Nicholas Taylor

May 16, 2011

This kid is still growing like a weed! Here's a snapshot of Nicholas as he nears the end of this 8th grade year:

Likes: video games, Warhammer, Nerf guns, Legos, soccer, reading, singing, Star Wars, chess, spicy food, history, science, Mountain Dew, Cherry Coke, Doug's cooking
Dislikes: attending his sisters' activities, running, homework, football, shopping, Justin Beiber, taking out the trash

His best friends: Ryan, Robbie, Colin, Nolan, Edward
His future goal: Attend Cal Poly

My favorite thing about him? He's still probably the most affectionate kid I know. Even as a big, tough-looking 8th grader, he still loves his mama, and he's not embarrassed to let others know. His mama loves him, too: )

Garfield PTC

May 16, 2011

Hard to believe, but my stint as a Board Member of Garfield's Parent-Teacher Club is coming to an end. I have been a part of this organization for the past several years--since my oldest (who is now graduating) was in 1st grade. I have served a few different positions over the years, ones that I felt I could take on as a working mom. I have been Historian, Parlimentarian, and Past Board Member each at least a couple of times, rotating every two years. Each of these positions allowed me to continue working with this group of women who are motivated and dedicated to supporting our school and our children in every way possible. Along the way, I have made good friends and gained real respect for the hours and hours these women pour into volunteering on behalf of the Garfield teachers and kids.

Some of this year's PTC Board: Krysty, Tammi, Jenn, Stacy, me, Teri, Kim, and Principal Jessica Mele

Happy Mother's Day

May 16, 2011

We spent Mother's Day at our second annual Mother's Day gathering at Lisa and Larry's house. Doug's whole family was there for lunch, and of course, pictures.

Hairspray Opening Night

May 15, 2011

Last weekend was the opening of Buchanan's production of "Hairspray." Bree plays Shelly, one of the Council kids. It was so much fun seeing all the hard work and effort of all the kids pay off--the production was really entertaining! Doug and I went with Lisa and Larry, Courtney and Justin, and Nicholas and Danielle. Despite a few audio hiccups in the show, it was a great opening night.

Kyle, Bree, Aaron, Shelby, Austin, Marlowe, Cody, and Dhan after the show
Shelby and Bree
Julie Andrews (drama teacher) and me
Bree and Cassie
Maddie and Bree
Lena and Alberto
Skye and Kyle
Council partners
Nicole, Bree, Shelby, Marlowe, and Austin
Nicole and Austin

Pamela Henri and the Big Boss Band

May 15, 2011

My very dear friend Alicia is a fantastic singer, and recently she got the opportunity to join Pamela Henri and the Big Boss Band. We also found out that our good friend Dave, who is an awesome musician, is playing keyboards for the same band. When they played a Big Barn party not long ago, Doug and I and a few of our friends went out to support our friends and rock out. The band was a fun cover band that played 80s tunes (plus some more contemporary stuff, but you know I'm a big fan of the 80s!) and I loved getting to see our friends doing what they love!

Rosa, Alicia, and me

Doug, me, and Dave
Jim, Rosa, Alicia, Doug, and me
Go, Alicia! Rock it, Sister!
My buddy Dave
Pamela Henri and Alicia

Like Brother, Like Sister

May 15, 2011

Earlier this year when Nicholas started track for the first time, Danielle expressed an interest, too. Since Brother did shot put, and since she's a very strong little girl, she figured that would suit her, too. This is her first track meet ever. She made a very good showing and got to hang out with a few of her good friends who were also competing in the event. I just love how willing she is to try new things. She wants to be involved in everything!

When a Game is Not Really a Game

May 12, 2011

There's a scene in the novel The Grapes of Wrath where thousands of farmers have migrated to California to seek employment. There are only jobs enough to accomodate a fraction of the workers, and the pay rate for those available jobs is a mere pittance--not enough to adequately care for a family. When the workers attempt to stage a protest, they are cast aside without regard, since there are would-be employees so desperate that they are even willing to work for a smaller wage, despite knowing it's not enough; it is, in fact, inhumane. It gives the employers a sense of power to be able to say, "You'll take whatever we decide to offer, and like it, too, because there's plenty more behind you who would be grateful to step in your shoes."

Here's the thing, though: that kind of power can change the way people operate. It makes them begin to manipulate situations to their own benefit (or for their own capricious whims), It makes them feel like they're playing a game to win. It makes them begin to see their employees as pawns in a chess match. It somehow allows them to distance themselves from the real live human beings they are affecting.

Being grateful for a job in this economy shouldn't mean having to simply accept whatever is being offered, even if it's unsatisfactory, even if it means no longer having a voice, even if it means not being respected as a professional, as an individual. It shouldn't mean being grateful because someone else might just be desperate enough to accept what, ultimately, isn't enough.

That's what I'm feeling like today.

More Funny Signs

May 11, 2011

'Cause we're all about animal safety here.When I buys jams, this is not exactly what I'm looking for.

Wake up and smell the coffee, people! Oh, and if you happen to know how to GET to fairyland, could you give me directions?

Authorized people, keep out!

I'm so glad we never ran into this sign when my kid was five. She would have made her best effort to ditch me, just to get that puppy.

Just for clarity....

Apology accepted.

How'd they get the sign to say it was broken if it's broken?

Man, those robots are hard-core about their work!

Funny Signs

May 11, 2011

Good to know all the options.

Dang it--too late!

Incognito. Very sly.

I'm putting this one up in my classroom.

We don't need no shools. Clearly.

I don't even want to know why it became necessary to post this sign.

For only twenty-ish dollars. Not bad. Kinda.

Do you think they're serious about this?

How much beer do you think was consumed before this sign was installed?

Wait, what?