the laanba blog

Daylight Savings Time

Onesome: Daylight-- Savings Time is up here in the US this weekend. Ready? Set? Go? ...or will you just wake up and worry about it sometime Sunday?

Hooray!  I love when Daylight Savings Time goes away.  I love waking up and feeling well rested.  And the timing couldn't be more perfect.  My competition (Saturday) will be finished, my big student party (tonight) will be finished and I'll be able to enjoy my favorite time of the year.  I will be HAPPY next week.

Twosome: Savings--? Hey, do you use coupons when you shop? ...and do you go looking for them online?

I do not use coupons.  Maybe every once in a while I will use one from Lane Bryant or Avenue, but usually that is about it.

Threesome: Time-- to batten down the hatches where you are? They've had snow in Ohio and Ottawa; and we may not hit the 80's this weekend in CaliLand: is Winter approaching for you?

Yes, it was cold at the beginning of this week.  Cold for me at least.   The rest of this week has been nice, not that I've been able to enjoy it.  I love the fall.

How about you? When you're ready, post your answers in your own space, and leave a comment at the Back Porch so we can find you!

Greenwaste Disposal Facility

For The Back Porch

Onesome: Greenwaste-- containers: we're using full sized 'toters' (those cans the trunks can automatically dump); are you using anything special in your city? Does anyplace in the US still let you burn leaves in the Autumn?

I think the city uses those cans, but since I live in an apartment complex, I use an old fashioned dumpster.

Twosome: Disposal-- systems for electronics: out here in CaliLand you just can't 'dump' the old computer or stereo with the trash; they need to go to an 'electronics recycling center'. Do have anything like that where you are?

Umm.... I'm not sure. I still have my old cell phone sitting on my end table because I know I shouldn't throw it in the trash, but I haven't taken it in to AT&T yet for disposal. In case you haven't heard Houston was recently in the news for having a horrible record in recycling. Something my assistant is trying to change single handedly by making all of us in the music area recycle everything possible.

Threesome: Facility--, facilitate, faculty, faculties... Do you ever get any of those a little mixed up? Just curious...

No, I keep those separate. The one that I really have to think about is conscience and conscious. I mean it looks obvious, and looking at it now it IS obvious, but I have to think extra hard each time I use them especially when I'm saying self conscious. Conscious right?

PS. It's great that today is already Thursday. Thank you Labor Day!

Toys 'R Us

Onesome: Toys--? Any new tech toys at your place? No? What would you like to have that is all sorts of "new and improved" and just hard to live without?

Well, since in the last few months I got a new computer, new phone and new wireless, a lot of my tech lust has settled down. I don't really need an iPhone 3G and don't want to pay the extra monthly fees anyway. My tech eyes have now turned towards the photography front. I would really like a new body (camera body, although a new body body wouldn't be bad). I've had my camera for 3 years now. If not a new body then maybe a new lens. I'm getting a bonus in October and depending on how much it is, I may use part of it towards that. I am still amazed that all these people can just go off and buy lenses and new equipment all the time. I wonder where I'm spending my money that they aren't. Or does everyone else really just make that much more than I do.

Twosome: 'r-- you ready for school to be in session again? Good grief, it's only July, but the Back to School sales have been in place for a few weeks now. Do you have a trinket you're planning on buying for yourself or the kids for this next year?

I know! There have been back to school commercials already and back to school displays in the stores. I don't have any plans for any big new things. I did buy a folder at Office Depot despite my irritation at back to school displays so early. It was very pretty and I was afraid that if I waited until later it wouldn't be there. Other than that the wildest I get is buying new pens and pencils.

Threesome: Us--? Nah, nothing fancy going on on this blog space. How about you: any changes planned on your site in the upcoming months?

I just did a big redesign at the photoblog, so that's probably it for my big site changes. As I discussed I can change things over here with the click of the button so that's kind of on going depending on my mood. The only other thing on my change plate is my ongoing yes/no debate about Twitter.

How about you? When you're ready, post your answers in your own space, and leave a comment here so we can find you!

Filling Out Forms

Onesome: Filling-- the ol' fuel tank is getting to be real interesting lately... What are gas prices doing in your area this Summer?

Right now, at least on my side of town, the place I normally fuel up at was $3.97 yesterday. I did notice that one exit up the freeway it was $3.89 so that is probably where I will go next time. I've seen it more expensive in other parts of town.

Twosome: Out-- and about and you're out of cash: the ATM or the store for a few bucks over on the check? Oh! ...and debit or credit? ...or are you a 'cash economy' person?

ATM. I don't know for some reason I don't like adding on top of my purchase. I always try to use my debit card instead of my credit card. And I do not feel right if I do not have some kind of cash on me. My younger friends that live entirely off of their debit cards use it for everything and routinely don't have cash on them. That is so weird!

Threesome: Forms-- can be a real pain! Do you have a 'favorite' you dislike even to think about? (...and no, the income tax forms are 'exempt' from this question !)

It is a toss up between lesson plans and grades. I hate them both.

How about you? When you're ready, post your answers in your own space, and leave a comment here so we can find you!

Life goes faster than you think

Onesome: Life Goes Faster-- than you want it to sometimes. Is anything moving just a little too fast for you lately

Just tonight I was thinking about my plans for moving into the city next summer. I'm not sure that I am going to get my credit card paid off in time to save enough money for the move. When I think about the plan 12 months seems like a very small amount of time. Other than that things are about to majorly slow down thanks to summer vacation. Hallelujah!

Twosome: (Faster) Than You-- can pull a search? ...anyone know where the subject and title for this week's T-3 came from off the top of their head? No? It's worth a quick search...

Did not know without a search, but I'm good at the Google. Don't Blink: Kenny Chesney

Threesome: Think-- ing about Summer? Time at the beach? Vacation plans? ...or not: has the fuel price thing put a hold on some plans? ...or are you thinking of alternate forms of travel for Summer fun?

Summer, summer, summer, summer! The students get out tomorrow, hurrah! Then I have one more week to work after that but work is easy when the kids aren't there.

No big summer plans. I might spend a night or two in Galveston, money depending. And related to the issue brought up in question #1, I need to find cheap or free things to keep me busy. I will also be looking for a place to volunteer my time so I don't have a repeat of last summer's meltdown. Other than that the agenda is sleep, eat, read, watch TV, take pictures and play on the computer. I am so happy that summer is here!

How about you? When you're ready, post your answers in your own space, and leave a comment at the Back Porch so we can find you!

Mark My Words

Onesome: Mark--ing devices? What do you use to mark things up around the house, school, work, wherever? Does the Sharpie rule? ...or do you believe in the sanctity of the pencil ?

I use Sharpies when I need a marker and pens when I need to sign officially or write a check, but otherwise I prefer a pencil. I like something about the feel of it when I'm writing, the scratching on the paper, and for someone as fussy as I am, the eraser! My favorite pencils are Papermate Clicksters. I picked up a package at the grocery store once and have had a supply ever since. Although it is hard sometimes to find a supply because Office Depot doesn't carry them.

Twosome: "My-- day starts off best when I......" I'll let you fill in the blank at your place!

Have time to slowly wake up. I need time to check email, surf the web, blink at the TV and let the brain slowly "boot up." I feel considerably more harassed throughout the day when I have this wake up time.

Threesome: Words-- of a feather clump together? Nah, but hey: what word pairings do you use routinely? Are you into alliteration? ...pithy comments? 'Down home' sayings? Give it up for Thursday!

I try for pithy comments with a little Texas phraseology thrown in now and again. I'm not sure how successful I am in either category.

How about you? When you're ready, post your answers in your own space, and leave a comment here so we can find you!

State Fair and Rodeo

Onesome- State: What state (or territory) do you live in? Have you lived in any other(s)? Where would you like to live? And as a bonus: Any idea what year your state became a state?

Texas, our Texas. All hail the mighty state!

I haven't lived in any other states, but I was born and lived in Panama for 3 years before coming to Texas. Sometimes I dream of running away and starting a new life and the city I always imagine is Seattle for some reason even though I have never been there. I think I'd like it there. Also New York City. However, I don't have enough money and I'm not brave enough to make that big of a life change.

Twosome- Fair: Or amusement parks: Did you enjoy them as a kid? What was your favorite ride? How do you feel about them now? Ready to go wander around one again, sampling funnel cakes and corn dogs and riding rides until you're sick? ...or would you rather just enjoy the entertainment or stay home and avoid the crowds?

Not amusement parks so much, but carnivals. I love photographing them. I like all the lights and colors, wandering around watching the people and of course the carnival food. I'm not much of a rider.

Threesome- And Rodeo: Have you ever been to or watched a rodeo on TV? Did you enjoy it or consider it a barbaric spectacle? If you liked it, what was your favorite event? Ever tempted to race barrels or ride a bull yourself?

It's funny but even though I got to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, I spend most of my time at the livestock show and the carnival. I haven't really been to the rodeo portion. I think barbaric is a little strong, but I have a feeling bull riding would not be one of my favorite events. Looking at some photos from the rodeo this year it looks like the chuck wagon races would be a lot of fun. I'm going to try to go see some of the events next year.

Something old...

Onesome: Something old- Do you have anything that you've owned simply forever? A cherished childhood toy, an antique handed down through the family? ...the family Bible?

I have an old music box that is in the shape of a doll. She is wearing a red dress and spins as the music plays. I've had it forever. My mom cleaned it up a few years ago and it is sitting in my bedroom right now.

Twosome: Something new- Buy anything new lately?

Just today as a matter of fact. I finally put the gift cards to use that my mother gave me at Christmas. I had asked for a card to either Avenue or Lane Bryant and she gave me a card to each one. I bought two shirts at Lane Bryant and four at Avenue and I still have some money left. I also discovered that I like bright colors and I tend to wear the same style of shirt with small variations.

Threesome: Something borrowed- Have you ever borrowed an item and never returned it?

Er... yes. The one that leaps to mind is a set of books that my mother said she was lending, not giving me. That was 15 years ago. I don't think she is getting them back.

Bonus: Something blue- Can you see anything blue from where you are? What is it?

Yep. It is a blue cube that has holes in the side. It is supposed to be a kitty fun house complete with tassles to play with. Instead it is a blue cube sitting in my living room. My cat is not a normal cat. She does not get in bags and she doesn't play with cat toys. Yet I keep buying them in the hopes that this one, this bright shiny new toy, will finally be the one.

Liquid Drops Bandage

Onesome: Liquid-- is falling from the skies this time of year. Be it rain or snow or fog, what's late Winter looking like at your place?

This week it is rainy with highs in the 70s. Then a front will come through to clear the rain out and highs will drop to the mid 60s and quickly move back up to the mid 70s. It's almost March which is pretty much the end of winter here.

Twosome: Drops -- of sweetener? ...or teaspoons of sugar (okay, tablespoons )? What do you use to make iced tea and other drinks acceptable?

I don't drink ice tea, but I do put two cubes of sugar in my hot tea.

Threesome: Bandage-- your owies with a spray or with drops? Have you seen these liquid, no sting, bandage drops yet? Man, I'm thinking these may be ideal to have when you're out and about with kidlets!

I like old fashioned band aids. I know, not terribly exciting.

How about you? When you're done, post your answers in your own space, and leave a comment here so we can find you!

Red Light, Green Light

Onesome: Red-- candles for Valentine's Day? Are you decorating this year? Planning? Scheming? Deferring?

Decorating for Valentine's Day?!? Who does that! Not me. This is my most hated holiday of the year for my poor lonely soul. I'm a very romantic person so it is especially difficult. Thank goodness I'll be busy in San Antonio.

Twosome: Light, Green--? ...or would that be 'teal'? What color is your kitchen area? What color should it be ?

It is apartment beige. I can't even imagine a time when I would actually own my own kitchen, but if ever do I think it will be sunny yellow.

Threesome: Light-- up the place and save energy with these newer CFL/twisty bulbs? Have you tried any yet? How are they working out?

I JUST bought some of those this week to put in my living room lights which are on most of the time. We'll see if they make any difference. I got a very high electricity bill in January, but it isn't because of the lights. Its because the weather was hot, cold, hot, cold and I would switch between A/C and heat and not really pay attention to what I was doing. I'm really paying attention to electricity usage now and I'll be interested to see this month's bill.

How about you? When you're done, post your answers in your own space, and leave a comment here so we can find you!