I am the first to admit that at times I can be a wicked kid at heart. I see nothing wrong with this! Everyone should let their hair down, ditch grown up responsibilities, and enjoy themselves periodically. Given it is my birthday week (we celebrate weeks here in my home rather than a single day it's far more rewarding), I was given a PS2 for my birthday. While some of my presents will wait for the actual day, I did receive three presents from others earlier. This leads me to two very popular games that I have spent plenty of time with this weekend.
Guitar Hero II is going to drive me batty. I would like to think it has nothing to do with my age, but as someone who can type 80 words a minute, I know my fingers are capable. For the life of me, I cannot make my brain and fingers connect for Guitar Hero II. I did manage to pull a three star rating on Heart's Crazy on You, but for the most part I will be in a pattern of red red yellow yellow and then have to hit green and fail miserably.
In the end, I am highly addicted, but I wonder how many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome will occur from this game! If you want a game that both parents and kids will have so much fun playing together, purchase Guitar Hero II. It's available for either the Xbox 360 or the PS2.
PS2 also offers a new Karaoke Revolution game that is an at home version of American Idol that gives you ample opportunities to have Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and then some Paula Abdul Wannabe named Laura tell you exactly what they think of your singing. This game is PERFECT for those who want an ego boost!!
Now, I realize I can sing. I may be too old for American Idol in real life, but the game has no age restrictions. My issue, I can't get Simon to tell me I suck. I do know that he can do it, he told my son who was imitating Bob Dylan's style that he was horrible. For me, I always wind up with Randy telling me I rock, Paula/Laura saying she can sum me up in two words - Phe and Nominal. Then Simon tells me how much he loves me and how I am the next American Idol in his mind. And the cartoon version of Simon is just as sexy as the real life version. ;-)
Karaoke Revolution American Idol is great fun. I can see it providing hours of entertainment at our next poker/game night. It's another must-have in my book.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Online Dating
I recently had to write a series of articles on online dating. I had to write them for sixteen different companies and include the pricing plans, features, and such. This was an easy and interesting task, but I also learned something.
First, everyone tells you not to trust what you see. I would state this is true. In order to access any of the information, I was forced to create free profiles with each site. In every possible case, I added that I was only researching costs and that in order to do so, I had to sign up for an account. This made me active with most of the sites. The men I was matched with --- well some were dead on it seemed while others were so far away from what I like in a man that it wasn't even funny.
I used my traits from today and then based everything else on when I was single.
Note for those creating dating sites - if a person puts absolutely no smoking - don't then turn around and match them with a smoker anyway!!
So basically I worked on two articles per day.
Now if you've been thinking about signing up, be cautious. I created a new account through Yahoo and immediately turned on Spam filters. Even though eHarmony told me they couldn't find me a match because I had shown devotion to my children, they were the first site I enrolled with and I did not get any spam following my enrollment. A few days later, I reached a website called American Singles and then LavaLife and my spam count started multiplying. Perhaps it was coincidence, but it just seemed odd that the day after I finished those articles my spam counts increased.
There was one thing that did happen that made me leery of using online dating. I live 10 miles south of one of Vermont's maximum security jails. I have driven by the correctional center many times and know the building and scenery surrounding it. One potential match, who looked vaguely familiar to me, showed this scraggly looking guy standing in front of a red brick building with a chain fence in the background and trees behind that. Now this is the set up at this correctional center. I began to wonder if he was an inmate there... The city of residence said St. Albans for him so that would still fit. It defintiely made me wonder!
Overall, I think the online dating services are pretty good. Some are far more expensive than others, and some certainly lack. Look for sites that focus more on personalities than looks. You may find your true love sooner than you were expecting. Meanwhile, I'm happy I'm married and out of the dating pool!
First, everyone tells you not to trust what you see. I would state this is true. In order to access any of the information, I was forced to create free profiles with each site. In every possible case, I added that I was only researching costs and that in order to do so, I had to sign up for an account. This made me active with most of the sites. The men I was matched with --- well some were dead on it seemed while others were so far away from what I like in a man that it wasn't even funny.
I used my traits from today and then based everything else on when I was single.
Note for those creating dating sites - if a person puts absolutely no smoking - don't then turn around and match them with a smoker anyway!!
So basically I worked on two articles per day.
Now if you've been thinking about signing up, be cautious. I created a new account through Yahoo and immediately turned on Spam filters. Even though eHarmony told me they couldn't find me a match because I had shown devotion to my children, they were the first site I enrolled with and I did not get any spam following my enrollment. A few days later, I reached a website called American Singles and then LavaLife and my spam count started multiplying. Perhaps it was coincidence, but it just seemed odd that the day after I finished those articles my spam counts increased.
There was one thing that did happen that made me leery of using online dating. I live 10 miles south of one of Vermont's maximum security jails. I have driven by the correctional center many times and know the building and scenery surrounding it. One potential match, who looked vaguely familiar to me, showed this scraggly looking guy standing in front of a red brick building with a chain fence in the background and trees behind that. Now this is the set up at this correctional center. I began to wonder if he was an inmate there... The city of residence said St. Albans for him so that would still fit. It defintiely made me wonder!
Overall, I think the online dating services are pretty good. Some are far more expensive than others, and some certainly lack. Look for sites that focus more on personalities than looks. You may find your true love sooner than you were expecting. Meanwhile, I'm happy I'm married and out of the dating pool!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Do People Have Nothing Better To Do?
Today's news--- Prince is underfire for his half time show in which some people believe he deliberately made it appear that he had a huge penis. PLEASE. First, he's male. Men are proud of their genetalia, so what if he did? Turn off the television or walk away. I don't like seeing hairy plumber's butt cracks, but I certainly will not start a movement to have plumber's banned from the world.
Did Prince do this intentionally? I highly doubt it. First, any guitarist holds their guitar at that level. Do you expect them to hold it at the chest level and still be able to play? Get over it. If you have this much time, maybe you need to get a life or spend some quality time with your friends/family/children, etc.
The next story to raise my ire. The Snicker's ad that mimics the Disney movie "Lady & The Tramp." Two men are eating a Snicker bar and wind up bumping lips. Realizing they practically just kissed, they decide to do something manly and pull out a handful of chest hair. Certain gay and lesbian organizations find it offensive. Whatever...
The ad was funny. That's all Snickers was going for - a unique dose of humor. No one threw a fit when Lady and the Tramp did it - is that because it was male and female? If so, then the gay and lesbian groups would have been fine with the ad if it was man and woman - isn't that just as disciminating? And aren't they supposed to be open minded?
Their claim is that the ad puts gays in a negative light. No - I think Rosie O'Donnell does a good enough job of that. Part of the problem in today's world is that people are making huge deals out of stupid things. Rosie's fit that Kelly Ripa is a homophobe because she didn't want Clay Aiken putting his hand over her mouth. I wouldn't have either. I have enough colds/viruses come into my hands because of school, I wouldn't want to be exposing myself to even more of it.
I wish I could snap my fingers and make everyone tolerate everyone else, but it isn't going to happen. Part of the thrill of being human is the right to make up your own mind - free speech!-- if I am being told that an ad is offensive to a few and therefore must be banned then my free speech is being tampered with and I'm not happy.
I'll share something I told my kids - if you don't like something, that's fine. Keep it to yourself and move on. Lingering is only going to piss others off.
Did Prince do this intentionally? I highly doubt it. First, any guitarist holds their guitar at that level. Do you expect them to hold it at the chest level and still be able to play? Get over it. If you have this much time, maybe you need to get a life or spend some quality time with your friends/family/children, etc.
The next story to raise my ire. The Snicker's ad that mimics the Disney movie "Lady & The Tramp." Two men are eating a Snicker bar and wind up bumping lips. Realizing they practically just kissed, they decide to do something manly and pull out a handful of chest hair. Certain gay and lesbian organizations find it offensive. Whatever...
The ad was funny. That's all Snickers was going for - a unique dose of humor. No one threw a fit when Lady and the Tramp did it - is that because it was male and female? If so, then the gay and lesbian groups would have been fine with the ad if it was man and woman - isn't that just as disciminating? And aren't they supposed to be open minded?
Their claim is that the ad puts gays in a negative light. No - I think Rosie O'Donnell does a good enough job of that. Part of the problem in today's world is that people are making huge deals out of stupid things. Rosie's fit that Kelly Ripa is a homophobe because she didn't want Clay Aiken putting his hand over her mouth. I wouldn't have either. I have enough colds/viruses come into my hands because of school, I wouldn't want to be exposing myself to even more of it.
I wish I could snap my fingers and make everyone tolerate everyone else, but it isn't going to happen. Part of the thrill of being human is the right to make up your own mind - free speech!-- if I am being told that an ad is offensive to a few and therefore must be banned then my free speech is being tampered with and I'm not happy.
I'll share something I told my kids - if you don't like something, that's fine. Keep it to yourself and move on. Lingering is only going to piss others off.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Parenting
I was just reading the news and apparently the government in California is currently acting to introduce legislation that bans spanking a child. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16929303/
So $1,000 or one year of jail if you spank your child in public. PLEASE.
First, I think there are more troublesome offenses that need to be taken care of. You can drive while intoxicated in many areas and get away with a lower fine and no jail time. That is a travesty.
Now, I will add my two cents to this. First, spanking in my book is a quick smack on the padded bottom or hand. Face is never allowed. It is also one slap, not a series and certainly not with dropped pants like a former neighbor did to his own children. I have my limits.
My own children, I can't remember the last time I did smack either one of them, but I can tell you why. My daughter was going to put a pencil into an outlet after figuring out how to remove the safety caps that we had in all of our outlets. She got her hand quickly smacked. She dropped the pencil immediately and never touched outlets again. She was three at the time and should have known better, but being curious, she tried it anyway. Is she scarred for life? No. Did she get zapped causing possible health issues? NO! I took action and remedied the situation immediately.
My son. He was four and decided to go across the street to see our neighbor's grandson's new Hot Wheel's Jeep type toy (the one that kid's actually drive.) We were doing dishes and never heard him leave the house. Our street is not the safest street to go across - we are the short cut to one of the quieter (and free) boat launches for Lake Champlain. Boat traffic in the summer goes far too fast and too frequent for any child that young to be out in. The fact that he made it across the road safely thrills me, but the fact that he went across alone got him a smack on the rear end. Even today, he admits that he knew he'd be in trouble but he wanted to see the Jeep. He's not scarred by it. In fact, those who will say that hitting leads to hitting (in my book hitting is not a quick slap), my son has never hit another person. He's one of the rare few in middle school who has never gotten into a fight and has walked away from fights despite the laughter from his peers.
Now, I know people who refuse to hit their children. One of these children throws more temper tantrums in one day than my children have in their entire lifetime combined. This mom constantly battles with her child to eat the meals she has prepared, go to bed at his set bedtime, pick up toys, take a bath when told, and stay in their yard. She swears that the simple word NO and restrictions works well, but I can't see that it has. Fighting with her child on a daily basis makes me thrilled my kids have learned that I am the boss! They know I love them, they love me, and they also know that when I say NO it means it.
So $1,000 or one year of jail if you spank your child in public. PLEASE.
First, I think there are more troublesome offenses that need to be taken care of. You can drive while intoxicated in many areas and get away with a lower fine and no jail time. That is a travesty.
Now, I will add my two cents to this. First, spanking in my book is a quick smack on the padded bottom or hand. Face is never allowed. It is also one slap, not a series and certainly not with dropped pants like a former neighbor did to his own children. I have my limits.
My own children, I can't remember the last time I did smack either one of them, but I can tell you why. My daughter was going to put a pencil into an outlet after figuring out how to remove the safety caps that we had in all of our outlets. She got her hand quickly smacked. She dropped the pencil immediately and never touched outlets again. She was three at the time and should have known better, but being curious, she tried it anyway. Is she scarred for life? No. Did she get zapped causing possible health issues? NO! I took action and remedied the situation immediately.
My son. He was four and decided to go across the street to see our neighbor's grandson's new Hot Wheel's Jeep type toy (the one that kid's actually drive.) We were doing dishes and never heard him leave the house. Our street is not the safest street to go across - we are the short cut to one of the quieter (and free) boat launches for Lake Champlain. Boat traffic in the summer goes far too fast and too frequent for any child that young to be out in. The fact that he made it across the road safely thrills me, but the fact that he went across alone got him a smack on the rear end. Even today, he admits that he knew he'd be in trouble but he wanted to see the Jeep. He's not scarred by it. In fact, those who will say that hitting leads to hitting (in my book hitting is not a quick slap), my son has never hit another person. He's one of the rare few in middle school who has never gotten into a fight and has walked away from fights despite the laughter from his peers.
Now, I know people who refuse to hit their children. One of these children throws more temper tantrums in one day than my children have in their entire lifetime combined. This mom constantly battles with her child to eat the meals she has prepared, go to bed at his set bedtime, pick up toys, take a bath when told, and stay in their yard. She swears that the simple word NO and restrictions works well, but I can't see that it has. Fighting with her child on a daily basis makes me thrilled my kids have learned that I am the boss! They know I love them, they love me, and they also know that when I say NO it means it.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Climate Changes
Only in Vermont could we start out the month near 60 degrees and then end up with morning temperatures of 18 below. This morning was very nippy! I have this thing with going outside to wait for the school bus while I can feel my nostrils freezing together every time I try to inhale--not that my lungs appreciated my trying to inhale at all!
While we really haven't had that much of a winter this year, I am ready for it to go away. Walking on snow at 18 below zero makes for some nasty sounds. If you've never experienced it, imagine fingernails on the chalkboard with every step. The styrofoam squeak that occurs is plain annoying and feels odd too. It does feel like you are on hard styrofoam.
With this said, if anyone in the warmer states would like to get a fan big enough to blow some of their warm air up north, I'd really appreciate it!
While we really haven't had that much of a winter this year, I am ready for it to go away. Walking on snow at 18 below zero makes for some nasty sounds. If you've never experienced it, imagine fingernails on the chalkboard with every step. The styrofoam squeak that occurs is plain annoying and feels odd too. It does feel like you are on hard styrofoam.
With this said, if anyone in the warmer states would like to get a fan big enough to blow some of their warm air up north, I'd really appreciate it!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Morning Coffee
It's Sunday. I'm up far too early. It's a balmy three degrees. All I wanted was my cup of coffee and then to attempt to get some work done. Weekend mornings at this hour suck!
Why get up so early? It probably has everything to do with my pesky cats who pawed open lower cupboards in search of their kitty high. I'd bought a new bag of catnip for them and they were determined to find it. Unfortunately, our younger cat is all too clever at opening cupboards and she found it. I came downstairs to find a torn apart bag of catnip all over my floor and two very stoned cats attempting to look innocent.
Once I'd cleaned the gritty mess off the floor, I gave up on any thought of returning to bed. Instead, I decided to try the latest coffee in a round of tests...
Years ago, I stopped drinking items with caffeine. It was felt that my anxiety, besides being genetic, might be related to caffeine intake. I stopped drinking coffee and discovered it made a big difference. Any coffee addict who has given up caffeine knows that decaf coffee can be horrendous! I've spent years going through brands that are worthy of purchasing.
Dunkin Donuts - one of my favored caffeine brands - makes a lousy decaf usually. The coffee definitely has bitter, almost sour, after tones. Unless you ask them to make a fresh pot from freshly ground beans, don't count on a good cup of decaf.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is what I drink the most - Paul Newman's blend is the best to me. I want to say it is called Special Roast decaf - but it is his organic blend of decaf. The price, however, is a bit of a pain. $6 for a 12 oz bag.
My sister-in-law started drinking decaf a few months ago and swears by a newer VT company - Vermont Coffee Roasters - out of Bristol, VT. It is expensive stuff. For the price you pay, it should be liquid gold! For Christmas, I splurged and treated myself to a pound bag of their decaf Columbian. $13 per pound. How disappointing! While the coffee tastes okay, it isn't as good as Green Mountain. Worse yet, I find that if you do not double the amount of coffee, you get a weak tasting pot. For a pot, I tend to use between 1/2 cup to 3/4 cups of beans (estimating my measurements, I really fill the beans to the top of my grinder's metal rim and then grind away) and then grind them up. With this Vermont Coffee Roasters, I grind one batch of coffee beans, pour them into the filter, and then grind a second batch. So I'm using double the amount of beans to get a normal pot of coffee. That makes it a wasteful coffee to me.
Starbucks - not a big fan of their coffee - the decaf is bitter. Speeder and Earls (another local company) is another of my favorites! It's a little pricier, but definitely worth it.
Yesterday, I decided to try Costco (Kirkland's) decaf arabica. I purchased the three pound canister for $8. Usually, I'll buy the whole beans, but I felt it was a better idea to spend less and see if it is worth it before investing the additional $6. I guess I'm more comfortable throwing out $8 worth of coffee over $14. I did realize that being pre-ground, it might be the best coffee, but I want something that tastes like coffee without the bitter aftertaste. This Kirkland coffee isn't bad. Very smoky and better than some of the other coffees I've had. I can't wait to try the whole beans!
Why get up so early? It probably has everything to do with my pesky cats who pawed open lower cupboards in search of their kitty high. I'd bought a new bag of catnip for them and they were determined to find it. Unfortunately, our younger cat is all too clever at opening cupboards and she found it. I came downstairs to find a torn apart bag of catnip all over my floor and two very stoned cats attempting to look innocent.
Once I'd cleaned the gritty mess off the floor, I gave up on any thought of returning to bed. Instead, I decided to try the latest coffee in a round of tests...
Years ago, I stopped drinking items with caffeine. It was felt that my anxiety, besides being genetic, might be related to caffeine intake. I stopped drinking coffee and discovered it made a big difference. Any coffee addict who has given up caffeine knows that decaf coffee can be horrendous! I've spent years going through brands that are worthy of purchasing.
Dunkin Donuts - one of my favored caffeine brands - makes a lousy decaf usually. The coffee definitely has bitter, almost sour, after tones. Unless you ask them to make a fresh pot from freshly ground beans, don't count on a good cup of decaf.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is what I drink the most - Paul Newman's blend is the best to me. I want to say it is called Special Roast decaf - but it is his organic blend of decaf. The price, however, is a bit of a pain. $6 for a 12 oz bag.
My sister-in-law started drinking decaf a few months ago and swears by a newer VT company - Vermont Coffee Roasters - out of Bristol, VT. It is expensive stuff. For the price you pay, it should be liquid gold! For Christmas, I splurged and treated myself to a pound bag of their decaf Columbian. $13 per pound. How disappointing! While the coffee tastes okay, it isn't as good as Green Mountain. Worse yet, I find that if you do not double the amount of coffee, you get a weak tasting pot. For a pot, I tend to use between 1/2 cup to 3/4 cups of beans (estimating my measurements, I really fill the beans to the top of my grinder's metal rim and then grind away) and then grind them up. With this Vermont Coffee Roasters, I grind one batch of coffee beans, pour them into the filter, and then grind a second batch. So I'm using double the amount of beans to get a normal pot of coffee. That makes it a wasteful coffee to me.
Starbucks - not a big fan of their coffee - the decaf is bitter. Speeder and Earls (another local company) is another of my favorites! It's a little pricier, but definitely worth it.
Yesterday, I decided to try Costco (Kirkland's) decaf arabica. I purchased the three pound canister for $8. Usually, I'll buy the whole beans, but I felt it was a better idea to spend less and see if it is worth it before investing the additional $6. I guess I'm more comfortable throwing out $8 worth of coffee over $14. I did realize that being pre-ground, it might be the best coffee, but I want something that tastes like coffee without the bitter aftertaste. This Kirkland coffee isn't bad. Very smoky and better than some of the other coffees I've had. I can't wait to try the whole beans!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
American Idol
My husband, daughter, and I always watch the opening shows of American Idol. Year after year, I am continually amazed by people who show up for auditions and then sing their hearts out sounding more like a monkey on crack than a human. I'm sorry, but some of these people just CANNOT sign. Last night's show, in Seattle, leaves me with a lot of questions.
1. People continue to rant about how mean Simon is. Okay, first the taping takes place over an entire two day period. Two DAYS are turned into two HOURS. You know for ratings that the show is going to cut everything except Simon's comments, Paula's saccharin attitudes, and Randy's "Yo Dawg" garbage. It was very nice to see Randy show a little backbone and tell someone that they sucked. It was just as nice to see Simon rub it in a bit and fire the lousy singer up. I'd really LOVE to see Paula come right out and tell someone that they suck at singing and dancing. For the most part, I agree with everything Simon has to say. Though the Indian girl and her younger brother, while I agree he is the better singer, she did a great job too. It wasn't just okay.
2. I want to know how many of these people watch the taping of their audition and then cringe. I would hope that the majority are forced to watch it and then apologize for all the f-you Simon's. That guy who sang Unchained Melody last night. I had to mute the TV - his performance was brutal. I realize some people are tone deaf, but please. Perhaps you should go to some karoake bar first and see how the crowd reacts before you embarrass yourself on national television.
3. When you've been told you suck - why do some insist on ignoring the judges and sign even more. I couldn't stand the song that girl (the blonde who was her mom's twin - the only difference was age and hair color) did -- the "Dontcha Wish Your Girlfriend was hot like me...". I don't mind that song, but her rendition was horrifying. To then try to do Sweet Home Alabama. I was cringing.
1. People continue to rant about how mean Simon is. Okay, first the taping takes place over an entire two day period. Two DAYS are turned into two HOURS. You know for ratings that the show is going to cut everything except Simon's comments, Paula's saccharin attitudes, and Randy's "Yo Dawg" garbage. It was very nice to see Randy show a little backbone and tell someone that they sucked. It was just as nice to see Simon rub it in a bit and fire the lousy singer up. I'd really LOVE to see Paula come right out and tell someone that they suck at singing and dancing. For the most part, I agree with everything Simon has to say. Though the Indian girl and her younger brother, while I agree he is the better singer, she did a great job too. It wasn't just okay.
2. I want to know how many of these people watch the taping of their audition and then cringe. I would hope that the majority are forced to watch it and then apologize for all the f-you Simon's. That guy who sang Unchained Melody last night. I had to mute the TV - his performance was brutal. I realize some people are tone deaf, but please. Perhaps you should go to some karoake bar first and see how the crowd reacts before you embarrass yourself on national television.
3. When you've been told you suck - why do some insist on ignoring the judges and sign even more. I couldn't stand the song that girl (the blonde who was her mom's twin - the only difference was age and hair color) did -- the "Dontcha Wish Your Girlfriend was hot like me...". I don't mind that song, but her rendition was horrifying. To then try to do Sweet Home Alabama. I was cringing.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Damn... School Systems Today
My ten-year-old recently informed me that she refuses to miss another day of school. She's missed one this year and I had to fight her to stay home that day -- fever of 100.8 and she was fighting me every step of the way.
Anyway, a situation came up this week where it would have been beneficial to me to have both kids take the day off from school on Friday so that we could travel to the other side of the state, only my daughter burst into tears at the thought of missing school. It took me three days to get her to explain why -- especially when she announced that she wish it would snow so that she could have a snowday. (Vermont has been virtually snowfree all season.)
Last night, she finally told us why she doesn't want to miss school. Now, the school and I have battled on things before. I don't blame the teachers fully, I know a lot of today's problems lie with "No Child Left Behind." However, until school systems put their feet down and tell the government to get real, nothing is going to change. I'd love to not pay my taxes, but one person is not enough - the entire country needs to revolt and demand changes!
As it turns out, if a child here misses a day/days of school, they are not allowed to have recess until they have caught up on all their work. They are sent to another teacher's room (like detention from my day) where they have to catch up on all they missed before they can return to recess with their class. So in my daughter's case, she would typically miss her math chapter for the day, spelling work, short story writing, and whatever history/science they did while she was out. When I made her stay home in the fall, she wound up missing recess for three recesses (days).
This leads me to question:
1. why are we punishing kids for staying home sick???
2. Why not send the work home as homework?
3. Why are we send a message to kids that NO SICK days are allowed without punishment?
I don't know about everyone, but my friends, family, and husband are all given at least three sick days per year paid. Teachers that I have questioned admit that they get 10 sick days per year and those can be accumulated.
So if teachers are allowed to be sick without punishment, why are we sending the kids a strong message that if they skip school, they will be punished. It's wrong!
The state of the school system is depressing. I wish something would change and soon!
Anyway, a situation came up this week where it would have been beneficial to me to have both kids take the day off from school on Friday so that we could travel to the other side of the state, only my daughter burst into tears at the thought of missing school. It took me three days to get her to explain why -- especially when she announced that she wish it would snow so that she could have a snowday. (Vermont has been virtually snowfree all season.)
Last night, she finally told us why she doesn't want to miss school. Now, the school and I have battled on things before. I don't blame the teachers fully, I know a lot of today's problems lie with "No Child Left Behind." However, until school systems put their feet down and tell the government to get real, nothing is going to change. I'd love to not pay my taxes, but one person is not enough - the entire country needs to revolt and demand changes!
As it turns out, if a child here misses a day/days of school, they are not allowed to have recess until they have caught up on all their work. They are sent to another teacher's room (like detention from my day) where they have to catch up on all they missed before they can return to recess with their class. So in my daughter's case, she would typically miss her math chapter for the day, spelling work, short story writing, and whatever history/science they did while she was out. When I made her stay home in the fall, she wound up missing recess for three recesses (days).
This leads me to question:
1. why are we punishing kids for staying home sick???
2. Why not send the work home as homework?
3. Why are we send a message to kids that NO SICK days are allowed without punishment?
I don't know about everyone, but my friends, family, and husband are all given at least three sick days per year paid. Teachers that I have questioned admit that they get 10 sick days per year and those can be accumulated.
So if teachers are allowed to be sick without punishment, why are we sending the kids a strong message that if they skip school, they will be punished. It's wrong!
The state of the school system is depressing. I wish something would change and soon!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Better than our local weathermen
Our weathermen have been off the mark pretty much all season. Take today - they said a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. It warmed up a lot last night, so we are dealing with another round of rain. It's absurd - VT and it's January and to date, I've seen a maybe 3 inches total land in my yard. We've had three "storms." One barely left a dusting. The next left half an inch. The other left about 2 inches tops. Saturday's mix of sun and clouds and 60 degree weather had the birds singing their springtime songs. My white lilac trees have budded. My pink sedum is up out of the ground.
For Christmas, my younger brother bought my husband this indoor/outdoor thermometer. My husband LOVES it. What I've noticed is that the barometer aspect that tells you what the weather will be like in 12 to 24 hours has yet to fail us.
Friday before I went to bed, I glanced at it and it showed the sun coming out from behind a cloud. Now the weathermen were saying rain tapering to showers by late afternoon. Sure enough, Saturday afternoon the sun started to come out. The barometer function was once again more accurate than our weathermen. I am thoroughly fascinated by it and wish we'd bought one a long time ago. Now if I really truly understood how barometric pressure works and is calculated....
For Christmas, my younger brother bought my husband this indoor/outdoor thermometer. My husband LOVES it. What I've noticed is that the barometer aspect that tells you what the weather will be like in 12 to 24 hours has yet to fail us.
Friday before I went to bed, I glanced at it and it showed the sun coming out from behind a cloud. Now the weathermen were saying rain tapering to showers by late afternoon. Sure enough, Saturday afternoon the sun started to come out. The barometer function was once again more accurate than our weathermen. I am thoroughly fascinated by it and wish we'd bought one a long time ago. Now if I really truly understood how barometric pressure works and is calculated....
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Chicago Manual Of Style
For years, I have wanted to buy myself a copy of The Chicago Manual of Style, but the high cost has been rather off-putting. My younger brother (I like to call him my little brother, but he's now a foot taller, so "little" doesn't quite fit anymore) surprised me with a copy this Christmas.
If you do any writing, I do have to admit that this book is a fantastic resource. It delves into the current rules on punctuation, grammar, and even publishing. While it may seem rather dull, I found myself actually enjoying sitting down and reading through the book when time allows. I can actually see myself working through this book from cover to cover just to have an idea on what has changed since I had grammar drilled into me by my shorthand teacher. (I still thank her to this day for all she taught us!)
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Happy New Year!
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season so far. I also wanted to squeeze in a minute's time and say Happy New Year.
Sadly, my family's New Year is starting with the unexpected death of my best friend's older brother. As he wasn't much older than me and he was the same age as my own older brother, I'm still in a bit of a state of shock. For the first portion of the year, my focus will be on helping out wherever I can. I know I'll have the baby during the private memorial service. Meanwhile, it really kind of hits home - doesn't matter how old you are - death can hit suddenly and unexpectedly!
I hope everyone else has a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
Sadly, my family's New Year is starting with the unexpected death of my best friend's older brother. As he wasn't much older than me and he was the same age as my own older brother, I'm still in a bit of a state of shock. For the first portion of the year, my focus will be on helping out wherever I can. I know I'll have the baby during the private memorial service. Meanwhile, it really kind of hits home - doesn't matter how old you are - death can hit suddenly and unexpectedly!
I hope everyone else has a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Mock Trial
My son has spent the past two months completing a course called "Mock Trial." In this course, the 7th and 8th graders learn what it is like to be a lawyer. I learned a few things in the process as well!
The case involves three private high schoolers - Anne, Beck, and Cody. Beck and Cody are feeling pressured to pass a certain honors class so they steal a blank copy of the test. Anne catches them and school policy is that she must turn them in or face strict punishments. Beck tries to talk her out of it. Over the weekend, Beck and Cody go to a local beach to try to talk to Anne - Anne is murdered and Beck is arrested.
Okay, here is the kicker - this entire case is based on circumstantial evidence. My son was on the prosecution. Their biggest evidence is the bloody rock and then a statement Beck makes to police about Anne's head being bashed in - that statement is thrown out because Beck's parents were not there when Beck was questioned. So this leaves the poor kids trying to win with no hope.
They did a fantastic job! I congratulate all of them - it had to have been hard to put on this performance to a room full of adults, but in front of real lawyers and a real judge - that makes it a lot more nerve racking! They did great.
Meanwhile, I learned something important.
Jury chairs are horrendously uncomfortable. This case lasted 3 1/2 hours - all on a school night no less - we were there from 6:30 to 10pm and by the time I left my tail bone was killing me. I can't imagine HOW any juror makes it through a case when it is extremely apparent that the chairs are not designed for comfort.
The case involves three private high schoolers - Anne, Beck, and Cody. Beck and Cody are feeling pressured to pass a certain honors class so they steal a blank copy of the test. Anne catches them and school policy is that she must turn them in or face strict punishments. Beck tries to talk her out of it. Over the weekend, Beck and Cody go to a local beach to try to talk to Anne - Anne is murdered and Beck is arrested.
Okay, here is the kicker - this entire case is based on circumstantial evidence. My son was on the prosecution. Their biggest evidence is the bloody rock and then a statement Beck makes to police about Anne's head being bashed in - that statement is thrown out because Beck's parents were not there when Beck was questioned. So this leaves the poor kids trying to win with no hope.
They did a fantastic job! I congratulate all of them - it had to have been hard to put on this performance to a room full of adults, but in front of real lawyers and a real judge - that makes it a lot more nerve racking! They did great.
Meanwhile, I learned something important.
Jury chairs are horrendously uncomfortable. This case lasted 3 1/2 hours - all on a school night no less - we were there from 6:30 to 10pm and by the time I left my tail bone was killing me. I can't imagine HOW any juror makes it through a case when it is extremely apparent that the chairs are not designed for comfort.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Jane Eyre
I picked up this book a few weeks ago and then had to walk away due to more pressing demands. So yesterday, I started it over. I still find myself utterly entranced with Charlotte Bronte's classic novel.
Many claim that Jane Austen is the founding voice in romance, I won't argue. However, I'm reading Jane Eyre (into the third part now) and I would bet money that many Regency romance authors started with this book. The classic pairing of a wealthy man and his child's governess is all too apparent.
If you read historical romance and have missed Jane Eyre, definitely pick it up! I have work to do - otherwise I'd be elsewhere with my nose in the book waiting for the final page!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Love, Magic, & Mudpies
Here is a parenting guide that I will happily put my faith in. Why? The author, Dr. Bernie Siegel, is as laid back as they come. He throws away traditional parenting and suggests having fun! He's the first to admit his own parenting faults and says no parent is perfect! It's about time.
Dr. Siegel won me over after pointing out one small fact. How many of you have taken a day off of work because you were tired of it all? We've all done it. There have been times I have stayed in PJ's all day and ignored the computer. I call them "Mental Health Days", Dr. Siegel refers to them as "health days." He also states that he gave his children five health days per semester.
This is the first time I have heard of anyone else doing this. I've been known to let my son take a "mental health" day from time to time. This year he has been adverse to doing so. The school changed the policy last year and more than 3 days of missed school meant a child was sent home with a letter discussing delinquency. After seven days off, a meeting was held with the advisory board. They did it to cut delinquency, in the end they've scared kids into going to school sick.
I'm ticked off about it and have not let the brainchild behind this new policy rest since.
I'm going to agree with Dr. Siegel. Kids are being given federally mandated tests earlier than ever. They are being pushed in school beyond reasonable demands. Kindergarteners are coming home with an hour's worth of homework some days. Some areas require kindergarteners to give their first oral report (I know ours does). Studies show that kids are under more stress than ever, so if they ask for a mental health day and their grades are fine, why not give it to them? You know if you were pressured at work and tired of it all, you'd take a personal day!
Dr. Siegel won me over after pointing out one small fact. How many of you have taken a day off of work because you were tired of it all? We've all done it. There have been times I have stayed in PJ's all day and ignored the computer. I call them "Mental Health Days", Dr. Siegel refers to them as "health days." He also states that he gave his children five health days per semester.
This is the first time I have heard of anyone else doing this. I've been known to let my son take a "mental health" day from time to time. This year he has been adverse to doing so. The school changed the policy last year and more than 3 days of missed school meant a child was sent home with a letter discussing delinquency. After seven days off, a meeting was held with the advisory board. They did it to cut delinquency, in the end they've scared kids into going to school sick.
I'm ticked off about it and have not let the brainchild behind this new policy rest since.
I'm going to agree with Dr. Siegel. Kids are being given federally mandated tests earlier than ever. They are being pushed in school beyond reasonable demands. Kindergarteners are coming home with an hour's worth of homework some days. Some areas require kindergarteners to give their first oral report (I know ours does). Studies show that kids are under more stress than ever, so if they ask for a mental health day and their grades are fine, why not give it to them? You know if you were pressured at work and tired of it all, you'd take a personal day!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Avoid this one!
With Christmas coming, I know many people are out there hunting for unique gifts. I don't care who you are purchasing a gift for, avoid this product:
http://www.epinions.com/content_217832525444
I'm sure you've seen the automatic shower cleaner advertised on TV. The man is brushing his teeth and finds a dozen maids in his tub. I love gadgets, so as soon as I had a $5 off coupon, I ran out and bought one.
At first, I was pretty amazed. It seemed to keep stains down. My unit dripped after using it, though, so I would have to go in and wipe up the drips from time to time. If any of us were taking a bath, it would start dripping and annoying the hell out of whoever happened to be in the tub. Not to mention, I wasn't sure the cleaner is safe enough to be dripping onto the feet during a shower, especially with little ones.
Anyway, while my friend was up, we started noticing that where the cleaning system was dripping, the chrome finish on the tub spout was slowly dissolving. I immediately threw the system away. If it can eat off the chrome finish, I can only imagine what it does to other surfaces.
Here is what they say:
Is Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner safe to use on most shower/tub surfaces?
Yes. Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner can be used in most standard showers, including fiberglass, acrylic, and plastic shower stalls and shower/tub enclosures. Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner is also safe for use on plastic and synthetic shower curtains. Over time, it may lighten natural fabrics such as cotton. Do not use Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner in showers with brass fixtures, natural marble, or finished wood surfaces. Rinse surfaces well if the cleaner is accidentally sprayed on these surfaces.
Now, I don't have brass fixtures, so I figured I was fine. BIG mistake. I now have to put in new fixtures. My shower curtain (the heavy-duty hotel type) is also starting to dissolve.
Trust me, this product is not worth it - run far, far away!
http://www.epinions.com/content_217832525444
I'm sure you've seen the automatic shower cleaner advertised on TV. The man is brushing his teeth and finds a dozen maids in his tub. I love gadgets, so as soon as I had a $5 off coupon, I ran out and bought one.
At first, I was pretty amazed. It seemed to keep stains down. My unit dripped after using it, though, so I would have to go in and wipe up the drips from time to time. If any of us were taking a bath, it would start dripping and annoying the hell out of whoever happened to be in the tub. Not to mention, I wasn't sure the cleaner is safe enough to be dripping onto the feet during a shower, especially with little ones.
Anyway, while my friend was up, we started noticing that where the cleaning system was dripping, the chrome finish on the tub spout was slowly dissolving. I immediately threw the system away. If it can eat off the chrome finish, I can only imagine what it does to other surfaces.
Here is what they say:
Is Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner safe to use on most shower/tub surfaces?
Yes. Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner can be used in most standard showers, including fiberglass, acrylic, and plastic shower stalls and shower/tub enclosures. Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner is also safe for use on plastic and synthetic shower curtains. Over time, it may lighten natural fabrics such as cotton. Do not use Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner in showers with brass fixtures, natural marble, or finished wood surfaces. Rinse surfaces well if the cleaner is accidentally sprayed on these surfaces.
Now, I don't have brass fixtures, so I figured I was fine. BIG mistake. I now have to put in new fixtures. My shower curtain (the heavy-duty hotel type) is also starting to dissolve.
Trust me, this product is not worth it - run far, far away!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Movie Break: The Break-Up
Okay, someone please tell me - what part of this movie is a romantic "comedy?" I have never been so disgusted with a movie ending in my life!!!!
The movie stars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. They play a couple who are crazy for one another, but in typical male fashion, he wants to kick back and relax and she's a little high strung and wants to know she is appreciated. Sorry guys, we are hormonal 99% of the time and we do like to know this from time to time without us having to prompt you along!
Anyway, in order to get him to realize how much he needs her, Jennifer's character breaks up with him. Only they must live together in their condo still and this presents a major problem. He's as stubborn as they come; she's possibly more stubborn, and neither is going to cave in.
So there is the basic premise to the movie. Now for the spoiler:
Don't read the next paragraph if you do not want to know how the movie ends!!!
The ending is not what I was expecting. He realizes he's screwed up. He tries to patch things up. She spurns him. Heads off on her travels. Returns. They bump into each other and go their separate ways. They end up apart. What kind of ROMANTIC comedy is this? It was depressing and the happily-ever-after never arrived! I'm feeling rather depressed at having spent money to see this stuff. If I wanted depressing, I could have flipped on the news!
The movie stars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. They play a couple who are crazy for one another, but in typical male fashion, he wants to kick back and relax and she's a little high strung and wants to know she is appreciated. Sorry guys, we are hormonal 99% of the time and we do like to know this from time to time without us having to prompt you along!
Anyway, in order to get him to realize how much he needs her, Jennifer's character breaks up with him. Only they must live together in their condo still and this presents a major problem. He's as stubborn as they come; she's possibly more stubborn, and neither is going to cave in.
So there is the basic premise to the movie. Now for the spoiler:
Don't read the next paragraph if you do not want to know how the movie ends!!!
The ending is not what I was expecting. He realizes he's screwed up. He tries to patch things up. She spurns him. Heads off on her travels. Returns. They bump into each other and go their separate ways. They end up apart. What kind of ROMANTIC comedy is this? It was depressing and the happily-ever-after never arrived! I'm feeling rather depressed at having spent money to see this stuff. If I wanted depressing, I could have flipped on the news!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Television & Books
For years, I read Kathy Reich's Temperence Brennan series religiously. I loved this series and found myself addicted from the start. Temperence Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who splits her time between North Carolina and Montreal (a city about 1 1/2 hours north of me that I can't say I enjoy because every Montrealan I've encountered has been snotty and rude to tourists.)
Last year, I started watching Bones. Bones is the television series based on Temperence "Bones". At first, I disliked it. Bones was much younger, the romantic side of Bones was gone, and she was based in D.C. That made the show seem totally wrong.
As time has passed, however, I tried reading a book and found myself truly disliking it. I've grown to prefer the show over the books. It leads me to wonder - are authors doing themselves a disservice by crossing over. Why not create an entirely new character with new names and pitch that to television instead?
Max Collins seems to have the knack - but he goes the opposite way. He takes a show and then writes a book about that show. These television show based book series have never disappointed me.
Last year, I started watching Bones. Bones is the television series based on Temperence "Bones". At first, I disliked it. Bones was much younger, the romantic side of Bones was gone, and she was based in D.C. That made the show seem totally wrong.
As time has passed, however, I tried reading a book and found myself truly disliking it. I've grown to prefer the show over the books. It leads me to wonder - are authors doing themselves a disservice by crossing over. Why not create an entirely new character with new names and pitch that to television instead?
Max Collins seems to have the knack - but he goes the opposite way. He takes a show and then writes a book about that show. These television show based book series have never disappointed me.
Writing: Getting Paid To Blog
Can you truly make money blogging? Sure, but the better question becomes is the pay worth the required time?
Many paying blogging sites earn money through Google's Adsense. They also require their writers to spend hours every day posting responses on similar blogs in order to get their name out there... Though that doesn't officially qualify as SPAM, it certainly seems it. Blogging for money can be cut throat, but at the same time becoming cut throat and being in it only for the money takes a lot of the joy away.
If you have hours to spend, certainly look into it, but be careful. While it can sound easy, you may find the time you are putting in does not become worthwhile when you receive a paycheck for less than $10 after investing 2 or 3 hours a day over a month's span. $10 for 60 hours of time is absurd!
Many paying blogging sites earn money through Google's Adsense. They also require their writers to spend hours every day posting responses on similar blogs in order to get their name out there... Though that doesn't officially qualify as SPAM, it certainly seems it. Blogging for money can be cut throat, but at the same time becoming cut throat and being in it only for the money takes a lot of the joy away.
If you have hours to spend, certainly look into it, but be careful. While it can sound easy, you may find the time you are putting in does not become worthwhile when you receive a paycheck for less than $10 after investing 2 or 3 hours a day over a month's span. $10 for 60 hours of time is absurd!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Ideals
In my opinion, everyone has the freedom to form their own ideals in life. However, when they start preaching those ideals and telling me that I am wrong, I tend to turn into my evil Irish-heritaged self. So for the sake to today's post, if you are of an opinionated sort, that's fine. BUT, do not push your opinions onto others and then tell them they are "bad," "the problem with the world today," or otherwise offer them an insult. It's uncalled for and in my opinion part of the reason why the world is so screwy- intolerance is still too big a deal.
I got into a minor disagreement this week with someone who is becoming a vegetarian. I do not have issues with those practicing vegetarianism until they start preaching why I am so evil because I still eat meat. According to this person, people like me who eat eggs that are not necessarily free range, eat veal on special occasions, and do not eat organic meats are the reason the world is so awful.
I live on a budget. I eat and feed my family what we can afford. $4 a dozen for free-range eggs, double the cost for organic produce and meats is not something I will be tackling. You can disagree but don't then tell me how evil I am because of my budgetary concerns. Last organic produce I ate (spinach) made me pretty damn sick, so I'm not sure I like the whole organic bit anyway. Either way, something is going to kill us all, so I'm not going to put myself into bankruptcy paying the absurd prices for organic items. That's my choice.
We all have different opinions, that's what makes the human race unique. Not accepting others opinions and outright name calling because of them is what it truly wrong today.
I got into a minor disagreement this week with someone who is becoming a vegetarian. I do not have issues with those practicing vegetarianism until they start preaching why I am so evil because I still eat meat. According to this person, people like me who eat eggs that are not necessarily free range, eat veal on special occasions, and do not eat organic meats are the reason the world is so awful.
I live on a budget. I eat and feed my family what we can afford. $4 a dozen for free-range eggs, double the cost for organic produce and meats is not something I will be tackling. You can disagree but don't then tell me how evil I am because of my budgetary concerns. Last organic produce I ate (spinach) made me pretty damn sick, so I'm not sure I like the whole organic bit anyway. Either way, something is going to kill us all, so I'm not going to put myself into bankruptcy paying the absurd prices for organic items. That's my choice.
We all have different opinions, that's what makes the human race unique. Not accepting others opinions and outright name calling because of them is what it truly wrong today.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Christmas Shopping...
Okay, I'm going to go over the list of shopping rules again... If you are heading out to the store, please stop and think about your actions before entering a store!!
1. There is no need to act like a child: Yesterday, I went to Christmas Tree Shops in Williston, VT. This store seems to have some means for turning people into raving lunatics. It's not even after Thanksgiving, yet the store was shoulder to shoulder. People were rude, flat out rude! Is the $4.99 boot container really worth acting like an imbecile?
2. Watch for others! I can't state this one enough. To the mother with the two teenagers was it really necessary to ram your cart into the side of my 10-year-old's ankle while she stood tucked against the counter where we were checking out. She has bruises on that ankle bone from the cart. You didn't stop, you never apologized. She was crying and you turned and looked at her and then kept right on walking. If you were embarrassed-whatever. If it was an accident, that's fine. But you could have stopped and apologized. You are what makes me shop online!
3. Move out of the way. If you are looking at an item before purchasing - that's great. Do you really need to leave your cart blocking an aisle and then an aisle away away to look at something else? Then when I moved a cart, the "owner" yelled at me for touching her stuff. Get over it. If you don't want your cart to be moved out of the way, then take it with you. To the woman who was on her hands and knees looking at pajamas. TWO PEOPLE asked you to move so that they could get through, you opted not to, you looked right at them and then continued digging. Why you acted stunned when one accidentally bumped you with her cart is beyond me.
4. Parking... If you see a car waiting for a parking space, it is rude and obnoxious to then whip your car into that parking spot. The woman waiting had her directional on. You came out of no where - too fast at that - and took the spot. You laughed after doing it. You are the reason parking lot rage exists.
5. Check outs. This one always gets to me. At the check out counter is not the time to decide you wanted something after all. I think it should be declared "illegal" to then tell the cashier that you will be right back after grabbing some item you'd decided you didn't want. If you do change your mind, get out of line and then get back in after you're retrieved the item. We had a woman decided after half of her order had been rung through that she wanted a bird feeder after all. She was gone for five minutes (other side of the store) while everyone in that line had to sit and wait for her to return.
6. Using a cart... Okay this one always fails to surprise me. When driving a car, there are two lanes correct? Why do shoppers always insist on pushing their cart side by side when they are shopping with a friend? Single file!!! If the store is empty that's one thing, any where else - traffic heading to the back of the store is on the left - traffic heading to the front is on the right. It's that easy!
7. Parking Lots - back to the parking lots. This is the store's/architect's fault and I still don't get it. I was hit a few years ago backing out of a space. The truck that backed into me couldn't see my car because his truck was too high. He admitted that he didn't see anything parked in the space behind him through the rear view so he backed up. He told his insurance company that he was to blame - he also told police that he was at fault. So knowing that a sedan and a truck are vastly different, why can't they segregate parking lots? Have trucks and vans in one half and sedans in another. It would save a lot of parking lot accidents from happening. If a sedan is sandwiched between two huge trucks, that car driver's visibility is seriously reduced. I'll get out and direct my husband out in that situation. But not everyone has a passenger with them, so parking larger vehicles with other large vehicles makes a whole lot more sense to me!
8. Sale items - there was a mad rush on these silly plastic boot trays yesterday. Sure they were a great price, but to watch people push each other out of the way to get to them was absurd. Is a boot tray really worth the injury that could happen to someone else. A raincheck guarantees you get the lower price and most stores offer them.
1. There is no need to act like a child: Yesterday, I went to Christmas Tree Shops in Williston, VT. This store seems to have some means for turning people into raving lunatics. It's not even after Thanksgiving, yet the store was shoulder to shoulder. People were rude, flat out rude! Is the $4.99 boot container really worth acting like an imbecile?
2. Watch for others! I can't state this one enough. To the mother with the two teenagers was it really necessary to ram your cart into the side of my 10-year-old's ankle while she stood tucked against the counter where we were checking out. She has bruises on that ankle bone from the cart. You didn't stop, you never apologized. She was crying and you turned and looked at her and then kept right on walking. If you were embarrassed-whatever. If it was an accident, that's fine. But you could have stopped and apologized. You are what makes me shop online!
3. Move out of the way. If you are looking at an item before purchasing - that's great. Do you really need to leave your cart blocking an aisle and then an aisle away away to look at something else? Then when I moved a cart, the "owner" yelled at me for touching her stuff. Get over it. If you don't want your cart to be moved out of the way, then take it with you. To the woman who was on her hands and knees looking at pajamas. TWO PEOPLE asked you to move so that they could get through, you opted not to, you looked right at them and then continued digging. Why you acted stunned when one accidentally bumped you with her cart is beyond me.
4. Parking... If you see a car waiting for a parking space, it is rude and obnoxious to then whip your car into that parking spot. The woman waiting had her directional on. You came out of no where - too fast at that - and took the spot. You laughed after doing it. You are the reason parking lot rage exists.
5. Check outs. This one always gets to me. At the check out counter is not the time to decide you wanted something after all. I think it should be declared "illegal" to then tell the cashier that you will be right back after grabbing some item you'd decided you didn't want. If you do change your mind, get out of line and then get back in after you're retrieved the item. We had a woman decided after half of her order had been rung through that she wanted a bird feeder after all. She was gone for five minutes (other side of the store) while everyone in that line had to sit and wait for her to return.
6. Using a cart... Okay this one always fails to surprise me. When driving a car, there are two lanes correct? Why do shoppers always insist on pushing their cart side by side when they are shopping with a friend? Single file!!! If the store is empty that's one thing, any where else - traffic heading to the back of the store is on the left - traffic heading to the front is on the right. It's that easy!
7. Parking Lots - back to the parking lots. This is the store's/architect's fault and I still don't get it. I was hit a few years ago backing out of a space. The truck that backed into me couldn't see my car because his truck was too high. He admitted that he didn't see anything parked in the space behind him through the rear view so he backed up. He told his insurance company that he was to blame - he also told police that he was at fault. So knowing that a sedan and a truck are vastly different, why can't they segregate parking lots? Have trucks and vans in one half and sedans in another. It would save a lot of parking lot accidents from happening. If a sedan is sandwiched between two huge trucks, that car driver's visibility is seriously reduced. I'll get out and direct my husband out in that situation. But not everyone has a passenger with them, so parking larger vehicles with other large vehicles makes a whole lot more sense to me!
8. Sale items - there was a mad rush on these silly plastic boot trays yesterday. Sure they were a great price, but to watch people push each other out of the way to get to them was absurd. Is a boot tray really worth the injury that could happen to someone else. A raincheck guarantees you get the lower price and most stores offer them.
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