Rage Against The Minivan

That’s what SHE said

Here are some of things I read this week that made me think. (These are just snippets – click on the title to read the whole thing).

“The phrase “alt-right” was coined by one of the most bigoted, racist, white supremacists in America — Richard Betrand Spencer. He is the brain of the alt-right movement — which is nothing more than white supremacist bigotry by a new name. In 2013, the Anti-Defamation League labeled him as “symbol of the new white supremacy.” The Southern Poverty Law Center called the 38-year old-Spencer ‘a suit-and-tie version of the white supremacists of old, a kind of professional racist in khakis’.”
“The reality is that we live in a world where we are inundated with messages about what to buy at every turn. Every holiday, every birthday, every special moment is an excuse to add more to the pile. Our kids can’t help but be swept up by this culture of consumerism, because it is everywhere.”

Thought: “Suzie has a well-check appointment next week.”

Overthinking: “Suzie has a well-check. I need to make sure to set a reminder on my phone for 1 day out and 1 hour out so that I don’t forget about it like I did last year. They will think I’m a complete airhead if I forget yet another appointment. They say it’s not a big deal, but they’re probably just being nice. Okay. Reminders set. I got this. “

Mornings as a parent are hectic. Trying to get your kids out the door for either school or daycare while also getting yourself ready for work or sitting on the couch eating bonbons (I kid) is a whirlwind. Most days, we’re feeling accomplished if they leave the house with matching socks and brushed teeth. That’s why when teachers send home flyers detailing a week’s worth of theme days we want to punch things.

When November hits, potter, designer, and author Jonathan Adler recommends stepping up your table game with gold accents to create a glam dining room look. “When it comes to tablescaping throughout the year, the truth is I’m always kind of restrained,” he confesses. “But during the holidays, I find my inner Kardashian and unleash a world of layers and ornament and glitz.” Try incorporating gold dinnerware and cutlery for a seasonal “splash of panache” in Adler’s signature style.

1.Make sure you have an 8 am appointment so you can’t possibly ride the school bus. This will save you from diesel fumes, car sickness and a relaxed morning.*

*this also gives you the distinct advantage of appearing busy and therefore important.

We were relieved to have this time to verbally throw up on each other. There was comfort in knowing we all have our stuff, the messy shit that most of the world doesn’t see. It wasn’t that we were happy to see our friends struggling, but there is something in knowing when your life feels like it is falling apart, you are not alone.

The alt-right used to exist mostly on the Internet, but with the rise of Donald Trump and his chief strategist, Steve Bannon, the movement is starting to hold conferences where hundreds of people attend. Spencer and others in the alt-right movement were suspended from Twitter this week. But now that Trump has been elected, Spencer says he believes the alt-right will continue to grow.

I LOVE giving gifts of experience but really love being able to give my family members something tangible as well. There’s just something about unwrapping a gift, or watching your family and friends unwrapping a gift, that just makes the day!

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