Thursday, January 30, 2003
I woke up last night from a dream so horrible that even after I was awake I burst into tears. Mikey had to wake me up because I was whimpering. I have never had a dream that made me feel so awful. I dreamed that my mom told me that she was too busy with her new boyfriend to talk to me anymore. She very casually told me that she would see me "some other time, maybe". I was so sad. I was so hurt. I was destroyed. It was awful. I never want to have that dream again. EVER.
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Is it spring yet?
This is one of the trees near our house. It's as confused as I am by this crazy weather.
I added this and a couple other pics to my photo page.
This is one of the trees near our house. It's as confused as I am by this crazy weather.
I added this and a couple other pics to my photo page.
Final Destination is the dumbest movie ever. Bleh.
1. Art imitates life??
In the beginning there is the geeky, weird girl. She has mousy hair, drab clothes and her behavior and mannerisms are very unusual. As the movie progresses, she becomes subtley prettier with each passing scene. She starts to wear more makeup, her hair is shiny and pulled back and she wears lots of tight shirts. Because no one wants to get attached to a heroine who is less than perfect looking. I dislike the way movies undermine the average person in this way.
2. Unfortunate choice of words...
There is a scene in which one of the characters has the top of his head cut off with a flying piece of metal. Less than a minute later the girl says (to another guy), "You can stay at my father's cabin in the woods until you get your head together." Youch.
3. The Countdown
There is a Death Clock on the DVD. It says that Mikey and I will both die on Dec. 31, 2022 at 11:50 pm. You heard it here first!
Forgive me if I seem to be a little flippant about death. However, as the movie points out - death is all around us. There are a zillion ways you could die at any given moment. All that is required is the exact set of circumstances. And as the movie also points out - there is no way to control it. You can't cheat death. So I choose to stop worrying about it and enjoy the time I do have. Whoo hoo. : ) Anyone wanna go see Final Destination 2??
1. Art imitates life??
In the beginning there is the geeky, weird girl. She has mousy hair, drab clothes and her behavior and mannerisms are very unusual. As the movie progresses, she becomes subtley prettier with each passing scene. She starts to wear more makeup, her hair is shiny and pulled back and she wears lots of tight shirts. Because no one wants to get attached to a heroine who is less than perfect looking. I dislike the way movies undermine the average person in this way.
2. Unfortunate choice of words...
There is a scene in which one of the characters has the top of his head cut off with a flying piece of metal. Less than a minute later the girl says (to another guy), "You can stay at my father's cabin in the woods until you get your head together." Youch.
3. The Countdown
There is a Death Clock on the DVD. It says that Mikey and I will both die on Dec. 31, 2022 at 11:50 pm. You heard it here first!
Forgive me if I seem to be a little flippant about death. However, as the movie points out - death is all around us. There are a zillion ways you could die at any given moment. All that is required is the exact set of circumstances. And as the movie also points out - there is no way to control it. You can't cheat death. So I choose to stop worrying about it and enjoy the time I do have. Whoo hoo. : ) Anyone wanna go see Final Destination 2??
My aunt has Down's Syndrome and paranoid schizophrenia. She has lived with my grandma for years. The two of them alternately take care of each other and drive each other crazy. Today my aunt is moving into a group home. Not because there is an immediate need, but because we don't know how much longer Grandma will be able to live independently. Patsy needed to be settled in a comfortable, safe environment before the inevitable happened. In the past few weeks, men have been packing her things and moving her furniture. She is excited.
Grandma, on the other hand, is scared. Despite her knowledge that this is the best for Patsy and her protests that she will be just fine, she knows that this is the beginning of the end. Without the presence of another person, she may soon succumb to her fears and her confusion. She may lose the last bit of independence she has - her little house by the park.
My grandma will be 84 this July. She was the first Caucasian child to be born in a tiny town in Alaska. An only child, she grew up fiercely independent. In an era when women became housewives and mothers as soon as possible, she didn't marry until her mid 30's and didn't have her first child until her early 40's. She moved from place to place, following Grandpa's government job, for years. She made friends with her natural gift for conversation. She made enemies with her willingness to stand up and vigerously fight what she perceived as wrongs.
One of the things she fought for most vigerously was rights and benefits for people with disabilities. As a child, I was always impressed by the wall of plaques and awards that she had aquired through her various projects and committees. She listened to the doctor tell her that her oldest daughter should be sent away because of her extra 21st chromosome and realized that he was a fool. Because of her strength, my aunt has been able to experience friendship and love. She has had a job and her own apartment. All because Grandma looked the doctor in the eye and recognized his expertise for what it really was - fear and ignorance. She was so strong.
As I write this, I have tears on my cheeks. When I was younger I always knew that I would be the one to help Grandma when she got older. I had it all planned out. I would finish college and move back to my hometown. Eventually, Grandma would need someone to stay with her and that someone would obviously be me. I would teach during the day and in the evenings Grandma and I would make dinner together and talk about the things she had seen and learned throughout her lifetime. I would be there to make sure she didn't lose her independence.
Of course, nothing went as planned. Instead of moving back home, I headed to California. Instead of being the spinster teacher I imagined, I got married. When it became obvious that she was ready for my help...I couldn't give it to her. Although I know that she never expected me to follow through on these plans (I don't think she ever even knew about them) I still feel as though I have let her down somehow.
Grandma was there when I was born. We formed a bond in those first few days, as she held me close and welcomed me to the world, that has never faltered. She has cheered me on through high school, college, job hunts and wedding plans. She bought me my first car (starting a tradition, whether that was her plan or not!), "loaned" me money when I needed it and taught me to harness my inner strength.
These days I talk to her every Sunday at noon. We don't talk about anything exciting - usually the family and her health and her cat, Spike. But that isn't why I call. I call because I don't know how many Sundays she has left. I call because I want to be there for her the way she was there for me. I call because she's Grandma and I love her. What more reason could I possibly need?
Grandma, on the other hand, is scared. Despite her knowledge that this is the best for Patsy and her protests that she will be just fine, she knows that this is the beginning of the end. Without the presence of another person, she may soon succumb to her fears and her confusion. She may lose the last bit of independence she has - her little house by the park.
My grandma will be 84 this July. She was the first Caucasian child to be born in a tiny town in Alaska. An only child, she grew up fiercely independent. In an era when women became housewives and mothers as soon as possible, she didn't marry until her mid 30's and didn't have her first child until her early 40's. She moved from place to place, following Grandpa's government job, for years. She made friends with her natural gift for conversation. She made enemies with her willingness to stand up and vigerously fight what she perceived as wrongs.
One of the things she fought for most vigerously was rights and benefits for people with disabilities. As a child, I was always impressed by the wall of plaques and awards that she had aquired through her various projects and committees. She listened to the doctor tell her that her oldest daughter should be sent away because of her extra 21st chromosome and realized that he was a fool. Because of her strength, my aunt has been able to experience friendship and love. She has had a job and her own apartment. All because Grandma looked the doctor in the eye and recognized his expertise for what it really was - fear and ignorance. She was so strong.
As I write this, I have tears on my cheeks. When I was younger I always knew that I would be the one to help Grandma when she got older. I had it all planned out. I would finish college and move back to my hometown. Eventually, Grandma would need someone to stay with her and that someone would obviously be me. I would teach during the day and in the evenings Grandma and I would make dinner together and talk about the things she had seen and learned throughout her lifetime. I would be there to make sure she didn't lose her independence.
Of course, nothing went as planned. Instead of moving back home, I headed to California. Instead of being the spinster teacher I imagined, I got married. When it became obvious that she was ready for my help...I couldn't give it to her. Although I know that she never expected me to follow through on these plans (I don't think she ever even knew about them) I still feel as though I have let her down somehow.
Grandma was there when I was born. We formed a bond in those first few days, as she held me close and welcomed me to the world, that has never faltered. She has cheered me on through high school, college, job hunts and wedding plans. She bought me my first car (starting a tradition, whether that was her plan or not!), "loaned" me money when I needed it and taught me to harness my inner strength.
These days I talk to her every Sunday at noon. We don't talk about anything exciting - usually the family and her health and her cat, Spike. But that isn't why I call. I call because I don't know how many Sundays she has left. I call because I want to be there for her the way she was there for me. I call because she's Grandma and I love her. What more reason could I possibly need?
You know all those projections about who was going to win the Super Bowl? Well, here's one about "Gulf War 2".
Last night the boys ("J1" and "J2") and I finished reading "My Side of the Mountain". For the last couple months I would read a chapter or so after they were tucked into bed. Last night we were so eager to finish the book that I started reading at 8:30 and didn't stop until it was all done, around 10:00. It really pleases me that they are that interested in a written story. Instead of playing Nintendo ("J2" literally chose the story over Donkey Kong!) or watching a stupid movie, they were lying in the dark imagining the life of Sam Gribley of the Catskill Mountains. They were picturing the forest that he lived in, imagining the snow storms, hearing the birds and the wind. They were thinking! And they didn't even realize it. I love it. Next week we are starting "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card. If you haven't read it and you are interested in child psychology, science fiction, aliens, politics, the peace/war debate, or even just sibling rivalry...this is the book for you! The "J1" has already read it on my suggestion and liked it so much that he wants to hear it again right away. Good, good, good.
***Don't read the first review of "Ender's Game" unless you want a spoiler for the story.***
***Don't read the first review of "Ender's Game" unless you want a spoiler for the story.***
Monday, January 27, 2003
There are a plethora of trashy shows out there and we seem to be catching tidbits of each of them!! Joe Millionaire. The Last Resort. My Life is a Sitcom. The Bachelorette. Interestingly enough, they seems to gravitate to ABC Family. I can't think of a channel that I would be less likely to let my children watch! Okay...maybe I can. But this is right up there!
Sunday, January 26, 2003
Whoa! Interested in an optical illusion? Go to this page and scroll down to the picture of the cube. Scroll up and down over it and see what happens. Cool! : )
Saturday, January 25, 2003
If you believe in Christianity and lack a sense of humor about it, just skip right over this link. I found this quite amusing and not at all offensive...but some people just can't take a joke. You decide.
What would Jesus think of his life chronicled in art? Find out here.
What would Jesus think of his life chronicled in art? Find out here.
WARNING - the following is an unpaid advertisement.
Looking for a long distance phone company that actually has some redeeming qualities? Check out Working Assets. Not only do they provide good service and keep you informed on current political issues, but they also give you a pint of free Ben and Jerry's ice cream for the first 6 months you are with them. Each year you get to vote on where their donations go, also. My favorite thing was that they sent me a form I could fill out to get less junk mail and fewer telemarketing calls. And it has actually worked!! It is all around a great company. Look into it.
Looking for a long distance phone company that actually has some redeeming qualities? Check out Working Assets. Not only do they provide good service and keep you informed on current political issues, but they also give you a pint of free Ben and Jerry's ice cream for the first 6 months you are with them. Each year you get to vote on where their donations go, also. My favorite thing was that they sent me a form I could fill out to get less junk mail and fewer telemarketing calls. And it has actually worked!! It is all around a great company. Look into it.
I saw a funny ad on The Chappelle Show about a stenographer for your house. I like that idea. I want a stenographer here recording everything that is said so that when I want to post about it, I can just have him/her read it back to me. There was a very amusing conversation that occured this morning before rising that would have been hilarious here. But I can't even begin to remember what was so funny about it now. Damn that stenographer.
I had the strangest dream. Then Mikey interpreted it for me and it made so much more sense. The groundhog fetching the beer for the guy was actually reality television presenting environmental issues to the average viewer. Of course, the groundhog doesn't WANT to fetch the beer, so it had to be forced into it by the ferocious alligator. The alligator is employment, more specifically - MY employment. Education. I don't want the groundhog near me, but I do want it to bring a beer to the guy. And the alligator gets that done. And of course, the cameo of the twins from my high school represented a transition. Because something ALWAYS represents a transition.
Or something like that. Dreams are wierd.
Or something like that. Dreams are wierd.
Friday, January 24, 2003
Michele over at a small victory wrote this. I found it amusing. Just goes to show that EVERYONE has something to apologize for!!
"As an American in good standing (I think), I will take it upon myself to apologize for certain slights against good taste and offenses against the delicate nature of certain countries, but you have to apologize as well. Tit for tat, as they say in some other country where the word tit does not elicit giggles, even from adults who know better.
I'll trade you one apology for McDonald's Filet-o-Fish in exchange for a mea culpa over haggis or steak tartare. Ok, ok. I'm sorry about Spam. And White Castle burgers. And Jello salads and Jello molds in particular. Take back your head cheese, Sweden!"
Read more...
"As an American in good standing (I think), I will take it upon myself to apologize for certain slights against good taste and offenses against the delicate nature of certain countries, but you have to apologize as well. Tit for tat, as they say in some other country where the word tit does not elicit giggles, even from adults who know better.
I'll trade you one apology for McDonald's Filet-o-Fish in exchange for a mea culpa over haggis or steak tartare. Ok, ok. I'm sorry about Spam. And White Castle burgers. And Jello salads and Jello molds in particular. Take back your head cheese, Sweden!"
Read more...
This week's Friday Five...
1. What is one thing you don't like about your body?
(I could go with the usual "my tummy isn't as flat as I would like" speech, but since that is MY OWN DAMN FAULT, I thought I would go another route.)
I am not crazy about my nose. When I was in high school someone made a very innocent comment about it's size and I have never looked at it the same since. It's not that I hate it. It's just that I always wonder...if that one person thought it was less than perfect, what is everyone else thinking?
2. What are two things you love about your body?
I really like my hair. If I were to admit to being vain about anything, that would be it. People have always told me how nice it was and it's kind of gone to my head! : )
I also like my feet. I think they are cute. Not in a fetish sort of way, but I am not ashamed to walk around barefoot, showing off my piggy toes to the world.
3. What are three things you want to change about your home?
This is easy. First, I would add ceiling fans in the bedroom and dining room. Then, I would add some built in bookshelves in several of the rooms. And finally, I would magically find extra space to add onto my kitchen. (This is really my first wish, but since it is really not possible in this realm of reality, I left it for last.)
4. What are four books you want to read this year?
The next Dark Tower book by Stephen King. (If I could read the whole rest of the series, I would be in heaven!)
.....
Wow. This is hard. I honestly don't know. I will think on it.
5. What are five promises you have kept to yourself?
I promised that I would lose weight for my wedding. I did. (And mostly kept it off, even!)
I promised that I would let my parents deal with their own issues. I am. (Mostly.)
I promised that I would be a teacher. I am.
I promised that I would some day get over the failed long-term relationship. I did.
I promised to do something just for me that I have always been interested in. I am. (Tai Chi)
1. What is one thing you don't like about your body?
(I could go with the usual "my tummy isn't as flat as I would like" speech, but since that is MY OWN DAMN FAULT, I thought I would go another route.)
I am not crazy about my nose. When I was in high school someone made a very innocent comment about it's size and I have never looked at it the same since. It's not that I hate it. It's just that I always wonder...if that one person thought it was less than perfect, what is everyone else thinking?
2. What are two things you love about your body?
I really like my hair. If I were to admit to being vain about anything, that would be it. People have always told me how nice it was and it's kind of gone to my head! : )
I also like my feet. I think they are cute. Not in a fetish sort of way, but I am not ashamed to walk around barefoot, showing off my piggy toes to the world.
3. What are three things you want to change about your home?
This is easy. First, I would add ceiling fans in the bedroom and dining room. Then, I would add some built in bookshelves in several of the rooms. And finally, I would magically find extra space to add onto my kitchen. (This is really my first wish, but since it is really not possible in this realm of reality, I left it for last.)
4. What are four books you want to read this year?
The next Dark Tower book by Stephen King. (If I could read the whole rest of the series, I would be in heaven!)
.....
Wow. This is hard. I honestly don't know. I will think on it.
5. What are five promises you have kept to yourself?
I promised that I would lose weight for my wedding. I did. (And mostly kept it off, even!)
I promised that I would let my parents deal with their own issues. I am. (Mostly.)
I promised that I would be a teacher. I am.
I promised that I would some day get over the failed long-term relationship. I did.
I promised to do something just for me that I have always been interested in. I am. (Tai Chi)
Aaaahhh. Another day done. Another week done. Life it good.
With some trepidation, I submitted my site to The Weblog Review not too long ago. I was interested in knowing how I rated compared to other sites out there. I am not sure why I care, other than the natural human tendency to compare and judge. It was all in fun, but I have to admit that seeing the review notice in my in-box made my stomach do that nervous, little clench it does.
The review was very average. It was positive in a reserved sort of way. The only problem I have with it is that the reviewer consistently referred to me as "he". I wonder how many posts said reviewer actually read. Otherwise I am comforted with the thought that I wasn't found disgusting and horrifying. : )
[Wow! Color ME impressed! Within a few hours of this post someone checked back, noticed my comments, and fixed the mistake. Thanks, Brent, whomever you may be!]
With some trepidation, I submitted my site to The Weblog Review not too long ago. I was interested in knowing how I rated compared to other sites out there. I am not sure why I care, other than the natural human tendency to compare and judge. It was all in fun, but I have to admit that seeing the review notice in my in-box made my stomach do that nervous, little clench it does.
The review was very average. It was positive in a reserved sort of way. The only problem I have with it is that the reviewer consistently referred to me as "he". I wonder how many posts said reviewer actually read. Otherwise I am comforted with the thought that I wasn't found disgusting and horrifying. : )
[Wow! Color ME impressed! Within a few hours of this post someone checked back, noticed my comments, and fixed the mistake. Thanks, Brent, whomever you may be!]
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
The lawsuit against McDonald's alleging that the company should be held responsible for the health of it's consumers has been thrown out of court. There IS some sense buried somewhere in the Justice system. What gets me is that the father of the plantiffs wants us to believe that he thought McDonald's food was GOOD for his children. He never saw anything in the restaurant that stated otherwise. Apparently, his family lives in a cave where they get no TV or radio reception and never come across a stray newspaper or magazine article.
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
My pal, Zander is doing a project for his History class. He is looking into the idea that people are more vocal about their ideas when they think things are going to happen that oppose them. What he needs YOU to do is head on over and choose a poll to vote in. You must choose ONE POLL, not one answer in each poll, so think carefully. Go. Vote. And then tell your friends. : ) I am very interested in seeing the results.
Wow! So much to say! I have had an outing and a series of experiences to share! Hooray!
First, I have come to the conclusion that my house is haunted. I can think of no other explaination for the eternal cold. Even when it is 80+ degrees outside, I need to wear my slippers and a sweater in the house. Must be spirits floating around, wafting s with netherworldly breezes. What else could it possibly be??
Next, we saw a wonderful gaggle of little old ladies coming out of a restaurant as we drove to lunch. They were all wearing purple clothing and bright red hats. They were having a super time. "When I am an old lady I shall wear purple..."
We had a very yummy lunch at On The Border that was spoiled only by the double charge for a Sprite and the inattentiveness of the waitress. We finally left without fixing it because we were tired of waiting for someone to wander past our table. Bleh. I am amazed at the complete lack of customer service that seems to be the current norm. Or maybe I am just having a string of bad luck. But it seems that Companies are more interested in saving money than they are in repeat business these days. Bleh.
Speaking of customer service...I actually had a GOOD experience while comparison shopping for a usable cell phone. We stopped by several providers in town (deciding that dealing with them face to face would be better than risking another failure like the Sprint debacle) and at the AT&T place we were greeted and assisted by a very nice guy named Alex. He answered my questions without making me feel like the technologically disabled person that I am, he took my concerns seriously and best of all, he DIDN'T pressure me at all. We ended up going back there for our final purchase. I was happy to help him earn his commission.
(On a side note...I was very disturbed by the sales pitch from the Verizon lady which was very much aimed at the "I-want-to-talk-and-drive-at-the-same-time" crowd. She actually told me that the voice activated web thingy was great because you could get the latest news and such without "taking your eyes off the road". Isn't that what a RADIO is for?? I wasn't impressed. But I refrained from lecturing her on the evils of talking and driving. I just reminded myself that I would never, ever, ever use my phone in a car that wasn't in park unless someone else was driving. EVER. )
That leads to the final excitement of the day...our NEW cell phone is charging up as we speak. It doesn't have the pretty color screen that the fancy one had, but it DOES allow me to make phone calls. And despite what all the commercials try to tell you, that is what a cell phone is all about. : ) If you are someone who we might want to talk to we will be getting you our new phone number as soon as we have proof that we will be using it!
First, I have come to the conclusion that my house is haunted. I can think of no other explaination for the eternal cold. Even when it is 80+ degrees outside, I need to wear my slippers and a sweater in the house. Must be spirits floating around, wafting s with netherworldly breezes. What else could it possibly be??
Next, we saw a wonderful gaggle of little old ladies coming out of a restaurant as we drove to lunch. They were all wearing purple clothing and bright red hats. They were having a super time. "When I am an old lady I shall wear purple..."
We had a very yummy lunch at On The Border that was spoiled only by the double charge for a Sprite and the inattentiveness of the waitress. We finally left without fixing it because we were tired of waiting for someone to wander past our table. Bleh. I am amazed at the complete lack of customer service that seems to be the current norm. Or maybe I am just having a string of bad luck. But it seems that Companies are more interested in saving money than they are in repeat business these days. Bleh.
Speaking of customer service...I actually had a GOOD experience while comparison shopping for a usable cell phone. We stopped by several providers in town (deciding that dealing with them face to face would be better than risking another failure like the Sprint debacle) and at the AT&T place we were greeted and assisted by a very nice guy named Alex. He answered my questions without making me feel like the technologically disabled person that I am, he took my concerns seriously and best of all, he DIDN'T pressure me at all. We ended up going back there for our final purchase. I was happy to help him earn his commission.
(On a side note...I was very disturbed by the sales pitch from the Verizon lady which was very much aimed at the "I-want-to-talk-and-drive-at-the-same-time" crowd. She actually told me that the voice activated web thingy was great because you could get the latest news and such without "taking your eyes off the road". Isn't that what a RADIO is for?? I wasn't impressed. But I refrained from lecturing her on the evils of talking and driving. I just reminded myself that I would never, ever, ever use my phone in a car that wasn't in park unless someone else was driving. EVER. )
That leads to the final excitement of the day...our NEW cell phone is charging up as we speak. It doesn't have the pretty color screen that the fancy one had, but it DOES allow me to make phone calls. And despite what all the commercials try to tell you, that is what a cell phone is all about. : ) If you are someone who we might want to talk to we will be getting you our new phone number as soon as we have proof that we will be using it!
Monday, January 20, 2003
I am adding to my musical repertoire...
Left it up to me - Indigo Girls
Teach your children - Crosby, Stills, Nash
Thank You - DIDO
Souvenirs - John Prine
The Circle Game - Buffy St. Marie
None of them are good yet, but they are fun to practice. :)
Left it up to me - Indigo Girls
Teach your children - Crosby, Stills, Nash
Thank You - DIDO
Souvenirs - John Prine
The Circle Game - Buffy St. Marie
None of them are good yet, but they are fun to practice. :)
(*#$^!@^$#$^(!@&*$%(%&*(@$^*^%
Forget joining the 21st century. I am slinking back into the dark ages with my tail between my legs, having been thoroughly whupped by the age of technology.
After 4 different phone calls someone at SPRINT finally felt it pertinent to tell me that I don't live in a non-roaming range for my new cell phone. This, after I was assured that they have nationwide coverage and that you have to be somewhere in the middle of Alaska or Montana to leave the digital area and enter the roaming area. I live in a city with a population of 72,700. NOT the middle of Alaska.
And when I said that I would be cancelling my contract because of that, the woman actually asked me, "Do you know anyone who would like to take over the contract for you?". Sure. Cause I am SO HAPPY with your service that I would INFLICT it on my friends. I'd like to keep my friends, thank you very much.
To hell with SPRINT and to hell with the 21st century.
Forget joining the 21st century. I am slinking back into the dark ages with my tail between my legs, having been thoroughly whupped by the age of technology.
After 4 different phone calls someone at SPRINT finally felt it pertinent to tell me that I don't live in a non-roaming range for my new cell phone. This, after I was assured that they have nationwide coverage and that you have to be somewhere in the middle of Alaska or Montana to leave the digital area and enter the roaming area. I live in a city with a population of 72,700. NOT the middle of Alaska.
And when I said that I would be cancelling my contract because of that, the woman actually asked me, "Do you know anyone who would like to take over the contract for you?". Sure. Cause I am SO HAPPY with your service that I would INFLICT it on my friends. I'd like to keep my friends, thank you very much.
To hell with SPRINT and to hell with the 21st century.
Sunday, January 19, 2003
Hee Hee...Just when you think you know a guy...
So I came across mention of NCC-1701. Not being a geek, I was confused. I asked aloud "What the heck does NCC-1701 mean?" Guess who was not only able to answer, but also explained what NCC-1701D was? I had NO idea. : ) So, how many of YOU know what it means?
So I came across mention of NCC-1701. Not being a geek, I was confused. I asked aloud "What the heck does NCC-1701 mean?" Guess who was not only able to answer, but also explained what NCC-1701D was? I had NO idea. : ) So, how many of YOU know what it means?
So now we have a new TV. It is silver and roughly the same size as before. We were limited by the size of our entertainment center. Probably a good thing, cause there are some HUGE screens out there! We stuck to the basics and didn't go crazy. At least not with the TV. While we were in Circuit City we looked at the cell phone stuff. Been talking about it for ages and finally decided that the way to go is get a cell phone for our personal use and use the in house line as a business line. It's just cheaper. Ugh. I always swore I wouldn't get one, but the stupid little thing is over there charging up as I type. It's kinda cute. : )
Happy Sunday to you. I have always liked Sunday mornings for their lazy, easy going feel. (Sunday evenings are another matter, but why worry about them now?!) Today has been a good one. Finishing up chores, practicing on Isha (I am noticing real improvement in my chord transitions!), thinking about meals for the week, talking to Grandma. All little putzy things that make me feel comfy in my little home. I like it.
This afternoon is one of errands. The big one is going out to replace the ancient tv that Mikey has had for several years and that his Grandma had forever before that. There is something wrong with it's insides. Everything is mooshed up in the middle of the screen like it has been letterboxed. Makes it hard to watch shows and enev harder to play video games! We were managing to smack it into submission for the last few days, but this morning it made a loud popping noise and convinced us that we should just get a new one.
This afternoon is one of errands. The big one is going out to replace the ancient tv that Mikey has had for several years and that his Grandma had forever before that. There is something wrong with it's insides. Everything is mooshed up in the middle of the screen like it has been letterboxed. Makes it hard to watch shows and enev harder to play video games! We were managing to smack it into submission for the last few days, but this morning it made a loud popping noise and convinced us that we should just get a new one.
Saturday, January 18, 2003
this is more like it!!
Word: dirndl - (n) a full skirted dress with a tight bodice, low neck and short, full sleeves
Site: the Ultimate Dirndl page is a very poorly done geocities page dedicated entirely to dirndls (what IS the plural of dirndl??). The author claims to be a woman who likes to wear a dirndl to feel feminine. I think it is more likely that the author is someone with a dirndl fetish who likes to look at women in dirndls. Veddy Eenterestink.
Word: dirndl - (n) a full skirted dress with a tight bodice, low neck and short, full sleeves
Site: the Ultimate Dirndl page is a very poorly done geocities page dedicated entirely to dirndls (what IS the plural of dirndl??). The author claims to be a woman who likes to wear a dirndl to feel feminine. I think it is more likely that the author is someone with a dirndl fetish who likes to look at women in dirndls. Veddy Eenterestink.
from the Topics Blog
Open a dictionary and search Google for the first word you find - blog about the number one site!
My word:Underact - (v) to perform weakly or with insufficient expressiveness, to understate intentionally; underplay
The site: Surprise, surprise! It's an online dictionary. Not very exciting. I will have to try again sometime with a more interesting word.
Open a dictionary and search Google for the first word you find - blog about the number one site!
My word:Underact - (v) to perform weakly or with insufficient expressiveness, to understate intentionally; underplay
The site: Surprise, surprise! It's an online dictionary. Not very exciting. I will have to try again sometime with a more interesting word.
You, yes, YOU, could live forever. Just order Alex Chiu's amazing device.
___________
There are some CRAZY people out there. : )
___________
There are some CRAZY people out there. : )
You know when you really need a nap and you lay down and you finally fall asleep but it's not a deep sleep and things keep waking you up and then some salesperson comes to the door and talks loudly and startles you and gets your adrenaline pumping and you can't fall asleep again even though your head still hurts??? Yeah, I hate that.
Friday Five is up...
1. Where do you currently work?
I work at Helen Hunt Jackson Elementary. It is a public school here in SoCal. I am a 50% 3rd grade teacher with a class of 20 students. I work Wed., Thurs. and Fri. most weeks.
2. How many other jobs have you had and where?
Hhhmmm...in no particular order, I have worked as a filing clerk, a babysitter (many times), the director of a youth play, a tutor (x4), a waitress, a deli counter clerk (x2), a hotel maid, a cafeteria worker, a dishwasher, a caretaker of disabled adults, a summer school teacher, a preschool teacher, a substitute teacher, and a real teacher. I have worked in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and California. Many of these jobs I really enjoyed. Some of them I truly hated. A couple gave in insight that I wish I didn't have. (Do YOU know what if feels like to slice headcheese on a meat slicer? *shudder*)
3. What do you like best about your job?
I like getting to know my students and building a trusting, caring relationship with them. I like providing these kids with an adult that they can trust. Many of them don't get that anywhere else.
4. What do you like least about your job?
I don't like having to deal with the politics of teaching. When things are going well, everyone gets along and it's great. When there is a problem, schools split in a million ways - parents against teachers, teachers against administration, upper grades against lower grades, individuals against individuals. Everything you say becomes a weapon to be used in someone's favor. You have to watch yourself very carefully.
5. What is your dream job?
I'm livin' it, baby!!
1. Where do you currently work?
I work at Helen Hunt Jackson Elementary. It is a public school here in SoCal. I am a 50% 3rd grade teacher with a class of 20 students. I work Wed., Thurs. and Fri. most weeks.
2. How many other jobs have you had and where?
Hhhmmm...in no particular order, I have worked as a filing clerk, a babysitter (many times), the director of a youth play, a tutor (x4), a waitress, a deli counter clerk (x2), a hotel maid, a cafeteria worker, a dishwasher, a caretaker of disabled adults, a summer school teacher, a preschool teacher, a substitute teacher, and a real teacher. I have worked in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and California. Many of these jobs I really enjoyed. Some of them I truly hated. A couple gave in insight that I wish I didn't have. (Do YOU know what if feels like to slice headcheese on a meat slicer? *shudder*)
3. What do you like best about your job?
I like getting to know my students and building a trusting, caring relationship with them. I like providing these kids with an adult that they can trust. Many of them don't get that anywhere else.
4. What do you like least about your job?
I don't like having to deal with the politics of teaching. When things are going well, everyone gets along and it's great. When there is a problem, schools split in a million ways - parents against teachers, teachers against administration, upper grades against lower grades, individuals against individuals. Everything you say becomes a weapon to be used in someone's favor. You have to watch yourself very carefully.
5. What is your dream job?
I'm livin' it, baby!!
Random thoughts from the week:
For a slow, methodical, calming exercise Tai Chi Chih has really been working my legs. My calf muscles are killing me today.
The moon was full last night. As I left school it was just coming up - hanging there in the sky all big and round and magnified by the atmosphere. Very nice.
I'm not the only one who has been fooled into thinking that summer is here. My iceplant is blooming. My roses are blooming. The trees on the street are budding and blooming. It looks like spring here. It is only the middle of January.
I have barely touched my beloved little guitar this week. Sad. Did I tell you that I thought I would name her Isha? Just seems to fit in many ways.
I had a training session on Thursday. I gathered lots of good information and lots of ideas. Made me very excited to get back and put them into action. Then a real day on Friday made me realize how HARD it is to put the theoretical stuff into play when you are swamped with reality. I'm going in this morning to do more organization and planning. I will do what it takes because these kids need it. They need me. That is a good feeling.
Okay...that's enough. Gotta run.
For a slow, methodical, calming exercise Tai Chi Chih has really been working my legs. My calf muscles are killing me today.
The moon was full last night. As I left school it was just coming up - hanging there in the sky all big and round and magnified by the atmosphere. Very nice.
I'm not the only one who has been fooled into thinking that summer is here. My iceplant is blooming. My roses are blooming. The trees on the street are budding and blooming. It looks like spring here. It is only the middle of January.
I have barely touched my beloved little guitar this week. Sad. Did I tell you that I thought I would name her Isha? Just seems to fit in many ways.
I had a training session on Thursday. I gathered lots of good information and lots of ideas. Made me very excited to get back and put them into action. Then a real day on Friday made me realize how HARD it is to put the theoretical stuff into play when you are swamped with reality. I'm going in this morning to do more organization and planning. I will do what it takes because these kids need it. They need me. That is a good feeling.
Okay...that's enough. Gotta run.
Thursday, January 16, 2003
Tonight was my first Tai Chi class. I am learning a form of Tai Chi that has been adapted...I'll be honest...dumbed down...for those of us who aren't ready to make the commitment to the 190+ positions of regular Tai Chi. Lazy me. I enjoyed it. I am trying to be very receptive to the energy and balance of it. Hopefully, by keeping myself open to it's benefits, I can really...well...benefit from it! : )
What a week so far. Let's see...
Tuesday 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
(Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm)
(Saturday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm)
So. For my 1/2 time job I have already put in 21.5 hours. And I can see myself easily putting in another 12+ hours. I know that 35 hours a week doesn't sound like much, but I am working 1/2 time. I know...I sound whiny. Shame on me. I'll stop now.
Tuesday 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
(Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm)
(Saturday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm)
So. For my 1/2 time job I have already put in 21.5 hours. And I can see myself easily putting in another 12+ hours. I know that 35 hours a week doesn't sound like much, but I am working 1/2 time. I know...I sound whiny. Shame on me. I'll stop now.
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
We are implementing a new behavior management program with our big kitty. He has gradually become more and more agressive towards the little one. Not all the time - just every once in a while. She will be sleeping quietly somewhere and he will go over and attack her for no apparent reason. It has gotten to the point that if he walks past her she will hiss and swat at him in self-defense. So...he is going through behavior modification.
Every time he is aggressive towards her the following things happen...
1. He is told "No! Bad kitty!" in a loud voice.
2. He is physically taken to the little bathroom and shut inside for 2 minutes.
3. The person who put him in the bathroom opens the door and lets him out.
4. He gets love and attention from that person.
Hopefully, he will make the connection between his attacks and the consequences. *sigh* Raising cats is so hard. : )
Every time he is aggressive towards her the following things happen...
1. He is told "No! Bad kitty!" in a loud voice.
2. He is physically taken to the little bathroom and shut inside for 2 minutes.
3. The person who put him in the bathroom opens the door and lets him out.
4. He gets love and attention from that person.
Hopefully, he will make the connection between his attacks and the consequences. *sigh* Raising cats is so hard. : )
Zander let me in on a little secret...today is Bloggin' Lovefest Day! What a good idea!! Apparently Robyn over at Tampa Tantrum decided that bloggers were being too witchy to each other. She created Bloggin' Lovefest as a day to share your thoughts on your favorite blog. Whoo Hoo! I like it.
Trouble is...I don't know enough about any of the blogs I read to really choose...I am still working hard at finding my faves. So I guess I will give props to the ones that I read every day. I love you all!!!
1. Zander at "Close Encounters of the Zanderkind" - What can I say? This kid inspires me. He has been through hell and back and instead of letting it drive him into the ground, he's one of the sweetest, friendliest, most intelligent teens I know. I read him several times a day, never knowing if he's going to make me laugh, cry or gasp with shock.
2. Da Goddess, Joanie - I read Joanie because she does a wonderful job of sharing her thoughts. Her writing about her son, her job, her friends - they pull me in and leave me wishing I were part of the inner circle. Joanie is a nurse and a mom and takes both of her jobs very seriously. I admire her and respect her for being able to do either of these jobs, let alone both at the same time.
3. Joie at Life in Louisiana - I am very sad that Joie isn't posting lately, because if I had to pick a favorite she would be it. She is a blend of super-smarts and super-sillies that I was instantly comfortable with. She's on hiatus for now, but I am eagerly awaiting her return in the form of Moving On in Minnesota. Love ya, Joie!!
4. Acidman at Gut Rumbles - Two things happen whenever I read Gut Rumbles. I always get mad. And I always look at something from a new angle. Rob is opinionated, vulger and stubborn. He is also one of the best dads you could ever meet. I don't agree with him on much, but I always enjoy the thoughts he gets started.
5. The gang over at In Passing - I believe it is Eve who started it. She is an evesdropper and she posts odd, moving or intriguing things she overhears. Then the discussions begin. Sometimes educational, always entertaining...
Who else? There are about 15 blogs I read most every day. I enjoy them all.
Trouble is...I don't know enough about any of the blogs I read to really choose...I am still working hard at finding my faves. So I guess I will give props to the ones that I read every day. I love you all!!!
1. Zander at "Close Encounters of the Zanderkind" - What can I say? This kid inspires me. He has been through hell and back and instead of letting it drive him into the ground, he's one of the sweetest, friendliest, most intelligent teens I know. I read him several times a day, never knowing if he's going to make me laugh, cry or gasp with shock.
2. Da Goddess, Joanie - I read Joanie because she does a wonderful job of sharing her thoughts. Her writing about her son, her job, her friends - they pull me in and leave me wishing I were part of the inner circle. Joanie is a nurse and a mom and takes both of her jobs very seriously. I admire her and respect her for being able to do either of these jobs, let alone both at the same time.
3. Joie at Life in Louisiana - I am very sad that Joie isn't posting lately, because if I had to pick a favorite she would be it. She is a blend of super-smarts and super-sillies that I was instantly comfortable with. She's on hiatus for now, but I am eagerly awaiting her return in the form of Moving On in Minnesota. Love ya, Joie!!
4. Acidman at Gut Rumbles - Two things happen whenever I read Gut Rumbles. I always get mad. And I always look at something from a new angle. Rob is opinionated, vulger and stubborn. He is also one of the best dads you could ever meet. I don't agree with him on much, but I always enjoy the thoughts he gets started.
5. The gang over at In Passing - I believe it is Eve who started it. She is an evesdropper and she posts odd, moving or intriguing things she overhears. Then the discussions begin. Sometimes educational, always entertaining...
Who else? There are about 15 blogs I read most every day. I enjoy them all.
Monday, January 13, 2003
Not to give you the impression that I want to discuss anything of importance here, but what the hell is going on in the Whitehouse? And why on earth is it happening? How did we get ourselves into such a mess?
I pulled my little ostrich brain out of the comfy cozy hole in the sand I usually occupy to find that still more people are saying that there IS NO PROOF that Iraq is collecting weapons of mass destruction. Bush's justification for this little war is BOGUS. Here we are piling up troops and weapons and hatred on the borders of Iraq and our "reason" isn't even being backed by the ones who were sent over there specifically to back us. It is rediculous. It's disgusting. It's really, really sad.
Some thoughts on the subject (in no particular order and with no guarantee of coherence):
1. Bush is a fool. He is someone's puppet. I don't have the political knowledge or interest to be able to say who is pulling his strings, but as far as I am concerned he has the wit and ability of a bowl of Jello. This, in conjunction with the power we have heaped on him (and by default the people behind the curtains), makes him one of the most dangerous men in the world.
2. I love my country. I love it's mountains and it's oceans and it's trees. I love a great many of the individuals that I have met here. I love the pines and the palms and the cactus and the oak. I love the coyote, the black bear, the blue jays, the otters. I enjoy being part of a country in which I can be a woman, a homeowner, and a voter all at the same time. I enjoy being able to expose myself to so many other cultures without leaving the borders of my own state.
3. That being said...I am intensely disappointed in the United States. We have taken our freedoms, our strength, our power, and instead of using these things wisely we have squandered and abused them like surly teenagers. Which is exactly what we look like to the rest of the world. As a country - as a political being - we think we know it all and when others try to express a differing opinion we stick our collective fingers in our collective ears and sing "La la la...I can't hear you...la la la!!!" No wonder everyone hates us.
4. I DON'T think that we "deserve" what happened on Sept. 11th or at any other time that violence has occured within our borders. I DO think that if we showed any kind of compassion and understanding towards the world we wouldn't be in this situation. And I don't mean sending more "aid money". I mean each individual taking a good, long, hard look at the lives we are living and how said lives are affecting everyone else. EVERYONE ELSE.
5. I am spiritually opposed to this, and all, wars and I would leave the country before I would pick up a weapon. This is not because I am a coward or a communist. This is because there is NOTHING in the world that can justify killing in my mind and I will not allow my government to force me to cross that line. For the moment this is a moot point, being that women aren't included in the draft, but I know that would quickly change if push came to shove. I am fully prepared to give up everything I have to avoid being responsible for the death of another human being.
6. Just because one person (or one country) does something bad/wrong/evil doesn't mean that it is okay for another person (or country) to commit the same crime in retaliation. I tell my students this all the time when they are getting in trouble for hitting someone BACK. It's not okay to hit. EVER.
Anyway...just some poorly organized, overly emotional thoughts from this peace-monger. I will now return my head to the sand and pretend this isn't happening. Bleh.
I pulled my little ostrich brain out of the comfy cozy hole in the sand I usually occupy to find that still more people are saying that there IS NO PROOF that Iraq is collecting weapons of mass destruction. Bush's justification for this little war is BOGUS. Here we are piling up troops and weapons and hatred on the borders of Iraq and our "reason" isn't even being backed by the ones who were sent over there specifically to back us. It is rediculous. It's disgusting. It's really, really sad.
Some thoughts on the subject (in no particular order and with no guarantee of coherence):
1. Bush is a fool. He is someone's puppet. I don't have the political knowledge or interest to be able to say who is pulling his strings, but as far as I am concerned he has the wit and ability of a bowl of Jello. This, in conjunction with the power we have heaped on him (and by default the people behind the curtains), makes him one of the most dangerous men in the world.
2. I love my country. I love it's mountains and it's oceans and it's trees. I love a great many of the individuals that I have met here. I love the pines and the palms and the cactus and the oak. I love the coyote, the black bear, the blue jays, the otters. I enjoy being part of a country in which I can be a woman, a homeowner, and a voter all at the same time. I enjoy being able to expose myself to so many other cultures without leaving the borders of my own state.
3. That being said...I am intensely disappointed in the United States. We have taken our freedoms, our strength, our power, and instead of using these things wisely we have squandered and abused them like surly teenagers. Which is exactly what we look like to the rest of the world. As a country - as a political being - we think we know it all and when others try to express a differing opinion we stick our collective fingers in our collective ears and sing "La la la...I can't hear you...la la la!!!" No wonder everyone hates us.
4. I DON'T think that we "deserve" what happened on Sept. 11th or at any other time that violence has occured within our borders. I DO think that if we showed any kind of compassion and understanding towards the world we wouldn't be in this situation. And I don't mean sending more "aid money". I mean each individual taking a good, long, hard look at the lives we are living and how said lives are affecting everyone else. EVERYONE ELSE.
5. I am spiritually opposed to this, and all, wars and I would leave the country before I would pick up a weapon. This is not because I am a coward or a communist. This is because there is NOTHING in the world that can justify killing in my mind and I will not allow my government to force me to cross that line. For the moment this is a moot point, being that women aren't included in the draft, but I know that would quickly change if push came to shove. I am fully prepared to give up everything I have to avoid being responsible for the death of another human being.
6. Just because one person (or one country) does something bad/wrong/evil doesn't mean that it is okay for another person (or country) to commit the same crime in retaliation. I tell my students this all the time when they are getting in trouble for hitting someone BACK. It's not okay to hit. EVER.
Anyway...just some poorly organized, overly emotional thoughts from this peace-monger. I will now return my head to the sand and pretend this isn't happening. Bleh.
Mikey's having a contest over at Hamumu Software in celebration of his newest project. He's hoping to get some interesting art that is related to his game, Dr. Lunatic, and all it's additions. Head on over to see the rules. Enter. Tell your friends to enter. It'll be fun. : )
I feel so housewifish. I made a gourmet lunch today. I was looking through my recipe box and found my mom's recipe for Chicken Paprikash. As usual, seeing the recipe made me hungry for it so I found the dumpling recipe that goes with it and got cooking. Lunch was yummy paprikash chicken with sour cream - paprika gravy and dumplings. Delish. Then I cleaned the kitchen and made crispie treats. Can't get much more housewifey than that!!! Of course, these aren't REGULAR crispie treats. Anyone who is stuck in the rut of only making crispie treats out of rice crispies is a sad person indeed. The batch I made the other day were from corn flakes and m&m's. This batch is mostly corn flakes with a couple cups of Strawberry Honey Bunches of Oats. And a little red food coloring to keep up the theme. Yum. Yum. Yum. This is all a reward for Mikey for fixing my blog. He's a good guy.
Good Lord. I am so NOT impressed with the benefits department of my district. Not only did they manage to not put me into the system for my dental insurance so that I had to pay for my last appointment and then bill the insurance later, but now I found out that all the paperwork I did regarding my partner turning over her half of the benefits was for naught. They took $300 out of my last paycheck because someone messed up. My paycheck is small enough that $300 is a hefty chunk!!! Bleh. Hooray for working for the government!!! Oh yeah, and getting ahold of anyone in the benefits department is like pulling teeth! **Sigh**
Sunday, January 12, 2003
MMMMmmmm....a yummy lunch and a nice little nap later and I am feeling quite satisfied. We went to the Garden Center Cafe in Fallbrook. They serve lunch and breakfast all day and only serve dinners on Thurs., Fri. and Sat. I had Huevos Rancheros - scrambled eggs, salsa, cheese, chilis all together on a corn tortilla with black beans and flour tortillas on the side. Delish. I was stuffed! Mikey had a Monte Cristo sammy (code for "sandwich" at our house) for the first time. Those things are strange. Who first thought it would be fun to make a sammy and then dip it in egg and pan-fry it? Very strange indeed. But yummy. In a strange way. : )
I played some Tony Hawk 4 with Mikey. I was able to control my frustration for about 3 rounds of Graffiti and then it was just too sad to know that he could kick my butt seven ways 'til Sunday no matter how hard I was trying. It's not the kind of game you can just "fake". Now, DOA 2, THAT is a game you can "fake". I can easily win by just randomly pressing buttons and waiting for something interesting to happen! : )
I played some Tony Hawk 4 with Mikey. I was able to control my frustration for about 3 rounds of Graffiti and then it was just too sad to know that he could kick my butt seven ways 'til Sunday no matter how hard I was trying. It's not the kind of game you can just "fake". Now, DOA 2, THAT is a game you can "fake". I can easily win by just randomly pressing buttons and waiting for something interesting to happen! : )
Saturday, January 11, 2003
stolen from the Friday Five:
not the most interesting questions this week...you have to hear the answers anyway. bwahahaha...
[guess I'm not the only one who thought these questions were a tad boring...]
1. Where are you right now?
Sitting in a purple chair at my desk in the office of my home in Temecula, California, which is on the southwestern edge of the United States, which is part of the North American continent located on planet Earth.
2. What time is it?
6:35 pm. Time to start thinking about dinner and folding that last load of laundry.
3. What are you wearing?
From the ground up - slippers, socks, jeans, underwear, Mikey's sweater, a bra, my wedding ring, my engagement ring, my glasses and a hair tie.
4. Any people or animals around you? Describe them.
Mikey, Zazzy and Zah are all in the bedroom. Mikey is sitting in a chair, playing "Threads of Fate" on his PS2. Huzzah is laying on Mikey's lap, helping. Zazzy is sleeping, curled up in the laundry basket where she has been since it came out of the dryer.
5. What are your plans for the weekend?
This morning I planned to prep for school (did it), this afternoon I planned to get my chores done (did it), and tomorrow I plan to sleep in, have lunch with the PILs and maybe watch out-takes from Dogma. And hopefully get rid of this headache.
not the most interesting questions this week...you have to hear the answers anyway. bwahahaha...
[guess I'm not the only one who thought these questions were a tad boring...]
1. Where are you right now?
Sitting in a purple chair at my desk in the office of my home in Temecula, California, which is on the southwestern edge of the United States, which is part of the North American continent located on planet Earth.
2. What time is it?
6:35 pm. Time to start thinking about dinner and folding that last load of laundry.
3. What are you wearing?
From the ground up - slippers, socks, jeans, underwear, Mikey's sweater, a bra, my wedding ring, my engagement ring, my glasses and a hair tie.
4. Any people or animals around you? Describe them.
Mikey, Zazzy and Zah are all in the bedroom. Mikey is sitting in a chair, playing "Threads of Fate" on his PS2. Huzzah is laying on Mikey's lap, helping. Zazzy is sleeping, curled up in the laundry basket where she has been since it came out of the dryer.
5. What are your plans for the weekend?
This morning I planned to prep for school (did it), this afternoon I planned to get my chores done (did it), and tomorrow I plan to sleep in, have lunch with the PILs and maybe watch out-takes from Dogma. And hopefully get rid of this headache.
My garage is clean!!! It went from being a HUGE trash heap - boxes, give-away bags, gardening supplies, tools, broken vacuums, mud - to a neatly organized room. The floor was swept, the boxes stored, the tools and supplies organized. And it only took us a couple of hours to put it to rights. Guess it looked worse than it really was. Loverly. : ) Once again, I can enter the garage without cringing.
Mom had knee surgery yesterday. I called her this afternoon to see how she was doing. Aside from feeling stoned from the pain meds, she's doing very well. This is the easy part. When it hurts she's a good patient. It's when it starts feeling better that it's hard to make her follow the rules. She's always trying to do things and then accidentally re-injuring it. Hopefully, the one in charge of helping her heal will be up to the challenge. Good luck!
I'm off to school to put in some prep and planning hours. As anyone with a kid knows, you can't get anything done when they're around. Now multiply that kid by 20. And my parents wonder why I don't want to have one of my own! : )
[edited by Sol to cover up her shameful mis-use of the word "their"
Further edited to make sense. I apologize!]
[edited by Sol to cover up her shameful mis-use of the word "their"
Further edited to make sense. I apologize!]
Sorry for the dearth. Work days, you know.
The previous post was a combination of seeing the sunset as I drove home from work and thinking about a conversation I had with my 3rd grade team members at our grade level meeting on Wednesday. 7 teachers in a room and none of us able to satisfactorily explain what a metaphor is. Sad isn't it. I am proud to say that *I* did know...but ashamed to say that I was less than 100% sure and so unable to convince the others that I was right. After much discussion and research into many books, it was finally proven that the new girl DID know what she was talking about. : )
Why did we have such trouble? Metaphors aren't in the 3rd grade curriculum. Similes are...and they all KNEW what those were...but metaphors are 4th grade. Elementary teachers sometimes suffer from a bit of tunnel vision I am finding.
The previous post was a combination of seeing the sunset as I drove home from work and thinking about a conversation I had with my 3rd grade team members at our grade level meeting on Wednesday. 7 teachers in a room and none of us able to satisfactorily explain what a metaphor is. Sad isn't it. I am proud to say that *I* did know...but ashamed to say that I was less than 100% sure and so unable to convince the others that I was right. After much discussion and research into many books, it was finally proven that the new girl DID know what she was talking about. : )
Why did we have such trouble? Metaphors aren't in the 3rd grade curriculum. Similes are...and they all KNEW what those were...but metaphors are 4th grade. Elementary teachers sometimes suffer from a bit of tunnel vision I am finding.
Friday, January 10, 2003
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
There are several actors who I dislike just on principle. They are adored by millions and considered "the best" and "sexiest" and "man of the year" by so many that I am automatically turned off. Among these - Leo D., George Clooney, Brad Pitt - you get the idea. Anyway, recently I have seen movies that made me re-evaluate these actors. Or at the very least reminded me that just because they are in a movie doesn't automatically make it bad. Leo is in Catch Me If You Can and the other two were in Ocean's Eleven. Both are fun, energetic movies full of twists and turns and unexpected surprises. Guess I will have to be a little more open-minded in the future.
Here it is - my last day of vacation - I am glad and sad all at the same time. I like being a lazy bum and having hte time to read and sew and keep my house in order. But I dislike being bored. So...I am gonna live it up today and be happy to go back to work tomorrow. With that out of the way, I have lots of little thoughts running through my head today...
On Wind:
Last night there was a wind storm. If there is anything in the world that could convince me to leave California it would be the Santa Anas. I was waked at 3:00 AM to the wind whining around the corners of our house. The trees were whipping themselves into a frenzy and something was banging against the house. After 1/2 an hour of lying in bed unable to sleep, I got up and wandered around the house, peering out all the windows and reassuring myself that all was well. I rehydrated myself while perched on one end of the couch watching the streetlamps flex their skinny little muscles. I crawled back into bed at about 4 and through sheer exhaustion, managed to sleep off and on for the rest of the night. I really HATE those winds.
On Hair
Much to the dismay of my husband (and my daddy, I'm sure), I stopped at the cheapo hair place in town and had them whack off the bottom 5-6 inches. It is still long...way past my shoulders, but it has that newly cut, springy, bouncy feel. I like it. Plus it's easier to brush. Considering my lacksadaisical (blame Mikey if that's not spelled right...he's my living, breathing dictionary) approach to hair care, I am sure that it will soon be back to it's previous length and poor health.
On Music
I have begun learning a second song on my pretty little guitar. (She really needs a name...any suggestions?) Along with Teach Your Children by Crosby , Stills and Nash, I am now learning You Left It Up To Me by the Indigo Girls. There was a very rough time in my life that was made easier by having this song to express myself. I was happy to see that it wasn't particularly difficult.
On Little Boys
I spend last night with my young charges..."J1", a slightly overweight, slightly geeky 12 yr. old with a budding sense of humor and "J2", a sweet but self-centered little 8 yr. old with a talent for charming and irritating me at the same time. I spend every Monday night with them and after over a year we are finally starting to understand each other. Last night was the second week in a row that left me with a "gosh, those are nice kids" feeling rather than the usual "gosh, those are spoiled kids" feeling. It's not that I dislike them...it's just that most weeks I am worn out with all the energy it takes to remind them to be nice to each other, say please and thank you, clean up after themselves, and think about others occasionally. I am much more particular about these things than their parents, so it's an uphill battle. However, in the last few weeks I have seen definite improvement. I like it.
On Wind:
Last night there was a wind storm. If there is anything in the world that could convince me to leave California it would be the Santa Anas. I was waked at 3:00 AM to the wind whining around the corners of our house. The trees were whipping themselves into a frenzy and something was banging against the house. After 1/2 an hour of lying in bed unable to sleep, I got up and wandered around the house, peering out all the windows and reassuring myself that all was well. I rehydrated myself while perched on one end of the couch watching the streetlamps flex their skinny little muscles. I crawled back into bed at about 4 and through sheer exhaustion, managed to sleep off and on for the rest of the night. I really HATE those winds.
On Hair
Much to the dismay of my husband (and my daddy, I'm sure), I stopped at the cheapo hair place in town and had them whack off the bottom 5-6 inches. It is still long...way past my shoulders, but it has that newly cut, springy, bouncy feel. I like it. Plus it's easier to brush. Considering my lacksadaisical (blame Mikey if that's not spelled right...he's my living, breathing dictionary) approach to hair care, I am sure that it will soon be back to it's previous length and poor health.
On Music
I have begun learning a second song on my pretty little guitar. (She really needs a name...any suggestions?) Along with Teach Your Children by Crosby , Stills and Nash, I am now learning You Left It Up To Me by the Indigo Girls. There was a very rough time in my life that was made easier by having this song to express myself. I was happy to see that it wasn't particularly difficult.
On Little Boys
I spend last night with my young charges..."J1", a slightly overweight, slightly geeky 12 yr. old with a budding sense of humor and "J2", a sweet but self-centered little 8 yr. old with a talent for charming and irritating me at the same time. I spend every Monday night with them and after over a year we are finally starting to understand each other. Last night was the second week in a row that left me with a "gosh, those are nice kids" feeling rather than the usual "gosh, those are spoiled kids" feeling. It's not that I dislike them...it's just that most weeks I am worn out with all the energy it takes to remind them to be nice to each other, say please and thank you, clean up after themselves, and think about others occasionally. I am much more particular about these things than their parents, so it's an uphill battle. However, in the last few weeks I have seen definite improvement. I like it.
Monday, January 06, 2003
OMG. This is just too much. Forward Command Post - a bombed out doll house complete with broken furniture, a complete arsenal of weapons, a soldier and an American flag. What a message to be sending to our enemies, our allies and most of all, our children. "C'mon, kids! Let's play war!! I wanna be the little orphaned girl with only one leg who hasn't eaten in a week!! Don't worry, it's all just a game. When we're done here, we'll toss it all into the toybox and go watch Spongebob Squarepants and Yu-gi-oh."
What the hell is wrong with people??? Who came up with this idea? Who decided that it was a good idea? Who said "Sure, I'LL build that for mass distribution."? Who decided it was a good idea to put this in stores? Who thought "Gee...THAT looks like the perfect gift for Johnny!"?? There are so many steps between the conseption of this idea and the installation of it in a home. Why was there no one along the way who thought "Whoa...that is in really poor taste. I don't THINK so." Disgusting.
What the hell is wrong with people??? Who came up with this idea? Who decided that it was a good idea? Who said "Sure, I'LL build that for mass distribution."? Who decided it was a good idea to put this in stores? Who thought "Gee...THAT looks like the perfect gift for Johnny!"?? There are so many steps between the conseption of this idea and the installation of it in a home. Why was there no one along the way who thought "Whoa...that is in really poor taste. I don't THINK so." Disgusting.
Sunday, January 05, 2003
So, I have this burning desire to increase the hits I get. I thought I was above all that...but I guess not. After some thinking, I have determined that I need to be referencing more pop culture. So here goes.
I have been known to watch Spongebob Squarepants, but the way it sometimes appears to take place underwater and sometimes doesn't really bugs me. I am not a fanatic. I do like Sandy the Squirrel, however. Patrick just irritates me.
What is with all the cartoons these days being based on card games? I mean, every cartoon I see these days is really just a training video on how to play the game. Yu-gi-oh, Pokemon, and a pile of less popular ones...it's an epidemic.
Ugh. I can't do it...not even for more hits...
Just tell people to come say hello.
I have been known to watch Spongebob Squarepants, but the way it sometimes appears to take place underwater and sometimes doesn't really bugs me. I am not a fanatic. I do like Sandy the Squirrel, however. Patrick just irritates me.
What is with all the cartoons these days being based on card games? I mean, every cartoon I see these days is really just a training video on how to play the game. Yu-gi-oh, Pokemon, and a pile of less popular ones...it's an epidemic.
Ugh. I can't do it...not even for more hits...
Just tell people to come say hello.
From a blog I found randomly hopping from place to place...I have no idea if they wrote it or found it somewhere...but I like it.
"On life: People think it's all about misery and desperation and death and all that shit, which is not to be ignored, but what they forget is the pleasure of it. Otherwise we wouldn't do it. After all, we're not fucking stupid."
This is Your Life. Good to the Last Drop.
"On life: People think it's all about misery and desperation and death and all that shit, which is not to be ignored, but what they forget is the pleasure of it. Otherwise we wouldn't do it. After all, we're not fucking stupid."
This is Your Life. Good to the Last Drop.
My pal, Zander, showed me in his latest post that there is, in fact, hope for the teenage generation. He faced a challenging decision and pulled through with what I consider flying colors. Way to go, Z!! : )
There's this thing that happens in our neighborhood that I have never seen before. People just leave their garage doors open. If they did this because they were sitting in their driveway or working in their garage or something like that I could understand it. But they aren't. They just open their garage door and then go off somewhere else in the house. I am assuming that they aren't leaving the doors open while they are actually GONE. This is a safe neighborhood, but it isn't THAT safe. On our walkie this afternoon. Mikey and I counted. There are approximately 143 houses in our little development. 45 of these houses had their garage door open. That is about a THIRD of them. That seems like an extraordinary ratio. Look around your neighborhood. What is YOUR ratio?
I just read a facinating essay about bullying and school violence and an extended dialogue afterward over at Raising Hell. Check it out.
You want to know a quick, easy, tasty treat you can throw together in minutes? Of course, you do! TORTILLAS!! I love making them and they are SO much better fresh than reheated from the grocery store. Here's how YOU, too, can enjoy the chewy goodness of a fresh tortilla...
1. Get a medium sized bowl, a fork, a large (clean) flat surface, a rolling pin, a griddle and a spatula. Gather together 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, a dash of salt (optional), 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1 cup warm water.
2. Using the fork, mix the flour, baking powder and salt in the bowl.
3. Still using the fork, stir in the oil and then small amounts of water until the dough is mostly holding together. Using your hands, knead in any remaining bits of flour.
4. Knead gently until the dough is smooth and elastic-y.
5. Get your griddle started over med/high heat.
6. Quickly, divide the ball of dough into equal pieces (about 10 for large tortillas, about 16 for smaller ones). Place these pieces back in the bowl and keep covered.
That is the really easy part. This next part is also easy, but it requires you to move pretty quickly so don't attempt it if you are also feeding the dog, answering the phone and changing the baby! (EEWWW...don't do ANY cooking if you are changing the baby!!!)
7. Take each piece of dough out and, using the rolling pin, roll them out until very thin. Do this on your clean, flat surface. Dust the surface with flour between each tortilla to prevent sticking.
8. Toss the flattened tortilla on the grill and flatten the next one. Place tortilla #2 on the griddle and flip tortilla #1.
9. Roll the next one. Remove tortilla #1 and replace with tortilla #3. Flip tortilla #2. Continue in this fashion until all tortillas are cooked.
10. Enjoy! Eat them plain, with butter, stuffed with goodies, sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar or any other way you can think of.
They taste best, of course, if they are eaten immediately upon removal from griddle. If you prefer to eat sitting down, you can wrap them in a clean, dry cloth until done cooking. If there are leftovers, allow them to COMPLETELY cool (that is important - soggy tortillas are gross) and seal them in an airtight container. They keep for several days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the griddle.
1. Get a medium sized bowl, a fork, a large (clean) flat surface, a rolling pin, a griddle and a spatula. Gather together 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, a dash of salt (optional), 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1 cup warm water.
2. Using the fork, mix the flour, baking powder and salt in the bowl.
3. Still using the fork, stir in the oil and then small amounts of water until the dough is mostly holding together. Using your hands, knead in any remaining bits of flour.
4. Knead gently until the dough is smooth and elastic-y.
5. Get your griddle started over med/high heat.
6. Quickly, divide the ball of dough into equal pieces (about 10 for large tortillas, about 16 for smaller ones). Place these pieces back in the bowl and keep covered.
That is the really easy part. This next part is also easy, but it requires you to move pretty quickly so don't attempt it if you are also feeding the dog, answering the phone and changing the baby! (EEWWW...don't do ANY cooking if you are changing the baby!!!)
7. Take each piece of dough out and, using the rolling pin, roll them out until very thin. Do this on your clean, flat surface. Dust the surface with flour between each tortilla to prevent sticking.
8. Toss the flattened tortilla on the grill and flatten the next one. Place tortilla #2 on the griddle and flip tortilla #1.
9. Roll the next one. Remove tortilla #1 and replace with tortilla #3. Flip tortilla #2. Continue in this fashion until all tortillas are cooked.
10. Enjoy! Eat them plain, with butter, stuffed with goodies, sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar or any other way you can think of.
They taste best, of course, if they are eaten immediately upon removal from griddle. If you prefer to eat sitting down, you can wrap them in a clean, dry cloth until done cooking. If there are leftovers, allow them to COMPLETELY cool (that is important - soggy tortillas are gross) and seal them in an airtight container. They keep for several days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the griddle.
Wanna know what your place in history is? Check out this link.
The funny thing is, I distinctly remember being in my 5th grade class watching the footage about the Challenger. This is impossible since I was only 7 at the time. My question...Why were they letting 2nd graders watch the space shuttle explode? That is just WRONG.
The funny thing is, I distinctly remember being in my 5th grade class watching the footage about the Challenger. This is impossible since I was only 7 at the time. My question...Why were they letting 2nd graders watch the space shuttle explode? That is just WRONG.
Saturday, January 04, 2003
I just found the coolest parenting site in the world.
Um. NO. I wasn't LOOKING for one. (Sorry, no grandkids!) But somehow I came across it and I love it. If more parents could face parenting with this kind of openness, humor and honesty there wouldn't be so many screwed up kids out there. If you are a parent or even just someone who likes funny kid stories, you should check it out. It's called Raising Hell.
Um. NO. I wasn't LOOKING for one. (Sorry, no grandkids!) But somehow I came across it and I love it. If more parents could face parenting with this kind of openness, humor and honesty there wouldn't be so many screwed up kids out there. If you are a parent or even just someone who likes funny kid stories, you should check it out. It's called Raising Hell.
I am so happy!!! Kathy and Amy, two of my most faithful readers/commenters are back from their respective vacations. Man, it's been DEAD around here without you two! : )
Friday, January 03, 2003
Watched Mulholland Drive tonight. Hmm. I paid attention through the whole thing and was using my brain and everything...and I still have NO FREAKIN' CLUE what it was about. I have no idea. It is totally beyond me.
UPDATE:
Mikey looked around online and came up with an explaination that makes sense to me. Veddy Interestink. You should watch it. But be prepared to feel stupid at the end. And then go look online. :)
UPDATE:
Mikey looked around online and came up with an explaination that makes sense to me. Veddy Interestink. You should watch it. But be prepared to feel stupid at the end. And then go look online. :)
I realized the other day that my writing here is less an act of sharing and more an act of prayer. I read so many blogs in which the intent is to rile or convince or persuade. My blog is more of a reaching out. I am sending out my thoughts, my thanks, my prayers with the hopes that they will reach the right ears. Is it odd to think that in such a techonological age, some divine being might be monitoring my words?
reading The Sun today...this description struck me...
"He sort of looks like a cookie jar. I mean, he's not fat or anything, but he has this glazed, peaceful look, like he wouldn't mind if someone came along and pulled a pecan sandie out of his head."
Be True to your School
by Anthony Varallo
"He sort of looks like a cookie jar. I mean, he's not fat or anything, but he has this glazed, peaceful look, like he wouldn't mind if someone came along and pulled a pecan sandie out of his head."
Be True to your School
by Anthony Varallo
From the Friday Five:
1. Do you wear any jewelry? What kind?
I ALWAYS have my wedding ring and my engagement ring on my left and right hands, respectively. I also wear a pair of silver studs in my ears. They are my third attempt at piercing my ears so I very rarely take them out. On occasion I will put on a necklace or bracelet.
2. How often do you wear it?
My rings don't come off. EVER. As for the rest, only when I am dressing up for a very special event or trying to impress someone.
3. Do you have any piercings? If so, where?
One hole in each ear. Actually, one usable hole and one semi-closed over hole in each ear.
4. Do you have any tattoos? If so, where?
No. I am a huge wuss when it comes to pain and I don't think I could tolerate it. I have always thought tatoos looked interesting but the thought of having something permanently printed on me is just too....permanent, I guess.
5. What are your plans for the weekend?
I am going to take care of my sick hubby, catch up on my reading of The Sun, and hopefully finish working in the back yard. Exciting, huh?
1. Do you wear any jewelry? What kind?
I ALWAYS have my wedding ring and my engagement ring on my left and right hands, respectively. I also wear a pair of silver studs in my ears. They are my third attempt at piercing my ears so I very rarely take them out. On occasion I will put on a necklace or bracelet.
2. How often do you wear it?
My rings don't come off. EVER. As for the rest, only when I am dressing up for a very special event or trying to impress someone.
3. Do you have any piercings? If so, where?
One hole in each ear. Actually, one usable hole and one semi-closed over hole in each ear.
4. Do you have any tattoos? If so, where?
No. I am a huge wuss when it comes to pain and I don't think I could tolerate it. I have always thought tatoos looked interesting but the thought of having something permanently printed on me is just too....permanent, I guess.
5. What are your plans for the weekend?
I am going to take care of my sick hubby, catch up on my reading of The Sun, and hopefully finish working in the back yard. Exciting, huh?
When Mikey gets sick, he gets SICK. He can't just get a cold or a tummyache. He has to have a 100+ fever that has him shaking to pieces and a sharp, steady pain on the right side of his tummy. So...we headed out at about 8 pm last night looking for someone to reassure us that he wasn't having an appendicitis attack.
Wouldn't you know it, all the urgie care centers in the area close at...you guessed it...8 pm. 30-some-odd minutes later we found one that was open until 9 and filled in all our paperwork. After 30 minutes of sitting around with Mikey in serious pain (he eventually laid on the floor because it was more comfy) we saw a doc. He was very nice and ruled out appendicitis for us (kinda...he said to see someone again if the pain and fever didn't go away) and seemed genuinely sorry that he couldn't make the pain go away.
This was a nice change from the front desk staff who barely even looked at us while demanding insurance cards and paperwork. They were so preoccupied with finishing up the day and getting out of there that they didn't even ask for payment. This is after I have already told them that we have no insurance (yes, I KNOW that I have a fancy new job, complete with full coverage...SOMEONE screwed up...but that's another story). As testament to how honest and good I am, I went up to the counter and told them that I hadn't paid before leaving. I am so honest that it's sickening. Then the one lady had the gall to complain about how she already had the end of the day paperwork done...ugh.
So I took my baby home and tucked him into bed with some Tylenol, Saltine crackers and Gatorade (the bright green kind). I then sat up reading for several hours, periodically checking on him, until I fell asleep on the couch. Whoo hoo. Such an exciting night. This morning the patient is still saying his tummy hurts, but his fever seems to be gone. I just hope we can get past this without any vomiting. Yuck. I brought him toast, oatmeal and OJ per request and left him tucked in and reading. Keep your fingers crossed that he will get better soon. He doesn't make a good patient and I don't make a good nurse. We do much better the other way around.
Wouldn't you know it, all the urgie care centers in the area close at...you guessed it...8 pm. 30-some-odd minutes later we found one that was open until 9 and filled in all our paperwork. After 30 minutes of sitting around with Mikey in serious pain (he eventually laid on the floor because it was more comfy) we saw a doc. He was very nice and ruled out appendicitis for us (kinda...he said to see someone again if the pain and fever didn't go away) and seemed genuinely sorry that he couldn't make the pain go away.
This was a nice change from the front desk staff who barely even looked at us while demanding insurance cards and paperwork. They were so preoccupied with finishing up the day and getting out of there that they didn't even ask for payment. This is after I have already told them that we have no insurance (yes, I KNOW that I have a fancy new job, complete with full coverage...SOMEONE screwed up...but that's another story). As testament to how honest and good I am, I went up to the counter and told them that I hadn't paid before leaving. I am so honest that it's sickening. Then the one lady had the gall to complain about how she already had the end of the day paperwork done...ugh.
So I took my baby home and tucked him into bed with some Tylenol, Saltine crackers and Gatorade (the bright green kind). I then sat up reading for several hours, periodically checking on him, until I fell asleep on the couch. Whoo hoo. Such an exciting night. This morning the patient is still saying his tummy hurts, but his fever seems to be gone. I just hope we can get past this without any vomiting. Yuck. I brought him toast, oatmeal and OJ per request and left him tucked in and reading. Keep your fingers crossed that he will get better soon. He doesn't make a good patient and I don't make a good nurse. We do much better the other way around.
Wednesday, January 01, 2003
Teach your Childrenby Graham Nash
You who are on the road
Must have a code that you can live by
And so become yourself
Because the past is just a goodbye
Teach your children well
Their father's hell did slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's the one you'll know by
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you
And you, of the tender years
Can't know the fears that your elders grew by
So please help them with your youth
They seek the truth before they can die
Teach your parents well
Their children's hell will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's the one you'll know by
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you
This is the first official song I am learning to play on my guitar. I spent 2 hours fiddling around with it this afternoon. That is after the 2 hours or so I spent printing out the tabs to song that I liked. I have a bunch. Ambitious, I am. : )
You who are on the road
Must have a code that you can live by
And so become yourself
Because the past is just a goodbye
Teach your children well
Their father's hell did slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's the one you'll know by
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you
And you, of the tender years
Can't know the fears that your elders grew by
So please help them with your youth
They seek the truth before they can die
Teach your parents well
Their children's hell will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's the one you'll know by
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you
This is the first official song I am learning to play on my guitar. I spent 2 hours fiddling around with it this afternoon. That is after the 2 hours or so I spent printing out the tabs to song that I liked. I have a bunch. Ambitious, I am. : )
borrowed from the Weekly Wrap-up
1. What would be the first purchase you make with your newly-won fortune? Why?
I would trade in my little car for a brand new, fully loaded Toyota Tacoma. I would then pay off my mortgage. Beyond that, I would HOPE that I would save the money and put it somewhere were it can build up interest and help out whenever it's absolutely needed.
2. What charities would benefit from your lottery winnings? Why?
I honestly don't know. I know that I would donate to SOME charity or charities...but it would take a lot of research and thinking to decide who would use the money in the most efficient, honest, intelligent way. I would probably focus on some kind of alternative energy research.
3. How would you handle the instant celebrity nature of your life, once lottery officials announced your name and shared your photograph with the world?
I would be terrified. I am sure that there are requirements - you have to do a certain number of talk shows or something, but I would do as little as possible and hope that my fifteen minutes were up quickly. To speed the process along I would probably obnoxiously promote education, alternative energy and peace. Nothing gets you shunted to the back of the room faster!
4. Would you expect long-long relatives or friends to resurface once you obtained the winnings? If so, what would you do? If not, why?
Of course. That is how people are. They will use whomever they can in whatever way suits them best. I would use the chance to re-build my emotional relationship with them WITHOUT giving them any money. If they are still interested in me after a year of that then I would have to decide on an individual basis. In fact, now that I think about it, setting up a "no spending" policy for the first year or so might do alot to cut down on all the insanity. It's something to remember.
5. Many lottery winners state that their lives will not change despite winning a huge sum of money... do you think yours would? Why or why not?
Yes. I expect things would change in ways that I can't even fathom. I would hope that the basics would stay the same. I would still have my Mikey and my family and friends. I would still live in my little house for a few more years. I would still teach. I would be able to eat out more tho! I like that idea. AND I would be able to go home whenever I wanted. : )
1. What would be the first purchase you make with your newly-won fortune? Why?
I would trade in my little car for a brand new, fully loaded Toyota Tacoma. I would then pay off my mortgage. Beyond that, I would HOPE that I would save the money and put it somewhere were it can build up interest and help out whenever it's absolutely needed.
2. What charities would benefit from your lottery winnings? Why?
I honestly don't know. I know that I would donate to SOME charity or charities...but it would take a lot of research and thinking to decide who would use the money in the most efficient, honest, intelligent way. I would probably focus on some kind of alternative energy research.
3. How would you handle the instant celebrity nature of your life, once lottery officials announced your name and shared your photograph with the world?
I would be terrified. I am sure that there are requirements - you have to do a certain number of talk shows or something, but I would do as little as possible and hope that my fifteen minutes were up quickly. To speed the process along I would probably obnoxiously promote education, alternative energy and peace. Nothing gets you shunted to the back of the room faster!
4. Would you expect long-long relatives or friends to resurface once you obtained the winnings? If so, what would you do? If not, why?
Of course. That is how people are. They will use whomever they can in whatever way suits them best. I would use the chance to re-build my emotional relationship with them WITHOUT giving them any money. If they are still interested in me after a year of that then I would have to decide on an individual basis. In fact, now that I think about it, setting up a "no spending" policy for the first year or so might do alot to cut down on all the insanity. It's something to remember.
5. Many lottery winners state that their lives will not change despite winning a huge sum of money... do you think yours would? Why or why not?
Yes. I expect things would change in ways that I can't even fathom. I would hope that the basics would stay the same. I would still have my Mikey and my family and friends. I would still live in my little house for a few more years. I would still teach. I would be able to eat out more tho! I like that idea. AND I would be able to go home whenever I wanted. : )
One of the Yahoo groups I subscribe too focuses on how to give the idea of peace more strength and followers, especially in the education system. The latest digest I received discusses Washington Senator, Patty Murray, and her alleged attempt to undermine our government. During a question and answer session with high school students, she challenged them to think beyond the propaganda and rhetoric to the reasons behind our problems with the middle east and Iraq in particular. The right wing conservatives are accusing her of praising Bin Laden and implying that the US "got what it deserved". They are asking her to resign in honor of those who died on September 11, comparing this to the uproar and consequent resignation of Senator Trent Lott. There were quotes in the digest of what she actually said to the students, taken from an online news source. See for yourself.
Democrat senator praises bin Laden
Patty Murray asks students to ponder why U.S. lacks popularity of terrorist
Posted: December 20, 2002 5:00 p.m. Eastern
By Art Moore
© 2002 WorldNetDaily.com
SEATTLE - Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., told a group of high-school students in her state that the U.S. should adopt Osama bin Laden's nation-building tactics.
"We've got to ask, why is this man so popular around the world?" said Murray according to the Vancouver Columbian newspaper. "Why are people so supportive of him in many countries that are riddled with poverty?"
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
The second-term senator, who faces re-election in 2004, was responding to questions from world history students and student government leaders at Columbia River High School in Vancouver, Wash., on Wednesday. Murray said, according to the Vancouver paper, that bin Laden has been "out in these countries for decades, building schools, building roads, building infrastructure, building day care facilities, building health care facilities, and the people are extremely grateful. We haven't done that." "How would they look at us today if we had been there helping them with some of that rather than just being the people who are going to bomb in Iraq and go to Afghanistan?" Murray asked.
Murray, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in the 107th Congress, voted against an October Senate resolution - passed by a77-23 margin - that gives President Bush authority to use military force against Saddam Hussein's regime.
Murray concluded the session with students by challenging them to consider alternatives to war, the Columbian reported. She said that while building up Third World nations is costly, war is expensive too. "Your generation ought to be thinking about whether we should be better neighbors out in other countries so that they have a different vision of us," said Murray. "It is a debate I think we ought to have."
Murray elaborates
Murray's press secretary Todd Webster forwarded a statement from the senator that warned against sensationalizing and distorting her remarks in an "attempt to divide." "Osama Bin Laden is an evil terrorist who is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans," the statement said. "Bringing him to justice, dismantling his terrorist network, and protecting our nation from further attacks must continue to be our government's highest priorities, and I continue to vigorously support those efforts in the Senate. "While we continue to search every corner of the globe to destroy Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida network, should we also consider the longer-term issue of what else can be done to improve relations with all nations including the Arab world? How else can we bring America's values to those who do not understand us?"
So? What do you think? Is she rabble-rousing and corrupting the minds of our youth? Or is she opening their eyes to alternatives? Is she helping create a generation that cares less for it's own country than that of a killer? Or is she creating a generation that cares enough for it's own country to look beyond it's borders, both physical and emotional?
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Democrat senator praises bin Laden
Patty Murray asks students to ponder why U.S. lacks popularity of terrorist
Posted: December 20, 2002 5:00 p.m. Eastern
By Art Moore
© 2002 WorldNetDaily.com
SEATTLE - Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., told a group of high-school students in her state that the U.S. should adopt Osama bin Laden's nation-building tactics.
"We've got to ask, why is this man so popular around the world?" said Murray according to the Vancouver Columbian newspaper. "Why are people so supportive of him in many countries that are riddled with poverty?"
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
The second-term senator, who faces re-election in 2004, was responding to questions from world history students and student government leaders at Columbia River High School in Vancouver, Wash., on Wednesday. Murray said, according to the Vancouver paper, that bin Laden has been "out in these countries for decades, building schools, building roads, building infrastructure, building day care facilities, building health care facilities, and the people are extremely grateful. We haven't done that." "How would they look at us today if we had been there helping them with some of that rather than just being the people who are going to bomb in Iraq and go to Afghanistan?" Murray asked.
Murray, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in the 107th Congress, voted against an October Senate resolution - passed by a77-23 margin - that gives President Bush authority to use military force against Saddam Hussein's regime.
Murray concluded the session with students by challenging them to consider alternatives to war, the Columbian reported. She said that while building up Third World nations is costly, war is expensive too. "Your generation ought to be thinking about whether we should be better neighbors out in other countries so that they have a different vision of us," said Murray. "It is a debate I think we ought to have."
Murray elaborates
Murray's press secretary Todd Webster forwarded a statement from the senator that warned against sensationalizing and distorting her remarks in an "attempt to divide." "Osama Bin Laden is an evil terrorist who is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans," the statement said. "Bringing him to justice, dismantling his terrorist network, and protecting our nation from further attacks must continue to be our government's highest priorities, and I continue to vigorously support those efforts in the Senate. "While we continue to search every corner of the globe to destroy Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida network, should we also consider the longer-term issue of what else can be done to improve relations with all nations including the Arab world? How else can we bring America's values to those who do not understand us?"
So? What do you think? Is she rabble-rousing and corrupting the minds of our youth? Or is she opening their eyes to alternatives? Is she helping create a generation that cares less for it's own country than that of a killer? Or is she creating a generation that cares enough for it's own country to look beyond it's borders, both physical and emotional?
For the rest of the article click here.
For related articles click here, here, here, or here.
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