Well isn't that special......

I've got more than a few pet peeves. I know that. And then there are some things that I just absolutely, positively will NOT do.  Get your filthy minds out of the gutter. I'm talking about parking illegally.

I have never and will never park in a handicapped parking spot without a proper permit. It absolutely pisses me off when people do just that.

I was leaving Spuntino the other day when I watched this putz in his Audi TT zip into a "spot" which he created in the blue lines between two handicapped parking spots. So he effectively put not one, but TWO handicapped parking spots out of commission. Way to go, Jerk Off. He jumped out, ran into Spuntino. Knowing he was parked illegally, he must have been a real joy to wait on for the counter guys. I can imagine him anxiously bouncing from one leg to the other, trying to keep an eye on the parking lot in case he gets a ticket while trying to pay for his pizza and get back to his illegally parked probable mid-life crisis car.

Yes, I took a picture as he was pulling away. Did you know that the town of Huntington actually has people with cameras that take photos of people parked illegally and then send you the ticket with the fine for your illegal parking act? I'm betting that I could send this photo in and he'd get a ticket. I could consider it my civic duty. It would probably take more spare time than I have to find out exactly how to do that. After all, I have blogs to write about Kazoo and Daddy baseball. I know Sue and Stephanie will agree with me (wink wink). 

So to the owner of the silver Audi TT, NY license plate OSF 318, you'll probably never see this blog. While your lack of common sense and courtesy does qualify as a mental deficit, it does not entitle you to park in/on/in between handicapped parking spots. Don't park in handicapped spots while you run in and pick up pizza. It's not cool. 

If any one reading this blog knows this tool, let him know he was busted. 

Thanks in advance for your anticipated assistance. 

Embarrassing my children is my life's task

I had a great conversation with my son James tonight. He didn't think it was a great one but I did.

We somehow got into a conversation about personal grooming with James and Jamie. I love my husband but he should not get into personal grooming conversations. I have much better advice than he does, having actually experienced the waxing process. I will not get into the nitty gritty details but Jamie had a couple of suggestions, the theory was right, the execution was WRONG.

James, at this point, is climbing under a blanket stating "I hate my family and I'm posting that on Facebook but don't take it personally."

When a conversation comes up and it's an opportunity for a teaching lesson, you have to grab it. Whether it's during a Knicks game or some time in the car, I grab it.

And you know I'm right, James.

Love ya, mean it.

We are not friends on Facebook so I know he'll never see this but I know he knows it :)

Women Warriors

I had a crazy busy day today and as usual it revolved around my sons' baseball schedules. James had a game against Smithtown High School East. They lost but Smithtown East players are gentlemen and have a deep sense of sportmanship, unlike East Islip. I will fill you in on the East Islip antics in another blog. Baseball game, get back home to get Joe ready for baseball practice, go pick up James from HSE, back to Otsego then home to get dressed. Another wake.

We lost a family friend this week. Gary was only 26 years old. He was much loved by his family and his children but that wasn't enough to overcome his demons. I have to tell you that I am weary of the phone calls and messages this year telling me that I've lost another friend. Over a dozen this year so far and it's only April. I don't want to become known as the obit blogger but it sadly is a part of my reality.

I would tell you about Gary but tonight I want to focus on the strong women who figure so greatly in our lives. I call them my women warriors. They come in every shape and form but they are fearless and amazing.

I watched Susan tonight at her son's coffin, stroking his hair and mourning her baby. I watched her sisters come one by one and kneel with her, place an arm around her in support. I prayed to God that I never have to live out that tableau. Then there is Krista. Krista had the strength to get up and say a prayer from the heart that no one else go through this pain and that Gary's death serve as a life lesson, a hope that no other family should live through this painful lesson. Krista is Gary's sister-in-law and provided Gary with shelter and love in the most difficult of times.
 
I have a group of women in my life whom I know should I need that arm around my shoulder would be there in a heart beat. A few are blood related but most are not.

For those of you wanting a funny story from me tonight, that's not happening. But when I write about East Islip and Daddy baseball, you're gonna laugh your ass off. I promise.

In the meantime, to all my women warriors, thank you and stay strong because I need you to be so. Some of you don't even know how bad ass you are. Becky, Suzanne, Steph, Bridget, Lucy, Maria, Carlene, Jamie and many many more....thank you :)

On a side note, I'm so loving the RHNYC and just saw the promo for RHNJ...can't wait!!!!

Stupid is as stupid does

Some ideas are just plain stupid.

Bebe Gluton, the breastfeeding doll, is just a stupid idea for a toy. Any time the words "strategically placed faux nipples" are part of the instruction for playing with a doll, WINNING. Imagine the look of joy on your face when you watch your adorable son when he straps on the faux flower nipple apron and plays away for hours on end.

In the spirit of inappropriate instructional toys, here are a few more:

Yes, it's an actual creepy shaving doll. Eeeeeewww.

In the spirit of Miley Cyrus, it's the Pole Dancer, not at all related to my beloved Dancerina Ballerina.

Just because it can be made doesn't mean it should be made. Is this really a part of motherhood that we need to have little girls emulating at such an early age? I certainly am not knocking breastfeeding. I breastfed both of my sons and strongly encourage any expectant mom to give it a try. But little girls? It's a very slippery slope and a very mixed message. Don't get pregnant, kids, but here's a breastfeeding doll to enjoy many happy hours of play time.

We as parents work very hard to try and keep our children, children. It is our job to protect our children. As with Abercrombie and their padded swimsuit top for little girls, if you don't buy it, they can't sell it.