretty. She's still MY little girl, though!
My parents stopped by about 11 a.m., while on vacation, to see her dress and meet Her Date. The boy did pretty good, considering my parents are VERY tough cookies.
Munchkin was supposed to be ready at 5, but I was still doing her hair, so she called Her Date and told him she'd be there in a few minutes. Not a big deal, since hubby and I were driving her down to his house, so Neeko's white fur didn't overtake their black outfits.
Honestly, styling her hair wasn't at all simple because it is so fine and straight. I literally had the curling iron go around her head at least 3 times, but some places took 5 times! The end result was GORGEOUS!
As we pulled out of our driveway, I noticed quite a few cars at Her Date's house. Walking inside, we were introduced by his parents to aunts, uncles, younger cousins and Grandma. This was HUGE in his family! He even got her a wrist corsage. oh lala!
After pics, our kids left in His Mom's car (which became slightly dented later, OOPS!) and us parents chatted for a bit. I felt very young and later found out that they are nearly 20 years older than me!
Hubby and I decided to head to Chili's for dinner. He got a steak and I ordered the Triple Play...hated the "Chicken Crispers," but the rest was FAB! And it was plenty for me (Neeko got a Chicken Crisper.)
Then our Hot Date took us to Petsmart and Dairy Queen, where I gobbled a mint choco chip blizzard, while Hubby nursed a bottle of Maalox.
Munchkin called shortly after so she could grab her sweater and shawl from us, but we were already sitting at the school, watching hundreds of glamorous teens arrive. Swarming around kinda like ants at a picnic. teehee
Despite hubby's horror, I managed to get the kids to pose for one last pic in the parking lot in front of their "chariot." Didn't even have to tell them to SMILE!
Hubby told me, "If that had been MY mom, I'd have turned gay." Just as snarky, I replied, "Oh, is that why you didn't invite your mom to your FIRST wedding?" I also told him that both of my Prom dates' mothers both showed up before the dance to take pictures of us going in the hall. He later stated that he has NO plans to go see his son off to his first Formal event. "What, I'm supposed to drive all the way up there just to take a picture and watch him get in a car?" to which I said, "Yep." And he KNEW I was dead serious. Change of subject...
And with more than 9 years of knowing my husband, I finally found out that he totalled his dad's car after dropping his girlfriend off after her Prom! YIKES! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/10/2004 05:07:00 PM
Having just been to Yellowstone, I can say that there are PLENTY of signs directing people to stay on the designated walks (many which are boardwalks that go AROUND the geysers.) Rangers do their best to keep watch of the-rules-don't-apply-to-me idiots, but they are also dealing with school groups and (international) tourists asking questions, along with crowd control. (The rangers at every National Park we visited were VERY nice and patient!)
Out in Yellowstone, you learn to respect nature, not just for its beauty, but for the danger, too. Bear, bison and wild cats are NOT the only things to be mindful of, but scalding geysers and hot springs can be quite hazardous, also.
My sympathies are with the geyser! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/09/2004 03:52:00 PM
Friday, October 08, 2004
Friday Frou Frou: Working 9 to 5 Coffee Break 1. Do you drink coffee? If so, what kind? If not, what do you prefer? Coffee tastes like mud. I usually have Wylers pink lemonade.
2. Did you ever break the law? Fess up...what did you do? I moved and lost my proof of insurance and vehicle registration. The ticket was rescinded when I showed them to a police officer and he signed off (the ticket.) Never been arrested or even got a speeding ticket!
Copy machine 1. If you could copy one talent/ability of another person to paste on yourself, what would you choose? Gimme Gusto's summa cum laude and pedigree!
2. What machine gets the most use in your house? My puter, of course!
Office space 1. Do you have an office, cubicle or a workstation? I share a workstation with Gusto, but she has given me the kitchen, too. I'M SPOILED!
2. Do you have any personal touch(es) in your work area? Not too much of my own stuff stays, but there are LOTS of cute objects that I will let Gusto gab about in her blog, when she gets a chance! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/08/2004 07:14:00 PM
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Flu Shot FreakOut Ah, it's time for the annual Flu Shot FreakOut! For weeks, we have been force-fed the Importance Of The Flu Shot and how almost EVERYONE needs one. We have been bombarded with horrifying stats, like "36,000 people DIE from the flu each year"!
WAIT! Suddenly, all that changed Oct. 5. The supply is (once again) short, so unless you are considered "high risk," you won't be able to get one.
Does any of this affect Munchkin, hubby or me? NAH! Like orthodonics, I don't believe in "flu shots." Yeah, yeah, I know the rhetoric. I also know that many people believe a flu shot will make up for not taking better care of themselves (proper sleep, good hygiene, eating right, exercise, etc.)
For the past 3 years, my stepson has received a flu shot. His mother is FANATICAL about it. Yet, he STILL supposedly gets The Flu at least once, usually twice, during "peak season."
Is he "high risk"? Nope. At 14, he drinks several cups of coffee in the AM, eats a regular diet of fast food and soda and high-sugar/-fat junk, is overweight and rarely exercises. I am his Hygiene Police. 'Nuf said. Ick.
It will be interesting to see if he is able to get a shot this year. As for me, my freaking out will be more about missing Gusto and my freshman daughter! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/07/2004 08:32:00 AM
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Title I admit to listening to last night's VP debate on NPR.
When VP Cheney made his snarky comment, "the first time I ever met you is when we walked on the stage tonight," I knew it would be moments before Farkers posted whether it was truth or fiction.
FICTION!
Now, Republicans are trying to backtrack the faux pas and say Cheney actually meant that John Edwards hasn't made an impression as a Senator. Yawn.
Nope, VP Cheney just LIED and about something so easily uncovered, for crying out loud!
Or, on a much scarier note...maybe VP Cheney did NOT lie. Maybe he truthfully cannot remember meeting Senator Edwards. Maybe we need to worry about another man in the White House with Alzheimers? I am NOT joking, either. Or making light of the situation. Looking back at Reagan's last term, many people have 20/20 hindsight.
Wonder what would happen if VP Cheney repeats the remark at the NEXT debate?
*** I do want to admit that when I heard Cheney's statement, my first thought was, "Dang, they need to let him (VP Cheney) out more often!" Honestly, isn't he stowed away in Air Force 2 most of the time? *** Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/06/2004 06:43:00 AM
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Good, gooder, goodest This has been a VERY eventful week for Munchkin:
1. She turned 14;
2. She had progress reports AND I attended her Parent/Teacher conferences...both were EXCELLENT. She got plenty of praise from her teachers (very organized, hard worker, pleasure to have in class, etc.), along with 4 As and 2 Bs.
3. She had a dentist appointment tonight and only needed a cleaning. She has only had 1 cavity in her life and that was 7 years ago. (They mentioned we should make an orthodonic appt to "align her teeth," but I just said, "No, thank you, we don't believe in that."
On a side note, I was horrified to hear that my 14-year-old nephew spent the night at his girlfriend's (Halle) house after the Homecoming Dance. My inlaws think it's so cute, but I cringe at their niavete. This is a regular occurence...they have been "going out" for more than a year now (double-dating with Halle's older brother or my sister-in-law transports them.)
It has been made very strongly, Halle's dad is a State Cop, so She Is A Nice Girl. My Nephew, OF COURSE, Is A Nice Boy.
Honestly, I'm not a pervert to believe that Nice 14-Year-Old Kids have sex. My gosh, I worry about Munchkin and my stepson (with good reason!)
Unfortunately, I have known PLENTY of 14-year-old mothers. NOBODY ever wants to believe it is "their kid." Maybe nothing IS happening, but my nephew has been sleeping over at girls' houses for several YEARS. And, I found out, he has no issue with "making out" with Halle in front of his mother (who thinks it is cute.)
My other sister-in-law had a laza fairre attitude about her 16-year-old son and his girlfriend spending the night together. "Oh, she's from a NICE family!" and "They aren't dumb."
Well, he became a father at 17, the girlfriend had just turned 18. They barely graduated high school. They broke up a year later and are embroiled in a nasty custody fight over their now 5-year-old.
My biggest weapon on Munchkin having premarital sex is HER! I have been painfully honest with her over the years, SHE paid dearly for MY mistakes. I can protect her in other ways (curfews, limits, etc.), but when I'm not around, I want her to remember WHY she should not have sex so early: STDs, HIV, pregnancy, etc.
Voting is SERIOUS biz! This is NOT the reason President Bush will not receive my vote in November...today I heard the name of his favorite children's book: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," by Eric Carle.
Ew, ew, ew!!!
Some people might expect me to give President Bush bonus points for listing "Mexican" as his "favorite food" -- which doesn't make much sense, since "Mexican" is NOT a food, but is a style of cooking -- since I am Mexican.
To be completely fair, I won't hold Heinz Ketchup against Senator Kerry. I hate ketchup, but food will NOT rule my politics!
That caterpillar thing is just creepy, though. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/04/2004 09:12:00 PM
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Don't call me "NICE!" Today's errands included a stop at PetSmart for cat food, kitty litter, dog food and crickets. Every furry creature in my house had a To-Go bag.
So, I'm standing in line, minding my business, and an old man walks up with a bag of cat or dog food. OLD man. A few seconds later, he asks me, "Excuse me, what are the crickets for?"
I smiled and told him, "They are for our tarantula."
He just gave me a LOOK and said quite snobby, "Oh, and you looked like such a nice girl."
HUH?!!? That's damn funny because PetSmart SELLS tarantulas!
Was I insulted? Nah, he was amusing. I held my tongue on remarking back to him, "Geez, and they say the YOUNGER generations are RUDE!" But I didn't. He's just a cranky old man without a life. Or tarantula.
Without knowing me -- my property taxes are paid in full, I've never been arrested, don't have any points on my license, I even clean up after my dog! -- I've learned that being "a nice girl" is ONLY rated by whether or not a woman has a tarantula.
When I told hubby later, I joked about maybe knocking off a few party stores on my way home. What the hell, my rep as "a nice girl" is long gone. Tattoo time! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/03/2004 04:50:00 PM
Friday, October 01, 2004
Friday Frou Frou: Nature's beauty Waterfall 1. Do prefer the flavored waters that they have out or do good ol' plain H2O? Cool, not cold, tap water, please!
2. Have you ever had a particularly embarrassing fall, where nothing was really hurt but your pride? Describe. Not that I can remember. I've been injured a few times, but can't remember right now just being embarrassed and not being physically hurt.
Moonlight 1. Crescent or full moon? Full moons are so pretty and bright!
2. If you created a neon light for your room, how would it look? Pink and blue lines, please.
Daybreak 1. What is your favorite day of the year? Munchkin's birthday. I remember it so vividly and the memories still bring tears to my eyes.
2. What do you do to break stress? Pet my kitties or Neeko. It's very relaxing. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/01/2004 01:02:00 AM
