Friday, March 12, 2010

What The F*$& Friday...The School Edition

Ok, two things today, having to do with schools:

#1. Our elementary school. And probably every other elementary school in the country. Or whoever it is that makes the decisions about which immunizations will be required.

Remember back when you were a kid, and everyone, at one time or another, got the chicken pox? The world didn't stop turning, you just itched for a few days, then got over it and went back to school.

When they first came out with the varicella vaccine, I rejected the notion because a) My two older kids had already had the chicken pox, and b) I had read that they didn't really know how long it would last, so someone could get the shot, then get the pox when they were 20, when it's actually dangerous. So I chose not to have my new baby immunized for chicken pox. '

Then when she was three, she went to preschool. When she was four, she went to pre-K. The year after that, (I think), they decided to require the damn chicken pox shot. So we went and got the stupid shot, and went on with our lives.

Just recently, the school has been sending me little email reminders that she needs a second chicken pox shot. Remember my concerns when she was first born about how they didn't know how long it would last, so like a completely neglectful mother, I chose to just let the kid get the chicken pox, instead of getting a questionable vaccine? Yeah. Well, now, of course, you need a booster. On Monday, they finally sent the letter that stated that if her immunizations weren't up to date by March 22nd, she would no longer be able to attend school until they were.

So what the f*$&, with the chicken pox shot? I hate, hate, hate it when my kids have to get shots. My oldest was a complete baby about it, but the other two? It doesn't bother them so much. But it bothers me, especially with this one which I feel is totally unnecessary.

So because I feel guilty, I promise her that after we get the shot, we can go to the store and get a DVD or a game or a toy or whatever. Wednesday I called my doctor and thought, well, while we're there, we'll just do a checkup, because we haven't done that in a while. Then Kylie can meet my totally awesome doctor whom I am completely in love with. I'd marry her, if I wasn't already married. But when I called the office, they said they didn't have that particular vaccine. What the f*$&?

Yay, so a trip yesterday to the health department, and then $30 for a new DS game, and we're all set, after I go to the office today and thrust the stinking shot record in someone's face. I swear if they make me fill out a damn form, instead of just Xeroxing the damn thing, I may kill someone. At some other time, we will discuss my loathing of filling out forms.

I know this is getting long, but my second beef with a school this week is that school down south somewhere...where is it, like Mississippi? Where they are canceling their entire prom because one girl, who is a lesbian, wanted to bring her girlfriend as her date. God bless the Bible Belt, because instead of a) showing a little tolerance and realizing this isn't a huge deal and letting people bring whoever they want to the prom, or b) somewhat less desirable, but just tell the girl no, you can't come with another girl, they decide to c) Cancel. The. Entire. Prom. For. Everyone.

Ok seriously...what the f*%&? Throughout my oldest daughter's high school career, she has gone to many dances. Sometimes she had a date, sometimes she didn't. Sometimes she went with a group of girls. Maybe they should outlaw that, since the chances are pretty high that a group of girls together could really be a lesbian orgy waiting to happen. Especially if they're all from the softball team, if you know what I mean. Wait, my daughter's on the softball team.

Anyway, I'm just seriously flabbergasted that they canceled their prom because a girl wanted to bring another girl as her date. What are they afraid of? I just don't get it. For those of you who missed the story, here ya go:

Mississippi Prom Canceled After Lesbian Date Request.

I hope the ACLU fries them. Just my opinion, of course.

8 comments:

Jamie said...

I hate to break this to you too late but Colorado is a state in which you can take a philosophical or as I like to call a personal exemption on vaccines. You just have to fill out the form. The schools will not tell you this.

Joann Mannix said...

Don't even get me started, girl.

I tell my girls all the time we will look back at this time in our country's history with shame. Why oh why oh why doesn't anyone understand this is a violation of CIVIL RIGHTS! Who the freak's business is it, who anyone chooses to love?

My dear friend is an attorney, an incredible volunteer in our community, a beautiful human being. She also has a partner of 15 years. They are mothers to a wonderful little boy, but because my friend is a lesbian, she has no rights to her 11 year-old son. I won't start up because I won't be able to stop.

Anywhoo, the shot thing. My daughters despise shots. My oldest is so phobic she ran out of the office one time when she found out she had to have a shot. The pediatrician had to chase her down. But...I will say, my sister-in-law had the chicken pox as an adult and the older you get, the more horrific it is. She had them in every single one of her orifices, and I do mean EVERY single one. So, getting her immunized is probably the best thing you can do for her. Just my little input there.

Dawn in D.C. said...

You cracked me up this morning. I agree with you on the chicken pox. Better to let them get them. I honestly don't see the need for a vaccine that saves you from what? itching? and a couple of little round scars? It's not like it's a life saving vaccine, you know, like small pox (oh wait, they don't give that one anymore, do they??) Yeah, that's what I'm saying.


My oldest didn't catch them as a kid and the Marine Corps made him get the vaqccine. Now, that's a good idea, because you're right, don't want to get them as an adult. So really? isn't getting the vaccine at oh, say 18 the better option? Oh, now I'm all fired up!

And canceling the WHOLE PROM?? I'm with you on that one, too! How absolutely ridiculous! Where do I sent 10 bucks to their lawyer fund?

Megan said...

I am with you on the vaccines. I didn't have vaccines until i went to college because my first college required me to have measles and a few others before entering. I did, however, do all recommended vaccines for my boys because Max is vulnerable.

I was upset to read that article yesterday. That is so lame. I totally agree with you on the whole group of friends going to a prom. i could see that happening. People are so afraid of what other people do in their private lives..

Stacey said...

I didn't know that they made the chicken pox shot mandatory. I don't think it is in my state because my son has never had it, and he has never had the shot. Thats stupid anyway!

I don't understand why they canceled the prom either.

Anonymous said...

I had the chicken pox twice. You heard me... twice. Still lived. Not sure what the big fuss is about the shot. I suppose it ties in with our "just take a pill and cure it" obsession.

Mary~Momathon said...

My two older girls had the chicken pox so bad! They had it inside and out for over a month, the little one should have been hospitalized but we couldn't get her there when she was at her worst because of weather (we lived in the tundra that year). My little two got the shot at 12 mths, and immediately got chicken pox. But they had mild cases of it. They are getting the boosters for it too. I'm never wishing a horrible case of chicken pox on anyone after what we went through. It can kill small children if their organs are damaged. Mine survived, but it was really hard on us all and it was a lot more than just itchy polka dots. I am just sharing. There's always a freak out there, this time the freaks are all mine. My little chicken pox freakazoid girls. Lucky me.

Anyway, that's still a bunch of BS to require shots. A lot of kids don't get shots of any kind because their parents are choosing not to. I think you just sign something. They'll probably give you the stink eye.

That Mississippi school, oh good Lord, where do I start? How about if I just repeat what you said "WTF!!!" That kinda sums it up.

Fannie said...

a) I'm glad my kids are beyond the ridiculous vaccine stage and got the pox the old fashioned way.

b) They went to a Catholic High School and while the administration did not allow same sex dance dates they didn’t CANCEL for Pete’s sake!