tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57922605040487798912024-03-13T23:50:00.748-04:00Lucky Number 7A look into my boringly normal life. Beware... You may be bombarded with my rantings on a regular basis.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-7973157089058257312009-04-09T00:48:00.002-04:002009-04-09T00:53:43.959-04:00It's been a while. I was going through some old files and found this that I recently sent to the White House. Don't get me wrong, I like Obama and wouldn't want his job for ANYTHING but I am tired of us being picked on...<br /><br /><br />I live in the Detroit area. Growing up, my dad worked for an automove supplier so the domestic auto industry raised us. My husband also works for an automove supplier and so our life is paid for by the auto industry. I am very much devoted to the US car industry and I am just tired of them being dumped on all of the time. Rahm Emanuel's recent comments about GM have really ticked me off and I just feel like I need to say something.<br /><br />I agree, the health care part of the big 3 is out of hand. Yes, the automotive has probably made their fare share of business mistakes. Can we please look at the number of industries that have done the same? Can we look at the banking industry? Can we pick on someone else for a change for doing just what the auto industry did? Can we stop this double standard that treats the auto industry as a second class citizen?<br /><br />Emanuel also comments on GM pushing the gas guzzling cars. Well, Mr. Emanuel, that is what people wanted. That is what they were buying. Had it not been for a spike in gas prices, that is what they would probably still be buying. Instead the market made a quick turn to smaller, more fuel effecient cars. Here are a couple of things to consider.<br /><br />Of the top 10 gas guzzlers, only 1 is a US car and it is a Jeep product.<br /><br />If you have 3 small children, the choice of vehicles is very limited. We bought a minivan recently because we had wanted to have a third child and needed a car that could accomodate 3 car seats. Do you know how many cars can do that? Well, frankly, we didn't find a single car that could. The only vehicles that could were mini vans and SUV's. A smart car can't really fit 3 5-point harnessed seats in the backseat.<br /><br />At the Inagural parade, the number of gas guzzling SUV's was amazing! Of course, I was proud to see all of the domestic cars, but holy cow, you are telling me that the police couldn't drive regular cars? So, the police and government are ok driving these gas guzzlers but the everyday person should not?<br /><br />The large vehicle market made a very quick turn. Do you really have any idea what it takes to come up with a new vehicle. There is the design and engineering. This is for every single component of the vehicle. A prototype needs to be built and tested. That means that every part, every wire, every wiring harness, sticker, piston, etc. needs to be produced. The vehicle is then hand built and then tested for safety, driving, to see if all of the components work. Then, when the car is approved, the plants need to reconfugure the whole line. Every aspect needs to be changed. The large jaws that grab the frame of the car, you can't just take the one that was picking up and Escalade frame and use it to just pick up a teeny tiny car frame. Every supplier needs to manufacture the parts they are producing for the car, etc. My point is, they can't just switch from what everyone was demanding one week and make a 180 turn the next week.<br /><br />I appreciate the aid you are loaning to the auto companies (and can we also make a larger note of the fact that these are LOANS, not handouts like the banking industry) but wish that the big 3 could get a little more respect instead of always being the kid on the playground with the glasses and funny hair that everyone feels they can just pick on. That kid means a lot to us and has taken good care of Detroit, Michigan and the US for a long time! That kid deserves some respect.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-17452230160640942342008-12-28T00:05:00.003-05:002008-12-28T00:07:52.378-05:00Christmas Eve one year laterHere is my post about last Christmas Eve...<br /><br />Back when I was expecting J and it appeared she would be born early, I just kept saying that I hoped the baby would be born by December 21 or after Christmas so that I could be home for Christmas morning with C. Well, since my girls are very strong willed and have minds of their own, I should have known. Sure enough J was born on December 22nd.<br /><br />I was very sad about not being able to be home. I had planned ahead just in case and I had C's Christmas Eve and Christmas outfits all set out and coordinated so that daddy could dress her nice and cute without having Geranimal tags to lead him along. Little did I know...<br /><br />Christmas Eve came. My dr. came in and asked me if I wanted to go home. I told him I wanted to do what was best. My dr. said he really would rather I stayed in the hospital one more day and left on Christmas. By then I had come to the conclusion that Christmas morning for C was like every other morning and we could just as easily celebrate our family Christmas morning on the 26th or any other day for that matter.<br /><br />Everyone was busy planning their day. My parents picked up C and my mom got her dressed guaranteeing that her hair was combed and she wasn't wearing her striped tights with her plaid dress. They took her to church and dropped her off at home so that she and her dad could go and celebrate with his family. (They always celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve) My parents did decide to make a quick stop by the hospital because they felt bad that we had no visitors that day. Honestly, it was such a nice day for us. (not that I didn't appreciate the visit)<br /><br />Christmas Eve Night of 2007 will always be my favorite. I don't think I can ever top it. I didn't have to unwrap gifts, I didn't have to stay up late for church and to play Santa... Instead I just laid in my hospital bed enjoying holding my little Christmas miracle. The drs. had discharged as many patients as the could so the hospital was very quiet and the nurses were all so relaxed and didn't even come in the room all that often. I ordered from the special Christmas Eve menu and had chicken, mashed potatoes and chocolate cake. It was not the gourmet meal that my husband and C were eating (in laws are wonderful cooks) but the peacefulness and joy of that night are something I will never get to experience again and one that none of my family were lucky enough to enjoy. Every Christmas Eve, I know I will remember back to that night and how perfect it was.<br /><br />Just after midnight I kissed my new little being, and wished her a Merry First Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><br />This year it was so great to remember back to that Christmas Eve. Once again, J was very cuddly so I was snuggling her in bed and she again asleep in my arms. Just like last year, I kissed her good night right after midnight and wished her a Merry Christmas.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-88741050959690208862008-12-27T23:41:00.002-05:002008-12-28T00:01:34.565-05:00The Holy Family... HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA WAHAHAHAHAH!!!!So, I received an e-mail asking if we would be willing to be the holy family for our church at the 4:30 Christmas Eve service. The woman explained that they really were in a pinch and needing someone. She pointed out that C would be up in choir loft so she would be a cute little addition to our holy display.<br /><br />My first thought was lauging and thinking, HELL NO!!! (not a good response due to the nature of the question but I was laughing as I was thinking of it) After thought, my response back was...<br /><br />I am flattered that you considered us for the holy family. Here is the scenario that I see playing out...<br /><br />The husband would NEVER go for that so we would need a substitute. My 43 year old self and my brother just seem like a "wrong" choice on so many counts. Age, the brother/sister thing, etc. Next, J is walking now and let me tell you, that girl ONLY wants to walk and she wants to do it all the time. She is and always has been a total party girl. All those people staring, well, she would want to put on a show, walk all over the place. Everything an hour old holy child would NOT be doing. C being up front, well, that would only result in C yelling at J, "no baby, no", "no, no, no!". The peaceful vision of the holy family, well, that is FAR, FAR from my family. As it turned out, J starting a high pitch wailing as soon as Silent Night started and she had to be taken out, C was crawling all over th choir loft and my husband looked like he wanted to just go home and watch Judge Judy.<br /><br />Yes, I know my family well, and we are far from the Holy family!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-87555918729136361132008-12-18T10:32:00.002-05:002008-12-18T10:45:11.729-05:00'Tis the season (for too much stuff)Toys, Toys, Toys!!! I am tired of toys. My kids do not have a crazy number of toys yet still, it seems like they are everywhere.<br /><br />On one of my boards I posted on, someone had a great idea that we are going to adopt. 3 gifts per child. That's it. Those 3 gifts represent the 3 gifts the wisemen took to baby Jesus. I think that is a great idea. They don't get so much stuff and there is meaning to the amount of gifts they do get. Obviously, they will get stuff from Grandmas and Grandpas and aunts and uncles, but the gifts from Santa, mom and dad and sisters will be limited to 3.<br /><br />If nothing else, I think the state of the economy is somewhat because of greed. People wanted so much stuff and they bought it with money they didn't have because they just wanted it and felt they always needed more.<br /><br />I am also hoping to teach about giving starting this year. I asked dh what he wanted for Christmas and he said nothing. That he doesn't want to spend the money right now. I explained to him that C needs to start learning about giving. What would he need to buy himself over the next month or so. Underwear, socks, windshield fluid? Anything? It didn't matter what it was, I just want C to learn that we give gifts too. I just wanted her to have something to give to her daddy. He did finally give in and he will be getting a shirt which is way more exciting then windshield fluid.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-87764887699161547482008-11-22T00:23:00.002-05:002008-11-22T02:16:52.208-05:00Think it won't impact you?So, yes, the auto industry has not been the greatest as far as business goes. They have been slow to change, pay and benefits have been crazy. I know, I have thought the same things but now we are in a crisis. I know a lot of people who feel this will not impact them. These are mostly people outside of Detroit and Michigan. Well... read this!<br /><br /><br /><br />"Detroit's car makers employ nearly a quarter-million workers, and more than 730,000 other workers produce materials and parts that go into cars. If just one of the automakers declared bankruptcy, some estimates put U.S. job losses next year as high as 2.5 million."<br /><br /><br /><br />That is if only ONE declares bankruptcy. Do the math. The potential for all 3 could be 7.5 million jobs!<br /><br />It will impact you!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-15230471090415394952008-11-05T00:37:00.003-05:002008-11-07T23:42:02.214-05:00I just don't understand...I know there was a historic election and I am personally very happy with the outcome. Today though can't erase the sadness from Monday.<br /><br />I got information last week that the 17 year old son of my favorite buyer at my old job had died. It was not an illness and obviously a shock. The funeral was yesterday.<br /><br />I have for a long time questioned my faith/religion and things like this make me question it that much more. Someone one pointed out something to me and I think I had a bit of a revelation. Faith and religion do not have to go hand in hand and are really not even the same. I do consider myself a person with a lot of faith. If I did not have faith, I would not have my beautiful girls. Even with miscarriage after miscarriage, I did have faith that we could finally have a child and then that we could have two.<br /><br />I have tried hard to be "religious" but I guess I just don't believe in a true God. I do take my girls to church and C is in the church choir so we sing about God. Fact is, I don't want my lack of belief in a God to influence my girls thoughts one day. I want to expose them to church and then let them decide where to go with their faith/religion one day.<br /><br />This funeral yesterday just seemed to really do it for me. I just think, if there is a God, how very cruel to take away a 17 year old son. Yes, the priest said that he is now with God, his father. Well, I want him with my friend, his father here on earth (along with his mother and 2 sisters) When I saw my friend and hugged him, I could just feel that heaving that your body does when you are trying to hold back the sobs that make you want to drop to your knees. It just killed me to know that someone was going through such pain. He just said "Dear God, let me just get through this." Maybe it's because I am a parent now, but I just can't imagine a loving God who would make someone go through that.<br /><br />I know there is a lot of rambling here, I am just typing as thoughts come to my head.<br /><br />I hear and see others who have such a strong belief in a God and I wish I could have that... for now, I will have to settle for having faith.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-70086773163967266082008-10-21T00:28:00.005-04:002008-10-21T00:36:26.654-04:00Pictures speak louder then words...<div align="center">Could I be more proud? </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259460372607643970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SP1bV9OFsUI/AAAAAAAAAeY/1rIdofzvgC4/s400/DSC_3322.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">Yep, that's my girls. No it is not photoshopped, it's a real picture of them up in Time Square.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-72361831163441595412008-10-07T23:55:00.005-04:002008-10-08T00:19:41.117-04:00The little motherC is such a little mother. She of course picks on her real life sister, but her babies and dolls, she just loves them and takes such good care of them. (naked dolls all the time does not constitute bad care)<br /><br />She will rock then, feed them and tuck them into bed. I went in her room the other day and found this. She had made a little hammock bed for her BedBud doll and covered her with a wipe I had given her to give her bedbug a bath.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254629266679424706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SOwxelLMZsI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/4s91n75vj28/s400/DSC_0832.JPG" border="0" /><br />While it is so sweet, it always makes me so sad when I see her just loving her dolls. She is doing so great in speech and physical development. I have accepted that she is delayed and that is ok. For the most part, I don't really even get all that sad about that part. What do I get sad about... that she will never have her own children to nurture like her dolls. It's very hard to be a mom and know from day one, that your little girl will never have her own little girl. I know how lucky I am to have C here living and breathing but it is still the one thing that can always bring me to tears.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-69496429768764351812008-09-23T02:09:00.004-04:002008-09-23T02:36:54.716-04:00Slow down the ride!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SNiOAxfHHbI/AAAAAAAAAXE/mJFUL-xzCJg/s1600-h/CSC_0464.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249101509635284402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SNiOAxfHHbI/AAAAAAAAAXE/mJFUL-xzCJg/s400/CSC_0464.JPG" border="0" /></a> J is 9 months old today. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. It seems like not long ago I was so excited to be at a late point in her pregnancy and now she is growing up fast.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I always felt that C's Down syndrome made it possible for me to enjoy the "baby" time so much more. Well, now having J, I can see how right I was. I loved that extra time with Cand I am in awe of the speed of time with J. </div><br /><div></div><div>9 short months ago, this little being came into the world. She was so peaceful and so helpless. Now she is crawling, pulling up, walking around furniture and standing alone for about 5 seconds. 9 short months ago, she was too tiny to easily even take a bottle. Now she tries to eat anything she can get her hands on including some gnawing on C'c pizza. (keep in mind she only has 2 teeth) 9 months ago, I would just hold her non-stop. Now I have to rock her to sleep if I want a chance to hold her. A few weeks ago, I just sat and held her sleeping for about 3 hours. It was so peaceful and so rare. I wasn't going to miss my chance. </div><br /><div></div><div>So, while I know this is scattered, know that, while I wouldn't change anything about either of my girls, I would love to slow down the ride and enjoy the little ups and downs and turns that go along with being a mother.</div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-84171494545080090812008-09-18T00:39:00.003-04:002008-09-18T01:05:57.453-04:00You may not like this oneWell, we are on edge in our house. Why you ask? Well, dh's company is doing a 10% layoff. 10% of their employees are being laid off. He works for a company that supplies to the auto industry.<br /><br />Think about it. What is your biggest investment? You house right? Well, what is your second biggest investment? Your car. Do you buy your house from overseas? Do you order it and have it shipped here? I don't think so.<br /><br />Our economy, and not just the economy in Michigan, needs people to get back to the "Buy American" thinking of the 70's.<br /><br />The most common response when I say to buy American, is to say that the American cars are all from parts made overseas. Yes, many of the parts are, but many of those companies (like my husbands) are also based here in the US and employee many, many Americans. In the end, you are supporting an American based company that pays Americans. That company also supports many smaller suppliers her in in the US who then pay other Americans. Those Americans then use the money they earn to buy computers, hire accountants, get medical care, grocery shop, pay for Cable TV and on and on. If those Americans are not being paid, you are not just hurting the auto industry, you are hurting everyone that depends on that and let me tell you, in the end, you are probably only a few steps away from being impacted buy the record job losses.<br /><br />The next response is that foreign cars are higher quality. BS... My last 3 cars all lasted 5-7 years and all had well over 100,000 miles and they were HARD miles. On top of that, how long do you really keep your car? Do you need a car that lasts 15 years when you only intend to own it for 3 years? Yes, I did have issues with cars, things to happen, but you can't name me a single car where it never needs a single repair in over 100,000 miles. Domestic cars are high quality and very safe! (my new one has 5 star safety rating all around!)<br /><br />Are you disgusted that everything in stores is made in China now? Do you peel that Made In China sticker off before you give someone a gift you bought? If so, then why is it so ok to pride yourself, even brag about buying a huge ticket item from Japan, Germany or Sweden?<br /><br />I was born and raised to buy American cars. I will always and forever buy American because, fact is, my family, friends, state and in the end, a good part of the national economy need the return to Buy American!<br /><br />Think next time you are car shopping. Are you supporting people you know, your fellow Americans or the people and economy of another country?Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-52763256419164420912008-08-20T00:20:00.003-04:002008-08-20T00:26:51.427-04:00Happy Birthday C!!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SKucZ-3yDQI/AAAAAAAAAT0/BBov82URNt0/s1600-h/claire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236450961935961346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SKucZ-3yDQI/AAAAAAAAAT0/BBov82URNt0/s400/claire.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SKucaYyEnmI/AAAAAAAAAT8/_XWqTflBu6k/s1600-h/DSC_3084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236450968891334242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SKucaYyEnmI/AAAAAAAAAT8/_XWqTflBu6k/s400/DSC_3084.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SKuca8iM6pI/AAAAAAAAAUE/SXC11hx-qVc/s1600-h/DSC_3093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236450978488445586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SKuca8iM6pI/AAAAAAAAAUE/SXC11hx-qVc/s400/DSC_3093.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>4 years ago, at 12:19 am, C took her first breath and she has taken mine away ever since. Happy birthday beautiful!</div><br /><div></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-76602141744990258272008-08-12T16:14:00.005-04:002008-08-12T16:20:44.815-04:00On a more positive note, some people/companies DO get it.Check out the Coca Cola commercial for the Olympics...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Global_news/2008+Olympics/New+Olympics+Coke+Commercial.htm">http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Global_news/2008+Olympics/New+Olympics+Coke+Commercial.htm</a>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-15270143481439459322008-08-12T15:50:00.002-04:002008-08-12T16:00:50.975-04:00Once again, the "R" word is thought to be acceptable...and in this case, funny.<br /><br />Here is the article from the New York Times.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Nationwide ‘Thunder’ Boycott in the Works</strong><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">By MICHAEL CIEPLY<br />Published: August 10, 2008<br />LOS ANGELES — A coalition of disabilities groups is expected as early as Monday to call for a national boycott of the film </span><a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/389934/Tropic-Thunder/overview"><span style="color:#000099;">“Tropic Thunder”</span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> because of what the groups consider the movie’s open ridicule of the intellectually disabled.<br /></span><br /><a class="jumpLink" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/movies/11thun.html?ref=business#secondParagraph"></a><span style="color:#000099;">The film, a movie-industry spoof directed by </span><a title="" href="http://movies.nytimes.com/person/112816/Ben-Stiller?inline=nyt-per"><span style="color:#000099;">Ben Stiller</span></a><span style="color:#000099;">, is set for release on Wednesday by Paramount Pictures and its </span><a title="More information about DreamWorks SKG" href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/dreamworks-animation-skg-inc/index.html?inline=nyt-org"><span style="color:#000099;">DreamWorks</span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> unit. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">“Not only might it happen, it will happen,” Timothy P. Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, said of the expected push for a boycott. Speaking by phone, Mr. Shriver said he planned to be in Los Angeles with representatives of his group and others to picket the movie’s premiere on Monday evening in this city’s Westwood district.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">A particular sore point has been the film’s repeated use of the term “retard” in referring to a character, Simple Jack, who is played by Mr. Stiller in a subplot about an actor who chases an Oscar by portraying a mindless dolt.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Mr. Shriver said that he had also begun to ask members of Congress for a resolution condemning what he called the movie’s “hate speech” and calling for stronger federal support of the intellectually disabled. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">“The most disappointing thing, the most incredible thing, is that nobody caught it,” said Mr. Shriver, who, as a co-producer of the DreamWorks film </span><a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/158798/Amistad/overview"><span style="color:#000099;">“Amistad,”</span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> is no stranger to the studio. He spoke of what he described as the studio’s and the filmmakers’ blatant disregard for the disabled even as they stepped carefully around other potentially offensive references, notably in a story line that has </span><a title="" href="http://movies.nytimes.com/person/19966/Robert-Downey-Jr-?inline=nyt-per"><span style="color:#000099;">Robert Downey Jr.</span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> playing a white actor who changes his skin color to play a black soldier.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><br />In a statement on Sunday, Chip Sullivan, a DreamWorks spokesman, said the movie was “an R-rated comedy that satirizes Hollywood and its excesses and makes its point by featuring inappropriate and over-the-top characters in ridiculous situations.” Mr. Sullivan, in the statement, added that the film was not meant to disparage or harm people with disabilities and that DreamWorks expected to work closely with disability groups in the future. But, he said, “No changes or cuts to the film will be made.”</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Formal complaints about the content of films are not uncommon, but well-coordinated boycotts are fairly rare. The groups involved said that they represented millions of members and associates. Perhaps the most striking use of the tactic involved </span><a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/28389/The-Last-Temptation-of-Christ/overview"><span style="color:#000099;">“The Last Temptation of Christ,”</span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> released in 1988. Religious groups that considered that movie’s depiction of Jesus blasphemous called for a boycott of companies owned by MCA, whose Universal unit made the film.<br />DreamWorks and Paramount have shown “Tropic Thunder” in more than 250 promotional screenings around the country since April, but significant complaints came only recently, when marketing materials for the movie caught the attention of advocates for the disabled. The tag line on one mock promotional poster on a Web site, since removed, read, “Once upon a time there was a retard.”</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Over the weekend an ad-hoc coalition of more than a dozen disabilities groups — including the Arc of the United States, the National Down Syndrome Congress, the American Association of People With Disabilities and others — laid the groundwork for public protests to begin Monday.<br />The groups refrained from formally asking that viewers boycott the movie, pending informational screenings that were scheduled for their members at eight locations around the country on Monday morning. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">But representatives of the National Down Syndrome Congress saw the movie at one such screening on Friday and immediately advised fellow advocates to expect a film sufficiently offensive to justify mass action.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">“I came out feeling like I had been assaulted,” said David C. Tolleson, executive director of the Down syndrome group who saw the movie. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Mr. Tolleson and Peter V. Berns, executive director of the Arc of the United States, said on Sunday that they could not recall a similar coalition of disabilities groups forming against a film. Mr. Berns noted that some people had objected to the use of the word “retarded” in </span><a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/300878/Napoleon-Dynamite/overview"><span style="color:#000099;">“Napoleon Dynamite,”</span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> a comedy released by Fox Searchlight and Paramount’s MTV Films unit in 2004.<br />“But there’s really been nothing near this magnitude,” Mr. Berns said.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">In earlier interviews with The New York Times, Mr. Stiller and Stacey Snider, chief executive of the DreamWorks unit, said the movie’s humor was aimed not at the disabled but at the foolishness of actors who will go to any length in advancing their careers.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">After meetings and conference calls with Ms. Snider and others, the studio altered some television advertising, but declined to edit scenes from the movie.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><br />“Tropic Thunder” is likely to be the last movie released by DreamWorks before its top executives — </span><a title="" href="http://movies.nytimes.com/person/112325/Steven-Spielberg?inline=nyt-per"><span style="color:#000099;">Steven Spielberg</span></a><span style="color:#000099;">, </span><a title="More articles about David Geffen" href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/g/david_geffen/index.html?inline=nyt-per"><span style="color:#000099;">David Geffen</span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> and Ms. Snider — formally announce their plans to become aligned with a new company to be financed by Reliance Big Entertainment of India. The three will continue to be involved with at least a dozen films at Paramount but are expected gradually to shift their energies to the new enterprise, which will probably distribute its movies through another studio.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Mr. Shriver said that he had spoken with Ms. Snider and others at DreamWorks about “Tropic Thunder” and came away convinced that they had no plans for mitigating measures.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Their response, he said, convinced him that the time had come for his group and others to strike a far more aggressive public posture on behalf of the disabled. “The movement needs to enter the public eye and not just be talking among ourselves,” he said.</span><br /><br /><br />To many, this may seem like acceptable humor. To all who know our family, and our daughter, C, this movie is mocking her and others with intellectual disabilities. Please support C by not supporting this movie or anything that has to do with it. If you want to go further you can sign this petition.<br /><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopTropicThunder/?e">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopTropicThunder/?e</a><br /><br />You can also call Ben Stiller and leave him a message at 323-602-5000 or send an e-mail to<br /><a href="mailto:contact@dreamworksfansite.com">contact@dreamworksfansite.com</a><br /><br />If you want to see a little more on the movie, here is another article by Patricia E. Bauer who specilizes in writing on issues involving disability issues.<br /><a href="http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/08/just-the-facts-tropic-thunder/">http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/08/just-the-facts-tropic-thunder/</a>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-42429285790113993092008-08-10T00:50:00.003-04:002008-08-10T01:00:53.613-04:0045 Minutes!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SJ513XMjmxI/AAAAAAAAAS8/K5SGfBFFZtE/s1600-h/CSC_2609.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232749411031030546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SJ513XMjmxI/AAAAAAAAAS8/K5SGfBFFZtE/s400/CSC_2609.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, C got her glasses over a year ago. She needs them to try and correct some crossing issues. She is a very strong willed girl and she did NOT want to wear them. $300 down the drain.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am not a huge fan of her watching TV but since J arrived, she has been watching more then I would like. So, one of her favorite shows is the "kids show". That would be John and Kate Plus Eight. She just loves it. We were watching it so snuck on her glasses and handed her a bag of animal crackers.</div><br /><div></div><div>EUREKA!!! She kept her glasses on for 45 minutes! If we can do this more, maybe it will correct her crossing. She'll be a tv adicted animal cracker fiend, but hey, what ever works.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-53431068927035342412008-06-23T14:25:00.003-04:002008-06-24T12:54:18.213-04:00ARGHH!!!I have no other title that I feel I can say.<br /><br />Yesterday I was working. The girl at the register next to me was one of those people that just drives me nuts and rubs me the wrong way. Anyway...<br /><br />I was on break. The store always has music playing and it's usually upbeat stuff that most everyone knows. I don't even remember the song but I walked back at the end of it. Stephanie says, "Peggy may know." I asked, know what. She said "what was that show in the 80's that had the MONGOLOID kid in it? What the HELL???!!!<br /><br />Yes, that is a term that was used a long time ago. She is about 24 and I have no idea where she would get that name from. Anyway, while my mind was going WTF? My mouth said, the show with the boy with Down syndrome, was Life Goes On. I was not in a mood to educate right then (or for that matter in the place to educate). I did tell her we had seen Chris Burke and his band at a couple of Buddy Walks. She said, you met Corky? I said, no, not met him but yes, we had seen his band.<br /><br />She said, maybe I am ignorant (HELLO... Ya think?) but how can he play in a band?<br /><br />My response was "what?"<br /><br />"How can he play in a band?"<br /><br />I said why wouldn't he play in a band and before allowing her to say something else, I started my limited education lesson. I told her people with Down syndrome can do all sorts of things. They go to college, have jobs, get married, live independently, etc. I explained that I fully expect C to go to college and have a job one day. She then asked what causes it and I gave the chromosome education. She then asked (gotta smack the girl for continuing to ask questions), "then how come they all look alike?" Wanting to just cold cock her, I said, they don't and her response was, "the ones I have seen do." Of course, I could have focused on the "ones" part of that statement. Like, my daughter and others with Down syndrome are objects. Instead I just got an irritated tone (surprised it took me this long) and said "well, I think I have seen a lot more kids and people with Down syndrome. I asked if she thinks that the caucasian kids with Down syndrome look like the Asian kids, the African American kids, etc. I explained that C looks like her dads family and not like the other kids in her class with Down syndrome. I said that yes, they do have some features that the syndrome tends to make more prominent, but no, not all people with Down syndrome look alike. (I am half tempted to take her an album of all of the kids we have met and what they all look like!)<br /><br />I am sure this conversation could have gone on until I just had no choice but to either poke out <strong>my</strong> ear drums with a hot poker or to beat the crap out of <strong>her</strong> until she was senseless but apparently, somebody already beat her senseless!!!<br /><br />Anyway, that is my rant for the day. The whole thing didn't as much upset me as it made me wonder, who here has the challenges? My child or people like her who are perceived as "normal"?Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-55140320952791475592008-05-22T15:32:00.006-04:002008-05-30T13:35:43.941-04:00Safety firstThe next two posts are something that came to me from a post on one of my message boards. I don't think any words I could say would even close to what these two videos can.<br /><br />I am not plugging one seat, there are others out there now that can hold larger kids. I am plugging that you should 5 point harness your kids as long as possible in whatever seat you can! The other is to keep your child rear facing as long as possible. Yes, you can turn them at 1 year and 20 pounds in Michigan, but child seats will allow rear facing longer then that. (your carseat manual will tell you the maximum for rear facing) The safest position is rear facing so get/leave those kiddies rear facing as long as you can! C was rear facing until she was just over 3. She never minded it but even if she had, it wasn't up for negotiation. Rear facing is safest. I can't protect my kids from everything, but every place I can assure their safety, you bet I will. I would rather have an unhappy child in the car then an empty carseat anyday.<br /><br />Safety first. Use your seats and protect your children to the maximum!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-31018058978245101472008-05-22T15:32:00.001-04:002008-05-22T15:32:14.597-04:00Importance of a 5-Point Harness Carseat<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/azgBhZfcqaQ' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/azgBhZfcqaQ'/></object></p></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-28650671416664728512008-05-22T15:25:00.001-04:002008-05-22T15:25:19.354-04:00The Importance of Rear-Facing<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/Y2DVfqFhseo' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/Y2DVfqFhseo'/></object></p></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-26387058628530829302008-05-10T23:32:00.007-04:002008-12-12T22:45:00.580-05:00Happy Mother's Day!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SCZtJtOMBXI/AAAAAAAAAPU/T1tsL9DEMCY/s1600-h/DSC_4602.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198962833371170162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SCZtJtOMBXI/AAAAAAAAAPU/T1tsL9DEMCY/s400/DSC_4602.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Well, I have another reason to celebrate this Mother's Day. I was lucky enough to be blessed with another beautiful daughter. </div><br /><div>Mother's Day is still always a bittersweet day for me. It is a day I remember the 6 Mother's Days that I was so sad, wanting to be a mother to a child here on earth. I had angel babies, but no living children. I did consider myself a mother, but to everyone else, I wasn't. I look into the eyes of my 2 girls, but also look into the sky and wonder about the 8 others who just didn't make it to us. Would they have been boys or girls, would they have my eyes, dh's chin, etc. </div><br /><div>I view our lost babies as bodies that couldn't make it to earth. I always felt they were the same soul, but that soul just needed to find the right body. At the same time, I still see each as a little being and a little being to be mourned.</div><br /><div>While I am so happy for myself, I am sad for all of the women out there who are longing for a child in their arms. The ones who haven't met that special person who they want to have a child with. The ones who have been trying and it just isn't happening. The ones who are on an adoption waiting list. The ones who had the joy of a positive pregnancy test only to find out the baby couldn't survive. To ones who lost a child after birth. For all of these mothers, I still shed tears on Mother's Day. I now know the joy and I wish every woman with the desire to have a child, could have it. I am so sad that they miss out on what I am so blessed to experience. </div><br /><div>So, to all mothers, those with living children, those with angels and all of those with the dream of a child in their hearts, I wish you peace on this day and hope that you know, you are a mother.</div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-86531586366067051482008-04-29T23:54:00.003-04:002008-12-12T22:45:01.208-05:00Happy Birthday to me!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SBfvNnakgJI/AAAAAAAAAO0/piUnR9oXntI/s1600-h/DSC_10040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194883712392921234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SBfvNnakgJI/AAAAAAAAAO0/piUnR9oXntI/s400/DSC_10040.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Well, in only 6 minutes, it will be my 43rd birthday. What a year it has been. This time last year I was pregnant but didn't even know it yet. I found out on May 4th! It was a roller coaster pregnancy with spotting, gestational diabetes, low amniotic fluid and another early arrival but it all worked out so great<br /><div><div><br />What am I doing for my birthday you ask? Well, I am getting all of my carpet and my couch cleaned. Yep, that's my birthday present to me and I can't wait!!! Used to be I wanted a massage, a pedicure, etc. Now, I want my carpet cleaned. Of course, I will also be getting a new camera lens, a tag for my medical alert bracelet, etc.</div><div><br />So, Happy Birthday to me! Maybe by this time next year, there will be a third and final addition to the family. The idea has been brought up again by the husband so we'll see!!!</div><div><br />Here is a new pic of me and my favorite gifts of all!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194884438242394274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SBfv33akgKI/AAAAAAAAAO8/ZNb-odC-T5k/s400/DSC_4265.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-19679783994062790692008-04-21T23:24:00.005-04:002008-12-12T22:45:01.522-05:00"The Business of Being Born"We rented this documentary tonight and I wanted to give my opinions and impressions. I will start by saying these are my views and they in no way are meant to insult the views of others. Like anything, your life plays a huge role on your impression of things.<br /><br />C was an emergency c-section. She had low fluid the final 3 weeks of my pregnancy. She failed many non stress tests but would barely pass the bio-physical profiles. When the fluid finally went too low, we induced. She had a very consistent heart rate in the 160's through my pregnancy. They started the induction and at 2 cm, and only about 3 hours into it, her heart rate was dropping into the 90's. We, with the dr, chose to go the c-section route. With J, I chose to do a repeat c-section. As I always say, we are the "1 in" couple. Less the .5% of the population suffer through as many miscarriage as we did. (know anyone else who had 8?) Our odds of having a child with Down syndrome were 1 in 300 based on my bloodwork. Well, we were the 1. When you say there is a "1 in" chance of uterine rupture or for that matter, ANY other risk, I won't take it. I have excellent physicians (high risk) who I trust like no other. I wholly trusted them 100% with my most precious blessings.<br /><br />It was over 11 hours before I was able to hold C but that was because she was in the NICU and after hearing about the Down syndrome diagnosis, we didn't want to go to the nursery right away. I had to have some time to wrap my brain around what we had been told. With J, dh held her after about 3 minutes and I was able to hold her as soon as I was stitched up. I held her into the recovery room, I looked over every part of her, told her I loved her, I did what a mother does.<br /><br />All in all, I thought the documentary was well done, but one comment did make it hard for me to view any of it with 100% credibility. Towards the end, one dr. (I wish I made note of his name) explained that endorphins are released at birth. These endorphins are what make you love your child. He said that when women have a c-section, they don't have those endorphines and they can't care for their child as well. WHAT??? I am an excellent mother and I love my daughters to the end of the world. With that thinking, a woman who adopts would have NO instinct to love their child and seeing my friend who adopted, that is as far from the truth as possible. I really believe that a mother is not born, she is created and that creation comes in many forms.<br /><br />I think it all boils down to the same problem that lies in many, many areas of medicine. People need to be educated and given their options. I learned this first with C Did you know that 90% of parents with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome terminate the pregnancy. I don't judge those people. Their life is not mine. I instead judge the drs. who give out dated information and in many, many cases, make a parent feel there is no choice. The ideal would be to educate the parents to be, give them the options and let them make an educated choice based on meeting with parents, getting updated information etc. I saw this movie the same way. No way of birth is right and perfect for every women but the choices need to be out there. They need to know what is available, meet with women who have been though the various forms, etc.<br /><br />Most of all, I think women need to stop judging other women. I refuse to let anyone make me feel like my c-sections were the easy way out. That I missed the experience. I wanted to be pregnant, I wanted to have a healthy baby. I got both of those and the few hours in-between, for me, were just a small part of my dream and I am happy with the road I took and I would do it all over again.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191913141212315762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SA1hfnakgHI/AAAAAAAAAOk/0SPVJAB93cY/s400/CLAIRE1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191913145507283074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SA1hf3akgII/AAAAAAAAAOs/Ys7mvYq_Cxk/s400/DSC_1024.JPG" border="0" />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-23969656914794702682008-04-17T23:08:00.005-04:002008-12-12T22:45:08.465-05:00Tradition<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">When C was born, as I have said before, her Down syndrome was a shock to say the least. When the time came for her baptism, fact is, I really didn't want to even do it. I was so angry at God if there even was a God. (still religiously challenged) We went through with it to keep the family peace.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">When I worked for a photographer, a woman came in for portraits of her daughter in her christening dress. It was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen and I asked the mom about it. She said it had been made from her wedding dress. I just thought that was the greatest idea! I tucked it in the back of my mind.<br /><br />When the time came for C's baptism, I wanted to do the same. My mother in law is a great seamstress. She asked me a good 10 times if I did indeed want her to hack up my wedding dress. There was never a hesitation. The one and only problem... my family.<br /><br />We had a family dress that had been worn by all of the females for 3 generations. The gown was 100 years old that year. Well, to say the least, my mother was not overly pleased that I was bucking history. I tried to explain that I wanted this dress to have that special meaning to me... it was time for a new tradition.<br /><br />I thought about doing pictures of C in the family dress just to have them to show my mom but fact is, and not sure exactally how to say this, I was just not into it. I felt like I was a hypocrite, I felt like C was not worth my extra effort. Yes, terrible, but fact is, that's how it was. I so wish I had done those pics now. Obviously, she was so worth dressing up and photographing in the dress. Of course, I can't go back in time but I did take some pics of J in the dress so I don't regret it twice.<br /><br />Here are some pics that show the original wedding dress, C in the gown made from that and some of J in the family gown (and slip which I just LOVE more then the dress). Of course, you know I will be posting pics of J in her actual dress soon enough.</span><br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190421223078680738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUmjRA2KI/AAAAAAAAAN8/waVtfJCJWFA/s400/Peggy+and+Dave+Wedding.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUmzRA2LI/AAAAAAAAAOE/ZBZE4iNPsZM/s1600-h/CHristen1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190421227373648050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUmzRA2LI/AAAAAAAAAOE/ZBZE4iNPsZM/s400/CHristen1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUmzRA2MI/AAAAAAAAAOM/vP2X-OLri8E/s1600-h/CHristen4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190421227373648066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUmzRA2MI/AAAAAAAAAOM/vP2X-OLri8E/s400/CHristen4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUnjRA2NI/AAAAAAAAAOU/tyqP-ULjHn8/s1600-h/DSC_3797.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190421240258549970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUnjRA2NI/AAAAAAAAAOU/tyqP-ULjHn8/s400/DSC_3797.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUoDRA2OI/AAAAAAAAAOc/t7mYUnWkfSM/s1600-h/DSC_3840.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190421248848484578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/SAgUoDRA2OI/AAAAAAAAAOc/t7mYUnWkfSM/s400/DSC_3840.JPG" border="0" /></a>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-20092292622953365322008-04-02T23:02:00.003-04:002008-04-02T23:19:02.441-04:00What I have learned!Well, I have been a grocery store cashier for a whole month now. I have been a grocery shopper for many, many years and have learned more in 1 month then over all of those years as a shopper.<br /><br />From the other side of the register, let me give you some tips...<br /><br />1. DO NOT GROCERY SHOP AT THE REGISTER. What does that mean? It means, if you know you have $60 and only $60, take a calculator to the store. Don't go to the register with what anyone can tell is $200 in groceries. You are deciding one item at a time what you do and don't want to buy and want a running total. Yes, I will take that, no, take that off. How much was that one? No, forget it. Wait, leave that and put this one away. Oh, I don't want that loaf of bread. It's squished. Don't know how that happened with my 2 cantalopes on top of it. That wastes the cashiers time and do you think ALL of those groceries walk their way back to the shelf? No, someone has to take the time to return all of that stuff. The store has to pay that person and you in turn pay the store to pay that person.<br /><br />2. DO NOT STOWE THE THINGS YOU DON'T WANT IN THE MAGAZINE RACK AT THE REGISTER. Yes, I did say to not shop in line but better to shop then to abandon that yogurt container that is found after who knows how long. Guess what, in the case of a perishable, we have to throw that out. That again means, food is wasted and guess who pays for that. Yep, you.<br /><br />3. PAPER OR PLASTIC? Seriously, if you want to be green, there is only one way to do it. Invest in canvas bags that can be used over and over. Plastic bags last thousands of years. Paper bags use paper which comes from trees and the process of making the paper and then the bags, release by products into the environment which also lasts thousands of years. From the cashier stand point, plastic is WAY easier. Since the environment suffers either way, pick the plastic. Your cashier and bagger will secretly thank you. Then go out and buy those canvas bags. Yes, canvas is harder to bag like the paper, but at least when we are doing it, we know it really is for a good cause. Check around the house. Bet you can find at least 3 canvas bags counting those free ones that came with magazines, clubs you joined, even a beach bag not being used.<br /><br />4. THE WORST OFFENSE? CAN YOU GUESS... I bet you can. HANG UP YOUR CELL PHONE! Seriously, is your conversation so important that you can't hang up and call back while you are checking out? Fine, talk as you walk through the store (although if you have on one of those ear things... you just look like a dork talking to yourself) but when you get to the register, when you are in a face to face with another person, HANG UP THE PHONE!!! In the month I have been there, and the couple hundred, and yes, I mean couple of hundred, people who have been on the phone while checking out, only 2 have apologized. One had just been robbed that day so she was talking to her insurance agent and the other had been trying to reach his elderly dad all day and was getting worried and he finally got through. Dad just wanted to chat so the man, red faced, apologized.<br /><br />So, there you have it. My observations from my side of the conveyor belt!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-74546452622327148732008-03-20T11:26:00.001-04:002008-03-20T11:26:44.782-04:00Can I have a WOO HOO!!!Yep, my pre-baby jeans fit!<br /><br />'nuf said!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792260504048779891.post-78217194699226925162008-03-15T22:25:00.008-04:002008-12-12T22:45:08.931-05:0012 Weeks vs. 12 Weeks<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/R9yRU_WEUqI/AAAAAAAAANs/Lpi4g2ahMHs/s1600-h/DSC_0253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178173461356630690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/R9yRU_WEUqI/AAAAAAAAANs/Lpi4g2ahMHs/s400/DSC_0253.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/R9yRVvWEUrI/AAAAAAAAAN0/OaqLGjFw2_4/s1600-h/DSC_0383.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178173474241532594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qy8GDM-7mos/R9yRVvWEUrI/AAAAAAAAAN0/OaqLGjFw2_4/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">12 weeks</div><div align="left">84 days</div><div align="left">2,016 hours</div><div align="left">120,960 minutes</div><br />12 weeks is 12 weeks right? Wrong. I have learned that the speed in which 12 weeks move depends on what you are counting during the 12 weeks. When I am pregnant, 12 weeks is like an eternity. 12 weeks is where we took little bit of a deep breath, where I could stop the hormones and where we entered the second tri-mester. With both of our succesful pregnancies, those 12 weeks moved so very slow. Every day I would go to bed thankful that I hadn't had any spotting, that my appointments were going well. Every morning, I woke up wondering if this would be the day. Would this be the day that my baby stopped growing, the day the dream would end.<br /><br />Now that J is here, 12 weeks has just flown by. 12 weeks is where she is smiling, cooing, showing her great little personality. Every day I go to bed happily exhausted thankful for my 2 beautiful girls, thankful that I can now be home with them during the day and watch them grow instead of someone else getting to spend most of their waking hours with them. Each morning I wake up wondering if this will be the day. The day that C says J's name clear as can be, the day that J will belly laugh for the first time.<br /><br />12 weeks... an eternity that can pass by you are the speed of light.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15232949265193164576noreply@blogger.com3