What is fair?

Let's say you live on a world where there are two separate societies. Both societies consist of the same species but in one society, let's call it Ellitopia, they have a high quality of life. They have an established set of rules that allow all their citizens the potential to prosper and treat everyone equally, they have an abundance of natural resources and they recognize the value of an education, As a result, their society has amassed a great amount of wealth. In the other society, let's call it Palinbeckistan, things aren't as good. The have scarce natural resources, they have not yet discovered the value of an education, they have corrupt leaders who exploit their positions of power and oppress the majority of their population.

Now the people in Ellitopia realize how good they've got and and want to protect it. They don't want the Palinbeckistinians coming over and causing problems so they set up rules to keep the Palinbeckistanians out. The Palinbeckistinians, of course, look on the Ellitopians with longing and wish life could be better for them. They think the solution is not to fix their society but to become part of the other society.

Now here's my question. Are the Ellitopians within their rights to say, we don't want any Palinbeckistinians in our society? How did they get this right? Is it the random advantage of being born an Ellitopian that gives you access to the good life and gives Palinbekistinians the misfortune of living a life of misery? Is that really fair? I'm just curious.......

They take so much for granted.....

Conversation with my son:

D: I'm packing my lunch on the field trip tomorrow.

Me: OK, so you need to get up earlier than when I usually wake you up.

D: No, I'm packing so you have to make it.

Me: No, I paid for a cafeteria lunch for your field trip so I'm not packing you anything.

D: So I have to pack my own lunch?!

Me: Yes.

Let's see if he actually does......

The problem with standardized tests in our schools....

As critical adult thinkers, I want to see if you can come close to answering what my 3rd grade son is expected to parrot back in writing on his Virginia Standards of Learning exam. Remember, these are questions based on living in the United States. Good luck! Here we go.

1. These are things that people must or must not do.
2. Which decision making requires comparing both the opportunity cost and the monetary cost of choices with benefits?
3. What are rules that people live by?
4. All choice require giving up ____________. (opportunity cost)
5. What is the purpose of rules?
6. Name three natural resources.
7. Tell the three purposes of government.
8. What is a place where people can live, work and play?
9. Who protects the rights and property of individuals?
10. What is the choice of or decision among alternatives or possibilities?
    

The E.T.Scarf

The other day my four year old nephew called. It was our first real phone conversation! He was so cute when he asked me to knit him a scarf. He said, "Tia Ellie, can you make me a scarf with stripes?" How could I even think about turning him down? I asked him what his favorite colors were and he very carefully told me they were, "Red (long pause), blue (more thinking), green (are you still there?), and black." Then he remembered one more thing. "Please put some tassels on the ends." How polite!

I was at Mosaic Yarn Shop yesterday and bought all the supplies. My first attempt was a little too short but I kept going hoping it would lengthen once I took it off the needles. No such luck. It wasn't even big enough for his two year old brother but it fit E.T.'s skinny neck just right. That's how the scarf got its name. Now am at work on the real one with enough yarn left and should have it done in time to give it to him during the Easter weekend when I will see him. I think I'll give him the E.T. doll too, if it doesn't freak him out too much!

I hope that every time he wears it, he will feel his Tia hugging him from miles away.

My knitting group

I've been knitting for a couple of years now. My friend, Julie invited me to a knit shop out in the country. The owner Carole stays open late on Wednesdays and there's an open invitation to come knit and drink some wine. Those who gather only have one thing in common, a love of knitting. We have working knitters in their 40's, like me and some older and younger. Some of the participants are retired. Some have young families, some have teenagers and some are empty nesters. We have married, single and divorced knitters in all different socioeconomic levels. Most of the knitters have a never ending supply of stories to tell. I love hearing each and every one. Last week I heard about the history of the post office in Brownsburg. We talk about relationships, infidelity, spirituality, kids, parents, animals and I'm sure I'm missing a lot of other topics. Nothing is taboo and it's surprising how unflappable the older women are! If anyone is struggling needing advice, you can find it with this group!

The group also has started meeting outside of the yarn shop and I took some pictures at a recent Sunday afternoon gathering. The temperature was perfect and we spent the entire time on Sandy's porch. I am so lucky to know these beautiful people!

Things I want to do with my parents

I'm going to be visiting my parents soon. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like. We live about a six hour drive from each other. Since our visits are only a few times a year I like to get the most out of them. I've put together a list of things I want to do with mom and dad. I plan to use it as a check list so I don't forget anything. We'll see how well I do.....

• Stamp and create cards with my mom
• Learn to crochet a granny square
• Listen to and document stories of their past
• Discuss life, religion, parenting, family (this one comes naturally and will be easy)
• Discuss their finances (for the sake of of curiosity and understanding and not because I think they're in trouble or plan on asking for a loan)
• Make a plan to celebrate my dad's 70th year of life milestone
• Get an update on my mom's health and Parkinsons progression
• Learn some traditional Mexican songs
• Help my dad with figure out Facebook
• Play board games
• Be pleasant, cheerful company and not revert to the self-centered, whininess of my youth!

Time seems to be moving faster and faster so I trying to get the most out of life and live in the moment!

You want to be a parent? You have to pass a test.

Today I read about a horrible event. A woman who was clearly not of sound mind, did something unthinkable to her newborn infant. Something that should never be allowed to happen. I don't know where things fell apart.

Before I adopted my two children, I had to go through an adoption agency's program which included interviews, questionnaires, inspections of my home, etc. I didn't resent any of it because it's important to ascertain that people are qualified to be parents before any child is placed in their care. What I want to know, is why isn't this a requirement for EVERY parent? It should be. The standards don't even need to be that high. Just verify that the people living in the home are not clinically diagnosed with mental illness, that their home is not a death trap, that they have the funds to feed, clothe, care for a child. Just basic stuff.

The other sad thing is too many people are afraid to speak up when they see something that looks wrong. I myself have seen moms lose it in public places with their kids and thought it wasn't enough to say something. Who knows? It could've been just a bad moment but it could've been something that happens regularly. At least once a day I act in ways that I am not proud as a result of my children pushing my buttons. Nothing big, just little things like lowering myself to their childish level in an argument or digging my heels in about something that I could let go. It's so hard being a parent!

If there were free ongoing classes on how to manage through parenthood, I would so be there to learn more. I feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants most of the time. How cool would it be require all parents to attend classes throughout their parenthood years to help us be the best we can be? Then you'd be able to catch all the whack-o's who are veering off track before bad, crazy things happen.

It's just part of my plan to make this world more perfect.......