How Do You Like Me Now?

On The Road Again

2011-09-02T14:47:00.003-04:00

On my way to work I spotted Lexis with the following bumper sticker:

“I'll Keep My Guns, My Freedom and My Money - You Keep The Change”

I propose the following to the woman who was driving the car:

Among the “changes” I would like to see is that you not continue to pollute MY planet with your filthy habit. So, in the future I would ask that you CHANGE your habit of throwing your cigarette butts out the window. Also, I would propose that you keep your windows rolled up when stopped at red lights. Perhaps YOU don’t mind the smell of cigarettes. I do. Keep your smoke from wafting into MY airspace.

I know your fancy, expensive car is the best on the road but you might find it helpful to ask your car dealer to install turn signals on your car. When the dealer completes that work, perhaps he can take a minute to explain how they work.

I noticed you have North Carolina license plates on your car. It may be helpful to understand your surroundings and your place within them. In North Carolina you are entitled to one lane on the highway. In North Carolina a red light means STOP. You stop and wait for the light to change. You don’t use it as an opportunity to reapply your lipstick. A green light means GO. You aren’t in Virginia.

You might want to prepare yourself for “change.” On a personal level, for you I have a feeling that “change” is going to mean a crumpled hood.

You want to keep your guns, money, and freedom, have fun with them now because you will probably wind up in traction some day, a victim of either your driving habits or your rude, self-serving attitude. Karma sucks!

Does this thing work?

2011-03-06T16:39:00.002-05:00

I decide, after considerable time away, to trot the ole blog out again. I had an experience to share and you can decide whether it is worth the effort. I have a pot on the stove so this is only going to go until the timer goes off.

I went out to a concert last night. It's an annual event I go to with my daughter(s). I am able to make a number of comparisons having done this over a period of years:

1. The performer, Marc Broussard, has grown as an entertainer over the five or so years we've been listening to him. His recordings don't do him justice. He is really good live. He's become more confortable on stage, evidence by less crotch-grabbing than the first time we saw him.

2. The quality of his opening acts, and I think indie performers in general, are getting much better. The opening act, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, were entertaining, especially the "wife" who seemed really happy to be there. She was adorable!

3. I had intended to "treat" my daughter and her friend, so the friend's cry, "Oh no! I left my ATM card at home," was unnecessary.

4. When in doubt, tip well.

5. Despite enjoying live music I have no patience for being in semi-large crowd with a bunch of people in varying states of mind. What may have been charming to some were obnoxious to me. I really didn't need to see the guy in front of me licking his date's face.

6. Being out until 2:00 a.m. is NOT for me. I'm cranky. I've taken three naps today. I'm glad that it is rainy. I need to rethink whether I'll be ready for this in April.

Timer went off. Goodbye.

A Warning To My Children!

2009-10-29T19:42:00.001-04:00

http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/10/29/article/cats_nip_all_of_mans_17_million_estate

Ric Flair. Humiliating the south.

2009-10-16T11:49:00.002-04:00

If you're not opposed to the lottery now, this ought to do it for you.

Vast wasteland indeed!

For those of you who thought "Grasshoppers" was a stupid name...

2009-10-15T15:20:00.001-04:00

...I give you this.

At work...

2009-10-14T13:17:00.001-04:00

...you know it's time for fall break when a professor looks out the door at the rain and says, "I want one of those, one of those, you know, one of those THINGS!"

You mean an umbrella?

Golf is Dangerous!

2009-10-09T08:32:00.001-04:00

Just ask this guy.

I wonder if his playing partners finished the round.

What an example of youthful enterprise...

2009-10-08T18:42:00.002-04:00

...by golly, he's going to make the most of his 15 minutes!

When you gotta go...

2009-10-08T08:55:00.001-04:00

This sucks. When you are a woman over 50, you can't always control this issue. Or so I've been told...

Shell Shocked.

2009-09-04T11:19:00.011-04:00

There has been a lot in local blogs about Greensboro City Council candidate Ryan Shell. I've made a number of comments at the other sites and figured it was probably time to talk about where I'm coming from. Basically? Nowhere. I don't have a dog in this particular fight other than as a responsible voter who tries to make good choices. I have worked on a few campaigns over the years and watch the candidates closely.

Generally, my blog is a place for fun. I'm going to get serious for a moment.

How did this all get started?

My daughter worked with Ryan a few years ago, so naturally she was very excited to see him running for City Council in her hometown. She "Facebook friended" him. I hadn't paid much attention to the Council races yet. There were some people I would clearly support and some I had yet to learn about. Ryan was one of those I needed to learn more about.

When the No Hate In Our Town petition came up, I sent the link to my children, all of whom signed it. Carrie got the idea to send the link to Ryan. He responded, "It is a group of individuals that desire to have a peaceful meeting in Greensboro." She called me. I was flabergasted. I tend to not put "nazis" and "peaceful" in the same sentence. I asked her to copy the conversation for me because I'm not able to get on Ryan's Facebook page. She and I both thought it was an irresponsible comment from someone who wants to be a leader in this town. THEN he obfuscates by saying he signed the petition because it "...affirm[s] my commitment to continuing our community's efforts to build a Greensboro free of bias, bigotry and racism. That is a statement I believe in and why I signed it. That statement could or could not have a thing to do with the conference."

Carrie pointed out to him that the sentence before the sentence he quoted said the petition WAS in response to the nazi meeting here.

Instead of trying to clear it up, communicate well, and answer questions he goes on further to say, "...I'm not really sure where you are going or what you are trying to accomplish here. I'd have been just fine if the event was given no attention at all. The part I quoted is very universal in my eyes. Feel free to send me a message if you have more in depth questions."

Today on his website he says: "I must say that it is a bit disturbing that someone has the time, and interest, to copy posts from my personal Facebook page. Let me be very clear about one thing. I use Facebook to communicate with friends and not specifically for campaign purposes. It appears I need to go through and do a little defriending because the comment copying thing is just weird to me." Let's deconstruct this, shall we?

"I must say that it is a bit disturbing that someone has the time and interest to copy posts from my personal Facebook page." Carrie did this because I don't have access to his page and wanted to see the "peaceful meeting" nazi thing for myself. It is not a general practice.

"I use Facebook to communicate with friends and not specifically for campaign purposes." But there are campaign items on that page, are there not?

"...I need to go through and do a little defriending..." Okay. He doesn't want to talk about it so he's going to take his Facebook page and go home. Carrie will be punished, "defriended," for her evil deeds!

"... but the copying FB posts for future use, such as what you are doing is strange to me. It’s more of a “ha ha see see I got you” type thing." Honestly, that was NOT the case. Copying what I considered to be an incendiary statement happened just the once. I've explained why it was done. No, we don't need to go around doing that. Nobody "got" him. I simply asked for him to explain what he said. If that constitutes some sort of "got you" then there are issues of paranoia no amount of blogging can fix. I don't think I was unreasonable and was never out to "get" him. If he'd been upfront and answered questions honestly, we wouldn't be here.

"...but want you to know that I am moving forward so that I can continue to focus on things that need to be done in Greensboro." In other words, "I'm not going to talk about it anymore." Ryan then offers me the opportunity to call him. I'm not going to and here's why:

David Hoggard said, "if one creates a perception problem through any particular form of communication, they should assuage, or correct, that problem through the medium first utilized." Friend speaks my mind. This started in an online venue, I don't see any reason to do something else. If I were to be completely honest, I want it in writing. I don't want to have a conversation, then have him say later, "I didn't say that." Why would I think that? I base it on a history, albeit short, of Ryan saying one thing then doing another. That's fair, isn't it?

Ryan said, "You don’t like me..." My intellectual side has a problems with this statement. It has nothing to do with liking or disliking anyone. I question what he says. I'm concerned about what he does. I'm not convinced that he has the temperment for elected office. He certainly has the energy and the passion. But for him to say "you don't like me," indicates to me some immaturity. The emotional side of me feels like he's saying, "Mommy, the big, 'ole mean lady isn't being nice to me."

This post has gone on longer than usual for me, but I felt as if I needed to explain to people, COMMUNICATE with people what brought me to this place. If it feels like I'm beating up on Ryan, I'm sorry. I don't mean to be, but it seems like everytime someone asks him a question, it just raises MORE questions.

The primary is just around the corner. I'm in the process of deciding for whom I will vote. But clearly, based solely on his response to serious questions in the last week, it will not be Ryan. Sorry.

I was afraid I wasn't going to make it...

2009-08-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

...but fortunately this came along JUST in time.

I have four cats...

2009-08-07T20:17:00.003-04:00

and they've done some weird things. In fact, just today Bundle #1 looked at the top of my car and said, "Uh, I think one of the cats did something on the roof of your car." Since I'm too short to SEE the top of my car, I can only guess. It's probably a hair ball. Also, cats are not the gentle, delicate creatures they are portrayed. At least mine aren't. Mine are more like bulls in a china shop. They knock over water glasses, they sprawl over end tables sending everything flying. They move sofa cushions if they're looking for something, like lost change so they can go out and by treats they REALLY want.

But so far they haven't done this.

Nice excuse though.

Idiot, Part 2

2009-07-30T18:35:00.001-04:00

Beck. And not the good one.

But he's not a racist...

2009-07-30T18:10:00.001-04:00

...idiot!

Another one bites the dust...

2009-07-28T14:56:00.003-04:00

... in these days of focus on family values, the entertainment world continues of model society by promoting long lasting relationships. Unfortunately this one didn't make it. I'm sorry about that. I was rooting for them.

The basics

2009-07-25T11:00:00.001-04:00

My daughter sent me this: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/07/25/hughley.thanks.teacher.cnn

and said, "This is why I do what I do."

The Ultimate Couch Potato

2009-07-24T14:46:00.002-04:00

Things are quiet at work this week. It will be quiet next week as folks get in their last-minute trips before the new semester begins. I should enjoy this, but frankly, I'm bored. HOW bored I didn't know until just now.

The lights in my office are on a motion detector. If there is no movement in the office for 20 minutes, the lights turn off automatically.

Apparently I've been sitting quietly for quite some time. The lights just went off.

I think that's a sign that I should go home.

I believe in a sense of decorum...

2009-07-24T10:50:00.002-04:00

...there are times that dignity are required. I think the solemnity has its place.

But this is just plain fun!

Best wishes!

Because staying up all night to study (or party) is hard...

2009-07-22T12:31:00.000-04:00

Talk about your niche market.

Hey, they're just filling a need!

I'm easily offended...

2009-07-22T11:13:00.000-04:00

...but even I think this is hilarious!

BEST QUOTE EVER!

2009-07-22T09:09:00.001-04:00

"Do not argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."

From Andy Coon, on his Facebook page
http://fcproducer.com/

Thanks, Andy, for the reality check.

Making It Right

2009-07-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

Yay!

I promise to keep the new one clean...

2009-07-20T13:07:00.001-04:00

I got a new computer at work. It’s faster than my previous machine, doesn’t sound like a plane taking off, and there aren’t any crumbs in the keyboard. When the student worker came over to install it, I asked, “Is size going to be a problem?” I asked because I have a hutch over the desk and the monitor is HUGE! He said, “Don’t you think that’s a little personal?” Just install the machine, wise-ass! As it turned out, I was right to be concerned. The monitor wouldn’t sit on the computer as it had in the past. The monitor is 22” diagonally. In order for the monitor to sit where I needed it, the computer had to be moved to the side. “Will it fit under my printer,” I asked. “Let’s see,” and the student measured the width of the box WITH HIS FOREARM! It felt like home. My husband measures things by holding his hands up and moving to the area in question and says, “Yep. It fits.” Then once the nails are in he says, “I don’t understand. I MEASURED it.” Anyway…

I now have a new computer at work and a fairly up-to-date one at home. Next step? One of those cute little mini laptops. I’m waiting for them to come out in cool colors.

And many more...

2009-07-18T07:37:00.002-04:00

"I learned last night that these two young people have over 62 years of experience to learn from..." so said Friar Bill at Bundle of Joy #2's wedding last year. Today BJ2 and his wife celebrate their first anniversary. It's been a year of remarkable change. She graduated med school. He finished his MFA and novel. They moved to Texas, she for her residency, he without a job. Within four weeks he found a job at the University of Houston. They've settled in to an apartment. She is putting in LONG hours. He's learning how to cook.

Both sets of in-laws have been married a long time. I think that's a bit unusual in these days of multiple marriages and blended families. They've watched their parents struggle, some times harder than others, and stick with it. We hope they've learned from our example.

They've got a lot of years to go before they catch up. Here's to lasting...here's love...here's to having it all.

Happy Anniversary Andrew and Sharon.

The Forces Are Conspiring Against Me!

2009-07-17T13:40:00.002-04:00

I’ve been sick this week. Nothing that some medicine won’t cure. Unfortunately the medicine has been making me nauseous. I’ve discovered the only thing that keeps me from, let’s see, how shall I put this delicately, yakking up my insides, is to lie, curled up in a little ball, on my right side. I have to wait this out and continue taking the medicine.

But, when it rains, it pours.

I began to feel a LITTLE better. I dragged myself to the computer to check email and whatnot. I hop on Ed Cone’s only to discover this offal discussion taking place. That shut me down for another 10 hours.

I decided to attempt a couple of hours at work. I went out to the garage to discover that SOMEBODY (meaning a cat) did SOMETHING (meaning pooped). We cleared everything out of the garage, hosed it down, bleached everything we could and still the smell persisted. Eventually we discovered some sort of bacterial-infested water in the drip pan of the refrigerator that is in the garage. Once that was cleaned and sanitized the smell went away and the falsely-accused cats were given treats. My car still reeks.

The moral of the story?

There isn’t one.

I’m just whining.

I can't wait for tomorrow at noon...

2009-07-16T20:27:00.003-04:00

...because that's when filing for the Greensboro City Council ends. Sometimes the interesting characters file at the last minute perhaps waiting for inspiration or a sign from God.

This local political season is shaping up to be interesting. I'm wondering if the national news will pick this up.

Thank you Ganache!

2009-07-16T12:44:00.007-04:00

Ganache Bakery did a great job!

Then...little hands got ahold of it!

Am I in trouble??

Of course not. The little princess gets anything she wants.

(By the way, the photos were from July 4, 2009. I just haven't figured out how to adjust the time on the camera.)

Helloooo?

2009-07-15T13:05:00.002-04:00

Any chance this woman could learn from her mistake?

Probably not.

Re: Sarah Palin

2009-07-14T20:11:00.002-04:00

How 'Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down on the Farm(After They've Seen Paree) written by Joe Young and Sam M. Lewis with music by Walter Donaldson, and was published in 1918.

Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking
Said his wifey dear
Now that all is peaceful and calm
The boys will soon be back on the farm
Mister Reuben started winking and slowly rubbed his chin
He pulled his chair up close to mother
And he asked her with a grin

Chorus (sung twice after each verse):
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm
After they've seen Paree'
How ya gonna keep 'em away from Broadway
Jazzin around and paintin' the town
How ya gonna keep 'em away from harm, that's a mystery
They'll never want to see a rake or plow
And who the deuce can parleyvous a cow?
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm
After they've seen Paree'

Ect. Ect. Ect.

My New Favorite...

2009-07-14T08:59:00.001-04:00

... who knew there was such a thing as Watermelon Milk Shakes! HEAVENLY!

See? I F&^%&$ing TOLD You So!!!

2009-07-13T09:55:00.001-04:00

What I knew all along now has some scientific merit.

Swim club president denies racism

2009-07-11T20:32:00.006-04:00

Let's break this down --- (My comments in Red)

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- The president of The Valley Swim Club on Friday strongly denied charges of racism after his club canceled the swimming privileges of a nearby day care center whose children are predominantly African-American.

John Duesler said he underestimated the number of swimmers who would come to swim at the club.

When the arrangements were made, was the number of swimmers not discussed? Did it not occur to you to ask, "How many kids are we talking about. 3? 13? 33?

"It was never our intention to offend anyone," said John Duesler. "This thing has been blown out of proportion."
Duesler said his club -- which he called "very diverse" -- (Can we get a breakdown exactly HOW diverse the club is?) invited camps in the Philadelphia area to use his facility because of the number of pools in the region closed due to budget cuts this summer. He said he underestimated the amount of children who would participate, and the club's capacity to take on the groups was not up to the task.
"It was a safety issue," he said.

The Creative Steps Day Care children -- who are in kindergarten through seventh grade -- went to The Valley Swim Club in Huntingdon Valley on June 29 after the center's director, Alethea Wright, had contracted to use the club once a week.
During their first visit, some children said they heard club members asking why African-American children were there. One youngster told a Philadelphia television station a woman there said she feared the children "might do something" to her child. \

Days later, the day care center's $1,950 check was returned without explanation, Wright said.
She was dismissive of Duesler's comments Friday.
"He knows what happened at the pool that day," Wright told CNN in a telephone interview. "I was embarrassed and humiliated."
She called it an "unfortunate situation," adding, "I know what happened; the members know what happened and a higher power knows what happened."

After news reports of the incident, the office of Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pennsylvania) said Specter sent a letter to the club president asking him to reinstate the contract with Creative Steps, saying, "I think that you would agree that there is no place for racism in America today."
Duesler said he appreciates the senator's concern, but the club's board has yet to make a decision of how it will proceed.
"If we're going to revise our policies here, we need to make it so for all the camps," he said. "I just don't think we're prepared for that."

Duesler earlier in the week told two Philadelphia television stations the children had changed "the complexion" and "atmosphere" of the club, a comment that protesters outside the facility Thursday said showed that racism was involved. This would change "the complexion" but it has nothing to do with race.

Bernice Duesler, John Duesler's wife, called the negative response her husband has faced since the incident "unbearable." Face it lady. Your husband is a racist.
"He's not one of the good guys -- he's one of the great guys," she said, holding back tears. "He doesn't deserve this." If he is a racist, and you think "he's one of the great guys," then that makes YOU a racist, too.
She added, "If there really was a racial issue that happened, my husband and I would be the first one[s] picketing."
Jim Flynn, who said he was one of the club members who made a complaint against the children, told CNN this week it was not racially motivated. "There were a lot of children in the pool and not enough lifeguards," he said. "As general members we were not told that they were coming. If we knew, we could decide to not come when the pool was crowded or come anyway. We could have had an option." Again, when the arrangements were made, and when you accepted the day care's check, was nothing said about the number of children.
He also said invitations to two other day care centers, neither of which contained minority children, had previously been withdrawn. So you're equal opportunity racists.
Girard College, a private Philadelphia boarding school, told CNN on Thursday it would offer Creative Steps Day Care use of its facilities this summer. Let's hear it for higher education.

The pool members can put lipstick all over this pig and it wouldn't change a thing.

Shame on them for doing this, but especially for doing this to CHILDREN!

But there's no racism anymore...

2009-07-10T09:33:00.001-04:00

Really?

How to die...

2009-07-09T15:14:00.002-04:00

I've thought about that some. I want to go quickly and painlessly, hopefully doing something exciting. Maybe partying with Tommy Lee. Or perhaps having just beaten Nadal in tennis.

I DON'T want to die from electrocution cleaning my stove. Or inhaling cleaning chemicals.

With all due respect for his family, who I'm sure is devastated, WHAT A WAY TO GO!

FURTHERMORE...

2009-07-08T19:30:00.003-04:00

You are entitled to 1 lane. ONE. It's the area between the lines. Find one and stay in it. (Unless, of course, you need to change lanes. Then you can do so, ONLY after signaling. Idiot!)

And while we're at it...

2009-07-08T15:10:00.000-04:00

GET OFF THE FRICKIN' PHONE!

Turn Signals Are Our Friends

2009-07-08T14:55:00.002-04:00

You know that little stick thing on the left side of your steering column?

It’s called a turn signal.

If you are turning left, you push it down. If you are turning right, you pull it up. Then it magically sends a message to the lights on the outside of your car which lets people know which way you are turning. If you are going straight, you don’t push it up or down. No lights will come on and then the people who are trying to drive safely will know to wait while you come across the street because people who are going straight have the right-of-way over people who are making a left turn.

It’s all really very simple you inconsiderate moron.

Discovering the English Language

2009-07-07T18:26:00.002-04:00

I am always interested in learning the latest theories in language and writing. I guess I need a lot more education because I can not seem to get some things right.

For example, I thought, "No Parking, Fire Lane" painted on a curb meant that you couldn't park there. The area is reserved in case there is an emergency and fire truck is called.

Apparently I'm wrong.

APPARENTLY it means, "I'm just running in for a few things and besides I'm special and I drive a Mercedes so I'm better than you and can park wherever I want because the rules don't apply to me, and why are you looking at me like that, bitch!"

Who knew?

I'm looking for a Spanish immersion day care.

2009-06-24T17:40:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine is moving to Greensboro and is looking for a Spanish speaking day care for his 3 year-old daughter. Any suggestions?

As the mother of a public school teacher...

2009-06-02T10:13:00.002-04:00

...and in the face of some negative stuff which I will not link, I give you this.

What's a Motto?

2009-05-28T10:33:00.002-04:00

I remember a few years ago Guilford County was in search of the perfect motto to represent what the County was about. I fail to understand why this is such big deal, but apparently it is. The County asked for input from the community. I'm not sure what the results were. All I know is my suggestion didn't make the cut. "Guilford County -- we kill our mentally ill."

It appears other places have slogan issues as well.

Still rasslin'

2009-05-19T16:07:00.002-04:00

I've never been a fan of wrestling, though I did like the movie The Wrestler, even if I did find Mickey Rourke a little creepy...anyway, I think I may become a Jesse Ventura fan.

Blogging and facebook and tweets. Oh my!

2009-05-16T08:03:00.002-04:00

When I first started blogging, however many years ago that was, it filled a certain need in my life. That need is filled, happily, in other ways now. I've gotten slack about updating my blog. I still get ideas. Drive a quarter of a mile down High Point Road and you'll get all the ideas you need. But I have neither the time nor the self-discipline to put something together. Between that and my lack of interest in exploring the blogger technology in a deeper way to have my blog look and perform the way I want it to, I've pretty much let the blog go. I've kept it alive "just in case."

Technology. What a beautiful thing. I do miss opening the mail box to find a handwritten letter.

Since I'm not schooled in technology, I mostly "learn by doing," I get frustrated at times when my computer doesn't behave the way I think it should. Yeah, I know. It only does what I tell it to do.

That's why it makes no sense for someone without the drive, desire, or education to engage in MORE technology.

I have now jumped into Facebook and Tweeter. WTF??

It is interesting to me that as technology moves along it becomes increasingly less communication oriented. Look at blogs. The format is one that lets you say as much or as little as you want. Some people fill their blogs with long posts that are discriptive and deep. Others post in short bursts. On Facebook you speak in shorter sentences. Tweeter communication is in sentence fragments. That is convenient, letting people say what they want to say quickly then move along. Soon there will be something that allows us to express ourselves in monosylballic utterings. "'sup?" "'k." The abbreviations in IMing and texting offends the secretary in my soul. I have to text in complete sentences with proper puncuation. I don't text much.

So, my summer project is to learn how to put blogging, Facebook, and Tweeter together in a way that supports the kind of communication I wish to have with people.

Or not.

Side bar -- Facebook gives you "suggestions" of people to add as "friends." It's been suggesting people I know and do not like. I would never consider them "friends." What, exactly, is Facebook trying to do?

et tu?

2009-04-12T07:58:00.000-04:00

Take heed.

The Definition of Chutzpah...

2009-04-03T13:14:00.000-04:00

...if only I could be this bold!

Blackwater Changes Its Name

2009-02-13T17:25:00.002-05:00

Blackwater now wants to be known by its new name: "Big Marshmallow Puffy Clouds."

You're kidding. Right?

2008-11-22T07:58:00.002-05:00

"Dale Taylor, executive director of the Theta Chi fraternity's international headquarters in Indianapolis, said he has been in contact with the Hickory chapter and is working to help them through their loss. He is suggesting they take advantage of the grief counseling available at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
"I don't think these kids are bad people and they don't want to be thought of that way," Taylor said. "They are grieving for their friend."
The Greek community has moved beyond hazing and binge drinking, Taylor said, adding "Hazing is prohibited by our fraternity in any form or fashion."
Pre-initiation rituals vary from chapter to chapter but Taylor said this type of game was not unusual. "This was a team building activity building up to a formal initiation ceremony. It was in no way a prerequisite for induction into the fraternity."
Taylor said, "It was intended to demonstrate to the two pledges that, by functioning together, they can accomplish far more than by working alone."
"This just turned out to be a horrible accident — there was no negative intent."
"These are not terrible kids who went out there to do a terrible thing," Taylor said. "Don't judge them unless you know them." The Hickory Record

I come to this story from several places; an employee of a small, liberal arts college (not this one); a parent who has had two children complete their college education, one at a small, liberal arts college (not this one); and the parent of a student currently at a small, liberals arts college (this one).

Let's break down Dale Taylor's statement, shall we?

"I don't think these kids are bad people and they don't want to be thought of that way." What they did was a bad thing. If you don't want to be thought of as a bad person then there are some behaviors in which you don't engage.
The Greek community has moved beyond hazing and binge drinking. "Hazing is prohibited by our fraternity in any form or fashion." Uh, been to any frat parties lately, OTHER than adult, alumni parties? And changing the name of activities from "hazing" to "team building exercises" does not change the content, intention, or in this case results, of the activity.
"It was intended to demonstrate to the two pledges that, by functioning together, they can accomplish far more than by working alone." So, they couldn't have learned this by, oh, I don't know, maybe the group getting together and building a Habitat for Humanity house? I know that fraternities and sororities do community service. I realize that we hear more about the negative things that happen than the positives. However, this particular ONE negative outweighs, by far, any good this particular chapter has done. Is this what you wish your legacy to be?
"This turned out to be a horrible accident..." I'm with you there. I don't believe these children started out their night by saying, "Let's kill someone." But it is the same as drinking and driving. Would you suggest that if an 18 year-old drunk got behind the wheel of a car we should say, "He didn't MEAN to run over that person?"
"Don't judge them unless you know them." How well do YOU know them?

I can't begin to imagine what the parents of this young man must be feeling.

Playing With Words

2008-11-21T09:17:00.002-05:00

Call it what you will.

A "pre-initiation activity," like here, or a "fraternity initiation," like here, the result is the same. It is a hazing.

A young man is dead.

Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman said, "There's nothing to indicate that there was any anger or foul play there. I don't think they were trying to hurt anybody at all."

A young man is dead.

"It does not appear the students were engaged in binge drinking." Hickory Record

Want to bet?

A friendly game of "capture the flag" does not result in death. Let's get to the bottom of this and hold those responsible for this accountable, even if those responsible are a bunch of young people. Perhaps they weren't trying to hurt anybody, but they did.

A young man is dead.

My new favorite blog...

2008-11-20T12:24:00.003-05:00

http://www.borowitzreport.com/

I mean, you know, after all the locals...

Job Hunting?

2008-11-19T11:32:00.001-05:00

Here's something that might interest you.

http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000584274-01&pg=a

Little Punkin'

2008-10-29T18:19:00.000-04:00

Funny! But not worth the $$

2008-10-23T19:05:00.001-04:00

http://www.cafepress.com/cp/moredetails.aspx?showBleed=false&ProductNo=313999738&colorNo=4&pr=F

Waaaaaa!

2008-10-01T14:57:00.000-04:00

Big ole crybaby!

I've got to be nicer to my mother

2008-09-30T13:11:00.001-04:00

Thank you Heather, for this.

A Huge Loss

2008-09-27T11:58:00.002-04:00

Paul Newman

One of my earliest childhood memories is of watching "The Hustler" in the White House. Or rather, being "hustled" out of the room with the other kids while the adults watched the movie.

Now my affection for him is tied up in this, where Bundle of Joy #3 has worked for the last two summers.

As important as he was as an artist, his work on behalf of children will be missed most.

My kids think I'M over-protective...

2008-09-26T09:30:00.001-04:00

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1232845.html

An oldie but a goodie. Some days you just get it right.

2008-09-24T12:26:00.001-04:00

One day a man was walking on a beach when he saw another man coming the other way who appeared to be dancing. As he drew nearer he could see the man was not dancing but was gently picking up starfish from the beach and throwing them back into the sea.
"Why are you throwing starfish into the sea?" he asked.
"Because they have been washed ashore, the day is getting hot and if I do not throw them back they will die," replied the dancer.
The man looked around him and saw that the beach went on for miles and that there were many thousands of starfish along its length.
"But there are too many" he protested to the dancer "you can't possibly make a difference."
The dancer smiled, picked up another starfish and gently tossed it beyond the waves, back into the sea.

"I made a difference to that one." he said.

Quotes of the Day.

2008-09-12T15:56:00.002-04:00

Just saying something doesn't make it so.

What's the biggest misconception about you?

"Oh gosh, there are so many! [laughs] That I'm not smart. I think I'm pretty smart, actually." -- Jessica Simpson (via http://www.theboot.com/2008/09/09/11-questions-with-jessica-simpson-no-1/?icid=100214839x1209507057x1200550337 )

And...

Sarah Palin sidesteps questions about her national security experience and struggles with foreign policy questions in her first television interview since being named to the Republican ticket. But she says she's ready to take over as president if needed. (via http://news.aol.com/?feature=163723 )

Speaking of Pigs...

2008-09-11T12:22:00.002-04:00

"I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." Sir Winston Churchill (http://www.quotationspage.com/)

...and I'll never have to grocery shop again!

2008-09-11T11:42:00.001-04:00

http://www.switched.com/2008/09/10/would-you-eat-a-pizza-from-a-vending-machine/

It's official. I AM old!

2008-09-08T11:59:00.002-04:00

I was irritated when my husband joined AARP and put MY NAME ON THE MEMBERSHIP! But I guess I might as well face facts. I AM old.

How do I know?

Last night I turned on the VMAs, saw this guy, said, "WTF?" then changed the channel.

It is indeed the end of an era.

Sense of Humor.

2008-09-04T11:45:00.001-04:00

Glad to see one religious group has a sense of humor.

According to Ruth

2008-09-03T09:13:00.001-04:00

http://www.newsobserver.com/2750/story/1204236.html

Idiot!

2008-09-01T14:35:00.001-04:00

Warning. Language Alert!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmfjkhVhg7A

Stories that break your heart.

2008-09-01T08:47:00.001-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/weather/2008/08/31/tuchman.man.wont.leave.cnn

Not much has changed.

2008-08-26T13:46:00.001-04:00

Me: Baptist Hospital? My daughter-in-law works there.
Village Idiot (Name changed to protect the stupid): Oh. Is she a nurse?
Me: Uh, no. She's a doctor.

Quote Of The Day

2008-08-11T08:57:00.001-04:00

"People are just bastard covered bastards with bastard filling."

So sayeth Dr. John Cox on Scrubs

My "Dear John" letter...

2008-08-08T17:56:00.005-04:00

John Edwards' Statement on Affair
http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7168438&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

"In 2006, I made a serious error in judgment and conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs. I recognized my mistake and I told my wife that I had a liaison with another woman, and I asked for her forgiveness. Although I was honest in every painful detail with my family, I did not tell the public.When a supermarket tabloid told a version of the story, I used the fact that the story contained many falsities to deny it. But being 99% honest is no longer enough. I was and am ashamed of my conduct and choices, and I had hoped that it would never become public. With my family, I took responsibility for my actions in 2006 and today I take full responsibility publicly. But that misconduct took place for a short period in 2006. It ended then. I am and have been willing to take any test necessary to establish the fact that I am not the father of any baby, and I am truly hopeful that a test will be done so this fact can be definitively established. I only know that the apparent father has said publicly that he is the father of the baby. I also have not been engaged in any activity of any description that requested, agreed to or supported payments of any kind to the woman or to the apparent father of the baby.It is inadequate to say to the people who believed in me that I am sorry, as it
is inadequate to say to the people who love me that I am sorry. In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up -- feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself. I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help. I have given a complete interview on this matter and having done so, will have nothing more to say. "
Okay, John. Let's break this down piece by piece, sound-bite by sound-bite, bullshit excuse by bullshit excuse.
First, let me say, I was a fan. Was. It is hard for me to admit how naive I was. I'm upset on several levels: 1) You cheated on your wife; 2) You cheated on your wife while she was suffering from cancer; 3) You lied; 4) THE ENQUIRER WAS RIGHT! Damn!
Break it down:
"In 2006, I made a serious error in judgment..." given that your word is not necessarily your bond, now that you're coming clean, any MORE years you'd care to discuss. ..."serious error in judgement?" How about fundamentally flawed in character? Not to mention your understatement here.
"... conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs." What, exactly, ARE your core beliefs, John? Because I don't know anymore.
"I recognized my mistake and I told my wife that I had a liaison with another woman, and I asked for her forgiveness." If she forgave you, she's a better woman than I.
"But being 99% honest is no longer enough." It never was John. It never was.
"I was and am ashamed of my conduct and choices..." As you should be.
"...and I had hoped that it would never become public." Never underestimate the power of sleazy rags.
"...I am not the father of any baby..." And you never had sex with that woman either.
"It is inadequate to say to the people who believed in me that I am sorry, as it is inadequate to say to the people who love me that I am sorry." Yeah, but you're just a man. A human. Humans make mistakes.
"I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic." So you set out to prove you're just an average guy. No one special, with great ideas to help make this country a better place. I thought you were special too. Just not in this way.
"If you want to beat me up -- feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself." NOT EVEN CLOSE, BUD! I've talked with a number of people today all of whom are shocked, feeling betrayed, and mourning the loss of a little bit of hope for our future. You'd better be prepared to take a little more beating, because DAMMIT, you deserve it!
"...will have nothing more to say. " Nope. You've got a lot more you have to say. You cannot say "sorry" enough. Unfortunately there are lots of people out there who use a pretty wide brush with which to paint people. If this in any way tarnishes us, impacts our future, you will have a lot more explaining to do!
Obviously I am angry. Are there any honorable people out there? (I'm well aware that this behavior is not exclusive to men.)
Congratulations, John. You've just been elected the country's top JERK!

Is it more true now that it is in "mainstream media?"

2008-08-08T15:07:00.002-04:00

http://www.newsobserver.com/front/story/1169818.html

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

Why I love Anderson Cooper

2008-08-07T11:39:00.001-04:00

http://perezhilton.com/2008-08-05-anderson-cooper-hates-the-lohans

Learning from mistakes...

2008-08-04T14:44:00.002-04:00

...that's all we can ask of someone. Let's hope the future shows the lessons were learned.

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/

See you at the Superbowl!

Perspective

2008-07-28T11:46:00.001-04:00

Complications

2008-07-25T14:20:00.006-04:00

Not that it's anybody's business, but I have been potty-trained for a long time. More than 50 years. That would be 350 in dog’s years. I’ve been at it for a while. It’s fairly simple once you get the hang of it. You go in. You do what you have to do. You’re done.

You’d think.

My employer has decided to make a fairly straightforward and simple process more complicated. In the interest of “saving the planet,” they’ve installed these new-fangled toilets in the restrooms at my workplace that are designed to save water. Now understand, I’m all for saving the planet, but at what cost? Yes, we need to be sensitive about others. I know we are blessed with a bounty of clean, drinkable water in this county. I realize that we are in a drought situation here and need to find more inventive ways to use our natural resources. Of course we should not be wasteful. But this “better for the environment” crap is getting ridiculous. We're complicating things.

I’ve been at this for over a half-century. NOW, at my advanced years, I’m expected to adapt to a new way of doing things. Old dog – new trick? It's not that easy.

First there is the sign explaining the new fixtures. I generally don’t take my glasses into the facilities because after all these years, I can usually accomplish the tasks at hand without actually having to see anything. So, now I have to go back and get my glasses so I can read the sign. The sign explains new “protocol.” Now there’s something new in life to remember. As if I don’t have enough to remember, like use your turn signals and don't smoke while pumping gas. At my age it’s getting more difficult to remember things. Damn. One more thing!

Next, I have to keep track of what it is that I’ve “done.” I pay very little attention to the specifics of my trips to the restroom. I mean, it’s like breathing. You just DO IT. You don’t make a big deal of it. So now, if I’m going to appropriately participate in this endeavor, I have to be cognizant of the process so that I’m sure to push the handle the proper way. The handle goes "Up" for one thing. "Down" for another. What if I screw it up? What if I push "down" for the wrong thing?

Do you self-report? Do I call my boss? What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Life gets more complicated by the day. Technology, designed to make our lives easier, has infringed upon the last place of solace. The bathroom.

What's next?

I would ponder that, but I have to go, uh, you know...

check my email.

I am so naive.

2008-07-25T10:02:00.005-04:00

I really thought, when it came right down to it, the School Board would make a deliberate, measured decision.

I was wrong. Again.

From the Charlotte Observer:

“Duncan, the board chair, said before the meeting that both
finalists made a good impression, but “there is a legitimate
compare-and-contrast to their backgrounds.” Prince, the 2007 N.C. superintendent of the year, is a lifelong educator, but has never run a large urban district.”

On the other hand, Green has never been an educator nor has he run a large urban district.

I wish that the Guilford County School Board could understand what’s at stake here. This seems incredibly risky to me. It appears he was hired on the strength of his ability to inspire people around him. So? He’s a good cheerleader. I’m not sure that’s enough.

We’re gambling our children on this and that is not a gamble I’m willing to take. Are you?

Stay tuned.

MY choice for superintendent...

2008-07-24T11:34:00.001-04:00

"I won't be looking for average," Green said to employees at Southern High School. "If that's what you want, then I ain't the one you want." (N&R)
Yep! That's the one I want improving our test scores in math. And English.

Oh No! Where's Sue?

2008-07-08T13:53:00.001-04:00

Sue's home safe and sound. Well, safe at least.

I'm glad this wasn't her ride.

The world just got a little smarter and a little more beautiful...

2008-07-05T07:43:00.003-04:00

Baby update.

2008-07-03T18:51:00.003-04:00

It is nearly 7:00 p.m. and progress is slow. SLOW. SLLLLLOOOOOWWW.

But good things come to those who wait. I'm guessing middle of the night.

Did you know they keep a very close eye on the good drugs at the hospital?

Bundle 1 is doing the whole earth mother, non-medicated thing. I say if she's not using HER drugs, why can't I have them.

This grandmother stuff is tough!

The birth will NOT be live-blogged...

2008-07-03T11:31:00.003-04:00

... because sometimes a little privacy is warranted.

Boy, have things changed in the 20 years since I gave birth!

Bundle of Joy #1 has just been admitted to Women's Hospital in Greensboro where she will have her little girl and more importantly, my first GRANDBABY.

I guess I'd better go listen to some classic rock to get a grandmotherly vibe going.

I will update as things progress but this is the first baby so it could take awhile. Apparently this kid is coming into the world with a BANG!

If at first you don't succeed...

2008-06-19T19:46:00.002-04:00

... the internet is a strange and wonderful thing. I've been trying to post an article that I found interesting, but the site and link kept screwing up and since my personal help desk decided she needed to go on a honeymoon, I was totally lost.

Anyway, I finally am getting this posted and all's well that ends well. Well, not for some guys. My comment originally was, "I can't even open an envelope with MY nails." Well, I thought it was funny. Most of you guys won't.

Oh no you didn't!

2008-06-13T19:56:00.005-04:00

Mr. W: Here. (Handing me some object)

Me: What's this?

W: It's your's.

Me: My what? What the f*** is THIS?

W: An AARP card. I joined AARP for us. It's good until 2013.

Me: What?

W: You get discounts.

Me: I'd rather pay full price. I am NOT old enough to be a member of AARP.

W: Yes you are. You only have to be (he names a number)

Me: GET MY NAME OFF OF THIS!

W: It's a good thing. They lobby for healthcare and stuff. You get all kinds of discounts.

Me: I'm not joining AARP.

W: Too late. You're a member.

Me: You can't do this. Did you forge my name?

W: No, there were no signatures involve.

Actually, there a really nice interview with Martin Sheen in this month's magazine. I read it. I also checked out the gel pads for the kitchen in the ads in the back.

And I am, after all, going to be a grandma in a couple of weeks.

This sucks. (the getting old part, not the grandma part)

But then the really important stuff reminds us...

2008-06-12T10:18:00.002-04:00

... how frivolous many of our "priorities" are. Last night Top Chef was a big deal to me. Halfway across the country a bigger deal was happening.

I said in a previous post that one of the things that intrigued me about Top Chef was having a personal connection to the finale site.

I have a personal connection to this tragedy. In the 70's, my husband was an employee of the Mid-America Council of Boy Scouts. His district included parts of Iowa, including the camp location. Lloyd Roitstein was a colleague. That was 30+ years ago. Lloyd is now the President of the Council and its spokesman through this tragedy.

So remind me, dear readers, when I complain that it's too hot, or drivers suck, or my team didn't win, that there are real problems out there.

"Stephanie..."

2008-06-12T09:00:00.003-04:00

Pause.

Wait for it.

Wait for it.

WAIT for it.

"...YOU are Top Chef."

I've been a fan of Top Chef since season 2. I got to go back and watch the first season earlier this year when I was sick. I was lucky to get sick during a Top Chef marathon. It is interesting seeing how the show has evolved.

It is fun. Interesting. Exciting. I was nervous waiting for the results last night. Stephanie was my favorite since the first show this season, though I wouldn't have been disappointed if Richard won. I WOULD have been disappointed if Lisa won. She made it much farther than she should have. But then Richard did get a pass on the fish scales. Anyway, as Tom Coliccio says, "you didn't taste the food."

One of the exciting aspects for me was that the finale was in Puerto Rico at the home of Bundle of Joy #2's financee's uncle.

AND the contestants all blog. I say we invite them to cook for us at ConvergeSouth this year.

Here's a program idea. Celebrity Chef strip-off. Let's include that little hottie Bobby Flay, 'k?

We're not NASCAR fans...

2008-06-11T15:08:00.004-04:00

...but we follow these folks pretty carefully.

Bundle of Joy #3 works here. As we have learned more about the work they do and appreciate how important they are in the lives of children, we want them to succeed. I hope this new group will provide the financial stability they're looking for so that they can continue their very important work off the track.

If you've never seen the place, do yourself a favor and take a tour. It's amazing!

A little dignity please?

2008-06-11T13:47:00.002-04:00

http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/NRSTAFF/282464659

A friend of mine served on a jury for a murder trial. Afterward she said, “If I’m ever murdered, just let the person go. I don’t want those autopsy pictures of my naked body passed around the court room like they were in this case.” She went on to describe the horror of looking at those pictures, those pieces of evidence.

Where is our humanity? Where is our dignity? Where is our “right to know” greater than someone’s right to privacy?

How is having those pictures out for public viewing going to change anything? Will we think less of the victim? We will think less of the perpetrators?

All I can think of are Eve Carson’s parents. I can’t begin to know what they are going through and I hope I never have to deal with something like this.

I wouldn’t be inclined to “let the person go,” but neither am I inclined to let these pictures go.

Let’s show a little restraint and dignity for a change.

For now....

2008-04-07T08:48:00.002-04:00

Hope SPRINGs Eternal

2008-02-24T16:21:00.002-05:00

It is a sound that is the harbinger of spring. Last week I heard it for the first time this year. It means the weather will become prettier. The flowers will start to bloom.

Welcome.

Perspective

2008-02-14T17:44:00.001-05:00

I attend an conference every summer at NIU.

The Ombudsman as served as a mentor and friend to me.

My heart breaks.

He HAS to go! It's about time he was fired!

2008-02-11T21:04:00.000-05:00

He's done nothing since he's been here.

Uh, Howard?

2008-02-07T13:38:00.001-05:00

What now?

Back in the saddle again.

2008-02-02T20:13:00.000-05:00

I have been sick. I say that not to elicit sympathy, but to explain my absence. A huge part of the sickness was the lack of energy to do much of anything including blogging. I am slowly but surely getting better, little by little, thanks, in part, to a trip to a spa in Charleston. But it's going to take a while.

Since I've been out of bloggy touch a few things have happened, the most important of which was the announcement from my daughter, (the married one, who has a job and health insurance) that I am going to be a grandmother!

This announcement came two days after hearing from my other daughter (unmarried, unemployed, but has health insurance) that she'd taken all my G-Love cds. At first I was irritated. But then after hearing that I'm going to be a grandmother, I figured it was probably for the best. What grandmother listens to G-Love? But how'm I going to live without my Special Sauce! It's a dilemma, I tell you!

I see not much has changed in the Greensboro blogging world. The same people are complaining about the same things. And I find myself missing this one. I go here and here when I need a dose of sanity. It helps me forget the egos and remember the rewarding parts of life.

So, with spring around the corner and new life coming into my sphere I continue to get well.

I'm going to add to my list of resolutions to not get myself sucked into the negative, banal, garbage that has permeated this medium. Instead I'm working my way through the catalogs of Nick Hornby and Cormac McCarthy. (Fec -- if you have not read "The Road," you MUST!) These authors are far more enlightening although I will admit some of the stuff on local blogs make for interesting fiction, not particularly well-written, masking as non-fiction. Can YOU tell the difference? Alas, many cannot.

Cheers!

Temper & Impatience

2007-12-29T09:19:00.000-05:00

This should have come before the new year. I've been trying to write it but I'm afraid I've lost well, the patience, with doing it. Still, even if I am setting goals belatedly, better late than never, right?

I'm working on improving my life in many ways. One area with which I struggle is in controlling my temper. Working on this is the next step in my efforts for self-improvement.

TEMPER AND PATIENCE. I remember it being an issue even as a child. "Watch out! Her face is getting red." It was the outward manifestation of inner turmoil. My temper has been an issue as long as I can remember. I think I've gotten better as I've gotten older, but you'd have to ask my family and friends about that. I try. My resolution is to try harder.

One of the important aspects in behavior control is understanding the situation around you. There are certain hot button issues that set me off. It would be help to avoid those situations that I know will trip me up.

For example: I don't like old people. Yes, I know. With God's grace I shall be old myself someday. My kids think I'm already there. Put me in a nursery full of screaming babies and I'm fine. Put me in a line in the grocery store with a couple of old people and I'm heading back to the meat department looking for the nearest butcher knife.
Mr. W: I'm cooking tonight. Could you stop and pick up some mushrooms and celery on your way home from work?
Me: No.
Mr. W: What? Why? I'll pay you back.
Me: It's not the money. It's Thursday.
Mr. W: What's that got to do with it?
Me: It's senior citizen's discount day at the grocery store. I don't GO there on senior citizen's discount day.

Get my point?

I'm not particularly patient on the roadways either. Couple that with elderly drivers and it is, for me, an explosive situation. There has been a lot of talk here and here about comments Jay Ovitorre made about Congressman Howard Coble. I'm not going to take the time (or patience) to talk about Howard's politics. However I would like to talk about Howard behind the wheel. My route into work takes me past Howard's home and there have been a number of occasions when Howard is driving on the same road, AT THE SAME TIME as me. Whether Howard should give up his Congressional seat is up for debate. As far as I'm concerned he should give up his seat behind the wheel of a car! He is dangerous. (I mentioned this to a close friend of Howard's who said it's not a matter of Howard's age. He's always been a lousy driver.)

Then there are the regular, everyday, inconsiderate folks I like to refer to as "the oblivious people." You know them. They are the people who stop their carts in the middle of the aisle whilst they peruse the shelves. They are the people who stop in the middle of the walkway to chat with their friends, without so much as a glance to see who they are blocking. They are the people who have those dog leashes with the buttons to retract the cord so that when you're approaching them on a pathway, they can pull their dogs in close but instead choose to let you have to leap over the cord while Fido chases a squirrel. They are the people (okay, it's only one person) who stands at the door looking out into the cold rain and says, "Boy! It's nasty out there! I'd hate to go out in this. Would you take this over to the Dean's office?" They are the people who hang up, without apologizing, when they dial the wrong number.

Morons, idiots, and jerks! I'm surrounded by them. But I shall try to suffer them, if not gladly, then perhaps silently.

Damn! I just blew resolution 1 didn't I?

You say you want a resolution...

2007-12-29T08:36:00.000-05:00

I always take the time between Christmas and the New Year to hunker down, review my life, get a handle on personal issues, and resolve to make some positive changes. This year's end was a little different. I got quite sick this fall and I'm taking this time to try to recover from my illness; drink more water, exercise, eat better, and get some much-needed rest. This has meant frequent napping. I'm grateful to have the time off work and the support of my family to be able to do this.

I've also spent some time reflecting. What do I need to do differently to achieve my goals? How can I ensure success? One thing I thought might be helpful is if I were to publish my goals, my intentions, my resolutions, so that if you see me not engaging those, you can call me on it and set me on the straight and narrow path I've set forth.

So, today I am publishing my first resolution. Please help me by letting me know how I'm doing.

IMPROVE COMMUNICATION: I resolve to be more careful and more direct in my communication with others in order to avoid misunderstandings. This would include abandoning the use of words like "moron," "idiot," and my personal favorite, "low-life, scum-sucking, red-neck piece of sh**." I also will make a serious attempt to avoid the "f" word especially when coupling it with previous soon-to-be-banned words. I will try to use words to heal not to hurt. I will quit making fun of people by pointing out their mistakes. For example, whenever a blogger misspells something, I will say, "The sentiment is right even if this person isn't bright enough to articulate it in a cogent, coherent manner," instead of saying "F-ing moron. Can't even spell. You can't trust anything s/he says." We all make mistakes and I resolve to look past those mistakes and into the heart of the person.

I will carefully explain my positions, ideas, and beliefs then open myself to authentically hearing other points of view. I will take other thoughts seriously and not say unhelpful things like "F-ing idiot is clueless. How could any intelligent person think such things? I know. This F-ing moron isn't intelligent!" There is a wide-range of intelligence out there and we must support all people no matter how smart or not-smart they might be.

I will avoid sarcasm. I will strive to be more direct rather than making snarky comments expecting people to be able to reach past superficiality and understand the deeper meaning. After all, not everyone is able to make those kinds of deeper connections. I need to be mindful of those who might be confused by what I say.

I realize these are ambitious goals. I hope I'm up to the challenge I've set forth for myself.

Next step: TEMPER AND IMPATIENCE

Just Asking

2007-12-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

Today at the special meeting of the Greensboro City Commissioners a vote was taken to go into closed session. When the members went into the closed session two members who voted against the motion for the closed session chose to not go into the session.

My question is this: How will they get important information if they don't attend the meetings?

As ye sow..

2007-12-19T16:57:00.000-05:00

...so shall ye reap. Let's try to remember that, shall we?

A Child Learns What He Lives
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism,
they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,
they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,
they learn to feel shy.

If children live with shame,
they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with tolerance,
they learn patience.

If children live with praise,
they learn appreciation.

If children live with fairness,
they learn justice.

If children live with security,
they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.

If children live with friendliness,
they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

This makes perfect sense!

2007-12-17T16:02:00.000-05:00

"Guilford County Schools has suspended 14 students alleged to be involved in a fight last week at Grimsley High School..."

Full story here.

So, what we have are 14 kids, out of school, with nothing but time on their hands. This sounds like a well-thought out plan.

Countdown to Christmas: Holiday Tip #2

2007-12-16T20:52:00.000-05:00

BEST! COOKIE! EVER!

This recipe was discovered by Bundle of Joy #3 and has become the favorite of this season. It is easy to make.

Oreo Cookie Balls

1 package Oreo cookies
1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese (softened)
1 package of white or chocolate bark

Put Oreo cookies in food processor and process until fine. Mix Oreo crumbs and cream cheese. Roll mixture into marble-size balls and place on cookie sheet. Put Oreo Cookie Balls in refrigerator until cold and firm (about 30 minutes, but it won't hurt to leave them longer). Dip in melted bark. Put cookie balls on wax paper to dry.

Countdown to Christmas: Holiday Tip #1

2007-12-15T14:09:00.001-05:00

Is it hard to reach and fill the Christmas Tree stand?

Fill a pitcher with ice cubes. Crawl under the tree and pour the ice into the stand. Any "spillage" is easily picked up.

Say WHAT, again?

2007-11-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

There is an interesting article in the News & Record today about two Greensboro Police Officers suing the Rhino Times.

I'm puzzled by some of the comments made by Rhino editor John Hammer. According the the News & Record article,

Hammer allowed that the articles contained errors but said none were significant or defamatory.

"It validates the series. ... They found very minor mistakes," he said. "If you write 180,000 words about something, you’re going to have some minor errors in there."

Here are my questions:
How many "minor errors" are permitted per word count? Is there a formula that's used?
How does one determine whether the "errors" are minor? For example "not" is a tiny, little word and the exclusion of it might be considered by some to be "minor." However, if left off in a sentence that says, "He was found guilty," the meaning of the sentence changes significantly. Who is in charge of "minor," versus "major" mistakes?
Is there someplace where we can learn what, exactly, the "errors" or "minor mistakes" are? Or do we have to guess?

I'm just trying to understand, if the EDITOR of the Rhino admits the article contains "errors" and "minor mistakes," (because, you know, "If you write 180,000 words about something, you're going to have some minor errors in there.") how we are supposed to accept anything written in the Rhino as credible. The Rhino has published a LOT of words over the years. How many other "minor mistakes" have there been?

Just wondering.

Say WHAT?

2007-11-20T20:34:00.001-05:00

They say you should sing like no one's listening.

I think what that's supposed to mean is that one should be less inhibited. It means to be free. To be honest.

Uh, no thanks. When you do that, THIS happens!

How Do You Like Me Now?

On The Road Again

Does this thing work?

A Warning To My Children!

Ric Flair. Humiliating the south.

For those of you who thought "Grasshoppers" was a stupid name...

At work...

Golf is Dangerous!

What an example of youthful enterprise...

When you gotta go...

Shell Shocked.

I was afraid I wasn't going to make it...

I have four cats...

Idiot, Part 2

But he's not a racist...

Another one bites the dust...

The basics

The Ultimate Couch Potato

I believe in a sense of decorum...

Because staying up all night to study (or party) is hard...

I'm easily offended...

BEST QUOTE EVER!

Making It Right

I promise to keep the new one clean...

And many more...

The Forces Are Conspiring Against Me!

I can't wait for tomorrow at noon...

Thank you Ganache!

Helloooo?

Re: Sarah Palin

My New Favorite...

See? I F*&^%*&$ing TOLD You So!!!

Swim club president denies racism

But there's no racism anymore...

How to die...

FURTHERMORE...

And while we're at it...

Turn Signals Are Our Friends

Discovering the English Language

I'm looking for a Spanish immersion day care.

As the mother of a public school teacher...

What's a Motto?

Still rasslin'

Blogging and facebook and tweets. Oh my!

et tu?

The Definition of Chutzpah...

Blackwater Changes Its Name

You're kidding. Right?

Playing With Words

My new favorite blog...

Job Hunting?

Little Punkin'

Funny! But not worth the $$

Waaaaaa!

I've got to be nicer to my mother

A Huge Loss

My kids think I'M over-protective...

An oldie but a goodie. Some days you just get it right.

Quotes of the Day.

Speaking of Pigs...

...and I'll never have to grocery shop again!

It's official. I AM old!

Sense of Humor.

According to Ruth

Idiot!

Stories that break your heart.

Not much has changed.

Quote Of The Day

My "Dear John" letter...

Is it more true now that it is in "mainstream media?"

Why I love Anderson Cooper

Learning from mistakes...

Perspective

Complications

I am so naive.

MY choice for superintendent...

Oh No! Where's Sue?

The world just got a little smarter and a little more beautiful...

Baby update.

The birth will NOT be live-blogged...

See? I F&^%&$ing TOLD You So!!!