So How Are Octomom And Her Freaklitter Doing? Not Well!

Yes -- I know I've blogged not once but twice about Octomom. I promise I'm not obsessed with this celebrity-seeking baby-factory -- I just find her an interesting sociological study of so much that's wrong with our society! And it's time for another update!

Why It's So Hard To See The Forest For The Trees

Part of simplifying your life is thinking globally -- making personal shopping and consumption decisions based on their larger long-term impiact, rather than immediate convenience. But when you talk to people about the state of our planet, they are more concerned with their own jobs, their own bank accounts, their own family matters. Why is that? It's all thanks to "the monkeysphere."

Winnebago Strollers Vs. Society

I was visiting some of the Smithsonian museums this last week when I was nearly crushed to death between two Winnebago-sized strollers. One of these was a triple-long, but it's not as if they were pushing three children around -- two of the available seats were being used to carry diaper bags and coolers and other kid paraphernalia. Ridiculous!

What Exactly Is A "Family"?

I was chatting with a woman the other day about my full-time RVing lifestyle. She asked if I traveled with my family, and I said, "Yes, with my husband and two cats." She replied, "Oh no, I meant a real family with children." I paused, looked at her flatly, then responded by saying, "We are a REAL family." She immediately backtracked -- "I didn't intend any insult. But you know what I meant." Believe me, I know what EXACTLY you meant!

What Will It Take For You To Be Able To Full-Time?

I was talking with a couple yesterday who were bemoaning all the obstacles standing in the way of their becoming full-timers. After a little coaching, it finally came out that while they want to travel, they weren't quite willing to give up all their stuff and live the smaller life required by an RV. That's how it is with a lot of goals we can't seem to achieve. Something (usually ourselves) is standing in our way!

The A-To-Z Of Getting Organized: H Is For Homelessness

I realize that homelessness might seem like a strange issue to address in a discussion of getting organized -- but I'm talking not talking about street people. I'm referring to homeless belongings -- those poor lost, wandering souls that clutter up your house because they don't have a set place to live. It's time to give these neglected treasures a roof over their heads!

Gratitude, Gratitude

All of a sudden, nearly two years after her death, I have been missing my mother terribly these past few days. But when I mentioned this to an acquaintance (who has never lost a parent and hasn't got a clue what I'm going through, by the way) -- she said, "Still? I thought you'd be moving on by now. Your mother's in a better place. Rather than grieving, you should be counting your blessings." I know that she meant well, but give me a freaking break!

Have We Given Up On Liberal Arts?

A friend of mine whose husband teaches high school music called me yesterday to rant about the havoc the local school system is wreaking on the arts programs -- band is now a "voluntary" afterschool activity (rather than a credited class), Chris's group this year is half the size as last season, and the principal is wondering why enrollment numbers are dropping. What do you expect? When parents and school board members no longer respect or value the arts, why should students care?

If You Had It To Do Over Again -- Would You Have Children?

Few life choices are as filled with uncertainty (while being completely irreversible if you make a wrong decision), yet so strongly recommended by the masses than parenting. Talk to moms and dads across the country, and they'll tell you that your life is incomplete without a child, that you'll regret not having a "family," and that they couldn't imagine an existence without those precious little rugrats -- but is that actually true? At least one expert says no!