The Old Man Speaks...an invitation and an observation

Gentle Readers, - First, comments to our various post are not only welcome, but encouraged. - Second, I noticed that my somewhat out of order late posting has caused some of the posts to be, well, out of order. If you want to ensure that you have "seen it all" you may want to do a quick scroll down (not that any post you might have missed could possibly be earth-shattering, since there has yet to be any earth-shattering posts). Thats all...more later...

K's Stream of Conciousness

So my government class, my teacher remains impartial as always, but my class of 30 has pretty much decided that we are going to have a black president, and a commuter vice-president. We keeping crunching the numbers and as long as voters continue to be invigorated like they are now, then this race is pretty much done. We realize of course that this election, complete with a high amount of registration, relies heavily on people actually voting. So basically what I'm saying is that this election is over in like 156ish hours, and things are going to be weird all they way through. That consumed a lot space didn't it? What else is going on. I got the Questbridge scholarship, provided that I get accepted at Stanford. Cross your fingers please. I got a 750 on my Math II SAT, and a 750 on my Literature SAT. I have a shirt that has a cartoon ghost and the phrase "be afraid, be very afraid" on it, and that is my costume. Well that and my mom is spraying my hair black with sparkles. Sparkles, despite misconceptions can be very frightening and very masculine. Don't anybody think otherwise. Work is going good; tis the season for crazy people, and I've had my fair share, and I only work 5 or 6 hours a week. Can't imagine the kind of asylum escapees that the rest of the store deals with. We are starting Cantebury tales in English...and this reminds me of something I have yet to vent:

There is a girl named Nicole in my English class. She thinks that she knows everything. She does know a lot of various things, and isn't afraid to flaunt it. She however is not the one that the majority of the english class looks to for answers. That honor is reseved for me, as egomanically egotistical as that sounds. She claims to have autographs from a variety of famous people, and I, making a joke, say that I have Mickey Mouse's autograph. Upon conclusion of this statment she launched into a long list of different kinds of Mickey autogrpahs she has. One of which is Mickey's autograph upside down. Now forgive me if I'm wrong, but if you hand someone your autograph book upside down, when they sign it and you turn it right side up, isn't the signature upside down?

Now that I got that out of my system, (and experimented with the funny blockquote button) I was talking about Cantebury Tales. I am acutally enjoying english again. Chaucer has quite the satirical mind, and I absolutely love satire. My first Academic Team meet was cancelled, so we'll try again this thursday, and I'm going to ask one of my teammates (a teammate of the fairer persuasion, in the words of my father) to get some sort of "victory dance"/"defeat consolation" desert afterwards. But that's what is new and interesting. Please email me if you my fans absolutely need to know what's happening in my life. I always have time for the little people. (I can say that now that I'm 6'1") Love, K P.S. I MISS DISNEYWORLD/DISNEYLAND...definitely going through withdrawls...

The Old Man Speaks...

Let's see, for this entry perhaps just a list of what is on my mind would be good. It might increase the chance of at least SOMEthing getting posted by me.

• I've been given a firm date for my eye surgery: 04 Dec 2008 @ 0730. SCARY!!!
• I am now less than 12 months from the end of my DTRA tour (if I don't, or can't, extend). SCARY!!!
• My son drives...everywhere...all the time...and he likes it. SCARY!!!
• My daughter is going to be an actual teenager in only a few days over three months. SCARY!!!
• Kieran has (We have) been filling out reams and reams of college application and financial assistance paperwork. SCARY!!!
• My Thrift Savings Plan has lost a nearly 37% of its value since 31 Dec 2007. SCARY!!!
• The weather is getting cold, fast...they say this is going to be an especially harsh winter. SCARY!!!
• I have my annual Russian language tests coming up in a few weeks. SCARY!!!
• People at Church keep assuming I know what I am doing, just because I am in the Bishopric. SCARY!!!
• The Church trusts me to handle and account for the Lord's funds. SCARY!!!
• Angelina is going to kill me if I don't publish something to our blog this week. SCARY!!!
• I am preparing for my next trip...going to Romania, going to visit Dracula's castle. SCARY!!!

There are at least another seven things that are really scary to me right now, but I think I will perhaps keep them to myself for the time being. There IS something known as TMI, particularly in such a public forum. That will have to be all for now... More later...

Okay....so it's Monday......

Sunday was a busy day at our house. Scott got home from church around 2, which is kinda early really. We had lunch, then we watched a little of our recorded television while we ate. The kids then had to get working on their homework. Saturday was a wash for them doing it, because Kieran had to work and Brenna was with her friend Molly all day. Brenna ran a mile run on Saturday. She did it in 9 m 30 s. Which is not bad for her. She was happy with it. The corn maze youth event that they were going to do for church was canceled because it was raining. So they played glow in the dark volleyball at the chapel. Any who, both kids had to finish their homework on Sunday. Brenna had a political poster to do and Kieran had to finish his essays for his college applications. By the way, Kieran is a Questbridge finalist. This means he is in the running for a full ride scholarship to his Questbridge college selection, which is Stanford. He'll know in about 6 weeks if he is selected. Kieran's academic meet was canceled last week, rescheduled for this Thursday at a different high school. He's ready to get started. Brenna had a good week at school. She had a field trip to the Air and Space museum on Thursday. She liked the trip. Scott conducted at church for the first time yesterday. He was a little nervous. He says he wasn't, but he was. He really didn't do to bad. He'll get better the more he does it, though. Our family history teacher was not at church yesterday, so we just visited. I was working on the new program that Scott got me. It's called Legacy. It's really cool, but I really could use a manuel. They are mailing it to me, so I have to wait. In the meantime I did something stupid. I deleted me. Yes there is no Angelina Rebecca Castillo in my family line. I'll just have to add me I think. I'll figure it out. The rest of the family is fine. Orion is enjoying the fall leaves blowing around. He loves chasing them in the back yard. Tchai is totally enjoying watching Six. He is fascinating to watch. A snake really wouldn't be the number one pet on my list, but he is interesting. As long as he remains in the terrarium. Well I guess I'll sign off for now. Happy Halloween Everyone. We'll be at the church for Halloween, you know Trunk or Treat. And I'm determined to win the best decorated car for a second year. Again we miss all of you. Hugs to everyone..........

Well... Hello.

Hey world, another week by, another week i post. This past week, i will admit, was pretty cool. My english teacher called home (no i wasn't in trouble no matter how bad you want me to be!) it was a good thing. yes, a good thing. she was calling about good things i have done in the past week, like actually taking time to memorize one of the poems she posted online, and things like that. and i am getting good grades in math.. and i just realized i left my math folder at graham park... i need it at potomac... crap. Anyways! Now it is Monday... yeah, it took me an entire day to write a sentence -_-' . Well, thank goodness I didn't need that folder. I had a busy day on Saturday. In the morning I ran a mile with my friend Molly and her little brothers Hank and Ernie (well... Henry and Ernest... but hey.) In the rain! It was fun! and oh my gosh, the last person to finish the mile, was this little boy, he was around 5 maybe 6 years old, and he was using a walker! He was surrounded with like 20 marines that were running with him... it was such a touching moment! Then, that evening we went and played games at the church instead of doing the corn maze because of the rain. It was SO MUCH FUN, we played volleyball and two different types of tag in the Dark, the only way you could see other people is because we all had a glow stick on our wrist! and then me, Deena, Molly and Jared got REALLY REALLY HYPER!!!!!!!! It was awesome! And Jared climbed out a window, it was a small one too... Anyways, On Thursday we went to the Air and Space Museum for a field trip, that was fun ^.^ I better go and do my hw... Okaasan will get mad if i don't.... She is picking up Otousan right now. Ani is on his way home... and the Inu (dog) just threw up... >_< give me one second... alright. I just had to pick that mess up... So yes. I got to go. Until Next week! ~AnimeTink-chan

The Old Man Speaks...

Another seven days, and what do I get, Another week older and deeper in debt, St Peter don't call, 'cause I can't go... I owe Peter, who I borrowed from to pay Paul, And I owe Paul for the money he lent me to pay Mary... (I am talking sleep debt…I am going to go narcoleptic soon!!) I have yet to feel like I am even starting to get ready to begin to maybe think about possibly returning to this time zone, even though I have now been back as long as I was gone. I go to bed at a decent time each night, and though I occasionally take a few minutes to turn off my brain, in general I am in bed/asleep the proper amount of time. But I have not woken up feeling refreshed, or that I got enough sleep for…well…forever. I usually don’t have a lot of trouble (if any) getting up to go to work, I just do so in somewhat of a fog.. I admit that Sunday are going to be a bit hard. I don't begrudge the Lord, or his Church, my time, talent and efforts, I just am going to miss the family time that really only happens on Sunday. Every other day is filled with school, and homework, and chores, and this, and that, and the other thing. Sunday mornings are going to be fun...I had to be a Church before 6:00am this morning...and I found out that I will have to be at Church before 6:00am every Sunday...and it was WAY hard to get out of bed when my body knew, somehow just KNEW that is was Sunday, and not a weekday, and to make matters worse... - First, it was COLD this morning...I haven't switched on the central heat yet. - Second, I just could NOT fall asleep last night. - Third, I woke up more than once during the less than five hours I was actually “asleep”. I know, “Waaaaah!” - I woke up SO tired! Unfortunately this is becoming my theme song as of late. Okay, so that is all for this post... Sorry it is so short. More later...

There's a chill in the air....

Hello Everyone....yes there is definitely a chill in the air today. I had to borrow my son's suit jacket at church because the building was so cold. We're going to have to put the blankets on the beds soon. I really don't like the cold. But then we live in Virginia and it does get cold here. It was a not so busy week on some things. We went to "Touch Base" at Kieran's school on Friday. All the teachers just thought Kieran was "an awesome kid", "wonderful", "I want a classroom full", "Great Kid". Him being well liked by teachers has never been a problem, but we have discovered that the boy has a definite problem getting assignments turned in. He does the work, he takes it to class, but then fails to turn it in. I have to admit he is getting better about turning it in, but there is still a small amount of "not handed in" or "NHI" as they are commonly referred to. Brenna played her flute at Forest Park High School on Friday. Graham Park Middle School played with the High School band at the beginning of the game and then they stayed and watched them perform at half time. She may want to join band next year after all. She's still not sure yet. But if she joins band, there is a huge time committment. Not only from her, but from the parents too. Both kids are doing well in school. Kieran's first meet for the academic team is Thursday. I'll let you know how it went. Brenna has "doodle club" this week. Kieran has a field trip to the National Art Museum. And we need to finish the financial application portion of Kieran's Stanford application. Boy is that time consuming. I'll share next week, how it went. Tchai, Orion and Six are all doing well. Enjoying life. Everyone enjoy your up coming week. We miss you all and you are always in our prayers. Till next time we chat......Me

Mickey For President (Or K's thoughts for this week)

"Islands in the stream" of consciousness "that is what we are". (The song that is currently running through my head, and I don't even particularly care for country music.) The past week was not majorly game-changing. My parents had an opportunity to talk to my teachers on Friday; the thing about having a name like "Kieran" is that as soon as my parents say it, teachers know exactly who they are talking about. The other frightening thing is the fact that several teachers recongize, RECOGNIZE, my parents before they even introduce themselves! This in and of itself is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand my teachers look out for me, and on the other they look specifically for me. (hopefully that makes sense) Fall is fast approaching, and it is the time of year for sweaters. What else is there....Oh yeah, the siginificance of the title. I watched the final debate this week, and I continue my position as an Independent believer that neither party is currently representing my 17 year old opinions, which I would like to believe are slightly more mature than most 17 year old opinions. Anyway, I googled "Mickey for President" recently, and there acutally is a reasonably strong following for voting "none of the above" this year. (Side note...a fair percentage of Thai voters acutally vote this way) The idea is that if enough people vote Mickey Mouse for president, then it would have to be reported, and it would, hopefully, have a sobering effect on whichever candidate did win. I can't vote for president until 2012, and I can' acutally fix things until 2028. Such is life. I am going to attempt (again) to ask out a girl at school, this time being up front about the totally platonic nature of the question. There is a corn maze activity on saturday, and it should be a good opportunity. Readers, please wish me luck. I figure that after the first successful "ask her- she says yes- she comes- she enjoys- we have a goodtime" chain of events, then subsequent attempts at asking others will come slightly easier. And just to put some academic zip-a-dee-do-dah into this blog:

• Physics=Electricity and Circuits (Actually somewhat fun)
• Government= Federalism (as fun as history can be)
• English= Cantebury Tales (TBD)
• Engineering Drawing=Reverse Engineering (Harder than it seems!)
• Multimedia= Flash (always a joy)
• Seminars= Aestetics (heavy stuff defining art and beauty)

LOL (Lots of Love) {How Cheezy} K

Hey World. I'm back (i know, you just missed me terribly)

Hey Everyone. Well, today hasn't been my day... not only did okaasan and i have a major argument (over something really minor) that somehow ended up with me in tears, we were also rushing to get to church for my orchestra practice, to find out my flute wouldn't play! so i sat there doing nothing... really sucks. So as i ponder the wonders of the world. Just wasn't the best day for most of us i think. Halloween is coming up... I really have no idea what to type right now though.. Isn't much to tell. Although we did go on a flying trip yesterday on some of those really small, four seater planes. That was FUN, like, incredibly. Not only that, i got to fly the plane!! for like three to five minutes!!! it was amazing. and no, i did not crash (how the heck would i be typing this if i crashed?!?) I had to keep reasurring my bff that i wasn't going to crash. and my other bff (she didn't have headphones on, there was only one pair back there) didn't even know i was flying until later!! it was so cool. I wish i could do it again, and just like keep flying in one direction forever. That would be awesome. I thought of a quote i made earlier. I think i made it a while back but it just really came to mind today. here it is- "Time keeps us going, Love makes us stop. Stopping is never a bad thing." It is true. To me at least. I mean, life is short. That much is true. So, we rush through things so that we can say we did that in our life time. However, when you find that one special person (not like i have yet, but, this is in my opinion of what i think would happen) You actually take the time to examine the world. You realize true beauty and find hope in things you do. Stopping never is a bad thing. The world may keep going, but contrary to many beliefs, you don't have to keep up with it. I say, let the world go two generations ahead of you. Let everyone else say, you are way out of date. Because at least you can reply, At least i know i am fully enjoying my life and finding joy in many more things than you. Hey, just my thoughts. Got to go, Sayonara! ~AnimeTink-chan

Kombowa! AnimeTink-chan here!

Konnichiwa once again to those who have decided to take time reading this (Arigatou all). Well, Okaasan (okaasan means mother, i am in a Japanese mood today :D) told everyone i had a bad day, so i guess i will say why. We are doing this project on the presidential candidates okay? and most people are either doing Barack or John (Obama or McCain, whatever) well, my luck of the draw, i became one of (or the only one) doin third party, aka Ralph Nader. If that isn't bad enough, on Thursday we were supposed to turn in the outline of our papers and (i hate outlines -_-') i had a question on my conclusion for my outline. Since this was the case, i did everything on my outline except my conclusion. This was because the conclusion had to have whether and why you supported or was against your candidate, well, i don't give a dang. I say we throw all the candidates in a trashcan and get some new ones! or vote for mickey mouse... either or. so on Thursday i asked my teacher what i was supposed to do and she told me. Well, when i asked if i could turn it in the next day so i could finish my conclusion, she said the highest score i could get was a 76 C! and well, i had to turn it in the next day... tells you what i got on my outline (at most) T_T. Not to mention i missed half of lunch working on said outline before class, had to finish my history hw during history class, etc etc... (basically, very bad day.) so i will say it again, I HATE OUTLINES. You know what i don't like? Messed up teachers. Take my english teacher for example. She can be telling you that you will get a C on a (stinkin, rottin) outline, and be perfectly nice about it! She can be an awesome teacher and still be giving you bad grades in such a way that you don't even realize it until you are out of the classroom! Or my science teacher, oh my goodness he scares me! (though i think i scare him more...) That teacher can be joking and smiling at one kid and at the EXACT SAME TIME, be yelling his head off at another. Silly... scares... me.... i try not to get on his bad side. Otherwise, i am doing fine. Basketball is fun, not my favorite sport (don't think i have one...) but it is fun to play with my friends (Especially since this isn't at school...) i am rambling again... there is so much more i could talk about but... i will another day (maybe...) Otousan (father) is finally home! i am so glad... ya think i would be used to this by now.. i guess i am but still... Ani (older brother) helps me when chichi (another way to say father) is gone so... do you know haha is another way to say mother in japanese? I realize that now that Ani is 17, and that he can drive, i am now (i always have been) the kodomo (child) of the kazuko (family) anyways, Sayonara! ~Anime Tink-chan

The Old Man Speaks...

My first real Sunday in the Bishopric - - Today I sat on the Stand as a full member of the Quantico Bishopric. It was Fast and Testimony Meeting since last week was General Conference. I found out that my Sunday mornings are supposed to start at 0600 each week, not 0700 as I thought (and the time I arrived at the Chapel this morning). The members already treat me like I have been in the position for ages...either they trust the position or they trust the man (maybe a little bit of both?). I accepted gray envelopes, did Recommend interviews, assisted in a setting apart...all as if I had the slightest clue what I was doing! My first full day back after my trip - - I returned from my 'round the world in 8 days whirlwind yesterday. Doing all 25 time zones in 8 days is not, I repeat NOT something I am itching to do again any time soon. I moved 4 hours to the west last Friday; I moved another 6 hours (7 time zones) further west on Sunday morning, and a further 2 Monday afternoon. Wednesday moved us another 2 in the same direction and Friday moved us another 6. And finally, yesterday (Saturday) we returned home, 4 additional time zones westward. I have absolutely NO idea where my body THINKS it is right now. - The time warp wasn't the only thing tiring about this trip. When we landed at Novosibirsk on Wednesday, the Maintainers discovered a bent part in the starboard flap mechanism, downing the plane. A LOT of phone calls and coordination later, we were still unsure how long it would be before a replacement part could be delivered and installed; we feared it could have been 3-4 days before the part, which was sitting in Offutt, NE, would make it out to the middle of Siberia. Fortunately "the system" kicked into high gear and the part was hand-delivered Friday morning at 0500 and we were fixed and off the ground by 1100. My twenty-first Anniversary - - It is hard to believe that yesterday marked 21 years since Angelina and I ran off to a small, out of the way chapel on the shores of Lake Tahoe to get married. Who would have thunk that we would have lasted this long?! And of course that means MORE than 21 years in the Navy. Ten duty stations and major schools, two children and a few pets later and here we are. I am not always sure where "here" is...but that IS, in any case, where I am. Okay, that is all for now... More later....

World of K

-->We live in a world that gives Saturday Night Live way too much ammunition. The fact that SNL commentary on the election has permeated my government class is proof enough of this fact. My posts on this blog are definitely stream of consciousness. So, I went to homecoming stag, and it turned out all right. Evidently I was born in the wrong decade, though, because the way that teenagers dance is not dancing IMHO (in my honest opinion). Whatever my personal thoughts are, it is the consensus of the student body that these dances are too controlled by teachers and security. I have half a mind (I've lost the other half, please send it express if you find it) to file a complaint with the administration on behalf of my peers, and they've offered me support. I don't know how well it will go, but we'll see. -->A lot of girls that I want to ask out seem to think that it is virtually impossible for a guy and girl to have a platonic relationship. What I've been having a hard time getting across is this: When I "ask you out" I am simply asking one of my friends if they want to hang out, the fact that you are a girl is secondary. That isn't to say that I'm not going to treat you accordingly, but it means that I don't have ulterior motives. And I'm also having a big problem with the feminist movement. I have girls jumping down my throat for common courtesy things like opening doors. So I've resigned to a "if it bothers you, I won't do it" mentality. I don't know if its right, but hey...such is the way of things. -->And that train took entirely too long. For all those who weren't aware, I ended up on CSPAN the other day. My AP Gov class took a trip to DC to participate in a show that comments on the state of politics. The topic was the presidential debate, and I was able to ask the last question. I asked about whether there should be more questions about the personality of the man getting elected, as opposed to the oft-rehearshed rhetoric of their policies. -->That last one wasn't too bad, huh? Verbosity (fun word) is a phase with me, and you seem to have found me in one. Otherwise, things are pretty good. My Disneyphilia continues, so at least one thing is right in the world. I have two more field trips coming up, details to be posted. The Disney Store is taking pre-orders for WALL-E, and as soon as I get behind the register again, I've made a goal of selling at leat 3 a day. That should catch everybody up thus far. I close with the word's of Walt Disney, and my new axiom: "Why be a governor or a senator when you can be king of Disneyland?" -K

Another Sunday.....by Me

Hello Everyone! Another Sunday had come and gone. Scott got home late yesterday. He looked so tired. The kids and I went to the commissary before we went to pick him up. We bought a pumpkin. And it was only $4.50. Which for here isn't a bad price. Next door at the pumpkin patch next to the exchange they were selling them for $12.00. Pricey buggers. Anyway, we picked up Scott and just hung out the rest of the evening. Kieran went to his homecoming dance. He looked very sharp in his suit. He wore a blue shirt, which brought out the blue in his eyes. Very handsome. Said he had a good time. But I guess you might be reading about it from him. The week was busy. Kieran had a field trip on Thursday to the Newseum. His class got to participate in a program called Up Close on CSpan. Kieran even had the opportunity to ask a question. The last one as a matter of fact. It was interesting watching the kids ask the panel questions about the debates. They are very informed students. Kieran had a couple of Academic Team practices. They have a meet in a couple of weeks. School is going okay for Kieran. Brenna had one particularly bad day. Things just weren't going her way. But she recovered okay. She is playing on the church basketball team. I'm glad that she is having fun. She's not the best shot, but she does give it a 100 percent. Her Drawing club met for the first time. She loves it. Not too much instruction, but it gives everyone the opportunity to draw and visit with other kids. Kieran calls in the doodling club. School is going okay for Brenna too. As for me, did a lot of picking up of the house. I promised Scott that I would pick up the mess in the dining room. It's been covered with all my projects for about 10 months now. It's not like we use it, but I did promise. Now there is only one project out at a time. And currently it has the pictures and pins for our disney wall. Also there is a Mickey puzzle on the floor that needs to be fixed because Tchai had a blast sliding all over it and thus dismantling it. Needless to say, I was perturbed. Oh well, I did want an active cat. He's sleeping on Orion's pillow right now. Scott has been home from church for a few minutes. I'm not liking this calling he has to much right now. Not only has it changed his schedule, but it pretty much missed up my life and schedule. It's funny, I normally handle change very well, heck the Navy moves us every 3 or 4 years. But this church calling of his has totally put my life into chaos. I guess I need time to adjust. A lot more time. We got a busy week. Kieran has to work on his Stanford application, he has a field trip too. Brenna has her first meeting of the yearbook club this week. The kids have a youth temple trip on Tuesday. The first Touch Base of the school year is on Friday. The high school gives parents the opportunity to visit all their students teachers and check on how they are doing. Scott and I like the chance to meet Kieran's teachers. This week, I'll be the first to post. Everyone have a great week. We love you all and we miss you guys too. Till next time......

The Old Man Speaks...

Here is a random entry of random thoughts that I may or may not get to post in a timely manner. It is Wednesday morning, 08 Oct 2008, 0515 in the morning, Ulan Ude, Russia time (Greenwich +9 hrs).

Does this make our blog worldly?

To give you an idea of what this job can do to you physically and psychologically, allow me to share a taste of the time line of this Mission for you. This trip started Friday morning (03 Oct) and will end Sunday afternoon (12 Oct). In those 10 days I will have traveled around the world, though all 25 time zones (yes, there are 25, if you don’t know why, Google it). Anyway, just to give you an idea of what is happening to our circadian rhythms, since Ulan Ude (next to Lake Baikal) is 13 hours ahead (later) than my home, if normal sleeping hours for Monday night in Ulan Ude were 11pm to 6am, that would be going to bed at 10am and getting up at 5pm Washington, D.C. time. My body absolutely refuses to adjust that fast. So… I am missing my family terribly. I have gotten used to being away, but at the same time will never, could never, get used to leaving. Such is the life a Sailor.

I love the Navy, but sometimes the Navy is a demanding master.

As has been mentioned, I was called to be Second Counselor in the Quantico Ward Bishopric. The timing is rather complicated…, being called just days before leaving for this trip. There was/is MUCH to be done, and I am not there to do any of it. I hope this does not become just one more thing for me to fail at. I’d like to think that the Lord would not set me up for failure, but I know He sets us up regularly to “grow”. If a tree grows properly it will be strong, yet flexible; if it does not, it will fall or snap during the first storm, at the slightest adversity.

…I really don’t want to end up as driftwood.

I continue to be SO proud of my children. They both have extremely full schedules, in and out of the schoolhouse, and are thus far keeping on top of their lives quite well. I know that it seems to them that all they ever do is go to school, do homework and attend Church activities, but they are taking it all in stride and keeping a good attitude. I just wish I were around more to support them and encourage them and wrap my arms around them. As Kieran is fond of reminding me…

“If life were easy, it wouldn’t be hard”

Angelina seems to have most things at home well in hand…as she usually does. Operating in single parent mode is hard enough without having to switch it on and off a dozen times a year. She is amazing. I love her and appreciate her in countless ways (which is not to say she isn’t a pain in the derrière on a regular basis, as well…but that is another post…although I must admit publicly that I am probably more of pain to her than she is to me…probably). Unfortunately, that is going to be it for this rambling…perhaps I will be able to write more at some point… More later….

K over the last few weeks

I missed a week, bummer days! Anyways the last 14 days have seen my dad leaving, again. It also has been marked by a girl taking four days to tell me that she does not want to go to Homecoming with me. Oh well, :) her loss. I think I'm going to ask another girl though. Everybody cross your fingers. Worst case scenario is I'll go to homecoming solo. Which isn't actually all that tragic. Also I have taken by SAT Subject tests. I signed up for Math II and Physics, but upon inspection of the Physics sample problems, and noticing that they made my scalp even more itchy, I decided against it, and took English Literature instead. My AP exam last year was marked by a 4, and that was with not finishing all my essays. I am confident that a completed essay would have led to a 5. Anyway...other things that are new....there's more I know it. Oh yeah... I'm number 4 in my AP Physics class, and I am becoming quite successful in Academic Team. I am enjoying government; having the teacher that I do is really good for me. I'm making final arrangements for the next step in my life, and boy is it tough. I'm crossing my fingers for Stanford, bringing the kind of style that only I can bring. Actually most of the schools I'm applying to are in california. USC, Berkley, Stanford, etc. I am always tired nowadays, but such is the way of a High School student. Otherwise things are going good. All the Best to all of my engrossed readers :) Love, K

Well... another week gone... 'Ello, it's Tink.

Hello world and all who inhabit it (or at least those who are deciding to read this thing, special hellos to you all) another week gone by and i'm still alive! (well it is something to be thankful for isn't it?) anyways, well as 'Me' as told you, i gave a speech on thursday, but she made a tiny mistake, last minute they had another eighth grader go up with me, but his speech wasn't as long as mine... none of them were.... and yes, i was scared, my entire body was shaking while i was up there! I felt like i was going to collapse at any minute... 'Me,' mom, whichever, also told you guys about wednesday and my flute playing, i played "I'll Try" by Jonatha Brook[?] from Peter Pan 2. Awesome song. I'm also trying to take back up the piano, i am trying to learn how to play a nine page song that a friend of mine (she is in high school) from our church played on Wednesday, it is called Cristofori's Dream and i have already memorized the first page... i started yesterday. Very cool sounding song. Gosh i hate homework... drives me nuts.. anyways, i am drawing as always, and being bored out of my mind. Ya know, i have no idea what i am doing this week... let's see, signet tomorrow instead of band... what else? um... school, school, school... am i doing anything but school this week? i don't remember... man am i out of it, went to bed around 11, 12, woke up at 10 am... haven't had much sleep at all since school has started, i don't think any of us have... well, i better get off, i am rambling again -_-' got to stop doing that... Sayonara! ~TinkerBell

It's Me

Another week has gone by. Scott left on Friday. So far, so good for nothing happening. Maybe this will be a trip with no curse in action. One can hope. Scott of course will be gone for Kieran's birthday and our anniversary. Nothing totally new for our family. As my Dad likes to say, "You weren't issued with his seabag." Kieran wants to go to Fuddruckers for his birthday, so Brenna and I will be taking him. As for our anniversary, Kieran has training that day. He is going to be an election page, and they have 2 hours of training. He is really enjoying his government class. He'll be going to the Newseum on Thursday. He received his second academic letter on Friday. School is going okay for him. Brenna is doing well. She had to give a speech at the pep rally on Thursday. It was about bullying. She was one of 4 who gave speeches. One sixth grader, two seventh graders and her, the only eighth grader. She told me she was nervous, but she did well. She also player her flute at the Young Women in Excellence program at church on Wednesday. She sounded great. I also presented my jalapeno plant and made salsa with my peppers. It was a nice evening. The girls presented me with flowers and thanked me for being there. I'll really miss having that calling. Orion, Tchai and Six are all doing fine. Tchai truly enjoys watching Six. In the morning when Six is the most active Tchai is right there waiting for any opportunity to get his paws in the tank. I think he really wants the crickets that are in the tank. It's starting to get cooler here. I've been wearing long pants all week. When I take Orion outside I can see that the leaves are starting to turn. I really don't care for winter here. I don't care for the cold. Fall is pretty, but raking leaves is not fun. Thank goodness that the trees are far enough away from the house that we don't get gobs of leaves. We do need to check by the basement because leaves do blow and clog our drainage system to the basement. Orion likes to chase the leaves that blow around the backyard. It's funny watching this 100 lb. dog chasing leaves. Well I better go. Scott called and he's on his way into Russia, he's been in Alaska these past couple of day. Cold. Be good everybody, and hugs to everyone.....