Saw this at David Marciniak's and couldn't stop laughing.
Dance. 'Cause it's the only beat
that's gonna get stuck in your head and stuck in your teeth.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Golden Chariot, Cloven Hoof
With Mrs. Nod out of town, the task of getting her Odyssey inspected before it expired fell to me. I dropped it off at the local shop for what I expected to be a $14 sticker.
The call a couple of hours later indicated that this was not my lucky day.
In general, Hondas are good cars (or were). But when they need fixing it's pricey. The very reason we bought Honda was that it wouldn't need fixing before it was paid off. Ok, it's been paid off for a few years, but it actually has very low mileage - one of the benefits of being a homebody, I guess. Every thing we do is local.
There goes the foyer. Ever since we moved into out house twelve years ago, we've had the same ugly green striped wallpaper in the foyer. Every other part of the house has been changed, painted, remodeled or replaced. The foyer has remained the way it was because to try to strip the wallpaper means you have to straddle the pit over the split foyer stairs. One slip means falling a full two stories to an ignominious death.
We've been kicking around the idea of finally getting it stripped and repainted, but the labor doesn't come cheap. With the last minute plane fare to her aunt's funeral and the unplanned repairs to the van, the money for the foyer just evaporated.
I guess I'll just drive the foyer around for a while.
The call a couple of hours later indicated that this was not my lucky day.
"I'm sorry, sir, your car failed inspection."Gee, didn't I just do this very same thing about a month ago with my other car? This time, it was three times as expensive. Ouch.
"Hm, okay, what is it, a light bulb?"
"No, two of your four engine mounts are broken."
Two ...?!
In general, Hondas are good cars (or were). But when they need fixing it's pricey. The very reason we bought Honda was that it wouldn't need fixing before it was paid off. Ok, it's been paid off for a few years, but it actually has very low mileage - one of the benefits of being a homebody, I guess. Every thing we do is local.
There goes the foyer. Ever since we moved into out house twelve years ago, we've had the same ugly green striped wallpaper in the foyer. Every other part of the house has been changed, painted, remodeled or replaced. The foyer has remained the way it was because to try to strip the wallpaper means you have to straddle the pit over the split foyer stairs. One slip means falling a full two stories to an ignominious death.
We've been kicking around the idea of finally getting it stripped and repainted, but the labor doesn't come cheap. With the last minute plane fare to her aunt's funeral and the unplanned repairs to the van, the money for the foyer just evaporated.
I guess I'll just drive the foyer around for a while.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Flying Solo
Mrs. Nod has to go out of town to attend a funeral for one of her family members. In the meantime, I'll be mano y mano with the Nodlings.
In general, I'm a pretty competent Dad. There have been many times when I've had to one-arm it with a Nodling in one arm and a (pick one: laundry basket, frying pan, dirty diaper, random toy, some other kid) in the other.
I ain't a babysitter, I'm The Dad.
I'm not that know-nothing, nothing-doing dude who asks "Where's your mother?" with a pained look on his face every time some kid wants something non-standard, like something out of a Bill Cosby routine. (Best comedian evah, btw.)
Even so, it takes a small army to replace Mom.
My own mother and sister-in-law will be helping me with the toddlers after I shuffle Wynken, Blynken, and Nod-girl off to school so I can go to work still. There is a mountain of paperwork sitting on the counter that has to be signed for the school (medical forms, code of conduct policy, etc.) which will still be sitting there when Mrs. Nod comes back. (Sorry, hon, I know my limitations. Nobody ever died from not having their paperwork signed in the first 3 days of school.)
The Nodlings' laundry is cleaned, folded, and laid out for school tomorrow, and the toddlers, Nub and Nib, got a bath tonight because Mrs. Nod rightly concluded that I wouldn't be bothered if they stayed dirty while she was gone. But hey, look on the bright side -- they'll all have clipped nails and clean ears. :D
My Mom offered to bring us dinner, but one thing I do well is improvise meals. I'll probably make "something similar" which is a dish that is similar to something they've had before, but I've gone and substituted half the ingredients. And their mother won't be here to say they don't have to eat it. Bwahahahaha!
In general, I'm a pretty competent Dad. There have been many times when I've had to one-arm it with a Nodling in one arm and a (pick one: laundry basket, frying pan, dirty diaper, random toy, some other kid) in the other.
I ain't a babysitter, I'm The Dad.
I'm not that know-nothing, nothing-doing dude who asks "Where's your mother?" with a pained look on his face every time some kid wants something non-standard, like something out of a Bill Cosby routine. (Best comedian evah, btw.)
Even so, it takes a small army to replace Mom.
My own mother and sister-in-law will be helping me with the toddlers after I shuffle Wynken, Blynken, and Nod-girl off to school so I can go to work still. There is a mountain of paperwork sitting on the counter that has to be signed for the school (medical forms, code of conduct policy, etc.) which will still be sitting there when Mrs. Nod comes back. (Sorry, hon, I know my limitations. Nobody ever died from not having their paperwork signed in the first 3 days of school.)
The Nodlings' laundry is cleaned, folded, and laid out for school tomorrow, and the toddlers, Nub and Nib, got a bath tonight because Mrs. Nod rightly concluded that I wouldn't be bothered if they stayed dirty while she was gone. But hey, look on the bright side -- they'll all have clipped nails and clean ears. :D
My Mom offered to bring us dinner, but one thing I do well is improvise meals. I'll probably make "something similar" which is a dish that is similar to something they've had before, but I've gone and substituted half the ingredients. And their mother won't be here to say they don't have to eat it. Bwahahahaha!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Snakes Are Good, Heart Attacks Are Bad
Ok, ok, so we've been to Jellystone Park enough times to hear the Luray Zoo spiel on How Snakes Are Good, how they mostly leave people alone, eat other unwanted critters, are good for the environment, and are generally misunderstood. My kids can recite it all chapter and verse as well.
This does NOT mean that I want to find one on my lawn tractor in the shed when I go to mow the lawn. I nearly had a heart attack I was so surprised. Now for the record, I probably would have had much the same reaction for a skunk, groundhog, wasp, neighbor, or small child that I came upon unexpectedly in my shed. (Actually, for the skunk I would have run shrieking like a little girl ... but I digress).
The snake slithered off my tractor seat and under the engine ... tempting, but no ... I popped the tractor into neutral at arm's length and rolled it backward down the ramp. No dice, the snake got off the tractor and hid behind some cabinet drawers in the shed. Hey, buddy, the feeling's mutual ...
I figured if I left the doors open and mowed the lawn, he'd leave in his own good time, so that is what I did. Which of course means that I wasn't thinking about it by the time I pulled back in. When the tractor is on, it put out some serious vibrations especially inside a little wooden shed. Now, snakes don't like that kind of vibrations much.
There is about two feet of clearance in the shed when the tractor is parked inside -- just enough for a few extra tools and my hand mower. So as I parked the tractor I looked over to the hand mower, and there was Snake-y wrapped around the handle, his forked tongue flickering in and out close to my face. I nearly fell out of my seat I jumped so hard.
He decided this would be a good time to leave and started slithering down the handle, but I was determined it would be outside. I quick jerked the hand mower out of the shed down the ramp and reached for the steel rake.
Snake-y beat a hasty retreat through the grass and under the shed or woodpile, I couldn't tell which. He was in such a hurry he looked like he was running on his elbows. In retrospect, it looked kinda funny. I think he was only a harmless black snake, but we didn't exchange insurance information or anything.
Now if he would only go over and eat the family of groundhogs, we'll forget about the whole thing.
The snake slithered off my tractor seat and under the engine ... tempting, but no ... I popped the tractor into neutral at arm's length and rolled it backward down the ramp. No dice, the snake got off the tractor and hid behind some cabinet drawers in the shed. Hey, buddy, the feeling's mutual ...
I figured if I left the doors open and mowed the lawn, he'd leave in his own good time, so that is what I did. Which of course means that I wasn't thinking about it by the time I pulled back in. When the tractor is on, it put out some serious vibrations especially inside a little wooden shed. Now, snakes don't like that kind of vibrations much.
There is about two feet of clearance in the shed when the tractor is parked inside -- just enough for a few extra tools and my hand mower. So as I parked the tractor I looked over to the hand mower, and there was Snake-y wrapped around the handle, his forked tongue flickering in and out close to my face. I nearly fell out of my seat I jumped so hard.
He decided this would be a good time to leave and started slithering down the handle, but I was determined it would be outside. I quick jerked the hand mower out of the shed down the ramp and reached for the steel rake.
Snake-y beat a hasty retreat through the grass and under the shed or woodpile, I couldn't tell which. He was in such a hurry he looked like he was running on his elbows. In retrospect, it looked kinda funny. I think he was only a harmless black snake, but we didn't exchange insurance information or anything.
Now if he would only go over and eat the family of groundhogs, we'll forget about the whole thing.
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival #72
This week on Sunday Snippets, WBN presents: Three Year Olds.Join me this week for the second article in the As For Me And My House series. You can subscribe directly to this series here.
They say that duct tape isn’t a valid parenting style. My question is: have they ever had a 3 year old? I have, and I question this wisdom.
Nib is our impish 3 year-old little girl. She is the size of a pixie and as clever as a fox. She runs and skips around the house taking delight in every little thing. Most of what she does is unbearably cute, and she’ll tell you so. “I cute!”
But then there are times … oh, yes, there are times …
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online >>>
Also read:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival is a weekly opportunity to share your best posts with the wider Catholic blogging community.
To participate, create a post highlighting posts that would be of interest to Catholics and link to the host blog at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com. Go to the host blog and leave a comment giving a link to your post.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Deal 'Em: Euchre
The 'rents are from upstate New York (helllloooooo Rochester!) and this was a game that I watched the adults play growing up. I was always fascinated by this fast paced 5-card game. My dad, grandpa, and two uncles would sit down and "throw cards". Children were not allowed to play at the men's table, and you could only stay if you didn't talk during the hand.
They would deal 'em out: 3-2, 3-2 then 2-3, 2-3, flip the top card on the kitty, growl out their bids and then let fly. Dad would lead and then 3 more cards would appear almost simultaneously on the table. Uncle Dave would lead and then swish! swish! swish! One more round of that and then they'd all throw their cards in.
I was left bewildered. Hey, aren't there two more tricks to play? No point. They got a "stopper". Take your point and shuffle 'em and deal again. It was fast and furious and almost like a secret society with its own language. One had to be an Initiate to follow the game. I'm still surprised at how much of the jargon I absorbed without realizing it. Going alone. Dutch point (Dutchman), Left Guarded, sandbagging, never-send-a-baby-for-beer, etc.
I loved it. I still do. I like to play when I can find enough people outside my family who know the game. It's a fast trump game, but not as complicated as Bridge (which I still don't get), and not as nasty as Hearts or Spades. Pinochle is another favorite but involves multiple decks of cards.
Oh, and for the record, "real" counters are with 2's and 3's, not 6's and 4's! (Yes, that's a religious debate.)
Corn Time
If you've never been to Indiana and Ohio, let me save you a trip: it looks like corn. Lots and lots and lots of corn.
We pulled off the highway looking for gas somewhere along Rte 90 and it looked like this. Our GPS took us to the middle of a cornfield and then said "Now turn right and go off road". We opted not to do this.
But corn is good and corn is plentiful. Every year I attempt to plant 4 rows of it in my garden. This year was no exception. Only 2 1/2 rows came up properly, but I planted late and had general problems with the Nodlings knocking my seedlings off the deck before I could transfer them. Even with all that travail, I still got corn and it still tastes every bit as sweet as the stuff at the grocery store.
Since I don't use chemicals, I have to compete with corn earworms, but that's what knives were invented for - I just lop off the tips if the caterpillars got there first. Don't you wish every problem could be solved so easily?
We pulled off the highway looking for gas somewhere along Rte 90 and it looked like this. Our GPS took us to the middle of a cornfield and then said "Now turn right and go off road". We opted not to do this.
But corn is good and corn is plentiful. Every year I attempt to plant 4 rows of it in my garden. This year was no exception. Only 2 1/2 rows came up properly, but I planted late and had general problems with the Nodlings knocking my seedlings off the deck before I could transfer them. Even with all that travail, I still got corn and it still tastes every bit as sweet as the stuff at the grocery store.
Since I don't use chemicals, I have to compete with corn earworms, but that's what knives were invented for - I just lop off the tips if the caterpillars got there first. Don't you wish every problem could be solved so easily?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
24:15 You, Me, And Three
Welcome back to As For Me And My House (Jos 24:15), the place where the rubber meets the road. You can subscribe directly to this series here.
==========================
They say that duct tape isn't a valid parenting style. My question is: have they ever had a 3 year old? I have, and I question this wisdom.
Nib is our impish 3 year-old little girl. She is the size of a pixie and as clever as a fox. She runs and skips around the house taking delight in every little thing. Most of what she does is unbearably cute, and she'll tell you so. "I cute!"
But then there are times ... oh, yes, there are times ...
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online >>>
==========================
They say that duct tape isn't a valid parenting style. My question is: have they ever had a 3 year old? I have, and I question this wisdom.Nib is our impish 3 year-old little girl. She is the size of a pixie and as clever as a fox. She runs and skips around the house taking delight in every little thing. Most of what she does is unbearably cute, and she'll tell you so. "I cute!"
But then there are times ... oh, yes, there are times ...
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online >>>
Pimping For Pampers
One of the many joys of parenthood is getting to change your kid's diapers.If you happen to be the industrious sort, you may have a couple in diapers at the same time. And if you're really, really lucky you could have three. I see this in my future.
The Nodlings are more or less on a two-year stair step in terms of age ranges. Usually, one kid is phasing out of diapers by the time the next one comes along. My boy, Nub, has DS and is already 5 years old, so I don't see this coming to fruition this time around.
My youngest girl, Nib, is turning 3 so she is my best bet for potty training, but she isn't there yet. One thing I can tell you about diapers is that they are EXPENSIVE and they are a recurring cost. My kids have a $80 a month habit. My cell phone plan doesn't even cost that much. Now before you say "cloth diapers" let me just say that's not going to happen here. It is frustrating how much money we're wasting. I'm thinking I should just cut out the middle man and dump the cash right in the flusher.
Can't I apply for economic relief or something? I've got six kids now, and I came by them honestly - one at a time. Not like some weird OctoMom or fertility drug experiment gone wrong. Why should these people get the "free diapers for life" when we normal and responsible - but fecund - people have to pony up for every one? Heck, don't they know where their "base" come from? Remember: no babies, no profits. C'mon, even free diapers for a couple of months would make a difference. Don't I get frequent flier - er, wiper - miles?
Ah well, it's a pay-to-play system. You make 'em, you wipe 'em.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Spy Hunter Roadster
Now I don't claim to be a car buff, but I do know when I see something different.
I was behind this guy at a traffic light and noticed this little square panel with an arrow pointing to it on the back of the car. It's not a gas cap, I could see that on the side. It's not for getting in the trunk. I've never seen anything like this before - so I took a picture with my phone.
I took note of the make and model: a Honda S2000 Roadster -- apparently quite the sports car. So what in the world is this panel and why does it have an arrow pointing to it?
Well, Professor Google knows it all, so I finally found an owner's manual (like I'm ever going to own this car, yeah, right). Turns out this unique aperture is -- are you ready for this? -- a tow line.
Well, if you're gonna blow $35K on a two-seater, you can afford to have your own tow hook built in. Shades of Spy Hunter and Peter Gunn! Does it have smoke screen, oil slick, and machine guns too? 'Cause then I think I might be interested.
I was behind this guy at a traffic light and noticed this little square panel with an arrow pointing to it on the back of the car. It's not a gas cap, I could see that on the side. It's not for getting in the trunk. I've never seen anything like this before - so I took a picture with my phone.
I took note of the make and model: a Honda S2000 Roadster -- apparently quite the sports car. So what in the world is this panel and why does it have an arrow pointing to it?
Well, Professor Google knows it all, so I finally found an owner's manual (like I'm ever going to own this car, yeah, right). Turns out this unique aperture is -- are you ready for this? -- a tow line.
Well, if you're gonna blow $35K on a two-seater, you can afford to have your own tow hook built in. Shades of Spy Hunter and Peter Gunn! Does it have smoke screen, oil slick, and machine guns too? 'Cause then I think I might be interested.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Dread Nought
It's coming: the thing they dread.
The thing that wakes them up in the night moaning.
School. (Or if you're my wife, Football Season.)
Too bad! Like the setting of the sun, like fall after summer, it comes whether you are ready or not.
Be glad, therefore and embrace your chance to learn, to broaden your horizons, blah, blah blah, because your parents are doing a little happy dance regardless.
The thing that wakes them up in the night moaning.School. (Or if you're my wife, Football Season.)
Too bad! Like the setting of the sun, like fall after summer, it comes whether you are ready or not.
Be glad, therefore and embrace your chance to learn, to broaden your horizons, blah, blah blah, because your parents are doing a little happy dance regardless.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Istanbul Was Constantinople
Been singing this in my head for weeks, now I have the cartoon to go with it.
h/t 50 Days After
h/t 50 Days After
[WP] There are many theories attempting to explain İstanbul's etymology. One widely accepted theory states that, İstanbul (Turkish pronunciation: [isˈtanbuɫ], colloquially [ɯsˈtambuɫ]) derives from the Medieval Greek phrase "εἰς τὴν Πόλιν" [is tin ˈpolin] or, in the Aegean dialect, "εἰς τὰν Πόλιν" [is tan ˈpolin] (Modern Greek "στην Πόλη" /stin ˈpoli/), which means "in the city" or "to the city".[16][19] In modern Turkish, the name is written "İstanbul", with a dotted İ, as the Turkish alphabet distinguishes between a dotted and dotless I. Also, while in English the stress is on the first syllable ("Is"), in Turkish it is on the second syllable ("tan"). Like Rome, Istanbul has been called "The City of Seven Hills" because the oldest part of the city is supposedly built on seven hills, each of which bears a historic mosque.[21]
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival #71
This week on Sunday Snippets, WBN presents: Roads and Reflections.Join me this week for the second article in the As For Me And My House series. You can subscribe directly to this series here.
I once saw an old episode of a Twilight Zone or Outer Limits show in which a man was granted the gift to never have to wait for anything, so he could always get more things done. He quickly despairs because he realizes that he has lost the quiet time in order to think, to dream, and to figure things out. In my own life I have solved many intractable problems by "doing nothing" or "sleeping on it", allowing my mind to reflect and contemplate. Contemplation and reflection actually rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online >>>
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival is a weekly opportunity to share your best posts with the wider Catholic blogging community.
To participate, create a post highlighting posts that would be of interest to Catholics and link to the host blog at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com. Go to the host blog and leave a comment giving a link to your post.
Virtual Confession: iConfess
The Nodlings were asking to go to Confession, and based on some recent behaviors they needed it.
When I announced we were going this Saturday, Wynken sighed with relief, Blynken said "Ok, good.", and Nod-girl (who hasn't made her first Reconciliation yet) asked if she could go too. So in order to prepare, I had each of them get a sheet of paper and make out a list in their rooms. I find that the act of writing it down makes it a bit more real and tangible - that way there is no "forgetting".
Then I downloaded this iPhone/iPad application called iConfess mostly because I was curious. At $3 I could afford to be curious. It's a relatively simple application that guides you through your Examination of Conscience and common prayers. You can check off your sins into a "For Confession" list and make notes as well. And yes, it does offer a "password" function to keep nosy-bodies out.
For the record, I did not find a category regarding duct-taping children to the wall. Not that I needed it, mind you, I'm just saying. Here's a screenshot from the Web site.
I read the detailed Examination out loud in the presence of the Nodlings, and noticed a few extra pencil scratchings on their lists. Worth the three bucks right there. Not the greatest app, not the worst app, but it did get its job done. I took it into the confessional with me and read right off the list. There was only 1 priest on duty today and he had the 5:30 Mass and a loooong line, so I thought it prudent to keep it short and sweet.
It was a virtual confession of sorts, but more like a memory aid. Not like the time when that priest in college offered me confession over the phone ... but that's a different story.
When I announced we were going this Saturday, Wynken sighed with relief, Blynken said "Ok, good.", and Nod-girl (who hasn't made her first Reconciliation yet) asked if she could go too. So in order to prepare, I had each of them get a sheet of paper and make out a list in their rooms. I find that the act of writing it down makes it a bit more real and tangible - that way there is no "forgetting".
For the record, I did not find a category regarding duct-taping children to the wall. Not that I needed it, mind you, I'm just saying. Here's a screenshot from the Web site.
It was a virtual confession of sorts, but more like a memory aid. Not like the time when that priest in college offered me confession over the phone ... but that's a different story.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Painting The Roses Red
We live on the most ... colorful ... street sometimes. We've discussed before certain peculiarities that my neighbor exhibits. Mostly we mind our own business but when you do things in public, people will talk.
I can appreciate that she is trying to maintain the grounds and keep up property values. Generally speaking everything can be "smartened up" with a coat of paint (except when it's my fence). However, there are certain things that generally do not need to be painted - which include trees.
Mrs. Nod alerted me to the fact that our neighbor was painting her tree trunks brown. Aren't they already brown? Yes, but not this shade of brown. Maybe it's an herbicide or anti-fungal. No, it's a gallon of brown stain.
Um ... that's odd. It will likely kill the trees too. I've heard that dogs sometimes can kill a tree by chewing all the bark off in a circle on a tree trunk. I know that human beings can die if they paint 100% of their skin since it won't be able to breathe. Therefore, I imagine that trees won't fare particularly well if you paint the entire trunks.
But hey, in the meantime it's a lovely shade of brown. It reminds me of this clip from Disney's Alice in Wonderland where the Cards are painting the white roses red.
I can appreciate that she is trying to maintain the grounds and keep up property values. Generally speaking everything can be "smartened up" with a coat of paint (except when it's my fence). However, there are certain things that generally do not need to be painted - which include trees.
Mrs. Nod alerted me to the fact that our neighbor was painting her tree trunks brown. Aren't they already brown? Yes, but not this shade of brown. Maybe it's an herbicide or anti-fungal. No, it's a gallon of brown stain.
Um ... that's odd. It will likely kill the trees too. I've heard that dogs sometimes can kill a tree by chewing all the bark off in a circle on a tree trunk. I know that human beings can die if they paint 100% of their skin since it won't be able to breathe. Therefore, I imagine that trees won't fare particularly well if you paint the entire trunks.
But hey, in the meantime it's a lovely shade of brown. It reminds me of this clip from Disney's Alice in Wonderland where the Cards are painting the white roses red.
Painting the roses red
Many a tear we shed
Because we know
They'll cease to grow
In fact, they'll soon be dead
And yet we go ahead
Painting the roses red
Thursday, August 19, 2010
24:15 Contemplating My Reflection
Welcome back to As For Me And My House (Jos 24:15), the place where the rubber meets the road. You can subscribe directly to this series here.
==========================
Rush. Rush. Rush.
Our lives are busy and seemingly getting busier. Everyone agrees that slowing down is good, but nobody seems to actually do it. However, the need to stop every once in a while, take a breather, and reflect on what has gone before is built into the human condition. If we do not allow ourselves this luxury, our bodies begin to break down, our relationships become strained, contemplation is impossible, and therefore prayer remains superficial and our relationship with God does not progress towards the Transforming Union. We begin to see that contemplation is not a luxury after all, but a need.
I once saw an old episode of a Twilight Zone or Outer Limits show in which a man was granted the gift to never have to wait for anything, so he could always get more things done. He quickly despairs because he realizes that he has lost the quiet time in order to think, to dream, and to figure things out. In my own life I have solved many intractable problems by "doing nothing" or "sleeping on it", allowing my mind to reflect and contemplate. Contemplation and reflection actually rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online >>>
==========================
Rush. Rush. Rush.
Our lives are busy and seemingly getting busier. Everyone agrees that slowing down is good, but nobody seems to actually do it. However, the need to stop every once in a while, take a breather, and reflect on what has gone before is built into the human condition. If we do not allow ourselves this luxury, our bodies begin to break down, our relationships become strained, contemplation is impossible, and therefore prayer remains superficial and our relationship with God does not progress towards the Transforming Union. We begin to see that contemplation is not a luxury after all, but a need.
I once saw an old episode of a Twilight Zone or Outer Limits show in which a man was granted the gift to never have to wait for anything, so he could always get more things done. He quickly despairs because he realizes that he has lost the quiet time in order to think, to dream, and to figure things out. In my own life I have solved many intractable problems by "doing nothing" or "sleeping on it", allowing my mind to reflect and contemplate. Contemplation and reflection actually rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online >>>
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Motivation
So tomorrow it's supposed to rain like the dickens and drop 2"-3" inches of rain all at once during the rush hour, where I'm supposed to sit for multiple hours a day on the Beltway, to go to a far away location that I don't want to be at, to do a job that bores me, while chores and projects pile up at home that aren't getting done, because my pregnant wife doesn't feel well enough to do them, while my kids laze about the house because there is no one to persuade them into helping ... and my motivation for wanting to get up and go to work tomorrow IS????
Unemployment.
Unemployment.
Still Life With Camera: Helicopter Formation
It's not every day that you see helicopters flying in formation ten feet off the ground. I only caught one of them with my camera phone (while driving!), but it was a sight to behold.
Let Them Eat Cake
[Morris Center] The Palace Theatre was built in 1921 as a vaudeville house and part of the Orpheum theatre chain. In its early days, vaudeville shows ran continuously with a new act every ten minutes. Patrons could obtain admission for just 22 cents and enjoy the day’s new acts as they made their way on and off the stage.
At its inception, the interiors of the theater were glorious. Old roses, blues and creams predominated and not one singular architectural style could define the whole of the structure. The architect, J.S. Aroner from Chicago envisioned the theater as a little palace; a place in which theatergoers could feel as if they were royalty. A trip through the theater was intended to make a patron feel as if she had just made a trip through Europe. With many different architectural styles including Baroque, Spanish Renaissance, Greco-Roman and even a little Art Deco, patrons entered intricately detailed and carefully planned interiors when they entered “The Palace.”
The cocktail hour was held in the Grand Lobby. My brothers and I got to play doormen in our tuxes and white gloves. You went to the box office to get your "ticket" and then mingled with the other "patrons" at the bar. At the appropriate time, the chimes were rung, my brother and I opened the main doors to the theater, and the "audience" was seated.
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| Grand Lobby (Photo: MorrisCenter.org) |
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| Arch and Stage (Photo: MorrisCenter.org) |
Monday, August 16, 2010
Notre Dame Road Trip
Just got back from my cousin's wedding at Notre Dame. The Cathedral is awesomely beautiful. Here are a couple of quick pictures from inside. This doesn't begin to capture the beauty of this church dedicated to Our Lady.
The first one is a long shot from the back of the church looking towards the altar. The church extends for a fair bit behind the altar. In fact that was where we heard Mass from for the Feast of the Assumption today (televised, no less).
The second picture is the Notre Dame choir loft from which my brother and I sang for my cousin's wedding. My, but the sound carries from there - great view too. Nobody can see if you're counting on your fingers from there. I guess I can cross this off my bucket list.
Finally, I was entranced by the holy oils ensconced in their own place of honor at the entrance of the church near the baptismal font (which is 80+ degrees!). From the left you can see the Oil of Catechumens, Holy Chrism, and Oil of the Sick.
I'll elaborate after I've gotten some rest. Ciao!
The first one is a long shot from the back of the church looking towards the altar. The church extends for a fair bit behind the altar. In fact that was where we heard Mass from for the Feast of the Assumption today (televised, no less).
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| Notre Dame Cathedral |
The second picture is the Notre Dame choir loft from which my brother and I sang for my cousin's wedding. My, but the sound carries from there - great view too. Nobody can see if you're counting on your fingers from there. I guess I can cross this off my bucket list.
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| Notre Dame Choir Loft |
Finally, I was entranced by the holy oils ensconced in their own place of honor at the entrance of the church near the baptismal font (which is 80+ degrees!). From the left you can see the Oil of Catechumens, Holy Chrism, and Oil of the Sick.
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| Notre Dame Holy Oils |
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival #70
Join me this week for the second article in the As For Me And My House series.
... As a father I am my children’s progenitor, my wife their co-creator. This is the one power that we have that most directly images God the Father, the Creator. He allows us to share in His creative power. God made from nothing, ex nihilo, we continue what He has caused into being. To put it a bit more crudely, being able to make a baby is a little like being God...=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival is a weekly opportunity to share your best posts with the wider Catholic blogging community.
To participate, create a post highlighting posts that would be of interest to Catholics and link to the host blog at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com. Go to the host blog and leave a comment giving a link to your post.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Nodling Generator
Welcome back to As For Me And My House, the place where the rubber meets the road.
I am a Nodling generator.
Astute readers of my blog will have noticed a new seal that appeared several weeks ago without explanation. It shows a small footprint encircled by the words "Official Nodlings Generator". The Nodlings are, of course, my children.
I am happy to say the immediate cause of the seal is that Mrs. Nod and I are expecting our sixth child. "Fearful and Wonderful" stuff (ref. Psalm 139:14). If it is a boy, we'll have an even split. We'll be like a Catholic Brady Bunch.
As a father I am my children's progenitor, my wife their co-creator. This is the one power that we have that most directly images God the Father, the Creator. He allows us to share in His creative power. God made from nothing, ex nihilo, we continue what He has caused into being. To put it a bit more crudely, being able to make a baby is a little like being God.
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online...
I am a Nodling generator.
Astute readers of my blog will have noticed a new seal that appeared several weeks ago without explanation. It shows a small footprint encircled by the words "Official Nodlings Generator". The Nodlings are, of course, my children.
I am happy to say the immediate cause of the seal is that Mrs. Nod and I are expecting our sixth child. "Fearful and Wonderful" stuff (ref. Psalm 139:14). If it is a boy, we'll have an even split. We'll be like a Catholic Brady Bunch.
As a father I am my children's progenitor, my wife their co-creator. This is the one power that we have that most directly images God the Father, the Creator. He allows us to share in His creative power. God made from nothing, ex nihilo, we continue what He has caused into being. To put it a bit more crudely, being able to make a baby is a little like being God.
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Jimmy Eat World: Local Connection
Put this down in the It's-a-small-world or six-degrees-of-separation category.
I went for a lesson at my voice teacher's house for my cousin's upcoming wedding. Her daughter is the model on the cover of the new Jimmy Eat World: Invented music CD. Apparently there are more photos of her on the inside, but you'll have to buy the album to see it.
New release date is 9/28/2010.
I went for a lesson at my voice teacher's house for my cousin's upcoming wedding. Her daughter is the model on the cover of the new Jimmy Eat World: Invented music CD. Apparently there are more photos of her on the inside, but you'll have to buy the album to see it.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Uh Oh, Virginia's Economy Just Fell Down
Defense Secretary Gates just announced huge cuts over the next 3 years to the Defense budget with a particular animus towards contractors.The whole pendulum swing towards in-sourcing Government jobs back to real Government employees has been in full swing under the new administration. I talked with a few contractors today who said they missed being a Federal employee and they just "loved" everything about it. Guaranteed pension, lavish benefits, union bargaining chips, get to make all the decisions, paid training, almost-can't-get-fired -- what's not to love?
Except that Virginia depends overly on the contracting jobs to protect against recession. It's the only game in town, really. It soaks up to 70 percent of the Defense monies. Now, it's looking at a 30% cut in the immediate future -- someone's losing their job and their house.
The only "good" thing I can see is that Gates spread the pain around equally, from a cursory look. Most of the SES, flag officers and below are going to get demoted or offered early retirement, no doubt. Now, if only the civil service could actually be fired in practice, rather than theory it might stand a chance of being fiscally prudent.
In the meantime, hold on to what you have or learn to stand up and salute!
Here We Go Again
So we got through my sister's wedding, we sang our song, people were laughing and crying (whether it was our singing we're not sure). But hey, Mom and Sis were happy so who cares?Yes, I've seen the recording and no, I'm not posting it anywhere. Despite assurances to the contrary, some things are better remembered than revisited. Hey, I'm glad you liked it, just let me fade back into the chorus where I belong.
Alas, not so. Now my cousin is getting married next week and I'll be singing a duet with my brother. Heck, all I have to do is get through The Gift of Love by Hal Hopson and it'll be fine. (It's just that I don't count well, especially when I'm nervous.) It's not like I'm singing the Ave Maria like some people. I had a taste of public singing back in my high school musical days and that's enough. I can perform if I have to, but other people like my brother got the whole ham bone - they actually revel in it.
I meant to say no, but my cousin is too sweet, an only child, and well, we're family. I should have done it by email, but nooooo, I had to talk to her in person. Too late!
Now I have to learn a new piece by Saturday. A-one and a-two and a - drat! start again ...
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Stingray On Crushed Ice
Blynken and I popped over to our local grocer's (Wegman's!) to pick up some of their awesome Basting Oil. If you haven't tasted it, you're really missing out. (Grapeseed Oil, Canola Oil, Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley, Natural Garlic Flavor). It really makes seafood dazzle.We were in the fish section and we came upon this fine specimen of a Sting Ray. I'm not sure, but we may need a second bottle.
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival #69
This week I published my first article in the new series, As For Me And My House, at Catholic Dads Online. Check it out and please leave me a note when you do!
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Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival is a weekly opportunity to share your best posts with the wider Catholic blogging community.
To participate, create a post highlighting posts that would be of interest to Catholics and link to the host blog at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com. Go to the host blog and leave a comment giving a link to your post.
Five Favorite Devotions
Joe at Defend Us In Battle tagged me with a meme to list my five favorite devotions. Thanks Joe!
I take a slightly unconventional approach to devotions, in that most of my devotions are simply Scripture itself. Once I learned about Psalms, they just sang to me. However, in order to comply, here are some of my favorites:
I take a slightly unconventional approach to devotions, in that most of my devotions are simply Scripture itself. Once I learned about Psalms, they just sang to me. However, in order to comply, here are some of my favorites:
- The Divine Mercy Chaplet
- Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus) Luke 1:68-79
- Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) Luke 2:29–32
- Psalm 34:12-15
- Sirach 3:1-30
- RAnn at This That and the Other Thing
- Q at The Q Continuum
- The Crescat
- RobK at Kyrie Eleison
- Mike in CT at Exultet
Thursday, August 5, 2010
24:15 Talking About Sex With Your Son
Today marks my first article of As For Me And My House over at Catholic Dads Online.
I chose a bit of an ambitious subject for my first column, but one I hope is timely and profitable to you. (Maybe next week's article will be on bubblegum or something simple...)
Anyhow, head on over and check it out and leave me a note telling me you did so. Be gentle with me, it's my first time ...
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Boys.
They are like chips off of the old block. When they’re four years old, they follow Daddy everywhere, because he’s a hero and can do no wrong.
Anything Daddy does is fascinating and your boy wants to copy everything. But then they start to grow up, lose that baby fat in their faces, and before too long you’re sweating the details of The Talk.
We’ve reached this point in the House of Nod.
Talking about sex with their boys is dreaded by Dads everywhere. When is the appropriate time? How much do you reveal now vs. later? Is this the end of their innocence? How do I bring this up, anyway?
Breathe. Breathe.
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online >>>
I chose a bit of an ambitious subject for my first column, but one I hope is timely and profitable to you. (Maybe next week's article will be on bubblegum or something simple...)
Anyhow, head on over and check it out and leave me a note telling me you did so. Be gentle with me, it's my first time ...
========================
Boys.They are like chips off of the old block. When they’re four years old, they follow Daddy everywhere, because he’s a hero and can do no wrong.
Anything Daddy does is fascinating and your boy wants to copy everything. But then they start to grow up, lose that baby fat in their faces, and before too long you’re sweating the details of The Talk.
We’ve reached this point in the House of Nod.
Talking about sex with their boys is dreaded by Dads everywhere. When is the appropriate time? How much do you reveal now vs. later? Is this the end of their innocence? How do I bring this up, anyway?
Breathe. Breathe.
Continue reading at Catholic Dads Online >>>
Wilderness Of Sin
I must have sinned greatly today.
It's not that I did anything bad, actually. The Hebrew word "sin" is translated as "missing the mark". Therefore to sin is to miss the mark, to fall short of the glory of God.
In a completely different context, the Wilderness of Sin (or Zin), is a place where the Israelites wandered in the desert during the Exodus, and where they complained against God that they had run out of food. After that and other similar nonsense they got to wander in the desert for 40 years on account of their hard-heartedness. (What, they couldn't ask for directions at the gas station?)
I went to an off-site location for work today, and I must have missed every exit imaginable on the way there and on the way back. I just kept missing my exit and had to wander my way back through unfamiliar territory. So, I felt a little like those Israelites today.
In the end their saving Grace was God (after teaching them a lesson); my saving grace was GPS. (Hmm, I wonder what was the lesson I was supposed to learn?)
It's not that I did anything bad, actually. The Hebrew word "sin" is translated as "missing the mark". Therefore to sin is to miss the mark, to fall short of the glory of God.
In a completely different context, the Wilderness of Sin (or Zin), is a place where the Israelites wandered in the desert during the Exodus, and where they complained against God that they had run out of food. After that and other similar nonsense they got to wander in the desert for 40 years on account of their hard-heartedness. (What, they couldn't ask for directions at the gas station?)
I went to an off-site location for work today, and I must have missed every exit imaginable on the way there and on the way back. I just kept missing my exit and had to wander my way back through unfamiliar territory. So, I felt a little like those Israelites today.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
What's Cookin' Mama? Doner Kebab
Doner Kebab is possibly my family's favorite dish. Doner Kebab means "rotating roast" and is a Turkish dish. There are a number of different ways to prepare it, from a full course meal to a street side snack like a gyro. We typically prepare it using a boneless leg of lamb (keep the fat on!), garlic, tomato sauce, onion, thyme, melted butter, and a side of plain yogurt.
It is by no means a "light" dish, but rather a rich and sumptuous one. You'll love it or hate it - lightweights need not apply. If you love bold flavors, this is the dish for you. All measurements are via the pinch and dash method, so YMMV.
Cut and peel several pieces of garlic clove and distribute it throughout a boneless leg of lamb by making shallow incisions with a knife (go on, stab it!). Roast the leg of lamb at 325 degrees in the oven for half an hour per pound.
Cut up a medium sized onion and saute in a medium saucepan. Add several cans of tomato sauce, and a couple dashes of thyme. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let simmer for several hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the simmer, the more the onion and thyme flavor will permeate the tomato sauce.
Meanwhile, get some flat bread and cube into bite size pieces. You can use pita, pide, or similar, but cubed french bread works just as well. Melt a stick of butter in a small saucepan and keep warm. Use real butter, it's worth it.
When the lamb is done, remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. Carve the lamb as thinly as possible into one or two bite chunks.
Cover the bottom of a plate with the flat bread, layer on the shaved lamb, and ladle your sumptuous tomato sauce over the meat. Drizzle melted butter over the same, and serve with a side of plain yogurt for dipping.
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Get more great recipes over at Shoved To Them hosted by aka the Mom!
It is by no means a "light" dish, but rather a rich and sumptuous one. You'll love it or hate it - lightweights need not apply. If you love bold flavors, this is the dish for you. All measurements are via the pinch and dash method, so YMMV.Cut and peel several pieces of garlic clove and distribute it throughout a boneless leg of lamb by making shallow incisions with a knife (go on, stab it!). Roast the leg of lamb at 325 degrees in the oven for half an hour per pound.
Cut up a medium sized onion and saute in a medium saucepan. Add several cans of tomato sauce, and a couple dashes of thyme. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let simmer for several hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the simmer, the more the onion and thyme flavor will permeate the tomato sauce.
Meanwhile, get some flat bread and cube into bite size pieces. You can use pita, pide, or similar, but cubed french bread works just as well. Melt a stick of butter in a small saucepan and keep warm. Use real butter, it's worth it.
When the lamb is done, remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. Carve the lamb as thinly as possible into one or two bite chunks.Cover the bottom of a plate with the flat bread, layer on the shaved lamb, and ladle your sumptuous tomato sauce over the meat. Drizzle melted butter over the same, and serve with a side of plain yogurt for dipping.
==================================
Get more great recipes over at Shoved To Them hosted by aka the Mom!
Monday, August 2, 2010
No Beer In Space
Followers of this blog will know that Me and the Homebrews have a respectful appreciation for good beer. According to Mary Roach at NPR, we can't bring beer into space, and therefore to Mars.
No beer in space? Well, then it's very simple. I'm not going into space and I'm not going to Mars.
Never mind all those dreams as a kid of being an astronaut, floating weightlessly among the stars, blasting off to brave new worlds.
It's a fascinating listen, but probably one best heard in an easy chair with a cold one in hand ...
No beer in space? Well, then it's very simple. I'm not going into space and I'm not going to Mars.
Never mind all those dreams as a kid of being an astronaut, floating weightlessly among the stars, blasting off to brave new worlds.
It's a fascinating listen, but probably one best heard in an easy chair with a cold one in hand ...
Overheard In My House
Q: How do babies breathe in their mommies' tummies before they're born?
A: Snorkels.
A: Snorkels.
Always Attractive
Never popular, always attractive.
These are words that have been used to describe the Catholic Church in our culture. Other than for brief periods the Christian faith has always been counter cultural. We are constantly belittled as backward, unenlightened, misogynistic, repressed, perverted, evil, grasping, or simpletons. And YET, the faith continues to flourish.
Boccaccio's Decameron is a collection of ten stories told by a band of travelers on the road. Many of these stories are bawdy or shocking, but there is one in particular that I find illuminating.
This is the secret that our enemies dare not whisper except in the recesses of their hearts: without the Church they are nothing. Because without Christ we all are nothing. The human institution of the Church is flawed, our leaders flawed, the people in the pews (despite their protestations) are flawed. But the Church is more than a human institution; it is a Divine institution full of people. The true Guardian is the Holy Spirit and God Himself has sworn that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.
The true treasure that the Advocate preserves is knowledge of the Lover of Souls who continues draw every one to Himself.
These are words that have been used to describe the Catholic Church in our culture. Other than for brief periods the Christian faith has always been counter cultural. We are constantly belittled as backward, unenlightened, misogynistic, repressed, perverted, evil, grasping, or simpletons. And YET, the faith continues to flourish.
Boccaccio's Decameron is a collection of ten stories told by a band of travelers on the road. Many of these stories are bawdy or shocking, but there is one in particular that I find illuminating.
Abraham, a Jew, is continuously disputed with by Jehannot de Chevigny of the truth of his religion v. Catholicism. Finally, he is won over, but decides to go to Rome and see the Curia and Pope. While there, he hears of the debaucherous and decadent lives of the clergy from his fellow Jews. He returns and converts to Catholicism, reasoning that if Christianity can still spread even when its hierarchy is so sinful it had to have something else going for it.Although the story is meant as a "caustic anti-Catholic tale", there is yet a kernel of truth in it. Long before Boccaccio's time another virtuous Jew and teacher of the Law, Gamaliel, prophesied:
- For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.
- But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God. (Acts 5:38-39)
This is the secret that our enemies dare not whisper except in the recesses of their hearts: without the Church they are nothing. Because without Christ we all are nothing. The human institution of the Church is flawed, our leaders flawed, the people in the pews (despite their protestations) are flawed. But the Church is more than a human institution; it is a Divine institution full of people. The true Guardian is the Holy Spirit and God Himself has sworn that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.
The true treasure that the Advocate preserves is knowledge of the Lover of Souls who continues draw every one to Himself.
For you love all things that are
and loathe nothing that you have made;
for what you hated, you would not have fashioned.
And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it;
or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you?
But you spare all things, because they are yours,
O LORD and lover of souls,
for your imperishable spirit is in all things! (Wis 11:22-12:2)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival #68
Subscribe to my new weekly series where the "rubber meets the road" over at Catholic Dads Online; be dazzled by a bistable optical illusion and its relationship to God and events in your life; contemplate deep things and share a laugh with renowned theologian Dr. Alice von Hildebrand.
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Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival is a weekly opportunity to share your best posts with the wider Catholic blogging community.
To participate, create a post highlighting posts that would be of interest to Catholics and link to the host blog at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com. Go to the host blog and leave a comment giving a link to your post.
Historical Badges And Other BS
Wynken and I went over to his Scoutmaster's house to work on requirements for earning the historical merit badge of Carpentry.
To celebrate the Boy Scouts' 100th anniversary there is a lot of hoopla this year. (For example, Wynken just got back from the National Jamboree at Ft. AP Hill with several thousand other Scouts in scorching weather.) The BSA has brought back some merit badges that have been retired or replaced by modern equivalents. These badges have the same exact requirements that were available in 1910 and they can ONLY be earned this year.
These include: Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaling, and Tracking.
We got everybody squared away on saws, planes, squares, levels, hammers, rules, clamps, and so on without incident.
My personal favorite is the manual hand drill. Works like a champ with a little elbow grease and nobody puts an eye out with an electric!
To celebrate the Boy Scouts' 100th anniversary there is a lot of hoopla this year. (For example, Wynken just got back from the National Jamboree at Ft. AP Hill with several thousand other Scouts in scorching weather.) The BSA has brought back some merit badges that have been retired or replaced by modern equivalents. These badges have the same exact requirements that were available in 1910 and they can ONLY be earned this year.
These also list the original requirements as written in 1910–1911. Think about how times have changed as you complete the requirements a Scout your age would have done a hundred years ago.As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates 100 years of Scouting in the United States, today’s youths will have the opportunity to experience a piece of the past.
The four vintage merit badges that will count toward rank advancement are being released for the centennial year only, giving Boy Scouts a hands-on opportunity to experience the exciting past of the BSA.
Earning these historical merit badges should be more than just earning another merit badge. By reading these merit badge pamphlets and completing the requirements as close to how a Scout of 1910 would have done them will be your true growth experience.
My personal favorite is the manual hand drill. Works like a champ with a little elbow grease and nobody puts an eye out with an electric!
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