Jun
30
The nail biting is over. The Academy remains intact (as it is) for next year. The school board approved the budget and although relieved, we’re a bit worried about how this is going to play out next year.
Let me pull out my handy soapbox.
Public education is in such desperate need of overhaul. Nothing will convince you more of this than attending some of your school district board meetings. Elected officials are like the USA network. You know, “Characters Welcome.” Take popcorn for the show, it’ll be that much more enjoyable. For an extra challenge, try to count how many different types of “math” are being utilized.
I appreciate that they’ve got a hard job to do, I’m also a bit concerned with how out of touch they are with the children they serve. Even if you live in a affluent area, I would suggest checking out your school district meetings and the decisions going on there. It’s frightening.
I’m happy for my kids, but this is bittersweet. What they did to save the budget was dig into the pockets of the teachers. They agreed to a pay freeze, no raises for anybody. They got rid of positions – Assistant Principals and Special Ed were hit the hardest. Not to mention the hundreds of teachers that have been furloughed. Our teachers get crap pay to begin with and they do so much for our kids. We are never going to turn this around if we continue to view our educators as disposable people.
So that’s the official news friends. Talk about anti-climatic, eh? Pretend you care. We’ve got five weeks to get over it and squander our summer away.
Don’t worry, I’m good at squandering.
Jun
29
Lego Maniac is gone for Rumspringa Part Deux? He’ll be busy with golf camp, regular camp, swim lessons, art camp, and golf cart joy riding. I don’t want to know about anything else.
My mom runs her house like kid Vegas. It’s best not to ask.
Chickens like yogurt? Love the stuff. MB sent me a link to a list of treats for backyard chickens and I was surprised by this the most. So I had to try it out.
It’s true – you need to stand back because they fling it all over the place.
I was jealous of the backyard lady’s coop. And her fluffy big red hens.
I’m taking pictures of chickens these days. Chickens eating yogurt.
Life is sometimes not what you planned.
Jun
28
My children cannot survive without me. Or a willing grown up within arm’s reach. This I know. And I’m not happy about it.
“But what do you mean?” you say.
I mean, if left to their own devices, they would not survive. I’ve got no slumdog millionaires here. They wouldn’t be able to get out of the house. They would be trapped. There’s the whole front door to deal with.
Just a door, you say? Well yea, it is a door until you have to carry stuff in your hands and then you run into The Door Situation. If you’ve got something in your hands (and my kids always think you must take five things with you wherever you may be going) how could you possibly open the door? Just how can you do that? Naturally you must look around in panic and confusion. (Unless of course there’s a maniacal stranger that knocks on the door, then you can get it open without a hitch……)
Okay, but you’re feeling hopeful because you remember that there’s food in our house, so they’d be good for a few days. Maybe? Remember that toddler that survived on pasta and ketchup? That kid would win Survivor. My kids would starve. Granola bar wrappers= Fort Knox. [click to continue…]
Jun
27
I’ve sworn off birthday parties at my house.
We made the crucial decision of venue for Maxine’s upcoming celebration: The Children’s Museum. They provide the space, the food, the activities, and crazy control. (Fingers crossed that they slip Valium into the parent’s drinks.)
That means all I gotta do is invite people and bring a cake. No, not a cake. Maxine wants cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes. She actually wants me to recreate the cupcake heart from 2 birthdays ago:
Pretty simple. Just need some good food coloring and the deepest, darkest, moistest chocolatey cupcake recipe. Cupcakes are really hard to get just right. Which means for the next few weeks, I will be baking up a storm, the purist in me driving the search for the perfect recipe. If you’ve got one, I want to hear about it.
It’s gonna be hard. You might want to steer clear of this part of town. All of that butter, cocoa, and creamy frosting. All of that tasting. Over and over again. It’s hard, but I’m not one to quit on such an important challenge. Bring it.
Jun
23
Celebrity Lawyers’r'us
Los Angeles, CA
CEASE AND DESIST
Adam Levine has contacted a law enforcement agency and has been instructed to put Angry Baker on notice as to the following:
Angry Baker, is hereby put on notice that Angry Baker’s course of conduct toward Adam Levine is causing Adam Levine to suffer severe emotional distress and fear of bodily harm. Angry Baker is hereby put on notice that if Angry Baker continues to watch, follow or communicate with Adam Levine, directly or indirectly, it may be considered stalking. charges may be filed under the Criminal Code §76-4-103.5; “Crime of Stalking“.
Signed: signature of really attractive front man
This is the 22 nd day of June, 20 11.
A definition of Criminal Code §76-4-103.5 and a note from Lawyers’r'us are enclosed. [click to continue…]
Jun
22
Move over Jude Law. You’ve been replaced by a newer model.
I love you ADAM! (just ask MB)
Jun
21
Allow me these last few thoughts.
I’ve so enjoyed writing about the trip and looking at my pictures. Sort of a double-your-fun kind of deal. I also really enjoyed making sweeping generalizations about the places and people we saw. (Just give me 20 hours in a brand new place and I’ll have it all figured out for you.) We barely scratched the surface of either place, but I have to say I’m partial to Amsterdam. The first night we were there some guy offered us cocaine (I suppose it just means I look like I’m ready to party – strangely this is endearing to me). Reputations aside, I just felt so at home there.
It did nothing but increase our desire to live internationally. tick tock.
Back to life.
Back to waiting for the school board to actually make a decision (supposedly that’s tonight if you all want to hang with me at the admin building). Back to swim lessons, lazy mornings, and chicken duty. Back to exercising. Blah. I’m so hating it right now. Make it stop. 
Here’s something fun from our real life: LegoManiac submitted a lego creation (along with a friend) to a local toy shop. If any of you are in Squirrel Hill, you should check out the contenders. Lots of cool stuff to look at. Submissions are open til June 26th and then you can vote.
Vote for LegoManiac! His creation has his name, but it’s in the lower right hand side of the display. And what’s a trip to the toy store without a trip to Rita’s? Go and be summery with your fine family. You deserve it.
Jun
20
Really, I’m going to keep going.
06-10-11/Friday: The plan is to get as much done today so we can take it easy tomorrow (maybe even do something crazy like sleep in).
1) La Tour Eiffel – slightly crowded, overcast and a bit rainy, and I consume the worst hot chocolate of my life at the snack shop. Blech. Thank goodness for the muffin with the nutella center. Hiking up the stairs proves I’m in better shape than MB. I try not to gloat, but don’t succeed. We rip off the other tourists’ ideas and start our “holding the Eiffel tower” pictures series. Much harder than we thought, even with our fancy college educations.
2) Musée d’Orsay – longish line, and hunger strikes. We wait in line at the restaurant (recommended by our guide book) and I have the BEST salmon of my life. Other-worldly experience. I meditate and praise God. The meal is also one of the most reasonably priced of the entire trip. The museum itself is gorgeous – didn’t know it was an old train station. Monet is nice in person, but I’m most impressed by Renoir. Ah, who am I kidding? I’m a sucker for all of the impressionists, pre, post, whatever. I can’t help but think of Olivia the pig when I see the Degas ballerinas. I am terrified/fascinated by William Bouguereau’s Dante and Virgil. Can’t look away, but don’t want to see anymore. Someone cover my eyes! Then I stand mesmerized by Equality before Death. The canvases are enormous – an entire wall. Unfortunately, we learn that Starry Night is on loan to Italy. Stupid Italians. Didn’t they know I was coming? We wander throughout the museum and it becomes clear that I’m obsessed with the lack of security enforcement. “everyone’s just taking pictures! Look Mb, I could just touch this, just reach out and touch it and nobody could stop me!” Perhaps I have poor impulse control. Moving on. [click to continue…]
Jun
19
I just want you all to see what I’m working with here. Mb looking fly in his outfit inspired by his love for all things Duluth (though he was not thrilled about being featured today). Dutch found her winter down coat and inisited on wearing it. She kept yelling, “I cold! I cold!” Yea, it’s 80º out. I finally convinced her to ditch the jacket when we got to church. I think she was sweating even with the air conditioning on in the car. And I’ve saved the most incomprehensible best for last.
Let’s talk about Maxine’s outfit today. Everybody go ahead and take a good look. Click on it to make it bigger and don’t forget that you only see half of her accessories. She had like 25 bracelets and necklaces on. Plus all of the ribbons from the hat and headband. Those of you who saw her today, smiled a bit too brightly in my direction. What most of you don’t know is that this is an improvement from what we started with – this is two negotiations later. The first getup involved a layered leotard, a tutu, and a plaid shirt. How do you like that pose she’s working? I had nothing to do with that, and frankly, it scares me. One thing is clear, Fancy Nancy has destroyed any sense of fashion my child once possessed.
Happy Father’s Day to all of you dads out there. You guys make the world a great place to be. I’m so thankful my kids have such great men to help them through life.
Jun
18
Hello? Yea, it’s Saturday. I know it’s just you out there mom.
I spent last night editing pictures and creating albums for the gallery. But I have to post this one here. It might be my favorite.
This will forever be known as the Eiffel Tower Boob Swipe. Just where do you think my waist is MB? I’m not sure if that’s ‘boobs’ or ‘sorry,’ but either way, it cracks me up.
