TequilaMockingbird

Biden: “No line has been crossed” (turns to aide: “Quick, remove all lines in Rafah now!”)

Inb4 inclusion in this database will be required for anyone using Medicaid or other government assistance. You know … for totally legitimate medicine reasons.

I had an excellent father. He wasn’t perfect, but his imperfections and occasional impatience made him more human and relatable. Don’t pretend to be perfect - let her know that everyone makes mistakes not just by saying it, but by showing them yours. Our world has become better for women to live in, but there still is a silent pressure on women to be flawless. Physically, emotionally, academically, professionally - we are not supposed to show weakness if we are to be taken seriously. Show her it’s ok to be imperfect, this will be even more meaningful coming from a male role model.

And I’ll echo what others have said - listen to her. Even if it’s stupid ramblings about her favorite band or what a classmate did or any number of things you really do not care about. When she feels heard on the little things she will know she has a voice in the big things.

Lastly, be honest with her about the world not being fair. This was something my dad maybe could have done better. I was supported and told I can do anything a man can do, but I wish I would have known a little sooner what societal obstacles I was actually going to face. You don’t have to make it sound ok or even acceptable, but all girls should know what they’re up against so they can be prepared to face it head on.

Yea, you’re probably right. I guess I was overestimating the Risk-Reward calculation they go through. Like, if it doesn’t cost much to be compliant (schedule already accounts for inspections, crews are already on salary) then they would be less willing to risk regulatory consequences. But as soon as it starts to cost them more to do so, compliance becomes “nice to have” and not a standard. Recent incidents suggest they have already been skipping steps, so I concede.

Every recent flight delay I’ve experienced was due to mechanical issues or flight crew availability (scheduled crew was delayed on another flight, available crews had or would exceed mandatory hours limit, etc). As frustrating as these are, I’m not sure I want the decision-makers thinking “Gee, this delay will cost us thousands of dollars. Fuck it, send the flight!”. These mechanical checks and crew hour limits are there for a reason. And let’s be honest, regulations are only as good as the enforcement. This may not necessarily be a good change for consumers.

The plot thickens!

This is like the hot dog conspiracy - they used to sell hot dogs in packs of 10 and buns in packs of 8. So you always had a couple extra dogs and needed to buy more buns. Rinse repeat. Big Hot Dog and Big Bun manufacturers working together to squeeze more $ out of us. But… they have since solved the problem with shrinkflation - hot dogs now sold in packs of 8 (for a higher cost than before). Thank you big Hot Dog for saving us!!

My oldest got a smart watch which could make calls only to preset numbers that we added (mom, dad, grandma, aunt, and one neighbor who had a son the same age) at 9. That’s when he started getting dropped off at friends’ houses without a parent sticking around (mind you - this was just coming off COVID lockdowns, so we may have done it sooner if there was a need to). I wanted him to always be able to reach us in any situation. He’s a really responsible kid, so he got a full smartphone the summer after 5th grade (11) when he went on the class trip to Washington DC. Currently in middle school with a smartphone and no issues yet, plus it gives us something valuable to him to take away if we feel he’s letting grades slip, etc.

My second does not seem to share the same level of responsibility, so he did not get his smart watch until 10. He may not get a smartphone anytime soon. It depends on the kid.

My youngest is 8. Time will tell about how responsible he is, but Lord - this is the child that WILL need to call us. Always getting into something 🤦🏻‍♀️.

Was his first name Xavier? Dr. X Wiener?