Friday Brain Freeze

I guess I am still wiped out from the craziness of last week, because my brain is fried right now.  I am so looking forward to the weekend...and SO hoping the tiny little cough Addison has does not get worse.

In light of my current mental state, all I've got in me are some random quick thoughts for this Friday afternoon...

• We are going to a barbeque festival tomorrow at a park I haven't been to in years.  I am so excited for the girls to see and ride the little choo choo train and pet some animals.  I have high hopes for tomorrow to be a fun family day...we'll see how that works out!

• I'm still in a very ranty (it's a word if I say it's a word.  Ha!) mood regarding my state government (and yes, they are still trying to screw me, in case you're wondering), and now that mood has been extended to the federal government.  I try to keep my political feelings to myself most of the time, but come on, people...get the social politics out and get a budget passed!  Okay, end of political thought-sharing for the day.  Promise.

•  Are y'all watching the Extreme Couponing show on TLC?  I haven't watched an episode yet, but I've read lots of summaries and commentaries and I am familiar with the couponing methods.  If you're watching, what do you think?  Are these people out-of-control hoarders?  I am all for a good deal, and I know many people who use these couponing techniques to stretch a grocery budget while feeding their family good, wholesome meals.  But it seems to me that the further some people get into the "couponing craze", the more it becomes about the competition and the thrill of it all.  It nearly ceases to be about the food at all.  (I heard one of the women featured this week bought something like 60 jars of mustard to get her "good deal"...and she doesn't even like mustard.  I'm sorry, that's a little nuts.)

• Speaking of good deals, we found ourselves a little short on summer play clothing this year, so I have been waiting for a good sale to stock up.  I ordered 18 pieces of clothing (a lot of summer items, but also some long-sleeve basics for the fall) from The Children's Place for under $90.  The total price averaged $4.77 per item.  Score!

• I have been stuck in a reading rut the past few weeks, thanks mostly to a couple of books that were not really my cup of tea.  When I get through a substantial portion of a story without flat-out hating it, I have a hard time quitting it, even if it's not something I am particularly enjoying.  I finally finished the main novel I was reading, and now I have ripped through Room in just two nights.   It is an intriguing story, and I (obviously) found it hard to put down.  I think I might visit the library after work today to pick up something fun for the weekend.  What is the best book you have read lately?

• A friend shared this article on Facebook today about what Barbie might look like if she were real.  I had heard the part about having to walk on all fours due to her proportions, but seeing that life-size doll is just infuriating.  I didn't play with Barbies much at all, and I have high hopes that A & M won't either.  (Not that Barbie is totally to blame in the self-image problem that way too many young girls have...I just don't particularly care for Barbies!)  It makes me so sad to think of what 7 and 8 year olds today consider "normal" behavior and image.  I hope and pray that I can raise my girls to love themselves just as they are, just the way God made them, and to realize that they aren't supposed to be like everyone else.

• The Barbie/adolescent girls/self-image thing reminded me of this post I meant to share a couple of weeks ago.  Now, I feel the need to state here that I am very open-minded and I am a proponent of individualism.  I am not declaring that my daughters will only wear pants and long sleeves, never be seen in public in a bathing suit, etc.  Far from it!  It just really made me think about the way I want my daughters raised:  to love and respect their bodies, hearts, and minds. If you have a daughter and you cringe when you see the way girls are dressing and carrying themselves today, go read it.  Trust me.

• One last question, then I am really turning my brain OFF for the next two days.  Does anyone have any recommendations for an outdoor playhouse?  I am looking for one that is good quality and will last at least three or four years, but doesn't cost a fortune.  I like this cute pink and purple one, but investing that much money takes a lot of thought.  Thoughts?

Happy Friday afternoon!