The big news on the East Coast this week is the weather. Earthquake, Hurricane Irene, tornado watch...yeah, we're not getting off easy! After work this morning, L and I have been sitting in front of the TV all day. The 2nd tornado update was too much, so we're just wide awake, following news up to the minute online, and playing video games.
This week of natural disasters has been much more peaceful. When we used to have things like power outages or threat of horrible weather, I always used to worry about Mom. What if there was a true emergency and an ambulance couldn't make it? I just realized today on the FEMA website that there are all these disaster guides for mobile and immobile people. Now, even thought it doesn't matter anymore, I feel horrible for not having a backup plan in place for Mom when she was alive. I never thought about hurricanes or tornadoes because they are so infrequent in this area. We don't live near water, and we don't have a basement, so we're pretty lucky. In regards to tornadoes, I figured I would just push her bed about 5 feet closer to the middle of the house and jump on top of her with the foldout bed mattress. In regards to possible fire, I figured my adrenaline would be through the roof, and that I would push her bed right out the damn front door, no matter how much I'd end up tearing off the side wall. But I never thought about possible evacuation...dear god, can you imagine?
I remember being a little girl and living in the second floor of our tiny duplex. Mom sprung right into action when there was a bad storm. My father was usually at work, so it was just the two of us. She would grab me and hold me as we sat with our backs against the front door. It was the midpoint of the house so we were as far away from windows as possible and against a sturdy door. Getting to the basement would have been too risky, though we had a neighbor across the street whose house was struck by lightning. Sometimes I was scared, sometimes I thought it was fun. No matter what, she kept holding me, talking with me about it, made me laugh, and just gave me the support we needed to get through the hour or so on the floor. She was just such a wonderful mother, and I don't think I fully appreciated that as a child. Then again, who really does until they get older?
I know I shouldn't beat myself up over this. I should just remember how compassionate and loving she was with me and apply that to any future child we have.
Still, I don't mind having an excuse to hunker down with pizza, donuts, Mario, and movies. When else do we almost have permission to be lazy bums?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
"Say hello to your friends..."
While perusing the web over the past few years, I noticed that there are a lot of nostalgia blogs, especially for childhood books. I have spent hours on end reading through these entries and commiserating. It feels good to know that you're not the only one who has mulled over certain plots or noticed continuity issues or just really really wanted to strangle some characters. If only you guys were around while I was 8-12!
I started reading at 2 and read everything I could get my hands on. By age 6, I was reading Judy Blume who became a personal writing hero for me. I got piles of books from the library, ordered from the book club slips that would come around in elementary school, went to book fairs, got books for my birthday and Christmas...nothing made me happier. I even won the MS Read-a-thon in 5th grade. Being able to do charity work for my mother's illness by reading? Perfection.
Naturally, being a young girl in the 80s, I was obsessed with the Baby-Sitters Club. I ordered them in 3's from the book club in 2nd grade ('88). My first was Boy-Crazy Stacey, then Claudia and Mean Janine, and Kristy's Big Day. I got Dawn and the Impossible Three and Kristy's Big Idea separately, and then I finally filled in Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, The Truth About Stacey, and Mary Anne Saves the Day. I got Logan Likes Mary Anne! and took The Ghost at Dawn's House, Kristy and the Snobs, and Claudia and the New Girl from the library. I got Goodbye Stacey, Goodbye and was heartbroken. Then I started getting the books regularly as they came out (along with the Super Specials), with only a few from the library. By book 60, Mary Anne's Makeover, I was just done. I couldn't understand why the girls were so rude to her, and I had moved on to Stephen King by that point anyway. I didn't know what a ghost writer was, but I did notice that Ann M Martin was "gratefully" acknowledging manuscript preparation quite often.
Reading other people's blogs gave me the incentive to raid thrift stores, flea markets, and used on Amazon for books. The chain of thrift stores by me sells paperbacks for $.35, and I often leave there with at least four. I just filled in my gaps for BSC #1-13, and I am ready to cry with happiness. Those were the best years. That's when Ann M Martin really gave her all and created such thoughtful and fun books. I didn't mind Mallory and Jessi, but Stacey was my favorite and I missed her. Welcome Back, Stacey! made this young girl so happy. My mother always complained about Chapter 2 and the typical setup and description of the club members, but I loved reading all the clothing descriptions. Now I just gloss past it, as it really did get lazy. I never made it to when Dawn moved back to CA or when Abby joined, but I just picked up the book about Abby's bat mitzvah. She seemed like a character I would have related to. I don't tend to pick up too many of the books from the time period I didn't read unless they seem pivotal or interesting.
Don't get me wrong, I've been picking up plenty of other non-BSC books as well. My copy of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret is completely tattered, and I found my exact edition from 1986. Joy! I found The Pig-out Blues, a book I have been searching for over 15 years for. I found some more Sleepover Friends and giggled at the Sweet Valley Twins. I found old Christopher Pike, Fear Street, and old library books. One of my greatest finds was the same hardback cover of Anastasia on Her Own that I had gotten from the library. I wish Anastasia Krupnik was my best friend. Those books still have me laughing at 30 years old, perhaps even more so 22 years later. I even looked just like her!
I just read The Ghost at Dawn's House this morning, and I can't believe it's been at least 20 years since I've read it. It felt like yesterday! It felt comforting and warm. I plan on reorganizing my 80s-early 90s books in my shelf proudly and starting to blog more frequently about them. They won't be all BSC, trust me. I plan on definitely doing the first 13 and selective ones after that (probably mostly Stacey and Claudia). And there will be nothing about the Little Sister series here, I HATED Karen Brewer.
One series I feel is sorely forgotten is the Who Killed Peggy Sue series by Eileen Goudge. I have all 4 and will be having some fun with those! I swear they capitalized on Twin Peaks with that series in 1991.
Eee, I'm all excited. I have intended for this blog to be a mixture of topics for a long time now, and old YA lit is a big passion of mine!
I started reading at 2 and read everything I could get my hands on. By age 6, I was reading Judy Blume who became a personal writing hero for me. I got piles of books from the library, ordered from the book club slips that would come around in elementary school, went to book fairs, got books for my birthday and Christmas...nothing made me happier. I even won the MS Read-a-thon in 5th grade. Being able to do charity work for my mother's illness by reading? Perfection.
Naturally, being a young girl in the 80s, I was obsessed with the Baby-Sitters Club. I ordered them in 3's from the book club in 2nd grade ('88). My first was Boy-Crazy Stacey, then Claudia and Mean Janine, and Kristy's Big Day. I got Dawn and the Impossible Three and Kristy's Big Idea separately, and then I finally filled in Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, The Truth About Stacey, and Mary Anne Saves the Day. I got Logan Likes Mary Anne! and took The Ghost at Dawn's House, Kristy and the Snobs, and Claudia and the New Girl from the library. I got Goodbye Stacey, Goodbye and was heartbroken. Then I started getting the books regularly as they came out (along with the Super Specials), with only a few from the library. By book 60, Mary Anne's Makeover, I was just done. I couldn't understand why the girls were so rude to her, and I had moved on to Stephen King by that point anyway. I didn't know what a ghost writer was, but I did notice that Ann M Martin was "gratefully" acknowledging manuscript preparation quite often.
Reading other people's blogs gave me the incentive to raid thrift stores, flea markets, and used on Amazon for books. The chain of thrift stores by me sells paperbacks for $.35, and I often leave there with at least four. I just filled in my gaps for BSC #1-13, and I am ready to cry with happiness. Those were the best years. That's when Ann M Martin really gave her all and created such thoughtful and fun books. I didn't mind Mallory and Jessi, but Stacey was my favorite and I missed her. Welcome Back, Stacey! made this young girl so happy. My mother always complained about Chapter 2 and the typical setup and description of the club members, but I loved reading all the clothing descriptions. Now I just gloss past it, as it really did get lazy. I never made it to when Dawn moved back to CA or when Abby joined, but I just picked up the book about Abby's bat mitzvah. She seemed like a character I would have related to. I don't tend to pick up too many of the books from the time period I didn't read unless they seem pivotal or interesting.
Don't get me wrong, I've been picking up plenty of other non-BSC books as well. My copy of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret is completely tattered, and I found my exact edition from 1986. Joy! I found The Pig-out Blues, a book I have been searching for over 15 years for. I found some more Sleepover Friends and giggled at the Sweet Valley Twins. I found old Christopher Pike, Fear Street, and old library books. One of my greatest finds was the same hardback cover of Anastasia on Her Own that I had gotten from the library. I wish Anastasia Krupnik was my best friend. Those books still have me laughing at 30 years old, perhaps even more so 22 years later. I even looked just like her!
I just read The Ghost at Dawn's House this morning, and I can't believe it's been at least 20 years since I've read it. It felt like yesterday! It felt comforting and warm. I plan on reorganizing my 80s-early 90s books in my shelf proudly and starting to blog more frequently about them. They won't be all BSC, trust me. I plan on definitely doing the first 13 and selective ones after that (probably mostly Stacey and Claudia). And there will be nothing about the Little Sister series here, I HATED Karen Brewer.
One series I feel is sorely forgotten is the Who Killed Peggy Sue series by Eileen Goudge. I have all 4 and will be having some fun with those! I swear they capitalized on Twin Peaks with that series in 1991.
Eee, I'm all excited. I have intended for this blog to be a mixture of topics for a long time now, and old YA lit is a big passion of mine!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
"Don't you think I know exactly where I stand..."
I don't get into much detail about my political beliefs with anybody besides my close friends and family. I feel that no one should be ashamed to express themselves, but I just don't always enjoy heated conversations. I also feel like I don't follow current events thoroughly enough in order to hold a good debate. However, I have no problem speaking about women's rights.
Fox ‘Expert’ Blasts Expanding Access To Birth Control: ‘Are We Going To Do Pedicures And Manicures As Well?’
Reading this article enraged me to the point that I am just laying my beliefs out on the table.
I am a humanist. I believe that both genders should be equal and loved and that we should treat others the way we want to be treated.
I believe in peace. I don't care for war whatsoever, but I support those who are brave and selfless to go fight for us.
I don't believe in organized religion. I went through 3 sacraments before being pulled out of Catholic school. My family is comprised of Catholicism, Judaism, and Protestantism. I used to be agnostic, but I'm starting to realize there is something stronger out there beyond our comprehension. I believe in evolution and consider myself to be spiritual. I believe in love, balance, and karma.
I am a Democrat. While the majority of my beliefs are liberal, I do hold a few moderate beliefs. I strongly believe in civil rights for all and keeping religion separate. Believe whatever you choose, just don't hurt anyone or force others to follow those beliefs. Give people the opportunity to choose their paths in life.
I believe in gay marriage and adoption. Marriage is a beautiful contract that is not necessarily sacred. Are those quickie chapel Vegas weddings sacred? And who's to say that LGBT people aren't allowed to be recognized in the eyes of God? No Bible passages please, that is not the end-all be-all of religion.
I feel that America hasn't strayed far from its Puritan roots. Of course we can punish "promiscuous" women (but not men) and not show sex or nudity on TV (but graphic violence is just fine). And don't get me started on rape jokes or usage of the word as an everyday verb. It's not funny when applied to either gender.
I strongly hold a pro-choice position. Don't tell me how to manage my uterus in the first trimester or in a matter of saving my life, and I sure as hell won't tell you how to manage yours. That's all there is to it.
I fully believe in sex education. Anyone who thinks that teenagers aren't going to engage in fooling around is really blind. Anyone who thinks that women are "asking for it" need a sound smacking. Birth control is a way to ensure that unwanted pregnancies get cut down. Before you can say "adoption," think of all those kids who get shuttled between foster homes (sometimes abusive) because there aren't enough people able or willing to adopt. Some people may choose to blow off the education, but that is their choice.
I think birth control should be the responsibility of both sexual parties. It takes two to tango, as the cliche goes. Mistakes happen, and peoples' lives shouldn't have to be changed forever for that. I am not going to bring a child into this world on my current income. That's unnecessary and unfair to the child and our family. Therefore, consistent birth control is used so we know we did our best to prevent something we're not ready for. That's my choice.
In this link, the especially heinous points made by Fox "anti-birth control expert" Sandy Rios are conveniently highlighted. Let's take a look at what this "expert" has to say:
"We’re $14 trillion in debt and now we’re going to cover birth control, breast pumps, counseling for abuse? Are we going to do pedicures and manicures as well?”
Yeah, I equate getting my toes buffed and polished to BASIC WOMEN'S NEEDS. Is this lady for real? Is she just trying to be the next sound byte? Is she trying to join the ranks of Ann Coulter, Sarah Palin, and Michelle Bachmann? Making sure your newborn child is fed is totally on the level of cosmetics, amIright? Oh, and how dare battered and violated women be counseled! What a selfish thing for a women to even consider! Mental scarring is absolutely nothing! Women are just weak creatures who should just man the hell up and get through it, yes?
I swear, this woman has raised my blood pressure with just two questions.
“Why in the world would you encourage your daughters, and your granddaughters, and whoever else comes behind you to have unrestricted, unlimited sex anytime, anywhere and that, somehow if you prevent pregnancy, that somehow you’ve helped them. I would submit to you that uncontrolled sexual behavior is what is harming our girls, not our lack of birth control — which by the way they don’t seem interested in taking anyway. Having a baby is not the worst thing. I think having multiple sex partners without any kind of restraint or responsibility is much more damning, why would you support that?”
Name me one good parent who encourages their young daughters (and sons, hello!) to have unlimited sex. Teenagers need education. We're not throwing condoms and packs of pills at them while saying "Go crazy, you younguns!" We live in a sexually saturated society, and times have changed. Kids are having sex younger and younger, and I'm not an advocate of that. Enjoy your childhood! And as you start having more urges and desires, learn how to be protected and safe whenever that time comes! I sure as hell won't be "encouraging" my future child to have sex, but I will make sure they receive education. A lot of poorer areas either don't have the education or don't have the funds for consistent birth control. Reproductive health care should be an essential part of health care coverage for everyone.
Having a baby is not the worst thing? How many children does she have, and when did she lose her virginity? I'm serious! I would like to know what her background is and what makes her so justified in making a blanket statement like that. Babies, while glorious for those who want them and are ready, are a lifelong commitment. Her saying that sounds like she supports teenage pregnancy! So you'd rather say boo to free birth control but yay to more young parents on welfare? Should we be telling teenagers from poor families that it's fine to have babies? I think the birth control will be just a tad cheaper. We should have the choice to be prescribed free birth control or to keep an unexpected pregnancy.
Here's my favorite statement!
“In Red China, they have this down to a science. The local health care centers make women come in every month to be examined to see if they’ve had their cycle to make sure they are taking their medication and if they have a baby they are roundly punished, if they have an extra baby that baby is aborted. That is the control we’re moving toward.”
What century are we in again? We're moving towards "Red" China medical practices? No one informed me! I didn't realize there was going to be a dictatorship ruling my period and forcing medication down my throat. And hold up, so they now support abortion? I'm so confused! First she says that we have to avoid birth control but now we should work towards tyrannically implementing it and then aborting any "extra" babies? Charming. Don't you just love the consistency in her ideology?
Look, we're not all going to have the same beliefs. But having such hateful ideas for how women's bodies should be treated really upsets me, especially when so many women are coming out of the woodwork with these beliefs. Why are our bodies still being treated as irrelevant when it comes to health coverage?
Here's one of the many jaw dropping quotes from Ann Coulter:
"If we took away women's right to vote, we'd never have to worry about another Democrat president. It's kind of a pipe dream, it's a personal fantasy of mine, but I don't think it's going to happen. And it is a good way of making the point that women are voting so stupidly, at least single women. It also makes the point, it is kind of embarrassing, the Democratic Party ought to be hanging its head in shame, that it has so much difficulty getting men to vote for it. I mean, you do see it's the party of women and 'We'll pay for health care and tuition and day care -- and here, what else can we give you, soccer moms?'"
If you want a starting point to find out more about birth control and ways to get involved, please visit the wonderful Planned Parenthood website. Make sure Coulter never gets that pipe dream of hers.
Fox ‘Expert’ Blasts Expanding Access To Birth Control: ‘Are We Going To Do Pedicures And Manicures As Well?’
Reading this article enraged me to the point that I am just laying my beliefs out on the table.
I am a humanist. I believe that both genders should be equal and loved and that we should treat others the way we want to be treated.
I believe in peace. I don't care for war whatsoever, but I support those who are brave and selfless to go fight for us.
I don't believe in organized religion. I went through 3 sacraments before being pulled out of Catholic school. My family is comprised of Catholicism, Judaism, and Protestantism. I used to be agnostic, but I'm starting to realize there is something stronger out there beyond our comprehension. I believe in evolution and consider myself to be spiritual. I believe in love, balance, and karma.
I am a Democrat. While the majority of my beliefs are liberal, I do hold a few moderate beliefs. I strongly believe in civil rights for all and keeping religion separate. Believe whatever you choose, just don't hurt anyone or force others to follow those beliefs. Give people the opportunity to choose their paths in life.
I believe in gay marriage and adoption. Marriage is a beautiful contract that is not necessarily sacred. Are those quickie chapel Vegas weddings sacred? And who's to say that LGBT people aren't allowed to be recognized in the eyes of God? No Bible passages please, that is not the end-all be-all of religion.
I feel that America hasn't strayed far from its Puritan roots. Of course we can punish "promiscuous" women (but not men) and not show sex or nudity on TV (but graphic violence is just fine). And don't get me started on rape jokes or usage of the word as an everyday verb. It's not funny when applied to either gender.
I strongly hold a pro-choice position. Don't tell me how to manage my uterus in the first trimester or in a matter of saving my life, and I sure as hell won't tell you how to manage yours. That's all there is to it.
I fully believe in sex education. Anyone who thinks that teenagers aren't going to engage in fooling around is really blind. Anyone who thinks that women are "asking for it" need a sound smacking. Birth control is a way to ensure that unwanted pregnancies get cut down. Before you can say "adoption," think of all those kids who get shuttled between foster homes (sometimes abusive) because there aren't enough people able or willing to adopt. Some people may choose to blow off the education, but that is their choice.
I think birth control should be the responsibility of both sexual parties. It takes two to tango, as the cliche goes. Mistakes happen, and peoples' lives shouldn't have to be changed forever for that. I am not going to bring a child into this world on my current income. That's unnecessary and unfair to the child and our family. Therefore, consistent birth control is used so we know we did our best to prevent something we're not ready for. That's my choice.
In this link, the especially heinous points made by Fox "anti-birth control expert" Sandy Rios are conveniently highlighted. Let's take a look at what this "expert" has to say:
"We’re $14 trillion in debt and now we’re going to cover birth control, breast pumps, counseling for abuse? Are we going to do pedicures and manicures as well?”
Yeah, I equate getting my toes buffed and polished to BASIC WOMEN'S NEEDS. Is this lady for real? Is she just trying to be the next sound byte? Is she trying to join the ranks of Ann Coulter, Sarah Palin, and Michelle Bachmann? Making sure your newborn child is fed is totally on the level of cosmetics, amIright? Oh, and how dare battered and violated women be counseled! What a selfish thing for a women to even consider! Mental scarring is absolutely nothing! Women are just weak creatures who should just man the hell up and get through it, yes?
I swear, this woman has raised my blood pressure with just two questions.
“Why in the world would you encourage your daughters, and your granddaughters, and whoever else comes behind you to have unrestricted, unlimited sex anytime, anywhere and that, somehow if you prevent pregnancy, that somehow you’ve helped them. I would submit to you that uncontrolled sexual behavior is what is harming our girls, not our lack of birth control — which by the way they don’t seem interested in taking anyway. Having a baby is not the worst thing. I think having multiple sex partners without any kind of restraint or responsibility is much more damning, why would you support that?”
Name me one good parent who encourages their young daughters (and sons, hello!) to have unlimited sex. Teenagers need education. We're not throwing condoms and packs of pills at them while saying "Go crazy, you younguns!" We live in a sexually saturated society, and times have changed. Kids are having sex younger and younger, and I'm not an advocate of that. Enjoy your childhood! And as you start having more urges and desires, learn how to be protected and safe whenever that time comes! I sure as hell won't be "encouraging" my future child to have sex, but I will make sure they receive education. A lot of poorer areas either don't have the education or don't have the funds for consistent birth control. Reproductive health care should be an essential part of health care coverage for everyone.
Having a baby is not the worst thing? How many children does she have, and when did she lose her virginity? I'm serious! I would like to know what her background is and what makes her so justified in making a blanket statement like that. Babies, while glorious for those who want them and are ready, are a lifelong commitment. Her saying that sounds like she supports teenage pregnancy! So you'd rather say boo to free birth control but yay to more young parents on welfare? Should we be telling teenagers from poor families that it's fine to have babies? I think the birth control will be just a tad cheaper. We should have the choice to be prescribed free birth control or to keep an unexpected pregnancy.
Here's my favorite statement!
“In Red China, they have this down to a science. The local health care centers make women come in every month to be examined to see if they’ve had their cycle to make sure they are taking their medication and if they have a baby they are roundly punished, if they have an extra baby that baby is aborted. That is the control we’re moving toward.”
What century are we in again? We're moving towards "Red" China medical practices? No one informed me! I didn't realize there was going to be a dictatorship ruling my period and forcing medication down my throat. And hold up, so they now support abortion? I'm so confused! First she says that we have to avoid birth control but now we should work towards tyrannically implementing it and then aborting any "extra" babies? Charming. Don't you just love the consistency in her ideology?
Look, we're not all going to have the same beliefs. But having such hateful ideas for how women's bodies should be treated really upsets me, especially when so many women are coming out of the woodwork with these beliefs. Why are our bodies still being treated as irrelevant when it comes to health coverage?
Here's one of the many jaw dropping quotes from Ann Coulter:
"If we took away women's right to vote, we'd never have to worry about another Democrat president. It's kind of a pipe dream, it's a personal fantasy of mine, but I don't think it's going to happen. And it is a good way of making the point that women are voting so stupidly, at least single women. It also makes the point, it is kind of embarrassing, the Democratic Party ought to be hanging its head in shame, that it has so much difficulty getting men to vote for it. I mean, you do see it's the party of women and 'We'll pay for health care and tuition and day care -- and here, what else can we give you, soccer moms?'"
If you want a starting point to find out more about birth control and ways to get involved, please visit the wonderful Planned Parenthood website. Make sure Coulter never gets that pipe dream of hers.
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