What Do You Get...

...when you put 30 teenagers in a small, dark room? C'mon, you can get this one...think! You get 30 happy teenagers. Yup, that's exactly what you get. You get girls screaming, guys shouting, everyone laughing, the sound of things hitting the walls, books dropping loudly, more girls screaming and everyone laughing. Oh wait, I'm forgetting something....what is it? Let me think. Oh yeah...ME. Yeah, me. I was teaching today at the Freshman Center (speech, and the work they had to do had been completed last Friday...so basically, I had nothing for them). We had some rain, some thunder, a couple flashes of lightening and then complete darkness. For how long? Oh, not long. AN HOUR AND 20 MINUTES. I could not be more serious. We were fortunate in that we had a window in our room, so we had some light...enough for vague shadows. I did have to put my chair in front of the door to make sure none escaped. You know how things can be in the wild, I mean with teens.
I started thinking about how many teens have cell phones, so we got them out and I let one at a time walk around the classroom taking pictures of each other with their cameras. Most had flash, a couple didn't and only 3 kids didn't have cameras but the other kids all volunteered to let them borrow theirs to take pics. Still, some of the longest 80 minutes I've ever spent.
Yeah, and this happened on Halloween.

'I Want It That Way'

These two chinese kids, The_Dormitory_Boys, left a comment on my blog, and when I checked them out, well...they made me laugh. If you have a minute (or two), stop by and watch their video.

All In One Update

UPDATE ON MARK

We got some great news about my husband, Mark, on Tuesday. When he started treatment (7 weeks ago now) his viral count was at 600,000. Now, I'm not sure what that means, but Mark explains it as how much virus (hepatitis C) is in his blood. This past Tuesday they told him that his 6 week count was....UNDER 10. Not 10,000, but TEN. They said that other than saying it's remarkable, they don't know what else to say! They call him one of the lucky ones. He still has 42 weeks of treatments to go, and the shot he got on Tuesday pretty much knocked him out for a day or so (chills, aches and pains, exhaustion) but he feels better this morning.

Anyway, they call him lucky, we call him blessed. They don't know what to say, we say 'Thank you Jesus'. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

BORROWED FROM STEVE

A Race of a Different Kind
Some people understand life better, and they call some of these people"retarded"...

At the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.

The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back......every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.

Everyone in the stadium stood, the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story... Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"

SOME CALL IT WORK

I've been subbing for the Speech Department, and I've been having a blast. These kids are so creative. A bit high strung, but they're smart, funny and so creative. Their teacher has them putting together 60 to 90 second commercials comparing soft drinks with one being the preferred, and it's students choice as to which. When I read this assignment, I thought of all the commercials we've seen comparing coke and pepsi...and the likes. I figured (slap my hand) that the kids would have a lot to copy from. But that's not what I saw.

Each class is broken down into groups of 4 - 5 students. One group had a member drink a Mr. Pibb by mistake and call 911 for Dr. Pepper. Another group had Coke and Pepsi as contestants on Jeopardy. One more, there was a parody of Sprite and 7-Up on the Jerry Springer Show.

They'd written their own scripts, gotten their own props and timing it all to make sure it didn't go over or under. I'm sure I'm not doing them justice, but they were exceptional. I'm impressed, not only with the students, but with the teacher for having instilled this kind of creativity in them. Good job.

WHO KNEW?

Okay, men...go away. About 4 years ago I had to have a complete hysterectomy. It didn't bother me so much because I was done (more than done) having children and I had been having severe problems for about...gee, a very long time. So, this was no big deal to me and I've felt so much better since. I found out yesterday that I no longer have to have a yearly pap! I've had them for the past 3 years since, but apparently I didn't have to. Nice to know. But at least I know now. I was told that I can go for 3 - 4 years, have one...go another 4 - 6 years...and so on. Mostly just to check the hormonal levels, which you'd think they could find another way to test for. But, hey, I'm not complaining. Still need a yearly for blood tests, ekg and all that for meds and such. But, ladies...good news, yes??

ON ANOTHER NOTE

I'm so proud of my boys (okay, young men...whatever). They are such decent, thoughtful, considerate, giving and kind young men. I am so very blessed to have them. I'm not kidding here, I'm constantly in awe of the things they do and their outlook on life. If nothing else, I've contributed to this world greatly through the amazing kids I've raised.

Let's Meet Over At Shawn's

I was reading some of my favorite blogs, and Shawn (Better Days Coming) posted an article that raised a good, thought provoking question. I hope you'll visit here and share what you think. It's a question about whether one's school system has a right to have any form of control on a student while he isn't in school. My thoughts on it are on his comment section.

Jokes For Monday

Debbie, my cousin in Indiana, sent me a couple jokes this morning. I feel like sharing...

THREE WOMEN -- ONE GERMAN, ONE JAPANESE AND A HILLBILLY WERE SITTING NAKED IN A SAUNA. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A BEEPING SOUND.THE GERMAN PRESSED HER FOREARM AND THE BEEP STOPPED. THE OTHERS LOOKED AT HER QUESTIONINGLY. "THAT WAS MY PAGER," SHE SAID. " I HAVE A MICROCHIP UNDER THE SKIN OF MY ARM."A FEW MINUTES LATER, A PHONE RANG. THE JAPANESE WOMAN LIFTED HER PALM TO HER EAR. WHEN SHE FINISHED, SHE EXPLAINED, "THAT WAS MY MOBILE PHONE. I HAVE A MICROCHIP IN MY HAND."THE HILLBILLY WOMAN FELT DECIDEDLY LOW TECH. NOT TO BE OUTDONE, SHE DECIDED SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING JUST AS IMPRESSIVE. SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE SAUNA AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM. SHE RETURNED WITH A PIECE OF TOILET PAPER HANGING FROM HER BEHIND.THE OTHERS RAISED THEIR EYEBROWS AND STARED AT HER.THE HILLBILLY WOMAN FINALLY SAID, "WELL, WILL YOU LOOK AT THAT - I'M GETTIN' A FAX."

One more:

Menopause Jewelry ~
My husband, being unhappy with my mood swings, bought me a mood ring the other day so he would be able to monitor my moods.
We've discovered that when I'm in a good mood, it turns green.
When I'm in a bad mood, it leaves a big red mark on his forehead.
Maybe next time he'll buy me a diamond.

Lazy Day

Awwwww, a nice lazy Monday to look forward to. I'm not working, and I have no plans, at all, for the entire day. The cooler weather has finally came our way. Today's high is suppose to be 66 degrees, that's Texas sweatshirt weather. Windows open, a cup of tea and a good book today. Yea!!! Plus, it'll give me time to catch up on everyone's blogs, programs I've got recorded and maybe a nap too! Does it get any better than this?
Oh yeah, you know the sign 'Do Not Knock' is going up on my door. And, please don't call unless it's an emergency. :) Lol, I'm hibernating today!

Hmmmm....

Your Inner Child Is Sad

You're a very sensitive soul.You haven't grown that thick skin that most adults have.Easily hurt, you tend to retreat to your comfort zone.You don't let many people in - unless you've trusted them for a long time.

How Is Your Inner Child?

Woody and Buzz

Today was a fun day, and I'm completely joking. Yesterday my class room was cold, and it was a bit cooler outside today so I wore a sweater. As life would have it, my room was hot today. The teacher had left instructions that all the classes were to watch a film...Toy Story...in spanish. I watched this movie 7 times today. Only one class got all the way through it because the class with a lunch in it is 45 minutes longer. I don't know how I stayed awake, seriously. A dark, warm room, Toy Story in Spanish...really, I want an award. I was pretty stiff in my neck and shoulder this morning and I'm thinking it was from moving all the stone in the back yard the other night. At least with the warm room, it relaxed my muscles and the crick in my neck went away.
So...I'm on my way to grab a snack, take an hour nap and then go to dinner with the family. Blog y'all later. :)

It's All Family

There seems to be a bit of confusion over Mark being my husband or my son...he's my husband. My son's are Casey (16) and Charlie (15 in December). Mark (my hubby) is the one that has hepatitis C. We believe he got it at birth when he had to have a complete blood transfusion. The first time we found out he had it was 21 years ago, right after we'd gotten married, and we went to donate blood together. A week or so later, we got a letter saying he had hepatitis C and was not eligible to donate blood.
To catch up on this, please see the post on August 9, 'My Husband'.
Hug's to all.

...and life goes on

Karma came back to bite me in the butt. Earlier this week when I was subbing for French, I said that at least it wasn't Spanish. Well, guess where I've been? Just for your information, it was a completely right on assumption. Classes in French are much more enjoyable, from a sub's point of view, than Spanish. I was just telling blackops that the majority of kids in French classes are there because they really want to learn French. The majority of kids in Spanish classes are there because they have to take a language and this one will be the easiest for them. (Again, note: I'm in Texas) Yesterday I had 7 classes with no fewer than 30 kids and no more than 35 wild, outta control, unruly 15~16 year olds. I'm there again today, same classes. Good wishes appreciated.
Night before last, Terri (my friend and neighbor) and I sort of re-did my back yard. (Go ahead and laugh Katy) I'd torn up the deck earlier this year (May) with my son Charlie, which left my husband not really speaking to me for awhile. This isn't a rarity (see post about my kitten, Trouble). Anyway, since that time, I've planted grass seed. I've put down grass plugs, and I've re-sodded. Nothing...but dirt. So, several years ago, I'd laid down some stone where we'd had problems with mud around the deck. We have always had at least 2 dogs at a time, so mud isn't fun for my house. Terri and I pried up all that stone and re-arranged it where the deck use to be and put down concrete blocks (that use to hold the foundation for the deck) as a path to Mark's grilling area. Then we re-arranged all my outdoor furniture and chimenea on the stone. I love it! Our backs were sore and we were very sweaty, but we were playing Al Green full blast for the entire neighborhood to enjoy (yeah, I'm thoughtful that way) and we had a ball. I love Terri. Now I'd like a few more stones and some mulch, and I'll be good.
While Terri and I were having our yard party, Mark was working out in the 'weight room' with his new trainer, Laurie. I really liked her. She's a friend from his work who has agreed to help Mark build up his biceps. Mark works out daily and rides his bike for about an hour a day and plays hackey sack. Very disciplined. I should also update y'all that at his weekly check up for his hepatitis C treatment, his liver enzymes showed improvement. Very good news. He's not having trouble with the side effects much anymore, thankfully. He said at his last check up, there were others going through the same treatment that were not doing so well. One is in a wheel chair now and others are developing sores and etc. He feels so bad for them, we're very thankful that he is responding so well.
Okay, on a completely related side note: I love my family very much. I'm so grateful for having such a wonderful husband and the sweetest kids in the world. I love all my guys and I realize how blessed I am to have the life I do.
Hug's to all.

French, Girlfriends & Our Girl

I actually had a good day subbing. Didn't learn any French (well, actually I learned how to say 'will you sleep with me tonight' by Leesa and Video X on my blog's comments), but the teacher (she threw her back out last night) called me this morning and walked me through more than enough work to keep the kids busy. But, I don't like to weigh the kids down with a ton of busy work, so I asked her what was the most important work to get done and we focused on that. Afterwards I let them play hangman on the whiteboard using only the French vocabulary in the chapters they're up to. And, the teams had to know the meaning of the word. So, they all had fun, they got to get out of their seats and get a little vocal. Fun was had by all.
I also had 2, count them...1....2, of Charlies (my 14 yr old) past girl friends in my classes...and one girl that he's got a crush on now (and I can see why!). The first period I had Tessa. I've always loved Tessa, they started doing the 'boyfriend/girlfriend' thing in about the 3rd grade and liked each other through the 6th grade. We took her to a lot of movies and out to eat with us. I loved her. She dressed like a 70's flower child, cute as a button. In my 3rd period I had Katy. I actually didn't know they'd ever 'gone out' until she told me a couple of weeks ago when I had her in a biology class I was subbing. Going out meaning walking each other to class and stuff, because they never went anywhere, but she is a cutie. Then, finally I had Rachel in a class. I've heard him talk about her, but I've never had her in a class till today. Tall, long blonde hair, smart...I liked her. But I couldn't tell her that my baby has a huge crush on her! I hated that. I've been carrying her last name on a piece of paper for a long time because every time I have a blonde Rachel in my class I wonder if it's her. My kid does have some great taste in women, okay...girls. First time I've ever known him to be shy around a girl, so maybe she's something special. Hmmmm?
During my off period I was asked to sit in on a 'pass' class that consisted of 3 kids that are considered high risk and the school is not allowed to have less than 2 teachers in there at any given time. High risk being anything from severe ADHD to violence. This is something that disturbs me because one of them was a pretty good friend of Charlie's last year and the other two are friends of his. Not good ones, but friends all the same. I told Charlie about it when he got home from wrestling tonight and he said that the one that was his good friend last year (which apparently is in because he has a difficult time controlling his temper in classes) is one of his school's best players on the football team this year. Wow. I'd think you'd have to attend regular classes to play on a team, but what do I know? It was a totally uneventful period while I was there.
On another note, do you remember the post I had on 'Our Girl'? The next door neighbor that I'd told y'all about and how I was thinking about telling her that she was no longer welcome in my home? Well, we had a talk where I stated my intent (clearly) to ban her from my home and family if she had contact with her drug buddy 'Idiot'. She was adamant that she was through with him. Today, she crossed this line, again. So, I had to tell her that she was no longer welcome here. Absolutely broke my heart. She cried, I cried (but not until I got back into my house), she pleaded and I walked away. Did I mention it broke my heart?? When Mark got home she ran to him outside and presented her case to him, there were circumstances that I wouldn't listen to (a friend of theirs had committed suicide yesterday and they were consoling each other). Mark thinks I should give her another chance. I don't. Do you? Do I want to, hell yes. But everything in me tells me not to. For the first time ever, she's had someone give an ultimatum and stand by it. But, damn...it's soooo hard.
Okay, enough. Tired and I'm off to bed.
Hugs

Taking / Teaching French Today

Not only am I working today (teaching), I'll be learning. I'm subbing for a french class today. Never subbed for a french class before, so it should be interesting for me as well as the students. The one thing I'm looking forward to is that french is an elective, so most of my kids should be there because they choose to be. Unlike spanish, which most kids take because it's so easy. I mean, we're in Texas, it's our second language.
I'll post when I get home this afternoon. Y'all have a good day and keep smiling.

America's Funniest Home Video

Puhleeeze go check out this video. Parents will so get it, though I honestly don't remember my kids ever acting like this (and there is probably a reason they didn't). Non-parents will put off having kids for awhile. LOL, GO!!
Thanks Shawn, this really made me laugh!

Tagged by Jan

I just noticed that I was tagged by Jan (on the 13th ~ so sorry Jan!). It's the tag where you find the 5th sentence in your 23rd post of your blog and post it. My 23rd post was on July 29th (this year) and my 5th sentence was:

Mark went to college in San Marcos, and he and I have tubed there.

I was writing about how Mark had given me the week end alone by taking the boys to San Marcos to go tubing down the river. It really brought back memories of that week end. I love my alone time. So now, I'm wondering where I can get them to go next...thanks Jan!
Oh, and I'm suppose to tag 5 people. Hmmmmmm...here goes: Jerry, Heather, Tracie, MG and Chrissie.
Hug's!

Day Of Rest

Charlie and I decided to do a movie since Mark and Casey were at the Cowboys/Giants game. Charlie said he wanted to see Waiting, and since I didn't care about anything out, I said 'sure'. I got on line to check out the times and reviews. Hmmmmm, really bad reviews. And, as is the norm, I couldn't have agreed less. I liked it very much. Charlie and I were the only two people in the theater, and I laughed pretty much all the way through it.
It's about waiting tables and restaurant work. I bartended and waited tables for about 10 years (off and on) and loved it 99% of the time. So, this movie hit home with me. Not all of it, it was a movie after all. But a lot of it. It was a bit raunchy in areas, so beware. :)
After the movie we stopped by Subway. We've had a good day. I do love my Charlie.
Mark called, and they are on their way home. First pro football game for Casey, and it was a good one. Cowboys won in overtime. Go Cowboys!
A good Sunday is being had by one and all in the Bratcher family.
Hugs

Bush speaks with the troops

I hope y'all know that I value everyone's time, and if I do offer up something for y'all to read, I honestly think it's of value. With that said, if you have the time, please visit here...and then, maybe here too.

The Benefits Of Being Male

I read something on Jan's blog that made laugh, and it's so very true. Women will enjoy it more than men because, well...they just will.
Have a minute? Read this. Thanks Jan.

Another Anniversary

Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. Mark and Casey are going to the Cowboy and Giants game, so we celebrated today. I just want to say how blessed I am to have such a man as Mark. For whatever reason, he loves me and has proved it over and over. I definitely got the best end of this "I do" deal. I love you Mark, happy anniversary!

Book Fair

I was suppose to substitute in the library today at the freshman center. I was actually looking forward to it because I've had a few restless nights lately and my head has hurt for two solid days, so the library seemed like the perfect place to hide, I mean work.
Two librarians were out and it was the first day of the school's Book Fair. Remember the Book Fairs? Normally, they use to be for the younger grades, but they said this is the third year for the freshman center having them and they had done well in the past. So, they had it arranged where each english teacher would alternate bringing their class in for 20 minutes. For six hours I sat at a table, alone (2 missing librarians replaced by one sub = school district mathematics) constantly bombarded by kids asking "how much is this...how much would it be with tax?" You do realize that books are just a small amount of a book fairs inventory, yes? There are a hundred kind of stupid, I mean cute, girlie girl pens, things that grow in water, key chains, jewelry, posters, pen lights, those things that squish and feel really cool, I mean icky... There, now you have an idea. Every 20 minutes a different batch of 30 kids would plow in and go nuts like they were in a toy store. Okay, it was pretty much like a toy store. Hell, there were things in there I wanted. But this was the first day, and it runs through next week.
As I was leaving, the librarian asked me if I'd be interested in subbing in the library again. "Sure, why not." Then she asks me if I'd like to sub long term in the library. Yeah, maybe 10 years after I'm dead. Other than The Dillard Center (our alternative school...for troubled kids) I don't really want to long term sub anywhere. I suppose I like it there because I share so much with the kids. You know, baggage and the like. Otherwise I like picking and choosing the days I work. But if I was going to work full time, I suppose the library would be a decent place to work. I mean, it still has the kids hours and schedule, I'd be at Charlie's school, and I'd get to see all his friends. I love how his friends all come in and give me hugs when they hear I'm working there. So...I might think about it, after the Book Fair is over.

Later Gators

I'm working today, but I don't go in until 11:00, so I'm going back to bed for an hour or so before I need to get ready. I'll post tonight, just dead tired right now.
Oh...Katy ~ thanks for the heads up yesterday. I redirected her as soon as we hung up. Once again, you're there for me. Love you!

Little Girl Lost

We were all doing our normal, typically boring, Wednesday evening , getting on with our lives type of things last night when suddenly we hear a blood curdling scream. A very high pitched terrifying scream near the front of the house. A very non-male scream, and it wasn't me. We all run from different areas of the house, meeting in the front entry way, to find a little girl surrounded by my three large dogs, all being bigger than her. I've never seen this girl before, have no idea who she is, guessing her to be around 4 ~ 6 years old. Mark and I are bewildered when Dusty, one of Charlie's friends from across the street who is visiting, explains that this little girl is Alyssa and lives down the street. Dusty tells us that she must have followed him, and often lets herself into peoples houses. He and Charlie tell the little girl that it's okay, the dogs won't hurt her, whereas I tell her (and the boys) that 'NO', it's not okay and that she is to leave my house.
I suppose this is where I should remind y'all that I've stated many times, I do not like little kids. Never have. Thank God for my husband for being such a hands on kind of dad that it helped get my kids to an age where I wasn't tempted to smother them in their sleep.
I tell the boys to help her get back outside so that she doesn't let my dogs out of the house. This is a big problem that we have, and one, *ONE*, of the reasons that I'm so bothered. Charlie's dog, Rocky, which can be seen on my picture page, is a runner. He's a mutt, but we think part whippet, which is a running dog. Even though he's 10 years old, you can not catch this dog. Unfortunately our chocolate lab, Porter, is a follower and Rocky is his biggest buddy. I can't count how many times these dogs have gotten out because of a door not closing properly and how many people have had to drive around for hours at a time trying to find these dogs. Once they were found about 10 miles away in a heavy storm, and Rocky always thinks he has the right of way in any road, which terrifies us.
So, when I'm upset with this child for just walking into my home, one of the reasons is that my dogs could have very easily been let out. Another reason is, what kind of trouble this child could get into walking into the 'wrong' house. Actually, in my mind...any house but her house is the wrong house...but you get my meaning.
I know when my kids were little, one of the biggest lessons to teach them was to not go in anyone's home that you didn't know, and never with out asking me (their parent's) permission first.
Well, the little girl is upset because the dogs scared her (and rightly so), and because I scared her (again...rightly so). I walked off leaving the boys to get her out of the house.
I'm thinking about her just walking in, and how my dogs could be loose, so I go outside to make sure she understands she is to never do this again. When I walk outside, Dusty is holding her and she is in tears. Mark is getting his bike out of the garage to go for a ride, and Dusty tells us that I made her cry. Yeah, well, good.
I call her name, and when she looks at me I tell her "You are to never walk into my house again without knocking". She starts crying harder. I call her name again, and she looks at me as I ask her "Do you understand?" I'm speaking very calmly, not yelling in the slightest. I just want to make sure that I don't have to start worrying about her just walking in again...ever. Dusty, bless his heart, is whispering to her to say 'yes ma'am". I have to tell her again and ask, again, if she understands before she answers me. Mark is laughing at how I've made yet another kid cry (remember I've said before that this is why I only teach high school levels...kids just cry too easy for me).
A little while later Dusty's mom calls me. She's laughing, but she tells me that Alyssa apparently cried for quite awhile, and that our friend and neighbor, Terri, had held the little girl for a long time trying to comfort her. Dusty had told them what happened and Terri was worried that I'd scarred this little girl. Here is my thought, GOOD. If this will keep her from walking into a total strangers home, when no one in her family has any idea of who's home she's disappeared into...it's a GOOD thing. It could, very well, save her life or at the very least keep something tragic from happening to her. Dusty's mom tells me that she does this kind of thing a lot. Has no one talked to her parents? This is an extremely dangerous habit. I'll be going down to talk to her parents today. Haven't met them before, and I'm not a people person, apparently, but I want them to know she is NOT welcomed to do this in my home. And to make them aware that she's not only doing this to her immediate neighbors that she or they know, but to strangers home. If my dogs had attacked her (I mean, her just walking in was enough reason to confuse them and draw their attention, but her screaming in their faces could have had more severe results) it would have been tragic, for all concerned. And of course...my dog's could have gotten out!!

Distant Thunder

In distant thunder the silent cry.
No hugs, no kisses, no lullaby.
No firsts, no falls, no chance to try.
In distant thunder the silent cry.

Bitter End

(This is for my sweet friend Deb, who has a lingering love that won't quite let go.)

It's much different now than it was before,
even though I know I still love you.
I find I must keep it from showing
each time I painfully confront you.

No longer can I reach for the hand
that once would draw me near.
Your kiss that once lived upon my cheek
has been replaced by lonely tears.

The special places we claimed as ours
have seemed to have lost their value.
Those funny little greetings that once meant so much
have been replaced by a simple 'how are you?'.

The songs that once filled me with love and warmth
now only make me feel sad and lonely.
Your eyes that once caressed me with your love
no longer seem to know me.

There's no where to hide from our final truth,
so good bye my love, my dear sweet friend.
The love that taught my heart to live
has come now to a bitter end.

Today's Quote 10/10/05

Warning: This is from Timmy's blog Blogs_Get_Slaughtered and it is, as tends to be the norm, R rated. Please be aware before you read it. With that said, this quote is just plain funny...to me. But, I've never made it a secret that I appreciate a sick and twisted sense of humor.

"I've never really subscribed to the if-they're-old-enough-to-crawl-they're-in-the-right-position school of thought, and the statutory charges were dropped when my lawyer convinced the police that the law was vague concerning whether a canine's age was determined in "people-years" or "dog-years"..."

Timmy would probably be humbled if you wanted to read the rest of this entry. Nah, I'm joking...can't see Timmy caring one way or the other.

I Feel Like A Hypocrite

I've been hearing a song lately. The radio station I listen to (occasionally) never gives the name of the song or the artist, which really ticks me off. This morning I'm watching The Daily Buzz (I love this show) and they're playing it in the background AND they do give the information I've been wanting...till I get it. It's Gold Digger by Kanye West (with Jamie Foxx).
I'm not a Kanye West fan. I'm a big hater of blanket comments. Some of you will know what I'm talking about, and some of you won't. Either way, I'm not going to feed the fire, so just take it at face value that I'm not a fan of West. But, I want this song on my ipod. My first impulse was 'crap, I'm not buying it'. But then I start thinking about things that have bothered me about other people...one of my 'pet peeves'.
I know people who shy away from an entire company, movie...etc., because of maybe one sponsor or person involved with it. And it's their right to do so, absolutely. What bothers me is when they tell me about it expecting to change my view also.
My mom-in-law was upset when I went to see Monster-In-Law because it had Jane Fonda in it. One of my closest friends won't see Susan Sarandon or Richard Gere movies, while another friend wouldn't watch The
Interpreter with Sean Penn because of the stunt he recently pulled with the Katrina rescues. One of my neighbors will not shop at Kroger's grocery chain because of one of the brands they carry.
Up until now, for whatever reason, I've never had a problem. I've been able to separate the person from the service. I mean, to me, Sarandon & Penn are just damn good actors. Gere too, plus he's just out and out 'purty' to look at. I may not share their politics or religion, but I can still appreciate their talent.
I look at it another way. I take the boys to Taco Bell and there is a guy behind the counter that I know is cheating on his wife and his girlfriend, do I buy our food or walk out? His job depends on the money that's spent in the restaurant. Do I accept mail from a carrier that I know is a bad mother? Do I rent movies from Blockbuster even though they offer movies that I disapprove of? Do I read blogs of bloggers that have a different life style than mine? Can I appreciate the music of someone that I, personally, consider to be an ass?
Gold Digger does, also, have Jamie Foxx contributing to it, and who doesn't love Jamie Foxx?
Am I going to download the song from itunes? Yeah, I am. I'll probably feel like a hypocrite while I'm doing it. But, I'll be smiling when I'm listening to it on my ipod. Besides, I guess I could look at it as Kanye being the sell out, making music for people who completely disregard him as having any logic whatsoever.

Not Mine, Again!

This is a really sick and twisted read. No, it's not by Timmy. It's Romey's and I'm warning you...it'll stay with you. Don't go if you can't handle it. Truly.

HERE'S ONE TO KEEP YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT

Please Sign In 10/09/05

I'm better, but still not well.
So, one more time...Mystery guest, please sign in here

Please Sign In 10/07/05

Short but fierce piece, mystery guest...please sign in here.

Pooh

I slept most of the day yesterday, or tried to. The boys were great at making sure I wasn't disturbed. It's pretty cool that they're old enough that I don't have to worry about them, and they're actually kind of taking care of me.
I think my tonsils (yeah, still have them) are infected and my right ear is pretty painful too. Maybe it was the change of weather, Texas got it's first real cold front of the season. We went from 90 degrees and the air on, to 55 degrees and blankets out in less than 24 hours. By this time of year, we're all ready for cooler weather. So, spent the majority of the day in bed, chilling (literally...with fever). Got up to get dressed and go to Casey's football game last night. Wore a tee, a jean shirt and a sweat shirt with jeans and then covered up with an indian blanket, and I was still chilling so much I couldn't keep my teeth from chattering, but sweat was pouring off of me.
I'm fixing to go back to bed (fixin = texas slang for 'going to') to rest until tonight's football game. Tomorrow night is a house warming party for one of Marks friends and I'm thinking I'll skip it to get a full 24 hours to rest and try to shake this.
I've tried to check in with some of my favorite blogs, but if I've missed you, don't take it personally. The comments I'm leaving probably aren't making any sense anyway.
I'm looking for a guest blog now, I'll submit it in a bit.
Hugs

Please Sign In

I'm a bit under the weather today. So, with that said, I'd like to introduce a mystery guest blog this morning. Just too funny not to share and I know y'all will enjoy it (okay, at least 99.8% of you). Mystery guest...please sign in here.

Our Girl

Charlie and I are on our way to McKinney, a small town north of Dallas, to walk around the square, shop at some of the antique stores and I can take some pictures. So, since I don't have too much time, I'm going to post something short and light natured.
My neighbor, and best friends', daughter has a drug problem. She's had a lot of problems, and we've all made allowances. God knows, I've been there and done that. My kids have grown up with, and love, this girl. She's 20, dropped out of school at 16, went back to get her GED, went to college (with her dad completely funding it) and dropped out 1/2 way through the first semester. She's not able to keep a job, because she always quits. She disappears for days, sometimes weeks, at a time.
This girl is beautiful, highly intelligent, funny...and as inconsiderate as they come. Her mom is a flight attendant and is out of town 3 - 4 days out of the week. She usually has to spend those few days at home cleaning and trying to repair the damage that's been done while she's away. Our girl will come home now and then, except for when her mom is home. (Her mom and dad have been divorced for about 10 years or a little more)
I don't mind anyone getting high. I understand it. Like I said, been there and done that. Although I've been completely clean for 21 years, I had done everything that didn't require me to put a needle in my arm. Our girl is enjoying the variety of all that's out there, but for the last year, crystal meth has been the main drug of choice.
Her boyfriend, which has stood by her when I would have spanked her ass and put her to the curb too many times to count, loves her unconditionally. About 3 weeks ago she totaled his new $40,000 truck. They found drugs in her system. How she wasn't arrested, I'm not sure. (Did I fail to mention that she is a frequent cell flyer with our county jail? Assault and battery, speeding tickets unpaid...) The people in the truck she hit were sent to the hospital. She was home for about a week, mainly since her boyfriend didn't have a truck she could borrow.
I guess I haven't mentioned that she spends any time she is home, at our house. My husband cooks for her, she has always made our home her home, and I'd not have had it any other way. It was during the week after the accident, while she was home and I knew she was clean and sober, that I told her that if I saw a certain person over at her house (for clarity, we'll just call him 'Idiot', but it's not his real name) I would call the police. Idiot has been the person who supports her habit, and her mom has asked me to try to keep him out of her house when she's not home. When I first met Idiot, I asked him how old he was, "24". I asked Idiot what he did for a living, "bakes pizza at a pizza place". I asked him if he was going to go to college, "I plan on it, but I have to get my GED first". See a pattern here? So, anyway, our girl said she understood that, she was going to stop hanging with that crowd anyway. Okay, good deal. I told her that I didn't want a known dealer around my house or my kids and that I'd promised her mom to keep him out of her house.
Yesterday she had him at her house. I called the police. By the time they got here, they were all gone. They asked me what car they were in, I didn't know. Later last evening, they came back. Idiot was in the back seat, the owner of the car was in the passenger seat (no license) and our girl had been driving, but not in the car.
I take a notebook and pen, go outside and say hello as I step behind the car and write down the license plate number and the make of the car. As they started yelling at me, our girl comes out and tells them that she had told them earlier that I had said I'd call the police. I told her I loved her, came inside and called the police. They took off. She called later and wanted to know why I'd called when Idiot wasn't driving and it wasn't his car. I briefly reminded her of our conversation, and she reminded me that she had just totaled a car and had a warrant out and that she was driving the car. I reminded her that she's never to call me on my phone and disrespect me. In the background I can hear Idiot and the car's owner yelling. I may have put a damper on their evening.
I've had to leave a note on her door today that, as she's been told a dozen times in the last few weeks, her 'boyfriend' can not get a rental car, or close the case with his insurance company on his truck being totaled and therefore getting him in a new vehicle, until she gives a statement. She just hasn't found the time...in 3 weeks.
I also left on this note that she and I need to talk. Lord, again. Only this time, my family and I have decided to ban her from our home and family. This breaks my heart. We love this girl. We have high hopes for this girl. Her mom is going to change the locks (after having her computer, lawn mower, vacuum, and tv disappear) but her mom has been saying this for about a year. I can't control what my friend does with her home or daughter, but I do have control with my home and family. My husband and I can not let our kids have an inkling of an idea that this kind of behavior is acceptable in any way. I'm dying inside, dreading the talk I'll have to have soon with our girl.
Thoughts?
Prayers, please.

Today's Quote 10/05/05

"Seek not the path of those that go before you, but seek what it is they sought after."

Sensei Sotoshi
(as told to Johnny Newt)
http://gamerdinger.blogspot.com/

Today's Quote 10/04/05

Why do we grieve for the dead ? Would those who are held captive grieve for one that has escaped ?

Johnny Newt
http://gamerdinger.blogspot.com/

This Was Nothing

It had to happen sooner or later. I was hoping for later, but that's in the past now. Casey was picking up Charlie from wrestling last night, around 9 p.m., and had a bit of trouble parking. But, God bless him, he kept trying. Over and over again.
Trying to pull into a parking spot, that apparently wasn't meant for him, he misjudged the distance and had a pretty decent collision with a SUV's bumper. Casey drives an `88 Chevy Caprice...a boat of a car. No one was in the SUV. Casey, for whatever reason his reasonably new drivers mind was telling him, kept pulling in to the spot, scratching the entire side of the SUV with his passenger side mirror. Of course he's practically sitting on top of the SUV, he knows he's hit it and scratched it, and yet he backs up. Taking more of the SUV's paint with the mirror...again. Okay, I remember being 16 and driving. Things get confused easily, especially when you're a bit panicked. Wait, that was last night for me...never mind.
Anyway, as luck would have it, the SUV belonged to Gino (the man running the wrestling clinic that Charlie was attending). Gino owns Performance Course Training, which Casey attends every summer for football. So, Casey and he are familiar with each other. Casey and Charlie said that Gino was very understanding and told Casey that accidents happen. I have a whole new respect for Gino, he handled it very well with Casey. Thanks Gino.
Casey and Gino exchanged all the required information. Charlie calls me and when I answer the phone he yells "Mom, Casey had an accident. He hit a car like 12 times! I'm not kidding Mom." Remember the panic and confusion statement earlier? Insert here. I had all the typical questions 'is he okay', 'was anyone hurt'...see, he failed to tell me it was a parking accident. I tell them to stay put and I'm on my way. Casey gets on the phone and tells me it's all being taken care of, he can and is handling it. That sound you hear is me laughing...like anything could have kept me from getting there like a bat outta hell. Of course, by the time I get there (8 minutes later) it's over, Casey and Charlie are the only two left in the lot and there isn't any sign of damage to the big comfy couch that Casey drives. Mom wasn't needed.
Now I'm waiting to find out about the insurance repercussions. Casey is an honor roll student, which gives us a $$ break on our insurance. He took the state accepted driving classes which also gives us a break on our insurance. Yet still our insurance went up about $100 a month for a 16 year old, male driver.
Casey was upset. I feel like it was my fault for asking him if he wanted to pick Charlie up. It's just 2 miles from our house, and Casey drives quite a bit at night. His drivers training classes were evening classes. But still...I should have gone. One of lifes 'woulda, coulda, shoulda's'. After we got home last night, I made sure Casey knew I wasn't mad. We talked about his not stopping when he first hit the bumper...but other than that, he's a kid and he felt bad enough. Talk to any parent that's had a kid in a bad accident, this was nothing.

Fall Break

It's fall break, no school, no schedules, no getting up early so there are later curfews...
Yeah, we wish. Oh yeah, it's fall break, however Casey still has football practice every day from 9 ~ 2. So, he needs to be up by 8 a.m., but at least he drives himself.
Charlie has a wrestling clinic from 4:30 ~ 9. It's only for Monday and Tuesday. The boys have 'teen' church on Wednesday evening.
That gives us, maybe, a couple of hours 'together' through the week until Friday, when both the boys are free. The State Fair of Texas is going this week, so that's an option for Friday.
I guess the days of vacations during school breaks are gone. There are always the Perfomance Courses (sport clinics) that go through the entire summer. Mark's busy time is through the summer anyway, so we can never go on our 'family' vacations through the summers, but the boys and I try to get away for a few days at a time when possible.
Football always has mandatory practice during breaks until football season is over. This is our first year with a kid in wrestling, and wrestling will be during our winter break.
This puts a real cramp in our family vacations. Yeah, it's cheaper...but I still miss them. Guess it's just a sign of things to come. Casey will be a senior next year, then off to college in `07. Charlie graduates in `09. How did this happen, where did the time go? I remember a time when my 'empty nest' couldn't happen soon enough. Yes, I remember...because it was last night.

Today's Quote 10/02/05

I read this on another blog last week, and loved it. He gave me permission to use it for my quote. He's a pretty popular guy, so if you've already read this, I apologize. If not, have fun and visit Steve's blog when you have a chance.
http://stevenjones.blogspot.com/

TODAY'S MATH

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58.The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her.She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register.I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help.While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.Why do I tell you this?Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s.

Teaching Math In 1950:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?
Teaching Math In 1960:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?
Teaching Math In 1970:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
Teaching Math In 1980:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
Teaching Math In 1990:
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)
Teaching Math In 2005:
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producción es $80 ..

All Alone & Grateful

I'm looking forward to my afternoon and my evening. One of the men that works for Mark is having a pig roast and they invited us. I'm a vegetarian, and have no desire to even be in the vicinity of the smell this will give off. Mark is taking the boys, and they're all excited about it (it will be the boys first pig roast). Mark said it was a 400 lb. hog. Nasty.
I've rented a couple of movies, bought a book and a bottle of wine. You'd think they were going to be gone for a few days, but a girl can dream. I'm just so excited about having the alone time. Mark can't drink at all while he's on the treatment for the Hepatitis C, so they probably won't stay as late as he would otherwise...but I'm hoping for at least 3 to 6 hours by myself. Can you tell I'm excited?