Sigh.

I'm feeling unreasonably put out because I spent over an hour on a blog post yesterday, talking about a book I'd read for research and loved, then posted more about it and linked to my blog on the very writers' list that should've shared my interest. I was hoping for at least a tiny response--an "interesting" or two, maybe someone saying they'd found the book at their library and put it on hold. Resounding silence, except for the group's know-it-all basically saying, "I don't know much about it, because I've never found Susan's Best-Beloved Research Topic all that interesting, but I'd always heard X." Where X was about the most oversimplified take imaginable on the subject of the 300-plus page book I'd just read imaginable.

It's stupid, because I'm used to being enthusiastic about topics that draw a blank stare from most people. But I really thought at least someone in that group would find my post worthy of comment, and even though I'm used to the group know-it-all's dismissive remarks, and I'm by no means the only one who receives them, there's still that little sting there.

Aims, I don't know what the school systems are like where you are, but I know plenty of teachers here that don't speak Spanish. You should do what interests you and what you are most comfortable with.

Susan,

If it's any consolation, I picked up The Charterhouse of Parma at the library this weekend because I hadn't read it and thought "I wonder if Susan has read this--I can't wait to read it and hear what she thinks about it." Seriously, that was my rationale.

I'm just not very good with humans, I think.

Pish! You are lovely with humans. A joy to be around. And snuggly, too ;)

It's sad. That kid is hurting and his parents are helping to hurt him. He's hurting himself to please them and will never in his life be comfortable or happy if it continues.

Yes, it is. But, in all fairness to the parents, they went to a professional and said “we don’t know what to do”, and the professional said “do this, I know what I’m doing” Now, I think that they should say “I disagree with the professional”, but we are all very forward thinking people, we have no problem with challenging authority. Not everyone is like that.

"gender-neutral" by buying him only pink and purple gifts –

Um, how is pink “gender neutral”. Green and purple, yes, but pink?

The Boy is not transgender; that is, he doesn't feel like he's in the wrong body, and he has no interest in reassignment surgery; he just likes pretty clothes and 5-inch heels.

And we know he’s not gay, since you’re gettin’ it regular ;) And well, who doesn’t like pretty clothes and 5 inch heels (well, the heels on other people, ‘cause they make my feet hurt)

ION, this is the THIRD day in a row I'm up before alarms.

That’s happened to be twice this week. I’ve woken up, feeling refreshed, about an hour before the alarm was supposed to go off. Have I gotten up? Of course not, I still have an hour of sleep left! And then I’m all groggy. Feh.

ION, this is the THIRD day in a row I'm up before alarms.

This is the third day in a row my CAT has woken me up before my alarm. Today she did it by relentless headbutting and walking away. EVIL!

Yes, it is. But, in all fairness to the parents, they went to a professional and said “we don’t know what to do”, and the professional said “do this, I know what I’m doing” Now, I think that they should say “I disagree with the professional”, but we are all very forward thinking people, we have no problem with challenging authority. Not everyone is like that.

True. And, while I know I made it sound like they were evil, vicious, bloodthirsty fuckmeats, I do believe they are acting in what they think might possibly be the child's "best interest".

HOWEVER, I maintain that, through their spinelessness, they are inadvertently psychologically torturing him.

In an ideal world I could swoop in, magnificent cape snapping magnificently in the wind, alight on his roof and pose, arms akimbo and tell him in stentorian tones "Fear not, young one...I shall rescue you from your travails and take you to a place where you shall be accepted for who you are and encouraged in your voyage of self-discovery. You shall be surrounded by tolerant, intelligent, kind-hearted people...the best of humanity. Away with us now to...BUFFISTA ISLAND!"

Lacking the power of flight, a magnificent cape and Buffista Island, all I can do is crouch, gargoyle-like, at my monitor and bitterly mutter "Your parents are sheeplike fucktards with cottage cheese for brains."

Extra bummer...the kid can't even hear me do that.

If it's any consolation, I picked up The Charterhouse of Parma at the library this weekend because I hadn't read it and thought "I wonder if Susan has read this--I can't wait to read it and hear what she thinks about it." Seriously, that was my rationale.

Unfortunately, I haven't read it yet! I'm really woefully behind on the classics of "my" era that I should've read by now. I keep saying, for example, that this will be the year I finally read War and Peace. But I feel like I need to clear the decks for a month or so and not read anything else so I'll have enough energy and focus to devote to it, and that's tough to do. Maybe I'll tackle it after I finish the WIP but before I start Book 2.

Um, how is pink “gender neutral”. Green and purple, yes, but pink?

Well, hence the air quotes. Basically she's trying so hard to be genderblind that she winds up getting him the most outrageously girly stuff she can find. It's both endearing and hysterical.

You know what I love about the Buffistas? You guys are cool about learning new things and talking about them. I feel like many adults stopped wanting to discuss ideas after they left college -- even teachers! And that makes me a sad Emily.

HOWEVER, I maintain that, through their spinelessness, they are inadvertently psychologically torturing him.

oh, yes, I totally agree. I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I was just trying to make the point that it seems that everyone is blaming the parents for torturing the kid, but I think that they're in a bad place as well.