June 30, 2003
Royal We
On a random whim, I'm We are going to exercise the "royal we" for the rest of this post. BTW, for those of you who don't know, Phrase Finder defines the royal we as: "A monarch's use of the first person plural when referring to him/herself." We feel queenly today.
We've been dragging around here all day due to the dreary weather outside. We observed some ants being flooded out on the sidewalk, and witnessed their unique technique for surviving in water. They pile up into a ball on top of each other, and rotate out who is on the bottom, so none drown. It makes a mass of writhing floating ants... it's really fascinating, yet it creeps us out. We would hate to be caught in a flood- that has to suck- but the danger of swimming into a pile of floating ants is now added to our fear. Why can't ants just die? We hate ants! Off with their heads! Off with their heads!
If you're bored and/or a nerd, and you can't hear enough about ants, go here. If you have an interesting ant story, you probably need to get a life, but you can go here first. And for those of you who feel the need to leave your mundane 9-5 and join an acting troupe, AND love the "royal we", go here.
Well, that's it folks. Everybody get out! You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.
Sha-zam
I think everyone's day would be vastly improved if they, at some point, used the word "sha-zam".
June 27, 2003
Engrish
Please, oh please, somebody visit Engrish... I laughed so hard I hurt myself.
Some Recollections
Mommie! Harrison Ford gave me the finger!
When you're a kid, there is no greater prize than a Pizza Party. You will do anything for a pizza party, and adults know it. They're like, "Here, go sell 2,000 magazines a piece, and the class who sells the most gets a . . . PIZZA PARTY!" And the kids go wild! "Hooray! Pizza! In our classroom! We can eat it together! It's a Party!" It becomes a chant, and kids bolt in all directions to sell cookies, magazines, wrapping paper, you name it. Anything for the Pizza Party. Maybe it's the double P's that sound so good. Who's immune to alliteration?
The moment the winners of the Pizza Party are announced is big too. An auditoreum full of kids, anticipation running high, and the principal announces "And the Pizza Party goes to.... Mrs. Stephens 4th Grade Class!" Those kids are jumping up and down, hugging each other, the kids who lost are crying or booing... well, maybe it's not that dramatic, but its close. This also applies to Vacation Bible Schools - I've seen kids memorize the entire old testament to win a Pizza Party. Amazing.
Anyway, those are my thoughts for the day. Since it's Friday, and all you slackers at work are looking at this page instead of working, I'm including a game to play today. It's called Bubbles and it's mildy irritating but addictive too. (evil grin)
June 26, 2003
No Joke
Yesterday, the NAACP and the Baton Rouge School Board FINALLY settled a 47 year old desegregation case. Wow. 47 years? Who were the mediators for this case? Sheesh. I guess it went like this:
NAACP: You guys need to desegregate.
School Board: Uh, no.
NAACP: Yes, you do.
School Board: Nah, we'd rather not.
NAACP: Guys, We're not kidding around.
School Board: Nope.
NAACP: Come on, do it.
School Board: No, really, we don't wanna...
for years and years and years... then,
NAACP: Last warning.
School Board: Alright Already, we'll desegregate... geez.
Luzianna Purse
Everybody Accessorize
People, Step Back!
I have a friend who is as close-talker. God bless her, she's a nice girl, but I end up halfway up a wall or perched over furniture every time I talk to her. I think Seinfeld probably covered this topic better than I ever could. Man, I miss that show. Anyway, back to my friend- I don't see how she could possibly not notice the acrobats I am doing to get a little breathing room, but she doesn't. Since she's my friend, it doesn't make me too crazy, and I can forgive her. But, let me tell you, if a stranger happens to invade my personal space, like last night at the grocery store, it freaks me out. This lady was all but surgically attached to me for twenty minutes... AAAHHH!
Robert Sommer, did a study of how people react when someone invades their personal space. He would go to parks and sit too close to people on purpose. He said some responses would be tapping their toes, pulling at their hair, and getting completely rigid. Well, those people were pretty nice about it, I think. If you see me pulling my hair, you better move on because it gets real ugly after that!
If you happen to BE a close stander, please, read this. It's a problem, people. Let's get the solution out there!
June 25, 2003
A Side-Note:
We are going to be in Monroe this weekend... anybody wanna get together Sat. night?
Google Theme
I read an interesting article about why Google loves bloggers. It's nice to be liked!
New Links
I have decided to include a new section on this blog: "Enter at your own risk" links. I have found something funny or clever on these pages, but occasionally (or often) there is adult content on them . I don't feel comfortable adding them to my blog roll, because I don't know what will be on them day to day. So don't blame me if you read something a little crazy! I trust you'll use your own discretion. There, that's my disclaimer. You can't sue me now.
Update: The more I thought about this, the less I liked it. So nix to that.
June 24, 2003
See Through Shoes
There is one thing that will never ever ever change: Little girls will always love jellies.
Wrenn got her first pair of pink jellies today, and I don't know if I'll ever get her into another pair of shoes after this. I might as well go ahead and superglue them to her feet, because these suckers are never coming off.
It's so funny, I remember proudly wearing my own pair of jellies... even with socks in the winter, if I recall correctly. (I can't believe my mom let me get away with that!) Anyway, I did a quick search on jellies, and discovered they've been around for a long time. After WWII, there was a leather shortage, and Mr. Jean Dauphant, of Plastic-Auvergne Sarraizienne invented jellies from PVC. Since then, lots of others companies have copied his idea to give us an astounding variety of jellies!
And if you didn't get enough of the jellie talk, yahoo has a chat group about them, believe it or not. I tried to check it out, but there's an age restriction on it. I don't know what these people are saying about jellies, but it must be something -ahem- rather naughty!
So, yes, if you happen to see my child wearing pink jellies with her Sunday dress at church, just smile and know that this is one battle I know I can't win. Wait till YOU have a two year old. Plus, come on. They're cool.
Mum's the Word
My mom came for a visit yesterday, so we manhandled her into babysitting last night. Patrick and I went to the movies and saw XMen2. I must say that I enjoyed the heck out of that film. I like the Xmen story, but I think being out of the house for the first time in 4 months was the real kicker. When we got home, the kids were in bed, the clothes were folded, dishes washed, and mom was passed out on the couch. Wow. Thanks Mom. You just earned an extra 2 months out of the nursing home.
June 23, 2003
Random Movie Dialogue:
"Why am I doing this again?"
"When you can balance a tack hammer on your head, you will head off your foes with a balanced attack."
"And why am I wearing the watermelon on my feet?"
"I don't remember telling you to do that."
Anybody know what that's from?
June 22, 2003
Resting
Today, in honor of Deut. 5:13, we took a nap.
And since resting on the seventh day is a command, we took it pretty seriously. I'm talking a full blown, all out, lines on our face, drool on our pillows NAP. ~aahh~
I find it interesting that God made this a command... He certainly knows our nature. There is a lot of debate about what consitites "rest" and "work". In the course of my life, I've been to churches that practice both ends of the spectrum. I have to say I am most comfortable in the more strict view of the subject: basically, don't work and don't cause others to work. Don't go to the movies. Don't get your haircut. Don't -gasp- eat out. I do, however, believe there are exceptions to this. Jesus used this example to the Pharisees: If your ox or son falls into a well on the Sabbath, who does not help them? (Luke 14:5) So, obviously, Jesus expects us to use some common sense. For crying out loud, don't leave your poor ox in the ditch. He's pitiful, he's making a ruckus, and crowding my ditch!
Since we live within a reasonable distance from our parents, we're expected to make the trip up pretty frequently. It almost always requires traveling on Sundays. We try to plan ahead, and gas up on Saturdays, and take whatever precautions we can to avoid purchasing anything that day... but it's not foolproof. We try to minimize it as much as possible, and I think that's the underlying idea of resting. This day is different, make that effort to recognize it.
And come on, He's asking us to rest... how hard can that be? Shoot, I'm GREAT at resting... that's my forte! Wanna see me rest? Watch me... aaahh...
June 21, 2003
Star Date Something Something Something
Okay, I know I was not the only person who watched Star Trek Next Generation... go ahead, admit it. You watched it. And you know who Wil Wheaton is, don't ya? Sure you do. I know it, you know it. Well, he has a blog! No kidding! And it's pretty cool. He really comes across as a normal, sarcastic, believable guy. I heart Ensign Wesley Crusher... he's so boy next door.
June 20, 2003
The Buzz
I decided to join the blogging crowd not that long ago, and what prompted me to it was the amazing variety of blogs and bloggers I found on the net. I have spent alot of time (probably too much!) reading what others have to say, and following interesting links to other places. One place I stumbled upon was an archive of Venomous Kate's. I haven't looked at her entire site yet, but this one particular entry really interested me. If you blog, or are interested in it, read this post. It's about the politics of blogging, and it will set you straight for sure! I couldn't tell if I was motivated afterwards or ashamed of myself. Lol. Let me know what you think of this one.
You may have noticed some changes going on here at a peck of gold. That's right. We're "finding" ourselves over here, so be patient. In that vein, here is a list of discarded possible blog names...
Top Ten Blog Names You'll Be Glad I Didn't Choose:
10. A Shan-Tastic Blog
9. Shanny's Got a Gun
8. Shanford and Son
7. Shanshine on a Cloudy Day
6. A Helping Shand
5. The Shan-tabulous Blog
4. Shizay in the Hiz-ouse
3. Shanny Shanny Bing Bang
2. Shananarama
and the #1 name you'll be glad i didn't choose:
1. A Big Yummy Shandwich
Have a Good Weekend Everyone!
June 19, 2003
Thinking out loud
I came across this site that lists all the anacronyms you can use on instant messenger... So, I thought to mix it up a little, I am going to use as many as I can on this post. Ha! Don't you hate me! MEG.
OATUS, They say everyone has a double . . . I think
Judy Garland may be mine. IDK. I've always thought I looked a little like her. She was okay, I guess. Maybe a tad on the dumpy side, IMO. (oops, i just alienated my audience, quick, retract, retract!)
NALOPKT: Her real name was Frances Ethel Gumm. My real name is Shannon Lee Trisler.
My favorite Judy Garland quote: "I've never looked through a keyhole without finding someone was looking back."
SWDYT?
June 18, 2003
Well, blow me down...
Yesterday, I caught the last bit of an extremely irritating talk/news show, Good Day Live. I won't dwell on the more teeth grinding attributes of this show right now- that's an entirely different post!
However, there was a brief clip about the Roe v. Wade case that caught my attention. The original plaintiff in the case, Jane Roe, i.e. Norma McCorvey, is asking that the case be overturned on the basis that abortion harms women! This is according to new information that wasn't available in 1973, scientific data, and women's testimonials. McCorvey regrets her involvement in the case- she "changed sides" about ten years ago, when she became a Christian. I checked out her website, Roe No More and I was astounded. Somehow, I did not know this about her. Maybe that makes me terribly uninformed, but I simply wasn't aware of her conversion. You can read the rest of the story at CNN.
I must say, however late I am in recognizing this, what a victory! Praise God! And note to self: Be more informed.
June 17, 2003
Tao of Pooh
"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"
"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"
" I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet
Pooh nodded thoughtfully.
"It's the same thing," he said.
__________________________
That kind of sums up my mood this morning.
What I'm doing today:
Painting the cupboard if this stupid rain ever stops!
Paying and mailing some bills and a few thank you notes (all of which are late, i think!)
Cleaning out my closet (not in an eminem way, mind you)
That's it. That's my to-do-list. I try to keep it realistic, you know. Lol.
I have been ever so slowly trying to get into the habit of working out again. . . and I am on a mission to create the best, most incredible workout cd of all time. (Hey, I need all the extra motivation I can get!) So far, I've got a good mix of techno, rap(old school of course), and some cool-down music. But, I need some more! Can anyone suggest a good song or band to add to my list?
And finally, like any old joe, I enjoy a slightly crass headline! Sorry Mom. I guess I should be ashamed of myself. Actually, I am a little.
June 16, 2003
AMERICA, YOU GO GIRL!
I wouldn't call myself overly-patriotic. I do think America is the best country in the world to live in, but I am realistic about it. We have our problems- certainly we are far from where we should be as a Christian nation. BUT, we sure are a fertile field for progress and scholarly pursuit! I don't know if we are the epicenter for all things cultural and technological, but just read this list of inventions that have come from America. (And this is not even including medical discoveries, literary contributions, etc). It's pretty dang impressive! We have certainly made an impact on a global scale, even in the smallest of inventions.
A few interesting American inventions:
telegraph, dishwasher, computer, zipper, sewing machine, pasteurization, light bulb, artificial heart, steamboat, automobile, telephone, airplane, can opener, washing machine, refridgerator, fountain pen, clothes dryer, blue jeans, lawn mower, optical fibers, frisbee, microwave, VCR, photography, gasmask, electric lamp, television, scotch tape, typewriter, airconditioner, calculator, cottongin, and the list goes on!
Riddle of the Day:
A woman has seven children. Half of them are boys. How is this possible?
June 15, 2003
Who's your daddy?
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, including my own, and my father-in-law, and especially my husband.
Love you Patrick! You are an outstanding father.
(p.s. - check out that head of hair! Wow!)
June 14, 2003
Today's Garage Sale and Estate Sale Finds:
Sheryl Crowe CD- 1.00
Thumbilina VHS - 2.00
Fantasia 2000 - 1.00
Dress Shirt - 1.00
Antique cupboard - 40.00 (I don't normally buy anything this pricy at garage sales, but I couldn't pass this one up- it's in great condition!)
I love garage sales! You just never know what you're going to find. . . I rarely spend over $5.00, and I enjoy having a morning to myself. Anybody ever find something really good at a yardsale?
June 13, 2003
Check this out. . .
Let's all get cockeyed!!
I spent an hour perusing this guy's website - he's my new hero... and I thought I was cool...
-sigh-
A Dingo Ate My Baby. . .
Okay, after Wrenn was born, Patrick and I discussed this subject, and now that Eli is here, I find myself thinking about it again. I was looking at Eli sleeping last night, and he was so darned cute, I said to myself, "I could just eat you up!" And I meant it. I wanted to roll him up into a little ball and pop him in my mouth. Not chew and digest, just consume, somehow, incorporate him into myself. As some of you parents may know, there's just not any other way to describe it. Think about it... we pretend to eat their toes, their little fingers.... we even growl and make eating noises! yum yum yum... and they burst into giggles. What sort of behavior is this? We even give them food names! Pumpkin, sweetie-pie, cutey-pie. . . We do it instinctively, not even realizing how weird it really sounds.
Give me some "feed"back.... (hee hee)
June 12, 2003
Top Ten Reasons I think I'm Cool:
And now...
10. I know how to "ride the bull" while white water rafting.
9. I know how to French inhale.
8. I've looked down on fireworks from an airplane at night.
7. I was the very first person in Vicksburg, MS to have the Jennifer Anniston haircut.
8. I used to wear boots with skirts.
7. I now suck crawfish heads.
6. I have had occasion to wear glitter.
5. I can do a back dive.
4. My mom said I was cool.
3. I have skinny dipped... shh...
2. I got a creepy tour of the castle in Raymond, MS.
And the number 1 reason I think I'm cool is THIS picture. . .
How could I not be cool with this guy?
June 11, 2003
Top Ten Reasons I Think I Might be a Nerd:
10. I was born with glasses. (well, not really)
9. I began reading fantasy novels in first grade.
8. I was the emcee in my eighth grade talent show as "D.J. Shay"
7. I wore a headgear everynight to bed for two years, and once I thought it would be "cool" to wear it to school. Luckily, I chickened out at the bus stop.
6. I know that the leading male role in "The Cutting Edge" was D.B.Sweeney. ~dreamy~
5. I once lip synced "Blue Christmas" in my 9th grade Spanish class in full Elvis garb, including hip action. Strangely enough, it wasn't in spanish, though.
4. I alternately spelled my name Shanon, Shannen, and Shanen for much of the 90's.
3. I wore a neon snake-skin print tshirt to bed until Amy Booth shamed me into throwing it away. (she said it was so ugly, it kept her up at night)
2. I got my hair cut with wings ON PURPOSE.
And the number 1 reason I think I might be a nerd....
Is THIS picture:
At least it was a REAL alligator shirt and not one of those fake ones...
Eh?
I love it when you glance at a sentence and read it the wrong way, and for that split second you think it says something totally ridiculous. This morning, I read the title of this book as the Secret Life of Wildflowers. Ooh, risque. Those mysterious flowers.
June 10, 2003
Blog Comment Trouble
Does anyone know why my comment section sometimes won't show up? If you refresh/reload the page, it will usually pop up, but still. Argh. UPDATE: I was advised to change comment tools, so that's what I did. You shouldn't have any trouble posting comments now, but I lost all the old comments... fiddle. oh well!
June 09, 2003
Video Purgatory
There's something about me that really bugs Patrick. (Hey, I'm not perfect!) I can't stand to rent old movies. When we go in a movie store, I head straight for the new releases. To me, each movie has it's chance on the new release wall. If I didn't rent it when it first came out, it didn't make the "cut" and is relegated to video purgatory, to await it's fate. I don't look back. I look ahead. Sorry Patrick!
June 07, 2003
Aah, blogging
Aah, blogging. I tried to resist the temptation, but it seems I am destined to join the crowd! I might as well just go with it! As a matter of fact, I think I was the original blogger... I have an online journal that I started a while back. Somebody stole my idea, and I mean you- BLOGSPOT!!! Anywhoo, I have come to terms with that thievery and decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. So, welcome to me. I'm glad to be aboard.