Well, we finally did it. About 4 years ago (maybe 3), Ryan caught a lizard in the yard. Jerry (or Gerri, we don't know which) found a home. Okay, seriously, how long could a little Leopard Gecko lizard live in captivity? Well, kind of like the question of how many licks does it take to get to the center of the tootsie pop? 4 years for us. Earlier this year, as I was paying 10 cents per cricket (times 30), which we have been doing on a bi-monthly basis, a young woman asked me about what I was feeding. Long story short, she has had her little lizard for 12 years and is going strong. I didn't think that was a good idea so we set a date in the sand and started working on Ryan. As the so often told story goes, Ryan really didn't do anything for Jerry/Gerri until we reminded him (Ryan, give your lizard some water, etc.) . In addition, since I got done with first semester of summer school, I have been on a tear "simplifying" my life. The fish are gone and now so is the lizard. Ryan was a little upset but he got over it by swimming, sans clothes, in G and G's pool. Oh, the lizard is in G and G's backyard, living with whatever other lizards and other wildlife are back there. He could not go into our backyard due to the lizard killers we have that wander the house and backyard looking for anything that might move (aka, Homer and Kyra, the killer beagles). Ginger, our foster beagle, really doesn't have that trait in her and for the most part, just kind of looks at Homer and Kyra like they are crazy. Although, speaking of Homer and Ginger, Ginger has this odd trait. Frequently, she will walk up to Homer and lick him in a place that no respectable guy is going to complain about. In fact, he will, on occasion, complain when she stops too soon. She had this trait before moving in with us.
I have just signed up for my third class this semester. Yes, I only have 4 classes left. No, I don't know what I was thinking when I signed up for it other than it is an evening class and thus, will not interfere with my work schedule and yes, it will just leave me with 1 class in the Spring so I can graduate next May. It will have been a long 3 years (or will I look back on it as a short time?) but I will be happy when I have completed this marvelous goal. Of course, what will I do after that? That is too far in the future to think about. A master's program might be a possibility but still not sure.
Kellie has agreed to let me pick out new living room curtains as she detests the thought of it but feels that it is time for new ones. I politely explained to her, after she tried to tell me what I could not get, that she could either tell me what to do or how to do it but not both. I see royal purple velvet curtains in my future. Along with honey colored bathrooms. Would anyone like to take my wife away for a weekend? Oh, and life is short. If I want something royal purple in my house, then so be it.
Both Isabelle and Ryan have decided that they want to live on campus when they go to college. This is a switch for Isabelle since she has previously stated that she doesn't have any intention on leaving home and planned to take all of her classes online. Ryan, on the other hand, feels that living away from home for college might be pretty good. In addition, he was completely jazzed when I informed him that he could request to live with his best friend.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
In Memory Of
I need some help understanding something. Now, when I hear "In Memory Of....", I am well aware, and especially since I am Catholic and "older," of what is coming. Just like we love a good Catholic wedding (I love the 2 hour Catholic wedding and the upcoming wedding reception aka wild party). I also, in a very weird sense, enjoy a Catholic funeral. Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to wish anyone any ill will or anything of the sort but I take great comfort in the ceremony that is steeped in tradition. Although I am a strong proponent of cremation, I will almost feel cheated at the prospect of going to a Catholic funeral and not being able to be there for the part of the ceremony where the priest walks around the casket with incense and blesses the casket and body.
Editor's side track note: Check out this video on youtube. I know that it is not a Catholic wedding but I can't help but think that I missed a great party.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0
It is with this in mind that brings me to my next thought. About 10 or so years ago, I first noticed people putting "In Memory Of...." (and the person that they were close to - child, spouse, etc. that has passed on to the next life) on the back of their vehicle of choice. So, can someone please explain this to me? I completely understand that if someone spent a great deal of time into a vehicle that they lovingly cherished and then passed on. If their survivors of the dearly departed then put "In Loving Memory Of" on the back of that vehicle, that I understand. But to put it on the back of their own car, that I don't understand. Maybe it is something that I can't understand unless I actually go through it (which, by the way, I wouldn't wish upon anyone).
I did see one today and was getting ready to get annoyed (I do that a lot lately, about a lot of stuff - just ask me and I can tell you about all sorts of stuff that annoy me on a daily basis) but once I saw what it was, my annoyance dissipated. The "In Loving Memory Of" was for someone that died in service to our country, defending our Constitutional Rights. Anything that will keep the deeply lasting effects of our current debacle in the forefront of our psyche, then I am all for it (let's not get started on Iraq. Let's just say that we should support our troops but not the politicians that put us in the middle of the wars - and I am still looking for someone to logically explain to me why we went into Iraq).
So, other than this one I saw today, please explain to me why you would put it on your car. Trust me, if I put "In Loving Memory Of" on something, I intend to keep it and revere it. For the most part, cars don't fall into that category for me.
Little things I want to comment on:
1) I saw an interesting article earlier this week about the sexes fighting about the thermostat. I love my wife for many reasons that are too numerous to list here on the website but I can tell you right now that our house is at 82 degrees right now and probably will stay there for a while.
2) I have 4 classes left to graduate. My adviser informed me that I could substitute out a class this coming semester instead of waiting for Spring semester to take it. So, in a fit of insanity, I am signing up for it (another 3 hour evening class once a week). That will leave me with one class this Spring. Please remind me in September why I did what I did. I will say though that I had to get an override to take the class and just from the email, the professor seems really cool and I look forward to an interesting semester with him. Hopefully it won't be like my last 3 hour/1 night a week class where we had maybe 20 people show up (out of 100 students). The times that students did show up, I was privileged to witness one gentleman show up in pajamas (this was an evening class) and another young woman show up in a see through dress that I firmly believe that she did not know was see through. For whatever reason, I have a lot of emotions about it but none of them was "turned on." And for those wanting to know, the professor did tell us at the beginning of the semester that there really was no reason for us to come to class every week - we just needed to turn in the homework online and take the two exams. Kellie asked me if I intended to go to class and my answer was - of course. How could I not go to every minute of that stinkin class? I did get an A+ in the class but that was just as much of a function of the ridiculousness of the class and the way it was setup. I personally was highly disappointed in that I really wanted to enjoy the class (it was an elective that I needed to take).
3) I am cooking this Saturday. Shredded beef tacos (of which my wife's friend Ann cannot duplicate - Ann if you are reading this and want to learn, contact me on Saturday mid-morning and you can come over to learn - better late than never), flan and my niece Sarah recently told me she made the recipe I gave her for black bean and corn salsa that went over well with her friends in D.C. Actually, if anyone reading this wants to learn how to make these recipes with me, I will be happy to spend some time with you teaching you this Saturday. I have gotten rave reviews on my flan recipe.
Again, I hope that this post finds everyone in good health.
Editor's side track note: Check out this video on youtube. I know that it is not a Catholic wedding but I can't help but think that I missed a great party.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0
It is with this in mind that brings me to my next thought. About 10 or so years ago, I first noticed people putting "In Memory Of...." (and the person that they were close to - child, spouse, etc. that has passed on to the next life) on the back of their vehicle of choice. So, can someone please explain this to me? I completely understand that if someone spent a great deal of time into a vehicle that they lovingly cherished and then passed on. If their survivors of the dearly departed then put "In Loving Memory Of" on the back of that vehicle, that I understand. But to put it on the back of their own car, that I don't understand. Maybe it is something that I can't understand unless I actually go through it (which, by the way, I wouldn't wish upon anyone).
I did see one today and was getting ready to get annoyed (I do that a lot lately, about a lot of stuff - just ask me and I can tell you about all sorts of stuff that annoy me on a daily basis) but once I saw what it was, my annoyance dissipated. The "In Loving Memory Of" was for someone that died in service to our country, defending our Constitutional Rights. Anything that will keep the deeply lasting effects of our current debacle in the forefront of our psyche, then I am all for it (let's not get started on Iraq. Let's just say that we should support our troops but not the politicians that put us in the middle of the wars - and I am still looking for someone to logically explain to me why we went into Iraq).
So, other than this one I saw today, please explain to me why you would put it on your car. Trust me, if I put "In Loving Memory Of" on something, I intend to keep it and revere it. For the most part, cars don't fall into that category for me.
Little things I want to comment on:
1) I saw an interesting article earlier this week about the sexes fighting about the thermostat. I love my wife for many reasons that are too numerous to list here on the website but I can tell you right now that our house is at 82 degrees right now and probably will stay there for a while.
2) I have 4 classes left to graduate. My adviser informed me that I could substitute out a class this coming semester instead of waiting for Spring semester to take it. So, in a fit of insanity, I am signing up for it (another 3 hour evening class once a week). That will leave me with one class this Spring. Please remind me in September why I did what I did. I will say though that I had to get an override to take the class and just from the email, the professor seems really cool and I look forward to an interesting semester with him. Hopefully it won't be like my last 3 hour/1 night a week class where we had maybe 20 people show up (out of 100 students). The times that students did show up, I was privileged to witness one gentleman show up in pajamas (this was an evening class) and another young woman show up in a see through dress that I firmly believe that she did not know was see through. For whatever reason, I have a lot of emotions about it but none of them was "turned on." And for those wanting to know, the professor did tell us at the beginning of the semester that there really was no reason for us to come to class every week - we just needed to turn in the homework online and take the two exams. Kellie asked me if I intended to go to class and my answer was - of course. How could I not go to every minute of that stinkin class? I did get an A+ in the class but that was just as much of a function of the ridiculousness of the class and the way it was setup. I personally was highly disappointed in that I really wanted to enjoy the class (it was an elective that I needed to take).
3) I am cooking this Saturday. Shredded beef tacos (of which my wife's friend Ann cannot duplicate - Ann if you are reading this and want to learn, contact me on Saturday mid-morning and you can come over to learn - better late than never), flan and my niece Sarah recently told me she made the recipe I gave her for black bean and corn salsa that went over well with her friends in D.C. Actually, if anyone reading this wants to learn how to make these recipes with me, I will be happy to spend some time with you teaching you this Saturday. I have gotten rave reviews on my flan recipe.
Again, I hope that this post finds everyone in good health.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Such that is going on
I told myself that I would write more and I have a little free time so I am going to do that now. School is officially over for the summer. Well, at least until August 24th. I officially have 4 classes left, according to my records. I go and see the adviser this coming Monday to get it official.
Got another A at school. Did I tell you that I hated Chemistry? It was a lot of information in a very short period of time. But, I am now on the downslide.
For those of you not nearby, I have been on a kick lately. I have felt so good since finishing school that I cleaned the garage. I have 6 boxes of books to get rid of - anybody want any books? I also cleaned the closet and got rid of a bunch of stuff. Actually, I hit all of my clothes too. If I hadn't worn it in a year, out it went. I am also in the process of taking all of that change that I just have accumulating to the bank to cash it in. I wonder if they will charge me?
I did mention that I need to lose weight. I walked for 30 minutes on the treadmill this evening at about a 4 mph clip on an incline. I really need to make myself do that every evening.
The kids went to Vacation Bible School this evening. My son is now freaked out with the story of the passover. It may be a long night.
Got another A at school. Did I tell you that I hated Chemistry? It was a lot of information in a very short period of time. But, I am now on the downslide.
For those of you not nearby, I have been on a kick lately. I have felt so good since finishing school that I cleaned the garage. I have 6 boxes of books to get rid of - anybody want any books? I also cleaned the closet and got rid of a bunch of stuff. Actually, I hit all of my clothes too. If I hadn't worn it in a year, out it went. I am also in the process of taking all of that change that I just have accumulating to the bank to cash it in. I wonder if they will charge me?
I did mention that I need to lose weight. I walked for 30 minutes on the treadmill this evening at about a 4 mph clip on an incline. I really need to make myself do that every evening.
The kids went to Vacation Bible School this evening. My son is now freaked out with the story of the passover. It may be a long night.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Wicked!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to say I have copied the picture and color scheme from my sister in law Gerri. We went to see Wicked for our very first time last week and have to say we fell in LOVE with the play. Wicked was simply amazing and the music spectacular! One of my favorite songs is what is playing if you have sound with your computer!!! If you have a chance while it is still in Tempe go and see it!!!
Swim Team is coming to a close and my children are brown babies and swim like fish more and more. We also start VBS and who cannot argue happy hour for mom and dad while the kids get some "religion"!!!!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
4 am and Infomercials
I don't know how many of you are up at the hour but the next time that you are, note that for the most part, real tv stops at 4 am. There are a couple of channels that have some old movies or tv shows on but it is at 4 am that the infomercials start. I know this because I frequently am up at 4 am, although I don't want to be. I will occasionally just give it up and go downstairs but the infrequent times that the wife has to be at work at 5 am, I will just turn on the tv upstairs. This was the case for Friday morning. I was either reading the tv guide wrong or they have come up with some interesting titles for infomercials but I ended up starting to watch an infomercial about a cooking device. It could cook anything, was red, and was like a George Foreman grill. The long story short on this was that about the time I started to think that I could really use this, I decided it was time to change the channel and break the spell that I was in. I promptly went back to sleep and I do NOT have one of these grills coming to me in the next few days.
I hope everyone had a good 4th of July. Interesting programming note here, Mesa had canceled their fire works due to not enough sponsors. They (the powers that be) are working on it for next year. If you happen to look at the 2010 calendar, you will note that July 4th is on a Sunday. The last time July 4th was on a Sunday, they postponed the fire works until Monday the 5th, of which it promptly rained. The original postponement (Sunday to Monday) was due to religious reasons. I could very well have the terminology wrong and be completely off base here but if Sunday is family day (which I wholeheartedly endorse, spend one day a week with your family as a family and you probably havw a better chance of keeping the family together - I still remember growing up and having family meals). So, if Sunday is family day, wouldn't it be great to take your family to see fire works and actually celebrate the reason that you can practice your religion of choice without fear of persecution? My guess is that they will move the fireworks to Saturday or Monday next year but let's hope not.
I hope everyone had a good 4th of July. Interesting programming note here, Mesa had canceled their fire works due to not enough sponsors. They (the powers that be) are working on it for next year. If you happen to look at the 2010 calendar, you will note that July 4th is on a Sunday. The last time July 4th was on a Sunday, they postponed the fire works until Monday the 5th, of which it promptly rained. The original postponement (Sunday to Monday) was due to religious reasons. I could very well have the terminology wrong and be completely off base here but if Sunday is family day (which I wholeheartedly endorse, spend one day a week with your family as a family and you probably havw a better chance of keeping the family together - I still remember growing up and having family meals). So, if Sunday is family day, wouldn't it be great to take your family to see fire works and actually celebrate the reason that you can practice your religion of choice without fear of persecution? My guess is that they will move the fireworks to Saturday or Monday next year but let's hope not.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Chemistry and Life
Here it is and time has flown by. I am hoping to slow down now. I just finished first summer session. Chemistry was a killer. You see, I took it 17 years ago and got a D. ASU looked at my transcript and said that they would substitute 1 of my semesters of biology (I had 2) for Physics but that since I took Chemistry and got a D, I need to take it over. I could have taken it at a community college, theoretically easier content but I would have had to actually go to a lab. Taking it at ASU would be all online, even the lab (side note: I blew up the lab several times). How hard could it be, especially since I had a lab person in the house (my lovely wife) to tutor me? Let's just say that when we said "for better and worse" back in 1997 that neither of us had chemistry in mind. Long story short, I needed 4 points on the final to actually pass the class and a 62 on the final to get a B. I ended up with a 62. I had hoped for more cushion but I will take it, especially since I at least got a C and won't have to take it again. It honestly feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of me.
Izzy went to summer school and although nervous at first, did well and enjoyed it. Since she needed glasses and we didn't really know it, she was behind when we decided to enroll her. Both kids are enjoying swim team although that is rapidly coming to a close, along with the end of summer.
I have another class this summer that I have already started and it is OSHA. I actually looked forward to it as it actually applies to my major.
Now that first summer session (Chemistry and Organizational Effectiveness) is over, I can just concentrate on one class and relax a little bit. I am also cooking this weekend. Shortly here, I am going to make Frog's Eye Salad (Aunt Dolly's recipe). Also this weekend, I plan to make a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups chopped in it (it is a layered cake so it would be between the layers and on top) and peanut butter chips on the side. We had some last weekend but it was dry and I decided I could do it better. Wish me luck.
Now, I just need to lose some weight. My doctor is not real happy about my current weight (the most I have ever weighed in my life) and to be honest, I am not happy with it either. I have decided to do a few things. 1) I learned in the Army that proper diet and exercise were the key. 2) I am borrowing a saying from the 12 steps program (and I really need to start walking at least those 12 steps per day) and take it "one day at a time." No more, well, my day is shot already so what is another piece of cake? Wish me luck.
Izzy went to summer school and although nervous at first, did well and enjoyed it. Since she needed glasses and we didn't really know it, she was behind when we decided to enroll her. Both kids are enjoying swim team although that is rapidly coming to a close, along with the end of summer.
I have another class this summer that I have already started and it is OSHA. I actually looked forward to it as it actually applies to my major.
Now that first summer session (Chemistry and Organizational Effectiveness) is over, I can just concentrate on one class and relax a little bit. I am also cooking this weekend. Shortly here, I am going to make Frog's Eye Salad (Aunt Dolly's recipe). Also this weekend, I plan to make a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups chopped in it (it is a layered cake so it would be between the layers and on top) and peanut butter chips on the side. We had some last weekend but it was dry and I decided I could do it better. Wish me luck.
Now, I just need to lose some weight. My doctor is not real happy about my current weight (the most I have ever weighed in my life) and to be honest, I am not happy with it either. I have decided to do a few things. 1) I learned in the Army that proper diet and exercise were the key. 2) I am borrowing a saying from the 12 steps program (and I really need to start walking at least those 12 steps per day) and take it "one day at a time." No more, well, my day is shot already so what is another piece of cake? Wish me luck.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July 1st???
I know, it has been awhile since I put anything out here. Actually, June has been consumed with swim team and Tracy is finishing up his first session of summer school. Thank goodness he graduates next year and he will be done with all of this and can have a little more free time! So looking ahead and nothing exciting but everyday life and appointments and then getting ready for vacation and school to start again!
Hope you all are doing well!
Hope you all are doing well!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
