Cookies and Good Company

yum, yum

I just spent the evening with my sister--fixing dinner, playing Life, and eating warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies. I have a great sister--she's my favorite! ;) I remember when we were kids and mom would tell us, "One day you're gonna like having a sister!" and of course, I'd immediately think, "YEAH, right!" but it's true. I love my sister and I'm glad that we are sisters.

A Little Wisdom from the 'Hood

My desk calendar this year is "The World According to Mr. Rogers." I have such good memories of ole' Mr. Rogers. I learned how colors were made, how to reconcile differences with friends, and that make-believe is just a trolley ride away. Even now, if I am flipping through the channels and come across a re-run of the show, I will usually stop and watch for a moment as I reminisce about those much simpler days. I have also seen a PBS special on Fred Rogers himself and I must say that viewing that biography only made me respect him more. Anyway, back to the calendar. I just thought I'd share with you the thought for this past weekend. Ole' Fred gets a little pensive, but it's a quote that makes a lot of sense as I contemplate being a "grown-up."

"All through our lives there are resignations of wishes. As children, once we learn to walk, we must resign ourselves to not being a baby anymore."

I don't know why but the simple truth of that quote really hit me the first time I read it. I was just having a conversation with a friend about that subject this weekend. I think that often, those things we struggle with the most in life are those ideals that we've grown past, but refuse to give up--those pie-in-the-sky dreams of fairy-tale lives and happily-ever-after endings. I am struggling to express myself adequately because I am trying to mind that fine line between realism and cynicism. I think it's important to have dreams--no matter what your age--but at the same time, some of the wisdom that we gain as we grow older must filter those dreams, so as to remind us of what is attainable and what is just fantasy. But I have always been a realist on a good days and a pessimist on my bad ones, so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. It's just something to think about. Feel free to comment, if you'd like.

The MOST Amazing Child in ALL of the World--aka my nephew David

Hey there, handsome!

I felt that it was time to introduce you, my devoted readers, to the most amazing child in all of the world. His name is David Kyle, II. He is almost 20 months old and lives in Missouri--which stinks because I live in Louisiana--with his mom and dad, Kyle and Katie. I just thought I'd post a few pictures for your viewing pleasure--if you think I've posted too many, please know that I DID hold back! ;)

I'm gonna get you!

David's dad--my brother--is Kyle David. His dad--my father--was David Kyle. Therefore David is officially a "II" because he's the second David Kyle but he's not a junior--I'm sure y'all were all DYING to know that!

Kyle

This is my brother Kyle. Yes, he's really tall. No, I didn't inherit those genes. Kyle and Katie just bought a house in Missouri and this is a pic of Kyle doing something home-ownerly--who knows what that could be! I know they've put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into their first house and I'm looking forward to the chance to visit!

David and his Momma

This is David with his Mom--my sister-in-law Katie. David's in his duck costume (full pic down below) and by the way he's sucking on his fingers, looks to be a bit tired at this point. But Katie is all smiles! Katie is very crafty and created this costume herself! She's also a great jewlery designer and I own several of her pieces--can you tell I'm sucking up? ;)

Helpin' Momma

I just thought these pics of him at the sink were TOO cute!

It's manly to wear an apron

David Duck is on parade

Can't wait to get in!

This is an old pic and I don't know why it's showing up so small, but it's one of my favorites! It's just so greeting-cardish, don't ya think?

me

No, I am not particularly vain. I'm trying to get this picture over to my profile, but blogger seems to be having trouble with a server b/c it won't let me save changes to my profile. So the pic is here until I can move it over. This picture was taken on my 29th (ugh!) birthday. And yes, I have a bad habit of tilting my head in pictures--all of the time, actually! If you'd like to see more pictures from my birthday, click here and scroll down to Nov 27th's post.

I need your help. . .

Does anyone know how I would go about making contact with a serviceman who's currently deployed to Iraq? I ran into a former student while I was out walking my sister's dog--or should I say while she was walking me, but that's a whole 'nother story!--and we were discussing another student that he was friends with in high school. He told me that Allen had been deployed in late October. I've been thinking about Allen recently and, now that I know he's there, I would like to make contact with him. So, if you have any ideas, please let me know. I've looked around a little online and haven't been able to find any sort of site that does that sort of thing. And all I know is his name and that he's in the National Guard--no idea what troop or squadron or whatever else he would possibly be assigned to. I appreciate any suggestions you may have. Thanks!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Tragedy affects everyone in different ways. I learned that lesson when my Dad died almost 8 years ago. I know that I am very much a thinking personality--thank you Meyers-Briggs--and I don't always respond to the same tragic stimuli that is often generated in the media today. They tend to go after the heartstrings with pictures of people who look rightfully bewildered and overwhelmed by sorrow in the face of great tragedy. And while I do not doubt the sincerity, those images don't help me to fully understand the scope of the event. I often need information on a broader scale in order to appreciate the personal aspect of the situation. I think back to 9/11 and the pictures and video of the attack was what makes the pictures and video of people reacting to and mourning the event much more real to me.

This morning my focus is the recent tsunami that has devastated a part of our world. I have seen the news reports and the flags at half-mast. I have seen the images of the people. But I think what gets to me is just the sheer number of people that it has affected. I saw last night that the number of people missing and assumed dead is at 142,000. That just blows me away. Those are people's sons and daughters, and husbands and wives, and friends and companions--all lost in a moment by something that nobody could have predicted with any accuracy and no one could have stopped. My friend Dale sent me an email this morning and I just wanted to share it with you.

This is a link to satellite photos that show before and after shots of the countries hit by the tsunamis. Each picture has a toggle to click on to see the before and after. The site itself gives you a little more instruction.

http://homepage.mac.com/demark/tsunami/2.html

I can't say that I hope you enjoy them, but these pictures have helped me to comprehend the scope of the tragedy and that, in turn, helps me to understand the images of those whose lives have been forever changed by it.

Announcing the New Arrival!

A little picture of my new baby!

Well, here she is. I have had her for a few days, but I've been a little too busy playing with her to make the big announcement. The brown stork dropped her off on Wednesday afternoon and it's been heaven ever since! I mean, I didn't know how much my new baby would affect my life, but she has! I couldn't wait until the weekend so I could have some uninterrupted quality time with her! Yeah, I know I'm being ridiculous, but it's fun. While I'm sure that such purchases are mundane and commonplace for most of you, It's been a big deal for me. I don't think I've ever paid this much for anything other than a car in my life. And it's just been one of those things that I said I wanted for so long--it's hard for me to realize that I, Beth Hintze, actually own my own laptop. Now I'm in the throws of "new parent" culture shock. I want to know how to do a hundred different things all at once and it drives me nuts that I have to take time to do such frustrating things as sleep and go to work!

This blog has taken on a new importance as well. I remember not so long ago when I didn't know WHAT a blog was--I'd heard about the concept but it was certainly never anything that I thought worthy of much attention. And then I met a new friend and he had one so it was fun to check it out and see what he was doing and thinking about. And from that point, an old friend decided that SHE needed a blog of her own. I lived vicariously through her for a while, but I finally got to the point where it was time for me to have my own. And here we are. It was just supposed to be this casual thing I'd do every now and then when I had something particularly funny or wise to say. But now, as Jen has told me many times, I see the world in a whole new light. I look at everything and wonder, "Can I blog about that?" (And this is another question, when did 'blog' become a verb? I know that you post on a blog, but in casual conversation, Jen and I tend to use the word 'blog' as a verb--is that normal or are we just nuts? ok, I already know the answer to that, but stick to the subject!) I may wax philosophical on the subject of blogging in subsequent posts, but it's Friday afternoon and I don't feel like thinking that hard right now! I'm off to a dinner party at my best friend's house--if I can remember how to get there! She lives out in the middle of rice fields--yikes!

The World RPS Society

I am mesmerized by nonsense taken to the extreme. When I found this website a few years ago—much to the chagrin of Jim, my boss, who thought I was ridiculous for spending so much time on it-- I spent hours looking through every part. The site has grown since then, but my fascination is still the same. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to this website that has captivated me for years: The World RPS Society. Check it out! It’s great! I love the by-line: Serving the needs of decision-makers since 1918.

And the best part is that YOU can become a member of this fascinating society for only a small fee! They have a few packages available. I’ve taken the liberty of setting those before you now so that you might begin to consider the level of membership that would best suit your needs:

Special Offer: Special Deluxe Membership Package

A laminated official World RPS Society membership card, allowing you to declare your active status in the World RPS Society

Your name and very own official title in the World RPS Society proclaimed boldly on your card

An Author signed copy of The Official Rock Paper Scissors Strategy Guide book

A letter of welcome, signed by the legendary Wojek Smallsoa (including an excerpt from his seminal work, The Trio of Hands)

An official RPS Power Stealth Ingenuity T-shirt

A complete set of eight stickers (Volume 1 or 2) featuring designs from the World RPS Historical Archive

The Official Rules to the grand sport of Rock Paper Scissors (2003 Championship Edition)

Two Official World RPS Society Beer Coasters

All for only $37 (plus $8 shipping and handling)


Deluxe Membership Package

A laminated official World RPS Society membership card, allowing you to declare your active status in the World RPS Society

Your name and very own official title in the World RPS Society proclaimed boldly on your card

A letter of welcome, signed by the legendary Wojek Smallsoa (including an excerpt from his seminal work, The Trio of Hands)

An official RPS Power Stealth Ingenuity T-shirt

A complete set of eight stickers (Volume 1 or 2) featuring designs from the World RPS Historical Archive

All for only $26 (plus $6 Shipping and Handling)

Basic Membership Package

An official World RPS Society membership card, allowing you to declare your active status in the World RPS Society

A letter of welcome, signed by the legendary Wojek Smallsoa (including an excerpt from his seminal work, The Trio of Hands)

4 stickers featuring the designs from the World RPS Historical Archive

All for only $9 (plus $1 Shipping and Handling)

PLUS . . .
Written on the back of your card is a SPECIAL BONUS available only to card-bearing World RPS Society members. Showing your card at the beginning of any match with a non-member will enable you to dictate the number of rounds to be played! So any time you are playing you can force your opponents to play in a number of rounds that suits your best playing strategies (perhaps your specialty is lightning rounds or maybe a longer match will reveal your opponent's strategy, or you can even keep them on their toes my mixing it up).

Imagine the envy of your friends as you whip out your card and force them to play a best of 9 tournament, before a decision can be reached. How can we offer this to you? Because we are the governing body of all worldwide RPS matches and no other RPS-affiliated organization can.
You also get full access to the worldrps.com Web site, with areas and articles by your favourite RPS strategists, a bulletin board, FAQs, strategy insights, new moves and much, much more; a directory of all RPS committee heads and the upcoming World RPS catalogue, where you will be able to get posters, playing aids, instructional videos, apparel, limited edition collectors' items, and many other items not available anywhere else!

But that's not all! When attending any regional or national RPS convention, you can take advantage of many special members-only events, such as RPS tournaments, lectures, panels, and workshops where members can meet special convention guests - possibly Micheal Walters (developer of the infamous 2-3 Rock Switch strategy), or even Jasmine Meade (1998 Junior Women's Champion and co-author of The Grrrls Guide to RPS).

So join now - prices will go up in the near future. Memberships are available at yearly or (for a limited time only) lifetime rates. To sign up today simply complete and mail our Application Form.

Secrets

The other night my sister asked me to pick up a few things for dinner on my way home. Since it was just a few items and it didn't matter to me if I paid $1.29 or $1.49 for a head of lettuce, I just stopped at Champagne's--a local grocery store (pronounced Sham-pines, for all of you who aren't from South Louisiana). I made my selections and arrived at the check-out counter, debit card in hand. As the cashier finished scanning the items, I slid my card through the little debit card machine and a funny thing happened. The machine asked me for my "Secret" code. I didn't know what it was talking about for a second and then I realized that it was refering to my PIN! I just think that's so funny--my "secret" code.

It made me wish that I had more secrets in my life! I realize the importance of keeping my PIN confidential and very few people are privy to that very important information, but it just sounds so much more exciting to call it a SECRET code. Sometimes I feel like my whole life is an open book. I wish I could be more mysterious. I have decided that, even if my life isn't mysterious, I can make it sound more so! So now my plans will be SECRET plans. My passwords will be SECRET codes. My normal, everyday conversations will be PRIVATE conversations. I think most of what is truly secret in the world is probably not that extraordinary. It simply sounds exciting because, by labeling it a secret, you're telling a majority of people that THEY don't get to know it! Obscurity always lends an air of mystery. So, I'm off to be mysterious. . . and who knows where I'll end up! ha!

Thoughts of Andrew

I am so flattered that my blog has garnered attention from such as the ENTIRE Bridges clan! But of course, I attribute that attention to the post that Della affectionately refers to as "The Story about Paige." And I understand that Andrew is feeling a bit left out so I thought I would tell the rest of my readers a little bit about my new friend Andrew.

Della aptly remarked, and I do agree, that it's amazing to see twins who are so different. Paige is ALL girl and Andrew is ALL boy! And they are both hilarious! One of my favorite "Andrew" memories from that weekend has to be when we settled down to watch Spiderman 2. Andrew exibited both brotherly concern and his very masculine nature while we watched the movie. He would instruct Paige as to when she needed to cover her eyes because of the violence of the scene. Now, I never could figure out why it was ok for him--a 4 1/2 year old boy--to watch the scene, but she--a 4 1/2 year old girl-- needed to cover her eyes, but she did nonetheless. None of it phased him, though. What DID phase him were the kissing scenes! If there was even a CHANCE that kissing could occur, Andrew practically killed himself while trying to hide behind the sofa!

Andrew is also very into sports. He was watching a football game on Sunday afternoon and he couldn't always tell you who was winning, but he definitely knew his teams! And apparently someone took him to see the Florida State Seminoles play the Duke Blue Devils because he was very excited to tell his aunt--a die-hard 'noles fan--all about it!

And he loves to play football at a moment's notice. You could be standing in the hall talking to someone and, from somewhere behind you would come the words, "Hut, hut" and then there you were, prostrate on the floor with Andrew around your knees. I was playing with Andrew and made the mistake of rattling off a few numbers before i said "hut, hut" (and I know about as much about why you would say numbers before you call "hut" as Andrew does, but like my fellow football player, I immitate what I observe, even when I don't understand it.) Needless to say, at least while we were still visiting, Andrew picked up on that little detail and his "huts" now included a few random numbers and a whole lot more gusto! Andrew also liked to play these "pick-up" games of football at very unusual times but I won't go into more detail on that here--Della, that's your story to tell! ha!

One more story about Andrew--and this comes from his mom, Stephanie. She told us about one day when she'd taken the twins to Barnes and Noble. She stopped by the magazine section to grab a few magazines to read while she sat with Paige and Andrew in the children's section. She said that as they were leaving the section, Andrew's arms were full of hunting magazines. I guess he needed some reading material to occupy him while they were in the children's section as well?!

I don't know if my memories will be as funny to you as they are to me. I laugh just thinking about these stories. I had such a great time in Tallahassee! Thank you Darren and Stephanie for such warm hospitality and such funny kids! Y'all have a great thing going!

YAY!!

Well, ladies and gentlemen. I sullenly trudged up to the library to check my email and write a little on the woes of being without a computer and being forced to use public computing services (i.e., the library computers) when what did I notice in my hotmail inbox? A SHIPPING NOTICE from Dell!! Yay, my new computer is now on its way! After MUCH deliberation, I finally ordered my computer on Thursday. I designed my own on Dell.com, but chickened out about ordering it without talking to a person first. I called the toll free number and a helpful fella named Victor helped me to design the computer that's right for me (and all of those other cheesy lines you hear in comercials). I'm getting an Inspiron 1150 (a laptop--b/c I'm SUCH the mobile, on-the-go chick! ha!) I'm so excited!!

The Wonder of Crayola

Gotta love it! MESS FREE!

On a recent trip to Florida, a whole new world was opened up to me, and holding the key was a delightful 4 ½ year old (because, as I quickly figured out, being 4 ½ is MUCH different from being just 4!) by the name of Paige. Paige introduced me to the wonderful world of Crayola Color Wonder Markers and Finger-paints, to which I will be eternally in her debt! On my trip, I had the opportunity to spend a serious amount of playtime with Paige and her twin brother Andrew who are the niece and nephew of my good friend Della. I will comment later on the rigors of entertaining twins, but for now, I must tell you of my experience with these amazing products!

The experience began, simply enough, with Paige declaring that it was time to color. We’d already spent a good part of the morning building a Linkin’ Logs tower to house our horses and their food, and it was time to move on to something else. As we approached the coloring table, conveniently positioned only 18 or so inches from the ground, I noticed that they had some of these as yet undiscovered products at the table. I exclaimed interest and Paige—always the little teacher—gave me a tutorial on the magic of Color Wonder. For those of you who don’t have the opportunity to peruse the coloring book aisles on a regular basis, I will explain. Color Wonder markers are specially designed to work only on specially treated Color Wonder paper. The markers are all white and, as you color, the colors magically appear on the page! The markers are labeled so you know what color you’re coloring with just in case you didn’t want to color the grass purple—but that isn’t always a big deal to a 4 ½ year old and I must say, we had some purple grass!

Another interesting characteristic of this paper—as Della helped me to discover! Good ole, Della! Never one to leave any stone unturned!—is that you can’t color outside the lines. I guess only the picture printed on the page is treated, because she tried and it only left a wet mark on the page. I’m sure someone is out there thinking that such a feature only stifles the child’s creativity, but for a rule-follower like me, I thought it was GREAT! (Notice I said that Della had to show me this—because it never occurred to ME to try to color outside the lines! That’s why we’re such great friends. Della is always making me color outside the lines—and then I’m sure that sometimes she wishes she never showed me the coloring book in the first place!)

But I digress, back to the story. Paige sagely informed me that the markers only work on the Color Wonder coloring books. She then broke out the big guns—the finger-paints—and the real adventure began, for the finger-paint is simply a tray with little pots of what seems to be petroleum jelly—but petroleum jelly it is not! The finger paint works in the same way as the markers. You get a little glob (not too much, I was instructed) on the tip of your finger and simply paint on the page and the color magically appears. Then Paige told me that you could just wipe the excess on your clothes when you want to change colors. How convenient! Let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience for this boring ole’ adult! Once I got home, I couldn’t wait to get some of my very own! Oh, Crayola it is you that’s wonderful! Yet again, you’ve filled my world with such color and beauty. I thank you from the bottom of my color-drenched heart.

Yay, fingerpaints!