Sunday, January 28, 2007
Free Stuff online
My husband just posted a great set of free (legal) resources online, including classical works where copyright no longer applies, audio books, and old computer games that we used to play when we were kids. Cool! Check it out Apologique: Really Cool Free Stuff
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Calling all 24 fans!!
Oh my goodness--y'all gotta check this out! One of Frank's friends in the Philosophy program had a cool experience: a-team
Sunday, January 21, 2007
For Anyone whose ever flown
I came across these as an email forward, and this is kind of long, but too funny not to share!
Airline cabin announcements:
All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:
1. On a Southwest flight (SW has no as signed seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"
2. On a Continental Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."
3. On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have.
4. "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."
5. "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."
6. As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
7. After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."
8. From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245
to Tampa.. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."
9. "In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."
10. "Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but
we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."
11. "Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."
12. "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."
13. And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
14. Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake
City the flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the
airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."
15. Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"
16. Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."
17. An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart
comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with
a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"
18. After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."
19. Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank
you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized met al tube, we hope you'll think of US Airways."
20. Heard on a Southwest Airline flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."
21. A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax.. OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed,and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said,
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled,"That's nothing. You
should see the back of mine."
Airline cabin announcements:
All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:
1. On a Southwest flight (SW has no as signed seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"
2. On a Continental Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."
3. On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have.
4. "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."
5. "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."
6. As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
7. After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."
8. From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245
to Tampa.. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."
9. "In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."
10. "Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but
we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."
11. "Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."
12. "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."
13. And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
14. Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake
City the flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the
airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."
15. Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"
16. Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."
17. An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart
comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with
a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"
18. After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."
19. Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank
you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized met al tube, we hope you'll think of US Airways."
20. Heard on a Southwest Airline flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."
21. A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax.. OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed,and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said,
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled,"That's nothing. You
should see the back of mine."
Friday, January 19, 2007
Other stuff
Mom and Phillip came out to see us for 2 weeks. We've had lots of fun. Took Fifi (P's nickname) to Disney and let him ride all the fast rides. Rode the new and improved Space Mountain--I like the changes. It's a roller coaster that is completely in the dark, and used to have spacey/orchestral music with lights that simulated shooting stars all over the place--like you were at light speed thru the whole ride--immensely fun! But believe it or not, they've made it even better. They placed black lights strategically around so that you can sometimes 'see' where you're going, and changed the music to some cool heavy metal w/electric guitars. It was rockin! literally.
On another note, it's been REALLY cold here. Mom and Fifi brought it with them I think. Normal 'winter' temp is around 48 degrees at night, but it's been getting down to low 30's. Gov. Schwarzeneggar (sp?) has declared that CA will lose over a billion $$ in lost citrus crops. Bummer. We saw on the news to expect much higher prices and more damaged fruit. I think our lemons are doing ok though. I am curious to see how high the prices will be by next summer. Oranges are really good here. I hate that the crops got ruined.
Counting down to the end. I am getting excited. For the first time, I won't be sad to put my mom back on a plane to AL, because I'll be there in 4 months, yippee!! 132 more days to be exact.
My job is very demanding. It'll be nice to be the mommy again. I think Frank will also be glad to switch back to the breadwinner role. Not that he doesn't make a great stay-at-home parent. He is really good with the boys. (I know that's why I was blessed with boys) So patient, and even helps keep up with the housework. The only time he gets bogged down is midterm and finals time--usually several papers and exams are all happening at the same time. It has proven to be a bit stressful. Thank you God that we are almost done. Frank (by the grace of God) has managed to maintain an A/B average! and that is with being a full time at-home parent! So pray we finish well. We have one semester left that will start next week, and it looks to be the easiest semester we will live thru, yey! Frank set it up that way on purpose so that his graduating semester would be the least stressful.
My mom has been cooking for the last 2 weeks. When she comes it is wonderful. Most folks would be thinking,"Your mom took over the kitchen and you're ok with that?". Yup, most definitely. As a f/t working mother, it has been WONDERFUL to come home every day to home cooked, southern meals! I sure will miss that. And the company. It's been nice to hang out with my brother too, as I'd not seen him in probably over a year. So, I'll be seeing the rest of you soon too, and we can hang out!
See ya soon! :o)
On another note, it's been REALLY cold here. Mom and Fifi brought it with them I think. Normal 'winter' temp is around 48 degrees at night, but it's been getting down to low 30's. Gov. Schwarzeneggar (sp?) has declared that CA will lose over a billion $$ in lost citrus crops. Bummer. We saw on the news to expect much higher prices and more damaged fruit. I think our lemons are doing ok though. I am curious to see how high the prices will be by next summer. Oranges are really good here. I hate that the crops got ruined.
Counting down to the end. I am getting excited. For the first time, I won't be sad to put my mom back on a plane to AL, because I'll be there in 4 months, yippee!! 132 more days to be exact.
My job is very demanding. It'll be nice to be the mommy again. I think Frank will also be glad to switch back to the breadwinner role. Not that he doesn't make a great stay-at-home parent. He is really good with the boys. (I know that's why I was blessed with boys) So patient, and even helps keep up with the housework. The only time he gets bogged down is midterm and finals time--usually several papers and exams are all happening at the same time. It has proven to be a bit stressful. Thank you God that we are almost done. Frank (by the grace of God) has managed to maintain an A/B average! and that is with being a full time at-home parent! So pray we finish well. We have one semester left that will start next week, and it looks to be the easiest semester we will live thru, yey! Frank set it up that way on purpose so that his graduating semester would be the least stressful.
My mom has been cooking for the last 2 weeks. When she comes it is wonderful. Most folks would be thinking,"Your mom took over the kitchen and you're ok with that?". Yup, most definitely. As a f/t working mother, it has been WONDERFUL to come home every day to home cooked, southern meals! I sure will miss that. And the company. It's been nice to hang out with my brother too, as I'd not seen him in probably over a year. So, I'll be seeing the rest of you soon too, and we can hang out!
See ya soon! :o)
Changed my look
How do you like it? Got bored with green and was perusing the templates and found this charming look...so...decided to pull an aol and update my look. Aol is notorious--every time I JUST get comfortable manuevering thru the site--will have located my stored emails, figured out where they put the entertainment news, and relearned how to find recently sent or deleted emails; they go and change the look again. So, just when you were comfortable with my site, here goes...
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Birthdays
Today is Steven's 3rd birthday. Because Frankie's b'day is on Monday, we had a kid party--a first for me. It was successful, thank goodness. (I was a little nervous, having no one to invite but friends we've made here--man, where are good 'ol AL family and friends when you really need them?!) I kept it small on purpose so as not to be too overwhelming or out of control, and we did a CARS theme. It gave me a good chance to get to know the family of one of Frankie's classmates. It was actually a lot of fun! They just played for awhile and then we did pizza, presents, and of course, cake and ice cream. It's strange to think that this time next year, we will most likely be at home celebrating with family and friends, and our time here will feel like it was a dream. But Frankie and Steven are making friends here that they will miss when we go back home. E'en so, I'm ready to see everyone soon! Also hard to believe that one more semester and Frank will be done. So, see you in six months!
Flowering Herbs is Back
Yey. I am pleasantly surprised. Went to Bath and Body Works to pick up my yearly supply of lotion. They run such a good sale after Christmas every year, that I get enough to last a year, usually about 4-5 bottles. When I was in high school, Flowering Herbs was my favorite scent: kind of a clean, flower smell. Anyway, when I was pregnant with Steven 3 years ago, they had phased it out and I had to find a new scent in order to take advantage of the in-store sale. (I know I could'ave ordered straight from the company, but you have to pay full price for that, ugh.) I decided on Sheer Freesia and have been using that for the past 3 years--it is also very good. Well, went into the store couple of nights ago, and could not find any hints of Sheer Freesia--but...guess what was back! yey! Made my day. I know you all wanted to share in my joy. thanks. :o)
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The hurryer I go, the behinder I get...
Just quoting a guy I work with...Goodness! Has everyone back home been as busy as us here?! My head's spinning; I've got so much going on: Choir concerts, church get-togethers, Kid Christmas parties, Adult Christmas parties, house cleaning for the holidays, gift wrappings, shopping (ugh. which I hate), and the list goes on. Oh yeah, did I mention work? We get a whopping 11 day vacation (paid--yippeee!!!) from Biola, so this last week of work everyone is scurrying, trying to get all the work details wrapped up before we leave for break. Don't know if I'd shared this earlier, but one of my jobs is to monitor/process all incoming and outgoing wires for the school; and everyone wants to get their payments made before we leave. Needless to say it has been interesting trying to get it all done. Told my boss I needed an 11-day vacation; and he was happy to oblige.
Also: today is our 8th wedding anniversary! How is it possible in one moment to feel like time has flown and in the next moment wonder how we ever got this far? I do know that I love my husband more and more every day, and literally could not live without him. He keeps my head on straight for me! Love you Babe!
Also: today is our 8th wedding anniversary! How is it possible in one moment to feel like time has flown and in the next moment wonder how we ever got this far? I do know that I love my husband more and more every day, and literally could not live without him. He keeps my head on straight for me! Love you Babe!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
New Hobby
A friend of mine here in CA just graduated from Biola with an art degree. She taught me how to make jewelry--it is so much fun. As you can see, I was busy over Thanksgiving, and I've just posted several of my pieces on ebay!!! Here's a preview of some of my work:
![]()
Check out my auctions at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120058929545&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D120058929545%2509%26fvi%3D1
and let me know what you think!
Check out my auctions at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120058929545&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D120058929545%2509%26fvi%3D1
and let me know what you think!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Welcome to LA traffic
This is what you go through if you try to get on the freeway at almost anytime of the day in LA:
Ugh. why are there so many people here? no elbow room or anything. Guess I'm just a country girl who grew up with a forest for a playground. When we were living in our apartment next to the interchange of the 5 and 91 freeways, we would look out the window about midnight and see nothing but brake lights.
Frank and I also had a conversation yesterday, that from Beach Blvd. and La Mirada Blvd. (a major intersection close to our house) down to Huntington Beach, which is about 20 miles down Beach; there are approximately 10 million people living between those 2 points. 10 million!! And did you know that there are only 4.5 million people living in the entire state of Alabama? I don't know if it's the bright lights of Hollywood, or the mild, sunny weather, or access to everything under the sun...but you can see why it is the smog pollution of the world. The freeways here are like streets back home. It is common to take up to 4 or 5 freeways to get from one place to another, and you may have driven less than 20 miles! So different from home, sigh. One thing I won't miss...
Ugh. why are there so many people here? no elbow room or anything. Guess I'm just a country girl who grew up with a forest for a playground. When we were living in our apartment next to the interchange of the 5 and 91 freeways, we would look out the window about midnight and see nothing but brake lights.
Frank and I also had a conversation yesterday, that from Beach Blvd. and La Mirada Blvd. (a major intersection close to our house) down to Huntington Beach, which is about 20 miles down Beach; there are approximately 10 million people living between those 2 points. 10 million!! And did you know that there are only 4.5 million people living in the entire state of Alabama? I don't know if it's the bright lights of Hollywood, or the mild, sunny weather, or access to everything under the sun...but you can see why it is the smog pollution of the world. The freeways here are like streets back home. It is common to take up to 4 or 5 freeways to get from one place to another, and you may have driven less than 20 miles! So different from home, sigh. One thing I won't miss...
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Onomatopoeia
Last night Frank was reading a bedtime story to the boys: "The Berenstein Bears tell a Lie". When they got to the part where Brother and Sister Bear blamed it on the bird, the bird flew away with a 'screech' (we always add in a screeching sound for special effect). At this point in the story, Frankie stops Frank and excitedly exclaims, "Daddy! I know what 'screech' is--that's onomatopoeia!--and so is 'crunch, crunch, munch, munch'!
Oh yeah. That's my boy. What are they teaching in kindergarten these days anyway? I mean will there be anything left to learn in high school?
Oh well, thought you might get a kick out of that.
Oh yeah. That's my boy. What are they teaching in kindergarten these days anyway? I mean will there be anything left to learn in high school?
Oh well, thought you might get a kick out of that.
Friday, October 13, 2006
about 5 hours later...
Just had a quick thought. I love all my friends and family. (Can you tell I'm missing home?) I wish all my CA friends could meet all my AL friends/family, who could get together with the friends and family I have in CO; and the church friends totally would love the work friends; who would really dig the friday night/chattanooga friends; oh yeah, and the Southeastern Bible College folks, and the ones who live in Georgia. Lest I forget the cool folks I met in Austria, and what about the friends I have who are serving on the mission field?...I could go on all night. I am such a girl (relational, emotional, etc...but proud to be what God made me.) At least I can take comfort in the fact that we all have a common bond: Christ, and that you all will get to know each other in Heaven. You're gonna love each other--I can't wait.
Thinking out loud
Soooo missing home right now. Probably because I know we will be moving home in approximately 7 &1/2 months, 32 weeks, 228 days (if we make til May 31st, which is when our lease is up). But, we are choosing not to come home for Christmas since we'll BE home another 5 months after that. But now that we're sure we're coming back, 228 days seems like forever!!
We'd been going back and forth for a little while between several different options:
1. Stay in CA and Frank immediately apply for a Phd program to anywhere and wait for a response.
2. Stay in CA and both of us work for a while
3. Move home and get jobs; pay off student debt already accumulated; put Phd pursual on hold for a little while.
So, yeah, when it's in print--why did we even waffle? Our rent now is $2,050 a month. We do have 2 guys living with us in the 3rd bedroom to offset the cost, so net cost is $1300. But still. Having to share a 1500 sq. ft. house with 2 more adults is rather challenging, honestly. Kim Hill, I am totally understanding the whole house parent thing. But you might've had it a little bit worse than me. But only a little bit. I have grown to like California....here are some of the good things about it:
1. The weather. 70 degrees year round. It does vary slightly, but no terrible cold.
2. Convenience of everything no more than 5 or 10 minutes away, i.e. grocery store, church, Biola. As long as you don't get on the freeway.
3. The house we live in. It is so cute. and the room plan is good.
4. The church we are attending: Grace Evangelical Free. We have met and made friends with some great people.
5. My job at Biola. My co-workers are great and I have medical insurance. I like medical insurance.
6. Let's see, can I think of anything else? oh yeah, we splurge on one thing: Disneyland. It's so fun. Even though I am a grownup, I will always have a soft spot for Disney.
Now, benefits to coming home.
1. Save couple grand a month on rent.
2. Family.
3. Lower cost of living in general. 30 cents less a gallon for gas.
4. Friends.
5. Did I say family and friends? I really miss y'all.
6. The absence of the phrase "you guys". I caught myself the other day. I was chagrinned to hear it come out of my mouth. Agghh. I have been here too long already.
7. Seasons. though don't think I will ever have a soft spot for 100% humidity in August.
8. Don't have to work as much (I won't anyway.) We've talked about my having a part time job to help pay the bills--but no more rat race, thank goodness. Sometimes I feel that between Frank in school, me working f/t, Frankie going to K5 and Steven just hanging out, I will never catch up. But I plan to use Christmas vacation as sorting/throwing out time before we come home.
Ok, if I think of anymore, I'll let you know.
We'd been going back and forth for a little while between several different options:
1. Stay in CA and Frank immediately apply for a Phd program to anywhere and wait for a response.
2. Stay in CA and both of us work for a while
3. Move home and get jobs; pay off student debt already accumulated; put Phd pursual on hold for a little while.
So, yeah, when it's in print--why did we even waffle? Our rent now is $2,050 a month. We do have 2 guys living with us in the 3rd bedroom to offset the cost, so net cost is $1300. But still. Having to share a 1500 sq. ft. house with 2 more adults is rather challenging, honestly. Kim Hill, I am totally understanding the whole house parent thing. But you might've had it a little bit worse than me. But only a little bit. I have grown to like California....here are some of the good things about it:
1. The weather. 70 degrees year round. It does vary slightly, but no terrible cold.
2. Convenience of everything no more than 5 or 10 minutes away, i.e. grocery store, church, Biola. As long as you don't get on the freeway.
3. The house we live in. It is so cute. and the room plan is good.
4. The church we are attending: Grace Evangelical Free. We have met and made friends with some great people.
5. My job at Biola. My co-workers are great and I have medical insurance. I like medical insurance.
6. Let's see, can I think of anything else? oh yeah, we splurge on one thing: Disneyland. It's so fun. Even though I am a grownup, I will always have a soft spot for Disney.
Now, benefits to coming home.
1. Save couple grand a month on rent.
2. Family.
3. Lower cost of living in general. 30 cents less a gallon for gas.
4. Friends.
5. Did I say family and friends? I really miss y'all.
6. The absence of the phrase "you guys". I caught myself the other day. I was chagrinned to hear it come out of my mouth. Agghh. I have been here too long already.
7. Seasons. though don't think I will ever have a soft spot for 100% humidity in August.
8. Don't have to work as much (I won't anyway.) We've talked about my having a part time job to help pay the bills--but no more rat race, thank goodness. Sometimes I feel that between Frank in school, me working f/t, Frankie going to K5 and Steven just hanging out, I will never catch up. But I plan to use Christmas vacation as sorting/throwing out time before we come home.
Ok, if I think of anymore, I'll let you know.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Kids' Kitchen Terms
BOIL: The point a parent reaches upon hearing the automatic "Yuck" before a food is even tasted.
CASSEROLE: Combination of favorite foods that go uneaten because they are mixed together.
DESSERT: The reason for eating a meal.
EVAPORATE: Magic trick performed by children when it comes time to clear the table or wash dishes.
FRUIT: A natural sweet not to be confused with dessert.
REFRIGERATOR: A very expensive and inefficient room air conditioner when not being used as an art gallery.
SODA POP: Shake 'N Spray.
TABLE LEG: Percussion instrument.
CASSEROLE: Combination of favorite foods that go uneaten because they are mixed together.
DESSERT: The reason for eating a meal.
EVAPORATE: Magic trick performed by children when it comes time to clear the table or wash dishes.
FRUIT: A natural sweet not to be confused with dessert.
REFRIGERATOR: A very expensive and inefficient room air conditioner when not being used as an art gallery.
SODA POP: Shake 'N Spray.
TABLE LEG: Percussion instrument.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Back in the swing of things...
Hey you all. I am finally back into the groove. So much has been going on (good things) that haven't had a chance to share. Wanted to show some pics of Europe:
The first one is the palace that was our base in Austria. We stayed in the small town of Eisenstadt--where Josef Hadyn worked for the royal family of Esterhazy. The color is called Imperial yellow, and the palace was converted from a castle/fortress look with moat (early 1800's) to the more Victorian look pictured here. This place was so cool! Since we were the performers, all rehearsals were held here and we had access to more of the rooms.
The second picture is Hadyn's church and his final burial place (he was moved at some point from Vienna to Eisenstadt). Our hotel (a converted monastery--very neat!) was literally next door to the church. Our last concert took place here. A couple of interesting things about Hadyn's church: it is completely round inside except for one large painting on the wall above the pulpit. Consequently, the reverb was terrific!! to the point of being rather mushy...our director would have us sing a 3 or 4 beat phrase and cut off after beat 2 because the sound just kept going and going--and it would sound as if we held the phrase for 10 seconds!
But it was a neat experience to sing there, as the reverb made us sound soooo good.
Ok, teaser...I will share more later as I get time...
Thursday, August 24, 2006
World Traveler Has Returned
Yey!
I know you are all overjoyed that I arrived home safely, despite the dangers of traveling internationally. In this post, I want to share my airline experiences: all of the airlines listed below I have flown on recently, and I feel obligated to share my experiences in hopes that it will help you make an informed decision about the airline you choose the next time you fly:
Now that I've spent 3 weeks being a world traveler, I took a moment to jot down a few ideas about airlines, based on my experiences with these companies. I hope you find the information interesting and insightful. They are listed in order of best to worst:
American Airlines
Pros: Good snacks--long flights get good meals
nice flight attendants
tv's in every seat
nice, up-to-date magazines
clean, modern cabins
assigned seats
Cons: no leg room
noted for losing luggage
British Airways
same as Amercian Airlines--very nice to fly. only gripe--no leg room
Southwest
Pros: snacks not as great as AA, but good--peanuts, pretzels--long flights get cookies/wheat thins
nice leather seats
nice flight attendants
clean modern cabins
pretty good magazines
Cons: no tv's
no assigned seats
limited travel destinations (they don't fly to a lot places on the East coast, including Atlanta)
Continental
Pros: huge amount of leg room--almost feels like first class
assigned seats
clean, nice, up-to-date cabin
Cons: not great snacks, again pretzels
mean flight attendants
no tv
US Airways
Pros: nice flight attendants
assigned seats
Cons: not up-to-date cabin/planes; looked very old
no good snacks--one small bag pretzels, even on long trips
no leg room
old, out of date magazines
definitely no tv's--these planes are too old
Bottom line: I would choose American if I could get a cheap enough flight, (generally they run more expensive). Also I would choose Southwest (if they have a flight where I'm going) --or Continental for the leg room --which was GREAT on long flights!
Ok, more later on how the trip went-- I will also have pics soon.
I know you are all overjoyed that I arrived home safely, despite the dangers of traveling internationally. In this post, I want to share my airline experiences: all of the airlines listed below I have flown on recently, and I feel obligated to share my experiences in hopes that it will help you make an informed decision about the airline you choose the next time you fly:
Now that I've spent 3 weeks being a world traveler, I took a moment to jot down a few ideas about airlines, based on my experiences with these companies. I hope you find the information interesting and insightful. They are listed in order of best to worst:
American Airlines
Pros: Good snacks--long flights get good meals
nice flight attendants
tv's in every seat
nice, up-to-date magazines
clean, modern cabins
assigned seats
Cons: no leg room
noted for losing luggage
British Airways
same as Amercian Airlines--very nice to fly. only gripe--no leg room
Southwest
Pros: snacks not as great as AA, but good--peanuts, pretzels--long flights get cookies/wheat thins
nice leather seats
nice flight attendants
clean modern cabins
pretty good magazines
Cons: no tv's
no assigned seats
limited travel destinations (they don't fly to a lot places on the East coast, including Atlanta)
Continental
Pros: huge amount of leg room--almost feels like first class
assigned seats
clean, nice, up-to-date cabin
Cons: not great snacks, again pretzels
mean flight attendants
no tv
US Airways
Pros: nice flight attendants
assigned seats
Cons: not up-to-date cabin/planes; looked very old
no good snacks--one small bag pretzels, even on long trips
no leg room
old, out of date magazines
definitely no tv's--these planes are too old
Bottom line: I would choose American if I could get a cheap enough flight, (generally they run more expensive). Also I would choose Southwest (if they have a flight where I'm going) --or Continental for the leg room --which was GREAT on long flights!
Ok, more later on how the trip went-- I will also have pics soon.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Remodel's done
Yey! I know you are all cheering and applauding for me now that the remodel's done at work. We've been cooped up in a small computer lab. My co-workers and I've been joking that we feel as if we've been sharing a bedroom with 15 other siblings. lol! So, since we don't have internet at home, and I have no privacy at work, I haven't posted in awhile. I do my posts on break, (of course), but even then, it's awfully hard to keep folks from reading over your shoulder when your desk is right next to the printers that 16 people use every day. Thankfully, we'll be moving back to our new office on Tuesday, so you should see more posts from me.
Except....that I'm leaving for Europe on Tuesday night!!! yippee!! I am so excited to go on this tour and sing Mozart on his 250th! The music is glorious, and our tour is primarily in Austria, so we'll be singing in Mozart's home, too. I will try to post from Europe since my mom is bringing her laptop. If we find a good wireless signal. I will try to get some good pics too.
Sooooo.....more later! :o)
Except....that I'm leaving for Europe on Tuesday night!!! yippee!! I am so excited to go on this tour and sing Mozart on his 250th! The music is glorious, and our tour is primarily in Austria, so we'll be singing in Mozart's home, too. I will try to post from Europe since my mom is bringing her laptop. If we find a good wireless signal. I will try to get some good pics too.
Sooooo.....more later! :o)
Thursday, July 06, 2006
bothersome
Hey Folks. Sorry this is gonna be a really short post. I do want to share all the great things that are going on right now, but don't have the time. Just wanted to leave you with a couple of random, albeit bothersome, thoughts that've been circling in my brain for the last couple of weeks:
Why do hot dog makers load the package with 10 hotdogs, and hot dog bun makers load the package with only 8 buns?
Why do garbage pickup companies make black garbage cans for the garbage that gets stored for the week and picked up only once in that week? I notice this only after walking to work on garbage pick-up days, in the heat, in very crowded neighborhoods. Ew. Don't most folks know that dark colors absorb heat and light colors reflect it? All I'm saying is: we need some white plastic garbage cans around here...
ok. I feel better. I'm sure you feel my pain--thanks for letting me vent.
Why do hot dog makers load the package with 10 hotdogs, and hot dog bun makers load the package with only 8 buns?
Why do garbage pickup companies make black garbage cans for the garbage that gets stored for the week and picked up only once in that week? I notice this only after walking to work on garbage pick-up days, in the heat, in very crowded neighborhoods. Ew. Don't most folks know that dark colors absorb heat and light colors reflect it? All I'm saying is: we need some white plastic garbage cans around here...
ok. I feel better. I'm sure you feel my pain--thanks for letting me vent.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Moving again?!
Agh! I think I am officially going crazy. I work in a building at Biola that is being renovated. I'm in accounting, and the entire department is being moved on Wednesday of next week, and we were officially notified today to get 40 people moved, packed--not to mention that year end is at the end of June and audit happens at the end of August!!! What are these folks thinking?! So, it may be a while before you see another post from me...but please pray that I keep my sanity...
oh, but here's some great news:
Justin is home!!!! whoopee!! The army let him come home for the birth of his child. He is in Colorado right now and the plan is to head to B'ham on Thursday nite. Pray that Junior stays just a little longer so daddy can make it for his birth. Thanks to everyone for praying for Justin, Tracy and baby...
oh, but here's some great news:
Justin is home!!!! whoopee!! The army let him come home for the birth of his child. He is in Colorado right now and the plan is to head to B'ham on Thursday nite. Pray that Junior stays just a little longer so daddy can make it for his birth. Thanks to everyone for praying for Justin, Tracy and baby...
Monday, June 05, 2006
Walmart Woes
This is for all of you suffering from a love/hate relationship with Walmart--I don't know if it's true, but it's almost too bizarre NOT to be!! Enjoy:
"Dear Mrs. Obanion,
Over the past six months, your husband, Mr. Shannon Obanion has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this type of behavior and have considered banning the entire family from shopping in any of our stores.
We have documented all incidents on our video surveillance equipment.
Three of our clerks are attending counseling from the trouble your husband has caused. All complaints against Mr. Obanion have been compiled and are listed below.
Claremore Super Wal-Mart Complaint Department
--------------------------------------------------------
MEMO - Re: Mr. Shannon Obanion - Complaints -
15 Things that Mr. Shannon Obanion has done while his spouse is shopping:
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the rest rooms.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, 'Code3' in housewares..... and watched what happened.
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and asked to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. September 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to the Depends undergarments area.
7. September 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told othe shoppers he'd invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department.
8. September 23: When a clerk asks if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks, "Why can't you people just leave me alone?"
9. October 4: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, and picked his nose.
10. November 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, asked the clerk if he knows where the antidepressants are.
11. December 3: Darted around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.
12. December 6: In the auto department, practiced his "Madonna look" using different size funnels.
13. December 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browse through, yelled "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"
14. December 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumes the fetal position and screams "NO! NO It's those voices again!!!!"
(And, last, but not least!)
15. December 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door and waited a while; then, yelled, very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!"
"Dear Mrs. Obanion,
Over the past six months, your husband, Mr. Shannon Obanion has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this type of behavior and have considered banning the entire family from shopping in any of our stores.
We have documented all incidents on our video surveillance equipment.
Three of our clerks are attending counseling from the trouble your husband has caused. All complaints against Mr. Obanion have been compiled and are listed below.
Claremore Super Wal-Mart Complaint Department
--------------------------------------------------------
MEMO - Re: Mr. Shannon Obanion - Complaints -
15 Things that Mr. Shannon Obanion has done while his spouse is shopping:
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the rest rooms.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, 'Code3' in housewares..... and watched what happened.
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and asked to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. September 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to the Depends undergarments area.
7. September 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told othe shoppers he'd invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department.
8. September 23: When a clerk asks if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks, "Why can't you people just leave me alone?"
9. October 4: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, and picked his nose.
10. November 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, asked the clerk if he knows where the antidepressants are.
11. December 3: Darted around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.
12. December 6: In the auto department, practiced his "Madonna look" using different size funnels.
13. December 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browse through, yelled "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"
14. December 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumes the fetal position and screams "NO! NO It's those voices again!!!!"
(And, last, but not least!)
15. December 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door and waited a while; then, yelled, very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!"
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)