Holy Grail of Cultural Knowledge

Tonight the family snuggled together on the couch to watch a Netflix movie via our Wii. This is a favorite activity for all of us. When we couldn't quickly find a mutually agreeable title, I suggested we watch Monty Python's Flying Circus. No loss if they didn't like it.

The show was a hit. I loved to hear the kids laugh at all of the right times. as we watched the first two episodes. But, the best part of the evening was telling stories about watching these same episodes as a teenager myself. Other topics of conversations started by the skits included Genghis Khan, the Gestapo, early 20th century artists, and why the British enjoy making fun of the french.

This night came to be a technologically enhanced 21st century equivalent to the ancients sitting around the campfire learning culture through oral traditions. I can't wait to share the lumberjack song and the story of the Holy Grail.

Cars-R-Coffins RIP

Link

What Do You Do When An Eleven Year Old Loses A Tooth?

You load toothpaste on a mousetrap and try to catch the Tooth Fairy. The note reads:

Dear Claire:
Your dad tried to catch me with a mousetrap. He snapped glitter off my dress, but I got away. Thanks for being such a good girl and taking care of your teeth. Tell your dad to watch his back!
The Tooth Fairy

It's like leaving milk and cookies for Santa mixed with snipe hunting.

47 Sunny Degrees and a Ski with the Kids

Single digit highs with below zero wind chills last week gave way to a memorable day of warmth and sun. The kids and I skied at The Ravine in Cottage Grove. The picture are on the trail, a break with oranges and the obligatory monkey mouths.

The videos are action shots of me trailing the kids on down hills. Harris was almost flattened after he crashed in front of me. Reckless parenting almost caught on film.

Less Busy Now

The last several weeks have been a blur; I'm ready for a less frenetic pace. In addition to my regular work and family commitments, my high school ski team, Minnesota Youth Ski League Team and basement projects have kept me occupied. Not complaining; all are rewarding and largely a blast. Here are a few pictures showing what I've been up to lately.I don't have a before, but here is a during and after picture of my basement project. I tore out a room move lots of stuff prior to tearing up the floor. I hired a plumber, carpenter and electrician, but spent lots of time coordinating their work, , insulating, getting materials, hauling stuff to the dump, tapping drywall and painting.


Here's part of my Minnesota Youth Ski League group. I started this program last year for Claire and Harris and as a feeder program for my high school team. The snowmobile the kids are sitting on was another project in itself. We purchased it new in Dec. to keep the trails groomed for both ski groups. Fund-raising and grooming our ski-course came along with getting the sled.

I started working with my high school team in Nov. We'll finish up with our awards banquet next Tuesday. Groomed trails helped the kids improve and have fun.


Ling-Hui did, however, just fly off to Taiwan for the next two weeks. I wouldn't have made it as a single parent, albeit temporary, a month ago.

新年愉快