Merry Christmas!

Here is a picture of Ryan first thing in the Christmas morning and then later on the way home from my Mom's!

Where Have All The Bloggers Gone?

Guess it's just a busy time of year! Hope all of those who are still here are having a very merry week!

Merry Christmas!

Three Stooges Throw Pies at Bush

Prepared?

I know this is sort of ancient history but I was wondering...

Do you think your high school program track (college-prep, business or vo-tech) adequately prepared you? Explain how it did or didn't.

Philadelphia Eagles

Over the Thanksgiving weekend my daughter had the opportunity to meet Eagles Wide Receiver Hank Baskett. She said he was very nice and of course "Hot". Although she is a Pittsburgh Steelers fan she still enjoyed meeting him.

Stone cold truth of friendship

1) When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Montain Dew!!

2) When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3) When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4) When you are scared -- we will high tail it out of here.

5) When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!

6) When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7) When you are sick -- stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8) When you fall -- I will pick you up and dust you off - after I laugh my butt off!

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but on ly you can feel the true warmth.

Police Called on "Santa"?

Michelle, you are right. This seems to be a "problem" for some people. Read the article.
There must be more to it.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/x9pLs6heYQn6qBaxXiv6

It's Almost Turkey Day

Anyone planning on coming out on Wed. night? It's always a good time. Will be at the Monkey some time after 8. This year the school district is honoring the undefeated '83 team ('84 graduates) at the game. There may be some people from that class some of you would like to see again! You dont have to stay out late. I dont anymore. Usually home by midnight. Come out and have drink or two!

Spanish Words of the Day and how they are used in a sentence.

1. Cheese
The teacher told Pepito to use the word cheese in a sentence. Pepito replies: Maria likes me, but Cheese fat.

2. Mushroom
When all my family get in the car, there's not mushroom.

3. Shoulder
My fren wanted 2 become a citizen but she didn't know how to read so I shoulder.

4. TEXAS
My fren always Texas me when I'm not home wondering where I'm at!

5. Herpes
Me and my fren ordered pizza. I got mine piece and she got herpes.

6. July
Ju told me ju were going to tha store and July to me! Julyer!

7. Rectum
I had 2 cars pero my wife rectum!

8. Juarez
One day my gramma slapped me and I said, ' Juarez your problem?'

9. Chicken
I was going to go to the store with my wife but chicken go herself.

10. Wheelchair
We only have one enchilada left, but don't worry wheelchair

11. Chicken wing
My wife plays the lottery so chicken wing

12. Harassment
My wife caught me in bed with another women and I told her honey harassment nothing to me.

13. Bishop
My wife fell down the stair so I had to pick the bishop

14. Body wash
I want to go to the club but no body wash my kids

Bethlehem Art Show

My painting, Metallic (Triangles), is part of Ambré Studio’s Checker Connection (Juried) Exhibition and runs November 19, 2008 – January 16, 2009. The studio is located at 310 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA.

The artists' reception is this Thursday, November 20, 6 - 9 p.m. I am planning on attending.

I'm not really Laura Ingalls Wilder

I make soap and bath things. I cook from scratch. I can and preserve. I grow my own vegetables. But I can't sew. I've always wanted to learn but never did. And yesterday at work, the hem of my pants came down, and I kept tripping on it. My head of department, a French woman called Gaele, is like Mary Poppins, and she always has a sewing kit in her purse and would have been happy to stitch up the hem of my pants for me. But she wasn't in.

So I got my stapler out and stapled the hem.

And the thing is, it will probably stay that way until I take them to the dry cleaners and they fix the hem for me.

You Must Try These!

This morning there was a package in my mailbox from overseas and I was utterly clueless. Then I remembered that I had placed an order with Vicki for some gingerbread men bath bombs for my children.

I absolutely love them. I haven't used them yet, but they are adorable and smell so good. I plan on using them as stocking stuffers. I did try out the fairy lights soap she included in my package. It's wonderful...especially on my dry hands.

If you haven't already done so, you must check out her site. www.northernnaturals.etsy.com

My next order is going to be for lemon cheesecake exfoliating soap or maybe her ginger melt massage bars. Decisions...decisions!

Thank you, Vicki!

Why This Election Was So Important

Someone on an expats forum I frequent posted this article. Please read it. It (very accurately) describes what life has been like for all us American expats for the last eight years. I'm ashamed to admit that I have pretended to be Canadian to spare myself the vitriol of people on this side of the pond. I've also pretended to be Spanish or French, because I speak those languages and can get away with it. Like the author said, they were survival skills. Hopefully over the next four years I won't have to use them so much anymore.

I'm glad Obama has been elected, and I'm even more glad that George Bush's presidency is coming to an end.

Get out and vote today!

Let's hope the most intellectual, educated and level-headed candidate with the most common sense and open mindedness wins today. These qualities lead to better judgements resulting in the best decisions, a much needed change from the fiasco of the last 8 years.

Please, please, please let's hope it's this candidate.

Thought this was funny...

World Champs

I can't believe MJ did not jump on this one. Congrats to the 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies!

Priceless

You can purchase these in the PSU bookstore! Get 'em before they sell out.

Joke of the day....

George Bush, First Lady Laura and Dick Cheney were flying on Air Force
One.

George looked at Laura, chuckled and said, 'You know, I
could throw a $1,000 bill out of the window right now and make somebody
very happy.'

Laura shrugged her shoulders and replied, 'I could throw ten $100 bills
out of the window and make ten people very happy.'

Cheney added, 'That being the case, I could throw one hundred $10 bills
out of the window and make a hundred people very happy.'

Hearing their exchange, the pilot rolled his eyes and said to his
co-pilot, 'Such big-shots back there. Shit I could throw all of your
asses out of the window and make 56 million people very happy.'

Hey Tracy...

I e-mailed you a couple of weeks ago about the soaps you wanted and haven't heard from you. I hope you're still around. Please get in touch.

Thinking of Vicki

I was in the Lehigh Valley today and drove by "Just Born." I excitedly pointed it out to my husband. I would have liked to have taken a picture of it and posted it for Vicki but we drove by too quickly.

100th Year of Catty Football Celebration

Any of you guys interested in coming to the game on Friday night (10/17)...There will be festivities at the game and afterwards at the Catty Club. Should be a good time!!

Well, I did it.

I turned 40 today. I feel okay about it. I think my boobs were sagging that bit lower this morning though.

My sister in law had a little party for me at her house. It was nice. I ate too much.

Who's next?

A fond farewell

So long, posse comitatus. It was fun while it lasted.

When you get to heaven, tell habeas corpus we said "hi."

Safety.. security.. Ben Franklin.. you know the drill.

Don't leave alcohol near your pumpkins!!!

Thanksgiving

As of this moment, I am coming home for Thanksgiving without Rob. I was wondering if anyone wanted to make plans to get together as a group? In the past I have sent out emails to everyone that I had addresses for and I guess I could do that again if we make any definite plans. Feel free to pipe in any ideas.....

New Candidate

New Presidential Candidate - watch the video and let's all put our support behind 'Sundown' (the black pilot from Top Gun), since the other candidates took 'Maverick' already. He did it before, he'll do it again!

What a week!!

Sorry that I was absent and missed all the discussions....

My neighbor was unemployed so she was letting my dog out for me during the day while I am at work. Tuesday she called me and told me I had to "come home immediately". Well, I got home and Mia had torn a two inch gash on the top of her paw and we could fold the skin back over an inch!! Needless to say, I had to make an emergency vet visit and they were talking surgery. Then they remembered that she has kidney disease and surgery must be a last resort, so the poor little puppy got 8 staples.

Rob stayed home with her on Wednesday and I stayed home with her Thursday and Friday to make sure everything was okay - no infections and she doesn't pull off the bandage. She seemed to be doing fine, so Saturday we decided to go out for breakfast. We were gone no more than 1 1/2 hours and we came home to find that she had torn off her bandage and had proceeded to rip out every staple!! Back to the emergency vet we go....

Here we find out that the wound in not healing properly and the skin is dying. To make a long story short, they end up cutting off the dead skin and restapling her with 10 staples. I am concerned about how this is going to heal - possibility it won't. This is my child so I have been a little bit upset but I plan on paying more attention now......

I want to make a website

I'm not getting much bite on my Etsy shop, because I don't think many Brits have heard of it and because the prices are in dollars. I want to make my own website to sell my bath bombs, bath melts, scrubs, etc. So I have a few questions and I know someone out there will have an answer:

1. Where do I begin?
2. What makes a good website versus a bad website?
3. What do I need to do to make my website come up near the top on search engines?
4. How much should I be looking to spend to create and maintain it?
5. Is this something I could do myself, or is there some secret thing I need to know to build my own site?
6. Anything else I've forgotten that I should know?

I'd appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks.

Reality Check

So something happened to me yesterday at work and I want to talk to you about it. There's alot of back story which I'll try to keep brief, but I probably won't. This is going to be a long one, so get a cup of coffee and sit down for awhile.

There are five people in my department - all women - and we're like sisters. We're in and out of each other's classrooms constantly, we share stupid jokes, we commiserate (sp?) and celebrate together. We make fun of each other and support each other. We're mates, get it? In 2004, one of my friends in this department had a baby. He was disabled, but no one would know how disabled until a couple of years later. This took such a toll on my friend. She was off work for nearly a year, trying to put things in place to help her son. While she was off work, I went on maternity leave and had my son. During this time we all tried to be supportive for her. We tried to help her see the positive side of life. We were a shoulder when she needed it, we'd laugh with her and cry with her.

Four days before I was due to go back to work, we met for coffee with the boys. She was tired, frustrated, and angry. Her marriage was on the skids - her husband made it clear that because she was the one that wanted the baby, his disabilities were her problem. She didn't know what to do and was exhausted.

Two days later, her boy died. He literally just fell asleep and died. He was two years and four months old, exactly the same age my son is at this precise moment.

Anyway, the past two years haven't been easy. He died in July 2006, and it was February before she came back to work. She was on and off work for a long time after that, and we all did our bit to cover for her professionally. Personally, we were all at a loss. How do you comfort someone who's lost their child?

So we've just passed another September, and another start to the school year. She is determined that she is going to put on a brave face and get back to life and work. She's getting on with it and I'm proud of her, but I know that she's struggling. She's putting on one hell of a brave face. As for me, I have survivor's guilt. I know that. I have a son that is healthy and robust and doing all the things her son could never do. I don't talk about him around her. A couple of weeks ago she said, "Vicki, you can talk about him. It's okay." But I can't, because it's like a slap in the face. During this same conversation a couple of weeks ago, she told me that she and her husband are considering reversing his vasectomy so they can try for another baby. I thought that was a mistake but I didn't think it was the right time to say that.

Fast forward to yesterday. We both had a free period at the same time, so I went into her classroom and said, "Okay, you're full of shit. I know that you're struggling and I want you to tell me about it." So she did. She talked about her marriage, her daughter (she's 10) and how she's coping with the loss of her little brother, the possibility of having another baby and why that might or might not be a mistake. I know that she wants to have another baby because she is trying to fill the space her son left. I also know that because her daughter is 10 and becoming a young lady and independent, she has nowhere to channel her energies. I told her that if she's looking to fullfil herself as a mother, she's done that, because her son left this life a happy boy who knew that he was loved and wanted. And what happens when that other baby grows up and she's looking for somewhere to channel those energies again? Was it fair to involve a third person in her grieving process? She nodded in agreement and then she said, "Vicki, I envy you."

What???

She said, "You have it all. A family, a job you love and take pride in, a hobby you enjoy, a husband who supports you and believes in you. You have it all. I really envy you."

Okay, I realize that she's right, and what shocks me is that I never thought I'd live a life that someone else would envy. My life isn't anything remarkable, but to her it is. It made me stop and think for a minute about all the things in my day to day existence I might get wound up about. It made me think about how sometimes we moan and bitch about how sucky things are. But I have my son and she doesn't have hers. My daughter is happy and isn't trying to cope with the loss of her little brother. My husband is my best friend, and she's thinking of leaving hers.

Talk about a reality check.

VP debate

Did anyone watch this debate last night? I was disappointed in it. I felt that both of them did not embarass their parties, but Palin was a huge disappointment because she wouln't answer most of the questions. I would hate to think that she couldn't answer the questions so I will believe that she had an agenda and refused to waver from it. I was hoping that I would see some of what everyone thinks is "special" about her, but I didn't. Oh well, I am more convinced that I am voting for the right person when I vote Barrack/Biden in November.

Any other opinions?

Could this be the year????

PHILADELPHIA — - Cole Hamels pitched eight innings, Brad Lidge escaped a ninth-inning jam and Philadelphia took advantage of Mike Cameron's miscue for a 3-1 victory over Milwaukee in their playoff opener Wednesday.Chase Utley's two-run double slipped out of Cameron's glove in the third, helping the Phillies take a 3-0 lead. Lidge gave up a run in the ninth but struck out Corey Hart with runners at second and third to end it."I can't let him get a hit there," Lidge said. "I've always been a strikeout pitcher and that's what I wanted to do."Hamels allowed two hits and struck out nine.
The Brewers got the tying run up in the ninth, but Prince Fielder struck out. After J.J. Hardy walked to put two runners on, they advanced on a wild pitch. Then Hart struck out swinging."Not too many times you can say you're happy to see Lidge, but we didn't hit the ball hard off Hamels," Brewers manager Dale Sveum said.Yovani Gallardo allowed three unearned runs and three hits in four innings, while walking five for Milwaukee.Carlos Ruiz started Philadelphia's third with a single. Hamels then bunted hard to third baseman Bill Hall, who bobbled the ball and couldn't get Ruiz at second. His throw was dropped at first by second baseman Rickie WeeksGallardo retired the next two batters, but Utley ripped a liner to center.

How Much is $700 Billion?

The short answer: a lot. The long answer: depends on how you look at it.Whatever your viewpoint, here's how $700 billion - the figure inked in the initial dead-in-the-water government bailout bill for Wall Street - compares to other vast sums.NASA in fiscal year 2009 will launch several missions into space and pay for hundreds of people to operate a host of space telescopes and even remote robots on Mars and run a PR and media department that puts most large corporations to shame. The agency's budget: $17.6 billion, or 2.5 percent of the bailout sum.The National Science Foundation (NSF) has an annual budget of $6.06 billion to support research and education on astronomy, chemistry, materials science, computing, engineering, earth sciences, nanoscience and physics (among others) at more than 1,900 universities and institutions across the United States. You have to turn to much bigger initiatives, like war and defense, to get beyond this chump change and approach the bailout figure. From 2003 through the end of fiscal year 2009, Congress has appropriated $606 billion for military operations and other activities associated with the war in Iraq, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The entire military budget for fiscal 2008 is $481.4 billion.Social Security is a $608 billion annual program.Many analysts fear the bailout because the cost must ultimately be borne by taxpayers.Based on the U.S. Census Bureau's estimate of the current population of about 305 million people, each person would have to pay $2,300 to fund the $700,000,000,000. If each American (including children) paid a dollar a day, it would take more than six years to pay the money in full. One might argue, however, that this $700 billion would be a modest splash in the bucket of national debt, which already stands at well over $9 trillion (which means you already owe $31,642 each).Even the New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez would lose sleep over all those zeroes. Currently the top paid major league baseball player, Rodriguez takes home $28 million a year, meaning it would take 25,000 A-Rod salaries to carry the $700 billion.

2 old men

Two old men decide that they are close to the their last days and decide to have a last night on the town. After a few drinks, they end up at the local brothel.

The madam takes one look at the two old geezers and whispers to her manager, "Go up to the first two bedrooms and put an inflated doll in each bed. These two are so old and drunk, I'm not wasting two of my girls on them. They won't know the difference."

The manager does as he is told and the two old men go upstairs and take care of their business. As they are walking home the first man says "You know, I think my girl was dead!"

"Dead?" says his friend, "Why do you say that?"

"Well, she never moved or made a sound all the time I was loving her."

His friend says, "Could be worse, I think mine was a witch."

"A witch? Why the hell would you say that?"

"Well, I was making love to her, kissing her on the neck, and I gave her a little bite. Then she farted and flew out the window.....took my teeth with her!!"

Debates anyone???

So did anyone besides me watch the debates last night? What are your thoughts after watching. I am slightly leaning toward one candidate but am still not convinced. There are 2 issues I have with McCain. First the tax cuts for the rich. Personally I don't see how that will help the economy. Is a millionaire really going to miss the tax money I mean how much money does one need anyway. Can we really afford to be giving anyone tax cuts right now? Second I am pro-choice and don't want to see Roe vs. Wade overturned which many say he will lean towards. Then there is Obama slightly inexperienced, great ideas wanting change but will he have the power to really "change" anything. The economy is in the crapper and I don't see either one making much headway until they turn that around which will take years. This sounds crazy but I fear McCain will die in office or Obama might just get assassinated. Will any of us really win here???

Blonde's First Football Game

A guy took his blonde girlfriend to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team's bench.

After the game, he asked her how she liked the experience.

'Oh, I really liked it,' she replied, 'especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents'

Dumbfounded, her date asked, 'What do you mean?'

'Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was: 'Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!'

I'm like.......Helloooooo? It's only 25 cents!!!!''

Halloween Came Early This Year

I came home from work today and found that someone had sent me the most WONDERFUL halloween parcel - Reese's pumpkins (they lasted about two seconds) and peeps. I'm sorry to say that John hid most of this from me and the children because he knows what we're like (see the comment above about the Reese's pumpkins!) but he did leave us some treats so we could stuff ourselves. He'll requisition the rest at the end of October.

I was going to send a private e-mail to say thanks, but the package was so big and so generous, I wanted to tell everyone that Sonya spent a small fortune on postage to send me this unbelievably nice and totally unexpected gift. From the bottom of my heart (and my tummy) thank you.

So whats everyone watching?

Talking about TV that is what shows are waiting to tune into in the next few weeks. Personally I will be glued to the TV Thursday night for Greys Anatomy and Sunday for Desperate Housewives. I also really like Samantha Who and have to wait 6 more months for Lost. A new Amazing Race starts also on Sunday and we liked that show last night Opportunity Knocks.

Ist Birthday

My little baby has turned one. Yesterday was Brian's birthday and I thought I would share his cake pictures. Everyone likes cake and ice cream, right?

Surround Yourself with Intelligent People....

George Bush meets with the Queen of England. He asks her, "Your Majesty, how do you run such an efficient government? Are there any tips you can give to me?"

"Well," says the Queen, "the most important thing is to surround yourself with intelligent people."

Bush frowns. "But how do I know the people around me are really intelligent?"

The Queen takes a sip of tea. "Oh, that's easy. You just ask them to answer an intelligent riddle." The Queen pushes a button on her intercom. "Please send Tony Blair in here, would you?"

Tony Blair walks into the room. "Yes, my Queen?"

The Queen smiles. "Answer me this, please, Tony. Your mother and father have a child. It is not your brother and it is not your sister. Who is it?"

Without pausing for a moment, Tony Blair answers, "That would be me."

"Yes! Very good," says the Queen.

Bush goes back home to ask Dick Cheney, his vice president, the same question.

"Dick, answer this for me. Your mother and your father have a child. It's not your brother and it's not your sister. Who is it?"

"I'm not sure," says Dick Cheney. "Let me get back to you on that one."

Cheney goes to his advisors and asks every one, but none can give him an answer. Finally, he ends up in the men's room and recognizes Colin Powell's shoes in the next stall. Cheney shouts, "Colin! Can you answer this for me? Your mother and father have a child and it's not your brother or your sister. Who is it?"

Colin Powell yells back, "That's easy. It's me!"

Cheney smiles, and says, "Thanks!" Then, Cheney goes back to speak with Bush. "Say, I did some research and I have the answer to that riddle. It's Colin Powell."

Bush gets up, stomps over to Dick Cheney, and angrily yells into his face, "No, you idiot! It's Tony Blair!"

Happy 40th

To Maryjo & Jamie!!!

Grease Is The Word...

At least in this house lately....It all happened a few months ago. Lucas wanted to watch High School Musical on TV...ok, fine, we watched it. Then I said, "ya know, if you like this, you'll loooooove "Grease"." "Ok, let's watch it." he said. Well, you don't have to ask me twice! I popped it in the VCR (yes, VCR), and Trisha & Lucas & I sat and watched the whole movie, no talking, no bathroom breaks. When it was over he said, "yea, I like that." So weeks went by and no one mentioned it again. Until about 2 weeks ago. Trisha decided she wanted to watch it. And she has watched it almost every day since. She has to take it to Nanny's and Nana's and make them watch it too. She sings the songs and mimics the actions. Yes, there are some words & actions in the movie she should not know, however, those usually go right over her head. The best thing is, the other day, my mom bought her an outfit for Halloween. It's a silky material and the pants are all black like the hot pants that Sandy wears at the end of the movie. She puts those on, and her high heeled play shoes and out her mouth comes "Tell me about it, Stud!" I guess "There are Worse Things She Could Do."

My Hobby - Now A Business

So you all know that I think I'm Laura Ingalls and I like living off the land! I also like making lots of things in my home, and I've decided to take the next step and see if there's anyone out there crazy enough to buy it. I've only got a few things listed, because I have to make a few more things and I'm waiting on some jars to arrive so I have something to store it all in. My shop is on Etsy.

Northern Naturals

Wish me luck!

Takedown

I go to Taekwondo twice a week and I love it. It's great for the body and soul, and I have less grey hair than I did before I started. At my Wednesday night class, while Georgia is sparring with the black belts, I do self-defense with the patterns coaches and lower belts. I always enjoy coming home and showing John what I've learned. Usually though, he makes fun of me, because I'll say "grab my shirt this way" or "come at me with your right hand". He asks me if I'm going to stop my attacker and say, "Hey dude, you're not coming at me the right way for me to do this move."

So on Wednesday night, we learned a takedown - you know, when someone comes at you and you floor them. I came home and asked him to let me show him what I learned. He snickered as he does and walked over to me and -- WHAM!!!! He was on the floor. He was looking up at me in total surprise, and then I leaned down and said, "Now I can finish you off with a kick to the head."

He won't mock me again, will he?

Back to school

My son started Kindergarten this year and I wanted to ask all you teachers and parents out there about any experiences you've had with children with ADD. It seems Matt has alot of trouble focusing on instructions given by the teacher and doesn't seem capable of paying attention for very long. Two teachers have filled out paperwork from Matt's pediatrician and both seem to think he will be diagnosed with ADD. We have started him on some exercises and got him started with guitar lessons. He also wants to try swimming. What are your thoughts on drug therapies, are they effective, is one better than another? Any feedback would be appreciated. Matt is a very good little boy, and they do not believe he has the hyper component of the disorder, but he just can't concentrate without alot of reminders. I am just at a loss because I don't want him to loss his personality because of medication.

Vacation

In late August we went to Ocean City, MD for a long weekend....definitely wasn't long enough. This picture is of my daughter and I on the boardwalk. We had great weather and saw 4 dolphins in the ocean.

Williamsburg Virginia

Before Labor day we went to Williamsburg Virginia for 5 days. Here is a picture of the kids with some soldiers and us when we had are authentic themed dinner. It was a really nice family vacation. The kids learned a lot without trying. I love that, a bit of education in disguise. We also went (and had a blast) at Water Country USA and Busch Gardens. If anyone is looking for a nice vacation with lots of different things to do consider going here. The beach is like an hour away so that could fit into the plan as well. It was only a 6 hour drive from home. Plus we lucked out the weather was only hot when we were in the water park.

Rockin' The Beer Gut

Lisa and I went to see Toby Keith at the Allentown Fair last night. Not by my choice but I enjoyed it anyway! One of the opening groups were called Trailerchoir. I was laughing my ass off as they sang this song!

From Man to Zone - Austin arrives

Allright, I've been "blurking" for the last 12 months or so without a New post -so I'm overdue here. Speaking of overdue, some of you were in my ear at the Reunion about having a 3rd child (You know who you are - no names (Carol & Stacy!!)). So let's just say that Kristen was dead on with her prediction and that Penny won this one and delivered our 3rd child, Austin Scott Perdick on August 14th at 4:28 PM. He weighed in at 8.37 oz's and 20 1/2 inches long at 2 weeks early! And no, I'm not becoming a PSU fan, Austin is just Penny's dads middle name, combined with my middle name (not named after the ex-PSU Running back). Here is a picture of the little guy, along with Big Sister Mariska and Big brother Peyton. He has blolnde hair and blue eyes, just like the other two. We are now learning to play a zone defense after being spoiled with a man to man.....life may never be the same as I near that dreaded 40. I take solace in knowing that I'm not alone here (Pauko).

P.S. -I'm only having 3 to help make up for the lack of grandchildren that my Brother is producing (that we know of.....).

Viva España!

I'm considering turning on the heat this morning because I'm freezing after a week in the sun on the Costa Blanca in southern Spain. We're not normally big on beach vacations, but the apartment we stayed in was a bargain (a friend owns it) so we couldn't pass it up.

The beach in the picture is Benidorm, which is not the beach where we spent the week. But John insisted that we go there for the day so that I could experience it. Now, I'd heard lots of things about Benidorm: crawling with English, cheap booze, bad food, dirty beach, and let's not forget Sticky Vicky, the nude magician who makes things disappear and reappear out of her... - you see where I'm going with this. John tells me that yes, this was true of Benidorm in the 1980s and 90s, because that's where everybody went. But then it got a reputation for all the things I mentioned above, and the English stopped going. Thank God for that. The locals cleaned it up and enticed more Spaniards to come back to Benidorm now that the English were gone. The beach was immaculate, the only language I heard on the beach was Spanish (although John said he heard some French too) and we had a great day. Georgia spent the whole day snorkeling and watching the fish. The only time she came out was to put on a life vest and ride the banana boat with her dad. Christopher didn't care where we were. He just liked to dig in the sand. I'd go back again in a heartbeat.

Sticky Vicky is still there, so I guess some things never change. If you're really curious, I found her on YouTube, magically making a string of lights appear. I wonder where she plugged them in?

MTA: I realize that, after rereading my post, I sound like a real snob about Benidorm and the English. Trust me, I'm not. The English have a HORRIBLE reputation in Europe: big drinkers, loud, obnoxious, badly behaved and very rude. Unfortunately, there's some truth in that. So I don't like to go to really anglicized places for two reasons: (1) because I just don't want to be in that environment, particularly with kids, and (2) if I'm in a foreign country, I want to know that I'm in a foreign country. I want to hear another language, eat different food, and generally experience something other than what I'm used to.

Jeff P......

quit lurking and post your information!!! Please consider this your friendly reminder.....

Truthfuly, tell me what you think

It's been a few years, but I have created another website for my students. Please check it out and let me know what you think. I am willing (and hopefully able) to make changes so my students actually use it. Here is the address - http://mrfreemanschemistry.tripod.com/.
The pic was made using Fireworks - one of my final courses I took this summer. The site was created using FrontPage - another course I took this summer. '
I'm serious, be critical, I can take it. Thanks in advance, I know this is not controversial, but I could use some pointers/critiques/suggestions.

Questions of the week

I need____________.

I hope____________.

I feel______________.

I can't_____________.

I can_______________.

Cake Wrecks

You guys remember the kitty litter cake I made last Halloween? Well check these out. I laughed so hard I cried.

Controversy

There's a thread going on my American expats forum about this picture of the Spanish basketball team. This thread has now gone to three pages, discussing the inappropriateness of the picture, if Spain is more racist in comparison to other countries, is England racist considering its Morris Dancers painted with blackface, or the Nazi-themed restaurant that opened in India last year. So, is it racism? Are these people ignorant or is there something more sinister? And is ignorance an excuse? Over to you.

??????????

Where'd everybody go?

For a couple of days there we were blogging maniacs, and now, nothing. Just nothing. It's quiet and I can't stand it. So now, I'm going to have to share my Thursday plans with you. It's your own fault. If you'd blog something, you wouldn't be in this mess now.

Slept late today. I didn't get up until 7:33, which is like the middle of the day for me. Normally I'm up well before 6 a.m., because I like to have that time in the morning to myself to drink coffee, surf, and watch the morning news - or lately, the Olympics. Everyone got up within 10 minutes of me getting up, so that messed up my day from the start.

It's pouring rain. Another wrench in the works, because that means we can't go and do stuff in the community garden. Luckily, we did weeding and other things yesterday. We also picked berries. I told you I'm turning into Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I'm a bit sore and stiff this morning because we went to Taekwondo last night and did lots of kicking drills in preparation for grading next week. Then we did this thing called one-step, where someone punches you and you in turn block the punch and then do a strike to bring your opponent down. I learned some new stuff and then promptly came home and tried the knife-hand strike to the neck on my husband. I'm pleased to say it works.

So plans for today include cleaning the bathroom (joy) and finishing up packing for our trip to Spain on Saturday. I also need to squeeze my Olympic viewing in there somewhere. I'm only interested in the gymnastics and swimming, so I won't spend the whole afternoon in front of the TV. In short, it's going to be a very quiet day.

If I get bored, I might try that knife-hand strike on John again.

Going for U.S. Olympic Gold

Men's Synchronized Swimming

How many people share your name in the US?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 36 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

For the ladies - how to buy a new bra*

1. Go to the department store with the intention of buying linen trousers for your upcoming vacation.
2. Find the trousers you want, and then notice the tankini swimsuits next to them. Pick up two: both with your cup size on the label, and take particular interest in the one with the tag that screams "With Tummy Control!" (because post-childbirth and pre-forty, you need all the help you can get). Take all three items to the fitting rooms.
3. Try on trousers. Decide not to buy them because you think they make your butt look big.
4. Try on first tankini. You like it and will buy it.
5. Take "With Tummy Control" tankini off hanger. Feel it. You are aware that it feels as tight as a girdle but decide to have a go anyway. Pull over head.
6. Turn around several times in the fitting room trying to get your arms into the straps. Get arms halfway in. Turn around several times again. Stop and look at yourself in the mirror. You realize that you look like a chinese puzzle and consider shouting for help from the sales assistant working the fitting rooms. Decide to have another go. After much huffing, puffing and sweating, you manage to get the thing fully over your head. Now bend over and work your boobs into the cups. After a final adjustment, stand up straight and admire yourself in the mirror. Watch in horror as the tankini rolls up from your waist to under your boobs.
7. Decide not to buy the tankini and start pulling it up to get it off. Turn around again. Pause for breath. Turn around again, getting your arm stuck inside the tankini. Consider calling for help. Take a deep breath and pull. Sigh with relief as the top comes off over your head.
8. Frantically try to rub the deodorant marks off it.
9. Get dressed. Put your bra back on in a huff and pull so hard that you actually rip the cup away from the underwire. Roll your eyes in disgust and then finish getting dressed.
10. Give the tankini and the trousers to the sales assistant, saying you won't be taking them.
11. Go upstairs to lingerie to buy a new bra to replace the one you just destroyed in the fitting room.

*Highlights of my shopping trip yesterday to Marks & Spencer.

Steve's Shopping List

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jdP7HUPbVs

Olympics

Wow, the men's 4 x 100 m freestyle relay was amazing!

So, Who Gets the Ticket?

Ya know, we only really travel the major highways once or twice a year, so the subject of pokey drivers hanging out in the left lane doesn't come up very often. Today, we were going to a birthday party down Philly way when we noticed a sign on the turnpike; Stay to the Right, Pass on the Left....It's the Law. I guess I always knew it was a law, but never really thought or heard of anyone getting a ticket for it. So, who gets the ticket? The pokey driver in the left, or the driver that passes that pokey driver on the right?

It's the economy, stupid!

Well, we all know that, for a number of reasons, the economy is seriously in the toilet. I've always dipped my toe in the pool of tightwaddery, but lately I seem to be taking things to the next level in preparation for the crash. Because, let's face it, it's going to get worse before it gets better. We've always had high gas prices in comparison to the U.S., but the other day I noticed that diesel (which is what my car takes) is now at £1.31 a liter, which translates to $9.91 per gallon. Yikes! Everyone is tightening the belt a bit, so here's what we're doing in the Collo house to get more bang for our buck.
1. I have put a moratorium on credit card spending. We don't use our cards much anyway, mostly for booking travel online, which we only do a couple of times a year. But the temptation is there, so I put the credit cards in a ziploc baggie, which I then placed in a tupperware container filled with water. Then I put the whole thing in the freezer.
2. We grow more vegetables. We started doing this before the crunch because I wanted to feed the kids organic veggies. I have since noticed how much less I spend at the supermarket because I no longer buy veggies or fruit (with the exception of bananas and grapes, because we don't grow either of those). So I've given John instructions that he needs to be planting and growing veggies we can eat all year. I'm sick of zucchini though. I've got zucchini coming out my ears!
3. I cook from scratch. I don't buy processed stuff anyway, because Chris has allergies and I hate reading labels. But I cook a lot more from scratch, things I wouldn't have made before, like soups, bread and cakes. Aside from that, I plan meals based on what I already have in the pantry, freezer and fridge, buying only what I need to make a recipe or to restock the pantry, fridge and freezer. I shop with a list, and go by myself. If I take John and the kids, I end up spending twice what I'd planned.
4. I don't use the dryer unless it's pelting it down with rain. This may present a problem come winter, when towels and jeans are so stiff they can get up and walk away on their own if they've been dried indoors on a drying rack.
5. I buy ice cream. Seriously, the ice cream man comes by, my kids want ice cream and it costs me $3. If the ice cream man comes every day, I'm looking at $15 for ice cream. Forget that! For less than $5 I can buy a 1/2 gallon of ice cream and some cones. This reminds me of Eddie Murphy's standup routine that he used to to about McDonald's, and how the other kids in the neighborhood would get McDonald's, but his mother would make him a welfare burger. I don't care. Get over it kid.
6. I use Freecyle, and I am not averse to the odd dumpster dive if it's something we could use in the garden.
7. I shop sales. I've always been a sale shopper anyway, but I've restricted my shopping only to sales and the clearance rack recently. This isn't a bad thing. I recently got two new dresses for work from my favorite shop. They would have been around $200 at the regular price, but I got both for $60. I'm happy about that.
8. I clean my house with natural products like vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda. As I mentioned, the boy has allergies and I don't want him exposed to chemicals, and I can buy a monster bottle of vinegar at Costco for a bargain and no, my house doesn't smell like a fish and chip shop.
9. I combine errands so I only have to use the car once to save on gas. No one is allowed to turn lights on during the day. That's what daylight is for.
10. I color my own hair instead of having the hairdresser do it. This may or may not be a money saver, depending on whether or not we'll have to redecorate the bathroom because of all the Miss Clairol Number 128 I've splattered all over the place.

Alumni Shirt

Has anyone bought any alumni stuff (on the Catty Alumni site)?

I just bought a T-shirt that looks like the one above (except I got 86, I'm not that dumb). I also got a 100 years of football T-shirt (thanks for alerting me of them Lew). If you have not joined the Alumni site, it is a one time fee (for life).

A Blast from the Past

Robert Hazard dies at 59.

Paris

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Watch the "Paris for Prez" vid and share your thoughts. It's politics, and it is also controversial. Oh, I think it is hilarious, but I have no class (like a teacher in the summer time - no class at all - Russell from Fat Albert). This is cool because it is what's in the news and has Paris who is always in the news (not by her fault). This should be something to talk about for all those into controversy, politics, News that's not really news, etc.,.

Blog Toolbar

Are you like me (made the blog part of your pitiful life)? Then go to this link and download a toolbar so you can keep up with everything that is on the blog. I created and want everyone to have it as part of their browser to keep us in mind:
http://86classblogspot.ourorganizationtoolbar.com/

I just put it on my browser and already love the way it makes my browser look (but I am a geek deep down, hell I'm a geek all over).

Try it, and if you have anything you'd like put on it, let me know, it is customizable.

Midlife Crisis Mobile

Anyone know of where I can get some cheap disability insurance?

Michelle H., email me at tracy3@comporium.net , I wanted to talk to you but couldn't find your email addy.

Sticking with controversy...

I can foresee this becoming quite a long post, so please just bear with me to the end.

I'm a member of a tightwad forum, and most of the people on there are, for lack of a better description, a bit right of center politically (I'm not, I just go there for the tightwaddery). There's a "Debates and Personal Opinions" subforum, and someone has started a thread about Barack Obama. Nothing new there, but this particular thread has now turned to the discussion of flag flying - probably because Obama refuses to wear an American flag lapel pin. Most people on this forum say you are unpatriotic and un-American if you don't fly a flag or wear one on your person. So I'm going to share my opinion with you on this, and I want to hear yours. Remember, opinions are like assholes - every has one and it usually stinks - so we're going to have a big group cyberhug when we're finished with this discussion!

Everytime I come back to the U.S., I am shocked to see the number of American flags flying - in front of buildings, in front of houses, on mailboxes, on shopping bags, on people - they're just everywhere. I'm sorry to say but the uber-patriotism scares the shit out of me. I can understand the reasons behind the surge in patriotism. September 11, 2001 was a horrible, horrible event, and the nation banded together to try and deal with it. I get that. But all the flag flying in the world isn't going to prevent something like that happening again. The rest of the world has dealt with terrorism for a long, long time, and they don't feel the need to wave their flag(s) at every opportunity.

I went to Florida on vacation five weeks after September 11, 2001, and we had a British newspaper delivered to our hotel everyday. One morning I opened it to find an article about Gerry Adams, who was the leader of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army - a terrorist organization that has wreaked havoc on Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom for a long time. Thousands of people have died at their hands. Anyway, Gerry was at an IRA fundraiser in New York City, a city that five weeks earlier had suffered the worst terrorist attack in history. And now those people, those flag-waving, patriotic Americans, were courting the leader of a terrorist organization. They were paying $1000 a plate to hear him speak. And then he visited the White House (again!). So the U.S. fights terrorism when it suits. Sorry, but you can't have good terrorists and bad terrorists. Are white terrorists okay but Middle Eastern ones aren't? They're all terrorists. But in 2003 we started waging war a country that had nothing to do with 9/11, and we flew our flag, but we still get in bed with people who terrorize other people (just not Americans - so that makes it okay!) And in the meantime, more than 33,000 American servicemen and women - and thousands more Iraqis - have been injured or killed

I do understand why Barack Obama won't wear the flag pin. Probably for the same reasons I wouldn't. It just seems to me that the flag wavers talk the talk, but they don't walk the walk. I love my country. Someone asked me why I don't give up my citizenship. I'll never give up my citizenship. I'm proud of where I came from and what my country has achieved. But we've lost our way. We're broken, and we need to be fixed. Sometimes the most responsible thing you can do as a citizen is question your leadership.

Okay, your turn.

Questions of the week.

1. If you learned today you were going to die tomorrow, name three things you would do?

2. What is your very first memory?

3. Name one service you are willing to pay for and one your not.

4. Do you make your bed every day?

5. Name the most significant thing you learned this week?

Mrs. Dornblaser

For all of us who went to Sheckler Elementary School, we will never forget our school nurse, Mrs. Dornblaser. It is with sadness that I write that she has passed away. She always took good care of us if we were sick or injured. You can go to http://www.legacy.com/MCall/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=114421685 and view her obituary for those who haven't seen it.

Controversial Subject

In the interest of seeing what happens I think Steve would like to have a lively discusion so I would like to know your thoughts on the upcoming election and why.

Another Year, Another Vacation....Over :(

Here I sit again, bumming that it went so fast, but also glad to get back to my home. The weather was awesome, hot...kids had fun on the beach. Trisha is fearless when it comes to trekking out in the ocean. I had to stop her several times from venturing too far. We made friends with the lifeguard (Lisa) the umbrella boy (Dixon) and a family from Jersey who owns a condo in the building where we stayed. The have 2 labs that love to play in the ocean. The kids had fun throwing their toy and watching them swim back in with it. We ate well: crabs, clams, lobster, steak...and spent most days just relaxing on the beach. The ocean temp was 85+ and mostly calm. We had some rip tide warnings due to Hurricane "B" (was it Bertha, cant remember) and tropical storm Cristabal. Thanks Tracy for the free passes to MayDay Golf, the kids always enjoy a good game of mini-golf (even though it was so stinkin' hot!)

Lighter side

One evening, a family brings their frail, elderly mother to a nursing home and leaves her, hoping she will be well cared for. The next morning, the nurses bathe her, feed her a tasty breakfast, and set her in a chair at a window overlooking a lovely flower garden.

She seems okay but after a while she slowly starts to lean over sideways in her chair. Two attentive nurses immediately rush up to catch her and straighten her up.

Again, she seems okay but after a while she starts to tilt to the other side. The nurses rush back and once more bring her back upright. This goes on all morning.

Later, the family arrives to see how the old woman is adjusting to her new home. "So Ma, how is it here? Are they treating you all right?" they ask.

"It's pretty nice," she replies. "Except they won't let you fart."

This weeks questions

1. What is the worst vacation you ever took?

2. If the statement, 'You are what you eat' was true, I would be a _______.

3. What is the most important thing in any relationship?

4. What do you believe is the greatest unsolved mystery of all?

5. Which of the seven dwarfs personifies you best – Dopey, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Grumpy, Happy, or Doc?

A Daughter's Note

My daughter wrote me this letter.

Dad

We have been through a lot these past months but we have managed our way through it. We will always be there for each other no matter what happens and what obstacle comes our way. We will fight through. A new year is on the way, which means a new beginning. I love you to infinity. No matter where we live will be much better than here. To start new colors, new designs, new thoughts, and open minds. You are half way through this rough journey, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Let God bless us in our lifetime as he has been. Again, I love you BUNCHES!. xoxoxo. All of our animals will be in our lives to make us laugh and to put a great big smile on our faces.

Love Ya Daddio

She has kept me strong!

...

86class.blogspot.com

What's going on in the Valley?

Coming back into town Wednesday to Saturday. Our new baby's baptism is on Sunday in Wilkes Barre. So what's going on? I know I'd like to get to the Blue Monkey and the Beef Baron at some point. Any other events?
Dave

The crazy things we do when we turn 40

My daughter does Taekwondo and has for around 18 months. She really enjoys it and she is now a blue belt, so she is only 3 grades away from black belt. She's been asking me for months to do Taekwondo with her, but I always said no. Well, last month I caved and started going to classes with her. I wasn't the only adult there (there are four of us) but we did look pretty silly in a sea of 7 year olds. I discovered I can't do a push-up.
Three weeks after I started training, my instructor - a lady called Kathy who was on the 1992 British Olympic Team and is the highest graded woman in Great Britain - informed me that I was ready for my first grading. I passed, skipped a grade, and went straight to a yellow belt! I am really, really enjoying Taekwondo and I can feel myself getting stronger. Plus, there's a benefit in kicking the hell out of something (or sometimes someone!) to de-stress.
Georgia also spars competitively (see picture). Last weekend she lost for the first time, to a girl who happens to be British Junior Champion, and on the drive home she told me that she was scared of sparring again. I told her that there are lots of reasons to stop doing stuff, but fear isn't one of them, and if she quit because she was scared she'd probably regret it later. So she said, "You do it then, Mum! You start sparring because I know you're scared!" She's right. The thought of standing in a ring with someone, in full protective pads, trying to kick them before they can kick me, scares the crap out of me. I spar in class - in fact last night I was learning how to do defensive kicks - but I really am scared to do it competitively. But I can't say to my kid "Don't quit just because you're scared," and then not face that fear myself.
So on my 40th birthday, I'm going to get in the ring for the first time. Kathy and I talked about it at last night's class, and she said she can find someone "around my age" (because I'm not going up against some 18 year old who can kick my butt) and of a similar weight and grading between now and October. I've asked John for a full set of protective pads - head, body, arms, shins, hands and feet - for my 40th birthday. He's relieved I'm not asking for jewellery again!

Plans for the Summer

Are you going on vacation or staycation? We're planning on doing some camping in the UK (if the weather ever gets better!) and a week in southern Spain (where the weather is great!).

Great Joke

The owner of a drug store walks in to find a guy leaning heavily against a wall. The owner asks the clerk, "What's with that guy over there by the wall?"

The clerk says, "Well, he came in here this morning to get something for his cough. I couldn't find the cough syrup, so I gave him an entire bottle of laxative."

The owner says, "You idiot! You can't treat a cough with laxatives!"

The clerk says, "Oh yeah? Look at him, he's afraid to cough!"

Art Update

I've had a few art-related developments.

My art is the subject of an article in today's Courier Post.

I have added my resume and artist statement to my website.

Here is the flyer for my upcoming Chelsea show.

Check out the Arcade

I created a retro-arcade at http://86classarcade.blogspot.com. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Summer Vacation

My daughter and I flew to Arizona for a week and visited with Andrea and her children. We had such a wonderful time, even though it was 114 degrees all week. We visited Sedona, Slide Rock, Canyon Lake and Raw Hide. It was a much needed get away for my daughter and me.

It was my daughter's first time flying ever. Everything went well.

We hope to go back when it is much cooler there to see more.

Class of '84 Trying to Organize

The class of 84 has contacted Matt and I through Tom Brobst as they are trying to get class things organized like we did. They are first going to start with a blog, but could use some overall help. Please let 84ers know about it. Duke Hartranft and Mike Anglestein seem to be heading this up. Their emails are:

michaelanglestein68@hotmail.com
mairndukenkdz@hotmail.com

The Biggest Loser

Okay, I realize this program finished long ago in the U.S., but it's just started airing here in the U.K. and I'm completely addicted. It's spurring me on to go to the gym a bit more often, and that can only be a good thing. Tonight was Week 10, where one of the brothers was eliminated. I've noticed that there's alot of man-crying on this show, and tonight was no exception. The way they were talking about this guy and crying over him, it was more like he was going to face a firing squad instead of going home to Boston. I have to admit, I don't really understand how to play the "game", I'm just interested in the weight loss. I do know how it turns out because I checked out the NBC website, but I'm still enjoying the show. By the way, Georgia does an exceptional impression of Roger, and his Alabama accent. "Pride on three, pride on three."

All Summer Long

My new favorite, feel good, take me out of a bad mood, make me wanna get up and dance, song of the summer! http://www.dizzler.com/music/Kid_Rock (it will take a couple seconds for videos to come up on the right, but then click on the all summer long video...you may have to click it twice. It may say unavailable, but it will play.) If you male bloggers are offended by the pretty girls, just close your eyes and listen to the music.

Race for Life

Georgia and I did the Doncaster 5K Race for Life this morning. Every year Cancer Research UK has this race going on all over the country. We are fortunate enough not to have been touched by cancer. All the participants wear a sign on their back saying why they run, and people wear pictures of loved ones. I did most of the race with tears in my eyes. We didn't run it, but we half walked/half ran (most people walk it). John handed Chris over the tape to me and he ran the last 50 feet with us to the finish line.

Update from SC

Apologies for being away, but got some new happenings here.

Samuel Anthony Paukovitz was born on 6-11, 20", 9 lbs 7 oz. Everyone is doing well and the kids love him. Baby bottles and yellow poop all over again.

I started a new business about 2 months ago. Read about Fibrenew here.

For you poker fans out there, you'll get a kick out of this. (with pic)

Hope everyone is doing well.

A Question

I was wondering, how did you meet your spouse (or significant other)?

I met John in a philosophy class in college in 1989.

8th Grade Farewell Dance

Well another chapter is about to come to an end for my daughter and her friends. They are finishing up their last week at W/C Middle School and off to the High School they will go in the Fall. They had their farewell dance on Saturday night and it was really great to see all the girls dressed up since most of them are usually seen in jeans. These pictures are of Jenna and her friends.

Bob the Builder - LIVE!!!

As you can see, we went the full monty on the Bob outfit, and we made Georgia go along just to torture her. The really sad thing is, we knew all the words to the songs.

More Wedding Photos

If you would like to see more wedding photos, you can go here to see what the professional photographer took.

New Issue

The new issue of the "Brown & White" is out. There is an article about Mr. Haines retiring if anyone is interested....
http://www.cattysd.org/web2/chsnew/Brown%20and%20White%20Archives/2007-08/08%20May%20Issue.pdf

Wedding

As promised, here are some pictures from my wedding day on Saturday. These are all from the cameras left on the tables at the reception. The reception was at a Middle Eastern restaurant.

My husband is John and he's in the tux. :-)