Bad words.....

Today, being warm and rain free, was a mandatory "get Chris outside to play" day. So I took my stir-crazy, driving-Mommy-nuts, toddler to the park (near our townhouse) to burn off some energy. On the way there I heard one of the parents whistling for their child from their backdoor. That's not unusual, it seems most of the parents around here choose to whistle instead of yelling or, heaven forbid, walking the 10-50 feet to talk to their children.

We were still about 20 yards away from the side fence of the park when I heard a booming male voice say, "Are you THAT STUPID!?" My head snapped up and I watched in utter shock as an adult, whom I'm assuming was the whistling father, berated a small boy through the fence about 35 yards from us. I could see the child, who looked to be about 5 years old, was obviously terrified even from a distance. I was certainly glad there was a fence between them for I feared the man was angry enough to hit the child. Even knowing he couldn't strike the child I was horrified....mostly at the language he used. Although he didn't use the dreaded "F-word", in fact he used very few cuss words at all....it was the other words that bothered me. Words like stupid, moron, and worthless. These, IMO, are verbal slaps that can leave emotional scars similar to those of physical abuse. Such verbal abuse can, IMO, be just as debilitating as physical abuse whether the recipient be an adult or a child....but most especially to a child. Had I been closer, and safely inside the fence, I don't think I would've been able to just stand there and stare like the other parents did. No one should ever talk to a child like that....not even another child.

So what's worse? Cussing in front of a child or calling them stupid? IMO calling a child ugly or stupid is far more damaging to the child than the typical cuss words we generally avoid using around them.So why are such words considered to be Okay while others are taboo? When will words like ugly and dumb be considered "four-letter-words"...and why aren't they already?

Just Sayin'

Back off!

Cafeteria chaos: School bans lunches from home 

http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/04/12/6455349-cafeteria-chaos-school-bans-lunches-from-home-?GT1=43001 

WTH!? 

I don't agree with this. I remember some school meals I enjoyed...others were inedible. I'm the parent, it's MY decision what my child will and will not eat, not to mention whether I can afford the school's lunch prices. For all the principal knows that's the ONLY time my child gets soda and chips. Her heart is in the right place, but she's making assumptions based on a mere glimpse of the child's life and needs to butt out. Too many children have specific dietary needs these days--the cost alone of the school trying to accommodate all those needs should shut this down quickly. But that's not the point! It's not up to the principal what my child does or does not eat....it's her job to make sure my child is educated in a safe environment. I expect her to report any suspected abuse, but a bag of chips or occasional cupcake does not qualify as abuse. 

Simply put: I will not permit someone else to dictate what foods my child eats...so BACK OFF! That's my not-so-humble opinion.

 

Nature is always better....but

I recently read a story about a nearby city using goats, instead of man power and nasty chemicals, to rid a park of noxious weeds. Way to go Charlottesville! I strongly approve of this method. Here's the story:  City Tries Out a Goat Friendly Way to Get Rid of Weeds - NBC29

But then I had to wonder: Why is the city paying to have the goats eat? Shouldn't the herders be happy to have free pasture? That said, I'd still rather pay for the goats than all the labor and use chemicals. It's about time we got back to the tried and true methods of weed control that ranchers have known about for centuries.

Also, I'm a bit curious about methods used to keep the children from encountering the electric fence. My common sense says good parenting should be enough--reality says that's just wishful thinking.

Write Now: Patti Lacy Interview & Book Giveaway

Write Now: Patti Lacy Interview & Book Giveaway: "I love Patti Lacy! So I was thrilled when she agreed to stop by for a visit. Her newest book, Rhythm of Secrets is now out! Patti&..."

Color Me Confused

I went browsing (not intending to purchase anything) today and came back rather confused. In other words I saw some things that I simply don't get. Some I've offered my opinions on before, but not online, and others that simply left me befuddled. So, I'm going to list them here and see if anyone else thinks they are odd.

1) Why can't I find animal toys that include North American wildlife? All I can find are: Farm animals, common pets (dog, cat, even bunny rabbits), African animals, Sea life, and insects. Where are the bison, mountain lions, elk and deer, black and brown bears...etc? Does our wildlife not rate as toys? Is it odd that I'd like my son to have toys of animals he might actually SEE outside a farm or zoo?

2) Why are the toys so sexist? I looked in the girls section and found everything in pink and purple (ok, I can deal with the color crap) but I couldn't find any tools, bugs, sports stuff...etc. I found tons of baking/cooking/kitchen and food items, cleaning stuff( including toy ironing boards)...etc. WTH!? There are little girls who like sports, dirt, tools..etc. Why aren't those things even in the section even if they aren't the right color? Why can't they make a tool set in pink or purple anyway? Why isn't there a Handy Matilda?

3) Why is it impossible for me to find a hair brush for my son that: isn't an infant brush, isn't a adult/stiff bristled brush, that's not pink or purple, or that doesn't have a ladybug on it? Boys have hair that needs brushing too!

4) WHO is the moron who decided that infant meds (such as Tylenol infant drops) needed to have DYE in it to match the flavor? My son doesn't care if it's red, but I sure as hell do that it stains everything. Dye-free should have been, no should BE, the only formula for infants and toddlers! Instead all I can find is the red crap....mostly because other parents snatch up the dye-free stuff. You'd think the manufactures would get the hint.

5) While we are on the subject of moronic things companies do: I'd like to mention that my son has yet to notice the cute characters on his diapers. I feel safe in stating that he's never cared (from preemie XS to his current size), and won't for a while, that his diapers have Muppets on them. So why the hell am I paying for the diaper companies to have the rights to put things on his diapers that NO ONE CARES ABOUT!? Drop the muppets off diapers and only put them on sizes for older kids (such as pull-ups) and lower the price.

6) Why is the store carrying "Baby's First Thanksgiving" and "Baby's First Birthday" outfits in 24 month sizes? Look, I get that someone may adopt a child from China or the Ukraine and this may indeed be their first Thanksgiving. I get that there are babies out there that are HUGE for their age. What I don't get is why this is something stores would keep in stock and not consider to be a specialty item. Oh, and if the child really is about 24 months and this is their First Thanksgiving....shouldn't it say Toddler's First Thanksgiving instead?

7) Speaking of clothing: WTH can't clothing sizes be standard? I have at least 3 different sizes of shoes, pants, shirts, (heck even my rings are different sizes for the same finger!)...etc. as does my son. Some of my son's outfits are 18 month while others are 2T. He has pants that still fit that are 9 month and others that are 18 month. He also has shoes size 5 that are way too big and others that are now a bit tight. Frankly I've NEVER been able to order any clothing item through a catalog or online. If I can't try it on I don't risk it. Oh, and I used to think that men had it made with their pant and dress shirt sizing. After all they actually go by measurements! But, I was wrong. Even my husband has clothes that are all the same measurements yet they don't fit the same. 'Splain to me how two pair of pants, made by the same company, that have the same material, waist, inseam, AND cut can fit completely different? Are they HIGH when they make them?

:::::deep breath::::: Ok, I'll stop here. I would like to offer my opinions of the TSA and a few other news items, but I'll wait for another day. This particular rant has been enough to ease my issue laden brain....... for tonight. LOL

Whale Wars

I was flipping though channels a moment ago and, noticing that Whale Wars is on, felt a need to comment.

First I must say that I LOVE whales and detest the hunting of them. That said, I REFUSE to watch the show Whale Wars.
Although I do applaud their dedication to the protection of whales I can not condone their terroristic methods. Yes, I do consider them to be terrorists. They put lives on the line, they terrorize people who are only trying to do their jobs and make a living. Appauling as the hunting of whales may be to me it is a part of their culture, their way of life, and a legal means to provide for their families.

I'd like to see this show, which IMO glorifies their terroristic methods, removed from the airways. There are better ways [although they may be slower/ less effective/ and certainly not as exciting for TV] to go about stopping or limiting the hunting of these magnificent creatures without becoming terrorists.

I despise terrorists regardless their goals, regardless if they are from my country or not, because it's their means and methods that are WRONG. How can I, in good conscience, say this particular terrorism is ok merely because I approve the goal and then despise other terrorists who believe what they are doing is okay because their goals are "good" for their beliefs/people?

Destined Not (?) To Lose

I hate shows or programs like the Biggest Loser. They degrade people for not losing weight. It's bad enough they treat you like shit and talk down to you, but what makes it worse is that they only see the number on the scale. Their program isn't just about eating right and dropping pounds....it includes heavy workouts. Those heavy workouts help reduce body fat sure. But they also increase muscle mass. This means Joe can work his ass off and may lose 3 inches, but he can actually gain weight. They don't take this into account...instead they see the weight gain and treat you like a filthy liar, a cheat, and worthless scum and you lose the game and money. All because you did your best. In fact you did so much better than the others that you lose! WTH!?

It's crap. The show is crap and their system is crap. No matter how much fat you lose, if you gain a pound of muscle they see it as a pound not lost. That's why I don't watch such programs....they piss me off and they should piss you and the contestants off too. It shouldn't be about the number on the scale! It should be about who got the healthiest and reduced their fat % the most.