I didn't blog yesterday, because I was with my mother, having a nice, delightful time. It is especially nice to have a mom who is completely satisfied just getting to see you for Mother's Day, although it might give you an exaggerated sense of self.
My mom is the best in the world--I know you might also think that, but I'm here to say you are wrong. You cannot beat my mom--she is an amazing, talented, thoughtful woman. She also has the same career I have, of sorts--she teaches Kindergartners--so we can always rant about our jobs together. She is the best baker in the entire world. If you think I am lying, ask someone who has eaten her food. She sews--she made bridesmaids dresses for both of her daughter's weddings. She is a hardcore prayer warrior. I could go on, but lunch break is about over.
So, mom, I love you so much! (I know, I know, other people's moms are great too. Share!)
May 12, 2008
May 10, 2008
Mr. Cool's Those Aren't My Pants: Randomness
RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM MR. COOL’S HEAD:
1) Have you ever watched a guy chew through a seat belt? It is an interesting experience, but I suppose after a few hours in a restraint chair (it’s as fun as it sounds) I would want to chew through something too. That particular inmate thought it was a good time, but he did ask to see the dentist later.
2) Should we invade Iran? No, not a good idea. But, if you want to get them where it hurts – stop buying caviar. Directly after oil, Iran’s second largest export is Beluga Caviar! Talk about a great way to show one’s patriotism: upper crust liberals, blue bloods, and big-business conservatives can all join together in the GWOT (global war on terror)! But you can still eat the toast points, that’s as American as white bread…
3) The American Criminal Justice system should work faster. I know this isn’t a new idea, or one that is particularly ground breaking – but let me give you a prime example. I was supposed to go to Court on Monday (May 12th) to testify in an “Introduction of Contraband – Weapon – into a Secured Facility” case. This case was continued, for the fourth time! The original act was committed in November of 2006 and was witnessed by two sworn officers, so one wonders why the swift justice of the Criminal Justice system is failing me now. (In case you’re wondering why I care so much – the defendant broke a razor apart and fashion a slashing type weapon using a pencil and dental floss. This was of course only weeks after he threatened to kill me. The threats don’t really bother me, as they are more of a daily thing but I would like this guy off the streets.) But seriously, it only takes CSI and Law and Order an hour to convict a guy and send him off to the pokey!
4) If I could live in a catalog, which would it be? Between the lovely wife and me, we get a lot of catalogs – ranging from bison down yarn to Russian military surplus ammunition to an abundance of clothing retailers. If I could choose only one to live in, it would definitely be L.L. Bean. First off, I would still get to do many of the activities I enjoy (walking, swimming, hiking, kayaking, standing by fences, stacking wood, lighting fires, and staring off into scenery) with plenty of other beautiful people to enjoy them with. Secondly, I would be extremely prepared for all seasonal weather – Gore-Tex for winter, breathable fabrics for summer, and everything else in between. Lastly, I would never have to do any laundry – think about it. If you had each different kind of shirt, in every available color and pattern, I could have a clean shirt everyday for approximately 7 years.
1) Have you ever watched a guy chew through a seat belt? It is an interesting experience, but I suppose after a few hours in a restraint chair (it’s as fun as it sounds) I would want to chew through something too. That particular inmate thought it was a good time, but he did ask to see the dentist later.
2) Should we invade Iran? No, not a good idea. But, if you want to get them where it hurts – stop buying caviar. Directly after oil, Iran’s second largest export is Beluga Caviar! Talk about a great way to show one’s patriotism: upper crust liberals, blue bloods, and big-business conservatives can all join together in the GWOT (global war on terror)! But you can still eat the toast points, that’s as American as white bread…
3) The American Criminal Justice system should work faster. I know this isn’t a new idea, or one that is particularly ground breaking – but let me give you a prime example. I was supposed to go to Court on Monday (May 12th) to testify in an “Introduction of Contraband – Weapon – into a Secured Facility” case. This case was continued, for the fourth time! The original act was committed in November of 2006 and was witnessed by two sworn officers, so one wonders why the swift justice of the Criminal Justice system is failing me now. (In case you’re wondering why I care so much – the defendant broke a razor apart and fashion a slashing type weapon using a pencil and dental floss. This was of course only weeks after he threatened to kill me. The threats don’t really bother me, as they are more of a daily thing but I would like this guy off the streets.) But seriously, it only takes CSI and Law and Order an hour to convict a guy and send him off to the pokey!
4) If I could live in a catalog, which would it be? Between the lovely wife and me, we get a lot of catalogs – ranging from bison down yarn to Russian military surplus ammunition to an abundance of clothing retailers. If I could choose only one to live in, it would definitely be L.L. Bean. First off, I would still get to do many of the activities I enjoy (walking, swimming, hiking, kayaking, standing by fences, stacking wood, lighting fires, and staring off into scenery) with plenty of other beautiful people to enjoy them with. Secondly, I would be extremely prepared for all seasonal weather – Gore-Tex for winter, breathable fabrics for summer, and everything else in between. Lastly, I would never have to do any laundry – think about it. If you had each different kind of shirt, in every available color and pattern, I could have a clean shirt everyday for approximately 7 years.
May 09, 2008
Good Knitting Vibes
I have joyfully committed myself to completing a good-size knitted item in one week. I have cast on, and have six rows complete, with about six bazillion to go. I really, really want to complete this project, but many other things really, really need to get done in this coming week! Please send some positive knitting thoughts my way, that I would have time to knit, and time to do everything else that pulls me away from the needles!
P.S. No, I won't say what it is. It's a surprise!
P.S. No, I won't say what it is. It's a surprise!
May 08, 2008
Things That Make Me Go Ha!
As I enter the dark time of the teaching year, with constant grading, squirrely students, awards nights, and tearing down room decorations, I decided to compile a list of recent things that made me laugh. Hopefully, you get a chuckle too.
An Open Letter to Martians
Stephen Colbert and Donna Brazile (I like spunky gals!)
Weird Al + Queen
A Christian Movie Perspective
An Open Letter to Martians
Stephen Colbert and Donna Brazile (I like spunky gals!)
Weird Al + Queen
A Christian Movie Perspective
May 06, 2008
Da-da-da, Da-da-da
Some of you might have had a tune pop into your head while reading the title of this post, and some of might be thinking this will be an article on the Dada art movement.
Nope. No such luck, my artiste pals. This is a post on the fabulous, addictive ESPN Sports Center. Yes, the iconic da-da-da signals a witty and fun whip through the previous day in sports. I watch mine between 4-6 in the morning, and my day is improved when I can catch the Top Ten Plays, in all their glory. Even better, a morning when John Anderson (my current favorite anchor) gets off a few zingers. Today's best? Steve Levy (his co-anchor), referred to him as Captain Geography. "I have a cape," replied Anderson. I laughed all the way to my toothbrush.
See, I love sports. My particular favorites are basketball and baseball, but I will watch just about anything. Mr. Cool has managed to get me mildly addicted to football in our years of marriage, and listening to Barry Melrose's deluxe Canadian accent (eh?) will make me care about hockey. To be honest, the only highlight I will avoid is anything to do with Nascar. (I'm paying $3.50/gallon, and there's a sport wasting gas?! Please tell me I'm not the only one who hates that.) Sports Center is my morning news, full of dunks, passes, drafts, jaw-dropping catches, witty hockey one-liners, and Bengals jail reports. (Sorry, cheap shot.)
Of course, if I see anything in the great side-menu that informs you what's next that concerns my favorite teams, (Colts, Celtics, Spurs, UWYO), I will postpone my shower. Nothing is more fun to watch while on the treadmill than other athletic feats. Sports Center anchors are erudite and fast-thinkers, starting off the day with a bunch of clever comments on the world of sports.
So, this morning, thanks to Sports Center, I can wish good luck to the Spurs (you can come back!), best wishes to the Celtics (only Ohio thinks the Cavs will win--show 'em who's boss!), a snide snicker to Ken Griffey, Jr. (robbed of 598, hee, hee), and a warning to John Anderson about superheroes wearing capes. See you tomorrow morning!
Nope. No such luck, my artiste pals. This is a post on the fabulous, addictive ESPN Sports Center. Yes, the iconic da-da-da signals a witty and fun whip through the previous day in sports. I watch mine between 4-6 in the morning, and my day is improved when I can catch the Top Ten Plays, in all their glory. Even better, a morning when John Anderson (my current favorite anchor) gets off a few zingers. Today's best? Steve Levy (his co-anchor), referred to him as Captain Geography. "I have a cape," replied Anderson. I laughed all the way to my toothbrush.
See, I love sports. My particular favorites are basketball and baseball, but I will watch just about anything. Mr. Cool has managed to get me mildly addicted to football in our years of marriage, and listening to Barry Melrose's deluxe Canadian accent (eh?) will make me care about hockey. To be honest, the only highlight I will avoid is anything to do with Nascar. (I'm paying $3.50/gallon, and there's a sport wasting gas?! Please tell me I'm not the only one who hates that.) Sports Center is my morning news, full of dunks, passes, drafts, jaw-dropping catches, witty hockey one-liners, and Bengals jail reports. (Sorry, cheap shot.)
Of course, if I see anything in the great side-menu that informs you what's next that concerns my favorite teams, (Colts, Celtics, Spurs, UWYO), I will postpone my shower. Nothing is more fun to watch while on the treadmill than other athletic feats. Sports Center anchors are erudite and fast-thinkers, starting off the day with a bunch of clever comments on the world of sports.
So, this morning, thanks to Sports Center, I can wish good luck to the Spurs (you can come back!), best wishes to the Celtics (only Ohio thinks the Cavs will win--show 'em who's boss!), a snide snicker to Ken Griffey, Jr. (robbed of 598, hee, hee), and a warning to John Anderson about superheroes wearing capes. See you tomorrow morning!
May 04, 2008
Sunday Picture-O-Rama
I couldn't find the camera cable for a while (Mr. Cool had helpfully put it away), so I'm behind on pictures! So, fun stuff, swaps, and finished objects abound today!
Swap: I participated in my first swap through Ravelry, and MichelleH sent me some great stuff, much of which has been eaten or put to use. I have a plan for the yarn that might involve Christmas! I loved this whole swap, and look forward to my next one!
Fun Stuff: Sophie the sheep is happy to welcome a new decoration to my knitting corner--a special gift from Hannah. It's a vinyl transfer, but instead of my wall, I've affixed it to lovely hyacinth plaque, so that it can move with me forever. Mr. Cool thinks it must have been specially designed for me!
A close-up of the way-too-perfect transfer!
Finished Object: I've finally finished my lovely stole, my first really big finished object! It's starting to get too warm to enjoy it, but I know I will as soon as it's cold.
I know this isn't the best picture, but it does give you an idea of the length. It's the same height as me, and the color looks much less stripey in real life, with a gentle color gradation.
As soon as I get really nice pictures of my work area, I'll be posting those. Posts might be few and far between this week, as I'll be grading up a storm, but I'll keep listening to NPR, watching the news, and reading blogs!
Swap: I participated in my first swap through Ravelry, and MichelleH sent me some great stuff, much of which has been eaten or put to use. I have a plan for the yarn that might involve Christmas! I loved this whole swap, and look forward to my next one!
Fun Stuff: Sophie the sheep is happy to welcome a new decoration to my knitting corner--a special gift from Hannah. It's a vinyl transfer, but instead of my wall, I've affixed it to lovely hyacinth plaque, so that it can move with me forever. Mr. Cool thinks it must have been specially designed for me!
A close-up of the way-too-perfect transfer!
Finished Object: I've finally finished my lovely stole, my first really big finished object! It's starting to get too warm to enjoy it, but I know I will as soon as it's cold.
I know this isn't the best picture, but it does give you an idea of the length. It's the same height as me, and the color looks much less stripey in real life, with a gentle color gradation.
As soon as I get really nice pictures of my work area, I'll be posting those. Posts might be few and far between this week, as I'll be grading up a storm, but I'll keep listening to NPR, watching the news, and reading blogs!
May 01, 2008
Age Before Beauty
This morning on NPR, I heard an interesting story about the generational gap in politics. Apparently, younger voters are turning into Democrats at an increasing rate, which will lead to a shift in American politics. A quote from the story stated that George W. Bush has turned young folk into Democrats in the same way that Reagan turned 'em into Republicans. I found it interesting that Republicans have the power in molding young minds, in either a negative or positive way. Apparently, this mind molding is strongest in twenty-somethings, as that is when a person's political mindset and loyalty are established.
The extension of this thought in the Democratic primaries, is that while race and gender are factors in the race between Obama and HRC, age is the biggest factor. Older voters tend to like Hilary, who is 60, while the youngsters like Obama, a youthful 46. In the mix of this is John McCain, who, if elected, would be the oldest first-term president. Is age a factor in presidential elections? I know the historical perspective (eh, kinda), but I'd like to know my loyal readers thoughts. Age before beauty?
The extension of this thought in the Democratic primaries, is that while race and gender are factors in the race between Obama and HRC, age is the biggest factor. Older voters tend to like Hilary, who is 60, while the youngsters like Obama, a youthful 46. In the mix of this is John McCain, who, if elected, would be the oldest first-term president. Is age a factor in presidential elections? I know the historical perspective (eh, kinda), but I'd like to know my loyal readers thoughts. Age before beauty?
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