September 29, 2005

Evolution and Intelligent Design

There has been alot of discussion about mentioning Intelligent Design theories when discussions about Evolution arise in our schools. Both Ruth (she provides some other blog links as well) and Phoenix have some good discussions going.

So, I say, let our children decide for themselves. Perhaps Intelligent Design can't be proven or disproven now. Perhaps Evolution is the real deal. But what does it hurt to expose our children to the entire debate? Can we not trust them to come to their own conclusions? If I had to sit through 4 weeks in a world history class listening to extended discourse on Islam in the 8th grade, including the 5 tenets of Islam, why can't today's students hear about the beliefs of some Christians as it relates to this issue? Learning about Islam didn't turn me into a Muslim. Being exposed to the idea of Intelligent Design isn't going to throw your child to the lions.

What's the big deal? Can't we trust our kids to decide for themselves?

My dad trusted me, and I turned out okay.

I commented over on Ruth's place, and realized that I'd like to introduce this topic over here.

I am, in some ways, on the fence for this one. I've often pondered whether or not evolution and Intelligent Design (creation) could not, in some way, be intermingled. For example, who is to say what Adam looked like? We have formed pictures in our mind because of what we see in books. Ok, that is an oversimplification, but I think you get the idea.

My kids have gone to both private (not religious) and public schools. When we were in California, they attended private schools and both of them got to experience several different religions, and this was often done while studying a particular culture. They enjoyed it quite a bit.

Perhaps I'm naive, but I thoroughly approve I my children being exposed to different values and beliefs, even, as in this case, if it is in science class.

Tell me, can the scientists prove that a greater being did not have a hand in this?

Discuss.

Posted by Moogie at 03:52 PM | Comments (8)

September 28, 2005

Man's one wish

Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!

Curtsey to Michele for this one.

Posted by Moogie at 12:54 PM | Comments (6)

Happy Hump Day!!

Click here for a cup of coffee.

Posted by Moogie at 07:27 AM | Comments (8)

That was weird

Well, the website is now working and I'm not sure exactly what I did. The last page is uploading fine.

I finally found out what the problem was (actually, Mr. Moogie spotted it). It took me a bit longer to figure out how to fix it but after some research, and fiddling around, it now works.

The thing is, I'm not exactly sure what I did. Oh well, I'll need to figure it out again because I've got more pages to add.

Thanks to everyone who offered to help and gave me some advice. Now I know who to go to when I have questions again.

Posted by Moogie at 07:17 AM | Comments (1)

September 26, 2005

Inconsequential list of nothingness

The past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for Chez Moogie. Not bad, mind you, but just filled with adjustments.

As you all know, Mr. Moogie started to work full-time which has meant some rearranging in schedules. Not really a big deal, just added pressure until we can get everything ironed out and get back into a routine.

It makes blogging difficult because I don't have the spaces of free time I used to. Blast the man I married anyway. You would think he would work two jobs so I could stay home and live the life in which I would like to become accustomed to.

Below are some of the things that have been going on since I've stopped blogging on a regular basis:

1. My husband got a full time job (ok, so I've mentioned this already but I felt it prudent to put it on the list. Work with me here).

2. I am having a major battle with my mortgage company about flood insurance. I think I have finally got that one under control.

3. On the second day of my husband's new job, we thought that Meelie No had come down with a case of the chicken pox. It turns out that she had a lot of bug bites. A LOT.

4. We are at fiscal year end (September 30) at my job. The words used most are "buy, buy, buy." I've had some really long days this month because of it (see #3 and why this would be really bad timing).

5. We were informed on Friday afternoon that schools would be closed on Monday and Tuesday to save on fuel (see number 1 and 3 as to why I felt a wee bit stressed and why I pink fluffy heart my neighbor who is watching them).

6. I am building a website for the neighbor whom I pink fluffy heart, and I can not get it to publish the fifth page and I have no idea why. I am using Microsoft Office Publisher for the first time because what she wants is really simple and I thought this might be the way to go. Now I can't get everything to publish. If any of you have any ideas, I will pink fluffy heart you as well. I may just have to code it from scratch if I can’t figure out what is going wrong.

7. I will be getting my crown put in on Wednesday, which just means more time to take off. But, hey...I can cover it because I am working the extra hours so it will be easy to cover the time off, but that just makes me stressed out because I'll be missing some work. And? That means I have to go back to Dr. OMG Your Teeth are Falling a Part and this won't hurt a bit.

8. Pre-pubescent children can cause normally sane adults to spontaneously combust.

9. I had SEVEN children in my house on Saturday evening, FIVE of which spent the night (see #8).

10. Bruiser the puppy, insists on POOPING in the sunroom, continually. Even though he is put outside for long periods of time. AND? If that's not enough. His new trick is climbing up on either the dining room or kitchen table even though I have all of the chairs pushed in.

I think I'll stop before this turns in to more of a novel than it already is. In the mean time, if any of you have seen a lone brown sandal? I would appreciate it if you would return it to me. I think Bruiser got off with it and I'm hoping it's not buried in the back yard somewhere.

Posted by Moogie at 07:25 PM | Comments (6)

September 23, 2005

Why I should be renting

I just got off the phone with the mortgage company. Again. I was on the phone for 1 hour and 7 minutes. To clear up a problem. That started back in February. FEBRUARY.

Yes, I'm talking in fragmented sentences, but I've used my niceness quota up for the year. It became beyond ridiculous. They say it's fixed now. I won't hold my breath. But I do think I will begin to drink. Heavily. Starting now.

To put it simply, which I'm not entirely sure is possible, the mortgage company or insurance company screwed up on our flood insurance. Back in February, we set up both the home owner's and flood insurance. We have had trouble ever since.

1) February: Mortgage company processes flood insurance declaration, and payment is disbursed from escrow.

2) May: Oh goodness, Mortgage Company has not received flood insurance information. I rectify the matter and have the information faxed over from my insurance. Am assured that all is taken care of.

3) June: Another payment (huh?) is disbursed from our escrow account (please see #1) and mortgage payment goes up (because, you know...your insurance went up M'am). Contact mortgage company, straighten out insurance problem and duplicate payment is credited to escrow account. Yay! It's all fixed.

4) July/August: No notifications.

5) September: Get notice from Mortgage Company that they are claiming their intent to foreclose on our home because we are TWO MONTHS BEHIND ON OUR MORTGAGE PAYMENT. Huh? WTF??

At this point, I double check my bank account and sure enough, they have cashed both checks (July, August). I called the insurance company and was informed (at this time I was talking to the collections department) that my mortgage payment had gone up in July to the tune of $155. When asked why, they told me it was because my insurance premiums had gone up and there wasn't enough in my escrow account to cover it.

I asked to be transferred to the insurance department, because you know, they compartmentalize all of these things, and nobody can give you the whole picture. Each time you transfer, you are generally on hold for around 10 minutes. When I reached the insurance department they told me that they had issued "forced" coverage for my flood insurance in the tune of (ba-dum-bump) $981 (more that three times my coverage I set up in February). They will not post your mortgage payments unless they are paid in full. On a side note, we received no notice that our payments had gone up or I would have taken care of it right when it happened.

After making a call to my insurance agent, whom by this time, I'm on a first name basis with, and I know the names of her children and animals (she has an Iguana named Fred), we decided that once again, we would send the flood insurance information over to my mortgage company to, yet again, straighten things out.

In the mean time, I found out what I needed to pay to clear the mortgage owed to date (even though it was wrong) because I wanted to get out from the "intent to foreclose" procedure. I figured I'd worry about the refunds later.

As I said in the first paragraph, I was on the phone for 1 hour and 7 minutes with them. I got transferred three times to different departments. They "say" they have received the insurance information and in about two weeks, all should be cleared and that they will credit my escrow account the extra money that I have paid.

My question? What will happen in October?

Posted by Moogie at 04:45 PM | Comments (7)

White Trash Friday!

It's time, once again (ok this would be my first time playing) to post a picture for White Trash Friday.

In the extended entry, you will find a picture of Mr. Moogie and I on a recent shopping spree.

Posted by Moogie at 09:56 AM | Comments (5)

Shoot up and Swallow!

I've heard of gearing a program to try to reach the younger generation, but I think that perhaps this might have gone a little too far?

"The host of a new Dutch talk show plans to take heroin and other illegal drugs on air in a program intended to reach young audiences on topics that touch their lives, producers said Wednesday."

And, it's being broadcast in the Netherlands....

"The Netherlands is known for its marijuana policy, where sale and use of the drug in small quantities are not prosecuted even though technically illegal. Other drugs, including LSD, cocaine, Ecstasy and heroin are outlawed and dealers are prosecuted. The legal age for the consumption of alcohol and tobacco is 16. "

Filemon Wesselink, who is one of the presenters, plans on ingesting heroin in the form of a pill, participating in a drinking binge in a series of pubs as well as try LSD on his couch under the supervision of his mother.

HIS.MOTHER.

"The Shoot Up & Swallow show's main hostess will interview guests about drug use and abuse, while Wesselink and another presenter will carry out in-the-field experiments with sex and drugs.

Out in-the-field experiments? Hmmmmm......

Dude...pass the crack.

Discuss.

Posted by Moogie at 08:39 AM | Comments (1)

September 22, 2005

A little bit of truth?

While on hold with my mortgage company during lunch to try and straighten out yet another mess they made, the song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" came on the radio.

Somewhat appropriate, don't you think?

You come on with a come on, you don’t fight fair
But that’s o.k., see if I care!
Knock me down, it’s all in vain
I’ll get right back on my feet again!

Hit me with your best shot!
Why don’t you hit me with your best shot!
Hit me with your best shot!
Fire away!

Posted by Moogie at 12:54 PM | Comments (3)

I've made it to the big leagues

Just take a look at this!

Posted by Moogie at 12:46 PM | Comments (1)

September 17, 2005

Drive by shower

Authorities are looking for two perpetrators, apparently children, who wreaked havoc on a Southeast Georgia couple's bathroom.

"One minute, our bathroom was clean, and the next thing I know, it looked as though a tornado had blown through," said the visibly upset owner.

The evidence was slim, but police belive they have a solid lead. The intruders left one solid piece of evidence behind.

(click on the extended entry to view)

Posted by Moogie at 10:01 AM | Comments (8)

September 16, 2005

The evidence is in

What does this look like to you?

Looks like our favorite mullet had a little bit too much of this one's artillery punch.

Me thinks he got involved in some "bumping" as well.

Tell me my favorite bus driver, is he old enough to have whiskers? (thanks for the pic).

Posted by Moogie at 04:47 PM | Comments (6)

YAHT

Shamelessly stolen from Le Princess.

01. Ask me 3 questions. Any 3, no matter how personal, private or random.

02. I have to answer them honestly. I have to answer them all.

And if you wish:

03. In turn, you post this message in your own blog or journal and you have to answer the questions that are asked of you.

So, go ahead, ask away!

Posted by Moogie at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)

Forklifts vs Moogie

Forklift (1) Moogie (0)

Ouch...tripped over forklift in warehouse...ouch

UPDATE: Forklift TINES Hey..I was hurting. You expected me to proofread?

Posted by Moogie at 12:14 PM | Comments (5)

September 15, 2005

Grinding? Or not.

I really don't think I grind my teeth when I sleep. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced I'm right. Nor do I, like Mr. Dentist asked about 5 times, eat lemons or chew ice. Think about it (or don’t, just pretend you are listening). My jaw doesn't hurt in the morning, and The Gaseous Muscle Man has never heard me do it.

But? At the end of the day my jaw aches. I'm not talking the head banging, hair ripping, crotch grabbing, Lord have mercy I just drank a bottle of really bad wine after eating 12 Slim Jims and a bag of Cheetos type of pain. It.just.aches. Alot. Like right now. I'd never really thought about it much until this week. Just kidding about the Cheetos (hi Mom!).

I've noticed that I do a lot of heavy duty clenching while I work. The busier I am, the harder I concentrate, etc., the more I clench. I'm beginning to wonder if that might not be the problem. Especially because it eases up quite a bit after I'm home for a while.

I'm kind of afraid to mention this to my dentist. I mean, what if I have to wear a mouth guard during the day? I'll end up looking like an NFL linebacker with no neck and HUGE lips. I wonder if he'll make me wear a cup?

Posted by Moogie at 06:15 PM | Comments (3)

September 14, 2005

Psssst! Come closer....

Come on. A little closer.

That's it...just a little closer

Don't be afraid...just a little closer..really, it won't hurt a bit!

(Click on the extended entry peeps)

MR. MOOGIE. GOT. THE. JOB. AND. HE. STARTS. TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!

I can post about it now cuz he's emailed the family and friends. I'm not saying that I didn't called/wrote my family/friends and told them about it immediately or anything.

I'm just saying.

Posted by Moogie at 08:07 PM | Comments (10)

I see nothing

I find it so interesting when I think about how my body responds to total down time. This particular state of mind (body?) can come in many forms.

I ended up working 11 hours yesterday. Not surprising for this time of year. Not a big deal. But? I was so tired of dealing with people, on the phone or in person. When I got home, I just wanted to stay there. Read some email, listen to some music, and post an entry here and there.

Tuesday nights are traditionally "Chick-Fil-A" nights for the schools here. It's not uncommon to find us among the participants. Last night was no exception, other than the fact that I wasn't there. I asked my husband if it was really necessary that I go along, and he said no. He had no problems with me staying home.

So he left to go pick up the girls from dance and go off to dinner. And I? Just relaxed. In the silence. The blessed silence. I sat on the couch with a glass of wine and stared at the ceiling. I took care of the daily stuff (email, etc) and then went and sat in the garage on an old rocking chair we have out there and I just enjoyed. The silence. The sunset and then the stars. Other than the occasional conversation with myself, I said not one single word.

It was alot like that this morning when I got up from work. It was 4:30 when the alarm went off, and it was completely pitch black. We have absolutely no streetlights where we live and we are on a country road. It was still like that when I was done getting ready for work.

I went into the garage with a cup of coffee and sat on the rocker again. The silence was comforting. Well, I wasn't counting the sounds of crickets and birds, and just the normal sounds of nature surrounding me. I drove to work with the window part way down, listening to those same sounds. It was so peaceful and relaxing. A very good way to start your day off.

So today? Even though I'm pulling another longer than normal shift? When I'm done for the day, I'm going to go home, change, and sit in the rocker. Just for a little bit. Just enough time to let me relax, and enjoy the silence.

Until the kids come home from dance lessons.

"Moooooooooooooooooom, can I have a snaaaaack?!!!"

Posted by Moogie at 07:14 PM | Comments (2)

September 13, 2005

Happy Birthday Raggedy Ann!!

Happy Birthday Raggedy Ann. You brought alot of happiness into my life and I'm sure you will continue to do so!

Posted by Moogie at 09:15 PM | Comments (3)

Getting to know your friends

Welcome to the new edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do. Just copy this entire post and paste into a new entry on your blog or into my comments section. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Pretty simple huh?

1. What is your occupation? Buyer

2. What color is your underwear? White (I live dangerously)

3. What are you listening to right now? The dogs playing, and computer fans

4. What was the last thing you ate? Lasagne and a salad

5. Do you wish on stars? But of course!

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Blue or green

7. How is the weather right now? Hot and humid

8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Mr. Moogie

9. Do you like the person who sent this to you? YES!

10. How old are you today? 39 + 14 (do the math)

11. Favorite drink? Unsweet iced tea

12. Favorite sport to watch? Basketball or football

13. Have you ever dyed your hair? Could you repeat that question?

14. Do you wear contacts or glasses? Neither

15. Pets? Two dogs and seven fish

16. Favorite month? August

17. Favorite food? My mom's breaded chicken fillets/spinach salad

18. Favorite day of the year? Christmas/birthday

19. What do you do to vent anger? Talk to myself (shaddup)

20. What was your favorite toy as a child? Wolfie

21. Fall or Spring? Spring

22. Hugs or kisses? Hugs!

23. Cherry or Blueberry? Cherry

24. Do you want your friends participate in this? Yes

25. Who is most likely to respond? I honestly don't know.

26. Who is least likely to respond? Not sure

27. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday

28. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes and an assortment of stuff.

29. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Diana

30. What did you do last night? Cooked dinner, did the dishes, made lunches, read email and cleaned the kitchen, snuggled and fell asleep with the girls and Bruiser.

31. Favorite smell? Roses, carnations or right after a good rain.

32. What inspires you? People who have suffered greatly in life, yet go on to achieve success and happiness.

33. What are you afraid of? Dying

34. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Plain with lettuce, onions and a little bit of mayo

35. Favorite dog? Tiny or Bruiser

36. Number of keys on your key ring? 2

37. How many years at your current job? 2 months, but I've been with the same company for 23 years

48. Favorite day of the week? Friday

49. How many states have you lived in? 4

50. How many cities have you lived in? 8

Hats of to this extraordinary lady for sending this to me.

Posted by Moogie at 07:51 PM | Comments (1)

September 12, 2005

I don't know what happened

I'm going to the dentist this morning to have a crown (temporary) put in. I was fine with it. After my last appointment, my fears of all things dental related subsided greatly. We had a great weekend. I hardly even got to my computer, and when I did, it was mainly to read email.

We did some heavy-duty work (cleaning) on the house and it looks really great. My husband will be cleaning the carpets today. Saturday, we had a bunch of neighbors (I believe the total was 14 with some drive by's) over for dinner. I supplied the meat and a salad, and everyone else brought a dish. It was great and everyone had a good time. The weather was most cooperative.

My mind was clear. My breathing was regular. I thought about the appointment occasionally, but really didn't worry about it.

And then? After my alarm went off this morning? My mind immediately settled on the fact that today was the day. My stomach? Is in knots. I keep getting butterflies. I'm sweating. I feel like my heart is going to come out of my chest.

This is simply ridiculous. Can you say overkill? I KNOW this. I really do. What am I doing to myself and why? I am a grown woman. A mother for goodness sake. Why am I so scared? Why am I on the verge of tears? Can you tell me?

Writing about it helps. It relaxes me. I will be fine. I will relax.

But now? I could really use a hug from my mom.

Update: I'm back. With a serious case of numbness. I lisp when I talk. Kind of funny really. I am relieved. It was't bad at all. It just took a long time. And now that I can't eat (because the temporary crown needs to set and I am still numb)? I am starving. Carry on. I need to go back to work, though I dare say I'm going to sound like a drunken fool for a while.

Posted by Moogie at 08:15 AM | Comments (7)

September 07, 2005

Katrina

I've avoided posting on this topic since it started. Not because I think it doesn't warrant attention, but because I have, as yet, to wrap my arms around it. It just doesn't seem real. You know?

I watched a broadcast last night in which they showed a man who had lost EVERYTHING. Everything. The only thing he had left was his dog. When the bus came to pick him up, he couldn't bring his dog along. The video showed the dog chasing after the bus. I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried. Hard.

Don't get me wrong. I completely understand and agree with the decision. The rationalization is sound. People come first. I'm simplifying it, of course, but I really don't think that I need to go into much more detail than that.

(to read more, click on the extended entry)

It's disturbing to me how people are so quick to jump on Bush and his administration and place the blame on slow recovery efforts. Has anyone actually sat back and took a look at the enormity of the situation? I know I only see the outside of the picture, but how can you fix a problem with that magnitude in a minute amount of time?

I was listening to an interview this morning on the way to work. The reporter asked how come the rescue efforts were taking so long. The reply was that they had to search house by house, to make sure that everyone (dead or alive) was found.

He was then asked why they hadn't started collecting (for lack of a better term I'm sure) all of the dead bodies. The response was that "there are still people who are stranded. What is more important at this point? Alive or dead?" You could tell the man being interviewed was somewhat irritated. If you think about it, he's got to be frustrated as well.

Of course, you have the politicians such as Hillary Clinton who are crying out for an investigation of the Federal Government and the fact that things are not being handled appropriately. And there are those crying that "race" is the reason.

Think about it folks. Who in their right minds would have ever thought that something like this could happen? Who could prepare for this type of eventuality? Remember 9/11? Were we prepared? Remember how it was hard to get through by phone for days to people after that? Um...do you think any phone lines are up in New Orleans? Communication is a key issue in times like these. There are so many people that handle different aspects of the disaster. That takes some time to work out. I imagine it was utter chaos in the beginning.

Look, I'm not saying the situation couldn't have been handled differently. It probably could have. But right now, that's not important. What's important is that we all pull together to help out those folks who really need it. Let's not waste time on fighting about who did or didn't do what. There is time to improve our methods later. We don't have time for unnecessary finger pointing.

Thoughts? Ideas?

Discuss.

Posted by Moogie at 06:04 PM | Comments (5)

The Kiss

He had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire.

She is pregnant.

The firefighter was afraid of her at first, because he had never been around a Doberman before.

When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest.

A photographer from the Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper, "The Observer,"noticed this red Doberman in the distance looking at the fireman.

He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and wondered what she was going to do.

As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her babies, and kissed him, just as the photographer snapped this photograph.

Some people say animals are dumb...

Posted by Moogie at 05:33 PM | Comments (1)

May he rest in peace

Michele's brother-in-law lost his battle with cancer. My heart goes out to the family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.

Rest in peace John.

Posted by Moogie at 05:29 PM | Comments (2)

September 06, 2005

3 day weekends

I really love the three day weekends that fall upon the heels of a holiday. That extra day is so nice. On the flip side, it makes going back to work that much harder. Don't get me wrong, I really love my job and all, but it was sure nice to have the extra time.

This Labor Day weekend was no exception. We took a jaunt down to my folk's house (hi Mom!) for a visit. It was nice and relaxing. I got so spoiled with home cooked meals which someone other than myself made. We even went over to my brother's house, and had a great visit with he and his family.

But on Tuesday? When I went back to work? I felt like a lost soul. I had a hard time talking. The words just weren't coming out right. I had to back track to figure out where I left off on Friday. It was almost like I had forgotten how to do my job. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get into the swing of things. That seems to happen to me alot after I take time off.

So now I'm back home, and finished with my Tuesday. I've got pork chops waiting to be cooked. The girls will be home from dance soon. Bruiser will be visiting the vets tomorrow, and once a week for a few weeks (for dips) to cure a case of puppy mange (lovely). Oh, and the best news? The thing that towers above anything else in the whole universe? Except maybe home cooked meals by my mom? (On a side note, I found out my parents actually READ my blog)

MR. MOOGIE HAS A JOB INTERVIEW TOMORROW! Please keep him in your thoughts.

Posted by Moogie at 06:12 PM | Comments (4)

September 01, 2005

This is where I say Woooooooo!

Ok, the upper teeth are now fixed and feeling mighty smooth. I can really tell the difference. My jaw is rather sore, but I'm given to understand that when they work on the lower back two teeth, it's going to be worse. That will be when they ready one tooth for a crown (and put a partial in) and bond the one next to it because parts of it have broken off.

Ok, now I can relax for a while. Truth be told, and I hope this helps me in the future, it wasn't really bad. I had quite a bit of sensitivity in my upper teeth, so they had to numb me. I really didn't feel the shot at all, which suprised, and pleased me greatly.

So, I got through phase I, I'm still alive, and nothing untoward happened. Phew.

I'm set for a couple of weeks, until I move into Phase II.

Now that I have that behind me, I want to make sure that all of you have changed your links (if you link to him) from the old OWW, to his new home at Swamp Gas. And if you don't link him now, what are you waiting for? I've still got a lot of work to do on that site, but at least he's functional. Please let me know if you see something that doesn't work, or look right. I still have to work on the masthead. It's just not there yet. I'm not terribly artistic, so I think this will take some work.

For those of you who don't know, this is my husband's blog. Go on over and say hi. Tell him I sent you. He's feeling a might bit lonely.

I want to thank all of you who posted comments, and emailed me with humorous stories during my dental saga. You have no clue how much that really helped.

Posted by Moogie at 06:04 PM | Comments (6)