What's Wrong With People??

Now and then, I get so fed up with all this Alaskan snow and winter crap, that I start looking at real estate listings in warmer western states. The problem is--West Coast home construction.
Why aren't people standing up to these nasty builders? Plopping down boring, beige, bland ubiquitous homes--painted with drab paint, stuffed full of grey tiles and really crappy siding? They are so dull to look at, that I freak out, shut down the computer and actually enjoy the snow for five minutes. 

Where I grew up (on the East Coast) it was a sign of class and status that your fancy house looked nothing like your neighbors! The better the neighborhood--the more unique the construction!! Nobody in their right mind would prance around bragging they had "all neutral colors." No, you had boxy modern homes, tudor and brick, all nestled next to each other. At the very least, people actually painted their homes--green, yellow, dark red.  For crying out loud, when will people grow "some" and dare to be a tiny bit different?? Stand up folks! And "just say no to beige!"

What the Feminists Have Done To Me

I don't really want to bash feminism too much here--I super appreciate the right to vote and having an equal voice to men.
But, with that said, the new normal for "liberated" females has caused me quite a bit of grief.
Let's face it, with most women currently working out of the home--those that do not are considered LAZY. Thanks a lot Betty Freidan. Although I vote liberal, I am forced to surround myself with true Conservative women--as they would never judge me for actually enjoying being at home or for wearing fabulous sunglasses!
I am now stuck with a passive aggressive mother-in-law always sticking it to me about how awful I am to my husband. I should obviously release him from the evil burden of being the sole bread winner. Or how about childhood friends, sarcastically asking how am I enjoying my retirement? (I did once have a REAL career after all)
The thing is, I am not counting flowers on the wall. I do spend my days either painting, writing or fixing up the house! Not to mention the obvious, yet more boring tasks, such as kid taxi, maid and cook! But somehow I am supposed to feel guilty, that I really enjoy this. Or maybe less intelligent?? Interestingly, I find that having less stress has increased my knowledge base. Not only do I have the time to really read stuff....I also contemplate and meditate!
The art of meditation is considered so very intellectual--if you are a male and in Bhutan! But for us females (and again--thanks to those bored feminists) I am not allowed to enjoy it. I just need to wallow in guilt instead-- as I am not "producing" anything more tangible than art, clean laundry and ideas!

Cheer Up Stressed Youth, the Asteroid is Coming

I recently read that today's youth, I believe it was the age group of 20-33 year olds, are the most "stressed out generation". The article did not clearly identify the stressors--but indicated it was mostly money and job woes.
Everyone likes to blame"the economy", but nobody wants to point out that maybe the US economy (as we know it) is actually unsustainable in the first place. I mean, growth, growth and more growth? Even Jack knew the bean-stock would eventually stop growing.
So instead of freaking out---ease your worries:
1) You probably don't need as much money as your parents did. In the old days, kids were just glad to inherit a damn gravy bowl---nowadays, everyone lives like a hoarder, so you are bound to inherit MOUNTAINS of furnishings, dishes, and household goods--none of which you will like. BUT you will learn not to make this mistake with your own kids, it's much cheaper to only purchase groceries and floor cushions (live like the Turks).

2) Move somewhere new. The most amazing thing about "too many (human)rats in a cage" is that even when the cage door is open, the rats don't leave!!
If you handle freezing winters--try North Dakota or Alaska. You may just fall ass backwards into a job, and your stress disappear, as these rural folk don't take themselves seriously.

3) Send your iphone swimming. This sounds horrible, I know. But being oblivious to texts and constant updates is very, very nice.

4) Cheer up--we were almost hit by an asteroid! Everything we humans have worked for and care about could be wiped out by a space rock at any given moment.  Just ask the dinosaurs. So relax man and enjoy!

Always Choose Vanity Over Sanity

Blah, blah, according to various bland health information websites...the news today is that baby-boomers just aren't as healthy as their parents were. Then these same bland sites go on to sing their little song about "sensible diet and exercise". They never have the balls to spill the real truth: those baby boomer parents were not motivated by "health" they were motivated by a much stronger force: vanity.
Just take a quick peak at any photos from the 1950's--gorgeous people. Everyone is slim, hair done up, lipstick applied, suits worn, skirts pressed, shoes shined....
Then take a look at "anywhere America" today--I don't need to elaborate.
Vanity (and being judged by your looks) is an incredibly strong motivating force. Being "healthy" is just plain boring. Nobody is going to put down their big gulp soda for "health". Being judged by the sniveling masses--maybe then.... 
As we as a nation embrace "the beauty within"---you can say goodbye to a healthy population! And say hello to pajama wearing shoppers at the grocery store.
Being "always beautiful" results in lazy behavior. I can't believe how many hotel reviews I have read where people complain that there was no elevator! Unless you are handicapped--embrace this wonderful "forced exercise". What about the new home trend--wanting laundry rooms by bedrooms (?) Because the basement is "too far"! Just call it "a home gym"!

Don't even get me started on the long term health care savings of encouraging smoking--...screw Obamacare, get Marlboro care.