DON'T MESS WITH MOM!!!!!!

I came across this poem on the Internet a couple of days ago. It was posted by someone in response to an SOS from someone who was having attitude problems with her brat.

Fortunately, I am not having such problems yet (& hopefully never!) but found the poem amusing nevertheless...

DON"T MESS WITH MOM

My son came home from school one day,
With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
To put me in my place.

Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
That’s taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The "Children's Bill of Rights."

It says I need not clean my room,
Don’t have to cut my hair.
No one can tell me what to think,
Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses,
That’s just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
&n bsp; like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights,
So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division,
Better know as C.S.D.

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
He’s messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
At the local Goodwill Store.
I told him, "Pick out all you want,
There’s shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D.
Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes
Instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment
To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. is unconcerned
So I'll decide what's best.

I said "No time to stop and eat,
Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
A favorite dish of mine."

He asked "Can I please rent a movie,
To watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV,
For new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room,
You 'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. requires
Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the "Parents Bill of Rights,"
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
Instead of C.S.D.?"

Last day!!!

Hmm...I can't explain how I feel about this, my last day of work. A bit sad, a bit anxious, I must admit. Definitely looking forward to having time for myself!

Here's to the beginning of a new phase of life!!!

Communication

Lines that connect
Between people and places
And across time.

Simple and complex,
Lines can Function,
Dysfunction, Malfunction.

Lines broken, interrupted
Repaired, re-joined
Strengthened, weakened
Maligned, aligned, ignored.

A network, a framework
The fabric of society.
A scaffolding that holds up
Or collapses in dis-unity.

Transitions

I must admit that the thought of not working is bothering me somewhat. Don't get me wrong - I am looking forward to the extra leisure time that I will have to pursue interests which have been put off for so long. But I think Society (here, anyway) has ingrained the value of being a "contributing member" by being in the work force, that I have absorbed some of it through osmosis.

I am going to remind myself that becoming a SAHM again will mean that I can be more involved in my children's lives again; in this sense, contribute to their development so that THEY in turn will become well-rounded individuals who will contribute to society.

I am going to remind myself of the yearning that I've had to exercise some of the creativity that I believe is hidden within me, and take up a course in Painting or Creative Writing or something similar which would hopefully start some of the creative juices going.

I am going to remind myself that this will give me more time to exercise and lose some of that mid-life bulge.

And finally, I am going to remind myself that it is OK to think of Me, once in a while.

The Little Black Ant

I watched today as a little black ant made its way around the perimeter of my computer screen. Round & round it went, at least 4 laps before deciding that it was a worthless venture with no end in sight.

To me, it was a great metaphor for this journey called Life, and it made me wonder what lies at the end of the road for all of us. Could it be that this Circle of Life which we are all a part of, is being observed by a greater being who is, even now, watching us with amusement as we go around in circles, much like how I was amused by the pointlessness of the little black ant's journey.

I guess we will never know...

3 Weeks To Go

Well. 3 more weeks and that's it. No more work. It will be the first time in a long time since I've had time to do "Me" stuff. Even the 6 years spent as a full time SAHM in the US doesn't count as I had two young children to take care of. Who had time to take yoga lessons or art courses or riding lessons or go to the spa etc etc?

It will feel strange not earning my keep, so to speak. It will be interesting...

Commitments

We made an offer on a condo a couple of days ago. I must admit that I felt rather apprehensive just before doing so, although it makes more financial sense rather than pouring money into a rental.

I guess part of the apprehension is due to the fact that this means a commitment to staying in one place in the long run....for someone who has been literally on the move for the last 13 years, this is a big change of mindset.

I have often pondered over the concept of home and what it means to different folks. For me, I guess the most important aspect would be where my family is (spouse & kids) - in that sense, "Home Is Where The Heart Is" is very true. And yet, having lived halfway across the world, I know that in my heart of hearts, although home may have been Jacksonville, FL or Schwenksville, PA for a transitory period, ultimately, Singapore is where I feel most comfortable in.

This doesn't detract from my ambition to see the world and experience as many cultures & countries as possible; all it means that when I reach a stage where I am unable to be as mobile as I'd like to be, I would be quite happy to see the end of my days in the country where I spent my formative years.