Be Happy

"Be Happy". Those are the words constantly uttered by cutie. She seems to sense discontentment.
Cutie loved St. Lucia. She got quality cousin time. Went on a Jet Ski, paddleboat, wears a life jacket in the ocean and swims with the proper stroke for a breast stroke. Went on a sailboat - it rained and we saw a rainbow. Had her hair braided and woke up the second to last day crying "I don't want to go home".
Grandpa's 90th birthday was everything he wanted. He's happy with his family and says he's tired of traveling.
The next time we will all be together will be at a wedding in six months. That is, of course, if we're invited. I don't believe in tipping a lot if service is delivered with "you are a stupid tourist" attitude. There's no reason to perpetuate bad service - anywhere. And yes, I was a waitress, summer camp counselor and depended on tips. I was happy doing what I did and got rewarded for it. People who tip well for bad service have low self worth. It's that simple.

It's a gen Y (14-29ish) thing. They have to be part of a group and have or do whatever the group has or does. The less they have the more they care about brand names because it gives them confidence. The best was a conversation regarding Paris Hilton. It confirmed all the research I've seen at work. They love Paris because she's rich and not afraid to be anything else. They want to pretend to be rich and the easiest way is through brands. The poor Boomers where so confused and just didn't get it.

I'm dying to know what will happen to the next generation. I guess gen Z. Cutie is in it. All the little girls are starting with princesses and all things pretty. As a boomer, I'm trying to fight it - but at 3yo they have a mind of there own.

Note to self. i have to look into this no child left behind thing.