I "yearbooked" myself.

Let's begin in 1952:




And we'll move on to 1966:




Skipping ahead to 1984:




Then 1990:




And finally, 1996:




You never knew I was a time-traveler, didja? Neither did I. I blame Susie Fairchild.

Change is good... right?

Kindergarten has changed over the years. For example, tonight we have an "Ice Cream Social" which is mandatory for kindergarteners and their parents, and school doesn't even start for another week. I don't remember this being the way of things when I was a kid, or even when my big kids were kindergarteners, but I'm trying to keep an open mind.

We meet and find out the name of his assigned teacher tonight, because nowadays that's classified top-secret information that we as a society can't risk giving out ahead of time. Further, they just notified us by letter that the first two weeks of school are subject to (and I quote here) "fluid change", which means that the teacher he meets tonight may or may not be his teacher for the year.

And oh yes, we received a letter today that by-the-way, they've decided to split the incoming kinder class into two groups the first week of school. Too bad you've been telling your kid all summer that he will get to ride the school bus on the first day of kindergarten because HA-HA! he isn't scheduled until Group 2 which has its first day of school on the second actual day. So, yet again he will watch in tears as his siblings and friends get on the schoolbus the first day of school while he remains behind. But don't worry, the school district has decided this is in the kids' best interest. Have a fun last week of summer!

I'd grumble and growl a bit longer, but I don't want to get put on Step 1 for being late to the ice cream social. TTFN.

Just another one of the cool kids

I hang out with a lot of cool people, both in real life and online. I admit it. And now, a buncha cool kids online are making those Manga Faces, and bullying everyone else to do it too:





Can I help it if I'm susceptible to peer pressure?

UPDATE: In other news, I'm leaving you again. Won't be back until Monday night or Tuesday. So for those of you who worry, I'm fine. Just gone.

Wherein you help a sistah out.

I'm a liar. A big fat no-good lazy liar. Because last post, I said that next up would be pictures... but nary a one have I even downloaded yet. However, as you can see, the prospect of turning myself into that sort of liar has not caused me to shut up, because here I am posting, even without the photos as promised. So, not only do I lie, but also, I'm brash about it. And you're friends with me. HAH!

My fourteen-year-old is throwing tough questions around lately. Today she hit me with the whole, "How do you know which interest to pursue, when you are interested in and possibly capable of so many varying things?" (There I go, lying again! She didn't phrase it just like that, it's not actually a quote.) That was the gist of the conversation. And while her dad and I have really tried not to overly influence her choices, it appears she wants us to intervene and send her down one or another path, just to relieve her of the obligation and responsibility of choice. She's persuasive, I'll give her that.

However, I am not completely stupid. A liar perhaps, but an idiot? Not totally. Because I didn't answer her. I knew -- instinctively -- that this is a question for you, my lovely internets. So I ask you, on her behalf, what advice do you give? Did a parent, teacher or other significant figure ever give you suggestions that you found helpful? How did all of you make your choices as to what to pursue, who to become? How did you find your individual path(s)? What have you told your own children, nieces, nephews, friends? And more importantly, what sort of wine goes best with discussions of this nature? HA! Kidding. Maybe.

And.... we're back. Next up? Boring vacation photos, so stay tuned.

I think I may know how the space shuttle felt, having to accomplish the re-entry process with a heat-resistant tile or two missing. As if vacation being over isn't punishment enough...

Anyway, we're back. I haven't uploaded any photos yet, haven't made the rounds to see what you've all been up to in my absence... heck, I haven't even gotten to the bottom of the laundry pile.

Also, I have two cases on for court review on Wednesday, which means I get to spend today in the office. Bleh. Nevertheless, I'll be around to check in, so you've been warned. Act accordingly.