Ketchup stains are not usually good things. Especially when they are on the front of the best pair of khakis belonging to your six year old son and most especially when found on the way to a social event.
JBB discovered the offending stain during the initial backseat activities of checking for any forgotten toys and making funny faces at Pretty Girl. The lifeless-staring-out-the-windows phase had not yet begun.
"Oh, no Mommy...my pants are stained. Everyone is going to see that my pants have ketchup," he said in a slightly alarmed voice.
Inwardly, I beamed with pride. My son noticed dirt and expressed concern. "Well..." I rambled.
"But, Mommy, there's no way to wash this off. This looks really bad." He paused for a moment, and then said, "It's alright. It's all fun. There's no mistakes there."
I was stunned into silent gratitude. JBB's eloquence is actually true. We were going to a small group meeting from church, and it is indeed a soft place to fall.
Life is crazy and busy and has been crazier and busier of late. Tonight's gathering of friends...there are no mistakes there, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
More Embarrassing Stuff about Me That Is Kinda Fun to Admit to the Internet Anyway
I am a Trekkie. Uh huh. As in I love the goofy, attempt-to-convey-technology-by-flashing-lights-Captain-Kirk-Star-Trek and Star Trek:The Next Generation. I lost interest after that because it seemed like there were too many Klingons and the lighting got really dark. The lighting seemed less pesky with Captain Janeway, but her voice grated on my nerves, so I got my fix by taping (as in VHS) every episode of TNG that I could. Now I DVR every episode of TNG that I can (thanks, SyFy channel).
I think Gene Rodenberry was nothing short of a courageous genius by assembling a culturally diverse cast on television in the culturally divisive mid-sixties. Thinking up transporters and tribbles is pretty genius too.
As for The Next Generation...well, I think those twenty year old episodes are still as fresh and entertaining as ever. Patrick Stewart's serious portrayal of Captain Picard defies the viewer to think of the show as goofy or comical. I think the fictional political interactions even have a complexity as well. I am a true fan.
I have not, however, been to a Star Trek convention. Repeat. I have not been to a Star Trek convention. There are things I won't do...smoking, speeding (that much), and Star Trek conventions. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
There is something else that I like and I must mention that it is an absolute wonder that I have even experienced the following little jewel: that Geico commercial with the awful ring tone. We seem to DVR everything and even JBB thinks that all shows should be fast-forwarded. He is genuinely shocked if I tell him that we can't fast forward a show if we are (gasp!) watching it in real time. Apparently it was one of those times when I saw this simultaneously funny and really annoying commercial
I also like Twilight fan fiction, but y'all are on your own there. That's what google is for. (wink)
I think Gene Rodenberry was nothing short of a courageous genius by assembling a culturally diverse cast on television in the culturally divisive mid-sixties. Thinking up transporters and tribbles is pretty genius too.
As for The Next Generation...well, I think those twenty year old episodes are still as fresh and entertaining as ever. Patrick Stewart's serious portrayal of Captain Picard defies the viewer to think of the show as goofy or comical. I think the fictional political interactions even have a complexity as well. I am a true fan.
I have not, however, been to a Star Trek convention. Repeat. I have not been to a Star Trek convention. There are things I won't do...smoking, speeding (that much), and Star Trek conventions. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
There is something else that I like and I must mention that it is an absolute wonder that I have even experienced the following little jewel: that Geico commercial with the awful ring tone. We seem to DVR everything and even JBB thinks that all shows should be fast-forwarded. He is genuinely shocked if I tell him that we can't fast forward a show if we are (gasp!) watching it in real time. Apparently it was one of those times when I saw this simultaneously funny and really annoying commercial
I also like Twilight fan fiction, but y'all are on your own there. That's what google is for. (wink)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Healthcare for All...Including Elmo
What a historic day this is...Congress working on Sunday and a bold new health-care bill passes.
I can't help but wonder what this means.
Practically.
Those of us in the trenches of health care who must have...
a written prescription with the diagnosis code,
date of transplant,
date of discharge, and
a phone call to the Medicare billing service completed, and
enter 01 in the submission clarification field, and
10000 plus the date of transplant in the prior authorization field
before billing the initial rejection meds for a patient who has just received a transplanted organ.
Thank you U.S. government.
Of course, meeting all these requirements does not mean that Medicare will actually pay you for the thousands of dollars of meds that you dispense to the patient.
I have a sneaking suspicion that within those two thousand pages of health care reform, there are many things that are going to cost me. My paycheck is going to go down and my stress level is going to go up. My hearing may decrease from all of the cheering of the proponents of this bill. My eyesight may be compromised from the comments of the haters who delurk. I have to give Nancy Pelosi props. She is never without lipstick. That folks is my light-hearted segue, which has been introduced to return Lipstick-land to its regularly scheduled programming.
Not surprisingly I monitor the family medicine cabinet. That just makes sense, right? However, we have another medical professional under our roof who is no less vigilant. She even likes to be called Dr. Pretty Girl. She does contend with some overcrowding in her hospital beds though...
and despite her excellent and attentive care, Elmo has been gravely ill for approximately one year (since her first viewing of that "Elmo Goes to the Doctor" video...after which she began practicing medicine herself). JB is a frequent patient and Mr. Lipstick and I are not exempt either. Dr. Pretty Girl reports that her patients (who are comprised of a motley mix of dolls, bears, four lambs, and a turtle) have varied illness involving their heads and their tummies. Most interesting to me was that the turtle was once hospitalized only "because he is sad." I was endlessly impressed with that one.
I wish health care for humans was this simple. I ache for people who skimp on meds or just never seek treatment at all, until of course, it's too late.
Every bit of this problem is sad. It is sad that people can't afford treatment. It is sad that this issue could compromise the financial well being of our country. It is sad that to preserve the financial well being of our country some times the answer will be no...No, that treatment is not covered or No, that medication is not covered. It is sad that those decisions will seem arbitrary and insurmountable.
I can't really agree with President Obama's decisions on much of this issue and honestly, it would just be too boring of a read. I don't agree with a lot of the hassle with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and boy, that would be a boring blog post. I do, however, admire President Bush for tackling prescription drug coverage and I admire President Obama for tackling health care reform. Depending on your perspective, sometimes history...well, sucks, but it's still monumental, daunting, and oh so relevant.
I can't help but wonder what this means.
Practically.
Those of us in the trenches of health care who must have...
a written prescription with the diagnosis code,
date of transplant,
date of discharge, and
a phone call to the Medicare billing service completed, and
enter 01 in the submission clarification field, and
10000 plus the date of transplant in the prior authorization field
before billing the initial rejection meds for a patient who has just received a transplanted organ.
Thank you U.S. government.
Of course, meeting all these requirements does not mean that Medicare will actually pay you for the thousands of dollars of meds that you dispense to the patient.
I have a sneaking suspicion that within those two thousand pages of health care reform, there are many things that are going to cost me. My paycheck is going to go down and my stress level is going to go up. My hearing may decrease from all of the cheering of the proponents of this bill. My eyesight may be compromised from the comments of the haters who delurk. I have to give Nancy Pelosi props. She is never without lipstick. That folks is my light-hearted segue, which has been introduced to return Lipstick-land to its regularly scheduled programming.
Not surprisingly I monitor the family medicine cabinet. That just makes sense, right? However, we have another medical professional under our roof who is no less vigilant. She even likes to be called Dr. Pretty Girl. She does contend with some overcrowding in her hospital beds though...
and despite her excellent and attentive care, Elmo has been gravely ill for approximately one year (since her first viewing of that "Elmo Goes to the Doctor" video...after which she began practicing medicine herself). JB is a frequent patient and Mr. Lipstick and I are not exempt either. Dr. Pretty Girl reports that her patients (who are comprised of a motley mix of dolls, bears, four lambs, and a turtle) have varied illness involving their heads and their tummies. Most interesting to me was that the turtle was once hospitalized only "because he is sad." I was endlessly impressed with that one.
I wish health care for humans was this simple. I ache for people who skimp on meds or just never seek treatment at all, until of course, it's too late.
Every bit of this problem is sad. It is sad that people can't afford treatment. It is sad that this issue could compromise the financial well being of our country. It is sad that to preserve the financial well being of our country some times the answer will be no...No, that treatment is not covered or No, that medication is not covered. It is sad that those decisions will seem arbitrary and insurmountable.
I can't really agree with President Obama's decisions on much of this issue and honestly, it would just be too boring of a read. I don't agree with a lot of the hassle with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and boy, that would be a boring blog post. I do, however, admire President Bush for tackling prescription drug coverage and I admire President Obama for tackling health care reform. Depending on your perspective, sometimes history...well, sucks, but it's still monumental, daunting, and oh so relevant.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
You Are My Sweetheart
Probably one of the most fabulous things in the world is Girl's Night Out. Who among us doesn't love the conversation, the food, the drinks? Why, it's right up there with a trip to the spa when you think of relaxation. The only thing that can make GNO kind of a downer is when you feel like one of the other girls looks way better than you. Well, that was definitely the case this time, but you know, I was totally ok with it. I went out for some fabulous Mexican food with this up and coming fashionista.
Pretty Girl and I sipped on our iced water and Barq's root beer and chatted about the events of our days. I caught up on the latest pre-school gossip like who got stickers on their potty chart and who played with whom on the playground. I filled her in on a little bit of pharmacy, but not surprisingly she mostly wanted to ask questions about the painted lizards and Mexican masks on the walls. Oh well, that was more interesting anyway. Pretty Girl sat in my lap and we hugged and snuggled. I would say, "You are my sweetheart" and she would reply, "You are my sweetheart." I sat there with my arms wrapped around her, completely enveloped in total adoration and awash in contentment.
After we spent nearly an hour at the restaurant (quite a feat for Blue Coast Burrito), we drove around some wooded areas near Lipstick Manor. Some of these lots could be the site of my dream home. It's not built yet and it's at least ten years away per Mr. Lipstick, but it is fun to look, plan, dream. I find that oddly relaxing. Pretty Girl seemed happy in the backseat as long as I didn't interrupt her singing along with Kings of Leon. That's right, no kid music in the Lipstick-mobile. I think it is imperative that kids learn good rock music early in life. She likes The White Album too...just so long as I don't sing along.
Looking at those wooded lots reminded me of something else I enjoy...looking at abandoned mansions. I have posted about this before and I have two new favorite links. The subject matter is independently riveting, but the extra sprinkle on top is the excellent photography. It's good, y'all. Enjoy.
Russia's Abandoned Mansions
and
Abandoned Mansions - a set on Flickr
And finally, would you like to see some un-riveting, low-quality photographs? Well, of course, who wouldn't want such a thing? I am subjecting you to this nonsense because I love LOVE these green J.Crew cords that I wore for St. Patrick's Day. Now how's that for trivial.
I was trying to be all cool and junk standing in the three-way mirror. It is less cool and more junk, but whatever.
Here is a close-up of my belt. It is mostly preppy. (wink, wink)
Tomorrow marks the end of JBB's Spring Break and his return from Mommy and Daddy Lipstick's House of Endless Entertainment. Mommy Lipstick sends emails to me detailing the extent of the chaos and fun. I really, really miss Spring Break, don't y'all?
Pretty Girl and I sipped on our iced water and Barq's root beer and chatted about the events of our days. I caught up on the latest pre-school gossip like who got stickers on their potty chart and who played with whom on the playground. I filled her in on a little bit of pharmacy, but not surprisingly she mostly wanted to ask questions about the painted lizards and Mexican masks on the walls. Oh well, that was more interesting anyway. Pretty Girl sat in my lap and we hugged and snuggled. I would say, "You are my sweetheart" and she would reply, "You are my sweetheart." I sat there with my arms wrapped around her, completely enveloped in total adoration and awash in contentment.
After we spent nearly an hour at the restaurant (quite a feat for Blue Coast Burrito), we drove around some wooded areas near Lipstick Manor. Some of these lots could be the site of my dream home. It's not built yet and it's at least ten years away per Mr. Lipstick, but it is fun to look, plan, dream. I find that oddly relaxing. Pretty Girl seemed happy in the backseat as long as I didn't interrupt her singing along with Kings of Leon. That's right, no kid music in the Lipstick-mobile. I think it is imperative that kids learn good rock music early in life. She likes The White Album too...just so long as I don't sing along.
Looking at those wooded lots reminded me of something else I enjoy...looking at abandoned mansions. I have posted about this before and I have two new favorite links. The subject matter is independently riveting, but the extra sprinkle on top is the excellent photography. It's good, y'all. Enjoy.
Russia's Abandoned Mansions
and
Abandoned Mansions - a set on Flickr
And finally, would you like to see some un-riveting, low-quality photographs? Well, of course, who wouldn't want such a thing? I am subjecting you to this nonsense because I love LOVE these green J.Crew cords that I wore for St. Patrick's Day. Now how's that for trivial.
I was trying to be all cool and junk standing in the three-way mirror. It is less cool and more junk, but whatever.
Here is a close-up of my belt. It is mostly preppy. (wink, wink)
Tomorrow marks the end of JBB's Spring Break and his return from Mommy and Daddy Lipstick's House of Endless Entertainment. Mommy Lipstick sends emails to me detailing the extent of the chaos and fun. I really, really miss Spring Break, don't y'all?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Catches Thieves Just Like Flies
We have this giggle-inducing situation going on regularly in Lipstick Manor...
because even Mr. Lipstick's cat Penny is not exempt from a fascination with the Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman.
Here's someone else with a, er...fascination with Spiderman.
(Enjoy more random laughter from pictureisunrelated.com)
And finally, how long has it been since you've seen the original Spiderman theme song? I promise it's worth the viewing. Oh, how I loved that cartoon. Even more than the Smurfs.
because even Mr. Lipstick's cat Penny is not exempt from a fascination with the Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman.
Here's someone else with a, er...fascination with Spiderman.
(Enjoy more random laughter from pictureisunrelated.com)
And finally, how long has it been since you've seen the original Spiderman theme song? I promise it's worth the viewing. Oh, how I loved that cartoon. Even more than the Smurfs.
Test Post
sigh....just a test post....
don't you hate it when you discover something weird about your blog LATE at night and you just HAVE to fix it or you can NOT sleep?
i can now rest with peaceful awareness that all is well in HTML-land (at least in my pre-school version of it) except that I am now WIDE AWAKE...
Well, alright that is just about enough of that free-form, all caps, ee cummings-ish formatting that I can handle. This really wasn't even going to be a post at all except that once someone deleted a post and it showed up in my reader that she had deleted her blog and I didn't want anyone to think I got even more weepy and deleted Lipstick-land. So there is my non-post post in all of its crap-tastic glory.
don't you hate it when you discover something weird about your blog LATE at night and you just HAVE to fix it or you can NOT sleep?
i can now rest with peaceful awareness that all is well in HTML-land (at least in my pre-school version of it) except that I am now WIDE AWAKE...
Well, alright that is just about enough of that free-form, all caps, ee cummings-ish formatting that I can handle. This really wasn't even going to be a post at all except that once someone deleted a post and it showed up in my reader that she had deleted her blog and I didn't want anyone to think I got even more weepy and deleted Lipstick-land. So there is my non-post post in all of its crap-tastic glory.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Welcome to the Island of Misfit Toys....I am Lipstick, your Tour Guide
It's odd really how the little incongruities of life can blister your soul.
Perhaps if there had been more writing then there would have been less blistering.
I'll have to remember that the next time around...
I'm sure there will be a next time. There always is.
I haven't endured a major crisis or even the sort of the life-changing event that would cause everyone to nod his or her head in empathy and say, "oh, dear...you poor thing." Nevertheless I think I've cried everyday this past week.
It seems that I am a bit of a rarity at JBB's school because I have a career (or at least one that is not in suspended animation "while my children are little"). I can't give up my career (remember that Mr. Lipstick is in law school so everyone requires tuition except the cat and me) and I don't want to...except when I do.
JBB cried when he had to miss an event at 4:00. I cried too. I was sad because my child was sad, but mostly the tears spewed from my eyes because I still haven't reconciled...ME.
Like I said, this is not a crisis of epic proportions. It did, however, bring to the surface every other possible insecurity lurking in the corners of my psyche. Thank goodness Dr. Mommy Lipstick answers urgent pages for phone therapy. Oh yeah, and I wish they lived here in Lipstick-ville. Boo hoo hoo, sniff sniff...more therapy needed.
So I trudged through the week with a rare migraine, the worst hair days imaginable, and downright awful outfits. Would you believe one day I FORGOT to put on blush?
Like I said, this is not a crisis of epic proportions, but I did have to use lip liner and smooth it on my cheeks. Finally I gave up and thought, well...hell. That's just how this week is. But, damn it, I was wearing lipstick. All day, every day. I was a hot mess though. No lie.
I love that colloquialism "hot mess." I think it is funny. It makes me smile, and I will use that very impotent segue to introduce something else that makes me smile...
The Pottery!
My cupcake.
JBB's Colts helmet (which was oddly hard to photograph).
The Birthday Girl's cats (for which I thought she demonstrated remarkable artistic ability in a sort of abstract-ish sense. Possibly I have mother's eyes, but whatever.)
And finally, presenting Mr. Lipstick's creation...
It is a coffee mug which includes explicit instructions (for me) to make the perfect cup of coffee for him. Before he actually painted this he asked me if I found this offensive or condescending. I thought it was absolutely hilarious. He was so shocked that he kept adding adjectives like demeaning and pejorative and chauvinistic. Honestly, I laughed so hard that I almost peed and as it turns out, that was something that I truly coveted this past week.
Sorry I've been MIA. I think I'm back.
Perhaps if there had been more writing then there would have been less blistering.
I'll have to remember that the next time around...
I'm sure there will be a next time. There always is.
I haven't endured a major crisis or even the sort of the life-changing event that would cause everyone to nod his or her head in empathy and say, "oh, dear...you poor thing." Nevertheless I think I've cried everyday this past week.
It seems that I am a bit of a rarity at JBB's school because I have a career (or at least one that is not in suspended animation "while my children are little"). I can't give up my career (remember that Mr. Lipstick is in law school so everyone requires tuition except the cat and me) and I don't want to...except when I do.
JBB cried when he had to miss an event at 4:00. I cried too. I was sad because my child was sad, but mostly the tears spewed from my eyes because I still haven't reconciled...ME.
Like I said, this is not a crisis of epic proportions. It did, however, bring to the surface every other possible insecurity lurking in the corners of my psyche. Thank goodness Dr. Mommy Lipstick answers urgent pages for phone therapy. Oh yeah, and I wish they lived here in Lipstick-ville. Boo hoo hoo, sniff sniff...more therapy needed.
So I trudged through the week with a rare migraine, the worst hair days imaginable, and downright awful outfits. Would you believe one day I FORGOT to put on blush?
Like I said, this is not a crisis of epic proportions, but I did have to use lip liner and smooth it on my cheeks. Finally I gave up and thought, well...hell. That's just how this week is. But, damn it, I was wearing lipstick. All day, every day. I was a hot mess though. No lie.
I love that colloquialism "hot mess." I think it is funny. It makes me smile, and I will use that very impotent segue to introduce something else that makes me smile...
The Pottery!
My cupcake.
JBB's Colts helmet (which was oddly hard to photograph).
The Birthday Girl's cats (for which I thought she demonstrated remarkable artistic ability in a sort of abstract-ish sense. Possibly I have mother's eyes, but whatever.)
And finally, presenting Mr. Lipstick's creation...
It is a coffee mug which includes explicit instructions (for me) to make the perfect cup of coffee for him. Before he actually painted this he asked me if I found this offensive or condescending. I thought it was absolutely hilarious. He was so shocked that he kept adding adjectives like demeaning and pejorative and chauvinistic. Honestly, I laughed so hard that I almost peed and as it turns out, that was something that I truly coveted this past week.
Sorry I've been MIA. I think I'm back.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
It Is Saturday! Grins and Giggles!
Have you ever been to one those paint-your-own-pottery (even-at-the-risk-of-having-no-artistic-talent-whatsoever)-places? Well, Mr. Lipstick, JBB, Mommy and Daddy Lipstick and I did that for Pretty Girl's 3rd birthday. It was very entertaining and super fun to say the least. I can't wait to see our "art" today. Pictures will be posted this afternoon no matter what the outcome. After all, this is the internet and therefore my full-disclosure, tell-all zone.
In other news, have you seen this...
It will make you say wow (even if our pottery doesn't)
P.S. It sent this Yatesville, Pennsyvania high school team into double overtime.
In other news, have you seen this...
It will make you say wow (even if our pottery doesn't)
P.S. It sent this Yatesville, Pennsyvania high school team into double overtime.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
It's Totally Nuts (and oh yeah, I'm Back)
Sometimes there are really difficult choices to make in life. Where to go to college, whom to marry, which house to buy, which sandwich to take in your lunch...you know, major decisions.
Yes, I did say that..."which sandwich to take in your lunch." Last week JBB went on a field trip (translation: MUST bring sack lunch no matter what so don't forget because the cafeteria isn't there to bail you out). He requested his all-time favorite: two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
About an hour later he changed his mind. I asked, "what about...[fill in the blank]?" so many times that finally he recanted and once again requested peanut butter and jelly.
The indecision was apparent. My sweet six year old JBB was filled with angst. Even after deciding on his favorite sandwich, he was still only moderately satisfied. This seemed fairly dramatic to me. We are talking about...lunch. Right?
Since I am a mother I felt an irresistible compulsion to drag the answer out of him. "Well, Mommy, I'm tired of sitting with The Peanut Butter People."
Hmmmm....it seems that some of his friends have some food allergies which dictate that they sit at the non-PB&J table. Since JBB exclusively likes PB&J sandwiches, this whole situation is a bit of a conundrum for a little boy.
The whole issue of food allergies is a bit of a conundrum for parents too. I have heard that some parents resent their kids being "segregated" based on food allergies. I have never met any of these people before, but they do seem to lurk on message boards.
Before I had children what I remember most about pediatric food allergies is from some women clustered together and chatting at the mall. Yes, I am embarrassed to admit this. They seemed hyper-vigilant and quite hyper on caffeine too. Dressed down in upscale yoga chic, they gasped with righteous indignation as they talked about permitted and prohibited foods. They were the sort who acted as if waiting in line was a personal offense and not a fact of life. I was distracted from the issue by the women who presented it to me.
Of course, as a pharmacist, I can talk to you about your Epi-Pen and your allergy medication...that is, the treatment of allergic reactions. During my tenure in pharmacy school, I do not recall a lecture on topics such as how to keep big groups of kids safe when some have food allergies and some don't or how to make sure you read labels carefully because some chocolates are produced in the same factories that process nuts.
No, what made this whole food allergy business very real to me was Donald Trump. Well, not so much Donald Trump, but he likes to take credit for everything. Actually, it was Trace Adkins' appearance on Celebrity Apprentice. (Now I'll just tell you...if you don't like country music, you won't like Trace's music. If you like country, you probably already know Trace. His personality...well, even The Donald fell in love with that.)
His chosen charity was the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.
He explained that because of his daughter's severe food allergies, any school lunch period or birthday party or sleepover or snack time could result in her death if they failed to plan.
Do you know the things that I freak out over? Big things (cars, trucks, and things that may fall) and little things (tiny cars and trucks that may be choking hazards, chemicals to swallow), but not food.
Sure, with each news report we wash our lettuce more vigorously or cook our meats a little longer or buy organic this or that, usually in the name of pursuing a healthier lifestyle. It's rarely life or death.
It's fair to say that episode of Celebrity Apprentice changed my life. I look for those little signs that say things like "strawberry-free classroom" or "nut-free zone." I want to watch out for other children and be another set of eyes for those concerned moms and dads. I would surely want someone to do that for me.
JBB had a lot of fun on the field trip. Field trips are usually pretty great anyway. He loved his sandwiches. PB&J is one of my specialities, after all. He had a lot of fun with The Peanut Butter People. They are a pretty tight group by this point in the school year. He saw his other friends on the playground so it was all good. And the other friends didn't see his PB&J so it really was all good.
Yes, I did say that..."which sandwich to take in your lunch." Last week JBB went on a field trip (translation: MUST bring sack lunch no matter what so don't forget because the cafeteria isn't there to bail you out). He requested his all-time favorite: two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
About an hour later he changed his mind. I asked, "what about...[fill in the blank]?" so many times that finally he recanted and once again requested peanut butter and jelly.
The indecision was apparent. My sweet six year old JBB was filled with angst. Even after deciding on his favorite sandwich, he was still only moderately satisfied. This seemed fairly dramatic to me. We are talking about...lunch. Right?
Since I am a mother I felt an irresistible compulsion to drag the answer out of him. "Well, Mommy, I'm tired of sitting with The Peanut Butter People."
Hmmmm....it seems that some of his friends have some food allergies which dictate that they sit at the non-PB&J table. Since JBB exclusively likes PB&J sandwiches, this whole situation is a bit of a conundrum for a little boy.
The whole issue of food allergies is a bit of a conundrum for parents too. I have heard that some parents resent their kids being "segregated" based on food allergies. I have never met any of these people before, but they do seem to lurk on message boards.
Before I had children what I remember most about pediatric food allergies is from some women clustered together and chatting at the mall. Yes, I am embarrassed to admit this. They seemed hyper-vigilant and quite hyper on caffeine too. Dressed down in upscale yoga chic, they gasped with righteous indignation as they talked about permitted and prohibited foods. They were the sort who acted as if waiting in line was a personal offense and not a fact of life. I was distracted from the issue by the women who presented it to me.
Of course, as a pharmacist, I can talk to you about your Epi-Pen and your allergy medication...that is, the treatment of allergic reactions. During my tenure in pharmacy school, I do not recall a lecture on topics such as how to keep big groups of kids safe when some have food allergies and some don't or how to make sure you read labels carefully because some chocolates are produced in the same factories that process nuts.
No, what made this whole food allergy business very real to me was Donald Trump. Well, not so much Donald Trump, but he likes to take credit for everything. Actually, it was Trace Adkins' appearance on Celebrity Apprentice. (Now I'll just tell you...if you don't like country music, you won't like Trace's music. If you like country, you probably already know Trace. His personality...well, even The Donald fell in love with that.)
His chosen charity was the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.
He explained that because of his daughter's severe food allergies, any school lunch period or birthday party or sleepover or snack time could result in her death if they failed to plan.
Do you know the things that I freak out over? Big things (cars, trucks, and things that may fall) and little things (tiny cars and trucks that may be choking hazards, chemicals to swallow), but not food.
Sure, with each news report we wash our lettuce more vigorously or cook our meats a little longer or buy organic this or that, usually in the name of pursuing a healthier lifestyle. It's rarely life or death.
It's fair to say that episode of Celebrity Apprentice changed my life. I look for those little signs that say things like "strawberry-free classroom" or "nut-free zone." I want to watch out for other children and be another set of eyes for those concerned moms and dads. I would surely want someone to do that for me.
JBB had a lot of fun on the field trip. Field trips are usually pretty great anyway. He loved his sandwiches. PB&J is one of my specialities, after all. He had a lot of fun with The Peanut Butter People. They are a pretty tight group by this point in the school year. He saw his other friends on the playground so it was all good. And the other friends didn't see his PB&J so it really was all good.
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