Recent Blog Comments : The Northwest Voice

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center UPDATE"

You get paid for the newspapers, too?

Our garage is a bedroom, so no place to keep recycling... even if I was inclined to stop my blue trash delivery. I am far too spoiled now, though. But good on you! Recycling is recycling -- I'm for anything that relieves our dump sites a little.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center UPDATE"

And your garage will be clean for a few days.

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Ode to the Crossing Guard"

Agreed! Peg Connelly's article is coming out in an upcoming issue, and it's called "Egads! I look like a prune!" It's a humorous take on the topic of facial lines. Like your mom, Teresa, Peg has decided that she's earned all the lines in her face (and for those who know Peg, EVERY line in her face came from laughing!). It's a really cute article and Eric (the grapic designer at the office) added a VERY cute (and appropriate!) grapic to it.

I actually used it in The Southwest Voice last week, so if you can find a copy of that, you have to read it!

Random Observations... : "Thank a Teacher"

Awww... great post, Jen.

I can testify that THIS teacher (writing this blog) is an excellent educator. I have subbed for her class many times (so I am qualified to judge!) Her kids love her because she's strict, she lets them know what is expected of them, she teaches them, but she genuinely falls in love with each student every year. Mrs. White is a model professional and will make a very good mommy one day. :)

And yes, her class is the one featured in my article Confessions of a substitute teacher.

So even if you don't get a ton of 'thank yous'...at least know that what you do (and how you do it) are recognized and appreciated by the substitute teachers who take your class for the day.

Now, for the rest of us... thank a teacher today!

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Ode to the Crossing Guard"

My mother has a wonderful way with words - upon discussion about her beautiful 87 year old face

she commented "you know dear, people earn the face they will wear"

Her meaning is that if one lives with anger and frowns, the lines of age will reflect that - just as when someone wears a smile. I have decided I prefer to have the 'laugh lines' on my face, so I'm practicing!

Thanks for sharing Heather,

Teresa

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

There aren't any places out here that I know of that pay you for non-CRV items, though. I sure wish there were. I have TONS of newspaper stuck in my room!

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

>>I take my cardboard to the recycling bins in the parking lot of North Rosedale Elementary. I don't get money for doing it, however, I spoke with the person in charge of those bins and was informed all of the money goes to the school. This might be an option for you as they have bins to recycle almost everything...too bad they don't take styrofoam!

I usually take my newspaper and cardboard to Rosedale North Elementary, too. I had no idea that the money made at that drop off center goes to the school. I used to go to that school, so it only makes sense for me to support the school this way. Too bad they don't take grocery bags. That's what I don't understand. They have a sign that reads that grocery bags aren't recycleable, when obviously they are otherwise the stores wouldn't be able to recycle them.

>>My wife and I are still new to the northwest. If someone could please point us in the direction of a great recycling center that would be much appreciative.

LastRites, there are a couple of recycling centers I've been to in the Northwest, but as far as I know, they only accept CRV items. They are Midway Recycling (on Downing Ave. between Coffee Road and Fruitvale Ave.) and Rick's Recycling (on Rosedale Hwy across from the Target Greatland store in the Northwest Promenade and next door to the Ashley furniture store). I'd probably prefer to go to Rick's, especially if I'm on my bike because although it's on Rosedale Hwy, its closer to my house. I do like Midway's 5 cent/lb reward for cans (you have to present a coupon or bumper sticker-both are free-to get this reward). The Albertson's grocery store at Rosedale and Allen Rd. also has a place to recycle CRV items and receive money, however, you can't flatten your cans if youre going to use this place.

I also don't want to pay someone to collect my recycleables and also pay CRV!!!

Sooz58 Says, : "Why Not Go Fly A Kite!"

Ha ha ha - Fed Ex!

My son received a kite from the Easter Bunny, but we've yet to take it out for a test run. There was a lovely breeze yesterday, too.

Neighborhood etiquette : "A tree and its fruit"

Wow! Sounds as if your little fruit did something to be proud of. Isn't it nice that the teacher took the time to contact you? It reminds me of the Centennial letter someone was kind enough to bring to my attention (about the baseball players at the funeral). It's more often that we hear when kids are doing wrong, so when someone does something right... perhaps it should remind us that there are some kids who are working hard to be good examples.

Thank you for sharing this!

Sooz58 Says, : "Why Not Go Fly A Kite!"

Great idea, Sooz... nice picture, too! You behaved like Tom Hanks did on "Castaway" when he opened up all the Fed Ex packages. Very inventive. <grin>

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Evolution Debunked"

I, too, took an honors course recently, wherein the professor claimed to be a Christian AND believe in evolution. He said that by the time we finished studying evolution, we Christians would be able to reconcile our faith with science.

I really tried. I kept an open mind because I wanted to be able to say that I had listened to the arguments and came away with a theory based on clear thinking and attention to the facts.

Instead of having concrete answers, though, I was struck dumbfounded by how science phrases everything: "We believe..." Wha? I thought it was science. Where are the facts?

This might be elementary, but I was also disappointed that science could not answer this for me: If we were to have evolved, then why do the primitive beings continue to exist today?

Thoughts From a Brain-Damaged Mind : "Amazing Faith"

Beautiful Rusty!

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Evolution Debunked"

Good point Rusty. It is true that many people don't want to believe in God, thus they deny creationism. I have studied the works of many scientists, however, who can reconcile within themselves the theory of creationism (because their science proves intelligent design) without admitting there is a God. They simply say, "Someone created us just the way we are. I can't say who, but we didn't evolve. We were made."

I know a pastor who says to admit there is a God, is to admit that you are not Him. Big move for many people these days.

And God did create beings before humans...the angels, including Satan himself.

Thoughts From a Brain-Damaged Mind : "Amazing Faith"

I love living in Bakersfield, where I can log onto a community web site and read stuff like this. Thank you, Rusty. :)

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Evolution Debunked"

Heather ... I don't think that people are so much pro-evolution as they are anti-creation. If we realize the many flaws in evolution and understand that all this wonderful stuff around us must have been created by someone, then we are in a dilemma. We are acknowledging that there must be a god. Problem is, which god? I think it's just simpler for some people to believe in evolution. It gives them a reason for why they're here without having to face the God who put them here.

I'm a Christian. That solves it for me. But here's an interesting side note. If you study the beginning of the book of Genesis, I believe God is showing us that He also created beings long before Adam and Eve. Too much to go into here, but I believe it's there. God Bless.... and Keep that Faith.

Rusty

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Praying while Driving"

So funny heatherijames! What a perfect example of getting what you pray for ;)

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

Thanks Dana!!! =D

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Praying while Driving"

I love this blog topic. I do the same thing. I have found that I'm better to pray as I drive than pray at night before bed, because when I pray at night I inevitably fall asleep during my prayers. I still try each night, but I'm never very successful.

I also pray just like Mrs. Collins whenever I hear a siren.

Heather-i, I think it's extra good to pray in particular when someone cuts you off -- because it reminds you to forgive! haha!

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Praying while Driving"

Praying While Driving

Reminds me of my Grandmother. As I was growing up my grandmother, Cathron Collins, always said a prayer anytime she heard sirens. She prayed for those who needed help and for those going to give help, or if it was a police siren - for the officer's safety. That rubbed off on me and now I do the same thing - not only when I am driving but always.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

I take my cardboard to the recycling bins in the parking lot of North Rosedale Elementary. I don't get money for doing it, however, I spoke with the person in charge of those bins and was informed all of the money goes to the school. This might be an option for you as they have bins to recycle almost everything...too bad they don't take styrofoam!

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

I know it isn't possible for everyone (the blue can), but I put my Styrofoam in the blue trash can. One Tuesday, I heard the recycling truck roaring down the street and realized I had forgotten to put it out (every other Tuesday is hard to remember at times), and so I had an occasion to ask the driver if Styrofoam was recyclable (it often DOES have a #4 or something on the bottom). He said, "Not really, but go ahead and put it in."

Huh?

OK, fine by me, I just hope I'm not giving people at the recycling center fits when they sort through all my Styrofoam.

dweaver... you can truck your foam over to my house. :)

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "The Women of Hall of Records"

hahaha!! Great ending! Great story, too, ya gifted gal, you!

i. <--

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

My recycling problem is finding a place that recycles styrofoam. Does anyone have recommendations?

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "The Women of Hall of Records"

It certainly is pleasant to be in a gender-friendly atmosphere!

Life According 2 Tara...You May Not Agree, That's O.K. : "State Testing"

It turns out my first grade son didn't end up testing this week - making the testing information sent home to me strange and unnecessary. Guess it gives me another year to work on tackling the bedtime issue! =) It seems your school could be the only area school to test first grade students. Hope it's going well!

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

You guys are cracking me up. I have totally been in both camps. I could NOT fathom the idea of letting someone else reap the reward for all of my plastics and aluminum hoarding, but then--same thing--when no one wanted to schelp the stuff to the recycling center, and our garage started looking like the city dump, we gave in and ordered the Big Blue Trashcan.

Like my next door neighbor, Bob Meadows, said when he turned 50 and was explaining to me why he hired Monji to landscape his backyard...."Eventually, Dana, life just becomes a matter of time versus money."

With my time at a premium these days, I admit that I gave in to Bob's theory. Hopefully, the city is putting my recycling money to good use. :)

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

I can park our car in our garage, but it's getting tight. Time for a yard sale and a trip to the Goodwill.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

I hear you but when I couldn't walk through my garage, I changed my tune. I can forego two cups of Starbucks per month for the free stuff here at work.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Help a few soldiers"

When's the deadline?

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

Thanks for the info about the recycling program. My only problem with the City is that I'm paying them a small fee for something that they're making money off of. I usually get a about $35 each time I visit. I only go 2 to 3 times a year but it's annoying to pay a CRV every time I buy a case of soda or bottled water, then pay someone to pick up my recyclable material. Why should I pay again?

I'll probably just make the trek to BARC. The glass and newspaper monies should be enough to pay for the gas.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Recycle center in the Northwest"

Our family used to do the same but discovered it was more economical and much easier to just sign up for the recycling program through the City. For $48/year, (recently lowered) the City will provide you with a recycling bin and will come every two weeks to pick it up. What a great service. It has also kept our family's non-recyclable trash so low (we are a family of 8) that we only need to put our trash out every other week.

http://www.bakersfieldcity.us/CityServices/pubwrks/solidwaste/

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

This is quickly becoming a favorite column here in the Northwest. I just love reading your advice, Dad. :)

*hugs*

Dana

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

Dear Frustrated,

We live in a generation that places a high value on education and careers. Men spend years preparing and training to improve our job skills, yet many men enter fatherhood with little or no training at all. We have to learn as we go. Your husband is probably doing the best he knows how. In past generations, dads had the benefit of other male role models like their own fathers, uncles and friends of the family. If it is possible, encourage your husband to talk with other men that will give him good advice and help him to be more involved in a positive way. You can encourage him and praise him when he does the right things. Men respond to positive motivation. Don’t criticize him, but support him. Thoughts of failure and inadequacy may cause him to give up, leave, become overbearing from trying too hard, or develop a passive attitude and fade into the background of your children’s lives. Don’t wait for your husband to assume his leadership role. Get your husband’s support you if you have to be the temporarily “authority” figure to your sons. I would also suggest counseling from your pastor or a family counselor. Your boys need both parents working together with common goals. Don’t give up on your sons or your husband.
Take care,
Dad

"Hey, Dad," is written by contributing columnist Dwayne Ardis.

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

Dear Dad,

I am a mother of three children (not toddlers). My husband is a good father but he doesn't always present the best example for our sons. I expect my sons to learn how to take care of the yard and take responsibility when they’ve made a mistake. My husband should be a Christian example, the father of our household, and other things. I am concerned that no matter what I try to teach them, our sons will grow up and mirror their dad, as boys seem to look to their father as their main example in life. I have tried talking to my husband about how our sons will mimic his actions (or lack of action), but he doesn't seem to get it. What can I do?
Frustrated

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Ode to the Crossing Guard"

Oooh, I like that...a guaranteed pocket of cheerfulness! Great description!

Heather-i, I can't wait to read more. And I can't see you as a pessimist. :)

Life According 2 Tara...You May Not Agree, That's O.K. : "State Testing"

Tara, thanks for the great tips. Like Debbie, I am now at a new place in the whole CA state testing scheme of life, but I am at the opposite end: My son is a senior and never has to take those again. He gets to sleep in almost all morning. You must know what I'm talking about! His poor sisters are so jealous. haha!

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "The Failure to Act"

It's also a deposit into your Karma bank -- and a deduction from theirs. IMO (in my opinion)

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "The Failure to Act"

Well said. A somewhat lengthier rendition of what was recorded centuries ago: To whom much is given, much is required. Opening a door for someone doesn't seem like "much," but fortunes are made up of single dollar bills.

Mayor of Bakersfield : "Four Candidates running for Mayor"

I didn't even realize there was a mayoral race taking place right now. What responsabilities is the mayor of Bakersfield in charge of?

: "What I've learned about love and romance"

What a delightful read, Lisa! You've got such a great point about target audiences and subsequent chain of events: a stimulation of superficial desire and impending disappointment. Funny how perspective changes with time. I wouldn't go back in time if I could!

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "The Failure to Act"

Your grandpa sounds like a special guy with diverse interests. It sounds like you had a precious relationship with him and that his influence is alive and strong. What an excellent way to honor him!

As for the scene you witnessed at the courthouse, what a shame. How have we as a society become so individually alienated that an obvious need isn't met. It is reassuring to know that people like you are still out there and offer an appropriate example to those who weren't raised to look beyond individual concerns.

Centennial Golden Hawks : "CF walk was a great success!!!"

Sounds like it was a great event, and it's good to know that awareness for Cystic Fibrosis is growing. Your case of ice cream will help soothe suffocating summer heat - have fun with that!

Centennial Golden Hawks : "Northwest Bakersfield getting too many strip malls/plazas"

Good luck! Suburban sprawl can be visually redundant in a painful way. I prefer walking and driving through neighborhoods that aren't walled in and with houses that do not mimic each other block after block. It is alarming to see rural and agrarian areas developed so quickly and with a paucity of parks for residents to enjoy.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Help a few soldiers"

It's a shame that basic needs aren't being met. It's great that your family is helping to take care of our soldiers! Best of luck with your drive - I'm sure the items will come in handy!

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Ode to the Crossing Guard"

It's funny how much crossing guards influence our lives! This few moments of contact on a daily basis form a substantive relationship in a surprising way. It's nice to have a guaranteed pocket of cheerfulness each day.

Life According 2 Tara...You May Not Agree, That's O.K. : "State Testing"

This will be my son's first big dose of state testing - and my first time as a parent. My son's teacher has done a great job preparing him for testing. He can list testing tecniques on his finger and is aware of how to make the most of the testing experience. Getting him into bed on time will be our biggest challenge!

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Ode to the Crossing Guard"

Heather, you are a very intelligent and intuitive person. I really enjoy your writing and find myself looking forward to it. Keep it up, please!

~D.

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "A Husband's Morning"

Thanks... I was in great need of hearing that tonight. :) What a precious story. Hilarious and precious all at the same time.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Help a few soldiers"

Many soldiers are in need of things! There are soldiers over seas that don't get any letters from home...even a note to let them know that there are people here who appreciate what they are doing for our country!!! My brother just joined the Marines, and will be leaving for Boot Camp in May!!

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Help a few soldiers"

Toiletries for soldiers?? They are out doing what they do, and they have to worry about toiletries? That is unspeakable. I am on it. I will get the word out.

Mayor of Bakersfield : "Four Candidates running for Mayor"

Thanks for your blog, Janet! The blog is a perfect place for this type of discussion! I look forward to hearing what our Northwest residents think.

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

How about it readers, do you have a question, a problem, or something you want to discuss but never got around to asking your own Dad? I am here for you, all you have to do is write to me. I check this blog daily, and I promise to get right back to you.

Take care,

Dad

"Hey, Dad," is written by contributing columnist Dwayne Ardis.

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

We will be printing your first column in the next issue, Dad. :)

Centennial Golden Hawks : "Big week ahead for me"

Hi Bryan!!

It's great to see you on NWV.com. It's also wonderful of you to lend a hand with the CF walk. As for the Grand Prix, you're mom told me about the tickets a while back--sounds like it's going to be totally awesome!!!!! Have a great time and I can't wait to read your blog postings about both.

Enjoy being 24 for one more week and if I don't talk to you before your birthday, have a great one!

--Sheri

P.S. - Where's the picture for your profile???

Centennial Golden Hawks : "Big week ahead for me"

Welcome, Bryan!!! WOW! I love your spirit! Welcome, and please blog any time and all the time! ~Dana

Go Centennial!

: "What I've learned about love and romance"

Thanks Dana.

: "What I've learned about love and romance"

Very, very cool blog entry... lots of good advice there. And I think congratulations are in order, both on your pregnancy (which I already congratulated) and being married for 5 years. I know, I know... 5 years is to be congratulated? Yes..because it's a milestone year, and many couples don't make it even that long. Good job you two! Sounds like you're getting into that less stress mode, too, which comes with more years of being married. :)

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "The Failure to Act"

You are quickly becoming one of my favorite people. :) You and that letter i -- (grinning)

: "What I've learned about love and romance"

Well I thought that it was some pretty good advice too, so I wrote it down and included it with my gift. :)

: "What I've learned about love and romance"

Well, it's a shame that "said friend" doesn't read this blog, because that was a gem, and she's missing out. Nice job, Lisa!

Life According 2 Tara...You May Not Agree, That's O.K. : "Virtual Business Returns From the Big Apple"

Nice job on your first true blog entry - you've got pictures, excitement, and even a mention of one of my favorite blogs - HAHA.

My trip to NYC with the Virtual Enterprise kids back in the spring of 2001 was a life changer for me, too! I'll never forget my experiences with the students, the teachers, and true business interaction.

The musical Wicked was also a good call. I've seen it 3 times in L.A., but I would jump at the chance to see it on Broadway - brilliant show....

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

Thank you, Dana, You are awesome too. I have had many great comments about this column and the Northwest Voice. I would like to encourage all of our readers who ever wanted to ask your Dad a question but never got around to it, to join in this column and let's discuss it. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dad

Life According 2 Tara...You May Not Agree, That's O.K. : "Virtual Business Returns From the Big Apple"

Tara, thank you SO much for posting this update. Sheri's right...the pictures are amazing, and they make me so envious! I can't WAIT to hear more about this in a future story!! (wink)

Congrats to our Smarty Hawks! I'm sooo proud of these kids and how well they represented Northwest Bakersfield -- 4th in the nation!!! They rock!

Thanks to our resident computer guru, Tim, too, for blogging about the virtual games.

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

Thank you, Dwayne. You are awesome!

~Dana

Life According 2 Tara...You May Not Agree, That's O.K. : "Virtual Business Returns From the Big Apple"

Tara -

Thanks for the update. What an accomplishment for these Goldenhawks to place fourth in the entire nation! That's awesome! And what an experience to boot. I, myself, have never even been to New York but I long to go. I'm glad they all had a wonderful time and were able to enjoy this opportunity to the fullest extent.

P.S. - The pictures are incredible.

--Sheri

Thoughts From a Brain-Damaged Mind : "Book Signing Blast"

Great job, Rusty! It was a joy having you at the store!

Granny Writes for Kids! : "New Free Story on Website"

Peg, our resident children's writer, is so generous to share a monthly story online. Please visit Peg's web site and enjoy her gift to our Northwest families. Thank you, Peg!

Musings of this paper's editor : "Congratulations to our Rusty Shoop!"

Don't forget! He'll be back in May (at Barnes & Noble) for round two!

What an awesome job Rusty did greeting and talking to all his Bakersfield friends who came out to support him! The line at his table hardly ever went down! Rusty will be back Saturday, May 3rd at 12:00 Noon! We'll have more of Rusty's book, Blood Harvest, by Wednesday, April 9th.

Once again, Great Job Rusty!

Thomas G. Robinson, Community Relations Manager at Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Thoughts From a Brain-Damaged Mind : "Book Signing Blast"

Great job selling out your books at B&N! Note to Russo's: ORDER MORE! :)

I posted a pic in my congrats blog!

Musings of this paper's editor : "Blast from the past"

Rusty, had they read the article Caroline wrote about you, is that how they found you? How cool! Running into old friends is quickly becoming my favorite "high" (second only to running, which I don't have time to do since I started this working gig!).

Tim's Goree Details : "Games Are More Important Than You Think"

Tara and Tim,

This is really the first time many of us are hearing about Virtual Business. As much as Tara's daughter has embraced it and had it change the course of her future studies, I would love to get an article written about this for the paper. An interview or two from either the teacher or a student (or 2) discussing their feelings about the class and in what ways the class has provided a unique education for them -- I'd LOVE to read that!

Not many people know about this. What an incredible experience these students just had who went to NYC. I would be interested in learning about ANY class that has this much impact on students.

Musings of this paper's editor : "Blast from the past"

Speaking of old friends. I just got an email (through Caroline) from people who were like family to us years ago when we first moved to Bakersfield. They lived in Arvin. We would go out there on weekends. My girls picked carrots from a friends field. My oldest daughter learned to drive on dusty farm roads. It was great. I hope, now that I know where our old friends are, that we can rekindle the friendship again.

Tim's Goree Details : "Games Are More Important Than You Think"

Great Job! I happen to LOVE Reader Rabbit and Millie's Math House. Am I dating myself?

As a parent of a child currently in Virtual Business (V.B.) I can say this "game" has changed her life. She grew up wanting to be lawyer and she, in the last two years that she's been in V.B. has changed her calling to International Business. This class has given her so many real life skill, more than any other class she has taken, possibly more than ALL the other classes she has taken combined. It connects with her in a way she understands, using today's technology. Not only has she become more in touch with who she is and where she wants to go in life, this class has open many doors for her. I have just come back from picking her up from a week long trip to New York, where she and the V.B. team competed nationally, in this game you speak of.

As a teacher, I'd love to see the way we teach, assess, and conduct state testing, move away from what it currently is, to look like what you are talking about. I think our students would do much better performing in the "their" arena, using technology. Our students today are growing up in a world unlike any other when it comes to technology. Kids can send a text, pictures, video across the country, or carry it in their pocket. They see pictures they've taken instantly, they carry and use computers everywhere, first graders can navigate the Internet. Yet in the classroom our main delivery of instruction, and assessment is still paper and pencil. If we don't start integrating better technology that engages our students in instruction we will continue to lose kids interests. Let's face it people, paper and pencil can't compete with what these kids can do in the real world...How long will it take "us" to catch up?

As Tim has pointed out, "games" are a great start to this integration, but I think there has to be more.

~Tara

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

Dear Teresa,

Thank you so much for writing, you will forever be remembered as my “first”.

What a great philosophical question. Sounds like you had a great Dad. Life is full of choices. Every road and highway in this country will get you where you want to go, but the problem is we never know where we will end up. I have often looked back and wondered where I would be if I had taken that other job, or married that other woman, or was born in that other country. Don’t worry about what God’s big plan is for your life, you are already in His plan and you are right where He wants you. Just love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and He will guide you all of your days. Life has speed bumps, and straight-a-ways, enjoy every minute of it. Just like a bowl of spaghetti, your life will take you in many directions and touch many lives. Keep your goals in mind, choose wisely, love others and be a positive influence on as many people as you can. The rest will take care of itself.

Take care,

Dad

"Hey, Dad," is written by contributing columnist Dwayne Ardis.

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

Hey, Dad

What a treat this will be! However, it is also a huge responsibility as I expect nothing but the very best from a "Dad". My own Dad lived to be 89, never complained though he endured chronic back pain for more than 38 years. His humorous wit would really make you think, "I heard what he said, (usually it was funny) but was there some deeper meaning in that just for me?" Dad's moved on now to those 'Streets of Gold' and I'm sure he's having a grand time, but I miss him every day. So, if you don't mind, I have some questions about perplexing things in life. How do you decide what it is in life that you're meant to do? Your purpose on Earth in God's Big Plan? This question isn't just for High School grads, or College grads, or people just starting out in life - it's also pertinent to those of us who find themselves at some crossroads, wondering which road to take when all the choices seem equally good! I know NOT to choose the 'bad' things, but how do you choose from several 'good' things? I'll be waiting for your sage reply.

Teresa

Here's a "Jim-ism" for you, "When cheerfulness is kept up on principal, against all odds, it is the finest form of courage".

Hey, Dad : "Hey, Dad"

Dear readers,

I got the following email last Friday from a lady named Teresa. It is a wonderful letter to kick off my new column, “Hey, Dad”. I asked Teresa and she gave me permission to post it here for all to read. Enjoy.

Tim's Goree Details : "Games Are More Important Than You Think"

This is how you write when you need to write quickly?

Need another job?

Musings of this paper's editor : "Blast from the past"

It was soooo nice to see an old friend again!

Musings of this paper's editor : "Blast from the past"

Wow...I understand. :) was it nice to see an old friend though? :)

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Pros and Cons of Newborns and Pre-schoolers"

It never gets better??!! Dear Lord!!

Loving, Laughing, and Trying to Leave a Legacy : "Pros and Cons of Newborns and Pre-schoolers"

HAHAHA!!! Oh my gosh. That is so funny. Let me give it a try:

18 year old (pro): Can dress self, feed self, and pick up after self

18 year old (con): He doesn't.

16 year old (pro): Can drive self, buy her own clothes, and date

16 year old (con): She does.

14 year old (pro): Is still my baby

14 year old (con): Isn't thrilled with hearing this all the time.

Thoughts From a Brain-Damaged Mind : "The Big Book Signing"

Hi Rusty;

Saw you with Lisa Krch last week and you looked Great! God is good and His mercies endure forever. He is doing a mighty work within you and I pray for your complete healing, soon! Will you have any book signings during the WEEK? I am a nurse up here in Tehachapi and work every weekend. I bought your book online from Barnes & Noble and eagerly awaiting its arrival! I would love to have you sign it in some way!

God's Blessings,

Pattie AKA "God's Girl"

Living life after 50 , and I am appreciating horses! : "Horses"

Hi Dina,

Training a horse is lots of fun, but it really helps to have someone train you first. You need to look around for someone who can help guide you through the process. When evaluating a trainer, look for someone who is respectful of the animal. Pain is not part of training. At the same time horses without discipline are dangerous. One of the first things a horse needs to learn is to stay out of our space. A horse that makes the other horse move, wins! (Becomes the dominant horse) Be sure that your horse moves away from you and that you don't move away from the horse!

I'm sure you will be able to find someone to help you.

Thoughts From a Brain-Damaged Mind : "The Big Book Signing"

Rusty! I hope you saved me a copy! I will be there on Saturday, as well, to cheer you on and, of course, TAKE PHOTOS! I am looking forward to some much-needed summer reading.

I'm glad Writer's of Kern could help you out.

Also, I'm thrilled that you are blogging (and that you figured out the photo thing)...haha

Your bud, ~D.

Living life after 50 , and I am appreciating horses! : "Horses"

I'm working on getting you some help.

Thoughts From a Brain-Damaged Mind : "The Big Book Signing"

Thanks so much for the comment. Poor Bibsy has been straddled with that nickname since she was very young. And wow, Russo's is sold out already. Good for you being in teaching. It's a noble profession. See you Saturday.

Thoughts From a Brain-Damaged Mind : "The Big Book Signing"

Rusty -

Congratulations! I am planning on attending the book signing and have had it on my calendar since I first learned of it. "Bibsy"--as you call her--was the one who first told me about you publishing a book. (We are fortunate enough to have one of our daughters in her class this year and we absolutely love her!) The book sounds very interesting. We looked for it the last time we were at Russo's but they were all sold out which is not a bad sign if you ask me!

I recently transitioned into substitute teaching and will therefore have the summer off. I have told my husband for quite some time that "when I have some free time" (hence this summer) I am looking forward to reading a book from front cover to back cover that is not required college reading resulting in a grade--a break from the usual routine if you will. Thanks for giving me something to get started with. This has all the makings of the best summer yet.

Congratulations again on this wonderful achievement.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Free baseball for a week"

THANK YOU!!! Jarret (my son) and I were just discussing this block of channels last week. "Mom, where are the MLB channels???"

Let's repeat, for emphasis: FREE FOR A WEEK!!

Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd....PLAY BALL!!

Go Dodgers! :)

The Big and Small of Hangers! : "The Big and Small of Hangers"

Now add 12 years to Kindergarten and that's where I am. To watch your "baby", your first baby get ready to go off to college will really rock your world. I'm not an emotional person by nature, but all of this college stuff can me bring to instant tears. She is well prepared and ready to go off and carve out her place in the world, she will do great things and be amazing, but what it really means is taking those clothes off the hangers and hanging the clothes some where else. My hangers will become empty. That's rough!

Enjoy every moment you have with those little babies! It all happens WAY too fast.

~Tara

Tim's Goree Details : "Pirates Can Be Helpful"

I know that there are two BIG barriers to actually watching the video that I linked to - you have to click on the link, and you have to spend 25 minutes of your time. Let me encourage ALL who read this blog - click the link and take the time.

There are two important things that are missing in schools that are not achieving to their fullest today - parent involvment and community involvment. This video speaks directly to these things and inspires the community to act.

PLEASE watch the video - you won't be sorry - you will be inspired!

-Tim

The Big and Small of Hangers! : "The Big and Small of Hangers"

I can relate. I have 3 girls, and our youngest will be going to school as a kindergartener in the fall.

I remember vividly having moments where I would think about how life would be when they were all in school, and it all seemed so far away. Suddenly, we're here, and it is a shock how quickly it came about.

Tim's Goree Details : "The Idea Factory"

The IDEA FACTORY, I like it! You might be onto something with the name. It was without a doubt a life changing experience for me too. I'm thrilled that "I'll never be the same" I'm way to motivated to go back to being boring. You (and Chiristy) helped open my eyes to a whole new world. There are so many ways we (Norris) can be using technology with our children in the classroom to reach and inspire them educationally. If we as educators don't get on board with the technological trends of today's modern world, it is our students who will suffer the greatest. You've inspired me. ~Tara

Tim's Goree Details : "Pirates Can Be Helpful"

WOW! What an amazing concept! He is a GREAT speaker without acutally being a "great" speaker! Passion clearly drove his story and I was teary when he was done. It left me wondering one thing...Would I rather go and be a pirate in S.F. or a super hero in N.Y.??? Either way, I'm very motivated by his words, wisdom, ideas, and his passion. Thanks Tim for sharing this and bringing it to my attention. Tara

The Big and Small of Hangers! : "The Big and Small of Hangers"

Great! I'm sitting at my desk crying!

Sheri ~ you really struck a tender spot with me. This was eloquently written and very touching. THANK YOU! Please post stuff like this ANY time. It's good we often reflect on how fast our children are growing.

~dana

Tim's Goree Details : "Pirates Can Be Helpful"

I haven't watched the video yet, but wow... you make some excellent points.

As a longtime writer, who has taken a course or two in creative writing, one of my best lessons was to "write what I know." As an adopted child, I wrote a story once describing what it is like being an adopted person (and having natural children of my own). I also described what it was like to find the people who gave me up for adoption (I won a contest with it!). The point is that it is uniquely MY story, and thus, no one can tell it better than ME. THAT'S WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT CITIZEN JOURNALISM!

The Northwest Voice is a citizen/community journalism newspaper that gives people a place to tell THEIR own stories and share what is important to them. No one tells it better than the person it happened to, and we are just the medium that helps people share their stories.

Excellent post, Tim. I just continue to love my job more and more.

~d.

Confessions of a crazy caucasian guy : "Up early to see the Rising Sun"

Thank you for sharing this on our site. I just LOVE the passion you have (for baseball and your wife). As a baseball fan, myself, I cannot WAIT for opening day--not that I'll be able to see a live MLB game, but it just doesn't seem like spring until baseball season begins! I can't believe it's finally here!!!

P.S. to your wife: you are one awesome lady! Congratulations on the baby, and please share with us the newborn photo so we can put an announcement in The Northwest Voice as a keepsake for the baby album!

Life's Short...Dream big!!! : "who was raised?"

Matthew 27 (New American Standard Bible) 50 Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

The above happened on Friday after Jesus died. This is not to be confused with Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday, He was the first to be 'raptured' or turned into a spiritual being. The ones who came out of the tombs were brought back to life by the power that was released at Christ's death that also tore the temple veil and split the rocks. You could equate it to the resurrection of Lazarus and others that Jesus raised from the dead. A spiritual resurrection requires death... then translation into the new spiritual body. The people in Matthew 27 didn’t come out with their spiritual body, they were just brought back to their natural life. Confusing … but they are different issues. God Bless … Rusty

Life's Short...Dream big!!! : "who was raised?"

well...not exactly. :) Not only were WE all raised, but the ones who were already dead in Christ were also raised!(on good Friday) :) And it says that they were walking in the streets!!!! Amazing! can you imagine?! God is amazing. :)

Life's Short...Dream big!!! : "who was raised?"

Are you looking for the easy answer? lol

Life's Short...Dream big!!! : "who was raised?"

he is an AWESOME man!!!! God has given him such wisdom! and yes, you are right!!!! cool. it took me a while, I had to think about it a lot. But yes, we were all raised on that day!!! but not just us...who else was raised on that day!?