Dodaaaa

I was always thought that all of the products that were generated to make more money off of the movies and television characters that children love were ridiculous. I don't remember there being things like that when I was a kid. Maybe I have a faulty memory, there probably was stuff and I just don't remember but I don't think it could have been like it is today. You can't walk into any store without being slapped in the face with the Disney Princess or Lightning McQueen. I always looked at these products and thought, what greedy people. they can't just be happy with the bazillion dollars they make off the movie?!?!?!? I would see the Cinderella shoes or cups or blankets, even candy and just be able to visualize the children screaming and crying for these products. What a horrible thing to do to parents. Isn't it hard enough taking a kid into a toy store without the screams for Blues clues or Diego or Yo Gabba Gabba. What happened to barbie and my little pony and cabbage patch kids? ( I know all girl stuff, well I am a girl and that is what I remember) It isn't even just toy stores anymore. There is a Disney princess flashlight at the hardware store and keys with mickey mouse on them. Seriously people STOP THE INSANITY. I am slightly ashamed to admit that I have been sucked in.

My daughter is MAD crazy in love with Dora, or Doda as she says it. She comes running from the other room when it comes on. It always makes her happy, and it would keep her busy and out of my hair for a while when I try to empty the dishwasher and she wanted to "help". All was good in the beginning. It was just the show, and then a doll (which happens to be just about as big as her and her best friend to boot) but now every time we go out if there is a Dora anything I have to hope she doesn't see it. Otherwise the "Doda DOOODAAAAA" starts This Christmas was 80% Dora and the gift certificates were used to purchase Kai-Lan toys. Her other favorite girl (She has a little Kai-Lan doll and it is really kind of funny to see her running around with GIANT Dora and tiny Kai-Lan) I can't help it. I know I am just feeding the madness but it makes her so happy, so genuinely happy. And as I sit here thinking about it I am realizing that that genuine happiness that she gets from holding playing with wearing and sleeping on her favorite characters is fleeting. That something so simple could make her so happy is almost something to envy. Think about the last time you felt that rush of pure joy, and excitement. What did it take to make you feel that way? And how long had it been since the last time you felt that? As we get older I think it gets harder to get that excited about something. Maybe we should indulge our children while it is so easy to do so. (but seriously. . . .flashlights?)