Random Disneyland Pictures

As we get ready planning our next trip to Disneyland in November, I thought I would post more of the August pictures. Yes, Disneyland in 3.5 months. We LOVED our last visit and Isabelle's dance class performs in Disney California Adventure, so how can we not go? We could say "no" but come on....And we get to celebrate two of our friends birthdays while there too! Bonus!

Looking forward to more fun in November!!!!

Things I will not miss after May 13th

A real brief post tonight about things that I have experienced since going back to school that I will not miss. In no particular order:

• people who talk all the way through class disrupting and annoying those of us that are there to actively participate in class (seriously, it took everything bit of will power I had to not turn around and tell him to shut up)
• people who do participate in class but talk to hear themselves talk (okay, this one just isn't school)
• the person who chooses to sit next to me every class that this is his first semester in the United States and thus, I need to explain American Business Law, all the while missing what the professor is talking about
• people who show up to class in pajamas
• people who show up to class in see through dresses (falls under the category of TMI, along with the next observation)
  
• I don't want to know what your choice of undergarments happen to be. Enough said.
• just because you choose to not come to class, don't e-mail me right before the exam asking for my notes
• don't surf the internet during the middle of class. Truly, it is a waste of your time to be in class and you may be disrupting others.
• most professors are so easy that it is almost criminal. With that in mind, if the professor gets up in front of class right before the exam and tells you everything that you could possibly need to know to pass the exam (including "you don't need to know that"), don't go up to him/her after the exam and argue the essay question when you didn't answer the question. As my professor says, "I ask the questions. Your job is to answer them - not change the question for your answer."
  

I am guessing that times have not changed that much and while I probably would have tolerated it 15 years ago, I choose not to now.

Two interesting things I learned this week. My son's female friend (side note - we were taking her home the other night and he made his sister move so he could sit next to her) has already had banana creme brulee (I am just going to have to try that one) and my son's teacher that is 30 (complete guess) has never had creme brulee before (she was going to eat it before class this morning - I told her that was not a good idea).

And with that, it has already been a long week, I am tired and going to bed.

T

200 days, 100 degrees and fried squirrel

I am going to start off my post with 200 days. We all know that Christmas is only a few short weeks away (about 9 or so) so I must be referencing graduation. Two years ago, I started back on my quest to finally get my degree. I should have done it a long time ago but, I didn't. So, in 200 days, I finally graduate. Of course, only if I pass my current classes. So much to do, so little time to do it in.

I am not sure how many of you readers out there are in touch with people from other parts of the country. I talk to people in all time zones every day of the week (and no, I am not a telemarketer). We all know that it is the middle of October and it is 100 degrees here in Arizona. The lovely wife and I actually started our Christmas shopping yesterday. For the record, we are now half way done. But while we were doing the mad dash last night, going from store to store, we noticed that at 7 pm it was still 99 degrees outside. Has anyone besides me noticed that while we have been pretty warm right now, the rest of the country has had a terrible time with it? I have had several customers tell me what a short summer they had - their weather was so bad this summer. So, while we had warm weather and they have bad weather - is it just me and my aging process that I am noticing it now? I will not go so far as to say that global warming etc. but I am just pondering.

The kids survived this past week. Kind of touch and go late this week. It seems everyone went somewhere except us so my kids were kind of bored. Ryan had two teeth pulled and Isabelle has two teeth that are ready to fall out - they just don't want to. Grandpa is just dying to help her out with the process.

Tried a new recipe this evening from Rachel Ray. Gorgonzola stuffed meat. I say meat since the recipe called for pork but since my wife doesn't care for pork roast, I used a thin cut sirloin steak. It was really good if I say so myself. Do a google search on Rachel Ray Gorgonzola Stuffed Pork.

I have a paper to revise this evening so I am going to go soon but I want to leave you with this one thought. It seems that my wife was a little trouble for the nuns growing up in school. I don't ask and just accept it. Some things are better off not knowing. Anyway, the nuns were old country/farm girls and so my father-in-law would go out and shoot squirrels and fry them up for the nuns. Pretty much bribery as I understand it. Well, school progress evaluations are this Tuesday. Isabelle and I are making white chocolate creme brulees Monday evening. I plan to take them with for the parent-teacher conferences. I am not sure that they need it as I am sure that they are angels but you never know when you will need that little extra - know what I mean?

As always, I hope this finds everyone in good health.

Tracy

What a mess

So my brother-in-law decided to do some lawn maintenance. Sounds like a good idea. I have never aerated this lawn and we have been here 6 years. So, he rented the aerator, was here at 7 am with it. Of course, I did not soak my lawn yesterday and should have. I will remember for next time. I also don't have a big lawn but did my best to chunk it up. Of course, Homer Jay spent a good time following me barking at the machine as it chunked up the yard. Kyra enjoyed digging her nose in the dirt looking for some sort of bugs.

We then took it to my brother-in-law's house and made quick work of that yard. So far, so good. Once the aerator was returned, I went to get some grass seed (yes, we plant grass out here in Arizona - doesn't that say something?) and steer manure. About half way home, Ryan figured out what steer manure is.

Still, so far, so good. Went to throw out the grass seed and both Homer Jay and Kyra Sue (beagles should all have two names) decided to help. They were helping by letting me throw it on them while they walked around the lawn. Much like how bees pollinate. Still, so far, so good. Now it comes time to do the manure ($1 per bag, 10 bags please).

Once I started throwing out the manure, then the fun started. As it seems, dogs have a tendency to like things that smell. I have seen theories why but truly, does it matter? So, just as they helped out with the grass seed, they helped out with the manure. In addition, they decided it might be pretty tasty. And then, they started rolling in it. This is where the mess comes in. Of course, I watered just after I threw down the grass seed. Now, with the manure, it was a pretty sight.

The kids went to get the leashes and to put in the dog door. Of course, they thought they were going for a walk, which got them very excited. They were not too excited when I started hosing them down outside, with the leash on so they wouldn't go anywhere.

Now, I just have to get a shower and do the floors as there are dirty paw prints everywhere.

Hope this finds everyone in good health.
T

2094 songs, lemon cheesecake, John Kyl and Jesus Lives

I have 2,094 songs on my iPod. I have a very eclectic playlist ranging from The Priests and The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo to Garth Brooks, The Beastie Boys, Frank Sinatra and Elvis (what self respecting person would not have some Elvis on their iPod?). So, when at work and I get some uninterrupted time to actually work, I typically put the iPod on shuffle. Several weeks ago, I made the conscious decision to actually just let it shuffle until I actually went through all 2,094 songs. The last song played today and it was a comedy bit by Frank Calliendo. One of the last songs to play was from one of the best albums from the 70's - Supertramp's Breakfast in America. The young lady (22 y/o) that asked me what I was listening to asked who it was. After I told her, she still had no clue who they were. It was not the first time that I just shook my head this week. I will be the first to admit that 22 y/o's can be cute but just knowing that she had no clue reminded me of why I am happy to be married. Love you dear wife!

I recently made lemon cheesecake because it sounded good. I thought it was too lemony. My in-laws told me that they liked it but I think they were just being nice (for the record - if I ask for your honest opinion about my cooking, give it to me. Otherwise, I won't learn). I was talking to a different co-worker about it (she is culinary trained) and she made some suggestions. She also pointed out that 1/2 cup of lemonade concentrate is not the same as 1 can of lemonade concentrate. I don't know if I actually used a full can but that would make sense why it was so lemony. I made the ingredients for Lemon Curd Tartlets and Chocolate Ganache Tarts. I plan on taking it to Block Party tomorrow night (happens every Friday evening now that the weather is below 100). Kellie is making tomato pie - another favorite recipe.

In case you missed it, there is a woman in the south that recently got arrested. Apparently, she had a cardboard box that did not fit in the mini-van so she put it on top of the van. She then secured it with a wire hangar. Just for added security that it won't fly off of the van while she was travelling down the highway, she had her 13 year old girl in the box. It goes beyond belief and I cannot find the words. I guess you can say that I am speechless.

Again in case you missed it (and it is quite possible you did as I almost missed it and I try to stay up on these things) but here is a link about our Senator Kyl in action. I passed it on to some women that I know, including my lovely wife. Her comment was "jerk." I will say that I understand what he is saying but come on, think about what you are saying. One last thought on the subject (see previous post about health care) but here is the issue at its core. Essentially, John Kyl doesn't feel the need to require insurance companies to provide maternity care and before you comment, please read the article in the link and watch the video. No matter what you feel about the health care debate, here is what it comes down to. If it passes, we will be required to carry health insurance. If the insurance companies don't have to pay for maternity benefits (and I assume that this is prenatal care through the delivery), then there will be people and companies that will not offer it. So there will be people that will not have it, typically those that need it (the young and lower economic category). Also, we all know that prevention is the key and everyone does agree on the benefit of prenatal care for a pregnant mother and her unborn child, wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to have maternity care than not? It boggles the mind. Feel free to let Senator Kyl know how you feel. Our great Senators at work.

I was working with a customer this week. In order to resolve their issue, their computer password was "made public," so to speak (don't worry, the customer changed it immediately after the issue was resolved). Anyway, the password was "JesusLives." About all that came to mind (and I did not speak this) was "Yes. Yes, he does."

So, it was a week of being speechless. I am about halfway through the semester, as the crow flies. I look forward to this semester being over and then starting my last class in January. I will say that I am actually enjoying my Business Law class. My professor has an interesting take on "stuff" and makes it interesting. Of course, I will say that the bar was set pretty low for 100 people classes one evening per week but at least I have not seen anyone show up in pajamas or a see through dress - yet. Note to people that choose not to show up to class - don't e-mail me right before the test asking for the notes. If you choose not to show up to class, then you need to figure it out.

Health Care

It has been a few weeks since I have written. So much has gone but it also seems as nothing has gone on. I am well into my school this year. Lots of stuff to do, of course, getting A's but I am not stressing about it this semester (not that I did previously). I am happy to get a C but I am not working for a C. As always, I will do my absolute best and hope I get an A. So far, so good.

The kids are back into the swing of things. Religious Education is on, scouts for both kids (I am working on updating their website), Ryan is playing the cello and Isabelle is very much into her dance. Dance is definitely her thing, at present.

I try not to get political in here. What is it that you are not supposed to talk about in mixed company, sex, money, religion and politics? Okay, staying neutral on all subjects. But, what I will say is that no matter how you feel about the issue on health care, please let your Congressmen know about it. I think most people agree that something needs to be done with it. The biggest expense of hiring someone, outside of actual salary, is health care.

I am not going to say what I feel should be done about it, mostly because it is a complicated issue and I don't know it all. But, we do pay these people in Washington, D.C. lots of money to try to figure it out. I did write all of my Congressmen and tell them that I was tired of the bipartisan fighting on both sides of the aisle. We are all adults and one thing we learn as adults is that you are not going to get all that you want. Try to find a middle ground that you can work towards. Why is that so hard to understand?

Just for the sake of fun (and also because I believe in it), I put in that I felt that Congress should be held accountable to what they do. What I mean by this is, they should have the same health care plan that we have. I also think that they should have the same retirement plan that we have but that is another story.

John McCain wrote me back a lengthy letter and if I get enough response, I will be glad to post the entire letter (or just e-mail me and I will send it to you). I am going to post one paragraph of his lengthy letter (and I was quite impressed with the letter, by the way).

"I was also a strong proponent of an amendment that would have required Members of Congress to participate in the proposed public health plan if one is enacted into law. If the health care reform legislation that is being considered becomes law, it would force millions of people to give up their current forms of health care coverage and participate in the government run program. I believe that Members of Congress cannot expect these individuals to participate in this new public program if they are not willing to enroll themselves and their families in the same program."

Now, I don't know if the present health care plan (and what is the "present health care plan"????) would force millions of people to give up their current forms of health care coverage but at least he is asking for Congress to abide by what they put into place.

You can check WebMD for their position on it or try Fact Check as I think both of them are non-partisan and may give us some truth. We know that both sides are probably not telling the entire truth.

Anyway, I highly encourage you to write your Congressmen and let them know how you feel. It is about time that they started working for us and not just for themselves.

Now, back to work for me.

I am looking forward to Labor Day......2010

As I sit here at the computer, I think about how nice my life is at this present time. Both kids are young enough to be at home (and not in the teenage years, yet), and both my wife and I are at home. You see, Kellie has been working a lot of weekends and so it is a rare treat when we are all home together. You see, I know to cherish this from reading my sister-in-law's blog whose children are all grown, although not all out of the house.

I will frequently comment on my school and I am sure that we can all surmise that this is due to the fact that it such a big thing in my life right now, for good or bad. My comment in regards to this post is that I am looking forward to Labor Day 2010 (that is next year for those of us that can be calendar challenged). My explanation for this is that I can't rest. Knowing that my next class deadline is looming ahead of me, even if I am completely caught up on all of my school work. Technically, I am caught up. I have homework due on Wednesday, Friday and the ever all important Senior Project (which will be completely easy, as long as I can figure out what to do).

Speaking of Senior Project, I wish to thank everyone for whatever support you have given me in this project so far, whether that support be ideas or just emotional support. A lot of you have given me good ideas that I need to research and see if it will work. There is one project that I read that surveyed 20 local churches and their use of online donations and then just tabulate the data and come to some conclusions. Of course, the comment that I love the best is "I so remember my senior project so much that I finally gave up on it and did an internship instead." I vaguely remember down at University of Arizona in the early 90's that we either had to do an internship or a senior project. Here, we have to do both. So, with that, I am very much looking forward to my senior project, whatever the topic happens to be.

Back to school and rest: I don't know why but I cannot rest. It goes so far as I limit my activities while school is in session. I did the rare instance of playing poker and I actually had a shot of whiskey at the game. Now, it isn't like I drink a lot anyways. I would occasionally have a drink, maybe 1 drink every other month or so, rarely would have 2 and never more than that.

Maybe I can't rest due the fact that I place a much higher importance on school than I did when I was younger. You won't find me talking during class to my classmate about things that don't pertain to the topic at hand (I have always hated that). You also won't find me wearing pajamas to class (which I witnessed last Spring). You also will find me completely repulsed when a classmate shows up in class with a see-through dress (which I also witnessed last Spring).

Side note: This led to an interesting question of, should I tell the person or not? Here are the facts: 100 person lecture class, of which about 30 of us showed up on a regular basis. There was no personal interaction between the students, so a true lecture class. I did not speak to her once during this class. I will also throw in that this was one of those that the dress did not appear to be see-through and was only see-through when "stretched" such as when bending over to pick something up or when sitting down. I was almost as appalled to think that nobody told this young woman that her dress was see through, although I did not mention it myself to her. It was also quite evident that this is what she wore to work as she always showed up in nice clothes that one would wear to work as if she was a saleswoman.

Anyway, I look forward to next Labor Day when I won't have the prospect of school looming over my head not allowing me to completely relax.

Off topic note: I ended up watching part of the Ted Kennedy funeral last weekend. Politics aside, I did enjoy the full Catholic funeral with all of the pomp and circumstance that was displayed. Of course, Ted Kennedy was quite a polarizing individual. You either loved or hated him and there were not many that met in the middle on that. He was responsible for the death of a young woman, thrown out of Harvard twice, admitted three times (how does that happen? and what does that say about Harvard? come to your own conclusions on that one). He was a drunk and a womanizer. He also was responsible for the American with Disabilities act. He worked for the opportunity for every American to have health care. He attended Mass daily yet he disagreed with the Church on abortion and never allowed his faith to change his mind on that. It was during his funeral that I found out that he used a bible passage as his guidance for his career in politics. The passage was the one about "I was thirsty and you gave me drink, naked and you clothed me, etc." It was also after his death that we find out that there wasn't a day that went by that he did not think about Mary Jo and her death that he was responsible for. And so although I did not approve of how he behaved at times during his life, I will look forward to reading his memoir. If anything, I am hoping it will give me an insight into this polarizing figure in American history.