Yesterday, I mentioned to my mom how on Saturday I rode 10 miles on my distance test, and that I was very proud of myself. She said "Ok."
Then, I mentioned that I've made a commitment to myself to ride instead of drive "whenever possible", which means when I don't have to transport the children + children's gear, and when I'm not going not excessively far (about 5 miles each way was kinda easy... so I'm not sure what my upper limit is yet).
She flipped out! She is really not happy with me about this, and, like always, I wish she could understand me.
I mentioned that there is no good reason to NOT ride. I am physically capable, no excuses there. I can save money on gas. I can get my workout while I travel to work and school (saves time at the gym). It's fun. It's good for the earth, because I use less resources and put out less waste this way. And, it's empowering to know that you can do what you need to do, with the energy of your own body.
According to my mom, I should be thankful to have a car (I am, trust me!), and I should show that gratitude by not deviating from the (so called) norm.
She said if I need help paying for gas I should ask her for some extra cash. (Ok)
And that I'm a mother and it's time to act like it; time to stop always doing what I want. To me, doing a good deed now is doubly good. Children see everything.
The 'helps the earth' part pissed her off the most. Did you know there are anti-environmentalists? Yes, there are. Nothing against the 'religious right', but come on! If God made the earth, why trash it just because He can work miracles or because the end is nigh? My mom says that I should be focusing on my salvation, and not so much on "so called good deeds".
Maybe this is our biggest bone of contention, but I REALLY believe in doing things ethically, even if it inconveniences me a little (and I think I stick to my principles about 90% of the time).
If you are poor and need my coat more than I do (because I'm lucky enough to have 2 or 3), I might give it to you.
Do you need fresh air to breath? Let me see if I can do something to help out.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
I rode 10 miles this afternoon/evening
... and the brakes on my bike sound a little, um, rebellious.
In order to prepare for Monday, I wanted to test out my route, but I didn't want to go to SPC for nothing (I am goal-oriented, I guess). I decided to ride to Borders at Clearwater Mall. I figured it's past my school, but just down the street, so I could plot out my route for school, time myself, and then read for a little while.
It was pretty easy.
I feel slightly compelled to take a pair for shears with me next time. Not that I don't love branches in my teeth, I just want to multitask and do a little gardening with my neighbors.
In order to prepare for Monday, I wanted to test out my route, but I didn't want to go to SPC for nothing (I am goal-oriented, I guess). I decided to ride to Borders at Clearwater Mall. I figured it's past my school, but just down the street, so I could plot out my route for school, time myself, and then read for a little while.
It was pretty easy.
I feel slightly compelled to take a pair for shears with me next time. Not that I don't love branches in my teeth, I just want to multitask and do a little gardening with my neighbors.
Since I'm REALLY NOT in the mood to recount the story of the bet I lost (argh!! Shel Silverstein!!), and and how I got my car back last night, instead I will blog to you as I watch Palin's speech online. No, I didn't see it televised. I am watching it right now, right this very minute.
min 5- Will the audience ever stop screaming and clapping, and let her get a word in edgewise?
min 10- Damn, she is likeable. The comment about special needs families needing a friend in the White House moves me to shed a tear.
min 14- Oh, I just joined PTA! Man, I just wish this woman (who is so likeable) and who seems to support my right to have guns (woohoo! yes, I'm a "bad" liberal) didn't want to take away MY right to choose (a safe and legal abortion on MY terms). Both of those things seem like inalienable rights to me.
min 15- Ooh, a liberal just got removed from the convention room, lol! I didn't see what happened.
min 18- I feel enamoured by her line about the duty of politicians to leave the country better than they found it. That is sort of my way of approaching everything. I like the bit about going to the White House with a "servant's heart".
min 22- Oh, yes. Back to the oil-talk. She makes herself sound like one of the good guys. I am scratching my head now.
min 25- How about we become energy self sufficient by FIRST reducing use and then by drilling to meet the need that remains? There's an idea.
min 28- Shit. Am I a Republican? I also agree with Palin that the government needs to be smaller, with all the unnecessary nonsense weeded out. I am 100% for programs that BENEFIT Americans (ie; Medicaid, foodstamps, Pell grants) but how, in good conscience, can taxes be spent on bureaucracy that gets in between the people and the resources intended for them?
min 34- Feeling conflicted. Feeling confused. Feeling torn. Why is it that I am so misrepresented by every candidate. Who is the one that represents me?? No, I'm not a Dem, I've always been staunchly NON partisan, however I don't see a smart candidate meets me on the issues that matter most to me are environmental and economic responsibility, equality (yes, I mean gay marriage), truth, and protecting personal freedoms.
min 40- More applause. I'm going to go have a bowl of cereal now, as I ponder this.
min 5- Will the audience ever stop screaming and clapping, and let her get a word in edgewise?
min 10- Damn, she is likeable. The comment about special needs families needing a friend in the White House moves me to shed a tear.
min 14- Oh, I just joined PTA! Man, I just wish this woman (who is so likeable) and who seems to support my right to have guns (woohoo! yes, I'm a "bad" liberal) didn't want to take away MY right to choose (a safe and legal abortion on MY terms). Both of those things seem like inalienable rights to me.
min 15- Ooh, a liberal just got removed from the convention room, lol! I didn't see what happened.
min 18- I feel enamoured by her line about the duty of politicians to leave the country better than they found it. That is sort of my way of approaching everything. I like the bit about going to the White House with a "servant's heart".
min 22- Oh, yes. Back to the oil-talk. She makes herself sound like one of the good guys. I am scratching my head now.
min 25- How about we become energy self sufficient by FIRST reducing use and then by drilling to meet the need that remains? There's an idea.
min 28- Shit. Am I a Republican? I also agree with Palin that the government needs to be smaller, with all the unnecessary nonsense weeded out. I am 100% for programs that BENEFIT Americans (ie; Medicaid, foodstamps, Pell grants) but how, in good conscience, can taxes be spent on bureaucracy that gets in between the people and the resources intended for them?
min 34- Feeling conflicted. Feeling confused. Feeling torn. Why is it that I am so misrepresented by every candidate. Who is the one that represents me?? No, I'm not a Dem, I've always been staunchly NON partisan, however I don't see a smart candidate meets me on the issues that matter most to me are environmental and economic responsibility, equality (yes, I mean gay marriage), truth, and protecting personal freedoms.
min 40- More applause. I'm going to go have a bowl of cereal now, as I ponder this.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Flight of the Conchords? Oui, ca va?
We were rolling around laughing tonight, watching these New Zealander's performances and music videos on youtube.
I like their song Foux Du Fafa because it really does take me back to my first-year-French-class, but this other one had me in stitches.
Oh, and I decided that Bret (the hotter one) should totally be my boyfriend ;-) especially now that we know, well, what he's into...
Everything except the roommate bit, anyways, lol.
I like their song Foux Du Fafa because it really does take me back to my first-year-French-class, but this other one had me in stitches.
Oh, and I decided that Bret (the hotter one) should totally be my boyfriend ;-) especially now that we know, well, what he's into...
Everything except the roommate bit, anyways, lol.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
editorial note!
Ok, a couple of things to address here...
Firstly. Yes, it is the middle of the night. What happened to the new schedule? I don't know.
Secondly. Cora lost her first tooth on Sunday. Sorry, I forgot to tell you! So, she has a little baby tooth gap and a little grown up tooth has made a tiny appearance.
Thirdly. I got an unreal amount of stuff done today/tonight... Tuesday is my verybusyday. [ha! remember when Thursdays were crazy w/ teaching at the homeschool co op and having Thursday classes too? wow, time flies]
Ah, but no riding to school today, I had to take the kids to Harry's right before class...
Lastly. We did our first real work in Chem lab today, but it was easy and kind of boring. It should get more interesting in the coming weeks.
Firstly. Yes, it is the middle of the night. What happened to the new schedule? I don't know.
Secondly. Cora lost her first tooth on Sunday. Sorry, I forgot to tell you! So, she has a little baby tooth gap and a little grown up tooth has made a tiny appearance.
Thirdly. I got an unreal amount of stuff done today/tonight... Tuesday is my verybusyday. [ha! remember when Thursdays were crazy w/ teaching at the homeschool co op and having Thursday classes too? wow, time flies]
Ah, but no riding to school today, I had to take the kids to Harry's right before class...
Lastly. We did our first real work in Chem lab today, but it was easy and kind of boring. It should get more interesting in the coming weeks.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Diurnal-Girl, here
And I am feeling a little sleepy.
Probably because I have been kicking ass this weekend with housework, homework, and the gym. I'm back to the pre-vacation rhythm of going 5 days a week, but I actually wasn't a slug w/ my cardio, today. You know how you are 'supposed' to mix it up if you want to challange yourself? I did; instead of running or getting on the elliptical machine I used a bike and it was a nice workout. I feel healthy, and discovered that I can make it farther than I previously thought.
From now on, riding to school...
Probably because I have been kicking ass this weekend with housework, homework, and the gym. I'm back to the pre-vacation rhythm of going 5 days a week, but I actually wasn't a slug w/ my cardio, today. You know how you are 'supposed' to mix it up if you want to challange yourself? I did; instead of running or getting on the elliptical machine I used a bike and it was a nice workout. I feel healthy, and discovered that I can make it farther than I previously thought.
From now on, riding to school...
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