wackymom's Blog

The Megan Meier case has brought about even more scrutiny regarding internet access by our children. Everyone has an opinion as to where the fault lies.

Once again we are hearing everyone tell us the same thing: Monitor your childs internet use; put a password on your childs "myspace" if you allow them to have one; use "parental control" options on your computer and so on.

This is all excellent advice. We do these things in our home. Why then do I take issue with everyone thinking that this will solve the problem?

Because our children are not always in our home using our computer!

The trouble is you can't stop your kids from roaming the internet when they are not in your presence. The kids can access it from anywhere these days: the library, school, cell phones, friends laptops & home computers! Not all parents are as diligent with supervision on the computers as we are.

"Well, my little Suzy would never open a "myspace" account that I don't know about!" or "Johnny wouldn't go to a website like that!" "He/She knows better than to use a computer without my bieng present to supervise, it's dangerous!" "They know better."

BOLONEY SAUSAGE!

Get real, people. Kids are kids. They do things they are not suppose to. They test their limits. They love the forbidden.

Our children need to learn internet safety. They need to be taught responsible behavior (although they may not always act responsibly). They need to be able to communicate with their parents so they can better learn how to handle dispicable people. They need to be able to come to us without fear when they are in trouble or have encountered a situation they cannot handle.

No matter who you are, what faith you practice, what race you are or if you are a republican or democrat, if you are a parent then your goal is the same as almost every other parent: To raise your child to be a happy, healthy, responsible, well rounded adult capable of living life on life's terms.

We need to be realistic. Expect the unexpected. It's our job as parents to be there for our children, to guide them into adulthood to the best of our ability.

No computer lock or password in the world can take the place of you!

I like clean air as much as the next guy, but the EMISSIONS test has become an absolute NIGHTMARE for me!

My plates expired in June...2006!! After I failed the first emissions test I took the diagnostic from the testing station to my mechanic (a reputable shop in business 50 years) to make the necessary repairs. Done. Back to the testing station a few weeks later and it failed again. Same problem as before in a different place.

"Well, it will get fixed & I won't have to worry about it any more." The parts were ordered from Sunset Ford & replaced. Third trip to the testing station for yet another "FAIL".

By now it's February. People want to know why it's taking so long. Money. It doesn't grow on trees.

I went back in late March to apply for a waiver, by now I had EXCEEDED the $711.00 needed to qualify. Nope, gotta have it tested again then come back & apply for the waiver. Okay. So I get my "FAIL" notice (the FOURTH one mind you!) & go in for the waiver & they say "Ma'am, we can't use this receipt, some of this work was done in November. That's more than 60 days ago & nothing was done about the malfunctioning "Check Engine" light."

AARRGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Back to my repair shop, we replaced a fuse for the engine light & updated the receipt. By now my total for repairs is $889.80. Of course, my safety inspection has long since expired.

Oh, I also got a ticket in late April & since I missed the court date I probably have a bench warrant. By the time I can afford to fix that I'll be posting a blog talking about my adventures as a JAILBIRD!

I'm almost finished, I promise!

So, today I go in for inspection #5 and not suprisingly, it failed again. Well armed with my properly dated repair receipt I park & go in to get this coveted waiver, fully expecting to be able to properly license my van within the next few days.

AARRGGGHHHHHH!!! NOT AGAIN!!!

The problem now...they say the repairs were not done by a "Certified" repair technician so my labor costs do not count toward the required $711...according to them only $453.50 counts. Oh, yeah, my VIN# is not on my receipt, Heaven forbid!

I went back to the repair shop, he has the proper "State" certification. I never doubted it, my dad sent me there.

I'm not sure what's next. I can't sell it if it won't pass emissions. I can't afford to buy another vehicle if I can't sell this one. I can't NOT drive. Right now my only option is to keep my insurance up and hope that someone is around to post bond for me if I get busted before I can take care of that ticket!

In the meantime the State of Missouri can kiss my BOOGEDY!!!!!!

I'm sick to death of jumping through hoops!!

Hey Elliot...Can you get on this one??