This week in Arvada

Another one down & about 18 until summer break - woohoo! Been a decent week here, Jackie competed in her first spelling bee and got out in the first round - Sackcloth was the word and she spelled it Satcloth. Didn't quite here the pronunciation I guess. But we were proud (only 18 out of around 250 qualified to compete - via test) so not too shabby. The disappoint was gone in a matter of minutes as she found out that she got a lead in the school musical. Spelling shmelling, no one ever made it to Hollywood for being a good speller. Life then, marches on here in suburbia (actually my students call east Arvada "ghetto Arvada" as they live in west Arvada & mainly new housing developments.) It gives me pleasure to know that someday they'll get beat up or in trouble and mother and father will not be able to bail them out! (not all of them of course) Anyhow on that somewhat unprofessional note, I bid you farewell for now.

The Day Has Come

I finally got to change my earrings today. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Now I can wear all my new earrings. Jax

It's finally here - TSH/MLK Jr. Celebration

The anticipation is over, the weekend of the year has arrived!! Unfortunately mom was able to locate some Lutfisk (spelling? - like anyone cares about the spelling) but I suppose it wouldn't be Thelma Swanson Haulman day without some sort of foul-smelling, lye soaked fish. Got a few more action shots and a "you have to look good, to ski good" photo from the trip. Thought I'd post for the beach bums to see. See some of you tomorrow & the rest be warned that the fish will be opened around 3pm MSTime so close your windows until the smell passes! Chao

Jackie "Picaboo" Schrader

Well ski adventure #2 was a success in that she is willing to even miss school (and risk the perfect attendance mark she always shoots for) to go back soon!! Didn't think she would ever want to ski again, halfway down the first run but then a little encouragement and help from dad plus remembering her instructor's advice from lessons last year she took off. 11 runs later we had to explain that the lifts were closing that is why she couldn't do another one. Plus Ma & Pa were wiped out! She has mastered the wedge and is ready for some more lessons and/or advice - uncle Pat & Mike. So to explain the ski & swim to those of you down under that seemed confused on my last email - We went to Glenwood Springs stayed in town, skied at Sunlight (about 20 minutes out of town) then went to the Hot Springs pool to soothe our muscles. I've included a picture off of a web site of the pool because it was around 25 degrees and I was not about to get out and take a damn picture. Plus there was so much steam, it wouldn't of come out very good. The ski pictures are from the video camera so they are not as clear, should have more from the disposable camera next week. So now we are back in Arvada where the temp is currently 64 degrees. Life is good.

Another One Down

Christmas has come and gone and Jax pulled in the loot (again) - Santa brought her that stereo she wanted, Ma & Pa got her some miscellaneous items (board & Playstation games) and the rest of the crap you see is from people who have never had to fight the "clean your room" fight with her. The whole "there's a place for everything, and everything has it's place" is a hard argument to make when she scores like this! Everything is much appreciated though and she is a gracious child so we can't complain. Uncle Pat made her really think with his naughty for 11 months/nice for 1 remark though. Thanks Pat.
Of course we got the TV for xmas, anniversaries & birthdays for about the next 3 years! It's the gift that keeps on giving (much like the jelly of the month club.) Hope all have a fun and safe New Year.

Just in Case!

We're tetering on naughty or nice this year so we thought a little extra insurance couldn't hurt with Santa!

'Tis the Season

As Xmas fast approaches, lets reflect on a few quotes from what (in my opinion)is the most classic holiday film: Christmas Vacation (apologies for language, but it doesn't work with editing so it must be this way.)

"Shitter's Full"

And the ever poplular moment at the peak of holiday stress:
"Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no! We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here! We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye! And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse!"

What Was I Thinking?

Just when you thought polyester couldn't get more stylish! I'm never going to drink hard liquor again!

Belt Order & Karate Style

Answering question on KBTS' comments about belt order, first off it varies from different systems of Karate. Jackie is in the Kenpo system (Same system that Elvis reached an 8th degree black belt in - first- he later studied Taekwando) In the Kenpo system, which yes - is about the discipline not the fight (although the fight is a kick -pardon the pun - to watch and Jax enjoys it but will only use it in the dojo unless provoked in which case she will kick the shit out of someone!) Sorry, we are not pacifists here, our fearless/brainless leader says so. Anyhow, the belt order is as follows:

White = Beginners
Yellow, Gold, Orange = Advanced Beginner
Purple, Blue, HighBlue = Intermediate
Green, HighGreen, Red = Advanced Intermediate
Brown 3, Brown 2, Brown 1 = Advanced
Black = Well, it = Black

So Jax has 5 more to go before she tests for her Black Belt. Should have it by the time she enters Middle School so she can handle all of those pimply-faced, hormoned crazed, little ****heads!

Nothing says growing up like a little pain!

Big day for Jax, getting the ears pierced. Friend of ours did it for her after a scooner of beer at the Edgewater Inn! Maybe Jackie should have had the beer! (We're not that bad of parents, our friend does it all the time at her beauty salon)

Black Uni

The black uniform - from ignoramous' resuest - is because she is in the Black Belt Club - which means she has committed for 2 years (& Mom & Dad paid for 2 years in advance) to reach her black belt (it will likely take a bit longer) She begins competing in tournaments in February as she has joined the compitition team. Any other questions? She is quite the star when she spars, she goes from mild manner girl to a bulldog! It's quite entertaining.

"Horse Stance and Breath" After doing her combos for testing

Just got her Green Belt - moved to Advanced Intermediate

December Morn

Couldn't very well be left out of the strahl blog craze now could we? We got our first sticking snow last night, but it's the type that if I wait a few hours I shouldn't have to shovel. Neighbors are shoveling but they're overachievers. Jackie's belt testing today for her green belt and is a bit worked up about it. She should do fine though. THat's all I got for now except to mention that I believe I was the first to put up a tree this year (at least in the metro area!) Later.