In fact, happier all the time. The more I get to know the people I'm working with, the more excited I get about the future and what God's doing.
The temperament I have been blessed with has meant that I experience life in vivid shades... there are few pastels in my life. The highs are incalculably high and the lows are desperately low, and the in-betweens zip by rapidly. For the photogs among you, it's like the saturation and contrast have both been turned way, way up.
Occasionally in my life there have been very long, long plateaus, where things have been dry and flavorless. In those times, I can be convinced to appreciate the subtle shades of grey, but eventually I simply MUST have color. I feel as though I landed in Oz last November, and everything is colorful again. Not everything has been PLEASANT... but at least there's color... and even though there have been some deep lows, there have been some stratospheric highs as well. I think I prefer the up-and-down to the eternal sameness.
New projects and unexpected challenges have met me around this bend in the road.
I think sometimes when a colorful person is stuck in grayscale, there are a couple of responses. Either the person subjugates her personhood and pretends to enjoy it, or she becomes bitter and miserable. I was released from that cloud into incandescent newness, and I won't be packed back into the wet woollen blanket again. There are a few people around me in this new place who, like C.S. Lewis' dwarves in The Last Battle, seem unable to see the beauty around them and instead sit grumpily in small groups, complaining... stuck in that miserable smelly place. A few others around me are drifting around, enveloped in false cheer, but also completely unable to enjoy the presence of the Living and Active God among us.
Briefly for a couple of weeks recently, I detoured and almost slipped back into the old role... but I am grateful to a few wonderful friends who have been more than encouraging to me, who now know the Real Me and want Me to stick around: Rick, Cindy, Steve & Jill, Jeff, Tim, Amy -- thanks. I'm in debt to you all.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Carnival of the recipes
Hey, folks, I'm hosting the Carnival this week! Woohoo! Send in a recipe, why don't you?
Here is the e-mail address to send in your recipe, and I'll compile all of them into one big post on Friday morning. If you have a blog, post your recipe to your own blog and then e-mail me the link to your recipe post. If you don't have a blog, you can just submit your recipe and I'll post it as is.
Here is the e-mail address to send in your recipe, and I'll compile all of them into one big post on Friday morning. If you have a blog, post your recipe to your own blog and then e-mail me the link to your recipe post. If you don't have a blog, you can just submit your recipe and I'll post it as is.
COOL!
I wish I could wear stuff like this t-shirt... plus it would be somewhat less painful than actually getting the tattoos. What a fun idea to make "tattoo" clothes that make it look like you're all inked up!
Prejudiced?
Heck, yeah. I'm prejudiced. So are you.
I often hear things like "Prejudice of any kind is wrong." But is that true?
I find out someone's been a child molester, but he's been "clean" for twenty years. I'm sorry. I still don't leave him alone with my kid. I'm prejudiced against him.
Prejudice without logical reason can be wrong. But if I have a legitimate reason for pre-judging someone, it isn't wrong.
I can't donate blood, because the Red Cross discriminates against me. I travel to Haiti from time to time, which eliminates me from their donor pool. No, I don't travel there for prurient pleasure, nor do I engage in risky behavior such as IV drug use. But it's just easier for the Red Cross to keep every Haiti-traveler out of the pool of possible donors because of the remote possibility that I might be carrying one of the diseases that is rampant in that country. No, it's not fair -- why, they could simply test my blood to determine that I'm disease-free. But that's not cost-effective. Much easier just to say No to me and others like me.
It's not only OKAY to be prejudiced or discriminatory about some things, it's necessary for existence. You are prejudiced against eating meat that's been sitting unrefrigerated, right? Or maybe you don't like broccoli, so you don't eat it -- you're discriminating against it.
It is far too easy to make sweeping statements about "prejudice" and sound rather righteous and tolerant. One of the most annoying things about the run-of-the-mill Left in this country is the fact that they truly believe that their beliefs are the only legitimate ones. Most right-wingers I know are not like that -- while they don't agree with leftys, they'll defend the lefty's right to believe what they do. Left-wingers don't often afford us that. Who's intolerant here?
Jeff at TrainOrphans is fairly left of center in his belief system... and occasionally it comes out in his posts or his photographs. I understand this. But there are things that he and I have in common -- particularly the intense value and appreciation of beautiful and visually-interesting things. He knows I'm fairly right of center, but he has blog-rolled me (and I him) because we do share some of the same passions and interests. AND I do think that he probably understands that I believe the way I believe (politically) and that it's a legitimate belief, just as his is (although he might disagree with it). Just because I'm a Conservative doesn't mean I'm a bad person.
Let's start arguing IDEAS instead of being nasty to PEOPLE, how about?
I often hear things like "Prejudice of any kind is wrong." But is that true?
I find out someone's been a child molester, but he's been "clean" for twenty years. I'm sorry. I still don't leave him alone with my kid. I'm prejudiced against him.
Prejudice without logical reason can be wrong. But if I have a legitimate reason for pre-judging someone, it isn't wrong.
I can't donate blood, because the Red Cross discriminates against me. I travel to Haiti from time to time, which eliminates me from their donor pool. No, I don't travel there for prurient pleasure, nor do I engage in risky behavior such as IV drug use. But it's just easier for the Red Cross to keep every Haiti-traveler out of the pool of possible donors because of the remote possibility that I might be carrying one of the diseases that is rampant in that country. No, it's not fair -- why, they could simply test my blood to determine that I'm disease-free. But that's not cost-effective. Much easier just to say No to me and others like me.
It's not only OKAY to be prejudiced or discriminatory about some things, it's necessary for existence. You are prejudiced against eating meat that's been sitting unrefrigerated, right? Or maybe you don't like broccoli, so you don't eat it -- you're discriminating against it.
It is far too easy to make sweeping statements about "prejudice" and sound rather righteous and tolerant. One of the most annoying things about the run-of-the-mill Left in this country is the fact that they truly believe that their beliefs are the only legitimate ones. Most right-wingers I know are not like that -- while they don't agree with leftys, they'll defend the lefty's right to believe what they do. Left-wingers don't often afford us that. Who's intolerant here?
Jeff at TrainOrphans is fairly left of center in his belief system... and occasionally it comes out in his posts or his photographs. I understand this. But there are things that he and I have in common -- particularly the intense value and appreciation of beautiful and visually-interesting things. He knows I'm fairly right of center, but he has blog-rolled me (and I him) because we do share some of the same passions and interests. AND I do think that he probably understands that I believe the way I believe (politically) and that it's a legitimate belief, just as his is (although he might disagree with it). Just because I'm a Conservative doesn't mean I'm a bad person.
Let's start arguing IDEAS instead of being nasty to PEOPLE, how about?
Please give these guys extensive counseling
While they're in prison, of course. Torturing animals is indicative of some serious psychological problems.
TheIowaChannel.com - News - Teens Face Charges In Possum-Burning Case
TheIowaChannel.com - News - Teens Face Charges In Possum-Burning Case
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Three teens were charged with animal torture after police said they lit two possums on fire and videotaped the incident.
David Lee Bendickson, Anthony Robert Herrington and Kevin Calderon, all 19 years old, were charged with two counts of animal torture, according to a news release from the Webster County Sheriff's Office.
They face a fine of up to $5,000 and/or two years in prison.
The teens are free on bail.
What You'll Wish You'd Known
Thanks to Pugs Of War for this one... it's great stuff. Should be required reading.
What You'll Wish You'd Known
A quote I'm especially fond of:
What You'll Wish You'd Known
A quote I'm especially fond of:
A day job is one you take to pay the bills so you can do what you really want, like play in a band, or invent relativity.
Treating high school as a day job might actually make it easier for some students to get good grades. If you treat your classes as a game, you won't be demoralized if they seem pointless.
However bad your classes [may be], you need to get good grades in them to get into a decent college. And that is worth doing, because universities are where a lot of the clumps of smart people are these days.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Studio time
SoulFire (sans A.J., unfortunately, 'cuz he had to work overtime) went to the studio tonight to listen to the final mix of our upcoming CD. People, it sounds amazing.
Wanna see the cover?
Cool, huh?
Wanna see the cover?
Cool, huh?
News from the oppressed
INDIA
Eleven Christian families in Maharashtra state, India have lodged an official complaint of sexual assault carried out by Hindu villagers. On May 15th, the families were summoned to a community court and asked to give up their faith. When they refused, the men were severely beaten and the women were sexually assaulted. When the Christians lodged an official complaint on May 18th, Hindu villagers lodged a counter complaint, accusing them of desecrating Hindu idols. Seven Hindu and 13 Christian villagers were arrested and later released on bail; both groups are now seeking legal advice. Meanwhile, Hindu villagers met on June 12th, with nine neighboring villages and asked them to socially ostracize the Christian families. The families have been banned from using public wells and shopping at local food stores.
On June 4th, a government official in Orissa, India ordered the demolition of a Christian settlement "within 48 hours" to make way for a boating park to attract tourists to the area. However due to a public outcry, an interim order was passed on June 6th, delaying the demolition until the monsoon season had passed. Christians say the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a radical Hindu group, held a paramilitary training camp in the town from June 2nd to 4th, attended by some of the state ministers; this may be connected with the demolition order. "The administration is trying to harass the minority Christian community," the Rt. Rev. Aman Khosola alleged.
INDONESIA
A Muslim council has accused three Indonesian women of attempting to convert Muslim children under the guise of a Christian education program. Dr. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun were arrested on May 13th, and eventually taken to the Indramayu State Prison in West Java, where they await trial. If convicted of breaching the Child Protection Law, they could each face a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to 100,000,000 rupees ($103,600). A lawyer acting for the local Majelis Ulama Indonesia council asked that bail be refused for the women. Meanwhile, lawyers are preparing for a trial that could make headlines in a nation still clearly divided along religious lines.
IRAN
Iran's Islamic Revolution of 1979 has not produced the Islamic paradise it envisioned. Since the revolution, unemployment has soared, inflation is high, and poverty is widespread. The religious repression and economic recession have been paralleled by social deterioration: frustration, despair, homelessness, prostitution, drug addiction, suicide and AIDS are widespread. Iran is ruled by a supreme leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei, and 12 Ayatollahs as a Council of Guardians who may reject any legislation they deem "un-Islamic." On Friday, June 17th, Iranians voted in Iran's 7th Presidential elections, from which all female candidates were excluded. Anger and hopelessness led many reformists and women to boycott the polls, while Islamic and anti-American zeal, plus the mobilizing efforts of the Basij Islamic militia brought the conservatives out in force. The moderate candidate was soundly defeated, and the runner-up is even more committed to fundamental Islam than Hashemi Rafsanjani, the incumbent appointed by Ayatollah Khamenei, who is expected to win in a run-off election.
SRI LANKA
With an anti-conversion law being considered by the country's Parliament, Christians are facing renewed violence and intimidation. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the Assemblies of God (AG) Church in Ambalangoda, located in the Galle district, south of Colombo, was attacked with rocks, stones and bottles filled with sand on June 5th. The next morning, a crowd of about 100 people shouting threats surrounded the church. Armed with iron rods, shovels, swords and other weapons, the mob brutally assaulted the pastor and two church members. One person was seriously injured, and all three are now in a hospital being treated for their injuries. There are fears that the mob may return to attack the church again. Elsewhere, on May 29th, a crowd of about 100 people and a local Buddhist monk disrupted a prayer meeting at Kithu Sevana Church, located in the Kurunegala district, northeast of Colombo. Christian villagers were threatened and warned to stop their meetings. Due to concern over another attack, the next prayer meeting, scheduled for June 5th, was canceled.
=============
You can read more about this sort of thing at Voice of the Martyrs.
Eleven Christian families in Maharashtra state, India have lodged an official complaint of sexual assault carried out by Hindu villagers. On May 15th, the families were summoned to a community court and asked to give up their faith. When they refused, the men were severely beaten and the women were sexually assaulted. When the Christians lodged an official complaint on May 18th, Hindu villagers lodged a counter complaint, accusing them of desecrating Hindu idols. Seven Hindu and 13 Christian villagers were arrested and later released on bail; both groups are now seeking legal advice. Meanwhile, Hindu villagers met on June 12th, with nine neighboring villages and asked them to socially ostracize the Christian families. The families have been banned from using public wells and shopping at local food stores.
On June 4th, a government official in Orissa, India ordered the demolition of a Christian settlement "within 48 hours" to make way for a boating park to attract tourists to the area. However due to a public outcry, an interim order was passed on June 6th, delaying the demolition until the monsoon season had passed. Christians say the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a radical Hindu group, held a paramilitary training camp in the town from June 2nd to 4th, attended by some of the state ministers; this may be connected with the demolition order. "The administration is trying to harass the minority Christian community," the Rt. Rev. Aman Khosola alleged.
INDONESIA
A Muslim council has accused three Indonesian women of attempting to convert Muslim children under the guise of a Christian education program. Dr. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun were arrested on May 13th, and eventually taken to the Indramayu State Prison in West Java, where they await trial. If convicted of breaching the Child Protection Law, they could each face a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to 100,000,000 rupees ($103,600). A lawyer acting for the local Majelis Ulama Indonesia council asked that bail be refused for the women. Meanwhile, lawyers are preparing for a trial that could make headlines in a nation still clearly divided along religious lines.
IRAN
Iran's Islamic Revolution of 1979 has not produced the Islamic paradise it envisioned. Since the revolution, unemployment has soared, inflation is high, and poverty is widespread. The religious repression and economic recession have been paralleled by social deterioration: frustration, despair, homelessness, prostitution, drug addiction, suicide and AIDS are widespread. Iran is ruled by a supreme leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei, and 12 Ayatollahs as a Council of Guardians who may reject any legislation they deem "un-Islamic." On Friday, June 17th, Iranians voted in Iran's 7th Presidential elections, from which all female candidates were excluded. Anger and hopelessness led many reformists and women to boycott the polls, while Islamic and anti-American zeal, plus the mobilizing efforts of the Basij Islamic militia brought the conservatives out in force. The moderate candidate was soundly defeated, and the runner-up is even more committed to fundamental Islam than Hashemi Rafsanjani, the incumbent appointed by Ayatollah Khamenei, who is expected to win in a run-off election.
SRI LANKA
With an anti-conversion law being considered by the country's Parliament, Christians are facing renewed violence and intimidation. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the Assemblies of God (AG) Church in Ambalangoda, located in the Galle district, south of Colombo, was attacked with rocks, stones and bottles filled with sand on June 5th. The next morning, a crowd of about 100 people shouting threats surrounded the church. Armed with iron rods, shovels, swords and other weapons, the mob brutally assaulted the pastor and two church members. One person was seriously injured, and all three are now in a hospital being treated for their injuries. There are fears that the mob may return to attack the church again. Elsewhere, on May 29th, a crowd of about 100 people and a local Buddhist monk disrupted a prayer meeting at Kithu Sevana Church, located in the Kurunegala district, northeast of Colombo. Christian villagers were threatened and warned to stop their meetings. Due to concern over another attack, the next prayer meeting, scheduled for June 5th, was canceled.
=============
You can read more about this sort of thing at Voice of the Martyrs.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Who am I?
I know this has been oft repeated, but I felt like posting it here today anyway. It came from an Apple Computer advertisement, and I like it.
The youth leader at church last night talked about how prone we often are to "changing" ourselves in order to please others or to "fit in" with some crowd. Now, I think he might've actually meant to encourage the kids not to go along with stuff they know isn't right for them to do... but I heard it and knew he was right on an even deeper level than that. If God made you artistic, creative, unconventional, or out-of-the-box, then you shouldn't be ashamed of that.
I tried for many years to be a typical "homeschool mom" type (you know, the one you always see wearing a denim jumper dress, with six stairstepped children dressed alike, etc.). I thought that to be really acceptable, I should probably grind my own wheat and make my own bread, make all my own AND the children's clothes, and spend my days cleaning house and planning nutritious meals for my family. As you can imagine, I wasn't terribly successful at that.
One of my most notable personality traits is the ability to temporarily "morph" to fit whoever I'm with or whatever I want to be... unfortunately, in many cases it means I try to become something I'm not, in order to somehow make myself acceptable to someone I respect or admire in some way.
In the last few years, however, I have come to a better understanding of who I am... stemming from a better understanding of who God is. No, I don't claim to know God completely, not by any stretch. But I know Him better than I used to, and He's not who I thought He was ten years ago. I simply asked Him to teach me about Himself... to show Himself to me. And He has been... little by little, I have seen more facets of His personality, and I am deeply moved by who He is.
And in the process, He has also shown me a clearer picture of who I am, and that it's not only OKAY to be who I am, but that He INTENDED for me to be who I am because He MADE ME LIKE THIS.
That's also not to say that I am perfect the way I am... I was also born with a tendency to sin. But being creative is not a sin. Being artistic is not a sin. Being funky and eccentric is not a sin. Loving God with reckless abandon, without a thought to what's next... that's not a sin, either. That's just me. And I suspect He likes me that way.
Here's to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They're not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them,
Disbelieve them, glorify them or villify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal.
They explore. They create. They inspire.
They push the human race forward.
Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that's never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.
Because while some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
And it's people who are crazy enough to think they can
Change the world,
Who actually do.
Think different.
The youth leader at church last night talked about how prone we often are to "changing" ourselves in order to please others or to "fit in" with some crowd. Now, I think he might've actually meant to encourage the kids not to go along with stuff they know isn't right for them to do... but I heard it and knew he was right on an even deeper level than that. If God made you artistic, creative, unconventional, or out-of-the-box, then you shouldn't be ashamed of that.
I tried for many years to be a typical "homeschool mom" type (you know, the one you always see wearing a denim jumper dress, with six stairstepped children dressed alike, etc.). I thought that to be really acceptable, I should probably grind my own wheat and make my own bread, make all my own AND the children's clothes, and spend my days cleaning house and planning nutritious meals for my family. As you can imagine, I wasn't terribly successful at that.
One of my most notable personality traits is the ability to temporarily "morph" to fit whoever I'm with or whatever I want to be... unfortunately, in many cases it means I try to become something I'm not, in order to somehow make myself acceptable to someone I respect or admire in some way.
In the last few years, however, I have come to a better understanding of who I am... stemming from a better understanding of who God is. No, I don't claim to know God completely, not by any stretch. But I know Him better than I used to, and He's not who I thought He was ten years ago. I simply asked Him to teach me about Himself... to show Himself to me. And He has been... little by little, I have seen more facets of His personality, and I am deeply moved by who He is.
And in the process, He has also shown me a clearer picture of who I am, and that it's not only OKAY to be who I am, but that He INTENDED for me to be who I am because He MADE ME LIKE THIS.
That's also not to say that I am perfect the way I am... I was also born with a tendency to sin. But being creative is not a sin. Being artistic is not a sin. Being funky and eccentric is not a sin. Loving God with reckless abandon, without a thought to what's next... that's not a sin, either. That's just me. And I suspect He likes me that way.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!
I can't remember if I've mentioned before just how much I love my church...? So just in case I haven't told you, let me tell you now. I actually get to make music with some incredibly awesome and humble and talented people... I get to pray with them, worship with them, and share friendship with them. Even though I haven't known them a year yet, I've already formed a deep kinship with a few of them that seems to have been forged over a lifetime. I don't know how far God intends us to all walk together, but I'm in it for as long as that is.
Even though yesterday's gig at Praisefest was shorter than we had intended, it was still fun. I even got to have a pimento-cheese sandwich for lunch at Jeff & Linda's house. I hadn't had a pimento-cheese sandwich in years, but I used to eat them all the time when I was a kid. I also got a chance to chat with Jeff about ideas for worship and church and stuff. I have been grieved that the "Worship" page on FCC's web site has NOTHING on it, so I'm going to try to rectify that if I can. Stay tuned for further developments on that front. We should at least be able to access the rotation schedule so people on the team can check to see when they're on. I'd also like to see a few pictures and a description or a vision statement, something along those lines. I hope to be able to put some of Jeff's songs up on the site as MP3s, too.
Both morning services today went great -- no broken strings or electrical problems, and the sound mix in my monitor was perfect. I don't generally complain, since I'm just so doggone grateful that I have a monitor, much less that it's an extremely nice one on the floor and not a cheap HotSpot on a stand. So if the mix of sound isn't just right, I don't fuss. Of course, Mikey (sound tech for SoulFire) has this uncanny ability to know when my mix isn't exactly right and says, "Kris, what do you need?" and then he fixes it. Sometimes all I have to do is glance at the sound booth and he automatically knows exactly what to do. I've never worked with a sound guy like him... and it's not as though any of the other sound guys aren't super-nice and accommodating and all. Tom, Slim, Steve; I get along with all of them just fine. I guess that when you spend time working with someone on a regular basis like Mikey, you just sort-of build a rapport that works.
Tonight was SoulFire's last time to play together (at church) as an intact group before Amy leaves for three months in Brazil. Next week is the July 4th holiday, and the week after that is the FunFest, so there won't be any youth group meeting. We do, however, still get to play together at the Ankeny Summerfest on July 9th in the parking lot of Ankeny E-Free Church. Hopefully our CD will be done and ready to go by then!! Amy gets back from Brazil at the end of October. We do have a few gigs already lined up while she's gone (Frank is subbing for her), but we're not scheduling any others until 2006. Hopefully we'll all get to spend a leetle extra time with our families, and we're also hoping to spend some time training some of the youth in the youth group at FCC to take over and lead their own group. After that, who knows? The sky's the limit with these guys. They're incredibly talented.
Tuesday we're all going back to the recording studio one more time to listen to the final mix and give our stamp of approval... wahoo! They're all coming over here so I can feed them supper before we go, though. I love these guys to pieces. I don't really feel like an outsider much anymore; obviously there are experiences that they've all shared together that I will never be part of, but that's okay. God brought us together in His time, for His purposes, and that's enough for me.
We're really hoping to be able to take a trip to Brazil next April as a band... now THAT will be an interesting endeavor. They've done it before, of course -- it's how they got their start as SoulFire. I've certainly never traveled with all kinds of equipment and stuff, though I absolutely LOVE traveling, especially out of the country. It's always such a cool adventure, with new twists and unexpected turns everywhere. Control-freak people wouldn't last long in my world, that's certain, because I don't get agitated by the unknown and unpredictable. Heck, every day of my life is an adventure into the unknown for me because I can't remember what I'm supposed to be doing half the time anyway. It certainly makes for fun, though, because stuff happens that I could never have planned on my own. Trusting God isn't as hard for me as for some people, because I'm the first one to admit I have no idea what's going on and no control over it anyway. My personal struggles have more to do with discipline and temptation than with trust. Being easily distracted also means I'm easily tempted.
Monday morning tomorrow... and a load of stuff to get done this week. I'm flying to Big D on Friday to meet up with the rest of the fam for the big reunion.
Even though yesterday's gig at Praisefest was shorter than we had intended, it was still fun. I even got to have a pimento-cheese sandwich for lunch at Jeff & Linda's house. I hadn't had a pimento-cheese sandwich in years, but I used to eat them all the time when I was a kid. I also got a chance to chat with Jeff about ideas for worship and church and stuff. I have been grieved that the "Worship" page on FCC's web site has NOTHING on it, so I'm going to try to rectify that if I can. Stay tuned for further developments on that front. We should at least be able to access the rotation schedule so people on the team can check to see when they're on. I'd also like to see a few pictures and a description or a vision statement, something along those lines. I hope to be able to put some of Jeff's songs up on the site as MP3s, too.
Both morning services today went great -- no broken strings or electrical problems, and the sound mix in my monitor was perfect. I don't generally complain, since I'm just so doggone grateful that I have a monitor, much less that it's an extremely nice one on the floor and not a cheap HotSpot on a stand. So if the mix of sound isn't just right, I don't fuss. Of course, Mikey (sound tech for SoulFire) has this uncanny ability to know when my mix isn't exactly right and says, "Kris, what do you need?" and then he fixes it. Sometimes all I have to do is glance at the sound booth and he automatically knows exactly what to do. I've never worked with a sound guy like him... and it's not as though any of the other sound guys aren't super-nice and accommodating and all. Tom, Slim, Steve; I get along with all of them just fine. I guess that when you spend time working with someone on a regular basis like Mikey, you just sort-of build a rapport that works.
Tonight was SoulFire's last time to play together (at church) as an intact group before Amy leaves for three months in Brazil. Next week is the July 4th holiday, and the week after that is the FunFest, so there won't be any youth group meeting. We do, however, still get to play together at the Ankeny Summerfest on July 9th in the parking lot of Ankeny E-Free Church. Hopefully our CD will be done and ready to go by then!! Amy gets back from Brazil at the end of October. We do have a few gigs already lined up while she's gone (Frank is subbing for her), but we're not scheduling any others until 2006. Hopefully we'll all get to spend a leetle extra time with our families, and we're also hoping to spend some time training some of the youth in the youth group at FCC to take over and lead their own group. After that, who knows? The sky's the limit with these guys. They're incredibly talented.
Tuesday we're all going back to the recording studio one more time to listen to the final mix and give our stamp of approval... wahoo! They're all coming over here so I can feed them supper before we go, though. I love these guys to pieces. I don't really feel like an outsider much anymore; obviously there are experiences that they've all shared together that I will never be part of, but that's okay. God brought us together in His time, for His purposes, and that's enough for me.
We're really hoping to be able to take a trip to Brazil next April as a band... now THAT will be an interesting endeavor. They've done it before, of course -- it's how they got their start as SoulFire. I've certainly never traveled with all kinds of equipment and stuff, though I absolutely LOVE traveling, especially out of the country. It's always such a cool adventure, with new twists and unexpected turns everywhere. Control-freak people wouldn't last long in my world, that's certain, because I don't get agitated by the unknown and unpredictable. Heck, every day of my life is an adventure into the unknown for me because I can't remember what I'm supposed to be doing half the time anyway. It certainly makes for fun, though, because stuff happens that I could never have planned on my own. Trusting God isn't as hard for me as for some people, because I'm the first one to admit I have no idea what's going on and no control over it anyway. My personal struggles have more to do with discipline and temptation than with trust. Being easily distracted also means I'm easily tempted.
Monday morning tomorrow... and a load of stuff to get done this week. I'm flying to Big D on Friday to meet up with the rest of the fam for the big reunion.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Sunny and humid
The rain cleared off and we had sunshine and 600% humidity... and, of course, the setup crew got a late start, so the first band got a late start. Unfortunately, RomansRoad didn't have the luxury of a late start, so we had to curtail our set enormously. Neal had a wedding to do (read: PAYING GIG) with Red Rock, so we just did five songs and then cut it short. I still enjoyed myself; I just love getting to do that kind of thing.
Afterwards I went back up to the hospital to provide some decent food to someone languishing on a cardiac ward who gets served these "heart-friendly" meals that she doesn't require and wouldn't eat if there was nothing left to eat on the earth... no salt, no flavor, BLECH. Anyway, I wanted to play the CD for her that we recorded (got the problem fixed, hooray!), and she loved it -- just as I knew she would. I'll try to post it tonight if I get a chance.
Afterwards I went back up to the hospital to provide some decent food to someone languishing on a cardiac ward who gets served these "heart-friendly" meals that she doesn't require and wouldn't eat if there was nothing left to eat on the earth... no salt, no flavor, BLECH. Anyway, I wanted to play the CD for her that we recorded (got the problem fixed, hooray!), and she loved it -- just as I knew she would. I'll try to post it tonight if I get a chance.
Ugh, rain
Yes, we needed the rain very badly, but it tends to put the kibosh on outdoor music events such as the one RomansRoad is scheduled to do today. [sigh]
Take the survey or the geek gets it.
MIT is doing a study on weblogs. I learned about this on Lair Simon's blog and thought it sounded fun. I will be interested in what their study turns up.
Hospital blogging?
I was supposed to be spending the night at the hospital again tonight, but she was sleeping so peacefully and I had so much computer work to do that I decided to pack it up and go home to work. I had my laptop there with me in the room, but I needed the internet and the printer, neither of which are available to me there.
It would be kind of me to say that her day nurse today was incompetent. My pal said that if you walked down the street to the QuikTrip and brought back the clerk there, they would've probably been able to do a better job. Thankfully, the night nurse last night was top-notch and knew his stuff, and the afternoon nurse seemed very nice as well.
Can anyone explain to me why there's such a nursing shortage these days? And how someone so dense could possibly pass an RN course? Just asking, of course.
It would be kind of me to say that her day nurse today was incompetent. My pal said that if you walked down the street to the QuikTrip and brought back the clerk there, they would've probably been able to do a better job. Thankfully, the night nurse last night was top-notch and knew his stuff, and the afternoon nurse seemed very nice as well.
Can anyone explain to me why there's such a nursing shortage these days? And how someone so dense could possibly pass an RN course? Just asking, of course.
Dogblogging
I've been playing tug o'war and fetch with Bijou tonight. She has a Teeny-Beanie birthday bear that she totes around the house and gnaws on, and when she wants to play, she brings it to you and lays it at your feet. I'm tied up at the computer, so I used my toe-grab skilz and tossed the bear for her to fetch. I'm getting pretty accurate with my toe-throws. And Bijou is such a sweet lil' doggie; she doesn't seem to mind the half-hearted attention. I try to throw in a little menacing growl while I'm tugging on the bear as well, just for grins. I think she appreciates it, since she usually provides a few growls of her own to answer mine.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Allllllllmost...
I had sincerely hoped to have the chance to post Jeff's new song here tonight; he played it at practice, and Slim recorded it and gave me the CD to take home. But when I got it home, I couldn't get my laptop or any of my CD players to recognize the format. I'm going to be back up at church tomorrow morning to load up the keyboards to take them to the RomansRoad gig, so I'm hoping we can put it back into the sound system there (where it worked just fine when we recorded it tonight) and maybe figure out what the deal is.
Pshaw!
The test wasn't too difficult; it was exactly the things I had studied. I think I did okay on it. There were only a couple I wasn't totally certain about, but used the process of elimination and hopefully ended up with the right answers.
Ten minutes. That's how long it took me. Yeah, I'm a really REALLY fast test-taker. Always have been; just ask Joe -- she remembers.
I may lack in the ability to focus and see a task through to the finish (especially if it's boring), but I can pass tests.
Ten minutes. That's how long it took me. Yeah, I'm a really REALLY fast test-taker. Always have been; just ask Joe -- she remembers.
I may lack in the ability to focus and see a task through to the finish (especially if it's boring), but I can pass tests.
Hospital blogging
As I was walking down the main hallway of the hospital this morning, I encountered three individuals of advanced age who were stopped in the middle of the hall, chatting with one another. One was a man, very natty and dapper in appearance, and the other two were ladies. The man turned to one woman and pointed to the other.
"I wanted to marry her when we were younger, but I think she wouldn't marry me because I was a Methodist."
The woman retorted, "No, it was because you were a Republican."
------------------
In every hospital I've ever been in, in the intake area where they get you prepped before they take you to surgery, you wait in a little "stall," sitting in a recliner, and each stall is separated by those curtains on tracks that you pull around to give yourself a bit of privacy. This often lends itself to unintentional eavesdropping on conversations you really did NOT want to hear in the first place.
In the next stall, a doctor who resembled a cross between Beaker and Gonzo came ambling over to speak to his patient and her family. "Sorry it's taken so long. We've had a lot of patients today. Thanks for being patient."
I smothered a smirk. He went on. "I'm going to have the tech do your procedure. She's been doing a real good job this morning. She's a graduate of the University of Iowa. I'll be over in my office, should anything come up." He stood up, looked around confusedly and said, "Okay, now where's my stethoscope?"
--------------
We've seen an inordinate number of people with hair issues today... from a truly awful home highlighting job to a strange top-only coloring accident. Now I'm not talking about the on-purpose odd mixes like the Christina Aguilera blonde-black thing; you can tell when things like that are on purpose and meant to be "cool." Even though they may look hideous, you know they mean for it to be that way. No, none of the bearers of bad hair were the sort of people who would wear that kind of do. They all obviously thought they were quite lovely. One lady was sporting a VERY obvious Toni-Poni clip-on ponytail that did NOT match. Okay, enough mean-spirited sniping. A pair of girls HAVE to occupy themselves somehow while sitting in pre-op, y'know, and being catty is one thing we girls can do WELL.
--------------
Tonight's the first time I've had band practice that I didn't want to go. It has nothing to do with the band, though. I don't want to leave the hospital for even a little while, even though I know things are okay. I am going to require all my powers of focus (which can be rather scattered, as you might guess) to keep from completely making a mess of the music tonight. The one good thing is that I will be able to stop and grab some supper somewhere. I haven't really eaten anything since breakfast, and now it's 5:30 PM.
--------------
Now it's Friday morning and everything went well yesterday. I've got a test in my Drake class in 45 minutes, so I don't have time to do a longer post right now. Just wanted to let you know that it's all good. Thanks to those of you who prayed.
"I wanted to marry her when we were younger, but I think she wouldn't marry me because I was a Methodist."
The woman retorted, "No, it was because you were a Republican."
------------------
In every hospital I've ever been in, in the intake area where they get you prepped before they take you to surgery, you wait in a little "stall," sitting in a recliner, and each stall is separated by those curtains on tracks that you pull around to give yourself a bit of privacy. This often lends itself to unintentional eavesdropping on conversations you really did NOT want to hear in the first place.
In the next stall, a doctor who resembled a cross between Beaker and Gonzo came ambling over to speak to his patient and her family. "Sorry it's taken so long. We've had a lot of patients today. Thanks for being patient."
I smothered a smirk. He went on. "I'm going to have the tech do your procedure. She's been doing a real good job this morning. She's a graduate of the University of Iowa. I'll be over in my office, should anything come up." He stood up, looked around confusedly and said, "Okay, now where's my stethoscope?"
--------------
We've seen an inordinate number of people with hair issues today... from a truly awful home highlighting job to a strange top-only coloring accident. Now I'm not talking about the on-purpose odd mixes like the Christina Aguilera blonde-black thing; you can tell when things like that are on purpose and meant to be "cool." Even though they may look hideous, you know they mean for it to be that way. No, none of the bearers of bad hair were the sort of people who would wear that kind of do. They all obviously thought they were quite lovely. One lady was sporting a VERY obvious Toni-Poni clip-on ponytail that did NOT match. Okay, enough mean-spirited sniping. A pair of girls HAVE to occupy themselves somehow while sitting in pre-op, y'know, and being catty is one thing we girls can do WELL.
--------------
Tonight's the first time I've had band practice that I didn't want to go. It has nothing to do with the band, though. I don't want to leave the hospital for even a little while, even though I know things are okay. I am going to require all my powers of focus (which can be rather scattered, as you might guess) to keep from completely making a mess of the music tonight. The one good thing is that I will be able to stop and grab some supper somewhere. I haven't really eaten anything since breakfast, and now it's 5:30 PM.
--------------
Now it's Friday morning and everything went well yesterday. I've got a test in my Drake class in 45 minutes, so I don't have time to do a longer post right now. Just wanted to let you know that it's all good. Thanks to those of you who prayed.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
What's your design style?
I got an e-mail from HGTV telling me about a new quiz on their site. You answer 12 questions and they tell you what your "design style" is... how you like your home to look, etc. Here's my results:
Your style isWhat's Your Design Style?
ECCENTRIC
For you it's all about the mix. Any style is welcome in your world as long as it complements something else. You're drawn to funky interiors and eye-catching color combinations (think red and blue, orange and turquoise, purple and gold). You like contrasting patterns and unconventional architecture. You enjoy furnishings that remind you of your travels mixed with modern pieces and offbeat antiques.
Who Wants To Be A Pork Queen?
Who Wants To Be A Pork Queen?
Yeah, I think it would be exceptionally awesome to be known as the Pork Queen. Don't you think that that title evokes visions of loveliness?
No, actually, if we went by what the name actually sounds like, I'd probably qualify hands-down. But would I like to have that title affixed to me? Nah. I'm not ashamed of my shape -- it's just me, and despite innumerable attempts to alter it, I'm still shaped like I am. As Bruce Hornsby sings, "That's just the way it is."
And I think that Pork Ambassador is probably a much better choice, as is the idea of including young men in the competition. I think it's high time we start dispensing with the whole beauty-contest crapola anyway. I am beautiful, even though I'd never win one of those contests. There's way more to being beautiful than meeting up to some arbitrary standard of physical appearance.
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Times are tough for the Pork Queen. It seems there aren't many young women who want the title.
Now, pork industry officials in the hog heaven of Iowa are wondering if it's time to retire the queen.
Iowa has crowned a Pork Queen every year since 1960. But last year there were only 11 contestants.
One suggestion is to open the contest to guys, too. Instead of being Pork Queen, the title would be Pork Ambassador.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association, which sponsors the queen, is considering a contest makeover. Recommendations about the future of the Pork Queen will be presented at the association's annual meeting next January.
Yeah, I think it would be exceptionally awesome to be known as the Pork Queen. Don't you think that that title evokes visions of loveliness?
No, actually, if we went by what the name actually sounds like, I'd probably qualify hands-down. But would I like to have that title affixed to me? Nah. I'm not ashamed of my shape -- it's just me, and despite innumerable attempts to alter it, I'm still shaped like I am. As Bruce Hornsby sings, "That's just the way it is."
And I think that Pork Ambassador is probably a much better choice, as is the idea of including young men in the competition. I think it's high time we start dispensing with the whole beauty-contest crapola anyway. I am beautiful, even though I'd never win one of those contests. There's way more to being beautiful than meeting up to some arbitrary standard of physical appearance.
Teens torture possums
Tape Shows Teens Lighting Possums On Fire
Vile... I don't generally agree with anything PETA stands for, and of late they themselves have been known to perpetrate a little gruesomeness themselves. But this is beyond the rancorous disagreement between those who believe animals have exactly the same rights as humans, and those who believe they are put on earth for us to tend and manage to our benefit.
Cows in a slaughterhouse are not tortured before they are killed. Chickens may live in squalid, cramped conditions before being killed, but they aren't tortured and laughed-at by the handlers. It's a business. There are ways to do an animal in quickly, without undue fuss or prolonged suffering on the animal's part.
Torture is a symptom of a deeper, uglier thing.
Vile... I don't generally agree with anything PETA stands for, and of late they themselves have been known to perpetrate a little gruesomeness themselves. But this is beyond the rancorous disagreement between those who believe animals have exactly the same rights as humans, and those who believe they are put on earth for us to tend and manage to our benefit.
Cows in a slaughterhouse are not tortured before they are killed. Chickens may live in squalid, cramped conditions before being killed, but they aren't tortured and laughed-at by the handlers. It's a business. There are ways to do an animal in quickly, without undue fuss or prolonged suffering on the animal's part.
Torture is a symptom of a deeper, uglier thing.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Edmunds in the news
Board rethinks D.M. school plan
My pal was quoted in the article, but she was quoted incorrectly. Reporters are such nincompoops. It wasn't a hideous, damaging misquote or anything. But it was inaccurate.
She said that even when she used to work on the Hill (Capitol) (yes, THAT Hill), the WaPo used to misquote her all the time when she would talk to reporters on behalf of the Ag Secretary.
Considering all the problems that the MSM has been having lately, you'd think that reporters would try harder to get it right. Guess not. And it once again puts into a questioning light EVERYTHING I ever read in the Register or any other newspaper out there.
My pal was quoted in the article, but she was quoted incorrectly. Reporters are such nincompoops. It wasn't a hideous, damaging misquote or anything. But it was inaccurate.
She said that even when she used to work on the Hill (Capitol) (yes, THAT Hill), the WaPo used to misquote her all the time when she would talk to reporters on behalf of the Ag Secretary.
Considering all the problems that the MSM has been having lately, you'd think that reporters would try harder to get it right. Guess not. And it once again puts into a questioning light EVERYTHING I ever read in the Register or any other newspaper out there.
The BEST mouse trap EVER
Forget the better mousetrap. Get the BEST. This one's got 'em all beat.
D-Con Ultra Set Covered Mouse Trap
This little gem has caught five mice so far this spring. Once it nabs one, all I have to do is pick up the box and release the lever over the trash can. The little carcass drops neatly into the trash. You never touch it. Then you can re-set the trap and put it right back down. That's it.
UPDATE: Caught another one this morning. That's six now. I heart this mousetrap. If you're wondering why we have so many mice, it's because we live in a VERY old house (120 years old) and there are way too many little places where mice like to live and make baby mice. Plus, they're quite fond of Bijou's food dish. So we have started putting her food dish down only at certain times when we're in the kitchen, and then we put it away. I baited the trap with a little peanut butter and then stuck one little Iams nugget into the peanut butter. Apparently it's irresistible to mice. And the thing about this trap is that the mouse never gets to the bait before triggering the mechanism. So once I baited the trap, I have never had to re-bait it yet.
We have used the d-Con bait in the past, also with great success. The only drawback to it is that the mice die somewhere you can't get to, and then you have to smell it for a while. The bait boxes have been relegated to the cellar and the crawl spaces, since they won't be offensive there. And we use the trap in the kitchen.
UPDATE 2: Got another one! That makes seven. I LOVE THIS MOUSETRAP! Sorry, BlogDog, I don't think it's quite big enough to catch the little squinnies that are overrunning your yard... maybe you could suggest it to the d-Con people?
D-Con Ultra Set Covered Mouse Trap
This little gem has caught five mice so far this spring. Once it nabs one, all I have to do is pick up the box and release the lever over the trash can. The little carcass drops neatly into the trash. You never touch it. Then you can re-set the trap and put it right back down. That's it.
UPDATE: Caught another one this morning. That's six now. I heart this mousetrap. If you're wondering why we have so many mice, it's because we live in a VERY old house (120 years old) and there are way too many little places where mice like to live and make baby mice. Plus, they're quite fond of Bijou's food dish. So we have started putting her food dish down only at certain times when we're in the kitchen, and then we put it away. I baited the trap with a little peanut butter and then stuck one little Iams nugget into the peanut butter. Apparently it's irresistible to mice. And the thing about this trap is that the mouse never gets to the bait before triggering the mechanism. So once I baited the trap, I have never had to re-bait it yet.
We have used the d-Con bait in the past, also with great success. The only drawback to it is that the mice die somewhere you can't get to, and then you have to smell it for a while. The bait boxes have been relegated to the cellar and the crawl spaces, since they won't be offensive there. And we use the trap in the kitchen.
UPDATE 2: Got another one! That makes seven. I LOVE THIS MOUSETRAP! Sorry, BlogDog, I don't think it's quite big enough to catch the little squinnies that are overrunning your yard... maybe you could suggest it to the d-Con people?
Nice, quiet day
The only place I went today was class (which was great, by the way -- I didn't expect to like the class, but I do, even though it's really just the basics of what I already do).
This week is the first big test -- Friday. I am so thankful that I don't have any other classwork, at least not for another week. Next Tuesday is when my next University of Phoenix class starts up. I'll have to find a wi-fi location in Oklahoma where our reunion is going on, because part of class "attendance" grade is writing a substantive post to the main class newsgroup each day, and I do NOT want to miss any days if I don't absolutely have to.
Tomorrow my mom's having a biopsy to check on her heart transplant. Pray for a really good number (like, ZERO, for NO REJECTION).
This week is the first big test -- Friday. I am so thankful that I don't have any other classwork, at least not for another week. Next Tuesday is when my next University of Phoenix class starts up. I'll have to find a wi-fi location in Oklahoma where our reunion is going on, because part of class "attendance" grade is writing a substantive post to the main class newsgroup each day, and I do NOT want to miss any days if I don't absolutely have to.
Tomorrow my mom's having a biopsy to check on her heart transplant. Pray for a really good number (like, ZERO, for NO REJECTION).
Monday, June 20, 2005
Since I'm on a retro kick...
...I thought since I showed you some Famolare sandals, I should probably hunt down a photo of Yo-yo sandals as well.
These are pretty close to what I had. Mine had this exact same sole, but the straps were sort-of taupe in color and weren't braided.
I was VERY proud of my Yo-Yos and my Famolares... thinking back, I know my parents were really working hard (my mom was a teacher and my dad was in med school) and didn't have a lot of money to go around, so I know it was a sacrifice to spring for cool shoes like this. I didn't get everything I wanted, but Mom did manage to see to it that I didn't feel left out of little things like fashion.
These are pretty close to what I had. Mine had this exact same sole, but the straps were sort-of taupe in color and weren't braided.
I was VERY proud of my Yo-Yos and my Famolares... thinking back, I know my parents were really working hard (my mom was a teacher and my dad was in med school) and didn't have a lot of money to go around, so I know it was a sacrifice to spring for cool shoes like this. I didn't get everything I wanted, but Mom did manage to see to it that I didn't feel left out of little things like fashion.
Famolare Shoes!!!
They didn't go away after all.
These were sooooooo cool back in the 70s when I was in elementary school and middle school. Unfortunately, they don't look like this anymore:
No, they've made the soles black now, and they look more like shoes for the Red Hat Society set. Oh well...
These were sooooooo cool back in the 70s when I was in elementary school and middle school. Unfortunately, they don't look like this anymore:
No, they've made the soles black now, and they look more like shoes for the Red Hat Society set. Oh well...
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Mark Steyn nails it
Durbin slanders his own country
Steyn's column in today's Sun-Times ought to be required reading. Senator Durbin ought to be ashamed of himself. I punish my own kids when they play fast and loose with the truth as the less-than-honorable Senator has done. Steyn writes:
Steyn's column in today's Sun-Times ought to be required reading. Senator Durbin ought to be ashamed of himself. I punish my own kids when they play fast and loose with the truth as the less-than-honorable Senator has done. Steyn writes:
Last Tuesday, Senator Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, quoted a report of U.S. "atrocities" at Guantanamo and then added:I've just about had enough of these clowns. Durbin even makes Tom Harkin look sane.
"If I read this to you and did not tell you that it was an FBI agent describing what Americans had done to prisoners in their control, you would most certainly believe this must have been done by Nazis, Soviets in their gulags, or some mad regime -- Pol Pot or others -- that had no concern for human beings."
Er, well, your average low-wattage senator might. But I wouldn't. The "atrocities" he enumerated -- "Not only was the temperature unbearably hot, but extremely loud rap music was being played in the room" -- are not characteristic of the Nazis, the Soviets or Pol Pot, and, at the end, the body count in Gitmo was a lot lower. That's to say, it was zero, which would have been counted a poor day's work in Auschwitz or Siberia or the killing fields of Cambodia.
But give Durbin credit. Every third-rate hack on every European newspaper can do the Americans-are-Nazis schtick. Amnesty International has already declared Guantanamo the "gulag of our times." But I do believe the senator is the first to compare the U.S. armed forces with the blood-drenched thugs of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge. Way to go, senator! If you had a dime for every crackpot Web site that takes up your thoughtful historical comparison, you'd be able to retire to the Caribbean and spend the rest of your days torturing yourself with hot weather and loud music, as well as inappropriately provocative women and insufficient choice of hors d'oeuvres and all the other shameful atrocities committed at Guantanamo.
Just for the record, some 15 million to 30 million Soviets died in the gulag; some 6 million Jews died in the Nazi camps; some 2 million Cambodians -- one third of the population -- died in the killing fields. Nobody's died in Gitmo, not even from having Christina Aguilera played to them excessively loudly. The comparison is deranged, and deeply insulting not just to the U.S. military but to the millions of relatives of those dead Russians, Jews and Cambodians, who, unlike Durbin, know what real atrocities are. Had Durbin said, "Why, these atrocities are so terrible you would almost believe it was an account of the activities of my distinguished colleague Robert C. Byrd's fellow Klansmen," that would have been a little closer to the ballpark but still way out.
Hostile entity located in refrigerator...
...my aunt Donna has put Coca-Cola cans in my refrigerator.
[gasp]
But wait!! I can explain!!
[gasp]
But wait!! I can explain!!
Weekend visitors
I haven't blogged much this weekend because my mom and her sister showed up on the doorstep Friday night and are taking the children away for two weeks.
!!!
You heard that right... TWO WEEKS WITHOUT KIDS!!! Of course, I'll be in class every day, so it's not as though I can GO anywhere. But just imagine how quiet the house is going to be!! Wahoo!! heh
Oh, who am I kidding? I'm going to miss them. But they're going to be having a terrific time hanging out at MamaSue's house, going to the farm, fishing in the pond, feeding the chickens and the donkeys, working in the garden, and pulling my dad's finger.
And I'm going to write papers and go through all their clothes to weed out the stuff they can't wear anymore, and clean house.
Yeah, right. [snicker]
I'll actually get to leave town briefly at the end of this two-week parenting vacation, believe it or not. I'm going to leave after class is over on Friday, fly down for the family reunion, and then come back with the kids before class starts back up on Tuesday.
But for the next two weeks... yahooooo!!
Again, who am I kidding? I'm a complete putz, if the truth must be told. I talk a good game, but I'll probably curl up every evening and watch Stargate SG-1 re-runs. WITHOUT interruptions, thank you very much.
THIS chick knows how to have a good time.
!!!
You heard that right... TWO WEEKS WITHOUT KIDS!!! Of course, I'll be in class every day, so it's not as though I can GO anywhere. But just imagine how quiet the house is going to be!! Wahoo!! heh
Oh, who am I kidding? I'm going to miss them. But they're going to be having a terrific time hanging out at MamaSue's house, going to the farm, fishing in the pond, feeding the chickens and the donkeys, working in the garden, and pulling my dad's finger.
And I'm going to write papers and go through all their clothes to weed out the stuff they can't wear anymore, and clean house.
Yeah, right. [snicker]
I'll actually get to leave town briefly at the end of this two-week parenting vacation, believe it or not. I'm going to leave after class is over on Friday, fly down for the family reunion, and then come back with the kids before class starts back up on Tuesday.
But for the next two weeks... yahooooo!!
Again, who am I kidding? I'm a complete putz, if the truth must be told. I talk a good game, but I'll probably curl up every evening and watch Stargate SG-1 re-runs. WITHOUT interruptions, thank you very much.
THIS chick knows how to have a good time.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Tagged!
Amy from Prochein Amy has tagged me for another blog-meme. This one's called Five Things I Miss From My Childhood, and it sounded like fun.
Five Things I Miss From My Childhood
1. Being able to spend hours and hours and hours reading.
2. Not being shaped like an apple with legs.
3. Wading the creek catching crawdads for fishbait, catching frogs just for the fun of it, and catching the neighbor's horse for a sneak ride around the pasture.
4. Going to sleep with NO agenda in mind, no worries about what you're doing tomorrow, and no fear of where the money's going to come from to fix the car.
5. Famolare sandals (wavy-soled) and Yo-Yo sandals (wooden-soled with oval-shaped holes through the heels)... those were SO the bomb when I was in elementary school!
The rules:
Remove the #1 item from the following list, bump everyone up one place and add your blog's name in the #5 spot. You need to actually link to each of the blogs for the linky-love aspect of this fiendish meme to kick in.
margi lowry *dot* com
Note-It Posts
Eat The Lettuce
Prochein Amy
Gradual Dazzle
Next, select four unsuspecting victims, list and link to them.
Iowa Geek
Random Mentality
Purple Fish Guts
Fresh As A Daisy
I look forward to seeing everyone's answers!
Five Things I Miss From My Childhood
1. Being able to spend hours and hours and hours reading.
2. Not being shaped like an apple with legs.
3. Wading the creek catching crawdads for fishbait, catching frogs just for the fun of it, and catching the neighbor's horse for a sneak ride around the pasture.
4. Going to sleep with NO agenda in mind, no worries about what you're doing tomorrow, and no fear of where the money's going to come from to fix the car.
5. Famolare sandals (wavy-soled) and Yo-Yo sandals (wooden-soled with oval-shaped holes through the heels)... those were SO the bomb when I was in elementary school!
The rules:
Remove the #1 item from the following list, bump everyone up one place and add your blog's name in the #5 spot. You need to actually link to each of the blogs for the linky-love aspect of this fiendish meme to kick in.
margi lowry *dot* com
Note-It Posts
Eat The Lettuce
Prochein Amy
Gradual Dazzle
Next, select four unsuspecting victims, list and link to them.
Iowa Geek
Random Mentality
Purple Fish Guts
Fresh As A Daisy
I look forward to seeing everyone's answers!
Carnival of Recipes
Meanderings: Carnival of Recipes
Enjoy!! In this Carnival you'll find recipes for Thai Pork Salad (Larb Moo)... Bacon, Zucchini & Tomato Quiche... and even Candyaki Fruit Kebabs. Plus all kinds of others. Next week, my very own blogmommy SarahK is hosting... and the week after that, it's ME! It's the only time in my life I'll ever get an Instalanche, so I love signing up to do it, just because it's fun to get a gazillion people checking out the blog. I should probably update SoulFire's web page before then, too, with booking information and stuff. Y'never know who might come a'knockin'... we might get tagged to open for somebody at the new Events Center or something. That would be the BOMB.
Hey, I can dream, can't I?
Enjoy!! In this Carnival you'll find recipes for Thai Pork Salad (Larb Moo)... Bacon, Zucchini & Tomato Quiche... and even Candyaki Fruit Kebabs. Plus all kinds of others. Next week, my very own blogmommy SarahK is hosting... and the week after that, it's ME! It's the only time in my life I'll ever get an Instalanche, so I love signing up to do it, just because it's fun to get a gazillion people checking out the blog. I should probably update SoulFire's web page before then, too, with booking information and stuff. Y'never know who might come a'knockin'... we might get tagged to open for somebody at the new Events Center or something. That would be the BOMB.
Hey, I can dream, can't I?
Friday, June 17, 2005
I like the way this town thinks...
Marshalltown Offers Free Wi-Fi
The coolest quote in the article?
The Economic Development Committee is making a concerted effort to promote growth and jobs in their city. Wi-fi is an idea whose time has come, in my opinion... forget all these land-line connections. One thing about the article I didn't find clear -- it says that residents can log in to one of 10 laptops. Does that mean they're putting laptops out for anyone to stop in and use them? And what if I wanted to bring my own; would I be able to jump onto their wi-fi signal using my own equipment? And does their wi-fi service leave a bunch of crud on my own personal computer?
Interesting, nonetheless.
The coolest quote in the article?
The city's goal is to provide free high-speed Internet service to everyone in Marshalltown by the end of next year.
The Economic Development Committee is making a concerted effort to promote growth and jobs in their city. Wi-fi is an idea whose time has come, in my opinion... forget all these land-line connections. One thing about the article I didn't find clear -- it says that residents can log in to one of 10 laptops. Does that mean they're putting laptops out for anyone to stop in and use them? And what if I wanted to bring my own; would I be able to jump onto their wi-fi signal using my own equipment? And does their wi-fi service leave a bunch of crud on my own personal computer?
Interesting, nonetheless.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Happy place!!!
I found a happy place! Or rather, it found me. You see, I carry around in my purse a little memo book, a handy-dandy-notebook if you will, where I can write things that I think about. Kind-of a "blogging unplugged," I suppose. But in it I write poetry and stuff that God tells me... very personal, I don't really share that with people. But last week I gingerly lent it to Jeff to see if anything in it was worth putting into song lyrics. Then he left on a trip to south Texas and I didn't see him for a week.
Tonight we were going to be practicing for an upcoming Romans Road gig, and he called me to tell me he'd be a couple of minutes late because he forgot his building keys. "And just wait 'til you hear what you did," he said.
I felt sick, thinking I'd said something to upset someone or get someone in trouble. "You can't do that. You have to tell me. What did I do?!?!?"
"No, you'll have to wait to hear it," he said. I could tell he was smiling, though, so I felt a little more relieved. I couldn't possibly hope he'd already written a song, though! But that's exactly what he had done. When he arrived, he played for me a song he had written using one of my poems.
I really have no words to describe how happy I was when he played that for me, or how beautiful the song is. I can't wait for you all to hear it.
Will You Marry Me?
This fellow wants a wife... enough to put up a website about it. He's a local boy (well, from Omaha, a couple of hours away, but close enough). No, I don't know him. Never met him. I just found out about his story, and I thought I'd do my part to spread the word. He seems nice enough, actually... unconventional, perhaps, but nice.
Here's what he has to say about himself:
I am a Christian, pure and simple, (but I am not, an average Christian). I say that with no reservations or regrets. God has been very good to me in spite of my short-comings and downfalls. I work to build my faith daily and it pays great dividends. I have also learned that God is beginning to call "His Church" out of "The Church".
Personally, I had been deceived for most of my life by "Preachers" and "Self-Righteous Bible Thumpers" that don't tell the whole truth of God's Word. It's no wonder people get so complacent about going to church. They don't understand the bigger picture and are never properly taught the truth which breaks my heart. If the whole truth was coming from the pulpit as it's supposed to, then we wouldn't have 10% of the problems in this country that we have because American's wouldn't stand for it.
While this may sound rather harsh, I am an honest man and I generally don't pull punches especially on critical issues. I prefer for people to tell me what I MUST know, rather than what they want me to hear. It upsets me when people try to "sugar-coat" things. Tell me the facts or get out of my face. Life is to short to play head-games.
Take this site for instance; many are wondering why I would do this. The answer is actually quite simple: I'm not into bars, I have a tight social circle, I work a lot, and it takes me a long time to get to know someone to trust them. My play time is rare. I guess that's why I let my hair down so much when I have a chance to, (especially if I don't have to drive home).
I can be an awful lot of fun if the right people are around me to bring it out. However, I can also be rather reserved in situations that demand my full attention. By nature, I'm a pretty laid-back kind of guy. I'm not demanding, jelous, or possesive. The reason is that I look at women as a gift from God. We don't own them, he does. If a woman is going to skrew around on you, there's no way to stop it, you just do your best to work it out or let her go and find someone more dedicated if you can. Fighting isn't going to settle anything.
When I was little, I was raised by my Grandparents. When they had problems, they sat down at the kitchen table and wouldn't go to bed until they worked it out. Only once did I ever hear them raise their voice to each other. Screaming and cursing was not allowed. When I get married, I intend to emulate that behavior with my spouse to the best of my ability and I will expect her to do the same in return.
In regards to my character, my belief is simple: Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece - by thought, choice, courage and determination. Are you getting an adequate picture of me?
For about the last 8 and a half years, I have been asking the hard questions that the average American won't ask. It's been enlightening to say the least. Why would I do this? That's a story in and of itself and when I get to know you better, I'll share it with you but, until then, please don't ask. However, I'll offer you this; I may end up in a public speaking carrer because of it.
Presently, I am a long-haul trucker. I work for an owner-operator and am leased on to a small company in Omaha, NE. I am a licensed Haz-Mat carrier with 48 state authority. I am out an average of 7-14 days then home until I'm ready to leave again. It's not glorious but it's an honest living that pays the bills and allows me to enjoy some of the nicer things in life.
Something that has always amazed me in life is how mates always seem to put each other down. Silly little cracks about each other to their freinds, family, etc. Personally, I'm not so ridiculously stupid and degrading to call my wife or girlfreind my "Old Lady". I think it's insulting and certainly don't want to be called somebody's "Old Man". I have more respect for people than that and expect it in return.
I am often told how sweet I am by women, (with boyfreinds), when I tell them how beautiful they are. Well, I've always believed in complimenting people and trying to build people up instead of tear them down like so many others do. I can usually tell if someone is down in the dumps and always try to say something that will make them feel better. I have compassion for homeless people and the down-trodden in our society and try to always be mindful of my blessings and not focus on the irritations of life. Now don't get me wrong, I blow a gasket every once in awhile like anyone else but I do my best to maintain my integrity on a daily basis.
If you are wondering if I drink or smoke, the answer to both questions is yes. However, I am not a bar person and have been known to quit drinking for extended periods of time on a whim, (I am not a drunk). Also, I plan to quit smoking very soon and when I do, then I may delete this section altogather. Besides, quiting smoking really isn't that hard if you know how, (I've done it before). But I confess; a little motivation goes a long way.
As a human being, I have downfalls and short-comings. I am not perfect.
My favorite sport is Hockey but I like to throw around a football or baseball from time to time as well. I love to go rappelling, (the higher the better), go camping, shooting, hiking, almost anything outdoors is cool in the rain, sleet, snow or sunshine. When indoors, I like adventure movies, (mostly military), playing video games, surfing the net, reading, working around the house, etc. My Favorite hobby is photography and since I've went to a digital format, well, I just wish I had more time to work with my software.
I'm a good cook, do my own laundry, iron my shirts, mow my lawn, and try to keep my house clean. I'm not to much into name-brand clothes but I'm as comfortable in Levi's as I am a suit.
With all of this said, I think I've given you a well rounded description of myself but in case I've overlooked something that you feel is important, please let me know.
Thank you very much for visiting my site and I look forward to meeting you. In the meantime, have a great day and God Bless Always.
Harold
If you're interested, just click on his picture at the top of this post and check it out.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Salsa Potato Salad
For those of you who either 1)don't care for the traditional mustard-based potato salad or 2)just want to try something really good and different, you can mix up a batch of my very own potato salad sensation. Yes, I invented this my very own self, after Rick and I were married, because I was trying to make potato salad and I decided I wasn't using mustard in it because I didn't like yellow mustard. Here's what I do:
One 5# bag of Yukon Gold potatoes (or reds, but never russets -- too grainy for this)
Boil the potatoes until done, then peel skins off. Dice the potatoes into chunks and add:
1 cup Hellmann's real mayonnaise
1 cup salsa (you pick how spicy you want it to be)
1/2 cup Dijon mustard (optional, but I like the tanginess it adds)
6-12 chopped boiled eggs
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds (optional, but lends a very nice crunch)
Mix together gently, trying to keep the potato chunks semi-intact. If the salad isn't saucy enough, add more mayo and salsa until it's the consistency you want. In fact, it probably won't be -- but I always just "play" with the amounts to make it to my liking. Sometimes I put an entire jar (one of the little ones) of mayo and an entire jar of salsa in it. It's just whatever you like, really. Free yourself from the recipe and be experimental here.
I know, it may sound strange to you, but trust me -- once you've tried this, you may not ever want to go back to the old yellow-mustard stuff.
One 5# bag of Yukon Gold potatoes (or reds, but never russets -- too grainy for this)
Boil the potatoes until done, then peel skins off. Dice the potatoes into chunks and add:
1 cup Hellmann's real mayonnaise
1 cup salsa (you pick how spicy you want it to be)
1/2 cup Dijon mustard (optional, but I like the tanginess it adds)
6-12 chopped boiled eggs
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds (optional, but lends a very nice crunch)
Mix together gently, trying to keep the potato chunks semi-intact. If the salad isn't saucy enough, add more mayo and salsa until it's the consistency you want. In fact, it probably won't be -- but I always just "play" with the amounts to make it to my liking. Sometimes I put an entire jar (one of the little ones) of mayo and an entire jar of salsa in it. It's just whatever you like, really. Free yourself from the recipe and be experimental here.
I know, it may sound strange to you, but trust me -- once you've tried this, you may not ever want to go back to the old yellow-mustard stuff.
Feed Me, Seymour!!
Sorry, this one was just too, umm, well, I guess there just aren't words.
Potato-chip can found in place of woman's remains in mausoleum
I've left instructions for my own cremation, should I assume room temperature before my husband and/or my best friend. They're to divide up the ashes, and they both have specific instructions for how to dispose of their part. I find the whole notion of embalming, burial, caskets, urns, headstones, etc. to be completely NOT ME. To have my family spend MONEY to keep my dead body looking like me? To spend money on a fancy wooden box that you're just going to bury in an expensive hole in the ground, then spend more money to have my name carved in granite? I'm telling you, it just makes absolutely no sense to me, and I do not want it done in my case. Anybody dares waste that much money on my leftover carcass, why not take that $$ and give it to someone who's smuggling Bibles into Saudi Arabia? 'Cuz that's what I'd be doing if I were still alive.
Potato-chip can found in place of woman's remains in mausoleum
When relatives of Vivian Shulman Lieberman went to visit her final resting place in a Houston mausoleum one year ago today, they discovered that the cedar chest containing her ashes was missing.
In its place, behind the locked, glass door of Lieberman's niche in Congregation Beth Israel's mausoleum, was a can of sour-cream-and-onion potato chips.
I've left instructions for my own cremation, should I assume room temperature before my husband and/or my best friend. They're to divide up the ashes, and they both have specific instructions for how to dispose of their part. I find the whole notion of embalming, burial, caskets, urns, headstones, etc. to be completely NOT ME. To have my family spend MONEY to keep my dead body looking like me? To spend money on a fancy wooden box that you're just going to bury in an expensive hole in the ground, then spend more money to have my name carved in granite? I'm telling you, it just makes absolutely no sense to me, and I do not want it done in my case. Anybody dares waste that much money on my leftover carcass, why not take that $$ and give it to someone who's smuggling Bibles into Saudi Arabia? 'Cuz that's what I'd be doing if I were still alive.
Virtual Reality therapy for schizophrenia
Stumbled across this in a Korean newspaper and thought it was fascinating:
"Matrix" Treatment for Schizophrenia
I just thought it was kind-of cool. A great way to use that technology; it gives the patient the practice without the fear of actual interaction and subsequent miscue or rejection.
"Matrix" Treatment for Schizophrenia
A patient with schizophrenia, Mr. Park (26 years old), has lived for three entire years stuck in his room without going outside. He is afraid of meeting and having a conversation with people. He is unable to pay attention to one thing, even for a short moment. He found difficulty in the simulation rehabilitation program for social adaptation as well, so a doctor prescribed him "virtual reality therapy."
Mr. Park put on a display helmet at a schizophrenia clinic that uses virtual reality therapy. The dark vision suddenly brightened and three-dimensional images appeared in Park's sight. The doctor sets up the situation by monitoring both the patient and the simulation monitor. The first basic training step--[approaching] a virtual figure and initiating a conversation--begins.
Mr. Park pushes the "walking" button and approaches a cyber figure. As he [approaches] too close, a voice message plays out, "I am afraid you came too close." He walks a few steps backward and keeps a proper amount of space between them. Then, Mr. Park shows hesitance in the next step: pushing the "talking" button. Ultimately, the virtual figure starts to talk to the patient first.
The next simulation step is to check whether an empty chair has been taken or not. As soon as Mr. Park's cyber figure sits in the chair without confirming its availability, a person who has taken the seat previously shows up and gets angry with him. On his second trial he opts to use the button, "Waiting until a person shows up," then a group of cyber figures nearby who want to sit in the chair send him uncomfortable [signals].
I just thought it was kind-of cool. A great way to use that technology; it gives the patient the practice without the fear of actual interaction and subsequent miscue or rejection.
And this is why they still take hostages...
Canada negotiating with kidnappers of 65-year-old woman in Haiti
No, Mom, I'm not planning on going back this summer. I can't, not this year.
But can someone tell me why the government of a country would still believe that negotiating with these people (term applied loosely) is the correct course of action?
No, Mom, I'm not planning on going back this summer. I can't, not this year.
But can someone tell me why the government of a country would still believe that negotiating with these people (term applied loosely) is the correct course of action?
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Tuesday night practice
...was not fun for me. I was feeling really troubled about something and I couldn't really pinpoint it. My voice was off, as was my playing. If I were a Jedi, I'd say there was a disturbance in the Force. The practice went fine, actually, as far as I could tell. I have spent most of the rest of tonight just praying for whatever... or WHOever... is wrong. Sometimes God talks to me like that, actually. I may or may not ever know, but He wants me to pray, so I do.
-------------------
I had an idea for some poetry earlier today, and I'm developing it. It's based on a passage from the book of Mark, coupled with a passage from 1 Corinthians. I haven't really shared any of my own poetry here, mostly because I don't think it's blogworthy. But I'm completely up-front and transparent about everything else; when I write it out, I might as well share it with you. Feel free to skim past it when the time comes. I wish I knew how to set some of it to music, but as musical as I am, for some reason songwriting has escaped me. Oh well, I'll leave that to the experts.
--------------------
Oh... and I meant to tell you yesterday... I finally did get a chance to have some Indian food, but for a while it felt like the Twilight Zone. Here's what happened: Cindy and I went to the India Star; she was there earlier than I, so she ordered her food before I did. After I got there, I sat down and looked at a menu (as if I needed to, but hey). The waitress came over to take my order, and just as I began to say, "Lamb vindaloo," the telephone rang. She interrupted me and said, "Can you wait one moment?" We assumed she was going to get the telephone. But no... no, the booth behind me hadn't been bussed, so she started cleaning off the table. INSTEAD OF taking my order and taking it back to the back for the cook to start on it. When she finished bussing the table, she went back in the back for a while. Then she came back out and brought someone another beverage, looked at me and started toward me, then turned around and went BACK into the kitchen.
"Am I invisible? Do I smell? What is the problem?" I whispered to Cindy. I mean, I have already had a horrible time trying to get some vindaloo and sag paneer anyway because they wouldn't do a takeout order the other day. Now I still can't get some. I was baffled.
She finally did come back out and took my order, and once the food actually did come, it was splendid as usual. I couldn't eat all mine, but I wasn't about to let any of it go because it was hard work getting that stuff, so I took the rest home and enjoyed it today for supper. Curry dishes always make the house smell weird, though, so when Rick got home he said, "Whoa... vindaloo..."
---------------------
By the way, y'wanna know something? I have the greatest husband ever. No matter what ever happens, I know that I have a life partner who I can trust completely, who I know loves me and my scattered self without reserve, and who trusts ME completely as well... who wants me to be just who God made me to be, nothing more, nothing less.
And I'm not just saying this because he reads it. Actually, he probably won't get to read it, at least not until Thursday night when he goes to work, and even then he may not get to. No, I'm saying it because it's true.
---------------------
I am tired... and I'm still up working on an assignment... but guess what? Tomorrow I get to sleep in!!! Yippeee!!!
-------------------
I had an idea for some poetry earlier today, and I'm developing it. It's based on a passage from the book of Mark, coupled with a passage from 1 Corinthians. I haven't really shared any of my own poetry here, mostly because I don't think it's blogworthy. But I'm completely up-front and transparent about everything else; when I write it out, I might as well share it with you. Feel free to skim past it when the time comes. I wish I knew how to set some of it to music, but as musical as I am, for some reason songwriting has escaped me. Oh well, I'll leave that to the experts.
--------------------
Oh... and I meant to tell you yesterday... I finally did get a chance to have some Indian food, but for a while it felt like the Twilight Zone. Here's what happened: Cindy and I went to the India Star; she was there earlier than I, so she ordered her food before I did. After I got there, I sat down and looked at a menu (as if I needed to, but hey). The waitress came over to take my order, and just as I began to say, "Lamb vindaloo," the telephone rang. She interrupted me and said, "Can you wait one moment?" We assumed she was going to get the telephone. But no... no, the booth behind me hadn't been bussed, so she started cleaning off the table. INSTEAD OF taking my order and taking it back to the back for the cook to start on it. When she finished bussing the table, she went back in the back for a while. Then she came back out and brought someone another beverage, looked at me and started toward me, then turned around and went BACK into the kitchen.
"Am I invisible? Do I smell? What is the problem?" I whispered to Cindy. I mean, I have already had a horrible time trying to get some vindaloo and sag paneer anyway because they wouldn't do a takeout order the other day. Now I still can't get some. I was baffled.
She finally did come back out and took my order, and once the food actually did come, it was splendid as usual. I couldn't eat all mine, but I wasn't about to let any of it go because it was hard work getting that stuff, so I took the rest home and enjoyed it today for supper. Curry dishes always make the house smell weird, though, so when Rick got home he said, "Whoa... vindaloo..."
---------------------
By the way, y'wanna know something? I have the greatest husband ever. No matter what ever happens, I know that I have a life partner who I can trust completely, who I know loves me and my scattered self without reserve, and who trusts ME completely as well... who wants me to be just who God made me to be, nothing more, nothing less.
And I'm not just saying this because he reads it. Actually, he probably won't get to read it, at least not until Thursday night when he goes to work, and even then he may not get to. No, I'm saying it because it's true.
---------------------
I am tired... and I'm still up working on an assignment... but guess what? Tomorrow I get to sleep in!!! Yippeee!!!
Quiet hallways
There's something very, very calming to me about being at the high school when it's empty. Don't mis-read that; I love my students and I love the hallways when they're full, too. But to have a quiet day, all to myself, sitting at my desk clearing it off methodically, preparing to move all my stuff down to a new classroom... that's nice too.
And now that I've found the ONE piece of paper I have been looking for for the past two weeks, I am going to go home for the afternoon. Worship practice tonight starting at 6:30 PM.
And now that I've found the ONE piece of paper I have been looking for for the past two weeks, I am going to go home for the afternoon. Worship practice tonight starting at 6:30 PM.
Monday, June 13, 2005
First day of class
Sitting in the classroom in the Education Building at Drake University today, I was thinking, I left the high school and missed the end-of-year faculty luncheon for this? And paid a thousand dollars out of my pocket that I did not have, just for the privilege?!?
Oh well. Who needs a summer vacation anyway? And what's more, Joe is going to be rather unhappy with me when she finds out I don't get to leave to come down for the family reunion...
[ducking to avoid the fire shooting from her eye sockets]
I'm sorry!!! Honest!!! This is a four-week class worth three credits... I can't miss ANYTHING. And the particular Friday I needed to miss? It's a major test.
I am doomed to Des Moines for an entire summer.
Of course, it wouldn't matter if I lived in Des Moines or Dallas; I'm so stinkin' busy writing fifty gazillion papers and Powerpoint presentations and sample lesson plans and REFLECTIONS (I hate that word, and it's so overused around this place -- everything anyone does, requires a written "reflection" -- sounds way too touchy-feely and liberal for my own comfort level). Even if I did live in Dallas or Miami or Fiji, I wouldn't be able to enjoy it.
By the end of this summer, my molars will have been ground down to nubs. I always grit my teeth and clench my jaws when I'm stressed.
Oh well. Who needs a summer vacation anyway? And what's more, Joe is going to be rather unhappy with me when she finds out I don't get to leave to come down for the family reunion...
[ducking to avoid the fire shooting from her eye sockets]
I'm sorry!!! Honest!!! This is a four-week class worth three credits... I can't miss ANYTHING. And the particular Friday I needed to miss? It's a major test.
I am doomed to Des Moines for an entire summer.
Of course, it wouldn't matter if I lived in Des Moines or Dallas; I'm so stinkin' busy writing fifty gazillion papers and Powerpoint presentations and sample lesson plans and REFLECTIONS (I hate that word, and it's so overused around this place -- everything anyone does, requires a written "reflection" -- sounds way too touchy-feely and liberal for my own comfort level). Even if I did live in Dallas or Miami or Fiji, I wouldn't be able to enjoy it.
By the end of this summer, my molars will have been ground down to nubs. I always grit my teeth and clench my jaws when I'm stressed.
Prayers needed
My best pal Cindy has a serious heart condition. She had been scheduled to have a special kind of surgery on the 23rd of this month, but just found out that her surgeon got switched to someone else... meaning that now her surgery date is uncertain. She needs to have this surgery ASAP and I'm asking all of you who are praying folks to pray that this gets worked out SOON.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!
Martha awoke on time this morning, super-early, ready to head out for youth camp. She got on the bus in the church parking lot; I hugged and kissed her and said, "I love you!" and she replied, "MAAAHHHMMM!" in her most disgusted, irritated teenybopper voice.
Heh. What's a parent good for, if not to embarrass their kids in front of their friends? I think she's going to have a fantastic time.
----------------
Tim is leading Sunday morning worship this week and next week, and he did a wonderful job. He continually amazes me with his sweet spirit juxtaposed with his unbelievable talent. I've met a few talented people who were horribly narcissistic (as artists can tend toward if they're not tight with God), and while I know Tim has struggled, I also know that he is totally sold out to the cause of Christ and to serving in humility and gentleness. He's a gem. I know I wasn't that focused when I was 24 years old (almost 25, he insists).
----------------
I only got a couple of hours' sleep last night because I stayed up extra-late packing Martha's suitcase (there were a few items she had forgotten to put in the washer, unfortunately, so guess who gets to stay up and deal with it? Mom, of course). After I tried to go to bed at two-something, I had to get up again and barf because something I snacked on did not sit well. I don't think I got to sleep until nearly three, and had to get back up at five. After church was over this morning, I told Rick that I was on the verge of collapse and needed very much to go HOME and SLEEP. He and the kids were feeling just fine, of course, so they went out to eat without me and I spent some comatose hours before waking back up to go back for Sunday night stuff.
----------------
Major storm blew through just a bit ago... Bijou had been outside in the backyard and it had begun raining, but I wasn't aware that she was still out. When we finally figured it out, we opened the back door and a bedraggled, wet black creature vaguely resembling a small dog came zipping in at the speed of light, shaking the water everywhere and skidding precariously across the kitchen floor on her wet feet.
----------------
In the CD player tonight:
Intermission: The Greatest Hits by dcTalk.
----------------
Don't forget to visit Soulfire's web site. I actually posted a family portrait on my Members page.
Heh. What's a parent good for, if not to embarrass their kids in front of their friends? I think she's going to have a fantastic time.
----------------
Tim is leading Sunday morning worship this week and next week, and he did a wonderful job. He continually amazes me with his sweet spirit juxtaposed with his unbelievable talent. I've met a few talented people who were horribly narcissistic (as artists can tend toward if they're not tight with God), and while I know Tim has struggled, I also know that he is totally sold out to the cause of Christ and to serving in humility and gentleness. He's a gem. I know I wasn't that focused when I was 24 years old (almost 25, he insists).
----------------
I only got a couple of hours' sleep last night because I stayed up extra-late packing Martha's suitcase (there were a few items she had forgotten to put in the washer, unfortunately, so guess who gets to stay up and deal with it? Mom, of course). After I tried to go to bed at two-something, I had to get up again and barf because something I snacked on did not sit well. I don't think I got to sleep until nearly three, and had to get back up at five. After church was over this morning, I told Rick that I was on the verge of collapse and needed very much to go HOME and SLEEP. He and the kids were feeling just fine, of course, so they went out to eat without me and I spent some comatose hours before waking back up to go back for Sunday night stuff.
----------------
Major storm blew through just a bit ago... Bijou had been outside in the backyard and it had begun raining, but I wasn't aware that she was still out. When we finally figured it out, we opened the back door and a bedraggled, wet black creature vaguely resembling a small dog came zipping in at the speed of light, shaking the water everywhere and skidding precariously across the kitchen floor on her wet feet.
----------------
In the CD player tonight:
Intermission: The Greatest Hits by dcTalk.
----------------
Don't forget to visit Soulfire's web site. I actually posted a family portrait on my Members page.
Hmm, let's see... which one do we pick...?
California Company Gets State Grant To Move To Iowa
That headline makes you automatically think it's a done deal, right? Read on, my friend:
Oh, man, let's think about this. We could move to Dallas, or we could move to Des Moines. Dallas or Des Moines? Dallas or Des Moines?
Good move on the part of the Economic Development Board... no way we beat out Dallas unless we weight the decision in our favor with $$$$$.
That being said, whose $$$$$ would those be? Taxpayers'? It would certainly be in line with past state behavior towards companies considering relocating here. I'm kind-of tired of handing out freebies; how's about we actually lower all our taxes so companies will just come here of their own accord? Nah, that would make too much sense.
That headline makes you automatically think it's a done deal, right? Read on, my friend:
A California company that provides video surveillance and security systems for businesses has received the promise of a $500,000 state grant if it moves its headquarters to Iowa.
Westec InterActive, based in Irvine, Calif., is considering a nearly $6 million project to relocate its headquarters and command center to Des Moines or Dallas, according to Iowa Department of Economic Development officials.
The project would relocate 83 jobs at an average wage of $25 per hour and create an additional 17 new jobs.
Westec has about 1,500 customers in the U.S. including jewelry stores, convenience stores, restaurants, hotels and other businesses.
Iowa's economic development board approved the money Friday.
A Westec spokeswoman said decisions about a relocation have not been made.
Oh, man, let's think about this. We could move to Dallas, or we could move to Des Moines. Dallas or Des Moines? Dallas or Des Moines?
Good move on the part of the Economic Development Board... no way we beat out Dallas unless we weight the decision in our favor with $$$$$.
That being said, whose $$$$$ would those be? Taxpayers'? It would certainly be in line with past state behavior towards companies considering relocating here. I'm kind-of tired of handing out freebies; how's about we actually lower all our taxes so companies will just come here of their own accord? Nah, that would make too much sense.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya!
Tomorrow, my eleven-year-old leaves for week-long camp in Michigan... wahoo!! Don't get me wrong; I love her very dearly. But she NEEDS to go away for a while. For all of our sakes. The teeny-bopper attitude is thick around here, and the only way it subsides is when I banish her to her room for a lengthy period of time. No, I don't think a week at youth camp will cure her of this. I just think it'll give all of us a break away from one another. She needs a break from me just as badly, I'm sure.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Hey, Joe...
...it doesn't just happen in southeastern Oklahoma...
Man Charged With Arson, Insurance Fraud In House Fire
Earlier this evening I was chatting with my mother, whom I affectionately term "Joe," and she told me that one time when we moved from a small town in southeastern Oklahoma to their current city of residence, someone approached them and offered to burn down their house for $500 so they wouldn't have to have the long-term headache of trying to sell it and keep it up. We joked that it sounded typical of that little part of Oklahoma.
Well, shut my mouth, because Iowans ain't above it, either.
Man Charged With Arson, Insurance Fraud In House Fire
Earlier this evening I was chatting with my mother, whom I affectionately term "Joe," and she told me that one time when we moved from a small town in southeastern Oklahoma to their current city of residence, someone approached them and offered to burn down their house for $500 so they wouldn't have to have the long-term headache of trying to sell it and keep it up. We joked that it sounded typical of that little part of Oklahoma.
Well, shut my mouth, because Iowans ain't above it, either.
Ask a silly question...
A few weeks ago I asked, "Can this family's saga get any sicker?"
Don't ask.
All right, you asked. Yes. Yes, it can.
There are some really messed-up people in this world.
Don't ask.
All right, you asked. Yes. Yes, it can.
A man accused of abusing his stepdaughter said he's in love with her.
Brian Street is in the Polk County jail facing child pornography charges.
Police say his stepdaughter Tracey Dyess -- was targeting him when she set fire to the family's Griswold home back in March 30.
The blaze killed 13-year-old Jessica Dyess and 6-year-old Kaleb Dyess.
"I love Tracey with all my heart and I stand behind her through all this. I failed to save Jessica and Kaleb from the fire, but I also failed to save Tracey before it. But even after all this I would still marry Tracey if she will still have me," according to the three-page handwritten letter purportedly signed by Street.
A jail supervisor confirmed that the letter came from the Polk County jail and he does believe Street wrote it and sent it.
There are some really messed-up people in this world.
Home from the brick oven, finally
I arrived at my beloved little brick oven classroom/closet at around 7 AM -ish, and apart from a brief jaunt to run pick up the kids from school when they were dismissed at noon, I did not leave my little unventilated, windowless hidey-hole until nearly 6 PM tonight. My arms were sticking to my desk while I was trying to enter information into the computer. The kids were there with me the entire afternoon as well. I was really proud of them; they all found things to occupy themselves... hallway races, etc... and since the place was EMPTY, it didn't bother anyone. I provided them with snacks, toys, paper & markers, all sorts of goodies.
When I got home, I turned on the Cartoon Network for them and disappeared into my nice, cool, air-conditioned bedroom where I proceeded to take the longest shower EVER.
Why, you ask, was I there until 6 PM on a Friday? In June? Well, for special-ed teachers, there's these little paperwork things called IEPs, or Individual Education Plans. Each SPED student has one, and it's a complicated stack of instructions for how these guys have to be handled in the public school system. Every year it gets reviewed and must be reprinted with changes, milestones, goals, evaluations, etc... it's always been my favorite part of being a SPED teacher. Mm-hmm. Anyway, I've got to wrap them all up for the year, but because this was my first year, I've still got a lot to learn about Iowa IEP forms. The poor SPED consultant and I spent hours and hours on the phone, and I sent things to her office to print out, and she'd call me back to tell me what needed changing. She finally had mercy on me & the kids and told me we could finish it up on Monday.
I'll be taking a long lunch "break" on Monday when I leave school to go to my first class at Drake U.
When I got home, I turned on the Cartoon Network for them and disappeared into my nice, cool, air-conditioned bedroom where I proceeded to take the longest shower EVER.
Why, you ask, was I there until 6 PM on a Friday? In June? Well, for special-ed teachers, there's these little paperwork things called IEPs, or Individual Education Plans. Each SPED student has one, and it's a complicated stack of instructions for how these guys have to be handled in the public school system. Every year it gets reviewed and must be reprinted with changes, milestones, goals, evaluations, etc... it's always been my favorite part of being a SPED teacher. Mm-hmm. Anyway, I've got to wrap them all up for the year, but because this was my first year, I've still got a lot to learn about Iowa IEP forms. The poor SPED consultant and I spent hours and hours on the phone, and I sent things to her office to print out, and she'd call me back to tell me what needed changing. She finally had mercy on me & the kids and told me we could finish it up on Monday.
I'll be taking a long lunch "break" on Monday when I leave school to go to my first class at Drake U.
Carnival of the Recipes!!!
Go check it out! Yummies for everyone!
Carnival of the Recipes
Songstress7 from News from the Great Beyond has really done an amazing job. Instead of just providing a list of links, she's gone through and actually browsed each blog that submitted a recipe, and found another post in each blog that she found interesting and linked to it as well. She took the day off from work and took the time to get to know everyone a little better.
Great job, Song.
Carnival of the Recipes
Songstress7 from News from the Great Beyond has really done an amazing job. Instead of just providing a list of links, she's gone through and actually browsed each blog that submitted a recipe, and found another post in each blog that she found interesting and linked to it as well. She took the day off from work and took the time to get to know everyone a little better.
Great job, Song.
Brick Oven
Ugh... it was already like a brick oven in this classroom when I arrived at 7 AM. That is not a good sign.
It ought to be illegal to have to sit in an un-airconditioned, unventilated classroom in mid-June.
It ought to be illegal to have to sit in an un-airconditioned, unventilated classroom in mid-June.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
No Vindaloo for you!
On my way out of school at lunchtime I put a call in to the India Star cafe. "I'd like to order takeout," I said, drooling a little with anticipation.
"I'm sorry, we cannot do takeout today."
?!?
"Umm, okay, thanks."
If you think back to about 12:30 Central Daylight Time today, you'll probably remember hearing this faint, prolonged shrieking sound and not knowing where it came from. Now you know.
---------------------
Martha graduated from elementary school today. On Sunday morning she leaves for youth camp with the church.
When do my senior citizen discounts kick in?
---------------------
Tonight was band practice again... this time it was for Romans Road, which is the name for the Sunday morning crew led by Jeff. We've been asked to do a gig on June 25th at an outdoor event for a church on the south side of Des Moines. I really enjoyed tonight's practice; we're doing several of Jeff's originals, which I loooooove. And the vocals are just Jeff and me, which is kind-of cool too. It's less complicated than trying to blend a bunch of different vocalists. Also, we played around with the arrangements of some of the songs, just to vary things a little. On one of them, I was just dittying with the chords before we started playing it, and they all said we should actually start the song that way. So I played something again (of course it's never the exact same thing; I can't seem to do that) and Stratman said, "Wow, that sounded just like Jim Brickman." [happy place! happy place!] I only wish! But it was really nice of him to say that.
Neal was on drums, cracking jokes and being his phenomenal self, and Frank was on bass (doing his usual bouncing around and being his awesome self as well). We had a lot of laughs, which was nice because normally practice for Sunday mornings aren't quite that relaxed and funny. We were able to kick back and enjoy ourselves without any pressure. Those guys are all so doggone talented, it's the coolest thing to be able to play along with them. What a privilege. It's actually inspiring; I think since I'm such a "chameleon," I actually feed off the talent that's around me and it makes me better. Sometimes I'll play something and just think, whoa, where did that come from, 'cuz that was cool! I'm doing things on the piano that I know I couldn't do a year ago.
---------------------
The kids are worn out. Because of last night's Big Meeting at the church, they spent the night with some friends and they didn't get to bed quite as early as I would've liked because one of their kids fell off the swing and they all had to load up and head for the emergency room for x-rays and a splint. Life is never dull around here. Thank goodness tomorrow's the last day of school for them -- they need it to be!
---------------------
I have two overdue papers, a Powerpoint presentation, and an observation reflection to write. Why, then, am I blogging?
Because I am addicted to it. I blog, therefore I am. I just bought a t-shirt that reads, "I'm blogging this." Because I am, and everyone around should be forewarned.
"I'm sorry, we cannot do takeout today."
?!?
"Umm, okay, thanks."
If you think back to about 12:30 Central Daylight Time today, you'll probably remember hearing this faint, prolonged shrieking sound and not knowing where it came from. Now you know.
---------------------
Martha graduated from elementary school today. On Sunday morning she leaves for youth camp with the church.
When do my senior citizen discounts kick in?
---------------------
Tonight was band practice again... this time it was for Romans Road, which is the name for the Sunday morning crew led by Jeff. We've been asked to do a gig on June 25th at an outdoor event for a church on the south side of Des Moines. I really enjoyed tonight's practice; we're doing several of Jeff's originals, which I loooooove. And the vocals are just Jeff and me, which is kind-of cool too. It's less complicated than trying to blend a bunch of different vocalists. Also, we played around with the arrangements of some of the songs, just to vary things a little. On one of them, I was just dittying with the chords before we started playing it, and they all said we should actually start the song that way. So I played something again (of course it's never the exact same thing; I can't seem to do that) and Stratman said, "Wow, that sounded just like Jim Brickman." [happy place! happy place!] I only wish! But it was really nice of him to say that.
Neal was on drums, cracking jokes and being his phenomenal self, and Frank was on bass (doing his usual bouncing around and being his awesome self as well). We had a lot of laughs, which was nice because normally practice for Sunday mornings aren't quite that relaxed and funny. We were able to kick back and enjoy ourselves without any pressure. Those guys are all so doggone talented, it's the coolest thing to be able to play along with them. What a privilege. It's actually inspiring; I think since I'm such a "chameleon," I actually feed off the talent that's around me and it makes me better. Sometimes I'll play something and just think, whoa, where did that come from, 'cuz that was cool! I'm doing things on the piano that I know I couldn't do a year ago.
---------------------
The kids are worn out. Because of last night's Big Meeting at the church, they spent the night with some friends and they didn't get to bed quite as early as I would've liked because one of their kids fell off the swing and they all had to load up and head for the emergency room for x-rays and a splint. Life is never dull around here. Thank goodness tomorrow's the last day of school for them -- they need it to be!
---------------------
I have two overdue papers, a Powerpoint presentation, and an observation reflection to write. Why, then, am I blogging?
Because I am addicted to it. I blog, therefore I am. I just bought a t-shirt that reads, "I'm blogging this." Because I am, and everyone around should be forewarned.
Whoa... good news for South African women
Rape and AIDS is a horrible, horrible problem in Africa, especially in South Africa and Zaire. Now there's possibly a new tool to help catch these rapists and hopefully deter others from trying it:
New Device Gives Women Teeth Where It Matters
Apparently it's a device worn by the woman which will, in effect, clamp down and not let go. The rapist will not be able to go to the bathroom and will only be able to remove it by going to the hospital to have it surgically removed. If he tries to remove it himself, it only embeds itself further.
I hope they produce and distribute millions of these little gems.
Hat tip to Fishtown Chatter for this one.
New Device Gives Women Teeth Where It Matters
Apparently it's a device worn by the woman which will, in effect, clamp down and not let go. The rapist will not be able to go to the bathroom and will only be able to remove it by going to the hospital to have it surgically removed. If he tries to remove it himself, it only embeds itself further.
I hope they produce and distribute millions of these little gems.
Hat tip to Fishtown Chatter for this one.
Sag Paneer
My other favorite dish from India is sag paneer, which is a spinach dish with cubes of paneer (Indian cheese) in it. Hat tip to AsiaRecipe for this one.
====================
1/2 cup water
1 lb. fresh spinach, washed, de-stemmed, coarsely chopped
3 T ghee or butter
1 T finely chopped ginger
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1 t salt
1/4 t ground cumin
1/4 t turmeric
1/2 t ground coriander
1/2 t garam masala
1 cup cheese (paneer), cut into 1-inch cubes
Combine 1/2 of the water and a handful of the spinach in a jar of a blender. Blend at high speed for 30 seconds. Keep adding spinach until about half is blended. Add a little more water, if necessary, to puree.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over moderate heat. Add the ginger and saute for one minute. Add the onions and salt and continue sauteing for 5 more minutes.
Stirring after each addition, add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. Then stir in the leafy and pureed spinach. Reduce the heat and cook the mixture uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Most of the liquid should evaporate. At the last minute, gently add the paneer. Serve hot.
====================
1/2 cup water
1 lb. fresh spinach, washed, de-stemmed, coarsely chopped
3 T ghee or butter
1 T finely chopped ginger
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1 t salt
1/4 t ground cumin
1/4 t turmeric
1/2 t ground coriander
1/2 t garam masala
1 cup cheese (paneer), cut into 1-inch cubes
Combine 1/2 of the water and a handful of the spinach in a jar of a blender. Blend at high speed for 30 seconds. Keep adding spinach until about half is blended. Add a little more water, if necessary, to puree.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over moderate heat. Add the ginger and saute for one minute. Add the onions and salt and continue sauteing for 5 more minutes.
Stirring after each addition, add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. Then stir in the leafy and pureed spinach. Reduce the heat and cook the mixture uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Most of the liquid should evaporate. At the last minute, gently add the paneer. Serve hot.
Lamb Vindaloo
Okay, that last post has flung a MAJOR craving on me, so I thought I'd actually post a vindaloo recipe here and enter this week's Carnival of the Recipes.
I heart the cuisine from India... spicy and scrumptious!!!
This recipe's for lamb vindaloo, but you can substitute chicken or shrimp and it's still marvy. As you can see by this recipe, it's very involved... that's why I usually do takeout.
================
3 lbs boneless lamb, plus 3 meaty lamb bones
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons tamarind pulp
salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 big white onion
6 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons fresh ginger root
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 cups onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3 teaspoons turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons red (cayenne) pepper
3 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground sumac (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
hot water
Cut lamb into 3/4" cubes. Place lamb and the bones in a nonmetallic bowl with the oil, vinegar, tamarind and salt. Marinade at room temperature for 8 hours, or refrigerated for at least 24 hours.
Put two tablespoons oil, onion, garlic and ginger in a food processor and puree.
Heat 1/2 cup oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until they are caramel brown, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add the puree. Reduce the heat and add cumin, mustard, turmeric, red pepper, paprika, sumac and cinnamon. When the spices begin to sizzle and turn dark (about 15 seconds), add the lamb and bones; reserve the marinade. Cook until slightly seared (about 10 minutes). Add water to the marinade to make 2 1/2 cups liquid; add to pan and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, until meat is very tender (about 30 minutes).
Pick out and discard the bones and serve over fragrant rice.
=====================
Thanks to Sanjiv Singh for this recipe.
I heart the cuisine from India... spicy and scrumptious!!!
This recipe's for lamb vindaloo, but you can substitute chicken or shrimp and it's still marvy. As you can see by this recipe, it's very involved... that's why I usually do takeout.
================
3 lbs boneless lamb, plus 3 meaty lamb bones
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons tamarind pulp
salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 big white onion
6 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons fresh ginger root
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 cups onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3 teaspoons turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons red (cayenne) pepper
3 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground sumac (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
hot water
Cut lamb into 3/4" cubes. Place lamb and the bones in a nonmetallic bowl with the oil, vinegar, tamarind and salt. Marinade at room temperature for 8 hours, or refrigerated for at least 24 hours.
Put two tablespoons oil, onion, garlic and ginger in a food processor and puree.
Heat 1/2 cup oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until they are caramel brown, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add the puree. Reduce the heat and add cumin, mustard, turmeric, red pepper, paprika, sumac and cinnamon. When the spices begin to sizzle and turn dark (about 15 seconds), add the lamb and bones; reserve the marinade. Cook until slightly seared (about 10 minutes). Add water to the marinade to make 2 1/2 cups liquid; add to pan and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, until meat is very tender (about 30 minutes).
Pick out and discard the bones and serve over fragrant rice.
=====================
Thanks to Sanjiv Singh for this recipe.
Y'know what I want right now?
Prawn vindaloo.
I am already hungry... maybe it's the heat or something, I don't know. I'm not usually hungry until 12:30 or so.
I think I may go visit the little Indian restaurant and grab some takeout before I go home this afternoon. I get to leave early (yippee!) because Martha's having her "graduation" ceremony at 1:45.
I am already hungry... maybe it's the heat or something, I don't know. I'm not usually hungry until 12:30 or so.
I think I may go visit the little Indian restaurant and grab some takeout before I go home this afternoon. I get to leave early (yippee!) because Martha's having her "graduation" ceremony at 1:45.
HOT HOT HOT
My classroom, or as I affectionately call it, my "pizza oven" (because it's unventilated and made of cinderblock and it's very small because it's really just a closet), is beginning to get seriously warm. This old school building has no AC, of course. But I could live without AC if we could just get some more classroom space at this school. It's a huge problem and it's forcing us to cram kids and teachers into places that should never have been a classroom. Even if we could just get three or four more mobiles to put outside, that would ease a lot of the space problem... but it doesn't look like North HS will get much, if anything.
A few years back, the school board lobbied and won a one-cent sales tax hike in the Des Moines metro area to fund refurbishment of the crumbling infrastructure of a large number of DM schools. Quite a few elementary schools have gotten a good facelift that was badly needed. One of the high schools got a major workover. Now it looks like there won't be enough $$ left to help our ancient building get some much-needed updates. The one-cent sales tax is going to expire... and since they built the new mall out in the suburbs and not within the DM city limits, we are getting ZERO of the sales tax that's rolling in from those businesses. The school board isn't collecting as much as they had predicted.
Typical, of course.
But nonetheless this school needs SPACE. NOW. And there isn't any more. I'm already losing this classroom to another teacher next year, and I'll have to move in with another SPED teacher, in another really small space that was carved from a larger room with cubicle partitions.
Obviously I'll work with whatever they give me, because I like it here and I want to stay. But if I could wave a wand and make the $$ appear to actually fix this place up and bring it into the 21st century, I would.
A few years back, the school board lobbied and won a one-cent sales tax hike in the Des Moines metro area to fund refurbishment of the crumbling infrastructure of a large number of DM schools. Quite a few elementary schools have gotten a good facelift that was badly needed. One of the high schools got a major workover. Now it looks like there won't be enough $$ left to help our ancient building get some much-needed updates. The one-cent sales tax is going to expire... and since they built the new mall out in the suburbs and not within the DM city limits, we are getting ZERO of the sales tax that's rolling in from those businesses. The school board isn't collecting as much as they had predicted.
Typical, of course.
But nonetheless this school needs SPACE. NOW. And there isn't any more. I'm already losing this classroom to another teacher next year, and I'll have to move in with another SPED teacher, in another really small space that was carved from a larger room with cubicle partitions.
Obviously I'll work with whatever they give me, because I like it here and I want to stay. But if I could wave a wand and make the $$ appear to actually fix this place up and bring it into the 21st century, I would.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Disappointment
I love squeezing fresh Key limes into my Pepsi. I was deee-lighted yesterday when I stopped in at the local QuikTrip and saw that Pepsi has come out with PepsiLime. Hooray! I thought.
What a disappointment. None of the decent, rich sweetness of Pepsi... and none of the citrusy bite of lime. Just blech. There was a hint of both, but it was an unsatisfying experience. I'll stick to my own concoction, thanks.
What a disappointment. None of the decent, rich sweetness of Pepsi... and none of the citrusy bite of lime. Just blech. There was a hint of both, but it was an unsatisfying experience. I'll stick to my own concoction, thanks.
Dazed
I've wondered... is there an etymological kinship between the word "dazed" and "dazzling"? There has to be. Today, "gradual dazzle" seems befitting. I guess it's a reaction to stress and change, but I can feel myself walking in that mental fog that I occasionally find myself in. As I've gotten older, I've recognized it as my mind's involuntary shut-off mechanism when things get complicated or difficult.
My prayers lately are mostly just inwardly guttural pleas for peace and relief from the war against my flesh and the unending pursuit of self-discipline which expertly evades me. Sometimes I just can't muster any more than that... clinging to God's leg like a terrified toddler, depending on the folds of his robe to hide me from everything and everyone.
[sigh] Okay, God. I get it.
My prayers lately are mostly just inwardly guttural pleas for peace and relief from the war against my flesh and the unending pursuit of self-discipline which expertly evades me. Sometimes I just can't muster any more than that... clinging to God's leg like a terrified toddler, depending on the folds of his robe to hide me from everything and everyone.
And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said, "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children." (Proverbs 3:11-12)
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined? If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children after all. Since we respect our earthly fathers who disciplined us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father and really live?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening -- it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in his way.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.
--
Hebrews 12:5-13
[sigh] Okay, God. I get it.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Practice night
Tuesday night is always practice night for the Sunday morning crew. This week and next week, Tim is filling in since Jeff will be out of town. Neal was drumming this week, which is always cool. He has such a dry, wisecracking style; lots of fun to work with.
Tomorrow is Wednesday. It looms ahead of me like a thunderhead, ominous and inscrutable. Thank goodness I have lots of actual WORK to do tomorrow, to hopefully take my mind off the day.
I'll elaborate when I am able. In the meantime, my fingernails are in severe jeopardy (and I rarely chew them anymore)... I'm going to be trying extra-hard to keep them out of my teeth tomorrow. ARGH! Just caught myself clicking my thumbnail. I have awakened every morning for the past week with a clenched jaw, so tonight I'm going to sleep with my dental guard in place to keep my jaw aligned in the night. I've been gritting my teeth HARD, and it's started popping whenever I open and close my mouth. I only do that when I'm really worked-up about something. The last time it happened was when I was working on a big project back in March.
Tomorrow is Wednesday. It looms ahead of me like a thunderhead, ominous and inscrutable. Thank goodness I have lots of actual WORK to do tomorrow, to hopefully take my mind off the day.
I'll elaborate when I am able. In the meantime, my fingernails are in severe jeopardy (and I rarely chew them anymore)... I'm going to be trying extra-hard to keep them out of my teeth tomorrow. ARGH! Just caught myself clicking my thumbnail. I have awakened every morning for the past week with a clenched jaw, so tonight I'm going to sleep with my dental guard in place to keep my jaw aligned in the night. I've been gritting my teeth HARD, and it's started popping whenever I open and close my mouth. I only do that when I'm really worked-up about something. The last time it happened was when I was working on a big project back in March.
Ground Zero, Soros-ified?!?
Michelle Malkin has uncovered the latest outrage of Soros and his fellow America-haters:
The Soros-ization of Ground Zero
This one's got to stop. I can't say that I'm particularly surprised, of course, but if you had told me back in October 2001 that this would be happening in June 2005, I'm not sure I would've believed it.
The Soros-ization of Ground Zero
This one's got to stop. I can't say that I'm particularly surprised, of course, but if you had told me back in October 2001 that this would be happening in June 2005, I'm not sure I would've believed it.
LAST DAY!!!
Okay, it's not exactly the last day, but it is the last day of regular classes. Starting this afternoon we have final exams, culminating in the last one on Monday morning at 8 AM. After that, it's really really done.
I am so ready for summer break.
I am so ready for summer break.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Wedding gift for FrankJ and SarahK
For FrankJ, with his superior math skilz, and SarahK with her magical mathematical moments... I just know they will love this.
Binary Welcome Mat
Binary Welcome Mat
Monday funny
A discussion in my fourth-block class today about "grills." Nope, not talking about the kind Lair Simon cooks his scallops and asparagus on. Nor am I talking about the kind that graces the front of your car. A "grill," it seems, according to Urban Dictionary is:
We were discussing the fact that a particular rapper was sporting a snazzy grill in a new video. I asked them if they were going to get a grill, themselves.
"Are you kiddin'?" Dominique said. "You know how much jus' one toof cos'?"
I shook my head. "No. How much?"
"A lot."
1. grill (aka: fronts, and golds or any variation thereof)
dental jewelry.
Examples -- "My grill's krunk." Or... "I gots to polish my fronts, ahh snap!" Or... "show dem golds."
We were discussing the fact that a particular rapper was sporting a snazzy grill in a new video. I asked them if they were going to get a grill, themselves.
"Are you kiddin'?" Dominique said. "You know how much jus' one toof cos'?"
I shook my head. "No. How much?"
"A lot."
Rude people
Things I think are tacky, un-classy, rude and not-OK:
-Dropping by my friend's house unannounced when you were not contacted by them, expected by them, or invited by them
-Continuing to call and leave messages on my friend's voice mail when your phone calls aren't getting returned
-Showing up at my friend's workplace to try to hunt her down when you know she doesn't want to see you anymore
My advice to the people who've been doing these things is to GET A LIFE and find someone else to bother. Should it ever occur to you that there's a REASON your phone calls aren't being answered, congratulations and welcome to CLUE CITY.
When someone tells you point-blank that they do not want to be bothered, it's the Christian thing to do to respect their wishes.
[stepping down from the PA system]
Yes, I know I'm being harsh, but niceness has been tried and found wanting. If a restraining order were even an option, it would be seriously considered.
-Dropping by my friend's house unannounced when you were not contacted by them, expected by them, or invited by them
-Continuing to call and leave messages on my friend's voice mail when your phone calls aren't getting returned
-Showing up at my friend's workplace to try to hunt her down when you know she doesn't want to see you anymore
My advice to the people who've been doing these things is to GET A LIFE and find someone else to bother. Should it ever occur to you that there's a REASON your phone calls aren't being answered, congratulations and welcome to CLUE CITY.
When someone tells you point-blank that they do not want to be bothered, it's the Christian thing to do to respect their wishes.
[stepping down from the PA system]
Yes, I know I'm being harsh, but niceness has been tried and found wanting. If a restraining order were even an option, it would be seriously considered.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!
I am so tired I can hardly move, but I'm still completely mentally zinging. Doing a concert seems to do that to me. This was only the second one I've ever performed in with SoulFire, so I can only base it on those two experiences... well, if I think about it, I'm usually pretty hyped up after Sunday nights anyway. So maybe it's just PLAYING that gets me charged up.
Now that I think about it, I think that's it. Yes, it's hard work, and it's mentally taxing, but it's like the more I give, the more I get. It's hard for me to get tired of playing. Working, yes. I can get tired of working. Even eating or sleeping or vegging, I can get tired of. But playing? I have yet to find my threshold.
Rick is taking the opportunity tonight to go to a late movie. He has been dying to see "Hitchhiker's Guide," even though I told him what crappy, crappy reviews it got. What a disappointment, too -- HGTTG should've been a bang-up good movie. I'll watch it when it comes out on DVD, I'm sure, but I didn't really want to waste my money if everybody hated it.
A lot going on this week for us. It's finals at school, and I've got a ton of paperwork to turn in for them. I've got two papers to get ready to turn in TOMORROW in my Child & Adolescent Development class. A very important meeting is coming up on Wednesday which I'll elaborate about later. And next weekend is another SoulFire gig. Music practices on both Tuesday AND Thursday evenings as well. And next weekend Martha leaves for church camp. I swear, summers don't bring any rest for me -- they get busier instead of freer. I'll be glad, though, for a little sleeping-in once in a while. I hate getting up early. It's against my very nature. When I do get up early, you can rest assured it's by the grace of God and not by any self-discipline or desire on my part. The verse in Proverbs about how God grants sleep to those He loves? I am fond of that one. I feel VERY loved when I'm able to sleep 'til I wake up, whatever time that may be.
Now that I think about it, I think that's it. Yes, it's hard work, and it's mentally taxing, but it's like the more I give, the more I get. It's hard for me to get tired of playing. Working, yes. I can get tired of working. Even eating or sleeping or vegging, I can get tired of. But playing? I have yet to find my threshold.
Rick is taking the opportunity tonight to go to a late movie. He has been dying to see "Hitchhiker's Guide," even though I told him what crappy, crappy reviews it got. What a disappointment, too -- HGTTG should've been a bang-up good movie. I'll watch it when it comes out on DVD, I'm sure, but I didn't really want to waste my money if everybody hated it.
A lot going on this week for us. It's finals at school, and I've got a ton of paperwork to turn in for them. I've got two papers to get ready to turn in TOMORROW in my Child & Adolescent Development class. A very important meeting is coming up on Wednesday which I'll elaborate about later. And next weekend is another SoulFire gig. Music practices on both Tuesday AND Thursday evenings as well. And next weekend Martha leaves for church camp. I swear, summers don't bring any rest for me -- they get busier instead of freer. I'll be glad, though, for a little sleeping-in once in a while. I hate getting up early. It's against my very nature. When I do get up early, you can rest assured it's by the grace of God and not by any self-discipline or desire on my part. The verse in Proverbs about how God grants sleep to those He loves? I am fond of that one. I feel VERY loved when I'm able to sleep 'til I wake up, whatever time that may be.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Congratulations to Emerson Martin
From the Associated Press:
Iowa's first heart transplant patient celebrates 20 years
Iowa's first heart transplant patient celebrates 20 years
NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa Today's a big day for Emerson Martin.
The 45-year-old North Liberty man plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his heart transplant.
He was the state's first -- and he beat the odds more than once.
Martin was 25 when he was given only months to live. He went on to become Iowa's first heart transplant patient in June 1985 at University Hospitals in Iowa City. He also survived cancer, had a third child with his wife, Traci, and lived beyond expectations.
University Hospitals has since performed 153 heart transplants.
Martin was told not to expect any more children because of the drugs he takes -- 30-to-40 pills a day. His youngest daughter, Emily, is now eight.
His goal is to see her graduate in ten years.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
SoulFire Concert This Sunday Night
SoulFire is gonna rock the house this weekend, and you're all invited!!!!! If you live in the area, come on over. The place will be packed, but there's always room for more. I'd love to see ya, and if you like rockin' contemporary Christian music, you'll be right at home.
Sunday, June 5, 6 PM
Fellowship Community Church
Norwalk, IA
CLICK HERE FOR A MAP
Sunday, June 5, 6 PM
Fellowship Community Church
Norwalk, IA
CLICK HERE FOR A MAP
Bijou for breakfast?
Stories like this make me nervous about letting my little dog out in the backyard after dark. Bijou isn't much bigger than the squirrels around here; she'd make a tasty snack to a big predator (spare me the jokes about teeny-tiny little dogs... Bijou isn't like other teeny-tiny yippy-yappy dogs, she is totally sweet and friendly and lovable). And that golf course in the story isn't that far from my house. I could easily walk there. I won't, of course... certainly not now.
Des Moines seems to be a haven for wildlife... on my way home from SoulFire practice tonight, there was a deer trotting around in one of the main intersections. I waited until it had figured out that it needed to get OFF the street and onto the grass, then I made my turn. Deer are like overgrown rats here. They are literally everywhere and they have very little fear of people. Why should they? Not too long after we moved here in the mid 90s, an elderly man was attacked and nearly killed in a grocery store parking lot by an enraged buck during the rut season.
I've seen a coyote trotting up my street more than once, and there are gazillions of raccoons in this neighborhood... and our house is squarely in the urban middle of Des Moines.
Des Moines seems to be a haven for wildlife... on my way home from SoulFire practice tonight, there was a deer trotting around in one of the main intersections. I waited until it had figured out that it needed to get OFF the street and onto the grass, then I made my turn. Deer are like overgrown rats here. They are literally everywhere and they have very little fear of people. Why should they? Not too long after we moved here in the mid 90s, an elderly man was attacked and nearly killed in a grocery store parking lot by an enraged buck during the rut season.
I've seen a coyote trotting up my street more than once, and there are gazillions of raccoons in this neighborhood... and our house is squarely in the urban middle of Des Moines.
Eh?
Virginia Shooting Rampage Suspect Arrested
Huh? So... is it a "hate" crime because he shouted racial slurs, or is it a "hate" crime because he murdered a whole bunch of people? Or is it even possible to know the animal's state of mind to somehow ascertain that this was somehow related to race? Why does it matter? There are still a bunch of dead people because of this cretin. Why can't we just punish people who do this stuff? Why does it have to matter what he was thinking about his victims as he murdered them? "Oh, hey, no, this wasn't a hate crime. He was just retaliating." As if somehow the victims deserved their fate? I don't get it.
Police: Surveillance Video Helped Identify Alleged Killer
RICHMOND, Va. -- Police in Virginia have arrested a man in connection with a shooting rampage there.
Daniel Bowler was taken into custody without a fight at a hotel. Police say he has a criminal record, but wouldn't elaborate.
Two of the people killed were shopkeepers -- gunned down in front of horrified customers by a shooter yelling racial slurs.
Bowler was the subject of an intense manhunt for more than 24 hours after the killings. He had been identified from surveillance pictures from a convenience store where one victim was shot.
The killings were initially thought to be possible hate crimes. But police now say Bowler knew the victims and that the killings may have been some form of retaliation.
Huh? So... is it a "hate" crime because he shouted racial slurs, or is it a "hate" crime because he murdered a whole bunch of people? Or is it even possible to know the animal's state of mind to somehow ascertain that this was somehow related to race? Why does it matter? There are still a bunch of dead people because of this cretin. Why can't we just punish people who do this stuff? Why does it have to matter what he was thinking about his victims as he murdered them? "Oh, hey, no, this wasn't a hate crime. He was just retaliating." As if somehow the victims deserved their fate? I don't get it.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Happy little surprise
One of my students, Michael, was a senior this year. He's got some pretty serious issues and I've worked hard most of the year to help him stay afloat because he's been hospitalized a couple of times for psychiatric care. The last three months of school, I gave up my planning period in order to do an independent study with him of one of his classes -- his teacher was not particularly able to accommodate his special needs, and Michael was so anxious about it that it was causing him to have problems. I let him come to my classroom where he could be peaceful, and I assigned him independent research projects under the approval of his other teacher.
Michael is a smart, tender-hearted, hard-working boy who deeply desires to reach his potential in life despite mental illness. He's not one of the ones who has a bad attitude; no, he's cooperative and gracious and mild-mannered... you know, one of the ones you'd do anything for, because he actually appreciates it and wants to do well. His mom is a teacher and a pianist, just like me (she actually does play the piano at the Von Maur department store as a side job -- something I've always wanted to do), so we've gotten along well.
Last week was the seniors' last week of school, so I haven't seen Michael all week. Today he popped in to see me and handed me a card. I asked him if he'd been sleeping in every day, and he grinned. "Yeah," he said. I opened the card, and inside was a very sweet note from his mom & dad:
Underneath their note was a scrawly signature from Michael himself, and in the card was a P.F.CHANGS GIFT CARD!!!!!!! Michael grinned. "Remember when I asked you your favorite restaurant?" he said.
That was my happy place for the day.
Michael is a smart, tender-hearted, hard-working boy who deeply desires to reach his potential in life despite mental illness. He's not one of the ones who has a bad attitude; no, he's cooperative and gracious and mild-mannered... you know, one of the ones you'd do anything for, because he actually appreciates it and wants to do well. His mom is a teacher and a pianist, just like me (she actually does play the piano at the Von Maur department store as a side job -- something I've always wanted to do), so we've gotten along well.
Last week was the seniors' last week of school, so I haven't seen Michael all week. Today he popped in to see me and handed me a card. I asked him if he'd been sleeping in every day, and he grinned. "Yeah," he said. I opened the card, and inside was a very sweet note from his mom & dad:
Thanks so much for all you have done for Michael this year. He really would not be graduating without your help. Know that you are appreciated and you do make a difference!
Underneath their note was a scrawly signature from Michael himself, and in the card was a P.F.CHANGS GIFT CARD!!!!!!! Michael grinned. "Remember when I asked you your favorite restaurant?" he said.
That was my happy place for the day.
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