"Voluntary" Donations My Butt!

So, I managed to get a job early in the morning yesterday. It was not a bad day. I happened to be subbing in the some area as Cora works, so I dropped by after work and said hi to her. Her office has been enjoying some electrical problems, there was electrician working on a plug. I decided that was a good time to tell the electrician joke my electrician friend told me: "Did you hear about the electrician that was SO dumb the other electricians noticed?" I think he either did not get it or he did not think it wise to laugh while his hands were so near live wires...maybe he held it in for later.

I then went and renewed our license tabs for both vehicles. I had withdrawn $100, expecting each to be around $40. After some difficulty getting Cora's car's license plate number totally incorrect, I had to call her. Then the lady said it would be $102!! I said, "Huh?" (I am well known for my quick wit and being well spoken, I think this episode is a very good example of my keen use of language to express myself ) I told her, "I only have $100...," holding up my five twenty dollar bills and waving them weakly. She said, "Just a moment." She did some more typing...similar to that airlines lady in "Meet the Parents." after A LOT of typing, she said, it will be $92. Continuing with my witty comments, I said, "Huh?" And she explained how Cascade Licensing (or is it the state) charges a "voluntary" parks and recreation fee of five dollars for every license renewal. She simply took that off. I'd love to know how this is voluntary if they don't tell you about it!!! I don't mind offering five dollars here and there for parks and rec., but sneaking it in on me makes me a little irritated, and I thought voluntary meant you knew about it. So, if you live in Washington and renew your licenses at one of those handy little places...make sure you know what they are charging you for...maybe you don't want to "volunteer."

Today I have two half days at different elementary schools...should interesting getting from one school to another quickly.

Tonight we get to see the new version of "V" on tv. I remember the first one in the early 1980s...My mom wouldn't let me stay up to watch the whole thing. I DO remember the baby alien lizard delivered by C-section though...I always have that visual when people say a baby was delivered by C-section...thank you 1980s television! I hope this new version has better effects! I would also like the story line and the lines the character speak to be stronger! Oh, and hopefully the background music is a little less like "CHIPs." Actually, we watched a couple of the old ones last night, and I would say the best description would be CHIPs + Synthesizer. Remember synthesizers? Wow! I must be getting old...none of the kids nowadays know how cool synthesizers were in my day.

Phone Calls

We have had our share of callers in the past. Once in a rare while they are bill collectors, more often they are people wanting us to buy their services. Lately, one of the tv companies, I can't recall if it is DISH or Charter, has been calling. You answer and there is nothing but silence. You say "Hello!" a few times, and there is nothing on the other end. You hang up. 1/2 hour later it happens again.

I hung on the line for at least 15 seconds before the mechanical digitalized voice said, "______ Television has an important message for Jim..." I hung up. If they want to talk to me, surely they, whoever they may be, will put a human on the phone. I have no intention of buying any extra service from the telvision provider that calls but does not think it is important enough to have a real live caller talk to me. In fact, I will be MORE difficult for them to contact! If I see that number again, I will hang up. That's it.

I remember the time the San Francisco Chronicle called asking if I would like a subscription. I ask the lady if she knew where she was calling. She gave me the startled answer, "uh, no." I said, "do you know what time it is in Minnesota?" (I think I told this story once, if I did, SORRY!) She said, "No." I asked, "How would you like it if I called you at home during dinner?" I believe I said a few other things, but the whole gist of it is the call center people don't know crap. I jst want to voice my frustration at mechanized voices and call centers!

On another note, I would like to hold a moment of silence for our dear friends (make-believe friends) Jon and Kate Gosselin. They began proceedings to disolve their marriage today. I liked the series because it was a window into somone's real life. They seemed to be a real couple, without holding back. They got into arguments and that reminded me of Cora and I. I liked that. Sadly, it seems it has become too real. Divorce can't be an easy decision. I am sad for the kids and I am sad for Jon and Kate. I feel it may have ben that the whole thing that brought their lives closer to us may have been to blame. I hope they know our hearts go out to them in these trying times. So, yeah, I bared my ugly, pasty, TLC self. (Why do you suppose it's called Merlotandtheinternet? Stupid TLC.) I am not ashamed...ok, maybe a little...but that does not make the hardships experienced by these nice people any less difficult.

Sorry to interrupt this moment of revery, but I received a great book today. A book on my favorite airplane!! The F-105 Thundercheif!! I am excited because thre seems to be a dearth of books on the F-105. Some go for as much as $100.00! So, yeah, I am happy about that.

I think I will take Wednesday off, since the boss asked me to work on Thursday and Friday. I gues that's it for now...carry on.

No Kisses Please!

To quote Jim Carey in his penultimate role as Ace Ventura: "Ahhh-llllRIGHTythennnn!" That's what I have to say about 17 kids, more specifically, about one of those kid's mating habits. We were watching, since Cora had the remote and there wasn't much else on, the Duggars. The Duggars, for those of you who could care less about idiots with more kids than you have fingers, are a family with 17 kids and one on the way. Most of the specials we have seen (by we, I mean those that I have been forced to watch[really, she handcuffs me and everything]) have simply been based around how they handle feeding, clothing, or sheltering 17 kids.

In this particular special, one of the older boys...boys, he is 20 years old...decides he wants to take a bride. No, he and the girl have NOT been dating. He met her only a few times. Across state lines. He called her dad and asked for her hand. Then they(He and the DAD) made plans for the young man to meet the family (without the young lady's knowledge) at some podunk restaraunt and surprise her for her birthday, and asks her to marry him. Cool. The only thing is they agree not to kiss. Alright, you get that? I said KISS. I understand a belief that premarital sex is wrong, or to be avoided. Many cultures agree. I DO have difficulty believing the other part. They have decided not to kiss before marriage. So, when is king Arthur going to show up and take the bride away in his carriage? When is the other shoe going to drop and they will admit they were betrothed? Maybe I am just a child of the 20th century. That is just weird...maybe they should have a wedding up near the still and then have their honeymoon running the 'shine down to Nashville? OK, I am just expresing my dismay at some people's decisions. It surprises me, in today's society, that some could do that. Maybe it is to be respected...or not. Weird. It's almost like they are putting people down for making different decisions. Ok, maybe I went a little overboard on a show I would not have watched by choice.

How did my day go? Well, I began the day with NO PLANS, that is, my day as a sub. that seems to be a common theme lately. I made shit up...as usual. On the bright side, I worked like three hours and got paid for a full shift. I had an hour free for lunch. I got there at a quarter after nine. I left at 130. So, you tell me, did I have a hard day?

I came home and did some laundry and dishes. I sub tomorrow in the same HS class I did on Friday...she must've liked me...weird.

Fringe Kids

So, has anyone been watching "Fringe?" Cora and I have had it on the past few weeks, but it wasn't until last night's episode that it really began to draw me in. It's alot like X-Files...but without the strange Foxx-Moulder thing. Don't try looking for it for two weeks, though.

Today was third graders again. I thought yesterday was the hard one, but knowing the language did not help today. They did well during the first part of the day. After lunch, though, it was a completely different animal. Not all the kids mind you, just a few lovely little jewels. The majority suddenly got chatty and the the jewels began their chaotic dance. One started it by leaving the classroom without permission. Strike one. He had to move his popsicle stick(form of punishment). Then another, who had been annoying all day long, decided he had to get up and leave his chair...and well, I suppose he was not completely bad if you just considered it once. After 27 times, though, even Mr. H gets tired of it. He had to move his stick. Strike two. Finally, the first child decided to play tug of war with another, using a bit of instruction card. It was a purposely printed piece, something that was meant to remain and be reused with that bit of curriculum...they moved their sticks. That boy who left the classroom managed to walk his stick all the way over to "phone-a-parent." You're outta there! Their teacher is not going to be happy tomorrow. And that's after Yesterday's kid stealing a box of crayons! I didn't think anything could beat that!

To most kids, calling a parent is a little like nuclear war: They don't mind talking about it, but the reality is just way too horrible to risk!!!

Of course, there were the kids you automatically like. There are always those. They are the ones who aim to please, and, even if they fall short, you don't mind. There are always good kids. In fact, even the ones who got in troule today were good kids...maybe I should be more picky who I call good, but they are all good at heart. That's good enough for me.

Oh, I got a job for tomorrow! Thursday is NOT cursed after all! Hurray!!!

Hmmm, guess what we re doing Saturday? My sister and bro-in-law want to get in on the GPS thing. The whole treasure hunt thing IS fun. Well, my father is going to host a BBQ and send Cora and I and my sister and her husband out to find a series of geoaches that he lays this week. Hopefully they will be similar to the ones I left for him (Close to the road.). Might be a bit of fun!

Catch 22

"'When I was a kid,' Orr replied, 'I used to walk around all day with crabapples in my cheeks. One in each cheek.'
Yossarian...braced himself suspiciously. A minute passed. 'Why?' he found himself forced to ask finally.
Orr tittered triumphantly. 'Because they're better than horse chestnuts,' he answered."

Orr was tinkering with something and Yossarian watched him.

"'When I couldn't get crab apples,' Orr continued, 'I used horse chestnuts. Horse chestnuts are about the same size as crab apples and actually have a better shape, although the shape doesn't matter bit.'
'Why did you walk around with crab apples in your cheeks?' Yossarian asked again. 'That's what I asked.'

'Because they've got a better shape than horse chestnuts,' Orr answered, 'I just told you that.'" (Catch 22, Joseph Heller. Pg23)

That is only part of the exchange that I have always remembered and loved. It makes little sense, but the writing is of such caliber, with each sentence opening a tiny view hole into the story line, (yet, a hole so tiny that it doesn't make sense until you have gotten so far into the book that the only way out is through the back of the book...and of course you HAVE to finish) that once one reads it, it is forever a part of the reader. (I am sorry, this little tirade/quote/sales pitch was brought on by Blissfully Caffeinated, who posted a list of the 100 best books...which was somewhat suspect, since it included a few twice and ALL of the Harry Potter books as one...but, I had only read 12 of them. This was one of those wonderful books. BC got me thinking about that exchange between Orr and Yossarian...I found it tonight and had to post part of it.

I subbed for third grade dual language today. I did enjoy the kids...didn't know the language, but that was no problem with the kids...they are notoriously NOT picky. I mean, they like me, right? They must not be overly picky. I did enjoy the fact that I got to digress about the space program a few times and the kids liked it when I illustrated my ideas. I also bribed them to pay attention. I told them I would show them how to draw some things if they would be good. Amazing how cheaply they can be bought. Sometimes it is a minute early release, or threat of holding them a minute late...they are so easily manipulated.

NCIS was on tonight! That is one of my favorite shows...gee, I have so many. Too bad they are never on during the say time of the year...I have to wait for January before Psych comes back on. Robin Hood won't be on until roughly the same time. I used to watch Numbers, but it is the same general plot each time...math saves the day. (I don't like math, so therein lies a problem, I think they ought to have a show about how cool history is...maybe it should have its own channel. Nah, they'd never do that.) Anyway, NCIS rocks!

On a final note. I hate my "A" key. I had to spend ten minutes going back in and replacing the A's that should have been there, but weren't!

Robbin Hood

The best Robin Hood is made in Britain. I am not against Kevin Kostney kostner, but, truly, he is SO 1990s. Since last fall we have been watching the BBC's Robin Hood. It is set...well, a long time ago in Robin Hood's time. Robin comes backfrom the East and finds the Sheriff well ensconced and the right hand man of Prince John. He soon gathers his group and goes fighting against the Sheriff. The acting is good, the stories are good, but most of all there is lots of action and it is well choreographed with the storyline. The best part, though is the humor and interplay between the characters. Robin Hood is on every Saturday on BBC America.

I am presently waiting for my potatoes to boil for potato salad...I make a mean one. I am sorry my sight sometimes becomes an advertisement for the shows I enjoy, but there are alot of good shows that are not well known. I think everyone should give a new show a chance. Try Robin Hood, and NO I have not been paid to advertise this, but I sure would accept a fee for doing it!

Cora and I went shopping today. We got lots of stuff we have been missing. I think we could have gone on, but the coffee had run out. So, might as well do some shopping whilst we are in getting the all-important beans. We got some pork rids, Rib Eye Steak, Hamburger, and Chicken Breasts. Needless to say, the chili I made that had canned beef in it meant we were toward the dire end of our protein supply. Ok, we still had a couple hot dogs, much canned meat and a few frozen chicken thighs, but, well, carnivores and such. Also, most of my accidental exceptionally well-planned creations require meat. Mostly we spent money we have spent for sometime on groceries. Its about time we got some decent food in our house.

We ate lunch at the Taj, a nice new Indian restaraunt. We tried the lot. Curry...and...uhhh, what other spices do they use? Hmmm, curry, I suppose. It was good.

This afternoon I enjoyed a Mint Julep. I usually try to make one each summer. SO GOOD! This year's used a blender to mix the mint and sugar...I am certain there is a reason the mash it, but, it worked the same and I think I use MORE mint. I grow the mint specifically for that purpose. Whiskey, mint, sugar and ice. That's all we need for a good mint julep. Mmmm-mmm good.

Well, my potatoes are done, gotta go mix them and make 'em yummy!!

Psych, Ohhh!!!!

I have grown to appreciate certain shows on TV. One in particular gives me a GREAT BIG smile. It is a show on USA network. These two nerds are just about the funniest on TV. Cora watches it with me, but I await with baited breath(? Did you ever wonder how that works, baited breath...is it minnows, worms, maggots? And what about that communicates a feeling of anticipation? or maybe it is bated breath? Sorry, off subject.). The name of the show is "Psych." I highly recommend it!!