*sigh*

[ILoveReptiles]

OK... some of you know I'm not all that fond of kids... well, I wanted to share with you a situation that I have to deal with every day I go into work.

There's two guys I work with that I will refer to as Breeder Duhd #1 and Breeder Duhd #2 (BD1 and BD2 for my purposes here)

BD2 is new - and he's much much worse than BD1. He is in his late 50's and he has a 6-month old infant, and a 17 year old girl. :rolleyes: All this man can seem to talk about is his kid. Day in day out. My kid this, my kid that. Blah blah blah blah *eyes glazing*

I just want him to SHUT UP. He's driving me insane. And there's something about him that totally skeeves me out. Maybe its his sickening sweet demeanor... he's TOO friendly, if you know what I mean. He seriously gives me the willies.

As for BD1 - well he's one that insists on giving me all the squicky details of his wife's pregnancy... and he even wanted to video tape the birth and bring it in to show us. Ugh. Gross. Please spare me.

The two of them, all they do is yammer on and on and on about the little ones. It's enough to make me insane. I mean it's all well and good they have kids - but can't they talk about ANYTHING ELSE?!??!?! It's like they have no other existence outside of the kid!

Ahh well - I guess I will just put my headphones back on and shut up. I just wanted to vent.

[catland]

only thing that comes to mind is that when they start talking about their kids, you can start talking about your pets.:D

[CathyBogart]

I know the feeling, although I've never been in a situation where I've had to listen to it day in and day out. :( *hugs* I agree, tell them all about the snakies, and throw in some regurgitation stories, or something most people find gross.

[ILoveReptiles]

Hah you're going to laugh at this one - I've actually tried that. I've been VERY disgusting - as vile as I can possibly think to be.

They all seem interested in what I have to say, and aren't phazed in the least. I just can't win.

:rolleyes:

[2kitties]

I'm with ya reptiles! What is it about being pregnant that makes women act as thought they are the only people in the world who have ever been pregnant and had kids? Newsflash: that is the SINGLE thing women have been doing since the beginning of time.

[popcornbird]

He wanted to video tape the birth and show it to you at work?!? :eek: What sort of woman would want the whole world to watch her giving birth, and what sort of husband would want to share it to the world? I find that, quite disgusting. It isn't something that other than those that are there to help you, need to watch. :o:o

[2kitties]

no kidding pops. And, as far as I'm concerned, there may be people in my delivery room, but the only people with a view below my waist had better be the doc and nurse!

[micki76]

Oh, can I ever sympathize. My boss just became a Grandma for the first time in November.

You would think this kid could walk on water. All I hear is Noah this, Noah that. Noah did this, Noah did that.

Last Monday I had one of those headaches where you feel like your head is gonna explode and you're gonna throw up. I had TONS of work to get done THAT day and my phone was ringin' off the hook. All this woman wanted to talk about was what "Punkinhead" did all weekend. Do I have kids? NO. DO I care what "Punkinhead" did all freakin' weekend? NO!!

ARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!

It was all I could do not to yell at her to shut the **bleep** up! :mad:

[catnapper]

Ok, I'm guilty of that myself. I do *try* to temper my gushing about my kids. I often ask myself whether or not I'd be interested in hearing the story before I go into it too... a lot of times (and I mean a lot) my husband will go nto a story with friends and I just roll my eyes beause, well, its a boring story.

Sometimes a parent's pride of their kids and families make them think that everyone else in the world is as fascinated by them as they are. I know very well that my kids are not neccessarily interesting to anybody else. But I am also a person who wears her emotions out front and if I'm peeved at something they did that morning, I'll discuss it. If I'm proud of something they've accompished, I'll talk about it.

Now, I do not have babies.. and there's nothing more tedious than listening to "oh, she gurgled today.":rolleyes: Its nearly the same as telling a story about watching water boil. Oh, wait, that might actually be more interesting. When I talk about my kids (who are teenagers) its more along the lines of "What would you do if..." And my coworkers offer advice or laugh at what I have to put up with.

When the guy offers to bring in the video of his wife's labor, ask him WHY he'd want to do that. Tell him that if you wanted to look into her private affairs, you'd rather wait until no blood was involved.;)

[catnapper]

Originally posted by micki76
Oh, can I ever sympathize. My boss just became a Grandma for the first time in November.

You would think this kid could walk on water. All I hear is Noah this, Noah that. Noah did this, Noah did that.


Oh man... you've just described my mom! She's sooo bad and I am tired of what my nephew did now. She has ONE picture of my family and a million framed of the baby. I jokingly called the one room as a shrine to the baby. She got insulted. I told her "mom, look around you! There's no fewer than a dozen pictures in this room alone. How many more are in the rest of the house?"

I'm so happy that mom finally got her grandbaby, but she's idolizing the child (my kids are all from hubby's first marriage.) She thinks I'm just jealous and tells me that having a baby of my own would change my mind... no way Jose! I like teenagers... they'll be going to college soon and leaving my home to me! :D I can actually relate to teens... and have meanigful conversations with them. I'm not about to have a baby just so I can become a n authority on nursing vs. formula. Thanks, but I'll pass.

[ILoveReptiles]

I think ... *praying* that he's given up on the idea of videotaping the birth - I don't think his wife would like it much either.

I can't imagine anyone liking that idea much. And if they were squeamish when I brought my snakes in to feed, I think they'd be a lot more icky about a stretched out you know what, with all the blood and gore that goes along with it.

Not something I want to see. Bleh. I feel sick now.

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by micki76
Oh, can I ever sympathize. My boss just became a Grandma for the first time in November.

You would think this kid could walk on water. All I hear is Noah this, Noah that. Noah did this, Noah did that.

Last Monday I had one of those headaches where you feel like your head is gonna explode and you're gonna throw up. I had TONS of work to get done THAT day and my phone was ringin' off the hook. All this woman wanted to talk about was what "Punkinhead" did all weekend. Do I have kids? NO. DO I care what "Punkinhead" did all freakin' weekend? NO!!

ARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!

It was all I could do not to yell at her to shut the **bleep** up! :mad:

I hear ya! This guy is really testing my patience - what little I have of it. It's getting to the point where I've started running out the rear door at the end of the day so I don't have to hear his voice saying "bye! Have a nice night!"

Ugh. He seriously turns my stomach. Something about him... just... UGH. Creepy.

[Tiah]

I see where you are coming from, but think about it- "BD2" could have tried and tried to have another child for YEARS and him and his wife were finally blessed with a child. Of course he will be talking about his new child- he is deadly proud. I personaly find it sweet- It shows how proud they are and how much they love their children. But yes, I also agree- find someone who sincerly cares lol

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by Tiah
I see where you are coming from, but think about it- "BD2" could have tried and tried to have another child for YEARS and him and his wife were finally blessed with a child. Of course he will be talking about his new child- he is deadly proud. I personaly find it sweet- It shows how proud they are and how much they love their children. But yes, I also agree- find someone who sincerly cares lol

Well now - "blessed" isn't exactly a word I'd use... But then again that's just me.

However... I think in this case it's a second marriage and he just had to have another baybee. Nevermind the fact that he's going to be geriatric by the time the kid is a freshman in college... Ugh. just... UGH.

Hey .. whatever.. It's not something I think is normal, but whatever floats his boat I guess.

[Tiah]

Originally posted by ILoveReptiles
Well now - "blessed" isn't exactly a word I'd use... But then again that's just me.


LOL!

Yes- I find it rather creepy he will be geriatric be the time his kid is older. I know if it were my dad- I would claim him to be my grandpa everywhere I go.

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by ILoveReptiles
Well now - "blessed" isn't exactly a word I'd use... But then again that's just me.

However... I think in this case it's a second marriage and he just had to have another baybee. Nevermind the fact that he's going to be geriatric by the time the kid is a freshman in college... Ugh. just... UGH.

Hey .. whatever.. It's not something I think is normal, but whatever floats his boat I guess.

Wow..........now this has to be the first time I've ever heard someone saying having a child isn't a blessing. I'm not exactly crazy about kids.........and can't stand some of them, because of their behavior, but still, there are some kids that I just adore and think to be the cutest little things. To be quite honest, that statement made me quite sad. To a parent, a child is their pride and joy.....a little person for whom they went through so much to get. If you don't like kids, that is fine, but to say kids aren't blessings to their parents is worse than someone saying pets aren't a blessing to those that love them. I know some people who talk about kids more than I would like to listen, but I wouldn't complain about them talking about something that means so much to them. I like to talk about my pets because they mean the world to me. No doubt, those children mean more than mountains of gold to their parents.

:(

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by popcornbird
Wow..........now this has to be the first time I've ever heard someone saying having a child isn't a blessing. I'm not exactly crazy about kids.........and can't stand some of them, because of their behavior, but still, there are some kids that I just adore and think to be the cutest little things. To be quite honest, that statement made me quite sad. To a parent, a child is their pride and joy.....a little person for whom they went through so much to get. If you don't like kids, that is fine, but to say kids aren't blessings to their parents is worse than someone saying pets aren't a blessing to those that love them. I know some people who talk about kids more than I would like to listen, but I wouldn't complain about them talking about something that means so much to me. I like to talk about my pets because they mean the world to me. No doubt, those children mean more than mountains of gold to their parents.

:(

<edited for grammar>

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I just cannot be excited for someone when they've added yet another human being to an already atrociously overpopulated planet. The way I see it - a child is just another mass consumer of our already depleted natural resources.

Maybe their child means something to them, and that's great - I'm happy for them. But I can't honestly say that same child means anything to me. What's more, I refuse to pretend that I care when I really don't. Maybe that makes me heartless, but oh well... I am what I am.

I never expect people to get all excited over my pets. If they do then great. If they don't... that's their problem.

My pets mean the world to me - and that's all that should matter.

[guster girl]

wow

[CathyBogart]

What is such a blessing about doing something that almost everyone in this world will do at one point in their lives and stretching this planet even thinner than it already is?

I'm with ILR....When someone goes all placenta-brain like that my eyes stert to roll up into the back of my head as I try to figure out ANY way out of the conversation. I've lost a very dear friend because I flat-out told her (politely) that her baby didn't interest me and I didn't want it to be a large part of our friendhip. (As in, if she was coming over to my house for dinner the baby isn't welcome, etc.)

Here's a point that I'm going to make again....So many people here are so concerned about the overpopulation of unwanted pets. (Myself included!) A lot of us are very gung ho... "Adopt adopt adopt!!" Isn't it a bit hypocritical to say this and then not adopt skinkids too? There are so many in foster care. Don't breed, adopt! This is how we think of our dogs and cats, so why not ourselves? Especially since our own overpopulation problem is so much worse.

So what I'm trying to say is....I don't think babies are a blessing either. Now you've heard it twice!! *chuckles*

[aly]

There could be worse things in the world. What if they didn't care about their kids at all? That would be MUCH worse than caring so much to talk about them all the time.

We all have things we are proud of. I love my pets and drive people nuts talking about them nonstop. But that is who I am. I know if I ever had a baby, I would love the baby so much that I would constantly talk about him/her. Its a beautiful thing. I am glad that people enjoy it.

[CathyBogart]

Ah, but you see..I DON'T talk about my pets nonstop...precisely because I wouldn't want someone to do the same to me. About their pets, their kids, anything really. I like variety, and lots of it. My mind tends to be completely one-track, but each subject lasts about two weeks, so I don't think I drive anybody insane. (I certainly try not to!)

I censor myself for other people. If I know they're afraid of snakes I don't bring them up at all. I have a friend who feels that keeping ANY animal in captivity is cruelty, no matter what. So I keep my moth shut and we agree to disagree. I don't bring up my pagan religious views to my catholic family. I expect people to extend the same curtosy to me. :)

People need to expand their lives beyond children. There are more things in the world, and if someone's kids are their entire world...I feel bad for the kids!

If someone expressed to you that something you were talking about made them uncomfortable, would you continue to talk about it?

[ziron]

My grandma is the worst of this. We go into a store and she tells the cashier about oh yes my grandson just blah blah blah..and u know they don't care ..she does this everywhere its so very annoying

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by aly
There could be worse things in the world. What if they didn't care about their kids at all? That would be MUCH worse than caring so much to talk about them all the time.

We all have things we are proud of. I love my pets and drive people nuts talking about them nonstop. But that is who I am. I know if I ever had a baby, I would love the baby so much that I would constantly talk about him/her. Its a beautiful thing. I am glad that people enjoy it.

Ok this speaks volumes to me - have you ever noticed that people either take one extreme or the other on this issue? It's either they don't care at all, or their overcaring to the point of obsessiveness, and the kid is the center pin of their universe.

These type of parents can't talk about, think about, or comprehend anything else. It's all about the kid. The kid this the kid that. It's NOT healthy! This is what is causing the kids today to have their distinctive superiority complex.

I have NO problem with the parents that are REASONABLE about their kids. It's the obsessive ones that bother me. I don't go around talking about my pets all the time either, and like WolfChan, I censor what I say around people whom I know do not like reptiles.

[catnapper]

Originally posted by ILoveReptiles
These type of parents can't talk about, think about, or comprehend anything else. It's all about the kid. The kid this the kid that. It's NOT healthy! This is what is causing the kids today to have their distinctive superiority complex.
You are quite right there! Too many kids today think they are invinsible/perfect/wonderful and can do anything because they are constantly being told they are wonderful. I am so tired of going to my daughter's school concerts and plays and having to listen to kids sing who are just AWFUL... but they sing because they've been told by doting parents that they are wonderful... then some day they'll try out for something like "American Idol" and hear the truth for the first time and - wow - its like the truth teller has lost their mind. So I agree with you there.

Note: I am not saying that its bad to have postive self-esteem... its bad when they feel/act as if they are the world's gift to everybody. That is not healthy. My own neice is a product of that... she's a masculine looking girl (sorry, but true) who's always been in sports and now that she's 16, she wanted to try out for the dance squad. She practiced and came up with a routine. She claims she was the best there. We know how she dances and all have our doubts. She confronted - yes confronted, as in accused- the coach and was told that she wasn't feminine enough. She was crushed. She walked around asking everybody for weeks if we thought she wasn't feminine... we all tried to "nicely" tell her that she was little rough; that just because you wear a skirt & some make-up doesn't mean you transform into girly-girl. She turned a deaf ear to the helpful tips.

Everyone has one thing in their lives that they are passionate about to the boredom of everyone else. I know someone who lives and breathes e-bay. Oh-so-annoying! Someone else does the same with sports... "can't we talk about something else... hey, I have an idea! No sports speak for an hour." Equally obnoxious. We all have our obsessions. Whether or not we are open and eager to share what makes us happy, makes the difference of whether or not you hear those fascinating teething ring stories. I agree that ongoing stories told day after day about somebody's baby is a bit grating on the nerves. So are the stories told day after day about sports, clothes, e-bay, you name it. Believe it or not, dating tales on Monday morning are just as bad as baby tales, going into depth about your new lipstick is equally terrifying... I'm assuming you don't do these things, but they are examples of what people endure in offices on a daily basis. I'm sure there's something you discuss that people roll their eyes on. If you don't then you are one in a million (either that or in denial... then you're going back to being raised to thinking you're invincible.);)

[2kitties]

You're right Catnapper. I am a runner and when I first got started training, I bored my coworkers to tears. Thankfully, I got some running friends. Lord knows my non-running friends would never have stuck around. I was completley obnoxious!

[aly]

I can understand being slightly annoyed when someone talks a lot about something. But, if they are that passionate about it, there is no way I'd tell them to stop. It makes me happy to see other people happy. And I think its great when people talk about their kids all the time. My dad would start talking about me in the grocery store and sometimes it'd end up he was talking to someone I went to high school with :o I was embarrassed, but as I look back, I know that he loves me THAT much that he likes to talk about me to anyone.

I understand you guys don't like kids and you have your reasons. I just think that not everyone understands that though. I am sure they aren't just talking about their kids to try to annoy you.

I do censor myself around people who I know aren't interested in my pets. But my true friends would not want me to do that. Granted, you probably don't want to be the best of friends with your co-workers, but still.

I just saw a lot of hostility towards kids in this thread and I wanted to say that I DO think a baby is a complete blessing. And any child who is not thought of as one, I really feel for :(

I'm not trying to tell you guys you should start caring about other peoples' children. But at least try to see things from their view a little more.

[trayi52]

Aly that was very well said. I as a parent like talking about my kids, but I won't bore you with that since you don't like kids. But I assume when you were children you had parents that were very proud of you also, and loved talking about you.

Willie

[Logan]

Bravo to you, Aly and Willie! I will definitely think twice before I "brag" about my children on Pet Talk, after reading the other responses here. But I appreciate the fact the you two and a couple of others at least appreciate the joy that some parents and grandparents feel. It's those who don't get overjoyed that worry me (those that are parents/grandparents and don't find the joy and happiness in their kids).

I find joy in my pets and my children and I like to talk about them and tell others about them when I can. My family, furry, feathered and skin, are what make my life complete!! I can only hope that others would have the same satisfaction in time.

[pitbullmommy]

WOW!
i know i cant wait to have kids! I love children and i would talk about them everyday! It is a true blessing to have children. but then again that is just my opinion. I love children.:)

[CathyBogart]

Alikkon and my pets are what makes my life complete...but I don't gush about them constantly! I DO talk about school more than some people are interested in, methinks, but I try not to and I think I do a fair job.

Is a baby a "complete blessing" if it's born to a 16 year old mother still in HS who is not financially/emotionally prepared to deal with such a thing but keeps it anyways out of obligation? Is it a blessing if a woman stops taking the Pill so that she can force her boyfriend to marry her? Is it a blessing if a man get a woman pregnant without her consent to force her not to leave him, make her dependent on him? What if a couple is on welfare and struggling to survive? Homeless? Passes on some horrible genetic defect? Just don't have the common sense to raise a child that will be a decent addition to the human race? Has HIV?

Don't think that I don't appreciate being proud of accomplishments kids/pets have made, or just being proud of them in general. However, I don't give myself the illusion that everyone, or even most people, are interested in every new thing Chubby does, or the fact that Midori moulted and doubled in size.

It's not just proud parents either, Brian's SIL has a disgusting habit of telling me all about her kids' bodily functions. Potty training and spit-up make me want to gag! I don't sit there and tell her about the time Chubby regurgitated a rat pup into her water dish on a hot day! (Although perhaps I should)

[micki76]

Well, IMO there's bragging and then there's "driving everyone nuts". My boss is at the driving everyone nuts stage. She has her daughter in law bring the baby to the office where she babysits him (my boss and her husband own the business). She and I basically share an office with a half wall with a doorway separating us. I can see her if I look up and she can see me, and we're about 8 feet away from each other. I get NO work done when he's there and I'm almost to the point of quitting. He was there twice last week and the week before he was there 4 days! We are in the busiest possible time of the year and I can't stand it much longer. He cries and whines and laughs and Grandma gets beside herself. All I hear is look, come see, guess what he did, can you get his bottle?, etc. ENOUGH! She gets zero work done. Now, why doesn’t she babysit him at home? I have no idea. She leaves me to run the office alone a lot when they’re on vacation and whatnot, so it’s not a trust or competency issue.

When he's not there she's talking almost non stop about what he did, that he touched his toes, what clothes she bought for him, yadda yadda yadda. She's more than aware that I don't like or want children and yet she yammers on.

I know my mother in law doesn't like or want dogs, so I usually only speak of them when asked.

Noah is cute and I like him to a degree, but his Grandma is about to lose a good employee in me.

Willie, I'm sure my parents did go on about me, hopefully only to family & close friends that they knew cared. I hope they didn't regale strangers or co workers with tales of me blowing bubbles with my spit. :)

[aly]

Originally posted by WolfChan

Is a baby a "complete blessing" if it's born to a 16 year old mother still in HS who is not financially/emotionally prepared to deal with such a thing but keeps it anyways out of obligation? Is it a blessing if a woman stops taking the Pill so that she can force her boyfriend to marry her? Is it a blessing if a man get a woman pregnant without her consent to force her not to leave him, make her dependent on him? What if a couple is on welfare and struggling to survive? Homeless? Passes on some horrible genetic defect? Just don't have the common sense to raise a child that will be a decent addition to the human race? Has HIV?


That is a completely different issue that I don't even think was addressed in this thread. I was under the impression you guys don't like it when *any* parent talks about their kids too much.

[trayi52]

Why Micki, I bet you was so cute blowing little spit bubbles, hehehe. ;)

Work is no place for a child, I agree there.

When I had my children I wasn't thinking about overpopulating the world. And to be honest, I still don't think about that. There are people that may not have money, but I have seen a lot of happy children come out of these kinds of homes.

You don't give your children everything anyway, if you did, they would be spoiled beyond belief. Children having children is just plain sad, I have seen a lot of teenagers with babies. Some at the highschool showing off those pictures of those babies. Not all are miserable because of it. Some turn out to be great parents. Some don't, just like some people don't end up being good pet owners. I love my children, my grandchildren, my pets, they are my life. I am one proud mother, grandmother and mother to my pets. Just soooo proud!

Willie:)

[CathyBogart]

Aaah, Micki put it right...There's bragging, and then there's carrying on. I'm sure my parents talked about me to others, but I hope they didn't drive anyone mad! I doubt somehow that they did, as they both know that there is more to life than reproducing. I was never my mother's whole world, and I'm very grateful for that.

Aly, you're right, I ust don't like hearing about other people's kids no matter the situation. I'll listen to it to a point, but after that my brain shuts down and I just want out. If it's a day in day out thing, I stop talking to them. Easiest solution to the problem. I can't IMAGINE being trapped in a situation where I culdn't get away from the drivel, like a workplace. :(

[Logan]

The points are well taken. Aly, Willie and any others that "like" to hear about our kids, I can certainly share our "brags" with you by PM!!!! In fact, Willie has already heard my latest!!!!! :D Such a shame that we could "bore" all of you with something we are so proud of!!

[Stenograsaurus]

Children are gifts from God and I am honored that he has trusted me with His little angels. I feel sorry for anybody who cannot see a child as a blessing. THEY ARE OUR FUTURE!!!! And I also did not think of "overpopulating" the world when I decided to have children. I was thinking that the love that my husband and I share will always live on in the lives of my children long after we're gone.

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by Stenograsaurus
Children are gifts from God and I am honored that he has trusted me with His little angels. I feel sorry for anybody who cannot see a child as a blessing. THEY ARE OUR FUTURE!!!! And I also did not think of "overpopulating" the world when I decided to have children. I was thinking that the love that my husband and I share will always live on in the lives of my children long after we're gone.

:rolleyes: It really must be nice to be so blissfully ignorant of the degradation of the environment. I noticed how you said you didn't even give a thought to overpopulation.

Thanks.

[trayi52]

ILoveReptiles
What do you think should be done? Do you think the human race should just be wiped off the face of the earth? Its like she said Children are our future! Remember you used to be one too. Do you think you mother should have not had you?

Are you really thinking about a world being overpopulated or are you just thinking about how much you hate children. You done said you didn't like children. Well we do, we love our children, and would not change the fact that we have children and grandchildren for the world.

Willie

[catnapper]

Originally posted by ILoveReptiles
:rolleyes: It really must be nice to be so blissfully ignorant of the degradation of the environment. I noticed how you said you didn't even give a thought to overpopulation.

Thanks.
Yes, the world is losing its natural resources. If you are so worried about overpopulation, quit your job (that way you wouldn't have to listen to them yammer on about their kids) and become a social worker working for planned parenthood. You'll have a field day handing out pills and condoms and never having to deal with kids ever.

I'm tired of trying to respond nicely to this thread. I am not able to have children of my own. Its something I've known since I was 16, so I've had half my life to deal with it. God knew what he was doing when he made me this way... I'm not of the temperment to deal with young babies... but thats me. I love my step kids completely. I am proud of them and brag about them. I've already said that I'm guilty of that. I do agree with you that people waxing poetic about a baby sitting up and late night feedings is more than enough information. I also tried to get you to see that everybody has their own thing that they talk inccessantly about. ME? I'm tired of hearing you whine about hating baby speak and the environment. Get a grip... you're coworkers are probably as tired of hearing you whine about babies and the environment as you are of their baby sotries. If I were your coworkers, I'd be bringing that tape of the birth into the conference room just to torture your selfish butt.

[ILoveReptiles]

That's really funny. I'm the selfish one now. I find that highly amusing.

*laughing* Whatever. I already know everyone has their own little things they like to obsess about. But that doesn't mean I have to like hearing about them.

And as for trayi52's response: Some days I think that might actually be an improvement. And yes, I really am thinking about overpopulation.

[trayi52]

No more than we like hearing how you hate children. You never said one word about the environment when you started. Not one word, just that you were not fond of children.

I can understand WolfChan, she has always stated her beliefs here out front, and I respect her for that.

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by ILoveReptiles
:rolleyes: It really must be nice to be so blissfully ignorant of the degradation of the environment. I noticed how you said you didn't even give a thought to overpopulation.

Thanks.

We have enough resources on earth for everyone. Unfortunately, those resources aren't divided evenly. Some people have too much, some have too little, and some resources aren't in the hands of anyone, but the fact is, God has made enough for all of us.

People don't think of overpopulation when they have kids. They think of their lives, their family, their future. Do you want the whole world to stop reproducing, so that after this generation, the whole human race will be wiped out? My goodness. Its only NATURAL for human beings to have the desire to bear their OWN children. Yes raising an orphaned child is incredibly rewarding, and a wonderful thing to do, but still, there is a different feeling when it comes to a child that developed in your own womb. I cannot comprehend the hate both you and Wolfchan have for children. I mean, I can understand people not liking kids, or getting annoying them, but hating them as if they were trash? Gosh! Remember.......you were children once. I would wonder how you would feel if your parents didn't love you, or had the same feelings towards kids as you do. I would hate to even think of my parents not thinking of me as a blessing, or even my relatives.........aunts and uncles not thinking of me as a blessing. I know you don't choose to have kids, but will you also hate the children of your brothers/sisters? Will you never show them the love that every child deserves from their aunts? I honestly, find that very, very sad....... I can understand you not enjoying too much kid talk, but all this hate for kids makes me incredibly sad.

Pets bring love, they bring joy, they bring happiness, but they don't live as long as kids, and they won't be able to care for you when you reach old age, and they won't be able to help you when you have financial burdens etc. (when they grow up). Kids and pets are a whole different issue. They don't compare. Just ask any parent, and I'm more than positive that they will tell you they love their kids even more than they love their pets. It is only natural.

Ps. Logan, you can brag to me as much as you want......you're very welcome to. ;)

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by trayi52
No more than we like hearing how you hate children. You never said one word about the environment when you started. Not one word, just that you were not fond of children.

I can understand WolfChan, she has always stated her beliefs here out front, and I respect her for that.

Well I wasn't aware I was under any obligation to include that at the beginning, seeing as this did start out as just me venting about my frustration at hearing people constantly talking about their kids.

I can respect that you are sick of hearing me yammer on about how much I can't stand them. So I guess we're even on that count.

As for always expressing my beliefs - well, I'm sorry you don't think I am clear enough in that respect.

[trayi52]

Very well said Poppie! I couldn't agree more!

[Cataholic]

WOW. Having gone from childless to childsoon in Zero to 4 months, I don't know what to say. But, I will come up with stuff as I type.

I really see the issue not one of "I don't like to hear you talk about children", but one of I am not really into what you talk about. Be it children, rats, snakes, pets in general. I have some friends that are NOT into weighttraining. Not. Not. Not. They don't give a poop in a diaper about what I do and do not lift. BUT, they do love me. They love my joy. My energy about life, and are interested in me. That means, they put up with (and make the appropriate comments about) things they don't really **care** about. That is what friends/family/people do. It is kind of what keeps life going on. We can't all care about everyone's everything. But, we can all be kind, respecting, and **gasp** polite, and indulge others in their child babble.

That is what I see as missing from the equation with ILR and WC. It doesn't seem so much as your position against children, but, your position against things that don't interest you. That **could** be considered selfish, or self-centered, and is **usually** a trait I see in younger people.

I can't imagine saying, "I hate children, or people that talk about their children". It seems kind of harsh to me. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But, what is it that you are truly opining? Your hate of children? That is just kind of sad.

I don't know if I feel these things because I am expecting? Am overly sensitive? I don't know. But, I want you both to know that what you are saying, or, maybe how you say it, does not paint you in a pleasant light, for most people. Consider another way to argue your position. Because if it is one you are truly serious about, your message gets lost in the format you use.

[CathyBogart]

Re-read my posts...I just did, and I think I was rather polite about the whole thing. I NEVER SAID THAT I HATE KIDS, so please stop reading that into my posts. Dislike, yes. A lot of people dislike snakes, but I take no offense to that.

The "what if everyone thought that way" argument is old and tired and needs to be thrown out. It really doesn't apply...because it will never happen! I just think that the world would be a better place if more people DID think this way.

PCB, if you do a little research you will find that we have used up the entirety of the world's fresh water supply. Seriously. If it weren't for water processing, most of us would have died of dehydration by now. The fact is that we are stretching resources to the max, and soon there won't be enough for everyone, equally distributed or not.

You may find me overrreacting to this for the same reason I overreact to religious topics...I am told almost every day by family, neighbors, even people I considered friends that I am wrong or 'selfish' because I choose not to add to what (I feel is) the world's biggest health issue. I've got more to say, but I've got to get a ride somewhere...

[Cataholic]

WC, it isn't that you don't want to have children. There are many people that don't want to have children. It is the venom with which you speak (no pun intended). You may never change your mind. And, that is wonderful to know you are so strong in your beliefs. You will go far with such confidence.

Do you really think disliking snakes is the same thing as disliking children? I am one of the first to admit I am over the top with my love for cats. I **could** talk cats all day long, if I found someone to listen to me :) But, I do recognize a difference between children and cats. To say, "I dislike cats" is really not on the level with "I dislike children". Is it just a different value system? I don't know. But, without my armchair psychology book here at work, I imagine there is more to your dislike of children then the status of the world's population.

You are right, I don't think we have to fear that one day the whole world will wake up with a "dislike of children" theory, and the whole world will cease in 100 years. But, I don't know that that invalidates the argument. Isn't that like saying a total non-ban on guns is okay, since not everyone would take up arms anyhow?

[Cincy'sMom]

Aly, and Johanna, you have both put my thoughts into words.

I esp. agree with Johanna about the venom with which you both speak. And I am sorry, but I can not agree with all your natural resources agruments. Don't most of us feed our animals the best food we possibly can, sometimes even (gasp) human grade food. So if we are so concerned about the human race and how it is going to kill itself off, shouldn't we just let the animals fend for themselves?

And WolfChan...I believe in another thread you stated that you wanted a Bedlington Terrier and would go through a breeder to get one since they are not avaible in shelters. I have not problem with that at all. Nut then in this thread you agrue people should adopt if they want children. I guess maybe you could say, the breed these people want isn't available in "shelters", one from their own lines!

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by Cataholic


Do you really think disliking snakes is the same thing as disliking children? I am one of the first to admit I am over the top with my love for cats. I **could** talk cats all day long, if I found someone to listen to me :) But, I do recognize a difference between children and cats. To say, "I dislike cats" is really not on the level with "I dislike children". Is it just a different value system? I don't know. But, without my armchair psychology book here at work, I imagine there is more to your dislike of children then the status of the world's population.



I totally agree with that. I too, know that I go overboard with my love for birds.......even cats. I talk about them all the time. I know some of my friends share my love for animals and enjoy my stories about them, but I also have friends who don't share my love for animals. I may not talk to them *as much* about my birds, but I *still* do, and they appreciate it, and say nice things, even though they don't feel the same about animals as I do.

I have a friend who has a 2 year old brother that she just ADORES. She talks about him ALL the time, and there are times when I wish she would stop, but I still respond respectfully, and say nice things about her brother. That is just how I feel friends should be. I could never imagine having a friend who would break up with me whenever I get children, because she didn't want my children to have a part in the friendship. I would hate to have a friend that would eventually break the friendship by letting me know my kids weren't welcome around them, whenever I have kids. That is just so harsh and mean in my opinion.

Not everyone likes the same things. Still, like Johanna, I don't believe you can compare dislike for an animal to disliking kids. Disliking an animal is something everyone does. Most people have animals they truely, do not like. Disliking children, however, can equate to disliking yourself. You were a child once.........and Wolfchan, you, were VERY recently, a child. Do you dislike your entire life now because you were a child during most of it? Again, I can understand not loving kids, but really disliking them, or having a grudge against them just for the fact that they are young humans is sad. :(

[CathyBogart]

Due to some interesting life circumstances, I was forced to grow up very early. Yes, I was a kid once upon a time. However, I had very little opportunity to enjoy it.

I truly see no difference between disliking an animal and disliking kids. In fact, humans are just another primate, an anthropoid. So it is just dislike for an animal. As a matter of fact, working in a pet store has stirred a dislike for many adults as well.

Im sitting here at Alikkons house thinking that his niece is in fact adorable. Its a shame that her parents dont know how to tell her no...she will probably be as obnoxious as her brother in a few years.

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by WolfChan

Im sitting here at Alikkons house thinking that his niece is in fact adorable. Its a shame that her parents dont know how to tell her no...she will probably be as obnoxious as her brother in a few years.

Ah, you see......it is the parents to blame. Not the children. Children are not bad. Its the parents who don't know how to raise them that make them bad. Saying kids are bad equates to saying all pitbulls are bad. No difference. Its the ones that raise them who are to blame.......not the children. Children need love, they need guidance, and if they don't get proper parenting, they will end up growing like weeds, but still, they are not to blame. Its their parents.

[Cataholic]

Originally posted by WolfChan
Im sitting here at Alikkons house thinking that his niece is in fact adorable. Its a shame that her parents dont know how to tell her no...she will probably be as obnoxious as her brother in a few years.

Maybe you can have some influence in her life....parenting by proxy? Not EVERYONE has to have a child to be influential in a child's life. Just like not everyone that has a child IS a parent....

As to your childhood, I am sorry that what you went through in your youth was so traumatic that it influenced you so today. I can't imagine what it was, and am not asking you to tell us. But, there can still be kindness in the world, even if it wasn't maybe there at your doorstep.

[CathyBogart]

I honestly think I would have made the same decision even if I had been allowed a normal childhood. It is just a part of me, as is my love for the type of animals most people abhor. I would not condemn someone for having kids, but I also will not pretend to be joyful or even interested.

I think forums are a great place to talk about whatever our obsessions are, its easy for people who dont care to just skip that thread. Maybe thats why I am such a forum junkie.

Cataholic, I will think about that. She might be a cute one, but babies and toddlers still make me immensely uncomfortable.

Edit: I JUST read a chapter in "I'm Okay, You're a Brat!" that offered me some helpful insight and changed my thoughts a little bit. Maybe Alikkon's nephew is just obnoxious by nature, and his niece will remain cute. When it comes down to it, there are many many more influences in a child's life than jus tthe parents, and all of those influence how they turn out. Their grandparents, friends, birth order, genetics, what part of the world they live in....they all play a role, so it's not fair to blame the parents.

Some kids are going to be "bad" no matter how wonderful the parents are...and just looking back to the people in my life over the last few years I can think of wonderful people from horrid families, and horrible people from loving families. What an eye-opener...

Does this mean I have to be nice to Alikkon's SIL now? :eek: (We've never gotten along, mainly because her son grates my last nerve!) *Chuckles*

[amoore]

Ok .... I am surprised at all this coming from such sweet people! I love you anyway. :)

How about starting a forum at Pet Talk about skin kids? Then anyone that doesn't like skin kids doesn't have to read it. I would be there reading it because I love skin kids!:D


I love hearing about your children! Please!:)

[dukedogsmom]

I feel your pain. Don't know what to tell you. I would have a hard time holding in my frustration. Most of the time, I speak my mind and it gets me in trouble.

[ILoveReptiles]

Ok I'm going to admit this - I'm very much down on humanity today, and I apologize to anyone that I offended if I came off too harsh. The fact remains that I don't care for children, and I won't apologize for that, but I never claimed that I hate them.

However, my bad attitude today could be attributed to the fact that my older sister, whom is the world's biggest alcoholic bum, has gotten hammered and lost her job yet again (for the fourth time in a year now), and is being very nasty as well as lying to everyone about it, claiming she "quit", and that she wasn't actually fired. She came clean later on and admitted she was fired, but it's too late if you ask me.

It's just got me extremely irate and nastier than usual, so please accept my apology for being overly harsh. Thank you...

I'll get back to being my sweet old self some day. :D

[trayi52]

That does sound like a really good reason! I fully accept your apology. I have to say I came down on you pretty hard, and well I know what its like to have a bad day. For real!!

Willie:)

[ILoveReptiles]

Thank you Trayi52... *hug* ..

I'm going to go eat sushi now - my comfort food. :D

[trayi52]

Please tell me what sushi tastes like. I have never eat sushi, chocolate is usually my comfort food! LOL

Willie:)

[ILoveReptiles]

Well it depends on what you order...I have many favorites. Magura (raw tuna), Unagi (Freshwater Eel)...

They all taste different, the Eel is very sweet. Tuna has a clean taste (if it's fresh that is) and is absolutely to die for.

If you feel adventurous and you're used to sushi, you could try Uni (sea urchin)... It's an acquired taste though - it's sweet but it has the consistency of snot. Not very appealing I know - but that's what I thought of it.

Squid is just downright disgusting... Slimy and rubbery. Ew.

Raw salmon is very tender and delicious though.

Now my mouth is watering... waiting for the sushi to arrive.

[amoore]

That sounds like my sweet friends. :)

My comfort food would be pizza!:D

[ILoveReptiles]

You want to know what the worst part of all of this is? The part that makes me the most disgusted and irate?

The fact that my sister holds a double bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering and Math from Syracuse University, a Masters in Business and Finance from STERN NYU, and she was one of the 12 engineers who designed and patented the Corinthian stent... which was on the front page of the New York Times as a medical breakthrough.

SO MUCH POTENTIAL to do GOOD for the world - and she's just throwing her life away on the bottle. It's enough to make my stomach roil.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[trayi52]

Wow, don't she know what she has in her head?! That is something that can't be taken away from you is knowledge, that is a waste, such a terrible waste. I have to say this, please, but this is what I tell my kids. If you get a good education, and you have all this knowledge in your head, you can have everything took away from you by things like bankruptcy, and such, but they can't dig your knowledge out of your head! In other word, they can't take that, you always have the resources to keep going. Know what I mean??

So thats why I say, don't waste what you have stored in your mind. Hehehe, I am rambling.

Willie:)

[CathyBogart]

Back to sushi for a sec....if the thougt of eating eel doesn't gross you out completely I think it's worth a chot. It's cooked, it's very tender, and it's extremely sweet!

My other favorit is Hamachi AKA yellowtail. It's got a nice firm texture, and it's a slight bit tangy.

Truth be told, I have a hard time eating cooked fish now, unless Imake it myself. Especially cooked salmon! Give me raw or cold-smoked salmon any day!!

[trayi52]

I am such a big chicken, I have never been brave enough to try it. I am 51 years old and have never tried it. I guess I let the smell of any fish really get to me and I always imagine that it will taste like it smells. You know what I mean?

Willie:)

[amoore]

WolfChan, I have had sushi! A guy that owns a restraunt fixed it at a dinner. It all tasted pretty good except the red stuff I dipped mine in was a bad choice. Maybe I got too much red stuff on? All the rest was good!:)

[micki76]

Start with smoked salmon, Willie. It's delicious! I could eat salmon 5 days a week. It's my favorite! Cooked, smoked or grilled. Tuna is good too. I have a hard time with the "fishier" fish. :)

BTW - for most fish, if it smells "fishy" it's not fresh.

[trayi52]

I went to a fish fry, and I think it was bass they fixed. It was so fishy tasting, and this guy is bragging on how good it was because HE cooked it! I mean I had to sneak and throw it away.

Ann you know who I am talking about, Dwayne Staggs. Thinks he is just the best cook.

If it doesn't smell, and somebody could sneak it on me. So Ann was it good?? OMG, my sister ate sushi!!! LMAO. ;)

Willie:)

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by trayi52
Wow, don't she know what she has in her head?! That is something that can't be taken away from you is knowledge, that is a waste, such a terrible waste. I have to say this, please, but this is what I tell my kids. If you get a good education, and you have all this knowledge in your head, you can have everything took away from you by things like bankruptcy, and such, but they can't dig your knowledge out of your head! In other word, they can't take that, you always have the resources to keep going. Know what I mean??

So thats why I say, don't waste what you have stored in your mind. Hehehe, I am rambling.

Willie:)

Well - arguably - THEY can't dig your knowledge out of your head, but you sure can, if you drink enough and kill enough brain cells.

She's gotten pretty ditzy too.

*sigh*.

And to add - yes, any fish that smells "fishy" is most definitely not fresh and should under no circumstances be eaten raw.

Fresh fish doesn't smell fishy at all.

[amoore]

Yes it was delicious! The guy had a table full of different types of sushie. I tried it all. Some of it looked weird but I just didn't look at it. It was really good! It was the red stuff that tasted like cleaning fluid. None of it smelled bad!

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by amoore
Yes it was delicious! The guy had a table full of different types of sushie. I tried it all. Some of it looked weird but I just didn't look at it. It was really good! It was the red stuff that tasted like cleaning fluid. None of it smelled bad!

Cleaning fluid? Red stuff???

*looks confused*

[amoore]

Gee,..... I hope nobody left the cleaning fluid on the table:eek: There I was dipping the squid in cleaning fluid?:eek:

[trayi52]

OMG, Ann that sounded so funny. Hmmm what kind of cleaning fluied is red??? Anybody??

Willie

[amoore]

Maybe he shined the silverware? I have never tasted of my silver ware polish. :eek:

[popcornbird]

How did this thread turn to fish? :D :p LOL!

I ate fish for dinner today btw! My mom made bass fish..........it was soooooooo good, and if I'm saying this, that means it was REALLY good, because I'm not much of a fish person. I like fish fried........but not cooked in any other way. Don't know why. Salmon feels *fishy* to me, even when its fresh. I don't like salmon..........I eat it because its healthy, but I don't really like it. I do like smoked salmon though! My favorite types of fish are tilipia, bass, and rex sole. Those are sooo good, and don't have a fishy taste at all. I like making fish burgers out of them! Yummy! :D

[trayi52]

I guess I am just an old country girl, I like catfish!! LOL, Oh I baked some salmon one time, I had met a woman in the grocery store and she was buying salmon. I ask her how to prepare it. Okay, I go home with my salman, fix it just like she told me to. My house stunk for a week, I really done an awful job cooking that salmon. My husband love fish, and he even gagged, LOL. I had to throw it out.....

Willie:)

[amoore]

Popcorn, I love tilipia! It is the best fish sold! Expensive here but yummy!

Smoked salmon is what you should go after, willie! It is delish!:)

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by amoore
Popcorn, I love tilipia! It is the best fish sold! Expensive here but yummy!



I know! Me too! Its my favorite fish........sooooooo good. It is a little expensive, but I won't eat most other fish so my mom buys it all the time. :p Just to get me to eat fish!

[aly]

Icky!

I don't eat fish or any other sea food AT ALL! I think the cleaning fluid would make it taste better :p :p :p (Maybe it was that new Berry Fresh Windex - yum!)

[CathyBogart]

Oh, trayi, you have to come over next time I make cajun catfish. I make an AWESOME cajun catfish!

[trayi52]

Sounds great to me! I like catfish, because it doesn't taste so fishy to me. I have never ate it like that. I have baked it, fried it. So how do you prepare it? Sounds good! Hmmm, maybe I could just kidnap you and Chubby and get you to fix for me. LOL!

Willie:)

[Corinna]

Hey catfish I'm coming over . I grew up in a fishing family(commercial) so King salmon and albacore tuna the best bbq but for fish and chips nothing like fresh cod.
You know its nivce that even though we disagree we can find things in common to come back to gether on. I love this community we have here. :)

[trayi52]

I know what you mean Corinna, I love us all for that!! Aren't we all just a neat bunch of people?

Willie:)

[Corinna]

makes me miss my best freind less . having so many different points of veiw.

[CathyBogart]

Oooh, cajun catfish is easy! (at least the way I do it!) You take nice thin catfish fillets, brush them with oil, sprinkle a moderate amount of blackening seasoning on them, and pan fry! *drool* I'm hungry just thinking about it...

[amoore]

That sounds tasty! :)You are making me hungry! :D

[2kitties]

I can't believe I missed a sushi thread.
We go out for sushi every Friday. It's our set date and has been for years. I absolutely love it. Favs are all kinds of tuna, especially Toro Sashimi.

[ILoveReptiles]

Originally posted by 2kitties
I can't believe I missed a sushi thread.
We go out for sushi every Friday. It's our set date and has been for years. I absolutely love it. Favs are all kinds of tuna, especially Toro Sashimi.

Ohhh Toro is to die for.

[2kitties]

especially with a large cold Sapporo. mmmmm.

[ILoveReptiles]

*drooling*

I drank Sake with mine last night. ;)