Freedom of Speech...to a Certain Extent

As many of you are aware, I started this blog as my "outlet"-a way to communicate how I am feeling, whether it's happy, sad, mad, excited, etc. and also as a way to keep you updated on my, Mark's and Ethan's lives. I have had a lot of wonderful things happen in my life (marrying Mark, the birth of Ethan, getting my teaching job) and some challenging things happen (Mark's family not always accepting me, a few of my students and their behaviors this year). However, the beauty of this blog is that it is MY blog. I can say whatever I want on here...you don't have to like it or agree with it. And if you don't want to, you don't even have to read it.

I guess I am saying all of this because, last night, someone left some really hurtful comments on my blog (the comments have since been removed). The comments went off on me calling out my students, especially DJ (they feel bad for him), among other things (my weight, appearance, and my parenting). Now, I guess I'd like to reply to these "accusations" and explain my side.

-how dare I call out my Kindergarten students: Well, again, this is MY blog. I can say whatever I like. I always change their names to protect their privacy, but as much as I have funny stories to tell, I do have frustrating stories to tell, too, so I often post them. I will admit there are more negative stories, especially lately, but I think that's in large part, to it being almost the end of the school year, plus their (and their parents) behaviors.

-that I am a fat, ugly, stinky, choir b***h: Ok, maybe I am still a little "fat." After all, I did have a baby about 8 months ago. And I've always struggled with my weight. I'm working on it, so leave me alone! I don't think I'm ugly, but if you don't like the way I look, don't look at me. And I don't stink...I shower every day. I'll give you the choir thing, and the b***h title-maybe, but really, aren't we all a b***h to a certain extent? I'd say so.

-that because I gave Ethan a real remote, I am a bad mother: Say whatever you want about me-call me fat, ugly, stupid, etc. But don't question my parenting. I am a good mother. Yes, Mark and I got Ethan a remote for Easter, but I would rather him have his own (without batteries) to chew on occasionally as we monitor him than have him grab ours (with batteries inside), slobber all over it, and get a shock or battery chemicals in his mouth. I know mothers who have done things that would blow your mind, but I don't see them getting called out. Besides, we try to encourage Ethan to play with other things-his blocks, his car walker-and only bring out the remote very occasionally.

So, because of this person (who could be someone I know, but could just be some person that found my blog on Blogspot), I have changed my settings AGAIN (now you cannot find The Pav Post on any search engine or on Blogspot. You have to have the address). I also changed the comments portion of the blog, so if you want to post a comment, I have the ability to moderate it. I hope none of these new settings affect any of you-please still enjoy reading The Pav Post and comment as much as you like, but if your name is "D*lish", please leave my blog alone. Go criticize someone else!