Telling People Off

The other night, some ladies and I were discussing instances in which we've told people off and whether or not we regretted it. I went so far as to say that I can't actually say that I've ever felt better telling someone off - oh, maybe momentarily, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not like it's ever made a positive difference.

Well, today I had the perfect opportunity to really lay into someone. Oh, it would have been glorious. I was fired up and ready to kick this guy's ass.

During pick-up time at school, the school sets out cones to block traffic from the half-circle that goes right in front of the school. Well, a man in a large truck decided that these cones didn't apply to him and he comes barreling in and comes awfully close to my baby who is toddling around. I shouted, "Don't you see the cones?" He comes out of his truck and says, "Yeah. I saw 'em." I said, "So, what they don't apply to you because you have a badge?" He mumbled something and started walking and I said, "Well, you must just like running over little kids." He's a fifth grade teacher at the school and parked like a total asshole (see his big, fat bumper blocking half the sidewalk that the kids walk on and his tire up on the curb) in a handicap spot.

I really did keep my cool. I didn't yell or curse or even get that snarky. What I wanted to do was get a baseball bat and bash in his windows. I wanted to rip his eyes out. He almost ran over my kid.

Some other moms were next to me while this was happening and told me he's known for being an old grouch, gave me his name, and offered to watch Moose while I fought him.

I went to the front office and told them about it. The secretary said she would pass it along, because the principle was out for the afternoon. I told her that I know people can have handicaps that aren't obvious, but the guy knows what time it is and saw the cones and he could have used A LOT more discretion with his speed and attitude. I told her I wanted to meet him on the playground. That's right, I don't care if he's a disabled veteran, I still want to kick his ass. She nodded and looked at me like this isn't the first time she's received complaints about this particular teacher.

So, umm, that was fun.

Then I had to vote.

I had every intention of voting in the Republican primary, because there were two races in that party that I was particularly interested in - the Governor of Texas or the State Representative in our area. For Governor, it's Rick Perry (incumbent), Kay Bailey Hutchinson (a current and long-serving Senator), and a whack job that probably spends her free time organizing Tea Party events. For State Rep, the current mayor of my town (who can't even run this town properly - our area boasts the most expensive cost of living in the state and it looks like a shithole) is running. I'm not sure who's running against him, but that's who I was voting for. For the record, I would have voted for Hutchinson out of the Governor candidates.

I was so disgusted over the whole parking lot thing that I couldn't stomach even saying "Republican" when I was asked what primary I was voting in so I said, "Democrat." The five white people quickly ushered me off to the hippie lady and the three black people. On their registry, I only saw three people with a "voted" stamp next to their name, and that was including me. How the hell did I get here?

I couldn't even remember who I liked out of the Democrats running for governor (because, come on, the Republicans have this state in the bag). I remembered that Felix Alvarado talked about creating well-regulated casinos in Texas to help provide jobs and provide more revenue for schools, so I voted for him. Then I was thinking, "Felix is a terrible name, maybe I should vote for someone with a more likable name?"

These are the big questions, people.

I've made my own mother so proud today with the curse words and imaged violence and left-leaning politics. I should just go re-pierce some body parts and call it a day.

I'm ever so thankful to just be home with my kids and enjoying tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner and watching some Dora.

Birthday Parties, Etc.

Bean has a birthday party on Friday night and another Saturday afternoon. Moose and I went to Target to gather up some gifts. I bought a Batman car for one of the kids and every time the darn present moves it roars and revs its wheels. I couldn't figure out how to turn it off (I have that problem with a lot of toys).

I picked up a few things for Bean's upcoming birthday too. I felt guilty, so I got Moose something too (and he was pretty happy to just gnaw on the box).

Also, it appears that my husband is heading out for training soon. I won't give specifics, in case some crazy people are reading the blog, but I think it's probably a good time for him to go to this. It doesn't interfere with any planned vacations (umm, not that we have any planned really), it doesn't interfere with selling the house (he'll be back in plenty of time to wrap up projects and be here to tidy during showings), it doesn't interfere with moving. Way to go, Air Force. We don't have much notice, but we have enough. Of course, things can change and the next post I write I'll be super pissed. It's just the way it goes.

Also, if there are crazy people reading this ... you should know that I have a very protective dog. If you'd like to rob my home, just knock on the door and tell me to toss out the TVs and Xbox. I'll be happy to oblige. There is no need to burst in and scare everyone and make a huge mess. Also, don't underestimate a protective mother ... I will cut you and not give it a second thought. So, that's that.

Finally, Congress (and Mr. President), can we just get on with overturning this Don't Ask, Don't Tell Thing? This will be a much faster success than health care.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Late last week, the IAAF released the results of the genetic identity test of South African runner Caster Semenya. As a female, she was breaking world records. They found internal male parts and an absorbent amount of testosterone. They're saying, she's male ... she's at least a hermaphrodite.

They said all this in a very public way, which I think is a shame. But it's out there, so let's talk about it.

Husband and I were discussing it yesterday morning and he seemed to think that she shouldn't be allowed to run. (She's pulled out of the Olympics, so perhaps it's a moot point - side note, I had this as "mute point" and thought it didn't look right. Now that it is right, I'm wondering why it isn't MUTE point. I may protest this moot v. mute business. Oh, I love the English language.)

I'm not certain, but I sort of think she should be allowed. Scientists have found that Lance Armstrong breathes more efficiently than most humans. Also, Michael Phelps' body is uniquely built for swimming - his huge feet and hands, long torso, and short legs make him, essentially, a fish. These athletes aren't punished for being at a physical advantage to their competitors - things they were born with. Also, say, Semenya was missing an arm. We wouldn't call for her to quit because she had a disadvantage.

Semenya was raised as a girl. To date, we haven't heard of her having a gender identity crisis. She's only 18, but it seems most transgendered people have known even before the onset of puberty that there was something out of place.

It's another interesting story adding to the debate that gender is not so black and white.

RIP

Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT happy that Ted Kennedy is dead.

I am happy that the media shut the hell up about Michael Jackson for a night.

Swine Flu

I'm not sure how other parts of the country of reacting to Swine Flu, but Texas is taking it very seriously. Some schools have shut down (one where I live) and athletics have been postponed till May 11. (Does the flu magically die May 11?) Last I heard, there were about 18 unconfirmed cases where I live.

The base is also going crazy. Apparently, the hospital staff on base are in haz-mat uniforms. The gate cards no longer touch your ID (you hold it out and flip it over for them). I wonder how long this will last? The base has a history of hyping up security and keeping it that way (like about cell phones and closing the hospital gate). Are other bases like this?

Anyway, I used the downpour(s) we had yesterday as an excuse to stay inside (estimates say we got 6" in one day). We were out of milk and bread, though, so I had to venture out with the kids. I don't really overreact to germs, but I make it a habit to wash my hands when I come into the house and such. Out and about today, though, I'll admit that I was more cautious than usual. I opted to use Moose's stroller over the store carts. I wiped down the cart at the grocery store extra well (I always wipe the grocery cart down - do you know how nasty some people keep their kids?). I also wiped my own hands off when getting back in the car.

Bean's school is still open. Both boys are still healthy as of this evening. I just hope this thing gets behind us. One of my friends pointed out that the American media can only focus on one thing at a time - the election, the economy, and now the swine flu. I hate fear mongering. HATE. It's actually ranked above football, country music, and Holly from Brothers & Sisters. It is, ironically, ranked right beside Fox News and Anne Coulter. Go figure.

Also, I need a "No Soliciting" sign. Seriously, it seems like at least three times a week I get people knocking on my door trying to sell me magazines or vacuums or religion. No, no, and, seriously, no. Perhaps it's a job for my Cricut.

Really, Kate?

I try not to judge Kate (from Jon & Kate Plus 8) too harshly. She's Type A and controlling. I get that. I really get that. She's got eight kids running around, six of which are all the same age. She's also a clean-freak/germ-o-phob/food snob ... things she could get over, but chooses to obsess about (how you find time to obsess about stuff when you eight kids running around baffles me, but whatevah).

Now they have dogs.

And she named them.

She named the freaking dogs without any input from the kids. When she announced to the kids, they cried. It was clear they were VERY bummed. Really, Kate? You have eight kids running around and you don't put a decision like "what to name our new puppies?" to a vote? What the hell is wrong with you?

Now, I understand that she doesn't want to call a dog Baby Jaguar for the next 15 years (like House of Toys will be doing with their attack cat). Fine. But certainly the family could have reached a compromise TOGETHER.

Ugh. Really, Kate, I've cut you a lot of breaks among my social circles. But I'm done.

I hope the dogs pee all over your new house.

Already Monday?

The weekend sped by. Here we are at Monday again.

Saturday I spent the ENTIRE day scrapbooking! My Emma's Mom and I joined two other ladies. I completed 20 baby announcements for a friend, 18 valentines for My Emma, and several scrapbook layouts. It was a very productive day. I had an Italian been roast cooking the entire day, so we sat down for that (so good!). I also made mashed potatoes ... with half being sweet potatoes and half regular potatoes. The light orange color left a bit to be desired, but I thought they tasted just as good!

Sunday was pretty low-key. Both Husband and I have been on the brink of a cold - sore throats, a bit run down - so we took it easy. We went to lunch and Bean and I met a few members of the House of Toys family at the park for a while - we couldn't stay too long, though, because the wind was really blowing! Moose also tried bananas for the first time. While I was making my own dinner, though, he promptly got a hold of the bowl and dumped it. Guess he's not a fan on bananas.

To date, Moose is still nursing and eating rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, peas, sweet potatoes, and bananas. Green beans and carrots are next.

Other Moose news, I tried to let him "cry it out" last night (I let him cry for 5 minutes, 7 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc. before I go in and calm him down), but after an hour of this I gave up. Moose: 1, Parents: 0.

We headed to the library this morning. I borrowed a stash of books, including the Megan McCarthy's first four Jessica Darling books (what is with my YA fiction obsession lately?) and David Allen's Getting Things Done and a few titles on pre-school stuff. Bean played for a bit in the kids section, then we headed home for lunch. Moose is lounging in his swing - he was sleeping till the UPS guy showed up.

Just so you know, the groundhog DID see his shadow. That's another 6 weeks of winter. I don't mind winter so much, but the wind has got to stop! (I guess it will ... one day ... when we get the heck out of Texas.)

CSPIA: What You Should Know

What is the CSPIA?

After a spate of imported children’s products were found to contain lead, the United States Congress quickly drafted and passed the CPSIA, or the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in August 2008. This law is slated to go into implementation on February 10, 2009.

Among other things, the CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in children's products, mandates third party testing and certification, and requires manufacturers of all goods for children under the age of 12 to permanently label each item with a date and batch number.

Under the very important auspices of child safety, the CPSIA may have grave unintended consequences: fewer choices for families who are looking for handcrafted alternatives. Many Etsy artists and craftspeople have expressed fears that they won't be able stay in business due to the burdensome cost of testing and certification pursuant to the proposed legislation.

So what does this mean?

Walter Olson of Forbes and overlawyered.com puts it succinctly:

“As of Feb. 10, it will become unlawful to make or sell anything intended for use by children under 12 without a program to test the goods for lead — even if no items of their kind have ever been found to pose a lead risk, even if you make and sell only a few inexpensive items a year, even if you've sourced their materials from the most conscientious local suppliers and even if they're items toddlers seldom convey into their mouths, such as dartboards or bicycle tires.

In August, relatively lenient self-checks will give way to a much costlier mandate for ‘third-party’ lab testing. That will mean testing every lot of goods — typically each style/size combination — at a cost of perhaps hundreds of dollars per lot for simple items, and potentially much more than that for items with multiple colors, components or materials.

Because there is at present no green light for once-for-all component testing, the same bit of elastic or fabric trim will have to be tested again and again as part of each lot.”

Read more here.

What to do?

Contact the government. Details are listed in the link above. The sample letter sums it up best:

The economic crisis in our country is already devastating millions in this country. That is why it concerns me that under the CPSIA, even more small business owners will be driven out of business, deepening the crisis. The premise of self-reliance and entrepreneurship on which this country was founded is in jeopardy.

Under the very important auspices of child safety, the CPSIA may have grave unintended consequences: fewer choices for families who are looking for handcrafted and secondhand alternatives. Many artists, vintage sellers, and craftspeople have expressed fears that they won't be able stay in business due to the burdensome cost of testing and certification pursuant to the proposed legislation.

I urge you, please, hold a hearing before February 10th, to delay implementation of the CPSIA. It is essential that you amend this well-intentioned law in order to protect this thriving and crucial part of the American economy. Failure to do so will unnecessarily devastate countless people, many of your constituents among them.

It is time to do what you meant to do with the CPSIA, and truly protect your fellow Americans and their children.

The Days Ahead

The election of Barack Obama is historic. I suspect it'll be one of "those moments."

Several times in school, we were asked to interview older relatives and friends of the family about "those moments" ... the moon landing, JFK's assassination, etc. For the record, one of my grandma's was shopping when JFK was shot. In high school we had to interview someone over 60 for history class. None of my grandparents were old enough, so I interviewed Mrs. F, a friend of the family who lived across the street from my grandparents (and now my aunt and uncle). She told me about the moon landing and Vietnam (her son was drafted). I should find that report some time.

I was in bed with Moose sleeping next me watching CNN when Obama was announced the winner. It's the first time "my" candidate has won, and I can't describe that feeling. It is SO good. It felt like a huge sigh of relief. It felt like HOPE (sorry for the cliche). His speech was beautiful (as are most his speeches). Oh, and it was just so good to hear the most important man in the world speak with such intelligence (and in coherent sentences, nonetheless). I even teared up when his wife and girls joined him on stage - because, I believe, it was their most popular moment. There is a lot of hard work ahead.

I can't imagine what an Obama presidency means to people who remember the Civil Rights movement on more than just paper.

Even taking race out of the picture, Obama's presidency is a huge moment for our nation - two endless wars, a slagging economy, an environmental crisis, and more ... talk about being president when it really counts.

Today looks better than yesterday.