..."you LET her do what?"

So, my oldest daughter - who is 17 - decided she wanted to get her nose pierced. A simple nostril piercing with a small jeweled stud, not a septum with a bullring or anything like that. It's a delicate little piercing.

She did great with the decision and did not rush into it without really thinking about it, she spent time researching the healing process, what could go wrong, knew what jewelry she wanted, all of the due diligence. The day came last Saturday when she asked me to take her to the shop and get it over with.

I was a little worried that she would get nervous or worked up about the whole thing, but she did great. The piercing technician - artist, guy, whatever - was very nice. He obviously was a fan of piercing, with extensively stretched lobes and septum, along with multiple facial piercings that I don't even know the names of. He explained everything to her, asked her if she had any questions and set to work marking the location and having her check the placement. Everything was lined up and he clamped he nostril and ran the needle through - she didn't even flinch. He then cleaned it all up and gave her the aftercare speech - to her, not to us, which I appreciated. It is her piercing and her responsibility.

What I wasn't really ready for was some of the reactions from parents of her friends. Some seemed disappointed that we let her do it and gave our consent, which is required in our area if the client is under 18. Others wondered why she would do it. I keep wondering, do these people not know us - both Debe and I are pierced and tattooed, not extensively, but it is noticeable.

I didn't think it was much of a big deal for a teenage girl to get her nostril pierced, but apparently it still is to some people.

I wonder...

I wonder how long I can go without saying a word? Or if that is unrealistic, because of work and family commitments, by speaking as little as necessary. I wonder if it would freak people out, make them mad, or if they would notice. They probably would - I tend to talk a lot.

I might try it sometime soon.

I will warn those close to me first though.

My progeny

I am struggling with what to say and how to say it. Time to freestyle it a but.


I am so proud of my daughter Stephanie, more than I can even put into proper words. She has been playing one of the major roles in 'The Snowqueen and the Firebird' as part of the Siena Heights University Youth Theater. Every time I watch her on stage I am just overwhelmed by her presence and talent.


She usually seems very shy in social situations and doesn't really stand out. But on stage - WOW! She takes control of the scene and seems so confident. I love watching her up there. Tonight her sisters were at the show and they were just awed by her performance.


She has one more performance tomorrow, and then she is on to rehearsal on Monday for the high school play. All this and maintaining Honor Roll grades and participating on the varsity bowling team that is second in their division and challenging for first.


What a kid and I love her more than I can express.

...Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said: 'My son, the battle is between 'two wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied: 'The one you feed.'

the 7

Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksucker, Motherfucker, and Tits

New Years Eve 2009

I have really been neglected this blog and just been posting on Twitter and Facebook. But I thought I would record some thoughts on this site, just to let it know I haven't forgotten all about it. Neglected, Yes. Forgotten, No.

I just want to sum up my thoughts on New Years Eve in one easy sentence.

Don't be an idiot.

That's it. Happy New Year!

Black Friday

So - it's Black Friday. The day of economic splurge and overindulgence. My plan is, and has been for years, to do not shopping at all today. I sleep in, wake up when I want to and get some coffee.
Then we contemplate decorating the trees - yes, trees - that we often put up the night before. Christmas begins for us, shortly after Thanksgiving dinner is complete.

I love the Christmas season, I really do, I just wish it didn't start BEFORE Halloween. But when I do get started on it, we go all out. 14 Christmas trees are put up in or around the house. We love to decorate and fully go crazy about the holiday. And keep in mind, I am an agnostic - but I love this season. I just don't buy into 'the reason for the season', I do believe in the 'doing good' and 'it is better to give than receive' concepts though.

So, I'm, going to throw some holiday music on and get to decorating a bit more...