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Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
My gig
Somedays I don't like my job (hmm and I'm the owner). It's life - we all have days like that. Days when I think I'm not well suited to my job - or maybe my job is not well suited to me. Maybe we all have something we're "meant to do" and I just haven't found it yet.
But when you look at what other people do, it does put things in perspective.
For instance, these guys. Hey they're just welding stuff. Doesn't seem too bad. But what they're welding, okay maybe not what they're welding, but where they are welding it ...
I mean, it's only 4,000 feet in the air.
It does seem like an amazing feat of engineering. But I don't know that I'd want to be welding 4,000 feet above the ground.
I might visit it someday. I'm just glad that it's being built by the Hualapai Nation, and not by the lowest bidder on an US Government contract.
for more information look here http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/skywalk.html
or here www.grandcanyonskywalk.com
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Pardon my Freudian slip
Spouse and I run a business. Okay perhaps it is more accurate to say that I run a business, and Spouse is at the best of times a silent partner. (At the worst of times he's trying to "help" when he knows just enough to be dangerous).
As in any business, marketing is a very high priority, and the less expensive the marketing is, the better it is.
Since the business is a tax business, we start running at full steam next week. So I was talking about roadside visibility and was talking about putting flags out and the mundane details about buckets and wet sand vs. cement.
Spouse mentioned that we should put the banners out but I said that right now we should be putting the flags out, and we can't put the flags and banners out at the same time because the banners are taller.
So then I menioned that right now is a very opportune time to put out the flags, since it's seen as a show of patriotism since "George Bush "just died. Whoops -- hey both names begin with the letter G, and both first names have 6 letters, and both last names have 4 letters. It's a simple mistake.
(Though you'll never convince Spouse -- the diehard Republician -- that's it's NOT a Freudian slip).
As in any business, marketing is a very high priority, and the less expensive the marketing is, the better it is.
Since the business is a tax business, we start running at full steam next week. So I was talking about roadside visibility and was talking about putting flags out and the mundane details about buckets and wet sand vs. cement.
Spouse mentioned that we should put the banners out but I said that right now we should be putting the flags out, and we can't put the flags and banners out at the same time because the banners are taller.
So then I menioned that right now is a very opportune time to put out the flags, since it's seen as a show of patriotism since "George Bush "just died. Whoops -- hey both names begin with the letter G, and both first names have 6 letters, and both last names have 4 letters. It's a simple mistake.
(Though you'll never convince Spouse -- the diehard Republician -- that's it's NOT a Freudian slip).
Gift meme
Alto2 tagged me with this -- I hereby tag anyone else.
Holiday Gift and Shopping Meme
What is the best present you received this year?
I guess some times it's hard to say because there's so many great gifts, and some times it's hard to say because everything is for ....... but THIS year there is no doubt what the best gift I got was. I can't honestly remember the last time I got a gift that was so great, and this puts 2006 in the annals of "Christmases to remember).
It was simple. It was a card, and in the card was a piece of paper. On the piece of paper was a poem and the poem let us know that the package will arrive sometime this summer (current ETA August 1, 2007). Any of my mom friends can tell you that August babies are the BEST!!! (Even June or July or September "August babies" it's the due date that counts). I've had 20 some years of experience as an Aunt -- so I do believe that now that it's removed one generation I will be a GREAT Aunt.
What is the worst present you received this year?
I haven't gotten a worst present yet. However, Crem promised that he'd put some coal in my stocking. He hasn't done this yet so maybe my worst present is not even getting a lump of coal. Sniff sniff I shall go cry now :^).
Will you shop the after-Christmas sales?
Ummm let's see, it's Thursday and so far I've only gone shopping at Trader Joe's to get stuff for dinner, and I went to the pet store to look for supplies for SAS (Crem's dog). They didn't have the filter Crem needed for the dog bowl, so I didn't get anything for SAS, but while I was there I got a chew toy off the Christmas bin for Fuzzybutt at 1/2 price. So I'll let you, dear readers, decide whether or not that's shopping the after-Christmas sales. The times I do shop "after Christmas" sales it's because I need (or will need) certain things and figure if I can get them at 1/2 price why not. (I mean I *could* have gotten Fuzzybutt a different chew toy that wasn't red and green -- but it wouldn't have been as cheap :} ).
What is still on your wish list?
Chocolate -- I received absolutely NO chocolate for Christmas. What kind of holiday is that??
Holiday Gift and Shopping Meme
What is the best present you received this year?
I guess some times it's hard to say because there's so many great gifts, and some times it's hard to say because everything is for ....... but THIS year there is no doubt what the best gift I got was. I can't honestly remember the last time I got a gift that was so great, and this puts 2006 in the annals of "Christmases to remember).
It was simple. It was a card, and in the card was a piece of paper. On the piece of paper was a poem and the poem let us know that the package will arrive sometime this summer (current ETA August 1, 2007). Any of my mom friends can tell you that August babies are the BEST!!! (Even June or July or September "August babies" it's the due date that counts). I've had 20 some years of experience as an Aunt -- so I do believe that now that it's removed one generation I will be a GREAT Aunt.
What is the worst present you received this year?
I haven't gotten a worst present yet. However, Crem promised that he'd put some coal in my stocking. He hasn't done this yet so maybe my worst present is not even getting a lump of coal. Sniff sniff I shall go cry now :^).
Will you shop the after-Christmas sales?
Ummm let's see, it's Thursday and so far I've only gone shopping at Trader Joe's to get stuff for dinner, and I went to the pet store to look for supplies for SAS (Crem's dog). They didn't have the filter Crem needed for the dog bowl, so I didn't get anything for SAS, but while I was there I got a chew toy off the Christmas bin for Fuzzybutt at 1/2 price. So I'll let you, dear readers, decide whether or not that's shopping the after-Christmas sales. The times I do shop "after Christmas" sales it's because I need (or will need) certain things and figure if I can get them at 1/2 price why not. (I mean I *could* have gotten Fuzzybutt a different chew toy that wasn't red and green -- but it wouldn't have been as cheap :} ).
What is still on your wish list?
Chocolate -- I received absolutely NO chocolate for Christmas. What kind of holiday is that??
Monday, December 25, 2006
Carols
I've decided. I don't have a favorite Christmas carol -- it's sort of a fluid annual thing depending on life and such.
For instance, last year my favorite was Grown Up Christmas List
All well and good and "spirit of the season" and all.
This year however I've got something completely differnet on my favorite list. It's from Jimmy Buffett. If you don't know who Jimmy Buffet is, this song is reflective of the style of Jerry Lee Lewis.
If you don't know who either of those guys are then you are entirely too young to be reading this blog.
I can relate to that...
I'm thinking for me maybe a month in the tropics would be good.
Finally for you lot (that would be whoever reads this ...
A Merry Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear.
-- John Lennon and Yoko Ono
For instance, last year my favorite was Grown Up Christmas List
No more lives torn apart
And wars would never start
And time would heal a heart...
Everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end ...
All well and good and "spirit of the season" and all.
This year however I've got something completely differnet on my favorite list. It's from Jimmy Buffett. If you don't know who Jimmy Buffet is, this song is reflective of the style of Jerry Lee Lewis.
If you don't know who either of those guys are then you are entirely too young to be reading this blog.
Ho, Ho, Ho, and a Bottle of Rhum
Jimmy Buffett, Roger Guth, Pete Mayer & Russ Kunkel
Santa's stressed out as the holiday season draws near
He's been doing the same job now going on two thousand years
He's got pains in his brain and chimney scars cover his buns
He hates to admit it, but Christmas is more work than fun
I can relate to that...
He needs a vacation from bad decorations and snow
Mr. Claus has a escape plans, a secret that only he knows
Beaches and palm trees appear night and day in his dreams
A break from his wife, half-frozen in life
The elves and that damn reindeer team
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rum
Santa's run off to the Caribbean
He thinks about boat drinks and fun in the sun
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Plastic creations and crass exploitations aren't good
He wants to go back to simple toys made out of wood
Just for the weekend he'd like to be Peter Pan
Get out of his long johns and dance with a sword
dance with a sword in the sand
(Chorus)
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Snata's off to the Caribbean
Marimbas, calimbas, he's playing steel drums
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rhum
Santa's off to the Caribbean
A week in the tropics and he'll be alright
Sporting a tan as he rides out of sight
Merry Christmas to all and to all good night
I'm thinking for me maybe a month in the tropics would be good.
Finally for you lot (that would be whoever reads this ...
A Merry Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear.
-- John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Sunday, December 24, 2006
We be in trouble now .....
We're in trouble now. As you can see from the attached article, the people in charge of our missle defenses are PARTYING with their families, and equipment that cost TAXPAYER DOLLARS is used to track some relatively harmless guy.
AND not only are they wasting taxpayer dollars, and partying when they should be watching our backs, they have proof of some guy going around the world, breaking and entering millions of homes, and they're doing nothing about it.
Is THIS what I pay taxes for??? :-p) (tongue in cheek)
from How Norad tracks Santa(use this link for entire article)
How Norad tracks Santa Claus
Saturday, 23 December 2006
AND not only are they wasting taxpayer dollars, and partying when they should be watching our backs, they have proof of some guy going around the world, breaking and entering millions of homes, and they're doing nothing about it.
Is THIS what I pay taxes for??? :-p) (tongue in cheek)
from How Norad tracks Santa(use this link for entire article)
How Norad tracks Santa Claus
Saturday, 23 December 2006
In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States decided to create a bi-national air defense command for the North American continent called the North American Air Defense Command which inherited the tradition from CONAD. Since then, Canadian and American men and women spend part of their Christmas Eve with their families and friends at NORAD's Santa Tracking Operations Center in order to answer phones and provide Santa updates to the many thousands of children who call in. Last year the Norad Santa website was visited by millions of people.
How they Track Santa
According to Norad, they use four systems to track Santa - radar, satellites, Santa Cams and jet fighter aircraft.
It all starts with the North Warning System and its 47 installations across Canada's North and Alaska. NORAD constantly monitors radar for indications that Santa Claus is leaving the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
The moment radar indicates that Santa has lifted off, Norad begins to use the same satellites that are used to detect possible missile launches aimed at North America. The satellites are located in a geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles above the Earth and with their infrared sensors are able to detect Rudolph's nose, which according to the command gives off an heat signature similar to a missile launch. With recent advances in technology, these satellites can detect Rudolph's bright red nose with virtually no problem.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
I suppose he can find a hockey mask -- he does live in Canada
We all know that kids sometimes say cute things.
The other day Princess and I were listening to Christmas songs, and she asked the names of the reindeer. She did know one of the names .....
Slasher
She could not figure out why I was laughing so hard.
So the next time you see tiny reindeer flying overhead -- check and see if one is wearing a hockey mask. That's Slasher.
The other day Princess and I were listening to Christmas songs, and she asked the names of the reindeer. She did know one of the names .....
Slasher
She could not figure out why I was laughing so hard.
So the next time you see tiny reindeer flying overhead -- check and see if one is wearing a hockey mask. That's Slasher.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Lyrics
I don't know why I do it. I'm feeling low this time of year and I get that. I know the change in the amount of sunlight affects me. I know that there's some other stress in my life and yeah, I know I'm a cat and always land on my feet and will push on and chin up and all that.
But through it all I torture myself by listening to all Christmas all the time radio. It's like I have to plod through Christmas anyway so I'll just beat myself over the head even when I'm alone in the car. How nuts is that??? (But I've already said insanity runs in my family). And now I've gone and found a station to stream while I'm on the computer.
And, I find myself listening to lyrics, so I will share some thoughts on that ...
I get fussy about lyrics. I like traditional lyrics. There's a song called Winter Wonderland and the second verse goes something like
Now, there are like 5,624 versions of Winter Wonderland. A few completely ignore the second verse, and one or two do both verses and quite a few do the first verse (the one with Parson Brown) twice. I'm always like what's with this -- do you not like the circus clown???
So I get all up in arms when someone doesn't do the second verse of Winter Wonderland properly. I'm a staunch traditionalist, right??
On the other hand ... when it comes to good will to men; well I don't want to abide good will to men, I want good will to all. (So there, I'm not such a staunch traditionalist okay).
Then there's other things I've noticed. There's quite a few people (I count myself among them) that think that Michael Jackson is a bit off the norm. Well, I finally figured out what the deal is. A trauma happened in his home when he was 12. We all (okay those of us of a certain age) heard about it on the Jackson 5 Christmas album. He walked down the stairs (snuck down) and discovered his mother in the arms of another man?? In a strict Jehovah's Witness family???? OH my what a tragedy. Right there, in his own home, under the mistletoe, there was his mom with SANTA!!!!
ANYWAY
A very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
let's hope it's a good one
without any fear.
But through it all I torture myself by listening to all Christmas all the time radio. It's like I have to plod through Christmas anyway so I'll just beat myself over the head even when I'm alone in the car. How nuts is that??? (But I've already said insanity runs in my family). And now I've gone and found a station to stream while I'm on the computer.
And, I find myself listening to lyrics, so I will share some thoughts on that ...
I get fussy about lyrics. I like traditional lyrics. There's a song called Winter Wonderland and the second verse goes something like
In the meadow we can build a snowman
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with Mr. Snowman
Until the other kiddies knock him down.
Now, there are like 5,624 versions of Winter Wonderland. A few completely ignore the second verse, and one or two do both verses and quite a few do the first verse (the one with Parson Brown) twice. I'm always like what's with this -- do you not like the circus clown???
So I get all up in arms when someone doesn't do the second verse of Winter Wonderland properly. I'm a staunch traditionalist, right??
On the other hand ... when it comes to good will to men; well I don't want to abide good will to men, I want good will to all. (So there, I'm not such a staunch traditionalist okay).
Then there's other things I've noticed. There's quite a few people (I count myself among them) that think that Michael Jackson is a bit off the norm. Well, I finally figured out what the deal is. A trauma happened in his home when he was 12. We all (okay those of us of a certain age) heard about it on the Jackson 5 Christmas album. He walked down the stairs (snuck down) and discovered his mother in the arms of another man?? In a strict Jehovah's Witness family???? OH my what a tragedy. Right there, in his own home, under the mistletoe, there was his mom with SANTA!!!!
ANYWAY
A very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
let's hope it's a good one
without any fear.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
My family, naughty or nice
Spouse
NAUGHTY sometimes :^) but that can be nice :^).
NICE We had a stellar morning (yeahsurerightbabe) and the kids got off to school late, Chip without his lunch. Spouse made lunch for Chip and drove it to school.
Chip
NAUGHTY 10 year old boys sometimes have a certain increase in testosterone. If you've ever been around one, you know what I mean. If not well count your many blessings.
NICE It's never a fight to get him into -- or out of bed.
Princess
NAUGHTY MUST be peeled off the bed every morning. No matter how much sleep she has received.
NICE If she loves you, she'll show you and tell you.
Fuzzybutt
NAUGHTY He sometimes has digestive issues with certain foods -- he sometimes forgets to tell us he needs to go out. If anyone is in the mood to give us some new flooring :^) (okay I didn't think so)
NICE As long as he's around nobody will EVER be allowed to harm a member of his family. Superbly protective.
Crem
NAUGHTY I'm sure he'd like the opportunity -- if you happen to know any 35-40 year old single women in the greater Chicago area .......
NICE Multi talented. Geek and handyman (and has a pickup truck). And if you're his friend and you need his help - he's there.
SAS (Crem's Fuzzybutt)
NAUGHTY Has issues differentiating between chew toys and furniture.
NICE He doesn't slop water all over when he drinks from his water dish (unlike my own fuzzybutt)
Yours truly
NAUGHTY I say naughty things about my family and friends
NICE I say nice things about my friends and family.
NAUGHTY sometimes :^) but that can be nice :^).
NICE We had a stellar morning (yeahsurerightbabe) and the kids got off to school late, Chip without his lunch. Spouse made lunch for Chip and drove it to school.
Chip
NAUGHTY 10 year old boys sometimes have a certain increase in testosterone. If you've ever been around one, you know what I mean. If not well count your many blessings.
NICE It's never a fight to get him into -- or out of bed.
Princess
NAUGHTY MUST be peeled off the bed every morning. No matter how much sleep she has received.
NICE If she loves you, she'll show you and tell you.
Fuzzybutt
NAUGHTY He sometimes has digestive issues with certain foods -- he sometimes forgets to tell us he needs to go out. If anyone is in the mood to give us some new flooring :^) (okay I didn't think so)
NICE As long as he's around nobody will EVER be allowed to harm a member of his family. Superbly protective.
Crem
NAUGHTY I'm sure he'd like the opportunity -- if you happen to know any 35-40 year old single women in the greater Chicago area .......
NICE Multi talented. Geek and handyman (and has a pickup truck). And if you're his friend and you need his help - he's there.
SAS (Crem's Fuzzybutt)
NAUGHTY Has issues differentiating between chew toys and furniture.
NICE He doesn't slop water all over when he drinks from his water dish (unlike my own fuzzybutt)
Yours truly
NAUGHTY I say naughty things about my family and friends
NICE I say nice things about my friends and family.
My readers Naughty or nice???
Santa has *no* respect for the rights of privacy -- he's always spying on people.
Well, this is 2006 and we've put it all out there anyway -- so it doesn't matter, Santa can just read our blogs and find out.
Have you been naughty or nice?????? Read here and find out the answer.
mll of Are we there yet:
NICE takes time off work to bake cookies with her daughters. NAUGHTY didn't send any to ramblingmom :^).
Sock Girl of Old Blue Socks:
NICE putting out chicken for Santa (I'm sure he's tired of all those cookies).
NAUGHTY well she didn't go into it, but her children did title her as the "meanest mommy in the world" so I'm sure she must have done something to deserve it. After all, her kids wouldn't make something like that up.
Mimi of The Family Blender:
NICE shares wonderful recipes with her friends.
NAUGHTY she blogs about her children -- much to their chagrin (and our amusement).
Alto2 of The Testosterone Zone:
NICE comes up with some bloody brilliant ideas sometimes.
NAUGHTY oh it's so terrible I don't even know if I should share it -- but it's out there and anyone could find out. She actually makes her child do his homework!!!! Oh the horrors.
Mom of 4K of Time for the Bell:
NICE Love her laugh.
NAUGHTY she does not keep up her blog. We need more from you girl you write so well.
Mimi's Man of Life:Found:
NICE he adores his wife, and treats her like a queen (which she well deserves).
NAUGHTY another one that doesn't keep up with blogging.
Christina from Torry Pines Reflections:
NICE does wonderful giving projects like the 3 day walk. NAUGHTY -- hmmm well she hasn't but I wonder .. the way she talks about the football coach (hehehehe)
LSM from Somewhere in the Suburbs:
NICE This has nothing to do with her blog -- but she is the most awesome scrapbooker.
NAUGHTY well -- for some reason I can't link to her blog today - which likely isn't her fault but I figure what the heck I can list it because I'm finding it irritating (okay I finally made it and put the link in).
bunnybubblette from The Adventures of Bunny Bubblette:
NICE sends people to make comments on Mr Daddys pictures.
NAUGHTY well, I hear she's made an absolute "elf" out of herself.
If you're not listed here, and want to be LET ME KNOW, and if I know you'll I'll make public comments for all the world to see. I've tried to hit the people that I actually know for a fact read this blog.
Well, this is 2006 and we've put it all out there anyway -- so it doesn't matter, Santa can just read our blogs and find out.
Have you been naughty or nice?????? Read here and find out the answer.
mll of Are we there yet:
NICE takes time off work to bake cookies with her daughters. NAUGHTY didn't send any to ramblingmom :^).
Sock Girl of Old Blue Socks:
NICE putting out chicken for Santa (I'm sure he's tired of all those cookies).
NAUGHTY well she didn't go into it, but her children did title her as the "meanest mommy in the world" so I'm sure she must have done something to deserve it. After all, her kids wouldn't make something like that up.
Mimi of The Family Blender:
NICE shares wonderful recipes with her friends.
NAUGHTY she blogs about her children -- much to their chagrin (and our amusement).
Alto2 of The Testosterone Zone:
NICE comes up with some bloody brilliant ideas sometimes.
NAUGHTY oh it's so terrible I don't even know if I should share it -- but it's out there and anyone could find out. She actually makes her child do his homework!!!! Oh the horrors.
Mom of 4K of Time for the Bell:
NICE Love her laugh.
NAUGHTY she does not keep up her blog. We need more from you girl you write so well.
Mimi's Man of Life:Found:
NICE he adores his wife, and treats her like a queen (which she well deserves).
NAUGHTY another one that doesn't keep up with blogging.
Christina from Torry Pines Reflections:
NICE does wonderful giving projects like the 3 day walk. NAUGHTY -- hmmm well she hasn't but I wonder .. the way she talks about the football coach (hehehehe)
LSM from Somewhere in the Suburbs:
NICE This has nothing to do with her blog -- but she is the most awesome scrapbooker.
NAUGHTY well -- for some reason I can't link to her blog today - which likely isn't her fault but I figure what the heck I can list it because I'm finding it irritating (okay I finally made it and put the link in).
bunnybubblette from The Adventures of Bunny Bubblette:
NICE sends people to make comments on Mr Daddys pictures.
NAUGHTY well, I hear she's made an absolute "elf" out of herself.
If you're not listed here, and want to be LET ME KNOW, and if I know you'll I'll make public comments for all the world to see. I've tried to hit the people that I actually know for a fact read this blog.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
gimme gimme gimme
I know this looks a bit weird -- but I had this error I couldn't get rid of, so I removed it :} . Anyway - if you want leave me a (virtual) gift. I love getting STUFF
| Xmas Stocking | |||||||||
|
Sunday, December 10, 2006
a picture is worth a thousand words
Hmmm -- I wonder if I can use that line "a picture is worth a thousand words" if I decide to do nanowrimo sometime???
Yesterday I went out "shopping" with my friend Crem. Neither of us needed to BUY anything, but we stopped by a local pet store to see what was available from one of the local rescue organizations.
Point of information -- my friend Crem is male.
As we were in the store I said "HEY -- now I can say I was out with you and got a sloppy kiss"
(Course, I don't think I'd ever let ANY human male kiss me the way that Oscar kissed me -- but he's soooooooooooooooo cute -- Oscar that is, not Crem).
While we were there, we were looking at the cats that were available. We found one that looked quite like my current cat. It was a GREAT plan -- my current cat is 19 years old -- she won't be around that much longer -- we'll just sneak in another black cat. Nobody will know the difference :} :}
Of course, the cat that looked like her was male -- so someone might notice that, and then there's the possibility that another cat might not spend time hiding in my bedroom. We figured it would be suspicious if there was a cat that actually started wandering around the house and talking to people. (OH -- that and a cat living to 40 might be suspect)
Another image I saw this week in the Chicago Trib ...
Honey I said I wanted you to go TO the store, TO the store, not THROUGH the store.
Yesterday I went out "shopping" with my friend Crem. Neither of us needed to BUY anything, but we stopped by a local pet store to see what was available from one of the local rescue organizations.
Point of information -- my friend Crem is male.
As we were in the store I said "HEY -- now I can say I was out with you and got a sloppy kiss"
(Course, I don't think I'd ever let ANY human male kiss me the way that Oscar kissed me -- but he's soooooooooooooooo cute -- Oscar that is, not Crem).
While we were there, we were looking at the cats that were available. We found one that looked quite like my current cat. It was a GREAT plan -- my current cat is 19 years old -- she won't be around that much longer -- we'll just sneak in another black cat. Nobody will know the difference :} :}
Of course, the cat that looked like her was male -- so someone might notice that, and then there's the possibility that another cat might not spend time hiding in my bedroom. We figured it would be suspicious if there was a cat that actually started wandering around the house and talking to people. (OH -- that and a cat living to 40 might be suspect)
Another image I saw this week in the Chicago Trib ...
Honey I said I wanted you to go TO the store, TO the store, not THROUGH the store.
Friday, December 08, 2006
3 years ago and 1/2 a world away
3 years ago today. I was hanging about doing my thing in the minivan lane with a (then) 7 year old boy.
Spouse was 1/2 a world away picking up a package.
She drives me crazy at times (LOTS of times). She's a bundle of energy that I will never be able to keep up with. Her brother would gladly trade her for a Playstation 3. She'd trade her brother for some hair bling. There are days I claim that I'd trade the lot of them for some chocolate.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Spouse was 1/2 a world away picking up a package.
She drives me crazy at times (LOTS of times). She's a bundle of energy that I will never be able to keep up with. Her brother would gladly trade her for a Playstation 3. She'd trade her brother for some hair bling. There are days I claim that I'd trade the lot of them for some chocolate.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Convenient AND Environmentally friendly
Today, in the Chicago Tribune, there were two articles one pro and one con for the giving of gift cards.
If you feel the need you can look them up here ....
the pro ...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-0612050297dec06,1,3461768.story
and the con
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-0612050297dec062,1,3646867.story
Having already made my mind up before reading the articles, I didn't go through them word for word. But I did like the following from the pro gift card article ...
Convenient, charitable (we buy gift cards through my children's' school and the school gets a cut), and doubly environmentally friendly (saves on packaging, and saves on the trip to the store to buy the original gift AND the trip back to the store when the recipient returns the gift).
AND -- I don't know about you but I know I don't have much extra room around here, and gift cards fit in a specific area, whereas I'm not sure where exactly I'd put a giant plastic topiary.
If you feel the need you can look them up here ....
the pro ...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-0612050297dec06,1,3461768.story
and the con
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-0612050297dec062,1,3646867.story
Having already made my mind up before reading the articles, I didn't go through them word for word. But I did like the following from the pro gift card article ...
If every clueless but well-meaning gift-giver went for a gift card instead of, say, a giant plastic topiary or a hearth rug shaped like a poodle, we'd have less garbage to recycle, fewer lies to tell and more time to spend with those we love.
Convenient, charitable (we buy gift cards through my children's' school and the school gets a cut), and doubly environmentally friendly (saves on packaging, and saves on the trip to the store to buy the original gift AND the trip back to the store when the recipient returns the gift).
AND -- I don't know about you but I know I don't have much extra room around here, and gift cards fit in a specific area, whereas I'm not sure where exactly I'd put a giant plastic topiary.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
More news
From the Enquirer (Cincinnati)
The chess world's governing body announced it will introduce drug testing in the Asian Games in Qatar. Steroids? We all know how hard it is to push one of those rooks across that board.
I'm trying to think of what performance enhancing drugs would help with chess. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out the next chess tournament I go to, see what the coaches are slipping to the players between games.
OKAY OKAY -- I CONFESS!!!! The last time I went to a chess tournament I gave the boys SODA and PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lock me up and throw away the key.
Sometimes I think the entire world is just a little bit off kilter.
The chess world's governing body announced it will introduce drug testing in the Asian Games in Qatar. Steroids? We all know how hard it is to push one of those rooks across that board.
I'm trying to think of what performance enhancing drugs would help with chess. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out the next chess tournament I go to, see what the coaches are slipping to the players between games.
OKAY OKAY -- I CONFESS!!!! The last time I went to a chess tournament I gave the boys SODA and PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lock me up and throw away the key.
Sometimes I think the entire world is just a little bit off kilter.
Kinsey 6
Bit of news from last week. The following from the Washington Post
WASHINGTON -- Pentagon guidelines that classified homosexuality as a mental disorder now put it among a list of conditions or "circumstances" that range from bed-wetting to fear of flying.
The revision came in response to criticism this year when it was discovered that the guidelines listed homosexuality alongside mental retardation and personality disorders.
Okay -- I suppose this is a way for the military to get around having homosexuals in the military, without directly calling homosexuality a "mental disorder." (Gotta hand it to the Pentagon -- in what 1973(?) or something the psychiatric association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder and it's now 2006 -- they're only 30 years behind -- really builds MY confidence in the Pentagon folks).
But I had an interesting thought. There are some calling for a reinstatement of the draft. This issue has pros and cons (and I really don't need or want to get into a debate about it :} ). I give points to the argument that it would make our congresscritters think twice before voting to start a war. I mean it's one thing sending "troops" in, it's something completely different when your own kids or grandkids or nephews are in the military. (Though let's face it -- even when there was a draft there were loopholes for kids of elected officials).
But - IF the draft is reinstated, AND if homosexuality is a condition that is not conductive to military service I predict that there will be a sudden change in the numbers of those that state their homosexuality. At least between men that are 18-24.
WASHINGTON -- Pentagon guidelines that classified homosexuality as a mental disorder now put it among a list of conditions or "circumstances" that range from bed-wetting to fear of flying.
The revision came in response to criticism this year when it was discovered that the guidelines listed homosexuality alongside mental retardation and personality disorders.
Okay -- I suppose this is a way for the military to get around having homosexuals in the military, without directly calling homosexuality a "mental disorder." (Gotta hand it to the Pentagon -- in what 1973(?) or something the psychiatric association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder and it's now 2006 -- they're only 30 years behind -- really builds MY confidence in the Pentagon folks).
But I had an interesting thought. There are some calling for a reinstatement of the draft. This issue has pros and cons (and I really don't need or want to get into a debate about it :} ). I give points to the argument that it would make our congresscritters think twice before voting to start a war. I mean it's one thing sending "troops" in, it's something completely different when your own kids or grandkids or nephews are in the military. (Though let's face it -- even when there was a draft there were loopholes for kids of elected officials).
But - IF the draft is reinstated, AND if homosexuality is a condition that is not conductive to military service I predict that there will be a sudden change in the numbers of those that state their homosexuality. At least between men that are 18-24.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
And the winner is .........
I wonder, if I did a google search on the number of various and sundry questionnaires out there in net.land, how many are there??
One question that seems to show up often is ....
Are you a early bird or a night owl.
I guess most people seem to be one or the other, otherwise the question wouldn't show up all that often.
For some reason that question popped into my head today and I *FINALLY* figured out my once and for all final and decisive answer to that question.
Night owl????? Early bird?????
SLOTH!!!
YEP -- that works for me (or, I guess in this case, what doesn't work fits me best).
One question that seems to show up often is ....
Are you a early bird or a night owl.
I guess most people seem to be one or the other, otherwise the question wouldn't show up all that often.
For some reason that question popped into my head today and I *FINALLY* figured out my once and for all final and decisive answer to that question.
Night owl????? Early bird?????
SLOTH!!!
YEP -- that works for me (or, I guess in this case, what doesn't work fits me best).
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Okay - I'll steal from MLL
MLL took these questions from a list of 100 questions
1. How old will you be in five years? 5 years older than today
2. How tall are you? 5'5"
3. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! December CRASHES into Tax Season -- and then February (my worst month each year) falls in there.
I'm only looking forward to MAY -- it will get here
4. What's the last movie you saw? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Who is the last person you called? Probably Crem to tell him I wouldn't be at dog class
6. Who was the last person to call you? Crem (to tell me he was stopping by after dog class)
7. What was the last text message you received? "No. Can't do that"
8. Do you preffer to call or text? Depends on the situation
9. Do you have any pets? one dog, one cat, one guinea pig.
10. What were you doing at 12am last night? sleeping
11. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? They were married from 1950 til my dad died in 1978
12. When is the last time you saw your mom? 1982
13. What color are your eyes? Sort of a non descript
14. What time did you wake up today? 7:30
15. What are you wearing right now? Jammies
16. What's your favorite Christmas song? I wanna Hippopotamus for Christmas
17. Where is your favorite place to be? BED
18. Where is your least favorite place to be? cleaning dog poop
19. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Nude resort in the Carribean
20. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Illinois
21. Do you tan or burn? Mostly burn.
22. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Hmmm funny I don't remember fearing anything at night as a child. After I actually did have a boogie man come after me, I would often have "nested" dreams about being attacked (sleeping and dreaming about being attacked only to "wake up" and find I was being attacked).
23. What was the last thing that made you laugh?
24. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
25. How big is your bed? King
26. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Both
27. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? I wear my pink pajamas in the summer when it's hot, I wear my flannel nighties in the winter when it's not.
28. What color are your sheets? Whatever color was on clearance at Land's End
29. How many pillows do you sleep with? 1-3
30. What is your favorite season? fall
Thanks MLL
1. How old will you be in five years? 5 years older than today
2. How tall are you? 5'5"
3. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! December CRASHES into Tax Season -- and then February (my worst month each year) falls in there.
I'm only looking forward to MAY -- it will get here
4. What's the last movie you saw? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Who is the last person you called? Probably Crem to tell him I wouldn't be at dog class
6. Who was the last person to call you? Crem (to tell me he was stopping by after dog class)
7. What was the last text message you received? "No. Can't do that"
8. Do you preffer to call or text? Depends on the situation
9. Do you have any pets? one dog, one cat, one guinea pig.
10. What were you doing at 12am last night? sleeping
11. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? They were married from 1950 til my dad died in 1978
12. When is the last time you saw your mom? 1982
13. What color are your eyes? Sort of a non descript
14. What time did you wake up today? 7:30
15. What are you wearing right now? Jammies
16. What's your favorite Christmas song? I wanna Hippopotamus for Christmas
17. Where is your favorite place to be? BED
18. Where is your least favorite place to be? cleaning dog poop
19. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Nude resort in the Carribean
20. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Illinois
21. Do you tan or burn? Mostly burn.
22. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Hmmm funny I don't remember fearing anything at night as a child. After I actually did have a boogie man come after me, I would often have "nested" dreams about being attacked (sleeping and dreaming about being attacked only to "wake up" and find I was being attacked).
23. What was the last thing that made you laugh?
24. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
25. How big is your bed? King
26. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Both
27. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? I wear my pink pajamas in the summer when it's hot, I wear my flannel nighties in the winter when it's not.
28. What color are your sheets? Whatever color was on clearance at Land's End
29. How many pillows do you sleep with? 1-3
30. What is your favorite season? fall
Thanks MLL
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Now, THAT'S a friend
Today I wasn't feeling well. All the sudden around mid afternoon my stomach said STOP and I sat still for a while and felt okay -- but moving around wasn't a good plan. So I did manage to sit still and watch some videos I've had out for too long.
However, another problem presented itself. Wednesday nights is "class" night. I take fuzzybutt to his obedience class, and Crem takes his own fuzzybutt to class (also sometimes known as "my favorite nephew" :} -- don't tell my human nephew that).
So -- tonight the spouse and son (a/k/a Chip and "the old block") went to class for me.
It was an interesting evening I understand. After class the instructor called me AND Crem stopped by. Quite the excitement with a little bit of an almost dog tussle and then, well come to find out I'm not the only one in the family with stomach upsets.
A friend will take a class with you.
A good friend will help you out in class.
A *REALLY REALLY GOOD* friend will clean up when your fuzzybutt has diarrhea in class.
(Gotta hand it to Crem -- usually I'm in charge of bringing the roll of paper towels and cleaner to class -- I'd completely forgotten to send it with my boys - but Crem brought his own and then cleaned up).
However, another problem presented itself. Wednesday nights is "class" night. I take fuzzybutt to his obedience class, and Crem takes his own fuzzybutt to class (also sometimes known as "my favorite nephew" :} -- don't tell my human nephew that).
So -- tonight the spouse and son (a/k/a Chip and "the old block") went to class for me.
It was an interesting evening I understand. After class the instructor called me AND Crem stopped by. Quite the excitement with a little bit of an almost dog tussle and then, well come to find out I'm not the only one in the family with stomach upsets.
A friend will take a class with you.
A good friend will help you out in class.
A *REALLY REALLY GOOD* friend will clean up when your fuzzybutt has diarrhea in class.
(Gotta hand it to Crem -- usually I'm in charge of bringing the roll of paper towels and cleaner to class -- I'd completely forgotten to send it with my boys - but Crem brought his own and then cleaned up).
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The face
I guess we all sometimes do the "chin up" "grin and bear it" "smile and get it over with" face. Sometimes you have one face you show the world while you're really going bonkers.
Today I look like .......
But really feel like
I one time saw an inflatable image of Munch's The Scream. I should have bought it. Not only to use as a punching bag, but also to remind me that no matter how often I've felt like ........
Life eventually gets better (remember the mantra "this too shall pass".)
But I'm not going to give myself any of that bunk about how "things can't get any worse" because I know that *EVERY DArN TIME* I've said that to myself ......
Sure enough -- things got worse.
Today I look like .......
But really feel like
I one time saw an inflatable image of Munch's The Scream. I should have bought it. Not only to use as a punching bag, but also to remind me that no matter how often I've felt like ........
Life eventually gets better (remember the mantra "this too shall pass".)
But I'm not going to give myself any of that bunk about how "things can't get any worse" because I know that *EVERY DArN TIME* I've said that to myself ......
Sure enough -- things got worse.
Monday, November 27, 2006
The One Word Meme
The idea is to respond in one word with no explanations.
The One Word Meme
Yourself: Tired
Your partner: short-fused
Your hair: natural
Your Mother: yoyo
Your Father: principled
Your Favorite Item: chocolate
Your dream last night: curly
Your Favorite Drink: guinness
Your Dream Car: mustang convertible
Your Dream Home: paid
The Room You Are In: living room
Your Ex: where?
Your fear: pain
Where you Want to be in Ten Years: organized
Who you hung out with last night: family
What You’re Not: organized
Muffins: blueberry
One of Your Wish List Items: chocolate
Time: bedtime
The Last Thing You Did: read
What You Are Wearing: sweater
Your favorite weather: crisp
Your Favorite Book: drivel
Last thing you ate: watermelon
Your Life: limbo
Your mood: tight
Your Best Friends: solid
What are you thinking about right now:Crem
Your car: minivan
What are you doing at the moment: Blogging
Your summer: hot
Relationship status: Married
What is on your TV: Dust
What is the weather like: Crisp
When is the last time you laughed:
The One Word Meme
Yourself: Tired
Your partner: short-fused
Your hair: natural
Your Mother: yoyo
Your Father: principled
Your Favorite Item: chocolate
Your dream last night: curly
Your Favorite Drink: guinness
Your Dream Car: mustang convertible
Your Dream Home: paid
The Room You Are In: living room
Your Ex: where?
Your fear: pain
Where you Want to be in Ten Years: organized
Who you hung out with last night: family
What You’re Not: organized
Muffins: blueberry
One of Your Wish List Items: chocolate
Time: bedtime
The Last Thing You Did: read
What You Are Wearing: sweater
Your favorite weather: crisp
Your Favorite Book: drivel
Last thing you ate: watermelon
Your Life: limbo
Your mood: tight
Your Best Friends: solid
What are you thinking about right now:Crem
Your car: minivan
What are you doing at the moment: Blogging
Your summer: hot
Relationship status: Married
What is on your TV: Dust
What is the weather like: Crisp
When is the last time you laughed:
Sunday, November 26, 2006
have it your way at worship
For those that don't know -- from the liturgical point of view, the church calendar "begins" with the first Sunday of advent, and "ends" the week before Advent, in some churches (Roman Catholic, some Methodist churches, and some others, this is Christ the King Sunday). That would be today.
There is a Contemporary Worship service at my church. It is rather "new", and runs on a little tighter budget, it also has a shorter history of decor to run with. It's also recently taken on a new location and let's just say things run on a shoestring.
I mean *REALLY* on a shoestring.
So today I'm sitting in worship and I'm looking at the Altar. There's a cross, some very artistically draped fabric, and a crown hanging off one side of the arm.
And I'm looking at it thinking "hmmmm what is is about this picture"
So, later I was talking to one of the ministers.
So, ummmm, who decorated the altar for Contemporary Worship today?
I did.
And, can I ask was that actually a Burger King crown on the cross?
Yes, it was.
I'm thinking I need to talk to someone about the budget.
FIRST -- using decor from kid's meals???
And SECOND, I'm thinking the Pastors need to get paid a little more so they can buy ADULT meals and not have to survive on kid's meals :^).
(just kidding -- I think Pastor J can afford real food, and I'm sure that there would have been resources for something else -- it actually looked really good, and if you don't live with a 6 or under you probably wouldn't have realized it).
There is a Contemporary Worship service at my church. It is rather "new", and runs on a little tighter budget, it also has a shorter history of decor to run with. It's also recently taken on a new location and let's just say things run on a shoestring.
I mean *REALLY* on a shoestring.
So today I'm sitting in worship and I'm looking at the Altar. There's a cross, some very artistically draped fabric, and a crown hanging off one side of the arm.
And I'm looking at it thinking "hmmmm what is is about this picture"
So, later I was talking to one of the ministers.
So, ummmm, who decorated the altar for Contemporary Worship today?
I did.
And, can I ask was that actually a Burger King crown on the cross?
Yes, it was.
I'm thinking I need to talk to someone about the budget.
FIRST -- using decor from kid's meals???
And SECOND, I'm thinking the Pastors need to get paid a little more so they can buy ADULT meals and not have to survive on kid's meals :^).
(just kidding -- I think Pastor J can afford real food, and I'm sure that there would have been resources for something else -- it actually looked really good, and if you don't live with a 6 or under you probably wouldn't have realized it).
Saturday, November 25, 2006
only the beginning
One thing I'm thankful for....
My scale is broken.
AND since DH is looking for work, we shouldn't be spending money on "non essentials"
Between Thursday, and having leftovers on Friday, and a Chinese dinner at MILs on Saturday ---
Ah yes -- it's the beginning of the holiday eating season (which I enjoy much more than the holiday shopping season).
Methinks fuzzybutt will be needing a few more walks.
QUITE a few more LONG walks.
My scale is broken.
AND since DH is looking for work, we shouldn't be spending money on "non essentials"
Between Thursday, and having leftovers on Friday, and a Chinese dinner at MILs on Saturday ---
Ah yes -- it's the beginning of the holiday eating season (which I enjoy much more than the holiday shopping season).
Methinks fuzzybutt will be needing a few more walks.
QUITE a few more LONG walks.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Blew it before I knew it....
I didn't know there was such a thing as a "buy nothing day" but I found out it's today.
Of course, by the time I found out, I'd already bought something.
BUT I was a "good" girl about that purchase. I was meeting Crem at the dog park -- he insists that he's addicted to Starbuck's (not coffee in general -- Starbuck's in particular) so I picked up a cup for him *BUT* I brought my own coffee from home. So I didn't spend more than I needed.
I wonder if it could cease to count if I get the $1.98 back? I wonder if he gives me $2.00 if I'd have to put in my $0.02 (2 cents)?
And how will I do the rest of the day????
Stay tuned to the blog to find out. I'm not thinking it will go strong -- I'm almost out of milk, and I haven't yet figured out what's for dinner.
Of course, by the time I found out, I'd already bought something.
BUT I was a "good" girl about that purchase. I was meeting Crem at the dog park -- he insists that he's addicted to Starbuck's (not coffee in general -- Starbuck's in particular) so I picked up a cup for him *BUT* I brought my own coffee from home. So I didn't spend more than I needed.
I wonder if it could cease to count if I get the $1.98 back? I wonder if he gives me $2.00 if I'd have to put in my $0.02 (2 cents)?
And how will I do the rest of the day????
Stay tuned to the blog to find out. I'm not thinking it will go strong -- I'm almost out of milk, and I haven't yet figured out what's for dinner.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Hey - I'm a classic
Took a classic dame test ... Unfortunately, I don't feel very quirky and independent today.
My score on The Classic Dames Test:
**************************************
Katharine Hepburn
(You scored 23% grit, 14% wit, 57% flair, and 14% class!)
"You are the fabulously quirky and independent woman of character. You
go your own way, follow your own drummer, take your own lead. You
stand head and shoulders next to your partner, but you are perfectly
willing and able to stand alone. Others might be more classically
beautiful or conventionally woman-like, but you possess a more
fundamental common sense and off-kilter charm, making interesting men
fall at your feet. You can pick them up or leave them there as you see
fit. You share the screen with the likes of Spencer Tracy and Cary
Grant, thinking men who like strong women.
Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the
Classic Leading Man Test."
**************************************
Take it!
http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=4621123663119520922
My score on The Classic Dames Test:
**************************************
Katharine Hepburn
(You scored 23% grit, 14% wit, 57% flair, and 14% class!)
"You are the fabulously quirky and independent woman of character. You
go your own way, follow your own drummer, take your own lead. You
stand head and shoulders next to your partner, but you are perfectly
willing and able to stand alone. Others might be more classically
beautiful or conventionally woman-like, but you possess a more
fundamental common sense and off-kilter charm, making interesting men
fall at your feet. You can pick them up or leave them there as you see
fit. You share the screen with the likes of Spencer Tracy and Cary
Grant, thinking men who like strong women.
Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the
Classic Leading Man Test."
**************************************
Take it!
http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=4621123663119520922
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Science Fiction book meme
A Science Fiction book meme -- and I'm DONE for the day :} I'm really tired - I should train my children to SLEEP IN on school holidays.
This is a list of the 50 most significant science fiction/fantasy novels, 1953-2002, according to the Science Fiction Book Club.
Bold the ones you’ve read, strike-out the ones you hated, italicize those you started but never finished and put an asterisk beside the ones you loved.
The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien*
The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov
Dune, Frank Herbert
Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein*
A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula K. Le Guin
Neuromancer, William Gibson
Childhood’s End, Arthur C. Clarke
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Philip K. Dick
The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
The Book of the New Sun, Gene Wolfe
A Canticle for Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller, Jr.
The Caves of Steel, Isaac Asimov
Children of the Atom, Wilmar Shiras
Cities in Flight, James Blish
The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett
Dangerous Visions, edited by Harlan Ellison
Deathbird Stories, Harlan Ellison
The Demolished Man, Alfred Bester
Dhalgren, Samuel R. Delany
Dragonflight, Anne McCaffrey
Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card
The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, Stephen R. Donaldson
The Forever War, Joe Haldeman
Gateway, Frederik Pohl
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J.K. Rowling*
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams*
I Am Legend, Richard Matheson
Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice
The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin
Little, Big, John Crowley
Lord of Light, Roger Zelazny
The Man in the High Castle, Philip K. Dick
Mission of Gravity, Hal Clement
More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon
The Rediscovery of Man, Cordwainer Smith
On the Beach, Nevil Shute
Rendezvous with Rama, Arthur C. Clarke
Ringworld, Larry Niven
Rogue Moon, Algis Budrys
The Silmarillion, J.R.R. TolkienSlaughterhouse-5, Kurt Vonnegut
Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson
Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner
The Stars My Destination, Alfred Bester
Starship Troopers, Robert A. Heinlein
Stormbringer, Michael Moorcock
The Sword of Shannara, Terry Brooks
Timescape, Gregory Benford
To Your Scattered Bodies Go, Philip Jose Farmer
This is a list of the 50 most significant science fiction/fantasy novels, 1953-2002, according to the Science Fiction Book Club.
Bold the ones you’ve read, strike-out the ones you hated, italicize those you started but never finished and put an asterisk beside the ones you loved.
The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien*
The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov
Dune, Frank Herbert
Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein*
A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula K. Le Guin
Neuromancer, William Gibson
Childhood’s End, Arthur C. Clarke
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Philip K. Dick
The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
The Book of the New Sun, Gene Wolfe
A Canticle for Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller, Jr.
The Caves of Steel, Isaac Asimov
Children of the Atom, Wilmar Shiras
Cities in Flight, James Blish
The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett
Dangerous Visions, edited by Harlan Ellison
Deathbird Stories, Harlan Ellison
The Demolished Man, Alfred Bester
Dhalgren, Samuel R. Delany
Dragonflight, Anne McCaffrey
Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card
The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, Stephen R. Donaldson
The Forever War, Joe Haldeman
Gateway, Frederik Pohl
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J.K. Rowling*
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams*
I Am Legend, Richard Matheson
Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice
The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin
Little, Big, John Crowley
Lord of Light, Roger Zelazny
The Man in the High Castle, Philip K. Dick
Mission of Gravity, Hal Clement
More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon
The Rediscovery of Man, Cordwainer Smith
On the Beach, Nevil Shute
Rendezvous with Rama, Arthur C. Clarke
Ringworld, Larry Niven
Rogue Moon, Algis Budrys
The Silmarillion, J.R.R. TolkienSlaughterhouse-5, Kurt Vonnegut
Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson
Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner
The Stars My Destination, Alfred Bester
Starship Troopers, Robert A. Heinlein
Stormbringer, Michael Moorcock
The Sword of Shannara, Terry Brooks
Timescape, Gregory Benford
To Your Scattered Bodies Go, Philip Jose Farmer
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Once again, ahead of my time .....
An Inconvenient Truth is being released on DVD today. In an effort to seem intelligent and timely, I'll say something seemingly incredibly environmentally friendly.
A columnist in The Daily Telegraph wrote on an article in The Idler magazine. I never read the original Idler article, but I must say I find myself in agreement with the basic premise.
I'll put in a link to the original article, but I'll pull some comments.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2006/11/13/do1303.xml
SEE, I don't deny my children from having endless classes and experiences because I'm lazy or a cheapskate. It's because I'm OH SO GREEN!!!!
Must dash -- time for my nap.
A columnist in The Daily Telegraph wrote on an article in The Idler magazine. I never read the original Idler article, but I must say I find myself in agreement with the basic premise.
I'll put in a link to the original article, but I'll pull some comments.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2006/11/13/do1303.xml
Do nothing, save the world: it's the only option By Jim White
Last
Updated: 12:01am GMT 13/11/2006
It is one of the favoured management-speak clichés of our times,...
And most of all you hear it from politicians, anxious to display their anti-pollution credentials even as they sanction the use of depleted-uranium bullets on the streets of Baghdad.
"Doing nothing," they all tell us, "is not an option." We hear it so often, it goes without challenge....
What if, however, it turns out that doing nothing is the best thing we could possibly do? What if within the mere act of doing nothing lies the solution to the most serious problem we face? This is the intriguing thought laid out in the latest edition of The Idler magazine: when it comes to global warming, doing nothing is the only option.
...
Its understanding of the causes of global warming, for instance, is acute. We have, the magazine suggests, come to this because of an insistence on being busy. This avowal of busyness has gained ascendancy not because it achieves anything, but because the act of being busy is seen as morally superior to the act of doing nothing.
...
But there is a solution. Don't just insulate your loft and install a composter in your garden – when it comes to most of the activities of modern life, take the idle turn. Instead of jetting off on holiday, walk down to your nearest stretch of river and spend time reflecting on your own reflection. Instead of switching on the television, read a book. When it comes to Christmas, don't busy yourself buying tat nobody needs that has to be shipped in from China on a giant boat; buy nothing at all. These are three simple acts of doing nothing that would save far more carbon than installing a David Cameron-style wind turbine on your roof. And the neighbours wouldn't complain about the vibrations.
...
SEE, I don't deny my children from having endless classes and experiences because I'm lazy or a cheapskate. It's because I'm OH SO GREEN!!!!
Must dash -- time for my nap.
Monday, November 20, 2006
I am 26 today
NO -- it's not my birthday - I took an online quiz ...
I consider myself open to the views of many different philosophers. And, I am also open to what I consider philosophy. (HEY -- Cookie Monster has a LOT to say).
TODAY -- I think I can show that I do follow a belief of one of my favorite philosophers .....
[cue music]
I'm growing older but not up
my metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck
let the winds of change blow over my head
I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead.
--- Jimmy Buffet
[music off]
I took this quiz and according to the quiz I'm 26.
I highly suspect it's because of two of the questions. One of them being my ideal career (hey -- video game tester sounds like FUN). The other being something about flipping through channels and what show do you stop at. Well, I don't really watch tv - so I picked the only show on there I've ever seen.
Can *I* help it if my kids watch Spongebob???
 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. |
Sunday, November 19, 2006
all creatures great and small
A few weeks ago, our family made one of our semi-annual treks to one of the fundraisers for one of our favorite organizations The Critter Corral, a guinea pig rescue.http://www.crittercorral.org/
YES -- I said a guinea pig rescue. And yes, my sister, and my friend Crem have both informed me that Guinea Pigs are bred for food in Peru. I think they're trying to gross me out, but considering that they are prolific breeders and need very little space, this makes sense.
Actually, considering what prolific breeders they are, it goes to reason that a guinea pig rescue is needed. The thing people don't realize about the little buggers, is that they can start breeding at 6 weeks of age. So if you have brothers and sisters, or mothers and sons in the same cage ......
Another reason many guinea pigs end up in the rescue is that (being the size they are) they are very difficult to sex. Quite a few babies have ended up at the rescue simply because a pet store sold "two boys" or "two girls" and a family was surprised a few weeks later.
Yes, animal rescue is a good an honorable way to contribute, and I think that it's important to teach my children to care for others (even if "others," in this case, are rodents). And I'm glad my children "know" that animals come from rescues and not pet stores.
But let's face it -- these things are *FUN* -- just look at those pictures. I think my friend from The Family Blender will really appreciate the picture at the bottom. (Hmmmm - maybe I should have saved this post -- or at least that picture -- until New Year's Eve).
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Chess Mom -- the queen rules
Every now and then, you get a chance to prove your point. Hopefully for the boys' sakes I won't blow it.
Chip enjoys playing chess. He's in 4th grade now, but has been playing since Kindergarten. It's something that he has had a varying interest in. Sometimes he's a chess nut, sometimes he can go months without playing. But, tournament season is upon us.
We (and others) have, with no success, approached the principal of his school to try to encourage the start of a chess club. The last time I mentioned it I was told that there wouldn't be interest, and that there were too many after school activities and there wasn't any room (blah blah blah). (BUT -- they can manage to have 10, yes 10 different girl scout troops meet in the school).
Anyway, today Chip, and three other boys from his school went to a local chess tournament.
It was the *FIRST* tournament for three of the boys.
They came home with the *FIRST* place trophy.
So tonight I sent a letter to MissChief and told her what happened, and that since the trophy belongs to the school that the boys would love to present it to her.
As I told the Tournament Director, I just can't wait to shove shoW it to her face.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Dear George
Well, I haven't said much political :} -- and I'm strapped for ideas, I have a big, early day tomorrow, so I might as well go with something quick and on my mind.
Dear George,
Earlier this week you called for "patience" in Iraq.
That's easy for me to say. My oldest child is 10, I'm pretty sure we won't be there that long. None of my close family or friends is in the military. I'm in the middle of the country in my comfortable suburb driving my minivan. Like I said -- patience is easy for me to say.
Please don't ask *ME* for patience.
Ask for patience from the moms (and dads) of the men and women that are over there. The people that go to sleep every night hoping and praying and wondering if their children will be alive tomorrow.
Don't ask for patience from the people who have already lost children - they've already given enough. That's (at last count) 2,863 members of the military. Sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers.
I don't know - I'm lucky never to have lost a child -- but I really don't think it matters whether the child died from "friendly" or "unfriendly" fire -- dead is FOREVER!!!
And don't ask for patience from the people in Iraq. I'm not talking about the extremists, I'm talking about the everyday folks whose homeland is torn apart. It's easy for me. I'm in the middle of the U.S. I've never been in the middle of a war zone. My kids might get picked on while riding the bus home from school. They've never gotten caught in cross fire. Oh yeah -- that's what you guys call "collateral damage."
George, you seem to be very concerned about "life." Embryonic stem cells are highly valuable. But does the respect for life stop at birth?
"Acceptable losses"
*PEOPLE*!!!!!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Limbo Rock - How LOW can you GO
Sometimes I wondered why I signed up to post every day for a month -- but I'm bound and determined. Though today I'm having trouble figured out what to write about so I'm moan about my life ........My kids are both good. Relatively happy, relatively healthy, relatively happy with school. My dog is the same (even happy with his school). We have a guinea pig (okay -- so my sister and Crem remind me that guinea pigs are considered a great source of protein in some countries), and I have a cat that's 19 years old and every day I say "hey cat? you still alive?". So my charges are doing good.
Spouse and I -- not so well. We own a business that was a bad plan at the time -- but hindsight is always 20/20. We're trying to sell and I'm a bit stressed about when/if/whether that's going to happen.
Also - Spouse recently lost his job. And while I'm sure that something will come along, I'm a bit stressed about when that will happen and what it will look like.
*I HATE LIMBO*
It's like not my best place to be. So here I sit with so many parts of my life doing "The Limbo Rock"
Our church has 4 services a week, one "casual" (I've never been, it's on Saturday late afternoon and is a very small relaxed service), two "traditional" and one "contemporary." Roughly once month I run the computer for the contemporary so I have to sort of set it up to go with the theme of the service and have to plan things out.
This week's theme
Darkness before the dawn!!!!!!!!!!
Good to know that God has a sense of humor.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Chip off the old block
#1son (henceforth to be known as "Chip") is a regular chip off the old block (making dad a "blockhead" :}). This boy has inherited many traits from both his parents. He's bright, funny, attractive, and charming - just like his mom. He's a procrastinator, frugal, and has a wicked temper (just like his dad).
Okay - he didn't get ALL his good traits from me, and he didn't get all his bad traits from his dad (actually, his temper comes from BOTH sides of the family :} ).
We had Chip's parent teacher conference last week. It was no surprise to find out that he had a practically excellent report card. The only two places that could use work are him getting motivated to work (oh yeah -- he gets his procrastination skills from BOTH of his parents also) and his reading comprehension.
We did have an issue with his teacher though -- we got Chip's report card 3 days LATE!!! Seems his teacher didn't have time to get the report cards ready on time. Something about being at the hospital with his wife who was having a baby that was 10 weeks early. Like that's some kind of an excuse or something. Well, I set him straight -- I told him that I would not let him off the hook for that ... unless he showed us pictures of the precious baby.
She's a beauty. If you're the type - keep her in your prayers. Let's hope she's home for Christmas. What a wonderful present for mom & dad.
Okay - he didn't get ALL his good traits from me, and he didn't get all his bad traits from his dad (actually, his temper comes from BOTH sides of the family :} ).
We had Chip's parent teacher conference last week. It was no surprise to find out that he had a practically excellent report card. The only two places that could use work are him getting motivated to work (oh yeah -- he gets his procrastination skills from BOTH of his parents also) and his reading comprehension.
We did have an issue with his teacher though -- we got Chip's report card 3 days LATE!!! Seems his teacher didn't have time to get the report cards ready on time. Something about being at the hospital with his wife who was having a baby that was 10 weeks early. Like that's some kind of an excuse or something. Well, I set him straight -- I told him that I would not let him off the hook for that ... unless he showed us pictures of the precious baby.
She's a beauty. If you're the type - keep her in your prayers. Let's hope she's home for Christmas. What a wonderful present for mom & dad.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Movie tag - I'm it
MLL tagged me with movie questions.
1. Popcorn or candy? Popcorn -- butter. My favorite theater gives free refills.
2. Name a movie you've been meaning to see forever. Seriously, it usually takes me a couple of weeks to watch a Netflix video. I'd have to say there are NONE. What with Neflix, my local library, and Blockbuster and Hollywood video, if I'd REALLY wanted to see something, I'd have had the opportunity.
3. You are given the power to recall one Oscar: Who loses theirs and to whom? There has never been a time that I've seen all the movies in a single category - so I'm not one to judge.
4. Steal one costume from a movie for your wardrobe. Which will it be? Okay this is going to sound weird -- I'd really LOVE to be Molly Weasley for Halloween one year, so I'd love to steal some of Julie Walters clothes from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
5. Your favorite film franchise is... To quote MLL Harry Potter, without a doubt
6. Invite five movie people over for dinner. Who are they? Why'd you invite them? What do you feed them? J. K. Rowling, so I can ask her about RAB and Crookshanks and Snape and what is happening in Book 7 (hmmm though I wouldn't want to keep her away from her writing for too long). Michael J. Fox so I could commend him on the wonderful work he is doing for Parkinson's. Steven Speilberg who has done not only great fiction, but also great documentaries. Peter Jackson, because he blew my mind with the Lord of the Rings triology and Robin Williams (because who doesn't need a laugh).
7. What is the appropriate punishment for people who answer cell phones in the movie theater?
When my 5 or 10 year old uses one of their items in an inappropriate manner, they lose use of it. The time they lose use for is in proportion to the level of their misuse (or my frustration). SOOOOOO if a person answers a cell phone in a movie theater, they can lose the use of their cell phone (and ANY cell phone so they can't borrow one from family or friends) for the length of the movie *TIMES* the number of people in the theater. (Let's see, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire -- run time 157 minutes, Tivoli Theater seats 1,012 so let's say 150 x 1,000 = 150,000 minutes let's also assume 6 hours of sleep a night so that time doesn't count toward the punishment so about 4 months and 3 weeks without a cell phone. )
And then they have to pay for tickets for ALL the people in the theatre to see another movie.
8. Choose a female bodyguard: Ripley from Aliens. Mystique from X-Men. Sarah Connor from Terminator 2. The Bride from Kill Bill. Mace from Strange Days.
I've only seen Aliens from that list, so I guess I'd choose her. But I reserve to change my vote to Tonks after Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix comes out.
9. What's the scariest thing you've ever seen in a movie? Seriously, some of the facts and charts and information in An Inconvenient Truth http://www.climatecrisis.net/. I mean Hollywood can throw us dazzling special effects, and documentaries (like Schlinder's List) but *THIS* is my kid's FUTURE we're talking about here. And it is truly scary.
10. Your favorite genre (excluding comedy and drama) is? I'm excluding comedy under duress (I need to laugh). Probably fantasy.
11. You are given the power to greenlight movies at a major studio for one year. How do you wield this power? Anything that doesN'T follow the typical Hollywood formula.
12. Bonnie or Clyde? Bonnie - she never shot anyone.
13: Who are you tagging to answer this survey: Life:found (now how do I tell him?)
1. Popcorn or candy? Popcorn -- butter. My favorite theater gives free refills.
2. Name a movie you've been meaning to see forever. Seriously, it usually takes me a couple of weeks to watch a Netflix video. I'd have to say there are NONE. What with Neflix, my local library, and Blockbuster and Hollywood video, if I'd REALLY wanted to see something, I'd have had the opportunity.
3. You are given the power to recall one Oscar: Who loses theirs and to whom? There has never been a time that I've seen all the movies in a single category - so I'm not one to judge.
4. Steal one costume from a movie for your wardrobe. Which will it be? Okay this is going to sound weird -- I'd really LOVE to be Molly Weasley for Halloween one year, so I'd love to steal some of Julie Walters clothes from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
5. Your favorite film franchise is... To quote MLL Harry Potter, without a doubt
6. Invite five movie people over for dinner. Who are they? Why'd you invite them? What do you feed them? J. K. Rowling, so I can ask her about RAB and Crookshanks and Snape and what is happening in Book 7 (hmmm though I wouldn't want to keep her away from her writing for too long). Michael J. Fox so I could commend him on the wonderful work he is doing for Parkinson's. Steven Speilberg who has done not only great fiction, but also great documentaries. Peter Jackson, because he blew my mind with the Lord of the Rings triology and Robin Williams (because who doesn't need a laugh).
7. What is the appropriate punishment for people who answer cell phones in the movie theater?
When my 5 or 10 year old uses one of their items in an inappropriate manner, they lose use of it. The time they lose use for is in proportion to the level of their misuse (or my frustration). SOOOOOO if a person answers a cell phone in a movie theater, they can lose the use of their cell phone (and ANY cell phone so they can't borrow one from family or friends) for the length of the movie *TIMES* the number of people in the theater. (Let's see, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire -- run time 157 minutes, Tivoli Theater seats 1,012 so let's say 150 x 1,000 = 150,000 minutes let's also assume 6 hours of sleep a night so that time doesn't count toward the punishment so about 4 months and 3 weeks without a cell phone. )
And then they have to pay for tickets for ALL the people in the theatre to see another movie.
8. Choose a female bodyguard: Ripley from Aliens. Mystique from X-Men. Sarah Connor from Terminator 2. The Bride from Kill Bill. Mace from Strange Days.
I've only seen Aliens from that list, so I guess I'd choose her. But I reserve to change my vote to Tonks after Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix comes out.
9. What's the scariest thing you've ever seen in a movie? Seriously, some of the facts and charts and information in An Inconvenient Truth http://www.climatecrisis.net/. I mean Hollywood can throw us dazzling special effects, and documentaries (like Schlinder's List) but *THIS* is my kid's FUTURE we're talking about here. And it is truly scary.
10. Your favorite genre (excluding comedy and drama) is? I'm excluding comedy under duress (I need to laugh). Probably fantasy.
11. You are given the power to greenlight movies at a major studio for one year. How do you wield this power? Anything that doesN'T follow the typical Hollywood formula.
12. Bonnie or Clyde? Bonnie - she never shot anyone.
13: Who are you tagging to answer this survey: Life:found (now how do I tell him?)
Monday, November 13, 2006
boring day
What a boring day ...
Got up early, took a train into the city. Spent the train ride reading Crem's paper over his (quite comfy) shoulder. Got off the train and took a ride on a rickety old CTA bus. Wandered around a very large complex of buildings on the UIC (University of Illinois Chicago) campus and spent almost too much time sitting in a very uncomfortable chair. After spending time sitting in a uncomfortable chair, I went, got 1/2 undressed, and sat in a small room.
Then, I rode an L train, had lunch in a Greek deli (with Crem) wandered about the city a bit more, and then rode another train out.
All in all it was quite expensive - $8.50 for the round trip train ticket, $4.00 for bus/L, about $10 for lunch, and $3 for coffee and $25 for the copay.
But -- as the MasterCard commercial would say -- peace of mind PRICELESS!!! I've been carrying around this stress since Sept. when I talked to my Midwife - it's nice for it to be lifted. My shoulders feel about 1/2 as tense.
(And it's nice to know that one part of my body is normal :} )(Though I think the next time I get a hankering to have a lunch date with Crem -- I'm going to plan for it to involve a LOT less travel, no copays, and no uncomfortable chairs.)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
sleep
Some nights my spouse snores - and sometimes that doesn't bother me too much. Some nights #1son decides to crawl in with mom or mom and dad and some nights that doesn't bother me too much (it's nice to snuggle). Some nights princess decides she needs to be near mom and she crawls in and kicks me 1/2 the night. Hopefully she'll grow out of it someday.
And some nights - I just kick them ALL OUT -- lock and barricade the door.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
We had our parent/teacher conferences this week. No major surprises from either kid (except of course, for the answer to the question "WHO ARE these well behaved children, and what do you do to MY kids once they walk through the door."
Yeah, sometimes either of my kids can be a pain at home, but they are both remarkably well behaved at school. I guess I'd rather have it that way round than the other.
We met with the teacher of Princess (5). Princess is in Kindergarten. She is doing spot on average in most things, she's a little behind in her reading skills. Suddenly I remembered (I really do forget this sometimes :} ) that for the first 2.5 years of her life, she NEVER heard a word of English and she very likely had nobody read to her.
I can't find any pointers to the research, but I know this bears out what the research says.
Now, I don't think this will put her 2.5 years behind -- but it does put her behind her peers.
Another issue -- and this comes as NO surprise -- her teacher mentioned that two of her classmates (male) mentioned that she kissed them on the bus.
SIGH!!!!!!!!!!
A couple of weeks ago she was talking -- she's 5 so she figured that she can have 5 boyfriends. She said that she had one boyfriend when she was one. I said "well, what about when you're 16?" If you guess that she said "16" you are CORRECT!!!!!
That's *MY* daughter.
And I'm SURE I'm in for a LOT of trouble.
Yeah, sometimes either of my kids can be a pain at home, but they are both remarkably well behaved at school. I guess I'd rather have it that way round than the other.
We met with the teacher of Princess (5). Princess is in Kindergarten. She is doing spot on average in most things, she's a little behind in her reading skills. Suddenly I remembered (I really do forget this sometimes :} ) that for the first 2.5 years of her life, she NEVER heard a word of English and she very likely had nobody read to her.
I can't find any pointers to the research, but I know this bears out what the research says.
Now, I don't think this will put her 2.5 years behind -- but it does put her behind her peers.
Another issue -- and this comes as NO surprise -- her teacher mentioned that two of her classmates (male) mentioned that she kissed them on the bus.
SIGH!!!!!!!!!!
A couple of weeks ago she was talking -- she's 5 so she figured that she can have 5 boyfriends. She said that she had one boyfriend when she was one. I said "well, what about when you're 16?" If you guess that she said "16" you are CORRECT!!!!!
That's *MY* daughter.
And I'm SURE I'm in for a LOT of trouble.
Friday, November 10, 2006
bedtime issues
You'd think that a 40+ year old guy could manage to get a 5 year old into bed. But mom gets home at 11 p.m. and the kid is just getting into bed after dad let her stay up and watch tv.
And she's IMPOSSIBLE to get down when she's THAT tired.
No wonder I want to sell the business -- I can't take another season (especially now that she's in school) of getting home after 11 and putting the kid to bed.
And THIS is all I have time for to get something in by midnight.
And she's IMPOSSIBLE to get down when she's THAT tired.
No wonder I want to sell the business -- I can't take another season (especially now that she's in school) of getting home after 11 and putting the kid to bed.
And THIS is all I have time for to get something in by midnight.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Born in Arizona, moved to Babylonia
King Tutankhamun has been in town this summer. Some say the Irish know how to throw a funeral, but the Egyptians REALLY knew how to honour the departed. Just as a rough guess, I'm willing to bet the take from any Ancient Egyptian tomb could feed a few third world countries for a year or more. I left Princess home and just took #1son to see the exhibit. A mom/son day out.
It was interesting when we got home, and he wanted to tell his dad the details of the organ removals but I would let him describe taking the brain out through the nose during dinner.
Personally, I'm thinking good old fashioned organ donation is more my style.
Then again, perhaps some of the exhibit inspired bling can be my style. I think I'd look good in the Lapis collar. It's only $1,080. (Though I did suggest my son *NOT* buy me, as jewelry, any of the amber that had imbedded insects)
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Insanity IS hereditary
Insanity IS hereditary. I now have proof. Many people have told me that I'm nuts. I've even believed a few of them.
Well, I just found out that my sister is nuts. This coming Sunday she will be doing a race for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Great, wonderful, you go girl. It's November and it's Chicago so you'd think it might get cold but that's NOT an issue with this race. Nope -- it's all indoors.
And straight UP to the top of the Sears tower. If you've ever been in Chicago, and looked UP at the Sears tower from street level, you know it's quite tall, 103 stories, 2,109 steps.
At this time (more on that in another post within the next few days) we're in no position to donate to any charitable organizations, however if you are so inclined [inclined -- get it] .....
Personally, I think she's nuts. But then she's MY sister.
AND -- this same weekend, if you feel like tossing some funds in another direction, my friend Christina from San Diego http://torreypines.blogspot.com/ is doing the 3 day walk to support breast cancer.
(For some reason - to me it doesn't seem near as crazy to walk 3 DAYS outdoors as it does to walk 103 stories)
Me, I'll sit in my comfortable suburban home and cheer the ladies on. (Actually, I'll probably also hit up prayer requests in Sunday School - so ladies you'll at least have good thoughts and blister free wishes from me if not actual ca$h).
Monday, November 06, 2006
Dog of the jungle
Back in the late 60s, there was a Saturday morning television show called George of the Jungle. I honestly don't know if I ever watched it, but I do recall in the opening George always crashed into a tree (you think he'd learn - but week after week for three years).
Tonight I was out walking Fuzzybutt. There was another dog across the street, and fuzzy was walking forward while looking at and barking at the other dog.
YEP -- you guessed it -- Fuzzybutt wasn't looking where he was going and walked right into a tree.
Everything I've heard and read says that collies are supposed to be incredibly intelligent dogs. One thing I can say for Fuzzybutt. He hides it well.
Tonight I was out walking Fuzzybutt. There was another dog across the street, and fuzzy was walking forward while looking at and barking at the other dog.
YEP -- you guessed it -- Fuzzybutt wasn't looking where he was going and walked right into a tree.
Everything I've heard and read says that collies are supposed to be incredibly intelligent dogs. One thing I can say for Fuzzybutt. He hides it well.
By gum I think I've got it
MAJOR stress this week, Spouse is now between jobs. He formerly worked at Lucent Technologies, and they've been going through when the rest of the IT industry has been going through. Actually, moral has been dropping for the past few years, nobody knowing when or where the ax is going to fall next. Spouse seems rather happy - at least he doesn't have to worry about when it's going to hit again.
One thing I've often tried to focus on is the blessings in my life. Sometimes that doesn't work so well, but then I try to realize that I really don't have it so bad. One thing I've learned is that no matter how bad I have it, I don't have to look far to find someone who is in a worse place. At least my kids are healthy (and energetic :} ). So while I'm certainly not happy, I'm at least not totally freaking out.
Okay, I have been expressing some concerns to my friend, Cush. But as I told him - if I start freaking out in front of Spouse or #1son or Princess it would just cause more stress around the family.
One thing I've often tried to focus on is the blessings in my life. Sometimes that doesn't work so well, but then I try to realize that I really don't have it so bad. One thing I've learned is that no matter how bad I have it, I don't have to look far to find someone who is in a worse place. At least my kids are healthy (and energetic :} ). So while I'm certainly not happy, I'm at least not totally freaking out.
Okay, I have been expressing some concerns to my friend, Cush. But as I told him - if I start freaking out in front of Spouse or #1son or Princess it would just cause more stress around the family.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
and it matters to me because???
I'm a born and raised Chicagoan. I spent the first 21 years of my life living in the city limits, and since then have lived in the state of Illinois, most of that time in the Chicago suburbs.
This year, the Chicago Bears seem to be having a pretty good season. They've only lost one football game. My spouse LOVES sports, any and all sports, and is fairly involved with ANY game that's on a television.
So, today I gave this some consideration. The Bears are having a wonderful season, most people around me actually care about this and consider it a good thing. Maybe, I thought, now is the time to care, to actually attempt to follow the game. It would put me in sync with the rest of my universe, and maybe give me a way to connect with my spouse and family and friends during the football season.
But I just can't bring myself to justify caring. There would be 3 hours a week of watching (I can find other things to do with 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon). And then there's all the pregame and post game shows.
It just seems to me to be far too much effort to put into a bunch of guys running around after a ball that isn't even round.
(Though, I must admit that, at times, it is enjoyable to watch the tight ends :} )
This year, the Chicago Bears seem to be having a pretty good season. They've only lost one football game. My spouse LOVES sports, any and all sports, and is fairly involved with ANY game that's on a television.
So, today I gave this some consideration. The Bears are having a wonderful season, most people around me actually care about this and consider it a good thing. Maybe, I thought, now is the time to care, to actually attempt to follow the game. It would put me in sync with the rest of my universe, and maybe give me a way to connect with my spouse and family and friends during the football season.
But I just can't bring myself to justify caring. There would be 3 hours a week of watching (I can find other things to do with 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon). And then there's all the pregame and post game shows.
It just seems to me to be far too much effort to put into a bunch of guys running around after a ball that isn't even round.
(Though, I must admit that, at times, it is enjoyable to watch the tight ends :} )
Saturday, November 04, 2006
A most unfortunate experience
Today #1son and I had an outing. There was a Lemony Snicket event put on by our local indepent bookstore. It was fabulous and funny. I actually enjoy reading this series of children's books. The first thing on the agenda was supposed to be a concert by Lemony Snicket and the Gothic Archies. Unfortunately, Lemony Snicket was unable to attend the event (not surprising though, as I don't think he has ever been seen).
There were two things that were not unfortunate. We had tickets number 120 and 122, which meant that we were out of there fairly early. The other item was that we were just down the street from a wonderful Irish Pub. #1son loves hamburgers, so I asked if he wanted to go there for lunch.
And, fortunately, it was a LOVELY day for a Guinness.
[of course, my theory is that every day is a lovely day for a Guinness].
There were two things that were not unfortunate. We had tickets number 120 and 122, which meant that we were out of there fairly early. The other item was that we were just down the street from a wonderful Irish Pub. #1son loves hamburgers, so I asked if he wanted to go there for lunch.
And, fortunately, it was a LOVELY day for a Guinness.
[of course, my theory is that every day is a lovely day for a Guinness].
Friday, November 03, 2006
What's your excuse?
In the good old US of A, Nov. 7 is an election day. Since this is not a presidential election year, voter turnout is expected to be down. Of course, with the decline in voter turnout over the last 40 years, even during an election year there are not many people at the polling places.
What's your excuse?
You don't know enough about the candidates or the issues. Well, you have Internet access and you can read so go do a google search for your local election information, do a search for the candidates campaign pages, and read what they have to say.
You don't like any of the candidates. Guess what - sometimes there are great politicians out there that stir our souls. But most often, it's the lesser of the two evils. If you can't decide, go to each candidates home page, and vote for the one that tosses FEWER insults at the opponent.
You are too busy. Well of course you are. This is 2006 and everyone is "too busy." In some countries, people have to wait in line for hours to vote. At least at my polling place, I usually only have to wait a few minutes. Of course, that's because nobody else is there.
As a woman, when think about not voting, I think Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others, and all the time and effort they put into the Suffrage movement. What a slap in the face to these women for us to say we are "too busy." Heck, they didn't even have electric washing machines and microwaves.
What's your excuse?
You don't know enough about the candidates or the issues. Well, you have Internet access and you can read so go do a google search for your local election information, do a search for the candidates campaign pages, and read what they have to say.
You don't like any of the candidates. Guess what - sometimes there are great politicians out there that stir our souls. But most often, it's the lesser of the two evils. If you can't decide, go to each candidates home page, and vote for the one that tosses FEWER insults at the opponent.
You are too busy. Well of course you are. This is 2006 and everyone is "too busy." In some countries, people have to wait in line for hours to vote. At least at my polling place, I usually only have to wait a few minutes. Of course, that's because nobody else is there.
As a woman, when think about not voting, I think Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others, and all the time and effort they put into the Suffrage movement. What a slap in the face to these women for us to say we are "too busy." Heck, they didn't even have electric washing machines and microwaves.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
My kid does me proud
Every now and then, you have one of your kids do you proud. Last night I started a new class with one of my kids. He did what he was supposed to do, followed my instructions (mostly) to the letter, and was a great example to the class when the instructor pulled him aside for a demonstration.
Too bad I can't get the same level of cooperation from my *HUMAN* kids.
Actually, he wasn't perfect, none of the dogs were. But as my dear spouse pointed out "if they were, they wouldn't need to be there." And, at least he didn't pee on the floor and make me need to clean it up.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
15 hours a week
A friend of mine mentioned this suggestion from a marriage encounter weekend. In order to have a healthy marriage, you should spend 15 hours a week of alone time with your spouse.
Sounds like a brilliant idea to me. I love my husband, I want to make my marriage a priority, let's just figure how that will work.
Let's see, 15 hours -- should be easy to come by, after all there are 168 hours a week, so that's less than 10 percent. Let's say miracles happen and we get the kids to bed at a decent hour every night -- and still have energy after that. Well, let's say at a stretch we could get in one hour each weeknight. (Of course, that's assuming nobody has to work on a night or we don't have any meetings or classes). That leaves only 10 hours for the weekend. That would be 5 hours each weekend day. Shouldn't be a problem at all.
Of course, that means that we probably won't be able to do any of that extra nonsensical stuff around the house, like dishes or laundry or dusting. But who really needs to do that anyway. Oh and the dog doesn't really need to be walked now, does he? And of course, we really don't need to do anything with the kids like spend time with them.
Oh yeah -- but there is the matter of the children -- they are only 10 and 5 so we really can't leave them alone while we go off .... hmmmm well we'll just hire a sitter. Let's see at say $7 an hour times 10 hours a weekend that's only $70 per week times 4 weeks a month. Maybe that's a stretch on the budget. OH yeah - there's always Grandma -- but depending on the situation some grandparents aren't healthy enough to keep up with kids for too long. My folks are both deceased so they're not really all that great in the babysitting department. Now my husband's folks are around and mostly healthy. Just because they've already raised a couple of kids that's no reason to avoid dropping off the grandkids every weekend I mean do they really need a social life.
Okay - I can see the grandparent thing isn't going to work at 10 hours a weekend. Hmmm maybe we'll find another couple that needs to have their own alone time. So we can watch their kids 10 hours every weekend, and they can watch our kids 10 hours every weekend.
It sort of reminds me of all the political campaign ads. "GREAT IDEA!!! Now tell me how you plan to make it work on THIS planet"
Sounds like a brilliant idea to me. I love my husband, I want to make my marriage a priority, let's just figure how that will work.
Let's see, 15 hours -- should be easy to come by, after all there are 168 hours a week, so that's less than 10 percent. Let's say miracles happen and we get the kids to bed at a decent hour every night -- and still have energy after that. Well, let's say at a stretch we could get in one hour each weeknight. (Of course, that's assuming nobody has to work on a night or we don't have any meetings or classes). That leaves only 10 hours for the weekend. That would be 5 hours each weekend day. Shouldn't be a problem at all.
Of course, that means that we probably won't be able to do any of that extra nonsensical stuff around the house, like dishes or laundry or dusting. But who really needs to do that anyway. Oh and the dog doesn't really need to be walked now, does he? And of course, we really don't need to do anything with the kids like spend time with them.
Oh yeah -- but there is the matter of the children -- they are only 10 and 5 so we really can't leave them alone while we go off .... hmmmm well we'll just hire a sitter. Let's see at say $7 an hour times 10 hours a weekend that's only $70 per week times 4 weeks a month. Maybe that's a stretch on the budget. OH yeah - there's always Grandma -- but depending on the situation some grandparents aren't healthy enough to keep up with kids for too long. My folks are both deceased so they're not really all that great in the babysitting department. Now my husband's folks are around and mostly healthy. Just because they've already raised a couple of kids that's no reason to avoid dropping off the grandkids every weekend I mean do they really need a social life.
Okay - I can see the grandparent thing isn't going to work at 10 hours a weekend. Hmmm maybe we'll find another couple that needs to have their own alone time. So we can watch their kids 10 hours every weekend, and they can watch our kids 10 hours every weekend.
It sort of reminds me of all the political campaign ads. "GREAT IDEA!!! Now tell me how you plan to make it work on THIS planet"
nablopomo
I've been meaning to write more in my blog. This will give me incentive for a month and then we'll see what happens.
http://www.fussy.org/nablopomo.html
Wish me luck.
http://www.fussy.org/nablopomo.html
Wish me luck.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Cynic
Maybe I shouldn't listen to music when I'm in a depressed mood.
I'm sitting here listening to "true oldies." And today there seem to be a lot of men crooning about the love of their lives.
Right now, the Temptations are singing about "my girl" (what, do they all share one girl???) A moment ago Bobby Vee was telling someone to "Take Good Care of my Baby" (HEY if you treated her right, you'd have gotten to keep her).
I don't know whether it's me or the type of people I've met or I'm attracted to - but I have NEVER met a man that came across even remotely as the type that was overflowing with romanticism.
Come to think of it though -- of all the men I've known (ex and current spouse, guys I've dated, guy friends, brother and brother-in-laws) I'd probably be really freaked if any of them started crooning about love.
I think I'll forget the Temptations and Bobby Vee and Barry Manilow and just listen to BTO -- and get back to Takin' Care of Business
I'm sitting here listening to "true oldies." And today there seem to be a lot of men crooning about the love of their lives.
Right now, the Temptations are singing about "my girl" (what, do they all share one girl???) A moment ago Bobby Vee was telling someone to "Take Good Care of my Baby" (HEY if you treated her right, you'd have gotten to keep her).
I don't know whether it's me or the type of people I've met or I'm attracted to - but I have NEVER met a man that came across even remotely as the type that was overflowing with romanticism.
Come to think of it though -- of all the men I've known (ex and current spouse, guys I've dated, guy friends, brother and brother-in-laws) I'd probably be really freaked if any of them started crooning about love.
I think I'll forget the Temptations and Bobby Vee and Barry Manilow and just listen to BTO -- and get back to Takin' Care of Business
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