Sunday, November 30, 2008

Sunday Smorgasbord - Broncos Edition

You know those new Verizon Wireless commercials, with the two ladies talking about a phone and if it was the last one, who would get it? HI-LAR-IOUS!! (in my humble opinion, of course).

Well, Thanksgiving week is over, turkey is all eaten, and all visiting family members are either home, or on their way... No visits to the hospital, no fights among the cousins (except maybe some minor drama between a six and four year old), and no BIG drama among the adults! No we can concentrate on our upcoming trip, you know, the one to Disney World. Maybe you heard me mention it a time or two. Only eighty-seven and a half hours until we leave, as of this exact moment. (It's 5:30PM in case you were wondering).

Crap.
Cutler just threw a stupid interception and now the Jets are driving... Oh, and ANOTHER Broncos defensive player is hurt. Not good. At least San Diego is losing right now as well.

These Sunday Smorgasbords are turning into some live blogging as well. Bonus!

QUESTION TIME

See how I did that? I started a question time section for you... Meaning here are a few questions for you my gentle readers...
1) This one comes courtesy of my French friend Catherine... Better interview (as in whom would you prefer to interview); Barack Obama or Nicholas Sarkozy? - Michelle Obama or Carla Bruni?

2) Pumpkin or Cherry Pie?

3) Any pictures from Disney World you would like me to take? I'll take it for you, if you'd like.

See how painless that was? On to another update from the Broncos-Jets game... two more injured Denver defensive players (I kid you not), ridiculous! But the defense holds and only gives up 3... whew! 27-17 now.

Why is it that my six-year old and my nine-year old want to keep fighting with each other? I mean I'm pretty sure that me and my brother never did that. Must be a girl thing. :) Good thing they are going to get their own rooms early next year. Of course, they'll probably miss each other then. I just hope that they remember to always be there for each other when they grow up, and maybe for me as well.


GIVING YOU THE BIRD (of the week)









Fourth quarter begins...

And more Broncos are falling by the wayside, what the heck is going on here?


Okay Burger King, I really don't care what people that have never tried a Whopper or a Big Mac think of each sandwich. Sorry, it's just not going to matter to me, or most Americans, in my opinion. I mean most Americans (myself included) shouldn't be eating them anyway, right. Plus, I imagine that they will have chosen the Whopper, considering the commercials are sponsored by Burger King.


Have I mentioned my distaste for commercialism lately? Except maybe them there Verizon commercials...


News of the freakin' insane...


Parents using DNA to find right sport for kids.


BOULDER, Colo. — When Donna Campiglia learned recently that a genetic test might be able to determine which sports suit the talents of her 2 ½-year-old son, Noah, she instantly said, Where can I get it and how much does it cost?

“I could see how some people might think the test would pigeonhole your child into doing fewer sports or being exposed to fewer things, but I still think it’s good to match them with the right activity,” Ms. Campiglia, 36, said as she watched a toddler class at Boulder Indoor Soccer in which Noah struggled to take direction from the coach between juice and potty breaks.
“I think it would prevent a lot of parental frustration,” she said.

I bet she's a transplant from California.

Broncos just got a touch down!!! Cutler to Stokely, for a 36 yard strike... 34-17, AND San Diego lost! Whoop-whoop!

Now Jenni and Benjy are making fun of me. :( I don't think I care at this moment, I mean they know how I am when it comes to the Broncos.



Christopher Jamison, the Abbot of Worth in West Sussex, has accused the corporation of "exploiting spirituality" to sell its products and of turning Disneyland into a modern day pilgrimage site.

He argues that it pretends to provide stories with a moral message, but has actually helped to create a more materialistic culture.

In a guide to helping people find happiness, the abbot, who starred in the hit-BBC series The Monastery, warns that society is in danger of losing its soul because of growing consumerism and the decline of religion.

He suggests that many people have become obsessed with work, sex and eating in an attempt to ignore their underlying unhappiness, and criticises corporations and industries that have benefited from promoting false notions of fulfilment.

Fr Jamison, who has been tipped as a contender to succeed Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor as the next Archbishop of Westminster, targets the behaviour of Disney in particular, which he says is "a classic example" of how consumerism is being sold as an alternative to finding happiness in traditional morality.


Of course, he next says...


While he acknowledges that Disney stories carry messages showing good triumphing over evil, he argues this is part of a ploy to persuade people that they should buy Disney products in order to be "a good and happy family".

You can read the whole thing at the link.

Well, I have to go and clean the kitchen, and it looks like the Broncos will win!






Welcome to Advent

This is the last official day of NaPraGoMo, although I am wanting to keep doing this in some fashion. My prayer for today is a video message that I saw on my friend Laura's blog, and very appropriate for the season. Enjoy, I think you will.






God Bless!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Happy New (Liturgical) Year

Welcome to the new year, liturgically speaking.

Yes, my friends, it is Advent, the four weeks that we anxiously await the birth of Jesus. You can see that I have added an Advent Wreath at the top, above the Disney Countdown (which will be disappearing soon, as we will be there (Yea!!)), and it will be updated each week (as long as I remember). If you want one, you can head over to the Curt Jester and get the code for yourself (the countdown code as well).

Remember to try and put the CHRIST back in Christmas this season.

Have a great day!

Go Help Feed The Poor!

Hey there!

I have a blog friend that is all about sharing the grub this year, and until a few minutes ago, I didn't realize how I could help and you can too!!

Just go here...

Anglophile Football Fanatic

(UPDATE: For some reason the cool little picture that I had doesn't work, but this link does)



And look around. She's funny and wants to help others, because she's a good Catholic! Well, actually it's because she cares, being Catholic is a bonus. :)

Anyway, go and visit Holly and say Hi! while helping to feed some people that may not be able to help themselves.

Remember we're trying to put the CHRIST back in Christmas!




Maybe This Should Have Been For Black Friday Instead

I think that the crazy people on Long Island should have thought about this yesterday, instead of about their "great" deals that they killed a man over.
God,
I earnestly pray for the right ideal,
for guidance in each questionable situation,
for sanity,
and for the strength to do the right thing.
Amen


It's time, once again, to remind people to put the "Christ" back in Christmas. Christmas is about goodwill and caring for your fellow man, woman and child. Not about getting an Xbox 360 for $40 less than normal, or for some $10 object that you "need" and will only lose or forget about before the turn of the new year. I'm sure that man's family appreciates your "needs" and they will be thinking about them while they bury him.


Peace, please.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Big Bad Black Friday

What the heck is wrong with this country and all that goes into this insanity known as Black Friday? I mean people are getting killed...

...The heavy glass and steel sliding doors were literally knocked off their hinges in the shopper-stampede-to-be-first. Then the wave of humanity caved in on defenseless Wal-Mart workers as they opened early -- 5 a.m. -- for the annual bargain hunting ritual that kicks off the morning after Thanksgiving.
"The crowd pushed so forcefully that they crashed the doors down and one of the workers from Wal-Mart was pushed to the floor as the crowd entered the store, many of them running," said Det. Lt. Michael Fleming of the Nassau County Police Department.
Cell phone video obtained by CBS 2 HD shows Jdimytai Damour, a 34-year-old part-time employee hired as a holiday temp. He was crushed in the onslaught and pronounced dead an hour later. As responding Nassau police and paramedics tried to save him, they were also jostled and pushed to the ground. ...


I'm sorry folks, but you all need to go back to your religious education classes - this is not what Christmas is about.

Good night and rest easy - I know that I will try to.

A Prayer For Black Friday

Okay, take this next prayer in the spirit it is intended...
The Shoppers Prayer
Our cash
Which art on plastic
Hollowed be thy name
Thy Cartier watch
Thy Prada bag
Online
As it is in store
Give us each day our Platinum Visa
And forgive those that stop us spending
And lead us not unto Louis Vuitton
For thine is the Gucci
The Dior and the Armani
For Chanel No.5 and Eternity
AMEX
Happy Black Friday everyone!! May your Door-Busting be grand and your shopping bags full of all your needs and wishes.



Thursday, November 27, 2008

Football, Feast, Flood and Fatigue

What a day!

Thanksgiving 2008 will go down as one of the more memorable Thanksgivings, ever! Really, I mean it. At least until next year's festivities, of course.

First up, we had some parade action. We had some sort of parade (not Macy's) in Chicago, of which all I can remember is that it was sponsored by McDonald's. Then came the Macy's Day parade and extravaganza - always cool, and I love them balloons. Then we can't forget all the lip-syncing celebs, even Andy Williams got into the game. Finally Santa made his appearance, and it was time for some FOOTBALL.

Okay, until Detroit wins at least ten games in a season, for a minimum of five seasons, they should be banned from playing on Thanksgiving. Dude, they suck! Sorry, but it's true. It was so bad, that I can't remember the score (44-10, I think). That's okay though, Detroit was in it at the kickoff. Ugh. At least it ended in time for some FOOD!

Great turkey this year, and there was some awesome corn, cranberries, yams (or sweet potatoes), some carrots made with bourbon (YUM!), stuffing, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole (Double Yum!). The food was great, as always (Thanks Mom!). Having all the cousins(on Jenni's side, at least) together was, LOUD. But the kids don't get to see each other that often with us all living in different states, and all, so it's all worth it.

Then there was more FOOTBALL, another freaking blowout, what the heck is up with that... Then came the FLOOD, and we weren't even at my house! In a freak accident, somehow the hose/piping under the kitchen sink decided it would like to cause a wee bit of havoc. Success! Oy, what a mess, but we all pitched in and got the mess cleaned up, and the pipes all fixed in due time. Apparently it had something to do with the hot water being too hot. All I know is that it added a little bit of excitement while coming down from the food coma.

Finally, more FOOTBALL, okay the game was another snoozer and blowout. Benjy was extremely happy though as his Philadelphia Eagles kicked some Arizona Cardinal butt! Alas, it was another blowout, which brought on the FATIGUE from crappy FOOTBALL, and now I need to go and get myself some sleep, because Jenni wants to see all about some sort of door-busting thingamajig. I have no idea what she is talking about, only that we have to leave here around five in the morning.

Wait a minute, 5 AM!!

What the heck is up with that?!

Anybody else participating in this foolishness?

Gotta go hit the pillow now, good night.




Happy Thanksgiving!!

Here's a prayer for your Thanksgiving Day. A little something different.

Though our mouths were full of song as the sea,
and our tongues of exultation as the multitude of its waves,
and our lips of praise as the wide-extended firmament;
though our eyes shone with light like the sun and the moon,
and our hands were spread forth like the eagles of heaven,
and our feet were swift as hinds,
we should still be unable to thank thee and bless thy name,
O Lord our God and God of our fathers,
for one thousandth or one ten thousandth part of the bounties which thou has bestowed upon our fathers and upon us.

- from the Hebrew Prayer Book


And a little something more common, I think.

We Give Thanks
Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ,
Our Heavenly Father.
- Harry Jewell



Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Pax


Wednesday, November 26, 2008

A Meme For Today In One Word

Alrighty then! I'm running on empty here, which means I will FINALLY get to some of these things that I have been tagged about, or to contribute to. First up Colleen's from Mommy Always Wins, and a one word meme. I picked this one because I thought it would be easier (I know, it's cheating but I promise to do the other one later, maybe even this weekend.) Let's see how we do. (I'm betting that one word answers will be VERY HARD for me).



Where is your cell phone? Ledge
Where is your significant other? Party
Your hair color? Brown
Your mother? Unknown
Your father? Ditto
Your favorite thing? Books
Your dream last night? None
Your dream/goal? Published
The room you’re in? Kitchen
Your hobby? Writing
Your fear? Loss
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Published
Where were you last night? Home
What you’re not? Skinny
One of your wish-list items? Indifferent
Where you grew up? Everywhere
Last thing you did? Potty
What are you wearing? Clothes
Your TV? Old
Your pet? Three
Your computer? Insufficient
Your mood? Happy
Missing someone? Jenni
Your car? Mini-Van
Something you’re not wearing? Cologne
Favorite store? Target
Your summer? Short
Love someone? Always
Your favorite color? Green
When is the last time you laughed? Tonight
Last time you cried? Unsure


Wow, I actually did it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away.


Begone Evil Spirits...

O Divine Eternal Father,

in union with your Divine Son and the Holy Spirit,

and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I beg You to destroy the Power of your greatest enemy - the evil spirits.
Cast them into the deepest recesses of hell and chain them there forever!

Take possession of your Kingdom which You have created and which is rightfully yours.
Heavenly Father,

give us the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
I repeat this prayer out of pure love for You

with every beat of my heart

and with every breath I take.

Amen







Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Winner Is...

Brooke Burke.

Yes, she is the winner of the latest installment of Dancing With the Stars, or whatever that show is called. Now protocol would suggest that it is all right to post a picture of Ms. Burke, however, this being a family type blog (with a few exceptions), there will be no picture. Sorry fella's, or maybe ladies looking for some style pointers from the attractive former hostess of "Wild On!" At least I think that was what that travel show was called on E!

It almost reads like I kind of have some pop culture in me... don't you believe it. I know nothing!

My older boys were just having some fun with me on Facebook. They are both grounded now. Please don't feel sorry for them, but hey, if you want to see the drama yourself, you can always invite me to be your friend. That didn't sound too pathetic now, did it? That would be Roger Miller in the Chicago network. :)

Turkey day is coming, let the fasting begin.

I just read something about women in France (are you reading Catherine?), and something to do with Saint Catherine and being twenty-five on her feast day. They are called Catherinette's, I think. I found it to be pretty interesting, but apparently not enough to remember the whole thing. :)

Also, who can tell me the great Crusader battle that was won today, a long time ago?

I'll be looking for your friend requests... Okay I'll stop now.

Look Over Me Lord

Make me deserving of the faith that I need to get near you.
Forgive my shortage and light my way to the right path.
Endowed me with the gift of humulity
And courage to confront the tentations of this world.
Please father never live my side
And give me a shield to protect agains envy from others
And my own self pity.
Amen


Monday, November 24, 2008

Haves and Needs

I have a lame title.

I need to be more witty.

I have a runny nose.

I need to catch it.

I have at least three different meme's that I have been tagged for.

I need to do those.

I have a back porch that needs some plastic protection for the winter.

I need to do th.. WAIT! I did that!

I have a big toe that has a HUGE toenail attached to it.

I need to cut it down, but can't find the clippers.

I have a beautiful niece that just turned four!

I need to give her more hugs before she goes back home to Colorado.

I have another niece and a nephew that seem to finally like me.

I need to give them more hugs before they go back to Minnesota.

I have three weeks of vacation that I have to burn.

I need to do it before the year ends, so I am on a "working" vacation, this week.

I have a trip planned next week, that I have been looking forward to for over a year.

I need to really enjoy the time spent with Andy, because he may not want to tag along with us much longer.

I have a new employee that is a pain in the butt!

I need to just forget all about him and enjoy these next few weeks.

I have nearly 200 items in my Google Reader.

I need to read them all before I go to bed tonight... Maybe.

I have a headache coming on

I need to go to bed.

I have a title that might not be so lame.

I need to quit kidding myself.

Good night.

Every Night

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
May angels watch me through the night,
And keep me in their blessed sight.
Amen.



Sunday, November 23, 2008

A New Low?

Yes folks, I am hitting a new low.

My beloved Denver Broncos just got beat by the hated Oakland Raiders 31-10.

This sucks.

At least San Diego is losing, at the moment.

Did I mention that my son is now a Duhawk?

WHAT IS A DUHAWK? The “Duhawk” tradition dates back to 1924 when Loras College was called Columbia College. The Columbia football team, under the tutelage of head coach Eddie Anderson, was just coming off a win over the Wisconsin School of Mines (later UW-Platteville), followed by a stirring 7-3 victory over the then-powerful Kohawks of Coe College. Columbia would next travel to Michigan to face the mighty University of Detroit. In a preview story for the upcoming game, the Detroit Free Press focused on Columbia’s heralded win over the Kohawks. At the time, Columbia did not have a nickname, so the Free Press sports writer took the liberty of referring to the Columbia gridmen from Dubuque as the Dubuque Hawks, and later in the story the “Duhawks.” The name caught on and the Detroit Free Press became the author of this controversial moniker...

More at the link, if interested.

Okay, the Chargers are a driving... Please stop them Indianapolis.

Andy also got his drum set, he's keeping it at his grandparents house.

Dangit! Chargers tied it up at 20-20. Of course there is still 1:30 left on the clock (crossing fingers).

Looks like Twilight kicked Bolt! down in the box office this weekend. Darn vampire love stories, stealing all the tweens. Of course, James Bond is still in second.

So, this game is taking my attention away from what I am saying here... Can you tell?

Almost like live blogging the game, only I'm not.

Two seconds left and a fifty-one yard field goal attempt.... after this time out.

Benjy is walking on some thin ice with his smack talk about the Broncos place kicker...

And THE COLTS WIN!!

Alright. Now the Broncos are up by two games again in the suckiest division in football. Whoop-di-doo.

Okay, melancholy sucks, so I bid you all a good night, unless I find something that will amuse me of course.


Christ the King - A Tribute?!







For the Children

A Parent's Prayer for their Children

O Heavenly Father,
I commend my children unto Thee.
Be Thou their God and Father;
and mercifully supply whatever is wanting in me through frailty or negligence. Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world,
to resist all solicitations to evil,
whether from within or without;
and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy.
Pour Thy grace into their hearts,
and confirm and multiply in them the gifts of Thy Holy Spirit,
that they may daily grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; and so, faithfully serving Thee here,
may come to rejoice in Thy presence hereafter.
Amen.



Saturday, November 22, 2008

College Day!

Class today was all about the Eucharist...

I will share more later.

Penn State kicked some booty and is on their way to the Rose Bowl!

Notre Dame... OUCH!!

Texas Tech... DOUBLE OUCH!!! With a swirlie in the girl's bathroom! UGLY game.

Which all means; Daddy is happy (Penn St), Andy is not (Notre Dame), and Benjy while bummed is not letting it get to him, too much (Texas Tech).

One last thing, a continuation from yesterday, I forgot to mention the great news for Andy...

WHAT IS A DUHAWK?

He is!! Andy was officially accepted to join the freshman class at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.

YEAH Baby!!!

Anybody have an extra $125K laying around? If so, Andy will be a callin' you real soon ya hear!

Bye!!

Psalm 22

The Passion of the Messiah

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.
O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer;
And by night, but I have no rest.
Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
In You our fathers trusted;
They trusted and You delivered them.
To You they cried out and were delivered;
In You they trusted and were not disappointed.
But I am a worm and not a man,
A reproach of men and despised by the people.
All who see me sneer at me;
They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,
"Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him;
Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."
Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb;
You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts.
Upon You I was cast from birth;
You have been my God from my mother's womb.
Be not far from me, for trouble is near;
For there is none to help.
Many bulls have surrounded me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion.
I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It is melted within me.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And my tongue cleaves to my jaws;
And You lay me in the dust of death.
For dogs have surrounded me;
A band of evildoers has encompassed me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones.
They look, they stare at me;
They divide my garments among them,
And for my clothing they cast lots.
But You, O LORD, be not far off;
O You my help, hasten to my assistance.
Deliver my soul from the sword,
My only life from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion's mouth;
From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.


Friday, November 21, 2008

Adventures in Student Driving

A while back, say two or three years ago, I sort of made a promise.

A promise that I have been reminded about every so often, over those past two or three years.

A promise that may or may not end up in having a "day in infamy" like result.

I promised my God daughter Jordan, that I would take her out driving, once she got her permit.

Last night, that promise came to fruition.

Now, it should be noted that I have already successfully taught one child to drive, and considering the fact that he is still alive and ticket-less after nearly two years of driving, I would say that I did fairly well.

*** Another side note... Holy smokes! I have a child that has been driving for nearly two years already?! More about this child later. ***

Anyway, last night around eight, Jordan shows up.

That would be eight post meridian.

That would be eight, on a Thursday evening when Grey's Anatomy (okay, I really don't watch this show that much, especially with Izzie having lurid thoughts about some dead guy from when the show was actually pretty good.) is on. But first, I had to go and get Mickey D's for the kids... yes we eat that late, sometimes.

That would be eight, when it's dark outside, on a school night and any other excuse I should have thought of at the time.

Fine, whatever, we'll go for a drive.

It actually went very smoothly. She stayed within her lane, without hugging the curb (something Andy was really bad at), I even commented on how smoothly it seemed to be going and how I didn't feel nervous at all. We eventually made it to a warehouse with wide lanes and limited obstacles - a warehouse where I successfully taught Andy how to come to a complete stop, back up and park in between the line.

Jordy needs to learn how to make a more complete stop, not continue rolling while in reverse, and the importance of parking in between two lines. Now, to her credit, she had only driven four times previously. So after unsuccessfully teaching Jordan the fine art of parking, I asked her to drive us to Wal-Mart. I know, it's kind of crazy sending a kid that can't park, to a busy parking lot, but I needed some body soap. And we were out that way anyway.

Imagine this: "Jordan turn right" (left blinker goes on)... "Okay, the roadway is clear, so pull onto the road and slowly accelerate to the speed limit." (turns left, in the wrong lane, with a car coming from the opposite lane (SO NOT GOOD!!)) "Jordan, pull into this driveway, now."(Semi-truck coming up driveway, using both lanes), "Uh, Jordy..." (moving to the right, over the curb, and driving down the driveway with the passenger wheels riding higher that the driver side wheels). (REALLY< REALLY NOT GOOD!!)

Oh and Jordan couldn't stop laughing - apparently my face looked funny, I guess. (No Comment)

I finally get Jordan sorted out and on the proper track to Wal-Mart, and are coming up to a four-way stop, one with a left turn lane and a lane that can turn right or continue straight. I tell Jordan to go into the left turn lane and stop. Stop. STOP!!

"What I thought that I didn't have to stop."

She was serious.

We get to Wal-Mart and I get this question. "So, do you think I would pass my driver's test?"

She was still serious.

The rest of the ride home was relatively uneventful. Sorry.

I think that I will wait a few more months before I try that again.

I am serious.


More Mary

We Catholics Love Mary, and there are many a prayer dedicated to her. Here is a great one...
Remember,
O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my mother;
to thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.


Thursday, November 20, 2008

My Blog Has Been Analyzed, And I Don't Know Who It Is

I found this really cool website today, called Typealyzer. It is a website that runs your blog up against the Myers-Briggs personality test. I dig these kinds of things, so I thought why not get this blog analyzed, or rather "typealyzed."

It's a really easy site, all you do is type in your blogs URL and within a few moments, your blog has been "typealyzed."

You just know the spellchecker is going to have a field day now, don't you?

A little about myself... I be one shy cat, that plays a not-so-shy cat on the Internet. Amazing what the freedom of anonymity will do for a person. I mean, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy visiting everyone and on one hand want to be visited by millions of others, but maybe not. For instance, I may just blab along in a comment field (no, really?!), yet if I were to meet you in person, I would turn into that two-year old that is holding their parents pant leg.

Anyway, I have taken the Myers-Briggs test on a few occasions and I have rarely, if ever, been diagnosed with an E for extrovert. This actually surprises lots of people, because no one believes that I am, in fact, an introvert.

My final results are almost always INTP, occasionally I'll get an F in place of the T - for feeling rather than thinking, I think.

**** COMPLETELY DIFFERENT INTERJECTION*******

I am currently listening to Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman, and as per usual, I'm getting a bit choked up. This is normal right? At least for Dads with daughters, right?

****BACK TO THE TYPEALYZING**************

Well, when I put in my URL, to say I was surprised would be an understatement. It came back as a ESFP.

What is this and what have you done with Roger's blog. Complete opposite, with the exception of the P.

I tried it again --- same result.

I put in Holly's URL, just to get a comparison, figuring it would show me something (not sure what exactly), and guess what? Same personality type. No freaking way! I mean she is most definitely more outgoing than I, just check her out if you don't believe me. I tried Kalynne's, same result. Okay, maybe there is a glitch in the system, because I don't feel like I am anywhere close in personality to these women.

So I tried Michelle Malkin - basically a news blog with a very conservative bent. Finally something different.

Here is what else the site says about my blog...

ESFP - THE PERFORMERS

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves. The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions. (not good, as I am in a management position.)

I think my colors may be a changin' I apologize if this starts getting screwy looking - blame Blogger!

So, apparently when I am out and about in the world I am a thinker, yet when I am here at the computer; I am a performer.

How totally exciting!

No, really, I'm being serious. Now all I have to do is channel my inner ESFP, and put my outer INTP on the shelf.... might be difficult after forty-one years.

Okay, so all of you need to go out a try this thing and report back. Can you do it? Will you? If I had permission to do giveaways I'd give something away. :)

Bye-bye, gotta go pick up the kids from choir.


Ack!

Heavenly Father,
I know that you are always there for me,
And I wish that I could always be there for you;
However, You have made me human and I have
many failings in my life.
Please help me to realize that all the "Ack's" in my life,
Are all a part of your big plan and will be so totally worth it in the end.
I Love You;
You Love Me.
Amen.



In case you were wondering why I don't do my own prayers. :) The heart is there, but the brain just doesn't always make sense.

Have a great day!


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Laser Tag and Poo (Krissa will be so proud)

Tonight was a fun night, we played laser tag with the teens from church.

I TOTALLY kicked some Butt!!

Seriously.

I am SO not lying.

Before I talk more about my awesomeness at laser tag, I need to tell you about some poo.

Not Pooh, as in Winnie the, but rather poo, that come from digesting food over a period of time and having it break down and spread all of its goodness to every part of your body and then all the bad stuff, well except for some fat and other things that you body likes to cling to, gets processed into a waste area known as your colon which then compacts the stuff, also know as crap and s%$#, oh and poo, which then exits the body through an area known as Uranus (ba dum dum), into a receptacle known as a toilet, also known as a port-o-potty, a poop hole, and an area where you dig in the woods and make sure that you bury it or else you may step in it. If you have the aforementioned toilet there is a little knob, or handle, or even pull string that you can generate a flow of water (which is WAY less ever since someone in Congress decided that fat people that have large quantities of waste need to flush more than once, because in their haste to save the environment with low flow toilets, Congress forgot all about said fat people with large deposits of waste, thus the multiple flushes and {more than likely} the wasting of more water) which most normal people do after completing the discharge of bodily waste.

Except maybe some people.

Except maybe some people that live in my house.

Except maybe some people that live in my house and just got a brand new toilet and bathroom that use WAY too much toilet paper.

Except maybe said people that then decide to forget to mention said backup and continue to use said toilet.

Can you say gross?

This isn't close to gross, this is so far past gross that you cannot imagine it.

Oh wait, maybe you can.

Imagine seeing the Air and water show in Chicago, Illinois, where on a daily basis nearly one million people visit the area known as Grant Park to watch the wonder of flying aircraft, and floating watercraft, and then watch spectacular explosions in the air done to music.

Yea, I hear it's a lot of fun, but me a really large crowds like that just don't get along, especially since there is approximately six port-o-potty's for the nearly one million spectators to use, (okay there may be a bit of an exaggeration here, but go with it, because it helps with the image I am about to spring on you). So now imagine sitting in just one of these fine little port-o-potty's when, either by a really strong gust of wind, or some very mean prankster decides to roll you down a hill, after the fireworks.

That is almost how gross it is.

Did I mention that I kicked some serious butt in laser tag tonight?


Grace

Here's grace...

Bless us O Lord,
and these thy gifts,
which we are about to receive,
from thy bounty,
through Christ,
our Lord.
Amen.


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Look Who's Eighty!

Can't believe that I didn't mention this already...


Happy Birthday

Mickey Mouse!!!






Money, money, money....MONEY!

Jenni and I had a meeting today.

A meeting that may prove to be very expensive.

A meeting regarding my lovely daughters, and what they will be doing for school next year.

Not just any school, mind you. But...

A brand new school.

A brand new private school.

A brand new private Catholic school.

A brand new private gonna cost me close to $10K school.

Can someone help me make this blog profitable? Please. Should I go to Wordpress? I think I can do it. Should I go to my own URL - you know like mynamegoeshere (dot) com? Does that mean I would have to be a little more serious?Does this satisfy NaBloPoMo?

If not, I got plenty more where this comes from.

Fair warning.




P.S. - I am totally serious about wanting to be a dot commer, or something like that. :)

Glory Be!

Glory be,
To the Father,
the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.


Monday, November 17, 2008

Some Mondays Are Better Than Others

I want to share something with you all, and I want to ask your opinion about it. We have a new employee working for us - we'll call him Bob. My boss is enamored with his resume, but has yet to really see him in action. I have no problems with Bob and he seemed to be doing okay. I cam into work this morning to this...

From: Bob
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 2:51 PM
To: Roger ; Jeff
Cc: Dale
Subject: 'New Guy Remarks' Harassment!

New Guy Remarks


After three weeks of putting up with ‘New Guy’ remarks I am about sick of them. For the first day or two they were funny. But after three weeks the humor is long gone. I will not buy four-dozen donuts and one being chocolate Boston cream, for the shop. I have not had a pay check in two years and cannot afford donuts. This remark has been made at least eight times by many people in the past three weeks.

Not to mention the many other new guy cracks that float around the shop. To me this is similar to hazing at a college or boot camp. You can pull that on the young kids fresh out of the service, they do not know any better.

The cracks about the XXX on-site are disrespectful to the customer. I do not mind going on-site to XXX. You cannot come up with an on-site worst then any I have seen. I have been on at least a thousand on-sites. Some places had dirt and or wood floors.

I have 25 years of experience in the field of metrology both repairing and calibrating instruments that most of these techs have no clue on how to calibrate, much less repair. So I am NOT a NEW GUY and stop the remarks! It will piss me off sooner then later.

If the remarks do not stop I will file a formal complaint with Human Resources.


**** Okay, I guess he isn't so happy, hmm.

Let me tell you the cast of characters here... Bob is Mr. Unhappy, Roger is me, Jeff is my boss, and Dale? Well she is HR. Oh and XXX is a customer, that is totally innocent in all of this. So it looks to me like he has already filed a formal complaint. Oh, and when I talked to Dale's boss, Michele, she already knew about this. Oh, and she wanted to see what my response would be, after I figured that out. For the record, she thinks Bob needs to get a sense of humor, okay I guess it was technically off the record, but you know what I mean.

So how does one respond to someone that feels he is greater than everyone else? Well, this is what I did...

From: Roger
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 10:53 AM
To: Bob; Jeffery
Cc: Dale ; Michele
Subject: RE: 'New Guy Remarks' Harassment!

Bob,

Thank you for expressing your concerns regarding the "new guy" comments. I have spoken to everyone in the lab regarding this and they will no longer use that phrase when addressing you. I will say that there was no intent for malice and it (the new guy comments) refers to you being the new guy to the laboratory, and not about your ability. We have some very talented technicians and a strong calibration team that works together to get things done, and in getting things done we like to break up the monotony with a little bit of joking around. Our technicians come from a varied background and most have had formal PMEL training, they also have experience ranging from six years to nearly fifty years, so technically no one is a "new guy" in this lab.

The donut remarks were said in jest and you know that as I even told you that myself, in person. When you mentioned the fact that you haven't had a paycheck in more than two years, I again reiterated that it's all in fun, and that we joke that the "new guy" has to bring donuts on Fridays. We do this, because you never know, someone might take it seriously and actually bring them in. I apologize if I didn't make myself clear on the fact that you did not have to bring donuts in, and since you didn't, I figured that you understood this.

The remarks about XXX are all internal and should not be repeated to the customer and are just complaints, almost like complaining about the weather - facts, and there is nothing you can do about it. We have had several different customers that we do onsites for that offer their own sets of challenges, and we all have ways of dealing with them; yet we still do the job as trained and experienced professionals, if we didn't we would not be working here.

Jeff should be back on Wednesday, and if you would like, we can set up an appointment to discuss this further, face to face.

Roger


*** There you have it. Too much? Not enough? I'm just curious what you all think.

As for the lab, well they are not exactly happy that this "new guy" has decided to go whining to HR about some general ribbing. Methinks that Bob is really not going to like it there anymore, and I would not be surprised if he was no longer there when I get back from Disney. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking. PITA rears it's ugly head once again, and soclose to vacation. Dammit!

Thanks for reading my "dirty laundry" and have a great evening.

For Times Like These?

This prayer, if you will, comes to us from a book in the Old Testament - any guesses?

It has been popping it's head out a bit as of late, be it because of the election or something else the words from this passage just seem to resonate with people as of late. Oh sure, the atheist out there probably could care less, same for the Hindu and Buddhists. However for Jews and Christians... it's another story.


The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom do I fear?
The LORD is my life's refuge;
of whom am I afraid?
When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh,
These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart does not fear;
Though war be waged against me,
even then do I trust.
One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life,
To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble,
Will conceal me in the cover of his tent;
and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side!
I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and chant praise to the LORD.
Hear my voice,
LORD,
when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.


Don't fret if you don't know it, I'm not that much of a task master. :)

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Smorgasbord!! Where?

Okay, I did say that I want to TRY to do something planned and well-thought out, on Sundays, and call it a Sunday Smorgasbord.



Well, I'm still trying, just not producing. Yet.



How about this, a story...



The boys have moved into their new bedrooms. Yea!



Enough said, right?



Pictures? Did I promise you all pictures? I'm gonna have to find my camera then... and I'm too entranced by the snowfall outside, to get the camera. So, that will also have to wait. I think you might be able to tell the difference. Maybe, just a little bit.



Saw the newest James Bond movie. I liked it, not as much as Casino Royale, but I did enjoy it, and will probably get the DVD when it comes out sometime next year. It picks up, an hour after the last one ended, so it is the first direct sequel to a James Bond movie. Ever. I don't think the next Bond (yes there will be another on, I assure you), will be a direct sequel, just because they tied up a lot of the loose ends from the previous movie. If you like a little James Bond/Jason Bourne action movies, you'll enjoy Quantum of Solace, I believe.



Hey look at that, The Denver Broncos won today. Way cool. Better yet, San Diego lost as well so now the Broncos are two games in front of the Chargers. Speaking of the Chargers, they lost today to the Pittsburgh Steelers 11-10. The amazing thing about this low scoring game, is the score itself. Never in the history of the NFL has there been such a score. The score should have been 18-10, or 17-10; but the refs called an illegal forward pass, that really wasn't. Since the score differential is like the seventh tie-breaker for teams to make the playoffs, so the 11-10 score will not be changed. I wonder what the line on the game was...



I can't believe that Target closed at nine, how the heck are they supposed to take my money, if they close at nine?



I'm done now... Good night.



We'll just call that a smorgasbord without links. I can do that right?



NaPraGoMo #16

From today's readings; I really liked this one...

When one finds a worthy wife,
her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good,
and not evil,all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax and works with loving hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff,and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward for her labors,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.



Have a great day!!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

I'm Covered With Paint, And I'm Happy

That's right, my hands and feet are covered with spots of paint, but I couldn't be any happier.

Why, you ask?

I'm surprised that you even had to ask, I mean I've only been complaining about it EVERY OTHER DAY!

I just looked over at the TV, first time today thank you very much, and I saw the Florida State University cheerleaders wearing sweats! I mean is it cold down there, or what? It is in Florida, and it's not supposed to get cold, right? Especially since I have less than three weeks to go until we head down to Disney World, it better not be cold. :)

The kids were all great helpers today, and we got both of the boy's rooms painted, and also painted the floor. We painted the floor as a quick and cheap fix because we don't want to blow all of our money on this project. Especially since we are going to Disney World in about eighteen days, we better have some "fun money!" I would really hate telling the kids; 'sorry, but all the money we had is in the boy's bedrooms and the downstairs bathroom." That would not be a pretty picture. Trust me.

Alright then, I am off to the shower, so I can clean this stuff off.

See ya!


Acts of Contrition

We Catholics do something very awesome, and that is confess our sins to our Lord, and after such confession we say an Act of Contrition, and then serve our penance. Pretty cool, no? Oh yeah, I forgot the most important part, our sins are absolved - now that IS cool! :)

Anyway, as you may have guessed, there are several different Acts of Contrition. In fact, as long as you believe it, you can say a simple I'm very sorry God, and you're good. I hope I am not sounding flippant, because that is the last thing I want to do.

Anyway, here a few examples of some Acts of Contrition.


Act of Contrition (Authorized for usage in Ireland)

O my God!
I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee;
and I detest my sins above every other evil,
because they displease Thee,
my God,
Who for Thine infinite goodness art so deserving of all my love;
and I firmly resolve,
by Thy holy grace,
never more to offend Thee,
and to amend my life.
Amen.

Act of Contrition (Authorized for usage in England)

O my God,
I am sorry and beg pardon for all my sins,
and detest them above all things,
because they deserve Thy dreadful punishments,
because they have crucified my loving Saviour Jesus Christ,
and most of all because they offend Thine infinite goodness;
and I firmly resolve,
by the help of Thy grace,
never to offend Thee again,
and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin.
Amen.

Act of Contrition before Holy Communion #1

I desire, O my Saviour,
humbly to offer Thee the sacrifice of a troubled spirit and a contrite heart.
I grieve from my inmost heart that I have ever offended Thee by my sins, T
hee my God and my chief good,
Thee who art so gracious to me,
and so oft refreshest me in Thy Blessed Sacrament.
I grieve especially for the sins of [name(s) of the person(s)]which Thou knowest, Thou searcher of our hearts,
and which I, a miserable sinner,
do confess in the bitterness of my soul.
Would that I had never offended Thee!
Yet a contrite and humble heart,
O God, Thou wilt not despise;
Thou who for love of us didst give to us Thine Only-Begotten Son,
to wash us from our sins in His own Blood.
Amen.
For you fans of Latin
DEUS meus,
ex toto corde poenitet me omnium meorum peccatorum,
eaque detestor, quia peccando,
non solum poenas a Te iuste statutas promeritus sum,
sed praesertim quia offendi Te,
summum bonum, ac dignum qui super omnia diligaris.
Ideo firmiter propono,
adiuvante gratia Tua,
de cetero me non peccaturum peccandique occasiones proximas fugiturum. Amen.
Translation:
O MY God,
I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee
and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments,
but most of all because they offend Thee,
my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to sin no more and avoid the near occasions of sin.
Amen.
Have a glorious day!
God Bless!!


Friday, November 14, 2008

Something To Celebrate?

Mylhibug67.blogspot.com has a traffic rank of: 6,346,724

which is up 404,339!

You know what THAT means, right? I broke that magical 6,500,000 mark!

Whoop-whoop!!

Okay, you can go back to your regularly scheduled lives. :)

Oh, and let's work towards breaking that 6,000,000 mark!

Bye-bye!

When All Else Fails...

Go for a quiz...




You Are Boggle



You are an incredibly creative and resourceful person.

You're able to dig deep and think outside the box to get things done.

You are a non linear thinker. You don't like following directions

You draw your inspiration from the strangest places sometimes. You're constantly inspired.



or two...




You Are the Superego



While some people may think first and act later... you often don't act at all.

You rather be safe than sorry, and you take ethics pretty seriously.

Like everyone, you have some pretty crazy desires. But unlike everyone, you restrain yourself.

You have high standards for your own behavior. And you happily exceed them.



or three!




Your Famous Last Words Will Be:



"What we know is not much. What we don't know is enormous."



That is all Folks!!

Have a GREAT WEEKEND!!



For some reason, I have the hardest time remembering this prayer, it could be that every other time I hear it, there seems to be a word or two changed. Doesn't matter though, it is still a very powerful prayer...

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou,
O Prince of the Heavenly Host -by the Divine Power of God -cast into hell,
Satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.


The late (and great) pope John Paul II said this about this prayer:

'"May prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle we are told about in the Letter to the Ephesians: 'Draw strength from the Lord and from His mighty power' (Ephesians 6:10). The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle, recalling before our eyes the image of St. Michael the Archangel (Revelation 12:7). Pope Leo XIII certainly had a very vivid recollection of this scene when, at the end of the last century, he introduced a special prayer to St. Michael throughout the Church. Although this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against forces of darkness and against the spirit of this world."'

May St. Michael the Archangel be looking out for you this fine day.

God Bless!