Question of the Day: Heroes at Home

Today's Question of the Day is concerning Sears program "Heroes at Home".

Now I'm not sure that you all know what it is, so if you don't, I'll include a brief explanation, as well as the link to the actual site from Sears.

The Heroes website

From what I gather, the program is designed to help active-duty service members provide a good Christmas for their family. I interpret that to mean that the program is designed for families that might have trouble otherwise providing a good Christmas for their family. When I worked at Sears several years ago, that is how it was conveyed to me and that's how I've thought about the program for the past few years. Now, I realize not everyone has the same view of the program as I do. That's fine, if you want to buy yourself a new TV with it, then that's your right, but just know that's not what I think the program was originally designed for. (And yes, I have known someone via online that used the giftcards to upgrade to a larger TV)

So imagine my surprise when I see how ridiculous people are being about this program. There are hateful messages everywhere on Facebook about how Sears screwed families out of their giftcards and even people going so much to say they got the giftcards the last couple years and are angry they didn't this year. Have people forgotten that this program is not a god-given right? That people are donating to this program out of the goodness of their heart. You don't NEED to get a giftcard every. single. year.  I also read a forum post yesterday where a wife who has been seperated  from her husband for almost a year and had repeatedly complained about how awful he was and why they were getting divorced, told everyone she had applied for the program. It's shocking to me how ungrateful and entitled many of these people are. 

Although technically since Sean is active duty, we could apply for it. I don't, because we aren't hurting for money.  I understand that there are years where things are tight and you want to give your kids a great Christmas, but if year after year that is you and your family, then you need to adjust something in your finances.

It's almost to the point where things have turned so ugly about this program, that I wish Sears would just do away with it, but then I realize that would punish the people that might actually really need something like this.

What are your thoughts on the Heroes at Home program and some of the ungrateful attitudes of military families regarding it?


Also, I'm aware this is a hot topic, so keep your responses civil. If you don't, I will delete your comment and you will be banished from this blog. No joke!

Question of the Day

A slightly unusual Question of the Day, but one that was inspired by a recent debate on a forum I'm part of.

Do you find it disrespectful if an adult couple married or not, is intimate while staying over at a family members' home?  For example, you and your signifcant other go to your parents' home for Christmas. Are you intimate? Or do you think that's disrespecting your family?

Just for the record I mean you're being discreet, no yelling/headboard hitting the walls.

I'm curious to hear your answers.

Question of the Day

Today's question is inspired by a piece I recently saw on competitive cheer teams for girls 10 and under.

What do you think about little girls in pageants or little girls on competitive cheer or dance teams who are dressing in things like booty shorts, midriff tops and wearing tons of make-up?

Do you think it is something that helps them in life? As in confidence or teamwork? Or do you think in some cases it's parents pushing little girls to grow up too soon?

As I know this can be a sensitive subject with strong opinions, please respect your fellow commenters!

Question of the Day

What is the song that best describes you? It can be the title of the song or the actual lyrics.

I have a couple that I like.

1. Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone"


2. The Allman Brothers Band "Sweet Melissa"

Question of the Day

Because this map is making it's way all over the blogging world:



(Yes, this is my personal map)

I decided to do a Question of the Day around it.

Where is your favorite place/state that you've traveled in the United States? Make your answer as detailed as you want! I love hearing others' travel stories.

Question of the Day

Because I went to the last day of Carnevale and braved the crowds, flying elbows (I know I'm going to have bruises on my arms) and because I have a horrible headache, I'm going to do a Question of the Day.



What is your favorite go-to recipe? If you want you can post the recipe, if not, just post the name.

Question of the Day

Inspired by a debate on a forum I frequent:

What do you think of programs like "Your Baby Can Read"?

Does it have merit? Do you believe it works? Or do you think it's a load of crap and a waste of time?


(Photo courtsey of ARMMAN01 on Flickr)

Dicuss!

VLOG: Question of the Day

I've been inspired by a few other bloggers out there that have recently done a VLOG or have been talking about it. I thought after 3.5 years of blogging that it was time I did one too.

I apologize for the sound quality, you might have to turn it way up. My webcam doesn't have the greatest sound recording.

Question of the Day

I haven't done a Question of the Day in forever, so I thought it was about time to bring it back.

What is your dream job? Tell me what you'd love to do if there were no obstacles in your way, no spouse or kids to get in the way of want you want to do.




If I had my way I'd be a photographer for a travel magazine.

(Can I just add that googling girl in office in order to find a picture for this blog, brought up some very scandalous stuff. WTH?!)

Question of the Day

Today's question is Christmas or whatever holiday you happen to celebrate based.

Do you have any special traditions this time of year? If so, what are they?

Question of the Day

What items are on your Christmas list this year?



Share!

Question of the Day

Another question yet again inspired by a debate on a forum I'm part of.

Changing a child's diaper at the table in an eating establishment.



Appropriate in certain circumstances? Unhygenic? Disrespectful to other diners?

Discuss!

Question of the Day

Creating a gift registry when you move into a new house/buy your first home.



Is it a do or a don't?

Discuss!

(Let me just add that I'm not asking because I am thinking of doing this, I was just inspired to ask, by a debate on another website)

P.S. The rain has continued. Everything on post has been closed minus the shoppette. I shopped at the Italian grocery store today, but they don't have essentials like Dr.Pepper or Reeses, this could get ugly. I'm just grateful our home is not affected by the flooding. Thank god we live far away from the flooding.

Question of the Day

Another debate via the Army wives forum I'm part of.

Do you think letting your child believe in Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc. is lying to them? Or going out of your way to perpetuate a lie?

I honestly do not understand this way of thinking. When I was small I believed in Santa. I left out cookies, I got special presents from him, I believed! It was such a fun time of my life and I look back on it fondly. I don't think back and become angry thinking that my parents lied to me that there was a Santa. In fact, I know that if I had asked my Mom if there was a Santa she would have told me the truth, but I didn't and so she didn't ruin it for me.



I feel like as a child that it's a very short period of time in your life where you have this endless imagination and can escape reality for awhile. Telling your child there is no Santa is in my opinion, ruining some of the fun and magic of childhood for your child. Let me clarify also, that growing up I was also told about the nativity at Christmas. It wasn't all Santa all the time for me.

Did you believe in Santa as a child? Will you let your children believe in Santa?

I'm really curious to see what others think about this. As always, keep it civil!

Question of the Day

How many of you are dressing up for Halloween this year? If so, what or who are you dressing up as?

I thought about being Sookie Stackhouse (of True Blood) but I thought people might just think I was a waitress and not get who I really was, so I nixed that idea.



Now I'm trying to brainstorm what my costume should be, but I'v estill yet to come up with anything.

Question of the Day

My question of the day stems from this recent article



Ok, let me just say that generally I have no issue with people who have a lot of children, it's their choice and as long as they can support their children and provide for them, then I don't have an issue.

I do however have an issue with the Duggars. After this last child being born early, with several health problems and being in the hospital for six months, I cannot comprehend trying to have another child.

When you put children at risk for complications, birth defects or lasting health problems than I have an issue with you and you continuing to try to have children. I think it's selfish and irresponsible.

Your thoughts?

Question of the Day

I assume all of you have heard or watched My Super Sweet 16 on MTV. Don't ask why I've recently been watching it. It has something to do with Sean being on TDY and AFN having a lack of good quality programming.

Anyway, I watched it the other night and frankly was appalled. This 16 year old girl invited 800 people to her party, got two cars for her birthday and had the Pussycat Dolls and T.I. perform at her party.

Really? What ever happened to a pool party with your good friends or something along those lines.

Sometimes I think that's what is wrong with America these days. Where do these kids get this sense of entitlement?

Thoughts?

Question of the Day

I'd just like to say in advance that this is a sort of military themed question, so for all my non-military readers I apologize in advance, but don't feel as if you can't answer it. I'm going to give a civilian perspective to it as well.

Ok..I bring up this question because there is a debate on a forum I am part of about various ranks of husbands and wives not being friends with other wives because of the rank.

In fact, the husband in question told his wife not to be friends with lower-ranking wives in his unit. He is not an officer, but upper enlisted. I'm not sure the rank.

For the civilians out there I compare this to your husband working at a job and telling you not to socialize with the boss' wife or co-workers wives that might be under your husband.

Do you agree with this? Thoughts?

Question of the Day

This question might ruffle some feathers, but I'm going to go ahead and ask it anyway.

I see a lot of kids these days who are always glued to some sort of electronic device. IPods, PSP's and other heldheld electronics. I've seen children with them in church, at the table in a restaurant, in the cart while their parent is grocery shopping. Each time I see it, I'm just kind of floored. Now, don't get me wrong, once I have children, I'd let them have electronics, but I like to think that I would limit them to a certain time and place. Like the car ride home, for a limited amount of time at home and other situations, but I can't help but think sometimes it's used as a filler to keep kids quiet and out of their parents' hair.



If you are a parent, what is your policy on your kids and electronics? Are there places you think it's inappropriate to allow them to use the electronics? If you don't have children (like myself) what are your views on this subject? What would be your policy with your future children and electronics?

Question of the Day

How many of you use a sleep-mask?



I always wondered how people could sleep with something on their face, until I tried a sleep mask. Now I wear it almost every night.

I'm a really light sleeper, so it doesn't take much to wake me up. Especially any sort of light in my bedroom, so I really think that wearing a sleep mask helps me sleep a lot better.

If you don't use a sleep mask, what is something that helps you sleep better?