Please note : Refractory means stubborn or uncooperative.
I hijacked this "Staples" ad from the Boston Globe Braniac column.
Maybe you aren't as amused as I am? I obviously need more sleep.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
We already knew that about Ready-To Assemble Furniture
I hijacked this "Staples" ad from the Boston Globe Braniac column.
Maybe you aren't as amused as I am? I obviously need more sleep.
Friday, September 28, 2007
This one's for you Dave
!!! BREAD IS DANGEROUS !!!
Research on bread indicates that:
1. More than 98 percent of convicted felons are bread users.
2. Fully HALF of all children who grow up in bread-consuming households score below average on standardized tests.
3. In the 18th century, when virtually all bread was baked in the home, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years; infant mortality rates were unacceptably high; many women died in childbirth; and diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever, and influenza ravaged whole nations.
4. More than 90 percent of violent crimes are committed within 24 hours of eating bread.
5. Bread is made from a substance called "dough." It has been proven that as little as one pound of dough can be used to suffocate a mouse. The average American eats more bread than that in one month!
6. Primitive tribal societies that have no bread exhibit a low incidence of cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and osteoporosis.
7. Bread has been proven to be addictive. Subjects deprived of bread and given only water to eat begged for bread after as little as two days.
8. Bread is often a "gateway" food item, leading the user to "harder" items such as butter, jelly, peanut butter, and even cold cuts.
9. Bread has been proven to absorb water. Since the human body is more than 90 percent water, it follows that eating bread could lead to your body being taken over by this absorptive food product, turning you into a soggy, gooey bread-pudding person.
10. Newborn babies can choke on bread.
11. Bread is baked at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit! That kind of heat can kill an adult in less than one minute.
12. Most American bread eaters are utterly unable to distinguish between significant scientific fact and meaningless statistical babbling.
In light of these frightening statistics, it has been proposed that the following bread restrictions be made:
1. No sale of bread to minors.
2. A nationwide "Just Say No To Toast" campaign, complete celebrity TV spots and bumper stickers.
3. A 300 percent federal tax on all bread to pay for all the societal ills we might associate with bread.
4. No animal or human images, nor any primary colors (which may appeal to children) may be used to promote bread usage.
5. The establishment of "Bread-free" zones around schools.
Research on bread indicates that:
1. More than 98 percent of convicted felons are bread users.
2. Fully HALF of all children who grow up in bread-consuming households score below average on standardized tests.
3. In the 18th century, when virtually all bread was baked in the home, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years; infant mortality rates were unacceptably high; many women died in childbirth; and diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever, and influenza ravaged whole nations.
4. More than 90 percent of violent crimes are committed within 24 hours of eating bread.
5. Bread is made from a substance called "dough." It has been proven that as little as one pound of dough can be used to suffocate a mouse. The average American eats more bread than that in one month!
6. Primitive tribal societies that have no bread exhibit a low incidence of cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and osteoporosis.
7. Bread has been proven to be addictive. Subjects deprived of bread and given only water to eat begged for bread after as little as two days.
8. Bread is often a "gateway" food item, leading the user to "harder" items such as butter, jelly, peanut butter, and even cold cuts.
9. Bread has been proven to absorb water. Since the human body is more than 90 percent water, it follows that eating bread could lead to your body being taken over by this absorptive food product, turning you into a soggy, gooey bread-pudding person.
10. Newborn babies can choke on bread.
11. Bread is baked at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit! That kind of heat can kill an adult in less than one minute.
12. Most American bread eaters are utterly unable to distinguish between significant scientific fact and meaningless statistical babbling.
In light of these frightening statistics, it has been proposed that the following bread restrictions be made:
1. No sale of bread to minors.
2. A nationwide "Just Say No To Toast" campaign, complete celebrity TV spots and bumper stickers.
3. A 300 percent federal tax on all bread to pay for all the societal ills we might associate with bread.
4. No animal or human images, nor any primary colors (which may appeal to children) may be used to promote bread usage.
5. The establishment of "Bread-free" zones around schools.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
What type of Mommy are you?
| What type of Mommy are you? |
  Experienced Mother You most likely have more than one child. Nothing seems to surprise you. You can handle almost any situation. |
| How do you compare? Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic |
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Camping
This weekend we took a camping trip to Chain O' Lakes state park (about a 45 minute drive) . We went up early (before 11:00) Saturday morning. First we set up camp and made sandwiches for lunch. Then we took a nature hike.
Our "nature" hike started with a trip to the campstore, where we were informed that there were only two bundles of firewood left. So we bought firewood and hauled it back to the campsite (which they provided a little wagon for). Then after the wagon was returned we took trail #3 which leads to the beach. Because of the giardia outbreak (we are now cleared, but are not supposed to swim for at least two weeks), we could not go in the water. There were a lot of young children splashing around in the water, but fortunately ours were content to dig in the sand. While there a DNR lady came and explained to us that the beach was closed and we were absolutely not to go in the water. Apparently the beach is only open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. They don't have lifeguards or anything then, so I don't really get it.
We eventually pried the children away from the sand to continue our hike. We began on trail #5 which heads alongside the lakes. We didn't get very far though when it became time to turn around and head back to the campground. On the way back we were sidetracked by a playground. I laid on the grass and stared up at the sky while Paul played with the kids. It was lovely. Eventually we did make it back to camp. Paul used his axe to break up some kindling, and then built the fire. Meanwhile, I set up sleeping arrangements in the tent. Paul fixed dinner (hamburgers and potatoes). It was yummy. Meanwhile the children discovered that our campsite had lots of dirt (almost as good as sand).
After dinner we heated water over the fire and washed the dishes. Abigail washed and Sammy rinsed (with some help). And I think by the time we were done the dishes were cleaner than when we started. Then the kids returned to playing in the dirt for awhile. Then we roasted marshmallows over the fire.
After marshmallows I took the kids to the restroom and cleaned them. Abigail and Sammy showered, then I washed Isaac in the sink. Washing Isaac was interesting because the sinks had an automatic sensor that only worked if there was a hand directly in front of the sensor. So the children got clean. And as soon as we stepped outside they were covered in mosquitoes. It turns out that I had washed off all twenty-seven layers of bug spray.
I said prayers with them and put them to bed in the tent. Then I went to join Paul by the campfire. The kids settled down pretty quickly (though when I went in to go to bed myself, none of them were in their own sleeping bags). Paul and I sat and talked and enjoyed each others company until long after the rest of the campground had gone to sleep. This includes the people across the way who didn't bother to put out their fire. The stars were amazing to see. We ended up in an electric campground (not our first choice), but things were fairly calm and quiet. Although a few campsites away you could see people sitting outside watching television.
Finally, I was so exhausted that I went to the tent and fell quickly to sleep. Not long after Isaac woke up. He would not be pacified. At least not until Paul took him, which caused him to immediately fall back to sleep. So he slept for quite awhile, but the next several times he woke up Paul did not. Which left me rocking the baby for most of the night. Sammy only woke up once through the night, though. And Abigail slept clear through.
For breakfast the next morning we made pancakes and eggs. I had forgotten the syrup, so everyone but me ate their pancakes with peanut butter. Then we washed the dishes (slightly more successfully this time) and packed up camp. After everything was packed up we drove to the nature center and caught trail #8 which leads around another lake. It was a fairly hilly trail. Isaac rode in the baby backpack and Sammy in the off-road stroller. Abigail held Paul's hand most of the way and she carried the diaper bag backpack. About halfway through we stopped and sat on a log to eat lunch. (I had packed the lunch while we were packing up camp). Shortly after our stop, we received a call from Paul's sister, Cheryl, with very exciting news. If you're super curious ask her. Otherwise I'll wait for awhile before I share.
When we got home the kids had a nice long nap, and we got the necessary stuff unpacked. Not everything is put away yet. I fixed a pseudo hamburger helper type thing for dinner. And now I eagerly await the next camping trip.
Our "nature" hike started with a trip to the campstore, where we were informed that there were only two bundles of firewood left. So we bought firewood and hauled it back to the campsite (which they provided a little wagon for). Then after the wagon was returned we took trail #3 which leads to the beach. Because of the giardia outbreak (we are now cleared, but are not supposed to swim for at least two weeks), we could not go in the water. There were a lot of young children splashing around in the water, but fortunately ours were content to dig in the sand. While there a DNR lady came and explained to us that the beach was closed and we were absolutely not to go in the water. Apparently the beach is only open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. They don't have lifeguards or anything then, so I don't really get it.
We eventually pried the children away from the sand to continue our hike. We began on trail #5 which heads alongside the lakes. We didn't get very far though when it became time to turn around and head back to the campground. On the way back we were sidetracked by a playground. I laid on the grass and stared up at the sky while Paul played with the kids. It was lovely. Eventually we did make it back to camp. Paul used his axe to break up some kindling, and then built the fire. Meanwhile, I set up sleeping arrangements in the tent. Paul fixed dinner (hamburgers and potatoes). It was yummy. Meanwhile the children discovered that our campsite had lots of dirt (almost as good as sand).
After dinner we heated water over the fire and washed the dishes. Abigail washed and Sammy rinsed (with some help). And I think by the time we were done the dishes were cleaner than when we started. Then the kids returned to playing in the dirt for awhile. Then we roasted marshmallows over the fire.
After marshmallows I took the kids to the restroom and cleaned them. Abigail and Sammy showered, then I washed Isaac in the sink. Washing Isaac was interesting because the sinks had an automatic sensor that only worked if there was a hand directly in front of the sensor. So the children got clean. And as soon as we stepped outside they were covered in mosquitoes. It turns out that I had washed off all twenty-seven layers of bug spray.
I said prayers with them and put them to bed in the tent. Then I went to join Paul by the campfire. The kids settled down pretty quickly (though when I went in to go to bed myself, none of them were in their own sleeping bags). Paul and I sat and talked and enjoyed each others company until long after the rest of the campground had gone to sleep. This includes the people across the way who didn't bother to put out their fire. The stars were amazing to see. We ended up in an electric campground (not our first choice), but things were fairly calm and quiet. Although a few campsites away you could see people sitting outside watching television.
Finally, I was so exhausted that I went to the tent and fell quickly to sleep. Not long after Isaac woke up. He would not be pacified. At least not until Paul took him, which caused him to immediately fall back to sleep. So he slept for quite awhile, but the next several times he woke up Paul did not. Which left me rocking the baby for most of the night. Sammy only woke up once through the night, though. And Abigail slept clear through.
For breakfast the next morning we made pancakes and eggs. I had forgotten the syrup, so everyone but me ate their pancakes with peanut butter. Then we washed the dishes (slightly more successfully this time) and packed up camp. After everything was packed up we drove to the nature center and caught trail #8 which leads around another lake. It was a fairly hilly trail. Isaac rode in the baby backpack and Sammy in the off-road stroller. Abigail held Paul's hand most of the way and she carried the diaper bag backpack. About halfway through we stopped and sat on a log to eat lunch. (I had packed the lunch while we were packing up camp). Shortly after our stop, we received a call from Paul's sister, Cheryl, with very exciting news. If you're super curious ask her. Otherwise I'll wait for awhile before I share.
When we got home the kids had a nice long nap, and we got the necessary stuff unpacked. Not everything is put away yet. I fixed a pseudo hamburger helper type thing for dinner. And now I eagerly await the next camping trip.
Friday, September 21, 2007
And I'm supposed to believe the media isn't biased???
Now, I'm not Catholic, of course. But I have a great deal of respect for most of the Catholics I do know. And I greatly appreciate their faith. I suppose this is why I became so riled when I saw a Time-CNN headline
What??? Are they trying to make a mockery of the Catholic faith?
Anyhow, I read the article with the slanderous headline. Apparently one of the physicians attending to the late pope believes that he should have had a feeding tube inserted much sooner than he did. Shouldn't the headline have been "Did John Paul II receive proper medical treatment?" Unless my understanding of what entails Euthanasia is incorrect, to even use the term is ludicrous.
Well anyway, that's my rant for today.
Was John Paul II Euthanized?
What??? Are they trying to make a mockery of the Catholic faith?
Anyhow, I read the article with the slanderous headline. Apparently one of the physicians attending to the late pope believes that he should have had a feeding tube inserted much sooner than he did. Shouldn't the headline have been "Did John Paul II receive proper medical treatment?" Unless my understanding of what entails Euthanasia is incorrect, to even use the term is ludicrous.
Well anyway, that's my rant for today.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Prayer request Update
From Jess:
Hi all,
I have good news! The preliminary results from my mom’s tests indicate that
not only are there no new spots of lung cancer - the existing spots of cancer
are smaller!!! This is the first treatment that seems to have really worked
well for her, so we are incredibly grateful for it.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement - it has meant a lot
to me the past few days to have so many people willing to pray – and I can’t
help but think it made all the difference!!!
Jess
God is Good... ALL the time! We will keep on praying!
Hi all,
I have good news! The preliminary results from my mom’s tests indicate that
not only are there no new spots of lung cancer - the existing spots of cancer
are smaller!!! This is the first treatment that seems to have really worked
well for her, so we are incredibly grateful for it.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement - it has meant a lot
to me the past few days to have so many people willing to pray – and I can’t
help but think it made all the difference!!!
Jess
God is Good... ALL the time! We will keep on praying!
Carpet
Last night I shampooed the carpet (finally). I really wanted to post on here "MY CARPET IS CLEAN" But Paul was using the computer, so I decided to wait until morning.
So here goes
"MY CARPET was CLEAN"
Close enough. I'm sure after I've had the chance to vacuum it'll look better again.
On other notes, Sammy's speech therapist decided to quit without letting us know. I would give more details, but if I had to tell you just what I thought about her right now, my blog might lose it's G rating.
So here goes
"MY CARPET was CLEAN"
Close enough. I'm sure after I've had the chance to vacuum it'll look better again.
On other notes, Sammy's speech therapist decided to quit without letting us know. I would give more details, but if I had to tell you just what I thought about her right now, my blog might lose it's G rating.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Prayer Request
Hopefully Jess doesn't mind me posting this on the blog. But I know a lot of you are strong prayers, so I wanted to share this with you. I received this email from Jess this morning.
Hi all,
I'd like you all to please pray for my mom. As many of you know, she has been
battling lung cancer for the past year and a half. Tomorrow she goes in for
some tests to see if the latest round of treatment has been helping (previous
treatments have slowed the progress of the cancer but not stopped or reversed
it), and to look for any signs of the cancer having spread. Please pray that
the course of the cancer is being reversed, wisdom for the doctors as the
course of treatment is reevaluated in light of the results, and strength for
my family as we wait for an updated diagnosis (we probably won't know anything
until next week).
Thank you for your prayers!
In Christ,
Jess
That pretty well speaks for itself, so please pray!
Hi all,
I'd like you all to please pray for my mom. As many of you know, she has been
battling lung cancer for the past year and a half. Tomorrow she goes in for
some tests to see if the latest round of treatment has been helping (previous
treatments have slowed the progress of the cancer but not stopped or reversed
it), and to look for any signs of the cancer having spread. Please pray that
the course of the cancer is being reversed, wisdom for the doctors as the
course of treatment is reevaluated in light of the results, and strength for
my family as we wait for an updated diagnosis (we probably won't know anything
until next week).
Thank you for your prayers!
In Christ,
Jess
That pretty well speaks for itself, so please pray!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Hopeful dinner of apples?
So there are three things I want to post about, and rather than make separate entries, I thought I would come up with a clever title that hints at those things but doesn't actually describe any of them.
#1 Dinner Party: Anne, in order to celebrate her Birthday Friday, decided to throw a dinner party. She went with an Indian theme. I being budget minded, but willing to spend lots of time in the kitchen, volunteered to bring all of the starchy foods (I made naan, chapatis, and rice). Wanting to be practical and efficient, I put the rice into the rice cooker ahead. Then on the drive to Anne's house the lid flew off the rice cooker and sent rice everywhere. Only about half the rice was lost. When we arrived, Anne found some rice she had and we added that to the rice cooker, guessing how much to add, then I added water in what appeared to be a good quantity. It later turned out that there was too much rice and not enough water. So we put the excess rice in a pot on the stove and added water, then we put more water in the rice cooker.
The food Anne made was all very yummy, and not too spicy. Afterwards there was a very yummy birthday cake (mmm chocolate!!). Then we sat around and played Cranium. Paul and I discovered that we are absolutely awful at cranium. The worst part was when I broke out laughing so hard I couldn't even begin to hum "funkytown" not that I would be very good at it anyway.
The dinner party was adults only, so Nana and Papa watched the kids for us. It was nice to get away. I honestly do not know how long it had been since Paul and I had been to an adults only function.
#2 Strides of Hope Walk: Thank you again to all of my sponsors! Saturday morning we woke up early and drove across town to Shoaff park for the annual Strides of Hope Walk/Run. My parents also were walking, so they met us at the park with the children. All of the children walked at least part of the way, so we fell behind rather quickly. Eventually we came to a place where the walking trail crossed the road. We later found out that someone had already removed the signs, and that we were supposed to turn on the road. However, the trail did eventually take us back to our location and was a rather scenic walk. We walked about half a mile more than we were supposed to though.
My parents really enjoyed the walk since they had been living in the apartment complex across from Shoaff park when they first met. They had all sorts of great stories to share about their dating experience. If I recall correctly they met because of an incident involving someone (not one of them) throwing a cat out of a window.
#3 Johnny Appleseed Festival: After the race we went to the Johnny Appleseed Festival. It is a large festival with old fashioned rides and games for the kids, tons of reenactments and lots of neat crafts and foods. We started out with the children's rides and games, then we went on to visiting different reenactments. They had soldiers' camps from the Revolutionary War, 1812, and the Civil War. Also, there was a French Fife and Drum Corps from the French and Indian War. Also, there was a fur trapper with a really neat tee-pee. And there was a man with all sorts of neat civil war era toys. I especially enjoyed talking to a woman from the civil war period who explained about how all the funny clothes they war worked. She also had some neat civil war era toys. Back then the toys were all miniature versions of things adults had (sewing machine, ironing board, quilting rack etc.).
We did not visit all of the reenactments, because we were getting tired and hungry. So we went and found the Homestead Chicken and Dumplings. The boys and I ate chicken and dumplings while Abigail and Paul found the (I am sure very authentic) fajita pitas where Abigail got hers sans pita. By the time we were done eating it nigh on time to go home. But we stopped at the blacksmith shop so Paul could watch them smith things over a coal fire. He was enthralled. But I was eventually able to drag him away so that we could go home and nap.
All in all it was a lot of fun.
#1 Dinner Party: Anne, in order to celebrate her Birthday Friday, decided to throw a dinner party. She went with an Indian theme. I being budget minded, but willing to spend lots of time in the kitchen, volunteered to bring all of the starchy foods (I made naan, chapatis, and rice). Wanting to be practical and efficient, I put the rice into the rice cooker ahead. Then on the drive to Anne's house the lid flew off the rice cooker and sent rice everywhere. Only about half the rice was lost. When we arrived, Anne found some rice she had and we added that to the rice cooker, guessing how much to add, then I added water in what appeared to be a good quantity. It later turned out that there was too much rice and not enough water. So we put the excess rice in a pot on the stove and added water, then we put more water in the rice cooker.
The food Anne made was all very yummy, and not too spicy. Afterwards there was a very yummy birthday cake (mmm chocolate!!). Then we sat around and played Cranium. Paul and I discovered that we are absolutely awful at cranium. The worst part was when I broke out laughing so hard I couldn't even begin to hum "funkytown" not that I would be very good at it anyway.
The dinner party was adults only, so Nana and Papa watched the kids for us. It was nice to get away. I honestly do not know how long it had been since Paul and I had been to an adults only function.
#2 Strides of Hope Walk: Thank you again to all of my sponsors! Saturday morning we woke up early and drove across town to Shoaff park for the annual Strides of Hope Walk/Run. My parents also were walking, so they met us at the park with the children. All of the children walked at least part of the way, so we fell behind rather quickly. Eventually we came to a place where the walking trail crossed the road. We later found out that someone had already removed the signs, and that we were supposed to turn on the road. However, the trail did eventually take us back to our location and was a rather scenic walk. We walked about half a mile more than we were supposed to though.
My parents really enjoyed the walk since they had been living in the apartment complex across from Shoaff park when they first met. They had all sorts of great stories to share about their dating experience. If I recall correctly they met because of an incident involving someone (not one of them) throwing a cat out of a window.
#3 Johnny Appleseed Festival: After the race we went to the Johnny Appleseed Festival. It is a large festival with old fashioned rides and games for the kids, tons of reenactments and lots of neat crafts and foods. We started out with the children's rides and games, then we went on to visiting different reenactments. They had soldiers' camps from the Revolutionary War, 1812, and the Civil War. Also, there was a French Fife and Drum Corps from the French and Indian War. Also, there was a fur trapper with a really neat tee-pee. And there was a man with all sorts of neat civil war era toys. I especially enjoyed talking to a woman from the civil war period who explained about how all the funny clothes they war worked. She also had some neat civil war era toys. Back then the toys were all miniature versions of things adults had (sewing machine, ironing board, quilting rack etc.).
We did not visit all of the reenactments, because we were getting tired and hungry. So we went and found the Homestead Chicken and Dumplings. The boys and I ate chicken and dumplings while Abigail and Paul found the (I am sure very authentic) fajita pitas where Abigail got hers sans pita. By the time we were done eating it nigh on time to go home. But we stopped at the blacksmith shop so Paul could watch them smith things over a coal fire. He was enthralled. But I was eventually able to drag him away so that we could go home and nap.
All in all it was a lot of fun.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Happy Birthday Aunt Cheryl!
I don't know if Cheryl reads this blog or not. But it's her Birthday today (the 13th). So I thought I would take a moment to tell you all what a wonderful sister-in-law she is.
Cheryl is a deeply caring person, who puts everyone else's needs first. She is also amazingly friendly, and can strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. She is great fun to be around. A shopping trip with her is something of an adventure.
But most of all, I am grateful that my children have such a wonderful aunt who cares so much about them. She is very much in tune with their individual personalities and is very supportive.
Cheryl, if you're reading this, your Birthday package will come eventually. Sammy is just taking extra long finishing his present for you, but he is determined to do it himself.
Cheryl is a deeply caring person, who puts everyone else's needs first. She is also amazingly friendly, and can strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. She is great fun to be around. A shopping trip with her is something of an adventure.
But most of all, I am grateful that my children have such a wonderful aunt who cares so much about them. She is very much in tune with their individual personalities and is very supportive.
Cheryl, if you're reading this, your Birthday package will come eventually. Sammy is just taking extra long finishing his present for you, but he is determined to do it himself.
Clean-up! Clean-up! Everybody do your share!
Who knew it would take a dump truck to get my kitchen clean?
And the motto for anyone with small children
"If it's worth doing, it's worth doing poorly... at first"
And the motto for anyone with small children
"If it's worth doing, it's worth doing poorly... at first"
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Spanking
So I don't know how all of you feel about spanking children. I think it's best to reserve spanking for occasional use. And usually I give my children time-out. Abigail gets spanked more than the others because she is the most defiant. And I have resorted to light swats for Isaac, because he just doesn't get the whole time out thing yet. But at 15 months he can understand "when I reach for the outlet Mommy swats my hand".
But I almost never spank Sam. He doesn't need it. Generally ten seconds of time-out is more than enough to permanently alter any behavior problem he has.
Well I spanked him tonight.
I was mopping the floor when the phone rang. I went to get the phone and when I was about done talking (a quick "no sorry Paul's not home), I saw Sam head for the mop water (containing lysol) and start drinking it. I ran to him, picked him up and smacked his behind before taking him to time-out.
Hopefully he got the message.
I don't regret it, but I certainly hope I don't need tO AGW1I1wqq1wA1 Q QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ` ` IN
TONIGHt's interrup`tion brought to you by Isaac.
But I almost never spank Sam. He doesn't need it. Generally ten seconds of time-out is more than enough to permanently alter any behavior problem he has.
Well I spanked him tonight.
I was mopping the floor when the phone rang. I went to get the phone and when I was about done talking (a quick "no sorry Paul's not home), I saw Sam head for the mop water (containing lysol) and start drinking it. I ran to him, picked him up and smacked his behind before taking him to time-out.
Hopefully he got the message.
I don't regret it, but I certainly hope I don't need tO AGW1I1wqq1wA1 Q QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ` ` IN
TONIGHt's interrup`tion brought to you by Isaac.
What is it about the Rich?
I was reading the business section of the newspaper today and I saw a book review of a new book entitled "Are the Rich Necessary?" Basically the book seems to be discussing whether or not rich people are necessary for a prosperous economy.
I haven't read the book and my intent isn't to debate it's points. I just found myself a little bothered at the title. I mean if you replace "rich" with any other subset of people, you have a title that seems to be promoting some sort of Neonazism. "Are the Poor Necessary?", "Are the Jews Necessary?", "Are the Handicapped Necessary?".
What is it about the rich that makes it acceptable? Why do we so malign the wealthy. Especially given that by world standards just about anyone in this country is wealthy.
Besides that I think it is only natural, no matter how socialist your society, that some people will have greater wealth than others.
I haven't read the book and my intent isn't to debate it's points. I just found myself a little bothered at the title. I mean if you replace "rich" with any other subset of people, you have a title that seems to be promoting some sort of Neonazism. "Are the Poor Necessary?", "Are the Jews Necessary?", "Are the Handicapped Necessary?".
What is it about the rich that makes it acceptable? Why do we so malign the wealthy. Especially given that by world standards just about anyone in this country is wealthy.
Besides that I think it is only natural, no matter how socialist your society, that some people will have greater wealth than others.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Prescription Frustration
Why couldn't Walgreens have told me that as well as having to drive across town to get Sam's prescription I would also have to wait 24 hours to get it. Oh well, now I get to make another trip across town.
Return of Beaver Fever
So we thought we were in the clear for the Giardia. THINK AGAIN!! Time to start again with the disinfecting.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Dump Truck
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The $21 a week challenge
A few days ago in our local newspaper, there was an article about a woman who had done the $21 a week challenge. In case you are unfamiliar with the concept:
In general a single person who qualifies for food stamps receives $21 worth of stamps a week. Many congressmen, as well as others, feel that this amount is outrageously low and that it is simply not possible to eat a healthy, well-rounded diet on only $21 a week. In order to "prove" this point many of them have undertaken the $21 a week challenge. The restrictions of this challenge are that you may not spend more than $21 a week on food.
The author of the article I read came across as a clueless, pretentious snob. She talked about how she felt like she was starving all the time and how she was not able to get enough protein in her diet. She also ate things like canned ravioli while on the diet, which a smart shopper will know is not a very cost-efficient choice.
I would like to rebut her article. However, currently my family spends more than the allotted amount on food. In part this is because we have a weakness for dining out. However, if I can convince my beloved husband, I intend to show that it is entirely possible to feed a family of 5 on less than $100 per week. It shouldn't be too big of a leap. And since one week does not seem like a good representative sample. I plan to continue until we have proven that it is not unreasonable, or until we are convinced that it is.
Would anyone care to join us in the challenge?
I plan to keep an update of any food purchases we make (to give dollar amounts, not to list exact foods), as well as good suggestions for eating on the cheap. All of this will be posted on the baking blog. So if you're curious hop on over there.
In general a single person who qualifies for food stamps receives $21 worth of stamps a week. Many congressmen, as well as others, feel that this amount is outrageously low and that it is simply not possible to eat a healthy, well-rounded diet on only $21 a week. In order to "prove" this point many of them have undertaken the $21 a week challenge. The restrictions of this challenge are that you may not spend more than $21 a week on food.
The author of the article I read came across as a clueless, pretentious snob. She talked about how she felt like she was starving all the time and how she was not able to get enough protein in her diet. She also ate things like canned ravioli while on the diet, which a smart shopper will know is not a very cost-efficient choice.
I would like to rebut her article. However, currently my family spends more than the allotted amount on food. In part this is because we have a weakness for dining out. However, if I can convince my beloved husband, I intend to show that it is entirely possible to feed a family of 5 on less than $100 per week. It shouldn't be too big of a leap. And since one week does not seem like a good representative sample. I plan to continue until we have proven that it is not unreasonable, or until we are convinced that it is.
Would anyone care to join us in the challenge?
I plan to keep an update of any food purchases we make (to give dollar amounts, not to list exact foods), as well as good suggestions for eating on the cheap. All of this will be posted on the baking blog. So if you're curious hop on over there.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Meme
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Favorite Month: May
Favorite Movie:
Favorite Sport: to watch - gymnastics, to play - volleyball
Favorite Season: spring
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate
Favorite Time of Day: naptime
Last Cigarette: Never!
Last Drink: Ummm... before I turned 21
Last Car Ride: this afternoon coming home from a meeting
Last Movie Seen in a Theater: Underdog
Last Phone Call: My mom
Last CD Played: Veggietales
Have You Ever Been on TV: Yes, most recently when I was interviewed by reporters about the double homicide across the street
Thing You're Wearing: My "employee of the month" shirt
Thing You've Done Today: taught Abigail how to change Isaac's diaper
Thing You Can Hear Right Now: Nothing but the hum of the fan
Thing You Can't Live Without: God's grace
Thing You Do When You're Bored: I don't get bored, but when shirking responsibility I like to goof off on the computer
Coke or Pepsi: Coke!!
Hot or Cold: Is this supposed to be what I am now, or what I wish I was. I am hot, and would prefer to be cold
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Live a life that pleases God
Favorite Month: May
Favorite Movie:
Favorite Sport: to watch - gymnastics, to play - volleyball
Favorite Season: spring
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate
Favorite Time of Day: naptime
Last Cigarette: Never!
Last Drink: Ummm... before I turned 21
Last Car Ride: this afternoon coming home from a meeting
Last Movie Seen in a Theater: Underdog
Last Phone Call: My mom
Last CD Played: Veggietales
Have You Ever Been on TV: Yes, most recently when I was interviewed by reporters about the double homicide across the street
Thing You're Wearing: My "employee of the month" shirt
Thing You've Done Today: taught Abigail how to change Isaac's diaper
Thing You Can Hear Right Now: Nothing but the hum of the fan
Thing You Can't Live Without: God's grace
Thing You Do When You're Bored: I don't get bored, but when shirking responsibility I like to goof off on the computer
Coke or Pepsi: Coke!!
Hot or Cold: Is this supposed to be what I am now, or what I wish I was. I am hot, and would prefer to be cold
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Live a life that pleases God
Summer New Years
It was nice at the New Years Party to be able to grill outside, and to not have to worry about snowy road conditions. I think the runners didn't mind not having to layer up either.
For this reason it has been mentioned that perhaps we should permanently move the New Years party to Labor Day, or some other day in the summer time.
Personally, I don't want to move the party. I love having a New Years Eve bash. I certainly am sad that I won't be able to host one this year. Besides there are some people who find it easier to come in the winter time. However, I do have to admit that a summer party is also appealing.
So why not two parties. Perhaps we can have an annual labor day bash and a New Years bash. Besides, who says we can't get together multiple times in a year.
What does everyone think?
For this reason it has been mentioned that perhaps we should permanently move the New Years party to Labor Day, or some other day in the summer time.
Personally, I don't want to move the party. I love having a New Years Eve bash. I certainly am sad that I won't be able to host one this year. Besides there are some people who find it easier to come in the winter time. However, I do have to admit that a summer party is also appealing.
So why not two parties. Perhaps we can have an annual labor day bash and a New Years bash. Besides, who says we can't get together multiple times in a year.
What does everyone think?
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
New Years, Part II
The trip to Ft. Wayne and back was quite nice. There was a little bit of construction on 24 near Defiance OH, however, traffic was moving at the construction speed limit so it wasn't a big problem. I must admit, as I was driving past lines of construction vehicles, I made an attempt to see what types there were, and wondered if there were any machines that my company has done work with. I didn't get that good a look though, seeing as I had to concentrate on that whole matter of driving. Speaking of work, there were brownies today in honor of the company's 3rd birthday (it came into being when Euclid-Hitachi left Euclid OH).
Getting back to the New Year's party/weekend...
I learned this weekend that:
Getting back to the New Year's party/weekend...
I learned this weekend that:
- a four-year old can learn the phrase "hand sanitizer."
- running on New Year's in September is warmer than on Jan. 1
- 9 adults and 3 children can survive in a house with 1 bathroom and only have a line people get up early for church on Sunday
- "bunderbolts" is a word (at least in the world of some assembly required furniture)
- on should inspect the area you're placing a piece of furniture before completely assembling said piece
- Dr. Sherman's quote "Art Modell is a chiseling weasel" is a quote that will live in infamy forever... or at least as long as it is common ground between the Steelers' fans and me
- Even the best laid plans for a game can go awry when the roll of the dice does not correspond with the posted probabilities
- whoever estimated the length of time for such games does not know my friends
- the "camera priest" (so named because of a homily... long story) has been reassigned from Scared Heart (which is too bad)
- one should bring bug spray and limit the amount of exposed skin (ie wear long sleeved shirt, long pants) to a drive-in theater
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Happy New Year
So as I write this I think most of the people who read this blog are in my living room celebrating the New Year. However, I could not let pass this momentous time to reflect about the previous year... Actually, I only had four hours of sleep and there is no way that I could possibly reflect on anything sensible.
Instead I will note a few pieces of wisdom that have come to mind from this party.
- Be very careful when a four-year-old is pretending you are a mountain
-Congressional districting should definitely be done differently, but coming up with the best solution is not as easy as you thought. And deciding is probably not worth losing sleep over.
-Zoa actually is a word.
-We all use lots of acronyms without ever knowing what they stand for.
-Wikipedia is useful.
- One bathroom is not enough for 12 people who are all trying to get ready for church.
Instead I will note a few pieces of wisdom that have come to mind from this party.
- Be very careful when a four-year-old is pretending you are a mountain
-Congressional districting should definitely be done differently, but coming up with the best solution is not as easy as you thought. And deciding is probably not worth losing sleep over.
-Zoa actually is a word.
-We all use lots of acronyms without ever knowing what they stand for.
-Wikipedia is useful.
- One bathroom is not enough for 12 people who are all trying to get ready for church.
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