Isn't it ironic? Don't cha think?

So, there I am at the Y this morning kicking some elliptical ass when CNN starts showing coverage of the 8.8 earthquake in Chile. Crap. Not another one. Yes, another one.

As I watch the scenes from the rubble, I think of Haiti, and I think of the places in this world where it seems like poverty and devastation are the norm rather than the exception. Feelings of guilt begin to well up inside me. Why am I here in snowy central Ohio sweating with my ipod while there is work to be done out there? Shouldn't I be putting my hands and feet to use for those who could use them? How did I get so lucky to be here and not there?

Then CNN cuts to a commercial break. For Sandals. Yeah, you know the one -- the one with beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue water. The one with the tag line that says something about luxury being included. The one with rich pretty people playing and lazing around drinking froo-froo drinks with little paper umbrellas. Yeah. Nice juxtaposition.

That's our world, boys and girls.

How can one kid talk so much??

Elijah is 3 1/2 and he can't stop talking.

From the moment he opens his eyes until he closes them again, the child has something to say. It is amazing how much one little human person can talk so much about so little. A typical conversation goes something like this:

Eli: Mommy...?

Me: What?

(pause)

Eli: Mommy...?

Me: What????

Eli: I want...uh...I want...Can I watch a movie?

Me: Not right now. Maybe later.

Eli: Um...Um...Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's dad.

Me: Uh huh.

Eli: Can I watch a movie?

Me: Not right now.

Eli: Can I have a snack?

Me: You just finished second breakfast.

Eli: So, can I have a snack?

Me: No.

Eli: You said I'm mean!

And it goes on and on and on from there. I have had to tell him to simply stop talking and have quiet time. I try to remember that Sofia went through the exact same phase at this age and that it will pass. But right now, I think I am going insane.