Tony and I are having problems finding ideas for Halloween costumes. We want something that will work as a couple, but something also quick and cheaper than what we have been finding. I would love a costume to shock people, but it is not a necessity. So, if anyone has a suggestion, please, please let me know. We would really appreciate it.
Before cell phones and text messaging, before the internet and email, before the telephone, before the typewriter, people used to write letters by hand. They knew their language, both the writing part and the reading part.
Today in this fast paced world people don’t take the time to write letters anymore. A quick email here, and text message their, an entry in a blog or on MySpace are what communication is today. I’m as guilty as the next person, except that I don’t instant message, chat or text. I’m much to wordy for any of those media. It is just too sad that people don’t know anything about the complete art of letter writing/reading.
NOTICE!!! I included reading in my assessment of a lost art. Before the advent of all these new ways to communicate, people took the time to read their letters. They were not meant to be a quick read. These were missives that someone took time to write and they deserved time in reading also.
Why am I mentioning this? Good question, I asked it of myself too. It seems that some maybe most people are looking at blog sites, and bulletin boards as direct communication to themselves. They take comments meant for general consumption and think others are talking about them. They have hard feelings when they think something or someone is against them. Now, I will admit that in some cases they may have a valid point, but in others, people weren’t talking or writing about them. But they want to take in personally.
Then again, people today don’t think before they write. They can write things that could be considered cruel toward an individual or a group. People then get bent out of shape and small wars tarnish the blogs, bulletin boards and myspace accounts. So sad sometimes. Good conversations are ruined by misunderstandings. It happens almost everywhere on the web.
So in this, I asked myself: Why?. I came up with one simple idea. It could be something, it could be nothing at all. We are losing the ability to communicate effectively with the written word, just by not paying attention to what we write and how we read. Is this something we will miss in our lives, or will the older members of society who remember this sort of communication, just talk (write?) about the good ol’ days.
Just one word of advice to those who read Blogs, myspace accounts, bulletin boards, emails, text msgs. and the like. If you read something that bothers you, take some time, leave it, come back to it later read it again. Before responding in haste or anger, make sure you understand what is written,and if those word really apply to you. I’ve used that since the my very first e-mail, and intend to keep using that practice well into my very last e-mail or whatever form of communication the future brings me.
On this official International Talk Like a Pirate Day, I forgot one thing while subbing- I forgot to talk like a pirate. Despite my reminder to myself. I think the kids would have enjoyed it. Oh, well. Cleanup continues here on the home flood front- I finally ripped up the carpet at the foot of the stairs which has not dried since getting flooded. The other day I also discovered that the dryer did not in fact survive the sump-pump failure. It started once for a test run, but then once I put a load of clothes in suddenly the dryer wouldn’t keep going once the start button was released. Later that evening, I came down to an odd smell, which after looking up the problem was probably a fried heat control board which is $130. Sigh. At least the washer works so I only have to dry at the laundromat for now.
Today completed a week (well, 3½ days) of elementary subbing. Up until this week it was all middle school. Two days ago I showed up at a classroom expecting 4th/5th and it turned out to be 2nd. The teacher changed grades this year and her info was not updated I guess. I’m mad at myself about that day by the way. I overheard something from one of the kids and I said to myself, “blog moment.” Now I can’t remember what it was. Next time I will write it down I think. Anyway, an interesting thing happened that day. I walked in on a meeting- yes, even the elementary teachers sometimes have team meetings- they must time their specials to coincide- and one of the teachers mentioned that I subbed for her last year and the kids loved me, asking for me to sub again. And since the students were being tested, the whole reason a sub was needed in the first place in this case, and that teacher has two days scheduled next week to do the same, she took the opportunity to ask if I was available. Another teacher asked the same. One will be testing Monday and Tuesday, the other Wednesday and Thursday. So… long story short [too late] I have four days in second grade next week. Will I survive? Well, you’ll have to tune into the blog to find out. 🙂
So… This brings me to yesterday, a half day of PE. Two mentally impaired classes where I really just helped the assistants work with the kids, and three 4th or 5th grade classes where the kids got to toss the pigskin around, preparing for the passing part of a pass, punt, and kick contest some time in the future, apparently sponsored by the NFL. A few of the 5th graders really had good arms- could throw pretty far.
Today was a mix. Between morning and afternoon I had 3rd-6th grade (one 3rd/4th multiage class, one 5th/6th multiage. They were at two different schools too, meaning I had to spend half my lunch leaving one school, travelling, and checking in at the other school. Fortunately the plans at the second school were pretty easy so I was able to go over them quickly. Nothing too special. A lot of worksheets in the morning and a lot of supervising while students read or wrote in the afternoon. Actually, scratch that- there was reading with a group for 45 minutes and during their independent reading time I did book conferences with a few kids so I did get to do some actual work beyond classroom management. Speaking of which, this was a slightly tough crowd to keep under control. Nothing like the ELL fiasco a couple of years back, mind you, but challenging just the same. Fortunately I did have help in the form of an assisatnt and a high-school helper. You know, why didn’t I ever have the opportunity to go back to elementary school when I was in high school? It would have been fun I think, and a break from real schoolwork, though I suppose this high-schooler will have to write up her experience, or keeps some sort of log. That could take the fun out of it I expect.
I just might have to start calling myself a Kid Rock fan… ok, no not really, that’s going way too far.
It all started when I was able to catch a few minutes of country music radio – a rare treat for me because when I’m doing errands in my car every day, I’m usually forced to listen to Kidsongs, VeggieTales, or the like while the kids are watching the car dvd player. But lately, I’ve been able to catch a few songs on country music radio… I guess it’s because my youngest daughter has been refusing to nap at home during the day, therefore she can’t help herself from napping once we get in the car, giving me control of the car stereo, even if it is temporarily. But anyway, country radio has been constantly playing a song that I really like – I heard it again the other day while my husband was getting a haircut, and that’s when I decided I needed to look it up, find out what it is and who sings it so I can get it for my own enjoyment. Well, I looked it up, and what I found is that my new favorite “country” song is Kid Rock’s latest single called “All Summer Long”. For those of you who don’t know, Kid Rock is not a country artist – not in my book, anyway… Seems he’s been trying to cross over to country for a couple of years now however. His duet with Sheryl Crow called “Picture” hit the top of the country charts a few years ago when it came out. But Kid Rock is most famous for various tabloid fodder; including his relationship with Pamela Anderson and the public brawls he’s engaged in. But I think Kid Rock’s normal style of music is hard-core. There is a song called “Warrior” by him that is played before movies in the theater, and that song is very reminiscent of 80s heavy metal – I think that’s a taste of his usual musical style.
So why the switchover into country? I have one guess – money. It’s no secret that country music is the most popular music genre in the United States today. Kid Rock’s new song doesn’t quite have that country sound, however, but I wouldn’t know how else to classify it. It reminds me of late 70’s or early 80’s classic rock, ala Lynyrd Skynyrd – there is even a tribute to the song “Sweet Home Alabama” in “All Summer Long” – it mentions the song and even replicates its famous guitar lick. But nowadays, I don’t know where a song such as this should be catagorized, and apparently the music industry felt the same way, so they stuck it in the country genre. It’s a really great, feel-good, care-free, summery kind of song… don’t know why they didn’t rush to get it released at the beginning of the summer. But it’s here now, and I’m enjoying it, even if it is sung by Kid Rock. I just wish he’d make up his mind about where he wants to be musically. Being a country music fan, I despise “posers” and “crossovers” who try to take advantage of country music fans just because they’re seen as loyal and dumb. The bait and switch didn’t work with me this time – I like the song, but knowing it’s Kid Rock did take a little out of it for me. I have a big problem with crossovers – I don’t like accepting them into the country music family. I feel that country music is something you either love or you hate, and if these crossovers weren’t already involved in country music, chances are they’ve hated it in the past and should not be allowed to crossover when the time or price is right. You are either a country artist or you’re not. Which is why it is to my dismay that this new Kid Rock song is so good.
But all things aside, check out “All Summer Long”, it’s worth a listen, and let’s hope Kid Rock doesn’t steal too much thunder away from the real country acts come time for the Country Music Awards that will be airing in November. Judging solely by how much air time he’s getting on the radio, I think he has a shot to win some awards for this one – he’ll at least get a live performance. I just hope he can behave himself. Surprisingly, given the red-neck reputation of country music’s fan base, the annual Country Music Awards is not a place where there is usually scandalous behavior such as fighting or swearing, and let’s hope these fly-by-night country crossovers don’t ever bring it to that.
Before High School Musical 3 comes to the big screen on October 24, why not take a gander at the movie that inspired the whole thing. Grease began as an homage to the teenage greasers and bobby soxers of the 1950s. It started in 1971 at the Kingston Mines Theatre in Old Town Chicago and quickly found its way to the Great White Way. From there it made the transformation to the big-screen in 1978. Since then it has been revived in high schools, community theatres (yes, WCCT had its own interesting production). Broadway audiences have seen two revivals of which one is currently playing. Stars of television and movies have played the roles. Brooke Shields, Maureen McCormick (Marcia, Marcia, Marcia), and Rosie O’Donnell have all played Rizzo. ’80s teen idol Debbie (or is it Deborah) Gibson and Olivia Newton-John (of course) have all played Sandy. Richard Gere, Patrick Swayze, and John Travolta all slicked their hair back to play Danny.
Now… comes the latest group to step into the roles. This video may even make Zac Efron and the rest of the cast of High School Musical take a second look
https://members.shaw.ca/anabw/grease.htm
Give the Gift of Movies. Buy Now!
Driving to work this morning I saw a large number of flashing red lights in the distance. Due to the number I knew there was an bad accident somewhere along my drive to work. And unfortunately, I was correct. Over 6 emergency vehicles were converging on a spot about 1 1/2 miles from the State Route 34 / State Route 66 intersection. From the looks of a small compact car was hit by an large SUV. Nothing on the crash on any local news yet, so I have no idea if anyone was hurt. Just one more reminder of how many miles I drive in a week. I’ve seen more than a few accidents on the way to work, and with no small amount of luck can say I’ve never been in a serious accident myself. I hope to stay on that trend.
Even back when I was learning how to drive, I had a profound respect for the power of an automobile. I learned to drive on a fairly large car (’66 Impala) and for a time owned an early 70’s GM Station Wagon (I don’t recall if it was the Chevy or Buick model, but it could fit a full 4 x 8 sheet of plywood in the back when the rear seat was down.) I guess I knew what those hunks of metal could do if they hit something. The wagon’s ride was so smooth, and the engine so powerful, it would cruise along at 70 before you felt any speed from the thing (unless you hit a curve, the beast always wanted to go straight). I learned to be careful with my speed too. I didn’t like seeing those flashing red lights in my rear view mirror.
It was amazing today at the distance I could see the lights this morning. For those who don’t know, NW Ohio is flat, very flat. There was no fog this morning and I could see those flashing lights for miles down the road. This afternoon I guesstimated that I was around 4 to 5 miles away when I first saw them. I’ve driven in areas where you were lucky to see 2 miles of straight flat roadway. If I had come from the right direction, it could have been much farther. It is amazing how bright those red lights are in the dark.
Now just how did we decide that red lights should be the warning lights. The state of Ohio limits the use of the red lights to Fire and Police, The police may also use blue. I have yet to find any historical references to the use of these lights for emergency use. I will keep looking because my curiosity has been piqued.
The box of eight has been completed….
Ok… so this past week has not be fraught with hilarity… some fun, but a lot of downness (I KNOW a word that is not ), So, to cheer things up, I found a list of 24 quotable quotes from television… not from movies now. I’ll start off and let’s see how many we can come up with:
, surprise, eh?)
)
, yes)
“
“Ok… that’s five. come on all you shy people keep the ball rolling. Remember only television quotes for this one. Sounds almost as fun as a rousing game of Shoes and Socks or “I’m Going on a Trip.”
During our community theater’s run of The Nerd, they designated one of the nights “80’s Night” since the play was set in 1985. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit the local thrift stores with a mission – looking for components to complete my 80’s look. 2 thrift stores are within walking distance so I just packed up the little ones in the double stroller and off we went. I found things with ease – a gaudy Mickey Mouse sweatshirt that I cut up to make it off-the-shoulder, a black lacy Madonna-like skirt, jelly shoes, hoop earrings, leggings, ankle socks… I was ready to go!
And of course, what 80’s look is complete without makeup and lots of it? I read a hint on a website about dressing for 80’s parties – “In the 80’s, we didn’t accessorize – we “excessorized” and LOVED it!” So I braided my wet hair in the morning, and by evening when I took out the braids, I acheived the “crimped” hair look I was going for. I pulled out the electric blue nail polish (though I ended up regretting that later since I forgot to buy nail polish remover and I was stuck with electric blue nail polish for a few days until I had the time to get to Walmart – OOPS), and I piled on the purple and blue eye shadow. It was lots of fun to get dressed up like a goofball – I may consider being an 80’s time machine traveler for Halloween. But anyway, while I was getting ready for 80’s night, I had a flock of admirers. My 3 little girls aren’t used to me putting on makeup, dressing up, painting my nails, or spending lots of time on my hair (note to self – next time I dress 80’s, I need some Aquanet!) – I’m just not the kind of gal who does – or has the time to do, for that matter – these things regularly. It was like a whole new world for them, and they gawked in awe as they watched me get ready. My oldest kept running up to her room to look for jewelry to use – everyone wanted to help, which was like a whole new world for me.
80’s night was a few weeks ago, and the girls are still asking to have their nails painted and for us to do each other’s makeup, much to my husband’s dismay. He’s never liked makeup and says he wants our girls to be at least 18 before they can wear it. I’ve tried explaining to him that there is something innate in little girls that make them like dressing up and putting makeup on – it’s just how little girls are made. Being a male, he doesn’t get it of course, and so I imagine we’ll have many a debate in this house once the girls get to the teenage years and want to wear makeup regularly. For now, I don’t have a problem using it as a “toy” once in a while, as long as it’s supervised and I can guide my girls to having the right opinions about makeup, especially when it comes to self-esteem issues – makeup does not make you prettier, you do not NEED makeup, it can be harmful to your face if you use it incorrectly, etc. So until they become teenagers, this is a way we can have fun together, and I also view it as an important bonding experience. One of the things I remember doing with my sister the most while we were growing up is her doing my hair and makeup, and I don’t remember ever fighting while we were doing that. Anyone who knows my girls realizes how much we need an activity that Taylor and Sammie can do together without fighting! So if you see me walking around with a hideous makeup job someday, just remember that my face was probably painted by an 8, 4, or 2 year old!
**YOU ASKED FOR IT!!!**
Well, the new pump is installed and cleanup continues. We picked up some wet items from downstairs and put them outside to dry, afterwhich we’ll try washing them. The second dehumidifier which I said doesn’t work actually seems to after all. It just draws a lot of power. I switched it to another outlet and it worked fine, didn’t trip the circuit breaker. However, I used an extension cord with it, an office-style 3-prong job, and the connector area got pretty warm. Now I know that the dehumidifier says not to use an extension cord, but the cord they provide is short, and with the basement outlets set high I have to have to have the dehumidifier practically against the wall in order to plug it in, but it seems that’s what I will have to do.
Anyway, on to the headline. I was at a restaurant tonight and I overheard an encounter between two dads and their boys, both named Griffin. I have encountered boys with this name, but not two at once. It was a surprise to the dads too. One is seven and the other nine, so they are still quite young which is my experience as I haven’t known any older boys or men with that name, though it’s possible some that I met are teens now. According to Behind the Name, the name Griffin has ranked in the mid 200’s for the last decade, with its peak in 1998 at 215. The year before, it was at 225 with the popularity going down drastically with the years going back. Before the 80’s, it doesn’t rank at all. I bring up 1997 specifically because a certain event happened that may have improved the popularity of the name somewhat. That event being the release of the first book in a series of seven. The book I speak of is of course Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone. While not a main character’s name, or any character that I can recall for that matter, the name of his house was Griffyndor, and I believe they did encounter a griffin (the mythical beast, not someone with the name) in the first book, though it could have been one of the next few. Is it a stretch to tie this book with the name? Maybe. I don’t know. I think I’ve written enough on it though.
Today I had no job, but then one district had two days off due to flooding (the town is by a river) and another I am still waiting for my login info for, which the woman I talked to said would be a couple of weeks due to limited time processing new subs and taking it in order of hire. I do have a full day tomorrow though so perhaps something to write about. Until then.
While I’m on the subject of reading… I came across a cool looking device on amazon.com the other day – the Kindle. Have you heard of it? I hadn’t, but it sounds pretty cool. Basically you can upload books, magazines, and even blogs to this portable device so you can read them anywhere. It appealed to me because I like to read in bed, and it seemed like a good way to get newspapers as well as stuff off the internet into a format that’s easy for me to lie down and read. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized it’s not really for me. The first clue was its $350 price tag. No thanks. Maybe for $50 or so, I’d be interested… The other thing about the Kindle is the fact that you have to buy books to put on it. I can’t tell you the last time I bought a full price book from a book store. I get my books from my existing collection, friends, or most frequently, the library – all free sources. I could not picture a scenario where I’d be buying a book, even if it was to be put on this device. I guess the thing that appealed to me most about it was putting my town’s daily newspaper on it so I could read it in bed. My paperboy delivers at 5pm – just in time for the chaos in the house to peak as kids are coming home and I’m starting dinner and all that stuff – so it’s tough for me to keep up with reading the daily paper. But I’m sure the daily paper from my small town wouldn’t even be available on the Kindle anyway…
But I thought it was a cool invention and I could see there being a market for something like this for people who travel a lot and love to read. I find it strange that I hadn’t heard about it sooner, but they really need to lower the price on it if they want it to catch on!