The Mini-Time Machine of Miniatures

My sister had the day off from work today and I am off from school, so I surprised her with a trip to The Mini-Time Machine of Miniatures Museum which opened up here in town on October 3, 2009. As I am sure you can gather the museum contains hundreds of miniature dollhouses, furniture, and figurines. It was incredible and the only one in the United States to exist. I hope to someday have enough time to build something so amazing! Unfortunately indoor photography was not allowed, so if you want to see it, you'll have to come visit!

For More Information, visit: http://www.theminitimemachine.org/

Our First Gingerbread House

Tree came over yesterday to help finish decorating my house and to make our very first gingerbread house. I must admit that I got the easy end of the deal. Tree stayed up late and got up early to make gingerbread and frosting from scratch and I simply played assistant as she displayed her creative genius. It was a fun process and we enjoyed making it, although next time we will probably scale down the size of the house and allow it to set-up for far longer.

Hallelujah!

I had my last final today and although the semester was rough, it was much better than last. I feel confident in three of my four classes, the last one being Ochem, is a lost cause. I worked my tail off and studied very hard, but I am not optimistic.

My heart goes out to my good friend and study-buddy Becky, who needs ONLY 2nd semester Ochem to graduate. I am keeping my fingers crossed and sending out good thoughts for her!

Finals Week

Three finals down...one more to go!

The Lord Giveth and the Lord Taketh Away

A couple weeks back I was listening to a science fiction podcast. The guest and his hosts were discussing the new J.J. Abrams version of Star Trek and the subsequent release on Blu Ray. They were raving about how fantastic it looked and all the special features that were included with this version.

That same day I told hubby that I thought it was time to invest in a Blu Ray player and that if we happened to buy Star Trek, that would be cool.

Approximately a week later, hubby surprised me with both the Blu Ray player and Star Trek movie. I was so happy that I put my homework to the side and spent a nice, quiet evening snuggled next to hubby on the couch watching the new movie.

The very next day my iPod either got stolen or dropped out of my backpack at school.

This just goes to show that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction!

I checked the lost and found, put my name on every list, even filed a police report with UAPD, but so far, nothing. I had initially held out hope that someone would return it, but iPod's aren't exactly something people give back. Maybe someday it will turn up but for now there is some college kid walking around campus with a pink iPod engraved with my name on it and has my wedding pictures on it. I hope they can sleep at night.

I guess one good thing that came out of this is that now that I don't have an iPod, I don't have to worry about all the problems the new iTunes has caused.

Oktoberfest 2009

I just realized that I forgot to post these pictures from Oktoberfest at Mount Lemmon. T & T and Hubby and myself had a great time, ate some German food and drank some German beer.

iTunes 9.0.2 Stinks!!

This is a post for my computer buddies out there to let you know that I despise the new iTunes update and it has pretty much crippled my computer whilst still allowing it to be functional.

My problems include:
Deletes sound drivers every time I launch iTunes
Deletes wireless card drivers every time I launch iTunes and
my DVDR/CDR drive has ceased functioning

After only a few moments of research on the internet, the consensus is that this update is a dog and what makes the situation worse is that Apple hasn't formally commented on how horrible the situation is.

I have found a link for the the older version (8.2.1) and hopefully will be able to get some functionality back when I uninstall/reinstall this weekend.

Have any of you guys experienced any troubles?

Puppy Costumes 2009

Anyone who knows me knows that I am so cheap that I squeak. Prior to Halloween I refused to spend $10 per costume for the dogs, however, when they were 90% off, I reconsidered. I picked up these costumes, Lily is a rooster and Trudy is a ladybug, at Target for 99 cents each. An excellent deal and uncontrollable belly laughs...can't get much better!

When "Mom" gets Sick the Animals Lose It

Yesterday I came home from school feeling a tad under the weather. Nothing severe...runny nose, congestion, and achy. I took some Nyquil and went to sleep early in the spare room so as to not get Hubby sick. This morning he told me that Lily discovered kitty poop for the first time, Trudy drank the soda out of my cup that I had left on the coffee table and he found Piper sitting in my lunch bag which was on the counter in the kitchen. What happened to my animals? I am out of commission for one night and they decide its going to be pure, unadulterated anarchy?!

Censorship at the UA

I am taking an anthropology course this semester which I was extremely excited to take. I had thought that we would focus on other cultures and socities from around the world.

I was half right. We have focused almost exclusively on the United States and Latin America. From my perspective this is for two reasons. #1, my professor does her research in Latin America, and therefore believes it is the most interesting place on Earth. #2, my professor is a crazy left-wing radical liberal who has an agenda and plans to implement it.

(Unlike my professor) I have proof to back up my argument. This class requires that we read an assigned book and write a 4 page critical review about said book. In my first critical review I discussed the correlations between the book and current day congresspeople. It is safe to say that my position was rather unkind. I got a 70%. My second critical review blew the book's assertions right out of the water with solid facts about the welfare system. My professor stated that my argument was flawed and gave me an 80%. The third paper I agreed with everything the author said and gave the book a glowing review (not necessarily indicative of my true feelings) and would you believe it, I got a 90%.

I am proud of myself for performing my own little experiment, proving to myself and those around me that as long as you agree with the professor and the garbage books she makes you read, you get a good grade. If you are skeptical or disagree, well...here's your C. Now the true question is posed: do I write what I believe or do I write what she wants to hear, because my grade depends on it?

I want to make clear that I am not disgruntled because the professor doesn't agree with my opinions. I am disgruntled because she acts as if my position has no merit. The fact of the matter is that all discussions have two sides but this class is nothing but a forum for the professor to discuss her (correct) views on issues without ever mentioning the alternatives.

However, what I fear most of all is the indoctrination of the younger generation who are just at the beginning of discovering who they are and what they believe in. I am an old lady, fairly set in my ways, with a good handle of who I am and what I believe is right and wrong. These 18 year olds don't know the first thing about life, but here they have a person in a position of power telling them what they should or should not think.

It is my firm belief that the education system's purpose is to give all the information AND to teach the students to think critically about that information, not to spoon feed them the professor's agenda.

The End is Coming...

Since I am technically a senior now, I get the opportunity to register for classes before everyone else at the UA. This past Sunday, I registered for spring semester 2010 and what a pleasant surprise! I consulted the ridiculous amounts of paperwork regarding how many classes I have left and it appears I only have a total of 3 semesters left. After Spring 2010 I only need 3 more anthropology classes, 1 more biology class, and 2 sign language classes. That's it! Sometimes I actually feel like it might be over soon...

Next Semester's Schedule:

Cultural Astronomy - Cultural astronomy is an interdisciplinary field bridging anthropology, astronomy, and history. In this course we will focus on the astronomy of various people within their cultural context. We will explore some of the many ways that astronomy arises within cultures in comparison to our own culture. We will consider definitions of science and astronomy, and issues of efficacy, accuracy, and functionality. This course includes mathematics, essay writing, and oral presentations.

Methods in Biological Anthropology - Basic methods utilized in modern Biological Anthropology. Development of research designs, data collection and statistical analysis, computer applications, human skeletal biology, primatology, paleoanthropology and techniques appropriate to living human population; biocultural emphasis. This is a Writing Emphasis Course.

Introduction to Archaeological Analysis - Introduction to analysis of major classes of archaeological materials, including chipped and ground stone, ceramics, fauna, flora, and architecture. Uses lectures and hands-on exercises.

Evolutionary Biology - Basic processes and patterns of evolution: natural selection, evolutionary genetics, the analysis of adaptation, the phylogeny of life, the fossil record, molecular evolution, macroevolution.

Have Things Really Gotten This Nuts?

About two weeks ago, during a class discussion in my Cultural Anthropology class, we were told that for the purposes of that class we were no longer allowed to use the term "illegal immigrant" and must use "person without papers". I have been stewing on this for weeks, trying to comprehend where my professor was coming from and why such a requirement has been issued. I have failed to see the logic...

The definition of illegal is:
prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules
The definition of immigrant is:
a person who comes to a country where they were not born in order to settle there

The term illegal immigrant is not only valid, it is also factual. It appears my professor has not only lost her objectivity, she also ceases to have a firm grasp of the English language.

Have our schools gone so nuts that we cannot even use the accurate terms to identify individuals? Has political correctness finally gone too far? Should professors be expected to remain neutral and freely give information from both sides, thus allowing their students to make up their own minds? Yes, Yes, and Yes!

Kitten/Insurance Update

The four kittens that were residing at T & T's house have been placed with a foster family associated with the Hermitage No Kill Cat Shelter. It was very sad to see them go, but was for the best since they needed so much attention and round the clock feeding. The foster family was extremely excited to get them as it has been a long time since a whole litter has been rescued. I am relieved that the kittens are safe and healthy, now we just have to deal with getting mama kitty spayed so we don't have this issue again.

Also, I heard from the insurance company and they have sent a formal letter to the reporting agency that Hubby was not at fault for the accident and that they should update their system to show this. It looks like it was a clerical error and not a law suit. What a relief! I should get more information on this in the coming week.

Little, Tiny, Baby Kittens

I had the opportunity to go over and meet the kittens at T & T's house this evening. Here are some photos to entice some of you to consider adopting one of these adorable babies...they really need good, loving homes! We are willing to drive them to you, no where is too far....

Black = Queen Latifah

Black w/white markings = Touchdown

Princess Leia

Princess Leia

Princess Leia

Little Jerry Seinfeld

Princess Leia

Princess Leia

Little Jerry Seinfeld

It would appear that the gray and white kittens are my favorite based on the amount of photos I have of them, but they were simply easier to work with. Queen Latifah had a bit of attitude and Touchdown is very squirmy.

Random Updates

Most of the time there is absolutely nothing going on in my life, or at least not enough to warrant a post. Enough smaller things have happened now that perhaps a small update is possible:

1. Shadow (Teresa and Tim's dog) has Pancreatitus. Teresa and I took her to the vet on Wednesday, apparently she ate something that didn't agree with her. It is our guess that someone threw something over the fence since their backyard is barren of dangerous items. She is on anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, and a special diet.

2. Teresa and Tim have four baby kittens at their house. Apparently a feral mama cat gave birth approximately 5 weeks ago at Tim's work. No one at the job site wants the cats around and were threatening to euthanize them, also the Humane Society won't take them at this time (but they are on the waiting list), in the meantime they reside at T & T's until someone can take them. If you know anyone who wants a cute baby kitten, let me know...




3. Hubby and I discovered that his truck accident that happened over 3 years ago may not be over. After researching new insurance companies and rates we discovered that our insurance company is reporting that Hubs was "at fault" (which he wasn't). Apparently there is a hold on our claim, which is normal procedure for the first 2 years, but if it exceeds that amount of time that typically means there is a pending lawsuit. I have our insurance company investigating, but it appears for right now that the Dirty Hippy that hit Hubby 3 years ago filed a law suit against us (our insurance company) claiming Hubs was at fault, not him...which is why we are being reported as at fault. Apparently there is a difference between your insurance company saying you are not guilty and the court system saying you are not guilty. Gotta love the fact that the Dirty Hippy was driving without insurance, yet he can file a law suit. Ridiculous!!! This could also be a clerical error, so lets keep our fingers crossed.

You Can't Turn Your Back on People in Need

If I have learned just one thing from my husband in the 4+ years we have been married, it is that you can't turn your back on people in need. It may be inconvenient at times, but helping someone when they need it most is what makes you a better human being.

Today I was driving home from school and noticed a homeless man, lying on the ground at a bus stop. There were two people with him but they seemed at a loss as to what to do, so I turned around and offered my assistance. Of the two men who were helping one was, himself, homeless (also a friend of the injured man), the other a concerned employee from across the street. 911 had been called twice, but there was no ambulance in sight. I immediately went to the truck, got as many napkins as I could find and my water bottle and gave them to the friend who wet them down and applied them to the injured man's forehead, arms and neck. We had no idea what was wrong with him, he was in and out of consciousness, when he was asked a question he didn't respond correctly, he was flailing uncontrollably (presumably from a seizure), in extreme pain, and couldn't open his eyes. After a third call to 911, an ambulance arrived within 3 minutes and began working on the man.

Apparently the injured man's name is Roger and Police and Fire have been having a lot of problems with him lately, including fighting. Apparently the source of his seizures is a baseball bat to the head a couple weeks ago. Jim, the other homeless man, and I stayed just in case EMS/Fire/Police had any questions for us. While we waited, I had an opportunity to talk to Jim about his life on the streets. He was a delightfully kind man who couldn't stop thanking me for stopping and offering water. He also asked me for a ride to his next location, which I politefully declined, but gave him enough money to take the bus and get himself something to eat. Jim assured me that he would let Roger know of my kindness and that someone cared for him.

I also had the opportunity to speak to one of the fire fighters who filled me in about Roger and Jim, the increased problems they are having with homeless people, the ineffectiveness of the health care system who keep these homeless guys for 2 hours than kick them back out onto the streets, and the repetitive cycle they (Police/Fire/EMS) are forced to perpetuate.

As a human being, I am relieved that Roger got the help that he needed.

As a Tucsonan, I am heartened by how professional and amiable the Tucson Police Department and the Tucson Fire Department were towards Roger and the rest of us.

As an anthropology student, I found the whole experience enlightening!

V.E.T.O Campaign

As I mentioned in my previous post, Wayne Allyn Root was the originator of the V.E.T.O campaign which I supported at the Gabby Giffords town hall meeting.

I send Mr. Root an email, letting him know about some of the comments and support I received at the meeting (along with a picture of the sign) and amazingly he responded.

His quick email said:

Thanks Kristi. I appreciate your kind words. Nice to know my idea is spreading.
Best,
Wayne

I choose to believe that since his message was so short and not from the original email address I sent it to that maaaayyybbeee it was actually from him. None the less, someone responded to my email which is more than I can say for the John McCain presidential team last year.

2 of 2500

As I have mentioned a number of times here on my blog, I have been listening to radio talk show host Jerry Doyle whose views are typically independent of political affiliation. To be more specific, it matters not if you are a Democrat or Republican, if you are in public office and do something stupid or illegal he is going to call you out on it. I appreciate and support this point of view.

As a bi-product of listening to his show I am much more up to speed on what is happening in our country and specifically what our government is up to. I have to admit that much of it is startling. This new found knowledge has driven me to want to speak out. So, with supportive Hubby in tow we went to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' town hall meeting this past Tuesday evening. Sadly, we were unable to get in to actually see or speak to her, however, we were able to stand outside with our signs and talk to other supporters as well as opponents. Save for a few crazies who yelled at us, everyone we saw and spoke to was respectful and kind.

Outside of Saguaro High School

The auditorium behind me, with a capacity of 1500, was already full when we arrived.

The overflow area outside the auditorium where eventually another 1000 people piled in.

This was the sign I held, the other one said:
Reform Medicaid
Reform U.S. Border Policy
Reform Medicare
Reform Social Security
BEFORE reforming healthcare

Additionally: I cannot take credit for my sign, although I did create it, the idea came from a gentleman named Wayne Allyn Root who started this V.E.T.O campaign about a week ago. I am only serving to pass the message on.

To Blog or Not to Blog, That is the Question?

I am certain there comes a day in every blogger's life where they contemplate whether blogging is something they really want to continue to do. I have had such thoughts running through my mind of late. Coincidentally, last semester I had an anthropology professor make a comment that continues to resonate with me. He said that blogging is "extraordinarily arrogant and self serving because frankly no one really cares what you are doing or thinking." That made me think, is it narcissistic? Is it arrogant? Does anyone really care what I have to say?

I originally started this blog and the website that preceded it because I thought it was important to my grandmother. Maybe I am wrong, but I hope that she enjoys catching up with me and seeing pictures of my various adventures. I suppose the day she tells me this blog sucks is the day that I stop blogging. : )

As I thought more about it, however, I realized that whether or not people are reading my ramblings and whether or not people care what I have to say...I care. This blog is my forum, my contribution, my soap box, my diary, my pulpit from which I can say whatever is on my mind.

What's on my mind today, specifically, is a sound bite where Nancy Pelosi, our esteemed Speaker of the House, likened people going to town hall meetings and disagreeing with the administration to Nazis. I would like to remind Ms. Pelosi that it is our right to petition our government and that those of us who don't agree with this administrations policies aren't Nazis, nor are we domestic terrorists, nor are we anarchists, nor are we crack pots. We are concerned citizens who have sat on the sidelines and let our "elected" officials do whatever they want for too long. It is time for them to listen to us and I intend to have my voice heard (either in person or protesting outside) at Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' townhall meeting on Tuesday.

Needless to say I have decided to keep up this blogging thing for a little while longer...

School Starts on Monday

School starts on Monday and boy did the summer go by fast. I think summer school really made the summer feel shorter since it fell right in the middle. Unlike other summer breaks, however, I felt I really savored every moment. I kept a to-do list over the break and made sure that I didn't waste it away watching TV or playing video games (although I did plenty of that too). Overall, I am sad to see the summer end and am terrified of the coming school year. Is it over yet?

This semesters classes:

Ecology 302
Organic Chemistry Lecture 241 (again)
The Nature of Language (Anthropology 276)
Cultural Anthropology 200

Dinner at Pinnacle Peak

My sister and Tim surprised us on Monday night and invited us out to dinner at Pinnacle Peak and ice cream at Dairy Queen. The pictures below were unplanned as I had accidentally left the camera in my purse from our Kingman trip. I am so happy that I did, because it was so much fun running around Trail Dust Town doing silly things just to make the other three laugh! As you can see my sister and I are the goofiest, the boys mostly stood by and cracked jokes, avoiding the camera.