electronics

They say that "the only difference between a man and boy is the price of their toys". Only that's true for both men (boys) and women (girls)! I have DEFINITELY noticed that as I've gotten older, my "toys" have gotten much more expensive! Today, I want electronics and computers and other expensive toys! At least I don't lose interest in my toys as quickly today as I did when I was a kid... though for the price I pay, I'd better enjoy those toys for many months to come!

weight loss

I've been fighting the same battle against my weight as half of America. I've got a few extra pounds and they are just so doggone hard to lose! I know that the only reliable way to lose weight is to make lifestyle changes, exercise, and eat right, but it is sure tempting to start taking diet pills. If only it was that easy!

vacations

Right now I feel like I could use a vacation. I would just love to pick up the phone, make las vegas hotel reservations, and disappear for a few days. I guess that's the stressed part of me speaking, but it would be so nice to disappear and have no responsibilities for just a few days. To have no worries, no bills, no concerns at all... oh, if only!

cat toy

I got the coolest new kitty toy the other day. I love to get cat toys and take them over to my friend Beth's house. She has six adorable cats, and I love playing with them. Anyway, we've used lasers with them before- the cats will chase the laser dot on the wall and go absolutely nuts. Yesterday, I found a laser that has five "shaped" points. So, instead of just being a dot, the light can be shaped like a butterfly or a mouse or something else. Cute!

locks and lockers

Since I've started subbing, I've noticed one major change in the middle schools and high schools. It's the lockers.

When I was in junior high and high school, the lockers had combination locks that were integrated into the locker doors. There was also a keyhole on the bottom of the locks. The school administration had a master key and could open any of the lockers, at any time.

And open them they did! This was pretty common knowledge. Particularly when I was in high school, the police and police dogs would visit the school regularly. They'd be all decked out in their 5.11 Jackets, and would search the school for drugs. The dogs would sniff at all the lockers and search for drugs. If they smelled drugs, the principal would open the locker, and then that student would be taken out of class to have a "chat" with the police and principal. I never had a problem with this... I mean, I never had drugs in my locker. In fact, all I had in my locker (usually) was a few books and maybe my coat or backpack.

Anyway, nowadays the schools have all changed, so that each of the lockers has a removeable combination lock (like what you would buy at Walmart). There is no key access for the principal. If the drug dogs smell drugs, they have to use a bolt cutter to get into the locker.

I find this very strange!

illinois

Did you hear about the governor of Illinois?

Arrested for trying to auction a senate seat! How stupid! How arrogant! How incredibly stupid!

He also doesn't even get the "point"- he doesn't see that he should resign. All the senate leaders and all the state politicians are calling for him to resign. Yet he won't!

I also read that he is 4th Illinois governor to be arrested in 40 years. How absolutely terrible! What is it that politics does to these people?

paternity test

Have you ever seen one of those really strange families? The kind with a child who looks so different from his parents that you almost want to ask for a paternity test? Makes you wonder if mom's been playing with the milk man! But I always give the benefit of the doubt- recessive genes are crazy like that! Besides, there is more to being a parent than genetics.