Some time ago, Mr. Snarky discovered Die Antwoord. He showed me their video for "Enter the Ninja" which I quickly dismissed as a bit of straight up effery. Then DJ Leon Botha popped up on the screen all quick, like effing Captain Howdy in "The Exorcist" and scared me half to death. I said, "What is this sh...AAAAHHHHH!" I watched the rest of it and got the chorus stuck in my head for roughly...well, forever. It's back again now. I-yi-yi. I am a butterfly. GAH!
He and our friend Jason have had an unnatural love for all things Die Antwoord ever since. They find the group zef. Me...not so much. I think the rapper dude is actually pretty talented, but the chick is out there and the group's image is just silly. I prefer Michael K's commentary on the group. Like when he called the girl a "trailer pixie"
But so Botha was apparently one of the oldest living people in the world with progeria, a condition in which the body rapidly ages. And he died on Sunday,the day after his 26th birthday. That is sad. He certainly got a lot accomplished in his life, though-DJ, artist...he did a lot to be remembered for.
And now, without anyone to do the art for Die Antwoord videos, they will probably all be like the "Zef Side" video with a closeup of the rapper's crotch and his little rapper bouncing around in his pants in slow motion. Skip past 1:13 in that video if you don't wanna see it. Seriously.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Summer Reading Programs
Reading is one of the most important things to pass on to our children, IMHO. I spent my entire childhood with a book in my hand and so far my kiddos are following in my footsteps quite well.
Summer Reading Programs not only encourage children to read, but reward them as well. My city's library (Louisville, KY) has one every year for kids from birth to 5th grade. We began participating in 2008 with the older two kids and Spongebob is joining in for the first time this year. The kids read 10 books(or in Spongebob's case, have them read aloud.)They keep a log and turn it in for a backpack, coupons for things like Frostys, etc. The backpacks are pretty sweet. One year they got a guitar-shaped backpack, another year a silver space backpack, and last year a smaller green bag with a lizard. Perfect size for their Leapster 2s and about three games still in the cases. Check out this year's backpack (not my kid, picture is from the library site):
Isn't that cool? It's a pretty good size, too. So we are working on our lists now. Princess has three read, Lightning has two and I read one to Spongebob so far. I used to impose a strict 20-book minimum so that each kid listened to ten different books. However, this year the older two not only wrote their own names on their logs, but they are also reading the vast majority of their books by themselves. My little library nerd heart is full to bursting at that. They were reading together earlier, with a book Princess already read. She was helping him read it for his list. It was precious. Didn't last too long, of course.
Check your local library for a Summer Reading Program. They are so fun and a great way to spend time with the kiddos.
If you have a Half Price Books in your town, they are doing a "Feed Your Brain" Summer Reading Program, too. Kids 14 and under can read and log 600 minutes of reading time over the months of June and July and turn in the log for a $5 off coupon to the store and a chance at a $20 gift card to the store. We are doing this one as well.
Also, Barnes & Noble has a Summer Reading Program here. Kids can read and log eight books and choose from a list of books to receive for free. Parents can enter to win a Nook Color. I'd root that sucker in a heartbeat. E-readers aren't my thang, I love PAPER books. :D I don't see any age limits on this one, but the prize books are divided into Grades 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. The selections are sort of simple for the age groups-at least one in the Grades 1-2 section would be too boring for the older kids. But since this is an actual free book rather than a gift card/coupon, supplies are limited and you just get what you can get. I think just the older two will do this one, as they are supposed to tell who they'd recommend each book to. Spongebob would recommend them all to me, Daddy, Bob-bob or cat.
Know of any other Summer Reading Programs out there for kids? Leave me a comment and let me know!
Summer Reading Programs not only encourage children to read, but reward them as well. My city's library (Louisville, KY) has one every year for kids from birth to 5th grade. We began participating in 2008 with the older two kids and Spongebob is joining in for the first time this year. The kids read 10 books(or in Spongebob's case, have them read aloud.)They keep a log and turn it in for a backpack, coupons for things like Frostys, etc. The backpacks are pretty sweet. One year they got a guitar-shaped backpack, another year a silver space backpack, and last year a smaller green bag with a lizard. Perfect size for their Leapster 2s and about three games still in the cases. Check out this year's backpack (not my kid, picture is from the library site):
Isn't that cool? It's a pretty good size, too. So we are working on our lists now. Princess has three read, Lightning has two and I read one to Spongebob so far. I used to impose a strict 20-book minimum so that each kid listened to ten different books. However, this year the older two not only wrote their own names on their logs, but they are also reading the vast majority of their books by themselves. My little library nerd heart is full to bursting at that. They were reading together earlier, with a book Princess already read. She was helping him read it for his list. It was precious. Didn't last too long, of course.
Check your local library for a Summer Reading Program. They are so fun and a great way to spend time with the kiddos.
If you have a Half Price Books in your town, they are doing a "Feed Your Brain" Summer Reading Program, too. Kids 14 and under can read and log 600 minutes of reading time over the months of June and July and turn in the log for a $5 off coupon to the store and a chance at a $20 gift card to the store. We are doing this one as well.
Also, Barnes & Noble has a Summer Reading Program here. Kids can read and log eight books and choose from a list of books to receive for free. Parents can enter to win a Nook Color. I'd root that sucker in a heartbeat. E-readers aren't my thang, I love PAPER books. :D I don't see any age limits on this one, but the prize books are divided into Grades 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. The selections are sort of simple for the age groups-at least one in the Grades 1-2 section would be too boring for the older kids. But since this is an actual free book rather than a gift card/coupon, supplies are limited and you just get what you can get. I think just the older two will do this one, as they are supposed to tell who they'd recommend each book to. Spongebob would recommend them all to me, Daddy, Bob-bob or cat.
Know of any other Summer Reading Programs out there for kids? Leave me a comment and let me know!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Adventures in Baking
I had hoped to have a review for you on the Crispy Creamy Doughnuts. Alas, I have been sidetracked by other baking projects.
First, I got some strawberries. Not *quite* in season yet, so I made a strawberry shortcake with this whipped cream. Yum.
Lightning just had his fourth birthday, necessitating a cake. He wanted a white cake with white and blue icing and sprinkles. It wasn't pretty, but I made it. It tasted good, though, and that's what's important.
Then Lightning pulled his banana trick again so I had to make banana bread last night. This recipe calls for three bananas, but I find it's better with four. I have substituted banana baby food left over from Spongebob's baby days for one banana, as I did last night, and it works just as well. Follow the advice of the comments re: adding 1 tsp of vanilla, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and using 1/2 cu each of white and brown sugar instead of 1 cu of white. Nom.
Despite all this baking effery, I have lost another pound and now stand at 131 pounds, six pounds from my goal weight of 125. Pretty good, if I do say so myself, but I'm definitely going to hold off on the doughnuts for a bit. Especially since I'll soon be making lemon bread. Lordy.
First, I got some strawberries. Not *quite* in season yet, so I made a strawberry shortcake with this whipped cream. Yum.
Lightning just had his fourth birthday, necessitating a cake. He wanted a white cake with white and blue icing and sprinkles. It wasn't pretty, but I made it. It tasted good, though, and that's what's important.
Then Lightning pulled his banana trick again so I had to make banana bread last night. This recipe calls for three bananas, but I find it's better with four. I have substituted banana baby food left over from Spongebob's baby days for one banana, as I did last night, and it works just as well. Follow the advice of the comments re: adding 1 tsp of vanilla, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and using 1/2 cu each of white and brown sugar instead of 1 cu of white. Nom.
Despite all this baking effery, I have lost another pound and now stand at 131 pounds, six pounds from my goal weight of 125. Pretty good, if I do say so myself, but I'm definitely going to hold off on the doughnuts for a bit. Especially since I'll soon be making lemon bread. Lordy.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
So we're still here.
As expected by most people with half a brain. I did find a cute picture related to the Rapture:
But if Jesus came today, he'd miss tomorrow's breakfast/brunch. I'm going to attempt these: Crispy and Creamy doughnuts. C(K)rispy and C(Kreme)reamy. Get it? I am such a fool for Krispy Kremes. I really shouldn't have any, since I am still trying to lose weight (seven lbs to go.) But. I can only make a FEW of these. I have to either buy an entire dozen KK or drive to the KK store to buy smaller quantities. The latter is the better option, not only for eliminating leftovers that beg to be stuffed into my face, but for freshness as well. However, it also adds time and GAS MONEY to the total expense incurred by my doughnut quest. If these are close to being just as good, I'm sold.
The amount seems to be really off on the recipe, though, especially if you use something smaller than a doughnut cutter to cut them out. Which I will do, because I don't own a doughnut cutter. Because I've never made doughnuts before. Reviewers have said halving the recipe yields two dozen doughnuts or that dropping the servings to four makes six doughnuts and six holes. I might go with five servings, because that requires 1/2 an egg and that's a good round number. I'll let you know how it goes, readers. Both of you. :p
But if Jesus came today, he'd miss tomorrow's breakfast/brunch. I'm going to attempt these: Crispy and Creamy doughnuts. C(K)rispy and C(Kreme)reamy. Get it? I am such a fool for Krispy Kremes. I really shouldn't have any, since I am still trying to lose weight (seven lbs to go.) But. I can only make a FEW of these. I have to either buy an entire dozen KK or drive to the KK store to buy smaller quantities. The latter is the better option, not only for eliminating leftovers that beg to be stuffed into my face, but for freshness as well. However, it also adds time and GAS MONEY to the total expense incurred by my doughnut quest. If these are close to being just as good, I'm sold.
The amount seems to be really off on the recipe, though, especially if you use something smaller than a doughnut cutter to cut them out. Which I will do, because I don't own a doughnut cutter. Because I've never made doughnuts before. Reviewers have said halving the recipe yields two dozen doughnuts or that dropping the servings to four makes six doughnuts and six holes. I might go with five servings, because that requires 1/2 an egg and that's a good round number. I'll let you know how it goes, readers. Both of you. :p
Sunday, May 15, 2011
WHY *IS* CHUCK NORRIS FAMOUS?
Those of you who are on my Facebook may have seen me ask this question before. Don't worry, I'm really not so dumb that I don't know why Chuck Norris is famous. I even made up my own Chuck Norris joke once:
E=MChucknorris²
That's funny right there. Chuck Norris may actually be faster than the speed of light, but meh.
So anyway. I work part-time (VERY part-time now, because thank God writing is more lucrative) for a text message answer service. It's NOT dirty, just 411 queries, general questions and silly stuff from teens like "Does he like me?" Although it's usually more like "dos he lyk me omg idk wat shuld i do if he say hi too me?" Yeah, it's that bad. My children must be more articulate than that. It is my life's mission.
Some time ago, this service rolled out a way to signal when a customer was frustrated with a previous answer, so we could give them better service on the follow-up. Not truly necessary, as you can usually tell when the user isn't happy. Profanity and telling me how much I/my mom/my grandmama suck are pretty good indicators in and of themselves. My children must have better manners than that. It is my life's mission.
As with many new things, the rollout had a few bugs. One of the first questions I got that was flagged as a frustrated customer was "WHY IS CHUCK NORRIS FAMOUS?!?!?!" Now, I assume the system flagged it because of the caps and multiple exclamation points, but that's really pretty standard for texting. People generally either type all in caps or all in lowercase, and multiple punctuation marks abound.
But I thought it was pretty hilarious, and told my friend Carly that from then on, whenever I was frustrated, that would be my go-to phrase.
WHY IS CHUCK NORRIS FAMOUS?!?!?
E=MChucknorris²
That's funny right there. Chuck Norris may actually be faster than the speed of light, but meh.
So anyway. I work part-time (VERY part-time now, because thank God writing is more lucrative) for a text message answer service. It's NOT dirty, just 411 queries, general questions and silly stuff from teens like "Does he like me?" Although it's usually more like "dos he lyk me omg idk wat shuld i do if he say hi too me?" Yeah, it's that bad. My children must be more articulate than that. It is my life's mission.
Some time ago, this service rolled out a way to signal when a customer was frustrated with a previous answer, so we could give them better service on the follow-up. Not truly necessary, as you can usually tell when the user isn't happy. Profanity and telling me how much I/my mom/my grandmama suck are pretty good indicators in and of themselves. My children must have better manners than that. It is my life's mission.
As with many new things, the rollout had a few bugs. One of the first questions I got that was flagged as a frustrated customer was "WHY IS CHUCK NORRIS FAMOUS?!?!?!" Now, I assume the system flagged it because of the caps and multiple exclamation points, but that's really pretty standard for texting. People generally either type all in caps or all in lowercase, and multiple punctuation marks abound.
But I thought it was pretty hilarious, and told my friend Carly that from then on, whenever I was frustrated, that would be my go-to phrase.
WHY IS CHUCK NORRIS FAMOUS?!?!?
Training Pants are Extinct?
When I was potty training Princess, I had these Gerber training pants for her. They were plastic on the outside and had a padded lining. Lightning is being somewhat stubborn about training, but is to the point now where I am comfortable totally ditching the diapers. I am not quite ready to put him to bed in undies only, though, so I broke out the training pants. They were pretty tight, and upon checking the size I found they really were too little for him.
So today I went on a quest to buy more training pants. Just in case. Wal-Mart did not have them. WTF? They only had Pull-Ups. I'm sorry, but Pull-Ups suck. I got a sample one in the mail when Princess was training, and I might as well have put a diaper on her-it functioned the same. Basically, I see them as more expensive diapers.
So fine. I'll go to Meijer. They only had ONE type of training pants. And they only went up to a pound below what Lightning weighs. But I figured that was fine, so I bought two packs. Ready to go! And while there, I ran into a former coworker that I hadn't seen since just after leaving that job. Fifteen years ago. Yay for feeling old![/sarcasm]
Come to find out, they are ONLY plastic. No padded lining. They will work, I suppose, but seem sort of flimsy. I guess I'm the only person left who doesn't want to waste money on Pull-Ups or wash sheets a whole bunch of times. Maybe the EC crowd (elimination communication, I don't recommend this idea AT. ALL. Never tried it, but c'mon!) killed the training pants market. They find out I like something, they stop making it. Never fails. I'm glad to have at least found SOMETHING that would work and not break the bank, though.
Diapers: 1 Parents: 2. Now once Spongebob is trained, we can quit buying diapers for good! Yes, I know cloth is an option but I just don't feel comfortable that my washer would sanitize them enough.
So today I went on a quest to buy more training pants. Just in case. Wal-Mart did not have them. WTF? They only had Pull-Ups. I'm sorry, but Pull-Ups suck. I got a sample one in the mail when Princess was training, and I might as well have put a diaper on her-it functioned the same. Basically, I see them as more expensive diapers.
So fine. I'll go to Meijer. They only had ONE type of training pants. And they only went up to a pound below what Lightning weighs. But I figured that was fine, so I bought two packs. Ready to go! And while there, I ran into a former coworker that I hadn't seen since just after leaving that job. Fifteen years ago. Yay for feeling old![/sarcasm]
Come to find out, they are ONLY plastic. No padded lining. They will work, I suppose, but seem sort of flimsy. I guess I'm the only person left who doesn't want to waste money on Pull-Ups or wash sheets a whole bunch of times. Maybe the EC crowd (elimination communication, I don't recommend this idea AT. ALL. Never tried it, but c'mon!) killed the training pants market. They find out I like something, they stop making it. Never fails. I'm glad to have at least found SOMETHING that would work and not break the bank, though.
Diapers: 1 Parents: 2. Now once Spongebob is trained, we can quit buying diapers for good! Yes, I know cloth is an option but I just don't feel comfortable that my washer would sanitize them enough.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Adventures in Editing
One of my work-at-home gigs is editing articles. Generally, the articles aren't too bad-just minor changes or adding a few words here and there to get close enough to the required word count. This batch was pretty bad, though, so it took me longer than usual to edit.
I have had issues with my netbook for some time. Specifically, it gets hot and the fan won't kick in. This may or may not be due to the fact that a child knocked a can of Mountain Dew onto it. Mr. Snarky tried to clean it out with electronic cleaner, which seemed to work fairly well. Until. The space bar stopped working. I obviously cannot edit without a space bar.
So Mr. Snarky takes the space bar key off. He finds that a piece underneath the space bar has shifted out of position. The technical name for this piece is "tiny cone shaped doohickey" or TCSD. It is very small and looks like an earring back, sort of. As he readjusted it and prepared to put the space bar back on, the TCSD flew up into the air. And promptly disappeared. FAIL!
After digging through the carpet with a flashlight, muttering words that should have made the carpet pile stand straight up, neither of us came up with the TCSD. Together, we made the decision that since I never use the right-hand ALT key, we would remove the TCSD from underneath it and put it under the space bar. Worked like a charm. We still haven't found the lost TCSD. I don't know where it went. Maybe to the land of missing socks.
Then I had to finish the editing batch, which I did just a little late. At 4:30 AM. God, I was so tired and my brain was fried. Adventures in editing. Yay!
I have had issues with my netbook for some time. Specifically, it gets hot and the fan won't kick in. This may or may not be due to the fact that a child knocked a can of Mountain Dew onto it. Mr. Snarky tried to clean it out with electronic cleaner, which seemed to work fairly well. Until. The space bar stopped working. I obviously cannot edit without a space bar.
So Mr. Snarky takes the space bar key off. He finds that a piece underneath the space bar has shifted out of position. The technical name for this piece is "tiny cone shaped doohickey" or TCSD. It is very small and looks like an earring back, sort of. As he readjusted it and prepared to put the space bar back on, the TCSD flew up into the air. And promptly disappeared. FAIL!
After digging through the carpet with a flashlight, muttering words that should have made the carpet pile stand straight up, neither of us came up with the TCSD. Together, we made the decision that since I never use the right-hand ALT key, we would remove the TCSD from underneath it and put it under the space bar. Worked like a charm. We still haven't found the lost TCSD. I don't know where it went. Maybe to the land of missing socks.
Then I had to finish the editing batch, which I did just a little late. At 4:30 AM. God, I was so tired and my brain was fried. Adventures in editing. Yay!
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