I write much more than I publish. I write, critique, delete.
I delete because I don't have all the answers.
I delete because quite often, I see both sides of the issue.
I delete because the last thing I want to do is hurt or offend.
I will say what I believe when asked, but I find that as I get older, my beliefs change.
I find that the more I read, the more people I meet, the more I find my perceptions changing.
Don't get me wrong - truth is truth.
But there seems to be a lot of issues that aren't clearly defined.
Many things seem to have two sides.
I don't want to be a hypocrite.
I have a son who is watching.
So unless I know that I know that I know something, I'm not going to talk about it.
Because I just might find myself realizing later on that I was wrong.
Showing posts with label miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miscellaneous. Show all posts
February 10, 2010
September 11, 2009
On 9-11-01...
This is a repost of the post I did last year.
I was newly engaged, student-teaching a class of first-graders. I was leaving school to go to my afternoon college class. I was going to celebrate my one-year anniversary with my fiance (now hubby). I heard the radio in the school office. I didn't understand.
I listened in my car on the way to my class, and had to pull over onto the side of the road. My aunts worked at the Twin Towers. My dad travels to the Pentagon as part of his job. I didn't understand.
Classes are canceled for the rest of the day as those around me burst into hysterics. I walk into my house and turn on Fox News; I sit for hours watching the clips replay over and over. I didn't understand.
I hold a stack of worksheets painstakingly done by six-year-olds. I find myself writing the sequence of events onto one of the papers. I sense what I am seeing and hearing is important. I didn't understand.
Eight years later, I know the sequence of events, I know what happened. I know the motivation, I know who was responsible. I know what we, as a country, have done to support each other in the aftermath. But I still don't understand.
I was newly engaged, student-teaching a class of first-graders. I was leaving school to go to my afternoon college class. I was going to celebrate my one-year anniversary with my fiance (now hubby). I heard the radio in the school office. I didn't understand.
I listened in my car on the way to my class, and had to pull over onto the side of the road. My aunts worked at the Twin Towers. My dad travels to the Pentagon as part of his job. I didn't understand.
Classes are canceled for the rest of the day as those around me burst into hysterics. I walk into my house and turn on Fox News; I sit for hours watching the clips replay over and over. I didn't understand.
I hold a stack of worksheets painstakingly done by six-year-olds. I find myself writing the sequence of events onto one of the papers. I sense what I am seeing and hearing is important. I didn't understand.
Eight years later, I know the sequence of events, I know what happened. I know the motivation, I know who was responsible. I know what we, as a country, have done to support each other in the aftermath. But I still don't understand.
June 16, 2009
First Flight
When we were in Florida, we stayed with my sister's dad. On Saturday, he took DH, BB and I out on his plane:
BB was pretty excited to be able to go for a plane ride:
From the moment the headphones were on, BB didn't say a word the entire flight. He seemed to take the whole ride very seriously:
Even though we had to get up really early, we still had a lot of fun!
BB was pretty excited to be able to go for a plane ride:
From the moment the headphones were on, BB didn't say a word the entire flight. He seemed to take the whole ride very seriously:
Even though we had to get up really early, we still had a lot of fun!
June 1, 2009
What Room are You?
I think I can live with these results...
Thanks to Katie at A Listmaker's Life for this one!
You Are the Living Room |
 You are laid back and casual. You can have fun in almost any situation. You believe in being easy going. Life's hard enough, and you're not going to make it any harder. You are sociable and friendly. You welcome almost anyone into your life. You are completely unpretentious. You prefer living in a comfortable home to living in a showy home. |
Thanks to Katie at A Listmaker's Life for this one!
May 18, 2009
My Monday
Monday morning, DH had a flat tire on his car. His flat tire reminded me that since we have to drive to Florida for my sister's baby, it would be a good idea to check the tires on my car. I realized that I needed to get the tires rotated and balanced, so off BB and I went to Wal-Mart.
After 30 minutes or so, the mechanic paged me over the intercom. Pleased at how quickly my car was through, BB and I went to pick up our car, only to be met with bad news - two lugnuts wouldn't come off one tire. Wal-Mart's insurance prevents them from messing with stubborn lugnuts, so I was out of luck.
However, the mechanic felt certain that if we took my car to Sam's Club where I originally bought the tires, the mechanics there would be able to fix the problem.
When we got to Sam's, we shopped around for a few minutes, ate some lunch, and we were about to look at the toys when I heard my name paged.
Once again, I went to the automotive section pleased at how quickly the mechanics had worked on my car, only to be met with the manager of the section coming towards me. Apparently, when I bought the tires 5 months ago, the mechanic installing my tires misthreaded the two lugnuts that won't come off. Like Wal-Mart, their insurance prevents them from messing with a customer's lugnuts if there appears to be a problem. However, the manager felt certain that if I took my car to a larger car place, they would be able to fix the problem quickly. Since the lugnut problem was Sam's fault, they would even reimburse me.
Inconvienced but understanding, off we went. Once there, however, I was told to go to the dealership, which is on the other side of the town.
Are you beginning to see a pattern?
Once again, I load BB up in the car and get back on the interstate to drive to the other side of town. At the dealership, I explain the problem to the person on duty. She looks at the car, and calls in a mechanic. The mechanic looks at the car and calls in someone who appeared to be in charge. They conference for a few minutes, and research the parts on the internet.
At this point, I am starting to have doubts.
Finally, the person comes back over and tells me that they can fix the problem, but they'll have to order the parts. Their regulations won't permit them to order the parts until they have payment. Since Sam's is going to reimburse me, they want Sam's to pay them directly. The parts themselves will only run about $20 bucks, but after labor, the estimate is $345. Highly skilled labor, don't you think?
I was told to call Sam's and get verification that they will pay the dealership directly, and then the parts will be ordered. Estimate in hand, I head back to Sam's.
When I tell the price of the estimate to the manager of automotive, I am told to call the manager of the store. When I call the manager of the store, I am told that they cannot approve an expense of that amount, due to their regulations. However, they will file a claim with their insurance company and their insurance company will call me to check out my story.
If the insurance company accepts the claim, then Sam's will be authrorized to pay the dealership. If Sam's pays the dealership, the dealership will order the parts. Once the dealership orders the parts, the parts should arrive in 3-5 business days. Once the parts arrive, the dealership can replace the parts on my car. Once my car has the parts replaced, I can go to Sam's to get my tires rotated.
All told, I spent 5 hours yesterday on a 30-minute errand.
Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?
After 30 minutes or so, the mechanic paged me over the intercom. Pleased at how quickly my car was through, BB and I went to pick up our car, only to be met with bad news - two lugnuts wouldn't come off one tire. Wal-Mart's insurance prevents them from messing with stubborn lugnuts, so I was out of luck.
However, the mechanic felt certain that if we took my car to Sam's Club where I originally bought the tires, the mechanics there would be able to fix the problem.
When we got to Sam's, we shopped around for a few minutes, ate some lunch, and we were about to look at the toys when I heard my name paged.
Once again, I went to the automotive section pleased at how quickly the mechanics had worked on my car, only to be met with the manager of the section coming towards me. Apparently, when I bought the tires 5 months ago, the mechanic installing my tires misthreaded the two lugnuts that won't come off. Like Wal-Mart, their insurance prevents them from messing with a customer's lugnuts if there appears to be a problem. However, the manager felt certain that if I took my car to a larger car place, they would be able to fix the problem quickly. Since the lugnut problem was Sam's fault, they would even reimburse me.
Inconvienced but understanding, off we went. Once there, however, I was told to go to the dealership, which is on the other side of the town.
Are you beginning to see a pattern?
Once again, I load BB up in the car and get back on the interstate to drive to the other side of town. At the dealership, I explain the problem to the person on duty. She looks at the car, and calls in a mechanic. The mechanic looks at the car and calls in someone who appeared to be in charge. They conference for a few minutes, and research the parts on the internet.
At this point, I am starting to have doubts.
Finally, the person comes back over and tells me that they can fix the problem, but they'll have to order the parts. Their regulations won't permit them to order the parts until they have payment. Since Sam's is going to reimburse me, they want Sam's to pay them directly. The parts themselves will only run about $20 bucks, but after labor, the estimate is $345. Highly skilled labor, don't you think?
I was told to call Sam's and get verification that they will pay the dealership directly, and then the parts will be ordered. Estimate in hand, I head back to Sam's.
When I tell the price of the estimate to the manager of automotive, I am told to call the manager of the store. When I call the manager of the store, I am told that they cannot approve an expense of that amount, due to their regulations. However, they will file a claim with their insurance company and their insurance company will call me to check out my story.
If the insurance company accepts the claim, then Sam's will be authrorized to pay the dealership. If Sam's pays the dealership, the dealership will order the parts. Once the dealership orders the parts, the parts should arrive in 3-5 business days. Once the parts arrive, the dealership can replace the parts on my car. Once my car has the parts replaced, I can go to Sam's to get my tires rotated.
All told, I spent 5 hours yesterday on a 30-minute errand.
Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?
May 13, 2009
I'm Still Here
I'm sorry I haven't posted much lately. I haven't had much to write about, plus I've been planning a bridal tea and a trip to Florida (not really a pleasure trip; my sister is having a baby any day now). PLUS, I find that after I read the new posts from the different blogs I have in Google reader, my self-allotted computer time is over.
I currently have 77 different blogs in my reader; thank God they don't all post new material every day! I actually have weeded down my list from what it used to be, and there are several big-name blogs that I know are wonderful but that I don't read. I try to comment on all the posts that I have a comment for, which is another time sap. I know that when I write a post, I want lots of comments, so I try to do the same.
All that being said, please don't feel like you have to comment on THIS post, which is just me rambling on with excuses :) I promise that when I have something post-worthy, I will post. I'm sure my upcoming trip to Florida will provide lots of material!
I currently have 77 different blogs in my reader; thank God they don't all post new material every day! I actually have weeded down my list from what it used to be, and there are several big-name blogs that I know are wonderful but that I don't read. I try to comment on all the posts that I have a comment for, which is another time sap. I know that when I write a post, I want lots of comments, so I try to do the same.
All that being said, please don't feel like you have to comment on THIS post, which is just me rambling on with excuses :) I promise that when I have something post-worthy, I will post. I'm sure my upcoming trip to Florida will provide lots of material!
May 8, 2009
Pink & Green Swap
Sarah at Blue Castle and Melody at Three Boys and a Dog recently co-hosted a Pink & Green swap party. Each person was assigned a blog buddy to swap pink and green presents with, keeping the total cost of the presents under $15. I was assigned Melody, and I sent her these:
A notebook that I decorated;
Some boxes to transport cupcakes in, because she is into making cupcakes;
Some cards, a Bible bookmark, and other fun stuff.I thought that I had done really well with how much I had assembled for $15 or less. That is, until I received her package. There were so many things in my box that I had to take 2 pictures:
Isn't that amazing? Thanks Sarah and Melody for hosting the swap, and thank you Melody for all of my new treasures! I love it all and I had a blast!February 16, 2009
This day in History
for February 17, from the source of all reliable information, Wikepedia. I have deleted all unimportant (re: things that don't interest me) from this list:
Important Events
1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori in Rome, charged of heresy.
1621 - Myles Standish is appointed as first commander of Plymouth colony.
1801 - An electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr is resolved when Jefferson is elected President of the United States and Burr Vice President by the United States House of Representatives.
1819 - The United States House of Representatives passes the Missouri Compromise.
1864 - American Civil War: The H. L. Hunley becomes the first submarine to engage and sink a warship, the USS Housatonic.
1865 - American Civil War: Columbia, South Carolina is burned as Confederate forces flee from advancing Union forces.
1867 - The first ship passes through the Suez Canal.
1904 - Madama Butterfly premiers at La Scala in Milan.
1925 - Harold Ross and Jane Grant found The New Yorker magazine; the debut issue is dated February 21, 1925.
1933 - The magazine Newsweek is published for the first time.
1933 - The Blaine Act ends Prohibition in the United States.
1936 - The world's first superhero, The Phantom, makes his first appearance in comics.
1947 - The Voice of America begins to transmit radio broadcasts into the Soviet Union.
1964 - In Wesberry v. Sanders the Supreme Court of the United States rules that congressional districts have to be approximately equal in population.
1992 - A court in Milwaukee, Wisconsin sentences serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer to life in prison.
1996 - In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, world champion Garry Kasparov beats the Deep Blue supercomputer in a chess match.
2006 - A massive mudslide occurs in Southern Leyte, Philippines; the official death toll is set at 1,126.
2008 - Kosovo declares independence from Serbia.
Famous Births:
1653 - Arcangelo Corelli, Italian composer (d. 1713)
1718 - Matthew Tilghman, American Continental Congressman (d. 1790)
1752 - Friedrich Maximilian Klinger, German writer (d. 1831)
1796 - Philipp Franz von Siebold, German physician (d. 1866)
1844 - Aaron Montgomery Ward, American department store founder (d. 1913)
1848 - Louisa Lawson, Australian suffragist and writer (d. 1920)
1854 - Friedrich Alfred Krupp, German industrialist (d. 1902)
1863 - Fyodor Sologub, Russian symbolist novelist and poet (d. 1927)
1874 - Thomas J. Watson, American computer manufacturer (d. 1956)
1885 - Steve Evans, American baseball player (d. 1943)
1888 - Otto Stern, German physicist, Nobel Prize Laureate (d. 1969)
1893 - Wally Pipp, American baseball player (d. 1965)
1904 - Hans Morgenthau, German political philosopher (d. 1980)
1908 - Red Barber, American baseball announcer (d. 1992)
1910 - Arthur Hunnicutt, American actor (d. 1979)
1910 - Marc Lawrence, American actor (d. 2005)
1914 - Arthur Kennedy, American actor (d. 1990)
1914 - Wayne Morris, American actor (d. 1959)
1916 - Alexander Obolensky, Russian prince and famed Rugby Union footballer who played for England (d. 1940)
1919 - Kathleen Freeman, American actress (d. 2001)
1922 - Tommy Edwards, American singer (d. 1969)
1922 - Marshall Teague, American race car driver (d. 1959)
1924 - Margaret Truman, American novelist (d. 2008)
1925 - Ron Goodwin, English composer and conductor (d. 2003)
1925 - Hal Holbrook, American actor
1930 - Roger Craig, American baseball player and manager
1933 - Bobby Lewis, American singer
1933 - Craig L. Thomas, American politician (d. 2007)
1934 - Alan Bates, English actor (d. 2003)
1936 - Jim Brown, American football player
1939 - John Leyton, British singer
1939 - Mary Ann Mobley, American actress and beauty queen
1940 - Gene Pitney, American singer (d. 2006)
1942 - Huey P. Newton, American political activist (d. 1989)
1945 - Zina Bethune, American actress
1953 - Norman Pace, British actor and comic
1954 - Rene Russo, American actress
1956 - Richard Karn, American actor
1959 - Neil Lomax, American football player
1962 - Lou Diamond Phillips, American actor
1963 - Michael Jordan, American basketball player
1963 - Larry the Cable Guy, American comedian
1966 - Michael Lepond, American musician
1967 - Chanté Moore, American singer
1968 - Bryan Cox, National Football League player
1969 - Tuesday Knight, American actress
1970 - Tim Mahoney, American musician (311)
1970 - Tommy Moe, American Olympic skier
1970 - Dominic Purcell, English-born actor
1971 - Martyn Bennett, Canadian composer (d. 2005)
1971 - Jeremy Edwards, British actor
1971 - Denise Richards, American actress
1972 - Billie Joe Armstrong, American musician (Green Day)
1972 - Philippe Candeloro, French figure skater
1972 - Taylor Hawkins, American musician (Foo Fighters)
1974 - Jerry O'Connell, American actor
1974 - Bryan White, American singer
1975 - Wish Bone, American rapper
1976 - Kelly Carlson, American actress
1976 - Scott Williamson, American baseball player
1979 - Josh Willingham, American baseball player
1980 - Al Harrington, American basketball player
1980 - Jason Ritter, American actor
1981 - Joseph Gordon-Levitt, American actor
1981 - Paris Hilton, American actress and heiress
1982 - Brian Bruney, American baseball player
1982 - Lupe Fiasco, American hip hop artist
1984 - Jimmy Jacobs, American professional wrestler
1992 - Meaghan Jette Martin, American child actress and singer
Famous Deaths:
1600 - Giordano Bruno, Italian philosopher (burned at the stake) (b. 1548)
1609 - Ferdinando I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany (b. 1549)
1673 - Molière, French playwright (b. 1622)
1856 - Heinrich Heine, German writer (b. 1797)
1909 - Geronimo, Apache leader (b. 1829)
1970 - Shmuel Yosef Agnon, Israeli writer, Nobel laureate (b. 1888)
1970 - Alfred Newman, American film composer (b. 1901)
1982 - Thelonious Monk, American jazz pianist (b. 1917)
1982 - Lee Strasberg, Austrian-born actor (b. 1901)
1989 - Lefty Gomez, American baseball player (b. 1908)
1990 - Erik Rhodes, American actor (b. 1906)
1998 - Ernst Jünger, German author (b. 1895)
1998 - Bob Merrill, American composer and lyricist (b. 1921)
2001 - Khalid Abdul Muhammed, American Nation of Islam spokesman (b. 1948)
2004 - José López Portillo, President of Mexico (b. 1920)
2005 - Dan O'Herlihy, Irish actor (b. 1919)
2007 - Mike Awesome, American professional wrestler (b. 1965)
2007 - Maurice Papon, French Nazi collaborator (b. 1910)
Important Events
1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori in Rome, charged of heresy.
1621 - Myles Standish is appointed as first commander of Plymouth colony.
1801 - An electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr is resolved when Jefferson is elected President of the United States and Burr Vice President by the United States House of Representatives.
1819 - The United States House of Representatives passes the Missouri Compromise.
1864 - American Civil War: The H. L. Hunley becomes the first submarine to engage and sink a warship, the USS Housatonic.
1865 - American Civil War: Columbia, South Carolina is burned as Confederate forces flee from advancing Union forces.
1867 - The first ship passes through the Suez Canal.
1904 - Madama Butterfly premiers at La Scala in Milan.
1925 - Harold Ross and Jane Grant found The New Yorker magazine; the debut issue is dated February 21, 1925.
1933 - The magazine Newsweek is published for the first time.
1933 - The Blaine Act ends Prohibition in the United States.
1936 - The world's first superhero, The Phantom, makes his first appearance in comics.
1947 - The Voice of America begins to transmit radio broadcasts into the Soviet Union.
1964 - In Wesberry v. Sanders the Supreme Court of the United States rules that congressional districts have to be approximately equal in population.
1992 - A court in Milwaukee, Wisconsin sentences serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer to life in prison.
1996 - In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, world champion Garry Kasparov beats the Deep Blue supercomputer in a chess match.
2006 - A massive mudslide occurs in Southern Leyte, Philippines; the official death toll is set at 1,126.
2008 - Kosovo declares independence from Serbia.
Famous Births:
1653 - Arcangelo Corelli, Italian composer (d. 1713)
1718 - Matthew Tilghman, American Continental Congressman (d. 1790)
1752 - Friedrich Maximilian Klinger, German writer (d. 1831)
1796 - Philipp Franz von Siebold, German physician (d. 1866)
1844 - Aaron Montgomery Ward, American department store founder (d. 1913)
1848 - Louisa Lawson, Australian suffragist and writer (d. 1920)
1854 - Friedrich Alfred Krupp, German industrialist (d. 1902)
1863 - Fyodor Sologub, Russian symbolist novelist and poet (d. 1927)
1874 - Thomas J. Watson, American computer manufacturer (d. 1956)
1885 - Steve Evans, American baseball player (d. 1943)
1888 - Otto Stern, German physicist, Nobel Prize Laureate (d. 1969)
1893 - Wally Pipp, American baseball player (d. 1965)
1904 - Hans Morgenthau, German political philosopher (d. 1980)
1908 - Red Barber, American baseball announcer (d. 1992)
1910 - Arthur Hunnicutt, American actor (d. 1979)
1910 - Marc Lawrence, American actor (d. 2005)
1914 - Arthur Kennedy, American actor (d. 1990)
1914 - Wayne Morris, American actor (d. 1959)
1916 - Alexander Obolensky, Russian prince and famed Rugby Union footballer who played for England (d. 1940)
1919 - Kathleen Freeman, American actress (d. 2001)
1922 - Tommy Edwards, American singer (d. 1969)
1922 - Marshall Teague, American race car driver (d. 1959)
1924 - Margaret Truman, American novelist (d. 2008)
1925 - Ron Goodwin, English composer and conductor (d. 2003)
1925 - Hal Holbrook, American actor
1930 - Roger Craig, American baseball player and manager
1933 - Bobby Lewis, American singer
1933 - Craig L. Thomas, American politician (d. 2007)
1934 - Alan Bates, English actor (d. 2003)
1936 - Jim Brown, American football player
1939 - John Leyton, British singer
1939 - Mary Ann Mobley, American actress and beauty queen
1940 - Gene Pitney, American singer (d. 2006)
1942 - Huey P. Newton, American political activist (d. 1989)
1945 - Zina Bethune, American actress
1953 - Norman Pace, British actor and comic
1954 - Rene Russo, American actress
1956 - Richard Karn, American actor
1959 - Neil Lomax, American football player
1962 - Lou Diamond Phillips, American actor
1963 - Michael Jordan, American basketball player
1963 - Larry the Cable Guy, American comedian
1966 - Michael Lepond, American musician
1967 - Chanté Moore, American singer
1968 - Bryan Cox, National Football League player
1969 - Tuesday Knight, American actress
1970 - Tim Mahoney, American musician (311)
1970 - Tommy Moe, American Olympic skier
1970 - Dominic Purcell, English-born actor
1971 - Martyn Bennett, Canadian composer (d. 2005)
1971 - Jeremy Edwards, British actor
1971 - Denise Richards, American actress
1972 - Billie Joe Armstrong, American musician (Green Day)
1972 - Philippe Candeloro, French figure skater
1972 - Taylor Hawkins, American musician (Foo Fighters)
1974 - Jerry O'Connell, American actor
1974 - Bryan White, American singer
1975 - Wish Bone, American rapper
1976 - Kelly Carlson, American actress
1976 - Scott Williamson, American baseball player
1979 - Josh Willingham, American baseball player
1980 - Al Harrington, American basketball player
1980 - Jason Ritter, American actor
1981 - Joseph Gordon-Levitt, American actor
1981 - Paris Hilton, American actress and heiress
1982 - Brian Bruney, American baseball player
1982 - Lupe Fiasco, American hip hop artist
1984 - Jimmy Jacobs, American professional wrestler
1992 - Meaghan Jette Martin, American child actress and singer
Famous Deaths:
1600 - Giordano Bruno, Italian philosopher (burned at the stake) (b. 1548)
1609 - Ferdinando I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany (b. 1549)
1673 - Molière, French playwright (b. 1622)
1856 - Heinrich Heine, German writer (b. 1797)
1909 - Geronimo, Apache leader (b. 1829)
1970 - Shmuel Yosef Agnon, Israeli writer, Nobel laureate (b. 1888)
1970 - Alfred Newman, American film composer (b. 1901)
1982 - Thelonious Monk, American jazz pianist (b. 1917)
1982 - Lee Strasberg, Austrian-born actor (b. 1901)
1989 - Lefty Gomez, American baseball player (b. 1908)
1990 - Erik Rhodes, American actor (b. 1906)
1998 - Ernst Jünger, German author (b. 1895)
1998 - Bob Merrill, American composer and lyricist (b. 1921)
2001 - Khalid Abdul Muhammed, American Nation of Islam spokesman (b. 1948)
2004 - José López Portillo, President of Mexico (b. 1920)
2005 - Dan O'Herlihy, Irish actor (b. 1919)
2007 - Mike Awesome, American professional wrestler (b. 1965)
2007 - Maurice Papon, French Nazi collaborator (b. 1910)
January 19, 2009
Favorite Cartoons
Animaniacs
Batman (90's version)
Daria
Davey and Goliath
Doug
Dudley Do-Right
Garfield and Friends
Heathcliff
King of the Hill
Loony Tunes
Mickey Mouse
Muppet Babies
Pinky and the Brain
Rocky and Bullwinkle
Superbook
The Flintstones
The Jetsons
Tiny Tune Adventures
Tom & Jerry
Underdog
Ironically, my favorite cartoon character, Snoopy, had a cartoon show but I've never seen an episode.
Batman (90's version)
Daria
Davey and Goliath
Doug
Dudley Do-Right
Garfield and Friends
Heathcliff
King of the Hill
Loony Tunes
Mickey Mouse
Muppet Babies
Pinky and the Brain
Rocky and Bullwinkle
Superbook
The Flintstones
The Jetsons
Tiny Tune Adventures
Tom & Jerry
Underdog
Ironically, my favorite cartoon character, Snoopy, had a cartoon show but I've never seen an episode.
January 13, 2009
The Importance of Sunscreen
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '99: Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proven by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of you're youth until they've faded.
But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be the things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing everyday that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how...
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room. Read the directions, even if you don't follow them. Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old.
And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and
recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
- Baz Luhrman
Just feeling a tad nostalgic as my 10th (!!!) high school reunion is fast approaching. You can't really take all of this advice to heart, but it sure does bring back memories!
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proven by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of you're youth until they've faded.
But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be the things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing everyday that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how...
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room. Read the directions, even if you don't follow them. Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old.
And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and
recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
- Baz Luhrman
Just feeling a tad nostalgic as my 10th (!!!) high school reunion is fast approaching. You can't really take all of this advice to heart, but it sure does bring back memories!
December 29, 2008
An Interesting Quiz
When you read a person's blog, it is easy to think that you "know" the person behind the blog. Of course, we all know that the writer of each blog undoubtedly censors what appears on the blog, either to keep in the theme of the blog or just for privacy. I was intrigued when I saw that At a Hen's Pace had a link to this site that analyzes your personality type based on the writing style of your blog. I wondered how I came across in my writing to those who don't personally know me. While this is not exactly scientific, the site identifies my personality on my blog as an ESTP - The Doers. The description of this personality :
I had taken the Myers-Briggs test in college, so I knew this wasn't my "real" personality type. Just as a refresher, I re-took the test, which showed my personality hasn't changed. I am still an ISTJ. According to the test:
For those of you who know me in real life, I think you'll agree that the second description is far more like the real me. Let me know if you take this "test" based on your blog. For the more scientific version of the Myers-Briggs, click here.
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.
The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
I had taken the Myers-Briggs test in college, so I knew this wasn't my "real" personality type. Just as a refresher, I re-took the test, which showed my personality hasn't changed. I am still an ISTJ. According to the test:
ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ.
As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss.
ISTJs are most at home with "just the facts, Ma'am." They seem to perform at highest efficiency when employing a step-by-step approach. Once a new procedure has proven itself (i.e., has been shown "to work,") the ISTJ can be depended upon to carry it through, even at the expense of their own health.
ISTJs are easily frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when the second parties don't keep their commitments. But they usually keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. And when asked, they don't mince words. Truth wins out over tact. The grim determination of the ISTJ vindicates itself in officiation of sports events, judiciary functions, or an other situation which requires making tough calls and sticking to them.
His SJ orientation draws the ISTJ into the service of established institutions. Home, social clubs, government, schools, the military, churches -- these are the bastions of the SJ. "We've always done it this way" is often reason enough for many ISTJs. Threats to time-honored traditions or established organizations (e.g., a "run" on the bank) are the undoing of SJs, and are to be fought at all costs.
For those of you who know me in real life, I think you'll agree that the second description is far more like the real me. Let me know if you take this "test" based on your blog. For the more scientific version of the Myers-Briggs, click here.
December 20, 2008
Unbelievable!
DH is currently working his way through C.S. Lewis' The Space Trilogy. I've determined that this series is a love or hate series, because while I had a hard time enjoying the series, DH can't seem to read the series fast enough. He has read the first two books in the series so far, and he wanted to see if the library had the third book. I made the call to our local library, and the librarian -
didn't know who C. S. Lewis was -
I had to tell her the name 3 times, finally resorting to "you know, the guy who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia?" she still didn't know who I was talking about.
Sigh. You would think that a librarian would be well-read or at least knowledgeable.
didn't know who C. S. Lewis was -
I had to tell her the name 3 times, finally resorting to "you know, the guy who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia?" she still didn't know who I was talking about.
Sigh. You would think that a librarian would be well-read or at least knowledgeable.
November 23, 2008
Haircut
Last Friday, I went to get my hair cut. I usually go to the same lady that has been cutting my hair for the past 25 years. But my regular hairdresser couldn't fit me in and when I want my hair cut, I want my hair cut NOW. I've yet to have a good experience with anyone other than my regular hairdresser. A rational person would learn to stay with the same lady after a few bad haircuts. However, I'm either optimistic or stubborn, so I visit other people every year or so.
When I went to the new place, I asked for a simple below-chin-length bob with long layers. Nothing hard, nothing complicated, something that any hairdresser can do, right? Wrong. IF my hair is wet, I can pull SOME of it almost below my chin. Once my hair is dry, it's more ear-length. As for the layers, I am sporting the "a rat chewed on my hair" look. My layers, more like sprigs of hair, are choppy, which was not the look I was going for.
I told the lady that I wanted a few layers cut to encourage the curl in my hair. So naturally, after she finishes cutting my hair, she gets out a paddle brush and blow-dries my hair straight. When I remind her that I wanted to wear my hair curly, she gets out a tiny comb, rats pieces of my hair and sprays the tangles she just created. Because curls and tangles are the same thing, right?
Sigh. My poor hair. My regular hairdresser has been cutting hair for over 30 years, so I know she's going to retire one of these days. I guess when that day comes I'll just buzz my hair off and y'all will know the reason why. I obviously have some freaky hair that prevents anyone else from giving me a decent haircut.
I should have learned my lesson about the new lady when I sat down in her seat and saw the sign in her booth: "Don't worry, it will grow."
When I went to the new place, I asked for a simple below-chin-length bob with long layers. Nothing hard, nothing complicated, something that any hairdresser can do, right? Wrong. IF my hair is wet, I can pull SOME of it almost below my chin. Once my hair is dry, it's more ear-length. As for the layers, I am sporting the "a rat chewed on my hair" look. My layers, more like sprigs of hair, are choppy, which was not the look I was going for.
I told the lady that I wanted a few layers cut to encourage the curl in my hair. So naturally, after she finishes cutting my hair, she gets out a paddle brush and blow-dries my hair straight. When I remind her that I wanted to wear my hair curly, she gets out a tiny comb, rats pieces of my hair and sprays the tangles she just created. Because curls and tangles are the same thing, right?
Sigh. My poor hair. My regular hairdresser has been cutting hair for over 30 years, so I know she's going to retire one of these days. I guess when that day comes I'll just buzz my hair off and y'all will know the reason why. I obviously have some freaky hair that prevents anyone else from giving me a decent haircut.
I should have learned my lesson about the new lady when I sat down in her seat and saw the sign in her booth: "Don't worry, it will grow."
October 31, 2008
Purse Tour
"Et tu?" (now known as Conversion Diary) recently posted a tour of her purse. Never one to be original when I can senselessly copy, here is a tour of mine. Apologies beforehand to my 2.5 male readers.
The outside - I think this is the first animal-print item I have ever owned. I don't usually care for animal prints, but for some reason, I liked this one. I had not seen anyone else with a purse like this when I first bought my purse, but now they're everywhere :( The same thing happened with my Vera Bradley purse. I don't know if I should be dissapointed or flattered.
This little brown zip-up is wonderful. It came with one of BB's diaper bags. I cram all of my tiny things in there so I don't have to look around in the abyss. I know those that know me in real life are surprised by the makeup. I don't typically wear makeup, but I usually have it with me. You never know when you might need to look better! As for the toilet seat covers, I've had that pack for years. Most places have either TP or a seat cover dispenser, but once in a while, you'll find the toilet that has neither. I like to be prepared.
Speaking of prepared, I carry the paint color cards for my house in my purse. If I'm ever questioning whether or not something will match or coordinate with a room, I just whip the correct card out. I've been surprised at how helpful these cards have been. The notecards list names of books and Disney movies. I'm a big book person, and I can't always remember what I own and what I've merely read. To keep myself from buying duplicates, I write down the titles of books that I already own that are part of a series that I am collecting, or books I already own that are by a favorite author. For BB, I keep a list of Disney movies that we already own so that I can keep an eye out for movies at Goodwill.
This is pretty self-explanatory - my back-up sunglasses, keys, pens, and hairbrush. I love the fact that this hairbrush folds and has a mirror. I got it a Claire's years ago, after my sister permanently borrowed my other brush.
Once again, I like to be prepared. Kleenex come in handy when you have a toddler who freely wipes his nose on your shirt. Wet ones are great for cleaning off baby hands that simply must touch everything. A mini photo album is a must, as is the Tylenol. The other containers hold Tums and Advil. A mini notepad is also helpful for times when I can't write on my hand.
Last, but not least, the matching wallet to the purse. You can't tell from this shot, but it's the same print with red trim. It has room for all of my various cards, cash (ha!), and my checkbook. The gum is a habit I can't seem to break. I know it's a waste of money, but at least it's cheaper than constantly buying something to drink. And yes, I know it's possible to bring a drink from home with me, but you try remembering that when you have a toddler and related gear to get out the door :) The calculator is a must for grocery shopping when you're math impared (or lazy) like I am.
Anybody still there, or did you all fall asleep? Wasn't that the most boring thing you've read since college?
The outside - I think this is the first animal-print item I have ever owned. I don't usually care for animal prints, but for some reason, I liked this one. I had not seen anyone else with a purse like this when I first bought my purse, but now they're everywhere :( The same thing happened with my Vera Bradley purse. I don't know if I should be dissapointed or flattered.
This little brown zip-up is wonderful. It came with one of BB's diaper bags. I cram all of my tiny things in there so I don't have to look around in the abyss. I know those that know me in real life are surprised by the makeup. I don't typically wear makeup, but I usually have it with me. You never know when you might need to look better! As for the toilet seat covers, I've had that pack for years. Most places have either TP or a seat cover dispenser, but once in a while, you'll find the toilet that has neither. I like to be prepared.
Speaking of prepared, I carry the paint color cards for my house in my purse. If I'm ever questioning whether or not something will match or coordinate with a room, I just whip the correct card out. I've been surprised at how helpful these cards have been. The notecards list names of books and Disney movies. I'm a big book person, and I can't always remember what I own and what I've merely read. To keep myself from buying duplicates, I write down the titles of books that I already own that are part of a series that I am collecting, or books I already own that are by a favorite author. For BB, I keep a list of Disney movies that we already own so that I can keep an eye out for movies at Goodwill.
This is pretty self-explanatory - my back-up sunglasses, keys, pens, and hairbrush. I love the fact that this hairbrush folds and has a mirror. I got it a Claire's years ago, after my sister permanently borrowed my other brush.
Once again, I like to be prepared. Kleenex come in handy when you have a toddler who freely wipes his nose on your shirt. Wet ones are great for cleaning off baby hands that simply must touch everything. A mini photo album is a must, as is the Tylenol. The other containers hold Tums and Advil. A mini notepad is also helpful for times when I can't write on my hand.
Last, but not least, the matching wallet to the purse. You can't tell from this shot, but it's the same print with red trim. It has room for all of my various cards, cash (ha!), and my checkbook. The gum is a habit I can't seem to break. I know it's a waste of money, but at least it's cheaper than constantly buying something to drink. And yes, I know it's possible to bring a drink from home with me, but you try remembering that when you have a toddler and related gear to get out the door :) The calculator is a must for grocery shopping when you're math impared (or lazy) like I am.Anybody still there, or did you all fall asleep? Wasn't that the most boring thing you've read since college?
July 5, 2008
UPDATED! Not as Smart
as my friend Renee, but I'll take what I can get!
Free-IQTest.net - Online IQ Test
UPDATE: the "other Heather" linked to this IQ test over at Tickle.com. After I saw it on her site, I decided to take this one as well. My results:
Free-IQTest.net - Online IQ Test
UPDATE: the "other Heather" linked to this IQ test over at Tickle.com. After I saw it on her site, I decided to take this one as well. My results:
Insightful Linguist
Your IQ Score is: 135
You are gifted with the natural fluency of a writer and the visual and spatial strengths of an artist. Those skills contribute to your creative and expressive mind.
Insightful linguists can take complex concepts and articulate them to just about anyone. You have a gift with words and insight into processes and the way people think. These talents enable you to explain things clearly to people. Helen Keller is a great example of an Insightful Linguist. Blind, deaf and mute, she was still able to put things together in her mind and to understand complex ideas. She could do that because she was able to conceptualize ideas internally. Though she could not literally see, she had the visual and spatial skills necessary to understand patterns on an abstract level. She learned to read, write and ultimately became a writer on issues of social justice.
You have an uncanny ability to work your way out of sticky situations using your talent with words. Crossword puzzles, debates — you're particularly well equipped to come out on top since you can read people well. Like Charles Dickens, your verbal skills go far beyond having a good vocabulary. Dickens' genius was in the artful and descriptive way he crafted sentences.
Also Dickensian, is your keen eye for detail and your adeptness for identifying the best way to express an idea based on your given surroundings and circumstances. Your ability to communicate your vision clearly will take you far. So enjoy being perceptive, and make the most of your abilities as an insightful linguist.
I think this is pretty accurate. I've been able to talk myself out of many jams, and I've been told that I can explain things well. Plus, this test gave me 4 more points!
June 26, 2008
Update!
I've updated "My Daily Visits" list; be sure to check out the new additions! I don't always agree 100% with the different blogs I list, but I feel that overall the blog content is informative, well-written, entertaining - sometimes all three! For those of you who wonder why I don't post very often, I blame these other sites. I read everyone's new post, even if I don't always comment. So if you see your site on this list, know that you have at least one loyal reader!
June 13, 2008
Superstitions
My mom's family is from the Appalachian coal mines of Kentucky. If you've seen the movie, “Coal Miner's Daughter,” you've seen where my mom spent her early childhood. Her family has since moved to the Cincinnati, Ohio area, but the ancestral folklore continues to be passed down. Since today is Friday the 13th, I thought it would be interesting to share some of the more common sayings with my readers. Thankfully, no one in my family still believes any of this!
- Hold your breath when you pass by a graveyard or you'll be the next to die.
- If you put shoes on the table, you'll bring death in the family.
- When someone dies, the immediate family must stay awake all night and be in the same room with the departed.
- Wean a child from the bottle when his foot starts to take shape and you won't have any trouble.
- Knock on wood 3 times whenever anyone speaks of anything bad happening.
- Always plant when the moon is waxing; plants that are planted when the moon is waning, die.
- The seventh daughter of a seventh daughter has second sight.
- Wash your face every day with a lemon to rid yourself of freckles.
- Stop all of the clocks in the house when a family member dies.
- Grass won't grow on an evil person's grave.
- If you sweep under a maiden's feet, she will never marry.
- A cricket in a house brings good luck.
- Never let a cat near a baby because the cat will suck the baby's breath.
April 11, 2008
March 9, 2008
Kroger vs. Wal-Mart
I recently conducted an experiment to see if Kroger or WalMart was cheaper. I shopped my grocery list at one store, and then went to the other store and recorded that store's price for the same items (I already had to go to that store for some things; it wouldn't be very frugal just to go there to check prices). I purchased the following items:
Juicy Juice 64 oz
Generic Non-fat dry milk, 20 qt box
Vitamin D whole milk, 1 gallon
generic hot dog buns, 8 count
Oscar Mayer light beef franks, 10 count
generic small can black olives
generic small jar green olives, with pimentos
Kraft fat-free Caesar Italian dressing
Ready Express hearts of romaine salad
grape tomatoes, 10 oz
red delicious apples
granny smith apples
Cracker Barrel 2% extra sharp cheese, 10 oz
JIF reduced fat PB, 40 oz
generic spaghetti sauce, 26.5 oz can
1 dozen large eggs
generic yogurt, 6 oz cups;
Butterball turkey bacon
Oscar Mayer light beef bologna
Bounty paper towels, 8-pack (for baby wipes)
generic gallon-size ziploc bags
generic Ritz reduced-fat crackers
generic Nilla Wafers, reduced fat
*It should be noted that I used name-brand prices at WalMart for the spaghetti sauce, Ritz crackers, and Nilla Wafer, as WalMart does not have generic versions of these items.
So – which one was cheaper? WalMart, by a whopping $2.05. Now, I know what you're saying - $2.05 isn't very much, but if every shopping trip saved that much, I could save over $100 a year if I shopped once a week. But I don't know if that is a good enough for me to do my grocery shopping at WalMart. For starters, Kroger is less than a mile from my house. WalMart is at least 3 miles, and I have to go through some serious traffic to get there. Kroger is always clean and had 5 registers open when I went, plus the self check-outs. WalMart is typically dirty and had 2 registers open, with the self-checkouts closed. I should point out that I was at WalMart during the weekend, early evening. WalMart has noticeably inferior produce and meat. I would never buy my produce and meat from WalMart, unless it was pre-packaged from a non-WalMart company. Every time I've bought WalMart meat, I've found it to be very fatty. I don't think I actually save money once I trim the fat off. Kroger meat is usually lean, and I rarely get bad produce from there. All in all, I think I'm staying with Kroger, unless I already have to go to WalMart for something. I'm not anti-WalMart, but WalMart gives lower prices at the expense of quality and customer service. To me, it's not a fair trade.
March 8, 2008
Oh, What Fun!
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