Phooey On "Alternative" Halloween Activities

Every year, I hear more and more parents talking about how they aren't letting their kids go trick-or-treating (because it's too dangerous) or visit a haunted house (because it's too scary) or dress up as witches and devils (because it celebrates the occult) -- that they are opting for "safe" activities at churches and malls, rather than sending their kids out to forage in the neighborhood. I find this a worrying trend, for many reasons...

Agreeing To Disagree -- A Lost Art

As you can tell if you've been reading my blogs, I love a good debate. But I never realized how fortunate I am to have surrounded myself with so many open-minded individuals -- people who can discuss sensitive topics without taking offense, and without feeling the need to "convert" the other person to their belief system. You forget what a blessing this is, until you come up against someone who wants to head-butt you into his way of thinking!

When Charity Isn't Really Charitable

I was just talking with some folks about helping the needy -- discussing food drives and giving away clothes and working at soup kitchens. But when I suggested that we should focus on reforming the systems that kept the poor from being able to hold down steady jobs, take care of their families, and no longer have to ASK for help, they acted like I was a radical attempting to overthrow the government! I suddenly realized that this is exactly what's wrong with "giving" in this country.

Don't Buy Into The Beauty B.S.

I was at a client's house the other day, when her 15-year-old son came home. The first time he had seen me, I was in my mini-skirt and boots, funky hair and heavy eyeliner (because I was meeting a friend for lunch afterward.) The second time, I was in jeans, a t-shirt, baseball hat, and no makeup (because I was organizing a basement.) He said, "Wow, you sure look different without makeup" (don't you just love adolescent honesty?) I said, "That is the point behind makeup!

You People Are Killing Us With The Antibacterials!

Lately, I've had way too many people in my life contracting (and in a few cases dying from) MRSA -- an antibiotic-resistant staph infection that is incredibly difficult to treat, immune to most antibiotics, and easily transmitted from one person to another. It's the baby brother to the superbug that is going to eventually kill us all -- and a lot of the reason it's so prevalent these days is because of our society's overuse of antibacterials and antibiotics.

A $200 Prescription For Amoxycillin

I have got some kind of an upper respiratory "thing" -- cold or whatever. I always start out assuming that anything causing me to cough and sneeze and snot is viral, and I attempt to let it run its course -- but this has been hanging on for a couple of weeks, and I'm starting to wonder if it's a bacterial infection, if I need an antibiotic. But I find it entirely ridiculous the hoops you have to jump through to get a prescription these days.

Get Off Your Damned Computer And Go Spend Time With Some Real People!

I will admit that I've become as much of a Facebook and Twitter whore as the next person (maybe even more so, according to some people!) These social networking sites are a great way to stay in touch with folks who live thousands of miles away, to reconnect with friends you haven't seen in years, to meet new people you would otherwise never have a chance to know. However, there is a serious downside to the internet revolution...

Laws That Are A Total Waste Of Legislation

Last night, as we were grocery shopping, I was recalling a Tuesday evening in November a few years back when Matt and I planned to have friends over for dinner. I went to the grocery store to get my fixin's, took a bottle of wine up to the counter, and was told that they couldn't sell it to me. Why not? Because it was Election Day. Is this not one of the dumbest laws you've ever heard of? Well hold onto your hats, because I've got a few more that are even better!

Shopping At IKEA -- An Epidemic Of Obliviosity

Matt and I went shopping at IKEA this weekend, and I was struck by how totally unaware most folks are about other people around them. I call this phenomenon "obliviosity" (yes, I know that's not a real word, but it fits!) And it's an epidemic that's taking over the world -- with each person moving as if he or she is inside a little bubble, separate from the rest of society. Well, guess what folks -- your little bubble is in my way and you need to move it!