text:
Sonny Ma-Jiminy: I have an idea!
Me (cautiously): Ye-e-e-eah...
SMJ: We could make a rowing boat!
Me: Oh, great idea. We could use these bean bags for rowing boats and ...
SMJ: No, a real rowing boat, and float it on real water. Maybe somebody's pool. Maybe we could make our own pool!
Me: Err, that sounds like a lot of work ...
SMJ: We'll do it when the sun goes down a little bit and it's not so hot.
Me: What will you need?
SMJ: We'll need lots of wood for the rowing boat. And when we build the pool we'll need a backhoe.
Me (manic shriek): A BACKHOE?
SMJ: We can just make one. We'll need metal.
Me: This is sounding like an amazing amount of work!
SMJ: We can eat some eggs. To give us energy.
[At this point I realised I couldn't even suggest that we think this through, because he obviously has. I did what all right-thinking mothers would do at this stage. I put the TV on. It's either that or cook some eggs and head out to source wood and metal, and skill-up on building earthmoving equipment.]
29 January 2009
"I have an idea!"
Sonny Ma-Jiminy: I have an idea!
Those that have young
So here's the thing. Remember a few weeks ago when I found a Bible verse that seemed to be for me? It went like this:
He settles the barren woman in her home
as a happy mother of her children.
Praise the Lord. (Ps 113:9)
And I was thinking that it wasn't really in context, so it didn't make sense that it comforted me that much. But I was taking any comfort I could get at that time.
Every time I come back to it, I see that it wasn't written for me or my situation at all. The middle bit doesn't say "as a happy mother of her children" at all - it says "as a happy mother of children." It's not about the Lord promising to settle me in a home and be happy with the kids I've got, it's about the Lord giving children to a woman who couldn't have any, and settling her in the home she already had. And that is a comfort I would never grudge her.
I then came across this other one that has comforted me in the past. I am glad I was reminded of it.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: "Those that have young." That's me! (Unless I have to literally BE a sheep for this verse to be about me.)
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11
But I have young. And so unless this is about some random mother sheep, it says that he gently leads me.
Does that mean that the questions will be answered, the loose ends will be tied up and I will be peaceful in our new home?
Labels: god stuff
27 January 2009
Google Talk Messages with Crazy Sister
Me: How are you going today?
Crazy Sister: Do you ever get the feeling your brain is curled up just rocking back and forth in a corner of your head, banging its frontal lobe on your skull, maybe moaning a little?
Me: Yeah. You?
CS: Yeah. So how are you going today?
Me: Got a baditude. Managing to control strong evil desires, like going outside and shouting "I hate you!" to my neighbour when he shouts at his dog. I controlled that one today, but I am making no promises for tomorrow.
CS: you could claim Tourette's.
Me: What? "I hate you! Oh sorry, I have Tourette's." Come on.
CS: Just move.
Me: yeah okay, I'll move
CS: just post a sign in the yard.
Me: "Beware this resident has Tourette's?" Yeah, I can see that.
Me: Have you heard of Hairy Lemon? [This is an effervescent lemon drink full of vitamins.]
CS: no. Is she a feminist?
Me: wha? no
CS: or an alcoholic drink?
Me: no
CS: rock band?
Me: no, Give up.
Me: Playing hide and seek with Sonny today - he got in the blanket box IN FRONT OF MY EYES and I had to count and say COMING READY OR NOT and start guessing
so I guessed: are you in the tissue box, are you on the fan, are you in Smoochy's mouth... etc. He thought it was a great game! Easily pleased.
CS: that's hilarious
Me: He's good with Hide and Seek, you don't have to actually get up and look, you can just shout out "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, COMING READY OR NOT ARE YOU IN THE BLANKET BOX" and he says "YES" and he's perfectly satisfied and we play again. Sadly, usually the same hiding place.
Me: Still chuckling at the image of a sign in my yard saying This Resident Has Tourette's and me on the balcony shouting abuse at people
CS: It's worth a shot. You're moving. Now's your chance.
Labels: crazy sister, weird
If I were a millionaire ...
I had a swim today. Mr de Elba was home and I was able to leave the children with him so I could actually do some real swimming myself, instead of supervising Small Ones Who Get To Swim.
Well, to be honest, I don't really swim. I just put on my flippers and take my kickboard for a leisurely paddle up and down and up and down the pool until my brain is clear and I can function again. It's more like hydrotherapy really, and today I noticed all my pain here had gone after 5 minutes in the water. I don't want to go on about this particular pain in my blog, because I seem to go on about a whole lot else! But it's an ongoing reality for me most of the time, particularly bad in pregnancy.
And I got to thinking, as I do. What would I DO if I had unlimited money? If I were a multi-millionaire, and had given to missionaries and charities and there was still money I couldn't seem to burn?
I realised I've got it pretty good right now:
I'd look at top-end real estate. Then I'd buy a nice simple house no bigger than my family needs, and be comfortable in it.
I'd stop working. Then I'd miss the intellectual stimulation and being able to help little kids with their speech and language, and I'd go back to it.
I'd be able to afford more day-care for my children. But I'd miss them, and pull them out again.
I'd buy my husband a large flat-screen TV like he's always wanted. Then we'd continue to never watch TV and I'd end up giving it away.
I'd employ a housekeeper to clean and do my laundry, and pay her double to show her how much I appreciated her work.
But I'd never give her up!!!
Labels: good times
26 January 2009
Happy Lamb On Australia Day
For my Australia Day Post, I will show you a series of TV advertisements that keeps us laughing every Australia Day.
The actor is Sam Kekovich. He was an Australian Rules football player and is now most famous for being the spokesman for Meat and Livestock Australia, promoting the lamb industry.
His ads are the most politically incorrect pieces I have ever seen broadcast on Australian TV, but most Australians love them. He takes brazen swipes at people, groups and situations which knock the air out of your lungs and make you wonder how long it will be before the ads are taken off air. But each Australia Day, he's back with more.
I want to share them with you. If you're easily offended, feel free to leave now. Sorry if you feel you need subtitles, they're not available. He talks faster as the years pass and something tells me you're not as used to our accents as we are to yours! We see all your TV, and all you get is Bindi the Jungle Girl. And maybe The Wiggles.
2005 I believe this is the original ad. He takes a swipe at thongs (flip-flops) and anyone who eats vegetarian or chicken.
2006 Sam shocks again. in 2006, our news was full of pretty (but stupid) Australian girls jailed for drug posession in Indonesia, riots and violence on the beaches at Cronulla and bird flu threatened poultry all over the world. The Australian Cricket Team lost the Ashes and one of our famous cricketers suffered the breakdown of his marriage after news that he had multiple affairs with English models while away on tour, transcripts of his text messages to them appearing in tabloids all over Britain.
And Sam blamed it all on us not eating enough lamb:
2007 In 2007, Sam produced an epic 3-minute ad. I'll let it speak for itself:
2008 He suggests Australia Day is replaced by Australia Week. We'd come through the horse flu epidemic, the appalling behaviour of our footballers which got far too much publicity, and there was a lot of controvery surrounding the way refugees to Australia were kept in detention on the island Nauru. Sam mentions all of these, and drew criticism for being disrespectful about the appearance of Helen Clark, the then-PM of New Zealand.
2009 Were we surprised to see another Eat Lamb On Australia Day ad from Sam? Yes we were, given the controversy that's followed his previous ads. But we still laughed. The situation of the world economy was his focus, but he also reminded us that our Olympians probably did better out of their sponsorship deals than the actual Olympics.
Where can he go from here? We have to wait another year to find out.
Please nobody tell Sam that I have planned to cook homemade pizza for dinner on Australia Day.
Labels: celebrations, cooking, funny
25 January 2009
Smoochy Love
Again, thankyou for your comments and thankyou Mimi for your story. I will try to keep it real, letting you know how I am but also trying to find the Joyful in things, as I have been recently.
I have one story that is about something lovely but it does involve a lot of crying. I will post it and then I'll schedule a few posts that are NOT about crying because I've found a few blogable moments recently.
So, to the crying. The other day I was bawling my eyes out. It was probably a combination of everything: the move, the loneliness as Mr de Elba was away all week, and feeling completely overwhelmed with love as I watched my two kids playing together. They often fight a lot, but this particular day they were running together from side to side of the living room, Sonny holding Smoochy's hand and jogging slowly as she ran as fast as her little legs could carry her (her legs only come up to his knees.)
I sat on a loungechair with a box of tissues and cried and cried and cried. Then I became aware of Smoochy standing in front of me.
"Kay?" she asked me. "Mummy? Kay?"
I said I was okay, but I was having a cry.
She took a tissue from the box and gave it to me saying,"Nuh one?" ("Another one?")
And then, because she's 1¾ years old, again and again. "Nuh one? Nuh one? Nuh one?"
"Thanks sweetheart," I said. "That's plenty."
A short pause, and then her little voice again: "Amy." And her little doll appeared on my lap. Satisfied, she said "Happy" and walked away.
I love her.
Labels: jessie
Nie is crying
Long story short:
- In August, SITS directed us to Nie's blog and told us she and her family needed prayer. So I went.
- Nienie, or Nie for short, is the nickname of Stephanie Nielson, a wife and mother of four who lives in Utah.
- The day before, she was blogging about normal life. The day I met her blog, she had just been involved in a light plane crash which killed the pilot and left her and her husband Christian fighting for life.
- Updates were available on her sister C-Jane's blog for a while, but they were few and far between. The children were looked after by C-Jane and other sisters.
- Nie's family started re-posting her old posts on her blog while she was recovering. I learned that Nie, while living in a different country and following a different faith to mine, was a lot like me, and also a lot like who I would like to be.
- I know I will never be just like her because she has things going for her that I never will have. But that's okay. I could do with becoming a little more Nielike every day.
- She stayed in my thoughts all these long months, then her husband left a Christmas message on her blog. He was up and about, Nie was still recovering. So many months.
- Then last week, a message on her blog said she would be returning and so she did, blogging every day when she could.
- She still sounds joyful. Happy to be alive, not sad about the crash and the burns which cover so much of her body.
And then I read her recent post detailing her morning routine. Step 6 was "cry/pray" and Step 13 was "Shower/cry/pray."
I can't imagine how anyone would go through this devastation without a good deal of crying. I know I wouldn't. But somehow, to me, Nie seems unflappable. She seems to be the sort of woman who can bear any disaster with a smile, a prayer and plenty of cuddles with her kids and all the devoted, selfless, caring, attentive, LOVE she gets every day from Christian, who she calls Mr Nielson (so lucky to have each other, no wonder she is [usually] so happy!). I was so sad to hear she cries. I guess I knew there must have been tears, but to read on her blog that she really cries, she really really does cry, well it made me cry too.
And then at the end of her list of things to do each morning she said, "Tomorrow you should hear bedtime list. It involves WAY more crying."
Now I am so sad for her, and I understand that I make you all sad when I tell you that I've been crying. I should stop telling you about the crying, and I should start finding nice things to post about. Well, I know that most days, I can't actually find much to post about when the day has been so sad, but I guess I could make something up or post a funny picture? What do you think?
Poor Nie. She's crying just like me.
24 January 2009
I have many great commenters. One is "Mimi". Today she posted a poem she wrote in 1969 and I liked it. I've been wondering what to post recently because, well, I guess I just have to shrug and say that not all days can be Good Days.
So how about I post a poem I wrote in my much younger days? I think it was written in late highschool or university, so I am guess it must have been the early 1990s. The inspiration, as always, was taken from real life. Creative pauses are required for correct meter.
"I Think"
I think
I stink
Because my deodorant
Is on the blink.
I never chose
For the deodorant to dispose
For I wish to save
Everyone's nose.
No matter a lot
If it's my choice or not,
But the arms of my shirt
Are beginning to rot.
A little bit of culture for your weekend.
Labels: poems
23 January 2009
Pregnancy nausea is gross. Probably not the worst that life can throw at you, but that doesn't make it any less awful.
Being nauseous with the first child was ghastly. I'd never encountered it before, and I was still working full-time, sometimes taking a vomit bucket to sit beside my speech therapy table as I worked in the 17 schools I had to travel around to.
Being nauseous with the second child was also ghastly. Because this time, I was battling with -ahem- the slight incontinence that comes after the first child coupled with more violent vomiting which encouraged the whole body to sorta let go and ... expel everything. Picture hanging over the toilet losing your nutrition while trying to avoid an ever-increasing puddle of your own wee. And then picture trying to swat away a toddler who is desperate to press past you (walking through the puddle of wee) to try to see what on earth was so darn interesting in that toilet bowl that required urgent viewing.
Being nauseous with the third child is weird because apart from a slight hiccup with some raw meat the other night, I haven't actually vomited. Weird. But the sickness remains, and then the situation becomes ghastly again, because this pregnancy I have to deal with picking some truly revolting things out of plugholes, thanks to my other two children.
A labour of love, I tell you.
Labels: woody
22 January 2009
I have been blown away by the support and kindness in your comments! Thankyou all so much for being so happy about Thingamababy and so understanding! Some of you needed a response, I think!
The Blonde Duck, Louisa and Long dark hair, blue eyes had kind wishes on the news of the baby. Thankyou all very much.
Heather said "removalists" sounds so much more technical and fancy than our boring, old "movers" in the US. I didn't realise we sounded posh! In fact, while Google Talking with Heather, I realised that she said "realtor" where I would have said, "real estate lady" so I thought she was the technical and fancy one!!
Jen said she loved the name 'Thingamababy' and she wanted to be pregnant just so that she can use it. Well, I think it would be exciting to see another little one in her family, but perhaps after Hayden and the triplets she should ask Jeff first before she goes having a Number Five just for the name? Made me chuckle anyway.
Taryn said she started screaming when she read about Thingamababy, and I wonder if that's because she freaked out at the thought of babysitting THREE of my kids instead of the usual two? We can switch one or two of the kids to the "off" position when you babysit in future? And Toowoomba isn't that far away, really.
I always love comments from bfs ~ "Mimi" because she has been there and done that. She called Thingamababy a "new little kiss from God" and I really loved that. Until I can feel him or her moving, I will probably find it hard to believe, with everything else going on! Thanks also for your prayers for health and peace, Mimi.
Yes, I am nauseous, but this time around, there hasn't been vomiting (until yesterday afternoon, 12½ weeks, go figure.) So although the crackers would be a good idea, I am still just eating unwise things and regretting it. Like last night at Home Group, I ordered Bananarama pancakes with butterscotch syrup and a side order of chips and tomato sauce. Our Home Group meets in a dark quiet booth at The Pancake Manor, in case you were wondering.
Swift Jan said she was going to call Thingamababy "God's smile on Kate" which is (a) so lovely, and thankyou, and (b) a reminder to me about using real names on this blog. I really want to! Maybe when Thingamababy is born, I will tell you his or her real name (if we can think of one)along with everyone else's! Most of you know I am Kate, so that's not much of a surprise.
Crazy Sister said a whole lot of nice stuff. Thanks babe. I think that once we've found a nice home and bought it and sold our Ipswich one, we'll be able to start planning and making moves towards ... moving. And then you can visit us whenever you're in town.
Femina said Givinya - 1 / Screaming-Heap-Nervous-Breakdown - 0.
That shows remarkable insight into the struggle going on in the difficult times, and I love that you said it! I am hoping to turn my '1' into a bigger number as the days go by.
CynthiaK said that "Thingamababy" made her think of the Moomin books by Tove Janssen (of Finland). I will have to check them out!
Dee from Downunder had a great idea, one I have already had myself: Let everyone else do all the heavy stuff, and sit back with your feet up. I had decided early on that if packers weren't provided along with the movers ... removalists ... by Mr de Elba's work, then I'd just work a little extra and pay for them myself! Having going through a lot of ghastly packing and lifting last year during the bed bug crisis, I know the task is too much for me by myself. And if there's one thing I know how to do, it's when to ask for help and Make It Happen! Wow I feel powerful now. It was great to hear that Dee agreed with me!
Hippomanic Jen my faithful friend said "I wish you'd left that negative comment up so that I could have savaged the author for you." I would have loved that. The comment wasn't the usual trolling and hating, it was just a Christian who came from a particular side of the church who believed that I was choosing to be miserable, my feeling of distance from God was obviously because I'd moved away from God, and that I should just be thankful that I don't live in Gaza of Afghanistan.
Well, I've heard all this sort of rhetoric before, and deliberately distanced myself from it by delving further into the real God.
The truth is that I needed to express my thoughts and God can take it and nurture me to a healthier place if I am honest, the great Biblical and Church fathers have all experienced their dark night of the soul when God seemed distant (Chapter 2 of "Prayer" by Richard Foster was helpful), and countries like Gaza, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, East Timor, Sudan, etc., are often in my prayers. I ache for those nations, I pray for those nations, and yet my own problems still seem quite real.
I had many thoughts on how to respond to that comment, but in the end, I just hit delete and tried to forget. A Hippomanic Savaging would have been interesting to read though!
Mrs. Tantrum said "I think that Thingamababy is the PERFECT addition to the DeElba crew!" We don't really know Thingamababy yet but we think you're probably right. But as I've elected not to have a scan until 18 weeks, we just can't be really sure it's not actually Thingamababies in there, and we know you've had those dreams about someone close to you having twins. Well, if it IS, then (a) thanks for the dream, my friend, (b) they will be the perfect addition to our crew, if a little surprising, and (c) I will need a lot of help.
She also suggested that I try bacon for my nausea. Believe me, I am trying everything in large quantities. Nothing makes me feel better but nothing makes me feel worse either so I have been eating pretty much everything and have given up on Operation Skinny Cow.
Adelaine had some stories showing that I'm not alone in juggling a pregnancy with tricky life situations. It's good to hear from others who have done it and come out the other side alive!
Joy in the Burbs... "I think you have timed this perfectly. Now Mr de Elba has to do all cleaning and major pushing around of furniture. Don't want to upset baby Thingamababy." I liked that!
stefanie said that Thingamababy was perhaps the longest name she'd ever heard of for such a tiny little person. It is a bit long, hey? But still shorter than I name I saw on a message board once: A prospective Mum was asking people if they thought it was a bit much to call the baby girl "Emmaleighyanna" pronounced of course like "Emily-Anna" - most people replied that yes, it was absurd.
I loved the comment from Sassy Britches: "Oh MY!!!!!!!! Look at YOU!" (Yes, look at me [wry smile.]) "I'm so happy that Thingamababy is coming into your life and into your family." (Thankyou so much, it reminds me that there is actually a real baby in there and I should remember to thank God more often too!)
"I know people say things like "I'm praying for you," but I have never been a remembering-to-pray-specifically kind of gal...BUT I have prayed for you every night and morning since you told us about your move! So, we're all here with you!" this meant a lot to me. I too am not great at remembering to pray so I understand that when you say you will or you did, it MEANS something! I really appreciate it!
Carol said "Congrats!! That is such awesome news. I'm praying for you, and your new bub and your existing family. Praying for a new house for you too :)xoxo" and this was so special to me, because I didn't even know that carol read my little ole blog! I've been amazed to discover the people who have been reading and caring. Thankyou so much my dear, it means so much that you're praying for exactly what we need.
It was great to hear from Aunt Debbi/kurts mom, who graciously reads my blog even though I can't grow a garden to save my life. She said "Only idea I have for the pukes is figure out what time of day you've got it and avoid anything that smells during that time." Good idea, but that would be all day .... :) "And drink water, lots of water." That is very good advice, the baby has already been ordering in lots of water. Two litres a day? Pah. I could pretty much do that by lunchtime!
As usual, everything tinsenpup said was precious - you know - words you want to hang on to and read often. She told me to"do whatever you need to to process this terrible blow." So I will. People, if tinsenpup says I may, then I will.
GreenJello suggested protein for the nausea (maybe I should try Mrs Tantrum's bacon?) and then said that when she moved, they didn't have packers and movers, she had to do it all herself. It gave me cold sweats.
Hairline Fracture has remodelled a house while pregnant, and that would be a similar sort of upheaval, I think!
Thank you all so much. I really appreciate that you have been reading and following, and that you left lovely comments!
18 January 2009
Thankyou all for your lovely comments of care and support over the recent weeks. I didn't know if I should actually tell you I was struggling, for fear of hearing you all say, "Get up. You sook."
I had one disappointing comment which I promptly deleted, but the poison remained and discouraged me from sharing anything for a while. But most of you do have a basic understanding of how people deal with grief and loss on many levels, and were able to support me as I worked through the feelings which were natural.
I thank God -literally- that I have many trusted and wise friends and mentors who have all echoed each other in allowing me to work through the stages of grief, all of which are still very confused and only partially completed. In the same day I still feel the initial denial, even though anger and acceptance have been vying for supremacy only hours before.
But enough. And now on to some other issues.
There is a third tiny de Elba on the way who will be called Thingamababy for the rest of his/her life unless a better name comes to mind. This is a much loved and prayed-for de Elba, but when Thingamababy was breathed into being, the new job and imminent move were nowhere on our horizon at all. In fact they didn't come screaming at us from left-field (for that's what they did) until a good 18-20 hours later. I
won't sugar-coat the nausea, exhaustion or stress, but I won't go into it either (not today anyway). Just imagine scraping yourself through a thick pall of desperation to vomit, the need to sleep so long until you're in danger of starvation, and managing blood-pressure problems while pregnant and moving.
We have a few tentative dates: move what we need into Temporary Accommodation in the week of 16 Feb, get removalists to pack, move and store the rest of our things later that week, clean the whole house around the same time, have everything ready for tenants to move in around 25 Feb and arrange a home to buy or rent in our new town before the baby comes, preferably in May or June. Any earlier would be a bonus.
It all seems rather surreal.
Is it real?
Labels: woody
13 January 2009
Having two kids is fine until the little one gets old enough to steal the big one's toys.
Let me say that the Toy Rage gets on my neves a little bit. He's happy to play with toys he hasn't seen since he was a baby, she wants to take them off him because she thinks they're hers, he wants to take them back to teach her not to snatch, etc.
So it's great when Sonny Ma-Jiminy became old enough to play some big boy games that babies wouldn't be interested in. The computer is good for this, but it does provide too many of the "Mummy can you come and help me use the mouse and keyboard"-type-games, or the "I clicked outside the window and the game went away"-type-games. The computer held promise until it became obvious that Sonny required constant one-on-one assistance. And then the computer was stolen.
But with Mr de Elba's iPhone came a trillion little games that Sonny can play without much help.
iPhones have a touch screen, so it's easy for Smoochy to play the games like the one where little bubbles fly across the screen and she pops them by tapping them with her finger.
They also have an accelerometer inside, so they detect movement. This means that Sonny can hold the phone sideways (landscape) and "steer" it like a car's steering wheel when he's playing car games.
Sonny's only problem is that sometimes his little fingers hit buttons they shouldn't, like when he called Mr De E's boss yesterday (the thing still is an actual phone. We keep forgetting that.)
And there are the times when he gets out of his game and opens a completely new one. "I can't get the chickens to move, Dad," he said one day. Mr de Elba replied, "I thought you were playing cars. Did you open a different game?"
"Yeah. A chicken game," Sonny said.
"Lemme see. Oh. That's a ... err, what ARE those creatures?"
I can't even remember what they were, to make this post more interesting. Alpacas or some other animal never before seen in a computer game. Something very unlike chickens, anyway.
Today he was playing one of his usual games, perhaps a car game, and Mr de Elba left him to it for a while. Sonny emerged after a few minutes, trying to form a question about what he was seeing on the screen. I noticed that the cars were making odd sorts of engine noises, spluttering loudly in short bursts when Sonny's thumbs hit the screen.
What was on the screen? What "game" was he playing? This:
Yep. A Whoopee Cushion game. Touch the screen and ... Whoopee!
(I realise that continuing to post Life As We Know It may result in the loss of some of my favourite and most classy readers, and but for the lack of other material, I'd stop.)
Labels: buzz
12 January 2009
The New Family Rule
We have a New Family Rule. Simply: "When you wake up in the morning, you are not allowed to help yourself to any food or drink before Mum and Dad get your breakfast."
So you know exactly where we've been in order to end up making that New Family Rule. You also know to whom it is directed, given that two de Elbas are the parents and a third one is confined to a cot and is therefore unable to get out and wreak havoc.
I was hoping for a nice sleep-in this morning for my birthday, and dear Mr de Elba got up to get Smoochy Girl out of her cot.
I heard him say, "Oh no, Sonny, what have you done?" and I knew I had to get up. Then I heard "Why is there corn in the cot?" and I actually dragged myself into a vertical position.
As he does every second day, Sonny Ma-Jiminy had broken The New Family Rule. Today he did it by going to the pantry, purloining a can of corn (!) opening it with the nifty new ring-pull thingo, and taking it into Smoochy's cot. They had a messy sloppy, feast of tinned corn in the cot before we were up.
This is precisely why we have the New Family Rule, people.
It was interesting too, that he had messed up her bedsheets 12 hours after she messed up his bedsheets. Yes I know I should have dressed her immediately after her bath instead of letting her play naked there. This I knew for sure when she jumped out of bed shouting, "Weee! Weee!"
Never let it be said my kids aren't an ORGANISED TEAM. They appear to be careful about exactly whose sheets they're soiling, they give as good as they get, and they ensure that all the sheets need to be washed on the same day. Happy Birthday, Me.
10 January 2009
How to make an American ... Vomit
Sorry about that everyone.
Labels: jessie
08 January 2009
Just a normal day
I head loud crashing noises so I went to the window and looked down into the yard.
Me: Sonny, what are you doing?
Sonny: Not anything.
Me: What?
Sonny: Not doing anything.
Me: But the old clothes dryer we were going to take to the dump is in the middle of the yard ... and your bath towel is lying out there on the grass ... and you're naked ...
Labels: buzz
07 January 2009
Labels: buzz, jessie, mr de elba
06 January 2009
Happy Wee Bro Day
This blog was always about funny stuff and interesting stuff. So in order to counteract the seriousness of recent posts, today is Wee Bro Day!
He was born in 1983, after me (1977), Julie Maree (1979) and Crazy Sister (1981). He calls himself "Wee Bro" when he leaves his occasional comments on my blog, which makes him sound like a Scottish Gangsta. And although he is an engineer of great talent and skill, I am sure that deep down in his heart, Scottish Gangsta is his true metier.
Rather than wait for his birthday on 14th March, today here are Killing A Fly and also over at Graze, it is Wee Bro Day!
In honour of this day, Crazy Sister and I have decided to post a recent picture of Wee Bro doing a typically touristy thing on one of our Queensland towns which is found between Miles and Goondiwindi. His drive from his home town of Mt Isa to our parents' place in Toowoomba took him via an unexpected detour hundreds of kilometres south-west of Toowoomba, and I suspect now that the tourist activities of Moonie were a large part of his decision.
I guess Moonie must be a bit of a hole...
[Disclaimer: Wee Bro has given permission to post this picture. He even encouraged me in this email: "...and I'd hate to have laughed that hard all on my lonesome in the car before and after taking the pic for only a few showings to random family members and workmates. Why not share the love with the hole… I mean whole world?"]
Labels: wee bro
Put that on a high shelf
Sometimes, when I complain that Sonny Ma-Jiminy makes messes or uses stuff he shouldn't, I receive the insightful suggestion that I should store the problem object/s up high. "Find a high shelf," you say. "Stop him getting it in the first place."
But in reality, increased height of storage only encourages acts of increasing daredevilry in the retrieval.
Me: Sonny, I see you're playing with those little cars. It's okay, you're allowed to, I just wondered ... I thought I put them up high. In the highest shelf in the house. In your cupboard, up near your ceiling.
Sonny: Yeah. I got them.
Me: What? Show me.
Sonny: Well, I just get up here...
And then I ... eh! ...
And I just need to ...
Then I can ...
Me: Okay, I see. So what if I put this green box up there? What would you do?
Sonny: I can reach ... eh! ... Now for the tricky bit ... re-e-each ... eh! ...
Me: Okay yeah, I've seen enough. A shelf up near the ceiling isn't high enough. Fine.
Labels: buzz
05 January 2009
Settled and Happy
God has seemed awfully silent and distant for weeks. The last time I remember really being "with" Him was just before news of this Toowoomba job. I seemed to be getting confirmation every day that this is exactly where he wanted us, and that he had provided this house, Sonny's new kindy, our local school, and everything else for us. I had such a sense of His provision in those days.
Since the decision was made to move us to Toowoomba, I have lost all sense of communing with Him. Where has He gone? I miss Him. It has become a habit to "hang out" with Him, most often done when I'm in the kitchen trying to clean the uncleanable and tidy the untidyable. He always seems to watch me work there.
Not recently. And I've been doing my daily readings, trying to find something from Him that might give me an indication that He's still beside me, happy in some slight way that I've agreed to the move despite being shrouded in tears.
Last night I read a few things that seemed to comfort me, even though they're not really in context. I usually worry about things being out of context, but I'm going to take this for what it is.
Firstly, I had to catch up on the reading for Saturday because I spent all that night in tears. The "Respond" bit said this:
What difficulties do you face today? Before you tell God about them, first focus on him, reminding yourself of his greatness and goodness. Ask him to reveal himself to you, then pray about any and every problem you're facing.
But He didn't reveal Himself to me, and I felt lonely in an I-Miss-My-God sort of way.
But then yesterday's reading was from Psalm 113. It was one of those joyful 'Praise the Lord' ones, and the ending was about God's care for the poor and needy. The final verse seemed to be for me, although I am not a barren woman and neither poor nor needy in the sense it was written.
He settles the barren woman in her home
as a happy mother of her children.
Praise the Lord. (Ps 113:9)
If that's for me, then that's very good. He will lead us to the home he has for us, and we will settle there. I like that word: settle. It's the lack of it that has had me in tears. Will He really settle me? Settled. I like that thought. I need to be settled by May-ish, and the long and convoluted reasons for this can wait for another post.
Then it says "as a happy mother". Oh my, that's exactly what I want to be again. I dream of having our own place, being settled and being happy!
Please pray for us, that God will lead us to the place He has for us, and that we will be settled and happy.
04 January 2009
Because Killing A Fly is my place
I tried to write on 1 January, but I didn't want to be negative, so I left it. I tried again to write on 2 January, but all I had was misery, so I didn't write. Again on 3 January I wanted to write, but I didn't want to start 2009 that negatively. And on 4 January, I despaired of ever writing again.
But I really need to write about what's going on. It's my therapy. I'll try not to ruin my life by disclosing stuff I shouldn't. But if you don't want to read this, it's going to be your responsibility to click that little 'x' at the top-right corner and read something else.
Seriously. Go and read this or this or this or this or this. Anything. Heck, even go and read this. Just don't read what comes next if you don't want sad and grumpy stuff. (Also: I can't help but notice that the number of followers of my blog is dropping slowly as the Funny has dried up and the Sad has entered. I guess we'll watch it go down further!)
I will start with telling you that this move has shocked the socks off me.
Mr de Elba and I didn't have enough time to talk it through properly before we had to give an answer. They offered the job on a Wednesday afternoon and wanted an answer by that same Friday. Mr de Elba, rightly, said he needed longer than that and said he would give his answer the next Monday. But as you can imagine, that is not enough time to consider such an unwelcome life-changing move. Perhaps if we were both desperate to get moving, if we'd got itchy feet and were ready for something new, then the time-frame would have been okay. But given that the exact opposite was the truth, a mere 5 days was completely inadequate. Unfair on me.
I have been deeply hurt when people have expressed unbridled joy at our uprooting. With complete disregard for my utter devastation, they have danced on the grave of my hopes and dreams here, thinking only of what they can achieve or gain by having us move. Unfair on me.
I will be losing my job, my home, my friends, my locality, my everything. In their place - nothing. Not a new job. Nothing. Unfair on me.
I feel sad and angry that I have to leave. I feel betrayed by the powers that be. I feel very confused because I was convinced God had placed us here for a reason, for a long time, too. I feel useless and disposable - after all, what use was my career? What use was my happiness?
And yet, like the consummate doormat I've always been, I am prepared to accept it all. I am now ready to start writing a list up the top of my right sidebar of the things I need to embrace about living in Toowoomba. And I'm not going to lie. Many people have told me things that THEY will think are good for me. And I've smiled and agreed, thinking, "You have no idea what it's really like, do you?" And because Killing A Fly is my place, I'm not going to put these things on my list. I can sacrifice my own opinions on the alter of politeness while I'm talking with you, but I won't force myelf to pretend up there in my list.
And there it sits. The one solitary thing I am looking forward to. Ipswich has put on a few completely ROASTING hot days over the last week, and I know that Toowoomba, no matter how hot, is always cooler and more pleasant than Ipswich. For that, I am thankful.
I will make no mention in my sidebar of the things that rip the guts out of me regarding moving. The fact that Ipswich winters are gorgeous and Toowoomba winters are 6 months of congealed misery will hit home to us first after the move, before we get to enjoy the benefits of our first Toowoomba summer. The losses will be real. But this time, they don't get to make it into the sidebar.
For my sanity, only the good will make it onto my list. And so far, that means: The Summers.
Labels: sad


text:
3/4" Red and Lime Reflective DOTS for Diamond Plate
3/4 Inch Red and Fluorescent Lime Dots for Diamond Plate
On this page we offer 3/4" - 100 dot packs of Retro Reflective Circles in fluorescent lime and red for diamond plate. The dots are used to create chevron stripes on diamond plate so that it is compliant with NFPA 1901 specifications for emergency vehicles.
We use Reflexite V98 Prismatic Daybright material which is the industry standard for prismatic reflective sheeting. Reflexite invented prismatic sheeting and continues to be the industry leader.
We sell these in lots of 100 dots on a sheet. For example, to order 1000 dots you would enter 10 in the quantity box below. Each sheet of 100 dots is $10.
To install our reflective dots or circles you simply peel and stick to a clean, dry surface. You can use them in quantity to create stripes, letters, numbers, etc.. You can also use them to increase visibility on doors and sliding trays. Emergency vehicles use these dots in a variety of areas for night time visibility. The 3/4" dots are especially useful in creating chevron stripes on diamond tread plate. Dots are easier to line up than squares and tend to stay down better due to there being no sharp edges.
(Coverage Rate for 3/4" dots on Diamond Plate - 1 dot to the square inch or 144 dots to the square foot.)
3/4" Dots in Red or Fluorescent Lime (sheets of 100) - $10
To read our article on how to estimate the number of shapes you will need for your diamond plate click here.
Choose your color and then in the quanity box put the number of 100 dot sheets you need. (example - 5 sheets equals 500 dots)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Portobello mushrooms may be the meatiest of mushrooms, the vegetarian's natural meat-like option. Remove the stems and slice your portobellos thin before you sear them. Plus, you get to use three kinds of peppers in this dish: smoky poblanos, light, sweet bell peppers, and spicy jalapeno. The sauteed peppers and onions are spiced with salt, cumin, and garlic powder. The avocados add a rich, creaminess you need in guacamole form, flavored with just the juice of a lime half and salt. The roasted tomato salsa, if you choose to make it, really rounds out the fajitas.
In this healthy vegetarian fajitas recipe (adapted from the Minimalist Baker blog), seared portobello mushrooms and poblano chiles meet guacamole in warm tortillas.... Read More


text:
The world's first network of fully self-driving taxis is up and running – Recode: NuTonomy, a self-driving company that spun out of MIT and is based in Singapore and Cambridge, Mass., has just launched the first-ever public test of a commercial fleet of fully self-driving cars.
August 25, 2016
May 12, 2016
Should all locks have keys? Phones, Castles, Encryption, and You.
April 25, 2016
New Electromagnetic Space Drive?
An interesting article about a potential space drive breakthrough that nobody can explain. This story is cropping up in the more respectable tech press and has been around a while so I'm intrigued. It looks like there might actually be something to it.
The Curious Link Between the Fly-By Anomaly and the "Impossible" EmDrive Thruster
December 14, 2015
Ad Blockers Will Force Reforms in Online Marketing
Ad Blockers Will Force Reforms in Online Marketing | MIT Technology Review: "It's telling that when the authors of the PageFair-Adobe report asked 400 Americans why they started using an ad blocker, the primary reason they gave was to avoid 'misuse of personal information.' Twelve months ago, the research firm Ipsos surveyed people on behalf of the marketing services company TRUSTe and found that concern about online privacy was rising. The top cause for worry: 'Companies collecting and sharing my personal information with other companies.' People feared that more than government surveillance. So it's no wonder that ad blocking hockey-sticked in popularity after it became clear that other mechanisms for protecting personal privacy—such as 'Do Not Track' (a function you can activate in your Web browser to request that sites not compile information on you)—were mostly ignored by the online advertising business. When Do Not Track proved toothless, millions of people got their own fangs.
At this point if you're not using an Adblocker online you're exposing yourself to way too much intrusive tracking and risk. Glad to see the adblock tech pushing change.
October 31, 2015
Japanese Researchers Make Glass That's Nearly Unbreakable
Japanese Researchers Make Glass That's Nearly Unbreakable:
"the Tokyo team brewed up a method of making glass that required no container at all: they used gas to push the chemical components into the air, where they synthesized together. The result? A transparent ultra glass that's 50% alumina and rivals the Young's modulus of steel and iron, which measures rigidity and elasticity in solids."
June 6, 2015
Elon Musk: The World's Raddest Man
Elon Musk: The World's Raddest Man | Wait But Why:
"For me, this project was one of the biggest no-brainers in history. Not just because Elon Musk is Elon Musk, but because here are two separate items that have been sitting for a while in my 'Future Post Topics' document, verbatim:
– 'electric vs hybrid vs gas cars, deal with tesla, sustainable energy'
– 'spacex, musk, mars?? how learn to do rockets??'
I already wanted to write about these topics, for the same reason I wrote about Artificial Intelligence—I knew they would be hugely important in the future but that I also didn't understand them well enough. And Musk is leading a revolution in both of these worlds.
It would be like if you had plans to write about the process of throwing lightning bolts and then one day out of the blue Zeus called and asked if you wanted to question him about a lot of stuff.
So it was on. The plan was that I'd come out to California, see the Tesla and SpaceX factories, meet with some of the engineers at each company, and have an extended sit down with Musk. Exciting.
The first order of business was to have a full panic."
April 23, 2015
April 16, 2015
But Can You Fit it On A Shark?
Instapundit: "General Atomics Introduces a Weapons-Grade Self-Contained Laser Cannon That Can Be Mounted On the Roof Of Your Car. 'What we were able to find out about this thing is that it's a laser weapon with output energies (that's output, not total power in the system) ranging from 75 kilowatts all the way up to 300 kilowatts. To put that in perspective, about a year ago we wrote about how Lockheed was using a portable fiber laser to shoot down rockets at a range of 1.5 kilometers using just 10 kilowatts of power. Suffice it to say, 300 kilowatts is rather a lot.'"
April 7, 2015
Gravity Power
Utility scale electricity storage and generation from a train and a box of rocks. What a great idea. Engineers are pretty clever.
ARES-Technology from Advanced-RES on Vimeo.
March 28, 2015
Come On Back, Now, Ya Hear?
The Prophet of Habit-Forming Technology | MIT Technology Review:
"Forging new habits has become an obsession among technology companies. In an age when commercial competition is only a click away, the new mandate is to make products and services that generate compulsive behavior: in essence, to get users hooked on a squirt of dopamine to the brain's reward center to ensure that they'll come back…
It starts with a trigger, a prod that propels users into a four-step loop. Think of the e-mail notification you get when a friend tags you in a photo on Facebook. The trigger prompts you to take an action—say, to log in to Facebook. That leads to a reward: viewing the photo and reading the comments left by others. In the fourth step, you inject a personal stake by making an investment: say, leaving your own comment in the thread. This pattern, Eyal says, kicks off a cycle that lodges behaviors in the basal ganglia, the part of the brain where automatic behaviors are stored and where, according to neuroscientists, they last a lifetime….
"I'm not an advocate for creating addiction," he says. "Addiction has a specific definition: it always hurts the user. I talk about the pathways for addiction because the same things that occur in the brain help us do something that can be good."""
I guess that depends on who gets to define "good".
February 4, 2015
Over 300 businesses now whitelisted on AdBlock Plus, 10% pay to play | Ars Technica: "Since 2011, AdBlock Plus, a popular browser plugin that blocks online ads, has kept a 'whitelist' of websites that are allowed to serve ads despite the presence of the AdBlock Plus plugin. In an e-mail to Ars, AdBlock Plus Communications Manager Ben Williams wrote that currently, the browser extension has granted a pass to 'over 300 sites/entities' out of 'over 1,500 applicants' to the company's whitelist. That's up from October 2013, when AdBlock Plus allowed the ads of 78 sites or entities out of 777 applicants."
If I had the resource I would introduce a $5/year "real" adblock that nuked ALL ads. Then retire a rich man.
January 14, 2015
With a few mods we're at the "help me Obi-Wan Kenobi" phase.
January 8, 2015
Spring into the Unknown
2015 is getting an extra second and that's a bit of a problem for the internet | The Verge: "On June 30th at precisely 23:59:59, the world's atomic clocks will pause for a single second. Or, to be more precise, they'll change to the uncharted time of 23:59:60 — before ticking over to the more worldly hour of 00:00:00 on the morning of July 1st, 2015. This addition of a leap second, announced by the Paris Observatory this week, is being added to keep terrestrial clocks in step with the vagaries of astronomical time — in this case, the slowing of the Earth's rotation. And it's a bit of a headache for computer engineers."
Going to have to watch the atomic clock online that day to see "23:59:60". Weird.
Print Me
MakerBot Invents a Way to 3D Print With Limestone, Metal, and Wood – Popular Mechanics: "The world of 3D printing is getting some new materials to work with, creating the potential to print some really innovative objects.
At CES, MakerBot just announced a new move to allow customers to print with metal, wood, and limestone. To be sure, these will be composite materials, with the metals and other printed materials alloyed with the plastic. But it means that users will be able to create functional tools through 3D printing, moving the technique beyond gorgeous sculptures, toys, and trinkets. "
December 16, 2014
Edward Snowden: The Untold Story
Absolutely worth the read:
Edward Snowden: The Untold Story | WIRED: "Snowden and his colleagues had discussed the routine deception around the breadth of the NSA's spying many times, so it wasn't surprising to him when they had little reaction to Clapper's testimony. 'It was more of just acceptance,' he says, calling it 'the banality of evil'—a reference to Hannah Arendt's study of bureaucrats in Nazi Germany.
'It's like the boiling frog,' Snowden tells me. 'You get exposed to a little bit of evil, a little bit of rule-breaking, a little bit of dishonesty, a little bit of deceptiveness, a little bit of disservice to the public interest, and you can brush it off, you can come to justify it. But if you do that, it creates a slippery slope that just increases over time, and by the time you've been in 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, you've seen it all and it doesn't shock you. And so you see it as normal. And that's the problem, that's what the Clapper event was all about. He saw deceiving the American people as what he does, as his job, as something completely ordinary. And he was right that he wouldn't be punished for it, because he was revealed as having lied under oath and he didn't even get a slap on the wrist for it. It says a lot about the system and a lot about our leaders.' Snowden decided it was time to hop out of the water before he too was boiled alive."
The rest of this excellent interview details even more appalling behavior that the secret organizations commit.
People say Snowden betrayed his oath to his country. I believe it's more like he betrayed his oath to the government, and the government is the one that betrayed the country. Betraying his oath to a betrayer is simply proof that he's back on the right side.
I'm pretty much coming to the conclusion that I'm glad he did what he did.
December 15, 2014
December 4, 2014
Hi Def, lights off, sound up. The last shot nails it for me.
November 17, 2014
This Sounds like
This sounds like a trope from Science Fiction novels:
"However, social media is anything but unfettered. It can be leveraged to spread rumors, undercut the opposition or create a false sense of public pressure, computer analysts and public relations representatives say.
'There have been smear campaigns since Adams and Jefferson in the early 1800s and we're seeing the same thing here, with just a new set of tools,' said Richard Levick, chairman and chief executive officer of Levick, a public relations and strategic communications firm in Washington.
'Where do undecided voters, journalists go to get their information? Google. So controlling the search engine is hugely important. We need to know who is our audience, how do we reach them, how do we engage them, and then, how do we control the territory?' he said.
Many digital public relations shops are deploying social media robots, or 'socialbots,' built by software programmers and deployed by political campaigns to block Twitter feeds, build support for otherwise unpopular opinions and create a flood of content for their own agendas that hopefully will end up in someone's Facebook or Twitter feed and then be liked or reposted by a real individual."
(Italics mine) Sheesh. Battling twitter-bots meant to shape public opinion? Don't believe everything you read or see reposted on FB (on either side).
October 23, 2014
Talk to Me
How One Boy With Autism Became BFF With Apple's Siri – NYTimes.com: "To Siri, With Love"
This short article about an Autistic boy and his iPhone actually made me a bit misty-eyed. Good on ya, Apple, for enabling this kind of thing.
October 16, 2014
Huge Energy News
Lockheed Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough – Business Insider: "Lockheed Martin Corp said on Wednesday it had made a technological breakthrough in developing a power source based on nuclear fusion, and the first reactors, small enough to fit on the back of a truck, could be ready for use in a decade."


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I just witnessed her 5th eye injury-she was chasing a rabbit, hit a pile of cement my neighbor dumped over here and won't move and flew over the fence. I heard a yelp, not sure if it was her or the rabbit. She thought the rabbit was in the tree and kept circling the tree and barking over there. These are the kind of neighbors who'd cause trouble if they caught her over there, so I finally got her back here and she was acting a little "off" and sure enough a couple hours later, her eye was…Continue
Added by Carol on March 30, 2015 at 6:27pm — 24 Comments
The bunnies are here!!! They're called Netherland Dwarfs. Mom was very slow about the whole introducing thing, but once it happened, I was glued to them. Mom and Dad named them Bombur and Thorin from this movie called "The Hobbit". They come out to play all the time. They dispense these little round things that smell like grass. I tried one without mom looking and they're really good, but mom caught me one day and said I couldn't eat them. It's okay though, I still get to play with the…Continue
Added by Charlee & Ally on March 30, 2015 at 2:06pm — 3 Comments
Mom and dad keeps talking about things called bunnies. I don't know what they are, but they sound like fun. I wonder if they're big like me or small like those things I chase in the yard.. the ones with the big fluffy tail that climb up trees. With me utterly concerned and confused, mom and dad took me to the petsupermarket to see these so called fluff balls..... Oh my gosh the fluff balls are so cute. But not as cute as me. I wanted to play with them, but they were in these tall cages. I…Continue
Added by Charlee & Ally on March 30, 2015 at 1:56pm — No Comments
So mom has been dating this really nice guy for 7 months now and he's amazing at belly rubs. He sneaks me table scraps but mom gets onto him. At least I'm not getting in trouble. He calls me his princess and tells me I'm pretty, gorgeous, and beautiful. He loves playing fetch too! Sometimes I don't go get the stick and he fetches it for me. Overall, he's an awesome dad. I'm glad mom finally found someone for me. And for her.
Added by Charlee & Ally on March 30, 2015 at 1:44pm — 1 Comment
Hi guys! I saw that there was a corgi meet up here in Az at the beginning of the year, does anyone know if there will be another one? I'd love for my little girl to meet more of her kind and get her more socialized!
We went down to Cannon Beach. This was Teddy's first time out of state and first time at the beach. As soon as his paws hit the sand, he was in heaven. He had a great time and got all nice and dirty and sandy and muddy. We were joking that he was a tri because at one point his face just covered with wet sand.
I was really proud of him.…Continue
Added by Lawren and Teddy on March 26, 2015 at 7:50pm — 6 Comments
We received good news recently, my daughter and her family are moving back to Michigan from Denver. I am thrilled that they ( including 3 grandsons) will back in our town! While they wait for their movers to get here they are staying with us. The bonus is their dog , Belle, is willing to play with Watson and so are my grandsons. He is so very happy since Izzy continues to…Continue
Added by Bev Levy on March 22, 2015 at 1:28pm — 11 Comments
I am hoping someone can help-I have had my 5 yr old girl for not yet 5 months. She has had 4 eye injuries, the last 3 requiring a cone and pain meds. The first 3, she saw the vet that's in with my regular vet and was treated for eye punctures from apparently running into things (chasing rabbits) Her eyes were stained and the vet showed me the injuries. This last Sunday, she woke up, couldn't get one eye open and the other barely, so ended up at the emergency clinic, which is fairly new…Continue
Added by Carol on March 21, 2015 at 10:29pm — 19 Comments
The Washington Cascades didn't have a winter in 2014-2015 (warmest Dec. and Feb. on record). This was February 2015, conditions more like June (no exaggeration). It's about 6 miles to the little peak at left in this photo, with 4600' of gain. The first mile was bare trail (usually it would be many feet of snow, and I wouldn't even be able to drive to the trailhead). We'll snowshoe to that little snowy notch (Surprise Gap), then walk left up the ridge crest:…
Added by John Wolff on March 20, 2015 at 12:30am — 12 Comments
Added by Brenda & Pemmy on March 18, 2015 at 12:59pm — 9 Comments
Added by Gail and Ashton on March 17, 2015 at 1:30pm — 1 Comment
Added by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on March 17, 2015 at 12:30pm — 3 Comments
DSC00589.JPGI just adopted my brothers 3 yr old corgi. He had him on purina chow food. After reading and searching I have changed Earl over to Pure Balance Wild and Free. Bison and Pea recipe. Grain, soy, corn and wheat free. 4 star. He has hip dysplasia. Since I have had him 1 1/2 weeks, he has no steps to climb and no hard wood floors. I take him to the park everyday after dinner at…Continue
Added by Priscilla Taylor on March 17, 2015 at 12:42am — 4 Comments
Hi everyone! So sorry that I dissapeared for a long time...Caught up in puppy life and figuring out he balance. I think we've got it down pretty good now.
Nugget has grown like a weed and is healthy, thank goodness! We've had him for 50 days thus far and he got his last shot today! Woohoo! Time to show this pup the world!
Literally! I'm going home to Chicago for the month of may to be a temp at my old job for a girl's maternity leave. I'm nervous yet excited.…Continue
Added by Kristen Nicole on March 16, 2015 at 10:02pm — No Comments
Added by Geri & Sidney on March 16, 2015 at 3:14am — 5 Comments
Toby was stolen from his backyard this morning in Arcadia, CA. If you have any news you can contact me thru here or others on IG @corgilexi or @corgella. It was also posted on the SoCal corgi FB page.
Added by Linda on March 12, 2015 at 10:13pm — 6 Comments
You'll probably recall from my last post that the other day Cassie evinced a moment of snappishness toward Ruby the (former) Corgi Pup. One reader expressed concern that some dominance aggressiveness might be developing. Further discussion of dominance issues appears in a new discussion string, where the OP describes using a…Continue
Added by Vicky Hay on March 10, 2015 at 10:11pm — 2 Comments
The topic of discussion is "dominance". I have had dogs for most of my life. My first corgi (Torgi) was definitely that, dominant, but because I was so young (13), and had had no training on the subject, just assumed that this was who he was and that was that. Then a lab/border collie, and then consecutively two golden retrievers, one whom I still have, but all definitely NOT dominant! And now I have Tilly, the dominant wanna be tri-colored Pembroke Welsh Corgi! What a great…Continue
Added by Karen Knuff on March 6, 2015 at 10:30am — 8 Comments
HI everyone, thanks for the welcome to the group. My name is Rebecca, and my corgi's name is Timber. We live and play in Anchorage, Alaska. I met my first corgi in Fairbanks, AK, and I've been hooked ever since. I've often heard that I shouldn't get a corgi because I'm the adventurous type. "That dog is too short to be climbing mountains; you should get a husky or a lab instead." Otto - the corgi that inspired it all - was definitely one adventurous dude. Then I found this group, and…Continue
Added by Rebecca M. on March 5, 2015 at 1:30am — 6 Comments
Hiiiiiiii everybody!! I'm new to this site and already learning so much from all your experience. We got our first corgi about a month ago and he'll be 3 months by the end of this week. He already knew about 5 commands which I think is good. However he is still SO hyper and sometimes he just can't seem to resist biting our pantlegs! Anyways I hope to get to know you guys and maybe arrange offline meetings so our dogs can hang out (I'm looking for chances to socialize Yayo)
We're from…Continue
Added by Nam Phuong Nguyen on March 4, 2015 at 2:52pm — 6 Comments


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IT security certification training courses
Interested in obtaining an information security certification such as the CISSP or CISMP? Find out where trainings and courses are happening in your area.
Information security certification can mean the difference between getting your dream job and staying in the job you have. Below, find information on courses that can aid your quest for infosec certification.
Title: CISSP Training Course
Description: The CISSP training – "CISSP Fast Track" course is an intensive, in-depth training program that has consistently achieved over 97% pass rates in the final CISSP examination. Each student will get Net-Security's training kit. CISSP certification courseware from Net-Security is the most comprehensive training package available.
Provider: Net Security Training
Dates: 06-10 Jun, 04-08 Jul, 01-05 Aug, 05-09 Sept
Find more information on this CISSP course.
Title: CEH Training Course for Certified Ethical Hacker Certification
Description: The Certified Ethical Hacker training will immerse the student into an interactive environment where they will be shown how to scan, test, hack and secure their own systems.
Provider: Net Security Training
Dates: 25-29 Jul, 26-30 Sept
Find more information on this CEH Training Course for Certified Ethical Hacker Certification.
Title: (ISC)2 CISSP CBK Review Seminar
Description: The Official (ISC)² CISSP-ISSMP CBK Review Seminar is the perfect way to assure competence of the five major domains of the Information Systems Security Management Professional (ISSMP) Concentration. The seminar reviews security issues from a larger model of security and management, focusing on elements such as project management, risk management, setting up and delivering security awareness programs, and managing Business Continuity Planning programs.
Provider: (ISC)2
Dates: 13-17 Jun, 11-15 Jul, 08-12 Aug, 05-09 Sept, 19-23 Sept, various live online dates
Find more information on this CISSP CBK Review Seminar.
Title: ISO27001 Certified ISMS Lead Implementer Masterclass
Description: This three-day ISO27001 Certified ISMS Lead Implementer Masterclass provides comprehensive and practical coverage of all aspects of implementing and maintaining an ISO27001 project, and leads to the coveted IT Governance ISO27001 Lead Implementer Certificate. It is the must attend course for anyone looking at ISO27001.
Provider: IT Governance Ltd
Dates: 28-30 Jun, 18-20 Jul, 14-16 Sept
Find more in-depth information on this ISO27001 Lead Implementer Course.
Title:: CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor Training Course
Description: This 4-day CISA course is the perfect intensive preparation course for the CISA exam and is run by the official UK reseller of ISACA's CISA materials. The CISA exam changes every year, and our course is updated to reflect the latest official guidance on content and exam questions. It will offer you concise exam preparation to give you all you need to feel ready for sitting the exam - and passing first time!
Provider: IT Governance Ltd
Dates: 31 May - 03 Jun
Find more in-depth information on this CISA Course.
Have an updated course listing? Email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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"Let's make this easy." It's our motto - and it could be your job.
When you work with Combined Insurance, you're working with a company that takes pride in offering people clearly-stated policies. So families can be sure they're getting the coverage they want.
Combined Insurance is a provider of supplemental insurance products, with offices throughout North America. We're rated A+ (Superior) by A. M. Best, the most widely recognized provider of insurance industry ratings, and we have over 3 million supplemental insurance policies in force in North America and pay out almost half a billion dollars in claims every year – nearly $1 million every business day.
Now part of Chubb, the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurer, Combined Insurance has been serving customers since 1922.
Combined Insurance has $5 billion worth of life insurance policies in force in North America.
Our clients come first
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Comox Valley RCMP issue warning after men in suspicious van approach children
The Comox Valley RCMP are warning parents to be on the lookout after police received a report of a pair of men approaching children in a "suspicious white van."
Mounties say a woman living in the Comox area spotted the van driving slowly near Denman, Cortez and Dogwood streets on Tuesday afternoon.
The woman told police that she was outside with her two children when a pair of men came up to her kids and tried to strike up a conversation. The men were reportedly asking the children personal questions.
Police are now encouraging both children and adults to report suspicious behaviour immediately if they spot it in their community.
Parents are also being asked to speak with their children to ensure they know not to engage with strangers.
"It is important to report these suspicious activities to police right away," said Const. Monika Terragni, Comox Valley RCMP, in a release Wednesday. "If suspicious activity is not reported, we cannot be expected to know about it, to respond to it, or to warn residents."
"When someone calls police and makes a report, we will conduct an investigation which lends to the credibility of the report and potentially identifies safety concerns within our community," she added.
Police are now searching for the two men. The driver of the van is described as a South Asian man who stands at an "average height" with clean-cut hair and a goatee.
The other individual is described as South Asian man who stands roughly 5' 8" to 5' 11" with a slender build. He is clean-shaven and had a clean-cut haircut. At the time, he was wearing aviator sunglasses and was smoking a cigarette.
The suspicious van is described as white with chrome bumpers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.


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… Olay BB Cream.
I was at Target to pick up some more makeup products for the upcoming first impressions and beauty reviews (spoiler alert … it's going to get worse in the coming week) where more products will be in and I'm suppppeeeerrrr excited. I picked up a hand full of interesting products which I know you will be interested.
This BB Cream … by OLAY! It's pretty amazing stuff!
I got a crush on this BB Cream at first sight. Well, frankly speaking this is not my first time seeing this bad boy in the drugstores, Walmart or Target but probably because we weren't properly introduced.
The experience I got was like I got pulled right in front of this Olay BB Cream and the rest is history (giggling!!!). I pick the shade of Light to Medium which fit my skin tone nicely. Only two shades are offered, the other available shade is Fair to Light. The broad spectrum of SPF 15 sun protection is an added bonus. Net wt: 75 ml for $12.99.
I can go on and on about it and make this post incredibly wordy and lengthy but I 've got to retrained myself from doing so. I'm going to share the very gist of this BB cream which I have a crush on.
It has a very nice and mild scents in this formula. The texture is not thick like those of the foundation counterpart which are much thicker in consistency. To me, this formula is not heavy and it blends pretty well. Once it set, you get a beautiful and glowing skin. When I was trying it out I have to admit that my skin are happy and healthy. So, there isn't much of a covering needed except for my under eyes. So, I put it to the test and it managed to cover some parts under my eyes. I would say the coverage is sheer to tinted finish. Honestly, it feels as if not wearing anything at all but in a good way. The last thing I want is a heavy formula on my skin.
I have to agree that using this BB cream, my skin does feel softer and it's great for addressing dry skin problems and wear well throughout the day.
Simple fact about BB cream is that it's not to be applied as if i's a foundation. I personally love using BB cream because I can :-
(a) wear it anytime of the day,
(b) it doesn't clog my pores and
(c) it' so easy to use.
It's like if you can apply a face cream then you should ith BB cream. Huurraahhh!!!
The downside of this BB Cream is the lack of coverage. The upside is that the price is reasonable for a ton of products compared to Rimmel and Maybelline. I'm quite happy with the result it gives on my skin so far. Although given the choice, I would personally prefer it to be more of medium coverage than just tinted. But since I have it I'm going to continue to wear it as a tinted moisturizer just as stated on the packaging. I can always top up with foundation or pressed powder if I needed more coverage. But for now, I'm happy with my first crush 😀 I love how soft my skin feels after using Olay BB Cream. yay!!
So, that's it on my BB cream review. What I want to hear is what kind of BB cream did you use? Which ones do you love and which ones you hate?
Thanks so much for taking the time to read.
Sharon ❤
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
Snapchat: sharonbprime


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Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is telling his city to get up, stand up and celebrate one of the most iconic musicians of all time by officially proclaiming Feb. 6 'Bob Marley Day.' It also happens to be the day the Jamaican legend was born.
According to the Globe and Mail, the controversial mayor—who has admitted to drug and drinking problems—issued the following text lauding the long-departed musician:
Whereas each year on February 6, we honour the legacy of Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley, an influential musician, advocate for human rights and international ambassador of peace.
His early career began with friends, the legendary Wailers, "Bob Marley and the Wailers." His music captivated people of all cultures, broke music barriers and helped introduce reggae music to the world.
Bob Marley became one of the greatest ambassadors of peace the world has seen. He used music to tear down the walls of apartheid and promoted African unity, culture and world peace both at home and internationally, with songs like One Love and Africa Unite. Today, his music continues to be loved by many and is instantly recognized around the world.
Now therefore, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2014 as "Bob Marley Day" in the City of Toronto.
Ford is clearly a huge fan of the reggae icon. Last year he was caught on camera during a City Council meeting dancing and singing along loudly with other members to the hit 'One Love,' which jazz group Douglas and the All-Stars were performing.
Read more at Globe and Mail.


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ATLAS Medical Illustrator Internship
The ATLAS program consists of scientists, engineers, data managers, medical professionals, artists and marketing professionals from all walks of life. It is a rather unique multi-disciplinary team that provides a vibrant work environment. If you are joining us at ATLAS, you are joining us as our peer. We expect you to stand your ground in debates, develop and appropriately express your opinions, help grow the program, your peers and yourself, and above all else work towards results!
Apply for the ATLAS Medical Illustrator InternshipApply Now
- At least one (1) year completed in a graduate medical illustration program or two (2) years completed in an undergraduate program or a combination or the program(s) related to the field of biomedical communications
- Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects
- Must have an understanding of basic design principles
- Available 10 hours/week during spring and fall semesters within normal business hours (Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m.)
- Available 10-20 hours/week during summer within normal business hours (Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m.)
- New interns must work from Roswell Park's campus
- Masters Students: We are open to the possibility of having a thesis project completed at ATLAS. Please keep in mind that the project must be centered on an ATLAS project and is not guaranteed until thoroughly discussed and agreed upon with the ATLAS Director.
Necessary for Application:
- Two (2) Letters of recommendation or references (academic or professional)
- Cover Letter
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Digital portfolio/website link
Preferred Qualities:
- Knowledge of 3-D software (Cinema 4-D)
- Knowledge of 2-D and/or 3-D animation utilizing any of the previously mentioned software
Job duties may include but are not limited to:
- Medical/biomedical illustration for print and digital platforms
- Possible design of patient education apps and animations


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The first meeting of the Cabinet Sub Committee constituted for Resource Mobilization and Economic Measures was held here today under the Chairmanship of Irrigation & Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes. Other members of the Sub Committee Transport Minister G.S Bali and Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri also attended the meeting.
The position of receipts, both tax and non-tax accruing to the State vis-à-vis the expenditure incurred under various heads in the State was discussed. A detailed discussion was done to devise ways and means to mobilize resources and contain unproductive expenditure.
The Cabinet Sub Committee decided that since financial issues of the State were a matter of interest of the State as a whole, it decided to invite suggestions from all the political parties and the general public for which any person can give his suggestions on the following e-mail [email protected] or through letter to Principal Secretary (Finance) to the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, HP Secretariat, Shimla-2.
The Sub Committee decided that in next meeting, detailed deliberations would be held with the Secretaries and the Heads of Departments of Revenue, Mining, Forest and Tourism for non-tax resource mobilization.
The issue of arrears of BBMB also came under discussion and it was decided to pursue the case vigorously in the Supreme Court. The allocation of Hydro Power Projects in the State would be expedited so as to ensure revenue to the State through upfront premium.
The Sub Committee also decided that the land available with various Govt. Departments would be identified and surplus land would be leased out for tourism and industrial purposes on 99 year lease through a transparent bidding/auction process.
With a view to check expenditure, the Sub Committee proposed ban on purchase of new vehicles till 31st March, 2015.


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How to Engage and Connect Non-desk Employees
The full content of this page is available to members only.
To reach people in the world's most remote places, global health and humanitarian organizations have to use engaging global communication tools. These organizations rely on their intranets to educate, engage and connect people on a global scale. The challenge of creating meaningful ways to do this across cultures within your budget is no easy task. JoEllen Saeli-Lane will show you some tools large global organizations use to connect and engage employees—even those thousands of miles away from one another.
Key Highlights:
- Create a mobile experience for your employees in the field
- Build employee recognition into your communication strategy and platforms
- Customize your search to connect employees to organization experts and to important information
- Put the resources that your employees care about at their fingertips
- Engage email-only employees with a newsletter that pushes them to the intranet for more info
JoEllen Saeli-Lane is a senior director of communications for the Centers for Disease Control with experience in the nonprofit, health, government and private sectors. JoEllen is senior director of strategic partnerships and communications at CARE USA. She has been senior health communication specialist within CDC's global health program and director of internal communications for CARE USA. JoEllen is a member of IABC Atlanta and speaks about building communication strategies and intranets in globally diverse organizations.


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Welcome to Midwest Awnings, Inc.
With over thirty years of working with leading construction companies and architects in the Quad Cities and Galesburg, Illinois area and beyond. Midwest Awnings, Inc. has established itself as a leader in the production of innovative and new concepts as well as custom canvas and aluminum coverings for residential, commercial and industrial clients.
Whether you're looking for awnings for your home or entrance canopies for a new establishment, we can handle projects of any size.
Our Services
309-343-5553 309-762-3339 309-691-7940


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Our specialty is repairing failing pipelines by relining them without any demolition or digging. We have the most technologically advanced pipelining equipment on the market to date.
Our trenchless relining system has an industry backed 50 year warranty guaranteed to get those pipelines flowing better than new. Call us today for a quote.


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PGA Tour Preview: Honda Classic
February 21, 2018 by Kevin Krest • Print Story •
Last Week
An emotional Bubba Watson, after sinking an eight-foot par putt on the 72nd hole to secure his first victory in two years, collapsed into the arms of his long-time caddie. The popular left-hander began the day with the lead, but fell behind on the back nine before securing victory by holing a bunker shot for birdie on the par-3 14th hole, and then following up a monster drive with a two-putt birdie on the par-5 17th.
It was Watson's 10th career win and his 3rd at the Genesis Open. His last win was the 2016 Genesis, and in the meantime Watson stated in a post-round interview that he had definitely considered retirement. I would imagine those plans are now on hold.
Speaking of retirement, the ageless 47-year-old Phil Mickelson was in the mix late until consecutive bogeys ended his chances. Patrick Cantlay and Kevin Na also made runs, but Watson's experience on the fast and firm Riviera Country Club ended up as the difference-maker.
A strong field, enthusiastic galleries, and superb weather all combined to create an exciting end to the PGA Tour's West Coast Swing. Tiger Woods looked lost during a 5-over par 76 in the second round that led to a missed cut for the former top ranked player in the world. He'll continue to try to work his way back into form at this week's Honda Classic, played near his home in South Florida.
This Week
Honda Classic
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
PGA National (Champion) - Par 70
During the era of celebrity sponsorship of PGA tour events, what is now the Honda Classic began as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic in 1972. Gleason's name was on the tournament until 1980 and the event has had its current sponsor since 1982. After moving from Inverrary Country Club following the 1983 tournament, the Honda bounced around to several courses before finding what is now considered a permanent home at the PGA National Champion Course in 2007. The course is characterized by breezy conditions that make accuracy difficult.
The signature stretch of holes 15 through 17 is known as "The Bear Trap," named for Jack Nicklaus, who performed some redesign work on the course. The holes are famous for their tough pin placements and challenging water hazards to concern the players down the stretch. Nicklaus is the only player to win the tournament in consecutive tries, having accomplished the feat in 1977 and 1978. The first two events were won by major winners Tom Weiskopf and Lee Trevino, and in addition to Nicklaus, they've been joined by the likes of Johnny Miller, Larry Nelson, Tom Kite, Hale Irwin, Curtis Strange, Fred Couples, Vijay Singh, Mark O'Meara, and Padraig Harrington.
2018 Field
* Nineteen of the top 26 finishers from last year's tournament are in the field
* Two of the top 10, 6 of the top 20, and 23 of the top 50 in FedEx Cup points
* Three of the top 10, 8 of the top 20, and 20 of the top 50 in the World Golf ranking
* Twenty-two countries represented
* Six colleges have four or more former players represented: Oklahoma State (7), Georgia (7), Georgia Tech (5), Florida (5), Alabama (4), Auburn (4)
Oldest player
Bob Estes (52)
Youngest Player
Sam Burns (21)
Major Champions (17)
Tiger Woods (14), Rory McIlroy (4), Padraig Harrington (3), Retief Goosen (2), Jimmy Walker, Graeme McDowell, Adam Scott, Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley, Martin Kaymer, Lucas Glover, Jim Furyk, Webb Simpson, Louis Oosthuizen, Jason Dufner, Sergio Garcia, Stewart Cink
Total Tour Victories
333 (Tiger Woods, 79)
Total Major Victories
36 (Tiger Woods, 14)
Past Champions
Padraig Harrington, (2), Adam Scott, Luke Donald, Camillo Villegas, Rory Sabbatini, Rory McIlroy, Michael Thompson, Russell Henley, Ricky Fowler
Who's Hot
He's not flashy and generally plays in the shadow of fellow players Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth,k and Ricky Fowler, but Justin Thomas is quietly putting together another strong and consistent season. In six official starts, the reigning FedEx Cup and PGA champ has yet to miss a cut and hasn't finished outside the top 22 in any event. He already has a win and stands in 9th place in the FedEx Cup and 4th in the Official World Golf Rankings. Thomas is coming off a tie for 9th at the Genesis and received very little air time as Bubba Watson broke his winless streak and Phil Mickelson was contending. This guy has the kind of game that will allow him to be around for a long time, barring injury. He's long and can make putts when he needs to.
Who's Not
With eight holes remaining in his second round at the Genesis Open, Tiger Woods sat inside the eventual cut line of 2 over par, having managed to almost balance 4 bogeys with 3 birdies to stand at 1 over par. However, the next three holes were nightmares and by the time he stood on the 14th tee, a brutal par 3, he was 4 over par, and almost assuredly done for the week. There was hope for Tiger after his top-25 finish at the Farmers Insurance Open, but his putting was balky and the rust was definitely showing at Riviera. Most analysts that are ex-players express the opinion that Woods needs to play his way back into competitions and he'll get that chance with a second consecutive start at the Honda Classic, not far from his Jupiter home.
What to Look For
For many years, as this tournament struggled to find a home and with a World Golf Championship event the following week, the field was not necessarily as stellar as a number of other PGA Tour events. It's still victimized by its place in the schedule, but Jack Nicklaus' involvement and more certainty about the location has helped attract higher-caliber players.
With the Masters just six weeks away, many players are looking to play their way into form for the majors season. Justin Thomas, Ricky Fowler, Rory McIlroy, and Sergio Garcia bring plenty of attention to the tournament.
With the winds, tight fairways and plentiful water hazards, ball striking is particularly important as evidenced by the list of past winners. Length off the tee is not nearly as important as placement, so I would expect the winner to hit a high percentage of fairways and greens, taking advantage of a hot week of putting. The Bear Trap always adds drama to the end of the tournament, with a lot of trouble lurking as players attempt to navigate their way to victory.
Last year, Ricky Fowler began the final round with a four shot lead, struggled on the front nine, then recovered down the stretch to retain the margin for a big victory.
Kevin Krest is the author of the entertaining PK Frazier series of sports suspense novels and the co-host of the weekly "The Cold Hard Truth: On Sports" broadcast. His books can be found on Amazon.com.


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Nov 15 2003
By Wilson King
Football Sports Betting – Inside the college football betting lines
To quote Hunter S. Thompson, "Those of us who had been up all night were in no mood for coffee and donuts. We wanted strong drink." After all, we are members of the international betting culture. And there are plenty of us. Those who had been up all night, that is. Despite my diminished capacities, it did not take a hit of the devil ether to understand the complexities of the situation we had emarked upon today. We had been beating the public to the punch this entire month, but our good fortune had created an unenviable situation. To give anything back today would be to feed into the public's delusion that can beat us. To keep taking their money would be to violate the sacred bond we had created. We had one toe over the line, and a step in the wrong direction would leave us both with a feeling of fear and loathing.
"It's 'one TOAK over the line,' you idiot. One 'toak.' Not one 'toe,'" a voice quickly interrupted. Unaware that others could intercept my internal monologue, I quickly ceased communication with myself.
After two valium and a quart of rum, I realized that the voice was that of Steve Stone, and despite his cosmic ability to sense a major line change, I was almost certain he could not read my mind. But there was no time for this worthless self-evaluation. The games were about to start, and I had to grab hold of myself or someone else would.
I knew I had regained some sense of reality because we needed favorites across the board, and that scenario does not exist in any altered state of consciousness, no matter how strong the acid. We needed Wisconsin and Minnesota, but this did not bode well for us because I never had much luck with in the Midwest. My fears were confirmed when both were losers, and the day was off to a bad start. However, things began to come together as the day unfolded. We gained some momentum with predictable covers by South Carolina, Eastern Michigan and Syracuse, all hosting prohibitive favorites.
Apparently last week's tribute to Alex English and the U.S. Military Academy did not impress many, as the public bet against both the Nuggets and Army this week. I began to think that perhaps they were the ones on the strong ether. But when Army failed to cover an eight point spread at home, costing us a major decision, I realized I was wrong.
Despite our military misfortune, we managed to go into the late afternoon games up a modest sum. We then quickly capitalized on an Oregon win and Baylor cover, which provided the afternoon's two biggest decisions. Purdue took The Ohio State University to overtime, giving us a win on the side; however, exotics hit and depleted our spoils.
While a few minor decisions went our way, the fate of the day lay in the hands of Alabama getting seven and a half at home against LSU. A 'Bama victory would double the day's earnings. A loss would leave us reeling
When ESPN featured a segment with Joe Namath in the broadcast booth talking about his teenage daughters, I knew the gig was up. I decided to get out of town. At best, I could only hope for a few hours of precious sleep before coming back tomorrow. And this time, I'll try it without the acid. Either way, I think I'll keep the Acapulco shirt.


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Pretty much since the moment I have been able to hold a pen I have been drawing and interested in all things creative and beautiful. When I got the chance to attend one year at an American high school as a foreign exchange student I filled my course schedule with as many art and photography classes as possible.
So it only felt natural for me to be wanting to do something design or art related when I "grew up". Admittedly, there was a brief moment when I considered a career in veterinary medicine. Eventually I negotiated with myself that as a designer or artist I could still get at least two dogs and a horse.
In 1999 I began my full-time studies at the School of Arts in Hamburg. Two years later I moved to England where I graduated from the Kent Institute of Art & Design with a degree in Product Design & New Media. It was during these three years at KIAD that I became fascinated with interaction design and thought to pursue this as a career.
As part of my love for travelling that is fueled by a seemingly incurable consumption of wanderlust as well as by my daring curiosity to explore new cultures, I decided to move to Stockholm (Sweden) despite knowing neither language nor what to expect. After more than 2,5 years of living and working as an Interactive Designer in Stockholm, I gave in to the rather long and dark winters and moved back to Germany to work for a prominent Frankfurt based brand agency.
For the last 7 years I have been working as a freelance Design Consultant specializing in UX/UI Design and Digital Strategy.
When I don't work, I can be found with my Nikon entertaining my passion for photography, horse riding or obsessing over new travel destinations.
You can also find me here:


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We owe many thanks for our relationship with the Middlesex County Youth Corps. Recently, staff and members of the Youth Corps have assisted the Anshe Emeth Community Development Corporation (AECDC) by performing numerous routine and special tasks essential to our operation, freeing up AECDC staff time and saving funds that can then be used to purchase diapers, car seats, medical equipment, etc. for our clients.
The Youth Corps is sponsored by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development as well as the New Brunswick Board of Education/Adult Learning Center. This program provides education and work experience for youth, ages 16 to 21 who, for whatever reason, have dropped out of high school. For a three month period, the members attend classes and go to various work sites to assist nonprofit organizations with their tasks.
The AECDC has been selected as one of these sites and, for the past year, we have benefited from their help. The students, under the supervision of their crew leader, staff member, David Perez, have spent 600 hours performing such tasks as cleaning the inside AECDC area, keeping track of our inventory of infant supplies and medical equipment, organizing our warehouse and delivering supplies to clients. Their work has saved the AECDC $6,000 in administrative and overhead expenses, enabling us to use these funds to directly serve our clients. They have also solicited donations for us from other agencies and individuals. The Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple has also benefited from their services as they have mowed our lawn and beautified the area around the building.
The Youth Corps program consists of a two week pre-corps period during which the youth are assessed by staff for their strengths and weaknesses and counseled regarding appropriate personal and job behavior. If they are deemed acceptable to the program, they begin their 12 week session. On the job sites, they are supervised by staff at all times and can be terminated at any time if they are not considered to be suitable. They receive income for their work. At the end of their stint, they are tested and, if they pass, they receive a high school certificate (formerly called a graduate equivalency diploma). The goal is for the members to graduate, as a high school diploma is mandatory for most employment today, including military service.
Other agencies that have been receiving their assistance include The Salvation Army, The Puerto Rican Action Board and the Suydam Street Church. A recent grant from the NJ Department of Transportation has enabled the Youth Corps to work on beautification of local areas.
After their term of service, a number of the Youth Corps have volunteered to assist the AECDC on their own.
We are extremely grateful to the Youth Corps which has been a great asset to our organization at no cost to us.