Happy Thanksgiving

Hello everyone. Happy Thanksgiving...

And why is our post entries so far below the title page? I'm not computer saavy enough to fix it, so someone that is part of group please fix it!! Please....please...please...please....please!!

And have a Happy Thanksgiving, while you are fixing it...anyone? anyone? anyone?

Thanks and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

my first post

INTRO: My name is Chad I'm from Ohio I just turned 37 and I have a lovely wife and 7 year old daughter. For those of you who don't know me I'm friends with the "Design Goddess".

OK I've been lurking for months now and figure it's time for me to post since I'm 37 years old and I tried something new today.

Of course my first post would have to be about food! Today I tried Pad Thai for the first time. I have two words for it "SIMPLY INCREDIBLE". I can't believe as much as I like Japanese, Chinese, and food in general that I haven't tried this stuff before now. Generally I get some sort of chicken dish (General Tso's) when I go to restaurants that serve Chinese and Thai.

OK that pretty much sums up what I did or didn't do at work today. I ate. That is pretty much always the highlight of my boring, mindless, unrewarding days at my workplace. They do however pay me so I suppose I'll keep showing up to my might as well be stealing from the State of Ohio job.

So you're comment homework is to tell me your favorite Japanese, Chinese, Thai or for that matter any type of dish.

The younger man dream, revisited

I had a version of the "younger man" dream again this morning. Good Lord, the things this dream reveal about me.

I was in university attending a molecular biology forum and party. I felt like a little bit of an imposter being there - though I had been invited by my thesis advisor - because I was not doing the type of research being discussed there. After a while I wandered off for a breather: food and drink was being given out while the discussions were progressing and I didn't feel I had a right to them.

I wandered into a class on lyric writing and music composition. Students were allowed to walk around and to interect - to get feedback on their particular musical piece and lyrics, for example - so I didn't look out of place. A former boyfriend was there, doing well as usual, even though music wasn't his known forte. I made it a point to steer clear of him because I felt he routinely outshined me, and I had nothing to contribute to this class in progress.

I saw a somewhat handsome, engaging young man who looked slightly dejected. I looked over his shoulder to glance at his notes: What exactly was the nature of his problem? Instead of being about music, the notes were regarding attempts he had made to interact with various girls who appealed to him. "Asked her about the assignment and if she wanted to discuss it over coffee, but she said no" - type thing. My heart went out to him. Another socially maladjusted person ( - like me?!). I felt somewhat accomplished and big-hearted at that particular moment, so I asked him, "Can I give you a hug?". He instantly came alive, but not without a look of extreme shock and surprise first. A female was addressing him first!

I hugged him, he liked it, and he became my puppy dog. I didn't mind, but was wondering if the ex-boyfriend would think I was hanging out with a loser - I wasn't sure. (I remember the odd looks that ex would give me when I showed up somewhere with someone new.) I walked the young guy to parts of campus that I didn't think the ex frequented. He seemed really stuck on me, like all of a sudden he was putting all his eggs in my basket. (I was a little concerned, because my basket was wobbly and threadbare.) I said, "You do realize that even though we are alike in several ways - like being at university while still technically younger than traditional age students, that I am older than you? I'm in ninth grade." He said it was not that big a deal, and that he was in eighth, not seventh. Somehow we both seemed relieved and the matter was dropped. (Okay, I don't understand how it was that I had an advanced degree in biology in the dream already. Hmm.)

We had a nice time walking around the campus, and I pointed out some notable areas he might not have discovered yet, like the map collection on the eighth floor of the Sciences library. The more experienced older woman showing the younger guy some of the ropes. He seemed glad to be introduced to everything I showed him, and the moods were good - friendly, cheerful, lighthearted, hopeful.

I eventually felt brave enough to ask if he wanted to spend the night in my room with me. I wanted the good feelings to continue. He about dropped dead from heart failure - the horrified scared look on his face was priceless - so I thought I should immediately soften my statement. I said, "Uh, not for ... we'd just be near each other for the comforting presence of another human being is all", and he said, "Oh, yeah, yeah, I know!" and seemed relieved. Then he said "First I have to stop by my room, though. You can come along if you want".

When we got to his room, things started to disintegrate. There was a sink there that I wanted to wash my hands at. He saw my intention and said, "Make sure you leave the sink completely tidy. That's the way we like it." I asked, "We?", and he said, "Yeah, me and my mom". Then he told me to mind where I put my stuff down so it wouldn't become either wet or get into his way.

I thought, uh oh!!! For one, every time someone reminds me about something I'm sure to do anyway, I quietly seethe inside. I am a vigilant and careful person on my own, after all, and I don't take kindly to being reminded to do things I always do anyway. I am particularly fastidious with bathroom etiquette - I always leave the bathroom cleaner than I found it. And I almost never leave possessions behind, so for example, I hate to be told not to forget my purse or sweater somewhere. And another thing, who ruled his life, he or his mother? And even if his mother didn't rule his life, I didn't need to take on a fastidious, meticulous person. I am fastidious in my own ways but I don't need the added burden of living by another prissy, overdemanding person's rules. It's enough of a burden to live inside my own self.

I asked, "Where is your mom, anyway?" He said, "Well, I don't think she's here, but she could be. She kind of skulks. So be on your guard."

Immediately I thought, how do I get myself out of this situation? He intends to shower, right? I'll ditch him while he's showering. Good thing he doesn't know exactly where my room is. He might be able to look it up in the directory - did he get my last name? - but by the time he finds out, I'll be mentally and physically prepared. I don't need a little boy. Let his mother comfort her boy. I hope I don't run into the mother as I flee this place!

My take-home message from this dream is that getting involved with a youngster might be more of a drag than it gives you in pleasure! And: eventually the fun ends, and the unfortunate personality traits of a given person make themselves known so as to make your time together a lot less fun, so that you want to flee.

© April 30, 2008 Ribonuff All Rights Reserved.

Grill Magic

Why is it that anything grilled taste amazing? I have never had something that was grilled taste awful, even cheap hotdogs (the ingredients of which I can't even spell) taste good.

Today on some food show, they were cooking various things on the grill--bread, mushrooms, corn, chicken, beef, even some desserts and everything looked frickin good. And what's even better is that it didn't even look like they prepared anything, just threw it down on the grill and it came up with a five-star feel to it.

The best part is you use that scrubber brush thing to clean--while the fire is still going and than spray some magic gleem stuff and it's all clean!!!

What if You Are Wrong? (1 minute 20 seconds)

A student asks Richard Dawkins (an Atheist), what if he is wrong.

For Angel, Jr

sOmEthInG

Wake Up Authors

Hi, it has been quiet here at A.A.

Someone write something.

April's Fool

I completely forgot that yesterday was April's Fool until some girl at my gym announced that it was her birthday and that she was an April's Fool baby.
Did anyone get any cool tricks played on them or was anyone fooled by anything. I don't remember being fooled by anyone. However I did watch some CNN this morning and one of the tricks shown was an office desk being covered by aluminum foil.

Yummy

I got to eat potato chips now that Lent is over. I waited till midnight on Saturday night to eat them. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but good enough.

How was everyone's Easter? Did you fill up on anything good(chocolate bunnies or those awesome Cadbury Easter eggs). I love the Cadbury eggs--even the syrupy melted and colored sugar filling!

I took some goodies from my nephew's and niece's baskets---I don't think they will miss them. They were more fascinated with the stuffed animals that came with the baskets, then the actual candy.

One Week Improvements

I watched an episode of that nanny reality show today. Not sure which one it was, or even if there are more than one. The beginning had this woman descend upon the household dressed like Mary Poppins, which is one reason that I stopped on the channel (is this for real).

So this nanny goes into this home where the children are the absolute leaders/kings/rulers of the house. The children are actually spanking and hitting their parents. I don't condone violence in any form and to see these grade school kids acting like their parents are punching bags makes me uncomfortable.

The nanny starts changing the rules. She sets boundaries, not without resistance, but sets them up anyway. And like the ending of any good fairy tale, leaves the home in one week, and the problems are resolved. No more hitting. Bed time is promptly kept and no food from the dinner table ends up on Daddy's shirt.

I don't have any children myself. I do have younger cousins, grade school and toddler aged children who I frequently babysit. Would a nanny be able to completely resolve behavior issues in a week? I was amazed that these children transformed from terrors to well behaved people in such a short time.

It's Almost Easter!!

In less than a week, I get to satisfy my chips craving!!

I gave up chips for Lent. And now like some freak, I am craving them every day! In the clinic the other day one of the other workers was eating some chips and just hearing them crunch made me salivate.

So next Sunday my belly will be full of Ruffles (all different flavors), Doritos (mostly nacho cheese and buffalo wing flavors) and Funyuns!! Has anyone else ever heard of Funyuns? The Egg says she keeps looking for them, but never finding them.

Anyway, if I forget to wish everyone a Happy Easter, here it is now: HAPPY EASTER!

Spring?

For reasons explained over on our Life on Delaware blog, I'm just now getting the images from the "Blizzard of 08" posted. I think the official total was 20.4 inches. The first is the deep snow drift right outside our back door. Good thing it was a sliding door, or I'd a-never got the door t'open.


And here's how deep it was when I opened the garage door. Let me tell you - I have some buff biceps after shoveling 8 inches of snow!

Ohio weather is just great! Can't wait to see what spring brings!

The Easter Countdown

For Lent, I gave up eating chips/dips. This is good for me because for the most part (since I don't know how to cook that well) it has been a staple of my diet. It's probably the reason I haven't lost weight even with my work-out regimen.

The bad thing is, I'm craving it more than ever. This is unlike the time I gave up cigarettes. Within a few days after my last puff, I was pretty much over the nicotine need. No mood swings, no cravings, nothing! But this chip craving is driving me up a wall!! The favorites that I miss are barebeque chips!! And of course onion flavored snacks (you know the kind that are shaped like onion rings--not good for your breath, but very tasty).

On the bright side, I've lost a couple pounds!!

Gee I haven't been here in awhile

Hi guys,
Yeah sorry about neglecting this "amazing" blog that Mr Duck has started, but well I have been busy. Sure that's no excuse to abandon you but hey I can't think of anything better. A little update in the life of Phats

I am still teaching HS history between the hours of 7-2

Our cheerleading season that I coach came to end Saturday when our girls basketball team lost in the Regional round of the tournament(elite 8). Although we still have a halftime performance Friday, and tryouts will be right around the corner.

I am still working nights teaching tennis classes at the local indoor tennis center, and helping manage the pro shop

Varsity girls tennis is up next, I am the head coach and the season starts here in 2 weeks.

So see I wasn't lying I am really busy, and as much as I would love to blog I just don't have time. I do today though and as I continue to type this I realize what a shitty post this is becoming and sincerely apologize for that. I didn't want to talk sports on here because that is what my main blog is about. Although I have to say BOILER UP!

Lets see, nothing else really. I did finish a book recently, called "double cross" By James Patterson. It's a part of the Alex Cross series, you know kiss the girls, along came a spider. It was very good and strangely enough it kind of went hand in hand with the latest movie I just saw. Both having to do with Cyber Crimes. My sister, brother in law, girlfriend, and I went and saw "Untraceable" It's really good, it was pretty intense and made me realize I am never meeting anyone from the net, except for Duck since he assured me he's not a murderer.

Alright I thought I should make an appearance over here, we got some bad snow today so the night classes at the tennis center were cancelled. I am going to relax and enjoy some American Idol! Everyone have a good one

Phats

Almost Valentine's Day

I went into a card store the other day to buy a birthday card for a family friend and it looked like someone who drank Pepto-Bismol had thrown up in there. The whole store was decorated in pink. And heart shaped snow-flake flying thingamajigs were hanging from the ceiling.

I don't like Valentine's Day!!

Guest blogger Cher

Cher's post is up on Tena's blog!

Cher's post on Tena's Blog Coming Soon!

You are invited to my blog for a special post written by our friend Cher. It will post tomorrow.

You probably know about Cher's contest to see who could write the best suck-up poem about her. I was the lucky winner! As my prize, I chose to have her as my guest blogger. (Sorry Phats.)

To know Cher is to love her. And don't we all?

70 Pound Challenge

I was lying in bed a few nights ago, trying to decompress from the stress of the day so I could go to sleep. Random, strange thoughts coming in and out of my head. And this was one. Flat rate USPS boxes. They have a 70 pound weight limit. Basically, they are a rather smallish box that for one flat rate, you can ship. Up to 70 pounds (domestically). So, I was thinking, WHAT could you ship that would weigh 70 pounds and still actually fit IN the flat rate mailer.

My challenge to you is to see who can come up with the highest weight possible that will still fit in the box. And note, the post office will not let you ship a box that is not closed in the regular, ol' correct way (ie. you can't tape the flaps together over a bulge of something that just doesn't quite fit but almost does with lots and lots of tape). Ha, I just noticed they say that.



• Flat Rate Boxes can be used for both domestic and international shipping:

• The inside dimensions for the two boxes available are 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" and 13.625" x 11.875" x 3.375". The two boxes are different shapes to accomodate a variety of contents.
• The contents of the flat rate box must be neatly contained inside the box with adhesive packaging tape.
• The box must close securely and retain its shape when taped with adhesive.
• The shape of the box may not be changed or enlarged to fit its contents.

Viva Elvis!

Happy Birthday, King!

Guess it's time for the once a year clean...

Well, at this point anyway, it's been once a year. (Once last year, after we moved in, and today.) This was my office, since about Thanksgiving:


And this is it now! -- There is room for my computer :)


After 3-18 gal. tubs and 16 boxes of books (not counting the other 4 tubs and about 6-8 boxes - I lost count - of other "things for the office") I finally have a place to work! Yippee!

Whoops! Naughty closet... good thing I left enough room to shut the door! OK -- guess I didn't get to everything I wanted to sort out (My books are so out of order, but I think they are at least happy to be back home on a bookshelf, or 13)

It may be a few days late, but I'm starting the new year with a clean office! (the closet doesn't count!)

Happy New Year!!!

Just popping in to wish everyone in the Amalgamation a wonderful, happy, and healthy 2008!

I can tell you that I am probably the ONLY person to keep my resolution each and every year! Here's my resolution: I resolve to NOT make a resolution!

See? Now, wasn't that easy?!?!


So....what's yours?


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