Teaching kids to give

My kids, for some reason don't seem to grasp the fact that they should be good as events such as Christmas and their birthdays close in. Don't get me wrong...they are good kids, for the most part, but they have those moments (as I am sure most kids do), when I sit back and wonder if, in their dreams they are being raised by wolves.

I wonder too if they know how lucky they are, if they realize that not all kids have what they do, the video games, the toys, nice clothes and shoes, pets even a warm house and beds. Of course, they don't know, how could they? They may realize that not all of their friends have exactly what they have, they also may know that some of their friends even have more than they have. There is no way however, for them to comprehend the fact that there are kids out there, who are not as fortunate as they are.

Since we want them to know how fortunate they are, to teach them some sense of charity and responsibility of helping people less fortunate than them, we have decided to sponsor a child. We have decided that the kids need more exposure and chances to help people than just giving change to bell ringers, which they gladly do all Christmas season long.

We have chosen to sponsor a child from the United States who is roughly their age. We are hoping that corresponding with a child who is more like them, if less fortunate, will help them to understand...and appreciate exactly what they do have and at the same time to become compassionate towards people who don't.

What is the World Coming to?

I, for the life of me cannot figure out where the priorities of today's celebrities and politically elite are at.

Roman Polanski finally gets arrested for the drugging and rape of a 13 year old girl after more than 30 years on the run. This is a man who, in his 30's took blatant advantage of a 13 year old little girl. He then fled the country to avoid prosecution, didn't return to make movies, didn't return to accept awards that were being given to him. This, simply put, is a man who knew what he did, knew the consequences and had the means to avoid them.

So, after more than 30 years, he finally screws up and goes to a country whose leaders also think that sex with a 13 year old is reprehensible. They arrest him and are prepared to extradite him back to the United States for prosecution.

I he demonized for the horrible acts he committed? No, he is hailed as a hero, as a visionary. He is forgiven. Interesting reaction. Who exactly is forgiving him for the crime that he committed? Has public opinion regarding child sexual abuse changed? Have the laws regarding this horrific claim changed? No and No.

However, it seems that a number of Hollywood elite (including Harrision Ford and Martin Scorsese) are criticizing the United States court system for bringing Polanski to trial.

The governments of France and Poland are also vehemently demanding his release from his newly found prison cell.

It is said that the victim in this case has asked that it not be prosecuted, that he not be brought to justice. It has been reported that there was a substantial payoff to her for his lack of judgment and morals as he assaulted her, however to prosecute or not is not her call.

Only time will tell what will happen with this case. It should be interesting to see if the American population chooses to see films by the actors and directors who are defending Polanski or if their outrage to this current situation shows through to the box office.

Is it Wrong to Eat Ice Cream while watching Biggest Loser?

I absolutely love reality TV. I am glued every week to shows that highlight the inner workings of the 'players', the ones that I am completely addicted to are Big Brother and Biggest Loser. I never miss an episode and have been known to cut a visit short to make sure that I am home in time to catch every sorted detail.

I also thoroughly enjoy less 'stand up' shows...Rock of Love had me from the first promo - saw every episode, not so much with Rock of Love II.

I genuinely look forward to putting the kids to bed and settling into my favorite chair with a big bowl of ice cream to see if the person I like the best will survive one more week, one more challenge.

I have often been asked what my fascination is with reality TV, why I spend, or rather waste so much time watching other ordinary people spill their lives in my living room. I, however don't think I am that much different from millions of other people (which explains why these shows are still on), in that I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will NEVER be in that position. I will never be on TV, for a multitude of reasons, but mostly because I simply don't have the guts to do it.

I have never, ever been a person to put it all out there for everyone to see, to judge. I am happy with my ordinary, simple, run of the mill life; but every now and then I kinda wish I was more like those people - less afraid of the consequences.

Washed Macaroni

This morning, while doing laundry, I was moving clothes from the washer to the dryer and noticed something falling from the clothes back into the washer.

While I thought that was strange, I didn't stop to investigate; after all the kids needed to get ready for school, the dog needed to be let out and the cat needed to be fed. I kept moving wet clothes from one machine to the other, and I saw the little falling pieces of what I first assumed was some foam.

Upon closer inspection, I found the bottom of my washer covered in pasta. EWWW...wet, washed macaroni all over the drum and 'swisher part'. The pasta proved itself to be a difficult substance to remove entirely from the washer as it kept breaking up and sliding into the holes of the drums. I got out as much as I could and hoped for the best with the following loads.

So, I learned a valuable lesson today: Never trust that the kids have removed the spilled food before placing the towel in the dirty laundry.