What Would You Do?

So, I have this friend (yes, really. It's not me. Because I know how I'd react) - whose 15 year old son bascially told her this on Sunday:

That from here on out he would be coming and going as he pleases.
That letting her know where he is and when he'd be coming home is too restrictive.

I say "basically" because after these two my mind went a little crazy and I can't remember all the other bullshit he told her.

You've heard me speak of her before - she's the single mom who is way too lenient on her kids.

My first thought would have been to stop the car and began beating him. My second thought would have been to stop the car and tell him to get out. If he can't respect me or the rules of my household - just get out. I seriously think this would have cured him immediately.

I was in total shock. I couldn't believe 1) that he actually said this to her and 2) that he would think she is too restrictive. She doesn't even give the little brat a curfew! Believe me, his life would be totally different if he lived here.

I told her to give him Man-Child's number so he could get a different perspective on "restrictive."

Hubby suggested that 1) she tell him that if he can't follow her rules then he needs to go live with his father (which I think is absolutely brilliant since he and his father don't even talk!) and 2) if she didn't want to do that then he would absolutely go to her house and talk to the heathen himself (and he's never even met the child).

So, in this scenario, what would you do? I'm just curious to see what you all have to say.

**I've had to come back and add more - because this just incensed me to no end - that I simply cannot stop thinking about it.

If this little (I hate to say it but . . .) shit lived in my house . . . OMG. Life for him would be total hell. Come to think of it, I'm ready to start a boot camp for several children of people I know.

I realize I am not the **perfect** parent - but come on. Really? Where are we as a society when our children think that they can get away with things like this?

Man-Child knows. Oh, he knows. Since he was a baby, I would point out inappropriate behaviors and ask him - "What would happen if you tried to pull that?" And he knew the answer - immediately. In fact, there were times when he'd point out inappropriate behaviors to me and inform me what would happen if he'd tried to pull that. And you can bet that when I relay this story to him that his eyes will get big and he will think of what the consequences for him would have been if he tried to pull it.

Come on people. Man up (as they say) and be a parent. Children do NOT rule the household. No, it is not easy to be tough on your children - but you do it FOR your children. So that they will be an asset to society - not a liability.

Okay - second time today I'm climbing down from my soapbox. Whew, I'm getting tired - it's almost like exercise. I'll try not to come back and rant some more. I'll let you all do it now.

I’m Climbing Up On My Soapbox Now

It’s done.  It’s over.  Now some of those people can, hopefully, realize how moronic they sounded.

President Obama made his speech to the school children.

And no, he didn’t try to turn them all into little socialists.  He didn’t try to convert them all into Democrats so that they could go home and convert their parents.

Not a peep was made about the whole healthcare issue.

Nary a one political agenda was raised.

Nope.  All he did was tell the children to stay in school and work hard.

Huh, who would have thunk it?  What else did you honestly expect him to talk to school children about??

I am not an Obama fan.  I don’t agree with all his ideas, policies, etc.  Heck, I don’t even know about some of them.  And some I do.  

But I do believe that the President deserves respect - period.  And, unfortunately, he is not getting that respect.  And this latest hoopla over what he might say to the kids is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of.  In the news this morning, the anchors were saying that our schools would be showing the address and that if you didn’t want your children to hear it to send a note in to excuse them.

Are you freakin’ kidding me? 

I have read the speech (you can find it here).  It was a good speech.  It’s the same kind of speech I give Man-Child.  Work hard.  You are the future of the country.  It’s the same kind of speech all parents give their off-spring.

I really don’t understand what all the upset was about.  It’s certainly not like he was the first president to ever say – hey, I want to send a message to the kids.

Why wouldn’t you want your children to hear what call to action the President had to say to them?

Children aren’t voters so why would he try to push a political agenda on them?

All this fear-mongering is not moving this country forward; it’s moving it backward.

Climbing down off my soapbox now.

 

Please do not post comments trying to change my mind or anything derogatory – I am not looking for a political debate – I don’t even know enough to debate even if I wanted to.

Lazy Cow is not my title anymore! (at least for this week)

So yesterday I admitted to one and all that I've become a lazy cow. Apparently this public humiliation (and the fact that I had today off, hubby was working and Man-Child slept the morning away) actually forced me to clean out the closet.

I've been dreading the closet. Really, really dreading it.

When we moved in almost a year ago, everything I owned was just shoved willy-nilly inside to be dealt with at a later date. Certainly, I had more important things to deal with at the time.

But this morning I was productive. I even made Man-Child chocolate-chip muffins - which he didn't partake of until very late morning; practically afternoon. ::sigh:: This from the child that absolutely refused to sleep ever when he was small (no, I am not exaggerating) which made me completely incoherent and insane. . . but I digress . . .

I hauled out six - yes, count 'em, SIX - large trash bags full of clothes, bags, belts, scarves, shoes. I'm now trying to determine if I want to deal with trying to place them with a consignment store or just giving it all to Goodwill. Knowing me, I'll take the easy route and just drop them at the Goodwill; so I really don't even know why I'm having this internal debate. But it's habit. I talk to myself all the time; sometimes I agree with myself, sometimes I don't. (And no, I am not completely crazy. Yet.)

Then I dropped by the local hardware store for a few organizational items; and viola! The closet is complete. I feel much better now.


Much better than before!

Notice all the empty hangers? Evidence of all that was bagged up and moved out.

Whew. I feel much better now. Except for the fact that the pantry is now calling for attention. And those damn baseboards.

Ah well, no more planned days off until Thanksgiving. I guess they'll have to wait.

Lazy, lazy, lazy

I have become so lazy that it's intolerable.

I need to clean out my closet. Instead I turn a blind eye.

I need to clean my house. Except for the very basics, I turn a blind eye.

I need to keep up with my far-flung friends with more than an occasional email. Yet I don't.

What is going on? I wish I knew.

Is it just the summer? Living out on the back porch with my books and computer?

I used to be a whirlwind. Constantly cleaning, sorting, arranging. Now, I notice that it needs to be done. But I don't want to deal.

I'm still fairly happy. I still care whether or not family and friends are happy. So what is going on?

Why am I not the complete clean-freak I used to be? How come, all of a sudden, good-enough is fine with me?

Just this weekend; when I had Friday to myself (something that never happens), I was deciding should I clean or shop? I decided to clean the bathrooms and water the plants - call it a day - and go shopping.

In the past, the house would need to be spotless before I did anything else.

My hubby asked me what has happened. I don't have an answer. Not that he was complaining. He's learned long ago; if you complain - the job becomes yours. Besides the fact, that he is helpful around the house. Usually, though you must ask in order for it to be done. No initiative here. But, he does do all the cooking - so he does get a pass most of the time.

So what - there's dust on the shelves? So what - the pantry isn't in complete order? Why don't I care if the baseboards haven't been cleaned since we moved in (a year ago!)?

But I still expect high standards from everyone else in the house? ::sigh:: How can I expect so much from them when I'm not performing on the same level?

What is happening to me? Am I mellowing out? Or . . . am I losing it?

Or . . . maybe . . . I've realized that I have better things to do?

I don't know. Just please tell me I'm not going crazy. This is not the person I used to be. I can't determine whether or not this is a good thing.

I’m NOT a dog-hater, really . . .

Before you even begin to judge me.  I did not grow up with pets.  Any pets that we may have had (by total accident – including a duck) were kept outside. 

As a result, as a small child I was terrified (yes, totally and completely terrified) of dogs (and ducks).

Today, as an adult, I am tolerant of most dogs (as long as they don’t sniff my crotch and are, relatively, quiet).

BUT . . . my neighbor’s dog is about to drive me completely insane!!!

When we built our house I was ecstatic.  We have this wonderful screened-in back porch that I can utilize for most of the year.  I’m out here all the time (as I am now). 

Unfortunately for me, the neighbors have this dog.  This very, very cute dog.  Who cannot shut up for one freakin’ minute (as I type he is yapping his fool head off!). 

I have timed how long that damn dog can yap.  It’s gone on and on interminably. 

Finally, it comes to the neighbor’s notice that the dog is now hoarse from all the damn yapping.  So then, not only do I hear the dog – I hear the owners.  Yelling at the dog.  Non-freaking-stop.

And this, my friends, is how I enjoy my evenings on my lovely screened-in porch. 

Pray for me.

Maybe I should get an iPod and keep those earbuds in the whole time I’m out here??  Would that help???

 

 

PS – I think Hubby is intentionally drinking all my wine.  Which would definitely help drown out the yapping . . . again, I think he is trying to kill me by omission.

She makes me wonder . . .

I mentioned a woman in my previous post that wears winter clothing in the dead of summer.  And who won’t look people in the eye.  I know there is a story there.  But I don’t think we’ll ever get it.

She’s seems to have an obsessive-compulsive disorder.  Every morning she comes in and disinfects her desk.  She washes her hands more frequently and more thoroughly than a brain surgeon.  She refuses to take a cup from the stack next to the coffee pot.  She must get a un-opened sleeve; open it and take one from the middle. 

When she gets a snack from the vending machine – to put in the above-mentioned cup – she will open it, put the snack in the cup and then wash her hands (because she’s touched the vending machine, money & the snack bag).

She has repeatedly refused to give her address and phone number to anyone in the department (we have an open list for emergencies, Christmas cards, etc.).  No one even has an idea about what area she might live in.  Once we finally convinced her to give an address - she gave a PO Box.  Still, no phone number.  Once she was out for several days due to a bad fall – no one – not even her boss – could call to see how she was doing.

I realize that it is her prerogative to wear what she wants, and to disinfect everything in sight if she so desires and to keep to herself and her private life private.  That’s her right.

But it has to make one wonder.  Is she in the witness protection program?  Is she running from the law?  Is she hiding from an abusive ex-husband ala Sleeping With the Enemy?  Is she a serial-killer?  And after she is caught, we will all say “But she was so quiet!” 

So, in the meantime, I’ll just keep my eye on her.  Cause you just never know – those quiet ones are the ones you gotta worry about. . .

See what happens when you have an over-active imagination and a slow day??

Just a bit of friendly advice. . .

Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop is the inspiration behind this post.  I have chosen number five – Share your friendly advice to someone you think needs it.  Hmmm, as I have much advice to offer this could turn into a very lengthy post . . . 

Just a little bit of fashion advice for a few of my co-workers (you know who you are!).

1.  Do not, under any circumstances, EVER wear nylons with open-toed shoes.  It is unbelievably tacky.  And though I love you dearly, it makes me cringe.

2.  Please don’t wear your pants so tight.  I really don’t want to see everything you’ve got; and neither does any one else.

3.  White shoes.  Really?  Very few outfits require solid white shoes.  The ones you wear with them are just wrong.

4.  Please, I am begging you, wear skirts that are just a bit longer.  You are far too mature to be trying to pull off that look.

5.  And you – I wonder if there is any hope at all.  Why are you wearing black tights, corduroy skirts, and a sweater in the dead heat of the summer?  That, and the fact you won’t look anyone in the eye, has me very suspicious of you.  And please, comb your hair.  This is a professional office.

***********

Moving on.  This bit of advice is for our “bigwigs.”  Please act a little more human.  Just because you make more money than you will ever know what to do with does not give you the right to walk around here like you’ve got a stick up your . . . well, anyway.  You are not a god – you are human – just like us peons.  Treat us as such, please.  Oh, and that grimace you think passes for a smile. . . if you can’t offer a sincere smile then please don’t subject us that rictus.

***********

To my son’s school.  I love you, I really do.  That’s why I pay an exorbitant amount of money to you each month for him to attend.  So why then must I BUY his books each year?  Really?  This is high school – NOT college.  What exactly are you doing with all that tuition money that you can’t provide the books?  And then, this really chaps my hide, how come you don’t use said books that you have forced us to buy?  Instead you use worksheets?  You also extort money from us constantly.  Why? 

************

To my two dear friends.  I love you but really – this not speaking to each other over a silly misunderstanding is very juvenile.  Kiss and make up already.

************

And you, Mr. Middle-Management kinda guy; for all that is holy – please quit micro-managing!!  We know how to do our jobs so you do yours and let us do ours.  Also, please ask your wife to refrain from calling 50 times a day.  Thank you.

Okay, I warned you this would be a lengthy post.  And I could go on and on.  But because no really wants to hear everything I have to say I’ll stop here.

Are You Freakin’ Kidding Me??

Have you seen this story?  http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/20684677/detail.html

Where does he get off?! 

And what really gets me is that he was a in a WalMart.  Walk away.  Some of those stores are so huge it surely wouldn’t have been an issue to move to another part of the store.  It’s not like you were at the movies with the kid crying right next to you.  And even if it were – you still do not have the right to lay a hand upon that child.

The utter gall of this man absolutely astounds me.  Obviously, he has issues of some kind.  Because normal-thinking people would never in a million years think that it is okay to slap someone else’s child – particularly a stranger’s child.

He’s being held, without bond, on charges of child cruelty in the first degree.  It’s a felony.  Damn-straight it should be a felony and this guy deserves to do some hard time and required anger-management courses.

What is this world coming to?

He Makes Me Laugh

Man-Child was definitely put on this earth to make me laugh.

Even as a wee one he could make me laugh just by the expressions on his face.

I'm convinced that (as hubby says) God makes 'em cute to keep you from hurting them.

This must be true because I can't count the number of times I was ready to kill him or give him away. Yes, I sound like a horrible mother. But, really?? How many of you can honestly say you haven't felt the same? Don't lie.

This child of mine is smart. So smart. He has a ready argument for EVERYTHING. Since the day he could talk, I swear. Unfortunately, at least with me, he hasn't learned that sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut. This is why God gave him his father. To tell him to zip it when he needs to - - before he is maimed; or worse.

When he is in the mood to actually speak to us, his parents - the ones who have loved him unconditionally and, I might add, feed his unsatiable appetite - he is quite articulate and amazing at the topics he is willing to discuss. How many teenagers do you know are willing to discuss Neo-Nazi's (apparently there was recently a "meeting" held in our town - fun); politics (he's very firm in his opinions on this); sports (ad-nauseum); and classical music (by this I mean music from our generations; which isn't oldies music by any stretch of the imagination! Well, maybe hubby's is . . .).

When he isn't in the mood to speak all we get is grunts and groans. And plenty of eye-rolls.

This boy of mine amazes me in so many ways. How can one person be so smart, so exasperating, so witty, so lazy, so committed to his views, so lackesdasical, and so exasperating?

As much as I miss the tiny little guy he used to be - who loved kisses and hugs - I can't wait to see the kind of man he is growing into. For all the mistakes and missteps I've made as a parent he truly is a fine young man.

And he makes me laugh. On a daily basis. Today, his father asked him how the girls were treating him. Without missing a beat he said, "Like a KING!"

Then . . .

"here King, here." (referring to calling a dog, for those of you that don't get it)

I rolled on the floor. He's too funny, my "little" man.

The Road To Hell is Paved With Good Intentions . . .

How in the world did I get myself involved in this? 

Our church has a ministry called Visiting Angels.  It’s a group of about 13 folks who rotate bringing food once a week to our priests.  It’s a great little ministry and my hubby is involved.  When he got involved he asked me to be the contact person for him – that’s where this all began to slowly go haywire.  So when the last coordinator announced that she couldn’t do it anymore because of time constraints, I volunteered.  I thought this would be any easy, stress-free way to give my time and since I am very organized it shouldn’t be any problem.

I’ve only been doing this for about 2 months now.  I planned the schedule for 6 months out.  Dusted my hands and said great that’s done until the new year.  Wrong, wrong, wrong! 

First I get an email from the previous coordinator – seems like she forgot to tell me that so-and-so is no longer on the list.  Fine.  Re-work the schedule – send it back out.  Two days later – I get another email – seems one of the volunteers died.  Ok, no problem.  Re-work the schedule – send it back out.  Later the same day, another email.  Seems the previous coordinator forgot to mention that so-and-so volunteers – but doesn’t have email, so I’ll need to add her in somehow.  I ignored this email. 

Well today, I’ve been thrown another curveball.  Apparently, we have visitors coming in on two separate occasions and will need extra meals.  Fine – I send out a request.  Oh my hell.  Apparently, I confused the hell out of everyone and had to go back reassuring them of their time slots.  Then, I get an email telling me that this person can’t provide meals anymore.  Now I have to take her out of the rotation and find someone to take her place next month.

This was supposed to be easy and no-stress remember?  These people are making me pull my hair out.  This should be a 20 minute thing once every 6 months or so.  But it has morphed into this thing where I am thinking about it all the time.  And every time I send an email I get a response that throws a curve into everything.  Every, single time.  And once that response throws everything out of whack, I have to send out another email explaining why everything is changing.

This gig is making me question my sanity and my organizational skills.  I’m sure that with every email I send out; they must be thinking “Who put this idiot in charge?”

I’m truly not an idiot.  I do know what I’m doing.  I swear.  Who could have foreseen all this craziness?  All I wanted was to do something good – that’s it.  Now I cringe every time I see an email from one of these folks cause I know it’s just gonna give me a headache.

So, what do you think?  Will I get bonus points for all this after I – well, you know – die?  I sure hope so.