Month: January 2006

  • Battle of the Biting Bugs

    Allied forces came together today to win the battle for freedom from itching.


    Dogs, Cats, Mom, Dad and children all worked in cooperation. Initial battles began at Rashwe just north of the collar. A thorough ground sweep included the interrogation of captive fleas using proven and Geneva approved water techniques. 85% of fleas in captivity were detained and neutralized. Information obtained during the interrogation was used in further operations.


    Ground assaults consisted of complete removal of fleas through the latest in suctioning weapons. Chemical defenses were deployed in liquid form. Insurgents will be dealt with by Shock and Awe attacks.


    Final fronts are expected to be encountered at Pippin, and a re defense of the previously held Rashwe. Internal defenses were employed for the defense of these fronts. General Hubby expects to employ his weapons and troops to obtain a complete victory of the hated enemy… fleas. On the ground, troops report that already a marked reduction in enemy troops, evidenced by a minimal amount of scratching and  biting. All enemy hide outs were completely disassembled and chemically neutralized. Redeployment is scheduled for next week to ensure that the tenuous peace is maintained.


     


    and now back to our regularly scheduled program…………………..


     

  • Bratwurst…. it’s what’s for dinner

    Well…… surprisingly I slept just fine last night… thanks to all who were concerned. I even went to bed at a decent hour. Hmmm… I think it was that allergy pill I took earlier in the day. It says non drowsy, but the last two times I took one, about 6 hours later I crashed in the middle of the day. So I think that their truth in advertising maybe a little skewed.


    Spent a good part of today reading my assignments and catching up on my postings. Worked out twice — got up at 5:30 and then worked out (after a nap — another allergy pill)and again at 4:00. Hubby is back already and I’m glad. I’ve missed him. We’ve had some major hormonal breakdowns around here the last few days. I need his support.  My youngest is 12 and starting through the hormonal stuff, oldest is 14 and smack in the middle of it, and I’m starting the transition out of it so instead of once a month… we have Bi#%* gear pretty much non stop.  Imagine the fun around my house!


    Still battling the fleas. Another doggie bath and flea dip. WE all just LOVE that!! I did finally find one of those little sprayer things that attaches to your tub and that makes it much easier. Both to bathe the dog and to clean up afterwards. Well…. at least to clean up the tub. It’s amazing how getting one dog clean can destroy an entire bathroom and sometimes the adjoining bedroom. Why is it that cleaning makes such a mess? Seems like a paradox. To avoid the mess… just stop cleaning. I think I’ll try that.


    We had bratwurst for dinner. I love bratwurst, but it’s never as good as it was in Germany. I remember going out for our Christmas tree as a unit. This guy named Herman owned a pub the airmen used to eat at. He also had a Christmas tree lot. For 15 marks we cut our tree, had beer boiled bratwurst and spiced cider, and the kinder got a visit from Saint Nicholas.  That was like $7.50 at the time.  I used to by frozen bratwurst from the Real Kauf. You could see the herbs and spices in them. They were sooo good!! Hard to find that here. Ah well. I just have to make do. We do boil them in beer (even though we don’t drink, we keep beer on hand for just that reason ).  Have to try to maintain some authenticity.


    Well I’m off for bed. I’ll catch up with my subs and comments tomorrow. But here’s a question for you — what’s your favorite ethnic food? (I realize that for some, McDonalds is ethnic — while that’s very sad… it’s acceptable.) lol.

  • Silver_Fangz has long held the opinion that panel vans, especially white ones are “Creepy white vans”. According to her, “whenever you hear about an abduction or murder there’s always a creepy white van involved”. Tonight her theory received some additional proof.


    I take the girls to RE down in Kihei. Squirt on Wednesdays, Silver_Fangz on Thursday. I sit outside under the one bright light in the corner of the parking lot and read my assignments, take notes and when the laptop is working start my assignments. Last night and tonight was no different.


    As I was parked there reading my assignments a silver panel van pulls up on the passenger side. He backs in and out and turns around a few time. He then pulls out and backs into the space on my driver side. I’m thinking something is not quite right here. I roll up my windows very casually, and lock the doors. I adjust my rear view mirror so that I can see him. He’s acting very strange, opening his door, turning on the interior light, rolling down the windows. The two teenage girls sitting on the curb a few feet behind the van move down towards the entrance. He starts the van and backs up further. Then he does something really weird. He adjusts his side mirror on the open door so that he can see behind the van. Now… the only thing behind the van is two 6 or 7th grade girls. I’m very suspicious now. I keep checking on him, and low and behold he gets out a towel and starts doing something disgusting.


    I, of course am disgusted. I start my jeep and pull out to the main parking lot. I get out with my paper and pencil, intending to get his license. He drives off. I alert the teachers that are hanging out near the entrance. They get the girls to go wait in the office and go alert the office staff. I didn’t get a license number darn it.


    What is truly disturbing is that he was looking for young girls. He came to a church parking lot, in plain view of others. He had the light on and the doors open. He wanted to be seen. He was watching those young girls. He was a predator. He planned it. I am glad that I was there, and I plan to be there every day from now on for the entire time. The church will also be taking an active role.


    What kind of sicko comes to a church looking for prey? What’s  truly frightening is the type of vehicle he had. It was the perfect vehicle for an abduction. Just goest to show… no matter where or what, you can never be too careful with you children’s safety.


    As Silver_Fangz so eloquently put it… EW.


    So after a creepy night I get to spend the evening home alone as hubby is gone for a few days.


    GREAT — seems like he’s always gone when I most want him to be here, and here when I most want him to be gone. Harumph.  You know I’m going to be having creepy dreams and hearing all kinds of noises. ::heavy sigh::. Most likely I’ll stay up till 2 or 3 and be shot tomorrow.


    Ok, — enough for tonight.  Ya’ll have a great night! I’m going to try! I’ll let you know how it goes.

  • Here are the results:


    First — the genuine definitions — I know, who cares right? Well if you’re not interested… skip this part!


    zeitgeist:


                1.The spirit of the time: the taste and outlook characteristic of a period or generation


     Sisyphean:


    1.      Greek Mythology: of or relating to Sisyphus


    2.      Endlessly laborious or futile


    amalgamate:


    1.      To combine into a unified or integrated whole: unite.


    2.      To mix or alloy (a metal) with mercury


    pabulum:


    1.      A substance that gives nourishment: food


    2.      Insipid intellectual nourishment


    inimical:


    1.      Injurious or harmful in effect: adverse


    2.      Unfriendly; hostile






    Now for the fun! The winners are……………………. <drum roll please……..>



     


    We decided to pick one winner for each word so here goes:


     


    Zeitgeist: Pheebles: (noun) a class of specters who hang out on websites like xanga and haunt all ze really good zeits. (Do you qualify as a zeitgeist??? — Inquiring minds want to know!)


     


    inimical: gabrielpeter: intimacy with a comic book character — (uhh Gabriel, do we need to know something??)


     


    amalgamate: (this was a close one) ThisIsBullDookie: scientific word for the action of french kissing (HUH??? – I’m worried that you may have overanalyzed some important intimacy issues — make you should take a more inimical view…….)


     


    Sisyphean: (This one was close too!): ThisIsBullDookie: a degenerative disease of your general acceptance by society after being a weenie too many times. (I assumed you are speaking of the 1st known case — your hubby the ultimate whiner?)


     


    pabulum: Auntdee: The gunk we get out of our ears (is this inspired by your recent problems with ear wax????)


     


    Ok winners: send me your address via email and I will gladly (for real) mail you your prize! ThisIsBullDookie — look for yours in the mail -I already have your address! Thank you all for playing. We had a great time talking over the definitions and deciding the winners. I have to admit I overruled one decision: family wanted a ghost with bad acne, but I felt that since we are on Xanga –the Xanga specter was much more fitting. Since it’s my site… I win! Hoorah!


     


    Alright.. it’s late and I need to hit the zack (taking my cues from Pheebles). Hubby is out of town for the next two days which of course… doubles my workload. I have to drive to horseback (20 min/ each way.), then down to Confirmation (30 min/ each way). All in a couple hour time span. Suffice it to say I will have lots of time in the car tomorrow, so need to get my rest. I will catch up with all my comments and subs tomorrow, but thanks for dropping by!


     

  •  



     


    Ok, I’ve been informed that my recent spate of posts that are thought provoking and deep (ha ha ha) are not very fun. On to something more interesting.


     


    First I have to warn guys… don’t piss off your wife/girlfriend and then plan to go take a nice long hot shower…….. tain’t happenin’. That’s right when we decided it’s time to run the dishwasher and ohhhh yeah, that load of whites never got washed did it?? I guess I’d better get that started too……. ohhh soooo sorry you got scalded and then ran out of hot water. My bad. Ooops! :: bats eyelashes:: (A2 – you are evil and I bow to you).


     


    Ok fun with definitions. So, you guys make up some definitions. Me and hubby (I think I’ll call in some military back up) will decide whose is the best. Winner gets a box of Chocolate Macadamia Nuts.


     


    zeitgeist:


    Sisyphean


    amalgamate


    pabulum


    inimical


     


    That’s just a few! If you know any of the real definitions, just keep them to yourselves for a few days! I’ll post after the made up ones. In other words…. shudd upp abboud it!


     







    Had a dental appointment today.


     



     


    Honestly.. who grows up to want to be a dentist or a dental hygienist?? I think they are all secretly masochistic. And what is with the double standard?? Don’t use anything sharp on you teeth, then … let me just scrape this small pointed metal object up and down all your teeth and under your gums….it won’t hurt……..MUCH!!!!  Excuse me!! Could I get some vicodin here??? Codeine?? Morphine?? any kind of ine???  (just kidding — of course!)


     


    Ok so… I have a little phobia thing about dentists. This is my second trip in ohhhhh……. 14 years. (lol) NO CAVITIES though!! HAH! They recommended a orthodontist for me and some veneers. I grew up in a place where they had too much fluoride in the water and it discolored my teeth. See??? ALL things in moderation!


     


    It would be nice to have a pretty smile. We are going to look at the budget. May have to wait till the girls get out of their braces!!! Priorities! Save their teeth now, fix mine later. I’ve lived with a broken smile for this long….. guess I can go a couple more years!


     


    Have a great night! And remember ~ don’t grind those teeth!


     

  • What person or cause has made the biggest impact on your life.

    Sponsored by Featured Grown Ups

    Surprisingly when I began to think about this topic… it all came back to the same thing. Teaching and being taught. I have had some truly amazing experience in my life. I have done some travel, had a variety of jobs, some interesting, some menial and some just to get by. When I look back though, and talk to others about things that have truly made changes in my life it always comes back to those two things. Teaching and being taught.

    In high school I was not the type of student you wanted. Although I was a straight A student, I was disinterested in class, unresponsive and hung out in the parking lot between classes and before and after school. My sophomore year I was assigned Mr. Elmer for English. (The prior year I had spent in a remedial reading class — even though I read at a college level. I had been kicked out of Freshman English for standing up in class and telling the teacher she was stupid). Mr. Elmer was a young preppy (in an era where preppy was cool). He was cute and funny. We all loved Mr. Elmer. Mr. Elmer challenged us all. We did work that most sophomores probably never heard of.. like learning the opening of the Canterbury Tales in Olde English, and using rock lyrics to decode symbolism. He used to steal my cigarettes (yes I know, I told you I wasn’t the kind of student you wanted) and put them on top of the chalkboard with a huge arrow and the words “Annette’s Cigarettes” drawn on the board. He keep telling me to quit, it was bad for me. He called me the “parking lot Queen”. He wasn’t trying to embarrass me, but to demonstrate that I was capable of more. He once called me up after class and asked why I do that. “Why do I do what” I replied. “Why do you do just enough that I have to give you an A and no more. I can see that you have more.”  My reply was…. “Can I get a better grade than an A?” — to which he sadly replied no. My answer? “So why bother”

    After my sophomore year, I spent a few months in a rehab. (told you, not the kind of student you want). When I went back to school my plan was to graduate a year early. I attended summer school and planned out my courses. I signed up for Junior English with.. you guessed it, Mr. Elmer. He was my biggest cheerleader that year. He pulled me aside many times and told me that he knew it was hard for me but he was so proud of the changes I was making in my life. That year I gave him more than A material… every time. He also encouraged my friend and I to give up smoking and offered to take us to dinner if we gave it up for 30 days. We did and he and his wife took us out for a steak dinner. Of course, we lit up as soon as we left after all we were 16, but I’ll never forget his determination to help us be better than we were. He always saw the potential, even when we were blind.

    I did graduate early. Got married young and started my life as an Air Force wife. I eventually came to love teaching as much as Mr. Elmer did. I also found that I was continually fond of my “bad boy” students. I continually go out of my way to help them reach their full potential. I never neglect the good students and I’m always happy to have them in my class, but I know that there are sometimes lots of reasons for bad performance, and who knows what diamond is hiding there. Having been an excellent student, and a troubled one… I can see both sides. Who knows when I will truly touch a student and change their lives forever.

  • The status of public schools

    Silver_Fangz: Are you stalking me?


    Me: No! Why do you say that?


    SF: Why are you here at the same place I am?


    Me: I got a coupon in the mail from Ben Franklins for 20% off.


    SF: So what? You HAD to use it today??


    Me: well, yeah, it’s only good for today!


    This is what happens when you show up unannounced to the same mall where your teenage daughter is hanging out with a friend. You get accused of being a stalker!





    Hooray! I received my student loan refund check today. That’s why I was able to go and spend some money at Ben Franklins. After all…. I got 20% off the total purchase. You know I’m there for that! So thanks to my coupon and a gift card hubby put in my stocking, I got some new scrapbook stuff. Yeah! Now….. I just need to do some pages!


    So I was very surprised when I posted my assignment. (See yesterday’s post for more info) The majority of my classmates felt entirely different about the reading. Most were in fact truly inspired. I guess I need to re-read because I think I missed something. ALOT of something actually. This reading had me thinking though.


    I have taught (and plan to again) in the public school system. I have seen amazing teachers, inspiring and motivated administrators and exciting curriculum. All in a school system that had great support from the upper echelon and the community. I’ve also seen the exact opposite of all of those.


    My oldest dd attend local public high school. She takes honors English and advanced math (she plans to add honors history and science next year). She is NOT being challenged academically. In addition, she walks through clouds of Marijuana smoke to get to classes, sees drug passes, daily fights (sometimes right in the classroom) and hears all kinds of things she shouldn’t have too. One area is constantly in a pot cloud because it’s on the 3rd level and the security don’t want to leave their golf carts. Note: this is one of the better high schools on the island (public anyway). So… does this signal that there are some serious problems in the public school systems?


    My question for today: Are the public schools failing and in trouble? If so.. why? and can they be fixed?


    What do you guys think?

  • Whew…….


    300 pages in less than 3 days. Usually, 300 pages is nothing. A wasted afternoon spent curled up with a good book. But THESE 300 pages were an out and out struggle.


    At times I was so angry and frustrated by what I was reading I wanted to throw the book away. We went to the beach and I had a nice 15 minute rant about the content off the book and it’s apparent uselessness. Never have I read a book so determined to make it absolutely clear the minute chance of success in any venture for real change. I finished reading and thought…. so what’s the use of even teaching or learning?? Evidently… there’s no hope for change and we are failing miserably except in a few situations which the author repeatedly reports as extremely rare and due only to people who have inherent leaderships skills.


    Needless to say… I’m glad that’s over! Now to finish the rest of the assignment. Hoorah.


    I have a whole list of vocabulary words for you… I thought that I would post them tomorrow and instead of posting the definitions… have everyone make up their own.


    The family, for instance, has come up with it’s own definition for : fungible — (warning…. potty humor ahead) — Having the capacity to fart at will.


    It wasn’t my definition! I just laughed at it. That’s all. Now consider this… this was conceived coming home from church the other night. What were we talking about??? Who knows…. I can’t remember, but it was funny and there was a lot of riotous laughter. All I remember is fungible.


    Do you like to read? And have you every had a book that you had plow your way through?

  • Manners continued…..

    The other night my daughters both had guests over for dinner.

    Now let me
    clarify right from the start… I am by no means Miss Manners. I have a
    tendency to be way to casual. I’m also the type of person that
    regardless of how hard I try, there will be crumbs around my plate when
    I’m done eating. However, my mother instilled manners in us from the
    time we were little. Don’t talk with your mouth full, get your elbows
    off the table, don’t reach, say please, chew with your mouth closed…
    etc, etc.

    So we are eating
    and I’m sitting next to my youngest dd’s friend who I’ve admittedly had
    issues with in the past. As she’s eating… she’s sharing every bite
    with the entire table. Her mouth is open, we get to see and hear
    everything.

    Now… this is a
    BIG pet peeve of mine. It totally grosses me out to have to eat with
    that near me. I endure for 10 minutes or so, then casually without
    looking up from my plate say “who ever is chewing with their mouth
    open… please close it”.  This earns me a few short blessed
    minutes of quiet eating. A few minutes later…. smack, chew, pop,
    smack.  :: heavy sigh:: I asked once more for her to close her
    mouth this time more directly. 

    Question: Was I
    rude for correcting a guest’s habits? The guest is like a third
    daughter, she is here 24/7. I think I may have become too casual with
    her. At the same time…. shouldn’t SOMEONE eventually let her know
    that’s bad manners??? From what youngest dd says… the entire family
    eats like that and friend was actually better at our house than she is
    at home.

    Who’s manners need adjusting??? Do you think that manners are not be stressed enough today?

  • HASH(0x859aeb0)

    your future car will be a corvette

    What will your future car be? awesome pics
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