leebenvic's Xanga

Yoda5's Oompa Telegrammer Song

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:20:16 GMT

I have no idea if this will come out right, but Yoda5 has been practicing the song he's to sing as a telegrammer in the play and I'm trying to attach the audio file. Guests in the audience can pay $1 for the telegrammer to deliver a telegram to a cast member (e.g. Hotdog 8 as an Oompa-Loompa or Poptart10 as a Squirrel and Cook) backstage.

drop.io: simple private sharing

OOMPA LOOMPA DOOPA DEE DOO

I'VE GOT A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR YOU

OOMPA LOOMPA DOOPA DEE DEE
IF YOU ARE WISE YOU'LL LISTEN TO ME

WE ARE SO HAPPY YOU CAME TO OUR SHOW
SUPPORTING YOUR FRIENDS AT LA HABRA DEPOT
THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING REALLY HARD
AND IF BY CHANCE YOU FORGOT A CARD
WE HAVE A SOLUTION

WE HAVE TELEGRAMS TO BUY
THEY'RE JUST ONE DOLLAR WHY WOULD WE LIE?

HELP THE DEPOT, IT'S JUST A SMALL FEE
AND YOU CAN GET THEM IN THE LOBBY

Happy Independence Day !

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:51:31 GMT

We hope you had a wonderful and safe Independence Day celebration! We went down the street to a neighborhood parade where veterans threw candy out to the kids from patriotically decorated vintage and fancy cars. In the afternoon, we went to my sister Donna's and family to meet with their friends, swim, and watch the fireworks. In this photo, the kids' cousin Susan B. (Darren's wife) is showing them her Brain Age 2 game on the DS. I tried it and didn't do too well, so my brain age must be at least 102. Hotdog8 is playing with her cell phone.

Random Tips/Ideas:

Last night, I enjoyed looking at Darren and Susan's beautiful wedding album which she had made through the MyPublisher BookMaker photobooks link from Costco.com's Photos. I had heard of making such books through companies like Shutterfly (and being able to pick them up at Target) but I didn't realize they were a better deal from Costco.com. (Do a search for a coupon code discount for even more savings).
My sister Donna told me that she always stores shredded cheese in the freezer in a ziplock baggie and whenever you need it, you just bang some on the counter and sprinkle it on your dish before baking or cooking it. The kids tried it when they made microwave nachos the last time and it worked fine. I suppose the only time you'd need to take it out a few hours early to defrost in the refrigerator is to put it over a fresh salad. A long time ago, my sister-in-law Bae Ok told me a similar tip for chopped green onions, storing them in the freezer and taking a bit out whenever you need them.
Donna's brother/sister-in-law informed me that there is an Air Force base just outside of LAX. I hadn't realized that before and have always headed down to Camp Pendleton to take care of paperwork and such. I suppose that both bases are about an hour's drive either north or south, but for some reason, El Segundo/LA feels closer than Oceanside/San Diego County.
Are you like Hotdog8 and like to "save the best for last" when deciding what to eat? Donna once told me about her husband's relatives who grew up on rural Missouri farms. They did the opposite and "ate the best first", with the rationale that then, you'll always be eating the best.
I noticed that Donna, a rather healthy eater, had been serving a lot of sourdough bread lately. I asked her about it because I thought she'd advocate whole-wheat bread instead. Interestingly, she told me that sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index.(I found this online, scroll down to page 3 to see the bread comparisons.)
I was waiting for some photos to upload and read some e-mails, including this one by David Bach, the Automatic Millionaire. I thought about travel tip #8 Stay Close to Home and throwing a dart on a local map and go exploring. Hmm...We'll have to try that someday...

Oompa-Loompa #6

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:55:00 GMT

The producers were taking photos at the rehearsal of the Oompa-Loompas in costume last night for the local newspaper and they let me in to take some shots. (They usually don't let the parents/sibs into the rehearsals.) I didn't think I'd be allowed to show him with the other Oompa-Loompas and Willy Wonka (don't know the other parents well enough yet ) so I cropped them out this time.

P.S. I added some to a protected post for those on our subscription list...Contact us with your Xanga username if we know you in "real life" and you'd like to be added. Maybe we will start utilizing the protected posts more often for certain topics...

P.P.S Whew, thank God...Poptart10's cellphone actually still works after being submerged in the washing machine and dried out in dry rice for 3 days!

While we were waiting for Hotdog8's rehearsal, the other kids went swimming with cousin Rachel and Grandma and I stopped by to see Rachel's brother Jonathan working at Starbucks.

HBJG Junior Lifeguards

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:49:31 GMT

We're getting used to our new summer schedule with the older 2 J. kids going to their Huntington Beach Junior Guards program and a couple nights a week, the middle 2 J. kids have rehearsals for the Willy Wonka Jr. musical in La Habra. Sometimes the other kids can play with their cousins in Fullerton while we're waiting.

The kids are enjoying the Junior Lifeguard program so far. It's run somewhat like a military bootcamp, so I guess it's a good thing we just came from the South, where they got fairly used to saying, "Yes sir!" and Dad/Ben's military background including making the kids line up in formation sometimes. Poptart10 commented that she wasn't used to the instructors calling her by her last name. They would call out, "LEE ! ...LEE ! " and it would take her a few seconds to realize they were calling her. Hotdog8 told her that's what they do in football too...Maybe we can get some good parenting tips from this ...They told the kids that if the lifeguards ever see the kids with sunburn, even after a weekend away from the program, they'd have to do extra pushups. Hopefully that is a good incentive for Icy13 because he used to dislike putting sunblock on his face. Poptart10 didn't turn in a parent form (Ugg...I think I actually misplaced it... it wasn't exactly her fault...), so she had to do extra running, to Tower 5. We also had to sign a paper because a reality TV show, Ocean Force on TruTV will be filming during the program. Yesterday they did a swim-run-swim and today they said they were running a mile barefoot in the sand.

Icy13 told us that the lifeguards look at this nearby smokestack (it's just spewing out steam from an electric plant) to gauge the direction of the wind (photo taken by Hotdog8):

The other day, we met our friends Jaycei and kids at our neighborhood beachy area and Poptart10 specifically told me that she's putting her cell phone in her pants pocket which is in the beach bag and I said ok. I guess we just had too much going on that day and after the beach, as we were rushing out the door to get to rehearsal, everything in the bag was all sandy and damp, so I dumped it all in the washing machine, cell phone in the pocket and all! Fortunately, I think it was only in there a few minutes when we realized the error and I dunked my hand under the water to find the cell phone. Grandma didn't have a blow dryer, so we dried it off as best we could and stuck it in dry rice. It's been there for a couple of days and it's barely working but still on the blink, so we'll keep letting it dry out a few more days and see if it will still work. Another friend recommended dunking it in rubbing alcohol, but that sounded scary putting it in more liquid...

Today was the day we could start adding more fruit/veggie peels to the composter and check how it's going. It's looking good and one more week to finished compost!

While we're waiting for the kids at Junior Guards, the younger 2 J. kids and I usually run errands or go to the library. The other day we went to a Park Day to find out about a twice-a-week Classical homeschool program/charter school that we're considering for our time in CA. We have good friends from Girl Scouts/Book Club who also attend and recommended it.

Yesterday we met with the kids' cousins Dawn and Matt before they move up north fairly soon. We swam, hiked, and Dawn made tacos. Here they are with Vicki's sister Donna on the hike:

Composting 101

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:43:26 GMT

I told Ben/Dad that I'll forfeit many future possible birthday, Christmas, ( __ insert name of any gift-giving occasion) gifts if we can get an electric automatic composter...and I found a $30 off discount. On Thursday, I started the initial culture process and in a few days, it should be ready for regular use and compost production. I have a NatureMill coupon code valid for $30 off within 90 days, if you're interested: CXMZ83. I know I'm probably an inner radical environmental/recycling geek, but I think it's very cool how this machine can take dirty, smelly, good-for-nothing table scraps and turn it into black fertilizer gold every two weeks. It kind of reminds me of what Jesus did for us, when he died on the cross for our sins. Hopefully our meager efforts at composting and recycling somewhat offset the fact that we haul four kids in a gas-guzzling mini-van all around town...

On an unrelated note, I was glad to briefly meet Ben's cousin Helen and kids (who recently came in from Mongolia) at Rubio's Fish Tacos last night. I'm glad that they'll be around this summer and our CA visits coordinated again.

Library Summer Reading Programs and Medical Appointments

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:34:34 GMT

Last week, in addition to VBS and while we were out-and-about, we went around to different libraries to sign up for their Summer Reading Programs. I didn't realize that the Fullerton (City) Library is not part of the Orange County Public Library system and returned books in the wrong library drop off box. The librarian assured me that they will eventually get it to the correct place. We were a bit surprised that the Fullerton Library has some really good raffle prizes, compared to the other libraries. (The kids get raffle tickets based on their reading times). The younger kids can win 4 tickets to Disneyland or the Discovery Science Center. At the La Habra OC branch, they offer tickets to an Angels baseball game. At the Fullerton Library, the teens can get in a drawing for things they'd like - $25 gift card from Best Buy, Target, Barnes and Noble, etc.

I've also been getting the kids in to their doctor's appointments for check-ups and cousin Dr. "Darren" the optometrist for their eye exams. Both Icy13 and Poptart10 have slight scoliosis and have to be rechecked in 6 months. Poptart10 and Hotdog8 are getting new glasses.

OKCRC VBS

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:59:38 GMT

I haven't had time to blog lately...probably because I've been on the freeway despite the high gas prices...The kids and I made the 45 minute commute so they could attend VBS (Vacation Bible School) at their cousins' (et al) church in Fullerton, OKCRC (Orange Korean Christian Reformed Church). (Ben/Dad grew up in that church and has always referred to it as "OKC" (Orange Korean Church) but maybe that got confused with Oklahoma City. It seems now, at least online, it's referred to OKCRC, not to be confused with the Oklahoma City Running Club ) The kids have been to a lot of different VBS'es (how do I pluralize VBS?) over the years and this one at OKCRC is truly amazing. It's organized and run by the jr/sr high school/college age group and they are so gifted in their leadership, enthusiasm and lavishing of love to the younger kids. To say all four J. kids thoroughly enjoyed the VBS week is an understatement. Of course, it helped that Yoda5's crew leader was Cousin Rachel and she introduced Icy13 to friends who warmly welcomed him into the youth group and put him to work helping with different activities.

Although we love our So. Cal home church, Harbor Trinity Church in Costa Mesa and our dear friends from our small group there, we've been praying about possibly changing over to OKCRC. Our time here while Ben/Dad is deployed is relatively short and time spent with extended family is a priority, so, despite the drive, it would be an added benefit to attend where the kids' cousins, Halmoni (Grandma), aunts, uncles, great-aunts and uncles, etc. attend.

Ben/Dad's Edited Journal

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:02:56 GMT

Hi Vicki and the J kids,
I hope you all had a wonderful day. How did Hotdog8's appointment go?
Did Icy13 return safely? How was his camping trip? How are Poptart10 and
Hotdog8's singing and drama going? How is Yoda5? Did you see H.'s
family (cousin visiting from Mongolia)? I don't know what happened to my day. I just went "puff". I'd
better really be careful how I spend my day. I need to schedule my
time; otherwise, my time just gets sucked into never ending things to
do. Unless I schedule, it won't get done, it becomes a classic tyranny
of urgency. I need to control my time better. Pray for me to do that
won't you?

Today I communicated with SMOs throughout the world, ____ from
San Diego, _______ from Norfolk are were very helpful. We had a
"medical emergency" today - potential seizure or collapse. It turned
out much benign, thankfully. I treated (various patients). I am dealing with patient transfer
protocol and some staff personality differences. I need
wisdom to navigate and solve the problem with a win-win solution and I
need godly wisdom to bring back people together. I exercised at 10 pm.
At least I did it, and it felt good. Well, time for me to go to sleep.
I love you all. Love, Appa

Ben/Dad's (Edited) Journal Entries

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:43:49 GMT

Saturday, June 21, 2008 12:11 AM

During GQ (General Quarters drill), I roved around the ship. I observed a simulated finger
amputation, smoke inhalation and burn. They make this integrated
training quiet realistic. During training a smoke maker made me feel
like I was in a real fire. At the forward battle dressing station,
corpsmen were doing two minute drills. It is a game to see how well you
know the location of various equipment stowed in drawers. The person who is
"it" must pull out as much equipment out as possible in 2 minutes.
Whoever pulls out the most wins. It helps to familiarize with the
location of each life saving equipment. We are training like we fight.
We will fight as we train. Our group of senior evaluators concurred
that we need to train as if we are being evaluated by ATG. Get ready
for the Mobile Training Team visit in a month!

I am glad that I requested __ to review (fitreps) documents. She
found a few areas that should be improved.

I was a sounding board to one of the flight surgeons. We discussed
diagnosis and treatment options for cellulites.

I read about Independent Duty Corpsmen instruction and took notes. I
tried to answer NAVAIRFOR's questions about the IDC program. It took me a
long time to gather all the pertinent info. ___ and ___ put
together the required data. We e-mailed it to __________ a few
minutes before midnight.

I learned that _____ has a Masters degree in business
administration. He is such a model leader. He leads quietly and has a
lot of influence. He studies for another masters degree class at night
diligently. He "makes" me go workout and eat regularly. He and _________
say if I burn out, I am no good to the Medical Department. They
want me to take care of myself for their sake. They are absolutely
right. I listened and worked out at 9pm even though it was late.

I answered a phone call from ________ while working out. I
could not hear him well. I came down to his office and helped him with
his AMCROSS message. He was very grateful. It sure feels nice to help
someone.

Balancing the sailor's need and command's need can be tricky.

I talked with the kids this evening. Hotdog8 will have an ENT appointment for
ear/hearing evaluation. Yoda5 gave me a hug and a kiss through the phone. I
liked it. Vicki wants me to write. Even though I need to go to sleep
for tomorrow's sake, I am glad to reflect this day.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 00:53

Dear Vicki and the J-Kids,

Hope you had a wonderful day. Thanks Hotdog8 and Poptart10 for nice voice
messages. Last night, I had a very fitful sleep. I could not fall
asleep for a long time (like 3 am), maybe due to a cup of coffee with
dinner. I will try to stay away from coffee with dinner.

Today was the 110th birthday celebration of Hospital Corps. Hospital
Corpsmen are men and women who day in and day out work with both sailors
and marines to provide medical support. I am proud to be working with
many corpsmen and they teach me a lot. We had a little ceremony at the
foc'sle and cake cutting and enjoyed the time together.

Here is the Corpsman's Oath:
I solemnly pledge myself before God and these witnesses to practice
faithfully all of my duties as a member of the Hospital Corps. I hold
the care of the sick and injured to be a sacred trust and will assist
the medical officer with loyalty and honesty. I will not knowingly
permit harm to come to any patient. I will not partake of nor
administer any unauthorized medication. I will hold all personal
matters pertaining to the private lives of patients in strict
confidence. I dedicate my heart, mind, and strength to the work before
me. I shall do all within my power to show in myself an example of all
that is honorable and good throughout my naval career.

We had a general quarters drill today. It was used mostly for unit
training. For us it means training ship's crew for medical emergency
and by teaching them rapid first aid.

We spent some time together ironing out patient transfer protocol.
There are many moving parts and paying due diligence will pay a big
dividend later. We just need to continue to plug in and go on.
Well, it is already past one in the morning. I'd better hit the bed...
Good night.
Appa.

Random Notes from Last Week

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:19:01 GMT

I guess it's been too hot around here to blog, especially during the latest heatwave. To try to keep cooler, we went with friends Jaycei and kids to a neighborhood beachy area on Thursday and swimming with extended family (including the kids' cousins Dawn and Matt, cousins Snoopy's Typewriter and their yet-unborn "Peanut") in my sister Donna's pool before my sister Nancy and kids departed for their trip to Nepal. Icy13 was away on a weekend camping trip with friends from our church's small group, up near Banning for 3 nights. It was kind of weird for us to have him and Ben gone. It was especially noticeable when we went to Target and we didn't have to pick up Icy13 in the Electronics department on the way out...

The 2 middle J.'s each had a rehearsal for the Wonka Jr. play.

On Friday, Hotdog8 and I went to a new local family medicine doctor. It was a bit of a "culture shock" after going only to military hospitals for the past 15 or so years. We walked into the office and the first thing the receptionist says is NOT "Good morning, welcome to our office" but instead "May I see your insurance card please?" Hotdog8 was given a physical and also an in-office audiology exam. His results were ok, some borderline, so we were able to get a referral to an ENT. Ben/Dad wanted me to get his hearing checked out because sometimes he seems to have trouble hearing (it's rather selective) and talks loudly. I have a feeling it's because of his bad allergies and stuffed up head. He was also given a Rx for a different allergy med.

Our friends Jaycei and family gave us an interesting game/toy they found out about. (They are also the same friends who first introduced us to those wonderful Jonathan Park radio drama adventure cds). The game is called Speed Stacks and it is quite the latest rage.

Here is Yoda5 going crazy with plastic cups from his Aunt's recent wedding while watching the how-to video, online here.

Upon the advice of the director, we went to Payless shoes to find fairly inexpensive jazz shoes for Poptart10 and Hotdog8's performance. I wish I could tell the dance shoe manufacturers to please stop making the shoe boxes pink with frilly, dainty ballerina photos on the box if they ever expect an exasperated parent to convince a football-playing son that jazz shoes can be for boys or girls.

On Wednesday, we went to our friend ElizabethDNB's homeschool book club and discussed Shakespeare without the Boring Bits. Yoda5 liked the line and often repeats, "And half to the government" from the Merchant of Venice. Hotdog8 liked their version of Romeo and Juliet and remembers when they both got poisoned.

Here are some photos from the previous week of the kids playing in the play area in Ikea

and Father's Day on one of cousin Alex B.'s last days in the USA before he headed back to Sweden. The kids are playing that Big 2 card game.

We have friends whose 10 yr old daughter was recently diagnosed with juvenile-onset Type I diabetes. She is adjusting really well to the diet changes, blood checks, and insulin injections. She reads all the labels to figure out her carb allowance and can easily rattle off the numbers. She told me that 1 cup of milk has 15 grams of carbs. It was interesting that her mom told me they can definitely tell the difference in her glucose levels after she eats white rice versus brown rice. After an hour, with brown rice her level will be about 150 mg/dl whereas with white rice the glucose spike might be 200. Also, as an incentive to exercise, if she's at an indoor birthday party, she might need an extra insulin shot but if it's an outdoor one, she might not because the exercise will compensate. It really hits home the difference whole grains and exercise has on our bodies...

Lastly, here are some recent newspaper articles that seemed somewhat noteworthy:
To-Go Boxes To Go?
Bibles are Big Business in China
Casting Off Life's Cares
New Chinatown Grows in Far East San Gabriel Valley