I don't think people are disagreeing with the part about people needing to take responsibility for themselves. I agree with that. But passing blame onto the entire neighborhood, onto people who had nothing to do with the crime that goes on, is what PPs are trying to point out to you. And maybe they are wondering if you wanted to discuss solutions to the problem or just complain about it?

I've worked with kids from those neighborhoods. Some have caring parents that are trying keep them out of trouble and nourish their kids interests, talents and potential. Some are full of anger and attitude. If one starts trouble, it wouldn't be fair of me to blame them all just because they don't live very far from each other.

The troublemaker needs to take responsibility for his/her behavior, but since his/her parents probably won't do it...I am thankful that there are outreach programs to try to steer these kids in the right direction. Throwing out divisive, generalized comments don't really do anything but fuel ignorance on all sides and take the focus away from actually solving the problem.

I think music choice and hairstyle have nothing to do with the shooting or DCs crime problem. I have colleagues, friends, students and relatives that have dreads. They all have jobs and degrees. I grew up listening to rap, have a tattoo, have never shot anyone and am employed.

I had a boss that would wear the same black jeans with holes and stained t-shirt every day for 2 weeks (he only worked 2 weeks out of the month). He spent all his money on fine art and modern furniture for his swanky Santa Monica condo, but not a dime on clothing!

I give mine 10 min snooze time as he wakes up to Transformers music. Then after 10 min I say, "wake up Optimus Prime," in my robot voice, "the Decepticons are coming...we must power up in the water chamber (shower), put on our disguise (get dressed), and fuel up (eat). That usually gets him up with a smile.

DD is harder to wake up, so I started putting her to bed earlier and I give her 20 min snooze time. When it's time to get up, I rub her back and tell her good morning, sleeping beauty....let's put on your princess clothes. Or sometimes I pretend I'm a cat and meow at her to wake up. She likes classical, so I that's what I play. Works much better than when I used to just turn on the lights and say, "Time to wake up," a million times and she'd wake up in a bad mood.

My Dad used to wake me up with a wet wash cloth to my face and bad singing...and I would make up mad. So I try to make DCs waking up experience relaxing and fun.

three-legged

OK, I guess I won't feel so bad about keeping them inside. They were rescued as kittens, so I don't want them to end up homeless again. And there are lots of crazy drivers on my street. I'll get them a kitty gym or something. Oh and, they are not declawed...I agree!

Just curious though, has anyone used that invisible fence thing?

I've had cats all my life. Growing up, we always let them go outside. Several cats stayed with us until they died of old age, but several ran away. In my 20s I moved around a lot, so I kept my cats indoors. Now that I'm not moving around so much, and have a new set of cats, I'm considering letting my cats go outside because I feel bad that they're cooped up in the house all the time. But at the same time I don't want to deal with fleas or for them to get lost (and break my kids' hearts). Do you think it mean to never let your cat outside or good sense?

Anonymous wrote:

zumbamama wrote:My mom didn't want to be called Grandma because she thinks it sounds too old. She came up with her own name, but I don't see anything wrong with it. MIL and S-MIL also chose their own names. I think it's easier to refer to them by their chosen names instead of Grandma 1, Grandma 2 and Grandma 3.

When I'm a grandmother I want to be called Lola, which is what I call mine.

I like Lolo and Lola and think it's too bad I am not Filipino.

maybe your DCs will marry a Filipino(a) then they can call you Lola!

My mom didn't want to be called Grandma because she thinks it sounds too old. She came up with her own name, but I don't see anything wrong with it. MIL and S-MIL also chose their own names. I think it's easier to refer to them by their chosen names instead of Grandma 1, Grandma 2 and Grandma 3.

When I'm a grandmother I want to be called Lola, which is what I call mine.

I like M.A.C.

Anonymous wrote:My mom was born at 24 weeks in 1949 - before any technological advances like we have today - she was about 2 lbs - they put her to the side to save the life of her mother thinking that she'd never survive. Then she spent another few weeks in an incubator. Needless to say she did survive - she's 60 years old now, bikes and is generally healthier than most women her age except for a little asthma and allergies.

Wow, that's pretty amazing!

Mine was born at 27 weeks, 3 pounds. I had been on bedrest for low fluid for weeks. She spent 2 months in the NICU w/o any other complications. Healthy and active, 4 years later. It's amazing how many preemies they are able to save now.

Anonymous wrote:

OP, do you have to leave the country?

No, I was just curious and bored at work one day, a long time ago.

I can't believe I used to love Spam....highly treasured in the Philippines. ick!

As long as I have my health, yes. It's just a matter of living on less. It might be tough, but not impossible.