"This is Bert Heely saying...
Hey, Hobo Man! Hey, Dapper Dan!
You've both got your style, but Brother
You're never fully dressed,
Without a smile!"
So much violence in the news! It must be the heat. Resist, Friends! Resist the temptation to kill, maim, abuse, insult, or make unpleasant faces at your fellow man! As Miss Manners says, "Calm, cheerful, pleasant, unruffled indifference, no matter how severe the provocation, is your only hope of achieving popularity." And we are meant to interpret that as "success".
So amused by reports of the Olympics' Opening Ceremony. I wonder how I could watch it....
We are fine here. I've watched two movies this week! One is "Love, and Other Disasters" with Brittany Murphy, and the other is called Aaja Nachle. Both were good, and I was very surprised at how much Josh enjoyed both of them. Of course, any movie where Brittany Murphy walks around in her underwear is okay with him.
Want some inspiration in order to gain calm, cheerful, pleasant, unruffled indifference? This can't hurt! http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/07/avocado-egg-salad/ Yum.
Grant's been kind of a punk this week. Makes me grumpy that I bought him a bunch of presents, but I know that underneath it all he is still my sunshiny boy. I'm excited about our trip to the lake next weekend.
Tomorrow, I will taiko, and Josh will pay a visit to his grandmother with Grant and Abbie.
Tonight we are having shrimp and a fancy salad. Going to be extra yummy!
Hope you are all having a great weekend. Be safe!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Guess where I went today.
Swim lessons. Gotta love wrong information that you specifically call to get. I've decided to find the whole thing funny. Another mom (boy was she surprised to see me) said that she did get a call from the city to say that the lessons were a go.
Grant and Abbie went to swim lessons today. I sat in the shaded area and talked to the other mom. I still got a little bit of a sunburn, but it's already starting to fade. I could see them splashing around, and at the end of class, they all went off the diving board. Some jumped, some were dropped. Mine were dropped today, at their own request, but I have every faith that they will jump of their own accord soon. I'm not attaching too much importance to these lessons, since they already will not accomplish my original goals. I wanted the kids to do two sessions in a row. Now, obviously, there won't be time. So whatever they learn - great. Plus they're spending time in and around the water. All good stuff, and no pressure.
I've been reading The Wind in The Willows. Did you ever read that? So civilized. And kinda sweet. Not bad for an end of summer read. The next thing I pick will be a little more exciting, though.
Last night I made steak. One huge steak. It was cheaper than getting individual ones. And I also cooked zucchini and summer squash with onions. For lunch today, we had salmon and miracle whip and white American cheese on bagels with lettuce and tomato.
I did some research on teacakes, in all their various incarnations. It would seem that what I really like is fruit coffee cake, only with tea. In America, they make tea biscuits in the south, and fruit breads in the north. In Australia, India and New Zealand, they have a variety of spongecake made with peel. In England, what they are eating is essentially a fruit bagel, without the hole. While all of those things sound yummy to me, what I really want is coffee cake with blueberries or cranberries and a streussel topping. Yum. Especially if I'm having my tea English-style. If I'm having black tea and I'm not adding anything, then a fruit bread and plenty of butter would be wonderful.
Anyone else getting hungry?
There shall be taiko tonight, but I'm not on either of the sets. I wonder if there will be anything useful to do. Usually on nights like these, I dream of coming home early...and then never do.
I have that nagging feeling that there is something that is supposed to happen tomorrow, but can't remember what it is.
So! How are you? Seen any good movies lately? Not I. We've had the same ones out from Netflix forever. Really time to send them back and have something fresh. I can only watch a 20 year old NOVA episode about lightening so many times, you know. If you have any recommendations, I would be glad to hear them.
There is, of course, no news with our impending move. Josh hasn't even mentioned it lately. Passing phase? How depressing. Oh, well. At least I don't have to worry about someone opening my closet and seeing that it's stuffed to capacity. I swear, we outgrew this house the year we moved into it....
Hugs to you all!
Grant and Abbie went to swim lessons today. I sat in the shaded area and talked to the other mom. I still got a little bit of a sunburn, but it's already starting to fade. I could see them splashing around, and at the end of class, they all went off the diving board. Some jumped, some were dropped. Mine were dropped today, at their own request, but I have every faith that they will jump of their own accord soon. I'm not attaching too much importance to these lessons, since they already will not accomplish my original goals. I wanted the kids to do two sessions in a row. Now, obviously, there won't be time. So whatever they learn - great. Plus they're spending time in and around the water. All good stuff, and no pressure.
I've been reading The Wind in The Willows. Did you ever read that? So civilized. And kinda sweet. Not bad for an end of summer read. The next thing I pick will be a little more exciting, though.
Last night I made steak. One huge steak. It was cheaper than getting individual ones. And I also cooked zucchini and summer squash with onions. For lunch today, we had salmon and miracle whip and white American cheese on bagels with lettuce and tomato.
I did some research on teacakes, in all their various incarnations. It would seem that what I really like is fruit coffee cake, only with tea. In America, they make tea biscuits in the south, and fruit breads in the north. In Australia, India and New Zealand, they have a variety of spongecake made with peel. In England, what they are eating is essentially a fruit bagel, without the hole. While all of those things sound yummy to me, what I really want is coffee cake with blueberries or cranberries and a streussel topping. Yum. Especially if I'm having my tea English-style. If I'm having black tea and I'm not adding anything, then a fruit bread and plenty of butter would be wonderful.
Anyone else getting hungry?
There shall be taiko tonight, but I'm not on either of the sets. I wonder if there will be anything useful to do. Usually on nights like these, I dream of coming home early...and then never do.
I have that nagging feeling that there is something that is supposed to happen tomorrow, but can't remember what it is.
So! How are you? Seen any good movies lately? Not I. We've had the same ones out from Netflix forever. Really time to send them back and have something fresh. I can only watch a 20 year old NOVA episode about lightening so many times, you know. If you have any recommendations, I would be glad to hear them.
There is, of course, no news with our impending move. Josh hasn't even mentioned it lately. Passing phase? How depressing. Oh, well. At least I don't have to worry about someone opening my closet and seeing that it's stuffed to capacity. I swear, we outgrew this house the year we moved into it....
Hugs to you all!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Obselete
Right now I'm going through some old cassette tapes. Mine were not of the average sort. I actually can't find the ones that Serg made me, but they are the reason for this "project". I found an old song that he copied for me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FJA7cuqD6k), and was hoping to play the tapes again somehow to try and figure out what the songs could possibly be called and find more. Serg was not considerate enough to actually tell me about the songs. I found out later that the one he actually sang to me was, according to the lady who told on him, "a communist song." Now that's romance. Why didn't I dump him sooner, again?
Anyway, want to hear my successes so far? This is just from titles and memory, as I haven't been able to locate a cassette player, yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaVY5GVn2VE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDoRwRLlc3s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MsvAav1KG4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3nj7TDmiSs
Can't find Crathadh 'T' Aodaich & Zbadba. Might buy it instead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axb2sHpGwHQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SYDO3YE2AI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0ajKWPFN4 (Not the same rendition I had, but very close.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1So7q6IfJ4 A little Boney M? ^_^ This video cracks me up, too. More importantly, though, it shows the Jamaican children dancing the dance, which is the true origin of the song's lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF_QPSIV1n8
Wow. My computer - this new computer - just crashed for the first time. I'm little nervous.
So, you might be interested in Brother's visit. Well, he showed up later than we'd anticipated because of circumstances beyond our control (he left laundry in the washer by mistake and had to dry it all). We went to Poppy J's for lunch. Very yummy. If you are ever in the Warrenton, MO area, I suggest you try it. It's the bright yellow building on Veterens' Memorial Parkway. We had giant and delicious deli sandwiches, but then decided not to buy the fancy candy. Instead, we went to Carson's Ice Cream. Brother loves frozen desserts. I pretty much never wanted to eat again, but shortly after we got home, I started cooking dinner. I made that recipe I was telling you about, and "fake" potatoes (That's what I call instant ones. I LOVE them, but I don't confuse them with potatoes that have never been dehydrated.) and sweet peas swimming in butter. I also had a pre-made blueberry crumb cake by our buddy, Paula Deen. If you thought I was stuffed before!! We watched Labyrinth with the kids, and it was fun. And then they went to bed, and we watched Not Appropriate For Children humorous youtube videos.
In the morning, I made a huge pile of scrambled eggs with cheese and tomato, toast, and the rest of the crumb cake. Oink. We were just kind of hanging out until lunchtime, when we were to meet my parents, so Josh and Brother started to mess with Josh's RC model airplane. Josh was having trouble calibrating the remote, so Brother was helping him do that. And that's when Josh learned that leaving the propellers on while calibrating the remote was not a good plan. Mute point. The plane is now without propellers....because they hit my kitchen table and flew across the house. They'll be laughing about this one for years! And I can join them, because by some freak miracle, nothing in the house was broken except the propellers. There is a scratch on my table, but any of you who have been to my house are aware that we found that table in a trash pile in Yuma. Not emotionally attached.
So, then we went to Olive Garden. I wanted to get the Shrimp Scampi Fritas appetizer for my lunch, but then my mom ordered it as an appetizer. D'oh! So I got something else that was way too much. And then they ordered dessert and they got my favorite and they set it right between me and the kids. I was starting to panic! Well, even though I boxed half of my lunch and gave lots of bites of cake to the kids, I seriously overate. Ouch! I would willingly and gratefully have gone the next 24 hours without sustenance of any kind, but the fates were against me. First, there was a watermelon that was hand carried from Arkansas by a family friend, and I had to be seen having some. Then, after my parents left (It was so nice! They stayed so much longer than usual! ), Brother insisted on buying me my favorite grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches from Brewskis. I couldn't refuse, but I did split one with Josh. It didn't matter. I was near explosion. The boys went to play with he airplane again, and I sat in misery at the table.
You know how when your stomach is hurting, you have this instinct to try to eat the thing that will calm it? Don't listen to that instinct!!! I unhappily reached for a lone DOTS candy. And that was that. For the first time in my life I can claim to have eaten myself sick. The rest of the evening was devoted to throwing up, and trying not to let my guest know that I was/had been. I don't remember it well, except in a vague, nightmarish kind of way.
Oh, the shame!
Brother left Sunday morning, right before I left for taiko. I was feeling much better then. Brother seemed to have had a nice time, which is a great thing. He certainly ate well!
No idea what I am going to make for dinner tonight. I'm really not feeling it. I don't suppose my family would be happy with crackers and weak peppermint tea.
I've been applying for jobs, and I'm also trying to get started with the substitute teaching thing. The summer is coming to an end!
Wanna hear what we got Grant for his birthday? Well, there is a great Smithsonian toy where you excavate "bones" out of compressed sand and then build it into a tyrannosaurus. Grant recently decided that he wants to be a Paleontologist. WIN! Also, he's getting two big tubs of Kinex building toys. (Hope I spelled that right.) I also ordered some used Tom Swift books for a dollar or so apiece. Yay for vintage SciFi! So fun. I think my mom is going to get him a croquet set.
Both kids are doing well. Abbie is reading The Wizard of Oz. I actually read Rikki Tikki Tavi to them the other day, as well. Then we spent the afternoon researching mongooses. Right now they are downstairs playing happily and nicely. They are making a town out of blocks and boxes and toys and such.
Swimming lessons for the WHOLE SUMMER are cancelled. Since the pool is open again, this is a mystery, but it doesn't matter much.
Well, I am hoping for a pretty calm week. And maybe some rain. My poor tree looks worse and worse. Now the other one even shows signs of stress.
For you, I am wishing much happiness! Have a happy week, and be sure to eat healthy!
Anyway, want to hear my successes so far? This is just from titles and memory, as I haven't been able to locate a cassette player, yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaVY5GVn2VE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDoRwRLlc3s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MsvAav1KG4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3nj7TDmiSs
Can't find Crathadh 'T' Aodaich & Zbadba. Might buy it instead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axb2sHpGwHQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SYDO3YE2AI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0ajKWPFN4 (Not the same rendition I had, but very close.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1So7q6IfJ4 A little Boney M? ^_^ This video cracks me up, too. More importantly, though, it shows the Jamaican children dancing the dance, which is the true origin of the song's lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF_QPSIV1n8
Wow. My computer - this new computer - just crashed for the first time. I'm little nervous.
So, you might be interested in Brother's visit. Well, he showed up later than we'd anticipated because of circumstances beyond our control (he left laundry in the washer by mistake and had to dry it all). We went to Poppy J's for lunch. Very yummy. If you are ever in the Warrenton, MO area, I suggest you try it. It's the bright yellow building on Veterens' Memorial Parkway. We had giant and delicious deli sandwiches, but then decided not to buy the fancy candy. Instead, we went to Carson's Ice Cream. Brother loves frozen desserts. I pretty much never wanted to eat again, but shortly after we got home, I started cooking dinner. I made that recipe I was telling you about, and "fake" potatoes (That's what I call instant ones. I LOVE them, but I don't confuse them with potatoes that have never been dehydrated.) and sweet peas swimming in butter. I also had a pre-made blueberry crumb cake by our buddy, Paula Deen. If you thought I was stuffed before!! We watched Labyrinth with the kids, and it was fun. And then they went to bed, and we watched Not Appropriate For Children humorous youtube videos.
In the morning, I made a huge pile of scrambled eggs with cheese and tomato, toast, and the rest of the crumb cake. Oink. We were just kind of hanging out until lunchtime, when we were to meet my parents, so Josh and Brother started to mess with Josh's RC model airplane. Josh was having trouble calibrating the remote, so Brother was helping him do that. And that's when Josh learned that leaving the propellers on while calibrating the remote was not a good plan. Mute point. The plane is now without propellers....because they hit my kitchen table and flew across the house. They'll be laughing about this one for years! And I can join them, because by some freak miracle, nothing in the house was broken except the propellers. There is a scratch on my table, but any of you who have been to my house are aware that we found that table in a trash pile in Yuma. Not emotionally attached.
So, then we went to Olive Garden. I wanted to get the Shrimp Scampi Fritas appetizer for my lunch, but then my mom ordered it as an appetizer. D'oh! So I got something else that was way too much. And then they ordered dessert and they got my favorite and they set it right between me and the kids. I was starting to panic! Well, even though I boxed half of my lunch and gave lots of bites of cake to the kids, I seriously overate. Ouch! I would willingly and gratefully have gone the next 24 hours without sustenance of any kind, but the fates were against me. First, there was a watermelon that was hand carried from Arkansas by a family friend, and I had to be seen having some. Then, after my parents left (It was so nice! They stayed so much longer than usual! ), Brother insisted on buying me my favorite grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches from Brewskis. I couldn't refuse, but I did split one with Josh. It didn't matter. I was near explosion. The boys went to play with he airplane again, and I sat in misery at the table.
You know how when your stomach is hurting, you have this instinct to try to eat the thing that will calm it? Don't listen to that instinct!!! I unhappily reached for a lone DOTS candy. And that was that. For the first time in my life I can claim to have eaten myself sick. The rest of the evening was devoted to throwing up, and trying not to let my guest know that I was/had been. I don't remember it well, except in a vague, nightmarish kind of way.
Oh, the shame!
Brother left Sunday morning, right before I left for taiko. I was feeling much better then. Brother seemed to have had a nice time, which is a great thing. He certainly ate well!
No idea what I am going to make for dinner tonight. I'm really not feeling it. I don't suppose my family would be happy with crackers and weak peppermint tea.
I've been applying for jobs, and I'm also trying to get started with the substitute teaching thing. The summer is coming to an end!
Wanna hear what we got Grant for his birthday? Well, there is a great Smithsonian toy where you excavate "bones" out of compressed sand and then build it into a tyrannosaurus. Grant recently decided that he wants to be a Paleontologist. WIN! Also, he's getting two big tubs of Kinex building toys. (Hope I spelled that right.) I also ordered some used Tom Swift books for a dollar or so apiece. Yay for vintage SciFi! So fun. I think my mom is going to get him a croquet set.
Both kids are doing well. Abbie is reading The Wizard of Oz. I actually read Rikki Tikki Tavi to them the other day, as well. Then we spent the afternoon researching mongooses. Right now they are downstairs playing happily and nicely. They are making a town out of blocks and boxes and toys and such.
Swimming lessons for the WHOLE SUMMER are cancelled. Since the pool is open again, this is a mystery, but it doesn't matter much.
Well, I am hoping for a pretty calm week. And maybe some rain. My poor tree looks worse and worse. Now the other one even shows signs of stress.
For you, I am wishing much happiness! Have a happy week, and be sure to eat healthy!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Heh, heh...Sorry about that.
I promise I am not in a gripey mood today. ^_^ (So far.)
So, a minor mystery has been solved. My Facebook page freaked out recently about a breech of password that I used for another login. That puzzled me. I do sometimes use the same password for more than one thing, but not for email or facebook or anything that I actually use with any amount of regularity. However, I did for a while, recycle the same 3. After I got my recent job, I had to change login every 6 weeks, and the passwords had many restrictions, so I ended up with a new series that I use now. However, my facebook one was one of the old kind, and I just hadn't changed it in a while. Still, I couldn't figure out what else I might have been using that password for. I was starting to wonder if it had already been stolen and used! Then, I got an email that cleared everything up. It was for my account with Associated Content. I don't write for them anymore. The pass word had been cycled back into usage much later, as my facebook password, and then the original was hacked.
That was very long and complicated, but really was only the work of a moment. Gotta give the back story, though, if you are to understand!!
We still haven't had any more rain.
There is sickness going around, but I haven't caught it yet. I assume I will, though. So far, the kids seem healthy, too. I like that about summertime - they don't bring home germs from school to infect me.
Brother is coming on Friday. Here's what I'm making for dinner: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/08/peach-whiskey-barbecue-chicken/
Can't wait!
My work buddies are having a rough week, I hear, so let's help by posting one of Nick's video blogs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfQqfSjszIA&feature=channel&list=UL I'm not sure how that is going to cheer them up, but it can't hurt!
By the way, I've kept up with watching the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. They've gotten so far off of the story that we seem to be back at the beginning and in the middle at the same time. I now have no clue when we are, or what I should expect to come next.
Taiko is still taiko. Last night I played Drive a lot - which is my favorite, so that was fun. I'm also learning the dance for Suwako, and we practiced Oni-daiko last night, too. I didn't finish my new Omiyage bachi. I'm not sure I like them. I might end up starting over with wood from my local place, this time. I'm usually not so wasteful. Maybe I'll finish them and try them out sometime, first.
See how non-gripey this was? I bet you didn't think I had it in me. I hope you are all having a good Wednesday, a good week, and lots of rain.
Take care!
So, a minor mystery has been solved. My Facebook page freaked out recently about a breech of password that I used for another login. That puzzled me. I do sometimes use the same password for more than one thing, but not for email or facebook or anything that I actually use with any amount of regularity. However, I did for a while, recycle the same 3. After I got my recent job, I had to change login every 6 weeks, and the passwords had many restrictions, so I ended up with a new series that I use now. However, my facebook one was one of the old kind, and I just hadn't changed it in a while. Still, I couldn't figure out what else I might have been using that password for. I was starting to wonder if it had already been stolen and used! Then, I got an email that cleared everything up. It was for my account with Associated Content. I don't write for them anymore. The pass word had been cycled back into usage much later, as my facebook password, and then the original was hacked.
That was very long and complicated, but really was only the work of a moment. Gotta give the back story, though, if you are to understand!!
We still haven't had any more rain.
There is sickness going around, but I haven't caught it yet. I assume I will, though. So far, the kids seem healthy, too. I like that about summertime - they don't bring home germs from school to infect me.
Brother is coming on Friday. Here's what I'm making for dinner: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/08/peach-whiskey-barbecue-chicken/
Can't wait!
My work buddies are having a rough week, I hear, so let's help by posting one of Nick's video blogs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfQqfSjszIA&feature=channel&list=UL I'm not sure how that is going to cheer them up, but it can't hurt!
By the way, I've kept up with watching the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. They've gotten so far off of the story that we seem to be back at the beginning and in the middle at the same time. I now have no clue when we are, or what I should expect to come next.
Taiko is still taiko. Last night I played Drive a lot - which is my favorite, so that was fun. I'm also learning the dance for Suwako, and we practiced Oni-daiko last night, too. I didn't finish my new Omiyage bachi. I'm not sure I like them. I might end up starting over with wood from my local place, this time. I'm usually not so wasteful. Maybe I'll finish them and try them out sometime, first.
See how non-gripey this was? I bet you didn't think I had it in me. I hope you are all having a good Wednesday, a good week, and lots of rain.
Take care!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Today being Tuesday and all.
I finished Emma. The end was longer than I remembered it. Good stuff, though. I'm wondering what I ought to read next.
Been shopping for Grant's birthday. It kinda snuck up on me.
Here's a question. Did you ever ask a simple question, were answered by someone you weren't talking to, in a very "You just don't appreciate this because you are so willfully ignorant," tone of voice, and then not known how to respond? (Of course I knew how I was TEMPTED to respond - I mean not known how to politely respond.) It wasn't directly political, of course, but this total stranger implied that I don't care about The Environment because I found a flaw in some total third party's logic, and am therefore dangerously Right Wing.
Days like this really make me satisfied to be an independent. Conservatives are seen as miserly, selfish, unyielding old white men, and Liberals are seen as impractical, selfish*, unyielding young angry women. No, thank you. And also - no, thank you.
*selfish in the "I, with my lack of expertise, know so much better than you do how to "help" you through your problems," way, as opposed to the "Me first, me first!!" way.
Really, people, I take my issues one at a time. As for the environment, I happen to think that humans should be more considerate of the other living creatures as we all share the planet. This does not include my turning to vegetarianism. And I also think that Saudi Arabia should not be allowed to rob Egypt of it's culture by infesting it with themselves. If they prefer their own culture, they ought to live in their own country. And I think we should teach kids at their level, and separate them accordingly, and that the burden of responsibility should be on the children to keep up, and not on the teacher to slow down. And I think that the military is worth spending money on. And other things, that I am in no way tempted to go into right now.
I am slightly more interested in the upcoming Olympic games, than in the upcoming presidential race. But I don't care which of them is the most "sexy". Why does everyone else put so much emphasis on that?!?!? Can we please value "NICE" sometime? As a change?
Gah. Exasperated.
Want to hear something? It's because you all live in cities that you are such creeps. Truly, it is. If you live in a small town, you don't pull out in front of someone. Why? Because chances are good that they either know you, or will tell on you to someone who does. Probably your mother. It is also the same reason you aren't rude to the check-out girl. The same reason you keep your lawn mown and your car washed. Because you are NOT anonymous. Being a faceless minion really does nothing for one's behavior to others. Screw "Treat others the way you would be treated." I'm all about, "Treat others the way you would if you thought your mother was in the room and only pretending not to listen."
I must be in a mood. Change of subject? Ready, set, GO!
You wanted to see me play some taiko, right? Here's a video from last October:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8oWUuFUXJ8
And one from last September:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdSTfXh1UvA
Time to curb my complaining and get ready to hit stuff. And I WILL! RAWR.
Happy Tuesday to you.
Been shopping for Grant's birthday. It kinda snuck up on me.
Here's a question. Did you ever ask a simple question, were answered by someone you weren't talking to, in a very "You just don't appreciate this because you are so willfully ignorant," tone of voice, and then not known how to respond? (Of course I knew how I was TEMPTED to respond - I mean not known how to politely respond.) It wasn't directly political, of course, but this total stranger implied that I don't care about The Environment because I found a flaw in some total third party's logic, and am therefore dangerously Right Wing.
Days like this really make me satisfied to be an independent. Conservatives are seen as miserly, selfish, unyielding old white men, and Liberals are seen as impractical, selfish*, unyielding young angry women. No, thank you. And also - no, thank you.
*selfish in the "I, with my lack of expertise, know so much better than you do how to "help" you through your problems," way, as opposed to the "Me first, me first!!" way.
Really, people, I take my issues one at a time. As for the environment, I happen to think that humans should be more considerate of the other living creatures as we all share the planet. This does not include my turning to vegetarianism. And I also think that Saudi Arabia should not be allowed to rob Egypt of it's culture by infesting it with themselves. If they prefer their own culture, they ought to live in their own country. And I think we should teach kids at their level, and separate them accordingly, and that the burden of responsibility should be on the children to keep up, and not on the teacher to slow down. And I think that the military is worth spending money on. And other things, that I am in no way tempted to go into right now.
I am slightly more interested in the upcoming Olympic games, than in the upcoming presidential race. But I don't care which of them is the most "sexy". Why does everyone else put so much emphasis on that?!?!? Can we please value "NICE" sometime? As a change?
Gah. Exasperated.
Want to hear something? It's because you all live in cities that you are such creeps. Truly, it is. If you live in a small town, you don't pull out in front of someone. Why? Because chances are good that they either know you, or will tell on you to someone who does. Probably your mother. It is also the same reason you aren't rude to the check-out girl. The same reason you keep your lawn mown and your car washed. Because you are NOT anonymous. Being a faceless minion really does nothing for one's behavior to others. Screw "Treat others the way you would be treated." I'm all about, "Treat others the way you would if you thought your mother was in the room and only pretending not to listen."
I must be in a mood. Change of subject? Ready, set, GO!
You wanted to see me play some taiko, right? Here's a video from last October:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8oWUuFUXJ8
And one from last September:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdSTfXh1UvA
Time to curb my complaining and get ready to hit stuff. And I WILL! RAWR.
Happy Tuesday to you.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Meh is for Monday
I would like to point out that I haven't been sick in months. I have to hurry and point that out because I woke up with a headache this morning, and I don't consider that a good sign.
Yesterday I had a brain fog problem. The road to my short term memory was most definitely closed due to construction. Well, at least I'm hoping about the construction part. Yeesh. It was bad. Some people were concerned that I might not make it home safely after taiko.
But I did.
Saturday, we spent 6 hours at the zoo with my mother and brother. We bought arm bands to have unlimited train rides, carousel, childrens' zoo and stingray petting. If you do all of these things at least once, then you will have saved 2 dollars per person, at least. We had good luck with the primates - on of the orangutans in particular was being very social, but the new baby in the monkey house wasn't out. We also saw the big cats, most of whom were asleep or panting miserably, and the giraffes were standing pretty far away. Even the camels were lying on the ground. However, there were some great successes, too. There was a prairie dog who was super funny. He came down the ditch and all the way to the wall, and was attempting to climb it, with his little feet scrabbling frantically. I don't know whether he wanted a hand out, or just OUT, but it was amusing. Also, I got splashed, and quite deliberately, by a rock hopper penguin. The water was not warm, but I laughed. I even caught it on camera! The otters were playing. They're my favorite. We never seem to stay long there... And we were shocked to discover that the butterfly room of the insectarium was actually cooler than the outside air. There were lots of butterflies out, but they were active, and not very easy to photograph. As for the sea lion exhibit: it was free, and the lines were rather long for as small as the actual exhibit was. It was, of course, very beautifully done, but we chose to go during the sea lion show, and not many sea lions were still available to be looked at. Another time, I would certainly recommend it, though. Probably the biggest universal hit was the stingray petting. They are pretty charming little creatures. Brother liked it, and I know that it is one of Josh's favorites, too, now that the polar bear has died. You wouldn't think that after being there for 6 hours we would have missed much, but we didn't do any of The River's Edge (no hippos, rhinos or elephants for us!!) and practically none of the Red Rocks (hoofed animals, kangaroos). Partly that was because Brother has a hurt ankle.
While we were gone, it rained for the first time since spring. We hope for more, because we are so behind, moisture-wise, but it was a good thing.
Our Friday the 13th party was fun. The kids weren't much interested in the movies, but that's fine. They were off being Ninja Spies. (Look out, World!!) The watermelon was okay, but not super sweet, but the grilled chicken and hot dogs went well. I think everyone had a good time!
Here is what we have going on in the future: Music lessons today, taiko Tuesday and Thursday, Brother Friday morning, and I'll make the whiskey and peach BBQ chicken thighs for dinner, and then my parents will join us for a lunch on Saturday. Brother leaves Sunday, I think. Next weekend we are having a very small birthday thing for Grant. His real birthday will be at the lake with my parents, but he wanted to see his friends. The next weekend we go to the lake.
School is just around the corner. I'm not prepared in any way. And right after that is J-Fest! I have seen the set list, folks!!
I haven't seen much that is significant in the news, lately. I'm sad that gas prices didn't stay down, but we all knew that election years are crazy on gas prices, right?
I hope I'm not really coming down with something, but it would explain how I've felt for the last 48 hours.
Wishing you all a day of serenity, good health, and maybe a little rain.
Yesterday I had a brain fog problem. The road to my short term memory was most definitely closed due to construction. Well, at least I'm hoping about the construction part. Yeesh. It was bad. Some people were concerned that I might not make it home safely after taiko.
But I did.
Saturday, we spent 6 hours at the zoo with my mother and brother. We bought arm bands to have unlimited train rides, carousel, childrens' zoo and stingray petting. If you do all of these things at least once, then you will have saved 2 dollars per person, at least. We had good luck with the primates - on of the orangutans in particular was being very social, but the new baby in the monkey house wasn't out. We also saw the big cats, most of whom were asleep or panting miserably, and the giraffes were standing pretty far away. Even the camels were lying on the ground. However, there were some great successes, too. There was a prairie dog who was super funny. He came down the ditch and all the way to the wall, and was attempting to climb it, with his little feet scrabbling frantically. I don't know whether he wanted a hand out, or just OUT, but it was amusing. Also, I got splashed, and quite deliberately, by a rock hopper penguin. The water was not warm, but I laughed. I even caught it on camera! The otters were playing. They're my favorite. We never seem to stay long there... And we were shocked to discover that the butterfly room of the insectarium was actually cooler than the outside air. There were lots of butterflies out, but they were active, and not very easy to photograph. As for the sea lion exhibit: it was free, and the lines were rather long for as small as the actual exhibit was. It was, of course, very beautifully done, but we chose to go during the sea lion show, and not many sea lions were still available to be looked at. Another time, I would certainly recommend it, though. Probably the biggest universal hit was the stingray petting. They are pretty charming little creatures. Brother liked it, and I know that it is one of Josh's favorites, too, now that the polar bear has died. You wouldn't think that after being there for 6 hours we would have missed much, but we didn't do any of The River's Edge (no hippos, rhinos or elephants for us!!) and practically none of the Red Rocks (hoofed animals, kangaroos). Partly that was because Brother has a hurt ankle.
While we were gone, it rained for the first time since spring. We hope for more, because we are so behind, moisture-wise, but it was a good thing.
Our Friday the 13th party was fun. The kids weren't much interested in the movies, but that's fine. They were off being Ninja Spies. (Look out, World!!) The watermelon was okay, but not super sweet, but the grilled chicken and hot dogs went well. I think everyone had a good time!
Here is what we have going on in the future: Music lessons today, taiko Tuesday and Thursday, Brother Friday morning, and I'll make the whiskey and peach BBQ chicken thighs for dinner, and then my parents will join us for a lunch on Saturday. Brother leaves Sunday, I think. Next weekend we are having a very small birthday thing for Grant. His real birthday will be at the lake with my parents, but he wanted to see his friends. The next weekend we go to the lake.
School is just around the corner. I'm not prepared in any way. And right after that is J-Fest! I have seen the set list, folks!!
I haven't seen much that is significant in the news, lately. I'm sad that gas prices didn't stay down, but we all knew that election years are crazy on gas prices, right?
I hope I'm not really coming down with something, but it would explain how I've felt for the last 48 hours.
Wishing you all a day of serenity, good health, and maybe a little rain.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Lookie!
Darn right.
I really and truly did schedule today as a completely lazy, self-indulgent, wasteful day. I mixed up some of the drink mix that Ms. Kat made especially for me - it's basically the ingredients to my favorite bubble tea without the bubbles. Wearing hideous comfy clothes. There is a book with my name on it. Tomorrow I clean, clean and clean to get ready for my brother's arrival and also a little Friday the 13th party we're gonna have.
Here. Look at this stuff. It's just good fun:
1. Nice, mellow jam - laid back and lovable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4rbbS2hhRY
2. HAHAHAHAHAHAAA! Don't they think they're sexy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osHT73lWMD0&feature=related
3. I enjoy the song. No idea what it is. And then the abrupt changes at the end are kind of off-putting, but.....I like the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc1uz-MzWRU&feature=related
4. Ever seen one of these before?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r3rCUg3L98&feature=related
5. These kids are the same ages as mine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZLaZyMpfUI
6. Talented kid. I bet she gets the majority of her views from guys who hope that shirt is a dress.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=Pa9qEX5KwUc
7. And then there's this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS8eipuXYWg&feature=related
Here's wishing you a happy Wednesday!
I really and truly did schedule today as a completely lazy, self-indulgent, wasteful day. I mixed up some of the drink mix that Ms. Kat made especially for me - it's basically the ingredients to my favorite bubble tea without the bubbles. Wearing hideous comfy clothes. There is a book with my name on it. Tomorrow I clean, clean and clean to get ready for my brother's arrival and also a little Friday the 13th party we're gonna have.
Here. Look at this stuff. It's just good fun:
1. Nice, mellow jam - laid back and lovable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4rbbS2hhRY
2. HAHAHAHAHAHAAA! Don't they think they're sexy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osHT73lWMD0&feature=related
3. I enjoy the song. No idea what it is. And then the abrupt changes at the end are kind of off-putting, but.....I like the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc1uz-MzWRU&feature=related
4. Ever seen one of these before?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r3rCUg3L98&feature=related
5. These kids are the same ages as mine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZLaZyMpfUI
6. Talented kid. I bet she gets the majority of her views from guys who hope that shirt is a dress.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=Pa9qEX5KwUc
7. And then there's this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS8eipuXYWg&feature=related
Here's wishing you a happy Wednesday!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Drought
Fast, violent summer storms keep happening in the area...but not here. We still haven't had a drop of rain. It's been two weeks now since Warrenton mandated water conservation, and my beautiful new dogwood is shriveled. I don't expect it to make it. The same goes for one of my burning bushes, but the other seems alright. We had a pair of caladiums that are quite dead, too. The thing in my yard that looks the healthiest, and you are free to laugh, is my "dying" maple tree. It's perfectly cheerful, surrounded by yellow grass. My poor baby dogwood is shriveled and possibly already dead, and surrounded by the greenest grass in the yard. You can see how I favored it, while I was still permitted. Josh's lilies were about to bloom, too, but they've changed their minds.
In short - it's dry. Dry and hot. Today we have been "relieved with cool temperatures". That means that it is now 85 degrees, and we are all appreciating it instead of complaining of being hot. If all our hot, dry conditions came a month early, I wonder what it will be like next month.
Swim lessons were to start today, but the water conservation mandated by the city included the city pool being closed from Friday to tonight. Presumably, lessons will begin tomorrow. We do still have our music lessons today, though. I was actually looking forward - from a planning perspective - to having both lessons today, so I could learn how to do it. Sadly, next Monday will be the first Swim And Music Lesson day, so I have another week to worry about details.
We are expecting a visit from Brother soon, and have plans to visit the new Sea Lion Sound exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo. And probably Olive Garden. But it just seems too hot for pasta to me. I'd rather have sushi, but Brother isn't much of a fan, to my recollection.
Abbie is reading The Wizard of Oz. Grant is reading his Ocean Life Encyclopedia. With Josh's encouragement, I'm using his Kindle. I put some Sherlock Holmes stories, and the complete works of Jane Austen. And Middlemarch, because I've never read any George Elliot. Do you think I'll enjoy it? Just reading the title kind of makes me bored. We shall see! Please do not imagine for a second that I am converting away from paper books. I think that in the home I will ALWAYS want rows, rows and rows of hard back books - made of paper. I want a library. But I have decided that for Miss Manners' "always bring a book" policy, the Kindle should prove most useful. Well, except that they might be phasing it out. Typical me, don't you think?
We're having pork chops for dinner tonight. It's required. I thawed them out, meaning to cook them yesterday, but they were still too frozen. But they've been in the fridge too long to not act fast. It's a shame, though, because really I was wanting ramen noodles and boiled eggs. Maybe I can have it for lunch tomorrow.
I've been having pain in my knuckle. At first I thought it was arthritis, but now I think maybe I injured it back when I was working, and that I might be aggravating it. I don't know who to ask, since it seems too trivial to make a doctor's appointment over.
And were you wondering about how taiko was yesterday? I did stay to lend a hand with the new session of the community class. Not as many new members as were expected. Fun, though. I wonder what next week will be like. I don't know how frequently Josh will be indifferent to my being gone ALL DAY Sunday. We shall see.
I really wish it would rain. We were supposed to have it all yesterday and all today. Didn't get so much as a cloudy sky yesterday (although we could see lightning in the distance), and they've changed today's chances to 20%.
Please send rain! We're parched!
In short - it's dry. Dry and hot. Today we have been "relieved with cool temperatures". That means that it is now 85 degrees, and we are all appreciating it instead of complaining of being hot. If all our hot, dry conditions came a month early, I wonder what it will be like next month.
Swim lessons were to start today, but the water conservation mandated by the city included the city pool being closed from Friday to tonight. Presumably, lessons will begin tomorrow. We do still have our music lessons today, though. I was actually looking forward - from a planning perspective - to having both lessons today, so I could learn how to do it. Sadly, next Monday will be the first Swim And Music Lesson day, so I have another week to worry about details.
We are expecting a visit from Brother soon, and have plans to visit the new Sea Lion Sound exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo. And probably Olive Garden. But it just seems too hot for pasta to me. I'd rather have sushi, but Brother isn't much of a fan, to my recollection.
Abbie is reading The Wizard of Oz. Grant is reading his Ocean Life Encyclopedia. With Josh's encouragement, I'm using his Kindle. I put some Sherlock Holmes stories, and the complete works of Jane Austen. And Middlemarch, because I've never read any George Elliot. Do you think I'll enjoy it? Just reading the title kind of makes me bored. We shall see! Please do not imagine for a second that I am converting away from paper books. I think that in the home I will ALWAYS want rows, rows and rows of hard back books - made of paper. I want a library. But I have decided that for Miss Manners' "always bring a book" policy, the Kindle should prove most useful. Well, except that they might be phasing it out. Typical me, don't you think?
We're having pork chops for dinner tonight. It's required. I thawed them out, meaning to cook them yesterday, but they were still too frozen. But they've been in the fridge too long to not act fast. It's a shame, though, because really I was wanting ramen noodles and boiled eggs. Maybe I can have it for lunch tomorrow.
I've been having pain in my knuckle. At first I thought it was arthritis, but now I think maybe I injured it back when I was working, and that I might be aggravating it. I don't know who to ask, since it seems too trivial to make a doctor's appointment over.
And were you wondering about how taiko was yesterday? I did stay to lend a hand with the new session of the community class. Not as many new members as were expected. Fun, though. I wonder what next week will be like. I don't know how frequently Josh will be indifferent to my being gone ALL DAY Sunday. We shall see.
I really wish it would rain. We were supposed to have it all yesterday and all today. Didn't get so much as a cloudy sky yesterday (although we could see lightning in the distance), and they've changed today's chances to 20%.
Please send rain! We're parched!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Quote!
I found my old writing folder the other day. And now, you lucky thing, you get to hear an exceprt from my favorite writer to quote - ME! Okay, I just said that to be funny. But seriously, you should read this. I am not going to tell you how old I was/was not when I wrote it, just know that it is not at all recent, but still relevant. And also, please note that the spell check on this page is AGAIN out of service.
"...and in response to a young lady I know, who was recently writing that the only way to live is to live for the moment: I cannot possibly agree. To live for the moment is to neglect 2/3 of your life. And how long is a moment, anyway? I'm all for siezing the day, and appreciating the moment, but the moment is not one's whole existance. So, Ebenezer, live your life in the past, the present and the future.
The past is not your enemy. It is how you became the You you are now - and don't pretend you've achieved perfection and have no room to continue to improve. You need to use your memory to continue in personal growth. (Don't laugh! Personal Growth is a perfectly good phrase.) The things you've done wrong, the things you've done right - these are tools, stepping stones....whatever - they're important. And also, the things you've seen in the world. Did you agree? Disagree? Use that stuff. Reflect. If the only important moment is now, then you are losing the benefit of having a capable mind.
The present is important, too, though. It's where the action is. It's the verb of your sentence. You can't change the past, and you aren't at the future yet. Being aware of the power of the present is not bad, but don't be duped by popular culture into believing that the only kind of regret you will ever have is not enjoying yourself thoroughly as a child. Ask anyone who has dropped out of college and still has to pay the loans. So, live in the present, but live as you should, not just as you wish. Dessert is for when you've finished your dinner.
It may seem great to ignore the oncoming future and to live each day as if it is your last. That's a very tempting, romantic, exciting thought. But not very likely, is it? The future will come, like it or not. Might as well like it. Many great things are in the future. that's when you will behave perfectly as everyone is watching and admiring you, when you will get the perfect job and exceed the expectations of all with your dazzling talents, it's when the house you've always dreamed of comes up for sale below market cost the same day you deposit huge ammounts into your account. The future is where all your daydreams live. It can be wonderful if you make it that way, but it's not going to be any fun at all if you are not prepared for it to exist. If I had lived in the moment at your age, I would prpbably own a lot more CDs, but I would have no pictures of France of Tokyo. It's up to you to make your future the one you want. It won't be given to you. And if it is, it won't be worth enjoying, and I mean that.
This way of thinking is immiturity of mind, and not immaturity of age, as you have implied. Acting like youth is your chance to live without respinsibility or care or regret is a lie. Being young does not give you the right to any of these things. Freedom always comes at the cost of new responsibilities. It's a trade off. As a baby you had no responsibilities, but no freedoms, either. You couldn't even sit down where you chose to. Now you are approaching adulthood. You have plenty of freedoms, but you are not living up to the cost of them if you are always off persuing pleasure and "the moment".
People these days act like they are entitled to get the beautiful girl, be swept away by Prince Charming, have Life A La Perfection just fall into their laps just by virtue of being born. You have to make yourself into the person who deserves these things, who deserves a Happily Ever After. Then, go out and get one. The only way you can achieve that is with eyes and a brain that both see with equal clarity the information you have gained, the potential you have now, and the possibilities ahead. That would be the past, present, and future, Kiddo."
Wasn't I a genius? Well, I was nothing if not sure of my own mind!! I should also tell you that the young person of my acquaintence to whom this very High And Mighty speech was directed is now an adult (pretty much), and turned out reasonably well. I must admit, however, that she does seem to be unreasonably upset if things that have had no effort put into them don't turn out in her favor, anyway. And this person has no tolerance whatsoever for boredom..... Maybe I had a point or two?
Ignoring all of that -
I am very thankful to have electricity right now. There have been black outs and brown outs this weekend. We had several power outages, but nothing prolonged. We have made an effort not to run too many electrical things at once, and have set the AC much warmer. Cross your fingers for us, and also send your coolest thoughts to those who are still stranded without power. :( Thinking of you, Master Awesome, camper extrordinaire!
It's hot out there! And I have a sunburn. The new floppy hat seems to work okay, but my back burned through two kinds of sunscreen this weekend. (In the shade again.) It seems I have a rare talent. *sigh*
I hear thunder right now. I wonder if any of the rain will be at my house. Well, here's hoping!
Hugs to those who are ill, sad, or excessively hot!