As a FANatic of college football, in general, and the University of Florida, specifically, the Florida State University is way down on my list of loveable teams. When friends have told me that I am to NEVER cheer against an in-state team, I say, "Eff You." I am so sick and twisted that there are very few things that tickle me more than to see FSU players and coaches get themselves in a little trouble. (That does not count illness or injury, that whole Sexton, lyme disease, poor kid thought he was Jesus was heart-breaking). So, it was with a tremendous amount of glee that I saw the news story that 36 FSU players would not be attending the Music City Bowl. There are numerous reasons listed, but the main one is cheating. On an exam for an online class. In Art History. How stupid could you be?
It never even crossed my mind that FSU would beat Kentucky in this bowl game. Kentucky has one of the best teams in the history of that school (during the last 20 years anyway) and FSU, well, they stink. But I am not even sure they will SCORE on the Wildcats. And the game should be over in the first half, because they have no replacements if their starters get tired.
This is a team who went from mediocrity to National Champions (much like my beloved Gators) in the 90's. The new milleniumm, however, has not been great for the 'Noles and it does not appear to be getting better. Is it possible that it is time for Bobby Bowden to retire? Does 2 pretty bad seasons in a row mean that he has lost it? Is this a younger man's game? (Some say yes, some say no.)
I certainly don't have the answers. All I know, for sure, is that FSU has managed to embarrass itself once again. And I am tickled by that. Tickled blue & orange.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Apparently, I Rock!
| Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate |
 |
Book Review: Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials"
Before I write on this book, I need to explain a few things about myself.
#1, The fastest way to get me to do something is to tell me not to. I am contrary that way. Unless I can see how it will cause pain to me or anyone else, I am most likely not going to take your advice. So when I recieved an Email (at work, no less) telling me to help protect the children by NOT taking them to see "The Golden Compass," of course, I was intrigued. I had never heard of the books until that Email and am not even sure I had seen any movie trailers. Then I found the entire trilogy for a measly $12.97, well, really, what choice did I have but to buy it and read it?
#2, I am an avid reader. I do not go anywhere without a book in my hands. I have been that way as far back as I can remember. Sometimes I think that is a commentary on my inability to be alone with my thoughts, because I am never alone if I have another world to sink into, but that is an entirely different post. Having said that, please understand, that I LIKE pulp fiction. Mindless and entertaining is what I look for in most of the books I read no matter which genre they can be filed under. While I do read biographies, autobiographies, histories and true crime, I have to be in a certain mood to do so. I read to be entertained, not depressed, and I learned a long time ago to stay away from any book with a big O in the corner.
#3, I don't get the "underlying" meaning in most literature. I read the words and assume (a lot of times wrongly) that the author was trying to say exactly what he/she said. In a recent American Lit class, I spoke very little during class discussion. I sat quietly and listened to the thoughts and feelings of others and then decided if I agreed with them or not, and managed to get an A that way. But, while actually reading the short story or novella, all I got was the words/the story/ the overlaying meaning (if that makes sense at all). Maybe that makes me a moron, but that is the way I was built.
Having said all of that, let me first state that any child who reads "His Dark Materials" is a very impressive child indeed. This was not an easy read. I spent the entire first book "The Golden Compass" fairly lost and confused. It wasn't until the first couple of chapters of "The Subtle Knife" that it all came together for me. I experienced that lovely hook of a great and interesting book, that "Ah-ha!" and fell completely into the world inhabited by Will. Of course, Will's world was my world and not confusing at all and when he wandered into another world, well, that was interesting, powerful and wonderful.
According to Snopes, Philip Pullman is an atheist, but his official website does not say that. And I did not get any sense of atheism out of this trilogy. The entire set concerns the Authority (God, YahWah, a Higher Being, etc) and I don't know how a true atheist could have written this compelling story of what is going on in Heaven and on Earth. Or, at least, I don't know why an atheist would want to .
The books were wordy (is that a word?) and I don't know how to explain what I mean by that. It seems to me that a good editor would have cut the couple hundred pages of extraneous B.S. that bored me and did not seem to bring anything to the story. The stories themselves, however, were so full of love and compassion and hope that I do not even have the words to express how awesome that was. By the end I truly cared for each of the characters and hoped for the best out of life for them. And I don't want to give away any of the story to anyone reading it, but I do have to say that no one kills God. No one, no two, no group. If you haven't heard that, then I apologize for bringing it up, but DSD's X has told the little man that she will not take him to see the movie because God is killed in it. (This is the woman who takes him to see almost every movie available, including movies rated R, and has for years. He is only just 13 now!). I read the whole 3rd book waiting for this HUGE apocolyptic battle.. and it just didn't happen.
The books are very spiritual (did I say that already) and VERY anti-religion. Let me ensure you understand, NOT anti-God, but anti-religion. Against the Baptists, the Methodists, the Catholics, every other Protestant church and Judaism. That may offend some, but since I believe most religions are pure BS, it didn't bother me a bit.
To sum it up, I enjoyed the books and am glad I read them, although it wasn't the easiest trilogy I have ever read. I would certainly encourage any parent considering allowing their child to read them to read them first to ensure that they don't conflict with the way you are raising your child. I also request that those who HAVE NOT read the book, keep your damned mouth shut, you don't know what you are talking about. But that is wishful thinking I know.
#1, The fastest way to get me to do something is to tell me not to. I am contrary that way. Unless I can see how it will cause pain to me or anyone else, I am most likely not going to take your advice. So when I recieved an Email (at work, no less) telling me to help protect the children by NOT taking them to see "The Golden Compass," of course, I was intrigued. I had never heard of the books until that Email and am not even sure I had seen any movie trailers. Then I found the entire trilogy for a measly $12.97, well, really, what choice did I have but to buy it and read it?
#2, I am an avid reader. I do not go anywhere without a book in my hands. I have been that way as far back as I can remember. Sometimes I think that is a commentary on my inability to be alone with my thoughts, because I am never alone if I have another world to sink into, but that is an entirely different post. Having said that, please understand, that I LIKE pulp fiction. Mindless and entertaining is what I look for in most of the books I read no matter which genre they can be filed under. While I do read biographies, autobiographies, histories and true crime, I have to be in a certain mood to do so. I read to be entertained, not depressed, and I learned a long time ago to stay away from any book with a big O in the corner.
#3, I don't get the "underlying" meaning in most literature. I read the words and assume (a lot of times wrongly) that the author was trying to say exactly what he/she said. In a recent American Lit class, I spoke very little during class discussion. I sat quietly and listened to the thoughts and feelings of others and then decided if I agreed with them or not, and managed to get an A that way. But, while actually reading the short story or novella, all I got was the words/the story/ the overlaying meaning (if that makes sense at all). Maybe that makes me a moron, but that is the way I was built.
Having said all of that, let me first state that any child who reads "His Dark Materials" is a very impressive child indeed. This was not an easy read. I spent the entire first book "The Golden Compass" fairly lost and confused. It wasn't until the first couple of chapters of "The Subtle Knife" that it all came together for me. I experienced that lovely hook of a great and interesting book, that "Ah-ha!" and fell completely into the world inhabited by Will. Of course, Will's world was my world and not confusing at all and when he wandered into another world, well, that was interesting, powerful and wonderful.
According to Snopes, Philip Pullman is an atheist, but his official website does not say that. And I did not get any sense of atheism out of this trilogy. The entire set concerns the Authority (God, YahWah, a Higher Being, etc) and I don't know how a true atheist could have written this compelling story of what is going on in Heaven and on Earth. Or, at least, I don't know why an atheist would want to .
The books were wordy (is that a word?) and I don't know how to explain what I mean by that. It seems to me that a good editor would have cut the couple hundred pages of extraneous B.S. that bored me and did not seem to bring anything to the story. The stories themselves, however, were so full of love and compassion and hope that I do not even have the words to express how awesome that was. By the end I truly cared for each of the characters and hoped for the best out of life for them. And I don't want to give away any of the story to anyone reading it, but I do have to say that no one kills God. No one, no two, no group. If you haven't heard that, then I apologize for bringing it up, but DSD's X has told the little man that she will not take him to see the movie because God is killed in it. (This is the woman who takes him to see almost every movie available, including movies rated R, and has for years. He is only just 13 now!). I read the whole 3rd book waiting for this HUGE apocolyptic battle.. and it just didn't happen.
The books are very spiritual (did I say that already) and VERY anti-religion. Let me ensure you understand, NOT anti-God, but anti-religion. Against the Baptists, the Methodists, the Catholics, every other Protestant church and Judaism. That may offend some, but since I believe most religions are pure BS, it didn't bother me a bit.
To sum it up, I enjoyed the books and am glad I read them, although it wasn't the easiest trilogy I have ever read. I would certainly encourage any parent considering allowing their child to read them to read them first to ensure that they don't conflict with the way you are raising your child. I also request that those who HAVE NOT read the book, keep your damned mouth shut, you don't know what you are talking about. But that is wishful thinking I know.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Feeling Better, but Guilty
DSD and I went grocery shopping yesterday and spent a small fortune. I was shocked when we got home to realize that the money we spent was not on meat (the most expensive portion of our grocery bill normally), but on drugs! Legal, over-the-counter drugs, and, yet, drugs. I needed an expectorant to move this crud, plus Nyquil gel caps (generic version) plus he is paranoid about catching this mess, so he bought Nyquil liquid (2 bottles). I slept beautifully last night thanks to the generic Nyquil and barely coughed all day today thanks to the non-generic Mucinex. I have never been one to live on pharmacueticals, but at this point, I will do whatever is necessary to feel human. (I did promise that if I spent another night like Saturday night, I will go to the doctor. I work with real medical doctors and I have had them advise me, and look in my ears to ensure that I do not have an infection, but that is not good enough for DSD. Hopefully it does not come to that).
****************************************************************************
The guilt I am feeling is because my son is miserable at his father's. I do not want my son to be miserable EVER, but especially at Christmas. However, there is a part of me (not, necessarily, a tiny part) that does not want him to have a better time at his dad's than he would have here with me, DSD and the rest of the family. He has been there for 8 days and is extremely ready to come home and that makes me happy... and yet guilty.
*******************************************************************************
To all of Blogland:
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
or
Hope you enjoy your day off.
Whichever pertains to you and your beliefs.
*******************************************************************************
I got my parents the board game "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" for Christmas". I am hoping we will have time to play tomorrow and that I make it to, at least, 2nd grade.
****************************************************************************
The guilt I am feeling is because my son is miserable at his father's. I do not want my son to be miserable EVER, but especially at Christmas. However, there is a part of me (not, necessarily, a tiny part) that does not want him to have a better time at his dad's than he would have here with me, DSD and the rest of the family. He has been there for 8 days and is extremely ready to come home and that makes me happy... and yet guilty.
*******************************************************************************
To all of Blogland:
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
or
Hope you enjoy your day off.
Whichever pertains to you and your beliefs.
*******************************************************************************
I got my parents the board game "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" for Christmas". I am hoping we will have time to play tomorrow and that I make it to, at least, 2nd grade.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
I am Sick and Tired...
Of being sick and tired!
I think I managed to pick something up during the Boston trip. I am not OCD about germs, normally, but when I travel, I really am. I washed my hands so many times I am shocked they didn't crack from the cold and soap. Sadly, though, it didn't help. Who knows what I picked up or where. All I know is that I have been under the weather for over 2 weeks now. I think I slept a total of 4 hours last night because I was coughing so much (and out of Nyquil). I think I just get to let this run it course, but I am tired, coughing, tired and fairly miserable. Hopefully, I will feel better soon!
*************************************************************************
On a side note, I did talk to someone at the local watering hole about the child drinking on premises. The person I talked to tends bar on Fridays, but is assistant manager. She was completely offended that there was the possibility of an underage drinker consuming bar alcohol there. She saw the girl drinking from the styrofoam cup and thought they were bringing it in. That is still unaccepatable in my book, but this person was not as angry about that. She vowed to get to the bottom of it and swore there would be no more of it in the future.
****************************************************************************
My son is at his father's for the holidays. He left last Sunday and tonight is the first time I have really talked to him since he left. He is not having a good time. He, too, is sick and tired, but only of the fact that his father and stepmother are morons (his words, not mine). He is a very compasionate person and does not understand the fact that his dad talks about Christianity and clearly doesn't like certain groups of people. I wish I had known this last night, I would have driven to pick him up today. (He is about 6 hours away.) Hey, Pete, if you are paying attention out there in Blogland, if you could bring him home (he is in your neck of the woods), I would be happy to put you up and feed you Christmas dinner!
*******************************************************************************
I am working on Christmas Eve, as most people do. I may have another post up between now and Christmas, but if I don't, I hope all of you have a wonderful day!
I think I managed to pick something up during the Boston trip. I am not OCD about germs, normally, but when I travel, I really am. I washed my hands so many times I am shocked they didn't crack from the cold and soap. Sadly, though, it didn't help. Who knows what I picked up or where. All I know is that I have been under the weather for over 2 weeks now. I think I slept a total of 4 hours last night because I was coughing so much (and out of Nyquil). I think I just get to let this run it course, but I am tired, coughing, tired and fairly miserable. Hopefully, I will feel better soon!
*************************************************************************
On a side note, I did talk to someone at the local watering hole about the child drinking on premises. The person I talked to tends bar on Fridays, but is assistant manager. She was completely offended that there was the possibility of an underage drinker consuming bar alcohol there. She saw the girl drinking from the styrofoam cup and thought they were bringing it in. That is still unaccepatable in my book, but this person was not as angry about that. She vowed to get to the bottom of it and swore there would be no more of it in the future.
****************************************************************************
My son is at his father's for the holidays. He left last Sunday and tonight is the first time I have really talked to him since he left. He is not having a good time. He, too, is sick and tired, but only of the fact that his father and stepmother are morons (his words, not mine). He is a very compasionate person and does not understand the fact that his dad talks about Christianity and clearly doesn't like certain groups of people. I wish I had known this last night, I would have driven to pick him up today. (He is about 6 hours away.) Hey, Pete, if you are paying attention out there in Blogland, if you could bring him home (he is in your neck of the woods), I would be happy to put you up and feed you Christmas dinner!
*******************************************************************************
I am working on Christmas Eve, as most people do. I may have another post up between now and Christmas, but if I don't, I hope all of you have a wonderful day!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Don't I Have a Responsibility?
Let me see if I can get this all down in something resembling a coherant thought.
DSD and I (mostly him) have a friend, although he isn't really MY friend, I just kind of put up with him. Does that make any sense at all? We don't even really have the same circle of friends, except this guy, whom we will call Brad, because that is his name, likes to drink at the same place we do. I am not positive how long he has been drinking there; it feels like forever. For a time, I thought he was just a smartass, and since I, too, have a certain smartassishness about me, he was, sort of, amusing. I would say horrible things to him and he would say horrible things to me and this was fun. (Yes, in my family that was always considered a good time).
Then, several months ago now, he started flirting with a girl who worked at this bar/restaurant. She was a hostess. A 17 year old, will be 18 soon, supposedly graduating high school in December (yes, this week) hostess. He is a past 35 year old single father of a 15 or 16 year old son with a decent salary and plenty of toys. (Boats, jeeps, etc). He kept saying (this was some time ago) that he was bringing this girl to my wedding, because she would be 18 then. (She turned 18 nine days before the wedding.) I, of course, laughed aloud. What would a past 35 year old man see in such a child? What would they talk about? And, he is such a FUNNY guy! And, I told DSD, I bet he is going to bring Jen (an ex-gf whom I adored) and this whole "I am almost a pedophile" is just a joke! HA.
Or, I am a complete and total moron. Hmmmm, let's not vote on this one, ok?
Apparently he is NOT a funny guy. Apparently he has the maturity of a 10 year old and all the smartass comments we were exchanging was his way of communicating. And he did bring this CHILD to my wedding. Where he provided her with alcohol, although I did not know about this until later.
So, to make a long post even longer, last Friday DSD and I were having a lovely alcoholic beverage at ye olde watering hole and Brad arrived with Tootsie (not her real name!). I wasn't paying a lot of attention, but did notice that Brad received a glass of wine and a beer. He said that the wine was for him. The bartender said she thought the wine was for Tootsie and the beer was for him; so what did Tootsie want? I said, "She wants a soda; she is 18 years old," and went about my business. Later, I noticed that she was drinking from a styrofoam cup with a lid and a straw. This is not a styrofoam kind of place, they use real utensils there and the plates are not thrown away after dining is complete. So, of course, I ASSUME she is consuming alcohol. And it was my plan to go this afternoon for a drink (a sacrifice, because I normally go on Friday) and, well, to be blunt, rat out the bartender that was serving her.
Just for the record I have now corresponded with a fellow consumer of alchoholic beverage who works with Brad and she says Tootsie was a wee bit sickly later in the evening ('worshiping the porcelain god').
My problem.. yes, I did work my way around to it.. is that DSD thinks I am being a trouble-maker. Stirring the pot, causing hate and discontent. And, maybe, I am. Frankly the entire relationship creeps me out. I have an 18 year old son and I would kill a 35 year old woman who tried to 'date' him. Can't imagine how parents of girls feel.
So, what would YOU do?
DSD and I (mostly him) have a friend, although he isn't really MY friend, I just kind of put up with him. Does that make any sense at all? We don't even really have the same circle of friends, except this guy, whom we will call Brad, because that is his name, likes to drink at the same place we do. I am not positive how long he has been drinking there; it feels like forever. For a time, I thought he was just a smartass, and since I, too, have a certain smartassishness about me, he was, sort of, amusing. I would say horrible things to him and he would say horrible things to me and this was fun. (Yes, in my family that was always considered a good time).
Then, several months ago now, he started flirting with a girl who worked at this bar/restaurant. She was a hostess. A 17 year old, will be 18 soon, supposedly graduating high school in December (yes, this week) hostess. He is a past 35 year old single father of a 15 or 16 year old son with a decent salary and plenty of toys. (Boats, jeeps, etc). He kept saying (this was some time ago) that he was bringing this girl to my wedding, because she would be 18 then. (She turned 18 nine days before the wedding.) I, of course, laughed aloud. What would a past 35 year old man see in such a child? What would they talk about? And, he is such a FUNNY guy! And, I told DSD, I bet he is going to bring Jen (an ex-gf whom I adored) and this whole "I am almost a pedophile" is just a joke! HA.
Or, I am a complete and total moron. Hmmmm, let's not vote on this one, ok?
Apparently he is NOT a funny guy. Apparently he has the maturity of a 10 year old and all the smartass comments we were exchanging was his way of communicating. And he did bring this CHILD to my wedding. Where he provided her with alcohol, although I did not know about this until later.
So, to make a long post even longer, last Friday DSD and I were having a lovely alcoholic beverage at ye olde watering hole and Brad arrived with Tootsie (not her real name!). I wasn't paying a lot of attention, but did notice that Brad received a glass of wine and a beer. He said that the wine was for him. The bartender said she thought the wine was for Tootsie and the beer was for him; so what did Tootsie want? I said, "She wants a soda; she is 18 years old," and went about my business. Later, I noticed that she was drinking from a styrofoam cup with a lid and a straw. This is not a styrofoam kind of place, they use real utensils there and the plates are not thrown away after dining is complete. So, of course, I ASSUME she is consuming alcohol. And it was my plan to go this afternoon for a drink (a sacrifice, because I normally go on Friday) and, well, to be blunt, rat out the bartender that was serving her.
Just for the record I have now corresponded with a fellow consumer of alchoholic beverage who works with Brad and she says Tootsie was a wee bit sickly later in the evening ('worshiping the porcelain god').
My problem.. yes, I did work my way around to it.. is that DSD thinks I am being a trouble-maker. Stirring the pot, causing hate and discontent. And, maybe, I am. Frankly the entire relationship creeps me out. I have an 18 year old son and I would kill a 35 year old woman who tried to 'date' him. Can't imagine how parents of girls feel.
So, what would YOU do?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Help hold contractors accountable
Jamie Leigh Jones was working in Iraq for a subsidiary of Halliburton when she was drugged and brutally gang-raped by several coworkers.For the last two years, she's been asking the US government to hold the perpetrators accountable, but the men who raped her may never be brought to justice because Halliburton and other contractors in Iraq aren't subject to US or Iraqi laws.
I just signed a petition urging Congress to investigate the rape of Jamie Leigh Jones, hold those involved accountable, and bring US contractors under the jurisdiction of US law. Can you join me at the link below?
http://pol.moveon.org/contractors_accountable/?r_by=-8538128-9YIom5&rc=confemail
Thanks!
I just signed a petition urging Congress to investigate the rape of Jamie Leigh Jones, hold those involved accountable, and bring US contractors under the jurisdiction of US law. Can you join me at the link below?
http://pol.moveon.org/contractors_accountable/?r_by=-8538128-9YIom5&rc=confemail
Thanks!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
An Open Letter to My Representative
Mr. Boyd,
I am frankly appalled that you (and all of the House of Representatives) wasted MY time and MY tax dollars debating and voting on a bill that recognizes and respects Christians and Christianity. Isn't that why we have a Constitution and a Bill of Rights? Doesn't this completely go against the Bill of Rights? What happened to "the government shall not make or establish a religion?" Isn't that what you just did? And then you voted AYE to postpone consideration of the veto message: H R 3963 Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. So let's acknowledge Christianity but leave the children without healthcare? Who exactly are you supposed to be representing again? Because you are NOT representing me.
Thank you,
[name removed]
Registered Democrat
Christian
Veteran
Yes, this is the letter I sent to my representative. What a waste of time and money. If you don't know what I am talking about, you can read about it here and here. You can find out how your Rep voted here. Please write your representative and tell them that you are appalled or, if by some luck, your rep voted Nay or abstained, please congratulate them on a job well done.
Please excuse me now, I have to go hang my head in shame!
I am frankly appalled that you (and all of the House of Representatives) wasted MY time and MY tax dollars debating and voting on a bill that recognizes and respects Christians and Christianity. Isn't that why we have a Constitution and a Bill of Rights? Doesn't this completely go against the Bill of Rights? What happened to "the government shall not make or establish a religion?" Isn't that what you just did? And then you voted AYE to postpone consideration of the veto message: H R 3963 Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. So let's acknowledge Christianity but leave the children without healthcare? Who exactly are you supposed to be representing again? Because you are NOT representing me.
Thank you,
[name removed]
Registered Democrat
Christian
Veteran
Yes, this is the letter I sent to my representative. What a waste of time and money. If you don't know what I am talking about, you can read about it here and here. You can find out how your Rep voted here. Please write your representative and tell them that you are appalled or, if by some luck, your rep voted Nay or abstained, please congratulate them on a job well done.
Please excuse me now, I have to go hang my head in shame!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
By the way..
I am home safe and sound from Boston. It was a great trip, although there was a lot more conference than I wanted there to be. I learned a lot (and have a lot of work to do to ensure that we are doing things correctly at work), but so much conference cut into my sight-seeing time. Bummer!
Here I am outside of Cheers for lunch on Sunday. Sadly, I had to go back to the conference, so I ate lunch there, but was unable to partake of the libations. :-(
Most of the sightseeing had to be squeezed in during lunch (it gets dark early in December), but, aside from Cheers, I managed Bunker's Hill and the Old North Church. I would love to go back in the summer when there is no threat of snow and the warmest day is above 40F. Especially now that I have figured out the subway system.
Maybe one day.
Thank you to everyone for the good wishes. I hope to catch up on all the blogs over the next few days!
The Legend Continues..
While little kids are wearing Superman pajamas, Superman is wearing Tim Tebow pajamas.
Tim Tebow sleeps with a night light, not because he is afraid of the dark, because the dark is afraid of Tim Tebow.
When Tim Tebow does push ups, he is not pushing himself up, he is pushing Earth down.
These are just a few of the Tebowisms that can be found running rampant in Email and throughout the internet. Here is a new one...
Tim Tebow is the first sophomore in the history of the award to win the Heisman Trophy.
Oh, that is not a Tebowism, that is a fact.
The kid who wasn't supposed to be born (the doctor advised his mother to have an abortion) who was born premature, who was home-schooled, who has a deep belief in Jesus Christ and who, allegedly, can not sing, has won the most prestigious award in college football in only his second season, his first as a starter. He says he will not leave early for the NFL. First, he has to move beyond the Heisman curse (does a Michigan team who lost to App St have a chance against this offense?) and then, Watch out! Watch out SEC! Watch out NCAA! Watch out world!
Congrats, Tim, you deserved this award and Gator Nation is happy to have you. We love you, too!
Tim Tebow sleeps with a night light, not because he is afraid of the dark, because the dark is afraid of Tim Tebow.
When Tim Tebow does push ups, he is not pushing himself up, he is pushing Earth down.
These are just a few of the Tebowisms that can be found running rampant in Email and throughout the internet. Here is a new one...
Tim Tebow is the first sophomore in the history of the award to win the Heisman Trophy.
Oh, that is not a Tebowism, that is a fact.
The kid who wasn't supposed to be born (the doctor advised his mother to have an abortion) who was born premature, who was home-schooled, who has a deep belief in Jesus Christ and who, allegedly, can not sing, has won the most prestigious award in college football in only his second season, his first as a starter. He says he will not leave early for the NFL. First, he has to move beyond the Heisman curse (does a Michigan team who lost to App St have a chance against this offense?) and then, Watch out! Watch out SEC! Watch out NCAA! Watch out world!
Congrats, Tim, you deserved this award and Gator Nation is happy to have you. We love you, too!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Heading Out
I will be attending a conference in Boston for the next week; I fly out tomorrow and will return home next Wednesday. Hopefully I will have some great pictures and maybe a funny story or two. I may have access to a computer, but I am not banking on it or on taking the time to blog, because, you know, it's Boston. Chowder, lobster, Cheers!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Not Sure I Can Buy This
My son was born in April 1989. I quit work to be a stay at home mom in January of '89, so I had a little over two months when I could listen to my body and do what it said. I didn't have to get up at a certain time (except for the ocasional doctor's appointment) or go to bed at a certain time. My husband at the time worked shift work, so his hours were wacky anyway. I just listened to what my body wanted. After about 6 weeks my schedule went something like this:
3pm - wake up, get something to eat, shower,
4-7pm - do whatever chores needed doing, laundry, mopping, bathroom cleaning, etc. Cook and eat dinner if husband was going to work at 10p.
7-10pm - watch whatever was on TV I wanted to watch.
10-12pm - Cook and eat dinner if husband had just gotten off work. Clean up dishes either way.
12-1am - Go to bed and wait patiently for husband to go to sleep (if he was home) then get up.
1am-whenever - Watch all daytime TV shows that I had taped while I was sleeping (yes, I have always known how to program a VCR). Then play video games or read a book until I was tired enough to sleep. Usually about 5 or 5:30.
There was one other time when I was out of work for about a month and my body did the same thing. My body does not like to watch sunrise, unless I am headed for bed right after. I wish I was one of those people who popped out of bed every morning, happy, chipper, smiling @ 0600 ready to start the day. Instead I hit the snooze button, stumble to the shower and speak in a grunt for 2 hours!
Which brings me to this story that says that cancer is linked to the graveyard shift for two reasons...
#1. People are going against their bodies natural rhythms (What am I doing?)
#2. They are not getting enough sunlight. (And the people who work in factories 12 hours a day do? I work in an office with no windows, although I do wander from building to building sometimes)
So I think this is just another scare. We can't live in a bubble and make a living and some people have no choice. Why scare the hell out of them?
3pm - wake up, get something to eat, shower,
4-7pm - do whatever chores needed doing, laundry, mopping, bathroom cleaning, etc. Cook and eat dinner if husband was going to work at 10p.
7-10pm - watch whatever was on TV I wanted to watch.
10-12pm - Cook and eat dinner if husband had just gotten off work. Clean up dishes either way.
12-1am - Go to bed and wait patiently for husband to go to sleep (if he was home) then get up.
1am-whenever - Watch all daytime TV shows that I had taped while I was sleeping (yes, I have always known how to program a VCR). Then play video games or read a book until I was tired enough to sleep. Usually about 5 or 5:30.
There was one other time when I was out of work for about a month and my body did the same thing. My body does not like to watch sunrise, unless I am headed for bed right after. I wish I was one of those people who popped out of bed every morning, happy, chipper, smiling @ 0600 ready to start the day. Instead I hit the snooze button, stumble to the shower and speak in a grunt for 2 hours!
Which brings me to this story that says that cancer is linked to the graveyard shift for two reasons...
#1. People are going against their bodies natural rhythms (What am I doing?)
#2. They are not getting enough sunlight. (And the people who work in factories 12 hours a day do? I work in an office with no windows, although I do wander from building to building sometimes)
So I think this is just another scare. We can't live in a bubble and make a living and some people have no choice. Why scare the hell out of them?
Should We Blame the Victim?
I was horrified Monday morning as I was putting on my shoes and heard the news that Washington Redskins player Sean Taylor had been shot in his home. I did not have time to follow up on the story throughout the day and had no idea how serious his injuries were until I heard on Tuesday that he had died. His death made me sad, not because he was a rich and famous NFL football player, but because he was a young man just starting out in life with a small child. And his death seemed so senseless. My heart goes out to his family.
I didn't really know anything about Sean before this tragic incident. I don't follow the NFL much (only the Super Bowl, really) and the only players I readily recognize are the former Gators. So the problems this young man had over the years meant nothing to me. Why should they now? Sean Taylor was at home, in bed, asleep in the early morning hours of 26 November 2007. Someone broke into his home and shot him. Whatever Mr. Taylor had or had not done in the previous 24 years of his life did not give anyone the right to shoot him, certainly not in his own home!
It seems to me that the media is holding Sean Taylor accountable for his own murder due to his actions in the past and that is not acceptable. It is like holding a woman accountable for her own rape because she was wearing a short skirt. We all need to be held accountable for OUR OWN actions and use some common sense, but we should not be blamed, by the media, by the courts, by anyone for things that are beyond our control. Sean Taylor was exactly where he was supposed to be and some lunatic broke into his house and shot him. Let's not blame Sean Taylor.
Rest in Peace, Sean.
I didn't really know anything about Sean before this tragic incident. I don't follow the NFL much (only the Super Bowl, really) and the only players I readily recognize are the former Gators. So the problems this young man had over the years meant nothing to me. Why should they now? Sean Taylor was at home, in bed, asleep in the early morning hours of 26 November 2007. Someone broke into his home and shot him. Whatever Mr. Taylor had or had not done in the previous 24 years of his life did not give anyone the right to shoot him, certainly not in his own home!
It seems to me that the media is holding Sean Taylor accountable for his own murder due to his actions in the past and that is not acceptable. It is like holding a woman accountable for her own rape because she was wearing a short skirt. We all need to be held accountable for OUR OWN actions and use some common sense, but we should not be blamed, by the media, by the courts, by anyone for things that are beyond our control. Sean Taylor was exactly where he was supposed to be and some lunatic broke into his house and shot him. Let's not blame Sean Taylor.
Rest in Peace, Sean.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Movie Review "The Mist"*
I like well-made movies, although I don't find too many of them. Normally when a new movie comes out that I think I may want to see, I either do not take the time to go see it or I am phenomenally disappointed in it. I can suspend disbelief to enjoy a well-written, well acted movie, but please do not treat me as if I am stupid. I can even enjoy a decent movie with one or two (at most) stupid scenes (have you seen John McClain being chased by the hovering fighter plane in "Live Free or Die Hard"?) But I knew when I paid my money that a Bruce Willis/Die Hard movie was going to be over the top. I don't expect that from most movies.
I also like Stephen King novels. I think I have read almost every King novel written (many more than once) although I don't normally enjoy movies made from his books, because the screenwriters/directors usually ruin the story. "Christine"? Great book, lousy movie. "Cujo"? I don't even want to talk about how bad that movie was. "1408"? Good short story and Surprise! a pretty good movie. (I saw it on DVD, so I think it was probably better than 'pretty good' in the theater.)
I took my 18 year old son and 13 year old step son (not sure I should have taken him, but that is another story) to see Stephen King's "The Mist" this afternoon. Normally my complaint with Stephen King novels made into movies is that the movies miss... something. It is just a fact that movies made from novels do not have the time or the budget to put everything from the book into the movie, so I try to stay away from them because I expect too much and am, usually, disappointed. I thought I might be ok with "The Mist" because (a) it was a short story and could probably cover the entire story in the 127 minutes running time and (b) I haven't read the actual short story in over 15 years so the missing details would also be missing from my memory.
As we left the theater my son turned to me and said, "Wow". That seemed to sum up my entire experience with this film nicely. As I watched I had moments of flashback from the book, "Oh, yea, that is where...". I also had moments of "Oh, shit". At one point I sunk into my seat and pulled my sweatshirt up until it covered my nose, mouth and ears (I left my eyes out or I could've missed something). I think I jumped (really, honestly jumped) 8-10 times. I think I laughed 2 or 3 times. I wanted to cry at least once. And I felt murder in my heart at least once (but probably more).
Even though this movie was based on a Stephen King novella, I would not classify it as part of the true horror genre. This movie was, at times, bloody, yes, but so was "Saving Private Ryan" and you could not say that was a horror movie. Yes, blood and strange things that go bump in the night were an integral part of the story, but it wasn't THE story. The story was more of a sociological question. What happens when a group of very different people (different races, different backgrounds, different socio-economic circumstances) are thrown into a difficult, stressful, possibly life-threatening situation? Who leads? Who follows? Who loses their mind? Who lives? Who dies?
The ending of the movie was different than the one in King's original story and the punch it packs is more of a wallop. I think I finally caught my breath about the time I reached home and if I think too much about it, I still feel a slight hitch in my heart. It wasn't conventional and it wasn't pretty, but it did make a horrible, heart-rending statement about life and love and sacrifice.
If a little gore does not make you sick, I completely recommend this movie. If you watch it, I would appreciate it if you stop back by and let me know what you thought, and, if possible, answer this question. Could you have done it?
*The opinions on this site are strictly those of the author and in no way, shape or form reflect those of Blogger or the Blogger staff. If you hated this movie or just want to read reviews from those who did, they can be found HERE.
I also like Stephen King novels. I think I have read almost every King novel written (many more than once) although I don't normally enjoy movies made from his books, because the screenwriters/directors usually ruin the story. "Christine"? Great book, lousy movie. "Cujo"? I don't even want to talk about how bad that movie was. "1408"? Good short story and Surprise! a pretty good movie. (I saw it on DVD, so I think it was probably better than 'pretty good' in the theater.)
I took my 18 year old son and 13 year old step son (not sure I should have taken him, but that is another story) to see Stephen King's "The Mist" this afternoon. Normally my complaint with Stephen King novels made into movies is that the movies miss... something. It is just a fact that movies made from novels do not have the time or the budget to put everything from the book into the movie, so I try to stay away from them because I expect too much and am, usually, disappointed. I thought I might be ok with "The Mist" because (a) it was a short story and could probably cover the entire story in the 127 minutes running time and (b) I haven't read the actual short story in over 15 years so the missing details would also be missing from my memory.
As we left the theater my son turned to me and said, "Wow". That seemed to sum up my entire experience with this film nicely. As I watched I had moments of flashback from the book, "Oh, yea, that is where...". I also had moments of "Oh, shit". At one point I sunk into my seat and pulled my sweatshirt up until it covered my nose, mouth and ears (I left my eyes out or I could've missed something). I think I jumped (really, honestly jumped) 8-10 times. I think I laughed 2 or 3 times. I wanted to cry at least once. And I felt murder in my heart at least once (but probably more).
Even though this movie was based on a Stephen King novella, I would not classify it as part of the true horror genre. This movie was, at times, bloody, yes, but so was "Saving Private Ryan" and you could not say that was a horror movie. Yes, blood and strange things that go bump in the night were an integral part of the story, but it wasn't THE story. The story was more of a sociological question. What happens when a group of very different people (different races, different backgrounds, different socio-economic circumstances) are thrown into a difficult, stressful, possibly life-threatening situation? Who leads? Who follows? Who loses their mind? Who lives? Who dies?
The ending of the movie was different than the one in King's original story and the punch it packs is more of a wallop. I think I finally caught my breath about the time I reached home and if I think too much about it, I still feel a slight hitch in my heart. It wasn't conventional and it wasn't pretty, but it did make a horrible, heart-rending statement about life and love and sacrifice.
If a little gore does not make you sick, I completely recommend this movie. If you watch it, I would appreciate it if you stop back by and let me know what you thought, and, if possible, answer this question. Could you have done it?
*The opinions on this site are strictly those of the author and in no way, shape or form reflect those of Blogger or the Blogger staff. If you hated this movie or just want to read reviews from those who did, they can be found HERE.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
I am not as smart as a 1st grader
Well, I hope everyone in the blogging world had a great day. Ours was wonderful. Great food and great people normally equals a spectacular day and ours was.
After the leftovers had been put away and the dishes done and all of the guests went home, my son's friend, Ryan, came over and brought his mother's new game, "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?". This is a popular night time game show that my parents love, but I have never watched. It sounded like fun to play and I was interested in seeing how I did compared to the children in grade school right now.
There were 4 of us playing, my son, DSD's youngest son, Ryan and me. Ryan won the first game without ever giving me a chance. I knew a lot of the answers to his questions, Fe is the symbol for iron, 75 is an odd (not even) number... how hard could this be?
My son started the 2nd game and I should have known I was in trouble when his 2nd question (a 1st grade one) had the answer congruent. How exactly are congruent triangles taught in the 1st grade? Where are they taught in the 1st grade? Really, if you learned about congruent triangles in the 1st grade, please let me know.
It was finally my turn. I answered the first one correctly, it was not difficult. The answer to the second question was Louisiana. The question was 1st grade music. Do you have any idea what the question was on? Yes. "Oh, Susanah" The person singing was coming from Alabama and going where? I bombed it. There are a lot of things I remember about first grade, that was not one of them.
So, I am not as smart as a 1st grader. Oh, well, I would like to see a 1st grader negotiate the name change and benefits update I have recently gone through. Maybe they know the words to "Oh, Susanah", but I understand my 401k. Can a first grader top that?
After the leftovers had been put away and the dishes done and all of the guests went home, my son's friend, Ryan, came over and brought his mother's new game, "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?". This is a popular night time game show that my parents love, but I have never watched. It sounded like fun to play and I was interested in seeing how I did compared to the children in grade school right now.
There were 4 of us playing, my son, DSD's youngest son, Ryan and me. Ryan won the first game without ever giving me a chance. I knew a lot of the answers to his questions, Fe is the symbol for iron, 75 is an odd (not even) number... how hard could this be?
My son started the 2nd game and I should have known I was in trouble when his 2nd question (a 1st grade one) had the answer congruent. How exactly are congruent triangles taught in the 1st grade? Where are they taught in the 1st grade? Really, if you learned about congruent triangles in the 1st grade, please let me know.
It was finally my turn. I answered the first one correctly, it was not difficult. The answer to the second question was Louisiana. The question was 1st grade music. Do you have any idea what the question was on? Yes. "Oh, Susanah" The person singing was coming from Alabama and going where? I bombed it. There are a lot of things I remember about first grade, that was not one of them.
So, I am not as smart as a 1st grader. Oh, well, I would like to see a 1st grader negotiate the name change and benefits update I have recently gone through. Maybe they know the words to "Oh, Susanah", but I understand my 401k. Can a first grader top that?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Much to be Thankful for
I am 99% certain that I will not have time to blog tomorrow. While we are hosting a rather small group this year (10 instead of the 14-16 we usually have), there is still plenty of cooking, visiting and enjoying to be done. I know my mother feels bad that I cook every year, but she shouldn't. I really enjoy doing it.
So, I thought, in the spirit of the holiday, I would list all the things I am thankful for, in no particular order...
An awesome 18 year old son
A wonderful new husband
Great parents, Ozzie and Harriet had nothing on my Mom and Dad (although I would bet money that my dad is louder than Ozzie ever thought of being).
Fabulous friends (you really find out who your friends are when the tent is late on your wedding day)
Super In-laws... at least the ones I have met.
A job I thoroughly enjoy.
A lot of great co-workers (not all, but then life can't be perfect)
A nice house
The fact that the elections are less than a year away.
Great blogs
Hope, that my son will continue to grow as a man, that my husband and I have many years to be together, that anyone reading this feels as blessed in life as I do right this minute, that the elected leaders of this country will start listening to the people, that peace will happen in my lifetime.
Happy Thanksgiving.
So, I thought, in the spirit of the holiday, I would list all the things I am thankful for, in no particular order...
An awesome 18 year old son
A wonderful new husband
Great parents, Ozzie and Harriet had nothing on my Mom and Dad (although I would bet money that my dad is louder than Ozzie ever thought of being).
Fabulous friends (you really find out who your friends are when the tent is late on your wedding day)
Super In-laws... at least the ones I have met.
A job I thoroughly enjoy.
A lot of great co-workers (not all, but then life can't be perfect)
A nice house
The fact that the elections are less than a year away.
Great blogs
Hope, that my son will continue to grow as a man, that my husband and I have many years to be together, that anyone reading this feels as blessed in life as I do right this minute, that the elected leaders of this country will start listening to the people, that peace will happen in my lifetime.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
I Give Up...
See? Here I am and here I go, HOP, onto the bandwagon.
No, not the Kansas bandwagon, or the Mizzu one. I can't wait for one of those teams to get flattened in the Championship Game. I am hopping onto the "Tim Tebow for Heisman" bandwagon. I have repeatedly denied that he will win the Heisman for the entire season. Florida is not in the National Championship race; they aren't even in the SEC race anymore AND (this is the biggie), our beloved Timmy is a SOPHOMORE.
Sophomores don't win the Heisman. If they did, don't you think they would have given one to Herschel Walker? And any decent Florida fan knows the only reason Grossman didn't win in '01 was because he was a sophomore (I don't care if he sucks at Chicago, we are comparing apples and oranges).
The trophy is supposed to go to the best all-around football player. Not the best Senior or Junior. Not the best QB, or running back. The best all-around player. Do I think that Tim is the best all-around player? No. ESPN The Magazine did a story on why LSU's Glenn Dorsey should win. And they are probably right. But Glenn is a defensive player and I have not heard his named mentioned in conjunction with the trophy.
So, if the trophy is going to go to an offensive player, a quarterback or running back, who should receive it? Who has earned it?
I am not going to list all the stats of all the offensive football players in Div IA football. But here are Tim's for 2007 (the only year in question, the Heisman is not supposed to be given out on past accomplishments).
Passing 198 for 289. 68.5% completed for a total of 2870 yards and 26 TDs and 6 interceptions.
Rushing 181 times for 749 yards and 20 TDs. No fumbles.
Pretty impressive numbers. If Florida had a Defense, they could be right back in the National Title hunt.
And, in case you missed the news (because you live under a rock), Tim is the first Div1A football player EVER to rush and pass for 20 TDs each in one season. EVER. That is a pretty big stat.
And that is what convinced me he should win.
No, not the Kansas bandwagon, or the Mizzu one. I can't wait for one of those teams to get flattened in the Championship Game. I am hopping onto the "Tim Tebow for Heisman" bandwagon. I have repeatedly denied that he will win the Heisman for the entire season. Florida is not in the National Championship race; they aren't even in the SEC race anymore AND (this is the biggie), our beloved Timmy is a SOPHOMORE.
Sophomores don't win the Heisman. If they did, don't you think they would have given one to Herschel Walker? And any decent Florida fan knows the only reason Grossman didn't win in '01 was because he was a sophomore (I don't care if he sucks at Chicago, we are comparing apples and oranges).
The trophy is supposed to go to the best all-around football player. Not the best Senior or Junior. Not the best QB, or running back. The best all-around player. Do I think that Tim is the best all-around player? No. ESPN The Magazine did a story on why LSU's Glenn Dorsey should win. And they are probably right. But Glenn is a defensive player and I have not heard his named mentioned in conjunction with the trophy.
So, if the trophy is going to go to an offensive player, a quarterback or running back, who should receive it? Who has earned it?
I am not going to list all the stats of all the offensive football players in Div IA football. But here are Tim's for 2007 (the only year in question, the Heisman is not supposed to be given out on past accomplishments).
Passing 198 for 289. 68.5% completed for a total of 2870 yards and 26 TDs and 6 interceptions.
Rushing 181 times for 749 yards and 20 TDs. No fumbles.
Pretty impressive numbers. If Florida had a Defense, they could be right back in the National Title hunt.
And, in case you missed the news (because you live under a rock), Tim is the first Div1A football player EVER to rush and pass for 20 TDs each in one season. EVER. That is a pretty big stat.
And that is what convinced me he should win.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Friday BSing
Work, work, work with no time to blog. How horrible is that? I should probably be working now, but I figured I could take a few minutes to babble.
**My son's little sister was born Nov 5th. He is very excited to finally be a big brother (he's only been asking for about 10 years). He is calling her Kaylee. That is not her name, but the poor thing's name is really just AWFUL and he refuses to use it. Poor baby, an awful name and that man for a father. I hope he has grown up a lot since our son was that age or she is in for a long, hard life.
**The week after the honeymoon I went back for my 6 month recheck mamogram. There has been no change so the doctors don't seem concerned at all. I will have another (both breasts this time, I can't wait!) in 6 more months and then back to the yearly thing. I know that men hate the prostate check, but give me a break. It is only a couple of minutes and you are on your way. I would much rather have a prostate check than a Pap and Mamogram (if, you know, I had a prostate). Stop whining and get checked.
**2-3 more weeks of regular Div I college football. What a wild season it has been! Another #2 lost last night. Oregon fell after their QB fell. Who's next? I can't even begin to predict who will end up in the BCS games. I just hope Ohio State kicks Michigan's ass tomorrow and Florida whips FSU the following Saturday. (And if Georgia and Tennessee could each lose a game in the next 2 weeks, allowing Florida to play LSU again in Atlanta for the SEC Championship... well, I am fine with that, too.)
**Married life is awesome. :-)
**I mentioned in this post that we were pushing for DSD's youngest son to come live with us. Or at least we were discussing it. The child's mother was not happy at that idea and there is no justification for suing her for custody. She is not a bad mother. It isn't like she beats him or mistreats him. She loves him and takes great care of him. Sadly, I think she takes TOO good care of him. Is that even possible? He is 13 years old. When does anything become his responsibility? He is not working on grade level and she wants to spend $1300 a month in tutoring to get him up to grade level so that he can go on to HS next year. HELLO! My house payment is not $1300 a month! And I do not know how spending another $1300 a month on tutors is going to make him pay attention and learn. Can a child be MADE to learn? Plus tutoring is not going to help his immaturity or lack of social skills.
As soon as we get our insurance straightened out (shouldn't take long, just getting the paperwork in) we are going to get this child into longterm therapy. His issues are not NORMAL. Maybe there is something else wrong besides just AD/HD. Maybe he has a learning disability also, but there are problems. And they need to be addressed and apparently I am the only one who sees how HUGE they are.
** Not much more going on (that I can think of now). Getting ready for Thanksgiving. Trying not to think about Christmas. Enjoying life. What more can a person ask for?
**My son's little sister was born Nov 5th. He is very excited to finally be a big brother (he's only been asking for about 10 years). He is calling her Kaylee. That is not her name, but the poor thing's name is really just AWFUL and he refuses to use it. Poor baby, an awful name and that man for a father. I hope he has grown up a lot since our son was that age or she is in for a long, hard life.
**The week after the honeymoon I went back for my 6 month recheck mamogram. There has been no change so the doctors don't seem concerned at all. I will have another (both breasts this time, I can't wait!) in 6 more months and then back to the yearly thing. I know that men hate the prostate check, but give me a break. It is only a couple of minutes and you are on your way. I would much rather have a prostate check than a Pap and Mamogram (if, you know, I had a prostate). Stop whining and get checked.
**2-3 more weeks of regular Div I college football. What a wild season it has been! Another #2 lost last night. Oregon fell after their QB fell. Who's next? I can't even begin to predict who will end up in the BCS games. I just hope Ohio State kicks Michigan's ass tomorrow and Florida whips FSU the following Saturday. (And if Georgia and Tennessee could each lose a game in the next 2 weeks, allowing Florida to play LSU again in Atlanta for the SEC Championship... well, I am fine with that, too.)
**Married life is awesome. :-)
**I mentioned in this post that we were pushing for DSD's youngest son to come live with us. Or at least we were discussing it. The child's mother was not happy at that idea and there is no justification for suing her for custody. She is not a bad mother. It isn't like she beats him or mistreats him. She loves him and takes great care of him. Sadly, I think she takes TOO good care of him. Is that even possible? He is 13 years old. When does anything become his responsibility? He is not working on grade level and she wants to spend $1300 a month in tutoring to get him up to grade level so that he can go on to HS next year. HELLO! My house payment is not $1300 a month! And I do not know how spending another $1300 a month on tutors is going to make him pay attention and learn. Can a child be MADE to learn? Plus tutoring is not going to help his immaturity or lack of social skills.
As soon as we get our insurance straightened out (shouldn't take long, just getting the paperwork in) we are going to get this child into longterm therapy. His issues are not NORMAL. Maybe there is something else wrong besides just AD/HD. Maybe he has a learning disability also, but there are problems. And they need to be addressed and apparently I am the only one who sees how HUGE they are.
** Not much more going on (that I can think of now). Getting ready for Thanksgiving. Trying not to think about Christmas. Enjoying life. What more can a person ask for?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Boycotting Burger King
I have a confession to make... I am a fast food junkie. I love it. I can tell you what almost all of them have and give the "meal deal" number of my favorites. Now that I am older and my metabolism has slowed and DSD's cholestoral is up (well, it was), I don't eat fast food like I did in my 20's and early 30's. But that does not mean that I don't still think about it, dream about it or wish for it.
So, it is with a saddened heart that I must cross Burger King off my list PERMANENTLY. (Or at least until they get their act together and start paying a living wage).
I do not think I have the ability to explain all the reasoning behind the boycott, but the AFL-CIO does. And here is a link to the CIW. The best link is this one: A Day in the Life of the Farm Workers. Not a life I would want to lead and those men (and women if they are there) deserve to earn a living wage for work that would not be done by anyone I know personally.
Check out the links, make up your own mind. Join the BIG protest in Miami if you are able or the little one I am trying to organize here on 30 November. So far, I have THREE people who are going to protest (yes, including me!).
I have led a charmed life, it is time to give something back!
So, it is with a saddened heart that I must cross Burger King off my list PERMANENTLY. (Or at least until they get their act together and start paying a living wage).
I do not think I have the ability to explain all the reasoning behind the boycott, but the AFL-CIO does. And here is a link to the CIW. The best link is this one: A Day in the Life of the Farm Workers. Not a life I would want to lead and those men (and women if they are there) deserve to earn a living wage for work that would not be done by anyone I know personally.
Check out the links, make up your own mind. Join the BIG protest in Miami if you are able or the little one I am trying to organize here on 30 November. So far, I have THREE people who are going to protest (yes, including me!).
I have led a charmed life, it is time to give something back!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Go Dennis
I am not pleased that Dennis Kucinch's effort to impeach Dick Cheney was sent to committee, therefore, stopping it in its tracks. I am certainly not pleased with any Democrats who voted in favor of sending it to committee. I am appalled by the White House's response*
Congress has focused on health care for children, dipshit Dubya vetoed it. And the only reason the votes were futile is because it didn't work.
*I wish I remembered the last time I wasn't appalled by the White House!
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino criticized Democrats in Congress for
spending time on this debate rather than focusing on health care for children
and veterans.
"This Congress has not sent a single appropriations bill to the
president’s desk this year – a new record of failure," Perino said.
"Yet,
they find time to spend an entire work period on futile votes to impeach the
vice president or to pass contempt citations against the president’s chief of
staff and former counsel. It is this behavior that leaves the American people
shaking their head in wonder at this Congress,” Perino added.
Congress has focused on health care for children, dipshit Dubya vetoed it. And the only reason the votes were futile is because it didn't work.
*I wish I remembered the last time I wasn't appalled by the White House!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Common Courtesy anyone?
Why are people so damn rude? Why are people so damn lazy?
On Monday night I stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few basic necessities (bread, milk, oj, caffeine-free Diet Coke) on my way home from work. I am not one to drive around the parking lot looking for a super close parking spot, I think that is stupid. I just happened to get lucky, because the store was not busy & got the spot closest to the door. I bought my items and delivered them to my car and looked around for a spot for my cart. Well the store was closer to where I was parked than the 'buggy corral' so I took my cart back into the store. As I was walking back to my car I watched a woman (parked 2 spots from the corral) just PUSH her cart away from her. The cart traveled across the lane and came to rest in a empty parking spot. An empty HANDICAPPED parking spot. Right in the middle of it so there was no way to park a car in the spot. I absolutely saw red. This woman was not elderly and didn't appear feeble. Frankly, she was fat and could have used a couple of extra steps of exercise. So, staring right at her, I marched to the cart and pushed it back to the store. She was driving away as I came out and I just glared at her, she did not meet my eyes.
Was I rude also in this instance? Maybe. Was it possible that she had a reason for not taking her cart to the proper place? Possibly. But there was NO REASON to push the cart across the entire lane and into a handicapped spot. I can sympathize with parents of small children who are not comfortable leaving their children in the car to put the cart away, but normally when I see this, they put the cart in a place where it will not hinder other shoppers' ability to park. I can sympathize with those who are not physically capable of getting the cart to the corral. But this was complete and total rudeness on her part and I am sick of people like her.
It seems to me that the basic rules of polite society are missing today (at least around here). While I understand that many sections of the country do not believe in using the "yes ma'am, yes sir" that I personally believe in, is there something wrong with "Please and Thank you"? Is there something wrong with a holding a door for a stranger? Especially a stranger who has their hands full?
It is sad, but maybe if we all acted like the people in those TIAA-CREF commercials, the world would be a better place.
On Monday night I stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few basic necessities (bread, milk, oj, caffeine-free Diet Coke) on my way home from work. I am not one to drive around the parking lot looking for a super close parking spot, I think that is stupid. I just happened to get lucky, because the store was not busy & got the spot closest to the door. I bought my items and delivered them to my car and looked around for a spot for my cart. Well the store was closer to where I was parked than the 'buggy corral' so I took my cart back into the store. As I was walking back to my car I watched a woman (parked 2 spots from the corral) just PUSH her cart away from her. The cart traveled across the lane and came to rest in a empty parking spot. An empty HANDICAPPED parking spot. Right in the middle of it so there was no way to park a car in the spot. I absolutely saw red. This woman was not elderly and didn't appear feeble. Frankly, she was fat and could have used a couple of extra steps of exercise. So, staring right at her, I marched to the cart and pushed it back to the store. She was driving away as I came out and I just glared at her, she did not meet my eyes.
Was I rude also in this instance? Maybe. Was it possible that she had a reason for not taking her cart to the proper place? Possibly. But there was NO REASON to push the cart across the entire lane and into a handicapped spot. I can sympathize with parents of small children who are not comfortable leaving their children in the car to put the cart away, but normally when I see this, they put the cart in a place where it will not hinder other shoppers' ability to park. I can sympathize with those who are not physically capable of getting the cart to the corral. But this was complete and total rudeness on her part and I am sick of people like her.
It seems to me that the basic rules of polite society are missing today (at least around here). While I understand that many sections of the country do not believe in using the "yes ma'am, yes sir" that I personally believe in, is there something wrong with "Please and Thank you"? Is there something wrong with a holding a door for a stranger? Especially a stranger who has their hands full?
It is sad, but maybe if we all acted like the people in those TIAA-CREF commercials, the world would be a better place.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Skipping to the Good Stuff
There are tons of pictures of me getting dressed (not the dirty stuff), putting on makeup, etc. And I may add them slowly to this blog in addition to the several other posts that I have in mind. But for now, I just want to add the ceremony pictures and a couple of post-ceremony sunset pictures. Keep in mind, these are NOT the professional shots. These are the pictures that a friend of mine from work took. I can't wait to see the professional shots.
Here is DSD and his little man on his way to what I refer to as "the grassy knoll" for the ceremony.
I love this picture of me. I wish the trash can was not there, but what can you do?*
Walking down the aisle with my dad. This was NOT planned. DSD and I were supposed to walk down the aisle together, but his youngest son got bored and went to play on the beach just before the ceremony. So DSD had to go look for him and my dad decided to walk me down the aisle. 
Exchanging rings.
The kiss.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Pictures! I promised
The boys! That handsome young man on the right is my son! The young one is DSD's youngest. I am not sure we have any of his other 2 children, because it was so late in the evening when we finally got them on camera.
This was about 12:00.
The tent finally leaving the ground about 2:45
My dress!
This is me! I am leaning over the balcony to see what is going on at the tent. I am completely ready, except for the dress, of course! Check out those cool Gator sunglasses. I am also waiting on DSD to shower inside the room. We saw each other in the morning, but he isn't allowed to see me now until I am 100% ready!
I will post more pictures soon! The really good ones will be next!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Heartwrenching
I ALWAYS have a book going. No matter where I am, I carry a book. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday & I took a book, but there is always at least a short wait. Mostly, I read fiction. It is a good way to get away from the real world, and live someone else's life for a bit. While sometimes that means being chased by huge, scary monsters in a Stephen King novel, or the mafia in a Sandra Brown, it can also mean traveling the Titanic with Danielle Steel or leading a life of luxury. Even if the novel starts out with the hero or heroine poor, usually the point is to follow them through their lives until they work there way out of poverty and into the lap of luxury.
Now that does not mean that I never read anything educational or enlightning, just that I prefer to read to relax.
My bff, P, came down for the wedding brought me a book that her mother had given her. (Her mother being the most socially conscious person that I think I have ever met.) P was determined to finish the book while she was here because she wanted to leave it with me. I didn't take it on my honeymoon, because she said it was depressing, but I started it on Sunday.
It is horrifying. I know there are poor people. I know people live in terror due to gangs, violence, AIDS, etc. This book has allowed me to see into the Bronx and Harlem. The book is breaking my heart every single minute. I am certain that is what the author intended.
The book is "Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation" by Jonathan Kozol.
In the fourth chapter Mr. Kozol is speaking of a child who died in a fire and gets him confused with another child who died in a fire and finally says
How do we live with ourselves? How do we function? What can we do to make it better for the poor? Especially the children?
Now that does not mean that I never read anything educational or enlightning, just that I prefer to read to relax.
My bff, P, came down for the wedding brought me a book that her mother had given her. (Her mother being the most socially conscious person that I think I have ever met.) P was determined to finish the book while she was here because she wanted to leave it with me. I didn't take it on my honeymoon, because she said it was depressing, but I started it on Sunday.
It is horrifying. I know there are poor people. I know people live in terror due to gangs, violence, AIDS, etc. This book has allowed me to see into the Bronx and Harlem. The book is breaking my heart every single minute. I am certain that is what the author intended.
The book is "Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation" by Jonathan Kozol.
In the fourth chapter Mr. Kozol is speaking of a child who died in a fire and gets him confused with another child who died in a fire and finally says
"In order to keep these different children clear in my own mind, I finally had
to make a map of the South Bronx and put it on the wall over my desk, placing a
marker on each block in which a child died, using one symbol for death by fire,
one for death by accident, and one for death by gunshot."
How do we live with ourselves? How do we function? What can we do to make it better for the poor? Especially the children?
Monday, October 29, 2007
Pre-Wedding Glitches**** Updated**** One picture added
I am certain that there is not a party held anywhere in the entire world that does not run into a few glitches. Maybe the food is late, the flowers are incorrect or the ice runs out. This is stressful for everyone involved in the process and in the party itself.
We were lucky, really. With rain almost the entire week before the wedding and rain scheduled for 3 days after the wedding, we were really holding our breathes. It was scheduled to be an outdoor ceremony! What if the weather was bad? What if it was windy? What if there was Red Tide?
It was amazing to wake up on our wedding day to the best weather anyone could ask for. A few wispy clouds hovered on the horizon, but it appeared that the weather was not going to be an issue.
The alarm was set for 0730 so that the family could get the tables and chairs setup early. We were all staying at the hotel where the ceremony was to take place. DSD jumped out of bed, ran to the balcony to check out the weather and ran back in to the bedroom. (silly me, thinking I could grap 2 more hours). "You better call the tent guy" he said. The tent was scheduled to be setup on the 19th, but the tent guy called that morning and said the weather was iffy. IF it cleared up in late afternoon (the rain stopped by 4pm), they would get to it. If not, they would be there at dawn. Dawn. Doesn't that mean sunrise? Now it is officially fall, but sunrise is still only a little after 6am. At 0730 they were no where to be seen. I called, was apologised to profusely and was told they were an hour away. I called again at 0930. They arrived at 10. That is not dawn!
Due to the fact that they were so late in arriving, the tent people were willing to wave the normal setup fee for the tables and chairs (we had chosen to do the setup ourselves to save a little money) and they would take care of it all. DSD took them the linens and the chart of the layout that we had decided on and I went off happily to get my hair done with my mom. The tent finally left the ground about 3! (This was a BIG tent) Left the ground. It wasn't done, just up. It was not tied down or strapped on and there were no lights yet. There was no way possible this would be done AND the tables, chairs, linens and centerpieces would be setup by the time the guests started arriving about 5. The entire family rallied, throwing tables, chairs, linens and centerpieces together in the shortest amount of time possible. I even have pictures of DSD's dad and brother-in-law helping strap the tent. I am still dumbfounded at the amount of work that was done in 2 short hours. By the time I exited my room, beautifully dressed and coiffed, everything looked exactly as I had pictured it.
Sadly, due to the fact that some family members were still setting up as late as 5, we missed out on a lot of the planned family pictures that were to be taken before the ceremony. DSD's mom arrived just shortly before the ceremony started and my bff, P, almost didn't take time to shower. They both worked terribly hard to ensure that my day was as wonderful as it could possibly be. Thank you both!
I am hoping to post some actual wedding pictures soon, but, Blogger is being a little uncooperative. I will try again later (that means tomorrow!).
****I was trying to add a picture of the view outside my hotel room window, but I couldn't find it on my hard drive. This is a picture of sunset right after the wedding.
We were lucky, really. With rain almost the entire week before the wedding and rain scheduled for 3 days after the wedding, we were really holding our breathes. It was scheduled to be an outdoor ceremony! What if the weather was bad? What if it was windy? What if there was Red Tide?
It was amazing to wake up on our wedding day to the best weather anyone could ask for. A few wispy clouds hovered on the horizon, but it appeared that the weather was not going to be an issue.
The alarm was set for 0730 so that the family could get the tables and chairs setup early. We were all staying at the hotel where the ceremony was to take place. DSD jumped out of bed, ran to the balcony to check out the weather and ran back in to the bedroom. (silly me, thinking I could grap 2 more hours). "You better call the tent guy" he said. The tent was scheduled to be setup on the 19th, but the tent guy called that morning and said the weather was iffy. IF it cleared up in late afternoon (the rain stopped by 4pm), they would get to it. If not, they would be there at dawn. Dawn. Doesn't that mean sunrise? Now it is officially fall, but sunrise is still only a little after 6am. At 0730 they were no where to be seen. I called, was apologised to profusely and was told they were an hour away. I called again at 0930. They arrived at 10. That is not dawn!
Due to the fact that they were so late in arriving, the tent people were willing to wave the normal setup fee for the tables and chairs (we had chosen to do the setup ourselves to save a little money) and they would take care of it all. DSD took them the linens and the chart of the layout that we had decided on and I went off happily to get my hair done with my mom. The tent finally left the ground about 3! (This was a BIG tent) Left the ground. It wasn't done, just up. It was not tied down or strapped on and there were no lights yet. There was no way possible this would be done AND the tables, chairs, linens and centerpieces would be setup by the time the guests started arriving about 5. The entire family rallied, throwing tables, chairs, linens and centerpieces together in the shortest amount of time possible. I even have pictures of DSD's dad and brother-in-law helping strap the tent. I am still dumbfounded at the amount of work that was done in 2 short hours. By the time I exited my room, beautifully dressed and coiffed, everything looked exactly as I had pictured it.
Sadly, due to the fact that some family members were still setting up as late as 5, we missed out on a lot of the planned family pictures that were to be taken before the ceremony. DSD's mom arrived just shortly before the ceremony started and my bff, P, almost didn't take time to shower. They both worked terribly hard to ensure that my day was as wonderful as it could possibly be. Thank you both!
I am hoping to post some actual wedding pictures soon, but, Blogger is being a little uncooperative. I will try again later (that means tomorrow!).
****I was trying to add a picture of the view outside my hotel room window, but I couldn't find it on my hard drive. This is a picture of sunset right after the wedding.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Did I Lose a post?
Home from the honeymoon and not very happy to be here. While real life may be great, it isn't even close to the wonderful time we had for the last week!
Sadly, I thought I posted last night after our return, but I can find no record of it. Maybe I was so tired I just commented on other blogs and then went to bed.
I am busily writing Thank you notes right now (well, not RIGHT now) and organizing the pictures that we have already recieved. I am hoping for several long posts in the near future about what went wrong (grrrr to the Tent Guy) and the wonderful parts that went right, including picutres.
Celebrating One Week of Wedded Bliss.
Sadly, I thought I posted last night after our return, but I can find no record of it. Maybe I was so tired I just commented on other blogs and then went to bed.
I am busily writing Thank you notes right now (well, not RIGHT now) and organizing the pictures that we have already recieved. I am hoping for several long posts in the near future about what went wrong (grrrr to the Tent Guy) and the wonderful parts that went right, including picutres.
Celebrating One Week of Wedded Bliss.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
At Last...
Well, the wedding went off without a hitch. We didn't run out of anything (ok, the crab cakes went quickly, but there was plenty of food left) and we could not have asked for a better turn out or better weather (which was amazing since we had rain Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and today this week).
There were glitches, of course, but family and friends took care of everything without even being asked. This allowed me plenty of time to relax and make myself beautiful (or as close as possible) and we were only a few minutes late starting the bridal march. The entire thing was completely wonderful and I was only sorry that the day had to come to an end.
I am now almost too tired to type and we are leaving tomorrow for a fun-filled trip to Orlando (where DSD will drink beer and I will ride roller coasters). I have already received some of the photographs and will post some of them after I return, when I have time.
I have been married before, but it was different. I was younger (a lot) and had no clue about life. While DSD and I have been together for almost 7 years and living together for over 6, it feels different being married. Different in a good way. Different in a way that feels exactly right.
Thank you to everyone who sent their good wishes our way.
There were glitches, of course, but family and friends took care of everything without even being asked. This allowed me plenty of time to relax and make myself beautiful (or as close as possible) and we were only a few minutes late starting the bridal march. The entire thing was completely wonderful and I was only sorry that the day had to come to an end.
I am now almost too tired to type and we are leaving tomorrow for a fun-filled trip to Orlando (where DSD will drink beer and I will ride roller coasters). I have already received some of the photographs and will post some of them after I return, when I have time.
I have been married before, but it was different. I was younger (a lot) and had no clue about life. While DSD and I have been together for almost 7 years and living together for over 6, it feels different being married. Different in a good way. Different in a way that feels exactly right.
Thank you to everyone who sent their good wishes our way.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
My 100th post, on vacation with One Week To Go
One hundred posts in seven months. Is that good? Is that bad? I read a lot of blogs and some of them post a lot more than that. I know that those bloggers are not more opinionated than I am, but they are obviously more productive. I am enjoying this blog. Of course, I thought that my blog would be picked up by everyone in the blogging world. I thought I would be on everyone's blog roll and would win awards. I did not realize how hard this would be. I certainly have a lot more respect for the blogs I read than I did before I started blogging myself. I hope that I am here to blog for a very long time.
****************************************************
I am on vacation for the next two weeks! Woo Hoo! I have not had a real vacation since March 2005 so this is wonderful. Since then I have taken 1-2 days off at the time, but that is all. I really hope I enjoy this time off.
******************************************************
One week from today I will be Mrs. DSD. We have planned this for over a year and things are going really well from a planning point of view, but there is still a lot to do. I don't know how much time I will have in the next week for blogging (none the week after, I will be honeymooning), but I will try to find a few minutes to either blog or comment on other blogs.
Thank you to those who comment here regularly. I appreciate you and the blogs you produce. I hope it is easier for you than it is for me.
****************************************************
I am on vacation for the next two weeks! Woo Hoo! I have not had a real vacation since March 2005 so this is wonderful. Since then I have taken 1-2 days off at the time, but that is all. I really hope I enjoy this time off.
******************************************************
One week from today I will be Mrs. DSD. We have planned this for over a year and things are going really well from a planning point of view, but there is still a lot to do. I don't know how much time I will have in the next week for blogging (none the week after, I will be honeymooning), but I will try to find a few minutes to either blog or comment on other blogs.
Thank you to those who comment here regularly. I appreciate you and the blogs you produce. I hope it is easier for you than it is for me.
Friday, October 12, 2007
The Gator Nation Mourns
A senseless death.
Michael Guilford was only a redshirt freshman and normally would not be known at this point of his career to the entire Gator Nation, but there was a nationally televised story on him (I think on ESPN) right around the time the Gators won the National Championship in January.
Apparently Michael was a very an integral part of that National Championship team despite his youth.
Rest in Peace, Michael.
A walk-on defensive back for the Florida Gators was killed early Friday when the
motorcycle he was driving hit a median at a high rate of speed, police said.
Michael Guilford was only a redshirt freshman and normally would not be known at this point of his career to the entire Gator Nation, but there was a nationally televised story on him (I think on ESPN) right around the time the Gators won the National Championship in January.
Apparently Michael was a very an integral part of that National Championship team despite his youth.
Guilford mimicked Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith during preparation for
the Bowl Championship Series national title game in January.
Rest in Peace, Michael.
With Liberty and Justice for All**** updated 10/13/2007
For all. For everyone. All of us.
Except for Martin Lee Anderson.
I wish I had something positive to say, but I am devastated. This was a CHILD. I don't know how anyone who watched that videotape could not hold the guards responsible. Sadly, I am wondering why the guards and nurse were not also indicted on lesser charges. Criminal neglect? Assault and battery? Child abuse and or neglect? Did the DA know that the evidence would not stand up to a manslaughter charge? Was that the plan all along?
Martin's parents received a hefty check from the state. The guards/nurse don't go to jail. A lot of prominent people received a lot of attention. And poor Martin Lee Anderson is dead, with no justice.
Rest in Peace, Martin.
*****Update: According to NPR(and I have not double checked my facts) the Feds are looking into pressing charges against the nurse* and seven guards that did this. Was this a violation of Civil Rights? Watch the video before you answer. I think it was.
*I am in deep contempt for this nurse who watched a child beaten and then lied on the stand that he was conscious the entire time. There is no way in HELL I would allow this bitch to nurse anyone I cared about... or even anyone I hated!
Except for Martin Lee Anderson.
Seven former boot camp guards and a nurse were acquitted Friday of manslaughter
in the death of a 14-year-old boy who was hit and kicked by the drill
instructors in a videotaped altercation.
The all-white jury took about 90
minutes to decide whether the guards were responsible for the death of Martin
Lee Anderson, a black teen. The guards, who are white, black and Asian, stood
quietly as the judge read the verdicts.
Surveillance video shows the guards
striking the limp boy with their fists and knees in January 2006. The case
caused protests in the state capital and prompted Florida to close its juvenile
boot camp system.
I wish I had something positive to say, but I am devastated. This was a CHILD. I don't know how anyone who watched that videotape could not hold the guards responsible. Sadly, I am wondering why the guards and nurse were not also indicted on lesser charges. Criminal neglect? Assault and battery? Child abuse and or neglect? Did the DA know that the evidence would not stand up to a manslaughter charge? Was that the plan all along?
Martin's parents received a hefty check from the state. The guards/nurse don't go to jail. A lot of prominent people received a lot of attention. And poor Martin Lee Anderson is dead, with no justice.
Rest in Peace, Martin.
*****Update: According to NPR(and I have not double checked my facts) the Feds are looking into pressing charges against the nurse* and seven guards that did this. Was this a violation of Civil Rights? Watch the video before you answer. I think it was.
*I am in deep contempt for this nurse who watched a child beaten and then lied on the stand that he was conscious the entire time. There is no way in HELL I would allow this bitch to nurse anyone I cared about... or even anyone I hated!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Heartbreaking But Encouraging
Look, I knew at the beginning of the season that the chances of Florida repeating their National title run was between slim and none. I KNEW that, but there is always that little kernal of hope. It is, of course, dead now after back to back SEC losses. The loss to Auburn was painful. The loss to LSU was expected (by me) until the loss to Auburn. After losing to Auburn I just knew there was no way the Gators would lose again a week later. And they lead for 58 minutes 51 seconds of the game! The last 69 seconds were a bit of a letdown. :-( Heartbreaking, even.
But if we take a long look at this young, young Gator team, there goes that hope again. These guys are YOUNG. These players are (for the most part) sophomores, freshmen and redshirt freshmen, led by a sophomore who will probably be sticking around for the duration. I can't believe the Tebow family would be pleased with Tim ditching his studies and making the NFL jump. So while that means back to back losses this year, it makes it possible to dream big next year. There is still a possibility that the Gators could win the SEC year, although that would mean a rematch with LSU. But there is a HUGE likelihood that they will win it next year and possibly the year after.
So the loss was tough, but Gator fans learned a lot about the soul of this team. And we have hope!
Just a sidebar: that was one of the worst called games that I have ever watched. I don't think the penalties (or lack thereof) changed the outcome of the game in anyway way (not like many games that I could name), but how does one of the most penalized teams in 1-A ball go the entire 1st half without a pentalty? There was blatant, nasty holding on both sides and one helmet to helmet on Moore that I was not sure he was going to get up from.
But if we take a long look at this young, young Gator team, there goes that hope again. These guys are YOUNG. These players are (for the most part) sophomores, freshmen and redshirt freshmen, led by a sophomore who will probably be sticking around for the duration. I can't believe the Tebow family would be pleased with Tim ditching his studies and making the NFL jump. So while that means back to back losses this year, it makes it possible to dream big next year. There is still a possibility that the Gators could win the SEC year, although that would mean a rematch with LSU. But there is a HUGE likelihood that they will win it next year and possibly the year after.
So the loss was tough, but Gator fans learned a lot about the soul of this team. And we have hope!
Just a sidebar: that was one of the worst called games that I have ever watched. I don't think the penalties (or lack thereof) changed the outcome of the game in anyway way (not like many games that I could name), but how does one of the most penalized teams in 1-A ball go the entire 1st half without a pentalty? There was blatant, nasty holding on both sides and one helmet to helmet on Moore that I was not sure he was going to get up from.
Monday, October 1, 2007
My Responsibility
As I sat there Saturday night staring stupidly at the TV, I shook my head and realized that this was all my fault. A 17-20 loss to AUBURN, in the Swamp. Why? Because I broke the mojo. I am truly sorry to the Gator Nation. Please accept my heartfelt apologies and do not disown me.
mlmintampa (for whom I can find no information whatsoever) over at Alligator Army seems to think he is partially responsible
But he does not know the truth. It is a long sad tale and it is painful to admit, but here it is.
Last year a friend of ours was in town over the Christmas holidays to see his parents. Now, Kevin was raised in Ohio, attended BGSU and is a HUGE Buckeye fan. I am sure the fact that his father is an enormous Wolverine fan makes for great Thanksgiving holidays, but I digress. As you know by Christmas we all knew that Florida was scheduled to play OSU on Jan 8 for the National Championship and everyone just knew that my Gators were going to get killed. (HA!) Well, Kevin, being something of a smartass, got me a Buckeye T-shirt and copies of all of the OSU songs, pledges, whatever. I laughed about it, took the shirt home, washed it put it away. And then laughed again when Florida massacared the Buckeyes and the shirt stayed in my dresser. Now fast forward 9 months to Sep 22. Florida played @ Ole Miss at 1130 (CDT) and squeaked by with 30-24 win. OSU played Northwestern with a 2:30 (CDT) kickoff time. I stayed with the Gators until the end of the game and then switched over to the OSU game and changed my shirt. What was I thinking? What did I do? I never, never, never take off my game day shirt until all football has been played. Sometimes I sleep in it, just to ensure the magic continues and I put on an OSU shirt in the middle of the afternoon? Sure DSD appreciated the gesture, but at what price?
So while the team didn't look great and there were a couple of questionable coaching calls, it wasn't their fault. There wasn't a lot they could have done for a win. I apologize profusely and promise IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!
I just hope I haven't broken the mojo for the rest of the season. And, yes, I am dead serious about this.
mlmintampa (for whom I can find no information whatsoever) over at Alligator Army seems to think he is partially responsible
Despite the defense making Brandon Cox seem like Joe Montana and the lack
of imagination in the play calling, I also share some blame in this loss. I did
the points spread poll without including the "lose outright" option and I got a
hair cut today, which you never do during a win streak (you can get a cut, but
not on a gameday)...I had Mich Light, but my timing was off and I also had
problems with the computer...I've been looking ahead to the LSU game, and I
wasn't focused...I could have gone to the lucky clothes in the second half, but
I have them reserved for LSU and was afraid to use them...I'm also
thinking about the Yankees in the playoffs. (By the way, I'm very serious about
this. My level of superstition is quite high. You're talking to someone who asks
Saints and the Virgin Mary to protect the Gators and Yankees. I screwed up today
too.)
But he does not know the truth. It is a long sad tale and it is painful to admit, but here it is.
Last year a friend of ours was in town over the Christmas holidays to see his parents. Now, Kevin was raised in Ohio, attended BGSU and is a HUGE Buckeye fan. I am sure the fact that his father is an enormous Wolverine fan makes for great Thanksgiving holidays, but I digress. As you know by Christmas we all knew that Florida was scheduled to play OSU on Jan 8 for the National Championship and everyone just knew that my Gators were going to get killed. (HA!) Well, Kevin, being something of a smartass, got me a Buckeye T-shirt and copies of all of the OSU songs, pledges, whatever. I laughed about it, took the shirt home, washed it put it away. And then laughed again when Florida massacared the Buckeyes and the shirt stayed in my dresser. Now fast forward 9 months to Sep 22. Florida played @ Ole Miss at 1130 (CDT) and squeaked by with 30-24 win. OSU played Northwestern with a 2:30 (CDT) kickoff time. I stayed with the Gators until the end of the game and then switched over to the OSU game and changed my shirt. What was I thinking? What did I do? I never, never, never take off my game day shirt until all football has been played. Sometimes I sleep in it, just to ensure the magic continues and I put on an OSU shirt in the middle of the afternoon? Sure DSD appreciated the gesture, but at what price?
So while the team didn't look great and there were a couple of questionable coaching calls, it wasn't their fault. There wasn't a lot they could have done for a win. I apologize profusely and promise IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!
I just hope I haven't broken the mojo for the rest of the season. And, yes, I am dead serious about this.
Friday, September 28, 2007
I am not happy about this
When I first started watching Karen it looked like she may follow my favorite route of north to nowhere. Now the National Hurricane Center is predicting a not nice little westerly jog between Tuesday and Wednesday morning. I am sure this has something to do with lessening wind shears, but my Meteorology was BORING and I didn't learn much that I didn't already know. So, let's keep our fingers crossed that the jog is more north than west, or maybe even northeast. I like a storm that heads straight up the middle of the Atlantic. That's the only kind of storm I like.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
TV Review of
Bionic Woman.
Now, please understand, I am 40 years old. I watched the Six Million Dollar Man from the time Col Steve Austin was test piloting a new plane that crashed on him until the end of the series. So, of course, I was thrilled when the character of Jaime Sommers was introduced and they became engaged and she became bionic. I was devestated when she died and I know I didn't miss an episode for the time The Bionic Woman was on ABC.* So, while I was excited about the recreation of this show, as a Bionic officiando I was also a little leery of it.
My first response? I really enjoyed it. Frankly, it made me think "Alias on Steroids" could have been the name of it. While the show is a little over-the-top, requiring a healthy suspension of disbelief, it is incredibly entertaining. It is also convoluted enough that you have to really pay attention or you will get lost. The good guys are not all good. The bad guys are evil. Jaime seems to be having a bad day.
The part I didn't like? Why name her Jaime Sommers? She isn't. Jaime Sommers was an orphaned only child tennis pro who then became an elementary school teacher and worked for the government stopping terrorists before it was cool! This girl is a college drop-out bartender raising her high school age sister because their father dumped her on the step. This is not your mother's Bionic Woman. This is a new series with the name of an old series. That is fine. This is 2007, not 1976. But change the main character's name. It is disturbing otherwise.
Having said that, I am going to watch this show, at least through December. I will be going back to school in January, so who knows what I will be doing then? Or how much time I will have for TV?
*Plus I have seen 2 out of the 3 Bionic movies. I would like to watch the 3rd one.
Now, please understand, I am 40 years old. I watched the Six Million Dollar Man from the time Col Steve Austin was test piloting a new plane that crashed on him until the end of the series. So, of course, I was thrilled when the character of Jaime Sommers was introduced and they became engaged and she became bionic. I was devestated when she died and I know I didn't miss an episode for the time The Bionic Woman was on ABC.* So, while I was excited about the recreation of this show, as a Bionic officiando I was also a little leery of it.
My first response? I really enjoyed it. Frankly, it made me think "Alias on Steroids" could have been the name of it. While the show is a little over-the-top, requiring a healthy suspension of disbelief, it is incredibly entertaining. It is also convoluted enough that you have to really pay attention or you will get lost. The good guys are not all good. The bad guys are evil. Jaime seems to be having a bad day.
The part I didn't like? Why name her Jaime Sommers? She isn't. Jaime Sommers was an orphaned only child tennis pro who then became an elementary school teacher and worked for the government stopping terrorists before it was cool! This girl is a college drop-out bartender raising her high school age sister because their father dumped her on the step. This is not your mother's Bionic Woman. This is a new series with the name of an old series. That is fine. This is 2007, not 1976. But change the main character's name. It is disturbing otherwise.
Having said that, I am going to watch this show, at least through December. I will be going back to school in January, so who knows what I will be doing then? Or how much time I will have for TV?
*Plus I have seen 2 out of the 3 Bionic movies. I would like to watch the 3rd one.
First an Explanation
Shel over at Yah Sure, You Betcha has been reviewing the series premieres of new shows and the season premieres of older, returning shows. She has inspired me to write this.. well, actually the next post, but I wanted to acknowledge her here!
But first I want to explain my TV viewing habits. I don't watch TV. Really? Practically never. I may catch a few minutes of whatever is on the television, but very seldom do I watch entire shows. Why? Because of the moral decay of society due to the prevelance of sex and violence on TV? Get real! Because I am intellectually superior to those who can find amusement on the small screen? Of course not! Frankly, it is because I am lazy.
At some point in his life, DSD actually started believing the propaganda that men are supposed to control the remote and, therefore, the viewing habits of the family. And he watches some really stupid shit. How many CSI reruns can one person stomach? How many Dirty Jobs can there possibly be? And, while I like crab, I don't want to watch men going without sleep/food/bathing to bring it to me. And he doesn't care about what I do or don't want to watch 99% of the time. Sometimes this bothers me, but (here is the lazy part) it just isn't that important to me. I would rather read a book, play TheSims2 or talk on the phone, or all 3 if I can ever figure out how. I am not going to fight with him about what he is watching on TV. It isn't worth it.
PLUS, we do have 5 blasted TVs in the house, I could go to another room. Again it is not worth it to me. See above on what I would rather be doing.
There are exceptions to my "I don't care" rule. I never missed one single, solitary episode of Alias, not even the last 1 1/2 seasons when it was, in a word, dumb. I never missed The West Wing, until ABC moved Alias from Sunday to Wednesday (I probably should have stuck with The West Wing). When Genie Francis returned to General Hospital last November for a brief 3 week stint as Laura Spencer, I watched every episode on SoapNet (we only get that on the main TV), and when Dixie Martin 'died' on All My Children back in February I took over the TV for an entire Saturday afternoon. *
So with that explantion in place, on the next post.
*These were both big deals, because I don't have time to watch the soaps much anymore, although I don't miss a lot of All My Children updates on the 'net.
But first I want to explain my TV viewing habits. I don't watch TV. Really? Practically never. I may catch a few minutes of whatever is on the television, but very seldom do I watch entire shows. Why? Because of the moral decay of society due to the prevelance of sex and violence on TV? Get real! Because I am intellectually superior to those who can find amusement on the small screen? Of course not! Frankly, it is because I am lazy.
At some point in his life, DSD actually started believing the propaganda that men are supposed to control the remote and, therefore, the viewing habits of the family. And he watches some really stupid shit. How many CSI reruns can one person stomach? How many Dirty Jobs can there possibly be? And, while I like crab, I don't want to watch men going without sleep/food/bathing to bring it to me. And he doesn't care about what I do or don't want to watch 99% of the time. Sometimes this bothers me, but (here is the lazy part) it just isn't that important to me. I would rather read a book, play TheSims2 or talk on the phone, or all 3 if I can ever figure out how. I am not going to fight with him about what he is watching on TV. It isn't worth it.
PLUS, we do have 5 blasted TVs in the house, I could go to another room. Again it is not worth it to me. See above on what I would rather be doing.
There are exceptions to my "I don't care" rule. I never missed one single, solitary episode of Alias, not even the last 1 1/2 seasons when it was, in a word, dumb. I never missed The West Wing, until ABC moved Alias from Sunday to Wednesday (I probably should have stuck with The West Wing). When Genie Francis returned to General Hospital last November for a brief 3 week stint as Laura Spencer, I watched every episode on SoapNet (we only get that on the main TV), and when Dixie Martin 'died' on All My Children back in February I took over the TV for an entire Saturday afternoon. *
So with that explantion in place, on the next post.
*These were both big deals, because I don't have time to watch the soaps much anymore, although I don't miss a lot of All My Children updates on the 'net.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Lots of Links
Libby over at TheImpolitic is always right on the ball with her scary analysis of the future of our country. In today's post she points you toward this article by Naomi Wolf and says, "If you can read her post and still call me a wacky conspiracy theorist for suggesting we're on the road to a police state, I can only suggest you get thee to an optometrist because you're clearly never going to be able to read the signs until you get your vision corrected. "
I want Libby to be a conspiracy theorist. She isn't. I want her to be crazy. She isn't. I want her to be wrong. She may be, but I doubt it. Read Libby's post. Click on the link (reposted here), then go farther and click on the American Freedom Campaign link. Sign the petition. Forward it to your friends and relatives... even the neo-con ones!
I feel like I should be doing a lot more, but maybe, if I do my little bit by spreading the word that Libby has already started, MAYBE, people will wake up and help.
If not, God help us all.
Then go back to TheImpolitic and click on Libby's 2nd link. At least it was funny!
I want Libby to be a conspiracy theorist. She isn't. I want her to be crazy. She isn't. I want her to be wrong. She may be, but I doubt it. Read Libby's post. Click on the link (reposted here), then go farther and click on the American Freedom Campaign link. Sign the petition. Forward it to your friends and relatives... even the neo-con ones!
I feel like I should be doing a lot more, but maybe, if I do my little bit by spreading the word that Libby has already started, MAYBE, people will wake up and help.
If not, God help us all.
Then go back to TheImpolitic and click on Libby's 2nd link. At least it was funny!
This does not look too scary
YET.
Tropical storm Karen does not appear to be headed for land at this point. Hopefully she will just keep headed north and not bother anyone.
...and Manners
Since I am getting married in a few short weeks, I have, recently, been reading a lot about etiquette. While I do understand that is my (our) day, my (our) party and my (our) money and ulitmately, has to be my (our) decision, I do not want people leaving and saying, "Didn't that girl have any upbringing?" Come on, my mother will be there and the last thing I want is for her to be embarrassed. She did a good job; it is just possible that I wasn't paying attention. :-) Plus, weddings tend to bring out questions that you have never asked before and (hopefully) will never ask again.
When are the invitations mailed? 6 wks to 2 months before the wedding date
When is the cake cut? Whenever you feel like it
Can a 40 year old divorcee' wear white? Damn skippy
We don't have a lot of money, is it ok to have a cash bar? Hell, no. But, you don't HAVE to serve alcohol either. Just beer and wine or just punch is your business.
So, to skip the rest of the BS and get to the point (were you doubting I had one?), we would NEVER invite anyone, wait for him/her to arrive and the speak rudely to him/her or about him/her. Really, isn't that even MORE tacky than a cash bar? And isn't that exactly what happened yesterday at Colombia University?
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was INVITED to speak at Colombia. University president, Lee Bollinger, then
Maybe Ahmadinejad IS a cruel dictator. Maybe he denies the existence of the Holocaust. Maybe he is a just a complete and total jerk. But I am not going to invite him to my wedding and he should not have been invited to speak at Colombia University if he was not welcome to be there.
When are the invitations mailed? 6 wks to 2 months before the wedding date
When is the cake cut? Whenever you feel like it
Can a 40 year old divorcee' wear white? Damn skippy
We don't have a lot of money, is it ok to have a cash bar? Hell, no. But, you don't HAVE to serve alcohol either. Just beer and wine or just punch is your business.
So, to skip the rest of the BS and get to the point (were you doubting I had one?), we would NEVER invite anyone, wait for him/her to arrive and the speak rudely to him/her or about him/her. Really, isn't that even MORE tacky than a cash bar? And isn't that exactly what happened yesterday at Colombia University?
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was INVITED to speak at Colombia. University president, Lee Bollinger, then
took Iran's president to task Monday, bluntly criticizing his record and saying
he exhibits "all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator."
Maybe Ahmadinejad IS a cruel dictator. Maybe he denies the existence of the Holocaust. Maybe he is a just a complete and total jerk. But I am not going to invite him to my wedding and he should not have been invited to speak at Colombia University if he was not welcome to be there.
After the session, Bollinger said Ahmadinejad left without properly answeringWouldn't you?
many of the questions that were posed to him.
Morons...
Dubya
wants the U.N. to uphold its pledge to
fight for freedom
in lands of poverty and
terror.
has vowed to veto the measure. (The
'measure' being State Children's Health Insurance Program.)
So, let me get this straight. Georgie Porgie is real concerned about freedom, only not HERE? In other countries, on other continents? But my freedoms are being trampled every day and the children of this country don't need health insurance? This war is costing us billions, but we can't raise taxes for our CHILDREN?
I am constantly amazed (and never in a good way) by the fact that those who are so adamantly opposed to abortion completely wash their hands of the fetuses/embryos once they can breathe on their own. (Now, don't misunderstand, I am not advocating abortion, not at all. I have never had to make that choice; I am just very thankful that the choice is there for those who feel that they need it. ) My problem is that it is the same rich, white, middle-aged men who stand up there and scream about the sanctity of life who refuse to help those who are already here. Or, they send them to war to be murdered and maimed. How does that make life sacred? Or is it only rich old guys who get to decide?
It appears that some of those rich old guys are actually going to vote to over ride Dubya's veto of the S-CHIP bill. Or so they are saying right now. We will see. We will be watching.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Post Game plus Football Pool comments
Well the Gators managed to squeak by the Ole Miss Rebels 30-24 in the first road game of 2007. WOW. It was a nerve-racking game and I was glad when it was finished. The Gators did not come close to covering the 20.5 point spread that was predicted for the game, but a W in the win/lose column was all I was looking for.
I hope you did not find this blog expecting some sort of play by play or a break down of the offense/defense, etc that is not my expertise.
Next week the Gators are hosting Auburn. Auburn has not played well so far this year, but we all know they will bring their A game to the Swamp in the hope of knocking Florida out of the #3 spot like they did last year. (It WAS an incomplete pass!)
I managed 8 out of 10 in this week's football pool. Up to the point where I put in my picks, I was the only to take KY, so that is in my favor. Unfortunately I picked PennSt to beat Michigan (come on they lost to App St) and Bama to win out over Georgia and neither of those went my way. If no one got9 or 10 though, it is pretty much in the bag. The tie-breaker game was Ball St @ Nebraska and I picked 82. Combined points? 81! I wish I had gotten that close the first week when I managed 10 for 10!
I hope you did not find this blog expecting some sort of play by play or a break down of the offense/defense, etc that is not my expertise.
Next week the Gators are hosting Auburn. Auburn has not played well so far this year, but we all know they will bring their A game to the Swamp in the hope of knocking Florida out of the #3 spot like they did last year. (It WAS an incomplete pass!)
I managed 8 out of 10 in this week's football pool. Up to the point where I put in my picks, I was the only to take KY, so that is in my favor. Unfortunately I picked PennSt to beat Michigan (come on they lost to App St) and Bama to win out over Georgia and neither of those went my way. If no one got9 or 10 though, it is pretty much in the bag. The tie-breaker game was Ball St @ Nebraska and I picked 82. Combined points? 81! I wish I had gotten that close the first week when I managed 10 for 10!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Half Time Report
It is half-time of the Florida @ Old Miss game. Normally I watch the halftime reports or one of the other 12 games on, but this game is not going as well as I had hoped. Florida is up 14-6, but they do not look like the explosive team that stomped Tennessee last week. The defense is not doing horribly, although all of the missed tackles are making me cringe. The offense appears extremely sluggish. They can't seem to find a rhythm and the game is half over. Two TDs in the first half from the team that averaged 55 points in the first 3 games is not a great number.
Sadly this does not bode well for the game @ LSU in 2 weeks. This is a young team and this is their first game on the road, but the Ole Miss stadium is not the nightmare that Death Valley will be and that will be a night game. I have (sadly) never been to a game @ LSU, but I have heard lots of horror stories about how hostile the atmosphere is, especially at night. I know the Swamp is not really easy to play in for other teams and Death Valley is supposed to be worse.
I hope Coach is working out the kinks in the locker room. I hope this young team is paying attention, calming down and getting ready to go back out there and play the type football they have been playing. Show 'em whose boss, boys!
Go Gators!
Sadly this does not bode well for the game @ LSU in 2 weeks. This is a young team and this is their first game on the road, but the Ole Miss stadium is not the nightmare that Death Valley will be and that will be a night game. I have (sadly) never been to a game @ LSU, but I have heard lots of horror stories about how hostile the atmosphere is, especially at night. I know the Swamp is not really easy to play in for other teams and Death Valley is supposed to be worse.
I hope Coach is working out the kinks in the locker room. I hope this young team is paying attention, calming down and getting ready to go back out there and play the type football they have been playing. Show 'em whose boss, boys!
Go Gators!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
One Month From Today...
I will become Mrs. DSD. The planning is going well, although not without a few of the hiccups that have to be expected. The food is planned, the tent is reserved and the booze is bought. The RSVPs are coming in, although not many in the last week. The deadline is not until 29 Sept, but shouldn't most people know if they are coming by now?
We have lost several guests to the Miami @ FSU game. Most of them I completely understand. One lady at work has season tickets and goes with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren to every game. Another friend does not miss a game. I have an uncle, however, who has not attended a game since 2004 or before and he has decided he MUST attend this one. I am not going to forgive him easily. Frankly, I could not care less if he is there or not, but he is married to my favorite aunt on my mom's side and she is blind. She really can not get herself there. Plus he convinced her that she should not come with my parents because she is just too much work. I think it is all going to work out, but he has caused a lot of heartache for her, me and my mom in the last month or so.
We have lost several guests to the Miami @ FSU game. Most of them I completely understand. One lady at work has season tickets and goes with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren to every game. Another friend does not miss a game. I have an uncle, however, who has not attended a game since 2004 or before and he has decided he MUST attend this one. I am not going to forgive him easily. Frankly, I could not care less if he is there or not, but he is married to my favorite aunt on my mom's side and she is blind. She really can not get herself there. Plus he convinced her that she should not come with my parents because she is just too much work. I think it is all going to work out, but he has caused a lot of heartache for her, me and my mom in the last month or so.
I mentioned a couple of months ago that I could not decide to change my name or not after the marriage. Now that I am grown I realize how ridiculous it is to expect a woman to change her name ever, but the fact that I did not take back my birth name at the time of my divorce has made me realize that I will feel bad if I don't change my name to DSD's. My son's big objection was those stupid forms that the kids come home with every year from the school to update information. He said, "I was always proud that even though you and dad were divorced, we all had the same last name. Mmmmm, thanks sweetie, but you are in college now. We don't have to fill those forms out anymore. He seems to be fine with it then. Silly boy.
DSD did not push. While he mentioned that he would be proud if I "left the darkside", he left the decision up to me. (It is the best way to deal with me ALWAYS, he is not a stupid man.) So I have decided to change my name. * I will be Mrs. DSD. Isn't that sweet?
*But if he goes first, I am taking back my birth name and never changing it again.
Why are they doing this?
This is Invest 93.
This is not a hurricane, a tropical storm or even a tropical depression. I am not positive, but I don't think it is even a tropical wave. So what is it? A thunderstorm. The image above came from Weather Underground. I have used Weather Underground for several years and this is the first year I have seen an Invest anything. They are tracking these Invests on the local news also.
The other site I use a lot for storm tracking is the National Hurricane Center site that is run by NOAA. They aren't tracking Invests. They track actual, honest to God named storms, not a little blurb of clouds that may or may not turn into anything.
Now I am not a Hurricane expert, but this feels like the Repubs bull shit color-coded terror alert. There is nothing to be scared of, so we are going to manufacture something to keep you on edge.
I lived through the 04 and 05 Hurricane season. No, I did not live in New Orleans for Katrina, and we are in a place that almost never takes a direct hit (last, closest storm was Eloise in '75)*, but the STRESS of those storms swirling around in the Gulf is more than a person can imagine if they have not lived through it. You do not know how many times a week I was waking myself up in the middle of the night by the end of the '05 season. Why? Because I was afraid we had not boarded the windows, because I was afraid we didn't have enough bottled water, because I could not remember if my son were asleep in his room across the hall, what if he were out in the storm? This was when there were no storms!
So I am going to start using only the NOAA site full time. I will check in with Weather Underground IF there are any named storms out there, maybe. And I will prepare appropriately if a storm is swirling around out there, but I can not deal with stressing over something that isn't anything at all.
*Non-direct hits can still be bad. Opal in '95 was a nightmare for the entire county and the eye was over 100 miles away. Ivan in '04 spawned F3 tornados (almost unheard for this area) over 24 hours before the storm came ashore. It is a little scary to sit in the hallway with my son and the 2 dogs while wondering where DSD's oldest son had gone and was he ok while one of the tornados passed over head without touching down.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
This Makes Me Sick
I have an 18 year old son who is currently attending the local community college and will be headed to a major university in the state of Florida in the next 18 months. Obviously, since I am a rabid Gator fan, I want my child to attend the University of Florida. However, due to the fact that I raised him to speak his mind, publicly and privately, maybe I should rethink this fact if he is going to be tasered for doing so.
I am so mad, I can barely type. Read the article, watch the video and HOPE that the Florida Dept of Law Enforcement (FDLE) manages to correctly handle an investigation just this once.
I am so mad, I can barely type. Read the article, watch the video and HOPE that the Florida Dept of Law Enforcement (FDLE) manages to correctly handle an investigation just this once.
Am I the only Moron in the World?
Or just the biggest?
Please don't answer that.
Ok, I do honestly know that I am not the biggest moron in the world, not even close. There are people out there like Dubya, Dick and Rummy breathing my oxygen and they are much stupider than me,* but I am feeling at least a little silly.
In yesterday's comments Julian complimented my blog (Thank you!) but mentioned that it might be more interesting with pictures. I was not offended; I try not to be offended by kindly offered constructive criticism and that is what this felt like to me. But I had no idea how to upload pictures or videos. If you recall, I asked the question about the video thing some time ago and no one was able to help.
So while commenting on his unveiling yesterday over at Bogs'Blogs, I mentioned that maybe I would post one if I figured out how. Pete's reply? "There's a button."
Duh, there's a button. ** For pictures and videos. Check out the fanciness of it all!
So, my question now is about copyright law. I understand that if I take a picture it is mine and I can display it or not. What about other people's stuff? What if I have had it for a while and have no idea where it came from? I don't want to steal, it is tacky. And I can't UTube from work (can't access the site at all) and work is where I do most of my blogging. ***
So, I just wanted to take a brief moment and admit to the fact that I have been doing this for months now and just absolutely not looked around enough. Check back in, this place could explode with color soon!
*I know that is grammatically incorrect. It seemed appropriate when speaking of that bunch.
** Crap there's a block quote button also. I can stop formatting it myself
*** They are going to get wise and block blogger one day and I am going to have to work!
Please don't answer that.
Ok, I do honestly know that I am not the biggest moron in the world, not even close. There are people out there like Dubya, Dick and Rummy breathing my oxygen and they are much stupider than me,* but I am feeling at least a little silly.
In yesterday's comments Julian complimented my blog (Thank you!) but mentioned that it might be more interesting with pictures. I was not offended; I try not to be offended by kindly offered constructive criticism and that is what this felt like to me. But I had no idea how to upload pictures or videos. If you recall, I asked the question about the video thing some time ago and no one was able to help.
So while commenting on his unveiling yesterday over at Bogs'Blogs, I mentioned that maybe I would post one if I figured out how. Pete's reply? "There's a button."
Duh, there's a button. ** For pictures and videos. Check out the fanciness of it all!
So, my question now is about copyright law. I understand that if I take a picture it is mine and I can display it or not. What about other people's stuff? What if I have had it for a while and have no idea where it came from? I don't want to steal, it is tacky. And I can't UTube from work (can't access the site at all) and work is where I do most of my blogging. ***
So, I just wanted to take a brief moment and admit to the fact that I have been doing this for months now and just absolutely not looked around enough. Check back in, this place could explode with color soon!
*I know that is grammatically incorrect. It seemed appropriate when speaking of that bunch.
** Crap there's a block quote button also. I can stop formatting it myself
*** They are going to get wise and block blogger one day and I am going to have to work!
Monday, September 17, 2007
# 3 after Week 3
After finishing my last post, I was wandering through the 'Net and found the Coaches and AP Polls. I was not expecting to find Florida at Number 3! WOW! I am not sure what I think about it. I like it better when the hype is on the other teams and we can just sneak in a National Championship.
Number 3 is a lot more pressure! Can they handle it?
With Style!
Number 3 is a lot more pressure! Can they handle it?
With Style!
College Football Week 3
How 'bout them Gators? What a treat to see Florida whip a little Volunteer butt! I expected a high scoring game, so Florida's 59 did not shock me too much, but I thought Tennessee would put up decent numbers also. So, either (a) Tennessee's offense is not as good as advertised, or (b) Florida's D is coming together beautifully. I am hoping it is more B than A, but I am not even close to an expert on it. Either way, 1-0 in the SEC and the winner of the UF/UT game has won the SEC 11 of the last 14 years! Let's go to Atlanta!
In other Gator news, according to Gene Menez at Sports Illustrated/Heisman Watch says, "The ballot if the season ended today" his vote would include Tim Tebow at number 2. For what? While the young man is impressive as a QB, he is only a sophomore. While, technically, the Heisman CAN be awarded to a Sophomore or Freshman, tradition does not allow it, so why would you put a sophomore on the ballot? Tim may win the trophy. He could (possibly) win it 2 years in a row, but it won't happen this year.
In other football news, I didn't do so well in this week's pool. It is painful to from 10 for 10 in Week 1 to 5 for 10 in Week 3 and I should have done better. While I truly felt it was possible for ND to beat Michigan, I knew it wasn't probable. And who could have guessed that Miss St would beat Auburn? Oh, well, better luck next week to me!
And, of course,
GO GATORS!
In other Gator news, according to Gene Menez at Sports Illustrated/Heisman Watch says, "The ballot if the season ended today" his vote would include Tim Tebow at number 2. For what? While the young man is impressive as a QB, he is only a sophomore. While, technically, the Heisman CAN be awarded to a Sophomore or Freshman, tradition does not allow it, so why would you put a sophomore on the ballot? Tim may win the trophy. He could (possibly) win it 2 years in a row, but it won't happen this year.
In other football news, I didn't do so well in this week's pool. It is painful to from 10 for 10 in Week 1 to 5 for 10 in Week 3 and I should have done better. While I truly felt it was possible for ND to beat Michigan, I knew it wasn't probable. And who could have guessed that Miss St would beat Auburn? Oh, well, better luck next week to me!
And, of course,
GO GATORS!
Friday, September 14, 2007
A Quote for Today
"The object of government is the welfare of the people. The material progress and prosperity of a nation are desirable chiefly so far as they lead to the moral and material welfare of all good citizens." - Theodore Roosevelt
Well Said
I know he doesn't have a shot at winning the election and maybe I wouldn't really like him if I looked more into his politics, but former Alaskan Senator Mike Gravel does have the best sound bites.
""I'm prepared to tell you that Americans are getting fatter and dumber," the former Alaska senator told comedian Bill Maher, one of the debate's moderators. "I have no problem saying that.""
I really do respect a Presidential candidate who speaks his mind. I will probably vote for him in the Primary. What difference does it make? My vote isn't going to count anyway!
There is a short blurb on the rest of what he said here. There is a video also with some more comments. Very interesting.
""I'm prepared to tell you that Americans are getting fatter and dumber," the former Alaska senator told comedian Bill Maher, one of the debate's moderators. "I have no problem saying that.""
I really do respect a Presidential candidate who speaks his mind. I will probably vote for him in the Primary. What difference does it make? My vote isn't going to count anyway!
There is a short blurb on the rest of what he said here. There is a video also with some more comments. Very interesting.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
My Sentiments Exactly
Since the beginning of this stupid war in Iraq, I have found it funny (not, funny HA HA) that the politicians fighting so hard to send our children off to die have (for the most part) not been in war. I have thought many times that maybe if these men and women were to spend time in Iraq, doing the soldiers job, maybe they would not be so willing to leave our troops there any longer. Of course that is never going to happen, but, for the first time, the soldiers doing the job have expressed the same opinion.
"Back in Iraq, there's no access to the news for the troops at the heart of the surge, but the soldiers are fully aware of the political debate and the sentiment back home. The troops long to be back in the States. But if that's not going to happen, they really wish the politicos would take a tour with them, deep in the trenches of war."
I have never served in a war, but I don't have to to be able to empathize with those who are doing the job. I have a very vivid imagination and, while I am sure I know NOTHING about what it is actually like, I can make myself sick with the images on TV and those in my own head. I don't need to be in the trenches to understand these men and women need to come home NOW.
"Back in Iraq, there's no access to the news for the troops at the heart of the surge, but the soldiers are fully aware of the political debate and the sentiment back home. The troops long to be back in the States. But if that's not going to happen, they really wish the politicos would take a tour with them, deep in the trenches of war."
I have never served in a war, but I don't have to to be able to empathize with those who are doing the job. I have a very vivid imagination and, while I am sure I know NOTHING about what it is actually like, I can make myself sick with the images on TV and those in my own head. I don't need to be in the trenches to understand these men and women need to come home NOW.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
College Football Week 2
Well, didn't I just stink this time around? After a lovely 10 for 10 last weekend, I managed a paltry 6 wins this weekend. I truly thought that Michigan was better than they obviously are. And I really thought that Miami had a shot against Oklahoma. Oh, well.
DSD managed 8 wins, but lost 2 due to upsets. South Florida beat Auburn? Wow. And while Spurrier has been running his mouth about his team's ability to win the SEC, I didn't think it was TRUE.
Due to the fact that I live in this wonderful state, I was unable to watch most of the evening games because I was stuck in front of my computer waiting for Gator updates. The Gametracker on Gatorzone is much improved from last year, but it still stinks. And while I love those Gators, $29.95 is a lot to pay to watch them beat Troy 59-31. I have the ESPN Gameplan, but it blacks out the Gator games for those living in the state. Unfair? Of course, but I am used to it. My plan was to hit a sports bar, but I didn't take the fact that DSD's son was with us this weekend into consideration. I find it tacky to take children to a bar and boring to go alone.
So I missed the South Carolina-Georgia game and all but the end of USF-Auburn. At least next week's game is televised. Here's hoping for 1-0 in the SEC. And a better week in the football pool.
DSD managed 8 wins, but lost 2 due to upsets. South Florida beat Auburn? Wow. And while Spurrier has been running his mouth about his team's ability to win the SEC, I didn't think it was TRUE.
Due to the fact that I live in this wonderful state, I was unable to watch most of the evening games because I was stuck in front of my computer waiting for Gator updates. The Gametracker on Gatorzone is much improved from last year, but it still stinks. And while I love those Gators, $29.95 is a lot to pay to watch them beat Troy 59-31. I have the ESPN Gameplan, but it blacks out the Gator games for those living in the state. Unfair? Of course, but I am used to it. My plan was to hit a sports bar, but I didn't take the fact that DSD's son was with us this weekend into consideration. I find it tacky to take children to a bar and boring to go alone.
So I missed the South Carolina-Georgia game and all but the end of USF-Auburn. At least next week's game is televised. Here's hoping for 1-0 in the SEC. And a better week in the football pool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
