Well, If I have the right blogs listed as "blogs I follow" it would be easier to see what I've been doing. If I can just keep my head above water with my classwork until Friday, I'll be home free!
Trey's Christmas concert at school is Thursday and I'll be doing the program (I've not even started-but do have the template from last year) and the concert for our church choir including the children's choir is Sunday! Finals are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday...I'm almost looking forward to them! Oh, wait...Christmas! I've not even started shopping!
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Dinner Panic
Saturday was the annual Cub Scout Christmas dinner. I akipped the Dallas Parade walk to stay home an cook. All day, I thought of how "lucky" I was to be indoor slaving in the kitchen instead of waiting in the cold moist air to only walk two miles of the parade and return back to wait in the gridlocked parking lot. Dinner started at 6:30 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. I'm left with 4 other parents to clean-up the banquet hall from over 150 vultures that desended on the feast.
I cooked from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; cleaned and packed supplies while the oven was full. I prepared two turkeys, two hams, dressing and gravy for the masses. Each family was to prepare a covered dish (sidedish) and at least two liters of thier favorite beverage. When I look up at 6:20 from setting up the serving line, I see that we have about 50 people, 4 sidedishes and 4 two liter bottles to drink. I paniced. I sent my dauter out for publix potato salad and 9-two liter bottles of soft drinks. By 6:30 p.m. (and the time Dani returned) the room was full and the table had been graced with mac'n cheese and green beans by the dozen.
I have never seen food disappear so fast in all my life. Half-way through everyone being served - the turkey was gone. At the end of the evening, we had no sides left, 6 jars of ranch dip, 3 bags of chips and 10 slices of ham left. Thank goodness...the story of fishes and loaves repeats.
I cooked from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; cleaned and packed supplies while the oven was full. I prepared two turkeys, two hams, dressing and gravy for the masses. Each family was to prepare a covered dish (sidedish) and at least two liters of thier favorite beverage. When I look up at 6:20 from setting up the serving line, I see that we have about 50 people, 4 sidedishes and 4 two liter bottles to drink. I paniced. I sent my dauter out for publix potato salad and 9-two liter bottles of soft drinks. By 6:30 p.m. (and the time Dani returned) the room was full and the table had been graced with mac'n cheese and green beans by the dozen.
I have never seen food disappear so fast in all my life. Half-way through everyone being served - the turkey was gone. At the end of the evening, we had no sides left, 6 jars of ranch dip, 3 bags of chips and 10 slices of ham left. Thank goodness...the story of fishes and loaves repeats.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A parent review of the tween sensation known as…
JONAS BROTHERS
LINES, VINES AND TRYING TIMES
By Vicki Nix
Every generation has its new breed of the pre-teen rock-n-roll artists. The latest release of Lines, Vines and Trying Times by the Jonas brothers proves that they have developed significant staying power. Before this Disney hyped band of clean cut, Stepford sons came in a blur of Teen Beat and Sixteen magazine covers, Debbie Gibson and Hanson were tugging at the heart strings and comforting the misunderstood pre-teens.
As a parent of an adult child and a tween, I can see this train and the track upon which it rides and can really enjoy the journey! The brothers are building on the traditions set out long before they took their first breath. They fill an important gap between nursery rhymes and rock-n-roll.
This fourth album allows the boys to relate to the adolescent growth of their audience. The lyrics attempt to go deeper into the struggles of developing a tween’s identity, whether it be gangsta with “Don’t Charge me for the Crime” or romantic by comparing a crumbling relationship to “World War III.”
The addition of the strings and horns to produce the orchestra sounds take the boys to a more mature and less teeny-bop sound, but it may be a little pre-mature for their vocals. They take on the “she done me wrong” and “racetrack called life” lyrics like seasoned veterans of more rides around the sun than they’ve had. This latest release fills the metaphorical gap between kiddy songs and true rock. The older rock fan can listen and appreciate the journey without the pain and agony of the true kid song ping-pong that required the car seat and earbuds for the back seat just a few years ago. The Jonas Brothers allow our screaming tweens the next step in the search of their identity with with strong beats, catchy lyrics and stealth-like parental approval.
LINES, VINES AND TRYING TIMES
By Vicki Nix
Every generation has its new breed of the pre-teen rock-n-roll artists. The latest release of Lines, Vines and Trying Times by the Jonas brothers proves that they have developed significant staying power. Before this Disney hyped band of clean cut, Stepford sons came in a blur of Teen Beat and Sixteen magazine covers, Debbie Gibson and Hanson were tugging at the heart strings and comforting the misunderstood pre-teens.
As a parent of an adult child and a tween, I can see this train and the track upon which it rides and can really enjoy the journey! The brothers are building on the traditions set out long before they took their first breath. They fill an important gap between nursery rhymes and rock-n-roll.
This fourth album allows the boys to relate to the adolescent growth of their audience. The lyrics attempt to go deeper into the struggles of developing a tween’s identity, whether it be gangsta with “Don’t Charge me for the Crime” or romantic by comparing a crumbling relationship to “World War III.”
The addition of the strings and horns to produce the orchestra sounds take the boys to a more mature and less teeny-bop sound, but it may be a little pre-mature for their vocals. They take on the “she done me wrong” and “racetrack called life” lyrics like seasoned veterans of more rides around the sun than they’ve had. This latest release fills the metaphorical gap between kiddy songs and true rock. The older rock fan can listen and appreciate the journey without the pain and agony of the true kid song ping-pong that required the car seat and earbuds for the back seat just a few years ago. The Jonas Brothers allow our screaming tweens the next step in the search of their identity with with strong beats, catchy lyrics and stealth-like parental approval.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What does Blue Wind mean when he says thst Matt Stretton "wishes he
Blue Wind gained experiences of an old man in just a few years. He was able to view outside himself and see the big picture. I think it is amazing how the author describes vividly, but simply the living conditions Blue Wind experienced. Going back and forth from the reservation to the suburban school gave him a perspective that those with more privileges may not have had.
Blue Wind sensed that Matt was someone who was looking to be anything but who he is. He wished he had real perspective. Matt was as much a victim of his environment as Blue Wind, but made a choice to run from who he is, unlike Blue Wind who embraced who he is. Blue Wind had been able to roll through great, true tragedy and Matt had never really lost anything irreplaceable in his life. Blue Wind knew the difference and recognized that Matt yearned to feel anything real and was willing to fake it until he did.
Blue Wind sensed that Matt was someone who was looking to be anything but who he is. He wished he had real perspective. Matt was as much a victim of his environment as Blue Wind, but made a choice to run from who he is, unlike Blue Wind who embraced who he is. Blue Wind had been able to roll through great, true tragedy and Matt had never really lost anything irreplaceable in his life. Blue Wind knew the difference and recognized that Matt yearned to feel anything real and was willing to fake it until he did.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Can I persuade a vote?
Phil Gingrey, M.D.
Washington, DC Office
119 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Dr. Gingrey:
Introduction
I am a mortgage broker of 7 years and have been in the mortgage and finance business for over 23 years. I have had the opportunity to work for large and small banks as well as owning and operation my mortgage company. The passing of H.R. 3126 threatens my business and potentially my ability to continue to serve my customers as an independent business owner.
Consumer Finance Protection Agency (CFPA) Proposed
The Administration has proposed a (CFPA), which targets mortgage brokers with regulations that will effectively eliminate my brokerage’s mortgage origination channel for my customers, limiting competition, increasing prices, and reducing service. My customers will be forced to obtain mortgages directly from banks, which are not currently equally bound by disclosure requirements about compensation and fees.
New Agency Could Effectively Eliminate the Mortgage Broker Origination Channel
H.R. 3126 has been introduced in the House of Representatives to create the new Consumer Finance Protection Agency (CFPA). While the legislative language does not specifically reference mortgage brokers, the broad authorities H.R. 3126 provides to the new agency could severely harm the mortgage broker origination channel and my business if the Administration moves forward with its plans outlined in its White Paper.
Mortgage Brokers Provide a Valuable Service to Consumers
As a broker, I find the most appropriate mortgages for my customers by searching through the products of multiple lenders to identify the best loan rates and terms. I also guide homebuyers through the complicated loan process.
Because the lenders are saving money on personnel and overhead costs associated with the processing and originating of a mortgage, the loan products that I offer are obtained from the bank at wholesale prices. I am compensated by the customers for the cost of processing and originating the loan. A consumer can pay my compensation by selecting a slightly higher interest rate, through a yield spread premium instead of at the time of closing. As a mortgage broker, I am required by existing federal law to disclose all of our fees to the borrower. Even after being compensated for my work, we are able to offer consumers mortgage loans at rates that are competitive to retail rates that would be offered if a consumer went directly through a lender.
While the mortgage crisis has revealed problems across the mortgage industry, ethical mortgage brokers have always provided a valuable service to their customers. Consumers benefit from our ability to shop around for the best rate and from the individualized assistance that we offer through the process.
Conclusion
I appreciate the effort to protect consumers, but the proposed legislation only provides another layer of government oversight without true value to the consumer. This bill will ultimately hinder healthy competition which only benefits my customers and your constituents. Please know that I appreciate your efforts and write to you with information that I feel is valuable to my industry and to the people of Georgia and our nation. I trust that when you are armed with this information you will make the right choice. I look forward to your vote.
Yours Truly,
Vicki Nix
Washington, DC Office
119 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Dr. Gingrey:
Introduction
I am a mortgage broker of 7 years and have been in the mortgage and finance business for over 23 years. I have had the opportunity to work for large and small banks as well as owning and operation my mortgage company. The passing of H.R. 3126 threatens my business and potentially my ability to continue to serve my customers as an independent business owner.
Consumer Finance Protection Agency (CFPA) Proposed
The Administration has proposed a (CFPA), which targets mortgage brokers with regulations that will effectively eliminate my brokerage’s mortgage origination channel for my customers, limiting competition, increasing prices, and reducing service. My customers will be forced to obtain mortgages directly from banks, which are not currently equally bound by disclosure requirements about compensation and fees.
New Agency Could Effectively Eliminate the Mortgage Broker Origination Channel
H.R. 3126 has been introduced in the House of Representatives to create the new Consumer Finance Protection Agency (CFPA). While the legislative language does not specifically reference mortgage brokers, the broad authorities H.R. 3126 provides to the new agency could severely harm the mortgage broker origination channel and my business if the Administration moves forward with its plans outlined in its White Paper.
Mortgage Brokers Provide a Valuable Service to Consumers
As a broker, I find the most appropriate mortgages for my customers by searching through the products of multiple lenders to identify the best loan rates and terms. I also guide homebuyers through the complicated loan process.
Because the lenders are saving money on personnel and overhead costs associated with the processing and originating of a mortgage, the loan products that I offer are obtained from the bank at wholesale prices. I am compensated by the customers for the cost of processing and originating the loan. A consumer can pay my compensation by selecting a slightly higher interest rate, through a yield spread premium instead of at the time of closing. As a mortgage broker, I am required by existing federal law to disclose all of our fees to the borrower. Even after being compensated for my work, we are able to offer consumers mortgage loans at rates that are competitive to retail rates that would be offered if a consumer went directly through a lender.
While the mortgage crisis has revealed problems across the mortgage industry, ethical mortgage brokers have always provided a valuable service to their customers. Consumers benefit from our ability to shop around for the best rate and from the individualized assistance that we offer through the process.
Conclusion
I appreciate the effort to protect consumers, but the proposed legislation only provides another layer of government oversight without true value to the consumer. This bill will ultimately hinder healthy competition which only benefits my customers and your constituents. Please know that I appreciate your efforts and write to you with information that I feel is valuable to my industry and to the people of Georgia and our nation. I trust that when you are armed with this information you will make the right choice. I look forward to your vote.
Yours Truly,
Vicki Nix
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Writing an Album review - Step 1
Reviewing an album will require more thought about music than I've had in ten years! Picking an artist may be the hardest part of the whole process. I've not listened to an entire album of anyone other than "Disney 5" and "The Jonas Brothers". I guess either of those will do. I marvel at the marketing genius that can hook the entire teen market and direct their spending.
I guess I'm off to research a little more...maybe my chatty nine year old can share a little insight. Check out his blog at thebigtnix.blogspot.com
I guess I'm off to research a little more...maybe my chatty nine year old can share a little insight. Check out his blog at thebigtnix.blogspot.com
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