Remember when I used to blog?

For all my new-year's-resolutioning and positive self-talk, I have fallen miserably short on my goals to keep this blog updated...if you couldn't tell.

I am checking back in though. Tapping myself back into the ring, but this time NOT promising any kind of consistency or regularity of updates. That pressure will just get me no where.

In case you were wondering though, here are some highlights of what we have been up to at Casa de Swanny:

1. I have now completed 3 of 12 classes that will lead me to my second college degree: a master of health sciences in occupational therapy through the University of Indianapolis. I'm loving it, although finding that my perfectionist streak has not gone away despite my best attempts to bury it below the surface.

2. Swanny is training for a half-marathon in April. I'm prouder of him for making the commitment to doing this than he knows. Just wish I could be there to see him run...I'll be on campus for my next grad school class that weekend.

3. Peanut is half way through kindergarten. She has lost 4 teeth, had 2 more sleep-over parties with friends, owns an iPod complete with speakers, and now talks about BFFs. (No joke, singing a song about BFFs in the shower tonight). I swear the child is 6 going on 16 some days. She has opted out of basketball this year, but is in full swing preparing for her dance recital in May and faithfully taking private swim lessons each week at the YMCA.




4. Swanny Jr has graduated to sleeping in a big boy bed--a full size twin that he looks just too small to be allowed in. This means that the crib that converts to toddler bed has exited the upstairs. That piece of furniture has been a fixture in this house for over 6 years. I was a little torn up to see it go. I'll be a mess when we paint the room this spring so that no traces of a baby's room are left....



5. Swanny Jr. is now wearing underwear all day long and staying dry (I said that last part in a whisper not to jinx us into regression). He is particular about picking them out himself each day--already has a pair of Thomas laid out for tomorrow. You'll find no feelings of nostalgia or sadness at not having to buy diapers anymore from this mommy.


6. Peanut can read. Watch out world, it's only a matter of time before she's in control of it all.

7. An amazing friend and co-worker of mine took the most beautiful pictures of our family over the summer at Starved Rock State Park. Every time I look at them I'm reminded how lucky I am to have such a special family.


8. Swanny Jr. has a "new" babysitter. His (and Peanut's) former sitter took advantage of an amazing opportunity to start a new job late last spring, and Swanny Jr. now goes to Ms. Frances while we work. I know he loves her because a) he calls me Ms. Frances sometimes on the weekend and b) she was the first one he wanted to show his new big boy bed to.

9. We had an invasion of super-heroes at Halloween. Word up, it's Word Girl! To infinity and beyond!



10. Swanny played comish and ran his own fantasy football league this year. I participated along with 8 other friends of ours. I was awarded the Toilet Bowl Award yesterday for finishing in last place. (Yes, that is a roll of toilet paper on my trophy). I was OK though since the Packers won the Super Bowl.



11. We still love our doggies.



12. Swanny demonstrated his temerity by taking on a Man Vs. Food challenge in Indianapolis on his way to a Monday Night Football adventure with a buddy.




13. I continue to serve our church in a leadership role--mainly feeling like I'm stumbling through, feeling my way in the dark. I am realizing though there are many things I'm learning about myself and about people in general. Going to try my best in the next 11 months that I have left to serve in this capacity to do the job faithfully, but to be sure I'm not short-changing my kids and husband in the process. I need to make sure it doesn't drain me of all the energy I have.

14. I am very much looking forward to going to see Les Miserables in Chicago next weekend with my husband and friends of ours.

15. I am aware that I need to make more time for things that are important to a well balanced life: time for family (the family that lives outside of my house as well as the children and husband I come home to every day), time for reading, time for yoga, and time for playing with my kids.

Oh, and I need to make more time for blogging.

No promises, but I'm going to try--what else can I do when all this snow is on the ground?!

This date in history

April 14th 1865: President Abraham Lincoln shot in Ford's Theater by John Wilkes Booth

1902: JC Penney opens his first store, in Kemmerer, Wyoming

Marie & Pierre Curie isolaed the radioactive element radium

1925: First regular-season Cubs game to be broadcast on radio (WGN)

1948: A flash of light is observed in crater Plato on the Moon

1971: Supreme Court upheld busing as means of achieving racial desegregation

1978: WRR-AM in Dallas, Texas changes call letters to KAAM

1979: Susan Horvath, of Penn is crowned America's Young Woman of the Year

Congratulations to Ms. Horvath, but this is who should've won as soon as she was born.

As Peanut pointed out to anyone who would listen, "Today is my mommy's birthday. She's 31!"

Happy Birthday Jen!

*Has* he learned anything?

Saw this new Nike ad causing a little stir on interweb. Over an image of a remorseful looking Woods, we hear the (I assume) digitally replicated voice of Earl Woods, Tiger's late father. On one hand, it plays as Nike standing behind one their athletes, encouraging him to examine both the life he has chosen to lead and those he has hurt with the choices he made.

On the other hand, it looks like Nike trying to make some dough off of Tiger's return to competition this weekend. As with most things in advertising, the truth is most likely somewhere in the middle.

Earl and Tiger @ Yahoo! Video

Let me say this: I don't know Tiger Woods. I don't know anyone involved with the whole sorry, horrible mess. Do I think he's proven himself to be a horrible husband? Clearly. Do I think he's a bad father because of his actions? Maybe. It kind of depends on what impact this whole thing has had on his kids as well as what steps he's taken to make sure his kids are fine from here on out. Do I think (as others seem to) that Tiger's a terrible person because of his actions. I don't think so. Am I glad to see him back on the golf course doing what he does best? Absolutely.

When all of this broke into the news, I took a little bit of flack from people for continuing to wear my Nike Tiger Woods golf cap. As I pointed out to these people, my hat was a golf cap, not a "world's greatest dad/husband" hat. I'm not sure what's best for Tiger and his family on a personal level because, as I've said, I don't know them. But, personally, I think that Woods being back on the course is, if nothing else, great for golf and golf fans.

I'm not looking for validation or confirmation. Just wanted to share the ad, and say that I don't know what's right or wrong here; but with all the anger in the world, can't we wait and see how it all plays out? Maybe it will be a hollywood type ending for his family and the game he loves. Maybe it'll all go to shit and he'll lose everything.

Like I said before, it'll probably be somewhere in the middle.

Looks like the dead can still bring the funk.

Haven't heard of "Here Come the Mummies"? Allow me to jam this ear worm into your head.



Your welcome.

For the last time, Wal-Mart is NOT a book store.

An actual conversation I had with a customer on the phone while at work today.

Me: How can I help you?

Customer: Yeah, I'm wondering if you guys have the new Stuart Woods book? I checked at Target and Wal-Mart first, but they didn't have it. I figured I might as well try you guys.

Really?! You figured you'd "try" us? Last? You'd "try" to see if your local BOOK STORE carries the new release by an author whose a big name, but not necessarily popular enough in our area to be schlepped in the local box stores (aka NOT book stores)?

Me (with little to no sarcasm): Yep, we've got it. It's $xx, and we've got it discounted xx%.

Customer (who still doesn't realized her insult): Wow. Well, it's good to know you guys have it. I wonder why Target and Wal-Mart don't have it. Why would they not have it?

What. The. Fuck. Did you really just ask a book store employee why the local non-book stores aren't carrying it?

Me (narrowly avoiding scathing remarks about this person's intelligence): All I can tell you is that they are not book stores, and I don't why they do or don't carry certain things. On the other hand, we ARE a book store and almost always have the latest releases by most authors.

Customer (who, again, doesn't get it): Hmm, yeah I just thought it was weird. Well I may stop by and pick it up.

Me: Great! We'll have a copy here for you. Translated: Drop dead twice!

Holiday fun and poor table manners

It was a busy but fun holiday weekend for the Swanny clan.

We started on Saturday with the drive to my dad's house. The kids (and both of our dogs) played with Grandpa, Grandma Jodi and Jodi's neice and had a ball. Swanny and I celebrated the wedding of a friend of mine from my Rock Island school days. It was a beautiful day and ceremony and the reception was fun--for me. Swanny didn't really know anybody there, but was a good sport while I caught up with some friends. He did enjoy live-tweeting the dance action at the ceremony and the food was delicious, so don't feel too bad for him.

Yesterday, we made a long over-due visit to Peanut's (& Swanny Jr's) GGPA who used to be a loyal reader and commenter on this blog. I think he still lurks every now and then but we don't see or talk to him nearly enough. We had a nice time chatting and catching up. I was able to snap a good shot of GGPA, Swanny and the kids.


We attempted some shopping and a visit to Grammy Pam, but Peanut had reached her breaking point of fatigue and the 4-year-old beast that sleeps somewhere just below the surface emerged in a big way. Thanks Peanut for that tantrum-to-beat-all-tantrums that ruined anyone's shot of getting Whitey's while we were there. My favorite line during her diatribes, "You're not my mom. I don't love you!"

Peanut survived (barely) and we rounded out the weekend with a campfire and s'mores last night and breakfast this morning, once we found a place that was open. (By the way, I have no idea why I didn't take any pictures after the visit to GGPA's house...sorry.)

Needless to say, tonight when Swanny headed off for a few hours of work, I had 2 very tired children on my hands. (The dogs by the way are so tired from running around on my dad's 2 acres and playing with their Golden Retriever, that neither one of them woke up to eat dinner tonight). Early dinner and baths for the kids were top of my agenda this evening.

Apparently, no one told me that Swanny Jr. is on protest from broccoli.

My normally good-mannered little boy who will eat with spoon or hands anything I put before him proceeded to dump the broccoli from his bowl, toss the bowl to the floor and then--no joke, finger paint with his veggies instead.

Big Sis Peanut was eager to show off how a big kid eats broccoli.

Notice the majority of her veggies are gone and NOT on the table or floor surrounding her eating location. She was quite proud to be the role-model on this one. A nice change as I have asked her no fewer than 3 times this weekend either in build up to fit or in the midst of one, to remind me who the baby in our house is and then to think about who at the time was acting like one...

Eventually Swanny Jr. caught the hint and ate most of his veggies. (With generous amounts still landing on the floor).

Hopefully a good night's sleep and a back-to-normal routine tomorrow will help bring our good table manners back!

Peace, War and Oneness

Indulge me please....it's been a long Monday.

From the Still Speaking Daily Devotional from Sunday July 19th, 2009 of the United Church of Christ (Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel):

"We are often content to think of peace as a cessation of violence between hostile groups or individuals. But what we call peace is really détente. Détente is not the eradication of hostility or the ultimate end of violence; it is the easing of it, a tenuous cease-fire. Détente is hostility held at bay.
The purpose of God's peace in Christ is far greater than this: it is to completely tear down the barriers that separate us in order to reveal the one true Spirit that created us in diversity and then reconciles us into community. The purpose of God's peace in Christ is not to impose "oneness" upon us. God's peace does not impose oneness, it reveals oneness. It reveals to each of us that we are not only our brother's/sister's keeper; we are our brother's/sister's reflection....

********************************

I admit that I do not always read the devotional that my church delivers to my inbox every day. I happened to read this one on Sunday and it spoke to me. The more I practice yoga, the more I find what I learn in that practice supports much of what my religion teaches. The basic principle of yoga is uniting, mind with body, spirit with action, my spirit with yours, me with the One. I love that this reminds us what peace truly is--not hostility at bay, but reconciliation of difference that brings about connectedness and community. Awareness of the oneness of humanity and spirit.

It's "easy" to think of conflict in a global fashion--Palastine/Israel, Sunni/Shia in Iraq and too many others to name. I think it is so good for us to think of peace and war in a more personal fashion. A yoga teacher I have studied under several times encouraged us to consider our daily lives and become aware of any way that we wage an "interpersonal war" with someone. Continuing conflict that we feel is just, but is really just impairing our judgement, our ability to love and hindering the growth of our person and our spirit. As the devotional says, coming to understand the "oneness" of the human spirit means that we realize that waging a "war" against another, is to wage a war against ourselves.


Often in conflict and in violence we think of it in terms of the "we" and the "they", but really, we are the they. If we had a better awareness of our own thoughts and actions, we would come to know that deep down you and they are really me and we. By injuring the spirit of another, I injure my own. By lifting up the spirit of another, my own is lifted as well.

Personally, I'm finding more awareness just in typing this blog-post about the "war" I am waging with myself (about my abilities as a mother, wife, therapist--you name it) and possibly with other people in my life. Finding love and light within yourself, then within others, then within your "enemy" is only possible when we truly come to understand the oneness of the human spirit. Only then can peace truly be found.

Sounds easy, right?

Wordless Wednesday, with words

This is, after all, My Life With Dogs--the girls were so tired last night...

My favorite picture from our weekend away...we had a great time.

Swanny Jr. sporting Swanny's new hat.  It was cute when he took his (own) hat, threw it in the pool this afternoon, then put it on again, soaking wet.  Too funny.

Mags--trying to get some peace from her ever-ready-to-play Boxer sister.

And Peanut, searching for butterflies.  I have to admit to neglecting the camera this summer--this pic is old.  I promise to be more faithful in snapping our moments...especially since Peanut, Swanny Jr. and I leave for vacation in 12 days!

Starting with the Man in the Mirror

Ewww, now it smells like wet dog in here.

I love when I have a day off that as great as this. Hanging out with Jen and the kids, taking the dogs with us to the park, and coming home to the sprinkler. Good times...



Now, it should be noted that Leia hated the sprinklers. I've never met a dog who disliked being wet as much as Leia. Penny, on the other hand, LOVES the sprinker. Should make for a fun summer.




We tried to have Swanny Jr. get into the sprinkler as well, but he wasn't digging the cold water just yet. Instead, he opted to play in the dirt and grass the was catching some of the spray from the sprinkler. He didn't seem to mind getting dirty, but unfortunately, he looks like a shit bomb went off in his diaper.





As dinner time approached, Jen snagged some towels so we could get the kids cleaned up and dried off. Penny had a different plan.

The fixer-upper

The sun is shining a bit more these days. The temperature is climbing and flowers and trees are blooming. Spring is here. Time to get gardens planted and houses cleaned. Time also to jump back into some sort of fitness routine.

I haven't been to the gym since before I joined the snip-snip mafia, and my eating habits have basically gone to hell. Depression over my condition has set in and I've HAD it. See, my problem is that I feel shitty about the way I feel and the crap I eat, but the way I deal with that is by eating for of the garbage that makes me feel lousy. It's a vicious circle that just goes round and round.

Which is why they call it a circle.

So, no more. No more excuses for not going to the gym. No more excuses for not taking walks as a family, or for going running with the dogs. No more excuses for how convenient the drive-thru is. Time to dig deep and show some discipline. After I show this bag of Oreos who's boss.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the NCAA tournament! YAY!

Have you seen this yet?

Can you identify the John Williams themes that are used?

Also a non-tag post.

Just thought I'd follow in Jen's footsteps. Here's my post from Facebook in which I list 25 random things about myself.

1. Being a dad is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

2. While I don't care about the outcome of American Idol, I can't look away.

3. Much to my wife's chagrin, I can't stop buying DVD's.

4. I'm a character in the latest J.A. Konrath book "Fuzzy Navel".

5. I have literary ADD. I can't read just one book at a time. Currently, I'm read three books.

6. I'm a dog lover. (Stop it. Not like that.)

7. I'm patient on the surface, but inside I'm seething.

8. I love stand-up comedy. Secretly, I wish I had the courage to do it myself.

9. I'm willing to admit that there are ugly babies.

10. But not mine.

11. Also, I don't understand people who try to cram their kids down your throat. Your kids are the most important thing to you, not me.

12. I prefer beer (Leinenkugel's), but I do indulge in stronger concoctions when J.A. Konrath is in town.

13. I'm 32 and not ashamed to admit that I still have a best friend.

14. I bought a MacBook 3 weeks ago and I'll never switch back.

15. Thanks to the VIP access, I haven't missed the Bob & Tom Show in three years.

16. I really like the word "jerk". In fact, I just called Jen a jerk. "Idiot" is another good one.

17. I proudly contributed to Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

18. I wish that I had the time to exercise my writing muscles.

19. I have a blog because I assume people are interested in what I have to say. You can find it at: mylifewithdogs-swanny.blogspot.com

20. There was a time in my very early twenties when I was pretty full of myself. I know I alienated some people back then. It's more than a bit unfortunate.

21. While I find it pretty hard to believe that there's a God, I still pray with my daughter.

22. I love when my four year old daughter says "hilarious".

23. I firmly believe that the "Star Wars" prequels round out the story quite nicely, thank you very much. Sure, I don't like them like I did the originals, but still.

24. I saw "Jaws" when I was five, and I still think it's as close to perfect as movies get.

25. My favorite book is "Lamb: the Gospel According to Biff, Chirst's Childhood Pal".

Non-Tag

So, it's spreading through my friends on Facebook like wildfire--it's this note that you get tagged in and then you post 25 random facts about yourself. I remember when the Mrs. tagged us here at My Life WIth Dogs to list 6 quirks about ourselves a while back....well this is version 2. As I'm at a loss for blog material this weekend (sure to change soon as Swanny Jr. is beginning to stand and take steps and Peanut starts basketball in a week), I'm copying my Facebook note here, just to share. :) And I am NOT going to tag anyone specifically to do as I have done and share 25 (that's right, 25) random facts about themselves, but I will encourage anyone who would like to join in the fun to do so....it's really not so hard to find 25, just start typing...they'll come to you. Leave a comment to let us all know you're posting (or post a few random facts in your comment) so we can learn more about you too...

Here I am in my randomness:

1. As a pediatric occupational therapist, it is often my job to teach children motor coordination. Ironically, my own motor coordination sucks.

2. I love coffee--with lots of cream and 2 Splendas please (and the nursing baby requests decaf)

3. I left the Catholic Church at the age of 26 and have found my spiritual home in the United Church of Christ.

4. My sister, with whom I fought continually growing up, has become my best friend in adulthood. I miss her so much now that she lives so far away...

5. My husband is an incredible father, which I think is quite something as he grew up with no other children in his family.

6. Both motherhood and marriage are the most frightening and most rewarding adventures I could have embarked upon in my life.

7. Despite their dysfunction, I kinda miss holiday gatherings with my extended family.

8. I'm preparing myself to become a student again in pursuit of my master's degree (possibly a doctorate)--it's surprising to me how much I'm finding myself interested in research right now!

9. I started practicing yoga in 2002 initially as a way to exercise in addition to my steady running practice. I stopped running in 2003 but have been doing yoga ever since. It has taught me much about life, about myself and about spirituality. I find its lessons inspiring and challenging and can’t ever imagine not practicing yoga.

10. I have developed a love of cooking, especially with locally grown, organic, sustainable food.

11. As much as I love being an therapist, I wish I could work just a few days a week while my kids are little...

12. I really don't like cold weather or snow, but cannot imagine living in a place where you don't experience the change of the seasons.

13. As a parent, I now appreciate my parents way more than I ever thought possible.

14. The best parts of my day are when my kids wake up and when they go to bed at night.

15. When deciding where to go to college, a big influence on my decision was that I wanted to go somewhere where I could be on my own and have a place that was mine. I never really considered staying anywhere close to home…I’m so glad I went away. It helped me grow up and discover myself.

16. I’m a dog lover and any home of mine will have a dog in it.

17. I have a nearly insatiable appetite. Throw in pregnancy or nursing a baby and I eat non-stop.

18. I wish my kids could see their grandparents more often.

19. I was a cheerleader in junior high and high school. I loved it and wish I had had time to do it in college. Emily only found out I was a cheerleader recently when she found my RIHS cheerleading sweater in her dress up bin…

20. My junior year of high school, our cheerleading squad went to the UCA National Cheerleading competition (which was in Disney World!). We placed 8th in the nation. That year, we practiced EVERY night of the week, except the nights that we cheered at basketball and football games. We raised money by doing all kinds of appearances in the Quad Cities, including cheering at the grand opening of a bank.

21. I believe that the thoughts and actions of one person affect the thoughts and actions of people around them. Negativity causes negativity and love and peace spread love and peace.

22. I’m enjoying being on the journey of parenthood with my husband more than I can say, but a part of me looks forward to the time the kids go off to college and it’s just us 2 again…

23. I would love to use my skills as an occupational therapist someday to help disabled, impoverished children in a foreign country…OT’s Without Borders anyone up for it?

24. I would love to go to India to study yoga, meditation and ayurveda someday.

25. I roll my eyes at my husband’s jokes, but really, he cracks me up.

Ordinary People

Tagging rears its ugly head again, but OK, I'll bite.

It goes like this:

1.  Put your iTunes or iPod on shuffle

2.  For each question press the next button to get your next answer.

3.  You must write that song name down no matter how outrageous is sounds!

4. Tag 10 (HUH?!) friends who might "enjoy" doing the game as well as the person you got the note from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS, "IS THIS OKAY" you say?

All Summer Long (Kid Rock)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Unwell (Mathbox 20)--that was especially true with the illness I had this weekend

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

Let's Get Lifted (John Legend)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Late in the Evening (Paul Simon)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

SexyBack (Justin Timberlake)--don't be a hater, I keep it real

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

In My Life (The Beatles)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?

Maneater (Nelly Furtado)--that's scary

WHAT IS 2+2?

Numb/Encore (Linkin Park & Jay Z)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Stay With You (John Legend)--awwwww

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Under Pressure (Queen & David Bowie)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Irreplaceable (Beyonce)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Daughters (John Mayer)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Son of a Preacher Man (Dusty Springfield)--oh, holy hell

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Save Room (John Legend)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

My Wish (Rascal Flatts)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Izzo/In the End (Linkin Park & Jay Z), kinda fitting...

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Why Don't You Write Me (Simon & Garfunkel)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Sweet Child O'Mine (Guns N' Roses)

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing (John Legend)

HOW WILL YOU DIE?

Refuge (When It's Cold Outside) (John Legend)--well, it has been a bitter cold January...

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?

Crazy for You (Madonna)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?

Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkel)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?

Angel (Sarah McLachlan)--that song can make me cry

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?

Bleeding Love (Leona Lewis)--that's not good, right?

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

Gold Digger (Kanye West), they always want me for my bling

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?

Glamorous (Fergie)--I do keep it fabulous

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

Fallen (Sarah McLachlan)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

Welcome to the Jungle (Guns N' Roses)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

Ordinary People (John Legend)

Ok, I'm not tagging 10 people...I'll tag Jessica, and I think that's it.

No Roads Left

Since I look for any opportunity to play with my iPod Touch, I was pleased that the Mrs. tagged me for this. Since I didn't want to switch back and forth between my browser and iTunes, I just used my iPod. Hopefully this stays true to the spirit of the tag.

Here goes...

Guidelines:
1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your next answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how outrageous it sounds!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the note from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS, “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Lorne (Jimmy Pardo, Pompous Clown)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Don't Cry (Guns N' Roses)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Gone (Kanye West)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
I Need Love (LL Cool J)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Train in the Distance (Paul Simon)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Let it Die (Foo Fighters)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
Rough Flight (John Ottman, Superman Returns)

WHAT IS 2+2?
You Could Be Mine (Guns N' Roses)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Everywhere (Common)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Spaceship (Kanye West)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
In Between (Linkin Park)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Bringin' on the Heartbreak (Def Leppard)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Seniors (Jimmy Pardo, Pompous Clown)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Jimmy Gags (Never Not Funny Vol.1)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Laundry and Marriage (Bob & Tom, As Big as a Hat)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Can't Stop Lovin' You (Van Halen)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
My December (Linkin Park)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
House of Stone (Mudcrutch)

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
You're Not One of Them (John Ottman, Superman Returns)

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Lucifer (Jay-Z)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Breathe In Breathe Out (Kanye West)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Closet Full of Fear (Hootie and the Blowfish)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
School Spirit (Kanye West)

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
This is a Good Street (Mudcrutch)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Tryin' to Throw Your Arms Around the World (U2)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
When Love and Hate Collide (Def Leppard)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
The Deepest Blues are Black (Foo Fighters)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
The New Workout Plan (Kanye West)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
No Roads Left (Linkin Park)

For sure I'm tagging the Mrs. I mean, it's right there in the guidelines. Then, I've got to go with...
Mom
Rikki

How sad is it that I can't muster up ten people who I think would do this? Besides, Jen will need to tag some of you as well.

Winter Break, Part 2--What to do on a Snow Day

On Wednesday this week as I drove from Ottawa to Coal City work I sulkily noted that all of the schools were closed here.  NONE of the Grundy County schools were closed.  In a conversation  had with my boss later, I jokingly told him I wanted a clause in my new contract for next year stating that when schools are closed in Ottawa, I get to stay home too.  He remarked that I wasn't the first one to make that request to him that day.  The school day commenced and schools in Grundy County began releasing their students early: Morris around 11:30, smaller southern schools by 1:00.  My frustration level rose.  I found out that Coal City was one of 2 districts in Grundy who kept their kids all day and as I was servicing the students in one of our specialized programs (students 1st through 3rd grade who have mental impairments and are in life skills oriented classes), the students from the districts releasing early had to be sent home because their busses would not be running at normal dismissal time.  I was greatful for a little extra time to get paperwork done and understood why Coal City kept their kids.  By the time they dismissed at 2:45 the snow had stopped and roads were getting cleared (slowly) by the plows.  Still, I felt I could have had a more productive day at home. 

Well, in the end I got what I wanted that's for sure.  By 8:00 on Wednesday night I had received phone calls informing me that due to the frigid temperatures, school would not be in session on Thursday.  I was glad of it mainly because I know so many kids who have to stand outside at bus stops or who walk to school--too dangerous in this cold.  By 8:00 last night, I received a similar call for today.  Plus, with a holiday Monday to observe Martin Luther King Day, I've just been given a second winter break.  5 whole days off in a row in January.  Wow!  I'll take it.

And in case you're wondering, this is what we do in the Swanny household on our snow (or too-cold-to-go-out) days:
Stay in your pajamas as long as possible

Read the newspaper....


Or catch up on the 2 weeks worth of papers you haven't had time to read yet


Play MANY games of Hungry Hungry Hippos


Finally apply and put up your new uppercase living decoration


Practice standing (and dancing)


Explore your new Moon Sand


Play on your Leapster before nap


Tantrum when you wake up from nap because mom's taking your picture not feeding you a snack!


Enjoy your afternoon snack (goldfish for Peanut....yogurt for Swanny Jr.)


Make cookies

Or play in the tupperware cupboard while sis and mom make cookies


Have a Light Saber Duel



Laugh a lot and play a ton!
Stay warm everyone!