the vaccinated vs skeptics

I watched this article on the ABC World News the other day and found it immensely exciting. The follow-up print article released today on msnbc.com.
Panel: Boys should get vaccine for HPV too

Why the hell not get the vaccination if you're eligible? The mainstream sales on this was to be protect young women against future cancers or STIs associated with certain human papillomavirus strains. Boys were recently given the go-ahead to receive similar advantages. And now more findings show other potential benefits like reducing incidents of heart/throat cancer for both sexes.

HPV is unnecessarily controversial and I'm sure the lines were drawn by the same people choosing to teach abstinence instead of comprehensive sex ed in schools.

Vaccinations and the eventual elimination or reduction of persistent disease is part of the success story of human culture. Depending on herd protection is irresponsible. Vaccinate yourself and your kids. Get your boosters, stay protected.

And if you don't, I hope I'm going to a doctor who believes in kicking you out of their practice.
Doctors May 'Fire' Parents Who Don't Vaccinate Children

fa la la la, already?

It must be official--because why else would every major retailer be displaying Christmas items before Halloween--it's time to think about presents for the in-laws.


James' side of the family is the hardest to shop for because I actually care what they think! Nicest people in the world, I know they're not judging, but I better damn well bring the best presents on Dec 25. 


This year I'm thinking online shopping or local shops. Besides the fact that everyone should try to shop local, it's my best bet at finding something unique.

Baby gift: 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VerdantViolet?ref=top_trail

This stuff is FAB! The concept and execution drive envy. Great spectra of topics like nuclear physics, law enforcement, and dia de los muertos. Not to mention, it seems I've hit the age where everyone is starting to pop out babies.

Wall art:
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/dog-blueprints
http://www.etsy.com/search/vintage?search_submit=&q=vintage+anatomy&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US
Maybe not for everyone, but I think anyone with a quirky sense of humor might enjoy the concept behind dissecting and labeling images. 

Hunter:

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/cardboard-animal-heads

For as much as I am anti-gun, I bizarrely know a lot of pro-gun and pro-hunting for pleasure. These also amuse me in general and would be fun after some metallic spray paint.

The Host(ess)/Cook:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67698415/tea-towel-screenprinted-natural-cotton?ref=fp_treasury_1
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69556359/carving-plate-cutting-board-in-black?ref=fp_treasury_10

I'm thinking this is a perfect mom/dad type gift or for anyone throws parties, likes having people over, or appreciates pretty things. Hand-printed towels or napkins are fabulous. Plus the advantage of online searching is you can find a range of prints. I liked the farm trackers. Hit the link to see the different views on the cutting board. It's very appealing.

BAD GIFTS
Obviously, it happens. People think they're being funny or, in the worst case, they truly believed you wanted it. It happens, graciously move on and practice your "Ah, thank you!" face in advance.

Among bad things like outdated calendars, underwear (the practical kind), and a garbage bags, I found this to be particularly horrific, and to top it off, someone was actually trying to sell it online. Please, no.

Wish me luck! If I plan this right, I'll have everything ordered by Nov 30, giving me enough time to second guess myself and buy replacement gifts.

laundry room is next

After painting everything except the laundry room, it's time to move on and wrap up the downstairs. We skipped it because there was a bigger plan for this room than just plan.

The laundry room is the catch-all for all things ugly we don't want people to see. Kitty litter, garbage can, cleaning supplies, mops, broken fan, ice cooler, miscellaneous junk... oh and the microwave.

Not going to lie, always felt a little gross and bad sending people to hover over the trashcan to warm up food. Not to mention the microwave was a freebie and in crap condition.

I tried to hide the mess with these boxes from Target.

Helped, but not so much, I think cabinets are the way to go. I've shopped around (online of course) and am trying to decide between Ikea and Lowe's. I want white cabinets. I like the glossy white cabinets from Ikea, but probably out of my price point for a little laundry room.

IKEA

LOWES

I also like the shoe closet from Ikea. I think two of those will help clear out the coat closet for something like coats. Plus it'll handle my little habit of kicking off my shoes in the kitchen since the current shoe closet is so far away. (p.s. not my house, it looks to clean)

I also like the idea of a table-top on the laundry machines and some practical, but interesting way, to access all the soaps.

The biggest challenge is going to be picking an appropriate paint color and fixing the crackle in the wall. I'd like to cheat and just glue the crack down and then paint yellow walls with some interesting screen decals or just white & yellow stripes? (p.s.s. again, not my house)