This is my first post to the community. It's nice to find others who think like I do on this issue. My apologies if this has been posted before (I checked the memories and tags but didn't see anything). But listening to David Cross again today I was reminded of his bit on children (the first two-thirds of the track), which I couldn't agree with more.
http://subpop-public.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/audio/2447.mp3

Hi everyone. :) I'm so, so glad I found this comm. I live in the Philippines and around here, advertising the fact that you're childfree and pro-choice is like sticking a big Post-It on your back saying 'OSTRACIZE ME!'

I'm 16 and have identified myself as childfree since I was ten years old and saw my aunt's birthing video. (Don't ever watch one, not even on a dare. Do think of your poor eyeballs--they certainly don't deserve such cruel punishment.) At first it was more I'm never giving birth, ever. But as I got older, I began thinking of more reasons not to have children. In short, the thought of not having to spend money for toys, diapers, tuition fees, etc. greatly appealed to my greedy, greedy soul.

What pisses me off is that many of my relatives (not my parents though, thank insert-chosen-deity) disregard my vehement cf-ness and call it a 'phase'. I've lost count of the times I've heard, "You're still young--you'll change your mind," and "It's different when it's your own."

Can't these people understand that I've had six years to think about this? I may be young, but I certainly know my own mind. And when it comes to kids, my mind says, "Do not want, kthnxbaii."

Anyway, tata! Hope to post again soon--hopefully with something more interesting than my self-centered ramblings.

Thanks, everyone, for the outpouring of support the other day when I posted about being diagnosed with H1N1, and not being given Tamiflu because I wasn't pregnant.

Fortunately (for him, and me!) the doctor was right *this* time, and I've recovered relatively fast. My fever broke by Thursday, and although I still have some residual ickiness and weakness at times, I think I'm safely out of the danger zone by now.

I'm still PISSED at the urgent care doctor, though, and am going to take it up with my GP when I go in for a follow-up sometime this week, see if she has any advice on the subject for me.

There's a Chinese take out place I can walk to from my house. Convenient, no? So, I ordered, wasted some time, and walked over to pick up my food. I was waiting to be serviced, when what to my left did appear, but two of the cooks' hellspawn come tearing out from the kitchen, run around full tables, and run back into the kitchen, weaving through the cooks, playing tag. This was remedied by one of the classic apathetic 'junior knock it off's, only to resume moments later.

...Something tells me to look for a new place to find General Tsao's.

Short version, guy made the "Best of CL" over a post seeking someone to perform his vasectomy since insurance won't do it due to his age.

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First time poster here. :)

Uhm, I guess some things about me is that I'm FtM, vegetarian (lacto-ovo for now), and that I've been wanting to be CF since I was about 8 years old.

My story? It started with my family trip to Italy (I live in the states, but as a kid lived in Europe). It would have been fun if one of our traveling companions didn't bring her 4 year old along. My Aunt had this entire trip planned out, but we were limited to the places we could go or how long we could go because the brat wanted to be fed every two hours and needed his nap time. and the companion expected my older sister and I to watch him when the adults wanted to go get drunk. :| I wanted to get away from the little kids because I had two younger sibling I was helping to raise at home. so the trip wasn't as fun.

Over the years, having been expected to watch my younger siblings, other kids, and having the unfortunate 'honor' of witnessing childbirth first hand, I have dedicated myself even more to being CF. I can't stand kids. I can't do what I want, when I want, in the time I want to do it with a brat tagging along. I love my niece, but even she has me wanting to get away after an hour or so.

One of my biggest reasons for not wanting kids is the fact that I adore traveling. The further away, the better, and for a long time, too. I only want to be limited by myself when it comes to this and the things I enjoy.

:) So, nice to meet you peeps.

BTW, had a wonderful childfree T-day

If I was in a place where I could have a pet of course my cat or two would be my children. I have come to the realization that since I can't have pets and I don't want children, my focus is on my technology. I have three now.

My Laptop: The uppity teenager. Even though I just recently gave it a fresh makeover (re-install of windows) it challenges me by not loading up my browser fast enough when I really need to check my bank balance. Still when I am at home, it's my go to device.

My Netbook: The toddler. It was a baby until recently. I don't think it's reached the terrible twos yet but on the whole when I need a lighter computer to take out on the road it feels good to have that extra weight in my bag

My Blackberry Bold 9700: The Newborn. Only fresh out of the box as of yesterday I am in love with this item from first sight. Like all newborns there is a breaking in period (yeah I could pay the store to do all my contacts but it helps me learn how to use it) but now I can't imagine my life without it.

The moos and duhs of the world may thing me crazy but this is how I feel.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Mr Flibble and the rest of the mod team are very cross. We're not going to dress in gingham and lock you in quarantine but we are going to remind you of something that is posted on the bloody RULES page of this community.

This is not an invitation to start wank, harass people, or be an ass about things that are not specifically related to being childfree.

After having to ban and warn people over comments in a post yesterday we believe some people need to be reminded of this. You think vegans, tattooed people, furries, asexuals, gays, subs, doms, people who like to fuck cheesesticks etc. are revolting and disgusting? Fine, that's your opinion - but don't fucking start your little campaign in this community.

This comm is about being childfree. The mods do not believe that off-topic wank about other community members lives fits into this.

As always - clarifications, comments and the like are available at wizengamotforum .

The redemption of dad's bingo from last night:

"You know, last night when I was talking to you about kids? Well, I know I can't change your mind. I know that the only person who can change your mind is YOU. I just know that I felt the same way you do now until I was almost 30 years old."

I know it doesn't sound like a total apology, but it was his way of saying that he understands how I feel and he doesn't fault me for it at all. I think it really was a knee-jerk reaction to immediately say that I'll change my mind. *gag*

The family went to the mall today. Mom was discussing with uncle and aunt about how pissy SIL and bro are today because lovely 2-year-old niece was being an absolute brat. She's usually pretty good for a toddler to be honest, but man, today she was just... UGH. So I chime in with the usual, "See? SO glad I'm not having any." And then mom tries this bingo: "It's different when they're your own."

HA.

I respond with, "Are you kidding me? The way SIL and bro are feeling today? Of course it's different when they're your own - YOU CAN'T GET RID OF THEM!" To which she smiled in a "you got me with that" kind of way.

If ever I was starting to waver in my CF conviction, this past 3 days with the family has completely affirmed it again. Normally I don't mind my niece at all, but spending 3 straight days in a row with her has totally been wearing on me! I don't mind popping in for a visit once a week, but I'm completely worn out from her now. She's just constantly getting into things, or pointing at every single thing she sees and saying "What's this?", or climbing on someone's lap, or squealing and crying... Not to mention when we were all thinking of something fun we could do today, our last full day in town, my bro and SIL were obviously tied down and had no lives. Movies? nope. Bowling? Who's going to watch the baby? Mini-golf? Are you kidding me?

I'm sorry, but I like fun things. I like candy and snacks. I like staying up until 4am (I'm on swing shift). I like my adult swim cartoons. And I really hate having to share my toys. I could absolutely not handle some tiny person just up in my shit all the time. ALL THE TIME.


How was everyone else's thanksgiving? =)

I just had my pre-op consult for getting an endometrial ablation and tubal (I'm currently on Seasonale). The doctor acted like I had my head up my ass. She asked why I wanted this, and I explained about my two-week periods and marriage-threatening libido problems.

Nurse Practitioner at my original appointment said they won't do the ablation without a tubal, and New Doc said that was totally untrue. New Doc is pushing a Mirena IUD.

Overall, I feel like she didn't take me seriously and just doesn't want me to have permanent birth control. However, the Mirena will probably be covered by insurance, and the operation wouldn't. Elective surgery does not fit our current budget.

I'm in a holding pattern until someone gets back to me about insurance coverage. Based on friends' feedback, Mirena also causes libido problems (Doc swore it wouldn't) and will make me break out and gain a ton of weight (which she also denied) and will make me bleed constantly (she swore I'd stop periods altogether).

I'm not sure where to go from here. Give Mirena a try anyway, and possibly lose more of my life to feeling like shit? Try to find another doctor and start fresh, despite the financial limitations?

The funny thing is that my husband offered to get a vasectomy, and I'm sure he wouldn't get bingoed, but that doesn't solve my two-week periods.

If this isn't Kosher then feel free to delete, but since Cf_recipes is dead and this community is ready by more people I wanted to ask here.

Not wanting to brag but i'm on course for an excellent adults-only Christmas this year, and since i've a couple of days off the week before i'm hoping to get wankered with my friends one of the nights, smoke, watch Withnail and I or something equally drunk and sweary and laugh my ass off.

So in the spirit of things, can anyone suggest some Christmassy drinks I can make? Normally I just tend to buy Aldi Gluwein instead of mulling it myself (I'm shit at making mulled wine.), but since a few of my mates hate wine anyway I wondered if anyone here has recipes for alternative and interesting drinks?

This is my first post here! I'm really happy that I've found this comm.

I bring to you with my first post... a bingo by my very own father.

He was dropping me off at my hotel (visiting family for Thanksgiving), and there is a Toys R Us right across the street from it. As we're driving past the Toys R Us, I glance over and see an ENORMOUS line of people going down the block. It's about 12:30am at this point.

I exclaim, "Oh God, look at THAT!" Dad says something about taking a picture of it on his way out. I laugh and say something along the lines of, "I'm sooo glad I'm not having kids ever. Look at that! I mean... I don't even want to get started. But it turns people into... toy-buying zombies!" *hand-claw motions*

Dad says something about how if he and mom never had kids, they'd be sitting somewhere alone right now. I say that I would be totally fine sitting somewhere alone (hello he's dropping me off at my hotel that I rented for the duration of our visit to HAVE a room to myself!). He goes on about how he feels his life wouldn't be complete without us kids yada yada, he likes having us around so he can wonder what we're doing and what we're up to, all that stuff. I just frown and say that I'm totally good without all that. Then he drops this one:

"You'll change your mind someday."

I fill with rage. I start snapping at him, "NO. I WILL NOT. I will NOT change my mind someday. I am so sick and... FREAKING TIRED of people telling me that my mind will change. They're just going to completely discount my feelings about everything because they don't feel the same way that I do. It's total crap." *opens car door* "Well... love you. Can you pop your trunk for me, please?"

-_-

REALLY DAD? REALLY? My daddy who I thought would always completely respect my opinions about things because he knows I am very opinionated and can speak my mind quite well while considering all aspects of a situation. He has to realize that I've fully made my decision and I've thought about it a great deal.

I just can't wait to get sterilized. I'm a 23 year old female, and I've been CF for as long as I can remember. I didn't even like kids when I was a kid - hell I HATED being a kid myself! Right now I'm debating between Essure and Adiana. Any personal stories anyone can relate to me in comments about them? Essure has a better efficiency rate, but Adiana is smaller inserts and seems simpler. I'm absolutely 100% positive that I do not want to ever bear children in any way, shape, or form. Except furry ones. I love cats.

Anyway, hello everyone! Hope my first post was alright haha. =)

We've not had a contest for a while. Time for one. The idea is "Most all-time batshit thing posted on a CF comm".

Starter example for 10 - "I'm going to write a letter to my senator because I saw a CHILD in a BABY-CLOTHES SHOP!". etc.etc.

Rules are simple:
1. Entries go as comments on this post
2. Don't rip off someone elses work
3. Go as nuts as you like

All profanity is allowed.

Addtional: Make up weird stuff - total fiction. Make up whatever you like, I'm trying to find the most over-the-top thing you guys can create.

I dunno how many of you are familiar with Zero Punctuation or it's creator Yahtzee Crowshaw. For those of you who aren't, he's a fast talking British video game critic that makes humorous little videos ranting about what's wrong with a certain game this week. They're quite hilarious, really.

In several of his videos, he drops hints at being childfree. I had my hopes up until I read this nifty little tidbit on his personal site:

"And when I explain to people that I'm not that into spam they tell me I must be some kind of hopeless cissy girl, or that I just haven't found the right spam yet. It feels like when a theist says "I'll pray for you." Or when a parent of some hideous mewling womb dropping says "You'll understand when you have one of your own." Quite infuriating. It's just tinned meat, guys."

And I smiled.

And well, the insult was hilarious.

Bald facts:

Back in 2006 a train in SE Queensland hit and killed three boys.

The boys were 8, 9 & 10 years old.

They were 25 kms away from home and had been out since 6AM that morning.

The parents reported them missing at 11PM that night.

They had earlier been spotted at a train station where they were sitting on the edge of the platform dangling their legs over the side. When told what they were doing was unsafe by a (female) Railway Police Officer, they called her a cunt and told her to fuck off.

They were later spotted throwing rocks at trains, having squeezed through damaged fencing.

Train drivers were radioed and told that rocks were bing thrown at trains so they pulled their blinds so they wouldn't be injured by smashing glass.

At 6.40PM they were hit by a train and killed.

SO - WHO IS TO BLAME? The Coronial Inquest Court is trying to decide that now. Here are the suspects:

The Railway Police Officer? (for not taking them home)

The Train Driver? (for not seeing them untl they were 20 meters away from him)

Queensland Rail? (because broken fencing allowed them access to railway siding)

WHO I ASK YOU?? WHO???

Well certainly not the parents, shame on you for thinking any such thing!

I was diagnosed with H1N1, "swine flu" last night.

I tried to get vaccinated weeks ago, but my county had an extreme shortage of vaccines. Only elderly, children, those that care for the elderly or children, or pregnant women could get the vaccine. Healthy 20-somethings can't. OK, fine, I can see this. Put the vaccine where the chances of risk are the greatest.

BUT. After going into urgent care, they treated my symptoms (IV for dehydration, other stuff for nausea and other unpleasant side effects) and would NOT give me Tamiflu or any other antiviral. There is NO shortage of Tamiflu or any other antiviral in my county. None at all. They told me the criteria for getting Tamiflu is the same here as getting the vaccine: elderly, children, those that care for the elderly or children, or pregnant women. Quote: "If you were pregnant, it could harm THE BAYBEE, but you're young and healthy, so you should just tough it out. We're not giving you tamiflu."

RAGE. *cough, whimper, whine* RAGE.

The post about Kay's horrible commercials reminded me of an ad I saw in this Sunday's Times. Movado showed all these products and reasons to give them - "for making me smile", a pendant, "for making dreams come true", a watch, etc. I was disgusted by the text I saw by a picture of gold and diamond bangles: "for having our children." Should I read this as alienating a demographic - if you haven't had children, you don't deserve the jewelry? Or as a bribe - you suffer for months, cap it off with unbelievable agony, mindlessly assume all responsibility once the thing actually gets out of you, and you will be rewarded with this pretty bauble?
Whatever it is, I'm getting a letter ready to go to their corporate headquarters. I do not want to buy or receive any Movado gifts and want them to know why.

So today in Economics we studied the concept of external costs or externalities, basically, costs/ill effects unintentionally passed on and fiscally unaccounted for by a firm. A good example is how a company that pollutes an area might cause health problems to that area, but never pay/take responsibility for causing those problems.

Anyway, there was a rather amusing little blurb in my textbook that I thought you all in this comm might enjoy:

THE CRYING BABY

Peter Scott, once employed as a research assistant on this book and now a writer in Hollywood, wrote the following lines about crying babies on airplanes:

"The best example of this [an externality] is on airplanes. For most of my life, a crying baby on an airplane felt like some kind of torture method used to get spies to reveal national secrets. There was actually a deleted scene in Goldfinger where Goldfinger locks James Bond in a room with crying babies. The problem was that Bond then shot himself, thus destroying the franchise. So they rewrote the scene and had Goldfinger try and slice Bond in half with a laser. Bond could easily escape from that because lasers are obviously less terrifying than crying babies."

John Tierney wrote about the same externality in the New York Times: "If you think of a screaming child as an environmental disturbance, then giving a child a discount is like offering subsidy to a polluter. A child should at least pay full fare, and the fairest policy would be to impose a surcharge."

I was amused to see annoyance with shrieking children in economic terms. I've kind of become a geek for trying to explain life in economic terms so now I think I might just start thinking of annoying kids as externalities. ;)

So my husband hot hunk of man is as cf hardcore as I, but does not do the LJ. However he does love for me to read out loud from this particular journal and cf_hardcore's collective moxie has inspired him to make some cf related image statements of his own. Yoink it if you like it.
( Image behind the cut.... )

Oh BTW, we are rebelling against forced Thanksgiving family fail this year and will be sleeping in, taking a long hike in the mountains, watching Ninja Assassin at the theater, eating vegan lemon lentil soup with tons of garlic bread, and having as much happy tit & cock time as we wish. ('Cause you know Thanksgiving is all about the fowl)

Just saw an article that pertains to this LJ post about the screaming kid on the Southwest flight.

Why am I not surprised that the bitch got her way in the end? Thankfully the writer of this particular article generally holds the same views we do - that catering to the entitlemoo is bullshit.