Thursday, May 28, 2009
Stupid Busy Work
Wow! Why do schools feel the need to give busy work to my child? I'm sure it's not JUST mine, but that's what I'm in a tizzy about today! He is in 4th grade. He has been behind on this grid project for a couple weeks. It requires coloring. He has to follow numbers and letters to arrive at a location on the paper. Once he has allowed his genius to be abused in such a fashion, a "surprise" picture miraculously appears. It's a family of bunnies! Good God! Really? I took pity on the boy and colored for him. Please! Hold your gasp of indignation! For the first HOUR, I had him tell me where and what color. For the next HOUR AND A HALF I set him to work doing something useful. He hauled a huge pile of wood to the pit for me. Man work! I did the coloring. Girl work! Yes, it's true, I do happen to like coloring. It did not however have absolutely any educational value in my opinion..as fun as it was. NOT! I like to pick my own coloring books. Seriously, who's in charge? Do we send people through four years of college to teach intelligent children to color in a small box neatly? What the hell do they think he's going to be when he grows up? An idiot? I should mention he is in a Technology "forward" school. They should be building evil robots or hacking something, right? Not coloring!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Rolling Naked in a Field of Daisies
I think growing up in the 70's has warped me in ways I still cannot fathom. I do know that with out the warm embracing idealism of hippiedom, I would be a crotchety conformist, hell bent on following the rules of society. The two sides of me war frequently.
I would find it appealing to live in a commune. Let's raise our crops and children together! Both would certainly flourish. I would love to share my life with people of the same mind-set. The closeness of my fellows would bring me happiness. A friend would always be there. On the other hand, I would not be able to escape the closeness of my fellows and I'm thinking we would definitely need a maid. I abhor clutter of any kind. Other peoples children, well...I'll just say it! Other peoples children behave strangely. I hate bugs! I hate being dirty. I entirely doubt my ability to farm. Add to this the fact that I don't know how any of us would make the rent and I seriously second guess my belief in the love I harbor for communal living.
I love 60's and 70's folk songs! Of course, Peter, Paul and Mary kick ass! I love singing! Almost nothing is more rapturous than sitting around, mellowed out with friends, while one of them strums out a tune and we sing along. All right! Honestly! I'm absolutely in love with this for 2-3 songs and then I'm done! I went out and bought 'Puff the Magic Dragon' for my son when he was a baby. I did it because I remembered the joy I felt whenever I heard it as a child. I popped it in the CD player and started singing to him. Has anyone actually listened to this song? I started crying. It is bone wrenchingly sad.
Free love sounds enticing doesn't it? The ability to share a deep part of yourself indiscriminately and without guilt. In fact it would be a glorious thing, right? You simply express your desires and they are fulfilled by any number of your friends or aquaintences. Yep, any number of your friends or aquaintences that are carriers of a completely disgusting malady! Some kind of venereal disease would surely be waiting for one if that road was traveled. Monogamy seems to be the safest route. True monongamy at any rate. One's partner would have to be utterly faithful as well or all sorts of hell could be visited upon a person. No free love. Big sigh.
Living in a van. Well, I could see the freedom that would afford me. The open road. No responsibilities. No working for "The Man". Meeting new people everyday and seeing every square foot of our beautiful country! Living off of natures bounty. Then my common sense side kicks me. It says, "No bathing for you! No money, no gas. Strangers can be dangerous, murderous thugs. You couldn't find food in the wild if your life depended on it." So really, when it comes down to it, I'd be living in a van down by the river. I'd smell like fish and dirty water. I'd be starving. I would fear for my very life whenever I saw a new person approaching. I'd be a complete wreck.
Protesting. This is an activity I could really sink my teeth into!! I have no firm grasp upon my righteous anger. It simply flies into the world with force. There are injustices on this earth that require loud voices to carry the truth of it to mankind! I will carry a sign and chant alone if I have to. My common sense was trying to enter in here. Hippiedom wins!! Take that conformist attitude! I am completely willing to get pepper-sprayed for a worthy cause. The thought of getting hauled off to the clinker is a bit enticing. I can sit in one spot for hours and not budge an inch, thus conquering the requirements of a sit-in! When I am right, I am right. I do require though that one know exactly what he is protesting! No blind leading the blind here! Know for what you fight! Know it well.
Drugs are not my thing. I can't stir up any hidden love for them at all. As much as people think they handle the problems of existence, I can't even imagine that. No hallucinogens here. The stuff in my mind on a regular day is scary enough, as those of you who hang out in there can testify.
I would find it appealing to live in a commune. Let's raise our crops and children together! Both would certainly flourish. I would love to share my life with people of the same mind-set. The closeness of my fellows would bring me happiness. A friend would always be there. On the other hand, I would not be able to escape the closeness of my fellows and I'm thinking we would definitely need a maid. I abhor clutter of any kind. Other peoples children, well...I'll just say it! Other peoples children behave strangely. I hate bugs! I hate being dirty. I entirely doubt my ability to farm. Add to this the fact that I don't know how any of us would make the rent and I seriously second guess my belief in the love I harbor for communal living.
I love 60's and 70's folk songs! Of course, Peter, Paul and Mary kick ass! I love singing! Almost nothing is more rapturous than sitting around, mellowed out with friends, while one of them strums out a tune and we sing along. All right! Honestly! I'm absolutely in love with this for 2-3 songs and then I'm done! I went out and bought 'Puff the Magic Dragon' for my son when he was a baby. I did it because I remembered the joy I felt whenever I heard it as a child. I popped it in the CD player and started singing to him. Has anyone actually listened to this song? I started crying. It is bone wrenchingly sad.
Free love sounds enticing doesn't it? The ability to share a deep part of yourself indiscriminately and without guilt. In fact it would be a glorious thing, right? You simply express your desires and they are fulfilled by any number of your friends or aquaintences. Yep, any number of your friends or aquaintences that are carriers of a completely disgusting malady! Some kind of venereal disease would surely be waiting for one if that road was traveled. Monogamy seems to be the safest route. True monongamy at any rate. One's partner would have to be utterly faithful as well or all sorts of hell could be visited upon a person. No free love. Big sigh.
Living in a van. Well, I could see the freedom that would afford me. The open road. No responsibilities. No working for "The Man". Meeting new people everyday and seeing every square foot of our beautiful country! Living off of natures bounty. Then my common sense side kicks me. It says, "No bathing for you! No money, no gas. Strangers can be dangerous, murderous thugs. You couldn't find food in the wild if your life depended on it." So really, when it comes down to it, I'd be living in a van down by the river. I'd smell like fish and dirty water. I'd be starving. I would fear for my very life whenever I saw a new person approaching. I'd be a complete wreck.
Protesting. This is an activity I could really sink my teeth into!! I have no firm grasp upon my righteous anger. It simply flies into the world with force. There are injustices on this earth that require loud voices to carry the truth of it to mankind! I will carry a sign and chant alone if I have to. My common sense was trying to enter in here. Hippiedom wins!! Take that conformist attitude! I am completely willing to get pepper-sprayed for a worthy cause. The thought of getting hauled off to the clinker is a bit enticing. I can sit in one spot for hours and not budge an inch, thus conquering the requirements of a sit-in! When I am right, I am right. I do require though that one know exactly what he is protesting! No blind leading the blind here! Know for what you fight! Know it well.
Drugs are not my thing. I can't stir up any hidden love for them at all. As much as people think they handle the problems of existence, I can't even imagine that. No hallucinogens here. The stuff in my mind on a regular day is scary enough, as those of you who hang out in there can testify.
So, what have I learned today? I would totally share my living space! My husband and son are good roomies so far. Free love! Oh yes! Within the boundaries of holy matrimony or it's equivilent "long standing relationship". Living in a van? Maybe a Winnebago with water, toilet, stocked fridge, full tank and door locks, driven by a recent lottery winner. Protesting? I'm in. Call me with your needs! Drugs? We don't need those. Come over, have a Mike's with me and I'll amaze you with stories. Folk songs in moderation only!
The hippie-dippiest thing I always thought would be a blast? Rolling naked in a field of daisies! I would totally do this! You are invited! We will be rolled safely in our own seperate thick blankets to protect us from thistles and rocks. When we're done I'm going to need the twigs and bugs out of my hair! See you soon.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Silly Self Entitlement
Have you noticed that a few people in our current society feel entitled? Not many people, but at least 2 or 3. I will not point fingers or name names as this would be the height of impropriety!
Nonetheless, I do feel the need to address it. The span of self entitlement is broad. On the low end, you see a customer that feels it is his God given right to be treated as if he were the only person in existence and you were made with the sole intention to serve him. If I'm feeling perky I may pander to this behavior because it amuses me or because I am bored. On the other end, one might see a person living off the good grace of others. He is collecting a government check, bemoaning his sad state, able to be productive and still unwilling. Every step of the way he feels entitled to what he receives and shows absolutely no remorse. Both of these and every step in between are the stuff of frustration to a productive, respectful, helpful member of society. I certainly believe one should help the people that are in need. Good service should be expected. There are things one is entitled to. These would be your basic human rights. Getting something for nothing at the expense of others, neediness that borders on desperation , sucking the happiness out of your fellow humans and being an ass is not acceptable. One must earn what they get and respect others that do too.
Nonetheless, I do feel the need to address it. The span of self entitlement is broad. On the low end, you see a customer that feels it is his God given right to be treated as if he were the only person in existence and you were made with the sole intention to serve him. If I'm feeling perky I may pander to this behavior because it amuses me or because I am bored. On the other end, one might see a person living off the good grace of others. He is collecting a government check, bemoaning his sad state, able to be productive and still unwilling. Every step of the way he feels entitled to what he receives and shows absolutely no remorse. Both of these and every step in between are the stuff of frustration to a productive, respectful, helpful member of society. I certainly believe one should help the people that are in need. Good service should be expected. There are things one is entitled to. These would be your basic human rights. Getting something for nothing at the expense of others, neediness that borders on desperation , sucking the happiness out of your fellow humans and being an ass is not acceptable. One must earn what they get and respect others that do too.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Joy
I have, over the years gathered a motley array of friends. They are colorful, fun, speak your mind kind of people. All have definite opinions on life and feel free to express themselves in an endless variety of ways. They are artists, they are dreamers, they are mothers and fathers, they are active in their communities, they are the very essence of what a good life is made up of. These souls were, at some point in my life, for whatever peiod of time, the utter joy in my existence. They are the "I will hold you up" kind of friends that do not ever weigh you down. Many are people that I have lost contact with for various reasons through the years. I feel an occasional pang of sadness I missed out on so much fun. I am now however in the middle of complete personal bliss at knowing them again. My friends...you are beautiful.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
An Ode to Yo Momma
Props to yo momma
who kissed all your hurt
when your clumsy ass fell
into the dirt
who listened to
your tales of woe
she didn't laugh
when your tears flowed
She held you up
when she'd like to sleep
you saw her smile
when she'd rather weep
She didn't judge you
she loved you well
What'd you give in return
you gave her hell
She did all for you
and gladly so
all the while
you didn't know
She sacrificed much
of herself for you
you'd apologize to her
if you only knew
Props to yo momma.
who kissed all your hurt
when your clumsy ass fell
into the dirt
who listened to
your tales of woe
she didn't laugh
when your tears flowed
She held you up
when she'd like to sleep
you saw her smile
when she'd rather weep
She didn't judge you
she loved you well
What'd you give in return
you gave her hell
She did all for you
and gladly so
all the while
you didn't know
She sacrificed much
of herself for you
you'd apologize to her
if you only knew
Props to yo momma.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Has Anyone Seen My Little Lost Sleep?
Somewhere between then and now I have lost the ability to make it through an entire night without waking up. "Then" being pre-child, pre-pet, pre-I give a shit about what actually happens in the world. "Now" being as close as last night, because I still harbor optimism concerning the rest I'll receive in about an hour.
I can understand the pregnancy problems that kept me up..excitement, worry and a little tiny foot pressed firmly against what I affectionately referred to as my "pee box". Combine all of this with an attractively rounded body and a rogue wave producing water bed and, well, I hope you get the picture.
I can also understand the baby waking up in the middle of the night, the little noises that will shoot an exhausted woman out of bed, completely certain something catastrophic has happened and all the other unmentioned things that take place the first few years of a new life.
But, I have now officially gone with out a good, solid night of sleep for more than 10 years. I will even lie to myself concerning what constitutes a good night just so I can have one! Without fail, EVERY night, the fates conspire to wake my tired ass up at least once if not 4, 5 and 6 times. The dogs decide it's a good time for love, the boy (now ten) still wakes up in the middle of the night, the street light outside my window goes on and off and yes it wakes me up. My husband, bless his hard working hard sleeping self will add to the fray with the ODDEST noises you've ever heard! My particular favorite is a sound like an inquisitive gopher. (made in a dead sleep at the back of his throat) My boy, being a very close genetic copy, also makes the same noise. My floor squeaks, the phone rings, there is loud snoring, the dogs think they hear an intruder, I'm restless, I think and think and think....why can I not sleep?!!!
Just when I get really, really deep in to it..about 2 hours before the alarm goes off..yep, a fucking woodpecker. Yet, I still have hope. I am the eternal optimist. I will continue to give it my all.
I can understand the pregnancy problems that kept me up..excitement, worry and a little tiny foot pressed firmly against what I affectionately referred to as my "pee box". Combine all of this with an attractively rounded body and a rogue wave producing water bed and, well, I hope you get the picture.
I can also understand the baby waking up in the middle of the night, the little noises that will shoot an exhausted woman out of bed, completely certain something catastrophic has happened and all the other unmentioned things that take place the first few years of a new life.
But, I have now officially gone with out a good, solid night of sleep for more than 10 years. I will even lie to myself concerning what constitutes a good night just so I can have one! Without fail, EVERY night, the fates conspire to wake my tired ass up at least once if not 4, 5 and 6 times. The dogs decide it's a good time for love, the boy (now ten) still wakes up in the middle of the night, the street light outside my window goes on and off and yes it wakes me up. My husband, bless his hard working hard sleeping self will add to the fray with the ODDEST noises you've ever heard! My particular favorite is a sound like an inquisitive gopher. (made in a dead sleep at the back of his throat) My boy, being a very close genetic copy, also makes the same noise. My floor squeaks, the phone rings, there is loud snoring, the dogs think they hear an intruder, I'm restless, I think and think and think....why can I not sleep?!!!
Just when I get really, really deep in to it..about 2 hours before the alarm goes off..yep, a fucking woodpecker. Yet, I still have hope. I am the eternal optimist. I will continue to give it my all.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A Blog is Born
This is the birth of my blog. It is starting as a little tiny sweet thing, but it's going to grow and change and generally be more and more entertaining to me. (and hopefully you)
In this initial piece, I wanted to share my desire to communicate. I have this desire to talk to everyone! I find people fascinating. I am inexplicably overflowing with words and ideas that are demanding a place in the world. They are escaping at inappropriate times in a loud, boisterous way. While I don't mind this personally, my co workers often give me the "raised" eyebrow. This makes me giggle and more of my thoughts tumble forth as if they are encouraged! Wow! A vicious cycle of share, shock, giggle, share some more! There may be a deep meaningful expression of something or other...someday, but for now.....
In this initial piece, I wanted to share my desire to communicate. I have this desire to talk to everyone! I find people fascinating. I am inexplicably overflowing with words and ideas that are demanding a place in the world. They are escaping at inappropriate times in a loud, boisterous way. While I don't mind this personally, my co workers often give me the "raised" eyebrow. This makes me giggle and more of my thoughts tumble forth as if they are encouraged! Wow! A vicious cycle of share, shock, giggle, share some more! There may be a deep meaningful expression of something or other...someday, but for now.....
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