Top of the evening everyone.
As you walk in the front door at my son's school, about 15 metres ahead of you, the hallway turns 90 degrees. At that turn, the school has placed a ping pong table. That table gets a great deal of use. Jesse loves the game. I never knew.
About six weeks ago, we had friends at the house over Shabbat. They have kids, one of whom is in Jesse's grade at school. All of the kids were downstairs. We were in the living room. Suddenly, we hear laughter and the sounds of ping pong. This is odd.
The teenagers had set up the folding table. They had taken spatulas from the kitchen and found a small plastic ball. As best they could, they were playing ping pong. It was quite funny.
Anyway, Jennifer and I decided to purchase a table. It fits our general idea of having fun activities that do not violate any laws of Shabbat. Jesse went with me to the store. We bought a table. We bought a set of balls. He purchased a paddle for himself. We brought it home.
We got it downstairs. Jesse and I set to putting it together. This was a great deal of work. All of the web information on the table said that this particular model would require a minimum of two hours.
About 15 minutes into the process, I realized that Jesse was reading the directions and telling me what to do next. I said very little thereafter. Following his instructions, we put the table together. It did not happen all in one day.
The next day, he coaxed two of his friends to come home with him and help him finish the job. I came home to find three teenagers building a ping pong table in my basement. The only problem with this is that he promised them dinner. It was the week before Pesach, and we had no food in the house. Anyway, they put it together. They got it turned over.
We now have a ping pong table. It gets a great deal of use. I like ping pong. I have also discovered that it is remarkably aerobic. It is thus good exercise.
It appears that my son is able to get out the right tools and take on a major project on his own. He did good, and did perhaps just a little more than put together a ping pong table.
Good night all.
R/SCG
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Life's Simple Pleasures
Over at least the last seven years, my ice cream consumption has been greatly limited. This is not by choice. I am lactose-intolerant. I am unable to digest the ice cream.
Jennifer was up at one of the higher-end ice cream places a few weeks back. I think she was getting a birthday cake for Jesse. Anyway, the ice cream parlour has a lactose-free ice cream. They only have one flavour at a time. I went in to order a pint. They package it by weight. It was strawberry-banana ice cream. The lady mixed in pistachios for me. She could not fit all of the ice cream into the container.
For the first time in close to a decade, I was able to have an ice cream cone from an ice cream parlour. I felt like I was eight years old. I will do that again. I will not do it often. Feeling like I am eight years old is entirely psychological. Being 42 is real.
I felt like I was eight years old. R/SCG
Jennifer was up at one of the higher-end ice cream places a few weeks back. I think she was getting a birthday cake for Jesse. Anyway, the ice cream parlour has a lactose-free ice cream. They only have one flavour at a time. I went in to order a pint. They package it by weight. It was strawberry-banana ice cream. The lady mixed in pistachios for me. She could not fit all of the ice cream into the container.
For the first time in close to a decade, I was able to have an ice cream cone from an ice cream parlour. I felt like I was eight years old. I will do that again. I will not do it often. Feeling like I am eight years old is entirely psychological. Being 42 is real.
I felt like I was eight years old. R/SCG
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Finally...
After several weeks of saying "you-phone-'im", I finally called the piano man today. He is coming tomorrow to tune the piano. I hope he will mow the lawn also, but I do not expect that.
The piano is out of tune, badly. It has not been tuned in about five years. In that time, we have moved. Jennifer was keyed up about the whole thing. It was not quite so black and white for me. On a scale of 1-8, it was relatively minor. She thought it was major, even dominant, and refused to backpedal on getting it dealt with. Needless to say, this upped the tension an octave or two. Luckily, we are fairly in tune with each other, and we both know that violins never solved anything. Anyway, she was convincing. Her pitch did not fall flat. Since it is not always about mi, I called. I did not want her to be too strung out. That would be a bass thing to allow to happen.
Note to self: take the treble to keep the piano tuned. Otherwise, problems could come out of clef field. It is always better to settle the family fugue before it reaches a crescendo.
I have to get Bach to work...
R/SCG
The piano is out of tune, badly. It has not been tuned in about five years. In that time, we have moved. Jennifer was keyed up about the whole thing. It was not quite so black and white for me. On a scale of 1-8, it was relatively minor. She thought it was major, even dominant, and refused to backpedal on getting it dealt with. Needless to say, this upped the tension an octave or two. Luckily, we are fairly in tune with each other, and we both know that violins never solved anything. Anyway, she was convincing. Her pitch did not fall flat. Since it is not always about mi, I called. I did not want her to be too strung out. That would be a bass thing to allow to happen.
Note to self: take the treble to keep the piano tuned. Otherwise, problems could come out of clef field. It is always better to settle the family fugue before it reaches a crescendo.
I have to get Bach to work...
R/SCG
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Keren
So I promised everyone I would write about my daughter. Keren, aka Shpilkie, is...is...she just is.
She was the earliest of the three to be comfortable holding pen. By the time she was 18 months old, we could not go anywhere without her 'colours.' While that mantel seems to have gone to Gavi, she has retained more of that visual piece than her brothers.
Keren has always moved rather quickly. When she was learning to walk, she ran. We naturally assumed that she did that because babies tend to run. It helps them stay upright until they master balance. She just always ran. When we were potty-training her, she ran back to bed after midnight awakenings. She has only slowed down in the last couple of years.
When Keren was three years old, she was asked last minute to go on stage to announce a chapter in the Purim play. "Is it my turn to go on yet?" She has been on stage every year since, with the exception of the bar mitzvah year. One year, we got a little bit of stage makeup in her eye. She screamed. While screaming, someone told her that it was her cue. She stopped, and did exactly what she was supposed to do. She is hoping Jennifer and I decide to take them to see "West Side Story" this spring.
A few months ago, Keren sat down and worked out one of the psalms of Hallel to the tune of "Close Every Door," from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Every once in a while, I give her a piece of music and a piece of liturgy. She puts them together. It usually takes her about five minutes. She has now taken it upon herself to teach the other kids in junior congregation how to sing it also.
Her teachers at school have told us that the school no longer has the means to measure her reading level.
For the record, I am the only one allowed to call her "Shpilkie."
To answer a question from DKW from one of the earlier postings, of the three, this one is not for sale.
Good night all.
R/SCG
She was the earliest of the three to be comfortable holding pen. By the time she was 18 months old, we could not go anywhere without her 'colours.' While that mantel seems to have gone to Gavi, she has retained more of that visual piece than her brothers.
Keren has always moved rather quickly. When she was learning to walk, she ran. We naturally assumed that she did that because babies tend to run. It helps them stay upright until they master balance. She just always ran. When we were potty-training her, she ran back to bed after midnight awakenings. She has only slowed down in the last couple of years.
When Keren was three years old, she was asked last minute to go on stage to announce a chapter in the Purim play. "Is it my turn to go on yet?" She has been on stage every year since, with the exception of the bar mitzvah year. One year, we got a little bit of stage makeup in her eye. She screamed. While screaming, someone told her that it was her cue. She stopped, and did exactly what she was supposed to do. She is hoping Jennifer and I decide to take them to see "West Side Story" this spring.
A few months ago, Keren sat down and worked out one of the psalms of Hallel to the tune of "Close Every Door," from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Every once in a while, I give her a piece of music and a piece of liturgy. She puts them together. It usually takes her about five minutes. She has now taken it upon herself to teach the other kids in junior congregation how to sing it also.
Her teachers at school have told us that the school no longer has the means to measure her reading level.
For the record, I am the only one allowed to call her "Shpilkie."
To answer a question from DKW from one of the earlier postings, of the three, this one is not for sale.
Good night all.
R/SCG
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
I Have Got to Get a Life...
Top of the evening all...
All is now said and done. Jennifer and I are now the former owners of a 2005 Toyota Corolla. We are the present owners of a 2009 Toyota Sienna. It has an installed GPS. I am kind of thinking that I should try reading the directions instead of trying to figure out how to work it while sitting at traffic lights. Jennifer is truly rubbing off on me.
I was going back to read a couple of much earlier postings. I found a grammar mistake in one. That has been corrected. GS - where are you when I need you?
My blog now lists 20 followers. This is so exciting. I am debating starting a movement. I have to figure out though whether the list truly means I have 20 followers. Two people are listed twice, and four others are really two couples. It is also exciting that I have been asked to write for another blog, and have just had a request to use one of my blog entries in yet a third blog.
This sounds very tongue in cheek. It is certainly written in that style. Thinking about it though, it is doubtful that any of us will truly touch the masses. We should be content with having a positive effect on those around us. If we can really make a difference in one person's life, that is a great piece for the autobiography.
To sleep, perchance to dream...
R/SCG
All is now said and done. Jennifer and I are now the former owners of a 2005 Toyota Corolla. We are the present owners of a 2009 Toyota Sienna. It has an installed GPS. I am kind of thinking that I should try reading the directions instead of trying to figure out how to work it while sitting at traffic lights. Jennifer is truly rubbing off on me.
I was going back to read a couple of much earlier postings. I found a grammar mistake in one. That has been corrected. GS - where are you when I need you?
My blog now lists 20 followers. This is so exciting. I am debating starting a movement. I have to figure out though whether the list truly means I have 20 followers. Two people are listed twice, and four others are really two couples. It is also exciting that I have been asked to write for another blog, and have just had a request to use one of my blog entries in yet a third blog.
This sounds very tongue in cheek. It is certainly written in that style. Thinking about it though, it is doubtful that any of us will truly touch the masses. We should be content with having a positive effect on those around us. If we can really make a difference in one person's life, that is a great piece for the autobiography.
To sleep, perchance to dream...
R/SCG
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
After All Is Said and Done
Top of the evening everyone...
So after all is said and done, more is usually said than done. In order to conclude dealing with the turnover of my vehicle to my in-laws, I called the good state of New Jersey again to explain to them that US Customs at the Lewiston crossing would not import my car, as it had never been exported. New Jersey put me on hold and called US Customs in Newark. Then they told me that I still needed those forms, as US Customs in Newark was very specific.
Aha...I got the number for US Customs in Newark and spoke with them. The people there said that all my in-laws had to do was bring the title and bill of sale/gift, and they would reimport the car. There was no problem at all. My in-laws then mailed the material to foreign titles at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. It is now possible that Jennifer is driving our car illegally. If the car is titled in New Jersey, then it is no longer titled in Canada, and we can no longer insure it with our Canadian insurer.
On the positive side, our buyer has found us a 2009 Toyota Sienna. I hope he found something in our price range. If not, I will likely have to sell a child.
Have a good night everyone.
Rav Sean
So after all is said and done, more is usually said than done. In order to conclude dealing with the turnover of my vehicle to my in-laws, I called the good state of New Jersey again to explain to them that US Customs at the Lewiston crossing would not import my car, as it had never been exported. New Jersey put me on hold and called US Customs in Newark. Then they told me that I still needed those forms, as US Customs in Newark was very specific.
Aha...I got the number for US Customs in Newark and spoke with them. The people there said that all my in-laws had to do was bring the title and bill of sale/gift, and they would reimport the car. There was no problem at all. My in-laws then mailed the material to foreign titles at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. It is now possible that Jennifer is driving our car illegally. If the car is titled in New Jersey, then it is no longer titled in Canada, and we can no longer insure it with our Canadian insurer.
On the positive side, our buyer has found us a 2009 Toyota Sienna. I hope he found something in our price range. If not, I will likely have to sell a child.
Have a good night everyone.
Rav Sean
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Like a Hole in My Head
Hi all...
I am sitting by the telephone right now. Department of Motor Vehicles in the State of New Jersey is supposed to call me back today. Thus far, they have not.
My in-laws have graciously agreed to purchase our car from us, allowing us the financial freedom and the circumstantial necessity to purchase a mini-van. Selling the car to them is a shockingly difficult feat.
When we moved up here, we were not informed that we had to export the vehicle from the United States. There is some logic to the requirement, as it is one way of preventing theft. In order to register the car in New Jersey, the car had to be re-imported into the United States. It is, however, rather difficult to re-import a vehicle that I never actually exported.
Anyway, I went to the border today. I exported the car from Canada after receiving assurance that they would allow me back in upon importing the vehicle to the US. Then I went to US Customs. After waiting about 90 minutes, the US decided to list the car as "US goods returning." In the mind of the agent, this eliminated the need for the otherwise-required permission slip from the EPA. In fact, the agent refused to give me the slip (could not resist).
New Jersey will not give my in-laws a new title without the appropriate slip from the EPA. Apparently, they will also not accept the ruling from the border agent that no paperwork is necessary.
As well, New Jersey wants all sorts of paperwork stating that the car meets US standards. However, all of this paperwork can only come from various sources to me, the present owner of the vehicle. My in-laws cannot get a new title without the paperwork made out to them. Neither can they receive the paperwork without a title in their name.
The car was sold to us in the United States. What I find humourous is that the car was made in Canada. It was then shipped to Westbury, NY. We acquired it. We brought it back to Canada. Now, we are sending it to New Jersey. If vehicles had feelings, this one would probably be wondering if it is welcome anywhere.
Have a less confusing day.
R/SCG
I am sitting by the telephone right now. Department of Motor Vehicles in the State of New Jersey is supposed to call me back today. Thus far, they have not.
My in-laws have graciously agreed to purchase our car from us, allowing us the financial freedom and the circumstantial necessity to purchase a mini-van. Selling the car to them is a shockingly difficult feat.
When we moved up here, we were not informed that we had to export the vehicle from the United States. There is some logic to the requirement, as it is one way of preventing theft. In order to register the car in New Jersey, the car had to be re-imported into the United States. It is, however, rather difficult to re-import a vehicle that I never actually exported.
Anyway, I went to the border today. I exported the car from Canada after receiving assurance that they would allow me back in upon importing the vehicle to the US. Then I went to US Customs. After waiting about 90 minutes, the US decided to list the car as "US goods returning." In the mind of the agent, this eliminated the need for the otherwise-required permission slip from the EPA. In fact, the agent refused to give me the slip (could not resist).
New Jersey will not give my in-laws a new title without the appropriate slip from the EPA. Apparently, they will also not accept the ruling from the border agent that no paperwork is necessary.
As well, New Jersey wants all sorts of paperwork stating that the car meets US standards. However, all of this paperwork can only come from various sources to me, the present owner of the vehicle. My in-laws cannot get a new title without the paperwork made out to them. Neither can they receive the paperwork without a title in their name.
The car was sold to us in the United States. What I find humourous is that the car was made in Canada. It was then shipped to Westbury, NY. We acquired it. We brought it back to Canada. Now, we are sending it to New Jersey. If vehicles had feelings, this one would probably be wondering if it is welcome anywhere.
Have a less confusing day.
R/SCG
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