Cliff Notes: July 2011

Monday, July 25, 2011

But I Was Watching A Britcom Before Bed!

Last night I fell into one of my occasional bizarre dreamscapes -- this one not so disturbing on a nightmare scale, but the kind that makes me wonder "where did THAT come from?!" I was in a Vietnamese factory or at school (there were lockers) and in the lunchroom amid the crowd of people I could not understand a tall, good looking but dangerous guy called me out and gave me some kind of gadget that was unsettling.

Then I am in a Vietnamese theme park, getting on a dark ride that apparently has optional CGI effects. Of course I, seated on the end, unknowingly activate them so the scare factor escalates. This from the girl who hates the snake on Indiana Jones. So, the ride ends but I am stuck in my seat and staring down a return trip. I manage to wriggle out at the last minute, making unhappy Vietnamese teens wait while the ride is reset.

Then I can't find something. I search amid the vaguely Costco-like landscape. The ride owner/operator -- inexplicably Caucasian, and creepy in a Christopher Walken kind of way -- locates a rumpled, torn paper bag with a holiday figurine inside. He says they sell them in the gift shop but I recognize it and know I brought it with me (to Vietnam) when my eyes find the address of a family member penciled in the bottom of the sack.

???!

I have often felt I could make a bundle selling my scariest dreams to Hollywood. Of course I refuse to do so on principle.

Overheard
Me: What time did you get up this morning?
Him: It was 5:55 the first time, then 6:10 the second time.
Me: Was I in any way coherent either of those times?
Him: No. You were pretty wiped out.
Me: Probably because I'd been running around a theme park in Vietnam.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Hot Hot Hot

We've been here so many many summers that this year's records have barely registered. I guess if I quit hibernating each afternoon I'd be more bothered by this:

Dallas-Fort Worth is now halfway to the all-time record of consecutive 100-degree days, set from June 23-Aug. 3, 1980. The high temperature at DFW Airport on Friday was 101, according to the National Weather Service office in Fort Worth, marking the 21st day of triple-digit temperatures.

The string started July 2 and has included two days of 105 degrees, two of 103, four of 102, eight of 101 and 5 of 100. The area has had 28 days of 100-degree temperatures this summer. And no relief is in sight. The forecast calls for highs from 100 to 103 through Friday.

...remember that Super Bowl ice?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

What Would Sister Cook Make?

This is an excerpt from an interview with Elder Quentin L. Cook and his wife Mary. She talks about having a husband involved in many church meetings, and mentions having Sunday dinner when he got home. See Sister Cook-- soft-spoken, pastel suit, floral scarf? Guess what she made? Pancakes!

Sister Cook rocks.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

One-Season Wonders

Can you believe Angela and Jorden Catalano only made it one year?
I loved this show.

Also one season only.
JohnCliff loved this show.

Again, only one year. So sad!
From the makers of the West Wing -- John & I both liked this one.

(One of these things is not like the other...)
Are you confused? See, my time as RS president
lasted a year and some change.

I have a new gig at church -- and it's exciting! Big hint: once school begins, I will be having lots of early mornings. (Early morning seminary: it's what's for breakfast.)

FYI, this year we study the Old Testament -- and you know there is a lot of c-raaaazy stuff in there! Perfect fit.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

How Do Your Children See You?

Anna and Kate decided to relieve their boredom and relive some of their childhood by trying on costumes from Halloween/performances past. Then they moved on.

Which is how I came to witness Anna clomping in with her Dad's shoes on, saying what a bad day at work it had been. Then I hear Kate calling, "Giovanni... Giovanni" and when I look up she's got her hair twisted up in a clip and is wearing her waffle-weave spa robe -- the one just like mine, but shorter -- and she's shoved a bolster pillow into the top of it.

They thought it was pretty hilarious.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Like A Princess

I often check out celebrity event coverage to see the dresses. I'm not above a little armchair critique, but what I'm really doing is looking for anyone in a modest dress. When I see one, it is usually on a very young girl (early teens) or an over-sixty woman.

What is it with the plunging neck and backlines, skyrocketing hems and barely-there sides? I'm thinking that when you have to use body adhesive to stay in your dress it should tell you something. Have you seen the average prom in the last ten years? Most of the girls look like cocktail waitresses -- and that's being polite. That's not the sort of attention I would want. Frankly, it's hard to understand why so many parents allow their daughters out of the house in such skimpy dresses. You really don't see the girl when you can see so much of her.

Interestingly, the woman you see everywhere being held up as a "style icon" consistently shows up in modest dresses. Not always, but most of the time. Of course, her job description comes with a greater level of scrutiny and decorum required of the average woman. She is supposed to dress and behave beautifully.

Aren't we all?

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Into The System

My last post contained a desperate plea for my friend Jill to share her summer system. Her fabulous husband -- turns out he's not only a great home teacher but also lurks on my blog -- saw it, and within a day I was at their house learning the ins and outs of the system. So exciting!

We made a trial run yesterday and it was lovely. Each child has a 3-ring binder with tabs for a chore chart, journal, and a few other things. They collect tokens (shiny!) when they have completed their binder work. Jill does not set a time limit, but I will require binders to be completed by noon. Here are the Cliff notes:

My Responsibilities (chore chart grid)

· Complete each item by 12 noon = 10 tokens. Tokens can be redeemed for special treats, privileges, or money, but not until the day after they are given. 1 token = 25 cents or 4 tokens/$1. You must trade tokens for cash at home! But Mom may choose to lend you cash at the store with a penalty (5 tokens = $1) Token cash tithing will be set aside in an envelope immediately. (Tokens are to returned by you for infractions such as whining/complaining/fighting/being disrespectful/being argumentative)

· Every day but Sunday choose a Popsicle Stick Job (one stick is a “free day” another is “bonus 2 tokens”)

· Also choose a Service with a Smile stick – you can do something secretly or ask, “What can I do for you?” (These sticks have the names of family members on them).

· Don’t forget to read! If you finish your book you can have a drink or slushie at Sonic after we go to the library!

Journal

1 page/day about whatever you want. Younger kids get prompts.

Mind Matters (Jill calls it Academic Housekeeping)

1 worksheet/day. May be math, reading (poetry?) or social studies.

Piano

Practice 10 min/day. Keep your assignments here.

Favorites Sheet

Just for fun! This will be a fun reminder of this summer.

Schedule:

Monday = Store

Tuesday = Dollar Movie or another activity

Wednesday = Pool or store

Thursday = Library

Friday = Friend Day (1-4 pm)

My girls are unusually excited about collecting tokens. I have never been a "chore chart" kind of girl, but am thrilled to find this fun way to encourage my kids to take care of themselves, their rooms, and help around our home. THANKS, JILL!

PS We got new phones so I can play words with friends... if I figure out how to connect with my friends. How about you do it for me?

PPS I just found shiny gold coins/tokens at the Dollar Tree for a fraction of what I paid at Party City. If you decide to employ "the system" stock up there instead.