Take me back to the Mac shack

Posted on 29. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in my life, technical, things that bug me, tv, work

When my husband and I first met, we were poor graduate students. We were happy eating ramen (me) and Kraft Mac & Cheese (him), as long as we were together. (awww!) I’ve always considered it a blessing that we fell in love when we had so few material possessions, as our expectations of the relationship weren’t based on finances.

But over the years, there’s one thing I’ve come to depend upon: my internet connection. It’s impossible to be a website designer or serial volunteer without a fast, reliable connection. I’ve told my husband many times that I’d be fine living in a much smaller abode as long as I have my computer and a good internet connection. (and my dog, and my pillows)

I may have to test that promise. Although I live in a thoroughly modern Los Angeles suburb, I have nearly given up on having a decent internet connection. My internet provider, Charter Communications, was fine for many years, but since this summer my internet connection has become increasingly unreliable. I’ve had countless technicians come out to fix it, but thus far they’ve only made things worse. Last Wednesday the same technician came to our house twice: after the first time the connection went down four times within the next hour, and after the second time our television signal was lost, even though we hadn’t previously had a problem with our signal. Every day since then, Charter has told me they’d have a technician here, and every day has come and gone without a technician servicing us. Tomorrow marks a week since we lost our signal, and I’m not holding my breath that it’ll be fixed by then.

I gave up last night, and decided to switch to AT&T. Unfortunately, AT&T doesn’t provide high speed internet service to our area, so the speed they promise, 768 KBps, isn’t much faster than a dial-up modem. I want reliability, but I don’t want the speeds I gave up in the last millennium.

I’m writing an email to Charter Vice President / General Manager Fred Lutz. () He makes a big deal out of how important customer service is to Charter. I agree: it should be important. I just wish it were. Hopefully this will be resolved soon. If not, maybe I’ll even call him. . Or even worse, I’ll have my attorney husband call him. He misses his football much more than I do.

Many thanks to Amy B. for paying attention to Mr. Lutz’s email address and phone number when he recently appeared on our local cable news program.  :)

Why you should vote for Neal Millard for La Canada School Board

Posted on 21. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in education, politics

When Neal Millard asked me to be one of his campaign managers for his run for La Canada Unified School District Governing Board, I said “yes” in an instant. I’ve known Neal since our days on the LCF Educational Foundation board, and he’d always impressed me with his ability to ask probing questions and articulate wise positions.

The more I learn about Neal, the more impressed I become. Because his law practice concentrates on charter schools, he’s exposed to creative solutions to problems that plague many schools, including our own. He also has extensive experience in school finance, and is eager to bring parents, teachers, administrators and students together to make our schools the best they can be.

You can learn more about Neal at the website I created for him at www.nealmillard.com. (My favorite page is the Contact page – love that graphic at the top!)

Please if you’re a registered voter here and would like to endorse Neal!

The most surprising post I’ll ever write

Posted on 17. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in inspirational people, sports

I am completely impressed by…the…(oh, this is SO HARD to admit!)…USC football team in the following video:

They embody what sports should be about: hard work, the right balance of humility and pride, teamwork, brotherhood. If I were a football player, I’d want to be part of this family.

You don’t know how hard that was to say.

I think this should become the official USC theme song. I’d even sing along.

15 Life Lessons I Learned From My Dog

Posted on 16. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in animals, my life

When my sweet dog Genevieve died just over a year ago, I cried for days. Ever since we’d adopted her over 11 years before, she’d been my constant companion. She was rarely more than five feet from my side, and she was my office mate who sat on the couch as I did all the work. She lived a good, long life – perhaps 16.5 years – but in the end an enlarged heart did her in. It was only fitting, because she captured everyone’s heart.

We honored Genevieve and the place she had in our hearts by adopting another dog within eight days. As I look back on it, I can’t believe we adopted another dog so quickly, but Genevieve left a big hole, and I wanted to try to fill it quickly. I went to five local animal shelters, and at each one I asked them to show me their friendliest small dog. Some of the dogs they showed me didn’t show much interest in being social, and at other shelters the workers and volunteers had so many animals on hand that they didn’t know enough about them to help me. Finally, at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society, several workers independently pointed to an adorable little guy whom I’d passed by the first time I saw him. They were right: he’s a love sponge, and a year ago today we brought him home with us. We named him Ricky, and he’s brought great joy to our family and to all who have met him. He’ll never replace Genevieve, but he honors her by filling in his own way the role that she played in our family.

Here’s what Ricky’s taught me in the last year:

1. Life goes on. I miss Genevieve dearly, but Ricky has helped me to focus on the present, not on the past.
2. Don’t judge someone by their looks. I thought I’d wind up adopting another terrier, but I’m very happy we brought Ricky home instead. I don’t know what breeds are mixed in him, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is what’s on the inside.
3. If you show love, you’ll get love. I’ve never known a dog who licked as much as Ricky does. It makes you want to pet him all the time.
4. If you ask for love, you’ll get love. Ricky loves to lie on his back, look at us with pathetic eyes, and shake his legs until he gets a belly rub. He’s irresistible.
5. Be persistent. The more you chew on that toy, the more likely you’ll be to break it down. Also, see #4.
6. Everyone is a potential friend. Keep trying.
7. Lead a balanced life. There’s a time for belly rubs, a time for chasing squirrels, and a time for sleeping in the sun. All are important.
8. Life is a journey: enjoy the ride. Ricky loves to go for car rides, and gets upset when I don’t bring him along.
9. Express yourself. If you’re bugged by the fact that someone dares to walk on the sidewalk across the street, bark and let them know it.
10. Be true to yourself. Just because the neighbor dogs like to swim doesn’t mean you have to.
11. Appreciate the blessings of life. Anything beats being in a cage at the Humane Society for a month and a half.
12. Live each moment to the fullest. One of my greatest joys is seeing the extra-high leap that Ricky loves to take when he jumps up the stairs after playing in the backyard.
13. Being small has its advantages. If he weren’t so small, Ricky wouldn’t fit on my lap or under the bed.
14. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Even an old sock can provide great enjoyment.
15. Seize the opportunity when it’s available. As soon as the bedroom door opens, rush in to grab any socks that may be on the floor. (see #14)

Ricky is like a 9-year-old boy. He’s bright, sweet, energetic and playful all at once. He makes life exciting and rewarding, and we’re blessed to have him in our lives.

I wish Genevieve could meet him.

My Life is Average

Posted on 14. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in parenting, quotes

Back in March, I blogged about FML. It’s a strangely effective way to feel better about your life, but I’ve decided that My Life is Average (MLIA) is much more uplifting. I learned about it from my kids, who like to share MLIA posts on Facebook walls. Here are a few of my current favorites:

• Today, I was talking with my mom, and she told me that when she was young, one of the reasons she wanted to come to the U.S. was because she wanted to see squirrels. if she hadn’t come to the US, she wouldn’t have married my dad. I owe my existence to Squirrels. MLIA
• Today I found out that what I assumed was a birthmark on my uncle’s head is actually a tiny tattoo of a stick man mowing his receding hairline. The artist thought it was so cool he did it for free, I love my uncle. MLIA
• For spirit week, one day was pajama day. All the girls wore something sexy and almost inappropriate, I wore my dinosaur pajamas. Guess who got more attention? Winner. MLIA.
• Today, I was talking with my friend. She was talking about how weird it would be to have pants with only one foot hole. We then realized that would be a skirt. MLIA
• Today, my roommate, who wants to be a lawyer, made me sign a contract that I would clean up more. I scribbled in a random place, ‘Not valid on days ending in y.’ Now I can tell him to read the fine print when I don’t clean up. MLIA
• Today in my dorm room the doorbell rang. Sitting outside the door was a box labeled “A present from your friends in room 201″. I opened it and a guy popped out, gave me a high five and ran off down the hallway. MLIA.
• Today, I received an email telling me that a package was waiting for me in my dorm’s common area. I picked it up, hoping that my mom sent me money. She sent me a bubble gum machine. She rocks. MLIA

I like My Life Is Average because it reminds me to appreciate the every day pleasures of life. It also gives me insights into what makes kids happy. I like the bubblegum machine idea.  ;)

Hahaha!! After I wrote this post, I saw this on MyLifeIsAverage:

• Today, we had to pick the website we visited the most for class and present it. The girl before me picked FML. No one laughed. I showed MLIA. Everyone laughed. I found some new recruiters. You’re welcome. MLIA

Perfect!

Deer forage for food in neighborhood untouched by fire

Posted on 12. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in animals, local news

I saw these two deer up on Greenridge Dr. today. The doe was very protective of the fawn, so I wasn’t able to get as close as I wanted to. Deer have always wandered into the neighborhoods in this area, but I’d bet that they’ll be there more often now that their food supply in Angeles Forest has been burned out.

I think that deer are magnificent creatures. I haven’t seen any in our neighborhood, but my next door neighbor once saw one walking up the street. We’re a block from the 210 Freeway, so hopefully the deer turned around and went back into the mountains so it wouldn’t get hurt.

Maybe if deer ate my landscaping I wouldn’t like them so much. Same with bunnies. I admit that the peahens we had in our neighborhood last year were cool at first, but I tired of them rather quickly. Black widow spiders are exotic, but I don’t like having them in my yard.

Firefighters honored at La Canada High School assembly

Posted on 11. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in education, inspirational people, local news

Most of today’s spirit assembly at La Canada was dedicated to introducing class mascots and cheering on sports teams. But when local firefighters made a surprise appearance, the students immediately gave them a standing ovation. I was so proud of them. They get it: these are true heroes.

Here’s a picture of the firefighters after they accepted school t-shirts from the songie squad as they listened to a short speech by the ASB president.

I was especially glad there was a way to honor firefighters on 9/11.

Giving thanks

Posted on 11. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in local news, tv

This evening the citizens of La Canada Flintridge gathered to pose for a group picture which will accompany thank you cards which the city will send to each agency that sent personnel to fight the awful fire that burned here last week and is still burning in Angeles National Forest. I was so impressed by the outpouring of appreciation from so many people. This is a great place.

Many members of the media showed up. I made it to the 10 pm newscast on CBS2/KCAL9 here in Los Angeles.

I hope that next time I’m in the news it’s for something more upbeat. I can’t imagine the courage it takes to be a firefighter, or the pain the families of the fallen firefighters are feeling now.

Don’t forget: Meet at 9:00 am on Saturday, Sept. 12th at the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge to carpool to Dodger Stadium for a memorial service for Ted Hall and Arnie Quinones. Even if you didn’t know them personally, and most of us didn’t, it’s still meaningful to show how much our community appreciates the ultimate sacrifice they made for us.

Links:

• Pasadena Star News article: Residents near Station Fire thank firefighters, law enforcement
• CBS2/KCAL9 newscast
• Camera snaps ‘Thanks’ from La Cañada

One last fire shot, as seen from La Canada High School last Friday

Posted on 08. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in local news

This photo of the fire in Angeles Forest was taken from the parking lot at La Canada High School last Friday, Sept. 4th around 4:30 pm, looking east towards Pasadena. If my kids had been willing to sit in the parking lot for awhile, I could have taken a fantastic time-lapse video of it. You could see the plume growing by the second. A half hour later, this was gone. I think it collapsed upon itself. FYI, the mountain is about 5,700 feet elevation at the point we’re viewing.

The puppy that can’t roll back over

Posted on 07. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in animals

This is cute, but I feel bad for the (non-)roly poly puppy. Maybe if the video continued for another 30 seconds and someone stepped in to help it would be a lesson on the value of good friends.

Kathy & Don’s Big Adventure

Posted on 06. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in movies, my life

About 24 years ago today, my husband and I went on our first date, to the movie “Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure.”

I’ve found that most people either love or hate this movie. There aren’t many who are neutral on the subject. I love it, though in moderate doses.

If you’re also a fan, check out this YouTube video of a combo movie/live action Pee Wee Herman tribute:

Of course, we played “Tequila” at our wedding. I didn’t have platform shoes, but I danced pretty well anyway.

Protest over President’s speech to schoolchildren reveals true paranoia

Posted on 05. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in education, politics

Maybe it’s good that some people are protesting President Obama’s speech to schoolchildren this week. By labeling his call for hard work and staying in school part of a Socialist agenda, they’re revealing how illogical and paranoid they are, and therefore lose any shred of credibility they may have had left. Would they protest so much if he weren’t at all Black? I’m guessing not.

Today’s LA Times reports the following LCUSD position:

“We’re an academic institution, and our responsibility is to cover specific content standards,” said James Stratton, superintendent of schools for La Cañada Unified School District, where the school year got off to a late and rocky start because of the nearby wildfires. In his district, he said, the speech will be shown only in those classes where it “has any relation to the California content standards for that particular class.”

Hopefully my kids’ English and Sociology teachers will decide that the speech relates to “content standards.” It may not relate directly to their lesson plans for the day, but it never hurts to hear good messages about diligence and academic success, and it will demonstrate rhetoric and cultural values. I think it’s also a great message to come from our President. And yes, I’d be saying that if Bush were still in office.

Some day when my grandchildren are taking U.S. History and puzzling over this strange incident, I want my children to be able to say that they heard the speech live and it was indeed inspirational.

How you can show appreciation to the firefighters and other emergency workers

Posted on 04. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in inspirational people, local news

I’m incredibly impressed by the eagerness of everyone in this community to express appreciation to the firefighters and other agencies who helped to save our homes and keep us safe. They risked their own health and safety to do so, and some of them have lost their homes, suffered injuries, or even lost their lives.

This morning I attended a meeting at La Canada City Hall to brainstorm ways in which the community can band together to show that it cares. More details will be forthcoming, but we’re eager to work together as a team to show the magnitude of our gratitude.

Please save the following dates and times. Please wear red, white and/or blue to each of them.

• Thurs., Sept. 10th at 5:30 pm: Picture at Memorial Park of as many citizens as possible to include with thank-you cards to every department and agency that helped.
• Sat., Sept. 12th at 9:00 am: Meet at the Community Center of La Canada parking lot to carpool to the memorial service at Dodger Stadium for LA County Firefighters Ted Hall and Arnie Quinones, who gave their lives fighting the fire.

Please note that all events and efforts described here are for anyone to attend, not just La Canadans. I don’t know what’s being organized in neighboring communities, but we’re all one when it comes to thanking these brave men and women.

Firefighting agencies expressed to Mayor Laura Olhasso that they would rather not have a party or picnic in their honor. After the fires are put out, they’d rather return home to spend much-appreciated time with their families. Therefore, the city will put its effort into raising funds to distribute to the fallen firefighters’ families, other firefighters who have lost their homes or been injured, the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, LA County Firefighters, and other agencies that have helped in this effort. Please check back to see more details about where how donations will be accepted.

I am in awe of people who put their lives on the line so that others may be saved. They should be honored as the heroes they truly are.

Firefighters show their spirit on 210 Freeway overpasses in La Canada & Pasadena

Posted on 04. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in inspirational people, local news

I was very moved this morning to see that firefighters had parked their trucks on the overpasses to the 210 Foothill Freeway between La Canada and Pasadena. The most impressive was the bridge at the Angeles Crest Highway exit, where they’d hung an American flag on an extended ladder. At each overpass there was an American flag hanging, and firefighters standing at attention. I honked in support.

Here are some pictures. They’re not the highest quality, but they show the magnitude of this effort. Note that in the last one, taken in Pasadena, you can see the smoke from the fire in the background.

Memorial fund formed for fallen firefighters’ families

Posted on 02. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in inspirational people, local news

Our whole community is deeply saddened by the ultimate sacrifice made by LA County Firefighters Ted Hall and Arnie Quinones as they battled the La Canada Station Fire on Sunday, August 30th. Both served in La Canada at one point, and leave behind families who miss them immensely, and in the case of Arnie Quinones, a first child yet to be born.

Donations are being accepted in their memory at:

F&A Federal Credit Union – “Memorial Fund”

Los Angeles 90030-9972

There have been three accounts opened to benefit the families of Captain Tedmund “Ted” Hall and Fire Fighter Specialist Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones. Their untimely death on August 30, 2009 has been a shock for our Department. Following are the accounts:

Tedmund “Ted” Hall:
Account/Member Number 617171

Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones:
Account/Member Number 617172

Combined Pool Contribution:
Account/Member Number 617170

Why is Smirnoff targeting Facebook ads at 17-year-olds?

Posted on 02. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in advertising, health, parenting, social networking, things that bug me

I was shocked yesterday when I passed by my 17-year-old daughter as she cruised Facebook and saw that she’d been targeted with the Smirnoff ad to the right. Facebook allows advertisers to target ads by age, location and many other variables, so why was it marketing liquor to someone under 21? As Facebook’s own state,

7. Inappropriate Targeting

Ads need to be targeted relevantly and appropriately. For example, a dating ad should be targeted to users over 18 who are listed as single.

The ad also showed up on my page, right below an ad to take courses at Biola. I think Smirnoff missed the boat on this one, and Facebook was asleep at the wheel. Or maybe they weren’t, and were just trying to make a buck. I complained, and hopefully they’ll be more prudent in the future. In the meantime, parents should unfortunately expect that ads such as this may show up on their kids’ pages, and should discuss with them why they’re inappropriate.

Do they actually think that a picture of a kid rudely sucking his spaghetti shows respect toward children unfortunate enough to have Type 2 diabetes? It’s hard enough to have that disease without having to deal with the stereotypes that this ad reinforces. I doubt they’ll get many clicks on this one.