HaPpY nEw YeAr!!! My new years goals are NO CANDY FOR A HOLE YEAR!!!!! wish me luck luck luck!! HaPpY nEw YeAr again!
♥Briannekirkby
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
this blew my mind...
so, sometimes i think non-scientists get a little too enamored with the theories that scientists espouse about the world or even about what is out there in broader space. journalists take a scientists theory, dumb it down, and go nuts with statements of certitude that were never vetted through scientific process. (think anthropogenic global warming, for one example). the end result is we end up with a general populace that are sometimes more misinformed because they tried to learn something about science from a journalist.
some people (read journalists) just want to believe that science has all the answers and that they can be distilled into a few lines of simple explanation.
the broader truth is that there is a heck of a lot about our own world, let alone broader space, that we have no clue about (yet).
the bloop is one example of this.
the bloop is a sound picked up on oceanic spy equipment (relics from the cold war) that has the "audio profile of a living creature", according to experts. the surprise is that any creature that could make such a sound would have to be many times bigger than a blue whale, the largest known creature on the planet.
there's something down there and it's big and we have no clue what it is or how it lives.
or maybe i'm just an example of a non-scientist grabbing a bit of data and taking the claim too far ;)
in any case it's kinda cool to think about. it's the kind of thing you would see as an opening scene of a sea monster movie. some grizzled old sea captain on a research ship with a bunch of nerdy scientist off the coast of south america.
they get an audio signal and some nerdy scientist type starts freaking out "this thing would have to be big, really big, HUMONGOUS!".
the sea captain just stares ahead, narrows his eyes and simples says "ayup" leaving the impression that he knows something the scientists don't through a grand tradition of fable telling and good old fashioned intuition.
some people (read journalists) just want to believe that science has all the answers and that they can be distilled into a few lines of simple explanation.
the broader truth is that there is a heck of a lot about our own world, let alone broader space, that we have no clue about (yet).
the bloop is one example of this.
the bloop is a sound picked up on oceanic spy equipment (relics from the cold war) that has the "audio profile of a living creature", according to experts. the surprise is that any creature that could make such a sound would have to be many times bigger than a blue whale, the largest known creature on the planet.
there's something down there and it's big and we have no clue what it is or how it lives.
or maybe i'm just an example of a non-scientist grabbing a bit of data and taking the claim too far ;)
in any case it's kinda cool to think about. it's the kind of thing you would see as an opening scene of a sea monster movie. some grizzled old sea captain on a research ship with a bunch of nerdy scientist off the coast of south america.
they get an audio signal and some nerdy scientist type starts freaking out "this thing would have to be big, really big, HUMONGOUS!".
the sea captain just stares ahead, narrows his eyes and simples says "ayup" leaving the impression that he knows something the scientists don't through a grand tradition of fable telling and good old fashioned intuition.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Stake Christmas Fireside
Hi all! This is Liz. So many of us blog here lately, I feel I have to introduce myself :)
Tonight was our Stake Christmas Music Fireside. It was beautiful and filled with the spirit. I am on the stake music committee and was the director for some of the music pieces. It was fun being on the planning committee. We had each ward in the stake perform a special musical number. There were choirs, small groups, soloists, pianists, etc . . . We had a great turn out. The pews were packed and the chairs were full to half way to the back of the gym (in a Stake Center, that's pretty big).
Right before it began, the Stake President came to the stand and shook my hand to greet me. He asked me "are you singing tonight?" I said "No, not tonight. I'm leading some music is all." Apparently that was not the answer he wanted to hear and said "yes you are!" I said again shaking my head "no, not tonight". He said "yes. yes, you are. What is your favorite Christmas hymn?" I just looked at him stunned and said "Are you serious?" He smiled and nodded very seriously. I quickly scanned through the hymnbook Christmas section and came across "The First Noel". I remembered singing it a few years ago at our ward Christmas program and knew it was in my range. I told him my selection and he said "you and President Johnson can sing that at the end!" and he got up and asked the organist if he'd be willing to accompany us to The First Noel. ACK!!! Sure enough as we began the program, it was announced that President Johnson and I would be singing.
So towards the end of the program, President Johnson (the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency) and I got up and sang an impromptu rendition of The First Noel. He sang melody and I sang the alto harmony. It actually turned out quite nicely and I was honored to sing with him - he has a fabulous tenor voice. President Draper was pleased. Afterwards, I said to a friend "I should get a 'get out of a calling free' card for doing that!"
So if any of you have ever been called up at the last minute in a meeting to bear your testimony --- just be glad you didnt have to sing!
Tonight was our Stake Christmas Music Fireside. It was beautiful and filled with the spirit. I am on the stake music committee and was the director for some of the music pieces. It was fun being on the planning committee. We had each ward in the stake perform a special musical number. There were choirs, small groups, soloists, pianists, etc . . . We had a great turn out. The pews were packed and the chairs were full to half way to the back of the gym (in a Stake Center, that's pretty big).
Right before it began, the Stake President came to the stand and shook my hand to greet me. He asked me "are you singing tonight?" I said "No, not tonight. I'm leading some music is all." Apparently that was not the answer he wanted to hear and said "yes you are!" I said again shaking my head "no, not tonight". He said "yes. yes, you are. What is your favorite Christmas hymn?" I just looked at him stunned and said "Are you serious?" He smiled and nodded very seriously. I quickly scanned through the hymnbook Christmas section and came across "The First Noel". I remembered singing it a few years ago at our ward Christmas program and knew it was in my range. I told him my selection and he said "you and President Johnson can sing that at the end!" and he got up and asked the organist if he'd be willing to accompany us to The First Noel. ACK!!! Sure enough as we began the program, it was announced that President Johnson and I would be singing.
So towards the end of the program, President Johnson (the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency) and I got up and sang an impromptu rendition of The First Noel. He sang melody and I sang the alto harmony. It actually turned out quite nicely and I was honored to sing with him - he has a fabulous tenor voice. President Draper was pleased. Afterwards, I said to a friend "I should get a 'get out of a calling free' card for doing that!"
So if any of you have ever been called up at the last minute in a meeting to bear your testimony --- just be glad you didnt have to sing!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Book signing with Shannon Hale!
So, last Thursday, December 4, I got the opportunity to go meet Shannon Hale. She is my all time favorite author! I got all of the Bayern Books signed! I also got Princess Academy signed. These are my all time favorite books. If you haven't read them, Then I strongly recommend these books! The Goose Girl, Enna Burning, River Secrets, and Princess Academy. Also Shannon Hale is writing a Fourth book in the Bayern Series, Forest Born. When I told my mom about this, she thought I said Forest Porn...
Well anyway! I am soooo excited for the fourth book to come out in September of '09!!
♥ Brianne Kirkby
Well anyway! I am soooo excited for the fourth book to come out in September of '09!!
♥ Brianne Kirkby
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Willow Creek 7th Grade Secretary
So, I've decided that I'm gonna run for 7th grade secretary. WOO HOO!! And so, I need some good catch phrases for my posters. My mom thought of "You can look up to her" but, that's kinda cheesey. If I can't find a good one, I'll use hers, but I need your guys help. So, if you can think of a good one, make a comment on it! I also need a good idea for hand-outs, but it can't be food, so, if you could give me an idea for that too, that would be great!!
♥Brianne Kirkby
♥Brianne Kirkby
Monday, December 1, 2008
anthropogenic global warming
i am, and have been for a long time, a global warming skeptic. i'm going to try and find (or perhaps recreate) a post i made about 5 years ago on the topic that traced the history of some of the global catastrophe scares going back to the late 19th century.
but for now, i'll let this article say a lot of what i would.
but for now, i'll let this article say a lot of what i would.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
tag (for bk)
here are the rules:
-post who tagged you with a link to their blog
-post these rules on your blog
-write 10 random things about yourself!
-tag some friends!
my lovely wife, elizabeth kirkby, tagged me.
10 random things about me
1. people are surprised when they find out i'm a native texan. most people guess i'm from new york or chicago with mob connections. not sure why since there are plenty of mob connections to be had in texas. /shrug.
2. i plan on starting a world-wide cause to abolish capitalization. capitals are evil creations meant to supress creativity and exacerbate repetitive stress conditions. it's a well known fact that saddam hussein, benito musolini and adolph hitler all used capitals frequently. join my cause and FIGHT THE POWAH!!!11!one!
3. i sometimes make up causes just to be hypocritical.
4. i've recently gotten interested in getting fit. i stumbled across a secret, simple and effective fitness program that the sherpa in the mountains of tibet have been using for centuries. it's a two step program: 1) eat less! and 2) exercise!. i've lost weight, but my main goal is to compete in the olympics. i read that michael phelps eats up to 20,000 calories a day and i figured that's the kind of program i could get behind!
seriously tho, a long-term goal of entering a challenging physical competition is the only motivation that would really work for me since i'm not vain enough to consistently work out just to look good. (or maybe i'm so vain that i think i look good no matter what, i can't decide).
5. i'm a geek. i've been trying to share some of the richness of geek culture via this blog with my much acclaimed and award winning series "internet cultural studies". i first realized i was a geek back in jr. high school when i would read "lord of the rings" yearly and even joined a science fiction/fantasy book club trying to find stories as good as tolkien's (which i never did, btw). my geekhood was fully exposed, however, when we got our first computer and my brother and i would amuse ourselves by teaching ourselves how to program it.
we used to tell each other that we were going to "make geek cool". i'd say mission accomplished! our next goal is to tackle whirled peas (think "world peace" only easier to manage). i'll keep you updated on the progress.
6. i love my wife's smile. i also love her ability to cut through crap and get to the heart of the matter. i wouldn't say my wife is without tact, because tactless people aren't aware of their tactless nature, but my wife will often choose to forgoe tact in situations where others might deem it prudent.
my wife's smile and straight forward manner one time combined to create an embarrassing moment that's kinda funny.
our stake president (president draper) was speaking at our ward one time. he began his remarks, as he often does, by expressing his love for our ward and ward members. he personalized his devotion a bit by calling out people by name. he mentioned something about "sister kirkby's smiling face". i leaned over to my wife and said "is he hitting on you?!" and laughed at my slightly irreverent joke. my wife half-smiled and rolled her eyes at me (something i see a lot of).
later i was walking down the hall past president draper and he slaps me on the arm and says "HEY!" i greeted him "hullo president" and he looks me in the eye and sternly says "i was NOT hitting on your wife!"
i'm all "um.. wha? cha.. er..." then i composed myself and said "how did you HEAR that?!"
with a firm grip on my arm, he smiled and said "your wife told me." i stammered for a bit longer then sheepishly apologized while he was laughing the whole time at my discomfort.
so, yah, i love my wife's smile.
7. i'm very interested in economics. i realized my interest here was abnormal when i found myself, still in high school, reading college economic text books for fun. i sometimes wonder if i should have gone to school and studied economics instead of stumbling into the software development arena. anyone else who is interested in the subject, i recommend starting with "the road to serfdom" by f.a. hayek or anything by milton friedman.
8. i love kids. being the youngest of two, i was never around kids growing up and i was frankly more afraid of them than they were of me. especially babies. they seem so fragile and i was always afraid i was gonna break them. when i had kids of my own, i realized how bouncy they are and how much fun they can be. i love trying to figure out ways to make kids think and explore.
9. i like dogs even though i once had my earlobe bitten off by a german shepard.
10. i have a deep respect for people serving in the military. that respect is deepened by the fact that these people are serving in the military of the United States of America. our military, plainly and simply, is a force for good around the world.
anyone who tries to sell a line that America uses it's military for imperialist aims shows an appalling ignorance of history. if someone tries to get you to buy that bs, do them a favor and slap them upside the head while encouraging them to read up on the roman empire, portuguese empire, ottoman empire or even the british empire.
the overly paranoid argue that america uses it's military to further our interests around the globe and therefore this is "imperialistic." that's the beauty of america! our interests around the globe are furthered by spreading democracy and freedom into the dark places that reject these basic human rights. when your own interests are served by making sure the interests of others are served, i believe that's what we call a win-win scenario.
and while we are on this note, let me say a word or two about the iraq war. if someone tells you that we never should have gone into iraq, ask them what they thought about our military conquering of kosovo. more often than not, the same people who kvetch about iraq were enthusiastically supporting kosovo. we went into kosovo ONLY for humanitarian reasons while we went into iraq for three reasons: a) humanitarian, b) violation of un sanctions and c) saddam's iraq supported terrorism.
most opposition to the iraq war is simply partisan politics. the mantra is "say NO to war (unless my guy is in office)" and it's really not worth listening to.
now see what you've done? you got me rambling and now people are getting bored and wondering if i'm going to ever write about bella and edward again. so let that be the last random thought about me.
um, now i guess i'm supposed to tag some other people.
k, so i choose my wife's cousin mitzi mcbride cause hers is one of the few mom blogs in my reader and her husband runs(ran a?) marathons (which is cool).
and #2, i choose my sister-in-law katherine kenney because we have the same birthday (may 27th for those that want to send gifts) and i think she's training for a marathon (which is cool) but i'm not sure cause she won't answer my facebook questions.
-post who tagged you with a link to their blog
-post these rules on your blog
-write 10 random things about yourself!
-tag some friends!
my lovely wife, elizabeth kirkby, tagged me.
10 random things about me
1. people are surprised when they find out i'm a native texan. most people guess i'm from new york or chicago with mob connections. not sure why since there are plenty of mob connections to be had in texas. /shrug.
2. i plan on starting a world-wide cause to abolish capitalization. capitals are evil creations meant to supress creativity and exacerbate repetitive stress conditions. it's a well known fact that saddam hussein, benito musolini and adolph hitler all used capitals frequently. join my cause and FIGHT THE POWAH!!!11!one!
3. i sometimes make up causes just to be hypocritical.
4. i've recently gotten interested in getting fit. i stumbled across a secret, simple and effective fitness program that the sherpa in the mountains of tibet have been using for centuries. it's a two step program: 1) eat less! and 2) exercise!. i've lost weight, but my main goal is to compete in the olympics. i read that michael phelps eats up to 20,000 calories a day and i figured that's the kind of program i could get behind!
seriously tho, a long-term goal of entering a challenging physical competition is the only motivation that would really work for me since i'm not vain enough to consistently work out just to look good. (or maybe i'm so vain that i think i look good no matter what, i can't decide).
5. i'm a geek. i've been trying to share some of the richness of geek culture via this blog with my much acclaimed and award winning series "internet cultural studies". i first realized i was a geek back in jr. high school when i would read "lord of the rings" yearly and even joined a science fiction/fantasy book club trying to find stories as good as tolkien's (which i never did, btw). my geekhood was fully exposed, however, when we got our first computer and my brother and i would amuse ourselves by teaching ourselves how to program it.
we used to tell each other that we were going to "make geek cool". i'd say mission accomplished! our next goal is to tackle whirled peas (think "world peace" only easier to manage). i'll keep you updated on the progress.
6. i love my wife's smile. i also love her ability to cut through crap and get to the heart of the matter. i wouldn't say my wife is without tact, because tactless people aren't aware of their tactless nature, but my wife will often choose to forgoe tact in situations where others might deem it prudent.
my wife's smile and straight forward manner one time combined to create an embarrassing moment that's kinda funny.
our stake president (president draper) was speaking at our ward one time. he began his remarks, as he often does, by expressing his love for our ward and ward members. he personalized his devotion a bit by calling out people by name. he mentioned something about "sister kirkby's smiling face". i leaned over to my wife and said "is he hitting on you?!" and laughed at my slightly irreverent joke. my wife half-smiled and rolled her eyes at me (something i see a lot of).
later i was walking down the hall past president draper and he slaps me on the arm and says "HEY!" i greeted him "hullo president" and he looks me in the eye and sternly says "i was NOT hitting on your wife!"
i'm all "um.. wha? cha.. er..." then i composed myself and said "how did you HEAR that?!"
with a firm grip on my arm, he smiled and said "your wife told me." i stammered for a bit longer then sheepishly apologized while he was laughing the whole time at my discomfort.
so, yah, i love my wife's smile.
7. i'm very interested in economics. i realized my interest here was abnormal when i found myself, still in high school, reading college economic text books for fun. i sometimes wonder if i should have gone to school and studied economics instead of stumbling into the software development arena. anyone else who is interested in the subject, i recommend starting with "the road to serfdom" by f.a. hayek or anything by milton friedman.
8. i love kids. being the youngest of two, i was never around kids growing up and i was frankly more afraid of them than they were of me. especially babies. they seem so fragile and i was always afraid i was gonna break them. when i had kids of my own, i realized how bouncy they are and how much fun they can be. i love trying to figure out ways to make kids think and explore.
9. i like dogs even though i once had my earlobe bitten off by a german shepard.
10. i have a deep respect for people serving in the military. that respect is deepened by the fact that these people are serving in the military of the United States of America. our military, plainly and simply, is a force for good around the world.
anyone who tries to sell a line that America uses it's military for imperialist aims shows an appalling ignorance of history. if someone tries to get you to buy that bs, do them a favor and slap them upside the head while encouraging them to read up on the roman empire, portuguese empire, ottoman empire or even the british empire.
the overly paranoid argue that america uses it's military to further our interests around the globe and therefore this is "imperialistic." that's the beauty of america! our interests around the globe are furthered by spreading democracy and freedom into the dark places that reject these basic human rights. when your own interests are served by making sure the interests of others are served, i believe that's what we call a win-win scenario.
and while we are on this note, let me say a word or two about the iraq war. if someone tells you that we never should have gone into iraq, ask them what they thought about our military conquering of kosovo. more often than not, the same people who kvetch about iraq were enthusiastically supporting kosovo. we went into kosovo ONLY for humanitarian reasons while we went into iraq for three reasons: a) humanitarian, b) violation of un sanctions and c) saddam's iraq supported terrorism.
most opposition to the iraq war is simply partisan politics. the mantra is "say NO to war (unless my guy is in office)" and it's really not worth listening to.
now see what you've done? you got me rambling and now people are getting bored and wondering if i'm going to ever write about bella and edward again. so let that be the last random thought about me.
um, now i guess i'm supposed to tag some other people.
k, so i choose my wife's cousin mitzi mcbride cause hers is one of the few mom blogs in my reader and her husband runs(ran a?) marathons (which is cool).
and #2, i choose my sister-in-law katherine kenney because we have the same birthday (may 27th for those that want to send gifts) and i think she's training for a marathon (which is cool) but i'm not sure cause she won't answer my facebook questions.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
how obama got elected
one thing that was clear during this campaign was that the media was very instrumental in getting obama elected. there is a "cult of personality" around the man that makes it so many people refuse to see anything that might be of concern about him, no matter how true the point of concern may be.
i had a discussion right after the election with an obama supporter who emphatically told me "barak obama *IS* the greatest president of [his] lifetime!" this is a man who is 60 years old, teaches college and has considered himself an independent voter his whole life.
i was a bit shocked at his insistence about how great obama *IS* as a president since obama hasn't actually done anything yet (as president or even as senator or even as state senator).
in our conversation, my friend asked me what i thought about sarah palin whom he clearly didn't like and/or thought was a joke. i wasn't surprised because if you saw the media coverage of palin, you knew the media wasn't impressed with her. she appeared to have less than stellar performances in 2 interviews where the most unflattering excerpts were replayed tirelessly. i told my friend that i like palin because a) she has a huge record as a reformer against oil lobbyists and even against her own party in alaska and b) she wasn't a career politician or washington insider.
my friend looked pensive as if he had never thought about those things and then said puzzingly, "i wonder why they didn't really stress those points about her during the campaign?!"
"yeah, that's a very good question", i told him and waited for him to see the obvious. then i prodded him by asking "how were they supposed to get that message out?"
he immediately replied with an ethereal "they just need to say it and it'll get reported."
once again i was a bit shocked. clearly my friend hasn't learned to be skeptical of the media filter that gets applied to all issues (especially political issues) and as a result it was just puzzling to him why the republicans didn't stress sarah palins record as a reformer. the obvious to me is that it was the media who swept her record under the rug as they focused on things like her wardrobe and pregnant daughter.
i did get my friend to admit that the media did "seem to lean a bit for obama" which i considered to be a huge understatement but at least it was something to work with.
in that vein, there is a forthcoming documentary about this very issue entitled Media Malpractice... How Obama Got Elected. the trailer has to be seen to be believed. make sure to look at the zogby poll results as well.
(p.s. yes, i have concerns about an obama presidency based on his rhetorical record. you have to based any predictions of an obama presidency on his rhetorical record because he has no legislative record to speak of. his rhetorical record, however, should be a point of concern to everyone. i'll expound more on this subject in another post.)
i had a discussion right after the election with an obama supporter who emphatically told me "barak obama *IS* the greatest president of [his] lifetime!" this is a man who is 60 years old, teaches college and has considered himself an independent voter his whole life.
i was a bit shocked at his insistence about how great obama *IS* as a president since obama hasn't actually done anything yet (as president or even as senator or even as state senator).
in our conversation, my friend asked me what i thought about sarah palin whom he clearly didn't like and/or thought was a joke. i wasn't surprised because if you saw the media coverage of palin, you knew the media wasn't impressed with her. she appeared to have less than stellar performances in 2 interviews where the most unflattering excerpts were replayed tirelessly. i told my friend that i like palin because a) she has a huge record as a reformer against oil lobbyists and even against her own party in alaska and b) she wasn't a career politician or washington insider.
my friend looked pensive as if he had never thought about those things and then said puzzingly, "i wonder why they didn't really stress those points about her during the campaign?!"
"yeah, that's a very good question", i told him and waited for him to see the obvious. then i prodded him by asking "how were they supposed to get that message out?"
he immediately replied with an ethereal "they just need to say it and it'll get reported."
once again i was a bit shocked. clearly my friend hasn't learned to be skeptical of the media filter that gets applied to all issues (especially political issues) and as a result it was just puzzling to him why the republicans didn't stress sarah palins record as a reformer. the obvious to me is that it was the media who swept her record under the rug as they focused on things like her wardrobe and pregnant daughter.
i did get my friend to admit that the media did "seem to lean a bit for obama" which i considered to be a huge understatement but at least it was something to work with.
in that vein, there is a forthcoming documentary about this very issue entitled Media Malpractice... How Obama Got Elected. the trailer has to be seen to be believed. make sure to look at the zogby poll results as well.
(p.s. yes, i have concerns about an obama presidency based on his rhetorical record. you have to based any predictions of an obama presidency on his rhetorical record because he has no legislative record to speak of. his rhetorical record, however, should be a point of concern to everyone. i'll expound more on this subject in another post.)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
TAG
Here are the rules:
-Post who tagged you with a link to their blog
-Post these rules on your blog
-Write 10 random things about yourself!
-Tag some friends!
My friend Kim Brown down the street from me tagged me(y0 wut up Kim!). She has amazing kids and is my mentor in life (starting from the PTA days!). Thanks for tagging me Kim, it was good for me to spend some time thinking of these things. :)
10 Random Things I Love About Me
1. I am a great planner! I hesitate to claim that I am an “organized” person because if you saw my house you'd know that wasn't true. But I can plan great things . . . activities, parties, meetings, schedules. You name it – I'll plan it! It's what I love most about my current calling. I can plan all the RS activities and then delegate it out to a fabulous committee!
2. I've started exercising again. I get up at 7:15 (which is a totally reasonable time for me) and get in my workout clothes. Then the whole family gets up for scripture and prayer at 7:20, Brianne leaves for school at 7:30 and I leave for the gym. Brian helps Hannah get the other kids going and then drops off Hannah and Jackson at school on the way in to town. He then brings the younger 2 girls to meet me in Lehi and we swap vehicles. In the mean-time, I do the treadmill for 35 minutes and hit the weight room for 20 minutes. Afterward, I shower and dress before Brian gets there. It's SO GREAT! It gives me time by myself and by the time I get home at 10 am I have already exercised, showered, and gotten dressed for the day. It helps me feel like I've accomplished something great every day!
3. I am a great cook. Just like anyone, I particularly like it more when I have time and money to do it right. I get frustrated when I am in a rush and/or on a tight budget. This week I am doing a freezer meal swap with 16 other people. I made 16 meals in 2 hours (Hoagies on a bun)! Next week we'll swap them out and I'll get 16 different meals back.
4. I've been told I have a great smile – not sure what else to say about that other than “thanks”! It's always nice to have my husband tell me how much he loves my smile. He says it's the reason he first fell in love with me. (didn't you say that honey? well I think he told me that before!)
5. I love to play video games. Alone or with my family. It's not a new thing, I've always been this way. Right now I play a lot of World of Warcraft, but my latest obsession is Tetris on Facebook. Anyone care to challenge me?
6. I've really been getting into politics lately. My husband has always been passionate about it since I met him, but I think it's really starting to rub off on me. I use to glaze over whenever he'd start in, but now I find myself doing my own reading and investigating into the world of politics. Two particular blogs I have on my google-reader are Power Line Blog and Michelle Malkin. I also like Ann Coulter and of course the conservative talk radio line-ups (Rush, Sean, Glenn, etc . . .). To those of you who are not fond of the conservative leanings – perhaps we can have a good discussion some day :)
7. I love to sing. I started taking it seriously in high school. Not serious enough to go professional or even semi-pro, but enough to know I liked it and wanted to continue. It sometimes feels awkward to volunteer myself to sing at an event, but I found that if I didn't put myself out there, no one ever asked me. I sing alto in a choir, but what I really like to sing is any harmony part. I love to hear a good melody and harmony together.
8. I looooove chocolate. Milk Chocolate is my favorite – dark chocolate and semi-sweet is BLECH! Now that the big Hershey bars are on sale at the grocery store 10 for $10 I had better go shopping with a buddy to keep me under control. Chocolate fondu and homemade fudge = WIN!
9. I love musicals. I need to start putting more of them on my Netflix list and educate my kids. Old time musicals and modern musicals. Last summer Brianne was able to see Wicked – so jealy! Moulin Rouge is one of my all time favorite movies/soundtracks.
10. I have a great family. A fantastic husband and awesome kids. My in-laws are so wonderful and supportive. My parents and siblings, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles . . . /sniff . . . I LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks for your influence, love, and support all my life. I love who I am because you all helped make me ME!
I tag . . .
1. My husband BRAIN KIRKBY, d'oh I mean BRIAN KIRKBY
2. My sister LAURA WHIPPLE
3. My one of my best friends from teen-aged times, HEATHER REDDING.
A note to Heather: I can't figure out how to comment on your blog (she doesn't use blogspot). I R NUB, need help! Hopefully she's reading my blog and will know she's been TAGGED!
-Post who tagged you with a link to their blog
-Post these rules on your blog
-Write 10 random things about yourself!
-Tag some friends!
My friend Kim Brown down the street from me tagged me(y0 wut up Kim!). She has amazing kids and is my mentor in life (starting from the PTA days!). Thanks for tagging me Kim, it was good for me to spend some time thinking of these things. :)
10 Random Things I Love About Me
1. I am a great planner! I hesitate to claim that I am an “organized” person because if you saw my house you'd know that wasn't true. But I can plan great things . . . activities, parties, meetings, schedules. You name it – I'll plan it! It's what I love most about my current calling. I can plan all the RS activities and then delegate it out to a fabulous committee!
2. I've started exercising again. I get up at 7:15 (which is a totally reasonable time for me) and get in my workout clothes. Then the whole family gets up for scripture and prayer at 7:20, Brianne leaves for school at 7:30 and I leave for the gym. Brian helps Hannah get the other kids going and then drops off Hannah and Jackson at school on the way in to town. He then brings the younger 2 girls to meet me in Lehi and we swap vehicles. In the mean-time, I do the treadmill for 35 minutes and hit the weight room for 20 minutes. Afterward, I shower and dress before Brian gets there. It's SO GREAT! It gives me time by myself and by the time I get home at 10 am I have already exercised, showered, and gotten dressed for the day. It helps me feel like I've accomplished something great every day!
3. I am a great cook. Just like anyone, I particularly like it more when I have time and money to do it right. I get frustrated when I am in a rush and/or on a tight budget. This week I am doing a freezer meal swap with 16 other people. I made 16 meals in 2 hours (Hoagies on a bun)! Next week we'll swap them out and I'll get 16 different meals back.
4. I've been told I have a great smile – not sure what else to say about that other than “thanks”! It's always nice to have my husband tell me how much he loves my smile. He says it's the reason he first fell in love with me. (didn't you say that honey? well I think he told me that before!)
5. I love to play video games. Alone or with my family. It's not a new thing, I've always been this way. Right now I play a lot of World of Warcraft, but my latest obsession is Tetris on Facebook. Anyone care to challenge me?
6. I've really been getting into politics lately. My husband has always been passionate about it since I met him, but I think it's really starting to rub off on me. I use to glaze over whenever he'd start in, but now I find myself doing my own reading and investigating into the world of politics. Two particular blogs I have on my google-reader are Power Line Blog and Michelle Malkin. I also like Ann Coulter and of course the conservative talk radio line-ups (Rush, Sean, Glenn, etc . . .). To those of you who are not fond of the conservative leanings – perhaps we can have a good discussion some day :)
7. I love to sing. I started taking it seriously in high school. Not serious enough to go professional or even semi-pro, but enough to know I liked it and wanted to continue. It sometimes feels awkward to volunteer myself to sing at an event, but I found that if I didn't put myself out there, no one ever asked me. I sing alto in a choir, but what I really like to sing is any harmony part. I love to hear a good melody and harmony together.
8. I looooove chocolate. Milk Chocolate is my favorite – dark chocolate and semi-sweet is BLECH! Now that the big Hershey bars are on sale at the grocery store 10 for $10 I had better go shopping with a buddy to keep me under control. Chocolate fondu and homemade fudge = WIN!
9. I love musicals. I need to start putting more of them on my Netflix list and educate my kids. Old time musicals and modern musicals. Last summer Brianne was able to see Wicked – so jealy! Moulin Rouge is one of my all time favorite movies/soundtracks.
10. I have a great family. A fantastic husband and awesome kids. My in-laws are so wonderful and supportive. My parents and siblings, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles . . . /sniff . . . I LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks for your influence, love, and support all my life. I love who I am because you all helped make me ME!
I tag . . .
1. My husband BRAIN KIRKBY, d'oh I mean BRIAN KIRKBY
2. My sister LAURA WHIPPLE
3. My one of my best friends from teen-aged times, HEATHER REDDING.
A note to Heather: I can't figure out how to comment on your blog (she doesn't use blogspot). I R NUB, need help! Hopefully she's reading my blog and will know she's been TAGGED!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Title of Liberty in California
Wow! I am so inspired by my cousins in California! Here is an excerpt from my cousin Charise's blog on their experiences of supporting the Prop-8.
To live in California and be a part of this must feel very daunting (am I using that correctly honey?) You never know who is gonna come out of the woodwork and attack you for your beliefs. But I am so proud of them for overcoming whatever fears they may have had and be willing to stand up strong for what they KNOW is right! BRAVO! Perhaps next time this is on the ballot (and we all know it will be again) I can come out and cheer along with you!
P.S. Sorry Char I stole this from you so quickly and without asking...but thats how amazed I am with you, amy, and your parents! Great Job!
In memory of our god, our freedom and our religion....
We know that there are times when we must stand up and be counted, and that there will be moments when that is difficult. I can only imagine that it will become increasingly more difficult with every passing year. Life gets harder as this world changes. But with those changes also comes the opportunity to grow, and our strength of character to become stronger. . .
I have loved having the opportunity to be a part of something so historical and significant! As I stood out there in the middle of the road holding up my sign, I felt like I was standing up and being counted. I was really there, saying, "This is what I believe, and I am willing to shout it to the world." It was my Title of Liberty moment, and I am so thankful for it.
To live in California and be a part of this must feel very daunting (am I using that correctly honey?) You never know who is gonna come out of the woodwork and attack you for your beliefs. But I am so proud of them for overcoming whatever fears they may have had and be willing to stand up strong for what they KNOW is right! BRAVO! Perhaps next time this is on the ballot (and we all know it will be again) I can come out and cheer along with you!
P.S. Sorry Char I stole this from you so quickly and without asking...but thats how amazed I am with you, amy, and your parents! Great Job!
A new form of abuse
I think we sent Brianne off to school today with a whole new complaint against her parents. I didn't literally hear her say this, but I can imagine it going something like this as she was getting on the bus this morning . . . "My parents are sooooo mean, they made me stay up until almost midnight last night watching old 80's music video's on youtube!!!"
Muahahahaha! It started when Brian and I were in the office discussing the Vocabulary Test results and had the Rick Roll video going on in the background. Brianne comes in and groans at the embarrassing white guy on the monitor. Then she tells her dad how she heard on the radio for the first time "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred. So we watch the video together and laughed at the goofiness of it. Brian then decided we should give our eldest daughter an education on 80's music. Which started a downpour of YouTube searches.
Here are some of artists we looked at. Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Boy George, Paula Abdul, Men Without Hats, Van Halen, Guns N Roses (not one of my favs). Accckkk! There were so many more, but of course I can't remember now. Brian can add in the one's I've forgotten ... After Brianne went to bed we continued the journey into some of Brian's favorite rapper groups. I wanted to see some Fresh Prince to get some good LOL's. So funny! Brian will have to list the other rappers we checked out since I have no clue what their names were.
So what 80's video's have you looked up lately? What were your favorites. Do your kids like your 80's music? Do they recognize some remakes from back in the day? GOOD STUFF!
...so who here thought they were gonna get rickrolled? NOT!
Muahahahaha! It started when Brian and I were in the office discussing the Vocabulary Test results and had the Rick Roll video going on in the background. Brianne comes in and groans at the embarrassing white guy on the monitor. Then she tells her dad how she heard on the radio for the first time "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred. So we watch the video together and laughed at the goofiness of it. Brian then decided we should give our eldest daughter an education on 80's music. Which started a downpour of YouTube searches.
Here are some of artists we looked at. Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Boy George, Paula Abdul, Men Without Hats, Van Halen, Guns N Roses (not one of my favs). Accckkk! There were so many more, but of course I can't remember now. Brian can add in the one's I've forgotten ... After Brianne went to bed we continued the journey into some of Brian's favorite rapper groups. I wanted to see some Fresh Prince to get some good LOL's. So funny! Brian will have to list the other rappers we checked out since I have no clue what their names were.
So what 80's video's have you looked up lately? What were your favorites. Do your kids like your 80's music? Do they recognize some remakes from back in the day? GOOD STUFF!
...so who here thought they were gonna get rickrolled? NOT!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Vocabulary Test
WARNING: If you read this, you MUST respond. Your input is vital to the research I am conducting.
One of our favorite pastimes as a married couple is arguing about vocabulary. Without going into detail, I am wanting to know more about you (our readers) and the extent of your own day-to-day vocabulary.
How familiar are you with the word "halcyon". Without looking it up, could you give us a decent definition or use it in a sentence?
On a scale of 1-5 please tell us how often you use the word "halcyon". 1 being "never use it or heard of it" and 5 being "i say it or read it on a daily basis"
Thanks for your input!
One of our favorite pastimes as a married couple is arguing about vocabulary. Without going into detail, I am wanting to know more about you (our readers) and the extent of your own day-to-day vocabulary.
How familiar are you with the word "halcyon". Without looking it up, could you give us a decent definition or use it in a sentence?
On a scale of 1-5 please tell us how often you use the word "halcyon". 1 being "never use it or heard of it" and 5 being "i say it or read it on a daily basis"
Thanks for your input!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thank You Sarah
As disappointed as I was about the Presidency race, I realized that I "lost" last February when McCain was nominated as the GOP pick. But I felt a new surge of hope when Sarah Palin was named as the VP running mate. Gov. Palin is much closer to what I belive in than McCain is as far as what the Conservative movement is about. Which is why it sickens me that the McCain camp is now trashing Palin and using her as the scapegoat as to why McCain lost.
Here is a petition you can sign and add a little personal note to thank Sarah yourself. If you felt the way I did about her courage please take a moment to sign it.
Here is a petition you can sign and add a little personal note to thank Sarah yourself. If you felt the way I did about her courage please take a moment to sign it.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
internet cultural studies #2
today's internet cultural lesson is about that bane/boon of all forum goers called "the rick roll."
in the halcyon days of the internet, discussion forums were created and divided by topic to allow serious minded people from all over the world to discuss issues relating to said topics.
unserious minded people could not let all this seriousness persist without challenge and attempts were made to "derail" the conversations.
some of the first attempts at derailing conversations were less than subtle and would consist of people interjecting in the middle of a conversation posts like "and now, here are some pictures of some ducks/bunnies/kitties" followed by pictures of ducks/bunnies/kitties. sometimes the discussion would turn away from serious matters and move to discussions of said pictures and the conversation would have been successfully derailed.
eventually the serious people learned to just ignore these derail attempts and persistently continue on in their serious conversations. the unserious people, however, were not admitting defeat and started to employ subtle tactics by contributing to the conversation in a serious way in order to build credibility, but then offering one or more links that were allegedly relevant to the point they were making. when the serious forum goers clicked on the link, they found themselves taken to pictures that were completely irrelevant to the topic and sometimes a discussion about the irrelevance would emerge to once again successfully derail the discussion.
the most common meme for these derail attempts were often pictures of ducks on skates, skateboards or wheels of some kind which the unserious derailers dubbed "duck rolls."
as inane as the images of ducks on wheels were, the serious forum goers could only stomach one, maybe two discussions about the cutely bizarre pictures and then they learned to ignore them as they did with the earlier unsubtle derail attempts.
clearly the unserious people needed a weapon of mass distraction that could weather multiple discussions and maintain it's power to derail conversations.
some enterprising and young unserious forum goer* happened to be digging into the video archives of the distant past and stumbled upon an 80s era video of Rick Astley's song "Never Gonna Give You Up." this forum goer realized immediately that this was the weapon he and his fellow unserious forum goers had been looking for and "the rick roll" was born.
the rick roll seems to have the perfect qualities to repeatedly be effective at derailing conversations. first, the song is actually pretty decent as 80s era love songs go, so it's not painful enough to make one turn it off immediately. on the other hand, the video itself has the kind of gut wrenching quality most closely associated with train wrecks.
the video consists of rick astley pseudo-dancing while singing his song intermixed with images of professional dancers doing random dance moves with little coreography. it's almost as if rick said "well, i dance like a white guy, so let's get some pros in here and have them do all that professional dance stuff. i want people to leap off walls and spin around in circles and all that crap."
another surreal quality to the video is the contrast of how rick astley looks with the rich baritone of his voice. when you first see this red headed doogie howser on the screen you absolutely do not expect to hear the quality of the voice present in the song, yet there it is.
all these factors lead one to realize that the people in the video don't realize how embarrassed they should be while doing embarrassing stuff. there is a natural "what were they thinking?!" quality much like looking at old/new pictures of people in bell bottoms and/or parachute pants. you want so badly to avert your eyes, but you have to watch the video just to see how bad it's going to get and therein lies the essence of the rick roll as a successful forum derail tool.
* attempts to verify the young and/or enterprising nature of the unserious forum goer were unsuccessful.
EDIT: i thought these were kinda funny:
barack roll
news anchor april fools
apparently youtube linked all videos to a rick roll on april 1. awesome!
in the halcyon days of the internet, discussion forums were created and divided by topic to allow serious minded people from all over the world to discuss issues relating to said topics.
unserious minded people could not let all this seriousness persist without challenge and attempts were made to "derail" the conversations.
some of the first attempts at derailing conversations were less than subtle and would consist of people interjecting in the middle of a conversation posts like "and now, here are some pictures of some ducks/bunnies/kitties" followed by pictures of ducks/bunnies/kitties. sometimes the discussion would turn away from serious matters and move to discussions of said pictures and the conversation would have been successfully derailed.
eventually the serious people learned to just ignore these derail attempts and persistently continue on in their serious conversations. the unserious people, however, were not admitting defeat and started to employ subtle tactics by contributing to the conversation in a serious way in order to build credibility, but then offering one or more links that were allegedly relevant to the point they were making. when the serious forum goers clicked on the link, they found themselves taken to pictures that were completely irrelevant to the topic and sometimes a discussion about the irrelevance would emerge to once again successfully derail the discussion.
the most common meme for these derail attempts were often pictures of ducks on skates, skateboards or wheels of some kind which the unserious derailers dubbed "duck rolls."
as inane as the images of ducks on wheels were, the serious forum goers could only stomach one, maybe two discussions about the cutely bizarre pictures and then they learned to ignore them as they did with the earlier unsubtle derail attempts.
clearly the unserious people needed a weapon of mass distraction that could weather multiple discussions and maintain it's power to derail conversations.
some enterprising and young unserious forum goer* happened to be digging into the video archives of the distant past and stumbled upon an 80s era video of Rick Astley's song "Never Gonna Give You Up." this forum goer realized immediately that this was the weapon he and his fellow unserious forum goers had been looking for and "the rick roll" was born.
the rick roll seems to have the perfect qualities to repeatedly be effective at derailing conversations. first, the song is actually pretty decent as 80s era love songs go, so it's not painful enough to make one turn it off immediately. on the other hand, the video itself has the kind of gut wrenching quality most closely associated with train wrecks.
the video consists of rick astley pseudo-dancing while singing his song intermixed with images of professional dancers doing random dance moves with little coreography. it's almost as if rick said "well, i dance like a white guy, so let's get some pros in here and have them do all that professional dance stuff. i want people to leap off walls and spin around in circles and all that crap."
another surreal quality to the video is the contrast of how rick astley looks with the rich baritone of his voice. when you first see this red headed doogie howser on the screen you absolutely do not expect to hear the quality of the voice present in the song, yet there it is.
all these factors lead one to realize that the people in the video don't realize how embarrassed they should be while doing embarrassing stuff. there is a natural "what were they thinking?!" quality much like looking at old/new pictures of people in bell bottoms and/or parachute pants. you want so badly to avert your eyes, but you have to watch the video just to see how bad it's going to get and therein lies the essence of the rick roll as a successful forum derail tool.
* attempts to verify the young and/or enterprising nature of the unserious forum goer were unsuccessful.
EDIT: i thought these were kinda funny:
barack roll
news anchor april fools
apparently youtube linked all videos to a rick roll on april 1. awesome!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Why I Hate Halloween, part 1
Hi everybody! It's been awhile since I (the creator of this blog) blogged myself. And I apologize in advance of possibly offending some of you. I know many people LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween. However, I am not one of those people.
This morning reminded me of one of the reasons - Savannah has been introduced to the Early Morning Sugar High. Jackson "kindly" shared some of his candy from last nights ward party. "Wow! That stuff is great!" thinks Savannah in her little 18 month old brain. So great in fact, that regular food doesn't have a chance. She refuses to eat any breakfast at all. After the kids leave for school she manages to find a wrapped sucker on the floor (surprise surprise) and brings it to me hoping I will open it for her. When I do not comply, she throws a full blown (probably her first official, but maybe not) temper tantrum. For 10 minutes she yells and screams and thrashes about on the floor ticked at me that I won't open that darn sucker for her. Thanks Jackson.
Perhaps tomorrow I'll blog about my dislike of Halloween Costumes and then sometime in the next week I can tell you about the numerous candy wrappers found all over the house, stuffed under pillows and matresses, taffy stuck in hair/carpet/couch. Sigh...who invented this holiday anyways?
Have a great day tomorrow :D
This morning reminded me of one of the reasons - Savannah has been introduced to the Early Morning Sugar High. Jackson "kindly" shared some of his candy from last nights ward party. "Wow! That stuff is great!" thinks Savannah in her little 18 month old brain. So great in fact, that regular food doesn't have a chance. She refuses to eat any breakfast at all. After the kids leave for school she manages to find a wrapped sucker on the floor (surprise surprise) and brings it to me hoping I will open it for her. When I do not comply, she throws a full blown (probably her first official, but maybe not) temper tantrum. For 10 minutes she yells and screams and thrashes about on the floor ticked at me that I won't open that darn sucker for her. Thanks Jackson.
Perhaps tomorrow I'll blog about my dislike of Halloween Costumes and then sometime in the next week I can tell you about the numerous candy wrappers found all over the house, stuffed under pillows and matresses, taffy stuck in hair/carpet/couch. Sigh...who invented this holiday anyways?
Have a great day tomorrow :D
Friday, October 24, 2008
Hula Hunnies
this vid is too cute to pass up -
Hannah and Maegann have been taking Hula lessons from a neighbor girl (she's only 13 herself!) and having a blast! They had a summer performance in the back yard and later performed at Thanksgiving Point. I think I have pictures on my camera but the battery is dead. So for now, here is a link to the video teaser trailer. You have to scroll down past some wedding vids till you find the "hula teaser" one. click here to see the cutest hulas!
Hannah and Maegann have been taking Hula lessons from a neighbor girl (she's only 13 herself!) and having a blast! They had a summer performance in the back yard and later performed at Thanksgiving Point. I think I have pictures on my camera but the battery is dead. So for now, here is a link to the video teaser trailer. You have to scroll down past some wedding vids till you find the "hula teaser" one. click here to see the cutest hulas!
Visiting Teaching Conference
As some of you may know, I am in the Relief Society Presidency in the ward. We have been planning our upcoming Visiting Teaching Conference for several months now and are excited to have it ready to go next month! One of the funnest parts in planning this event was a movie we had made by several professionals that live in our ward. All the actors and crew are members of our ward (you may find the voice-over for the promo-clip a little familiar).
The movie is about a sister in the ward who, to put it mildly, does not have a testimony of visiting teaching. Through a sudden change in her assignments, she goes through some experiences that help her gain that needed testimony.
We are really excited about the premiere this November and hope to have the best conference EVAR!
Im having trouble posting the video in this blog, but follow the link to a YouTube showing... click here to see the "Sister Turner" trailer.
The movie is about a sister in the ward who, to put it mildly, does not have a testimony of visiting teaching. Through a sudden change in her assignments, she goes through some experiences that help her gain that needed testimony.
We are really excited about the premiere this November and hope to have the best conference EVAR!
Im having trouble posting the video in this blog, but follow the link to a YouTube showing... click here to see the "Sister Turner" trailer.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
internet cultural studies
i was at a gathering recently where it became clear that i have made the transition from popular culture to internet culture. i have no clue what's on tv nowadays or even who the current stars of the month are since i no longer watch tv or really watch movies.
at the same gathering, it became clear that a majority of people have not made the switch yet and cultural references that were common place among my geek peer group were lost on most of the other people.
as such, i've decided to start spreading internet culture through this blog in an effort to infortain.
the first of our internet cultural studies will be Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
enjoy.
internet popular cultural references: "what a crazy random happenstance" and "i have a phd in horribleness"
P.S. i would rate the show PG for some mature subject matter and language, but i suspect it's mild compared to what's on tv nowadays.
at the same gathering, it became clear that a majority of people have not made the switch yet and cultural references that were common place among my geek peer group were lost on most of the other people.
as such, i've decided to start spreading internet culture through this blog in an effort to infortain.
the first of our internet cultural studies will be Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
enjoy.
internet popular cultural references: "what a crazy random happenstance" and "i have a phd in horribleness"
P.S. i would rate the show PG for some mature subject matter and language, but i suspect it's mild compared to what's on tv nowadays.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
BYU Football...
since i moved here to happy valley i've constantly been asked if i'm a byu fan. i felt i kinda should be because a) my wife graduated from there and b) it's a church school which represented church values.
the problem was, i knew some of the football players on the team ~15 years ago and these particular people conducted themselves in a manner that noone would mistake for being religious in any way. this kinda soured me on what i considered to be the facade of byu football and i didn't feel any more of an impulse to be a fan than i was to be a fan of florida state or oklahoma. seemed like it was just another college football program.
my view about that has changed this year as this USA Today article profiling byu football explains.
it would be easy to call byu the underdogs here because, from a traditional perspective, they are operating with a handicap. the recruiting standards imposed by the coaches which emphasize character over skill would be considered a liability in any other college football program. however, i don't think anyone familiar with the story of the two thousand stripling warriors could call byu "underdogs".
in any case, i'll definitely be rooting hard for byu to go the distance this year, so call me a fan. (i've usually rooted for tcu over byu just cause tcu is from texas, but not this year).
GO BYU!
the problem was, i knew some of the football players on the team ~15 years ago and these particular people conducted themselves in a manner that noone would mistake for being religious in any way. this kinda soured me on what i considered to be the facade of byu football and i didn't feel any more of an impulse to be a fan than i was to be a fan of florida state or oklahoma. seemed like it was just another college football program.
my view about that has changed this year as this USA Today article profiling byu football explains.
it would be easy to call byu the underdogs here because, from a traditional perspective, they are operating with a handicap. the recruiting standards imposed by the coaches which emphasize character over skill would be considered a liability in any other college football program. however, i don't think anyone familiar with the story of the two thousand stripling warriors could call byu "underdogs".
in any case, i'll definitely be rooting hard for byu to go the distance this year, so call me a fan. (i've usually rooted for tcu over byu just cause tcu is from texas, but not this year).
GO BYU!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Savannah walking
Here she is, better late than never (disregard the mess on the floor - it is not mom-authorized)
The result of 4 older siblings - walking 6 months later than all your friends. She's still not walking 100% of the time but she's gaining confidence!
The result of 4 older siblings - walking 6 months later than all your friends. She's still not walking 100% of the time but she's gaining confidence!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Riven & Work in the Glory
Oh my gosh! This is a pretty scary game! And verry old! my mom said is is like one of the first computer games. IT IS SO SCARY! you never know when someone is gona pop out and attack you, or take you to jail!
You have to go save this lady from the bad guy Gahn, and everyone hates you in the village, and they're all scared of you. It is placed back then when they wore the smocks and stuff, and yet they have trams and lights. I dont get it. Oh well. Well there is lots of puzzle to it. You have to use your Brain.
Well i thought i would blog about what is was doing for fun lately. i also have been reading Work in the Glory. I love it! I know what your thinking! I thought is was going to be about Joseph Smith and his life. I thought to my self "I dont want to read this book, it's gonna be about stuff i know already." But no!HaHa Oh well.
Love you all VERY much! i wish i was with you all!
♥ Brianne Kirkby
You have to go save this lady from the bad guy Gahn, and everyone hates you in the village, and they're all scared of you. It is placed back then when they wore the smocks and stuff, and yet they have trams and lights. I dont get it. Oh well. Well there is lots of puzzle to it. You have to use your Brain.
Well i thought i would blog about what is was doing for fun lately. i also have been reading Work in the Glory. I love it! I know what your thinking! I thought is was going to be about Joseph Smith and his life. I thought to my self "I dont want to read this book, it's gonna be about stuff i know already." But no!HaHa Oh well.
Love you all VERY much! i wish i was with you all!
♥ Brianne Kirkby
education about the financial crisis...
this video does a good job explaining what has caused our current financial crisis and why congress wasn't able to do anything about it before it became a crisis.
the production is amateurish, but the information is top notch.
it goes by real fast, but it suggests that you google the information presented so you can learn for yourself.
EDIT: the above linked video was pulled by youtube after pressure from people who don't want the information out there. here is a shorter version produced by the rncc.
the production is amateurish, but the information is top notch.
it goes by real fast, but it suggests that you google the information presented so you can learn for yourself.
EDIT: the above linked video was pulled by youtube after pressure from people who don't want the information out there. here is a shorter version produced by the rncc.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
word of the day: somnambulist
somnambulist: one who suffers from an abnormal sleeping condition where they perform normal actions, such as walking and talking, while still asleep.
usage (from robert heinlein's starship troopers):
SCENE: Futuristic high school teacher of History and Moral Philosophy Jean V. Dubois instructs his class on the economic meaning of value as told by one of his students.
usage (from robert heinlein's starship troopers):
SCENE: Futuristic high school teacher of History and Moral Philosophy Jean V. Dubois instructs his class on the economic meaning of value as told by one of his students.
"...'value' has two factors for a human being: first, what he can do with a thing, it's use to him...and second, what he must do to get it, it's cost to him. There is an old song which asserts 'the best things in life are free.' Not true! Utterly false! This was the tragic fallacy which brought on the decadence and collapse of the democracies of the twentieth century; those noble experiments failed because the people had been led to believe that they could simply vote for whatever they wanted...and get it, without toil, without sweat, without tears.
"Nothing of value is free. Even the breath of life is purchased at birth only through gasping effort and pain." He had been still looking at me and added, "If you boys and girls had to sweat for your toys the way a newly born baby has to struggle to live you would be happier...and much richer. As it is, with some of you, I pity the poverty of your wealth. You! I've just awarded you the prize for the hundred-meter dash. Does it make you happy?"
"Uh, I suppose it would."
"No dodging, please. You have the prize--here, I'll write it out: 'Grand prize for the championship, one hundred-meter sprint'" He had actually come back to my seat and pinned it on my chest. "There! Are you happy? You value it--or don't you?"
I was sore. First that dirty crack about rich kids--a typical sneer of those who haven't got it--and now this farce. I ripped it off and chucked it at him.
Mr. Dubois had looked surprised . "It doesn't make you happy?"
"You know darned well I placed fourth!"
"Exactly! The prize for first place is worthless to you...because you haven't earned it. But you enjoy a modest satisfaction in placing fourth; you earned it. I trust that some of the somnambulists here understood this little morality play. I fancy that the poet who wrote that song meant to imply that the best things in life must be purchased other than with money--which is true--just as the literal meaning of his words is false. The best things in life are beyond money; their price is agony and sweat and devotion...and the price demanded for the most precious of all things in life is life itself--ultimate cost for perfect value."
Saturday, September 20, 2008
My books
Hi this is Brianne. I have been reading A LOT lately and can't seem to stop. but now i don't know what to read. I'm trying Work in the Glory. but I'm not that interested. my favorite author in the whole wide world is Shannon Hale. she wrote Goose Girl, Enna Burning, River Secrets, Princess Academy, and others. i love her. i also like Fire of the Covenant by Gerald N. Lund, so that's why I'm giving Work in the Glory a try. But i don't know. if you guys have any requests please tell me! i would love it!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
book review: twilight
yah, i read twilight. as a long time reader of sci-fi/fantasy novels, i had to see what the big fuss was about. i thought it was cool that the vampire legendarium was making it into virgin demographic territory and i was curious as to what it took to make that happen.
so i read it.
to be honest, at first i didn't much care for it. partly because the author hadn't even bothered to do her homework about vampire lore and seemed to be making stuff up out of whole cloth. i found that a bit irritating, but i was hoping the story would be able to make up for that.
the story is largely a love story, which i understood even before i read it. vampire stories have always been about love and/or sex when you understand the metaphor, so that wasn't anything that was going to keep me away from reading the book. but, as the story unfolded, my initial assessment was that the "love" part of the story seemed immature and shallow and without the love story there wasn't much there to the book.
but then i heard a fan telling a man "don't let your wife read it! cause if you do then you will be spending the rest of your life being romantically compared to edward *dreamy sigh*".
and then a lightbulb went off. all i have to do is imitate edward and i will get all the kudos for being the world's greatest romantic. I CAN DO THIS!!!1!!11
so i've come up with some tips on how, exactly, to be as romantic as edward.
first and foremost, bella loves edward because he's sooooooo beautiful. paragraph afer paragraph is filled with descriptions of edward as "breathtaking" and "dazzling" and "pretty" and "cant-take-my-eyes-off-his-pretty-face". bella really has little else to say about edward. he even sparkles in the sunlight he is just THAT beautiful.
this one is actually kinda easy for us guys. you got the woman you are with because she was attracted to you. just look exactly the same as you did when you first met and never, ever change. be that beautiful and you, my friend, will have the core of what makes edward so romantic. also, it might not hurt to put on some glitter. i'm just sayin'.
second, it's not enough to just be pretty, but you have to love with the same intensity that edward loves. this vampire/dude loves this girl because she has the exact right kind of blood that drives him insane. his attraction to her begins and mostly ends with the fact that he wants so badly to gorge on her blood. but eating her has the unfortunate side affect of killing her, and then he would lose his love.
a dilemma, yes, but a dilemma that is resolved because he loves her so much that he will not kill her! this is what makes edward so romantic.
how do we ordinary guys try to measure up to this standard? well, it's simple. tell your wife often that you love her so much you won't kill her! if your wife starts crying about how you don't love her because you left the toilet seat up (or whatever), just say "hey babe. of course i love you. i haven't killed you yet have i!?" tada, instant romance.
next, there is a particular scene that i hear oft repeated as an example of how romantic edward is.
i'm talking, of course, about the bedroom scene (not THAT kind of bedroom scene you pervert!).
this vampire/dude stayed all night in her bedroom, unknown to her, just staring at her. out of all the important things a vampire of his stature could be doing during that time, he chose to spend his time just hanging around the sleeping girl whose blood he loved so much. clearly, she (or her blood) meant everything in the world to him (don't worry about the stalkerish nature of his behavior cause it's not stalking if she likes you).
so how do we be like edward and show our wives that they are everything in the world to us? it's simple, tell your wife you can't stand being away from her, quit your job and hang around the house all day. sure, you might have to cut back on the finer things in life (like shelter, clothes, arby's, etc.), but you'll always have your romantic love to keep you happy.
i've got more tips, but i'll just let those stew for now.
so that's how i learned to see the value of the book twilight and am so glad i had a chance to read it.
EDIT: aw crap. i found out my wife didn't like the book because the love story was "immature and shallow". anyone know how to remove a crapton of glitter off your body?
so i read it.
to be honest, at first i didn't much care for it. partly because the author hadn't even bothered to do her homework about vampire lore and seemed to be making stuff up out of whole cloth. i found that a bit irritating, but i was hoping the story would be able to make up for that.
the story is largely a love story, which i understood even before i read it. vampire stories have always been about love and/or sex when you understand the metaphor, so that wasn't anything that was going to keep me away from reading the book. but, as the story unfolded, my initial assessment was that the "love" part of the story seemed immature and shallow and without the love story there wasn't much there to the book.
but then i heard a fan telling a man "don't let your wife read it! cause if you do then you will be spending the rest of your life being romantically compared to edward *dreamy sigh*".
and then a lightbulb went off. all i have to do is imitate edward and i will get all the kudos for being the world's greatest romantic. I CAN DO THIS!!!1!!11
so i've come up with some tips on how, exactly, to be as romantic as edward.
first and foremost, bella loves edward because he's sooooooo beautiful. paragraph afer paragraph is filled with descriptions of edward as "breathtaking" and "dazzling" and "pretty" and "cant-take-my-eyes-off-his-pretty-face". bella really has little else to say about edward. he even sparkles in the sunlight he is just THAT beautiful.
this one is actually kinda easy for us guys. you got the woman you are with because she was attracted to you. just look exactly the same as you did when you first met and never, ever change. be that beautiful and you, my friend, will have the core of what makes edward so romantic. also, it might not hurt to put on some glitter. i'm just sayin'.
second, it's not enough to just be pretty, but you have to love with the same intensity that edward loves. this vampire/dude loves this girl because she has the exact right kind of blood that drives him insane. his attraction to her begins and mostly ends with the fact that he wants so badly to gorge on her blood. but eating her has the unfortunate side affect of killing her, and then he would lose his love.
a dilemma, yes, but a dilemma that is resolved because he loves her so much that he will not kill her! this is what makes edward so romantic.
how do we ordinary guys try to measure up to this standard? well, it's simple. tell your wife often that you love her so much you won't kill her! if your wife starts crying about how you don't love her because you left the toilet seat up (or whatever), just say "hey babe. of course i love you. i haven't killed you yet have i!?" tada, instant romance.
next, there is a particular scene that i hear oft repeated as an example of how romantic edward is.
i'm talking, of course, about the bedroom scene (not THAT kind of bedroom scene you pervert!).
this vampire/dude stayed all night in her bedroom, unknown to her, just staring at her. out of all the important things a vampire of his stature could be doing during that time, he chose to spend his time just hanging around the sleeping girl whose blood he loved so much. clearly, she (or her blood) meant everything in the world to him (don't worry about the stalkerish nature of his behavior cause it's not stalking if she likes you).
so how do we be like edward and show our wives that they are everything in the world to us? it's simple, tell your wife you can't stand being away from her, quit your job and hang around the house all day. sure, you might have to cut back on the finer things in life (like shelter, clothes, arby's, etc.), but you'll always have your romantic love to keep you happy.
i've got more tips, but i'll just let those stew for now.
so that's how i learned to see the value of the book twilight and am so glad i had a chance to read it.
EDIT: aw crap. i found out my wife didn't like the book because the love story was "immature and shallow". anyone know how to remove a crapton of glitter off your body?
Monday, September 15, 2008
So.
Ok so i think that we should update our blog! so I'm going to write about a surprise party we threw for my friend Cheslea! She is like the most best friend anyone could ever have! so i came home from school last Monday and said i wanted to throw Chelsea a b-day party. my mom asked "where we gonna have it?" i said "here at the house" my mom mad a funny look and told me our house was not suited for a party right now. so then my mom gave me the greatest idea ever to go to Cafe Rio! (is that how you spell it?) so i called her mom and she loved the idea! i also called Dakota and Rachel. her mom called Camille Kemp who lives in highland, and made all of the arrangements. my mom was going to drive me, and Rachel, and Dakota, there and Camilles mom was going to drive her there. Chelseas mom was in charge of Chelsea.so we got there and had balloons, cake and even food ready, then Chelsea came around the corner. she looked at us and thought "oh good my friends are here! i can eat with them." then she saw the balloons. she thought is was Camilles b-day and thought "oh they didn't invite me" then i said "surprise!" and she caught on. she was in shock for awhile but recovered. :) we ate dinner then we were going to Chelseas house to watch movies. instead it turned out to be a sleepover! we went to bed at 2:00am and woke up at 5:00 am. CrAzY!!! we had so much fun and it was great!!
I love you all very much!
♥ Brianne Kirkby
I love you all very much!
♥ Brianne Kirkby
Friday, August 22, 2008
Greeting Cards for every LDS family
our Hawaiian Ohana
Just wanted to give our family members a heads up that my brother and his wife that life in Hawaii have finally joined the blogging world. Go check them out at kenneyohana.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
a father's anxiety
as a father with a lone son surrounded by girls, i often get concerned about what kind of man my boy will grow up to be. whenever the boy cries about a silly bump or pouts about having to do chores, i wonder "is he gonna be a sissy?! i don't recall acting like that."
i know part of it is just a kid acting like a normal kid (kids whine and i've had to learn to accept that), but i've always wondered in the back of my mind if it might just be a bit more than that with the girly example set by his sisters.
however, all that changed on saturday as we reached something of a milestone.
as we were preparing for bed, i looked at jackson and noticed a mark on his throat. i lifted his chin up to reveal a deep red gash running down his throat that looked something like a war wound (well, a minor war wound from a lesser skirmish perhaps).
it looked pretty bad and i was a bit surprised that i had not been made aware of this wound in the usual manner of howls and screams of such relentless anguish that surely the whole neighborhood was aware that someone in our house was dying.
"what happened to your throat?", i asked the boy.
"i fell out of a tree and got scratched by a branch", he replied.
"i see. didn't you want to put a bandaid on that scratch?", i further inquired.
"nah, i wanted to climb back up the tree", he said with a grin to a beaming father who had just realized his boy is gonna be allright.
i know part of it is just a kid acting like a normal kid (kids whine and i've had to learn to accept that), but i've always wondered in the back of my mind if it might just be a bit more than that with the girly example set by his sisters.
however, all that changed on saturday as we reached something of a milestone.
as we were preparing for bed, i looked at jackson and noticed a mark on his throat. i lifted his chin up to reveal a deep red gash running down his throat that looked something like a war wound (well, a minor war wound from a lesser skirmish perhaps).
it looked pretty bad and i was a bit surprised that i had not been made aware of this wound in the usual manner of howls and screams of such relentless anguish that surely the whole neighborhood was aware that someone in our house was dying.
"what happened to your throat?", i asked the boy.
"i fell out of a tree and got scratched by a branch", he replied.
"i see. didn't you want to put a bandaid on that scratch?", i further inquired.
"nah, i wanted to climb back up the tree", he said with a grin to a beaming father who had just realized his boy is gonna be allright.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Savannah and her Blanket!
Savannah can never leave her blanket! when she gets a hold of that blanket, fingers instantly go into her mouth! it is so cute! here are some pictures of her watching television with her blanky!
SO CUTE!
SO CUTE!
the improbable popstar
welcome to kirkby's random brain dump blogging day. today's topic is scatman john whom i like to call the improbable popstar.
jazz musician john larkin was the improbable popstar for many reason. when he skyrocketed to popstar fame in the mid 90s he was over 50 years old and had only had a moderately successful jazz music career in germany. his agent suggested he take his scat style of singing into the modern age by mixing it with the techno sound popular at the time and scatman john was (re)born.
at a time when the nihilistic stylings of grunge seemed to be leading the direction of popular music, the scatman's message of encouragement seemed to kick against the trend. this upbeat and positive message was interspersed at times with a decidedly "unhip" pro-life message. one can only hope the lyrics "while you still sleepin' the saints are still weeping cause the things you call dead haven't yet had the chance to be born" would make some of the "do-what-feels-good" crowd to pause and think about consequences.
the most surprising improbability to the scatman's career, however, was the fact that he suffered from a debilitating stutter since the day he could talk. he could rarely speak a sentence without having to repeat it multiple time, but while he sang his fast-paced scat style of singing, you could never tell that he had a stuttering problem. the scatman gave a clue to his amazing scat ability in his lyrics when he sang "what you don't know i'm gonna tell you right now that the stutter and the scat are the same thing". he took his weakness and turned into a strength and perhaps this is why people so responded to his career.
the scatman's rebirthed career was unfortunately short-lived since he died of lung cancer in december of 1999.
so let's all give a big Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop to the scatman.
jazz musician john larkin was the improbable popstar for many reason. when he skyrocketed to popstar fame in the mid 90s he was over 50 years old and had only had a moderately successful jazz music career in germany. his agent suggested he take his scat style of singing into the modern age by mixing it with the techno sound popular at the time and scatman john was (re)born.
at a time when the nihilistic stylings of grunge seemed to be leading the direction of popular music, the scatman's message of encouragement seemed to kick against the trend. this upbeat and positive message was interspersed at times with a decidedly "unhip" pro-life message. one can only hope the lyrics "while you still sleepin' the saints are still weeping cause the things you call dead haven't yet had the chance to be born" would make some of the "do-what-feels-good" crowd to pause and think about consequences.
the most surprising improbability to the scatman's career, however, was the fact that he suffered from a debilitating stutter since the day he could talk. he could rarely speak a sentence without having to repeat it multiple time, but while he sang his fast-paced scat style of singing, you could never tell that he had a stuttering problem. the scatman gave a clue to his amazing scat ability in his lyrics when he sang "what you don't know i'm gonna tell you right now that the stutter and the scat are the same thing". he took his weakness and turned into a strength and perhaps this is why people so responded to his career.
the scatman's rebirthed career was unfortunately short-lived since he died of lung cancer in december of 1999.
so let's all give a big Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop to the scatman.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Our Hawaii trip 2006
A friend of mine pointed out that I have no pictures of Brian and I on our blog. And since I cut my hair last fall I refuse to have my own picture taken if I can help it. So, I've dug up some old pictures from our Hawaii Trip 2 years ago. Enjoy!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Memory Tag
MEMORY TAG!!!
i got this idea from Julia's blog
1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. I can't wait to see what people remember.
I tag everyone reading my Blog!
♥ Brianne Kirkby
i got this idea from Julia's blog
1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. I can't wait to see what people remember.
I tag everyone reading my Blog!
♥ Brianne Kirkby
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
RFG (retreat for girls) and Girls Camp!
hey yall! i am so exited for this next 2 weeks cause I'm gonna be gone for both of them! first im going to RFG! RFG is like EFY but for girls ages 12-15. we have lots of fun! then there is girls camp!! i am so excited to go to girls camp! it will be very fun! my ten name is the little mermaids, and our flag is so cute! ill see if i can post pictures when i come back! well see you in 2 weeks!
♥/ Brianne Kirkby!
♥/ Brianne Kirkby!
Friday, June 13, 2008
My first flower bed
Yea ME!
A special thanks to my sister in law, Angela who gave me all these beautiful starts from her own garden and also to my husband who let me purchase the added soil! I'm going to get 3 or 4 shrubs to put in the back row and then some perennials in the front. I'll have to hand water until we finish the landscaping issues in the front yard but I don't mind. The larger flower bed on the other side of the walk way will have to wait (hopefully not too long). I wanted to make sure I felt confident in the little flowerbed before I ventured into the big one.
Wish me luck!
A special thanks to my sister in law, Angela who gave me all these beautiful starts from her own garden and also to my husband who let me purchase the added soil! I'm going to get 3 or 4 shrubs to put in the back row and then some perennials in the front. I'll have to hand water until we finish the landscaping issues in the front yard but I don't mind. The larger flower bed on the other side of the walk way will have to wait (hopefully not too long). I wanted to make sure I felt confident in the little flowerbed before I ventured into the big one.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Kirkby fun
Grandma and Grandpa Kirkby were in town for Austin's baptism. We always have such fun with them and our cousins when they are in town.
Savannah is 1
Savannah's birthday was May 17th. She's such a QT! We're so glad she is in our family!
Last Week of School
I need to catch up! As everyone else can understand, our last week of school was rather hectic. Here are some highlights...
Brianne and her 6th Grade Graduation. With two of her good friends. In the class production of A Midsummer Nights Dream.
Maegann with her preschool teachers, Miss Wendy and Miss Brianne.
Jacksons school play, he was the curtain man. Sorry the picture is so terrible :(
Friday, June 6, 2008
Cell Phone
So my best friend just got a cell phone and so when i saw it i went home and told my mom that she got one. I asked if i could have one and of course she said no. I asked why i coulden't have one and she said "there is no point in having one at your age, what are you gonna use it for?" I couldent answer. I agree with you mom, kids are going wild with cell phones. I don't need one. I'll wait.
Love,
Brianne Kirkby
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Hey!
haha sorry about the last one....still trying to figure this out. Mom said no to my own blog, so i get to write in hers! yall will be hearing a lot from me! love yall lots!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Last day of school
So this is it! My last few hours of peace and quiet. Listen! No TV is on, no one running through the door and screaming, no computer game beeps and whirls (except for my own tap-tap-tapping on the keyboard). No crying about chores that didn't get done or complaining that life's not fair. Its just so nice and quiet! But alas all of that will disappear for two and half months. Will I survive?
When I break it down to segments I realize that summer time is not that long and I should just enjoy it. For example: JUNE...Brianne is taking Summer Band Camp (3 weeks) and hosting a Kids Cooking Club (2 weeks). Jackson is taking baseball. JULY...Brianne is going to Retreat for Girls and Girls camp, Hannah is taking tennis. AUGUST...we are all going to the Whiting Reunion for a week. By the time all that happens, there is only two weeks left before school starts again. So ya, I think I'll survive :)
But I just wanted to document this last hour of quiet solitude. Maegann and Savannah are both sleeping in late this morning and I don't want to wake them just yet. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
When I break it down to segments I realize that summer time is not that long and I should just enjoy it. For example: JUNE...Brianne is taking Summer Band Camp (3 weeks) and hosting a Kids Cooking Club (2 weeks). Jackson is taking baseball. JULY...Brianne is going to Retreat for Girls and Girls camp, Hannah is taking tennis. AUGUST...we are all going to the Whiting Reunion for a week. By the time all that happens, there is only two weeks left before school starts again. So ya, I think I'll survive :)
But I just wanted to document this last hour of quiet solitude. Maegann and Savannah are both sleeping in late this morning and I don't want to wake them just yet. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
I'm Medium
This year I wanted clothes and jewelry for Mothers Day, so I did my own shopping. I took Jackson with me for some mom-n-me time. While at the store I was holding up various pants to see if they were what I wanted. One particular pair - Jackson gets wide-eyed and says "Whoa those are BIG!" and I said "ya, well your mom is big". He instantly gets irritated with me and says "how rude! you are not fat!" Then he gets a thoughtful look on his face and says "you're medium!". I thought it was a very sweet thing for my 7 yr old son to say. He thinks I'm beautiful and always tells me so. What a great boy!
Friday, May 2, 2008
quick rundown of kids reaction to karate
k, so we've decided to put the kids in karate. they had their first day yesterday. Liz im's me at work when they get back:
*Liz: some of them liked it more than others
bk: let me guess
Liz: ok
bk: jackson loved it and couldn't get enough
Liz: correct
bk: brianne hated it and doesn't want to go back
Liz: correct
bk: hannah thinks she doesn't like it, but will eventually warm up to it and be glad she's doing it
Liz: partially correct, we'll have to see on the future part
bk: ...
Liz: what about M?
bk: oh, i thought you said she wasn't going
Liz: no, she went
bk: hrm...
bk: imma guess that you really didn't get the chance to find out if she liked it. she would prolly love it, but she got too distracted and couldn't deal with the discipline of it, so she didn't even participate.
Liz: she was very excited
Liz: until she found out they wanted her to wear their clothes. apparently black isn't her color.
bk: indeed
Liz: she just stood their watching and refused to get involved. but then when it was time to go, she insisted it was her turn to do the "all girl" karate with the white clothes.
bk: O_O
(*) not an actual transcript
*Liz: some of them liked it more than others
bk: let me guess
Liz: ok
bk: jackson loved it and couldn't get enough
Liz: correct
bk: brianne hated it and doesn't want to go back
Liz: correct
bk: hannah thinks she doesn't like it, but will eventually warm up to it and be glad she's doing it
Liz: partially correct, we'll have to see on the future part
bk: ...
Liz: what about M?
bk: oh, i thought you said she wasn't going
Liz: no, she went
bk: hrm...
bk: imma guess that you really didn't get the chance to find out if she liked it. she would prolly love it, but she got too distracted and couldn't deal with the discipline of it, so she didn't even participate.
Liz: she was very excited
Liz: until she found out they wanted her to wear their clothes. apparently black isn't her color.
bk: indeed
Liz: she just stood their watching and refused to get involved. but then when it was time to go, she insisted it was her turn to do the "all girl" karate with the white clothes.
bk: O_O
(*) not an actual transcript
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Power cooking, part 3
Shopping List
Chicken Recipes:
20-30 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle (16 oz) Creamy Caesar salad dressing
8-12 cloves freshly pressed garlic
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 pkgs fresh mushrooms (8 oz each)
flour
6 oz orange juice concentrate
1/2 c green onions
2 chicken bouillon cubes
11 oz can mandarin orange sections
16 oz jar salsa
1/2 c finely chopped onion
1/2 can of sliced black olives
1/2 c grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 can Golden Cream of Mushroom soup
1 c milk
1/2 c bacon bits
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 T lemon juice
1/2 c soy sauce
1/2 c sugar
1 1/2 t red wine vinegar
2 t vegetable oil
3/4 t ground or crushed ginger
*have noodles, rice, corn, and beans on hand to serve with meals
Beef Recipes:
4-5 medium onions
5-8 garlic cloves, pressed
5 lbs ground beef
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
paprika
salt
black pepper
1 can chili beans
1 can petite diced tomatoes
2 cans (6 oz) tomato paste
1 pkg chili seasoning mix
1 cup chunky salsa
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 each green and red bell pepper
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 pkg onion soup mix
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Mix
1 can Chicken Gumbo soup
1 Tbs mustard
½ cup ketchup
*have the following items on hand and fresh when ready to serve: sour cream, noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, taco shells or tortilla chips, lettuce, tomatoes, hoagie rolls, Provolone cheese slices, & hamburger buns)
Power Cooking, part 2
Make -Ahead Ground Beef
4-5 medium onions
5-8 garlic cloves, pressed
5 lbs 90% lean ground beef or 93% lean ground turkey
Chop onions, press garlic, and brown with beef in skillet. Drain fat. Divide into desired amount for Power Cooking meals into ziplock freezer bags and add other ingredients. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Beef Stroganoff
To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add:
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup water
1 tsp ground paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
(After reheating, before serving, stir in 8 oz sour cream. Serve over noodles)
Chili
To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add:
1 can chili beans in sauce, undrained
1 can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1½ cups water
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 pkg chili seasoning mix
(reheat and serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream, etc ... )
Tacos/Taco Salad
To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add:
1 cup chunky salsa
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
¾ cup water
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
(reheat and serve in taco shells or over tortilla chips for taco salad. Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, etc ...)
Hoagies
To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add:
1 each green and red bell pepper, sliced
¼ cup water
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 pkg onion soup mix
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Mix
(serve in hoagie rolls with Provolone cheese slices)
Sloppy Joes
To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add:
1 can Chicken Gumbo soup
1 Tbs mustard
½ cup ketchup
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
(serve on hamburger buns. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce or sliced green onions)
Power Cooking
We're going to do a Relief Society activity on Power Cooking next month, so I've been re-visiting my recipes and thought I'd post them here.
Chicken: You don't need to do any pre-cooking or cutting. Just buy the individually frozen chicken breasts from Costco (abt $2.19 per pound - not bad!) and throw them in the ziplock freezer bags along with the other ingredients. Label and freeze bags for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw and cook. Cooking time will depend on how thawed your chicken is - but will be at least 40 minutes at 350. The chicken will marinate itself as it thaws.
For those of you who have our Bodell Bistro cookbook, the chicken recipes are already in there! Look in the index under "Freezer Meals" (for some odd reason they are in the "beef" section).
Ceasar Chicken
4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle (16 oz) Creamy Ceasar salad dressing
2-3 cloves freshly pressed garlic
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
(serve over noodles)
Mandarin Orange Chicken
4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg fresh mushrooms (8 0z)
2 T flour
6 oz orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 c green onions, thinly sliced
2 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
11 oz can mandarin orange sections, undrained
(serve with rice)
Mexican Chicken
4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 oz jar salsa
2-3 cloves freshly pressed garlic
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1/2 can of sliced black olives, drained
1 small can of diced chilies
1/2 cup grated Jack cheese (don't put this in the ziplock bag - save it for serving)
(serve with corn and beans)
Mushroom Chicken
4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup milk
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup bacon bits
2-3 cloves freshly pressed garlic
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 T lemon juice
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
(serve over noodles or rice)
Teriyaki Chicken
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, freshly pressed
3/4 tsp crushed ginger (fresh is best - and worth it!)
(serve over rice)
Chicken: You don't need to do any pre-cooking or cutting. Just buy the individually frozen chicken breasts from Costco (abt $2.19 per pound - not bad!) and throw them in the ziplock freezer bags along with the other ingredients. Label and freeze bags for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw and cook. Cooking time will depend on how thawed your chicken is - but will be at least 40 minutes at 350. The chicken will marinate itself as it thaws.
For those of you who have our Bodell Bistro cookbook, the chicken recipes are already in there! Look in the index under "Freezer Meals" (for some odd reason they are in the "beef" section).
Ceasar Chicken
4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle (16 oz) Creamy Ceasar salad dressing
2-3 cloves freshly pressed garlic
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
(serve over noodles)
Mandarin Orange Chicken
4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg fresh mushrooms (8 0z)
2 T flour
6 oz orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 c green onions, thinly sliced
2 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
11 oz can mandarin orange sections, undrained
(serve with rice)
Mexican Chicken
4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 oz jar salsa
2-3 cloves freshly pressed garlic
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1/2 can of sliced black olives, drained
1 small can of diced chilies
1/2 cup grated Jack cheese (don't put this in the ziplock bag - save it for serving)
(serve with corn and beans)
Mushroom Chicken
4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup milk
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup bacon bits
2-3 cloves freshly pressed garlic
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 T lemon juice
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
(serve over noodles or rice)
Teriyaki Chicken
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, freshly pressed
3/4 tsp crushed ginger (fresh is best - and worth it!)
(serve over rice)
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