Where is my Son?

Okay, if you read my early posts about my frustrations with Jordan and his writing skills...you will be as confused as Jeff and I are. This year has been a total turn-around in regards to Jordan and his writing....instead of dreading it, I am hearing that he is disappointed when not given time in class to work on his writing...????....not Jordan, maybe Neil....but, not Jordan....

So, you be the judge, here is his latest writing assignment from Social Studies...okay, I just finished typing it up....um, yeah, Jordan wrote it....the last paragraph gives him away....
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Golden Sands, Fertile Soil

The immense desert prevents you from advancing any further in your journey. It's golden sand is beautiful and tempts you to cross. But if you do, you know you might not make it out. Before anything starts making any sense, you're crossing the gargantuan desert. By some miracle, you make it across, you see somethint amazing, you see Egypt. A week later, you are wandering along the waterfront of a titanic river. When hunger is about to make you fall, you see a couple men walking in front of you. You follow them and find yourself in a utopian city called Mesopotamia. Can it be the exact same thing as the civilization you found just a week before?

These two civilizations are alike in many ways. Both are polytheistic, meaning they worship many gods. Their writing evolved over years as well. They were treated unfairly based on their social class also. Other common similiarities included mining for turquoise and having irrigation systems. So, both civilizations have a lot in common.

Although Egypt and Mesopotamia have a lot in common, there are also a lot of differences. The mesopotamians created the first form of writing cuneiform. Egypt wasn't invaded as much though because Egypt is defended by deserts unlike Meopotamia. So, Mesopotamian history is more erratic. Egyptians mummified their dead and Mesopotamians creamated their dead. They both have a lot of differences.

"Which one's better?" You think to yourself. Egypt and mesopotamia are both really exciting places. Even though both have their ups and downs, it's just plain hard to pick one. So in conclusion, they both rule.

Recovery...

This past weekend was a 3 day LONG weekend...and did we need it!

Saturday, was the eWaste fundraising event for Jordan's 6th grade classes...in all we collected 18 pallets of "stuff".

I had the kids sign up to "sell" donuts and coffee, but more importantly, to thank people for support the event.

Here are some pictures...






























Sunday, was another busy day...Jeff left early to drive to Sacramento for his Aunt's wedding. It was a nice family gathering...but, Since the boys had 3 basketball games, I drove them to Sunnyvale for Jordan's noon game...then to San Leandro for his 3 pm game...and then I went to Neil's 4 pm game. Luckily, my Dad and brothers took Neil...and our friend Bill brought Jordan back to SACBC after his game!

Like I said, we needed another weekend day...even Jeff had Monday off...we saw the Green Hornet with one of Jordan's friends...Arthur, his Tri-City team actually beat Jordan's JYO team on Sunday...and hung out...it was a nice day....and LONG WEEKEND...

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No excuses....

Holidays...that's my excuse....okay...maybe not...especially since I didn't make my cards...but, I did write a letter and I ordered pictures...late, so, I had to get them at Walgreens...but, most of the letters are out...I still have a scarf to finish...and I started a new project for the Athletic Association potluck...but, yeah, the Holidays...that's my excuse!

First of all...the potluck project. While I was addressing my letters...I was watching "The White House Christmas"...I think I watch it every year...anyways, they made these trees for the "Green Room"...they are made from old magazines....aren't they pretty trees?


While I was at Home Depot, I thought I would pick up some more planters. A few weeks ago, I found this planter, it was perfect...almost exactly what I wanted...bummer they did not have purple...anyways, the sign said it was $12.88...well, okay...I'll get it. When I went to self-check...it rang up for $3.00....SCORE! So, I went back to get a few more...year end teacher gifts? This time, I went to the checkout...it rang up for ONE CENT. YES, ONE PENNY!!! WHOO HOOO!!!

Aren't they cute? It's a nice size also: 15" wide x 5" depth x 5.5" tall perfect for my violets!



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E recycle event

Met with Louis Sarkis from Blue Star Electronics LLC...think we will use them for Warwick's event



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Departing Commander Leonard D. Santiago ... And family

Right now, we are in the middle of Route 46 and I am reflecting on the events from Friday.



After 22 years of service in the US Navy, one of my best friends retired. Len and I have been friends since high school...one of my best buddies who I called throughout college heart-breaks and other hard times. I am surprised he doesn't have permanent dents on the side of his head from falling asleep during some of those phone calls. His beautiful wife, Marsha, and I have been friends since SECOND GRADE!!!! As time goes on, I have come to realize that Marsh and I have always been sisters at heart. It has been very heart-warming to see our families grow and the next generation become good friends.


The Friday ceremonies were held at the Third Fleet Naval headquarters at Point Loma, in San Diego. Upon on our arrival, we were directed to a lookout overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It turned out to be a beautiful day, our friend Brian even got a little sunburnt.



Surrounded by the flags of each of the states, Commander Santiago entered the ceremonies with Rear Admiral John Hines. During the emotional program, Len was awarded with a medal, messages from President Obama, Governor Lingle of Hawaii and the Governator. Marsha and the kids also received messages of appreciation from the Navy. The Navy also presented certificates to Marsha's mother and some of Len's aunts and uncles...they were a huge support to Marsha and the family whenever Len was deployed because both of Len's parents have passed.





Rear Admiral Hines spoke of Len's leadership, dedication to the Navy and the people with whom he was responsible for, the sacrifices of not only Len, but that the whole family has made during the times that he was deployed or had to be at work early/late. But, to anyone who knows Len, this is not a surprise...as PJ said in a speech later that evening, his father loves the Navy...most people talk "story", Len talks "NAVY". During a few recent crises, (the Carnival ship that was stuck without engine power and others), I remember watching the news and thinking, Len will take care of it....and sure enough he was instrumental getting that spam to the ship. BTW: the Navy did not order the food for the ships...

Now that Len is gone, I don't know if I feel as "safe". There is something comforting knowing that he was there....

More to come....

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My Name Is Old Glory

The following poem was read during the flag presentation. Maybe it was the deep commanding voice of the MC or the presence of the so many people who have fought for our country, but, this was a moving part of the program...then again, I can cry at the sight of a flag waving in the sky....

Here are some pictures from the Flag Presentation, followed by the poem...






















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I am the flag of the United States of America
My name is Old Glory.

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over great institutes of learning.
I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up! And see me!

I stand for peace, honor, truth, and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident . . . I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher,
my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one.
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped.
I am saluted.
I am respected.
I am revered. I am loved.
And I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years...
Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy,
the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines,
the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam,
and a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me.

I was there!

I led my soldiers.
I followed them.
I watched over them...
They loved me.
I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.
I was dirty, battle-worn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me,
and I was proud.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries
I have helped set free.
It does not hurt . . . for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country,
and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle . . . it hurts.
But I shall overcome . . . for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.

I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hour comes
when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages
for my wounded comrades on the field of battle.
when I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers...
and when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son.

I am proud.
My name is Old Glory.
Dear God . . . Long may I wave!



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Da Brothers...and family

Len is the eldest of 5 siblings....three brothers and one sister. Unfortunately, Joy was not able to make it...but, all the brothers were there, flying in from Hawaii, Sacramento and Santee (as Len refers to it, "Santucket")

Here is a pic of Da Brothers




And some of the family, David's wife (2nd from the right) just had their second and Baby Bro Neil (on the far right) is expecting his first in February



At the earlier ceremony, they took a picture with the extended family....and they came from ALL OVER, Molokai, No. Cal included...



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