Randomization

Yeah, that's probably not a word, but it sounds good in my head right now. I haven't blogged in a while, been busy. I am currently sweating after hanging a few more things in my classroom while it's hot, hot, hot in heeya; I know, I know, the A/C can't cool this behemoth building in one fail swoop; it takes a bit. Anyway, some thoughts from the past week or so:

- Harry Potter 6 was good, although 4 and 5 are still my favs. The last movie is being split into two...I can see where they'd have to do that; one's tookus can only take so much of theatre sitting.
- A woman paid for my Earl Grey latte (try one) in the Starbucks drive thru yesterday morning. I was giddy; I thought that was super nice, so I paid for the guy behind me...I wonder how long that kept going...Pay It Forward:)
- May, the adopted dog, had to go...to the shelter. I hope she's already been adopted.
- I started reading the book of Joshua last night for several reasons. As I was reading, my notes informed me that Joshua had been Moses' assistant for 40 years...amazing. I knew he was his predecessor, but I didn't understand he'd been around Moses that long. Joshua was an amazing leader, and I think I'll learn a lot from him over the next couple of weeks.
- The story of the mom murdering her baby in San Antonio makes my heart hurt.
- Summer is too short, but I am soooo ready for Fall.
- My little brother is getting married in three weeks.
- I could watch CSI and Law and Order for hours...but I won't.
- "Methland" is an astonishing, realistic view (so far) into the lives of small town Iowans trying to get by.
- My daughter's laugh is my favorite sound in the world.
- I've got to get to work...
- Have a magnificent day:)

WhattaWeek

If you read my previous posts you'll see that we recently "rescued", or co-rescued a beagle named May. May is quiet, meek, and really very sweet...that is, until I leave the house. I was naive and overly trusting to leave her in the house when I went to have lunch with a friend on Tuesday. I was gone for two hours on. the. dot. I pulled up and from my drive I could see my ravaged curtains in every window in the front of our house. I probably started to hyperventilate. I walked in, and every window that she could get to, minus one very weird and accessible exception, was naked or semi-naked. My curtains lay in tatters, and there was doggy snot on my windows. I was in shock. I put her outside without a word. I was up until 1 this morning hanging (new curtains, that is), sweeping, wiping, etc. I feel bad for May, and in the words of the Dixie Chicks: she just needs "wide open spaces". My home, nor my bank account can afford to take another hit:(

So, get her a crate you say. I did. I put her in it so I could go to Lowe's to purhcase more curtains, rods, panels, etc. When I returned she'd bent the metal frame...how, I don't know. She's almost catatonic when we're home, but her inner Hyde roars her head when we're gone. I've talked to my cousin, who lives on a ranch, about taking her. I hope it works out because this former miniature dachsund household isn't quite equipped for Miss May.

New Family Member...

Her name is May.

It appears that she was dumped, probably had been hit by a car, but her wounds are healing, and she's healthy and beautiful and as sweet as she can be. Baby Girl loves her, and the hubby will meet her Thursday. I hope her life before us was happy, but with no collar, no search parties, and proof of prolonged wandering, that doesn't seem to be the case. She's happy now:)

P.S. She looks like the Mama pictured above...couldn't get my camera to love my computer tonight:)

Around this Time Every Year...

I wonder why we still live in Texas.

The temp is stifling-scary-hot, much like it is every day in every part of this wonderful Lone Star State of ours in the months of July, August, September...and the kiddos are still usually sweatin' bullets in their Halloween masks. I'm soooo ready for December:)

With that being said, I'll still be a lifer (unless we experience a deja-vu of the Roman sort) - then we're movin' to New Zealand.

It's Late. I Should Be In Bed.

But I had to illuminate one more injustice in the world before doing so. Ella picked out some Lucky Charms earlier today. The whole family likes 'em, they were on sale, and what is this?...double the marshmallows?...I'm there!

After dinner Ella had to open the box. I poured some into her bowl and ill will toward the leprechaun immediately started brewing. Suuure, there are twice as many marshmallows...because they cut them all in half!!! They're tiny!! What is that about General Mills?

But I think I've figured it out. Since the unemployment rate is so low, GM, not the car guys, the cereal guys, created new positions...marshamallow halfers/halvers. Who am I to complain?

BTW, if you care one iota; my fav 5 cereal list: What's yours?

5). Lucky Charms
4). Strawberry Frosted Mini Wheats
3). Cinnamon Toast Crunch
2). Golden Grahams
1). Fruity Pebbles

Half-Blood Prince

11 more days until I get to see it. I would have downloaded the trailer, but youtube is being fickle at the moment. Check it out :)

Classless, Tasteless...Heartless

I got into my car this afternoon, looked to my left, and saw the sticker pictured above on someone's passenger door. If you can't see it clearly, click on the picture; it gets bigger.

It's been bugging me...what did he think as he purchased the sticker, peeled off the back, and stuck it to the passenger door? Most people will automatically judge him and think him to be a person described by the above adjectives. I realize that one who would flaunt this sticker is possibly craving attention, positive or negative, which is sad and pathetic really.

It's not a joke; it's not remotely funny. The very ones this sticker demeans and disrespects are the same ones who have died or are dying and will continue to die in order to provide the freedom it takes to display such vehement crap, for lack of a better word. I cringe to think of a veteran or mother, father, wife, husband, son, daughter, or child of a soldier seeing this sticker. Why add another moment of worry or sadness to their lives? It's not worth what cheap, artificial pleasure the driver receives from people's comments or expressions. To the driver: Grow up. And if you're tired of the supportive, patriotic people in this country, try moving to one of the following: Russia, Venezuela, South Africa, Jamaica, or Colombia. I hear they're really lenient toward opposing opinions.

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

I was sitting at our public library today, which has undergone awesome renovations in the past year or so; it's quite nice. I have been going in the afternoons to work, in a corner, by myself...I love it.

Today, as I was up to my eyeballs in future lesson plans I overheard a conversation between a pridefully proclaimed 11 year old and her two wide-eyed, eager listening 7 year old audience members. The conversation was rather one-sided; the 7 year olds just oh'd and really'd a lot. Enjoy a snippet:

11 yr old: "I know what the male body looks like. I read Anatomy books when I was 4. I was talking in complete sentences by 1 1/2, and I could read by the time I was 2. I'm what you'd call an 11 year old Einstein."

7 yr olds: [silence]

11 yr old: "My parents are divorced, and I'm glad. They were fighting since I was born. You should hope that your parents get a divorce too."

7 yr olds: "Yeah."

11 yr old: "Are your parents smart?"

7 yr old: "I dunno."

The 11 yr old proceeded to school the younger two in video games, gaming systems, Pokemon, art, graphic novel/comic book animation, book and video game ratings, etc. She informed them to stay away from the graphic novel selection in the library. I'd have to agree; some of them broach very mature subject matter. Whoever her 5th/6th grade teacher is this year...prepare yourself for, what I am sure will be some interesting conversation.

Nick Reding's 'Methland'

illustration by Henning Wagenbreth

My homepage greeted me with the title and pic above. I was drawn in. After reading the review and a short excerpt I'm heading to B&N.com right now. Do I have a million other things to be reading and working on now?...yes. Does this book look worth an extra week of procrastination of that reading and work?...yes.

For the curious: read the review and the excerpt.

My Fellow Americans...

May it be sparkly:)

Awww, You Shouldn't Have

My conservative, Republican step-dad bought my husband, who isn't so sure about his Democrat proclaimed self as of late, this.

Misjudged

I don't think I've ever fully appreciated the intelligent, independent creature that is Tinker Bell. I always dismissed her as Peter Pan's scantily-clad fairy friend. I've recently been enlightened due to watching the new Tinker Bell movie (with Ella).

Apparently, a fairy is created as a result of a baby's first laugh. "Tink" was born and given the talent of a "tinker"...fairy speak for engineer! The girl is smart! She struggles with her identity throughout the cartoon, trying her hand at more girly careers, but eventually accepts her skills as a tinker.

The cartoon really is sweet, and the animation is beautiful. I've always been an admirer of fairy dust:) If you have little ones, check it out. If not, check it out anyway and just don't tell anyone!!!

P.S. The end of the movie provides Tink's tie to Peter Pan; kinda cool.
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Date Night

Josh and I ate at P.F. Chang's Saturday night...first time there...pretty good. Truluck's is still my favorite dining experience in DFW...so far.

We contemplated Avanti as our restaurant of choice last night...anyone been there?

After dinner we went to see Star Trek. Eehhh, it was alright. I'm not a trekky, but my husband kinda is, so he got a few "inside jokes", but even he made fun of the guy in front of us that laughed a bit too heartily at a few not so funny moments. At least it was short. We both agreed we should've seen Pelham 123.
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Pseudo-Sappiness Alert:
The hubs and I always have excellent conversation, and I mentioned to him last night that if we ever became that couple that sits and stares off into space, showing no sign of life until the food arrives, then that will be the time we "hang it up", we'll be "done", it's "el fin". I don't see it happenin'. I love that guy.

Crazy Car Ride

On the way home from Ft. Worth late Saturday afternoon my husband and I witnessed the rolling wreck of the red Chevy Cobalt as seen on BG's blog. It happened so fast, but at the same time seemed to happen in slow motion. The car started to smoke, but people still ran to it. So many pulled over, had their cellphones out, and the ambulance was barelling down the road within minutes.

Our world can be crazy, but I think when it comes down to it, we all instinctively care for our fellow man in time of crisis. If only we could lend that same helping hand or those life encouraging words just because, without the crisis...ya know, to a stranger, a co-worker, or family member. It's not an original sentiment but one I sometimes need to be reminded of.

Let's Talk About...

literature. Yep, that's what I'll be doing for 7 hours each day this week as I attend TCU's annual Advanced Placement Summer Institute. The mommy side of me is going to miss my Ella Bear since we've been spending every day together since summer break, but I think she really does miss her daycare buds. The teacher-bookworm-nerd side of me can't wait:)

You'd Think...

that a Dish Network technician would know where to install a satellite so as not to receive signal interference from a half dozen trees beside my house, you know, once the leaves grew. They're sending someone out tomorrow to move it. I think I may try hitting them up for the Noggin channel as a result of their previous "Duh"ness. If it ends up looking like a weather vane on my house, though, I'm getting Time Warner.

Starting This Tonight...

...and NOT because Oprah said so.

Sent Scents that make Sense

Beall's sent out a mailing to advertise for Father's Day, and an ingenius marketing ploy was tucked inside the magazine of overpriced Dad doo-dads...4 little fold-outs of 8 different men's colognes. I can smell them now as I type. They smell verrry (imagine a rolled "r") nice...even all jumbled together.

They got me; I will be going to Beall's tomorrow to look for a Father's Day shirt(s) for my Dad...I have good taste; he likes them...well, at least he wears what I've bought him in the past...when I'm around, and maybe only when I'm around...nevermind.

Back to the olfactory pleasers...I L-O-V-E cologne.

I'm a married woman, but Josh wouldn't mind me saying...a guy can be so-so good-looking, but some nice, non over-powering smell-good can greatly improve the attractiveness of a so-so guy. Men, if your significant other likes cologne, wear it. If you don't have a significant other, wear it. Surprisingly, the Axe spray (the one with a hint of chocolate) smells reeeeally good. Josh always teases that those commercials are true:)

Here, I'll list the ones that were sent in order of Most Favorite to Least:
1). Polo Black (5 Yums)
2). Armani Code (5 Yums)
3). Polo Blue (4.5 Yums)
4). Azzaro Chrome Legend (4 Yums)
5). Aqua di Gio (3 Yums)
6). Azzaro Chrome (3 Yums)

*I bought Josh Dolce & Gabbana One for Men last year...(5 Yums); maybe more:)
*I bought Dad Kenneth Cole Black last year...I refuse to rank in Yums re: my Dad, but it was waaaay better than his usual Polo Sport.

Happy Shopping!

Pi Complete

I was stunned...in a good, can't believe it, refuse to believe it kinda way.
SPOILER ALERT!!! Pi's lifeboat eventually reaches land off the coast of Mexico, and RP bounds into the forest, never to be seen again, and much to the regret of Pi, without a proper goodbye. Let me quickly summarize the rest:

Poor, kind, Mexican people take care of Pi. Two Japanese men interview Pi in order to "get to the bottom" (hehe) of why the Japanese cargo ship that he and his family had been traveling on sank. Pi shared his story; they did not believe it. Finally, they tell Pi to be honest with them, and he tells the "real", "true", "more believable" story. The animals represented human characters that he'd actually been on the lifeboat with; a Japanese sailor, a french cook, and his mother. Here's how it went down: Cook cut off sailor's broken leg, sailor died. Cook killed and beheaded the mother, and then Pi murdered the cook after being at sea for months. Sailor=zebra, cook=hyena, mom=orangu-tan, and Pi is Richard Parker.

In order to survive, Pi had to create an alternate universe to exist in emotionally and mentally. So, in a lifeboat with a crazed frenchman and upon murdering said frenchman, Pi created the story using the animals instead as a way to escape his unreal reality. Think about it...imagine your mother being beheaded before your eyes and her head thrown into your arms over and over again...or, picture a hyena killing an orangu-tan instead. He is able to describe their behaviors so well because he is the son of a zookeeper and grows up in an Indian zoo...coping mechanism.

I do know, though, that I don't want to believe the human-infused story; I like the animals better. I love Richard Parker, and I was amazed at the survival instincts of Pi, which, if one believes the "real" story, then the survival techniques are a product of the cook's mind and actions, not Pi's. As I stated in my first post, Pi, as an older man telling his story, incorporates wisdom far beyond the years of a 16 year old boy, and often it is apparent that the thoughts that are claiming to have been thought on the lifeboat have been the thoughts of a survivor year after year and have since been honed and "beautified".

IF, however, the true story is the true story, then how did meerkat bones end up in the boat? Last I checked they weren't seafaring creatures...hmmmmm. Maybe there was a floating meerkat dominated island made solely of nocturnal, killer algae. Maybe there was a zebra and a hyena, and hopefully, a Richard Parker.

I can't wait to discuss this book with my sophomores in the fall:)

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Alice in Wonderland (2010 film)

Not the official trailer, but pretty good. Either way, I'm there...March 2010.