Herding Cats

A Horse and A Zebra?

2007-06-28T13:02:00.000-04:00

...a "zorse", of course! From London Daily Mail

In Memorium

2007-06-20T21:02:00.000-04:00

January 28, 2002 - June 15, 2007

Back in the Bloggin' Mood!

2007-01-30T11:55:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like cool gifts from a fellow blogger to get one back in the bloggin' mood! Just received this package from Black Feline! The reclining cat on the left is actually a pen - note the clear pen cap and penpoint at the end of the tail! A cool envelope with stamps celebrating the upcoming Year of the Pig
will go into Branch and Blossom's photo album. The cellphone purse displays Black Feline's trademark - a black feline (Chocolate cellphone not included!). What great little suprises! I'll have to hunt hard to find something to send to her! Thanks, Black Feline!

In other Herding Cats news, the Branch had his adenoids removed last week. This seems to have instantly cured his snoring and we hope it's a permanent fix, along with some
other health issues we hope to resolve. In this day of managed, hurried, rubber-stamped healthcare, Herding Cats has nothing but praise for the staff of St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. The Branch was nearly admitted for low oxygen saturation after surgery, but he pulled through with most excellent care and the Citizen's and my help.

And in a few short weeks, not only does the Herding Cats matriarch arrive, but also Junebee has a landmark martial arts test near the end of February.

Thanks for checking back and I apologize for my prolonged absence! But hey, it makes the heart grow fonder. (Actually, if I could quit my addiction to Yahoo Answers I'd get alot more done on this blog).

Happy Herding Cats New Year!

2007-01-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know... a bit late. In this pic we're on my cousin's lanai. I'm the one on the right with the black shirt.

Merry Christmas To All

2006-12-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

And to all a good night
~Blossom and Branch

A Christmas Memory

2006-12-22T20:50:00.000-05:00

Prior to meeting the Citizen, Big K and I often made the drive from Florida to Pennsylvania for Christmas.

In Pennsylvnia, my mother was working as a receptionist at a facility for developmentally disabled and emotionally challenged individuals. The facility provided outpatient treatment, in-house workshops, transportation, case management, counseling, and residential services. I used to meet her there for lunch. As receptionist, she could not leave her post until the relief girl arrived. As I waited patiently in the lobby one day, I observed people come and go. Employees, clients (as they're called, not patients), employees of affiliated agencies, and others came and went. In between assisting those that needed to be assisted, my mother answered the phone for this facility, which had not yet discovered the joys of voicemail. Meanwhile, an average and unassuming-looking man came into the lobby. He waited patiently until my mother had time to help him.

M: "May I help you, sir?"

Man: "Yes, I just wanted to leave this here." (hands her a check for $100.00).

M: "Oh, can you wait a moment so I can get you a receipt? What is it for?"

Man: "Nothing in particular. You all do such good work here. Merry Christmas."

And he turned around and left without another word.

Happy Birthday Blossom & Branch!

2006-12-17T20:50:00.000-05:00

Today, with the help of family and close friends, we celebrated the second birthday of the Branch and the Blossom. They are a big two years old today! The Branch often
said "two, two" throughtout the day. What a coincidence that he just learned to say two!

The "Herding Cats" family went out for dinner at the Chinese buffet afterwards to continue the celebration.

Hedgies A-Plenty

2006-12-13T20:50:00.000-05:00

The hedgehogs time forgot. From London Daily Mail.

I used to have a pet hedgehog. It was sort of like petting a hairbrush...

No More Loose Nuts

2006-12-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. "Oh!" you're thinking, "you've got PLENTY of loose nuts over there at "Herding Cats"." Very funny...

When I was a child, each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, my grandmother put a tabletop basket of walnuts out for nibbling just anytime. The basket was replenished throughout the holidays. I continue that tradition in memory of my grandmother and all the wonderful Christmas's I had with her. This year, I noticed that loose nuts are no longer sold in the grocery stores. Previously, the stores put out boxes of assorted (and loose) nuts - walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts that shoppers could scoop themselves into the ubiquitous flimsy plastic produce bags.

I asked the Citizen to pick up a bag of walnuts at Wal-Mart and he came home with the sorriest bag of walnuts I had ever seen. I bet they were last year's walnuts. I'll continue the search for the perfect nuts. Sadly, I won't find them loose. They'll be bagged but if in doubt I will OPEN the bag and check. No more bad, or loose, nuts for me!

Get 'em While They're Hot!

2006-12-05T21:33:00.000-05:00

Herding Cats Christmas cards. International orders accepted. Herding Cats will not sell or publicize your information. In fact, we'll probably forget it promptly after using it!

Click on "View My Complete Profile" then "e-mail" and send me your info.

Some Men JUST Don't Get It!

2006-12-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

"My husband just doesn't understand!" I whined to my male co-worker, Cog. Ooh. When a woman complains about her husband to her male co-worker, eyebrows may be raised! But in this case, it's a cultural difference. I've considered embarking on a project to restore my 1993 Ford Mustang (sadly, not a Cobra like the one in this picture. But I digress.) The Citizen cannot see why anyone would want to put money and effort into an old car. I said to Cog: "Restoring the ol' Ford! It's as American as apple pie! Leafing through the J.C. Whitney catalogue! Pulling parts from the auto junkyard! Cursing and covered with motor oil!" Cog agreed and volunteered his automotive expertise. Should I decide to undertake this endeavor, here's what would be needed:

1. Re-hang driver’s side door and replace trim.
2. Paint all trim and rearview mirror housing.
3. Repair dent – driver’s side back quarter panel.
4. Paint either original or custom paint (dark blue-fade-light blue-fade-white from bottom up).
5. Pinstriping.
6. Remove broken bolt from license plate holder.
7. Shocks/struts (it’s an awful hard ride).
8. Resolve problem with radio – either radio does not work or wiring is bad.
9. Install CD player.**
10. R & R torn back deck carpet.
11. Replace fuses and steering column cover.
12. Driver’s seat bent/misaligned – leans back on one side.*
13. R & R spark plugs.
14. Louvres for back windshield.**
15. Rust removal - minor spots throughout body.
16. Tint windows.**
17. Clean wheels, remove rust.
18. Resolve issue with fan running constantly, even after car is turned off.
19. Remove “Button” and replace rear view mirror.
20. R & R windshield – small stone crack.*
21. R & R weatherstripping on sunroof.
22. Air conditioner repair – blows but not cold.

** Optional
* Low Priority

The engine still runs well, with more than 123K miles on it. I was told four years ago that the transmission needed replacing, but it's still running JUST FINE, thank you very much, Ripoff Automotive Services. The car is practically an antique and would be way fun to drive if restored.

If we go ahead with this project, why, the car may even get it's own blog!

The Christmas Present...

2006-12-02T20:47:00.000-05:00

for the man that has everything - spray-on condoms.

From Sydney Morning Herald.

Lots to be Thankful for

2006-11-23T12:03:00.000-05:00

Sunset, North Redington Beach, October 2006

I'm thankful for:
-my birth family
-my family (Citizen, Branch and Blossom)
-our health
-our home
-easy access to fresh and plentiful food
-being a citizen of the U.S.

Amish Country

2006-10-10T12:39:00.000-04:00

I've never been an early adopter of technology. "Remember, I'm descended from the Amish." I'll say, "I'm still suspicious of electricity!" Actually, I am descended from the Mennonites (motto: "Amish Lite"). Both the Amish and the Mennonites were in the background of my upbringing. Mennonite farmers sold meats and produce at the local farmer's market. One reason I fail to eat enough fruits and vegetables as an adult is that grocery store produce is bland and tasteless compared to the farm produce I was raised on. When I was a teenager, every week my mother would get up early one day to go to the farmer's market. She'd store perishables in the refrigerator where she worked until it was time to go home. While working two jobs, it was surely no small feat to get up early and out the door in order to get the freshest foods for us. She'll arrive next week with my sister and niece, and my mother will bring some hometown favorite foods for the cast and crew of "Herding Cats".

The Amish, by nature of their lifestyle, were more of a distant background in my childhood, but there they were nonetheless. We often saw horses and buggies while on the way to my grandmother's house. More recently, when I've been able to return home as an adult, my father would take me for a motorcycle ride out into Lancaster County. As incongruous as it seems, there's no scenery more beautiful than riding on a Harley through Amish country on a fine autumn day. We'd wave at the farmers and they'd wave at us. Live and let live was the motto on both sides.

My father (another technophobe) hired a former Amish man to work in the family business. One bad experience with computers caused said computers to be returned immediately and my father went back to calculator, pencil and paper. When he was ready to retire and looking for a billing clerk, the only person who would do the job without a computer was a former Amish man.

My dad told me this true story, but first, a little background info. Like many retirees, my dad and stepmother have a custom van in which they do all their travelling. They're now on Van 2. Van 1 logged hundreds of thousands of miles across the U.S. and Canada. They also like to attend antiques auctions, and although they are not avid collectors, they buy something now and then that fits into their home decor or collections (dad: firearms, stepmother: dolls).

One frigid winter's day, they were driving through Amish country (probaby to or from an antique auction) in Van 1, which was very well appointed. Like it's successor Van 2, Van 1 sported captains chairs, a bench seat in the back, window shades, lights, carpet, and all the comforts of automobile travel. My father came across an Amish family who's horse had been spooked by something and the buggy had overturned in the ditch. My father stopped to assist the man. It was obviously going to take some time to right the buggy, calm the horse and get the family back on the road. The day was bitter cold, and my father well knows the ways of the Amish. However, he offered the Amish man's wife and children haven in the warm, cozy van while he helped the man get the horse and buggy road-ready. The humble Amish stoutly refused my father's offer, even after my stepmother added her own insistence. My father's physical strength always surprises me, and the Amish man and his family were able to continue on their way.

Last week's Amish schoolhouse shooting touches me personally. That a psycho would take out his frustrations on these humble and peaceful people is almost unbelievable.
"Like shooting fish in a barrel" seems a crude but apt metaphor. The last safe haven in America is a target for a nutcase out there with an ax to grind, yet the Amish have resigned to their fate without calls for justice, demonstrations, counter-violence or lawsuit. Surely a lesson for us all.

3 Things Meme

2006-10-03T12:50:00.000-04:00

From Kazumi:

1. Three people who make me laugh:
The Citizen
My stepbrother (warning: R-rated material)
The Branch

2. Three things I can do:
Drive stickshift
Grill burgers
Make up songs for Branch and Blossom

3. Three things I can't do:
A split
Vote Democrat
Make gravy using flour

4. Three things I'm doing right now:
Coloring my hair (well, I was 2 weeks ago when I started this!)
Drinking Publix Diet Cola
Surfing the Internet

5. Three things I want to do before I die:
Go to China
Own a motorcycle
See Branch and Blossom grow up

6. Three things I hate the most:
People who park by the curb in front of the grocery store
People who try to shove religion down your throat
Door-to-door salespeople

7. Three things that scare me:
Religious zealots of any sort
Child molesters
The thought of losing my parents

8. Three things I don't understand:
Physics
Algebra
Why people in Florida drive with the brakes on

9. Three skills I'd like to learn:
Be fluent in Spanish
How to do something, anything with my hair
Fly an airplane

10. Three ways to describe my personality:
Introspective
Warm
Outgoing

11. Three things I think you should listen to:
Tevaka
Twelve Chinese Girls
The Branch and Blossom’s laughs

12. Three things you should never listen to:
Democrats
Rap music
Parenting advice from people you don’t know

13. Three favorite foods:
Mashed potatos
Spaghetti
Arroz con pollo (chicken and yellow rice)

14. Three beverages I drink regularly:
Coffee
Skim milk
Publix Diet Cola

15. Three shows I watched alot:
The Simpsons
Ren & Stimpy
King of the Hill

16. Three people I'm tagging to do this:
Chanchow
Black Feline
Black Belt Mama

Goodbye, Nanny A., Part II

2006-09-17T20:13:00.000-04:00

Once again, we say Goodbye, Nanny A. And, as before, we are really going to miss her. We contacted her in March about returning to help us. At that point, she needn't have lived in because the Branch and Blossom were much more manageable. But she lived in anyway, since she didn't have anyone to bring her here every day and pick her up every evening.

A dear friend of the family, she'll miss us (especially the Blossom) and we'll miss her (again, especially the Blossom). We hope to keep in touch and that she'll visit the next time she comes to the States. In the meantime, we have her sister N., and N,'s daughter K. and HER kids. K.'s daughter is 3 days older than Branch and Blossom.

Fortunately, Nanny A.'s youngest son in Peru has a computer and Internet access. We'll e-mail pics of the Blossom and Branch, and maybe even chat using Skype.

Five Years Ago

2006-09-11T19:48:00.000-04:00

Phone: Ring-ring….ring-ring.
Junebee: “Accounting, this is Junebee”
Stepbrother: “Hey Junebee! A plane just hit a building in New York!”
Junebee: “What, a private pilot flew into a building”
My stepbrother is a private pilot. I knew from him that airspace around major metropolitan areas is severely restricted and the FAA has little tolerance for error.
But what else could it be?

SB: “I don’t know, I just saw something about it on CNN”.

The remainder of the phone call was inconsequential and I don't remember it anyway.

**

Co-worker H.” My mom just called. A plane flew into the side of a building in New York.”

Junebee: “Ya, my stepbrother just called and said the same thing.”

And thus, the 9.11 tragedy unfolded 5 years ago.

As the story unraveled, the very first thing I thought (after looking at the 3-months-pregnant Co-worker H) was: “What kind of a world is this for her to raise her child in?”

**

We all ate our lunch in the conference room, where a television remained on throughout the day. Although we were not in a critical industry, we were not allowed to leave early. Many businesses in our area closed early that day. At 5:05 PM, I was the lone car in a normally congested intersection.

**

I remember what outfit I was wearing that day. I still have it.

**

Mrs. B., our dear receptionist worked well past the age most people would retire. She likened September 11 to the time Pearl Harbor was bombed. As a teenager, she was part of a service in which teens volunteered at Drew Field, (later Tampa International Airport). She said the day Pearl Harbor was bombed, the teens were all sent home immediately. Later on that week, Mrs. B. brought in her volunteer ID for the Drew Field assignment. It looked so quaint now in the age of hologramed and watermarked ID’s.

**

I resolutely tried to call my brother. Although I knew he didn’t work in that exact area of the city, I wanted to know he was ok. Calls to New York were nearly impossible to make. My sister tried also. For some reason, I got the idea to call his in-laws in Vermont to see if they heard from him. His father-in-law told me my brother’s family had been there in Vermont all week. Later, my brother told me paper, pens, and other debris rained down on President Street in Brooklyn, where he lived.

**

That night at martial arts class, I asked our master where we should head first, the blood bank or the recruiting station. As a native New Yorker, I’m sure he was shell-shocked by the acts of terrorism.

**

The Friday after 9.11 there was a tropical storm in our area. We arrived at work only to be handed our paychecks and sent right back home. Fortunately, my step-brother hadn’t left yet. (We were sharing one car at that time). Even though it was 8:00 AM, the sky looked like midnight. We stopped and bought ingredients for his awesome breakfast burritos, went home, and sat in front of the TV all day. The storm was well-suited to the mood of the country.

**

My step-brother and I had planned a trip to Miami that weekend. I had just been dating the Citizen for a month and SB had a girlfriend from Miami also. We cancelled the trip. We didn’t really feel like going anywhere. The Citizen, in the meantime, was on assignment in Toyota’s California office. With all flights cancelled, he remained there throughout the weekend. I told him he was fortunate, at least he had a place to stay. He remained in the hotel he stayed in during the week. SB and I went to Miami the following week. Still, the normally bustling airport was a ghost town.

**

That year, the Citizen and I went to New York. We did not visit Ground Zero. I bought the first trinket I could find depicting the Twin Towers. It was a refrigerator magnet. I still have it.

**

2001 was a watershed year for me. I met the Citizen, who I would later marry. My dearly beloved grandmother passed away, and, of course, September 11. My own odometer rolled over to a certain age. These 4 events occurred in a three-month period and marked the end of my personal age of innocence. The party was over - the empty beer cans were thrown out in the trash. I rubbed my eyes and woke up and it hasn’t been the same since.

G'bye, Mate

2006-09-04T13:20:00.000-04:00

Despite his over-the-top theatrics, his commitment to wildlife was unwavering. I recall an episode of "Crocodile Hunter" where he was in the American west, searching in desert caves. He held up a small brown object, and with all the enthusiasm of a child in a candy store, exclaimed: "SNAKE POOP!!" Then he tucked it into his shirt pocket for safekeeping. Even a new parent doesn't get as excited about poop! But he died doing what he loved. How many of us would be able to that?
G'bye, Steve Irwin.

Feed The Children

2006-09-02T19:58:00.000-04:00

Uh...I know the one on the right doesn't look like he NEEDS much more food.

Anyway, I'm always scratching my brain for ideas for dinner for the kids. There's only so much spaghetti (homemade sauce, of course), chicken and rice, and mashed potatos they can eat. And I refuse to feed them anything I wouldn't eat myself (such as Spaghetti-os, Chef Boy R Dee, etc.). Yeah, I'm the snob that "shops the perimeter" of the store like the healthy eating tips suggest.

So if you have any ideas for meals you feed/fed your children, or dinners you enjoyed as a kid, I would gladly appreciate the input.

It's A Small World - Or Is It?

2006-08-29T22:07:00.000-04:00

Although there's lots of talk of the Internet shrinking the world and turning it into a global village, how much do we really know about other places and cultures? Along with the aforementioned Crystal, Tu gives us glimpses into worlds unknown to most Americans. The post abouthis vacation at Ha Long Bay, as well as numerous other posts detail everyday life in Vietnam. This picture was taken by Tu and he's graciously given Herding Cats permission to post it.

I love the silk-painting quality of the muted tones, the lone boat floating peacefully on the water, and the rugged mountains in the background. The brightness of the sun reflection against the darkness of the mountain in the foreground add depth to this peaceful landscape scene.

The Black Belts Among Us

2006-08-26T20:17:00.000-04:00

What's the image that comes to mind when you here the words "black belt"? A person, usually male, white and/or Asian? A lone, dedicated soul training high on a mountaintop in China? A person roaming the earth to right an ancient wrong? How about an action movie hero?

In reality, the black belts walk among us daily. They're not only the guys you'd expect to be trained in hand-to-hand combat such as policemen and military personnel. A black belt can be the "computer guy" in your office, your child's teacher or a home-care nurse. A lawyer or the visibly pregnant woman in front of you in the checkout line. Busy moms with toddlers in tow could black belts too. A black belt can be an entreprenuer, the manager at the big box store, and the construction worker that built the store. They're even church ladies. They're the shy kid in school, the math nerd, and the mousy girl in your daughter's class.

Martial arts training attracts a certain type of personality - a type of do-gooder, if you will. Someone with high standards for themselves and others, and someone with a sense of humilty. It's not the looks, occupation or income level that count. It's the person inside and their potential that are important in the martial arts.

A Beer A Day...

2006-08-23T20:34:00.000-04:00

No Beer Was Harmed In The Making Of This Picture

This is my stepbrother and the Blossom. He wanted pictures of himself with Branch and Blossom to appear child-friendly to potential dates!

I am enjoying my new job. I can see there will be lots of things for me to do. It feels great to be back at work, like a breath of fresh air. I even got PAID already, for my work on Saturday. This place rocks. A five-minute walk to and from work, and not one single traffic light!

Welcome to the Blogroll!

2006-08-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

Herding Cats would like to welcome the latest additions to the blogroll. Tony is a California dad working in the entertainment industry. Halfmanhalfbeer (what a GREAT blogname!) is a British guy living in Dubai. How come I didn't think of a cool blogname like that?!

And don't the rest of you get your panties or boxers in a knot. The Herding Cats blogroll is in NO particular order. Mostly, it's in the order of whenever I decided to update the code in template.

If you don't check anything else on the "Herding Cats Proudly Endorses..." list, please check out Crystal. Her recent trip to Kenya will change your perspective on the American image of African kids. (Hint: They're not all starving with flies buzzing around their faces). Max's post dated August 2 is open call for poems, stories and pictures by (!) and about cats. These will eventually be published in a book with the proceeds going to a cat-related organization. And speaking of cats, Brandy's got a whole new bunch of kittens. Wil embarks on a cross-country drive to take a job as a writing instructor in Las Vegas, and Don Wood has, amazingly, discovered that he is the center of the universe.

I Got A Job!

2006-08-16T20:48:00.000-04:00

I got a part-time job at the clubhouse here in the development!

The CDD manager often comes to the poolside to say hello to us and Branch and Blossom. She had mentioned there was a vacancy for part-time work in the clubhouse. I applied but then rescinded my application. See, I really like this lady, and I like living here in the development. I also like going to martial arts and the job would have cut into my martial arts time. Additionally, I am unsure of my child care situation next month after Nanny A. leaves. So with all those factors, I did not want to take the position, only to leave in a few weeks. I really like the CDD manager and I want to be able to look her in the eye when I see her, not have to slink away because I pooped out on a job she hired me for.

She came back with a counter-offer that I would work as her assistant for maybe 10 hours a week to start. She would be flexible with my hours due to child care, and I would not have to attend evening meetings that would cut into my martial arts time.

So, last night I appeared before the CDD board for approval for hiring. You all would have been proud of me. I wore the power color, red, and had my handy-dandy notepad folio with me. When the other candidate was asked to descibe herself, I quickly wrote notes on what I would say immediately after her. The other candidate was hired more for the clubhouse end - issuing pool keys, dealing with resident complaints, booking the clubhouse for resident private parties, etc. We were both offered the jobs on the spot. I THEN stayed on for more of the meeting, whereas the other woman left right after she found out she was hired. I thought I should show just a LITTLE interest in the meeting aside from the part that benefited me.

I'm so excited and ready to work again. On the downside, I went to inquire about day care for Branch and Blossom. The local place seems neat and clean enough, but the "class"room is tiny! It doesn't seem much bigger than one of my kid's bedrooms. They only get 30 minutes outdoor time in the morning and another 30 in the afternoon. They also get some time in the large central area for singing, computer work, etc. I just can't imagine them cooped up all day, as much as they love the outdoors. One of my neighbors takes his daughter there. I saw her this morning and she seemed down. She's nearly 3 years old. Perhaps she just didn't feel like being there this morning. I only want my kids to go there on a part-time basis.

I have decided that I really need to work. It's the German in me, I guess. I just wasn't happy being a stay-at-home parent. I realize everyone has a different opinion on this issue. However, I have come to the realization that if I am happier at a job still look out for my children's interests in the meantime, they will be happier also. I am not sure I could handle going back to a 40 hour week right away, so this job is the perfect middle ground. I also want to get back in the work force, and I've read that some places are reluctant to hire women who've been out of the work force a few years raising children. If I have a part-time job, I at least have one foot back in the workforce.

This job is perfect for me - it draws on my computer, accounting and bookkeeping skills, is a 5 minute walk from my house, and is just a few hours a week with the possibility for more. I was very excited last night. The Citizen said "You're like a little kid. Everyone has a job. Even N. (my 14 year old nephew) has a job." I said: "Yes, but I haven't had one for 20 months!"

I start Monday morning at 10 AM.

Garbage Eve

2006-08-15T12:43:00.000-04:00

Years before I met the Citizen, I had a long succession of boyfriends, most of whom I spent lots of time with drinking beer. Gee. I really MISS those days! One night, the FBF (Former Boyfriend) and I were sitting around drinking beer. It was December 23rd and we were trying ever so lamely to justify our drinking. Not that it NEEDED any justification. A silly thing like the lack of a valid reason wouldn't deter US in the LEAST! We were PROFESSIONIALS, dammit! Since the morning of December 24 was garbage pickup day, we decided we were drinking in honor of...Garbage Eve.

The term has carried over into my marriage with the Citizen. He'll ask if tomorrow is trash pickup day and I'll answer, "No, that's Thursday. Tomorrow is Garbage Eve."

I can't WAIT to order this book.

Legless Chair and other Thoughts

2006-08-10T12:28:00.000-04:00

Big K. is making himself comfortable on my latest acquisition, the legless chair. I saw these in the Target flyer this weekend. They're actually sold as dorm or apartment furniture, however, we spend lots of time on the floor with the Branch and Blossom. Reading bedtime stories last night was a breeze and easy on my back with this new chair. The legless chairs are a hit with the whole family. The cats like to sit on them and the Branch likes to play with them. Unfortunately he likes to try to stand on them also. I think he's part goat!

**

Last night I was thinking alot about my grandmother and her house. When I woke up this morning, I realized it was the 5-year anniversary of her passing. 2001 was a formative year for me. In less than two months, I met the Citizen (who would become my husband), my beloved grandmother passed away, and of course, the life-altering September 11. It was surely the end of my innocence and marked my quite belated entry into adulthood.

I met the Citizen for our first date two days prior to the death of my grandmother. Although I knew the end was near, I elected to take a few hours away from a telephone. I did not have a cellphone at that time. At the time, I lived with my stepbrother and I told him I would just be a few hours, if anything "happened", it would just have to wait. Two days later, I was at work. I remember I was wearing my Bruce Lee t-shirt (because it was Casual Friday) and I got the phone call from my mother, who sounded oddly matter-of-fact and unflustered. I e-mailed the Citizen and I told my supervisor that my grandmother had passed away, and my supervisor kindly asked me if I needed to go home. I informed her I didn't have a car, since my stepbrother had dropped me off that morning. She replied that if I wanted to go home, she would have somebody take me home. However I thought it would be better for me to stay at work to keep myself busy. Three of my co-workers took me to Chick Filet for lunch and kept me busy with idle chit-chat.

I told my stepbrother to be prompt to pick me up. He's a great guy, but promptness isn't his forte. When we got home, he handed me a beer with a sign on it "special bereavcement price, $4.75" and I did have to laugh. While I sipped the beer, he surfed the Internet to find me a cheap flight home for the funeral. Just at that time, the Citizen called. I told him we were looking for flights. Without hesitation, he offered to get me a flight using his frequent flier miles. Mind you, this is after only ONE date (and no, get your mind out of the gutter, I didn't do THAT) and really, he barely knew me. With the hotel phone in one hand and his cellphone in the other, he called USAirways and made a reservation for me on the spot. My problem was solved by someone I barely knew.

The viewing was small. Many of my grandmother's friends and relatives had passed away long before her. It was mostly family, and even my father (her former son-in-law) made the drive by himself to attend the viewing. This was enormously comforting to me. I can't remember when I was ever so glad to see my father. He and my grandmother were close - my father's mother passed away when he was a boy, and his father never remarried.

Also at the viewing, an employee of the funeral home was present. I imagine this was to stave off emotional family feuds, attend to the mourner's questions, etc. My 9-year old nephew saw this man standing to the side with his hands clasped in front of him and said "shouldn't he be serving food?" I suppose my nephew expected a cocktail party, with canapes on a tray! We did go out to eat after the viewing, assuaging my nephew's need for food.

The funeral was the following day. After the service, the funeral home gave the immediate family a few moments alone with the casket prior to loading it into the hearse. I didn't know how to honor a person who had been such a warm, loving influence throughout my entire life up to that point. I kneeled down, then placed my palms and forehead on the floor in the Asian traditional bow. My mother was quite moved by this. I stood up quietly and stood at attention briefly, then backed away for the undertakers to do the rest of their job. The graveside service was small and brief, and the church provided a luncheon in their community hall. Without air conditioning, we were just as eager to see it finish and change back into our shorts and t-shirts.

My grandmother lived in the same house not far from Hershey, PA since my mother was a little girl. Although the house started out along a small-town road, the road later was deemed a state thoroughfare, and becamse heavily travelled. The house seemed huge when I was a child. It had 4 rooms plus a kitchen and bathroom downstairs, and 3 rooms plus a bathroom and former kitchen upstairs. The house was filled with wonderful memories of childhood holidays, backyard barbecues, ice cream, cookies and the love of my grandmother and aunt. My college boyfriend quipped that I had a real Norman Rockwell-style grandmother.

It was almost "over the river and through the woods" to drive to her house for holidays. A stretch of suburban road rolled out into the countryside and through small Pennsylvania towns. Fields lay barren in the winter and in summertime corn grew high as harvest time neared. A right turn put one on the road leading straight to her house, past more farms and tidy homes. It's a drive I still enjoy, to this day. Everyone else in the family takes a new route to my aunt's new house, which is near my grandmother's house. With development in the past several years, the old route that took an hour takes closer to an hour and a half, but I still drive it for the memories.

I miss you, Grandma. I wish you could have met the Citizen, and the Branch and Blossom. You were such an influence on my life and made me the person I am today.

No Viagara Needed

2006-08-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

Spotted on construction equipment:

Sims Crane: We Get It UP!

And the crane was blue and white....

The Boor At The Pool

2006-07-31T20:47:00.000-04:00

No, this picture is not of our community pool.

Yesterday at the pool, I saw a man there with his son. I recognized him because I've seen this guy several times. First of all, in the past, he openly asked me if I was indeed the parent of Branch and Blossom. Now bear in mind I do not know this guy. At. All. I do not even know his name. Another time he asked my mother how much we pay our nanny, to which my mother replied scornfully, "I would have NO idea!".

Our pool area has recently started sporting "No Smoking" signs. They are near the 3 canopied areas with tables where families usually congregate. The tables supply plenty of room for the acoutrements of family swim outings - gear bags, pool toys, snacks, sippy cups, etc. There are also many, many lounge chairs around the pool in unshaded areas. Usually, adults without children or older teens take up those chairs to catch some sun and avoid the noisy families.

Yesterday, as I cavorted in the pool with the Branch, this guy sat in the canopied area, occasionally yelling at his son (I know the poor kid's name is "Daniel" from his father's frequent admonitions) and chatting on the cellphone - and smoking a cigar. He was nearly sitting under the "no smoking" sign. As I prepared to leave, I asked him if he had seen that sign. He said he was blind (!) and accused me of discriminating against blind people. He then hurried off to the other end of the pool to avoid me (same thing he did after he asked me if I was Branch and Blossom's parent)leaving his nasty cigar on the table, which looked like a turd- it was brown and kind of bumpy and crinkly.

Wow. What a great example to set for your son: "oh, the rules don't apply to US!". I honestly think if this guy had been sitting in the uncovered area, I wouldn't have said anything about the smoking. But in the area where families congregate and nearly under the "no smoking" sign? And to top it off - he sports a gold cross necklace and works on weekends as a clown at children's parties. (My mother told me this after his conversation with her where he inquired as to our nanny's salary.)

The Branch

2006-07-28T20:35:00.000-04:00

This is the Branch. I do not yet have a Chinese outfit for him and I'm not sure if I'll be able to find one since he is considerably larger than the average Chinese child.

The Branch does not talk much yet. He says "kih-kah" and I thought this was an attempt to say "kitty cat" except that everything is "kih-kah". He also responds to "vamos a comer" which is "Let's go eat" in Spanish. Surprise surprise!

I love his chubby little legs and feet. I kiss them several times daily because pretty soon he will be big and won't want to be kissed any more.

The Blossom

2006-07-25T13:23:00.000-04:00

This is the Blossom in her qipao which I bought last year. It's a little too wide on her now, but it's getting too short also. We want to take her to a photographer to get a professional picture, but first I have to buy some shoes for her.

The Blossom's first word was the Mandarin Chinese word for "head". The true sound is a cross between the first 3 letters of "towel" and "toe". Then she tightens up her mouth and says it in a growly-exorcist-style voice. I think she's trying to imitate her dad's deep voice. The Branch and Blossom have "Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes" in English/Chinese. That's where she learned it from. We just got a library book by the same author. The library book is "Row Row Row Your Boat" but the Blossom still says "Tow" when we open that book because she recognizes the children from "Head..."!

Coming next post: The Branch

You’ve Got A lot of ‘splainin’ To Do, Missy.

2006-07-23T12:23:00.000-04:00

First of all, thanks to all of you who inquired during my absence – Black Feline, Spiderwalk and others. I’ve just now got caught up reading all your blogs.

**

July’s been a tough month for me. It began way before the calendar date of July 1. Fireworks, unfortunately, are legal in our county. Our farce of a law states that if the buyer signs a paper stating the fireworks are used to scare birds away from crops, the purchase is legal. My lovely, considerate neighbors in this area began their annual celebration at the end of June and it ran well past the traditional July 4th date. Now, I love my country as well as the next person. I am so grateful for what we have in this country – freedom, education, and prosperity, but I see no reason to celebrate those principals with loud, bright fireworks that litter yards and streets with their debris. I only wish my neighbors would consider others – others who need sleep such as small children, parents, those who work two jobs or long shifts; and others who desperately need their rest. On July 5th, I vowed allegiance whatever political party would attempt to outlaw fireworks, even the Communists! And yes, if fireworks are outlawed, only outlaws will have fireworks. However, if fireworks were outlawed, they would be more expensive and difficult to get, which I think would thwart at least some people.

**
Nanny A.’s sister was in the hospital, then Nanny A. herself. Fortunately both are well now and both Nanny A. and her sister are enjoying getting back to work in better health.
Understandably, we missed several of our bi-weekly outings at Nanny A,’s niece’s house. I’m not sure I’d want company with small children if my mother was in the hospital either. However that left me with lots of time to fill for Branch and Blossom.

**

I have come to the conclusion that I am not happy being a stay-at-home parent. I tried it for 19 months and I just don’t like it. As a housewife (I’ll use the old-fashioned term here, because that’s what it is – married to a family, house and all the accompanying drudgery). I have always felt invisible. Nobody really gives a shit about the endless litany of diapers, laundry, cooking, and screaming kids. I am totally sick of it. It just is not rewarding. I don’t care how you slice it. If I work, I realize these chores will still be there, but sending the kids to daycare will outsource some of it, along with giving the kids something to do all day, and hopefully, tiring them by bedtime. I simply do not know how to fill their 12-hour days. Give a total of an hour and a half for meals, and 30 minutes for bath, and that leaves 10 hours of unoccupied children. I hate myself every single time I turn the TV on for them, but there seems little else to do with these kids. They do not touch their toys. Other than an hour outing at the pool (Blossom is ready to go after 20 minutes), it’s impossible to do anything outdoors due to the voracious mosquitos here. Any suggestions on how to occupy toddlers all day will be more than welcome.

The Citizen wisely suggested I begin with a part-time job. It makes sense, why replace the unhappiness of being stuck at home with the stress of getting kids up early, ready for day care, running to work, and doing the reverse in the evening? To that end, I applied for a job at the clubhouse here. My commute would be a 5-minute walk down the street.

**

Speaking of the Citizen, fun together is part of ancient history. The most we’ve done this year is to dash out for a late dinner on a weeknight. Then we shovel down our dinner as quickly as possible to get home because I’m so tired I just want to lay dpwn. Our trip to Canada garnered very little free time for ourselves – 30 minutes at the most to play tennis on a couple of days. I miss the things we used to do together. I miss our shared laughs and the fun we used to have. I suppose never again will we have that time.

**

My sleep study scheduled for July 5th was rescheduled to July 19. I reported for duty Wednesday night at the appointed time of 10 PM. I am usually in bed by that time, and also had risen at 4 AM that day to take people to the airport, so I was incredibly tired. I wasn’t processed and all stuck with electrodes until after 11 PM. I nearly fell asleep in the chair as the technician stuck electrodes to my head! Electrodes are stuck just outside the eyes, near the joint of the jaw, on the throat, and on the top of the head. Respectively, they monitor REM, teeth grinding and jaw tension, snoring, and brain activity. Yes, ha ha on that last one! There are also electrodes on the leg to monitor restless leg syndrome. Additionally, they place a small plastic bar above my lip which has toothpick-type prongs to measure inhalation and exhalation of breath. I was so exhausted I could even sleep with that thing on. A slight change in position caused the sensor to poke my nose.

**

The last couple of classes at martial arts, I was assigned to work with J., a newly minted orange belt. She's the only woman that's begun classes in the past 3 or 4 years and stayed with it. More than once I've mentioned to her that I'm glad she's stayed, since our class is usually 15 big, burly men, and the only two women (myself and another) are advanced black belts. J. admitted the first class was intimidating, but she came back because she really liked the martial art and everyone was very welcoming to her. Egos aren't allowed at our school, so new students are always welcomed and the advanced students are often reminded that without new students, the school would stagnate. I really liked teaching orange belt to J. and she's a good student. She said she can't see why more women don't take martial arts.

**

For about 6 weeks I've suffered pain in my right shoulder. Last week I visited my doctor and began a month-long regimen of physical therapy and strong medication. I only hope the therapy helps. It seems that lifting the very large Branch along with a lifetime of poor posture has finally taken it's toll. Some days my shoulder doesn't bother me much. Other days it's a 5 or 6 on the 10 scale with occasional forays into the 7's and 8's.

**

Spam Slam!

2006-06-30T13:52:00.000-04:00

This is RICH! It's a bit of reading but it's SO worth it to see how "Derek Trotter" slowly but surely reeled in a sender of the Nigerian money scam e-mail.

And check back with 419eater.com for future spam slams!

Via Sydney Morning Herald

Car Owners, Thank Your Ancestors

2006-06-29T20:37:00.000-04:00

Pigeons were formerly as numerous as ants in North America.

One More Time!

2006-06-28T20:38:00.000-04:00

The latest news in the so-called "Mommy Wars" comes in the form of a book which insists that women have a social obligation to continue working. Linda Hirshman, author of the book "Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World", reviewed here on Slate stipulates that we have a duty, nay, a social obligation to work after our children are born in order to further the cause of all women in the workplace.

Although this idea may fly in an Asian country, where societal good supercedes indvidual preference, it smacks of Communism in good ol' individualistic America. In my recent post An Educated Woman, I take issue with those who state that a woman who chooses to stay at home has wasted her college education. I again take issue with Ms. Hirshman's idea.

I read the blogs of several working mothers such as Kazumi (who recently launched her own business), Wendy, and Mama Nabi. I also read the blogs of other stay-at-home mothers such as GroovyVic, Brandy, and Black Belt Mama. I'd be interested to hear what any of them had to say on this issue.

Reach out and touch someone

2006-06-26T20:12:00.000-04:00

Creek at Edwards Park, Toronto, Canada.

I'll post some of the better pictures of Canada occasionally.

**

I don't seem to mesh well with the moms in my neighborhood. I'm sure some of it has to do with my own self-consciousness, since I am somewhat (ok, quite a bit) older than most of them. It will be something I need to get over, since my kids' friends will more than likely be kids from this subdivision. I suppose getting along with your kids' friends' parents is sort of like getting along with co-workers or your in-laws. You just have to do it, even though you have little in common with them. I do know some moms who just happen to have kids around my age. One is a woman I've been attending martial arts with for almost 9 years. Another is Nanny A.'s niece. But there's an added angle with those two - something I have in common with them aside from strictly that our kids are similar in age. I feel comfortable with these two women and their families.

A couple of months ago, I saw a mom I know from another activity we used to attend last year. She was at the park with her son, who is 6 months older than Branch and Blossom. I chatted with her but after we left the park, I silently kicked myself for not inviting her and her son over to play. As other parents chatted at the park, she stood alone with her son. I really don't like to think she was standing alone because she is black, but perhaps it was. I've always had my nanny to chat with so I haven't had to knock around the playground myself with my kids. Because then I probably wouldn't be chatting with anyone either!

Today it rained most of the day, so Nanny A. and I took Branch and Blossom to the local mall. We spent five dollars on carousel rides for the kids. Then we went to the small indoor playground, which is free and in the public area. I saw the above referenced mom, who I shall call M., again. As before, she was sitting by herself as her son explored the play area. M. and I greeted each other and it was then and there I gave her my phone number and invited her to bring her son swimming at our community pool with Branch and Blossom. She also gave me her number so I will invite her to some of the activities Branch and Blossom attend. It felt good to make that connection and maybe make new friends as well. Now if I could only do that at home!

Big Tongue & Narrow Throat

2006-06-23T18:47:00.000-04:00

Get your minds out of the gutter. That was simply the observation of the sleep specialist I visited today. I am scheduled for a sleep study next month right after 4th of July. I usually don't feel rested after sleep, I do snore, and wake up early in the morning (even when the kids aren't making noise!) so I decided to do something about it, finally.

In other news, South Korea is, sadly, out of the World Cup. They lost 2-0 against Switzerland. Pictured is my soccer honey Ahn Jung-Hwan looking a bit disgusted after Switzerland's second goal which was somewhat controversial.

Can You Still Order Home Fries...

2006-06-21T20:24:00.000-04:00

..when you're on vacation?

One of the perks of being in Canada was watching comedy shows in our hotel. The above remark was made on the show Royal Canadian Air Farce.

**
When I read local newspapers in Canada, the theme seemed to be Pick On Air Canada. Let the record at Herding Cats state that (aside from the idiot who failed to book our children on the flight home - what, we were going to leave them in Canada?), the staff of Air Canada were more than helpful and professional. As we struggled with our travel-weary kids to disembark from the return flight, a flight attendant carried one of our laptops AND a member of the cockpit crew carried our rollaboard suitcase. Either that's their idea of customer service, or they were desperate to get us off the plane since the new crew were all lined up in the jetway waiting to board. I have a feeling it was the latter.

**

Let's see: I went to a country where stuff is real expensive, toting toddlers and visiting with in-laws, and nearly missed the return flight home. Yup, sounds like a great vacation. The Citizen and I did get to play a few short games of tennis and I did get to see my soccer honey Ahn Jung-Hwan play in the World Cup.

Ahn Jung-Hwan, left.

We visited Niagara Falls, stomping grounds of fellow blogger Zambo.

Here is the cast of Herding Cats at Niagara Falls. And I look none too pleased for the entire experience.

We walked in a park across the street from the falls. The Branch enjoyed investigating his namesake, the pine tree.

The Blossom was a bit less enthused about nature.

In the town of Niagara Falls, we ate outstanding fish and chips at Fine Kettle 'O' Fish. Pictured below are the Canadian Citizen (The Citizen's brother) and his wife at FKOF.

I won't lie - I was OVERJOYED to get home, least of all to a real cup of coffee out of a ceramic mug. The best cup of coffee I had on vacation was at the Korean laundromat, when the proprietor offered me a cup from his personal coffeemaker (The Citizen's and my big romantic getaway was watching Australia v. Japan in the World Cup at the Korean laundromat). Hotel coffee sucks. It's weak as water and I hate styrofoam cups. The Branch fell out of the high chair at the breakfast bar. The carpet was filthy - the shoes I wear to take out the trash at home are cleaner on the bottom than my sandals after walking down the hotel hall. And this was a Holiday Inn Express, not some fleabag motel.

I could rant on and on. My mother-in-law said the Blossom's shoes don't fit, when actually MIL was trying to put them on the Blossom without SOCKS, which were provided. The kids were frequently tired, out of their usual surroundings, and cranky. The Blossom did not like Chinese food and the Branch ate too much (my in-laws idea of calming a crying child is to stick food or a bottle in their mouth). Oh, and the Citizen lost our keys so we had to call the catsitter and coach him on how to Fed-Ex the car key to us so we could drive home. This actually happened previously, when the Citizen left our keys in the rental car in our honeymoon in Hawaii. That's it, the Citizen shall no longer be the keeper of the keys when away from home.

It'll be awhile before I attempt such a trip in the future!

Ahn scores!

2006-06-13T11:08:00.000-04:00

My soccer honey Ahn Jung-Hwan (right) scored the winning goal in South Korea's World Cup game against Togo. A bright spot in an otherwise unvacationlike vacation. The Citizen's and my big romantic getaway was watching the Australia-Japan game at the Korean laundromat while I washed a week's worth of vacation clothes yesterday morning...

Korean Beauty Tricks

2006-06-08T12:34:00.000-04:00

Check out these alternatives to plastic surgery. From Chosun Ilbo.

This device heats up like a spacesuit. It sends back the far infrared rays exuded by the face to the body, so that the wearer sweats. When all the waste comes out of the face, wash your face with cold water and you will feel like your face has gotten 1 mm smaller. But if you look in the mirror with the mask on, you may be startled: you look just like Jason from the “Friday the 13th" movies. Oliveyoung W12,800.

Wouldn't it be cheaper just to go for a jog?

I hate this thing.

2006-06-03T21:44:00.000-04:00

At 5:00 AM the smoke alarm in the master bedroom decided to let us know that it was low on batteries by beeping loudly 3 times. I awoke with near heart failure. I really hate these smoke alarms and they are wired into the house. They are almost impossible to remove and there are no instructions on changing the battery. Guess the contractor discarded the instructions after installation. A few years ago, one of them did this and I ripped it out of the extra bedroom (the pre-Blossom bedroom) and discarded it into the garage, where it continued to beep plaintively for several MONTHS! It's like the darn thing wouldn't DIE!

We don't smoke and don't fry food. Our house and appliances are almost new and we don't use plug-in scent creators (I learned from a former fireman they are a real fire hazard). We should have had a choice on having these stupid things installed.

Gratuitous Pet Picture

2006-06-01T21:06:00.000-04:00

This is Big K getting ready to settle in for a nap on the futon. The futon is in the "sofa position" but Big K. is determined to sit on the uppermost edge, despite the sagging mattress.

Big K.'s name is Spanish is "Otro Hijo" which mean Other Son. Nanny G. christened him such and the name stuck.

We're getting ready to leave for Canada on Tuesday. On Monday we drive to Orlando to catch the flight on Tuesday. It will be the first time the Branch and Blossom have slept away from home (not counting when they were in NICU before they came home). Should be interesting, holding the 39 pound Branch for the duration of the flight to Toronto. In true geek fashion, the Citizen and I will each take our laptops. Additionally, my brother-in-law has 3 computers so we'll be connected either way.

Big K. will be tended by our long-time friend and official cat-sitter. But I will miss him anyway (Big K. Not the cat-sitter.).

Hines Ward

2006-05-28T20:51:00.000-04:00

Hines Ward arrives in South Korea with his wife, mother, and son.

Pittsburgh Steeler's MVP Hines Ward is not only a hero to football fans. He's been working on behalf of biracial children in South Korea, where there is still widespread prejudice against both single mothers and bi-racial children. As a child of an African-American soldier and Korean woman, he would have had few options had his mother remained in Korea after his father left the family. Here his mother recounts raising him as a single parent. Although she worked hard several jobs to make ends meet, her options would have been even more limited in Korea. Ward recently became an honorary citizen of South Korea. In the age of egocentric, drug-using athletes, Ward's efforts are commendable.

Oy Vey!

2006-05-27T18:14:00.000-04:00

The world's first Hasidic Jewish reggae star.

From Sydney Morning Herald

What Women Have Known All Along

2006-05-25T20:40:00.000-04:00

Chocolate may boost brain power.

Happy Birthday, Bob

2006-05-24T10:25:00.000-04:00

Love 'im or hate 'im, his influence on modern music cannot be denied. Bob Dylan is 65 today.

Dylan, along with Joan Baez, Kris Kristofferson, and Ray Charles are the soundtracks of my childhood. My mother kept me out of school one morning to procure Dylan concert tickets. I've seen him in concert about 3 times.

Did anyone think they guys (Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Dylan, Baez) would live to be this old?!

This is So Me

2006-05-18T21:33:00.000-04:00

Today's "Arlo and Janis" comic. Couldn't save the image and post it, it was too big and ran outside the template.

Burned Playground + Burning Blossom = Bummed

2006-05-17T22:08:00.000-04:00

Above is my crappy cellphone photo of one of our nicest local playgrounds, re-decorated thanks to arsonists. There's no way this steel structure could have burned up from a dropped cigarette and there was no lightning in the area at the time. The tree limbs 30 feet above were singed. The steel frame is twisted and melted (front,left) and the plastic of the yellow canopies is melted (back, left). Did the person/people who did this get more "street cred"? Did their buddies slap them on the back and congratulate them for a job well done? Does it make them feel more manly to destroy a safe playground where little kids can run freely? I hope so, because it will take tons of money to fix. More troubling is the crime itself. "Fire-setting" is a sign of serious mental disorder, which often includes animal abuse, rape, and murder. For some reason, of all the childhood "pranks" arson is a sign of a serious mental disorder. We were told that when I worked at the psyche hospital and I've seen it in psychology literature.

The Blossom has a fever of more than 104 and needs round the clock medication. She suddenly took ill today, after being cranky yesterday. However, we just put yesterday's crankiness down to teething. The doctor doesn't seem to know what's wrong with her but she got a shot of antibiotics and a blood draw just in case.

Nanny G. formerly worked for a family with a wealthy patriarch, Mr. H. The guy has a mansion with rolling lawn, replete with black iron gates with his initial in Olde English style lettering, the whole works. The first time we went to this playground, Nanny G. said: "Oh, Mr. H. was one of the people who gave the money to make this playground. He's in the rotation club." After brief thought I realized she meant... the Rotary Club!

An Educated Woman

2006-05-16T14:42:00.000-04:00

An issue resurfacing during this past Mother's Day weekend was the ol' stay-at-home vs. working mother debate. I won't pass judgment on anyone else's life choices. Each woman has to do what is right for herself and her children.

No longer is the issue only "if" and "should" a mother stay home with her children, nor how fulfilled she feels either way. No, now it extends into should an educated woman stay home with her kids. The premise seems to be that a college-educated woman who stays home with her kids offers nothing to society (what - a parent who is attentive to her child provides nothing to society by emphasizing education, and keeping her kids off drugs and away from crime?!). Awhile ago, I actually read with disbelief a blog post (since removed) where the (female) writer stated that a seat in college was wasted if it was occupied by a woman who eventually planned to stay home with her children.

I cannot see where an educated parent is not contributing to society. A woman with any college degree is a better person, whether she is a parent or not. As a mother, she can impart knowledge to her child about the subjects she studied, but there is so much more. She can appreciate differences and get along with others due to the variety of teachers and classmates she met in college. She can intelligently research any subject and have more perspective in making a decision. She can be open to new ideas and technology.

Not everyone is able to get a college education. Those who can, should. Whether they use the knowledge in the professional world or not is inconsequential. They have still broadened their horizons, which makes them a better person. And their children can only benefit. And if their children benefit, society benefits.

Push it Good!

2006-05-15T20:26:00.000-04:00

The Branch likes to push things. And push, and push, and push. He gets such a serious look on his face, like it's his mission in life to push anything pushable. Kitchen chairs, the twin stroller (in the house), the Blossom (pictured). I think this winter I am going to take him to the northern states and rent him out to push stalled cars in the snow.

Never Fart In The O/R

2006-05-13T15:07:00.000-04:00

May 14, 2006

A patient's flatulence has been blamed for bringing his hemorrhoid operation to a fiery end. The man suffered minor burns in a brief but dramatic operating theatre fire.

The patient was at the Southern Cross Hospital in Invercargill, New Zealand, to have hemorrhoids removed when the accident happened.

A hospital source said there was a sort of flash fire. The hospital confirmed a fire did occur, and has ordered an investigation.

From Sydney Morning Herald

Don't Mess With My Homegirls

2006-05-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

Article from my hometown paper on teenage girls who foiled burglary. You go, girls!

10 year anniversary

2006-05-07T20:40:00.000-04:00

Last evening we celebrated the 10 year anniversary of our martial arts school. Ten years was a wonderful milestone for the master and his family. Most martial arts schools are mom-and-pop businesses. Often, the family has "day jobs" in addition to teaching martial arts classes and running the school. It takes incredible dedication to provide an excellent martial arts education to students, test students for belt advancement, remain humble, and to keep growing as a martial arts professional. In the early years, the class was the master (left), his son (second from left) and his wife (right). Our school also survived a political shake-up almost three years ago that nearly destroyed us as a school. But our master and his family perservered, at great cost to their personal lives, and many loyal black belt students stood by their side. Several of us (including yours truly, second from right) received achievement awards for our long years of study, loyalty, skill, and other outstanding attributes.

This martial arts community is also like a family to many of the students, including myself. I have been attending for eight and a half years and I liken my feeling about it to the feelings many people have about church. There is a sense of ritual, the caring community, and sense of order and being rewarded for doing "good". How many institutions these days reward one for loyalty, skill, perserverance, and helping others? What institutions require that you respect each and every member that walks through the door, and insist that they in return respect you? Very few on both accounts, but a good martial arts school should do just exactly that.

Here's to another ten years. Thanks, master. And thanks to your family.

Cinco de Mayo Treat

2006-05-05T09:57:00.000-04:00

Uncap a frosty Corona while you prepare this tasty snack.

I made the one in this picture last year for my cousin's 50th birthday party.

1 18" plastic party tray
1 large can Old El Paso Traditional refried beans
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonaisse
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups (approximately) chopped fresh tomatos
1/2 cup chopped canned black olives well drained
Grated cheese - mild cheddar or taco blend
12 banana or jalapeno pepper slices well-drained
1 jar salsa, mild, medium or hot
1 bag Tostitos or similar white corn chips. I use store brand.

-Spread refried beans on party tray in layer not more than 1/4" thick.
-Mix together mayonaisse, sour cream, and taco seasoning to taste.
Spread in layer not more than 1/4" thick on top of beans.
-Place black olives in small bowl. Invert bowl over center of sour cream mix and tap to place black olives.
-Place tomatos around the black olives in a concentric ring.
-Place grated cheese in outermost ring around tomatos.
-Using a clean paper towel over your finger, remove uneven edges.
-Place pepper rings at points of the clock on top of cheese.
Serve with salsa and white corn chips.

Dear Process Server:

2006-05-04T14:07:00.000-04:00

I thought the knock on my door late last night (9:30 PM) was a misdelivered pizza. Did it ever occur to you that people may be in their pajamas at that hour? Maybe, oh, settling down for BED? I am not that hard to find, despite the fact that the summons had an incorrect address. There are almost always two (2) cars in the driveway, day and night. I'm a stay-at-home parent, so surely you could have picked a better hour to serve me this paper. And to top it off, your summons was for me to appear for a deposition for the EEOC vs. Some Sorry Company I Haven't Worked For In 4 Years And Had No Beef With Other Than An Unemployment Claim. I mean, it's not like I am guilty of anything. I'm just sayin'...

10 Simple Pleasures

2006-05-02T09:34:00.000-04:00

From Stringman, and listed in reverse order.

10) A good song on the radio

9) My cat’s purr

8) A “good” session of kicks at martial arts

7) A fresh cup of coffee and a crisp newspaper

6) A cold beer while grilling burgers

5) An e-mail from my mother

4) A good night’s sleep

3) When the Citizen makes me laugh

2) Dinner with the Citizen

…and the number one simple pleasure…

1) The Branch and Blossom’s laughs

Time Magazine's 100 "Most Influential People"

2006-04-30T21:22:00.000-04:00

Bono? Ugh. George Clooney? Give me a break! Ellen DeGenerate? Yuck.

But then came the Rain

Aahhh....
Photo from Korea Times

Dragon Boat Festival

2006-04-29T18:16:00.000-04:00

(Click on picture to see boats)

Today our family went to the dragon boat races in Tampa. The race and accompanying festival has grown significantly since the first one that was held two years ago. Along with dragon boat racing, there is an Asian festival with food stands, items for sale, and entertainment. The Branch and Blossom had fried rice and egg roll. I had Korean food and I didn't care for the kimchi (cold, spicy cabbage!). The fried dumplings, however, were heavenly.

We plan to take the Branch and Blossom each year. The weather is perfect this time of year and it's great to see other Asian families and families with adopted or mixed-race children.

Dragon Boat Racing dates back almost 2,000 years to the Chinese legend of Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan, after being exiled from the land he loved, threw himself in the Milou River. In an attempt to save him, local fishermen wildly beat their drums and splashed the water with their paddles to prevent water dragons and fish from eating his body. The modern Dragon Boat Race is based upon the reenactment of the race to save Qu from the water's terrors. (from Tampa Bay Dragon Boats.com)

Here is the Branch expressing interest in some other children's balloons. We did not know this family but the girl in the denim dress was kind enough to give the Branch her red balloon, which quickly got away from him. We were able to get Branch and Blossom their own balloons.

Flowers For Friday

2006-04-28T15:04:00.000-04:00

I cannot take credit for these lovely flowers. They belong to our neighbors, who planted them to hide whatever the latticework fence is supposed to be hiding.

Our neighbors are an older couple from somewhere in the west. I forget if it's California or Arizona. He works part-time as a pharmacist at the VA and she is retired.
They're very nice and always interested in the progress of the Branch and Blossom.

I did, however, take this picture. I was cleaning the litterbox at the outside faucet when I noticed how lovely these flowers were in the morning light.

Sleeping in Airports

2006-04-26T12:35:00.000-04:00

Flight delated till next morning? Hotels full? Or just plain broke? Master the possibilities of sleeping in airports.
Check out the photos and ratings of travellers who slept in airports around the country and around the world. Airports are rated on such features as comfort, harrassment by security, noise, and access to vending machines. Also included are handy tips to make your airport stay more comfortable and how to be sure you don't miss that morning flight.

Puffy

2006-04-24T15:18:00.000-04:00

Hooray! Just got my Yesasia order. The CD pictured is by J-pop (Japanese pop music) girl duo Puffy, also called Puffy AmiYumi (Ami and Yumi are the girl's names). I saw a video (very, very reminiscent of 80's music and music videos) on World Music, an excellent program on Sunday mornings and afternoons on LinkTV.org. Here's that episode's playlist, which I thoroughly enjoyed. And if anyone out there could help me track down the CD "Plum Brandy Blues" by Night Losers, I'd be their bestest blog buddy forEVER! (Night Losers are a Romanian group, and whereas Yesasia has Asian music and movies, so far I haven't found a Yesromania).

Not Just A Nanny

2006-04-23T10:06:00.000-04:00

As Black Feline reminded me, it's been a long time since my last post. The weather's been fantastic here and we've spent lots of time outdoors before the real summer heat sets in. The Branch and Blossom have re-discovered the swimming pool. My dad and stepmother were here for Easter and the Citizen worked from home last week instead of his usual travelling. There's a bird in the kumquat tree outside the bathroom window. It's been trying to get in the bathroom window for weeks.

When we hired Nanny A. last year, we got not only a nanny, but an entire family. Her family are all very warm and easygoing. Nanny A.'s sister N. has two daughters. One of the daughters, K. has a girl three days older than the Branch and Blossom. K. also has a new son, D., who is quickly turning out to be a big guy like our Branch. K. is a stay-at-home mother too. Twice a week, we go to K.'s house in the afternoon for playtime for the kids, social time for me, and family time for Nanny A. K,'s sister D. made some pillowcases for the Branch and Blossom's little pillows. I give boy's clothes to K. for her son, and she gives me M.'s outgrown clothes for the Blossom. Despite only being 3 days older than Blossom, M. is quite a bit larger so the Blossom can wear her hand-me-downs.

And the Branch is finally beginning to walk. Now he has really earned the title "Toddler"! Previously it was a designation based solely on his age. At 16 months and 39 pounds, we were eager for him to walk quickly. And I know you'll all be so disappointed that my cellphone camera doesn't work, so no pics of the Branch walking. But we'll get some up soon.

Frighteningly Easy

2006-04-12T13:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had to order a certified copy of my birth certificate in preparation for travel to Canada. It was scary how easy it was to order the birth certificate online and pay with a credit card. I called prior to making the order and was told there would be NO problem since the name on the credit card was different from the birth name due to marriage.

More than 10 years ago I ordered a copy in person (yes, I lost it, shame on me. It got packed away somewhere during moving). I was not even asked for any picture ID at the time. Anyone could have walked in and got my birth certificate.

No wonder I.D. theft is rampant.

The Power of Blog

2006-04-11T16:58:00.000-04:00

BBC News reports how bloggin' about a business can tarnish their rep.

New Wal-Mart Dress Code

2006-04-11T10:21:00.000-04:00

This just in:

1) Unless you are a porn star, lingerie should not be worn as outer wear.

2) Children should have shirts, shoes, and clean faces.

3) Do not dress in a style that is sluttier than that of your daughter, even if she's already got her own young-un'.

4) Feel free to show all the skin you like if you are ready for an Ironperson Triatholon. Otherwise, please cover flab and avoid garments that pull and stretch.

5) There is a difference between low income and low class. Please be aware of it.

6) Men younger than 20 may wear pants below their waist, and men older than 80 may wear pants up to their armpits. Men between the ages of 21 and 79 should strive to wear the waistband of the pants at their waist, real or perceived.

Thank you. Your co-operation will make the Wal-Mart shopping experience more pleasant for all.

Have a Butt-kickin' Birthday

2006-04-07T14:33:00.000-04:00

Jackie Chan is 52 today.

I knew there was a reason I needed to buy some beer...

Alphabet Meme

2006-04-06T14:41:00.000-04:00

Got this from Zambo. Actually, he didn't tag anyone. I liked it anyway.

Accent – Philly accent mixed with southern (“Would y’all like some CAWfee?!”)

Booze of Choice- Beer: Sapporo or Yuengling. Wine: Chardonnay or Merlot. Hard: Vodka or Gin. (Important category which deserves detail!)

Chore I hate- Cleaning the shower. I’d rather clean the toilet 7 days a week than scrub the shower once a week.

Dog or Cat- Well, it’s not called “Herding Dogs”, is it?

Essential Electronics – Laptop. Coffeemaker.

Fragrances – None. Citizen is allergic.

Gold or Silver – Gold.

Hometown- Reading PA

Insomnia – All the TIME! Really need to find a sleep study to get into.

Job Title- Homemaker, housewife. Ugh. No matter how you slice it, it’s totally unglamorous – no chance of a raise of promotion, no company parties, Christmas bonus or tech support.

Kids- Branch and Blossom, twins.

Living Arrangement – Husband, kids, two cats. Single-family home.

Most Admired Trait – Work Ethic

Number of Sex partners – 5th amendment.

Overnight Hospital stays: Yup. Only 3.

Phobia – Ok, this is hard to explain. I am not afraid of being in airplanes or tall buildings. But I hate to be on something high when I can see the ground directly beneath my feet. I am terrified of those bridges made of grating, towers that have to be climbed and you can see the previous level or ground just by looking down, and some amusement park rides. Balconies, however, are ok; probably because they’re attached to buildings. Also somewhat claustrophobic but usually can control that with deep breathing and picturing something in my mind.

Quote – “In the mouth that is not closed, a fly enters.” Spanish proverb I learned in Spanish class.

Religion – none. Lean toward Unitarian Universalist per Beliefnet quiz.

Siblings - 1 younger brother, 1 younger sister

Time I wake up – 6 AM, 7 days a week.

Unusual Talent/skill – 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido (kickin’ ass since 1997!)

Vegetable I refuse to eat – Okra. Snot-in-a-pod.

Worst Habit – Swearing and driving aggressively

X-rays – dental. Right foot when I broke it in a drunken spree in 1994. (Would make for a good post…). Chest x-ray last summer when hospitalized. Lung x-rays as teenager to check for pneumonia.

Yummy Foods I make – Arroz Con Pollo (chicken and rice), pork chops and gravy, sausage gravy and biscuits, hamburgers on the grill.

Zodiac Sign - Libra

Chocolate Disaster!

2006-04-05T14:28:00.000-04:00

What I want to know is where I can get one of those 10 pound chocolate bars.

Rig kisses truck, spilling chocolate onto highway
Interstate 78 is closed for hours after the crash in Greenwich Township between a tractor-trailer and a box truck headed to Hershey.

By Jason A. Kahl
Reading Eagle

Traffic in northern Berks County was tied up for hours Tuesday following an accident involving two trucks that left about 8,000 pounds of chocolate spilled on Interstate 78, state police said.

One of the truckers, Douglas Withers, 32, Lincolnton, N.C., was treated for minor injuries in Lehigh Valley Hospital near Allentown after the 1:30 crash in the westbound lanes of I-78 in Greenwich Township, officials said.

Troopers gave this account:

Withers was driving a tractor-trailer behind a slow-moving box truck driven by Richard A. Coleman, 54, Grantville, when the rig hit the back of Coleman's truck.

Coleman was hauling about 8,000 pounds of chocolate from East Greenville, Montgomery County, to Hershey Foods Corp. in Hershey.

The impact caused the entire load of chocolate, which was in 10-pound bars loaded on pallets, to spill onto the interstate.

The tractor-trailer jack-knifed and one of its fuel tanks split open, spilling about 60 gallons of diesel fuel on the highway and contaminating the chocolate.

Kramer's Towing Service Inc. of Hamburg used a backhoe and dump truck to clean up the chocolate. Firefighters cleaned up the diesel fuel.

A driver with Kramer's said the chocolate still was in the dump truck late Tuesday while workers waited for officials with the state Department of Environmental Protection to tell them how to dispose of it.

Coleman declined medical treatment.

Both truckers wore seat belts.

Coleman told police he had the truck's hazard lights turned on when the accident happened. Withers was cited for following too closely.

The interstate was closed for 31/2 hours, and traffic was detoured onto Old Route 22.

The traffic tie-up extended into Lehigh County and other areas of northern Berks.

Workers from the state Departments of Agriculture and Transportation and the DEP responded to the scene, along with Kutztown firefighters and the Hamburg Ambulance.

Contact reporter Jason A. Kahl at 610-371-5024 or jkahl@readingeagle.com.

Who Stole Jerry's Toilet?

2006-04-02T21:02:00.000-04:00

Someone stole late Grateful Dead member Jerry Garcia's toilet.

It'a been an awful weekend. This is the best I could come up with...

Here We Go. Again.

2006-03-31T18:31:00.000-05:00

Oh no! Here it comes - again! The stupid changing of the clocks! I hate this, I'm always grouchy for about 2 weeks (well, grouchier than normal!) and it's so hard to get Branch and Blossom on a new schedule.

The way I see it is there are 24 hours in a day no matter where you put 'em. You still have to work, the same chores have to be done, etc. I'm in a much better mood when I can wake up in the light, but now it's going to be dark in the morning. I really don't care if it's dark early at night. That's what headlights and indoor lights are for.

Organ Harvesting In China-Where Is The Front-Page Coverage?

2006-03-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

This article on
The Epoch Times about human organ harvesting in China is not an easy read. Also, see this page about worldwide hunger strikes to protest organ harvesting, and this article about New Yorkers reaction (warning, graphic photo in this article).

This article explains what Falun Gong is. The "gong" part (also "Kung") is the same "Kung" as in Kung-fu (also called "Gong Fu" in texts with a more Chinese-bent translation.) Although Falun Gong is not a martial art, it purports to improve both the mind and body, as many martial arts do. Li Hongzhi is a controversial figure himself. Personally, I have no respect for someone who chooses to live safely in NYC while his followers are under attack from their own government in China. Li Hongzhi and Falun Gong were covered in Time Magazine in the late 1990's and also in Time Asia in 2001. Regarding line 3 (Li Hongzhi's birthdate), this may be due to a difference in how Chinese measure age at birth. In China, a child is presumed to be one year old at birth (which makes sense, in a way), causing differences in record-keeping for Chinese who cross into Western culture (i.e., the Citizen).

Herding Cats is left speechless and once again wonders what sort of world this is to raise the Branch and Blossom in.

"G" for Going Somewhere

2006-03-28T14:23:00.001-05:00

I got the hat for 5 bucks at Wal-Mart. The "G" is the logo for University of Georgia
. I'm glad it stands out because everyone who lives in this development is either for Florida State or University of Florida. I do have some connection (however remote) to UGA because the Citizen got his Master's in Artificial Intelligence there.

Every time we go somewhere as a family, I wear this hat because my hair is naturally frizzy and pretty much untameable. Now the Branch and Blossom squeal with glee and clap their hands when they see this hat because it means we are Going Somewhere. When they're older, I'll tell them that's what the "G" means.

Photo by Nanny G. I not only needed a nanny, I'm going to need to hire a photographer as well!

Hooray! Hooray! The Return of Nanny A.!

2006-03-27T20:19:00.000-05:00

Upon hearing of our nanny-less predicament, Nanny A. returned from Peru to help us! (Actually, she was planning on coming anyway but hadn't set a date). She stopped in last Thursday afternoon with her sister, N. and N.'s granddaughter. Then Nanny G. and Mr. D. were here too, so it was quite the party, which the Branch enjoyed.Blossom would not go to Nanny G. on Thursday.

But today, it seems that Blossom recalled Nanny A. on some unconscious level, because Blossom was quite fine and acting if she's known Nanny A. her whole life (which, she pretty much has!).

So we're back on track here at "Herding Cats"!

The Next Reality Show

2006-03-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car
and 3 kids each for six weeks. Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.

There is no fast food. Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned
house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects,
cook, do laundry, and pay a list of "pretend" bills with not
enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for
groceries each week. Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time.
Each man must also take each child to a doctor's
appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment. He must
make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the
Urgent Care (weekend, evening, on a holiday or right when they're
about to leave for vacation).

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.
Each man will be responsible for decorating his own
assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable
at all times. The men will only have access to television when the kids
are asleep and all chores are done. There is only one TV between them, and a remote with dead batteries.

Each father will be required to know all of the words to every
stupid song that comes on TV and the name of each and every character on cartoons. The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, which they will apply to themselves either while driving or making
three lunches.

Each man will have to make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla and one marker; and get a 4 year old to eat a serving of peas.
Each man must adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable
yet stylish shoes, keep their nails polished and eyebrows groomed.

The men must try to get through each day without snot, spit-up or barf on their clothing. During at least one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, backaches, and have extreme,
unexplained mood swings, but never once complain or slow
down from other duties. They must try to explain what a tampon is
for when the 6-year old boy finds it in the purse.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time
at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
He will need to read a book and then pray with the children
each night without falling asleep, and then feed them, dress
them, brush their teeth and comb their hair each morning by
7:00 They must leave the home with no food on their faces
or clothing.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each
child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

They must clean up after their sick children at 2:00 a.m. and then spend the remainder of the day tending to that child and
waiting on them hand and foot until they are better. They must have a loving, age-appropriate reply to, "You're not the boss of me".

The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The
last man left wins. . . .but only if he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice. If the last man does win, he gets to play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years...eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

What Are Little Girls Made Of?

2006-03-25T14:35:00.000-05:00

What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice, but you're gonna think twice.
We'll show you what little girls are made of!

Picture from Korea Times Online

Goodbye to Nanny G. (sniffle)

2006-03-23T14:49:00.000-05:00

Nanny G. has officially turned in her key and left the employ of "Herding Cats". Branch and Blossom penned this poem for her. They considered purchasing a piece of jewelry as a thank-you gift, but since Nanny G. herself is a bit sentimental, they decided to write a poem instead:

For diapers you changed
And tears that you dried
For being so loving
And right by our side

For coming so early
And staying so late
For hopping over
The kitchen gate

For trips to the park
And rides on the swings
For feeding us dinners
Of many good things

For washing our hair
With shampoo on our heads
For giving us baths and
Putting us in our beds

For teaching us Spanish,
To laugh and to walk
For always listening
When we try to talk

For helping our mom
Through many tough times
We wrote all these
Silly small rhymes

We love you, Nanny G.
And Mr. D too
There are no two people
Finer than you.

Con Mucho Amor Y Besos Tambien (with much love and kisses also)
Llorona y Gordito (Their Spanish names)
Marzo 2006 (March 2006)

This was printed out on nice stationary, suitable for framing and will be given to Nanny G.

Live Long And Prosper

2006-03-22T15:11:00.000-05:00

William Shatner is 75 today.

Oldies But Goodies

2006-03-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

Steve Tyler (left) scheduled for surgery.

I used to have a major thing for Joe Perry (right). I was really into Italian guys as a teenager.

Not Your Mother's PE

2006-03-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

Excellent article on why we need not more P.E. (Physical Education) classes in schools, but a different P.E. concept.

So How Do You Want To Go?

2006-03-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

Check out these hand-carved coffins in the shapes of sneakers, lobsters and cellphones.

From Sydney Morning Herald

Suggested motto for Australia: "Your One-Stop Source For Wierd News".

Florida Sandhill Cranes

2006-03-20T14:46:00.000-05:00

The locale of "Herding Cats" is also home to the Florida Sandhill Crane. When we first moved into this house (October 2002), we often saw FSC's walking down the street of our subdivision. I've also spotted them in the parking lot at Publix (picking up their groceries, maybe?), the local Cadillac dealer, and a small natural area near an office park. With their lean, grey-brown bodies, their unhurried mannerisms, and bright red heads, Florida Sandhill Cranes are one of the bonuses of living in Florida.

While walking the Branch and Blossom this afternoon, I was amazed to see an FSC family.
Although I've seen many adult FSC's, today was the first I've seen an FSC chick.

The chick's neck is visible beneath the adult's.

Below is a better picture of the adults:

Mary Had A 6-Legged Lamb...

2006-03-19T21:05:00.000-05:00

from Sidney (Australia) Morning Herald

St. Patrick's Day

2006-03-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

Check out the leprecat at "Freaks of Nature".

A Special Message...

2006-03-16T09:55:00.000-05:00

...to the jackass who called my landline at 11:00 PM last night, waking both me and the kids. I was interrupted in my dearly-needed sleep to stumble out to the living room and disconnect the phone; and my kids are cranky today. Good thing I don't know where you live.

Herding Cats usually refrains from posting with foul language. But it sure feels good to get that off my chest.

Herding Cats is One Year Old!

2006-03-15T14:20:00.001-05:00

Break out the beer! It's the first anniversary of the blog now known as "Herding Cats". Readers were encouraged to ask questions about "Herding Cats", answers are below:

Don Wood asks: “Beer. What brands do you drink, how much, and when?"

Great question, Don, about one of my favorite subjects. My standby is Yuengling Traditional Lager and lately I’m into Sapporo, a Japanese beer. Sadly, I don’t drink as much as I used to. In the evening. You thought it was first thing in the morning, didn’t you?

Black Feline wants to know: “Why cats?” and “Randy, Paula or Simon?” Cats are famous for their independent natures. Thus, they cannot be herded. Animals that can be herded group together and follow an alpha animal which is the leader. “It was like herding cats” is a phrase that refers to a situation that, while you’re minding one part of it, other parts are going astray. Definitely describes life with two toddlers (and two cats)! I am guessing the second part of the question is an “American Idol” reference. Don’t care for the show at all, but I suppose I would say “Simon” because he’s very direct about telling people they have no talent.

Spiderwalk wants to see a picture of me, and what my favorite recipe is. I posted my picture back in July here.
(I am holding the sword I used to cut my wedding cake). And my favorite recipe is Arroz Con Pollo (chicken with rice). I’ll put the recipe in a separate post. And no, I do not want your gummy bears, but if you have some chocolate, we can talk!

Crystal asks: “Are you originally from Florida?” and “How did you meet your husband?”
I am originally from Reading, PA which is an hour and a half’s drive northwest of Philadelphia. On my 3rd anniversary this past November, I described how I met the Citizen, here. Crystal and I have the privilege of being married to very educated men. The Citizen holds a
Masters in Artificial Intelligence and an MBA. Crystal's husband recently received
a PhD in physics. Awesome.

Paul wants to know if cats are herded inside or outside. The answer, Paul, is both. Both cats and kids go outside and inside, so it’s always a matter of herding, either in or out of doors! And now it’s sunny and warm in Florida, so much more outdoor herding will occur!

Stringman inquires: “How much time have you spent in Asia?” “Ever lived there?” and “Do you speak languages other than English?” The answer to the first two is none and no, although I did seriously consider teaching English in South Korea. The cast of “Herding Cats” plans to go to China when the Branch and Blossom are old enough to both endure and enjoy the trip. I speak Spanish, not fluently, but enough words and phrases to get by.
I can perform the basics (count, ask for directions, order dinner, purchase an item, greet people, etc). I learned Spanish from a variety of sources – high school classes, Sesame Street, various Hispanic co-workers, Nanny A., and Nanny G. I also know a couple of words in Mandarin Chinese. I only recognize about 6 characters but my verbal vocabulary is several words more - I can count, say “dinner’s ready”, name off a few food items, and of course, I know the words for wine and beer! In martial arts, I can count to 20 in Korean and say “thank you”.

So, thanks for your questions. Here's looking to another great year of blogging. Thanks to all those who have stopped by and become regular readers.

A Harrowing Morning

2006-03-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

One of Blossom's favorite things is to carry something and walk around the house. This morning it was an empty plastic cup. Who would have thought, and I would LOVE if Mr. Spock was here to calculate the odds, that Blossom would fall and actually cut her nostril on the cup? But that is exactly what she did.

Nanny G. and I scooped her up and gathered the Branch (no easy task) to head for the doctor. Naturally I could NOT find a pair of shoes in a panic so I ended up putting some old Airwalks on. At least as we drove to the pediatrician's office, I had the sanity to remember their number and call them to say we were coming in on an emergency. The bleeding had subsided but the cut looked deep, about an eighth of an inch into the nostril.

The doctor had to clean the wound and the Blossom screamed bloody murder, even more so than when the accident actually happened. She wiggled so much (despite me and the doctor trying to hold her down) that she rubbed the paper on the table into her head. The paper was already wet from the irrigation liquid, so the Blossom was a mess of wet hair, tears and paper wads. Both of us were crying and the Branch too. The doctor remained COOL as a CUCUMBER and so did Nanny G.

Both kids were miserable and screaming because we left the house without them getting their morning naps. We were at the doctor's for about an hour and a half, which isn't bad, considering they were swamped with appointments. The Blossom was patched up with Dermabond and given a good prognosis. Dermabond is fantastic stuff. It's Superglue for the skin.

I was crying for most of the morning too, praying she wouldn't have a scar and other fears too deep-seated to mention. I was just a mess, basically, but it's hard to remain calm and positive with two screaming kids. I quickly began to feel that there's no hope that they'll EVER stop crying.

Home Alone!

2006-03-13T14:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, this should be a fun week. A couple of weeks ago, Nanny G. was informed by her lawyer that she had to find more gainful employment. So, reluctantly, she took another job which entails long hours on her feet with crappy pay (see, here at "Herding Cats" she still had long hours and crappy pay, but at least she wasn't on her feet all day!). She still stops by to see the kids and help me a couple of hours in the morning. Because she loves the Branch and Blossom. And they love her. It's in the best interest of the kids to phase her out gradually, for the kids' sake and mine. But we have every intention of keeping her and Mr. D. as family friends.

So, that means 90% of the time, I am on my own with two toddlers (ok, so the Branch isn't quite toddling yet). We'll see how I do this week. Last week the Citizen worked from home but I promised this week I could handle it myself. So I need all your support out there! And it's only for two weeks, till Nanny A. comes back from Peru.

Grandma, Blossom and Branch

2006-03-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

Photo by Nanny G.

Found It On The Internet

2006-03-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

Aha! On the Internet, anything is possible. I located the mysterious Korean movie I wrote about on the meme from Lin on February 15. The movie is called "Chunhyang", and available on Yesasia.com

I found it while reading an article on Korea Times Online about the art director who worked on "Chunhyang" and other films.

Ask Herding Cats

2006-03-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

March 15 marks the first anniversary of "Herding Cats". To that end, readers are invited to submit a question to "Herding Cats" about any of the cast or crew or something you've been wanting to know about "Herding Cats". If you need advice we'll try to help you there too. Post a comment or e-mail herdingcats1 at the Yahoo place.

Note: Herding Cats reserves the right to take the 5th Amendment where deemed appropriate.
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These Hands Were Made For Walkin'

2006-03-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

From Yahoo:

Human quadrupeds discovered in Turkey.

LONDON (AFP) - The discovery of a Turkish family that walks on all fours could aid research into the evolution of humans.

Researchers believe the five brothers and sisters, who can walk naturally only on all fours, may provide new information on how humans evolved from four-legged hominids to walk upright.

Nicholas Humphrey, evolutionary psychologist at the London School of Economics, told The Times the discovery opened "an extraordinary window on our past".

"I do not think they were designed to be quadrupeds by their genes, but their unique genetic make-up allowed them to be," he said.

"It has produced an extraordinary window on our past. It is physically possible, which noone would have guessed from the [modern] human skeleton."

The siblings, the subject of a new BBC documentary to be aired on March 17, suffer from a genetic abnormality that may prevent them from walking upright.

Instead, they use their palms like heels with their fingers sticking up from the ground.

The BBC said the documentary would contribute to fierce scientific debate and raised profound questions about what it is to be human.

Humphrey, who has contributed to the documentary, believes the style of walking may be a throwback to a form of behaviour abandoned by humans more than three million years ago.

Two sisters and one son have only ever walked on two hands and two feet, while another daughter and son occasionally walk on two feet.

All five are mentally retarded and have problems with language as a result of a form of underdevelopment of the brain known as cerebellar ataxia.

However Humphrey told the Times their behaviour may be partly the result of their parents tolerating the behaviour in childhood.

They are aged between 18 and 34 and live in southern Turkey, athough the makers of the documentary have not disclosed their exact location.

"They walk like animals and that's very disturbing at first. But we were also very moved by this family's tremendous warmth and humanity," Jemima Harrison of Passionate Productions told the Times.

Sounds more like supermarket tabloid material, doesn' it?

I'm On The Highway To Shanghai!

2006-03-06T21:02:00.000-05:00

Ok, I wanted to save this for later in the week but just couldn't resist - a Chinese woman covers AC/DC classics "Highway to Hell" and "Back In Black."

You saw it here first on Herding Cats. Ok, ok it was really seen first on Sydney Morning Herald (Australia).

Herding Cat (Food)

2006-03-06T20:27:00.000-05:00

While preparing shredded pork for the Branch for lunch, I didn't want to waste a SINGLE bit of that tasty meat. No, I wanted to LICK THE SPOON TOO!!! There were two spoons with greyish-brown meat on the tips. Guess which one I grabbed....and stuck into my mouth...

Yes, I do feed the Blossom too. She's a picky eater and usually has hummus and crackers for lunch.

Busy Around Here

2006-03-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been busy here at Herding Cats. Nanny G has had to move on to more gainful employment per the advice of her immigration lawyer. My mom was here for a week and left last Wednesday. Of course, RIGHT after she left, the weather got very nice. Weather has a way of doing that when you have visitors.

So right now we are nannyless. We're trying to get Nanny A. back from Peru. She wasn't planning on coming to the U.S. right away but when she heard her old job opened, she was very enthusiastic.

It would be just a little bit easier around here if the Branch would decide to walk. Any advice on getting the boy to walk? He does walk when someone stands behind him holding his hands, and he can push wheeled toys in the house. Yes, he's almost 15 months and 39 pounds...I know the extra pounds don't help. The Blossom walks around like she owns this joint. Now it's become "Herding Blossom"...

How I Spent My Florida Vacation

2006-03-02T20:54:00.000-05:00

Check out Heather. She, her significant other, and her mom went from Baltimore to Florida to help restore a hurricane-damaged home. Mind you, this house was from the 2004 hurricane and it still had not been repaired. Good work all around and they even found time to attend an art festival and spring training game.

Music Meme

2006-03-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

7 Songs I’m Listening To Lately:

I like this meme from Groovyvic. It’s only one question with seven answers. Links are provided below each entry for your shopping convenience. Each is listed as a separate entry in order to provide a photo of the CD cover.

Meme, #1

2006-03-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

“Tutuki” by Te Vaka, from the CD “Tutuki” This group’s founder, Opetaia Foa’i hails from Samoa, but Te Vaka incorporates music from all over the South Pacific. Te Vaka (which means ”canoe”) has numerous members, many of which are Opetaia’s family. I love this song for it’s energy. It’s impossible to be depressed and listen to this song. The entire CD is wonderful and features lyrics in several South Pacific languages. English translations are in the CD booklet.
www.tevaka.com

Meme, #2

2006-03-01T10:13:00.000-05:00

“It’s Raining” by Rain from the CD “It’s Raining”. This Korean pop star’s childhood dream was to be like Michael Jackson (musically, that is. I don’t think anyone dreams of being such a freak), but Rain's name seems to be a subtle reference to Prince. Rain is one of the most famous heartthrobs in South Korea and recently played two nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City. K-pop (Korean pop music) has crossed over to Japan and China as well. Ever the Asian student, Rain wants to improve his English before breaking into the U.S. market. Some songs in English, some in Korean. Same with liner notes.

www.yesasia.com

Meme, #3

2006-03-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

“Mi Bombon” by Cabas from the CD “Cabas”. This Colombian singer mixes pop, ballads, rock, and traditional Colombian music, sort of a South American Billy Idol.
"Mi Bombon" is the hit from this CD but all the other tracks rock as well. Latin music was my first foray into world music. Fellow Colombian Juanes may be more popular but I stick by Cabas. Lyrics and liner notes in Spanish.

www.amazon.com

Meme, #4

2006-03-01T10:08:00.000-05:00

4) (Second track) by 12 Chinese Girls Band from the CD “Beautiful Energy”. Only in China could 12 women pull off a project like a musical group complete with albums and tours. Women from any other country would be fighting too much among themselves to even get past the first rehearsal. This unique group plays traditional Chinese instruments in a most non-traditional way. The second track on this CD even sounds suspiciously like Irish folk music. I don’t know the title of the track because the titles are in Japanese (these chicks are quite popular in Japan) so even the Citizen can’t read it.
Instrumental, no lyrics.
www.yesasia.com

Meme, #5

2006-03-01T10:04:00.000-05:00

(Last track) by Kodo from the album “Kodo: Live At The Acropolis”. Kodo is a Japanese group which play traditional Japanese drums. Drums are of all sizes, from drums that can be carried with shoulder straps to great big ones which are beaten with large sticks from both sides. Their performance is awesome and every one of these drummers are in top physical shape. Same deal with the titles – in Japanese so no-one in our household can read them. Instrumental, no lyrics.
www.amazon.com