Ok. Ned is quite correct; ignoring one's blog for even the briefest of spells incurs the daunting task of attending to the wide breadth of discourse that has transpired during said absence. As a consequence, many matters may be left altogether unaddressed. But first, let's talk about my shit-kickin' sis'!!
I had mentioned that I would be heading up to Noblesville to see Natalie in the Fashion Review at the Hamilton County 4H fair. I did, and was not disappointed. She came away with several honors, including the coveted Grand Champion prize for her formal evening gown, which was quite stunning. I wish I had a picture for you, but it is not meant to be. Natalie had four self-designed and self-made outfits in the contest, more than anyone else, and all won honors and accolades. I daresay that many of my female friends would not hesistate to wear any of these things--they look thoroughly professional. She also beat her arch-nemesis for the past 10 years, "Maggie." I don't know anything about "Maggie," except that Natalie only meets her for one week every summer to do battle on the runways of the 4H Fair. My sis was pleased to have taken her out once again. Sis also was in the Queen contest that had been decided earlier in the week, with Natalie again getting 1st runner-up. While I don't really agree with the notion of beauty contests, and have tried to prevail upon Natalie to avoid them, I am glad she is successful nonetheless. And, despite protestations of familial bias, Natalie is way prettier than the woman who won.
Let's see. I don't have anything to say about violence, right at this moment. Insofar as JimA's disdain for rules and conventions of bocce are concerned: Rules and conventions exist so as to reduce the likelihood of disagreement and to increase the capacity for people to meet and exchange with equity. Language is a perfect example, especially since it has been the topic of discussion in the pages recently. Any linguistic system has a set of rules to which one must abide if one is to be considered fluent. One may, in fact, communicate outside the parameters of these rules, and the rules themselves may evolve and change over time, but the core set of agreements remain. Within a given game or sport, the need for hard and fast rules increases with the level and intent of competition. When I am playing bocce, I recognize that the game has already been altered by the lack of side and back walls, packed clay, etc. But I think it is perfectly reasonable to attempt as close an approximation as is possible so that all comers may participate within bounds with which they are likely to be familiar.
I was going to respond to Shari's comments regarding the "pissing contest," at length, but that seems like ancient history at this point, so I will just say that I believe debate is a good thing, and something of a lost art in our society. I also believe that writing and the colorful and effective use of English are good things, and are in decline in this modern world. Therefore, I am revelling in a forum such as this where those of us who are so inclined may dust off these little-used skills. It's better than watching Jerry Springer. That's my segueway into a short-term musing regarding the Impending Move. I was planning on going out with some co-werkers last night, when it hit me that I only have a few days left to live with Ned and Shari. I chose to stay home and drink beer and kick out the jams with my pals. Good move. I concur fully with Shari's assessment of our relationship, but I think there is probably more love than hate. It will be odd coming here as a guest....
Leaving for Utah on Saturday. Should be very cool. Pat and Clint are two of the best travelling partners a man could have. Good times abound, I am sure. Won't be much posting, if any, while we are gone, but expect an exhaustive accounting when I return.
Oscar Watch:
Oscar was sleeping on Shari's car when I returned this evening. He came in and tore into my room for some grub, got a drink, and wanted to go out again. I waited for a bit, and now he is hanging out, seemingly contented, on top of my bass amplifier.
I really want to talk about my summer camp, which ends for me tomorrow, but I just haven't got the time. I am convinced that motivation is the key to learning. I don't think most students in public schools are truly motivated to learn, and that is why they fail. More on this later.
Amy--didja git yer stuff in the mail?
Since you may not hear from me for a while...I leave you with this last, most sincere thought....
TIMMY!!!!!!!!!
I had mentioned that I would be heading up to Noblesville to see Natalie in the Fashion Review at the Hamilton County 4H fair. I did, and was not disappointed. She came away with several honors, including the coveted Grand Champion prize for her formal evening gown, which was quite stunning. I wish I had a picture for you, but it is not meant to be. Natalie had four self-designed and self-made outfits in the contest, more than anyone else, and all won honors and accolades. I daresay that many of my female friends would not hesistate to wear any of these things--they look thoroughly professional. She also beat her arch-nemesis for the past 10 years, "Maggie." I don't know anything about "Maggie," except that Natalie only meets her for one week every summer to do battle on the runways of the 4H Fair. My sis was pleased to have taken her out once again. Sis also was in the Queen contest that had been decided earlier in the week, with Natalie again getting 1st runner-up. While I don't really agree with the notion of beauty contests, and have tried to prevail upon Natalie to avoid them, I am glad she is successful nonetheless. And, despite protestations of familial bias, Natalie is way prettier than the woman who won.
Let's see. I don't have anything to say about violence, right at this moment. Insofar as JimA's disdain for rules and conventions of bocce are concerned: Rules and conventions exist so as to reduce the likelihood of disagreement and to increase the capacity for people to meet and exchange with equity. Language is a perfect example, especially since it has been the topic of discussion in the pages recently. Any linguistic system has a set of rules to which one must abide if one is to be considered fluent. One may, in fact, communicate outside the parameters of these rules, and the rules themselves may evolve and change over time, but the core set of agreements remain. Within a given game or sport, the need for hard and fast rules increases with the level and intent of competition. When I am playing bocce, I recognize that the game has already been altered by the lack of side and back walls, packed clay, etc. But I think it is perfectly reasonable to attempt as close an approximation as is possible so that all comers may participate within bounds with which they are likely to be familiar.
I was going to respond to Shari's comments regarding the "pissing contest," at length, but that seems like ancient history at this point, so I will just say that I believe debate is a good thing, and something of a lost art in our society. I also believe that writing and the colorful and effective use of English are good things, and are in decline in this modern world. Therefore, I am revelling in a forum such as this where those of us who are so inclined may dust off these little-used skills. It's better than watching Jerry Springer. That's my segueway into a short-term musing regarding the Impending Move. I was planning on going out with some co-werkers last night, when it hit me that I only have a few days left to live with Ned and Shari. I chose to stay home and drink beer and kick out the jams with my pals. Good move. I concur fully with Shari's assessment of our relationship, but I think there is probably more love than hate. It will be odd coming here as a guest....
Leaving for Utah on Saturday. Should be very cool. Pat and Clint are two of the best travelling partners a man could have. Good times abound, I am sure. Won't be much posting, if any, while we are gone, but expect an exhaustive accounting when I return.
Oscar Watch:
Oscar was sleeping on Shari's car when I returned this evening. He came in and tore into my room for some grub, got a drink, and wanted to go out again. I waited for a bit, and now he is hanging out, seemingly contented, on top of my bass amplifier.
I really want to talk about my summer camp, which ends for me tomorrow, but I just haven't got the time. I am convinced that motivation is the key to learning. I don't think most students in public schools are truly motivated to learn, and that is why they fail. More on this later.
Amy--didja git yer stuff in the mail?
Since you may not hear from me for a while...I leave you with this last, most sincere thought....
TIMMY!!!!!!!!!
