1 Do we, as a nation, really need such a vast variety of toilet-cleaning options? In Target this morning, I noticed that there were at least 30 options to choose from when it comes to prettifying the potties in my house. Various gels and liquids to squirt, a variety of scrubbers (disposable and non-disposable; flushable and non-flushable), and several specialty products, just in case you want to go beyond the traditional tools. Overkill, I say.
2 Did you notice that the long-proclaimed switch from analog to digital television signals has been postponed from this month until June? My question: WHY?
First of all, we’ve been seeing commercials for just about forever, announcing this impending change and telling everyone to get your converter boxes NOW, so you don’t miss a single minute of programming!!! If people weren’t watching TV often enough to see those commercials, then I would guess they won’t really miss television all that much if they don’t get their converter boxes in time.
And second of all, why are our congressmen and President so very concerned that an estimated 6 million people weren’t prepared for the change? Did I miss the part where watching TV has become a constitutional right? I really think the government has better ways they could spend their time and concern. And if they don’t, they should probably just go home. And hook up their converter boxes. [mini-rant over]
3 Does it mean I’m getting old if I tell my two-year-old, “You just play, honey. Mommy’s going to lie down and rest her eyes.”? I’m thinking, Yes.
4 Am I the only one longing for spring to arrive? We’ve had a couple warm days, and while it’s been a welcome respite from the ice and the freezing and the snow and the bitterness and the boots and the shovels… it’s just making me wish for April to arrive…now. But I know full well that Wearisome Winter will be back for a good month-and-a-half before that happens.
5 Will I survive the gigantic 4th-grade special project that C. is currently tackling? He’s doing the work (well, except for the parts where the directions clearly state, “This part should be handled by a parent”) but I’m attempting to keep him on schedule and that just might do me in before the project’s due date in March.
6 What questions are on your mind today?
Hmmmm. I don’t know if I have questions OR answers.
I’m with you on the vast variety of products and the TV thing. Both senseless.
1 – I’ve been thinking lately that we indeed have entirely too many choices, in more than just cleaning items!
2 – i’m ready to ditch cable all together. but it doesn’t look like it’s gong to happen. and yes, i’m tired of those dire warnings, as if we couldn’t breathe without cable! sheesh.
3 – yes. but don’t worry. you’re not alone.
4 – well, yes i’m anxious for spring. but honestly i’d rather have cold-to-the bone winter in feb than that teasing wishy-washy warm cold wet that sometime accompanies spring and lingers till even June around here! besides, i can always get a fire in February but not in May
5 – um, as a teacher, i personally hated projects b/c i felt it wasn’t fair to the parents. i do hope you survive. i can’t imagine camden doing anything less than an absolutely stellar job (and maybe there’ll be some pics for us here?)
I’ve said many times that I want spring to come now.
My question: Why do my grandchildren look at me like I’ve lost my mind when I ask if they want to lay down for a while??
Sorry… but your #2 hit a hot button for me as my company deals not only in television but these converter boxes. The real reason for delaying this long coming (and thrice delayed) transition is to pander to a certain constituency who is known for much procrastination and poor money management. Also, you would never guess who this constituency regularly votes for.
As you had stated, if you have seen the commercials, you must be watching a few Prime Time shows. Our government had paid around $1 Billion for this advertising, in addition to the nearly $1 Billion spent by the private sector.
Lastly, most of the converter-making-companies have already stopped production of these units. You may ask, ‘Why would they do that, what about all of the TVs out there?’. Turns out that for the past year, all TVs built that are larger than 19″ have been required to include digital tuners. In a nutshell, there is a limited demand for these digital converters, and nobody wants to sit on excess inventory. I was sitting with the president of a certain company who has built over 200k of these devices and he was absolutely laughing at this 6 month delay. His suppliers have already retooled for new products. If he were to restart production on these units, as our government expects, it would cost tens of thousands of dollars and take a few weeks.
But on the bright side, ‘at least our government is doing something’. [snide comment]Because in the end, what mattered is your intentions, not your results.[/snide comment]
Sorry for monopolizing your blog for my rant.
ooo how I second #2 I really was excited that it was Feb. and those commercials were almost over.. but no.. not so much anymore. Maybe I will not watch TV until June lol j/k
*Unfortunately, I avoid the cleaning aisle at the store more than I should.
*The digital turnover has been extended because the gov’t ran out of discount coupons/rebates
*I think if we have children we should be given a nap-time, should be required!:)
*I believe my gmail account status has me excited for spring and I think I wrote that the beginning of December! Living in MN I’m hoping for an early Spring!!!
*Working on a 4th grade float of Florida through the end of the month. Then comes the HUGE 4th grade project where my son has to create something he can sell, they have the store day where all the kids sell what they’ve made, then they get to spend their $$ (pretend) on all the donated items. Not looking forward to the time ahead.
*How can I get my 4th grader to memorize his AWANA verses when it’s such a struggle for him? My 5 yr old is a memorizing machine! He’s already gone through his first book and is going through it a 2nd time. My 4th grader has had the same book for 2 yrs but it’s more in depth.
With you on #2. So with you.
and my question for today? Which by the way is a bright, sunny and warm Wednesday. Which makes this question all the more shameful.
Why CAN’T I stay in my jammies all day today? Why CAN’T I show up like this and in cozy slippers to my middle school conference? Why?
Hi, I’m just dropping by. About “the long-proclaimed switch from analog to digital television signals,” I’m ready, have BEEN ready, but what I am not ready for are more months of those lame TV announcements!
Amen! Amen! Amen! to #2! You have nailed my thoughts exactly! I shudder to think about how much was spent on advertising this change like some sort of apocalypse would occur if you found yourself unprepared. Of course, not seeing “American Idol” one time may be traumatic for some.
I heard Kim Komando say something like “…what is the big deal, people? If your TV is old enough to need a converter box, you need to just buy a new TV.” No kidding.
Choosing cleaning products and cold remedies both render me unable to make a decision–far too many options!
I thought I would further add to your frustration re: #2 by letting you know our local ABC affiliate decided to extend their change date to June “so people would have more time to prepare.”