tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14424374660361656022024-03-05T16:04:12.474-06:00Mommy BarbieMy most spectacular acheivement is motherhood. If I was ever to have an action figure made of me, I would be Mommy Barbie. This blog is where I say what's on my mind, and hopefully give readers something to think about, wonder about and laugh about...Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-68267608921997131942015-06-04T10:40:00.000-05:002015-06-04T10:40:36.651-05:00A Clean House is a Sign of...A clean house is a sign of many things:<br />
<ul>
<li>A family who works diligently together to make the house clean</li>
<li>A great housekeeper who comes in and makes the place shine</li>
<li>A mother/father who are task masters and are militant about the cleanliness of their house</li>
<li>A mother/father who wants desperately to impress someone</li>
<li>A person/people who are organized and like to have things neat and tidy</li>
<li>Other</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aqmhX0-StrReY6WVubTU1xbTzm3mQyJczcj9CjUVRwUsRuQdQHq1JKnsBzOuoRIf0sVzWos-enxAIHkNFl67U8UzLzEc7CsZue68ubHwAkIGqBS7mPqJ5rl7rNQh1XoBbOrVD5GulpM/s1600/home-organization.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aqmhX0-StrReY6WVubTU1xbTzm3mQyJczcj9CjUVRwUsRuQdQHq1JKnsBzOuoRIf0sVzWos-enxAIHkNFl67U8UzLzEc7CsZue68ubHwAkIGqBS7mPqJ5rl7rNQh1XoBbOrVD5GulpM/s320/home-organization.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.angieslist.com/home-interiors/home-organization.htm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Conversely, a messy house is also a sign of many things:<br />
<ul>
<li>Laziness</li>
<li>Lack of time</li>
<li>Lack of respect</li>
<li>Lack of concern</li>
<li>A family who is only home to sleep and eat and throw things about before they move on to their next scheduled event</li>
<li>A mother/father who values time with something else more (friends, sports, hobbies, work, etc.)</li>
<li>A mother/father who values time with their family more</li>
<li>Other</li>
</ul>
Unfortunately, I happen to fall into the latter category. And, while my reasons are pure and valid, it is still a messy house.<br />
<ol>
<li>I value my time with my family more than I value a you-can-eat-off-the-floor kind of house</li>
<li>I am trying really, really, really hard to improve because other members of my family would like the house to be cleaner</li>
</ol>
Well, what about those other family members who value cleanliness so much? Great question! Here's the thing: hubby and I are ultimately in charge of our household. Not much gets done without one of us pushing for it. That's not to say our kids are lazy or lack initiative. But they do require direction. And they are more likely to work when they see the leadership working.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK0qPN5idqHz7gJmEdjDs25JIkYOpfGd8UZ9BOTLSbZucxoLWX0zqx5vN9gr8TgU098ycaW9I-OaBblOAXfyoRP0RqYqsKZMGTK7PVde9j359JsR1Z4xDFjEdKP2PxbG5d0OtmXL3PJQ/s1600/keep-calm-and-get-organized-16-290x348-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK0qPN5idqHz7gJmEdjDs25JIkYOpfGd8UZ9BOTLSbZucxoLWX0zqx5vN9gr8TgU098ycaW9I-OaBblOAXfyoRP0RqYqsKZMGTK7PVde9j359JsR1Z4xDFjEdKP2PxbG5d0OtmXL3PJQ/s320/keep-calm-and-get-organized-16-290x348-1.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://checkmedaily.com/</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So this summer my goal is to declutter. In the extreme (because I can never just "kind of" do something).<br />
<ul>
<li>I have pulled out every towel from our linen closet for inspection, culled through them, and then folded up the "keepers" and put them away.</li>
<li>I have scoured the medicine cabinet, which was full to excess, and thrown away all of those cough medicines and baby Tylenol from 2002.</li>
<li>I have gone through my closet with extreme zeal and vigor in order to rid myself of all the extra clothes that haven't fit for twenty years.</li>
<li>And there is more- much more- to come.</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9kfXrirVcXAGVt3fXv21Q1HFrjivjCVLhOJ7Hshdvmpln7htSSOizoXZkfeTZ_0ZNeASZ3nk1sVg0cWcy_q3SbDbsazqXS8R3CtvlicW1A0bTfn3P-O5otBse-LgagYjUOnVH6BeKvg/s1600/51Kz4zmXqbL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9kfXrirVcXAGVt3fXv21Q1HFrjivjCVLhOJ7Hshdvmpln7htSSOizoXZkfeTZ_0ZNeASZ3nk1sVg0cWcy_q3SbDbsazqXS8R3CtvlicW1A0bTfn3P-O5otBse-LgagYjUOnVH6BeKvg/s320/51Kz4zmXqbL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.amazon.com/The-Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering/dp/1607747308</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The family is impressed, although a tiny bit frightened. What if their room, their possessions, are next? (Well, they actually are.)<br />
<br />
By the end of the summer my house may not be the cleanest, or even the most organized, on the block. But we will be able to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Have extra space in closets and in rooms</li>
<li>Find things easily so as not to buy multiple duplicates (yep, happens all the time)</li>
<li>Be able to keep things generally more tidy, as everything will have a place</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo5v9rGbbsp_7dnUJnhKYJrUxtgF3EYuMastCjhIIfwlEO5e18fOsysu9a6CAgUfb83Vd37fkUjy3o3zG1wrTMFVr0VAHA88GNcmYAgemuoKGoFqgyNOocGtvGCGCJOX1nmQ4pOzykGA/s1600/DSC_0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo5v9rGbbsp_7dnUJnhKYJrUxtgF3EYuMastCjhIIfwlEO5e18fOsysu9a6CAgUfb83Vd37fkUjy3o3zG1wrTMFVr0VAHA88GNcmYAgemuoKGoFqgyNOocGtvGCGCJOX1nmQ4pOzykGA/s320/DSC_0213.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://designbuildlove.co/using-containers-to-get-organized-day-8-30-days-to-an-organized-home-2/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Yes, these are lofty goals. But they're coming along.<br />
<br />
And the best part? I'm not sacrificing time with the family! (Thank you, jobs, VBS, mission trips, church camp, and friends!)<br />
<br />
Once this is done, I shall tackle my next goal: cooking fabulous meals (almost) every night (instead of once every two weeks, at best)...<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
Well, a girl can dream anyway... </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLfknG5pefKI8-9FrD_IAqu4FjWt54jIdNp9AP3ypajgxLsnNM6ZSKTcWx5hpYBodxnl-YcmMie3udpWXb0PQ1NiiVho3_uRJ32dEo_eg9tO2G_RQQhOhR5rD2068OhsZgJr_tQAj9EQ/s1600/Dinner%252BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLfknG5pefKI8-9FrD_IAqu4FjWt54jIdNp9AP3ypajgxLsnNM6ZSKTcWx5hpYBodxnl-YcmMie3udpWXb0PQ1NiiVho3_uRJ32dEo_eg9tO2G_RQQhOhR5rD2068OhsZgJr_tQAj9EQ/s320/Dinner%252BCover.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.lemonpoppyinc.com/blog/2013/3/1/when-life-gives-you-a-dinner-dilemma-coming-soon-pre-order-t.html</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-56448866893237778442015-06-03T15:04:00.000-05:002015-06-04T09:25:13.257-05:00Surprised? (Sadly) Not Really.<h4 style="text-align: right;">
<i>"We continue, as a society, to believe that we are, as
individuals, supposed to be "right." And, more importantly, that my
individual "right" supercedes yours. In other words, my Superego is not
only offended by your Id, I have somehow come to believe that
my Ego's duty is to police your Id." </i></h4>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>or the last several days</span> social media and news outlets have been on fire with the news of Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner's (partially physically; completely "emotionally") gender change and subsequent ESPY award for doing so.<br />
<br />
According to the June 2, 2015, ESPN.com news services (http://espn.go.com/espys/2015/story/_/id/12992941/caitlyn-jenner-receive-arthur-ashe-courage-award):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
"The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is named for the late tennis player, who
died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1993 after contracting HIV through a
blood transfusion. Past winners have included Jim Valvano, Muhammad Ali,
Dean Smith, Nelson Mandela, Billie Jean King, Pat Summitt, Robin
Roberts and Michael Sam." </blockquote>
<br />
And<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Bruce [Jenner] has received many accolades over the years for being one
of the greatest Olympians of our time, but The ESPYS are honored to
celebrate Bruce becoming Caitlyn," ESPN executive producer Maura Mandt
said. "She has shown the courage to embrace a truth that had been hidden
for years, and to embark on a journey that may not only give comfort to
those facing similar circumstances, but can also help to educate people
on the challenges that the transgender community faces."</blockquote>
<br />
Many have been shocked and outraged at Jenner's choices and the media's reaction. My question is: Why? Why the shock? Why the outrage? This is just a symptom of the disease of a collective and individual hyperactive Id; just another in a long line of people being encouraged to "do what makes them feel good" while "taking sides" by the media, advertisers, and "popular culture"; just another product of someone else telling my Superego what to do.<br />
<br />
So am I surprised at the outrage over this latest media phenomenon.
Sadly, no. We are a nation of individuals who believe that only "my"
opinion is right- whether that opinion is truly ours, or just a
reflection of the media. With one side telling us it is to be celebrated
and honored, and the other side telling us it is a sin and blaspheme,
we are left to struggle with our own conscience, or our Ego, which is
the reconciliation of our Id and Superego. How in the world did we get to this place?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJoXbv449RP-7VCkx0NesS2Q2X4OgsgvVgZyDqRwkjPFZ5IImg67VqfSBXueghLZvq9hZqIzFfPhAIMmCzhFKfr6YiW7HE34ooFW2m5vu1GkaNYPlJRZ8JytKjx8yRJ7MuIHPAfVNgGY/s1600/idegosuperego-1-728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJoXbv449RP-7VCkx0NesS2Q2X4OgsgvVgZyDqRwkjPFZ5IImg67VqfSBXueghLZvq9hZqIzFfPhAIMmCzhFKfr6YiW7HE34ooFW2m5vu1GkaNYPlJRZ8JytKjx8yRJ7MuIHPAfVNgGY/s320/idegosuperego-1-728.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.slideshare.net/TeacherHutch/idegosuperego</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the late 1980's, talk show hosts began a new kind of entertainment. Non-celebrity, everyday people were encouraged to go on national television via Oprah, Geraldo Rivera, Maury Povich, and Jerry Springer (just to name a few) and reveal their deepest secrets, most painful memories, and current shortcomings. This opened a veritable Pandora's Box. People were literally begging to go on television to have a national therapy session so that 1) they could have their moment in the spotlight and/or 2) they could glean the sympathy of viewers, thus "proving" that they were "right." <br />
<br />
Obviously, this was not the first time people tried to find a scapegoat on whom to blame all their problems. However, never had it been done for the "common man" on such a national/global scale. This personal catharsis on national television gave the viewer permission to dig deep and discover who had "ruined" his or her life. This was the beginning of the end of Personal Accountability. Not surprisingly, finding creative ways to say, "it's not my fault," paid big for sponsors and "news" media, and it paved the way for the individual's Superego and Ego to be dictated by "popular culture."<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sG9NiY8N1MgpaPAgk7JCikplgExxk_reZNq6RXmUiI-MSI7g_lr7ZSmUlQOGe5br6rO9olOjGcGTzfzU9K391rDQNZr4P-mtH0Im2xLkoxe6UjmhxaXbDAOKLM4FEakYkmRinqi2PhE/s1600/getattachment-32-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sG9NiY8N1MgpaPAgk7JCikplgExxk_reZNq6RXmUiI-MSI7g_lr7ZSmUlQOGe5br6rO9olOjGcGTzfzU9K391rDQNZr4P-mtH0Im2xLkoxe6UjmhxaXbDAOKLM4FEakYkmRinqi2PhE/s320/getattachment-32-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://idogunesohe1.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/the-id-ego-and-superego/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As a result of discovering that our parents were indeed to blame for all that was wrong in our lives, society decided to be proactive. No way was this enlightened generation going to allow their children to cast any blame on them. We wanted to "feel good" about ourselves, and we wanted our kids to like us, too. So we quit keeping score in baseball and soccer games; we tried to promote unity and cooperation on the field. We quit giving out trophies to only winners, lest the losers feel bad about themselves; instead, we gave trophies to anyone who participated. There was no single "golden egg" in the Easter egg hunt; rather there were as many "golden eggs" as there were children, and at the end of the hunt we divided the goodies equally. <br />
<br />
Never has the word "fair" been so overused in the history of human life as it has been by this generation's parents and children. However, making sure everyone "feels good" about himself by using the media and popular culture's standards as our yardstick has proven to be a more difficult task for the individual than we imagined. We must take into account the parents, who obviously have a vested interest in their reputation and their children's happiness. We must take into account the children, who may or may not be particularly skilled, but nonetheless require encouragement, acceptance, and positive affirmations about whatever they pursue. And we must take into account society- particularly social media- who will crucify anyone who dares to suggest that things should be any different.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRH9DwlQvatt8-_2vjEqj88sE1HG_7ixWUK6F4tuyPfrtlk0CVtRmUpDUAnfXmudP1X0JZWmvjCcjZcxl1hYa2DrliJAIBSt_lLckbMAMW4mxRxORyiZMT4f-BLhMaR9IdJ6C2Gc-82s/s1600/idegosuperego-3-728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRH9DwlQvatt8-_2vjEqj88sE1HG_7ixWUK6F4tuyPfrtlk0CVtRmUpDUAnfXmudP1X0JZWmvjCcjZcxl1hYa2DrliJAIBSt_lLckbMAMW4mxRxORyiZMT4f-BLhMaR9IdJ6C2Gc-82s/s320/idegosuperego-3-728.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.slideshare.net/TeacherHutch/idegosuperego</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With advertisers pandering to this Id- this idea perpetuated by the media that the ultimate goal is self-fulfillment- how can we really be blamed? Surely it's their fault. They are the ones who told us what beauty was, and how to purchase products to attain it. They are the ones who actually understand that responsibility is only important if a law suit is involved. They are the ones who saved us from our Superego. They are the ones who encouraged and sponsored the church of self-love, where the only worship is that of happiness, comfort, and "the good life." Indeed, they are the saviors who made our Egos more Id than Superego. Right?<br />
<br />
Wrong. Feeling "good," amazingly enough, is not our purpose in life. No one can feel "good" 24 hours a day/7 days a week. There are bound to be days when even the most glamorous, the most successful, the most affluent, and the most brilliant feel "bad." And no amount of product- contrary to the media's claims- can make us "feel good" about ourselves long-term.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But it doesn't behoove the media and advertisers to tell us we are "good enough" just as we are, that our true purpose is to love others as much as we love ourselves. No, that is our own Superego's responsibility. We are accountable and responsible for telling ourselves and each other that every single person is valued and cherished- rarely as the media depicts and promotes.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
And still, the hardest part is remembering that we are not "number one" (as the media would like us to believe), we do not have more rights, and we are not more special than anyone else. And while we may be the only person in our own personal solar system, we are not the only person in the universe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9v7BqRYqVrUs3AQgDbKqlE72lVi2op7SYAR9SeYReLgex80ylNPSz6iq_AwaptjYBegyfDjNdu19rVQ85yulakyuruySj13qulw9tCnULiGY4QAS_cIPkr5EPodr6498GLijChAFd4WI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9v7BqRYqVrUs3AQgDbKqlE72lVi2op7SYAR9SeYReLgex80ylNPSz6iq_AwaptjYBegyfDjNdu19rVQ85yulakyuruySj13qulw9tCnULiGY4QAS_cIPkr5EPodr6498GLijChAFd4WI/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What does this have to do with Caitlyn (formerly known as Bruce) Jenner and the ESPY awards? Great question.<br />
<br />
It seems that somewhere along the way we gave up being our own Ego and let the news media, the advertisers, and social media take over. And we've already discussed that none of those entities have our personal best interest in mind. They are far more interested in the sensationalism, the reckless abandon, the outrageous, the beautiful, the now.<br />
<br />
Do I personally believe that Caitlyn/Bruce Jenner "deserves" the ESPY award over all athletes in the world today? Do I think it's "fair"? Certainly there are other people who could easily qualify for this prestigious award. But, really, it's not my call. It is up to the entity of ESPN - which, may I remind you, is that same media who wants to create controversy to solicit response and glean dollars from us. ESPN does not take a popular vote, nor do they have to. They are not ultimately responsible for making you "feel good."<br />
<br />
Do I think Jenner had the "right" to transgender? My Superego may or may not esteem the value of "right to choose." But ultimately, that is my value. It is my Ego that unites my Superego and my Id- not yours, not Jenner's, and certainly not the media's. Whether the media and I agree or not, that value is still utterly and completely mine.<br />
<br />
<i><b>However, we continue, as a society, to believe that we are, as individuals, supposed to be "right." And, more importantly, that my individual "right" supercedes yours. In other words, my Superego is not only offended by your Id, I have somehow come to believe that my Ego's duty is to police your Id. After all, we have been seeking approval from others since the dawn of time. And the ultimate approval is being deemed "right."</b></i><br />
<br />
It may make me "feel good" to think I am "right," but it does not, nor should it ever, impede upon your "right." That goes for <i>both </i>sides of an argument. <br />
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Long story short - I'm not going to let the media, the news, society, social media, or my next door neighbor tell me and my Superego what is "right." And neither should you.<br />
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<br />Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-61379079108267752132013-12-27T12:03:00.001-06:002015-06-03T14:57:12.844-05:00Accessorize!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLMVT61ANaMbndJIsu6reuzVZxUsHe-_W3mabEu68ULzoUZcLqJ5-395Gz-5b2_RLFVIaqwe6lPHCgOqbwnwT2c83Y8r2juM7pFlGKR__olfldH2nYqDIO-A8eIw4ZTFi3bNesy6KIrA/s1600/IMG_0952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLMVT61ANaMbndJIsu6reuzVZxUsHe-_W3mabEu68ULzoUZcLqJ5-395Gz-5b2_RLFVIaqwe6lPHCgOqbwnwT2c83Y8r2juM7pFlGKR__olfldH2nYqDIO-A8eIw4ZTFi3bNesy6KIrA/s320/IMG_0952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Amy was completely delighted to <i>finally</i> get her ears pierced. We made her wait until she was 12. Admittedly, that was a completely arbitrary number. But we wanted our kids to grow up as slowly as possible.<br />
We have watched other people we have known allow their toddlers to pierce their ears, wear make up, have tons of clothes, take limo rides to rock concerts and expensive restaurants, and become miniature adults, complete with horrific manners and demanding personalities. I don't mean to sound like I'm passing judgement; certainly we have made parental decisions with which others would not agree. However, our logic to making our kids wait to do simple things, like have a cell phone, pierce their ears, wear make up, wear high heels, shave their legs, etc., was that we wanted them to 1) enjoy their childhood, and 2) have something to look forward to. If a little girl is riding in limos at the age of six, what's so special about a limo at prom or at their wedding? If a child goes to a One Direction concert and sits in the front row at age five, what is left for them to look forward to enjoying when they're fifteen or twenty five? If it's all been "done" at a young age, what is left to anticipate?<br />
We know children are persistent when they want something. And they can be down-right annoying in their pursuit of whatever they want.<br />
But consider <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Christmas">Christmas</a>: Arguably one the most fun and exciting parts of Christmas is the anticipation that builds into an absolutely frenzy by Christmas Eve. It's true that children want the toys and gifts they receive Christmas morning. But the gifts are even more fun and valued because they aren't granted or given the very moment they're requested. The desire blooms and is nurtured until it is satisfied at the first glance of that special toy or gift early Christmas morning.<br />
We wanted to give that same feeling of Christmas satisfaction to our kids for some of the other milestones and moments of growing up.<br />
So Amy just got her ears pierced. I believe she was one of the very last of her friends to do so.<br />
But I can guarantee she will remember that moment as a special moment.<br />
Next milestone: Emma gets her driving permit... Oh my... I think the ear piercing will be far easier on MommyBarbie...<br />
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Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-43719168475338240172013-11-14T21:40:00.001-06:002013-11-14T21:58:44.783-06:00No Texting Zone<p dir="ltr">When you send someone an electronic correspondence, it behooves you to check carefully to make sure the correct recipient is in the address bar. Dear hubby, due to neglecting this tidbit of texting etiquette, has now become the official poster child of the cause.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Evidently, he sent me a sweet, romantic text saying, "Have I told you lately I'm madly in love with you?" (Yes, I am aware that I have the BEST guy ever.)</p>
<p dir="ltr">In fact, had I gotten that text I would've immediately replied with something equally nauseatingly sweet and romantic.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, that text was inadvertently sent to his last phone recipient, who also happened to be his very male, very retired-military boss.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When this little mishap was relayed to me this evening, I hooted and giggled and then laughed some more.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This event turned out just fine for us, but should serve as a cautionary tale to emailers and texters alike: be careful to check BEFORE you hit "send". A jealous spouse or a terse boss who doesn't find humor in situations like that could've very well been on the other end of that text.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So text and email with care. And don't worry about getting an errant text from dear hubby; he's probably just going to call people on the phone and speak to them personally for a while...</p>
Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-11845883576010233022013-11-13T22:03:00.001-06:002013-11-13T22:49:40.623-06:00A Hairy Situation<p dir="ltr">ANo 0ll my life I have envied Barbie. Blue eyes, great figure without having to exercise, all those great clothes and accessories. And long, thick, blond hair (Except for the one whom I named Suzie. She got a bob that was absolutely awful when I was going through my phase of wanting my hair short and trying to live vicariously through her since I had to wear a pony tail for dance class).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Barbie's hair has always been a source of jealousy on my part. How is it fair that she gets to be forever platinum and coiffeured while I struggle with my thin non-discript colored hair every day?</p>
<p dir="ltr">So I held out hope for my children. Perhaps they would have Barbie-esque hair. Just maybe my daughters would have lovely locks.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Emma's hair looked exactly like Shirley Temple's when she was young. Light brown tight ringlets with streaks of blond encircled her precious face. I actually had people ask me if I curled it or even permed it. (I was polite, but really wanted to exclaim, "Why, yes. I got my two year old to sit still through a perm. NOT.") </p>
<p dir="ltr">Today her hair hangs down her back in gorgeous golden brown waves- except for when she straightens it with a flat iron.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Amy got such thick hair we've had to have it thinned whenever she's gotten her hair cut. It has immense body, and she does nothing to it other than brush it to make it beautiful.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So MommyBarbie's hair has never been anything to write home about. But somehow I went against all genetic odds and produced children with fairytale worthy hair. I was pleased.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lately, however, Emma has been wanting to change her hair- make it straighter, color it some odd shade of eggplant or fushia. This makes me sad. And yet it is simply another example to give proof positive that we always want what we don't have.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Last summer she had a hot pink streak in the back of her hair that washed out over time and was hidden in the back for family beach.pictures. She was elated to be a little rebellious; I was delighted she accepted my compromise.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We make concessions as parents. Certainly MommyBarbie preferred the pristine hair that blessed my daughter's head. But what are a few strands of pink in the big picture? It wasn't permanent. It was concealable. And it satisfied her desire.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Tomorrow I will be taking Emma to trim up the ends of her hair. I have conceded to a light color wash to darken her hair slightly. Why? Because as a parent I realize the need for my child to be her own person. And when I give a little, my child is less inclined to want a lot; I give in inches, so she doesn't feel she has to take in miles.</p>
<p dir="ltr">MommyBarbie is silently weeping in the corner. But hopefully she will find solace in the fact that at least Amy's pony tail is still sans chemicals. (Of course, Amy's hair is delighted to see a brush from time-to-time. We aren't yet to the point of breaking out the Miss Clairol by any stretch of the imagination.)</p>
<p dir="ltr">I also hope that MommyBarbie will be proud of what an amazing, independent, level - headed young woman Emma is turning out to be. She could channel her self assurance and independent thinking into something destructive or just plain obnoxious. But she doesn't. She continues to amaze and shine at every turn...</p>
<p dir="ltr">Even if it is with colored, straightened hair...</p>
<p dir="ltr">She is beautiful. And I am happy.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-81013260802291819112013-11-12T22:30:00.001-06:002013-11-12T22:40:52.802-06:00Long Time, No See<p dir="ltr">Wow. It has been far too long since I've written last. The good news for me is that my lack of posting is not due to a lack of things about which to post. On the contrary- I've been so busy I haven't had time to chronical my motherhood foibles. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This past August was honored by being asked to teach high school students English. This served to simultaneously amp up the busy - ness in my world, while continuing to provide a prolonged respite for my kids to go without being picked apart and written about. The kiddos are delighted; I am not so much.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You see, for me writing is not only cathartic, and an inexpensive way to exercise my creative demons, it has also given me a way to draft a sort of diary that allows me to reflect at the time of my writing, and then even much later.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So I have vowed to make a better effort to post more frequently than once a year... We'll see how this goes...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrCA9AnStt85XmTV_qVfusyC-JRG0w2NEoISBe74yvW9IoSB913e1VRrNx-EM1xBjfVwevyvaVqp2uaVM-W11jwDl5zXafgRlwJ6m1WLeFD92gKdKJWk5oafOyCys6VxkrRNGpwoXlrM/s1600/1384317604465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrCA9AnStt85XmTV_qVfusyC-JRG0w2NEoISBe74yvW9IoSB913e1VRrNx-EM1xBjfVwevyvaVqp2uaVM-W11jwDl5zXafgRlwJ6m1WLeFD92gKdKJWk5oafOyCys6VxkrRNGpwoXlrM/s640/1384317604465.jpg"> </a> </div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-20559412810383116082012-03-07T09:05:00.001-06:002012-03-07T09:05:36.127-06:00Mommy PillowPet<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37258032@N00/2863637798" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Superhero Sheep" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="180" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2863637798_6f55e7c0d2_m.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 240px;">Superhero Sheep (Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37258032@N00/2863637798" target="_blank">elisharene</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the day, I appear to be an every-day, average mom of three. But at night, I am magically transformed into something else. I am more than a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superhero" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Superhero">super hero</a>. I am better than a mere mom. I am a human <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillow" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Pillow">pillow</a>.<br />
<br />
Yes, you read correctly. I am a squishy, cozy, heat-producing pillow, on which every member of my household must lie.<br />
<br />
I am not knocking myself in the weight category; that is not even part of the equation, regardless of the fact that my extra-ness does actually make me more pillow-like.<br />
<br />
I am referring to the fact that once I become still (having finished dinner, homework, chores, etc.), I evidentially send out some kind if homing signal to every person and animal within our humble abode.<br />
<br />
Within mere minutes, I have little <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Human">humans</a>, big humans, and animals sitting around me, beside me, and, quite literally, on me.<br />
<br />
The good news is that enjoy all the cuddly, sweet, love-y time.<br />
<br />
The bad news? It gets <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_tasting_descriptors" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Wine tasting descriptors">HOT</a>! My family produces enough body heat to contribute significantly to the global warming problem- and they are all on me! After the initial "awww" moment of having all whom I love and adore within inches of my person has passed, I begin sweating like I'm wearing a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fur_clothing" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Fur clothing">fur coat</a> over a wet suit in a sauna.<br />
<br />
So, every once in a while I call a "time out" so I can get up and breathe, before resuming the position.<br />
<br />
Then I snuggle in, squeeze those precious people (and animals), take in their sweet, sweet scent, and count my blessings. :)<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=e7aecb9b-5ea3-4515-8d9a-13b8c80aac78" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-11673055887429314882012-03-02T22:49:00.001-06:002012-03-03T22:17:46.996-06:00Hello!It has been a long time since I've posted. Partly because I have been so very, very busy (and I like to sleep-- so something had to give.)<br />
<br />
But partly also because my three muses have banded together and prohibited me from writing. Well- writing about them. And it's kind of hard to write posts about parenting and children when the children beg you not to write about them.<br />
<br />
When something would happen in my house that was post-worthy, my kids would immediately cry, "Mom, please don't put this on Facebook!"<br />
<br />
First, I wanted to reply, "It's not on Facebook, it's my blog..." But that's splitting hairs...<br />
<br />
(The up side of their reluctance to share is that telling my kids I will post something is a fabulous deterrent for bad behavior!)<br />
<br />
But when I was left with having to dig to have subject matter, (and the animal stories were tired) it seemed a great time to take a break.<br />
<br />
Recently, however, my fingers have begun itching again whenever I get near a keyboard. <br />
<br />
And, I found I was talking to myself- composing endless posts (that seemed quite entertaining in my head).<br />
<br />
So, here I am: posting again. We'll see where this blog goes. After all, even if I don't post directly about my kids, I may "mention" them. And besides that, I am still MommyBarbie! ;-)<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXyCHFt2o0fDjTYQBPA_O0m48TkPVwCxs9xcg1iaYVXtpxOlZr5jV1f70CYXbUUhbC7vONcTBkFeqfTtxDMaC8u5SReUfVcY-PbKwDb20Cr29NegMDbRCvnDaf1XO5A0tWiuyL-ZXy_U/s640/blogger-image-1576386393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXyCHFt2o0fDjTYQBPA_O0m48TkPVwCxs9xcg1iaYVXtpxOlZr5jV1f70CYXbUUhbC7vONcTBkFeqfTtxDMaC8u5SReUfVcY-PbKwDb20Cr29NegMDbRCvnDaf1XO5A0tWiuyL-ZXy_U/s640/blogger-image-1576386393.jpg" /></a></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-26070622474436378812012-01-01T12:49:00.000-06:002012-01-02T00:52:43.554-06:00Happy New Year!So how did 2011 treat you?<br />
I found that my year was chalk-full of just about everything:<br />
I started school<br />
We are planning the kids' first trip to Disney<br />
We have enriched and developed our relationships with old friends<br />
And we have begun to get to know new friends<br />
Some things that have become crystal-clear to me this past year are:<br />
I am ever-changing. This is both good and bad; exciting and frightening<br />
Family is THE most important thing to me- and that is not limited to family related only by blood<br />
It is Ok to have a different opinion than someone els so long as-<br />
-the other person doesn't require you to change<br />
-you don't lose yourself in the other person's opinion<br />
I'm not always right<br />
Sometimes it is better to say nothing at all<br />
I don't have to always be the one who <br />
-lays it all out on the table<br />
-tries to make it right<br />
-tries to make everyone else happy<br />
I am not great- or even very good- at resolutions.But I am going o try to commit to the following (not just for the year, but on-going):<br />
-I will try to better honor boundaries: money, food, time, commitments<br />
-I will will try to be more gracious and more graceful; I will try to keep negative thoughts and opinions to myself<br />
-I will try to always look for the positive<br />
-I will stand behind those I love and stand up for what I believe<br />
-I will talk to God about everything first- and quit trying to handle it all on my own!<br />
Blessings to you all in 2012. May your year be full of love, happiness, and joy!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrGXHYESDQcvESdt9TQF__HcJn0CpRS5yaMamCJ1cX1qvoeTscdtI6z8lKacsjsBy1NhBqu_ErrWVVwusSK9iKu59sOYKWJQ1D_WWtb4Rqdo3XAcMDUF3ue_o1Tq7Jl4wsiSPXP0NdyA/s640/blogger-image--40255965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrGXHYESDQcvESdt9TQF__HcJn0CpRS5yaMamCJ1cX1qvoeTscdtI6z8lKacsjsBy1NhBqu_ErrWVVwusSK9iKu59sOYKWJQ1D_WWtb4Rqdo3XAcMDUF3ue_o1Tq7Jl4wsiSPXP0NdyA/s640/blogger-image--40255965.jpg" /></a></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-35270962940184899042011-09-05T16:38:00.001-05:002011-09-05T16:40:11.493-05:00Parents: Just Playing It "Cool"<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fonz_Pic.PNG" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the character Fonzie from the sitcom Happy Day..." height="374" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/90/Fonz_Pic.PNG/300px-Fonz_Pic.PNG" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fonz_Pic.PNG">Wikipedia</a></span></span>"Your mom is so <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_%28aesthetic%29" rel="wikipedia" title="Cool (aesthetic)">cool</a>," I heard the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child" rel="wikipedia" title="Child">child</a> whisper. "I wish my mom was more like her."<br />
<br />
My head grew about 50 times bigger. She was talking about<i> me</i>. <i>I</i> was the "cool mom" of whom she was speaking.<br />
<br />
And then I immediately became suspicious: Had I allowed something that most moms wouldn't? Had I unwittingly contributed to the delinquency of a minor?<br />
<br />
I reviewed the evening's events and, having found no glaring error, dipped my head back down to eavesdrop some more.<br />
<br />
"My mom would never dance around the living room to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/1187613-selena_gomez" rel="rottentomatoes" title="Selena Gomez">Selena Gomez</a> songs with me," she gushed.<br />
<br />
I beamed, feeling much more secure in my "cool" status once again.<br />
<br />
Then I peeked cautiously around the corner to see if my child was doing any eye-rolling to protest her friend's proclamation. Seeing none, I chuckled to myself, "I'm<i> cool</i>."<br />
<br />
Being a parent gives us many opportunities to be the "bad guy," to be the one who has to say "no" because we want our child safe, to be the one who has to be the voice of reason, which is hardly ever "cool."<br />
<br />
However, the truth is, even as parents, we want to be liked. We want to be the
envy of every other parent on the block. We want our kids' friends to
want to hang out at our house.<br />
<br />
And I'm not going to lie, it felt really nice to think I was in the lead of the non-official <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parent" rel="wikipedia" title="Parent">parental</a> popularity contest. Maybe, just maybe I was doing something right?<br />
<br />
I wanted to pull my child aside and say, "See, I told you I was cool. I mean, I know you thought I was completely barbaric for not allowing your friend to come over until your chores were done. But look- it didn't turn out too badly, did it? After all, they think I'm <i>cool</i>."<br />
<br />
But, I knew better. As all we "cool" parents know, part of the "cool" factor is pretending not to care whether we are indeed "cool" or not. And, I'm here to tell you, I've had my share of practice in that department.<br />
<br />
For example, when I took the cell phone away from my child because she talked to me in "that" <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_communication" rel="wikipedia" title="Nonverbal communication">tone of voice</a>, she made it all too clear to me that I was decidedly "<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_%28aesthetic%29" rel="wikipedia" title="Cool (aesthetic)">uncool</a>." And when I made the mistake of acknowledging that I knew her in a public place, she completely shrugged off my question of going with me to the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grocery_store" rel="wikipedia" title="Grocery store">grocery store</a> by glaring at me, and through gritted teeth saying, "NOT COOL, Mom." I managed to walk away with my head held high, repeating to myself, "You are the <i>parent</i>. You are <i>not</i> the friend. You will <i>not</i> always be cool."<br />
<br />
And yet, miracle of miracles, today I have been dubbed "cool" by her peer, her friend, her confidant. I feel victorious, and, dare I say it, "cool."<br />
<br />
Of course, I realize parenting is not a popularity contest. And sometimes something "cool" from a kid's perspective is "bad" from a parent's. But who in the world doesn't like to be liked and recognized every once in a while? I'd be lying if I said I didn't.<br />
<br />
For now, I will hold on to this whispered revelation with both hands. I'm sure that in a very short while, my "cool" title will be stripped from me, and I will be back to the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://queenonline.com/" rel="homepage" title="Queen (band)">Queen</a> of "uncool."<br />
<br />
But as I dance around to the Selena Gomez song, laughing with my daughter and her friend, I realize something else: I am having <u><i>fun</i></u>. Cool, uncool, or otherwise. And really, that's the most "cool" part of all...<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=3812a1f1-a5c5-41e6-827a-9d7a7514f402" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>
Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-75183669982290905142011-07-09T16:38:00.003-05:002011-07-09T16:41:51.386-05:00Thank You... I Think...<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/73645804@N00/4759535950" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="thank you note for every language" height="150" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4759535950_7bca6684c8_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 240px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/73645804@N00/4759535950">woodleywonderworks</a> via Flickr</span></span>In my lifetime I have received compliments. And, of course, I enjoy receiving them.<br />
<br />
However, there are some that I could have done without. Thus, I have a list of my top "un-compliment" compliments. And, as luck would have it, I will now share them with you:<br />
<br />
1. This one started out fairly nicely:<br />
Them:"You've lost weight."<br />
Me: "<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thank_You_%281925_film%29" rel="wikipedia" title="Thank You (1925 film)">Thank you</a>."<br />
Them: "How did you do it?"<br />
Me: "Well, I'm pregnant. And I've been very, very sick the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/default.htm" rel="webmd" title="Pregnancy">first trimester</a>."<br />
Them: "Oh. Well..." (And here's where it goes bad.) "That's too bad that you're<br />
pregnant... You really look good having lost weight."<br />
Too stunned, to speak, I merely smiled and walked away...<br />
<br />
2. The ultimate <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhanded_compliment" rel="wikipedia" title="Backhanded compliment">back-handed compliment</a>:<br />
Them: "You look great."<br />
Me: "Thanks."<br />
Them: "I mean, you lost A LOOOOOOTTTTT of weight."<br />
Me: "Um... Thanks?????"<br />
<br />
3. Them: "You have great teeth. They are so white."<br />
(<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sounds_%28magazine%29" rel="wikipedia" title="Sounds (magazine)">Sounds</a> okay on the surface, right?<br />
But what you should know is that he meant that as a romantic gesture.)<br />
<br />
4. Weirdest ever:<br />
Them: "You are an excellent cook. How do you get your chicken so white?"<br />
Me: "Um... I boil it???"<br />
Them: "Huh..."<br />
<br />
5. Them: "You aren't THAT fat..." (Need I say more?)<br />
<br />
6. Them: "You're hair is awesome."<br />
Me: "Thank you.<br />
Them: "Is it really that thin, or do you have it specially cut that way?"<br />
Me: "Oh, no, Um..."<br />
<br />
As you can see, I've had lots of opportunity to feel good about myself in a bad way. I will keep the list updated as I receive more...<br />
<br />
Hopefully it will be a while...<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=0b9ffb60-40e2-46d4-b140-451322e6d31b" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-50874062527536937352011-06-13T07:49:00.000-05:002011-06-13T07:49:34.024-05:00Zingers & Gotcha's<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chocolate_zingers.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Zingers" height="235" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Chocolate_zingers.jpg/300px-Chocolate_zingers.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chocolate_zingers.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span>Question: Just because you CAN say something, does that really mean you SHOULD say something???<br />
<br />
Answer: Sure- if you're on <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television" rel="wikipedia" title="Television">television</a>.<br />
<br />
However, if you live in the real world, sometimes it behooves you, as an adult, to be the better person and shut your trap.<br />
<br />
On television and in <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film" rel="wikipedia" title="Film">movies</a>, characters rip off one liners that verbally push the other person into a little corner. We celebrate the victory of the winner. We laugh at the wit and are impressed by the quickness of our new "hero." <br />
<br />
We laughingly utter, "I can't believe they actually said that," as we shake our heads and grin.<br />
<br />
We think, "I would've added ________," imagining our our own verbal sparring skills, and all the sarcastic and caustic ways we would finish off the scene.<br />
<br />
On television and in the movie, the scene fades to black, and we imagine the whole issue has been put to rest and forgotten about.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.inreallife.ca/" rel="homepage" title="In Real Life">in REAL LIFE</a>, the camera doesn't turn off. If we are the recipient of a verbal "throw down," our emotions have been turned over, turned on and are ready for round two.<br />
<br />
Would it sound more "cool" to battle it out? Sure. Would it "feel" better to throw a great big <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantrum" rel="wikipedia" title="Tantrum">temper tantrum</a> and roll around on the floor, then congratulate ourselves for really "getting" the other guy? You betcha'.<br />
<br />
Sometimes being a grown up stinks. Sometimes being the better person feels like you're actually being a better doormat.<br />
<br />
But I don't know that life is always about feeling "triumphant".<br />
<br />
I think it's more about the relationships we maintain and the way we treat other people.<br />
<br />
The world tells us how cool it is to be the big shot. <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ" rel="wikipedia" title="Christ">Christ</a> tells us to love our neighbor.<br />
<br />
Often I have thought, "Well, is it cheating if I love my neighbor SO much that his head just accidentally pops off?"<br />
<br />
That would make me feel better- for the moment. But then again- life doesn't stop at the end of a conversation. So I have to think about what comes next. What is my next encounter going to be like?<br />
<br />
Holding my tongue stinks. Struggling to hold my tongue makes me tired.<br />
<br />
But if the ultimate goal is to effectively communicate with people to our <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reciprocal_altruism" rel="wikipedia" title="Reciprocal altruism">mutual advantage</a>- sometimes that's what I have to do.<br />
<br />
In fact, I still have to resolve whatever issue it is I had with the person. But I have to do it in a mature, non-name-calling way. <br />
<br />
Wish more people outside of my television set and off of my movie screen felt the same way.<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.ecademy.com/node.php?id=164970">WHY COMMUNICATIONS MATTER [Emmanuel KUEHN]</a> (ecademy.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://blog.psychologyandspirit.com/body_language/20110402-202613-Non-verbal-gestures-">news Non-verbal gestures ; Psychology Blog</a> (psychologyandspirit.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://ikisudama.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/who-truly-has-friends-nowadays/">Who Truly Has Friends Nowadays?</a> (ikisudama.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://cornerstonefellowship.wordpress.com/2011/06/11/philippians-1-10-to-live-is-christ/">Philippians 1.10: To Live is Christ</a> (cornerstonefellowship.wordpress.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=7f7571fb-a530-41cb-9c04-32093160185a" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-48017581939693843252011-05-07T15:10:00.002-05:002011-05-13T15:54:02.010-05:00Happy Mother's Day to Me<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/04si9nPdIv0Ct?utm_source=zemanta&utm_medium=p&utm_content=04si9nPdIv0Ct&utm_campaign=z1" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CAMBRIDGE, MA - JUNE 4: Musician Wynton Marsal..." height="99" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04si9nPdIv0Ct/150x99.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="150" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 150px;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com/">@daylife</a></span></span>All three of my children are extraordinarily bright. Academics are their "thing". They don't necessarily "love" sports. Of course they don't necessarily "love" school. But they excel at school & get really excited about learning and being challenged. In fact, they all go to an academic <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnet_school" rel="wikipedia" title="Magnet school">magnet school</a>. <br />
<br />
Hubby & I have sacrificed to make sure they are well-rounded and every opportunity. They've done dance, soccer, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_trip" rel="wikipedia" title="Field trip">field trips</a>, church activities, fencing, archery and just about everything else under the sun. We have wanted to prepare them to be anything they want to be. <br />
<br />
To be honest, we believed we were preparing future doctors, lawyers, Congressmen and other such community leaders, as, I expect many parents believe. We even had our youngest boldly proclaim she wanted to go to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.3744444444,-71.1169444444&spn=0.01,0.01&q=42.3744444444,-71.1169444444%20%28Harvard%20University%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Harvard University">Harvard</a>. We could not have been more proud... <br />
<br />
Then we had our aspiring Harvard academic tell us she wanted to be... a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barber" rel="wikipedia" title="Barber">hair dresser</a>.<br />
<br />
How does that work? Does Harvard have a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmetology" rel="wikipedia" title="Cosmetology">cosmetology school</a> I wasn't aware of? Then the other two said they were planning on being a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits" rel="webmd" title="Massage Therapy Styles And Health Benefits">massage therapist</a> and a salesman, respectively.<br />
<br />
What about all the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University-preparatory_school" rel="wikipedia" title="University-preparatory school">college prep</a> work we've been working so diligently on? Do they need to go to college if they are going to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocational_school" rel="wikipedia" title="Vocational school">trade school</a>? Will they be able to live a lifestyle they choose with those careers? We have many friends whom we love dearly in those very professions, who have told us what a struggle it can be, and that they are not as lucrative as they had hoped. This compounds our worry. <br />
<br />
However, when the kids talk about their (current) chosen professions I see them full of excitement because they are viewing them as ways to help people while using their creativity. And they see them as being family-friendly careers, as far as time is concerned- even if they don't make a six or seven figure income. <br />
<br />
And I have to remember that these kids are still young enough that they could quite possibly change their minds a ton more times. <br />
<br />
Of course first and foremost - as a parent I want my children to be HAPPY- regardless of what they do when they go to work. <br />
<br />
So I have shifted my thinking. I will continue to make the sacrifices, continue to push them to do and be their best. I will try to promote well-roundedness and academic excellence. But I will remember my ultimate goal is: their happiness, which will make me a very happy mommy, indeed. <br />
<div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with <a class="zem_slink" href="http://blogger.com/" rel="homepage" title="Blogger">Blogger</a>-droid v1.6.8</div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://abovethelaw.com/2011/04/sophia-chua-rubenfeld-got-into-and-is-going-to-harvard-tiger-mom-triumphant-her-cub-is-harvard-bound/">Tiger Mom Triumphant: Her Cub Is Harvard-Bound! (Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld got into, and is going to, Harvard.)</a> (abovethelaw.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=7bda8b23-574e-4e76-ae5b-3bb9aa33b76d" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-38442511190211072912011-05-03T22:02:00.001-05:002011-05-03T22:02:48.041-05:00Young at Heart<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IPhone_4_in_hand.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="iPhone 4 showing the home screen." height="242" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/eb/IPhone_4_in_hand.jpg/300px-IPhone_4_in_hand.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IPhone_4_in_hand.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span>When my <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child" rel="wikipedia" title="Child">children</a> were younger, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1115907-1115907-they" rel="rottentomatoes" title="They">they</a> went through all the normal milestones: crawling, talking, walking, etc. I'm sure I went through them when I was young, too. The thing is- I don't remember them.<br />
<br />
However, my children are beginning to hit the age where I have started remembering my own personal experiences. Now I have something to compare.<br />
<br />
So begins the phrase every child hates, "When I was your age..."<br />
<br />
"But, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.hulu.com/house" rel="hulu" title="House">kids</a>," I say, "You don't know how good you've got it." And I watch watch as they try to be respectful by suppressing the eye rolls, the involuntary twitches and the sighs.<br />
<br />
But in truth, I don't know how my <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parent" rel="wikipedia" title="Parent">parents</a> would have reacted to this modern-day world, where we have products never even dreamed of when I was growing up.<br />
<br />
I grew up with a phone that had a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_dial" rel="wikipedia" title="Rotary dial">rotary dial</a>, a cord that stretched almost the length of the house, and no call waiting or electronic <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voicemail" rel="wikipedia" title="Voicemail">voice mail</a>. Cell phones were only something imagined on <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek" rel="wikipedia" title="Star Trek">Star Trek</a>, and they were called "communicators."<br />
<br />
So, how would my parents have handled <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone" rel="wikipedia" title="Mobile phone">cell phones</a>? Well, if having my own phone in my own room was any indication of my communication privileges, I would say I probably wouldn't have had a cell until every last one of my classmates had one. And even then, I doubt they would have allowed the texting feature unless I paid for it.<br />
<br />
Does that sound harsh? Well, to them it was about allowing a child to grow up slowly and not giving them access to friends 24/7. Or at least I think that's what it was about.<br />
<br />
They were probably just feeling their way along the whole parenting thing. Just like I do today.<br />
<br />
Our family rule now is that children are allowed a cell phone when they are 10 years old. Many would argue that is way too young. But with our busy family of five, it works for us. The unspoken rule is that "if mom calls, you had better answer."<br />
<br />
And my kids and I use our cell phones to text and call each other. I have been able to talk more with my daughter via texts than I ever believe I would be able to face-to-face.<br />
<br />
I know of people who have let their kids have cell phones at age 6. Now, there's no way I would do that. First of all, at 6, my kids would have lost the phone in 15 minutes flat. Secondly, what does one 6 year old really say to another?<br />
<br />
I also know of people who wouldn't let their child have a cell phone until they were old enough to purchase it on their own. That, in itself, is not a bad plan. However, it's just not one that necessarily works for our family. But then, that's just me.<br />
<br />
I guess a lot of my parents decisions could have been based on affordability, too. Because my kids don't have "data packages" on their phones. I don't know if they would if I could afford them or not.<br />
But I do know that I also want to limit their access to the internet and the world (via the computer & said data package). Why? So they can maintain some of their innocence and grow up more slowly.<br />
<br />
Besides the differences in phones, I remember growing up with a tiny closet, the ability to walk to the store six blocks over without having a parent with me and thinking how "worldly" I was because I knew people who lived in <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/the-south/georgia" rel="lonelyplanet" title="Georgia">Georgia</a>- a whole state away.<br />
<br />
Today, my closet is probably as big as my room. I wouldn't let my child walk more than about three blocks by themselves- and they had best have their phone and <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.amazon.com/Text-Me-Random-House/dp/0553375962%3FSubscriptionId%3D0G81C5DAZ03ZR9WH9X82%26tag%3Dzemanta-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0553375962" rel="amazon" title="Text Me">text me</a> to let me know they got there okay. And I have friends all over the world through the magic of the internet.<br />
<br />
The point? There are many lessons I learned in my childhood that I wish for my children to learn in theirs. They may not learn them the same way I did, simply because we live in such a different world than I did growing up.<br />
<br />
But remembering my youth helps trigger some of those all-important lessons so that I can know the approximate timing for teaching my kids. And it also gives me a place to compare and contrast to try to remember what worked on me and what didn't.<br />
<br />
My youngest child is currently counting down the months until she turns 10. I'll be very interested to see how she handles the responsibility, and how many friends she has with whom she can actually text & talk.<br />
<br />
I'm also anxious to see how things change in the future. I mean, my youth was great. But how can you compare a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_dial" rel="wikipedia" title="Rotary dial">rotary phone</a> with an <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.apple.com/iphone" rel="homepage" title="iPhone">iPhone</a>? Like <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/billy_joel" rel="rottentomatoes" title="Billy Joel">Billy Joel</a> sang, "The good old days weren't always good. And tomorrow's not as bad as it seems."<br />
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_year_do_kids_get_cell_phones">What year do kids get cell phones</a> (wiki.answers.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=7876fac1-b111-4502-a409-60ca998147be" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-80643042251142400702011-05-02T22:25:00.003-05:002011-05-02T22:32:13.785-05:00Soapbox: the Un-tied States of America<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/05S7bO4gn9fMD?utm_source=zemanta&utm_medium=p&utm_content=05S7bO4gn9fMD&utm_campaign=z1" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NEW YORK, NY - MAY 01: People celebrate in the..." height="100" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05S7bO4gn9fMD/150x100.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="150" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 150px;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com/">@daylife</a></span></span>So yesterday my hubby and I were trying to moonwalk because we had heard the news that <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osama_bin_Laden" rel="wikipedia" title="Osama bin Laden">Osama Bin Laden</a> was dead. -Not that we rejoice in anyone's <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death" rel="wikipedia" title="Death">death</a>. We were rejoicing at the end of the tyranny exacted by this particular man.<br />
<br />
Of course we weren't naive enough to believe he didn't have some protoge' waiting in the wings to continue his work, and possibly even be worse (*shutter*). But it was still a day we had wondered if we would ever actually see.<br />
<br />
<a class="zem_slink" href="http://facebook.com/" rel="homepage" title="Facebook">Facebook</a> & <a class="zem_slink" href="http://twitter.com/" rel="homepage" title="Twitter">Twitter</a> jolted to life, heralding the news that Osama Bin Laden was dead. The President and the Former President congratulated each other on each of their parts to make that day possible. And <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.leegreenwood.com/" rel="homepage" title="Lee Greenwood">Lee Greenwood</a>'s career was resurrected once more with every radio station in America playing "<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Bless_the_USA" rel="wikipedia" title="God Bless the USA">I'm Proud to be an American</a>."<br />
<br />
And then... The "talking heads" chimed in.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, what seemed like a celebration turned into a very ugly civil war. The <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.conservatives.com/" rel="homepage" title="Conservative Party (UK)">Conservatives</a> and the Liberals were baring their teeth at each other to show who was the Alpha Dog. And every bit of the hatred once reserved for Osama Bin Laden now turned inwards toward each other.<br />
<br />
Americans who once actually believed the words that we were "one nation under <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God" rel="wikipedia" title="God">God</a>" were now rather gun-shy to utter those words. "Isn't that rather politically incorrect?"<br />
<br />
People who saw strangers have differing opinions from their own slandered the other opinion along with the other person. We felt the need so strongly to be "right" that it didn't matter if we really "made sense," because the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.myspace.com/talkingheads1" rel="myspace" title="Talking Heads">Talking Heads</a> could put the correct spin on any opinion to make it sound "right."<br />
<br />
And suddenly, I wondered: What have we become? Who are we?<br />
<br />
Are we really a nation with a cause and a purpose? Or are we really just a bunch of whiny babies who are only in it for what we, personally, can get out of it?<br />
<br />
What happened to our integrity? Our honor?<br />
<br />
If a war was waged on US soil, would we be able to counter attack? Or would we be too busy being worried about who would lead the charge?<br />
<br />
The fact is, the United States of America has always been a "melting pot" of ideas as varied as the fish in the sea. But, we have always come together under the banner of our flag and our freedom.<br />
<br />
I now wonder if that could be the case any more? Would we be able to put aside our opinions and our differences in the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa" rel="lonelyplanet" title="USA">name of the United States</a> of America? Or are our individual egos too big to fit under one banner anymore? Has our sense of entitlement grown to such an epic proportion we don't know how to stand up for our fellow man (or woman)?<br />
<br />
Today our country is completely polarized by politics, religion and entitlement. People see no middle ground. The rough and tumble promise of "proud Americans" has boiled down to "proud individuals." We fight for our <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_rights" rel="wikipedia" title="Personal rights">personal rights</a>, but not the rights of our neighbor-- unless it can bring fame, wealth or both.<br />
<br />
I am glad to see one bad guy out of the picture today. However, I would love nothing more than to see a truly United States of America, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance" rel="wikipedia" title="Pledge of Allegiance">one nation, under God</a>, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.<br />
<br />
I would love to see us all just get over ourselves, our political parties, our religious persuasions, our lifestyle choices and our unspoken class system and just get along!<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://socyberty.com/issues/osama-bin-laden-announced-dead/">Osama Bin Laden Announced Dead</a> (socyberty.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://njlawfirm.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/171/">Remarks by the President on Osama Bin Laden</a> (njlawfirm.wordpress.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=05c0644e-729b-47b5-b673-ad1b7a7151c6" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-5230241195030649342011-04-29T09:13:00.002-05:002011-04-29T09:20:16.791-05:00Sign Me Up for SPAM! NOT!<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20654194@N07/5292576151" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's for Dinner! - Spam" height="208" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5126/5292576151_a982f1e97f_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 240px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20654194@N07/5292576151">brizzle born and bred</a> via Flickr</span></span>I am an admitted "sign me up now" junkie.<br />
<br />
It's sad really. I can't help it.<br />
<br />
Evidently there is some sort of camera on my computer that allows internet businesses to hone in on the "SUCKER" stamped across my forehead. I'm minding my own business, browsing through the internet, (usually late at night when I'm drowsy and my common sense is snoozing) when I see some ad that promises youth, wealth, beauty, brilliance, creativity-- "and all for FREE". Wow! All that for FREE??? Sign me up!<br />
<br />
And in goes my <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_address" rel="wikipedia" title="Email address">email address</a>. And I'm signed up. For life.<br />
<br />
Despite the fact that all these great offers promise you they "won't share your private information" and that "you can unsubscribe at any time," I have the sneaky feeling that they might be LYING!<br />
<br />
Not only do I get solicited via email for stuff I would NEVER, EVER sign up for, when I try to unsubscribe, I usually end up jumping through a series of hoops which never get to that magical "Thank you. You are now unsubscribed." In fact, I'm pretty sure that when I try to unsubscribe, it is actually just subscribing me to additional lists.<br />
<br />
The worst part? It's my own fault!<br />
<br />
But really- Who doesn't want to lose 35 pounds in 14 days by following one simple tip? Who doesn't want to get free designer hand bags and shoes you get to test and keep, and only have to fill out a short survey to help the manufacturer? Who wouldn't want to clip coupons so valuable that the supermarket will have to pay you to take the groceries? Of course I want a free <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/" rel="homepage" title="iPad">iPad</a>, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.apple.com/imac/" rel="homepage" title="IMac">iMac</a>, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.apple.com/iphone" rel="homepage" title="iPhone">iPhone</a> and <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod" rel="wikipedia" title="IPod">iPod</a> for simply completing offers from two sponsors.<br />
<br />
I am a glutton for punishment and an advertiser's dream come true.<br />
<br />
The result of all these impulse mouse clicks is an email inbox stuffed to over-flowing every time I turn on my computer.<br />
<br />
I almost need a little shock system installed in my computer keyboard that zaps me when I initiate a certain series of key strokes that are required for almost every smoozy deal out there.<br />
<br />
What is your name?<br />
<br />
Key Stroke: K-R-I **ZAP**<br />
<br />
See? Sign up aborted; <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail_spam" rel="wikipedia" title="E-mail spam">Junk email</a> avoided.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
<br />
If it were only that easy....<br />
<br />
For now, I guess I'll continue to get email offers: for diapers, although my youngest child is 9; for <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AARP" rel="wikipedia" title="AARP">AARP</a> membership, even though I'm not even 45 yet; and for everything in between...<br />
<br />
You know, maybe there's a course or a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-help_book" rel="wikipedia" title="Self-help book">self-help book</a> that would help curb my impulse clicking. I think I'll see if I can sign up for a blog or free offer...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/remove-spam-with-unsubscribe-2011-4">How To Stop Spam Emails If Your Address Got Stolen This Weekend</a> (businessinsider.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.devicemag.com/2011/02/09/get-off-the-mailing-lists-with-unsubscribe/">Get off the Mailing Lists with Unsubscribe</a> (devicemag.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://dudegalea.com/2011/02/11/spam-and-the-death-of-the-unsubscribe-button/">Spam, and the death of the Unsubscribe button</a> (dudegalea.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=ebfd663f-8d68-422a-acdd-4e9b0c9ce98f" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-69198687796398994382011-04-02T07:17:00.003-05:002011-04-02T07:27:53.596-05:00Beauty & the BeastI tell stories about my children so often, because they are such good subjects for material! But this post is dedicated to one of my greatest goof-ups of all time. (<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_So_Stories" linkindex="61" rel="wikipedia" title="Just So Stories">Just so</a> you can feel a little good about yourself today.)<br />
<br />
I have dark <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair" linkindex="62" rel="wikipedia" title="Hair">hair</a> and dark eyes, which I got from my mom. I feel very blessed to have gotten her beauty- both inside and out.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDCBbdWxwkQDRAOoilt6xTuqjP32wiwvnvN_suiDLuhhr9uJ9Kisw6MSyerV4CS3o6-qzlRhpMn9SXOOHI9NdRQ_2UUDeLcXYjEnEQ0GR4DMchWXNBU4Xz9bN86Ujx1ZQvL8GGPrTlfU/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="63" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDCBbdWxwkQDRAOoilt6xTuqjP32wiwvnvN_suiDLuhhr9uJ9Kisw6MSyerV4CS3o6-qzlRhpMn9SXOOHI9NdRQ_2UUDeLcXYjEnEQ0GR4DMchWXNBU4Xz9bN86Ujx1ZQvL8GGPrTlfU/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAUTION: MommyBarbie <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waxing" linkindex="64" rel="wikipedia" title="Waxing">Waxing</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>However, as the saying goes, "<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_good_deed_goes_unpunished" linkindex="65" rel="wikipedia" title="No good deed goes unpunished">No good deed goes unpunished</a>." Dark hair on my head also means dark hair on my legs. (<i>ew</i>) Not the best look for <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimsuit" linkindex="66" rel="wikipedia" title="Swimsuit">bathing suit</a> season.<br />
<br />
For years I have <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaving" linkindex="67" rel="wikipedia" title="Shaving">shaved</a>. And shaved. And shaved. Only to have to shave again, lest we have a "five o'clock shadow" on the beach or at the pool.<br />
<br />
This year, I decided, would be different: I would somehow resolve my "beastly" problem in a way that involved me being in the shower less and on the beach more! My conclusion? <i>WAX</i>!<br />
<br />
I checked out the local prices for <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikini_waxing" linkindex="68" rel="wikipedia" title="Bikini waxing">waxing</a>. <i>Yikes</i>! To actually achieve a smooth, hair-free body from head-to-toe we were talking major bucks! Suddenly, I was having to choose between a hair-free vacation at home, or a somewhat less <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair" linkindex="69" rel="wikipedia" title="Hair">hairy</a> vacation. Of course, I'm a sucker for that golden sand, so I determined I would just wear a wet suit and be done with it.<br />
<br />
But then- wait! <i>Sally's Beauty Supply sells all of the "stuff" needed to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wax" linkindex="70" rel="wikipedia" title="Wax">wax</a> like a professional- in my own home! Eureka! And the cost of all the supplies was about 1/3 of what it would cost to go in for that head-to-toe intensive follicle rip. I'm in!!!</i><br />
<br />
Fast forward to Friday night. (<i><a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.yesworld.com/" linkindex="71" rel="homepage" title="Yes (band)">Yes</a>, my life has come to waxing on a Friday night. *sigh*</i>)<br />
<br />
I prepared the wax in the special warmer, read the instructions, decided to be "dangerous" and NOT watch the enclosed video (how hard could this be?), and went for it!<br />
<br />
My legs were not too bad. One <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Rip" linkindex="72" rel="wikipedia" title="Big Rip">big rip</a> like a band-aid and my hair was gone! <i>This rocks</i>!<br />
<br />
Then I got to the back of my knees & upper legs. Oh how I wish I had been a fly on the wall to watch the gymnastics and contortions of trying to reach the backs of my knees & upper legs. They are not easy to reach even when I shave without some interesting positions. But add in the extra "wow" factor of hot wax and waxing strips, and we had ourselves a show! (Thank goodness no one was watching!) Finally, I believed I had at least scared most of the hair into deciding not to grow any further, even if I hadn't gotten it off. So it was time to move on to...<br />
<br />
The bikini area! Okay- let me just say: <b><i>OUCH</i></b>! This is one area I can totally say would be worth any amount of money not to have to self-inflict. But once I was half-way in, I could not bring myself to stop and go to a "professional," to whom I would have to explain myself. I could only imagine the conversation: "<i>So, I got this waxing kit.</i>.." No... I couldn't imagine the conversation. So I had to move (proverbially) onward and upward.<br />
<br />
After the stars in my eyes began to clear and I stopped weeping openly (<i>My gracious, the things we do in the name of beauty</i>!) I figured it may not look great, but it was decidedly better than before. So on to the arm pits...<br />
<br />
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.<br />
<br />
First of all, the wax is HOT! And somehow every <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripheral_nerve" linkindex="73" rel="wikipedia" title="Peripheral nerve">nerve ending</a> in my body was concentrated in my left arm pit. <i>Talk about "no pain, no gain." Geesh</i>!<br />
<br />
Then, just as I was reaching for the strip to put over the wax, so that I could then rip away the hair...<br />
<br />
...my middle daughter came in the bathroom totally distraught, having gotten ill with the stomach virus.<br />
<br />
Without thinking, I turned to her to check on her...<br />
<br />
and put my arm down...<br />
<br />
with the hot wax...<br />
<br />
and no strip.<br />
<br />
By the time I realized it, it was too late.<br />
<br />
My left arm pit was<u> waxed shut.</u><br />
<br />
So then, I was dealing with my daughter and getting her cleaned up with the equivalent of a broken left wing. But with the extra excitement of having movement cause <i>intense, blinding pain.</i><br />
<br />
Finally having gotten her settled, I returned back to my poor, sad left arm pit. "<i>At least</i>," I reasoned, "<i>the hair will be gone once I get my arm pit un-stuck</i>."<br />
<br />
Um, no.<br />
<br />
After prying it open enough to put in warm water & the special spa stuff that takes off the extra wax (<i>Thank you, God, for making me buy that on impulse</i>!), I realized that not a single hair was pulled out.<br />
<br />
I spent a good twenty minutes trying to get the gooey, sticky wax out of my arm pit.<br />
<br />
Then I jumped in the shower and went back to the trusty razor for both <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axilla" linkindex="74" rel="wikipedia" title="Axilla">Arm Pit</a> One, and Arm Pit Two.<br />
<br />
On the whole, I would say my waxing experience was a success. And I will probably stick to some waxing- particularly from my knees down.<br />
<br />
However, it will be quite some time (and perhaps a hefty dose of some sedatives) before I venture into the arm pit waxing business again.<br />
<br />
But, on the plus side, I am beach-ready... Well, at least I'm (body) hair-free...<br />
<br />
Now I just need to lose some weight, find "the" bathing suit and wait for June to get here!<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/beauty/basics-of-hair-removal.aspx" linkindex="75">The Basics of Hair Removal</a> (everydayhealth.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.hairremoval.org/gigi-honee-wax/" linkindex="76">Gigi Honee Wax</a> (hairremoval.org)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://makeuptipz.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/home-waxing-tips/" linkindex="77">Home Waxing Tips</a> (makeuptipz.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://hudabeauty.com/2011/03/07/supermodels-dont-shave-their-legs/" linkindex="78">Supermodel's Don't Shave Their Legs</a> (hudabeauty.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" linkindex="79" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=329cfc65-66be-4bf3-8d04-54670583ecdb" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-75412349079727758102011-03-19T21:13:00.000-05:002011-03-19T21:13:09.858-05:00Is Lent That Stuff You Find in Your BellyButton?<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Luthseal.gif" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The seal of Martin Luther. Also used as the lo..." height="142" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Luthseal.gif" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="140" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 140px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Luthseal.gif">Wikipedia</a></span></span>No.<br />
<br />
That's<i> Lint</i>.<br />
<br />
I'm talking about <i><a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent" rel="wikipedia" title="Lent">Lent</a>.</i><br />
<br />
It is a tradition in my church that to help learn discipline, we "give up" something for Lent each year. There is something comforting in sharing each others' misery as we bemoan whatever we're missing.<br />
<br />
My father gives up sweets every single year. In the past, I've given up sweets; I've traded my time for bible study; I've given up going out to eat, and various other things.<br />
<br />
This year my family has decided to give up <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television" rel="wikipedia" title="Television">television</a> as a family. I expected a lot of resistance and much weeping and gnashing of teeth. However, they have been particularly good about it. (Especially since <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.last.fm/music/The%2BSundays" rel="lastfm" title="The Sundays">Sundays</a> are not included in Lent, so we can watch television those days as a family.)<br />
<br />
Prior to their <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_break" rel="wikipedia" title="Spring break">Spring Break</a>, we took a trip to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.3641666667,-94.2163888889&spn=0.01,0.01&q=36.3641666667,-94.2163888889%20%28Wal-Mart%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Wal-Mart">Wal-Mart</a> and bought out all their <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Board_game" rel="wikipedia" title="Board game">board games</a> and craft supplies. We came home and compiled a list of alllll the things they could do that did not require television.<br />
<br />
As a result, my kids are talking to each other more than fighting with each other (which I assure you is no small feat). They have enjoyed numerous board games and craft projects, and rarely even mention television at all.<br />
<br />
Obviously, I am very proud of their faithfulness and discipline. I wish I had half of what they have.<br />
<br />
I have given up more than just television. I decided I needed to get healthier so that I could be a better steward of my time, money and body. So to help jump start this process, I also gave up soda, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://facebook.com/" rel="homepage" title="Facebook">FaceBook</a> and fried foods. And I have chosen not to take the "day off" on Sundays, but rather plow on ahead (being the black & white kind of girl I am).<br />
<br />
I have managed to not break down into tears in public as my kids order their <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.mcdonalds.com/" rel="homepage" title="McDonald's">McDonald's</a> <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_fries" rel="wikipedia" title="French fries">french fries</a> and coke. And I have pulled myself away physically from the computer to keep from checking FaceBook. And every time, I think to myself, "Whose stupid idea was this, anyway?"... "Oh yeah, mine..."<br />
<br />
When <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter" rel="wikipedia" title="Easter">Easter</a> comes, I will go back to my beloved FaceBook. However, I am choosing to permanently delete soda and fried foods from my diet (with the rare occasion of a treat).<br />
<br />
My kids will get to watch television again. I hope that we can keep the drooling-zombie-inducing practice to a minimum. Perhaps a schedule that outlines the few times during the week we will watch it. Or maybe just watching it one day a week.<br />
<br />
Either way, this experience is proving to be much more of a blessing than a chore. And we are all more appreciative of the things we once took for granted on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
I guess that's the real reason for Lent.<br />
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tim-suttle/lent-satiation-and-apollo_b_832724.html">Tim Suttle: Why Evangelicals Need Lent</a> (huffingtonpost.com)</li>
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://godspace.wordpress.com/2011/03/19/lent-giving-up-coffee-or-my-life-a-reflection-by-eugene-cho/">Lent: Giving Up Coffee or My Life - A reflection by Eugene Cho</a> (godspace.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://1minionsopinion.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/lent-for-everyone/">Lent for everyone?</a> (1minionsopinion.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://michaelelynch.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/lent-a-time-of-renewal/">Lent: A Time of Renewal</a> (michaelelynch.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://friendedbychrist.com/2011/03/09/40-days-of-lent/">40 Days of Lent</a> (friendedbychrist.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://rocksinajar.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/relentless-acts-of-justice-an-introduction/">ReLENTless Acts of Justice: An Introduction</a> (rocksinajar.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://logicandimagination.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/lent/">What is Lent Anyway, Besides Strange?</a> (logicandimagination.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/03/07/christians-feast-in-days-before-lents-fasting.html?sid=101">Local Christians feast in days before Lent's fasting</a> (dispatch.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://bryanmarvel.com/2011/03/17/my-lent-prayer/">My Lent Prayer</a> (bryanmarvel.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://christiandifferent.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/lenten-disciplines/">Lenten Disciplines</a> (christiandifferent.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/life-as-i-see-it/2011/03/lent-for-dummies.html">Lent for Dummies</a> (chicagonow.com)</li>
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</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-32262662229610581642011-03-14T23:42:00.000-05:002011-03-14T23:42:20.501-05:00Slumber Party is an Oxymoron<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Texting.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Texting on a keyboard phone" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Texting.jpg/300px-Texting.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Texting.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span>So, what began as a "lazy, relaxing evening," quickly turned into a sociology experiment <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_amok" rel="wikipedia" title="Running amok">run amok</a>. I planned on me and my kids having a do-it-yourself dinner, then playing <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Board_game" rel="wikipedia" title="Board game">board games</a> for the evening.<br />
<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha%21" rel="wikipedia" title="Ha!">Ha!</a> And I say "Ha!" again!<br />
Dear son invited three (3) other 14 year old boys over. Dear older daughter invited one friend over. And dear younger daughter invited one friend over. I should also mention that we are watching my brother's <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog" rel="wikipedia" title="Dog">dog</a>, too. So there was a total of: four boys, four <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl" rel="wikipedia" title="Girl">girls</a>, two dogs, a cat and me.<br />
I'll give you three guesses as to what dinner was like. The boys plowed through the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza" rel="wikipedia" title="Pizza">pizzas</a> like it was their job. I've never actually seen two slices of pizza eaten in three bites- until tonight.<br />
The girls giggled and carried on, while primly sitting at the table and eating their miniature pizza slices with a pinky in the air. However, they found the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_bar" rel="wikipedia" title="Candy bar">candy bars</a>- and hid them from the boys, even feigning ignorance when questioned by said boys.<br />
Then there were <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone" rel="wikipedia" title="Mobile phone">cell phones</a>. Wow. I was in invisible parental heaven. While I sat quietly in my room, I eves-dropped on the boys calling girls from their class and asking them, "So, if you HAD to like one of us, which of us would it be?" And I listened to the girls giggling madly as they texted back and forth with a particularly "cute" boy from their class.<br />
If I ever asked them point-blank about these things, I would likely get no more response than a hair toss and a shoulder shrug. But in their ego-centric world, where they can't believe that anything happens unless they witness it, I was a fly on the wall, soaking in every word.<br />
I was pleasantly surprised at how appreciative and polite all of the kids were. Typically, kids have a bad reputation of being snarky, disrespectful and generally feeling like the world should cater to their every whim. However, these kids thanked me for the pizza, in between snarfing it down in large gulps. They made sure the dogs didn't eat extra food lying around. And, they were respectful of my (very generous) curfew times.<br />
Yes, it was very loud. Yes, I felt considerably old and quite out-numbered. But, over all it was a very nice experience. And my kids had a blast.<br />
And the best part? I'll bet we can all go to bed early tomorrow night. :)<br />
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</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-60173247187766653362011-01-24T22:30:00.000-06:002011-01-24T22:30:11.189-06:00Ooma<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moon_clouds.JPG" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moon" height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Moon_clouds.JPG/300px-Moon_clouds.JPG" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moon_clouds.JPG">Wikipedia</a></span></span>Recently I had the privilege of helping my <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandparent" rel="wikipedia" title="Grandparent">grandmother</a>, whom we call <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.ooma.com/" rel="homepage" title="ooma">Ooma</a>, as she had an extended stay in a residential facility while my parents were out of town. She usually lives with my parents in her own little apartment off of their house. However, while mom and dad were out of town, she decided she might like to try staying in a place where she could talk to other folks her age.<br />
<br />
Every day she was there, she appeared to have as many, if not more, visitors than the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.va/" rel="homepage" title="Pope">Pope</a>. There was a constant stream of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_%28biology%29" rel="wikipedia" title="Family (biology)">family</a> and friends visiting with her. And she, being the ultra-extravert that she is, delighted in every moment of her visits.<br />
<br />
In the evenings I had the unique blessing of going to help her as she prepared for bed. At 95, she is exceptionally spry mentally. However, her osteoarthritis has given her lots of physical ailments that make her occasionally need some assistance. And even though the facility staffed people to help her, I was honored to be asked to go in to provide a familiar touch.<br />
<br />
It is beyond amazing to imagine what she has seen and been through in the last 95 years. She has been through The <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression" rel="wikipedia" title="Great Depression">Great Depression</a>, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_war" rel="wikipedia" title="World war">World Wars</a>, and too many presidents to count. And she remembers it all.<br />
<br />
I think that is one of the things I marvel at the most. I can barely remember where I parked my car when I come out of the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grocery_store" rel="wikipedia" title="Grocery store">grocery store</a>. She can remember making <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_beer" rel="wikipedia" title="Root beer">root beer</a> with her five brothers and sisters when they were young, how she and my grandfather courted, the way my father was as a boy, and my childhood and adult years.<br />
<br />
She is so very gracious about any little thing you do for her. I would sometimes put her <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toothpaste" rel="wikipedia" title="Toothpaste">toothpaste</a> back in its holder for her since it was a bit hard for her to reach. She would thank me profusely, as though I had invented toothpaste and named it after her.<br />
<br />
My whole family got to take part in our visits. And my brother's family did, too. We even got an "adopted" member of the family in on the fun!<br />
<br />
She is now back home with mom and dad. I know she is much more comfortable, since there is no place quite like home. But part of me will miss spending those hours with her in the evenings, as the moon was high in the sky, listening to her tell me about her day. And then, on occasion, she would delve back into time and tell me the stories of her youth. And stories about my father as he was a boy.<br />
<br />
I know I will see her frequently at her home with mom and dad. However, I will forever cherish that time I had with her. We talked about the way the world is, and how it was. She told me about growing up and growing old. She voiced sadness over bad times. But we also laughed- a lot. <br />
<br />
She is a very, very special lady. And I am so honored to call her my Ooma. And I feel blessed to have my children know her, too.<br />
<br />
I love you, Ooma.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
K<br />
xoxoxo<br />
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</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-76887310213108610752011-01-12T15:38:00.000-06:002011-01-12T15:38:27.200-06:00"Politically Corect" is the Anti-Snark<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Twitter_Badge_1.png" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Free twitter badge" height="170" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Twitter_Badge_1.png" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="250" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 250px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Twitter_Badge_1.png">Wikipedia</a></span></span>Dear Reader,<br />
<br />
Let me be absolutely, perfectly, 100% clear: I LOVE my kids, my husband, my family, my friends, my life. I am so very, very blessed.<br />
<br />
However, I am human. And I have some very, very human moments when I get frustrated with one, some or all of my blessings and have to rant a little to blow off some steam.<br />
<br />
For the last several years, I have used blogging, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://twitter.com/" rel="homepage" title="Twitter">Twitter</a> and <a class="zem_slink" href="http://facebook.com/" rel="homepage" title="Facebook">Facebook</a> as my ways to vent and let go of my steam. It has been mutually fulfilling and cathartic to be snarky, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcasm" rel="wikipedia" title="Sarcasm">sarcastic</a> and sometimes borderline caustic to spout off.<br />
<br />
BUT (and this is a big but) I am (sadly) going to have to pull in the reigns to my snarkiness, tone down some of my sarcasm and completely curtail anything that could smack of being caustic.<br />
<br />
Evidently in some circles my cathartic spouting is considered to be un-PC (<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness" rel="wikipedia" title="Political correctness">Politically Correct</a>).<br />
<br />
And, in fact, some people even believe my sarcastic wit to be the gospel truth. For example, if I say I'm going to duck tape my children to the mail box, they would believe that. (Silly, silly people. If "they"<i> knew</i> me at all, they would know that I would NEVER, EVER hurt my children <i>physically</i> or <i>verbally</i>. So instead, I grouch about them. That way we all laugh instead of being ill.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the subject: I will be working hard to make sure all my public comments, essays, rants, or otherwise, are completely PC. My blog posts, my Twitter posts and my Facebook posts will be written as though the very most discriminating viewer will be scrutinizing my every word.<br />
<br />
And I promise to still try to be light and fun to read.<br />
<br />
Just know how hard I will be fighting my inner-snark to keep her down.<br />
<br />
Stay posted & wish me luck...<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
MommyBarbie<br />
<br />
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</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-6537298978832469962011-01-11T13:58:00.000-06:002011-01-11T13:58:24.468-06:00Snow Day with the "Naked Brothers Band"<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rock_University_Presents_The_Naked_Brothers_Band_The_Video_Game_Cover.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rock University Presents: The Naked Brothers B..." height="356" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Rock_University_Presents_The_Naked_Brothers_Band_The_Video_Game_Cover.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="280" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 280px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rock_University_Presents_The_Naked_Brothers_Band_The_Video_Game_Cover.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span>Ever heard of the "<a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.natnalex.com/" rel="homepage" title="The Naked Brothers Band (TV series)">Naked Brothers Band</a>"? If not, consider yourself lucky. Not that it's bad, per se. Just that it's taken over our day.<br />
<br />
This snow day has consisted of back-to-back episodes of watching <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preadolescence" rel="wikipedia" title="Preadolescence">pre-teen</a>, angst-ridden kids chasing each other around and trying to sing. (Think "<a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.muzu.tv/hannahmontana" rel="muzu" title="Hannah Montana">Hannah Montana</a>," but with nine year old boys.)<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I'm rethinking my excitement over the whole snow day thing. But my kids? Oh my goodness- they are completely mesmerized.<br />
<br />
Maybe it's the idea that <i>anyone</i> can be "famous". Or it's that marginal talent (coupled with famous parents) can make a "<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_ensemble" rel="wikipedia" title="Musical ensemble">rock band</a>". Or maybe it's just that there's nothing else on (that the kids are allowed to watch). But my kids are thrilled.<br />
<br />
Me? My migraine from last night is not helped by this at all. I actually had to take an extra <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excedrin" rel="wikipedia" title="Excedrin">Exedrin</a>.<br />
<br />
What the kids don't know is that in a few minutes, the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television" rel="wikipedia" title="Television">TV</a> is going to go "to sleep" and they are going to read or do something more constructive than watching the "Naked Brothers Band" episodes back-to-back.<br />
<br />
Now. For the big-time, serious question of the day: Will they be out for a snow day tomorrow, too?<br />
<br />
I'm okay with it... as long as we run out of "Naked Brothers Band" episodes before tomorrow!<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=1454c876-5655-497e-bd3a-4642c32a2736" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-41722512365797526152011-01-10T20:53:00.000-06:002011-01-10T20:53:57.661-06:00SNOW DAYS!<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right; width: 250px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9604394@N05/4401109569" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Snow" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4401109569_bb7fc72128_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9604394@N05/4401109569">J Crow</a> via Flickr</span></span>What is it about <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow" rel="wikipedia" title="Snow">snow</a> days that seem so fabulous? Is it the fact that it's (relatively) unexpected? Is it the fact that it effectively clears your schedule for the day- without any work on your part? Maybe it's a little of both.<br />
<br />
Last night (after making our obligatory run to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.3641666667,-94.2163888889&spn=0.01,0.01&q=36.3641666667,-94.2163888889%20%28Wal-Mart%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Wal-Mart">Walmart</a> for bread, milk and eggs: required sustenance for Southern Winter snow) we went to bed to a crisp, clear sky, the kids praying for a miraculous twelve feet of snow. While the inches may have fallen somewhat short, we did get snow, and it did achieve the desired result: school was closed.<br />
<br />
Then, miracle of miracles, this afternoon it was announced that school is closed again tomorrow. The kids were delirious with joy. I expected open weeping.<br />
<br />
I, too, am excited for another snow day. I have several assignments for school I'm trying to get the jump on. So I'm actually trying to be somewhat productive with my time- while admitting I have also enjoyed staying in yoga pants and a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweater" rel="wikipedia" title="Sweater">sweatshirt</a> all day.<br />
<br />
If tomorrow it is announced that we will be out again on Wednesday, it may begin to lose its charm, as cabin fever sets in and the kids look for ways to bug the snot out of me. That's when I start threatening things like duck-taping them to the mailbox (in warm clothing, of course) until their father gets home.<br />
<br />
But for today, and hopefully tomorrow, we will enjoy the beauty of the snow- along with the sheer joy of the snow day. My alarm is NOT set. And I have fresh yoga pants and sweatshirt <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ready-to-wear" rel="wikipedia" title="Ready-to-wear">ready to wear</a>. <br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://zwingliusredivivus.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/snow-to-the-south-so-how-you-like-me-now/">Snow to the South: 'So how you like me now?'</a> (zwingliusredivivus.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://travelsizing.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/cabin-fever/">Cabin Fever</a> (travelsizing.wordpress.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=96b74ceb-a3bb-4105-a416-a76622b639e4" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-64424174660232546292011-01-01T23:44:00.000-06:002011-01-01T23:44:04.692-06:00Happy 2011!<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right; width: 169px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8771151@N03/3201568545" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Times Square New Years Crowd" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3201568545_3c039dc085_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8771151@N03/3201568545">J. Griffin Stewart</a> via Flickr</span></span>Wow, where did 2010 go? I swear it just started 10 minutes ago.<br />
<br />
Some of our highlights of 2010:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Franzi, our German <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_exchange_program" rel="wikipedia" title="Student exchange program">exchange student</a>, left (We miss her terribly)</li>
<li>My <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister-in-law" rel="wikipedia" title="Sister-in-law">sister-in-law</a>'s wedding </li>
<li>Our church celebrated it's 40th birthday</li>
<li>My grandmother's 95th birthday</li>
<li>Connor's tonsils came out</li>
<li>Hubby's <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_septum_deviation" rel="wikipedia" title="Nasal septum deviation">deviated septum</a> was un-deviated</li>
<li>Kids all finished up school year strong</li>
<li>Family beach trip</li>
<li>Family cruise</li>
<li>Kids in 8th, 5th & <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_grade" rel="wikipedia" title="Third grade">3rd grade</a> </li>
<li>Connor's <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighth_grade" rel="wikipedia" title="Eighth grade">8th grade</a> football season</li>
<li>Courtney takes up the trumpet </li>
<li>Courtney's sewing skills</li>
<li>Caitlin's ability to keep from getting sick</li>
<li>I got invited into <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_%28Doctor_Who%29" rel="wikipedia" title="Master (Doctor Who)">the Master</a>'s program for Teaching at <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=51.98073,-3.24921&spn=1.0,1.0&q=51.98073,-3.24921%20%28Trefeca%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Trefeca">Trevecca</a> (will start next week)</li>
<li>Had a fabulous <a class="zem_slink" href="http://wii.nintendo.com/" rel="homepage" title="Wii">Wii</a> Dance competition. Naturally, the kids won! </li>
<li>Christmas with family & cousins! </li>
<li>Hubby got a cpap machine and now doesn't snore (Yipee!)</li>
<li><a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigger" rel="wikipedia" title="Tigger">Tigger</a> (the cat) is <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Penthouse_Pets_of_the_Year" rel="wikipedia" title="List of Penthouse Pets of the Year">Pet of the Year</a></li>
<li>Dixie (the dog) is not</li>
</ol>Resolutions for 2011:<br />
<br />
Well, pretty much the standard stuff: You know, lose weight, save money, work smarter not harder, exercise, and generally be a better person.<br />
<br />
This blog will let you know if and when I succeed. And you can laugh along with me as I chronicle my short-comings.<br />
<br />
Here's hopes for you & yours to have a wonderful, blessed 2011. <br />
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/ear-nose-throat/deviated-septum.aspx">Deviated Septum Causes and Solutions</a> (everydayhealth.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=2a221a8a-69dc-4564-8534-0e39d8dd6fb0" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442437466036165602.post-48643677975867181962010-12-09T21:14:00.000-06:002010-12-09T21:14:33.046-06:00Dye-ing to be Young<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27065690@N07/4966429922" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dying hair" height="160" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4966429922_ee05c3edcb_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 240px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27065690@N07/4966429922">rightsandwrongs</a> via Flickr</span></span>Not too very long ago it seemed like folks aged faster. For example, my grandmother's photos of her at 40 look like someone today who is 65.<br />
<br />
And men didn't fare much better. My own family tree boasts at least one or two men who had the ever-attractive "comb over," which eventually turned into the tragic "wrap-around."<br />
<br />
Today, however, while some men go with "<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_Club" rel="wikipedia" title="Hair Club">Hair Club</a> for Men," even more go for the shaved head. <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldness" rel="wikipedia" title="Baldness">Baldness</a> has become a wide-spread phenomenon that some men should just not embrace. Either because their heads are in some unfortunate shape, or because their cheeks are wider than the top of their head, some men (and I know you've seen them) do themselves no favors by choosing to combat aging and <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia" rel="wikipedia" title="Alopecia">hair loss</a> by shaving their heads.<br />
<br />
For the men who do look nice in the "Mr. Clean" look, the crisp look of a clean-<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_shaving" rel="wikipedia" title="Head shaving">shaven head</a> can keep them from looking like they are aging quite so rapidly. Whereas, the olden days of trying to tease out the remaining hair into some kind of shape to resemble a full head of hair just screamed "old man" and really looked more like road kill than hair.<br />
<br />
Women in my grandmother's day simply went gray. <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_coloring" rel="wikipedia" title="Hair coloring">Hair dye</a> was not nearly as wide-spread, and the colors available (especially in the drug store) were pretty heinous. So, most graying women would cut their hair short and coif it into some kind of curled helmet at the beauty salon. The style, along with the horn-rimmed glasses, said "aging" in big, red letters.<br />
<br />
Enter in the ad campaigns by the beauty manufacturers: "I'm not growing old gracefully; I'm fighting it every step of the way." Suddenly, women have morphed into endless twenty-year-old's.<br />
<br />
Hair dye has evolved into an entire science and industry of its own. Skin care has transformed wrinkles into smooth-as-a-baby's-butt skin. And whatever can't be treated chemically, can be nipped and tucked by a quick surgery.<br />
<br />
Hair dressers around the world rejoiced at the turn of events. They were making money hand-over-fist with the advent of the perm. Then, women went "natural," and the perm went the way of the "comb over."<br />
<br />
When the fountain of eternal youth was heralded to come from a little bottle of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_coloring" rel="wikipedia" title="Hair coloring">hair dye</a>, the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barber" rel="wikipedia" title="Barber">hair stylists</a> sighed with relief, then jumped for joy. Then when highlights and lowlights, straighteners, blow-outs, and all the other numerous styling options dawned upon the horizon, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairstyle" rel="wikipedia" title="Hairstyle">hair styling</a> was, once again, back in the proverbial "black".<br />
<br />
I, myself, have succumb to the bi-monthly visit to my magician (aka my hair stylist) to erase the years by covering the gray. And I suspect I will continue to do so.<br />
<br />
The result of all of these new hair styling/hair dying techniques (along with some significant wardrobe improvements) is that at 40, today's men and women look at least 10 years younger than our ancestors.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping this trend continues. That way, when I'm 50, I'll look 20 years younger (comparatively). I mean look at <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=34.1,-118.333333333&spn=0.1,0.1&q=34.1,-118.333333333%20%28Hollywood%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Hollywood">Hollywood</a>: <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000079/" rel="imdb" title="Raquel Welch">Raquel Welch</a> looks like she's in her 40's. (She's<i> not</i> in her 40's.) <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.shaniatwain.com/" rel="homepage" title="Shania Twain">Shania Twain</a> is "hot", even though she's well over 30, and a mom.<br />
<br />
Yesterday's Hollywood starlett had to be in her 20's to be the "it" girl. Today's starlett can play a grandmother and still be considered "hot" for her age.<br />
<br />
As I write this, I'm having to "arrange" my hair to cover my <i>very</i> gray roots. My hair dresser has fussed at me and begged me not to tell anyone she's my stylist until I get them fixed. (Can't say I blame her. BTW, Lindsay, I'm coming to see you Dec 17th!)<br />
<br />
So, when you see me Dec 18th, be prepared to be wowed by a very youthful looking mother. In fact, you will probably think I look like I'm closer to my daughter's age... Okay, maybe not quite <i>that</i> young. But I will definitely look better. And I will definitely look younger!<br />
<br />
Hair dye is definitely a miracle worker for at least 90% of the American population of women (my guess). My prediction is that this will continue and improve. And we will all continue to look younger than our predecessors. This... makes me happy.... :-)<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.livecrunch.com/2010/09/30/shaving-your-head-bald-is-a-hair-loss-solution-for-hair-loss/">Shaving Your Head Bald Is A Hair Loss Solution For Hair Loss</a> (livecrunch.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://beyondjane.com/beauty/hair/how-to-get-over-a-hair-dye-addiction/">How to Get Over a Hair Dye Addiction</a> (beyondjane.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://omg.yahoo.com/news/celebrity-inspired-trend-funky-colored-hair/49745">Celebrity Inspired Trend: Funky Colored Hair</a> (omg.yahoo.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/diy-diva/2010/09/weekend-project-getting-the-two-toned-hair-look-on-the-chea.html">Weekend Project: Getting the reverse two-toned hair look on the cheap</a> (chicagonow.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/hair-beauty/how-to/tips/master-class-hair-dying?src=rss">Master Class: How to Dye Your Hair</a> (marieclaire.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/is-it-safe-to-tint-brows-and-lashes?src=RSS_PUBLIC">Expert Answers to Your Lash and Brow Tinting Questions</a> (webmd.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2010/10/08/in-a-hair-color-rut-pro-tips-to-make-your-locks-look-bolder/">In a Hair Color Rut? Pro Tips To Make Your Locks Look Bolder</a> (stylelist.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=4649cada-b3e7-4b12-bd85-ab3e60905e8e" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Kristen LaPointehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05881756241899059692noreply@blogger.com0