Updates for April 2008

So, it's been, what, 3 months since I posted? What have I been up to?

Well, as I mentioned in one of my last posts, we had some issues with the house on New Years Eve and we ended up spending 3 months (yes, 3 months!) in a hotel. A hotel about 10 miles from the house. A hotel with one "high speed" internet connection (which, during the evening, was about as high speed as a 2400 baud modem). A hotel with only about 15 channels and NO TiVo! Oh, the humanity.

Well, we're back in the house now, the re-construction is almost all done (just a few bits and pieces remaining), we've been compensated for part of the living expenses for which the insurance company owes us (luckily, the contractor is billing the chunk of work the insurance company pays for directly to them and the hotel was direct charged to the insurance company) and we're almost back to normal.

It was a drag of an experience and not one that I want to repeat any time soon, I'll say.

What I had to keep telling myself was, "You're getting a new kitchen for about 70% off, You're getting a new kitchen for about 70% off, You're getting a new kitchen for about 70% off..."

The new kitchen is great (though I'm still getting used to the re-arrangement) and the changes in the dining room (we paid extra for those plus a good chunk of the changes in the kitchen) are great.

Plus, we have TiVo again - and not just any TiVo - we finally have been able to hook up and use my wife's new HD TiVo, which can record two things at once! Sweet, sweet Tivo. In just the living room now we can record 3 separate things (including the older TiVo there). Woo hoo!

I'll post separately on other news.

My Kids - the smart ones in the family!

My son came home Friday with his trimester report card and did a great job this term - He had 3 A's and 3 A+'s for the trimester! Great job for him!

He also got all "O's" for behavior, which means that he's earned himself a field trip to see a movie with the other "all O's".

My daughter hasn't yet gotten her report card, but I know she also is as capable. Of course, her (elementary) school is soon going to transition to a grading system where anyone with a 70%+ average will receive a "P" (performing). There is apparently no higher rating. How motivating for the more capable kids, huh? As I like to say - they propagate the cult of mediocrity - No one can stand out and no one's accomplishments are to be individually celebrated.