Homecoming Football Games ought to give the team holding the homecoming some kind of bonus points. At least a little leg up to get them started.
Last night was our HS homecoming game, and in the end the boys in blue lost by one touchdown. Totally a bummer.
Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed the fun friends, family and neighbors I got to hang out with for a few hours. Oh, and the "Light the G" ceremony was pretty neat too. Probably would have been even more exciting had I remembered just exactly where the G is on the hillside prior to it being lit so I could watch the switch get flipped. Oh well.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
In Mid-Avoidance
I am finding all sorts of things to do today to avoid getting out all the paraphernalia that it takes to work on scrapbooks. It was on my radar to work on the scrapbooks today--the yucky weather helps that project--but I keep finding things to do to avoid it.
There was a time when the scrapbooking was a therapeutic and relaxing things to do on a rainy, or snowy day. But I have two banker's boxes full of the scraps, plus all the photos from the last two years for our family book; and each of the kids have a banker's box of their stuff, along with photos for the past year or so. I try to keep theirs up, as they do occasionally look at their books.
I know that scrapbooks are just a nice thing--and not necessary to my eternal happiness, not even the idea of happy for the weekend. But I would feel much less guilt and have fewer "bad-mom" vibes if I could get it caught up.
I have discovered that as the kids get busier with their own friends, the scouts, work, teams, etc. I am not taking as many photos of them as I did when they were little and we are together all the time. I guess I miss that on one hand, but on the other I am relieved that I don't have more to put into their books. Pretty sad commentary, right?
It is amazing how many other "undone" things are getting my attention, however, as I avoid the supposedly "fun" way to spend my day.
There was a time when the scrapbooking was a therapeutic and relaxing things to do on a rainy, or snowy day. But I have two banker's boxes full of the scraps, plus all the photos from the last two years for our family book; and each of the kids have a banker's box of their stuff, along with photos for the past year or so. I try to keep theirs up, as they do occasionally look at their books.
I know that scrapbooks are just a nice thing--and not necessary to my eternal happiness, not even the idea of happy for the weekend. But I would feel much less guilt and have fewer "bad-mom" vibes if I could get it caught up.
I have discovered that as the kids get busier with their own friends, the scouts, work, teams, etc. I am not taking as many photos of them as I did when they were little and we are together all the time. I guess I miss that on one hand, but on the other I am relieved that I don't have more to put into their books. Pretty sad commentary, right?
It is amazing how many other "undone" things are getting my attention, however, as I avoid the supposedly "fun" way to spend my day.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
And Now For Something Completely Different
After the pile of bummer topics I have written on this week, I am pleased to write about a fun interruption I had this morning. Completely mindless, and totally fun. It was the HS Homecoming Assembly.
I have no real business being there, that is true. But I have a dear friend, Amy, who teaches The Girl's pre-calculus honors class. And she doesn't seem to have any problem with me tagging along with her. Plus, today, our mutual friend, Taffy, joined in on the fun.
Taffy and I showed up at Miss Amy's class with a McDonald's breakfast request for her. Since we got there a little early for the assembly, Taffy and I sat in on one of the pre-cal classes. I can balance my checkbook, but this was more calculations than I can figure. My head was ready to explode.
Then, it was time for the assembly. Curious how quickly the students run for the gymnasium on the way to an assembly, but how s_l_o_w_l_y they return to their classes. Some things about high school have not changed at all in the *cough* twenty something years since I was there. I'm just saying.
The assembly progressed with the band playing the national anthem, someone leading the pledge of allegiance, and some student body officers with microphones who have no sense of public shame. Students were selected to be "couch potatoes". These three are one sophomore, junior and senior student--drawn at random--who are given "the best seat in the gym" on a ratty old plaid, dorm-room appropriate couch to watch the rally.
Then the fun began. The third place lip sync performed. I have no idea what the song was, but one performer was a girl from our elementary school, in The Girl's grade. Jerica is a great kids, and was preforming like there was no tomorrow.
Then the second place group came to center court. These darling boys did a Justin Beiber number, and were dressed in vintage 1970s shorts and hoodies. Boy, did they have back-up singer moves! It was like the anti-Justin Bieber lead singer was being backed up by the Pips. They were great.
Then the first place lip sync act came on out. Now this was my Trek "son, The Professor, and his football teammate who lip sync'd the "How Will You Know" from the Disney movie Enchanted. Professor was wearing afat suit and wig, and "singing" the part of Giselle. His teammate had a fat suit--a literal suit here--that must have been a disco era throw back. These cute boys skipped and danced and "sang" their hearts out. I understand that the Professor's younger sisters helped him out with the choreography. It showed.
Taffy and I were laughing so hard by this point, my face was hurting. Taffy said hers did too. Sometimes it is fun to go where you don't really belong, and laugh with the group so much that your guts are tender and your face hurts.
The homecoming queen--a volleyball player--did a short skit with her buddies. Meh. No biggie there, but the kids were still hilarious to watch. Observing from this side of the "mid-life hill" makes it all the funnier.
Plus it made me a little excited to go watch the kids play football tomorrow. Along with all the high school rituals that go along with a typical homecoming game tomorrow night.
I have no real business being there, that is true. But I have a dear friend, Amy, who teaches The Girl's pre-calculus honors class. And she doesn't seem to have any problem with me tagging along with her. Plus, today, our mutual friend, Taffy, joined in on the fun.
Taffy and I showed up at Miss Amy's class with a McDonald's breakfast request for her. Since we got there a little early for the assembly, Taffy and I sat in on one of the pre-cal classes. I can balance my checkbook, but this was more calculations than I can figure. My head was ready to explode.
Then, it was time for the assembly. Curious how quickly the students run for the gymnasium on the way to an assembly, but how s_l_o_w_l_y they return to their classes. Some things about high school have not changed at all in the *cough* twenty something years since I was there. I'm just saying.
The assembly progressed with the band playing the national anthem, someone leading the pledge of allegiance, and some student body officers with microphones who have no sense of public shame. Students were selected to be "couch potatoes". These three are one sophomore, junior and senior student--drawn at random--who are given "the best seat in the gym" on a ratty old plaid, dorm-room appropriate couch to watch the rally.
Then the fun began. The third place lip sync performed. I have no idea what the song was, but one performer was a girl from our elementary school, in The Girl's grade. Jerica is a great kids, and was preforming like there was no tomorrow.
Then the second place group came to center court. These darling boys did a Justin Beiber number, and were dressed in vintage 1970s shorts and hoodies. Boy, did they have back-up singer moves! It was like the anti-Justin Bieber lead singer was being backed up by the Pips. They were great.
Then the first place lip sync act came on out. Now this was my Trek "son, The Professor, and his football teammate who lip sync'd the "How Will You Know" from the Disney movie Enchanted. Professor was wearing afat suit and wig, and "singing" the part of Giselle. His teammate had a fat suit--a literal suit here--that must have been a disco era throw back. These cute boys skipped and danced and "sang" their hearts out. I understand that the Professor's younger sisters helped him out with the choreography. It showed.
Taffy and I were laughing so hard by this point, my face was hurting. Taffy said hers did too. Sometimes it is fun to go where you don't really belong, and laugh with the group so much that your guts are tender and your face hurts.
The homecoming queen--a volleyball player--did a short skit with her buddies. Meh. No biggie there, but the kids were still hilarious to watch. Observing from this side of the "mid-life hill" makes it all the funnier.
Plus it made me a little excited to go watch the kids play football tomorrow. Along with all the high school rituals that go along with a typical homecoming game tomorrow night.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Makes Me Sick
Today the US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the following case:
By Warren Richey, Staff writer, Christian Science Monitor/ October 6, 2010
The US Supreme Court is set to hear a high-stakes battle over free speech on Wednesday in an appeal filed by the father of a US Marine killed in Iraq who claims his son’s funeral in 2006 was disrupted and ruined by an antigay protest.
Albert Snyder had won a $5 million jury verdict against the Rev. Fred Phelps and members of his Westboro Baptist Church for intentional infliction of emotional distress and violating the sanctity of the funeral of his son, Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder. But the judgment was later reversed by a federal appeals court panel that ruled that despite the offensive nature of the protests conducted by the Westboro members, their activities were protected by the First Amendment.
Mr. Phelps is well-known nationally for his fire-and-brimstone opposition to homosexuality. Since 2005, he and members of his Topeka, Kansas-based church have organized protests at military funerals of service members who are not gay in an effort to attract public attention to their cause.
The group believes that God hates homosexuality and is punishing America for its growing acceptance of gay rights by killing US troops overseas.
Family members and others at military funerals have complained about the protests. But Phelps and his supporters insist they have a constitutional right to carry their message to the people at the funerals.
"Snyder had one (and only one) opportunity to bury his son and that occasion has been tarnished forever,” wrote Mr. Snyder’s lawyer, Sean Summers of York, Pa., in his petition urging the high court to take up the case. “Snyder deserved better. Matthew deserved better. A civilized society deserved better.”
The appeals court that reversed the jury verdict did not disagree with that point. But the appeals court said despite the “distasteful and repugnant nature of the words being challenged,” Phelps had a First Amendment right to speak on public issues, even when the speech was highly offensive.
It makes me sick that this "church" prefers to protest at a fallen soldier's funeral. These are NOT gay soldiers. They are killed overseas, therefore--according the Westboro Baptist Church--God allowed these soldiers to be killed because He is punishing America for its stand on gay rights.
I understand why the high court if hearing this case. It is a First Amendment issue--free speech versus privacy. And sadly, I think I see that the court might just rule in favor of the church--because repulsive, harmful, and hurtful speech is still Free Speech according to the Constitution.
It makes me sick, that in order to continue to enjoy our American freedoms, we are forced to allow this kind of discourtesy and disrespect. It just goes to show that values along with ethical, moral, and correct behaviors are not universal nor common place.
Why can't people just be kind to each other, and live the Golden Rule? You remember, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you". If everyone did live according to that 'law' alone would solve a lot of society's issues. Sad, the high court cannot mandate that ruling.
By Warren Richey, Staff writer, Christian Science Monitor/ October 6, 2010
The US Supreme Court is set to hear a high-stakes battle over free speech on Wednesday in an appeal filed by the father of a US Marine killed in Iraq who claims his son’s funeral in 2006 was disrupted and ruined by an antigay protest.
Albert Snyder had won a $5 million jury verdict against the Rev. Fred Phelps and members of his Westboro Baptist Church for intentional infliction of emotional distress and violating the sanctity of the funeral of his son, Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder. But the judgment was later reversed by a federal appeals court panel that ruled that despite the offensive nature of the protests conducted by the Westboro members, their activities were protected by the First Amendment.
Mr. Phelps is well-known nationally for his fire-and-brimstone opposition to homosexuality. Since 2005, he and members of his Topeka, Kansas-based church have organized protests at military funerals of service members who are not gay in an effort to attract public attention to their cause.
The group believes that God hates homosexuality and is punishing America for its growing acceptance of gay rights by killing US troops overseas.
Family members and others at military funerals have complained about the protests. But Phelps and his supporters insist they have a constitutional right to carry their message to the people at the funerals.
"Snyder had one (and only one) opportunity to bury his son and that occasion has been tarnished forever,” wrote Mr. Snyder’s lawyer, Sean Summers of York, Pa., in his petition urging the high court to take up the case. “Snyder deserved better. Matthew deserved better. A civilized society deserved better.”
The appeals court that reversed the jury verdict did not disagree with that point. But the appeals court said despite the “distasteful and repugnant nature of the words being challenged,” Phelps had a First Amendment right to speak on public issues, even when the speech was highly offensive.
It makes me sick that this "church" prefers to protest at a fallen soldier's funeral. These are NOT gay soldiers. They are killed overseas, therefore--according the Westboro Baptist Church--God allowed these soldiers to be killed because He is punishing America for its stand on gay rights.
I understand why the high court if hearing this case. It is a First Amendment issue--free speech versus privacy. And sadly, I think I see that the court might just rule in favor of the church--because repulsive, harmful, and hurtful speech is still Free Speech according to the Constitution.
It makes me sick, that in order to continue to enjoy our American freedoms, we are forced to allow this kind of discourtesy and disrespect. It just goes to show that values along with ethical, moral, and correct behaviors are not universal nor common place.
Why can't people just be kind to each other, and live the Golden Rule? You remember, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you". If everyone did live according to that 'law' alone would solve a lot of society's issues. Sad, the high court cannot mandate that ruling.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Blog Link
I very recently ran across this blog: Single Dad Laughing. He is great, and only had been blogging since July of this year. You'll soon see his link on the blog list to the right. But this particular post he wrote was worth sharing. It is a little long, but well worth the time to read the whole thing. I feel much the same at times, but he put it so well, trying to put his thoughts into my words wasn't going to help things here.
http://www.danoah.com/2010/09/disease-called-perfection.html
I appreciate your comments, as you feel the need to leave them here. Please feel the invitation to do that with this topic as well. I am sincerely interested.
And, a special Thank You to Kira for her kind and well-thought words in response to my post yesterday: Kira, what you wrote made sense to me in a way I hadn't even thought of before. Thank you for that. My heart is settled a bit more after reading your thoughts.
http://www.danoah.com/2010/09/disease-called-perfection.html
I appreciate your comments, as you feel the need to leave them here. Please feel the invitation to do that with this topic as well. I am sincerely interested.
And, a special Thank You to Kira for her kind and well-thought words in response to my post yesterday: Kira, what you wrote made sense to me in a way I hadn't even thought of before. Thank you for that. My heart is settled a bit more after reading your thoughts.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Politically Incorrect
This past weekend was LDS General Conference--a twice yearly chance to listen to church leaders teach and guide the membership of the 14 million member worldwide church body.
President Packer always seems to get difficult topics on which to speak. This time was no different. He spoke for a time on gay marriage--without specifying it in so many words.
Here is the thing: I have a hard time with this topic because of the vitriol and hatred that gets brought in, by both sides. As a religious person, I believe that marriage is ordained between a man and a woman. Anything else is not a marriage in the eyes of God.
I feel incredibly uncomfortable in voicing this opinion because of the "PC" world we live in. I am thusly categorized as a hater and a bigot. The opposition pushes the envelope to the point that I must not only allow their viewpoint to be seen as correct, but that my own opinion is held at naught because I'm infringing on their civil rights.
Tolerance is a one way street with this crowd. In fact, tolerance alone on my part isn't enough for them. They want me to say that the lifestyle they choose is as valid as the one I chose. I can't even say politically that civil unions may allow the same rights of survivorship, medical decisions, and inheritance--they want these pairings to be called marraiges.
To me, a marriage is a union ordained of God, instituted at the time of Adam to provide a family situation: a family which includes a mother, father, and children--with the intent to return to live in the hereafter with God together.
The opposition is not interested in a family by my definition, as they flagrantly disobey God's laws, if they even recognize Him at all. If they oppose everything I think a marriage and a family really are, why do they insist on being allowed to call their cohabitations by these same names? Why are they so anxious--to the point of bitter, inflammatory and hateful talk against a hetero-lifestyle--to have the same things? I don't see that it means to them what these things mean to me. So why all the hastle to call their situations the same?
I dislike confrontation about things like this. Even the political ads on TV right now--moral issues aside--make me squirm. I guess I must be slow here, as I just don't get why they care so badly what I believe when it isn't at all what they believe.
President Packer always seems to get difficult topics on which to speak. This time was no different. He spoke for a time on gay marriage--without specifying it in so many words.
Here is the thing: I have a hard time with this topic because of the vitriol and hatred that gets brought in, by both sides. As a religious person, I believe that marriage is ordained between a man and a woman. Anything else is not a marriage in the eyes of God.
I feel incredibly uncomfortable in voicing this opinion because of the "PC" world we live in. I am thusly categorized as a hater and a bigot. The opposition pushes the envelope to the point that I must not only allow their viewpoint to be seen as correct, but that my own opinion is held at naught because I'm infringing on their civil rights.
Tolerance is a one way street with this crowd. In fact, tolerance alone on my part isn't enough for them. They want me to say that the lifestyle they choose is as valid as the one I chose. I can't even say politically that civil unions may allow the same rights of survivorship, medical decisions, and inheritance--they want these pairings to be called marraiges.
To me, a marriage is a union ordained of God, instituted at the time of Adam to provide a family situation: a family which includes a mother, father, and children--with the intent to return to live in the hereafter with God together.
The opposition is not interested in a family by my definition, as they flagrantly disobey God's laws, if they even recognize Him at all. If they oppose everything I think a marriage and a family really are, why do they insist on being allowed to call their cohabitations by these same names? Why are they so anxious--to the point of bitter, inflammatory and hateful talk against a hetero-lifestyle--to have the same things? I don't see that it means to them what these things mean to me. So why all the hastle to call their situations the same?
I dislike confrontation about things like this. Even the political ads on TV right now--moral issues aside--make me squirm. I guess I must be slow here, as I just don't get why they care so badly what I believe when it isn't at all what they believe.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Video Sunday
This is a video that was prepared and shown at Genius Golfer's company's convention a week or so ago. Watch the lab-coat-wearing folks--they are JUS employees. Hang in until the end--like about 1:25 or so--and you might catch a glimpse of someone who looks familiar.
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