Is that really the purpose of those?! I always just assumed that they were window bars shaped like that to accommodate a window A/C unit. Is this a case of my brain coming up with some totally wrong explanation for something it couldn't explain?

I sort of did something like that— I left my job (that I got a PhD to pursue) in order to take care of my infant for a year or two. It definitely felt like a choice between doing something irresponsible that would make me happy and continuing to be responsible and unhappy. I think most people I know disapprove of what…

That's very interesting because it hasn't been my experience— it just goes to show how diverse this city is. My parents grew up in Brooklyn, I grew up partially in the Bronx. Two weeks after I graduated from college they were like, "We love you, but how much longer will you be living with us?" None of my friends have…

I would suggest going to a dermatologist to find out what you have. It will be much less time-consuming then trying to deal with bedbugs.

I had to move to Paris for school right after my divorce. When I got there I went to the fellowship office to get my first paycheck, and ended up crying in front of the woman, I think because she asked me my name for paperwork and I had to try to explain in my very bad French about my recent name change. Anyway, she…

What, wait? You need permission from a male relative? Is this true?

Ha! If, in 5 years, the two of them can burn some energy together while I sit and sip some lemonade (ok, let's be real: a glass of wine) then this will have all been worth it.

I agonized about this before getting our dog while I was pregnant. Because what you say makes perfect sense, but I was also nervous about bringing an unknown animal into the house with a toddler. And I really didn't want to be dogless for years. In the end we got a 5 month old lab mix, and that has worked out really…

Ah, gotcha. Ours is a lab mix. So far he has been very patient. Yesterday I caught the baby trying to put the dog's ear in his mouth! Sometimes I have wondered what I was thinking getting the dog right before the baby, which I guess is why your post spoke to me.

I hope not! We got our dog while I was pregnant and I am totally planning on him and the baby being buddies in a few years. If a rich lady who can afford nannies, a dog walker, and doggie daycare can't do it, what chance do I have?!

Yes, but I read in another article on this issue that some of the people affected were hired with the understanding that they could telecommute. Obviously a new CEO has the right to create the culture she believes works the best, but I can totally understand those employees feeling very put out. Especially since the…

Oh, for sure. I don't wear mine all the time either. But there are definitely some people who have no intention of wearing theirs after the wedding, like my friend who never wears hers regardless of whether she's working or at a fancy event. It's weird to me, but it works for them, so whatever— I was mostly commenting…

I know someone who never wears her engagement ring (she's a scientist and I think it interferes with her work somehow?). And I remember someone here on Jez commenting on an engagement ring story that she is looking forward to not wearing hers after the wedding. I guess this just falls into the category of "It's none…

Today's kids will be the tax base that provides for services that everyone, including today's childless adults, will use in thirty years. So, yeah, they are a societal good that should be supported.

Don't worry. As a black girl/woman, she will get plenty of lessons in how little others believe she is worth.

Oh, man, for 2 seconds I was like, "What is wrong with this person?!" Then I read your third sentence. :)

Agreed. God forbid she be happy and proud of herself.

I thought the boat loads of money was their reward? :)

Our dog accepting the baby is definitely a work in progress, but we are in a different situation— he's only 1.5 years old and we got him while I was pregnant. So he has been growing up over the past few months too. He doesn't seem crazy about the baby right now, but that doesn't surprise me— the baby grabs at his…

I will second the other commenter that you don't sound stupid at all. Who the hell has been telling you that you are, and what is their problem? (Even if you are, what does it achieve to tell you that?)