Wednesday, October 29, 2008
stirred not shaken, or driven not starred at
Dad, this one's for you.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/3240226/James-Bonds-car-collection.html
what i do when i've got a cold
"Ideas are the roots of creation."
-Ernest Dimnet
The top 100 most powerful women in the world. http://www.forbes.com/business/2007/08/28/biz-07women_all_slide_60.html?thisSpeed=30000
So, Connorack came home from school via the Peppermint place candy shop, with gelato in hand. An hour later, he had Seingine in tow, and they were off to the http://www.kencraftcandy.com/Peppermint shop for a 1st time trip for the latter kid and a second go around of gelato, for the former kid. It takes them 3 mins to scooter over to the shop. They are lucky I don't feel so great today. They are getting away with a kids sugar covered heaven because of it!
-Ernest Dimnet
The top 100 most powerful women in the world. http://www.forbes.com/business/2007/08/28/biz-07women_all_slide_60.html?thisSpeed=30000
So, Connorack came home from school via the Peppermint place candy shop, with gelato in hand. An hour later, he had Seingine in tow, and they were off to the http://www.kencraftcandy.com/Peppermint shop for a 1st time trip for the latter kid and a second go around of gelato, for the former kid. It takes them 3 mins to scooter over to the shop. They are lucky I don't feel so great today. They are getting away with a kids sugar covered heaven because of it!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
the connorack man's fav pop culture for the moment
http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/TheKillers/Human-- 202026589;_ylt=AqGUoISFm2jK2HGShEus20XesyUv
click on the Title of this posting to link to the music. And this ain't your mama's muzak!
click on the Title of this posting to link to the music. And this ain't your mama's muzak!
hungry girls healthy cooking savors
HUNGRY GIRL'S TOP ATE 10.28.2008 by http://www.hungry-girl.com/index.php
TOP ATE Calorie-Saving Cooking Swaps!
1.
Nonstick cooking spray instead of oil (for stovetop cooking)
2.
Canned pumpkin instead of eggs & oil (for baking)
3.
Light vanilla soymilk instead of milk or cream
4.
Fat-free liquid egg substitute instead of eggs
5.
No-sugar-added applesauce instead of butter
6.
Ground-beef-style soy crumbles instead of ground beef
7.
Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granular) instead of sugar
8.
Butternut squash instead of potatoes
Today, October 28th, is National Chocolate Day.
TOP ATE Calorie-Saving Cooking Swaps!
1.
Nonstick cooking spray instead of oil (for stovetop cooking)
2.
Canned pumpkin instead of eggs & oil (for baking)
3.
Light vanilla soymilk instead of milk or cream
4.
Fat-free liquid egg substitute instead of eggs
5.
No-sugar-added applesauce instead of butter
6.
Ground-beef-style soy crumbles instead of ground beef
7.
Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granular) instead of sugar
8.
Butternut squash instead of potatoes
Today, October 28th, is National Chocolate Day.
the press biased, imagine that?
wow, the credit is theirs. Here goes... http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20081028/pl_politico/14982
Monday, October 27, 2008
a toast to purity of acting
So, I am up after 4 hours. Interesting concept that has worked before. I hurry and go to sleep, as soon as I am really exhausted. Then I set my alarm quite early and somehow my body, seems to wake up extra early. Luckily, for the most part I am alert and feel good. Now I get the priviledge of writing a theatrical paper.
Fortunately, for my want of good dreaming, I chose not to go see "NOSFERATU" about vampires. Instead, I went with my cute neighbor to Hale Theater haletheater.org and we saw AIDA. It was the musical, not the opera. It has been too long since I have been to a live theatrical performance. And, these type of performances, are what true acting is about. It pulls you into the scene and makes you part of the setting.
So now with all these thoughts, I get to complete my paper. Break a leg, right!
Fortunately, for my want of good dreaming, I chose not to go see "NOSFERATU" about vampires. Instead, I went with my cute neighbor to Hale Theater haletheater.org and we saw AIDA. It was the musical, not the opera. It has been too long since I have been to a live theatrical performance. And, these type of performances, are what true acting is about. It pulls you into the scene and makes you part of the setting.
The way the theater is set up, in a round circle, gives the actors a 360 degree stage. It gave me a slight kinked neck. But, it also is such a small venue, that you have such an intimate relationship to the whole production. It was a fun production. Now I will have to see it again, in a bigger playhouse someday. Tim Rice and Elton John writing a muscial together. I knew it would have to be something quirky with those two and it was just that. I was thinking it had to be similar in style to Jesus Christ Superstar. And, yep that is what it reminded me of...very contemporary and colorful. However, if you had to die, with your lover, I do think being buried alive together in a tomb, in Ancient Egypt, is a bit harsh. But, then again, they could have been alone. Suffication, almost as bad as alone at sea, surrounded by sharks. No that's much worse, the sharks. EEEK!
I have been to so many great performances. There was performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theater in Stratford upon Avon, where we saw Much Ado about nothing. It was an amazing performance, where in one brilliant impromptu, the actor playing Claudio sneezed. Then all of a sudden someone in the audience sneezed, so the actor instead of ignoring the sneeze from the audience, pulled the noise into the scene. His comment was "it's quite catching, isn't it". That, of course made us, the audience, all apart of the play. Everyone loved it and all were laughing in that surreal moment.
I saw Ian mcKellan, as King Lear in London, before he was known for not much more than the Scarlet Pimpernell in the U.S.. I got to see Midsummer's night dream, surrounded by the animals of the London Zoo. An outdoor theater is an extra enhancing experience. And professional acting companies are incomparable, as well as, extrordinary.So now with all these thoughts, I get to complete my paper. Break a leg, right!
my thoughts, your thoughts and visa versa.
"Much that is inexpressible would be hardly worth expression, if one could
express it" (Lichtenberg)
....my sentiments on life exactly. That statement, just goes to prove that if you have thought it, someone else has or will, too.
express it" (Lichtenberg)
....my sentiments on life exactly. That statement, just goes to prove that if you have thought it, someone else has or will, too.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Boys of Fall 2008
Here's all the young boys I was with last weekend. Uncle Bob is 70, and he took his rode bike and did the whole 50 miles around the lake last saturday. You are the man! When I'm 70, I hope to be leaving all the other 70 year old riders in the dust too! Plus, we've got gramps, Connor, Sean, Kalton, and Ethan all in the pic. After spending the weekend with 4 always, overly- competitive, never- sit- down for more than 3.2 seconds, kind of boys, who never forget to punch each other or wrestler every 10 seconds,....All I can say is, I was glad to go back to school this week. That's when my vacation started.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The land of Falling Down House, otherwise known as, Bear Lake country.
Scenery along the trail we took up canyon. 
Looking out at Bear Lake from the cabin last wknd. Fall is about over there. I haven't been to the cabin in exactly one year. Still the same, serene, beautiful place.
Looking out at Bear Lake from the cabin last wknd. Fall is about over there. I haven't been to the cabin in exactly one year. Still the same, serene, beautiful place.
the lovers are losing....sounds like a Thomas Hardy novel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_8WfLbnVek their last album was one of the best in this decade in British Pop. And it beats out most of the stuff coming thru the altrntv/modern routes here. Says me. Though in no way should one consider it Pop, in the sense that we call Pop (U.S. music), Pop here in the U.S.A. Plus, don't confuse the use of the word Pop, as we call it here in Utah. Pop, slang for soda pop! Did ya catch that. Keane is the Elvis of british bands. They take over where ColdPlay couldn't expand due to elitis m. Anyway, the boys like to listen to keans tunes while tackling their toone cousins. So that's saying enough right there!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
"in thine own self be true" or "truth will set you free"
Wow! I had an epiphany today, that will actually lay to rest a little bit of animosity I've harbored unknowingly. In other words, it turned out to be a bit of a therapy session in regards to my old English teacher from high school.
Second block started today, and I went to my English literature class. I have already met my english requirements but I needed another class, and I plan to take creative writing next semester too. So it continues. Side note to self: Maybe a double major or Integrated studies, just a thought.
Anyway, I was listening to my instructor after being a bit taken back by her introduction that her emphasis was poetry. What instantly came to my mind?
Instead of fondly remembering the romantics that I had studied while we lived in England; of artists who wrote as they lived in rose covered cottages and played about the magic of the lake district. Or, of course, there were the thatched roofs of Shakespere's Stratford-upon-Avon and half timbered homes that I could have looked back to inspire a nod to poetry. What about Paris and its art district. How many poets have strolled through the garden at Rodin's, or been truely awed by the melted and brillant colors at the L'Orangery, as Monet's gigantic murals gaze down upon you. They had all once penetrated my mind. Indelible strokes of artistry.
Nope, those memories did not surface. Panic hit fast and hard. My mind, instantly went back to my introduction to poetry in high school. The inductor was Mrs. M. She was my nitemare in high school. She was the upper division english teacher. I am sure my brothers were top students in her classes, but I wasn't. I was the antithesis of what she wanted and she let me know it, especially in poetry.
So with that wound surfacing today, I seriously thought of dropping the class. But then, a softer, glistening of suprise, subtly knocked my brain. My instructor made the comment that she despised those teachers from high school or of the teaching world, who told their students what the "true" meaning of a poem was to be... Instead of, allowing for ones own storming of ideas. She directly stated, that all poems are open to interpretation. That is their purpose. They are abstract. Ideas and feelings entertwined.
So I bravely raised my hand, and confirmed what I thought she had just said to us. I then confessed that I did not look upon poetry favorably and told her why. Though it was a long time ago, it had leeched into the depth of a developing teenage mind and stayed twenty years, until today. I was one of those who had been wrongly attacked in idea by a former teacher, my h.s English teacher.
In defense of those sensored in their growth, my prof called my former h.s. teacher a metaphorically, rude word and I felt exhonorated in my work and ideas! So "plehwy" to those along the way who have tried to stiffle anyone's creative thoughts. They are your talent, fight for them.
I don't know the author to the following, however,
"And the day came when the risk to remain, closed in a bud, became more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
Second block started today, and I went to my English literature class. I have already met my english requirements but I needed another class, and I plan to take creative writing next semester too. So it continues. Side note to self: Maybe a double major or Integrated studies, just a thought.
Anyway, I was listening to my instructor after being a bit taken back by her introduction that her emphasis was poetry. What instantly came to my mind?
Instead of fondly remembering the romantics that I had studied while we lived in England; of artists who wrote as they lived in rose covered cottages and played about the magic of the lake district. Or, of course, there were the thatched roofs of Shakespere's Stratford-upon-Avon and half timbered homes that I could have looked back to inspire a nod to poetry. What about Paris and its art district. How many poets have strolled through the garden at Rodin's, or been truely awed by the melted and brillant colors at the L'Orangery, as Monet's gigantic murals gaze down upon you. They had all once penetrated my mind. Indelible strokes of artistry.
Nope, those memories did not surface. Panic hit fast and hard. My mind, instantly went back to my introduction to poetry in high school. The inductor was Mrs. M. She was my nitemare in high school. She was the upper division english teacher. I am sure my brothers were top students in her classes, but I wasn't. I was the antithesis of what she wanted and she let me know it, especially in poetry.
So with that wound surfacing today, I seriously thought of dropping the class. But then, a softer, glistening of suprise, subtly knocked my brain. My instructor made the comment that she despised those teachers from high school or of the teaching world, who told their students what the "true" meaning of a poem was to be... Instead of, allowing for ones own storming of ideas. She directly stated, that all poems are open to interpretation. That is their purpose. They are abstract. Ideas and feelings entertwined.
So I bravely raised my hand, and confirmed what I thought she had just said to us. I then confessed that I did not look upon poetry favorably and told her why. Though it was a long time ago, it had leeched into the depth of a developing teenage mind and stayed twenty years, until today. I was one of those who had been wrongly attacked in idea by a former teacher, my h.s English teacher.
In defense of those sensored in their growth, my prof called my former h.s. teacher a metaphorically, rude word and I felt exhonorated in my work and ideas! So "plehwy" to those along the way who have tried to stiffle anyone's creative thoughts. They are your talent, fight for them.
I don't know the author to the following, however,
"And the day came when the risk to remain, closed in a bud, became more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
note to selfhttp://www.blurb.com/
http://www.blurb.com/.......so now when I decide to put all of my little blogs short stories, this will be the one to find for the link on where to get it made into a book.
..that contest they made up on a cold winters night to see who could come up with the best scary story
...such great timing. Halloween and I need to write a theatre paper. What to see? I hate Dracula and vampire movies. My brothers used to make me watch the scary saturday matinees on tv back in the '80's. They were of old Dracula or Vincent Price 'B' movies. Nothing too much, just stuff like pouring sweet honey thru a hole onto an unsuspecting victim. Then sending bugs in thru the hole, to take care of the sweet nectar and anything else that might be near the syrup, like someones face!!!! Well, I have a love/hate relationship with Dracula because any guy named Gary Oldman who is Bram's Dracula is a hot vampire...oh course, it's knowing that Gary has that English accent coming through his slovic accent in the movie. ha ha
Anyway, I've got to see a production this week. And I think I am going to do the easy move and go to U.V.U's production of freakiness .....http://www.uvu.edu/theatre/events/eventsthree.html. Ugh, at the play though, I might have flashbacks to that freaky scene in 'Interview with a Vampire', where the audience unknowingly is watching freaky vampires do freaky stuff. Freaky, is the only word in my vocabulary right now that describes my freakish fright for Fall friday nites of fictional fables. Wouldn't it be kinda fun to get a fog making machine and tell freaky fables by the fire!
Anyway, I've got to see a production this week. And I think I am going to do the easy move and go to U.V.U's production of freakiness .....http://www.uvu.edu/theatre/events/eventsthree.html. Ugh, at the play though, I might have flashbacks to that freaky scene in 'Interview with a Vampire', where the audience unknowingly is watching freaky vampires do freaky stuff. Freaky, is the only word in my vocabulary right now that describes my freakish fright for Fall friday nites of fictional fables. Wouldn't it be kinda fun to get a fog making machine and tell freaky fables by the fire!
Friday, October 17, 2008
memory of a modern day jane austen scene
Of course being in a new place, I have to put my touch into it.....I am a bit of a mid -century/post modern lover of architecture and design ,with a twist of shabby chic thrown-in, for understated comfort.
So I visited Rachel Ashwell's web site http://www.shabbychic.com/. She gave a beautiful homage to her mum. She lived near Hampstead Heath, which is a beautiful area outside London, that you can take a bus ride to visit it. One of the places you can visit, that is, (of course), set in true English landscape is the Kenwood House. The gardens are beautiful. English Landscape Architecture at its finest. So the thought of Hampstead Heath sent me back in memory.
If you remember the scene in Knottinghill, the movie, where Julia Roberts is set in Victorian costume. Well, the big white estate in the background is Kenwood House. I remember seeing Gainsborough paintings there, how refined and gentile they looked.
I was supposed to go to a big classical concert there, when we lived in London. It was Tchaikovsky's 1876 overture, with the big cannon's at the end and they were to have fireworks as well. Sadly, I missed it. It was a big rainstorm and I didn't feel like going all the way out to Hampstead.
However, I was at Queen's Club watching a great match, though rain delayed. So, instead of the concert, I stayed at the tennis match. I was so torn. There was major consolation though, when at the young, impressionable and sweet age of 18, I got to sit next to an oh -so- very, dashingly- handsome, single, young 30ish in age man. When it started to sprinkle, he kindly offered to share his big english umbrella with me. Such an Englishman. ...with that accent, it gets you everytime.
That was long before Hugh Grant was ever known. This gentleman was more Cary Grant than Hugh Grant anyway. What a nice, romanticized memory. It was a modern day Jane Austen scene, if not for just a few hours.
So I visited Rachel Ashwell's web site http://www.shabbychic.com/. She gave a beautiful homage to her mum. She lived near Hampstead Heath, which is a beautiful area outside London, that you can take a bus ride to visit it. One of the places you can visit, that is, (of course), set in true English landscape is the Kenwood House. The gardens are beautiful. English Landscape Architecture at its finest. So the thought of Hampstead Heath sent me back in memory.
If you remember the scene in Knottinghill, the movie, where Julia Roberts is set in Victorian costume. Well, the big white estate in the background is Kenwood House. I remember seeing Gainsborough paintings there, how refined and gentile they looked.
I was supposed to go to a big classical concert there, when we lived in London. It was Tchaikovsky's 1876 overture, with the big cannon's at the end and they were to have fireworks as well. Sadly, I missed it. It was a big rainstorm and I didn't feel like going all the way out to Hampstead.
However, I was at Queen's Club watching a great match, though rain delayed. So, instead of the concert, I stayed at the tennis match. I was so torn. There was major consolation though, when at the young, impressionable and sweet age of 18, I got to sit next to an oh -so- very, dashingly- handsome, single, young 30ish in age man. When it started to sprinkle, he kindly offered to share his big english umbrella with me. Such an Englishman. ...with that accent, it gets you everytime.
That was long before Hugh Grant was ever known. This gentleman was more Cary Grant than Hugh Grant anyway. What a nice, romanticized memory. It was a modern day Jane Austen scene, if not for just a few hours.
...avec ruban toile
Seeing how I only have to compose my room for me, it is as feminine and romantic as I can be. So visiting Shabby Chic's website, linked me to some other Shabby lovers. No pun intended! haha .....anyway I found this site where I found a bit of an ode to ribbon. And of course my favorite ribbon is ruban du toile, ou toile du ruban, ou ruban toile. Je n'ai se pas, mais, j'aime toile! ...et mon fracais, c'est tres mal!
So what can you do with ribbon, you ask?
So what can you do with ribbon, you ask?
*use as a book mark
*wrap utensils with napkin
*create roses and flowers
*tie to your favorite pen
*wrap around guest towels
*create a ribbon doorway
*hang from a window or chandelier
*scrapbooking
*wrap around a jar
*fill a glass apothecary jar with ribbon
*tie to your childs backpack or lunchbox handle
*tie onto a door knob
*wear a pink ribbon to show your support in the fight against breast cancer
*make curtain tie backs
*tie around your favorite book
*braid them through your hair
*tie around a bouquet of dried flowers
*tie around the antenae of your car
*tie around cherished handwritten letters from your husband or children
credit for this list given to http://theoldpaintedcottage.wahmweb.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=289 (2008)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
up-for-24 hour stints, are made for twenty-year olds, amen.
...i am so bad. It's the middle of the night and I am doing a paper on Heavy Civil Construction. Procrastination?.. maybe! But the bad part is that I am letting myself be distracted by online tv episodes. So I have gotten to know all the shows I've never seen before. And I know that everyone out there is way too busy to watch mind numbing tv or it's not politically correct to admit it or something, but I am watching them. Though there is still always garbage mixed in, there is some pretty good writing on some of these shows. But maybe that is my mind trying to have company in the middle of the night while writing a research paper! By the time I get this paper in, I will have been awake over 24hrs. Yep, I am too old for this all niter stuff! I had better end up with a job that puts me into weird hours bcz my sleeping patterns are the pits.
The connerack man actually made it to a full day of school without being sick. Yahoo! his 4th full day in 3 weeks.
The connerack man actually made it to a full day of school without being sick. Yahoo! his 4th full day in 3 weeks.
Monday, October 13, 2008
tales for the unsuspecting
UGhh!! ...what girl w. two-live wire male children goes back to university? answer:
me, miss crazy maud girl. And what women in her right mind chooses Cnstr Mngmt. answer:
me, again. It can be so intimidating, but I will keep pulling myself back and refocusing. Do not give up. It is about endurance. I am learning most things in life are about endurance.
The maud squad right now is in the midst of disorganized existance, yet slightly one half- step down from total chaos.
While driving and of course right when it is time for bed, the boys mouths open and out rush their words, as fast as a spring run off. So during such a drive, the Connerack man informs me that he luckily got to know his french and english teacher even better in 4 weeks than he got to know his principle of 4 years. I am at a loss on what that means. So that brought up one of our fav stories of the kids former principle:
Last year, Seingine was in 2nd grade and friends with the principle's son. I came home one afternoon to my boys, and was promptly told that the Connerack man was mad at Seingine. I was asked not to get upset at Seingine, of course by Seingine. Okay, what happened? Seing proceeds to explain that during the day, the princpl had come to spk w. his class. Seing knowing the prncpl pretty well bcz of his son, had then gone up to the prncpl after his talk and happily let the princpl know that his big brother,(the Connerack man) did not like him. And not only did he not like him, but he had made an outline of the prncpl's head (of styrofoam) and posted it on his wall. At this likeness of the prncpl, many, many airsoft balls had been shot at the target and it was well worn. (But, he also had some of the girls faces that Hen-picked him w.their bossiness x'd out from his class pic too.) So, he wasnt just picking on the princpl!
Poor Connerack man came home and told me that he caught the principle following him all day long. He stated that he was beginning to feel quite paranoid as to the fact. And at some point he was pulled him the princpls office, and asked by prncpl, what he could do better as a principle for the CM. Poor kid! I asked Seing why he went out of his way to tell the princpl about CM's fun target?...and his response was that he wanted to see what would happen to the Connerack man. Poor kid! I can't imagine what kind of pranks they will play on each other as they get older. I don't do the story justice, but it was so funny then and still is funny today.
It must have been catching because 2nd graders taking on 6 graders became their theme. The boys then preceeded to tell me a new story of how boys will be boys.
So again at school, the Connerack man and his buddies decided to put a KICK ME sign on one of their friends. They then managed to get anothr sign on him that said HARD. So out of the blue, some little 2nd grader comes up and kicks the kid HARD! Oh course surprised and baffled, he wants to know what is up? Then he is shown the sign by the 2nd grader. All the buddies bust out laughing. And the little 2nd grader is lauded as a little stud for being so brave to go up to a 6th grader and kick hard. Now as I remember, if this had been a bunch of little girls, it would be seen as passive/aggressive. But, those boys, all of them thought it was the funniest thing that day, including the kid who was the butt of the joke for a day! You have got to hand it to the "boy" mentality.
Boys are the funniest creatures ever. They drive me nuts. They thrive on getting me into hysterical laughter or total frustration. And they love their mum and they are going to be unbelieveable men. Most fortunate for me. I am so lucky to be their mum! ....and many have concurred.
me, miss crazy maud girl. And what women in her right mind chooses Cnstr Mngmt. answer:
me, again. It can be so intimidating, but I will keep pulling myself back and refocusing. Do not give up. It is about endurance. I am learning most things in life are about endurance.
The maud squad right now is in the midst of disorganized existance, yet slightly one half- step down from total chaos.
While driving and of course right when it is time for bed, the boys mouths open and out rush their words, as fast as a spring run off. So during such a drive, the Connerack man informs me that he luckily got to know his french and english teacher even better in 4 weeks than he got to know his principle of 4 years. I am at a loss on what that means. So that brought up one of our fav stories of the kids former principle:
Last year, Seingine was in 2nd grade and friends with the principle's son. I came home one afternoon to my boys, and was promptly told that the Connerack man was mad at Seingine. I was asked not to get upset at Seingine, of course by Seingine. Okay, what happened? Seing proceeds to explain that during the day, the princpl had come to spk w. his class. Seing knowing the prncpl pretty well bcz of his son, had then gone up to the prncpl after his talk and happily let the princpl know that his big brother,(the Connerack man) did not like him. And not only did he not like him, but he had made an outline of the prncpl's head (of styrofoam) and posted it on his wall. At this likeness of the prncpl, many, many airsoft balls had been shot at the target and it was well worn. (But, he also had some of the girls faces that Hen-picked him w.their bossiness x'd out from his class pic too.) So, he wasnt just picking on the princpl!
Poor Connerack man came home and told me that he caught the principle following him all day long. He stated that he was beginning to feel quite paranoid as to the fact. And at some point he was pulled him the princpls office, and asked by prncpl, what he could do better as a principle for the CM. Poor kid! I asked Seing why he went out of his way to tell the princpl about CM's fun target?...and his response was that he wanted to see what would happen to the Connerack man. Poor kid! I can't imagine what kind of pranks they will play on each other as they get older. I don't do the story justice, but it was so funny then and still is funny today.
It must have been catching because 2nd graders taking on 6 graders became their theme. The boys then preceeded to tell me a new story of how boys will be boys.
So again at school, the Connerack man and his buddies decided to put a KICK ME sign on one of their friends. They then managed to get anothr sign on him that said HARD. So out of the blue, some little 2nd grader comes up and kicks the kid HARD! Oh course surprised and baffled, he wants to know what is up? Then he is shown the sign by the 2nd grader. All the buddies bust out laughing. And the little 2nd grader is lauded as a little stud for being so brave to go up to a 6th grader and kick hard. Now as I remember, if this had been a bunch of little girls, it would be seen as passive/aggressive. But, those boys, all of them thought it was the funniest thing that day, including the kid who was the butt of the joke for a day! You have got to hand it to the "boy" mentality.
Boys are the funniest creatures ever. They drive me nuts. They thrive on getting me into hysterical laughter or total frustration. And they love their mum and they are going to be unbelieveable men. Most fortunate for me. I am so lucky to be their mum! ....and many have concurred.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
organization s.o.s
Okay so being the professional (to a certain degree) horder of some 'things' is hard to deal with. Call it A.D.D or due to some tramatic incident or emotional feelings or perfectionism or what, I am honest with myself that I have been that way since early childhood. My brain gets all jumbled up on how to solve clutter. I want things to be perfect from every minute detail.
However, learning to let go and simplify, simplify, simplify is hard but good. good sites are out there to help. One such site Flylady. http://www.flylady.net/index.asp It's great. .. or http://www.getmyselforganized.com/I've read some really good ideas. And that's one of the problems. What ideas may sound easy or "DUh" to most, somehow are lost to me until I can have them pointed out in precise detail. But I can pick apart things to the smallest detail in ideas or a blank canvas and create something. But organizing is so difficult for my overimaginative brain. I am so right brained.
Here's Yvette's take on kids and chores: ' It teaches them basic life skills so that they can care for themselves when they leave home.
- It teaches them consideration for others.
- It teaches them responsibility.
- It teaches them that their parents are not their personal servants.
- It teaches them to appreciate what you do for them.
- It gives them a sense of pride and is good for their self esteem.
- It teaches them a basic work ethic.
- It gives them a sense of belonging.
- It brings the whole family closer together.
- In encourages them to take pride in their own home.'
yvette langmaid-buttery from Get Myself Organized Newsletter 31st March 2008
Again, this can be so hard at times, but I'll keep working along on it all.
However, learning to let go and simplify, simplify, simplify is hard but good. good sites are out there to help. One such site Flylady. http://www.flylady.net/index.asp It's great. .. or http://www.getmyselforganized.com/I've read some really good ideas. And that's one of the problems. What ideas may sound easy or "DUh" to most, somehow are lost to me until I can have them pointed out in precise detail. But I can pick apart things to the smallest detail in ideas or a blank canvas and create something. But organizing is so difficult for my overimaginative brain. I am so right brained.
Here's Yvette's take on kids and chores: ' It teaches them basic life skills so that they can care for themselves when they leave home.
- It teaches them consideration for others.
- It teaches them responsibility.
- It teaches them that their parents are not their personal servants.
- It teaches them to appreciate what you do for them.
- It gives them a sense of pride and is good for their self esteem.
- It teaches them a basic work ethic.
- It gives them a sense of belonging.
- It brings the whole family closer together.
- In encourages them to take pride in their own home.'
yvette langmaid-buttery from Get Myself Organized Newsletter 31st March 2008
Again, this can be so hard at times, but I'll keep working along on it all.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
the boy that could be stumped
Our new neighbors, (we're actually the new neighbors) have a daughter the same age as my 7th grader. The kids in the neighborhood have all been so friendly, so much so that, I actually met them before the boys did. So when I was outside talking with my cute neighbor friend, her daughter, who I had spoken w. many times since she had introduced herself, kept disappearing inside the house. Then I noticed my son coming in and out of the picture. My neighbor noticed it too. She said her daughter was a little timid around new boys. Then she told me in front of the Connerack man, that all her daughters' friends keep calling asking for the scoop on the new cute boy at school. The neighbor mom then said, she's told them to go visit him with a plate full of cookies.
Connor was dumbfounded!!! It's pretty funny when you have him stumped.
Oh, the teenage boy/girl thing is coming in for a big landing. Guaranteed he is eating up this new found world of boy meets girl in junior high!!!
Connor was dumbfounded!!! It's pretty funny when you have him stumped.
Oh, the teenage boy/girl thing is coming in for a big landing. Guaranteed he is eating up this new found world of boy meets girl in junior high!!!
it's starting, that holiday feeling, it's in the air
I've been pulled into the holiday tidal wave already. But that is okay because once Halloween is upon us, there is no turning back. The days will then keep going by, faster and faster. So, I have been brain storming. You'll have to try to follow my mind path here.
I have to go to some live performances for my Intro to Theatre class. The Connorack man also has to see a couple of live performances for his 7th grade choir class. We both have to do papers on them.
Then from that point, my mind is all over on making up fun Halloween yard decorations...which leads to more holidays..etc. and so between those idears, I'm led to ballet. Mix that with holidays and....I love to see Christmas ballets. Of course the Nutcracker. I say every year that I'm going to take the boys. We've yet to go. This year is a must, unless it's some weird modern take on the classic. But I remember one year when I got to see both the Nutcracker and Babes in Toyland. I used to love dressing up and going to the productions in downtown SLC. I remember seeing the b/w movie when I was a kid, and it's one of those vague but cozy memories from childhood. So I went online to see if any productions in Utah this year. Yep, the Childrens Theatre in SLC. And sure enough The New York TIMES /http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/3542/Babes-in-Toyland/trailers decides to write an article about it posted today's date. What timing!!! Plus it's Laurel and Hardy.
I have to go to some live performances for my Intro to Theatre class. The Connorack man also has to see a couple of live performances for his 7th grade choir class. We both have to do papers on them.
Then from that point, my mind is all over on making up fun Halloween yard decorations...which leads to more holidays..etc. and so between those idears, I'm led to ballet. Mix that with holidays and....I love to see Christmas ballets. Of course the Nutcracker. I say every year that I'm going to take the boys. We've yet to go. This year is a must, unless it's some weird modern take on the classic. But I remember one year when I got to see both the Nutcracker and Babes in Toyland. I used to love dressing up and going to the productions in downtown SLC. I remember seeing the b/w movie when I was a kid, and it's one of those vague but cozy memories from childhood. So I went online to see if any productions in Utah this year. Yep, the Childrens Theatre in SLC. And sure enough The New York TIMES /http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/3542/Babes-in-Toyland/trailers decides to write an article about it posted today's date. What timing!!! Plus it's Laurel and Hardy.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
.....just to sound my little political horn after being sick for years of left wing political b.s'ers in the journalistic world touting their arrogant and egotistical attitudes. And then after reading some person's blog abt her feeling inspired by B.O, I must be silent no more! Not to sound sacreligious, but B.O comes off to me like most of my seminary teachers. Oh I am bad but I felt most of them were part hypnotic and part car salesman. Pushing their agenda's. Please, it was evident back in the previous election when this young, newly elected official gave an opening speech for the previous Democratic Presidential hopeful, that he was being showcased as the new wonderboy. This fledgling man was waking up the dead in his floundering party. And so there began the start of his campaign to become the President for his party. ha!!! I am not sure what is inspirational about a robot, a product of his own narcistic party!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
bonkers!!! no other word needed to describe.....
Did I mention my kids are driving me bonkers right now! They are just on a wild ride right now. I can't quite get them to be nice to each other and I do not like it. Especially my 7th grader! He had to change schools after 3 weeks. He absolutely loved his first jr high and now he seems so much more somber about school. I feel guilty!
However, our neighborhood is so wonderful. Kids are all over outside playing. The kids is our last neighborhood, which was a cul-de-sac, rarely were outside as a big neighborhood group. When I was growing up we always were outside. Those were the funnest times. Don't you all remember some good times in your neighborhoods growing up? Funny how Alpine is just so different than Highland, yet the two cities melt into each other at points. It is so small, and quaint here. Love it! But off course, it is all about what you make it!
It only takes us 7 mins. to walk to my sis' house so all the boys can rough house together. And Seingine can scooter to the door of his classrm at school in 4 mins flat. As my sister pointed out, it actually is kind of a neat experience for your child to be able to walk to school so accessibly.
However, our neighborhood is so wonderful. Kids are all over outside playing. The kids is our last neighborhood, which was a cul-de-sac, rarely were outside as a big neighborhood group. When I was growing up we always were outside. Those were the funnest times. Don't you all remember some good times in your neighborhoods growing up? Funny how Alpine is just so different than Highland, yet the two cities melt into each other at points. It is so small, and quaint here. Love it! But off course, it is all about what you make it!
It only takes us 7 mins. to walk to my sis' house so all the boys can rough house together. And Seingine can scooter to the door of his classrm at school in 4 mins flat. As my sister pointed out, it actually is kind of a neat experience for your child to be able to walk to school so accessibly.
in a new chapter, complete with cottage living
So we are back renting after 5 years of not. I bet everyone is so jealous right!! ha ha. Today I met the owner. He pulled up in his elegant Lexus. We talked. I like him. He used to be a contractor in Alpine/Highland for 30 yrs. Now he lives down in St.George. I think he appreciated the fact that I am a landscape nut. My bragging rights- He of course commented on how the yard looked better than it had in a long time since I've been there. Which is barely a month. Thank you. We honestly have one of the most gorgeous views. We are so close to the mountain, and the Fall colors are so vibrant this year. Reds and oranges just POP off of the mountainside. You have got to love Utah's falls!!!
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