Monday, May 28, 2012

Smoke 'em if you got 'em...or not

This evening, I took the kids out to our local office supply store. I needed to buy an electric pencil sharpener. Which, by the way, do you have any idea how expensive those suckers are? $45 for a battery powered one! Apparently the electric ones are a couple hundred bucks? Whosa whatsa? I can't even. But anyway, that's not even what I meant to say.

As we drove, a news brief came on the radio about a prison nearby that has gone smoke-free as of today. As in, none of the prisoners are allowed to smoke anymore. Can you IMAGINE what that place will be like over the next few days? I get the shakes just thinking about it.

All Ava heard were the words "smoking" and "prisons". So she goes, "Wait, are prisoners allowed to smoke?" I hadn't really been listening to the report, so I said, "I guess they used to, but maybe not anymore. I think in most prisons they can." Meanwhile thinking...there is just no way you can realistically be prepared for the variety of topics that get thrown your way as a parent. It's a good think I took that Sociology class on Correctional Systems! The value of a liberal arts education, right there.

Then Nate says, "Well, they've gotta do something to make prison more fun." 

And it was one of those moments where you just wanna press the pause button, and truly savor, marvel at what comes out of your kid's mouth. (Maybe in fact, like a smoker savors a smoke? Not that I'd know.) Because as hilarious as that statement was...the whole idea of prison being fun defeats the purpose, right? Which Ava was quick to point out. As hilarious as it was, I totally got the heart of what he meant: Geez, those guys are locked up already. This just seems like insult to injury.

And the fact that my 6 year old son, with non-smoking parents and almost no exposure to it, interpreting it as fun? When in fact, all he's ever heard about smoking is how bad it is? Well, like I said, I was marveling.

I laughed out loud, I couldn't help it. It delighted me, in the way that something unexpected and strange does. I know it's cliche to say "I don't know where he gets it from", but I DON'T KNOW WHERE HE GETS IT FROM.  Ava scoffed at the idea of prison being fun. Nate was quiet a moment.

"Ok, then what about lollipops?", he said.



12 comments:

  1. Your son is so cute and handsome I have no idea what I was going to say.
    Other than I am sure there would be a deadly revolt here if prisons banned smoking.

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  2. That is awesome.

    Where are you shopping for electric pencil sharpeners?! I got one here at Target for about $6. Battery powered! I've gotten them at Staples for $10, too. I think Australia is gouging you on the pencil sharpener front.

    I think Nate is just a humanitarian. He's going to be working for Amnesty or the ACLU at some point, just making sure everyone gets their inalienable right to lung cancer.

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    Replies
    1. Jason was saying that we should import them and make a profit! This could be our big break!!

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  3. I guess the lollies would have to be sugar free and no sticks.

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  4. That precious, precious Nate just makes me smile. Such innocence. Very funny post! By the way, I will mail you an electric pencil sharpener if you will wait for a week or ten days to get it. They are so cheap here, it's embarrassing!

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  5. He is such a riot! Like, as in funny, not the prison kind.

    I agree he is a little humanitarian. Lollies for all!

    And that pencil sharpener is $$$! But I saw with my own eyes a can of pumpkin in that country that cost $15.

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  6. Ahhh! He is soo funny and lovely. :) I can't stop giggling.

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  7. But you know, a lollipop could make a very effective shiv. Or is it shank? I need to brush up on my lingo. Anyway, I probably won't mention that to Nate.

    Re the redonk pencil sharpener...I'm returning it! It took like 800 YEARS to sharpen one pencil, and I am not having that. Jase found one online for 8 bucks so we ordered that one.

    I will update you on the situation as events warrant.

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  8. lol, Nate is being himself - funny and cute:)
    btw, yes, seriously you guys could start up a very successful ebay business with all those cheap good American stuff that costs a mint here!

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  9. Okay, I'm going to Wallyworld today. If I buy an electric pencil sharpener, will it work with Australian electricity? Cause my electric toothbrush didn't. Seriously.

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  10. LOL at your kids - and the prison - that nicotine may be the only thing keeping everyone relatively calm...

    (the pencil sharpener i can relate to - bought one at smiggle for $20 and it sucks! must need to spend $45 to get one that does its job)

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