When we go back to school on Monday, January 7th, we'll be home. The brand new Flora Ridge Elementary is ready for occupancy. We've toured and teachers moved their rooms before Christmas. It'll be so nice to be in one place, all our own.Monday, December 31, 2007
Ta-Da! Flora Ridge Elementary School
When we go back to school on Monday, January 7th, we'll be home. The brand new Flora Ridge Elementary is ready for occupancy. We've toured and teachers moved their rooms before Christmas. It'll be so nice to be in one place, all our own.
Shaking Your Head Won't Help
From the Media Research Center:
Quote of the Year
"As violence falls in Iraq, cemetery workers feel the pinch."
- Headline over a McClatchy News Service story by Jay Price and Qasim Zein
- Headline over a McClatchy News Service story by Jay Price and Qasim Zein
All three networks have become more optimistic in their on-ground reporting from the war zone, admitting that the surge in troops and new counterinsurgency tactics have reduced the violence. But as the news from the war front improves, a Media Research Center study finds ABC, CBS and NBC are less likely to tell viewers about it. (Funny, that.)
Disney Cast Member No-Jokie
They weren't kidding about the state of the parks during the week between Christmas and New Years. As a Florida resident and Disney Cast Member, we were always blocked-out for park entrance during the holidays unless we went alone or in groups of Cast Members. Also it was always extremely quiet at DRC during the Christmas holiday. Dwain and I always took our Holiday passes to see the Osborne Family Lights at Disney/MGM as our tradition. We didn't get to do that this year because I wasn't employed when the Holiday passes went-out. So, as I blogged earlier, we did the resorts on the Monorail as our substitute.
Anyway, back to my original topic, other than the one night out we usually did, we stayed away from the parks during the holidays. Not so this year. I only had to work one day last week, Sunday afternoon and evening. Even EPCOT was incredibly crowded and our store was out-of-control. I kid you not. I've never seen that many people in one store.
They rotate us through the checkouts with tasks scheduled regularly to get you off the registers. But even then, it's quite overwhelming. I have certainly gotten my baptism-by-fire by starting back during this time of year. What was I thinking??? (Inserting large grin)
Anyway, back to my original topic, other than the one night out we usually did, we stayed away from the parks during the holidays. Not so this year. I only had to work one day last week, Sunday afternoon and evening. Even EPCOT was incredibly crowded and our store was out-of-control. I kid you not. I've never seen that many people in one store.
They rotate us through the checkouts with tasks scheduled regularly to get you off the registers. But even then, it's quite overwhelming. I have certainly gotten my baptism-by-fire by starting back during this time of year. What was I thinking??? (Inserting large grin)
December Sunset
I always like to stop on my way home from work or my way TO work for that matter, to catch a pretty sunset or sunrise. This getting dark stuff at 5:30pm in the evening got real old, real fast.
Christmas in St Cloud
Brooke, Donnie, Sam and SadieJust a few pics of the kids and dogs. We had our Christmas on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we had dinner and visitings with the Hastings and Walther families.
Danielle and Cory
Chrstmas at Disney's Grand Floridian
The lobby at Disney's Grand Floridian. You can see the Gingerbread House, sixteen feet tall. That's a lot of gingerbread. 
Cory's pal Kyle was married on Saturday. After the wedding we took a drive out to property to look at the Christmas decorations before they came down for the year. We rode the Monorail around from Disney's Contemporary Resort to Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. I didn't take any pics at the first two resorts. I could have taken hundreds of pics at the GF. It's just a magical place to visit at Christmastime.
The largest of the many Christmas trees in the GF lobby. 
Brooke's House Up-Date
Brooke and Donnie's house has a roof! Things are moving right along. More pictures to come.
Goodbye 2007
You know, back when I was a kid, I couldn't imagine living in the 2000 years. I'm mean, I'd be in my FIFTIES! Holy cow. But here I am with my "favorite discoveries of the year 2007." God bless us every one and who knows what 2008 will hold.
1. Pushing Daisies - I've already blogged about my love for this show. Being back home at Thanksgiving and trying to explain it to my family I realized you can't do PDs justice by description. You have to experience it and be open to the fantasy. Otherwise, it's just another quirky show. Of course, I'd probably watch any show that had Kristin Chenoweth in it. The fact that she often bursts into song is just an added bonus.
2. Amy Winehouse - Don't tell me she's a drunk and a drug addict. I know, I know. But have you really LISTENED to her music? Finally an artist I can get excited about. Yes, there were a few before her, but generally, pop music is such a wasteland. It made me sad that there weren't any CD's I wanted , I HAD to have. Heck, I'm not the only one in my demographic that feels totally ignored. Remember, post-baby boomers buy CD's or at least we did when there was something worth listening to. I've tried to share my enthusiasm for all things "Amy" with friends and family, only to lukewarm results. Maybe she is an acquired listen.
3. Kindergarten through 5th Grade - Thank goodness I mustered-up enough courage to finally leave DRC and go back to school. I LOVE my job with the kids. Yes, they are different than we were, different than OUR kids, even. But they are children. Even the rotten ones have their likable moments. I really make an effort to spend time with the kids in the middle. You know what I mean. Teachers and assistants notice the smart ones. Teachers and assistants notice the behavior-challenged ones. Those two groups get the attention they need and then some. It's the little guys that come to school each day and try their best to blend-in that I seek out. The children in the middle never fail to make me smile, make me feel that by helping them through a rough patch, I'm really helping myself. I'm doing something worthwhile. That's a lot for a job to do for a person. I had forgotten.
4. Deadliest Catch/Ice Road Truckers - I would never have thought in a million years that I would stomach either one of these shows for more than a minute or two. But you know what? These dudes are addictive. I have NO idea WHY I LOVE both these programs, but I do. I can't wait until they come back. Drudgery becomes drama with these fellows.
5. Oatmeal - By far, the best breakfast person can enjoy. My affection for bagels remains, but I'd choose oatmeal over a bagel any day I had the time to linger. Gravy and biscuits will hit the spot, as well.
6. Dogs - No surprises here. This has been on my "list" for years, but 2007 gave me new appreciation for visiting doggies. I got so attached to Dixie (the corgi) while Cory and Danielle stayed with us while their house was being completed. I don't know if Dixie is representative of the breed (although on the Internet, I've read that she is) but she is the most affectionate, easy-going companion a person could ever wish for. Don't misunderstand, I love my old Lucy. I love my Sam and Sadie. But I miss little Dixie.
In 2007 I think I was successful in letting the people I love KNOW that they are loved. I hope so.
1. Pushing Daisies - I've already blogged about my love for this show. Being back home at Thanksgiving and trying to explain it to my family I realized you can't do PDs justice by description. You have to experience it and be open to the fantasy. Otherwise, it's just another quirky show. Of course, I'd probably watch any show that had Kristin Chenoweth in it. The fact that she often bursts into song is just an added bonus.
2. Amy Winehouse - Don't tell me she's a drunk and a drug addict. I know, I know. But have you really LISTENED to her music? Finally an artist I can get excited about. Yes, there were a few before her, but generally, pop music is such a wasteland. It made me sad that there weren't any CD's I wanted , I HAD to have. Heck, I'm not the only one in my demographic that feels totally ignored. Remember, post-baby boomers buy CD's or at least we did when there was something worth listening to. I've tried to share my enthusiasm for all things "Amy" with friends and family, only to lukewarm results. Maybe she is an acquired listen.
3. Kindergarten through 5th Grade - Thank goodness I mustered-up enough courage to finally leave DRC and go back to school. I LOVE my job with the kids. Yes, they are different than we were, different than OUR kids, even. But they are children. Even the rotten ones have their likable moments. I really make an effort to spend time with the kids in the middle. You know what I mean. Teachers and assistants notice the smart ones. Teachers and assistants notice the behavior-challenged ones. Those two groups get the attention they need and then some. It's the little guys that come to school each day and try their best to blend-in that I seek out. The children in the middle never fail to make me smile, make me feel that by helping them through a rough patch, I'm really helping myself. I'm doing something worthwhile. That's a lot for a job to do for a person. I had forgotten.
4. Deadliest Catch/Ice Road Truckers - I would never have thought in a million years that I would stomach either one of these shows for more than a minute or two. But you know what? These dudes are addictive. I have NO idea WHY I LOVE both these programs, but I do. I can't wait until they come back. Drudgery becomes drama with these fellows.
5. Oatmeal - By far, the best breakfast person can enjoy. My affection for bagels remains, but I'd choose oatmeal over a bagel any day I had the time to linger. Gravy and biscuits will hit the spot, as well.
6. Dogs - No surprises here. This has been on my "list" for years, but 2007 gave me new appreciation for visiting doggies. I got so attached to Dixie (the corgi) while Cory and Danielle stayed with us while their house was being completed. I don't know if Dixie is representative of the breed (although on the Internet, I've read that she is) but she is the most affectionate, easy-going companion a person could ever wish for. Don't misunderstand, I love my old Lucy. I love my Sam and Sadie. But I miss little Dixie.
In 2007 I think I was successful in letting the people I love KNOW that they are loved. I hope so.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Firehouse Five Plus Two
Disney's most famous jazz band The Firehouse Five Plus Two playing "Jingle Bells". It's a great clip that features an introduction from Walt and some of Walt's animators as part of the band: Danny Alguire on cornet, Harper Goff on banjo, Ward Kimball on trombone, Clarke Mallery on clarinet, Monte Mountjoy on drums, Ed Penner on tuba and Frank Thomas on piano.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas, Viv! (Thanks)
WIN 2 TICKETS ALL EXPENSES PAID INCLUDING AIR FARES TO THE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES IN BEIJING, CHINA.
To participate is very easy, just view the attached photo, correctly answer the following questions and send your answers to:International Olympic Committee, Private Bag, Lausanne, Switzerland. (Not really, but this IS rather humorous.)
1. Which student seems to appear tired / sleepy?
2. Which ones are male twins?
3. Which ones are the female twins?
4. How many women are in the group?
5. Which one is the teacher?
Good Luck!
I guess you are not going either.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Contributed By Kate
Truth About Car Ads
MUST SELL....before it blows up.
NEEDS SOME BODY WORK ....was blindsided by a Winnebego.
LOOKS LIKE NEW ....just don't try to drive it anywhere.
ALL ORIGINAL ....I never had anything fixed, adjusted, or replaced.
LOADED WITH OPTIONS ....each one more troublesome than the next.
NEVER SMOKED IN ....unfortunately, that's the best thing I can say about it.
PROJECT CAR ....doesn't run.
LOTS OF POTENTIAL....doesn't run.
NEEDS MINOR REPAIR ...doesn't run.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Ya Think?
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This is one of the reasons why living in Florida is different from living in other parts of the country. (Well, this and the fact that we're wearing shorts nine days before Christmas---but I digress. You folks in Oklahoma and other parts of "Tornado Alley" will get a kick out of this. Central Florida, after several deaths and injuries, continues to FINALLY install tornado sirens. I kid you not, this is big news. Okay, I'm 52 years old and I don't remember NOT having tornado sirens in Oklahoma. We all know Florida tornadoes are smaller, relatively speaking, and not nearly as frequent as those in the Midwest--but sirens for any civil defense or safety use is just logical. Woo hoo---what's next? TV dinners? hot rods? hoola hoops and roller skates? (Excuse the sarcasm, it's my sinus meds talking. Not really. LOL)
Radical Antihumanism
(So very, very worth the read.
This man, Steyn consistently NAILS it.)
He says, "By the way, if you're looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers, Oxford University Press has published a book by professor David Benatar of the University of Cape Town called "Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming into Existence." The author "argues for the 'anti-natal' view – that it is always wrong to have children … . Anti-natalism also implies that it would be better if humanity became extinct." As does Alan Weisman's "The World Without Us" – which Publishers Weekly hails as "an enthralling tour of the world … anticipating, often poetically, what a planet without us would be like." It's a good thing it "anticipates" it poetically, because, once it happens, there will be no more poetry."
He says, "By the way, if you're looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers, Oxford University Press has published a book by professor David Benatar of the University of Cape Town called "Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming into Existence." The author "argues for the 'anti-natal' view – that it is always wrong to have children … . Anti-natalism also implies that it would be better if humanity became extinct." As does Alan Weisman's "The World Without Us" – which Publishers Weekly hails as "an enthralling tour of the world … anticipating, often poetically, what a planet without us would be like." It's a good thing it "anticipates" it poetically, because, once it happens, there will be no more poetry."
As a Lucianne reader points out, "It started with the liberals hating the U.S.A. Now it has expanded to all of mankind? What a woeful existence they have brought upon themselves."
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Twenty-Six
I'd love to recreate the photo of Aonica and Brooke in our backyard in Mustang when they were two. For now, this will do. Thanksgiving at Grandma Patty and Grandpa Bill's house.
Dana Did What Tony Refrained From Doing
Long-time White House correspondent Helen Thomas often asks questions attacking the Iraq war during on-camera briefings. White House press secretary Dana Perino usually deflects the question and moves on, but Friday, Mrs. Perino took exception. (It's about time SOMEONE took exception with this harpy.)
It must be a terrible thing to hate the country you've adopted as home and where you've chosen to make a living for decades. Helen Thomas is long past her sell-by date.
One More For Today
Dolly Parton - Hard Candy Christmas
(Not really a Christmas song, but it only gets played at Christmas.)
For Now
Brooke and Donnie's house has footers (framing, whatever you call it) for the foundation. I think they are hoping the slab gets poured this week. Yes, I have pics, but you know how that goes.
Cory and Danielle's house is within days of occupancy. Again, tons of pics, but I'll get to that tomorrow, Scarlett. Today they are on a cleaning marathon.
I knew I wouldn't post a Christmas song a day until Christmas. Life gets in the way.
I'm a Cast Member again. They even sent me to their introductory course yesterday. It's called Traditions. I was only supposed to be scheduled for that if I'd been away from the mother planet for six months or more. But I didn't complain about the eight hours on the clock on my sizable behind.
I'll be working part time at EPCOT at Mouse Gear. WOO HOO!! I got my ID back and my Main Gate pass will follow in a week or so!! Yes, doing it for the perks. I missed the parks.
I'm the new Detention Officer at our school? Me? I SERIOUSLY lack discipline. I guess they see something in me I don't see.
Kids are everything that is the best and worst in us. I like that they are a work in progress.
Cory and Danielle's house is within days of occupancy. Again, tons of pics, but I'll get to that tomorrow, Scarlett. Today they are on a cleaning marathon.
I knew I wouldn't post a Christmas song a day until Christmas. Life gets in the way.
I'm a Cast Member again. They even sent me to their introductory course yesterday. It's called Traditions. I was only supposed to be scheduled for that if I'd been away from the mother planet for six months or more. But I didn't complain about the eight hours on the clock on my sizable behind.
I'll be working part time at EPCOT at Mouse Gear. WOO HOO!! I got my ID back and my Main Gate pass will follow in a week or so!! Yes, doing it for the perks. I missed the parks.
I'm the new Detention Officer at our school? Me? I SERIOUSLY lack discipline. I guess they see something in me I don't see.
Kids are everything that is the best and worst in us. I like that they are a work in progress.
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