Soapbox

Okay, I'm sure we've all heard about the woman out in Southern California who recently gave birth to octuplets. She already had six children, yet some doctor thought she was in need of infertility treatment and implanted not the usual two or three embryos into her uterus, but eight! I've been rather disgusted by this story since I suspect her decision to bear so many children was a publicity scheme or an attempt to get some sort of corporate sponsorship or even a television deal like my beloved Jon & Kate.

So, more details came out about this woman in today's paper and it has done nothing to reduce my levels of disgust. Turns out that she is a single mother, the other kids were all conceived via IVF and her mother is the one burdened with taking care of the other ones all aged between two and seven. Oh my god! Does this woman sound a bit like the crazy people who hoard cats or dogs until they take over their houses with no ability to properly care for them? Seriously, just because you are the one actually giving birth to them doesn't change the fact that there may be a serious mental issue going on here causing you to "need" so many children that you are obviously in no way, shape or form capable of caring for! According to the article, she already has a public relations firm hired and is disappointed that none of the major diaper or baby formula companies have stepped up to help support her spawn. Really, you're shocked that maybe the companies are a little gun-shy of promoting such an extreme case of unwed motherhood. Really?

Please don't take this to mean that I don't think single women are capable of caring for their children. I think there are plenty of women in this world who are doing quite well by themselves and their children. However to make a decision to bear a litter, putting your own life and the lives of all those children at risk, after you already have six children that you aren't taking care of, well, I find that disgusting and irresponsible and child services should really step in with a psych evaluation to find out if you are a fit parent.

Okay, off my soapbox. So, I have a product review for you guys. Just so you know, my mom is a big fan of those TV infomercials. As evidenced by the fact that last year I received a Ped-Egg and this past weekend for my birthday, I received the Smooth-Away system. You know, that thing that basically consists of sandpapering the hair off your body? Well, since it was sitting there today, I decided to give it a shot and see if it worked, so I tried it on my left forearm. It takes a little bit of time, but it does work! So, now I have a nearly hairless left arm. It does leave the skin a bit sensitive, but it's not too much worse than after a waxing. Of course, I should have tried it on a part of my body that I actually wanted to be hairless. I don't usually going around sporting bald arms, my hair isn't that dark. Now, of course, I need to go upstairs and do the other arm or I'm going to look like a bit of a freak. In summary, this product works, but it's a bit time-consuming and I don't know if it's that great an alternative to shaving.

Oh, and just so you know, the Ped Egg works really well, but is also rather time consuming. It also feels like you're taking a cheese grater to your feet, but it does improve the look of bad calluses.

Grace in Small Things - 13 of 365

1. Halls Honey Lemon cough drops

2. Aloe-infused tissues

3. Banana Bread Oatmeal

4. Flannel Pajamas

5. Handknit socks

See a trend here? I don't feel well and am not leaving my house today....

Grace in Small Things - 12 of 365

1. Popcorn

2. Pirate hats, not for me, but Baby Girl looks awfully cute!

3. Comfy sweatpants

4. Clean sheets

5. Tea parties.

Grace in Small Things - 11 of 365

1. My birthday!

2. Brunch at Brennan's. Yummy!

3. My parents being in town.

4. Roses from Hubby!

5. A really exciting Super Bowl even though my team didn't win.

10 of 365

1. Birthday parties at the zoo when the weather is PERFECT!

2. A hubby that's picking up Mexican food so I don't have to cook.

3. Confirmation that Baby Girl and I are going to Disney World next month with a long-lost high school friend and her little girl.

4. Temporal thermometers

5. Learning how to knit socks from the toe up. No need for grafting!

Grace in Small Things 9 of 365

1. Finding some great Mardi Gras sock yarn! I want a pair of funky socks to wear in the parade. I know no one will see them, but they will make me happy!

2. Chicken Apple Walnut Salad and French Onion Soup from Applebees

3. Finding fun Valentine's stuff to send to some friends.

4. Beer helmets...yeah, I know, totally cheesy, but see #1

5. Learning how to turn on the grill

Grace in Small Things 8 of 365

1. Steak, Potatoes and Corn

2. Impressing Hubby with my entry in a yarn contest. He's hard to impress with such things.

3. Baby Girl's fever lasting less than 24 hours.

4. Letter Factory and Math Circus

5. On-line friends who make you smile even though you've never been in the same room with them.