National Security.
I know who should head up the National Security Team.
Verizon Wireless.
I guess the first thing I should tell you is that cell phones don't swim. In fact, they sink faster than just about anything that has ever been thrown into my pool with the exception of small children. And no, contrary to popular belief this is where I look exasperatedly at my husband I did NOT throw my phone in the pool because I wanted a new one. I mean just because I ordered my new pink razor doesn't mean.......:)
I was putting the vacuum in the pool the pool vacuum, not my home one even though I need a new one of those too and my cell phone (clipped to my pocket) popped off and landed in the pool. "DANG" I said as I watched it sink to the bottom. I had just had a shower and was dressed to go out and couldn't jump in so I had to go get the skimmer and fish it out, so it was in there for a minute. I did dry it off and open it up and dry it out and it worked a little bit but then it died and I have been cell-less for a WEEK now. But I digress.
Back to the National Security thing.....
I went to Verizon in Easton, no small feat because it was well hidden, and went in to get my new phone. I still had to wait for about half hour for a sales clerk who told me that I was eligible for an upgrade with my new two-year contract and that I could get a Razor AND two upgraded phones for my other two lines. BUT he could save me $70 if I would go home and order on-line. I liked saving $70 after all there is the whole 90% thing so I went home and waited to order that evening. WELL a Verizon rep called me and told me that if I would go to one of HIS stores here in Columbus, I could get the same deal and more and so I waited to go to the Verizon store the next day.
When I got there the clerk i don't think he wanted to sell phones, know-what-i-mean? was a bit rude and after I explained all of the above to him simply said "we can't do that and it will cost an additional $39.99 per secondary phone upgrade." That meant that my $50 Razor plus two frees was now going to cost me $198.98 WHAT???? I told him I was NOT going to buy phones and left the store extremely p@#%$^! and went home to order on-line.
In order to order on line you need a user name and a password. Guess who forgot her password? Did you know that at least Verizon won't send your password via e-mail nor will they give it over the phone? They have to text it to your cell phone. BUT MY PHONE WENT SWIMMING AND IT DROWNED AND IT DOESN'T WORK ANYMORE SO NOW IT WON'T TALK TO ME!!! Our cells are blocked from texting i know i should get with it but...so I had to call Dave to turn his phone on so I could get the new texted password so I COULD ORDER SOME FREAKIN' PHONES.
Today I'm getting my new pink Razor and Dave and Ahna are getting cool picture phones and hopefully I'll be here to meet the FedEx man to sign for them and then I won't be experiencing phonus interruptus any more.
stoopid Verizon stores i do love their service though, stoopid passwords, stoopid sinkable kamikaze phone.
But if Verizon had the National Security thing I'll bet we would be safe. They don't give out information to just anyone, they confuse you when you want to buy something from the store maybe those stores are a front to help the on-line business. And when you finally DO order on-line you'd better remember that cursed password because they won't tell you...They have to text it to your phone. Hmmmmmm............idk.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
What Does It Take?.....
The Wright Brothers
Thomas A. Edison
Alexander Graham Bell
Madame Curie
Colonel Sanders
Dave Thomas
the 409 Company
Henry Ford
Les Wexner
Bill Gates
on
and
on
and
on
How did these people do it?
How did these people get their ideas, their inventions, their cures, their empires, their dreams, off the ground?
Did they have teams of supporters around them encouraging them, telling them what to do next? Or was it born in them. Did they have struggles and hurdles to endure as their "next best thing" came to fruition? Did they have backers, people with lots of money to help get their project off the ground? Did they become so pushy and nasty that people had to listen to them? Were they scared? Did they do all of that for fun? Did they do it for personal gain or did they do it for the betterment of mankind? How did they approach it? Did they draw a master plan and follow it to the "T"? Or did they wing it and hope for the best?
How many times did they fail before they succeeded?
Did it take years and years and years or was it pretty much over night? And who paid their bills while all of the inventing was going on?
Did it hurt them when it was possible that their dreams were dying?
I wish I could answer these questions.
But I can't.
And it hurts.
Thomas A. Edison
Alexander Graham Bell
Madame Curie
Colonel Sanders
Dave Thomas
the 409 Company
Henry Ford
Les Wexner
Bill Gates
on
and
on
and
on
How did these people do it?
How did these people get their ideas, their inventions, their cures, their empires, their dreams, off the ground?
Did they have teams of supporters around them encouraging them, telling them what to do next? Or was it born in them. Did they have struggles and hurdles to endure as their "next best thing" came to fruition? Did they have backers, people with lots of money to help get their project off the ground? Did they become so pushy and nasty that people had to listen to them? Were they scared? Did they do all of that for fun? Did they do it for personal gain or did they do it for the betterment of mankind? How did they approach it? Did they draw a master plan and follow it to the "T"? Or did they wing it and hope for the best?
How many times did they fail before they succeeded?
Did it take years and years and years or was it pretty much over night? And who paid their bills while all of the inventing was going on?
Did it hurt them when it was possible that their dreams were dying?
I wish I could answer these questions.
But I can't.
And it hurts.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Help Me! Heeeeelllp Meeeeee!!!
"There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and lies between the pit of man's fears, and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call......*
the Bubbie Zone.
I'm not sure how it started but I'm sure how it started. I love bargains.
Now I live in abject terror that I am going to be over run with the dreaded STUFF. I lay awake at night and listen to it plotting, planning behind my back on how it is going to take over my home and then........the WORLD! buahahahahahahaha.
It began with a visit or maybe two to the clearance isles of every store I would go into. The Clearance isles are the kingpin to the nasty underworld of To Much Junk and shopping carts their minions. I seem to be drugged, my cart taking over my mind as it pulls me forward to see what "bargains" are being offered this week. And I stand there, gaping and staring at the wonderful array of new Stuff; being pulled to touch, feel, smell. I don't even hunt what, me kill Bambi or Thumper? yet I take in all of the camo boots and hats and look at gun scopes and read the packages of the fly fishing equipment. Thankfully I have sense enough to pass by the sporting gear but then, there at the end of the isle.......Oh, NO.......it's, it's, SCRAP BOOKING STUFF......AAAAAhhhhhhhhhhh!
60, 70, 80, no 90% off!! I'm sucked down to the end of the row and start frantically looking through the torn packages of colored papers and stickers, sequins and tags, ribbons and tape, sticker making machines and i gasp anew and cover my mouth so my screams won't startle the other shoppers....EMBELLISHMENTS!! I am in a Stuff induced coma now, reaching for the 90% off goodies like a junkie in need of a major fix. I just can't seem to get enough and the shopping cart realizes that it will be rewarded greatly by the Clearance Isle Kingpin for bringing me to its lair.
It's funny how in the midst of all of this, I believe I am actually saving money and finding cool ways to make my thousands of pictures look even better; as they sit in their assigned boxes waiting for the adornment they will receive if I ever take the new embellishments out of their packages and ACTUALLY USE THEM!! But no. I don't want to waste them. They're too pretty. I MUST BREAK SPELL....CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS.....IT'S A PLOY BY THE STUFF TO TAKE OVER MY HOUSE.......
My closets are filled with bargains. CURSE YOU 90% OFF!
I NEED AN INTERVENTION!!!
Anyway, I am coming to my senses slowly but surely. I am going to start getting rid of Stuff. I don't want to have the fifth dimension in my closets even if i did like their music. I don't want to yell to the children, "Run for your lives, I have to hang up this shirt!!"
So, maybe today is the day to start packing up some of that Stuff. I'll have to be really quiet. I don't want word to get out to the Clearance Isle Kingpin........
But first........I......MUST........go......shopping..................
the Bubbie Zone.
I'm not sure how it started but I'm sure how it started. I love bargains.
Now I live in abject terror that I am going to be over run with the dreaded STUFF. I lay awake at night and listen to it plotting, planning behind my back on how it is going to take over my home and then........the WORLD! buahahahahahahaha.
It began with a visit or maybe two to the clearance isles of every store I would go into. The Clearance isles are the kingpin to the nasty underworld of To Much Junk and shopping carts their minions. I seem to be drugged, my cart taking over my mind as it pulls me forward to see what "bargains" are being offered this week. And I stand there, gaping and staring at the wonderful array of new Stuff; being pulled to touch, feel, smell. I don't even hunt what, me kill Bambi or Thumper? yet I take in all of the camo boots and hats and look at gun scopes and read the packages of the fly fishing equipment. Thankfully I have sense enough to pass by the sporting gear but then, there at the end of the isle.......Oh, NO.......it's, it's, SCRAP BOOKING STUFF......AAAAAhhhhhhhhhhh!
60, 70, 80, no 90% off!! I'm sucked down to the end of the row and start frantically looking through the torn packages of colored papers and stickers, sequins and tags, ribbons and tape, sticker making machines and i gasp anew and cover my mouth so my screams won't startle the other shoppers....EMBELLISHMENTS!! I am in a Stuff induced coma now, reaching for the 90% off goodies like a junkie in need of a major fix. I just can't seem to get enough and the shopping cart realizes that it will be rewarded greatly by the Clearance Isle Kingpin for bringing me to its lair.
It's funny how in the midst of all of this, I believe I am actually saving money and finding cool ways to make my thousands of pictures look even better; as they sit in their assigned boxes waiting for the adornment they will receive if I ever take the new embellishments out of their packages and ACTUALLY USE THEM!! But no. I don't want to waste them. They're too pretty. I MUST BREAK SPELL....CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS.....IT'S A PLOY BY THE STUFF TO TAKE OVER MY HOUSE.......
My closets are filled with bargains. CURSE YOU 90% OFF!
I NEED AN INTERVENTION!!!
Anyway, I am coming to my senses slowly but surely. I am going to start getting rid of Stuff. I don't want to have the fifth dimension in my closets even if i did like their music. I don't want to yell to the children, "Run for your lives, I have to hang up this shirt!!"
So, maybe today is the day to start packing up some of that Stuff. I'll have to be really quiet. I don't want word to get out to the Clearance Isle Kingpin........
But first........I......MUST........go......shopping..................
*thank you Rod Serling from the Twilight Zone
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Whew! That was close!
I met a member of the Royal Navy yesterday....he was very professional but the odd thing about him was that he smiled.
Now I've been stopped by the Royal Navy before. Twice. They were mean. They didn't smile. They looked like they thought I was a mass murderer or someone. They looked like they had just had a fight with the missus or something. They looked like their hats were too tight...or their knickers...or their belts were too heavy...you know, uncomfortable black hearted captains with a hang-nails and a sore bunions and scurvy.
Now I know you all are wondering about how I met this particular Royal Navy Captain which I shall henceforth call "Captian Friendly 'arry". I was sailing down SR 161 which turns into SR16 toward Coschocton to bury a treasure chest. I was reveling in the icy blast of the salty brine against me skin reckonin' I was almost to the port of Warsaw ( the lands of the Giant where I intended to bury me treasure) when I had to gather speed in my little vessel to raise to the top of the crest notice I have lapsed into Pirate speak when at the top of the wave I spotted a Royal Navy vessel just off the port side of me ship. "AVAST!" I cried as I simultaneously glanced at my knot-o-meter, which indicated I was sailing at 77 knots in a 65 knot sea, and I trimmed me sails to slow down. I sailed past the Royal Navy Patrol Ship and sure enough, it set sail behind me forcing me to drop anchor and wait with proper documents in hand for Captain Friendly 'arry to come along side.
He was a cheerful chap, smiling like he was on his way to a pub of some sort and asked me where I was headin'. I told him I was on my way to see the Giant...to visit the Giant's land but told him nothing of the treasure I was goin' to bury there. No need for the Royal Navy to be a knowin' everything. He took my documents back to his ship and returned a few tics later, reminded me that I should only be sailin' at 65 knots and to have a nice day. I wasn't lashed or keel-hauled or even fined for sailing at 77 knots and I was very thankful and I said so as I took back my documents, weighed anchor and set sail again for the land of the Giant. Me treasure was stowed safely in the cargo hold and Captain 'arry none the wiser....
I dropped anchor at the Giants lair and was greeted by a great beastie "woof woofing" in his beastie way, its gapping mouth forming a toothy grin. About knocked me down he did with his bulk but I held my own and the Giant came out of his abode to converse with me about me treasure. Helped me bury it too, he did. Said he had experience with buried treasure as well and gave a little laugh. Hmmmmmm perhaps.....
So there it lays in the deep wood of the Giants land near the tree with drop of blood. Waiting to be recovered by yours truly or the blight of thieving pirate bands who maraud the Giants land......I think I'll keep me eye open.
A little warnin' for ye. If you're a Pirate and intend to look for the buried treasure....be aware of the Royal Navy ship a hidden ore the crest of the sea. It may or may not be Captain 'arry. It could be a dark and ghastly bloke with ice in his veins......for which you'll cry more than "AVAST!".
Be ye warned!!
Now I've been stopped by the Royal Navy before. Twice. They were mean. They didn't smile. They looked like they thought I was a mass murderer or someone. They looked like they had just had a fight with the missus or something. They looked like their hats were too tight...or their knickers...or their belts were too heavy...you know, uncomfortable black hearted captains with a hang-nails and a sore bunions and scurvy.
Now I know you all are wondering about how I met this particular Royal Navy Captain which I shall henceforth call "Captian Friendly 'arry". I was sailing down SR 161 which turns into SR16 toward Coschocton to bury a treasure chest. I was reveling in the icy blast of the salty brine against me skin reckonin' I was almost to the port of Warsaw ( the lands of the Giant where I intended to bury me treasure) when I had to gather speed in my little vessel to raise to the top of the crest notice I have lapsed into Pirate speak when at the top of the wave I spotted a Royal Navy vessel just off the port side of me ship. "AVAST!" I cried as I simultaneously glanced at my knot-o-meter, which indicated I was sailing at 77 knots in a 65 knot sea, and I trimmed me sails to slow down. I sailed past the Royal Navy Patrol Ship and sure enough, it set sail behind me forcing me to drop anchor and wait with proper documents in hand for Captain Friendly 'arry to come along side.
He was a cheerful chap, smiling like he was on his way to a pub of some sort and asked me where I was headin'. I told him I was on my way to see the Giant...to visit the Giant's land but told him nothing of the treasure I was goin' to bury there. No need for the Royal Navy to be a knowin' everything. He took my documents back to his ship and returned a few tics later, reminded me that I should only be sailin' at 65 knots and to have a nice day. I wasn't lashed or keel-hauled or even fined for sailing at 77 knots and I was very thankful and I said so as I took back my documents, weighed anchor and set sail again for the land of the Giant. Me treasure was stowed safely in the cargo hold and Captain 'arry none the wiser....
I dropped anchor at the Giants lair and was greeted by a great beastie "woof woofing" in his beastie way, its gapping mouth forming a toothy grin. About knocked me down he did with his bulk but I held my own and the Giant came out of his abode to converse with me about me treasure. Helped me bury it too, he did. Said he had experience with buried treasure as well and gave a little laugh. Hmmmmmm perhaps.....
So there it lays in the deep wood of the Giants land near the tree with drop of blood. Waiting to be recovered by yours truly or the blight of thieving pirate bands who maraud the Giants land......I think I'll keep me eye open.
A little warnin' for ye. If you're a Pirate and intend to look for the buried treasure....be aware of the Royal Navy ship a hidden ore the crest of the sea. It may or may not be Captain 'arry. It could be a dark and ghastly bloke with ice in his veins......for which you'll cry more than "AVAST!".
Be ye warned!!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Neighborhood is going to the Dawgs...
Let me tell you, it's just craziness to have a situation develop police and everything over a cat. Our neighborhood is crawling with them but you wouldn't really know it if you didn't look closely.
There are three of them I am partial to. Princess, Lulu and Smokey. They are nice cats and they don't bother anyone....really....except the neighbors who I will forthcoming refer to as the Dawgs.
They have decided that the three aforementioned cats are public enemy number one and have waged war on them and their owners. They say that the cats use the bathroom in there flower beds, which....well...they probably do on occasion but so do the many other stray cats in the neighborhood.
But seriously folks... let's take a look at the situation. Squirrels dig up flower beds and eat expensive bulbs which is why I don't plant them anymore and birds are always planting trees where they don't belong but end up looking nice there must be God and dogs bark at all hours of the day or night as well, Yes, it bugs me, but I don't call the cops and I have already told you of the birds in my yard and their demands but let me ask you......ISN'T THAT NATURE?
I would understand the Dawgs freaking out if their yard was pristine and the flower beds perfect but that isn't the case. I would bet though they don't have a problem with mice or other vermin because the cats keep the rodent population at bay. Heck, the other neighbors even feed the cats sometimes.
A cat is a cat. I know they can get out of control population-wise sometimes but Liz took Bob Barkers advice and spayed all of her cats. They won't bring on more cats, they catch mice, they are cute and cuddly so WHAT THE HECK????
I guess we will try to keep the cats closer to home. I hope Liz won't attempt to keep them in though. It is a free country, even for cats.
In the meantime, I hope the Dawgs realize how petty and stoopid their argument is. I mean...seriously? If cats are their biggest problem then...WOW...could we be them sometimes? I think they should just shut up and go inside.
...Que music to the tune of We Don't Need No Education...
Hey neighbors! Leave our cats alone....
Not very accommodating am I?
There are three of them I am partial to. Princess, Lulu and Smokey. They are nice cats and they don't bother anyone....really....except the neighbors who I will forthcoming refer to as the Dawgs.
They have decided that the three aforementioned cats are public enemy number one and have waged war on them and their owners. They say that the cats use the bathroom in there flower beds, which....well...they probably do on occasion but so do the many other stray cats in the neighborhood.
But seriously folks... let's take a look at the situation. Squirrels dig up flower beds and eat expensive bulbs which is why I don't plant them anymore and birds are always planting trees where they don't belong but end up looking nice there must be God and dogs bark at all hours of the day or night as well, Yes, it bugs me, but I don't call the cops and I have already told you of the birds in my yard and their demands but let me ask you......ISN'T THAT NATURE?
I would understand the Dawgs freaking out if their yard was pristine and the flower beds perfect but that isn't the case. I would bet though they don't have a problem with mice or other vermin because the cats keep the rodent population at bay. Heck, the other neighbors even feed the cats sometimes.
A cat is a cat. I know they can get out of control population-wise sometimes but Liz took Bob Barkers advice and spayed all of her cats. They won't bring on more cats, they catch mice, they are cute and cuddly so WHAT THE HECK????
I guess we will try to keep the cats closer to home. I hope Liz won't attempt to keep them in though. It is a free country, even for cats.
In the meantime, I hope the Dawgs realize how petty and stoopid their argument is. I mean...seriously? If cats are their biggest problem then...WOW...could we be them sometimes? I think they should just shut up and go inside.
...Que music to the tune of We Don't Need No Education...
Hey neighbors! Leave our cats alone....
Not very accommodating am I?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
It Must Be The Weather...
(Serious alert.....)
Okay. I've read several of your blogs over the last few hours and have this to contribute....I've been feeling the same way. I mean about what God wants me to do and how I can't seem to get ahead.
Que music....Under Pressure.....
I am almost certain it's the weather. When it gets hot out, the pressure (barometric) is higher and we physically FEEL the pressures of life. Do we grab the sunblock and hang in there or do we give up and go home?
I have entered in to a new ministry teaching my babies and all of the neighborhood "babies" as well. I love it, it's needed and I won't give it up no matter how tired I am or how painful it can be. These kids are learning to lean on Jesus and how to interact with each other in a Godly manner. It is through God's grace and mercy that I am able to do this and it is with His wisdom and knowledge that I am able to teach them. It is definitely NOT me.
But what do you do when you have another ministry that you are supposed to be doing and you can't because of man? Outside influences interrupt the Promise and you are unable to carry on? What happens if part of the interruption is yourself?
The clinic is heating up again but I am afraid. I'm don't want the clinic to interfere in my ministry with the kids but it is also something that I believe God instructed me to do all those years ago. I have people depending on this clinic. But I have totally lost interest. I rely on Liz and my friend and partner Susan to drag me along in this, at least right now. What do I do?
But here's the best part.
I AM NOT TO WORRY. I am to take a deep breath, exhale, and trust God. I know He would never have started the ministry with the kids to have me drop them mid-stream. He would never leave them or forsake them. I also know that He will manage my cares because I give them to Him. He cares about what I care about only more.
...change music.....Cares Chorus....
I cast all my cares upon you.
I lay all of my burdens...down at your feet.
And anytime I don't know what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You.
I have an exercise for all of us. It is one that is supposed to help us be great pack leaders for our dogs but also will help us to understand what God wants for us....
First we must trust God. If it isn't something you feel then it should be a conscious effort. A decision. "I WILL TRUST GOD!"
Second; we must ASK God. Ask Him what He wants us to do.
Third; LISTEN to His answer. We need to open our hearts and minds and relax to His voice.
And lastly...Live in the moment. (This is the pack leader thing.) Not only live for today but live for the moment. Each minute find something good and savour it. Yeah, you may be at work, a place you hate, but every moment contains something to be thankful for. (can't think of one? How about this...your breathing aren't you?)
I am still going to enjoy the weather. Every second of it. I am going to enjoy the heat of the sun and refresh in the coolness of the evening. I am making a decision to live life in the moment and listen to the Still Small Voice guide me through the pressures. He knows all about them so...
Life's a beach! Grab the sun screen and let's play Frisbee!
Okay. I've read several of your blogs over the last few hours and have this to contribute....I've been feeling the same way. I mean about what God wants me to do and how I can't seem to get ahead.
Que music....Under Pressure.....
I am almost certain it's the weather. When it gets hot out, the pressure (barometric) is higher and we physically FEEL the pressures of life. Do we grab the sunblock and hang in there or do we give up and go home?
I have entered in to a new ministry teaching my babies and all of the neighborhood "babies" as well. I love it, it's needed and I won't give it up no matter how tired I am or how painful it can be. These kids are learning to lean on Jesus and how to interact with each other in a Godly manner. It is through God's grace and mercy that I am able to do this and it is with His wisdom and knowledge that I am able to teach them. It is definitely NOT me.
But what do you do when you have another ministry that you are supposed to be doing and you can't because of man? Outside influences interrupt the Promise and you are unable to carry on? What happens if part of the interruption is yourself?
The clinic is heating up again but I am afraid. I'm don't want the clinic to interfere in my ministry with the kids but it is also something that I believe God instructed me to do all those years ago. I have people depending on this clinic. But I have totally lost interest. I rely on Liz and my friend and partner Susan to drag me along in this, at least right now. What do I do?
But here's the best part.
I AM NOT TO WORRY. I am to take a deep breath, exhale, and trust God. I know He would never have started the ministry with the kids to have me drop them mid-stream. He would never leave them or forsake them. I also know that He will manage my cares because I give them to Him. He cares about what I care about only more.
...change music.....Cares Chorus....
I cast all my cares upon you.
I lay all of my burdens...down at your feet.
And anytime I don't know what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You.
I have an exercise for all of us. It is one that is supposed to help us be great pack leaders for our dogs but also will help us to understand what God wants for us....
First we must trust God. If it isn't something you feel then it should be a conscious effort. A decision. "I WILL TRUST GOD!"
Second; we must ASK God. Ask Him what He wants us to do.
Third; LISTEN to His answer. We need to open our hearts and minds and relax to His voice.
And lastly...Live in the moment. (This is the pack leader thing.) Not only live for today but live for the moment. Each minute find something good and savour it. Yeah, you may be at work, a place you hate, but every moment contains something to be thankful for. (can't think of one? How about this...your breathing aren't you?)
I am still going to enjoy the weather. Every second of it. I am going to enjoy the heat of the sun and refresh in the coolness of the evening. I am making a decision to live life in the moment and listen to the Still Small Voice guide me through the pressures. He knows all about them so...
Life's a beach! Grab the sun screen and let's play Frisbee!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Yikes!!
Okay, so I'm back to Blog-World.
Have you ever had a YIKES moment (or two)? Yikes is scarier than "Oh NO!" and "Watch Out!" It is a word the describes really difficult things we bring on ourselves or scary things that are placed unknowingly on you.
It was time for my computer security system to be renewed. I use Norton and I am pretty happy with it...so far. The little reminder window kept popping up warning me that I would soon subject my poor computer to all kinds of viruses and bugs and worms and spam and well, you can just imagine. So I clicked the window and not only renewed but upgraded my Norton to Norton 360. It has all kinds of bells and whistles to it and I'm so happy that I have protected my computer from all those nasties.......then, after all the downloads connected to the upgrade I decided to read my blogging buddies and YIKES!!! I couldn't get on-line. I thought I had royally messed up and called my favorite techie - Dave the Younger - to come save me. He did and now I'm back! YAY! I still like the Norton though. I'll just have to learn more about this computer.
On another topic....
I just had to share this with you. I think it's important to keep our eyes open when it comes to influencing our kids. I guess I am too protected and since I surround my self and the kids when they are here with "God-things" I don't realize what a world we live in.
I took the kids to the library the other day to sign up for the summer reading program. It's fun, it's good for them, they win prizes and I can join too! We all love to read.
Anyway, when we got all signed up, the kids kind of scattered which is fine. Jazzie went to the young adult books, Devon was in search of I don't know what and Kakie and I went to the children's book section. After selecting five books for Kay, (that was their limit) I went in search of the other two. I found them in the young adult section. Looking for scary mysteries. I was thinking that I wished they would read something more positive but had a weak case especially since Liz and I love to read mysteries and the book I am currently reading that the kids know I am reading is titled Dating is Murder. I rest my case. So I decided to help Jaz look so I could at least guide her away from the awful stuff.
OMG!!!!! The titles in that section of the library should have been in the back room where only the "big people with a problem" books should have been. There were books about witchcraft and hexes, murder, suicide, sex and even worse stuff. It appeared that almost every book talked about breaking one of the commandments. There was even a book there on How to annoy your teacher ! A book actually listing ways to bug your teacher....can you imagine?
Finally I steered Jazz and Dev out of that section and to a librarian. I asked if there were any tamer pre-teen books and he took us to them. WHEW! I never thought I would prefer to see Harry Potter! Anyway, they found some books, mysteries, and I didn't squabble. But I'll tell you this, I sure will pay attention to what they are reading from now on......
YIKES!!
Have you ever had a YIKES moment (or two)? Yikes is scarier than "Oh NO!" and "Watch Out!" It is a word the describes really difficult things we bring on ourselves or scary things that are placed unknowingly on you.
It was time for my computer security system to be renewed. I use Norton and I am pretty happy with it...so far. The little reminder window kept popping up warning me that I would soon subject my poor computer to all kinds of viruses and bugs and worms and spam and well, you can just imagine. So I clicked the window and not only renewed but upgraded my Norton to Norton 360. It has all kinds of bells and whistles to it and I'm so happy that I have protected my computer from all those nasties.......then, after all the downloads connected to the upgrade I decided to read my blogging buddies and YIKES!!! I couldn't get on-line. I thought I had royally messed up and called my favorite techie - Dave the Younger - to come save me. He did and now I'm back! YAY! I still like the Norton though. I'll just have to learn more about this computer.
On another topic....
I just had to share this with you. I think it's important to keep our eyes open when it comes to influencing our kids. I guess I am too protected and since I surround my self and the kids when they are here with "God-things" I don't realize what a world we live in.
I took the kids to the library the other day to sign up for the summer reading program. It's fun, it's good for them, they win prizes and I can join too! We all love to read.
Anyway, when we got all signed up, the kids kind of scattered which is fine. Jazzie went to the young adult books, Devon was in search of I don't know what and Kakie and I went to the children's book section. After selecting five books for Kay, (that was their limit) I went in search of the other two. I found them in the young adult section. Looking for scary mysteries. I was thinking that I wished they would read something more positive but had a weak case especially since Liz and I love to read mysteries and the book I am currently reading that the kids know I am reading is titled Dating is Murder. I rest my case. So I decided to help Jaz look so I could at least guide her away from the awful stuff.
OMG!!!!! The titles in that section of the library should have been in the back room where only the "big people with a problem" books should have been. There were books about witchcraft and hexes, murder, suicide, sex and even worse stuff. It appeared that almost every book talked about breaking one of the commandments. There was even a book there on How to annoy your teacher ! A book actually listing ways to bug your teacher....can you imagine?
Finally I steered Jazz and Dev out of that section and to a librarian. I asked if there were any tamer pre-teen books and he took us to them. WHEW! I never thought I would prefer to see Harry Potter! Anyway, they found some books, mysteries, and I didn't squabble. But I'll tell you this, I sure will pay attention to what they are reading from now on......
YIKES!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
I'm Relieved....
Okay, we can all exhale now. It has been a week of emotions and finally we can try to get into a rhythm for summer.
As you all know, last week was the last week of school for Columbus Public Schools. Jasmine was "graduating" from elementary school to move on to middle school. There were picnics to go to, signs to make, pics to take and tears to be shed. It's hard to believe she is in middle school. Devon and Mikeala were kind of pushed to the back a little bit due to all of the festivities but they were alright with that. I think they know that their turn is coming soon.
Then we had the BB gun incident. Remember the "Christmas Story"? The whole "You'll shoot your eye out" theme. Well.......
We had to remind Devon over and over yesterday that you NEVER LOOK DOWN THE BARREL OF A GUN FOR ANY REASON!!! We are so thankful he was protected! The BB's are plastic these days and it will leave a nasty bruise but it didn't go into his eyeball. Missed it by THAT much...but it didn't go in. He'll probably have a bit of a black eye. He didn't admit it because he is practicing his machismo but he was scared, embarrassed, angry, and hurt by his actions. He said it was the stupidest thing he had ever done. He's only 10, he has lots of time yet. He even went home to let his dad yell at him. Brave boy. In the end, he learned though.
My girls came back safely from their annual camping trip. Liz and Lori that is.... I'm always a little concerned when they are out there camping. Don't really know why but I am. They come back so tired! I wonder what they do there?
caution! obligatory paris story!!.....Paris threw a temper tantrum in court when she learned she had to go back to the poky. A time out for her! Now headlines say she is contrite and wants to learn from her experience. I hope she does. i wonder...do they have maids in jail? who cleans the cells? hmmmm.....three squares a day, no phones, no tv, a huge stack of books, no responsibilities.....sleep when you want....solitary confinement.......no! i'm just playin'!
Soprano's spoiler...if you taped it to watch, stop reading here:
Finally...I didn't hear any screaming, lamenting or tearing of clothing last night so this morning I checked out the Internet and Tony Lives! i'll let Liz give you the low down And I am relieved for Liz because she loves Tony Soprano. At least now, perhaps, they are open for a continuation should the creator of the show need some cash. In the meantime, Tony is Tony and he will continue on and we can make up our own ending. Right Liz?
To quote Alice Cooper...SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER! cue electric guitars, the pool is in balance, I'll be playing with and teaching LOTS of kids almost every day....Paris is tucked away, TONY LIVES! And we can all breathe!
As you all know, last week was the last week of school for Columbus Public Schools. Jasmine was "graduating" from elementary school to move on to middle school. There were picnics to go to, signs to make, pics to take and tears to be shed. It's hard to believe she is in middle school. Devon and Mikeala were kind of pushed to the back a little bit due to all of the festivities but they were alright with that. I think they know that their turn is coming soon.
Then we had the BB gun incident. Remember the "Christmas Story"? The whole "You'll shoot your eye out" theme. Well.......
We had to remind Devon over and over yesterday that you NEVER LOOK DOWN THE BARREL OF A GUN FOR ANY REASON!!! We are so thankful he was protected! The BB's are plastic these days and it will leave a nasty bruise but it didn't go into his eyeball. Missed it by THAT much...but it didn't go in. He'll probably have a bit of a black eye. He didn't admit it because he is practicing his machismo but he was scared, embarrassed, angry, and hurt by his actions. He said it was the stupidest thing he had ever done. He's only 10, he has lots of time yet. He even went home to let his dad yell at him. Brave boy. In the end, he learned though.
My girls came back safely from their annual camping trip. Liz and Lori that is.... I'm always a little concerned when they are out there camping. Don't really know why but I am. They come back so tired! I wonder what they do there?
caution! obligatory paris story!!.....Paris threw a temper tantrum in court when she learned she had to go back to the poky. A time out for her! Now headlines say she is contrite and wants to learn from her experience. I hope she does. i wonder...do they have maids in jail? who cleans the cells? hmmmm.....three squares a day, no phones, no tv, a huge stack of books, no responsibilities.....sleep when you want....solitary confinement.......no! i'm just playin'!
Soprano's spoiler...if you taped it to watch, stop reading here:
Finally...I didn't hear any screaming, lamenting or tearing of clothing last night so this morning I checked out the Internet and Tony Lives! i'll let Liz give you the low down And I am relieved for Liz because she loves Tony Soprano. At least now, perhaps, they are open for a continuation should the creator of the show need some cash. In the meantime, Tony is Tony and he will continue on and we can make up our own ending. Right Liz?
To quote Alice Cooper...SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER! cue electric guitars, the pool is in balance, I'll be playing with and teaching LOTS of kids almost every day....Paris is tucked away, TONY LIVES! And we can all breathe!
Friday, June 8, 2007
Fountain of Youth
Okay, okay...the buzz today is all about Paris and how she got released from jail. I'm frustrated about that too but.....I feel sorry for her. Now I'm not going to spend my precious blog time entirely with Paris but I should explain why I feel sorry for her.
She is spoiled rotten and I don't think she has ever been told "NO" or that she couldn't have something. Anything for that matter. She has been molly coddled all her life and eventually she is going to have to face a time when she won't be able to flirt her way out of her punishment. Unless Paris falls on hard enough times to decide she need to change her life, she is lost. We need to pray for her. Now don't snort and think "no way, she's got it all" because she doesn't. She doesn't have eternal life. She won't wiggle out of that one.
Now.......back to my topic.
I have a wonderful daughter-in-law. She is beautiful, energetic (at times), funny, blond (at times), a great mommy, and a miracle worker. She can turn the nastiest hair and nails into something out of a glamour magazine. I went in to her new salon yesterday looking like an aging Frankenstein's bride and when she was finished and I saw myself in the mirror I said, "that's hot". no not really, i just had to use a Parisism just once. She did a fabulous job on my hair as usual. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lori! You're the best hair, nail, eyebrow technician/person/stylist on the planet!
But did you ever hang out at a beauty shop? I don't know what the new term is for them so we'll just go with that, kay? It is a small community where everyone who goes in there is on equal footing. Every person goes in looking their worst and comes out looking their best. Every head has been washed, colored, permed, curled, teased, trimmed, moussed, gelled, sprayed and conditioned within an inch of its life. All nails are filed, buffed, elongated, shortened, tipped, decuticalized and polished (often with about four or five coats of various polishes and lacquers) and feet don't miss out either.
While all of this is going on, there is a friendly and often hilarious chatter in the background if you can hear it amongst all of the blow dryers buzzing busily around wet heads. This chatter consists of gossip, favorite TV shows, clothing and shoes, kids, men and well, lots of stuff that women like to talk about. But mostly we are all in the "let's feel better about our selves" boat. At a beauty shop you can go in a blond and come out a red head. Or you could go in a brunette and come out a blond (yikes!) or you can go in with no nails and come out with long glamorous nails that can poke someones eye out and in all that transformation you can have an intense conversation about Paris!
She is spoiled rotten and I don't think she has ever been told "NO" or that she couldn't have something. Anything for that matter. She has been molly coddled all her life and eventually she is going to have to face a time when she won't be able to flirt her way out of her punishment. Unless Paris falls on hard enough times to decide she need to change her life, she is lost. We need to pray for her. Now don't snort and think "no way, she's got it all" because she doesn't. She doesn't have eternal life. She won't wiggle out of that one.
Now.......back to my topic.
I have a wonderful daughter-in-law. She is beautiful, energetic (at times), funny, blond (at times), a great mommy, and a miracle worker. She can turn the nastiest hair and nails into something out of a glamour magazine. I went in to her new salon yesterday looking like an aging Frankenstein's bride and when she was finished and I saw myself in the mirror I said, "that's hot". no not really, i just had to use a Parisism just once. She did a fabulous job on my hair as usual. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lori! You're the best hair, nail, eyebrow technician/person/stylist on the planet!
But did you ever hang out at a beauty shop? I don't know what the new term is for them so we'll just go with that, kay? It is a small community where everyone who goes in there is on equal footing. Every person goes in looking their worst and comes out looking their best. Every head has been washed, colored, permed, curled, teased, trimmed, moussed, gelled, sprayed and conditioned within an inch of its life. All nails are filed, buffed, elongated, shortened, tipped, decuticalized and polished (often with about four or five coats of various polishes and lacquers) and feet don't miss out either.
While all of this is going on, there is a friendly and often hilarious chatter in the background if you can hear it amongst all of the blow dryers buzzing busily around wet heads. This chatter consists of gossip, favorite TV shows, clothing and shoes, kids, men and well, lots of stuff that women like to talk about. But mostly we are all in the "let's feel better about our selves" boat. At a beauty shop you can go in a blond and come out a red head. Or you could go in a brunette and come out a blond (yikes!) or you can go in with no nails and come out with long glamorous nails that can poke someones eye out and in all that transformation you can have an intense conversation about Paris!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Ya Know What's Fun?
Well I could make a list of what's fun but today I am thinking of one thing in particular.
Watching 'Tweenies. a 'tweenie is a young person between the ages of 10 and thirteen in case ya didn't know ;)
Yesterday I had the opportunity of watching about a hundred fifth graders interact with each other. LOUDLY! It was so loud in the shelter house of Sharon Woods Park that I had to ask one young lady THREE TIMES to repeat what she said. No wonder the teachers are hoarse and seem to have nervous tics.
ANYWAY....
It was fun to see them in their 'Tweenie stages. Kind of awkward and still babies but kind of grown up too. The girls giggled and the boys tried to see who was bravest in the Indian Burn that the teachers couldn't see contest. Each child had their own agenda and they try hard not to let the others see but all of the agenda's match in one way or the other. That agenda is to look cool and be popular even though you are scared out of your wits about the future in Middle School.
Jasmine is a hit. Everyone likes her and I think it is because of her zany personality. She is cute, a bit of a tomboy, and she says what she thinks. She doesn't let anyone push her around but she is a true-blue friend when it counts. She doesn't talk about accessible boys only the ones that are creepy on TV or the rock star or the pirate much but I know she is looking and she gets a delightful hue of pink to her cheeks when she is teased about a certain boy i won't mention his name that begins with Jerry and ends with Rubio that her mom and I think she should marry. of course that will all change next year, we are such Yenta's Her friends are cool to. They are all very excited about "graduating" and going to a new school.
I do want to say....Jasmine, you've done a great job at Devonshire and I am very proud of you. I know you will have a great time at Dominion and that you will learn a lot of fun and interesting stuff. I can hardly wait for the Middle School projects you will bring home! Anyway, congratulations Pixie. You're the best sixth grader on the planet!!
So, ya know what's fun now. Watching 'Tweenies. They're a hoot. Especially when they are full of cake, Mt. Dew, and ice cream!
Look out Dominion.....Here they come!
Watching 'Tweenies. a 'tweenie is a young person between the ages of 10 and thirteen in case ya didn't know ;)
Yesterday I had the opportunity of watching about a hundred fifth graders interact with each other. LOUDLY! It was so loud in the shelter house of Sharon Woods Park that I had to ask one young lady THREE TIMES to repeat what she said. No wonder the teachers are hoarse and seem to have nervous tics.
ANYWAY....
It was fun to see them in their 'Tweenie stages. Kind of awkward and still babies but kind of grown up too. The girls giggled and the boys tried to see who was bravest in the Indian Burn that the teachers couldn't see contest. Each child had their own agenda and they try hard not to let the others see but all of the agenda's match in one way or the other. That agenda is to look cool and be popular even though you are scared out of your wits about the future in Middle School.
Jasmine is a hit. Everyone likes her and I think it is because of her zany personality. She is cute, a bit of a tomboy, and she says what she thinks. She doesn't let anyone push her around but she is a true-blue friend when it counts. She doesn't talk about accessible boys only the ones that are creepy on TV or the rock star or the pirate much but I know she is looking and she gets a delightful hue of pink to her cheeks when she is teased about a certain boy i won't mention his name that begins with Jerry and ends with Rubio that her mom and I think she should marry. of course that will all change next year, we are such Yenta's Her friends are cool to. They are all very excited about "graduating" and going to a new school.
I do want to say....Jasmine, you've done a great job at Devonshire and I am very proud of you. I know you will have a great time at Dominion and that you will learn a lot of fun and interesting stuff. I can hardly wait for the Middle School projects you will bring home! Anyway, congratulations Pixie. You're the best sixth grader on the planet!!
So, ya know what's fun now. Watching 'Tweenies. They're a hoot. Especially when they are full of cake, Mt. Dew, and ice cream!
Look out Dominion.....Here they come!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
The Sitcoms Have Nothing On Me....
Okay, in the past few days you have probably learned that my son wants to be a mummy, my speeding daughter is in love with a gangster and is terrified that he is about to be whacked, and my daughter-in-law is trying to understand our weird sense of humor. Kind of sounds like the Munsters doesn't it? unless you are too young to know who the Munster's are and in that case :P i think that is how you do a sticking out your tongue symbol.
My family is a hoot. We have had this strange sense of humor forever. At our Granny's wake the whole family was there and we had a blast! Not because our Granny was gone but because she would have wanted us to have a great time. We laughed so hard and talked so long about her antics that I know she was laughing too as she heard us talk of her adventures. One time she was outside after dark and heard Dave and Josh playing (they were about 10 and 6) and SHE made a loud "uuuuuuuhhhhhh" sound! Scared those little boys half to death! We're still laughing about that!
So you can see, this has been passed down through the generations. We love to laugh and we find that life is funny.
Take Liz's ticket for example. It's not fun to get a $150 speeding ticket on top of a really bad week but we made it funny. After all, why not? We are all going to hit very rough roads in our lives but it's what we do with it that makes or breaks us. As far as her speeding ticket goes? She'll get over the embarrassment and the shame shame shame shame on you for getting a ticket like the rest of us and the humiliation and yes the forking over of A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS! But she is already laughing about it. As I said, why not? Oh, and Liz? Daddy says to tell you, "Slow and steady wins the race." See? Even her dad!
Now for my son. All six foot four of him. Well, that'd be a pretty big glass box now wouldn't it? You can't give the illusion of coming to get someone if you are caged in a glass box! You will simply have to stand there in the corner unprotected in order to give the illusion of being able to chase someone. Of course all of the techno stuff, cables and sound boxes and whatnot would have to be hidden behind you and through your bandages but that wouldn't be a problem. It would only require Lori to come wave a Swiffer duster over you sometimes......BUT WAIT! Dust would only add to the effect wouldn't it? So, NO! Lori, DON'T DUST HIM!! just clean the dust out of his eye sockets so the red lights shine nice and bright!
Meanwhile, all of the grandchildren are developing their own senses of humor and it is so fun to watch. Like at the wake, a couple of hours into it William began staring at this HUGE clock on the wall. After about finve minutes he shouts....."TIMES UP!" I think he wanted to go home. I'm sure I'll be writing more about them soon. But in the meantime? Life is fun, and hard, but fun, and really hard, but...well...fun. It's what we make of it.
And oh, if you are interested in a larger than life Mummified Burglar Chasing System, they are $19.99 plus shipping and handling...BUT WAIT, THAT'S NOT ALL...if you order right now you will get a second Mummified Burgler Chasing System absolutely FREE MBCS offer good while supplies last offer restricted to the continental US. you must be able to speak english to order. our 9 operators are sitting by. phone number is BR-540...that's BR-549...again BR-549 hurry supplies are limited. Call now and we'll have Liz zip one over to ya!
My family is a hoot. We have had this strange sense of humor forever. At our Granny's wake the whole family was there and we had a blast! Not because our Granny was gone but because she would have wanted us to have a great time. We laughed so hard and talked so long about her antics that I know she was laughing too as she heard us talk of her adventures. One time she was outside after dark and heard Dave and Josh playing (they were about 10 and 6) and SHE made a loud "uuuuuuuhhhhhh" sound! Scared those little boys half to death! We're still laughing about that!
So you can see, this has been passed down through the generations. We love to laugh and we find that life is funny.
Take Liz's ticket for example. It's not fun to get a $150 speeding ticket on top of a really bad week but we made it funny. After all, why not? We are all going to hit very rough roads in our lives but it's what we do with it that makes or breaks us. As far as her speeding ticket goes? She'll get over the embarrassment and the shame shame shame shame on you for getting a ticket like the rest of us and the humiliation and yes the forking over of A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS! But she is already laughing about it. As I said, why not? Oh, and Liz? Daddy says to tell you, "Slow and steady wins the race." See? Even her dad!
Now for my son. All six foot four of him. Well, that'd be a pretty big glass box now wouldn't it? You can't give the illusion of coming to get someone if you are caged in a glass box! You will simply have to stand there in the corner unprotected in order to give the illusion of being able to chase someone. Of course all of the techno stuff, cables and sound boxes and whatnot would have to be hidden behind you and through your bandages but that wouldn't be a problem. It would only require Lori to come wave a Swiffer duster over you sometimes......BUT WAIT! Dust would only add to the effect wouldn't it? So, NO! Lori, DON'T DUST HIM!! just clean the dust out of his eye sockets so the red lights shine nice and bright!
Meanwhile, all of the grandchildren are developing their own senses of humor and it is so fun to watch. Like at the wake, a couple of hours into it William began staring at this HUGE clock on the wall. After about finve minutes he shouts....."TIMES UP!" I think he wanted to go home. I'm sure I'll be writing more about them soon. But in the meantime? Life is fun, and hard, but fun, and really hard, but...well...fun. It's what we make of it.
And oh, if you are interested in a larger than life Mummified Burglar Chasing System, they are $19.99 plus shipping and handling...BUT WAIT, THAT'S NOT ALL...if you order right now you will get a second Mummified Burgler Chasing System absolutely FREE MBCS offer good while supplies last offer restricted to the continental US. you must be able to speak english to order. our 9 operators are sitting by. phone number is BR-540...that's BR-549...again BR-549 hurry supplies are limited. Call now and we'll have Liz zip one over to ya!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Ahhhhh, Nature!
Do you remember that commercial where you see an open window in a bedroom and hear the birds chirping and the crickets...cricketing and then the dog barking and then the trash truck compacting? Then a hand comes up to the window, presumably from the bed and shuts the window and it is suddenly silent? Pella; let's the beauty in, keeps the noise out. or something like that.
Well I'm here to tell ya that once you start feeding nature....they show up regularly to tell you their feeders are empty. Let me start like this...It was windy this morning. Very windy. I woke up to a few tinkling's of two of my wind chimes and that soon became an incessant CLANGING of those two wind chimes. There was no rest between the clangs just a clashing of "dings", "tings", and "pings". Kind of like a wild beast running rampantly through a jungle of metal trees and plants. (am i getting better at description or what?) Usually I can ignore these things and go back to sleep but not today. I got up, wrapped myself in my favorite blanket and went out my sliding door. I grabbed the two offensive wind chimes (it wasn't their fault, they were just doing their job) and laid them on the table next to the grill. I could imagine the neighbors in their houses saying "Thank You!" and I went back to bed.
I had perfect silence for about oh say, 5 MINUTES when one of my bird friends decided to sit two feet from my door and begin his high pitched non-stop (either "I'm hungry, get up and fill the feeder" or "I'm in the mood for love - where is that special someone") song. LOUDLY! OMG I thought, so I put my iPod buds in my ears and tried to drown out the noise but the BIRD GOT LOUDER! I swear he saw me do that and wanted to make a point. So I pulled my pillow up around my ears and finally drifted off to sleep at least an hour more when I began to dream.....
In my dream I was listening to my iPod (how weird is that) and singing at the top of my lungs to a Christian song from the Shout to the Lord CD. I was getting strange looks from family members and I wanted to stop singing and even took my ear buds out but the music just wouldn't stop! My ear buds weren't attached to my iPod and they wouldn't stop singing until I turned off my iPod! My whole dream was me, singing at the top of my lungs (duh) with my ear buds while looking for that darn iPod!
Finally I woke up. Whew! I took out my ear buds, turned off the iPod and 'Skeeter decided it was time to get up and have breakfast.
Oh well, I guess the early bird does get his worm or the early dog does get his treat and I have an exciting and very busy day ahead of me.
Maybe next time, I'll get up and shut the window.
Well I'm here to tell ya that once you start feeding nature....they show up regularly to tell you their feeders are empty. Let me start like this...It was windy this morning. Very windy. I woke up to a few tinkling's of two of my wind chimes and that soon became an incessant CLANGING of those two wind chimes. There was no rest between the clangs just a clashing of "dings", "tings", and "pings". Kind of like a wild beast running rampantly through a jungle of metal trees and plants. (am i getting better at description or what?) Usually I can ignore these things and go back to sleep but not today. I got up, wrapped myself in my favorite blanket and went out my sliding door. I grabbed the two offensive wind chimes (it wasn't their fault, they were just doing their job) and laid them on the table next to the grill. I could imagine the neighbors in their houses saying "Thank You!" and I went back to bed.
I had perfect silence for about oh say, 5 MINUTES when one of my bird friends decided to sit two feet from my door and begin his high pitched non-stop (either "I'm hungry, get up and fill the feeder" or "I'm in the mood for love - where is that special someone") song. LOUDLY! OMG I thought, so I put my iPod buds in my ears and tried to drown out the noise but the BIRD GOT LOUDER! I swear he saw me do that and wanted to make a point. So I pulled my pillow up around my ears and finally drifted off to sleep at least an hour more when I began to dream.....
In my dream I was listening to my iPod (how weird is that) and singing at the top of my lungs to a Christian song from the Shout to the Lord CD. I was getting strange looks from family members and I wanted to stop singing and even took my ear buds out but the music just wouldn't stop! My ear buds weren't attached to my iPod and they wouldn't stop singing until I turned off my iPod! My whole dream was me, singing at the top of my lungs (duh) with my ear buds while looking for that darn iPod!
Finally I woke up. Whew! I took out my ear buds, turned off the iPod and 'Skeeter decided it was time to get up and have breakfast.
Oh well, I guess the early bird does get his worm or the early dog does get his treat and I have an exciting and very busy day ahead of me.
Maybe next time, I'll get up and shut the window.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Somebody's Gonna Pay
Just when you think you can't be shocked by life something jumps out at you like a crazed wolf in a blizzard. can you tell I'm practicing my descriptive writing?
I was talking with Alex the other day about school and some of the influences she encounters and I told her she should wear a little cross and maybe some of the more unsavory characters would leave her alone.
That's when the bomb dropped.
She said she wasn't allowed to wear a cross to school, that it was against the rules. It was against school policy. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE as Devon would say FREAKIN' KIDDING ME! I kind of had that same reaction when I heard that our kids weren't allowed to say the Pledge of Allegiance in school either.
It's all because of God. And not just any god but the Big G God who is the Creator of the universe and His Son the Saviour. They there's that they again, some day I'd like to meet them say they want separation of church and state and so our kids can't mention the name of Jesus or wear anything that would represent Him. My question is this.....why can the Muslim girls wear their scarves and stuff? Doesn't that show their faith? I mean seriously.....
I could go on and on about the injustice and lopsided views but I won't. I'm sure you all are on the same page.
There is one thing of which I am certain. Some day THEY are gonna pay. And they will pay dearly. I just hope somewhere, someone will speak of, wear a cross, or even pray to and about Jesus in front of them so they will learn the truth. Maybe then THEY will understand.
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18-16b NIV
I was talking with Alex the other day about school and some of the influences she encounters and I told her she should wear a little cross and maybe some of the more unsavory characters would leave her alone.
That's when the bomb dropped.
She said she wasn't allowed to wear a cross to school, that it was against the rules. It was against school policy. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE as Devon would say FREAKIN' KIDDING ME! I kind of had that same reaction when I heard that our kids weren't allowed to say the Pledge of Allegiance in school either.
It's all because of God. And not just any god but the Big G God who is the Creator of the universe and His Son the Saviour. They there's that they again, some day I'd like to meet them say they want separation of church and state and so our kids can't mention the name of Jesus or wear anything that would represent Him. My question is this.....why can the Muslim girls wear their scarves and stuff? Doesn't that show their faith? I mean seriously.....
I could go on and on about the injustice and lopsided views but I won't. I'm sure you all are on the same page.
There is one thing of which I am certain. Some day THEY are gonna pay. And they will pay dearly. I just hope somewhere, someone will speak of, wear a cross, or even pray to and about Jesus in front of them so they will learn the truth. Maybe then THEY will understand.
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18-16b NIV
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Balancing Act
Have you ever tried to get something to balance only to have it go one way or the other and never in the middle? It can be anything from a check book to a scale (not that we want to talk about scales) or, in my case, pH.
Now I know that pH may not be a topic that everyone worries about but I do because it has to do with the clarity and condition of the water in my pool. I am this weird person who is a little obsessive-compulsive (okay, my kids can stop laughing now) about how things look, especially around my pool. After all, this is an oasis for me. It's my little piece of the tropics stuck right here in the middle of Columbus Ohio. I sometimes even have a Cabana boy when he isn't playing golf, so it would make sense for me to want to have crystal clear water. But it isn't easy.
I usually have at least eight kids in my pool at a time. Sometimes, like yesterday, I have about thirteen. Apparently this causes a rise in the pH of the water due to various fluids (we won't go into that) so one would think I will be fighting this all summer. I think it's okay though and here's why...
I am learning math better (not one of my best subjects) and chemistry; like if I put two pounds of pH minus in my 16,000 gallon pools will it bring my 8.9 pH reading down to 7.5 where it is supposed to be. And if I need to put in a pound and an eighth, how much is that in the red cup I am using to measure with?
The other reason, and I consider this the main reason, is because it keeps the kids safe. I can absorb myself in a book while keeping my eye on the pool and the kids can play and cool off and be in an environment that is protected from the bully's and the noise and the trash of the outside world. They can be themselves and not worry about who may be watching (or leering at) them and they always have a referee if they need one.
I consider it a privilege to have them and well as a privilege that they want to be here. I am hoping to help them balance their lives and I know with God's help I will.
Now if only I could do the same with the pH!
Now I know that pH may not be a topic that everyone worries about but I do because it has to do with the clarity and condition of the water in my pool. I am this weird person who is a little obsessive-compulsive (okay, my kids can stop laughing now) about how things look, especially around my pool. After all, this is an oasis for me. It's my little piece of the tropics stuck right here in the middle of Columbus Ohio. I sometimes even have a Cabana boy when he isn't playing golf, so it would make sense for me to want to have crystal clear water. But it isn't easy.
I usually have at least eight kids in my pool at a time. Sometimes, like yesterday, I have about thirteen. Apparently this causes a rise in the pH of the water due to various fluids (we won't go into that) so one would think I will be fighting this all summer. I think it's okay though and here's why...
I am learning math better (not one of my best subjects) and chemistry; like if I put two pounds of pH minus in my 16,000 gallon pools will it bring my 8.9 pH reading down to 7.5 where it is supposed to be. And if I need to put in a pound and an eighth, how much is that in the red cup I am using to measure with?
The other reason, and I consider this the main reason, is because it keeps the kids safe. I can absorb myself in a book while keeping my eye on the pool and the kids can play and cool off and be in an environment that is protected from the bully's and the noise and the trash of the outside world. They can be themselves and not worry about who may be watching (or leering at) them and they always have a referee if they need one.
I consider it a privilege to have them and well as a privilege that they want to be here. I am hoping to help them balance their lives and I know with God's help I will.
Now if only I could do the same with the pH!
Friday, June 1, 2007
Knowing when to SHUT UP!
It's difficult to watch. I mean when children (or anyone for that matter) are starting to learn about independence of thought and personality. It's when they begin to decide just who they are and try to voice their opinions and ideals. It is often like watching a really bad movie hoping it will get better as it goes along.
I have the experience of watching that process more often than not. Because of the fact that I am with children a LOT, I am seeing them develop and find it interesting that they are, in some ways like puppies and in other ways like Pit Bulls. (can you tell that I am listening to Cesar's Way, he's a dog psychologist, on tape? But that's another story)
They are like puppies in that they play rough 'n tumble with the rough getting rougher until someone gets hurt and then it's Pit Bull time. I hate that part but it happens every time. That sort of thing can often be headed off at the pass but it's the "open mouth-insert foot" syndrome that is the problem.
Take yesterday for example. As you know Devon just turned ten. He is a bundle of testosterone and energy and most of it is in his mouth. He loves to talk, hear himself talk, and it seems that talking is his favorite hobby. After all, he has been talking since he was 10 months old and...well...hasn't stopped. We have discussed that he could be a preacher or a politician but again I digress.
We were getting ready for school and there was a small conflict between Devon and his little sister Mikeala. She wanted to borrow his markers and he didn't want to lend them. I tried to talk to him about the whole sharing thing but he wasn't budging. He was smart mouthing. I said that I liked to share things, like my pool for example and he said, "So?"
He was testing the waters. He was trying to be "grown up". The conversation began to escalate between us, me trying to get him to lend his markers and him progressively turning on the mouth. His mother was listening all of this while she was getting ready for work. Finally he went too far. He said he didn't care if he didn't swim in the pool, that he didn't need it and the "W" word came out.
"Whatever"
At this point his mother says in a very matter of fact tone "you are grounded from the pool today and the video games too."
The look on his face absolutely broke my heart. He probably thought he was asserting himself in a manly way and now he was grounded. I could see him asking himself "What just happened?"
I was thinking he just needed to stop talking! Just shut-up! Don't make it worse! BE QUIET!!
In the end, after a long conversation with his mom on behaviour and watching his mouth he was able to go swimming. I kind of pulled the Bubbie card. Thanks Liz!
They're learning. And it's hard.
They will get it in the long run, they'll just have to go through some very difficults times to get there and we'll all work on it together.
One thing stands sure though, puppies or Pit Bulls, they are all still beautiful to me.
I have the experience of watching that process more often than not. Because of the fact that I am with children a LOT, I am seeing them develop and find it interesting that they are, in some ways like puppies and in other ways like Pit Bulls. (can you tell that I am listening to Cesar's Way, he's a dog psychologist, on tape? But that's another story)
They are like puppies in that they play rough 'n tumble with the rough getting rougher until someone gets hurt and then it's Pit Bull time. I hate that part but it happens every time. That sort of thing can often be headed off at the pass but it's the "open mouth-insert foot" syndrome that is the problem.
Take yesterday for example. As you know Devon just turned ten. He is a bundle of testosterone and energy and most of it is in his mouth. He loves to talk, hear himself talk, and it seems that talking is his favorite hobby. After all, he has been talking since he was 10 months old and...well...hasn't stopped. We have discussed that he could be a preacher or a politician but again I digress.
We were getting ready for school and there was a small conflict between Devon and his little sister Mikeala. She wanted to borrow his markers and he didn't want to lend them. I tried to talk to him about the whole sharing thing but he wasn't budging. He was smart mouthing. I said that I liked to share things, like my pool for example and he said, "So?"
He was testing the waters. He was trying to be "grown up". The conversation began to escalate between us, me trying to get him to lend his markers and him progressively turning on the mouth. His mother was listening all of this while she was getting ready for work. Finally he went too far. He said he didn't care if he didn't swim in the pool, that he didn't need it and the "W" word came out.
"Whatever"
At this point his mother says in a very matter of fact tone "you are grounded from the pool today and the video games too."
The look on his face absolutely broke my heart. He probably thought he was asserting himself in a manly way and now he was grounded. I could see him asking himself "What just happened?"
I was thinking he just needed to stop talking! Just shut-up! Don't make it worse! BE QUIET!!
In the end, after a long conversation with his mom on behaviour and watching his mouth he was able to go swimming. I kind of pulled the Bubbie card. Thanks Liz!
They're learning. And it's hard.
They will get it in the long run, they'll just have to go through some very difficults times to get there and we'll all work on it together.
One thing stands sure though, puppies or Pit Bulls, they are all still beautiful to me.
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