How To Get Out of Cooking

For the record...

This is an oven mitt and so is this and of course..this

This is a hand It is NOT an oven mitt.

Which goes to explain why I won't be doing much blogging for a day or so. It isn't bad, just more annoying than anything. And it was a really stupid thing to do, trying to hold a casserole that had just come out of the oven. But it got me out of the rest of cooking dinner. Still, I wouldn't advise going to such lengths. Oww.

T, who realizes there is a reason for oven mitts

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Why I Shouldn't Go To the Bathroom (Caught her red-handed)

Jazzybean and her fight with the red marker. Thankfully, it is washable.

Thursday 13!

Thirteen Things I Probably Won't Get Around To Doing Today, and Five That I Will 1. weeding the dirt bed (flowers non-existent, I have a black thumb) 2. vacuuming under the refrigerator 3. vacuuming, period 4. a pedicure (can't remember the last time I had one!) 5. a manicure 6. any kind of cure (did I mention I have a cold and feel awful?) 7. scrubbing the bottom of the toilet 8. cleaning out my van 9. writing those thank you notes for that thing, that time 10. calling my Mom 11. escaping the guilt from not calling my Mom 12. going to the gym 13. baking cookies Things I Probably Will Do Today 1. Cleaning the cat box (don't you wish you were me?) 2. Homeschooling 3. dishes, dishes, always dishes. Seems to the sole reason for my existence around here 4. eating cookies 5. hugging my children (and one more, bonus) 6. going to the library

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Family, Thursday Thirteen Humor,

Taking the Plunge (or Where I Would Go For the Weekend)

"Toilet Overflow!" Before the words were even out of my son's mouth, I was up and running, a mixture of adrenaline and speed. I rounded the corner, grabbed the plunger and averted disaster, again. We really need to get our pipes fixed. Homeownership isn't all that it is cracked up to be.

I sat back down and wiped my brow, trying not to hear the din that was my children playing. I need a break. A vacation. Yes, that would be wonderful. And that's when I saw the current topic for my webring, Crazy Hip Blog Mamas.

Where would I go and what would I do if I had a long weekend to myself? Some might think I would head to France, to replace the offending magnet that my husband so thoughtfully brought home for me. And I would, someday, love to see France. But... I would head to Tuscany. I fell madly in love with Tuscany through the book, Under the Tuscan Sun.

That book for me was a mental vacation. I opened the pages and could feel the warm sun beating down upon my head as I read. It was like stepping into a cool pool when the air is sweltering. I would sink down into it, and feel my body relax. Never has a book affected me that way. Now I want to see Tuscany.

Of course, my idea of a vacation is not having to do anything I don't want to do. This includes wiping little bottoms, tying tiny shoes, feeding picky little lemurs who only want to stare at their food and then back at me as though to say, "Are you crazy? I am not eating that!" Taking the children to Tuscany would be awful: "I don't want it, don't they have corn dogs?" There is not enough wine in the region to make a trip such as that enjoyable. So I would go by myself.

I would most likely stay in a nice hotel. There are some wonderful, 4 and 5 star artsy hotels in the area. I had links to them, but, naturally, they were left in a text file on my computer desktop and some child or other magicked them away. My own fault. Have I mentioned I need to get away?

The hotel would have high thread count sheets, and someone would come in and place a chocolate truffle on my pillow at bedtime. Of course, I would be there, and just ask her to leave the entire box. And it would be dark chocolate, naturally.

I would retire, with the light out, and no whining about how it was too dark. And no little feet would kick me in the ribs or steal my covers. No one would call me at 3 a.m. to inform me that they had to go to the bathroom.(and you had to involve me, because? You have forgotten where the bathroom in this house is?)

I would actually sleep through the night. I would awake on my own, with sunlight streaming through the large windows. No little hands would be grabbing at me, no shrill little voices would be demanding food. I would order room service for breakfast, take a shower (because there would be plenty of hot water...J, the Hot Water King, wouldn't be there to use it all) and just relax.

When my food came, I would eat leisurely, then head out for some sightseeing. I would stop and get an espresso at a sidewalk cafe, and just enjoy the local color. I would have no agenda. No one would make any demands on me, I would do what I wanted, as the spirit hit me.

Yes, that to me, would be a perfect get-away. I would arrive home rested, with a little bit of color from the sun. Naturally, I would have to buy some large Italiano Movie Star Sunglasses. When in Rome or Tuscany do as...well, you know the rest.

It would be a wonderful trip. But I don't think I would want to be gone longer than a few days.

The big comfy bed would start to feel lonely. I need those little feet there. And the cats that sleep on my bed at home are warm, and very comforting. Then of course, there is J. I would miss him, as well. And, just to be fair, I would bring him a nice magnet.

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Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him, Horatio

I am married to Barry White. Well, ok, he isn't quite Barry White, but when he is sick he has Barry's voice. "C'mere Baby." The poor guy is so sick all he can do is croak and I am rubbing up next to him saying, "Talk to me some more you sexy thing, you." Of course, then he gives me the hairy eyeball, thinking I have lost my mind.

Today J stayed home sick from work. He succumbed to what attacked me. He slept all day. Some men are such babies when they are sick. My friends' husbands are this way. They expect to be catered to, have to have the crusts cut off their bread (I kid you not!) and must be medicated within an inch of their lives in order to not be heard moaning piteously.

Mine is not this way. In fact, he tends to retire to the bed, pull the covers over his head, and the house could explode and he wouldn't notice. I want to do things for him, because I feel sorry for him when he is sick. He doesn't complain, and only once have I heard him moan, but that was because he was really, really physically ill. Eventually, he will emerge, the wounded bear making his way out of cave, and go through the motions of making tea or soup before I take pity upon him and take over the preparations.

We have a predator living in our house. (yes, I know that was a non-sequitur, I'm still sick, and couldn't think of a good segueway! It is large and black. It roams the halls while we are sleeping. It forces us, through sheer mind power, to feed it when it wants. It lumbers through the house, skulking in the shadows, pretending to be invisible, until we sit down. Then it suddenly will materialize out of thin air to take over the lap, that was just going to get up and do something important. It is all part of the nefarious plan of World Domination, I am pretty sure. Why do I tell you this?

Because, in addition to breaking my Internet, it would appear that said predator has finally managed to kill my poor, sick husband.

* this is not a staged photo, he really does sleep this way..

Family, Cats Humor,

I've Got...Two Tickets to Paradise

Well, ok, virtual paradise, in any case.

Since I can't afford to go anywhere for Spring Break this year, I treated myself to a virtual vacation. It occured to me that others might be facing the same thing. So I present you with:

Scott Stulberg Photography Mere words fail me...you have to see this site. It is mostly Southeast Asia, but there is a category he calls "Serendipity" that defies labels. It is a multimedia feast for your soul. Call it, your moment of Zen.

Also, if you have always wanted to see British Columbia, The Yukon & Alaska, visit Distant Horizons

These sites will relax you, make you feel, and are just the best the web has to offer. And you don't even have to book a plane ticket.

Your turn. Where would you like to go if money were no object?

*Neither of the photos are from the sites above...I just like images in my posts. The photos from the sites mentioned are even better than the ones I used.

The Cat Broke My Internet

Someone broke you, Oh Internet. It wasn't me. I was sitting here, minding my own business, trying to entertain you with my latest post about my less-than-perfect family, while I blog-surfed (because I can be multi-tasking here, in the blogosphere) when that dreaded message came up. "SERVER NOT FOUND." ack. And now I am stuck in my computer. I can't get out to visit anyone else's places and I am stuck here forever, just typing. And typing. And you, dear reader, are stuck reading, and hoping that I will write something of import since you have to keep reading and reading. See? You really are stuck.

It's amazing what I will do to get out of cleaning house. I have dishes to do, stray toys to pick up off the living room floor (yes I know my kids should do it, but today I am too tired to play Enforcer) but here I sit, with you, O Internet, writing about something...anything, so that I can procrastinate just a bit more.

Doesn't help that I feel rotten today. There isn't much wrong with me. I have no fever, just a headache and a stuffy nose and general achiness and malaise. In fact, there really isn't enough wrong with me to justify being sick. But I am sick. It' s not like I can go back to bed And it is early afternoon.

Lunch today was gluten-free sausage for my son and peanut butter and jelly for my daughter. And of course, being four, she didnt' take one bite, even though it is her "favorite." As I said, I don't have much energy today. I just smiled and shook my head. She'll eat when she is hungry. Couldn't have been those jelly beans and the marshmallow chicks she ate earlier, could it? Every year I say no more candy and every year we buy too much, anyway. But really, did you have high expectations for someone whose blog is named after the sweet stuff?

We didn't really buy that much this year. Mostly the candy was in the eggs the kids found. But of course, the Peeps are an obligatory presence in any Easter basket. Must have those little pink, blue, yellow and lavender chicks. None for me thanks, I find them disgusting. Cute. But disgusting. A little bit of chocolate, milk chocolate bunnies for my daughters, dark chocolate bunny for my son. GFCF, of course. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Which brings us back to you again, Oh Internet. And how you are broken. But you will be fixed, or I can't post this. So I would imagine later today as I post this, you will be back to your wonderful, friendly and magnanimous self. And we will skip off into the sunset, together.

Come to find out that this was the culprit:

It is warm next to the back of the computer, and said culprit allegedly laid down on the cord, popping the cord out just enough to disturb my network connection.

Peeping in for a minute

Easter is over and done, and tomorrow I will post some pictures of the family celebration, but for now try this instead. Some woman put a Peep up for auction on ebay. Would you believe she sold it for $90?? Can you imagine?

I thought her approach was very clever. And it worked! People bid. And spent a lot of money! Talk about gullible! So, do you have some earwax in the shape of Saint Francis of Assisi? List it on ebay!

I wouldn't think to do this because I don't like to take advantage of peoples' stupidity. And it just seems to me that it would be separating a fool and his money. Narrowly cheating people keeps me up at night; even just the thought of doing it. Besides, I wouldn't wish that reform school chick on anyone.

Ok, I am done talking now. Your turn. What's the weirdest article you have seen on ebay?

In All Seriousness..what my life is about

Tomorrow is Easter...Resurrection Sunday. And while I don't want to preach, (I feel that is best left to those who are called and get paid to do it), I do want to take a few minutes and just say, THIS is the cornerstone of my faith. This is what the entire Christian religion hinges upon. If Jesus had stayed in the tomb, that would have been it, end of story. Close the book. It is the claim that Jesus rose again on the 3rd day, after he was crucified that sets Christianity apart. But they came to the tomb, and it was empty. He had risen.

And for me, that makes all the difference. I don't want to sound trite, but I don't have a religion. I have a relationship with my Lord and Savior. And I believe what he said, and try to live and love the way He told us to...until he comes back. Jesus was a rebel. He scoffed at the status quo. He ate with tax collectors and sinners. He hung out with the people no one else wanted. I don't think a lot of people do live in that manner, really. There is an attitude of protecting oneself and one's family from the World. I don't agree. I give you an excerpt from a website I find very interesting, Hollywood Jesus.

THE GREATEST VALUE IS NOT DETACHMENT
The greatest value is NOT putting the family in isolation from the world. Jesus taught that the two greatest commandments were to love God and to love our neighbor. So, a loving connection with our neighbors is the most important value in life. Jesus made this clear with the stories of the Good Samaritan, the Rich Man and Lazarus, and in his command to go into the entire world. Isolation is against what Jesus taught.

And I think this is why I am a Christian. I don't have to dislike anyone else to love Jesus, and that works for me. Regardless what anyone else may say it takes to be a Christian..so many do's and don'ts.., the main thing it takes is accepting Jesus as Savior and loving God. Really loving him. I just wanted to share one of my favorite worship songs.The church we attended for 8 years, where all three of my children were dedicated, had an amazing worship leader, and he sang this song. Lane had a voice like no other, it would cut straight through you, and lodge in your heart. We moved away, and now attend another church. For the longest time, I would hum this song, but couldn't remember the lyrics. Try looking up just a tune on the Internet, no lyrics. Just isn't possible. But a couple of days ago, a snippet popped into my head, and I was able to look it up and find the song that had imprinted upon my heart years ago.

Forever My Love

The nails in Your hands, the nails in Your feet
They tell me how much You love me
The thorns on Your brow they tell me how
You bore so much shame to love me

And when the heavens pass away
All Your scars will still remain
And forever they will say
Just how much You love me
So I want to say

Forever my love
Forever my heart
Forever my life
Is Yours

The nails in Your hands, the nails in Your feet
They tell me how much You love me
The thorns on Your brow they tell me how
You bore so much shame to love me

Forever my love
Forever my heart
Forever my life
Is Yours...
It's Yours.

No Doubt, When the Police come, I'll Be In the Bathroom

Overheard in my house today:

"Hello, police?"

"Can you please come get my brother?"

"He has no head."

"It's icky."

Indeed. That would be rather icky.

13 Things I Love About Homeschooling

Thirteen Things I Love About Homeschooling 1. You can sleep in if you stay up too late the night before. (just don't do it too often!) 2. Creative Teaching! If at first you don't get it, there's always another way. 3. Kids can run around when they need to 4. Don't have to ask permission to go to the bathroom 5. Nature Walks! 6. Long, meandering side trips into History 7. P.E. is playing outside (no calisthenics, which my daughter hates) 8. No Detention 9. Your teacher loves you, always 10.Field Trips 11.Don't like the book? Find another one! 12. School in the middle of Mommy's bed (or under a tree outside, or on the couch) 13. Pajama Days! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1.Stacey Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Homeschool, Thursday Thirteen, Learning, Kids

His Mother, The Teacher

"One morning, the people of Troy woke and saw a huge wooden horse! The wooden horse was standing outside the city gates."

And with those words, he was off and running. Yes, my son is reading. Now, this to you may not seem to be such a feat. But let me tell you, it has occupied my days and kept me awake some nights.

This year was our first year of homeschooling, and I felt as though I was up against a wall. You see, not only do I have high standards for myself, but also, being new meant I had to prove to myself that this thing called learning could happen.

My son is now in the Second Grade. The year before, my son was in First Grade. It was a rough year for him. I won't get too much into detail, at least not now. Perhaps another day I will share the entire story. But for now, know that I chose to bring him home last year rather than send him to a special education class. This was something I knew deep in my bones would not be a good fit. And it wasn't something he needed.

My son is 7. I really take issue with the way schools push kids into early academics, before they are ready. He wasn't ready to learn how to read last year. And consequently, he fell behind a bit. Add to that a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism and a very stressful year, and he hated school. Hated learning. Hated everything about it.

This is the worst thing in my mind that could happen. In this house, we are lifelong learners. I pride myself on this fact. And to me, this is the second greatest gift I could give my children (the first being a foundation of why they might believe the way they do). So how could I open his mind and heart to learning, so that he could find there was value in it? The creative teaching I have done with this child would be a completely different post, and I suppose I will have to write it soon.

In any case, because I am fearful of the consequences of not reading, we have been slogging through Alpha-Phonics this year, and we are on Lesson 28 now. It has been slow going. It is not his favorite activity, but I do insist we continue to work in the book. We also have been reading Pathway Readers the Mennonite counterpart to Dick and Jane. I had no idea they were Mennonite, I got them from a friend and my son loves them.

Today, when he sat down with Starfall and read "The Wooden Horse" I almost jumped for joy. I know, it is only reading. But for me it was a validation of everything I have been doing. I have to teach my son pretty creatively. He gets bored and needs a lot of stimulation and physical breaks. Thankfully, I can teach him at home so he can get what he needs. He would have never survived in a public school classroom. And though I knew this, to silence the voice in my head that tells me that I will never be able to teach him to read (we think he may have Dyslexia, but aren't sure) can be a difficult thing, especially when I am laying awake at 3 a.m.

But no more. My son can read! Beyond just Dick and Jane, where he has been since the beginning of the year. And now, I can finally sleep.

Autism, Homeschool, Learning, Kids, Asperger's Syndrome

If it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck...

To help explain the previous post, I tell a joke. I am not particularly adept at telling jokes, but I sacrifice myself for my stories.

A duck walks into a bar (yes that is really the way it starts! What??) I'll try again, quit interrupting.

A duck walks into a bar, says to the bartender, "Do ya got any grapes?" Bartender turns to the duck and says, "No, man, we don't have any grapes here."

"Oh," says the duck. He leaves.

The next day, the duck comes back, asks the bartender, "Hey, ya got any grapes?"

"Nah, man, I told you, we don't have grapes here." Again the duck says, "Oh." Leaves.

Comes back the next day (yes there is too a point here, wait for it) and says to the bartender, "So, mac, ya got any grapes?"

"Look, I told you, we don't have any grapes here!" Duck leaves.

Comes in again the next day. "Got any grapes?"

The bartender is pissed: "NO we do not have any grapes here! And if you ask me again, I am going to nail your beak to the bar! Be gone!" The duck looks at him and leaves.

Of course, the duck comes back again the next day.

"Do you have any nails?"

"WHAT? DO I... no I don't have any nails, this is a bar! What's wrong with you?"

"Oh. Well then...

Do you have any grapes?"

THIS, O Internet, is my son.

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Why I am only mostly sane

per·sev·er·a·tion Pronunciation Key (pr-sv-rshn)n.

1. Uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by brain injury or other organic disorder. 2. The tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus.

2. The act or an instance of persevering; perseverance.

3. MY SON

Let me back up. My son is said to have autism. I won't debate it, he is definitely somewhere on the Spectrum. He has many behaviors, some to a lesser degree than might be expected in autism. Normally, we deal with it. But, when he gets something in his head, he never gives in. Once he wants to do something, he just keeps asking. He is like the Energizer Bunny. And he makes me want to dig out my brain with a can opener. Consider this exchange tonight:

"Mommy, may I play my Gameboy?" (answer was no)

[5 minutes later]

"Mommy, may I play my Gameboy?"

"No.." (followed by an explanation)

[5 minutes later]

"Mommy, may I play my Gameboy?"

(answer was no, with the addition of please don't ask again)

[5 minutes later]

"Mommy, may I play my Gameboy?"

(answer was no, with the addition of please don't ask again)

[5 minutes later]

"Mommy, may I play my Gameboy?"

(answer was no, with the addition of please don't ask again)

Finally after HOURS of this, I said to him in exasperation:

"If you ask me ONE more time about the Gameboy, you are going to bed!"

Complete silence. Then, and I KID YOU NOT:

"Can I play my Gameboy in bed?"

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A Mouse With Pasties??

I am feeling tapped out today, trying to fight a cold that hasn't won yet. I have been fighting it for days, and I almost have it pinned. So, today, you get to play. I didnt' think of this, I got the idea from another blogger, but I still loved it.

In comments today, I want you to press Ctrl-V and paste whatever is left in your mouse. Then explain what it is, and why it's there. Got it? This could be fun, so please don't be a stick in the mud...play along!

I will start.

Easter (because no man- or woman- is an island)

I am so tired of holidays. I mean, didn't we just finish Christmas, and New Year's? I am ready to be done. But no, here comes Easter. And with it, comes the pressure of Easter baskets, eggs and lots of candy. Well, this year I decided that the obligatory stuffed animal for Easter needs to be twisted. So I am thinking of getting these cute little things for my kids. Look at the eyes on this cuddly E. Coli. Doesn't he beg to be loved?

What kid wouldn't adore this huggable Salmonella with the sweet pink flagella?

I fell in love with this sweet orange Athlete's Foot microbe. He looks like a messed up starfish. Doesn't he just beg for a new home?

They even have The Pox and Syphillis, but those are better left for adults.

Though the cute little Bed Bug might be just what your child is crying out for. This little guy doesn't look capable of biting anyone!

If you like these, order them from Giant Microbes.

I suppose chocolate is a no brainer. As a kid, I would eat the bottom from my rabbit first, because I felt bad for eating his ears. Fast forward a few years and now I eat the cake before the frosting. I guess I started early.

Of course, no Easter basket is complete without Peeps I personally cannot stand them, and think this is a better use for them. There's nothing like traumatizing your kids by blowing up cute little marshmallow animals. We'll call it homeschool! We'll call it science!

I think my absolute favorite Easter present from my parents one year was a delicate etched silver cross, on a box chain. I still have it in my jewelry box. I think I was about my daughter's age when I received it.

So, your turn. What is the best Easter present you remember?

And Peeps? Or no Peeps?

After this post, I feel like I have to go and wash my hands!

The Vegetable Law (or, when it works to lie to your kid)

"They're yukky!" I looked at my second born, my son, as he sat there, wiggling, lip curled and looking askance. Maybe if he didn't look at them, they would disappear. "I know you think that, but they are good for you. You need to eat a couple." He didn't answer, but returned his attention to his plate, pushing his fork around with disinterest. Suddenly, he brightened. "I don't really have to eat them. It's not the law." I held back a smile. "Well, actually, it is a law. Kids under ten must eat at least 1 bite of vegetables. It's California state law." I nibbled my nail while I waited to hear his answer. He regarded his plate, then me. "Even peas?" he asked. "Yes son, even peas." I almost felt badly at the untruth I was spreading, but hey, a kid has to eat his peas! He sighed heavily, then picked up his fork. "If I was President I wouldn't have to eat these," he said. "I am pretty sure even the President has to eat his peas, too. I think it's the law." "Well, the President breaks the law, right? He listened to other peoples' phone calls without asking." Oh oh I thought to myself, now you've done it. The kid clearly hears talk radio even when you think he doesn't. I really don't want to discuss this with him! What would I say? And it got me to thinking, and I thought I would share some excerpts of some articles I have read lately: New article at MSNBC from Newsweek:

According to testimony by Libby—Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff—Bush gave the go-ahead through the vice president for the otherwise secretive and always dutiful Libby to leak the classified National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to New York Times reporter Judith Miller. The leak set in motion the chain of events that led to the unmasking of Valerie Plame, Wilson’s wife, as an undercover CIA officer who had been working for an energy-related front company while investigating nuclear proliferation. It is a serious crime to reveal the identity of a covert operative, and Bush called for a criminal investigation to “get to the bottom” of the scandal. It turns out he may be the bottom.

The L.A. Times has this to say:

McClellan walked a rhetorical tightrope Friday, refusing to explicitly confirm the testimony revealed in Fitzgerald's court filing but defending the president's actions nonetheless. He drew a distinction between the kinds of disclosures that do not threaten national security and disclosures such as the report last year that Bush had authorized warrantless wiretapping of people with suspected links to terrorist organizations. "Declassifying information and providing it to the public, when it is in the public interest, is one thing," McClellan said. "But leaking classified information that could compromise our national security is something that is very serious." He accused Democrats of failing to grasp the distinction and of "engaging in crass politics."

Again, I sit here, left wondering, what do I tell my children? When I explain to them we all have authorities over us, that's just the way it is, how do I explain that the President believes himself to be above the law? And since the President is such an Everyguy, and every kid can be President, what possible recourse do I have when my son refuses to eat his peas? by the way, I did tell my son there is no such law about peas. But the law for corn still stands.

Tell Me What To Tell My Children

We've become a nation of More. I remember the "Excess is best" "Dress For Success" Eighties. Women were making it big in the business world. Big Hair, Big Makeup, everything was More. The more you had, the more you needed, and Gordon Gekko was the boss: Greed is Good. Everything was break-neck speed, jump out of bed running, get ahead, get ahead, get ahead. Under Ronald Reagan, our national debt skyrocketed. We had to have Star Wars Missle Defense. Bigger, Stronger, Faster. The Eighties gave us Top Gun, the "feel-good, let's go to war and kick some butt" movie. We were on top of the world. And then, we got tired. Faith Popcorn, of the Popcorn Report predicted that the phenomenon "Cashing Out" would hit mid-nineties, and she was right. Having arrived, young baby boomers looked around, and didn't know where the hell they were, nor how they got there. The view wasn't that great, and frankly, the victory was a bit hollow. In masse, they sold their BMWs for Jeeps and SUVs, and moved to the suburbs, the better to raise their children in safety. They started spending more time at home (cocooning) , bringing in movies, pizza, having groceries delivered. Home was where the heart was, and that is where it stayed. Having been to the top, they found the view wasn't worth it, and climbed to a smaller hill. There they hunkered down, found faith, and raised their families. At the turn of the millienium, there was a lot of optimism. the National Debt was being paid back. People were concerned about one another, it looked as though America, her heart and her soul, was back. Greed no longer ran the lives of most people, and the middle class was firmly comfortable. We could relax a bit, and just enjoy life, now that we knew that stuff wasn't the meaning of life. And then he came to town. George Bush came sliding in with his down home vernacular, and his Texas swagger (what we in California call Attitude, if we are nice. If not, there are other A words that fit). He charmed the country into believing he was a good ol' boy, fun to have a beer and share some bbq with. In truth, he was a blue blood from Kennebunkport, went to Yale, born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He spoke in cliche, and dealt in the commodity of fear. Despite dire predictions, and some questioning, he won the election. He had his coup. He brought his posse with him, gun-toting, Christian-claiming men who had one goal: own it all. They were the movers and shakers, the wheelers and dealers, the guys who controlled the cash flow. To enumerate their backgrounds would take a month, but they were all connected in the business world. They had been throwing around the money for years together, in one corporation after another. Cronyism in administration is to be expected. Leaders like working with people they can trust. But George W. Bush took it to a new level. His was the high art of Corruption. Under his administration, our national debt is the highest in history. We waged war under false intelligence, and later, it was found, under false pretenses. In my book, we call that a lie. Those who voted to send our troops to war have no children in the armed forces. We know what happened with Hurricane Katrina and FEMA. Michael Brown couldn't get his horses to giddyap. He was in over his head and was more concerned with how he looked and where he was going to eat instead of doing his job. The Deputy Secretary of the Interior is a former oil and coal lobbyist. The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety is, you guessed it, a coal industry executive and lobbyist. The Undersecretary of the Interior has ties to a think tank funded by the American Petroleum Institute, Chevron Corporation, American Plastics Council and Dow Chemical. She isn't for recycling, doesn't believe that Americans are wasteful, and would prefer to protect the environment without regulation, bureaucracy or central control. We see where that kind of attitude has gotten us! The Secretary of Health and Human Services has allowed large corporations to increase their amounts of sulphur more than 1000 times between September 1994 and November 1997. He has had allowed the toxic releases chemicals, including Mercury, a nuerotoxin that has been linked in some instances to autism, by saying, "in reality it is not pollution." And I could go on. The bottom line is, when the people who control the coroporations control the government,there are no checks and balances.

“The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it comes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is fascism - ownership of government by an individual, by a group,”- Franklin D. Roosevelt

We are heading where we have been before, and with a vengeance. Did we learn nothing from the Gotta Have It All eighties? It left us empty, and dissatisfied. And these people are taking us back there again. Americans were bought with a tax cut; Greed won again. At what point will America say enough is enough? How many times will we have to be lied to? And when will Americans say, "We don't care that you claim to be a Christian, you are a liar and a thief, and it is NOT what Jesus would do?" How do I explain to my children that what the government is doing is wrong, when all they hear is what a wonderful Christian man our President is? (remember, I live in Orange County- Bush Country). Every day, I watch the antics of this adminstration, the lying, the breaking of laws, the scrambling to cover their tracks, and every day, I think, Today. Today is the day that the people will rise up and demand accountability. And every day is just like every other day. I am growing weary, but still fighting the good fight and running the race. I pray, "Lord, please, please Clean House. These men do not worship you. They worship money, and power. Power is their God, and money is the means to the end." I wonder, will these be the people that Jesus said this about in Matthew 7:

15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 "So then, you will know them by their fruits 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 "Many will say to Me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

I don't always agree with Bill Maher, but someone sent me this quote from his show Real Time today, I am using only a portion of it:

The Christian Right are now officially the party of paranoia: secularists are attacking Christmas, gays are attacking marriage, liberals are attacking values, white girls are being abducted at an alarming rate. You know if you're going to be that paranoid all the time, just get high. And the worst part is, the people bitching loudest about being persecuted for their Christianity, aren't Christians at all. They're demagogues and conmen and scolds. And the only thing they worship is power. If you believe Jesus ever had a good word for war, or torture, or taxcuts for the rich, or raping the earth, or refusing water to dying migrants, then you might as well believe bunnies lay painted eggs. And Jesus never said a word about gay marriage. He was much too busy hanging out with 12 guys. Now, I know George Bush says Jesus Christ changed his heart. But believe me, Dick Cheney changed it back. You know the only thing Bush has in common with Jesus is they both went into their father's business and got crucified for it. Thomas Jefferson called the type of Christian who trumpets his own belief in the divinity of Jesus rather than the morality of Jesus 'pseudo-Christians' and that's who's running our country today. And since they thrive so much on turning water into whining and get off on their endless pretend persecution, this Easter season, let's give them what they want. Let's go to the zoo, get some lions and feed them Tom Delay."

It worries me, because so many have fallen for the song and dance from the conservatives. They don't have a lock on Christianity, though. They don't own it. For some thought-provoking reading, check out this article from Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners in Mother Jones Magazine . This is a man after God's own heart! T, who loves this country, but hates what it has become

We've never met. But I know you. I know your hopes and your dreams. I know your disappointments. I know when you have a bad day, when you get a flat tire on the way to taking your daughter to ballet. I have worried with you when your children are sick. I have cried with joy over breakthroughs in your child's development. We discuss education, fashion, parenting, sex. I laugh at your jokes. Daily I spend time with you. But we have never met. Oh, once or twice while feeling brave we have exchanged brief phone calls. But usually there isn't even that. You are my Imaginary Friends. So called because you exist on the Internet. I know your children the way I know my own. I know their names and their birthdays. I know their strengths and their weaknesses, as you know the same about my family. I turn to you when I need a shoulder to cry on. Or an ear to hear me. We support one another. Yes, I have friends in real life. We have close-knit relationships. I see them often. You are not a substitute for intimacy in my life. Instead, you add a dimension to it. I love knowing that if not for the Internet, we might never have met. We are so different, this group. Certainly, we have things in common. We both have children struggling with the same difficulties, we have the same political views. We like life. But having everything in common doesn't matter as much when I am with you. I can give enough of myself to be genuine, and still hold back what I don't want to share. And so can you. I love spending time with you everyday. I check in on the message board a few times a day. After putting in a load of laundry. While my child takes a break from school. Just before I cook dinner. Once the kids are in bed. I read for news of you, and what you are doing. I love how we managed to knit together a group of women, from all walks of life, with one thing in common: the Internet. You are a living, breathing presence in my house. My family knows of your existence, and has even seen your pictures. My husband asks about you. We exchange cards around the holidays, and often plan to get together sometime. Keep laughing at my jokes, my Imaginary Friends. And even though you don't like hugs, I can't resist. {{{{hugs}}}}

Who's the teacher, here?

We went to Chuck E. Cheese today. It was the back up plan for park day, indoors, because it was raining. I spent time with my friends, my kids spent time with their friends. J managed to get his work done for school, so we were able to make it to CEC on time. Today was one of those days that makes me love to be a mother. My children listened when I asked them to pick up their toys, clear their plate, for the love of God, stop screaming. They love me. They really love me. And therein lies the problem. Take one 7 year old and one 4 1/2 year old and add them together. What do you get? 2 kids. That's right. Two kids and one mommy. This is a recipe for disaster. Of course, I actually have three kids, but the oldest one feels too old for kisses. She does grant the occasional hug, but she is pretty good about waiting and letting the younger kids have first dibs on the Mommy lovin. She was first-born for a few years before they came along, and remembers that. Tonight, both of my younger kids were all about me. They had to have me. "Mommy, we just want to BE with you!" Keep in mind, these children are with me, 1 on 2, every day, all day long. But tonight, they needed the mommy. So we picked out a stack of books, and burrowed under the comforter on my bed. With little one on one side and bigger one on the other, I read through titles like Edward and the Pirates, Circle Dogs and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Afterwards, they just wanted to be held, so I sat there, arms in semi-circles, one little warm head under each arm. And I realized, this is what life is about. It isn't about chasing after money, or the next load of laundry, or feeding the cat, though of course, those are all things that we do. Instead, it is about those small moments that are written indelibly upon our hearts, when we least expect it. It's playing "Push My Nose" with a preschooler, and cuddling up a 7 year old boy, who will too soon be too old for that kind of thing. My son has a difficult time in the bathroom. I know, kind of personal, but there is a reason I am telling you this. His difficulties are getting fewer and farther between and he hasn't had a problem in a few months, now. But tonight he did. And he called me. He wanted me to come and hold his hand. My first thought was he is 7 years old...he doesn't need me to hold his hand in the bathroom. But then I stopped a minute. Yes, he does. And isn't it wonderful that when he is sick, or in pain, or anxious, that I am the first place he turns for comfort? I went in the bathroom with him, and I reached for that warm little hand. He placed his hand in mine, and I was able to forget I was in the bathroom. We were just a mother and a child, connecting. It is so easy for me to get resentful at times when the kids don't fit into my carefully constructed block of Me Time. Bedtime is bedtime, and once you are there, had a story and prayers, told me a few things and had a kissing hand, I don't want to see you again until morning. That sounds mean, but remember, I homeschool, so I don't get a break. Night time is my only break, really. When something happens to upset this plan of separation, I get cranky. And honestly, more nights than not, my plan doesn't go according to my plan. I really need to stop and think: these kids aren't going to be kids for that much longer. I already have an almost 12 year old, so I know how quickly this time goes. And really, is American Idol (or the computer, or the laundry) that much more important than my childrens' need for their mother? (even if I feel at times it is just designed to stall bedtime and get me in there one more time?) I am reminded of the song Sunrise, Sunset. Turn around, and you're a young girl going out of the door. How fast will that happen? I don't want to be left staring at empty walls and asking myself where the time went and why didn't I spend it more wisely? I tell my children this is the perfect family for them. This is exactly where God wanted them, they have the exact siblings they are meant to have, the perfect parents for them. I do believe this. And these are the perfect children for me. What am I to learn from parenting? I homeschool my children, but really, it is I who get schooled!

Nine Things My Children Have Taught Me

1. Sleep is precious, get it while you can

2. Giving up the last brownie makes you feel better than eating it

3. Everything is better after a hug

4. Before you speak, calm down.

5. Always assume positive intent

6. Always ask "Where did you hear that word?" before you give the definition ("fag" is also a cigarette, oops)

7. Work done with a smile isn't as hard as work done with a frown

8. Complaining about it doesn't make it go any faster

9. When in doubt, pray

52 fun facts about Me

I snagged this one from Kim, thought it would be fun. 1. WHAT IS YOUR FIRST NAME? Casa...ok, not really but it is, here. 2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My "real" name is after my Granny, no I won't tell you, she doesn't use it, either 3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? 2 weeks ago, when my husband was gone to Europe 4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? somewhat 5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? no lunchmeat here, I eat deli meat. Roast beef is my favorite. 6. KIDS? 3 of them. 7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes. In fact, I wish I had a best friend who was like me 8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, both electronic and longhand. 9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Hey now, we call that being witty. 10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes 11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? When I am older 12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? McCanns Irish Oatmeal 13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Never, and I hardly ever wear tie shoes 14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? If it doesn't kill you it just makes you stronger. I do consider myself a strong person, but a strong person knows when to ask for help, too. 15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? ice cream? wow, I don't even eat it anymore, but I loved anything Ben & Jerry's that was chocolate. Wait, I had ice cream a couple of months ago at Baskin Robbins, it was Chai Tea, and was heavenly 16. SHOE SIZE? 7 1/2, sometimes 8 (used to be a 7, but the tummy isn't the only thing that grows when pregnant!) 17. RED OR PINK? pink, but more hot pink, magenta 18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I get angry too easily 19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my SIL who now lives in Oregon 20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? If they share on their blog, let me know in comments 21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? Low-rise (but Mommy-low, not teenager low) flared jeans and bare feet. 22. LAST THING YOU ATE? Busted! This wonderful trail mix that has almonds, cashews, chocolate chips, peanuts, a little bit of dried fruit. It sat in my car this afternoon and the chocolate melted. It made nice chunks of candy. Yum. 23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My favorite sound. Silence! (except for the click-click of my typing) 24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Periwinkle 25. FAVORITE SMELL? right after it rains. For food: coffee brewing 26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? a mom who needed some breastfeeding advice 27. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? smile 28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I snagged this from Kim 29. FAVORITE DRINK? Easy. Starbucks decaf mocha with whipped cream (Tall or Grande, depending upon when I get it) 30. FAVORITE SPORT? People watching 31. HAIR COLOR? red with a bit of gray poking through 32. EYE COLOR? brown 33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope,I am a hold out and still wear glasses 34. FAVORITE FOOD? Fettucini Alfredo or Salmon 35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy ending. 36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Legend of Zorro (yech) 37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?light purple velvet 38. SUMMER OR WINTER? I live in Southern Ca...they are not that different..but ok, Summer 39. HUGS OR KISSES? must have both, especially if from my children 40. FAVORITE DESSERT? tiramisu 41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I don't know 42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I don't know 43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? How much time do we have?? I always read a few at a time. Cure For the Common Life (Max Lucado) A Field Guide to Homeschooling, She's Come Undone (Wally Lamb) Windows to the Soul, The Truth, With Jokes (Al Franken) 44. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Sun Microsystems, probably a freebie that my computer geek picked up at a convention 45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? House 46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? rain while in bed, children laughing 47. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Do I have to choose? If you twist my arm, I will say the Beatles 48. THE FURTHEST YOU BEEN FROM HOME? Rehobeth Beach, Delaware 49. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Funny how we all get freaked out to think we might mention we do. Somehow, it sounds full of yourself to say you do anything well. I think I teach well. I can write (though some may beg to differ after reading my blog) I like helping women, giving advice for parenting and such 50. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? July 10, San Jose, CA 51. WHAT CONDITION ARE YOUR HANDS AND FEET IN? Hands good, though I bite my nails when stressed. Feet- COLD at the moment, the cat is laying on my blanket and I don't want to displace her 52. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR? As in, complete favorite? That is hard...but for non-fiction, Sally Clarkson, a Christian writer. For fiction, the only contemporary with more than one book that I have read: Wally Lamb. I have very high standards for books. However, Jane Austen is practically perfect in every way. I have read them all.

9 Movies I have seen recently- some good, some not so good

50 First Dates- sweet movie, I loved the premise. I would have fallen in love with Adam Sandler... the end was perfect

Shaolin Soccer- a wonderful, fun, martial arts soccer movie?! Yes, and well worth seeing..it's funny!

Legend of Zorro- I said before, just ok. Too long, and very implausible (even with suspension of disbelief for the existence of Zorro)

The Wedding Singer-we must have been the only people who hadn't seen this one. But after Spanglish, which I loved, and then 50 First Dates, I decided to take a gamble. I am glad I did. It was fun, and I loved the music. That was when music was music, for sure.

Into the Woods- I am a huge Sondheim fan! I know this show backwards and forwards, it is just about perfect. I love Joanna Gleason as The Baker's Wife. It is just a great play.

The Corpse Bride- Really liked this one. The color pallette was amazing. I loved how dark and repressed the world was and how vivid and bright the Underworld was, in contrast. Done very well, and not too dark, which is always a possibility with Tim Burton directing.

Dodgeball- If you like Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, you will enjoy this movie. Very like Zoolander, and it made me laugh. Cheesy ending, but it was a Hollywood, so what do you expect?

March of the Penguins- a sweet and gentle documentary about my favorite animal, the penguin. What's not to love?

The Wedding Crashers-I wanted to love this. I really did. But, it fell short for me. Something was missing, and I can't put my finger on it. It just didn't mesh right. The story was entertaining, the acting was decent, but afterwards I found myself thinking, ah, it was just ok.

Waiting in the wings:

Fever Pitch

Just Like Heaven

Elizabethtown(I have high hopes for this one, it is a Cameron Crowe film)

I Should Have Been More Specific

A couple of weeks ago this exchange took place:

Jon: Honey, I have the opportunity to go to France for a convention.

Me: Oh, really? (meaning, woohoo, when do we go??)

Jon: it's completely last minute, and I have to get a passport. It will be boring, computer geeks all day

Me: Oh, really? (meaning woohoo, when do we go??)

Jon: yeah, what do you think? Do you think we can afford to pay for you to come along? What about someone to watch the kids?

Me: Probably not. I am very jealous, you know. I would really like to go. (meaning, I would really like to go!)

Jon: Yeah, next time.

Me: Well, at least bring me back something.

(then I went in the bedroom and cried and moped around a couple of days)

So, I drove him to the airport, and I was stuck parenting 3 kids alone for a week. And still managed to stay mostly sane. It was no small feat. (or maybe it was the small feet...the pitter patter of them!) I will spare you the trials of that week...there isn't enough Xanax. Suffice it to say, he owed me. Big. Like, bring me back some bling from France big. Got it?

So I pick him up at the airport, and if you have ever been to LAX, you know what a zoo that place can be. I hadn't been there by myself before. What can I say? I live a very non-jet setting life. After circling the place twice, and pulling into the wrong parking garage and ending up going out the exit we arrived to pick him up. It is after 3 p.m. I have three children in tow who are tired, and ready to see their father. But no! We have to wait for the plane to deboard, he has to clear customs...did I mention I had three very antsy children with me? An hour later, he finally materializes and we head to the car. Once there, he gives the kids their souvenirs. LIttle beanie baby teddy bears that say the name of the city he was in: Lyon. How cute! Teddy bears for the kids. As I shiver excitedly, thinking of what he brought me. Jewelry? Candy? Something racy? ooh lala? Uh, no.

Ladies and gentlemen, it would appear the romance is over. THIS is what my beloved partner of 18 years brought me back, all the way from Europe. (not the frog, that is my cool magnet from the San Diego Zoo)

That's right. A kitchen magnet. I suppose I should have spelled it out to him. I mean, I have been married to him for so long, I should have remembered that when I say "Something" he hears, "something." In his defense, he was at his conferences all day, and the shops close early in France. And then on Saturday, there was a rail strike, so he couldn't get anywhere. And he is a computer coder, in any case. WYSIWIG- what you see is what you get. I know how literal he can be. And he is a great guy, but face it, he lacks imagination. He goes all the way to Europe and stays at the Holiday Inn.

And it had a really nice view of the slums behind the hotel, too. And did I mention it was 29 degrees and cold while he was there?

But. Big but. He went to France! And brought me back a kitchen magnet! This is the part where I throw a fit, and it might get ugly. Ah, forget it, I'll spare you that. You came for fun and games, not a huge downer.

Still, the magnet, it has a decent stick to it. You know how some magnets slip down the fridge whenever you put anything underneath them? This one stays. So, there's that. And it is cosmpolitan, sitting there next to the pizza delivery magnets and the kids' magnets and the "Carpet Cleaning, One Room $25" magnet that came in the mail. It makes me seem mysterious and interesting.

I'm keeping it. I want something to remind me on our 50th Wedding Anniversary of that Time He Went To France. It will make a good story. Either that, or it will be Exhibit A in the divorce hearing.

T, who must have a magnetic personality

edited to add, I really do love the guy, honest

CHBM Blogroll

Time for School

This is what P.E. looks like when you homeschool. When I was a kid, we just called it playing. This is one of the reasons I love schooling at home.

Mondays is usually Park Day, but it rained earlier, and I wasn't sure the weather would hold. So we stayed home. Matilda the Bouncing Kangaroo came to live with us via Target. As you can tell, she is much-loved. Many kids benefit from sensory activities, Sensory Integration Dysfunction is said to afflict 12%-17% of children. Regular sensory input is vital for these kids, or they get "out-of-sync." They don't handle life well when they are overtaxed, when their system is overwhelmed by all of the sensory input they have received, but have a hard time processing. This explains it better than I can. In any case, my son is one of these kids. He has to have regular proprioceptive activity (pushing a wall, huge bear hugs, scalp massage with pressure, joint compression) so that he can relax enough to get schoolwork done. I am now able to tell when he needs this input from me because he starts acting out. I can see it building. First comes the frustration, then the complaining starts. After that, if I haven't figured out there is a need going unmet, he will start meowing, or avoiding work in whatever way he can. He will, at this stage, still insist that he wants to do the work, but he won't follow through. This is Stress Time.

If I don't catch the cycle at this point, and let it go further, he will blow up. There will be a frustration outburst, tears, screaming. Thankfully, I have learned, through very messy trial and error when I need to intervene, and how. If I catch it soon enough, having him stand on his head or push a wall can be enough to stop the cycle. A big bear hug and a few seconds of joint compression and massage, and we are back on track. It is amazing what a difference it makes.

Some days, nothing helps, and that's when I have to think outside the box. We go outside and look at bugs, or just have a P.E. Day. Today was that kind of day.

DayWHU? Or...I lost an hour of sleep because someone thought this was a good idea because?

This Daylight Savings Time is kicking my butt. I hate it I love it I hate it. I love the extra hour of daylight, since I am very addicted to the sun for regulation of my mood. I hate the lost hour of sleep. Last night I was doing the Net Thing -you know, when the kids are in bed and you are just wasting time, linking to sites that link to other sites that link to other sites... I bought some books at Amazon. Not the way cool with-it books I would have bought before kids, though. These were mostly homeschool, where the hell has my life gone, kind of books. Still, they were books. That's something. Anyway, I am completely absorbed in the minutiae that is my Beloved Internet, when I look at my computer clock. It's 1:55 A.M. This is a common thing on weekends, so, time to think about going to bed. Alrighty then, headed there soon. Just have to check one more thing... and then it happens. I am sitting here, minding my own business, my clock malfunctions. Out of the blue, my 1:59 a.m. display turns to 2:00 a.m. That's doable. But then, it flickers and it changes to WHAT? My eyes. I must be more tired than I thought. THREE?? Ah, crap. Daylight Savings Time, and I have just lost an hour of my coveted sleep. Why can't I ever remember when that happens? I am stinkin' tired today.

But ever, for your enjoyment (come on, indulge me and pretend you exist!) I am here to provide. I found this on You Tube.. Brandon likes to reenact scenes from movies. Don't ask me how I found this..you don't want to know. He is entertaining if you have a few minutes, reminiscent of the Star Wars Kid or Numa Numa... a reenactment of a scene from one of my all-time fave movies, The Princess Bride. It is a funny to think how many times this guy watched the scene to be able to duplicate it so well. So, how many of the lines from Princess Bride can you recite from memory? Once the kid got going, I could pretty much keep up with him. After that though, it lead to other lines I remembered, which lead to other lines...and now, here I am sitting here with the entire movie coursing through my head. They make medication for that, I think. Gah, I need a nap. I tried to get the kids to lay down, but what a fight that turned into. So. Now, I am tired because of their lack of nap. I think they make medication for that, too.

Some Foolish Thoughts

As if April Fool's Day wasn't funny enough, Think Geek has done it again. Anyone need a wireless extension cord.

Here is a list of all the funny ha ha stuff going on all over the net. Wikipedia, April 1

No funny jokes here this year. I was going to tell J we were expecting again, but the timing was off, and he knew it. Ah, well. I didn't have a lot of creative energy left to do the Fool Thing, I guess.

I suppose in honor of April Fool's Day, I could tell you all how great Ice Age 2 is, but that would be cruel. We went to see it tonight, and it was passable, at best. It tried too hard, and the characters are annoying. The technical aspects of the film were good, though. They have come a long way with computer-generated fur and feathers. It's scary when that is the best you can say about a movie, isn't it? My 12 year old thought it was "lame" and "inappropriate." (there are some crap and butt jokes flying...you be the judge). Keep in mind she is a bit conservative about what is appropriate. I hope she stays this way as she gets older. She will be the one minding what I do!

Speaking of another bad movie, we watched Legend of Zorro last night. That's 2 hours I won't get back. It was beyond unbelievable, and really dragged. I also can't stand Catherine Zeta-Jones so that didnt' help, I guess. I just wanted the movie to be over with so I could go to bed. Tonight we will probably watch Clerks, because we want to watch a decent movie. I love Kevin Smith. He is funny, foul-mouthed and just so real. The most fun we have had in a while was when we watched the DVD, An Evening With Kevin Smith. He is a really great story teller, and who doesn't love penis jokes? Highbrow entertainment is nice, and we all love it, but sometimes we have to cut lose with a good penis joke.

T. who says you are never too old to find something funny about a penis

Can't Fool Me

They're having a lot of fun over at Slashdot today. In honor of April Fool's Day, they turned the whole site pink. J almost had a stroke. Also, check out some of their "stories" as well.

Google is having fun, too. As if Froogle isn't enough, they now have Google Romance.

I love when the tech sites try to pretend they are cool. Those of us married to geeks know the truth.

Geeks are not cool. They're just good in bed.

T, who says you have to get up pretty early (earlier than this, even!) to fool me