Patriotic

As I've mentioned many times before I'm a proud flag waving American. So imagine how warm and fuzzy I felt when after coming from (a long day of partially gratifying) work I saw that my daughter came home with her hand made flag that said "don't forget to vote". My little patriot.

On to more routine matters. My kids, especially my little son, have a hard time adjusting to the return-from-daylight-savings-time. Two days ago, around 6:30 I told my daughter that I'm going to put the baby to bed and then she can watch "Elmo visits the Doctor" before turning in.
Imagine my surprise when a few minutes later my baby rejected his good-night-bottle with an unhappy no ( which he usually greets with delight) and started crying. I asked him what's the matter and he said 'unt Elmo data'. I was so impressed I let him watch Elmo data. He didn't watch much because he started dosing off after a few minutes. And I'm still impressed with his power of persuasion.

Two short stories

Yesterday, there was an announcement over the loudspeaker for all the residents who choose to vote to come to the main dining room at a certain hour. In response to this announcement one of my unbiased assistant-turned-politician yelled out "Any resident who'll vote for McCain will be discharged from this facility!" I asked if he is discharging them to his house but he didn't seem to think that my joke was as funny as his. He is one of many who preach (exclusive) freedom of expression and racial equality (and hinting that anyone outside of his race is somewhat inferior).

I drove to a Jewish neighborhood to buy me some pizza for lunch. The place is a bit overpriced but I was hungry and my choices were limited. As I was waiting for my pizza and old lady ordered a cup of soup. When a small $3 cup of soup was brought to her she asked what comes with it. The worker asked the owner can she get something with her soup, i.e. pita or crackers and the owner said " give her a spoon". The lady asked for something to go with soup again, and again he offered to give her a spoon. I know the economy is shvach and the times are tough but did he really need to be so RUDE?

Socialization over the weekend

Over the weekend I revisited my social-butterfly-days:
Friday night, for the first time, visited one of my neighbors whom I used to know in my HS/College days. Told her that I remembered her because of her 'distinctive features'..."Yea, one of my eyes is 1/2 grey 1/2 brown." 'Oh, it is??"

Shabbat day, I visited another neighbors who had some mutual friends over for lunch. We discussed many things that changed and many that remained the same. One of the friends said to my-17-lbs-heavier-since-the-last-meeting-self "You are still skinny after two kids! How you do it!?" I thanked her for the compliment, also wondering how I did it (and decided not to get up for the rest of my visit, just in case this friend looked at my midriff).

Sunday, in response to an email from an MD friend re: being on vacation, emailed back 'You are allowed to take vacation?" Got an email back "We are human, too." which made me think that some things are better left for personal conversations...

But you gained weight...

When I was pregnant with SiM I had some GI issues which at one point made me loose my appetite. I tried to handle it on my own but then decided to mention it to my OB.
Imagine my annoyance and disappointment when instead of giving me some suggestions, pills, heck-just emphathy, he told me that I gained 3 lbs in 4 weeks and that's more than enough. He also suggested I take up exercise because all his patients who exercise have easier pregnancy and post partum experiences.

A couple of weeks ago I took my daughter to pediatrician for her shots. When the MD asked if I have any questions/concerns I told her that my daughter's appetite went down dramatically and would the doctor have any suggestions/recommendations for me.
MD's answer- "Your daughter's gained weighted since her last visit so I wouldn't worry about her appetite".
GGGGGRRRRRRR!

Do these doctors listen or only read charts?

Ouch

http://benshapiromedia.blogspot.com/2008/10/jewish-case-against-barack-obama.html

Chol Hamoed

I think yesterday marked the very first time we as a family went to an amusement park. The trip included just about everything a family trip to an amusement park should have:
-a ride on a merry-go-round for all (with smiling kiddies and a bit nauseated mom and dad);
-a mini roller coaster ride;
-one parent getting most of the only-kids-can-enjoy spinning rides (because the other parent 'would throw up');
-a parent squeezing into the back of a kiddie boat ride and almost sinking the boat (or "how long can 3 minutes last?");
-being lightly shoved and pushed by little and big kids and by some;
-a mini panic attack when for a few long seconds a kid is presumed to be lost (and then found behind my back);
-overpriced but otherwise enjoyable burgers and fries;
-a mild disagreement on how many rides are too many for kids under 3;
-a mild disagreement on the necessity of pony rides for kids under 3 who are a bit tired and overstimulated by the amusement park;
-a happy ride home. (I think this one was a bonus).

20th anniversary

It's been 20 years since my family and I got off the boat ( @ the JFK airport) and I'd like to take this opportunity to yet again thank God and my parents for bringing me to the States!
This is a wonderful country where anyone who's willing to put in some effort can achieve just about anything and I'm proud to be an American.