I love to do bedtime stories. In the past, I've read stories. When I'm in a creative mood, I'll make up stories. The whole bedtime story routine, however, has changed in my home. My 6 year old is starting to read. As a result, she reads the stories to me. I listen to her read a book, and I spend time thinking about the information being absorbed by my daughter.
Tonight's tale was a familiar one, Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!. Before we even owned this book, I was familiar with how this goes. Perhaps you could chant along with me...
Ten little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Momma called the doctor and the doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
Nine little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off...
Wait a second! The doctor has given specific instructions. This wise professional has figured out a simple way to keep further head injuries from taking place. And yet his instructions are ignored. I suppose that's be to expected. We can assume these are young monkeys, and you know what they say...monkeys will be monkeys. But then my attention turns to the mother - where is she?!?!
My daughter is sleeping and I'm wondering if I should let this piece of literature remain in our home. Maybe I could point out the parental neglect. Or I could simply brush this off as another example of an overworked, single-parent home with the youngsters running amuck. I'll need to take some time and sort this out...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sit Down, Batman!
I went to see "The Dark Knight" over the weekend. I rarely will pay big bucks to see any movie, but the reviews had been so solid so I thought why not? Plus, I went during the day to save two dollars which satisified my cheapskate tendencies.
The movie was really good, but that's not why I'm posting today. I felt the need to share something that amused me. Here's the wording on the back of the ticket stub:
The Management reserves the right to refuse admission, by refunding purchase price, and to determine when and where its holder may sit.
I'm not sure why this struck me as so funny. I guess I just imagined going into a theater and standing there waiting for someone in management to come in and let you know it was ok to sit down.
The movie was really good, but that's not why I'm posting today. I felt the need to share something that amused me. Here's the wording on the back of the ticket stub:
The Management reserves the right to refuse admission, by refunding purchase price, and to determine when and where its holder may sit.
I'm not sure why this struck me as so funny. I guess I just imagined going into a theater and standing there waiting for someone in management to come in and let you know it was ok to sit down.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Roller Coaster Rides
Don't get me wrong, I do love roller coasters. Granted, my father tried to scar me for life by forcing my brother and I to ride "The Beast" at King's Island when we were barely tall enough to legally ride. As I got older though, I enjoyed riding roller coasters. In fact, "The Beast" is my all-time favorite ride.
Then there's this roller coaster ride called Life. Not as much fun at times. The ups, downs, twists and turns. Sometimes you don't see them coming.
When I last left you, the family was rejoicing at our newly-repaired van. The morning after that post, we loaded up to begin the return journey home. Ten minutes later we were on the side of I-440 westbound, our van deciding it didn't want to go home yet. The events over the next 24 hours consisted of many phone calls, a tow to a local Pepboys where I now know several guys on a 1st name basis (here's a shout out for Dave & Tim!) and my wallet feeling much, much lighter.
Yet again, I praise God for taking care of us. Christian friends/family saw that our immediate needs were met. We spent time with lots of folks we don't get to see often. And our family now has a few extra memories which we'll reflect on for years to come.
Then there's this roller coaster ride called Life. Not as much fun at times. The ups, downs, twists and turns. Sometimes you don't see them coming.
When I last left you, the family was rejoicing at our newly-repaired van. The morning after that post, we loaded up to begin the return journey home. Ten minutes later we were on the side of I-440 westbound, our van deciding it didn't want to go home yet. The events over the next 24 hours consisted of many phone calls, a tow to a local Pepboys where I now know several guys on a 1st name basis (here's a shout out for Dave & Tim!) and my wallet feeling much, much lighter.
Yet again, I praise God for taking care of us. Christian friends/family saw that our immediate needs were met. We spent time with lots of folks we don't get to see often. And our family now has a few extra memories which we'll reflect on for years to come.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Brake Pads and Clams
The family and I have been on the road for the past week, which is a risk-taking adventure considering the state of our vehicles. We pulled into Nashville a couple of days ago to the disturbing sound of something going on....we diagnosed that it might be brake-related, not that I know much about automotive repairs, but the rumbling we heard took place when I hit the brakes (I'm a proud graduate of the School of Logic!).
Well, I should have addressed this problem yesterday. Which means if you're following along, that I didn't. Today, we go out to get something to drink and pass by a service station that is open--large advertisements stating their expertise in brake repairs. My conscience, who I sometimes refer to as my wife, thought this would be a good opportunity to have our van looked at by a mechanic. We pull in and discover that there is a mechanic on duty who wasn't scheduled to come in, but had chosen to spend his holiday at the shop. We get immediate attention to our problem--another worker there said it had been "dead," unlike any other day.
The mechanic was able to determine we had a few immediate needs, including front brakes. From talking to him, we discovered his wife had the same exact make/model of van. To make the long story short, 356 clams later (and yes, we do pay for our car repairs using actual clams), we're good to go.
What did I take from this experience -- just another reminder that the Lord is good!
Well, I should have addressed this problem yesterday. Which means if you're following along, that I didn't. Today, we go out to get something to drink and pass by a service station that is open--large advertisements stating their expertise in brake repairs. My conscience, who I sometimes refer to as my wife, thought this would be a good opportunity to have our van looked at by a mechanic. We pull in and discover that there is a mechanic on duty who wasn't scheduled to come in, but had chosen to spend his holiday at the shop. We get immediate attention to our problem--another worker there said it had been "dead," unlike any other day.
The mechanic was able to determine we had a few immediate needs, including front brakes. From talking to him, we discovered his wife had the same exact make/model of van. To make the long story short, 356 clams later (and yes, we do pay for our car repairs using actual clams), we're good to go.
What did I take from this experience -- just another reminder that the Lord is good!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Give Me Liberty or Give Me...A Tax Refund!
This is not a paid advertisement. However, I'd like to recommend folks check out Liberty Tax Service. I can't say I've ever used them, but if I were in the market for someone to do my taxes, I'd look into Liberty.
You may be asking, why such enthusiasm for a place you've never used yourself? Well, I'm impressed with Liberty. You see, for the last several weeks, I've driven down the main stretch of road here in town and next to the road, outside of their business, I've been entertained daily by someone dressed up as The Statue of Liberty! And not just entertained because they look funny, The Statue typically is involved in some kind of dance routine which always puts a smile on my face. If you're really lucky, you might spot 'Uncle Sam' on the other side of the road trying to direct vehicles to stop in to have their taxes done. Despite the cool winter weather, these Liberty employees have brightened my day on many occasions.
As my thanks to them, I decided to give them a plug. And if you don't need to have your taxes done, but could use some extra money, I'd suggest you send an audition tape to Liberty right away.
You may be asking, why such enthusiasm for a place you've never used yourself? Well, I'm impressed with Liberty. You see, for the last several weeks, I've driven down the main stretch of road here in town and next to the road, outside of their business, I've been entertained daily by someone dressed up as The Statue of Liberty! And not just entertained because they look funny, The Statue typically is involved in some kind of dance routine which always puts a smile on my face. If you're really lucky, you might spot 'Uncle Sam' on the other side of the road trying to direct vehicles to stop in to have their taxes done. Despite the cool winter weather, these Liberty employees have brightened my day on many occasions.
As my thanks to them, I decided to give them a plug. And if you don't need to have your taxes done, but could use some extra money, I'd suggest you send an audition tape to Liberty right away.
Friday, February 8, 2008
I Feel A Draft!
I'm typing this from my local Panera Bread. The office internet connection was acting up yesterday so I stopped in here this morning to send a few quick e-mails (and enjoy a tasty bagel or two!) before heading in.
At Panera Bread--at least at this location--there are multiple access points to the restaurant. There are the main entrance doors located at the corner of the building. There is another door that leads right into the main dining area...which is right where I'm currently stationed. This door actually serves as the entrance/exit to the outside patio area. It should be pointed out that it is currently 37 degrees and no one is using the outside patio area.
That, however, hasn't stopped multiple people from using that door. And each time someone comes in or goes out, those seated inside are subjected to a blast of February 8th air! I truly admire the thoughtfulness of these Panera patrons and thought I'd bring about some joy to myself by typing about them as they pass by...
Here goes another one. Excuse me while I shudder with discomfort.
At Panera Bread--at least at this location--there are multiple access points to the restaurant. There are the main entrance doors located at the corner of the building. There is another door that leads right into the main dining area...which is right where I'm currently stationed. This door actually serves as the entrance/exit to the outside patio area. It should be pointed out that it is currently 37 degrees and no one is using the outside patio area.
That, however, hasn't stopped multiple people from using that door. And each time someone comes in or goes out, those seated inside are subjected to a blast of February 8th air! I truly admire the thoughtfulness of these Panera patrons and thought I'd bring about some joy to myself by typing about them as they pass by...
Here goes another one. Excuse me while I shudder with discomfort.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Escalator Etiquette
If you're like me, escalators bring back fond childhood memories. What kid doesn't like escalators? Ok, sure, when you first encounter an escalator there are a few fears to overcome. After all, there's the leap of faith as you step from the solid footing of the first floor department store to a set of moving stairs. It's a little unnatural at first. And you have to be alert at the end of your ride. Otherwise you may find yourself facedown on the ground, which would be a bit embarrassing -- who wants to have folks ask, "Hey, what happened to your nose?" when the honest response is "Well, I was on an escalator..." Once you master the art of boarding/deboarding, the escalator becomes a thrilling ride.
Once you're an adult, the escalator ride is still special, because you reflect back to those experiences as a youth. But now, you see an escalator for what it is, a time-saving transportation device. And....if you actually walk up a set of moving escalator steps, you are now able to travel at a super rate of speed, far surpassing what you could normally do on foot. But that leads me to my beef. Recently I was in a store with a single set of escalator steps. I boarded, but my progress was impeded by someone in front of me. And they were just standing there! And I thought to myself--this would be acceptable if this were a child. But in this case, I was behind an adult! I wanted to scream, "Grow up, buddy!" I did bite my tongue, however. Instead, I'm calling this person out in my blog. So now, Mr. Clogging-Up-The-Escalator, maybe you'll come across this and think next time....and show some maturity for crying out loud.
Once you're an adult, the escalator ride is still special, because you reflect back to those experiences as a youth. But now, you see an escalator for what it is, a time-saving transportation device. And....if you actually walk up a set of moving escalator steps, you are now able to travel at a super rate of speed, far surpassing what you could normally do on foot. But that leads me to my beef. Recently I was in a store with a single set of escalator steps. I boarded, but my progress was impeded by someone in front of me. And they were just standing there! And I thought to myself--this would be acceptable if this were a child. But in this case, I was behind an adult! I wanted to scream, "Grow up, buddy!" I did bite my tongue, however. Instead, I'm calling this person out in my blog. So now, Mr. Clogging-Up-The-Escalator, maybe you'll come across this and think next time....and show some maturity for crying out loud.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Note to Whirlpool
For those of you who have kept up with things around our home, you realize we currently have the anti-Midas touch. Basically everything we touch...falls apart! Let's see, since November we've had the following breakdowns: Our fridge, clothes dryer, Laura's cell phone and our van. Not to mention the vehicle I'm driving is not exactly running at peak efficiency. Needless to say, we've incurred several expenses in recent months.
We've been pleased with our new Estate (made by Whirlpool) refrigerator - and on a side note, why isn't that word spelled with a 'd'? Fridge has the d...refrigerator does not, strange don't you think? I do have one qualm with our kitchen cooling unit, however. We now are able to get ice from the front of the fridge! Yes, that's right! For some of you, that's no big deal, but you must understand I've opened up my freezer door all my life to get a few cubes and now it's available right there at the front of the fridge...amazing! Cool (what a horrible pun)! I don't like it!
I should like it, but here's my problem. There are 2 choices -- cubes and a 'shaved/crushed' ice selection. I like cubes, my spouse likes her ice crushed. When I approach the machine and try to obtain a few cubes, there are always small pieces of ice still left in the dispenser from the last time my lovely bride got ice. Hence, I end up with a mixture of cubes/ice shavings. This disturbs me greatly.
So, here's my solution offered to Whirlpool so they can solve similar dilemmas popping up in kitchens across America. Get rid of the crushed ice option! Normally, I like to compromise but I'm standing up for the safety of this nation's youth! Who wants their young people drinking from glasses that contain sharp, jagged, pointy objects? Cubes are much safer - I'm calling them the family-friendly option. I shall enjoy my lukewarm beverage in protest to this injustice!
We've been pleased with our new Estate (made by Whirlpool) refrigerator - and on a side note, why isn't that word spelled with a 'd'? Fridge has the d...refrigerator does not, strange don't you think? I do have one qualm with our kitchen cooling unit, however. We now are able to get ice from the front of the fridge! Yes, that's right! For some of you, that's no big deal, but you must understand I've opened up my freezer door all my life to get a few cubes and now it's available right there at the front of the fridge...amazing! Cool (what a horrible pun)! I don't like it!
I should like it, but here's my problem. There are 2 choices -- cubes and a 'shaved/crushed' ice selection. I like cubes, my spouse likes her ice crushed. When I approach the machine and try to obtain a few cubes, there are always small pieces of ice still left in the dispenser from the last time my lovely bride got ice. Hence, I end up with a mixture of cubes/ice shavings. This disturbs me greatly.
So, here's my solution offered to Whirlpool so they can solve similar dilemmas popping up in kitchens across America. Get rid of the crushed ice option! Normally, I like to compromise but I'm standing up for the safety of this nation's youth! Who wants their young people drinking from glasses that contain sharp, jagged, pointy objects? Cubes are much safer - I'm calling them the family-friendly option. I shall enjoy my lukewarm beverage in protest to this injustice!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Pearl of Wisdom
First, allow me to apologize. I've become one of those people. You know the kind. Folks who maintain a website, in this case a blog, and fail to update it in a timely manner. I deserve to be drawn and quartered, given lashes with a wet noodle and taken behind the woodshed for a good, sound beating. Or perhaps the kind admonishment from a loyal reader in Lafayette was enough. Let me assure you, I have many things to blog about. Hopefully in 2008, I'll do a better job putting the fingers to the keyboard. I know many of you are itching to know what's on my mind!
For now, I'll leave you with the following tidbit from someone who shall remain anonymous. It's an actual quote from someone dear to me: "People remember you when you go to their funerals."
For now, I'll leave you with the following tidbit from someone who shall remain anonymous. It's an actual quote from someone dear to me: "People remember you when you go to their funerals."
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