Christmas Presents: For Maisha

I hope she'll like it. Ian says he is sure he will.

The Lamborghini

He was working on his model while I was working on my beads.
I love to watch him when he's concentrating.
:)

Cost and Managerial Accounting....

....The Cure for
Insomnia

And So It Begins...

I got your teacher's email address.

Aww, Maaaaaaannnn!

Bwah, ha, ha, ha!

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!)

Maritime History...Or Not.

Got this in an email from one of my relatives:

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.

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.

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.

Ian and Suraya

Don't forget to write!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

The Lightning Thief

Ian's new favorite movie. It's excellent, in my humble opinion.

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.

Shoulder Update

Started my fourth week of physical therapy tonight.

Diagnosis? Says my doctor,

"Well, I'm going to go with the injured bursa, but maybe you have a tendinitis and a rotator cuff tear issue in there."

That certainly narrows it down.

Stuck in my head!

Lover, Lover (You Don't Treat Me No Good No More) by Jerod Niemann. A remake of Sonia Dada's 1992 hit.

Here it is - so you can have it stuck in your head, too! :D

Chicken Little

What a great movie! I laughed and laughed...
and so did Ian, by the way.

Here is a link to the description and cast:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371606/

Atheists

We are all atheists about most gods that societies have ever believed in.
Some of us just go one god further.

-Rob Kerr

Sound of Silence

It was somewhere around 1974. I was young and following around my big brother like a puppy. He was learning how to play guitar from records, and he had a bunch of 45's that I sooooo wanted.

Finally, after what seemed like days and days of asking and begging and maybe even a little whining ("Are you done with that one yet? Can I have it? When will you be done with it?" or something like that), he gave me my first 45.

Wow.

My very own 45.

He was my Hero.

He gave me Sound of Silence, backed with Homeward Bound, by Simon & Garfunkel. And every time I hear it, I think of him. My big brother. :)




In fact, I can hear him now. Shaking his head, stomping his foot, covering his eyes with his hand and saying, "Oh, god, I can't stand it!" :D I love you, Obiwan.

Larissa said...

I too have fond memories of that song and my brother. I have extremely few memories of Mike. He left home when I was 6. I downloaded that song to my iTunes because every time I hear it, as clear as day, I can still see myself sitting at my brother's feet absorbing every stroke of the strings thinking he could do anything.

Serena said...

And at the time, he had no idea. :)

Asleep in a Chair

If I did this, I'd be in traction.

Economics: The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Passed my Economics exam and have completed paper number 3 of 4. One more paper to go, and I'll have completed another 8 competency units.

Then it's on to Marketing. I really don't care too much about Marketing, so I've always found the Marketing courses to be particularly difficult. I am discovering my strengths and weaknesses. A definite bonus that comes with all these student loans! :D

In Case of Emergency

I received an email from a friend of mine the other day that said, "Urgent Assistance Needed!!!" It went on to say she was on vacation out of the country and had been robbed. I picked up the phone, called her, and got her voicemail. I began to become concerned.

About 15 minutes later, I received a 'chat' in my google account from her, reiterating the email and that she needed help. I picked up the phone again, and this time asked for the receptionist at the company she works at. She was alive and well, and most definitely NOT out of the country and in dire need of financial assistance. Someone hacked her email. If it weren't for good anti-virus protection, etc., I'd have been in the same boat.

So, I'm going to steal my brother's idea let everybody know my thoughts on this. If I am ever in a situation where I have an urgent need of assistance, I will call everyone I know or see them in person. I will NOT EVER contact my friends,family or others over the internet or via email for 'urgent assistance'. If I need help, I will ask for it either over the phone or in person. There are just too many lunatics out there to do it any other way.

My brother is right, as usual. Which is why we call him "Obiwan".

The Agony of Defeat

The Innovative Mechanical Tonawanda Stars suffered their first defeat today in a 6-5 loss to the Carubba Collision BSAC.

John started out pitching the game, but had to leave for another game in a different league. Patrick took over and did a great job, throwing more strikes than balls and keeping his composure like a pro. The score was tied 5-5 for two solid innings, a pitching change was made after one out in the bottom of the last inning, and the winning run scored. Ah, well. Sometimes those pitching changes don't work out so well.

The biggest problem the boys had today was with their base running. The tag-up-and-run-like-heck thing either wasn't going on or was going on at the wrong time. That's okay, though. That's how they learn.

The thunderstorms held off and no one got seriously injured, so I'd call it a good day. Macaroni and cheese for dinner tonight. After all, nothing says comfort like macaroni and cheese. :D

Physical Therapy

I had my first physical therapy session yesterday morning. Here's the story...

A tear in the rotator cuff cannot be diagnosed by x-ray. But in case of injury, the insurance company first requires an x-ray, then at least two weeks of physical therapy, before approval will be given for an MRI.

So I had the x-ray, which everybody (except, apparently, the insurance company) knows does not show anything, and now I'm off to PT.

After taking many measurements and seeing just what I can and cannot do, the doctor thinks the problem may be that I have injured the bursae in the Glenohumeral Joint (the shoulder joint). The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that permit us to move our joints without friction and pain. Chances are, when I fell down the stairs, I pulled the arm out of the joint just a little too far in my attempt to stop myself, and then when I landed on the concrete, I jammed it back in forcefully, causing the injury.

This is just guesswork, because we can't see in there without an MRI. (Good thing the insurance company is there to tell my doctor what is in my best interests. I can't imagine what I would do with [gasp!] an accurate diagnosis.)

Right now, the doctor wants me to do a simple range-of-motion exercise (pendulum), immobilize it often, and ice it.

And I am diligently following his instructions. I do not have time for any alternatives.

Toy Story 3 in 3D

LOVED IT! Of course, I'm completely a Toy Story fan. I've always found animated films amazing. This movie answers the all- important question:

What happens to Woody and Buzz and the rest of the gang when Andy grows up?

As a side note, I will not be returning to the AMC theater anytime soon. They were the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever sat in. Regal has much better seating. I'm not sure exactly what the difference is, except that at AMC I felt like I was tilted back too far, and I couldn't rest my head. I guess I need to be either shorter or taller. :D

Hockey in June

Ian was playing with his buddy, Anthony, who lives and breathes hockey. Ian wants to learn more about hockey, but doesn't want anything to do with skating. I'll have to give him the advice I heard from another buddy's dad: When you're skating around with all that stuff on and you fall, you don't feel a thing! Maybe he'll try skating again someday.

Buffalo Traditional School Reunion

Went to my 29th year High School reunion last night and had a blast! Jackie flew in from North Carolina for it, and talking with her was just wonderful. Only four of us showed from the Class of '81 (Jackie, Fonda, Felicia and I) for the dinner, and we caught up. I am wondering what will be planned for our 30th next year.

30 years.

Wow.

Didn't think I'd live this long. :D

Me, Ma and Jackie.

Dexterity and Poise...

I fell the other night. Must be because I'm so graceful and coordinated. (NOT!) I took a swan dive down a friend's porch steps and landed on concrete. (No, I was not drinking.) I completely missed the first step. I'm not even sure how! What's worse is, when I was laying on the ground, curled into the fetal position at the bottom of her steps, I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get up.

Turns out the heel of my right shoe got caught in the hem of my left pant leg.

I've got a bruise on my (ahem) ... posterior region ... that is about 4" in diameter, and I took the skin off my right knee and shin. That's not the best part of it, though.

The best part is I can no longer move my right arm over my head. Or straight out to the side. Or behind my back.

Good thing I can use both my hands just about equally. Something tells me this little accident is going to be expensive.

Moving Right Along...

Passed Fundamentals of Economics, Global Business and Quantitative Analysis. Next, I have four papers to write for Economics and Global Business Applications.

I Don't Understand Boys.

He doesn't want to shower. (But Mom! I haven't been sweaty or anything and I didn't even play in the mud!)

And sometimes when he does shower, he 'forgets' to use shampoo. (Get back in that shower, Mister!)

Yet, his baseballs got muddy when he was playing outside today, and he brought them all in and washed them in the bathroom sink.

With soap.

The Strike Zone

He attached my laundry basket to the chain link fence with masking tape, making sure it was placed so the strike zone would be letters to knees, and he pointed out to my neighbor that the laundry basket was just about perfect, because it was the width of the plate. Impeccable logic.

I think he is supposed to be about 46' away from it. Well, truth be told, I'm not sure how I can measure 46'. I keep losing track with my 12" ruler. Anyway...

Right now, he just wants to practice hitting the strike zone. I'll encourage him to move away a little bit at a time. And I'll have to get me a new laundry basket. :)

Game Two

Ian missed his first game because of his concert, and almost missed this one due to illness. I kept him home from school yesterday with a fever. He felt better this morning, so I let him play.

The Innovative Mechanical Tonawanda Stars won. John pitched a no-hitter!

Practice Swings

There he is, hauling a** for first. :)

It bloomed!

Pale pink roses traditionally mean grace, gentleness, and gratitude, a very appropriate gift choice. I can't remember if I ever relayed the story here of how I came to own this rose bush...


I was home sick from work one summer afternoon when someone knocked on my door.

An older woman stood at my door asking to use my phone. Her car died about two doors down and she needed to call AAA. I apologized and told her I would not let her in, but I handed her my cordless through the chain on the door for her to use to make her call.

The next day, I found this rose bush and a thank you note left on the porch by my mailbox. A beautiful, unexpected gift.

Chocolate Chili

This stuff is GREAT! I never would have thought of mixing chocolate with beef, but isn't that what mole is, in a way? Here is the recipe, which I found in Favorite Brand Name Recipes Best of the Best One Dish cookbook. Trust me on this one...

Chocolate Chili

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until hot. Add 1 diced onion and 1 teaspoon chopped garlic. Cook and stir just until the onions are tender, about 3 minutes.

Add 2 pounds lean ground beef, 1 (4-oz) can of diced green chiles, and 1 packet of taco seasoning mix. Cook and stir about 5 minutes or until the meat is browned.

Stir in 1 (28-oz) can of diced tomatoes, 1 (16-oz) jar of thick and chunky salsa, 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low.

Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Add 1 (15-oz) can pinto beans (drained) and heat 15 minutes longer or until the beans are heated through.

Makes 8 servings. Garnish with crumbled taco shells, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro and diced tomatoes. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and from start to finish, this takes 1 1/2 hours. And it is SO worth it.

Spring Concert

Someday I'll figure out how to take a decent picture in a school auditorium. In the middle picture, Ian is front and center playing the cello. (I didn't really recognize any of the songs, but don't tell him.) :D In the third photo, he is standing on stage, singing "I Don't Want to Grow Up" from Peter Pan.