Here is the view from the poconos -- snow out in the back yard, and flowers in the window. Makes me think about spring coming soon. It was amazingly warm today. I'm sad about global warming, but I do love warm weather.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Spring is coming, right?
Here is the view from the poconos -- snow out in the back yard, and flowers in the window. Makes me think about spring coming soon. It was amazingly warm today. I'm sad about global warming, but I do love warm weather.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman
That's the title of the book I just read, it has nothing to do with the fact I just colored my hair again, or had two glasses of sparking white wine in the middle of the afternoon, OK? Yeah, just so you know.
I stole the book from my sister... Bunny? Amber? Sandi? Anyway, it was on her bookshelf, and she's not the biggest reader around. So I thought to myself, if it's on HER shelf, it must be good, right? Right.
So I read it. It's written by Elizabeth Buchan. It was one of those read all night books, because after all, it is a holiday weekend, and nothing says holiday to me more than reading all night! And yes, for anyone who's interested, it was a very good book.
It was about a 40 something woman who was married for 20 something years. Which is pretty familiar for me. She was very happily married, but then all of a sudden out of nowhere, her husband decided to dump her. (OK, it was out of nowhere for her, but as the reader you knew it was coming.) (And obviously, the dumping part is NOT familiar to me. Frank and I've discussed it, and he isn't dumping me -- and I'm not dumping him.) (Of course, then I'D be really surprised like her!)
The idea was that he dumped her because she confined him -- their relationship confined him. But he dumped her for a younger woman... and in the end, it was obvious that she had lost the confinement, and he had just traded one cage for another. All in all, quite a satisfying book, if not the best I've ever read -- certainly worth reading.
It made me think about turning 40; I always thought that turning 50 would be hard, because it would be the beginning of old age. But for some reason, when I turned 40 I was more stressed out than I expected. And every year that has passed since then I've been feeling more obviously "old." Until just recently, when I realized...I've already hit 50. Well, not really. But I've become what I expected to BE at 50. It just happened sooner than I'd planned. For some reason, my body wasn't in on the plan I'd made, which was to be young until I turned 50 and then to start getting older at that point.
So I've realized from these ruminations, and from reading this book -- the plan I had for my life for once I hit 50 needs to go into effect NOW. I can't wait for my timetable any longer. I have to strike while the iron is hot, so to speak, and start living my life a little more fully -- like I thought I would do once I hit 50.
Bucket list? Life list? Things I want to do before I die? Well, now is a good time to start thinking about that, isn't it? Who knows, maybe I'll be hit by a bus tomorrow.
I stole the book from my sister... Bunny? Amber? Sandi? Anyway, it was on her bookshelf, and she's not the biggest reader around. So I thought to myself, if it's on HER shelf, it must be good, right? Right.
So I read it. It's written by Elizabeth Buchan. It was one of those read all night books, because after all, it is a holiday weekend, and nothing says holiday to me more than reading all night! And yes, for anyone who's interested, it was a very good book.
It was about a 40 something woman who was married for 20 something years. Which is pretty familiar for me. She was very happily married, but then all of a sudden out of nowhere, her husband decided to dump her. (OK, it was out of nowhere for her, but as the reader you knew it was coming.) (And obviously, the dumping part is NOT familiar to me. Frank and I've discussed it, and he isn't dumping me -- and I'm not dumping him.) (Of course, then I'D be really surprised like her!)
The idea was that he dumped her because she confined him -- their relationship confined him. But he dumped her for a younger woman... and in the end, it was obvious that she had lost the confinement, and he had just traded one cage for another. All in all, quite a satisfying book, if not the best I've ever read -- certainly worth reading.
It made me think about turning 40; I always thought that turning 50 would be hard, because it would be the beginning of old age. But for some reason, when I turned 40 I was more stressed out than I expected. And every year that has passed since then I've been feeling more obviously "old." Until just recently, when I realized...I've already hit 50. Well, not really. But I've become what I expected to BE at 50. It just happened sooner than I'd planned. For some reason, my body wasn't in on the plan I'd made, which was to be young until I turned 50 and then to start getting older at that point.
So I've realized from these ruminations, and from reading this book -- the plan I had for my life for once I hit 50 needs to go into effect NOW. I can't wait for my timetable any longer. I have to strike while the iron is hot, so to speak, and start living my life a little more fully -- like I thought I would do once I hit 50.
Bucket list? Life list? Things I want to do before I die? Well, now is a good time to start thinking about that, isn't it? Who knows, maybe I'll be hit by a bus tomorrow.
Too many photos, not enough computer support!
So here I am, sitting at Mom's house, with a great computer set up and no clue how to hook my photos into the computer! 'Cause I gotta tell ya, I took some really nice ones of the snow around here! Soon as I get home, I'm gonna post 'em.
Welcome to any new visitors to my blog... ;) Feel free to comment! (yes, I mean YOU!)
Welcome to any new visitors to my blog... ;) Feel free to comment! (yes, I mean YOU!)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Time keeps slipping into the future...
OK, you all might think this is very silly, but here's what I'm thinking about this morning.
A while ago, I read a really great book called "The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All." It was about... well, what the title says; it was a fictional memoir of the last person from the Civil War. Actually, she had been married to the last surviving confederate soldier, she hadn't really lived through the war herself.
I was impressed by the idea, though, that someone would be the LAST person alive who personally lived through some kind of huge event like that.
I also remember talking to Grandma Rodgers. She enjoyed fortune-telling and Nostradamus and prophecies about the end of the world in the same way I do. We talked about stuff like that alot, and we agreed that the prophecies are interesting... they may be true, they may not be true ... but we weren't really going to change our lives because of them. Anyway, I remember Gram saying to me that "the world is supposed to end when the last soldier of the great war dies." Now, keep in mind that she didn't really think that meant that the world was going to END. She took the word "end" in a different meaning. It would end the way we know it, but it wouldn't be OVER, just different. After the end of the world, we would begin a millenia of great peace. So it was a good thing.
Now, you're probably wondering why I've been thinking of that book and of those conversations with Gram.
Last week in school, the history professor brought in an article about The Last Living World War 1 Veteran. Yup, the USA is down to one last veteran of the Great War. The last German soldier is gone already.
Who could imagine being the last survivor of some huge event like that? Something that millions and millions of people went through -- so many people died, and so many others survived and lived for years, building up our country... a whole generation of people? And he is THE LAST.
Will the world end when he dies? Who knows? I guess it depends on how you define the end of the world. But I'm definitely hoping for a millenia of peace. Is it even possible?
A while ago, I read a really great book called "The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All." It was about... well, what the title says; it was a fictional memoir of the last person from the Civil War. Actually, she had been married to the last surviving confederate soldier, she hadn't really lived through the war herself.
I was impressed by the idea, though, that someone would be the LAST person alive who personally lived through some kind of huge event like that.
I also remember talking to Grandma Rodgers. She enjoyed fortune-telling and Nostradamus and prophecies about the end of the world in the same way I do. We talked about stuff like that alot, and we agreed that the prophecies are interesting... they may be true, they may not be true ... but we weren't really going to change our lives because of them. Anyway, I remember Gram saying to me that "the world is supposed to end when the last soldier of the great war dies." Now, keep in mind that she didn't really think that meant that the world was going to END. She took the word "end" in a different meaning. It would end the way we know it, but it wouldn't be OVER, just different. After the end of the world, we would begin a millenia of great peace. So it was a good thing.
Now, you're probably wondering why I've been thinking of that book and of those conversations with Gram.
Last week in school, the history professor brought in an article about The Last Living World War 1 Veteran. Yup, the USA is down to one last veteran of the Great War. The last German soldier is gone already.
Who could imagine being the last survivor of some huge event like that? Something that millions and millions of people went through -- so many people died, and so many others survived and lived for years, building up our country... a whole generation of people? And he is THE LAST.
Will the world end when he dies? Who knows? I guess it depends on how you define the end of the world. But I'm definitely hoping for a millenia of peace. Is it even possible?
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Thursday WITH words.
Wow, wordless Wednesday was harder than I expected. I really wanted to write something. But then it wouldn't have been wordless Wednesday, would it have?
Anyway, I wanted to mention what a celebratory week this has been. I've never seen so many holidays jammed together in one week.
Think about it. Over the weekend, it was Groundhogs Day. I heard that Punxstawney Phil, the Groundhog, did whatever he needed to do -- see his shadow, or not see his shadow -- in order to make spring come faster. GO PHIL!
Then, Sunday was Superbowl Sunday, celebrated widely throughout the USA by watching football and EATING.
And I believe that the Monday following the superbowl really SHOULD be a legal holiday. No one should have to work that day.
Tuesday was Fat Tuesday, part of Mardi Gras. I was plenty fat, thanks for asking. I even got some Mardi Gras beads when we went out to eat. And no, I didn't have to lift up my shirt for that, thank goodness!
Then, Wednesday was Ash Wednesday -- part of Lent, time to give stuff up. I'm starting my diet. Don't tell anyone, I'm cranky and I don't want to talk about it.
Today, Thursday, is Chinese New Year; I believe it is the year of the Rat.
I'm not sure what holiday is tomorrow, but Friday is always a holiday, isn't it?
Anyway, I wanted to mention what a celebratory week this has been. I've never seen so many holidays jammed together in one week.
Think about it. Over the weekend, it was Groundhogs Day. I heard that Punxstawney Phil, the Groundhog, did whatever he needed to do -- see his shadow, or not see his shadow -- in order to make spring come faster. GO PHIL!
Then, Sunday was Superbowl Sunday, celebrated widely throughout the USA by watching football and EATING.
And I believe that the Monday following the superbowl really SHOULD be a legal holiday. No one should have to work that day.
Tuesday was Fat Tuesday, part of Mardi Gras. I was plenty fat, thanks for asking. I even got some Mardi Gras beads when we went out to eat. And no, I didn't have to lift up my shirt for that, thank goodness!
Then, Wednesday was Ash Wednesday -- part of Lent, time to give stuff up. I'm starting my diet. Don't tell anyone, I'm cranky and I don't want to talk about it.
Today, Thursday, is Chinese New Year; I believe it is the year of the Rat.
I'm not sure what holiday is tomorrow, but Friday is always a holiday, isn't it?
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
How the weekend ended...GIANTS WIN!
Headline news -- Giants win the Superbowl!
I was thinking that people in other countries couldn't really understand what the experience of our home team winning the Superbowl, but then I realized it's like the World Cup for us, so yeah, I guess the world as a whole can understand.
An emotional evening!
It felt like New Year's Eve, but even better. It was amazing how happy everyone was. There may have been tears of joy. Seriously. I was afraid at times that someone was going to have a heart attack.
Most of the weekend...Camping Weekend
The Superbowl was the end of the weekend, just Sunday Night. A perfect topper to a really nice weekend.
The rest of the weekend, I was camping with Nicky for a Venturing trip. It was a leadership seminar weekend. Nick did great, I was really proud of him.
Here are the boys from the camping trip. They are all blindfolded as they work on this part of the leadership seminar. Nick is the one wearing a brown t-shirt over his head.
The goal of this exercise was for them to learn a few things about communication. Blindfolded, using only their voices, they had to hold a loop of rope and make the shape of an equilateral triangle, a square, and a V (for Venturing.) It's harder than it looks. They did quite well -- no arguing with each other, they made the shapes, and they understood what we were trying to teach them.
The rest of the weekend, I was camping with Nicky for a Venturing trip. It was a leadership seminar weekend. Nick did great, I was really proud of him.
Here are the boys from the camping trip. They are all blindfolded as they work on this part of the leadership seminar. Nick is the one wearing a brown t-shirt over his head.
The goal of this exercise was for them to learn a few things about communication. Blindfolded, using only their voices, they had to hold a loop of rope and make the shape of an equilateral triangle, a square, and a V (for Venturing.) It's harder than it looks. They did quite well -- no arguing with each other, they made the shapes, and they understood what we were trying to teach them.
Campfire
It's a blurry picture, but you get the idea. Half the time, it looks blurry to me in real life anyway. Smoke gets in your eyes...
Camping scenery
Camping is always beautiful. After every ice and rain storm, the whole world sparkles.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Too much is happening at one time!
Hi all.
What a busy week!!! My head is spinning. It was spinning a little anyway, I've been having a lot of headaches lately... But it's really spinning now with everything going on.
Frankie is working on his Boy Scout Eagle project. The Eagle project is the last big test of skill before you can become an Eagle Scout, which is the top rank in Boy Scouts.
His project is to do a toy drive for Goryeb Children's Hospital, where he stayed for all those months. (For those of you new to my life story, you can read about it on the !Frankie Report blog archives. He has Crohn's disease, and his gut had some serious problems that kept him hospitalized for a long time. The Frankie Report blog was passed over to him, I stopped writing it when I started writing this blog. He NEVER updates it. I guess that's because it was my blog ABOUT him, not his blog.)
So we're knee-deep in toys now, because of the Eagle Project Toy Drive. He's been working hard, and he's getting a lot of stuff. People have been so generous -- thank you all so much!
Meanwhile, Nicky has finally decided to start studying for his final exams, which are tomorrow. In my opinion he left too much to do for the last minute. But we'll find out. I told him if he gets a D on his final exam for history he will be significantly punished. My idea is that from now on, he will be grounded everyday from about 4 to 6, at which time he will be studying -- whether he has homework or not.
Besides that, Frankie is packing to go on a ski trip tomorrow. He doesn't need to take finals. He did, however, need my help on his laundry, and he had me go with him food shopping. Not because he needed my help with the food shopping -- more because he wanted me to pay!
While he is on the ski trip, tomorrow, Nick and I will be packing up for a camping trip. We'll be in cabins so it won't be tough at all. I'm looking forward to it, but there's a lot of work and planning to be done that I haven't put any thought into at all!
That leaves husband Thor home alone all weekend. (Poor thing.) He'll be relaxing on the couch the whole time. Of course, I'll be pretty relaxed once I get camping. I love camping. It's so beautiful!
Anyway, that's what's going on for the next few days. So I'll check back in after the weekend, probably with more pictures than you care to look at. Have a good weekend
What a busy week!!! My head is spinning. It was spinning a little anyway, I've been having a lot of headaches lately... But it's really spinning now with everything going on.
Frankie is working on his Boy Scout Eagle project. The Eagle project is the last big test of skill before you can become an Eagle Scout, which is the top rank in Boy Scouts.
His project is to do a toy drive for Goryeb Children's Hospital, where he stayed for all those months. (For those of you new to my life story, you can read about it on the !Frankie Report blog archives. He has Crohn's disease, and his gut had some serious problems that kept him hospitalized for a long time. The Frankie Report blog was passed over to him, I stopped writing it when I started writing this blog. He NEVER updates it. I guess that's because it was my blog ABOUT him, not his blog.)
So we're knee-deep in toys now, because of the Eagle Project Toy Drive. He's been working hard, and he's getting a lot of stuff. People have been so generous -- thank you all so much!
Meanwhile, Nicky has finally decided to start studying for his final exams, which are tomorrow. In my opinion he left too much to do for the last minute. But we'll find out. I told him if he gets a D on his final exam for history he will be significantly punished. My idea is that from now on, he will be grounded everyday from about 4 to 6, at which time he will be studying -- whether he has homework or not.
Besides that, Frankie is packing to go on a ski trip tomorrow. He doesn't need to take finals. He did, however, need my help on his laundry, and he had me go with him food shopping. Not because he needed my help with the food shopping -- more because he wanted me to pay!
While he is on the ski trip, tomorrow, Nick and I will be packing up for a camping trip. We'll be in cabins so it won't be tough at all. I'm looking forward to it, but there's a lot of work and planning to be done that I haven't put any thought into at all!
That leaves husband Thor home alone all weekend. (Poor thing.) He'll be relaxing on the couch the whole time. Of course, I'll be pretty relaxed once I get camping. I love camping. It's so beautiful!
Anyway, that's what's going on for the next few days. So I'll check back in after the weekend, probably with more pictures than you care to look at. Have a good weekend
Saturday, January 26, 2008
It's nice to meet new blogging friends!
I can spend hours on the computer, jumping from one blog to another. It's so interesting how different some of them can be, and also how similar. I like to read them all. Well, maybe not all... there are SO MANY blogs out there, it's impossible to read them all!
Dreamz Forever is Punam's blog. You should stop in and visit her sometime, she has some very nice thoughts!
Dreamz Forever is Punam's blog. You should stop in and visit her sometime, she has some very nice thoughts!
Did I jinx the snow days?
glitter-graphics.com
Now that I have a job in the school system, it seems like there will be no more snow days. Forget global warming, it's all my fault. I can't WAIT for a day off school because of snow.
I'm not really all that interested in snow on the weekend, on the other hand, because that would be a waste of a day. It's the whole holiday feel you get from the first snow day out of school! It's OK to have a little snow on the weekend, but it's not a HOLIDAY...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
February is coming!!!
January is the calm before the storm. You would not BELIEVE everything that will be going on in February!!!
Every weekend is booked solid, starting with a camping trip and the Superbowl (has that been declared a national holiday yet?) on the first weekend, my 20th anniversary and a ski trip on the long weekend (Valentines Day), then ANOTHER camping trip, and then another ski trip!!! (No, I don't even ski...)
I guess what that really means is that I'll be spending all of March doing laundry.
Every weekend is booked solid, starting with a camping trip and the Superbowl (has that been declared a national holiday yet?) on the first weekend, my 20th anniversary and a ski trip on the long weekend (Valentines Day), then ANOTHER camping trip, and then another ski trip!!! (No, I don't even ski...)
I guess what that really means is that I'll be spending all of March doing laundry.
Ok, back to the mac and cheese...
... and assorted other high fat carbs.
What should I make for dinner tonight?
Actually, Mac and cheese might be the answer. Although the kids really don't like it as much as I do for some reason. What are they, CRAZY? That Kraft stuff can really ruin you for a good real mac and cheese.
I hate trying to figure out what to make for dinner when it's only 6 AM. I can't even figure out what's for breakfast this early.
Although, actually, the answer to what's for breakfast is animal crackers. I have a huge bag of animal crackers in work. EVERYONE in work has a huge bag of animal crackers. They are quite a simple breakfast, but they are getting a little boring.
What should I make for dinner tonight?
Actually, Mac and cheese might be the answer. Although the kids really don't like it as much as I do for some reason. What are they, CRAZY? That Kraft stuff can really ruin you for a good real mac and cheese.
I hate trying to figure out what to make for dinner when it's only 6 AM. I can't even figure out what's for breakfast this early.
Although, actually, the answer to what's for breakfast is animal crackers. I have a huge bag of animal crackers in work. EVERYONE in work has a huge bag of animal crackers. They are quite a simple breakfast, but they are getting a little boring.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Eat, Pray, Love
Eat, Pray, Love is the title of a book I just read. I enjoyed it more than I expected I would.
I was actually resistant to reading it at first, but the book kept popping up, so I finally gave in. It's the memoir of a girl in her thirties who went through a nasty divorce and then decided to travel to Italy, India, and Indonesia in order to heal from her problems.
Italy was the "Eat" section, India was the "Pray" section, and Indonesia (actually, it was Bali,) was the "Love" section.
The book had a lot about meditation and connecting with God, which was interesting. It was all about her experience, and that was less helpful because she is a much different person than I am in many ways.
Anyway, I liked it well enough. I know, I'm damning it with faint praise...
I was actually resistant to reading it at first, but the book kept popping up, so I finally gave in. It's the memoir of a girl in her thirties who went through a nasty divorce and then decided to travel to Italy, India, and Indonesia in order to heal from her problems.
Italy was the "Eat" section, India was the "Pray" section, and Indonesia (actually, it was Bali,) was the "Love" section.
The book had a lot about meditation and connecting with God, which was interesting. It was all about her experience, and that was less helpful because she is a much different person than I am in many ways.
Anyway, I liked it well enough. I know, I'm damning it with faint praise...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Sin and Forgiveness
No, this isn't the topic of the day because I've done anything PARTICULARLY evil lately.
I've been having many very philosophical conversations with myself. Don't bother reading any further if you're looking for some light entertainment. This may just bore you to tears.
For some reason -- possibly because of the beginning of the new year, maybe because of some negative emotions on my part -- I've been thinking about sin and forgiveness and evil and atonement lately.
I haven't made any New Years resolutions. Just the usual -- try to be a better person this year, try to enjoy life more, etc.,etc.
I turned 44, and for some reason, in many ways, I feel that I am not as nice as I should be. That as time goes by, I get farther away from the purity of a childlike spirit. I would really like to go back to having nothing on my mind more than a child has. Instead, for some reason, the slights and wrongs I have done to people over the course of my life have been lingering in my mind a lot lately. I should have done this, I shouldn't have done that. I have so many regrets, and they stack up as the years go on.
I was thinking about the Christian religion and belief that Jesus has died to forgive my sins. I don't find that particularly comforting. I must not really accept it at face value. Also -- the Catholic idea that you can find forgiveness of your sins by going to confession, confessing your sins to a priest, who will be able to somehow provide God's forgiveness. I know it's a complicated theological doctrine and I don't understand it accurately. I also know people of the Catholic and Christian faiths who believe in this, and feel so much better after confession. I don't have faith in confession, either.
Thinking about it from my own point of view, possibly a practical approach, I was thinking about the fact that you can't change the past. All you can do is try to do better in the future. Maybe the ancient people in these religions figured that the only way for some people to get past the mistakes of their past was to promise them that they were magically forgiven. Then, they could magically get over whatever they had already done that was wrong, as long as they promised to do better going forward.
So I'm looking for something for myself, along the lines of confession, that I can believe in to help me stop looking back with so much regret and instead move forward and hopefully do better in the future.
You could suggest making restitution for the wrongs I have done people. But for the most part, I'm talking about the small stuff. I haven't been guilty of stealing from my neighbor, I'm more guilty of just coveting my neighbor's stuff, that kind of thing.
Any ideas? I'm especially interested in ideas different from the Christian/Catholic ideas that I already understand... Feel free to comment!
I've been having many very philosophical conversations with myself. Don't bother reading any further if you're looking for some light entertainment. This may just bore you to tears.
For some reason -- possibly because of the beginning of the new year, maybe because of some negative emotions on my part -- I've been thinking about sin and forgiveness and evil and atonement lately.
I haven't made any New Years resolutions. Just the usual -- try to be a better person this year, try to enjoy life more, etc.,etc.
I turned 44, and for some reason, in many ways, I feel that I am not as nice as I should be. That as time goes by, I get farther away from the purity of a childlike spirit. I would really like to go back to having nothing on my mind more than a child has. Instead, for some reason, the slights and wrongs I have done to people over the course of my life have been lingering in my mind a lot lately. I should have done this, I shouldn't have done that. I have so many regrets, and they stack up as the years go on.
I was thinking about the Christian religion and belief that Jesus has died to forgive my sins. I don't find that particularly comforting. I must not really accept it at face value. Also -- the Catholic idea that you can find forgiveness of your sins by going to confession, confessing your sins to a priest, who will be able to somehow provide God's forgiveness. I know it's a complicated theological doctrine and I don't understand it accurately. I also know people of the Catholic and Christian faiths who believe in this, and feel so much better after confession. I don't have faith in confession, either.
Thinking about it from my own point of view, possibly a practical approach, I was thinking about the fact that you can't change the past. All you can do is try to do better in the future. Maybe the ancient people in these religions figured that the only way for some people to get past the mistakes of their past was to promise them that they were magically forgiven. Then, they could magically get over whatever they had already done that was wrong, as long as they promised to do better going forward.
So I'm looking for something for myself, along the lines of confession, that I can believe in to help me stop looking back with so much regret and instead move forward and hopefully do better in the future.
You could suggest making restitution for the wrongs I have done people. But for the most part, I'm talking about the small stuff. I haven't been guilty of stealing from my neighbor, I'm more guilty of just coveting my neighbor's stuff, that kind of thing.
Any ideas? I'm especially interested in ideas different from the Christian/Catholic ideas that I already understand... Feel free to comment!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Civilization and Manners
I've been reading the online forum for my town lately. I think I've mentioned it before. It's a lot like watching a car wreck. You can't look away, but it's gruesome and horrible.
I've been reading it with some frequency since sometime in December. At that time, there was a topic being posted on that was related to my boys, and it was infuriating to read it. I was TEMPTED to post on it, but I refrained. Other people posted with opinions similar to mine, and they were bashed by other people on the forum. Outright lies were being posted as gospel truth -- and I knew enough of the situation to know which were lies. However, I decided it was a waste of time to argue, and I didn't get involved in the fray. Eventually, the furor died down, when the bulletin board string was archived. No one posted on that topic after that.
I keep reading the forum anyway, and I've found that there is a LOT of mudslinging and name calling and nastiness on the board. And I've gotta wonder -- why can't we all just get along?
My momma (and probably your momma) always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Doesn't anyone teach that anymore? And I get the feeling that the people on this board are adults, not children. Shouldn't they know better?
And it doesn't seem like that board is the only place where manners are completely lacking. It seems like people don't want to be nice to each other anymore, and they don't seem to think there is any REASON to be nice to each other. Especially if -- for any reason -- they believe that the other person is DIFFERENT from them, has a different point of view, or a different way of life.
I'm going to try to be nicer to people this year. I don't want our civilization to crumble. I'm afraid that without good manners, (and I'm not talking about forks, obviously,) our lives would be way worse. Civilization is good for us. I like it.
I didn't post on that forum before, because I was too close to the topic, I felt that it could hurt my feelings too easily. But I might start posting now, just to be the person who says, "Be nice, now, children! If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all!"
I've been reading it with some frequency since sometime in December. At that time, there was a topic being posted on that was related to my boys, and it was infuriating to read it. I was TEMPTED to post on it, but I refrained. Other people posted with opinions similar to mine, and they were bashed by other people on the forum. Outright lies were being posted as gospel truth -- and I knew enough of the situation to know which were lies. However, I decided it was a waste of time to argue, and I didn't get involved in the fray. Eventually, the furor died down, when the bulletin board string was archived. No one posted on that topic after that.
I keep reading the forum anyway, and I've found that there is a LOT of mudslinging and name calling and nastiness on the board. And I've gotta wonder -- why can't we all just get along?
My momma (and probably your momma) always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Doesn't anyone teach that anymore? And I get the feeling that the people on this board are adults, not children. Shouldn't they know better?
And it doesn't seem like that board is the only place where manners are completely lacking. It seems like people don't want to be nice to each other anymore, and they don't seem to think there is any REASON to be nice to each other. Especially if -- for any reason -- they believe that the other person is DIFFERENT from them, has a different point of view, or a different way of life.
I'm going to try to be nicer to people this year. I don't want our civilization to crumble. I'm afraid that without good manners, (and I'm not talking about forks, obviously,) our lives would be way worse. Civilization is good for us. I like it.
I didn't post on that forum before, because I was too close to the topic, I felt that it could hurt my feelings too easily. But I might start posting now, just to be the person who says, "Be nice, now, children! If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all!"
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Migraines for many reasons
Good afternoon, all. How are you today?
It's almost 2 in the afternoon, and I'm much better now, thank you. I went to work this morning (I go to work much too early) but really couldn't make it. I had woken up this morning feeling dizzy and queasy and I really didn't want to wake up, but I figured I ALWAYS feel miserable when I first wake up. 5 AM is obscene. So I got up and tried (rather unsuccessfully) to get dressed, and I went to work.
But I was still dizzy and bleary and feeling a bit hot and cold, and my co-workers looked at me and said, "Leave. Now. We don't want to catch it." So I did.
When I got home, I fell back asleep and slept until 11 -- and woke up with a headache still in place. So I actually took the durned migraine pills that I should have taken to begin with. The pills have now nicely taken effect (or is that affect?) and I am feeling better.
As I started to feel better, I started to go through my mail, to just throw away the junk mail that has been piling up. I let junk mail pile up because I believe in sifting through it before I throw it away, but it isn't anything that has to be done right NOW. Then, after a while, just looking at the junk mail begins to cause a pain in my head, because sifting through it becomes a major job.
Sifting through the junk mail I found a junk magazine, with information on blogging... and the lady in the magazine recommended a book for bloggers entitled "No one cares what you had for lunch: 100 ideas for your blog."
Wait, no one cares what I had for lunch??? I thought you cared??? (Left over macaroni and cheese from yesterday. Not the Kraft kind, but the velveeta and shells kind, with the squeeze pack of processed cheese rather than the powder of bright orange in the Kraft package. Mind you, I like the Kraft kind as well.)
Sitting here, before the mail sifting started, (and also before I could handle lunch,) I have been experiencing some kind of anxiety for no apparent reason. I feel stressed out and I have no idea why. Maybe because I'm not in work, although I did TRY to go. Maybe it's a side effect (or affect?) of the headache in the first place. Maybe it's hormones.
Maybe this isn't something I'm supposed to be blogging about. If no one cares about what I had for lunch, does anyone care why I'm feeling anxious? On the other hand, my blog has ALWAYS been boring... why should I stop being boring now?
It's almost 2 in the afternoon, and I'm much better now, thank you. I went to work this morning (I go to work much too early) but really couldn't make it. I had woken up this morning feeling dizzy and queasy and I really didn't want to wake up, but I figured I ALWAYS feel miserable when I first wake up. 5 AM is obscene. So I got up and tried (rather unsuccessfully) to get dressed, and I went to work.
But I was still dizzy and bleary and feeling a bit hot and cold, and my co-workers looked at me and said, "Leave. Now. We don't want to catch it." So I did.
When I got home, I fell back asleep and slept until 11 -- and woke up with a headache still in place. So I actually took the durned migraine pills that I should have taken to begin with. The pills have now nicely taken effect (or is that affect?) and I am feeling better.
As I started to feel better, I started to go through my mail, to just throw away the junk mail that has been piling up. I let junk mail pile up because I believe in sifting through it before I throw it away, but it isn't anything that has to be done right NOW. Then, after a while, just looking at the junk mail begins to cause a pain in my head, because sifting through it becomes a major job.
Sifting through the junk mail I found a junk magazine, with information on blogging... and the lady in the magazine recommended a book for bloggers entitled "No one cares what you had for lunch: 100 ideas for your blog."
Wait, no one cares what I had for lunch??? I thought you cared??? (Left over macaroni and cheese from yesterday. Not the Kraft kind, but the velveeta and shells kind, with the squeeze pack of processed cheese rather than the powder of bright orange in the Kraft package. Mind you, I like the Kraft kind as well.)
Sitting here, before the mail sifting started, (and also before I could handle lunch,) I have been experiencing some kind of anxiety for no apparent reason. I feel stressed out and I have no idea why. Maybe because I'm not in work, although I did TRY to go. Maybe it's a side effect (or affect?) of the headache in the first place. Maybe it's hormones.
Maybe this isn't something I'm supposed to be blogging about. If no one cares about what I had for lunch, does anyone care why I'm feeling anxious? On the other hand, my blog has ALWAYS been boring... why should I stop being boring now?
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Power Lines
I don't know why I like this photo so much. I took it Saturday on my way home from the mall, as I stopped to get gas. I used my cell phone, which is probably why it isn't very clear.
Something about the trees against the lines reminds me of musical notes. It was more clear to me when I saw the actual scene, less clear in this picture.
That, and I like the colors too...
Friday, January 04, 2008
Back in Aftercare!
Well, I've decided to go back to aftercare for a little while, as a sub. The kids were thrilled to see me, and I must admit, I was really happy to see them too. They are great little people. Although they can really be a drain on my energy, too... some have no control of themselves. Maybe it's because they are tired after a whole day in school. They act up a bit. The hardest part is trying to let them work off a little steam and at the same time keeping them in control enough so that they don't do anything outside the bounds of appropriate behavior.
One good thing about going back to aftercare is that it gives me additional material for my other blog, which I just started during the holidays. It's called Creation Place, and you can find it by looking at my profile -- it's the other blog listed.
Creation Place is about doing fun craft activities. Mostly the little kid kind of crafts that I really like doing. Or sometimes, crafts that you shouldn't do with the kids, but that won't be considered high class "art" projects by any means. Stress relieving art projects!
I'm not an artist per se, but in the eyes of the little kids in after care, I'm quite amazing! And there is so much to be said for doing crafts with your kids. Even though there are a million craft blogs out there, I decided to add my own. Who knows, it might make me a few bucks. You will notice that I have an ad on my new blog. If I get any traffic -- if people click on the ad -- I might make some money. However, don't go over there and start clicking like crazy for no reason. That would be unfair and wrong, and against the rules. (But... if you are INTERESTED in the ad, that's another story!)
But, back to the aftercare. I figure a little extra cash won't hurt after the holidays, and so there you go. I did miss it a bit anyway.
One good thing about going back to aftercare is that it gives me additional material for my other blog, which I just started during the holidays. It's called Creation Place, and you can find it by looking at my profile -- it's the other blog listed.
Creation Place is about doing fun craft activities. Mostly the little kid kind of crafts that I really like doing. Or sometimes, crafts that you shouldn't do with the kids, but that won't be considered high class "art" projects by any means. Stress relieving art projects!
I'm not an artist per se, but in the eyes of the little kids in after care, I'm quite amazing! And there is so much to be said for doing crafts with your kids. Even though there are a million craft blogs out there, I decided to add my own. Who knows, it might make me a few bucks. You will notice that I have an ad on my new blog. If I get any traffic -- if people click on the ad -- I might make some money. However, don't go over there and start clicking like crazy for no reason. That would be unfair and wrong, and against the rules. (But... if you are INTERESTED in the ad, that's another story!)
But, back to the aftercare. I figure a little extra cash won't hurt after the holidays, and so there you go. I did miss it a bit anyway.
Friday, December 28, 2007
We've been forked!
Do you remember how, over the summer, I mentioned how bored the kids are around here? Well, this is the new trend... practical jokes. Tonight, we were forked.
Honestly, I find it funny. No harm done, right? I might just leave it until New Year's Eve... although maybe that isn't what they were looking for. Is it as much fun, if the person you are pranking thinks it's funny? Isn't it more funny if everyone freaks out and runs around screaming, like chickens with their heads cut off???
The view from the Top
Here's a buena vista for y'all -- a beautiful view from our hike today.
The hike was very peaceful, extremely quiet -- especially with no kids along! No birds to be heard, either; I guess they've flown away for the winter. Mostly all you could hear was our feet crunching through snow and gravel.
The only really embarassing part was that at the ONLY POINT during the whole trail where we saw another person -- obviously the kind of guy who was out in the woods for the peace and quiet and to get away from the real world -- and wouldn't you know it, but my cell phone rings? The kids wanted to know where we were and what time we'd be home. I felt so rude. I can just imagine what that guy was thinking.
AT hike
Frank and I went on a short hike along the Appalachian Trail today. Here we are pretty near our furthest point -- we stopped for lunch and then turned around a few minutes later. It was a short hike, because we started late in the day, but it was quite nice. I REALLY need the exercise!
Christmas Holiday
It's been a very nice holiday so far. I'm busy trying to jam in everything possible on the week I have off. Looking at January and February, with so few days off, it looks very bleak.
I love my new job - I've been there 6 months now -- but I do really miss being home. Even more so, I miss being home alone. Even this break is not quite the same because the whole family is here with me.
Nothing I can do but make the best of it.
So I've been sleeping late and renting movies on pay-per-view late at night, listening to a lot of music, and stuff like that. Yesterday, Frank and I went to a winery. We've decided to try to make wine a hobby. Unfortunately, it's not a cheap hobby, so I'm not sure that will really work. Sure, the wine tasting was free at the winery. But we ended up buying four bottles of wine. I can't keep doing that.
And we are joining the health club together. I've been a member since August, but now we're adding him and the kids to the membership.
And today we are supposed to be going on a hike.
Ahh, togetherness.
I love my new job - I've been there 6 months now -- but I do really miss being home. Even more so, I miss being home alone. Even this break is not quite the same because the whole family is here with me.
Nothing I can do but make the best of it.
So I've been sleeping late and renting movies on pay-per-view late at night, listening to a lot of music, and stuff like that. Yesterday, Frank and I went to a winery. We've decided to try to make wine a hobby. Unfortunately, it's not a cheap hobby, so I'm not sure that will really work. Sure, the wine tasting was free at the winery. But we ended up buying four bottles of wine. I can't keep doing that.
And we are joining the health club together. I've been a member since August, but now we're adding him and the kids to the membership.
And today we are supposed to be going on a hike.
Ahh, togetherness.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
I just took this picture last night, really to send to Mrs. T., but then I decided to post it for all of you. This will from hereon be known as the official Christmas picture for 2007. However, you won't be getting one in a card. I do plan on sending out cards -- but no, I haven't done them yet. Oh, I STARTED them, but actually MAILING anything is a completely different story.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Anonymity. (Did I spell that correctly?)
I am not very anonymous on this blog. Everyone who reads it pretty much knows who I am. After all, it's "Keep in Touch..." -- it's supposed to be for my friends and family, not for pointed remarks or sarcasm or gossip or things of that nature. It's open to be read by people who I know or people who I don't know, and I want it to be an honorable place.
I was reading NJ Online about the Hockey fight the boys were in. That is a bulletin board about woodbridge, and about things going on in Woodbridge. It is supposedly completely anonymous. HOWEVER. I did NOT ever post there.
I have this bad feeling that people might think that because I blog, I'm liable to blog on that site. I must say, I believe that if I posted on that bulletin board, it would be a bad thing. Maybe not bad for everyone, but bad for me. So this is my statement right here. I don't have a problem with posting about things. And I believe in free speech. But I don't necessarily it's productive to have ANONYMOUS free speech, because it tends to devolve into name calling and shit slinging.
If I ever post on that board, I will be completely identifiable.
I was reading NJ Online about the Hockey fight the boys were in. That is a bulletin board about woodbridge, and about things going on in Woodbridge. It is supposedly completely anonymous. HOWEVER. I did NOT ever post there.
I have this bad feeling that people might think that because I blog, I'm liable to blog on that site. I must say, I believe that if I posted on that bulletin board, it would be a bad thing. Maybe not bad for everyone, but bad for me. So this is my statement right here. I don't have a problem with posting about things. And I believe in free speech. But I don't necessarily it's productive to have ANONYMOUS free speech, because it tends to devolve into name calling and shit slinging.
If I ever post on that board, I will be completely identifiable.
Life
Quote of the week
"To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution." – Unknown
This is the quote of the week on a blog by Netizen 101, also known as Vincent. His blog can be found atTHIS WONDER-FUL LIFE
and I really think that you all should take a look. I'm always wondering about the meaning of life, and so is he. He's very thoughtful and interesting to read. His recent post is about happiness; read down through some of his older posts as well, and you'll find some very philosophical ideas. So go visit him and say Hi from me!
"To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution." – Unknown
This is the quote of the week on a blog by Netizen 101, also known as Vincent. His blog can be found atTHIS WONDER-FUL LIFE
and I really think that you all should take a look. I'm always wondering about the meaning of life, and so is he. He's very thoughtful and interesting to read. His recent post is about happiness; read down through some of his older posts as well, and you'll find some very philosophical ideas. So go visit him and say Hi from me!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Sunday Evenings
It's hard to get motivated on a Sunday Evening. So instead of doing any of the thousand things I should be doing, I'm sitting here playing on the computer. I surfed all over, from Free Rice to Post Secret to everyone's blogs. I don't even feel all that motivated to post on my own blog. I'm sitting around in a rather hazy contentment, having had a lovely holiday party to attend last night, and then another party (for a cousin's first birthday) in the afternoon today. And the time keeps flowing away from me, and I'm sure I'll be sorry I haven't done more with my weekend than I did. But it's COLD upstairs where the laundry is, and I don't feel like it!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
The Before Picture
Yesterday's wind storm was mighty ferocious. All of the pretty leaves blew away in one blast of air. This is the before picture. I took it Sunday. (I still haven't taken the after picture, but I'll post it later.)
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Getting Ready
Today was supposed to be a busy day... I was supposed to give a speech this morning, and then I was supposed to have a few members of my family over for dinner.
But the snow kinda stopped both of those things from happening today. It isn't overly snowy, but there was the threat of ice and sleet. So the Make A Wish meeting was cancelled and Mom decided not to risk the trip from the Poconos.
So that leaves me with a pretty free day. I'm having fun getting ready for Christmas. How 'bout you?
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The easiest way to make a charitable donation EVER.
So we visited the hospital and saw Frankie's old tutor, and she told us about this web site. I researched it a little, and it really seems to be true. If you play this vocabulary game -- actually pretty good for any age, and fun if you are like me and enjoy words -- they donate 20 grains of rice to poor people for every word you get correct. You really should check it out. It's at freerice.com -- click on the link (the freerice words, not the picture) and give it a shot.
I "beasted out" at the game, (as the kids would say,) averaging about a 43, peaking at about level 46. Frankie held his own at about 29. Let us know how you do!
Blah.
I'm not feeling that good today, and yet I'm afraid to take a day off work. It's partially just that I'm too tired. It's partly that I miss being home and having the freedom that I used to have. It's partly just hearing bad news about things -- although none of the bad news really directly affects me, it does affect my mood.
So basically, blah.
At least it isn't Wednesday. The week is more than 1/2 over.
So basically, blah.
At least it isn't Wednesday. The week is more than 1/2 over.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
A retraction is clearly in order.
I looked out the window this morning and realized that I was totally premature when I called the peak leaf day last week. I thought that with the rain, all of the beautiful leaves would be falling soon after that day. I was so wrong. And I have to admit it.
This is the view through my kitchen window. Have you ever seen such beautiful leaves?
Yes, I know I have too many knick-knacks. The bottle doesn't actually have any wine in it, it is just a pretty color so I kept it. I have jelly jars in the window too -- but it's fake jelly, actually candles. I love the way they look when the light shines through them.
So Happy Fall, Y'all.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Christmas is breathing down the back of my neck.
I hate that feeling.
I'm not feeling that well today, I'm fighting a cold.
But I had a really nice weekend, and I saw several friends that I hadn't seen or hung out with in a while. I also went to a pleasant gathering with a few new people from my new job. I even tried something new -- Thai food -- which really is too spicy for me, thanks for asking. (I'm not the most bland person I know, but I guess I'm pretty close. I didn't order anything overly spicy -- it didn't actually say chili or curry, it had bell peppers and not spicy peppers -- but I couldn't eat it anyway. I enjoyed the new experience, anyway.) And I spent a few hours doing a food drive with the Boy Scouts, so that was something to feel good about.
All in all, a good weekend. But right now, I'm sitting here with a bit of a tickle in my throat and I'm getting a little uneasy about things like Christmas shopping and decorating and writing cards and baking cookies and cooking and planning and
I think I'm going to go lay down.
I'm not feeling that well today, I'm fighting a cold.
But I had a really nice weekend, and I saw several friends that I hadn't seen or hung out with in a while. I also went to a pleasant gathering with a few new people from my new job. I even tried something new -- Thai food -- which really is too spicy for me, thanks for asking. (I'm not the most bland person I know, but I guess I'm pretty close. I didn't order anything overly spicy -- it didn't actually say chili or curry, it had bell peppers and not spicy peppers -- but I couldn't eat it anyway. I enjoyed the new experience, anyway.) And I spent a few hours doing a food drive with the Boy Scouts, so that was something to feel good about.
All in all, a good weekend. But right now, I'm sitting here with a bit of a tickle in my throat and I'm getting a little uneasy about things like Christmas shopping and decorating and writing cards and baking cookies and cooking and planning and
I think I'm going to go lay down.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Peak Leaf Day in Iselin
In spite of the rain, and two weeks later than last year, I hereby pronounce today to be Peak Leaf day in Iselin!!!
The rain makes the sky a bit drabber, so the leaves might not pop out as nicely, but I really think if you look carefully at the trees you'll realize they don't get any better than this.
glitter-graphics.com
The rain makes the sky a bit drabber, so the leaves might not pop out as nicely, but I really think if you look carefully at the trees you'll realize they don't get any better than this.
glitter-graphics.com
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Back to Work (using trickery to wake up!)
It's silly, but it seems to be working.
After that lovely week off work, I'm back to the daily grind.
Starting at 7 is pretty painful. On the other hand, with the time change, my body is still kinda used to getting up even earlier.
So I set my alarm clock to ring 1/2 hour before it was ringing. I'm getting up at 5 now instead of 5:30.
You would think that an hour and a half would be enough time to get ready for work, but it wasn't. I was about 5 minutes late everyday, and I haven't had to scrape my car windows yet. So now I wake up at 5, but since the time change, it doesn't feel that bad. But the only way I can make myself get up that early, is by tricking myself into thinking it's the same time I WAS getting up. I always fall for that kind of trick in the morning.
After that lovely week off work, I'm back to the daily grind.
Starting at 7 is pretty painful. On the other hand, with the time change, my body is still kinda used to getting up even earlier.
So I set my alarm clock to ring 1/2 hour before it was ringing. I'm getting up at 5 now instead of 5:30.
You would think that an hour and a half would be enough time to get ready for work, but it wasn't. I was about 5 minutes late everyday, and I haven't had to scrape my car windows yet. So now I wake up at 5, but since the time change, it doesn't feel that bad. But the only way I can make myself get up that early, is by tricking myself into thinking it's the same time I WAS getting up. I always fall for that kind of trick in the morning.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Free Time
We're just finishing up the week off. Every November, the schools in our town close for a whole week. Many schools in New Jersey close up for this week. It's like a bonus vacation -- better than Christmas or Spring break because there is no major holiday attached, so no major holiday pressure or commitments.
We spent part of the week traveling, a bit of the seek straightening up the house, and most of the week "recreating" in one way or another.
I spend quite a bit of time thinking about the meaning of life. What is it all about? What makes life meaningful? Is it living in the daily, mundane tasks, with serenity? Is it excitement and fun, with travel and partying? Should I spend more time working or cleaning? Should Frank and I make more of an effort to be social? We seem to become less and less social with every year that goes by. Also, as the kids are getting older, I worry both that I spend too much time and energy on the kids and that I don't spend enough time and energy on the kids.
Sometimes I feel left out, out of the loop, like life is passing me by.
Sometimes I think about the harsh and brutal lives of primitive cultures -- like cavemen -- and I wonder, has the meaning of life changed over time? How amazing is it that our lives are made so much simpler and easier and longer by all of the things that technology and education has brought us? And how can I complain about my life?
I ran a few errands yesterday. I had to pick up bread and pick up the dry cleaning.
In the quickie mart, I said Hello to the three guys who are ALWAYS there. They are there at 6AM and they are there at 11 PM. They are there every single day of the week, and have been ever since they bought the store.
Then, at the dry cleaners, I said hello to the same lovely ladies who have been helping me for as long as I can remember. They sit at their sewing machines, working on alterations, and listening to a Christian radio station talk about God. They have been sitting there everytime I have walked in for at least the last 20 years.
I wonder if they have time to worry about the meaning of life? Or maybe they have already found it.
We spent part of the week traveling, a bit of the seek straightening up the house, and most of the week "recreating" in one way or another.
I spend quite a bit of time thinking about the meaning of life. What is it all about? What makes life meaningful? Is it living in the daily, mundane tasks, with serenity? Is it excitement and fun, with travel and partying? Should I spend more time working or cleaning? Should Frank and I make more of an effort to be social? We seem to become less and less social with every year that goes by. Also, as the kids are getting older, I worry both that I spend too much time and energy on the kids and that I don't spend enough time and energy on the kids.
Sometimes I feel left out, out of the loop, like life is passing me by.
Sometimes I think about the harsh and brutal lives of primitive cultures -- like cavemen -- and I wonder, has the meaning of life changed over time? How amazing is it that our lives are made so much simpler and easier and longer by all of the things that technology and education has brought us? And how can I complain about my life?
I ran a few errands yesterday. I had to pick up bread and pick up the dry cleaning.
In the quickie mart, I said Hello to the three guys who are ALWAYS there. They are there at 6AM and they are there at 11 PM. They are there every single day of the week, and have been ever since they bought the store.
Then, at the dry cleaners, I said hello to the same lovely ladies who have been helping me for as long as I can remember. They sit at their sewing machines, working on alterations, and listening to a Christian radio station talk about God. They have been sitting there everytime I have walked in for at least the last 20 years.
I wonder if they have time to worry about the meaning of life? Or maybe they have already found it.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Venturing event...
Today, Nick and I went on our first Venturing activity -- a day trip to a camp in Northern New Jersey. The Venturing crew was allowed to shoot rifles and shotguns, and learned how to rock climb on rocks, not on a wall built to simulate rock climbing.
Nick just joined venturing. So far, I think he really likes it. I'm not surprised. It is a part of Boy Scouting, but it is different. It is more flexible, less oriented towards earning badges. It is more about doing the kind of adventurous stuff that the kids really want to do. Not to mention that it is only for the older kids -- 14 and up -- and girls are also invited. That has to help.
Nick declined to shoot; I don't think it is something he really is interested in too much. I shot the shotgun, though, and I think I hit the clay target. Well, maybe it was the other kid who was shooting who actually hit it.
Nick did make it up the mountain, and then repelled down. I decided against climbing. Just getting up to the cliff was hard enough... the cliff was located up a pretty steep hill. I had to skitch and slide down on my butt. I was a little petrified. Just a little.
Everyone had a great time. I think Venturing is going to be a really great opportunity...
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
College Shopping
It is lovely in Massachusetts right now, which is where we went for the last few days, shopping for colleges. It is really early so there was no pressure to decide. We went to see one really big college (Northeastern University) and one really small college (Franklin Olin College of Engineering.)
Both have great, and I mean GREAT, programs, as far as I can see. Frankie would be lucky to go to either school. He'd be lucky to get into Northeastern because it costs way more than we can afford, and about 30,000 people apply and only 3,800 get in every year... and he'd be lucky to get into Olin because the kids that go there are even smarter than he is -- the average GPA for new freshmen is 4.0, and the average SAT scores are something like 2200.
He couldn't decide which one he would like more. He might not go to either. But it was an interesting place to start looking.
We were going to look at MIT, too, but decided not to because it was raining and we didn't feel like taking a tour in the rain. Besides that, he knows he does NOT want to go to MIT. Too much pressure, I guess. So why go look at it in the rain? We were going to go look just for the sake of looking at it -- kinda the same way you go to a museum or something.
Nick was dragged around to look at the colleges too. Maybe he'll have a better idea what he wants to do when it is his turn to decide. Or maybe not.
Both have great, and I mean GREAT, programs, as far as I can see. Frankie would be lucky to go to either school. He'd be lucky to get into Northeastern because it costs way more than we can afford, and about 30,000 people apply and only 3,800 get in every year... and he'd be lucky to get into Olin because the kids that go there are even smarter than he is -- the average GPA for new freshmen is 4.0, and the average SAT scores are something like 2200.
He couldn't decide which one he would like more. He might not go to either. But it was an interesting place to start looking.
We were going to look at MIT, too, but decided not to because it was raining and we didn't feel like taking a tour in the rain. Besides that, he knows he does NOT want to go to MIT. Too much pressure, I guess. So why go look at it in the rain? We were going to go look just for the sake of looking at it -- kinda the same way you go to a museum or something.
Nick was dragged around to look at the colleges too. Maybe he'll have a better idea what he wants to do when it is his turn to decide. Or maybe not.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
I miss Halloween
I miss having my kids little. There is a toy commercial out there with little blonde boys riding on a tonka truck. Reminds me so totally of Nick at age 1, scooting around on the little tykes race car. Makes me want to have another baby. Which is precisely why I had that operation all those years ago -- so I couldn't go back in a moment of weakness and have another baby on an impulse. When you're done, you're done, and you just have to accept it.
Yesterday, as soon as we got home from his blood test, Frankie was back out again with the car... he really feels like a big deal, I guess, being able to drive when and where he wants to. Nick had to wait for me to give him a ride to trick or treat with his friends. But it's not like they needed me to trick or treat with!
I didn't go to the Halloween parade at school, either. I barely got dressed up -- I dressed normally for work, and then wore my witchy shirt with just a regular pair of jeans, not even a hat or funky makeup, when I got home. How lame is that? And I didn't make gingerbread -- I couldn't find it in shoprite, for some reason -- and I didn't buy (or make) a pineapple upside down cake. Which is one of my personal traditions. Even though I am the only one who would be eating it. Which is why I didn't try too hard.
I only saw one group of trick-or-treaters -- but it was a good group; a bunch of my kiddies from aftercare stopped at our house. They looked adorable!
On the good side, I had a nice evening with my husband, and we went out for a good dinner with wine. And I finished off a book -- the Pilot's Wife, which was really interesting. So it was a good day.
Yesterday, as soon as we got home from his blood test, Frankie was back out again with the car... he really feels like a big deal, I guess, being able to drive when and where he wants to. Nick had to wait for me to give him a ride to trick or treat with his friends. But it's not like they needed me to trick or treat with!
I didn't go to the Halloween parade at school, either. I barely got dressed up -- I dressed normally for work, and then wore my witchy shirt with just a regular pair of jeans, not even a hat or funky makeup, when I got home. How lame is that? And I didn't make gingerbread -- I couldn't find it in shoprite, for some reason -- and I didn't buy (or make) a pineapple upside down cake. Which is one of my personal traditions. Even though I am the only one who would be eating it. Which is why I didn't try too hard.
I only saw one group of trick-or-treaters -- but it was a good group; a bunch of my kiddies from aftercare stopped at our house. They looked adorable!
On the good side, I had a nice evening with my husband, and we went out for a good dinner with wine. And I finished off a book -- the Pilot's Wife, which was really interesting. So it was a good day.
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