If I Hear One More Person Say "Get Your Head In The Game" I'll Scream!

Seriously. I'm glad to know they all watched "High School Musical" but did they manage to find all the flaws or did they just learn the songs?  Matthew and I used to go through and pick the movies apart - that's how we roll. 

For the second year in a row, the Clymer Pirates made it to the Division DD Title Championship.  This meant FIELD TRIP!  Yes, indeedy. We loaded up the school buses at 7:30am after 1/2 hour of practice for the girls and shuffled off to Buffalo.  The spectators and cheerleaders rode on my kids' normal bus with my kids' normal driver - who seemed amused when they took attendance and called me by my previous married name and I said out loud "I always hated that name."

Anyway, apparently we aren't as well behaved as my kids because we had to sit in the front of the bus.  That's where Norville seats the little kids and those who misbehave. I swear I was on my best behaviour.  Of course I was sitting with the cheerleaders and you never know what they will do, so I guess I understand. 

Amanda and I on the bus

Amanda has decided that she really loves Westfield.  As we passed through it, she fell in love with the older homes and the beauty of the town. Victorian houses surrounded by vineyards with a view of Lake Erie.  How could you not love it?

At one point Norville was trying to ask Coach a question but she was listening to Flo-Ri-Da and mouthing along with it.

Really, the girls had to get off the bus as soon as it stopped so they could run into the stadium. What stadium, you ask?  Why the Buffalo Bills Ralph Wilson Stadium, of course!

I admit it - I was in complete awe!!  I mean this is "The Ralph"!  I'm not a big Bills fan. I'm a Broncos fan since way back - oh, hush up! I am!  But still, this was really cool.

I came waltzing in with two pairs of socks, regular jeans over my skinny jeans, Amanda's cheer hoodie from last year under my heavy coat - with a Dutch Bros hoodie for back-up.  I had an umbrella plus a heavy fleece blanket for whatever the weather would bring us. What I lacked was my sneakers - somebody borrowed them and I could only find one on the dryer and my gloves - I only had one in my purse.  I wore my ballet flats and left the lone glove at home.

I just can't get over how awesome this place is!  I'm sure I looked like tourist, stopping to take photos, but I didn't care.

The last time I was in an stadium-type was in the much smaller HemisFair Arena in San Antonio to watch a Spurs basketball game back in 1990.  Three years before they moved to the Alamodome. 

Welcome to the 2012 High School Football Play-offs!!
Class DD Championship Game
Clymer Pirates (7-1) vs. Ellicottville/West Valley Eagles (6-2)

 The weather forecast on the screen showed the temperature to be 37 with a wind chill of 29 degrees. Yet, the girls once again insisted on wearing their skirts.  We don't want them to look fat, after all. This is where I would be shaking my head.

The girls put on brave faces despite their freezing to death as they posed for many pictures from their adoring public.

Amanda was a bit down-in-the-dumps after a major snub by her fellow cheerleaders that left their coach shocked by the other girls' behaviour and Amanda hurt by their cruelty. But you know, if you are a sweet and quiet person and you get involved with the ultimate in self-involvement then you need to learn to duck their blows and go on with your life. I am proud of my daughter.  I know she cares about others and would never hurt anyone the way they hurt her.  That makes her the better person.

Back to the pre-game warm-ups. Okay, this was a bit different.  Some people stretch or do exercises.  The girls wrapped themselves in blankets.  It's still warming up - right?

It is time - The boys were introduced and they were ready to charge the sign.  Go Pirates!  They were so excited to be able to stand mid-field.

At what point in time did the rules on the national anthem change?  Are we really supposed to put our hands on our hearts for this? All my life that was reserved for the pledge or men with hats.

More posing. If they had moved around a bit more and done a few more cheers during the first half they might have stayed warmer.  Or maybe if they had worn clothes. I was cold just looking at them.

Well, that and when Amanda would keep taking my blanket away from me. When it came time to getting warm all feelings were put aside and they used everyone's body heat. They were about to perform their fantastic half-time dance and needed to warm up a bit so they could move.  A football dad came down and told me he didn't approve and a football mom lectured Coach about letting the girls huddle for five minutes before half-time. They were allowed to huddle. After all, it's easy to complain when you are bundled from the cold.  Did I mention 29 degrees wind chill?  Poor girls...

Funny story: 

The couple sitting across the aisle from me arrived late and were friends of Coach.  As the ball was passed and the player ran for a touchdown, the man yelled "That's what I'm talking about!" I looked over at him.  The player ran the 15 yards to the endzone while the man yelled "Yah! Yah! Yah!" I turned around at the rest of the spectators (I was in the front row playing Mary Poppins with Amanda's bag for her).  The other spectators were watching the man. The player scored a touchdown and the man cheered!!  Coach walked up to the wall and said "Both schools have the same colours. Clymer is wearing white today."

Half-time dance. The girls did an amazing job!
The beginning and end are a bit shaky because I was just learning how to use Matthew's android and was looking at buttons - I never did find the zoom until the dance was over.  I think they are called smart phones to describe the intelligence of the user.

 Second half and the girls who remembered their warm-up pants put them on. Notice Amanda on the far left didn't. Dingy. Amanda did find one of my gloves in the pocket of her jacket.  hmmm... I wonder who it was that borrowed my gloves last?  And why did I end up with one?  Ariel had her hoodie for the game personalized to memorialize our beloved Superintendent Keith Reed who was murdered in September.

The girls did a lot more cheering during the second half. It might have been because some of them were better dressed. It may have been to stay warm. Or it may have been that the boys were getting their mojo back and after ending the first half at 34-0, they stopped any further touch-downs by Ellicottville and got some points themselves. Thank God, because I was tired of parents yelling "Get your head in the game!"

 Amanda noticed the same thing I did: whenever the boys did badly it was dark and overcast, when they did well the sun would pop out.  Amanda said she felt that instead of God watching us, Mr. Reed was watching. She said when the boys didn't do well Mr. Reed would cover his eyes and when the boys kicked butt Mr. Reed would uncover his eyes and watch.

Coach was given some shirts to throw to the spectators.  The crowd went wild for this.  There was a group of boys who kept cheering when the girls weren't and they managed to get a shirt to them.

Time to head home.  The score was 34-17. Clymer lost. My toes were numb.  I longed for the bus.  As we were driving down the Thruway we saw the snow clouds rolling in.  Thankfully they weren't further south at home.

Amanda was deep in thought. So many of the kids were sad.  Cheerleaders were crying.  They shouldn't be.  The Pirates made it to The Ralph TWO YEARS IN A ROW!  Plus this year they got on the board.  Ellicottville was a tough team. Clymer fought hard.  They did an amazing job.

They should be proud of themselves.

I am proud of them.

I know Mr. Reed is proud of them.

Amanda appeased me and stood on the footbridge over the Thruway on the way to Mickey D's. Really she was thinking "We have 31 minutes to get back to the bus. I'm cold. I'm starving. Now take the picture and let's go!"

This was cool.  A player piano was serenading everyone that walked into the building.  Coach called it "Creepy."

I told Amanda I would blog about this: she was dumping sugar packets into her coffee and when she got to the last packet she tore it open and dumped it into the bag of trash.  (I choked on my burger *still giggling*)

Another thing I have to point out: we had hamburgers with cheese in Hamburg (NY).  

I find that amusing. But then, I am easily amused. 

It's hard to tell in this photo but the grapevines were brown and drying up for the winter.  Winter is right around the corner.

One of the interesting things about riding in a bus for a total of four hours with three older women and a man who drives fro a living, I now know gossip about so many people. I hope I don't end up all gossipy when I finally grow up. 

Welcome home. The garage light was on at Mr. Reed's empty house as we neared Clymer.  It was as if he was welcoming us home. (His memorial in the foreground is still maintained by students and teachers alike.)

Day three of this month of gratitude

I am grateful for furry pets to snuggle with.

Oudoe,

Ingrid

One Of Us Has to Be An Adult - It Won't Be Me

India's doodling

Amanda's take on the same clipart

Service started normally enough. I was already pumped up since I was listening to classic rock on the way in. Amanda threw a fit when the Beatles came on but when I changed the station Clapton was just starting, so all was good.  We headed into church knowing it is Youth Sunday, which means the Youth Minister is in charge of all songs and everything up to the sermon. Translation: Contemporary songs!

After several very welcome non-hymns, we had to tolerate an otherwise nice member of our congregation telling us we weren't Christians if we don't vote for whom he says we must. Which led to me ranting on my bulletin and passing it off to Amanda to read.  

Then we were off...

It was mentioned that more cars were needed for Trunk or Treat. I figured since the Subaru would be there (because we were moving the van's decorations to the interior of the van to stay out of the rain and therefore people wouldn't be able to ride in the van without the seats) we could put the Subie to use. I wrote in my bulletin that we could use both cars instead of just the van. Since we already know what the van will look like, I wrote that we needed an idea for the Subie. Amanda and I then wrote ideas back and forth to each other.

We decided the Subie should be decorated as a tech booth (Matthew later pointed out that since it will be raining on Halloween, the Subie will be a "tripod" for the church's camcorder to record the events for playback during the next service - bummer!) 

We continued writing in the bulletin:

Me: Hey! My shirt and socks match!

Amanda wondered out loud about the sound coming from behind us.  

Me - writing on the bulletin: "crickets?" 

Amanda: No! A fan or something like that! 

Me - observing we are sitting in front of the tech booth: There is a fan under the counter and several towers. (Matthew later pointed out that there are 16 fans running in the booth, both inside and out of computers.) 

Amanda: *winking tongue sticker-outer face*   

Me: *smiling tongue sticker-outer face*

Amanda: drew the Vulcan sign and wrote "Live long and prosper".

Even though we were passing notes I was still listening to the sermon and noticed a reference to putting a serpent on a stick and praising him, to which I wrote:

Are we supposed to praise snakes?

Question#2: Didn't he just describe the symbol for the American Medical Association?

Question #3: Does this mean we are supposed to praise the AMA? 

That would explain the idea of being healed from poison.

Amanda: LMAO. 

Me: Then what will you sit on?

Amanda: *winking tongue sticker-outer face* 

Me: *smiling tongue sticker-outer face*

Amanda: *peace sign*

Me: Peace Man

Me - in response to something being said in the sermon about "looking": Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see?

Amanda: ?

Me: I see Amanda looking at me

Amanda: I ain't looking (although it looks like she wrote "I ain' Hooking")

Me: You were

Amanda: Ain't

Me: Don't say ain't or your mother will faint.

Amanda: You ain't going to faint. You ain't Mary Warren from "The Crucible".

Me: Are you sure?

Amanda: Yes

Me: You may be wrong.

Amanda: I'm right.

Me: ♫You may be right. I may be crazy. but I just may be the lunatic you're looking for♫

Amanda: *squinting tongue sticker-outer face*

Me: Your face is going to freeze like that.

Amanda: LOL

Me: Lollipop, lollipop. Oh, lolli lollipop.

Amanda: haha

Me: Hahaha, Hohoho. What a sight to see. Under my lollipop, lollipop, lollipop. Lolli lolli lollipop tree.

Amanda: I don't know you, lady.

Me: Then why do you follow me?

Amanda: *squinting tongue sticker-outer face*

Me: See, your face is stuck.

Amanda: *dead eyes toothy-smile face*

Me: Did I just kill you?

Amanda: *rolls eyes*

Me: Don't roll your eyes at me young lady!

Amanda  - writing as we stood for the last song: Wuv you mommy.

  

                             

Then to Sunday School where the pastor in some far-away land - Oklahoma(?) referred to books of the Bible as "boogers" and proceeded to tell us about how he ran down the road after a pickup truck of rednecks when they cat-called to another pastor's wife. 

 ~~~~~~~~

An observation that drives me batty each Sunday when I watch the video: that speck on the screen that reflects the light and makes a shiny spot seriously needs to be found and cleaned. I don't care if it requires an extension ladder to get to it.

~~~~~~~~

Conversation from a previous Sunday School:

Andrew: How is the van running?

Me: The wheels turn until I get here.

Andrew: How do the brakes work?

Me: They stop the van

Andrew: Did the brakes work okay?

Me: I didn't run any stop signs

Andrew: *bangs head on pew*

~~~~~~~~

Pastor in far-away land on screen: Have you ever prayed for something stupid?

Andrew: I once prayed to be a shape-shifter

Me: *chokes on coffee*

~~~~~~~~

Andrew has passed out sugar packets during Sunday School. Should I worry? 

Oudoe,

Ingrid

How to Tell the Difference Between a Nerd and a Geek

                                  

 I love my son. I really do.  Raising him as a single Mom, Matthew and I have a close relationship.  Unfortunately, my sweet son often forgets that I am a mere mortal in his technology-based world as he rambles on and on and on and on...... to me about some new gizmo in the church sound booth (where he is tech director) or some thing-a-ma-bobby in computerland (where he designs websites) or whatever new and fascinating techy thing he just has to share with me.  I've been told that, even though I will continue eye contact (I am so glad he got those beautiful deep blue eyes), he often feels that I might actually be planning our dinner menu for the next week, or thinking what I need to do later, or even mentally writing my shopping list (they are a much deeper blue than his Dad's).  Matthew says I develop this vacant stare as I nod at the appropriate times and maintain eye contact (Matthew's Dad's eyes are a deeper shade than his own Dad).  I wish I could say Matthew has my undivided attention but at the first mention of any technological term, I just drift off (I wonder if his children will have even deeper blue......)

   For many years we have referred to Matthew, interchangeably, as both a Nerd and a Geek.  After discussing this with my other children, I did what I do best - I googled it. (They don't call me "The Google Queen" for nothing.)  Lookey what I found out over at Wikihow in an article edited by Nicole Willson and 55 others. (Seriously? It takes 56 people to edit an article?  Okay then...)

   Oh, and just in case you are wondering, we decided Matthew is a Geek. While, according to what I have learned, India, William, Andrew, Jerome and I all seem to be hovering around somewhere between geekiness and nerdliness (gnerks?). Hmmm...  {I'm not sure where Amanda's "all things cheerleading" obsession fits in.}

Now back to the article:

The terms "nerd" and "geek" are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Both terms can be viewed as either endearing or pejorative, depending on how the term is applied, by whom, and to whom. And there is always passion aplenty involved in the definition and application of either term. This article will help you to tell the difference between nerds and geeks, with ample room for your own subjective interpretation!

Step 1:

Understand the terms. While the terms are often used interchangeably by people "less-in-the-know", and for some people who self-apply the labels "geek" or "nerd", there is often an overlap in characteristics, and there are some characteristics that can be emphasized:

• The term "nerd" was apparently coined in 1954, possibly from the Dr Seuss line "A nerkle, a nerd, and a seersucker too!". A nerd could be viewed as someone with an extremely intense interest or fascination in an academic field of study (often an obscure field), or similar "cerebral" pursuit. Being a nerd is typically associated with intellect, as a nerd often enjoys specializing in complicated fields of study. Nerds may also have difficulties socialising with others, as many tend towards being introverted, although it is also said that a nerd cannot be bothered developing social skills while busy with other interests. Nerds often have gained a strong and diverse skill set from their studies and experiences, which may at times be unorthodox or impractical. Nerd interests may cover a broad range of interests, from movies to games (video and table-top), to more practical skills such as computer science.
  • Very likely to be a rocket scientist, a renowned yet reclusive professor, a scientist, an intellectual, a computer programmer, an engineer, an inventor, etc.
• The term "geek" is often said to have originated from circus performers in sideshows, referring to those who performed bizarre feats. However, its earliest meaning is, "one who is regarded as foolish, offensive, worthless, etc." Today, the term has taken on a positive slant and a geek could be viewed as someone with an interest or lifestyle having to do with niche activities, especially fandom and technology. It is not uncommon for a geek to be capable of reciting large amounts of knowledge that is unintuitive, intriguing and (at times) long-winded. The knowledge could be anything from the mundane to 'living encyclopedia' status. Geeks tend to have average grades. Geeks can vary in their interests, from fun (films) and sometimes even frivolous things (collecting plastic figurines), to heavily technological interests (computing, hacking, and programming). Urban Dictionary goes so far as to suggest that society still views computer programming as a "bizarre feat" and the term "geek" is a proud label reflecting this.
• Likely to be a gamer, a Star Trek fan, technologically enthused, a film series/book series buff, a free-spirited (not malevolent) technology hacker, a creator of unusual objects (artist, etc.), etc.

Step 2:

Observe the person. What sort of words and phrases do they interject into their dialogue?

• Jargon and obscure referencing: Nerds are unabashed about using jargon or unfamiliar terminology in their dialogue, whereas geeks will use obscure references abundantly.
• Details: Geeks often take interest in the microcosmic details of life, such as noticing that your present situation is much like one from a news article or novel. Nerds will be seemingly uninterested in the details of daily life, being more focused on the macroscopic, such as scientific possibilities and the future of humankind.

Step 3:

Take a quick inventory of their prominent possessions, especially ones related to hobbies and other interests. Check for unusual objects, such as a dictionary of an obscure language, or an encyclopedia of exotic birds. Nerds may be more willing than geeks to show off hobbies and possessions that flaunt their intellect, whereas geeks may take pride in more obscure and unique subjects.

Step 4:

Engage the person in conversation. If the person fails to respond in a socially comfortable manner (i.e., they make you nervous, or vice versa), you may be talking to a nerd. If they respond in a comfortable manner but appear a little "dorky", such as speaking and/or acting silly, you might be talking to a geek. Also, nerds may speak in layman's terms for your benefit because you may not understand the basic concepts of their area of interest. Geeks may speak in detail about their interests, possibly forgetting that the target audience may not have the same level of knowledge in that field as themselves.

• Jokes: Geeks usually get them, nerds either don't, or can't be bothered trying.

Step 5:

Inquire about the person's interests. Hobbies which do not elicit emotion, such as frequent studying of academic works, are good indications of a nerd, while an obsession with the practice of academics (i.e., a passionate college lecturer) would indicate a geek.

• Example nerd interests for comparison:
  1. Physics (such as quantum mechanics or astronomy), chemistry, biology, engineering and fuzzy math
  2. Chess, and other strategy games
  3. 17th century English literature
  4. Classical music
  5. International politics and CSpan stuff
  6. Computer programming (overlap interest)
• Example geek interests for comparison:
  • Specialized forms of activities, such as 'tricking'
  • "Niche" activities, such as electrical engineering
  • Novels that have a foundation within a field of study
  • Noise, techno-music
  • "Odd" activities, such as creating Rube-Goldberg machines
  • Computer programming (overlap interest)

Step 6:

Check out the partner of the person in question. Matt Blum claims that geeks have no problem falling in love with non-geeks but nerds always fall in love with other nerds. However, not all geeks/nerds want the attention of a love interest, or simply don't care whether or not they have one.

Step 7:

Note that the interests of nerds and geeks often overlap. Most nerds enjoy the more intellectual forms of science fiction and most geeks have a higher knowledge of science or encyclopedic data than the general population.

Step 8:

Aim to assume nothing and to treat all fellow human beings with equal respect, whatever label they're self-applying or you're tempted to apply. While there are a number of (often geek) commentators arguing that the term "geek" has a more modern, updated and positive connotation than that of "nerd", the viewpoint is in the eye (or argument) of the beholder. The best approach to speaking and engaging with any person in your life is to be respectful, considerate and caring before all.

• Remember that someone who calls themselves a nerd or geek may have different definition or interpretation of the term than you do. There are regional trends, but definitions should be examined on a person-by-person basis.
• Some geeks perceive themselves as having transitioned from being a nerd earlier in life to becoming a switched-on geek later in life, almost like an epiphany, or a rite of passage. Whatever the case, most of us have experienced growth at various stages of life, so try not to box anybody in with past expectations.
• Be aware that 'your' application of either the term "geek" or "nerd" to another person may be viewed as an insult, whereas if said within the group, it may be viewed as positive.

Video:

The difference between a geek, nerd, and dork, as explained by a self-proclaimed three-in-one package (a geek/nerd/dork). Proving it isn't easy to make such distinctions...

Tips:

• To engage a geek or a nerd in conversation, be prepared to accept that there is something fundamentally interesting about what they obsess about. You may not fully understand why, but just accept that it is so.
• Nerds may not feel the need to defend attacks against their areas of interest, since they simply don't care so much about others' opinions. Geeks are typically very energetic, and will jump at the chance to discuss a topic they care about, to help convince you about its worth.
• The interests of geeks are often ridiculed or put-down by those who do not fully appreciate them. Nerds themselves are often ridiculed or put-down by those who do not fully understand them.
• Some nerds believe that their interests are of "potential value to humanity as a whole, although humanity doesn't know it yet".
• Geeks are typically able to extrapolate beyond an object's immediate value to foresee future value, although many will merely see a trinket, hoarding, or garbage.
• Very generally, a nerd might become a scientist or inventor, while a geek might become an engineer, an academic, or a critic (such as of films).
• Geeks qualify for Mensa; nerds join. (Geeks and nerds both qualify for Mensa, however, nerds—preferring the company of others with similarly high IQ's—are more likely to join Mensa, just as nerds are more likely to pick a fellow nerd for a mate.)
• Nerds and geeks, by their very nature, will never be 'mainstream' or accepted by the general populace. All one can do is attempt to be a little more open-minded, and a little more understanding of one another.
• It is possible that somebody is either a nerd, or a geek, and doesn't realize it, and therefore doesn't celebrate their status or, identify with it, and may even be struggling to be seen as "mainstream".
• Both geeks and nerds may have traits of Asperger's syndrome, which is soon to disappear as a separate diagnostic category and be incorporated into the high end of autistic-spectrum disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. Becoming aware of this, if it fits you, can do much to alleviate the constant pain of trying to fit in where you cannot do so, when a greater measure of self-acceptance and capitalizing on your undeniable strengths would be a better strategy for leading a fruitful and happy life.

Warnings:

• Geeks are well aware of their "geekiness". Many geeks are even proud of being a geek, hence the launching of sites such as ThinkGeek.com, LifeHacker, Gizmodo, and Engadget. Therefore, do not ever challenge a geek's level of 'geekdom' if you wish to converse with them. Likewise, do not question the intellect of a nerd, lest you be shunned from their conversations.
• Many nerds and geeks are introverted, and some are even asocial. They may even not want to talk to you at all. Be patient when conversing with them.
• Don't assume that geeks and nerds only have one interest. A linguist or artist may also happen to play football or guitar.
• Nerds and geeks are often clever and witty. Enjoying the SyFy channel or knowing the Constitution in Latin are not grounds for claims of inferiority.
• Do not assume that nerds and geeks want to be "converted" into "popular" people. Despite common misconception, nerds and geeks do not worship the popular, nor are they frightened by those who are seemingly popular. In fact, there may even be pity for the popular person's shallow lifestyle.
• Geeks are generally more open to talk things out with you if they disagree; a nerd will typically shun you if you do not provide a fleshed-out or logical counter-argument. Don't take it personally; simply realize that they're probably very frustrated that other people don't connect with them at the same intellectual level.
• It is possible for someone to be a nerd and a geek, depending on definition. For example, people who like Star Trek may be interested in NASA level quantum physics. A tomato gardener may have a degree in bio-chemical engineering. Many "nerd" and "geek" interests interlace. Often being a geek leads to being a nerd, as people research areas of science and technology appropriate to their interest. Similarly, nerds can become geeks, as expertise leads to interests outside the typically "academic".