Am I walkin' or just talkin'?
Then all you need to do is start tap-tap-tapping away, contributing columns for online newspaper sites, parenting websites, actual newspapers, or writing thinly fictionalised novels about your own astonishing experience of becoming a mother.
Material for self-examination via Arts & Letters Daily.
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Friday, January 30, 2004
And this is only because I eschewed the multiple Wal-Mart options:
You are a realistic romantic
Are You A Romantic?
brought to you by Quizilla
You are a realistic romantic
Are You A Romantic?
brought to you by Quizilla
Cheering myself up....
after the world map induced pity party. (Courtesy of Jeff Miller, who usually cheers me up. Not like it's his fault I never go anywhere.)
create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide
And it would look even better if I could figure out if I've been to Kansas City KANSAS or MISSOURI!
after the world map induced pity party. (Courtesy of Jeff Miller, who usually cheers me up. Not like it's his fault I never go anywhere.)
create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide
And it would look even better if I could figure out if I've been to Kansas City KANSAS or MISSOURI!
Don't get around much...
create your own visited country map
or write about it on the open travel guide
Could I get partial credit for embassies I saw while visiting Washington, D.C.?
create your own visited country map
or write about it on the open travel guide
Could I get partial credit for embassies I saw while visiting Washington, D.C.?
Friday Five
You have just won one million dollars:
1. Who do you call first? Assuming that my immediate family would be hanging over my shoulder when this happened, I would have to say my sister.
2. What is the first thing you buy for yourself? Pay off debts! (Then maybe a more reliable used car.)
3. What is the first thing you buy for someone else? Something nice for Embot, reliable used cars for Fran and Bridget, orthodontia for Martha, a year’s supply of haircuts and a MacAddict renewal for Chuck and a LEGO spree for Eddie.
4. Do you give any away? If yes, to whom? My parish and some good causes, such as The Women’s Center and Aid for Women. And nice surprises for friends.
5. Do you invest any? If so, how? Maybe. I don’t know. Never had enough money to make it worthwhile to investigate my options.
You have just won one million dollars:
1. Who do you call first? Assuming that my immediate family would be hanging over my shoulder when this happened, I would have to say my sister.
2. What is the first thing you buy for yourself? Pay off debts! (Then maybe a more reliable used car.)
3. What is the first thing you buy for someone else? Something nice for Embot, reliable used cars for Fran and Bridget, orthodontia for Martha, a year’s supply of haircuts and a MacAddict renewal for Chuck and a LEGO spree for Eddie.
4. Do you give any away? If yes, to whom? My parish and some good causes, such as The Women’s Center and Aid for Women. And nice surprises for friends.
5. Do you invest any? If so, how? Maybe. I don’t know. Never had enough money to make it worthwhile to investigate my options.
Thursday, January 29, 2004
Just the quiz I've been looking for...
or
Call Me Mrs. Fidget...
Ok this is not a comic book! You can not be
Supermom.It is ok to relax a bit and skip some
things. No one will suffer if you forget to fold
the towels just right! Your family and friends
probably need less affection sometimes!
How Good Of A Mom Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
or
Call Me Mrs. Fidget...
Ok this is not a comic book! You can not be
Supermom.It is ok to relax a bit and skip some
things. No one will suffer if you forget to fold
the towels just right! Your family and friends
probably need less affection sometimes!
How Good Of A Mom Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
A Small Decorating Project!
And with Martha Stewart busy, I guess I’m on my own.
As a bit of a spiritual exercise, I am dismantling the arrangement of Elizabeth Vigee-Lebrun self-portrait with daughter prints that hang at the top of my stairs. It all started with an old black and white print that had once hung in my great-grandfather’s house. I found and framed various copies. Seeing this painting at the Louvre was more exciting than seeing the Mona Lisa.
But has this become something of a shrine to obsessive motherhood? Have I formed too much of an attachment to my role as 'mom?' Or is it just a clever decorating idea? I shall find out.
And with Martha Stewart busy, I guess I’m on my own.
As a bit of a spiritual exercise, I am dismantling the arrangement of Elizabeth Vigee-Lebrun self-portrait with daughter prints that hang at the top of my stairs. It all started with an old black and white print that had once hung in my great-grandfather’s house. I found and framed various copies. Seeing this painting at the Louvre was more exciting than seeing the Mona Lisa.
But has this become something of a shrine to obsessive motherhood? Have I formed too much of an attachment to my role as 'mom?' Or is it just a clever decorating idea? I shall find out.
Winter Blahs...
Eddie is sick.
My leg still hurts from that fall in the street last Friday.
Rick pulled something in his back.
Kids now have two parents who walk like robots.
Can't find d'Aulaire's Greek Myths. It was here somewhere. Somewhere.
Couldn't come up with any fun theme things for school yesterday. The best I could do was 'Dumb Ox'-Tail soup. Mildly amusing until Rick mentioned that there appears to be a package of frozen ox tails in the garage freezer. How did they get there? Nobody wanted ox-tail soup. Nobody.
Eddie is sick.
My leg still hurts from that fall in the street last Friday.
Rick pulled something in his back.
Kids now have two parents who walk like robots.
Can't find d'Aulaire's Greek Myths. It was here somewhere. Somewhere.
Couldn't come up with any fun theme things for school yesterday. The best I could do was 'Dumb Ox'-Tail soup. Mildly amusing until Rick mentioned that there appears to be a package of frozen ox tails in the garage freezer. How did they get there? Nobody wanted ox-tail soup. Nobody.
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Smockmomma's First Quiz!!!
Ooo-la-la. Mysterious AND spooky. You are Ken &
Barbie as the original Goth couple, Gomez and
Morticia Addams!
Which Ken & Barbie Couple Do You Belong To?
brought to you by Quizilla
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
The weather outside is frightful...
But Amy Welborn posts a link to a Commonweal article on Cardinal George, one of the definite pluses of living in Chicago!
But Amy Welborn posts a link to a Commonweal article on Cardinal George, one of the definite pluses of living in Chicago!
Monday, January 26, 2004
Just 11 months ‘til Christmas.
Not to early to start some creative gift thinking.
Actually, I think I could make a few Black Deaths myself.
They look sort of like those sock things that go on top of golf clubs with some googly eyes attached.
but there are other cute ones at the Giant Microbes website.
Link via Victor Lams.
Psycho Baby, a term of endearment that Starbuck and business partner Marlo Hoffman give to their own children when they are acting up, sells miniature versions of the clothes worn by adults in sizes ranging from newborn to ages 6 and 7.
"They're relatively cool and hip," Starbuck said. "We go to New York and Los Angeles to find unique, different stuff."
Puma shoes and Nolita T-shirts (referring to a New York City neighborhood `north of Little Italy') have been popular with adults who are now dressing their tykes in them.
"But it's not all high end," Starbuck said. "You could spend $100 or $38 on a pair of jeans. There's something for everybody."
What’s not to like?
a - They stole our name. I’m the mother of the original Psycho Babies.
b - PsychoPater and PsychoMater don’t even spend $38 on jeans. $38 baby pants do not constitute ‘something for everybody.’
"They're relatively cool and hip," Starbuck said. "We go to New York and Los Angeles to find unique, different stuff."
Puma shoes and Nolita T-shirts (referring to a New York City neighborhood `north of Little Italy') have been popular with adults who are now dressing their tykes in them.
"But it's not all high end," Starbuck said. "You could spend $100 or $38 on a pair of jeans. There's something for everybody."
What’s not to like?
a - They stole our name. I’m the mother of the original Psycho Babies.
b - PsychoPater and PsychoMater don’t even spend $38 on jeans. $38 baby pants do not constitute ‘something for everybody.’
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Good for you!! You are probably going to be the
president one day! With a brain larger than
life and major potential, you stand proud. You
may have been considered geeky, but you will
show them once you take over the world.
A Deeper Look Inside Yourself (with pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
But how socially acceptable are tattoos in the workplace?
It depends....
I don’t think I’d have my job if I had LOVE/HATE tattooed on my knuckles.
But, modest dressing should cover not-so-modest tattos. Not that I have one.
There was a time when I wanted a Raggedy Ann “I Love You” heart tattooed in the appropriate location. It passed.
It depends....
I don’t think I’d have my job if I had LOVE/HATE tattooed on my knuckles.
But, modest dressing should cover not-so-modest tattos. Not that I have one.
There was a time when I wanted a Raggedy Ann “I Love You” heart tattooed in the appropriate location. It passed.
It meant that, as Cage never tired of saying, "Everything we do is music."Of course, Mr. Cage died a decade before music became Britney and Beyonce.
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Friday, January 23, 2004
Friday Five
At this moment, what is your favorite...
1. ...song?Hmmm, something by Harmonium.
2. ...food?Pizza. Spinach salad. The usual Friday nite dinner with Monk fare.
3. ...tv show?Monk.
4. ...scent?Tea Rose.
5. ...quote? "It's a jungle out there/Disorder and confusion everywhere..."
At this moment, what is your favorite...
1. ...song?Hmmm, something by Harmonium.
2. ...food?Pizza. Spinach salad. The usual Friday nite dinner with Monk fare.
3. ...tv show?Monk.
4. ...scent?Tea Rose.
5. ...quote? "It's a jungle out there/Disorder and confusion everywhere..."
I may have done this before...
but perhaps I've changed.
You're a gryphon. You're very powerful without
needing to brag about it. Creativity is one of
your strong suits. Your outward personality may
change drastically according to your mood,
which is not always a good thing. You're a
loyal guardian when you choose to be and you're
aligned towards *good*.
What mythical beast are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Link via Cacciaguida.
but perhaps I've changed.
You're a gryphon. You're very powerful without
needing to brag about it. Creativity is one of
your strong suits. Your outward personality may
change drastically according to your mood,
which is not always a good thing. You're a
loyal guardian when you choose to be and you're
aligned towards *good*.
What mythical beast are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Link via Cacciaguida.
Platinum........in Quebec!
Wish I could find that tape...It's been bouncing around my head all day.
Les Cinq Saisons...
Originally a trio with Fiori, Normandeau and Valois, Harmonium's roots began in 1973 in coffeehouses around Old Montreal and McGill University. Eventually Daigneault and Locat joined as they played to packed houses throughout 1974 which led to some notice by Quality Records who released their first two albums 'Harmonium' and 'Les Cinq Saisons'. Both albums went platinum in Quebec.
Wish I could find that tape...It's been bouncing around my head all day.
Les Cinq Saisons...
Originally a trio with Fiori, Normandeau and Valois, Harmonium's roots began in 1973 in coffeehouses around Old Montreal and McGill University. Eventually Daigneault and Locat joined as they played to packed houses throughout 1974 which led to some notice by Quality Records who released their first two albums 'Harmonium' and 'Les Cinq Saisons'. Both albums went platinum in Quebec.
Just when I’m ready to throw in the homeschooling towel.....
something comes along to buoy my spirits. Or revolt me. Like this news flash from Fr. Rob Johansen. Proving, once again, the adage that your children might just be better off playing poker at home with you than biding their time in the public school.
something comes along to buoy my spirits. Or revolt me. Like this news flash from Fr. Rob Johansen. Proving, once again, the adage that your children might just be better off playing poker at home with you than biding their time in the public school.
Une autre page de tournée
Dommage pour cette journée
Fais fonde ta glace
Ou ben change de place
Fais fonde ta glace
C'est moé qui est tombé en pleine face
The day will get better.
Let’s just consider lying in the street at 6:30 am, remembering song lyrics from thirty some years ago to be a unique setback.
(note to Embot: It’s all good. Didn’t land on my mouth. All hip. And close enough to Danielle’s car that I could crawl over and pull myself up....)
Dommage pour cette journée
Fais fonde ta glace
Ou ben change de place
Fais fonde ta glace
C'est moé qui est tombé en pleine face
The day will get better.
Let’s just consider lying in the street at 6:30 am, remembering song lyrics from thirty some years ago to be a unique setback.
(note to Embot: It’s all good. Didn’t land on my mouth. All hip. And close enough to Danielle’s car that I could crawl over and pull myself up....)
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Note to Embot:
Sorry I asked about the Barat ring.
I guess it will be a collectors' item so I was just hoping someone would look after it. Doesn't give me the right to ask for it back. (As if I could sqeeze it on my not-so-bony finger...)
It might just be time to head over to the Barat bookstore for a souvenir T-shirt. When the weather warms up a little. I'll do those other tasks for you, too.
Sorry I asked about the Barat ring.
I guess it will be a collectors' item so I was just hoping someone would look after it. Doesn't give me the right to ask for it back. (As if I could sqeeze it on my not-so-bony finger...)
It might just be time to head over to the Barat bookstore for a souvenir T-shirt. When the weather warms up a little. I'll do those other tasks for you, too.
All Things Must Pass...
but it still stings a bit to read the news over breakfast.
Three years after DePaul University merged with tiny Barat College in an effort to gain a stronger presence in the north suburbs, the university's board of trustees is poised to vote on a recommendation to close the Lake Forest campus.
I just hope they don’t turn it into condos. Like most of the other schools that I have attended.
but it still stings a bit to read the news over breakfast.
Three years after DePaul University merged with tiny Barat College in an effort to gain a stronger presence in the north suburbs, the university's board of trustees is poised to vote on a recommendation to close the Lake Forest campus.
I just hope they don’t turn it into condos. Like most of the other schools that I have attended.
IEP Meeting went well....
They didn't bring in the full contingent of 'helping' people. Which might have been fun for a change since the conclusion of the meeting was that our girl is doing very well.
Being the good girl that I am, I went to the office to sign in and receive my visitor's badge. I signed in and then stood there waiting to be offered my badge by the three office functionaries floating about. No one acknowledged my presence, so I wandered off to the meeting. Feeling contentious (high school just brings out the high-schooler in me) I neglected to sign out when I left. So will anyone look for me? Will they think I'm just lost, wandering about the school all day? Rick, who dropped us at the door and went to park the car, beat us to the Learning Resources Center because he walked in with the confidence of an alum....
Out of respect for Martha I tried to act exceedingly bland and normal. I even controlled the urge to stop, turn and blurt out a loud, "I beg your pardon...." to the student I overheard saying, "What the f**k." I will do this in public places, but I didn't want to give Martha a reputation as the child of a social reformer/Miss Manners/battle-ax. Well, not at school anyway.
They didn't bring in the full contingent of 'helping' people. Which might have been fun for a change since the conclusion of the meeting was that our girl is doing very well.
Being the good girl that I am, I went to the office to sign in and receive my visitor's badge. I signed in and then stood there waiting to be offered my badge by the three office functionaries floating about. No one acknowledged my presence, so I wandered off to the meeting. Feeling contentious (high school just brings out the high-schooler in me) I neglected to sign out when I left. So will anyone look for me? Will they think I'm just lost, wandering about the school all day? Rick, who dropped us at the door and went to park the car, beat us to the Learning Resources Center because he walked in with the confidence of an alum....
Out of respect for Martha I tried to act exceedingly bland and normal. I even controlled the urge to stop, turn and blurt out a loud, "I beg your pardon...." to the student I overheard saying, "What the f**k." I will do this in public places, but I didn't want to give Martha a reputation as the child of a social reformer/Miss Manners/battle-ax. Well, not at school anyway.
“Health Happy Hour for Women.”
I think this must be the worst day on the calendar for an open house at a new Women’s Health Center.
(And trust me, this hospital ain’t makin’ a pro-life statement....)
I think this must be the worst day on the calendar for an open house at a new Women’s Health Center.
(And trust me, this hospital ain’t makin’ a pro-life statement....)
What’s worse than having to go out on 4 degree morning?
Having to be at the high school for an IEP meeting for a child only marginally in need of educational ‘services.’ She started off high school by voicing a problem with short-answer tests (not multiple choice nor essay) She is now officially in need of ‘services.’ Fine, cut her some slack on short answer tests. But I don’t see the need for a high level summit including a nurse, a psychologist, a social worker, a counselor, a learning disabilities expert, the dean, her advisor and all of her teachers. (Will her wall climbing instructor be there, too?) Granted, I’m still a little peeved at the letter resulting from last year’s meeting. I have it tucked away somewhere. The words ‘hectic and chaotic home life’ still grate on me. I wasn’t able to attend the last meeting. In fact, Rick has advised that I avoid these because I tend to be a little more abrupt than diplomatic. This time dear daughter requested my presence because I also missed conferences in the fall (schedule conflict) and she thinks that the teachers don’t believe that she has a mother. I’m prayiing that I kind be kind and diplomatic at 7:50 on a nasty morning. (Thursday is also my morning to go to 8:00am Mass. I am offering up my annoyance at my schedule being disrupted. I am being kind and pleasant. If I could only stop grinding my teeth...)
Having to be at the high school for an IEP meeting for a child only marginally in need of educational ‘services.’ She started off high school by voicing a problem with short-answer tests (not multiple choice nor essay) She is now officially in need of ‘services.’ Fine, cut her some slack on short answer tests. But I don’t see the need for a high level summit including a nurse, a psychologist, a social worker, a counselor, a learning disabilities expert, the dean, her advisor and all of her teachers. (Will her wall climbing instructor be there, too?) Granted, I’m still a little peeved at the letter resulting from last year’s meeting. I have it tucked away somewhere. The words ‘hectic and chaotic home life’ still grate on me. I wasn’t able to attend the last meeting. In fact, Rick has advised that I avoid these because I tend to be a little more abrupt than diplomatic. This time dear daughter requested my presence because I also missed conferences in the fall (schedule conflict) and she thinks that the teachers don’t believe that she has a mother. I’m prayiing that I kind be kind and diplomatic at 7:50 on a nasty morning. (Thursday is also my morning to go to 8:00am Mass. I am offering up my annoyance at my schedule being disrupted. I am being kind and pleasant. If I could only stop grinding my teeth...)
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Just another chilly winter evening...
or
I’ll go first and admit that I watched My Big, Fat Obnoxious Fiance.
It started quite innocently enough. I was in bed reading C.S. Lewis, huddled under a fleece throw and a comforter against the cold air circulating near my window. Why didn’t I go to a warm part of the house? The cold guaranteed solitude and quiet.
But things deterriorated when someone walked into the room and I asked her to toss me the TV remote so that I could check the temperature....and outlook for Tuesday. On the way to the Weather Channel I stumbled upon FOX and decided to watch one or two minutes of My Big, Fat blahblahblah.
And I sat there transfixed in much the same manner as when I would visit the snake house at the Milwaukee Zoo.
On the one hand.....I feel sorry for Randi the dupe. Sure, she’s superficial and greedy (I’m assuming she’s not doing this to get money to pay for surgery for her grandpa or something like that?) and not particularly bright.
But I feel sorry for her being tricked on network TV. But then again, she knew she was going to be on TV....caveat emptor.
On the other hand.....She is soooo superficial. So plastic. So hung up on looks and ‘value’ (i.e. -prices) that watching her squirm is quite entertaining. Sick, but entertaining.
Steve is doing a good job. I just hope he can give a sufficiently nuanced performance to make this work.
While I’m being judgmental.....did I see some sort of transdermal patch on her back during the spa massage scene. Or am I just looking for another reason to not like her.
or
I’ll go first and admit that I watched My Big, Fat Obnoxious Fiance.
It started quite innocently enough. I was in bed reading C.S. Lewis, huddled under a fleece throw and a comforter against the cold air circulating near my window. Why didn’t I go to a warm part of the house? The cold guaranteed solitude and quiet.
But things deterriorated when someone walked into the room and I asked her to toss me the TV remote so that I could check the temperature....and outlook for Tuesday. On the way to the Weather Channel I stumbled upon FOX and decided to watch one or two minutes of My Big, Fat blahblahblah.
And I sat there transfixed in much the same manner as when I would visit the snake house at the Milwaukee Zoo.
On the one hand.....I feel sorry for Randi the dupe. Sure, she’s superficial and greedy (I’m assuming she’s not doing this to get money to pay for surgery for her grandpa or something like that?) and not particularly bright.
But I feel sorry for her being tricked on network TV. But then again, she knew she was going to be on TV....caveat emptor.
On the other hand.....She is soooo superficial. So plastic. So hung up on looks and ‘value’ (i.e. -prices) that watching her squirm is quite entertaining. Sick, but entertaining.
Steve is doing a good job. I just hope he can give a sufficiently nuanced performance to make this work.
While I’m being judgmental.....did I see some sort of transdermal patch on her back during the spa massage scene. Or am I just looking for another reason to not like her.
Monday, January 19, 2004
Ouch, it's cold
Can't find my black gloves.
Quibbled with the Princess while driving her to work at 6:30. She claimed we own no matching gloves. Then I realized I was wearing one pink glove and one orange glove. The only real clue in the dark was that one was tighter than the other.....
Must find something normal looking before Mass. Don't want to start any fashion trends....(green plaid muffler, pink glove, orange glove.....bright- sassy, even!)
Can't find my black gloves.
Quibbled with the Princess while driving her to work at 6:30. She claimed we own no matching gloves. Then I realized I was wearing one pink glove and one orange glove. The only real clue in the dark was that one was tighter than the other.....
Must find something normal looking before Mass. Don't want to start any fashion trends....(green plaid muffler, pink glove, orange glove.....bright- sassy, even!)
Um, yeah...
I may have been the last person in the Western Hemisphere to see Office Space. It was funny. And made me realize how much I like my job. There was a lot in the movie that I could not relate to - at least from my present work situation - but it was funny nonetheless. Although I do know several kind, pious, industrious rectory ladies who wouldn’t mind a little time out in a field with a certain copier.
So now do I call my scapular, rosary and Miraculous Medal my ‘flair?’
I may have been the last person in the Western Hemisphere to see Office Space. It was funny. And made me realize how much I like my job. There was a lot in the movie that I could not relate to - at least from my present work situation - but it was funny nonetheless. Although I do know several kind, pious, industrious rectory ladies who wouldn’t mind a little time out in a field with a certain copier.
So now do I call my scapular, rosary and Miraculous Medal my ‘flair?’
Book reading is a solitary and sedentary pursuit, and those who do so are cautioned that a book should be used as an integral part of a well-rounded life, including a daily regimen of rigorous physical exercise, rewarding relationships, and a sensible low-fat diet. A book should not be used as a substitute or an excuse.(Garrison Keilor from Woebegon Boy - I think)
Do I need help? I don’t think so. Doesn’t everyone get giddy at a tip on cheap yet attractive book shelving and then proceed to cook the domestic books to find the cash and spend spare time mentally rearranging the living room furniture to squeeze it in? I thought everyone did. According to this, I need help.
Thanks to Alicia for the link.
If admitting I need help is the first step to changing my patterns of behavior, then let’s all ignore the fact that I answered “yes” to all nineteen questions.
I like being a literature abuser. It works for us. We’re all co-dependent literature abusers at my house. I’ve seen through that ol’ ruse...
“Wouldn’t it be a good time to lighten the load and free up some shelf space, Ellyn?” Yeah, so you can expand your books. No way, baby. Fran just gave me a tip on some good yet affordable shelving....
Do I need help? I don’t think so. Doesn’t everyone get giddy at a tip on cheap yet attractive book shelving and then proceed to cook the domestic books to find the cash and spend spare time mentally rearranging the living room furniture to squeeze it in? I thought everyone did. According to this, I need help.
Thanks to Alicia for the link.
If admitting I need help is the first step to changing my patterns of behavior, then let’s all ignore the fact that I answered “yes” to all nineteen questions.
I like being a literature abuser. It works for us. We’re all co-dependent literature abusers at my house. I’ve seen through that ol’ ruse...
“Wouldn’t it be a good time to lighten the load and free up some shelf space, Ellyn?” Yeah, so you can expand your books. No way, baby. Fran just gave me a tip on some good yet affordable shelving....
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Wait - Don't tell me - This was written by one of my children - Who just happens to need $20 to get by until payday...
You are one of the few out there whose wings are
truly ANGELIC. Selfless, powerful, and
divine, you are one blessed with a certain
cosmic grace. You are unequalled in
peacefulness, love, and beauty. As a Being of
Light your wings are massive and a soft white
or silver. Countless feathers grace them and
radiate the light within you for all the world
to see. You are a defender, protector, and
caretaker. Comforter of the weak and forgiver
of the wrong, chances are you are taken
advantage of once in awhile, maybe quite often.
But your innocence and wisdom sees the good in
everyone and so this mistreatment does not make
you colder. Merciful to the extreme, you will
try to help misguided souls find themselves and
peace. However not all Angelics allow
themselves to be gotten the better of - the
Seraphim for example will be driven to fighting
for the sake of Justice and protection of those
less powerful. Congratulations - and don't ever
change - the world needs more people like you.
*~*~*Claim Your Wings - Pics and Long Answers*~*~*
brought to you by Quizilla
I think Dark Angelic would have been better. And 'slimming,' too.
You are one of the few out there whose wings are
truly ANGELIC. Selfless, powerful, and
divine, you are one blessed with a certain
cosmic grace. You are unequalled in
peacefulness, love, and beauty. As a Being of
Light your wings are massive and a soft white
or silver. Countless feathers grace them and
radiate the light within you for all the world
to see. You are a defender, protector, and
caretaker. Comforter of the weak and forgiver
of the wrong, chances are you are taken
advantage of once in awhile, maybe quite often.
But your innocence and wisdom sees the good in
everyone and so this mistreatment does not make
you colder. Merciful to the extreme, you will
try to help misguided souls find themselves and
peace. However not all Angelics allow
themselves to be gotten the better of - the
Seraphim for example will be driven to fighting
for the sake of Justice and protection of those
less powerful. Congratulations - and don't ever
change - the world needs more people like you.
*~*~*Claim Your Wings - Pics and Long Answers*~*~*
brought to you by Quizilla
I think Dark Angelic would have been better. And 'slimming,' too.
Except.......when it is 14 degrees, we don't call it rain!
Rain: You are the sound of rain. You have two
important sides. There is your strong, powerful
side and your calm, gentle side. Both are very
important. Rain also reflects a bit of darkness
in your personality. It isn't bad, just shows
that along with the good, you also can see bad,
which can come in handy.
What Sound Are You?(now w/ pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
Rain: You are the sound of rain. You have two
important sides. There is your strong, powerful
side and your calm, gentle side. Both are very
important. Rain also reflects a bit of darkness
in your personality. It isn't bad, just shows
that along with the good, you also can see bad,
which can come in handy.
What Sound Are You?(now w/ pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
I recently saw the movie Cheaper by the Dozen. In it, the father, played by Steve Martin, states that he has had a vasectomy. This has caused some discussion among friends, especially because some people think that after 12 children one logically should have a vasectomy. Why does the Church teach that sterilization is wrong?
And why does the entertainment industry have to ‘justify’ the creation of a large family?
And why does the entertainment industry have to ‘justify’ the creation of a large family?
Let My People Go!....and buy them a tasty meal.
My sister has returned from her honeymoon in Scotland. (A day before the beautiful postcard of St. Margaret’s Chapel.) She was, as in the past, underwhelmed by the food. This time she said it was just awful. Everywhere. Everytime. Oh, well, that’s our heritage. (along with Irish and English, which is not exactly fabulous cuisine, either.)
I don’t think people go to Scotland for the food....
My sister has returned from her honeymoon in Scotland. (A day before the beautiful postcard of St. Margaret’s Chapel.) She was, as in the past, underwhelmed by the food. This time she said it was just awful. Everywhere. Everytime. Oh, well, that’s our heritage. (along with Irish and English, which is not exactly fabulous cuisine, either.)
I don’t think people go to Scotland for the food....
It’s cold......It’s a three day week-end.....it must be...
Martha’s Birthday!
Seventeen years since our little Martha arrived on a cold Sunday - just like today.
That was also the first year my children had a three day week-end for the Martin Luther King holiday. Little Embot, when told by her grandparents of her new sister’s arrival misunderstood the name......and that’s why we still Martha Lenor....Martha Luther Baby.
Martha’s Birthday!
Seventeen years since our little Martha arrived on a cold Sunday - just like today.
That was also the first year my children had a three day week-end for the Martin Luther King holiday. Little Embot, when told by her grandparents of her new sister’s arrival misunderstood the name......and that’s why we still Martha Lenor....Martha Luther Baby.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Cacaine sounds dangerous. Theobromine sounds like an endorsement by God.
So let’s just call it chocolate. Mmmmm.
(Thanks to my Chuck for the research. I left the word on the school board....and he greeted me when I got home from work with a nice print out courtesty of Hershey etc. The Hershey website even has a chart breaking down the amount of theobromine in various products.)
And, no, kids. When mom says she likes her job for the access to free theology that is not code for access to raiding the rectory kitchen for chocolates.
So let’s just call it chocolate. Mmmmm.
(Thanks to my Chuck for the research. I left the word on the school board....and he greeted me when I got home from work with a nice print out courtesty of Hershey etc. The Hershey website even has a chart breaking down the amount of theobromine in various products.)
And, no, kids. When mom says she likes her job for the access to free theology that is not code for access to raiding the rectory kitchen for chocolates.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
perhaps this explains the R-rating....
6. Fan of dirty jokes/humor or talk about sex-related topics, even in jest?
I’m not really.
Though I did bring this book...
as my contribution to the gift exchange at the rectory Christmas party.
(It is quite funny.....but not exactly totally G-rated. Of course, I didn’t realize that until I had purchased 3 copies. Deeply discounted at the local B. Dalton which was closing.) Luckily, the gift wound up with an extremely literate person who possesses a finely attuned sense of humor. (She also reads this blog. But I would have said that regardless.)
6. Fan of dirty jokes/humor or talk about sex-related topics, even in jest?
I’m not really.
Though I did bring this book...
as my contribution to the gift exchange at the rectory Christmas party.
(It is quite funny.....but not exactly totally G-rated. Of course, I didn’t realize that until I had purchased 3 copies. Deeply discounted at the local B. Dalton which was closing.) Luckily, the gift wound up with an extremely literate person who possesses a finely attuned sense of humor. (She also reads this blog. But I would have said that regardless.)
Hey, wait.....I'm not sure what I answered to make my life this interesting.
My life is rated R.
What is your life rated?
More fun courtesy of Summa Mamas.
My life is rated R.
What is your life rated?
More fun courtesy of Summa Mamas.
Kevin O’Reilly and Joanne Jacobs both have comments on a Sunday Chicago Tribune article about the ’dangers’
of private schools. The front page of the same edition had an article about the public schools working themselves into apoplexy trying to categorize children by race/ethnic origin in order to satisfy governmental regulations. I feel irritable enough to share with you the letter I wrote to the Trib....
It goes without saying that parents should be concerned with the health and safety of their children. But the article on Sunday’s page one about the administration of the No Child Left Behind act (School rules change forces racial choice) is as good an example as any of why many parents choose private or homeschooling over the perceived benefits of schools run by educrats with heads buried so deeply in the far reaches of their own alimentary canals (Private schools can write own rules). Young minds are thirsting for knowledge and instruction and those to whom they are entrusted are busy categorizing them as if they were marbles being traded in a playground game. Is it any wonder why parents are willing to take some calculated risks to make sure that their children are educated and not just a statistic.
There....I feel better already.
of private schools. The front page of the same edition had an article about the public schools working themselves into apoplexy trying to categorize children by race/ethnic origin in order to satisfy governmental regulations. I feel irritable enough to share with you the letter I wrote to the Trib....
It goes without saying that parents should be concerned with the health and safety of their children. But the article on Sunday’s page one about the administration of the No Child Left Behind act (School rules change forces racial choice) is as good an example as any of why many parents choose private or homeschooling over the perceived benefits of schools run by educrats with heads buried so deeply in the far reaches of their own alimentary canals (Private schools can write own rules). Young minds are thirsting for knowledge and instruction and those to whom they are entrusted are busy categorizing them as if they were marbles being traded in a playground game. Is it any wonder why parents are willing to take some calculated risks to make sure that their children are educated and not just a statistic.
There....I feel better already.
Heroin overdose kills Barrington teen
Published January 13, 2004 - Chicago Tribune
A Barrington teenager was found dead last week in his parents' home after overdosing on heroin, the latest in what officials say is an alarming rise in Lake County overdose deaths.
Ryan O'Neil, 17, was found unresponsive in his bedroom by his 15-year-old brother shortly before 7 a.m. Friday. O'Neil, a former Barrington High School student, had struggled with drug addiction for the last year and a half, said his father, Kevin....
Overdose deaths in Lake County have been steadily on the rise since 1996, when there were 17 deaths. In 2002, there were 49, outpacing traffic accident fatalities, which totaled 46, according to the coroner's office.
People younger than 20 accounted for three overdose deaths in 2002 and at least two overdose deaths last year, although final numbers for 2003 are not yet available.
An increasing number of the county's overdoses have been heroin-induced, said Coroner Jim Wipper, although he said statistics were not available Monday.
"It is disturbing," Wipper said. "There are plenty of substance abuse programs, but we are still seeing the drug deaths. I don't know what the solution is. We see the end result."
This is sad. But what strikes me as extraordinary is the fact that it is finally being openly talked about. Not in a vague statistical way, but with a name and place mentioned. And even a picture of the handsome, clean-cut young man. I do not know if Mr. O’Neil’s parents wanted it published or were just too bereft to work at keeping the news out of the papers. But it is about time that names and faces were linked with such a horrible and needless cause of death. I know of several other young people - acquaintances and classmates of my daughters’ - who died similar deaths. The cause of death was discussed in the way cancer must have been handled back when my grandmother died in 1932. Some sort of cancer - I can never give a complete medical history to my doctors because it was never discussed enough in my father’s presence (even when he was an adult) so that he could tell me.
So, anyway, if you were to scan the past few years of accumulated obituaries of Illinois’ most affluent county you might be left with the impression that there was a mystery disease that just creeps up and grabs talented, loved, intelligent, promising young people. I applaud the family of Ryan O’Neil for allowing the name of that disease to be mentioned.
Published January 13, 2004 - Chicago Tribune
A Barrington teenager was found dead last week in his parents' home after overdosing on heroin, the latest in what officials say is an alarming rise in Lake County overdose deaths.
Ryan O'Neil, 17, was found unresponsive in his bedroom by his 15-year-old brother shortly before 7 a.m. Friday. O'Neil, a former Barrington High School student, had struggled with drug addiction for the last year and a half, said his father, Kevin....
Overdose deaths in Lake County have been steadily on the rise since 1996, when there were 17 deaths. In 2002, there were 49, outpacing traffic accident fatalities, which totaled 46, according to the coroner's office.
People younger than 20 accounted for three overdose deaths in 2002 and at least two overdose deaths last year, although final numbers for 2003 are not yet available.
An increasing number of the county's overdoses have been heroin-induced, said Coroner Jim Wipper, although he said statistics were not available Monday.
"It is disturbing," Wipper said. "There are plenty of substance abuse programs, but we are still seeing the drug deaths. I don't know what the solution is. We see the end result."
This is sad. But what strikes me as extraordinary is the fact that it is finally being openly talked about. Not in a vague statistical way, but with a name and place mentioned. And even a picture of the handsome, clean-cut young man. I do not know if Mr. O’Neil’s parents wanted it published or were just too bereft to work at keeping the news out of the papers. But it is about time that names and faces were linked with such a horrible and needless cause of death. I know of several other young people - acquaintances and classmates of my daughters’ - who died similar deaths. The cause of death was discussed in the way cancer must have been handled back when my grandmother died in 1932. Some sort of cancer - I can never give a complete medical history to my doctors because it was never discussed enough in my father’s presence (even when he was an adult) so that he could tell me.
So, anyway, if you were to scan the past few years of accumulated obituaries of Illinois’ most affluent county you might be left with the impression that there was a mystery disease that just creeps up and grabs talented, loved, intelligent, promising young people. I applaud the family of Ryan O’Neil for allowing the name of that disease to be mentioned.
WEDGITS are really neat.
(Especially when you find a set for less than 10% suggested retail price at the local rummage shop. Now I can afford the activity book and cards...)
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
A Certain Moral Flexibility...
caused me to look through the latest issue of Touchstone magazine while sorting mail at work. And copy the excellent article by St. Blog’s own Mr. William Luse, to read at my leisure. Yes, I know I’ve committed multiple sins and/or crimes by doing this. Yes, I’ve already apologized to all whom I have wronged....except the postal service. And they don’t really have to know, do they? I mean, I think the mail man reads my New Yorkers and I’m not complaining. (My rationale for this spree, the magazine is not available on newsstands.) And I did take out a subscription to Touchstone as well. (Just a few dollars from the grocery budget, a few from the household maintenance budget and maybe cut a few dollars off of the monthly water payment. $24.95 - quite do-able.)
So, whatever you must do, check it out.
caused me to look through the latest issue of Touchstone magazine while sorting mail at work. And copy the excellent article by St. Blog’s own Mr. William Luse, to read at my leisure. Yes, I know I’ve committed multiple sins and/or crimes by doing this. Yes, I’ve already apologized to all whom I have wronged....except the postal service. And they don’t really have to know, do they? I mean, I think the mail man reads my New Yorkers and I’m not complaining. (My rationale for this spree, the magazine is not available on newsstands.) And I did take out a subscription to Touchstone as well. (Just a few dollars from the grocery budget, a few from the household maintenance budget and maybe cut a few dollars off of the monthly water payment. $24.95 - quite do-able.)
So, whatever you must do, check it out.
It never works out this well when I play....
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Link courtesy of Michelle.
Pholph's Scrabble Generator          My Scrabble© Score is: 26. What is your score? Get it here. |
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Link courtesy of Michelle.
Please do not call the hospital or friars for information.
CFR updates on Fr. Groeschel can be found here. Do feel free to speak to God directly.
Link courtesy of Summa Mamas.
CFR updates on Fr. Groeschel can be found here. Do feel free to speak to God directly.
Link courtesy of Summa Mamas.
Monday, January 12, 2004
In an effort to improve the literacy of young pupils, every child born in Illinois will be able to receive a free book monthly until age 5, Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Sunday.
I grew up surrounded by books. My major housekeeping dilemmas involve moving books around and making room for more. So I’m a little sad to remember that a lot of children in Illinois aren’t as fortunate. But I’m not so sure this is a good idea. It will be expensive.
The regular delivery of books to children's homes, regardless of income, would cost up to $26 million annually, but Blagojevich said it would be a worthy expense if it can aid literacy in a state where 2 in 5 3rd graders read below grade level.
Wouldn’t it be easier if these books were available for pick-up at local libraries. Then only those who need them would get them. And families would become familiar with local libraries. (The thought of people unfamiliar with libraries brings me uncomfortably close to a biblio-eugenics philosophy that would say these people shouldn’t be allowed to raise children.) Or does the governor think parents are too unmotivated to go looking for these books?
A book a month for 5 years. That’s 60 books. I’ve raised 6 children. I wantmy our 360 books. Why don’t you just send a Barnes & Noble gift card to the following address.... OK, and you may deduct the free set of Great Books. But remember, I didn’t get the full set.
I grew up surrounded by books. My major housekeeping dilemmas involve moving books around and making room for more. So I’m a little sad to remember that a lot of children in Illinois aren’t as fortunate. But I’m not so sure this is a good idea. It will be expensive.
The regular delivery of books to children's homes, regardless of income, would cost up to $26 million annually, but Blagojevich said it would be a worthy expense if it can aid literacy in a state where 2 in 5 3rd graders read below grade level.
Wouldn’t it be easier if these books were available for pick-up at local libraries. Then only those who need them would get them. And families would become familiar with local libraries. (The thought of people unfamiliar with libraries brings me uncomfortably close to a biblio-eugenics philosophy that would say these people shouldn’t be allowed to raise children.) Or does the governor think parents are too unmotivated to go looking for these books?
A book a month for 5 years. That’s 60 books. I’ve raised 6 children. I want
This courtesy of our local FOX affiliate. I like a good, strong brow.
Did you ever think of all the 1000's of woman-hours (and today, many man-hours) wasted by brow adjusting? I know I've freed up some time since I gave up the obsessive brow perfecting of my youth.
Did you ever think of all the 1000's of woman-hours (and today, many man-hours) wasted by brow adjusting? I know I've freed up some time since I gave up the obsessive brow perfecting of my youth.
Sunday, January 11, 2004
Sic semper tyrannis....
but I did get the tree down. And found the strength to direct the furniture rearrangement.
Find Your Warped Personality
this quiz was made by mysti
Link via Fr. Jim Tucker.
but I did get the tree down. And found the strength to direct the furniture rearrangement.
Find Your Warped Personality
this quiz was made by mysti
Link via Fr. Jim Tucker.
Feeling sick, having car trouble,want to write letter to Trib, need to use all available energy to take down Christmas tree....
so let's have a little quiz fun instead.
innocent kiss - you're cute and sweet and like it
that way
What Sign of Affection Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
but I wanted the black rose...
If only because one of my favorite extant works of art from my college days is a black rose. (No symbolism, really, it was a charcoal assignment.)
Your soul is bound to the Burning Rose: The
Rapture.
"I go where my heart beckons me, and I go
with my head high. But sometimes, I get a need
until I bleed so my heart swims above my
head."
The Burning Rose is associated with passion,
intensity, and desire. It is governed by the
god Eros and its sign is The Flame, or Physical
Love.
As a Burning Rose, you can get lost in the moment
if you let yourself. You are a very physical
person, be it in relationships, work, or play.
You may be driven by your hormones sometimes,
but you know it's because you have to follow
your instinct.
What Rose Is Your Soul Bound To?
brought to you by Quizilla
OK, that's me.....so lost in the moment...while the fire hazard tree sits in the living room. (I am the self-appointed curator of this yearly 'art installation.' Others may have been trusted to decorate this year, but only the head honcho can curate, catalog and crate.)
Ellyn, you are the procrastinator....
Didn’t even need a quiz for that.
Now take the tree down.
so let's have a little quiz fun instead.
innocent kiss - you're cute and sweet and like it
that way
What Sign of Affection Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
but I wanted the black rose...
If only because one of my favorite extant works of art from my college days is a black rose. (No symbolism, really, it was a charcoal assignment.)
Your soul is bound to the Burning Rose: The
Rapture.
"I go where my heart beckons me, and I go
with my head high. But sometimes, I get a need
until I bleed so my heart swims above my
head."
The Burning Rose is associated with passion,
intensity, and desire. It is governed by the
god Eros and its sign is The Flame, or Physical
Love.
As a Burning Rose, you can get lost in the moment
if you let yourself. You are a very physical
person, be it in relationships, work, or play.
You may be driven by your hormones sometimes,
but you know it's because you have to follow
your instinct.
What Rose Is Your Soul Bound To?
brought to you by Quizilla
OK, that's me.....so lost in the moment...while the fire hazard tree sits in the living room. (I am the self-appointed curator of this yearly 'art installation.' Others may have been trusted to decorate this year, but only the head honcho can curate, catalog and crate.)
Ellyn, you are the procrastinator....
Didn’t even need a quiz for that.
Now take the tree down.
and from The Onion...
Great Books Of Western Civilization Used To Accent Den
BETHESDA, MD—Beautiful, hand-tooled, leather-bound copies of the greatest works of Western literature "really spiffed up" the den of Elaine Gadsen Monday. "I just love the way the gold embossing on The Great Gatsby balances out that plainer-looking Dickens book on the end," Gadsen said. "And the bright red spine on that one by Faust really looks great over the couch." Gadsen has instructed her housekeeper to dust the books once a month.
but seriously folks....
or
Free to a Good Home!
Courtesy of Embot I became the happy owner of 2/3’s of a set of Brittanica’s Great Books. (ie. - as many as she could carry home from the dumpster at one time.) I don’t mind the fact that the word DISCARD is written in indelible marker across the covers. I am saddened that a cash strapped school library would discard these books. Em reports that the school librarian has shown a preference towards bodice rippers and other popular fiction to entice the young people to read. Efficacious as that might be, couldn’t they have made a little room so that the Great Books would be there when someone wanted them.
Oh, well. They have found a good home.
Great Books Of Western Civilization Used To Accent Den
BETHESDA, MD—Beautiful, hand-tooled, leather-bound copies of the greatest works of Western literature "really spiffed up" the den of Elaine Gadsen Monday. "I just love the way the gold embossing on The Great Gatsby balances out that plainer-looking Dickens book on the end," Gadsen said. "And the bright red spine on that one by Faust really looks great over the couch." Gadsen has instructed her housekeeper to dust the books once a month.
but seriously folks....
or
Free to a Good Home!
Courtesy of Embot I became the happy owner of 2/3’s of a set of Brittanica’s Great Books. (ie. - as many as she could carry home from the dumpster at one time.) I don’t mind the fact that the word DISCARD is written in indelible marker across the covers. I am saddened that a cash strapped school library would discard these books. Em reports that the school librarian has shown a preference towards bodice rippers and other popular fiction to entice the young people to read. Efficacious as that might be, couldn’t they have made a little room so that the Great Books would be there when someone wanted them.
Oh, well. They have found a good home.
Passing briefly into erratic genius, you believed yourself to be made of glass....
well, that explains why my hip has been bothering me. The rest doesn’t feel so well, either. Perhaps Windex would should become part of my beauty routine.
Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.
Unfortunately, you had anywhere up to eleven children, who variously went on to develop capriciousness, great cruelty, insecurity, paranoia, revulsion towards food and, in one case, a phobia of bridges. OK, kids, find yourselves in this one.
Thanks to Michelle for the reassurance.
well, that explains why my hip has been bothering me. The rest doesn’t feel so well, either. Perhaps Windex would should become part of my beauty routine.
Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.
Unfortunately, you had anywhere up to eleven children, who variously went on to develop capriciousness, great cruelty, insecurity, paranoia, revulsion towards food and, in one case, a phobia of bridges. OK, kids, find yourselves in this one.
Thanks to Michelle for the reassurance.
Saturday, January 10, 2004
Friday, January 09, 2004
Not really......
but I always laugh at the way Meg Ryan's character would order food and/or drink with explicit instructions on how it was to be served. That I could relate to.
Everyone remembers the 'faked-orgasm-in-a-deli'
sequence from your kind of movie When Harry Met
Sally. It seems that you're falling for a buddy
or have already fallen for them. Uh-oh. You're
probably caught between the possibility of
having a great relationship and wrecking the
one you have now. You know what they say, it's
better to regret something you did than
something you didn't do.
What Romance Movie Best Represents Your Love Life?
brought to you by Quizilla
but we all know it ain’t this....
not by a long shot!
This fantasy interlude courtesy of Summa Mamas
but I always laugh at the way Meg Ryan's character would order food and/or drink with explicit instructions on how it was to be served. That I could relate to.
Everyone remembers the 'faked-orgasm-in-a-deli'
sequence from your kind of movie When Harry Met
Sally. It seems that you're falling for a buddy
or have already fallen for them. Uh-oh. You're
probably caught between the possibility of
having a great relationship and wrecking the
one you have now. You know what they say, it's
better to regret something you did than
something you didn't do.
What Romance Movie Best Represents Your Love Life?
brought to you by Quizilla
but we all know it ain’t this....
not by a long shot!
This fantasy interlude courtesy of Summa Mamas
SAD? Maybe
I ran into a former co-worker from the primary school. In jest I said that I would put on my coat and stand outdoors for 25 minutes every day at noon out of solidarity with the old playground gang.
Now I'm wondering if that might not be such a bad idea. Since I quit doing greeting and recess duty I've found myself in a case of sluggish doldrums. Not ill, but not particularly plucky and energized. And with a nagging melancholy feeling that follows me through the day like a little irritating popcorn hull stuck in the back of my mouth. (On a whole other note: where the heck did the floss go? Should I have to buy 100 yard every other week?) Maybe those fractionated doses of sunshine had more of a salutary effect than I gave them credit for. I think I'll walk the dog at noon today. It can't hurt.
I ran into a former co-worker from the primary school. In jest I said that I would put on my coat and stand outdoors for 25 minutes every day at noon out of solidarity with the old playground gang.
Now I'm wondering if that might not be such a bad idea. Since I quit doing greeting and recess duty I've found myself in a case of sluggish doldrums. Not ill, but not particularly plucky and energized. And with a nagging melancholy feeling that follows me through the day like a little irritating popcorn hull stuck in the back of my mouth. (On a whole other note: where the heck did the floss go? Should I have to buy 100 yard every other week?) Maybe those fractionated doses of sunshine had more of a salutary effect than I gave them credit for. I think I'll walk the dog at noon today. It can't hurt.
I worry....
I worry about the boys' education. Am I doing an adequate job? How are they doing compared to their peers?
Every once in a while a small consolation comes along to make me think....well, that things are OK. Martha had to write a poem/essay/or produce some sort of artistic project as an adjunct to her rock climbing class. She wrote a lovely poem in which she made a reference equating a difficult day on the climbing wall to ‘suffering like Sisyphus.’ I will give the teacher a certain amount of credit. He wsn’t sure who Sisyphus was, but had an inkling and looked him up. I worry about the handful of students who had to be disabused of the idea that Martha was sufferiing with syphilis.
So I guess I’m doing an OK job.
I worry about the boys' education. Am I doing an adequate job? How are they doing compared to their peers?
Every once in a while a small consolation comes along to make me think....well, that things are OK. Martha had to write a poem/essay/or produce some sort of artistic project as an adjunct to her rock climbing class. She wrote a lovely poem in which she made a reference equating a difficult day on the climbing wall to ‘suffering like Sisyphus.’ I will give the teacher a certain amount of credit. He wsn’t sure who Sisyphus was, but had an inkling and looked him up. I worry about the handful of students who had to be disabused of the idea that Martha was sufferiing with syphilis.
So I guess I’m doing an OK job.
With all due respect to Bl. Andre Bessette and Ven. Solanus Casey...
Martha was none too thrilled to come home from school the other day with the results of her PLAN tests (something about aptitudes/skills, blah blah blah). Despite very high scores in the verbal areas, especially rhetorical skills, she was directed toward some occupational areas that she was not familiar with (ie. porter) or particularly flattered to have suggested (eg ‘amusement ride operator,’ - to which we simultaneously exclaimed, “Carny!?!)
I did ask her to think of the phenomonal good done by some simple porters....and suggested that, as a budding writer, spending some time as a carny could be excellent fodder for stories. Then I suggested we reread the career suggestions in the bulky PLAN booklet and see if perhaps there had been some sort of misinterpretation.
I certainly hope that I have not offended any amusement ride operators. I’ve had my own interesting observations and Martha’s opinion is colored by my sister’s now legendary assessment of Tilt-a-Whirl safety: “It’s nice to know my life depends on a rusty cotter pin and one of my clients.”
Martha was none too thrilled to come home from school the other day with the results of her PLAN tests (something about aptitudes/skills, blah blah blah). Despite very high scores in the verbal areas, especially rhetorical skills, she was directed toward some occupational areas that she was not familiar with (ie. porter) or particularly flattered to have suggested (eg ‘amusement ride operator,’ - to which we simultaneously exclaimed, “Carny!?!)
I did ask her to think of the phenomonal good done by some simple porters....and suggested that, as a budding writer, spending some time as a carny could be excellent fodder for stories. Then I suggested we reread the career suggestions in the bulky PLAN booklet and see if perhaps there had been some sort of misinterpretation.
I certainly hope that I have not offended any amusement ride operators. I’ve had my own interesting observations and Martha’s opinion is colored by my sister’s now legendary assessment of Tilt-a-Whirl safety: “It’s nice to know my life depends on a rusty cotter pin and one of my clients.”
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
"Plaintiff Spears lacked understanding of her actions to the extent that she was incapable of agreeing to the marriage."
Some annulments are entered into the marriage and baptismal records with a notation that one of the parties is not to enter into another marriage without express permission. Well, I think they should do that for civil marriages, too.
So was she drunk, drugged or just stupid? Or some combination thereof. In any case, I think she needs help before she may try again.
Some annulments are entered into the marriage and baptismal records with a notation that one of the parties is not to enter into another marriage without express permission. Well, I think they should do that for civil marriages, too.
So was she drunk, drugged or just stupid? Or some combination thereof. In any case, I think she needs help before she may try again.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Good News/Bad News
I’ve been looking forward to our new second semester schedule. Monday/Wednesday/Friday pater drives Martha to school and then gets to go straight to the gym, which had been difficult to manuever when I was working five mornings a week. Tuesday/Thursday I drive and get to go to morning Mass. The whole Mass and rosary afterwards. No more dashing out the back after the homily to get to school.
Just to keep things ‘real,’ the temp this morning is -3. It has been quite mild of late, so this should be a change of pace.
Watching the local news is funny. The temp is the top story. Come on, folks. This is Chicago. It gets cold in January. Let’s cut out the looks of amazement.
I’ve been looking forward to our new second semester schedule. Monday/Wednesday/Friday pater drives Martha to school and then gets to go straight to the gym, which had been difficult to manuever when I was working five mornings a week. Tuesday/Thursday I drive and get to go to morning Mass. The whole Mass and rosary afterwards. No more dashing out the back after the homily to get to school.
Just to keep things ‘real,’ the temp this morning is -3. It has been quite mild of late, so this should be a change of pace.
Watching the local news is funny. The temp is the top story. Come on, folks. This is Chicago. It gets cold in January. Let’s cut out the looks of amazement.
Monday, January 05, 2004
Hmmm.........sure. Whatever
You are Jacques Lacan! Arguably the most important
psychoanalyst since Freud, you never wrote
anything down, and the only works of yours are
transcriptions of your lectures. You are
notoriously difficult to understand, but at
least you didn't talk about the penis as much
as other psychoanalysts. You died in 1981.
What 20th Century Theorist are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Link via Michelle, whose birthday is today!!! (It's her party - she can pick the quiz!)
You are Jacques Lacan! Arguably the most important
psychoanalyst since Freud, you never wrote
anything down, and the only works of yours are
transcriptions of your lectures. You are
notoriously difficult to understand, but at
least you didn't talk about the penis as much
as other psychoanalysts. You died in 1981.
What 20th Century Theorist are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Link via Michelle, whose birthday is today!!! (It's her party - she can pick the quiz!)
On, Wisconsin....
As Embot mentioned earlier, I am a Wisconsin native. (So is she. So there.)
So I was not surprised to read this litte tidbit about an ambitious, though not particularly wise Wisconsin boy. I am the frying pan licking child. I can relate to a children who know what they want and go after it.
A bragging aside......my children obtained a lovely SpongeBob limited edition Christmas doll from a claw machine. The old-fashioned way. By plugging about 12 quarters into the machine.
As Embot mentioned earlier, I am a Wisconsin native. (So is she. So there.)
So I was not surprised to read this litte tidbit about an ambitious, though not particularly wise Wisconsin boy. I am the frying pan licking child. I can relate to a children who know what they want and go after it.
A bragging aside......my children obtained a lovely SpongeBob limited edition Christmas doll from a claw machine. The old-fashioned way. By plugging about 12 quarters into the machine.
Like the weather, everybody worries but doesn’t do much about it....
or
Just when I was starting to feel sentimental, I remember why I don’t want to make a career out of helping little girls in Burberry coats and scarves scramble out of their luxury SUV’s.
A new survey of more than 700 wealthy adults nationwide found that more than 60 percent worry that their children will become spoiled as a result of their wealth. About 84 percent of those surveyed felt their children needed to learn the value of money through work...
or
Just when I was starting to feel sentimental, I remember why I don’t want to make a career out of helping little girls in Burberry coats and scarves scramble out of their luxury SUV’s.
A new survey of more than 700 wealthy adults nationwide found that more than 60 percent worry that their children will become spoiled as a result of their wealth. About 84 percent of those surveyed felt their children needed to learn the value of money through work...
And what about the disposessed Nigerian aristocracy?
I’ve gotten out of debt and lowered my mortgage rate, enhanced my sex life and am my own boss operating an on-line pharmacy since I got my online degree while watching Oprah.
I’ve gotten out of debt and lowered my mortgage rate, enhanced my sex life and am my own boss operating an on-line pharmacy since I got my online degree while watching Oprah.
Sunday, January 04, 2004
“I feel like I have road rage and I don’t even have a car”
Car alarms are a minor annoyance for me. They usually go off in my neighborhood during thunderstorms. Or in the parking lot when we are viewing the Fourth of July fireworks.
Yesterday afternoon I was reminded of just how obnoxious car alarms can be. There was a wedding at our parish. A most beautiful, eargerly planned wedding of a friend’s only daughter. The bride was beautiful, the church was beautiful. Everything - from my vantage point in the rectory office - was beautiful. About fifteen minutes into the wedding, a car alarm sounded from the street. One of those goofy alarms that goes through a variety of different sounds. It took approximately an eternity before it was turned off. On the one hand, I hoped it couldn’t be heard in the church and cause a distraction to the ceremony. On the other hand......the car most likely belonged to someone in the church and I prayed that they would hear it and silence it ASAP>
Silent Majority aims to give a voice to the thousands of New Yorkers who seethe over car alarms, but who until now could only complain to their neighbors or throw eggs out of their windows. Their website is most amusing.
A recent New Yorker article, mentions noise pollution of another time. In London a hundred and fifty years ago, for example, Charles Dickens and his illustrator John Leech, among other members of the new professional class of men who worked out of their homes, started a movement to stem the aural assault of the hurdy-gurdy players, who wanted to be paid before they would go away. Eventually, Alfred Lord Tennyson, John Everett Millais, and Wilkie Collins signed on to the cause, and the Act for the Better Regulation of Street Music in the Metropolis was passed. Organ-grinders gradually disappeared. Later, writers became nostalgic for them.
Car alarms are a minor annoyance for me. They usually go off in my neighborhood during thunderstorms. Or in the parking lot when we are viewing the Fourth of July fireworks.
Yesterday afternoon I was reminded of just how obnoxious car alarms can be. There was a wedding at our parish. A most beautiful, eargerly planned wedding of a friend’s only daughter. The bride was beautiful, the church was beautiful. Everything - from my vantage point in the rectory office - was beautiful. About fifteen minutes into the wedding, a car alarm sounded from the street. One of those goofy alarms that goes through a variety of different sounds. It took approximately an eternity before it was turned off. On the one hand, I hoped it couldn’t be heard in the church and cause a distraction to the ceremony. On the other hand......the car most likely belonged to someone in the church and I prayed that they would hear it and silence it ASAP>
Silent Majority aims to give a voice to the thousands of New Yorkers who seethe over car alarms, but who until now could only complain to their neighbors or throw eggs out of their windows. Their website is most amusing.
A recent New Yorker article, mentions noise pollution of another time. In London a hundred and fifty years ago, for example, Charles Dickens and his illustrator John Leech, among other members of the new professional class of men who worked out of their homes, started a movement to stem the aural assault of the hurdy-gurdy players, who wanted to be paid before they would go away. Eventually, Alfred Lord Tennyson, John Everett Millais, and Wilkie Collins signed on to the cause, and the Act for the Better Regulation of Street Music in the Metropolis was passed. Organ-grinders gradually disappeared. Later, writers became nostalgic for them.
Friday, January 02, 2004
Kill as Few Patients as Possible has an interesting post and some lively comments on the use of pain as the 5th vital sign. This clarifies a weird moment from last summer. As I may have mentioned, Rick was referred to a thoracic surgeon for a consultation when one of his regular post-pheo CAT scans showed a suspicious mass in the lung. This made us all a little nervous and high-strung, especially since the appointment was on Rick’s 50th birthday. I was taken aback when the doctor marched into the room with his oncology nurse, whose first comment after “Hi. How are your today?,” was “Please describe your pain and rate it on a scale of 1 to 10.” My dear husband, who is a much better patient than I and not given to sarcastic comments tried so hard to come up with some sort of pain and give it a number. His knees, banged up in high-school football, were bothering him a bit. And he had slept rather funny, so his neck had a bit of twinge in it. The nurse was politely trying to assess all this. The doctor? I think he was reading the chart and not even paying attention. I didn’t like to talk to my husband like he was an incompetent old codger - not in front of others, at the very least - but I had to jump in and tell him that what they were looking for was pain pertinent to the consultation and that he was not obligated to catalog every bad sensation that he had had in the past week. The doctor? I think he laughed. The nurse? She probably scribbled “wife is interfering bitch” on chart. And Rick? a PET scan showed that there was little further cause for concern. Until January. That’s now. Time for another scan. The most dangerous part will be taking this ‘advocate’ in for another consultation.
Drop the bling-bling, language cops urge
"Bling-bling," a term for flashy jewelry or other luxury goods, made its way into the mainstream from rap music. Said Todd Facklas of Chicago: "Yes, your mom might say it. Nothing could kill the mystique of a word faster."
So true.
My sister gave me an antique dinner ring that had been our great aunt’s. Taking it out of the drawer on New Year’s Eve, I said, “Shall I wear the bling-bling tonight?” That was a death knell right there.
"Bling-bling," a term for flashy jewelry or other luxury goods, made its way into the mainstream from rap music. Said Todd Facklas of Chicago: "Yes, your mom might say it. Nothing could kill the mystique of a word faster."
So true.
My sister gave me an antique dinner ring that had been our great aunt’s. Taking it out of the drawer on New Year’s Eve, I said, “Shall I wear the bling-bling tonight?” That was a death knell right there.
Thursday, January 01, 2004
The inexorable march of time, the prison into which all humankind is born, brought Leave It To Beaver star Jerry Mathers–and all of us–one step closer to the grave Monday.
Ain’t that the truth.
I get a bad case of the willies looking at the 2005 Mass book - officially ‘open’ today. The year in which I turn fifty is just 366 days away. Maybe looking at the 2005 book for a year will be a good thing. It should help to desensitize me.
Ain’t that the truth.
I get a bad case of the willies looking at the 2005 Mass book - officially ‘open’ today. The year in which I turn fifty is just 366 days away. Maybe looking at the 2005 book for a year will be a good thing. It should help to desensitize me.
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