Ironic

While CNN is huffing around about the Paylin's kids - what a nuisance they are! - Fox is reporting about the speech Sarah Palin gave about women, with several interesting endorsers sitting behind her. Wow, the LA chapter's president of NOW. I'm floored. Here's is something SP addressed in her speech - it's the first time I've heard any candidate mention this, and after seeing Call + Response, I've been waiting for any reference to the issue of human trafficking:

“And if I’m given the honor of serving you in the White House,
I intend to advance that creed in our own nation and beyond because
across the world, there are still places where women are subjugated and
persecuted as they were in Afghanistan, places we’re they’re bullied and
brutalized and murdered in honor killings, places where women are sold
like commodities in the nightmare world of the sex trade, and places
where baby girls are unwelcome as a matter of state policy and their
mothers are forced to have abortions. Now no one person, no one leader,
can bring an end to all of those ills, to all of the injustices
inflicting upon women, but I can promise you this, if I am elected,
these women, too, will have an advocate and a defender in the 47th vice
president of the United States.”

I just think we're missing the real SP under the smearing of the left wing MSM. They just keep pickin' and choosin' what they want to use and ignore the substance they say is not there. Shame on them!

Women who endorsed McCain/Palin at this speech:
First, Prameela Bartholomeusz a small business
owner and a member of the Democratic National Platform Committee…Linda
Klinge the former Oregon president and now Vice-President of the
National Organization of Women…Shelly Mandell President of the Los
Angeles chapter of the National Organization of Women here with us today
and Lynn Rothschild you may have seen her on television a whole lot
lately. She is a member of the Democratic Platform Committee. She is
with us here today and Elaine Lafferty a former editor in chief of Ms.
magazine they are here today to endorse the McCain-Palin campaign.

UPDATE: Here's a great piece - FINALLY - on CNN about just how unfairly Palin is treated. He leaves out many, many more examples, but you'll get the gist.

Light Initiation

Last week ended with a small smack-down for parents of a tween. Kt came home... of course, on the day T flew out to Wisconsin!... a basket case. Apparently, a rumor was started at school over a week ago. It was a not nice rumor at all, and one that involved the word "gay", which while that conjures up many connotations for adults, it means something entirely different, or less involved, than it does for a 10 year old. Somehow, Kt was named in a group of four students who either started or spread this rumor. The teacher rounded up this motley crew, along with the victim and reemed them out, threatened to take away their safety belts, (note to self: this punishment is equal to high security federal prison in the mind of a tween) and sent them home without even a call home.

Now, things just did not add up for me. Kt was inconsolable and seemed completely flabbergasted that someone would think she had done this. She could not recall having anything to do with either starting or spreading this rumor other than hearing about it. I felt like I needed a better idea of what was going on, so I emailed her teacher, got an odd reply, emailed again, got a phone call.... long story short, I was not the only parent who thought something was not right, the teacher is no longer involved, nobody lost their safety badges and we got to reiterate the seriousness and ramifications of rumors with our daughter. Wow, all that in one weekend.

I recognize this is all very lightweight. In fact, the teacher and guidance counselor have both admitted that Kt likely had nothing to do with anyone and was falsely accused. I'm not happy about that, but it's over for now. It was a reminder to us that as perfect as we may think our child is, we all have weak moments that we regret. It's going to happen again sometime, and next time it might be worse than this. In fact, I can almost guarantee it will be worse! Hopefully next time I'll be a bit more prepared!

Ironic

Four out of five Secretaries of State surveyed recommend John McCain to those who will vote.

That’s right. Henry Kissenger, James Baker, Lawrence Eagleburger and Alexander Haig have all endorsed the Republican nominee. But like the one dentist out of five who recommends sugary gum, Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama.

I know there's been a lot of hype about Colin Powell endorsing Barack Obama... and not one mention of these others endorsing McCain. Why is that??

So was Powell really a teammate of Republicans (despite having given McCain the maximum campaign donation allowed by law)?

Something fishy here.... but I'll let you decide.

Ironic

Isn't it ironic that 68% of the troops polled are voting for McCain? I don't really think it is, but I imagine some of those "bring the troops home" protesters are scratching their heads right now. Maybe they should have asked the troops they are trying to save what they thought!! I'm not really that surprised with the poll. Having family members in the military I have a pretty good idea how our troops are feeling. I think they are proud of what they've accomplished and I think they are discouraged by what they hear back home. I guess they don't want a Commander in Chief who doesn't even think they should be doing what they're doing. In all honestly, I fear most for those who serve our country in the military should Obama be elected because I know what it was like under Clinton. 8 years with no raise in pay. Not to mention dwindling of defense jobs. Interesting... I think this is likely a reaction to having lived through those years!

Goodbye Warmth, Hello Hibernation!

It is so cold outside right now!! I spent the afternoon at the park playing tennis with the girls (sort of!) and hanging out with the neighbors. We finally left at 5:30 because we were all shivering. It's just wayyyyyy too cold for me. Freeze warning tonight - I'm not even sure we've had a frost yet! Geesh! When it gets like this, I'm ready to hibernate. It makes going to the gym very challenging, that's for sure. When was the last time you saw someone in the pool with a snowsuit on?

Citizen or Not?

I've been doing some research based on some off-beat story I read, and I have to admit... I'm thinking Obama cannot prove he's a naturalized citizen of the US. Some interesting info out there for those who want to know - I'll leave it up to those who really want to know. Plenty of info!! I used google. =) Sorry Barry Dunham, show us the documents!

Sleepovers = Whiners

The girls have been non-stop whiners ever since they got home from their sleepover. It was nice having the night off, but having to listen to them all day has been annoying. I even sent them to their rooms for a nap this afternoon!! It's like they are toddlers all over again. Geesh! The only nice thing was that I was able to con them into cleaning two bathrooms and my living room. =) Maybe that's what started all that whining! ;-)

Savannah

We love going to Savannah. If you've never been and plan on going, I think this little plan for short visit is great advice. There are SO many more things to do there, but this covers the basics and has some great advice. Don't skip Tybee - that's the best part! ;-)

Joe the Plumber Phenomena

I'm so intrigued by this Joe the Plumber craze of late. I'm intrigued mostly because Obama is digging himself into a hole that Democrats are going to fall into with him if he doesn't explain a lot!! First, he's approached by a working class guy, you know, the kind he proposes to know better than McCain. He's been using his whole Believe, Hope and Change theme for Joe... that's one of the millions of Americans Obama is supposedly fighting for. Joe the Plumber presents him with question that Obama flubbs by admitting his "share the wealth" philosophy, seen by many (esp. Cubans in Florida) as socialist or communist in nature.

As if this is not bad enough, the liberal media crucify Joe the Plumber and EXPOSE him, just an ordinary American, minding his own business, asking a simple question. WARNING!! If Obama comes near your house, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT ask him ANYTHING or this can happen to you!! His privacy has been invaded, he's been exposed for his back taxes (mind you, he's paid what he can and is a little behind... like many Americans!), has been questioned about his abilities or validity as a plumber (where is the ACLU?) and been staked out as if he were a criminal. Even former terrorists who are friends with Obama don't get this kind of treatment!! All this because he asked a question. It was a great question. It was something about buying a plumbing business and how would it benefit him to make such an investment if his income would rise above the "line" Obama has drawn for who has to share their wealth and who doesn't.

The craziest thing is that now Obama has suggested that McCain is an idiot who should know better than to believe that a plumber could EVER make over a quarter of a million dollars. For real, Obama? Is there no hope for the plumber? Can you not believe that it's possible? In America, aren't there thousands of small business owners who have done just that?? and hasn't it been their hard work, determination, small business incentives and more that have made that possible? Don't you believe in the American dream Obama?? (Don't worry - if I ever get close enough to him, I will NOT be asking any questions!!) I'm completely perplexed that Obama would vilify a plumber and suggest that he'll NEVER be rich.

I guess Obama's never read the story of Cindy McCain's dad, and so many "rich" Americans who had their start in just the same way that Joe the Plumber is aspiring to do. For the McCains, Joe's story is more than that, it's a possibility. Is it such a stretch for Obama to imagine that Joe might someday be "rich" as well? What about believing? or hoping? Or are we supposed to believe and hope that the rich will just shower their hard earned cash on us and we can just sit back and reap the riches of being poor folk?? I don't get it.... his message is now completely lost on me. I have been entirely skeptical up to this point, but now it's very clear. There's no hope or belief in an Obama administration that I can see.

A House that God Builds

This is the most amazing story about Habitat for Humanity has brought together Muslim and Christian communities in a unique and amazing way! Enjoy!

Animated Ads

So, I have all my usual tabs open - gmail, yahoo mail, bloglines and facebook - and I'm going through my regular routine. Click on gmail to check the inbox, click on yahoo mail and check the inbox, click on bloglines...... freeze. Huh? Try again, still nothing. Try Facebook, nothing. What is wrong with my computer? Then, as if my computer is in some funky time warp, it all of a sudden catches up with me. What just happened? I don't know.... but it's been happening every single time I check my yahoo mail.

Or this.... I open up some news story on some online news when all of a sudden, just as I'm finishing up the first sentence, some invisible scroll covers up what I'm reading and I'm subjected to people "talking" or dancing or fish swimming across my screen. At least with those, I've learned to quickly hunt out that little "x in the box" so I can get back to what I really came here to do! Read!

I'm getting increasingly frustrated with animated ads, so much so that I won't name the latest offenders because I refuse to advertise for them! I will say this - I make it a point not to click on them or otherwise patronize them. They are just plain old obnoxious, and my old, slow computer agrees!

Education Reform

Here's an interesting article on Florida's school reform implemented years ago that seems to extremely effective. Any politicians want to learn from this? Oh, I guess not, seeing as it happened under another Bush!

Obscene

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that the amount of money spent on presidential campaigns OBSCENE?? Here's some simple data.... for someone who wants to "spread the wealth", Obama sure has overspent on columns! Double what McCain has spent. I cannot even fathom that kind of spending!!

Congratulations!

My brother and his wife FINALLY settled on their house! It's a 300 year old house with a newer barn and extended garage. I think it's this architect's dream. It needs a bit of TLC and someday I'll share the "after" pictures. I'm really excited for them, as they've waited quite a bit for this. Have fun weeding, y'all!

Vote for the Grown-ups

This made me laugh - actually, I'm still laughing! I was reading a great commentary on our economy today by Glenn Beck, who, incidentally, forecasted this exact depression scenario back in January/February, but nobody listened. I was kind of worried about posting a link because last time I did that I had some unsavory comments on here. That usually doesn't happen, but I guess there are some pretty emotional folks out there. LOL Anyway, I liked what he wrote in here and was surprised about the Connecticut info in it. We have a long way to go to fix the economy, if it's even salvageable. Best to be prepared!

Oh... and in checking the blogs that were cited, I came across this redstate blog and their slogan was above - just totally cracked me up!

Noah's Ark

A friend of mine just sent me this in an email:

Man Builds Noah's Ark (exact scale given in Bible)

Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands . The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark , built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible. The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house. Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold. A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been. Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel. Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension', said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape. 'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.' There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years. Now that I am old and gray...give me the time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all your mighty miracles. Psalm 71:18

Beginning

I just dropped T off at the airport. He's heading off to Wisconsin for a long weekend of leadership development leader training - that's a mouthful! This is an opportunity that we thought we'd have to pass, but the Lord opened up several doors allowing him to go. Not only that, he's flying first class! (That little stinker....) For now, it's just me, the girls, their friends and the dogs until Sunday evening. You can pray for us! ;-)

Facebook Folly

It's a bit crass, but I laughed at this video - I'll just leave it up for fun. I think it highlights some of the strangeness of Facebook for us older folks.

Intriguing

CNN is not my favorite new outlet these days, but I did find this article amusing. Looks like Mr. Change is not in favor of changing so much!

HPV Vaccination and Health Care

I'm pretty much a skeptic about "universal" health care, but this story on a blog I follow is just way out there!! I guess this could happen under any health care system, but I've not heard of such a thing around here. After you read this story, you might want to follow the rest of the updates since he went public with this story - it's all over the news in the UK.

Call + Response

I went to see this documentary last night - different, informative, astounding, eye-opening. This movie presents some of the reality of human trafficking today. It will leave you feeling very uncomfortable, and I believe that's the point. The website for this piece is even more informative, listing 33 responses that give us some practical ways we can help abolish slavery in our day. I don't think we realize how much we, consumers in America, play a part in this horrific injustice. If you have minute, check out the Call + Response website, if you have a couple hours go see the documentary and if you are moved, do something!

Around the World in 60 Seconds

There are a lot of things on my mind during any given minute on any given day. Lately, my thoughts and prayers have spanned the globe. Just today:

:: Bangkok - our friends who live there with the State Department, their three little girls, with all the political unrest

:: India - my cousin is finishing up a 2 week vacation there, beautiful country, beautiful people, images of the caste of people whose purpose in life is to do other's laundry by hand... children and adults alike

:: Hungary - I'm amazed about the number of old friends I have who have European roots. Traveling abroad has brought many of them to my attention. Wish I'd known sooner...

:: France - constantly on my mind, as well as Brussels, Madrid, and the numerous other cities where CAI churches are thriving in a part of the world thirsty for sustenant community.

:: Universities across the US where our now college freshman attend. Miss them very much.

Those are just a few places my mind wanders in any given moment of any given day. When it returns home, I'm astounded my the millions of things that distract me from remembering what's important.

Firepit

I've always wanted one of these. I'm not sure why we waited so long to get one!! We have these plans to "someday" (which frequently means "never" around here!) put a patio in our backyard. I thought I needed to wait, but decided last week I just want one - I don't care if I don't have a patio. I have a driveway!

Last night, we tried it out and had a blast with the girls. Tonight, we brought it around front to the island in our cul-de-sac and made s'mores, hot dogs and the kids told "spooky" stories. It was seriously fun! I think we need to do that more often. Next time, I'm going to buy some Jiffy Pop!

T is now camping in the backyard with the girls. We had intended on trying camping, but the campground in our area was sold out, so the girls opted for the backyard. Having our neighbors to share in a campfire made it well worth it! Not to mention it's FREEZING outside tonight, so they can always come in if they get too cold. Suburban campers! ;-)
Oh, and our new motto is: Sacrifice the Fire King!

Adopt-A-Classroom

I just read this article in the Washington Post about a program by Office Max that provides teaching supplies to classrooms/teachers in financial need. It highlights two area teachers who were beneficiaries of this much needed program. Kudos to Office Max for recognizing the estimated $1,200 out of pocket on average that classroom teachers spend on much needed supplies. I know as parents we balk at the school supply list each year that is usually capped off with a little check to cover periodicals or science supplies. In reality, your child's teacher is spending hundreds of dollars on his/her classroom that you will never know about!! Trust me - I was one of them!! Here is a short list of the things that your child's teacher will spend money on and will never be reimbursed for:

books
stickers
posters
tissues
lesson plan supplies (ranging from ordinary - like clothespins - to bizarre - like sandpaper)
snacks - for the kids who forget
mittens and hats - for those who they finally figure out will never have any
field trip money - for kids who won't go on a trip because their parents can't afford it
lunch money - yup, they will even pay for that!
paper
markers
glue
tape
party supplies - in case something doesn't show up for the party
file folders
much, much more!

And, seriously, this is how it happens for teachers: We are out having a grand old time shopping for ourselves, when out of the corner of our eye we spot it. It's the growth chart that we don't "need" but will work perfectly in our measurement unit. It will save us hours of time that we would spend making it, freeing up those hours to pull together multiple lessons on using it, correcting the work generated from valuable lessons.... well, you catch my drift. You can ask a teacher if you can help, but most of our expenditures are last minute, not really thought out ahead of time. Target cards work, Borders, and even cash (but we'll NEVER ask for that!).

I'm happy that Office Max has chosen to run this program, if anything just for the fact that it points out the sacrifice teachers often make that goes unnoticed but benefits our kids. It's an odd profession - teaching.

Busca

Oh, look.... I just noticed you can now "Busca" on my blog. Fun!

Inside Joke

You would have to know me and the history of a community platitude that I despise to understand the irony in this. My kids came home today with half-drawn posters and instructions on a poster contest that the county office of student services is sponsoring. Students must create artwork to promote a county-wide theme "Choose Civility". The girls, even void of any reward, are VERY EXCITED about this contest. (Although Kt did ask me if she's allowed to make one - LOL) Shoot me now!!!

House

I'm choosing to skip the debate tonight, instead choosing to watch back to back episodes of House on USA. I think it's a wise choice for me, given that I've heard enough. I know who I'm voting for and I have my reasons. With that in mind, I wonder why nobody has called me from a poll.... also fixed.

35,000th

My 35,000th visitor was..... duh, duh, duh, dum.... T again. LOL Actually, it was him loading my new blog digs. Do you like them?? I personally am not a fan of the blue, but I really like the globe. Apparently, this blogskin was created by someone who speaks a different language, as is illustrated by the new heading for my blog archives. ;-) Portuguese, maybe?? I'm not sure, because I'm the quintessential unilingual American! Enjoy!

Cookies the Way to a Bus Driver's Heart

I have a short update about the bus driver situation. Some readers might remember our first days of school, which were filled with LOVE for our new bus driver. He was everything the girls could have dreamed for a bus driver: nice, fun, sweet... Our first couple weeks of school were filled with bus stories, and we were all happy. As a show of appreciation for bus driver #1, I made him some cookies, which the girls told me the following week were still on the bus. Hmmm, didn't like cookies? or didn't trust me??

Enter: new bus driver. Older man, nice smile, but gruff and with boundries. As our first week came to a close, the verdict was not so great. The kids were saying he was the worst bus driver ever, that he was no fun, they had to sit in the front of the bus with their eyes forward at all times. After learning he was a former Navy Seal, the pieces of this story were slowly coming together! ;-) Lately, however, the kids seem to have softened to this bus driver, or at least they haven't complained. For parents, there is something to say about consistency and knowing your kids are safe, and we could not complain about either.

Enter: cookies. Last Friday I spent the day making two batches of cookies. We had cookies coming out of our ears!!! As I ran out to the bus stop in the afternoon, I put together a small bag of cookies that I delivered as the kids were stepping off the bus. I thought it would make a nice Friday afternoon treat. On Monday morning, the bus driver pulled up and called me over. He said, "I want to thank you for those cookies last week. My wife died last year and it's been a whole year since I've had anything like that! I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated them." Well, that does it. I don't think the 5 families he serves in this neighborhood will have any trouble putting together some weekend grub for this bus driver anymore!

Debatable

I have tried to steer clear of blogging about politics, but I must say that I've been really surprised that so many, left and right alike, can agree that Biden made more factual errors in the Vice Presidential debate, yet somehow people still seem to think he's.... smarter? I pretty much just let it go for now, but then I read this article, and you have to laugh.

-- Finally, an amusing point as evidence that Biden is just one of the people he pointed to, inviting anyone to have a beer with him at "Katie's Restaurant" in Wilmington, Del. Unfortunately, people will have a hard time taking him up on his offer, since the restaurant hasn't had that name for probably 15 years. ~John Lott, Jr.

If you want to try to look like you're one of the regular folks, you really have to live WITH the regular folks. There's something to say for folksiness when it's at least genuine!! And while you're at it, take a class on government!!

Oh, Happy Day!

Happy Day for Mommy: Daughter #2 is thrilled that she has inherited Daughter #1's winter coat.

Happy Day for Daddy: Realizes Daughter #2 can still be duped into believing hand-me-downs are just as nice as brand new!

Happy Day for Daughter #1: Get's to ditch her old winter coat on Daughter #2, mommy and daddy are happy because it's going to save them a mint, she gets a new coat!

Happy Day for Daughter #2: Figuring out she's been duped, she convinces granny to buy her her own brand new coat!

Happy Day for the Salvation Army: They are getting a gorgeous winter coat for someone because we don't need the extra! ;-)

Everybody's happy!!

The Love of Money

This whole bailout thing makes me sick. I can't even think about it anymore let alone ready anymore news with pictures of slimy smiling politicians claiming that now, with all their little pork barrel earmarks the bill is amazingly better. In the end, I really think it will be mainstream Americans who foot the bill for greedy, selfish rich folks, like most of those politicians up there!

Really, though, there is one thing that Sarah Palin said last night that most people are just bypassing for other "important issues". She hit it on the nose when she said we need to learn to live within our means. That's the danger of living in our free, capitalistic society. I'm not condoning other forms of government, I'm just saying that we're now seeing the effects of that root of all evil. We've become a nation of wanters, wanting everything everyone else has and feeling entitled to it all, whether it's within our means or not. We need to learn a lesson from this outrageous bank bailout and ask ourselves if we're contributing to the downward financial spiral we're witnessing.

Palin also said that it would be a shame, and I agree, if we have to tell our grandchildren how wonderful life USED to be in America. I, for one, think I'm better off than my parents were and I would not want to be handing my children or grandchildren anything less than what I've had. This bailout scenario is something I fear will cause just that, because it really doesn't touch on the root of all this evil, it only seems to perpetuate it.

One More Month

I cannot wait until this election is over. How about you?

As if this bitter election isn't enough, the bailout blah on Capital Hill.

On top of all that, it's freezing outside! OK, it's only in the 50's.... but it's just making me feel like a cold, poor soul who votes for more summer.

Misplaced

I'm about 98% certain I was not created to live in Maryland. It's 57 degrees and my feet are ice cubes, there isn't a beach within a half a days drive and two of the most liberal newspapers, The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post are my local papers. On days like these, I'll admit it - I sit around and dream of warmer (in more places than one!) place to live. I think that it's no wonder ever since I moved here I've had high blood pressure. As many times as I've tried to attempt to come to terms with my fate, I've never been able to feel contented about living here. The thing about it is that what I hear is that I'm the complainer, I'm the one who needs to make the change (change the attitude, that is, because we're not going anywhere!) and just be happy. Um, OK, let's try again...

Hold Me Back!!!

Kt came home today wearing two Obama pins on her shirt. I asked her where she got them and she replied that a classmate was passing them out. She claims that everyone loves Obama. When I asked her why, she said, "Because he's black!" As if I didn't know that. I challenged her to think about why that is a good reason to vote for someone, or whether there were some better reasons. She hadn't really thought about that.... so we'll be talking about that tonight at dinner!

What really irks me, other than the fact that I'm not particularly fond of Obama, is the double standard in public schools. I was afraid this might happen again for this presidential election and I'm annoyed it has started already. During the last presidential election, I had to endure Girl Scout meetings where Kerry bumper stickers were being handed out, Kt writing essays daily about John Kerry AND the entire first grade watching John Kerry's concession speech, as if that's appropriate in first grade at all!! Not a mention was ever made of George Bush, other than a sentence they had to write on one day that read, "George Bush beat John Kerry." That was it!

I didn't complain then, but I'm on the edge of complaining now. Kt also shared with me that Monday was "Wear blue for Obama" day at school. I have no idea if this is student inspired and would not bother complaining, except for the pins being passed out in class today. I wonder what they would do if I sent in McCain/Palin propaganda for the kids! I am seriously not interested in my children being subjected to a one-sided political discussion in school this year, especially when I don't really feel like it's appropriate for this age. I have also kept my personal political feelings to myself (until now) because I think it's unfair for children to be influenced by issues they can't really grasp right now. High school, sure, but elementary school?? No way. Keep your political views in your family and out of elementary school. Thank you!

Update: Well, a lot can happen in one day! I emailed the teacher, who says she did not notice pins being passed out. I got a call from the principal, who assured me there would be no show of support for either candidate from the teachers. I assured him I didn't expect them to pretend their was not a historical presidential election coming up - I welcomed healthy discussion of the event, but even-sided and fair.

Then today, all the media hoopla about the Virginia Education Association asking teacher to wear blue in support of Obama on Tuesday. WHAT??? Apparently, New York is under fire for the same kind of stunt. I agree that this is a breech of trust in our education system and it's a sad day for our country. Why are we so reluctant to teach children to develop their own beliefs about these issues?? but instead trying to sway them one way or another??? For parents, I'm not so judgemental, but teachers? It's an outrage. Fortunately, I feel confident so far that this will not happen in the girls' school. Although Kt did tell me yesterday that she's supposed to wear blue for Obama day! EEK!

Am I Crazy?

Kt and I had a long talk today about friends/friendship/5th grade. She has gone through somewhat of a transition among her friends, one that I'm happy with but she is a bit sad over. In the conversation a new name appeared out of nowhere, one I've never heard before. Low and behold, this new person called and invited her over this afternoon for a couple hours.

I hate this kind of thing, because while I like being a little last-minute, I don't like being unprepared or uninformed. First, the babysitter had to give me directions (so, no parents at home, although the sitter was clearly an adult). Second, wasn't this the girl that Kt just told me was a little mean? I couldn't remember and didn't want to ask.... Thirdly, she just had a sleepover with her really good friends, so is more friend time too much?? I don't know, I have poor judgment I guess when I'm feeling manipulated.

So, off we go. I'm driving my 10 year old to a house I've never been to, to spend a couple hours with people I've never even met and Kt says to me, "You know, her mother is a newsperson or something. SHE MET OBAMA!!!" Like I'm supposed to be excited about that! Then Kt asks me if this girl lives near another friend of hers... and I say, "I don't know. I don't know who she is or where she lives, my GPS doesn't even have her street on it, I've never heard her name before today and I'm probably a terrible mom for leaving you with strangers." To that she replied, "I'm sorry it happened like this."

Huh?? I guess I could have said no and let her be mad at me for the rest of the night. Instead I chose to give in and only endure an evening of her being mad for picking her up too soon!! But I can't wait to look at her stomping up to her room for having a bad attitude about going to bed early for being grumpy and rude and say to her, "I'm sorry it happened like this!" ;-)

Nights in Rodanthe

I went to see this movie while in Connecticut - total chick flick, so it was fun to see it with a bunch of chicks! This was the first Nicholas Sparks movie I saw before reading the book. In fact, I didn't even know what it was called. My sister-in-law and the two ticket booth attendants were laughing at me because I asked for four tickets to Road to Rodantha! Anyway, it was a good movie, but a little depressing. Kind of sad, but very thought provoking. Enjoyable. Now I have to read the book!

Hiatus

I figure the end of September is as good a time as any to post a short update on our hiatus from student ministry. We have enjoyed our break, but with the start of school we have quickly filled up the void. T still seems to manage to have 2-3 lunch meetings a week, sometimes a meeting or two in the evening and is reading quite a bit. We have spent numerous hours in conversation about all the changes and philosophies about church, mission, culture, students.... yeah... we don't really know how to take a break, do we?

T is busy getting ready for his training in a couple weeks. I think we are both excited for him to have this opportunity and also to see where it leads. We have a lot we are thinking about, many things we are working through and people who have lots of interesting questions. Sometimes we just don't have the answers! We're working on that.

The girls don't seem to notice much of a difference, other than the fact that we've given ourselves some time to discover some cool churches in our area and beyond. It has been fun for us and a good experience for the girls. I would love to visit some of the CAI churches we've heard about in Europe, but at this point in time the cost is prohibitive! I think as a family we are itching to be let loose in some fashion, we just haven't figured out exactly how.

I am enjoying my new very part time job. It's fun to be teaching again, to have students and to be going somewhere in the morning. It's also nice that I have four day weekends! =) I did not offer to be a room mom and have not been contacted about being one, either. Yahoo! I did, however, sign on to coordinate a parent tutoring program with 1st and 2nd grade at the girls' school. It sort of goes along with what I'm doing for work now, so a good compliment. We'll see how crazy that gets.

I see a lot of things changing yet I don't feel like much is different. I spent a few days in Connecticut last week, and that was nice, relaxing and restful. I'd like to do more of that this year!

Housebuying Woes

The unfortunate victims of the present mortgage mess are first time, super credited, lots of cash down ready to buy homebuyers. At least in my brother's case. He was supposed to settle on a house today, but his bank is asking him (not yet the homeowner) to fix the roof (of the house he does not own) and get a letter from his home inspector (whom he has already paid to tell him the roof needs to be repaired before he can move in - and he is ready to do as soon as he actually owns the house) that the roof (which just needs new flashing around the chimney) will last another three years (actually, without the fix to that roof, the bank may not have a house to sell in three years!).

Of course, the appraiser (not the home inspector... just the person who is supposed to give you a value for the house) only suggested they paint the interior (they don't own the house yet), refinish all the 300 year old floors (??uh, they don't own the house yet) and power wash the wood roofing shingles (again, lady, they don't own the house yet). So... the bank changed those suggestions to needing a letter about the roof. Hmmm.... and now, they are not settling today. Something smells rotten in Denmark (or Connecticut!).

Here's the email my poor brother just sent me:

Your House As Seen By:

Yourself...




Your Buyer...




Your Lender...




Your Appraiser...



Your County's Tax Assessor...

Salary

Of late, this is an "issue" with my new job. I didn't realize when I agreed to do this it would become the topic it has. In the end, I'm fine with what I'm getting paid, but put in the perspective of my direct "boss", who has the most at stake with what I'm paid, it's sort of laughable. The problem here is really who would agree to do my same job for my same pay? She has pointed out that I'm being paid 45 cents less an hour than they are currently paying furniture movers. I totally laughed out loud when she told me that. Now, I'm not in any way saying I'm qualified to move furniture - hardly so! I just think it's funny that she noticed that. In the end, what I'm getting paid in money is hardly equal to what I'm earning in training and experience. But it's nice to have a boss who thinks you're worth fighting for!

Time Constraints

I should be heading into work right now, but I'm only "allowed" to work 7 hours a week and I've already worked 5.5!! There is just so much to do to be ready for Monday, when I actually start my reading groups. I'm excited but a little discombobulated. I feel like I'm going to forget something - and the truth is I always do the first time I teach something. Oh, well... Anyway, I decided to go in a bit later today since I can only work 1.5 hours - LOL. Of course, I'm not counting the hours I'm putting in at home... we won't even go there!

Red

I want to move to red state. Maybe South Carolina... Hilton Head area. I just need a little break from taxes, slots, ridiculous threats to teacher's pensions.... get me out of here!! I'm thinking a permanent vacation is in order here! ;-)

Abortion

I recently had a very short (and not very agreeable) discussion with a friend about abortion - pro-choice vs. pro-life. It's not a discussion I like to have, but I was asked what issues are most important to me in choosing who I vote for. Abortion and stem-cell research are likely my two top issues because I see both of those issues as protecting the unborn or those who cannot help themselves. Poverty is emerging for me as falling into that same category.

I was challenged on my belief, based on things I have read, that the abortion rate is indeed falling, even though Democrats and pro-choice folks have claimed otherwise. Obama stated in his interview with Rick Warren that under 8 years of a pro-life president, abortion rates have not fallen. I beg to differ. In this article, by Time, clearly the opposite is true. The problem is that nobody wants to give any credit to a pro-life president or faith-based initiatives, so there is a huge argument as to what could possibly be attributing to the fall in the rate. Abortion is legal in this country, so I'm doubting there are many "unreported" abortions. It is EXTREMELY possible that more women have open access to the "morning-after pill", therefore making abortions in a medical facility unnecessary. However, rates were falling before that pill was available.

I honestly don't know why they are falling, but my friend was not so happy with my insistence that they were. She whole-heartedly disagreed with me on that, even though my following up on my belief leads me to my same conclusion - the rates are falling. And aren't we glad about that?

We disagreed on the stem-cell issue as well.... and I followed up on that because I'm a Type-A perfectionist who can't stand to be wrong. And I wasn't wrong, but I'm not going to go there with that one. I've learned with both of these issues it's just emotional, very personal and sometimes we just have to agree to disagree. Most of the time these issues aren't worth losing a friend over. In fact, if I believe what I'm saying and the sanctity of life is of utmost importance to me, then I need to care about all life... friends, family, neighbors, strangers, everybody. If I can't do that first, I shouldn't be arguing about issues.

Chips

This blog is not a product comparison or brand advertisement ever... but I feel I need to mention this out of a desire for anyone who might be tempted... Lays NATURAL "thick cut" sea salted potato chips are not worth the extra money. I don't see how they can say they are thick cut and they taste identical to the normal chips Lays sells. I was a little disappointed when I opened the bag and even more disappointed when I tried the almost sea through chip!!

Now, I LOVE Lays Natural Tortilla chips, yellow and blue. I think they have a unique texture and are very tasty. When I can, I spend the extra and buy them for homemade guacamole, bean dip or anything Mexican I can convince my family to try. If I wasn't already a fan of those chips, I probably wouldn't have bothered with these. I'm really not impressed. Not to mention - they look nothing like the picture on the outside. Not even a tiny bit. Go open up your average Lays chips and that's what they look like. Too bad!

Fall

Far from my favorite season, although I prefer it to winter!

Your Autumn Test Results

You are a dynamic, vibrant person. You aren't afraid to pursue your passions. When you are happiest, you are calm. You appreciate tradition and family. You enjoy feeling cozy. You tend to be afraid of change. You are never ready for things to be different. You find solitude to be the most comforting thing in the world. Being alone with your thoughts feels very peaceful. Your ideal day is active and full. You like to keep busy with your favorite things, and you appreciate a routine. You are very impatient. You spend more time waiting for something than actually enjoying it.

The Autumn Test

Day in DC

We decided to finally take the girls into DC for a Sunday of fun. We've been telling them about this church that meets in Union Station, so today we took them. We met up with an old friend, Kellan, at National Community Church, and fed the homeless. I think the girls really enjoyed that. Then we went to church - it was awesome!! Loved the worship, loved the speaking, which was on video. We didn't have a chance to really meet or talk to anyone but spent some time with Kellan and another old friend, Taylor. It was really sweet.



Mark Batterson is the pastor of National Community Church, which started at the theater in Union station and now has three more locations, each at a major metro (train) station movie theater as well as their coffee shop, Ebenezers, located next to Union Station. Strategically, it doesn't get much better than this. Easy access, no building ownership (something we've been questioning ourselves), other than the coffee shop, multi-site, reaching out... and the homeless ministry? We went up one escalator, walked out to the street and the homeless came to us. This is an easy, regular connection with these folks - just amazing. They serve dinner with a Bible study on Wednesdays, lunch on Sundays and they know many of those they serve by name. Great venue.



After our NCC experience, we took the girls on a DC Duckboat tour. That was fun, informative and not nearly the aquatic adventure I assumed it would be. I believe we spent about 10 minutes on the Potomac River.... but at least we got T to go! We also got these cute "quackers" that amazingly the girls haven't completely annoyed us with! The price tag was outrageous, but if you like that kind of thing, you'd likely enjoy it. Of course, if you visit DC, we'll tell you everything we learned on that tour - for free! ;-)

Happy Birthday, Tony!

Yup, today's the day. Today marks the first day of T's last year in his 30's. Kind of weird. I guess it's time to start getting all those things done that we wanted to do before we're "over the hill"! We had talked about a bunch of things we wanted to do to mark this day, and instead have opted for a day at home, burgers on the grill and cupcakes - T's favorite! It's a beautiful day out and we're hoping for the same tomorrow. We're planning to visit National Community Church, hopefully take part in their homeless ministry on Sunday mornings and then, if it's nice enough, we're going to try a duckboat tour of DC. I'm really excited!!

SPACE Commander Extraordinare

This is going to be a year of change for our family and I'm excited for T to explore some more options which hopefully feed his passion for developing world changers. We are also excited to have our girls input in some of things we're thinking about. There's nothing better than a kid's view of the world and what it needs! =) Their ideas make for some interesting conversations, some stimulating ideas and many chuckles!! For today, though, it's Birthday Central around here. Off to ice those cupcakes!!

Politicking

I'm not going to comment on the on-going presidential race between Obama and Palin... I mean, McCain. I did, however, find this a very interesting read. I think it's well-written and speaks to both sides of these health, science and technology issues. Very good information without much opinion - really, hardly any. Some of the issues brought up were not ones I'd even thought of, which is why I despise the negative campaign tactics of late. Let's get to the important issues that matter to us!! I mean, really... who is going make the world a better place! LOL

Knee How

I know that's not how it's really spelled, but I figure just to make my point more clear. I don't speak, write or understand Chinese. About once a year, someone calls here and starts rattling off a bunch of jumbly jum to me... and I have to say, "I'm sorry, I don't speak Chinese." They are typically stunned and finish the call with, "OK, sowry!!" That's it. It's funny being a Sheng (with blonde hair).

Migration

Oh, birdies in the sky
Why doth you fly so high?

Won't you stop and wait for me
To join you in your flight so free?

I'd only have to pack my earthly belongings
But then I'd not glide lightly with bogged down wings

Migration is a heavy plea
For one as weighted down as me

(Written while longing to head to warmer lands!)

Go Two

Last week, I implemented a "behavior" chart in our house. It's actually a "positive reinforcement" chart with the added advantage of peer pressure!! Since we are home to an ultra-overachiever and a don't knock the status quo adherent, I decided we needed to address both personalities in a way that I would receive the optimum results.

I made it pretty simple, and thus far it has had some positive results. Each child has three "behaviors" they can earn stars for. For overachiever, the tasks are behavior oriented - washing the dishes, cleaning her room (specific goals here) and making lunches. Because she is so highly motivated, she has already earned her 20 stars and the monetary award that came with that achievement, $10. For status quo chick, we needed to focus on academic behaviors, so completing all her schoolwork at school, using her best handwriting and also cleaning her room (with specific goals). As an added motivation that only one child has taken advantage of, they are allowed to barter for stars. One night the girls made dinner for a star each (overachievers idea), overachiever has also cleaned the bathrooms, emptied the dishwasher and set the table. Needless to say, I'm wondering why we didn't start this last year!!

I have heard no complaints anymore about someone getting rewarded and someone else not, how unfair it is for someone who needs little effort in completing work to get rewarded when the other is not, etc. I think we've chosen achievable behaviors and people are choosing to complete them accordingly! So far, a success. I'm quite happy to have a clean kitchen sink, lunches made and kids awake to make them (=)) and no extra homework!! All in all, it's created a much more disciplined and happy household. Yay!

Oh, right... the title of this post. Overachiever has translated her encouragement to go the distance and more in all aspects of her life. Because she is now getting up early to make lunches for that star, she has time to practice running for the 1 mile Pumpkin Run. She and her friends are "training" at lunch and at home. Yesterday, while I sat in my car at the bus stop so I could head off to work, she came up to my window talking a mile a minute...

"So... last night I needed to do this book for school and I had 4 pages left. L (our babysitter) told me I should do two pages, so I remembered this verse "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." (Matt 5:41) I decided to do all four pages instead so it's done!"

I realized that that is the key to overachievers - doing more than they are asked and having this passion to go the distance and farther. And the motivation? It's internal, but it's increased when the effort is recognized. Reminder to self: keep the chart simple so your 10 year old doesn't get burnt out!!

All Time Low

If people are now hacking into AND posting publicly Palin's personal email account, I'm thinking the American people/media have hit rock bottom. Is anyone safe at this point? Hmmm... Maybe her rivals are. I hope this is the last of it, but I'm seriously doubting it. Pathetic. I do hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly. They had the gall to call her daughter's cell phone. Geesh.

Church

I subscribe to the Swerve blog by LifeChurchTV - some really cool posts. This one was intriguing to me:

"I would never use Google if it required me to leave my house and travel to an unfamiliar building on Sunday only once a week…listen to 30 minutes of unrecognizable music, followed by a person talking for 30-40 minutes, and still possibly have to try to find a person who looked “official” just to find “results” for my search. That would be absurd! But, that is a substantially abbreviated version of what so many churches put people through who are searching."

So true! Very, very interesting. You should read the whole post! Or just read the blog!!

Amused

In high school, I scored big on my math SAT's and was very distraught to see my extra test set was English. I was never a GT English student and barely an honors one. In college, I believe I received a C in my English composition class. That C and the one I received in Economy were my most pitiful college grades. These coupled with the fact that I'm not really an avid reader, nor am I a journaler makes for some amusement, and complete and utter embarrassment when anyone even suggests I'm a good writer. It sort of makes me cringe while I'm giggling. I feel somewhat like I'm pulling the wool over people's eyes - really!! Communication is somewhat of an issue for an introvert like me. I wonder now, if people really do like my writing, if I could actually speak if I were ever able to muster up enough courage to give it a try. Don't even ask!!!

"Open House"

That's kind of a funny name for what amounts to a ~yawn~ night out with your child's teacher.... and 200 other parents! This is our first year the girls have different open house nights, so tonight was my turn. Second grade. It was the same mix of surprising, disturbing and terribly boring information!! I guess some of the boring was the PTA business, the long and monotone explanation of the idiotic spelling "curriculum" and the half of the parents who clearly wanted to be elsewhere, as demonstrated by their inability to stop staring blankly at their blackberries! The good news? Em seems to be doing quite well. Hopefully that lasts until the interim reports! The bad news? The classes have 25 or more students each in them, which qualifies us for another teacher... but it doesn't appear the county will allot one to us. Lame.

Lipstick on a Pig

As an aside to my earlier post on the campaigns, I guess now that my disgust needs to be directed to the media. This article is just disturbing, and it makes me want to discontinue reading anymore reports about this campaign. I believe my mind is made up - so all the twisted media claims will just have to be set aside for this voter!

Season of Rest

That's where we are... at least that's what I've been told! It doesn't really feel like that yet, but hopefully at some point it will. I guess when you just start a new teaching job a season of rest sounds a little suspicious. When you start a new job and your kids start school and all the extracurricular activities that accompany school and you are coordinating and driving them to and from various locations a season of rest seems like a distant dream! I think we'll get there.

For five years, T has been developing a program for students at our church to create globally, culturally and missionally aware individuals who might someday choose to live abroad in a strategic location to further God's kingdom in a unique and effective way. It has been fun, exhausting, exciting, educational, amazing and rewarding all rolled into one package. Each year, after a long summer of organizing, planning and executing trips designed to catalyze these future leaders, we sit back and wonder 1. why we do this, 2. how we do this, 3. if we can do this anymore, and 4. most importantly, is this really what God wants us to do. Most summers, T gets to the end and says, "I am never doing this again!" This summer, he did not say that, but instead had already developed a plan for next summer. It scared me a bit!

After much thought, soul-searching and some new missions initiatives at our church, we have surprisingly decided that this program has come to an end. T stepped out of that position because we recognize that it can no longer exist with the same initiative that sparked it's inception. Sometimes, when things change, everything changes. This was not an easy decision to make, but we both think it's for the best. Other opportunities that we had decided against pursuing due to time constraints are now options, we now have the freedom to explore what all these new changes would mean for the youth ministry at our church in the area of missions and we get to see more clearly what our team members from this past summer can do to shape their environments at home based on what they learned. We don't always have time for all these things, but this year, we do!

Sometimes God has to close doors to make you try new ones, with different opportunities, different stretching experiences and new connections you might have passed up otherwise. While it's not comfortable or even preferable in some cases, it is a comfort to know that God orchestrates these times in our lives with our best interest in mind and with the lives and experiences of others. I already miss SPACE and sometimes it's depressing to think that we won't do that again. Many very significant people and experiences came out of that for our whole family, so it's a difficult thing to give up.

As for a season of rest, it's much needed in our home. Especially for T, who worked tirelessly and endlessly in pursuit of excellence in every area of that ministry. There were many times over the last 5 years that I wondered if I indeed had more than one husband because he was working two full-time jobs. Nobody has the time to do that AND be a husband and father. He did things that were physically impossible - and that was one of the ways I could see God's hand in what he was doing. His passion for the mission and for developing student leaders was not like anything I've ever experienced before. At least not from a database engineer! Having him home again will be nice. For a while. But let's face it, a life without ministry for someone like T is no life at all.

We would certainly appreciate your prayers as we find our way in this time of transition and searching. It's an odd place for us. Since before we were married, we've never really had a time like this. We never adhered to the "drop out of everything for a year when you have a baby" rule because we feared a newfound love of having no commitments might keep us inactive. This is new territory for us and we have identified few nagivational tools to help us. Pray for our middle/high school students, that opportunities for them to serve in amazing ways will continue. Pray for our leaders who are scattered around the United States and abroad in various schools of higher education, that they would be catalysts in their schools for change in the world.

I am so exhausted from this week of craziness - new job, no SPACE, new extracurricular stuff, Six Flags today (I'm totally sunburned!) and new opportunities for T. I don't feel like it's the beginning of a season of rest, but I'm going to count on it! Actually, I'm counting on a season of family growth. And for real, I hope that for each of you, too!

The Truth

I think this website will be saving me a lot of time! =)

Factcheck.org

"Stupid" Smear Tactics

I have tried to lay low on the political commentary on this blog because we all know I am far from educated on politics!! As far removed as I am from politics, I know a "stupid" smear campaign when I see one! And I see two, but one is far more disrespectful than the other. I don't take too kindly to Obama constantly calling me "stupid"... he's winning zero points with me each and every time he uses that word. AS IF I would feel any smarter to just unwittingly vote for him because I think that will make me smarter... in his eyes. I'm offended.

What the media and Obama campaign has done to Sarah Palin is just truly asinine. It's quite shameful and I have no desire to be connected to them in any way at this point. They demand respect for themselves and smear to the end a woman who is completely threatening to them. Talk about grace under fire - that's what I'm seeing in Palin, who is much stronger than I had ever imagined she would be. For me, the Obama camp is digging themselves to China - I don't look forward to a president who thinks I'm stupid!

As for politics, I'm becoming more clear on the McCain/Palin agenda - some things I like, some things have me wondering... I'm becoming more confused about Obama/Biden - some things I like, some things I don't like at all and then the message changes. I'm not sure what to think anymore. I keep listening, waiting to see if McCain/Palin flips on anything during their campaign... that remains to be seen.

Again, Glen Beck has a great piece on this very topic. Also, an open letter to that smear campaign by another journalist. I admit it - I like to read this kind of stuff. In the end, though, I'm going to vote for more than change. I'm going to vote for whoever starts talking about the things that matter to me... and just for the record, they don't include lipstick or action figures!! Let's hear some substance!

Seasons

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

~Ecclesiastes 3: 1-14

Pro-choice

For once in my life, I can honestly say I'm pro-choice. I'm having old facebook envy tonight! When I signed on this morning, my old facebook format had been deceptively slipped out from underneath my feet and I'm left wading through a very disorganized mishmash of a "new" face on facebook. The links don't work, my wall has been meshed with lots of other junk, I can't find anything I need. It's a mess. I hate it!!

T just signed onto his tonight and it's the old format!! I am ever so envious of him because he gets at least another day or two of old times while I'm stuck drowning in the new discombobulated one. I'm actually just going to stay signed into his account for the evening so I can dream of times past. Why don't we have a choice in this facebook matter??? I want to be heard.

Sorry for those of you out there who are living in yesteryear and have not bothered to ever check out the old facebook - you'll never know how good it was. =(

"Resources" Teacher

That is my new title at my new job. I tried to tell the badge maker it was "Resource" teacher, but he insisted, so it's resources. I'm basically a 1st and 2nd grade remedial reading teacher, but I didn't want him to try to put that on my ID card!

I'm excited about this job because in actuality, I'm not especially trained to do this job. That's one of the perks of working in a private school. When someone thinks your a great teacher and they have a job that they are sure you can do, they hire you. I have this opportunity to work with two highly qualified special education teachers. My direct supervisor basically has two masters degrees, and when we "chat" about the job, I take notes!! I have learned more in the past two weeks than I have in the past ten years. I'm convinced of that.

The past three days I have been observing potential students for my groups and it's fun to be back in a classroom. It has been a very empowering experience so far, since coming into it I felt like a total dinosaur. I'm now wishing I was there to help the teachers, because I have this terrible habit of thinking of 10 betters ways they could do something. So arrogant of me! But really... it's just the way I think. Bad, I know. In many, many ways I wish someone had done that for me when I was starting out as a new teacher.

One of the greatest benefits for me, I believe, will be understanding my own second grader and her oral and written language development. I know there's something I'm missing there, so maybe throughout this year I'll have a better understanding of how to evaluate that. Hopefully, we'll make some leeway this year for her!

OK - I have to go print out that reward chart for my girls... it's a start!

A Post to Read

Everyone, whether you have a special needs child or not, should read this post. Thanks, Deana! Many blessing and prayers your way!

Working

Well, going back to work, albeit for one day a week (divided by three days!) is an adjustment. I actually enjoy coming home and putting on my "stay-at-home-mom" clothes in the afternoon. The work clothes feel weird. It really is a privilege to stay home, especially when the kids are in school! LOL

Bummer

My life just got exponentially worse. New bus driver. Not NEARLY as nice as the last. Nobody is happy. Even when I reminded them they had two really fun weeks, it was just no consolation. I was so looking forward to happy faces coming off the bus all year - bummer!

Ditto

Is this term even relevant to newer generations anymore? I mean... all us old folks know what a ditto is. We nearly all had the experience of a ditto headrush after our teachers ran off hundreds of them on the "ditto" machine, purple ink and "ditto" fluid. We know that "ditto" means an exact duplicate. The reason I ask if it's a relevant term is because for years, we've said "ditto" to mean "exactly the same"... and I think everyone knows what it means, they maybe just don't know why... which might explain why, today, I saw someone use the word "dido" to mean... "ditto". If they can't spell it, then they have no idea what the word they are trying to use really means. Maybe we should just start saying "copy" or "xerox"... right?

I'm Forgiven

I'm forgiven,
because You were forsaken,
I'm accepted, You were condemned,
and I'm alive and well your spirit is within me,
because You died and rose again.
(I'm forgiven)
I'm forgiven,
because You were forsaken,
and I'm accepted, You were condemned,
and I'm alive and well your spirit is within me,
because You died and rose again.

Amazing love,
how can it be,
that You my king would die for me?
Amazing love,
I know it's true,
and it's my joy to honor You.
(Amazing love)
Amazing love,
how can it be,
that You my king would die for me?
Amazing love,
I know its true,
and it's my joy to honor You.
In all I do I honor You.

~Rebecca St. James

This is a really simple song we sang today at church. It's one that I love because I think it's just so basic, yet so humbling. I think it highlights the unbelievable part about Christianity, or unbelievable parts, the ones most often misunderstood. We have few examples in the world, I can't actually think of any right now, of a king or leader or ruler giving up his/her life for his people. Especially not in the way Christ did. Of course, none of them can offer what Christ did in exchange for his perfection - eternal life. It's difficult for me, a believer, to fathom what Christ did. I'm not even sure, in the best of my efforts, I could even come close to honoring what He did for me. I fall short more often than not.

Is It Already That Time Again??

For my longtime readers (all three of you!), you might remember last year someone putting my blog post with my 2005! Christmas letter on their "Christmas Letter Tips" website, generating close to 10,000 blog hits just last December. It. Was. Crazy!! Well... I guess it's still up there, and apparently there are some over-prepared peeps out there. I've been getting about 10 hits a day from that site. Are people really thinking about writing their Christmas letter already? I mean... I'm still wearing flip flops!!

Tropical Storm Remnants

We decided to head out for dinner at Mimi's Cafe. Tropical Storm Hanna had nearly passed, but it was still a bit windy and rainy. On our trip home, we saw so many different kinds of clouds floating about with bands of brilliant blue. The sun was streaming out of any opening creating fans of lights among the bands of stormclouds. Just as we were arriving home, we noticed a brilliant rainbow, then a second band, both of which were full. I was able to capture part of it - but the cameraphone pic isn't nearly as clear as what was seen. People were actually pulling to the side of our busy thoroughfare just to catch a glimpse in real life. Kt reminded us all of the meaning of the rainbow, God's promise to never destroy the earth, mankind with a flood ever again. It was really glorious. And then the rain clouds swept it all away again. What a funny storm!

Tony Childs

Someone, who shall remain obvious, is trying to make croissants today. He first asked if we had any yeast, then went out and bought a ton of it! Didn't buy any butter and decided he could make them minus a full stick of butter that he couldn't find.... I'm guessing he knows little about croissants, except how to buy them and eat them. This should be interesting!

Hanna

Well, so far, it's just a day of rain. Not even much wind. I'm certainly thankful she seems to have spared my sister in Savannah and even the Outer Banks. I guess we'll just be stuck inside for the day. At least everyone down south is ready for Ike! (I hope!)

The Governor

Tomorrow, the governor is visiting the girls' school. It's a little strange, seeing as he's the governor and my girls are kind of... apathetic towards his visit. I don't know if the school has been unable to instill a sense of awe for this visitor or if they are just as apathetic! Unfortunately, for this governor, he has a schedule (I have no idea who made it, but if they know anything about our school then they are just moronic!) that has him visiting the second grade lunch shift. Just to give you an idea.... and yes, Em is in second grade... today, while I was subbing in there, the principal came in to talk to the kids about their visitor tomorrow. It took some time for them to settle down, and they never got quiet, but the principal kept on going as if the kids were listening. When he was finished, he made his way out of the cafeteria, kids screaming, running around and one even sliding behind him on the floor to throw away his lunch.... The principal never even noticed. And we wonder why these kids are so out of control!! Good luck, Mr. Governor! (YIKES!)

Palin Power

I'm watching Sarah Palin's speech... I don't usually watch these boring things, but I didn't want to miss this one. Obama has put this woman through the wringer this week, so she must be deserving of some kind of attention. I mean... if everyone is so worried about her, she must be special. Right?

I don't know how anyone could be unimpressed with that. Wow.

Recycling

FINALLY! Our county is going to provide recycling carts. We have been the worst recyclers. When we first moved in, we noticed that most of our neighbors had a recycling bin. Except us. The former owners of this house didn't have one or didn't leave one. (We've since noticed one of our neighbors has two... fishy!) Anyway, we called the county about this and they told us to get one ourselves. Translated: Recycling is just not a priority around here! We have done a meager job recycling - collecting what we can in plastic bags and leaving it all out, but we've been quite lazy about it. It appears as though the county is rethinking the recycling effort. We should have our new cart soon, and you bet your bottom dollar we'll be putting our address on it! ;-)

Hap, Happiest Season!

It's that time of year again - signing families up for the Salvation Army Christmas program. I did this last year and it's very humbling, very eye-opening, very interesting. Anyway.... they are always looking for volunteers, so if you live near me and have Thursday morning free next week, come with me! It'll provide a lot of entertainment - I promise! =)

Omnipresent

On Labor Day, we took a back road that we don't normally travel. As we drove by a tiny little church, Kt let out a belly laugh. Of course, we all wanted to know what was so funny. She responded, between giggles, "That sign said 'Holy Spirit, Come!'" T said to her, "Why do you think that is funny?" I think we were both a little perplexed. But she said, "Well, don't you think it's funny they are asking him to come? He's already HERE! He can be everywhere all the time!" Uh, duh, mom and dad! We sort of shrunk in our seats while she continued laughing, not really realizing how silly we felt.

Today I was reminded of that as I was listening to WGTS, the local Christian radio show. The DJ was interviewing a member of the group Sonic Flood, who was preparing to lead worship at a prayer breakfast. The band member mentioned that one of their songs, God Is Here, is a great example to them that He doesn't need an invitation into things we often invite Him to, like politics or our lives. Interesting thought....

God is Here

In Your presence there is fullness of life
Healing flowing for body soul and mind
God of the impossible, God of miracles is here

God is here let the broken-hearted rejoice
God is here let the sick say I am well
God is here let the weak say I am strong
God is here

In Your presence there is perfect peace
And in stillness I behold Your deity
God of wonders, God of power is here

His wonders to perform

Oh His wonders yes His wonders
His wonders to perform
Oh His wonders yes His wonders
His wonders to perform 

So, now every time I sing a song to invite God, His Son or the Holy Spirit, I'm probably going to laugh!