Only when it’s convenient.

Every time I see a lovely young girl with a tattoo, I find myself wondering, "What’s that going to look like in another 30 or 40 years?"

Gravity can be cruel.  That rosebud on your now-perky boobie or that butterfly on your still-firm butt cheek might not look as appealing when it’s wrinkled, droopy, and competing for attention with your liver spots.

Yet, to each her own, I say!  It’s your body to enjoy and decorate as you wish.  It’s really none of mom’s business — unless she still lists you as a minor on her income tax forms. 

Sorry, Frank.  I couldn’t resist.  :)

You’re right about #1.  You’re on the right track with #2 — the first half, anyway.  You’re dead wrong about #3 and #4.

You’re wrong.

Yeh… I used to love this site. 

I keep checking in, hoping to find the sort of bright, witty conversation that got this wonderful concept off the ground, but lately it seems it’s just one silly cat fight after another on every thread.  (Yes, I said cat fight.)

I don’t necessarily blame the moderators for the lack of grace on the part of some of this site’s visitors, but this topic??  Who would we kill??  Really??

So sad to see another fine idea jumping the shark.

Yeh… I used to love this site. 

I keep checking in, hoping to find the sort of bright, witty conversation that got this wonderful concept off the ground, but lately it seems it’s just one silly cat fight after another on every thread.  (Yes, I said cat fight.)

I don’t necessarily blame the moderators for the lack of grace on the part of some of this site’s visitors, but this topic??  Who would we kill??  Really??

So sad to see another fine idea jumping the shark.

I believe in heaven because it’s dumb not to…..what’s to lose. 

And you think God wouldn’t see through that little charade?  Really?

In the end, we believe whatever helps us sleep at night.  

Some of us find solace in the notion that something better awaits us at the end of this often difficult life.  Others learn to cherish each moment, the bitter and the tender, because we understand that life is fragile and ephemeral.  And some of us shrink in horror at the mere mention of eternity, or the thought of having to come back again and again, presumably until we get it right.

The universe existed for millennia before I ever showed up, and will continue to exist long after I’m gone.  I have no memory or personal experience of the time before my birth.  I imagine the same will be true at the end of my life.  Life will go on whether or not I’m here to witness it.  I’m totally okay with that.

I had the very same "adult" reaction, Andy.  Except that after I was done with my tantrum, I called their 800 number and told them to take me off their list.  IMMEDIATELY.  No mail, no email, no forwarding my info to other companies for discounts and offers — NOTHING.  I got more mail every day for about 2 weeks, then nothing ever again.  I have been living in the vast comfort of my own denial ever since.  :)

Don’t look at it, honey.  Then they’ll know we’re tourists.

No one would ever ask a man "how they do it" with young kids and a career. 

Colette, this reminded me of something I heard a female politician say in the late-80s or so (I wish I could remember who it was).  A reporter asked her how in the world she could run for office and be a mother.  Her response was, "I have a brain, and I have ovaries.  And they both work."

I must say, I was very heartened to see the "never wanted a family" bar stretch out to 25%.  I’ve lived in some rather diverse places, where cultural values varied from very traditional to ultra-liberal, but throughout my life I’ve known very few women who, like me, chose not to have children. 

The only difficult thing I ever found about this choice was having to deal with people who thought they’re entitled to pass judgment on those of us who said no to motherhood, as if there’s something terribly wrong or morally corrupt about a woman who chooses not to have kids. 

Having a child — or not — defines some of the things you may or may not do with your life.  You travel more, you travel less, you work hard at home or hard at the office…  It says little or nothing about your character.  Whether your nature is to be kind or cruel, you’ll be that person with or without kids.

I can’t multi-task when I’m just sitting in a chair.