I do my best to please...but I just can't force myself into one of those gushy form-letter boxes, sorry. Here's the best I can do, sorry socalgleeson. This is a picture of me as Wonder Woman sees me...notice big hands and alien brain.
I've had 2 interesting run-ins with nametags this year.
The first was at a technical conference with a very young guy who has invented himself as a motivational speaker cuz he wears nametags 7X24, ALL the time since 2001. (Yes, the answer of how he wears one all the time is because he has a tattoo on his chest in addition to the "Hello my name is..." sticker on his clothes HelloMyNameIsScott). He was actually very good, the basic premise was one of approachability; his success is tied to the fact that he LOOKS for opportunities to talk to strangers. His nametag has enabled him to talk to thousands of people that he would have never talked to otherwise. His message was good, the applications were great, and he had some great quotes.
The second has been at church. Our church wears nametags. We've got 2 services, approximately 400 people. We've been there 3 years and I've been contemplating why we wear them. Beyond the simple/obvious reasons of "I'm forgetful", "It helps with getting to know guests", etc. I've been connecting this with my friend Scott. Scott's success is centered around strangers. Our church's messages this year have been themed around unity. My point is how do you unify a body of believers when we treat each other like strangers. Certainly there is unity in being Christians, we have a common base in Christ, but there are tangible, practical things we must do to be unified.
I'm not pointing a finger, it's more of a commentary. If I don't know someone's name, how much more have I concentrated on who that person really is. What are his/her struggles? How can I pray for that person such that he/she forwards the kingdom? Is this a question of the church being too big, the outside culture being to competitive, we as Christians being lukewarm in our walks, our church not coming together in small groups enough etc.
I'm not saying that we get rid of nametags at church that we solve all these problems, but it's certainly worth thinking about---do the nametags hinder or enhance unity???
Ode to the old green and white trailer. She served us well, thru mountains, lakes, and waterslides; if she could talk I'm sure she'd have stories. There was the time when the back window blew out on the Benecia bridge. There was the time where the awning fell off on the freeway. There was the time when the earthquake shook her and we thought a bear had run into the side. There was the time when the aluminum siding on the front opened up in the wind and I got blisters putting in some emergency screws to put her back together. There was the time where it was raining so hard that we stopped her to stay in a hotel. There was the time she got gashed on the side by the gate backing into the yard.
Yes in spite of all this, I think she'll look back on our time with fondness. Through the difficult times, she was a part of our memories. She started toting just a mom, a dad, and a small toddler. She cradled the next two thru infancy and into their elementary years. She offered comfort when knees were skinned and heads were bumped. She offered warmth from the storms. She provided shelter from the insects and a cool place to draw with friends. She cast light on card games and scrabble tourneyments. Yes, in spite of her looks, she has really been a part of our family, a part of who we are. In fact her looks really define her as part of us; the outward appearance the smallest trait of who she is.
Thank you superhero travel vehicle. May you continue to offer memories to others, we will always remember you.
Looks are everything! A delicate balance between grime and fashion. I think I see pine tar stains on the helmet? Look at the form and be scared!
A couple of weeks ago my gardeners were here and the head dude (Felix, the guy we make the check out to) wasn't around. Now the gardeners aren't known for their English speaking abilities. In fact, they've been known to misunderstand what Kim says frequently and take out large bushes that we actually wanted, while leaving large weeds all around, that we of course don't want! So, if I can actually speak Spanish to them, I do.
Sooooo...when I noticed Felix wasn't here I asked one of the other guys, "¿dónde está Felix?". He replied "Huh?". So I repeated, "¿dónde está Felix?". Finally a third time, I said "Where's Felix?" In plain as day English he said "Oh, he's at the dump."
So much for my 3 years of Spanish, working at a Mexican restaurant for 1+ years, and working in the landscaping industry for 2 years. Danville brings the whiteness out bright and clear.
This writer's cramp is killing me. I think this is my first occurrence in my (short) blogging career. I've of course been agonizing, tossing and turning all night long, pacing, mumbling, scratching my head, and fighting off migranes. It's been quite a few days, but I think I'm going to make it.
In the statistics on my site, I see I have faithful visitors from not only the US, but also Canada, Chile, Denmark, Slovenia, and Costa Rica. Obviously the word is getting out. I have to work this out, and also of course make sure I keep the content relevant for you international fans. I'm thinking of an expose on Slovenian dance, or perhaps some aebleskiver recipes.
Thanks to all!
gracias a todos
merci à tous
Dank an alle
grazie a tutti
спасибо всем
すべてのおかげで
There's been quite a stir about who (and who hasn't) received their superhero powers; as well as the (perceived) quality of the pictures posted. Mr. Incredible is an equal opportunity superheroist; recognizing the mistakes he made with "Syndrome" (aka Buddy Pine), he has vowed never again to deny anyone their destiny at greatness.
With that said, the superhero of the day is none other than "Miss America". You'll see by the picture that she has completely embraced the character. Please congratulate her and welcome her to the legion of honor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_America_%28DC_Comics%29
"Miss America is originally Joan Dale, a courageous reporter who had a dream in which the Statue of Liberty appeared to her and, giving her the power to transmute elements, instructed her to battle evil. Joan awakes to find that she now has these powers; adopting a patriotically-themed costume, she begins fighting evil as Miss America"
Check out these comments sent
by a business associate...then
you'll understand her superhero
name.
"I would like to commend you
on the quality and caliber of
your staff...In particular I
would like to focus on
{the Energizer}"
"...in my seven years of
partnership in auto finance,
I did not encounter any
partnership which can compare
with {the Energizer}"
"she was extremely generous"
"It is obvious that{the Energizer} is a dedicated,
loyal, and respected member of..."
"I would like to express my appreciation for her
extraordinary efforts..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Power
"She could disintegrate any kind of matter, including
water and air, store the energy and expel it in balls
of explosive fire. Katie's Energizer power was highly
destructive, potentially lethal, and in various
issues, was able to destroy buildings and bring down
supervillains such as Kurse. Katie initially had
little control over her power, and tended to use it
when she was frightened or angry, but as the series
progressed, she gained control over her abilities."
It's too hot to chase them away, 98 degrees at 2PM. I told princess to go get 'em, and she gave me that "Are you kidding me?" look. Wonder Woman is at the swimming pool with the little superheroes, nobody here to chase the little fatsos but me and the cats. I think my grandpa had it right when he'd shoot 'em out of the trees, they are bold buggers who got more attitude than Dennis Rodman. Where's my gun?
Since we added what the family now affectionately calls "The Big Honker", it's good to note a few fuel saving tips. The skinny: don't accelerate so stinkin' fast, don't go so pickin' fast, keep the speed steady. Mr. Incredible is feeling a little constrained.
Edmunds Fuel Saving Tips
Mr. Incredible went into Dyna Girl's Sunday School class this week to find her making paper handcuffs. While discussing the lesson with the teacher (who I don't really know that well), she told me that they had acted out Paul & Silas in prison and Dyna Girl had a part as the "slave girl". I of course enjoyed hearing that Dyna Girl had this part and quipped with the teacher that we would continue acting out that part once we went home. Without too much hesitation (I'm guessing she had to gather her nerve a little but then again somewhat enjoyed the opportunity), she said, "That's what Dyna Girl says you call your wife?". Uhhhhhhh, ooooops. Dang kids parrot every thing they hear don't they?!?!!? Hopefully there won't be a part 2, guess I'm going to have to talk to Dyna Girl about sharing the superhero secrets. Think she's got too much of her father in her.
Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed. But Mr Incredible and Wonder Woman (not pictured) are looking forward to a break. Lots of verses learned, good job little super heroes.
Well according to a study by Salary.com, Wonder Woman should make more than I do. They've got her posted at $117K w/o homeschooling, guess I'll need to throw in some extra bucks for that. I'm going to add a PayPal link for donations or maybe I'll just ask her to get out in her invisible jet more often and do some work. Dang, even if she works outside the home, the survey claims she should still be pulling in $68K for the home duties. Thanks Wonder Woman and Happy Mothers day.
Stay-at-Home mom salary survey
...under the bus. Too bad Mr. Incredible can't always lift buses. Been one of those days...
Here is a video about a local homeschooling family. This video really encouraged me because the family seems so "normal". When we mention we home school, sometimes we get the alien look--you know, eyes popping out of the head--and the quesion, "YOU DO WHAT? HOW DO YOU DO THAT??" So, here is a glimpse into a real family that does what we do! Enjoy!
KGO TV Homeschooling Story
Cosmic Boy's gloating soon turned to sobs of sorrow as he lost his job as a doctor and had to struggle to make ends meet. After his $100+ salary was reduced to $30K for his 3 kids and also blow after blow of bills for his kids and other sudden disasters, a passer by heard him sobbing "I hate my life!!". It was truly as pitiful of a story as you'd ever see, especially after the early chanting of "I'm rich" as well as the large mansion that was purchased early in the budding career. Luckily he's retired now, I'm sure the government will step up to take care of him.
