Ouch. Ladies and gentlemen (or perhaps this just applies to the ladies?), there’s a nasty little something (a ligament, I’m assuming) right above and to the right of your pelvic region that, when stretched from something so minor as coughing or twisting the wrong way, will flare up in white hot pain. Amazing that something so small will flare up from something so minor.
I swear, I’m not trying to turn into a grammar nazi, but seeing “could of” or “should of” makes me want to scream. Now, I’m all about trying to show voice through the written word, but I believe that’s more about style and personality – not phonetically spelling out slight speech slurrings and running together of words. See, “could have” is correct. But “could of” is not. Although it may sound like “could of” when spoken aloud, it’s not correct to be written that way. And this proves my point.
Warning. The following rants are definitely not politically correct. They are merely my opinions that I refuse to “adjust” to the rules of PC, so kindly shove it if you cannot accept that. ;)
1. You had unprotected sex with so-and-so last night and now you’re worried that you may become pregnant. While you were somehow able to arrange meeting up with so-and-so, you absolutely, positively cannot arrange a way to get your irresponsible ass to a PP or similar center for the MAP.
Bull. You were able to situate things so that you could fuck. Now I’m sure that you can also find a way to get to a clinic. Get a friend to give you a ride. Walk. Take the bus. Ride a bike. Call a taxi. Ask your parents – have them drop you off at a different location that’s in walking distance. Or hey… why not call up so-and-so? Surely he isn’t ready to be a father just yet, and would be willing to do something to help you out in such short notice.
2. Unless you are unable to do so because of medical reasons (lack of milk and latching problems included) or having to go back to work, if you choose not to breastfeed, then contend with the fact that there are people, such as myself, who will frown upon you for that decision. While I may not be rude and call you out on it, or shun you for it, I will be more than happy to give you my opinion should the subject ever come up.
3. Requiring people over a certain age (say…65?) to take periodic vision and driving tests is not discrimination. It’s a way of protecting you and other people who are on the road. It’s a fact of life that as you age, your body and mind will deteriorate. Your vision will get worse, your hearing may get worse, your reaction time slows, and you may have health issues that can cause hazards while you’re driving (or doing just about anything, for that matter).
Before you get the AARP to jump own my throat, consider this: how would you feel if your impairments killed somebody? What if that somebody was a relative? Or a child? And you were 100% at fault for that death? You wouldn’t be so quick to scream, “That’s discrimination!”, now would you?
In other news, I finally fixed Firefox. First, it ate my bookmarks. Then, my computer crashed while it was open. When I booted back up, Firefox was there, yet… it wasn’t. It wouldn’t remember any new bookmarks, or window positioning, or any custom settings. The search engines were gone, and things just… weren’t right. I un-installed and re-installed, to no avail. Finally, it dawned on me to clear the profiles folders and ta-dah! Firefox is back and as good as over. :D
And a quick driving rant… Dammit, if you’re not going to turn your highbeams off until you’re about ten feet away from me, why bother? I’m already sufficiently blinded for the next fifteen minutes or so… why stop the fun now?
I have a pounding headache, but the munchkin is up for a bit. Hubby put her to bed around 10:30pm, and I hoped she would sleep through the night, but alas, my prayers weren’t heard. She woke up crying pitifully around 1:00am. She was sweaty and smelly, and slightly feverish, so I gave her a warm bath and then some Tylenol. Now she is happily plodding around the house, bottle in one hand, a few Cheerios in the other. I’ll try giving her a bit of cereal soon, and then it’s back to bed so that I can go back to bed!
Our latest hassle with Alyssa is not anything she’s doing, but her hair… For the longest time, we’ve always allowed it to go its natural way – that is, to lay foward on her head. Well, now that her hair is long and she has bangs, that isn’t going to work. So far (as in, for the past month or so), brushing straight back and using a headband to hold things in place hasn’t worked. Tonight I got the brilliant idea to simply part her hair and brush it down on both sides. Amazing – it’s working (so far)!
Lastly… I love coming over to my computer desk and seeing my digital camera not in its dock. This means that Daniel was taking pictures and/or videos of Alyssa while I was away… I love looking through them. ♥
I really hate when people do that OF thing. But people make that mistake because that’s how we talk I guess.
Sarah of Sewwy.com was talking about the ‘could of’ thing recently. It’s because people say ‘could’ve’ and don’t understand (which is reasonable when you are typing quickly) that it is a ve not an of, which people often confuse. There is a little test that has people read a paragraph then go back and count how many f’s there are in it (you can look while you count)- there are three occurances of ‘of’ in it, and people will often miss those because they register as v’s. This is a case of phonics being misleading ; ) That coupled with typing 95 words a minute and there will be a lot more of that on the web, I think. It can be bothersome and grating but also very understandable. I think there are a LOT more things out there like that than most people realize- I see them all the time, where people take a common figure of speech and butcher it because they THINK they know the word that holds it together but they use a wrong word that makes it just a figure of speech and then it no longer has any meaning whatsoever, you know? I always have to stop myself from correcting them because it’s just so trivial ~shrugs
You sound so harsh with the breastfeeding ; ) I totally don’t agree with you, I respect you believing it’s a better way to go but I just see that there are a lot more reasons not to than simply, ‘I can’t.’ My sister was the only one of the children in my whole family who was notably breast fed and she had very serious attachment issues with my mother. It’s sad when a child cannot even be with their father alone because they will pitch such a fit about ‘needing’ their mommy. I remember even as an infant my mother could not leave the house without my sister freaking out- she would be in someone’s arms, intentionally faced away from the front door and my mother would ‘sneak’ to it from her own bedroom, turn the lock and my sister’s head would whip around to make sure it wasn’t her mommy leaving. My sister is very different emotionally from the rest of us. We are much more independent than she is, even the youngest one is. I have seen good and bad from it both ways (bad, to me, includes people who breast-feed their four and five year olds) and just think it’s way too personal a decision for me to ever butt in and care about.
Great website! What does the popularity rating mean on your blogs, and how is it measured?
Alyssa CuTiEeeee..:)
On a normal day I would probably agree with the ‘could of’ and ‘should of’ thing you’ve written there, but it seems so silly to be so picky about small things like that. I just don’t understand why people cry out in horror when someone makes an understandable grammar mistake. When they insist on replacing ‘you’ with ‘u’ (‘u’ is the Dutch word for ‘you’, actually, but I’m assuming that most of them don’t speak Dutch) or when they insist on using ‘your’ in lieu of the correct ‘you’re’ (or vice versa), that’s something to be upset about. These are simple grammar rules we learn in primary school.
As for driving tests for the elderly, let me be the first to heartily agree. Anyone who thinks it’s discrimination seriously needs to give the proverbial stick a twist, because although they have more experience with cars than a younger person might, their reflexes and reaction times generally become slower, and, of course, their senses aren’t as sharp as they were when they were young. Requiring the elderly to take driving tests every so often is NOT discrimination – it’s a very effective way to keep people safe on the roads.
Now if we could just inject some sensibility into the younger, more reckless drivers…
As for breastfeeding, I think you’re being a bit harsh. I generally disagree with attachment parenting, ie. spending every moment with your child, sleeping with your infant (sleeping with infants has resulted in infant deaths). I’m not a parent, so I could just be talking nonsense, but if you always pick up your baby when it cries, then it’s bound to cry more often because it knows that’ll get mummy’s attention.
I can definitely arewith your views on attachment parenting. While I’m pro-breastfeeding, I’m not into family beds (Alyssa has slept with us perhaps five times since being born?), and I don’t agree that you should always pick up your baby the moment she cries. -Jenn
oh yeah,, forgot to say something about ur layout. Kool layout
and say again.. Cute Alyssa ^_^
I also agree that the tone of your issue with women who don’t breastfeed is harsh. I am pro-breastfeed. If they are good parents then honestly, why would it even be an issue? None of us are perfect as parents, and pointing that out to someone when it’s not asked for is incredibly bad manners.
Hence why it’s something I wouldn’t just bring up out of the blue. I may have mentioned it here in my post, but it wasn’t directed at anyone specifically. -Jenn
I think it’s funny that you are so judgemental about breastfeeding, when you didn’t even nurse Alyssa a whole year. Are you going to even bother trying with baby number two, or are you part of the one percent who “can’t breastfeed”?
I do think it’s commendable, and I think anyone that chooses formula is selfish and ignorant, I just think you come across as hypocritical.
I nursed Alyssa for ten months. But then I had to work full time again, and it was very hard to do both, especially with an unpredictable work schedule.
And of coures I plan to nurse baby #2 – what would make you think I wouldn’t? -Jenn
In my case, my milk didn’t come through until Day Five and unless I used donated milk and/or formula, S was going to end up in special care because he was desperately dehydrated. I cried for about three days because I felt like a horrible mother and a complete failure.
I simply wasn’t producing enough to satisfy him and within a month, he was on Hungry Baby milk for not even formula alone was enough for him. I pumped and gave him a combination of breast and formula but after a month switched to formula. It was the best decision. Instead of crying in pain or guilt, I was able to enjoy loving my child the best way I could at that time.
Women are under enough manufactured pressure as it is to breastfeed without moms pressurising each other, too. Whilst I will try again to bf Baby #2, i respect a woman’s choice not to nurse. Breastfeeding doesn’t automatically make you a better a better mom – love, protection and laughter are the important things, don’t you think?
V xx
V, I never said that breastfeeding your child automatically makes you a better parent. I’m sorry if it came across that way. Also, I can definitely sympathize – it took a few days for my milk to come in, and on day #2 when I didn’t have any, I immediately went for the formula I had bought just for that purpose.
Not having milk for your child doesn’t make you a bad parent, or a failure – please don’t think that. -Jenn
I respect your opinion on breastfeeding but I do disagree with you. I did not breastfeed my daughter, not cause I couldn’t I just didn’t see it necessary. My mother never breastfeed me, my hubby’s mother didn’t breastfeed him or his sister, none of our families breastfeed any children and I think we all turned out quite nicely.
Didn’t you yourself say you’d not be breast feeding and only changed your mind at the eleventh hour?
I honestly don’t think anyone has the right to tell other people how to bring up their kids when it comes to things like that, I’m sure you don’t like it when people point out things they think you are doing wrong/badly with Alyssa – your kid your way right?
Actually, I believe I had decided from the start that I was going to breastfeed.
-Jenn
I’m with you on the breastfeeding, in a way. I only breastfed for a few weeks, but my own self consciousness around my future stepson and the pressure from my lactation consultant (of ALL people) made me switch.
I think every mother is able to make her own decision as to how to use her body. If she doesn’t want to use her breasts to breastfeed, then so be it, but I do think breastfeeding is the BEST choice for a baby. (Also the most economical, the most healthy, the most convenient….)
I’m with you on the rest of the points, too. Especially the eldery needing to have eye exams. That’s hardly discrimination – whoever argues that fact is in need of a good dose of common sense.
I feel that elderly people should take their drivers license test again at a certain age. It’s not discrimination, it’s for the safty of others. I wish they would do that in my town, the elderly people drive like crap here. But then again, everybody does.
I don’t agree on the breastfeeding.Far too much pressure is put on women to breastfeed.Its not always possible or practical.How do you expect a women with a multiple birth to breastfeed? I also disagree and have always disagreed with your view of breastfeeding making you -and I mean YOU Jenn,a better parent.You hold it as some sort of mantle that makes you better than anyone who does not breastfeed their child.I also think your attitiude towards parenthood in general is pathetic and immature.You make everyday parenting issues sound as if you’ve done or are doing something fabulous.For someone who doesnt want any grief ,and is trying to “make a fresh start” you’re doing a very bad job.What gives you the right to judge other people ? And for the record,Yes I am a Mother,Yes I am breastfeeding my six month old son.Grow up and wind your neck in a bit Jenn
Ana, I think you’re reading into what I wrote. While I may disagree with a mother’s choice not to breastfeed simply because she couldn’t be bothered, I never felt, or said (at least, I hope I haven’t!), that breastfeeding automatically makes you a better mother. It doesn’t. Being a loving, nuturing mother is what makes you a good mother. -Jenn
I enjoyed reading your rants, well they arnt totally rants, but your point of view on certain topics. I completely agree with point #1, #3. I cant share my views on #2 with the Brestfeeding, as I do not have any children myself and I am chosing not to answer that. Though I do agree with all the benifits of breastfeeding, bonding etc. I do see it as a personal choice each mother is to make.
Your Driving rant made me smile. I completely understand. Why turn off high beams 10feet away, because they are idiots and did’nt realize that they had them on still… thinking it would make it easier on you that way. (lol!)
I always like looking though pictures someone else has taken with my camera. I hope they are all wounderful pictures. Perhaps when Alyssa is a little older, let her play with the camera and I’m sure you’ll get some amazing pictures of toes, and random half objects.
I kept my older digital camera for that purpose – to let her play with.
This one I use now is over $400 – I’d be afraid to let her touch it! :D -Jenn
Well, being 15 I have no say on breastfeeding, other than I think I agree with you (won’t say for sure, I haven’t been there). As far as forcing senior citizens to get checked, I agree TOTALLY. I think anyone who says it’s wrong to do so it endangering the lives of many instead of perhaps hurting the feelings of and old person. I also feel exactly the same about racial profiling…but ah well. Eh, I hate PP with a violent passion because of that shirt they put out. It’s funny, crazily enough you’re starting to sound a bit like a republican! Gasp and horror lol! I think you’re less democratic than I thought. Anyway, merry Christmas to you (my way of being non-PC, I’m refusing to say happy holidays in school because the break is centered around Christmas and is therefore Christmas break haha). Have a good one.
I see a lot of babies at work with their hair pulled up at the middle of their head and it sticks upward. Although, I don’t really like that hair do, I always want to yank at it. lol
Thanks for your response, Jenn.
V xx
Breastfeeding is such a touchy issue, and it shouldn’t be. It’s human nature. People baffle me with their ignorance. I wish I could have nursed longer, but like you mentioned above, I was one of the unlucky ones to have a low milk supply and Jordan had a horrid latch.
Okay, I know this comment will most likely be deleted…but I will post it anyway. Regarding Rant #1, I think you are being EXTREMELY hypocritical! Right before you got pregnant with Alyssa, you ADMITTED that you and Daniel were having unprotected sex. You made it quite clear that you were not ready and/or prepared to get pregnant/become a mother yet…but you still CHOSE to have unprotected sex. And you obviously didn’t rush to a Planned Parenthood or take the Morning After Pill, hence the birth of Alyssa. I remember, shortly before you became pregnant, you said something like “I know this sounds bad….but I kind of wonder why I haven’t gotten pregnant yet.” You said that because you were fully aware that you and Daniel were having unprotected sex…yet you chose to continue not using proper protection. And obviously, you knew that unprotected sex often leads to pregnancy. I also remember, a few years ago, you used to rant and rave about all these girls who have unprotected sex and then whine and cry when they suddenly end up pregnant. Yet, you yourself ended up in that exact same situation….and what was YOUR reaction when you found out you were pregnant? I quote, “Oh, fuck!” I am not making that up, you said it in your blog, as well as your old autobiographical info. I am not making ANY of this up..I remember it all quite clearly. You also said that, when you found out you were pregnant w/Alyssa, the chances of you having an abortion were “40%.” I hope and pray that Alyssa never finds out that your reaction to discovering you were pregnant with her was “Oh, fuck!” and you thought about aborting her. I am not trying to sound mean, but your hypocrisy really bothers me. I also feel sorry for all these children who were unplanned/”accidents” and then, at some point during their childhood/life, they find that out. I’m sure that would be pretty damaging to a child’s self-esteem/self-worth. Alyssa is a BEAUTifUL little girl, and I am not, by any means, accusing you of being a bad mother. I just think you are pretty quick to judge others when you, yourself, do a lot of the things that you rant about others doing. It’s just like the whole “cam whore” issue. You always used to rant about those sleazy girls who flashed their tits on cam for money….yet, YOU admittedly resulted to “cam-whoring” yourself! Granted, I don’t think you did it for very long (a few months, if I remember correctly), but you still chose to do it…after ranting and raving about how “slutty” you thought it was. I’m sure I will get a lot of slack for this post, but oh well–that’s not going to phase me. I am entitled to my opinions…and, considering that my opinions about this particular topic are all based on FACTUAL information that you posted on your blog for anyone and everyone to read, I’m sure there are probably a lot of other people who agree with me. I know we all make mistakes, but it annoys me when people (such as yourself) are such hypocrits.
To the previous commenters, it is beyond possible that Jenn says such things toward the sexually promiscuous because she doesn’t want them to have the same turn of events as she. Also it was beyond possible that Jenn has matured in the past year; quite possible, as evidenced by her posts.
As for point #2, the fact is that your opinion doesn’t matter ALL of the time. You wouldn’t want someone telling you how to raise your kids, so don’t tell others how to raise theirs.
I do agree with seniors being required to take vision tests to keep their license, anyone with sight problems should really be required. With age, a lot of times, comes sight trouble.
As for breastfeeding, I do not have children (unable to due to medical reasons), so I’m not sure if my opinion counts/matters but you do come off pretty strong with your opinion. I guess as women and mothers (not myself but others) we often do that. I do know there are benefits to breastfeeding but I don’t think a woman should be shunned or frowned upon because of her choice. Like a lot of things with pregnancy, the choice is the mothers and what suits you and your child, may not suit another woman and her child. A lot of women are forced to return to work within a matter of weeks of giving birth, like yourself, a lot of woman have unsteady schedules that may not be suitable for breastfeeding. If I were able to have children, I don’t know that I would breastfeed.. not because I wouldn’t want to, I would naturally want that bond and give my baby the best nutrients but my schedule has always been wild/crazy. I would have to start breastfeeding, only to convert to formula upon entering back into the workforce. I think it is really up to the mother. Mothers (heck, women in general) have enough stress and pressure in society. What is right for you, may not be for someone else.
And I don’t think I want to touch the first one.
Hope you have a great day.
Congrats on the new baby by the way!! I hope he/she is as adorable as little Alyssa. :D
Claire,
I think it was a little outta bounds to bring up the fact that she contemplated abortion. I too vividly remember reading about this on her blog; but I respected her immensely for the way she used writing as a means of deciphering her own emotions about that matter. So what if she considered it.. or hypotheticalized it. She inevitably chose otherwise, and is now the happy mom of a healthy, beautiful little girl. It’s more than clear she’s pleased with the way her life is going, and the choices she’s made.. and that, to me, is what counts.
As someone who’s been there but changed her mind too, I had to add my 2cents.
Regarding the breastfeeding thing – everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I didn’t breastfeed.. it was agonizingly painful so I used formula. While some might disagree with my choice to stop trying, I’m not going to get all hyped up over another person’s opinion. They’re like assholes, and everyone has one. You can have yours, Jenn can have hers.
momof2, My peeve was more about her hypocrisy….not so much about the fact that she contemplated/considered abortion….although, as I said, I hope Alyssa never finds that out.