Pardon me for not answering the phone. I’m dancing with my daughter.
My journey to motherhood has been riddled with uncertainty, doubts creeping in during the years that have passed. Do I want to sacrifice my career and education? I worked so hard as a business journalist, traveling the continent over and winning awards. Life was easy. My master’s degree is as close as a class or two, a degree that I have worked so hard for, a degree in managerial economics that will open doors for me that I can only imagine. And then life made me push the pause button. She arrived on Oct. 9 after 12 hours of labor and then an emergency c-section. As I’m typing this, she’s sleeping in her Pack N Play, a godsend for these new parents. Who knew that a pack n play could hold so much power? The owls on the mobile above her dance in circulation, mesmerizing her and giving me and her father sweet relief. If only the mobile would stay wound up! When that doesn’t work, we dance, me and her, her body so small I fear I’ll hurt her or damage her in some way. The music now comes from the IPOD stereo. The IPOD is the other form of sweet relief, playing tunes that her father and I have gathered over the years of our marriage. AC DC, Faith Hill, Brandi Carlile, the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Elvis. Everything you can imagine. We want, after all, to expose her to a great mix of music. Our steps are awkward at first as we make sense of each other, her body changing so quickly during her first seven weeks and her eyes often locking in on mine as she lays her head on my chest. Trusting, gentle, wonderful eyes. Clear, bright, beautiful. Are they her father’s? I think so. Maybe the shape is mine. What will she look like in a year? As a teenager? What will she look like as an adult? For now, I’ll hold her, cling to her, love her, and take this life day by day. This time, the baby is mine and I can’t send it back with its parents.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Olivia is here!
Our little miracle arrived Oct. 9, 2009, and we couldn't be more thrilled.
She was delivered via an emergency c-section.
I have been recovering from the surgery and getting used to motherhood.
We will post photos soon!
She was delivered via an emergency c-section.
I have been recovering from the surgery and getting used to motherhood.
We will post photos soon!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Yes, Magazines Digitally Alter Photos
There are certain things that surprise me in life. Digitally altered photos in magazines is not one of those things. Apparently, there's a great level of surprise that Kelly Clarkson's photo on a recent cover of Self was digitally altered to make her appear slim.
No, say it ain't so.
Any media savvy person will tell you that this is STANDARD. It would be a surprise if a photo was NOT digitally altered. I know it may shock some people, but the images we see every day through magazines, television, etc. represent the power of perception. It's all smoke and mirrors.
This is when I'm most grateful for the time I spent at Matrix Essentials (the company that makes salon products like Biolage, etc.) I worked on the company's in-house magazine. If we wanted a wrinkle, a crooked tooth, anything removed from the photos of the models, it was gone in a New York minute.
It's reality; nothing that you see in media is truth.
No, say it ain't so.
Any media savvy person will tell you that this is STANDARD. It would be a surprise if a photo was NOT digitally altered. I know it may shock some people, but the images we see every day through magazines, television, etc. represent the power of perception. It's all smoke and mirrors.
This is when I'm most grateful for the time I spent at Matrix Essentials (the company that makes salon products like Biolage, etc.) I worked on the company's in-house magazine. If we wanted a wrinkle, a crooked tooth, anything removed from the photos of the models, it was gone in a New York minute.
It's reality; nothing that you see in media is truth.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Cash for Clunkers Program Goes Clunk
A $2 billion infusion apparently has rescued the much-touted Cash for Clunkers program.
When I heard the program was in trouble because of lack of funds, I admit I blamed the incompetent government. And I still do.
Here's why: Even without the most sophisticated financial prediction software, some finance or business or economically-minded individual or group should have figured out "Best Case Scenario" and "Worst Case Scenario" in a spectrum of possibilities for how much the program would eat up. For example, let's say there are 1 million car owners in the United States (in total). (That's just a figure I pulled out of the air, it comes from no reliable data. It's purely for example purposes).
Of 1 million total car owners, how many own a vehicle that could potentially be traded in under the Clunkers program? Let's say it's 250,000, again, just for argument's sake and pulling the figure out of the air.
That is the potential of the program. So we take 250,000 and multiply that by $4,500 and that gives us the figure of how much we could possibly spend on this program.
I didn't need my degree in economics to figure that out. That's just pure common sense. So at the high end of our "spectrum" anyone in Washington (the Congressional Budget Office, for example) could figure out, "Hey, this could cost us X amount. How will we finance this?"
You just don't give some knee-jerk reaction that "Oh, no! Too many people are taking advantage of this program and we don't have enough to fund it."
It should have been thought through. Trust me, they have the data that shows them the number of car owners in the United States. They also have the data that shows them vehicle age, etc. It won't be a perfect data set (none ever is) but it's better than flailing.
The plan wasn't thought out, and I hope it's obvious that the government is being irresponsible in an economic time when financial irresponsibility can be catastrophic.
Oh, and we're going to trust the government that did this with our healthcare?
When I heard the program was in trouble because of lack of funds, I admit I blamed the incompetent government. And I still do.
Here's why: Even without the most sophisticated financial prediction software, some finance or business or economically-minded individual or group should have figured out "Best Case Scenario" and "Worst Case Scenario" in a spectrum of possibilities for how much the program would eat up. For example, let's say there are 1 million car owners in the United States (in total). (That's just a figure I pulled out of the air, it comes from no reliable data. It's purely for example purposes).
Of 1 million total car owners, how many own a vehicle that could potentially be traded in under the Clunkers program? Let's say it's 250,000, again, just for argument's sake and pulling the figure out of the air.
That is the potential of the program. So we take 250,000 and multiply that by $4,500 and that gives us the figure of how much we could possibly spend on this program.
I didn't need my degree in economics to figure that out. That's just pure common sense. So at the high end of our "spectrum" anyone in Washington (the Congressional Budget Office, for example) could figure out, "Hey, this could cost us X amount. How will we finance this?"
You just don't give some knee-jerk reaction that "Oh, no! Too many people are taking advantage of this program and we don't have enough to fund it."
It should have been thought through. Trust me, they have the data that shows them the number of car owners in the United States. They also have the data that shows them vehicle age, etc. It won't be a perfect data set (none ever is) but it's better than flailing.
The plan wasn't thought out, and I hope it's obvious that the government is being irresponsible in an economic time when financial irresponsibility can be catastrophic.
Oh, and we're going to trust the government that did this with our healthcare?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Another Burns Documentary
I love a great documentary, and I especially admire the work of Ken Burns, who (no pun intended) hit it out of the ballpark with a mesmerizing documentary on the history of baseball, simply titled, "Baseball." "Baseball" is roughly 16 years old now, but its story is timeless.
Burns is back this September, now with a documentary on the National Park System of the United States. "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" begins airing on PBS on Sept. 27.
I admit, I'm partial to anything that encourages exploration of the U.S. park system. I think it's miraculous and wonderful. (It is one of my life's goals to visit each national park in the U.S.)
Jane Q and Joe Q Public need to understand that these havens didn't just happen; they came about because of the work and sacrifice of individuals.
Burns will highlight this. If his work on "Baseball" is any indication, the product will be outstanding and truly engaging.
Burns is back this September, now with a documentary on the National Park System of the United States. "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" begins airing on PBS on Sept. 27.
I admit, I'm partial to anything that encourages exploration of the U.S. park system. I think it's miraculous and wonderful. (It is one of my life's goals to visit each national park in the U.S.)
Jane Q and Joe Q Public need to understand that these havens didn't just happen; they came about because of the work and sacrifice of individuals.
Burns will highlight this. If his work on "Baseball" is any indication, the product will be outstanding and truly engaging.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A bellyful!
We're plugging along! Now, at 30 weeks pregnant, we are in the home stretch! Olivia is due to arrive on or around Oct. 5.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
RIP Michael Jackson
Today is Michael Jackson's memorial service. I have made jokes about his death, of course, but I am sad that this icon is gone.
There are people in life who take us outside of ourselves and give us reason to believe in magic.
As for all the allegations and media coverage about what went on behind closed doors, the ultimate truth is that no one knows what went on between Jackson and the children involved in those lawsuits, except Jackson and the children themselves.
There are people in life who take us outside of ourselves and give us reason to believe in magic.
As for all the allegations and media coverage about what went on behind closed doors, the ultimate truth is that no one knows what went on between Jackson and the children involved in those lawsuits, except Jackson and the children themselves.
Monday, June 29, 2009
What is a Ponzi scheme?
Bernie Madoff ran a Ponzi scheme. Essentially, what this means (in an overly simplistic explanation) is that he relied on money coming in from new investors or money from old investors to assuage all investors.
He never was making money on the money these folks were investing, but stealing from Peter to pay Paul.
He never was making money on the money these folks were investing, but stealing from Peter to pay Paul.
Madoff sentenced to 150 years
He's sorry now, apparently.
I theorize that he is sorry he was caught. There is a big distinction there.
But this is the big news today. Madoff didn't make off.
I theorize that he is sorry he was caught. There is a big distinction there.
But this is the big news today. Madoff didn't make off.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Feature on the Cleveland Clinic
This is an interesting feature from CNN on how the Cleveland Clinic is managed.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/19/sotu.cleveland.clinic/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/19/sotu.cleveland.clinic/index.html
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Goode Family
"King of the Hill" creator Mike Judge has developed a new series called "The Goode Family," which debuted last night (Wednesday, May 27) on ABC at 8 p.m. Central Time.
"The Goode Family" is Judge's way of making fun of environmental do-gooders, those people who feel guilty for using two-ply toilet paper and those people (my favorite) who are convinced that plastic bags are going to destroy the world.
(Plastic bags are not going to destroy the world. I know that disappoints most of you). It's OK. It's a harsh reality, but it's true. And here's another bit of news that will shock most: Organic foods are not any better for humans than regular foods. I have the science behind that one, because I spent my semester studying with a world renowned agricultural economist.
But that's neither here nor there. What is important is that Judge, who is one of my heroes for creating "King of the Hill," has developed "The Goode Family" just in time. It's en vogue right now to be environmentally conscious, to drive hybrid cars, to feel guilty for eating meat. The Goode family dog is forced by the family to eat a vegetarian diet. It's a great point of humor for the show that the other animals in the neighborhood seem to be disappearing .... the dog needs to get his daily protein requirements somewhere. He's not getting the protein requirements in the household, let's just put it that way.
So you should tune in. It's funny. Though the first episode was a little more jam-packed than I prefer, it's still a great way to put into perspective all the hype over environmentalism.
Now, I'm going to eat a steak!
"The Goode Family" is Judge's way of making fun of environmental do-gooders, those people who feel guilty for using two-ply toilet paper and those people (my favorite) who are convinced that plastic bags are going to destroy the world.
(Plastic bags are not going to destroy the world. I know that disappoints most of you). It's OK. It's a harsh reality, but it's true. And here's another bit of news that will shock most: Organic foods are not any better for humans than regular foods. I have the science behind that one, because I spent my semester studying with a world renowned agricultural economist.
But that's neither here nor there. What is important is that Judge, who is one of my heroes for creating "King of the Hill," has developed "The Goode Family" just in time. It's en vogue right now to be environmentally conscious, to drive hybrid cars, to feel guilty for eating meat. The Goode family dog is forced by the family to eat a vegetarian diet. It's a great point of humor for the show that the other animals in the neighborhood seem to be disappearing .... the dog needs to get his daily protein requirements somewhere. He's not getting the protein requirements in the household, let's just put it that way.
So you should tune in. It's funny. Though the first episode was a little more jam-packed than I prefer, it's still a great way to put into perspective all the hype over environmentalism.
Now, I'm going to eat a steak!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Life's Moments
Tiffany Davis' graduation from college is nothing short of a miracle.
She graduated this past weekend from Five Towns College in Long Island, New York.
But few people know Tiffany's story. The woman pictured with her here is one of my life's heroes, Mae Fulkerson. Mae adopted Tiffany and her brother Shawn when they were toddlers. They were from a very abusive family and they had been very neglected and abused as children.
Congratulations, Tiffany (and Mae, for getting her to this point). We love you. This is your moment to shine.
Back in Action
It's been a long, tiring semester, but the semester ended last week and I finally have a chance to write again! I'm now 21 credit hours into my 32-hour master's program at the University of Oklahoma. But with Baby Olivia on the way, I'll sit out the fall semester!
We're so blessed; after 11 years of marriage and a long time trying, I am halfway through my pregnancy and doing well! We officially hit the halfway mark this week (20 weeks). In the medical world, a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks.
Olivia's ETA is Oct. 5. If she's like her father, she will arrive precisely on her due date. If she's like her mother, she'll sleep in a bit!
Thanks to everyone for their love and support!
We're so blessed; after 11 years of marriage and a long time trying, I am halfway through my pregnancy and doing well! We officially hit the halfway mark this week (20 weeks). In the medical world, a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks.
Olivia's ETA is Oct. 5. If she's like her father, she will arrive precisely on her due date. If she's like her mother, she'll sleep in a bit!
Thanks to everyone for their love and support!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
"But he was so normal ..."
When someone goes on a shooting rampage, guess what becomes the defining action of his or her character?
Was it the fact that he or she brought flowers to little old Mrs. Hickendoopler down the street, once, when he or she was 11 years old?
No.
We are defined by our actions, and certain actions carry larger stigmas. For example, shooting a crapload of people across two counties in Alabama. Or being Chester the Molester.
Sorry, maybe I'm going to Hell for saying this, but Ned Flanders he is not.
So why do people feel the need to insist that this person who shot all these people "was so normal. He was so quiet."
He's not normal. He cannot function as a healthy individual in society.
But for those people who want to make excuses for him, invite him over for tea. See how that works for you.
Was it the fact that he or she brought flowers to little old Mrs. Hickendoopler down the street, once, when he or she was 11 years old?
No.
We are defined by our actions, and certain actions carry larger stigmas. For example, shooting a crapload of people across two counties in Alabama. Or being Chester the Molester.
Sorry, maybe I'm going to Hell for saying this, but Ned Flanders he is not.
So why do people feel the need to insist that this person who shot all these people "was so normal. He was so quiet."
He's not normal. He cannot function as a healthy individual in society.
But for those people who want to make excuses for him, invite him over for tea. See how that works for you.
When Governors Get it Wrong
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/11/stimulus.sanford/
South Carolina's Gov. Sanford has been an outspoken critic of the Obama Administration and its $800 billion stimulus package.
But to compare the United States economic situation with that of Zimbabwe shows a crucial misunderstanding on Sanford's part of economics and history.
He wants to scare people, and it's an ineffective tactic. Perhaps what he needs to do is find someone who can analyze numbers and put it in real terms where Jane and Joe Q. Public will understand the impact of borrowing against the future.
South Carolina's Gov. Sanford has been an outspoken critic of the Obama Administration and its $800 billion stimulus package.
But to compare the United States economic situation with that of Zimbabwe shows a crucial misunderstanding on Sanford's part of economics and history.
He wants to scare people, and it's an ineffective tactic. Perhaps what he needs to do is find someone who can analyze numbers and put it in real terms where Jane and Joe Q. Public will understand the impact of borrowing against the future.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Death of Dailies
In case you haven't heard, you should know that the Rocky Mountain News is scheduled to stop production, issuing its final edition on Friday. The news came fast from one of my colleagues in Ohio that the owner of the Willoughby (Ohio) News Herald and the Lorain (Ohio) Morning Journal has filed for bankruptcy.
I love nothing more than the feel of a newspaper. Sure, I am as much of a web news junkie as anyone in this Internet era, but I still love the feel of a paper and I know that dailies are one of the most critical components of a democratic society.
I wish more people would understand that and do more to help save the dailies.
I love nothing more than the feel of a newspaper. Sure, I am as much of a web news junkie as anyone in this Internet era, but I still love the feel of a paper and I know that dailies are one of the most critical components of a democratic society.
I wish more people would understand that and do more to help save the dailies.
Blame the Sheep
First it was cows, now it's sheep whose gas production is being blamed for global warming.
Check out the story at www.wsj.com
Oye vey.
Check out the story at www.wsj.com
Oye vey.
The First Canine
It's cute and feel-good that the First Family is about to pick out some canine that will keep them company at the White House and fulfill a father's promise to his two daughters.
But I don't care.
What I care about is results. Congress and President Obama are navigating this country during one of the most historically economically important times. Crucial, in fact.
I think it's embarrassing when news media covers the First Dog and get focused (and some of them have, even a little bit here and there on NPR).
I guess on the other hand we have to see that the Obamas are still human and that they possess this soft side.
I get that.
But I don't care.
What I care about is results. Congress and President Obama are navigating this country during one of the most historically economically important times. Crucial, in fact.
I think it's embarrassing when news media covers the First Dog and get focused (and some of them have, even a little bit here and there on NPR).
I guess on the other hand we have to see that the Obamas are still human and that they possess this soft side.
I get that.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Bristol Palin doesn't regret teenage pregnancy
I'm very outspoken (surprise, surprise) when it comes to teen pregnancy. Most people are, right?
I've seen the effects of teenage pregnancy personally in my life, including but not limited to my sister's experience. She has five children that she started having when she was 14.
She has struggled and so have her children. I have seen family friends who have had to give children up for adoption.
Bristol Palin can go on national news and speak out about how she doesn't regret teenage pregnancy, but she can also say that with the benefit of a very supportive (and famous) family who will help her raise the child.
Unfortunately, most teenage mothers are not in that situation and should not look to Bristol Palin as a role model.
Also, Bristol Palin can say now that she has no regrets, when her child is roughly four months' old. Get past the diaper stage, get into those very difficult trials and tribulations of child-rearing where a parent's emotional maturity is the best support a child can have. Then we'll see if you have any regrets.
Child-rearing isn't about having a cute baby, a real-life doll that is fun to dress up. Child-rearing is about sacrifice and helping a human being that you created navigate the tricky waters of life.
Bueno suerte.
I've seen the effects of teenage pregnancy personally in my life, including but not limited to my sister's experience. She has five children that she started having when she was 14.
She has struggled and so have her children. I have seen family friends who have had to give children up for adoption.
Bristol Palin can go on national news and speak out about how she doesn't regret teenage pregnancy, but she can also say that with the benefit of a very supportive (and famous) family who will help her raise the child.
Unfortunately, most teenage mothers are not in that situation and should not look to Bristol Palin as a role model.
Also, Bristol Palin can say now that she has no regrets, when her child is roughly four months' old. Get past the diaper stage, get into those very difficult trials and tribulations of child-rearing where a parent's emotional maturity is the best support a child can have. Then we'll see if you have any regrets.
Child-rearing isn't about having a cute baby, a real-life doll that is fun to dress up. Child-rearing is about sacrifice and helping a human being that you created navigate the tricky waters of life.
Bueno suerte.
Mom's Birthday
Today is my mother's birthday, and this is a special tribute to her. We love and miss you, Mom.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Edmond Tornado
http://www.koco.com/video/18684132/index.html
Here is a video of the F2 tornado that came through Edmond.
Edmond, where we live, is a Northeastern suburb of Oklahoma City.
Here in Tornado Alley, we really don't get worked up about the storms. We don't get panicked. I think that's primarily because the people who report the weather are very good at what they do (I know that seems counter to what we know about the weather reporters, but it's true here); I work on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman which houses one of the premier storm prediction centers in the world. They can tell exactly where a tornado is going to hit in terms of the street corner and if you really wanted it, I'm sure they can provide an address where the tornado will pay its first visit.
It's cool. Really.
Here is a video of the F2 tornado that came through Edmond.
Edmond, where we live, is a Northeastern suburb of Oklahoma City.
Here in Tornado Alley, we really don't get worked up about the storms. We don't get panicked. I think that's primarily because the people who report the weather are very good at what they do (I know that seems counter to what we know about the weather reporters, but it's true here); I work on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman which houses one of the premier storm prediction centers in the world. They can tell exactly where a tornado is going to hit in terms of the street corner and if you really wanted it, I'm sure they can provide an address where the tornado will pay its first visit.
It's cool. Really.
Tornadoes In Edmond
It's true, we did have tornadoes in Edmond on Tuesday. It's very strange for February, indeed, and one tornado in particular was an F2. It hit Northern Edmond; we live in south Edmond. Our house and property were fine; I stayed in Norman and waited it out. Dante was at work in Oklahoma City.
We're still having storms now as I write this; let's hope no more tornadoes form!
We're still having storms now as I write this; let's hope no more tornadoes form!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
As a Person Thinketh
I am a fan of Robert Reich.
I am a fan of George Will.
I am a fan of Peggy Noonan.
I don't necessarily agree with everything each person listed above says, but I admire each person's ability to think. And I especially admire each person's ability to challenge my thought process and force me to think on a different level.
This is an important distinction as I present one of the better Reich pieces, which was published on Salon.com http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2009/02/03/after_the_stimulus/index.html
Reich very astutely identifies and discusses the difference between structuralists and cyclists when it comes to the United States economy (or any economy, for that matter). And this supports my argument all along that no single United States president can make or break an economy.
All of you partisans out there, calm down. It's true. There is too much built into the making of an economy. Politicians will argue to advance their own positions, but Reich contends that the underlying fundamentals of the United States economy are what has put it in its current position.
And it goes back to the 1970s.
Read that again. It goes back to the 1970s.
I can't stand it when people try to blame one administration, so I was especially happy to see an economist I really respect put it in writing. Things do not happen in a vacuum.
Reich says, "...median U.S. incomes began to stall. Because wages got hit then by the double-whammy of global competition and new technologies, the typical American family was able to maintain its living standard only if women went into the workforce in larger numbers, and later, only if everyone worked longer hours. When even these coping mechanisms were exhausted, families went into debt -- a strategy that was viable as long as home values continued to rise."
Read Reich's piece. It's very well done.
I am a fan of George Will.
I am a fan of Peggy Noonan.
I don't necessarily agree with everything each person listed above says, but I admire each person's ability to think. And I especially admire each person's ability to challenge my thought process and force me to think on a different level.
This is an important distinction as I present one of the better Reich pieces, which was published on Salon.com http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2009/02/03/after_the_stimulus/index.html
Reich very astutely identifies and discusses the difference between structuralists and cyclists when it comes to the United States economy (or any economy, for that matter). And this supports my argument all along that no single United States president can make or break an economy.
All of you partisans out there, calm down. It's true. There is too much built into the making of an economy. Politicians will argue to advance their own positions, but Reich contends that the underlying fundamentals of the United States economy are what has put it in its current position.
And it goes back to the 1970s.
Read that again. It goes back to the 1970s.
I can't stand it when people try to blame one administration, so I was especially happy to see an economist I really respect put it in writing. Things do not happen in a vacuum.
Reich says, "...median U.S. incomes began to stall. Because wages got hit then by the double-whammy of global competition and new technologies, the typical American family was able to maintain its living standard only if women went into the workforce in larger numbers, and later, only if everyone worked longer hours. When even these coping mechanisms were exhausted, families went into debt -- a strategy that was viable as long as home values continued to rise."
Read Reich's piece. It's very well done.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Horror
So Dante has been waiting for 11 years to take me to an AC/DC concert ... we scored tickets to the Jan. 26 Tulsa concert way back in November .... they weren't cheap, and we both had to agree to withstand extreme grogginess at work and school the next morning, Jan. 27, because neither of us could get out of our adult obligations after one night of rockin' and rollin' and listening to that money talk ...
It's a sacrifice we were more than willing to make. Tulsa (for those of you who may not be familiar with Oklahoma geography) is roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes Northeast of Oklahoma City.
During the day on Monday, Jan. 26, we got hit with an ice storm that has shut down the state.
I am not kidding.
We couldn't drive to Tulsa if we wanted to.
Now, we're drinking and listening to AC/DC tunes on our IPOD stereo ... Listen to that money walk ...
It's a sacrifice we were more than willing to make. Tulsa (for those of you who may not be familiar with Oklahoma geography) is roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes Northeast of Oklahoma City.
During the day on Monday, Jan. 26, we got hit with an ice storm that has shut down the state.
I am not kidding.
We couldn't drive to Tulsa if we wanted to.
Now, we're drinking and listening to AC/DC tunes on our IPOD stereo ... Listen to that money walk ...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Me and Math: The Semester Starts
The first time I sat for the practice GMAT, I did so horrible on math that the woman didn't want to give me my grade.
So she started with the "sandwich" approach, "Well, you did really well in the algebraic section."
Of course I did well in algebra. In involves letters. I GET letters. Letters make sense to me.
So I worked with a tutor, who I call Little Ananya. Ananya was about 19 years old and from Bangledesh. She was a genius at teaching math. It confounded her that I would get all the math correct when it came to business.
I view it this way: If I get it wrong, I lose money. And I don't want to lose money.
When I would get very basic things wrong, I would get scolded in Little Ananya fashion. (Insert Indian accent here): "Oh, Angie. You did not do well. You should not be getting that wrong. Rules are rules. They never change."
Apparently, I wanted to be creative with my letters and that doesn't work in math.
So here I sit, like Adam Sandler in "Billy Madison," among babes in order to make sure my calculus foundation is sound.
If it involves letters, I'll be fine ...
So she started with the "sandwich" approach, "Well, you did really well in the algebraic section."
Of course I did well in algebra. In involves letters. I GET letters. Letters make sense to me.
So I worked with a tutor, who I call Little Ananya. Ananya was about 19 years old and from Bangledesh. She was a genius at teaching math. It confounded her that I would get all the math correct when it came to business.
I view it this way: If I get it wrong, I lose money. And I don't want to lose money.
When I would get very basic things wrong, I would get scolded in Little Ananya fashion. (Insert Indian accent here): "Oh, Angie. You did not do well. You should not be getting that wrong. Rules are rules. They never change."
Apparently, I wanted to be creative with my letters and that doesn't work in math.
So here I sit, like Adam Sandler in "Billy Madison," among babes in order to make sure my calculus foundation is sound.
If it involves letters, I'll be fine ...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Happy Inauguration Day!
Is there much more to say?
Not really ... this is a purely wonderful moment in our history.
Not really ... this is a purely wonderful moment in our history.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A Church Fondling Scandal
Every time I see a scandal involving a church, I am going to keep track of it in Blogland for the 2009 year.
At the end of the year, I can go back and count up how many scandals I track.
This is the official first one.
http://www.newsok.com/weleetka-pastor-arrested-charged-with-committing-lewd-acts-against-girls/article/3338141?custom_click=headlines_widget
At the end of the year, I can go back and count up how many scandals I track.
This is the official first one.
http://www.newsok.com/weleetka-pastor-arrested-charged-with-committing-lewd-acts-against-girls/article/3338141?custom_click=headlines_widget
It's Not Us
I thought I'd get out in front of this.
An Oklahoma City couple won the Powerball. It's true.
http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-couple-claims-powerball-prize/article/3338140?custom_click=headlines_widget
But it wasn't me and Dante, so I just thought I'd get out in front of any rumors. :-)
An Oklahoma City couple won the Powerball. It's true.
http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-couple-claims-powerball-prize/article/3338140?custom_click=headlines_widget
But it wasn't me and Dante, so I just thought I'd get out in front of any rumors. :-)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Disease and Economics
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123185705470077275.html
If you've been following the crumbling situation in Zimbabwe, this is the most recent story about the government issuing a $50 billion note, which is essentially equivalent to $1 U.S.
If you haven't been following the situation in Zimbabwe, it has been in a horrible state of disarray especially over the last few months.
Its cholera epidemic now has killed nearly 2,000 people since October.
The cholera epidemic is a manifestation of its crumbling economic system.
If you've been following the crumbling situation in Zimbabwe, this is the most recent story about the government issuing a $50 billion note, which is essentially equivalent to $1 U.S.
If you haven't been following the situation in Zimbabwe, it has been in a horrible state of disarray especially over the last few months.
Its cholera epidemic now has killed nearly 2,000 people since October.
The cholera epidemic is a manifestation of its crumbling economic system.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Gizmo is Home
After one surgery, four days in the Kitty Hospital, and 12 nights at the veterinarian's, Gizmo the Cat is home.
I have received plenty of advice from well-meaning friends about how to avoid hairballs in the future. This wasn't a normal hairball, by any veterinarian's measure (including my brother in law). This was the size of a woman's fist and it was well-lodged in her intestines, and I need to be very clear that Gizmo has a different kitty system which doesn't handle hair the way "normal" kitty systems should. Other long-haired cats typically throw up hairballs; Gizmo does not. For whatever reason, the hair stays in her system. Also, Gizmo has developed allergic skin disease, which causes her to pull out her hair and she swallows that hair, too, and she is unable to rid her system of that extra hair.
Needless to say, we have a lot of pet bills ahead of us. Thanks for your thoughts and love.
I have received plenty of advice from well-meaning friends about how to avoid hairballs in the future. This wasn't a normal hairball, by any veterinarian's measure (including my brother in law). This was the size of a woman's fist and it was well-lodged in her intestines, and I need to be very clear that Gizmo has a different kitty system which doesn't handle hair the way "normal" kitty systems should. Other long-haired cats typically throw up hairballs; Gizmo does not. For whatever reason, the hair stays in her system. Also, Gizmo has developed allergic skin disease, which causes her to pull out her hair and she swallows that hair, too, and she is unable to rid her system of that extra hair.
Needless to say, we have a lot of pet bills ahead of us. Thanks for your thoughts and love.
Happy New Year!
I never make New Year's resolutions. I just don't believe that they're practical, as human psychology goes. But as you start your New Year, if there is some way that you want to improve yourself, go for it. Let me know how it goes!
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