To all of the people saying, "Hooray!" to Paris Hilton going to jail, I have something to say to you: You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Being a father, that was my censored statement. If I felt appropriate, I would use much harsher language about the people rooting for her imprisonment.
People think that she's getting what she deserves. To those who think that the rich always get off easy, think again. If it were you or I in her position, there's no way that we would be in jail for the laws that she's broken. We'd be in outpatient rehab, probably on probation or supervision, a loss of license, possibly even revoked. The likelihood that we'd have received jail time is very slim. She's been made an example to her adoring fans.
This is not the place where I want to discuss why she's a celebrity. That's for another time. Right now, I want to focus on the fact that she's a twenty-something who's been caught partying irresponsibly.
I know that I've broken plenty of laws that, had I been caught, I probably wouldn't be living the life I currently lead. And that's after the trouble that I did get myself into, then dealt with.
Most of you out there have either broken, or know someone who has broken, as many of the same laws as Miss Hilton or more. I've got news for you: just because you or people you know didn't get caught, doesn't mean that you're not as guilty. Every time you're at a bar or a party and someone who's had three or more drinks and drives home is just as guilty as Paris.
This will be a lesson that I will teach my son. It is easier to point a finger at the people you think do the wrong thing, but it is hard to look in the mirror and confess to yourself all of the things that make you imperfect.
Did you break the speed limit today? Did you cut someone off? Did you earn cash and not pay taxes? Did you throw something away in the garbage that is supposed to disposed of in a special manner, like batteries? Did you drink milk past the expiration date?
The next time you hear someone saying how Hilton got what she deserved, just wonder if you got what you deserved when you broke the rules. You might wonder how you're still walking the streets. If you're the person who doesn't break the rules, then please pass judgment. For all you Christians out there, remember your education:
John 8:7 ..."He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone."
I think it's a lesson we'd all benefit from.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
Great Article
I wonder if some of my friends wonder what it is I do when I'm being an at-home dad. Although I don't think anyone thinks that I'm having a grand ol' time all day every day, even I have a difficult time explaining what it is I do all day. Here's a great article responding to a person who wonders what at-home parents do.
I wanted to add something to what at-homes do, or something that I try to do:
Make sure that, when my wife gets home, she doesn't have to do anything. That dinner is almost ready. That I am presentable as is the house. That the baby is ready for love but is not crying for it.
I wanted to add something to what at-homes do, or something that I try to do:
Make sure that, when my wife gets home, she doesn't have to do anything. That dinner is almost ready. That I am presentable as is the house. That the baby is ready for love but is not crying for it.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
My Big Mouth
There are many things that I will learn being a young father. Having a raunchy sense of humor will certainly allow me to learn my fair share of lessons.
One never truly knows how their remarks are taken after they're said by the people around them. I am an over-analyzer and often consider events after they've happened, especially when I've made a mistake. Hopefully, some of you reading can learn from me and help yourself avoid social disaster.
First, I made a joke about a friend's newborn, relating him to a movie character. I love their son very much and appreciate their friendship. Because I don't want to spread my ill-humor at this wonderful baby's expense, or his parents, I will not repeat the "joke". I hope that they do not think less of me for what I said. There are times and ways to joke about our children, but it's probably better to keep it to one's own kids rather than about others.
Today, I was at a family event and my 20-month-old nephew was there. He is an amazing child himself, especially with his exceptional verbal skills. Some of the adults were sitting at the table adjacent to the kitchen, talking and joking. This boy walked into the kitchen, looking around with general curiosity. He opened the cabinet under the sink where there was a bottle of Pine-Sol. His father quickly ran over, shut the door, and pointed the youngster in another direction. During this, I joked, "Hey buddy, want some apple juice?" referring to the color of the liquid. The comment drew mixed reactions at best and I quickly realized my biggest error. Sure, the comment lacked taste. It was in mixed company that may not appreciate my raunchy humor. Neither of these would bother me if it wasn't for the following fact: it was said within earshot of my nephew. Hopefully he did not hear or did not put together that I was referring to the household cleaner.
It is likely that everyone forgot what was said five minutes later. I have not.
Knowing to censor myself in front of older kids is easy for me. However, I do not give enough credit to the little ones just learning to grasp language. I would hate to learn the hard way the consequences a slight comment can have. Hopefully, this confession and exercise will help me remember to think the next time I want to spit out an off-color joke.
So, if I want to make jokes about someone's kid, make sure it is about something silly and that they would, or better yet, have joked about themselves in a care-free manner. If I want to make a joke about giving kids poison...no, that's just not funny.
I did think of a way I could have made an appropriate joke in that situation: "Hey, while you're down there, want to mop the floors? They're looking a little dull."
One never truly knows how their remarks are taken after they're said by the people around them. I am an over-analyzer and often consider events after they've happened, especially when I've made a mistake. Hopefully, some of you reading can learn from me and help yourself avoid social disaster.
First, I made a joke about a friend's newborn, relating him to a movie character. I love their son very much and appreciate their friendship. Because I don't want to spread my ill-humor at this wonderful baby's expense, or his parents, I will not repeat the "joke". I hope that they do not think less of me for what I said. There are times and ways to joke about our children, but it's probably better to keep it to one's own kids rather than about others.
Today, I was at a family event and my 20-month-old nephew was there. He is an amazing child himself, especially with his exceptional verbal skills. Some of the adults were sitting at the table adjacent to the kitchen, talking and joking. This boy walked into the kitchen, looking around with general curiosity. He opened the cabinet under the sink where there was a bottle of Pine-Sol. His father quickly ran over, shut the door, and pointed the youngster in another direction. During this, I joked, "Hey buddy, want some apple juice?" referring to the color of the liquid. The comment drew mixed reactions at best and I quickly realized my biggest error. Sure, the comment lacked taste. It was in mixed company that may not appreciate my raunchy humor. Neither of these would bother me if it wasn't for the following fact: it was said within earshot of my nephew. Hopefully he did not hear or did not put together that I was referring to the household cleaner.
It is likely that everyone forgot what was said five minutes later. I have not.
Knowing to censor myself in front of older kids is easy for me. However, I do not give enough credit to the little ones just learning to grasp language. I would hate to learn the hard way the consequences a slight comment can have. Hopefully, this confession and exercise will help me remember to think the next time I want to spit out an off-color joke.
So, if I want to make jokes about someone's kid, make sure it is about something silly and that they would, or better yet, have joked about themselves in a care-free manner. If I want to make a joke about giving kids poison...no, that's just not funny.
I did think of a way I could have made an appropriate joke in that situation: "Hey, while you're down there, want to mop the floors? They're looking a little dull."
Friday, June 1, 2007
Cell Phones
Regarding cell phone usage in cars:
Have you noticed the people who hold their phone to an ear with the opposite ear? For example, they hold the phone to their right ear with their left hand, so that they are steering with their right and the left is crossed over their body.
I do talk on the phone in the car, 90% of the time using a hands-free device. I still ask people to hold when in a tight situation or when leaving a parking space. Some people just don't know when to say, "Hold on a sec."
Have you noticed the people who hold their phone to an ear with the opposite ear? For example, they hold the phone to their right ear with their left hand, so that they are steering with their right and the left is crossed over their body.
I do talk on the phone in the car, 90% of the time using a hands-free device. I still ask people to hold when in a tight situation or when leaving a parking space. Some people just don't know when to say, "Hold on a sec."
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