Oda Mae and I worked on our costumes for about 40 minutes this morning. There were a lot of spots to tape on.
If you want a free meal as well...head on over to Chick-fil-a dressed up like a cow and have at it.
We had a very good time.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Eat Mor Chikin!
Today I took my family out for a nice lunch. It was free. Of course we all had to dress up like cows, but hey, FREE LUNCH!
Oda Mae and I worked on our costumes for about 40 minutes this morning. There were a lot of spots to tape on.
If you want a free meal as well...head on over to Chick-fil-a dressed up like a cow and have at it.
We had a very good time.
Oda Mae and I worked on our costumes for about 40 minutes this morning. There were a lot of spots to tape on.
If you want a free meal as well...head on over to Chick-fil-a dressed up like a cow and have at it.
We had a very good time.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
It was a rocky start...
Well here we are, the beginning of July and I made it through a 6 week crash course in Microbiology. I have to say that I REALLY enjoyed the class as far as the science goes. Does that officially make me a nerd? The lab has been my favorite so far. We were able to grow some really cool (aka disgusting) stuff. And NO, I didn't contaminate myself with anything. I have to admit though, I won't ever take another science course during a six week summer term if I can help it. TMI in TLT!
Now the bad part...I believe my instructor had MPD. Good Lord! This lady had about 5 different personalities that were completely random. During the 1st week, I would have rather gouged my eyeballs out than to have to listen to this lady lecture. After that, I think she backed off a bit. Either that or I was desensitized at that point. Either way I'm done now and can look back and reflect. I have to admit, I made the lowest grade on the first test that I've made since my return to school last September. I made a 70! The test wasn't at all what I had expected and I didn't study properly. After that I made a b-line for the nearest library and practically lived there until last night. By the end, I had approximately 900 note cards that covered EVERYTHING we had covered in class. I am happy to announce that I received my final grade today of ......drum roll please........
"A"
granted, it's actually an A- (91 average), but I'll take it!
I really wish I had taken this course during a long semester. I would have enjoyed taking a little more time to really learn the material, but life doesn't always work out that way.
My next adventure....Psychology (Transitions Throughout the Lifespan). It's a FOUR week course. Starts on Monday....wish me luck.
On August 1st, I will be applying for nursing school. I hope I get in!
In the mean time....the family and I will be partying at CITG tonight and celebrating the 4th. Hot Dogs, Bean Salad, Grapes, Cookies, Pound Cake, Fireworks! Looking forward to it.
-OD
Now the bad part...I believe my instructor had MPD. Good Lord! This lady had about 5 different personalities that were completely random. During the 1st week, I would have rather gouged my eyeballs out than to have to listen to this lady lecture. After that, I think she backed off a bit. Either that or I was desensitized at that point. Either way I'm done now and can look back and reflect. I have to admit, I made the lowest grade on the first test that I've made since my return to school last September. I made a 70! The test wasn't at all what I had expected and I didn't study properly. After that I made a b-line for the nearest library and practically lived there until last night. By the end, I had approximately 900 note cards that covered EVERYTHING we had covered in class. I am happy to announce that I received my final grade today of ......drum roll please........
"A"
granted, it's actually an A- (91 average), but I'll take it!
I really wish I had taken this course during a long semester. I would have enjoyed taking a little more time to really learn the material, but life doesn't always work out that way.
My next adventure....Psychology (Transitions Throughout the Lifespan). It's a FOUR week course. Starts on Monday....wish me luck.
On August 1st, I will be applying for nursing school. I hope I get in!
In the mean time....the family and I will be partying at CITG tonight and celebrating the 4th. Hot Dogs, Bean Salad, Grapes, Cookies, Pound Cake, Fireworks! Looking forward to it.
-OD
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Summer Reading
Well, here we are again. Bet you thought it would be another couple of months, huh? I still have things to blog about, so we'll continue with Oda Mae's education today.
A few weeks ago we finished going through all the letters of the alphabet. We learned sounds that went with all of the letters and practiced writing them as well. Every week we checked out books from the library that would reinforce the letter of the "week". If any of you parents out there are interested in teaching your kids how to read there are a couple of websites I used to help us along. The first one is Brightly Beaming Resources There is a wealth of information from a mother who home schools her children. We followed her preparatory curriculum followed by her letter of the week. We also used http://www.starfall.com/ for Oda Mae to play computer games while learning letters and sounds. We will continue to use these websites. They have been extremely valuable.
After we finished the letter of the week curriculum I checked out books for her at the library. They have several pages of single syllable words with the occasional two syllable word. So far, Oda Mae has read four of them to me so far. She knows how to sound out the words and doesn't need Daddys help! I'm pretty sure she'll be smarter than me someday.
Today we went to the library downtown for the annual Summer Reading Kickoff Extravaganza Super-duper Mega Party and we were the first ones to show up. There are perks for showing up first like hobnobbing with Mayer Mike and being used for "Photo Ops". We'll be checking out the local paper to see what shows up. See...
Then of course, there were crafts... 
And face painting...
Followed by story time...
Oda Mae got a little scared of the witch from "Piggy Pie" She was the farmer.
A few weeks ago we finished going through all the letters of the alphabet. We learned sounds that went with all of the letters and practiced writing them as well. Every week we checked out books from the library that would reinforce the letter of the "week". If any of you parents out there are interested in teaching your kids how to read there are a couple of websites I used to help us along. The first one is Brightly Beaming Resources There is a wealth of information from a mother who home schools her children. We followed her preparatory curriculum followed by her letter of the week. We also used http://www.starfall.com/ for Oda Mae to play computer games while learning letters and sounds. We will continue to use these websites. They have been extremely valuable.
After we finished the letter of the week curriculum I checked out books for her at the library. They have several pages of single syllable words with the occasional two syllable word. So far, Oda Mae has read four of them to me so far. She knows how to sound out the words and doesn't need Daddys help! I'm pretty sure she'll be smarter than me someday.
Today we went to the library downtown for the annual Summer Reading Kickoff Extravaganza Super-duper Mega Party and we were the first ones to show up. There are perks for showing up first like hobnobbing with Mayer Mike and being used for "Photo Ops". We'll be checking out the local paper to see what shows up. See...
Then of course, there were crafts... And face painting...
Followed by story time...
Oda Mae got a little scared of the witch from "Piggy Pie" She was the farmer.
Afterwords, we were hungry AND tired. So we checked out a book, came home, ate a sandwich and fell asleep. We are both looking forward to this summer when Oda Mae can start reading books on her own for the Summer Reading Program. Yeah!
Dominus Vobiscum,
Oda Daddy
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Oda Mae's Recital
Monday I had 4 final exams, so I figured I needed a couple days rest before I got back to blogging....
We'll start with the most recent event. On Sunday, yes Mother's Day, Oda Mae had her first "ballet recital". Since January I've been taking her to ballet lessons once a week. She loves to dance around the house so we figured we'd give ballet a try. I found a school near the house that offered a class during a time I could take her. It started out simple enough. We had to invest a little, you know, ballet slippers, tights, leotards, tuition, etc. We definitely wanted to see her perform in the spring performance so we paid for the costume and performance fee as well. As you can imagine all of this was starting to add up. Of course, we just paid 'cause it was our little girl.
I finally got used to setting in the lobby area with all of the other "mothers" who brought their little ones to class. I won't even go into some of the conversations I heard there. I just brought a book every week and got some reading done during the 45 minute class. Parents weren't allowed in the studio, but we could hear everything that was going on while sitting in the lobby. I have to admit I was never really comfortable with the instruction that went on. Only a couple of basic positions were taught and the rest of the class time was spent preparing for "the performance". Now, I work in the arts. I know what it takes to put on a good show, but we're talking about a class of 3 and 4 yr olds. All they want to do is have fun. By the end of the semester I had to MAKE Oda Mae go to class. A couple of times I thought about letting her stay home. She really wasn't having fun in the class. Typically, once she got out of the class, she was fine, but she should want to go. I'm pretty sure the instructor hadn't worked with kids very much. She was pretty negative when they we not doing what they needed to do. It was very rare that I heard words of encouragement to any of the students.
"The Performance"
Now, I'll admit, the performance was done very well. Very professional. A two hour production of Alice in Wonderland at a major hall with all of the students (young and old) from this particular ballet school. Frankly, I just wanted to see Oda Mae dance around with a bunch of other kids her age. The good seats in the auditorium were reserved for alumni of the school, we had to pay for the program that had her name and picture, and photographs and video were not allowed during the performance. COME ON PEOPLE! I was able to get pics and video at the dress rehearsal, so that's good.
All in all we made it through and Oda Mae got to dance on stage for 3 minutes, but I think we might be looking at other options for this summer and next fall. She was super cute mind you, but maybe we'll put swimming, soccer and chess on the list of things to try next. :)
Here's the video from the dress.
Here are some pics from the dress.
We'll start with the most recent event. On Sunday, yes Mother's Day, Oda Mae had her first "ballet recital". Since January I've been taking her to ballet lessons once a week. She loves to dance around the house so we figured we'd give ballet a try. I found a school near the house that offered a class during a time I could take her. It started out simple enough. We had to invest a little, you know, ballet slippers, tights, leotards, tuition, etc. We definitely wanted to see her perform in the spring performance so we paid for the costume and performance fee as well. As you can imagine all of this was starting to add up. Of course, we just paid 'cause it was our little girl.
I finally got used to setting in the lobby area with all of the other "mothers" who brought their little ones to class. I won't even go into some of the conversations I heard there. I just brought a book every week and got some reading done during the 45 minute class. Parents weren't allowed in the studio, but we could hear everything that was going on while sitting in the lobby. I have to admit I was never really comfortable with the instruction that went on. Only a couple of basic positions were taught and the rest of the class time was spent preparing for "the performance". Now, I work in the arts. I know what it takes to put on a good show, but we're talking about a class of 3 and 4 yr olds. All they want to do is have fun. By the end of the semester I had to MAKE Oda Mae go to class. A couple of times I thought about letting her stay home. She really wasn't having fun in the class. Typically, once she got out of the class, she was fine, but she should want to go. I'm pretty sure the instructor hadn't worked with kids very much. She was pretty negative when they we not doing what they needed to do. It was very rare that I heard words of encouragement to any of the students.
"The Performance"
Now, I'll admit, the performance was done very well. Very professional. A two hour production of Alice in Wonderland at a major hall with all of the students (young and old) from this particular ballet school. Frankly, I just wanted to see Oda Mae dance around with a bunch of other kids her age. The good seats in the auditorium were reserved for alumni of the school, we had to pay for the program that had her name and picture, and photographs and video were not allowed during the performance. COME ON PEOPLE! I was able to get pics and video at the dress rehearsal, so that's good.
All in all we made it through and Oda Mae got to dance on stage for 3 minutes, but I think we might be looking at other options for this summer and next fall. She was super cute mind you, but maybe we'll put swimming, soccer and chess on the list of things to try next. :)
Here's the video from the dress.
Here are some pics from the dress.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Some more pics
Yesterday we went out to the museum district and took some "fairy" shots. Today we went to the library and the FREE Family Fun Day at the Texas Cowgirl Museum/Museum of Natural Science and History.
There are a few more pics on my Facebook page as well.
There are a few more pics on my Facebook page as well.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Had a photo shoot today...
Allison and I had a photo shoot today. She actually had "school" pictures done today as well. I decided last week to have a photo shoot with her this week so that I wouldn't be tempted to spend thousands of dollars on some pretty average pictures. We went out to the garden today after I picked her up and we had a blast. Here is one of my favorites. I'll post some more over the next day or two.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
First Post
Good morning all. Happy New Year!
Wow, 2008 was quite the year for us here at the "Oda" household. Oda Mae learned how to spell her name this year. Oda Momma and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. I decided to change careers. Looking back, is always interesting. The other day I saw a montage of celebrities who passed away during 2008. You see these things and you always go, "I forgot about so-and-so, was that this year?" or "I didn't know he died this year." The real fun though, for me, is looking forward to the new year in anticipation of what is to come...
I am looking forward to spending more time with Oda Momma this year. Gran and Sis gave us monthly "Oda Free Weekends" for Christmas.
Tomorrow we start a New Testament reading program with the church we are joining. We've attended a local church for the last 3-4 months and have really enjoyed going. It's a large church with plenty of opportunities to plug in. It is Christ centered and they really seem to have their act together in all the right areas.
Oda Mae will turn 4 this year. She loves to dress up and dance more than anything else, so I think we'll enroll her in some kind of dance class after her birthday.
I should finish my pre-requisites for nursing school this summer and hopefully I'll get accepted for next spring. A year ago, I was stressing about an audition I took in March. This year, I'm actually excited about taking Chemistry.
Last night Oda Momma and I went out for dinner at Texas de Brazil. If you've never been, start saving your pennies and plan an evening for the future. A massive salad bar with imported cheeses, meets, vegetables etc. and if you're man enough go for the complete dinner which includes MEAT. Servers come by your table with all sorts of meat on large skewers and they sliced it off for you right on to your plate. Oda Momma and I both started with the salad bar. Then I proceeded to turn over my card to the green side that said "Yes, please."
This means that the servers bombard you with different cuts of meat until you have so much on your plate that you have to have time to catch up. At which point you promptly turn your card over to the red side which says "No, thank you." which in my case means "Give me time!"
Oda Momma opted for the salad bar only. At one point our waiter came by and asked her if she was done. Oda Momma gave him the look of death and he promptly replied with "Would you like a new plate." :) This is why I love HER. The problem for me at TDB, is that you never really know how much you are eating. They come by with just a little piece of meat and you eat it. Then they come by with another little piece of meat, you eat it as well. Then at some point you realize that you should have stopped eating little pieces of meat about 5 servers ago. Despite getting overly full, Oda Momma and I had a good time. We came home and watched a movie and slept into the new year.
Now we're headed over to Gran's house for a New Years lunch and to pick up our child. I have no doubts that Oda Mae had as good a time as we did.
Dominus Vobiscum,
Oda Daddy
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