Dallas School System on CNN.com

Check out this video clip...

http://www.cnn.com/video/savp/evp/?loc=dom&vid=/video/us/2008/09/18/lavendera.school.debate.cnn

I'd like to see a follow up done in 10 years with these kids to see if they've made it out of their parent's basements and into the real world yet. Yikes.

Okay, I "yearbooked" myself...

So I wasn't going to do this, but I am in a bit of an after lunchtime food coma... and my good friend (and LOYAL reader), Cate suggested that I should give this a try. Can you resist? I mean really.

Oddly enough, the "fro" look suits me the best, I think. What would you say?

Who is this irrationally frantic and easily aggrivated person, and where did my sane, sunny demeanor escape to? I swear this baby has sucked out, not only my brain waves (I tried to put two socks on one foot yesterday much to my husband's amusement), but my pleasing disposition as well.

You hear the horror stories of sobbing, emotionally out of control pregnant women, but this is something else. I don't cry (that much, anyways, not much more then typical at any rate). But I have recently garnered the patience level of a toddler. I spend a large part of my day just plain old IRRITATED. With everyone who DOESN'T matter and who aren't really doing anything wrong (to me, anyways, to the rest of the world at large, I can't say). Like the person hesitating at the stop light at Meijer so I miss my opportunity and have to wait through a whole other round. Or the person who calls and tells me that in HIS opinion I should have to spend the hour and a half on the phone with his insurance company "if I want to get paid", because its not "his responsiblity". Or the poster on babycenter.com who stated that she was going to get through the financial hardships of her pregnancy and birth with governement assistance, and everyone else should quit their jobs and follow suit because who cares that you people are all paying for me to not work and instead try out for american idol while you all struggle to make ends meet doing the right and ethical thing by being responsible members of society?

No wonder my blood pressure is so mugh higher then normal when I have my monthly prenatal visits. I wonder if my doctor would take into account "annoyance" when making his observations.

So what am I going to combat this crazy psychotic episode that I am having? Well, today I started off with putting on a very soft and warm sweater, because it is chilly and I love sweaters. (no good came of it) Then I made myself a hot cup of delicious tea (didn't work). Then I put on a cd of Jim Dale reading Harry Potter. He's British and does all the voices, and its fantastic. (although, it still didn't work) Then I ate some comfy cozy oatmeal. (nothin) I systematically sorted and organized my work for the day. (no dice) I changed my screen background to something autumnish. (still irritated) And, now, after my lunch that wasn't fried at all and therefore not what either me or baby REALLY wanted today (don't onion rings sound good?), I am attempting to listen to some soothing music. A note: last night I put in Yanni for my drive home hoping to curb the road rage, but that Meijer Joker really messed with my zen. Anyhow, we'll see where this gets me. The effect is sort of ruined when I keep having to answer patient phone calls and therefore be brought back to reality.

I really don't like getting so worked up over such menial things. This is a hugely joyful time in my life! I am so incredibly blessed by God that I can't even express all the wonderful things He has done for me...

So why can't I just show it? Why can't I glow and shine and radiate all the gratefulness that I have in my heart? Instead, I just keep (Oh. My. Gosh. I seriously just received a tellemarketing call for dish network! This is insanity!) flaring my nose and taking deep breaths like I am training for battle. A battle to get my sunny personality back...

Good grief.

Interesting note for you all to think about, and maybe shake your head at... because that is what I find myself doing right this second.

Our "tech guy" at work, who coincidentally works 9:30ish to 2:30ish (with an hour and a half lunch/errand break in between) and manages his ebay business from our office (no lie, he has the items shipped to our address) is actually completely without a clue when it comes to legitimate technological things. Why does he get away with what he is doing? Because he knows how to do some little network thing with our computer system. Something that I suspect isn't even all that complicated. Something that he won't teach anyone else, because he knows darn well that if he does, he'll be fired, because he's ridiculous. Job security, my friends. Job security. Let me give you a few examples of what we are dealing with here:

Actual Scenario #1

Tech Guy: Hey, Erin, can I ask you something?

Me: Yep.

Tech Guy: I wanna heat up my soup in the microwave...

Me: Okay.

Tech Guy: How do I do that?

Me: ...

Actual Scenario #2

Tech Guy: (shouting to office at large) If I want to send a fax, which slot do I put the paper in?


Seriously. This is not an exaggeration. Now, okay, microwaves and fax machines are built differently, you might say. Erin, you say, he may have just been confused by a newer model or whatever. I understand this. Well noted. HOWEVER, he is getting paid (MUCH more then me, I might add) to work these things out. He should be able to, with a teenie bit of effort, and perhaps trial and error, figure out the crazy button pattern needed (and the fact that he needs to first open his soup can and empty it into a microwavable safe bowl) for himself.

And this probably wouldn't frustrate me too much, if not for the fact that everytime I ask him a true computer question, he first asks me if I "checked the power cord and turned the computer on and off?". Because, though I'm not a tech expert by any means, I am somewhat logical. Toss me a frickin bone here, Man.

So, I will leave you with this, readers... as I pack up my things for the weekend. If you decide to try your luck at computer programming or tech repair, read up on your typical office equipment manuals, or else risk the silent wrath and subsequent eye-rolling of your fellow employees.

Jesus taught patience and compassion. Jesus taught patience and compassion. Patience. And. Compassion. (In my defense, there were no such things as computers, microwaves and fax machines in Jesus' time... I know, I KNOW. That shouldn't matter, but it does. A little.)

Pacey's back in "The Fringe"!

This isn't my official post for this week, but more or less just a little note to mention a new show that I happened to catch last night called "The Fringe". Its a mythological sci-fi set in the not-too-distant future (I believe- I missed the beginning.) by JJ Abrams (of "Lost"), starring amongst other newcomers that I don't recognize just yet, Joshua Jackson. Yes, my fellow giddy Dawson's Creek fans... Pacey Witter is back and he's still as dreamy as ever (except this time he's not seducing his high school teacher- which, I suppose wouldn't matter anyhow, being that he's a legal oldie like you and I by now).

I was only able to catch the last half of the show (long enough to also catch that the former "Jack Deveroux" from Days of Our Lives was also making an appearance- the best Jack Deveroux if you ask me- his replacements were completely lacking- which I mentioned to my husband and he apparently didn't care enough to respond- clearly he was not ever a day-time soap fan), but it was intriguing. A little rough and slow in spots, but definitely worth checking out again. If you like "Lost" or "Heroes" or even the old "X Files" (speaking of which... what on earth is all that David Duchovny being a sex addict gossip all about? I mean, really? A sex addict?! His poor kids- I hope they aren't old enough to read the news. Ew.), this show should be right up your alley. I happen to like these kinds of shows MUCH more then the CSI, NYPD Blue or Law and Order type of fare. Why? Escapism. I don't like real-life scenarios, I can get those on the news. I'd rather stretch my imagination with alternate realities.

So the pilot episode will be making a reappearance on Sunday night- if you are interested in checking it out. I realize I haven't made much of an argument for it- especially if you aren't a Pacey or Jack fan by any stretch of the imagination... but please don't let that deter you. I am just sleepy and not quite able to articulate this morning. However, the episode is sticking with me this morning and I keep hashing over the details, so I know it must have been good. Know what I mean?

That being said, little tidbits from "Lydia's Italy" (a cooking show on PBS where the chef uses copious amounts of butter and salt on everything, so of course its going to be tasty) typically stick with me the next morning too... so who am I to judge?

Just check it out. Sorry this ended up being MUCH less concise and persuasive then I planned. To be frank, I'm not much for concise, though, am I? Which is why I am an aspiring novelist, rather then an aspiring journalist. In my college newspaper days, my editor (Yonika was her name, for real. I love that name. Not enough to name my little popper after her... but enough to still appreciate it after 5 years) always cut out half of my "editorializing". I ask you this, though, how do you write about drag shows, ice fishing and the local bar scene without editorializing? I mean, really.

Enough already. I'm out.

a tad disillusioned over here...

(The McCain-Palin ticket) "will keep America as it has always been: the hope of the world."

-Mitt Romney

Okay, so last week I avoided getting political. And truely, its not really my style to harp on things in the political arena. This is for several reasons, the most important of which being that I'm not really all that informed. Probably more informed then most, I suppose, but I am by no means some analyst on CNN that is at all qualified to give my educated opinion freely.

That being said (and noted, I hope), this is my blog and I can write about whatever I wish, and this morning I have something to say about the presidential election.

First of all, I am a moderate. This is the most simplified way of stating that my political beliefs are a direct result of my being a Christ follower and a layperson sociologist. For example, when it comes to abortion, I obviously agree with the Right, but when it comes to welfare, I am much more of a Lefty. I, being the true justice and balance-loving Libra that I am, embrace both parties.

This may sound wishy washy to some, but let me assure you, I am anything but. I am VERY opinionated about my issues, just those opinions happen to fall easily on both ends of the spectrum.

The result of this is that at every possible election, I am undecided. I am a free agent. I am one of those unknowns that politicians everywhere are striving to grasp. It is really kind of fun. Sometimes I make good decisions, sometimes not. I'll admit, last presidential election I voted wrong and although I won't say what I did, suffice it to say, I have rededicated myself to pay way more attention this time around.

Okay... enough of that. I followed the DNC last week with a great deal of enthusiasm. I allowed myself to get wrapped up in the historical moment that it was. I was very impressed by the speeches and the promises and all that... of course. That's exactly what is supposed to happen, am I right?

But what most impressed me- what most stuck with me- was that in Obama's speech, he refused to be angry, bitter, or petty. He, on numerous occasions, focused to unity and change. UNITY being key. He refused to trash the republican's patriotism. I thought that was very interesting and very, well, nobel. I realize he has a lack of time in the white house, and that he has actually shown up in people magazine (against his will, however)... blah blah blah, I realize all of this, and I won't try to defend either party at this point. But I wanted to mention that specific speech because last night, I was very saddened by the republicans speeches.

How focused were they on portraying a "tough, more edgy and aggressive" party? How often did they disregard the dems as weak? It just didn't seem very UNIFYING to me, and frankly, after the last 8 years of discord, a little bit of cooperation and respect seems due, don't you think? Perhaps you don't. And that's alright, but that is exactly what I was thinking. I was thinking... "what happened to telling us how you are going make things better? What about a means to an end, here?" Instead, all I heard was a petty one-sided catfight, and I wasn't all that impressed with the lack of solution presented.

Back to my quote at the top... by Mitt Romney. I didn't see his speech. Personally, I wasn't too interested in it... but reading the overview this morning, it caught my eye and stopped my heart. There may have been a point in time when America was the "hope of the world". Definitely that was the case back when my grandparents we alive and young. But recently, in that last decade or so... not so much. Other countries treat America with contempt and incredulity. (Browse BBC.com for a bit, and you will see what I mean) It isn't our citizens so much that aggrivate the rest of the world, as our government. Most of this is deserved, I think. We haven't really been a shining beacon of compassion and power of late.

So reading this statement broke my heart. Because it's just not true anymore. But I want it to be true again, and I don't think I am alone in that. I'm not urging you to vote one way or the other. I, myself, am not completely 100% decided. But there is something to be said for the whole "the family that plays together stays together" ideal. I think it might just have a little merit in the government.

And she's back...

Wow, can you believe its been THREE WHOLE MONTHS since I blogged last? I couldn't... but I know my mom and Kevin VonQualen can... they've been getting on my case for some time now about posting something- ANYTHING- so here I am back and ready to blog.

What to talk about? There's so much that has happened, not only in the world in general (I will not be discussing the democratic national convention or the Brangina twins, so if you are willing and ready to debate those- find someone else who has more invested in those. I am too shallow for such things), but also in my own little personal bubble. I've decided that I would catch everyone up and give my thoughts on a whole plethera of topics... get ready, this is gonna be a long one.

First of all, I'm expecting. Yes, readers, I am knocked up and am due February 26th. Most all of you know this by now. At least, I sincerely hope that you do... though, I've tried my darndest to keep the news off facebook and myspace until word could be passed via mouth, but I'm not superwoman, and I actually don't have the time to call everyone, personally. And actually, I don't have all that many cell phone minutes. Note: favorite commercial of the summer "I bet my sister would take the milky minutes" "but isn't your sister lactose intolerant?" Just doesn't ever get old.

Anyway... I am nearly 14 weeks along, which places me comfortably (and I mean that pretty literally) in the second trimester. Gone are the days of constant car-sick stomach and falling asleep at my desk. I am now able to eat an entire plateful of food (and then some, truth be told- at least when there is watermelon or tatertots involved-hmmm. I. love. tatertots.) I can stay awake for the evening news, or at least long enough to scratch my husband's belly until he falls asleep- which goes a long way towards making up for months of "please either stop breathing or get out of this bed because I will puke on you".

My only complaint about this wonderful honeymoon period of my pregnancy is that I am currently without wardrobe. I've got cute clothes that are suffacatingly snug around the waist and therefore not at all flattering, and then I've got cute clothes that a bit baggy and optimistic at this point and are therefore also not all that figure flattering. I imagine in a few weeks, though, Baby will take care of the issue, and I'll be whistling a different tune.

What else? Harry Potter number 6's release date has been postponed until next summer, which will officially make me way too old to care by the time number 7 part deux is released in like 2020 or whenever. I'm kind of irritated. I know its all about the benjamins, and money is key... but honestly, how long can they milk this series? The answer? Probably forever, which is super discouraging, because as much as I say I won't care in 5, 10 years- I still will. And let's face it, all other super fans will, too. Ugh.

My new literary love began and wrapped this summer (lucky for me, it wasn't a 5 year long wait that others, including my younger sister, hed to endure). If you haven't heard of Stephenie Meyer and her Twilight Universe, you are either under a rock or just way too cool for those kinds of pop culture things (and I applaud you, for I am way too willing to be sucked in at any point). The story of a immortally brooding handsome vampire and his teenage soulmate will be heading to theaters this fall (in HP's place, thank goodness, I now have something to do that weekend besides mope) and I suggest you all jump on the bandwagon. The series is undoubtably better, as per usual, but I realize that not everyone is willing to give 700 page novels a chance on a whim. Not judging. Meyer is being compared to JK Rowling all over the place, which I don't quite understand... not that she isn't an incredible author, but the books are nothing alike. They have, however, taken a hold of an ENORMOUS fan base all over the world (google "twilight" and you will see what I mean- its insane). And, the author actually lists some pretty fabulous "soundtracks" for her books on her website which I find both charming and addicting. She's got pretty incredible taste in music for a mom of three. It makes me hopeful that Baby Hahn won't suck all the coolness I possess when it makes its arrival. Yeesh.

The olympics. Goodness those were exciting, weren't they? I've got to be honest here, a HUGE part of the appeal for me is that, even though I don't have cable, for two-ish weeks every two years, I get to watch the same thing as everyone else. I feel a part of it all for once. It's a beautiful thing. My quick synopsis: the US gymnasts were shafted, Michael Phelps gives hope to bullied kids on playgrounds everywhere, "Lightening" Bolt was delightful to watch as he breezily jogged his way to world records, and the womens beach volley ball players wear way less clothes then the men's- intentional? I think so. There were other events, like diving (which I can barely watch because I am irrationally afraid that one of them is going to crack their head open on a spring board), equestrian (I don't have cable) and basketball (the "redeem team" seriously? How about its hardly fair that ridiculously over paid, insanely arrogant NBA players get to represent the US, while collegiate athletes that actually love the game stay home?), but I didn't catch all those. You can fill me in on anything that I missed.

Oh yeah, and Jason Lesak is my hero. Take that frenchies. And moving on from my moment of political incorrectness...

... And on to my "bragging right moment of the summer". I. sat. fourth. row. Brad. Paisley. Now some of you are thinking what?! That's awesome! I know it is. (some of you are also thinking "who is that? And to all of you... I stick out my tongue and ask you to skip over this part. Geez.) That's right, kids, Erin and her summer concert marathon partner, Meg, were picked for the "hot girl seats", as her hubbie says. Not because they were hot, (temperature-wise perhaps... I am a walking sauna on a chilly day), for we were sans makeup, mini skirts, halter tops or even hot pink leopard print cowboy hats, rather, just because we were willing to sit on the concrete to watch our friend Brad. And aparently, Brad rewards that kind of loyalty with a couple of VIP section seats. Dear readers, we could see right up his nose and touch him as he danced by us (if we were creepy like that- which we aren't).

It was fabulous.

Well, if you've made it this far, I am flattered and I congratulate you. There's probably more. We had several super fun and beautiful weddings for very close friends this summer... and I watched my husband do interpretive "so you think you can dance" routines at all of them (he could really rival Mia, I think). Team Joshua, by the way... we called that one, didn't we Jenny? I even learned the "superman" at Rachel and Kurt's wedding, which I think qualifies as the most embarassing moment of the summer (not for me, I stumbled through it will glorious rhythmically challenged white girl pride- but for all those that really, truely, purposefully performed that dance. What on earth? And I thought "getting jiggy wit it" was silly!)

I hope to write more soon. I honestly do! Sorry this particular blog is such a mess, but its kind of like getting your voice back after a weeks of larengitus- I just have so much to say! I promise to be more concise and reader-worthy in the future. Please comment! Its been too long!