What's the Motivation?

Motivation. Drive. Incentive. Impulse. Inspiration. Predetermination. Ambition. I find myself motivated to do particular things for varieties of reasons. Depending on the task at hand will determine where I'm gettin' my spark. I am a bit goal-oriented. Why did I decided this weekend to finally wash those windows that had been bothering me all winter long? What will it take to motivate me to paint the bathroom upstairs? What is it about cutting down trees and splitting logs and stacking wood that motivates the male species (as well as those masculine traits inside of me) to get the job done? (well... we're still stacking, but it should be finished in a day or two). What catalyst motivates a person to do a thing? What motivates you? (Let's leave money out of this).

I've been thinking (due to some of those thinking blogs, I suppose) and wondering: what's my impetus to daily write for KOOL DAZE... and why do I lack any appetite to play and sing lately? I know that I have an appetite for blogging based on the fact that I have readers... and community here. Writing and posting other various "things" has presently become my main avenue for self-expression. I've always been a journal writer, but journaling was solely for myself. I wouldn't want anyone to read those!! Actually, they should probably all be burned, even though I'm sure there are lines of brilliance written there (hee). No. I truly want people to read my blog. If no one were reading it, I probably wouldn't feel so compelled to write. I don't believe that self-expression is meant soley for one's self. Do you?

My blog topics and posts are inspired by many things; other bloggers' creativity, a well-liked photograph, family antics that deserve retelling, a funny email I want to share, the sense of humor in it all--all meaning life! And yes, you, my beloved commenters, provide great intiative for me. If I had no comments, I may lose interest as well. I love having the interaction and feedback from others, (which has always been the case with me). I don't need to have a multitude of comments. I never mind if someone chooses not to comment. One doesn't have to comment on every post to make me feel secure. If s/he has nothing to say, then maybe the next person will. But I do enjoy comments for the sake of interaction.

One friend asked the question on her blog why people write so often here in bloggerworld, and why they disclose such personal information for all to read? Strangers even? What was the purpose of it? And wouldn't we rather meet with a friend face to face? There were some good questions. It made me think about how I would answer (although I haven't left a comment).

One thing I considered was that I like to write because for me, writing is a form of art--like putting paint on a canvas or framing a scene in a camera lens. The piece that's created with words can be looked at, examined, considered, disguarded [insert knife and turn]. It has the ability to provoke thoughts and feelings in a way that isn't dissimilar to music or a dance, which is different than a conversation over coffee. But that's just me. Not all bloggers view things this way.

Also, I thought about the fact that people write personal stuff in books and in articles all the time for stangers to read, and that seems to be ok. What's the big deal about writing things here? I'll tell you what, if I ever decide to write a book or have a column in some newspaper or magazine, I will miss the immediate response I usually get after posting something on KOOL DAZE. I like the feedback. I like to see how I, as a person, have in some way stimulated a response in another. I'll post something and in a matter of minutes (or hours) someone has popped over and left a comment. I'm not looking for it to build my ego; I rather like the interaction. I'm a people person, ya know?! Maybe its that age-old desire to be a world changer. Ok... well, maybe its more like that desire to leave a mark on the lives of those around me... or... more simply the desire to make an impression? on someone... someday. HAHAH (Age and experience has certainly affected my dreams)!

Sadly though, I don't have an outlet for my music right now. It's been the main avenue for my self-expression for close to FOUR freakin' decades! I'm not so sure I've ever really had a musical outlet that fit me best. I don't know what that outlet would even look like. All those years and years and years of practicing... What motivated me to do that? From age three all the way through college--music degree in hand...?

I find a correlation between blogging and my music. Neither things are done just for my own utter delight. Even though, the past 20 years of playing and singing was all either preparation for or playing in a service that week, where I totally enjoyed getting the music team prepared, the music was communal and interactive (which is where I make the link to blogging). It's the connection with others that makes it fulfilling for me, in both cases. The music daze were loads of fun--especially with the great harmonies we had going in our little group. Ahhhh yesssss! I miss that. Fulfillment and joy wasn't found in the performing or the recognition, for me it was in the connection with others. Performing was never really what moved me to work on a piece. I really just wanted to master it to the point where I could make it mine, show who I was through the music, tell my own story and see if anyone understood. I also didn't play just for the sheer enjoyment of playing--although, that's basically what my classical music has become for me now; something only for me! NO ONE NEARBY HAS MUCH APPRECIATION FOR MY CLASSICAL CHOPS!!! NO ONE EVEN CARES!!! Pisses me off!

Anyway... here's a little secret: When I sit down to play, in the back of my mind there's this notion--I want my kids and their friends to be impressed when they hear Chopin or Beethoven or Mozart. I mean, come on!! THEY SHOULD BE BLOWN AWAY!!! but, rather then causing them to be amazed or in awe, they just turn up their own damn music to drowned me out. Oh, they were impressed for a brief bit of time years ago... but now? Not so much! It's old! They've heard it all before... losers!

I do need a musical outlet soon!

Limited Edition

Mattel has released a new line of Barbies just for the Long Island consumer, (information is being submitted courtesy of Dollygerms). This line is a limited edition. I'm sure there has been a run on the market here on Long Island already.

Jericho BARBIE

This princess Barbie is sold only at Roosevelt Fields Mall. She comes with an assortment of Louis Vuitton handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a cookie-cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version.

Nesconset BARBIE

The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Windstar Minivan and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.

Wyandanch BARBIE

This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a Meth Lab Kit. This model is only available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills) unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.

Old Westbury BARBIE

This yuppie Bar comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them.

Shirley BARBIE

This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR t-shirt and tweety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bud light and a Hank Williams Jr. CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she is drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free. We don't know where Ken is because he's always out a-'huntin' with Shirley Ken.

Syosset BARBIE

This collagen injected, rhino plastic Barbie wears a leopard print outfit and drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining friends. Percocet prescription available.

Hicksville BARBIE

This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of the house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter-top.Let's not forget the ass tatoo and thong. Also available with a mobile home.

Great Neck BARBIE

This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her Willow. She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two Great Neck Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.

Farmingdale BARBIE

This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass. Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant.

It's My 250th Post!

BIG WHOOP!

It's Saturday.... I don't have much to say. It seems like less people are around blogger world on the weekends. I will ask this one question that's been on my mind. I have "sitemeter" which counts the hits on my blog. Gives me all kinds of interesting information. I KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU LIVE!!! (jk) So my question is, does anyone know what the difference is between a page view and a page visit? And is there anyone else out there that thinks the sitemeter count is just a BIG HOAX?? I mean, come on!!! There is no way that I have THAT many hits, is there? Anyway, thanks to everyone who comes over to visit... or view... or whatever it is. And a special thanks for those who visit/view my site over and over and over again--like 50 times a day. You've really boosted my ego with the hit counts. I feel as though I must be incredibly captivating! (HEE).

Would anyone like to help me celebrate by sending a nice congratulatory gift basket?

Aren't There Nicer Things to Say?

[Please be advised: I'm NOT looking for advice in the comment section]

You know the old saying: If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all! Well, I'm going to break that rule today in my little rant against teenagers. Ok, ok, I won't exactly rant AGAINST them, but I will give my opinion for today. The majority of them are just asinine, senseless, hair-brained, short-sighted, unreasonable, selfish, half-baked, feeble-minded, cockamamie, punk kids!! There! I said it! Said it like it is!! Now what?

Oh, you want some examples? Here's a fresh one from this very morning, as my rebellious, almost-16-year-old continues to sleep on in his bed rather than get up for school. Yea! No, he deserves a MEDAL--if you ask him. Keep in mind, this is a mild example.

You see, yesterday he had a field trip with his class, where they had to be up at the school by 7 AM to catch the bus to some ritzy hotel about 60 minutes away. It was for some bogus health conference--which, in Luke's opinion was a joke. I thought he was going to skip the whole thing, because he didn't mention it the night before i.e. like asking to be woken up early to catch a ride to school. Anyway, I woke up with a jolt around 7 AM and wondered if Luke had missed the whole thing. NOPE! He got up on his own and rode his skateboard to school all in time for the trip. AMAZING!!! Teenagers can be so surprising; unpredictable.

Here's the catch: By the evening, after a late dinner (because of the girls' softball game), we were reading with the younger kids and helping them finish up homework so they could get to bed. Both Terry and I had reminded Luke about 12 separate times that it was his night for the dishes. He avoided, and avoided... and avoided. Nothing new there. The dishes sat in the sink, just waiting to be put into the dishwasher. Luke decided he was hungry again by about 9:30. The dishes were still waiting. I reminded him to get busy, because it was getting late. He made jokes. He said he was too tired. He made up reasons why he couldn't do them. But by 10:50 he finally dragged himself into the kitchen to take care of business. I went to bed.

This morning, however, as I tried to wake him, the normal (numerous) amount of times. He complained that he was too tired. When I raised my tone of voice *horrors, I know* he raised his right back and said in a very angry and rude tone that because he HAD TO GET UP AT 6:15 yesterday morning and then... THEN... he had to do the dishes at 11:30 at night HE'S TOO TIRED!!!! Get a load of THAT steamin' pile a bull puckey!!! He could have done the dishes by 8:30 last night and gone right to bed early. Cockamamie punk kid!

So here he is--already grounded for a seperate load of crap this past weekend (both boys are!)--and he's still lying in bed, completely disobeying MY ORDERS!!! Meanwhile, his fresh, ridiculous attitude continues, as if nothing we give as punishment can stop him from doing whatever the hell he wants. (Ok now I'm getting angry--deep breath, Karen. Deep breeeaaath! In.... now blow it oooouuuuuttt--ooookaaaaayyy. Better!)

Anyway, not to make things sound sooo horrible, because it's only partly miserable, we have a fairly good relationship with the boys. Maybe it could be better, but its not bad. The fact of the matter is, they are teenagers! They are out of their minds for the next few years. What can be done? I was certainly out of my mind at that age!! OH I WAS!! I know it doesn't have to be this way. Some teens are the most beautiful, wonderful, delightful, polite, God-seeking, well-behaved creatures. I'm sure some of you will be the proud owners of this rare treat! I plan to own four of these kinds of teens--with all four of my girls!!! But honestly parents, we cannot control this. We can't! If God doesn't control us and force us to choose the path that He wants for us, how can we think we can control the path our kids choose to take? This parenting thing... it's difficult. It's excruciating. It SUCKS!! Now I kind of understand what God goes through with US, and yet His dealings with our rebellion are on a mind-boggling scale; unfathomable. Well... He is God! I'm certainly NOT! He won't control us, he waits for our consent.

Back when I had a bunch of toddlers running around, I thought parenting was the greatest challenge of my life. But now... I think maybe I liked parenting a whole lot better when they were little. I could actually enforce my will... at least to the point of making them go to their room or something. Bribery worked better then. They trusted and admired me when they were little--before they found out how flawed I really was or discovered how GREAT they were.

My main goal at this point is to provide a stable, loving, home environment, and to be available to listen and even give advice when they are open to reason (for those couple of minutes). I want to try not to always be annoyed and angry at their actions. The fact is, they are going to be stupid right now. They can't help it. I should just accept that and bear with their hare-brained notions, knowing that the storm clouds of immaturity will pass.

And lastly, a quote that has been with me for years because I received it on a coffee mug as a sympathy gift:

Word for the Day

Loosen up and have a little fun!

Photograph by none other: www.Mitchelstoutphotography.com

Messed with by ME!

What Kind of Phone Talker Are You?

Are you the type who chooses to answer the phone just because it's ringing, and when you discover that it's a telemarketer you pass it along to the unsuspecting spouse?

Are you the type who answers your cell phone no matter where you are--and when it's noisy on your own end, you talk EXTRA LOUD??

Are you the moody type who picks and chooses if and when you feel like answering the phone to talk? You actually couldn't care less that the person calling, knows for a fact that you are home.

Are you the type who can talk on the phone while vacuuming, dusting, writing a thoughtful blog post, changing a diaper, chatting on AIM with three other people, and slipping into use the toilet when the urge hits? And are you on drugs?

Well, I have gone through all kinds of seasons with my phone habits. I used to even own a headset for my house phone, because I talked on it just about 24/7. (That was an unhealthy habit). Actually, I pretty much avoid the phone now. I love my friends and I try to keep in touch, but I definitely enjoy instant messaging and texting and emailing better. I think I prefer the written word. With the phone... I am moody. Sometimes life is too hectic to get into a conversation. I hate when I get cut off in the middle of a conversation. I understand it, but I HATE IT!! I'd rather not have started the chat at all than to be cut off. I try not to cut off the one I am talking, which usually means that my other responsibilities are being neglected.

I am a multitasker, but not when it comes to talking on the phone. I have to find a quiet place, so that I can really pay attention. There are daze when this is EXACTLY what I feel like doing. I'll go sit on the stairway, or lay down on my bed to soak up and enjoy the conversation. Other times, taking a phone break completely interrupts my harried schedule. I will make the effort to chat for a second, but I have to limit a "hello" and "let me call you back." And quite honestly, especially in the spring (my busiest and moodiest allergy-ridden time of year), I tend not to answer altogether. Firstly, I don't want to complain or explain my low energy level. Secondly, I'm most likely involved in a project in which I have limited time to complete (or I might be writing something for my blog *wink wink*). And thirdly, I'm probably overwelmed with my own personal junk and feel like no one has the time or patience to listen to me, just as I feel that I don't have it at the moment. (Where does that cycle end)?

I know people who get really put out when they have to leave a message on the machine. They usually are the same people who expect an immediate return phone call. I'm not so good at immediate return calls, but the ones who have unrealistic expectations placed on me, I avoid calling back for a few days. Well, if I'm gonna get chewed out anyway...

If I had this little pink feature to carry around in my back pocket, I may just answer my cell phone more often!! So tell me, what kind of phone talker are you?

Kool Tells All...

I'm going to bare a few more secrets today. I hope you are as excited as I am! We've been having some interesting... uhm... PARENTING ISSUES lately. It kinda makes one feel as though one has lost total control, which of course, one never even had in the first place. After a long semi-civil discussion with Luke and more attempts to have civil discussions with Nate (all attempts fell succomb to outbursts of complaints and blame shifting), I've come to find the true source of the rebellion! WE'VE BEEN STARVING OUR BOYS!!!

I guess it's true. It all came out clearly, after the amazingly laborious weekend, cutting down all those trees out back. You see, Terry is, as I've mentioned before, the best husband one could ever obtain. Somehow I got him--who knew? Every weekend-- during his two daze off--he has a long list of household errands to do. One of them is the grocery shopping. I hope and pray he NEVER wants to permanently pass that chore back to me. I SOOOO HATE IT!! But this past weekend, there was no time to grocery shop, although he did go online to make the list. He's a good man--a brilliant man! Every week he checks the store circular and makes a list based on what we need and what the sale items are. Terry's the master saver with groceries. Otherwise we wouldn't be getting a pool--EVER. The food bill would be too high. Anyway, the regular weekly items were running low and the boys were complaining!!!

Truth is... they buy a lot of their own food because they work and have money in their pocket and are completely SPOILED!!! But seperately, they got in a little bit of trouble i.e. sneaking out after we've gone to bed, etc. You know the drill (or at least you've heard the horror stories along the way). So when they were each "called onto the carpet" and were told they'd be grounded for such and such amount of time, suddenly it was revealed. "It's boring here! And there's NO FOOD!" Ok, can I just say ROFLMAO!! Those boys are so hilarious!

So, yesterday was Monday, right? I accepted the grocery duty for THIS ONE WEEK seeing as the list was all made and Terry wouldn't have time. Before going shopping, I got all domestic-like and fixed a stew in the crockpot and started making a Creme Brulee Cheesecake (which will be tasted and hopefully eaten tonight). While I was shopping and dinner was cooking, Nate was so starving that he got his 11 year old sister to go in halfzies with him on a large pizza and bottle of soda. I arrived home with the groceries as the pizza guy was delivering. Nate's comment: I was starving! I haven't eaten in like two days!!! You'd think he would have noticed the aroma of stew wafting through the room, but he failed to notice the crockpot or stew. Couldn't wait another 20 minutes to sit down and eat together. And there was certainly NOTHING to eat in the house. Even before getting the groceries yesterday, I am completely confident that our cupboards, two friges and extra freezer would feed our whole family for at least 3 months if we were forced! I'm sure of it.

You tell me... I took pictures of my frig. It's a little incriminating in regards to letting things go a bit--no I didn't tidy up before taking the pictures. This is in the unorganized, uncleaned condition--and displays how incredibly ridiculous Americans are!! So sorry about all of that.

And for today's secret:

I think you can click on the pic for a closer look.

Allergy Season

Just when I'm about to make the commitment to myself (AGAIN) of getting outside on the trails for daily power walks... TREE POLLEN HITS! It begins right around the third or fourth week in April. My eyes start getting all itchy. That gets worse and worse until I want to scratch my eyes out of my head. Next, my throat will start itching... and then the inside of my ears--deep inside, where there's no possible relief. And then, sneezing! It is miserable!!! MISERABLE, I SAY!!!

In a few daze I will have to keep all the windows closed for the morning and evenings. In a few weeks, I'll want to stay indoors as much as possible, but won't be able to. It'll be full-scale game-time with Little League, where I'll be torturing my body for the sheer "joy" of watching my girls play softball.

The weather was sheer delight this weekend. Of course, that's when it all begins!!! You may think this is a terrible thing to "confess" but I feel to prepare myself mentally rather than be taken off guard for another year in a row. I always seem to forget what I am about to endure come spring.

I will become tired, irritable and quite miserable--this is even with prescription meds for the allergies. Ahhhh misery! I won't be able to cope with a lot of extra stress, although that's probably not going to lighten up at this point in my family life (teenagers). I won't be doing a lot of exersize (good excuse kool). Spring usually takes it good sweet time. Can't rush the budding process! But, I can be thankful! I can try.

Let's see... I'm thankful that I'm only stricken with allergies once a year. Some people have it worse. I'm also thankful that it's a simple tree pollen allergy, and I've only suffered with it for the past 5-6 years, at that. Thank God, it's not been a life-long battle. But... it does feel quite like a living hell when things get kicked up. I'm not sure that I'm looking forward to much of it!

So, I will enjoy my last few daze of power-walking with Noah before I have to lock myself up inside. The high pollen count lasts until about the end of May. The famous quote--the one that's tacked onto just about everything, and I hear so many people say every year--It's gonna be the worst year yet! Buncha pessimists--I tell ya!

The pics were all taken on the trails behind my house on Friday.

A Tree-cutting Day

There is a lot of work involved with putting in a pool. Of course, the professionals are going to build the pool, but we're trying to save money by doing as much of the work we can.

Yesterday was tree-cutting day. What is it about cutting down trees that makes a man feel powerful? My brother does it for a living. (You know the story about my brother and I. Look at it again. I added a picture--hee). So, Terry was all into cutting down the trees himself. I was feeling a little nervous, because these were no small saplings. He got outside bright and early with his borrowed chainsaw--that was after the run to the dump and a few other things--and brought down two trees very beautifully. Soon after, Johnny showed with his wood chipper. Yesssssss! My brother helped us for a few minutes; took down a tree like it was cuttin' buttah. No biggy! (Although the tree was, in fact, one of our biggies). He's workers grabbed limbs and baddah-big baddah-bang, all done with that one. We continued on after they were gone, trying to follow in their example. Yea right!

It is a tremendous amount of work--intensive labor. The temperature yesterday was actually HOT! Our first hot day--75 degrees or more. Beautiful! We all got a lot sunburned and completely scratched up. No one wanted to wear sleeves, and who would have imagined that we needed sunscreen? It's too early in the season to think that way.

At one point I had to run and get more gas and mix for the chainsaw. When I returned, I could see from the driveway a tree teetoring back and forth, looking like it was going to fall the wrong way--that would be through the neighbor's fence. I went around to see, and all the guys were pulling with all their might on our pathetic rope. Terry yelled, "Karen, come grab on! We need your help." So I grabbed on and with my sheer POWER and brute FORCE helped bring that disobedient tree back in line with our wishes. It fell where we wanted it to fall. Can we all say: PHEW!!

The eighth and final tree to come down was so very, very stubborn. That one definitely had a mind of its own. I think an iron rod had grow up through its core. It was our tallest tree, but didn't seem like it was going to be too difficult to fall. Luke, had to climb this one to tie some ropes. He's the crazy boy. After the ropes were in place (I say ropes--plural--because we had to find every little rope around the garage and yard and shed to make it long enough. Real smart!), Terry cut the trunk and we pulled and pulled and pulled. Nothin! Terry came over to assist in the tug of war. Still--nuthin. Yikes! This was quickly becoming scary. Luke went to do a little more sawing. Oh NO! Suddenly, as our hands were cramping, there were chainsaw issues. Well, that tree wasn't going anywhere fast and there wasn't any wind, really. So we relaxed. They fixed the chainsaw (Luke had hit the safety bar by accident), and finally, they got the chainsaw cutting away more. Gabe showed up to add to the rope pull. We were able to bring it down, but... not exactly where we wanted. At least it didn't destroy anyone's house or shed (HAHA). It fell into the woods, which makes for a frustrating clean-up. We decided to leave it for the next day. Exhaustion had already settled in a long time before... I think, right after the first tree came down. It sure is a lot of fun though.

That was my kool weekend tale!

Story Add-on

Here's another opportunity for us to create a story together. I was inspired by c jane's post today. Our last story add-on was quite the disaster!!! It was WAAAAAYYY too random--but fun none-the-less. This time lets really put our writers' caps on and pretend we're "a" published author, starting a new sequel. I'll begin the story and you can add to it. As you'll see, Meg is the first character. Feel free to add new characters, but let's keep the names fictitious. (Am I ruining all the fun?--you can do this on your own blog and make your own rules).

Here's one important tip--something I learned about drama improvization skills--embrace what the person ahead of you offered and go with it. Don't try to ignore their piece based on some other idea you had in mind for the story. Use their idea and then the next person will play off of you. I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING, HEIDI JO--and my response is: THESE ARE NOT NAZI RULES! Just learn from "the master" (Bah haha). Ok, Here goes:

It was another cold, damp morning where the newborn a.k.a. spring had to battle it out with age-old winter. All of creation knows who wins in the end, but some years winter holds on for what seems like forever. At least the snow was gone from the ground, and a few daffodils had made themselves known.

A young woman stood dumbfounded in her driveway, reading and rereading the letter in her hand. A shiver ran through her body as the shocking news created a lump in her throat. Her barefeet were objecting to cold gravel, but it didn't matter. Life had just become complicated again.

Meg wasn't sure what to feel. Joy? Sorrow? Fear? Certainly a bit of shock was in order.

What does this all mean? She looked to the sky and said out loud, "What do you want from me?! Change? Again?"

Thoughts raced through her mind, "I finally feel healthy. I can cope with life the way it is. What's gonna happen now? How am I gonna do THIS?"

Slowly, while taking several deep breaths, Meg walked back towards the farmhouse. The long driveway gave her time to settle her emotions before facing the questioning look of her husband.

[your turn]

It's a Great School

Isn't this cute? (8-D)

I had to think of something else to post for those of you who keep coming back throughout the day. The more you come over--like Ginger said--the higher my site meter goes. We all know how IMPORTANT that is!!!

The Busy Blogger

I'm going to reveal some of my blogging habits to you. Most people try not to reveal these secrets, because the don't want everyone to know how badly they need to "get a life". But for me... today... I'm gonna let it all hang out! "Why," you ask? Because if not that, I will end up posting about my son, who, after his 3rd day back to school, missed the bus and doesn't really care and won't write his assignment for English and feels like everyone should let him off easy and... you get the picture! No one should be tortured with that steamin' pile of bull puckey all over again. Only the mother!! (and father--but mostly the mother).

First of all, allow me to defend myself and suggest that my life is quite full! Yes, I do spend a LOT of time on the computer (not all with blogging either), but I have many other pieces to juggle everyday. Although I may leave the undesirable house cleaning chores to another day or to "Consuela" every other week, my house never falls into the "pig sty" category (not counting the teenage boys' rooms). The laundry always gets done--and rather efficiently, I might add. My kids have their damn playdates. The bills, banking and post office errands get done. The boys usually get to work on time--as long as they account for the buffer travel minutes. Sidenote: Luke will get his license before too long--woohoo--wait... OH NO!!! So we're good.

Secondly, I teach piano lessons. I don't really want to do it anymore--at all!! But I will continue. I was teaching Musikgarten classes in the fall, but when I began homeschooling Nate, I took a break and cancelled my liability insurance. I'm not so sure I want to go back to it either. I hate the business end of having to constantly drum up cliental at the end of every 10 or 15 week session. NOT my thing. I am, once again, considering graduate school to get my teaching credentials for a position in one of the schools. I'm also thinking of giving swim lessons once our pool is finished (VERY GOOD MONEY MAKER).

So those are parts of my life you may or may not know. The blogging part... well, as you can tell I do enjoy writing and posting and commenting around the block. I was just organizing my favorites folder, which is where I save links to all the blogs I want to revisit. I like to browse around and read new blogs, make new friends. I found some really great articles this week. I thought of referencing them in one of my posts, but I'm not sure if my reader base would be all that interested. We'll see. Maybe tomorrow.

Anyway, I have eight folders in my BLOG favorites (since last night). Isn't that ridiculous? Here's the break down.

new blogs--0 links
I save links here when I don't have time to really examine the blog. Maybe it catches my attention, but until I have time to read it and figure out what category it should be in, it will remain here--sometimes for months LOL. I have no problem deleting.

fun folder--4 links
Now I know all of you want to be in this one--but you're not! Sorry. This folder is for those bloggers that post humorous little ditties, but have no personal interaction. I never (or rarely) comment on them and visit maybe twice a month.

daily blogs--18 links
These are the links on my sidebar as well as some others. Most of the time these bloggers post daily. Not always. These are the ones I feel comfortable interacting with and reading up on regularly.

weekly blogs--13 links
I check a lot of these daily. Can't help myself. These are just as important to me as daily bloggers, but they tend to be a little less regular, so I can skip the post check and know that it won't be too hard to catch up on another day. I don't give up on you weekly bloggers easily--you random irregulars.

photo blogs--6 links soon to be 7
I love photography. It's a talent I greatly respect. I visit these sites periodically, but not regularly... when I'm in the mood to be impressed. I need to add a link here btw Mitchell Stout Photography which does not appear to be up and running yet, but will be soon. He's taken so many great photos of our family. Mitch is our hero!!!

slacker blogs--8 links
Here are the true slacker blogs. There is not a new post to be seen here! Almost never and are very close to being deleted. I keep them around just in case there's a turn. Maybe I will delete some today. Ooooh scary!

distant friends--19
Why so many here? Well, some of these are friends from my distant past that I like to pay a visit to every few months or ten. I don't want to completely forget they're out there, but we haven't really re-connected since the blogging world opened up to me. OR... these are bloggers I see around the block, who are friends and family of friends. Some of these bloggers have even commented on my posts, but I have to draw a line somewhere or I truly will need to "get a life!" One that doesn't include a computer.

encouragement blogs--6
These are spiritual blogs that I frequent. Sometimes they perk my interest and other times I just click out with boredam. Lately, there have been some posts of interest... so I've made a category just for them.

I like to have personal contact with people, and that is where I find the most joy in blogging. It's been great making new friends and having some fun banter to tossed back and forth. Variety is a key for me when it comes to the personality of any given circle of friends. I don't like to stay in one circle and fall soley into the MEMES that characterize that group. (It's a true way to use that word--impressive, I know, and I'm not just talking about those MEME posts where you answer a set of questions. I'm talking about the common mindsets and actions of a group; the social culture). No. I need variety. It's better for me to have several outlets or groups. That gives ALL my personalities a chance to express themselves. Hee!

Has Anyone Seen This Bike?

MISSING!! MISSING!!! MISSING!!

Pink Bike with blue-fringed handlebar grips and training wheels!!

It was a gift given to my 5 year old daughter for Christmas. It was her favorite present (once she got past the idea that it wasn't Strawberry Shortcake on the decals). She rode it inside all winter until there was a break in the weather. After riding it in the driveway one warm day, it was left outside for future outdoor riding. It was that very weekend when some unknown person "BORROWED" it. (Give me a freakin' break). So if you've seen it around the neighborhood or know who may have "MISTAKENLY" stolen it from our driveway, please have it returned.

REWARD... uh... NOT!

Just knowing that a smile can be returned to this little girl's face should be enough.

What kind of LOSER steals a little 32" bike with training wheels anyway? Especially when there are plenty of other rusty bikes in the yard that we would gladly and freely pass along! (It had better be returned at night, so I can't get a look at 'em!! That's all I'm sayin').

(This is the flyer I'm gonna post around the neighborhood until I see that bike returned!!!)

Controversy

Oh, to be a kid again... Sometimes I long for the olden daze when the major controversies centered around who got the window seat in the station wagon or who hogged all the Cap'n Crunch the same day it came home from the grocery store. Of course, all of this continues on around me. My kids have their petty disagreements about how long one has been on the computer and who's turn it is next, who tracked dirt through the house this time, who has dish-duty on Tuesday (which happens to be posted on the frig).

I observe (if not participate with) many adults who also have their petty controversies, just like the olden daze. They too, make the issue at hand seem like life or death will be determined in the final outcome of the debate. I like when I can step back and chuckle about the whole thing. People can be so stupid!

Personally, I don't love a good fight. I'm not much of a debator. I read several thinker blogs--those true blue THINKER BLOGS (not like MINE even though I was bestowed the award from Aisha)--but I mean the ones that have posts that are serious, thought provoking, and sometimes interesting, other times totally NOT. On these blogs, I'll read through a particular comment thread with an idea of what my comment is going to be, and as I see the intensity of the comments increasing and the controversy developing, I just click out. Nevermind. I'm not interested. That's just me.

If I have something to add, why don't I say it? Maybe I don't feel smart enough. Maybe my life has enough intensity of its own that I don't need to add to it. Maybe I just don't take things as seriously as others do, or there isn't an ounce of Greek in me to philosophize or... I don't know. I do have deep thoughts. I have deep feelings about issues, but I don't like to stay deep for long periods of time. It gives me a headache.

I have strong opinions about some things and changing opinions about others. I figure, as I gather more information--hopefully it's accurate--it may sway my thoughts on a matter. This can be a dangerous thing, living in our media culture where there is so much bogus, slanted, hysteria-geared propaganda televised on a regular basis. They even try to get people frenzied about the weather! It makes me sick. I hate the news. Blagh! I feel like they feed the masses with stupidity! THERE! That's a little controversy for ya. It's a generalization--but whatever.

It must be that some people in this world are meant to affect change with their opinions and values and speeches--forcefully even. I don't always like the opinions and values of certain individuals or groups. Sometimes they are a threat to my very freedom! But I don't neccesarily feel like it's within my power to change the majority of it. Maybe others believe they can! or "we" can. I believe I can affect change on some levels, but I don't have to force things. I don't have to take on the world--I've chosen to live and learn and love. (That last one has been a challenge, but I will continue to try).

Why am I writing about this, you ask? Today, I read/experienced several things that got me to thinking about controversy and opinions and judgments and reports. 1) Personally: There is this whole ORDEAL... about getting Nate re-enrolled at school and what classes to set up in for the last quarter of 8th grade. It has become very complicated. But is that necessary? BLAH! It makes my stomach tighten. 2) Nationally: I read an article this morning about a high-profile... um... friend(?)... who was semi-quoted to believe that the Christians today who aren't... [I don't know...] engaging [the way he sees it to be necessary] in this serious cultural battle of our day have betrayed--BETRAYED--the Christian community. O... K... 3) Locally: The school board has 3 seats opening this month and I have been approached several times about running. How about turning the other way and RUNNING!!! Oh the controversy in THAT arena. And yet... NO!!! STOP ME NOW!!! 4) Miscellaneously: There's the controversial "artistic opinion" about the Little League website--what logo is going to look best and should the background be white or blue and what font should be used...? WHATEVER!!! I don't care! My opinion is completely different... but it doesn't have to go my way. Seriously! 5) All of the above categories: Health insurance... red tape... need I say more! Well, I'm not going to because I don't feel like expounding on ALL of THAT!!!

Thes few things don't even begin to describe the many plaguing thoughts on my mind today. That is why I like to find things to laugh about. I can become stressed in a matter of minutes. My brain tends to short circuit and I'm no good for anything. So, I will continue to blog the way I do. If and when I am controversial, it's not because I'm trying to pick a fight, I just like to voice my point of view--but more than that, for what it's worth, I just want to be myself and enjoy my journey in this world. I like who I am. I'm actually pretty darn KOOL! And SMART! ;-D (No matter what anyone else says).

Stuff and Nonsense

Last week was an extreme challenge for me. I'm sorry that I cannot divulge all the dirt to you, my trusted friends. (There's just a lot of creepy lurkers around peering in from behind the bushes. If they'd only make themselves known)!!

Anyway, you can email me if you're really curious! karenkool@optonline.net

But about the other stuff and nonsense...

Here's Caleigh "gettin' her sexy on" (I have no clue where she gets this)She wanted to show off her new bathsuit. It's hardly warm enough even for daffodils yet, so I know that bathing suit purchases seem ridiculous. But every year I get caught one week into the summer with the kids having no swimwear. And then the search is on to find even ONE suit left on the rack at TJ Max, cuz there ain't NO WAY I'm spending $60 on some Lands' End suit for a KID! [make sure that's said with distain]

Suits are definitely in order though, since we signed on the dotted line to get our pool. WOOHOO!! It should be in by this summer. Ooh a little scary! There's gonna be a lot of dirt tracking into the house!!! I'm not sure whose heads gonna fly... but I'm sure someone's will.

Here's the rock wall out back that we started removing this past week.It's pretty much been conquered. We'll reuse the stones for the short retaining wall around one end of the L-SHAPED (thank you very much) pool. Next, we need to take down about eight trees, and remove all the stumps, plus the scrappy Mountain Laurels. We have these stipulations about leaving a percentage of our property untouched. It ain't gonna be easy. The pool is gonna be quite large! (Anyone notice the little baby doll in the right bottom corner)?

Other news... Nate was put on the school bus this morning...

Translation: NO MORE HOMESCHOOL!!! I couldn't take it anymore. YIKES!! I don't think it was a bad decision to have taken him home for a couple of quarters. He needed to regroup, but it was time to see the reality and neccesity of MY NEED FOR SANITY! Definitely time. I don't know what this newfound freedom means for me. There are some options that have already arisen, but I can never trust that my ideas will pan out EVER! As soon as I go in a particular direction, it seems that the deck gets shuffled and I'm dealt a whole new hand. I'm starting to grow accustomed to it. Now, I just expect it.

"A man plans his ways, but the Lord orders his steps." ~the Bible (ok, Proverbs something:something)

We had visitors this weekend. Jen, Dave and Haven! Isn't he the sweetest? Caleigh would not stop begging to hold him every single second. VERY ANNOYING! But I told her she would forever be my baby so she shouldn't think that any more babies would be coming after her. I sure hope no one drops off a wee one in a basket to my doorstep. I have other plans!!!LORD!??!
I finished painting the red room. I forgot to mention that. The ceiling took 3 coats to cover the damn blue! It's back to white. YAY! Don't pay attention to the room decor cuz it's not my forte! I do love the red. More painting will be done, but it's nice to have lots of color around the house.
That's about it... NOW what should I do???

Personal Favorites--Part 1

This is a collection of links to some of my personal Kool Daze favorites. You may have missed these or forgotten about something rather funny you've read here before. This link is going on my sidebar for furture reference. So have fun! I'll do a Part 2 some other day.

Years Ago
This is a memory about a practical joke I played on my brother while working for him.

The Boys Club
Here is a humorous tale about my brothers and their style of practical joking.

Deer Tick Warnings
The title speaks for itself.

Our Beautiful View
It's a tale about what our view looks like outside our back door. Nothing like a little sarcasm.

Poopstars
A recap of our youth retreat.

A School Answering Machine
Just a little funny about one school's answering message.

A Turtle Story or Two
When my blogger friend, Turtle, showed up on the scene I remembered a personal turtle tale.

Modest Swimwear
You can now purchase some lovely modest swimsuits for the summer daze.

Child (UN)friendly
A post about my first blogger-gift. It was given away as a prize for a photo contest.

The Sixth-Sense
Part of the "Guy Stuff Series" to help men better understand the make-up of a woman (ya right).

Bad Neighborhood kids
An interesting tale about our wonderful (not) neighbor-boy!

HELP FOR MEN--Don't end up in the doghouse
A few great tips for men and other family members.

The Guilty Pleasures of Blogging
As the title suggests--a post about blogging, with a few quotes from faithful readers/bloggers.

Home videos
Two rather humorous clips of my regular home-life.

Random Confessions about Me
Out of boredom or something--idk.

Gooood morning
I love this video clip! Hee

Rules for Commenting
Here are the infamous Nazi rules I posted. Be sure to read the comments. They are hilarious.

Things I'm Mad About
More Random Thoughts about things that were bothering me that day.

Needing a Pedicure
A story of slippery nights in Hell with satin sheets.

A Memorable Christmas Gift
College Daze with "The Hand" and Richard Roberts.

At Least He's Learning Something
Nate's informative lesson on why animals eat grass.

Attention
Alien abduction information.

The Human Anatomy
What do you call it?

My Dizzy Girl
Elizabeth's confusion about our faith.

Save Some for Mommy
A tale of our Family Daze around the dinner table.

Years ago...

Years ago, I worked for my brother, John, doing tree work for a summer. (This is not a picture of us btw, I just found it on a google search. I wish I had a real picture).


Oh wait... found one!
Anyway, I thought I was one tough cookie--especially working with him. I was always looking for ways to impress my big brother. We came up with masterful ideas of how to accomplish impossible tasks without using a tractor or backhoe. I recall one time, digging out a HUGE stump in someone's backyard, chaining it to the back of my little Mazda rotary power pickup and pulling it out of the ground. It was one stinkin' powerful truck, I tell ya. I'll never forget the house maid coming out to scold me about being a young girl... and doing that kind of heavy labor. She said that it could cause me to never be able to have babies. (???) Goes to show you what she knew about things!!! Many-a-time Johnny and I would over-load the truckbed with brush. We'd sneak along the backroads, trying to get to the dump without getting pulled over by a cop for being stupid. It was kind of exciting.

My brother and I didn't talk much, really. The majority of our conversation happened by showing off our brilliance in getting a job done in the most unique way. I look back on those daze with fond memories.

My very favorite memory happened one day when we had to take down a large cedar that was all over-grown with bittersweet vines. It looked like it was going to take some careful planning to bring the tree down in the right spot. Johnny had roped the tree and stationed me to pull it towards myself while he ran the chainsaw. He was always cautious with me, making sure I knew exactly what the plan was and where I needed to be when the tree came down. When we were all set, he made the cut on the trunk and called for me to pull. The large tree came down perfectly, but he couldn't see me over the vines and brush. So, as he came around to check, I was struck with a funny idea. I quickly crawled under the tree with only my head and arms exposed. Oh, if you could have seen his face! I laughed and laughed and laughed. He wasn't quite sure if I was laughing because I got caught under the fall or if I had played the joke on him. The confused, surprised concerned freak-out... it was priceless! I think it took him the rest of the day to recover.


SURPRISE!!! Gotta love a good practical joke!

The Boys Club

I grew up with four brothers (and one sister, who, btw will receive a post in her honor soon enough). The birth order went boy, girl, boy, boy, girl, boy. I was the 5th child of the brood. Being the fifth child isn't easy, ya know. You could arrange the satistics to read that I was the middle child of the second set, which we all know is twice as bad (or good) as just being the middle child. But it doesn't really matter. I firmly believe that because of it all i.e. lots of siblings, I have a fairly decent sense of humor. THANK GOD! I'm spunky. Smart. Charming. Beautiful. Endearing. Amaz... ok. ok. Just kidding around. Anyway, I was just saying that I'm sure I probably owe my great fun-ness factor to growing up in a sizeable (and stable) family. But oh, the stories I could tell... Actually, that's what I thought I would do today--tell a story or two.

As I've mentioned in a few previously posts and indicated in my comments "around the block," there have been some high levels of frustration around this parenting-teenagers thing. There's no easy button to push! Although, I'm gonna keep looking for one. And I can definitely say that I have a deeper appreciation for my parents, based on all of the horrid adventures we, their angelic children, put them through. Sorry Mom and Dad--although, IT WASN'T ME! I SWEAR!! [insert smiley face with halo]

Now that me and my siblings have "all growed up" (or at least I have), we haven't lost it. The humor continues. And to hear my broski's tell the stories can be quite entertaining. My three older brothers live closeby. They see each other every single day. I call them... "The Boys Club". I've always wanted to be a card carrying member, but it's impossible. I'm a girl! On rare occasion, I will stop over at Johnny's (the fourth born) at just the right moment, when the others have all assembled. They'll be sitting outside in some ole rescued dump chairs with wood burning in the rusty, cast iron stove, and a stone placed strategically on top. Dave will eventually grab the hot rock and toss it to Russ (the first-born) who will have to think fast before it begins to burn flesh, tossing it to the next guy. The games people play... it's all about being quick on your toes, or something like that.

One of my favorite stories took place back in the late 1980s when my brother-in-law, Gary, was building his house. Johnny was helping him frame it out. As part of the hourly, oops! daily routine, they went for a deli run to get coffee. While they were taking a break, David (the third-born) happened to stop over at the site. Noticing that the other boys were shirking gone, he took the opportunity to set up all the 2X4 pieces of lumber in teepee-like fashion around the front yard, and then left. J & G returned to find their building site the laughing stock of construction sites. Not to be outdone, Johnny found some roadkill (a rabbit, I believe), took a drive over to Dave's job site, and tied that piece of meat to the back bumper of his truck. D drove around town, unknowingly, with a flapping dead rabbit for a few days. He had to retaliate, of course. So, being the brilliant one of creative enginuity, he figured out a way to connect the horn on Johnny's vehicle to the brake pedal. J couldn't quite figure out what was going on until he got into town at the red light. It may have been the longest traffic light of his life HOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNK!!

Those boys are a riot. Stories to be continued...

Back to School

Ok this is wrong on just about every level! But I thought I'd celebrate--hee.

Nate's going back to public school on Monday!

The Storm

All I can say is... a "storm" hit unexpectedly in the night!

I didn't read the signs! But that didn't stop the storm from coming.

It's ripped through the fields of my heart! And the winds are still gusting a bit.


I don't know where it will place me down or what changes will come. My hope is that a new day will bring a much brighter future.

God is in control! (The stress of it all has made me feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck).

But once the darkness fades I plan to feel like this again: