Six years of Defiance College football. Now my youngest Nick is the last Nicol to be a part of the DC team.
We have had the time of our lives attending home games with tailgating, and all the anticipation of a win. I have not missed one game in six years. Nothing has prevented me from watching my boys play at another level because I know the work and determination it took to actually play college ball.
Mike my middle child starred in high school at linebacker and fullback. Although he was recruited at linebacker, you basically play where the team needs you. He played defensive end his freshman year with very little time on the varsity team, although he was the back up de. A very frustrated boy found himself at tight end his sophomore and junior years which offered some additional playing time as needed from game to game. The spring prior to his senior year, a new o-line coach , an ex Ball State player found Mike's blocking skills to be his strong point. He was moved to an offensive tackle that year, was told to gain 20 pounds, and started every game that senior season. He was named to the first team all conference, was a team captain, was the DC lineman of the week a number of times and received the most improved offensive player award. The head coach at the banquet confessed that he should have been moved to that position two years prior.
My youngest son Nick was being heavily recruited by Wayne State his senior year in high school. WSU stopped contacting him in December that year and the handwriting was on the wall. They recruited one lineman that year who was 6'7 300 lb. Nick had options such as Tiffin and Hillsdale, and a host of smaller colleges. He remarked on his visit to Defiance that he felt like he was home. A number of football players were eating lunch as he entered the cafeteria that day and they all got up and came over to talk to him. He was Mike's brother at DC but he would carve his own path. Nick was recruited as a center on the o-line and his positions varied from center to guard to tackle his junior and senior years.He was named to the second team all conference as a tackle his junior year and was a pre season All Ohio pick his senior year. Nick never had the struggle his brother had for playing time but was injured his sophomore year and missed quite a few games and never really came back a strong player the remainder of that season.
Defiance College has molded my boys into strong and confident young men. Their teammates over the years have become a second family as well as the coaches. There is an unbroken bond there. I am grateful.
Coach McCord once commented to me that watching Mike and Nick line up next to each other took his breath away. I felt the same.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Reality TV
Now I know I said I would not watch certain shows this summer...Bachelorette in particular. I caved in after July 4th after I was caught in a storm of terrible shows on satellite. I never said I had any viewing class.
The Housewives of New Jersey was one of my favorites. It is complete with mafia type women, elaborate houses, Italian tempers and threats. Marlon Brando would be proud of this production. The finale features all the "cast members" at a restaurant owned by one of the housewives and her hubbie. The excitement of this segment was an overturned table and shouts of bitch , bitch...an unhappy guest whose ex husband wrote a tell all which another housewife found and circulated it around the small burg they live in. The book had all the right details...alleged prostitution, drug use, connections with a South American drug lord. Wow. It was so hot that now this show may not be renewed.
I caught the Bachelorette mid season. There was too much testosterone in the guys' house for me....and too much reference to "man code." Ed was the winner after Reid came back in the last episode after being eliminated for one last chance to win Jillian's heart. Drama. The other finalist's name was Kiptyn..now I would have not given him a rose just because of his name. Wes a semi finalist was kicked off due to his references to a questionable girlfriend at home, using the program to further his country "singing" career and just being a complete fool. His monologues with the camera caught him sneering and making incriminating comments.He was the guy everyone loved to hate. Good luck with that tour, Wes ...you need it. Ed is from Lasalle Michigan, just down the road. Small town guy that done good!!!
Now in my rapid clicking at channels I found Dating in the Dark. I was instantly sucked in. Choices were made in the complete darkness by voices and commonalities. Three guys and three girls made up the cast. Megan a bigger girl with a great personality and a rowdy sense of humor got her guy at the end after the reveal. That guy was on the fence because he always dated small petite girls and couldn't get past the fact that when he hugged her she was thick. Her attitude and personality won over her looks although I doubted that it would happen.
The trashy Kardashian family has now spawned another reality show with classless daughters Kourtney and Khloe in Miami. Previews look pretty shadey as they lock lips with each other and romp around with lots of men. Oh wait a minute I just heard Robert Kardashian turn over in his grave!!!!
Tori Spelling stars in her own show with hubby. She whines, she cries , she needs help with everything. Her husband gives up yet another hobby as Tori becomes hysterical after he falls off his bike at the track. Ms. Spelling continues to rant and rave about her estranged mother. Put it to rest Tori!!!
Denise Richards is another star of her own reality mess. Did anyone else hear her sing "take me out to the ball game" at a major league game? She gives tone deaf a new meaning and guess what? She had a voice coach!!!! The boos indicated that she should never ever attempt another song in her life.
I saved the "best" for last. Kendra. A one time Hefner live in girl friend, 23 yrs old with an obnoxious laugh, an IQ of 60 and fake boobs. Yes Kendra we can see you have had some work, leave your shirt on please. She is currently just married to Hank Baskett (?) an NFL player and newly pregnant. Her stripper pole remains in the kitchen of her new home for all to see. I am ashamed to have even tuned in to this!
So here they are in their sordid details...the shows of summer 2009. Stay tuned for Jon and Kate returning on August 3rd with tales of 8 kids, a messy divorce and a introspective look at two parents who have gone over the edge with their own greed.
The Housewives of New Jersey was one of my favorites. It is complete with mafia type women, elaborate houses, Italian tempers and threats. Marlon Brando would be proud of this production. The finale features all the "cast members" at a restaurant owned by one of the housewives and her hubbie. The excitement of this segment was an overturned table and shouts of bitch , bitch...an unhappy guest whose ex husband wrote a tell all which another housewife found and circulated it around the small burg they live in. The book had all the right details...alleged prostitution, drug use, connections with a South American drug lord. Wow. It was so hot that now this show may not be renewed.
I caught the Bachelorette mid season. There was too much testosterone in the guys' house for me....and too much reference to "man code." Ed was the winner after Reid came back in the last episode after being eliminated for one last chance to win Jillian's heart. Drama. The other finalist's name was Kiptyn..now I would have not given him a rose just because of his name. Wes a semi finalist was kicked off due to his references to a questionable girlfriend at home, using the program to further his country "singing" career and just being a complete fool. His monologues with the camera caught him sneering and making incriminating comments.He was the guy everyone loved to hate. Good luck with that tour, Wes ...you need it. Ed is from Lasalle Michigan, just down the road. Small town guy that done good!!!
Now in my rapid clicking at channels I found Dating in the Dark. I was instantly sucked in. Choices were made in the complete darkness by voices and commonalities. Three guys and three girls made up the cast. Megan a bigger girl with a great personality and a rowdy sense of humor got her guy at the end after the reveal. That guy was on the fence because he always dated small petite girls and couldn't get past the fact that when he hugged her she was thick. Her attitude and personality won over her looks although I doubted that it would happen.
The trashy Kardashian family has now spawned another reality show with classless daughters Kourtney and Khloe in Miami. Previews look pretty shadey as they lock lips with each other and romp around with lots of men. Oh wait a minute I just heard Robert Kardashian turn over in his grave!!!!
Tori Spelling stars in her own show with hubby. She whines, she cries , she needs help with everything. Her husband gives up yet another hobby as Tori becomes hysterical after he falls off his bike at the track. Ms. Spelling continues to rant and rave about her estranged mother. Put it to rest Tori!!!
Denise Richards is another star of her own reality mess. Did anyone else hear her sing "take me out to the ball game" at a major league game? She gives tone deaf a new meaning and guess what? She had a voice coach!!!! The boos indicated that she should never ever attempt another song in her life.
I saved the "best" for last. Kendra. A one time Hefner live in girl friend, 23 yrs old with an obnoxious laugh, an IQ of 60 and fake boobs. Yes Kendra we can see you have had some work, leave your shirt on please. She is currently just married to Hank Baskett (?) an NFL player and newly pregnant. Her stripper pole remains in the kitchen of her new home for all to see. I am ashamed to have even tuned in to this!
So here they are in their sordid details...the shows of summer 2009. Stay tuned for Jon and Kate returning on August 3rd with tales of 8 kids, a messy divorce and a introspective look at two parents who have gone over the edge with their own greed.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Narcisissism of My Space and Facebook
The term narcissism means excessive love of self, synonym conceit. It can got to extremes with egotism and unusual interest in one's appearance and abilities. The word narcissism comes from the Greek mythological god named Narcissus who fell in love with his reflection.
If all of this sounds familiar than you are probably a frequent user of the My Space or Facebook pages. I subscribe to several blogs...some are written by people considered to be celebrities. The blogs themselves are well written and interesting but the people who are listed as friends tend to be some real egotistical folks. Smutty pictures and equally smutty comments are submitted into cyberspace for all to view. Sometimes I feel like I have stumbled into a computer driven singles bar where anything goes.
Everyone seems to believe that they are physically perfect, interesting and wonderful human beings because their profiles say so. And I am probably guilty of the same sins except the physically perfect part!!! Why are we narcissitic? Because we try to market ourselves to others to become their friends online.
I recently read a column written by a man who was Al Pacino's friend on Facebook. He was thrilled that he was chosen by this wonderful actor. Al Pacino had over 400 friends listed. Then one day his Facebook profile disappeared and was left with just one quote. Mr. Pacino left to become his own friend. It makes you really think for at least a minute.
Everyone gets so caught up the number of friends they have. And are these really your friends?? Are we really that lonely to need a list of people online? It seems that way.
In this day and age with people connected all over the world the feeling of isolation and neediness seem to be at an all time high. It is such an enigma.
Maybe we should all listen to Al Pacino and become friends with ourselves all over again. Forget about what pictures we have chosen for our pages and not worry about selling ourselves to the masses. After all aren't we our own best friends??
If all of this sounds familiar than you are probably a frequent user of the My Space or Facebook pages. I subscribe to several blogs...some are written by people considered to be celebrities. The blogs themselves are well written and interesting but the people who are listed as friends tend to be some real egotistical folks. Smutty pictures and equally smutty comments are submitted into cyberspace for all to view. Sometimes I feel like I have stumbled into a computer driven singles bar where anything goes.
Everyone seems to believe that they are physically perfect, interesting and wonderful human beings because their profiles say so. And I am probably guilty of the same sins except the physically perfect part!!! Why are we narcissitic? Because we try to market ourselves to others to become their friends online.
I recently read a column written by a man who was Al Pacino's friend on Facebook. He was thrilled that he was chosen by this wonderful actor. Al Pacino had over 400 friends listed. Then one day his Facebook profile disappeared and was left with just one quote. Mr. Pacino left to become his own friend. It makes you really think for at least a minute.
Everyone gets so caught up the number of friends they have. And are these really your friends?? Are we really that lonely to need a list of people online? It seems that way.
In this day and age with people connected all over the world the feeling of isolation and neediness seem to be at an all time high. It is such an enigma.
Maybe we should all listen to Al Pacino and become friends with ourselves all over again. Forget about what pictures we have chosen for our pages and not worry about selling ourselves to the masses. After all aren't we our own best friends??
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Dog Days
Awhile back I wrote an editorial in the Toledo Blade about animal healthcare versus human healthcare. I got some pointed comments from several physicians I visited who internalized the criticisms and took the letter personally. There was absolutely no understanding derived from my futile attempt to say "Dogs and cats get better care from their vets than we get from our docs." DUH.
I will again try to drive the point home that our furry friends have caring and loving vets and we are not always that lucky. I don't know what occurs in med school versus veterinary school, but the average human doc is on a mission to get you in and out of the examining room in minutes flat. There is little small talk other than hello and what seems to be the problem. The human physician is busy scrawling information on a script sheet or chatting into a recorder while the person on the table gets increasingly antsy. It is not always a very happy visit.
Now my dog's experience goes like this: The vet tech makes her first appearance to assess the situation. She/he compliments Cozby on his shiny fur and usually calls him a "pretty boy." The first treat of the day is dispensed when Coz is being cooperative.
The next step involves the actual vet with the vet tech. Nine out of ten times, the vet will sit on the floor and hug and pet my dog. She/he has been known to tell Cozby again that he is a. a good boy b. handsome boy or all of the above. Treats or cookies all around but only for the four legged friend variety. While the dog is munching the exam begins but he is clueless to whatever is transpiring. If a lab visit is required, then the peanut butter appears as a reward for standing still while blood is drawn. Nails and anal gland checked? Well, how about another cookie???
See what I mean? Compliments, food and hugs....not bad. Pet meds always seem to work in wondrous ways while my prescriptions pale in comparison. Cozby and I both have arthritis. Cozby takes a huge Omega 3 pill daily...I dose myself with two. The first month my pup exhibited puppy like behavior again, his fur was glossy and his toenails stronger than nails. I have yet to notice any type of medical or cosmetic changes. I would steal his mega pill but because it is larger than life, I tried one morning and choked. Never again. His vitamin has super powers for sure.
Last winter he and I both had lower back issues. I made an appointment with my family doc and got muscle relaxers and pain pills. Cozby's visit consisted of a back ex-ray, muscle relaxants and steroids. He bounced back within two days and I limped around for two weeks. The vet's office called three days later to see how their little patient was doing....I am still waiting for my call.
Another daily pill has been added to Cozby's stash....Glucosamine. While Glucosamine never did a thing for me (my doc told me it takes monthes to kick in)...of course the dog took off literally running with this new med. I recently read the ingredients on the back and one was creatine (used to beef up muscles)....they suggested he take a big dose for 4-6 wks since it takes a while to accumulate in your system. Why didn't my physician tell me this?
The comparisons are more like contrasts. I love my animal but I have to wonder why he gets all the good stuff and all the attention. Both the human doc and the animal doc are expensive but my pal with the tail gets more bang for his buck.
In my letter to the editor I commented how canine cancer patients are treated. A survivor wall was created with pictures of dogs "beating the disease." When was the last time you saw such a wall in any hospital or doctor's office?
At the risk of pissing off the medical community for the second time, I will not blog on this subject again. My gynecologist had cut the letter out, the staff had read it and I was interrogated about it during my examination. A few days later I was picking dog food up at the vet's and when I spoke my last name an employee yelled "Is your name Rose?" The vet came out as did the rest of the techs, I was the client of the month!!!
This is a chilling account of what really happend. I have drawn one conclusion from this craziness. The vet and vet's staff are happy well adjusted people who like their jobs. I will leave you to conclude on behalf of the human docs and staffs.
I will again try to drive the point home that our furry friends have caring and loving vets and we are not always that lucky. I don't know what occurs in med school versus veterinary school, but the average human doc is on a mission to get you in and out of the examining room in minutes flat. There is little small talk other than hello and what seems to be the problem. The human physician is busy scrawling information on a script sheet or chatting into a recorder while the person on the table gets increasingly antsy. It is not always a very happy visit.
Now my dog's experience goes like this: The vet tech makes her first appearance to assess the situation. She/he compliments Cozby on his shiny fur and usually calls him a "pretty boy." The first treat of the day is dispensed when Coz is being cooperative.
The next step involves the actual vet with the vet tech. Nine out of ten times, the vet will sit on the floor and hug and pet my dog. She/he has been known to tell Cozby again that he is a. a good boy b. handsome boy or all of the above. Treats or cookies all around but only for the four legged friend variety. While the dog is munching the exam begins but he is clueless to whatever is transpiring. If a lab visit is required, then the peanut butter appears as a reward for standing still while blood is drawn. Nails and anal gland checked? Well, how about another cookie???
See what I mean? Compliments, food and hugs....not bad. Pet meds always seem to work in wondrous ways while my prescriptions pale in comparison. Cozby and I both have arthritis. Cozby takes a huge Omega 3 pill daily...I dose myself with two. The first month my pup exhibited puppy like behavior again, his fur was glossy and his toenails stronger than nails. I have yet to notice any type of medical or cosmetic changes. I would steal his mega pill but because it is larger than life, I tried one morning and choked. Never again. His vitamin has super powers for sure.
Last winter he and I both had lower back issues. I made an appointment with my family doc and got muscle relaxers and pain pills. Cozby's visit consisted of a back ex-ray, muscle relaxants and steroids. He bounced back within two days and I limped around for two weeks. The vet's office called three days later to see how their little patient was doing....I am still waiting for my call.
Another daily pill has been added to Cozby's stash....Glucosamine. While Glucosamine never did a thing for me (my doc told me it takes monthes to kick in)...of course the dog took off literally running with this new med. I recently read the ingredients on the back and one was creatine (used to beef up muscles)....they suggested he take a big dose for 4-6 wks since it takes a while to accumulate in your system. Why didn't my physician tell me this?
The comparisons are more like contrasts. I love my animal but I have to wonder why he gets all the good stuff and all the attention. Both the human doc and the animal doc are expensive but my pal with the tail gets more bang for his buck.
In my letter to the editor I commented how canine cancer patients are treated. A survivor wall was created with pictures of dogs "beating the disease." When was the last time you saw such a wall in any hospital or doctor's office?
At the risk of pissing off the medical community for the second time, I will not blog on this subject again. My gynecologist had cut the letter out, the staff had read it and I was interrogated about it during my examination. A few days later I was picking dog food up at the vet's and when I spoke my last name an employee yelled "Is your name Rose?" The vet came out as did the rest of the techs, I was the client of the month!!!
This is a chilling account of what really happend. I have drawn one conclusion from this craziness. The vet and vet's staff are happy well adjusted people who like their jobs. I will leave you to conclude on behalf of the human docs and staffs.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Spring Finales Lead into Ho Hum Summer Viewing
I never claimed to hold high standards for myself. The last time I mentioned that I watch one soap daily the table of people I was just introduced to raised their collective eyebrows at me. Sorry. I have satellite and hundreds of channels, I am not one of those people who claims not to have cable.....and 3 channels. Good luck with digital TV folks.
I mentioned ( a few blogs ago) my weekly TV shows that I am addicted to. Well, Grey's Anatomy managed to baffle us all by having George dragged by a bus and unrecognizable in the emergency room at the end of the episode. Izzie who is clinging to life after brain surgery and George meet in an elevator in the last scene....last stop Heaven. The cliffhanger involves who is really dead or shall I say are they both?
The Lostees were last seen trying to explode the hydrogen bomb on the Island. Juliet was sucked into a shaft with the bomb and attempted to detonate it....white screen at the end of finale. Was there an explosion or did all the strandees time travel back to 2009? We won't have clarity on that for 7 monthes.
Dancing with the Stars was very entertaining this season. Although I wanted Melissa to win, I wasn't surprised as she was voted off during the final show. That Shawn won the whole thing was huge to me. I never considered her a serious contender for the mirror ball trophy!! LOL
And just ask me about the goings on in Pine Valley on All My Children. The mogul Adam Chandler was thought to be dead, but his twin took the bullet.Crazy Annie is back and last seen kidnapping her daughter. Kendall and Zach's son was pronounced dead at the hospital and revived but wait...K and Z still thought Ian had passed away and were last seen headed for the Chandler mansion with guns to get some pay back from Adam. What a week!!!
Now for the summer season....I promised myself I will not watch that Japanese remake of people jumping over obstacles in water. The foreign version was awful and I am sure the American one sucks too. On the do not watch list is Jon and Kate plus 8....too much drama and tension. Also Big Brother will not be followed . The Goodes or the Goode Family appears to be horrible also...too many references to gays, minorities etc. NOT FUNNY.
I see that Curb Your Enthusiasm will be back !!! Yay!!! Larry David is always great. Other than that, it looks like I will be watching the Food Network for the next 3 monthes.
I mentioned ( a few blogs ago) my weekly TV shows that I am addicted to. Well, Grey's Anatomy managed to baffle us all by having George dragged by a bus and unrecognizable in the emergency room at the end of the episode. Izzie who is clinging to life after brain surgery and George meet in an elevator in the last scene....last stop Heaven. The cliffhanger involves who is really dead or shall I say are they both?
The Lostees were last seen trying to explode the hydrogen bomb on the Island. Juliet was sucked into a shaft with the bomb and attempted to detonate it....white screen at the end of finale. Was there an explosion or did all the strandees time travel back to 2009? We won't have clarity on that for 7 monthes.
Dancing with the Stars was very entertaining this season. Although I wanted Melissa to win, I wasn't surprised as she was voted off during the final show. That Shawn won the whole thing was huge to me. I never considered her a serious contender for the mirror ball trophy!! LOL
And just ask me about the goings on in Pine Valley on All My Children. The mogul Adam Chandler was thought to be dead, but his twin took the bullet.Crazy Annie is back and last seen kidnapping her daughter. Kendall and Zach's son was pronounced dead at the hospital and revived but wait...K and Z still thought Ian had passed away and were last seen headed for the Chandler mansion with guns to get some pay back from Adam. What a week!!!
Now for the summer season....I promised myself I will not watch that Japanese remake of people jumping over obstacles in water. The foreign version was awful and I am sure the American one sucks too. On the do not watch list is Jon and Kate plus 8....too much drama and tension. Also Big Brother will not be followed . The Goodes or the Goode Family appears to be horrible also...too many references to gays, minorities etc. NOT FUNNY.
I see that Curb Your Enthusiasm will be back !!! Yay!!! Larry David is always great. Other than that, it looks like I will be watching the Food Network for the next 3 monthes.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Relay for Life
I just returned home from our annual Relay for Life. We walked in the lap for Drew our youngest son's friend who died in December. At exactly 5:55 the lap began and there were so many familiar faces in our group.
Leading the masses were the college boys who played baseball with Drew in high school and who attended every relay year after year as Drew's Crew. This was the first year their friend was not with them physically, although we all know he made the walk tonight.
There was alot of hugging going on during the lap, alot of smiling and some tears. Parents, grandparents and kids.Three years ago this was a fraternity of sorts....the boys' senior year...the culmination of many years of being bleacher friends in baseball. The bond still exists. The friends still come out when needed. They were all present and accounted for in December to plan the food at the funeral home, the luncheon after, to attend the funeral and to go grave side. The 2006 baseball team served as pall bearers.
When these friends pull together it is a beautiful sight to behold. Isn't this the way it is supposed to be? I for one feel very lucky to be a part of this circle . I know that Drew and now Drew's memory has been the glue holding everyone so closely together. Maybe that was his destiny.
Leading the masses were the college boys who played baseball with Drew in high school and who attended every relay year after year as Drew's Crew. This was the first year their friend was not with them physically, although we all know he made the walk tonight.
There was alot of hugging going on during the lap, alot of smiling and some tears. Parents, grandparents and kids.Three years ago this was a fraternity of sorts....the boys' senior year...the culmination of many years of being bleacher friends in baseball. The bond still exists. The friends still come out when needed. They were all present and accounted for in December to plan the food at the funeral home, the luncheon after, to attend the funeral and to go grave side. The 2006 baseball team served as pall bearers.
When these friends pull together it is a beautiful sight to behold. Isn't this the way it is supposed to be? I for one feel very lucky to be a part of this circle . I know that Drew and now Drew's memory has been the glue holding everyone so closely together. Maybe that was his destiny.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day is not just for biological moms
Bringing three healthy sons into the world years ago was a feat of sorts. I did all the usual responsibilities of potty training, teaching right from wrong,loving them unconditionally, spending long evenings overseeing homework, healing broken hearts and then sending them away to college. I did it all.
When I resumed my teaching career the women I taught beside taught me the true meaning of unselfishness.You see the majority of these women made the decision not to marry and not to have biological children of their own. They gave daily of themselves to the central city child who needed extra maternal love, discipline and stability. These ladies provided a safe and nurturing environment for hundreds of kids struggling with broken homes and parents with addiction problems. They gave lessons in conscience, friendship, consequences and of course the three r's.
Anyone can give birth to a child but it takes a special person to step up to the plate and mother children in their care year after year. In most cases there is no immediate pay back...no thank you's. Sometimes if the teacher is lucky, the child visits yearly to show a great report card or an honor that was bestowed on him/her. Sometimes the effort is rewarded by a surprise visit years later by a boy or a girl wanting to just hug a favorite mentor. In most cases all the care and concern goes unheralded.
To all these extraordinary individuals....have a Happy Mother's Day!!! Without your daily dedication year after year, our urban children would not have the opportunities to flourish.
When I resumed my teaching career the women I taught beside taught me the true meaning of unselfishness.You see the majority of these women made the decision not to marry and not to have biological children of their own. They gave daily of themselves to the central city child who needed extra maternal love, discipline and stability. These ladies provided a safe and nurturing environment for hundreds of kids struggling with broken homes and parents with addiction problems. They gave lessons in conscience, friendship, consequences and of course the three r's.
Anyone can give birth to a child but it takes a special person to step up to the plate and mother children in their care year after year. In most cases there is no immediate pay back...no thank you's. Sometimes if the teacher is lucky, the child visits yearly to show a great report card or an honor that was bestowed on him/her. Sometimes the effort is rewarded by a surprise visit years later by a boy or a girl wanting to just hug a favorite mentor. In most cases all the care and concern goes unheralded.
To all these extraordinary individuals....have a Happy Mother's Day!!! Without your daily dedication year after year, our urban children would not have the opportunities to flourish.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Kent State Massacre
The Kent State shootings are also known as the Kent State Massacre. Today is the 39th anniversary of this event....May 4th 1970. Four students were killed and nine others were wounded, one suffered permanent paralysis. They were shot by the Ohio National Guard.
Some of the students who were shot were protesting against the American invasion of Cambodia which President Richard Nixon directed. However, some of the wounded were just walking nearby or observing the protest from afar.
On May 4th 1970 I was a freshman at Bowling Green State University. In response to the shootings, BGSU closed as anti war sentiment was high. Rallies, and the seizing of the administration all occurred on May 5th 1970. The rallies were led by anti war activists who commanded huge audiences.
Nothing was ever the same after May 4th and 5th. Our feelings against the war became even more intense as events at various universities spun out of control. Returning Vietnam vets returned home to booing crowds,and draft card and flag burning. It was a great time to be alive but also an era of emotional turmoil.
As I left college and became a working adult, I met a variety of people. My first boss was a Vietnam veteran with a host of problems resulting from his tour. This was the first time I actually felt compassion for anyone in the armed forces because it had taken such a physical and mental toll on him. It was my ah ha moment.
I was left with this take on war. It was wrong for Washington to play political games with our armed force's lives. LBJ and Nixon knew we would inevitably lose this war but continued to deploy troops overseas . That was unforgivable.
On this 5th of May I will pray for the students who died 39 years ago and the ones who were wounded. Prayers will also be offered for our Vietnam vets who still struggle with their own personal battles after all this time. God bless us all.
Some of the students who were shot were protesting against the American invasion of Cambodia which President Richard Nixon directed. However, some of the wounded were just walking nearby or observing the protest from afar.
On May 4th 1970 I was a freshman at Bowling Green State University. In response to the shootings, BGSU closed as anti war sentiment was high. Rallies, and the seizing of the administration all occurred on May 5th 1970. The rallies were led by anti war activists who commanded huge audiences.
Nothing was ever the same after May 4th and 5th. Our feelings against the war became even more intense as events at various universities spun out of control. Returning Vietnam vets returned home to booing crowds,and draft card and flag burning. It was a great time to be alive but also an era of emotional turmoil.
As I left college and became a working adult, I met a variety of people. My first boss was a Vietnam veteran with a host of problems resulting from his tour. This was the first time I actually felt compassion for anyone in the armed forces because it had taken such a physical and mental toll on him. It was my ah ha moment.
I was left with this take on war. It was wrong for Washington to play political games with our armed force's lives. LBJ and Nixon knew we would inevitably lose this war but continued to deploy troops overseas . That was unforgivable.
On this 5th of May I will pray for the students who died 39 years ago and the ones who were wounded. Prayers will also be offered for our Vietnam vets who still struggle with their own personal battles after all this time. God bless us all.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Quotable Quotes of the Week
"Having people is better than having no people at all " Dr. Alex Kariv
Grey's Anatomy
" Organized religion is for people who fear hell, spiritualism is for people who have been to hell and back" Eric Schweig, actor
"Don't defend the shoe to me." Tim Gunn Project Runaway
" It's not an Island. It is a place where miracles happen. Lie to them, Jack. If you do it half as well as you lie to yourself, they will believe you." John Locke LOST
"Nobody in football can be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." Joe Theisman, football commentator and former player
"I think one of the greatest things about modern America is the computerization of medical records. As a volunteer sheriff I can look up anyone psychiatric records or surgical histories. Yeast infections..there is a huge number of yeast infections in our country. Probably because we are downriver from the old bread factory."
Dwight Schrute The Office episode Email Surveillance
"An eye for an eye and the whole world would be blind." Kahlil Gibran, poet
Grey's Anatomy
" Organized religion is for people who fear hell, spiritualism is for people who have been to hell and back" Eric Schweig, actor
"Don't defend the shoe to me." Tim Gunn Project Runaway
" It's not an Island. It is a place where miracles happen. Lie to them, Jack. If you do it half as well as you lie to yourself, they will believe you." John Locke LOST
"Nobody in football can be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." Joe Theisman, football commentator and former player
"I think one of the greatest things about modern America is the computerization of medical records. As a volunteer sheriff I can look up anyone psychiatric records or surgical histories. Yeast infections..there is a huge number of yeast infections in our country. Probably because we are downriver from the old bread factory."
Dwight Schrute The Office episode Email Surveillance
"An eye for an eye and the whole world would be blind." Kahlil Gibran, poet
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Other Side
I was brought up by a host of Polish aunts , a mother and a grandmother to believe that when you die there is still contact with loved ones . At an early age I would listen intently as the women in my family dished about neighbors, friends and family communicating from the Other Side.
The Polish neighborhood in the Nebraska Ave. area in Toledo evidently had an active spiritual and supernatural life. It was the custom upon death to notify someone in the immediate block. Stories of actual sightings of a dead neighbor or a random push shortly after someone died were common place. My grandma explained that it was what they did.
My grandmother's sister who had small children was taken at a very young age. The Aunt Kate story unfolds in my grandmother's bedroom one evening after Kate's funeral. My grandmother woke in the middle of the night to see a glowing orb floating by her ceiling. She explained that it was a very bright light and she had to shield her eyes. Kate's voice was heard to say "Take care of my children." In nights to follow a tearful Kate appeared to her sister in the same bedroom and she had to same request "Take care of my children." Needless to say, Kate's two children came to live with my grandmother and grandfather shortly there after.
In 1985 my grandmother was dying of cancer in a local nursing home.A month prior to her death , my aunt saw my deceased grandfather standing in her garage.She was shocked and shaken because his face was drawn and very sad. The family definitely believed that death was on her heels.
Years later, the same aunt lost her husband of many years. My cousin Kevin who never "believed" like the women was shaken to his core one night in his home. He had just gone to bed when he heard his father's voice say "Take care of your mother." And take care of her he did. He built an apartment on his property for my aunt who lived there in style until her death.
But no one in our family could "see" the Other Side as well as my son Nick. At the age of 4 he would say "There is something wrong with my eyes." It wasn't until he told me that he could see our beloved dead Lab that I understood what he meant. The hair stood up on my arms as he explained that Barclay walked the halls at night as a shadowy creature and laid down on the carpet by the boys' bedrooms.He mentioned the dog so casually, and I did not want to scare him.
Nick would continue to have these visions and would only mention the biggest of the big ones. An example of a big one was in 7th grade at a travel baseball game...Nick would ask me after the game " Who was that dark skinned man standing in back of Dad at the game?" Well my husband sat in a lawn chair usually by himself to not be disturbed by talking....I had glanced over that day and no one was standing by him. It finally occurred to us days later that the man Nick saw was my husband's father..."Blackie" who had the dark swarthy skin of an Italian.And yes he was dead and Nick had never met him. In showing Nick pictures of the family, he identified the man as his grandfather. He would "see" this man again in 9th grade in Ann Arbor MI as he put his football equipment in the bus. His grandfather walked by and looks were exchanged. He wore the same green shirt which we later found in my oldest son's closet.....his bowling shirt. The third and last time he was seen was in our garage Nick's senior year before a varsity baseball game.
As Nick progressed in college his visions became far and few between. I remember over the last 2 years maybe twice....a man standing by his bedroom window at home at night and bright lights flashing in front of our door also at night after I had surgery. He has learned to ignore the unusual and just get on with his life.
Now my sister has always been of the school of disbelief. I on the other hand believe that if you are open to the notion, you have a better chance of hearing or seeing something or someone. I have never "seen" anyone like my son has but I have heard voices and dog barking. The dog barking usually occurs in the wee hours of the morning and no it is not an outside animal making the noise, it comes from our downstairs. The voices...well usually I am startled by someone calling my name early in the a.m. of the day while still in bed. It has happened enough to not write it off as a dream.
My sister the disbeliever was startled one afternoon after my Dad passed away. She had come home from work tired and decided to lay down on her bed. While fidgeting to become comfortable, she heard a male voice shout out her full given name. Thinking that my brother-in-law had just walked in, she called to him. Nothing. No one else was home. She was sure afterwards that it was Dad. She has had a few similar episodes since...see what I mean about being open to this?
It is not a real popular subject to be bringing up in public. People tend to think your oars are not completely in the water. Someone I worked with suggested that Nick start taking vitamins and have a complete physical....now I am leery to share these things.
I am a big fan of Sylvia Browne and have read a good deal of her books. She is a psychic and has explained alot of spiritual matters. Von Pragh and Edwards are good also....Edwards sees symbols not the person as he is doing a reading. Interesting stuff. I find it comforting that people we knew and maybe loved continue to communicate with us from the Other Side
The Polish neighborhood in the Nebraska Ave. area in Toledo evidently had an active spiritual and supernatural life. It was the custom upon death to notify someone in the immediate block. Stories of actual sightings of a dead neighbor or a random push shortly after someone died were common place. My grandma explained that it was what they did.
My grandmother's sister who had small children was taken at a very young age. The Aunt Kate story unfolds in my grandmother's bedroom one evening after Kate's funeral. My grandmother woke in the middle of the night to see a glowing orb floating by her ceiling. She explained that it was a very bright light and she had to shield her eyes. Kate's voice was heard to say "Take care of my children." In nights to follow a tearful Kate appeared to her sister in the same bedroom and she had to same request "Take care of my children." Needless to say, Kate's two children came to live with my grandmother and grandfather shortly there after.
In 1985 my grandmother was dying of cancer in a local nursing home.A month prior to her death , my aunt saw my deceased grandfather standing in her garage.She was shocked and shaken because his face was drawn and very sad. The family definitely believed that death was on her heels.
Years later, the same aunt lost her husband of many years. My cousin Kevin who never "believed" like the women was shaken to his core one night in his home. He had just gone to bed when he heard his father's voice say "Take care of your mother." And take care of her he did. He built an apartment on his property for my aunt who lived there in style until her death.
But no one in our family could "see" the Other Side as well as my son Nick. At the age of 4 he would say "There is something wrong with my eyes." It wasn't until he told me that he could see our beloved dead Lab that I understood what he meant. The hair stood up on my arms as he explained that Barclay walked the halls at night as a shadowy creature and laid down on the carpet by the boys' bedrooms.He mentioned the dog so casually, and I did not want to scare him.
Nick would continue to have these visions and would only mention the biggest of the big ones. An example of a big one was in 7th grade at a travel baseball game...Nick would ask me after the game " Who was that dark skinned man standing in back of Dad at the game?" Well my husband sat in a lawn chair usually by himself to not be disturbed by talking....I had glanced over that day and no one was standing by him. It finally occurred to us days later that the man Nick saw was my husband's father..."Blackie" who had the dark swarthy skin of an Italian.And yes he was dead and Nick had never met him. In showing Nick pictures of the family, he identified the man as his grandfather. He would "see" this man again in 9th grade in Ann Arbor MI as he put his football equipment in the bus. His grandfather walked by and looks were exchanged. He wore the same green shirt which we later found in my oldest son's closet.....his bowling shirt. The third and last time he was seen was in our garage Nick's senior year before a varsity baseball game.
As Nick progressed in college his visions became far and few between. I remember over the last 2 years maybe twice....a man standing by his bedroom window at home at night and bright lights flashing in front of our door also at night after I had surgery. He has learned to ignore the unusual and just get on with his life.
Now my sister has always been of the school of disbelief. I on the other hand believe that if you are open to the notion, you have a better chance of hearing or seeing something or someone. I have never "seen" anyone like my son has but I have heard voices and dog barking. The dog barking usually occurs in the wee hours of the morning and no it is not an outside animal making the noise, it comes from our downstairs. The voices...well usually I am startled by someone calling my name early in the a.m. of the day while still in bed. It has happened enough to not write it off as a dream.
My sister the disbeliever was startled one afternoon after my Dad passed away. She had come home from work tired and decided to lay down on her bed. While fidgeting to become comfortable, she heard a male voice shout out her full given name. Thinking that my brother-in-law had just walked in, she called to him. Nothing. No one else was home. She was sure afterwards that it was Dad. She has had a few similar episodes since...see what I mean about being open to this?
It is not a real popular subject to be bringing up in public. People tend to think your oars are not completely in the water. Someone I worked with suggested that Nick start taking vitamins and have a complete physical....now I am leery to share these things.
I am a big fan of Sylvia Browne and have read a good deal of her books. She is a psychic and has explained alot of spiritual matters. Von Pragh and Edwards are good also....Edwards sees symbols not the person as he is doing a reading. Interesting stuff. I find it comforting that people we knew and maybe loved continue to communicate with us from the Other Side
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Welcome to the 70's
In the TV show Lost, returning survivors are greeted by a return in time to the 70's. The music, the hair, the clothes are all throw backs.
All this 70's hoopla has created some big time Kodak moment frenzy. I even dragged out my photo album from college and poured over it for quite some time. I could barely recognize the girl with the long hair to her waist dressed in bell bottoms, a flannel shirt and construction shoes. 70's chic or was it faux hippie wear??
With all the bad economic news, nostalgia is the only way to go. I mean who remembers the bars "Mr. Entertainer", the Faba on Secor and the Tabard on Dorr St.?? Some very good times were held in those esteemed establishments and some very drunken nights. How about Charlie's Blind Pig on the corner of Bancroft and Westwood???
Then there was the entertainment. Martin Mull the actor/comedian appeared at UT as a newbie and his act was called "Martin Mull and his Travelling Furniture". He did a stand up act sitting on his couch. Needless to say as I am writing this it sounds pretty stupid...as memory serves, he was hilarious. The Fifth Dimension also played at UT and my friend Pam was pulled onstage and had the time of her life dancing with the band and singers. The FD is still a fan favorite of mine.
My best memory of college was our red rose fiasco. It was decided that we would place an ad in the UT paper for a date with one of us. The contact number we used belonged to Kappa Delta sorority ( one friend was an ex member...didn't pay her dues but she still had her key). The five of us "broke" into the facility on a Friday afternoon to answer the phone. It rang nonstop and we took turns answering and booking dates. All dates were asked to carry a red rose but different locations with close proximities were given to each and the time was to be 8 o'clock. The problem was that 8 guys would be waiting and there were only 5 of us....someone decided we would hide and check-out the guys first. That is how the fiasco stared. 8 unsuspecting guys waited in their assigned spots, some staring at each other suspiciously. The 5 of us hid and since a. none passed our approval b. we didn't have the guts to reveal ourselves, the poor suitors waited forever for their dates. We were long gone to a party by the time they figured out they were all stood up.
The 70's....I recall that frat guys were not cool, the Kent State massacre was very real, the Vietnam War was horrible, beer was cheap, gas was 19 cents a gallon during gas wars on Dorr St., guys had to stay in school to not get drafted, Vietnam vets were treated badly on campus, drug use ran rampant and hitchhiking was an acceptable form of transportation. When I student taught another student teacher was reprimanded for hitching to school. The term positive reinforcement in the classrooms was born ....we literally gave out tons of M&M's daily for good behavior.
Drunk driving was not a big deal in that era...no M.A.D.D. To not remember driving home is a scary thought. We picked up hitchhikers day or night. Naive, stupid or just a sign of the times?
I am truly glad that I lived through those times without killing myself. I sometimes wonder if that time was harder on parents than the 2000's. All I needed was a lap top and a cell phone and I would have been armed and dangerous.
All this 70's hoopla has created some big time Kodak moment frenzy. I even dragged out my photo album from college and poured over it for quite some time. I could barely recognize the girl with the long hair to her waist dressed in bell bottoms, a flannel shirt and construction shoes. 70's chic or was it faux hippie wear??
With all the bad economic news, nostalgia is the only way to go. I mean who remembers the bars "Mr. Entertainer", the Faba on Secor and the Tabard on Dorr St.?? Some very good times were held in those esteemed establishments and some very drunken nights. How about Charlie's Blind Pig on the corner of Bancroft and Westwood???
Then there was the entertainment. Martin Mull the actor/comedian appeared at UT as a newbie and his act was called "Martin Mull and his Travelling Furniture". He did a stand up act sitting on his couch. Needless to say as I am writing this it sounds pretty stupid...as memory serves, he was hilarious. The Fifth Dimension also played at UT and my friend Pam was pulled onstage and had the time of her life dancing with the band and singers. The FD is still a fan favorite of mine.
My best memory of college was our red rose fiasco. It was decided that we would place an ad in the UT paper for a date with one of us. The contact number we used belonged to Kappa Delta sorority ( one friend was an ex member...didn't pay her dues but she still had her key). The five of us "broke" into the facility on a Friday afternoon to answer the phone. It rang nonstop and we took turns answering and booking dates. All dates were asked to carry a red rose but different locations with close proximities were given to each and the time was to be 8 o'clock. The problem was that 8 guys would be waiting and there were only 5 of us....someone decided we would hide and check-out the guys first. That is how the fiasco stared. 8 unsuspecting guys waited in their assigned spots, some staring at each other suspiciously. The 5 of us hid and since a. none passed our approval b. we didn't have the guts to reveal ourselves, the poor suitors waited forever for their dates. We were long gone to a party by the time they figured out they were all stood up.
The 70's....I recall that frat guys were not cool, the Kent State massacre was very real, the Vietnam War was horrible, beer was cheap, gas was 19 cents a gallon during gas wars on Dorr St., guys had to stay in school to not get drafted, Vietnam vets were treated badly on campus, drug use ran rampant and hitchhiking was an acceptable form of transportation. When I student taught another student teacher was reprimanded for hitching to school. The term positive reinforcement in the classrooms was born ....we literally gave out tons of M&M's daily for good behavior.
Drunk driving was not a big deal in that era...no M.A.D.D. To not remember driving home is a scary thought. We picked up hitchhikers day or night. Naive, stupid or just a sign of the times?
I am truly glad that I lived through those times without killing myself. I sometimes wonder if that time was harder on parents than the 2000's. All I needed was a lap top and a cell phone and I would have been armed and dangerous.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ultimate Escapism
Every season I have some favorite TV shows that allow me to disappear literally into the television set. If this is escapism, then I am guilty.
The fall brought Biggest Loser with all the drama of the big girls talking smack and picking on Phil. It was great fun as the intrigue played out and the two bad girls ended up not winning the $250,000. I even consulted the message boards for further fun and found that I was not alone in my contempt of the contestants as the words fat, bitch and psycho were common threads.
The winter brought the Bachelor even though I swore I would not watch it. My oldest son warned me that Jason Mesnick was a fool who was using his kid to get girls. I believe you now, son and I am sorry I even got involved in that! I did like Melissa and ABC paid her back for all her troubles by giving her a spot on Dancing with the Stars. I read somewhere that Jason Mesnick was receiving death threats...some viewers obviously get carried away. I was just disgusted that a grown man could act so childishly...and what was with the tears??
Lost came back and not too soon I might add. I was a late comer to the show and my son gave me the first three seasons to watch to "catch-up." I was intrigued by the plot and the twists and found myself watching the entire season in one day . It is sad but true. I consult the message boards on this show because they tend to explain things which I find very complex and confusing.I also call my oldest during the broadcast if something bizarre is happening. The story seems to follow parts of the Bible with names like Aaron and Ben and Jacob who are primary names in the show. Fascinating. My favorite characters are Sawyer aka LaFleur, Hurley, and Ben. One more season to go before the plug is pulled on this great show.
I have been a fan of Dancing with the Stars forever. The fans this season have allowed the computer geek, Steve O from Jackass and Lil Kim to stay on too long. The computer geek had judges' scores of 10 last week!!! Time to go. Julianne Hough and her bf are nauseating , Holly Madison looks so stiff, and Denise Richard couldn't buy a smile. Melissa is born to dance, the guy from Sex and the City movie can really cut some rug and the little gymnast is adorable and graceful. I hear there was a stalker with a gun watching her....more drama.
So this is better escape than drinking yourself under the table with absolutley no side effects!! However, there is a chance you may become addicted .
The fall brought Biggest Loser with all the drama of the big girls talking smack and picking on Phil. It was great fun as the intrigue played out and the two bad girls ended up not winning the $250,000. I even consulted the message boards for further fun and found that I was not alone in my contempt of the contestants as the words fat, bitch and psycho were common threads.
The winter brought the Bachelor even though I swore I would not watch it. My oldest son warned me that Jason Mesnick was a fool who was using his kid to get girls. I believe you now, son and I am sorry I even got involved in that! I did like Melissa and ABC paid her back for all her troubles by giving her a spot on Dancing with the Stars. I read somewhere that Jason Mesnick was receiving death threats...some viewers obviously get carried away. I was just disgusted that a grown man could act so childishly...and what was with the tears??
Lost came back and not too soon I might add. I was a late comer to the show and my son gave me the first three seasons to watch to "catch-up." I was intrigued by the plot and the twists and found myself watching the entire season in one day . It is sad but true. I consult the message boards on this show because they tend to explain things which I find very complex and confusing.I also call my oldest during the broadcast if something bizarre is happening. The story seems to follow parts of the Bible with names like Aaron and Ben and Jacob who are primary names in the show. Fascinating. My favorite characters are Sawyer aka LaFleur, Hurley, and Ben. One more season to go before the plug is pulled on this great show.
I have been a fan of Dancing with the Stars forever. The fans this season have allowed the computer geek, Steve O from Jackass and Lil Kim to stay on too long. The computer geek had judges' scores of 10 last week!!! Time to go. Julianne Hough and her bf are nauseating , Holly Madison looks so stiff, and Denise Richard couldn't buy a smile. Melissa is born to dance, the guy from Sex and the City movie can really cut some rug and the little gymnast is adorable and graceful. I hear there was a stalker with a gun watching her....more drama.
So this is better escape than drinking yourself under the table with absolutley no side effects!! However, there is a chance you may become addicted .
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Devaluation of the College Degree
I was always taught to stay in school and get your degree...that is one thing no one can take away from you. The longer I live, the less a college degree actually is worth.
When my oldest son graduated in 2004 from college, he was actively looking for business related jobs for 9 months with no success. In sheer desperation he took a job at a trucking company that had employed him through his summers in college. He was hired in as a dock supervisor and three months later applied for and got an operations job at the corporate headquarters in RIchmond VA. He has thrived and has since been promoted after 4 yrs. No other job offers have poured in since and he still sends out resumes.
Now my middle son after 10 months of sending resumes is still looking for a real job. He is in month seven of his marketing internship with no job prospects in sight. He did not do an internship in college and found out that without one alot of companies will not even review your resume. His seasonal summer job is still open for him but he wants to move on. I realize the economy is bad and the unemployment rate is soaring but when Renhill Employment Agency says you need a year of office experience to submit an application, I say something is wrong.
I remember the good old days....post college. I had an Education degree and there were no jobs in the area. I worked for Beneficial Finance, FIrst National Bank and Ohio Bell. So in essence I skipped from education to business. Hey no internship required and no Business degree needed. Those were the days. My degree meant that other doors did open for me.
My Dad could not understand the internship thing. "I thought only doctors did internships" he would grumble. "Just more hoops to jump through...what does the Business degree stand for then?" If he were here today I would answer him "Not a damn thing Dad, all that money down the toilet".
My middle son was in Kroger's recently ordering a meat platter for me. The young man behind the counter was struggling to fill out the paperwork. My son asked him if condiments came with the tray. The puzzled employee said "What are condiments?" My son answered " Well all I can tell you is that you don't use them for safe sex." When he came home he said even that moron at Kroger's has a decent job.
Hopefully in the next year the job situation will change. Maybe the bachelor's degree will again mean a decent job. In the meantime it is a rough world out there with companies like Smucker's receiving 2,000 applications for 2 job postings and the Toledo Zoo who also had an avalanche of 1,500 applications for their seasonal jobs like concessions.
Our kids are competing with laid off workers from all walks of life . It is a crazy mixed up world.
When my oldest son graduated in 2004 from college, he was actively looking for business related jobs for 9 months with no success. In sheer desperation he took a job at a trucking company that had employed him through his summers in college. He was hired in as a dock supervisor and three months later applied for and got an operations job at the corporate headquarters in RIchmond VA. He has thrived and has since been promoted after 4 yrs. No other job offers have poured in since and he still sends out resumes.
Now my middle son after 10 months of sending resumes is still looking for a real job. He is in month seven of his marketing internship with no job prospects in sight. He did not do an internship in college and found out that without one alot of companies will not even review your resume. His seasonal summer job is still open for him but he wants to move on. I realize the economy is bad and the unemployment rate is soaring but when Renhill Employment Agency says you need a year of office experience to submit an application, I say something is wrong.
I remember the good old days....post college. I had an Education degree and there were no jobs in the area. I worked for Beneficial Finance, FIrst National Bank and Ohio Bell. So in essence I skipped from education to business. Hey no internship required and no Business degree needed. Those were the days. My degree meant that other doors did open for me.
My Dad could not understand the internship thing. "I thought only doctors did internships" he would grumble. "Just more hoops to jump through...what does the Business degree stand for then?" If he were here today I would answer him "Not a damn thing Dad, all that money down the toilet".
My middle son was in Kroger's recently ordering a meat platter for me. The young man behind the counter was struggling to fill out the paperwork. My son asked him if condiments came with the tray. The puzzled employee said "What are condiments?" My son answered " Well all I can tell you is that you don't use them for safe sex." When he came home he said even that moron at Kroger's has a decent job.
Hopefully in the next year the job situation will change. Maybe the bachelor's degree will again mean a decent job. In the meantime it is a rough world out there with companies like Smucker's receiving 2,000 applications for 2 job postings and the Toledo Zoo who also had an avalanche of 1,500 applications for their seasonal jobs like concessions.
Our kids are competing with laid off workers from all walks of life . It is a crazy mixed up world.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
THANKS FOR SHARING THAT....
It has been an interesting two years "babysitting" two boys now 8 and 10 years old. Now I generally watch them two nights a week from 4-11:30 pm which involves homework, dinner, activities, friends and bedtime.
I have learned alot from the boys. I didn't know that 1. THERE IS AN ANNOYING VIDEO ABOUT A KID NAMED FRED WHO TALKS LIKE ALVIN THE CHIPMUNK 2. WRESTLING IS STILL ON TV...NOW IT IS WWE NOT WWF 3. THERE IS A WEBSITE CALLED CLUB PENGUIN WHICH HOLDS ATTENTION FOR LONGER THAN 5 MINUTES 4. THAT EVERY WRESTLER HAS A THEME SONG THAT I AM SUPPOSED REMEMBER FOR A WEEKLY
TEST 5. KIDS STILL PLAY MONOPOLY AND SORRY 6. I CANNOT SUBTRACT OR ADD LIKE A THIRD GRADER (NEW MATH) 7. THERE ARE SHOWS LIKE SUITE LIFE AND HANNAH MONTANA ON CABLE 8. I THROW LIKE A GIRL 9. THERE ARE TEACHER WEBSITES WITH ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS 9. TWO BOYS COULD MAKE SO MUCH NOISE 10. PARENTAL CONTROL OVER CERTAIN WEBSITES IS KEY.
I have learned alot of new things but there are other things that remain the same.
1. EVERYONE WILL HAVE A BAD DAY AT SCHOOL 2. TESTS WITH BAD GRADES STILL GET HIDDEN OR RIPPED UP 3. THERE IS ALWAYS A FRIEND WHO COMES OVER TO YOUR HOUSE JUST TO BEG FOR SNACKS 4. SOMETIMES YOU DON'T GET INVITED TO A "FRIEND'S " BIRTHDAY PARTY 5. OLDER BROTHERS ARE A PAIN 6. YOUNGER BROTHERS ARE ANNOYING 7. NEIGHBORHOOD PARENTS CAN BE CATTY 8. HOMEWORK IS SOMETIMES LEFT AT SCHOOL 9. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE PLAYING OUTSIDE AFTER A LONG DAY AT SCHOOL
10. AT THE END OF THE DAY IT IS JUST YOU AND YOUR BROTHER,
I have learned alot from the boys. I didn't know that 1. THERE IS AN ANNOYING VIDEO ABOUT A KID NAMED FRED WHO TALKS LIKE ALVIN THE CHIPMUNK 2. WRESTLING IS STILL ON TV...NOW IT IS WWE NOT WWF 3. THERE IS A WEBSITE CALLED CLUB PENGUIN WHICH HOLDS ATTENTION FOR LONGER THAN 5 MINUTES 4. THAT EVERY WRESTLER HAS A THEME SONG THAT I AM SUPPOSED REMEMBER FOR A WEEKLY
TEST 5. KIDS STILL PLAY MONOPOLY AND SORRY 6. I CANNOT SUBTRACT OR ADD LIKE A THIRD GRADER (NEW MATH) 7. THERE ARE SHOWS LIKE SUITE LIFE AND HANNAH MONTANA ON CABLE 8. I THROW LIKE A GIRL 9. THERE ARE TEACHER WEBSITES WITH ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS 9. TWO BOYS COULD MAKE SO MUCH NOISE 10. PARENTAL CONTROL OVER CERTAIN WEBSITES IS KEY.
I have learned alot of new things but there are other things that remain the same.
1. EVERYONE WILL HAVE A BAD DAY AT SCHOOL 2. TESTS WITH BAD GRADES STILL GET HIDDEN OR RIPPED UP 3. THERE IS ALWAYS A FRIEND WHO COMES OVER TO YOUR HOUSE JUST TO BEG FOR SNACKS 4. SOMETIMES YOU DON'T GET INVITED TO A "FRIEND'S " BIRTHDAY PARTY 5. OLDER BROTHERS ARE A PAIN 6. YOUNGER BROTHERS ARE ANNOYING 7. NEIGHBORHOOD PARENTS CAN BE CATTY 8. HOMEWORK IS SOMETIMES LEFT AT SCHOOL 9. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE PLAYING OUTSIDE AFTER A LONG DAY AT SCHOOL
10. AT THE END OF THE DAY IT IS JUST YOU AND YOUR BROTHER,
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Our Labs
Our first Lab came to us when my now 28 yr old son was 2 1/2 yrs old. We named the squirming chocolate brown puppy Barclay after the dog on Sesame Street. She was full of energy and a playmate for our only child.
Marley had nothing on our Barclay. She ate the livingroom couch one day when we were gone. A few weeks later she was on the operating table as the vet removed a pound of fabric which had unraveled and wrapped around some of her internal organs. She "died" on the table at 9 monthes and was revived by the veterinary team. Her recuperation was rough and she never get regain her bottomless energy.
Two years later we moved to Michigan and Barclay got a pool in the deal. She was a well mannered patient swimmer and never jumped into the pool without an invitation. Barclay spent nine summers lounging either by the big pool or inside her "kiddie" pool.
With our kid count now at three, Barclay would injure her knee galloping through the backyard. Her second operation would be as perilous as the first. She would once again "die" on the table and be coaxed back to life. I received a call from the vet's office saying that she blew her unoperated knee out when they got her to stand the first time. It would have to heal on its own. Another long recuperation. The neighbor's snarling dog would try to chase her as she limped out to the woods to do her daily duty. I would grab a stick and scare the dog away. 3 monthes later Barclay was up to no good and feeling fine. On the first day of school, my oldest son was waiting for the bus with his dog. Minutes later she was gone in pursuit of the neighbor's dog. With the noise that followed, she evidently bit the dog and returned home like nothing happened...pay back time. We saw and heard nothing.
Barclay knew when it was Wednesday...Garbage Day in the sub. She could find a small opening in the fence and squeeze her body through it like Houdini. Her love of garbage would contribute to her death in years to come.
Fleas, a tape worm and bouts of bowel and stomach problems followed her . It seemed that Miss Barclay was always at the vet's office for something. The good folks at the vet's office even concocted a powder to put on her food so as not to upset her stomach after eating. The boys called it Magic Powder and we sprinkled it on her dinner for five years.
Eventually our spirited beautiful Lab had grown old and fragile. When she could not climb the steps anymore, everyone ignored it. But the day she did not get up when the boys went to school, I knew it was the end.
She had given us 13 1/2 yrs. of love and devotion. Our oldest was now 16.
On December 11th 1996, I had Barclay put down. She was cremated and her ashes sprinkled in a pine forest by our vet's home. She walks and runs with hundreds of other souls in the forest now.
Occasionally we hear a dog's bark in the early hours of the morning. Two of our boys say they have seen her shadowy figure in our house. I am comforted by all of this.
We now have another chocolate Lab named Cozby who is in the twilight of his life also. In the next few years we will be making that same decision again.
Marley had nothing on our Barclay. She ate the livingroom couch one day when we were gone. A few weeks later she was on the operating table as the vet removed a pound of fabric which had unraveled and wrapped around some of her internal organs. She "died" on the table at 9 monthes and was revived by the veterinary team. Her recuperation was rough and she never get regain her bottomless energy.
Two years later we moved to Michigan and Barclay got a pool in the deal. She was a well mannered patient swimmer and never jumped into the pool without an invitation. Barclay spent nine summers lounging either by the big pool or inside her "kiddie" pool.
With our kid count now at three, Barclay would injure her knee galloping through the backyard. Her second operation would be as perilous as the first. She would once again "die" on the table and be coaxed back to life. I received a call from the vet's office saying that she blew her unoperated knee out when they got her to stand the first time. It would have to heal on its own. Another long recuperation. The neighbor's snarling dog would try to chase her as she limped out to the woods to do her daily duty. I would grab a stick and scare the dog away. 3 monthes later Barclay was up to no good and feeling fine. On the first day of school, my oldest son was waiting for the bus with his dog. Minutes later she was gone in pursuit of the neighbor's dog. With the noise that followed, she evidently bit the dog and returned home like nothing happened...pay back time. We saw and heard nothing.
Barclay knew when it was Wednesday...Garbage Day in the sub. She could find a small opening in the fence and squeeze her body through it like Houdini. Her love of garbage would contribute to her death in years to come.
Fleas, a tape worm and bouts of bowel and stomach problems followed her . It seemed that Miss Barclay was always at the vet's office for something. The good folks at the vet's office even concocted a powder to put on her food so as not to upset her stomach after eating. The boys called it Magic Powder and we sprinkled it on her dinner for five years.
Eventually our spirited beautiful Lab had grown old and fragile. When she could not climb the steps anymore, everyone ignored it. But the day she did not get up when the boys went to school, I knew it was the end.
She had given us 13 1/2 yrs. of love and devotion. Our oldest was now 16.
On December 11th 1996, I had Barclay put down. She was cremated and her ashes sprinkled in a pine forest by our vet's home. She walks and runs with hundreds of other souls in the forest now.
Occasionally we hear a dog's bark in the early hours of the morning. Two of our boys say they have seen her shadowy figure in our house. I am comforted by all of this.
We now have another chocolate Lab named Cozby who is in the twilight of his life also. In the next few years we will be making that same decision again.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Shining
It occurred to me sometime in February that I was reliving a favorite movie. Trapped in my home by howling winds and record snowfall amounts, things looked grimly like deja vu.
December, January and February...all below normal COLD temperatures and the constant dipping barometer which brought piles of white stuff. If I was a skier or snowboarder, I would have been joyous...but since my favorite past time involves not being outside in -2 degrees, I was miserable.
Even the family dog grated on my nerves, and he has the status of a sacred cow in this household. I will leave it at that, you can fill in the blanks with how I felt about the rest of the folks in this house. By mid February there were alot of pregnant pauses in conversations and plenty of excuses to watch TV alone.
When my husband started to resemble Jack Nicholson, I questioned my initial deja vu and sanity. I started counting the knives in the kitchen drawer....5, 6, 7 all there. PHEW.
And then it happened, I glanced into my back yard and saw a red headed woodpecker and a robin the last week of February. I began to hear birds early in the morning chirping....now that didn't happen months ago!! I heard this morning that the time change is Sunday, spring baseball has begun and college spring break is in progress.
And just in the nick of time I might add. I never gave our feathered friends much credit but they definitely have their "ducks in a row" about fall travel to warmer places.
Now that spring is coming, I have to think of a safe place for those sharp knives.....
December, January and February...all below normal COLD temperatures and the constant dipping barometer which brought piles of white stuff. If I was a skier or snowboarder, I would have been joyous...but since my favorite past time involves not being outside in -2 degrees, I was miserable.
Even the family dog grated on my nerves, and he has the status of a sacred cow in this household. I will leave it at that, you can fill in the blanks with how I felt about the rest of the folks in this house. By mid February there were alot of pregnant pauses in conversations and plenty of excuses to watch TV alone.
When my husband started to resemble Jack Nicholson, I questioned my initial deja vu and sanity. I started counting the knives in the kitchen drawer....5, 6, 7 all there. PHEW.
And then it happened, I glanced into my back yard and saw a red headed woodpecker and a robin the last week of February. I began to hear birds early in the morning chirping....now that didn't happen months ago!! I heard this morning that the time change is Sunday, spring baseball has begun and college spring break is in progress.
And just in the nick of time I might add. I never gave our feathered friends much credit but they definitely have their "ducks in a row" about fall travel to warmer places.
Now that spring is coming, I have to think of a safe place for those sharp knives.....
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
SO THIS IS HOLLYWOOD
Sunday night as I watched the Oscars, I had some definite favorites. I had actually seen quite a few very good movies this year. I was disappointed when only one actor on my list actually received an award. Here are some top 10 gripes on the night.
1. Did you have to go to Catholic school for 12 yrs to get Doubt? Meryl Streep was the essence of nun.Meryl, you got screwed.
2. How many more chances does Mickey Rourke have to receive an Oscar? My God, his off screen life mirrored his character in Wrestler. Just give it to him!
3. Heath Ledger was a deserving recipient posthumously. His Joker was brilliant.
4. Marisa Tomei(sp?)in Wrestler, Brad Pitt's mother in The Curious Case, and the mother of the boy in Doubt....you all got trumped by Penelope Cruz.
5. Can the kids from Slumdog ever go home and be content living in tents and stepping in sewage? Sounds like neighbors are upset over the name of movie.
6. I am sure that Milk is a great movie but the Academy does what is politically correct. Sean Penn will have many more chances, for Mickey Rourke, it was a one shot deal. Two Oscars could have been presented for Best Actor.
7. What exactly was Ben Stiller's deal?
8. Miley Cyrus at the Oscars? Why?
9. So Madonna and Demi Moore hosted an exclusive party after the Oscars...Demi
Moore was working as a bouncer, turning not invited guests from the door...now what is her claim to fame lately, other than Ashton Kutcher?
10. I guess the awards were "de-glitzed" this year due to the economy.Some actresses were not wearing million dollar necklaces...makes sense to all the folks who lost their jobs and are now going through foreclosure.Score another one for out of touch actors.
1. Did you have to go to Catholic school for 12 yrs to get Doubt? Meryl Streep was the essence of nun.Meryl, you got screwed.
2. How many more chances does Mickey Rourke have to receive an Oscar? My God, his off screen life mirrored his character in Wrestler. Just give it to him!
3. Heath Ledger was a deserving recipient posthumously. His Joker was brilliant.
4. Marisa Tomei(sp?)in Wrestler, Brad Pitt's mother in The Curious Case, and the mother of the boy in Doubt....you all got trumped by Penelope Cruz.
5. Can the kids from Slumdog ever go home and be content living in tents and stepping in sewage? Sounds like neighbors are upset over the name of movie.
6. I am sure that Milk is a great movie but the Academy does what is politically correct. Sean Penn will have many more chances, for Mickey Rourke, it was a one shot deal. Two Oscars could have been presented for Best Actor.
7. What exactly was Ben Stiller's deal?
8. Miley Cyrus at the Oscars? Why?
9. So Madonna and Demi Moore hosted an exclusive party after the Oscars...Demi
Moore was working as a bouncer, turning not invited guests from the door...now what is her claim to fame lately, other than Ashton Kutcher?
10. I guess the awards were "de-glitzed" this year due to the economy.Some actresses were not wearing million dollar necklaces...makes sense to all the folks who lost their jobs and are now going through foreclosure.Score another one for out of touch actors.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
R.I.P. Friends
Friends go in and out of our lives like fall leaves scattered in many directions. They share lives and talents with us and for that we are forever grateful. They shape who we are and what we become.
I have lost some dear friends over the years who I miss every day of my life. I would like to thank them individually for their contribution to who I have become.
Thank you Pam for making me laugh. You taught me how to not take myself too seriously. I am sorry about Bill and I cannot hear "Wedding Bell Blues" without a tear. Found dead in her home November 2003.
Kate (in white dress) my friend and sister in law, thanks for taking such good care of my kids. Now I am doing the same for you. Died September 2005 of cancer.
Andrew "Drew" Thomas Boggess will be remembered for his four and a half year battle with cancer. He was 21 yrs old when he passed away on December 10th 2008. He taught me courage in the face of death and the ability to live life with no regrets.
Forty of his closest friends drove from a number of colleges to say their goodbyes at the U of M hospital on the evening of December 9th. Their lives will forever be linked with his.
This photo on the prayer card we received touched my heart. Everytime I glance at it, I am consoled.
We cannot dwell on what was or what could have been. We have to move on with what these people brought to our lives.For that I am forever grateful.
Rose
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