Yeah, that's part of why I just got my nieces and nephews craft-type gifts and books. I feel like those super-trendy toys are overpriced, hard to find, and will probably be forgotten about in two weeks.

DD18 found an old violin in her grampa's attic, thought it was cool and they tried to have it fixed but it was too far gone. So he bought her a brand new violin! (OMG!$$) Since the day she brought it home she's been teaching herself to play it with books and youtube. She is determined to learn some Christmas music (and play it well) so she can play for her grampa at Christmas. She is just the sweetest thing! How did I get so lucky? She's learning pretty quickly, too. She is already rocking Jingle Bells like a champ!

I don't want to buy my nieces and nephews any gifts this year. All they ever ask for is plastic crap that breaks instantly and they get bored with after two weeks of playing with it. Maybe I'll buy them something better, like books or a gift certificate to one of those trampoline parks.

Honestly... to see that so many people believe in this stuff just makes me twitchy. Step away from the episode of Charmed and the fantasy books, and grow up.

I don't belong to any church that feels because members perform certain rituals they are allowed certain privileges and are better from a moral and spiritual standpoint than others. Nope, sorry. The third world person with no religion is just as good as you, church goer, who says special words, reads special books, wears special items of clothing or anoints themselves with special oils. That does not make you more spiritual or more blessed or more worthy of heaven.

Dh and I are going to build a house next year and he's already looked at a couple of the floor plans in person. He'll probably look at all of them, lol! It's a shit ton of money, more than we'll ever spend on anything else ever again, goddamn right we're going to make sure we're getting the right house for us and we're going to be picky. I told him what I wanted (a big kitchen, room in our living room for bookshelves, a master bathroom just for me) and other than that, he's going to do the house shopping.

I've heard several people (all younger, who never read the book or saw the original film) complain because the new It focused on the kids more than the clown, which aggravates me. SK showed the real horror that happens in our everyday lives, especially with kids. Like Beverly's abusive father. When I read the book at 14, he scared me more than the clown because he reminded me of my uncle. I try not to be one of "those" people when it comes to books being made into movies, but with It, the book is so much darker than any movie can grasp. That being said, I still liked both film adaptations because of their entertainment value.

If we're talking about America, the majority of people belong to the working poor class. Most people can't afford to put enough in savings to keep themselves afloat for a month or two, let alone give their money to a charity. I agree with donating food and clothes, but for the majority of Americans, donating cash just isn't doable. Not to mention the fact that many charities aren't very honest, or are paying their CEOs million dollar+ salaries. I'll donate food, clothes, books, and toys, but never cash.

I kind of wish there were more books about Anne of Cleves. I think out of all Henry VIII's wives-she made out like a bandit!

Are you into astrology? I would really love to to learn more! Please let me know if you recommend any books for the newbie.