Dinosuar Train Revisited

Yesterday, I wrote that NETV's decision to move Dinosaur Train from the 8:30 AM time slot to 9:30 AM time slot hurts Nebraska families. This was an overstatement. We love Nebraska Public Television. We think they do great work. For me to imply that programmers would knowingly make a decision that hurts families is hyperbolic and disingenuous at best. Our apologies to the fine folks in the programming department. Thanks for all your hard work. Without you, I must remind myself, we wouldn't even have Dinosaur Train. And that is something I don't even want to think about.

Choo! Choo!

Thomas

Busy Bees

The beginning of a new school year always proves to be a busy time of year. This is especially true if 2 out of 3 members of the family are teachers. We've been otherwise occupied during the past two weeks- preparing for the first week of classes, and now teaching the first week of classes. In the past, Tom has had a bit more time during the day to do some blogging. Our readers will need to stay tuned to see what the former librarian is up to this school year. I'll give you a big hint- it's not in the library, but it's still at our school!


Life is pretty good otherwise. Ezekiel is happy every day when we arrive home. Happy because he's been happy all day, and he's happy again that we've arrived home. We're so lucky. He's been smiling, talking, and fake eating/lip syncing a lot lately. I'm going to try to post a quick video to make people happy- because this type of video makes me happy!

Also, I had intended to use this blog to commemorate each milestone age for Zeke. I have missed his 6 month birthday! At 6 months, he's doing a lot of cool stuff. I think I'll try to do a 6.5 month blog instead- updating everyone on his weight, accomplishments, future plans, etc.

So, blogosphere, please accept my apologies. When we begin to fall into the rhythm of the school year, our blog should pick up again. We'll have interesting stories, political updates, family news, and stuff about our life in Honduras in general. Until then, please enjoy this short baby video.

Where in the Wide Wide World of Sports?

We are in Bentonville, Arkansas, U.S.A. Karine is enjoying some afternoon sun poolside and I just cleared a tremendous dump out from Ezekiel's pants. More info to come, including photos (not of the poo).

My apologies to the eight-hundred people who checked our blog in the last two weeks only to find a slightly hysterical love letter to the Mirado Black Warrior pencil.

Do you have any idea what you are talking about?

This is the question which may be percolating at desktop and laptop computers and near Blackberry-type handheld devices throughout North America. I understand. And I understand why.

Someone out there is saying: How could you not know whether your understanding of a word’s proper usage was developed on two different continents or three? What kind of person doesn't know what continent they are on when they make a major lexical breakthrough?

An apology by way of confession: Sometimes I am unsure whether or not I am currently situated on the North American continent. So to answer your question. I would like to think that I generally know what I am talking about. I sometimes do not know where I am talking about.

Psychology Apology

Karine has always been a great supporter of my various attempts to assemble words into coherent sentences. She laughs at my stories when they are funny and cries when they are sad. More importantly, she always lets me know when I say something stupid. She told me yesterday that, while she personally enjoyed my piece about psychology, economics, and the happiness industry, it may have offended the following people:

Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Counselors
People being treated for mental illness
People who have purchased books about happiness
People who are trying to become happier
People whose loved ones are trying to become happier
My mother-in-law

I offer my sincerest apologies to anyone offended or hurt by what I wrote yesterday. I have tremendous respect for mental health professionals who make it their life’s work to alleviate suffering and serve those experiencing emotional distress. This is not easy work.

Anyone who listens with an empathic ear as someone unloads their troubles comes to carry a portion of those burdens themselves. Psychologists, counselors, priests, bartenders, friends, AA sponsors, teachers, coaches, and complete strangers do this every day. It is truly God's work. Emotional support and careful counsel are some of the greatest gifts we are able to give one another.

Karine also delicately informed me that I am hypocrite because this book
is currently resting on top the toilette tank in our guest bathroom. I purchased it using a credit card several years ago. I read it and loved it. She says it has made me happier. Unfortunately, there is no way to verify her claim. I’m taking the fifth.