Shattered Sun

Yes, this is the year. What year is that, you ask? Why, it’s the Year of the House. We are, indeed, buying a house this year. And when I do, I am getting rid of my teeny tiny apartment furniture and buying full size furniture. I’m going to go to some website and buy some kick butt dining room furniture first because I have no table. That’s right folks, my apartment is so small that we don’t have room for a dining room table. I get a kick out of that site because they have Bob Mackie designed furniture and who wouldn’t want furniture designed by the guy who designs for Cher and Barbie? Personally, I like this set. Well, I like the chairs more than the table. Might have to find a different table, because honestly, who can live without a table that’s extendable?

Edit: Here’s the table I want.

Edit Deux: J doesn’t know who Bob Mackie is. I’m crushed!

And no, that’s not a compliment in this instance! The band teacher at the middle school Sam goes to is rapidly getting on my “if you weren’t a teacher, I’d kick your butt for talking to my kid like that” list. Seriously. The semester is finally almost over and yet Sam still has no instrument at home. He has yet to play a note. I wouldn’t mind if he was obviously having issues, but he’s not. I mean, his grades are showing at A or B all term. He’s got nothing but good reviews from the teacher. But when he’s in the classroom he’s not getting the help. Forgive me, but as a former Band Nerd, I remember my instructors being overly attentive but not jerks. The most recent incident follows (as relayed to me by Sam, so keep an open mind):

Teacher: Okay, Sam, place your fingers in the right positions to prove you know where they go.
Sam: (fumbles because of this or that and doesn’t quite get it right)
Teacher: Forget it, just pack up your instrument
Sam: But I was trying! The instrument is heavy!
Teacher: Just pack up. (moves onto next child, repeats first statement) Good work, Student B, your fingers are perfect! (to Sam says) Well, at least she can get it right!

Is it just me, or is that wildly inappropriate for a teacher to say to a student? How is that encouraging? And if he really sucks so bad at band (this is his second instrument), why continue torturing him and why not let the parents know what’s going on? Worse, I told Sam (after listening to similar scenerios play out like this) that he could quit band. He has to move onto another art form, but I’m allowing him to stop. The teacher won’t let him stop. I just don’t understand. Does this teacher have a wish to ruin my child’s self-esteem? Is there really a point to this?

I placed a call into Sam’s counselor. I want answers and I’m tired of this. I don’t think any child should come home in tears because he just can’t get it “good enough” for one particular teacher. That’s just not right.

The holidays are good for a variety of things. I know, I should be telling you how they bring peace, love, and goodwill to our fellow humans, but really, I’m not so sure. I mean, anyone who was at a mall on Black Friday knows exactly what I’m talking about! People can be so evil for a good deal! As for me, I stayed home. I figure that nothing is a good enough deal to have to deal with mean people. On the other hand, I do love the holidays for the great food, lovely gift giving, and especially the time off. I love my long weekends. I think that might be the best part of having the holidays here. Oh, and the whole peace, love, and goodwill, of course. (Yeah, I know, I’m a bit selfish when long weekends top my list of the coolest things about the holidays. Oh, well.)

It seems like everything that is beautiful or expensive gets beat up in my house. So, naturally, I spend hours searching the internet for ways to restore all of them to their natural beauty. I’m currently digging Metro Guardian, which is mostly known for their commercial grade leather cleaner and all that. Personally, I don’t have any leather in my house because I have dogs, cats, and boys. I might be talked into buying leather seats in a car though! If I do, I think I’ll have to buy this Automotive Leather Care System to keep them looking spiffy. I pretty much suck for maintaining stuff without kits like that. You know how it is, anything that makes my life easier is good.

Oh, and check out the stain remover section. Looks like it would actually clean my apartment and stuff up nicely. I don’t think there’s a stain I have that isn’t listen somewhere in this section. Too bad I can’t get them to come apply the stuff! Guess I’ll have to buy some and see how well it works.

On a side note, I love buying commercial grade stuff. I figure that if it’s commercial grade, it probably works better than the regular store stuff. I think it’s a lot like believing that prescriptions work better than OTC stuff. Think it’s just one of those weird mental things?

I belong to a variety of photo newsletters and sometimes gems like this come around that I simply adore! Strobist is all about lighting and that’s something I really need to work on. It’ s great photography and even better, worded in ways that newcomers to photography can understand. To say I’m going to be spending many sleep deprived nights delving into the articles would be an understatement.