Sparks and Butterflies...

But aside from that, she's still completely normal

I don’t have a point

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There was a perfect job I found and applied for. Yes, I’m building a business, but we’re struggling now. It was for a church, in the youth ministry, as the assistant to the department. I’ve been in administration for two decades, have professional experience in church and parachurch organizations, have a decade in motherhood, have children that age, and wouldn’t have to put my kids in child care. It was perfect. After a week, I called to follow up and was stonewalled by the receptionist. Tried to email but the listing was closed.

It was like God closed the door that He opened. I don’t understand.

And we’re still struggling.

This is Why We Call Them Crazy

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Below the fold, you’ll find a video (if it hasn’t yet been pulled.)  First things first:  It is really bloody, really gory, disgusting, and should absolutely not be watched if children are in the room.  I’m really not kidding about that – it’s very disturbing.

This was a “funny” commercial in the UK.  People were so disturbed by it that it’s been pulled off the air – but alas – it lives on in the internet.  It’s about consequences for not reducing your carbon emissions – specifically the 10:10 project it’s advertising.  It was supposed to be humor.  I don’t see the humor.

And I’ll probably be freaked out forever by the words, “No pressure.”  This right here is why we say there’s an agenda.  This right here is an example of some of our deep down fears.  This right here is in your face.  If you have any inkling of advertising, marketing, and publicity, you know this was seen by many people before it was put on the air.  And they all thought it was OKAY.Continue Reading

Chuck Ward, 1962-2010

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I was a band geek.  From 1989-1993 I was in color guard, winter guard, field band, parade band, concert band, and drum circuit.  I started in color guard, however, I blew out my knees my freshman year, and from then on my participation was sporadically based on whether my knees could handle turns, jumps, and “jazz” runs.  Through it all, Chuck was our coach.  He smiled, laughed, yelled, got frustrated, but was always respectful, caring, and pushed us to do our best.  He showed us how.

My tribute at his obituary site:

Chuck was my coach on and off for 4 years. He arrived for his first year at La Canada High School my freshman year. When I blew out my knees and could participate in Color Guard anymore, he was kind and caring. He pushed me when he felt I wasn’t giving my best. He was patient when I didn’t understand something. And when I faked a particular move for the *entire* season because I just didn’t get it – he didn’t say a word. I trusted and respected him as a teacher. I’m so sorry for your loss.

His obituary:

Donald “Chuck” Ward Jr. (January 17, 1962 – August 21, 2010)
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Donald
Donald “Chuck” Ward, Jr., 48 of Los Angeles, CA. passed away in London, England on August 21, 2010 with his partner and family at his side. Chuck was a native of Lysander and a 1980 graduate of C.W. Baker High School, Baldwinsville. Chuck received his Master of Arts in Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. Chuck was a Counselor & Professor at Pasadena City College for 22 years. He was also a National Conference judge for various Marching Band and Color guard competitions. Chuck was pre-deceased by his sister, Donna L. Ward of Baldwinsville in 2009.

Survivors: His partner of 20 years, Robert Cook, Jr of Los Angeles; his parents, Donald C. and Alice B. Ward of Baldwinsville; five sisters, Sally (Gordon) Clarke of Cato, Norma (Stan) Newman of Sandy Pond, Margaret Seeley of Pulaski, Nancy (Skip) Thomas of Baldwinsville and Kathy (Dave) Rode of Sterling; a great-aunt, Mildred Beebe of Baldwinsville; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Thursday, September 2, 2010, at 11:00am in Lysander Cemetery, Lysander, NY.

Contributions: PCC Scholarship Fund, C/O Cynthia D. Olivo, Ph. D., 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA. 91106.
http://falardeaufh.com/obituaries/obit.php?id=Obit-2010-02

Something the County is Actually Good For

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I used the library as a kid for research. School reports and projects had me at the school, and then public and college libraries. But that’s not where I got my personal reading books. Mom bought me those through those scholastic catalogs, and later book stores, and when I was trying to save money, book swaps. But with book swaps, you pay for shipping. We can’t spare that money right now.

I ventured into the library because I was finally desperate for reading material. I was disappointed in the selection, as our branch is really small. But then I discovered ::cue hallelujia chorus:: the county website. I can order any book in the county system online and pick it up at my branch.

I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be reading anything and everything my heart desires again. For free. Sigh. I know I’m late to the game, but seriously? This has changed my life. I can still “escape” without feeling guilty about the finances.

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