10 Things That Make Me Crazy

There is a list of things that make me crazy, and not in a good way. I started to post that list here. But as I began typing the items, I felt so hypocritical. The things that make me crazy (because of their implications for Sophie) are also things that Sophie loves when she can participate in them. She doesn't love them because of novelty, she truly loves things that involve food. For example, it makes me crazy that so many people include decorating a cookie as a party activity, but Sophie loves to decorate cookies. She also loves to bake, or cook, or make up recipes, or do anything that involves food and a kitchen. Of my four girls, Sophie is hands-down the best in the kitchen. Over the summer when I broke my leg, everyone took turns cooking. On Sophie's nights, she didn't have to ask questions, wasn't nervous about whether this or that looked right or worried about things turning out. She just jumped in and cooked (I can't say the same for her 2 older sisters). Sophie can read and follow a recipe, which I think is impressive, since many 4th graders still barely understand fractions, and has the confidence to know the recipe will work.

Instead of writing about things that make me crazy, I think it is more appropriate to write about things that make me happy.

10 Things That Make Me Happy*

1. My kid who needs to be able to cook loves to cook.
2. Sometimes people serve hot dogs (instead of pizza) at kids' parties.
3.Party games that involve food often also require a judge, so not everyone has to touch the food.
4. Frosting is nearly always Sophie Safe, even though cookies are almost never safe.
5. My youngest chooses not to pass out food to her class for her birthday, Valentine's Day, etc.
6. Sophie chooses to make and pass out cookies or other treats to her class for her birthday, Valentine's Day, etc.
7. Not all crafts involve food. In fact, most don't.
8. Cross-contamination issues can almost always be solved using soap and water.
9. Benadryl is around for when the soap and water wasn't enough.
10. Other people are always willing to help me help Sophie when they have enough information to do it.





*The word "Happy" may or may not indicate tears.

Listening

Sometimes those politicians pay a little attention to what's going on in the world. I sent an email expressing my support for School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, S.1884 to Senator Bennett from Colorado, and I got an ACTUAL NON FORM LETTER response!

Dear Emily:

 

Thank you for contacting me in regards to School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, S.1884. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

 

Food allergies afflict millions of American children every year and this problem is getting worse - allergic reactions are among the most common causes of costly emergency visits.

 

As former Denver Public School Superintendent, I know firsthand the importance of keeping our kids healthy and ready to learn.  And with allergies affecting more than 6 million children, it is vital that schools are able to quickly and adequately treat allergic reactions. I am pleased that Colorado is in the process of developing food allergy management guidelines to help ensure schools are prepared to treat students experiencing allergic reactions.

 

Introduced by Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois on November 17, 2011, the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act would ensure that epinephrine is available in schools to help treat students who experience allergic reactions. It would also ensure that school personnel are trained to properly administer epinephrine.  The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. As a member of this Committee, I will keep your thoughts in mind as we consider this legislation.

 

I value the input of fellow Coloradans in considering the wide variety of important issues and legislative initiatives that come before the Senate. I hope you will continue to inform me of your thoughts and concerns.

 

For more information about my priorities as a U.S. Senator, I invite you to visit my website at http://bennet.senate.gov/.  Again, thank you for contacting me.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Michael Bennet

United States Senator

 

Woohoo--maybe we can get this thing passed after all!

It's simple after all!

Great news! Recent studies show that more sun exposure correlates with less food allergies! It is so simple! I wish I'd known this years ago! All I have to do is put Sophie out in the sun!

(Google "sunlight and food allergy" for more information.)