We've seen some high profile relationships involving a 70 or 80 year old man with a 20-something year old woman. Funny enough this seems fodder for reality television with E!s Girls Next Door which starred the 80 something Hugh Hefner, 85, with his 20 something girlfriends. Then there was Anna Nicole Smith who married an 89 year old billionaire, she also had a reality TV show on E!.
If you've read this blog before, you'll know that I'm a fan of Bravo and the Real Housewives. I just learned that Sonja from the New York season was married to an 80 year old man and was shocked that there was such a drastic difference in their age. Hearing her speak of her husband I never expected him to be a man that could have been her grandfather and I think I lost a little of my love and respect for her.
I don't get it. I feel within 10 years difference is the best since it would seem people from the same decade would have the most in common and could relate to each other's lifestyle, pop culture, music, etc. I get why many girls go for guys that are 20 years their senior because they are looking for security and being taken care of. It's the father syndrome, I think particularly for girls who grew up without a father figure and are desperately looking to fill that void.
But when the gap starts reaching 30 years or more, I find it hard to understand how there is any mutual ground. How there is anything in common to talk about and how there could possibly be any physical attraction. It seems the two big reasons that are the glue for these relationships are money and fame for the woman and the trophy wife for the man.
There's a recent Hollywood marriage between a 51 year old actor and a 16 year old wanna-be-actress. I find it disturbing that her parents would allow this to take place. The groom is older then the bride's father and this man could be her grandfather. She seems to come from a dysfunctional family because any parent that would allow their 16 year to get married is bad enough but allowing their 16 year old to marry a 51 year old man is unfathomable to me. How they could sign papers to give their blessing to a marriage rather then going straight to the police station to file a restraining order and file charges against him. I believe she is too young and naive to really get it and fully understand her feelings. For him, however, I can only think pedophile.
As they say, most famously the Beatles, live and let live. So who am I to judge as long as the parties involved are happy. But at the same time, really? Really I don't get it.
Jan
Moms. Friends. Girl Power All the Way!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Family Fun Vacation--Bar Harbor, ME
My family and I have never been to Maine, it is our first visit and we love it! We are well traveled and have been to lots of places for vacations but we really enjoy Maine. There is alot to see and do. We went first to Kenebunkport and then headed to Bar Harbor. Kenebunkport is a cute little town and reminds you of Nantucket Island with cute little shops. It is also where our former President George Bush lives. You might spot him and the former First Lady around town, like we did!
Then another 4 hours down the coast of Maine we made our way to Bar Harbor. It is where one of our National parks is located, Arcadia National Park, what a breathtaking place, with mountain views and the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Frenchman's Bay on the other! There is also tons of activities to keep the family active like hiking trails, biking trails, whale watching, and boating. Not to even mention shopping!
A great store to stop into is "Cool is a Moose", they have great stuff. It is in the center of downtown Bar Harbor but it is a chain and you can find them throughout Maine. If you have a chance don't forget to stop into L.L. Bean! There is the biggest shop in Freeport, Maine.
If you are able to go whale watching make sure you are prepared for rough seas. Alot of people got really sick, luckily my husband and I anticipated rough seas and took dramamine. The rough seas didn't bother our kids but suprisingly there were other kids that did get sick, usually the younger ones are not as affected by motion sickness. We were able to see at least 6 whales though, which was a beautiful sight to see. It was fun and exciting for the whole family.
There is also camping which the kids love! I would take a five star hotel over camping myself, but I love to see my kids having fun, it was worth the stiff neck and backache from sleeping on an air mattress on the ground! We camped right on the water. There are alot of local campsites in the area with lots of fun activites for the kids. There is nothing like building a campfire and toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and meeting other campers. We met a nice family from Quebec, Canada.
We also did alot of hiking even my almost 4 year old enjoyed it! It was adventurous hiking through the trails with scenic views! There is also biking through Arcadia National Park and don't forget swimming in the lakes and ocean. What a great place for family vacations! If you have never been, it would definately be worth the trip. While you are there you must order the maine lobster! The best lobster I have ever tasted! Besides their lobster, Maine is well known for their great tasting blueberries! They are smalller than most blueberries but taste great!
We loved it so much we plan on taking another long weekend to Portland, ME. I will let you know how it is. If you are able to make a trip down to Maine or have already been, let me know which part of Maine you visited and how you liked it!
Steph
Then another 4 hours down the coast of Maine we made our way to Bar Harbor. It is where one of our National parks is located, Arcadia National Park, what a breathtaking place, with mountain views and the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Frenchman's Bay on the other! There is also tons of activities to keep the family active like hiking trails, biking trails, whale watching, and boating. Not to even mention shopping!
A great store to stop into is "Cool is a Moose", they have great stuff. It is in the center of downtown Bar Harbor but it is a chain and you can find them throughout Maine. If you have a chance don't forget to stop into L.L. Bean! There is the biggest shop in Freeport, Maine.
If you are able to go whale watching make sure you are prepared for rough seas. Alot of people got really sick, luckily my husband and I anticipated rough seas and took dramamine. The rough seas didn't bother our kids but suprisingly there were other kids that did get sick, usually the younger ones are not as affected by motion sickness. We were able to see at least 6 whales though, which was a beautiful sight to see. It was fun and exciting for the whole family.
There is also camping which the kids love! I would take a five star hotel over camping myself, but I love to see my kids having fun, it was worth the stiff neck and backache from sleeping on an air mattress on the ground! We camped right on the water. There are alot of local campsites in the area with lots of fun activites for the kids. There is nothing like building a campfire and toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and meeting other campers. We met a nice family from Quebec, Canada.
We also did alot of hiking even my almost 4 year old enjoyed it! It was adventurous hiking through the trails with scenic views! There is also biking through Arcadia National Park and don't forget swimming in the lakes and ocean. What a great place for family vacations! If you have never been, it would definately be worth the trip. While you are there you must order the maine lobster! The best lobster I have ever tasted! Besides their lobster, Maine is well known for their great tasting blueberries! They are smalller than most blueberries but taste great!
We loved it so much we plan on taking another long weekend to Portland, ME. I will let you know how it is. If you are able to make a trip down to Maine or have already been, let me know which part of Maine you visited and how you liked it!
Steph
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Book Bag - Bossypants by Tina Fey
I am not the kind of reader that reads a book in 3 days but I read Tina Fey's Bossypants in 3 days. The book is more like having a conversation then reading a book. It's like getting really good emails from your friend about what's going on in their lives. It's written in a playful way and reads quickly and easily.
It's interesting to read about Tina Fey's humble beginnings. It shared some great quirky childhood experiences and it was great to remember simpler times and those awkward childhood memories that only now we can look back at and laugh about.
It also shows how far women have come over the past 20 years as she references her former boss from Second City who believed that no one wanted to see two women on stage and to see that she would then go on to become one of the biggest sensations on Saturday Night Live and shared the stage with Amy Poehler doing Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin achieving one of the best ratings for SNL and was global hit.
Tina Fey is a great writer and this is truly a fun book. It's a great summer read and I highly recommend adding this to your summer book list.
Jan
It's interesting to read about Tina Fey's humble beginnings. It shared some great quirky childhood experiences and it was great to remember simpler times and those awkward childhood memories that only now we can look back at and laugh about.
It also shows how far women have come over the past 20 years as she references her former boss from Second City who believed that no one wanted to see two women on stage and to see that she would then go on to become one of the biggest sensations on Saturday Night Live and shared the stage with Amy Poehler doing Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin achieving one of the best ratings for SNL and was global hit.
Tina Fey is a great writer and this is truly a fun book. It's a great summer read and I highly recommend adding this to your summer book list.
Jan
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Schools is out---engaging young minds
School is out for the summer! I am excited to have more time with my kids but at the same time I know it can be quite a disaster if they don't continue to have a structured schedule. It is important that even in the summer kids contnue to learn and have some structure. Many studies have documented that kids experience a "summer slide" in which kids do not engage their minds enough during summer break.
There are some activities that can keeps kids engaged. I like to take my kids on lots of mini vacations just for a day, or a long weekend. I take them to historical sites, learning centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, nature parks. This is a great way to have fun while still learning.
Cooking and baking with kids is a great way to keep minds engaged while having fun trying new recipes. Rice crispie treats are easy, fun to make, and tasty. It is easy to add sprinkles, chocolate chips, nerds, gummie bears or any favorite topping.
Today we went to the craft store and bought clay. We came home and spent almost 2 hours making clay objects and baking them in the oven. We made a small bowl and cute little ceramic animals.
In the summer, I make sure the kids have alot of outdoor time, swimming, playing games, and staying active. I also make sure we spend at least 30 minutes a day reading.
These are just a few ideas to keep your children engaged throughout the summer. Good Luck and have fun!
Steph
There are some activities that can keeps kids engaged. I like to take my kids on lots of mini vacations just for a day, or a long weekend. I take them to historical sites, learning centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, nature parks. This is a great way to have fun while still learning.
Cooking and baking with kids is a great way to keep minds engaged while having fun trying new recipes. Rice crispie treats are easy, fun to make, and tasty. It is easy to add sprinkles, chocolate chips, nerds, gummie bears or any favorite topping.
Today we went to the craft store and bought clay. We came home and spent almost 2 hours making clay objects and baking them in the oven. We made a small bowl and cute little ceramic animals.
In the summer, I make sure the kids have alot of outdoor time, swimming, playing games, and staying active. I also make sure we spend at least 30 minutes a day reading.
These are just a few ideas to keep your children engaged throughout the summer. Good Luck and have fun!
Steph
Monday, July 18, 2011
Casey Anthony's Free but 28 States are Considering Caylee's Law
Casey Anthony has been released from jail and is now free.
The good news from this horrible tragedy is that 28 states are considering enacting Caylee's Law which would make not reporting a missing child within 24 hours or not reporting the death of a child and the whereabouts of the corpse within 2 hours. In addition to these 28 states, George Anthony has reportedly also expressed support of this law, according to the Washington Post.
The petition for Caylee's Law has been signed by 1.2 million supporters. If you have not, this is a way you can have a voice to prevent a case like this from happening again. You can also write to your State representatives. The petition has a sample letter you can copy and paste into an email to your State rep.
Jan
The good news from this horrible tragedy is that 28 states are considering enacting Caylee's Law which would make not reporting a missing child within 24 hours or not reporting the death of a child and the whereabouts of the corpse within 2 hours. In addition to these 28 states, George Anthony has reportedly also expressed support of this law, according to the Washington Post.
The petition for Caylee's Law has been signed by 1.2 million supporters. If you have not, this is a way you can have a voice to prevent a case like this from happening again. You can also write to your State representatives. The petition has a sample letter you can copy and paste into an email to your State rep.
Jan
Friday, July 15, 2011
Have You Been Touched Today?--Get Touched!
It is a fact that the human touch is healing. It has been proven that hugging, holding hands, caressing, massaging and intimacy with your partner can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. It can also increase immune function and relieve pain. It can help relieve stress, make you less anxious and give you an overall feeling of well being. It can make you healthier.
"The act of embracing floods our bodies with oxytocin a "bonding hormone" that makes people feel secure and trusting towards each other, lowers cortisol levels, and reduces stress. Women who get more hugs from their partners have higher levels of oxytocin and lower blood pressure and heart rates, according to research done at the University of North Carolina."
Holding hands with your hubby can be calming. "James Coan, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, discovered this when he admistered functional MRI's to 16 married women while telling them they might experience a mild shock. The resulting anxiety caused the images of their brain activity to light up like a Christmas trees. But when the women held hands with their husbands the stress response subsided.
It has been proven that babies that were born "preemies who get "kangaroo care" (snuggling skin to skin against their parent's bare chest) spend fewer days in the hospital neonatal intensive care unit.
Even getting a massage proved to be beneficial to your overall health. "Adults who recieved a massage had substatially more white blood cells which help the body fight off viruses."
The question is did you get touched today? If you want to live a healthier, happier and maybe even longer life, you need the human touch! So stop reading and go get touched!
Steph
quotes from Health Magazine
"The act of embracing floods our bodies with oxytocin a "bonding hormone" that makes people feel secure and trusting towards each other, lowers cortisol levels, and reduces stress. Women who get more hugs from their partners have higher levels of oxytocin and lower blood pressure and heart rates, according to research done at the University of North Carolina."
Holding hands with your hubby can be calming. "James Coan, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, discovered this when he admistered functional MRI's to 16 married women while telling them they might experience a mild shock. The resulting anxiety caused the images of their brain activity to light up like a Christmas trees. But when the women held hands with their husbands the stress response subsided.
It has been proven that babies that were born "preemies who get "kangaroo care" (snuggling skin to skin against their parent's bare chest) spend fewer days in the hospital neonatal intensive care unit.
Even getting a massage proved to be beneficial to your overall health. "Adults who recieved a massage had substatially more white blood cells which help the body fight off viruses."
The question is did you get touched today? If you want to live a healthier, happier and maybe even longer life, you need the human touch! So stop reading and go get touched!
Steph
quotes from Health Magazine
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Congratulations!-- Derek Jeter
The other day Derek Jeter hit his 3,000th hit, a home run! My daughter was so excited! She loves the Yankees and has gone to a dozen games already. When she was only about 4 years old she said she wanted to marry Derek Jeter when she grew up, but now she is 11 years old and says he is way to old for her! She has joined the "I hate boys club".
My daughter loves baseball and softball. She knows all the Yankee players and all about each player. One of her favorite players is Derek Jeter. She currently joined a co-ed baseball team, she is currently the only girl. She hit a grand slam and a home run her first day!
I am so proud of her that she is not afraid to play baseball with boys. I am so happy that I have raised my girls to believe that they can do anything that a boy can do. Neither one of them are limited to girls only and boys only stereotypes. I encouraged them to play with girls and boys equally.
We love Derek Jeter because he wasn't afraid to follow his dreams. He dreamed of playing for the Yankees when he was a boy and even admits he wasn't the best player on his little league team. But, he never stopped practicing and trying harder and believing he would some day play for the Yankees! Congratulations Derek Jeter! We love you!
Steph
My daughter loves baseball and softball. She knows all the Yankee players and all about each player. One of her favorite players is Derek Jeter. She currently joined a co-ed baseball team, she is currently the only girl. She hit a grand slam and a home run her first day!
I am so proud of her that she is not afraid to play baseball with boys. I am so happy that I have raised my girls to believe that they can do anything that a boy can do. Neither one of them are limited to girls only and boys only stereotypes. I encouraged them to play with girls and boys equally.
We love Derek Jeter because he wasn't afraid to follow his dreams. He dreamed of playing for the Yankees when he was a boy and even admits he wasn't the best player on his little league team. But, he never stopped practicing and trying harder and believing he would some day play for the Yankees! Congratulations Derek Jeter! We love you!
Steph
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Betty Ford - Inspiration to Women
Betty Ford has passed on at the age of 93 but she will forever be remembered for being the first First Lady to speak out and use the role to have a voice and make change. She was outspoken and made the role of First Lady more than just a silent side kick or trophy wife if you will. She was an advocate for women's rights and was a strong supporter of many worthy causes from addiction, to breast cancer awareness to being an early supporter of AIDS victims.
She was the first to speak openly about breast cancer when she was diagnosed and treated while in the White House and was an advocate for early detection. She later created the Betty Ford Comprehensive Center for Breast Cancer.
She was instrumental in advocating women having important, voting roles in politics.
She was a liberal and in favor of Roe vs. Wade since it would allow women to have abortions in clean, sterile settings and remove women from dangerous procedures outside a doctors care.
Probably most know for her work in addiction, she brought awareness to addiction and founded the Betty Ford Center.
In 1993 she along side Rosalynn Carter was instrumental in including mental health and substance abuse in the health care reform legislation.
From and interview with the Washington Post, Ford said, “When you have so much,” she said, “it is just human nature that you see the needs of others and you want to help.”
Whether you have a lot or only a little, I think it is true human nature to help others and each of us should be mindful of helping others whether it's offering to help an elderly neighbor, volunteering in your kid's school or donating food or money to charity. Any effort you make can impact somebody's life.
Betty Ford showed us how an ordinary person can take a stand. Betty Ford showed us that women can have an opinion that differs from her husband. Betty Ford showed us that women can fall but can stand up again. Betty Ford showed us that women are important in U.S. politics and in businesses across America. Betty Ford is an important part of U.S. history and the original role model for young girls. Betty Ford is truly a legacy.
Jan
She was the first to speak openly about breast cancer when she was diagnosed and treated while in the White House and was an advocate for early detection. She later created the Betty Ford Comprehensive Center for Breast Cancer.
She was instrumental in advocating women having important, voting roles in politics.
She was a liberal and in favor of Roe vs. Wade since it would allow women to have abortions in clean, sterile settings and remove women from dangerous procedures outside a doctors care.
Probably most know for her work in addiction, she brought awareness to addiction and founded the Betty Ford Center.
In 1993 she along side Rosalynn Carter was instrumental in including mental health and substance abuse in the health care reform legislation.
From and interview with the Washington Post, Ford said, “When you have so much,” she said, “it is just human nature that you see the needs of others and you want to help.”
Whether you have a lot or only a little, I think it is true human nature to help others and each of us should be mindful of helping others whether it's offering to help an elderly neighbor, volunteering in your kid's school or donating food or money to charity. Any effort you make can impact somebody's life.
Betty Ford showed us how an ordinary person can take a stand. Betty Ford showed us that women can have an opinion that differs from her husband. Betty Ford showed us that women can fall but can stand up again. Betty Ford showed us that women are important in U.S. politics and in businesses across America. Betty Ford is an important part of U.S. history and the original role model for young girls. Betty Ford is truly a legacy.
Jan
Friday, July 8, 2011
Should a Woman Propose? No Way!
Listening to the radio this morning, the morning crew was having a discussion on whether a woman should propose to a man. Apparently a woman had called in and her boyfriend, who had already been engaged before told her that he would not propose to her and she would have to propose to him.
One woman caller said sure, she should do it because she had proposed and it was awesome. Oh yeah, and she's no longer married. So that worked out well.
Another caller, a man, said maybe he wanted the experience to be completely different so he'd be able to remember it and not confuse the two. Seriously??? I don't even think I have to reply that if he can't remember his proposal, he didn't really care. By the way, he could think of something totally original, romantic and special that nothing else could top like a cruise, a beach or hilltop picnic, a winetasting, a bed and breakfast getaway, or really out there like maybe a skydive, or a mountain climb. Did you see that incredibly romantic "movie" proposal? So many ways to make it uniquely your own.
My opinion, tell this guy no way and walk. He's playing games with her. If he REALLY loved her and wanted to be with her, there would be no game going on here and he would be dropping to one knee and proposing. If she tells him flat out no way and walks away from him, either he will come running with a ring, or she's better off moving on now than wasting time with this guy who clearly isn't serious.
Even if he plays along and accepts her proposal, this is setting the precident of her jumping through hoops for him, and when she gets tired of jumping through his hoops, he'll be dumping her.
Women, some traditions are worth keeping. Proposing is your man's way of letting you know that he is ready, that he undeniably wants to spend the rest of his life with you and that he wants to make this special for you. And he should WANT to make this the most special day of your life.
The man plans the proposal. The woman plans the wedding. That's the way it has been and how it should continue to be. Why mess with tradition?
Jan
One woman caller said sure, she should do it because she had proposed and it was awesome. Oh yeah, and she's no longer married. So that worked out well.
Another caller, a man, said maybe he wanted the experience to be completely different so he'd be able to remember it and not confuse the two. Seriously??? I don't even think I have to reply that if he can't remember his proposal, he didn't really care. By the way, he could think of something totally original, romantic and special that nothing else could top like a cruise, a beach or hilltop picnic, a winetasting, a bed and breakfast getaway, or really out there like maybe a skydive, or a mountain climb. Did you see that incredibly romantic "movie" proposal? So many ways to make it uniquely your own.
My opinion, tell this guy no way and walk. He's playing games with her. If he REALLY loved her and wanted to be with her, there would be no game going on here and he would be dropping to one knee and proposing. If she tells him flat out no way and walks away from him, either he will come running with a ring, or she's better off moving on now than wasting time with this guy who clearly isn't serious.
Even if he plays along and accepts her proposal, this is setting the precident of her jumping through hoops for him, and when she gets tired of jumping through his hoops, he'll be dumping her.
Women, some traditions are worth keeping. Proposing is your man's way of letting you know that he is ready, that he undeniably wants to spend the rest of his life with you and that he wants to make this special for you. And he should WANT to make this the most special day of your life.
The man plans the proposal. The woman plans the wedding. That's the way it has been and how it should continue to be. Why mess with tradition?
Jan
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Caylee's Law Petition
If you are outraged by the verdict of Casey Anthony not being convicted of child abuse for not reporting her child missing or dead, take action! Sign this petition and even better, copy and send the letter from the petition to your state senator or representative. It will only take a few minutes and you can help prevent this from ever happening again.
http://www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law
We can't change the outrageous verdict that set Casey Anthony free despite the fact that she never reported her child missing or dead, but we can take a stand and prevent this from ever happening again.
Jan
http://www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law
We can't change the outrageous verdict that set Casey Anthony free despite the fact that she never reported her child missing or dead, but we can take a stand and prevent this from ever happening again.
Jan
Another Murderer is Set Free!--Outrage Everywhere!
I have to say I totally agree with Jan. I am completely outraged and can't get it out of my mind! To hurt a little innocent 2 year old, you have to be one sick individual! What could the child have possibly done to deserve to have her life cut so short! I don't understand why a jury would set that women free! The fact that she didn't report her child missing for 30 days shows complete negligence which is a form of abuse, she should go to jail for that alone!
I heard about a women who got arrested for leaving her children in the car while she was standing outside the car throwing trash in a dumpster! While a cold blooded murderer is set free! It is hard to believe in the justice system when these verdicts happen!
Everyone knows this women is guilty of killing her own child or at least having something to do with it! Why isn't anyone doing anything about it!
Steph
I heard about a women who got arrested for leaving her children in the car while she was standing outside the car throwing trash in a dumpster! While a cold blooded murderer is set free! It is hard to believe in the justice system when these verdicts happen!
Everyone knows this women is guilty of killing her own child or at least having something to do with it! Why isn't anyone doing anything about it!
Steph
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Casey Not Guilty of Child Abuse
I am in such shock and outraged of the verdict in the Casey Anthony case. Being found not guilty of first degree murder is shocking but if the jury felt there was not enough substantial evidence to actually prove that she undeniably killed her, is one thing. By the way, even if the defense's story was correct that it was an accidental drowning, how did Caylee get from the pool to the woods and why was there duct tape hanging from her skull. But that she was found not guilty of child abuse???
How on Earth could she at the least not be found guilty of child abuse. Even regardless of the negligence of care which caused an "accidental" death, what about the fact that she did not EVER report her child missing. Her mother called the police a month after she disappeared.
As a mother of a 2 year old, I cannot even imagine what I would do if my child was missing for 5 minutes. If I actually thought someone had taken her I would have immediately called the police and everyone I knew and if was the nanny I would have driven to her house in a second to break down the door and get her back. I certainly would not have gone out clubbing. If I found my daughter drowned in a pool, I would be a wreck and I would have immediately called the police. I would not have gone out clubbing.
If you leave a child alone in a car while you run into a store, you can be arrested for child abuse and negligence. How is it that her child could be out of her care for a month, missing, and not be considered negligent and child abuse? This mother presumably thought her child was missing and didn't report it. Then apparently her story changed that she knew in fact that her daughter was dead and didn't report it, dumped her in the trunk and then dumped her in the woods. What love. This is such an outrage. As a mother, I am sickened that this calleous, psychotic person could be allowed to walk free.
Jan
How on Earth could she at the least not be found guilty of child abuse. Even regardless of the negligence of care which caused an "accidental" death, what about the fact that she did not EVER report her child missing. Her mother called the police a month after she disappeared.
As a mother of a 2 year old, I cannot even imagine what I would do if my child was missing for 5 minutes. If I actually thought someone had taken her I would have immediately called the police and everyone I knew and if was the nanny I would have driven to her house in a second to break down the door and get her back. I certainly would not have gone out clubbing. If I found my daughter drowned in a pool, I would be a wreck and I would have immediately called the police. I would not have gone out clubbing.
If you leave a child alone in a car while you run into a store, you can be arrested for child abuse and negligence. How is it that her child could be out of her care for a month, missing, and not be considered negligent and child abuse? This mother presumably thought her child was missing and didn't report it. Then apparently her story changed that she knew in fact that her daughter was dead and didn't report it, dumped her in the trunk and then dumped her in the woods. What love. This is such an outrage. As a mother, I am sickened that this calleous, psychotic person could be allowed to walk free.
Jan
Monday, July 4, 2011
The Ouchless Sparkler
Last night, sitting on the beach, waiting in anticipation of seeing the fabulous displays of light in the sky, after spending days building up to this, the moment is almost here for the fireworks. Just then, a vendor holding a handful of glowsticks walks up, one for three dollars or two for five. Both my girls jump up from their chairs begging for a glow stick. I only have four dollars but fortunately our glow stick guy is feeling generous and gives us two for four so both girls are estatic to have their very own glow stick. A red, white and blue swirled glow stick that my three year old quickly discovered how to turn into a "hulahoop". They both twirled it, whirled it, wore it on their head, their arm, their leg and their waist. Finally the start of the big show. Fireworks lit the night. There were singles, doubles, triples and fancy shaped hearts and stars. It was magnificent and I couldn't wait to see their faces light up. Except now all they were interested in were their glow sticks. They continue swirling and waving their glow sticks passionately. I repeatedly pointed out the fireworks, look a blue one, and a red one. Look at that one. They didn't care. They had glow sticks. At night. On the beach. How much better could it get then that?
Of course how awesome is the glow stick. In my day, the glow stick was called a sparkler. It had to be lit with a match and burned a glow of "fire" at the end that we also swirled and twirled and made crazy 8s. Except our old school glow sticks came with actual sparks jumping off the stick which could cause a serious burn. There were different size sparklers. The long 3 foot sparklers were awesome because they lasted longer and had a longer handle so you experienced less sparks landing on your hand. But the sparks were bigger so when they did land on your hand, you definately felt it. There were short ones but they also have about a two inch handle and it was instant sparks on hand. No escaping it. If you had a little sparkler, you had some zingers to contend with. The sparks were smaller so not quite as painful. Good times. I miss those sparklers.
Of course it is nice to be able to sit on the beach and not have to worry about finding a match to light it up and not have to worry about how other people are playing with their sparklers and not have the sting, the price you had to pay to experience magical glowing lines that you create yourself.
Even though my girls did not see all the fireworks, it was enjoyable watching them as having their own fun. The ouchless sparkler. Sometimes technology is good.
Of course how awesome is the glow stick. In my day, the glow stick was called a sparkler. It had to be lit with a match and burned a glow of "fire" at the end that we also swirled and twirled and made crazy 8s. Except our old school glow sticks came with actual sparks jumping off the stick which could cause a serious burn. There were different size sparklers. The long 3 foot sparklers were awesome because they lasted longer and had a longer handle so you experienced less sparks landing on your hand. But the sparks were bigger so when they did land on your hand, you definately felt it. There were short ones but they also have about a two inch handle and it was instant sparks on hand. No escaping it. If you had a little sparkler, you had some zingers to contend with. The sparks were smaller so not quite as painful. Good times. I miss those sparklers.
Of course it is nice to be able to sit on the beach and not have to worry about finding a match to light it up and not have to worry about how other people are playing with their sparklers and not have the sting, the price you had to pay to experience magical glowing lines that you create yourself.
Even though my girls did not see all the fireworks, it was enjoyable watching them as having their own fun. The ouchless sparkler. Sometimes technology is good.
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