Random Friday
No, this is not yet a regular feature....but maybe it will be. I do get a lot of random thoughts passing through my mind and there is no good reason I should not undburden myself, I mean SHARE MY THOUGHTS, with you.
I'm at work now, and am the only person here. I've been here for an hour. This is not a particularly interesting observation yet, but stay with me. Does it ever occur to others in situations like this that you could crank your music and have it blasting throughout the office? Again, maybe not so interesting for those working in a small office. I work at a major university in a decent-sized building, so the thought of blasting some Melissa Etheridge throughout the Administration wing/Dean's office area kind of amuses me. (I'm really easily amused.)
I did not realize until quite recently that not all coffee pots brew coffee at the same temperature. At one end of the hall, thre is a coffee pot from which I can easily drink coffee just moments after it is brewed, but at the other end, it is damn hot immediately after being brewed. Painful lesson. (Yes, I realize I should not drink directly from the pot.)
Shout out to Nikk who is at the end of her first week at a rockin' new job! Hope it was a great week! Check your email.
Hey - someone else is here. I am no longer alone. That's what the voices keep telling me, anyway.
Did the US President really sign an executive order this week that essentially strips all meaning from our Constitution, renders our justice system meaningless, and spits in the face of the ideals upon which our country was founded? Check out the story here. Why do we have to get news of what is going on in our country from other countries?
Well, where can I go from there? I'll just leave you all to ponder.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
What's a blogger to do?
Blog more! I've mentioned this before, but isn't the blogging phenomenon amazing? Millions of us are pouring private and not-so-private information out there into the blogosphere, waiting to be read by anyone who happens by, and anyone we've actually encouraged to read our ramblings. Many, many, many of us now have virtual friends, known only through their blogs, that we check in on daily, or at the very least, weekly.
Lots of companies have caught onto this wild wave and are paying us crazy bloggers to blog even more, and they help us out by providing a topic and a little incentive cash. Cool deal, yes? One of the companies I have signed up with is PayPerPost. I am excited to have been accepted by them, since if you research the topic of getting paid to blog, you will see they are considered the most reliable "pay you to blog" companies and the one with whom people are really making some money.
Now, as I have also mentioned, I won't write about a topic I have no interest in, or promote a product I think is trash. I feel like I owe people who spend their free time reading my blog the decency of being honest. Anyone can write pretty much anything on any topic, but I believe that word of mouth ethics, being honest about what I am passing along, is important. So far PayPerPost seems like a straight-shooting company, asking for honest reviews, and I've read only good things about their reputation and payment policies. So, I am excited to give them a try! Wife and I have already bought a new camera with blogging dollars and I would love to save up for a Disneyland vacation! Keep reading, and I'll keep writing!
Blog more! I've mentioned this before, but isn't the blogging phenomenon amazing? Millions of us are pouring private and not-so-private information out there into the blogosphere, waiting to be read by anyone who happens by, and anyone we've actually encouraged to read our ramblings. Many, many, many of us now have virtual friends, known only through their blogs, that we check in on daily, or at the very least, weekly.
Lots of companies have caught onto this wild wave and are paying us crazy bloggers to blog even more, and they help us out by providing a topic and a little incentive cash. Cool deal, yes? One of the companies I have signed up with is PayPerPost. I am excited to have been accepted by them, since if you research the topic of getting paid to blog, you will see they are considered the most reliable "pay you to blog" companies and the one with whom people are really making some money.
Now, as I have also mentioned, I won't write about a topic I have no interest in, or promote a product I think is trash. I feel like I owe people who spend their free time reading my blog the decency of being honest. Anyone can write pretty much anything on any topic, but I believe that word of mouth ethics, being honest about what I am passing along, is important. So far PayPerPost seems like a straight-shooting company, asking for honest reviews, and I've read only good things about their reputation and payment policies. So, I am excited to give them a try! Wife and I have already bought a new camera with blogging dollars and I would love to save up for a Disneyland vacation! Keep reading, and I'll keep writing!
I'm a photo slacker
The new camera we got has resulted in a lot of great new photos - beach shots, trips to the Water Resource Center, our fish hatchery outing, painting and more. (Wow - we've had a busy week or so!) Since I am a slacker when it comes to posting these wonderful shots, taken mostly by my wife, I thought I would just post this reminder to check out the photos from the past week on her blog.
Enjoy!
The new camera we got has resulted in a lot of great new photos - beach shots, trips to the Water Resource Center, our fish hatchery outing, painting and more. (Wow - we've had a busy week or so!) Since I am a slacker when it comes to posting these wonderful shots, taken mostly by my wife, I thought I would just post this reminder to check out the photos from the past week on her blog.
Enjoy!
Mayonnaise sandwich anyone?
You know how some people eat cheese sandwiches - just cheese and mayo between two pieces of bread? Kind of a typical kid lunch item, right? Others like bread and butter, not as a sandwich, just as a snack or side dish. Our Baby Girl has taken a liking - a BIG liking - to what she has termed "mayonnaise sandwiches." Mayo on bread is really what this is. She will pick the soft part of the bread, the part with the mayo on it, out of the slice and eat only that part, leaving the crusts behind. She LOVES it. Not exactly a great start to condiment preferences in life, but what are you going to do? Next week, she'll be onto something else.
Growing up, I remember instead of bread with butter with a meal, my dad liked bread with Miracle Whip. We were a Miracle Whip family. (Mom liked Mayo, but always got Miracle Whip since it is what Dad liked.) I still prefer Miracle Whip, but we buy both since Wife likes Mayo. Every now and then I test the kids to see which they prefer. So far, Boy prefers Miracle Whip and Baby Girl likes both, but requests "Mayonnaise sandwiches."
You know how some people eat cheese sandwiches - just cheese and mayo between two pieces of bread? Kind of a typical kid lunch item, right? Others like bread and butter, not as a sandwich, just as a snack or side dish. Our Baby Girl has taken a liking - a BIG liking - to what she has termed "mayonnaise sandwiches." Mayo on bread is really what this is. She will pick the soft part of the bread, the part with the mayo on it, out of the slice and eat only that part, leaving the crusts behind. She LOVES it. Not exactly a great start to condiment preferences in life, but what are you going to do? Next week, she'll be onto something else.
Growing up, I remember instead of bread with butter with a meal, my dad liked bread with Miracle Whip. We were a Miracle Whip family. (Mom liked Mayo, but always got Miracle Whip since it is what Dad liked.) I still prefer Miracle Whip, but we buy both since Wife likes Mayo. Every now and then I test the kids to see which they prefer. So far, Boy prefers Miracle Whip and Baby Girl likes both, but requests "Mayonnaise sandwiches."
Disneyland blog up and running :)
So, I am having fun with my Disneyland Family Vacation blog. It is fun to relive the memories of past vacations and dream of our next Disney adventure. We've only been to Disneyland, but someday, we do plan to visit Disneyworld, in Florida. It sounds so huge and wonderful - and like we'd need at least 10 days to do it all. The Disney resort hotels look so fun down there. I love hotels! It would also be fun to have an Orlando vacation home. That would make visits to Disneyworld much more frequent, and affordable, and real estate is generally a good investment. Something to consider someday!
So, I am having fun with my Disneyland Family Vacation blog. It is fun to relive the memories of past vacations and dream of our next Disney adventure. We've only been to Disneyland, but someday, we do plan to visit Disneyworld, in Florida. It sounds so huge and wonderful - and like we'd need at least 10 days to do it all. The Disney resort hotels look so fun down there. I love hotels! It would also be fun to have an Orlando vacation home. That would make visits to Disneyworld much more frequent, and affordable, and real estate is generally a good investment. Something to consider someday!
New Shoes
Ever since she was, I don't know, 16 months old, Baby Girl has loved her Crocs. OK, they are cheaper knock-off shoes, but they look the same. She is comfortable in them, and gets them on the correct feet, and they are cute, so we have indulged her. She occasionally puts on a pair of "princess" shoes (party dress shoes), or cute sandals, but the ones she really wears are her Crocs. She has assorted colors. This weekend, she actually picked out a non-Croc pair of shoes to buy. We were at the Bass outlet store, she saw some shoes, and had to have them. She tried on two different colors and was in love with the brown ones with pink trim....they look a bit like a bowling shoe to me. I am sure they have a fancy name that I just don't know. Anyone who knows me knows I know nothing about fashion. We bought them since it is the first time in MONTHS that she's been interested in anything other than Crocs. Wow - next thing you know she will be picking out hiking books, Air Jordan high tops, or high heels. I will draw the line at high heels on my two-year old.
Ever since she was, I don't know, 16 months old, Baby Girl has loved her Crocs. OK, they are cheaper knock-off shoes, but they look the same. She is comfortable in them, and gets them on the correct feet, and they are cute, so we have indulged her. She occasionally puts on a pair of "princess" shoes (party dress shoes), or cute sandals, but the ones she really wears are her Crocs. She has assorted colors. This weekend, she actually picked out a non-Croc pair of shoes to buy. We were at the Bass outlet store, she saw some shoes, and had to have them. She tried on two different colors and was in love with the brown ones with pink trim....they look a bit like a bowling shoe to me. I am sure they have a fancy name that I just don't know. Anyone who knows me knows I know nothing about fashion. We bought them since it is the first time in MONTHS that she's been interested in anything other than Crocs. Wow - next thing you know she will be picking out hiking books, Air Jordan high tops, or high heels. I will draw the line at high heels on my two-year old.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Taking the time to breathe and appreciate
I was in a bit of a cranky mood yesterday, had been dealing with a headache all day long, and then was short with my son when he got out of the bathtub and ran all over the house without drying off (for at least the 50th time in the past month, it seemed). My wife reminded me that he is only 5 and can't remember everything we tell him. He's still little and sometimes my expectations are too high. She was right. I need to step back a bit and breathe sometimes.
I used to know this, and practice it really well. I used to give new moms the advice about just enjoying your baby all you can, even when tired or cranky or not really in the mood to enjoy. I used to be great at living in the moment and appreciating what IS - right then and there. Then I started law school, and much of my former patience was worn thin. That's not fair to my son, my family, or me. I'm going to work on that.
I was in a bit of a cranky mood yesterday, had been dealing with a headache all day long, and then was short with my son when he got out of the bathtub and ran all over the house without drying off (for at least the 50th time in the past month, it seemed). My wife reminded me that he is only 5 and can't remember everything we tell him. He's still little and sometimes my expectations are too high. She was right. I need to step back a bit and breathe sometimes.
I used to know this, and practice it really well. I used to give new moms the advice about just enjoying your baby all you can, even when tired or cranky or not really in the mood to enjoy. I used to be great at living in the moment and appreciating what IS - right then and there. Then I started law school, and much of my former patience was worn thin. That's not fair to my son, my family, or me. I'm going to work on that.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Blogging for Dollars
Yes, yes, I am doing some blogs for money. Call me names, make me feel cheap, say I sold out, then hear about the awesome that we bought with the money we've made from getting paid to blog. Check out the increase in my traffic. As I have mentioned before, getting a few bucks to work in a key phrase while still writing in an honest way about my life seems like a great thing. It makes me write more, which makes me a better blogger and gives my readers more to read. A lot of companies have found it pays to do blog advertising and I am happy to help them while they help me. Win-win-win situation all around, from my perspective. I may never make huge bucks doing this because even though I like to get paid to blog, I do not want to turn this into a review site because frankly, I wouldn't be that interested in a lot of the review opportunities out there. I'll do some though, if I can find a way to relate it to my life so that it keeps it interesting for me and for my readers. For instance, Smorty.com is a company that pays people to blog. I have done a few assignments for them - such as the one about the chair lifts, and was able to relate it to what Casey and I have been going through with our parents. Smorty has been a good company to work with so far - and paid within two weeks, actually less. If you are interesting in getting paid to blog, you might want to check them out.
Yes, yes, I am doing some blogs for money. Call me names, make me feel cheap, say I sold out, then hear about the awesome that we bought with the money we've made from getting paid to blog. Check out the increase in my traffic. As I have mentioned before, getting a few bucks to work in a key phrase while still writing in an honest way about my life seems like a great thing. It makes me write more, which makes me a better blogger and gives my readers more to read. A lot of companies have found it pays to do blog advertising and I am happy to help them while they help me. Win-win-win situation all around, from my perspective. I may never make huge bucks doing this because even though I like to get paid to blog, I do not want to turn this into a review site because frankly, I wouldn't be that interested in a lot of the review opportunities out there. I'll do some though, if I can find a way to relate it to my life so that it keeps it interesting for me and for my readers. For instance, Smorty.com is a company that pays people to blog. I have done a few assignments for them - such as the one about the chair lifts, and was able to relate it to what Casey and I have been going through with our parents. Smorty has been a good company to work with so far - and paid within two weeks, actually less. If you are interesting in getting paid to blog, you might want to check them out.
Need a Part-Time Truck
Well, what I really mean is that we need a truck occassionally, but hey, a car that could be a truck sometimes seems like a good idea, too! We have an SUV and a Scion xA. Love them both. With all the rain we get, and all the stuff we often haul with us (stroller, toys, laptop computer, diapers...etc.) having an open-bed truck makes very little sense. Sometimes though, you just need to haul stuff. A nice pick-up with a truck bed liner would be ideal for taking things to the dump, bringing lumber and sand and a barbecue home from Home Depot, taking the lawn mower in for service, picking up great deals at garage sales..etc. I have a friend who has a neighborhood truck that about 3 or so friends went in on so they can all have use of it whenever. Seems like a good idea to me! I thought Flexcar might resolve the problem, but ends up the closest pickup for use is about 20 miles away. Hardly convenient. Well, fortuantely, you can get a heckuva lot more in the back of a Suzuki XL-7 than one at first suspects!
Well, what I really mean is that we need a truck occassionally, but hey, a car that could be a truck sometimes seems like a good idea, too! We have an SUV and a Scion xA. Love them both. With all the rain we get, and all the stuff we often haul with us (stroller, toys, laptop computer, diapers...etc.) having an open-bed truck makes very little sense. Sometimes though, you just need to haul stuff. A nice pick-up with a truck bed liner would be ideal for taking things to the dump, bringing lumber and sand and a barbecue home from Home Depot, taking the lawn mower in for service, picking up great deals at garage sales..etc. I have a friend who has a neighborhood truck that about 3 or so friends went in on so they can all have use of it whenever. Seems like a good idea to me! I thought Flexcar might resolve the problem, but ends up the closest pickup for use is about 20 miles away. Hardly convenient. Well, fortuantely, you can get a heckuva lot more in the back of a Suzuki XL-7 than one at first suspects!
Friday, July 20, 2007
My New Blog - Disneyland Family Vacation
Hey friends, a couple years back, before law school started, I had a great website. It was all about creating the perfect Disneyland family vacation - lots of tips, ideas, money saving strategies, and ways to have fun during all phases of your Disneyland vacation. I had also written an e-guide and was doing testing via this site. The guide got great reviews, but I never made it available to the public since law school started and that was the end of my free time.
Well, I'm going to try it again - sort of. I've decided to blog about my dreams, stories, and travel tips regarding Disneyland. I hope to use this as a forum for generating new ideas and soliciting feedback in order to rewrite my ebook, which I now see could be even better than it was. (Maybe law school is paying off already!)
So - love Disneyland? Check out my new blog!
You will find it here: Disneyland Family Vacation
Hey friends, a couple years back, before law school started, I had a great website. It was all about creating the perfect Disneyland family vacation - lots of tips, ideas, money saving strategies, and ways to have fun during all phases of your Disneyland vacation. I had also written an e-guide and was doing testing via this site. The guide got great reviews, but I never made it available to the public since law school started and that was the end of my free time.
Well, I'm going to try it again - sort of. I've decided to blog about my dreams, stories, and travel tips regarding Disneyland. I hope to use this as a forum for generating new ideas and soliciting feedback in order to rewrite my ebook, which I now see could be even better than it was. (Maybe law school is paying off already!)
So - love Disneyland? Check out my new blog!
You will find it here: Disneyland Family Vacation
Cute T-Shirt:
I saw this recently on a toddler-sized T-shirt -
Warning: I do all my own stunts
That is SO both of our children! Daredevils through and through, without the age and widsom to make them fear anything. Ugh! Our couches have become trampolines, climbing structures and cliffs which to dive off of without use of parachute or bungee cord. They also double as tents and forts. We allow this, with some safety limitations - both for the kids' sakes and that of the structural integrity of the furniture. I think we need some very attractive, but industrial grade home furniture that could handle what our kids can dish out!
I saw this recently on a toddler-sized T-shirt -
Warning: I do all my own stunts
That is SO both of our children! Daredevils through and through, without the age and widsom to make them fear anything. Ugh! Our couches have become trampolines, climbing structures and cliffs which to dive off of without use of parachute or bungee cord. They also double as tents and forts. We allow this, with some safety limitations - both for the kids' sakes and that of the structural integrity of the furniture. I think we need some very attractive, but industrial grade home furniture that could handle what our kids can dish out!
The Ideas are Always Flowing...
Wife and I are continuing our quest for more funds. I'm looking into options for selling hard copy and ebooks. I think she should make her blog book suitable for sales - I think it could be really comforting for a lot of stay-at-home-moms. I love writing, have lots of ideas, but always seem short on time.
We've recently started his blogging for money thing. Between the two of us, I think we're getting close to the $100 per week mark, which for our family, really makes a difference. We both stick to topics we can write in a genuine manner about, or we don't do it. For me, it is really increasing my consistency of blogging, which I think is a good thing.
I've come across a couple other ideas I'm exploring. We used to have a pet gift basket site, back before kids. We had great information about pets, and sold gift baskets with items for both pets and their people. One major glitch for a lot of folks wanting to start an online business is figuring out how to set up a shopping cart, so customers can buy their products.
Fortunately, there are a lot of companies offering ecommerce software. One company is Ashop.com.au - it offers full hosting, shopping cart services, tech support, and so much more. When you first start researching how to start an online store, there is so much to consider, but a company like this one has thought through so much of it for you that it leaves you time to be creative and worry about other things besides store set-up. Even though there are free and low cost services out there, these are rarely easy or work well. It is worth paying to have ecommerce services done quickly, easily and correctly.
I like that Ashop is set up to accept coupons, do gift certificates,and has its own affiliate program built in. They also have online movie tutorials, which makes setting up your storefront, and all related features much easier than trying to read it in text format. Ashop has different price levels to meet basic to more advanced needs. Considering all the features and services they offer, I would definitely consider them if I was about to set up an online store again.
Wife and I are continuing our quest for more funds. I'm looking into options for selling hard copy and ebooks. I think she should make her blog book suitable for sales - I think it could be really comforting for a lot of stay-at-home-moms. I love writing, have lots of ideas, but always seem short on time.
We've recently started his blogging for money thing. Between the two of us, I think we're getting close to the $100 per week mark, which for our family, really makes a difference. We both stick to topics we can write in a genuine manner about, or we don't do it. For me, it is really increasing my consistency of blogging, which I think is a good thing.
I've come across a couple other ideas I'm exploring. We used to have a pet gift basket site, back before kids. We had great information about pets, and sold gift baskets with items for both pets and their people. One major glitch for a lot of folks wanting to start an online business is figuring out how to set up a shopping cart, so customers can buy their products.
Fortunately, there are a lot of companies offering ecommerce software. One company is Ashop.com.au - it offers full hosting, shopping cart services, tech support, and so much more. When you first start researching how to start an online store, there is so much to consider, but a company like this one has thought through so much of it for you that it leaves you time to be creative and worry about other things besides store set-up. Even though there are free and low cost services out there, these are rarely easy or work well. It is worth paying to have ecommerce services done quickly, easily and correctly.
I like that Ashop is set up to accept coupons, do gift certificates,and has its own affiliate program built in. They also have online movie tutorials, which makes setting up your storefront, and all related features much easier than trying to read it in text format. Ashop has different price levels to meet basic to more advanced needs. Considering all the features and services they offer, I would definitely consider them if I was about to set up an online store again.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Back from the Beach!
We are back from a great trip to the Oregon Coast! We went to a beach we'd never been to, Rockaway Beach, and had better beach access than ever before. The beach was just down a short path from the hotel. Now, I know a lot of places say "short path to the beach" and they are not short. This was MAYBE a 20 foot easy path, not steep, not rocky...and the water was right there.....not another 100 yard hike. So perfect! Our room was oceanfront - with a private deck - a separate bedroom (2 queen beds total) for getting the kids down early - a kitchen area and was very good sized. I could handle it being a bit cleaner, with linens and pillows that felt less "used" (skin crawling now, right?), but the view sure made up for the few shortcomings. We had an unbelievable sunset the first night. There was clearly a bear in the clouds. :) See pictures at Wife's blog. There are likley to be lots of beach stories and photos on her blog for the next several days. We took a TON of photos, especially since we have a new camera to experiment with - fun!
Anyway, great weather and lots of splashing around and digging in the sand with the kids. Just what we both needed!
We are back from a great trip to the Oregon Coast! We went to a beach we'd never been to, Rockaway Beach, and had better beach access than ever before. The beach was just down a short path from the hotel. Now, I know a lot of places say "short path to the beach" and they are not short. This was MAYBE a 20 foot easy path, not steep, not rocky...and the water was right there.....not another 100 yard hike. So perfect! Our room was oceanfront - with a private deck - a separate bedroom (2 queen beds total) for getting the kids down early - a kitchen area and was very good sized. I could handle it being a bit cleaner, with linens and pillows that felt less "used" (skin crawling now, right?), but the view sure made up for the few shortcomings. We had an unbelievable sunset the first night. There was clearly a bear in the clouds. :) See pictures at Wife's blog. There are likley to be lots of beach stories and photos on her blog for the next several days. We took a TON of photos, especially since we have a new camera to experiment with - fun!
Anyway, great weather and lots of splashing around and digging in the sand with the kids. Just what we both needed!
Kids and Balls
What is it about balls that attracts kids like flowers attract bees? As you may have read in my wife's blog, we like to shop while on vacation. We love looking at the local art, nicknacks, T-shirts - anything that we can't easily pick up at home. (Of course, it's not easy to browse with children, but we keep the dream alive - always believing it will be easier than it is.) We tell the kids we will not buy them the things we could easily get at home. Fortunately, tourist traps often carry an assortment of cook kid stuff in addition to adult things. You've probably never seen polished rocks for sale by the velvet pouch-full at the local Walmart! That's great stash when you are a kid...and I kind of like them, too. *grin*
While on vacation, we did end up at Fred Meyer to pick up a few grocery items and some sunscreen. We went to look at toys, which of course, are the same as back home. It never fails, one of the many items that attracted the Boy's attention was the ball aisle - golf balls, baseballs, softballs, footballs, and his favorite, this time, ping-pong balls.
"No, honey, we already have enough balls at home."
He settled on a Transformer to add to his current collection of three.
Baby Girl got a small Care Bear.
Well, at least they couldn't easily bounce them against the walls of the hotel!
What is it about balls that attracts kids like flowers attract bees? As you may have read in my wife's blog, we like to shop while on vacation. We love looking at the local art, nicknacks, T-shirts - anything that we can't easily pick up at home. (Of course, it's not easy to browse with children, but we keep the dream alive - always believing it will be easier than it is.) We tell the kids we will not buy them the things we could easily get at home. Fortunately, tourist traps often carry an assortment of cook kid stuff in addition to adult things. You've probably never seen polished rocks for sale by the velvet pouch-full at the local Walmart! That's great stash when you are a kid...and I kind of like them, too. *grin*
While on vacation, we did end up at Fred Meyer to pick up a few grocery items and some sunscreen. We went to look at toys, which of course, are the same as back home. It never fails, one of the many items that attracted the Boy's attention was the ball aisle - golf balls, baseballs, softballs, footballs, and his favorite, this time, ping-pong balls.
"No, honey, we already have enough balls at home."
He settled on a Transformer to add to his current collection of three.
Baby Girl got a small Care Bear.
Well, at least they couldn't easily bounce them against the walls of the hotel!
It shouldn't all be about money...
...but sometimes it feels that way, doesn't it? We just spent a bunch of money at the beach, and there is always something coming up that requires more money. Law school is like that. My tuition alone will be just under $100K and then considering books, living expenses, transportation...all of that...I'm looking at $150K in loans. UGH!
Once you pick yourself up off the floor, please continue reading....
Eventually we will be looking into school loan consolidation. We already get a lot of calls at the house, and as soon as we tell them I still have two years left, they say they will call back closer to my graduation. Sooner than I expect though, it will be time to listen to those callers and figure out how to evaluate a consolidation program. Do I use the company who most of my loans are through, or another company? I am sure there will be no shortage of companies willing to have me pay them interest for 10 years. I don't know if certain companies offer better incentives if you have on-time payments for X number of months, but I am guessing since the original loans do, consolidation loans might, too. Does anyone have any experience with consolidation loans? My parents and me, via summer jobs and scholarships, paid for my undergrad education, so I didn't have to think about this stuff back then. Thank goodness they have such programs though since the individual payments would really add up to some very unrealistic payments! Guess we have some time to shop....never know what will be being offered by May of 2009!
...but sometimes it feels that way, doesn't it? We just spent a bunch of money at the beach, and there is always something coming up that requires more money. Law school is like that. My tuition alone will be just under $100K and then considering books, living expenses, transportation...all of that...I'm looking at $150K in loans. UGH!
Once you pick yourself up off the floor, please continue reading....
Eventually we will be looking into school loan consolidation. We already get a lot of calls at the house, and as soon as we tell them I still have two years left, they say they will call back closer to my graduation. Sooner than I expect though, it will be time to listen to those callers and figure out how to evaluate a consolidation program. Do I use the company who most of my loans are through, or another company? I am sure there will be no shortage of companies willing to have me pay them interest for 10 years. I don't know if certain companies offer better incentives if you have on-time payments for X number of months, but I am guessing since the original loans do, consolidation loans might, too. Does anyone have any experience with consolidation loans? My parents and me, via summer jobs and scholarships, paid for my undergrad education, so I didn't have to think about this stuff back then. Thank goodness they have such programs though since the individual payments would really add up to some very unrealistic payments! Guess we have some time to shop....never know what will be being offered by May of 2009!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Vacation!
Well, generally I prefer to plan and dream and work on the vacation experience for a while so I can savor the experience. This week though, I am just ready to escape to the beach, and my family is so on board they were willing to leave early without me! We leave Sunday for Rockaway Beach on the Oregon Coast. It it near Tillamook, as in the cheese. If you have never been on their factory tour, you have missed possibly one of the most boring and disappointing tours of all time. It could be so good. It is not. Anyway, we are staying at a place someone recommended to my wife. Their prices were more reasonable than many and, they had oceanfront rooms left! No point in going to the beach if you can't see the ocean from your room is my philosophy. Wife's best friend will be there during the same time - totally a coincidence - so how great is that?
So, I expect to be out of communication until next Thursday, unless this place has unadvertised wireless access. I'll be wishing you all a safe and relaxing weekend.
Well, generally I prefer to plan and dream and work on the vacation experience for a while so I can savor the experience. This week though, I am just ready to escape to the beach, and my family is so on board they were willing to leave early without me! We leave Sunday for Rockaway Beach on the Oregon Coast. It it near Tillamook, as in the cheese. If you have never been on their factory tour, you have missed possibly one of the most boring and disappointing tours of all time. It could be so good. It is not. Anyway, we are staying at a place someone recommended to my wife. Their prices were more reasonable than many and, they had oceanfront rooms left! No point in going to the beach if you can't see the ocean from your room is my philosophy. Wife's best friend will be there during the same time - totally a coincidence - so how great is that?
So, I expect to be out of communication until next Thursday, unless this place has unadvertised wireless access. I'll be wishing you all a safe and relaxing weekend.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
One Day at A Time
Remember that show from the 70's? Fun show. That's not what this post is about.
It has been a really long week. How is it only Thursday? My dad has only been gone for three days. Somehow it seems longer ago that than. Time is really distorted right now. Casey's mom has been gone for 2 months yesterday. That seems like a lifetime ago in a totally different world, and in some ways, it was. Weird how such emotional experiences twist our sense of time.
I know I have been more physically and emotionally drained than I really ever remember. I guess I was pretty exhausted after the births of our children, partly because of a long labor (first child) and because both ended up in the NICU for a few days. That had such joy attached with it too, though, so was different. Generally by lunch time, I’ve about had it and just need a nap. Not that I get one, because I am at work (no paid bereavement leave), but I have gone outside to rest in the sun a bit each day. By the time we get the kids to bed at 7 or 7:30, I am so happy to pull the blinds, turn on the TV and veg out watching The Gilmore Girls with Casey. There is a certain comfort in watching this familiar show we've watched together for years. It's like hanging with old friends. Hey - we take comfort where we can!
Remember that show from the 70's? Fun show. That's not what this post is about.
It has been a really long week. How is it only Thursday? My dad has only been gone for three days. Somehow it seems longer ago that than. Time is really distorted right now. Casey's mom has been gone for 2 months yesterday. That seems like a lifetime ago in a totally different world, and in some ways, it was. Weird how such emotional experiences twist our sense of time.
I know I have been more physically and emotionally drained than I really ever remember. I guess I was pretty exhausted after the births of our children, partly because of a long labor (first child) and because both ended up in the NICU for a few days. That had such joy attached with it too, though, so was different. Generally by lunch time, I’ve about had it and just need a nap. Not that I get one, because I am at work (no paid bereavement leave), but I have gone outside to rest in the sun a bit each day. By the time we get the kids to bed at 7 or 7:30, I am so happy to pull the blinds, turn on the TV and veg out watching The Gilmore Girls with Casey. There is a certain comfort in watching this familiar show we've watched together for years. It's like hanging with old friends. Hey - we take comfort where we can!
Inappropriate snacks
What is it about putting a bowl of dry Premium dog food on the counter that makes others, besides the dog, think that it is theirs to eat? Each night, by bedtime, we set out the dog food in their bowls for the next morning, plus the cat food bowls, a can of cat food, and our own vitamins, juice glasses and bowls for the morning. (Not all mixed together - we do have some standards.) This makes functioning in an efficient manner in the morning much easier, which is good since I get up at 5:00am.
(Also, before you judge, this is a big counter, so that when you are on one side of it, it almost feels like you are not even in the kitchen anymore. It doesn't seem so bad putting the dog food up there.)
It may be unrealistic, but I expect the dog food to remain in the bowls until I give it to the dogs. However, at least one of our cats, and I suspect others, have a different idea. They think it is great that I've set out these snack bowls for them, and will pick out pieces to messily munch on top of the counter. At first I was not sure how dog food was getting out of the bowl, especially since these are big pieces and the only cat that generally gets on the counter is teeny-tiny 7-10 lb Taz. Surely this dainty creature would not eat huge dog kibble. Wrong. I saw her do it the other night. Went right to the bowl and started snacking.
"No! Don't leave dog food crumbs on the counter, and, if I were you, I wouldn't let the dogs see me eating their food!"
Well, at least Baby Girl has mostly stopped snacking from the bowl. That had happened a few times, too. Just too much!
What is it about putting a bowl of dry Premium dog food on the counter that makes others, besides the dog, think that it is theirs to eat? Each night, by bedtime, we set out the dog food in their bowls for the next morning, plus the cat food bowls, a can of cat food, and our own vitamins, juice glasses and bowls for the morning. (Not all mixed together - we do have some standards.) This makes functioning in an efficient manner in the morning much easier, which is good since I get up at 5:00am.
(Also, before you judge, this is a big counter, so that when you are on one side of it, it almost feels like you are not even in the kitchen anymore. It doesn't seem so bad putting the dog food up there.)
It may be unrealistic, but I expect the dog food to remain in the bowls until I give it to the dogs. However, at least one of our cats, and I suspect others, have a different idea. They think it is great that I've set out these snack bowls for them, and will pick out pieces to messily munch on top of the counter. At first I was not sure how dog food was getting out of the bowl, especially since these are big pieces and the only cat that generally gets on the counter is teeny-tiny 7-10 lb Taz. Surely this dainty creature would not eat huge dog kibble. Wrong. I saw her do it the other night. Went right to the bowl and started snacking.
"No! Don't leave dog food crumbs on the counter, and, if I were you, I wouldn't let the dogs see me eating their food!"
Well, at least Baby Girl has mostly stopped snacking from the bowl. That had happened a few times, too. Just too much!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Female Trait, Male Trait, or Simply Human Trait?
Again, thank you all so much for the wonderful support you have been sending my way. I truly appreciate it - and it is so heartwarming to see both the names of people I know, and those of new friends. Technology truly is making ours a small world, isn't it?
As might be imagined, with my dad's passing, I have been contemplating grief lately - my own, those of my family, people in general. The last time I visited my dad I read the book hospice provided about their services and the grieving and mourning process. I'd never really considered that there were two different things going on there, but they defined them and at the time, it made sense. Now, I'd have to go do a Google search to refresh my mind, or to educate my loyal readers. Oh, OK......I'm back....a quick search tells me that grieving is the physical/emotional feeling of the loss and mourning is how those feelings are expressed. That sounds reasonable, although the hospice book had a better definition. Anyway, I was thinking about how I've heard my family talking about the grieving process - "crying," "letting it out," "allow yourself to feel," being "OK" and it was surprising to hear some female members of my family saying they've never felt free to really lose control and just cry - ever. I think as a society we generally think of this as a typical male approach, but maybe that's not so. Maybe many females, of all generations, have also accepted this idea. Though, I will say, there was at least one expression of if they ever allowed themselves to totally let go they fear not being able to come back. So, maybe from a female perspective it is less a fear of looking weak than of not being able to regain control and independence if they give in to such powerful emotions.
I know from my own perspective, it it difficult to admit when I need support and am not OK. It is such an ingrained reaction: "How are you doing?" "OK." Overall, considering the situation, that is true. I am OK - but sometimes it is less true than others. I have a great friend who has been a wonderful support during all of this, calling me at all the most crucial moments, thanks to Casey's blog, and she lets me be NOT OK. I don't know if it's hard for all women, or most, or just some, or if it's the darn overpowering testosterone that Casey claims makes me have some fairly annoying male tendencies, but even with this friend, it is often hard to admit I just need a friend to talk to. So, in the patten of men bonding over a football game or fishing trip, I call her for "no reason." We talk family, jobs, inconsequential things like wardrobe size, stables, range hoods , and drinking in Mexico. Not much is said - a lot is said - it makes a world of difference. We all need support, whether or not we want to admit it, or know how to ask for it. Thank God I have a supportive family and a friend who will talk to me about "nothing."
Again, thank you all so much for the wonderful support you have been sending my way. I truly appreciate it - and it is so heartwarming to see both the names of people I know, and those of new friends. Technology truly is making ours a small world, isn't it?
As might be imagined, with my dad's passing, I have been contemplating grief lately - my own, those of my family, people in general. The last time I visited my dad I read the book hospice provided about their services and the grieving and mourning process. I'd never really considered that there were two different things going on there, but they defined them and at the time, it made sense. Now, I'd have to go do a Google search to refresh my mind, or to educate my loyal readers. Oh, OK......I'm back....a quick search tells me that grieving is the physical/emotional feeling of the loss and mourning is how those feelings are expressed. That sounds reasonable, although the hospice book had a better definition. Anyway, I was thinking about how I've heard my family talking about the grieving process - "crying," "letting it out," "allow yourself to feel," being "OK" and it was surprising to hear some female members of my family saying they've never felt free to really lose control and just cry - ever. I think as a society we generally think of this as a typical male approach, but maybe that's not so. Maybe many females, of all generations, have also accepted this idea. Though, I will say, there was at least one expression of if they ever allowed themselves to totally let go they fear not being able to come back. So, maybe from a female perspective it is less a fear of looking weak than of not being able to regain control and independence if they give in to such powerful emotions.
I know from my own perspective, it it difficult to admit when I need support and am not OK. It is such an ingrained reaction: "How are you doing?" "OK." Overall, considering the situation, that is true. I am OK - but sometimes it is less true than others. I have a great friend who has been a wonderful support during all of this, calling me at all the most crucial moments, thanks to Casey's blog, and she lets me be NOT OK. I don't know if it's hard for all women, or most, or just some, or if it's the darn overpowering testosterone that Casey claims makes me have some fairly annoying male tendencies, but even with this friend, it is often hard to admit I just need a friend to talk to. So, in the patten of men bonding over a football game or fishing trip, I call her for "no reason." We talk family, jobs, inconsequential things like wardrobe size, stables, range hoods , and drinking in Mexico. Not much is said - a lot is said - it makes a world of difference. We all need support, whether or not we want to admit it, or know how to ask for it. Thank God I have a supportive family and a friend who will talk to me about "nothing."
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
My Dad
As most of my loyal readers (and Casey's!) know, my dad passed on to another phase in his soul's journey yesterday morning. Although in some ways the past three months since his cancer diagnosis have gone by quickly and it doesn't seem like we had much time, as his family, we are relieved that we knew the end was coming so we could spend the last bit of time with him and say goodbye. We are also relieved that he went as quickly as he did, and did not linger in pain. It's so weird, how an immenent death brings people together to spend the quality time with each other that maybe they should have before the person was dying. I've gone all around with this one in my mind. Sure, there is some guilt that I didn't try harder to know my father once I become an adult, but I know it is misplaced and useless. Mostly I can reconcile this with knowing that when we were both healthy, it was both of our responsibilities to make the relationship better, but once he was unable to get out of bed, I was the only one that could do anything, so I did what I could. If I was dying, I know I'd want my children around me, and I know he appreciated me visiting and being around until the end. It was good for us both. (Please note, we did not have a "bad" relationship, just not a well-developed one.)
This is my dad, about a year ago, with the kids and me. It's not exactly the way I remember him, since in my mind he'll always be younger, and not have the stiff posture of his last several years since breaking his neck, but still, it is Dad:
My dad was a huge Johnny Cash fan. During his last days, whenever I was in his room, I played a Johnny Cash CD that I'd brought in from my car. I'm not much of a country music fan anymore, though I have had my phases. This is a CD I enjoy though, and bought sometime in the past year mostly because it reminds me of my dad. It's a great CD called "The Legend of Johnny Cash" and it spans his entire career. I know he would have liked it, and I hope it gave him comfort as he was preparing to leave. I know it comforted me, since it reminded me of listening to Johnny Cash with my dad when I was a kid. Johnny and my dad are inextricably linked in my mind, something about the music and the powerful voice and personality, and some other essence that I never will be able to explain, nor do I need to.
As most of my loyal readers (and Casey's!) know, my dad passed on to another phase in his soul's journey yesterday morning. Although in some ways the past three months since his cancer diagnosis have gone by quickly and it doesn't seem like we had much time, as his family, we are relieved that we knew the end was coming so we could spend the last bit of time with him and say goodbye. We are also relieved that he went as quickly as he did, and did not linger in pain. It's so weird, how an immenent death brings people together to spend the quality time with each other that maybe they should have before the person was dying. I've gone all around with this one in my mind. Sure, there is some guilt that I didn't try harder to know my father once I become an adult, but I know it is misplaced and useless. Mostly I can reconcile this with knowing that when we were both healthy, it was both of our responsibilities to make the relationship better, but once he was unable to get out of bed, I was the only one that could do anything, so I did what I could. If I was dying, I know I'd want my children around me, and I know he appreciated me visiting and being around until the end. It was good for us both. (Please note, we did not have a "bad" relationship, just not a well-developed one.)
This is my dad, about a year ago, with the kids and me. It's not exactly the way I remember him, since in my mind he'll always be younger, and not have the stiff posture of his last several years since breaking his neck, but still, it is Dad:
My dad was a huge Johnny Cash fan. During his last days, whenever I was in his room, I played a Johnny Cash CD that I'd brought in from my car. I'm not much of a country music fan anymore, though I have had my phases. This is a CD I enjoy though, and bought sometime in the past year mostly because it reminds me of my dad. It's a great CD called "The Legend of Johnny Cash" and it spans his entire career. I know he would have liked it, and I hope it gave him comfort as he was preparing to leave. I know it comforted me, since it reminded me of listening to Johnny Cash with my dad when I was a kid. Johnny and my dad are inextricably linked in my mind, something about the music and the powerful voice and personality, and some other essence that I never will be able to explain, nor do I need to.
I found a video of Johnny Cash from the mid-90's. I wish I could post it here, but since I can't, here is the link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OP_r03gxrqs
If you've got an inkling that you might enjoy a short Johnny Cash song, listen in on this, and send out some good thoughts for my dad, wherever he is now.
Kids and sleeping
Those things need to go better together than they do around our house.
Some families have kids that sleep through the night practically from birth. Not ours. Our five-year-old still wakes up in the middle of the night. That part is actually good, because it is usually to go to the bathroom, and then, more often than not, crawls in bed with me. By that time, Wife has gone into Baby's room because she is awake and wanting to nurse, which if she had her choice, she'd do all night long. I have had conversations with Baby Girl about this behavior. The conversations are about how big girls do not need to nurse at night and they need their sleep, and so do mommies. She usually compromises at babies need to nurse "little tiny bit." Good thing she is adorable!
Funny the way kids sleep all over the bed, first one direction then another. We, as parents, tend to make their sheets and covers all nice and neat around them, tucking them in so they appear neat and cozy. Then, soon, the covers are thrown off and the child is diagonal across the bed, sleeping all over the stuffed animals and blankets in a way that does not look comfy at all. We spend time and money on color-coordinated, nice fitting kids bedding, but sometimes I think they'd be just as happy with a pile of pillows and assorted baby blankets thrown in the corner. That is about what they've been taking into their tent in the backyard these days, and I must say, it is quite comfy! A couple days ago, I laid in their tent with them on this pile of comfy stuff, and we watched the clouds go by. It was very peaceful.
Those things need to go better together than they do around our house.
Some families have kids that sleep through the night practically from birth. Not ours. Our five-year-old still wakes up in the middle of the night. That part is actually good, because it is usually to go to the bathroom, and then, more often than not, crawls in bed with me. By that time, Wife has gone into Baby's room because she is awake and wanting to nurse, which if she had her choice, she'd do all night long. I have had conversations with Baby Girl about this behavior. The conversations are about how big girls do not need to nurse at night and they need their sleep, and so do mommies. She usually compromises at babies need to nurse "little tiny bit." Good thing she is adorable!
Funny the way kids sleep all over the bed, first one direction then another. We, as parents, tend to make their sheets and covers all nice and neat around them, tucking them in so they appear neat and cozy. Then, soon, the covers are thrown off and the child is diagonal across the bed, sleeping all over the stuffed animals and blankets in a way that does not look comfy at all. We spend time and money on color-coordinated, nice fitting kids bedding, but sometimes I think they'd be just as happy with a pile of pillows and assorted baby blankets thrown in the corner. That is about what they've been taking into their tent in the backyard these days, and I must say, it is quite comfy! A couple days ago, I laid in their tent with them on this pile of comfy stuff, and we watched the clouds go by. It was very peaceful.
Longing for the Ocean
Here's a question for you - is Puget Sound part of the ocean? Are the San Juan Islands in the Ocean? I will say "yes" to both. The ocean water flows in and around each, so they do qualify.
Anyway, as many of you have noted, Casey and I have had a rough time lately. We are both emotionally and physically drained and in need of some rejuvenation. Why didn't we invest in a nice piece of real estate on the ocean, or in the Islands, several years ago? Then we'd have our waterfront retreat to escape to at times like this. We didn't think we had the money back then....back when we both had jobs and a fair amount of discretionary income....but compared to our single-income life now? We had the money. OK, maybe not for waterfront property, but you know, one wise investment, and we could have turned it over for a profit and bought up from there.....Nice to dream.
Well, we will certainly be getting up at least very near the San Juan Islands in the not too distant future, as that is where we will be scattering my dad's ashes. No matter where that ritual happens, my dad will always be very much a part of the San Juan Islands, and I have no doubt his spirit will visit there often.
Here's a question for you - is Puget Sound part of the ocean? Are the San Juan Islands in the Ocean? I will say "yes" to both. The ocean water flows in and around each, so they do qualify.
Anyway, as many of you have noted, Casey and I have had a rough time lately. We are both emotionally and physically drained and in need of some rejuvenation. Why didn't we invest in a nice piece of real estate on the ocean, or in the Islands, several years ago? Then we'd have our waterfront retreat to escape to at times like this. We didn't think we had the money back then....back when we both had jobs and a fair amount of discretionary income....but compared to our single-income life now? We had the money. OK, maybe not for waterfront property, but you know, one wise investment, and we could have turned it over for a profit and bought up from there.....Nice to dream.
Well, we will certainly be getting up at least very near the San Juan Islands in the not too distant future, as that is where we will be scattering my dad's ashes. No matter where that ritual happens, my dad will always be very much a part of the San Juan Islands, and I have no doubt his spirit will visit there often.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Thanks for the thoughts
Wow. I was so moved by all the support from our cyber-friends. I know many of you are loyal readers of Casey's blog. It was so nice of you to drop by to offer your thoughts and wishes at this tough time. I really appreciate it. As of tonight, my dad is still in this world, physically, at least. Spiritually, we are pretty sure he has mostly checked out, perhaps stopping by his body every now and then to see what's happening. I tell you, in his body is not where I'd want to be right now if I was him either, so I hope he's not there much. He seems mostly like he is sleeping very peacefully - and has not been truly conscious for 5-6 days now. My sisters, my mom, and his long-time woman-friend (he and Mom have been divorced for over 20 years) have all had our chances to spend time saying final things that needed to be said, and saying goodbye. We've taken our turns moistening his lips, applying skin care products to the dry patches on his face, holding his hands and playing music for him. Can you ever be ready for what comes next? Maybe not, but I guess I am as ready as can be and it is clear he is not really alive anymore, his body just hasn't quite caught up with that reality, yet.
Again, thank you all for your support.
Nikk - Casey says it's not creepy that you are stalking us through our blogs unless you never post anything. So, you have to come out of hiding and throw in a smart *ss comment every now and then, OK? Thanks, pal.
Wow. I was so moved by all the support from our cyber-friends. I know many of you are loyal readers of Casey's blog. It was so nice of you to drop by to offer your thoughts and wishes at this tough time. I really appreciate it. As of tonight, my dad is still in this world, physically, at least. Spiritually, we are pretty sure he has mostly checked out, perhaps stopping by his body every now and then to see what's happening. I tell you, in his body is not where I'd want to be right now if I was him either, so I hope he's not there much. He seems mostly like he is sleeping very peacefully - and has not been truly conscious for 5-6 days now. My sisters, my mom, and his long-time woman-friend (he and Mom have been divorced for over 20 years) have all had our chances to spend time saying final things that needed to be said, and saying goodbye. We've taken our turns moistening his lips, applying skin care products to the dry patches on his face, holding his hands and playing music for him. Can you ever be ready for what comes next? Maybe not, but I guess I am as ready as can be and it is clear he is not really alive anymore, his body just hasn't quite caught up with that reality, yet.
Again, thank you all for your support.
Nikk - Casey says it's not creepy that you are stalking us through our blogs unless you never post anything. So, you have to come out of hiding and throw in a smart *ss comment every now and then, OK? Thanks, pal.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The Circle of Life Sucks
It finally really hit me on an emotional level yesterday - my dad is dying. I've known this for a while now, but yesterday on my way to visit him at his new home at a hospice facility, it just suddenly seemed very overwhelming. My wife, who just went through this with her mom, had said I'd soon understand what she was going through. I'm thinking I did not need to understand. Yesteday, as I was leaving our house, promising the kids I'd be back soon so we could have 4th of July fun, I felt like I should be taking flowers or pictures or something to make his room more "homey." I was just so sad and felt so helpless. I started crying and soon my son grabbed some paper and Pens, declaring he would make some pictures for me to take. He made a great drawing, and so did our baby girl, and my wife printed out a nice family picture and put it in a frame for me to take. My dad was sleeping when I arrived, and I decorated his room for him - or maybe for me, for my sisters, and for the nursing staff so they will know he has family that loves him. It's weird thinking how I'll be bringing those things home in less than a month, maybe within a week. Hard to know with these things. Anyway, I've not been that close with my dad since I was a kid, but still, this sucks.
It finally really hit me on an emotional level yesterday - my dad is dying. I've known this for a while now, but yesterday on my way to visit him at his new home at a hospice facility, it just suddenly seemed very overwhelming. My wife, who just went through this with her mom, had said I'd soon understand what she was going through. I'm thinking I did not need to understand. Yesteday, as I was leaving our house, promising the kids I'd be back soon so we could have 4th of July fun, I felt like I should be taking flowers or pictures or something to make his room more "homey." I was just so sad and felt so helpless. I started crying and soon my son grabbed some paper and Pens, declaring he would make some pictures for me to take. He made a great drawing, and so did our baby girl, and my wife printed out a nice family picture and put it in a frame for me to take. My dad was sleeping when I arrived, and I decorated his room for him - or maybe for me, for my sisters, and for the nursing staff so they will know he has family that loves him. It's weird thinking how I'll be bringing those things home in less than a month, maybe within a week. Hard to know with these things. Anyway, I've not been that close with my dad since I was a kid, but still, this sucks.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
The sweet smell of vacation...
is rather sadly lacking from our lives this summer. Lots of folks are on vacation this week. Work is rather empty. Traffic is light, which is nice. With all the job drama, and various extended family issues - first Casey's mom, and now my dad - it has been really hard to plan a get-away. We still hope to do something in August, but in the mean time, we are enjoying our own backyard. We've been enjoying a lot of barbecued meals, eating outside, playing on the swingset (kids, not adults), and in the blow-up pool (kids and adults. OK - one adult mostly - me!) It's nice to let the kids run around and burn off their energy, especially since the temps have been moderate. Our hot weather is starting though. It may get 90 today, or tomorrow, anyway. Soon we'll be saying, "It's too hot outside." When I get hot I try to remember that if I was in Disneyland, in the same temperature, I'd be soaking it in and loving it. So, very few complaints will be heard from me.
So, it's local fun for now, but you can bet I will be dreaming about the day when we can pack up our Samsonite luggage, and go on a REAL vacation!
is rather sadly lacking from our lives this summer. Lots of folks are on vacation this week. Work is rather empty. Traffic is light, which is nice. With all the job drama, and various extended family issues - first Casey's mom, and now my dad - it has been really hard to plan a get-away. We still hope to do something in August, but in the mean time, we are enjoying our own backyard. We've been enjoying a lot of barbecued meals, eating outside, playing on the swingset (kids, not adults), and in the blow-up pool (kids and adults. OK - one adult mostly - me!) It's nice to let the kids run around and burn off their energy, especially since the temps have been moderate. Our hot weather is starting though. It may get 90 today, or tomorrow, anyway. Soon we'll be saying, "It's too hot outside." When I get hot I try to remember that if I was in Disneyland, in the same temperature, I'd be soaking it in and loving it. So, very few complaints will be heard from me.
So, it's local fun for now, but you can bet I will be dreaming about the day when we can pack up our Samsonite luggage, and go on a REAL vacation!
Chandeliers
Isn't that a weird word: chandeliers? Happenstance. That's weird, too. Conundrum. That's weird, too, but I like it. Ever notice how if you repeat a word too many times it loses it's meaning? Pick a word and try it.
See?
Remember the episode of Rosanne when she and Dan are stoned and keep repeating their child's name: DJ. Deeeee Jaaaaaay.....Deeeeeeee Jaaaaaaay.....Deeeeeee Jaaaaaaaay. It lost all meaing for them. You don't have to be stoned for words to lose their meaning though. Just repetitive, and in an odd mood.
OK, here's a tidbit for you - I have never been stoned. It's true. Last quarter I had a fellow law student come up to me and say, "You know when you are stoned and you.....blah, blah, blah? I agreed, because I did know what she was talking about. I later thought how I had kind of misrepresented myself, but it wasn't like me pointing out that I'd never been stoned would have helped her make the point she was trying to make, plus she seemed kind of embarrassed. I didn't want to make it worse. Anyway, apparently I don't need drugs to achieve an altered state. My wife tells me my mind is a scary place pretty much all the time. No point in adding to the confusion!
Isn't that a weird word: chandeliers? Happenstance. That's weird, too. Conundrum. That's weird, too, but I like it. Ever notice how if you repeat a word too many times it loses it's meaning? Pick a word and try it.
See?
Remember the episode of Rosanne when she and Dan are stoned and keep repeating their child's name: DJ. Deeeee Jaaaaaay.....Deeeeeeee Jaaaaaaay.....Deeeeeee Jaaaaaaaay. It lost all meaing for them. You don't have to be stoned for words to lose their meaning though. Just repetitive, and in an odd mood.
OK, here's a tidbit for you - I have never been stoned. It's true. Last quarter I had a fellow law student come up to me and say, "You know when you are stoned and you.....blah, blah, blah? I agreed, because I did know what she was talking about. I later thought how I had kind of misrepresented myself, but it wasn't like me pointing out that I'd never been stoned would have helped her make the point she was trying to make, plus she seemed kind of embarrassed. I didn't want to make it worse. Anyway, apparently I don't need drugs to achieve an altered state. My wife tells me my mind is a scary place pretty much all the time. No point in adding to the confusion!
Indoor plants and other stuff I don't have time for -
Plants make a home really nice - pretty, green, doing the whole carbon dioxide-to-oxygen thing, adding a touch of nature, alive...well, maybe not that part. Seems like since having kids all of our plants have..uh....gone away. We still have three that are barely hanging in there. A couple fell victim to curious baby hands, some just didn't get enough water/food/attention, and truthfully, our current house is not well set up for plants. The sunny locations are in front of windows that do not have room near them for plants. My plant at work does pretty well. It sits in front of my window and I always remember to water it because it is part of my morning routine as I ease into work without doing any real work. Home - not so much the same.
Do you think anyone has come up with silk trees that purify our air, yet? The fake ones - those we could maintain - as long as they don't need dusting or other cleaning. On the other hand, with all the animals, and the kids, one never really knows what will take a beating in our home and what will be ignored. Ah, it is a new adventure everyday!
Plants make a home really nice - pretty, green, doing the whole carbon dioxide-to-oxygen thing, adding a touch of nature, alive...well, maybe not that part. Seems like since having kids all of our plants have..uh....gone away. We still have three that are barely hanging in there. A couple fell victim to curious baby hands, some just didn't get enough water/food/attention, and truthfully, our current house is not well set up for plants. The sunny locations are in front of windows that do not have room near them for plants. My plant at work does pretty well. It sits in front of my window and I always remember to water it because it is part of my morning routine as I ease into work without doing any real work. Home - not so much the same.
Do you think anyone has come up with silk trees that purify our air, yet? The fake ones - those we could maintain - as long as they don't need dusting or other cleaning. On the other hand, with all the animals, and the kids, one never really knows what will take a beating in our home and what will be ignored. Ah, it is a new adventure everyday!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Cooking with Toddlers
How fun is it when your babies start getting big enough to "help" you cook? Pretty darn fun! Yesterday Baby Girl and I decided that her new pretty pasta that is shaped like flowers would be a good thing to cook for dinner for her and her brother. (Wife and I were having barbecued steak!) "Me help cook," says the girl, grabbing the stool so she could climb up on the counter. I helped her up, sat her on the counter and got out the new box of pasta.
"Do you want some of these before they are cooked?" I asked. Of course, she did. So, I gave her a few to play with and she put them into her new Dora and Diego paper bowls. I went about my business of filling a pan with water, turning on the stove, getting out salad makings while the water was getting hot, and finally put the pasta into the boiling water.
"Mine too." Baby Girl hands me her bowl.
"You want me to cook your pasta in my pan?"
"No, cook in bowl." Apparently she thought the Dora bowl would make good cookware.
"No, we can't cook in this bowl. We have to use Mama's pan, but you can eat them out of your bowl when they are cooked."
That made her happy, and we didn't even run through the nearly endless session of "Why?" that has become a regular part of our routine.
It was simple. No big deal, but fun - just me and my daughter cooking together. Wow. I've hardly ever called her my "daughter." She's always been "the baby." She must be growing up. That's somehow happy and sad all at the same time. She is becoming such a fun-loving character, and I do mean "character." Hard to believe not long ago she was a clingly, shy introvert. Ah, she is coming into her own.
How fun is it when your babies start getting big enough to "help" you cook? Pretty darn fun! Yesterday Baby Girl and I decided that her new pretty pasta that is shaped like flowers would be a good thing to cook for dinner for her and her brother. (Wife and I were having barbecued steak!) "Me help cook," says the girl, grabbing the stool so she could climb up on the counter. I helped her up, sat her on the counter and got out the new box of pasta.
"Do you want some of these before they are cooked?" I asked. Of course, she did. So, I gave her a few to play with and she put them into her new Dora and Diego paper bowls. I went about my business of filling a pan with water, turning on the stove, getting out salad makings while the water was getting hot, and finally put the pasta into the boiling water.
"Mine too." Baby Girl hands me her bowl.
"You want me to cook your pasta in my pan?"
"No, cook in bowl." Apparently she thought the Dora bowl would make good cookware.
"No, we can't cook in this bowl. We have to use Mama's pan, but you can eat them out of your bowl when they are cooked."
That made her happy, and we didn't even run through the nearly endless session of "Why?" that has become a regular part of our routine.
It was simple. No big deal, but fun - just me and my daughter cooking together. Wow. I've hardly ever called her my "daughter." She's always been "the baby." She must be growing up. That's somehow happy and sad all at the same time. She is becoming such a fun-loving character, and I do mean "character." Hard to believe not long ago she was a clingly, shy introvert. Ah, she is coming into her own.
The purpose of life
Wow. That is a heavy topic start a Monday morning with, and me, without even having had a cup of coffee! What am I thinking? I heard something on the radio this morning, I don't even remember what, but it was about how we think about people. What do people think of us, how have we affected people, what will people remember about us when we are gone?
I used to think it was important to make a BIG mark in the world. Part of me still thinks that, but ultimately, does that even really matter? Sure - if you invented electricity or indoor plumbing, OK, that was really important for the world, but most of the big marks get erased before long and what is left? I came to the conclusion that we are here to have fun and make others happy.
How's that? Life is about having fun. Sure, it would be nice to be a great _____ "fill in the blank," to be rich, to have a luxury home, a vacation house on the beach, money to spoil your family and friends, and even to support lots of good causes, but is that what life is about? That could be part of it, but if you aren't having fun, laughing with people, loving your family and friends, what is the point? Hanging out on the luxury yacht alone won't be much fun. Telling your cat about your big win won't be particularly rewarding. Big success and financial gain is great, but hanging out in your backyard with a bottle or two of wine, your wife and a few good friends has more meaningful rewards.
So - message for the day - relax and have fun!
Wow. That is a heavy topic start a Monday morning with, and me, without even having had a cup of coffee! What am I thinking? I heard something on the radio this morning, I don't even remember what, but it was about how we think about people. What do people think of us, how have we affected people, what will people remember about us when we are gone?
I used to think it was important to make a BIG mark in the world. Part of me still thinks that, but ultimately, does that even really matter? Sure - if you invented electricity or indoor plumbing, OK, that was really important for the world, but most of the big marks get erased before long and what is left? I came to the conclusion that we are here to have fun and make others happy.
How's that? Life is about having fun. Sure, it would be nice to be a great _____ "fill in the blank," to be rich, to have a luxury home, a vacation house on the beach, money to spoil your family and friends, and even to support lots of good causes, but is that what life is about? That could be part of it, but if you aren't having fun, laughing with people, loving your family and friends, what is the point? Hanging out on the luxury yacht alone won't be much fun. Telling your cat about your big win won't be particularly rewarding. Big success and financial gain is great, but hanging out in your backyard with a bottle or two of wine, your wife and a few good friends has more meaningful rewards.
So - message for the day - relax and have fun!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Money for blogging
When I was in the 5th grade my teacher had this WONDERFUL set of creative writing cards that I absolutely loved. Getting to use these cards was such a treat. As I recall, if we finished our regular assignment, we got to pick a card from this box....could be the first assignment was from the box, too. Don't remember, but I do remember that these cards had writting assignments on them. They were little starters to get us going on writing our own story. We could either use the paragraph that was written, which was the first paragraph of a story, then we completed the story, or we could choose the list of words on the card. The list was 5-10 random words that all had to be used in the story. Either option was great fun - I loved the challenge and I usually ended up writing a 10-20 page story. One other person and I used to compete to see who would write the longest story. Back then, quantity and quality were indistinguishable :)
What does this have to do with getting money for blogging? Well, some of you may have noticed the new little icon on my web page about PayU2Blog.com or that some of my posts have had some odd links in them lately. Well, this is because my wife discovered a place that pays people to blog and the only real requirement is that you use a short phrase with a link they provide. No review. No opinions. Just provide a link. This totally reminds me of the creative writing box, and is a great incentive for me to remember to blog more frequently. For instance, it is a challenge to use some of the odd phrases that I might ordinarily use in my writing, like incontinence products or drug rehab or DNA, but use them I must if I want to rise to the challenge. This is totally like having to use "magic castle," "pen," "bottle," "whiskers," and "felt" all in one story. I love it!
So, in the interest of full disclosure, yes, I am getting paid for some of the additional blogging I am doing, but this is really just providing me incentive to dig further into my life to share the good stuff, or the random weirdness in my brain, whichever pops to the surface first. Hope you will enjoy reading these posts as much as I enjoy writing them.
When I was in the 5th grade my teacher had this WONDERFUL set of creative writing cards that I absolutely loved. Getting to use these cards was such a treat. As I recall, if we finished our regular assignment, we got to pick a card from this box....could be the first assignment was from the box, too. Don't remember, but I do remember that these cards had writting assignments on them. They were little starters to get us going on writing our own story. We could either use the paragraph that was written, which was the first paragraph of a story, then we completed the story, or we could choose the list of words on the card. The list was 5-10 random words that all had to be used in the story. Either option was great fun - I loved the challenge and I usually ended up writing a 10-20 page story. One other person and I used to compete to see who would write the longest story. Back then, quantity and quality were indistinguishable :)
What does this have to do with getting money for blogging? Well, some of you may have noticed the new little icon on my web page about PayU2Blog.com or that some of my posts have had some odd links in them lately. Well, this is because my wife discovered a place that pays people to blog and the only real requirement is that you use a short phrase with a link they provide. No review. No opinions. Just provide a link. This totally reminds me of the creative writing box, and is a great incentive for me to remember to blog more frequently. For instance, it is a challenge to use some of the odd phrases that I might ordinarily use in my writing, like incontinence products or drug rehab or DNA, but use them I must if I want to rise to the challenge. This is totally like having to use "magic castle," "pen," "bottle," "whiskers," and "felt" all in one story. I love it!
So, in the interest of full disclosure, yes, I am getting paid for some of the additional blogging I am doing, but this is really just providing me incentive to dig further into my life to share the good stuff, or the random weirdness in my brain, whichever pops to the surface first. Hope you will enjoy reading these posts as much as I enjoy writing them.
I'm a Lucky Non-Birth Mom
A friend of mine is a doula and she told me about a lesbian couple she is working with where the non-pregnant mom is feeling rather left out of the whole pregancy/mom-to-be process. My friend told her that she needs to be OK with grieving and feeling angry that she is not pregnant, because that is something she'd wanted for herself, so she is jealous of her partner's pregnancy. I never wanted to be pregnant. That's one count of luck. I married a woman who really wanted to be pregnant - another stroke of luck. Our friends, co-workers and family always treated us the same - as future mothers, and now, as a family.
I bonded with the babies while still in utero, talking to them and reading stories, and immediately after birth. They came out knowing my voice, and other than nursing, I was every bit as much a mother to them as their other mom, especially in the beginning, when I was able to stay home with the whole family. Now, of course, we have different roles within the family, but we are both definitely still MOMS (all caps - no denying it), just ask the kids!
Not giving birth myself was not the same as not sharing in the birth experience, and not sharing DNA with my kids does not make them any less mine. People see me with our kids and it is clear, I am Mom. I am very lucky, and I hope the couple I mentioned above and others like them, are able to get to the wonderful place that I am - 100% accepted as one of my kids' MOMS!
A friend of mine is a doula and she told me about a lesbian couple she is working with where the non-pregnant mom is feeling rather left out of the whole pregancy/mom-to-be process. My friend told her that she needs to be OK with grieving and feeling angry that she is not pregnant, because that is something she'd wanted for herself, so she is jealous of her partner's pregnancy. I never wanted to be pregnant. That's one count of luck. I married a woman who really wanted to be pregnant - another stroke of luck. Our friends, co-workers and family always treated us the same - as future mothers, and now, as a family.
I bonded with the babies while still in utero, talking to them and reading stories, and immediately after birth. They came out knowing my voice, and other than nursing, I was every bit as much a mother to them as their other mom, especially in the beginning, when I was able to stay home with the whole family. Now, of course, we have different roles within the family, but we are both definitely still MOMS (all caps - no denying it), just ask the kids!
Not giving birth myself was not the same as not sharing in the birth experience, and not sharing DNA with my kids does not make them any less mine. People see me with our kids and it is clear, I am Mom. I am very lucky, and I hope the couple I mentioned above and others like them, are able to get to the wonderful place that I am - 100% accepted as one of my kids' MOMS!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Stop me before I blog again!
So, I have been really busy at work this week, which is good.
I have also been busy with the previously mentioned "surprise."
Clearly, I have also been a busy blogger this week.
Well, next week is a Holiday and who knows how much will get done then? Boy child is looking forward to all the fireworks in the neighborhood. We've told him we love him too much to let him near fireworks himself, but we can set up chairs and blankets in the backyard and enjoy what others are doing. Neither of us are crazy about all the fireworks in our neighborhood. What part of letting people play with fire and explosives seems like a good idea? Add in a lot of alcohol, or a party down the street at the home of the guy who should be in drug rehab , and it just seems like a recipe for disaster, doesn't it? Our paper said there were almost 800 firework-related fires in our state last year, costing millions of dollars in damages. Great - but keep 'em legal! *sarcasm* I'm all for just allowing big, community-sponsored, public displays.
We are hoping for good weather so we can camp in the backyard this weekend as a kick-off the 4th of July Holiday. That will be fun for a day or two, then back to work Monday and Tuesday, and a Holiday Wednesday. Fun to break up the week like that with family time! I can't believe all the good family time we are getting in. Love the summer!
So, I have been really busy at work this week, which is good.
I have also been busy with the previously mentioned "surprise."
Clearly, I have also been a busy blogger this week.
Well, next week is a Holiday and who knows how much will get done then? Boy child is looking forward to all the fireworks in the neighborhood. We've told him we love him too much to let him near fireworks himself, but we can set up chairs and blankets in the backyard and enjoy what others are doing. Neither of us are crazy about all the fireworks in our neighborhood. What part of letting people play with fire and explosives seems like a good idea? Add in a lot of alcohol, or a party down the street at the home of the guy who should be in drug rehab , and it just seems like a recipe for disaster, doesn't it? Our paper said there were almost 800 firework-related fires in our state last year, costing millions of dollars in damages. Great - but keep 'em legal! *sarcasm* I'm all for just allowing big, community-sponsored, public displays.
We are hoping for good weather so we can camp in the backyard this weekend as a kick-off the 4th of July Holiday. That will be fun for a day or two, then back to work Monday and Tuesday, and a Holiday Wednesday. Fun to break up the week like that with family time! I can't believe all the good family time we are getting in. Love the summer!
Obsessive Behavior
You ever get on one of those rolls where you are really obsessed with something? For instance, a few weeks back I was listening to the "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover" video of Melissa Etheridge and Sophie B. Hawkins. It is out of my system for the time being and I've not watched it in probably two weeks.
Sometimes it is a particular candy bar - for me it used to be Three Musketeers, but lately it has been Reece's Peanut Butter Cups. OK, I'm not totally obsessing yet, but I could see how it would happen. You eat one, and you really have to eat the second one in the pack and then later in the day you remember how good it was and you pass by the candy at the grocery store and pick another one up....and well, the next thing you know your up to a 4 or 6 cup a day habit and your family wants you to seek addiction treatment. It could happen.
My latest obsession is a surprise for my wife. *grin*
(I know - I have your attention now, don't I, Sweetie?)
I can't say anything about it really, other than that she is going to LOVE it. It's not a trip, or a raise or anything like that, but it is a nice gift. (I am evil mixed with good, yes?)
You ever get on one of those rolls where you are really obsessed with something? For instance, a few weeks back I was listening to the "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover" video of Melissa Etheridge and Sophie B. Hawkins. It is out of my system for the time being and I've not watched it in probably two weeks.
Sometimes it is a particular candy bar - for me it used to be Three Musketeers, but lately it has been Reece's Peanut Butter Cups. OK, I'm not totally obsessing yet, but I could see how it would happen. You eat one, and you really have to eat the second one in the pack and then later in the day you remember how good it was and you pass by the candy at the grocery store and pick another one up....and well, the next thing you know your up to a 4 or 6 cup a day habit and your family wants you to seek addiction treatment. It could happen.
My latest obsession is a surprise for my wife. *grin*
(I know - I have your attention now, don't I, Sweetie?)
I can't say anything about it really, other than that she is going to LOVE it. It's not a trip, or a raise or anything like that, but it is a nice gift. (I am evil mixed with good, yes?)
Law School Gear v Summer Gear
I was walking to my car yesterday, enjoying the sunshine and wondering what to make for dinner when I realized how bogged down I was NOT. I had a small messenger-style bag slung across my body. It had my empty lunch bag, wallet, cell phone, a few files with my resume and networking contact info and other minor essentials in it. It was light weight! During the school year I am in constant contact with my rolling backpack. It goes everywhere with me - work, school, home. It contains everything my messenger bag would carry, plus the law-student's lifeline: my laptop. (Oh, I can fit a book or two in there, as well.) It always feels heavy and is somewhat of a burden to travel with - but still - it's saving grace is it's ability to carry my laptop. I love my laptop. It is not the most expensive, fancy, particulary large or small, exceptionally fast or slow, but it is mine and it works perfectly for my needs.
My laptop. Hard to believe that for the entire school year barely a day goes by that I do not open it (except family days, generally Sundays, and Saturday, too, depending on my schedule.) Now, I've not seen my dear friend since May 10th when I took my last final. No, not quite true - I had to open it since then to delete the finals that we are only allowed to keep a few days - long enough for the school to contact us in case there was a problem printing out the final from the disk handed in. Still....I see it all the time, and then, BOOM - stuck away in the garage until the end of August. Maybe I should be nicer to it.
I take notes on my laptop. I use on-line statutes rather than the expensive books I was required to buy. (Much easier to cut and paste into my notes that way!) I IM with my wife and son and 1 or 2 friends. I keep personal photos, projects, and sometimes work stuff on my laptop. I surf the internet on my laptop.
Last year, when my laptop was out of commission and I had to have power supply repair done, after being without my computer for a week, we went out and bought a back-up. I couldn't handle the thought of being so far behind that I had to transcribe more than one week of hand-written notes into my computer while still keeping up with current assignments. Of course, my computer arrived two days after that purchase! Now I have the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing I have a spare should I ever need it, and my wife has her own laptop computer now. She used it a great deal when living in the hotel in Seattle while spending time with her dying mother. She created a wonderful slideshow memorial to her mother's life, featuring her mom from a very young age, marrying her father, then all of their children as they grew up and had children. A great investment, that spare laptop!
Maybe I will visit it soon....it would probably like to come out of the garage and play!
I was walking to my car yesterday, enjoying the sunshine and wondering what to make for dinner when I realized how bogged down I was NOT. I had a small messenger-style bag slung across my body. It had my empty lunch bag, wallet, cell phone, a few files with my resume and networking contact info and other minor essentials in it. It was light weight! During the school year I am in constant contact with my rolling backpack. It goes everywhere with me - work, school, home. It contains everything my messenger bag would carry, plus the law-student's lifeline: my laptop. (Oh, I can fit a book or two in there, as well.) It always feels heavy and is somewhat of a burden to travel with - but still - it's saving grace is it's ability to carry my laptop. I love my laptop. It is not the most expensive, fancy, particulary large or small, exceptionally fast or slow, but it is mine and it works perfectly for my needs.
My laptop. Hard to believe that for the entire school year barely a day goes by that I do not open it (except family days, generally Sundays, and Saturday, too, depending on my schedule.) Now, I've not seen my dear friend since May 10th when I took my last final. No, not quite true - I had to open it since then to delete the finals that we are only allowed to keep a few days - long enough for the school to contact us in case there was a problem printing out the final from the disk handed in. Still....I see it all the time, and then, BOOM - stuck away in the garage until the end of August. Maybe I should be nicer to it.
I take notes on my laptop. I use on-line statutes rather than the expensive books I was required to buy. (Much easier to cut and paste into my notes that way!) I IM with my wife and son and 1 or 2 friends. I keep personal photos, projects, and sometimes work stuff on my laptop. I surf the internet on my laptop.
Last year, when my laptop was out of commission and I had to have power supply repair done, after being without my computer for a week, we went out and bought a back-up. I couldn't handle the thought of being so far behind that I had to transcribe more than one week of hand-written notes into my computer while still keeping up with current assignments. Of course, my computer arrived two days after that purchase! Now I have the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing I have a spare should I ever need it, and my wife has her own laptop computer now. She used it a great deal when living in the hotel in Seattle while spending time with her dying mother. She created a wonderful slideshow memorial to her mother's life, featuring her mom from a very young age, marrying her father, then all of their children as they grew up and had children. A great investment, that spare laptop!
Maybe I will visit it soon....it would probably like to come out of the garage and play!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
My job is safe.
*whew* That is a small, tentative sigh of relief.
I was told yesterday that my position is remaining and my co-worker is being laid off. We are in a union. We are in the same classification. He has been around longer and could possibly bump me, not necessarily knowing it is me. My position is still being classified as .80, which is what I want, and my co-worker wants full time work. So, I think I am safe as long as he refuses part-time work. He had a great job interview yesterday. We are all (many co-workers) hoping he gets it. It's hard for me to feel good about keeping my job knowing that my teammate is being kicked out. If he lands in an even better position, then I can be happy. Don't get me wrong - I am grateful to be safe and employed. Really grateful. While I had been kind of hoping to move into the environmental field sooner than later, I had come to the conclusion that not moving was my top choice. This will allow me the flexibility I need to take the classes I want, while working not-quite full time in a position that is not terribly taxing so I can save some brain-power for classes.
So, send positive thoughts for my co-worker to get a job offer soon so that I can be safe in my position, and be happy for us both!
*whew* That is a small, tentative sigh of relief.
I was told yesterday that my position is remaining and my co-worker is being laid off. We are in a union. We are in the same classification. He has been around longer and could possibly bump me, not necessarily knowing it is me. My position is still being classified as .80, which is what I want, and my co-worker wants full time work. So, I think I am safe as long as he refuses part-time work. He had a great job interview yesterday. We are all (many co-workers) hoping he gets it. It's hard for me to feel good about keeping my job knowing that my teammate is being kicked out. If he lands in an even better position, then I can be happy. Don't get me wrong - I am grateful to be safe and employed. Really grateful. While I had been kind of hoping to move into the environmental field sooner than later, I had come to the conclusion that not moving was my top choice. This will allow me the flexibility I need to take the classes I want, while working not-quite full time in a position that is not terribly taxing so I can save some brain-power for classes.
So, send positive thoughts for my co-worker to get a job offer soon so that I can be safe in my position, and be happy for us both!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Floating through the morning...
You know when your head is all congested, and your mouth is cottony from breathing through it, and you can barely hear anything, and you seem to be floating in this almost alternate universe where you could just sort of space out if only people would stop expecting you to do things? That is where I am today. Actually, I am slightly less congested today than yesterday, so that is progress. This past week/weekend, Baby Girl was fighting a nasty virus that caused blisters in her mouth and throat, they were painful and would pop and taste horrible. It was very sad. She seems mostly better, though still a bit drippy in the nose. We don't know if it is still from the virus, or a cold - perhaps the one I now have, or allergies. We are experiencing a terrible allergy season this year - still into the summer, which is odd. People who do not normally experience allergy symptoms are suffering from itchy eyes, stuffy nose..etc. Baby Girl has been drippy or stuffy for maybe more than a month now.....could be allergies.
See...what kind of paragraph was that? I am clearly rambling. I was thinking I should email some of my law school friends today, but considering my state of mind, they would probably end up incoherent (the emails, not the friends), so that may not be the best idea. Well, if any of you are reading this - HI! Hope your summer is going great!
Wel, I am off to go see if I can make some sense of the piles of work on my desk. Happy Tuesday!
You know when your head is all congested, and your mouth is cottony from breathing through it, and you can barely hear anything, and you seem to be floating in this almost alternate universe where you could just sort of space out if only people would stop expecting you to do things? That is where I am today. Actually, I am slightly less congested today than yesterday, so that is progress. This past week/weekend, Baby Girl was fighting a nasty virus that caused blisters in her mouth and throat, they were painful and would pop and taste horrible. It was very sad. She seems mostly better, though still a bit drippy in the nose. We don't know if it is still from the virus, or a cold - perhaps the one I now have, or allergies. We are experiencing a terrible allergy season this year - still into the summer, which is odd. People who do not normally experience allergy symptoms are suffering from itchy eyes, stuffy nose..etc. Baby Girl has been drippy or stuffy for maybe more than a month now.....could be allergies.
See...what kind of paragraph was that? I am clearly rambling. I was thinking I should email some of my law school friends today, but considering my state of mind, they would probably end up incoherent (the emails, not the friends), so that may not be the best idea. Well, if any of you are reading this - HI! Hope your summer is going great!
Wel, I am off to go see if I can make some sense of the piles of work on my desk. Happy Tuesday!
Friday, June 22, 2007
So ready for a vacation!
Let me be really clear, I mean a vacation where I am employed and being paid. At this time last year we'd already been to Disneyland and had a beach trip planned. This year, with the job uncertainty and our savings account rapidly dwindling, we're staying put, at least until we know more. I'd be happy to find out I am staying put and being paid full time for the rest of the summer and then can reduce my hours, as needed, when school starts. I'd be OK getting a higher paid full time job, that will allow me some scheduling flexibility. I want good news that gives us some stability and a steady source of income.
Knowing that we went to Disneyland twice last year does help since I know that extravagance was crazy and expensive and worth every penny, and now it is a lean year. I can accept that. I also LOVE to travel. I love being on vacation. I love all things vacation-related. I love spending time with my family on vacation, in fact, I love that time the most of all. So - I really am ready for a beach trip, a camping trip (thought that sounds like way too much work with the little ones, unless it involves a cabin with a bathroom, and then I'm not sure that's considered camping), a road trip, a plane trip - ANYTHING this is for our pleasure.
Until it becomes a reality, I will keep dreaming. Sending out all these positive vibes into the Universe is bound to pay off soon!
Happy Weekend!
Let me be really clear, I mean a vacation where I am employed and being paid. At this time last year we'd already been to Disneyland and had a beach trip planned. This year, with the job uncertainty and our savings account rapidly dwindling, we're staying put, at least until we know more. I'd be happy to find out I am staying put and being paid full time for the rest of the summer and then can reduce my hours, as needed, when school starts. I'd be OK getting a higher paid full time job, that will allow me some scheduling flexibility. I want good news that gives us some stability and a steady source of income.
Knowing that we went to Disneyland twice last year does help since I know that extravagance was crazy and expensive and worth every penny, and now it is a lean year. I can accept that. I also LOVE to travel. I love being on vacation. I love all things vacation-related. I love spending time with my family on vacation, in fact, I love that time the most of all. So - I really am ready for a beach trip, a camping trip (thought that sounds like way too much work with the little ones, unless it involves a cabin with a bathroom, and then I'm not sure that's considered camping), a road trip, a plane trip - ANYTHING this is for our pleasure.
Until it becomes a reality, I will keep dreaming. Sending out all these positive vibes into the Universe is bound to pay off soon!
Happy Weekend!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Tribute to my wife
This is a quick acknowledgement that often my wife is a saint for putting up with our children. Son was in quite a mood tonight. Everything caused an argument, meltdown, whine-fest or snotty tone. We had moments of fun, then it would be ruined by a meltdown. He woke up at 5:00am and would not go to sleep, so was completely overtired. Pointing that out only caused cries of "I'm not tired." Right. I am so grateful to not have had to listen to that all day.
Thank you, Casey! You Rock!
This is a quick acknowledgement that often my wife is a saint for putting up with our children. Son was in quite a mood tonight. Everything caused an argument, meltdown, whine-fest or snotty tone. We had moments of fun, then it would be ruined by a meltdown. He woke up at 5:00am and would not go to sleep, so was completely overtired. Pointing that out only caused cries of "I'm not tired." Right. I am so grateful to not have had to listen to that all day.
Thank you, Casey! You Rock!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tired of the Uncertainty
Even though I love planning things, like vacations, and my school schedule for next year, I really love spontaniety. Going with the flow of the moment and not worrying TOO much about the destination is OK with me. Life is about the journey, right?
Sure....but there comes a time when you kind of feel like getting off the rocky ship and wandering on dry land for a while. As many of you know, my current job position has been uncertain for about 2 months now. At least a couple times per week, the powers that be tell us (meaning just one other person on my team and me) that they will know more "tomorrow." Tomorrow has a very different meaning in my life than theirs it would seem. I believe it to be the day after today. Perhaps, on some philosophical level, we never get to tomorrow, because it is always today. Hmmm.....
Anyway, I know it is more about getting what they want put through HR and HR pushing back. I believe they are trying to save my position. I am trying to be patient, and realistically, however long this gets pushed off, the better the chance of my teammate or I finding another job, which would leave the other of us to take over the position that should be posted that they expect us to compete for. I keep telling myself and everyone else that all will work out as it should. I truly do believe that. Due to all of the uncertainty, I've been networking my behind off and have met some incredible people in our community and it is really helping me refine what I want to do with my education and life after law school. I've met with Executive Directors, Administrative Law Judges, General Counsels, and practicing and non-practicing JD's. There are some fantastic, generous people working in the environmental and energy fields in our area, and it is a pleasure getting to know them. All of this is good. Still, I'm ready for the uncertainty to be over and for it to end in good news for me, and preferably for my teammate, too.
I have registered for classes as if I will be able to continue with my daytime flexibility and take a day class each semester. I'm applying for other jobs, but planning my life as if I will still be in my current one. I'm ready to know for sure now, and so the Universe is clear, I want GOOD news! *sending out my positive intentions in my practice of consciously creating the results that I want*
On the family front, Baby Girl has been sick, but seems on the mend. Poor wife not getting much sleep as a result. Boy is wild, but really has his sweet, grown up moments. Wife is earning a bit of money and working out (something I've not quite made the time for, but do hope to work in some walks in the gorgeous weather we are having). Family dinners are beginning to be less chaotic and more enjoyable. We're eating more fruit and veggies and are all enjoying them. Summer is a great time for that, isn't it?
Even though I love planning things, like vacations, and my school schedule for next year, I really love spontaniety. Going with the flow of the moment and not worrying TOO much about the destination is OK with me. Life is about the journey, right?
Sure....but there comes a time when you kind of feel like getting off the rocky ship and wandering on dry land for a while. As many of you know, my current job position has been uncertain for about 2 months now. At least a couple times per week, the powers that be tell us (meaning just one other person on my team and me) that they will know more "tomorrow." Tomorrow has a very different meaning in my life than theirs it would seem. I believe it to be the day after today. Perhaps, on some philosophical level, we never get to tomorrow, because it is always today. Hmmm.....
Anyway, I know it is more about getting what they want put through HR and HR pushing back. I believe they are trying to save my position. I am trying to be patient, and realistically, however long this gets pushed off, the better the chance of my teammate or I finding another job, which would leave the other of us to take over the position that should be posted that they expect us to compete for. I keep telling myself and everyone else that all will work out as it should. I truly do believe that. Due to all of the uncertainty, I've been networking my behind off and have met some incredible people in our community and it is really helping me refine what I want to do with my education and life after law school. I've met with Executive Directors, Administrative Law Judges, General Counsels, and practicing and non-practicing JD's. There are some fantastic, generous people working in the environmental and energy fields in our area, and it is a pleasure getting to know them. All of this is good. Still, I'm ready for the uncertainty to be over and for it to end in good news for me, and preferably for my teammate, too.
I have registered for classes as if I will be able to continue with my daytime flexibility and take a day class each semester. I'm applying for other jobs, but planning my life as if I will still be in my current one. I'm ready to know for sure now, and so the Universe is clear, I want GOOD news! *sending out my positive intentions in my practice of consciously creating the results that I want*
On the family front, Baby Girl has been sick, but seems on the mend. Poor wife not getting much sleep as a result. Boy is wild, but really has his sweet, grown up moments. Wife is earning a bit of money and working out (something I've not quite made the time for, but do hope to work in some walks in the gorgeous weather we are having). Family dinners are beginning to be less chaotic and more enjoyable. We're eating more fruit and veggies and are all enjoying them. Summer is a great time for that, isn't it?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Blogging Thing
I have been blogging so frequently lately, and thus increasing my visitors, that it just feels like I should post something before my three-day weekend begins. Aren't blogs fun? And strange? Here we all are - well - many of us anyway - exposing ourselves to strangers, and even worse, to the people we know. Putting out our secret thoughts and fears and daydreams, and confessions that reveal us to all be so HUMAN.
We love it though, don't we? Both reading others' blogs and sharing our own lives with the invisible masses? It connects us in a way that is both oddly intimate and totally impersonal. ANYONE could stumble across our words....we could be confessing something personal about our lives and anyone from our family, to neighbors, to Oprah - and we never know who has read our words.
I wonder how much most of us censor our posts depending on who we KNOW has us bookmarked? Do we want to gripe about our family members if we know they might read what we've written, or do we just write it and figure, they read at their own risk? Do we confess our insecurities if co-workers might be reading? Do we purposefully post messages to communicate with those we don't speak with often? That seems to be one of the key purposes of my wife's blog. We know that many friends regularly check in to see what we are up to and check our our family photos. She does a fabulous job of keeping people up-to-date on what's up with us. However, we don't have nearly as many personal friends as check on her blog daily. Every day new people discover her blog and become loyal readers. It is very cool....and a little odd to think total strangers know more about our lives that some of our local friends and family members that don't read the blog.
Well - keep reading, and I'll keep posting :)
Nothing like making confessions to strangers.
I have been blogging so frequently lately, and thus increasing my visitors, that it just feels like I should post something before my three-day weekend begins. Aren't blogs fun? And strange? Here we all are - well - many of us anyway - exposing ourselves to strangers, and even worse, to the people we know. Putting out our secret thoughts and fears and daydreams, and confessions that reveal us to all be so HUMAN.
We love it though, don't we? Both reading others' blogs and sharing our own lives with the invisible masses? It connects us in a way that is both oddly intimate and totally impersonal. ANYONE could stumble across our words....we could be confessing something personal about our lives and anyone from our family, to neighbors, to Oprah - and we never know who has read our words.
I wonder how much most of us censor our posts depending on who we KNOW has us bookmarked? Do we want to gripe about our family members if we know they might read what we've written, or do we just write it and figure, they read at their own risk? Do we confess our insecurities if co-workers might be reading? Do we purposefully post messages to communicate with those we don't speak with often? That seems to be one of the key purposes of my wife's blog. We know that many friends regularly check in to see what we are up to and check our our family photos. She does a fabulous job of keeping people up-to-date on what's up with us. However, we don't have nearly as many personal friends as check on her blog daily. Every day new people discover her blog and become loyal readers. It is very cool....and a little odd to think total strangers know more about our lives that some of our local friends and family members that don't read the blog.
Well - keep reading, and I'll keep posting :)
Nothing like making confessions to strangers.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Female Heroes
First off, how many times do we put those two words together? Just think about that for a moment.
Sad, isn't it?
I've been thinking about the women I admire - thinking yesterday of my friend who is moving away, and then about my wife who somehow manages to keep sane (mostly) while staying at home with our kids full time - but those are not my role models. Where were the role models growing up - the ones who showed me what being a strong, independent woman was about? There was my mom, and she was the best mom of all time, and taught me more about being a great mom than I will probably ever understand, but a "mom" was not what I wanted to be when I grew up. So, who did I admire? The astronauts, the actors, the writers, the singers - mostly all male. The women in those categories generally did not interest me - they were "frilly straight" women, acting in a subordinate roles or singing about men, and though I did not understand it then, those messages did not speak to me at all. There were female teachers that were wonderful. OK, but like Mom, very traditional female roles they were fulfilling and not particularly inspiring. The only women I can rember admiring as a child are Harriet Tubman and The Bionic Woman.
So, now, when I look to the women I admire, who are they, and why? Melissa Etheridge, Tret Fure, Cris Williamson, Ellen Degeneres, Ilene Chaiken, Rosie O'Donnell - what do these people have in common? Right - all performers, with the exception of Ilene Chaiken, but the connection to performers is obvious, once you realize she is the creator of The L Word. The people who I have access to - NO - who have access to influencing me - have been performers and those are the women who in my mind have made it and are successful. There are no lawyers or judges or politicians in my personal circle that I can look to and say, "Yes, I want to be like her." (Does Amy from Judging Amy count? I didn't think so.)
Maybe this isn't even as much a male/female issue as a mass media issue. My definition of success has been oddly swayed by Hollywood and the mainstream recording industry. (To be fair, Tret Fure and Cris Williamson cannot be accused of being part of the mainstream recording industry. They were pioneers for women in music, but I will save their tribute for another time.) If we throw in my all-time favorite author, Stephen King...and actually most of my favorite authors are men....mainstream publishing can be added so we cover most major entertainment outlets. THAT has been telling me how to be a successful person (man, really, but my brain has translated that message - I think). I can sit here as a fairly intelligent person, well-educated, in touch with my feelings, stable..blah, blah, blah...and realize that though I may become a successful lawyer, unless I somehow am featured on Rosie O'Donnell's next version of a talk show (or Ellen's), I may not ever think I am truly successful. Wow. That is a big confession. It is also very sick and sad and I could tell you a million reasons why that is wrong.
I think I'll not go into that now, but I will point out a positive - every one of those women is an out lesbian. I have found OUT role models that I admire, in great part, due to them being out lesbians. To them, I say, THANK YOU.
First off, how many times do we put those two words together? Just think about that for a moment.
Sad, isn't it?
I've been thinking about the women I admire - thinking yesterday of my friend who is moving away, and then about my wife who somehow manages to keep sane (mostly) while staying at home with our kids full time - but those are not my role models. Where were the role models growing up - the ones who showed me what being a strong, independent woman was about? There was my mom, and she was the best mom of all time, and taught me more about being a great mom than I will probably ever understand, but a "mom" was not what I wanted to be when I grew up. So, who did I admire? The astronauts, the actors, the writers, the singers - mostly all male. The women in those categories generally did not interest me - they were "frilly straight" women, acting in a subordinate roles or singing about men, and though I did not understand it then, those messages did not speak to me at all. There were female teachers that were wonderful. OK, but like Mom, very traditional female roles they were fulfilling and not particularly inspiring. The only women I can rember admiring as a child are Harriet Tubman and The Bionic Woman.
So, now, when I look to the women I admire, who are they, and why? Melissa Etheridge, Tret Fure, Cris Williamson, Ellen Degeneres, Ilene Chaiken, Rosie O'Donnell - what do these people have in common? Right - all performers, with the exception of Ilene Chaiken, but the connection to performers is obvious, once you realize she is the creator of The L Word. The people who I have access to - NO - who have access to influencing me - have been performers and those are the women who in my mind have made it and are successful. There are no lawyers or judges or politicians in my personal circle that I can look to and say, "Yes, I want to be like her." (Does Amy from Judging Amy count? I didn't think so.)
Maybe this isn't even as much a male/female issue as a mass media issue. My definition of success has been oddly swayed by Hollywood and the mainstream recording industry. (To be fair, Tret Fure and Cris Williamson cannot be accused of being part of the mainstream recording industry. They were pioneers for women in music, but I will save their tribute for another time.) If we throw in my all-time favorite author, Stephen King...and actually most of my favorite authors are men....mainstream publishing can be added so we cover most major entertainment outlets. THAT has been telling me how to be a successful person (man, really, but my brain has translated that message - I think). I can sit here as a fairly intelligent person, well-educated, in touch with my feelings, stable..blah, blah, blah...and realize that though I may become a successful lawyer, unless I somehow am featured on Rosie O'Donnell's next version of a talk show (or Ellen's), I may not ever think I am truly successful. Wow. That is a big confession. It is also very sick and sad and I could tell you a million reasons why that is wrong.
I think I'll not go into that now, but I will point out a positive - every one of those women is an out lesbian. I have found OUT role models that I admire, in great part, due to them being out lesbians. To them, I say, THANK YOU.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Bad coffee and good friends
Note to self, the coffee that is currently in the kitchen at work, when mixed with the vanilla creamer at my desk produces a smell and leaves taste in my mouth that reminds me of walking past the elephant area at the zoo. This is a bad thing. Do not mix those two items in the future. *gag*
Today I had breakfast with a friend I've known since my first day of high school nearly 26 years ago. (Damn! Has it really been that long? Fall of 1981....yes. *gasp*) We were best friends in high school, dealing with all the highs and lows those years produce, staying in touch as we went our separate ways into college and the military, losing touch for many years as marriage, a child, and eventual divorce happened for her, and coming out, dealing with my first couple of lesbian relationships, marriage and having our first child happened to me, and eventually finding each other again now that we've become relatively stable, responsible adults. This person reminds me a lot of my wife and the two of them get along well, mainly due to a similar wicked sense of humor. We've both been busy raising a family, going to school, working full time, and have not had nearly enough time to spend together. She is an amazing, ambitious woman, and I am so grateful to have her as a friend. She's just accepted a great job in another city, fortunately not too far away, but I will miss knowing she is nearby and that we might work in a short visit during a break in our schedules.
Mieke asked a while back about lesbians and needing women friends. Yes, we all need our friends, especially those special ones that have known us forever, know all our crazy stories and love us anyway.
Note to self, the coffee that is currently in the kitchen at work, when mixed with the vanilla creamer at my desk produces a smell and leaves taste in my mouth that reminds me of walking past the elephant area at the zoo. This is a bad thing. Do not mix those two items in the future. *gag*
Today I had breakfast with a friend I've known since my first day of high school nearly 26 years ago. (Damn! Has it really been that long? Fall of 1981....yes. *gasp*) We were best friends in high school, dealing with all the highs and lows those years produce, staying in touch as we went our separate ways into college and the military, losing touch for many years as marriage, a child, and eventual divorce happened for her, and coming out, dealing with my first couple of lesbian relationships, marriage and having our first child happened to me, and eventually finding each other again now that we've become relatively stable, responsible adults. This person reminds me a lot of my wife and the two of them get along well, mainly due to a similar wicked sense of humor. We've both been busy raising a family, going to school, working full time, and have not had nearly enough time to spend together. She is an amazing, ambitious woman, and I am so grateful to have her as a friend. She's just accepted a great job in another city, fortunately not too far away, but I will miss knowing she is nearby and that we might work in a short visit during a break in our schedules.
Mieke asked a while back about lesbians and needing women friends. Yes, we all need our friends, especially those special ones that have known us forever, know all our crazy stories and love us anyway.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Off for the Summer
Funny how when I tell people that, they think it means I'm not going to school or working or anything. Ha! "Off for the summer" for this night student means I'm out of classes and experiencing a "normal" life when I go home at the end of the day and have dinner with my family. It is nice to be really, truly involved with my family again...although...damn, this parenting thing takes a lot of energy. I am never surprised when my wife tells me she is tired. Kids are exhausting! I always tell her that I did not sign up to stay home with the kids; I know I could not do it. I would have to be locked up...it would either drive me bonkers (that is a technical term, I believe) or drive me to criminal acts. That would be bad for an attorny-in-training. I ADORE my children, but I really am much better as a weekend warrior parent :)
We had a great time at the Children's Museum on Friday. I am just a big kid at heart and had the best time in this huge pit of ground up rubber tires meant to be used like a sandbox. We played with buckets, shovels, trucks, and best of all, a conveyor belt that you could put soft rocks and the ground rubber on and then have them dump into a truck, or, as my son discovered, my head. It was pretty funny. Baby Girl and I sat at the end of the conveyor belt and let him shower us with the colorful, soft pellets, and she laughed with delight. Too cute!
So, I stay busy all during the school year, and now that I am "off for the summer" what am I thinking of doing? Writing children's books! I am a writer at heart, and for about a year now, I have been telling my son "little boy stories" at night. I'm considering putting some of them into print - for our family, and for general sale, too. I'm not going to go through the hassle of finding a publisher and all....been there, almost done that, and know I have no time, or patience, for that game....but would do it all myself through an on-demand publisher (really essentially a printing service). Not like I have the time or marketing budget to really go all-out to try to sell them, but could post -em on the web and see what happens. There are bound to be some families out there that wouldn't mind some fun stories about an adventurous little boy who happens to have two moms.
Hey - it's time to eat lunch! Gotta grab a bite to eat and watch that Melissa/Sophie video again! *grin*
Funny how when I tell people that, they think it means I'm not going to school or working or anything. Ha! "Off for the summer" for this night student means I'm out of classes and experiencing a "normal" life when I go home at the end of the day and have dinner with my family. It is nice to be really, truly involved with my family again...although...damn, this parenting thing takes a lot of energy. I am never surprised when my wife tells me she is tired. Kids are exhausting! I always tell her that I did not sign up to stay home with the kids; I know I could not do it. I would have to be locked up...it would either drive me bonkers (that is a technical term, I believe) or drive me to criminal acts. That would be bad for an attorny-in-training. I ADORE my children, but I really am much better as a weekend warrior parent :)
We had a great time at the Children's Museum on Friday. I am just a big kid at heart and had the best time in this huge pit of ground up rubber tires meant to be used like a sandbox. We played with buckets, shovels, trucks, and best of all, a conveyor belt that you could put soft rocks and the ground rubber on and then have them dump into a truck, or, as my son discovered, my head. It was pretty funny. Baby Girl and I sat at the end of the conveyor belt and let him shower us with the colorful, soft pellets, and she laughed with delight. Too cute!
So, I stay busy all during the school year, and now that I am "off for the summer" what am I thinking of doing? Writing children's books! I am a writer at heart, and for about a year now, I have been telling my son "little boy stories" at night. I'm considering putting some of them into print - for our family, and for general sale, too. I'm not going to go through the hassle of finding a publisher and all....been there, almost done that, and know I have no time, or patience, for that game....but would do it all myself through an on-demand publisher (really essentially a printing service). Not like I have the time or marketing budget to really go all-out to try to sell them, but could post -em on the web and see what happens. There are bound to be some families out there that wouldn't mind some fun stories about an adventurous little boy who happens to have two moms.
Hey - it's time to eat lunch! Gotta grab a bite to eat and watch that Melissa/Sophie video again! *grin*
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Kids and Cooking
Wish I had pictures to share, but our sweet 2-year old daughter and I had a great time cooking dinner together last night. I plopped her on the counter and let her start making decisions and we talked about everything we were doing. She understands so much and can already talk so well, it was quite fun. At one point I started to use a bottle of Miracle Whip that hadn't been opened and I said, "Oh, man," somewhat frustrated that I would have to figure out how to get the little plastic seal off the bottle that was not coming off easily. She looked at me very seriously, cocking her head with curiosity, and asked, "Why Oh Man?" It was so cute. I explained and she seemed to understand, and she watched as I finally was able to grasp a small tab of the plastic seal and successfully peel it off of the bottle.
When we were almost done, our 5-year-old son came into the kitchen and made final decisions on what fruit we'd have, he took napkins, milk and pears for each of us to the table. He is getting to be such a good helper! Lately he's been loving to hear about when he was a little baby, and this week, after seeing a picture of this, I told him how we used to cook together. He would sit in his high chair as I'd explain everything I was doing while preparing dinner each night. So, there have been a lot of together cooking times this week. It's been fun, and something we rarely did while I was in school. Summer is good. I know my wife is enjoying the "together cooking time" as it gets the kids off of her for a bit when I first get home. So, it really is good for all of us!
Wish I had pictures to share, but our sweet 2-year old daughter and I had a great time cooking dinner together last night. I plopped her on the counter and let her start making decisions and we talked about everything we were doing. She understands so much and can already talk so well, it was quite fun. At one point I started to use a bottle of Miracle Whip that hadn't been opened and I said, "Oh, man," somewhat frustrated that I would have to figure out how to get the little plastic seal off the bottle that was not coming off easily. She looked at me very seriously, cocking her head with curiosity, and asked, "Why Oh Man?" It was so cute. I explained and she seemed to understand, and she watched as I finally was able to grasp a small tab of the plastic seal and successfully peel it off of the bottle.
When we were almost done, our 5-year-old son came into the kitchen and made final decisions on what fruit we'd have, he took napkins, milk and pears for each of us to the table. He is getting to be such a good helper! Lately he's been loving to hear about when he was a little baby, and this week, after seeing a picture of this, I told him how we used to cook together. He would sit in his high chair as I'd explain everything I was doing while preparing dinner each night. So, there have been a lot of together cooking times this week. It's been fun, and something we rarely did while I was in school. Summer is good. I know my wife is enjoying the "together cooking time" as it gets the kids off of her for a bit when I first get home. So, it really is good for all of us!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Our adorable kids!
Two posts in one day. How ever will my loyal readers keep up with this pace?
I had to share one of the great pictures that my partner and the kids had taken today. Are they cute, or what?
I see I have failed to mention how nice it is now that school is out and I am able to have dinner with my family every night and have my whole three-day weekends with them. Mostly, it is great! The not-so-great part is that about the time I am getting home, they have reached the rough part of the night - cranky, tired, not so much listening anymore. We try to navigate through those rough waters, and enjoy our family time though. Each night ends with bath, kisses, hugs, storytime, and the promise to see them at dinner the next night (or even better, in the morning if it is a "family day.")
I suspect the other picturest taken today will soon be up on the blog listed on the left as "My Partner's Blog," so check often!
Free Association...ramblings of my morning
So, this morning on the radio, I heard "Truly, Madly, Deeply" from Savage Garden, for some reason it reminded me of "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover" by Sophie B. Hawkins. From time to time, I get obsessed with finding the version of her singing this song with Melissa Etheridge. In the past, no luck, but now, with YouTube and MySpace, I have found not just one but two videos! Now, I have to say, I am a huge Melissa fan, and Sophie just oozes sexuality, put these two together on stage and it should be burning up, and it is..but...not quite with the intensity I expected from only hearing the song without the visuals. My interpretation is that Melissa was holding back or is a bit more shy about sexual suggestiveness than Sophie. Sophie is, well, not shy on stage. Damn!
Anyway, enjoy: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2019118261
So, after this, I started looking at videos of Melissa, because, well, why not?
I found this great one she did where she talks about writing the song for Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. Personal, moving, relevant - gotta love this woman, and the message: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=1108254241
So, that's been my morning (minus the part where I did actual work - yes, still employed - don't know a lot more about my job status, but it is looking good - more on that topic eventually). A fun way to start the day!
So, this morning on the radio, I heard "Truly, Madly, Deeply" from Savage Garden, for some reason it reminded me of "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover" by Sophie B. Hawkins. From time to time, I get obsessed with finding the version of her singing this song with Melissa Etheridge. In the past, no luck, but now, with YouTube and MySpace, I have found not just one but two videos! Now, I have to say, I am a huge Melissa fan, and Sophie just oozes sexuality, put these two together on stage and it should be burning up, and it is..but...not quite with the intensity I expected from only hearing the song without the visuals. My interpretation is that Melissa was holding back or is a bit more shy about sexual suggestiveness than Sophie. Sophie is, well, not shy on stage. Damn!
Anyway, enjoy: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2019118261
So, after this, I started looking at videos of Melissa, because, well, why not?
I found this great one she did where she talks about writing the song for Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. Personal, moving, relevant - gotta love this woman, and the message: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=1108254241
So, that's been my morning (minus the part where I did actual work - yes, still employed - don't know a lot more about my job status, but it is looking good - more on that topic eventually). A fun way to start the day!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
I am a Law Geek
Maybe this is obvious. Yesterday it really hit me though. I was having lunch, networking with two ALJs (Administrative Law Judges) from the Oregon Public Utilities Commission, and they were explaining how most people, not even their families understand what they do. (I will post the Wikipedia definition at the end of this post.) One of them says he used to say he was a laywer for the government, but he says that was like two strikes against him - "Oh, God, you work for the government and are a lawyer." It wasn't winning him points at cocktail parties...In my mind, however, I was saying, "Cool - a lawyer for the government!" It didn't strike me that most "normal" people may not think that sounds like a great job, and to me, an ALJ is an even more impressive job.
Yup, Law Geek, and as one of the people I was out with put it, a "Government Law Geek." Well, guess we all have to fit in somewhere. Perhaps I have found my niche :)
-----------------------------
An administrative law judge (ALJ) in the United States is an official who presides at an administrative trial-type hearing to resolve a dispute between a government agency and someone affected by a decision of that agency. The ALJ is the initial trier of fact and decision maker. ALJs can administer oaths, take testimony, rule on questions of evidence, and make factual and legal determinations.[1] ALJ-controlled proceedings are comparable to a bench trial, but with simplified and less formal procedures.
Maybe this is obvious. Yesterday it really hit me though. I was having lunch, networking with two ALJs (Administrative Law Judges) from the Oregon Public Utilities Commission, and they were explaining how most people, not even their families understand what they do. (I will post the Wikipedia definition at the end of this post.) One of them says he used to say he was a laywer for the government, but he says that was like two strikes against him - "Oh, God, you work for the government and are a lawyer." It wasn't winning him points at cocktail parties...In my mind, however, I was saying, "Cool - a lawyer for the government!" It didn't strike me that most "normal" people may not think that sounds like a great job, and to me, an ALJ is an even more impressive job.
Yup, Law Geek, and as one of the people I was out with put it, a "Government Law Geek." Well, guess we all have to fit in somewhere. Perhaps I have found my niche :)
-----------------------------
An administrative law judge (ALJ) in the United States is an official who presides at an administrative trial-type hearing to resolve a dispute between a government agency and someone affected by a decision of that agency. The ALJ is the initial trier of fact and decision maker. ALJs can administer oaths, take testimony, rule on questions of evidence, and make factual and legal determinations.[1] ALJ-controlled proceedings are comparable to a bench trial, but with simplified and less formal procedures.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Boys are Weird.
I love my son dearly - I really, really do. This weekend, however, I realized that apparently 5 is the age at which the reasons that girls think boys are weird become apparent. For instance, yesterday after playing a treasure-hunt/adventure game with said 5-year old, I told him it was time that I play with his sister, a 2-year-old girl. We started playing with a dollhouse, and he asked if he could play, too. Of course, I told him. Soon, our game of setting up furniture and putting the dog in the dog house, turned into sliding toys off the top of the doll house, and using pieces of furniture or action figures to totally destroy the contents of the house. His destructive tendencies were in fine form!
Later, we were playing with a wooden train set. We set up a track and all three of us were rolling trains along the track when suddenly - EARTHQUAKE! The entire track was being ripped apart as part of the game. I convinced my son he needed to leave his sister's part of the track alone so she could continue playing and he could do whatever he wanted with his part. The trains started crashing....a single piece of his sister's track was removed to see what the train crash would look like..etc. I thought to myself, "Oh, right - boys are weird." My son is weird. Still, I love him, and know we will do our best to allow him to be himself, play in the ways he needs to, while focussing and limiting the destructiveness as much as possible. I guess the challenge of two moms raising a boy are just beginning. So far, so good...
I love my son dearly - I really, really do. This weekend, however, I realized that apparently 5 is the age at which the reasons that girls think boys are weird become apparent. For instance, yesterday after playing a treasure-hunt/adventure game with said 5-year old, I told him it was time that I play with his sister, a 2-year-old girl. We started playing with a dollhouse, and he asked if he could play, too. Of course, I told him. Soon, our game of setting up furniture and putting the dog in the dog house, turned into sliding toys off the top of the doll house, and using pieces of furniture or action figures to totally destroy the contents of the house. His destructive tendencies were in fine form!
Later, we were playing with a wooden train set. We set up a track and all three of us were rolling trains along the track when suddenly - EARTHQUAKE! The entire track was being ripped apart as part of the game. I convinced my son he needed to leave his sister's part of the track alone so she could continue playing and he could do whatever he wanted with his part. The trains started crashing....a single piece of his sister's track was removed to see what the train crash would look like..etc. I thought to myself, "Oh, right - boys are weird." My son is weird. Still, I love him, and know we will do our best to allow him to be himself, play in the ways he needs to, while focussing and limiting the destructiveness as much as possible. I guess the challenge of two moms raising a boy are just beginning. So far, so good...
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Welcome Home Family!!!
Figuring most people that read my blog also read my partner's, I neglected to reveal the very important fact that my wife and kids are now back at home, after 5 weeks away. It has been tough for us all, especially my wife, who was away from home to be with her dying mother. It is a time of loss and sadness, yet we are grateful she was able to be with her mom and family, where she really needed to be. Not all people are able to do this. I'm sure this has given her some sense of peace and "rightness," even as things seemed so wrong.
I'm glad she could go, but am happy now to have my family back home!
Welcome home, my sweet loved ones!
Figuring most people that read my blog also read my partner's, I neglected to reveal the very important fact that my wife and kids are now back at home, after 5 weeks away. It has been tough for us all, especially my wife, who was away from home to be with her dying mother. It is a time of loss and sadness, yet we are grateful she was able to be with her mom and family, where she really needed to be. Not all people are able to do this. I'm sure this has given her some sense of peace and "rightness," even as things seemed so wrong.
I'm glad she could go, but am happy now to have my family back home!
Welcome home, my sweet loved ones!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Retail Therapy - REI-Style
OK, so I mentioned last week that I was about to go on a shopping expedition. I did and it was so much fun! I'd not been to the local, and quite new, REI store, so having a gift certificate to spend was a perfect excuse. Now, we are not particularly big outdoors/camping/hiking kind of people. We camp occasionally, but not since having two kids. I have a desire to kayak - again, kids make it rather difficult. Biking - not so much. Still - there is SO MUCH at REI to look at - flashlights, backpacks, shoes, jackets, outdoor toys - TONS!
Here is what I finally decided upon - some things for me and something for the whole family to enjoy: A watch (I unofficially collect watches), a pouch (we are arguing that it is a purse, which it is not - it hold my wallet, keys and my cell phone for when I am meeting with folks all dressed up and have no appropriate pockets), and "Is that a hamster ball?" No - it is an ice cream maker! How fun will that be to kick around the yard with the kids?
Thanks to my gift certificate-giving friend! The experience was a welcome escape!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Exams are over, class schedule craziness and more...
I have just spent the better part of 5 hours studying and trying to piece together possible class schedule options for next year.
There are three possibilities I must take into consideration:
1) If I have the flexibility to take day classes, but can't get into the clinic I want to take because it is overloaded
2) If I have flexibility to take day classes and can take the clinic I want to take
3) If I have to take all night classes because I'm in a new job that won't allow me flexibility of taking a day class/clinic
So, I've been trying to fill in all the options, get the right numbers of credits, manage conflicting class times, make sure I am getting the classes I need to earn the Environmental Law Certificate, plus balance it out with Bar subjects, blah, blah, blah. I've about got it worked out, but there are no contingencies for NOT getting into any of my desired classes. So, I have to get in to everything I want to take.
As you may have figured out, I still do not know if I will continue to have a job where I currently work. Maybe they will tell us next week. In the mean time, I am networking my b*tt off! I am asking everyone I know if they know anyone in the environmental field that might know of any open positions, or just who know a lot of people to whom they could refer me. I am hoping to find a job similar to a project coordinator, possibly working with contracts...anything to get some experience in the field. A law clerk job would be good, but it would need to pay at least $20/hour and I understand those positions are hard to come by. Even that wage would hurt our family income, though not as much as being unemployed. I could do it if I worked 40 hours rather than 32.
I'm avoiding the hard stuff here, the issues I have no control over - the family issues. My partner's mother passed away last Friday. She went peacefully, after what had been a rather rapid decline over the last few months, and a very rough last month. It is sad, but given the circumstances, everyone is relieved she is finally at peace. The funeral will be this Saturday.
My dad is declining....well, they are trying to get him stable enough that he can go live with my sister for a time, until he needs a higher level of care. Dealing with the Medicaid system, and the docs and nurses employed by such, is proving very frustrating for my sister who is the one trying to navigate it. Now that finals are over, and my family will soon be home (Yeah!), I can hopefully help out some, at least by making some phone calls, or helping her organize her thoughts and questions. She is overwhelmed, out of her own environment, frustrated, and sad. I think she is having a hard time right now being an effective advocate. It is always easier to see things clearly from a distance, where you can step away from the harsh realities of "the system" and the fact that your loved one is dying.
On that happy note....
No, wait, I really can't leave it like this. OK - happy thoughts:
FINALS are OVER!! I am officially a 3rd year law student!
I will get to be at home with my family for dinner every night, and tuck the little ones in bed every night!
Summer is arriving and the beautiful weather is so uplifting!
I am about to sneak out and see if I can spend the gift certificate for REI that a wonderful friend gave me for my birthday. I told her I'd be doing some retail therapy once finals were over. Now is my chance!
Happy Weekend everybody! (I leave for Seattle in the morning, so it is almost like my weekend.)
I have just spent the better part of 5 hours studying and trying to piece together possible class schedule options for next year.
There are three possibilities I must take into consideration:
1) If I have the flexibility to take day classes, but can't get into the clinic I want to take because it is overloaded
2) If I have flexibility to take day classes and can take the clinic I want to take
3) If I have to take all night classes because I'm in a new job that won't allow me flexibility of taking a day class/clinic
So, I've been trying to fill in all the options, get the right numbers of credits, manage conflicting class times, make sure I am getting the classes I need to earn the Environmental Law Certificate, plus balance it out with Bar subjects, blah, blah, blah. I've about got it worked out, but there are no contingencies for NOT getting into any of my desired classes. So, I have to get in to everything I want to take.
As you may have figured out, I still do not know if I will continue to have a job where I currently work. Maybe they will tell us next week. In the mean time, I am networking my b*tt off! I am asking everyone I know if they know anyone in the environmental field that might know of any open positions, or just who know a lot of people to whom they could refer me. I am hoping to find a job similar to a project coordinator, possibly working with contracts...anything to get some experience in the field. A law clerk job would be good, but it would need to pay at least $20/hour and I understand those positions are hard to come by. Even that wage would hurt our family income, though not as much as being unemployed. I could do it if I worked 40 hours rather than 32.
I'm avoiding the hard stuff here, the issues I have no control over - the family issues. My partner's mother passed away last Friday. She went peacefully, after what had been a rather rapid decline over the last few months, and a very rough last month. It is sad, but given the circumstances, everyone is relieved she is finally at peace. The funeral will be this Saturday.
My dad is declining....well, they are trying to get him stable enough that he can go live with my sister for a time, until he needs a higher level of care. Dealing with the Medicaid system, and the docs and nurses employed by such, is proving very frustrating for my sister who is the one trying to navigate it. Now that finals are over, and my family will soon be home (Yeah!), I can hopefully help out some, at least by making some phone calls, or helping her organize her thoughts and questions. She is overwhelmed, out of her own environment, frustrated, and sad. I think she is having a hard time right now being an effective advocate. It is always easier to see things clearly from a distance, where you can step away from the harsh realities of "the system" and the fact that your loved one is dying.
On that happy note....
No, wait, I really can't leave it like this. OK - happy thoughts:
FINALS are OVER!! I am officially a 3rd year law student!
I will get to be at home with my family for dinner every night, and tuck the little ones in bed every night!
Summer is arriving and the beautiful weather is so uplifting!
I am about to sneak out and see if I can spend the gift certificate for REI that a wonderful friend gave me for my birthday. I told her I'd be doing some retail therapy once finals were over. Now is my chance!
Happy Weekend everybody! (I leave for Seattle in the morning, so it is almost like my weekend.)
Thursday, May 03, 2007
One down – two to go!
I took my Admin Law final last night. I feel good about it. I did not stare blankly at the page wondering what the heck to write, so that is always good. I do have a theory though that almost everyone leaves most finals feeling pretty good. Most of us do well…..so it is hard to have a good sense of if you did better than most or about the same. Oh, well. I did my best and now I’m on to the next. I will take Evidence and Con Law II next week.
So, where the heck have I been? Life has gotten crazy. For those of you who read my partner’s blog, you already know. Her mother is dying so she has been living in a hotel with our kids up near Seattle for the past three week so she can be close to her mom. It’s a total roller coaster ride, and not the fun kind. The kids and her are SO READY to be home, it is draining and sad and exhausting. The only good parts are that she is able to be with her brother and sister and all experience this together and they have really helped out a lot with the kids. Her brother’s girlfriend has been wonderful with them, trying to keep them occupied while Casey is with her mom, and accompanying them on fun outings, like to the Science Center. Of course, the kids, especially the little one, won’t let Casey out of their site for long, so it is all still very much a challenge.
I go up and visit on weekends. We all miss each other very much.
A week into this I found out the department where I work is being eliminated and my job may or may not remain. Great timing.
Later that day, I found out that my dad has been hospitalized and has terminal cancer.
WHOA! Enough! Done with bad news now.
At least Dad is up within about 15 minutes from Casey’s mom, so that is working out well to visit him when I go up on the weekends.
I was pretty shaken for a bit, but hey, I have to move on with life, right?
So, I am acting as if my job will go away, and contacting everyone I know that might know people that work in the environmental field – sustainability, alternate energy sources, regulation compliance, green spaces, anything! I figure it is time to get some relevant experience. I plan to specialize in environmental law – and will either practice or do administration when I graduate. I think working for the EPA would be fun. Anyway, if YOU know of anyone in the PDX area who might be looking for a project coordinator, or a legal clerk (legal experience would be good, too!), or a combination of administrative and legal work – please let me know!
Ideally, I will get a great job offer and find out that my current job will remain as is. I LOVE choices!
To all my law student friends – good luck on finals and have a great summer!
I took my Admin Law final last night. I feel good about it. I did not stare blankly at the page wondering what the heck to write, so that is always good. I do have a theory though that almost everyone leaves most finals feeling pretty good. Most of us do well…..so it is hard to have a good sense of if you did better than most or about the same. Oh, well. I did my best and now I’m on to the next. I will take Evidence and Con Law II next week.
So, where the heck have I been? Life has gotten crazy. For those of you who read my partner’s blog, you already know. Her mother is dying so she has been living in a hotel with our kids up near Seattle for the past three week so she can be close to her mom. It’s a total roller coaster ride, and not the fun kind. The kids and her are SO READY to be home, it is draining and sad and exhausting. The only good parts are that she is able to be with her brother and sister and all experience this together and they have really helped out a lot with the kids. Her brother’s girlfriend has been wonderful with them, trying to keep them occupied while Casey is with her mom, and accompanying them on fun outings, like to the Science Center. Of course, the kids, especially the little one, won’t let Casey out of their site for long, so it is all still very much a challenge.
I go up and visit on weekends. We all miss each other very much.
A week into this I found out the department where I work is being eliminated and my job may or may not remain. Great timing.
Later that day, I found out that my dad has been hospitalized and has terminal cancer.
WHOA! Enough! Done with bad news now.
At least Dad is up within about 15 minutes from Casey’s mom, so that is working out well to visit him when I go up on the weekends.
I was pretty shaken for a bit, but hey, I have to move on with life, right?
So, I am acting as if my job will go away, and contacting everyone I know that might know people that work in the environmental field – sustainability, alternate energy sources, regulation compliance, green spaces, anything! I figure it is time to get some relevant experience. I plan to specialize in environmental law – and will either practice or do administration when I graduate. I think working for the EPA would be fun. Anyway, if YOU know of anyone in the PDX area who might be looking for a project coordinator, or a legal clerk (legal experience would be good, too!), or a combination of administrative and legal work – please let me know!
Ideally, I will get a great job offer and find out that my current job will remain as is. I LOVE choices!
To all my law student friends – good luck on finals and have a great summer!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Al Gore is a Funny Guy
Am I the last person to realize this? Probably not - so let me share.
I saw part of An Inconvenient Truth a couple weeks ago. I want to see the whole thing soon, and I will, but I found something related today. It is a video of his presentation to TED in Feb. of 2006 before the movie was released (TED - Technology Entertainment Design - annual conference of 1000+ movers and shakers). He is really quite entertaining. I never thought much about Al Gore. My mistake.
Check out the video:
http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=al_gore
Am I the last person to realize this? Probably not - so let me share.
I saw part of An Inconvenient Truth a couple weeks ago. I want to see the whole thing soon, and I will, but I found something related today. It is a video of his presentation to TED in Feb. of 2006 before the movie was released (TED - Technology Entertainment Design - annual conference of 1000+ movers and shakers). He is really quite entertaining. I never thought much about Al Gore. My mistake.
Check out the video:
http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=al_gore
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The L-Word Withdrawal
Here it is, only April, and already the fourth season of my favorite show has come and gone for another year. 13 episodes is not enough. Where else do I get to see women who love women just living life and being normal? OK, so they are not totally normal in that almost all of them are really hot, but hey, this is TV and THAT is Entertainment!
For others out there, wishing the season was not over, Showtime is giving us lots more goodies in the form of Our Chart. There are interviews, podcasts, photos and lots of other fun stuff. This is the one I just discovered today:
http://www.ourchart.com/node/77693
Kate Moennig and Alex Hedison on the same stage. Need I say more?
Here it is, only April, and already the fourth season of my favorite show has come and gone for another year. 13 episodes is not enough. Where else do I get to see women who love women just living life and being normal? OK, so they are not totally normal in that almost all of them are really hot, but hey, this is TV and THAT is Entertainment!
For others out there, wishing the season was not over, Showtime is giving us lots more goodies in the form of Our Chart. There are interviews, podcasts, photos and lots of other fun stuff. This is the one I just discovered today:
http://www.ourchart.com/node/77693
Kate Moennig and Alex Hedison on the same stage. Need I say more?
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Cell Phone Etiquette
aka: C'mon People!
Yes, I am older than many students at my school.
Yes, I remember a time before cell phones.
Yes, my parents taught me to respect other people.
It may be that I am unique because of these things, but I could not be the only person that does not want to hear people's private conversations in a public location. (Especially if they aren't particularly interesting.) I was in our student lounge area a couple evenings ago, eating dinner and reading some material for class. It was quite late and there were only a few people in the relatively large space, but since most of the seating is close together, privacy is a mere illusion.
A fellow classmate (I assume he belonged there anyway, though his behavior made me question his maturity) received a call on his cell phone. He was obviously upset and proceeded to engage in a fight with a significant other. About every other LOUD word was "F**k" and the repetition of some unkind phrase that the other person had apparently used on him and he was now using as a weapon. I learned that what he does is no longer any of the other person's business. It appeared that it was MINE though, since I was hearing all about it. I thought when it became obvious that this was going to be a lengthy and personal discussion, he would leave the public area. I thought this person would probably not want another person who might someday be a professional colleague, to hear the details of his personal life or his foul language. I was wrong.
I considered leaving, since he was disrupting my reading, but also didn't think I should be the one to have to leave. Finally, after about 5-10 minutes, another classmate entered the area. OK, the Loud Phone Caller will realize there are now two of us hearing his drama and he will take his phone outside. Again, I was wrong.
Much to my amazement, this other person started making a phone call on his cell phone, and he put it on speaker phone! Had he done it after listening to the first caller's conversation, I might have believed he was making a point, but no. He sat down and immediately connected to his call on speaker phone so he could set up his computer.
HELLO!! Common courtesy people!! Let's show some respect for each other. Unless you are a celebrity, most people do not want to hear about your private life, nor do they wish to hear you exclaim obscenities. Also, as we are repeatedly reminded of, the area in which we live contains a very small law community. Our professional reputation really does start the day we enter law school. How do you want to be remembered when you are facing a former classmate across a negotiation table, or a courtroom, or a hiring partner's desk? Think about it, and take your phone calls outside.
aka: C'mon People!
Yes, I am older than many students at my school.
Yes, I remember a time before cell phones.
Yes, my parents taught me to respect other people.
It may be that I am unique because of these things, but I could not be the only person that does not want to hear people's private conversations in a public location. (Especially if they aren't particularly interesting.) I was in our student lounge area a couple evenings ago, eating dinner and reading some material for class. It was quite late and there were only a few people in the relatively large space, but since most of the seating is close together, privacy is a mere illusion.
A fellow classmate (I assume he belonged there anyway, though his behavior made me question his maturity) received a call on his cell phone. He was obviously upset and proceeded to engage in a fight with a significant other. About every other LOUD word was "F**k" and the repetition of some unkind phrase that the other person had apparently used on him and he was now using as a weapon. I learned that what he does is no longer any of the other person's business. It appeared that it was MINE though, since I was hearing all about it. I thought when it became obvious that this was going to be a lengthy and personal discussion, he would leave the public area. I thought this person would probably not want another person who might someday be a professional colleague, to hear the details of his personal life or his foul language. I was wrong.
I considered leaving, since he was disrupting my reading, but also didn't think I should be the one to have to leave. Finally, after about 5-10 minutes, another classmate entered the area. OK, the Loud Phone Caller will realize there are now two of us hearing his drama and he will take his phone outside. Again, I was wrong.
Much to my amazement, this other person started making a phone call on his cell phone, and he put it on speaker phone! Had he done it after listening to the first caller's conversation, I might have believed he was making a point, but no. He sat down and immediately connected to his call on speaker phone so he could set up his computer.
HELLO!! Common courtesy people!! Let's show some respect for each other. Unless you are a celebrity, most people do not want to hear about your private life, nor do they wish to hear you exclaim obscenities. Also, as we are repeatedly reminded of, the area in which we live contains a very small law community. Our professional reputation really does start the day we enter law school. How do you want to be remembered when you are facing a former classmate across a negotiation table, or a courtroom, or a hiring partner's desk? Think about it, and take your phone calls outside.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
My Little Paint Monster
Is this cute, or what?
Wife has found the best way to let the kids play with paint is in the bathtub where all can be washed off relatively easily. I've even made them homemade fingerpaints for just such an occassion - gets double-duty as an activity; first it's a kitchen project, then it moves into an art project - heck, add bubbles at the end and you get extra Mommy Points for a fun bubble bath!
This is my current background picture at work. I just love it!
Warning: Slow Blogger Ahead (or is that "Behind"?)
Seriously - my last post was March 1? That was 2 weeks ago. Crazy - irresponsible - boring. My wife has informed me, more than once, that she is BORED with my blog. What's a blogger to do?
Blog, clearly.
Blog clearly?
Clearly, blog?
Anyway, so what have I got?
Well, I've had a cold for the last several days, leaving me completely drained.
Today, I feel pretty good. Plus, the sun is trying to shine through the clouds, and that's a very welcome sight. I am DONE with winter. Bring on the sunshine. Done with dreary weather!
I'm on a quest to find "the most interesting area of law." OK, so I know there is no single answer to this question. Well, there is, but it's "it depends," as in, depends on who you are asking. Let me be more specific - I'm questing for myself. I am plagued by both being interested in a LOT of things, and nothing specifically :) Vague enough? Actually, I think I put it more succinctly over lunch today with an actual, practicing lawyer: I am plagued by a short attention span and a really good imagination. For every area of intersest, I can easily picture both the really interesting parts, and the parts that will drive me crazy. So, anyway, I am going to lot of presentations and plan on talking to practicing attorneys in various fields to find out what their daily life is really like. There is life after law school, or so I am told, so I best start envisioning what it will be for me.
If I can see it, I can become it!
Seriously - my last post was March 1? That was 2 weeks ago. Crazy - irresponsible - boring. My wife has informed me, more than once, that she is BORED with my blog. What's a blogger to do?
Blog, clearly.
Blog clearly?
Clearly, blog?
Anyway, so what have I got?
Well, I've had a cold for the last several days, leaving me completely drained.
Today, I feel pretty good. Plus, the sun is trying to shine through the clouds, and that's a very welcome sight. I am DONE with winter. Bring on the sunshine. Done with dreary weather!
I'm on a quest to find "the most interesting area of law." OK, so I know there is no single answer to this question. Well, there is, but it's "it depends," as in, depends on who you are asking. Let me be more specific - I'm questing for myself. I am plagued by both being interested in a LOT of things, and nothing specifically :) Vague enough? Actually, I think I put it more succinctly over lunch today with an actual, practicing lawyer: I am plagued by a short attention span and a really good imagination. For every area of intersest, I can easily picture both the really interesting parts, and the parts that will drive me crazy. So, anyway, I am going to lot of presentations and plan on talking to practicing attorneys in various fields to find out what their daily life is really like. There is life after law school, or so I am told, so I best start envisioning what it will be for me.
If I can see it, I can become it!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
The Low Stars
This post is for my wife, who loves the new theme song to What About Brian.
Check out this group: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=112336505
Their sound is successfully attempting to be reminiscent of The Eagles and Crosby, Stills and Nash. I like what I've heard so far, and maybe you will too. Low Stars' CD is currently available only at Starbucks.
This post is for my wife, who loves the new theme song to What About Brian.
Check out this group: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=112336505
Their sound is successfully attempting to be reminiscent of The Eagles and Crosby, Stills and Nash. I like what I've heard so far, and maybe you will too. Low Stars' CD is currently available only at Starbucks.
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