So there I was, feeling sorry for myself. Really crappy day, crappy acting kids, crappy hot car, crappy cluttered counter, then I realized...it's all my own crappy fault. I was whining to Bill as I was trying to leave so I didn't attack anyone, after I had put myself in time-out for screaming, and it hit me. I'm a crappy parent. I have really crappy days and then I'm a really crappy parent. And now I realize, I'm a really crappy blogger 'cuz none of this makes any sense.
Then I remembered how Rachel keeps telling me that she tries to laugh more since she read my laugh post. Maybe I should try to laugh. But how? Maybe one of my friends will post something really hilarious today, I think. And they sort of did. One friend posted a link to a blog that she said was "the biggest crack up". Ironic, I think that the day I want to laugh she posted it. Well, it wasn't funny. OK, kinda funny, but not LOL funny. I think that's why I didn't like it...there was too much: LOL; JJWT; BFF; *INSERT SQUEEL*; and all that annoying crap, along with about 3-4 entries stating it was her "best day EVER"! Everyday can't be the best day ever or is that your point? Everyday SHOULD be your best day ever? I'm so sick of her putting every other word in ALL CAPS! STOP SHOUTING AT ME!!! I did enough shouting of my own today, thank you.
So that didn't make me laugh. But she had a link that lead me to another link that really did crack me up. I have no idea who this guy is, obviously not the real Bishop of a real ward, but some of it was pretty funny. He's got the kind of sense of humor that Robert Farrel Smith does if you've read any of his books. Anyway, he was funny and didn't shout.
Maybe I'm just not in a Mormon humor sort of place right now. Maybe Mormons just aren't funny. I don't know, but something has to get me out of this funky, crappy, place and the brownies that the girls made are just not going to do it. Crap!
*NTS= "note to self", although this one is also a note to April. Or maybe we should just create a private hormonal blog where we can dump our crap and flush it away
Also, Bill did something to our computer so that all the writing is really gigantic. It looks like the font is set at 24pt on my computer. Does it on your end too? I think maybe Bill's eyesight is getting really bad and he won't fess up as to how he changed this to big print. It even printed funny and the Visiting Teaching message took 2 whole pages, instead of the one page of message and second page of stupid references. Boy, aren't you glad I'm not your crappy visiting teacher?!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
It takes less than an hour
This afternoon, after choir practice, I came home to fix dinner. In the bathroom I found:
1. A 5inch long clump of blond hair.
2. A match on the ground.
3. A 3/4 empty bottle of eye make-up remover.
Does anyone else wonder what their husbands are doing when things like this happen?!
By the way, Bill posted "Einstein's Riddle" on his blog. Apparently I'm a genious. Like I didn't know that already, duh! Check it out at www.billthegreat.blogspot.com
1. A 5inch long clump of blond hair.
2. A match on the ground.
3. A 3/4 empty bottle of eye make-up remover.
Does anyone else wonder what their husbands are doing when things like this happen?!
By the way, Bill posted "Einstein's Riddle" on his blog. Apparently I'm a genious. Like I didn't know that already, duh! Check it out at www.billthegreat.blogspot.com
Friday, July 25, 2008
Distance makes the heart grow stronger...
My best friend in highschool (yes, back then you had "best friends") was a year younger than I was and dated a boy that was a year older than I was. This meant that after he graduated she had 2 years of school left. He went away to school. Far away. Like he only came home when the school break was over a week long, ya know?! (Sorry about that, go back and read that last sentence with a valley girl tone, flipping your long ponytail as you say it.) Anyway, I distinctly remember a conversation I had with him as we were discussing the long-distance relationship. Some wise old man looked adoringly at his wife across the room and said, "distance makes the heart grow stronger". Her boyfriend smirked and sarcastically said, "yeah, distance makes the heart stray." Whatever! They got married as soon as she graduated, had 4 kids, have moved all over the midwest and are still together.
There is also that saying that goes something like, "you don't miss it until it's gone". Of course, this really hits home when talking about people. I haven't had a "best friend" since the above mentioned high school friend. Instead, I have many friends that I tend to share different things with according to our interests, point of view, frame of mind, and situations in life. I think we all go through phases when we know EXACTLY how someone feels. Seriously, "I know how you feel" is a true statement in the sense that we can sympathize and feel the pain of our dear friend and their situation. We would walk a mile in their shoes if only it would help them. Sometimes we try to help, other times they do better by learning on their own, and still other times we vent.
And then there are vacations. Brief interludes in our lives that we all look forward to and enjoy. But what about the people left at home?! Yikes! Did we think about them at all?
Next year we all plan our vacations at the same time. It's been like a month, ya know, and like I can't take it any more.
There is also that saying that goes something like, "you don't miss it until it's gone". Of course, this really hits home when talking about people. I haven't had a "best friend" since the above mentioned high school friend. Instead, I have many friends that I tend to share different things with according to our interests, point of view, frame of mind, and situations in life. I think we all go through phases when we know EXACTLY how someone feels. Seriously, "I know how you feel" is a true statement in the sense that we can sympathize and feel the pain of our dear friend and their situation. We would walk a mile in their shoes if only it would help them. Sometimes we try to help, other times they do better by learning on their own, and still other times we vent.
And then there are vacations. Brief interludes in our lives that we all look forward to and enjoy. But what about the people left at home?! Yikes! Did we think about them at all?
Next year we all plan our vacations at the same time. It's been like a month, ya know, and like I can't take it any more.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Text Messaging on the Liahona?
Picture writing, story telling, stone tablets, golden plates, paper, books, phones, voice mail, email, text messaging...aah, how times have changed. But is technology really all it's cracked up to be? A stake speaker at church today suggested that text messaging is not as new as we believe it to be. He recalled that words would appear on the Liahona to direct them and that was really the beginning of text messaging. Well, he got a chuckle, even from me.
I have been against text messaging for quite a while now. I have used it on a few occasions but refuse to use it as a major form of communication like so many people do. I think it is diminishing people's ability to have an actual conversation with others, causing more spelling and grammar problems, and is disruptive to classrooms, church, and meetings. i can tel when people r good at texting cuz there sentences look like this... Maybe that is being harsh (or giving them too much credit for using a complete sentence), but it seems like people are becoming stupider as technology is getting smarter. I worry about the kids today growing up in this world. I worry because acquiring these minimal technological skills and equipment seem to be a priority in their lives. If you don't believe me, ask the 5th grader who in their class has a cell phone, if it can text, if it takes pictures, etc. Ask that same student if there is anyone who takes piano lessons, is artistic, what books they are reading, etc. You will get a more animated, lively, and interested 5th grader with the first question.
The thing that worries me most about written conversations is that our youth are missing out on the intent of the message, the body language and the human contact. From what I can tell, most of us are willing to say a lot more on the computer than we are willing to say in person. For most adults this works out to be an engaging, animated discussion full of opinions and thoughtful ideas. We have already discovered (for the most part) who we are and don't need someone on the other end of an electronic device to help us form that person. As teens and preteens, they rely on the input from their peers to help them fit into their reality. I think the chances of misinterpreting an email or text is far greater than a face to face conversation. Furthermore, I think it is a lot easier to hurt some one's feelings via the Internet (My Space) or a text message than it is to say it to some one's face. If you put that technology in the hands of hurtful, vengeful, depressed, and/or hormonal teenagers I think you are doing them a grave injustice. Let's face it, some adults should not be allowed by a keyboard when they are hormonal. (You know who you are! Myself included.)
That being said, I do see the merits of text messaging. I used it once while Bill was in class and I needed him to bring something home after I had gone to bed. It was also a great tool in helping a hospitalized boy I know get on the road to recovery. His mother told everyone how much he liked the vibration of his phone in his hand so many people from school, including me, would text him periodically during the day. He was not able to speak for a while and about a week later I got a message that said: " :) Brian " No, I don't think the texting helped him re coop but it was one thing that could make us feel like we were doing something to support him, put a smile on his face, and show our genuine concern for his well being.
Do I think texting is the wave of the future? Not really, but some people do. A friend of mine obviously does because he posted a link to an article on his blog a while ago. To be honest I clicked on it, read part of it, then got bored and moved on. I just didn't find it interesting because I don't think it is all that great. But then my mind changed...
Bill's birthday was a week ago and, as usual, I wanted his son Billy to come over. We haven't seen him in a while, not even at Christmas time. It's hard to explain why things work out the way they do but let's just say Billy's mother is pretty manipulative and demands a lot from him. I never call their home phone and don't really like calling his cell phone. His voice mail always picks up, he sounds all grown up with a super deep voice, and calls himself Will. That's not the kid I know!!! So what to do?! Seriously, I ponder this all week because my stomach just churns thinking about it. Then I remember Davey's article on how everyone is texting and I know Billy does. Wah-lah! It is now Saturday, mid-afternoon, and this is what the conversation looked like:
Me: Sunday 4pm dads bday. Bomps and Maggie are coming. Love you, H and the girls
Billy: Sunday like tomorrow, or next week?
Me: Tomorrow.
Billy: OK. Ill be there. Can my girlfriend and her son come if they can?
Me: Of course. No gifts, your dad is 44 and is in denial.
Billy: Wow. He's getting old huh?
Me: Yep.
That was more or less what the conversation looked like and it all happened within 30min. Do you know how awkward that phone call would have been? First, I would have had to leave a voice message because he never picks up. I definitely would have felt like an idiot for saying, "yeah it's tomorrow and I'm a looser for waiting until today to call you". He might have been hesitant to ask me about his girlfriend. I don't know. All I do know for sure it that he came with April and her adorable 10 month old son. We had a delightful time and hope to see them again soon! Billy even called his dad on the phone a few days later but that might have been after Tasha left him a lengthy voice mail that included some singing :)
Sooooooooo, THAT my dear readers is why Davey is King!!! If it were not for his dumb article on text messaging that I didn't even read all the way through and still can't decide if I agree with or not, Bill would not have seen his son on his birthday. Aw, how sweet. Thanks Davey and don't get too big of a head. Your in laws are coming soon and they will need to get in the door!
I have been against text messaging for quite a while now. I have used it on a few occasions but refuse to use it as a major form of communication like so many people do. I think it is diminishing people's ability to have an actual conversation with others, causing more spelling and grammar problems, and is disruptive to classrooms, church, and meetings. i can tel when people r good at texting cuz there sentences look like this... Maybe that is being harsh (or giving them too much credit for using a complete sentence), but it seems like people are becoming stupider as technology is getting smarter. I worry about the kids today growing up in this world. I worry because acquiring these minimal technological skills and equipment seem to be a priority in their lives. If you don't believe me, ask the 5th grader who in their class has a cell phone, if it can text, if it takes pictures, etc. Ask that same student if there is anyone who takes piano lessons, is artistic, what books they are reading, etc. You will get a more animated, lively, and interested 5th grader with the first question.
The thing that worries me most about written conversations is that our youth are missing out on the intent of the message, the body language and the human contact. From what I can tell, most of us are willing to say a lot more on the computer than we are willing to say in person. For most adults this works out to be an engaging, animated discussion full of opinions and thoughtful ideas. We have already discovered (for the most part) who we are and don't need someone on the other end of an electronic device to help us form that person. As teens and preteens, they rely on the input from their peers to help them fit into their reality. I think the chances of misinterpreting an email or text is far greater than a face to face conversation. Furthermore, I think it is a lot easier to hurt some one's feelings via the Internet (My Space) or a text message than it is to say it to some one's face. If you put that technology in the hands of hurtful, vengeful, depressed, and/or hormonal teenagers I think you are doing them a grave injustice. Let's face it, some adults should not be allowed by a keyboard when they are hormonal. (You know who you are! Myself included.)
That being said, I do see the merits of text messaging. I used it once while Bill was in class and I needed him to bring something home after I had gone to bed. It was also a great tool in helping a hospitalized boy I know get on the road to recovery. His mother told everyone how much he liked the vibration of his phone in his hand so many people from school, including me, would text him periodically during the day. He was not able to speak for a while and about a week later I got a message that said: " :) Brian " No, I don't think the texting helped him re coop but it was one thing that could make us feel like we were doing something to support him, put a smile on his face, and show our genuine concern for his well being.
Do I think texting is the wave of the future? Not really, but some people do. A friend of mine obviously does because he posted a link to an article on his blog a while ago. To be honest I clicked on it, read part of it, then got bored and moved on. I just didn't find it interesting because I don't think it is all that great. But then my mind changed...
Bill's birthday was a week ago and, as usual, I wanted his son Billy to come over. We haven't seen him in a while, not even at Christmas time. It's hard to explain why things work out the way they do but let's just say Billy's mother is pretty manipulative and demands a lot from him. I never call their home phone and don't really like calling his cell phone. His voice mail always picks up, he sounds all grown up with a super deep voice, and calls himself Will. That's not the kid I know!!! So what to do?! Seriously, I ponder this all week because my stomach just churns thinking about it. Then I remember Davey's article on how everyone is texting and I know Billy does. Wah-lah! It is now Saturday, mid-afternoon, and this is what the conversation looked like:
Me: Sunday 4pm dads bday. Bomps and Maggie are coming. Love you, H and the girls
Billy: Sunday like tomorrow, or next week?
Me: Tomorrow.
Billy: OK. Ill be there. Can my girlfriend and her son come if they can?
Me: Of course. No gifts, your dad is 44 and is in denial.
Billy: Wow. He's getting old huh?
Me: Yep.
That was more or less what the conversation looked like and it all happened within 30min. Do you know how awkward that phone call would have been? First, I would have had to leave a voice message because he never picks up. I definitely would have felt like an idiot for saying, "yeah it's tomorrow and I'm a looser for waiting until today to call you". He might have been hesitant to ask me about his girlfriend. I don't know. All I do know for sure it that he came with April and her adorable 10 month old son. We had a delightful time and hope to see them again soon! Billy even called his dad on the phone a few days later but that might have been after Tasha left him a lengthy voice mail that included some singing :)
Sooooooooo, THAT my dear readers is why Davey is King!!! If it were not for his dumb article on text messaging that I didn't even read all the way through and still can't decide if I agree with or not, Bill would not have seen his son on his birthday. Aw, how sweet. Thanks Davey and don't get too big of a head. Your in laws are coming soon and they will need to get in the door!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Take a guess...
The recent bout of raining weather has made me do the unthinkable. It is against my environmental conscience, but my need to work tomorrow has driven me to the task. I haven't used it in over 6 months but I couldn't see any other way around it. I take full responsibility for not preparing better over the weekend.
Also, I have a blog post in my head titled "Davey is King". You will never guess in a million years on why I think so. In fact, I can't believe I'm admitting Davey was right on this one.
If you figure out the top one, you know me pretty well. If you know the bottom one, well, you know me better than I do.
Happy Sunday everyone!
Also, I have a blog post in my head titled "Davey is King". You will never guess in a million years on why I think so. In fact, I can't believe I'm admitting Davey was right on this one.
If you figure out the top one, you know me pretty well. If you know the bottom one, well, you know me better than I do.
Happy Sunday everyone!
Friday, July 11, 2008
I'm not a list person, BUT...
...when you pray for a miracle, sanity, no fighting, and a clean house and the only impression you get is to make a list, you do it. I don't like to make lists but I did. Then I decided to make a very specific list for Kyra. Then Tasha wanted a list. It worked! I won't go into all the details, but I have to say that was actually angry that it worked so well. Angry that I didn't think of it myself, and angry that I really have to go into so much detail.
I would have asked Kyra to take care of all the videos in the house, but here is what the list said:
+ put up the videos on the counter (from vacation)
+ put up the videos in the DVD case (from vacation)
+ put up the video that is in the DVD player (from vacation)
+ put up the videos by the TV
+ put up the videos in the DVD and VCR in the livingroom
+ put up the videos in the DVD and VCR in the bedroom
(you would think that would cover it all, but I forgot something...)
+ put up the DVD folders (that hold all the videos)
(yes, Kyra actually left the folders on the bench instead of putting them up)
I had already asked Tasha to clean up the livingroom floor, twice. When she saw Kyra crossing things off she asked for a list. I was obnoxious, said "FINE" (you know the tone I used), and sat down with a pad of paper and looked at the livingroom floor. I wrote:
+ put up the markers
+ put up the doll
+ put up the book
+ put up the skunk
+ put up the crown
+ put up the beads
+ put up the barbies
+ put up the massager
+ put up the necklace
+ put up the recorder
+ put up the recycle
+ put up the watch
+ hang up the pictures
(Tasha gratefully took the list, got a pen, and started to work. She can't read it, so she kindly asked Kyra or I what was next and continued until it was all done. Miracle!)
I know I read a list blog somewhere that made me laugh. I just don't get it, but maybe I'll do it more often...
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