A couple of months ago, we received a very official looking letter from an attorney's office. It stated that the Historian was listed among the plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit against his former employer. Apparently they did not correctly calculate part of his severance pay when he was laid off several years ago, and he was now going to get that money--minus legal fees of course. We should expect the check to arrive in 4 to 6 weeks. We thought it would be nice to have some extra cash coming in around Christmas.
Well, we waited and waited, and I forgot about it. Then a couple of days ago, we get a certified letter containing the check. With great anticipation, the Historian opened the letter. Then I heard him laughing. Guess what we got?
Drumroll please....
A check for $0.81. Yes, $0.81. That is the net, not the gross amount. Before taxes it was $1.33. I'd better try not to spend it all in one place.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Too Many Loose Ends
Life is busy at Bradford Academy these days. Responsibilities and activities are snowballing. Much is not getting done. It's mainly my fault. Some of it is not my fault. Some things could have been dealt with properly if communication took place more than 2 days before the event. Now that would make a good post., but priorities have to be made.
I am also dealing with some health issues. It's not really bad, but I do need to see a doctor. I am trying to hold off until 2009 because we have very high deductible health insurance. I have had to let some things go, and the blog is the easiest. I hope to get back to posting after final exams, but if not
Send this eCard !
I am also dealing with some health issues. It's not really bad, but I do need to see a doctor. I am trying to hold off until 2009 because we have very high deductible health insurance. I have had to let some things go, and the blog is the easiest. I hope to get back to posting after final exams, but if not
Send this eCard !
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Fall Fun
What do you do with a sunny fall afternoon?
First, rake up a big pile of leaves.
Pose in front of your masterpiece.
Climb up the toy truck.
Jump!
Bury the neighbor's dog.
Pose for another picture.
Repeat.
First, rake up a big pile of leaves.
Pose in front of your masterpiece.
Climb up the toy truck.
Jump!
Bury the neighbor's dog.
Pose for another picture.
Repeat.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Chick Two Homicide
Chick 2 (April 2008 - November 2008) was kidnapped and brutally murdered by Caspian the dog today. It was a classic case of death by biting. Chick 2's plastic outer shell was cracked exposing the spring mechanism. He died instantly and felt no pain.
Caspian the dog has been declared unfit to stand trial on the charge of first degree murder. He will serve probation from the plastic animal area for an unspecified amount of time. It is not the first time he has exhibited signs of criminal intent. Mama Horse and Hay Ride the dinosaur both bear the scars of previous biting attacks. The Historian and attorney for the accused stated, "Dogs will be dogs. They chew stuff up. It's what they do. Chick 2's owners should have taken care to keep him away from all canine aggressors." Such words do little to comfort the Crafter, Wild Thing, and Sweetie who deny any part in contributing to the tragedy.
The plastic animal family is coping as best they can. Please remember Chick 1 and Chick 3, the survivors of what was a set of triplets, as they will feel the loss more so than the others. Chick 2 is lying in state in the TV cabinet. The funeral will be this afternoon around 2:30pm. Entombment will be in the trash can.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like a new plastic animal.
Chick 2
age 7 months
Caspian the dog has been declared unfit to stand trial on the charge of first degree murder. He will serve probation from the plastic animal area for an unspecified amount of time. It is not the first time he has exhibited signs of criminal intent. Mama Horse and Hay Ride the dinosaur both bear the scars of previous biting attacks. The Historian and attorney for the accused stated, "Dogs will be dogs. They chew stuff up. It's what they do. Chick 2's owners should have taken care to keep him away from all canine aggressors." Such words do little to comfort the Crafter, Wild Thing, and Sweetie who deny any part in contributing to the tragedy.
The plastic animal family is coping as best they can. Please remember Chick 1 and Chick 3, the survivors of what was a set of triplets, as they will feel the loss more so than the others. Chick 2 is lying in state in the TV cabinet. The funeral will be this afternoon around 2:30pm. Entombment will be in the trash can.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like a new plastic animal.
Chick 2
age 7 months
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Day After the Election
I have purposely stayed away from talking politics on my blog because I felt that nothing would be gained. I stand where I stand. I believe what I believe. I don't want to stir people up or argue. If you ask me about my political position, I will say that I am a socially conservative Libertarian. That generally shuts people up because that either don't know what the words mean or they know my answer is complicated and don't want to take the time to hear it.
I was not excited about this election though it was historic. My first, second, and third choices for president left the Republican primaries early on. I didn't like McCain, but I did respect him. I never liked Obama because of his policies. The Historian supported Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate. I was torn. I ended up voting for McCain.
I have mixed feelings on the results of the election. I am proud that I live in a country that is capable of looking past a candidate's race. I am scared of the liberal policies that are sure to come. I wonder what trillions of dollars in new government spending will do to the economy. I wonder what will happen when our nation's enemies "test" Obama as President.
Regardless of how I feel, there are some things that are true no matter what. Take the following quiz I received this morning in my email. It should keep things in perspective.
A True/False Quiz
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, Jesus will still be King.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our responsibilities as Christians will not have changed one iota.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the greatest agent for social change in America will still be winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my primary citizenship will still be in this order - (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America, not vice-versa.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the tomb will still be empty.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our children will still be more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my neighbor will still be my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see abortion ultimately overturned will still be winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, "Jesus Is Lord" will still be the greatest truth in the Universe.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, we will still know that God is in control.
I was not excited about this election though it was historic. My first, second, and third choices for president left the Republican primaries early on. I didn't like McCain, but I did respect him. I never liked Obama because of his policies. The Historian supported Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate. I was torn. I ended up voting for McCain.
I have mixed feelings on the results of the election. I am proud that I live in a country that is capable of looking past a candidate's race. I am scared of the liberal policies that are sure to come. I wonder what trillions of dollars in new government spending will do to the economy. I wonder what will happen when our nation's enemies "test" Obama as President.
Regardless of how I feel, there are some things that are true no matter what. Take the following quiz I received this morning in my email. It should keep things in perspective.
A True/False Quiz
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, Jesus will still be King.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our responsibilities as Christians will not have changed one iota.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the greatest agent for social change in America will still be winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my primary citizenship will still be in this order - (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America, not vice-versa.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the tomb will still be empty.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our children will still be more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my neighbor will still be my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see abortion ultimately overturned will still be winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, "Jesus Is Lord" will still be the greatest truth in the Universe.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, we will still know that God is in control.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Please forgive me, this is about public bathrooms
We had a great time at the NC State Fair. It was everything a fair is supposed to be. We looked at the exhibits, admired the animals, rode the rides, saw an awesome fireworks display, and ignored the food while munching pears and apples brought from home. There are many things I could write about like the woman with the body of a snake, or the parking attendants chanting "Obama, Obama" as we tried to navigate back to the main road. However I will limit myself to the topic of public restrooms.
A relatively new feature to the state fair is the presence of bathroom attendants. It was a little weird at first having someone show you to your stall, but considering how the restrooms used to be, I got over it. Let's go back in time. Going to the bathroom at the state fair was an adventure in disgusting. The floor was always wet. With what, I did not want to know though I had a good idea. The potties were N.A.S.T.Y. I wouldn't want my dog near the thing, never mind my backside, so the hover technique was definitely in order. Of course there was no toilet paper, soap, or paper towels. And there was this smell...I would rather go behind a bush.
My how things have changed. When you walk in, you are greeted by a nice lady who announces "Pick any stall, there's a clean toilet behind it." She was right. The bathroom was clean and smelled faintly of the original Lysol. Need sanitary supplies? She had them. Need some baby wipes? She had you covered. Want a refreshing mint? She had that too. There was also the ever present tip jar. Tipping to use the bathroom just seems wrong to me. My tax dollars help pay for the bathroom. I shouldn't have to pay extra to use it. It adds up quick when you have the microbladdered Wild Thing and Sweetie to deal with. I didn't tip each time. Sorry.
There was on attendant who took the prize. All of the bathrooms were pleasantly decorated with fall decor, but this particular bathroom included poetry. Poetry that would speak to the heart of 11 year old boys. We were in "The Best Urination Station in the Nation" which is "The Place to Be When You Gotta Pee". Each stall was numbered with its own little rhyme: Have some fun in Stall 1, Use stall 2 if you need to poo, You'll feel alive when you use Stall 5. Then on the back of the door was a reminder to "Be Sweet and Wipe the Seat...Don't Rush, Remember to Flush." I couldn't help but laugh.
I asked the Historian about the men's restrooms. He said there was no interaction, but the attendants clearly expected tips.
A relatively new feature to the state fair is the presence of bathroom attendants. It was a little weird at first having someone show you to your stall, but considering how the restrooms used to be, I got over it. Let's go back in time. Going to the bathroom at the state fair was an adventure in disgusting. The floor was always wet. With what, I did not want to know though I had a good idea. The potties were N.A.S.T.Y. I wouldn't want my dog near the thing, never mind my backside, so the hover technique was definitely in order. Of course there was no toilet paper, soap, or paper towels. And there was this smell...I would rather go behind a bush.
My how things have changed. When you walk in, you are greeted by a nice lady who announces "Pick any stall, there's a clean toilet behind it." She was right. The bathroom was clean and smelled faintly of the original Lysol. Need sanitary supplies? She had them. Need some baby wipes? She had you covered. Want a refreshing mint? She had that too. There was also the ever present tip jar. Tipping to use the bathroom just seems wrong to me. My tax dollars help pay for the bathroom. I shouldn't have to pay extra to use it. It adds up quick when you have the microbladdered Wild Thing and Sweetie to deal with. I didn't tip each time. Sorry.
There was on attendant who took the prize. All of the bathrooms were pleasantly decorated with fall decor, but this particular bathroom included poetry. Poetry that would speak to the heart of 11 year old boys. We were in "The Best Urination Station in the Nation" which is "The Place to Be When You Gotta Pee". Each stall was numbered with its own little rhyme: Have some fun in Stall 1, Use stall 2 if you need to poo, You'll feel alive when you use Stall 5. Then on the back of the door was a reminder to "Be Sweet and Wipe the Seat...Don't Rush, Remember to Flush." I couldn't help but laugh.
I asked the Historian about the men's restrooms. He said there was no interaction, but the attendants clearly expected tips.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Crafter is Nine
I can't believe that she's 9 already.
Here is her "Pup Cake".
Let me explain. Pup has been with us for almost 8 years now. He is permanently dirty. His stuffing is worn. His hair isn't all there anymore. He is loved. He is real.
I think it's a good likeness.
Look at all the candles.
Here is her "Pup Cake".
Let me explain. Pup has been with us for almost 8 years now. He is permanently dirty. His stuffing is worn. His hair isn't all there anymore. He is loved. He is real.
I think it's a good likeness.
Look at all the candles.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I need to know one thing
What day will it be when I look back on this and laugh?
I've been crazy busy this week. Tuesday, we got the puppy neutered. The Historian had to get up early to take him. I took the Crafter with me to my math class. After class we went home and I fixed lunch. Then we went to the Crafter's theater class. Then we had to go pick up the dog. He was drugged out of his mind and was pretty much unconscious until bedtime when he perked up and wanted attention. He cried most of the night. I finally let him sleep beside my bed so I could sleep.
Wednesday, I taught my math class and raced home to get Wild Thing and take him to the dentist. He had a good check-up. They told me to floss more. Then we met the Historian and the girls at a Mexican restaurant and had a nice lunch together. The Historian took the kids to a park and I picked up a few groceries. Everything was going so well.
Then the Crafter hit Wild Thing with her scooter and he fell on the sidewalk. There was lots of screaming and blood. He's going to have another scar on his head. We get him cleaned up. The Historian goes to work. I head for home with the children. Sweetie talks the whole way home about "blood on the playground" and our lack of band aids. I'm worried about Wild Thing because he's unusually quiet. We get home. The puppy had peed on the couch. I take care of that. Wild Thing lays down in his bed (not normal). The Crafter goes to keep him company.
A few minutes later I get the call "Mama, I threw up". Boy did he throw up. Everything was coated--sheets, pillow, bedspread, stuffed animals, soaked through the mattress pad, and Wild Thing himself. I put him in the tub and tell the Crafter to get the phone because I need to call the doctor and our neighbor. She calls the neighbor before she gives me the phone. So I go ahead and ask my friend if she'll be home in case Wild Thing needs to go to the doctor. I call the doctor and talk a nurse. Sweetie repeats over and over "Wild Thing threw up all over his bed." The nurse doesn't think he needs to go in because he's now playing. So as the load of dog-pee laundry finishes, I start on the puke laundry. Wild Thing sets up shop on the couch with a bucket beside him. He dozes off and on. I wake him every 5 minutes to make sure I can. My very nice neighbor goes to the convenience store for ginger ale. Wild Thing perks up and seems more himself, then he throws up in the bucket.
My mama calls. They finally figured out what is wrong. The start of her illness most likely was a virus. It had similar symptoms to one that was going around at the time. The virus triggered rheumatoid arthritis. We are all thankful that she doesn't have something life threatening, but she does have something life changing. My great-grandmother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, so we know what could happen down the road. She is coming on Saturday for the Crafter's birthday. Then my sister calls. She is coming on Saturday for the Crafter's birthday. The Historian has to work this weekend.
To top off the day, I took off my shoes. I normally keep some sort of shoe/slipper on all of the time, but for some dumb reason, I took off my shoes. Then the chair attacked my little toe. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I know that most people would say that I tripped on the chair, but I swear that chair broke my toe. It's swollen and purple and painful and taped to the next toe. So I'm hobbling around trying to walk the dog and getting ready to go teach math.
I think I need chocolate.
I've been crazy busy this week. Tuesday, we got the puppy neutered. The Historian had to get up early to take him. I took the Crafter with me to my math class. After class we went home and I fixed lunch. Then we went to the Crafter's theater class. Then we had to go pick up the dog. He was drugged out of his mind and was pretty much unconscious until bedtime when he perked up and wanted attention. He cried most of the night. I finally let him sleep beside my bed so I could sleep.
Wednesday, I taught my math class and raced home to get Wild Thing and take him to the dentist. He had a good check-up. They told me to floss more. Then we met the Historian and the girls at a Mexican restaurant and had a nice lunch together. The Historian took the kids to a park and I picked up a few groceries. Everything was going so well.
Then the Crafter hit Wild Thing with her scooter and he fell on the sidewalk. There was lots of screaming and blood. He's going to have another scar on his head. We get him cleaned up. The Historian goes to work. I head for home with the children. Sweetie talks the whole way home about "blood on the playground" and our lack of band aids. I'm worried about Wild Thing because he's unusually quiet. We get home. The puppy had peed on the couch. I take care of that. Wild Thing lays down in his bed (not normal). The Crafter goes to keep him company.
A few minutes later I get the call "Mama, I threw up". Boy did he throw up. Everything was coated--sheets, pillow, bedspread, stuffed animals, soaked through the mattress pad, and Wild Thing himself. I put him in the tub and tell the Crafter to get the phone because I need to call the doctor and our neighbor. She calls the neighbor before she gives me the phone. So I go ahead and ask my friend if she'll be home in case Wild Thing needs to go to the doctor. I call the doctor and talk a nurse. Sweetie repeats over and over "Wild Thing threw up all over his bed." The nurse doesn't think he needs to go in because he's now playing. So as the load of dog-pee laundry finishes, I start on the puke laundry. Wild Thing sets up shop on the couch with a bucket beside him. He dozes off and on. I wake him every 5 minutes to make sure I can. My very nice neighbor goes to the convenience store for ginger ale. Wild Thing perks up and seems more himself, then he throws up in the bucket.
My mama calls. They finally figured out what is wrong. The start of her illness most likely was a virus. It had similar symptoms to one that was going around at the time. The virus triggered rheumatoid arthritis. We are all thankful that she doesn't have something life threatening, but she does have something life changing. My great-grandmother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, so we know what could happen down the road. She is coming on Saturday for the Crafter's birthday. Then my sister calls. She is coming on Saturday for the Crafter's birthday. The Historian has to work this weekend.
To top off the day, I took off my shoes. I normally keep some sort of shoe/slipper on all of the time, but for some dumb reason, I took off my shoes. Then the chair attacked my little toe. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I know that most people would say that I tripped on the chair, but I swear that chair broke my toe. It's swollen and purple and painful and taped to the next toe. So I'm hobbling around trying to walk the dog and getting ready to go teach math.
I think I need chocolate.
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