Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones

So… Padawan Learner got in a fight with a tree [...]]]> Obi-Wan Kenobi: “If you spent as much time practicing your saber technique as you do on your wit, you would rival Master Yoda as a swordsman.”
Anakin Skywalker: “I thought I already did.”
Obi-Wan: “Only in your mind, my very young apprentice.”

Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones

So… Padawan Learner got in a fight with a tree Thursday night. This may surprise, you but the tree won. $1900 dollars and a week later and the old car should be back in fighting shape again. Let’s hope this little event reminds him to slow down and drive more carefully on snow-covered roads from now on. And people wonder why I hear Rainman’s voice in my head every time he tells someone, “I’m an excellent driver. “

I would like to take this moment (as I sit ignoring and being ignored by [...]]]> “No! Stop, Chewie, stop! Chewie! Chewie this won’t help me! Hey! Save your strength. There’ll be another time. The Princess. You have to take care of her. You hear me? Huh?” – Han Solo, Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back

I would like to take this moment (as I sit ignoring and being ignored by Dad Windu as we play with our new iPhones at Mullets) to tell you all how much I am enjoying my 3 day weekend.

Not being on my feet – glorious.
Not getting up at the crack of dawn to drag a sleeping teen out of bed – fabulous.
Not making my own coffee or breakfast – decadent.

I am completely looking forward to doing this again next weekend.

Oh, yes. I’m doing just fine with some hot chocolate and raspberry-flavored handmade marshmallows (not by my hands!). Mmmmmm.

Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones

While I was off in MN last weekend, my 2nd in command was so ill she was debating on whether or not to go to the ER. She sent a text to me saying as much… Which I received about [...]]]> OBI-WAN: “Well, you’ve lost him.”
ANAKIN: “I’m deeply sorry, Master.”

Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones

While I was off in MN last weekend, my 2nd in command was so ill she was debating on whether or not to go to the ER. She sent a text to me saying as much… Which I received about an hour after the store was supposed to open.

After much fan-dangling from afar, the store opened 1.5 hours late. You’d have thought the world was going to stop selling all clothing at noon that day. Our neighbors have informed us that our customers were banging on their doors wanting to know, “WHERE ARE THEY?”

It’s nice to be loved.

I have been watching, on and off, The Universe on demand from Netflix this week (thank you awesome internet-ready Samsung TV and forced week of vacation!), and I have decided that when I grow up I’m going to be [...]]]> “And you, young Skywalker; we shall watch your career with great interest.” Chancellor Palpatine, Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace

I have been watching, on and off, The Universe on demand from Netflix this week (thank you awesome internet-ready Samsung TV and forced week of vacation!), and I have decided that when I grow up I’m going to be an astronomer. Then again, if I get back to watching Mythbusters I may decide to return to my earlier decision to be a Physicist. I think the fact that we only get one short ride on this rock is deeply unfair.

Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi

I just read about the new book, The Cult of LEGO, on Evil Mad Scientist. This has [...]]]> Bib: “Die Wanna Wanga!”
3-PO: ”Oh, my! Die Wanna Wauaga. We, we bring a message to your master, Jabba the Hutt.”
Artoo lets out a series of quick beeps.
3-PO: ”… and a gift. (to Artoo) Gift, what gift?”

Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi

I just read about the new book, The Cult of LEGO, on Evil Mad Scientist. This has my brother’s and my oldest nephew’s names written all over it.

Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi

After [...]]]> C-3PO: “I do believe they think I am some kind of god.”
Han Solo: “Well, why don’t you use your divine influence and get us out of this?”
C-3PO: “I beg your pardon General Solo, but that just wouldn’t be proper.”
Han Solo: “Proper?”
C-3PO: “It’s against my programming to impersonate a deity.”

Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi

After weeks, and a very intensive weekend, of being called some kind of retail goddess for managing the move and storage process while some work is being done at the store, it’s nice to just hang out at home for a few days – although my intial idea of a trip into Vancouver would have been even MORE wonderful. So I’ve got a few days off and I’ve returned to old habits.

• The original Star Wars trilogy is playing in the background while I catch up on housework, take down the last of the Halloween decorations, and get soup going on the stovetop.
• Snacks are being consumed in lieu of actual meals.
• Banking and bill paying is getting up to date.
• Repairmen and contractors are in and out of the house, finishing up loose odds and ends.
• Bob-cat is claiming my lap anytime I sit longer than 4 seconds.

It’s a nice change of pace after the last two weeks of ca. ra. zee in preparation for the next couple of weeks down at the store – and the up-coming holiday madness.

I hope you’re all having a great day as well.

Please forgive the crazy delay. I popped in today and noticed that my last post was on July 4th. A [...]]]> Obi-Wan: “Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs. No assassin will try that way. Any activity up here?”
Anakin: “Quiet as a tomb. I don’t like just waiting here for something to happen to her.”
Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones

Please forgive the crazy delay. I popped in today and noticed that my last post was on July 4th. A month and a half. Geez.

So, you see here’s the thing. I got a job. A full-time job. A really full-time, on my feet all day long on a concrete floor job. A this was supposed to be a part-time, up-to-20 hours a week, filler position job, but after six days spread out over two weeks I was offered the position of store manager on July 8. A full-time, at least 40 hours a week job. Well, holy cow. I said yes, took over on July 9, and it’s been a crazy rollercoaster ever since. Have I mentioned that it’s been way too many years since that kind of non-stop on-the-go activity has been a regular part of my life? I have learned a new level of both exhaustion and sore foot pain.

On the up side, I love this job. Love, love, love it. It’s fun, it’s positive, and it’s close enough to walk or bike to. The women I work with are fun and hardworking (a great combo), the challenges are enough to keep my brain pumping along, and the feedback from my employers and customers regarding the changes I’ve been implementing have been uniformly positive.

Many other things have been happening as well these past couple of weeks.

Padawan Learner turned 16 this summer, is driving around town by himself, started back to school at 5 out of the 8 periods (and is picking up a 6th period geometry class starting on Monday) and has been pleased with his newfound freedom. It’s a little weird, but we’re both enjoying the break from each other 24/7. He’s very 16, and I’m definitely a mom. Clashes have ensued. He’s talked about getting a job and working toward becoming independent sooner rather than later. It could be a good idea, but we’ll see how much effort he puts into meeting that goal. As you know quite well, there’s more to being a grownup than earning an income.

PL went to two different camps this summer, a week long half day parkour camp in Boulder. So PL got to participate in one of his most favorite activities ever AND we got to visit with our nephew who just moved into the area a few months earlier. I think he enjoyed our visit too since he was forced to learn first hand about lots of great restaurants in the area. PL also went to a week long overnight camp (his first experience with that type of program) for trampoline and double mini in Michigan, so Dad Windu and I were able to visit some old friends from different parts of Michigan – including some that we hadn’t been able to see for years.

To round the summer out, our niece married, rather unexpectedly but apparently happily, and we were all able to gather once again as an extended family (minus 3) for a long weekend. But it seems that with joy comes pain, and this weekend was no different – DW’s co-worker was in a motorcycle-car accident on the way home the same day we left for MI and was airlifted to a hospital near us. Thankfully he had on his leathers and a helmet (a rarity in Iowa). Still, he has two broken legs, a broken arm, and bleeding in the brain (now stopped), but he survived the first night (a major event) and is on the mend. He is such a sweetheart and such a fighter. I’ve been able to go sit with him in the mornings while his wife gets their four kids off on two different school busses (two hours apart!) so that he doesn’t have to wake up alone. The good drugs are giving us really fun conversations. It’s so nice seeing his bruises go down day after day, but it’s heartbreaking to see the pain that goes along with all the things that will ultimately make him better – multiple surgeries and their subsequent swelling most of all. Send any extra good thoughts along to JerBear.

So there you have it. Sorry for making you wait for an update.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away… It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star, an armored space station with enough power [...]]]> Opening title scroll

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away…
It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a
hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire.
During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the
Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star, an armored space station
with enough power to destroy an entire planet.
Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Princess Leia races home
aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her
people and restore freedom to the galaxy…

Star Wars IV: A New Hope

My ancestors, and many of yours, fought for the right of people residing in the former American Colonies to live freely. EVEN MORE of you enjoy this right despite the fact that NONE of your ancestors fought in the American Revolution. These brave men and women, girls and boys struggled, lived in deprivation, did without, and made do. It was the original American way. They were maimed, traumatized, or died – not merely for conservatives, moderates or liberals, not only for native-born residents or those who choose to become naturalized citizens, not only for people that followed the One True Faith (or any faith for that matter) – but for those who longed to find a better way.

They did not push a political agenda so much as claimed, wrestled for, and then ensured our right to self-government. Remember this the next time you’re tempted to claim your own ideals and goals as that which The Founding Fathers wanted. Remember too, that they did these things in large part for white, business- and land-owning males. The brave and idealistic men who put ink to paper and magazine to musket were not perfect; they did not have all the answers. We must continue to write, fight, argue and wrestle.

Happy 4th of July, everyone.

And yes, I am proud and pleased to be an American. I give special heartfelt thanks every year to Nathaniel, Ruth & Parmenas Dodd, Gamaliel & Susanna Crane, John & Lois Collis, Robert Bailey, and all the nameless others whom history has failed to remember.

Furthermore, if you don’t like the thoughts I’ve just expressed, the claims I’ve made or the words I’ve used, let me remind you that this is America where I have every right – some might say every responsibility – to suggest you bugger off and go fuck yourself. I’m done playing nice with prejudice.