Quote of the Day

The years teach much which the days never knew.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

They Strike Again!

You would think that word would have gotten around to all the possums in the area that my backyard is not the place to hang out. But...apparently not.

Just 15 minutes ago I was sitting here on my computer minding my own business...researching a DSLR, clearing out my e-mail, downloading some songs, checking out okcupid.com. You know, the usual. The girls were outside where they always are, I think they're hopeful that something exciting will happen again back there.

Well, tonight something exciting did happened. They started barking and yipping, and sounded like something exciting. I've been around this block before. Flip-flops on, check! Flashlight in hand, check. Alright, time to go investigate.

Sure enough (dang, I should have snapped a picture, I would have had time), there was a possum, another young one, draped over the fence, tail side in my yard. The dogs were just half the height of the fence and bouncing off. If they were smart, well, they're not smart so I won't even go there. But! Another stinkin' possum.

So, I took my time being as it seemed the dang thing wasn't in too much danger unless if fell off backwards. I came inside, called my mom. She and my dad wondered what they were supposed to do about it. Hello, gun! At least the pellet gun! Mom came over "to help me get the girls inside", I think she really just wanted to see the nasty thing. I got Riley inside just as she got here. Mom got Izzie inside.

So what do with the thing now? Ok, make it fall on the other side of the fence. Not possible with the way it's claws were dug into the fence. So I found a longish stick and nudged it over. And you know what, it had the nerve to look me in the eyes and hiss. Bastard! Stupid thing got back to it's "climbing along the fence" position.

I gave up. No one was going to help me destroy the vermin. So I came inside. I could kinda see it through the window. It finally walked it's way down the fence line to where it could climb on top of my backyard neighbor's wood shed cover.

At least it's out of my backyard. For now.

Next time, I ain't playing so nice. It's WAR!

Handy Pocket-Size Excuse List

I'd love to but...

• I want to spend more time with my blender.
• The man on television told me to stay tuned.
• It wouldn't be fair to the other Beautiful People.
• I'm building a pig from a kit.
• I did my own thing and now I've got to undo it.
• There's a disturbance in the Force.
• I have to check the freshness dates on my dairy products.
• I'm attending the opening of my garage door.
• I'm converting my calendar watch from Julian to Gregorian.
• I've come down with a really horrible case of something of other.
• My plot to take over the world is thickening.
• I have to fulfill my potential.
• I have some real hard words to look up in the dictionary.
• I changed the lock on my door and now I can't get out.
• I'm uncomfortable when I'm alone or with others.
• I promised to help a friend fold road maps.
• I'm trying to be less popular.
• I have to study for a blood test.
• I have to rotate my crops.
• I prefer to remain an enigma.
• I'm trying to see how long I can go without saying yes.

Random Fact

The "pound" key on your keyboard (#) is called an octotroph.

Unwanted House Guests

I seem to have a problem with spiders. The little ones that can jump. They are everywhere. I'm afraid they call on me in my sleep.

How do you make them go away?

I Played Hookie!

Two weeks ago my parents decided to take a day trip to visit my sister at camp. She was on staff that week, and on Thursday she was technically off from after 3. Well, I himed and hawed about whether or not I could go. And I eventually decided that I could. I would leave work at 12 and drive over with my parents. And surprise Kaitlin! She had asked me on the phone if I was going to be able to go visit too. I made up some realitistic excuse about being busy at work and lots of meetings. When in actuality, I was all caught up and meet-free.

So we drove over with a quick stop in Los Gatos at a Sunbeam supply shop so dad could get pieces and parts for his car. Then over the hill we went. The plan was that mom and dad would get out of the car and give hugs, then I would just out and surprise her. Well, when we got to Mission Springs just around 3pm, but Kaitlin wasn't at the lodge yet. So I thought that I would wait in the car, but that's boring. So I was walking around and I saw Kaitlin walking up the hill, so I hid behind a car while my mom and dad went to greet her. Then I jumped out from behind the car and ran to her while she screamed.

It happened just like that!

She quickly showered to clean off the mud. Then we headed towards water....the beach... seafood really.

Kaitlin is happy to ride in a cool car, dress in not campish attire, and get to eat real food.

I was happy to not be at work. 'Nuf said!

Our first stop was at Gayle's Bakery. We can't go anywhere near Capitola without stopping there for our fix. And dad was a bit disappointed, at 5pm they didn't have any e'clairs. How dare they! But the did have Raspberry Napoleons though. My favorite...

Then we headed down to Zelda's for their Thursday lobster special. The real reason for visiting Kaitlin according to my mom. While they decided to fight and work for their food, I had a lovely grilled chicken and steamed vegetables dish.

From there we went to the taffy shop with 30,000 flavors. I was much better this time and only got like, 2 pounds, not 4. Mom fell into the same trap that I did in April. She got 4 pounds. Haha, sucker!

Dad wanted ice cream, so we went to the corner ice cream shop. Kaitlin and I split a cup. It was yummy! I also found out that the ice cream shop sells Marianne's Ice Cream from Santa Cruz. They're the best!

Here's dad eating his waffle cone while admiring the new tile art along the beach sidewalk. It was quite impressive, some of those tiles were.

Kait and I on the beach. Our ice cream was all gone.

From there we left. In time to get a ticket for our meter running over by 8 minutes. Oops.

Back to camp we went in order to make it back for campfire. We were invited to stay for campfire. I was excited. We got down there before it started, so I got to meet some of Kaitlin's friends. And see the other Hilmar kids that were there. It was good times. Singing old camp songs. Doing the hand motions. That's right, it all came back to me.

Kaitlin's temporary room while she was on staff for the week.

It was great to get away for the day. See my sister. Visit the camp I went to a time or two. See my sister. Get more taffy, which I kept in the freezer. See my sister. Watch my family struggle to eat lobster, except dad, he's a champ.

Did I mention that it was good to see my sister?

Quote of the Day

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.

— Thomas Fuller

My Favorite Class

I an a Cal Poly graduate. Woot woot! With a degree in Agribusiness. Woot, woot! And one of my major's requirements were to take so many units in ag electives. I think it was 16 units. Those units could be from any class (with a few exceptions) within the College of Agriculture.

Well, being the ambitious person that I am. And I'm one that wants the class that will be education, fun, and an easy grade. So what did I choose, out of all the classes that were available to me...

Floral Arranging. That's right, I learned how to arrange flowers to make them pretty. Don't worry, there were actual lessons with the history of certain styles of floral arranging, types of flowers, and other very important floral arranging type stuff.

Well, for the final of Advanced Floral Arranging (that's right, not only did I take Beginningers , but also Advanced) we had to design, arrange, budget, and layout a table scape for a particular event type. I don't remember what I was assigned, but this is what I did! (insert ohhhhs and awwwws here.)
I know, it's gorgeous! I did a fantastic job!

You know what else I took for an ag elective?

Beginning Rodeo.

'nuff said!

4 Sisters and A Wedding

Six years ago in May, my Aunt Megan got married. Aunt Megan is the youngest of the 4 Arnold girls, and the last one to tie the know. It was a very simple wedding, without fuss, for a 42 year bride.

Guess which one is Megan, the bride...

Despite all of the drama that followed the wedding and the feelings that were hurt between family, she's still my Aunt and I still love her.

In fact, I think that the last time that my Mom and her sisters were all together were at Megan's wedding. The gal in the middle, that's my Great Aunt Dee. She's my Grammy's sister that lives in Minnesota.
It's hard for them all to get together. After the years it took for air to clears and amends to be made there was the distance to factor in. With Aunt Missy in Washington state, Aunt Megan in New Mexico, and my Mom and Aunt Boo in California it's costly to get together. This year though, this year they have plans to all meet up in Las Vegas of long overdue sister bonding and catching up.

Although this trip isn't set to happen until October, I pray that their time is fruitful and fulfilling. I pray that they will live it up and let their hair down. I pray that they will deeply bond and have a renewed sense of sisterhood.

Lastly, I pray that such a tiff will never happen between my siblings and I losing so much time in each others lives and the lives of their families.

50 Facts About Men

by Rita Rudner

1. Men like to barbecue. Men will cook if danger is involved.
2. Men who have pierced ears are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry.
3. If you buy your husband or boyfriend a video camera, for the first few weeks he has it, lock the door when you go to the bathroom. Most of my husband's early films end with a scream and a flush.
4. Be careful of men who are bald and rich; the arrogance of "rich" usually cancels out the nice of "bald."
5. Marrying a divorced man is ecologically responsible. In a world where there are more women than men, it pays to recycle.
6. Men are very confident people. My husband is so confident that when he watches sports on television, he thinks that if he concentrates he can help his team. If the team is in trouble, he coaches the players from our living room, and if they're really in trouble, I have to get off the phone in case they call him.
7. If it's attention you want, don't get involved with a man during play-off season.
8. Men like phones with lots of buttons. It makes them feel important.
9. Men love to be the first to read the newspaper in the morning. Not being the first is upsetting to their psyches.
10. All men look nerdy in black socks and sandals.
11. The way a man looks at himself in a mirror will tell you if he can ever care about anyone else.
12. Don't try to teach men how to do anything in public. They can learn in private; in public they have to know.
13. Men who are going bald often wear baseball caps.
14. All men are afraid of eyelash curlers. I sleep with one under my pillow, instead of a gun.
15. A good place to meet a man is at the dry cleaner. These men usually have jobs and bathe.
16. Men love watches with multiple functions. My husband has one that is a combination address book, telescope, and piano.
17. All men hate to hear "We need to talk about our relationship." These seven words strike fear in the heart of even General Schwarzkopf.
18. Men are sensitive in strange ways. If a man has built fire and the last log does not burn, he will take it personally.
19. Men are brave enough to go to war, but they are not brave enough to get a bikini wax.
20. All men think that they're nice guys. Some of them are not. Contact me for a list of names.
21. Men don't get cellulite. God might just be a man.
22. Men have an easier time buying bathing suits. Women have two types: depressing and more depressing. Men have two types: nerdy and not nerdy.
23. Men have higher body temperatures than women. If your heating goes out in winter, I recommend sleeping next to a man. Men are like portable heaters that snore.
24. Women take clothing much more seriously than men. I've never seen a man walk into a party and say "Oh, my God, I'm so embarrassed; get me out of here. There's another man wearing a black tuxedo."
25. Most men hate to shop. That's why the men's department is usually on the first floor of a department store, two inches from the door.
26. If a man prepares dinner for you and the salad contains three or more types of lettuce, he is serious.
27. If you're dating a man who you think might be "Mr. Right," if he a) got older, b) got a new job, or c) visited a psychiatrist, you are in for a nasty surprise. The cocoon-to-butterfly theory only works on cocoons and butterflies.
28. Men own basketball teams. Every year cheerleaders' outfits get tighter and briefer, and players' shorts get baggier and longer.
29. No man is charming all of the time. Even Cary Grant is on record saying he wished he could be Cary Grant.
30. When four or more men get together, they talk about sports.
31. When four or more women get together, they talk about men.
32. Not one man in a beer commercial has a beer belly.
33. Men are less sentimental than women. No man has ever seen the movie THE WAY WE WERE twice, voluntarily.
34. Most women are introspective: "Am I in love? Am I emotionally and creatively fulfilled?" Most men are outrospective: "Did my team win? How's my car?"
35. If a man says, "I'll call you," and he doesn't, he didn't forget... he didn't lose your number... he didn't die. He just didn't want to call you.
36. Men hate to lose. I once beat my husband at tennis. I asked him, "Are we going to have sex again?" He said, "Yes, but not with each other."
37. Men who can eat anything they want and not gain weight should do it out of sight of women.
38. Getting rid of a man without hurting his masculinity is a problem. "Get out" and "I never want to see you again" might sound like a challenge. If you want to get rid of a man, I suggest saying, "I love you... I want to marry you... I want to have your children." Sometimes they leave skid marks.
39. Men accept compliments much better than women do. Example: "Mitch, you look great." Mitch: "Thanks." On the other side: "Ruth, you look great." Ruth: "I do? Must be the lighting."
40. Impulse buying is not macho. Men rarely call the Home Shopping Network.
41. Men who listen to classical music tend not to spit.
42. Only men who have worn a ski suit understand how complicated it is for a woman to go to the bathroom when she's wearing a jumpsuit.
43. Men don't feel the urge to get married as quickly as women do because their clothes all button and zip in the front. Women's dresses usually button and zip in the back. We need men emotionally and sexually, but we also need men to help us get dressed.
44. Men are self-confident because they grow up identifying with superheroes. Women have bad self-images because they grow up identifying with Barbie.
45. When a woman tries on clothing from her closet that feels tight, she will assume she has gained weight. When a man tries something from his closet that feels tight, he will assume the clothing has shrunk.
46. Male menopause is a lot more fun than female menopause. With female menopause you gain weight and get hot flashes. Male menopause - you get to date young girls and drive motorcycles.
47. Men forget everything; women remember everything.
48. That's why men need instant replays in sports. They've already forgotten what happened.
49. Men would like monogamy better if it sounded less like monotony.
50. All men would still really like to own a train set.

What gives???

On week nights, I can't go to bed before midnight.

Once Friday hits, I'm falling asleep at my computer before midnight.

What the heck?

Can my body change that idea of when it's acceptable to go to bed vs. when it isn't acceptable?

It's about that time again...

The date is set. The excitement is present. Time to start planning and brewing for the 6th annual Oktoberfest!

Dad making beer in a couple years ago.

Is that who I think it is?

Who watches "The Hills"? You know, the MTV "reality" drama show about a bunch of spoiled kids that live in Southern California? Who here knows how Heidi Montag is? She's the idiot that is dating, then not dating, then dating again the jackass Spencer Pratt.

Well, is it just me, or does the girl in the photo below look like Heidi?

Sorry to break it to you, but it's not. In fact, this picture was taken way long before Heidi because the phony person that she is today.

Who is that Heidi look alike you ask? That is Colleen. My brother's fantastic girlfriend. This picture was taken either in 2002 when Chris graduated or 2003 when Colleen graduated from high school. You see, that picture my friend is a senior picture. Very posed and playful.

Colleen is a wonderful person who is fun and vivacious. She loves life, loves to help people, fun to be around, and always happy. Well, talk about her more some other day.

So, no, that is not the ice princess. It's just wonderful Colleen.

You Know You're Drinking Too Much Coffee When...

• You don't sweat, you percolate.
• Your life's goal is to amount to a hill of beans.
• When someone says, "How are you?", you say, "Good to the last drop."
• You'd be willing to spend time in a Turkish prison.
• Your coffee mug is insured by Lloyds of London.
• Juan Valdez named his donkey after you.
• You ski uphill.
• You grind your coffee beans in your mouth.
• You have to watch videos in fast-forward.
• The only time you're standing still is during an earthquake.
• You like your coffeepot clean.
• You spend every vacation visiting Maxwell House.
• The nurse needs a scientific calculator to take your pulse.
• Your t-shirt says, "Decaffeinated coffee is the devil's coffee."
• You can type 60 words per minute with your feet.
• All your kids are named "Joe."
• Your only source of nutrition comes from "Sweet & Low."
• You buy milk by the barrel.
• You've worn out the handle on your favorite mug.
• You go to AA meetings just for the free coffee.
• You've built a miniature city out of the plastic stirrers.
• The Taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.
• Starbucks owns the mortgage on your house.
• Instant coffee takes too long.
• You want to be cremated so you can spend eternity in a coffee can.
• You go to sleep so you can wake up and smell the coffee.
• You're offended when people use the word "brew" to mean beer.
• You name your dogs "Cream" and "Sugar."
• You don't even wait for the water to boil anymore.
• You think being called a "drip" is a compliment.
• You don't tan, you roast.
• You can't even remember your second cup.
• You introduce your spouse as your coffeemate.
• You think CPR stands for "Coffee Provides Resuscitation."
• Your first-aid kid contains two pints of coffee with an I.V. hookup.
  

She did it! ... continued

I am now at liberty to share the news...

KAITLIN WAS ACCEPTED INTO AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY!!!!!

My little sister will be transferring to APU this fall!

My mom called me while I was at work to let me know. But in the midst of her crying all I got out of the initial conversation was

"*tear, tear, tear* She.... *tear, tear, tear*"
"Mom, what's wrong with the dogs? *panicked* Tell me what happened to my girls!" (I figured something happened to one of my dogs since she said "she".)
"*sniff* ... Azusa... *tear* ... accepted..."
"Kaitlin got into Azusa?!?! I thought something happened to Riley or Izzie the way you were crying. Does she know yet?"
(much clearer now) "No, I'm going to send her flowers to tell her." (Remember Kaitlin is away at camp as a counselor, we never know when we're going to get to talk to her.)
Then some more conversation happened, but I can't remember what was said.

I then called dad at his extension at work to fill him in. He was excited for her. Paige called me to make sure I knew the news. Chris is off in no reception land while climbing Mt. Shasta. I shared the excitement with people at work.

Kaitlin received the flowers just a little later this afternoon. Her cabin got to the pool and they were there waiting for her. She read the note, "Back your bags for Azusa. Congrats! Love, Dad and Mom", and the she screamed. I haven't talked to her yet, and I probably won't until this weekend when she's off.

Kaitlin, this is what I have to say to you. I am so proud of you! You have grown by leaps and bounds in the last couple years and have matured into a wonder woman of God and an amazing sister. I'm sorry that I can't be with you to celebrate with you, but we will. Oh we'll celebrate! Can we say, Disneyland season passes...
Love you Kaitin!

He reads?... updated

Nope. Not really. Unless you count "Big John's Bathroom Reader" as reading. Although, I did find evidence that at one point, my brother did read books. Scrathc that, book.
I love my brother very much. He has his faults, like not keeping a calendar to hold all the busyness of his life so he doesn't double book.

There is one thing about him that you should know. He doesn't read a thing. He used to read those Goosebump books, remember those. But I think he gave them up for Lent on year and just never picked up a novel again. He doesn't even read manuals with new electrical thingymabobbers.

Come to think of it, if you look very closely, that book in the picture kinda looks like one of the "Big John's Bathroom Reader".

Drat!

7/10/08 6:50pm
I have found another picture of my dear, sweet, darling brother reading. Are you ready for this? Brace yourself.

Because in that there picture, my brother is for sure reading a "Big John's Bathroom Reader". Good to know he's at least keeping up with the random trivia of the world.

She did it!

I'm so excited and happy. But I can't tell you the details yet. You're just gonna have to understand and be excited with me. But I will fill you in when I'm at liberty to share.

Thank you for your patience.

Much love.

Peace.

Quote of the Day

Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.

— Aristotle

Amen to that!

I bit the bullet!

Finally! I just did it. To heck with the heat. To heck with the sun. Actually the heat and sun helped a little.

I finally painted my dining table.

This table has been sitting outside for quite sometime now. With the sun beating down on it. And the weeds growing up around it (don't worry, I had it sitting on bricks). And the birds doing a fly by duty drop. But it ain't sitting out there no more.

After dinner I convinced my dad that I needed help bring it in, which I did, and that with it's new paint job it shouldn't sit outside any longer, which it shouldn't.

So yeah me! I finally did it. Weeks and weeks after I originally planned on it, but oh well, it's done.

Now to host a dinner party...

The Secrets of Women's Language

A must read for any men…

Keywords and their meanings:

“Fine”: This is the word we use at the end of any argument that we feel we are right about but need to shut you up. NEVER use fine to describe how woman looks; this will cause you to have one of those arguments.

“Five minutes”: This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so it’s an even trade.

“Nothing”: This means something and you should be on your toes. “Nothing” is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. “Nothing” usually signifies an argument that will last “five minutes” and end with the word “fine.”

“Go Ahead” (normal eyebrows): This means “I give up” or “do what you want because I don’t care”. You will get a raised eyebrow “go ahead” in just a few minutes, followed by “nothing” and “fine” and she will talk to you in about “five minutes” when she cools off.

"": This is not actually a word, but is still often a verbal statement very misunderstood by men. A “loud sigh” means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over “nothing.”

"": Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. “Soft sighs” are one of the few things that some men actually understand. She is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe and she will stay content.

“Oh”: This word followed by any statement is trouble. Example; “Oh, let me get that.” Or, “Oh, I talked to him about what you were doing last night.” If she says, “Oh” before a statement, RUN, do not walk, to the nearest exit. She will tell you that she is “fine” when she is done tossing your clothes out the window, but do not expect her to talk to you for at least 2 days. “Oh” as the lead to a sentence usually signifies that you are caught in a lie. Do not try to lie more to get out of it, or you will get raised eyebrows “go ahead” followed by acts so unspeakable that we can’t bring ourselves to write about them.

“That’s Okay”: This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can say to a man. “That’s okay” means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you retributions for what ever it is that you have done. “That’s okay” is often used with the word “fine” and used in conjunction with a raised eyebrow “go ahead.” At some point in the near future when she has plotted and planned, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

“Please Do”: This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance to tell the truth, so be careful and you shouldn’t get a “that’s okay.”

“Thanks”: A woman is thanking you. Do not faint; just say you’re welcome.

“Thanks a lot”: This is much different from “thanks”. A woman will say, “thanks a lot” when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have hurt her in some callous way, and will be followed by the “loud sigh”. Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the “loud sigh”, as she will only tell you “nothing”.

I hope this clears up any misunderstandings.