wow! I am amazed at the devastion and condition of that city. it is so sad. I was told several times by people that they could never see how people would need 24 hour kits, or run out of water and electricity for more than a day or 2, etc. well, now we see how it can happen. I think I will update my food storage and money stash. love ya all, and glad none of you live in New Orleans.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Thursday, August 25, 2005
soccer vans for teenagers
OK, I promised I'd blog everyone with this subject, because she seemed to think you would all agree with her, but then when I said I would really do it, she said that Jacob would agree with me and dad. and then Cari. and then she thought maybe all would - so, she is complaining vehemently about having to be a cute teenage girl and drive a van to school. it is loud, big, hard to park, and ugly. it beeps when you open the door. of cours, our opinion is just be lucky that you have a car to drive, blah blah blad, cause we never got one, yada yada yada. she claims to be the only person forced to drive such an awful vehicle to Ketcham, and is embarrassed to do so. I told her that was prideful, but I do know that even dad hates driving the van now. dad seems to think we are doing it because it is the safest car for her to drive, which I am not sure of cause the AB brakes no longer work in it. her other point, I am not going to work or school, so most of the time the car is just home, and it is not embarrassing for a mom to drive a van, and the car takes less gas. my question, am I being unreasonable in forcing her to take the van, or should I at least consider her plight and offer to let her take the car on days I don't need it. I already gave in and told her she could drive it the first day of school. take in to consideration the fact that as much as I would love to say, "if you don't want to drive the van, take the bus." but she will be going to early morning seminary and taking Dinho and David Ward and Tom to the church and going right to school from the church, so saying so makes it so that me or dad have to drive them to the church and hang around an hour, then drive them to school. also, she gets out at 1, so I would have to go pick her up, and she will be working or going to volleyball after school everyday, so not letting her drive makes my life much harder. all comments welcome, I will not be mad, and I will be able to take advice and even try to see her side. I did think about telling her that if she raised her ACT test score up by 2 points, I would let her take the car everyday. that is a good motivating factor. ? mom
BofM Status
Motivation to continue! This is the status as I have it. I know that it is not up to date for Tev, Bret, Cari, and Jake, but this is all I have. I suggest that you send me the true report : - ).
Dad Alma 40
Mom Jacob 1
Kathy 2Ne 8
Tommy 2Ne 1
Cari 1Ne 2
Jacob 1Ne 2
Tevia 1Ne 17
Bret 1Ne 2
It is almost the end of Aug. We need to be reading 3.6 pages/day to get done by the end of the year. If you are not done with 1Ne yet then you may be falling behind!!!!! No I am not going to build a tower.
Dad Alma 40
Mom Jacob 1
Kathy 2Ne 8
Tommy 2Ne 1
Cari 1Ne 2
Jacob 1Ne 2
Tevia 1Ne 17
Bret 1Ne 2
It is almost the end of Aug. We need to be reading 3.6 pages/day to get done by the end of the year. If you are not done with 1Ne yet then you may be falling behind!!!!! No I am not going to build a tower.
Monday, August 22, 2005
St. Louis - Wedding
Well, Jacob won't have as easy a time remembering his anniversary (5-5-5 sounded so easy!), but he is married! Congratulations to him and Carolyn. We left Phoenix on Wednesday and arrived late at night in St. Louis. My parents and Jacob picked us up in their rental piece-of-crud (I think it was a Ford Freestar - and was possibly the worst car/van I have ever been in!). We drove to our Oakwood apartment, which was very nice except for the fact that it was one bedroom and we had five people to sleep. This didn't end up being as big a deal as you might think. We stayed up late chowing on cheese, crackers, and birch beer. It was fun seeing them again. We went to bed (Tevia on the floor, me on the couch, Jake on a cot and the parents in the nice bed) and watched Chris Angel the magician levitate himself and a girl on the street. I was impressed.
Thursday we woke up to get to the temple at 10 AM. The temple was very nice. It was quite empty, however, upon our arrival. Eventually Carolyn and the others arrived. The sealing was very nice. The sealer was very good, and quite emotional. I was touched and cried. Carolyn looked beautiful. Jacob looked as handsome as he can given his limitations of his temporal temple (ha, ha). For lunch we went to Macaroni's Grill and enjoyed their basil bread and olive oil. That evening we had the reception at the chapel and had fun meeting a few of the Knutti friends and relatives. We lost one of our roommates that evening - and he gained an eternal one.
Friday we woke up before any normal person should in order to pick up Jacob and Carolyn and take them to the airport. Why they planned an early flight on their first night together is beyond me. My parents also stayed at the airport to try and get home, something that took much longer than they expected thanks to poor weather in Cincinatti. Tevia and I went to the car rental place where they convinced me to rent my favorite car - the Chrysler 300! So worth the extra money. We headed back to our apartment and took a nice nap. We then headed down to downtown St. Louis and went up in the Arch. It was actually very cool - what a fantastic piece of architecture. Afterwards we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory where we were seated in the worst table in the restaurant. We asked to be moved and the meal was narrowly salvaged by a very nice bus boy and some dang good Strawberry Lemonade.
We then headed to the hotel, as we had only booked the apartment for two nights. We stayed at the Marriott at the airport in order to avoid having to wake up at an unholy hour. This plan failed, by the way.
We went to the mall where I possibly was the only Caucasion in the mall and Tevia nicely represented the hispanic population. It was a mall built and marketed towards blacks. This was nice for me, as there were many sneaker shops to drool over the latest sneakers. We tried to catch a movie, but felt that a movie that prints out the showtimes and tapes them to the wall behind the popcorn maker probably wouldn't be worth our money. We stopped at a TGI Friday's for some nachos and ice cream and then headed back to the hotel. We made our way to the pool to enjoy the freezing cold water - which was a nice contrast to the freakishly hot and humid conditions. I must confess, why would anyone want to live in St. Louis. It was almost as hot as Phoenix - yet humid! It felt like I was dying just walking along the bank of the Mississippi in the afternoon. So in all reality, the summers are worse than in Phoenix. But to make things worse - they have a WINTER! I mean, it snows and everything. Phoenix is worth the heat for the beautiful winter weather, but St. Loiusians get the WORST of BOTH worlds! OK, enough bashing Carolyn's city, but I think there is a reason she went to BYU in Utah.
So we settled down for a nice evening and set our alarms for a 6 AM wake up in order to make our 7:55 flight. I suggested getting a wakeup call, but Tevia said the alarm was set on the clock radio and on her phone, so we were set. It might be interesting to note here that I am very anal about waking up in hotel rooms. I am similar to Jerry Seinfeld in this regard. When I travel on business I set the alarm, get a wakeup call, AND wake up every hour in order to make sure I don't sleep in. So I drifted to sleep watching Mortal Kombat (sweet dreams of Scorpion in my head...).
The alarm went off and Tevia wondered why her phone alarm did not go off. We paid no attention, packed our things and went downstairs. We got some food from a $20 gift certificate we had received due to a broken toilet the evening before. I wondered why the cafe was not open. But people were walking around, so it wasn't too odd. As we checked out and got into our car Tevia noted that the car clock was wrong. This was hard to believe as it had been right the night before. I asked her what time her watch said and we discovered we had woken up an hour early!!!! This lead to one of our few "raising of voices" as we realized how stupid we were and looked for opportunities to blame somebody. So we drove around for an hour (we couldn't turn the car in until six) and then had an uneventful trip home. Needless to say, we have seen St. Louis at very early hours in the morning, and I hope never to have to do that again.
In the end, the trip was fantastic. I was thrilled and proud of my brother. I think he chose a wonderful woman. From what I hear, they are still married, and that is great news.
Thursday we woke up to get to the temple at 10 AM. The temple was very nice. It was quite empty, however, upon our arrival. Eventually Carolyn and the others arrived. The sealing was very nice. The sealer was very good, and quite emotional. I was touched and cried. Carolyn looked beautiful. Jacob looked as handsome as he can given his limitations of his temporal temple (ha, ha). For lunch we went to Macaroni's Grill and enjoyed their basil bread and olive oil. That evening we had the reception at the chapel and had fun meeting a few of the Knutti friends and relatives. We lost one of our roommates that evening - and he gained an eternal one.
Friday we woke up before any normal person should in order to pick up Jacob and Carolyn and take them to the airport. Why they planned an early flight on their first night together is beyond me. My parents also stayed at the airport to try and get home, something that took much longer than they expected thanks to poor weather in Cincinatti. Tevia and I went to the car rental place where they convinced me to rent my favorite car - the Chrysler 300! So worth the extra money. We headed back to our apartment and took a nice nap. We then headed down to downtown St. Louis and went up in the Arch. It was actually very cool - what a fantastic piece of architecture. Afterwards we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory where we were seated in the worst table in the restaurant. We asked to be moved and the meal was narrowly salvaged by a very nice bus boy and some dang good Strawberry Lemonade.
We then headed to the hotel, as we had only booked the apartment for two nights. We stayed at the Marriott at the airport in order to avoid having to wake up at an unholy hour. This plan failed, by the way.
We went to the mall where I possibly was the only Caucasion in the mall and Tevia nicely represented the hispanic population. It was a mall built and marketed towards blacks. This was nice for me, as there were many sneaker shops to drool over the latest sneakers. We tried to catch a movie, but felt that a movie that prints out the showtimes and tapes them to the wall behind the popcorn maker probably wouldn't be worth our money. We stopped at a TGI Friday's for some nachos and ice cream and then headed back to the hotel. We made our way to the pool to enjoy the freezing cold water - which was a nice contrast to the freakishly hot and humid conditions. I must confess, why would anyone want to live in St. Louis. It was almost as hot as Phoenix - yet humid! It felt like I was dying just walking along the bank of the Mississippi in the afternoon. So in all reality, the summers are worse than in Phoenix. But to make things worse - they have a WINTER! I mean, it snows and everything. Phoenix is worth the heat for the beautiful winter weather, but St. Loiusians get the WORST of BOTH worlds! OK, enough bashing Carolyn's city, but I think there is a reason she went to BYU in Utah.
So we settled down for a nice evening and set our alarms for a 6 AM wake up in order to make our 7:55 flight. I suggested getting a wakeup call, but Tevia said the alarm was set on the clock radio and on her phone, so we were set. It might be interesting to note here that I am very anal about waking up in hotel rooms. I am similar to Jerry Seinfeld in this regard. When I travel on business I set the alarm, get a wakeup call, AND wake up every hour in order to make sure I don't sleep in. So I drifted to sleep watching Mortal Kombat (sweet dreams of Scorpion in my head...).
The alarm went off and Tevia wondered why her phone alarm did not go off. We paid no attention, packed our things and went downstairs. We got some food from a $20 gift certificate we had received due to a broken toilet the evening before. I wondered why the cafe was not open. But people were walking around, so it wasn't too odd. As we checked out and got into our car Tevia noted that the car clock was wrong. This was hard to believe as it had been right the night before. I asked her what time her watch said and we discovered we had woken up an hour early!!!! This lead to one of our few "raising of voices" as we realized how stupid we were and looked for opportunities to blame somebody. So we drove around for an hour (we couldn't turn the car in until six) and then had an uneventful trip home. Needless to say, we have seen St. Louis at very early hours in the morning, and I hope never to have to do that again.
In the end, the trip was fantastic. I was thrilled and proud of my brother. I think he chose a wonderful woman. From what I hear, they are still married, and that is great news.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Freakonomics
I have come to realize that much of what I post on here has to do with movies or books. It is therefore apparent that books and flix have a big impact on my thoughts and life. Having just finished Freakonomics, a book about economics and studies on interesting statistics, it has made me feel that indeed I do think differently than most people. The book goes on about how many people are influenced by "experts" who advise us how to do everything from raise our children to what food we should eat to be thin. The statistics show that rarely do these experts really know what they are talking about, and that "gut" feel and "conventional wisdom" is often wrong. It was a fun read that made me think about things, and ask new questions. It made economics seem fun and made me want to do studies of my own to find answers, or correlations, to interesting questions. So here is a list of some questions/situations I would love to gather data to investigate:
- Are second and further generation Mormons more successful (probably not the right word, as we would probably study income) than a group of non-Mormon peers, or even first-generation Mormons?
- What are the most common Mormon names? For high income, middle income, and low income? How do these compare with mainstream American names?
- What religions in America really draw the most active participation (i.e. attend church regularly)?
- Which religions tend to have their descendents stay that religion? Leave that religion?
- Do temple marriages tend to have lower divorce rates? Are divorce rates among Mormons influenced by: the husband having served a mission? Conversion of one or both of the spouses? Temple attendance?
- How has Mormon culture been influenced, if at all, by its global expansion?
These would be fun studies with interesting results I am sure. This book reminded me of how interesting life really is. I will be blogging on another topic, "Intelligent Design," soon, which has also been a great topic of discussion with many of my colleagues at work. This topic has provided me with more opportunities to discuss my religion and beliefs than any other topic in recent history. It has been a lot of fun.
- Are second and further generation Mormons more successful (probably not the right word, as we would probably study income) than a group of non-Mormon peers, or even first-generation Mormons?
- What are the most common Mormon names? For high income, middle income, and low income? How do these compare with mainstream American names?
- What religions in America really draw the most active participation (i.e. attend church regularly)?
- Which religions tend to have their descendents stay that religion? Leave that religion?
- Do temple marriages tend to have lower divorce rates? Are divorce rates among Mormons influenced by: the husband having served a mission? Conversion of one or both of the spouses? Temple attendance?
- How has Mormon culture been influenced, if at all, by its global expansion?
These would be fun studies with interesting results I am sure. This book reminded me of how interesting life really is. I will be blogging on another topic, "Intelligent Design," soon, which has also been a great topic of discussion with many of my colleagues at work. This topic has provided me with more opportunities to discuss my religion and beliefs than any other topic in recent history. It has been a lot of fun.
Friday, August 12, 2005
wedding!
Hi all! I am so very excited for the wedding! Jacob and Cari, I am so proud of your endurance and willingness to listen to your leaders and your humility. I can see the love you have for each other, and it is wonderful to see. Parents are always hoping the best for their children, which of course means that they marry someone who will make them happy. you are adorable together. I am not stressed a bit, ( having gone through one wedding and realize it wasn't worth the worrying), ( sorry Bret and Tev), so now I figure I will just plan well, hope it all works out, and celebrate the marriage part! I am so glad you are marrying in the temple of the Lord. Bret and Tevia, I am so glad you are coming to the temple. thank you for feeling the importance and love.
we also need lists of who brings what: I will bring Jacob Webb's clothes, not Jacob Wall's shoes, and a wavebird?
we also need lists of who brings what: I will bring Jacob Webb's clothes, not Jacob Wall's shoes, and a wavebird?
Book of Mormon
Well, time is flying by. Some one near us has done the math, and it turns out that we should be reading about 3.6 pages of the B of M per day in order to finish by the end of the year. Therefore, if you started in the beginning of August, that means, you quested it, you are already behind! You need to be on about page 40. That is a lot. Better get moving. I know that Kathy, Tommy, Mom and me are doing good. I have not had any update from Jacob, Cari, Tevs or Bret.
Monday, August 08, 2005
New Determination
Well, I guess everyone is back into life since blogging has abated somewhat. But I am on fire right now. Maybe the reason for that is the fact that I am now in a new life cycle for the next few months. School has started for my kids. This brings to my life a new dimension that I have not experienced in six years. Free time. Completely unfettered by little demands! It is a bizarre feeling to say the least. Today I kind of walked around the house aimlessly thinking of all the things I could be doing (cleaning) and not really wanting to despoil the beauty of my first real freedom in years. Now don't get me wrong, I love my children, but I also love free, all alone time.
So, here is my new determination. I am going to use at least one day during the week to dedicate myself to writing. I have had this desire for many years, but just couldn't justify the time to do it. I will limit myself to one day instead of trying to do it everyday. I still will be helping up at the school and I want to be able to use some of the time to run errands and do cleaning. But I am going to really dedicate time over the next six months to crank something out worth submitting to a magazine. So I will be working on a short article of sorts. I haven't decided if I will do fiction or non-fiction. We shall see what my brain will pump out.
I am also part of a literary group online and I will submit things there and get their critique on things I write. Quite a few of the people in the group have already been published in books and magazines. The woman who is in charge of this group also has a website that she accepts articles from and will publish things on her site that she feels is good enough.
So that is my new determination. I feel rejuvenated having something to work on and strive for. It feels good to get my brain working again. It has sat dormant for far too long.
So, here is my new determination. I am going to use at least one day during the week to dedicate myself to writing. I have had this desire for many years, but just couldn't justify the time to do it. I will limit myself to one day instead of trying to do it everyday. I still will be helping up at the school and I want to be able to use some of the time to run errands and do cleaning. But I am going to really dedicate time over the next six months to crank something out worth submitting to a magazine. So I will be working on a short article of sorts. I haven't decided if I will do fiction or non-fiction. We shall see what my brain will pump out.
I am also part of a literary group online and I will submit things there and get their critique on things I write. Quite a few of the people in the group have already been published in books and magazines. The woman who is in charge of this group also has a website that she accepts articles from and will publish things on her site that she feels is good enough.
So that is my new determination. I feel rejuvenated having something to work on and strive for. It feels good to get my brain working again. It has sat dormant for far too long.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Empire of the Sun
Okay, so I just finished watching this movie called Empire of the Sun. I must say that I really really enjoyed it. It has a young Christian Bale (12 yrs I think this was his first movie) and John Malkovich (sp) and a young Joe Pantaliano. As well as a very small part of a very young Ben Stiller. It is a movie based on the book of this young british boy that got caught in Shanghi right after the attack on Pearl Harbor and during the Japanese invasion of China. It gave wonderful insight into what happened to all of the British/westerners during the Japanese occupation. I am always interested in Eastern films and in learning about the Chinese and Japanese cultures, so I was pleased with Spielbergs portrayal of this boys life during this time in world history. Christian Bale did and excellent acting job, and I think got an award for that, and the story was very touching. It was a little bit slow in parts, but I ended up crying at the end. I know that this is not a very great review, so it is a good thing that my job isn't reviewing movies. I just wanted you all to know that I enjoyed this movie and it made me so grateful for all the things I have, as well as the health and safety of my children. I am grateful for the soldiers in all times of war who risk so much to give so many of us the freedoms we enjoy.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
apology to Jacob Webb
I was thinking in bed last night where I do my best thinking and was worried that all that 'family talk' on vacations may have bugged you. I remembered that you don't exactly have thrills being around your other family right now. that happens. we are just so wonderful and great..... woops, better try again, we are lucky, and even though we all have faults and stuff, we really are lucky that being together is still fun. maybe it wouldn't be if we saw each other all the time. after all, we go to Cleveland for our vacations twice or more a year, and our kids wouldn't call that fun, but I just find it that important to me too see my family, even with all their weirdness. and we certainly included you in all I meant when I said the word 'family'. hope this makes sense.
seperating from home can be a long or short experience, but it is always going to happen. you have done a good job at becoming independent. I admire your sense of adventure and freedom. I had it. I left home at 18, moved far away, and never got another dime except for Christmas and birthdays, even when I really needed it. I learned a lot, and I am glad I did what I did. ok, that reminds me of a movie quote, " Let's be independent together." dad will get it. better go before I bore you all to death.
seperating from home can be a long or short experience, but it is always going to happen. you have done a good job at becoming independent. I admire your sense of adventure and freedom. I had it. I left home at 18, moved far away, and never got another dime except for Christmas and birthdays, even when I really needed it. I learned a lot, and I am glad I did what I did. ok, that reminds me of a movie quote, " Let's be independent together." dad will get it. better go before I bore you all to death.
Atlas Shrugged?
Wow Cari, you have got to be kidding! that makes me somehow impressed. I found it a tough read, and never really could get into it. I must not like long books. maybe that is why I gave up so early on this Harry Potter stuff. I have a very short attention span in books and movies. it has to be new and different.
What will happen to Harry?....
Ok Cari, I figure that your question was worthy of an entirely new blog post, as this may generate quite a discussion as Rawlings has left SO many possibilities with book six.
I have to admit, all through books two (when ginny was really introduced) through five I really didn't want Harry and Ginny to get together!! In fact, even through most of book six I was still hoping Harry and Hermione would start snoggin!! However, after seeing their relationship as more than Ron's little sister and Ron's best friend, I was disappointed when Harry broke it off. (I guess he had just finished watching the first "Spiderman" movie though... super geek with glasses breakin off a relationship with his long time love redhead for the greater good... hmmmm...) Anyway...
I think Harry will triumph (not the dog) over Voldemort and survive. I really think he'll end up marrying Ginny and we'll see the Weasley family get Hermione as well. In fact, I could see Author becoming Minister of Magic when it's all over with, and if the books go on long enough, Harry will become Headmaster of Hogwarts. Ok... maybe it's streaching the "happy ending" a bit much, and since Rawlings seems to have abandond doing the happy endings in book three, I don't see her going back to it anytime soon. In fact, I regrettably predict that Harry is not done losing those closest to him. I can see one or both of the Weasly parents getting snuffed out, or even Ron and/or Hermione. I think either that, or Harry will be killed along with Vodemort.
Personally, I'm just hoping the Ministry gets what's coming to them... especially Fudge and Umbridge!!! EEEWWWWW!!! WE HATES THEM SO MUCH!!! oh, and that stupid prat Percey!!
I have to admit, all through books two (when ginny was really introduced) through five I really didn't want Harry and Ginny to get together!! In fact, even through most of book six I was still hoping Harry and Hermione would start snoggin!! However, after seeing their relationship as more than Ron's little sister and Ron's best friend, I was disappointed when Harry broke it off. (I guess he had just finished watching the first "Spiderman" movie though... super geek with glasses breakin off a relationship with his long time love redhead for the greater good... hmmmm...) Anyway...
I think Harry will triumph (not the dog) over Voldemort and survive. I really think he'll end up marrying Ginny and we'll see the Weasley family get Hermione as well. In fact, I could see Author becoming Minister of Magic when it's all over with, and if the books go on long enough, Harry will become Headmaster of Hogwarts. Ok... maybe it's streaching the "happy ending" a bit much, and since Rawlings seems to have abandond doing the happy endings in book three, I don't see her going back to it anytime soon. In fact, I regrettably predict that Harry is not done losing those closest to him. I can see one or both of the Weasly parents getting snuffed out, or even Ron and/or Hermione. I think either that, or Harry will be killed along with Vodemort.
Personally, I'm just hoping the Ministry gets what's coming to them... especially Fudge and Umbridge!!! EEEWWWWW!!! WE HATES THEM SO MUCH!!! oh, and that stupid prat Percey!!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
to bret
thanks, hon, for this blog thing. a great new way to keep up our communication. I really like it. mom
To Jacob and Carolyn......
Okay, we are for sure coming to your wedding. It was touch and go there for a few hours as prices have gone up since last time, and rebooking fees are very large. I am telling you now, if this wedding doesn't happen this time, I am coming for both of you personally either for the money or your first born child, and I hope it is a girl!!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are looking forward to seeing you guys. Keep your noses clean and your hands off each other!!! We love you guys.
We are looking forward to seeing you guys. Keep your noses clean and your hands off each other!!! We love you guys.
Harry Potter
At last I have finished. I first need to apologize to Karen for all the reading that I did when I was not supposed to be reading. Sorry. Maybe by the time book seven comes out I will be more mature. Anyway, I was good enough to let Tommy read it first!
I have thouroughly enjoyed all the Potter books so far, but I am sorry to say that this was not my favorite. In fact, inspite of how much I loved it, I think I still liked it the least. I did not feel that very much of a new flavor was introduced to the overall nature of the story. It was more a repeat and then a hold for the end. Now you will say that the part about the Horcrux's is very new, you know ripping your soul appart and killing someone. Very nice, but I did not like that consept all that well. I thought it had some serious technical flaws. What I did enjoy, since you are all obviously getting ready to make complaining comments, was Rowling's improving ability to tell a story with all the literary techniques availible used to perfection. I think she has changed significantly since the first book. She is a world class writter. What I also enjoyed, after being starved for it in book V, was the intamate long association with Albus Dumby recorded in the pages. That was great. He has always been my favorite character outside of Harry. I am a sucker for a character that has great power and ability beyond others especially when this ability is hidden or when the charater is humble. Given that, I was not at all happy about the ending. Albus seems to truely be gone. I expect that he will address us again from his frame in the Chief Mistress's office, but the greatest wizard of all time was easily removed with a simple straight forward curse from that wuss Snape. What's up with that? So now it seems to be clear that Snape is indeed evil and he was able to conceal this fact from the greatest wizard in the world. A wizard that knew him very very well. Well I do not buy it, and neither does Tommy. We are of the opinion that Snape is infact good and that he did kill Albus as part of an overall plan to eventually take out Voltemort. In other words, Albus let him do it. Albus begged him to do it. The plan is now in place. Harry will play his part and Severus will play his and Voltemort will die in book seven. Any other theories?
I have thouroughly enjoyed all the Potter books so far, but I am sorry to say that this was not my favorite. In fact, inspite of how much I loved it, I think I still liked it the least. I did not feel that very much of a new flavor was introduced to the overall nature of the story. It was more a repeat and then a hold for the end. Now you will say that the part about the Horcrux's is very new, you know ripping your soul appart and killing someone. Very nice, but I did not like that consept all that well. I thought it had some serious technical flaws. What I did enjoy, since you are all obviously getting ready to make complaining comments, was Rowling's improving ability to tell a story with all the literary techniques availible used to perfection. I think she has changed significantly since the first book. She is a world class writter. What I also enjoyed, after being starved for it in book V, was the intamate long association with Albus Dumby recorded in the pages. That was great. He has always been my favorite character outside of Harry. I am a sucker for a character that has great power and ability beyond others especially when this ability is hidden or when the charater is humble. Given that, I was not at all happy about the ending. Albus seems to truely be gone. I expect that he will address us again from his frame in the Chief Mistress's office, but the greatest wizard of all time was easily removed with a simple straight forward curse from that wuss Snape. What's up with that? So now it seems to be clear that Snape is indeed evil and he was able to conceal this fact from the greatest wizard in the world. A wizard that knew him very very well. Well I do not buy it, and neither does Tommy. We are of the opinion that Snape is infact good and that he did kill Albus as part of an overall plan to eventually take out Voltemort. In other words, Albus let him do it. Albus begged him to do it. The plan is now in place. Harry will play his part and Severus will play his and Voltemort will die in book seven. Any other theories?
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
vacation
wow! you guys are easy to please! a trip to Poughkeepsie, NY, and everyone's bragging about it! throw in a water park and a hike, nintendo, and basic parking lot basketball, and wham- you have the top of the line vacation. maybe it was my cooking and hospitality, like making people sleep on the floor. maybe it was just not being at work. no, cause I am never at work, and I liked it. Bret is right, it was being together. you are all so wonderful! I am so happy that you all had such a good time. we are living proof that things don't have to be fancy, expensive, or luxurious to be good. I am still washing towels and sheets tonight, putting toys back in the attic, and finding clothes and shoes, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. also thanks for all the help. I never once felt like a slave or stuck in the kitchen. I am so greatful for children and families and my life. I love being a mother and grandmother. it is the best job in the world, most of the time. mom
Ditto
I couldn't decide whose post to comment on, so here we are with another new one. :) I concur with, support and ditto everyone that everyone has said. Last week was a wonderful, wonderful week. I wish I would have taken people's advice and gone a week earlier so I could have been there longer. I had so much fun with everything we did and it was wonderful to get to be with everyone. I don't think I would have made it to the end of the summer without that break. Even now, in the middle of my 9 hour "work" day (I know my job is easy, but it's still hard to be here and listen to people complain), I wish I was still in New York. Just looking at these mortgage papers makes my head hurt. I don't know if we'll get the condo or not. I'm glad we tried either way. I have learned a lot just from trying about how complex it is to purchase something this big.
I'm so grateful for the time I had in New York and this wonderful family that I am joining in 15 days and some number of hours. :) And that guy I'm marrying to get in. He's cool. And Jacob Webb. He's cool too I suppose. :P
I'm so grateful for the time I had in New York and this wonderful family that I am joining in 15 days and some number of hours. :) And that guy I'm marrying to get in. He's cool. And Jacob Webb. He's cool too I suppose. :P
My two cents
So, like Jacob I decided to just post my own blog, instead of commenting on the others. I will have to agree with Bret that this trip was one of the very best for me since we have been married. I loved being all together and just getting away from life for a short time. I am not so eloquent as Bret in my rehearsal of events, so I will keep it short and sweet.
I loved spending time with Kathy. Watching her grow up is so fun for me and helps me remember all the fun and heartbreak of being that age. Kathy is such and amazing and mature girl for her age. She makes me laugh.
I was glad that Carolyn could be there too. I feel like it gave everyone a chance to know her better. I thought she did such an excellent job keeping up with all of us monkeys! And she will be such a good edition to the family! Can't wait to see you as the next Mrs. Wall in a few weeks!
I think that Dad was so much fun this trip. He is getting so good at not letting things bother him so much outloud. Maybe we both were working on our tempers! I know mine can get really out of hand sometimes. Thanks so much for the fun day at Mountain Creek. It was a great idea and I think everyone had a lot of fun. You should suggest things more often!
I was so grateful for my brother being there. Jacob Webb, you are so much like our dad in so many good ways. You helped so much with the kids and I appreciate that tremendously! I am still counting on our trip to CA!
And I always love spending time with Mom! She is such a good example to me and I learn so much from her. You all are so lucky to have such a great woman in your lives.
Jacob Wall, as usual keeps me laughing. I missed kicking his butt though. I figured I had to restrain myself so as not to embarrass him in front of Cari. LOL. I am happy for you, and you have found a good woman. Treat her well and she will be the best thing that will ever happen to you. I hope things work out with the condo, but if not, think of it as a good first attmept!
Bret, Bret, Bret... I am so sorry I said you looked horrible or terrible. I really just meant your hair. I am grateful to you that you let me go for a week to have fun without you. You are my best friend in the whole world. And not just because you give me all your money! :) I love being with you and even though I turn into bizarro girl out in New York for a time, you are the person I most enjoy spending time with. Thanks for having your priorities in line. I am with you, I think family is the best and most important thing ever!
And Tommy, well, you kicked my but at DDR. You were so nice to my kids. Your laugh makes me laugh and I can't believe you don't have all of the girls going ga-ga over you because you are so cute. I doubt you read the blog, but there you have it.
So, I don't know if that gave any insight into how my trip went. Suffice it to say, I could have spent two or three more weeks there. Time flies when you are in the company of good people. I am blessed to be in such a family where deep things are talked about, where the gospel is lived daily, where happiness abounds and where love abides. Thank you for a most joyous, incredible vacation. Can't wait to see you all again soon. I love all of you very much.
I loved spending time with Kathy. Watching her grow up is so fun for me and helps me remember all the fun and heartbreak of being that age. Kathy is such and amazing and mature girl for her age. She makes me laugh.
I was glad that Carolyn could be there too. I feel like it gave everyone a chance to know her better. I thought she did such an excellent job keeping up with all of us monkeys! And she will be such a good edition to the family! Can't wait to see you as the next Mrs. Wall in a few weeks!
I think that Dad was so much fun this trip. He is getting so good at not letting things bother him so much outloud. Maybe we both were working on our tempers! I know mine can get really out of hand sometimes. Thanks so much for the fun day at Mountain Creek. It was a great idea and I think everyone had a lot of fun. You should suggest things more often!
I was so grateful for my brother being there. Jacob Webb, you are so much like our dad in so many good ways. You helped so much with the kids and I appreciate that tremendously! I am still counting on our trip to CA!
And I always love spending time with Mom! She is such a good example to me and I learn so much from her. You all are so lucky to have such a great woman in your lives.
Jacob Wall, as usual keeps me laughing. I missed kicking his butt though. I figured I had to restrain myself so as not to embarrass him in front of Cari. LOL. I am happy for you, and you have found a good woman. Treat her well and she will be the best thing that will ever happen to you. I hope things work out with the condo, but if not, think of it as a good first attmept!
Bret, Bret, Bret... I am so sorry I said you looked horrible or terrible. I really just meant your hair. I am grateful to you that you let me go for a week to have fun without you. You are my best friend in the whole world. And not just because you give me all your money! :) I love being with you and even though I turn into bizarro girl out in New York for a time, you are the person I most enjoy spending time with. Thanks for having your priorities in line. I am with you, I think family is the best and most important thing ever!
And Tommy, well, you kicked my but at DDR. You were so nice to my kids. Your laugh makes me laugh and I can't believe you don't have all of the girls going ga-ga over you because you are so cute. I doubt you read the blog, but there you have it.
So, I don't know if that gave any insight into how my trip went. Suffice it to say, I could have spent two or three more weeks there. Time flies when you are in the company of good people. I am blessed to be in such a family where deep things are talked about, where the gospel is lived daily, where happiness abounds and where love abides. Thank you for a most joyous, incredible vacation. Can't wait to see you all again soon. I love all of you very much.
NY and money!
Monday, August 01, 2005
The Great NY Getaway 2K5
As I sat down at my desk this morning in the Paradise II building and opened up my 600 unread emails, I wished I could turn back time and go back to where I was last week. The trip to NY was wonderful this year - not that they have ever been bad, but this one seemed especially great. Here's how it appears in my memory:
Trip to NY - I was able to travel to NY with Jacob Webb this year, which would have been a lot nicer had we been able to sit together. No matter, it was fun to know he was with me. On our first flight out of Phoenix we knew it would be an interesting flight when our row didn't exist - but was actually right where the bathrooms in the back of the plane were. They had changed planes. In the end we got better seats, but it was fun to think we might have to sit in the bathrooms - well, I guess that wouldn't be fun. Upon arrival in Connecticut we were greeted by my beautiful wife who welcomed me by saying I "looked terrible!" I told her she looked wonderful and asked where she bought her sandals. I think she was referring to my hair, which had been bleached blonde.
Beach in Rhode Island - one of the days we headed up the Connecticut coast to Rhode Island to some beach with a name I can't even try to remember. It was fun driving down the road in CT that we used to travel weekly to visit my parents in NY. We parked at a pizza joint and the parking cost included use of their bathrooms, showers, and a private beach. Though the beach was overrun with seaweed, something the people claimed was not usual, the day was fantastic. The weather was perfect, the waves just right, and the sand fun to play in. Lunch included a brilliant fish sandwich and the breeze made it so I was never hot. The boyz loved the beach and eventually loved the waves. The only thing missing was a nice lobster roll or scallops. But it is hard to complain.
Trip to NYC - we took the train down to NYC along with Tevia, Jacob Webb, Jacob Wall, Cari, Kathy, Tommy, and eventually Jesse Hettinger joined us. It was a great day in the City with visits to Ground Zero, the financial district, a great NY pizza joint, Times Square, Battery Park, Central Park, and more. Hopefully Jacob Webb, whose first time it was in NYC, enjoyed it as much as me. My "tours" of NYC don't have too much real tourist attractions, but more real NY areas. Though my legs were sore afterwards, I loved it as I always do - and enjoyed a nice black and white cookie on the train home.
Trip to Action Park - this water park, which actually is called something like Mountain Creek now (due to how many times they were sued I am told), which is found in a small time in north Jersey, was fun. I enjoyed being with the kids. It was hot, which was good since the water was cold (as I remember as a teenager). Even more amazing was the fact that nobody got mad, even when lunch took much longer than expected and it was hard to keep track of everybody. Thanks to Tevia for seeing the sign the rest of us missed so we could get there in the first place!
Trip to Mohonk - this resort, which still ranks as one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, met my expectations once more, as it had been nearly 9 years since I had been. The weather was most cooperative with the only cool day perfect for hiking and scrambling the rocks. The labyrinth up to the lemon squeeze was as fun as always. Throw in some beautiful scenery, feeding and touching and getting snipped at by huge trout, rowing a boat on the pristine lake, and a beautiful hotel and you get one of the most picturesque spots on earth. I loved it like always.
Sports - though I admit I would have liked to have done more physical activity (some of the men weren't up to it due to staying up too late playing World of Warcraft!), I did get in some good basketball (even with a bum ankle), some golf, some tennis, and some fun in the pool. This is one of the things I wish we all lived closer so we could do more together more often.
Harry Potter - I was able to finish the Half Blood Prince while on vacation. It was perhaps my favorite of the series, and it was fun to see so many people reading it. There were four copies alone in my parents' house! We are all Harry fans, so it was a fun part of the trip to discuss who is the half blood prince!
But now it is over. The talks with my mother, the Nintendo, the great food, and sleeping in are now a thing of the past. Once again I return to routine and realize how much family means and how little things like money and jobs mean. Sure, we need a good job to support our families and toil on the earth, but it is such a shame to see so many people put those things first and lose touch with the things that are most important. What is more important than to sit and laugh and discuss spiritual things with family? This was a small glimpse of what eternal life as a family should be and will make me try even harder to make that happen. Thank you all for your examples and fun. I love each one of you and will always be here for you.
Trip to NY - I was able to travel to NY with Jacob Webb this year, which would have been a lot nicer had we been able to sit together. No matter, it was fun to know he was with me. On our first flight out of Phoenix we knew it would be an interesting flight when our row didn't exist - but was actually right where the bathrooms in the back of the plane were. They had changed planes. In the end we got better seats, but it was fun to think we might have to sit in the bathrooms - well, I guess that wouldn't be fun. Upon arrival in Connecticut we were greeted by my beautiful wife who welcomed me by saying I "looked terrible!" I told her she looked wonderful and asked where she bought her sandals. I think she was referring to my hair, which had been bleached blonde.
Beach in Rhode Island - one of the days we headed up the Connecticut coast to Rhode Island to some beach with a name I can't even try to remember. It was fun driving down the road in CT that we used to travel weekly to visit my parents in NY. We parked at a pizza joint and the parking cost included use of their bathrooms, showers, and a private beach. Though the beach was overrun with seaweed, something the people claimed was not usual, the day was fantastic. The weather was perfect, the waves just right, and the sand fun to play in. Lunch included a brilliant fish sandwich and the breeze made it so I was never hot. The boyz loved the beach and eventually loved the waves. The only thing missing was a nice lobster roll or scallops. But it is hard to complain.
Trip to NYC - we took the train down to NYC along with Tevia, Jacob Webb, Jacob Wall, Cari, Kathy, Tommy, and eventually Jesse Hettinger joined us. It was a great day in the City with visits to Ground Zero, the financial district, a great NY pizza joint, Times Square, Battery Park, Central Park, and more. Hopefully Jacob Webb, whose first time it was in NYC, enjoyed it as much as me. My "tours" of NYC don't have too much real tourist attractions, but more real NY areas. Though my legs were sore afterwards, I loved it as I always do - and enjoyed a nice black and white cookie on the train home.
Trip to Action Park - this water park, which actually is called something like Mountain Creek now (due to how many times they were sued I am told), which is found in a small time in north Jersey, was fun. I enjoyed being with the kids. It was hot, which was good since the water was cold (as I remember as a teenager). Even more amazing was the fact that nobody got mad, even when lunch took much longer than expected and it was hard to keep track of everybody. Thanks to Tevia for seeing the sign the rest of us missed so we could get there in the first place!
Trip to Mohonk - this resort, which still ranks as one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, met my expectations once more, as it had been nearly 9 years since I had been. The weather was most cooperative with the only cool day perfect for hiking and scrambling the rocks. The labyrinth up to the lemon squeeze was as fun as always. Throw in some beautiful scenery, feeding and touching and getting snipped at by huge trout, rowing a boat on the pristine lake, and a beautiful hotel and you get one of the most picturesque spots on earth. I loved it like always.
Sports - though I admit I would have liked to have done more physical activity (some of the men weren't up to it due to staying up too late playing World of Warcraft!), I did get in some good basketball (even with a bum ankle), some golf, some tennis, and some fun in the pool. This is one of the things I wish we all lived closer so we could do more together more often.
Harry Potter - I was able to finish the Half Blood Prince while on vacation. It was perhaps my favorite of the series, and it was fun to see so many people reading it. There were four copies alone in my parents' house! We are all Harry fans, so it was a fun part of the trip to discuss who is the half blood prince!
But now it is over. The talks with my mother, the Nintendo, the great food, and sleeping in are now a thing of the past. Once again I return to routine and realize how much family means and how little things like money and jobs mean. Sure, we need a good job to support our families and toil on the earth, but it is such a shame to see so many people put those things first and lose touch with the things that are most important. What is more important than to sit and laugh and discuss spiritual things with family? This was a small glimpse of what eternal life as a family should be and will make me try even harder to make that happen. Thank you all for your examples and fun. I love each one of you and will always be here for you.
The perfect vacation!
I just wanted to thank everyone for giving me the PERFECT VACATION!! It really was! I'm now at work, and it's actually good to be back in the office. I guess that's the sign of a good vacation... right? It wasn't too long, but it wasn't too short either. It wasn't too packed or rushed, but there wasn't too much "do nothing" time either. I got lot's of sun, exercise, and rest in the right amounts so I didn't come home worn out!
Thank you SO much Mom and Dad for EVERYTHING!! It was really good to spend time with and get to know you all these last couple of weeks! Cari, you really are a great addition to the family!! Well done at Monhonk! :)
Thanks again to everyone, for everything, it was the best vacation I can remember! And I went to Cancun last Thanksgiving! :)
Thank you SO much Mom and Dad for EVERYTHING!! It was really good to spend time with and get to know you all these last couple of weeks! Cari, you really are a great addition to the family!! Well done at Monhonk! :)
Thanks again to everyone, for everything, it was the best vacation I can remember! And I went to Cancun last Thanksgiving! :)
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