Apr. 6: Monday meme

This morning’s meme was stolen from the delightful Jen E at Momma Blogs A Lot, who stole it from someone else, who probably stole it from someone else. Is there anything original on the ‘net these days? I doubt it. To play along, just answer the questions below…

• How has the economic downturn affected your spending? Please share with us the lessons you’ve learned from this economic downturn. Tell us about one positive experience that has happened to you as a result of this economic disaster.
  We aren’t traveling as much as we normally do. I think that’s the most noticeable change we’ve had to make. Because of that, we try to find ways to entertain ourselves without leaving town. The lesson we’ve learned is that we spend too much (like we didn’t already know that). The positive thing that’s come of it, I suppose, is that Victor and I have made our Broadway in Portland season tickets a priority. It’s been tempting to cut that cost but we both feel like an evening without the kids once in a while is important. The season tickets are sort of like having someone else schedule six date nights for us throughout the year.
• What is your opinion on the death penalty? Let’s say the person is a serial killer and has admitted his/her guilt, and it is your job to sentence that person. Could you give that person the death penalty? Why or why not?
  I have quite liberal political views, but I make an exception for the death penalty because I feel that if you intentionally and violently take another person’s life, you give up all rights to your own. I suppose if I were the person handing down the sentence or flipping the switch, I might feel more guilt about it, but as a regular ol’ person, I’m very black-and-white about this issue.
• List five things you want your children (or your nieces/nephews if you don’t have children) to know before they grow up.
  1. If you have dreams, you should pursue them. Don’t believe someone who tells you “you can’t do that.”
  2. If you want to be treated well, don’t be a jackass. The Golden Rule is a pretty good one.
  3. Make finishing your college education a priority, if for no other reason than to be able to say you accomplished something. Education changes you in important ways if you let it; among other things, it teaches you critical thinking and gives you a broader world view. You will benefit from having those things.
  4. I will love you always, no matter what or who you are—though I’d prefer you not choose “serial killer” as your career goal (see the question above)
  5. Be convicted about your beliefs. Decide for yourself what is right for you, and be able to explain why. Don’t follow the popular opinion if it’s not what you believe in your heart to be right.
• You are given the power to kill people simply by thinking of their deaths and twice repeating the word “goodbye.” People would die a natural death and no one would suspect you. Are there any situations in which you would use this power?
  Only when it’s well-deserved, such as someone cutting me off in traffic or using improper punctuation. You know—important things.