People using 'awesome' and 'oh my god' are to be stoned to death (oh damn, that's not legal anymore), okay shunned, because their vocabulary is limited.
I was really looking forward to the stoning.
Saturday, 05 April 2008
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Drumming and Divorce
I took MD to a drumming circle. Big mistake. He's hooked... big time.
Two months later and we are now the proud owners of 12 drums. Not only that, we're gonna have our very own drumming circle venue.
Naturally, the house contruction, and especially my new kitchen I was assured would be finished by last Christmas, has been put on hold.
Truth be told. I really enjoy drumming.
There has been an unexpected reaction though.
My work colleagues assumed I was gatvol about the kitchen and was threatening divorce. I wondered at the source of this rumour until, two weeks later, realised that it was because I don't wear my rings.
To set the record straight. Drumming makes your hands swell and rings can damage the skins.
Ya, I'm a little peeved about the kitchen but another year of bunking cooking detail is fine by me.
Two months later and we are now the proud owners of 12 drums. Not only that, we're gonna have our very own drumming circle venue.
Naturally, the house contruction, and especially my new kitchen I was assured would be finished by last Christmas, has been put on hold.
Truth be told. I really enjoy drumming.
There has been an unexpected reaction though.
My work colleagues assumed I was gatvol about the kitchen and was threatening divorce. I wondered at the source of this rumour until, two weeks later, realised that it was because I don't wear my rings.
To set the record straight. Drumming makes your hands swell and rings can damage the skins.
Ya, I'm a little peeved about the kitchen but another year of bunking cooking detail is fine by me.
Ta Da... the Cynic is back... by popular demand nogal
Back to work after the long weekend. My good mood was soon mashed by our resident hyperchondriac who has returned after 2 weeks compassionate leave. My empathy has long been used up so when she complained of sinus at 9am and then concussion at 10am, I knew we were in for the long haul. Yep. 11am rolled around and out came her depression meds. At noon, we were treated to 'my bruise is bigger than yours' show. 1pm had her phoning every gynae in town because her daughter is pregnant and 'someone' has some pox or another. The calls and family conference lasted till 5pm.
Now that just pisses me off because her chair warming means that the rest of the department is still carrying the load and her complaining, crying and moaning means we might all need to play 'pass the Prozac'. I have a solution but its illegal.
Half-Pint is at Pony Camp. I do love this 'outsourcing kids' stuff.
She called tonight to let me know she's still alive and I need not pick her up early. This independant streak is usual so don't be alarmed, however, I did think we'd strayed from the parenting path when she calmly remarked that a snake was slithering over her feet. The call was cut and I was considering dialing 911 when she called back to say she'd caught the 'harmless' red lipped herald.
Okay, I confess. We have two snakes in the house. And spiders, lizards and other bugs. They live in cages and get admired, fed and handled.
So where did we go wrong? My mom said to put 'em outside with sun and dirt, toss a book and pet in and voila, happy healthy kid. She did not specify that the pet was singular and that fur was preferred.
Now that just pisses me off because her chair warming means that the rest of the department is still carrying the load and her complaining, crying and moaning means we might all need to play 'pass the Prozac'. I have a solution but its illegal.
Half-Pint is at Pony Camp. I do love this 'outsourcing kids' stuff.
She called tonight to let me know she's still alive and I need not pick her up early. This independant streak is usual so don't be alarmed, however, I did think we'd strayed from the parenting path when she calmly remarked that a snake was slithering over her feet. The call was cut and I was considering dialing 911 when she called back to say she'd caught the 'harmless' red lipped herald.
Okay, I confess. We have two snakes in the house. And spiders, lizards and other bugs. They live in cages and get admired, fed and handled.
So where did we go wrong? My mom said to put 'em outside with sun and dirt, toss a book and pet in and voila, happy healthy kid. She did not specify that the pet was singular and that fur was preferred.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Hot Air
Great excitement this morning.
A hot air balloon landed on our property this morning. Shortly afterward, a cavalcade of cars arrived to collect the adventurers and paraphernalia.
They did not stay for coffee... reckon they've been shot at too many times.
Hmmmm.
A hot air balloon landed on our property this morning. Shortly afterward, a cavalcade of cars arrived to collect the adventurers and paraphernalia.
They did not stay for coffee... reckon they've been shot at too many times.
Hmmmm.
Whine, whine, whine.
My Mom has a Aanhanger. For those who don't know, an Aanhanger is an adult dependant who should know better than to take advantage. Aanhangers like to hook up with soft hearted folk who should know better than to get taken in.
Anyway, Mom pours Aanhanger a glass of good wine. Aanhanger complains that the wine is not fine and suggests Mom buy a cheaper sort in the future. Mom suggests Aanhanger buy his own wine in future.
Aanhanger did not like this at all but liked it even less when Mom removed the full glass and poured it down the drain.
Annhanger has not whined nor wined since.
Go Mom!
Anyway, Mom pours Aanhanger a glass of good wine. Aanhanger complains that the wine is not fine and suggests Mom buy a cheaper sort in the future. Mom suggests Aanhanger buy his own wine in future.
Aanhanger did not like this at all but liked it even less when Mom removed the full glass and poured it down the drain.
Annhanger has not whined nor wined since.
Go Mom!
Saturday, 08 September 2007
Oh what a tangled web we weave..
Half Pint returned home from school this weekend... with braided hair.
Now I'm not referring to a single plait or even two Pippy Langkous plaits. Nope. I'm talking braided as only our chocolate sisters can do it. Minuscule braids of a few strands tightly woven on the scalp. I should mention at this point that Half Pint is vanilla and has naturally wavy blond hair that usually reached midpoint down her back.
OMG it took ages to undo this. Half Pint hit notes most Sopranos don't reach.
I think rweq...
At this point (a week ago), an incident happened. Spilt Coffee 1, Keyboard 0.
Keybo@rd h@d to go to ICU. B@by @ h@s not recovered so USB keyboard has stepped in to assist.
Anyway, Braid Bunny turned into Frizzy Lizzy. Half a bottle of silicone spray later and her hair was back to normal.
Half Pint casually mentioned that "maybe she should cut her hair short". The deceitful, wicked, conniving parents jumped at this opportunity and booked an appointment before she changed her mind.
This week, Half Pint sports a lovely, really short, curly style... and not a braid in site.
Cost - R40 for cut and R30 for styling gel.
Savings - no clips, hairties, tantrums and my sanity.
Now I'm not referring to a single plait or even two Pippy Langkous plaits. Nope. I'm talking braided as only our chocolate sisters can do it. Minuscule braids of a few strands tightly woven on the scalp. I should mention at this point that Half Pint is vanilla and has naturally wavy blond hair that usually reached midpoint down her back.
OMG it took ages to undo this. Half Pint hit notes most Sopranos don't reach.
I think rweq...
At this point (a week ago), an incident happened. Spilt Coffee 1, Keyboard 0.
Keybo@rd h@d to go to ICU. B@by @ h@s not recovered so USB keyboard has stepped in to assist.
Anyway, Braid Bunny turned into Frizzy Lizzy. Half a bottle of silicone spray later and her hair was back to normal.
Half Pint casually mentioned that "maybe she should cut her hair short". The deceitful, wicked, conniving parents jumped at this opportunity and booked an appointment before she changed her mind.
This week, Half Pint sports a lovely, really short, curly style... and not a braid in site.
Cost - R40 for cut and R30 for styling gel.
Savings - no clips, hairties, tantrums and my sanity.
Wednesday, 05 September 2007
Euthanasia
Found this interesting article on News24 on Euthanasia, written by Isla Rechner.
I've taken liberties in copying some of the article.
The controversial topic of euthanasia has invoked strong feelings from approving and disapproving parties for years, even centuries. The question is that of its true justification or of its dismissals as an ethical practice.
Euthanasia comes from the Greek words eu and thatos, which roughly translate into English as "good death". It is the practice of ending the life of a terminally ill patient in a minimally painful way, as opposed to the incurable illness ending the patient's life in an agonising way.
There are three classifications of euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is withholding treatment from a patient knowing that it will most likely result in the death of the patient.
Non-aggressive euthanasia is performed by the removal of the patient's life support.
Aggressive euthanasia, by far the most controversial, is the purposive act of administering a lethal substance resulting in the forced death of a patient.
People have various reasons for approving of euthanasia. These include considering the quality of life of the patient and if it warrants continuation of living, as well as the free will of the patient on whether to decide to continue living in their condition, or to end their life on their terms.
The argument against euthanasia considers the factors that it is immoral and a form of suicide in most belief systems. It is also disputed that euthanasia can only be voluntary if the patient is mentally competent enough to make that decision.
This debate was highlighted by the case of Terry Schiavo of Florida, America. She was a relatively healthy woman before 1990, when she collapsed and suffered from cardiac and respiratory arrest. The lack of oxygen while she was being resuscitated lead her to being brain damaged and dependent on a feeding tube.
A complex issue
After years of attempted rehabilitation with no success, her husband decided that it would be in the best interest of his wife to remove her life support, a view vehemently opposed by her parents. The matter went to the courts, resulting in many years of petitions and appeals filed by the husband and the parents.
It was in these courts that it was realised that Terry Schiavo would not have wished to remain in her condition with no hope of recovery. On the 18th of March 2005, her feeding tube was removed. She died on the 31st of March 2005.
Euthanasia is a complex issue riddled with aspects specific to an individual's belief system and moral ethics. One needs to explore all avenues of this matter before casting judgement on it.
It should also be ensured that their wishes are heard and understood before they are not mentally competent enough to make the decision themselves. You never know if your life will be another person's decision.
This topic brought back painful memories for me. My late father had terminal cancer. He refused chemotherapy and invasive surgery. Chemo is painful and dibilitating. Same for surgery. He would get no benefit, only pain. He also signed a DNR (Do Not Resusitate). We watched him wither away physically for 8 long months. He was mentally alert all this time - even did the crossword puzzle on the day he died.
What pains me is that Dad begged to be euthanased. He was given morphine to dull the pain but not enough to end it. We contrived all sorts of schemes but I could not do it. Not because I didn't want to but because it is illegal. We were bound by the collective morality and laws of others. His dignity was hijacked. Would you want to wear a nappy and be force fed through a feeding tube?
Nothing was gained from his suffering.
I'd like to know what your opinion on this is.
I've taken liberties in copying some of the article.
The controversial topic of euthanasia has invoked strong feelings from approving and disapproving parties for years, even centuries. The question is that of its true justification or of its dismissals as an ethical practice.
Euthanasia comes from the Greek words eu and thatos, which roughly translate into English as "good death". It is the practice of ending the life of a terminally ill patient in a minimally painful way, as opposed to the incurable illness ending the patient's life in an agonising way.
There are three classifications of euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is withholding treatment from a patient knowing that it will most likely result in the death of the patient.
Non-aggressive euthanasia is performed by the removal of the patient's life support.
Aggressive euthanasia, by far the most controversial, is the purposive act of administering a lethal substance resulting in the forced death of a patient.
People have various reasons for approving of euthanasia. These include considering the quality of life of the patient and if it warrants continuation of living, as well as the free will of the patient on whether to decide to continue living in their condition, or to end their life on their terms.
The argument against euthanasia considers the factors that it is immoral and a form of suicide in most belief systems. It is also disputed that euthanasia can only be voluntary if the patient is mentally competent enough to make that decision.
This debate was highlighted by the case of Terry Schiavo of Florida, America. She was a relatively healthy woman before 1990, when she collapsed and suffered from cardiac and respiratory arrest. The lack of oxygen while she was being resuscitated lead her to being brain damaged and dependent on a feeding tube.
A complex issue
After years of attempted rehabilitation with no success, her husband decided that it would be in the best interest of his wife to remove her life support, a view vehemently opposed by her parents. The matter went to the courts, resulting in many years of petitions and appeals filed by the husband and the parents.
It was in these courts that it was realised that Terry Schiavo would not have wished to remain in her condition with no hope of recovery. On the 18th of March 2005, her feeding tube was removed. She died on the 31st of March 2005.
Euthanasia is a complex issue riddled with aspects specific to an individual's belief system and moral ethics. One needs to explore all avenues of this matter before casting judgement on it.
It should also be ensured that their wishes are heard and understood before they are not mentally competent enough to make the decision themselves. You never know if your life will be another person's decision.
This topic brought back painful memories for me. My late father had terminal cancer. He refused chemotherapy and invasive surgery. Chemo is painful and dibilitating. Same for surgery. He would get no benefit, only pain. He also signed a DNR (Do Not Resusitate). We watched him wither away physically for 8 long months. He was mentally alert all this time - even did the crossword puzzle on the day he died.
What pains me is that Dad begged to be euthanased. He was given morphine to dull the pain but not enough to end it. We contrived all sorts of schemes but I could not do it. Not because I didn't want to but because it is illegal. We were bound by the collective morality and laws of others. His dignity was hijacked. Would you want to wear a nappy and be force fed through a feeding tube?
Nothing was gained from his suffering.
I'd like to know what your opinion on this is.
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