Wow. I am exhausted. I have just walked in the door (it is 6:53) and all I want to do I fall into a coma. Instead I am going to write progress reports. Normally this isn't a tough job, and since I think parent-teacher communication is so important, I usually enjoy it. However, I don't usually waste 2 hours of valuable time in meetings after school verbally sharing information that could be shared much more efficiently in written form. That is all I have to say about that.
Hooray! New Angel tonight. : ) Something fun to watch while I am writing progress reports.
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Here's a link to the New York City Dept. of Health - Restaurant Inspection Information. Oh my. Check out Subways in Manhattan.
Note to self:
When you are at school on your partner's day and you put your school bag and purse and keys and everything inside the classroom pay attention to that little voice in your head that says "take your keys with you" and if you don't then pay attention when it says "tell your partner not to lock the door" because if you don't you will be locked out and there will be no one around to let you back in and you will have to leave everything sitting out at the mercy of the cleaning staff, abandon your car and get a ride home from a friend. Ugh. Bad Soleil.
When you are at school on your partner's day and you put your school bag and purse and keys and everything inside the classroom pay attention to that little voice in your head that says "take your keys with you" and if you don't then pay attention when it says "tell your partner not to lock the door" because if you don't you will be locked out and there will be no one around to let you back in and you will have to leave everything sitting out at the mercy of the cleaning staff, abandon your car and get a ride home from a friend. Ugh. Bad Soleil.
This weeks This or That questions...
Which is more comforting for you...
1. Lying down on the couch, or stretching out on a recliner? I like recliners, but I tend to sit in ways that bother my knees when I am in them. Lying on the couch doesn't give me that problem.
2. Going barefoot or wearing soft slippers? That entirely depends on the weather, now doesn't it?
3. Eating ice cream, or pizza? Pizza for dinner and ice cream for dessert, of course.
4. Watching on TV...a classic movie or a reality show? Reality show. Unless it's an old mystery.
5. Wearing: blue jeans or sweat pants? Sweats are more comfy for lounging around, but only if no one is going to see me.
6. A long, soothing bubble bath or a quick, invigorating shower? That depends on whether I want to be soothed or invigorated.
7. Furniture: leather, or something more on the fuzzy side? Not leather. Not snuggly enough in cold weather and you stick to it in hot weather.
8. Soft, classical music, or upbeat rock & roll? Rock and roll, without a doubt. When I am feeling moody Linkin Park or the soundtrack to The Crow always pull me out of it.
9. Darkness or light? Light. I am totally solar powered.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You get married, or otherwise begin cohabitating with a significant other. S/he moves into your place, but brings with him/her the UGLIEST chair you have ever seen! You really don't want this thing in your home, but SO says it is the most comfy chair s/he has ever sat in, and no way will they part with it. Do you: grin and bear it, or scheme to get rid of the montrosity somehow?
It's a chair. Get over it. If it is something that is important to my SigOth then it stays until they decide it goes. Of course, I say this because I am the kind that holds onto things until they disintegrate. And I don't care about having my house look "decorated" in any way. As long as the junk gets picked up every once in a while I'm happy. Besides, scheming has NO PLACE in my marriage.
Which is more comforting for you...
1. Lying down on the couch, or stretching out on a recliner? I like recliners, but I tend to sit in ways that bother my knees when I am in them. Lying on the couch doesn't give me that problem.
2. Going barefoot or wearing soft slippers? That entirely depends on the weather, now doesn't it?
3. Eating ice cream, or pizza? Pizza for dinner and ice cream for dessert, of course.
4. Watching on TV...a classic movie or a reality show? Reality show. Unless it's an old mystery.
5. Wearing: blue jeans or sweat pants? Sweats are more comfy for lounging around, but only if no one is going to see me.
6. A long, soothing bubble bath or a quick, invigorating shower? That depends on whether I want to be soothed or invigorated.
7. Furniture: leather, or something more on the fuzzy side? Not leather. Not snuggly enough in cold weather and you stick to it in hot weather.
8. Soft, classical music, or upbeat rock & roll? Rock and roll, without a doubt. When I am feeling moody Linkin Park or the soundtrack to The Crow always pull me out of it.
9. Darkness or light? Light. I am totally solar powered.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You get married, or otherwise begin cohabitating with a significant other. S/he moves into your place, but brings with him/her the UGLIEST chair you have ever seen! You really don't want this thing in your home, but SO says it is the most comfy chair s/he has ever sat in, and no way will they part with it. Do you: grin and bear it, or scheme to get rid of the montrosity somehow?
It's a chair. Get over it. If it is something that is important to my SigOth then it stays until they decide it goes. Of course, I say this because I am the kind that holds onto things until they disintegrate. And I don't care about having my house look "decorated" in any way. As long as the junk gets picked up every once in a while I'm happy. Besides, scheming has NO PLACE in my marriage.
Monday, April 28, 2003
I went on a dusting spree this morning and was reminded of just what a packrat I really am. I save anything that has even the tiniest amount of sentimental value.
Some things are truly worth saving. I have a Russian tea set that was given to me by some Russian friends. I never use it, but it has a special place in a special case where it is protected and displayed at the same time. I also have a box full of old college textbooks in my closet. Not all of them, just the ones that I found particularly interesting or thought might be useful in the future. I never use those either, but someday I will have enough space that I will have them in a visible, easily accessible place. You never know when you might need to look up something that you know you learned in college, but didn't seem important enough to commit to long term memory.
Most of the things I have strewn about the house in an almost organized fashion are of no value to anyone but me. They are memory triggers that I can't get rid of for fear of losing that moment in my life forever. I have cds that I no longer listen to, but that bring back vivid memories of my childhood, especially my pre-teen and teen years. I have cheap trinkets that were given to me by former co-workers and former students. A casual trip through my house is actually a lengthy stroll down memory lane if done properly. Someday, in a fit of cleansing and renewal, I may get rid of many of these items. I wouldn't really mourn the loss of the things, just the memories that are connected to them.
There are a few special places in my house, however that contain odds and ends that I would be very sorry to lose. These things are so tied to the people, places and events they represent that I couldn't imagine being without them. I will never voluntarily give up the items that are stored in these shrines to my past. A peek at these revered items reveals much about me. Let's see what's on the dresser first...
*The large snowglobe with the Victorian santa figure inside was a gift from Santa himself one year. I think it must have been given to me right about the time I was realizing that my parents were the real Santa. At that time I realized that Santa, the person, is much less important than Santa, the feeling. I no longer believe in the jolly, fat man who climbs down our chimney, but I still passionately believe that the idea of Santa - giving and caring and sharing - is something that redeems the human race slightly every year.
*The ceder box still contains the pearl and the compass that were in it when it was given to me by my father. I'm afraid that I didn't recognize the significance of these items when I received them. These days, however, they show me every day just how much my father loves me. All my life he has been sharing what he has learned with me. Despite my stubborn need to ignore his advice and make my own mistakes, he continues to pass on his wisdom. And he has never once said "I told you so".
*The cedar box holds a bear claw shaped piece of turquoise that I got at my first powwow, a cheap tin clip from the Metropolitan Art Museum, a small bag of tiny shells and coral I collected on my honeymoon, and a ball with a floating spider picture in it (his name is Peter 'Pider and he always reminds me of my cousin).
*Hanging above the dresser are two important necklaces. The first is an emerald on a gold chain. The stone was given to me by my father, step-mother and grandmother when I graduated high school. The chain was given to me by my mother. (The original chain broke.) The second necklace has a rusted little bell - the kind you would find on the end of a jester's hat. This was another gift from Santa. That year at Christmas we read "The Polar Express" and Christmas morning we found these bells on the plate that had previously contained cookies and carrots. I wear that necklace every Christmas season to celebrate the fact that I can still hear the tinkling sound.
Okay. So those are some of the things on my dresser. I haven't even started on the shelf in the office, but now it's lunchtime and I am hungry. Besides too much of this at one time is overwhelming.
Some things are truly worth saving. I have a Russian tea set that was given to me by some Russian friends. I never use it, but it has a special place in a special case where it is protected and displayed at the same time. I also have a box full of old college textbooks in my closet. Not all of them, just the ones that I found particularly interesting or thought might be useful in the future. I never use those either, but someday I will have enough space that I will have them in a visible, easily accessible place. You never know when you might need to look up something that you know you learned in college, but didn't seem important enough to commit to long term memory.
Most of the things I have strewn about the house in an almost organized fashion are of no value to anyone but me. They are memory triggers that I can't get rid of for fear of losing that moment in my life forever. I have cds that I no longer listen to, but that bring back vivid memories of my childhood, especially my pre-teen and teen years. I have cheap trinkets that were given to me by former co-workers and former students. A casual trip through my house is actually a lengthy stroll down memory lane if done properly. Someday, in a fit of cleansing and renewal, I may get rid of many of these items. I wouldn't really mourn the loss of the things, just the memories that are connected to them.
There are a few special places in my house, however that contain odds and ends that I would be very sorry to lose. These things are so tied to the people, places and events they represent that I couldn't imagine being without them. I will never voluntarily give up the items that are stored in these shrines to my past. A peek at these revered items reveals much about me. Let's see what's on the dresser first...
*The large snowglobe with the Victorian santa figure inside was a gift from Santa himself one year. I think it must have been given to me right about the time I was realizing that my parents were the real Santa. At that time I realized that Santa, the person, is much less important than Santa, the feeling. I no longer believe in the jolly, fat man who climbs down our chimney, but I still passionately believe that the idea of Santa - giving and caring and sharing - is something that redeems the human race slightly every year.
*The ceder box still contains the pearl and the compass that were in it when it was given to me by my father. I'm afraid that I didn't recognize the significance of these items when I received them. These days, however, they show me every day just how much my father loves me. All my life he has been sharing what he has learned with me. Despite my stubborn need to ignore his advice and make my own mistakes, he continues to pass on his wisdom. And he has never once said "I told you so".
*The cedar box holds a bear claw shaped piece of turquoise that I got at my first powwow, a cheap tin clip from the Metropolitan Art Museum, a small bag of tiny shells and coral I collected on my honeymoon, and a ball with a floating spider picture in it (his name is Peter 'Pider and he always reminds me of my cousin).
*Hanging above the dresser are two important necklaces. The first is an emerald on a gold chain. The stone was given to me by my father, step-mother and grandmother when I graduated high school. The chain was given to me by my mother. (The original chain broke.) The second necklace has a rusted little bell - the kind you would find on the end of a jester's hat. This was another gift from Santa. That year at Christmas we read "The Polar Express" and Christmas morning we found these bells on the plate that had previously contained cookies and carrots. I wear that necklace every Christmas season to celebrate the fact that I can still hear the tinkling sound.
Okay. So those are some of the things on my dresser. I haven't even started on the shelf in the office, but now it's lunchtime and I am hungry. Besides too much of this at one time is overwhelming.
Sunday, April 27, 2003
Here's the Friday Five...
1. What was the last TV show you watched?
Um...something last night...I think part of a Stargate episode. I don't remember.
2. What was the last thing you complained about?
The volume of Mikey's UT game just a second ago.
3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say?
I told Mikey his face was soft as a baby's ass after he shaved. It was meant as a compliment. Really.
4. What was the last thing you threw away?
I had a bunch of cardstock scraps left after cutting cd manuals, but I recycled them. I threw away...the expired food that I cleaned out of the fridge yesterday.
5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited?
I was at Joni Electric.
1. What was the last TV show you watched?
Um...something last night...I think part of a Stargate episode. I don't remember.
2. What was the last thing you complained about?
The volume of Mikey's UT game just a second ago.
3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say?
I told Mikey his face was soft as a baby's ass after he shaved. It was meant as a compliment. Really.
4. What was the last thing you threw away?
I had a bunch of cardstock scraps left after cutting cd manuals, but I recycled them. I threw away...the expired food that I cleaned out of the fridge yesterday.
5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited?
I was at Joni Electric.
It's amazing how much real life stuff I can get done when I don't turn on my computer. Of course, I then spend all day thinking of things that I would like to blog about. However, I can remember NONE of them when I am actually sitting here typing. Okay...what's going on in my life?
*I ordered a ton of books (about $60 worth) from the book orders I sent home with the kids. One box came on Friday including my new boxed Chronicles of Narnia set. I decided that it would be cool if I had them recorded on tape so that I could read the books to my students while still being able to get work done in the classroom. Staples had a cute little handheld recorder that is working perfectly. I do feel silly reading it aloud to myself while I'm recording though!
*I also got a boxed set of EB White books - Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little and Trumpet of the Swans.
*Mikey and I mass produced some cds for shipping today. We now have 5 of each game made up. It took us all day. Doesn't sound very efficient, I know, but now that I know the fastest ways to cut the manuals and tray cards it'll go MUCH faster.
*Yesterday we made yummy Vegetarian Lasagna and even yummier Pumpkin Roll. After many weeks of eating out or eating pre-packed meals it was nice to get back to really cooking. We will eat well for the next few days.
*We watched "Three King" (Mark Wahlberg, George Clooney and Ice Cube) for the first time today. I had NO IDEA that it was a political movie. I never was interested in seeing it because I thought it was all about stealing the gold. After the first 5 minutes I knew we were going to enjoy it. After it was over Mikey said "I think this is my new favorite war movie." I agreed. I suggest you see it. It was an eye-opener.
*I got massive amounts of cleaning done in my house yesterday. It rocked.
So...that's it. Nothing too exciting.
*I ordered a ton of books (about $60 worth) from the book orders I sent home with the kids. One box came on Friday including my new boxed Chronicles of Narnia set. I decided that it would be cool if I had them recorded on tape so that I could read the books to my students while still being able to get work done in the classroom. Staples had a cute little handheld recorder that is working perfectly. I do feel silly reading it aloud to myself while I'm recording though!
*I also got a boxed set of EB White books - Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little and Trumpet of the Swans.
*Mikey and I mass produced some cds for shipping today. We now have 5 of each game made up. It took us all day. Doesn't sound very efficient, I know, but now that I know the fastest ways to cut the manuals and tray cards it'll go MUCH faster.
*Yesterday we made yummy Vegetarian Lasagna and even yummier Pumpkin Roll. After many weeks of eating out or eating pre-packed meals it was nice to get back to really cooking. We will eat well for the next few days.
*We watched "Three King" (Mark Wahlberg, George Clooney and Ice Cube) for the first time today. I had NO IDEA that it was a political movie. I never was interested in seeing it because I thought it was all about stealing the gold. After the first 5 minutes I knew we were going to enjoy it. After it was over Mikey said "I think this is my new favorite war movie." I agreed. I suggest you see it. It was an eye-opener.
*I got massive amounts of cleaning done in my house yesterday. It rocked.
So...that's it. Nothing too exciting.
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Participation Positives are a way to start each week off on the right foot. List the things you are thankful for today.
I am thankful for...
*the calmness of the ocean
*the friendliness of the fishing boat crew
*the warmth of the kitty on my lap
*an unexpected day off tomorrow
*the health and hapiness of my family members
*jelly beans
*my clean and organized office
*breaking even on lottery tickets the other day
*the rescinsion (sp?) of the pink slip I was given previously
and, of course...
*my wonderful Mikey, who makes every day a little brighter and every load a little lighter.
What are YOU thankful for? Leave me a comment or link.
I am thankful for...
*the calmness of the ocean
*the friendliness of the fishing boat crew
*the warmth of the kitty on my lap
*an unexpected day off tomorrow
*the health and hapiness of my family members
*jelly beans
*my clean and organized office
*breaking even on lottery tickets the other day
*the rescinsion (sp?) of the pink slip I was given previously
and, of course...
*my wonderful Mikey, who makes every day a little brighter and every load a little lighter.
What are YOU thankful for? Leave me a comment or link.
This or That Tuesday...
1. Yummier: Chocolate ice cream or strawberry cheesecake? Chocolate ice cream
2. Better to watch on TV: Movies or sports? Movies
3. A better web browser: MSIE or Netscape (or tell us your own favorite!) Don't care. Use IE, but only because that is what I was given.
4. A better way to travel: Automobile or bus/train? TRAIN! I love trains.
5. Your preferred camera: Digital or film? Digital. I can put them up on the website for everyone to see. My film photos just sit in a box.
6. A Cooler Vehicle: Motorcycle or sports car? Um. Neither is very safe or practical. :)
7. More fun: Video games or board games? Video Games that you can play with others.
8. Sexier: A perfect body or an intelligent mind? Mind.
9. A stinkier smell: Skunk or gasoline (petrol)? Skunk. Although gasoline gives me a headache faster.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: What is more important to you: making a ton of money and being at the top of your field, or finding your soulmate and living a comfortable but not wealthy life? Soulmate. I would live day to day if I had to in order to be with Mikey doing what we love. Fortunately, I don't have to.
1. Yummier: Chocolate ice cream or strawberry cheesecake? Chocolate ice cream
2. Better to watch on TV: Movies or sports? Movies
3. A better web browser: MSIE or Netscape (or tell us your own favorite!) Don't care. Use IE, but only because that is what I was given.
4. A better way to travel: Automobile or bus/train? TRAIN! I love trains.
5. Your preferred camera: Digital or film? Digital. I can put them up on the website for everyone to see. My film photos just sit in a box.
6. A Cooler Vehicle: Motorcycle or sports car? Um. Neither is very safe or practical. :)
7. More fun: Video games or board games? Video Games that you can play with others.
8. Sexier: A perfect body or an intelligent mind? Mind.
9. A stinkier smell: Skunk or gasoline (petrol)? Skunk. Although gasoline gives me a headache faster.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: What is more important to you: making a ton of money and being at the top of your field, or finding your soulmate and living a comfortable but not wealthy life? Soulmate. I would live day to day if I had to in order to be with Mikey doing what we love. Fortunately, I don't have to.
Fishing was fun. The boat was big and clean. The crew was friendly and helpful. They didn't make me feel dumb once...not even when I got hooked on seaweed and tangled my line. The weather was beautiful and the sea was calm. I didn't catch any fish, but that is okay. I did get to see some fish caught by the crew. We also saw sealions and a whale. I took lots of pictures and had a great time.
The Boat
The Guys
The Bait
The Three Stooges
The Boat
The Guys
The Bait
The Three Stooges
Monday, April 21, 2003
I am off to do some deep sea fishing with my F-I-L and my B-I-L. I am going to be surrounded by testoterone. By the time I get home I will be cursing, chugging beer, and looking for my dinner. Or not. I just hope I come home with a fish. And that I don't embarrass myself by squealing like a girl when I attempt to unhook said fish. I hear barracuda have lots of teeth. Yikes. Wish me luck!
Sunday, April 20, 2003
Mikey is working his fingers to the bone lately trying to get his business completely independent. At this point we rely on someone to take the orders and someone else to print and ship the cds. In the last week we have had UPS stop several times delivering all the equiptment we need to be able to do it all ourselves. Mikey has a new cd burner that burns the information and then prints the top. He also has a fancy new laser printer for printing the cd covers. Next he is going to set up a merchant account and then we will be in business.
With all the new stuff for the office, we had to rearrange. I love rearranging! We have a nice new setup for our desks and I cleaned out all the junk that had accumulated in the last few months. It looks nice. (I still think I should have gotten that desk I saw at Staples, but it's probably good that I didn't.)
With all the new stuff for the office, we had to rearrange. I love rearranging! We have a nice new setup for our desks and I cleaned out all the junk that had accumulated in the last few months. It looks nice. (I still think I should have gotten that desk I saw at Staples, but it's probably good that I didn't.)
Happy Easter all! I have had a wonderful couple of days. Our little nephew is such a charmer and we have eaten more food than you can shake a stick at. GOt to chat with the sisters-in-law, eat Jelly Bellies, stick my feet in the spa and spend several hours sitting in the sun. I even got a tour of my father-in-law's avocado grove! And tomorrow I am going deep sea fishing with my father-in-law and brother-in-law (S-I-L's hubby). I just hope that the waves are tame tomorrow. The last time I went deep sea fishing I was sick the whole time and I didn't catch anything but seaweed. I'm excited to try again.
Saturday, April 19, 2003
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
oh yeah. it was fun to be with the kids for the last couple of nights...but it's more fun to be home with my hubby knowing that I get to cash a nice hefty check tomorrow. tip to new babysitters - you can always charge more for parents who are about to go out of town for their first trip since their kids were born. these poor people...they have a 7th grader and they haven't been alone together for an extended period of time since he was born. wow. they told me to be sure to have all the fun i want to have BEFORE having kids! hehehe...as if i hadn't figured that out! anyway, it was fun and now i have plenty of spending money. after i pay back the money i borrowed from the house to buy that awesome black outfit.
As I was falling asleep last night I was thinking about the fact that I have yet to experience an earthquake. It would just be peachy keen if I could experience my first in a 2 story building with two little boys sleeping in the next room. Then I was wondering what you are supposed to do in an earthquake on the second story of a building - stand in a doorway or hide under a table like normal or get your butt downstairs as quickly as possible? Then I realized that it was probably a moot point. By the time I got the boys up and in any kind of shape for listening and following directions the quake would be over and we could head outside.
I was actually able to fall asleep after this inner dialogue.
I was actually able to fall asleep after this inner dialogue.
I don't know if I was more comfortable or if I was just exhausted, but I slept much better last night. We had a full evening of fun. We did homework, went to Sizzler for dinner, played Sorry and watched Big Fat Liar. Oh yeah...and read a chapter of Ender's Game. Today I get to pick them up from school and we will probably play more Sorry while watching The World is Not Enough and waiting for the parental units to return. Then I get to go back to being childless and free!
This weeks This or That questions...
1. File taxes as early as possible, or wait until the last possible minute?
Attempt to file as early as possible but be foiled by incompetent tax guy who not only didn't have the basic Quicken program (we should have just walked out then), but also called the wrong number with questions, put the wrong address on our papers, recorded some information incorrectly and just plain made some other information up. We gave him our forms on Feb 10 and finally got them back, done to our satisfaction, on April 11. Jerk.
2. File electronically, or mail paper forms?
Paper forms.
3. Prepare your own taxes, or have someone do it for you?
see above. Mikey's business stuff makes us leary of doing our own taxes. We really don't want to make a mistake and be audited. However, one more year of the idiocy we dealt with this year and I might think about it.
4. Are you a saver or a spender?
I'm a spender. Mikey is a saver. We balance each other out nicely.
5. Do you prefer to carry cash, or pay with plastic (credit/debit cards), or by check?
We buy just about everything with the card. We can get either Gateway credit or Amazon credit that way. Plus we don't have to worry about having cash on hand.
6. You're broke and desperately need a job, but the only places that are hiring are retail or fast food places. Which would you pick?
Fast food. I thank my lucky stars that I am not stuck with this choice.
7. Keeping track of your money: are you more meticulous or careless about it?
Careless. I either have it or I spent it. That's all I need to know. Which is why I am only allowed to be in charge of my own spending money. Mikey does a nice job keeping track of our household expenses.
8. What do you do if you find yourself with a lot of change weighing down your purse/pocket/wallet? Do you try to spend it to *get rid of it*, or do you put it in a jar or a piggy bank?
It goes in the jar.
9. Which form of fake money do you like better...Monopoly money or those chocolate coins covered with gold foil?
Chocolate coins. Duh.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You find a wallet containing $5,000 in cash, as well as several credit cards and the owner's drivers' license. Your rent is due tomorrow and you're short $200. Do you take the money (some or all of it) and mail back the wallet anonymously...or do you return the wallet with all contents intact?
I mail it back intact and find the $200 I need in some way that won't keep me up an night. I would probably include my name and address with the returned wallet in case the owner felt the need to thank me in some way, though. :)
1. File taxes as early as possible, or wait until the last possible minute?
Attempt to file as early as possible but be foiled by incompetent tax guy who not only didn't have the basic Quicken program (we should have just walked out then), but also called the wrong number with questions, put the wrong address on our papers, recorded some information incorrectly and just plain made some other information up. We gave him our forms on Feb 10 and finally got them back, done to our satisfaction, on April 11. Jerk.
2. File electronically, or mail paper forms?
Paper forms.
3. Prepare your own taxes, or have someone do it for you?
see above. Mikey's business stuff makes us leary of doing our own taxes. We really don't want to make a mistake and be audited. However, one more year of the idiocy we dealt with this year and I might think about it.
4. Are you a saver or a spender?
I'm a spender. Mikey is a saver. We balance each other out nicely.
5. Do you prefer to carry cash, or pay with plastic (credit/debit cards), or by check?
We buy just about everything with the card. We can get either Gateway credit or Amazon credit that way. Plus we don't have to worry about having cash on hand.
6. You're broke and desperately need a job, but the only places that are hiring are retail or fast food places. Which would you pick?
Fast food. I thank my lucky stars that I am not stuck with this choice.
7. Keeping track of your money: are you more meticulous or careless about it?
Careless. I either have it or I spent it. That's all I need to know. Which is why I am only allowed to be in charge of my own spending money. Mikey does a nice job keeping track of our household expenses.
8. What do you do if you find yourself with a lot of change weighing down your purse/pocket/wallet? Do you try to spend it to *get rid of it*, or do you put it in a jar or a piggy bank?
It goes in the jar.
9. Which form of fake money do you like better...Monopoly money or those chocolate coins covered with gold foil?
Chocolate coins. Duh.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You find a wallet containing $5,000 in cash, as well as several credit cards and the owner's drivers' license. Your rent is due tomorrow and you're short $200. Do you take the money (some or all of it) and mail back the wallet anonymously...or do you return the wallet with all contents intact?
I mail it back intact and find the $200 I need in some way that won't keep me up an night. I would probably include my name and address with the returned wallet in case the owner felt the need to thank me in some way, though. :)
Monday, April 14, 2003
Participation Positives are a way to start each week off on the right foot. List the things you are thankful for today.
I am thankful for...
*the sun and the rain
*the roof over my head
*the heater
*daylight savings time
*free long distance on the weekends
*my freedom (on so very many levels these days)
*the sale at Kohl's (I know, I know...I'm pathetic and obsessive)
*my upcoming trip home
*my adoring and adorable class
and, of course...
*my wonderful Mikey, who makes every day a little brighter and every load a little lighter.
What are YOU thankful for? Leave me a comment or link.
I am thankful for...
*the sun and the rain
*the roof over my head
*the heater
*daylight savings time
*free long distance on the weekends
*my freedom (on so very many levels these days)
*the sale at Kohl's (I know, I know...I'm pathetic and obsessive)
*my upcoming trip home
*my adoring and adorable class
and, of course...
*my wonderful Mikey, who makes every day a little brighter and every load a little lighter.
What are YOU thankful for? Leave me a comment or link.
I'm staying with the 2 Js for a couple of days while their parents are out of town. This is really not all that hard, especially since they are paying me well. The during the day stuff is really easy...they do a good job of entertaining themselves (once I make it clear that, No, I do NOT want to play flashlight tag AGAIN). The biggest thing during waking hours is making sure they eat something healthy and getting them to and from school at the appropriate times. It's the sleeping hours that get me. I could not get into deep sleep mode last night. I kept dreaming that it was morning and we were getting up late and they weren't going to be on time for school. In between dreams I would wake up in "Alert Mode" for no reason whatsoever. I am not used to sleeping through the night while being responsible for someone. How do you parents do it? I am going to have to nap today so I can to make it through another night like that.
Interesting side-effect of being away from home for the night - everyone and their brother decided to call me. I could be home non-stop for a hundred years and get only telemarketers. I go away for the night and the phone rings all night long!
Interesting side-effect of being away from home for the night - everyone and their brother decided to call me. I could be home non-stop for a hundred years and get only telemarketers. I go away for the night and the phone rings all night long!
Sunday, April 13, 2003
Spent some time today updating and rearranging things.
~I added and moved links so that they more accurately reflected the truth.
~I added links about me in the sidebar to the right.
~I added pictures to the picture page.
~I created a "Gathering the Greats" page.
Let me know if I got something mixed up. It has been known to happen.
~I added and moved links so that they more accurately reflected the truth.
~I added links about me in the sidebar to the right.
~I added pictures to the picture page.
~I created a "Gathering the Greats" page.
Let me know if I got something mixed up. It has been known to happen.
Saturday, April 12, 2003
UPDATE: I have created a page on which to keep my updated guest list for the Gathering.
Gathering the Greats
The Idea: I wish I could throw a party, inviting the most intelligent, talented, questioning or just plain interesting minds together. Just think of the discussions that could be had, the ideas that could be developed, the learning that could be done. All in an informal, relaxed, friendly atmosphere, of course.
The Location: My backyard
The Menu: I'll provide the potato salad and the Sprite. The rest will be potluck style - whatever the guests feel like sharing.
The Guest List (in no particular order and eternally under construction):
*Mahatma Gandhi
*Jesus
*Albert Einstein
*Abraham Lincoln
*Stephen King
*John Lennon
*The guys from Linkin Park
*Shel Silverstein
*Sylvia Ashton Warner
*Richard and Leslie Bach
*all my family members (some of the most INTERESTING people I know!)
*JRR Tolkein
*Sigmund Freud
*Lao Tsu
*Mark Twain
*Thomas Jefferson
*Malcolm X
*Amy and Emily of The Indigo Girls
*Joni Mitchell
*Dr. Suess
*Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
*Matt Groening
*Karl Marx
*Mother Theresa
*Mao Tse-Tung
Who would YOU add?
Gathering the Greats
The Idea: I wish I could throw a party, inviting the most intelligent, talented, questioning or just plain interesting minds together. Just think of the discussions that could be had, the ideas that could be developed, the learning that could be done. All in an informal, relaxed, friendly atmosphere, of course.
The Location: My backyard
The Menu: I'll provide the potato salad and the Sprite. The rest will be potluck style - whatever the guests feel like sharing.
The Guest List (in no particular order and eternally under construction):
*Mahatma Gandhi
*Jesus
*Albert Einstein
*Abraham Lincoln
*Stephen King
*John Lennon
*The guys from Linkin Park
*Shel Silverstein
*Sylvia Ashton Warner
*Richard and Leslie Bach
*all my family members (some of the most INTERESTING people I know!)
*JRR Tolkein
*Sigmund Freud
*Lao Tsu
*Mark Twain
*Thomas Jefferson
*Malcolm X
*Amy and Emily of The Indigo Girls
*Joni Mitchell
*Dr. Suess
*Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
*Matt Groening
*Karl Marx
*Mother Theresa
*Mao Tse-Tung
Who would YOU add?
Here's the Friday Five...
1. What was the first band you saw in concert?
I was Bill Staines a couple of times. He is a great performer and storyteller. I have a signed copy of the book based on his "All God's Critters" song. I went to a benefit concert once and saw Willowgreen play. There were lots of others (including my dear friend Dima), but they were the only big names that I knew. We were SO EXCITED to meet them. They were really nice.
2. Who is your favorite artist/band now?
Linkin Park? Evenescence? Matchbox 20? Indigo Girls? Hard to pick one. My tastes are ever evolving.
3. What's your favorite song?
I can't even begin to answer that question. There are just too many songs and too many emotions to narrow it down to just one.
4. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
Accoustic guitar. I have been very bad about playing my guitar even though I know that I will never learn it if I don't keep practicing. I am going to start taking lessons during the summer.
5. If you could meet any musical icon (past or present), who would it be and why?
John Lennon. I wouldn't know what to say to him, but I would love to have the chance. He had some pretty radical ideas and played some pretty amazing music. I would definitely invite him to my Gathering.
1. What was the first band you saw in concert?
I was Bill Staines a couple of times. He is a great performer and storyteller. I have a signed copy of the book based on his "All God's Critters" song. I went to a benefit concert once and saw Willowgreen play. There were lots of others (including my dear friend Dima), but they were the only big names that I knew. We were SO EXCITED to meet them. They were really nice.
2. Who is your favorite artist/band now?
Linkin Park? Evenescence? Matchbox 20? Indigo Girls? Hard to pick one. My tastes are ever evolving.
3. What's your favorite song?
I can't even begin to answer that question. There are just too many songs and too many emotions to narrow it down to just one.
4. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
Accoustic guitar. I have been very bad about playing my guitar even though I know that I will never learn it if I don't keep practicing. I am going to start taking lessons during the summer.
5. If you could meet any musical icon (past or present), who would it be and why?
John Lennon. I wouldn't know what to say to him, but I would love to have the chance. He had some pretty radical ideas and played some pretty amazing music. I would definitely invite him to my Gathering.
Friday, April 11, 2003
When you have a job that you really love, that is a good thing.
When you have a team of coworkers who are helpful, caring, funny and thoughtful, that is a comforting thing.
When you are celebrated in front of the school for the job you do, that is a uplifting thing.
When you have an excuse to go out and buy some nice clothes for yourself, that is a nice thing.
When you go to the store and EVERYTHING is 40-50% off, that is a great thing.
When you find the perfect outfit, that is a beautiful thing.
When you try on the outfit and it makes you feel like strutting past a construction zone just to hear the wolf whistles, that is a fun thing.
When you don't have to strut past a construction zone because your husband whistles when you model the outfit, that is a wonderful thing.
When all these things happen together - that is life at it's best. : )
When you have a team of coworkers who are helpful, caring, funny and thoughtful, that is a comforting thing.
When you are celebrated in front of the school for the job you do, that is a uplifting thing.
When you have an excuse to go out and buy some nice clothes for yourself, that is a nice thing.
When you go to the store and EVERYTHING is 40-50% off, that is a great thing.
When you find the perfect outfit, that is a beautiful thing.
When you try on the outfit and it makes you feel like strutting past a construction zone just to hear the wolf whistles, that is a fun thing.
When you don't have to strut past a construction zone because your husband whistles when you model the outfit, that is a wonderful thing.
When all these things happen together - that is life at it's best. : )
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Despite my misgivings about the war, it's reasons and it's handling I can't deny the joy and celebration I am seeing in the actions of the Iraqi people these days. Although I am seriously disturbed by the giant step backwards we have taken in making the world a more peaceful place, I am glad to see that some good has come of it. I don't believe that the end justifies the means, but that doesn't mean that I can't be happy about the end while protesting the way in which we brought it about.
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
Once again I am too stubborn to answer this weeks This or That questions using the provided answers...
1. Sexier (female)...Pamela Anderson or Jennifer Garner? Angie Harmon
2. Sexier (male)...Ben Affleck or Matt Damon? Bruce Willis
3. The better piano player...Billy Joel or Elton John? Rachmaninoff
4. Funnier...David Letterman or Craig Kilborn? Jon Stewart
5. The dumber cartoon cat...Stimpy (of *Ren & Stimpy*) or Tom (of *Tom & Jerry*)? Bill the Cat
6. A better news anchor...Tom Brokaw or Dan Rather? Better than what?? They are all minions of the Fallen One in my humble opinion.
7. A better TV chef...Emeril Lagasse or Jacques Pepin? Alton Brown
8. The trashier talk show host...Maury Povich or Jerry Springer? Bill O'reilly
9. The worse fast food burger joint...McDonald's or Burger King? KFC
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: Only a handful of U.S. Presidents have been considered to be *great* Of the following two, which one do you consider to be greater...Franklin D. Roosevelt or Abraham Lincoln? Why? Honestly, I don't have the knowledge base to answer this question. I know that many of the presidents have done great things, but I also know that many of them have also done really crappy things. I would have to really look at how things balance out to answer this question without simply relying on stereotypes and propaganda that has been passed along through the years.
1. Sexier (female)...Pamela Anderson or Jennifer Garner? Angie Harmon
2. Sexier (male)...Ben Affleck or Matt Damon? Bruce Willis
3. The better piano player...Billy Joel or Elton John? Rachmaninoff
4. Funnier...David Letterman or Craig Kilborn? Jon Stewart
5. The dumber cartoon cat...Stimpy (of *Ren & Stimpy*) or Tom (of *Tom & Jerry*)? Bill the Cat
6. A better news anchor...Tom Brokaw or Dan Rather? Better than what?? They are all minions of the Fallen One in my humble opinion.
7. A better TV chef...Emeril Lagasse or Jacques Pepin? Alton Brown
8. The trashier talk show host...Maury Povich or Jerry Springer? Bill O'reilly
9. The worse fast food burger joint...McDonald's or Burger King? KFC
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: Only a handful of U.S. Presidents have been considered to be *great* Of the following two, which one do you consider to be greater...Franklin D. Roosevelt or Abraham Lincoln? Why? Honestly, I don't have the knowledge base to answer this question. I know that many of the presidents have done great things, but I also know that many of them have also done really crappy things. I would have to really look at how things balance out to answer this question without simply relying on stereotypes and propaganda that has been passed along through the years.
Note to media reporters:
The Hopi are different from the Navajo. And the Anishinabe, and the Cherokee and the Inuit and the Cree and the Lakota and the Menominee and the Cheyenne and the Chickasaw and the Apache and the Deleware and the Ho Chunk and the Iroquois and the Mohican and the...well you get the point.
Although the reservation Lori Ann Piestewa comes from is completely surrounded by a Navajo reservation (see map) that does not mean that they are the same. Thanking her Hopi relatives for helping with the military code in WWII makes you sound ill-informed.
Some information I found when researching this issue:
There are 11,156 Hopi officially registered with the AZ tribe. 9,000 of them live on the reservation there. 56 Hopi men and women are members of the United States Military and 48 of them are currently stationed in Iraq. That means that approximately 1 out of every 250 people are in Iraq. That seems like an amazingly high ratio to me.
Sources: Official Website of the Hopi Tribe
* Demographics
* History
Native American Nations Homepage List
The Hopi are different from the Navajo. And the Anishinabe, and the Cherokee and the Inuit and the Cree and the Lakota and the Menominee and the Cheyenne and the Chickasaw and the Apache and the Deleware and the Ho Chunk and the Iroquois and the Mohican and the...well you get the point.
Although the reservation Lori Ann Piestewa comes from is completely surrounded by a Navajo reservation (see map) that does not mean that they are the same. Thanking her Hopi relatives for helping with the military code in WWII makes you sound ill-informed.
Some information I found when researching this issue:
There are 11,156 Hopi officially registered with the AZ tribe. 9,000 of them live on the reservation there. 56 Hopi men and women are members of the United States Military and 48 of them are currently stationed in Iraq. That means that approximately 1 out of every 250 people are in Iraq. That seems like an amazingly high ratio to me.
Sources: Official Website of the Hopi Tribe
* Demographics
* History
Native American Nations Homepage List
Monday, April 07, 2003
Listening to NPR on the radio tonight I learned the most amusing (and yet, oddly terrifying) thing. It seems that in North Dakota there is a law on the books making "open and notorious" premarital cohabitation a misdemeanor. (Notorious was defined as being obvious and without discretion.) And when it was presented to the senate this session, with the thought of removing such a rediculous, uninforcible and largely unconstitutional law, it failed. The senate members voted to keep this archaic law because getting rid of it might give the young people the idea that such a thing was condoned. So if you know someone in N. Dakota who's thinking of shacking up with their honey...make sure they know that they could be facing a stiff fine and/or some jail time. Unless, that is, they are just being "roommates".
So the pentagon says that Saddam and sons are dead. I guess this has the potential for ending the war sooner, if it's true (still very questionable at this point). I can't really mourn the death of such an evil man, but I don't consider it something to celebrate. It is a death. The news reporter who passed this news on to me was wearing his "happy news" face. It disturbed me. No matter who or what it is, I mourn the death of a living spirit. Not doing so would signify the death of some of my own spirit. I mourn the loss of a life, the decay of a soul and I hope with all my heart that things go differently next time around.
Just finished watching "Windtalkers".
Note to self: our psyche is a little too fragile for war movies right now.
I don't normally enjoy the blow-shit-up scenes in movies. Blood and violence have always made me flinch, whether seen on screen or read on the page. That is something I cultivate in myself. I worry if I see gore and don't flinch. When that happens I make myself think of the pain and suffering that goes along with it. I will not allow myself to become desensitized to violence. That is the first step down a very slippery slope.
That doesn't mean that I don't watch war movies or read war books. In fact, I went through a phase in highschool when I read nothing else. Johnny Got His Gun, Red Badge of Courage, M*A*S*H, Catch 22, Bliztcat, Diary of Anne Frank - I read them all. I learned from them all even though I had no idea what war was really like.
Today was different. Turning away during the worst of the firefights in Windtalkers didn't help. Actually, it made it worse. Turning away made it easier to image the men and women who are fighting and dying in the present. It changed the sounds from those of WWII weapons to the weapons of today, the weapons of this war. Rather than just flinching at the imagined deaths, I cried for the real ones. I shed tears for those who will not be coming home, for those who will never know their fathers, for those who's sons and daughters will be buried before their time. I shed tears for all of us and the anger and hatred that so easily overcomes our human hearts. I shed tears for myself, my impossible dream of peace and harmony.
I hate this war. I hate the death and the violence and blood. I hate the furthering of hatred that comes from it. I HATE THIS WAR.
Note to self: our psyche is a little too fragile for war movies right now.
I don't normally enjoy the blow-shit-up scenes in movies. Blood and violence have always made me flinch, whether seen on screen or read on the page. That is something I cultivate in myself. I worry if I see gore and don't flinch. When that happens I make myself think of the pain and suffering that goes along with it. I will not allow myself to become desensitized to violence. That is the first step down a very slippery slope.
That doesn't mean that I don't watch war movies or read war books. In fact, I went through a phase in highschool when I read nothing else. Johnny Got His Gun, Red Badge of Courage, M*A*S*H, Catch 22, Bliztcat, Diary of Anne Frank - I read them all. I learned from them all even though I had no idea what war was really like.
Today was different. Turning away during the worst of the firefights in Windtalkers didn't help. Actually, it made it worse. Turning away made it easier to image the men and women who are fighting and dying in the present. It changed the sounds from those of WWII weapons to the weapons of today, the weapons of this war. Rather than just flinching at the imagined deaths, I cried for the real ones. I shed tears for those who will not be coming home, for those who will never know their fathers, for those who's sons and daughters will be buried before their time. I shed tears for all of us and the anger and hatred that so easily overcomes our human hearts. I shed tears for myself, my impossible dream of peace and harmony.
I hate this war. I hate the death and the violence and blood. I hate the furthering of hatred that comes from it. I HATE THIS WAR.
Sunday, April 06, 2003
We're still working at finding yummy vegetarian dishes so that we (okay, mostly I) don't miss the meat parts so much. I have especially been missing the lunch meat aspect of sandwiches. Tonight I struck gold. Not only is it healthy and animal friendly, but it also used up a can of garbanzo beans that had been in our cupboard forever AND Mikey liked it. Good stuff.
Garbanzo Sandwich Spread
1 15 oz. can of garbanzo beans, drained
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp salad oil
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 cup snipped parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
1/8 cup finely chopped onions
Throw all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth. Spread on bread. Add tomato, lettuce, black olives and cheese. Enjoy.
(Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Garden's New Cook Book - the best cookbook I have yet to find.)
These sandwiches were very zippy. We had them with couscous seasoned with paprika and garlic powder. We will be doing this again. I already have some ideas for slight changes. Yay! Cooking is fun.
Garbanzo Sandwich Spread
1 15 oz. can of garbanzo beans, drained
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp salad oil
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 cup snipped parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
1/8 cup finely chopped onions
Throw all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth. Spread on bread. Add tomato, lettuce, black olives and cheese. Enjoy.
(Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Garden's New Cook Book - the best cookbook I have yet to find.)
These sandwiches were very zippy. We had them with couscous seasoned with paprika and garlic powder. We will be doing this again. I already have some ideas for slight changes. Yay! Cooking is fun.
Saturday, April 05, 2003
Let's wrap this week up...
1. Do you like to sing? Why or why not?
Yes. I love to sing. I like the emotional release of it. Joy, anger, frustration, love, fear, sorrow - all can be let out through the recitation of lyrics. I am often struck with awe when listening to music. Awe at the way someone I never met took my emotions and verbalized them so clearly. Many of the more emotional events in my life are defined by the music I was listening to (and singing along with) at the time.
2. Where do you like to sing? Why?
My shower ROCKS for singing. I also do lots of singing in my car and around the house while cleaning. The other day I sang during lunch (the third grade team is preparing an amusing little skit for an assembly).
3. Do you sing in front of people? Why or why not?
It is VERY rare that I sing in public. I used to sing with the choir, but I was never very good at it, much to my own disappointment. I think (can anyone really judge their own singing voice accurately?) that my singing voice is decent, as long as I'm within my range. The problem is that I have a pathetically small range. The only person I sing in front of comfortably is Mikey.
4. What's your favorite song to sing along with? Why?
I enjoy singing along with the Indigo Girls. At least ONE of them is usually in my range. I particularly like the Swamp Ophelia album.
5. What song is your guilty singing pleasure? Why?
I have two. First, the Buffy Musical soundtrack. This was fun to watch and is even more fun to sing along with. Second, Tenatious D - Jack Black's band. A foulmouthed, trashy, vulgar album that is quite funny. I like to play them both loudly in my own house, but I wouldn't necessarily play either (well, okay, may the Buffy one) in mixed company.
1. Do you like to sing? Why or why not?
Yes. I love to sing. I like the emotional release of it. Joy, anger, frustration, love, fear, sorrow - all can be let out through the recitation of lyrics. I am often struck with awe when listening to music. Awe at the way someone I never met took my emotions and verbalized them so clearly. Many of the more emotional events in my life are defined by the music I was listening to (and singing along with) at the time.
2. Where do you like to sing? Why?
My shower ROCKS for singing. I also do lots of singing in my car and around the house while cleaning. The other day I sang during lunch (the third grade team is preparing an amusing little skit for an assembly).
3. Do you sing in front of people? Why or why not?
It is VERY rare that I sing in public. I used to sing with the choir, but I was never very good at it, much to my own disappointment. I think (can anyone really judge their own singing voice accurately?) that my singing voice is decent, as long as I'm within my range. The problem is that I have a pathetically small range. The only person I sing in front of comfortably is Mikey.
4. What's your favorite song to sing along with? Why?
I enjoy singing along with the Indigo Girls. At least ONE of them is usually in my range. I particularly like the Swamp Ophelia album.
5. What song is your guilty singing pleasure? Why?
I have two. First, the Buffy Musical soundtrack. This was fun to watch and is even more fun to sing along with. Second, Tenatious D - Jack Black's band. A foulmouthed, trashy, vulgar album that is quite funny. I like to play them both loudly in my own house, but I wouldn't necessarily play either (well, okay, may the Buffy one) in mixed company.
The goods which had so attracted the residents of Castle Rock - the black pearls, the holy relics, the carnival glass, the pipes, the old comic books, the baseball cards, the antique kaleidoscopes - were all gone. Mr. Gaunt had gotten down to his real business, and at the end of things, the real business was always the same. The ultimate item had changed with the years, just like everything else, but such changes were surface things, frosting of different flavors on the same dark and bitter cake.
At the end, Mr. Gaunt always sold them weapons. . . and they always bought.
Oh, it was alwas good, so very good, to be doing business in the old way again. And business had never been better.
Needful Things, Stephen King
At the end, Mr. Gaunt always sold them weapons. . . and they always bought.
Oh, it was alwas good, so very good, to be doing business in the old way again. And business had never been better.
Needful Things, Stephen King
I'm headed back to see how my friends in Castle Rock are doing. At least I know that the death and mayhem that is currently getting started there is the result of one Mr. Gaunt (a bad, bad man indeed) and Sheriff Pangborn will eventually save the day (if not the town).
That and it's all in my imagination. Much preferable to reality.
That and it's all in my imagination. Much preferable to reality.
The numbers in this article from The Command Post scare the shit out of me. Add that to this article regarding our relationships with N. Korea and I'm ready to throw in the freakin' towel.
"It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine"
"It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine"
Friday, April 04, 2003
Here's the Friday Five...
1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life?
Well...i can only guess that i was in about 4 places when i was very young. Then Winterwood, the dorm, the little apartment, Cover Valley, the apartment with the tree, Manasquan, the apartment on the hill, the dorms again briefly, the cave in Poway, the apartment with the sunflowers, and then my little house in Temecula. So all in all...about 15. Some of these places were for very short times or for extended vacations, but since they were the only place I could call home at the time, I counted them.
2. Which was your favorite and why?
Well, my very own house is my favorite, hands down. But the little apartment is a close second. Both for the same reason - they were the first of their kind. That little one room apartment was wonderful. It was my first attempt at living in my own place and I loved it. Plus it was REALLY easy to clean! : )
3. Do you find moving house more exciting or stressful? Why?
Both. I love the excitement of organizing a new house - all the potential just waiting to be tapped. But I hate the actual packing and carrying and not being able to find things. And the clutter. Ugh. When I moved into my house I swore that I wasn't moving again for at least 5 years. Maybe longer.
4. What's more important, location or price?
I wish I could say location, but since I am living in dry, landlocked Temecula instead of a beach front house in Solana Beach I have to admit that price is the deciding factor for us. Fortunately, we have fallen in love with the location too. The best of both worlds.
5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)?
Since I was very small I have imagined my perfect house having a giant library - like the one in Beauty and the Beast (Disney version). It will also have lots of patios and porches and decks. And since I have gotten older, I have realized that I have to have room for a garden. Apparently I don't hate gardening as much as I thought I did when I was a kid forced to weed and pick beans. Go figure.
1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life?
Well...i can only guess that i was in about 4 places when i was very young. Then Winterwood, the dorm, the little apartment, Cover Valley, the apartment with the tree, Manasquan, the apartment on the hill, the dorms again briefly, the cave in Poway, the apartment with the sunflowers, and then my little house in Temecula. So all in all...about 15. Some of these places were for very short times or for extended vacations, but since they were the only place I could call home at the time, I counted them.
2. Which was your favorite and why?
Well, my very own house is my favorite, hands down. But the little apartment is a close second. Both for the same reason - they were the first of their kind. That little one room apartment was wonderful. It was my first attempt at living in my own place and I loved it. Plus it was REALLY easy to clean! : )
3. Do you find moving house more exciting or stressful? Why?
Both. I love the excitement of organizing a new house - all the potential just waiting to be tapped. But I hate the actual packing and carrying and not being able to find things. And the clutter. Ugh. When I moved into my house I swore that I wasn't moving again for at least 5 years. Maybe longer.
4. What's more important, location or price?
I wish I could say location, but since I am living in dry, landlocked Temecula instead of a beach front house in Solana Beach I have to admit that price is the deciding factor for us. Fortunately, we have fallen in love with the location too. The best of both worlds.
5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)?
Since I was very small I have imagined my perfect house having a giant library - like the one in Beauty and the Beast (Disney version). It will also have lots of patios and porches and decks. And since I have gotten older, I have realized that I have to have room for a garden. Apparently I don't hate gardening as much as I thought I did when I was a kid forced to weed and pick beans. Go figure.
The Jog-A-Thon happened today. My kids were VERY excited about it. We had 20 minutes to run as many laps as we could. Well, as THEY could. I was going to walk with my student who has problems with her muscles, but she was home sick today. So instead I walked a couple of laps and then bonded with a mom who was there to cheer. (I have only talked with her when there was a problem with her son, and I wanted her to know there were lots of good things going on too!)
So we ran and cheered and listened to the music (there was a DJ there to help keep us energized). A splendid time was had by all.
So we ran and cheered and listened to the music (there was a DJ there to help keep us energized). A splendid time was had by all.
Dayum. I do like this song. More each time I hear it.
"I want to heal
I want to feel
what I thought was never real
I want to let go of the pain I've held so long
I want to heal
I want to feel
like I'm close to something real
I want to find something I've wanted all along
somewhere I belong"
~Linkin Park, Somewhere I Belong
"I want to heal
I want to feel
what I thought was never real
I want to let go of the pain I've held so long
I want to heal
I want to feel
like I'm close to something real
I want to find something I've wanted all along
somewhere I belong"
~Linkin Park, Somewhere I Belong
Thursday, April 03, 2003
The dullest blog in the world...
April 4
Leaving some things lying around
I noticed that there were a few things lying around here and there. I decided to leave them where they were.
December 15
Picking up a table mat
I noticed a mat sitting on the top of the table. I reached out and picked it up in order to look at it more closely. Having done so I put it down again on the table.
And I thought *I* was boring. There's just no comparison.
April 4
Leaving some things lying around
I noticed that there were a few things lying around here and there. I decided to leave them where they were.
December 15
Picking up a table mat
I noticed a mat sitting on the top of the table. I reached out and picked it up in order to look at it more closely. Having done so I put it down again on the table.
And I thought *I* was boring. There's just no comparison.
Wednesday, April 02, 2003
"He thinks I'm cuuude!!"
Mikey got an amazing letter from a fan today thanking him for being an inspiration and heaping praise on the Hamumu Software games, lifestyle and crew. He even referred to Mikey's "beautiful side kick". That's me!! : ) Hee hee.
Mikey got an amazing letter from a fan today thanking him for being an inspiration and heaping praise on the Hamumu Software games, lifestyle and crew. He even referred to Mikey's "beautiful side kick". That's me!! : ) Hee hee.
The third grade team had an interesting, energetic discussion about the war at lunch today. Our team is made up of (if I may be so vulgar as to generalize for a moment):
1 religious right
1 conservative
2 fairly strong liberals
1 hippy freak (yeah...that's me)
and 3 unknowns
We were able to discuss the war for nearly 45 minutes with everyone expressing their opinion, respecting the opinions of others and being respected. We obviously disagreed about many things, but we managed to do so in a polite, honest, mature manner. There was no name calling, no shouting and no insulting behaviour. I made a point of thanking them for being the kind of people who could participate in a lively, intelligent discussion without the general nastiness that seems to have blanketed the world. I am incredibly lucky to have such wonderful peers.
1 religious right
1 conservative
2 fairly strong liberals
1 hippy freak (yeah...that's me)
and 3 unknowns
We were able to discuss the war for nearly 45 minutes with everyone expressing their opinion, respecting the opinions of others and being respected. We obviously disagreed about many things, but we managed to do so in a polite, honest, mature manner. There was no name calling, no shouting and no insulting behaviour. I made a point of thanking them for being the kind of people who could participate in a lively, intelligent discussion without the general nastiness that seems to have blanketed the world. I am incredibly lucky to have such wonderful peers.
Every once in a while I have a lesson that not only works, but exceeds my wildest, geekiest teacher dreams. This is a lesson that goes smoothly from beginning to end, that the children enjoy, understand and learn from. I mean, a lesson that is so good that you actually KNOW that these kids are going to remember what you have taught them instead of just hoping. A lesson that goes beyond the normal attempt to pass on knowledge and enters The Zone.
Today I had one such lesson. We have recently started a Science unit about matter and energy. Today we were talking about molecules, atoms and how matter changes states. For those who could use a refresher course, molecules and atoms are the building blocks of all matter (anything that takes up space). The way molecules move determines what state (solid, liquid or gas) matter is in. Fast moving, relatively disconnected molecules make a gas, while slow, tightly packed molecules make a solid. Heat (a form of energy) can be added or taken away to adjust the rate at which molecule move and consequently the form the matter is in. So a solids can melt into liquids, liquids can evaporate into gasses, gasses can condense into liquids, or liquids can freeze into solids.
To illustrate these concepts for my students (who are still concrete thinking enough to have a hard time believing that something exists when it can't be seen) I spent much of the lesson bouncing around the room like a gas molecule and calling up small groups to help me demonstrate flowing liquid molecules - several of us holding hands and oozing around the room together - and rigid solid molecules - several of us standing as closely as possible to one another. At one point, when the group that was forming a pencil (solid) was all crammed together in a group and shuffling off to one side (solids hold their shape), the students still in their seats actually started applauding. It was great.
After 45 minutes of this they were practically falling out of their seats they were so excited to show off what they knew. I would ask a question and 17 hands (2 were absent) would fly into the air to a chorus of "Oooh! I know!!!" and "Pick me!!". That is what it's all about. These kids learned something today and they were so busy having fun with it that they didn't even notice. Hopefully, they will start realizing that "learning" is not synonymous with "torture".
Today I had one such lesson. We have recently started a Science unit about matter and energy. Today we were talking about molecules, atoms and how matter changes states. For those who could use a refresher course, molecules and atoms are the building blocks of all matter (anything that takes up space). The way molecules move determines what state (solid, liquid or gas) matter is in. Fast moving, relatively disconnected molecules make a gas, while slow, tightly packed molecules make a solid. Heat (a form of energy) can be added or taken away to adjust the rate at which molecule move and consequently the form the matter is in. So a solids can melt into liquids, liquids can evaporate into gasses, gasses can condense into liquids, or liquids can freeze into solids.
To illustrate these concepts for my students (who are still concrete thinking enough to have a hard time believing that something exists when it can't be seen) I spent much of the lesson bouncing around the room like a gas molecule and calling up small groups to help me demonstrate flowing liquid molecules - several of us holding hands and oozing around the room together - and rigid solid molecules - several of us standing as closely as possible to one another. At one point, when the group that was forming a pencil (solid) was all crammed together in a group and shuffling off to one side (solids hold their shape), the students still in their seats actually started applauding. It was great.
After 45 minutes of this they were practically falling out of their seats they were so excited to show off what they knew. I would ask a question and 17 hands (2 were absent) would fly into the air to a chorus of "Oooh! I know!!!" and "Pick me!!". That is what it's all about. These kids learned something today and they were so busy having fun with it that they didn't even notice. Hopefully, they will start realizing that "learning" is not synonymous with "torture".
Internal Conversation
Body: Whoo hoo! It's Friday, it's Friday!
Brain: Nope. It's only Wednesday.
(slight pause)
Body: But...this is the third day of work. Tomorrow I get to sleep in.
Brain: I'm telling you, it's only Wednesday. You work tomorrow.
(slightly longer pause)
Body: But...but...
Brain: If you would just READ the memos I send you...we're on special assignment this week.
Body: I don't remember volunteering for this mission.
Brain: Yeah, well, you were volunteered. Get over it.
Body: (sulks quietly)
Brain: Big baby. Sheesh.
Body: Whoo hoo! It's Friday, it's Friday!
Brain: Nope. It's only Wednesday.
(slight pause)
Body: But...this is the third day of work. Tomorrow I get to sleep in.
Brain: I'm telling you, it's only Wednesday. You work tomorrow.
(slightly longer pause)
Body: But...but...
Brain: If you would just READ the memos I send you...we're on special assignment this week.
Body: I don't remember volunteering for this mission.
Brain: Yeah, well, you were volunteered. Get over it.
Body: (sulks quietly)
Brain: Big baby. Sheesh.
This weeks This or That questions (they've moved - update your links)...
1. The Bogey-man or Henry Kissinger? This question makes me feel stupid. I don't get it. Should have paid more attention during history.
2. Whips 'n chains or soft ropes with furbound cuffs? That's for me to know, and you to wonder.
3. Fish sticks or Amazon.com? Eating trashy food while reading classic books? What could be better?
4. Whitewall tires or color TV? I am shamefully neglectful of my car and I spend WAY too much time worshipping the glowing box.
5. Leather or lace? Jeans and a tank top.
6. Abraham Lincoln or leftover turkey? I'm not sure what this one is actually asking about...um...turkey?
7. Movable Type or Star Trek? I am geeky in many ways. I guess I am more computer geek if I had to make a choice.
8. Happy Happy Joy Joy or Bounce Bounce Bounce like Tigger? Happy Happy Joy Joy always reminds me of my brother, who went through a phase when that is basically all he would say. (After that, he used the word "cookie" to describe everything. Don't ask.) Tigger reminds me of my sister who's a Tigger nut.
9. The Michelin Man or the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man? "I tried to think of something safe..."
10. Thought-Provoking Question of the Week: If you HAD to marry one of the talking M&M's in the TV commercials, would it be the red one or the yellow one? Why? The yellow one. He seems very nice. The red one is too high strung for me. It wouldn't last.
UPDATE:
Um...duh. Apparently, I totally fell for an April Fool's joke when I answered the previous questions. Shoulda known. Here's the REAL questions from This or That.
1. Tag or hide & go seek? Hide & go seek. Tag seems so pointless to me. Maybe it was because I usually only had my sister to play with. Although our gang of kids would play "Ghost in the Graveyard" which involved hiding and then avoiding being tagged when you were found. It had to be played in the dark and for some reason it involved running around the house. It was fun.
2. Hopscotch or wiffle-ball? Enh. Neither.
3. Chutes & Ladders or Candyland? Chutes and ladders. Definitely.
4. Chess or checkers? Checkers. Even though I know the moves, chess is WAY too intimidating.
5. Parcheesi or backgammon? Parcheesi. I never learned backgammon.
6. Twister or Yahtzee? YAHTZEE! I love that game! It is sooooo frustrating when it goes badly and soooooo fun when it goes well.
7. Trivial Pursuit or Scrabble? I like them both, but I can't play either worth a darn. Especially with Mikey - my walking dictionary and encyclopedia all rolled into one. (I think he has a photographic memory of sorts.)
8. Monopoly or The Game of Life? Monopoly, but only until all the properties are bought up. I never liked the wheeling and dealing part.
9. Go Fish or Gin Rummy? Go fish. Simple, fun, enjoyable.
10. Thought-Provoking Question of the Week: You have a young child (or just babysit one), who is about 6-7 years old, and you like to play various games with him/her. Do you: let the child win sometimes to help improve his/her self-esteem, or play normally, in order to teach the child that we can't always win in life? I actually play with an 8 year old and I have to think about this alot. When he's playing fairly and really trying, I go easy on him. When he is whining and cheating, I kick his butt. He knows it too, so he tries to play his best with me.
1. The Bogey-man or Henry Kissinger? This question makes me feel stupid. I don't get it. Should have paid more attention during history.
2. Whips 'n chains or soft ropes with furbound cuffs? That's for me to know, and you to wonder.
3. Fish sticks or Amazon.com? Eating trashy food while reading classic books? What could be better?
4. Whitewall tires or color TV? I am shamefully neglectful of my car and I spend WAY too much time worshipping the glowing box.
5. Leather or lace? Jeans and a tank top.
6. Abraham Lincoln or leftover turkey? I'm not sure what this one is actually asking about...um...turkey?
7. Movable Type or Star Trek? I am geeky in many ways. I guess I am more computer geek if I had to make a choice.
8. Happy Happy Joy Joy or Bounce Bounce Bounce like Tigger? Happy Happy Joy Joy always reminds me of my brother, who went through a phase when that is basically all he would say. (After that, he used the word "cookie" to describe everything. Don't ask.) Tigger reminds me of my sister who's a Tigger nut.
9. The Michelin Man or the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man? "I tried to think of something safe..."
10. Thought-Provoking Question of the Week: If you HAD to marry one of the talking M&M's in the TV commercials, would it be the red one or the yellow one? Why? The yellow one. He seems very nice. The red one is too high strung for me. It wouldn't last.
UPDATE:
Um...duh. Apparently, I totally fell for an April Fool's joke when I answered the previous questions. Shoulda known. Here's the REAL questions from This or That.
1. Tag or hide & go seek? Hide & go seek. Tag seems so pointless to me. Maybe it was because I usually only had my sister to play with. Although our gang of kids would play "Ghost in the Graveyard" which involved hiding and then avoiding being tagged when you were found. It had to be played in the dark and for some reason it involved running around the house. It was fun.
2. Hopscotch or wiffle-ball? Enh. Neither.
3. Chutes & Ladders or Candyland? Chutes and ladders. Definitely.
4. Chess or checkers? Checkers. Even though I know the moves, chess is WAY too intimidating.
5. Parcheesi or backgammon? Parcheesi. I never learned backgammon.
6. Twister or Yahtzee? YAHTZEE! I love that game! It is sooooo frustrating when it goes badly and soooooo fun when it goes well.
7. Trivial Pursuit or Scrabble? I like them both, but I can't play either worth a darn. Especially with Mikey - my walking dictionary and encyclopedia all rolled into one. (I think he has a photographic memory of sorts.)
8. Monopoly or The Game of Life? Monopoly, but only until all the properties are bought up. I never liked the wheeling and dealing part.
9. Go Fish or Gin Rummy? Go fish. Simple, fun, enjoyable.
10. Thought-Provoking Question of the Week: You have a young child (or just babysit one), who is about 6-7 years old, and you like to play various games with him/her. Do you: let the child win sometimes to help improve his/her self-esteem, or play normally, in order to teach the child that we can't always win in life? I actually play with an 8 year old and I have to think about this alot. When he's playing fairly and really trying, I go easy on him. When he is whining and cheating, I kick his butt. He knows it too, so he tries to play his best with me.
Tuesday, April 01, 2003
My partner hurt her back over the weekend and I have been subbing for her. All of a sudden I am having to work an actual, bonafide 5 day week. I don't know if I will make it!! I have become a very lazy, lazy person with my fabulous new schedule. I better not lose my job, or I will be in big trouble!
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