Brett and Rachel have now moved on, they got out just in the nick of time. Since they have moved out, our basement has flooded 3 times and we've all gotten sick. The floods are the HOA sprinking system's fault, but I'm sure they don't plan on helping us out, even though the floods have touched off some serious mold downstairs.
Also, I came close yesterday while I was umpiring to having to reset that throwup timer on the right hand side of the page. I honestly think that the thought of doing that kept me from throwing up.
Hunter is turning out to be a pretty good place for me so far, except my room on some days ends up being about 94 degrees. The record is 98 degrees. My last period of the day seems more interested in sleeping than learning when it's that hot.
Also, Hunter brought in this band to play during lunch. I could hear them from my room. I went to check it out, and it was the Navy, doing some recruiting. I half expected to see Bart Simpson and Millhouse make an appearance.
Anywhoo, back to the grind.
Ralphie
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Triple Play Bubs
Brett and Rachel have officially moved down to SLC... they are staying with us until an apartment opens up. I figure I'll let them tell everyone the details on thier blog, if they ever get around to updating it.
The following is a list of things Brett has dominated me at since he moved in.
fooseball
raquetball
This list is likely to grow as time goes on... I didn't realize I was so bad at raquetball, I was like those guys that think they are way good singers, and then embarass themselves on American Idol.
Lincoln is getting real good at identifying letter sounds. He just picked up a magnetic P, and made the P sound, and then did the same thing with F. He isn't a big talker yet, he does have a few words he tries to say...
Mama
Dada
Amen
mar mar mar (marshmelows)
mo mo mo (more)
and so on.
Yesterday while I was umpiring at West Valley, I saw quite the show. I also saw two of my former students from last year. From seeing thier parents, I now understand more about them. That was a joke.
So bases are loaded, 0 outs, and a guy pops up to the shortstop, and promply says the F word. Knowing I have to toss him, I wait to see the play develop. I call infield fly, the shortstop catches the ball, for some reason, the guy at second is way off his base, and the shortstop goes there for the double play. The guy at third, seeing that the throw went to second, decides to tag up and try for home. The throw comes home, and easily gets him. My first ever triple play... the old F6-4-2.
Of course, the team that got the triple play turned against them, was arguing for some reason with me, whilst I was trying to find the batter, to break the bad news to him. I finally found him, and let him know he was gone for using the F-word. Now the team is real mad at me. They asked for a warning. I told them that this guy getting kicked out is a warning to the rest of them. For the rest of the night, that team hung around saying every swear word except the F-bomb, whenever possible to see if they could irritate me. Seems like a waste of a couple of hours, but I guess harrassing the umpire was more fun than going to the local bar.
In conclusion, I tossed a guy and called my first triple play, all on the same at bat. Hopefully Thursday at West Valley goes a little better, especially since they give you cold hard cash at the end of the night, and then I have to hope I don't get jumped on my way out of the ballpark.
We went to Bear Lake for a day. It is the time of the year when we need to try to get vacations in before I have to go back to work, which is only 4 days from now. A good time was had by all, especially the campers next to us, who got to listen to Lincoln cry for half an hour at 2:30 in the morning. Link managed to wake up another kid about 5 sites away, that was crying well after he went to bed. Needless to say, we got out of there fast, before anyone could get mad at us. We also got out of there fast, because Ellie managed to throw up on two outfits at once, and destroyed 4 in the space of 3 minutes thus leaving her outfitless. The joys of camping with kids...
The following is a list of things Brett has dominated me at since he moved in.
fooseball
raquetball
This list is likely to grow as time goes on... I didn't realize I was so bad at raquetball, I was like those guys that think they are way good singers, and then embarass themselves on American Idol.
Lincoln is getting real good at identifying letter sounds. He just picked up a magnetic P, and made the P sound, and then did the same thing with F. He isn't a big talker yet, he does have a few words he tries to say...
Mama
Dada
Amen
mar mar mar (marshmelows)
mo mo mo (more)
and so on.
Yesterday while I was umpiring at West Valley, I saw quite the show. I also saw two of my former students from last year. From seeing thier parents, I now understand more about them. That was a joke.
So bases are loaded, 0 outs, and a guy pops up to the shortstop, and promply says the F word. Knowing I have to toss him, I wait to see the play develop. I call infield fly, the shortstop catches the ball, for some reason, the guy at second is way off his base, and the shortstop goes there for the double play. The guy at third, seeing that the throw went to second, decides to tag up and try for home. The throw comes home, and easily gets him. My first ever triple play... the old F6-4-2.
Of course, the team that got the triple play turned against them, was arguing for some reason with me, whilst I was trying to find the batter, to break the bad news to him. I finally found him, and let him know he was gone for using the F-word. Now the team is real mad at me. They asked for a warning. I told them that this guy getting kicked out is a warning to the rest of them. For the rest of the night, that team hung around saying every swear word except the F-bomb, whenever possible to see if they could irritate me. Seems like a waste of a couple of hours, but I guess harrassing the umpire was more fun than going to the local bar.
In conclusion, I tossed a guy and called my first triple play, all on the same at bat. Hopefully Thursday at West Valley goes a little better, especially since they give you cold hard cash at the end of the night, and then I have to hope I don't get jumped on my way out of the ballpark.
We went to Bear Lake for a day. It is the time of the year when we need to try to get vacations in before I have to go back to work, which is only 4 days from now. A good time was had by all, especially the campers next to us, who got to listen to Lincoln cry for half an hour at 2:30 in the morning. Link managed to wake up another kid about 5 sites away, that was crying well after he went to bed. Needless to say, we got out of there fast, before anyone could get mad at us. We also got out of there fast, because Ellie managed to throw up on two outfits at once, and destroyed 4 in the space of 3 minutes thus leaving her outfitless. The joys of camping with kids...
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Shampoo Bubs
First off, we're signing up for fantasy football. It involves an email draft at the beginning of the year, which is a time commitment, and about an hour a week to run your team. If anyone feels up to it, go to yahoo fantasy football with the following info:
League ID 284371
password platypi
Go ahead and sign up if you are interested. As an aside, Christen, have Mike check his email and sign up if he wants to play.
In a softball game yesterday, I was umping, bases were loaded, I'm sure a few players were loaded too. It was a women's league, and the batter hit the ball down the 3rd base line. The runner on 3rd tried to avoid it by juming over it, thus leaving her base. The ball bounced up and hit her while she was off the base, but in fair territory, before it had passed any defensive player. You make the call, by the reaction of the 3rd base coach, I don't know the rules. Her argument was that we can't expect players to maintain contact with the base when they know they are going to get hit. I told her to just go into foul territory. Seemed pretty obvious to me.
We did the old crib taking down ceremony yesterday. Lincoln is now in a big boy bed. We had him wave bye bye to his crib as I took it and hid it outside. After he was asleep, I took it downstairs into storage. We are going to try to wait 12 weeks, and set it up for Ella. Hopefully Lincoln will be none the wiser.
Last Monday, I took a shower, which isn't an every day occurance in the summer. Either the kids are awake and terrorizing, or I'm afraid of waking the kids up, or I don't feel like taking a shower. After I took the shower, for the rest of the day, I noticed that my head seemed extra bumpy whenever I scratched it. I went to sleep, and in the middle of the night it dawned on me. I forgot to wash the shampoo out of my hair. This will happen to me like twice a year. When I told Ange, she said that she thought I had washed my hair with body wash. Apparently, my hair smelled quite fragrent. I guess it's my lot in life to forget to rinse my hair from time to time. I wonder if shampoo bottles mention that in the instructions. Needless to say, I took a shower as soon as I could to get rid of my bumpy head. Taking showers on consecutive days was quite the blow as you can imagine.
We are going to Bear Lake this Wednesday. We have room for 4 more people. If anyone is interested in a quick Bear Lake excursion, email me, and I will share details.
Platypi is going to be starting up the last week of August. We are still short a player, if anyone knows of someone who dominates, let me know. By dominate, I mean doesn't strike out, and can catch.
Squidward
League ID 284371
password platypi
Go ahead and sign up if you are interested. As an aside, Christen, have Mike check his email and sign up if he wants to play.
In a softball game yesterday, I was umping, bases were loaded, I'm sure a few players were loaded too. It was a women's league, and the batter hit the ball down the 3rd base line. The runner on 3rd tried to avoid it by juming over it, thus leaving her base. The ball bounced up and hit her while she was off the base, but in fair territory, before it had passed any defensive player. You make the call, by the reaction of the 3rd base coach, I don't know the rules. Her argument was that we can't expect players to maintain contact with the base when they know they are going to get hit. I told her to just go into foul territory. Seemed pretty obvious to me.
We did the old crib taking down ceremony yesterday. Lincoln is now in a big boy bed. We had him wave bye bye to his crib as I took it and hid it outside. After he was asleep, I took it downstairs into storage. We are going to try to wait 12 weeks, and set it up for Ella. Hopefully Lincoln will be none the wiser.
Last Monday, I took a shower, which isn't an every day occurance in the summer. Either the kids are awake and terrorizing, or I'm afraid of waking the kids up, or I don't feel like taking a shower. After I took the shower, for the rest of the day, I noticed that my head seemed extra bumpy whenever I scratched it. I went to sleep, and in the middle of the night it dawned on me. I forgot to wash the shampoo out of my hair. This will happen to me like twice a year. When I told Ange, she said that she thought I had washed my hair with body wash. Apparently, my hair smelled quite fragrent. I guess it's my lot in life to forget to rinse my hair from time to time. I wonder if shampoo bottles mention that in the instructions. Needless to say, I took a shower as soon as I could to get rid of my bumpy head. Taking showers on consecutive days was quite the blow as you can imagine.
We are going to Bear Lake this Wednesday. We have room for 4 more people. If anyone is interested in a quick Bear Lake excursion, email me, and I will share details.
Platypi is going to be starting up the last week of August. We are still short a player, if anyone knows of someone who dominates, let me know. By dominate, I mean doesn't strike out, and can catch.
Squidward
Friday, July 27, 2007
The Rocket
So if I gave you three guesses to figure out what the Rocket is that I'm referencing, some would guess the ride at Lagoon. Others would guess a pitcher that can't make up his mind about retirement. Other's might make jokes about NASA employees. Everyone would be wrong. The Rocket is what I call Rocket Park in Bountiful. I usually umpire once a year there, and last night was the night.
There was a huge thunderstorm that came through Salt Lake, and I had quite a nice view from The Rocket... it faces southwest, and is kind of high up. I kept thinking how it had to be close to our house in West Valley, and I was right. Ange said it was quite the show... you could've read a newspaper by the lighting light.
Anyway, I had to umpire games in between enjoying the lightshow, and I got to toss someone, so that made my night. An overthrow at first base, and the runner decided to go. I had worked my way to about the pitchers mound. When I saw the runner going, I got as close as I could. I ended up about 5 feet away from the most obvious tag out at second. The runner knew he was out, and didn't even try to slide.
The 3rd base coach disagreed, and while walking in, yelled 'You can't see tags, you can't see the plate, you can't see ****'. I said 'Do you know what? You're done.' and made my signature tossing action. He then had the best comeback of all time: 'Well, you should be done.' After much laughing by his team was done, he left the ballpark.
We had a nice trip up to Idaho. It's kind of a Bummer, because that was our big trip for the summer, and now it's over. I now have less than a month before school begins. We enjoyed our all the time we got to spend with our family, and certainly enjoyed the cabin and the river trip. I'd have to say that Steve and Sharon put on a pretty good show.
This time down, I was in the boat that, at John's insistence, took a Ghandi style approach to water fighting. We tried the best we could to not react, and everyone just figured we were too boring to soak, so we got left alone. Then Matt had a brilliant plan, which was to steal the other boat's water cannons, but his brilliance was only short lived, because he only stole two of the three, thus leaving them with a weapon. Too bad.
We are hoping to be able to make it up to the cabin one more time around Labor Day. We sure are lucky to have such good family.
In conclusion, Lincoln just woke up.
Ms. Flint
There was a huge thunderstorm that came through Salt Lake, and I had quite a nice view from The Rocket... it faces southwest, and is kind of high up. I kept thinking how it had to be close to our house in West Valley, and I was right. Ange said it was quite the show... you could've read a newspaper by the lighting light.
Anyway, I had to umpire games in between enjoying the lightshow, and I got to toss someone, so that made my night. An overthrow at first base, and the runner decided to go. I had worked my way to about the pitchers mound. When I saw the runner going, I got as close as I could. I ended up about 5 feet away from the most obvious tag out at second. The runner knew he was out, and didn't even try to slide.
The 3rd base coach disagreed, and while walking in, yelled 'You can't see tags, you can't see the plate, you can't see ****'. I said 'Do you know what? You're done.' and made my signature tossing action. He then had the best comeback of all time: 'Well, you should be done.' After much laughing by his team was done, he left the ballpark.
We had a nice trip up to Idaho. It's kind of a Bummer, because that was our big trip for the summer, and now it's over. I now have less than a month before school begins. We enjoyed our all the time we got to spend with our family, and certainly enjoyed the cabin and the river trip. I'd have to say that Steve and Sharon put on a pretty good show.
This time down, I was in the boat that, at John's insistence, took a Ghandi style approach to water fighting. We tried the best we could to not react, and everyone just figured we were too boring to soak, so we got left alone. Then Matt had a brilliant plan, which was to steal the other boat's water cannons, but his brilliance was only short lived, because he only stole two of the three, thus leaving them with a weapon. Too bad.
We are hoping to be able to make it up to the cabin one more time around Labor Day. We sure are lucky to have such good family.
In conclusion, Lincoln just woke up.
Ms. Flint
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
RCA SUX
Yesterday was my birthday. Happy birthday to me. For my birthday, I got to sit at the DMV (It's a leper colony down there) for an hour because I just realized that my drivers licence was about to expire.
While renewing my licence, I got the opportunity to register to vote. We've moved since the last general election, so I took advantage. When they asked me party affiliation, I was seriously considering marking democrat so I could vote for the worst democrat candidate in the primarys. Then I realized that the worst candidate is going to win anyway, so I just marked republican.
On Monday, I went to see Harry Potter. Angela's mom had free tickets to a sneek peek showing, and invited me, then followed it up with the new Harry Potter book for my birthday. I'm not one of those crazy fans that runs around in robes with thier wands drawn, but I have to admit that I like the Harry Potter books, and I've seen in the schools how the books have at least gotten more kids interested in reading. Anywhooo.
I got to see Harry Potter 5, which is pretty good as far as movies go. If you like Harry Potter, you'll like the movie. If you are one of those people that think it's cool to not like things that other people like, then it will be easy to pretend that you did't like the movie. If you truly don't like Harry Potter, then why are you going to the movie in the first place? I'm going to go ahead and give the movie 3 1/2 wands out of 5. It got knocked down half a wand because of the predictable slow motion, soundless Harry Potter scream when a main character dies. I was pretty sure that was going to happen.
The best part of the movie was that I got to see the trailer for the new "Get Smart" movie. Check out this link, click on 'Watch the trailer', and tell me it isn't the funniest thing you've seen in a while. Plus, Steve Carell is about as close as we're going to get to Don Adams.
If I had a personalized license plate, it would read RCA SUX. Now sit down and listen to the story of why:
About 3 months ago, Lincoln was obsessed with the garbage. Around the same time, our remote for our semi new TV which has a DVD player built in, disappeared. We're pretty sure Link decided to throw it away.
I tried to find universal remotes that work, but I couldn't get them configured right. Finally, I concluded that if it is too hard for me to do, then it must not work with our TV.
My next idea was to go to Wal*Mart and pillage a remote from an unsold unit. I decided that was an amoral approach. So wanting to do the right thing, I called up RCA, the maker of our TV, and ordered a new remote.
8 to 10 business days later, a package arrives. I am disappointed, because the remote looks nothing like our old one, and even more disappointed that it doesn't work. Wanting my wife to be able to change the channels whilst holding the baby, I called up RCA, and informed them that they gave me the wrong remote. They asked me if I had batteries in the remote. I ignore the question because I'm not an idiot. They agree to send me the correct remote.
10 business days later, no remote arrives, so I call them. They said they were just kidding and for real were going to send the remote. They want to send me the exact same one they sent before, even though it isn't the right remote. I tell them that it isn't going to work, and 8 to 10 business days later, I'm vindicated as the second remote they send me doesn't work.
So I call them, and they tell me I have to get it at an authorized dealer, because they don't have the remote I need. I then ask for my money back. I get sent on the biggest wild goose chase in history. After calling six different numbers, I am informed that it is impossible for RCA to refund me the money, because thier policy states that they can only give refunds within 30 days of purchase of the product. I inform them that my policy is that when I buy something from someone, I expect it to work, or I get a refund. Plus, I did call them within 30 days, but they stalled me off by sending out the same remote that didn't work in the first place.
The conversations pretty much ended with a good old fashioned scream down by one of thier tech support guys who got mad with my response to if I had batteries in the remote. I told him I'm not stupid, my IQ is 142 and I could apply for MENSA if I wanted to. That is stretching the truth a little, my IQ last time I got tested was 136, and of course, having a high IQ doesn't necesarrily mean that you're not stupid.
Anyway, I spent 4 hours of my life arguing with these guys, but now I got the government to go after them, we'll see. The moral of the story is don't buy RCA products, because they have horrible customer service.
Aesop
While renewing my licence, I got the opportunity to register to vote. We've moved since the last general election, so I took advantage. When they asked me party affiliation, I was seriously considering marking democrat so I could vote for the worst democrat candidate in the primarys. Then I realized that the worst candidate is going to win anyway, so I just marked republican.
On Monday, I went to see Harry Potter. Angela's mom had free tickets to a sneek peek showing, and invited me, then followed it up with the new Harry Potter book for my birthday. I'm not one of those crazy fans that runs around in robes with thier wands drawn, but I have to admit that I like the Harry Potter books, and I've seen in the schools how the books have at least gotten more kids interested in reading. Anywhooo.
I got to see Harry Potter 5, which is pretty good as far as movies go. If you like Harry Potter, you'll like the movie. If you are one of those people that think it's cool to not like things that other people like, then it will be easy to pretend that you did't like the movie. If you truly don't like Harry Potter, then why are you going to the movie in the first place? I'm going to go ahead and give the movie 3 1/2 wands out of 5. It got knocked down half a wand because of the predictable slow motion, soundless Harry Potter scream when a main character dies. I was pretty sure that was going to happen.
The best part of the movie was that I got to see the trailer for the new "Get Smart" movie. Check out this link, click on 'Watch the trailer', and tell me it isn't the funniest thing you've seen in a while. Plus, Steve Carell is about as close as we're going to get to Don Adams.
If I had a personalized license plate, it would read RCA SUX. Now sit down and listen to the story of why:
About 3 months ago, Lincoln was obsessed with the garbage. Around the same time, our remote for our semi new TV which has a DVD player built in, disappeared. We're pretty sure Link decided to throw it away.
I tried to find universal remotes that work, but I couldn't get them configured right. Finally, I concluded that if it is too hard for me to do, then it must not work with our TV.
My next idea was to go to Wal*Mart and pillage a remote from an unsold unit. I decided that was an amoral approach. So wanting to do the right thing, I called up RCA, the maker of our TV, and ordered a new remote.
8 to 10 business days later, a package arrives. I am disappointed, because the remote looks nothing like our old one, and even more disappointed that it doesn't work. Wanting my wife to be able to change the channels whilst holding the baby, I called up RCA, and informed them that they gave me the wrong remote. They asked me if I had batteries in the remote. I ignore the question because I'm not an idiot. They agree to send me the correct remote.
10 business days later, no remote arrives, so I call them. They said they were just kidding and for real were going to send the remote. They want to send me the exact same one they sent before, even though it isn't the right remote. I tell them that it isn't going to work, and 8 to 10 business days later, I'm vindicated as the second remote they send me doesn't work.
So I call them, and they tell me I have to get it at an authorized dealer, because they don't have the remote I need. I then ask for my money back. I get sent on the biggest wild goose chase in history. After calling six different numbers, I am informed that it is impossible for RCA to refund me the money, because thier policy states that they can only give refunds within 30 days of purchase of the product. I inform them that my policy is that when I buy something from someone, I expect it to work, or I get a refund. Plus, I did call them within 30 days, but they stalled me off by sending out the same remote that didn't work in the first place.
The conversations pretty much ended with a good old fashioned scream down by one of thier tech support guys who got mad with my response to if I had batteries in the remote. I told him I'm not stupid, my IQ is 142 and I could apply for MENSA if I wanted to. That is stretching the truth a little, my IQ last time I got tested was 136, and of course, having a high IQ doesn't necesarrily mean that you're not stupid.
Anyway, I spent 4 hours of my life arguing with these guys, but now I got the government to go after them, we'll see. The moral of the story is don't buy RCA products, because they have horrible customer service.
Aesop
Friday, July 06, 2007
It's the end of the world as I know it.
Did I mention last time that when I put in sod, that I also put in a fire pit? Well, I did, which means I have to think of ways to use it, so it doesn't become a waste.
Ange and I were sitting in our room while Lincoln played somewhere else. Suddenly, we hear him start fiddling with the doorknob, and hear a satisfied grunt as the door opens, and he comes running in. Somehow, I don't think our lives will ever be the same.
We're getting excited for everyone to come down, and also excited to run the river, seeing as how we've had something like 40 days in a row with 100 or above temperatures. The following is a list of my predictions of what will happen. As usual, when my predection becomes true, I will shout 'prediction' for all to hear.
12 - John will somehow end up in a life threatning situation.
11 - Matt will get way lucky at some game... most likely Pillage and Plunder.
10 - Mike will finally choose a favorite baseball team and stick with it.
9 - Brett will make a hole in one on the 3rd hole at Uncle George's. (This is only a ploy to get him to come down, as he knows how accurate my predictions are.)
8 - Steph will get mad at someone for burping.
7 - The Bubs will try to play wiffle ball the entire time, only to be shut down constantly by Matt and John, who just want to watch Animaniacs.
6 - Jorja will remain in Georgia.
5 - Stockton will chastise someone for saying the 'stu' word.
4 - Maysen will avoid eating the 'inside skin' of her apple.
3 - Ellie will just sit there the entire time with a blank look on her face.
2 - Link will throw a toy through a window.
1 - Mike S.will negotiate with the drive thru lady at the local Wendy's for one of the sweet prizes.
Um, that's all folks
Porky Pig
Ange and I were sitting in our room while Lincoln played somewhere else. Suddenly, we hear him start fiddling with the doorknob, and hear a satisfied grunt as the door opens, and he comes running in. Somehow, I don't think our lives will ever be the same.
We're getting excited for everyone to come down, and also excited to run the river, seeing as how we've had something like 40 days in a row with 100 or above temperatures. The following is a list of my predictions of what will happen. As usual, when my predection becomes true, I will shout 'prediction' for all to hear.
12 - John will somehow end up in a life threatning situation.
11 - Matt will get way lucky at some game... most likely Pillage and Plunder.
10 - Mike will finally choose a favorite baseball team and stick with it.
9 - Brett will make a hole in one on the 3rd hole at Uncle George's. (This is only a ploy to get him to come down, as he knows how accurate my predictions are.)
8 - Steph will get mad at someone for burping.
7 - The Bubs will try to play wiffle ball the entire time, only to be shut down constantly by Matt and John, who just want to watch Animaniacs.
6 - Jorja will remain in Georgia.
5 - Stockton will chastise someone for saying the 'stu' word.
4 - Maysen will avoid eating the 'inside skin' of her apple.
3 - Ellie will just sit there the entire time with a blank look on her face.
2 - Link will throw a toy through a window.
1 - Mike S.will negotiate with the drive thru lady at the local Wendy's for one of the sweet prizes.
Um, that's all folks
Porky Pig
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Escargo Anyone?
First off, I'd like to mention that the streak is alive and well. I thought I was going to have to reset my throwup streak, but the thought of doing that helped me tough it out. Now Ange is sick which means I haven't slept in 2 days, and explains this post at 3:30 in the morning.
Next, I have now tossed two people this year. I was thinking that I wasn't going to get to toss anyone this year, but in the last five days, the full moon has wrought strange behavior on softball players.
The first victim of the tossing was a guy who was sent home for arguing balls and strikes. In his defense, he was mad that he didn't swing at the most perfect pitch in history. His team had kind of worked me up with sneaky complaining all night about obvious calls, so when he complained, I took it out on him.
The second guy was sent home for dropping an F bomb. In his defense, he did hit a way crappy pop up. Plus, his whole team thought that if you drop a fly ball, it counts as an out as long as the fielder was diving. These rules can be hard to keep track of.
We can only hope I get more opportunities to toss people, because I have a pretty good tossing motion. It comes from years of practice in the shower. I start my hand at my hip, and swing it up toward my head while pointing just over the nearest fence. It's perfect.
I will keep track of all ejections at the bottom of this page. We can only hope the list grows.
We put sod in our backyard recently. John was the only person cool enough to help out, so thanks John. I'll bat you leadoff next game for your troubles. Now that there is grass in our yard, I've noticed this huge snail migration. They come from under my deck, and try to make it across the grass where there is a wooden fence. This seems to be the goal of the snails. I don't know if snails are bad for grass, but they are a little creepy, so the other night, I went out with a small garbage can, and plucked 58 of those snails off this small patch of grass that we have.
I was thinking it would be a good idea to sell them to some French people as expensive food, but there are no French people that live by us, which also explains why I haven't started a bottled water business, or a surrender your country at the first sign of an invasion business.
So I figured I made my point with the snails, because 58 of them were crawling around the garbage can, so I went out 20 minutes later only to find 6 more crawling around. Needless to say, I was not pleased, so I picked them up and threw them on to the road. I threw them as high as I could to see if I could break their shell. I don't know if that makes me a bad person or not.
Then today, I found ten more out on the grass, so clearly, the message isn't being sent. They recieved the same treatment as the others, and I kind of feel bad that I made snails needlessly suffer, but in my defense, they are pretty annoying.
For those who don't know, we'll be blessing Ella, the date, time, and place will be on the Family Wiki here.
The End
F Bomb Nazi
Next, I have now tossed two people this year. I was thinking that I wasn't going to get to toss anyone this year, but in the last five days, the full moon has wrought strange behavior on softball players.
The first victim of the tossing was a guy who was sent home for arguing balls and strikes. In his defense, he was mad that he didn't swing at the most perfect pitch in history. His team had kind of worked me up with sneaky complaining all night about obvious calls, so when he complained, I took it out on him.
The second guy was sent home for dropping an F bomb. In his defense, he did hit a way crappy pop up. Plus, his whole team thought that if you drop a fly ball, it counts as an out as long as the fielder was diving. These rules can be hard to keep track of.
We can only hope I get more opportunities to toss people, because I have a pretty good tossing motion. It comes from years of practice in the shower. I start my hand at my hip, and swing it up toward my head while pointing just over the nearest fence. It's perfect.
I will keep track of all ejections at the bottom of this page. We can only hope the list grows.
We put sod in our backyard recently. John was the only person cool enough to help out, so thanks John. I'll bat you leadoff next game for your troubles. Now that there is grass in our yard, I've noticed this huge snail migration. They come from under my deck, and try to make it across the grass where there is a wooden fence. This seems to be the goal of the snails. I don't know if snails are bad for grass, but they are a little creepy, so the other night, I went out with a small garbage can, and plucked 58 of those snails off this small patch of grass that we have.
I was thinking it would be a good idea to sell them to some French people as expensive food, but there are no French people that live by us, which also explains why I haven't started a bottled water business, or a surrender your country at the first sign of an invasion business.
So I figured I made my point with the snails, because 58 of them were crawling around the garbage can, so I went out 20 minutes later only to find 6 more crawling around. Needless to say, I was not pleased, so I picked them up and threw them on to the road. I threw them as high as I could to see if I could break their shell. I don't know if that makes me a bad person or not.
Then today, I found ten more out on the grass, so clearly, the message isn't being sent. They recieved the same treatment as the others, and I kind of feel bad that I made snails needlessly suffer, but in my defense, they are pretty annoying.
For those who don't know, we'll be blessing Ella, the date, time, and place will be on the Family Wiki here.
The End
F Bomb Nazi
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
A New Girl in Town
Looks like Lincoln has been taken down a notch. We welcomed Ella Elaine to our family on June 11, 2007. She was 6 lbs. 15 oz., 20 inches tall, and is pretty cute as you'd expect by looking at her parents.
So far, Lincoln has remained optomistic that this is just a phase.
So far, Lincoln has remained optomistic that this is just a phase.
Ange is doing well, but as usual, food is appreciated. More by me than by her.
In other news, we went to Lagoon, and Lincoln rode the kiddy rides for the first time. His favorite ride seemed to be Kontiki, that one that looks like the Tidal Wave.
He was so interested in that one balloon game where you throw darts at balloons, that I plunked down 2 dollars to play it. They gave me 5 darts. The first 4 found thier mark, and then I asked Lincoln if he wanted to throw one. Without hesitating, he takes the dart and throws it, as the workers are scrambling to get out of the way. He popped a balloon, and his reward was an oversized foam die.
We also discovered that he is about an inch and a half short of riding on Rattlesnake Rapids, so Steph needs to make sure to bring her tall shoes when she comes down.
Finally, I have Platypi stats updated, but nowhere to post them just yet. I'm pretty sure Chad is going to comment on how I can do it on the family wiki, so I will give details. It is a somewhat hefty excel file, that I want people to be able to download. Now I will wait for the response. I would like to mention that right now, I lead the league in walks with 8. And I'm second in the league in triples with 3. I bet most of you didn't see that coming.
Coco Crisp
Oh and Happy Birthday Mike -- we'll beat Salt Lake Blues for you.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Hands off my money...please
I added a couple of new links to my blog. The first is a blog by Alyssa Milano of 'Who's the Boss?' fame. She is a Dodgers fan as am I, and her blog is mostly about the Dodgers. I'd have to say the best line in her blog is when she is talking about how Barry Bonds hit a homer against the Dodgers and she 'threw up in her mouth a little'. Good stuff.
The second blog I linked to is a Home Preparedness blog. A while ago on one of those 5th Sundays, they (whoever they is) had a guy come in and talk about saving money and being prepared for whatever may happen in the future. He has a blog, the link will take you there.
Now to my motivation for this post...
I'm looking at my gas bill, disgusted that I can't provide my own gas, when I notice that I only used $14.59 worth of gas last month. Sounds good, but hold your horses. Questar thinks it's funny to add a 'service fee' of $5, why they can't just include that with gas charges so I don't get mad about it, I'll never know.
That is not all. The government comes in on their high horse and taxes me a whopping 10.1%, and they inculde the stupid service charge. Not a big deal when only $14 of gas was used, but in January, we used over a hundred dollars of gas, and the government got to stick it to us for 10 more dollars. No wonder the government doesn't do anything about high gas prices.
Keep in mind, I have to pay them with money that I already paid taxes on.
I understand that the government needs to function, and that some taxes need to be paid, but I don't understand why I have to get nickeled and dimed my entire life when as a teacher, I don't make that much (relative to other americans) to begin with.
I guess the government just knows how to spend my money better. Afterall, someone has to pay for them to fly all over the country in thier leer jets, or they wouldn't be able to lecture us about global warming, and how we should conserve our natural resources.
The following is what I wish would happen. An independent accounting firm should put a cap on how much a legislative body can spend. For every percent that the legislature goes over, all members of the legislature get 2% taken away from their paychecks.
That's just off the top of my head, but seriously, something needs to be done to ensure that they use our money wisely.
Al Gore
The second blog I linked to is a Home Preparedness blog. A while ago on one of those 5th Sundays, they (whoever they is) had a guy come in and talk about saving money and being prepared for whatever may happen in the future. He has a blog, the link will take you there.
Now to my motivation for this post...
I'm looking at my gas bill, disgusted that I can't provide my own gas, when I notice that I only used $14.59 worth of gas last month. Sounds good, but hold your horses. Questar thinks it's funny to add a 'service fee' of $5, why they can't just include that with gas charges so I don't get mad about it, I'll never know.
That is not all. The government comes in on their high horse and taxes me a whopping 10.1%, and they inculde the stupid service charge. Not a big deal when only $14 of gas was used, but in January, we used over a hundred dollars of gas, and the government got to stick it to us for 10 more dollars. No wonder the government doesn't do anything about high gas prices.
Keep in mind, I have to pay them with money that I already paid taxes on.
I understand that the government needs to function, and that some taxes need to be paid, but I don't understand why I have to get nickeled and dimed my entire life when as a teacher, I don't make that much (relative to other americans) to begin with.
I guess the government just knows how to spend my money better. Afterall, someone has to pay for them to fly all over the country in thier leer jets, or they wouldn't be able to lecture us about global warming, and how we should conserve our natural resources.
The following is what I wish would happen. An independent accounting firm should put a cap on how much a legislative body can spend. For every percent that the legislature goes over, all members of the legislature get 2% taken away from their paychecks.
That's just off the top of my head, but seriously, something needs to be done to ensure that they use our money wisely.
Al Gore
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Trudy and Norrison
It's been a hard weekend... I heard that Sardine canyon had closed due to a fatal accident. We were watching the news, and found out that it was our nieghbors from across the street. This is the article from the Deseret News.
SARDINE CANYON, Box Elder County — A West Valley City father was the only one to survive an accident Friday evening that claimed his wife and 12-day-old infant and also took the life of a cyclist. The chain-reaction accident occurred just after 6 p.m. up Sardine Canyon on the border of Box Elder and Cache counties where U.S. 89 and state Route 91 merge, troopers said. Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Blaine Robbins said a vehicle carrying the couple and infant was heading north when a bicyclist traveling along the side of the road turned out into the path of the car. Robbins said the driver was unable to stop in time and struck the cyclist, causing the father to lose control of his vehicle, which veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a truck. Troopers say the cyclist, 37-year-old Robert Bennett of Brigham City, was pronounced dead at the scene. The car's driver, 37-year-old Michael Middleton of West Valley City, suffered serious injuries.
His wife, 38-year-old Trudy Middleton, was killed, and their 12-day old infant, Norrison Deschner, who was in a car seat, was flown by helicopter to Primary Children's Medical Center in extremely critical condition. The baby later was pronounced dead. The couple was in the process of changing their family name from Deschner to Middleton, according to the Highway Patrol. Robbins said both husband and wife were wearing their seat belts.
I know everyone says this about people who die, but Trudy was such a good person. She really was almost too good for this world. She was a fantastic piano player, and was due about the same time as Ange. Her baby came early, and he was so cute. She always used to say that Lincoln was the cutest little boy in the ward, and was always so kind to us. She also had a great sense of humor. To say we're going to miss her would not be enough.
Her husband Michael is a great guy as well. It will be hard for him, but I'm sure he'll find the strength to carry on. I am reminded of a lesson I taught a couple of months ago in Elders Quorum. Michael added some great comments to the lesson, and I hope his testimony can carry him through this difficult time. A quote from that lesson by Spencer W. Kimball, has stuck with me for a while:
"If we say early death is a calamity, disaster, or tragedy, would it not be saying that mortality is preferable to earlier entrance into the spirit would and to eventual salvation and exaltation? If mortality be the perfect state, then death would be a frustration, but the gospel teaches us there is no tragedy in death, but only in sin. "...blessed are the dead that die in the Lord..." (D&C 63:49)
Of course, tomorrow marks the 11th anniversary of my mom's death, I hope Trudy can find her, because I'm pretty sure they'd like each other. I know Trudy and Norrison are ok, I pray that Michael will be.
SARDINE CANYON, Box Elder County — A West Valley City father was the only one to survive an accident Friday evening that claimed his wife and 12-day-old infant and also took the life of a cyclist. The chain-reaction accident occurred just after 6 p.m. up Sardine Canyon on the border of Box Elder and Cache counties where U.S. 89 and state Route 91 merge, troopers said. Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Blaine Robbins said a vehicle carrying the couple and infant was heading north when a bicyclist traveling along the side of the road turned out into the path of the car. Robbins said the driver was unable to stop in time and struck the cyclist, causing the father to lose control of his vehicle, which veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a truck. Troopers say the cyclist, 37-year-old Robert Bennett of Brigham City, was pronounced dead at the scene. The car's driver, 37-year-old Michael Middleton of West Valley City, suffered serious injuries.
His wife, 38-year-old Trudy Middleton, was killed, and their 12-day old infant, Norrison Deschner, who was in a car seat, was flown by helicopter to Primary Children's Medical Center in extremely critical condition. The baby later was pronounced dead. The couple was in the process of changing their family name from Deschner to Middleton, according to the Highway Patrol. Robbins said both husband and wife were wearing their seat belts.
I know everyone says this about people who die, but Trudy was such a good person. She really was almost too good for this world. She was a fantastic piano player, and was due about the same time as Ange. Her baby came early, and he was so cute. She always used to say that Lincoln was the cutest little boy in the ward, and was always so kind to us. She also had a great sense of humor. To say we're going to miss her would not be enough.
Her husband Michael is a great guy as well. It will be hard for him, but I'm sure he'll find the strength to carry on. I am reminded of a lesson I taught a couple of months ago in Elders Quorum. Michael added some great comments to the lesson, and I hope his testimony can carry him through this difficult time. A quote from that lesson by Spencer W. Kimball, has stuck with me for a while:
"If we say early death is a calamity, disaster, or tragedy, would it not be saying that mortality is preferable to earlier entrance into the spirit would and to eventual salvation and exaltation? If mortality be the perfect state, then death would be a frustration, but the gospel teaches us there is no tragedy in death, but only in sin. "...blessed are the dead that die in the Lord..." (D&C 63:49)
Of course, tomorrow marks the 11th anniversary of my mom's death, I hope Trudy can find her, because I'm pretty sure they'd like each other. I know Trudy and Norrison are ok, I pray that Michael will be.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Chip In Bubs
I won a St. George golf getaway. This was back in December, I was watching channel 2, just about to go to bed. They threw up a trivia question, and I emailed in the correct answer. The question was:
According to NFL rules, what is the maximum amount of times a team can play on Monday Night Football during a season?
The next Wednesday, they informed me that I won, and I decided to cash in last week. Ange is pregnant, and obviously in no condition to golf, so we took John along with us.
The golf course was pretty nice. We got a cart, and 18 holes. Normally it would have cost $53 per, so there is no chance I would have ever golfed this course had it not been for the freebee.
Nice courses are lined with homes, and that makes me a little nervous, luckily, niether John nor I ever hit a house, although I gave one house a pretty good run for the money.
I was doing ok through the first six. The second par 3 we saw was over this gigantic ravine. I pared that hole, and then things fell apart. On the next tee, while we were waiting, the guy behind us, who seemed a tad religious, because he called the day 'glourious', even though it was clearly not glourious thanks to the wind, struck up a conversation and shook our hands. This would later be known as the 'touch of satan' because I suddenly couldn't hit the ball off the ground.
I regained my stroke toward the end of the front nine, but the damage was done, I was 23 strokes over par, while John was sitting at 15 over. (Yes, we suck)
On the 13th hole, a par 4, I hit a nice drive, and then promply hit a crappy shot that left me about 110 yards away from an elevated hole. There were houses surrounding the hole, of course, and I hit a pretty good shot, but couldn't see the hole. I took a couple of steps, and then a couple of guys on the balcony of one of the houses started cheering. My ball went straight into the hole. That would be the longest 'chip in' ever for me, and the only birdie of the day. I finished the back nine with a 14 over, while John finished with a 24 over, quite the role reversal.
On the last hole, it was a par 5, a little downhill with the wind at our backs. I hit a nice 300 yard drive that curled perfectly with the fairway. John bombed one, but we couldn't find it, so he had to drop. His next shot was a grounder, and off the fairway, and while he was looking for that ball, he found his origional ball, only 115 yards away from the hole. Quick subtraction told us that he drove his ball some 370 yards. Quite the drive.
It was a nice trip, and quite relaxing, especially since grandma had Lincoln. We watched the Jazz win the last two games vs. Houston, so, as you can imagine, we were in a good mood.
Pictures to come of the golfing, as soon as we find our camera.
Moving on... I found out yesterday, that Hunter High School is going to hire me for next year. I will be teaching Spanish, and either Math or Chemistry. This isn't one of those 'one year only' positions, so hopefully, I'll be there for a while. They also mentioned that they might have me coach girls basketball, and boys baseball. Obviously, I'm not going to force the issue, because I have people at home that I need to take care of, so we'll see. Needless to say, I'm excited for this opportunity. The Junior High has been nice, but those kids are more than restless, of course junior high kids just do nonstop dumb annoying things. High school kids tend to get in bigger trouble.
Finally, we have a car for sale, if anyone knows of someone who is interested. It is a well kept Ford Escort, has about 73,000 miles on it, was born in 2000. We owe $4,700 on it, so that is what we are trying to sell it for. We're trying to get down to just one car, now that Ange is a true stay at home mom, and gas prices are through the roof. I'd rather sell the car to someone I know, since I've never sold a car before, and am not sure how to do it.
The end
According to NFL rules, what is the maximum amount of times a team can play on Monday Night Football during a season?
The next Wednesday, they informed me that I won, and I decided to cash in last week. Ange is pregnant, and obviously in no condition to golf, so we took John along with us.
The golf course was pretty nice. We got a cart, and 18 holes. Normally it would have cost $53 per, so there is no chance I would have ever golfed this course had it not been for the freebee.
Nice courses are lined with homes, and that makes me a little nervous, luckily, niether John nor I ever hit a house, although I gave one house a pretty good run for the money.
I was doing ok through the first six. The second par 3 we saw was over this gigantic ravine. I pared that hole, and then things fell apart. On the next tee, while we were waiting, the guy behind us, who seemed a tad religious, because he called the day 'glourious', even though it was clearly not glourious thanks to the wind, struck up a conversation and shook our hands. This would later be known as the 'touch of satan' because I suddenly couldn't hit the ball off the ground.
I regained my stroke toward the end of the front nine, but the damage was done, I was 23 strokes over par, while John was sitting at 15 over. (Yes, we suck)
On the 13th hole, a par 4, I hit a nice drive, and then promply hit a crappy shot that left me about 110 yards away from an elevated hole. There were houses surrounding the hole, of course, and I hit a pretty good shot, but couldn't see the hole. I took a couple of steps, and then a couple of guys on the balcony of one of the houses started cheering. My ball went straight into the hole. That would be the longest 'chip in' ever for me, and the only birdie of the day. I finished the back nine with a 14 over, while John finished with a 24 over, quite the role reversal.
On the last hole, it was a par 5, a little downhill with the wind at our backs. I hit a nice 300 yard drive that curled perfectly with the fairway. John bombed one, but we couldn't find it, so he had to drop. His next shot was a grounder, and off the fairway, and while he was looking for that ball, he found his origional ball, only 115 yards away from the hole. Quick subtraction told us that he drove his ball some 370 yards. Quite the drive.
It was a nice trip, and quite relaxing, especially since grandma had Lincoln. We watched the Jazz win the last two games vs. Houston, so, as you can imagine, we were in a good mood.
Pictures to come of the golfing, as soon as we find our camera.
Moving on... I found out yesterday, that Hunter High School is going to hire me for next year. I will be teaching Spanish, and either Math or Chemistry. This isn't one of those 'one year only' positions, so hopefully, I'll be there for a while. They also mentioned that they might have me coach girls basketball, and boys baseball. Obviously, I'm not going to force the issue, because I have people at home that I need to take care of, so we'll see. Needless to say, I'm excited for this opportunity. The Junior High has been nice, but those kids are more than restless, of course junior high kids just do nonstop dumb annoying things. High school kids tend to get in bigger trouble.
Finally, we have a car for sale, if anyone knows of someone who is interested. It is a well kept Ford Escort, has about 73,000 miles on it, was born in 2000. We owe $4,700 on it, so that is what we are trying to sell it for. We're trying to get down to just one car, now that Ange is a true stay at home mom, and gas prices are through the roof. I'd rather sell the car to someone I know, since I've never sold a car before, and am not sure how to do it.
The end
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Cold Cereal Critic Bubs
I think I've been a little heavy handed with my posts lately, so I'm finally going to get down to doing a much needed list.
Best Cold Cereals
17- Honey Comb - Pretty ordinary if you ask me.
16- Cocoa Puffs - Not as good as it's cocoa cousin.
15- Reese's Puffs - A little peanut butter never hurt anyone, except for those with peanut allergies.
14- Apple Jacks - A poor man's Froot Loops.
13- Trix - I remember dad tourturing me in the store when I wanted to buy Trix saying "Trix are for Rabbits." Then I'd respond with the famous "No, Trix are for kids!" (I think that last sentence does merit an exclamation point.)
12- Raisin Bran - I like the one with sugar all over the raisins.
11- Cheerieos - The old standby.
10- Cocoa Pebbles - For the chocolate milk factor.
9- Cookie Crisp - Obscure
8- Rice Krispies - 2 reasons why this is so high on the list.
1- You can make rice krispy treats from them.
2- Dad told me that when the rice krispies are crackling, they are saying "Spencer W. Kimball is the prophet."
7- Kix - Rated high for the keeping Lincoln quiet in church factor.
6- Mini Wheats - I'm surprised myself.
5- Fruity Pebbles - Knocked down a few notches for always coming in a little box.
4- Lucky Charms - This cereal has made a surge of late. 10 years ago, it wouldn't have been in the top ten. I'd have to say Malt-o-meal's Marshmellow Mateys have something to do with that.
3- Frosted Flakes- I'm not sure if I like the milk afterward or the cereal more.
2- Cinnamon Toast Crunch - Much better than it's younger, uglier brother, French Toast Crunch.
1- Froot Loops - aka tear the roof of your mouth apart cereal, but seriously, quit whining.
I would like to mention that I purposefully snubbed Wheaties. They aren't that good, seriously. Any other snubs may be an oversight. I would also question General Mills's website. They buried Cinnamon Toast Crunch, it was almost impossible to find. Why?
Plus, I purposefully overlooked a top tener, the first one to notice and name will win a few drops of Tylenol for Infants.
Office quote of the day:
'I accidently cross dressed, then I had to ride up here with stupid Toby!"
Best Cold Cereals
17- Honey Comb - Pretty ordinary if you ask me.
16- Cocoa Puffs - Not as good as it's cocoa cousin.
15- Reese's Puffs - A little peanut butter never hurt anyone, except for those with peanut allergies.
14- Apple Jacks - A poor man's Froot Loops.
13- Trix - I remember dad tourturing me in the store when I wanted to buy Trix saying "Trix are for Rabbits." Then I'd respond with the famous "No, Trix are for kids!" (I think that last sentence does merit an exclamation point.)
12- Raisin Bran - I like the one with sugar all over the raisins.
11- Cheerieos - The old standby.
10- Cocoa Pebbles - For the chocolate milk factor.
9- Cookie Crisp - Obscure
8- Rice Krispies - 2 reasons why this is so high on the list.
1- You can make rice krispy treats from them.
2- Dad told me that when the rice krispies are crackling, they are saying "Spencer W. Kimball is the prophet."
7- Kix - Rated high for the keeping Lincoln quiet in church factor.
6- Mini Wheats - I'm surprised myself.
5- Fruity Pebbles - Knocked down a few notches for always coming in a little box.
4- Lucky Charms - This cereal has made a surge of late. 10 years ago, it wouldn't have been in the top ten. I'd have to say Malt-o-meal's Marshmellow Mateys have something to do with that.
3- Frosted Flakes- I'm not sure if I like the milk afterward or the cereal more.
2- Cinnamon Toast Crunch - Much better than it's younger, uglier brother, French Toast Crunch.
1- Froot Loops - aka tear the roof of your mouth apart cereal, but seriously, quit whining.
I would like to mention that I purposefully snubbed Wheaties. They aren't that good, seriously. Any other snubs may be an oversight. I would also question General Mills's website. They buried Cinnamon Toast Crunch, it was almost impossible to find. Why?
Plus, I purposefully overlooked a top tener, the first one to notice and name will win a few drops of Tylenol for Infants.
Office quote of the day:
'I accidently cross dressed, then I had to ride up here with stupid Toby!"
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Leave 'em all behind
One of the best commercials of all time, I first saw it at Hunter when the Physics teacher showed it to me. It's 2:00 long.
There were no camera tricks or computer graphics added, except the room wasn't big enough to fit the whole thing, so they split it into two takes, right where the muffler is rolling on the ground... If you are seriously interested, you can start by visiting the link below:
http://www.snopes.com/photos/advertisements/hondacog.asp
Of course I'm trusting someone I don't know, but Snopes hasn't let me down before.
So Easter is in the books. That means it's stretch run time for teachers. Time to drill kids into submission, so they can pass a multiple choice test that will show how good of a teacher I am. And if they don't do good, then of course, it's my fault.
I actually think the No Child Left Behind law is alright, except for a few fatal flaws. The biggest problem I see with the law is that all responsibility is put on teachers for a child's learning. In my opinion, at least two other parties are responsible. The parents or guardians of the child, and the child him/herself.
I also have a problem with the culture of treating teachers as if they aren't professionals. Teachers train for thier job longer than just about any other job, and it's irritating when "know-it-alls" come riding in on thier white horse and try to fix what's wrong with teachers. By in large, the system is broken, and teachers try to do the best they can with a broken system.
So, if we have to have a law that holds people accountable, it should hold accountable all responsible parties, not just teachers. Here's what I'd do, of course I'm only a teacher, so I probably don't know what I'm talking about.
1. Parents don't get to claim a tax deduction for a failing student.
2. Failing students repeat the grade they failed.
3. Teachers continue to be held accountable.
The biggest problem with this scenario is the same problem we have today, and that is how are we going to decide who is 'failing'?
Also, there are several students (namely children of illegal aliens) whose parents don't pay taxes, and would therefore be unaffected by these new regulations. Logically, they shouldn't be allowed to attend school, but education people are generally compassionate, and don't want to keep people from learning. And yes, I meant to say aliens.
Rant over.
We bought Lincoln a little basketball hoop, and he plays with it nonstop. Amazing how he knows what he's supposed to do with the thing.
That will be all, it's time for me to clean the house, Lincoln can sure mess things up quickly.
There were no camera tricks or computer graphics added, except the room wasn't big enough to fit the whole thing, so they split it into two takes, right where the muffler is rolling on the ground... If you are seriously interested, you can start by visiting the link below:
http://www.snopes.com/photos/advertisements/hondacog.asp
Of course I'm trusting someone I don't know, but Snopes hasn't let me down before.
So Easter is in the books. That means it's stretch run time for teachers. Time to drill kids into submission, so they can pass a multiple choice test that will show how good of a teacher I am. And if they don't do good, then of course, it's my fault.
I actually think the No Child Left Behind law is alright, except for a few fatal flaws. The biggest problem I see with the law is that all responsibility is put on teachers for a child's learning. In my opinion, at least two other parties are responsible. The parents or guardians of the child, and the child him/herself.
I also have a problem with the culture of treating teachers as if they aren't professionals. Teachers train for thier job longer than just about any other job, and it's irritating when "know-it-alls" come riding in on thier white horse and try to fix what's wrong with teachers. By in large, the system is broken, and teachers try to do the best they can with a broken system.
So, if we have to have a law that holds people accountable, it should hold accountable all responsible parties, not just teachers. Here's what I'd do, of course I'm only a teacher, so I probably don't know what I'm talking about.
1. Parents don't get to claim a tax deduction for a failing student.
2. Failing students repeat the grade they failed.
3. Teachers continue to be held accountable.
The biggest problem with this scenario is the same problem we have today, and that is how are we going to decide who is 'failing'?
Also, there are several students (namely children of illegal aliens) whose parents don't pay taxes, and would therefore be unaffected by these new regulations. Logically, they shouldn't be allowed to attend school, but education people are generally compassionate, and don't want to keep people from learning. And yes, I meant to say aliens.
Rant over.
We bought Lincoln a little basketball hoop, and he plays with it nonstop. Amazing how he knows what he's supposed to do with the thing.
That will be all, it's time for me to clean the house, Lincoln can sure mess things up quickly.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Happy Easter
Easter means a few things, and one of them is Cadbury Eggs. Has anyone noticed them getting smaller? Watch this:
Cadbury probably spins it like: Our eggs now have 10% less fat, sugar, carbs...
The man
Cadbury probably spins it like: Our eggs now have 10% less fat, sugar, carbs...
The man
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Real Estate Bubs
I ran across a video that matches a roller coaster to the last 120 years or so of home values adjusted for inflation. Notice the last 20 years or so just goes straight up.
The link below is where you go if the embedded video doesn't work:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2757699799528285056
I have started reading a book called "The two income trap". So far it has been quite interesting. The authors debunk the myth that people today go bankrupt because of overconsumption. That is what the creditors want us to believe. In almost every aspect of life, average people today spend less on just about everything. The one thing they spend more on... way more... is a home.
The reason for this is the unintended consequence of women entering the workforce in huge numbers. That has given families more money to bid up housing. Housing is the one thing that has gone up, because families want thier children to be safe and go to good schools. In most areas, when adjusted for inflation, housing is three times more than it was a generation ago. In 1975, the government forced mortgage companies to count a womens income. Sounds like a good thing, but that gave families more money to bid up desireable housing. Now, even though families earn more, adjusted for inflation, they actually have less after the house is taken care of.
This is the reason most women have to work, and when disaster strikes, since both incomes were being used to buy and maintain a house, there is no safety net. That is the reason we see more bankrupt families.
We are trying to get ourselves down to one income, and it has been awful. We don't have unnecesarry things, and we just can't seem to make ends meet. More than half of my paycheck goes to pay the mortgage, and this is with a house that we only had to pay half price for. You would think that someone who has a master's degree (almost) would easily make money for his household, but it isn't true, especially if that person goes into teaching. This is the main reason that I see myself going into administration, because it is my job to earn enough for my family, so my wife can stay home and raise some good kids, and so we can save enough to not rely on government programs (social security) when I'm too old to work.
My wife is a very skilled person, and can earn our family alot of money if she needs to, but we have decided that it is better for her to stay home, because she wants to be with the kids, and we know it is the right thing to do.
I don't want to come off as bitter, because I wouldn't trade my life, my wife, or my kid(s) for anything. I feel like I put off kids too long because of money, and I'm glad that we decided to just take the plunge, even though we knew it was going to be rough. I'm also glad I went into teaching, because that is what I like to do, and it is much easier to deal with 14 and 15 year olds when it is something that you like to do, and you are good at it. If only they'd get my jokes, they'd realize how funny I am.
It's just nice to know what the problem is, so we at least know what we're dealing with. We've made a goal to start a Roth IRA by December, and I think all young couples out there should make the same goal, because short of Lincoln playing a professional sport, I don't see anyone taking care of me when I'm older.
Thank you Democrats for shooting down social security reform, even though you claim to look out for the working class. It is quite obvious that you only care about foiling George W. Bush, and getting God out of our society. Keep up the "good" work. Not that I think the government should take care of me, but right now, I give social security 7.5% of my paycheck, and my employer matches that amount instead of giving it to me. Since I am paying all this money into the broken system, it would be nice to see a payoff. I'd rather just get the 15% and fend for myself.
By the way, the number one predictor of going bankrupt now is if you have children. I think that is a sad commentary on where our society has placed it's priorities.
The link below is where you go if the embedded video doesn't work:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2757699799528285056
I have started reading a book called "The two income trap". So far it has been quite interesting. The authors debunk the myth that people today go bankrupt because of overconsumption. That is what the creditors want us to believe. In almost every aspect of life, average people today spend less on just about everything. The one thing they spend more on... way more... is a home.
The reason for this is the unintended consequence of women entering the workforce in huge numbers. That has given families more money to bid up housing. Housing is the one thing that has gone up, because families want thier children to be safe and go to good schools. In most areas, when adjusted for inflation, housing is three times more than it was a generation ago. In 1975, the government forced mortgage companies to count a womens income. Sounds like a good thing, but that gave families more money to bid up desireable housing. Now, even though families earn more, adjusted for inflation, they actually have less after the house is taken care of.
This is the reason most women have to work, and when disaster strikes, since both incomes were being used to buy and maintain a house, there is no safety net. That is the reason we see more bankrupt families.
We are trying to get ourselves down to one income, and it has been awful. We don't have unnecesarry things, and we just can't seem to make ends meet. More than half of my paycheck goes to pay the mortgage, and this is with a house that we only had to pay half price for. You would think that someone who has a master's degree (almost) would easily make money for his household, but it isn't true, especially if that person goes into teaching. This is the main reason that I see myself going into administration, because it is my job to earn enough for my family, so my wife can stay home and raise some good kids, and so we can save enough to not rely on government programs (social security) when I'm too old to work.
My wife is a very skilled person, and can earn our family alot of money if she needs to, but we have decided that it is better for her to stay home, because she wants to be with the kids, and we know it is the right thing to do.
I don't want to come off as bitter, because I wouldn't trade my life, my wife, or my kid(s) for anything. I feel like I put off kids too long because of money, and I'm glad that we decided to just take the plunge, even though we knew it was going to be rough. I'm also glad I went into teaching, because that is what I like to do, and it is much easier to deal with 14 and 15 year olds when it is something that you like to do, and you are good at it. If only they'd get my jokes, they'd realize how funny I am.
It's just nice to know what the problem is, so we at least know what we're dealing with. We've made a goal to start a Roth IRA by December, and I think all young couples out there should make the same goal, because short of Lincoln playing a professional sport, I don't see anyone taking care of me when I'm older.
Thank you Democrats for shooting down social security reform, even though you claim to look out for the working class. It is quite obvious that you only care about foiling George W. Bush, and getting God out of our society. Keep up the "good" work. Not that I think the government should take care of me, but right now, I give social security 7.5% of my paycheck, and my employer matches that amount instead of giving it to me. Since I am paying all this money into the broken system, it would be nice to see a payoff. I'd rather just get the 15% and fend for myself.
By the way, the number one predictor of going bankrupt now is if you have children. I think that is a sad commentary on where our society has placed it's priorities.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Lincoln update
Readers of this blog have probably noticed that I don't talk about Lincoln nearly as much as Christen talks about Skye. This is not because I don't have anything to say about him, or that he doesn't so funny things all the time, but that we're afraid that some sicko is going to get too much info about the boy. So...
if you are a sicko, I have a few things to tell you. You are niether funny nor cool. Seriously. Stop tormenting our children, and stop reading this blog because you are surely violating your paroll. Wait until I tell your PO, you're going to be going back to jail. Now go away.
Now that is taken care of, I thought I'd update everyone on Lincoln's vocabulary/activities.
Words he says:
Mama
Dada
Words he has said before, but not for a while:
Airplane
Kitty
Words he signs:
hat
drink
eat
more
milk
diaper
fan
moon
airplane
pray
cheese
water
Body parts he can point to
hair
ears
nose
eyes
mouth
belly button
foot/toes
knees
elbows
Animals he imitates:
cow (vooo)
cat (a high pitched whiney sound)
horse (hee hee)
dog (ooof)
Other words he knows:
Shoes
toys
TV
computer
car
carseat
Elmo
mouse (computer)
chocolate milk (oops)
jacket
Favorite activites:
1 - Playing with any kind of ball
2- climbing on things
3- tearing apart well ordered stuff
4- running
5- playing with toys
6- being dragged around in a box
That is all
if you are a sicko, I have a few things to tell you. You are niether funny nor cool. Seriously. Stop tormenting our children, and stop reading this blog because you are surely violating your paroll. Wait until I tell your PO, you're going to be going back to jail. Now go away.
Now that is taken care of, I thought I'd update everyone on Lincoln's vocabulary/activities.
Words he says:
Mama
Dada
Words he has said before, but not for a while:
Airplane
Kitty
Words he signs:
hat
drink
eat
more
milk
diaper
fan
moon
airplane
pray
cheese
water
Body parts he can point to
hair
ears
nose
eyes
mouth
belly button
foot/toes
knees
elbows
Animals he imitates:
cow (vooo)
cat (a high pitched whiney sound)
horse (hee hee)
dog (ooof)
Other words he knows:
Shoes
toys
TV
computer
car
carseat
Elmo
mouse (computer)
chocolate milk (oops)
jacket
Favorite activites:
1 - Playing with any kind of ball
2- climbing on things
3- tearing apart well ordered stuff
4- running
5- playing with toys
6- being dragged around in a box
That is all
Monday, April 02, 2007
The boy will play basketball
So we had our faculty basketball game against the 9th grade team again this year. Needless to say, the Bubs did not disappoint. The Bubs rained down 3's on those poor 9th graders. We were up by 13 at half, and got up by 21 before coasting to a 13 point win. Of course, much trash talking was done by the boys basketball team that was not backed up. The Bubs, as usual, remained humble throughout. The Bubs also refrained from betting on the outcome of the game, or the Bubs's point total.
In other news, Lincoln learned how to dribble a ball yesterday. That checks off another item on my checklist to developing a good basketball player. Below is the list, along with the date the item was completed if applicable.
1. Have a tall baby. Oct 2005
2. Get baby used to balls. May 2006
3. Take baby to basketball games. Jan 2006
4. Teach baby how to throw. Aug 2006
5. Teach baby how to dribble. April 2007
6. Buy a basketball hoop for baby.
7. Teach boy how to aim.
8. Teach boy how to jump better than daddy.
9. Buy an adjustable basketball hoop
10. Teach boy how to pass
11. Teach boy how to shoot.
12. Teach boy how to post up.
13. Teach boy how to execute a pick and roll.
14. Teach boy how to rebound.
15. Teach boy how to swing elbows in traffic without getting a foul.
16. Practice game situations with the boy.
17. Teach boy how to move feet on defense.
18. Teach boy how to talk on defense.
19. Teach boy how to set a proper screen.
20. Teach boy how to dive on the floor all the time, thus giving observers the appearance of hustle.
Throughout the process, it is important to remember, that the boy was put on the earth to make tons of money for his parents, so they can live the rest of thier lives in utter slothery.
Sorry about the inconsistant periods throughout. Props to you guys for not pointing it out.
I'd also like to mention that Lincoln is starting to go to the bathroom on the toilet. He's only 17 months old, and while I'm not holding out much hope that diapers will soon be a thing of the past, it has to be a good sign.
Wally
In other news, Lincoln learned how to dribble a ball yesterday. That checks off another item on my checklist to developing a good basketball player. Below is the list, along with the date the item was completed if applicable.
1. Have a tall baby. Oct 2005
2. Get baby used to balls. May 2006
3. Take baby to basketball games. Jan 2006
4. Teach baby how to throw. Aug 2006
5. Teach baby how to dribble. April 2007
6. Buy a basketball hoop for baby.
7. Teach boy how to aim.
8. Teach boy how to jump better than daddy.
9. Buy an adjustable basketball hoop
10. Teach boy how to pass
11. Teach boy how to shoot.
12. Teach boy how to post up.
13. Teach boy how to execute a pick and roll.
14. Teach boy how to rebound.
15. Teach boy how to swing elbows in traffic without getting a foul.
16. Practice game situations with the boy.
17. Teach boy how to move feet on defense.
18. Teach boy how to talk on defense.
19. Teach boy how to set a proper screen.
20. Teach boy how to dive on the floor all the time, thus giving observers the appearance of hustle.
Throughout the process, it is important to remember, that the boy was put on the earth to make tons of money for his parents, so they can live the rest of thier lives in utter slothery.
Sorry about the inconsistant periods throughout. Props to you guys for not pointing it out.
I'd also like to mention that Lincoln is starting to go to the bathroom on the toilet. He's only 17 months old, and while I'm not holding out much hope that diapers will soon be a thing of the past, it has to be a good sign.
Wally
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Tourney time bubs
Now is your time to prove that you are smarter than me. I created an online place to predict the NCAA tournament. Anyone is free to join as long as they are not a nerd. You need a free Yahoo ID to play. Here's the site: http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/men
The group number is 25428
The password is platypi
The group name is Treebeard
The winner gets an all expense paid* trip to see the bubs (*does not include expenses). Some have already signed up... Brett, how on earth did Rachel sign up like two days ago, and you still haven't. I think somebody's scared of getting shown up. That's what I think.
Here are my predictions for the Mountain West Conference Tournament.
I jinxed BYU by picking them to win it last year, so I'll go with the home team. I would like to see a team that doesn't wear red win one somewhere along the line. Mountain West teams need to get more creative with thier colors instead of copying each other.
Other notes of interest... I found a bag of circus peanuts downstairs in Natalie's room. Needless to say, they'll be gone soon.
Bubba
The group number is 25428
The password is platypi
The group name is Treebeard
The winner gets an all expense paid* trip to see the bubs (*does not include expenses). Some have already signed up... Brett, how on earth did Rachel sign up like two days ago, and you still haven't. I think somebody's scared of getting shown up. That's what I think.
Here are my predictions for the Mountain West Conference Tournament.
I jinxed BYU by picking them to win it last year, so I'll go with the home team. I would like to see a team that doesn't wear red win one somewhere along the line. Mountain West teams need to get more creative with thier colors instead of copying each other.
Other notes of interest... I found a bag of circus peanuts downstairs in Natalie's room. Needless to say, they'll be gone soon.
Bubba
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Dessert Bubs
I hope I spelled the title right. No worries, some one will let me know if I spelt it wrong. I ran across this video today. Thought it was funny/clever
We had an ice cream party for all students on our team of 120 kids who passed all four team classes. (Team classes consist of Math, English, Science, and History)
Of our 120 students we have in common, only 25 were able to attend the ice cream party. While the other teachers were compaining about how only 25 were able to make it to the party, I was wondering if there's a better dessert in the world than ice cream. The conclusion I reached was no. Any dessert that I was thinking was better had ice cream already in it as it's main ingredient. Therefore, ice cream is the best dessert in the world.
So beside ice cream and ice cream related desserts, here's a list of the best desserts out there.
14-Frosty From Wendy's (I don't think it's made of ice cream)
13-Strawberry Shortcake
12-Chocolate Cinnamon Bears
11-Cinnamon Toast
10-Apple Pie
9-Pudding
8-Banana Cream Pie
7-Chocolate Chip Cookies
6-Chocolate dipped fruit (strawberries, bananas etc.)
5-Carmel Apples
4-Chocolate Cake
3-Cheesecake
2-Fudge
1-S'mores
I'd have to say that I was surprised how low on the list Apple Pie was, but it makes sense when you remember that ice cream can't be involved.
I think if there were a list of worst desserts, it would be led off by Rhubarb Pie. Not a big fan of the Rhubarb... of course I only tried it once when I was 7, but those memories can be a powerful thing.
I'm hungry
No name
We had an ice cream party for all students on our team of 120 kids who passed all four team classes. (Team classes consist of Math, English, Science, and History)
Of our 120 students we have in common, only 25 were able to attend the ice cream party. While the other teachers were compaining about how only 25 were able to make it to the party, I was wondering if there's a better dessert in the world than ice cream. The conclusion I reached was no. Any dessert that I was thinking was better had ice cream already in it as it's main ingredient. Therefore, ice cream is the best dessert in the world.
So beside ice cream and ice cream related desserts, here's a list of the best desserts out there.
14-Frosty From Wendy's (I don't think it's made of ice cream)
13-Strawberry Shortcake
12-Chocolate Cinnamon Bears
11-Cinnamon Toast
10-Apple Pie
9-Pudding
8-Banana Cream Pie
7-Chocolate Chip Cookies
6-Chocolate dipped fruit (strawberries, bananas etc.)
5-Carmel Apples
4-Chocolate Cake
3-Cheesecake
2-Fudge
1-S'mores
I'd have to say that I was surprised how low on the list Apple Pie was, but it makes sense when you remember that ice cream can't be involved.
I think if there were a list of worst desserts, it would be led off by Rhubarb Pie. Not a big fan of the Rhubarb... of course I only tried it once when I was 7, but those memories can be a powerful thing.
I'm hungry
No name
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Cat 1, Link 0
I am starting a list of my favorite games, those links are below. I don't really play games alot on the computer, but I am a teacher that catches kids playing games on computers when they should be doing their work. Before I force them to log out, I take note if it's a good game or not. The most popular game of late is a game called 'Kitty Cannon' which has you launch a cat through a series of traps. The end of the story is you end up with this mangled cat which the Jr. High kids think is cool, but The Bubs frowns upon.
The good news is we haven't had to purchase a car for a whole month. I should replace my throwup counter with that.
Ange took the boy to a jewlery party. Not because she does those kinds of parties, but her sister was hard up for some people to show. Lincoln decided to 'play' with the cat. He chased the poor cat around for nearly an hour. Toward the end, he gave the cat 'loves' and the cat responded by giving him these huge gouge marks on the top of his head, and the back of his neck. Needless to say, Link needs to not play with animals that have claws. One of his scratch marks looks infected... hopefully we don't end up in the hospital.
Also, I won this golf trip to St. George. I am taking Ange and John. Finally I get to pay John back for that Jazz game he took me to 10 years ago. John had already called a collection company, but lo, the debt will be paid. We get to play at some championship golf course which means I'll get to swing it quite a bit.
Parent Teacher Conferences next week, two days of talking to parents, one day off.
The end
The good news is we haven't had to purchase a car for a whole month. I should replace my throwup counter with that.
Ange took the boy to a jewlery party. Not because she does those kinds of parties, but her sister was hard up for some people to show. Lincoln decided to 'play' with the cat. He chased the poor cat around for nearly an hour. Toward the end, he gave the cat 'loves' and the cat responded by giving him these huge gouge marks on the top of his head, and the back of his neck. Needless to say, Link needs to not play with animals that have claws. One of his scratch marks looks infected... hopefully we don't end up in the hospital.
Also, I won this golf trip to St. George. I am taking Ange and John. Finally I get to pay John back for that Jazz game he took me to 10 years ago. John had already called a collection company, but lo, the debt will be paid. We get to play at some championship golf course which means I'll get to swing it quite a bit.
Parent Teacher Conferences next week, two days of talking to parents, one day off.
The end
Sunday, February 18, 2007
...but suddenly a new contender has emerged.
I have been sick for the last few days. I toughed it out at school for two days so I wouldn't have to use the ever precious sick leave. It was difficult for the following reasons.
The faculty bathroom is a long walk away.
The bathroom close by is disgusting.
It is frustrating enough trying to teach systems of equations.
I had to miss Fish Sandwich Friday in the cafeteria due to me not wanting to eat anything.
The good news is I found out the front office has ginormous bottles of Advil, Tylenol and Tums. I guess they go through the Tums bottle once a week. I think it's Tums's fault for making the pills taste too much like candy.
Since I have been sick, I have just laid around for most of the weekend to date. I was going to see if Steve and Sharon needed help with their cabin, but I figured that they wouldn't consider me getting them sick helping.
I was feeling a little better today, so we decided to take a Sunday drive up one of the local canyons. We had a nice drive up Big Cottonwood, turned around and almost witnessed a rollover. I haven't ever really wanted to witness a rollover. As we rounded this one corner, there was a SUV on it's side with this guy barely crawing out the top door. Amazingly, the police were already there, so we didn't feel the need to stop.
We got toward the bottom of the canyon, and Ange wanted Lincoln to be able to stretch his legs a little. So we pulled off at this picnic area. It should be noted that Ange was the driver, and the Bubs was under the impression that Ange was going to pull into the parking space that was clear of snow and ice, and not proceed to the icy slope below. Ange had her eye on the bathroom because she apparently had to 'go'.
So we got stuck in the bottom of this picnic area. Our minivan was backed up against a dumpster and the back tires were on solid ground. This did us no good, because our minivan has front wheel drive, and those tires were on a thick sheet of ice. I'm sitting there thinking I'm a bigger idiot than the lady that shouted 'you're all winners'.
First we tried stuffing spare wood underneath tires. That was a no go. Then I put a huge piece of plastic that used to cover the dumpster under one of the tires. That didn't work either. Seemingly out of options, I tried to call someone. No service. After a long hike, still no service. I went back thinking I was going to have to hike down the canyon, call someone, and then be embarrased by the situation we were in.
Then I started thinking I wish I had some salt to melt the ice. That made me think about how they don't use salt in Idaho, but sand. Then I looked across the river and saw sand. I found a bucket, and this little play shovel Lincoln has. I was able to dig up a few bucketfulls of frozen sand and sprinkle them under the tires. Then I pushed the minivan and told Ange to hit it. To my amazement, the van got unstuck, and we were saved.
The moral of the story: I am a genius while simultaneously being an idiot.
Can'tstandya
The faculty bathroom is a long walk away.
The bathroom close by is disgusting.
It is frustrating enough trying to teach systems of equations.
I had to miss Fish Sandwich Friday in the cafeteria due to me not wanting to eat anything.
The good news is I found out the front office has ginormous bottles of Advil, Tylenol and Tums. I guess they go through the Tums bottle once a week. I think it's Tums's fault for making the pills taste too much like candy.
Since I have been sick, I have just laid around for most of the weekend to date. I was going to see if Steve and Sharon needed help with their cabin, but I figured that they wouldn't consider me getting them sick helping.
I was feeling a little better today, so we decided to take a Sunday drive up one of the local canyons. We had a nice drive up Big Cottonwood, turned around and almost witnessed a rollover. I haven't ever really wanted to witness a rollover. As we rounded this one corner, there was a SUV on it's side with this guy barely crawing out the top door. Amazingly, the police were already there, so we didn't feel the need to stop.
We got toward the bottom of the canyon, and Ange wanted Lincoln to be able to stretch his legs a little. So we pulled off at this picnic area. It should be noted that Ange was the driver, and the Bubs was under the impression that Ange was going to pull into the parking space that was clear of snow and ice, and not proceed to the icy slope below. Ange had her eye on the bathroom because she apparently had to 'go'.
So we got stuck in the bottom of this picnic area. Our minivan was backed up against a dumpster and the back tires were on solid ground. This did us no good, because our minivan has front wheel drive, and those tires were on a thick sheet of ice. I'm sitting there thinking I'm a bigger idiot than the lady that shouted 'you're all winners'.
First we tried stuffing spare wood underneath tires. That was a no go. Then I put a huge piece of plastic that used to cover the dumpster under one of the tires. That didn't work either. Seemingly out of options, I tried to call someone. No service. After a long hike, still no service. I went back thinking I was going to have to hike down the canyon, call someone, and then be embarrased by the situation we were in.
Then I started thinking I wish I had some salt to melt the ice. That made me think about how they don't use salt in Idaho, but sand. Then I looked across the river and saw sand. I found a bucket, and this little play shovel Lincoln has. I was able to dig up a few bucketfulls of frozen sand and sprinkle them under the tires. Then I pushed the minivan and told Ange to hit it. To my amazement, the van got unstuck, and we were saved.
The moral of the story: I am a genius while simultaneously being an idiot.
Can'tstandya
Friday, February 09, 2007
Ohhh the poopsmith he would talk...
Close to March Madness time. I, of course, have wasted countless hours trying to figure out if BYU is in or not. There is a pretty cool story of a bunch of writers doing the mock draft on ESPN.com. It mentions BYU a few times. Here is thier mock bracket.
So we were eating at Sweet Tomatoes today, which has turned into Ange's favorite restaurant, and is the one thing she seems to crave all the time.
Lincoln eats for free, and takes the place for all it's worth. He ate so much his belly was sticking out. I decided I'd get him down fromt he high chair when I smelt it...
So while Ange was finishing up, I took him out to the minivan to see about changing his diaper. I gave him a little time to finish up since he was grunting. By then, Ange had gotten there. I laid him down on the bench and opened up the diaper. Because his little bum was hanging over the edge of the bench, when I took the diaper off, there was no support from below. The diaper became rapidly unbalanced, and a huge 'Lincoln Log' started sliding off the diaper toward the floor of the van.
At this point, I had a decision to make. Do I let it splat on the floor, or do I be a hero and catch it?
I decided to save the day. A sickening sound announced the arrival of the load. I was not sure what I should do, so I just held on for dear life until the diaper was able once again to recieve the item in question. My hand cleans much easier than van carpets, so I think I made the correct decision.
Amazingly, while all this is going on, there is a guy waiting to park in the stall next to us. After I'm done with all my antics, he still decides to park there. Apparently we had it enough under control that he figured the risk of collateral damage to be minimal.
That will be all for now.
Strong Sad
So we were eating at Sweet Tomatoes today, which has turned into Ange's favorite restaurant, and is the one thing she seems to crave all the time.
Lincoln eats for free, and takes the place for all it's worth. He ate so much his belly was sticking out. I decided I'd get him down fromt he high chair when I smelt it...
So while Ange was finishing up, I took him out to the minivan to see about changing his diaper. I gave him a little time to finish up since he was grunting. By then, Ange had gotten there. I laid him down on the bench and opened up the diaper. Because his little bum was hanging over the edge of the bench, when I took the diaper off, there was no support from below. The diaper became rapidly unbalanced, and a huge 'Lincoln Log' started sliding off the diaper toward the floor of the van.
At this point, I had a decision to make. Do I let it splat on the floor, or do I be a hero and catch it?
I decided to save the day. A sickening sound announced the arrival of the load. I was not sure what I should do, so I just held on for dear life until the diaper was able once again to recieve the item in question. My hand cleans much easier than van carpets, so I think I made the correct decision.
Amazingly, while all this is going on, there is a guy waiting to park in the stall next to us. After I'm done with all my antics, he still decides to park there. Apparently we had it enough under control that he figured the risk of collateral damage to be minimal.
That will be all for now.
Strong Sad
Saturday, February 03, 2007
It's about time Bubs
I didn't want to change over to the Beta version of Blogger, but I got tired of being pestered, so here I am. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now.
Link can now run. His favorite game is to be chased around. He has two 'safe' spots. The couch in the living room, and the mattress we have for him on his bedroom floor to try to teach him to sleep in a big boy bed. I frequently violate the safe spot rule... I hope Lincoln doesn't resent me for it.
In the spirite of the Blog of the Bubs, here is a list of thing Link will point at if asked:
10- the door
9 - The bathtub
8- Cheese
7- Sleepy Time Bear
6- The ball
5- The flag
4- The ducky
3- Lincoln
2- Mommy
1 - The light
His second favorite game is to put things in other things. His liking of this game has caused the need to sift through the garbage before throwing it out. I also have to check my shoes before putting them on.
In other news, we found out we are going to have a girl. At the risk of casting pearls before swine, we have decide we'll name her Ella. Needless to say, her middle name will not be Emma. Ella is the name of my great great grandma -- a story to be told to anyone who is interested. Ange is excited, because she always wanted to call her girl Ellie, but didn't want to name her Elenor.
In other news, I went to the BYU Air Force game, and it dominated. Now hopefully they don't lose today.
Bubba
Link can now run. His favorite game is to be chased around. He has two 'safe' spots. The couch in the living room, and the mattress we have for him on his bedroom floor to try to teach him to sleep in a big boy bed. I frequently violate the safe spot rule... I hope Lincoln doesn't resent me for it.
In the spirite of the Blog of the Bubs, here is a list of thing Link will point at if asked:
10- the door
9 - The bathtub
8- Cheese
7- Sleepy Time Bear
6- The ball
5- The flag
4- The ducky
3- Lincoln
2- Mommy
1 - The light
His second favorite game is to put things in other things. His liking of this game has caused the need to sift through the garbage before throwing it out. I also have to check my shoes before putting them on.
In other news, we found out we are going to have a girl. At the risk of casting pearls before swine, we have decide we'll name her Ella. Needless to say, her middle name will not be Emma. Ella is the name of my great great grandma -- a story to be told to anyone who is interested. Ange is excited, because she always wanted to call her girl Ellie, but didn't want to name her Elenor.
In other news, I went to the BYU Air Force game, and it dominated. Now hopefully they don't lose today.
Bubba
Saturday, January 06, 2007
One year old
So my blog is 1 year old today, that's not impressive at all.
What is impressive is the luck I have with cars. 1 week after purchasing our minivan, the other car we had lost it's engine. That makes two engine failures in the space of 3 months. Going back to last year, the tally is 3 bad engines in 16 months. So we are once again stuck with only one car, but two different places to go every day.
My solution is to have my students come to my house, it seems much easier that way, but since the Granite School District doesn't like that idea, I'm forced to buy yet another car. We have our eyes on a Ford Escort with low miles that seems (relatively) cheap.
In honor of my first year blogging, I will now do a repeat post of the order I want teams in the playoffs to win the Superbowl.
12 - New England
11 - Dallas
10 - New York Giants
9 - Kansas City
8 - Baltimore
7 - New York Jets
6 - Chicago
5 - Seattle
4 - Philly
3 - San Diego
2 - New Orleans
1 - Indianapolis
Based on last years blog of the bubs report, that would mean New England and Dallas would play in the Superbowl which would be craptastic.
I think a New Orleans/Indy superbowl is in everyone's best interest.
I think it also goes without saying that it was nice that Denver didn't make it. It was pretty lame that one of thier cornerbacks got murdered because they didn't make it. Just further proof that football fans are starting to act like soccer fans. Just keep the urine bombs in the stands fellas.
Baggio
What is impressive is the luck I have with cars. 1 week after purchasing our minivan, the other car we had lost it's engine. That makes two engine failures in the space of 3 months. Going back to last year, the tally is 3 bad engines in 16 months. So we are once again stuck with only one car, but two different places to go every day.
My solution is to have my students come to my house, it seems much easier that way, but since the Granite School District doesn't like that idea, I'm forced to buy yet another car. We have our eyes on a Ford Escort with low miles that seems (relatively) cheap.
In honor of my first year blogging, I will now do a repeat post of the order I want teams in the playoffs to win the Superbowl.
12 - New England
11 - Dallas
10 - New York Giants
9 - Kansas City
8 - Baltimore
7 - New York Jets
6 - Chicago
5 - Seattle
4 - Philly
3 - San Diego
2 - New Orleans
1 - Indianapolis
Based on last years blog of the bubs report, that would mean New England and Dallas would play in the Superbowl which would be craptastic.
I think a New Orleans/Indy superbowl is in everyone's best interest.
I think it also goes without saying that it was nice that Denver didn't make it. It was pretty lame that one of thier cornerbacks got murdered because they didn't make it. Just further proof that football fans are starting to act like soccer fans. Just keep the urine bombs in the stands fellas.
Baggio
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