Shaky Sunday

Wow, what a day it was! We were at my Mom's house. I woke up at about 0630-0645 because of baby and had just finished changing baby when we felt the shaking. MSO was lying down and said he felt some small vibrations first and thought it was the dog scratching but then felt the bigger tremors. Then the power went out. I was going to work on a little project that required electricity but I would have to wait till about 1430-1500 to work on it. That's about the time when her neighborhood got electrified and I continued on. However, it wasn't an easy day without the power.

First, we had to figure out what we were going to eat after making sure baby was fed. Everyone ate either a peanut butter sandwich, bread, dry Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch (Thanks, B), or whatever snacks around. We did whatever we could and soon it was lunch. I, with my great gourmet skills, prepared a wonderful lunch meal consisting of canned tuna and vienna sausages with rice (that was already cooked) for all. Oh, and don't forget the furikake on the rice. Mmm mmm.

A little after that rather late lunch, power was up and we celebrated by going to Don Quijote to get some milk. We observed some long lines at Pizza Hut and Bale on the way in. It wasn't too crowded at Don Quijote but the lines were long. It took us almost forty-five minutes overall to get a few things. We got back to Mom's and we smelled a neighbor's meal being cooked outside. We later ate our nice, hot meal that Mom prepared, and then found out that our neighborhood still did not have power.

We stayed as long as we could at Mom's and then made our way home. A sight to see. Darkness, darkness, darkness. Don't know exactly what time the power went back on but I awoke to blinking clocks all around. We heard maybe about 2200-2230.

It was a crazy, lazy day and we hope it doesn't happen again too soon.

Who's Going To The BS Bash?

Just wondering...

No Impact On Intelligence

This topic appears to be a back and forth thing when you read literature but now it's breastfeeding has no impact on intelligence. The higher scores on IQ tests of breastfed children were attributed mostly to mothers who "tended to be more intelligent, better educated and provided a more stimulating environment at home." Is our home environment without TV watching stimulating enough for baby? There are some days when both MSO and I feel like we're boring parents and baby is not getting enough stimulation. Thank goodness for books, toys, music, and the dog!

My Cubicle - Ode To Office Workers

Cool song that I was sent via spam e-mail.

Share Your Appliances?

Haven't checked out the link yet regarding appliance sharing but curious.

Some Inspiration (Or Not) - September

"A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving." -- Albert Einstein

"Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional." -- Anonymous

"We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments." -- Anonymous

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." -- Anonymous

"Affection is the most satisfying reward a child can receive. It costs nothing, is readily available, and provides great encouragement." -- Anonymous

"Surviving and living our life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams we seek require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck." -- Anonymous

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble." -- Helen Keller

"Events are influenced by our very great desires." -- William James

"Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly." -- Proverbs 21:21 (GNT)

"Share our similarities, celebrate our differences." -- M. Scott Peck

Prudent Warning About Car Jackings

NEW WAY TO DO CAR JACKINGS (NOT A JOKE)
Heads up everyone! Please keep this circulating...
You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into Reverse. When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window.

So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off.

They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!

BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED. If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away, remove the paper later and be thankful that you read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women. A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands.

(Courtesy of more spam e-mail)

TP Wasted

You might've heard by now how TO was allegedly (wasting his time) trying to commit suicide, but it's highly unlikely you've heard about the toilet paper (TP) that got wasted by falling into the toilet bowl. And, it has happened more than once. Have you ever seen a new roll of toilet paper get wet? The toilet paper starts to separate from the middle pretty quickly.

Ever since we got the dog we don't use a toilet roll holder. She loves tissue, napkins, paper towels, receipts (just last night she shredded a receipt that I left unprotected and helpless), and the like, and would probably love to have us go home and be greeted by the pillowy softness of the whole roll. But we won't have any of that so we keep the current roll in the back on the bathroom cabinet over the commode. Somehow the great gravitational pull of the toilet bowl takes over and sucks in the roll. Whatcha gonna do but be sick that you wasted a pretty full roll of precious TP.

Not my poll here (Site is kinda slow to load), but I created one here.

New Wong Baby

Su Wong marries Lee Wong.
The next year, the Wong's have a new baby.
The nurse brings over a lovely, healthy, bouncy, but definitely Caucasian, white baby boy.

"Congratulations," says the nurse to the new parents.
"Well Mr. Wong, what will you and Mrs. Wong name the baby?"

The puzzled father looks at his new baby boy and says, "Well, two Wong's don't make a white, so I think we will name him Sum Ting Wong."

(Courtesy of spam e-mail)

Awkward Ride

One of the most quiet and awkward rides I've ridden had to be the one I had yesterday courtesy of the car dealership's shuttle van. At full capacity the van, a Sienna, made its way to drop off complete strangers at their respective destinations. The only time there was dialogue was when the driver, Richard, had to ask questions regarding drop off locations or when he got a phone call. One rather lively older lady basically booted me, with all my bags, to the far back seat 'cause she said she was an 'old lady' that would have difficulty moving to the back. Sheesh. Guess I shouldn't complain 'cause it could be worse on TheBus.

My 100th Post!

Unlike Gee Why who has almost 1000 posts, I have just reached the 100 mark today. It's not as big a deal as when a sitcom hits that mark but I just feel like Baby Dog Days has come a long way from the February Is for The Fans Fiasco. Hehe. Days with MSO, the baby, and the dog have enriched my life and for those that read about some of it, thanks. As previously mentioned, this does provide an outlet to vent, share, and to keep my mind going, and if you've found some entertainment or whatever, then cheers! =)

Groovin' On Now - The Dutchess

Muffin Top

I had never heard this term used the way I heard last night and I felt so sheltered after. Since that Seinfeld episode I thought muffin tops meant muffin tops.

My friend said the term while we were discussing what was on the front of a female's really tight shirt so I thought he was referring to her 'top' and the bulges that we were observing. But after we talked a little more I then realized it wasn't the shirt but the buldging flesh overhanging the waistband of her tight ass jeans. Hey, I'm far from skinny but you won't see me wearing what this female wears with a body like hers. But to each her own. I almost took a picture of her to share some muffin top and then some, but I thought I better not. =S

Pictures of Your Setup

While looking for a crib (computer desk) for our newest baby, I came across some pictures of people's setups. Kinda cool to see the range of simple to extreme setups including illumination of sorts. Wow.

The Ascent of An iMac

Can You Name That Shoe?

Despite the fact that we have a bunch of Thank You cards to work on and get sent out, we ventured out to So Gong Dong Restaurant. Actually we intended on going to Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant but it was closed. (Haha, G!) On the way in we didn't notice them but on the way out we did. Maybe 'cause we were late (as usual). Weird to see these at a restaurant in a showcase display.

It's Been Five Years

Been hearing/seeing a lot about 9/11 five years ago and I was thinking five years sure seemed to go by pretty fast. Do you remember what you were doing when you heard about it? I was getting ready to go to a training class and my sis called and told me. Turned on the TV and could not believe it. Not that it's something you want to remember for the most part but the thought is just that so much can happen in five years or even one year. People meet and marry. People gain extra pounds that they don't really want. Dogs find new homes. Babies are born. Blogs become a staple of daily culture. The evolution of life...

Wigged Out Dogs

I love my dog but some may be taking things a little too far?

Smoked Out Babies

Other than the seat belt compliance peeve, another peeve that really sets me off is smoking around children. People that do this are not giving children a chance for a smoke-free life. So sad. You see it all the time. Parents smoking around their children. And now to find out that there are possible thirdhand smoke risks! You've probably experienced going into places that used to/do allow smoking and come out smelling like you just lit up a box of cancer sticks, right? All over your hair, clothes, and even skin. How about hotels that allow smoking in the rooms? You've smelled that smell there too, right? 90%! Nicotine byproduct in babies' urine and hair! Doubt that it'll make people quit though. Just say NO to smoking in the first place!!!

808 Basketball Club Wins It All!

With hopefully a lot of funds to make their way, the 808 Basketball Club took flight to Fabulous Las Vegas to participate in the 2006 National Youth Basketball Championships Las Vegas Summer Classic. A week later they are reveling in the taste of victory as they won the championship. Congratulations!!!
Found a competition's site that you can find some pictures of 808 BC players (Yay SW!) and other narratives about the tournament. 58-47 was the final score...Hmm, that score is a lot more than the one in this picture which was taken at one of MSO's games. It was another heartbreaking loss as they had no subs and were in fact in the lead. Playoffs for them start this week. Go TS!

'Reply to All'

Don't you sometimes just hate this f#*$@! button?! An e-mail was sent out two months ago to complete a mandatory online training by the end of August. So of course you got laggers who won't start the training until it gets close to the deadline. Understandable. But when you go and 'Reply to All' to the original e-mail instead of replying to only the sender to inform the manager that you are having a problem, now that's just plain bad e-mail behavior. Further, there were about five more people who utilized the oh so practical 'Reply to All' button to tell everybody(!) that they had problems completing the training due to technical problems. The kicker is even after that manager sent out an e-mail to tell everyone not to "REPLY TO ALL" when sending email about the above subject. The e-mail string is being sent to all personnel, there were about four people who sent out an e-mail saying they don't see their e-mail address on the To or CC line, and wish to be unsubsribed. Yeah, unsubsribe me from all the trash that I'm getting!

Breakfast At Cinnamon's

We made our way out to Kailua this weekend to have breakfast at Cinnamon's Restaurant. Someone had raved about the pancakes, specifically the Carrot ones, and we had a birthday to celebrate so I thought why not.

MSO ordered the Sauteed Mushroom Omelette with homefries, I ordered the Veggie From-Scratch Eggs Benedict with homefries, and a Full Stack of Carrot Pancakes was available for whoever wanted to try or had room to spare. Most thought the Carrot Pancakes were a little overrated but overall everyone enjoyed their selection.

Service was good and I had no problem with tipping our server with a little more. My only gripe is the parking. What is this metered parking crap?! Can't people enjoy a nice meal or shopping experience without having to already dish out $1.50 for parking? Oh well. It was nice for a change since we hardly ever get out to that area.

Shipping Costs What?!

My gripe for today is about the cost of shipping (and I guess handling) when you sometimes buy products online or through catalogs. Why so ridiculous?!!! I was going to place an order with a site that e uses and much to my very big dismay saw that shipping and handling was going to cost me a whopping $34.10 for a subtotal of $58.46 worth of dog goods. I'm not sure if the items with that shipping cost would still be cheaper than if you bought the same or similar items here (if available), but I guess I went into the 'I can find another site that has the same item at a cheaper price' mode and exited out of the order process.
While looking for one of the items that I really liked but haven't seen here, I came across a few more sites willing to charge you some bucks for shipping, and also came across one that didn't even ship here(!). I eventually did find another site that offered free shipping. Yes, free shipping! Although the cost of that item was more than the original site (and the selection of products was limited), I figured it would still be cheaper. To find out if my assumption was true, I went back to the original site, added that item to my cart, and the shipping cost was calculated. What do you think that cost was? For an item that cost $14.39 it would cost $26.55 for a total of $40.94 to ship it to my abode. Ridiculous! As a result, the free shipping site appears to be a better deal at $21.50. It may take ten years (or less) to get here though...

Gum Cretins

Are you one of those that conveniently places your gum anywhere you choose after deciding that you've had enough chewing?!!! What the heck is wrong with people? I haven't encountered the gum under footwear in a long time, but I did encounter gum on pants while at LB. It only takes a small bunch of steps to get to the rubbish can but yet someone decided to put their f#*$@! gum on the f#*$@! chair. Come on! I may be on the same search as RT for the person(s) that compelled him to write :

Whoever has been spitting their gum out in the parking lot. Please Stop! It does not mix well with the black top and is difficult to get up. And I have already begun scraping it.

It is happening to often to be a guest or a visitor.

I work hard to keep (our building) a show place for our guest and visitors and a comfortable facility to work in.

I thank you all for your time and support in keeping our facility neat and clean and a pleasure to enter.

Got Coffee?

Saw this while shopping at a place that's not in a neighborhood near you, and thought I'd share. Wish I had put an object next to the 12-cup filters for scale purposes. They had to be more than 12 inches in diameter. Imagine having this to start your morning off right.

First Bon Dance Fun

With baby's face stained a yellowish-orange (from food), we, like Tabasco Man, went to our first bon dance of the season but at Palacades. Where is Palacades you ask? No, it's not a new restaurant or a new sporting event location. It's actually Palisades. MSO made the colossal mistake of sending e-mail to friends to ask them if they want to join us with the misspelled location. Now he has to deal with the witticism. It was fun listening to the live music performed by some talented musicians, watching friends dance, and talking story.

If you're interested in some bon dance fun, the schedule for the rest of the season follows. Sorry, you'll have to wait till next year to go to Palacades.

The 2006 Obon Schedule

Date	Time	Location
July 28-29	7 p.m.	Jikoen Hongwanji Temple, 1731 N. School St.
July 28-29	7 p.m.	Palolo Higashi Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave.
Aug. 4-5	5:30 p.m.	Koganji Temple, 2869 Oahu Ave.
Aug. 4-5	8 p.m.	Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St.
Aug. 5	7:30 p.m.	Waialua Hongwanji Temple, 67-313 Kealohanui St.
Aug. 11-12	7 p.m.	Shingon Mission of Hawaii, 915 Sheridan St.
Aug. 11-12	7:30 p.m.	Pearl City Hongwanji Temple, 858 2nd St.
Aug. 11-12	7 p.m.	Aiea Soto Mission Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St.
Aug. 18-19	7:30 p.m.	Mililani Hongwanji Temple, 95-257 Kaloapau St.
Aug. 18-19	7:30 p.m.	Soto Mission of Hawaii Shoboji, 1708 Nuuanu Ave.
Aug. 18-19	7:30 p.m.	Jodo Mission of Hawaii, 1429 Makiki St.
Aug. 26	7:30 p.m.	Aiea Hongwanji Mission, 99-186 Puakala Road
Sept. 2-3		Okinawan Festival at Kapiolani Park
Sept. 16	5 p.m.	Autumn Matsuri, Hawaii Okinawan Center, 94-587 Ukee St.

(Information obtained from The Honolulu Star-Bulletin)

'K' For Kiddie & Keiki

Been trying to find a place to get a haircut for baby and have either heard or came across two places. Ever hear of Aunty Denise's Kiddie Kuts or Keiki Kuts? These are two beauty salons(?) that specialize in haircuts and whatnot for children a.ka. kiddies and keiki. I actually did some Internet research ('cause kiddie/keiki haircuts are serious business!) and found that Keiki Kuts was featured in articles in both the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and The Honolulu Advertiser a few years back while Aunty Denise's Kiddie Kuts offers coupons.

So prior to my investigation, I first call Aunty Denise's Kiddie Kuts. Phone rings more than four times but someone answers. I ask if appointments need to be made for haircuts. This was before I saw the page with 'By appointments only'. She says 'yes' appointments need to be made. So I ask if she had any openings on Saturday. She tells me 'no' they're not open on Saturday's. And I'm pretty sure she said Saturday's and not just Saturday. I make a comment about how I saw their sign that they were open on Saturday but she repeats that they're not open. So I say 'thank you' and hang up. Then I go to my handy dandy camera to see what the evidence actually shows, and it shows that they are supposed to be opened on the 'First Saturday of the month'. Hmm, now I'm wavering on whether or not I call back to make another attempt at scheduling an appointment. And what is 'Every Sunday Following' mean? Then I see the page with her coupons on. The hours there say Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. - 9:00am - 5:00pm. Is that a 'Sat.' as in Saturday?! And they're open on Wednesday? WTH?

So that's what sparked me to take this a little further with my aforementioned investigation with the Internet research. Had heard that Keiki Kuts charged a bit more than Aunty Denise's Kiddie Kuts (Aunty Denise's price list pictured) so thought Aunty Denise may be the way to go but now skepticism has overcome me and I don't know how accurate this price list may be as well.

After reading the articles on Keiki Kuts it may well be worth the extra dollars as they seem to provide a fun, cool looking environment for baby. If still valid, I like the 'keepsake bags for a snippet of hair and photo of baby's "after" picture as a memento.'

Parents, where do you take your kids to get their hair cut? Oh, and let me add that I will not cut baby's hair. Period.

Teaching Young People

"When we teach young people, we're not just spending time, we're investing it." --Anon.

Dog Whisperer

He'll be covering many topics regarding canine behavior at a seminar on Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 9:00 AM at the McKinley Auditorium. No pets allowed though. Bummer.

Why Dogs Stretch

When dogs stretch, they're warming up, according to Jonathan Rudinger, the Toledo, Ohio-based author of "Effective Pet Massage for Dogs" (www.petmassage.com). He says dogs stretch when they rise because they are warming up their muscles, and it puts the joints into proper position and gets everything in balance so they're ready to move.

It's actually funny to see dogs do the exaggerated play bow and then extend their back legs like "a hairy, horizontal version of a ballerina who goes on point."

The article continues by saying:

The joint surface gets nutrition through use. The pressure and release action pumps the joint fluid in and out of the cartilage bringing in nutrition, and removing waste products. Stretching maintains the health margins of cartilage that don't get used in routine movement.

Isn't this similar to us humans? Although there are those times when your body just feels like no matter how much you stretch, it just won't help the aches and pains of aging. Not that I got 'em but I can tell MSO feels that way.

Happy Child

Found this article and my valueless ranting can be found below.

How to grow a happy child
By John Rosemond

Here are some tips for having a happy child:

1. If you're married, have a more active relationship with your spouse than with your children. Spend more time in the roles of husband and wife than you spend in the roles of mother and father. Nothing causes a child greater insecurity than the sense that his parents' marriage is not the most solid, permanent thing in his life, and vice versa.

Sometimes having a relationship with your spouse is almost like having a relationship with a child so that could be difficult.

2. If you are single, do not be married to your children. Have an active life outside of your role as mother or father. Be an interesting person to your kids. The well-being of a single parent is essential to that of his or her children.

Not single but there are those days...

3. Expect your children to obey. Expect this calmly, as if you take their obedience for granted. Who is the happier employee: the one who frequently attempts to get away with breaking the rules, or the one who obeys the rules? Substitute child for employee and the answer is the same.

You can probably expect all you want but sometimes things just don't go that way.

4. Expect your children to be responsible citizens of your family. From the time they are 3, assign them to do chores around the home — chores that mean something. Teach your 3-year-old to wash floors. Teach your 4-year-old to vacuum. Teach your 5-year-old to clean the bathroom. Good citizenship is a matter of making contributions. Too many of today's kids have no meaningful roles in their families. They're just there, consuming, and the more they consume, the more they demand.

Wow, just what MSO wants to hear to get baby into gear with cleaning and cooking.
Yeah, and the more today's kids consume, the more they demand, and the more overweight they become. Oh, and that's in addition to cleaning out your wallet.

5. Teach your children that happiness is not a matter of how much you have, but a matter of how much you do with what you have. Don't buy them a lot of things that will end up doing nothing but cluttering up their lives.

Feng shui.

6. Teach your children that two of the most fun things to do are reading and traveling, both of which involve the accumulation of memories as opposed to things. Read to your children early and often. Every time you are inclined to buy your child a toy, consider instead taking him or her fishing or camping or to a museum. Spend time, not money.

I like this one, but look at parents and their toys today - iPods (we know Gee Why will be getting the Nike+iPod Sports Kit eventually, right?), Mr. Potato Head, etc., etc., etc. =)

7. Let television and video games into your children's lives very little, if at all. The happiest children are not found staring at TV sets. They are found in parks, on playgrounds, and in other three-dimensional places.

So far we've been pretty good about not watching TV with baby around. We go out and see three-dimensional people and places whenever we can.

8. Help your children develop hobbies. Few things exercise imagination and creativity as well as a hobby. By the way, a hobby is not an after-school sport. A hobby is something a child can do by himself, eventually without adult supervision.

Is chewing on things considered a hobby?

9. Teach your children good manners. Good manners are a demonstration of attentiveness to and respect for others, and the happiest people are those who pay more attention to others than they want others to pay to them.

Right now it's all about baby.

10. Hold your children to high standards. You show respect for a child by expecting of the child. Expect the best manners. Expect the best schoolwork your child is capable of. Expect your child to pitch in around the house. Hold your child accountable for his behavior. Happy campers always do their best.

We'll see what we can do.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents' questions at www.rosemond.com.

How much does this guy get paid?

Another Order Incident

Don't know what it is about me and companies that try to rip me off. Today it's a photo company. Last week, I ordered a few pictures of baby in three different poses. Pose 1, 2, and 3. Had already ordered pose 4 in a previous order so didn't want to get more of that pose. Forward to today and I get an e-mail with my "order status." The e-mail thanks me for ordering, tells me that they've received and processed my order and that I should expect to receive my order within 7-10 days. The e-mail continues by listing my order total which includes so many dollars for the handling fee and tax. Fine. Next they list what's included in my order. Key words in this part of the e-mail I say would be "your order" as the listed items includes one line item that I never ordered and does not include an item that I did order. My hand probably darted towards the phone as quick as an Olympic sprinter.
Explained to the representative that there appeared to be an error, on their part, with the poses. I had ordered pose 2 but the e-mail says pose 4 has been shipped. She checks into the system and finds that my order has already been shipped and that pose 4 has actually been sent out. Duh. Informed her that I did not want pose 4. She said she could send out pose 2 and then I could mail back pose 4...on MY dime!!! WTF?! Prior to me asking about who's supposed to pay for mailing the incorrect pose back, she did add that it was usually the policy of the company to wait for the return of the incorrect pose prior to sending out the correct pose. But she said she "usually trusts the people she has dealt with" so she could send out the correct pose today. She then quickly changed her mind and said I would need to send the incorrect pose back before she can send out the correct one after I was quick to inform her that this mistake was in fact their fault and not mine so I felt that I shouldn't be required to pay for postage to send it back. She argued her case, but I asked to speak with a supervisor.
Turns out after much waiting on hold, this same representative (not her supervisor) informs me that the negative or file (I can't remember what she said) of pose 2 was bad and could not be used, and that they decided to *@#$!% substitute and ship out pose 4 for me because pose 4 was the most ordered and "portrayed baby in the best way" or some bull$#!# like that. I was disappointed to hear that the pose that I wanted would not be making its way to our home, but I was so angry to hear that they substituted like that without my consent. My big arguing point was that this company has customer contact information, whether it's a telephone number or e-mail address, so there is NO excuse for sending customers something that they DIDN'T order. After going a little more back and forth with the representative, she asks me if I want to speak with a supervisor. I'm fuming and tell her "Yeah, at this point, whatever." She comes back on the phone (!) and tells me that she has some "options" for me with one of them being a discounted price of pose 4. I tell her once again that I've already ordered pose 4 and I did not want anymore of pose 4. She sounds as if she's exhausted all possibilities but I tell her that I want resolution and she hasn't given me one. I start looking at the Better Business Bureau site while on hold. I finally got to speak with a supervisor and I almost bit the supervisor's head off. But she turned out to be more "customer-friendly" and she gave me "options" as well. One of those options was in fact a method to send back the incorrect pose on their dime. Told her that I do want to send the incorrect pose back and get refunded. She said I would be getting a label.
I'm usually not this resilient when it comes to issues like this but I actually held on and fought for resolution. It was rather liberating, but exhausting and my pressure probably got up there. I think the waiting while on hold might've helped to calm me down a bit too. Took me two days to post this. Now we'll see what happens...

Fish Poisoning

Up until today the only fish poisoning that I knew of was the type that had to do with balloon fish. So I was surprised to find out that there is a fish poisoning called ciguatera. Interestingly, people who get ciguatera find that cold things feel hot and hot things feel cold. Can you imagine that?! No cure is available and you basically have to just pull yourself through the horrible symptoms if they're not deadly. I've been told that reef fish are usually the ones that carry the ciguatoxins.

Got a Hazardous JumpDrive?

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2006
Release #06-205
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 248-2798
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Lexar JumpDrive(r) Computer Storage Devices Recalled for Burn Hazard,
Certain Models Involved

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Lexar JumpDrive(r) FireFly and 1GB Secure II

Units: About 66,000

Manufacturer: Lexar Media Inc., of Fremont, Calif.

Hazard: The recalled JumpDrives(r) FireFly and Secure II products could
overheat, posing a risk of burns to consumers and property damage.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description and Models: The recalled drives are high speed flash drives
used to store, transfer and carry data from one computer to another.
This recall only includes Lexar JumpDrive(r) FireFly which is sold in
various colors, and Lexar JumpDrive(r) Secure II 1GB which has a
metallic silver housing. "Lexar" is embossed on the front of the plastic
housing and the capacity is marked on the back. The part number is
located on the FireFly's packaging, and on the back of the Secure II 1GB
drive.


JumpDrive(r) FireFly
Capacity Part Number
256MB (red) JDFF256-431RU
JDFF256-264
JDFF256-445RU
512MB (lime green) JDFF512-431EM
1GB (blue) JDFF1GB-431TO
2GB (black) JDFF2GB-431BK


JumpDrive(r) Secure II 1GB
Part Number
JDSE1GB-00-500 Rev H and 3052-1GBA-2006
3052-1GBA-2106
3052-1GBA-1906
3052-1GBA-1806


Sold at: The recalled JumpDrive(r) Firefly drives were sold at discount
department, office supply, and electronics stores, and by Web retailers,
including www.lexar.com, between April and May 2006 for between $30 and
$110. The recalled JumpDrive(r) Secure II 1GB drive was sold exclusively
at Fry's Electronics in May 2006 for about $80.

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled
JumpDrive(r) Firefly and Secure II devices and contact Lexar to receive
a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lexar at (800)
248-2798 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lexar.com


To view this recall online, please visit our website at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06205.html

A Quote Heard Today

"The surgery was a success but the patient died."

Postage Poll

Was talking with MSO the other day about postage stamps and postcards, and wouldn't you know it, MSO didn't know postcards had a distinct postage rate. I thought he was being facetious but he actually did not know. So I present this poll...

Do you know what the postage is for a postcard? Yes No    Free polls from Pollhost.com

And for those that are too embarrassed to admit it or did not know that the common (1 oz.) postage rate changed to $0.39, here is a link to the USPS postage rates, effective January 8, 2006, for you.

Coalition for Changing Stations in Men's Restrooms

Don't know how it is around the rest of the states, or in fact, the rest of the world but I've discovered there is a shortage of changing stations in public restrooms for men. Wherever the journey may take you, I'm sure you'll see many females taking babies to get diapers changed rather than males. Why is this I ask?! Aren't we a society that embraces equal rights? With that, I'd like to start a coalition to get changing stations in more men's restrooms. Anybody with me? Hello? Well, I'm sure I'm wasting breath and energy 'cause it'll probably never happen.

But I do wonder how male parents take care of the task at hand when there's no changing station available and they're out alone. Men, tell us your methods.

On our journey last month we did come across a rarity that is a changing station in the men's restroom at this zoo which we only went to for the restroom. Thus, the picture.

Testing Endurance

Wanna test someone's endurance? Subject them to extreme sleep deprivation with an endless audio loop of a crying baby. As a parent that has gone through the sleep deprivation and crying, you are tested, but you are also really truly awakened to the fact that this little critter is so dependent upon you and you do what it takes to make sure that he or she has comfort, cleanliness, and chow. So you can understand how parents may have difficulty in letting their baby cry, even for minutes at a time, and not tend to them. Just the other night I succumbed to some crying after what MSO said was only two minutes. My retort was that baby had started coughing, that gag kind of coughing, while crying and I had to make sure baby was okay. I then appended my response with a statement that it was a good thing that I went to check 'cause baby had spit up on the mattress and the dog was going to lick it up. Well, the dog was going to at least try to.

Since we're discussing the dog, I have to say that it was no piece of cake raising her either. Not as extreme as a baby, but pretty grueling, especially if you don't live in a house where the dog's potty place (outside) is usually easily accessible. How can you let such a cute thing with sad puppy eyes keep crying as well? It's tough. Maybe that's why she's so stubborn at times 'cause she did get the lollipop (MSO). He can be such a softy with her. Oops, try not to make fun of him too much guys.

Rough Week

It has been a rather rough week here at T Land. Partly self-inflicted but mostly on the part of the Garish Man. If you've had a rough one as well, go ahead and dwell in your misery and take heed to what this T-shirt has to say.





Just don't drink and drive! Grab some other drink and wait it out, or call Gee Why 'cause he's on nitrous. Kidding...just about calling Gee Why. We all know he's loaded. =)

She Made The Cut

Look at this cutie! Was at our local studio, flipping through the elusive sample album and what do you know? Born to be a star.

Soda and Mentos

No, I'm not saying people that drink soda are mento. Last night, a friend mentioned soda and Mentos, and the blast that transpires when put together. Check it out!
Dorks...

Where's Wayne?

Wayne's World, look at what you missed out on.

Another Broken 100!

I say 'another' as Wayne's World showed his stuff last week. This one goes to MSO. He managed to accomplish the task at Mililani Golf Club through all the harassing and trash talk between him and my sis. He handled the pressure very well and came out with the victory over her and everyone else in our group.

The day started out cloudy with some light showers, but ended with the sun and a bogey on the last par 5 hole (for me, that's happiness when you're playing like crap). It was great golf to see and MSO amazingly didn't say it was because he had his own cart and I wasn't with him.

TV and Children

Since I've become a parent, I've experienced a diminishing connection to TV and movies. Actually, I shouldn't associate that too much with being a parent 'cause it was before that when the luxury to lay down on the couch (an actual couch and not the floor that I have so become accustomed to now since we don't have one) and watch TV became constricted. The motivation to complete my degree with a high GPA had taken precedence over watching anything, including Wentworth. Anyways, the reduced connection is not a bad thing...Consider MSO and his addiction to TV. MSO and I had agreed that we didn't want baby to watch TV until he's older. We had heard and read that it's bad for the developing brain. Now turn to these two articles:

Study: More parents use TV as an electronic babysitter
Parents Making Use of TV Despite Risks

It's crazy to read that a third of families leave the TV on nearly all the time and young children have TVs in their own rooms. I understand that it is pretty unrealistic to not have your child watch TV as our current sitter uses the TV a lot, but as the first article says, it is scary to see children when they are in front of the TV. They do appear transfixed and sucked in...Just like MSO. Research hasn't really focused on developmental outcomes for children under three so it's not known if educational TV for such children is beneficial. Probably moderation, supervision, and supplementation are key.

Customer Service...A *@#!$% Forgotten Experience

I'm not a great traveler of the world, but what I saw on this last trip at the airports has made me almost glad that I'm not. It started when we arrived at our hometown airport and found that you no longer check in with a person but rather a machine which, by the way, required a credit card for each person checking in. We had wanted to upgrade or change our seats to make our long journey to the Empire State a little more comfortable. MSO started to ask one of the workers there about how he could go about this, but she just kept saying "Check in" while pointing to the very inviting machine. Once we checked in with Mr. Machine, she then told us that we should have tried in the morning to get our seats changed. Nice. We then discovered that baby should have gotten a boarding pass as well. I chided to MSO about not finding this out ahead of time, but he said he had spoken to three different agents over the phone and none of them informed him that we needed one. Sorry, my bad.
To add to our wonderful start, we decided to "gate-check" our stroller which may have been a mistake. The worker there asked us if we were going beyond the first stop, ORD, and we said 'Yes.' We were never told that we had to "gate-check" our stroller at each stop. As a result of this lack of information, the much needed stroller got a much delayed arrival. This stroller also got damaged on its way back home and was left out on the sidewalk outside the gate area with other strollers and walkers 'cause they were going to catch the Wiki Wiki shuttle. Yeah. Don't know why our airport (or is it the airline?) places all the strollers and walkers outside where anyone can just take it, but that's what happened.
Yet another big kick in our asses while we're down was the fact that baby's car seat got lost en route to our destination. The lovely airline baggage claim service person (yes, one person for a long line) was not so lovely in the personality kind of sense. Just what you need is to deal with an unfriendly person after a long, uncomfortable plane ride. We weren't going to pay $9 a day to the car rental company for a car seat after lugging our own seat, so the airlines "graciously" provided a loaner seat. Imagine having a vehicle with LATCH capability and not being able to use it because the seat does not have the strap to utilize that capability. Now imagine our disappointment, struggle, and frowned faces.
We eventually did get our car seat the next day at the hotel although it was by sheer chance that we found out that it had been delivered. We were leaving to go out and the hotel clerk asked us if we knew that our car seat was there. We said 'No' as the airline was supposed to have called MSO but of course didn't. Bastards. Car seat got installed, loaner got kicked to the curb, and off we went.
We also made a shocking discover that airlines no longer provide meals. You have to buy it for $5! Another airline actually charged $1 for the nuts! That's just crazy.
Of course the forgotten experience of adequate customer service is not only at airports. Seems as if many places you go to, including your childhood McDonald's, you are bound to go away with a feeling of anger, disappointment, irritability, etc.
Where has your worst customer service experience occurred?

Multitasking Woes

"I can only do one thing at a time." That was a statement MSO told me recently. What is it with his inability to multitask? Watching TV mesmerizes him to the point that he completely stops what he's doing and doesn't hear or see just about anything that's around him, including of course, me. That's all fine and dandy that he's enjoying one of the intriguing playoff games, discovering whatever it may be on the Discovery Channel, gaining a glimpse into the past through the History Channel, getting in touch with his feminine side with TLC, or even hoping he can be like Norm Abrams on HGTV. But, many a women are able to cook, clean, and take care of the baby without saying "I can only do one thing at a time." Now don't get upset guys. I only say that because I can only remember one thing - that MSO cannot multitask.

Hostile and Abusive Mascots

Chief Illiniwek was placed on a list of "hostile and abusive" mascots and that has made Illinois ineligible to host postseason athlethic tournaments. North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania are also on this hot list. It's very sad when there has to be an NCAA executive committee to monitor mascots of universites and colleges. There seems to be a thin line when dealing with symbols of culture, race, or ethnicity, and how they're being portrayed and used. Maybe people can take out their anger and frustrations on Chad Ellis. Who wouldn't?!

Second Crock-Pot Meal

I finally got around to making another meal in our Crock-Pot which started collecting dust on its lid. It has been a little over a month since our first one. This time around it was Ravioli Stew. This one was less work than the first one. It may not look that appealing as let's say the can of Starbucks iced coffee, but it was really good. The recipe for the Stew was obtained from our 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes, 200 Recipes for Memorable Meals book. I think it will be memorable and maybe even MSO can make it. Additional ingredients can be added, but can you guess what the 3 ingredients are for this simple recipe?

Pet Expo

And while we're on events from the Pets Event Calendar, there is a Pet Expo on May 13-14, 1000-1600 at the Blaisdell Center for free. Looking at this article regarding last year's Hawaii Pet Expo, it appears pets are able to go and take a look at the booths and exhibits as well. Wayne's World can take his cutie and get some treats and toys for her. And if Phoebe is over her case of the 'd', maybe she can go as well.

Be Kind to Animals

According to the Pets Event Calendar, May 7-13 is Be Kind to Animals Week. If you ask me, I'd say it should be Be Kind to Animals Always. No week, no day, but always. Unless, of course, they are attacking or causing you harm in some way. Hmm, but there are those times when you want to hunt down those birds that pooped on your car. Birds are not animals right? Just kidding. I actually tell the birds to get out of the way when I'm driving and they're in my path. Like they can really hear me. Who's stupid now? Yes, that would be me 'cause I don't even know what the true definition of animal is. Yeah, you see a dog, or a cow, or a horse, and know they are animals. But I'm no Jack Hanna, Old MacDonald, or Farmer Tad so I looked it up. Here it is courtesy of Merriam-Webster:

Main Entry: an·i·mal
Pronunciation: 'a-n&-m&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from animale, neuter of animalis animate, from anima soul -- more at ANIMATE
1 : any of a kingdom (Animalia) of living things including many-celled organisms and often many of the single-celled ones (as protozoans) that typically differ from plants in having cells without cellulose walls, in lacking chlorophyll and the capacity for photosynthesis, in requiring more complex food materials (as proteins), in being organized to a greater degree of complexity, and in having the capacity for spontaneous movement and rapid motor responses to stimulation
2 a : one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings b : MAMMAL; broadly : VERTEBRATE
3 : a human being considered chiefly as physical or nonrational; also : this nature
4 : a person with a particular interest or aptitude (a political animal)
5 : MATTER, THING (the theater...is an entirely different animal --Arthur Miller); also : CREATURE 1c

Hey so during the week of May 7-13 we also have to be kind to humans that are "nonrational" as well. You probably know a lot.

Last Day of April 2006

Yesterday was an event-filled day that started with KAM's 1st Birthday Party. She looked oh-so-cute in her pretty dress and sandals (yes, she's walking already!). It was an Asian theme with colors of pink and red. Food was plentiful as were the children all around.


There was magic courtesy of Glen Bailey





and his little (and a few big) helpers





with one turning into a rabbit right before our eyes.

Parents K & K didn't look stressed, and if they were, they did a great job of not showing it. Cheers to both of you and all your helpers for a great party.

Next up was one of SW's fundraisers for the 808 Basketball Club. There was entertainment, food (again!), and raffle prizes.


Where's my iPod nano? There seemed to be a buzz about winning this prize which was suppposed to be given out in the last hour. We left about the last hour but I think you didn't have to be present to win.

Finally, MSO had his weekly basketball game. It was a rough one as he came home looking really dejected and in pain. He pulled something and they lost 12-53. Yes, you read that right. I didn't go and I'm sorry to say that I'm glad I didn't as that is a damn whoopin'. Maybe they'll get a 'W' next game.