Last night I auditioned to be in the Round Rock Community Chorus. I'd been thinking of doing that for years, but a guy at my current job (one of the few people who ever talk to me) kept encouraging me, telling me he and his spouse really enjoyed it. And since my trio/quartet doesn't seem to practice or try to perform other than on rare occasions now, I felt like I could use another singing outlet besides church choir.
Note that I love the church choir, really enjoy the people in it, and like to help. But, most of the music is not very challenging. And we rarely sound all that good, given our small size and mix of skills. Still, it's a nice outlet and I honestly think it is GREAT to give anyone who wants to sing a chance!
I have sung in a couple of large choral things since coming to Austin, and really liked doing it. But the one I did, the Texas Choral Consort (GREAT director, Barry Williamson--and hey, they have a performance this weekend) was very intense--many meetings over a short period, then a performance. Then nothing for a while. And rehearsals were pretty far away (to me). This one meets weekly and does two shows a year, and the rehearsal space is only a few miles down the road. Costs less, too (money pays for sheet music!).
So, I went to the director's house in a lovely part of older Round Rock and did warm ups and sang "My Country Tis of Thee." Not a big stretch. I sounded mostly fine--my normal reasonably competent singing, but there was a problem. High notes just would not come out. Notes that normally are not an issue for me at all came out all scratchy or not at all. I tried everything I knew, breathing better, opening my mouth more, opening my throat more. YIKES!
I sure hope it is just some allergy-related issue or a temporary glitch, and not a sign that I am losing my singing voice. I was not nervous or anything--just couldn't sing above a certain point.
I just la'd a bit. I seem OK now. Fingers are crossed.
Anyway, I am in as a first alto, which sounds fun and is usually the harder alto part. Rock on, Suna. I can't wait to sing with a lot of people! I hope it is fun.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Junior Sneak Day
Ah, another moment when it's fun to be a parent. Tuba Boy is a junior in high school this year, and that's the year when the fun stuff starts. Looking for colleges, getting a class ring...and the first tradition to whack him over the head, the Junior Sneak Day.
Apparently it's a tradition in Ye Olde Maverick Marching Band to assign seniors to awaken juniors way before dawn on one day during summer band. They then dress them in a funny outfit (see photo) and take them to breakfast at I-Hop. I believe they then have to do marching practice in the funny outfits, until it gets too hot.
Now, from what chatty sophomore car-pooler Schultzie tells me, most of the juniors figured that today would be the day, and they probably went to bed early and slept in their clothes. Not our Tuba Boy. He stayed up his usual too late IMing with Debate Friend Girl (my new name for her) and such. So, as you can see, he looked pretty deat at pre-5am when his senior came to get him (poor senior--he has a speech issue, and when he called me to remind me yesterday, Beccano answered the phone and hung up on him, thinking he was an outsourced phone solicitor).
I am looking forward to tales of this adventure. The timing could be better, though. Yesterday's planned driver license procural went awry when a truck exploded on the Interstate, making Lee and Tuba Boy unable to get to the quicker-processing facility in Georgetown. The plan is to do the deed this afternoon. Well, won't Tuba Boy enjoy living with a license photo featuring dirty hair and his "Awesome Beard"??
BTW: Awesome Beard is scheduled for removal by Friday, so his official band photo will look nice. What a good boy.
Meanwhile, Beccano has lost ten pounds during summer band. Bye bye vestigal baby fat. Hello Manly Boy. Sniff.
Apparently it's a tradition in Ye Olde Maverick Marching Band to assign seniors to awaken juniors way before dawn on one day during summer band. They then dress them in a funny outfit (see photo) and take them to breakfast at I-Hop. I believe they then have to do marching practice in the funny outfits, until it gets too hot.
Now, from what chatty sophomore car-pooler Schultzie tells me, most of the juniors figured that today would be the day, and they probably went to bed early and slept in their clothes. Not our Tuba Boy. He stayed up his usual too late IMing with Debate Friend Girl (my new name for her) and such. So, as you can see, he looked pretty deat at pre-5am when his senior came to get him (poor senior--he has a speech issue, and when he called me to remind me yesterday, Beccano answered the phone and hung up on him, thinking he was an outsourced phone solicitor).
I am looking forward to tales of this adventure. The timing could be better, though. Yesterday's planned driver license procural went awry when a truck exploded on the Interstate, making Lee and Tuba Boy unable to get to the quicker-processing facility in Georgetown. The plan is to do the deed this afternoon. Well, won't Tuba Boy enjoy living with a license photo featuring dirty hair and his "Awesome Beard"??
BTW: Awesome Beard is scheduled for removal by Friday, so his official band photo will look nice. What a good boy.
Meanwhile, Beccano has lost ten pounds during summer band. Bye bye vestigal baby fat. Hello Manly Boy. Sniff.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Cowboy Suna, Gratitude
Readers asked for a better photo of me in the red cowboy hat, so here's one, taken over the weekend when Lee and I made another trip to his dad's farm. Not the best light, but you get the idea. There are a couple of other photos on Flickr (click link below photo to go to the site) if you want to see very ripe corn, a big spider and some sunflowers.
Everything worked out great this weekend. XH stayed at our house with the kids, so Lee and I went to his dad's without having to worry about who'd feed the dogs or anything. And the kids didn't have to pack up and go to a hotel room. They had helped Lee set up the guest room so it would be usable (after wrestling the jelly-like guest mattress upstairs, they then had to bring up the very substantial bed). So, we had a nice space for XH to sleep. They could make dinner at home, too, which was convenient and fun for them. Seems like a good deal--he saves $ and we have dog-sitting. And he washed the bedding when he left, and had the kids fold up the clothes that were in the dryer. That worked out great! I hope we can do it again on weekends when Lee and I don't have to be in town for some reason.
Lee and I enjoyed our first long trip in the Limo Truck. It sure rides nicely. His dad was very impressed with it, too. Since my own dad told me he'd printed out the truck's photo, I say we did a good job in pleasing the parents with the purchase! Lee's thinking of getting the rear windows tinted "limo" dark, since we call it the limo anyway.
It was good to see how Lee's dad is recovering from his skin cancer removals (big ole incisions--I think he waited a bit long on them). We took him to Victoria and fed him a steak dinner at one of those noisy roadhouse places. The steak was so delicious that it made up for the noise. Lee's dad also loved the mushrooms he had with his. I liked that you could get a small 6-oz. sirloin. (Still gained a pound over the weekend, sigh.) Lee's dad had stomach pain on Sunday morning, which worried Lee, but it is something he has been getting for years and no one knows why. Hmm.
It was interesting to see Victoria. It is about the size of Chambanaland where I used to live. Not a lot of character for the biggest city in south Texas, but they told me it all got over-built by strip malls and car dealerships. Lots of those. And hospitals. Oh, and if you are interested to know where the heck Lee's dad lives, here is a link to the website of Yorktown. The history section is actually pretty interesting, and mentions Lee's ancestors who settle the area (that would be the German settlers).
We took a nice scenic trip home that was only marred by traffic when we approached Austin. Then had adventures in paint and accessory buying for the guest room redecoration. We choose a periwinkle and a pale grass green combo and found a quilt with exactly those colors in it. Unfortunately, the only matching curtains we could find had just ONE panel. It was a challenge getting the Linens-n-Things people to order us another pair, but we managed. That took so long that by the time we got back to Lowe's to get the paint, they were closed. Sigh.
So we came home and worked together to make an interesting dinner, and were happy with the kids. Kids make us happy. But neither of them liked the cheese grits I made. Darn. They did love our weird nachos, smoked salmon and watermelon dinner from Friday, though!
Lee is off work this week doing home improvements. I wish I could be there to help! By tomorrow the old fridge and beds will be gone, plus all the old mattresses (yay Limo Truck). We will have a nice guest room AND space to park the car and motorcycle in the garage again! Woo!
Gratitude
No, I didn't forget it was grateful Monday. I guess I can't say I am grateful for Lee and the kids every week, can I? However, they are mostly where my gratitude lies. So, I'm picking them ANYWAY. It is just so wonderful to come home to three men, all smiling and wanting to tell me about their days. All willing to help me out, and to build me up. How lucky I am.
Everything worked out great this weekend. XH stayed at our house with the kids, so Lee and I went to his dad's without having to worry about who'd feed the dogs or anything. And the kids didn't have to pack up and go to a hotel room. They had helped Lee set up the guest room so it would be usable (after wrestling the jelly-like guest mattress upstairs, they then had to bring up the very substantial bed). So, we had a nice space for XH to sleep. They could make dinner at home, too, which was convenient and fun for them. Seems like a good deal--he saves $ and we have dog-sitting. And he washed the bedding when he left, and had the kids fold up the clothes that were in the dryer. That worked out great! I hope we can do it again on weekends when Lee and I don't have to be in town for some reason.
Lee and I enjoyed our first long trip in the Limo Truck. It sure rides nicely. His dad was very impressed with it, too. Since my own dad told me he'd printed out the truck's photo, I say we did a good job in pleasing the parents with the purchase! Lee's thinking of getting the rear windows tinted "limo" dark, since we call it the limo anyway.
It was good to see how Lee's dad is recovering from his skin cancer removals (big ole incisions--I think he waited a bit long on them). We took him to Victoria and fed him a steak dinner at one of those noisy roadhouse places. The steak was so delicious that it made up for the noise. Lee's dad also loved the mushrooms he had with his. I liked that you could get a small 6-oz. sirloin. (Still gained a pound over the weekend, sigh.) Lee's dad had stomach pain on Sunday morning, which worried Lee, but it is something he has been getting for years and no one knows why. Hmm.
It was interesting to see Victoria. It is about the size of Chambanaland where I used to live. Not a lot of character for the biggest city in south Texas, but they told me it all got over-built by strip malls and car dealerships. Lots of those. And hospitals. Oh, and if you are interested to know where the heck Lee's dad lives, here is a link to the website of Yorktown. The history section is actually pretty interesting, and mentions Lee's ancestors who settle the area (that would be the German settlers).
We took a nice scenic trip home that was only marred by traffic when we approached Austin. Then had adventures in paint and accessory buying for the guest room redecoration. We choose a periwinkle and a pale grass green combo and found a quilt with exactly those colors in it. Unfortunately, the only matching curtains we could find had just ONE panel. It was a challenge getting the Linens-n-Things people to order us another pair, but we managed. That took so long that by the time we got back to Lowe's to get the paint, they were closed. Sigh.
So we came home and worked together to make an interesting dinner, and were happy with the kids. Kids make us happy. But neither of them liked the cheese grits I made. Darn. They did love our weird nachos, smoked salmon and watermelon dinner from Friday, though!
Lee is off work this week doing home improvements. I wish I could be there to help! By tomorrow the old fridge and beds will be gone, plus all the old mattresses (yay Limo Truck). We will have a nice guest room AND space to park the car and motorcycle in the garage again! Woo!
Gratitude
No, I didn't forget it was grateful Monday. I guess I can't say I am grateful for Lee and the kids every week, can I? However, they are mostly where my gratitude lies. So, I'm picking them ANYWAY. It is just so wonderful to come home to three men, all smiling and wanting to tell me about their days. All willing to help me out, and to build me up. How lucky I am.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Friday's Feast
Appetizer: What is your favorite kind of pie?
Oooh, pie. Peach, preferably cobbler, warm with vanilla ice cream.
Soup: Name something that made you smile this week.
I was sitting with Lee on the couch, knitting and watching television. I looked at him and he looked at me. I had to smile. It is so wonderful to have someone to spend the mundane moments with who likes being with you as much as you like being with him. Lee makes me smile a lot.
Salad: What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid?
I stay indoors. As we have learned this week with Lee's heat stroke episode, it is best to stay indoors in August in Texas.
Main Course: You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home. Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up?
I'd have picked the kitchen if it were more. Since we fixed up or are in the process of fixing up most rooms in the house this summer, I think I will pick the garage. I would pay someone to haul off all the things we haven't hauled off yet, then get all new organization and storage stuff for what is left. I'd also paint it and get both garage doors to open correctly. Goal: Get my car and the motorcycle both in.
Dessert: Fill in the blank: My _________ says __________, but I __________.
My bad ole brain says it really would like to eat a strawberry danish right NOW, but I know I need to wait for lunch and eat my Lean Cuisine and an apple.
Oooh, pie. Peach, preferably cobbler, warm with vanilla ice cream.
Soup: Name something that made you smile this week.
I was sitting with Lee on the couch, knitting and watching television. I looked at him and he looked at me. I had to smile. It is so wonderful to have someone to spend the mundane moments with who likes being with you as much as you like being with him. Lee makes me smile a lot.
Salad: What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid?
I stay indoors. As we have learned this week with Lee's heat stroke episode, it is best to stay indoors in August in Texas.
Main Course: You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home. Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up?
I'd have picked the kitchen if it were more. Since we fixed up or are in the process of fixing up most rooms in the house this summer, I think I will pick the garage. I would pay someone to haul off all the things we haven't hauled off yet, then get all new organization and storage stuff for what is left. I'd also paint it and get both garage doors to open correctly. Goal: Get my car and the motorcycle both in.
Dessert: Fill in the blank: My _________ says __________, but I __________.
My bad ole brain says it really would like to eat a strawberry danish right NOW, but I know I need to wait for lunch and eat my Lean Cuisine and an apple.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Existential Apatheism
Jackson Browne said:
Somewhere between the time you arrive
And the time you go
May lie a reason you were alive
But you’ll never know.
That sums things up for me. If only my friend Bill read blogs, he'd be thrilled I quoted his danged Jackson Browne song. Oh man, next I will quote the Dead or something.
Suna, the ripple in still water
Somewhere between the time you arrive
And the time you go
May lie a reason you were alive
But you’ll never know.
That sums things up for me. If only my friend Bill read blogs, he'd be thrilled I quoted his danged Jackson Browne song. Oh man, next I will quote the Dead or something.
Suna, the ripple in still water
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Suna Goes Texan
Yee Haw, y'all! (It's OK for me to say y'all because I AM from the south.) It's me, driving a pick-up truck, and though you can't really see it, I assure you I am wearing a cute red cowboy hat. Beccano is enjoying the spaciousness of the back seat.
In the background is the police-person neighbor's "new" vehicle, which I believe is his old police vehicle, painted white. He is working on it all the time. Not sure what he is doing with it. They now have twice as many vehicles as people there. But I am not upset with him--he watched the stupid non-crippled dogs after they broke out again on Sunday (Rosee--you got some 'splainin' to do...)
Yep, back to the topic at hand, Lee bought the truck. It is shiny and silver, matching his motorcycle (which, if you are keeping track, I have still not set my rear end on). It still has a warranty and everything--we were told it didn't have enough options so the owner traded up after less than a year owning it. It's a 2007 model, but way less expensive due to being used! What a deal! I know Lee misses his convertible. But this one has a lot of fun features, and is so much nicer to ride in...plus we will be able to tow a trailer with it, so we can go camping (assuming we get a hold of a camper of some sort).
We enjoyed a nice little outing in the truck last night as we waited for Tuba Boy to finish his last driver's ed practice. On Friday he has ONE more class to do and he will be able to get his license. Um. Now HE needs a vehicle. Eek. Insurance, too. OMG.
Lee's still feeling a bit puny, but recovering from the heat issue. He is drinking a lot of liquids. Beccano survived his first day of summer band like a trooper. He was a whole different kid last night. But his back hurt from having to stand up straight. HA good posture is on its way. So, things are better all round.
I just can't believe I now have: three pairs of cowboy boots, two real cowboy hats (one straw, one felt), more than one western shirt, and a PICK UP. What has Lee done to me???? (Other than make me very, very happy, I mean.)
In the background is the police-person neighbor's "new" vehicle, which I believe is his old police vehicle, painted white. He is working on it all the time. Not sure what he is doing with it. They now have twice as many vehicles as people there. But I am not upset with him--he watched the stupid non-crippled dogs after they broke out again on Sunday (Rosee--you got some 'splainin' to do...)
Yep, back to the topic at hand, Lee bought the truck. It is shiny and silver, matching his motorcycle (which, if you are keeping track, I have still not set my rear end on). It still has a warranty and everything--we were told it didn't have enough options so the owner traded up after less than a year owning it. It's a 2007 model, but way less expensive due to being used! What a deal! I know Lee misses his convertible. But this one has a lot of fun features, and is so much nicer to ride in...plus we will be able to tow a trailer with it, so we can go camping (assuming we get a hold of a camper of some sort).
We enjoyed a nice little outing in the truck last night as we waited for Tuba Boy to finish his last driver's ed practice. On Friday he has ONE more class to do and he will be able to get his license. Um. Now HE needs a vehicle. Eek. Insurance, too. OMG.
Lee's still feeling a bit puny, but recovering from the heat issue. He is drinking a lot of liquids. Beccano survived his first day of summer band like a trooper. He was a whole different kid last night. But his back hurt from having to stand up straight. HA good posture is on its way. So, things are better all round.
I just can't believe I now have: three pairs of cowboy boots, two real cowboy hats (one straw, one felt), more than one western shirt, and a PICK UP. What has Lee done to me???? (Other than make me very, very happy, I mean.)
Monday, August 6, 2007
Grateful Monday, Passages
The Grateful Part
What I am grateful for today is my flexibility and patience with myself. In the space of a couple of hours last night my plans for the week changed many times. And I coped and didn't yell. Got a bit frustrated, but did not yell. And I think both kids will make it to band camp and back successfully for at least the next two weeks, and one child MIGHT have a driver's license soon. Dealing with my kids' lack of foresight and planning really requires me to be flexible. But sometimes it takes me a while to figure out which option among many is the best. And people stare at me, wanting an instant decision. I am proud that I am patient with myself because I understand that I am not a snap decision maker, but rather someone who weighs options first. Jeff thought I was stupid because of this, but I know I am not. I just see many options and want to choose the one that's best for everyone, not just what is most convenient for ME. So, I am grateful that I have learned to be more patient with myself, and that I've always been pretty flexible.
The Passages
Well, both my kids are officially in high school now, as I sent a worried and frightened Beccano off to summer band this morning, where he and Tuba Boy will play and march and get ready for the football season. I am glad he got a ride with Derek's dad, because he will have been more together without me. Tuba Boy says he will watch out for him. He is a good brother.
Of course, part of my flexibility above had to do with Tuba Boy following my instructions and getting one more driving session in so he can get his license (another passage, somewhat overdue). However, he managed to book it for the middle of his first day of summer band. Now, Lee and I both work. But it's $25 if you don't show up for a session. On the other hand, if I took him I would lose way more than $25 (would have lost 4 hours). But, it might be worth it to get the driving stuff OVER with. Argh. Hard to weigh all those options. But, Lee saved the day by getting really, really sick last night, to where he could not make it in to work this morning. He is up to driving a boy to the driving school and back. And he has benefits (at least at the moment).
Lee's under a lot of stress. No wonder he got sick. I think it was too hot for him out doing the yardwork yesterday and that did him in. It is good news that he may have his house in Granger sold, and that we found a great candidate for a new vehicle for him on Saturday, but dealing with financial stuff is never fun for either of us.
So we looked at a bunch of trucks, and test drove one on Sunday. It was really nice of Tuba Boy to go with us, too. He could check out the back seats. I discovered I am too short to get in a Dodge truck without a sissy bar (or whatever they are called). Most places didn't have trucks as old as he was originally looking for, but then we found a used 2007 model that was really nice. And as a GMC, I could get in it. I have never been big on pick-up trucks, which are the national vehicle of Texas, but I can see we need one at this point in our lives. So, I am gamely participating in this. We drove the GMC one and I was surprised. I mean, I have been in pick-ups before and it felt like I was in a truck. Even Suburbans felt truck-like. This thing was deathly silent in the interior--really nice. And it rode very, very smoothly. I sat in the back seat and had all the room I could possibly want short of being in a limo. It will be fine for the kids! And when needed, this thing will seat 6! So. I must swallow my pride and admit this truck is pretty nice. Still, not great gas mileage, but we can use my car most of the time, and this one when we need to haul or (eventually) to tow. And it is still under warranty!
I guess it's another passage. I have turned into a Texan. Who am I? Where is Sophisto-Suna who scoffs at giant vehicles??? Sigh. At this point the durned thing IS practical.
What I am grateful for today is my flexibility and patience with myself. In the space of a couple of hours last night my plans for the week changed many times. And I coped and didn't yell. Got a bit frustrated, but did not yell. And I think both kids will make it to band camp and back successfully for at least the next two weeks, and one child MIGHT have a driver's license soon. Dealing with my kids' lack of foresight and planning really requires me to be flexible. But sometimes it takes me a while to figure out which option among many is the best. And people stare at me, wanting an instant decision. I am proud that I am patient with myself because I understand that I am not a snap decision maker, but rather someone who weighs options first. Jeff thought I was stupid because of this, but I know I am not. I just see many options and want to choose the one that's best for everyone, not just what is most convenient for ME. So, I am grateful that I have learned to be more patient with myself, and that I've always been pretty flexible.
The Passages
Well, both my kids are officially in high school now, as I sent a worried and frightened Beccano off to summer band this morning, where he and Tuba Boy will play and march and get ready for the football season. I am glad he got a ride with Derek's dad, because he will have been more together without me. Tuba Boy says he will watch out for him. He is a good brother.
Of course, part of my flexibility above had to do with Tuba Boy following my instructions and getting one more driving session in so he can get his license (another passage, somewhat overdue). However, he managed to book it for the middle of his first day of summer band. Now, Lee and I both work. But it's $25 if you don't show up for a session. On the other hand, if I took him I would lose way more than $25 (would have lost 4 hours). But, it might be worth it to get the driving stuff OVER with. Argh. Hard to weigh all those options. But, Lee saved the day by getting really, really sick last night, to where he could not make it in to work this morning. He is up to driving a boy to the driving school and back. And he has benefits (at least at the moment).
Lee's under a lot of stress. No wonder he got sick. I think it was too hot for him out doing the yardwork yesterday and that did him in. It is good news that he may have his house in Granger sold, and that we found a great candidate for a new vehicle for him on Saturday, but dealing with financial stuff is never fun for either of us.
So we looked at a bunch of trucks, and test drove one on Sunday. It was really nice of Tuba Boy to go with us, too. He could check out the back seats. I discovered I am too short to get in a Dodge truck without a sissy bar (or whatever they are called). Most places didn't have trucks as old as he was originally looking for, but then we found a used 2007 model that was really nice. And as a GMC, I could get in it. I have never been big on pick-up trucks, which are the national vehicle of Texas, but I can see we need one at this point in our lives. So, I am gamely participating in this. We drove the GMC one and I was surprised. I mean, I have been in pick-ups before and it felt like I was in a truck. Even Suburbans felt truck-like. This thing was deathly silent in the interior--really nice. And it rode very, very smoothly. I sat in the back seat and had all the room I could possibly want short of being in a limo. It will be fine for the kids! And when needed, this thing will seat 6! So. I must swallow my pride and admit this truck is pretty nice. Still, not great gas mileage, but we can use my car most of the time, and this one when we need to haul or (eventually) to tow. And it is still under warranty!
I guess it's another passage. I have turned into a Texan. Who am I? Where is Sophisto-Suna who scoffs at giant vehicles??? Sigh. At this point the durned thing IS practical.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Friday's Feast
Appetizer: On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you?
Ooh, good question. I'd say about a 7. I am more polite than a lot of people, since I was raised in the south and said ma'm and sir a lot until I got fairly old. And I think people should be treated respectfully. But I am not good with a lot of politeness duties, like thank you notes and not interrupting people. And when someone's personal style really bugs me, I have been known to leave their presence more quickly than would be polite. So, I am pretty good, but not great.
Soup: What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
Soup: What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
I could not tell you exactly, but it was something Beccano, my 14-year-old son, said. He was just a riot last night. At one point I remember Lee and I about to smooch and he said something that made us have to stop and laugh and laugh. And he was making some killer puns at dinner. He is working hard on developing a personal humor style, and I have to say, he is very, very good. He's developing a real way with words, so we all get to laugh a lot when he's around.
Salad: Who is your favorite cartoon character?
So many to choose from. As a child I wanted Mighty Mouse and the Chipmunks to all be my children. As an adult, I guess I will have to choose the Li'l Cheney character on Little Bush. Every time he says "wah wah wah..." I just can't stop laughing. Dang, that is one funny, if eerily accurate, cartoon.
Main Course: Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had.
This one's hard because I am so OLD. And I went to school for a LONG time. I'm sure, though, that my teacher with the sharpest wit was Jerry Morgan, who taught syntax and semantics at the University of Illinois when I was in grad school (you betcha, the Internet is my friend, I found his picture). He was one of the smartest people I ever met, and so quick witted. We would really enjoy coming up with example sentences and analyzing them, because he would insert puns and really sophisticated word play into all the exercises we did. He was a real joy to talk to, and even more fun after many, many beers. Also, the best Big Boggle player on earth. (Big Boggle: best game ever invented--and you should see it played by a dozen or so professional linguists.)OOOH BONUS: Do you want to see almost every professor I ever studied under in grad school? Even the Great and Powerful Georgia M. Green, the professor with the zingiest margin-of-your-paper comments ever (and best knitter)?? Click here!
Dessert: Complete this sentence: I strongly believe that ______________________.
I strongly believe that if people just followed whatever their tradition's version of the "Golden Rule" is, we would be living in a peaceful, cooperative world with no war, hunger or poverty.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Another good new word
I am loving reading all my vocabulary building feeds every day. Here's the one today from one of my favorite sites, the Double Tongued Word Wrester, by the authors of the Double Tongued Dictionary, who also have an NPR show, but we don't get it here. Boo.
The word is apatheism, if you didn't care to click. And it's "the attitude of not caring about religion or if there is a God. " That fits right in with some of the conversations I have with Tuba Boy and friends. There's this one who was very firmly atheist, but I could tell some of the stuff I was saying was getting to him. I didn't see him for a while (he stole that girl Tuba Boy liked in April) but now he is back...and an agnostic. He didn't enjoy my "I told you so." I do enjoy listening to the teens talk and figure out what they believe as they go. What a fun age.
And here is their most recent citation of the word, which I think is a great quote to ponder:
For me, it's hard to get apatheistic about the beliefs of others, because they keep infringing on my right to believe nothing, not know what to believe, or mix and match as I see fit!
The word is apatheism, if you didn't care to click. And it's "the attitude of not caring about religion or if there is a God. " That fits right in with some of the conversations I have with Tuba Boy and friends. There's this one who was very firmly atheist, but I could tell some of the stuff I was saying was getting to him. I didn't see him for a while (he stole that girl Tuba Boy liked in April) but now he is back...and an agnostic. He didn't enjoy my "I told you so." I do enjoy listening to the teens talk and figure out what they believe as they go. What a fun age.
And here is their most recent citation of the word, which I think is a great quote to ponder:
2007
[dgriffith] Freakonomics Blog (Aug. 2) “Cut God Some Slack”: I think you’ll find that the stance of simply not caring much about God or religion ("apatheism” in the jokey parlance) is much less common than you imagine. It seems to be growing as people get wealthier, but a depressingly predominate chunk of humanity believes that God is indeed worth caring about, one way or another.
For me, it's hard to get apatheistic about the beliefs of others, because they keep infringing on my right to believe nothing, not know what to believe, or mix and match as I see fit!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Lughnasadh Miracle
Yeah, another Celtic holiday is upon us. Happy Lughnasadh to anyone who celebrates it or likes the idea of a holiday where you get to eat stuff (celebrate those first fruits of harvest with a whole bunch of home grown tomatoes if you can!). (Holiday is also called lamas in some traditions.)
I've been enjoying the recent full moon, as it's shone in our bedroom window in the evening, and then lights the master bath when I first wake up, so I don't trip on Buddy. Nice to be able to see it, too--it means the rain has let up.
But I mentioned a miracle, didn't I? And it's a miracle of growth! At least, I think it's cool...
Sunday before last, Lee bought me a dozen roses. You may recall that the rose I brought in to put on my desk was the thing I was grateful for Monday before last. Well, I am still looking at it, only a little worse for wear. The roses in the media room have bloomed all the way open and are now drying (they look pretty). But this one is still at that partially open stage that's so pretty, and the leaves are all perky and sticking out like they are happy.
I'd been wondering how it stayed so nice, since it didn't seem to be drinking much water out of the "exotic" vase I have it in (plastic Diet Coke bottle with the label peeled off). Today I was thinking, "Oh, maybe I should get rid of it--there's a little brown around the edge." Then I looked more closely. Whoa! There is a spray of three new leaf clusters coming out of the base of one of the leaves! Each spray has five leaves. They are a happy, new green! I see budding coming out of a couple of the lower nodules where leaves once were, too! No wonder the flower still seems happy--it's alive! It's funny that the roses I put the powder in to keep them fresh faded days ago, while the one in plain water in a plastic bottle has started to root!
I know this is a fancy florist rose and its root stock is probably not one that will actually survive, but what the heck, let's see what this one does!
Um, I'll sneak this in on the bottom here. We think Tuba Boy had a real date on Monday evening. A girl from debate camp drove all the way up from Buda to go to a movie with him. So if it wasn't a date, it sure is a loyal friend (judging from her constant posting on his wall on Facebook, I think she likes him.) Due to his sterling navigational skills, they never found the right theater, but apparently enjoyed a film at the discount cinema they passed while looking, and had a fine Taco Bell repast (his favorite fine dining establishment). I have to say it's nice to have cheerful Tuba Boy back, after the two months of moping over the previous object of his affections. Hope this one is as nice as the other one was, but he has good taste, so we are not worried. Also, he's picking up some "mad bass skillz" while he sits around and IMs all day.
Beccano had a frenzy of friend activity this week, too. They are packing in fun before band camp starts next week.
PS: For some reason I checked to see what I was doing this time last year. It's my phone's one-year anniversary! Yay Pink Razr! And I have not broken it yet. Good for me. I usually go through phones pretty quickly. I'd like to keep this one a while, so I can get a really good one next time.
I've been enjoying the recent full moon, as it's shone in our bedroom window in the evening, and then lights the master bath when I first wake up, so I don't trip on Buddy. Nice to be able to see it, too--it means the rain has let up.
But I mentioned a miracle, didn't I? And it's a miracle of growth! At least, I think it's cool...
Sunday before last, Lee bought me a dozen roses. You may recall that the rose I brought in to put on my desk was the thing I was grateful for Monday before last. Well, I am still looking at it, only a little worse for wear. The roses in the media room have bloomed all the way open and are now drying (they look pretty). But this one is still at that partially open stage that's so pretty, and the leaves are all perky and sticking out like they are happy.
I'd been wondering how it stayed so nice, since it didn't seem to be drinking much water out of the "exotic" vase I have it in (plastic Diet Coke bottle with the label peeled off). Today I was thinking, "Oh, maybe I should get rid of it--there's a little brown around the edge." Then I looked more closely. Whoa! There is a spray of three new leaf clusters coming out of the base of one of the leaves! Each spray has five leaves. They are a happy, new green! I see budding coming out of a couple of the lower nodules where leaves once were, too! No wonder the flower still seems happy--it's alive! It's funny that the roses I put the powder in to keep them fresh faded days ago, while the one in plain water in a plastic bottle has started to root!
I know this is a fancy florist rose and its root stock is probably not one that will actually survive, but what the heck, let's see what this one does!
Um, I'll sneak this in on the bottom here. We think Tuba Boy had a real date on Monday evening. A girl from debate camp drove all the way up from Buda to go to a movie with him. So if it wasn't a date, it sure is a loyal friend (judging from her constant posting on his wall on Facebook, I think she likes him.) Due to his sterling navigational skills, they never found the right theater, but apparently enjoyed a film at the discount cinema they passed while looking, and had a fine Taco Bell repast (his favorite fine dining establishment). I have to say it's nice to have cheerful Tuba Boy back, after the two months of moping over the previous object of his affections. Hope this one is as nice as the other one was, but he has good taste, so we are not worried. Also, he's picking up some "mad bass skillz" while he sits around and IMs all day.
Beccano had a frenzy of friend activity this week, too. They are packing in fun before band camp starts next week.
PS: For some reason I checked to see what I was doing this time last year. It's my phone's one-year anniversary! Yay Pink Razr! And I have not broken it yet. Good for me. I usually go through phones pretty quickly. I'd like to keep this one a while, so I can get a really good one next time.
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