Questions for Owen - 12/15/2005

Hello everyone! Let me begin by saying thank you for all of the wonderful questions this week. Please keep them coming (e-mail to: babycandthegsb@gmail.com) It hasn't been easy narrowing down the list, but here are the top 3 questions for this week:

Question 1: Thin crust or deep dish?

There were a lot of either/or questions this week (peas or carrots, Cubs or White Sox, Big 10 or ACC, red or white wine, Michigan or Michigan State, republican or democrat). The quick response to those items: cooked carrots are gross; "Cubs WIN, Cubs Win"; forget the ACC; the more bold and tannic the better; I bleed Green...M Go Blow; and no time for political affiliations yet.

That being said, thin crust or deep dish? Just before my arrival, my mom took a page out of my friends' Anand and Vivek's book and was ordering deep dish with jalapenos. No thanks! In general, it is really hard to go wrong on this one, and I guess it boils down to my mood on any given day and the pizza place in question. If I'm sitting at Ranallis, I'll take the thin crust (or a filthy panzerotti calzone). If I'm visiting either grandparents, I'll take thin crust. However, if I'm sitting at home in my swing or my bouncy seat, I will definitely go with the deep dish. Giordanos with pepperoni, mushrooms, and green olives makes me a happy camper.


Question 2: Do you consider your parents to be too strict or too lenient?

Despite my ongoing negotiations for more exciting cuisine, a later acceptable curfew, and the introduction of a weekly spending allowance, I don't think my parents are too strict. After all, how strict can two people wrapped so tightly around my little finger really be? I own these two adults more than they are willing to admit.

Is it possible for parents to be too lenient? Maybe if they pushed me outside in my stroller and said "Have a nice day," it would border on being too lenient, but overall, I'll take every inch that they are willing to give. In fact, I test this from time to time. My favorite test involves devious late night antics. For instance, my dad, the light sleeper, wakes up with a simple whimper. I like to do this from time to time, and when he gets up to check on me, I pretend like I'm asleep. Just as he is about to fall back asleep, I throw it out there again. He likes to brag about being a patient guy. We'll see about that.


Question 3: Do you have gubernatorial aspirations?

Some have suggested that my father has political aspirations, and that as a result, I too may be looking to lead my countrymen. There will be a time and a place for announcements of such intentions, but for the time being, we'll stay away from the politics. After all, I'm still working on understanding policy decisions. In doing my dad's homework this past quarter, I spent a lot of time focusing on market inefficiencies due to political intervention with free markets. Bored yet? Me too. I prefer working on my multiplication tables, fine tuning my short game, strategizing how to breakdown a 3-2 zone defense, and choosing whether today feels like a bouncy seat, swing, or just-hold-me kind of day. Someday, however, when the conditions are right, I may be heading out on the campaign trail, and your protection will be appreciated.

Thanks again for all of the questions. If you have any pressing questions, send them along to babycandthegsb@gmail.com, and I will respond again next Thursday.

In the interim, enjoy checking back from time to time for more pictures and stories. For the next few days, I will be socializing with family and friends. My current focus is on gaining the most attention from the extended family. My prime competition for adoration is my four month old cousin Pierson. He thinks his age and good looks (& the presence of his tougher older brother) are an advantage, but I'm planning to rain on his victory parade. Happy Holidays!