The Dilemma of Race

 Unless you live under a rock, you know the social issues of race, racial profiling, and the fact that the US isn't as far along in racial equality as most white people think is every where now.
The terrible  shooting of Trayvon Martin, horrible responses to Rue in Hunger Games being portrayed by an African-American actress, and other random things in the news are just the tip of the iceberg.
  All this got me thinking about The Peanut and making sure she's raised to understand no one is better than anyone because of their race. It is even more important to me since we moved to our new place and she has made new friends that aren't the same color as her. To her beautiful 4 year old mind, there is no race. It just happens that a few of her little friends have different color skin.  In fact a conversation about this went as follows:
The Peanut: My friend [name] is brownish.
Me: Yup.
The Peanut: My skin is pinkish
Me: Yup.
The Peanut: I feel treatish. Can I have something yummy?

 This filled me with joy. Then I started thinking. Right now, she doesn't care. I think we're raising a loving little girl that sees past color. But that's the problem. I assume. And that is my dilemma. How do I make sure she understands that there are people in this world that judge someone just because they have dark skin? How do I explain slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, the KKK? How do I tell her that some people are cruel and say horrible things about some of her friends?

  Then I decided, I will just do my best and use every learning opportunity to make sure she understands the best that she can.

Super Shoes!

  I found a super cute project idea on Pinterest and HAD to do it right away.

Super Hero Shoes! It's really easy. I decided to try out the project on a pair for The Peanut. Then, if all goes well, I will make a pair for myself. I'm thinking they need to be worn at GenCon.

Here's where I got the idea and a better How-to!

Step 1:  Gather your supplies
Comics of your choice
Modge Podge
Shoes
Paint brushes and sponges
Newspaper

Step 2
Cut out pictures you like.  I used panels for coverage, then layered words and characters on top.

Step 3
Modge Podge your pictures onto the shoes.

The Peanut helping.

Step 4

Distract your little one from "helping" by giving her the camera.

Step 5
Cover everything a couple layers of Modge Podge and let dry.

Step 6
Step back and look at your awesome new shoes!

What I don't say

  I have quite a few "online friends." Many I've met IRL (in real life) and consider them to be real friends. The best part about knowing so many people is making friends out of my comfort zone. I can also have any persona I want. In general, who I am online is who I really am. Still, there are many things I don't say.
  I don't talk much about my political views or my faith. Mostly because I don't like long mud slinging arguments on my Facebook page. So for one time only, I will post some of my beliefs.

I believe in God.
I believe in Science.
My God does not wear a long white robe. He doesn't have a long beard. He doesn't need my money.
God did not create the universe in 6 earth days.
To me, science is the study of what God has done, is doing, and will do.
I believe in prayer and I also believe in going to the doctor and taking medicine when you are sick.
I believe the universe is too amazing and perfect for there to be no creator. It is too terrible and evil for there to be no opposing force.

  If I had to label myself politically, I would call myself a Conservative liberal.
I am pro-choice and pro-death penalty. Gun control is keeping them out of the reach of children, teaching them gun safety, and hitting what you aim for. As for other political type views, it just depends.

So there. Love it or hate it, that's me.

Photo: Painting with Kool Aid

 Kool Aid water colors! It smells like candy in here.

In Which I Use a Glue Gun and Only Burn Myself Four Times

  It's been quiet at Singing Princess Astronaut. This SPA has been busy moving. The husband got a new job, moving us about 15ish minutes away. The new place is pretty effing awesome. 450 square feet bigger, recently beautifully remodeled. I'm quite excited and am loving it. The packing and unpacking was a PITA, but oh well.

  Anyhoo. Glue gun. Fuck you, glue gun. I finally did the Valentine's Day project I've said I was going to do for the last 4 years.  With much adult supervision, Peanut made Valentine's Day picture frames. With exception the 3 very minor burns and one slightly more painful burn (conveniently located on the tip of my index finger, making typing so much fun!)  it was an easy project.

  All we did was hot glue some conversation hearts (you know, the awesome heart shaped candies that taste just like heart burn medicine?) to a picture frame, coat with a bit of Modge Podge, add some glitter and Ta Da! Pretty Valentine's gifts for the family!

Not pictured, my burnt finger

Stuff!  

Ta Da! 

Glitter makes it awesomer!

                   

Another Proud Geek Parent Moment.

Today while out and about with The Peanut, she yelled out, "Momma! Look the TARDIS!"
I asked, "Really? Where?"
"Over there! OK, it's not really the TARDIS. It's one of those moving bathroom things. I'm going to pretend it's the TARDIS."

My Christmas present finally arrived. 

Queue Nerd Rage NOW!

  I don't get all the nerd rage about the Star Wars prequels. At all. Seriously. The movies aren't great, but are they really  THAT bad? What, exactly makes them so horrible? I would love to find some one that has never seen any Star Wars movie and has no preconceived ideas of the Star Wars world. Then I want them to watch them all and give an actual objective review.

  Oh, just so you know,  I think JarJar Binks is awful. I thought the Ewoks were stupid when I was a kid.

"I'm doing all this to save your ass..."

 Movies that if they come on, I have to watch to the end:

Dirty Dancing
Steel Magnolias
Thelma and Louise
Finding Nemo

My husband came home for lunch and I was watching Dirty Dancing. He tried to give me a hard time. I said, "I'm a girl. I'm allowed to love Dirty Dancing."

So there's that.

*EDIT I should also add
Shawshank Redemption (Because Fowl Sorcerous is right)
Forest Gump
Brave Heart

Those Silly Resolutions.

  I am not much of a New Years Resolution girl. I never think of any thing good and have a serious problem with following through.  I decided I would post the things that I will do in 2012.  I do not resolve to do the following things. These are the new plan.
  1. DO something with The Peanut for at least one hour every day.  Watching a show will not count. I mean quality, one-on-one time.

  2. Do some kind of physical activity every day. This can be going for a walk, sex, playing at the park with Peanut or some other form of physical play. (I can play with The Peanut for an hour and number 1 is taken care of, as well!)

  3. Do Zumba for the Wii no less than 3 times a week.

  4. Use less salt. This really isn't a problem, I just thought it was a good idea.

  5. Drink at least one glass of water every day. By one glass, I mean one of our 32 ounce glasses.

  6. Go to at least one gaming type meet up once a month and interact with real, live human beings.

  7. Not get discourage if I get off track from my plan. I will get back on the horse the next day. No excuses.

So, there it is. All typed in black and white for the peering eyes of you, interwebs.