"I'm going to get myself a corked bat and blast one out of here. What's the suspension for Old Timers games, ten years?"
- Vada Pinson quoted from my Baseball 2010 calendar.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
What Do You Want - Jerrod Niemann
I love this song. Which means there are at least two songs on this CD that I will play repeatedly. Looks like I'm buying it!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Culture Clash
I have been conversing at length with an American man born in Lebanon. He has been in this country for over 30 years. His divorce was final in June, and he has since often said he doesn't know what he wants to do now. After 29 years spent in two committed relationships, he would like to explore his own interests, take time to heal, and get back on his feet physically, emotionally, and financially. Who can blame him?
Unfortunately, his family 'back home' does not agree. His mother, now the matriarch of the family since his father has passed, firmly believes that he needs a woman to take care of him. He's been divorced since June, why is he not remarried yet? So, as their traditions dictate, she is taking steps to arrange his next marriage. Never mind that he is 53 and quite capable of making his own decisions, or that he has been married twice (the second of which lasted for over 20 years) and doesn't want to do it again, or that he has five American children who will not be so accepting of the sudden appearance of a perfect stranger in the form of step-mom.
As I understand it, his mother and her brother (his uncle) can enter into a contract with the bride and her family, and my friend doesn't even have to be in attendance for it to be valid. The government will give her the appropriate papers to prove she is his wife, and when she arrives here, she can lay claim to all that is his.
My friend is very upset by this. One of his daughters and one of his sons absolutely refuse to speak with him about it; his other daughter refuses to speak with him period. His youngest son, who is 9, doesn't understand it at all. He will lose the respect of his children and friends. He will lose me, that's a given, because there isn't a wife in the world who is going to put up with her husband being on the phone every night for an hour or two with another woman. And he will lose his poker night, football Sundays, and all the freedoms he has taken for granted the past few months. He is not happy about this.
Add the fact that he's never met this woman. She may not speak English, which will make her completely dependent on him and cause further communication problems in his family. She may not be educated, which will make her completely dependent on him for food, shelter and clothing. Who knows? She may be a 3 foot tall, 900 pound lunatic. Oh, he is not happy about this at all.
Personally, I thought arranged marriages went out with the dark ages, but apparently not. A little research on the topic produced the following link: http://www.ghazi.de/society.html.
So now every time I talk to him, I first ask, "Are you married yet?" Yeah. In any other context, it'd be funny. But we both know, in less than a year, his mom-order bride could show up on his doorstep.
Unfortunately, his family 'back home' does not agree. His mother, now the matriarch of the family since his father has passed, firmly believes that he needs a woman to take care of him. He's been divorced since June, why is he not remarried yet? So, as their traditions dictate, she is taking steps to arrange his next marriage. Never mind that he is 53 and quite capable of making his own decisions, or that he has been married twice (the second of which lasted for over 20 years) and doesn't want to do it again, or that he has five American children who will not be so accepting of the sudden appearance of a perfect stranger in the form of step-mom.
As I understand it, his mother and her brother (his uncle) can enter into a contract with the bride and her family, and my friend doesn't even have to be in attendance for it to be valid. The government will give her the appropriate papers to prove she is his wife, and when she arrives here, she can lay claim to all that is his.
My friend is very upset by this. One of his daughters and one of his sons absolutely refuse to speak with him about it; his other daughter refuses to speak with him period. His youngest son, who is 9, doesn't understand it at all. He will lose the respect of his children and friends. He will lose me, that's a given, because there isn't a wife in the world who is going to put up with her husband being on the phone every night for an hour or two with another woman. And he will lose his poker night, football Sundays, and all the freedoms he has taken for granted the past few months. He is not happy about this.
Add the fact that he's never met this woman. She may not speak English, which will make her completely dependent on him and cause further communication problems in his family. She may not be educated, which will make her completely dependent on him for food, shelter and clothing. Who knows? She may be a 3 foot tall, 900 pound lunatic. Oh, he is not happy about this at all.
Personally, I thought arranged marriages went out with the dark ages, but apparently not. A little research on the topic produced the following link: http://www.ghazi.de/society.html.
So now every time I talk to him, I first ask, "Are you married yet?" Yeah. In any other context, it'd be funny. But we both know, in less than a year, his mom-order bride could show up on his doorstep.
Crustless Cheese and Spinach Quiche
1T Olive Oil
1 onion, diced
8 - 10 oz spinach, washed
3 -4 eggs
6 - 8 oz. Gouda cheese, shredded
1/8 t salt
Dash of pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large frying pan, saute the diced onion in the olive oil until the onion is tender. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the shredded cheese, salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Add the spinach and onions to the eggs and cheese, and stir to combine. Pour into a greased pie plate. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top starts to brown. Serve alone or with a tossed salad.
Prep: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
1 onion, diced
8 - 10 oz spinach, washed
3 -4 eggs
6 - 8 oz. Gouda cheese, shredded
1/8 t salt
Dash of pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large frying pan, saute the diced onion in the olive oil until the onion is tender. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the shredded cheese, salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Add the spinach and onions to the eggs and cheese, and stir to combine. Pour into a greased pie plate. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top starts to brown. Serve alone or with a tossed salad.
Prep: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
A watch
This one didn't turn out like I planned. It would have to be worn by someone with a small wrist, but on a small wrist, it looks bulky. Ah, well. Win some, lose some. :)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tiramisu
We had our firm Holiday Party today at Siena’s Restaurant . It was wonderful. I had the Spinach, Scallops and Filet Mignon salad with a horseradish Dijon dressing. Very, very tasty. And then, we had dessert.
Dessert.
Just the sound of the word makes me happy. And let me tell you, it was heaven in a dish.
I know that if I die tomorrow and am reincarnated as a dandelion on a putting green, somewhere in the deep recesses of my ancient memories I will know I experienced Tiramisu.
It just doesn't get any better than this.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
My Little Cello Player
As much as he hates to practice, he's actually pretty good at it. These were taken at the winter concert at his school.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
What Stupid Looks Like
Sooooooo...... how does he use his rearview mirror? And, do you think he bothered to clean off his headlights? Nah.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Shoulder Surgery Update
Anesthesia and I get along quite well, apparently. My poor friend, Mo...
The nurse, Bill, took me in, gave me privacy to get into a gown, and began going over the forms with me. The privacy forms, the permission forms, the release forms, yada, yada, yada, and the form giving them permission to discuss me and my care with my friend, Mo. My poor friend, Mo. About 15 minutes, in, I started to cry and was trying desperately not to panic, and Bill said, "Let's get your friend Mo in here." Poor Mo. I have to hand it to him, he stayed with me the entire time I was awake. I kept getting cold, just laying there doing nothing, and the nurses kept taking blankets out of the oven and covering me up. At one point, I had six blankets on me and Mo started kidding me about using their entire blanket supply.
Sometime shortly after 8 a.m., the doctor came in and began discussing with me what he was going to do, and I began to cry again, so he talked to Mo, looked at the anesthesia nurse and said something like, we can put her under now. The nurse told Mo to kiss me goodnight, he did, and that is the last thing I remember until I woke up at 3:05 in the afternoon, all tucked in on my living room couch.
I have no memory of waking after the surgery, getting dressed, or getting home. Mo, however, has memories to last a lifetime. He says if I ever have to have anesthesia again, he is going to make sure he has his camcorder with him so I can make him a rich man.
Apparently, while under the effects of all the drugs, I just looooooove everybody and everything. The nurses, the doctors, my friends, the ceiling, the blankets, my job, my boss, my car, you name it. At one point, I was reportedly proclaiming my love for something, and Mo and the nurse could not figure out who or what I was talking to. On the way home, I didn't want Mo to get out of the truck, but he needed to get gas or we wouldn't have made it home. He picked up my prescriptions and bags of peas so I could ice my shoulder, and I have no idea when he did that. I also was complaining I was hot and at one point, removed my coat and began to remove my shirt. Poor Mo. It's a wonder he's still speaking to me.
Anyway, tomorrow I have my first PT session, which I expect to hurt like crazy. I'm taking Lortabs and Motrin, so hopefully I won't feel much pain.
And I've arranged for a friend to drive me to and from work for a few days. I don't want to be driving 'under the influence'.
The nurse, Bill, took me in, gave me privacy to get into a gown, and began going over the forms with me. The privacy forms, the permission forms, the release forms, yada, yada, yada, and the form giving them permission to discuss me and my care with my friend, Mo. My poor friend, Mo. About 15 minutes, in, I started to cry and was trying desperately not to panic, and Bill said, "Let's get your friend Mo in here." Poor Mo. I have to hand it to him, he stayed with me the entire time I was awake. I kept getting cold, just laying there doing nothing, and the nurses kept taking blankets out of the oven and covering me up. At one point, I had six blankets on me and Mo started kidding me about using their entire blanket supply.
Sometime shortly after 8 a.m., the doctor came in and began discussing with me what he was going to do, and I began to cry again, so he talked to Mo, looked at the anesthesia nurse and said something like, we can put her under now. The nurse told Mo to kiss me goodnight, he did, and that is the last thing I remember until I woke up at 3:05 in the afternoon, all tucked in on my living room couch.
I have no memory of waking after the surgery, getting dressed, or getting home. Mo, however, has memories to last a lifetime. He says if I ever have to have anesthesia again, he is going to make sure he has his camcorder with him so I can make him a rich man.
Apparently, while under the effects of all the drugs, I just looooooove everybody and everything. The nurses, the doctors, my friends, the ceiling, the blankets, my job, my boss, my car, you name it. At one point, I was reportedly proclaiming my love for something, and Mo and the nurse could not figure out who or what I was talking to. On the way home, I didn't want Mo to get out of the truck, but he needed to get gas or we wouldn't have made it home. He picked up my prescriptions and bags of peas so I could ice my shoulder, and I have no idea when he did that. I also was complaining I was hot and at one point, removed my coat and began to remove my shirt. Poor Mo. It's a wonder he's still speaking to me.
Anyway, tomorrow I have my first PT session, which I expect to hurt like crazy. I'm taking Lortabs and Motrin, so hopefully I won't feel much pain.
And I've arranged for a friend to drive me to and from work for a few days. I don't want to be driving 'under the influence'.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Cream of Asparagus Soup (Creme D'Asperges)
This soup is wonderful - Even Ian liked it!!! We substituted half and half for the heavy cream and completely forgot about the lemon juice, and it was perfect. Enjoy!
2 pounds green asparagus
1 large onion, chopped
3 T unsalted butter
6 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. creme fraiche or heavy cream
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1. Cut tips from 12 asparagus 1 1/2" from top and halve tips lengthwise if thick. Reserve for garnish.
2. Cut stalks and all remaining asparagus into 1/2" pieces.
3. Cook onion in 2T butter in a 4-qt heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened. Add asparagus pieces and salt and pepper to taste, then cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add 5 cups broth and simmer, covered, until asparagus is very tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
4. While soup simmers, cook reserved asparagus tips in boiling salted water until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then drain.
5. Puree soup in batches in a blender until smooth, transferring to a bowl (use caution when blending hot liquids), and return to pan. Stir in creme fraiche, then add more broth to thin soup to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Bring soup to a boil and whisk in remaining tablespoon butter.
6. Add lemon juice and garnish with asparagus tips.
Yield: 4 servings
Nutrition Info per serving:
Calories 294/Carbs 17g/Fibr 5g/Fat 23g/Protein 9g/Sugars 8g
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Fambly
Standing in back are my cousin Bill, Easton held by Amanda (who is Marlene's daughter), Amanda's husband Jeff, my son Ian, my cousin Burnet, my cousin Jodi, Jodi's son Joshua, my cousin Dan, my cousin Laureen, and me. I have no idea what I was looking at. Seated from left to right are my cousin Dorinda (married to Bill), Marlene (married to Burnet) holding Nolan (son of Amanda and Jeff), Elianna (daughter of Amanda and Jeff), Mike (Aunt Mary's boyfriend), Natalie (Dan and Laura's baby) being held by Aunt Mary, Laura (Dan's wife) holding Mckenna (their oldest daughter), and my cousin Karen.
Thanksgiving Saturday Dinner
Josh-full and sleepy. I think we all felt like this after we ate. Dorinda and Bill are GREAT cooks! 
Bill and Ian
My cousin, Dan
My aunt Mary. I swear, when I took this picture, her eyes were open.
My cousin, Burnet.I took a ton of pictures, but only a few came out. I just do NOT have my brother's talent for it.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Over the Hills and thru the Woods to Dorinda's House We Go...
I hate driving in stuff like this. The food is totally worth it, though. :D
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Happy Birthday to Me
One of my former employers used to always buy me flowers on my birthday. I loved them, especially carnations. And even though I've always wanted flowers on my birthday, since I left his employ, I haven't gotten any since! It makes me laugh. Serves me right for leaving a good boss.
So today, Happy Birthday to Me. I'm gonna buy my own flowers. :D
And then curl up with a blanket, a glass of White Zin, and a good murder mystery. Life is good!
So today, Happy Birthday to Me. I'm gonna buy my own flowers. :D
And then curl up with a blanket, a glass of White Zin, and a good murder mystery. Life is good!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Email to my Friends
Hello all!
Just a quick note to let all of you know I have a 'surgical procedure' scheduled for my shoulder on November 29th. The doctor is going to perform a "manipulation" under anesthesia to force my shoulder to move again. (Click here for a bit more info.) Sounds like fun! I am SO glad I will be unconscious. The hope is that I regain my range of motion, can work on regaining my strength, and ultimately avoid rotator cuff surgery and the shaving down of my shoulder bones. (Just thinking about it makes me nauseous.)
I will be out of work on November 29th and 30th at the very least. A friend of mine is taking me to the surgery center and bringing me home, and I may be keeping Ian out of school on the 30th to keep an eye on me if necessary. I've never had a problem with anesthesia before, but in case of emergency, Ian's phone is programmed with all his grandparents' telephone numbers as well as my neighbor's phone number so they can give him guidance if necessary.
I am positive we will be just fine. My doctor has performed hundreds of these procedures with great success, and I am absolutely sure it will work for me, too.
I thank all of you for you kind thoughts and well wishes. :) Have a great day!
Love and laughter,
Serena / Kelly
Just a quick note to let all of you know I have a 'surgical procedure' scheduled for my shoulder on November 29th. The doctor is going to perform a "manipulation" under anesthesia to force my shoulder to move again. (Click here for a bit more info.) Sounds like fun! I am SO glad I will be unconscious. The hope is that I regain my range of motion, can work on regaining my strength, and ultimately avoid rotator cuff surgery and the shaving down of my shoulder bones. (Just thinking about it makes me nauseous.)
I will be out of work on November 29th and 30th at the very least. A friend of mine is taking me to the surgery center and bringing me home, and I may be keeping Ian out of school on the 30th to keep an eye on me if necessary. I've never had a problem with anesthesia before, but in case of emergency, Ian's phone is programmed with all his grandparents' telephone numbers as well as my neighbor's phone number so they can give him guidance if necessary.
I am positive we will be just fine. My doctor has performed hundreds of these procedures with great success, and I am absolutely sure it will work for me, too.
I thank all of you for you kind thoughts and well wishes. :) Have a great day!
Love and laughter,
Serena / Kelly
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
It's Strep
Poor baby. He's got strep again. I wish it was one of those one-time things kids get, but the pediatrician says that children who get it once are more susceptible to getting it again.
Ian is sick today...
Poor kid...sore throat, tender neck, severe headache to the point that lights and sounds are bothering him and he doesn't want to eat... which saves on the grocery bill, but I hate seeing him like this. I hope it's not strep again. {heavy sigh}
Anyway, for those of you who check up on me (which I truly appreciate, because it is so nice to know people care about us), I will not be at work today. Further bulletins as events warrant!
Anyway, for those of you who check up on me (which I truly appreciate, because it is so nice to know people care about us), I will not be at work today. Further bulletins as events warrant!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Another Shoulder Update
I can't believe how fast time goes by sometimes.
I have a surgical procedure scheduled for my shoulder on November 29th. I'm supposed to have a responsible adult stay with me for 24 hours following the surgery. HA! Ian will have to do.
They are going to knock me out, inject my shoulder with three times (or so) the normal amount of cortisone, and forcefully manipulate my shoulder so it moves.
Oh joy, oh rapture, oh melody divine.
I have a surgical procedure scheduled for my shoulder on November 29th. I'm supposed to have a responsible adult stay with me for 24 hours following the surgery. HA! Ian will have to do.
They are going to knock me out, inject my shoulder with three times (or so) the normal amount of cortisone, and forcefully manipulate my shoulder so it moves.
Oh joy, oh rapture, oh melody divine.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Homemade Pizza
It doesn't look like much, but it really was very good. I used basil pesto instead of tomato sauce, and layered on Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, Cheddar and Feta cheeses. I'll never get the hang of getting a crust to be actually round, but hey, as long as it tastes good, who cares? :D
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
He's Been Thinking Again
We were traveling down Main Street in Williamsville, where pink ribbons are displayed on each light pole in the center of down.
There sure are a lot of breast cancer ribbons and stuff around nowadays.
Yes. It's National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
So THAT's why my birthstone is pink! That's Awesome!
There sure are a lot of breast cancer ribbons and stuff around nowadays.
Yes. It's National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
So THAT's why my birthstone is pink! That's Awesome!
A Really Bad Joke from Ali!
What has a sword,
Rides on horseback,
And feels really bad about what he has done?
Rides on horseback,
And feels really bad about what he has done?
Zorry!
Ugh.
Got a guy hitting on me that doesn't want to take no for an answer. He is making me so uncomfortable. It's not hard to understand.
1. I am not interested. The answer is NO.
2. I don't date clients, either Tim's or anyone else who needs lawyers. Especially those that need criminal lawyers. And since you need a criminal lawyer, am I interested? NO. Refer to #1.
3. I am a single MOM who Works FULL-TIME and is attending a University FULL-TIME. Do I have time to date? NO. Refer to #1.
4. If I DID have time to date, would I date YOU? NO. Refer to #1.
How hard can that possibly be to understand?
{heavy sigh} Are there any men left with BRAINS?
1. I am not interested. The answer is NO.
2. I don't date clients, either Tim's or anyone else who needs lawyers. Especially those that need criminal lawyers. And since you need a criminal lawyer, am I interested? NO. Refer to #1.
3. I am a single MOM who Works FULL-TIME and is attending a University FULL-TIME. Do I have time to date? NO. Refer to #1.
4. If I DID have time to date, would I date YOU? NO. Refer to #1.
5. I
AM
NOT
INTERESTED.
NOT
INTERESTED.
How hard can that possibly be to understand?
{heavy sigh} Are there any men left with BRAINS?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Fundraiser!
Ian is selling Entertainment 2011 books for his school fundraiser. They are $30 each for the Buffalo Area edition. Out-of-Town editions are also available (like for Seattle $30, Albuquerque/Santa Fe $40, Cincinnati $30, San Diego $45, and Dallas $30, to name a few) and can be sent to you directly if you are interested.
Checks should be made payable to Herbert Hoover HSA. Sale dates are October 11-25. All money and orders are due back to the school on October 25.
The home school association helps pay for the kids' field trips, picnics, and other extracurricular activities Ian loves to participate in. If you would like a book, please email me at srtabor@gmail.com for my home address to send the check to.
We are grateful for your support!
Checks should be made payable to Herbert Hoover HSA. Sale dates are October 11-25. All money and orders are due back to the school on October 25.
The home school association helps pay for the kids' field trips, picnics, and other extracurricular activities Ian loves to participate in. If you would like a book, please email me at srtabor@gmail.com for my home address to send the check to.
We are grateful for your support!
Updates
I posted updates here and there back to September 10th. I had to download my photos for the posts, and I had difficulty finding the time.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Shoulder Update 5
As it turns out, there is a "small slap tear" in my right rotator cuff. Lovely. I'm still in PT, but that is coming to an end as Independent Health only pays for a limited number of visits (20). In addition to exercises, I am also being treated with IontoPatchs with anti-inflammatory medication.
I can finally lift my arm almost all the way if I am going straight up from the front, but I still cannot lift my arm to the side, nor can I lift it behind my back.
PT is supposed to keep my shoulder from freezing. The goal is for me to regain full range of motion and, if I still have pain, then I would be a good surgical candidate.
The problem I have, of course, is that after any potential surgery, I will need PT. And my PT visits will be expired until my next plan year, which doesn't begin until August 1, 2011.
I just love the health care we get in this country.
I can finally lift my arm almost all the way if I am going straight up from the front, but I still cannot lift my arm to the side, nor can I lift it behind my back.
PT is supposed to keep my shoulder from freezing. The goal is for me to regain full range of motion and, if I still have pain, then I would be a good surgical candidate.
The problem I have, of course, is that after any potential surgery, I will need PT. And my PT visits will be expired until my next plan year, which doesn't begin until August 1, 2011.
I just love the health care we get in this country.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Little Falls Historical Society
I let Ian run around with my camera to take some pictures at the Historical Society in Little Falls, New York. What was the first picture he took?
What is it with boys and the curiosity about blowing things up? Anyway, here are a few more pictures he took. This was a display of old pictures, some of which were of the O'Brien family:
A sword:
A uniform:
And guns:
A yearly membership to the historical society is $10. A true bargain!
What is it with boys and the curiosity about blowing things up? Anyway, here are a few more pictures he took. This was a display of old pictures, some of which were of the O'Brien family:
A sword:
A uniform:
And guns:
A yearly membership to the historical society is $10. A true bargain!
Catholic Church in Little Falls, New York
My cousin, Mike O'Brien, was able to find a lot of information about his ancestors here. Depending on the priest at the time, some very good records were kept concerning baptisms, marriages, and deaths.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Little Falls, New York
My cousins Mary and Mike flew in to New York City from Santa Fe, New Mexico for a visit. We both drove half-way across New York and met in Little Falls, New York for a visit. Little Falls is in the Adirondacks. It was beautiful there. This is the view from our bed and breakfast:
And this, of course, is Mr. I'm-Not-Tired:
We had a wonderful visit. Mike was researching his family history, so we went to this beautiful cemetery and a huge, ornate Catholic Church where his ancestors were baptized, married, and laid to rest.
Photos follow in my next post.
And this, of course, is Mr. I'm-Not-Tired:
We had a wonderful visit. Mike was researching his family history, so we went to this beautiful cemetery and a huge, ornate Catholic Church where his ancestors were baptized, married, and laid to rest.
Photos follow in my next post.
Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Ian and I did the walk for breast cancer. There were mostly women walking, and quite a few had breast cancer t-shirts. "Save the Boobies!" "Save Second Base!" "Save a life - grope your wife!"
He raised $30 for the walk. I figured he knew what he was doing.
The entire walk, he asked questions. How do you get breast cancer? Can men get breast cancer? Can you get rid of breast cancer? How do you know if you have breast cancer? He would ask a bunch of questions, be silent for a while, then ask more questions.
We are nearing the finish, we have walked for 5 kilometers, the finish line is in sight, he asks one final question.
I had no idea he had no idea!
He raised $30 for the walk. I figured he knew what he was doing.
The entire walk, he asked questions. How do you get breast cancer? Can men get breast cancer? Can you get rid of breast cancer? How do you know if you have breast cancer? He would ask a bunch of questions, be silent for a while, then ask more questions.
We are nearing the finish, we have walked for 5 kilometers, the finish line is in sight, he asks one final question.
Mommy, what ARE breasts?
I had no idea he had no idea!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Lamborghini
He was working on his model while I was working on my beads.I love to watch him when he's concentrating.
:)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Christmas Presents: For Serena
Serena is very petite and delicate, and Ian says this set is perfect for her.
(I think it's funny I work with another Serena. And we only have 8 people in our business total!)
(I think it's funny I work with another Serena. And we only have 8 people in our business total!)
Monday, September 06, 2010
Maritime History...Or Not.
Got this in an email from one of my relatives:
I don't want to disappoint her, so I'm not going to tell her she's fallen for another good yarn. If you check 'brass monkeys' on www.snopes.com, the story is there.
It was necessary to keep a good supply of cannon balls near the cannon on old war ships. But how to prevent them from rolling about the deck was the problem. The best storage method devised was to stack them as a square based pyramid, with one ball on top, resting on four, resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon.
There was only one problem... how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding/rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate with 16 round indentations, called a Monkey. But if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make Brass Monkeys.
Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannon balls would come right off the monkey. Thus, it was quite literally, cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.
And all this time, you thought that was a vulgar expression, didn't you?
I don't want to disappoint her, so I'm not going to tell her she's fallen for another good yarn. If you check 'brass monkeys' on www.snopes.com, the story is there.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Beading
I decided to take a little time to do something I really enjoy for a change. Don't get me wrong...I love playing Mafia Wars and taking care of the Boy Child, but every once in a while, I need to make something. So I bead, or crochet, or cross-stitch, whatever grabs my fancy.
Even if it means taking off my glasses to see.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Shoulder Update 4
I had my MRI, and it was a flop. The doctor said he sees some 'fraying in the labrum', but nothing that would keep me from lifting my arm.
The plan?
6 more weeks of physical therapy and a cortisone shot, and if that doesn't work, then he'll 'go in and take a look'.
I swear, if there's been a tear in there all along, I'll want to slap somebody. Starting with someone at my insurance company.
The plan?
6 more weeks of physical therapy and a cortisone shot, and if that doesn't work, then he'll 'go in and take a look'.
I swear, if there's been a tear in there all along, I'll want to slap somebody. Starting with someone at my insurance company.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Shoulder Update 3
MRI will be scheduled as soon as the insurance company approves it. When the results come in, I will probably have an additional meeting with my doctor to discuss my options. If the tear is small, cortisone might be the answer. If it is large (more than 2.5 cm), I may be looking at surgery.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Shoulder Update 2
Let's see...I fell on June 17, went to the doctor on June 21, started PT on June 25, today is August 8. And I still can't lift my right arm. So now I have an appointment with Excelsior Orthopedics on Thursday, August 12.
And I am
really,
really,
really
scared.
And I am
really,
really,
really
scared.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Found His Glasses!
Heaven only knows where the other lens is. They've been missing for about two years. We found them under the wood fence in the backyard, where they'd probably been kicked by the lawn mower. I'm not sure whether I should laugh or cry....these things cost me $250!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
We are the Champions!
The Innovative Mechanical Tonawanda Stars clinched
FIRST PLACE!
Their final standings were 10 wins with one loss.
Trophies are being ordered, and Ian is walking on sunshine.
FIRST PLACE!
Their final standings were 10 wins with one loss.
Trophies are being ordered, and Ian is walking on sunshine.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Another One Down
I'm done with Global Economics! Whoo hoo! Now an assessment for Communication and Problem Solving (a walk in the park to be completed next weekend) and then on to one more Marketing course.
I'm only about a year away from by Bachelors!
Whoooo hooooo!
I'm only about a year away from by Bachelors!
Whoooo hooooo!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Cooperstown
I took Ian to Cooperstown, New York this weekend for the Induction Ceremonies at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
And I forgot my camera. AAAHHHHH!!!!
Anyway, Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, manager Whitey Herzog, and umpire Doug Harvey were all inducted. While we were wandering the streets of Cooperstown, we got to see Bill Buckner, Juan Marichal, and Fergie Jenkins, to name a few. And Ian got an autographed baseball - signed by Rollie Fingers!
An amazing weekend.
And I forgot my camera.
And I forgot my camera. AAAHHHHH!!!!
Anyway, Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, manager Whitey Herzog, and umpire Doug Harvey were all inducted. While we were wandering the streets of Cooperstown, we got to see Bill Buckner, Juan Marichal, and Fergie Jenkins, to name a few. And Ian got an autographed baseball - signed by Rollie Fingers!
An amazing weekend.
And I forgot my camera.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Our Educational System
I was chatting this weekend with a gentleman from Belgium. He speaks five languages.
Five.
And he taught himself English.
We started chatting about diamonds, robbing and what you need for a chop shop (relax, it's Mafia Wars), and moved on to travel, New York, the weather, languages, politics... He was wonderfully patient while answering all my questions (what's the weather like there? what time is it? do you use the metric system? how do you keep all those languages straight in your head? what language to you think in? you have paid health care?!?). I have about a million more questions to ask, but then he'll have to hitlist me and That will be the end of That! :D
Seriously, though, I am impressed. He writes articles for magazines in languages other than his native language. If you Google his name, his grammatically correct articles are found. He puts the Buffalo News to shame.
It really made me think about the shoddy educational system we have in this country. Why isn't education more of a priority? Why aren't we making sure our future doctors, scientists and leaders are properly and thoroughly educated? Why doesn't our educational system put more emphasis on what is happening outside our borders? (It's called the "global economy" for a reason!)
Ian won't be offered the opportunity to take a foreign language until he reaches sixth grade. I wasn't offered French until seventh, and only then because I was in 'advanced' classes. Had that not been the case, I wouldn't have had the opportunity until ninth. And I never found the opportunity to use it, so pretty much all I can remember is "Bonjour". Oh, and "Je ne sais quoi." Not exactly a linguistic giant here.
There's just something wrong with that picture, especially in a world that has become much smaller with the advent of the Internet.
We still have children who graduate from high school that cannot read or balance a checkbook. Even more sad is the number of children who drop out of school altogether. There isn't any incentive to continue one's education...the cost alone is prohibitive. The Bush administration drastically reduced, and in some cases eliminated, financial aid for the purpose of furthering education. I'll have student loans until I'm 70. At least I'll be an educated debtor.
I am determined that Ian go to college...whether he thinks he wants to or not. It is SO important. Technology, among other things, keeps advancing, and if we don't educate ourselves,we will be left in the dust.
And I will keep learning and asking questions and taking opportunities to learn wherever I can find them. Even if it is in the unlikely venue of a video game. Thank you, my friend.
Michael said... "Why isn't education more of a priority?"
Because an educated electorate is a threat to the power structure. Period.
Five.
And he taught himself English.
We started chatting about diamonds, robbing and what you need for a chop shop (relax, it's Mafia Wars), and moved on to travel, New York, the weather, languages, politics... He was wonderfully patient while answering all my questions (what's the weather like there? what time is it? do you use the metric system? how do you keep all those languages straight in your head? what language to you think in? you have paid health care?!?). I have about a million more questions to ask, but then he'll have to hitlist me and That will be the end of That! :D
Seriously, though, I am impressed. He writes articles for magazines in languages other than his native language. If you Google his name, his grammatically correct articles are found. He puts the Buffalo News to shame.
It really made me think about the shoddy educational system we have in this country. Why isn't education more of a priority? Why aren't we making sure our future doctors, scientists and leaders are properly and thoroughly educated? Why doesn't our educational system put more emphasis on what is happening outside our borders? (It's called the "global economy" for a reason!)
Ian won't be offered the opportunity to take a foreign language until he reaches sixth grade. I wasn't offered French until seventh, and only then because I was in 'advanced' classes. Had that not been the case, I wouldn't have had the opportunity until ninth. And I never found the opportunity to use it, so pretty much all I can remember is "Bonjour". Oh, and "Je ne sais quoi." Not exactly a linguistic giant here.
There's just something wrong with that picture, especially in a world that has become much smaller with the advent of the Internet.
We still have children who graduate from high school that cannot read or balance a checkbook. Even more sad is the number of children who drop out of school altogether. There isn't any incentive to continue one's education...the cost alone is prohibitive. The Bush administration drastically reduced, and in some cases eliminated, financial aid for the purpose of furthering education. I'll have student loans until I'm 70. At least I'll be an educated debtor.
I am determined that Ian go to college...whether he thinks he wants to or not. It is SO important. Technology, among other things, keeps advancing, and if we don't educate ourselves,we will be left in the dust.
And I will keep learning and asking questions and taking opportunities to learn wherever I can find them. Even if it is in the unlikely venue of a video game. Thank you, my friend.
Michael said... "Why isn't education more of a priority?"
Because an educated electorate is a threat to the power structure. Period.
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