Voices Carry
April 4th, 2010
First of all, we had no idea it was Easter weekend until my brother-in-law called to wish us a happy one, and I *think* I recovered nicely with a hey, uh, you too! How ARE you guys doing with the … eggs and all?
I think we’re sort of failing at parenting in some ways, and by that I mean the ways of doing things like holidays and birthdays and other “meaningful” events. For now, the excuse is that she’s too little to know — and really, she is — but I’m wondering if I’ll know when she is aware enough to care. Like, am I already short-changing her some magical Easter egg hunting experience? I don’t think so, seeing as she’s still firmly in the two-nap camp and leaving the house before 3 p.m. is a colossal pain in the ass, because lunch falls between the two naps and unless we’re going OUT for lunch, any endeavor longer than 45 minutes or so is a total crapshoot of eye-stabbing misery if you catch her on the wrong day.
We skipped a birthday party altogether — we sort of had two, one with my sister’s family, and another with my parents a few days later — and though we got her some presents, they were relatively few, because this is a kid who will scream with joy while waving an empty Kleenex box over her head, you know? And yes, we had a cake, as you’ve seen, but there were no friends, no other families, no throngs of lumplike one-year-olds Frankensteining around our relatively small house. My belief is that such things are excessive and rather silly, at least from a kid point of view (if it’s for you, the parent, and it’s important to you, by all means), but maybe I’m just mean, and my kid will grow up in a party-deprived rage on a bell tower some day.
This is the shit, though, that I worry about. I like birthdays, and I think they’re important to celebrate, but I don’t want my kid(s) growing up to expect some kind of wild RHoOC party while I fret and hand-wring over whether $12,000 was a reasonable budget, or whether I should have sprung for the beluga-flavored cupcakes and princess-themed paparazzi entrance for nine-year-olds. I mean, my most memorable birthday party was in my parents’ basement and involved homemade pizza and punch, I think. Well, except for my third birthday, which was ceremoniously held at Weiner King (yes, really), where I, and a bunch of other three-year-olds, dressed our own hot dogs with too much mustard and spilled ketchup down our fronts.
If you were wondering, the Weiner King is no longer there, and is now, I believe, a Long John Silver’s.
Longest way ever of saying: Oops, we forgot Easter. This is what happens with two non-Christians with far away families: You end up barfing alone and forgetting Easter even exists.
Finally, without rehashing anything, but because I keep stepping in it lately, I just want to add: I’m generally a pretty up-front person. Oh, I snark and gossip with the best of them at times, I won’t lie, but mostly, what you see is what you get. I don’t even think anyone would be surprised by what I’ve snarked about, because I pretty much say it up front.
For me, that’s important, and it’s the kind of person I not only am, but it’s the kind of person I’m generally attracted to. I think part of being authentic is being consistent and honest, even if that means people don’t like what you have to say. I find it a little gross when people act SHOCKED! that people have the balls to utter the questions/thoughts/whatever that everyone else is thinking, and everyone knows it, but no one says it out loud. I mean, PEOPLE. You’re thinking it! Are you a bad person? No. And neither am I just because I’m honest about it and say it out loud. Hell, I’ll even say it TACTFULLY, I promise. And I don’t need you to say it, too, but I don’t need your condemnation and surprise when I do.
I am not malicious. I am generally very loyal. I like most people. That very likely includes you. I keep confidences very, very well, and I’m not going to turn on you, and it’s not scary to be on the wrong side of me. Someone, in the midst of it all, thinking they were being complimentary, said, “Remind me not to get on your bad side.” I cringed, because that’s just not the case, and it’s not going to happen. To really get on my bad side, you have to do something pretty egregiously awful, and I’d probably tell you about it long before you saw it coming.
I am distrustful of people who only have nice things to say, not because I think that’s not a good way to be, but because I think it’s inauthentic for many people, and I like to see it all laid out there. It doesn’t mean I’m not a positive person, or that I don’t see/think positive things. For all of this talk, I am generally very, very happy. Like, terrifyingly happy. This may be surprising for some people, but it’s the God’s honest truth, and I’d tell you if it wasn’t.
And generally speaking, I am, in person, exactly as I appear on this blog, as witnesses can attest. I don’t write or say anything in a public online forum that I wouldn’t say in person, to someone’s face. True story.
Basically, and this is hard for me to admit, but I think I might be Ramona Singer.
Now, can we talk about your implants, because I heard your boobs were, like, all crooked and shit, but you finally got them fixed?
Happy Monday!
*’Til Tuesday
Entry Filed under: All Riled Up,Beeber McSteebs,What the fuck?
47 Comments Add your own
1. Danell | April 4th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Who’s Romana Singer?
I just assumed I’d like you in person. =) Not that I’d ever meet you, because meeting new people sort of makes me sick to my stomach…unless I’ve had way way WAY too much wine, in which case I’d TOTALLY LOVE to meet you and then I’d annoy the crap out of you and then possibly still get sick to my stomach from too much wine.
And I skipped all the celebrating little kid stuff until there was some little kid AWARENESS of it, mostly because I am lazy like that. It’s definitely more fun when they can actually get into it, too.
2. Life of a Doctor's Wife | April 4th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
I like Ramona. She may be a little on the bat-sh** crazy side, but she looks fantastic and you know every thought she has is going to come out of her mouth. Probably simultaneously. There’s a lot to be said for that. I tend to admire that kind of openness.
3. mar | April 4th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
good to know you’re all up front & all and expect people to be the same. i probably don’t want to know what you’re hiding if this blog is you being secretive!
and don’t worry about easter; i’ve spent all day wondering what the heck it is about jesus’ death & resurrection that makes people think it’s necessary to give their kids money in plastic eggs (then again, i wondered what the deal was in elem school when kids would show off their ‘easter presents’ after the holiday because ‘all’ we did was go to early sunrise church service growing up). i mean, it’s only 3-4 months since christmas/hanukkah/insert your holiday.
and sam is one! no, she’s not going to remember this birthday & family is perfectly reasonable to celebrate with until she gets to school/pre-school age. even then, it’s not required to have tons o’ kiddos over for parties.
4. Marie Green | April 4th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Authenticity is something I crave in people and in relationships, so I appreciate all that you’ve said about it. I am actually much like you describe yourself: very loyal, honest, what-you-see-is-what-you-get etc. I’m also always analyzing- myself most often- and cannot stand “syrupy everything’s positive all the time” people. I love my kids and my life as much as the next guy, and I don’t have to convince the whole planet that my life is perfect in order to be happy. I can claim the SUCK.
I also love when you say what everyone else is thinking. So, thanks for that.
5. -R- | April 4th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
We didn’t get B’s picture taken with Santa this year, and I feel kind of bad about it, but he doesn’t know who Santa is yet, so who cares. Plus, we only gave him one present for his birthday and one for Christmas. I think simple celebrations are fine, and kids won’t mind. My favorite birthday parties were slumber parties.
I don’t like people who present themselves as always positive either. Even though I don’t share all my negative thoughts on my blog- it’s not really the place for it.
6. jonniker | April 4th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
R: I don’t either. But I’m not necessarily talking about all of my negative thoughts in general. I mean, you don’t need to hear that my husband said something strange, or that I’ve got my period and it’s pissing me off, you know? You know. I think omission for the sake of being normal is … well, normal.
7. Christine | April 4th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Sing it to the choir, sister. If your family cares about throwing the kid a party, go for it, otherwise, she’s one. I sure as hell don’t remember my first (or second) birthday.
Dude, I cannot believe the shit storm that erupted over what I saw as a pretty fair question. In fact, and as I indicated on Metalia’s post, I figured the real crazies were just acting up again. Who knew? Insanity I tell you…insanity.
8. Heather B. | April 4th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Question: Do you think Ramona genuinely wanted Alex to stay at her Labor Day party or do you think she was just upset that she was going to LuAnn’s?
Though I find Ramona annoying at times I do enjoy that she says what she’s thinking and is then all, “Ok! That’s over! Let’s have some wine”. Even when she was upset on the boat she still let it go in all of 15 minutes. Whereas Jill is still talking about it. So yes, I find that refreshing.
9. lindsay | April 4th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
interesting what you say about ‘it’s not scary to be on the wrong side of me.’ Something I always try to observe in people is not just how they treat those they like, but how they treat those they don’t like. Says a shit ton about a person.
10. lindsay | April 4th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
One more thing regarding people who are over the top positive all the time. I think I am possibly one of those people, hopefully not in a ‘hey world my life is great!’ way, because absolutely humility is important. But I guess the way I ‘claim the suck’ as someone commented is to celebrate what is truly good, and just try not to give too much weight to the shit. THe over the top positivity is cathartic for me in a way telling it like it is probably is for others.
11. mrsgryphon | April 4th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
FWIW, Jonna, our daughter will be 1 in May, and we’re having a total of one other kid here and that’s only because she’s my infant niece who will be visiting from out of province. No big party, but E will get cake and a couple of presents.
For the commenter above wondering why eggs are the “Easter thing” – as explained by our Rev. this morning… eggs represent new life (chick breaking out of the shell to a new life = Jesus’ resurrection bringing “new life” to Christians who thought it was all over when he was crucified). Personally, I think it’s all a plot by Cadbury, but what do I know.
12. jonniker | April 4th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Lindsay: No, I get that. I think there is a distinct difference between being a person who views things positively, and a person who pretends to see the positive in everything as a way of either making them seem superior, or pretending that negative thoughts shouldn’t exist. One is real, the other is not. I getcha.
MrsGryphon: It’s also a pagan tradition, around the whole equinox/Ostara thing. This is not surprising, nor anti-Christian to say, just that a lot of customs/traditions became intermingled throughout (ancient) history. Plus, pagans had some good traditions that made sense for anyone who worships … anything. No one really knows who started what anymore, but everyone can, and should, ascribe their own meaning to it. I like that. Not that I celebrate, um, anything.
13. Jess | April 4th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
I don’t understand how a blogger can miss Easter. I feel like that’s all I’ve seen in my Google Reader for the last week.
14. Raven | April 4th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Okay, I’m totally fine and even really agree with what brought all this stuff on, but RAMONA? REALLY. I just don’t know if I can take that.
I like that she generally aims it at people I don’t like, I will say that much.
15. jonniker | April 4th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Raven: HA. I was honestly exaggerating with Ramona, I swear. I’m not that bad! Mostly because I have tact. I do. And I’m not loud.
16. Raven | April 4th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
*whew* I feel so much better!
Obvs our opinion of RHNYC is MUCH more important than that other stuff.
17. ABDPBT | April 4th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
I’m not quite Ramona, but only because I’m quieter in person and don’t have crazy eyes. But otherwise, yeah, kind of close.
FWIW we are not doing Easter, my husband is culturally Jewish but a confirmed athiest who doesn’t want to “celebrate the assassination of a historical figure.” But we DO have Christmas (?) and I’m just not sure how we’re going to explain that in years to come.
In other words, you could do worse.
18. Sam | April 4th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
For what it’s worth, my child (who is almost three) has never had his picture taken with Santa, or the Easter Bunny, or any other sort of holiday figure. When he was a baby he was super Mama orientated, and there was no way in HELL he was going to sit in some bearded guy’s lap. He’s still not going to, so why go through all that? It’s not important to me, but birthday parties are. I get it honestly – and it’s not that it has to be big or fancy, but it’s a family gathering. You do feel a little silly throwing a party when your child doesn’t care, but I figure it’s good practice for when they DO care. I love to hear all the different ways people choose to celebrate, especially when it comes to school age, classmates, etc.
As for the Situation (ha!) I think you and assorted others were completely unhateful and simply honest. That’s a good thing. As for Ramona…I thought it was pretty mean spirited for her to say about Jill after Jill’s party “Oh, I heard she was blackballed at Saks for taking clothes back after she wore them!” I don’t know, I think Jill has enough money not to be doing that, don’t you?
19. Juli Ryan | April 5th, 2010 at 2:20 am
I had to google Ramona. I don’t know what the Situation was exactly, but I do think it’s a shame. Like you, I don’t write anything on my blog I wouldn’t say to your face IRL. I’ve been told I have a negative outlook, and like you, I often just say what others are thinking. I’m not malicious, and I don’t think you are either.
20. angelynn | April 5th, 2010 at 3:07 am
I’m right there with you on the holidays and birthdays. We’ve never celebrated Easter. Our boys are 2 & 4. We did eggs last year and it was fun but we didn’t this year. My mom visited and thankfully she doesn’t do Easter either. It ended up being the best day. No mess, no frilly dinner, just time with the family. It’s kindof the point of it anyway right? I’m sure I’ll get questions at work tomorrow asking how the boys enjoyed Easter, how fun was it hiding eggs, how’d they like their baskets, etc. I’ll be honest and say we didn’t ‘do’ Easter and it was the best one I’ve ever had. And I don’t know you personally, but from the time I started reading your blog I’ve been impressed by your honesty. I like that you don’t coat things in sugar before sending them out. It keeps me coming back. Your daughter is pretty lucky to grow up in a home like that.
21. twojams (Shannon) | April 5th, 2010 at 7:41 am
We do the holiday stuff mainly just because we can’t break with tradition, and also because we have lots of family nearby. Also, I have to admit I really like dying Easter eggs, once I get it all set up. I just love the colors. Unfortunately, with little kids it goes FAST (“OK, this one’s blue, gimme another egg!”)
The birthday stuff is ridiculous around here; parents set up huge parties for their one-year olds (and in one odd case, someone put together a pretty big affair to celebrate their kid being SIX MONTHS old). We did small family gatherings until my daughter was 4, and have followed the same pattern with my son. I like celebrating the milestones, but I don’t see the point in making a big deal of birthdays that they don’t remember.
22. Kader | April 5th, 2010 at 7:43 am
I had never thought of the distinction b/w being a positive person and only saying positive things before, but I like it. I am also a firm believer in speaking the truth, but doing so in a constructive way. In other words, it doesn’t make sense to say things that are hurtful if nothing else can come from it, but it does make sense to say things that aren’t viewed as *positive* (or, in the “Situation,” *fawning*) because it’s a topic worthy of discussion. The latter is what you did.
You are honest, straightforward, genuine and, in appropriate circumstances, snarky. Pretty much the best combination of traits there is, IMHO.
Oh, and also, every day is a holiday for the Beebs. She eats crumbs off the floor with glee! Why get in the way of that kind of joy with formal celebrations?
23. cindy w | April 5th, 2010 at 8:20 am
My kid’s first birthday was just me, my husband, and her. No party, but we let her have her first taste of cupcake. (She wasn’t a fan. Strange child.) Her 2nd birthday, on the other hand, the older neighbor kids kind of bullied me into throwing a massive shindig, which I still regret because it was just over the top. This last birthday (her third) was just us and my immediate family. It felt right.
So, the Twitter/Dooce thing? I sort of watched that and stayed the hell out of it (like I usually do, especially when it comes to her because OMG her “fans” can be a leeettle bit scary), but I have to say, I really admired how you were able to be all, “Yo, there’s a big ol’ elephant in the middle of this room. Let’s talk about it.”
24. H | April 5th, 2010 at 8:32 am
For 14 years, I lived next to a woman who was either flat out mean or smiling at me and talking trash about me behind my back. Then, 10 years ago, I moved across the street from a woman who is mostly very honest but completely tactless to the point that her rudeness makes me avoid her at almost any cost. I enjoy my honest but tactful friends so much more than either of those neighbors but as I age, I find it easier to just walk away from them rather than try to figure out how I can adapt to their quirks and remain friends. It just isn’t worth it.
25. jonniker | April 5th, 2010 at 8:38 am
H: I’m not like either one of those people, honestly! I’m not a tactless ass, I promise.
I think if you see me on this here blog, you already know how I am, so … I mean, I don’t just blurt out rude things about petty parts of people like bad haircuts or what they should do with their children or anything judgmental. But if there’s a giant-ass elephant in the room or a layer of awkwardness because of something, I’ll say something.
Does that make sense?
26. H | April 5th, 2010 at 8:59 am
Oh, yes, I completely agree with you. What I meant by my comment is that I appreciate people who are like you, and not like those neighbors I described. I used to be able to deal with people like that back when I was younger and more tolerant (or something), but now I prefer people who can tell it like it is without being rude. To me, honesty with kindness goes a looooonnnng way.
27. AndreAnna | April 5th, 2010 at 9:04 am
FWIW, the fact that you’re not false is what I like most about you. There’s a difference between being honest and upfront and being FAKE about being honest and up front, when it’s just a cover for being a total douchemuffin under the guise of “oh, I am who I am on this blog and I’d say the same thing to your face” when in reality NO, NO YOU ARE NOT. YOURE A FAKKITY MCFAKERFACE.
And you are not that.
Um, does that make any sense?
28. H | April 5th, 2010 at 9:05 am
OH – I forgot the example I was going to share. I’m “decorating challenged” — I have no idea whatsoever what to do with the rooms in my house. I admit it. The first time my rude neighbor came into our new house, she said, “Your lamps look like shit.” I’m not kidding. At first, I appreciated that she was at least honest because I’d just left the neighbor who smiled but stabbed me in the back, but after a few years, she began to grate on me and I quietly ended the friendship.
29. jonniker | April 5th, 2010 at 10:09 am
HA! H, I am the most decorating challenged person there is. I have ZERO sense of anything aesthetic, to the point where Adam’s always like, “I don’t know if that looks good … and I don’t trust you, so maybe call my sister?”
HA.
And Kader, OMG, yes. I’m not about to bust out hurtful things about people just to be hurtful. To be honest, petty, hurtful things don’t cross my mind often. It’s just … petty and hurtful. But if I think we can talk about something and get somewhere, then I’ll say something.
I would not have made the Saks comment that Ramona did in other words. And I would have only asked Alex to stay at my party if I really wanted her : )
30. Shin Ae | April 5th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Hahahaha! I was surprised at how Kelly reacted that that comment. I didn’t think it was such a big deal. I talk about boobs all the time, though, so maybe my perspective is skewed.
I love how honest you are.
We really didn’t celebrate stuff too much until the kids got older and could notice. My family is not a big party family, anyway, so it came naturally to celebrate more quietly. Honestly, it didn’t even register that I should have been having parties. The first birthday party to which we invited other children was my older son’s seventh birthday. I did suffer from the serious maternal guilt when I realized other people were doing all this partying for their kids all along, but you know, the kids don’t seem to feel a lack.
31. Jamie | April 5th, 2010 at 10:46 am
You are my realism touchstone. For Serious. Rock on, Ramona.
32. Kerry | April 5th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Dude. There’s nothing wrong with you. In fact, if they did Real Housewives of Vermont, you would totally get rejected, because you’re not an asshole. Not even a little bit.
Those people who started shit were starting shit because THEY wanted attention. You just happened to be the vehicle for their attention-seeking. Basically, in this scenario, you are not Ramona. You are Kelly’s boobs…the thing Ramona uses to get the cameras to point at her.
So congratulations on being Kelly’s boobs, I guess.
Also, I’m a heathen married to a Catholic. Easter for me is when I give my kids a basket, then steal all of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs out of the baskets. That’s pretty much the extent of my relationship with this holiday.
33. kakaty | April 5th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Point the first: my personal philosophy on either personal (birthdays) or religious (holidays) celebrations is that they should be super low-key until at least the age at which a child can remember them. At least if they are about the child. Don’t host a 1st birthday party for 125 (true story of a coworker – they RENTED A HALL) and pretend it’s about the kid. I mean, if you want to have a huge party then do it, just don’t act like it’s about the child’s wants or creating memories. Our basic rule: up to age 5 it’s a family and close friend only b-day party (max 10 guests). After that, every other year the kid can have a larger friend/classmate party if they want. And I’m the super-mean mom who has declined to attend the 6(!) non-family 4th birthday parties she’s been invited to this year. And, we kind of have “gift rules” in place for Christmas – one bigger gift and 3-4 small gifts. 5 max – one kid does not need more then 5 presents in a single day!
Also – Easter, as a raised-in-the-Christian-church-but-pretty-much-agnostic-now girl, I just don’t want to have to explain either the religious story or the totally f*ed up bunny story to my kid, so we basically skip Easter. I mean if the choices are a dead guy come back to life or a bunny who lays eggs I think I’ll wait until she can understand the more pagan origins of these celebrations and teach those. But that doesn’t mean I don’t stock up on Cadbury Mini Eggs.
Point the last: I have never seen you any other way but honest and transparent in your writings – I’ve never had to guess about ulterior motives or hidden pettiness. Keep doing what you’re doing!
34. Amanda | April 5th, 2010 at 11:47 am
It all sounds perfect to me, you know, the kind of perfect that doesn’t piss you off because it’s so unattainable.
35. Leigh | April 5th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Jonna, I missed it all except some aftermath. BUT! I know you to be thoughtful and nuanced in your discourse. You do not deserve venom because you do not spew it. And you never, ever present anything with a closed mind. You are willing to discuss things.
I don’t know why you struck such a nerve, but hoo-boy you sure said something I was already thinking. Not because I am a hater but because I represent a different perspective as a single mom who works outside the home. Who feels that it is not working out very well. Doesn’t the First Lady need to be talking to those of us who aren’t able to make it work on some level? Who feel jammed into an impossible situation?
And I found the response to your reasonably raised point alternatingly condescending and ultra defensive. FWIW, I knew about the Forum because, well, I pay attention to what is going on in the world, not because someone mentioned it on her blog. For fuck’s sake.
Sorry, I don’t want to start another flame war. But I apologize for sucking at Twitter and not adding my voice earlier.
36. Blythe | April 5th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I felt guilty for Theo’s first couple of years because we barely celebrated his first birthday and holidays. However, I’ve recently jumped on the celebration train because, now that he’s older, he just LOVES it when we do holiday things. He got so excited about finding plastic eggs and jelly beans yesterday I thought he might explode. So now that it’s fun for me, I’m all about helping him celebrate. Like most parenting decisions I make, this one is selfish – I get such delight from his delight that we will celebrate everything from Flag Day to Arbor Day next year, I swear. Wait until Sam is into it, you’ll have so much fun.
As for the brouhaha, well, the whole thing is baffling and disappointing. Your comments (and those of others I follow) were sensible and valid, as far as I’m concerned. After reading the follow-up posts, I feel like I missed an entire portion of the conversation, but then again, maybe I didn’t? I’m not sure. But it has changed my impressions of the blogging/Twitter community in a negative way, and that makes me sad.
Also sad: I will never experience Wiener King firsthand.
37. Kristabella | April 5th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I don’t think you’re Ramona. Because I think she is mean sometimes on purpose. And then plays it off like “but I’m just being honest!” And I don’t think you’re mean at all. And I appreciate that you DO say all the things that we are all thinking!
Also, I would say first birthdays are really only for the parents and family. Basically everyone but the kid. She won’t remember. And even if she never gets an Easter basket, I’m pretty sure she’s going to grow up loving her childhood and having great memories.
38. Penny | April 5th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Damnit, I missed whatever kerfuffle you were referring to. I assume, on twitter. Someone fill me in?
39. Danell | April 5th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
WAIT WAIT WAIT…didn’t you once say that you love having guests over so you can spruce up the bathroom with, like, festive soaps and such?? And that’s not aesthetic?? Do your guests come out and say “Um, I don’t know how to tell you this, but your bath soaps TOTALLY clash with your hand towels!”
Just teasing…saw your comment about being decorating challenged…(maybe I am remembering wrong, but I really did think you mentioned something about decorating for guests one time…only because I remember wishing I had the pep to gussy up MY house when guests come over.
40. willikat | April 5th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
I missed the whole thing, but I just have to say I keep coming back to read your blog because you have an authentic voice. I belieeeeve youuuu.
41. Kelley @ Magnetoboldtoo | April 6th, 2010 at 5:31 am
So should I be glad that I have no idea who Ramona is?
And we had a zombie parade on Sunday.
Apparently when the internetz were exploding.
42. Leah | April 6th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
I love your honesty, and I love your honesty about your honesty. For my part, I generally just find it easier to keep quiet, not because I’m afraid to have opinions or even to share them when appropriate but because I think in a lot of cases sharing my opinion would do very little to change anything (least of all anyone else’s firmly held opinion), and I guess I just don’t like the idea of wasting my energy on that sort of thing. (it’s a wonder I’m so devoted to voting, really, when so little seems to happen as a result…) That said, I certainly wouldn’t want everyone to be that way, and I’m certainly glad you’re not, because you always get me thinking about things I’d otherwise just gloss over.
As for the bday party and Easter stuff, we’ve been surprised at how much Wombat has enjoyed it all considering he’s still just a dumb little baby. We had a bday party mostly for ourselves/families, but we also have a kid who really loves having a ton of people in his house, so it ended up being a good time for him too. Would he have missed it (or Easter)? Certainly not. But as long as I can keep costs and stress down, we’re happy to take advantage of any reason to celebrate.
43. Penny | April 6th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Oh. I caught up on the issue referred to. I agree with you, with others. I was enraged about this particular selection, just as it infuriates me when a parenting magazine has a piece on “balancing work and family” and it involves an interview with an actress who brings her kid on the set with her for the 3 months out of the year she works.
It is a farce to think that “workplace flexibility” can be addressed by talking to a small subset of the population whose career has hardly ever been defined by 9 to 5.
44. basket_case_mom | April 12th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
I was totally in the groove of your post until the Ramona Singer comment. I literally laughed out loud.
I’m just imagining you with the crazy eyes.
Tell me, do you really like Kelly had her boobs fixed? LMAO
45. casey | April 16th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
i agree that extravagant birthday parties for kids are entirely unnecessary.
that said, in his entire life my husband never had a single, solitary birthday present. all “parties” consisted of his two cranky aunts, his brother and one cousin.
it scarred him for LIFE.
i’m not exxagerating.
so maybe there could be some kind of compromise with a few friends and a modest budget?
46. Amanda | May 14th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Ah! I don’t know why I haven’t found you before! We barely managed to fit in a little egg-dyeing for Easter and my son just turned FOUR. No 1-year-old party, of course not, and each year since then I’ve just gone and declared playgroup to be his birthday party, or something. Basically, if it’s not December, I can’t organize anything.
Also, I love this song.
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