March 07, 2009
Riddle me this:
Am I Officially Old? Opinion
Spoke at length this evening with a dear friend who is a teacher. We discussed what I've been bitching and moaning about since we knew one another in college 10 years ago - McDonald's mentality:
You want it handed to you, in 30 seconds, and you don't care about quality. You want it - instant gratification.
Seems we've gone a step further according to him, we have moved into nearly complete sloth. We don't care to think for ourselves any longer, the only opinions that matter are superficial - who wears what. . .
Most disturbing of all to me: The parents perpetuate this. The parents seems to reinforce the work at a mediocre level and still hope to earn an A. The parents seem to think nothing of challenging the teacher about grading either.
I know it seems ridiculous that I'm concerned about this seeing as how I have no children. But I don't understand how we can allow our children to stare at TVs and computers like zombies. I don't understand how we put a premium on their accounts of scholastic injustice without giving weight to what their teacher says. . .I don't understand why we can't shift athe paradigm back to one of work hard and you'll excel. Earn it.
There is a whole lot of not earning it going round. There is a whole lot of not understanding how to be a good winner or loser going round.
My thoughts: You want to fix this? Don't slack with your children. Don't slack with yourself. Have a realistic point of view. Learn it and earn it. Be passionate about it. Give it. Justify your existence and make your mark!
You want it handed to you, in 30 seconds, and you don't care about quality. You want it - instant gratification.
Seems we've gone a step further according to him, we have moved into nearly complete sloth. We don't care to think for ourselves any longer, the only opinions that matter are superficial - who wears what. . .
Most disturbing of all to me: The parents perpetuate this. The parents seems to reinforce the work at a mediocre level and still hope to earn an A. The parents seem to think nothing of challenging the teacher about grading either.
I know it seems ridiculous that I'm concerned about this seeing as how I have no children. But I don't understand how we can allow our children to stare at TVs and computers like zombies. I don't understand how we put a premium on their accounts of scholastic injustice without giving weight to what their teacher says. . .I don't understand why we can't shift athe paradigm back to one of work hard and you'll excel. Earn it.
There is a whole lot of not earning it going round. There is a whole lot of not understanding how to be a good winner or loser going round.
My thoughts: You want to fix this? Don't slack with your children. Don't slack with yourself. Have a realistic point of view. Learn it and earn it. Be passionate about it. Give it. Justify your existence and make your mark!
March 06, 2009
More Reflections on Spring - Chatty Catty
Madison. . .Our Chatty Catty. Maddy was another pet that would not be denied. She lost a brave battle to cancer. Through it all she maintained her feisty spirit. She had the most beautiful eyes.How did Maddy find us? She was up for adoption at PetSmart. She was sizeable. She was mouthy as anything (none of that ever changed). We had a serious mouse problem in our apartment. I desperately wanted a cat. C thought she looked like a good mouser.
Honestly, the dog caught more mice than her. Molly used to scoop them up in her mouth. Retriever.
After spending a week under the bed, Maddy emerged the princess she was until the end. She would not mouse. She was to be served - all types of glorious dairy products, fresh cat nip, the best dry-reducing diet cat food, ear rubbins, and sweet words.
She was the best purrrrr-er.
Maddy definitely put her mark on the home eck wreck. Only Maddy could convince a busy vet to give out their cell and home phones. . .(Tho Glen garnered a cell number herself).
It's strange, we had the diva pets and now we have mostly males. Molly is a lot of things but she's just way too Lab to play the diva for too long.
Didn't I swear to stop going on about pets? Write what you know I suppose.
Thinking about Spring and Glen
We lost Glen a few years back in the spring. We thought we nearly lost her through a few bad winters but the tough old girl kept rallying. Glad I got to know her. She became so much more trusting of me and affectionate towards me in her later years and perhaps nothing will ever compare to her velvety ears and her huffy, demanding sighs. G knew exactly what she wanted, when she wanted it, and she was seldom denied. I suspect she tried to kill me several times and oddly enough, I miss her. Did the think spring series work?!
Sunset over the Tred Avon River, Oxford, MD 10/07.
Can my photos control the weather?! Not any more than my thoughts can control the stock market I suppose.
Looking forward to a beautiful weather weekend. Tomorrow will be a rag top day. The first of 2009. Have to get the salt rinsed off first!
March 05, 2009
Think Spring Post 183
Tilghman, Route 97 N just over the Bay Bridge. Homeward bound from Deal Island 10/08.
Eddie Heath's Crab Pots 157
From d's travel diary - Today was a great day! We were up early and had the dogs to the beach. They swam and swam. I haven't seen Molly so thrilled in ages. Tilghman needed some encouragement but he got with the program. .Went to Crisfield in case we wanted to ferry to Tangier or Smith Island(s). Went to Side Street Seafood. C had a soft shell sammie and hushpuppies. I had crab soup. Excellent. Little pushy on the Smith Island Cake. I didn't want one from across the Sound. If I was having Smith Island Cake, it was going to be on Smith Island.Think Spring 147
Molly with her big old otter tail swims like a champ. Tilgh needs more encouraging.
Deal Island, MD 7/08
Think Spring Photo Series 151
Dog Prints at Deal Island Beach 7/08The sunset is perfect (look out for horseflies and noseeums). The daybreak is perfect - Get some coffee and breakfast from Lucky's Last Chance Grill, Grocery and Bait Shop. Beach glass abounds (but it's common types). The visitors and natives are friendly. Dogs love Deal Island Beach.
March 04, 2009
THINK SPRING - Good Mornin' from the VACA DOGS!!!!
Molly & Tilghman - Deal Island, MD July '08
Let's all think of spring and better days! Vaca dogs say GO O's!!!!!!!!
Tilgh. . .
Tilghy-Bilghy is out latest little project. . .We've had him about a year now and we love him so. We knew that he'd have some behavioral issues to work out when we adopted him. He's not aggressive. In fact, he's quite a sweet soul. We (mostly C) had been making amazing strides with him in terms of exercise and training up until about 3 weeks ago.
Something has caused Tilghman to become a little screwy. He started "eliminating" (that's vet-speak for crapping) in our basement here and there. So we thought maybe we could put him back in the crate and he'd "remember" to be housebroken.
Everyone knows I sing the praises of the dog crate. I believe it's the best way to house train a pet, keep them safe, and content (when used appropriately).
All was going well in the crate for about a week. . .We put him in the crate with lovely Kongs loaded with peanut butter and biscuits and other safe toys. . .And he never once had an "accident" in the crate.
Then one day we arrived home to find the crate in the condition in the photo. WTF? First of all, how did he do that?! Second, WHY?!
At the advice of our pet-sitters, we have not put him back in the crate for fear he might hurt himself. But now he has free reign of the basement and leaves us (when I say us I mean C) lovely steaming piles of excrement to clean up when we get home.
Trust me, there's no rhyme or reason to his behavior. C had him out for a lovely run one afternoon and he "made" in the basement when they go home.
We feel pretty sure he doesn't have a medical problem (at least not physical). I'm just not sure what to do about it.
He's not doing harm to our basement but it's not an optimal situation because he clearly has some sort of issues. . .Do we need the Dog Whisperer?
Could anyone care less about where our dog makes doody? I'm sure. But his behavior is yet another colorful addition to the home eck wreck that's my very own!
Something has caused Tilghman to become a little screwy. He started "eliminating" (that's vet-speak for crapping) in our basement here and there. So we thought maybe we could put him back in the crate and he'd "remember" to be housebroken.
Everyone knows I sing the praises of the dog crate. I believe it's the best way to house train a pet, keep them safe, and content (when used appropriately).
All was going well in the crate for about a week. . .We put him in the crate with lovely Kongs loaded with peanut butter and biscuits and other safe toys. . .And he never once had an "accident" in the crate.
Then one day we arrived home to find the crate in the condition in the photo. WTF? First of all, how did he do that?! Second, WHY?!
At the advice of our pet-sitters, we have not put him back in the crate for fear he might hurt himself. But now he has free reign of the basement and leaves us (when I say us I mean C) lovely steaming piles of excrement to clean up when we get home.
Trust me, there's no rhyme or reason to his behavior. C had him out for a lovely run one afternoon and he "made" in the basement when they go home.
We feel pretty sure he doesn't have a medical problem (at least not physical). I'm just not sure what to do about it.
He's not doing harm to our basement but it's not an optimal situation because he clearly has some sort of issues. . .Do we need the Dog Whisperer?
Could anyone care less about where our dog makes doody? I'm sure. But his behavior is yet another colorful addition to the home eck wreck that's my very own!
Fav Book of the Week!
I'm not Oprah. . .BUT A co-worker loaned me Eric Clapton's autobiography appropriately titled Clapton earlier this week and I read it last night. It (pardon the pun) ROCKS.
First of all, I knew about Clapton but I never knew about Clapton.
In the book he is very reflective and I believe honest. He doesn't sugar coat things. There were moments when I felt very sympathetic towards him but not because he made himself out to be a victim.
He cops to a huge ego, a tortured soul, and being chauvinistic and selfish in his earlier years. And he very wisely touches on what was driving his behaviors in a genuine and realistic fashion. You get to see Clapton in a way that Clapton often viewed Clapton - sometimes near-god, sometimes wholly unworthy and inadequate, sometimes literally on his knees. . .(beggin' Laaaaay-laaaaaa)
I also thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the music scene in England in the early-mid 60s as well as all the musicians that inspired him. There were a lot of musicians that I had never heard of before referenced.
He's had an amazing life but he doesn't brag either. He's forthcoming, self critical, and apologetic with regard to his partying, addictions, and womanizing.
I would have never in a million years sought out this book or probably even looked twice at it in the library. . .but I'm so glad I had the chance to read it.
First of all, I knew about Clapton but I never knew about Clapton.
In the book he is very reflective and I believe honest. He doesn't sugar coat things. There were moments when I felt very sympathetic towards him but not because he made himself out to be a victim.
He cops to a huge ego, a tortured soul, and being chauvinistic and selfish in his earlier years. And he very wisely touches on what was driving his behaviors in a genuine and realistic fashion. You get to see Clapton in a way that Clapton often viewed Clapton - sometimes near-god, sometimes wholly unworthy and inadequate, sometimes literally on his knees. . .(beggin' Laaaaay-laaaaaa)
I also thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the music scene in England in the early-mid 60s as well as all the musicians that inspired him. There were a lot of musicians that I had never heard of before referenced.
He's had an amazing life but he doesn't brag either. He's forthcoming, self critical, and apologetic with regard to his partying, addictions, and womanizing.
I would have never in a million years sought out this book or probably even looked twice at it in the library. . .but I'm so glad I had the chance to read it.
Sure Cure for Mid Week Beat Down
Things have been particularly brutal for several months in my office. I work in a sales environment that is continually flooded with up to the nanosecond "breaking news." It's really difficult to remain positive with the continual influx of doomsday predictions. I'd like to think I do pretty well but the truth is I have to work really hard to remain positive and focused on brighter times ahead.
Recently, I've made a concerted effort to literally see things differently. I mean really look at something. To be more observant and to appreciate things. I started painting (trying to paint that is) recently and am quite curious about photography and I think these hobbies can help me look at something in a fresh way.
It helps me be more aware and less self centered. In turn, I it makes me feel more positive and maybe even more grateful.
This evening I didn't have to remind myself how fortunate I am. I had to look no further than the next block over. Some one's rowhouse had caught fire and there were trucks and ladders and people everywhere. From what I could see (although I didn't want to gawk), the house was by no means completely destroyed. Still, the water damage could be horrific. I will be thinking of our neighbors and hope they were properly insured and recover quickly.
C was less affected. . .
d "Did you see all the fire trucks?"
C (Engrossed in yet another Scrubs re-run) "Yep."
d "What happened?"
C "Someone's rowhouse burned down."
d "It didn't burn down. It's still there."
C "Ok someone's rowhouse caught fire. How's that?"
d "I hope they're ok and they didn't have pets."
C "Maybe they want some new pets. . ." (Glaring at Tilghman who once again pooped in the basement).
Recently, I've made a concerted effort to literally see things differently. I mean really look at something. To be more observant and to appreciate things. I started painting (trying to paint that is) recently and am quite curious about photography and I think these hobbies can help me look at something in a fresh way.
It helps me be more aware and less self centered. In turn, I it makes me feel more positive and maybe even more grateful.
This evening I didn't have to remind myself how fortunate I am. I had to look no further than the next block over. Some one's rowhouse had caught fire and there were trucks and ladders and people everywhere. From what I could see (although I didn't want to gawk), the house was by no means completely destroyed. Still, the water damage could be horrific. I will be thinking of our neighbors and hope they were properly insured and recover quickly.
C was less affected. . .
d "Did you see all the fire trucks?"
C (Engrossed in yet another Scrubs re-run) "Yep."
d "What happened?"
C "Someone's rowhouse burned down."
d "It didn't burn down. It's still there."
C "Ok someone's rowhouse caught fire. How's that?"
d "I hope they're ok and they didn't have pets."
C "Maybe they want some new pets. . ." (Glaring at Tilghman who once again pooped in the basement).
March 02, 2009
March 01, 2009
Borax getserdone in basement sink!
Most Useful Tip YET!!!
Painting my fingernails. . .Bathroom still NOT cleaned. . .Have come to the conclusion that the BEST technique for cleaning the bathroom is to WAIT FOR YOUR HUSBAND to CLEAN IT!!
Research Regarding the Most Dreaded of Household Tasks. . .
So I'm procrastinating with the bathroom clean up and I was wondering what types of online resources were available in event you are really really domestically disabled and are unsure about how to clean the commode.
The Internet never disappoints does it?
According to the most reputable looking sites, my technique is solid. However, I did come across one "expert" that recommended wearing protective eyewear. I guess if you needed to use a power washer, that is sound advice.
This leads my little lawyer brain to wonder if I use a cleaner that DOESN'T recommend eye protection and I get it in my eye without out being contributorily negligent could I sue? Of course, if I'm too stupid to clean a toilet without personal injury under normal conditions, I'm pretty sure I deserve the consequences!
By far the funniest page was "How to Clean a Fucking Toilet." But I was ultimately put off by the over-use of profanity as well as the repulsive photos.
Next week? Research "How to Clean a Kitty Litter Box."
The Internet never disappoints does it?
According to the most reputable looking sites, my technique is solid. However, I did come across one "expert" that recommended wearing protective eyewear. I guess if you needed to use a power washer, that is sound advice.
This leads my little lawyer brain to wonder if I use a cleaner that DOESN'T recommend eye protection and I get it in my eye without out being contributorily negligent could I sue? Of course, if I'm too stupid to clean a toilet without personal injury under normal conditions, I'm pretty sure I deserve the consequences!
By far the funniest page was "How to Clean a Fucking Toilet." But I was ultimately put off by the over-use of profanity as well as the repulsive photos.
Next week? Research "How to Clean a Kitty Litter Box."
Where did the Weekend Go?!
I watched so much ridiculous Reality TV for so long yesterday I'm pretty sure Alec Baldwin will be stopping by to scoop my brain out with a melon baller later today! Now playing catch up. How can such a small household require so much maintenance!?
Rumor has it the white death is coming. . .Haven't heard an official forecast but I heard up to a foot of snow? That surely can't be accurate can it? That's going to - for lack of a more elegant and creative term - SUCK!
Another observation/tip: fake Italian sausages are the devil! I would suggest going without if you don't eat the real deal.
Rumor has it the white death is coming. . .Haven't heard an official forecast but I heard up to a foot of snow? That surely can't be accurate can it? That's going to - for lack of a more elegant and creative term - SUCK!
Another observation/tip: fake Italian sausages are the devil! I would suggest going without if you don't eat the real deal.
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