Dear So and So

[Crankin]

Well, there's people who buy that stuff months ahead, I guess.
I was surprised a few years ago, when my students started reporting that were getting gifts for Easter! I may not be Christian, but I thought I knew the traditions surrounding this holiday, and this didn't seem right. But, it seems like parents feel the need to overindulge their kids a little more. I've had several families I am working with now tell me they wish they never started the tradition of "spoiling their kids" with an overabundance of gifts at X Mas when they were little, because now they can't afford it, but the kids expect it. One of the women I work with described how she stood in a line for 3 hours on Monday, in the cold, to get some toys from Toys for Tots. There were several fights, the police had to be called, and some people had already been there. There were no Marines in sight .
I just don't get any of this.

[limewave]

Well, there's people who buy that stuff months ahead, I guess.
I was surprised a few years ago, when my students started reporting that were getting gifts for Easter! I may not be Christian, but I thought I knew the traditions surrounding this holiday, and this didn't seem right. But, it seems like parents feel the need to overindulge their kids a little more. I've had several families I am working with now tell me they wish they never started the tradition of "spoiling their kids" with an overabundance of gifts at X Mas when they were little, because now they can't afford it, but the kids expect it. One of the women I work with described how she stood in a line for 3 hours on Monday, in the cold, to get some toys from Toys for Tots. There were several fights, the police had to be called, and some people had already been there. There were no Marines in sight .
I just don't get any of this.

Yikes. I am amazed at how much people spend on their kids at Christmas time. I was talking to a parent at daycare who bought each of their kids their own tablet (for about $200/ea). I mentioned I bought DD an iPod Touch . . . come to find out the next day that he went out and bought each of his kids an iPod Touch as well! I guess he couldn't be outdone. I feel a bit bad for DD as the Touch is the only gift she's getting other than some necessities (like snow pants and gloves). And then I think about the kids that aren't getting anything. And the parents that don't even care enough to go to Toys for Tots and completely neglect their kids . . .

We do Easter presents at our house too. But the gift is a new Easter Dress for church and some candy in the colored eggs for the egg hunt

Dear Limewave,
Stop obsessing over single speeds. There is no money in the pot right now for one and you JUST got a new mountain bike! I have no doubt you'll get your own single speed in due time. But drooling over pictures and trolling the internet has turned from innocent browsing into a form of self-torture.
~Me

[Biciclista]

Dear Limewave
just leave your road bike in a single gear, don't shift.

ps you can always give your daughter little tiny things like a can of her favorite juice or a (insert snack food of your choice) so she has stuff to open.

[Biciclista]

Dear "nutrition solutions company"
We are REALLY tired of dinking around with your stupid pump to hours way past our bedtime. I cannot believe your tech drove all the way to our house and decided there was nothing wrong with our pump so he left us with the one that was being stinky... and ... so therefore, first thing this morning when we added more food it jammed up again.
we would really like a solution... that works??

[limewave]

I have a doll tea set that was mine as a little girl that I plan to wrap and give to her as well. She knows that she's getting it at some point . . . She's been ogling it for awhile.

Right now I'm downloading a handful of free audio books for her iPod at booksshouldbefree.com. Black Beauty, Treasure Island, Velveteen Rabbit . . .

[limewave]

Dear "nutrition solutions company"
We are REALLY tired of dinking around with your stupid pump to hours way past our bedtime. I cannot believe your tech drove all the way to our house and decided there was nothing wrong with our pump so he left us with the one that was being stinky... and ... so therefore, first thing this morning when we added more food it jammed up again.
we would really like a solution... that works??

You have been met with one frustration after the next! I'm so sorry. Sending healing and hopeful thoughts your way.

[Sky King]

Dear "nutrition solutions company"
We are REALLY tired of dinking around with your stupid pump to hours way past our bedtime. I cannot believe your tech drove all the way to our house and decided there was nothing wrong with our pump so he left us with the one that was being stinky... and ... so therefore, first thing this morning when we added more food it jammed up again.
we would really like a solution... that works??

CALL THEM AGAIN, Demand a new pump. That is what I had to do for my Mom. Wow, major flashback. Push, Push, Push for the right equipment. Good Luck

[Sky King]

I have a doll tea set that was mine as a little girl that I plan to wrap and give to her as well. She knows that she's getting it at some point . . . She's been ogling it for awhile.

Right now I'm downloading a handful of free audio books for her iPod at booksshouldbefree.com. Black Beauty, Treasure Island, Velveteen Rabbit . . .

One of my very best Christmas gifts was when my mom wrapped up the hands of the old family choo choo clock and gave them to me. I bet she will be excited. I have a niece and nephew that I can't even buy for as they have every gadget know to man - makes me sad. So I give them an outing of their choice with me. My nephew and I took a wonderful hike and he just chattered the entire time

[bmccasland]

Dear Guy coughing up a lung in the Cube next to me,
GO HOME! I don't care if your doctor said you're no longer contagious, you sound awful and that in itself is distracting. You have sick leave, use it. Please.
May I also suggest that you suck on throat lozenges, or drink some throat-coat tea? There's a reason I tried to give you a bag of lozenges yesterday.

Your cube neighbor, who hopes you get to feeling better soon.

[Biciclista]

CALL THEM AGAIN, Demand a new pump. That is what I had to do for my Mom. Wow, major flashback. Push, Push, Push for the right equipment. Good Luck

I already did, waiting for call back.

[Blueberry]

Dear Mimi and Don:

Hang in these! Here's hoping things are resolved before the holidays!!

[Biciclista]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO

[7rider]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO

Yay!!! Celebrate the return of the light!

[NbyNW]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO

Awesome.

[Pax]

Solistice is tomorrow... but a big YAY for Raleighdon!!