Flies

Are you kidding me??? With as many things that are going on in the world today PETA is upset that the President swatted a fly. I mean, he killed a fly.... They've even invented a fly swatter for those pesky things. Apparently, we are all supposed to humanely trap them and release them back into the wild. Yes, they are sending him such a trap. Give me a break people!!! Concentrate your efforts on something else. It's a fly, people - move on...

Poverty

Yesterday my son went to a 6th grade graduation for his only friend in the Bay Area. Keanu has been over to play with David about 4 times now since we've been here. Both love Star Wars and Transformers and of course... video games. My mother told me that they were poor. David has never been to their place. Keanu lives with his mom, and two sisters - in the aunt's townhouse along with the aunt and at least one of her children. Keanu's mom doesn't work (I forget why), she only lives off of state money, and she doesn't have a car. Keanu's father, I believe, lives in the Philippines, and of course, doesn't pay child support. So, with transportation issues on both sides, it is difficult for the two boys to get together. Anyway, I digress. Keanu just finished the 6th grade and his mom threw him a party. David got dropped off by his grandfather at about 1:10. David called at 4:15 and asked if he could be picked up because the party ended an hour earlier, but he had stayed to clean up and play with Keanu a little bit. When he came back we asked if he had fun, what did you do, etc. etc. He came back with a container of soup. She is so poor, but wanted to do something nice for her son that she had soup for the party. Ab knew what it was (she's El Salvadorian) -pasole. David said he had some soup (which he liked), and one soda and a couple of oreo bites. Apparently they bought a package of oreos - and CUT THEM UP to stretch them. That just breaks my heart. Just when I get tired of juggling bills and stretching funds something like this happens and makes me feel bad for feeling sorry for myself. Oh it gets better. She sent some soup home with David because he liked it so much. Now, according to the State of California we are poor (enough to qualify for free health care for the kids), and yes, I feel it some days. But she totally puts me in my place. My mother told me that their big treat is going to McDonalds. They buy one Happy Meal for 3 people to split. Keanu is 11 and his sister is about his age as well. Three people sharing one small meal. This system really makes me sick... Funny thing is, I've never heard Keanu complain. My parents barbecued once when he was here and he ate and ate. Poor kid. The sad part is I know there are a lot more kids out there just like him. With people losing their homes we're reading in the paper that there are lots of displaced families, children, and pets. Sad... sad... sad - poverty is sad, especially when it affects someone you know. There's poor, but then there's barely scraping by poor. Puts me in my place...