I really must say he does a fantastic job at pulling this character off. Such a wise old Jedi. Oh yea, we have to change his diapers, "because he is so old". HAHAHAHAHA.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Happy Halloween
Yes, once again it is that time of year when all the kids dress up in their costumes and run around house to house getting their fill of delightful treats. The leaves have almost all turned color and fallen off of the trees. A certain damp chill is now felt in the air during this season as well. Be sure to carry a flashlight, wear bright colors, and stay in groups if you are going out Trick or Treating this year. And as for my son, he is going as Yoda this year!
I really must say he does a fantastic job at pulling this character off. Such a wise old Jedi. Oh yea, we have to change his diapers, "because he is so old". HAHAHAHAHA.
I really must say he does a fantastic job at pulling this character off. Such a wise old Jedi. Oh yea, we have to change his diapers, "because he is so old". HAHAHAHAHA.
Friday, October 26, 2012
New Fascination
So your latest fascination has been with my hat. It is a camo hat with a mountain dew logo on the front of it. They sent it to me in appreciation of the quantity of mountain dew I consume on a weekly basis. Ironically I also received some Repella fishing lures from them on this basis as well.
As I have been wearing this hat recently you have found it to be a most fantastic distraction, and you continually seek to have it in your possession. Your now sitting up and demanding attention from your mother as you wish to show her your great progress in this accomplishment.
As I have been wearing this hat recently you have found it to be a most fantastic distraction, and you continually seek to have it in your possession. Your now sitting up and demanding attention from your mother as you wish to show her your great progress in this accomplishment.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Some Photos
Here are some current photos of you. You can Look back on these when you are older and hopefully appreciate them as much as I do. Thanks to your Grand Mother, Teresa Hostuttler for the camera that has made many of them possible.
The Eyes
As a parent, and as a person, I feel that the eyes are exceedingly important in life. I find that my eyes constantly want to be looking at you. And indeed the eyes I have stay fixed on you even as I type this entry. I will, on occasion glance back at the screen to correct some minor errors in my typing. Yet, as you sit there in your excersaucer throwing a little bout of temper because you cannot be in my arms. But alas, I am giving you all of my attention.
I think this makes us both fill better! You can sit there and look at me looking at you so that you can feel validated in the world. I can stare at your bright eyed wonderment in the world and it lets me know that you are well. My heart sings out for you always, my son.
Yes the eyes are very important. Learning to type without them is always useful. And finding what is good in this world and holding to it is vital.
I think this makes us both fill better! You can sit there and look at me looking at you so that you can feel validated in the world. I can stare at your bright eyed wonderment in the world and it lets me know that you are well. My heart sings out for you always, my son.
Yes the eyes are very important. Learning to type without them is always useful. And finding what is good in this world and holding to it is vital.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
My Car Broke Down!
Hello My Son,
I have entitled this entry into your blog "My Car Broke Down!", I did this specifically because I know that there will be a day when this is the case for you. As this has been the case for me on an occasion or two. Also, this title further fits this entry because I can foresee your database search terms to include: My Car Broke Down, or What Do I Do Now? When this does occur my son, take a deep breath! The world will go on and you will get through this just fine.
First, Check your battery, then alternator, then starter. If it is none of these and your certain this is an electrical problem then your in luck because it is something simple like a fuse, a fuseable link, or the ignition switch. The ignition being the hardest of these three to contend with.
Secondly, Take a deep breath. This is important. I know personally that car troubles can and will be frustrating as all get out. I also, have asked my father for much advice in this scenario, and have heard from him many pieces of advice that his father and or grandfather passed down to him regarding this subject. Just to be clear, your grandfather, my dad, was a very great mechanic in his hay day. He worked for the United States Airforce as a mechanic. He very well had the mind to become an Mechanical Engineer. That did not work out for him, this however includes the fact that he did indeed have a great ability to work with mechanical concepts even in his worst of times.
My single most important advice to you my son is that car troubles will happen. I will try to, on occasion post some tips or tricks based on my experiences. In the most part I would say that there are a lot of great demonstrational videos on youtube by this point and that most any automotive job can be found on the internet. There also are repair manuals printed for most any automobile at this point and time. If you can manage to do it yourself you will be better off in the long run. If you pay a professional to do the job it will undoubtedly be expensive, although much easier. Also with the latter option you can rest a little more assured having the knowledge that a professional completed the work. In the previous case you can rest assured in the knowledge that you did the job yourself with your own hands. Whatever you decide I have full confidence in you that you can do the right thing.
I love you my son. Your mother does also with all of her heart. And even more so your Grand mothers and Grand fathers of all generations before have been a precursor to what has developed into the you. In you we are well pleased!
I have entitled this entry into your blog "My Car Broke Down!", I did this specifically because I know that there will be a day when this is the case for you. As this has been the case for me on an occasion or two. Also, this title further fits this entry because I can foresee your database search terms to include: My Car Broke Down, or What Do I Do Now? When this does occur my son, take a deep breath! The world will go on and you will get through this just fine.
First, Check your battery, then alternator, then starter. If it is none of these and your certain this is an electrical problem then your in luck because it is something simple like a fuse, a fuseable link, or the ignition switch. The ignition being the hardest of these three to contend with.
Secondly, Take a deep breath. This is important. I know personally that car troubles can and will be frustrating as all get out. I also, have asked my father for much advice in this scenario, and have heard from him many pieces of advice that his father and or grandfather passed down to him regarding this subject. Just to be clear, your grandfather, my dad, was a very great mechanic in his hay day. He worked for the United States Airforce as a mechanic. He very well had the mind to become an Mechanical Engineer. That did not work out for him, this however includes the fact that he did indeed have a great ability to work with mechanical concepts even in his worst of times.
My single most important advice to you my son is that car troubles will happen. I will try to, on occasion post some tips or tricks based on my experiences. In the most part I would say that there are a lot of great demonstrational videos on youtube by this point and that most any automotive job can be found on the internet. There also are repair manuals printed for most any automobile at this point and time. If you can manage to do it yourself you will be better off in the long run. If you pay a professional to do the job it will undoubtedly be expensive, although much easier. Also with the latter option you can rest a little more assured having the knowledge that a professional completed the work. In the previous case you can rest assured in the knowledge that you did the job yourself with your own hands. Whatever you decide I have full confidence in you that you can do the right thing.
I love you my son. Your mother does also with all of her heart. And even more so your Grand mothers and Grand fathers of all generations before have been a precursor to what has developed into the you. In you we are well pleased!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
35 Things I've learned in my lifetime
I borrowed this from a father who was passing down life's knowledge to his son when it was time for the son to head off to college. I think it expresses some exceedingly valuable ideas. I know there are still several years before it is time for you to go to college, but from my point of view there could never be enough of them. I always love you son.
35 Things I have learned in my lifetime,
In no particular order.
1) You’re likely to meet your future wife in the coming 4 years. Choose wisely. If she’s anything like your Mom, don’t let her go. They simply don’t come any better than that.
2) Call your Mom regularly. It’s something that will make her very happy. Make her happy by calling her, even if it’s just to say hello.
3) Email us both – it’s a way of honoring your parents.
4) I don’t know it all… and when I think I do I find out how little I really do know.
5) When things seem to be really bad, they usually aren’t… just wait a little while, it’ll get better. Trust me. Better yet, trust God.
6) Christians will let you down. It’s a fact of life. Christ won’t. It may seem so at times, but it’ll get better.
7) You’re likely not going to have the desire to find a decent church. Remember that you are the church, it’s not necessarily a building. God is with you at all times. Talk to Him. Develop that as a habit. Prayer doesn’t have to be with eyes closed and hands clasped. Thinking thoughts directed at Him are prayer. Pray often.
8) Organized religion is a mess. This does not however diminish your need for God.
9) You will be tempted like you’ve never been tempted before. It takes character, lots of it, to not succumb. You have a very large reservoir of character. Don’t forget it. Tap into it at every turn.
10) Following the leader without asking questions is usually followed by trouble. Be a leader. It’s harder yes, but it’s more rewarding and much less likely to get you into trouble that you have no control over.
11) You will occasionally (sometimes more than occasionally) have to do things you don’t want to do. Just don’t let it become a career.
12) You’ll face many decisions in the coming months, even years. Think through them. Acting without thinking usually ends badly.
13) I’ve found that doing things just for the money has short-term benefits. You’ll have more money. That’s it. I’ve also found that the contentment is short-lived. If you’re going to do something for a long period of time, your heart has to be in it. Or you’re going to be miserable.
14) Working hard sometimes seems futile. Be persistent in your hard work. It does pay off in the long haul.
15) Don’t cut corners or take short cuts in your work or in your studies. Don’t just do that which is easy. Try hard. Do that which is hard. It does eventually get noticed and does produce results.
16) Sitting near the front in class is likely to help you pay attention. Sitting in the back has the opposite effect. Sit wisely.
17) Read, read, read. New stuff. Old stuff. All kinds of stuff. The more you read, the better prepared you’ll be, the better you’ll be able to communicate, the better you’ll do in school (and in life).
18) True independence is achieved when you’re no longer dependent on anyone else. Seems logical right? But remember that we’ll always depend on God.
19) Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I was paralyzed for too long because I didn’t want to screw up. I’ve learned since that I learn best from my mistakes. This can be painful but usually only in the short term. No pain, no gain.
20) Alcohol can kill you. Either quickly (binge drinking) or slowly (alcoholism). Kirsch’s (your band teacher’s) advice is good. Moderation is key. And drinking alone is usually an indication of trouble.
21) You come from a conservative family. Your values are largely conservative. Those values will be under attack at school, by your professors, by fellow students. Think with an open mind but not so open that your brain falls out. Liberalism can be trouble. It’s good to hear the opposing perspective. It’s better to read those who can defend the conservative perspective. They’re out there but you have to look for them. Have liberal friends however. They keep you sharp.
22) Beware of pop culture. It’s faddish and shallow.
23) When things aren’t going well in a relationship, ask yourself if you’re really listening to the other person. I’m a lousy listener… not just hearing someone but listening… hearing has to do with noise, listening has to do with understanding. You can hear without listening.
24) Words are killers. I’ve ‘killed’ with my words. Choose them wisely. Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, you can’t get it back in. Think before speaking. I tend to speak before thinking. And it’s hurt people, it’s hurt me. That’s trouble.
25) Older people aren’t anywhere near as stupid as younger people make them out to be. Unfortunately, you’re usually an older person before you figure that out. Figure it out now. And seek wisdom from older people. Experience is the best teacher. Yes, that’s a cliché, but it’s a good one.
26) Life’s too short to stay mad at family and friends. You never know when your words to someone may be the last one’s you have with them. That terrifies me sometimes. And it should.
27) Breaking them down into easily handled pieces best solves big problems. How do you eat an elephant? Piece by piece. Don’t be intimidated by the magnitude. Think through the problem, break it down, plan an action and implement the plan. And remember number 19.
28) Keep a journal. Commit to this task. It’s amazing to go back and read something you’ve written some time ago. You’ll learn more about yourself.
29) Eat right. Lots of fruit and vegetables. Avoid what happens to many college kids who gain weight big-time their first and second years away from home.
30) Exercise regularly. It’s easier now to make it a habit than it will be when you’re older. Trust me on this.
31) Sometimes, the best thing to do or say in a situation, is absolutely nothing. I continue to have problems with this yet I do believe it’s true.
32) Experience is enhanced when that experience is shared with someone you care about. Whether it’s a sunset, a hike, or a good movie.
33) Sending Mom a card or an e-mail on her birthday would warm her heart. Figure out a way to remind yourself of other people’s birthdays.
34) Money in hand is money easily spent. Put yourself on a budget. Purposely make it inconvenient to get more cash. You’d be surprised how easily money disappears from your wallet.
35) Budget your time. Prioritize where it’s spent. Time can be spent faster than money can. And it can be wasted just as much as money can. And in my view, time is more precious than money. We have precious few days on this earth.
35 Things I have learned in my lifetime,
In no particular order.
1) You’re likely to meet your future wife in the coming 4 years. Choose wisely. If she’s anything like your Mom, don’t let her go. They simply don’t come any better than that.
2) Call your Mom regularly. It’s something that will make her very happy. Make her happy by calling her, even if it’s just to say hello.
3) Email us both – it’s a way of honoring your parents.
4) I don’t know it all… and when I think I do I find out how little I really do know.
5) When things seem to be really bad, they usually aren’t… just wait a little while, it’ll get better. Trust me. Better yet, trust God.
6) Christians will let you down. It’s a fact of life. Christ won’t. It may seem so at times, but it’ll get better.
7) You’re likely not going to have the desire to find a decent church. Remember that you are the church, it’s not necessarily a building. God is with you at all times. Talk to Him. Develop that as a habit. Prayer doesn’t have to be with eyes closed and hands clasped. Thinking thoughts directed at Him are prayer. Pray often.
8) Organized religion is a mess. This does not however diminish your need for God.
9) You will be tempted like you’ve never been tempted before. It takes character, lots of it, to not succumb. You have a very large reservoir of character. Don’t forget it. Tap into it at every turn.
10) Following the leader without asking questions is usually followed by trouble. Be a leader. It’s harder yes, but it’s more rewarding and much less likely to get you into trouble that you have no control over.
11) You will occasionally (sometimes more than occasionally) have to do things you don’t want to do. Just don’t let it become a career.
12) You’ll face many decisions in the coming months, even years. Think through them. Acting without thinking usually ends badly.
13) I’ve found that doing things just for the money has short-term benefits. You’ll have more money. That’s it. I’ve also found that the contentment is short-lived. If you’re going to do something for a long period of time, your heart has to be in it. Or you’re going to be miserable.
14) Working hard sometimes seems futile. Be persistent in your hard work. It does pay off in the long haul.
15) Don’t cut corners or take short cuts in your work or in your studies. Don’t just do that which is easy. Try hard. Do that which is hard. It does eventually get noticed and does produce results.
16) Sitting near the front in class is likely to help you pay attention. Sitting in the back has the opposite effect. Sit wisely.
17) Read, read, read. New stuff. Old stuff. All kinds of stuff. The more you read, the better prepared you’ll be, the better you’ll be able to communicate, the better you’ll do in school (and in life).
18) True independence is achieved when you’re no longer dependent on anyone else. Seems logical right? But remember that we’ll always depend on God.
19) Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I was paralyzed for too long because I didn’t want to screw up. I’ve learned since that I learn best from my mistakes. This can be painful but usually only in the short term. No pain, no gain.
20) Alcohol can kill you. Either quickly (binge drinking) or slowly (alcoholism). Kirsch’s (your band teacher’s) advice is good. Moderation is key. And drinking alone is usually an indication of trouble.
21) You come from a conservative family. Your values are largely conservative. Those values will be under attack at school, by your professors, by fellow students. Think with an open mind but not so open that your brain falls out. Liberalism can be trouble. It’s good to hear the opposing perspective. It’s better to read those who can defend the conservative perspective. They’re out there but you have to look for them. Have liberal friends however. They keep you sharp.
22) Beware of pop culture. It’s faddish and shallow.
23) When things aren’t going well in a relationship, ask yourself if you’re really listening to the other person. I’m a lousy listener… not just hearing someone but listening… hearing has to do with noise, listening has to do with understanding. You can hear without listening.
24) Words are killers. I’ve ‘killed’ with my words. Choose them wisely. Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, you can’t get it back in. Think before speaking. I tend to speak before thinking. And it’s hurt people, it’s hurt me. That’s trouble.
25) Older people aren’t anywhere near as stupid as younger people make them out to be. Unfortunately, you’re usually an older person before you figure that out. Figure it out now. And seek wisdom from older people. Experience is the best teacher. Yes, that’s a cliché, but it’s a good one.
26) Life’s too short to stay mad at family and friends. You never know when your words to someone may be the last one’s you have with them. That terrifies me sometimes. And it should.
27) Breaking them down into easily handled pieces best solves big problems. How do you eat an elephant? Piece by piece. Don’t be intimidated by the magnitude. Think through the problem, break it down, plan an action and implement the plan. And remember number 19.
28) Keep a journal. Commit to this task. It’s amazing to go back and read something you’ve written some time ago. You’ll learn more about yourself.
29) Eat right. Lots of fruit and vegetables. Avoid what happens to many college kids who gain weight big-time their first and second years away from home.
30) Exercise regularly. It’s easier now to make it a habit than it will be when you’re older. Trust me on this.
31) Sometimes, the best thing to do or say in a situation, is absolutely nothing. I continue to have problems with this yet I do believe it’s true.
32) Experience is enhanced when that experience is shared with someone you care about. Whether it’s a sunset, a hike, or a good movie.
33) Sending Mom a card or an e-mail on her birthday would warm her heart. Figure out a way to remind yourself of other people’s birthdays.
34) Money in hand is money easily spent. Put yourself on a budget. Purposely make it inconvenient to get more cash. You’d be surprised how easily money disappears from your wallet.
35) Budget your time. Prioritize where it’s spent. Time can be spent faster than money can. And it can be wasted just as much as money can. And in my view, time is more precious than money. We have precious few days on this earth.
Friday, September 28, 2012
The Citie of Henricus
A Field Study of The Citie of Henricus
For my field study I chose to go to the Citie of Henricus, located in Chesterfield County along the James River at Dutch Gap. This is a fantastic park that not only reminds us of historical occurrences that have shaped our present day, but also provides us with some valuable examples of how human impact continues to change our world around us. What was a peninsula in 1611 when Sir Thomas Dale set out to establish a new colony named for the eldest son of King James, is today an island because of a 1930 initiative by the Army Corps of engineers to shorten the trip down the James River. Where the river once did flow is now only a wetlands. Also, there now exists a mountain created by the by-product of burning coal which was produced by the electrical power plant located in that area. A large lagoon now exists as well that was not originally there in 1611 because of man’s intervention. This site is also the place where the first ever college in America was founded which was intended to teach English settlers and native Americans alike.
Several important people have left their mark in this historically significant site including Sir Thomas Dale who was ordered to find a more healthful spot to create a colony than Jamestown which was located in swampy conditions. Pocahontas, of the Powhatan tribe, whom later would take on the Christian name, Rebecca and become married to the English tobacco farmer, John Rolfe. Rolfe also having great importance to this area as his tobacco crop would soon become the most valuable cash crop the colony had. Reverend Whitaker was responsible for the education and baptism of Rebecca and would eventually officiate this wedding. By the time this colony came to its tragic end in 1622 another heroin would arise, Mrs. Proctor, who held off the native attack on her home for upwards of three weeks before she was taken over due to a shortage of supplies. To this day the water treatment plant nearby on Coxendale Road bears the Proctor name. I noticed the name of this water treatment facility specifically when my car broke down right in front of it as I was leaving.
My favorite thing about the tour at the Citie of Henricus park is that they have people wearing clothing from 1611 who live and work as if they are still apart of the time period. They have the weapons and tools that were really used in that day and still demonstrate how it was done. I feel this is a very important part of this historical site in that it allows the people of our present generation to visually see what we can only read about in books giving us a much stronger connection to the people and times of the past.
Due to the nature of the circumstances there were a multitude of people who lost their life in this location. Later human intervention such as the mountain of fly-ash that was left here it is nearly impossible to ever know just how many people truly are buried here. Of these I find the story of Reverend Whitaker most interesting to me personally mainly because of a personal connection to this individual as my mother’s maiden name is Whitacre. This was a person who I was not familiar with prior to my field study and I am now beginning to research if there truly is any connection to this slight variation of the family name.
I would rate this tour an absolute 10 because of the great importance of the lessons that can be learned from this site. Not only about the history of the second English settlement in America, the first college founded in America, or the story of the struggle for these settlers trying to live in peace with the Powhatan tribe; But also of the impact we humans have on our environment around us and reasons why conservation is so important. I would strongly urge anyone to visit this site and enjoy the live action tour. If I were to take another field trip in Virginia it would surely be to Jamestown to learn more about the history and connection between these two settlements.
For my field study I chose to go to the Citie of Henricus, located in Chesterfield County along the James River at Dutch Gap. This is a fantastic park that not only reminds us of historical occurrences that have shaped our present day, but also provides us with some valuable examples of how human impact continues to change our world around us. What was a peninsula in 1611 when Sir Thomas Dale set out to establish a new colony named for the eldest son of King James, is today an island because of a 1930 initiative by the Army Corps of engineers to shorten the trip down the James River. Where the river once did flow is now only a wetlands. Also, there now exists a mountain created by the by-product of burning coal which was produced by the electrical power plant located in that area. A large lagoon now exists as well that was not originally there in 1611 because of man’s intervention. This site is also the place where the first ever college in America was founded which was intended to teach English settlers and native Americans alike.
Several important people have left their mark in this historically significant site including Sir Thomas Dale who was ordered to find a more healthful spot to create a colony than Jamestown which was located in swampy conditions. Pocahontas, of the Powhatan tribe, whom later would take on the Christian name, Rebecca and become married to the English tobacco farmer, John Rolfe. Rolfe also having great importance to this area as his tobacco crop would soon become the most valuable cash crop the colony had. Reverend Whitaker was responsible for the education and baptism of Rebecca and would eventually officiate this wedding. By the time this colony came to its tragic end in 1622 another heroin would arise, Mrs. Proctor, who held off the native attack on her home for upwards of three weeks before she was taken over due to a shortage of supplies. To this day the water treatment plant nearby on Coxendale Road bears the Proctor name. I noticed the name of this water treatment facility specifically when my car broke down right in front of it as I was leaving.
My favorite thing about the tour at the Citie of Henricus park is that they have people wearing clothing from 1611 who live and work as if they are still apart of the time period. They have the weapons and tools that were really used in that day and still demonstrate how it was done. I feel this is a very important part of this historical site in that it allows the people of our present generation to visually see what we can only read about in books giving us a much stronger connection to the people and times of the past.
Due to the nature of the circumstances there were a multitude of people who lost their life in this location. Later human intervention such as the mountain of fly-ash that was left here it is nearly impossible to ever know just how many people truly are buried here. Of these I find the story of Reverend Whitaker most interesting to me personally mainly because of a personal connection to this individual as my mother’s maiden name is Whitacre. This was a person who I was not familiar with prior to my field study and I am now beginning to research if there truly is any connection to this slight variation of the family name.
I would rate this tour an absolute 10 because of the great importance of the lessons that can be learned from this site. Not only about the history of the second English settlement in America, the first college founded in America, or the story of the struggle for these settlers trying to live in peace with the Powhatan tribe; But also of the impact we humans have on our environment around us and reasons why conservation is so important. I would strongly urge anyone to visit this site and enjoy the live action tour. If I were to take another field trip in Virginia it would surely be to Jamestown to learn more about the history and connection between these two settlements.
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