My Sick Family

This is Mr. Bones a.k.a. Jonathon. Inspired by a Simpsons' episode, we tell the kids that Jonathon was their older brother. When he was born we were not very good at being parents since it was so new and all. We tell them that we forgot to feed Jonathon and he died but we got better at parenting because we learned from our mistakes. They believed us for about a year then they realized their parents are nothing more than overgrown kids trying to play a joke.

Back To The Computer Lab

I have to go back to the computer lab and write more essays today. On a saturday. That sucks. Yesterday I was so busy that when an oxygen tanker flipped over on the freeway and blew up I didn't hear a thing! It was less than one mile down the road and I didn't hear it. I guess I should commend the staff at the computer lab for keeping the place so quiet. I have seen them kick out people who talk on cell phones and make loud noises but I had no idea they had the power to keep loud explosion sounds from entering the lab as well. Amazing.

The New Sean Penn

I saw The Interpreter last night. It was a pretty good movie but I found it kind of weird to see Sean Penn so emotional. He has changed a lot from his Jeff Spicoli character in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. It's like he isn't even the same actor. But that is a good thing, right?

Nessie Our Underwater Ally

I got a shirt tonight that has a picture of Nessie with its name and the phrase "our underwater ally" on it. Don't be jealous y'all. They had tons of 'Vote for Pedro' shirts and Jayleigh, they even had a "Tina you fat lard! Come get some dinner!" shirt. Hopefully someday I will grow up.

The Morning After

My little guy made out like a bandit for his birthday. Before I get chastised for spoiling him, I really did not spend much money at all; he is just very easy to please. We all overdosed on cheesecake while he walked around in his Darth Vader costume telling us "it is your destiny" in a deep raspy voice. Well, in as deep and raspy voice that a 7 year old can muster. His prize possession was his Jedi cloak that his grandmother custom made for him. No one was allowed to touch it. His dad sent him lovely bloody pictures of a brain surgery that made us all sick except him. My husband is going to pay for this. Bigtime. I had to sit there with a plastic smile saying "wow this is cool! Look, they pulled a blood clot from that lady's brain! How exciting." They say you should always encourage your children. I went over and beyond the call of duty yesterday.

Final Number One

Today I have my first final. It is in my women studies class and I am dreading it on some level but rejoicing on another. This simply means I do not enjoy the class and I am happy it is over. I do not care for women studies because for the most part it is a class that is taught from an angry lesbian point of view. I have nothing against anger and I have nothing agaisnt lesbians, it's just I am not one. The women studies courses I have encountered so far have nothing to do with the average woman and all about the exceptional female instead. Apparently I am not sufficiently enlightened to the plight of women because I am not engulfed with hate and anger, nor am I outraged by the way women are treated in the world. I am mad that so many people hide behind religion to oppress women because I truly believe that is not what God intended and compared to other nations the women in America have it made. I do realize it is because the women before me have helped America become that way. I am sorry I failed my professor. She is a nice woman and not an angry lesbian either but I like men and feel that idiots and power hungry scallywags come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders and sexes- not just white college educated males.

A Vlog To Remember

I cannot keep silent any longer! This kid cracks me up to no end. I love seeing creativity in all its glory. My daughter watched some of the videos and now she wants a camera as well. I did find it a little creepy that he has posters on his wall of music groups that I like but I will just chalk it up to great minds think alike. Besides, I know a few other old geezers like myself that like Blink 182 and Green Day.

Ringtones

Curse those who invented ringtones! Night and day I listen to samples. For my husband, REM's The One I Love, for my mom something by Queen (ha ha), and for the house phone, the theme from Peanuts. I could buy them all and change them daily. And now they have movie line quotes?! Please, never let Napolean Dynamite sayings make it out there. How would I be able to resist hearing Kip state "You know I'm training to become a cage fighter" everytime someone called?

Operation is More Than a Game

My youngest son has a birthday next week. He just asked me for the game "Operation" so he can practice being a surgeon like his dad. My husband is going to be pissed when he finds out he wasted all those years in medical school when all he needed was training by Milton Bradley and 2 "D" sized batteries.

Autism

My oldest son has autism. Most days I don't even think about him having it, I just think of him as my son. Then days like today, bring everything back to reality. This is not something that will ever leave him. He is high functioning compared to others with PDD/autism yet autistic enough to have me worrying about him ever living independently. He is high functioning enough to realize he is different and that is what breaks my heart most of all. He doesn't want to be different and he cannot understand why he behaves the way he does. He is fortunate that he has true friends and he is so friendly that not many people are mean to him anymore. I fear that will change when we move to a new state and school. The sad part about all of this is that technically, there isn't anything wrong with him other than he acts differently than others. He is not mean, he is not violent, he is not mentally inferior, he is just different. Why must he change his entire being and nature just to fit into this world?

Major Field Test

I had to take an overview test today to assess how much I have learned in my major (psychology). Let's just say, you are at a real disadvantage if you take longer than 4 years to complete a degree. It has taken me about 15 years going on and off to school to complete this one blasted meager degree! Some of the questions they asked were from so long ago that the answers were buried under tons of cobwebs in my mind. I could not retrieve them if I tried. I mean, who really cares what phase of Freud's psychosexual stages has the child fearing castration? We all think he is quack anyway and no longer use his theories. There were 190 questions like that. You should all feel sorry for me.

Learned Lesson Number Two

Not everyone is kind online. I had left a comment on a blog that I felt was pretty benign. In return for my efforts, this person decided to leave a comment on my blog. I would not have minded a nasty comment directed toward me in the least. Instead this mean spirited person said something to a sweet woman who left a heart felt comment. Every parent has the right to raise their child in a manner that reflects their values. If this person does not like the way my friends raise their kids, then this person should have their own children so they can "successfully indoctrinate" those kids to their way of thinking. Ranting and raving on a blog is one thing but searching out and attacking others who never even once commented to you is entirely different. I don't know. Maybe this person is trying to be the Howard Stern of blogging. I just know I have learned my lesson to stay away from commenting on questionable blogs. Mean people suck.

The Youth of Today

I have been reading some interesting blogs lately done by teens. I have to admit I am surprised by these select few that have captured my attention. Being the parent of a teenager daughter and a (soon to be) teenage son I am often "lost" to what motivates the youth of today. It is refreshing to see that kids think about things other than the opposite sex and fashion. I know when I was younger I thought about more than that too but something happens when you hit your 30's. You just assume that the youth of today is dull and nothing more than walking hormones but then reality slowly creeps in. You finally figure out that it is you that is dull from years of "chasing the American dream" and it's you who has hormones out of whack from years of caffeine addiction. I think I will approach today with the patience of an adult and the intensity of a teen. That ought to give the world a fresh new look.

A New Pope

I am not Catholic but I really liked the Pope that just died. He seemed like a really moral and Godly man. I didn't always agree with his beliefs but I could never dispute his motives. I hope this new one is good too. He kind of shocked me appearance wise but never judge a booked by its cover. I think he has one of, if not THE hardest job in the world.

What is Up with All the Political Blogs?!

When I surf the net to read blogs, lately I am finding nothing but these horrible politcal blogs. I cannot believe how many people make it their life mission to either keep conservative values in power or topple them with empowered liberal values. It is absolutely ridiculous. They belittle every politician who does not agree with them without using their minds to really think things through. They see the label "republican" or "democrat" and based on that one tiny label ascribe idiocy or genius. They are arrogant and feel advanced degrees in education give them superiority. Don't get me wrong, I have read some political blogs that have been more down the middle and not left or right but for the most part they are extreme. I have read nearly 20 this past weekend and only 2 or 3 were decent. God save us from the rabid conservative/liberal! Please instill a brain and/or heart where needed. That is my prayer for today.

Master Yoda

My youngest has been walking around dressed as a young Jedi for over a week. He carries a light saber that lights up and makes humming sound effects. This weekend at Wal-mart he found a Yoda doll that looks alive and speaks over 500 different sayings. He begged and pleaded and I told him he could have it for an early birthday present since his birthday (number 7) is at the end of the month. Suffice to say, Master Yoda has instructed us in the ways of the force all weekend. We were also told stories of how young Luke Skywalker was being killed by the emperor since he refused to be seduced to the dark side. It was Luke's father, Lord Vader, that killed the emperor thus restoring the balance to the force and redeeming the soul of Anakin Skywalker. Very deep. Toys are way cooler nowadays.

Twinkies

I ate a twinkie today. I haven't had one since I was a kid. It wasn't as good as I remember. Bummer.

Wolphins and Ligers

There was this article in the news today about a fertile "wolphin" giving birth to a new calf. Heck, I didn't know what a wolphin was and when it was described as a hybrid between a dolphin and a false killer whale I got even more confused. I did what all computer geeks do and googled the sucker. I found this fantastic website about hybrid animals and on it was a picture of a LIGER!!!! wow! Napolean Dynamite has become an obsession for me and I can see why a liger is his favorite animal. I am such a nerd.

He Has Turned Insensitivity into an Art Form

I had a horrible day. I made it worse by my actions and negative thinking but when I asked if I could vent to my hubby he gave me a time window! I should have said forget it at that point but I went ahead venting and instead of hearing me out and saying "Everything will be ok" he told me that I was depressing him and he needed to finish his work. Oh, excuse me for interrupting, and I am so sorry that you had to be subjected to my dreary view on life today. After a really good cry-fest I sent him an IM telling him that he blew it but I was not mad. I even forgave him for his usually male rudeness. But seriously, was it really asking too much for him to be my sounding board and give a little comfort? Oh well, tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities and I intend on starting with a clean slate come sunrise.

Unsanitary Conditions

The hubby IMed this morning to tell me there was no water in his apartment at all. I asked him how was he going to shower and shave? He said he had to boil bottled water to shave but no shower or bath could be had. eeeewwww! Can you imagine having a doctor go on morning rounds without showering? Imagine the smell emitting from his armpits when he leans over to examine you! Thank God he can get a shower at work. If he couldn't, I would make him call in sick. Oh well, just 2 more months and we'll all be up there together in a nice comfortable house instead of a tiny apartment in cracktown.

Finally....

I finally quit living my life like a frenzied tornado touching down here and there and leaving destruction as I go. Why do we push ourselves until living is no longer fun? God gave us this life as a gift and we turn it to superficial pursuits that just leave us unhappy. My day is nothing but errand after errand and I always feel guilty if I do not accomplish all that I am suppose to accomplish in a day. Being busy is one thing but over-laden is another. I myself love the challenge of a new project that consumes a lot of my time and when I finish, there is nothing so satisfying as a job well done. However, one can take on too many projects and then they all suffer. What was the point? Know your limits and stay within them, pushing the boundaries ever so slowly. Remember to breathe too. And be sure to take the time to notice your surroundings like the feel of the sun on your face or the sound of a train whistle in the distance. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss the world just passing you by. A lesson I have learned is that the world does not stop to wait for you to pull your head out of your butt. Do yourself a favor and pull it out this minute and enjoy today!

Day of Stress

I am sick and I cannot breathe out of my nose. I have this 'thing' about breathing.

My daughter has a friend who is like an extension of our family. I would adopt this girl in a heartbeat. She came up missing tonight and I freaked out. I called her guardian, he thought she was with me, I thought she was with him. Talk about 911 time! A 14 year old girl out at 11:30 at night and no one can say where she is?! I lost about 3 years of my life tonight on that one. At least she is home and safe. Why do kids try that kind of stuff? A great mystery of life.

In the meantime I have read more of Devil on the Cross and have decided I really don't like this story. I am getting the impression the author thinks christianity is the demon. That is not cool in my opinion. However, I will hold my final judgement until the end of the book. I will keep you posted but it is much harder for me to read than Achebe. He is a fantastic author with words that flow. Ngugi rambles on at times but who am I to complain about rambling?