Thursday, November 30, 2006

You know it is going to be a rough day when...

1) a car alarm goes off around 3:30am for over 10 min. and you've only been asleep for 2 hours.

2) the phone rings at 5:30am and you already have a sub job and don't need to be up until 6:30am.

3) you are running 5 min. late because of traffic even though you left 15 min. earlier than normal. then the exit you are supposed to take is closed due to construction.

4) once at school the first thing you see is a note taped shut titled "confidential to the sub" and includes notes on 6 of the 20 students. my favorate was _____: ADD/oppositional/defiant - this is in his blood if he holds his breath, stretches the skin on his face or (?) other, tell him to stop it.

5) at the end of the chicken scratch she calls sub-plans there is a note to laminate a bunch of things and to cut them out before i am to leave. SO NOT MY JOB!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

What you don't want to come home to

When we got home from our Thanksgiving break and visiting Morgan, we came home to find this. Both sides of our sink were filled with dirt and soot. The right side of the counter was wet in front of the microwave with also some black and dark brown gunk. We had a few bowls that were rinsed out but not washed yet which now were covered with a black and grey slimmy substance. GROSS!
I bleached one side of the sink threw out our drying rack. Bleached and then washed the dishes. Then bleached the other side of the sink. It was then time to turn my efforts to the counter. I moved the microwave and ewww, more grossness. I bleached the counter, but it still has a stain to it. I cleaned the bottom of the microwave and then put everything back. This was not as bad as when there was back-up into our bathtub but still not fun at all. Yuck.

Working Girl

Before we headed home from Thanksgiving we headed over to Fashion Island to drop off Morgan's phone charger and to visit for awhile. Her new place called the Toy Boat is a nice store. We had some fun goofing off, throwing a football back and forth, playing with pirate bendable toys, and on the wall there was a map of the U.S. with all the states velcroed to it, we decided to switch those around, something for Morgan to do in her free time. The store also had a jukebox that we set up to play some fun and interesting songs while we were in the store. (you brought this on yourself!)

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Monday, November 27, 2006

I'm probably killing anyone on 56k with all the vids, but this one is really cool.

Question

Does anyone have any idea where I might find Gourds, mini ones preferably painted?

Sunday, November 26, 2006

I admire your creative spirit, but sometimes you really have to think these things through first.

Yes, we are those crazy people they interview on TV. Deal with it.



This year we once again decided to join the ranks of the insane and camp out outside of a store to get in on all of the Black Friday sales. We weren't sure what we were going to get. I had gift cards that I had been saving for the good deals, we figured we could get some Christmas shopping done, and I told my boss I'd help her get a computer for $189. I think for me it is a way of reconnecting with college era Hutch...staying up all night for no real good reason. Anyway, here is a rundown of our night:

8:45pm -- After Thanksgiving dinner at my grandparents house in Alhambra, we get on the road headed for the same place we were two years ago: the San Diego Best Buy. Our plan is to spend the weekend down there afterwards. Last time we got there at 11pm and no one was there. When we came back at 1am there were about 20 people. Even with traffic we'll be ok.

9:30pm -- Trouble already. We pass by a Best Buy in south Orange County and see a mob outside. Hopefully this is an isolated case, but we hurry on anyway.

10:30pm -- We make it to San Diego. It's not an isolated case. In the same place that was empty two years ago, there are now about 400 people. The line is all the way around the parking lot which is what it looked like last time when the store opened at 6am. I remember seeing an ad for an equally cheap computer at Circuit City so we decide to check that out before giving up.

10:45pm -- Success! There are only about 20 people in line and at least 10 computers guaranteed. I set up my chair, and Cyndi heads to her mom's house to get coffee and the Circuit City ads.

10:50pm -- Lots of people show up. Apparently they're all friends with the guy two in front of me in line. Not cool. They've now got a group of 20 themselves. And they are LOUD!

11:00pm -- A few more people come and join the group. They break out a card table and within seconds five laptops appear. I guess Asians love the World of Warcraft too.

11:05pm -- The group is still very loud and very annoying. I break out the iPod sooner than I wanted to.

11:10pm -- Whatever they're eating has kim chee in it. Seriously, not cool. This is going to be a long night.

12:00mid -- Cyndi is back! She brought me a large mocha and a muffin to eat when I take my meds. I tell her that she'll probably want her iPod, but she just pulls out her book and decides to try and ignore them. I put my headphones back in and break out my Sudoku book.

12:30am -- The middle aged Asian guy between us and the group hasn't moved. He's been sitting on the ground staring straight ahead since I got here. He may be dead, but I'm not bored enough to check yet.

1:00am -- Good news, he's not dead. He's now staring at me. He's also creeping me out.

1:15am -- The guy now wants to know why we're there. He's there to buy a 50" plasma screen TV, but doesn't understand why anyone stays out like this. I point out the fact that he is out there for a sale. He says he could buy the TV whenever he wants, but just wants it today.

1:35am -- He's now interested in my Sudoku book. He's never seen them before and wants me to explain how they work. It seems that I'm not a good teacher and it doesn't help that the group on the other side of him is still incredibly loud. I'd ask them to quiet down a bit, but they don't speak English, and I don't speak Chinese.

1:45am -- The guy now wants to help me do one of the puzzles. I'm stuck on the one I'm doing, so it's giving him lots of time to try and "help". It might be more help if he knew what he was doing, but he really doesn't get it.

1:55am -- He gets a phone call and turns away. Just then I get a break and finish the puzzle. Before he finishes his call, I go to the car to take my meds. That'll give me a few minutes to escape.

2:05am -- I go back and remember my coffee. It's still somewhat warm, but it has no taste. Cyndi swears she got it from a real coffee maker. I accept it because I don't want to think what else could be that color.

2:30am -- Cyndi shows me her bookmark. It's a cutout of a bloody knife that came in a magazine ad a few weeks ago. We contemplate using it on several people around us. I'm not even sure it would give them a paper cut. Lucky them.



3:00am -- I'm getting tired. The store doesn't open for another two hours.

3:10am -- iPod decides I should listen to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon". That's it. I'm going to try and sleep.

3:40am -- Sleep time is over. Some guy decides to show off by driving his big wheels pickup truck around the parking lot, revving the engine as he passes everyone. If I get out of the store before him, I'm letting the knife do their worst to his tires.

4:00am -- The store employees are here. Everyone starts rushing to pack up their stuff just in case they decide to open early. I have a feeling the employees are willing to wait a while.

4:30am -- Vouchers for the big ticket items are passed out. The only one that makes it back to us is for a 32" TV for $1500. Guess the computer is out.

5:00am -- They open up the store. Cyndi heads one way, I go the other. We'll meet up soon if we survive the rush. I wave goodbye as the mob rushes her away.

5:30am -- I finally find Cyndi. She is a bit beat up though I think she'll make it. She found a 1gb memory card for our camera that was going for 3 bucks! She really took one for the team and almost lost her arm in the process. What a fighter!

5:40am -- Some guy in line in front of me with a heavy accent notices the Gilmore Girls season 5 in my basket. "Oh you like Gilmore! That's a long movie for you to like!" Ok buddy, whatever you say.

5:50am -- We get pulled over to a newly opened register in the car audio department. While Cyndi pays, I notice they have a Big Wheels Escalade for kids. This one comes with a real working in dash dvd player. My toys were never quite that cool.

6:10am -- Back in the car. The line outside is longer than when the store opened. We spent a bunch, but some of the things we got on huge discounts just because we know we can sell them for more online. If not we'll just return them and get our money back. If we make the sales all of the presents we bought will be paid for. Since things worked out well there, we decide to head to Best Buy while we still have energy.

6:30am -- Best Buy isn't really that bad. I spend some of my gift cards on a portable dvd player. Score!

7:30am -- We make it back to Cyndi's mom's house. Mmm...sleep.

7:35am -- There's a cat standing on my head. She's ready to play. Cyndi kicks her out. We'll take a nap for a few hours and head back out for more. With any luck we can get all our shopping done today.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Fun

Dinner with Paul's Family on Thanksgiving

Always a memorable event

Friday, November 24, 2006

19,000

We hit 19,000 people visiting our blog today. Thanks to our spyboy we will just call him Site Meter we know that the 19,000th person is from Berlin Germany. Hope you enjoyed your visit to our blog and please come back and see us again.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

This is from last Thanksgiving with Cyndi's Grandparents, Dad, Pam and Aunt and Uncle in North Carolina. We had a great time. This year we will be in Alhambra with Paul's family for Thanksgiving Day, then driving to San Diego to spend the following two days with Cyndi's Mom. We will have pictures to follow for sure.
We have a lot to be Thankful for:
Family and Friends both near and far,
Jobs, Health, Marriages and Births.
Make sure to take a moment to think of all those you are thankful for and praise God for it.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Eve

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Oridnary, comforting, and more than a little predictable
You're the glue that holds everyone together.

Photos We Took

Paul forgot we had actual photos from two of these events...
This is from rehearsal about 3 hours before show time
Then he went into Virgin and signed CD's for some lucky people.
He came back out to the Center Courtyard to
sing, play guitar and piano. I would like to see a full concert someday,
but this was cool for a free show and all.
I also got a few photos of the Kings game we went to with Ric and Jeri

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

It's good to be me!

It's been a good couple of weeks. I've had lots of entertainment...and all of it free! My month (so far) in review:


November 3: Brad gets free VIP tickets to see the Anaheim Ducks beat the Phoenix Coyotes 6-2.


November 11: Brad comes through again, this time with tickets to the USC homecoming game against the Oregon Ducks. We had fun watching the horror on the faces of the Ducks fans on either side of us as USC won 35-10.


November 13: A friend of Ric and Jeri was giving away tickets to the L.A. Kings vs. San Jose Sharks game. Their seats were down by the ice, while ours were up top, but we met up between periods and they stayed to watch the end of the game with us. The Kings avenged an earlier loss to the Sharks, this time winning 4-2.


November 16: When I got to work, I was offered the chance to help chaperone a group of the best behaved boys to the Kings vs. Philadelphia Flyers game. Getting paid to go watch a hockey game is great. Having it happen on your last shift of the week: even better! The Kings lost this one 4-3, but we had to get the boys back before curfew so we didn't have to see the carnage as it was 1-1 when we left.


November 20: Star 98.7 sponsored a free performance by James Blunt at Hollywood and Highland. I swung by after work and met Cyndi and Angela there. We grabbed Quizno's for dinner and watched the half-set from the balcony.

Monday, November 20, 2006

He's going the distance, he's going for speed...



It was a tough battle, but after the 36th and final race of the season, I pulled back into first place to win my fantasy NASCAR league. Yes, you read that right...fantasy NASCAR. While mere mortals stop at football and baseball, those of us who are truly addicted go for the more obscure leagues as well.

Brad and I have been battling since February when the season started. No one else in our league really kept at it, so we ended up going back and forth for the lead all season. I was down by well over 100 points two weeks ago. Brad couldn't put it away as I beat him by more than 100 last week and made up the remaining 17 points this week. For the final race, 3 of our 4 drivers were the same, but I threw Clint Bowyer in for the first time this year and his 10th place finish gave me enough points for the win.

When you play Yahoo! fantasy sports, the winner of each league gets a trophy to put on their profile. Brad has been trying to collect championship trophies for every sport. He won the fantasy golf title a few weeks ago and thought he was set to win this one too seeing as he had taken the lead over a month ago and was winning big every week since.

If you're interested in bringing out your inner hick, the 2007 league should be starting sign ups in a little over a month. Good times.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Dedicated to the 49ers in honor of their upset victory over the Seahawks!*

*note: may not be suitable for sports fans who abandon their teams or go "underground"


Saturday, November 18, 2006

Apology

Posted for: My Best Friend
[Far Away]

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left'
Cause you know,you know, you know
[CHORUS]
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore
On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance'
Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up'
Cause you know,you know, you know
[CHORUS]
So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know I wanted
I wanted you to stay'
Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive youFor being away for far too long
So keep breathing'
Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing'
Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe itHold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go

[NICKELBACK LYRICS]

Friday, November 17, 2006

Thursday, November 16, 2006

What I get paid for...

Today
I was paid to watch 7th graders jump rope and play double dutch
Then I watched 8th graders play soccer. That was my day, by Cyndi

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

What did you do at work?

This is what I do during my prep periods at work.

Or I write letters, text message or listen to Ipod. A really great day is when my prep period is the last one of the day and I just get to leave an hour early.

At work with Cyndi

Conversations with America's Youth

Student: How long till class is over?
Me: About 4 minutes [questioning look]
Student: Thats not good.
Me: Why?
Student: Because I have an erection
Me: [enter shocked look here]
Me: Why don't you go sit down for a few minutes, and leave when you are ready.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Alternative Medicine Guru?

What do you think, is it me?

You Are An INFJ


The Protector

You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity.
Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is.
You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience.
You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them.

You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.
Stolen with love from Cate.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Shots

This is just a cute photo from this weekend of Meeko. These are some VHS I was putting on half.com to sell and she decided it would be a good idea to take a nap on them while I worked on the computer. Before the concert Meeko had to go to the vets to get some vaccines. Here she is outside the carrier ready to go.She was groggy when Amy and I left for the concert but by the time we came back she had tossed her cat food. She got sick three times. I have never had a kitten react this way. It scares me. I don't like that she is not feeling well. Hopefully she will be back to her old self very soon.

The Fray

On Saturday, Nov. 11th My SIL (Amy) and I went to see The Fray at the SDSU open air amphitheatre. The opening band The Damnwells was alright. Two different guys from The Fray took the stage on different songs to play with the Damnwells. The place was packed out by the time The Fray took the stage. It started to drizzle at one point, but no one seemed to care. The tech. guys just pulled out some plastic sheets and covered parts of the sound board. They had special guest Jason Mraz come out and play for a couple songs. They played some of their older stuff, mixed in with their current CD, and a few new ones. They ended with How To Save a Life. I am glad we had the opportunity to go because Amy and I had a great time.

Here are some photos from the evening.Special Guest Jason MrazTake A Bow
Our matching sweatshirts

Sunday, November 12, 2006

After 10 weeks...

49ers: 4-5
Redskins: 3-6



I'm just saying.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

More tv fun



Nothing makes me happier when I turn on the tv than finding a police chase in progress. It's surreal seeing people going crazy like that, usually in places I've been or on roads I drive on every day.

One time a guy was doing a slow chase down the main street near my parent's house. He was stopping at most major intersections and would wait a few minutes before moving on a little farther. When he got to within a few blocks of us, my brother ran out there to try and get on tv. Another kid from our church had the same idea. Seeing someone next to you one minute and on tv news the next is very odd.

Tonight there was a short one going when I turned on the news. The car stopped quickly and 4 homies jumped out and ran. Unfortunately for them, they weren't smart enough to run in different directions so they were all caught after about 30 seconds.

I know they are usually dangerous situations. I don't get a thrill out of seeing people hurt. I'm more looking to see the criminals wipe out their cars or get spun out by the police. With night time chases there's always the hope that they'll lose a tire so we get a mini fireworks show as the rim bounces off the pavement.
Mo

Friday, November 10, 2006

Best show on tv...



Even though my birthday isn't until December, my family groups it together with my grandfather's birthday at the end of October since everyone is busy with the holidays later on. It's too hard to get together for every birthday, so everyone has to share a party. This year, one of the few things I asked for were seasons 1 and 2 of The Office.

This weekend I am going to finish watching them. I'd gone through season 1 and the first disc of season 2 with 3 discs to go. I had only seen a few of the episodes because I was always working when it was on and our reception is horrid once the vcr gets involved.

I didn't realize how many ongoing plot points I had missed especially between Jim and Pam. I could also watch nothing but Jim and Dwight interacting and be very happy.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Si

I know most of you are thinking... hmmm, how in the world did she pass this quiz. But, I knew this stuff. Kinda crazy, I know.

You Passed 8th Grade Spanish

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

At work with Paul

Nurse: What seems to be the problem tonight?
Me: It's his hand. He lost a fight with a brick wall...



...again.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

i dub thee

Meeko Cessna Hutchins
This kitty cracks me up! She has these sparkaly fuzz balls that she LOVES to bat around. Well she has started to pick it up with her mouth and carry them around the house. It is hi-larious to watch. I have started to teach her to bring it to me and I take it out of her mouth and then toss it for her to go get again. Here are some photos showing these events.

Mexifornia Election Results

It's a relief to know that when my 13 year old daughter goes off to get an abortion, nobody will bother me about it. But don't worry, I'll make sure all the consent forms and her emergency contact info is up to date at school in case she needs an aspirin for the pain.

Really?



It took 2 and a half years before you woke up and realized you were married to Kevin Federline? At least the next girl he's with will know that he ALWAYS checks out as soon as the second kid is born. That'll help her plan ahead.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Denver beats Austin hands down

American Cities That Best Fit You::
65% Austin
65% Denver
60% Seattle
55% Las Vegas
55% Miami

the Ritz Carlton it is not

I spend the past weekend driving down to SD on Thursday and hanging out with Amy watching Survivor and Grey's. Then on Friday my mom and I headed up to Victorville to help with a garage sale. We checked into our MOTEL they swear people pay over $100 for these rooms. We did it online and didn't pay that much. This is the first time we were not pleased with the outcome. We didn't stay at the room long, we headed right over to my Aunt and Uncles house. I helped take bags of clothes down stairs while Amanda (my cousin) went through her stuffed animals deciding what should stay and what could go. Then she had to head off to work. We stayed as Robin went through a few more things and then the three of us went to a local place for dinner.

After that we headed back to the hotel to watch a little TV and hit the hay as we needed to get up very early the next day. The sale went fairly well. Anything left over afterwards Josh (my cousin) and I bagged back up and we loaded everything into the two 4runners and headed over to Goodwill. After that it was time to get going back to SD as my Aunt and Uncle get exhausted very easily.

I stayed the night in SD and was woken up early Sunday morning by a certain kitty who decided it was a good idea to start playfully biting my ear at 7am so she would have a playmate! I told her it was not time to get up yet. She didn't wake me up again until 9. I did some laundry, my mom and I took in a movie and then it was time to head home once again.

Just Say NO!



Things could get real ugly today. Go vote.

What's stuck in Paul's head #2

It's probably because it's in the Gears of War trailer they show before Borat. I don't mind it being stuck in my head right now since I haven't heard it in a while.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Hey pal,



I don't like you. Take your buddies and get out of my apartment. Your kind isn't wanted around here. And while you're at it, knock off that incessant chirping at all hours of the night. I get it. You're in the living room. Is somebody not getting enough attention today?

Follow up

Geography Quiz Number 2

You Passed 8th Grade Geography

Congratulations, you got 8/10 correct!

Subconscious

What You Really Think Of Your Friends
Paul is your soulmate.
You truly love Trisha.
You consider Erin your true friend.
You know that Jeri is always thinking of you.
You'll remember Kelly for the rest of your life.
You secretly think Moe is creative, charming, and a bit too dramatic at times.
You secretly think that Charlie is colorful, impulsive, and a total risk taker.
You secretly think that Curly is loyal and trustworthy to you. And that Curly changes lovers faster than underwear.
You secretly think Amanda is shy and nonconfrontational. And that Amanda has a hidden internet romance.

Squishy, My Wish For You...

I know you don't like "my" country music. But the first time I ever heard this song I thought of you. Now seems like a good time to share it with you. I love you, take care of yourself.

[My Wish For You]
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
and if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' 'til you find the window,
if it's cold outside,
show the world the warmth of your smile,
but more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and you always give more then you take.

But more than anything, Yeah, and more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
to your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
to your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
this is my wish
i hope you know somebody loves you
may all your dreams stay big
[song by Rascal Flatts]

Sunday, November 05, 2006

3rd grade test


Saw this on Cate's blog and so I decided to give it a try. I completed this test in half the amount of time given to take it. I figure that is a good thing since I teach children. I find it odd that they don't include Hawaii or Alaska but whatever.

Interesting

I suppose I shouldn't be suprised as I was born and raised in SD. It is a beautiful place with wonderful people.

You Belong in San Diego

Laid back and friendly, you were meant to live most of your life on the beach.
You usually think everything is "all good"... except when the weather dips under 60F.
You stay classy - especially when you're in Tijuana!

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Night at the Pond...er...Honda Center



Last night I got to go to the Ducks game vs. the Phoenix Coyotes. Brad got free tickets through someone at work so we both went. My dad had expressed interest in some Kings tickets Brad had earlier in the week so my parents ended up going too. I think this was my mom's first pro sports event that didn't feature the Dodgers. We met at the Block and headed over to the Pond (I don't care if it says it's the Honda Center, it is and will be the Pond).

The tickets we had turned out not to be normal tickets. We soon found out that we didn't have to wait with the masses of people out front...we got to go in a seperate entrance with a private elevator up to our seats. Nice. As soon as we sat down, a waitress came over and let us know there was no need to go wait in line for food because she'd get us anything we wanted.

We made up for the $3 per person we had to pay for parking very soon after we got there. A blimp was flying around and dropped a couple of cards near us. They turned out to be good for free Togo's sandwiches. Then the lady in front of us was picked to win Carl's Jr. Six Dollar Burgers for her whole row by answering a Ducks trivia question on the jumbotron. When she missed it, they gave the free burger coupons to our row instead! It looks like my next 2 nights to cook are just about taken care of.

The game started off slow, but the Ducks scored 4 times in the second period (including a cool penalty shot) to go up 5-0. The final score was 6-2 Ducks. Brad was a little disappointed that he went to 3 games this week and didn't see a single fight, but overall it was a good time anyway.

BTW: Ric...not only did you miss VIP hockey, but a midget family was sitting by us. Hope you feel better for the next one.

The one time I leave the house...



It's too bad I left the house this afternoon because Ben Stein personally called me today. He wanted to make sure I vote for Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday. I really want to discuss it further with him, but he forgot to leave his phone number. I guess he figured I already had it.

Cyndi's Halloween

For many, many moons I have been going down to San Diego for Halloween. My bestfriend Erin and I go over to the church carnival and hang out. Her oldest daughter Hadley plays the games and we get a chance to talk.

This year was no execption. Usually I see a few people I know from years ago, this year I saw a ton of people. So here are som shout outs... Monica Wafford, Collin and Aurora, Kjirsten, Marc and Tiffany + their new little one Hope, Erin and Jon + their two little girls, and Karen Beck (Erin's Mom), Zach Dietz and his mom. That is all I can remember right now. If you were there and I didn't see you or forgot to add you to the list... my bad.

On to the event:
Here is Hadley feeding a goat at the petting zoo

and here is Adrienne, Hadley's little sister

Marc and Tiffany Henning with Hope

Tiffany playing one of the games

It was a funtastic evening of talking with Erin, seeing so many people I haven't seen in years, meeting Hope Henning, and playing games and acting silly with Tiffany. Good Times were had!

18,000!

We got visitor #18,000 to our blog tonight. Whoever it was is listed as being from Winchester, CA. I have no idea where that is, but I hope you enjoyed your stay.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Only, and I repeat only because Brad asked....

Tell me, who is the better rapper? Leprechaun or K-Fed? I now wash my hands of this post and may God have mercy on your soul.



Halloween in the group home...

Halloween night is always a rough shift to work in placement facilities. Most of the thugs consider Halloween to be their favorite holiday. It was always an excuse for them to run around acting stupid, scaring or intimidating little kids, stealing candy, or just getting wasted at parties. Other holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving relied on family members coming through to make it a memorable time...something that always left them disappointed. So if you ask most of my boys what their favorite holiday is, about 90% will always say Halloween. They are usually pretty restless and wild that night thinking about past exploits and what they are missing out on.

Unfortunately for them, because of the reasons listed above, Halloween in the group home means all home passes during the closest weekend are canceled and no one is allowed off grounds except to go to school that whole day. This year, we bought them some Playstation 2 games the day before thinking that would keep their mind on something else.

The plan was actually working quite well. I was watching "The Breakfast Club" on tv, they were playing their new game, and all were happy.

Unfortunately for me, this didn't last long. The rule is that since it is their house, staff only get to choose what's on tv if the boys don't want to. One of the boys got tired of losing quickly on the game and remembered that there was a movie on he was "dying" to see.



Yes, what is sure to become a classic, Leprechaun 6: Back 2 Tha 'Hood! This wasn't even the "good" leprechaun vs the hood movie. That one starred Ice-T and Coolio. This one starred mostly no-name "actors" who are better off staying that way.

We had missed the first 10 minutes, so I think I may have missed some crucial plot points. No, actually there was no plot. A bunch of guys from the 'hood find a chest of gold that keeps refilling itself. They each take a million dollars worth of gold and go live the thug high life. The Leprechaun then comes to kill anyone who has touched his gold.

The friends soon realize that to make the killings stop, all they have to do is give back the gold. They never do of course, believing that even though they shoot, stab, electrocute, and melt the leprechaun in a furnace and he keeps coming back, that somehow they will find a way to beat him and keep the gold. One girl, in true thug fashion, melts down one of the gold coins to have it made into a cap for her front tooth. Classy.

After 2 hours of this, the best was definitely saved for last. I bet you didn't know leprechauns could rap, but they can! I made sure to sit through the credits to hear that one. Well, maybe it was the fact that my brain was so damaged from having to sit through the whole thing that I began to lose control of motor functions.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Second Installment

The Story Of Us

So... for those of you following the story, Paul and I started dating on Oct. 21, 1999. On Halloween night we went to a party at Nick's parents house. Do you like our costumes? Paul is Mr. Bubbles (it says so on his shirt) and I am from Stewert (a dorm at Biola).After the party Paul and I headed back to his apartment for a bit to talk and hang out. We were cuddling and Paul told me that there was something he wanted to say but feared it was too soon. I asked him to tell me, and that is the night we told each other those three HUGE words, "I love you!" For those of you math majors that was a whole 10 days after we started dating. But we meant it, every word of it, and we still do!

Beautiful

Congratulations to Sharon and Justin. On Saturday the 18th of October we were excited to attend the Wedding Reception for Rosie and Justin. It was beautifully done. Sarah and all others who helped to create the event did a wonderful job. At each place setting a ribbon was tied around the napkins and set on top were these georgeous flowers. They are purple, and this photo does not do them justice. Lisa was kind enough to take a photo of Paul and I since someone who will remain nameless would not go back to our apt. to get our camera which I remembered only 5 minutes after we left. So, thank you Lisa. I appreciate it.
The food was delecious, the guestbook was original, the toasts were tear jerking, there was music you could dance to and a great time with family and friends to celebrate this blessed union.

Congratulations once again to the Bride and Groom, and Mother and Father-to-be.