Drifting About

My Blog Has Moved

2007-03-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

Okay I just gave in and did it. Honestly, my heart isn't into blogging right now but I know that down the line it will be so I need to keep at it even if I am not into it at the moment. Nice run on sentence for you there. Now that you have caught your breath, I will leave this blog up. I think I will keep my baseball blog here and my Still Drifting About on Wordpress. I am so dang wishy-washy and I do apologize. I have added some of my blogroll to the new page but if I missed you, don't panic. Just let me know and I will get put up in no time. So if you still want to keep reading, you can find me HERE.

Maybe Moving & An Outing At The Cinema

2007-03-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

I have been toying with wordpress.com and so far so good. I am thinking about moving but don't worry, I will let you when I am ready to go. I still have not mastered uploading pictures and that is just not acceptable. So until I can have a blog with pics at wordpress then I will continue to post here.

So I escaped to the movies today and watched Premonition. Didn't the trailers look good? Maybe I was suckered or something. I absolutely LOVE Sandra Bullock but this movie was not that enjoyable for me. She looked so beaten the entire movie. And instead of sad, or scared or determined she just looked numb. Kind of disappointing. The story did not sum up well either. Anyhoo, I knew I was in trouble because the lady that sold me tickets to Friends With Money was working today. When she sold me the tickets at that movie she said "Oh I loved that movie. It is a really good movie." Then I watched it and hated it. So today she said "Premonition is a great movie. I really enjoyed it." I took my tickets and said "thanks" but inside I just knew, me and this woman don't see eye to eye. Bummer.

Not That I Give A Darn But....

2007-03-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

I don't really care at all about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt even though the rest of America seems smitten by them. I think she is a homewrecker and I think he sucks. The only movie that I thought he did really good in was 12 Monkeys. Also, am I the only one who remembers her making out with her brother at the Academy Awards when she won for Girl Interrupted? It creeped me out for life. Anyway, that being said, their kids have cool names. They are good at naming kids.

Vacation All I Ever Wanted*

2007-03-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

Mr. Daphnewood is on vacation this week so I am spending lots of time with him. I will be just popping in to blogs every now and then and probably not posting for the next few days. Have fun because you know I will be!

*lyrics stolen shamelessly from the Go-Go's bouncy 80's tune Vacation

2 Years!!!

2007-03-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Today my blog is 2 years old. I can hardly believe it. It really hasn't done much to improve my creativity but at least I am still having fun. Who knows what the future holds but for now, thanks to all of you who check in on me from time to time. You are what keeps me going. For a recap of my very first post go HERE

as you can see, not much has changed he he he

Why Do They Call It PMS?

2007-03-09T07:15:00.001-08:00

Because Mad Cow disease was already taken.

Spring Fever

2007-03-08T06:36:00.000-08:00

I think I need a break from computers. Too bad my job requires that I use one. It is trying to turn into spring out my way so the outdoors is looking much more appealing than the monitor of my computer. I guess I could always work this evening instead. So now that is decided, today I am hanging up a sign on my door :

OUT TO LUNCH

see you all tomorrow

I Choose Happy!

2007-03-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

Today I choose to be happy. Oh some bad things have happened like expensive car repairs and having to test my blood sugar all the time but those things are not going to keep me down. Nope. Not today because today is Wednesday and that makes tomorrow Thursday. On Thursday Mr. Daphnewood leaves for Atlanta for a few days but when he gets back he will be on vacation! Yes Yes Yes! I will have him all to myself until the kids get out for spring break next friday. So happy times indeed. AND this month is also the month that the Pretender movies I ordered come in. AND I have been keeping track of spring training baseball games being played. The Astros have won more than they have lost. I am just giddy.

Why?

2007-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

If you have a why question, just post it in the comment section and maybe we can help each other out. My big 'why' question today is:

Why do all American bakeries smell like cooked raspberries? Everytime I walk into the grocery store bakery, Sam's Club bakery, Costco bakery, local wedding cake bakery etc. they ALL smell like raspberry compote or something sweet like that. What is the deal? Tell me! Please, it drives me nuts. They can't ALL be making raspberry rugala.

No.16

2007-03-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

Friday was anniversary #16 for Mr. Daphnewood and myself. I love that man more and more each and every day. I am the most blessed woman when it comes to the husband department. It is a joy being married to him and I just wanted to say that in front of the entire world. The past 16 years have been filled with love, joy and a lot of laughter and I know our future years together will more of the same.

Not Impressed Yet

2007-02-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

I am not impressed with the new blogger just yet. I may be jumping ship soon. I don't know. I really hate how I have to log in twice and it never remembers my information. What is the deal with that? I have also had a bad day with my walking so I am bit grumpy. I made it only ONCE around the lake. My ankle just hurt too bad. I sat down for several minutes then just wandered arounded a local Target store to up my step count. I did so good yesterday with making over 12,000 steps but today looks grim. Oh well, at least I am trying. SO tell me what you all think of the new blogger. If you like it better please tell me why. I need some positive outlook about this mess.

This Is Never Good

2007-02-27T07:36:00.000-08:00

We are peanut butter eaters in this house. I mostly buy the natural style. You know, the kind you have to stir up and put in the fridge. It is superior peanut butter. But sometimes I buy the Wal-Mart brand when I know the kids won't stir it up and I do not want to get up at 6am and do the stirring. So that is where this jar came from. I bought it and it has been sitting there because we now have the good kind which everyone prefers. So yesterday I see this jar on the shelf and think to myself "hey that is Wal-mart's brand. Great Value. Wasn't that one of those peanut butters that was tainted with salmonella?" So I do a quick internet search and look. Sure enough but it is those jars with codes that begin with 2111. That is when I think (or maybe say out loud) "Holy crap! this jar has the 2111 code." I unscrew the top and see that some has been eaten. This is never a good sign. After much interrogation of my children and family I realized it was eaten weeks ago and no one got sick. Mr. Daphnewood said, if they have't gotten sick by now then they won't. But we trashed the PB. No need to tempt fate.

I Am Easily Influenced

2007-02-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

I have invested a mere $3.48 on a pedometer. I know how far I walk when I go around the lake/pond (it is kind of small to call a lake) because the trail is all measured out. However, I am trying to make myself health conscious at all times, not just when I walk. I shudder to think what I will be like when I get my glucose kit next week. Have any of my blogger buddies used a pedometer? I see that 10,000 steps a day is the concensus of what is deemed as "active". I have found many helpful tips on the internet like getting up from the computer every hour and walking 200-300 steps. It takes less than 5 minutes and my work won't make me a cubicle prisoner that way. It is amazing that a tiny plastic contraption could make me so aware to get moving. Are there any other suckers out there like me?

Trix, You Lie

2007-02-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

This is NOT a new shape. You youngsters may not remember this but little round colored trix was the original shape of this cereal. It just goes to show you, if it ain't broke don't fix it. I ALWAYS felt like ball-shaped was the better way to go. I am glad General Mills finally saw it my way.

Yes, I know that I seriously need to get a life.

My Crush Has A Bad Night

2007-02-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

Before you all think I do nothing but go out to eat everyday of the week, I must clarify that I have these free coupons that have to be used up in a certain amount of time. That is why I am visiting this restaurant so often. It costs me nothing. Anyway, now that the disclaimer is finished, my crush was having a bad night. We had to wait for his table but I don't mind about waiting for him. He is that good and that cute. Poor Seth was flustered though and not his usual jovial self. And to make matters worse, the good cook wasn't on tonight either. So my food didn't taste as good, Seth was sweet but had a sadness about him and I couldn't have an after dinner drink because I was driving! Does that suck or what?! I have gotten used to that smooth Bailey's and coffee after a fine meal. Mr. Daphnewood had his and so did my mom. Oh well, there is always next time. It was still nice to have a quiet dinner with just adults. I forget how pleasant that can be sometimes.

Scheduling Blip

2007-02-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

My morning has been messed up. Little Man stayed home today so no walk until later. I don't want to leave him to his own devices. He is far too curious and is always finding new ways to experience trouble. I remember one time he put play-doh in some toy. He left it there for several days. I asked him why did he do that and he said "it was an experiment. If you don't take it out immediately then the toy will be ruined." That is Little Man. He never takes anyone's word for it. He has to try it himself just to see.

On another note, I think I have a crush. There is this young man that has become "our waiter" at this restaurant we go to. He is so darn good at his job that I never have to ask for anything. Our glasses are always filled no matter what drink we choose. He knows how Mr. D likes his steak cooked, how my mom likes pure horseradish instead of the mixed up stuff and how I hate the carrots they make there. There is just something about a young good looking guy bringing food to me that makes me melt. I think my whole family has a crush on him. Maybe I should adopt the boy. Him and the cook.

4 Laps Again

2007-02-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

I made it 4 times around the lake again today. My legs were still a little sore from yesterday so I went walking with the intention of making it 3 times around because that is still a pretty good walk. But that glorious Zune was playing my playlist and the songs inspired me to keep going. How can you stop walking when the Cranberries are singing Dreams? I couldn't. I made it 4 laps with no problems. I honestly could have gone for a 5th but I am worried I will burn myself out. I have done that before. Some exercise is better than none. I will go 2-3 weeks at 4 laps then upgrade one lap. I will keep on that schedule. What do you think? I feel great. I feel alive.

Doing Great

2007-02-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

So my routine is to take the kids to school then go exercise for 45 minutes. Which right now is mostly walking. I am not going to a gym because I fail at those places. I decided to get active doing things I like to do. In the past, I didn't have an MP3 player. My gosh those things have revolutionized the whole exercise world. I normally can only go 3 laps around the lake/pond but today I was listening to Mr. D's Zune and I made it four times around. I made up my own playlist and I was so happy getting out of breath and working muscles in my legs that rarely get used. So right now it is walking but I plan on adding things like shooting baskets, playing catch, going to the batting cages and bowling. Fun stuff that doesn't even seem like exercise. Maybe even dancing but that could disasterous. I have no rhythm at all. Seriously.

I Must Change

2007-02-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

Well, it finally happened. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and was told I was borderline diabetic. I tried taking this medicine she prescribed but it made me feel terrible. Isn't medicine suppose to make you feel better? So I stopped taking it. I started a regular exercise program. At least five times a week. I haven't eaten red meat except 1 time in the past month. The fact of the matter is that I must change. Whatever I have been trying in the past has not worked so now I have to do it their way. It sucks to be me right now.

Gross Or Cute?

2007-02-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day passed in a blur due to the festivities of M-Boy's b-day on the 13th. However, Little Man was sure to give me a "special" Valentine. First, there was the handmade card. Inside there was a picture of a brain on the left side with the words "smart daddy" underneath and then on the right side a picture of a heart with the the words "sweet mommy" underneath. Oh, I do not mean the cutesiepie hearts that surround cartoon images of Cupid. This heart was like the one in your chest with veins and arteries everywhere that actually was pretty graphic for an 8 year old. He said "Daddy is the brain and you are the heart. Our family is like a body." What a sweet kid, huh? Then he handed me this plastic baggie with a used q-tip, a toenail and a few strands of hair. He handed it over to me with this huge smile and eager look in his eye like he was giving me the best treasure the planet had to offer. I asked him "what is all this stuff?" He said, "it's my DNA. I am giving you my DNA so you can always keep it close." How would you respond? I just hugged him tight and thanked him for such a thoughtful gift. It was kind of gross but I feel so loved.

Birthdays, Snowdays and Hurt Ankles

2007-02-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

Today is M-Boy's birthday. He is 14 now and thinks he is a grown man. I will let him live out his little fantasy for the day then smash that grandeur first thing tomorrow. He got a real bonus for his birthday by waking up to a snowday. No school! I, personally, am sick of the stuff. Maybe driving around with a filthy muddy car is someone else's idea of fun but not me. I like my roads to be non-slushy and non-slippery. And I know for a FACT that Mr. Daphnewood is sick of the snow. He slipped outside the hospital last night and hurt his ankle. His friends in orthopedics helped him out. It might be worse than he is letting on but he hasn't been home yet so I don't know for sure. When men get hurt they have two reactions. The first is to respond like a baby and need lots and lots of attention. The second is to act like a stoic soldier that feels no pain despite the fact their limbs have been ripped from their body. Mr. Daphnewood is responding like the stoic soldier this time. So until I actually see him, I won't know how bad it is. Men. And I can't believe M-Boy wants to be one already.

What Daphne Needs

2007-02-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

I stole this from Simple American. What he did was went to google then typed in his name and then the word 'needs' after. Google provided some funny insight to what he needed. Here are some examples from my search of "Daphne needs"

1. Daphne needs no man- well somedays I beg to differ but being a strong confident woman I will concur with this notion.
2. Daphne needs a kick in the ass- don't we all?
3. Daphne needs an epidural- not anymore!
4. Daphne needs to planted in a spot where it gets protection from the hot mid-day sun- ooookay
5. Daphne needs to be a 100% indoor kitty
6. Daphne needs to be "punished" and to right the wrongs of her own life choices - now that is a little harsh, don't you think?
7. Daphne needs less makeup though- uh, I am already at pretty much at the minimum in this department.
8. Daphne needs a quick roll in the hay- ALWAYS
9. Daphne needs to get laid- I am sensing a theme here
10. Daphne needs a date- Enough with my sex life already!
11. Daphne needs some sleep- I am fond of naps
12. Daphne needs to be tickled a bit at the bottom before it’s put in the hole and then it’s time for backfilling- *sigh* are we back to the topic of sex already?
13. Daphne needs a subscription for Xanax- apparently so
14. Daphne needs you- yes, I need all of you.

So what do you need?

Sorry

2007-02-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

I forgot I had to turn on the comment verification crap for a short time. My emailbox was getting overloaded with SPAM from this blog. Now I am a big fan of spam, especially if the boys from Monty Python are around but this type of spam that filled my computer was not even remotely funny. Hopefully this won't be a permanent thing.

A New Experience

2007-02-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

I am sure all of you know better but FYI, never go outside with wet hair if the temperature is below freezing. I felt like I had something in my hair this morning as I took the kids to school. When I reached up to feel what it was, I discovered icicles. I nearly died of laughter that this southern Californian girl never experienced frozen hair before. A toast to new experiences and things that make you smile! *clink*

Going Through Some Blahs

2007-02-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it is the weather. Perhaps not. Right now I am going through a funk and will not be blogging much. I wish it was because I am extremely busy living this exciting life of mine. But alas, it is because I am sleeping. way. too. much.

And yes, I will be going to the doctor today at 2pm. My first appointment in nearly 2 years with an MD. Pray for me.

A Sick Twisted Thought

2007-01-29T19:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about how Frosty the Snowman suffered a long, painful death? What torture to melt slowly in the warming sunlight. The pitiful looking snowmen in our neighborhood got me thinking about this.

A Year & A Half Later

2007-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

I was just listening to a bit of the David Crowder Band. If you are not familiar with their music, it is a christian band with a little kick. David Crowder is strange looking (I am referring to his hair & beard) but so very talented and filled with the love of Christ. Yet he is not one of those 'in your face' type of people. I was thinking about how Little Man fell in love with their music a year and a half ago at a summer festival in Houston. The David Crowder Band was popular among Texans but just starting to get global recognition. What a difference a year and a half makes. Now they play to huge stadiums everywhere they go. I bet Little Man couldn't get that close to the stage anymore.

Work, Weather, The Pretender and New Quotes

2007-01-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

I have been working pretty hard this week. I have gotten much accomplished. My job may be boring at times but I still take pride in my work. There is no point in doing a job if you aren't going to do it well. At least that is what I try to live by.

I am sick of this white world in Kansas. The snow and ice has been on the ground for over a week now going on two. However, I did see patches of grass trying to poke through and many of the snowmen in the neighborhood are looking severely disfigured. I think there might be hope.

I am still watching The Pretender. I have found out about 2 made for television movies that follow these four seasons and they will come out on DVD in March. Whoohoo! I also found out that there is an internet campaign to get the 3rd and final movie made. Do those things really work? Isn't that like extortion? Give us a 3rd Pretender movie or we will cram your mailbox full of SPAM!!!!

I put up some new quotes. You should all feel sorry for me after reading them. I live with this kind of stuff DAILY.

I Guess I Did Miss Some Good Stuff

2007-01-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

Often I have written about the lack of television in my home. Ever since M-Boy was born we haven't had network television or cable. And when Mouse was born we only had AFN in Berlin and crazy german stations so I can say that I have not had regular access to television shows since 1989. About 3-4 years back we start purchasing DVD's because my mom had moved in and missed watching TV. She had heard "24" was good so she bought it and loved it. I didn't watch along. I just wasn't interested. Then she was craving more so I picked up CSI for her. I did watch this time and fell in love. Since then, we have purchased every season of every CSI city there is. I admit I take pride in the fact that I missed the whole Ross/Rachel fiasco of Friends (never seen a show in its entirety) and that Beverly Hills 90210 means nothing more than an address to me. But then my mom handed me these four little boxes a few weeks ago with a label slapped across in bold white letters "The Pretender". She said " [Daphne] I think this is one show that you would enjoy." So I gave it a shot. I am a freaking addict now. How can you not love a man who eats pez regularly? Or a woman who knows how to use a gun better than any other guy on the show? Why is there only 4 seasons of this show? I haven't got past season 2 yet so maybe it takes a downward suck spiral in the next 2 but I know once I finish these 4 boxes I will feel empty. I am mildly but pleasantly surprised that network television had something to offer to a girl like me. Next time you all tell me about a TV show, I promise I will listen. I might not watch but I will definitely understand how you feel. Now if you will excuse me, Jarod and Miss Parker await.

Housebound

2007-01-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

This weekend I turned 37. It was just another day for me because I am not big on birthdays. I love celebrating as long as it is for someone else. My kids were sweet (singing and hugs and stuff) and Mr. D took me out to breakfast just me and him. It was a good thing we escaped early because by the afternoon the snow started falling. and falling. and falling some more. I have been housebound two weekends in a row now. It is getting old (like me). I think the roads have been cleared for school tomorrow. Which reminds me of a funny conversation between Little Man and Mr. Daphnewood.

Little Man: I hope we have a snow day all week this week!
Mr. D: no you don't. That would just make your summer vacation one week shorter.
Little Man: What do you mean?
Mr. D: well, everytime you get a snow day they take away one day of your summer vacation to make up for the school that you missed during the winter.
Little Man: Man, what a rip off!

Is that "innocence" I hear shattering?

Happy Birthday Daddy

2007-01-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

To the first man in my life who showed me nothing but unconditional love.

Angry

2007-01-17T03:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was bitterly cold. It was 2 degrees when I dropped off Mouse and M-Boy at their school. M-Boy goes to the high school in the morning for math then a bus takes him to the middle school for the rest of his day. The schools were not closed due to the weather. I was okay with that, being only slightly mad at the insensitivity to my children's safety. Most of the roads (not all though) were cleared but clear roads does not equal safe drivers. When M-Boy got to school he took of his sweat shirt and left it in his locker. The schools are very well heated. But then the middle school had a fire drill. All students had to go out into the freezing icy weather without their jackets if they didn't have one with them. I am so pissed off right now. I am going to call the school and make sure that it was truly a false alarm and not just a "drill". Five minutes in 2 degree weather without a jacket is brutal. I was freezing WITH my jacket on and I can only imagine what poor M-Boy felt. Well he felt bad enough to tell me about it. Usually I never hear about these kind of things from him. I get it second hand from his teachers. So look out middle school, I am going to rip you apart this morning.

Cabin Fever

2007-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

Ick! I have been stuck inside all day and eating non-stop. Normally I would relish the day getting to lounge about in my pajamas and doing absolutely nothing. But it is different when you have to stay inside. Oh I could go out and brave the icy roads but I did that yesterday and it kind of scared me. When no one else was out on the road I kind of figured I shouldn't be there either. It was slippery. So here I sit thinking the grass is always greener. What is everyone else up to?

I Guess I Am Staying In This Weekend

2007-01-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

Here is our weather forecast for the weekend. Bummer.

Movie Review: The Painted Veil

2007-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

In a nutshell: A doctor takes his adulterous wife to the China countryside in 1925 to treat a village suffering from a cholera outbreak.

Well I did enjoy this film except for the ending. It happened quickly and then summed up everything in like 30 seconds. I am trying to block out the ending and make up my own story in my mind. The scenery was GORGEOUS and the actors were really good (how can you ever be disappointed with Edward Norton?!) but it was kind of slow. Overall though, the love story was sweet and real to me. They weren't the perfect people and had to learn how to overlook foibles in each other like we all have. Too often Hollywood forgets that people are not perfect. It was a beautiful movie. Too bad the ending sucked.

Why Captain Jack Sparrow Is Popular

2007-01-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Little Man left his pirate toys on the floor. Wow! No wonder why the infamous Capt. Sparrow is so popular despite his black teeth and all.

Doctor Dorkology

2007-01-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that doctors have their own language. It sounds like english but isn't quite english. Being married to a doctor means that sometimes I have to translate what my husband is saying into regular english. This weekend Mr. Daphnewood was rubbing his arm and making a fist with his hand over and over again.

Daphne: What's wrong babe? Did your hand fall asleep?
Mr. D: No, I have a neuropraxia.
Daphne: A neuropraxia?
Mr. D: it is when a nerve gets temporarily compressed causing reversible numbness. Probably my C7 because my middle finger is the most numb.
Daphne: sooooo.....your hand fell asleep, right?
Mr. D: uh, yeah.

He has to wake up pretty early in the morning to pull one over on me

Health Update

2007-01-08T17:26:00.000-08:00

I think I had the flu. I am not dizzy anymore but the doctor that lives with me and sleeps in my bed is hoping beyond all hope that I am pregnant. Ah the poor dreamer. That is why I never ask him about my illnesses. He just automatically says "oooo I hope you're pregnant!" As if 3 kids aren't enough. Thanks for the well wishes. I feel 100% better. Now poor Little Man and Mouse are getting it though.

Movie Review: Children Of Men

2007-01-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

I did manage to get out this weekend with the ol' ball and chain. Just joking. I love my snuggly hubby and cherish any and all spare time we get to spend alone. We went to see Children Of Men starring Clive Owen and Claire-Hope Ashitey (for those of you who keep up with things like that). It was directed by Alfonso Cuarón (see above). A brief synopsis: Theo is asked to take Kee, a pregnant girl, to the coast in a future world (earth 2027) where women can no longer have babies in hopes for preserving mankind. Now, my first reaction to the film was that I didn't care for it. I was depressed and sad from watching it. But then it happened; I couldn't stop thinking about the movie all day long. I even dreamed about it. Yes, the subject material was uncomfortable but the journey is about hope. And really, I think the film spells that out for everyone. People suck and the director captures that beautifully. However, deep down, people have a good side and there is always hope for that good side to emerge. That is a message of the film. That is what haunted me and wouldn't let me sleep. Overall, that isn't such a bad thing to be haunted about, is it?

Minor Health Issues

2007-01-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am not sure what is going on but I have been under the weather. I have taken 2 pregnancy tests and both were negative. My blood sugar is fine at around 100. I have gotten plenty of sleep and I am no fatter or thinner than the past 6 months. So why am I dizzy all the time? That is what I am trying to figure out without going to a doctor.

So in the meantime, I have been making very sporadic visits to everyone's blogs. I am sorry for not returning email and such too. I want to say a very special thank you to my dear friend Kimananda who sent me a wonderful package in the mail. It had See's chocolate in it and I devoured it in about 30 seconds flat. I only shared one piece and that was with my mother. No kids or husbands could mooch. The fudge was fantastic too. I did share a little of that with Little Man. He insisted because I told him I thought there was rum in it. He is such a little pirate-Capt. Jack Sparrow-loving-scalawag these days and knew that rum is appropriate for pirates of all ages. So thank you once again Kimananda. I really really really really appreciated it because we forgot to order See's this Christmas. I was miserable until your package arrived. All Hail Kimananda Patron Goddess of Procrastination! You rock!

Desperation At Its Finest

2007-01-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

This morning is the first day back to school for the kids. M-Boy has the quote of the week because after getting dressed by 6:30 am he slumped onto the couch and sighed:

Only 18 more weeks until summer vacation.

poor kid.

Happy New Year

2006-12-30T03:49:00.000-08:00

Since this will be my final post of 2006 I wanted to end it on a positive note. I wish you all a very happy new year. May the coming months be filled with much prosperity and good health. I would write up a 'year in review' thing for everyone but right now, I am drawing a blank as to what happened in 2006. I do remember lots of baseball (God Bless the baseball fan), M-Boy getting his ear rebuilt in the inside (whoohoo!) and traveling to 3 coastlines: DC in February, CA in September and TX gulfcoast in June, July and December (not bad for an old married woman in KS, eh?!).

Here's to 2007! May it be greater still

Bittersweet Holiday

2006-12-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

I had a really great Christmas with my family. The kids got spoiled, I got spoiled and I got to drink wine with my dinner since we were just staying in. We got back from Houston on Christmas eve just in time to pick up my niece from the airport. It really was a great celebration but it was a little bit darkened by the happenings in Houston. I want to spill my heart out onto this blog about it but I need to respect the privacy of all involved. A brief summary is that Mr. Daphnewood's brother is bad off and Mr. D was the one to tell him how many months he has left to live. Imagine having to tell your brother he is going to die. I just ask that everyone keep my brother-in-law in your prayers. We are praying for a miracle and some good news when he goes to MD Anderson this week.

On a more positive note, my BIL got to go home and spend Christmas with his family. He reported to us that it was the best Christmas ever. I am so glad for that.

Blappers.com Makes Me Laugh

2006-12-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

I found these "Blappers" because they had a podcast on the Lt. Dan Band. You all know how I feel about Gary Sinise. Anyway, they put a SNL sketch up this week and I think you should go watch it. It is hilarious. It does have some explicit lyrics but nothing too bad. It's funny folks. Go watch it here

Happy Moments In My Life

2006-12-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

FindingHeart wrote about happy moments in his life to shake off some lingering blues he is having. I am accepting his broad tag because I too feel like focusing on some happy thoughts.

1. When Mr. D and I were dating, we went to a place called Builder's Square. They used to have them in Houston but it was kind of like a Home Depot. I was bored to say the least. He lifted me up onto a wooden desk and I sat there as he talked away about his hopes and dreams. He said "Someday when we are married...." I heard nothing else. He didn't even realize he said it. I kept quiet about his slip of the tongue but later that week he asked me to marry him.

2. I remember my Daddy sitting across from me at a restaurant, kind of acting emotional. He told me he loved all of his children. Even the ones that give him problems. I said I knew he loved us all. Then he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said "you, you are my heart and C. (my brother) is my right arm. I would be nothing without you two." That made me happy because I feel like I neglect him sometimes. I don't mean to but I don't get to spend nearly enough time with my father.

3. When M-Boy was diagnosed with autism I was heartbroken. I was afraid of how his life would be. He didn't talk anymore. He lost all of his words. He didn't laugh or smile nearly as much as he used to. He was fixated on repetitive play. I was laying down on the couch while 3 year old M-Boy was taking the lid off of this box and putting it back on, over and over again. I started praying and God showed me M-Boy's mind, like I was right there thinking his thoughts and feeling his feelings. All I could feel was happiness. M-Boy was happy! At that point I knew autism wouldn't be that bad. As long as M-Boy was happy, so was I.

4. Mouse's first word was "Mama". She was a just 6 months old but she stretched out her arms for me to pick her up and said "Mama!" And she did it in front of people. They were amazed that such a young kid said something. I know I was amazed. I floated around for weeks in happiness that "Mama" was her first word.

5. The first time I ever let all three of my kids visit their grandparents in CA was murder on my nerves. I had let the older two go because they were potty trained, could speak, could get something out of the fridge if necessary, etc. But Little Man was only 2. I don't know how my mom talked me into it but I said they could all go. I never felt such happiness seeing all three of their weary bodies piling out of the airport terminal, running to me with their arms outstretched waiting for a hug. What a great feeling.

So there it is. Some happy moments of my life. Tag to anyone who wants to think happy thoughts.

Where Is Mary Poppins When You Need Her?

2006-12-18T17:26:00.000-08:00

So I try to keep the "turn your work into a game" frame of mind. It just isn't helping. I want to just sit in front of the fireplace, drink hot cocoa and read a good book. Here is what I have been doing instead.

buying the few little presents I have left to get for family members
Picking up M-Boy from school because he is STILL sick. I also forgot to call the bus company to let them know he wouldn't be riding the bus. I am prepared to get chewed out tomorrow.
Cleaning the house in anticipation for a sole house guest.
Making sugar cookies
Making toffee
putting triple antibiotic ointment on my left breast that I burned with boiling water.

Where's my spoonful of sugar, dammit?!

Can He Get Any Cuter?!

2006-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight Mr. Daphnewood was trying to emphasize to Little Man that he felt like he was a rich man because of his children. He asked Little Man "Do you know how they measured wealth in the Bible?"

Little Man's response: No, I'm only on page 27.

The Choice Is Yours, Roger Clemens

2006-12-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

If Roger Clemens decides to follow his buddy Andy Pettitte back to the NY Yankees, I am going to hire an old gypsy woman to put a hex on Roger Clemens to curse him with man boobs. Really really big ones too.

More Art From Mouse

2006-12-12T04:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish I were an artist. My daughter sees so much beauty everywhere she looks. What a wonderful gift to have.

Apocalypto Movie Review

2006-12-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

Mr. D and I went out to see Apocalypto today. I had heard about Mel Gibson's unfortunate drunken tirade and how many people would be boycotting this film. I am a believer in boycotts as a peaceful way to express disproval. *cough* Dixie Chicks *cough* However, I have been around several drunks in my time and know that alcohol has a way of twisting a situation. So, I held no bad feelings towards the man. I am glad that was the case because I would have missed out. This movie was terrific. From the moment it began I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. The subtitles were not long and much of the story was told through actions and expressions of the actors. It was AWESOME. I had also heard people say the gore was over the top. I didn't think so. War movies are always full of gore. One scene has blood spraying from a man's head which I thought was ridiculous like Monty Python or something but Mr. D says that wound was totally believable to him because he sees that weekly. I loved the scenery and I chewed my nails down to nothing. Would Jaguar Paw make it back to his family? Would he die? I loved this movie. I am not lying when I say that this is probably Mel Gibson's best film yet. I liked it better than Braveheart.

If you saw the film, please tell me what you thought about it. Did you like it? If you haven't seen it, do you want to?

Is God A Baseball Fan?

2006-12-08T03:50:00.000-08:00

I hope He is because I have been praying that Andy Pettitte doesn't play for the Yankees. I want him to stay in Houston. If he does sign with the evil entity known as "The Yankees" you just might see this grown woman cry. Probably, I'd sob like a baby like I did when E.T. died and Elliot was screaming "Don't leave me!"

Have a great weekend folks!

****update****

Well Andy P signed with the Yankees. I think I suddenly have become a Boston fan and hope the Yankees don't even make the playoffs. But that would be sour grapes, wouldn't it? Yep! or maybe just wine/whine

whaaaah!!!!

Go Stros'!

U2 + Green Day = Crappy Song

2006-12-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

I love U2. I also love Green Day. And together they have put out this song. The Saint Are Coming is typical political fare for U2 and fast playing guitars for Green Day. However, my friends, the song sucks BIGTIME. And the video is the lamest bit of contrived material I have ever seen. All I hear is blah blah blah blah. Is there anyone else out there that is a U2 fan and Green Day fan that thinks this song stinks? Anyone?

My Funny Boys

2006-12-02T04:39:00.000-08:00

M-Boy and Little Man say the most random things sometimes. Let's start with M-Boy. I bought a bag of nuts from Sams Club the other day. There is something about the winter time that gets my family in a nut-eating mood. M-Boy was looking at the nutritional content of the bag (he does this with all food). I hear this from the kitchen:

Oh my GOSH! Mom, these nuts are a disaster! There is no vitamin A OR vitamin C.

I guess we should throw out the whole bag, eh?

Then at dinner the other night M-Boy was asking everyone which type of food do they hate. He wasn't asking what dish but what entire genre. My mom wasn't sure what he meant so I offered up an example. I said this:

He means what kind do you dislike overall. Like personally, I cannot stand Indian food. I loathe the stuff.

That is when Little Man spoke up. He raised up his hands and had this disgusted look on his face and said:

Oh me either! No way am I ever eating buffalo!

I nearly spit my iced tea out my nose. I was thinking more along the lines of 'punjabi' when I spoke of Indian food but buffalo seems a little exotic too I guess.

Stolen From Al

2006-12-02T04:26:00.000-08:00

You are The Star

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

My Favorite Holiday Movies

2006-11-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

I like holiday movies. I am not picky and will watch just about anything. A Christmas Story is great, as is It's A Wonderful Life. But two movies I HAVE to watch every Christmas. The first one is a kid's movie but I still love it.

The Muppet Christmas Carol stars all the muppets and Michael Caine as Scrooge. Gonzo makes a wonderful narrator. This movie makes me laugh and I like the songs. We sing the opening song about Scrooge at each other whenever one of us isn't acting very joyous. This has been a regular in our house since Mouse and M-Boy were very small.

The other favorite film of mine is While You Were Sleeping starring Sandra Bullock Bill Pullman. This movie makes me laugh every single time I watch it. Not many movies can do that to the extent that this film does. Why do I find it so funny? My family is a lot like this family. We have the crazy "disagreements" and someone who is always cooking trying to make everyone happy. And we are close. Just like this family. Marry one of us, you marry us all.

So what are your favorite holiday movies?

Lucky Me

2006-11-29T07:01:00.000-08:00

On friday after I went shopping, my mom and I went to the casino for a little fun. I won $700. It was awesome. My mom and I share because she is my gambling partner. That way, we both win or we both lose. It makes it more fun for us. Then we got the sad news this weekend about Mr. Daphnewood's brother. And on monday I found out about my friend. Yesterday my mom tried to keep me busy so I wouldn't be blue. We went Christmas shopping and spent lots of money. I got the kids some presents they have been wanting. I still had $100 left of my $350 (half of the $700 dollar jackpot). So my mom and I went to the casino again. I couldn't lose. I won enough to put on new tires on the van ($500) and still have $700 in my wallet. My mom has $700 too. So Christmas is paid for without having to add to credit card debt. I am so happy about that. We made a pact to stay away from the casino until after we finish the Christmas shopping. Just in case. I would hate to blow my winnings.

Sad Today

2006-11-28T03:28:00.000-08:00

I got sad news and it has put me in a very blue mood. My friend died late Saturday. She was elderly but still, I wasn't done having fun times with her and just being her friend. I will miss her. Plus, Mr. Daphnewood's oldest brother is very ill. The big scary "carcinoma" word has emerged. Our family is in turmoil. I might be absent for a while or maybe I will write often. Sometimes writing helps but at other times, I don't have the will. I just thought I would let you know in case you don't hear from me for a few days.

The Fountain Movie Review

2006-11-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

WTF?! I was too stupid to understand this film.

Happy Thanksgiving From A Pilgrim's View

2006-11-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

First let me say, Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate this holiday. In recent years, America has been in an uproar over our traditional holidays like Columbus Day (massacre of native Americans) Christmas (not inclusive to all religions) and Thanksgiving (the beginning of atrocities to Native Americans and theft of their land). I read this article about school children getting a different view of Thanksgiving. I am a bit angry to say the least. So people want our 6 and 7 year olds to know that Pilgrims were the bad guys. Pilgrims and Indians were at war with each other. That is a much different view from the past. However, let me say I think history is focusing on the good point of when two different cultures actually put their differences aside and had a feast together. Why is this a bad thing? Why is it criminal to teach our children that it is okay for people of different faiths and cultures to like each other and eat together? Instead, we want to teach them, your ancestors were bastards and didn't mean it when they said they were thankful for the help the Native Americans gave. Young children see things in black and white. They will only see "good guy" or "bad guy". They cannot understand the complex nature of colonization. Let them first learn goodwill to all people. Eat the feast kids. Later, when you are older, you wil learn not everything is easy as good vs. bad.

Charlie the Unicorn

2006-11-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

This video will either be totally stupid or really funny. It depends how demented you are. I am in the extreme dorky level of demented personalities so I found this video hilarious. I hope you do too because I would hate to waste 3 and a half minutes of your day.

A Commentary On Tasered UCLA Kid

2006-11-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to one of the numerous articles.

I think police have gotten a bad rap on this. I watched the video a couple of times. The kid was being an ass. He was screaming and making a scene, inciting other students to do the same. All he had to do was show his stupid ID but he wanted to be a martyr or something. What a jerk! He is lucky they didn't break out their clubs and beat him to death. This has nothing to do with the patriot act despite his claims. It has to do with campus safety and he wasn't the only one asked to show his ID that evening. What a loser. The sad part is that the campus police are seen as the bad guys. Rapes, muggings and worse happen on college campuses everyday and no one ever posts videos or writes articles hailing the heroes that stop these crimes. The police force is not the enemy. Too bad this kid has further ruined the reputation of our fine men and women in blue. I think America has gotten a healthy respect for the military these days. They also respect fireman more since 9/11. Only our beloved police force seems to be overlooked. Today, if you see a police officer, shake his/her hand and thank them for the fine job they are doing.

Thank God For.....

2006-11-17T04:56:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to stay warm without these. Ugly? Yes, but I will not go without.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2006-11-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

Mr. Daphnewood got an email with this picture in it.

He showed it to us all and Little Man just cracked up hysterically. He laughed and said "Ha ha ha, they are pooing on the other people's heads!" Mr. D said "uh, Little Man, we are the voters. You know the ones on the bottom." Little Man stopped laughing instantly.

Then a few seconds later he says, "well, it serves them right for being stupid enough to vote" and went back to laughing.

Flipside

2006-11-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

Here is latest in my life. I know, headline news, right?

I am pissed Roy Oswalt got overlooked for the Cy Young award AGAIN.
I am glad he makes way more money than the guy who did win. We know who is the better pitcher and that is why RoyO makes the big bucks.

Today is Mr. Daphnewood's b-day. We are going to eat chicken and dumplings for dinner and pineapple upside down cake for dessert.
I am pissed because he is still in surgery and will probably miss his own b-day dinner.

I have been working like a dog for the past 2 days and not had much time to blog or anything selfish :(
I am glad I had so much fun this weekend. Besides the concert I saw two movies:Stranger Than Fiction & Driving Lessons.

My scanner is just about dead from getting worked so hard. I am pissed it only lasted a year.
The flipside is that my boss is buying me a new one, price not an issue. whoohoo!

The Lt. Dan Band Rocks!

2006-11-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

I took Little Man to the concert at the Uptown Theater on friday night. Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band were so much better than I imagined. You think that actors would be so-so musicians because if they were great musicians why not choose music over acting, right?! This group was not a band that you would see at weddings or sweet sixteen birthday parties. These guys & gals are talented. Extremely so! They played cover tunes only but the genres varied. They played some Rolling Stones, the Who (to Little Man's delight), Linkin Park, Bob Dylan, and Mariah Carey to name a few. It was energetic and at a tiny little place so it was cozy too.

First I want to say, Gary Sinise looks just like he does on TV. He was the same height that I imagined, same weight, same eyes and smile but he looked younger. Maybe on CSI:NY they try to make him look older. Who knows. It could have been that he had this silly smile plastered to his face for 2 1/2 hours straight! I don't mean silly as in stupid but silly as in fun. I have never would have guessed this guy is party animal. He looked so happy and was having a great time. He had plenty of interaction with the crowd.

The other concert goers were super nice. They let Little Man get in front so he could see. He was right at the feet of his hero "Mac". About 2 hours into the show Little Man turned around and rested against me, hugging my chest. He was tired. Gary looked at me and gave a sympathic look at Little Man (who didn't see our exchange). I mouthed "he's tired" and Gary nodded and kept smiling like he had been the whole evening. I felt bad for Little Man because I think he had been trying to get Gary Sinise's attention all evening and as soon as he turned around that is when he got noticed. Of course, the man probably thought I was a horrible mother keeping her kid out past his bedtime. What can I say? I let him watch R-rated movies too as long as there is no sex. I am probably going to hell for it or at the very least need to pay for psychotherapy for Little Man when he gets older.

I have to talk about the rest of the group. They kicked ass! The singers were awesome. The male singer had long blonde hair that was so dang pretty I just wanted to go up to him and touch it and ask what shampoo does he use. He was super energetic and sang Message In A Bottle by the Police. AWESOME. The one girl singer wore a Cheerios t-shirt and that made me love her. There was a husband and wife percussion team. Every person in that group was smiling and having a good time. Maybe that is the key. Music groups do these rigorous tours. But the Lt. Dan Band only does shows sporadically making it more of a fun thing than a job. It was just a big ol' party and I was glad to be there.

The bad news: I didn't take a camera. I met a nice woman who said she would email me some pictures. I hope she does. Then you can see how close we were. In the meantime here are some really crappy cell phone pictures.

Married to a Nerd

2006-11-09T05:35:00.000-08:00

I love my husband. He really is the most adorable creature created by God when he isn't being obnoxious. Sadly, he uses most of his waking hours to be obnoxious. He is also a brainiac. He keeps his homepage of his computer set to Medscape Headlines. Don't these article titles look riveting?

Surgical Myotomy Better Than Pneumatic Dilatation for Achalasia

EGFR Mutations Predict Lung Cancer Response to Gefitinib

Pallidal Deep-Brain Stimulation Beneficial in Dystonia

For me, it is like a forgeign language that occasionally I might understand one or two words. But we both speak the language of love and that's good enough for me.

Little Man's Plans for the Future

2006-11-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

Straight from his mouth:

When I grow up, I am going to get me a wife that isn't a jerk.

I think that means that pickings are pretty slim at the ol' elementary school.

My Brief View of Election Results

2006-11-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

So now it seems it is the democrats turn to rule the country. I am a registered republican but not an extreme righty as most of you can tell. I think it is good to change drivers once in a while. Do I think the nation will fall to pieces with democrats in control? Absolutely not. Do I think the nation is better off with them in control? Absolutely not. It doesn't matter what party a person is in, if they are a politician they're a liar. Congrats to the winners and better luck next time to the losers. Don't forget Americans, united we stand, divided we fall. Time to move forward.

Getting Out of the House

2006-11-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

I think I am going to take Little Man to see this group on friday. They play a variety of music and a cover of the song Baba O'Riley (CSI:NY theme). Since my son thinks that is one of the best songs ever and he likes Gary Sinise just as much as I do, I can't wait to see his face. I just hope kids are welcome. But if the whole show is a fundraiser for Iraqi children you would think it wouldn't be an adults only show. One never knows. What do you think? Do you think it would be fun for an 8 year old addicted to the joy of life?

A Lack of Focus

2006-11-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

I started writing this rant about people who sue hospitals over wait times. Why does everyone have to sue? It is crazy. Bankrupting your local hospital will not guaranteed better service next time folks. If you think Sweden, Cuba and Canada have the answer to health care you better think again. Cuba has had the same textbooks since 1950. Sweden and Canada have wait times longer than the US and you can't sue them. Okay, that is all I will say about that for now.

I will stick with a benign topic of hit counters. I put one up a few months after starting my blog. It has been well over a year but I chose a different type of hit counter. Most people count every time a person visits their blog. My hit counter is one that measures different IP addresses. I find it amazing that it still goes up everyday. Probably because Rick mentioned Brittany Bratt's boobs in one comment section. Thanks Rick! That and Brad Ausmus's (2006 Golden Glove Winner for catcher WTG Brad!) half-naked picture has been bringing them in. So what kind of hit counter do you all have?

***update***
I have been getting phone call after phone call for the past week. Do you want to know who called me? Let's see, former senator Bob Dole called me encouraging me to vote for his friend ______, I hung up before I could hear his name. Some lady asking me to re-elect her also called. My neighbor Tom called me too asking me to vote for some other poor soul. And just now Senator John McCain called me! Can you believe it? Isn't John McCain in freakin Arizona?! These were all pre-recorded massages of course. I live in Kansas and I am not savvy on Kansas politics yet. I am not going to vote tomorrow because I just don't know anyone and would probably do more harm than good. Normally, I would just check the republican box for the candidates I am not aware of but here in KS, some republicans are FREAKS. That idiot hatemonger, crashing soldiers funerals comes to mind. However, I am registered. I suspect that is how so many "people" have my phone number. Lesson learned. Come next election I will be ready and actually vote.

Movie Review: The Prestige & Grown Up Rock Stars

2006-11-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

I liked this movie. You have to pay attention from the first frame of the film but it was worth it. Christian Bale just amazed me. This kid is far underrated as an actor. Everyone did a superb job with their roles but I left the theater sort of swooning at Christian Bale this time around. Not like a school crush or anything but just in awe. You should definitely check this movie out: The Prestige Don't read any of the spoilers on the message boards. It will ruin the film for you. Just go see or rent it when it comes out. You won't be sorry.

I also wanted to talk specifically about David Bowie. He was in this film. My gosh that man has changed. I loved David Bowie when I was a teenager (Kimananda, do I hear a "ditto!"?) He was freaky, repulsive to authority figures, charming to the youth and talented beyond anyone's expectations. But he was a rock star that behaved in rockstar fashion. I look at The Rolling Stones and U2. Those guys are still rockin' but sometimes they look like old men trying to recapture their youth. David Bowie still makes records and acts in movies but he looks grown up. He has accepted his age by redefining what it means to be nearly 60 years old. I couldn't get enough of David Bowie as I watched the film. When I get to be 60, I want to be like him. I don't want to be wearing fashion made for teens, acting stupid and forgetting all the lessons I have learned in life. Or maybe I am just full of crap. That is always a possibility.

Freedom Friday Once Again

2006-11-03T05:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, today is freedom friday! You know what that means: movie day all alone. I think today I will spend my two hours gazing upon the fine features of Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman in the much acclaimed thriller "The Prestige" for the very low price of $4 at the local AMC. I am a happy girl.

On a side note, I have been having problems commenting on some of your blogs. Especially non-blogger/blogspot sites (or typepad comment sections). I have been using Mr. Daphnewood's computer and he has extra tight security settings or something so Ryan & Mikey, I have been reading and hope enjoy your week together. My little anchored nomad friend, keep blogging! I hope you win. And Lame posts count too. I know there was someone else that I tried to comment to but it wouldn't take. Anyway, just so you all know I am reading but maybe not commenting because my husband is a freak about his computer settings. Oh, and Vickie, you don't have a blog but I don't want you to feel left out so you get a shout out in the post since you are my fellow Kansas City neighbor and are so sweet.

Have a great weekend everyone.

A Parent's Bad Dream

2006-11-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

I was going to call this post "A Parent's Nightmare" but that would be if your child was hurt or worse. This was just a 'bad dream' level occurence with not too much trauma. So let me tell you about it. Yesterday after taking Little Man to the doctor, we went to McDonald's to meet my friend. She has a couple of little boys that Little Man enjoys playing with even though they are quite a bit younger. We arrived before my friend at around 11:15 am. That is before the lunch rush. The play place was secluded and empty. At least I thought it was. I heard some movement from up high in the tunnels. Little Man looked in a tube slide exit and said "Mama! I see a boot!"

I was getting a funny feeling about it all. Then I heard a loud rumble from the top of the play area then a "whoosh!" as a rather large teenager emerged from the slide. She bent down and asked Little Man where did he see the boot. He pointed to it and she retrieved it. It was a gi-normous boot. Definitely not her size. Are you getting the picture here? Teenagers at a freakin McDonald's play place going at it. I got horrified when they didn't come down. What were they doing? Little Man said that there was a grownup boy in there kissing the girl. Great. When the place got busy the teens finally emerged looking sweaty, gross, gothic and truant. They had their backpacks with them.

So this is a parent's bad dream in two ways for me. First of all, Little Man was playing in an area where two nasty teenagers were getting it on. The sanitary concerns made me want to wash Little Man down with an alcohol bath. Just disgusting. Plus he got an advanced sex education course that I wasn't counting on him seeing for a while. The second reason why it was a bad dream for me is because I thought of Mouse. She is 15. Not that she would skip school to have sex in the McDonald's play place but it reminded me that kids will find a way no matter what if they want it. Yikes!

Happy November!

2006-11-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

I think Kansas is trying to skip over autumn and go right into the winter. It sure is cold this morning but I am not complaining. It beats the heat in my opinion, but us land whales always prefer cooler temps because of the blubber insulation on our bodies. You can say I am coming into the prime season. I thought I would start this month off with a little culture. I am going to share some fine art with you. It is great to me. The picture is poor quality and hopefully soon I will trade it out for a real picture instead of a meager cell phone picture.

This was painted by my daughter, Mouse.

Why I Love Monday Mornings

2006-10-30T06:41:00.000-08:00

This morning I had this brief conversation with Little Man.

Me: wow! It sure is hot this morning.
Little Man: You're D-A-M right!

yeah well is it cussing if they spell it? What about if they spell it incorrectly?

An Ugly Side of Autism

2006-10-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday M-Boy had a real bad day. Sometimes I don't like to talk about autism on my blog because every person with autism is different. Just because M-Boy acts in a certain way, it doesn't mean every autistic individual does. People with autism are unique, their own person just like 'normal' people in the world with various personalities. Sure, they may have similar characteristics that define their disorder but still, no two cases are the same. So if you don't personally know anyone with autism, please understand that M-Boy is just one of millions and my stories about him won't always relate to other autistic people. Some may but not all.

Yesterday M-Boy and Little Man were fighting over their TV in their room. Little Man wanted to watch cartoons and M-Boy wanted to play his Playstation. I was in the kitchen making dinner and could hear the argument getting louder. When it reaches a certain level they ALWAYS come running to me to sort it out. I never have to intervene without them asking. M-Boy came down first yelling and pleading his case about the TV. Little Man was a nearly a full minute behind M-Boy (rare for an argument). He came hobbling into the kitchen gushing blood from his leg. He fell on a piece of glass from a broken mirror in his room last week that I thought we had gotten all cleaned up. I immediately tended to his leg. BUT M-Boy didn't want to wait for a decision about the TV. He kept going on and on about the TV. I said "just a minute! Your brother is bleeding." M-Boy wouldn't stop. He claimed "It wasn't fair if he didn't get to play playstation because Little Man had watched TV earlier". I snapped at that point. I know empathy is hard for autistic people (some, not all-remember my warning) but his callousness towards his brother's wound was really getting to me. It wasn't a scrape. It was gushing!

I yelled at M-Boy. I told him to just wait a darn minute. His brother was bleeding and he acted like it didn't matter. He tried to say something else about the TV when my husband came into the room and took over yelling at M-Boy. It got ugly. The husband took away the TV for 24 hours and berated M-Boy for caring more about television than his brother. This did not go over well. M-Boy cried, claimed we hated him, cried some more, wished he was dead, cried even more, etc. It took a good hour to calm him down. We told him we understood that his sense of justice was severely trampled on but he failed when it came to responding to an emergency situation. He tried to get us to give back his TV privileges but I wouldn't budge. I felt so sorry for him. I really did. When he finally calmed down I hoped that his punishment would help him to TRY to think about others the next time an emergency rose. It is hard for him to switch gears once he is doing something. It is called 'transitioning'. M-Boy has to do almost everything in a ballistic manner. Once started it must go until complete. So probably if I would have said "yes the TV is yours" he could have switched gears and helped his brother. Who knows.

The ugly part for me was at midnight when he was going to bed he came into my room and said "Mommy, I want to make sure that I get to go first with the TV tomorrow. It wouldn't be fair if [ Little Man ] goes first." I wanted to cry. He didn't learn anything at all.

Blogger is Giving Me Problems

2006-10-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else having trouble posting? grrrrr!

Terrible Day

2006-10-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Mr. Daphnewood had an accident this morning. He tripped when he woke up and fell into my dresser. I had some 3-ring binders laying ontop and his face hit the binders cutting his eye. It cut the cornea but thankfully it did not cut within the visual field. That would have been tragic and possibly the end of his career in surgery. Finished before it even started. BUT that didn't happen and we here in the Daphnewood Household are extremely grateful for the heavenly protection. Please keep my hubby in your thoughts and prayers. He is home today with an eye patch and lots of pain killers. He has an appointment tomorrow to check up on it. I helped put some medicated ointment in it earlier and it was ugly underneath. The poor guy. His accident has left some people over-extended at work and I am worried there will be some resentment towards him because of it. I know that seems ridiculous that people would be upset about him getting hurt but so goes life in a residency program. He has always been there for others when they needed to go home. Hopefully they will remember that and be NICE. In the meantime, I will be driving him around for the next 3-7 days.

The Complex Problem of Halloween

2006-10-25T04:34:00.000-07:00

Candy season is upon us. I have a love/hate relationship with Halloween. I love candy. I hate myself when I eat tons of it. And the worse part is these little "fun size" candies. They trick you thinking it is smaller than a big candy bar and thus better for you to eat a small candy since candy is so bad for your health. So I eat one. But of course eating a tiny "fun size" candy isn't really much fun because you want more. So I eat another one. But eating two doesn't cut it either because it doesn't seem like the same amount as a normal sized candy bar and I feel cheated. So I decide to try a different "fun size" candy that is sitting in the candy bowl. Then I realize that it was just a sample of a new type of candy so I must eat another to give me the full flavor. Then I eat another type because who knows if it will still be there the next time I visit the candybowl since we have so many greedy evil candy eaters living with me. Before I know it, I find about 9 or 10 "fun size" wrappers all over the counter. Maybe this year I will be like those dentists that give out toothbrushes. But then again, I would feel screwed out of the Halloween experience and then go buy all the candy on discount November 1st. Then the cycle begins but just a day later. *sigh*

Little Man, ESP, and Pine Tar

2006-10-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Little Man has been freaking me out lately. The kid is so sensitive and in tune with me. I know we are close but I swear that sometimes he is reading my thoughts. Last week, I was in the kitchen doing dishes. For some reason, my mind drifted to a story that my uncle had told me about catching a shark. Little Man was in the other room playing. He came in and said "Mommy, did uncle R. throw the shark back after he caught it?" What?! Did I say something out loud without noticing? I let it slide.

Then a couple of days later I was sitting thinking about how long our train trip was. 36 hours is a very long time to be on a train. Little Man was in the same room and said "Mommy, did I behave on the train?" I was jolted that he was thinking about the train ride too. I asked him why did he ask me that and he said that he just wanted to know if he kept getting up and walking around too much while he was on the train.

Now today, the kids have been in school all day. I was thinking about Gary Sinise and how I loved him the movie "The Stand". Perhaps I would even watch it this week. Little Man came home and said "hey Mommy, do you remember the movie "Stand"? I think we should watch it again because it was really good. Mac from CSI is in it." Am I babbling out loud and not realizing it? Am I an open book? Is my son psychic? Freaky times indeed.

And I could not let it pass. Kenny Rogers was cheating last night in the World Series by using pine tar to help with his grip on the ball. He washed it off after the first inning and still kicked ass but now his image is tarnished. How sad for his team. Now if the Tigers do win, people will think it is because he cheated. I was thinking at first that people were just blowing this out of proportion but today there is picture after picture of his hand with the same brown smudge in several different games. Apparently a lot of pitchers use some type of gripping solvent. Kenny just got caught.

A Scary Event

2006-10-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

In 2003 a friend lost his life to a horrible freak elevator accident. He was a good man with heart for Christ. He was loved by those who knew him. I won't go into details but his death made me afraid of elevators. I had a hard time getting into and out them for a very long time. Still to this day I get an anxious stomach if the elevator does not work like clockwork. Today was one of those days. I was at a parking garage and the tiny elevator had 4 adults and two small children in it. They were kind and held the door for me. The man said "come on in, there is room". It was nice of them. The two ladies with the small children were going to the 2 floor. The man and his wife were going to the 3rd floor. I was heading to the 5th. The elevator skipped the second floor then went to the third. The door would not open so it went back the second floor. We tried holding the "door open" button but the elevtor was making strange sounds and would not do anything it was supposed to. I almost got to a panic-point but the elevator took off to the 5th floor. One lady suggested we hold the button down and not let go at all. We did that and after much groaning and jerking the elevators door slowly opened. Of course we had to step up about 8 inches to get out of the elevator but all of us could not get out soon enough. It was horrible. I notified security ASAP but the event left me a little shaken.

Away From the Sun/Son

2006-10-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

I am feeling alone today. Correction: I was feeling alone. Then I heard the song Away From the Sun by 3 Doors Down. I know it isn't a religious song but whenever I hear it, I think of it in a very spiritual way (son instead of sun). I was feeling alone but now I am climbing up to reach the arms of the One who cares about people like me!

ps. I am only going to leave this video up for a short time because I can't figure out how to make it NOT automatically play. I hate that. Nevermind. I just figured it out. Maybe I can be geek savvy.

Music Video:AWAY FROM THE SUN (by 3 Doors Down)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

It's True! Sex Sells!

2006-10-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

So tonight I was reading Rick's blog and he mentioned RSS and all that geeky stuff. It reminded me that I have a site meter. I never check it. Well, not very often. So I ran right over and looked to see what brings people to my blog. Guess what it is! That link to the half naked picture of Brad Ausmus. He is the catcher for the Houston Astros. He is so very hot and way too cute to be non-Italian. In fact, he probably is Italian. That was the number one search on my site meter. I didn't post the picture on my blog because it isn't mine to post. Someone had the link on one of the Houston Astros boards so I just shared. Now I am waiting for a picture like for the rest of guys. Anyone else have a link? I figure just three or four more of half-naked pictures then I will have more traffic than I can handle. Sex really does sell.

I Was Bored

2006-10-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

I was having problems putting the video up so here is the link instead. Sorry folks.

Hodge Podge

The guy at the end is one of my many brothers but this brother in particular lives to embarrass us as much as he possibly can in public places.

A Response From Disneyland About Motorized Scooters

2006-10-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

I wrote a letter to Disneyland and told them that motorized scooters should not be rented by the park. I relayed the story of M-Boy getting run over and the culprit taking off. I praised Disneyland and the staff but emphasized that as crowded as Disneyland is, motorized scooters are a danger. Here is the very nice response

Dear Mrs. [Daphnewood]:

Thank you for your e-mail to the DISNEYLAND Resort. We appreciate you taking the time to share your recent experience with us.We are sorry to learn that your son was hurt by another Guest. Unfortunately, not all Guests behave with the consideration of others, and we apologize for any discomfort that you or your family experienced.

Additionally, we appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with us in regards to your request in not allowing Electrical Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) inside DISNEYLAND Park. As you are aware, our goal is to provide the finest service and accommodations. Please be assured we take your comments very seriously. Your remarks have been forwarded to the necessary leadership team so they are aware of your feedback.

We at the DISNEYLAND Resort believe Guest courtesy to be one of themost important elements of our operation. We are pleased to know thatour efforts are appreciated and that our Cast Members continue to hold our Guests' well being in high regard. As Walt Disney once said, "The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish achievements but rather for the things we do for the people we love and esteem." It is always great to hear that our Cast Members exceed the expectations of our Guests.

Again, thank you for contacting us. Comments such as yours are welcomed in that they assist us in evaluating our operation and our success in generating happiness for our Guests. We hope you will have the opportunity to visit the DISNEYLAND Resort soon and that our attractions and entertainment will delight you in every way.
Sincerely,

[A Really Nice Guy]
DISNEYLAND Resort
Guest Communications

All To Myself

2006-10-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Mr. Daphnewood is on vacation starting today at noon. He was supposed to be on vacation last night but you know how it goes. When he gets back from his conference in Colorado on Sunday afternoon, I will have him all to myself. The kids will be in school for most of the day monday through friday so I won't have to share during that time. He will probably make me cook way more than I like to but I won't mind as long as he is doing a little cooking of his own he he he. Have a great weekend everyone.

Steal My Idea Coca-Cola & Pepsi Co.

2006-10-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

I read this article about women's health. If you don't want to read it, I'll sum it up for you: women who drink cola are losing out in the area of bone density because they are not drinking milk. Now I saw this coming a long time ago. Mostly because I had heard that many women only drink water, tea or diet soda. I am guilty as charged. I never drink milk because of being lactose intolerant. Anyhoo, my idea WAY BACK THEN was to fortify cola with calcium. They do it with orange juice, so why not soda? Honestly, I have given up soda. If you don't count Disneyland I have been soda free. I say just add a little calcium to diet sodas and your bone density issues would be solved. So please Pepsi Co., Coca-Cola and the makers of Dr. Pepper, steal my idea!

A Little Rain, Many Colors

2006-10-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today is wonderful. It is sprinkling on and off. As I took Little Man to school I noticed the trees were changing colors. Vivid reds, yellows and oranges. The funny part about it all is that I scheduled stew for tonight, a perfect meal for such a day. I picked it out last week when I went grocery shopping. Damn I am good!

Funny YouTube Clip

2006-10-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of the Back To The Future movies, then this clip ought to crack you up. It is a song that Tom Wilson wrote. He starred in all three movies as Biff and Biff's relatives. It is less than two minutes long. Go watch it. You won't be sorry.

Biff's Question Song

Two Movie Reviews

2006-10-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

On friday I went to my movie, all alone with my small popcorn with just a splash of extra fat grams (a.k.a. movie theater butter flavored topping). I went to The Guardian. It was about the US Coast Guard. It was really lame. I mean MEGA lame. I was so pissed off that I wasted my freedom friday for that movie. I could tell you EXACTLY what was going to happen next. I saw one trailer for this movie but it was so freakin' contrived and manipulating that the emotional scenes didn't even give me a lump in my throat. Coast Guards in America deserved better than that mess of a movie. I liked Kevin Costner. He actually looked normal and not forcefully acting. This time, unfortunately for him, it was just a sucky script.

Then yesterday, I kept my promise to my kids and took them to see Open Season in the IMAX 3-D. Now that was a funny and very enjoyable film. I like to laugh out loud and this movie made me do that several times. The 3-D experience is so much better with the animated films. In two weeks the Nightmare Before Christmas is coming out in 3-D. Mouse has already begged me to take her. When we went to Disneyland she got exactly 3 souvenirs. One: a black hooded zip up sweatshirt with Jack Skellington's face on it. Two: a charm bracelet with Nightmare Before Christmas charms attached. Three: a black coffee thermos with Jack Skellington on it. Recently I have discovered that many gothic types of children like Jack but Mouse is just an artist and a Tim Burton fan. Thank god because I would have to nip that one in the bud real quick.

FRIDAY!!!!

2006-10-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

The kids are at school. My husband is at work and will be on call all night. My mom and brother are in California. Can you smell the freedom?! I am going to Target to buy a lego ambulance for Little Man (he saved his money and asked me to run this errand for him). Then I am going to the movies all by myself. That is such heaven to me. I am going to have a small popcorn even though I started my diet. I budgeted the calories in. I might even buy a soda. I haven't had sodas since august except for sips at Disneyland last week. I just don't want to get hooked again so I might stick with water. I know this is a lame post but I am so excited! Have a great weekend everyone.

Husbands and Squirrels

2006-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

I talked to Mr. Daphnewood last night about my anger and hate for the 'hit and run family' at Disneyland. I felt a lot better afterwards. He made me realize I was really angry with myself for not handling it better (getting the park police) but there was no use in harboring such hate, especially since they probably haven't even thought twice about it. Why waste energy? Mica is fine and that is all that matters. Husbands can be so wise. I am very lucky to have such a great guy standing in my corner. He is a great husband and fantastic father. He made me feel better because he said he probably would have lost his medical license if he had been there; so my rampage was minor. I believe that. He gets real protective too. Anyway, problem solved and my sunny side is emerging once again.

Now on to the topic of squirrels. Al mentioned squirrels in his latest post and today I am seeing them everywhere! Dozens of them running through the trees. I saw two dead in the street. It broke my heart. Then I had a suicidal one try to run under my tires. Lucky for him I was in a school zone going no more than 25 mph and stopped easily. No roadkill for Daphnewood. But I can't help but notice how spazzy they are acting. Very very active. Do squirrels hibernate? Because the way they are acting around here makes me think of my kids right before they crash for the night. They get really really wound up and then BAMMM!!!! they are out for the count. I wonder if that is what these squirrels are doing.

The Dark Side Of Daphnewood

2006-10-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

While at Disneyland on our second day there (you really need more than 2 days to see everything) M-Boy was run over by an old fat woman on a motorized scooter. The pathway was crowded and she rammed the back of his leg and rolled over his foot. Then she didn't even check to see how he was and kept on scooting away. M-Boy was crying and screaming like a baby. He is still very child-like in some ways and he kept screaming "I hate her! I hate her!" My heart was breaking. I ran after the woman just because I felt I needed to say my piece. I caught up with her and her family. She had her even fatter son in a motorized scooter as well. The rest of her family (about 10 people in all) could walk. Now mind you, these were rented scooters. Mostly these people didn't want to walk. No problem but I am beginning to HATE the motorized scooters. I am an obese woman and think I will only get more obese if I revert to getting around by wheelchair only. And it is my opinion that if these people really needed the scooters they would have brought their own and not rented some. Disneyland should only rent normal wheelchairs and NOT motorized ones. A letter from me will be sent soon.

Anyway, I caught up with the woman and yelled my lungs out. I said "hey! You just ran over my son and didn't even stop!" Do you know what she replied? She said "I pushed the horn. He didn't get out of my way." What a freakin bitch. I screamed at her some more and said he can't hear. M-Boy is just as handicapped as she was and it certainly did not give her the right to run over whoever she pleases. At this point my family caught up to us with M-Boy bawling like a 3 year old. Her fatass son said "he walked in front of her. It's his fault." I told him to shut up because he knows it wasn't true. When the old woman saw M-Boy crying and sobbing she truly felt remorse. I can forgive anyone for accidents but I just can't forgive her for running away after. I know I am suppose to forgive but I still haven't been able to and it has been nearly a week.

I should have called the park police. She was on a motorized vehicle and left the scene of an accident. I could have got her ticketed or something. I was just too mad to think straight. I told her that she really needed to think about her barely audible horn and that perhaps the people in front of her cannot hear. I couldn't stand to look at her face or her family's faces anymore and left them to converse with my step-father. So yes, the dark side of Daphnewood has come out and hasn't quite left me yet. I still feel hate. And I haven't stopped hoping that someday they get hit by someone and that person just takes off like they did (her and her ENTIRE family). Then they will know how it feels. Gosh, my evilness is scary to even my ears. Papa (my step-father) says she was really sorry. I know that but he wasn't the one holding M-Boy while he threw up in the first aid office because he was so upset. Thank god there was nothing more than a bruise.

Home Sweet Home

2006-10-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

We made home in one piece. We had a great time in sunny California. Here are some pics of our trip. I'll share more in depth later but for now it feels GREAT to be home.

Me and my daddy. He has lost a lot of weight (not in the good way) but I was so happy to spend time with him. The kids were glad to see him too.

We took the kids to Medieval Times. My mom and I got tipsy since we weren't driving and then we forgot how to use the flash on the camera. We looked like fools, two drunk ladies trying to work a camera. The "knight" was super nice and patient with us until we got this blurry mess of a picture. I like it because that is how I was seeing things that night anyway.

M-Boy is standing in front of the scariest ride ever. Mouse talked me into going on this thing. I am a huge fan of the Twilight Zone so I really wanted to see the inside. I ended up closing my eyes through most of it. I tried to go on it a second time but ended up closing my eyes that time too. Oh well. I think I saw the important parts anyway. It was called The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror.

Little Man and Mouse waited in line for 30 minutes to talk to the Capt. Jack Sparrow. Disney is milking that iconic figure for all it is worth. I have to admit, the guy they had playing him to walk around the park was awesome. He acted just like the movie capt. He even walked like him. Little Man asked "do you survive getting eaten by the Kracken in the third movie?" And his reply was "I'm here, aren't I mate?" Little Man got really excited. I'll tell you more about that in another post.

I put this picture up because it sums up our trip quite nicely. Little Man ran everywhere and that is exactly how I felt, like I was running running running the entire trip. Now I need another vacation to rest from this one ;)

Gone Until October

2006-09-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

Well I am heading out later today. We are going to the lovely hills of Southern California. I will see the pacific ocean for the first time in 2 years. I really miss that. Anyway, I will probably be even fatter by the time I return after eating In & Out Burger, Monte Cristo from Disneyland and an entire boysenberry pie from Knott's Berry Farm. Ah the comforts of home. So my dear blogger friends, I leave you with words of wisdom from Mr. Daphnewood. He said this to Little Man this week when Little Man asked "why do people cut down trees and not even use them?"

The world is full of assholes. The key is, don't be one of them.

This Is Why Statistics Suck

2006-09-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

I read this yahoo article. It says that New York is the safest city. It ranked Los Angeles and Houston in the top ten. What a load of CR@P! So there is only one crime per every 37 people but do you know how many people live in New York? Over 9 million. That makes an outrageous number of crimes per year in my eyes. I would much rather live in a smaller city with less than a million population that has 1 crime per every 12 citizens. NY=243,243 crimes per year. A city with a population of 1,000,000 at a crime rate of 1:12 = 83,333 crime per year. I don't see how NY is safer. This is just the way I see it folks.

New Quotes & Home Life

2006-09-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

I put up new quotes on the sidebar. Things are going better at home since the kids were in school all day yesterday and Mr. Daphnewood was on call. It is amazing what a little breathing room can do. Sometimes I think that people weren't meant to live so many to one house but when I look at other homes, ours is not all that big. Someday, I know it will be just me and the hubby. That will be good in someways but lonely in others. So for now I will choose to count my blessings instead of curses.

All On Edge

2006-09-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone in my house has been acting weird lately. They are so short tempered. Last night my mom threw hissy fit at the dinner table and I am still not sure what for. It had something to do with the placement of an end table in the livingroom. Or maybe that the grapefruit juice is almost all gone. I'm not sure. Mr. Daphnewood has been yelling at Little Man for doing normal "boy stuff" that doesn't usually bother him. You know things like singing obnoxious songs over and over again or leaving the latest invention all over the floor. Normally, he would just say "hey Little Man, pick that stuff up, would ya?" and that would be it. Not lately though. And Mouse has been really really cranky too. M-Boy is talking back and I am just fed up with it all. So my house is not a happy place. We are going to California on friday so hopefully the break will help. My hubby will have the house all to himself for a week. The kids will get to run and play at Disneyland for a couple of days. And my mom will get to stay in California for two months away from this crazy house. I think it is perfect therapy for us all.

Just Some Things On My Mind

2006-09-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a lot of piondering lately. Mostly because of things I have read on various blogs. Here is what I have been thinking. Feel free to jump in with your views at anytime!

Television
I haven't had cable or network TV since becoming a mom (1991). Well I did have AFN in Germany but then when we moved stateside in 1993 we never installed TV. I have a televsion and DVD's but I think it is nice to not schedule my life around the tv guide. I do buy CSI and Simpsons on DVD but that is it. I have never seen an entire episode of Friends. I have seen a few Seinfeld episodes at other people's homes. Those are funny. But I know so many people who cannot sleep without the tv on. That is just freaky to me. Maybe I am the freak. I did kind of wish I had ESPN earlier this year but not anymore. I just pay for my Astros games on MLB.TV.

Marriage
I am 36 years old and at one point in my life I thought that I knew what women wanted out of life. I have learned that I only know what the THIS woman (me) wants out of life and only sometimes. Women are so different nowadays. I just wanted a man that would be honest and loyal but now, I have met so many women that are the primary bread winners of the house and want a man to stay home with the kids. There is nothing wrong with that, it is just different. It's just not what I am used to. However, with 65% of all college graduates being female, the power switch was bound to happen.

Religion
Americans are religious people. No two religions are exactly the same yet none of them are that far off from each other either. I wonder why people fight about it so fervently? I learned about Mennonites this afternoon. Nice pleasant branch of Christianity but pacifism is a big part of their doctrine. Not me. Fry those suckers in Huntsville. Okay maybe I am not that wicked but I do believe there is a time for peace and a time for war. Right now, I am getting sick of war. Totally, completely and utterly sick of war.

*edit* not all branches of Mennonites are pacifists. See Tim's response. Sorry Tim!

Humor
Where would the world be without it? Why can't some people laugh? I just don't understand those people that find every joke ever told offensive. My gosh, life must really suck for those individuals.

Steve Irwin and his death video
on youtube.com people put up bits of video footage of stingrays and claim it is the Steve Irwin death video. Then they rip people apart for wanting to see something like that. They call people sick and horrible for wanting to see him die. I don't look at it that way at all. I know when I saw all of those people die WHILE NEWS CAMERAS FILMED them jumping out of the twin towers I cried like a baby yet I couldn't look away. It seemed to me that if I looked away then I wasn't bonding with the person. Like they weren't alone in their final moments. Oh I am sure there are some sick people who just like to watch people die but for me, it isn't that at all.

enough pondering for today.

Roadkill Or Grocery Dumping?

2006-09-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

I was at Union Station this week and saw a raw, smashed featherless chicken just laying in the parking lot. It had no head, no feathers but no packaging either. There was no paper around or near it. It looked like it had been run over a few times as well. So my question is, who cleans this up? Does animal control come out to collect a carcass or is it just mere trash that the janitor can throw away? Who would you call? I just left it.