Sunday, May 31, 2009

Polo Fodder

I was in the new porta-potty at polo last night. I was there for obvious reasons, but I was really there because the men in my house insisted that these potties were so fantastically wonderful that they required a visit. They were okay. They were portable multi-stall restrooms. But - the stalls - those were itty bitty!!

Anyway, I was finishing up when I heard:
Ring Ring... Ring Ring (the cell phone in the next potty went off)
Sigh...
Umm... hello?
Listen, I'm at polo in an outdoor toilet. Let me step out. (Does she really think the caller needs to know that?)
She exited the stall and stood in front of the sink. (Would the caller really know if she were still in the stall?)
At this point it was too much for me and I started to giggle as I washed my hands.
She went on and on about who was where, who should be where, what she was upset about, and who she was angry at - but when all was said and done, she was still in the potty!


There was a fashion show at polo last night. Some of the fashion was on the models and some was on the polo crowd. Our faves were the lady who showed up in a yellow maxi dress with tiers of very sheer fabric separated by rows of crochet. The best part of the outfit was that she only had on a thong underneath. It was also a halter style so when she bent over, she left nothing to the imagination. Lets just say that my children got an education in "what not to wear". The other favorite of the men in the group was a lady in a white sheer dress with the biggest chest we have ever seen. She was also in desperate need of support. We saw a lot of polo goers with the latest fashion style - winter boots with summer shorts. What's with that? I'm sorry your black leather winter boots with chunky heels do NOT go with your creamy white linen booty shorts and your spaghetti strap top.

R and I were intrigued by the young man who wore knickers, striped socks, a bow tie and a white Ralph Lauren button down shirt with his sleeves rolled up. We decided that he had to be super wealthy because any normal person dressed like that would be considered odd, have no friends, and wouldn't even be given the time of day.

The children got a lesson on the effects of alcohol last night, too. Not something we had intended to teach (and have never had to deal with at polo before), but the opportunity presented itself. The lady who sat in front of our spot was drinking Crown Royal. She drank a LOT of it. At one point she was so toasted that she couldn't even sit up. (It was like watching a car accident - you don't want to watch, but it's just so interesting!) Someone got her a chair, helped her up off the ground, and put her in it. We thought she might fall while they attempted to put her into the chair. It was a good thing she fell back into the chair, because otherwise she would have done a face plant into the grass... I'd bet money that she spent part of the night talking to Ralph on the porcelain phone. Today she is going to be one hurting puppy. We discussed hangovers, poor behavior, and all kinds of stuff with the kids last night. It was good to show them how awful people look when they are totally trashed. Better they see it when they are in high school and be able to discuss it with us than to be that person in college.

Polo is a great time. I love to people watch. And, if I can teach my children life lessons in a safe environment, so much the better.

Next week's theme is College Night. I can't wait to see who and what shows up for that!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

A Weekend Funny

One evening a husband, thinking he was being funny, said to his wife, 'Perhaps we should start washing your clothes in 'Slim Fast'. Maybe it would take a few inches off of your butt!'
His wife was not amused, and decided that she simply couldn't let such a comment go unrewarded.
The next morning the husband took a pair of underwear out of his drawer. 'What the heck is this?' he said to himself as a little 'dust' cloud appeared when he shook them out.
'April', he hollered into the bathroom, 'Why did you put talcum powder in my underwear?'
She replied with a snicker. 'It's not talcum powder; it's 'Miracle Grow'!!!!!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Project Central

Why is it that teachers decide to assign projects for the last couple of weeks of school? My house - which was all tidy last weekend - is now completely covered in various stages of projects. It hurts me to think that my house was so lovely such a short time ago... These teachers had better appreciate these projects and reward my offspring - and my patience - with nothing but A's!

LLB has to make a game for science (which in theory is a great project - just not right now). There are question cards piled all over my counter. There are various sized paper crumbs in a multitude of colors strewn from one end of the family room to another. AND she hasn't even started on the game board portion! I think she's saving that for this evening or all day tomorrow. I'm absolutely thrilled... NOT!

#1 has another paper due for World History 2AP. This one is on Richard Miller - the FBI Agent convicted of espionage. Just so you know, there is very little information available out there on that man, but whatever could be found is currently all over my dining room - the dining room that was clean just a few days ago...

There are other projects in the works - I know there is an Italy project somewhere in the Precambrian layer. LLB needs a few things from me to get that ready to be packed up including a red and white checked table cloth and cheezy Italian music. Don't ask. Just be glad you won't have to put up with Funiculi Funicula or O Sole Mio for 45 min. of class time. Fortunately for the kids in that class, she's bringing in Italian bread and garlic oil appetizers. They can dip their bread in garlic oil and stuff it in their ears. (Well, that's what I'd do). As for the teacher - I hope she has Funiculi Funicula stuck in her head for the entire summer!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Internet Safety

I'm very particular about what gets posted on the internet about my children. You'll never see their faces and their real names together on the page. You'll never see any physical location with their names and faces together, either. This is why I was BLOWN AWAY by the ballet lady's daughter posting LLB's real full name, picture, and show location on her F*cebook page.
I had logged on to my FB page to check in that morning and there was LLB's gorgeous face staring out at me as part of this other girl's photo album. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I was seeing correctly. I almost blew a gasket at 5:30am. Believe me, if it hadn't been so stinking early, I would have called their house and let them all have it - ballet lady included.
Not only was LLB's face smiling back at me, there were also some other girls from the studio.
I emailed the ballet lady's daughter and the ballet lady and asked them very nicely to take the picture of LLB down. (Yes, it took a lot of control on my part.) When I ranted to Mr. as he shuffled toward the coffee pot, he became instantly alert. Mr. was not happy. At. ALL.
The ballet lady's daughter took the pictures down, but she really doesn't understand why I was so upset. She doesn't understand that there are crazy people out there. I'd like my child to grow up without having to worry about stalkers and pedophiles, thankyouverymuch. When you put a face and a name and a location of something that will happen in the future - like a ballet show - you've given them all the information they need. Call me paranoid. I'm fine with it.
When we advertise the ballet shows, we don't put the kids' pictures in the newspapers, on any advertising, or on the internet... EVER. So - Why would some 20 year old think it's okay to put MY kid's image on the internet with geographic information??
Yes, because she's young and stupid.
But, she can be stupid with her own image...

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Mamapedia - The Wisdom of Moms

I was asked to review Mamapedia by Mom Central.

Mamapedia is a resource for moms.

Directly from the site:
Mamapedia™ is...

* For mothers with kids of all ages
* Questions by moms, answered by moms who’ve been there
* Over a million answers on everything from Acne to Zoos
* Easily searchable and browsable
* Updated daily
* 100% free

I went to Mamapedia and surfed around for quite a while. The responses to the questions are honest, insightful, and well thought out. For example, if you want to send your kid to summer camp, just ask. The responses are amazing! Who knew there were so many options!?

If you have a teenager, you can surf the teen section. Want to know how to motivate a 16 year old? Just ask.
Have a two year old who is making you crazy? So does someone else!
Are you TTC? There's a section for you, too.
There's even a section for Moms - 'cause we have questions, too.

Do yourself a favor. Check out Mamapedia!!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Thoughts

This was written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland ,
Ohio - "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It
is the most-requested column I've ever written."


1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'. I'm in the 7%.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

The Concert

Yesterday afternoon was my final school bell concert.
The kids did pretty well. The first song was ok, but the second - Siyahamba - was terrific! They did a great job!
I just have to do grades and then my summer can start.
Those grades will be done this morning - trust me!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Food for Thought

My friend, Janet, sent me this:

I was buying food the other day a the country market. On the label of some of the products it said "From China". For example, the "Our Family" brand of the Mandarin Oranges says right on the can "From China". I was shocked! So for a few more cents, I could purchase the Liberty Gold brand or the Dole - from California.

It takes forever to grocery shop when you read all the labels to find out where your food comes from!

Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think?

While the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets, the media wrings its hands and criticizes the Bush Administration for perceived errors. Yet 70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.

Well, duh..why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?

SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA!!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example, the point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.

Think about this: If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!!

The downside? Some American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory. Wahhhhhhhhhhhh

The solution? Let's give them fair warning and send our own message. Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on June 4, and continue it until July 4. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

Remember, June 4 to July 4.

EVEN BETTER. . . START NOW.

Let's show them that we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted.

If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, we deserve what we get!

What do you think?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Happiness...

Mr. sent me this nifty article by the Pew Research Center.

Americans have always had a thing about happiness. We all have certain unalienable rights, declares our Declaration of Independence, among them "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Much of the research into the field of happiness -- to say nothing of simple common sense - suggests that at the level of the individual, happiness is heavily influenced by life events (Did you get the big promotion? Have a fight with your boyfriend?) as well as by psychological traits (self-esteem, optimism, a sense of belonging, the capacity to love, etc.). The Pew survey did not look at life events or psychological characteristics. We only looked at happiness by demographic and behavioral traits. But through this admittedly limited prism, we found some fascinating correlations.

Several of them stand out: Married people are happier than unmarrieds. People who worship frequently are happier than those who don't. Republicans are happier than Democrats. Rich people are happier than poor people. Whites and Hispanics are happier than blacks. Sunbelt residents are happier than those who live in the rest of the country.

I found this particularly fascinating because I'm generally a happy person.
And, I fit the mold perfectly... except for the rich part and the Sunbelt part. But VA is warmer than New England and some money in the banks is better than no money in the bank...

Think about it. Are you happy? How happy?
Check out the entire article. It's fascinating.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

My Day with LLB

Yesterday I got to spend the day - well, most of it, with LLB. She doesn't do roller coasters and the 8th grade field trip was to a roller coaster park. There is no point in paying $55 for the child to stand around and wait for her friends. I can put that $55 to good use and get some time with her. :-)
We went to the movies and saw Angels and Demons. It was a very good and well done movie, but it was different from the book. We spent much of our commuting time discussing the differences.

We hit the store to look for a bathing suit for LLB. At the camp she is going to be volunteering, she has a bathing suit dress code we have to follow. I think we did okay. We found a black halter tankini that looks good and keeps her covered while giving her a little bit of style. (I would have preferred the one piece fishy suit we saw in the baby section, but she's too big for that anymore...)

Then we went to the shoe store. LLB is all girl and she loves her shoes. I got off easy with only 3 pair tucked under her arm. But, I will say that I kept the time in the store extremely limited.

We had a lovely time together. We chatted. We laughed. It was a very nice day...

Last night our family met HP and his family for dinner at a Japanese steakhouse restaurant to finally celebrate LLB's birthday. The food was yummy and the company terrific! I can't wait to do it again. We always have great fun with HP and his family.

Friday, May 15, 2009

The wheels on the bus...

You all remember how we went to Hershey on the bus this past weekend. And, you remember how scary I said the bus ride was. Well, I did send an email to the bus company regarding our driver. I left out a TON of stuff and concentrated on the biggest safety issues.

This is what I sent:
(Names have been changed to protect the innocent and not so innocent.)
I have been on numerous trips through our school system with Bus Company and have never had a problem. The drivers have always been courteous and competent - until now.

I was on the School Band and Chorus trip to Hershey this past Saturday. Our driver was C. C ended up leading Bus 2 and Bus 3 - driven by Mr. G - as Bus 1 - driven by a woman whose name I didn't catch - had the chorus students and had to depart a good 10 minutes before the band. Their competition was in a different school at an earlier time.

C left the School with plenty of time to get us to the Middle School near Hershey where our competition was held. We were not in a rush. That said, he did not pay attention. He had to stop fast more than once. Kids went flying - a couple even fell off the seats. He tailgated cars. He almost hit a compact car and a telephone pole at
a stop sign. He had trouble with red lights. He went through one. He went through yellow lights - Bus 3, driven by Mr. G - who was excellent, I might add, stopped for the lights and waited. We had to pull off to the side of the road and wait for Mr. G's bus. I think it might have been better if C had paid attention. There was plenty
of time to stop for the lights. He just didn't realize they were yellow until we were right up on them. Can the man see?? Mr. G chastised C more than once, but it did no good. He still didn't pay attention.
On the way home, some parents sitting directly behind C told him that the lights were yellow. That helped a bit, but it's not their job to tell the driver what color the traffic lights are. In addition to telling him the color of the lights, one parent had to talk to him for the last 45 min. of the ride to keep him awake. This is simply scary!!!

We had some parents following the buses in cars. They told us that our driver must be incompetent. They watched his antics. They told us to be sure we buckled up and to say our prayers. That is scary, too!

We had a few other issues, but those are minor in comparison. The School paid a ton of money for those buses. Double what we paid last year. Our driver certainly did not give any of us a warm fuzzy, so the 3 hour ride each way was a very nervous time for all of us. This is not what we expect from your company.

Then, I got back a quick note:
Thank you so much for your comments, This is how we become better, and more
safety conscious.

This has been sent to our safety director, and will be looked into
IMMEDIATELY.

Again thank you for your time to bring this important info to our attention.

I thought that would be the end of it until this afternoon when I got a phone call that wasn't quite right. The phone rang and I picked it up.
Is this Ladybug Crossing?
Yes, can I help you?
Did you send a note to Bus Company?
Yes, why do you ask?
You were a bit harsh.
I was honest. Who is this?
This is Marty. I work for Bus Company. I'm just making sure that what you said was true. What did you say?
I can send you the email if you'd like.
Okay, just send it.
Give me your email address and I'll send it along.
You have it.
Fine. I'll send it along again.

I hung up. I KNEW that was the bus driver. He is obviously stupid and he thinks he is dealing with a stupid woman. Silly man...

I sent this out:
I was contacted by a Marty from Bus Company by telephone. He asked me to re-send this letter. He seems to think it may not be true. I certainly wouldn't send something that wasn't true. I resent the implication that I would lie. I can have another parent verify if need be.

Within an hour I had this:
I would like to apologize to you and The School for the driving conduct of our employee C. I would also like to thank you for bringing his driving behavior to our attention. We also wish to thank you for your praise of Mr. G's performance that same day. We cannot take appropriate measures without this type of verification and appreciate what you have done.

Mr. M, our Safety Director, has not called you today, nor does he refer to himself as Marty. Unfortunately, C, who received a copy of your email during his disciplinary hearing, has apparently contacted you today. We queried him since receiving your email at 2:43 PM and he has confessed to this action and it will not happen again.

Again, I want to apologize for our employee's behavior. In the twenty-five years that I have been in this industry, this is a first and I am embarrassed for all of us.

So... there you have it. I think he knows that I'm not stupid now, don't you?

I am impressed with the bus company but not that one driver. I can only hope that we don't use this bus company in the fall for marching band... But, if we do, and that driver is driving, I will be removing both children from the bus and following in my own car. No questions asked.

The wheels on the bus go round and round...

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Aunt Mildred

Aging Aunt Mildred was a 93-year-old woman who was particularly despondent over the recent death of her husband. She decided that she would just kill herself and join him in death.

Thinking that it would be best to get it over with quickly, she took out his old Army pistol and made the decision to shoot herself in the heart, since it was badly broken in the first place.

Not wanting to miss the vital organ and become a vegetable and a burden to someone, she called her doctor's office to inquire as to just exactly where the heart would be on a woman. The doctor said, 'Your heart would be just below your left breast'.

Later that night Mildred was admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound to her knee.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Funny..

This makes me laugh every single time I read it...

Bob, a handsome dude, walked into a sports bar around 9:58 pm. He sat down next to a blonde at the bar and stared up at the TV.
The 10 pm news was coming on. The news crew was covering the story of a man on the ledge of a large building preparing to jump.

The blonde looked at Bob and said, "Do you think he'll jump?"

Bob said, "You know, I bet he'll jump."

The blonde replied, "Well, I bet he won't."

Bob placed a $20 bill on the bar and said, "You're on!"

Just as the blonde placed her money on the bar, the guy on the ledge did a swan dive off the building, falling to his death.
The blonde was very upset, but willingly handed her $20 to Bob, saying, "Fair's fair. Here's your money."

Bob replied, "I can't take your money. I saw this earlier on the 5 pm news, and so I knew he would jump."

The blonde replied, "I did too, but didn't think he'd do it again."

Tuesday?

How did it get to be Tuesday?
Wow! I sure could use a couple more Sundays in there to recuperate!

The trip to Hershey was really fun!
LLB and Gram and I had a wonderful time. We rode some rides, saw some shows, walked about 10 miles, and generally enjoyed ourselves.

The only part of the trip that really took it's toll was the bus ride. It was 3 hours each way. The first hour we watched "Miss Calamity at the Car Wash" on TV. Little did we know that our bus driver was going to turn into Mr. Calamity.

Our driver was a moron.
He must have thought he was driving a subcompact instead of a huge charter bus. On the highway, he would practically ride up onto the guy in front of him before he would try to pass. Once we were off the highway, he was an absolute nightmare! He almost rear ended a car and hit a phone pole - all in one stop sign. He stopped short about a thousand times. He didn't pay attention and if the light was yellow, we had to tell him or he'd go through the red. It was a frightening trip to say the least. On the way home, I had to talk to him for the last half hour to keep him awake. THAT is scary. The man is driving a bus filled with kids. Our kids... And he looks like he might be nodding off. Yikes! It's a good thing I can yap about anything. He thanked me when we got back to school. I'm sorry, but that's just not good enough if you ask me.

I'm going to email the company today. I've ridden a lot of charter buses in the past year and not one of them had a driver like that. Besides, I certainly don't want to be on the road with that guy. I'd much rather be in the car wash with Miss Calamity, thankyouverymuch!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

First Place!

The middle school band kids played 1 warm-up and 2 songs at their competition yesterday. They kicked serious butt!
I don't think they had ever played so well.
At the awards ceremony, the kids hard work, practice, and dedication was rewarded with First Place!
They were further rewarded with first place over all! 2 trophies!!!
A small public school in the middle of nowhere with an itty bitty budget can certainly do great things.

Friday, May 08, 2009

mmm... Chocolate!

We are off to Hershey Park tomorrow!

LLB has her last middle school band competition. She and her classmates have practiced hard and are ready to score a first place trophy. Wish us luck!

We have to be at school at 4:30am. That, my friends, is down right EARLY!

Gram and I made 100 goody bags for the people riding the buses. They are currently packed in my car along with 4 cases of water. At least we won't starve!

The camera is charged and ready to go. I figure I'll take 300 pictures or so... Unless I decide to leave the camera on the bus and just have fun. :-) Nah! I can't do that. I need the pictures. It's all about the scrapbook.

The band shirts and jeans are hung for easy access in the dark. The socks have been tucked into the tennies. We are prepared! We can get up, throw our clothes and glasses on, grab a cup of tea, and run out the door.

LLB is very excited for this trip. She has already asked if she can go up and accept the trophy. She was first to ask, and therefore will be the one to fetch it. The shutter will be snapping - a LOT!!

So, if you need me tomorrow, you know where to find me... I'm the crazy person in burgundy.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Rejected...

Well, we got the news that #1 did not get Drum Major yesterday. They gave it to a girl. Yet another girl. Now, I'm all for affirmative action, but we've had a girl 2 years in a row. Now we will have girls 3 years in a row. The girls he chose are nice people, but when they get on that podium, they just don't have "it".
You need a presence on a podium. My #1 is quite a ham and would have given the judges exactly what they are looking for. The girl they chose - ummm.... not so much. I guess this bodes well for when LLB comes along... She's got the right equipment.
The best part of this rejection is that now I can back off from volunteering. I don't have to do as much. I can go see Auntie when she's here over the summer instead of spending my time at Band Camp. When they want stuff done, I can say that The Girl's Mom can do it. I'm busy.
The second best part of this rejection is that now I don't have to purchase a new $1,000 podium. Our family was going to purchase a new one because the podium the kids use is just scaffolding and it's not very safe. As a matter of fact, it's down right creepy to watch the kids up there with no railings. But, now I don't have to sweat that.
I'll put that money I'd been saving towards our new windows.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Look out!

#1 passed his driving test.
He is now a licensed driver.

Um... yippee? Now I have one more thing to worry about and 25 thousand more gray hairs to prove it.

Actually, he is a very good and responsible driver.
It's the other crazies I worry about.

Monday, May 04, 2009

Hmmm...

I got so few comments on my last post that I think I should explain to you why I so firmly believe in what I posted.

When I was 7, my family moved to Spain. We moved to a small town in the north west corner of the country called El Ferrol. There were no English schools. The people didn't speak one itty bitty word of English. If you wanted something, you had to figure out how to ask for it in Spanish.

That went for school, too.
On my first day of school I got dropped into a classroom with a note in my pocket that said something like, "Donde está el baño? (Where's the bathroom?) I didn't know any Spanish. But, kids are kids... The language of smiles and charades goes a long way.

By the time we'd been there 6 months, I'd had tutoring and total immersion. I was fluent. I never expected anyone in Spain to learn English. I was in their country. I learned their language, their culture, their ways. There were other American families in El Ferrol. Some of the kids went to boarding schools in England or the US. Some of the kids were home schooled. I was the only one who went to Spanish school. I had Spanish friends. We did what normal kids all over the world do with their friends - we went to the park, we rode bikes, we giggled, we read books. I had a phenomenal experience that I wouldn't trade for a second.

By the time we came home to the US, I had lost most of my English. Yes, people, that meant a summer with Gram as my English teacher. No, I still haven't gotten over it. But that's a story for another day and therapy for a lifetime! (just kidding!)

When I'm in a foreign country, I try to speak the language. When I'm here at home in the US, I'd like to hear and speak my language - English.

Friday, May 01, 2009

Good Stuff...

How ALL business phones SHOULD be answered!
'GOOD MORNING, WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'
Press '1' for English.
Press '2' to disconnect until you learn to speak English

And remember only TWO defining forces have ever Offered to die for you.

Jesus Christ And the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom