"kids" Category Archives (58 entries)
What goofy things kids might have done today or whose kids / babies I got to play with, talk to, etc...Star Wars According to a 3 Year Old
If this isn't the cutest review of episode 4 that you've ever seen...
I'm sure a few parts were re-shot, but it's adorable...
Here's another cute kid video...
Posted by Gary on Sunday at 4:51 PM on February 24, 2008.
Related categories: funny, kids, movies, reviews
Thanks for the 2 comments/trackbacks from: ajooja: Kris Hansen
Only 12 more hours to get your laptop....
You can still Get 1 Give 1 through December 31st, 2007, they extended the date. I don't know what availability is going to be after that, but you'll have to take your chances after that...
As of JANUARY 1, 2008 they still have the G1G1 order form on-line.
The only way to get one is to donate one, so you actually get one for yourself and a tax deductible laptop that is donated to a developing nation. The Get 1 Give 1 (G1G1) program ends today (December 31st, 2007) so order now.
This is nifty little machine (and a good cause) I've mentioned the XO laptop before and I've been talking more about it more in depth over at the XO Experiment.
Posted by Gary on Monday at 12:11 PM on December 31, 2007.
Related categories: kids, portable
I got my XO Laptop
I'm SO excited!
I wasn't expecting it for at least another week....
For more info, go to Laptop.org
'I got my XO Laptop' uploaded by garylapointe
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Wednesday at 12:59 PM on December 19, 2007.
Related categories: kids, me + myself + i, portable
Thanks for the 2 comments/trackbacks from: kilax: Jason
One Laptop Per (Child) Me!
So they've got shipping info up for the One Laptop Per Child laptops! I didn't order until November 21st, so it looks like my target is Dec 26, 2007 - Jan 15, 2008, they're trying for sooner (the first ones may start arriving this Friday).
Since it's really not all about me, I'll mention it also says my "donated laptop will reach a child in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Haiti, Mongolia or Rwanda in early 2008."
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Tuesday at 10:11 PM on December 11, 2007.
Related categories: kids, portable
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: kilax
My $100 Laptop (actually it's up to $200 now)
So I caved and ordered my $200 laptop, actually I had to order two . The only way to get one is to donate one, so you actually get one for yourself and a tax deductible laptop that is donated to a developing nation (total = $400). The Get 1 Give 1 (G1G1) program only lasts 5 more days (ends November 26) so order now.
As a "Give One Get One" donor, you will receive one of the first XO laptops to be distributed in North America. Laptops will be delivered on a first come, first served basis.
In addition, T-Mobile gives you one-year complimentary access to T-Mobile HotSpots (I think you can use any laptop there, not just the XO). So that's an extra bonus too. The tax write off for part of it and a year of free hotspots (granted I wouldn't have purchased it, but I will use it) give even more value to it. And I'll probably spend a little more time at Starbucks and Borders now.
Here's some more details from when I had mentioned this $100 laptop before and some reviews on the laptop and the program. I'm not sure why they're limiting the window for when you can buy it or why it's limited to the US and Canada. I just wish I had it for my next trip to Costa Rica....
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings) Posted by Gary on Wednesday at 3:11 PM on November 21, 2007.
Related categories: kids, portable
Thanks for the 4 comments/trackbacks from: Dave2: Gary LaPointe: wanda cummings: Gary LaPointe
Pay The Rent!
I thought this was hysterical!!!!
I stole this from Jodi at faster pussycat... type! type!.
Posted by Gary on Sunday at 8:13 PM on September 30, 2007.
Related categories: funny, kids
Thanks for the 4 comments/trackbacks from: Bob: kilax: ryo: toronto
The $100 laptop is almost done and it's WAY cool! (but it's up to $188)
This is probably the best review of the XO laptop (often called the "$100 Laptop") I've ever seen. This is a very cool machine and should start manufacturing this fall. Unfortunately, it wasn't designed for US sales, but once the demand gets up there I can see it (or something similar) being offered for sale. We have similar type items in the US but not as advanced and for more than double the price.
With a (tablet-like) twist screen it's pretty need at how it folds over. And the screen has two modes: bright color and high contrast B & W for outside viewing. It had an SD slot and three USB ports, ethernet, wireless (with the mesh network), web-cam for collaboration, works as a gaming device or sideways as an eBook reader. They had to remove the built in charging crank which is a problem if you're in a really remote area. I'm sure separate chargers raise the price)?).
The software running on the XO is just as compelling as its hardware. The Red Hat Fedora Linux-based Sugar operating system is fairly basic, and we got comfortable using it within a few minutes. The home screen displays the XO logo within a circle, and the surrounding circle fills up with running programs. At the bottom of the screen, you'll find the Start Menu and system application icons, including Paint, Write, Chat, and RSS.- Laptop Magazine
I can see something like this really changing computing for a 1 to 1 ratio. This is all really most people want, e-mail, web, portability (3.5 pounds) and a 10 to 1 charging ratio. The high contrast for reading an e-book will (IMHO) give them something they don't think they want (lots of text on the go). Add some bluetooth to get on-line on my phone and I'm in. And it runs Red Hat Linux for an OS. I want one of these puppies more than an iPhone.
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Wednesday at 12:47 PM on September 19, 2007.
Related categories: kids, portable
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: Leslie Satenstein
My Medical Tests
This is really more about health costs, not my problems. As far as I know I'm fine, but they've been trying to diagnose a minor problem (although I guess I'm not qualified to say it's "minor") so don't worry...
This is the story - I'm finally getting copies of the insurance bills for a big test (had to be unconscious for the test, I think that's the only reason it was in the hospital) and so far they total up to about $3,300! and I haven't paid a penny. Please note that this doesn't even include my initial visit to my doctor and the two visits to the specialist (which all included tests) and each of the visits each included a prescription or two (I've probably paid less than $75 for all that). That's a lot of money, and if I didn't have insurance I'd be happy to spend money on getting better but so far I don't think anything has helped (maybe I'm a little better since this started in late April but I might just be getting used to it or maybe I'd just be getting better anyways) and I don't think the tests dound anything. I'm sure the costs would be a bit less if I were paying for it out my own pocket, but still...
I can't imagine not having great insurance let alone not having insurance at all. We've got great unions in Michigan and probably even more so in the Detroit area so that's always benefitted me (medical and dental benefits). I just can't imagine not having it. I've always been very fortunate with having great health insurance and they very few times I haven't, I've not had to really use it.
I don't know the solution for health in this country but I think we need to concentrate more of the USofA resources on health. People should be able to count on good health, education and food; I think these items qualify for the whole "life, liberty and happiness" thing (I'll clarify these points if I ever run for office).
Speaking of insurance for everyone, in Michigan we've got a pretty decent Children's Health Insurance program called MiChild for only $10 a month for your child. You have to be a low income family and I'm not sure what the requirement/formula is but I thought I'd mention it since I was mentioning insurance (I guess it's only good if you actually qualify). If you have kids and no insurance in Michigan please check out this program and apply for your kids. They have a dental program that can be signed up for too.
I guess I really don't have much else to say other than I'm very fortunate in this case and very thankful for great insurance (and thankful it's not a bigger problem). It's not that I want them to find something wrong, it's just that if there is something wrong I want them to find it sooner.
I haven't had the follow-up yet (in a few weeks), so I don't have a diagnosis yet, but I'm thinking if they found something from the tests or the biopsy they'd have gotten me in sooner (or called me). So I'm assuming they'll be no diagnosis, I'm guessing they'll try more drugs and if that doesn't help, maybe another similar test (yuk!) later...
Disclaimer: I'm sure at some point in the future insurance companies will be googling for pre-existing conditions on the 'net. So I almost didn't write this post. For the future googlers, to set the record straight, I confess that my problem is there is a banana growing out of my forehead, so if you are looking to insure me in the future and there is no banana that means I'm cured(!) and there is nothing preexisting...
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Thursday at 6:41 PM on August 30, 2007.
Related categories: health, kids, michigan
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: Mrs RW
How Jeans are Made
Over at The Good Human it was mentioned that a "13 year old understands better than most how jeans are made" and so I went over to Simple Living to read it. Madison, the bloggers daughter, wrote it and it's a great explanation on the resources used to make jeans so go take a quick look at it...
Posted by Gary on Friday at 10:58 PM on July 13, 2007.
Related categories: general, kids, web sites
Very Excited for the Holidays!!!
So I'm very excited about the holidays!!! Tomorrow my house will be packed with people. I've never had this many people in my condo so it's going to be a tight fit. Twenty-eight people, I think about 10 will be kids and while I've generally got stuff for kids to do things, I don't have much space for them to do it in, that'll be the trick!
Saturday (the 23rd) will also be the closest to Christmas that my extended family (on my Mom's side) has celebrated Christmas since 1997, I think every year before that we got that group together on Christmas Eve. That's why I'm having it this year, I wanted it closer to Christmas and this way, I get my way :)
Well, I'm off. I've got a bunch of little things that need to be done, but enough of everything is done so I don't have to worry about it. I think I'm done with all the kids except one (and I think that will require a call to his parents since I'm clueless).
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Friday at 10:42 AM on December 22, 2006.
Related categories: friends + family, holidays + events, kids
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: Kurt V.
Chased by the Cops...
So yesterday I had to do my Cat in the Hat appearance at a birthday party (I sold my self at an auction). I needed to change into the outfit before going and while I look goofy while wearing it, I think it looks even goofier when you don't wear the whole thing (such as minus hat and whiskers).
So I've got the whole thing on, I'm driving the convertible, hanging onto the hat. I'm in the second lane to the left. I pass the cop in the right turn only lane. He swoops out of the lane and into mine (there's now a van in-between us) and starts following me. It must be due to the rash of Cat (in-the-Hat) burglaries we've had lately or maybe there's a gang of bank robbers who dress up as Cat in the Hat?!? He follows me a few miles and even makes a left turn when I do. He doesn't follow me down the street to five year old Sophie's birthday party, could you have seen it if he had pulled me over in front of the house? She would have been traumatized forever...
The party was great BTW, I read a lot of stories, a few Dr. Seuss and then some. We had fun and I even got an offer for another gig. But doing this more than the few times I do it for school auctions (which always seem to be on summer days) is more than enough for me. Maybe if I could do bachelorette parties instead...?
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Tuesday at 6:20 PM on June 13, 2006.
Related categories: kids, me + myself + i
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: Maria
It's been really really busy.
I knew this week at work was going to be cRaZy but I did think I'd have time to blog!?! I haven't even looked at the photos from Chicago yet (other than on the other's blogs). I'm in East Lansing again, one of my favorite towns! Eating lunch at Charlie Kang's, broccoli with beef with no vegetables (but I still want the broccoli).
I'm off to Bekah's high school graduation and I'm sure they'll be lots of eating and drinking after (well, no drinking for her). I'll see if I can photo blog something for it later :)
And tomorrow I get to be the Cat in the Hat for a 5 year old's birthday party (this was the party that I was purchased for at the
school auction a few months a go).
Since I'm busy this weekend and no time to relax, I'm taking a vacation day Monday, I'll try to catch up then.
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Saturday at 1:41 PM on June 10, 2006.
Related categories: blogging, kids, me + myself + i, michigan
My Baby is going to hate me
So I've always known I'd do a website with photos and video whenever I get around to having or adopting a baby. I even already own the website name for it. But the more I watch Erika-Renee post pictures (and video and stories) of her new little Sammy on her blog it just makes my gears turn or my future options.
Remember I'm the guy who's posted a few hundred photos of a few week trip to Egypt and I'm nowhere near done at this point. Imagine the opportunity to having a baby who's there all the time, if their going to keep me awake I might as well as take photos! S/he is going to think that a camera click is just background noise all the time. The podcasts, photocasts and videocast options are just limitless....
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Friday at 9:54 AM on May 12, 2006.
Related categories: blogging, kids, me + myself + i
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: erika
Kids are everywhere
So Oliver Twist comes to mind often during these my Egypt trip. I see all these kids running around trying to sell you something. They just swarm you like a group of mosquitoes. It's hysterical on some level it's like on some TV show when you see the little kid with little puppies jumping all over them.
Most of the time it seems like the children are very poor but I think many of them are not poor (at least not by their standards). We were at this one place and these little kids were so dirty it just tears at my heart. When we got back in the van I asked if they dirtied them up on purpose, the tour guide laughed and said they were just dirty, “they're kids, they don't mind”.
Generally when swarmed it seems like they are in a few groups, they all seem to go back to the same few adults for change. But it just makes me think of the groups of orphans in oliver twist. I've spent many dollars/pounds on many of these trinkets if I can haggle down to a dollar or less, it's a safe bet I'll get one (unless I already have 15!).
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Sunday at 12:43 PM on April 23, 2006.
Related categories: Egypt 2006, holidays + events, kids
Rent Me, I'll Dress Up For You!
So I'm up for auction again! You can bid on a basket of Cat in the Hat paraphernalia (book, movie, coloring book, crayons, etc) which includes a visit to your house from the Cat in the Hat (that's me) to read to your kids or a party or whatever...
Last year I go to go to a birthday party for a 7 year old, their mom did the who party as a Dr. Suess theme so I was the hit of the party!
The basket I made got in the local paper (it's in the lower right). So if you're not doing anything tomorrow come to the auction in Redford, MI. FYI, it's NASCAR themed so they'll be all sorts of non-Cat in the Hat stuff too!
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Thursday at 9:32 PM on March 23, 2006.
Related categories: general, kids, michigan
Thanks for the 3 comments/trackbacks from: Jennifer: Gary LaPointe: Gary Said...
Thanksgiving
So Thanksgiving was great, really really cold, but it was great. We were at my cousin's house, which used to be my grandparents, which is where I grew up until I was about seven. She had family from her in-law's side there and some relatives from our side. There wasn't many from my side of the family but they only live a few blocks from my Mom (we're the only single people left around here so we always tag along with their events). We probably had about a half-dozen kids too so they were fun, I haven't seen them much at all lately so it was great to see all of them.
My extra bonus for the day was that my cousin's sister-in-law was there and she had her eleven week-old baby and he was great. I got to feed him and hold him for a long time (and a little bit later on too). He was great, I haven't had many babies around lately, the next youngest ones (who weren't there) are about two-and-a-half now, still fun but too heavy to carry around for that long.
So my cousin Scott and Katie showed up for dessert and so did his dad and girlfriend so it got to be a full house at the end of the evening. . He had a new iPod nano that I was checking out.
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Thursday at 6:56 PM on December 1, 2005.
Related categories: friends + family, holidays + events, kids
A Wizard of Mars
I know I've mentioned Diane Duane several times before. But I just got her last two Wizardry books (7-The Wizard's Holiday and 8-Wizards at War, the latter which came out early!) for my birthday (I read the one, but it just recently came out in paperback and I hadn't gotten it yet since I had it on my Wishlist) the other is my only hard cover of it. She writes a wide gambit of stuff but the Wizardry books are my favorite and the first two are among my favorite books ever. As books like that go, they are probably more Narnia than HP. Part of what I like are there are rules that define How Wizardry Works, you just don't wave a wand...
So I'm excited about the new book that's coming out later next year, A Wizard of Mars, generally if they leave the planet it's for another galaxy or dimension, this will be pretty close to home. Probably tie into some real science and be more fun that just some make believe planet.
Posted by Gary on Wednesday at 10:39 PM on September 14, 2005.
Related categories: books, kids, people
The coolest joystick ever - NextFest
Check out this joystick! You can't see it in the photo? It's the horsey! The faster you rock the faster you go and you turn the head to go right or left. I'd have to assume this will be very intuitive for kids. You never know for sure but I'd think this would work for them. The “game” was pretty much a POV with you running around the landscape and it was very cool with the way the joystick worked.
Posted by Gary on Monday at 11:44 PM on June 27, 2005.
Related categories: general, kids, technology
Thanks for the 2 comments/trackbacks from: Lori: mike
Cat in the Hat Party
So remember a few months ago a I mentioned I got auctioned off? So today was the birthday party for the winning seven year old; she got to have the Cat in the Hat come to her themed party. We had a blast. They came running out front when I got there and were pretty excited. They made me read four books and eat lunch and the birthday girl even read a new book she got and did an excellent job (even another first grader told her so). And even though they weren't eating cake at the time they lit the candles and blew it out so they could cut a piece to send home with me :)
Posted by Gary on Saturday at 3:43 PM on June 18, 2005.
Related categories: books, holidays + events, kids
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: Michele
Toyota Commercial
So I keep seeing this commercial for Toyota vehicles (I can't find anything related to it on-line). It's got two kids up in the control booth with “Bob” and they cheer him on as he keeps test crashing the cars (he's got an assembly destruction line he can control). They're like “now the eight seater”... I think it's hysterical...
The boys are so sad when Bob runs out of cars. They say “what about your car?!?
Dandee (see comments) found a link http://www.visit4info.com/details.cfm?adid=22183&version=2&type=normal but said it will expire in about a month, so view it if you haven't seen it!
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Thursday at 10:49 PM on June 16, 2005.
Related categories: general, kids, television
Thanks for the 4 comments/trackbacks from: Alice Naranjo: sherry: Michelle: dandee
Graduation again...
So it's graduation time again. I kept thinking about last years graduation and how emotional it was. This year's wasn't as emotional but there was one speech where we didn't think she was going to be able to finish. She caused a lot of eyes to be not-so-dry.
There really seemed to be an extra connection between the kids and the class as a whole. After listening and thinking about them I realized this was the group, that after a few weeks of just starting high school, that they experienced 9/11 together. I don't know if that has anything to do with it or maybe it was a smaller group or maybe just one of those things but it was something I noticed...
For those of you who don't know much about me: I'm an administrator in a school district (this means I have to sit on the stage) and I'm a pretty energetic/fidgety person. Sitting on a stage for two hours with out standing up or going to take a break or stretching or getting a soda or something is a huge test of stamina for me. I just don't sit still for that long. This is one of the few times in my life that I actually have to stay there and stay still. For most things in life a hour is all you have to do manage so this is always a test. Of course I made it but it always seems like a test...
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Thursday at 11:11 PM on June 2, 2005.
Related categories: general, kids
Force Majeure - Review
So I saw this book a few times at the bookstore but left it alone, but when I saw it at the library I signed it out. Twenty-year-old Shane Monroe works on a machine to generate tornadoes so that we can understand them and stop them. When it turns out his college assistantship is funded by the government he quits, but then he sees strange weather disasters and he knows that it's his fault. This is the story of a normal (genius) kid and how he tries to stop him from using his machine for evil.
It was a fun easy read (high school level), lots of movie and television references by him and his buddies that I caught onto so that was fun. Lots of excitement as he gets caught up in the government conspiracy crisis that he's not used to. A bit more gore (and death) than I expected at this reading level, but it increased the tension knowing that some of the characters might actually die.
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Monday at 9:36 PM on April 25, 2005.
Related categories: books, kids
You could have had me for $55!
So you could have had the Cat in the Hat come to your house for the meager price of $55!!! I went a little cheap (and that was after I bid against the first low bid that was just sitting there; does that count as insider trading?) but a lot of items seemed to go for a bargain this time around; I'm not sure if there wasn't enough people, too many items or the money crunch is hitting more and more pockets. I'll end up reading at a young lady's birthday party in a few months (I think she'll be six) and I think her mom will probably making it a Dr. Seuss themed party. I always run into the birthday girl around town, I wonder if she'll recognize me? The (school fund raising) auction was fun; it's always great to do the silent bids and then see what you got later... I walked away with four items that I “won”.
If you're into sports you should go to these types of things, there is always all sorts of sports memorabilia (some autographed), tickets and tailgating type packages put together that you can bid on. I'm not so into the sports but I do notice the quantity of items along these lines...
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Sunday at 12:43 AM on March 20, 2005.
Related categories: kids, me + myself + i
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: Gary Said...
Have the Cat in the Hat come to your house
On Friday, March 18, 2005 the South Redford Foundation for Educational Excellence will be having an auction for the public schools in our district. We even let students write grants for their classrooms) in south Redford, Michigan. You'll be able to bid on all sorts of things including an opportunity to bid on the Cat in the Hat to come read to you and/or your kids! And not only do you get to support the schools you get to meet me!
Posted by Gary on Saturday at 1:19 PM on March 12, 2005.
Related categories: general, holidays + events, kids, michigan
Thanks for the 2 comments/trackbacks from: tofallfromgrace: Gary Said...
Rider, Alex Rider
So I've started reading these books Stormbreaker, Point Blank and Skeleton Key.
 Alex Rider |
Posted by Gary on Monday at 10:44 PM on February 14, 2005.
Related categories: books, kids, reviews
Thanks for the 6 comments/trackbacks from: Chris: Mush: Chris: Martin Ghosal: Gary Said...: melissa swallow
Mr. Gary and Miss. Hello Kitty in Vegas
I thought the little kids at work (in the daycare) would think it was funny to see Mr. Gary with Miss. Hello Kitty. I just spotted this while digging through my CES photos and decided to share with you all too!
Hmmm... Actually it's Hello Kitty... Does the kitty have a name? (Sanrio?)
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Monday at 6:35 PM on January 10, 2005.
Related categories: general, kids, me + myself + i
Thanks for the 3 comments/trackbacks from: Diane: Indigo: Amanda
Christmas Eve
Mexican style food and appetizers for dinner were fun! The kids sure seemed to love it. To clarify these are kids that I bought gifts for last weekend's holiday get together, so we're just there to hang out and eat and watch the kids play (this is fine with me they're hysterical to watch). So now the adults have wrapped up gift cards from the kids for me as a thanks (this isn't normal). Which is great, I love gift cards, Target and Best Buy (like I'm not in those stores 3 times a week), I'm even conscientious about how I spend them; I won't use them to fill my prescriptions, I'll use them when I get music, movie or some accessory for my computer or iPod (then I can tell them what I got).
Okay so I digressed, again, but I buy the presents for the kids 'cause I want to. I find stuff I like and I'll know they like and it makes me happy. I figure out what I wanted for one the girls and spent too much time/money on it, but it's what I wanted, so it's what I got. What I want (at most) is for the kids to make me something as a gift or thank you. Or to make sure you invite me to the birthdays, I don't eat much and I bring good presents, what's the problem...
Two of the points made me laugh since they apply to me:
It'll probably be a little different when I have kids, whenever that will be. Maybe that's all they need to do for me, secure a date with a single friend, that the exchange dynamic gets different and I (we) eventually end up with a kid or two (isn't that the better conclusion)...
We've now hit the effect of being alone at Christmas and the Ambien sleeping pill is starting to kick in...
I wonder how all this stuff will read back tomorrow...
Posted by Gary on Friday at 10:23 PM on December 24, 2004.
Related categories: friends + family, holidays + events, kids, me + myself + i
Snowy Little Girl
So we did Christmas with part of the extended family and Kelli (one of my cousin's kids) was all dressed up in different clothes that had snowflakes and different shades of blues. I just kept thinking, “Hey! She looks like my blog!”
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Sunday at 9:44 PM on December 19, 2004.
Related categories: blogging, holidays + events, kids
Thanks for the 4 comments/trackbacks from: Jenni: Prudent Purl: Diane: Omni
More funerals
So I made a visit to the funeral home today. I forgot how many people show up when the person is so young. He was about 24 and he had been a student in the school district where I work and his mother works there (in a position where many many people know her and trust her) so there there were just bunches of people. There were teachers who don't even work there any more, people who knew mom and whose kids knew mom and it was really sad to see how many people were there. It was an automobile accident and there had been another death of a former student this past week (also an auto accident related) so everyone was even sadder than usual.
I didn't think there'd be that many people I knew there and wasn't really thinking I'd have to be social and make much real conversation. I usually say hello (and do the other stuff) and then I usually get lucky and find someone's kids to entertain while I'm there. Most times I go to these things I generally don't know the family or I don't really know the deceased; this time my connection was to both. I know his mother from work and earlier this year I was complaining about our department being behind in some things and she did the mom thing and mentioned that he was between jobs and so he worked for our department for a little while doing some various tech jobs for us. She talked to me for a little bit about that today to me (I was surprised she even remembered in the state that she must be in) and the impact and the closure for him being around in the district and such. I seem to recall that someone told me he was more of the spiked hair type of kid when he was a student and that wasn't the case now so he'd probably gone through a few changes since then...
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Saturday at 6:08 PM on December 11, 2004.
Related categories: general, holidays + events, kids
That's gotta hurt!!
Posted by Gary on Saturday at 8:00 PM on November 13, 2004.
Related categories: kids
The Polar Express IN 3D!
So I just got back from The Henry Ford and seeing the Polar Express and it was excellent. I knew it might seem strange but there were lots of action scenes. With the 3D with action scenes were wild. Oh and did I mention it was at the iMax IMAX?
If you have any interest in seeing this then go see it! Better yet, see it in 3D...
Kids would like this, my question is: Since the movie is about people doubting about Christmas, would it make some kids doubt it?
I really don't remember the original story but it was great. Tom Hanks was the voice and model for several of the characters. Lots of music some new and some old. Be sure to pay attention to the Elf singing on stage at the end, he looks familiar...
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Thursday at 7:48 PM on November 11, 2004.
Related categories: kids, movies, reviews, technology
A child is a message we send to a time and place we will never be.
I liked this quote. I don't have kids, but I hope someday I'll help them to carry (or be) a message that is a good one.It was someone's signature on SlickDeals.net but no link to anything that I can attribute it to...
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Wednesday at 8:29 PM on September 15, 2004.
Related categories: kids, me + myself + i, quotes
Six Years
I was just writing something, it said, "I've been back in the Detroit area (Dearborn) for around six years now." and then I realized it was exactly six years today that I started working back this way (I had been in the Lansing area for eleven years). I can't believe it's been that long. A few homes, a few relationships (broken hearts) and a few jobs later I'm still around here.
My (only) complaint(s) - still single and childless. (I thought that was going to turn into a long list of complaints, but I guess that's all I'm really missing.) That doesn't sound too bad but I don't think was much longer than that when I got here six years ago...
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Tuesday at 8:24 PM on August 31, 2004.
Related categories: Dearborn, kids, me + myself + i
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: Shahrokh
Controversial Toy
So what's your opinion is this just a toy that was found inside a bag of candy? or was there some deeper thought put into it's creation.
Oh, did I mention the part number of the toy was 9011? Here's a link to the news story.
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Monday at 9:37 PM on August 30, 2004.
Related categories: general, kids
Thanks for the 2 comments/trackbacks from: Destinee: Destinee
Celebration...
So yesterday we got everyone together after Heather's Ordination. Back at Mom's (hers) to get everyone together, and I mean everyone. Heather knows people from all over and there were people from everywhere in the state, nearby states and even some really far ones. A few kids running around and a ten-month old baby, LaLa (short for Lavender), that I adopted for the weekend.
Then today she did the service at 8am and 10am (most of us went to the 10) and she was wonderful. Then a dozen of us went out to eat and we started our way home...
Heather is off to Evanston, IL to work for Northwestern as a campus minister. She'll probably be living no farther than a block or three from where she lived when she went to seminary at Seabury. Evanston is one of my favorite towns, I almost always include it in my visits to Chicago (and I don't always include Chicago into my Evanston visits). And I can take the train most of the way there!
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Sunday at 6:59 PM on August 22, 2004.
Related categories: friends + family, holidays + events, kids
Back to School
Lots of comings and goings at school this week. Training new teachers (they're all super nice). Got to see a few of the kids who will be in daycare in my building, I miss them so much. And lots of meetings that had food which is always a bonus; especially when I don't actually have to attend the meeting.
And speaking of school (sort of) Heather graduated a few months ago. But now that she's got a job she gets to be ordained! So it's off to the ceremony tomorrow and hang out and then performs the service. Yeah! And she moves back to one of my favorite towns to work in.
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Friday at 10:16 PM on August 20, 2004.
Related categories: friends + family, kids
9 Months (revised)
I've been blogging for nine months. I've accomplished part of what I wanted. I've got random people reading and finding my ramblings (random wasn't a big mission, but I need at least a few people to read it). I started the first part as being very nice and never complaining too much. I migrated that to a blog for talking (and occasionally whining) but wondering is anyone listening? and occasionally finding out that they are.
At the same time I needed a 12 step program due to too much meme-img. To feed this addiction I created two small meme-sites (http://thedailymeme.com/ (and a sub-site of lost memes ) that list daily, weekly, monthly and other memes to help people find more. Some of the odd one-short of propagating things and some of the odder memes arein the lost section of the same site. This was a accidental byproduct of memeing.
I have my gizmoboy site and that's all but ready to go. But just haven't found the time to finish it and get it on-line.
I did do a London Blog for my recent trip which generated a lot of friend/family interest in that it was just for them. I broke to my regular blog to keep the non-regular-readers from finding it by accident. If they want to read it, go ahead, but I'm not going to accidentally show them my "inner stuff" if they can't find it.... or at least ask for it.
I've had in my head another idea that's going to need some dollars to make it work, I've had it in simple terms in my head at different times. But I'd like to implement it. A site to get people to smile more and wave more to little kids more and be NICE. You''ll see more on this as time goes on.
Need some site to share some advertising with too. Need to be part of some networks for information.
A CHILD SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO LOOK AROUND WIHOUT SOMEONE WAVING AND SAYING HI! Wouldn't that be nice?!?
Read or leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Friday at 11:16 PM on August 13, 2004.
Related categories: blogging, friends + family, kids, people, web sites
Thanks for the 1 comments/trackbacks from: Birgit
Blading
So while I was in England I got to hang out with Monika, Danielle and Alysha. They were a blast and the kids had these accents that were so cute it actually sounded like that they were pretending to have accents. I should have recorded them so I could add an audio clip here.
Posted by Gary on Wednesday at 10:01 PM on August 11, 2004.
Related categories: activities + sports, holidays + events, kids
When I Was A Kid... - Chick Chat
1. Fav. Book as a Child?: I loved the Alvin Fernald books (A's Secret Code, Mayor for a Day, etc.), always doing fun stuff and getting into trouble (and yet still helping out).
2. Fav. TV Show as a Child?: I loved the Wonderful World of Disney, Sundays at 7, I think... A different show/movie every week.
3. Fav. Movie as a Child?: The "Escape from With Mountain" movies, I loved Tia and Tony. FYI: Tia played Alvin's sister on the Wonderful World of Disney movies (I didn't realize how all 3 questions tied together until this second).
4. Fav. Food as a Child?: PB & J. Lunch and Dinner! I still remember mom getting excited the first time I at a hamburger.
5. Fav. Outfit as a Child?: Jeans and a T-shirt. I think it was always a white t-shirt.
From Chick Chat
Posted by Gary on Tuesday at 11:30 PM on July 6, 2004.
Related categories: kids, meme
Productive? Relaxing!
Today was a nice day, I've been working on my To Do list and adding things almost as fast as I can cross them off. But I've been getting lots done. The one annoying thing was buying an additional bathroom rug (which I thought I did a week or two ago but searched the house/car/house/car many times for) and after being home 5 minutes I found the one I already bought... Back to Kohls!
One of the High School teachers was having a barbecue and I got an invite which was nice, sometimes things like that just go out to the specific buildings and I don't hear about them. I'm on that odd borderline of Administrator or Person, depends who you talk to, what their mood is and how upset people are with other administrators. It was a lot of fun, we grilled, played croquet ate and played with the kids. There were some babies, one that finally warmed up to me and let me carry here around, and some older kids. Got to meet some spouses and that's always interesting. I felt bad taking off as some others were showing up but the allergies had been starting to kick in and and then the neighbor started mowing (cut grass is my kryptonite).
On the way home, talked to some older gentleman at Borders who was looking at the O'Reiley's Essential Blogging book and hopefully I gave him some good info, he want to get into it but wasn't sure where to start. I pushed Movable Type">Movable Type but suggested TypePad if he just wanted to try it out. I found a few winners myself: Two 2004 O'Reiley's books PHP & MySQL and and Pocket Linux guide.
Plus I found out a person I dated was getting married soon. For some reason I always find that interesting when I find it out about someone...
PLEASE Leave comments (or trackbacks/pings)Posted by Gary on Saturday at 8:55 PM on June 12, 2004.
Related categories: blogging, friends + family, kids, people
Another Year Over
Schools Out. My babies are gone. I've got tomorrow off. I'm just about to get into bed. Okay, (since you asked) I'll elaborate.
The last day of school for the teachers was today! My phone should ring a lot less with all the things that they've thought of the last 9 months th