Posted by Dennis D Broadbooks on 11/9/06 3:03pm
Msg #158522

Speaking of Dogs...

...and cats. I was forwarded this little ditty several months ago & if I posted it then I apologize for doing so again.

Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!



Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary:

Day 683 of my captivity:

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They
dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or
some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations
perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my
strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt
to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I
had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly
demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending
comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. The audacity!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed
in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could
hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was
due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to
use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this
again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The
dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to
be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded!

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the
guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors
have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is
safe....... for now...

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/9/06 3:17pm
Msg #158528

OT Speaking of Dogs...even if it is a repeat

it is one well worth seeing again.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 11/9/06 3:23pm
Msg #158532

One of the Reasons...

...this was on the tip of my tongue (other than the dog hit by a car thread) is that our 13 year old son is currently attempting to memorize this for a humorous recitation he's required to give in his speech class next month. We all think it's a hoot!

Reply by Charm_AL on 11/9/06 3:45pm
Msg #158536

Re: One of the Reasons...

good luck on the recital. My then 13 year old son was very shy about speaking before a group. He's 15 now and still struggles, we always tell him to imagine the audience in their undies.

Reply by Charm_AL on 11/9/06 4:54pm
Msg #158552

Re: One of the Reasons...

c'mon Dennis, I extened an olive branch here.....

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 11/9/06 5:31pm
Msg #158556

While I Realize That...

...you've offered a truce before, then reneged. I don't have a burning desire to duel with you or Bob either for that matter. It's a waste of everyone's time. I'd simply like to be able to participate in this forum on equal footing. Up to this point I feel that's not been granted by you & a few others. If you're up to the task of maintaining civil discourse, so am I.

To respond to your wish of good luck...thanks! Jeremy (our 13 year old) is really a special kid, even if I say so myself. Recently he wrote an article about global warming (& I'll leave it to your imagination as to what his stance on the issue was) to the Letter to the Editor section of our local journal newspaper & it was accepted for publication. We've home schooled him to this point along with his 3 younger siblings & next year as a freshman we plan on placing him in public school for the first time. My wife & I both believe this is the best avenue to pursue at this point in his academic career & Jeremy says he's ready. Onward & upward!

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 11/9/06 7:43pm
Msg #158576

Good on you, Dennis! Homeschooling until last year...

paid off for my daughter in spades She's also exceptional, and is years ahead of her peer group. (academically and emotionally)
Bravo for you and your Mrs. for taking on the daunting task of educating your kids. And good luck to Jeremy!

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/9/06 7:54pm
Msg #158578

Re: Good on you, Dennis! Homeschooling until last year...

There was a time when I would have heartily disagreed with homeschooling, based on peer socializing. However, things have gone too far in public schools in many instances. Bullying, non-parented children, etc. It's very sad but even the private schools do not lend a great alternative. Where do the bad kids go? To PRIVATE school!

If it were me and my schools were in shambles where my children were, homeschooling would be almost the only alternative to me. Done well the outcome is excellent from what I understand. I am certainly no authority on it, but good for you guys who have done it.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 11/9/06 9:42pm
Msg #158599

Thanks for the Encouraging Words!

Home schooling really is gratifying. It's not for everyone, but then neither is public education in certain settings. We've been fortunate to be a part of a home school networking group of about 350 families in the West St Louis County area. Congratulations to you for seeing to it your daughter received the best education money can't buy.

BTW, what's the latest on the background check situation you've been looking into? Anything new to report?

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/9/06 9:44pm
Msg #158601

Re: Thanks for the Encouraging Words! Not Lisa but

I can report that LandAm OSS is saying they'll do one for you for $13.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 11/9/06 9:50pm
Msg #158602

I Received That E-Mail Today...

...& they're stating they won't use you unless you've gone through their own "in-house" background check administered by LexisNexis Specialty Screening.

Reply by PAW on 11/9/06 10:49pm
Msg #158619

Re: I Received That E-Mail Today...

Read it again, Dennis. The first paragraph explains what you need to do if you have the NNA check already. If you haven't had or aren't going to have the NNA check, then you can use their own $13 method.

"Note: If you have already passed a background screening with the National Notary
Association, please send the confirmation notice via fax (866-299-9535) or email
([e-mail address]) by November 30, 2006, so we can verify with the NNA.
Please do not just send an email stating that you have already passed a screening, we
need the actual confirmation. If you have not yet passed a background screening, please
follow the workflow below."

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 11/10/06 4:15am
Msg #158635

You're 100% Correct, Paul...

...as usual. I've a mental block which kicks in when anything in written form begins with NNA. It's like it's not even there. Strangest thing...it all started about 4 years ago...

Reply by PAW on 11/10/06 7:25am
Msg #158647

Re: ...it all started about 4 years ago... LOL! n/m

Reply by hcampersFL on 11/9/06 10:37pm
Msg #158613

Re: Thanks for the Encouraging Words!

I could never home school my son. I wish I could because he would be far ahead for it. I have a 12 year old and he can speak in front of any crowd. He loves it. Thinks he's a comedian and loves the attention. I let him go as long as he is being respectful. It can't hurt anything.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 11/10/06 4:27am
Msg #158636

My Wife Thought the Same Thing...

...she never would've dreamed we would be home schooling our kids. Joyce has a degree in teaching & taught in middle & high schools up to the point when Jeremy was born. She's been a stay-at-home mom since & I was actually the one who encouraged her to take a serious look at home schooling. Looking back we have no regrets & know we're giving all of them the best educational experience we can provide. By the way I use the term "we" lightly when I talk about our home schooling. Joyce does the vast majority of the workload & I assist when I can. Working from home has allowed me to be there during the times Joyce needs some encouraging & to be the "Principal" when the occasion arises. It's worked out wonderfully for us.

Reply by hcampersFL on 11/10/06 8:27am
Msg #158656

Re: My Wife Thought the Same Thing...

I wish I had the discipline for home schooling. I know it offers such a focus for each child. We have a huge group here in my town that home school and you can really tell with the children.
I really admire your wife and her commitment to your children and family. Not trying to diminish your contribution but 1 adult steering that boat is tough.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 11/10/06 8:53am
Msg #158660

No word yet from the AG or SOS in FL...

and haven't heard anything from the FTC as of yet. I understand that these wheels turn slowly, tho... we should be prepared for a wait.
I also received the LandAm email, and can only hope that the possibility of a Consumer Protection suit, (or worse, a Class Action filing) has prompted them to offer a $13 bgc through a different source.
A small victory, but a victory nonetheless

Reply by Gary_CA on 11/9/06 7:59pm
Msg #158580

Now that he's 15...

you might want to think of another image to get past his nerves...he's thinking of people in undies enough as it is.

In public speaking practice makes perfect, and if you have anything worthwhile to say you'll always be a tad nervous, always.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 11/10/06 6:03am
Msg #158637

Public speaking & fear

Rather than changing your perspective of the audience, you can change your perspective on the "fear" you feel about it. It's our default explanation to the way the adrenelin boost FEELS, but it is also a tremendous source of energy; it heightens your awareness and speeds your reactions, and puts you 'on game'. This is a GOOD thing, something to harness.

My husband does a lot of public speaking, and has for decades - and still gets the rush. I've spent years turning his perspective on this - from 'fear' to 'fuel'. Instead of saying "I'm terrified", he can say "I am fully charged!" Now, he LOOKS for the rush and welcomes it, rather than trying to shake it or squelch it. It is the adrenelin that really helps you to shine, and AVOID the very things that you fear.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 11/9/06 8:25pm
Msg #158584

Re: Speaking of Dogs...Thanks Dennis this is good....love it n/m