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Personality Plus…

Monday, June 01st, 2009 | Author:

All of my friends have issues. If they don’t have issues before they meet me, they certainly develop them shortly afterwords. I think I might be a carrier but I’m scared to discuss it with them in case they decide I am a carrier and stop being my friends.

Anyway, some very good friends here in San Antonio recently went through a very tough time as a couple. They split up for almost a year but they are now back together and seem to be happier than they have been in years. They’ve been having me over every once in a while since they know I’m alone and lonely (plus I watch their house for them when they go out of town) and we finally broached the subject of the catalyst for their separation and subsequent renewal. We didn’t get too deep but the husband started talking about this book he’d read (or actually listened to on CD) while temporarily single that brought a lot of things into focus for him. He realized that he and his wife had extremely different temperaments and that if they just understood each other a little better, they would be able to return to the joy they once knew. The book is called Personality Plus by Florence Littauer and like ‘The Five Love Languages’ it’s designed to put relationships into terms that are easy to understand and easy to work with. It’s not a college psychology course that only those with 10 lb brains can follow. It’s simple, direct, and very helpful. I highly recommend it if you are having difficulty getting along with anyone and just feel like you don’t understand them at all.

personality-plus

Category: Education, Family  Tags: , ,  2 Comments

Oooohhhh, I’m in trouble now…

Friday, January 16th, 2009 | Author:

I never really believed that more than three people ever read my blog and after not having posted for two weeks, I was certain that I had lost those three as well. Imagine my surprise to see how much trouble I was in at school after my last post. Several people wanted to know who the person was that I pointed to; a couple wanted to give me the ‘what-for’ for having the gumption to publish that post; and a couple more wanted to tell me, alternately, that I was a terrible or okay writer. I was floored, in fact several people were offended by the look on my face or my response because I was totally caught off guard! Oh well, just goes to show that you never know.
duh-duh

And just so this post is not without substance, the Hobbit learned something the other day from my best good friend Evelyn and I thought I’d pass it on to you. I was complaining about the onion smell on my fingers from slicing said onions for the wonderful, delicious, incredible chicken and sausage gumbo I made and she looked at me and said, ‘Don’t you have a metal sink?’ ‘Why yes’ I replied with the incredulous look of one who does not quite understand how we made the leap from onions to sink material. Then she told me that as you are washing your hands, you should rub them along the divider between the two sinks. Somehow, your hands, the soap and the metal combine to completely remove the smell! I have not had the opportunity to try this out yet but I am more than excited to give it a go…

Category: Education, Family  Tags: , ,  2 Comments

Fruitpoops and other such nonsense…

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 | Author:

Okay, normally these things don’t tend to bother me but it’s happened to me four times since we returned from Christmas Break and I’m really fed up with it. I may have mentioned before that there are 63 full-time employees at our school and 61 of them are female. The only issue we truly have is that there is one bathroom in the faculty room for all of us. There are other bathrooms around the school but since students can use these, it is generally frowned upon for teachers to use them as well (let’s not get into a child molestation conversation here, what were you thinking about!)

Anyway, many times when you get to the faculty lounge either someone is IN the bathroom or someone has just left the bathroom. As I mentioned above, it has recently occurred four times that I have entered the bathroom only to find that the previous tenant has gone ***number 2*** in there and then sprayed half a can of some fruity smelling ‘air freshener’ in the 4′ by 4′ room without a ceiling vent. Of course, I’m a guy and I could care less what the bathroom smells like when I need to go BUT, and I am serious here, my issue is when I leave the bathroom. Naturally, someone is waiting to go into the bathroom after me and who do you think they believe made that room smell like fruit flavored poop. Yesterday, I came out of the room and 3 people were lined up in the queue and when the fruitpoop hit them, they all looked at me with this incredulous look like I had just offended their entire genealogy. Well that did it, I pointed at the person who came out of the bathroom before me and I said “Don’t look at me, SHE DID IT!”

So now I’m in the doghouse with the 6 teachers that were in the faculty room (and by tomorrow, I’m sure, the other 55 females) all because I pointed out that I’m man enough to claim my own but I’m not about to take the blame for somebody else’s lack of discretion. It just goes to show that a guy cannot win in a female-dominant world.

Employee of the Month!

Employee of the Month!

************************************************************************************
As a special side-note, for those of you who might be wondering where the heck I’ve been lately; a full account of my whereabouts would be entirely too humorous for a single post but suffice it to say that while in Louisiana for Christmas Break I was too ‘preoccupied’ with adult beverages to post. On the drive home, I got completely sick and was darn near bedridden for almost a week. Yes, my computer is portable, no I did not feel like walking ALL THE WAY DOWNSTAIRS to get it; it was that bad: also, there was two seasons of Boston Legal DVD’s to watch but that had NOTHING TO DO WITH ME NOT WRITING. Then, I started feeling better just in time to go back to work, yea! Finally, I had 3 days to prepare the house for the return of Mrs. Hobbit who was returning from Pakistan permanently, more yea! Unfortunately, the house was not as prepared as Mrs. Hobbit thought it should have been so I’ve been laying low (meaning I have gone nowhere near the computer which is seen as ‘goofing off’; no, I don’t know why) so that I do not offend her while she was cleaning up. This brings us up to yesterday in which I balanced the checkbook in Quicken and performed the website maintenance tasks that I get paid to do. Today, I’ve felt a little safer and decided I could risk a post. Shut up June!

Category: Education  Tags: , ,  3 Comments

Is this really a religious issue?

Saturday, November 15th, 2008 | Author:

Okay, so lately I’ve had a lot of friends talking about Obama and the abortion issue. As a Catholic, this issue is important to me and I know that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops have made it the number 1 priority for them. I know that many priests, such as this one in South Carolina are taking this issue into the parish and working it hard but it also seems like everyone I talk to seems to think this issue BELONGS to the religious. I just don’t get that!

Look, 35 years ago a law was implemented that made abortion illegal. Lots of people fought against the law but it passed anyway. Can any of us really remember what it was like in 1973? You remember, dads used to sit in the waiting room of the hospital smoking cigarettes and the doctor would come out and tell him whether it was a boy or a girl. We had nowhere near the medical science we have now. We literally have electron microscope video of cells splitting now. We can actually see the sperm fertilize the egg. We KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that a human life has started at that moment. Those are the facts and they are indisputable. This information was not concrete in the early 70′s. Oh, doctor’s knew this but they couldn’t show the jury pictures like they can today. Today, no one can say “we just don’t know when life begins”. Scientific proof shows that life begins at conception. An independent life form is living within the mother’s womb. And our laws, founded on inconclusive evidence, allow this independent life form to be murdered and for the murderer to be protected from prosecution. If you don’t believe it, watch the following video clip:

Of course, this is a priest telling the story so I am not really helping my cause of proving this is just as much a secular issue as it is a religious one, but look at the size of the fetus doll in his hands. Only 18 weeks after conception, just over 3 months!!! This is murder of the innocents and our new President-Elect is waiting to sign a bill that will allow this procedure, theoretically, to be performed on any and every baby from conception up to and including delivery! Please, please, please, pray and ACT to keep FOCA and any other pro-abortion bill from passing.

Fight FOCA
Looking abortion in the eye
Pro-Life Activities

Category: Catholicism, Education, Family  Tags: , , , ,  Leave a Comment

One last opportunity…

Monday, November 03rd, 2008 | Author:

So I began thinking about the ‘Undecided Voter Quiz’ that I gave a few days ago and it dawned on me (since I work in an educational environment) that many people learn in many different ways. Also, some people are so engrossed in their jobs that you can only discuss things with them in the terminology they use day in and day out. So I would like to offer some helpful terminology that will make things easier for you if you happen to run across one or more of these people before the election tomorrow…

As a foundational principal I submit that the Right-To-Life issue is the single most important and divisive one facing our voters. I base this conclusion on the simple premise that ALL of the other issues are theoretical in nature. Experts can be found everywhere to conclude that:

  • Both candidates have offered economic packages that may or may not eliminate the current economic crisis.
  • Both candidates have offered medical care changes that may or may not improve health care in this country (a country by the way, with the best health care system in the world).
  • Both candidates have offered military strategies that may or may not bring the war in Iraq and Afghanistan to a peaceful conclusion.
  • Both candidates have offered plans regarding illegal immigrants that may or may not bring this issue to an acceptable conclusion.
  • And finally, both candidates have shown character (and character flaws) that may or may not make them the right leader for this country at this time.

But the one issue upon which everyone has to agree is that the opinion of the two candidates about right-to-life and ‘when life begins’ is so fundamentally different that it can easily be used to separate the two candidates. So without further ado, I would like to present my ways of helping people from different walks of life determine which Presidential candidate to vote for.

If you have someone who is a technology savant; a programmer, project manager, web designer OR someone who is just highly organized and needs things laid out in an orderly fashion, I give you the decision flowchart:


If you are speaking with someone who would like to take a reasoned approach and to deduce who they should vote for using Deductive Logic, try this:
All humans, once conceived have a right to life.
–You must vote for John McCain.

Embryos do not become a human (and thus do not have rights) until they are fully delivered from the mothers’ womb and the umbilical cord is cut.
–You should vote for Barack Obama.

If you are speaking with a farmer, you might try this approach:
You have planted enough seed to harvest about 16,000 [insert item here] each day but someone comes along each day and cuts down about 4,000 of them.
John McCain wants to stop them from being able to cut any down but Barack Obama wants to make it easier for them to cut down even more.

If you are speaking with a business person, an economist or a banker, this might work:
You were given a loan to open a store and begin selling widgets.
Your business model showed that you have the ability to make and sell about 16,000 widgets each day. At this level, you are able to meet all of your manufacturing costs and still make a modest profit for yourself.
Recently, you have begun losing about 4,000 widgets per day to theft and can no longer meet your bills or pay back your loan.
John McCain wants to stop the thieves from getting any of your widgets.
Barack Obama wants to relax the restrictions on the thieves and allow them to take as many from you as they would like.

If you are speaking with a lawyer or someone in the law enforcement arena, they might respond to:
The laws of the United States of America state that the murder of an innocent human is illegal in all instances.
Today, we have documented scientific proof that a human becomes an autonomous organism immediately following conception.
John McCain would ask the Supreme Court Justices to review this countries abortion laws in light of scientific advances made since its inception.
Barack Obama would immediately sign into law a bill that relaxes virtually all restrictions upon abortion.

And Finally, what about the person who just wants to know the truth about this situation:
There are just under 12,000 children born in the United States of America each day.
There are between 3,000 and 5,000 children aborted in the United States of America each day (because of the laws in place, an accurate count is impossible).
If the Freedom of Choice Act is signed into law, the conservative estimate is that about 7,000 children will be aborted each day; some will only be a day or two away from a normal, natural full-term birth!
John McCain will veto the Freedom of Choice Act if he is presented with it and will ask the Supreme Court to review Roe v. Wade and other Pro-Choice laws that appear to be in opposition to the foundational principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
Barack Obama will sign the Freedom of Choice Act if he is presented with it and would legitimize as many abortions as possible.

Category: Catholicism, Education, Family  Tags: , , , , ,  4 Comments

Undecided voter…

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008 | Author:

Dear Undecided,

I don’t know how to break this to you but the election is less than a week away. I mean, I’m a procrastinator but what on earth are you waiting for? Is it so hard to find a candidate who aligns with your personal values? Let me see if I can help you by providing the following quick quiz:

  1. Do you believe that abortion on demand is a good thing?
  2. Do you believe that all of the illegal immigrants in this country should be given amnesty and full citizenship with benefits?
  3. Do you believe the Federal Government should be in charge of and pay for your health care?
  4. Do you think that all of the states should have to acknowledge marriage as between any two people no matter their gender?
  5. Do you think we should eliminate about 25% of our current military and withdraw all of our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan immediately?
  6. Do you believe our border with Mexico is not that important and can be left alone?
  7. Do you believe that people who currently pay 60% of their income in taxes could stand to pay a little more?
  8. Do you believe all of the tax cuts of the past 8 years were a mistake and should be repealed?
  9. Do you believe that judges and justices should be allowed to legislate from the bench rather than just enforcing the laws which are already on the books?
  10. Do you believe that businesses should be forced to hire based upon race, gender, and sexual orientation until specified quotas are met?
  11. Can you pronounce the phrase “Trillion Dollar Deficit”?

These are the items on which the Presidential candidates differ the most dramatically.
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you should vote for John McCain on November 4th.
If you answered “Yes” to all of the questions, Barack Obama is the man for you.

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.
Human Events dot Com

Category: Education  Tags: ,  One Comment

Save the ta-ta’s…

Wednesday, October 08th, 2008 | Author:

I know this is not really NEW but I was amazed at how many women were wearing “Save the ta-ta’s” and “Nice Rack” t-shirts at the Army Ten Miler this past weekend. The first couple of times I saw the bumper sticker, I thought this was some sort of joke that a really sick person thought up but the more I saw them, the more I realized that this was for real. Being the kind of person who tries to solve every problem with humor, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. I was talking to one of my female coworkers the other day and she said she found it funny. In fact, she’s convinced that a really smart woman worked this one out to get her husband more involved in Breast Cancer Awareness. Her theory is that the husband needed a little motivation and the enterprising wife came up with this slogan to help him along. Kind of a putting 2 and 2 together sort of thing, you know. I really thought that most women would be offended by this sort of humor and should expect men to support breast cancer research just because it’s the right thing to do! There I go showing how much I don’t know (there’s a lot more of that than there is stuff I do know, I’m finding out).

Save the Ta-Ta's

Save the Ta-Ta's

Anyway, this is just my way of putting a little (very little; judging from my hits) support behind the cause. If attitude is everything, then those who see the humor behind this should be just fine. Plus, I do love my wife’s ta-ta’s but I’m not supposed to talk about that in public so I’m only going to mention it here in my very private blog. God bless you all.

Category: Education, Family  Tags: , , , ,  Leave a Comment

New look, same me…

Monday, September 29th, 2008 | Author:

Well, what do you think of the new look? I’m still not sure I want to use this design so it may change again in the near future but I found with the old design, the designer had converted most of the layout to binary and did not allow me to modify much of the design at all. In fact, I got the distinct feeling that they didn’t want any of it touched and had worked long and hard to keep anyone from customizing it. So I decided to look for another theme that felt earthy while allowing me to soup it up a bit (is that the correct word? soup? seems wrong for some reason…) Anyway, I love changing things up periodically so don’t be surprised if the look and feel changes, the content remains the same. Speaking of content…

This weekend is the Army Ten Miler in Washington D.C. For the uninitiated, this is a 10 mile race around the heart of the District that about 26,000 people will be running in. If you were planning on visiting the Washington Mall this weekend, go before Sunday. I’ll be running for the second straight year. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t like to run but even with that I did so poorly last year that the only person behind me was pushing a broom! This year, the plan (and the motivation) are much better. I’ve run a lot more this year and I’m about 15 pounds lighter than last year as well. I don’t know if they have a “Most Improved” award but that is what I’m hoping to achieve. Last year, my time was 2:02 (yep, that would be 2 hours and 2 minutes; pitiful don’t you think?) but this year I will be below 1:30. If you extrapolate out my 5 mile times, you get a 1:22 but I’m not sure I can run that pace for double the distance. The only track we have around here that is anywhere near 10 miles is VERY HILLY so using my time on that track is not very helpful but using it, I’d break 1:30 so I’m encouraged. If you plan on being at the race to cheer us on, bring a big cowbell and look for me. I’ll be wearing the shirt that says “My wife went to Pakistan and all I got was this stinking bib!” Cute huh? I made it up all by myself too. Sometimes it’s a burden to be so talented but with my obvious humility it’s not so hard 8-P

Finally, if you are a teacher in the Woodbridge, VA vicinity we could really use you. We are now short a Music Teacher AND a Resource/Special Education teacher. Both positions are full-time. The new Music teacher was always a little iffy if you ask me but I think most of us were surprised when the new Resource teacher left this week. Its a very demanding job and I don’t know what happened but we have several students who really need directed education and help with implementing coping skills so if you know anyone, please direct them to the school website employment page.

Category: Education  Tags: , , ,  3 Comments

What a beautiful day…

Monday, August 18th, 2008 | Author:

Today was the first day back for all of the teachers at our school. Since I work at a private Catholic school, the first day back is always a retreat at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church (one of the three churches our school serves directly).  Today’s retreat was very special.  A day filled with the Holy Spirit in a way that I have rarely felt it before.  I love being in a relatively large group of people (that I know), discussing our faith and enjoying each other’s company.  Our priest, Fr. Scott Ardinger from the Diocese of Allentown, PA, did an awesome job of explaining the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit and helping us to begin the process of discerning our gifts.  We finished the day with Mass, Adoration of the Eucharist, and group prayer.  It has been probably six years or more since I have had a religious experience to rival this one.  What a great day!

Category: Catholicism, Education, Family  Tags: , ,  2 Comments

I miss my friend…

Wednesday, August 06th, 2008 | Author:

Well it’s taken 6 weeks but the crud of being forced to be a single parent is starting to wear on me now.  If I could just get the house clean and the weeds pulled, I think I would feel better about things.  I hope that the funk I’m in now will pass shortly and reading June Cleaver’s blog recently reminded me that there are those whose situation is not as bright as my own.  Still, all sexist innuendo intended, I believe that women are better equipped to handle the spouse leaving for an extended period of time than men.

Mrs. Hobbit seems to be getting better as we go along though which is a great thing.  She did not feel secure for the longest time and though I don’t believe it’s improved, I think she is getting more accustomed to the area.  Also, the office has settled down now and they are starting to work a little better together.  That really takes a load off of my mind as well.

Okay, so I’ll leave you with a little joke by a guy who was my favorite comedian for years but has become very weird (in a not so funny way) lately – Steven Wright.

First Lady

First Lady

 

Have a blessed day!

Category: Education, Family  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
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