Disney faces backlash over new “sexy” Merida; pulls new image from web site as a result.
Cannot agree with this more! Our 4 year old need not be inundated with glorified princesses. She will group up with visions of girls and women looking natural and breaking gender barriers. I have appreciate Merida and Mulan for breaking these molds.
Baby no more. For a year now, our 2 1/2 year old has been fencing the whole independent thing. Now? He is in full do-it-himself mode. Most ventures I’m okay with, getting in and out his carseat, putting shoes on, climbing onto the counter for a cup, and even occasionally pouring his own milk.
What I’m struggling with is toilet crap. Literally. The kid changes from standing up at the big potty to using his little one each time he goes. I applaud his determination and ability to take care of business. The issue is, when using the little toilet, he insists on cleaning it up. So with pants down, poo still on his backside, he slushes down the hall to the toilet (little potty is in the living room). He dumps and rinses the seat, then pulls up underwear, without wiping. If I try to help, I get a “go away, I do it myself”. He will let me wash his hands when I enter to clean up the splashes and spills that inevitably occur.
The toilet seat tossed into the hall signals a reminder. He is a baby no more.
graduation (Photo credit: Sean MacEntee)
Dear High School Seniors,
Welcome to adulthood! That said, remember that turning 18 does not make you an adult, your behavior and life choices develop you into an adult. Nor does graduating high school suddenly guarantee an advancement. Graduation is not a sudden spring-board into an adult. Getting a job, gaining responsibility, and taking ownership, those actions lead to being a grownup.
Let’s address a few things. First, get a job. Keep a job. Whether you want to be a burger flipper or not, gain employment. Besides money, a job will also support you in work experience, a referral for another job, and good ole fashion responsibility. Get yourself up, walk/drive/run to work, smile and be personable, and most importantly suck it up, you are an “adult” after all.
Next, grow up. Your parent(s) supported you for 17-19 long, turbulent years, pay them some respect. If you are not moving out, help out around the house, chip in for groceries, and take on some responsibilities. Have your own transportation, great! But do not ask for gas money. Need to borrow their car or rely on them to drive you around? What a great chance to learn a lesson in today’s economic woes, pay for a tank of gas now and then.
Finally, make a plan for yourself. A realistic set of goals to get you out and become someone to be proud of when you are 40. Be who you want to be, go where you want to go, but bottom line, be a contributing society member. Take care of your own needs, do not rely on mommy and daddy or the rest of us. Sure we will cheer you on and perhaps pick you up when you stumble, but the rest, is all you.
That diploma you are clenching is your ticket to life. Go use it! Make us proud! Someday I want to read your name in the paper. Not for a drug bust, B&E, or under the influence violation, but dean’s list, graduating college or tech school, or perhaps employee of the month. Society is waiting for your contribution.
Sincerely,
Your supportive cheerleader and welcome to reality, teacher.
Yesterday, upon entering the teacher’s lounge, I noticed a large THANK U written in individual sticky notes. Upon closer inspection I noticed the sticky notes contained thank yous to each teacher. What a wonderful tribute to start my day. I read through the notes, enjoying the sentiments…until I got to the end. Not a sticky note on there for me. Am I not worthy? Hmm. No, the notes were put up by Student Leaders, not a popular class for Special Education students. But it got my wheels turning.
Some teachers seem to get passed up for a pat on the back. Perhaps the shop teacher who took the time to harness a student’s energy so he could use the drill press without losing digits. That student proudly showed off the coat rack he crafted. Or the Art teacher who looked beyond the rudimentary sketches and saw a hidden gem. The student now draws when possible to release her anxieties and frustrations. What about the business teacher who helped a student learn to type? That student now uses a laptop to write poems and short stories. Or the PE teacher that looked beyond a student’s size and spent a few extra minutes showing a student the correct way to lift. Now he lifts when possible.
Education is not one size fits all, nor should the staff be. Happy teacher’s appreciation week for ALL who grace our school buildings each day! No matter your role, thank you for reaching a soul, educating a mind, enriching a life.
Teacher Appreciation made by a student – She is a pillar of strength, we have much to learn from her.
Wicked (musical) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Why, yes, yes I did!
On a recent sunny Saturday, I joined a few friends for a Wicked production. The three of us suffer from various degrees of Tinnitus. Occasionally we share our ringing or noise stories. Finally, I can share my bothersome experiences.
As the performance started, one thing became clear, crystal clear in fact. Amazingly I heard every note, breathe, sigh. Even thinking about it now, tears fill my eyes and heart. For years, I have attended our local high school performances or community productions. As entertaining, captivating as they are, my experience is often lack luster. Walking away I am left curious and disappointed. Our local Performing Arts Center is a new beautiful facility, yet acoustically I hear less than half of each production. I laugh, because those around me do. Tears only come as I glance around at others glistening eyes. Missed it, my heart cries.
Wicked opened my ears and warmed my heart. Finally. I am not ashamed to admit it, I joyfully cried driving home. If only every theatrical experience could be that rewarding.
This weekend we ventured to a large indoor water park. Our 7 hour pool day was filled with all the waterpark expectations; water, splashes, tubes, and fun. What also occurred is well, a lesson in parenting. Bathing suit mishaps. Hello you are rushing down a water tube, what did you expect to happen to your dental floss top?! Oh the show provided at the surf wave! Preteen boys all around and out pops a booby! No wonder there was always a line.
Tattoos. Some are pieces of Art. Others are not. Why put a butterfly on your chest crack? Now it looks like a moth having survived a windshield crash, broken and droopy and its last leg traveling south.
In the end, I figured the price of these indoor water parks is so steep due to the entertainment value provided by other guests.
Good parenting moments. Lots of questions…
P.S. – Pictures were not provided as subjects probably would have kicked my a**!
Letter to Pastors about Non-Mothers
A must read for everyone, especially with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day coming.
