Birthdays
Paul turned 21 on February 10, and Peter was 12 yesterday. That combination of birthdays is pretty handy. We could use the same number ("1" and "2") candles on both of their cakes!
Paul and MEPS
I browsed the website for MEPS to find out what Paul is likely to do there. According to the website:
Paul will check into a hotel tonight in Rosemont, near O'Hare airport in Chicago, along with other recruits. After arising early on Monday morning, he will go through the following steps of enlistment processing during a two-day program:
…aptitude testing…
…medical examination…
…job search…
…background screening…
…and the oath of enlistment
Paul already took the aptitude test (ASVAB, which means Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), so he can move directly to the other steps. The medical screening, like the aptitude test, can determine the type of jobs for which a soldier is qualified. (For example, I learned that my colorblindness would disqualify me from the infantry!)
The job search step involves looking at possible positions in the army, for which Paul qualifies for several hundred based on his ASVAB score. With the help of his recruiter, Paul has already chosen a position in the infantry, but I'm sure the MEPS staff will talk with him at length about his choice.
The background screening makes sure "you understand the conditions of your enlistment; this step also ensures you understand what you're signed up to do!"
Assuming all goes well, the MEPS program will finish by noon on Tuesday, and Paul will sign papers and take his oath at that time. I'm looking forward very much to attending this concluding step. Will keep you updated as I hear how things are going.
MEPS
Military Entrance Processing Command
The Tease
In the past two weeks, we have seen 60- and 70-degree temperatures off and on. The grass is greening up and flowers and starting to bud. Then last Monday, six inches of snow dumped on us, and it was just about melted when another inch hit last night. Our high today is 30 degrees! We're not even above the freezing point today. Yikes!
Play on Composer Names
[To __:]
I checked with Jonathan about next
Monday. He said he’s got a “Handel” on it, so you can “Bach” out of it.
We just wanted to “Tel-e-mann,” “oh
Scheidt!”
Hope this isn’t a “Schalk” to you!
[From a colleague of Jonathan]
March Madness
Crocus blooms in the snow.
Pi Last Saturday
My brother-in-law gathered his family together and did a high-five at 9:26 am. If my Dad was more aware, he would have enjoyed this moment very much. Unfortunately, I only saw the notice after the fact, but it IS pretty cool.
Bunnies!
You may remember that we had baby rabbits in our yard last spring. A good friend sent me the following video about a mother rabbit and her young. It is very similar to what we observed at our house. The video is long, but the end is worth the wait.
http://www.downfacebook.com/download-facebook-video-10152789782603246.html
The Author of Yesterday's Post
Socrates, 2,500 years ago. He was complaining about the development of writing and the Greek alphabet.
Some things never change.
That Blasted Technology
"Advances in technology threaten to overwhelm young minds to the point of distraction. Students' memories will atrophy because so much information is so readily and instantly available. Students will know a great many things but "have learned nothing."
They're Growing Up
Sarah prepares for her written driving test and behind-the-wheel exam. Rachel ponders which college to choose from among several that have accepted her. And Paul is entering the army, having scored high enough on his entrance exam (ASWAB) to have a multitude of jobs from which to choose. They are not little kids anymore.
Spring Has Sprung
What joy to experience milder temperatures! The snow melts, and nearby I see grass sprouting. Birds sing, people saunter in the sun, and we rejoice that winter is past.
Great Idea
For a new take on Sweden's symbol, the Dala horse:
http://www.thelocal.se/jobs/article/i-didnt-want-to-just-be-the-dala-horse-guy
Ignoring Bad Behavior
We have often heard that ignoring a child's undesirable behavior will make it disappear over time, since they are not receiving attention for it. The problem in our household is that Jonathan and I can ignore all we want, but when the other children explode there is no actual "ignoring" happening at all.
But I'm proud of Rachel and Sarah today. Just as I was piping up to tell a kid to stop something, they calmly went about eating their breakfast. It was so unusual, that I quickly buttoned up my own mouth, too, after only one word of my original retort. And it worked. At least for a few minutes!
Time
Some thought-provoking ideas from the sermon at Trinity last night:
When you were born, you came into this world buck naked with
no wallet, no purse, no skills, no way of making a living. You
couldn't even feed yourself much less contribute anything to your
own welfare. You were just a squirming ball of need. All you had
was time. God gave you a certain amount of time to spend on this
earth and you can spend that time in any way you choose, but
whatever you do with that time, it will all be over when your time on
this earth is over. After physical life is done, the gift is used up and
eternity begins.
First Hint of Spring
March is here, and today's forecast showed promise of approaching milder weather!
An icy mix early, changes to rain and fog mid-morning as mild air overruns the area. Rain, snowmelt and frozen ground raise flood potential. SE winds turn S at 15 to 25 mph.
