Oh Boy!

Today I volunteered in Evan's kindergarten class for the first time. I tutored four of the kids (one at a time). We worked mostly on the alphabet and writing their first names. I really enjoyed the individual time with each of them. There are 6 or 7 kids in this class that have an 'intervention plan' to help with some of their weaker areas (this according to testing done at the first of the school year). One thing stuck out to me... something that all of the kids had in common... they were all boys. All lacking the same set of pre-reading and writing skills. I guess this really stands out to me not because it is a radically new concept to me. (Boys often learn differently than girls.) But because I have been reading and researching about how boys learn and how they fit into the current public school standards and expectations. And there it was today... a sample cross section of the kindergarten experience... boys struggling with the basics. No doubt about it.

I am interested to see how things progress this year. I plan to volunteer on a regular basis.

Flush Before Take-off/My Traveling Luggage

Who knew that the toilet was such a vital part of an airplane? Who knew that a toilet's inability to flush properly prevents a plane from taking off? I did not know this until last night as Markas & I attempted to fly home from Houston. Here is an excerpt of the airlines policy on this matter...

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"prior to takeoff, all toilets must flush properly. in such cases as they do not flush properly airline maintenance workers will try to solve the problem by chatting casually with both pilots on the flight deck for at least 30 minutes and then attempt to flush errant toilet again. more discussion is to take place at this time. then the crew is to deboard the entire plane and find the absolute furthest gate possible to send passengers to. if passengers insist that they can control their bodily functions for the 1 hr 10 min duration of the flight, the crew must randomly use terms like 'following protocol' and 'customer satisfaction' and maybe even 'national security' and 'code orange'... or better yet just chuckle and avoid eye contact with passengers.

oh, and if all possible, when passengers finally get to board another plane with the power to flush, let them sit on the runway while 12 other planes (also with flushing toilets) take off first. by extending the time the passengers spend on board the airplane, it will exponentially increase the chance that they will have to utlilize the airlines all important properly flushing toilets thus resulting in higher customer satisfaction."

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**side note... there were no children on our flight... only adults that unamimously agreed not to mess themselves during the flight. Our pleading was to no avail.

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My luggage (and Markas' luggage too) decided it wanted to fly the friendly skies without me. I only wish my luggage would have told me earlier that it wasn't going to arrive at my destination the same time I did. Oh, luggage I'm sure you and all of my stuff inside will have grand adventures during your travels. Please send me a postcard to let me know you are okay! I miss you (and my Chi flat iron) more than you know! Another thing... if you wind up in a nice place like the Bahamas, I would be more than happy to come pick you up personally just because I am nice like that ; )

***

camera phone pictures...

self-portrait at the Astros game

view from our suite balcony - because we roll like that

the stadium train

another view of the field - the Astros played the Braves
it was a really fun game to watch and the Astros won

a snapshot of the dowtown Houston skyline

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All and all, there were some good times on our trip. But it was a lot packed into two days! Next time I think I will Go Greyhound and leave the flushing to the airlines! ; )

Hangin' in Houston

Markas & I made it to Houston today. It's a work-related trip and spouses were invited. So I am doing the sweet supported wife bit... at least through tomorrow night ; ) I am missing my boy, but I'm sure he is having a blast hangin' with his MeMaw. Just a random fact to share... I am a desendant (my Dad's side of the family) of Sam Houston the first President of the Republic of Texas and who the city of Houston takes it's name from.

Lots of hurricane Ike damage visible. Our hotel is in downtown Houston. It is a little eerie to see these massive highrise buildings with plain plywood in place of so many of their large windows. The hotels that are open are still packed with people who haven't been able to return to their homes yet.

Adventures in Public School **update**

I talked with Evan's school principal today to discuss the issue of corporal punishment. I asked what steps I needed to take to opt out of corporal punishment for my child. She assured me that while the school district doesn't require a parent/guardian be notified before their child is spanked, it is her personal policy as principal to always contact and receive permission before a spanking is administered. I am more at ease after talking with her and she did make me feel heard... so koodoes to her : ) I decided not to address the prayer at school issue at this time. I think I am going with the approach of dealing with that by addressing it with Evan at home. You know, the approach... some people believe X is okay and others believe Y is okay and that disagreeing about X and Y is okay because we are all different. And different people like and think different things and that is okay. In the decision to have Evan attend public schools and experience the 'real world', I have to remind myself that it is the parents' job to equip the child with the 'tools' needed to deal with 'real world' situations. I am disheartened though because Evan is going to have to deal with issues of such magnitude at such a young age (even though adults can't seem to deal with them!).

Typical of myself, I have been reading up and researching on these subjects. What I have come across is not reassuring to me : / But at least I will not be going into these adventures blind and ignorant. And as my dad likes to remind me... this is only the tip of the iceberg! I have many, many more years of school adventures yet to come which will almost certainly be even more challenging. Thanks, Dad ; ) Now you get to watch me go through the hurdles and pitfalls of parenting ; ) I guess all I can do at this point is say "Bring it on!"

Adventures in Public School

I have started this post several times today, but can't seem to formulate my thoughts into words that fully depict all that I am feeling right now. So for now I will say that I am struggling with two issues that I didn't think I would have to struggle with... or at least not quite yet. I feel strongly that Evan should attend a public school. He needs to experience the 'real world' (and he is a very social child). Well his mommy is getting a good dose of the real world, that is for sure! The real world where corporal punishment is still alive and well used in our state's schools. And the real world were public organized displays of religion still find their way into the public school environment. I guess it is no secret that I oppose corporal punishment in schools (especially when parents are not given prior notification) and I support separation of church and state. Let me clarify that Evan hasn't personally experienced spankings at school or even come close to that happening. But I am still troubled that the school employees can hit a child (up to five times with an instrument they deem appropriate) without having consent from a legal guardian. We are not from the state that we currently reside in and we didn't realize until Evan started kindergarten this state's policy on corpural punishment in public schools.

Okay, I am going to stop here for now and regroup my thoughts. I plan to revisit these issues soon.

The Name Game ; )

Danica, if you were born to Sarah Palin, your name would be:

check out the Palin name generator at

http://www.politsk.blogspot.com/

Swappage

Artist Trading Cards (ATC)

Some of my recent ATC swaps

These are the size of regular playing cards and I trade them with others who signed up for the same ATC swap.

(on ScrapInStyletv.com)

This is me ATC swap

Napoleon Dynamite ATC swap

Favorite T-shirt ATC swap

(hosted by me)

Audrey Hepburn ATC swap

Swaps are lots of fun because I receive one card from everyone participating in the swap.

Please join me...

for a nutritious serving of

where I throw in a little of this and that and give it a good toss.

**Warning:**

Stealing pumpkin decorations or potted plants is a crime... not to mention very rude! Offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

It is a shame that I have to post such statements. But I sit here tonight my personal property having been the target of threats... and by my 'friends' no less. Is nothing sacred? I mean putting objects in one's yard is way different than stealing objects from one's yard. Common decency, people! Really... ; ) LOL Where's the love?

Evan was invited to a birthday party at our neighbor's house this evening. The parents are from El Salvador. We enjoyed a traditional Salvadorian meal and music (played on a accordian). Of course the real treat for the kids was a huge pinata. Nothing says celebration like whacking a wire and paper candy-filled clown with a big wooden stick. The kids couldn't get enough and beat that poor clown to a shredded pulp after every inch was torn apart in the search for hidden candy.

Say what you will about immigration issues... all I know is that I am thrilled that we can experience other cultures and family traditions so close to home. Oh, and a reminder to myself... learn some conversational Spanish el pronto ; )

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Do you want to know what my weakness is late at night when I should be sleeping? Ordering books on Amazon.com. Love it! (And in my defense we have suckish retail books stores where I live.) Lately it has been books mostly about exploring my creative side or about what to do with myself now that Evan is in school. I also have a thing for workbooks. Those books that aren't 'regular' books, but more of a concise step by step process explained. (ie simple sewing projects workbook or how to help your boy thrive in the public school environment). I realize that this is a sickness. It is just that it is so great to see that box with a smile printed on it and know it is filled with new exciting stories and ideas and most of all possibilities.

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okay, enough blog salad for tonight ; )

Questionnaire

Q & A Time!

What is your favorite word?
changes all the time… right now probably wonky or supremely

What is your least favorite word?

whatever the latest buzzword is on the 24 hour ‘news’ channels

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

anything that fills my eyes or ears with wonder

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What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

ignorance

What sound or noise do you love?

my son’s laughter

What sound or noise do you hate?

George W. Bush talking

What is your favorite curse word?

god damn it

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

graphic designer or photographer or Queen

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What profession would you not like to do?

accountant or miner

What is the quality you most like in a man?

heart and humor

What is the quality you most admire in a woman?

being comfortable in her own skin

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
righteousness

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“you’re a real piece of work”

**Questions from Inside the Actor's Studio**

"Scrap-Happy"

my latest scrapblog layout
(click to enlarge image)

Camera Therapy

fyi - new photos on my photography page

(www.dljack75photos.blogspot.com)

Childhood is...

Childhood is...

sticking your head out the car window to feel the rush of air on your face.

Childhood is...

a ball and fresh green grass.

Boo & Bert

Meet Boo the ghost and Bert the bat.

Felt finger puppets that are way more sweet than spooky!

now available in my etsy shop

last Friday in camera phone pictures

Hayden Time!

I got to hang with my friend Linda's little dude on Friday. We had a supremely fun time.

Friday Night Lights!
Supporting the hometown team. We attended our first local football game on Friday night. It has been a long time (over a decade for sure) since I have been to a high school football game. I wasn't into the game that much since we don't know a single player on the team. Evan enjoyed cheering along with the crowd! The bands were cool to watch at halftime. And the dance team performed to a mix of Michael Jackson songs. All I kept thinking was... 'raise your hand if you were actually alive when these songs came out'. Most of the crowd around us couldn't raise their hand or recognize a song other than Thriller. Kids today... geez! ; )

Do You Runway?

Oh what a guilty pleasure you are Project Runway! I look forward to every Wednesday night because of you. It makes no sense that I enjoy you so much. I am a gal that would be perfectly content to live in comfy pajamas. There is nothing couture about my wardrobe and fashion certainly doesn't rule my life. The only real fashion indulgences I can claim are my love of funky jewelry and shoes... and since I am already confessing... I have a major thing for bags. Yet there I am every week watching what creations the designers send down the runway. Whether they can "make it work" or not. I have seen every season of the show and still watch reruns time and time again as if something new might actually happen. Just felt the need to fess up... but now you may "carry on" ; )

Sharing Some Funny ; )

Found this on http://www.delight.com/

"In the spirit of "check off" note pads, we thought we’d take a look at the darker side. Even the saintliest among us get pissed off sometimes—what better way to express our peeves to loved ones? It's totally passive aggressive and to the point. Marvelous. 6 x 9 inches, 60 pages."

On The Ball!

Evan's first soccer game of the season. He is number #10 this year.

posing for pregame pics

discussing ideas for team name during pregame huddle

final decision...

The Maroon Fire Jets!

action shot (co-coach Markas cheering the team on)

action shot

close-up

Evan celebrating a goal. He made the first goal of his team's season.

The Jets had a great first game! Looks to be a fun soccer season!

The Big 3-1

Wednesday Happenings

I will keep this short. I have a 'mini migraine' so probably not the best idea to stare at a computer screen for any length of time.

Markas' birthday is tomorrow. We had a little celebration tonight (because Evan has a soccer game tomorrow evening). Evan decorated Markas' cake today. He used 2 cans of icing! He could be cited for flagrant use of frosting! ; )

I ate lunch with Evan at his school. It was quite an experience... controlled chaos comes to mind. But it was lots of fun and I enjoyed sitting with Evan and some of Evan's classmates in the cafeteria. Evan was excited to show me how his lunch routine works. I plan to be a 'homeroom mom' and help out Evan's class/teacher when needed.

Rejected

reject (ri jekt'; for n. re'jekt) 1. refuse to take, agree to, use, believe, etc. 2. to discard 3. a rejected person or thing.

My photo submission to Life Images journal (Autumn '08) was rejected. It must make me sound conceited when I say that I am surprised. I am also sad, but will regroup and continue on. Does this make me an official struggling artist? ; )

Random Musings...

I feel as if I am trying to play catch up all the time. I have so many projects that I want to work on that I get bogged down and do not even know where to start. I have been sewing owls like crazy. I need to restock my etsy shop with more of my special creations. Here's a big clue as to the direction of my next owl...

Also planning a Halloween inspired owl.

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We are officially in the swing of things with the Fall soccer season. Evan's team colors are maroon & black. A step up from the purple & blue uniforms from last Fall & Spring. But his team rocked them as the Purple Dragons. No team name yet for the new season. Speaking of team colors... who knew the power of pink. Apparently it can start a small upheaval and keep angry dads up at night. There were so many teams signed up this year that color selections were stretched to the max and a couple of teams have pink uniforms (pink tops and pink socks... I saw one team that had hot pink uniforms, the rest where a softer pink). The hang up is that teams are co-ed. So as uniforms were handed out last night after the soccer clinic, there were plenty of digruntled parents. Dads fuming because their boy was going to have to play soccer in pink. It was quite interesting to watch. Girls wear all of the 'non-girly' colors with no problem, but heaven forbid a boy has to wear pink ; ) I must not truly understand the stigma of pink on boys. I have gotten Evan pink shirts before and he has worn them... until Markas started expressing his dislike and now Evan won't wear the color. I won't attempt to dissect the ins & outs of this crazy ingrained societal male defect. However I am interested to observe how things go this season... ; ) Maybe I should suggest team names as a way to be 'helpful'. Of course the Pink Flamingos comes to mind first. How about the Pink Ladies? The Pink...??? I will have to think on this some more. To utilize a well-known Project Runway quote "Make it work, people!" ; )

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My sewing machine is calling me. Gotta go work my magic! ; )

For the Birds

Getting up at 5 in the morning is for the birds. No really, it is for the birds... doves to be exact. My guys went dove hunting this morning.

Here is an excerpt of a conversation Markas & I had yesterday:

Me: "You are going to shoot at the world's symbol for peace?"

Markas: "No. White doves are the symbol for peace... these are gray doves."

I guess there is some (skewed) logic in that : /

Evan loves to do anything his daddy enjoys doing. I am not super fond of hunting and especially Evan going along at this age. However I realize that it is a right of passage and a big part of male bonding. Apparently bonding includes guns and head to toe store-bought camoflauge. I also understand men are, by their very own encoded DNA, hunter-gatherers. And really... what do I know... here I am up at 6AM blogging about my big hunter-gatherer taking my little hunter-gatherer to witness hunting and gathering for the first time.

I am going to hunt out my bed, gather up my pillows, and hopefully land some more sweet Z's. (No camo or shooting mechanism needed!) ; )

Scooby, Scooby, Doo!

Evan got to bring Scooby Doo home from school yesterday. Scooby goes home with the best listener each school day (starting this week). Evan took excellent care of Scooby while he was with us. Evan has never seen a Scooby Doo cartoon, but he still thought Scooby was cool to have around.

I learned something new last night... never ever crossed my mind before...

Scooby is a Great Dane. Who knew? I always thought he was just Scooby. Never occured to me that he was any particular breed of canine. See even at age 33, I can still learn something new from my childhood ; )