I decided that since I have nothing of importance going on in my life I would answer 'Ask Amy' questions. This is some type advice column featured in the Chicago Tribune.
Dear Amy: Once a year I host a family reunion for my five children, spouses and grandchildren.
I pay for all, including travel.
One of my daughters remarried last year and her spouse has a teenage daughter who is not a member of their household (except for every other weekend).
They have indicated that they would like to bring the daughter to the family reunion.
I have no problem with her coming, but my question is — should I be expected to pay for the expenses of her coming?
This is a cross-country trip, adding a total cost of about $1,500.
They have not offered to pay for her, and I wonder what you think about this?
— Generous Dad
Dear Generous Dad:
You are a fucking asshole for even asking this question.
This girl is now part of your family. Deal with it. Sadly, this girl has probably had a bit rougher of a life than your other grandchildren. Why on earth would you make her feel like more of a burden?
When my grandfather died the number of great grandchildren listed in his obituary included a great grandchild by marriage. That is how it works.
I assume you are of Greek descent? That's right, I am generalizing. I like to sharpen my generalizing skills. Let me know if you aren't Greek, I have 2 other guesses after that.
-Meredyth
Dear Amy: As a parent of three young children, I try to teach them manners in public, such as taking only one treat or toy when offered, not destroying the displays at checkout counters and not running in stores.
At the same time I am busy insisting that my kids behave well, when they misbehave the store employees (and even other customers) frequently will smile at my kids and say directly to them, "That's OK,", "No problem — he's young,", "It's OK; I'll clean this up."
This makes me crazy!
Real accidents sometimes do happen, but most of this behavior is not OK!
This response ultimately confuses my child about what is acceptable and what is not, which makes my job as a parent harder.
Sometimes other parents undermine me in this way too.
I am not an overly strict controlling mean or nasty parent!
I just believe that basic behavior rules are learned more easily when kids are young.
The oldest child is already considered one of the better behaved kids in her class.
What can I say or do when this happens without making a big fuss?
I know they all mean well. I would appreciate it if you would alert other about this.
— Frustrated Mom
Dear Frustrated Mom:
Are you serious? You want other people to disciple your children? That is not their job. Members of society generally don't want to make a huge scene where it is unnecessary. These store clerks and parents are simply being polite.
Would you rather we lived in some kind of insane barbaric society in which we screamed at each other when others were not acting the way we wanted? Ironically...that would be a society filled with people acting like children.
-Meredyth
Dear Amy: I am concerned about my mother. About one year ago she lost her job.
Since then she has become more and more introverted. She sleeps quite a bit during the day and very little at night.
She makes excuses not to leave her house. She doesn't see her family or friends. She is overweight and has a few health issues but nothing that would stop her from leaving home.
When she was approached by a family friend about applying for a job that she is qualified to do, she made excuses that simply weren't logical.
We are very concerned but are out of ideas about how to help her.
What can we do?
— Freaked Out Family
Dear Freaked Out Family:
If I had children....I'd assume this was written about me.
Do you really need to seek advice on this? The woman is DEPRESSED. Which is very typical when you lose your job. Do you really have no idea that this is textbook depression? You could have contacted a local high school student taking psychology to diagnose this. She needs to see a therapist and perhaps get on some Prozac. You know the lady...everyone is different...figure out how to urge this and stop wasting precious time writing advice columns.
God Bless your mother.
-Meredyth
G-Day
It is officially groundhog day.
I'd say Groundhog's Day or Groundhogs Day .... but I'm not sure what is correct.
Why is my life ruled by appeasing those that know how to properly address an overgrown rodent that according to lore controls the seasons?
It is all nonsense. Poppycock. Bullocks. As is this blizzard.
I am done. The lack of dead bodies is super disappointing. I have all my limbs....
I'll never be on "I survived"
I'd say Groundhog's Day or Groundhogs Day .... but I'm not sure what is correct.
Why is my life ruled by appeasing those that know how to properly address an overgrown rodent that according to lore controls the seasons?
It is all nonsense. Poppycock. Bullocks. As is this blizzard.
I am done. The lack of dead bodies is super disappointing. I have all my limbs....
I'll never be on "I survived"
Nearing the end of 2/1/2011
STILL....waiting for dead bodies in the streets.
I did hear a portion of Wrigley was ripped off.
It is unconfirmed.....as you all know....I was in there during a tornado and lived to tell the tale.
I did hear a portion of Wrigley was ripped off.
It is unconfirmed.....as you all know....I was in there during a tornado and lived to tell the tale.
2/1/21:45
I've gone missing for awhile. Went to my corner bar. Happy to report everything is normal. Local patrons have decided how we will take over the local community once we sort out the carnage of this storm. Unfortunately, we are still waiting for actual carnage.
I was secured with a role....but I can't remember what it was.
The good thing is....we are all managing at this time.
God bless and good bye until the next update.
I was secured with a role....but I can't remember what it was.
The good thing is....we are all managing at this time.
God bless and good bye until the next update.
Snowpocalypse 2011 17:55
First of all....I am getting sick and tired of looking up how to properly spell the made up word "snowpocalypse". So....I am not using that anymore. I simply can't be bothered.
I am also like 'snowmageddon" and this storm is 'snowverated'....but quite frankly - I can't be bothered to spell those properly either.
I am fearing the worst at this point: I may run out of beer.
I sent out a message to my local bar and it seems they are open.
God bless this city's undying need to liquor themselves up.
Mostly I am worried about my faithful local bartender. I can't have him alone and bored in an empty bar. He needs me and crossword puzzle.
I am also like 'snowmageddon" and this storm is 'snowverated'....but quite frankly - I can't be bothered to spell those properly either.I am fearing the worst at this point: I may run out of beer.
I sent out a message to my local bar and it seems they are open.
God bless this city's undying need to liquor themselves up.
Mostly I am worried about my faithful local bartender. I can't have him alone and bored in an empty bar. He needs me and crossword puzzle.
Snowpocalypse 2011 17:15
Alright. I am cool. I decided to fill this jug with water in the event something truly unfortunate happens. I have only used this twice. Once for some delightful sangria taken upon an epic lake journey during the summer of 2010...and now for this epic blizzard.It will now be known as 'The Epic Jug'.
I warmed up my BB gun.
I could totally be taking the this time indoors to be productive but instead I have decided that monitoring radars, drinking beer, joining a local militia, and waiting for an opportunity to loot is a better way to spend my time.
Snowpocalypse 2011 16:30
The question is....
When does the looting start? I wouldn't mind a new TV.
We all know that the best time to pick up some free of charge goods is when a city is crippled by floods, fire, snow, or championship winning basketball teams.
However, this day in age I would warn against such things. This is the perfect time for 2nd Amendment enthusiasts to take over the land as our forefathers intended. They will be out to prove that our local government has no control in an emergency situation. After all, nothing goes with sheer panic over weather related conditions quite like grown men clad in wigs and revolutionary-wear carrying numerous automatic weapons.
When does the looting start? I wouldn't mind a new TV.
We all know that the best time to pick up some free of charge goods is when a city is crippled by floods, fire, snow, or championship winning basketball teams.However, this day in age I would warn against such things. This is the perfect time for 2nd Amendment enthusiasts to take over the land as our forefathers intended. They will be out to prove that our local government has no control in an emergency situation. After all, nothing goes with sheer panic over weather related conditions quite like grown men clad in wigs and revolutionary-wear carrying numerous automatic weapons.
Snowpocalypse 2011 2/1/2011 16:00
I decided to drink a Bell's Winter White Ale in honor of the snow storm and my impending doom.
Which is a good time to remind you that this Storm of the Century is sponsored by Bell's Brewery. Bell's: A beer for any occasion, including but not limited to life threatening blizzards.
Shortly after finishing that beer I was sad. So I decided it was in my best interest to go to the local 7-11 for more beer. It would be risky. I was warned against this. Would I make it? Was this quest for a 6 pack worth putting my life at risk? I decided it was. I am safe.
The good news is this storm is taking over most of the country so.....that rodent will likely not be seeing his shadow. Only 6 more weeks of this blizzard and the safe arms of a tornado filled spring will embrace us.
Which is a good time to remind you that this Storm of the Century is sponsored by Bell's Brewery. Bell's: A beer for any occasion, including but not limited to life threatening blizzards.Shortly after finishing that beer I was sad. So I decided it was in my best interest to go to the local 7-11 for more beer. It would be risky. I was warned against this. Would I make it? Was this quest for a 6 pack worth putting my life at risk? I decided it was. I am safe.
The good news is this storm is taking over most of the country so.....that rodent will likely not be seeing his shadow. Only 6 more weeks of this blizzard and the safe arms of a tornado filled spring will embrace us.
Snowpocalypse 2011
An hour by hour update on STORM OF THE CENTURY:
2/1/2011 15:15
There has been a blizzard warning for 24 hours now. Seems this is more serious than last year's 'storm of the century' since it has not been called off yet and it is actually snowing.
My building manager was snow blowing the dusting of snow from the walkway. Perhaps the joke is on me and we are in trouble.
After all, the National Weather Service issued this warning: TRAVEL IS EXPECTED TO BECOME TREACHEROUS BY LATE AFTERNOON... AND DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS BY EARLY EVENING...BEFORE MAKING THE DECISION TO TRAVEL... CONSIDER IF GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION IS WORTH PUTTING YOUR LIFE AT RISK.
In addition, school has been closed for tomorrow. Slightly alarming considering this doesn't happen too often.
I shall keep an eye on the radar.
I am braced and ready.
2/1/2011 15:15
There has been a blizzard warning for 24 hours now. Seems this is more serious than last year's 'storm of the century' since it has not been called off yet and it is actually snowing.
My building manager was snow blowing the dusting of snow from the walkway. Perhaps the joke is on me and we are in trouble.
After all, the National Weather Service issued this warning: TRAVEL IS EXPECTED TO BECOME TREACHEROUS BY LATE AFTERNOON... AND DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS BY EARLY EVENING...BEFORE MAKING THE DECISION TO TRAVEL... CONSIDER IF GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION IS WORTH PUTTING YOUR LIFE AT RISK.
In addition, school has been closed for tomorrow. Slightly alarming considering this doesn't happen too often.
I shall keep an eye on the radar.
I am braced and ready.
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