Cyndi's Jewels

Why You Should Be Talking About Race

2010-10-27T00:01:00.001-07:00

Note: Cross posted from curlykidz.PermalinkIf you have values to impart to your children about equality, it will take more than vague statements about everyone being “the same.” Kids are smart. They know very well that we are not all “the same.” What they need to hear is that we are all uniquely different, and they need reasons to value that uniqueness. You, parents, need to find ways to value

Gratitude Sunday

2010-10-25T00:08:00.001-07:00

I had a really bad day today,But I didn’t.It really should have been a really terrible, horrible, very bad day. I lost track of time while laundering/web surfing this morning (not totally unusual), and didn’t wake the girls up until 30 minutes before we would need to leave the house to arrive at church on time if we had to make a stop on the way (which we did, my cupboards are bare). Needless to

Halloween 2010: Batman & BatMom v. Poison Ivy, Squared

2010-10-24T06:34:00.001-07:00

Cross posted from curlykidz. It’s no secret that Halloween is a pretty big deal around here. Not so much for the trick or treating, but for the dressing up. We get really into it and usually have a theme every year… fantasy creatures, wizard of oz, racecars, things that fly, Grease, Pirates, ancient Egypt… and we trick or treat for a block or two, then we head to some spooky Halloween festival

Sorry Willow...

2010-10-22T20:56:00.002-07:00

I know that there is a severe shortage of diversity in the tween pop circuit. I know that our young girls are hungering for positive reflections of themselves in media. So I understand the appeal of the video, the temptation to take what we can get, even the justification that something is better than nothing.read more

fall-colors road trip

2010-10-17T08:44:00.001-07:00

Halle, Sassy and I are heading out to retrieve Daija from Biker Country (Tyler is having a sleepover with his Big and Rico will be home guarding the house). The weather is finally cooling down around here (for those of us who consider the mid nineties “cooling down”). We’re going to make the most of it so we’ll be taking the scenic route home! ...read more Cross posted from curlykidz.

Gratitude Sunday

2010-10-17T08:35:00.001-07:00

Note: Cross posted from curlykidz. Today I am so thankful for my little people. They drive me crazy sometimes (last night being one of those times), but as much as they pretend to hate each other, they don’t. Last night Tyler was about to knock out an obnoxious, (unflattering description) girl at the ASU Women’s Volleyball game. All the kids wanted to see Sparky, and she kept pushing up to the

Spiral Piggy-Back Braid & Three Strand Twists

2010-10-14T23:24:00.001-07:00

Daija is spending the week with Biker Grandma & Grandpa… this is the hairstyle she went with. From what I hear, it’s holding up really well and has been very popular around town. We'll see how it looks when I pick her up on Saturday! Fingers crossed… you know ...Note: Cross posted from curlykidz.Permalink

Fun Friday

2010-10-14T22:14:00.001-07:00

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enpFde5rgmw]Note: Cross posted from curlykidz.Permalink

Dear Daughter

2010-10-13T06:43:00.002-07:00

I know you’re being pulled in a lot of different directions. I know that you don’t want to disappoint me, but you don’t want to look like a baby to your friends. I know that sometimes it’s easier to go with the crowd than create a conflict. I know that sometimes it’s easier to let someone else take the lead rather than make a tough decision. Sometimes it might seem like if you let someone else

Black Women Like Their Books Trashy

2010-10-13T06:38:00.001-07:00

Note: Cross posted from curlykidz.PermalinkSometimes people say some shit that’s so stupid, you actually catch a case of stupidity yourself. It’s like the stupidity flowing out of their mouth infects you. There you are, in a state of shock, trying to figure out what the FUCK you can say to cure them, except you’re mouth is hanging open and you can’t speak. It’s like you’ve been hit upside the

Cyndi has a PSA for little & not so little boys...

2010-10-13T06:35:00.001-07:00

Kid's Crest Sparkle Fun toothpaste will NOT disguise the holes you put in the living room wall while playing with the samurai swords that belonged to your great grandfather.Blue gel doesn’t turn white. It just stays blue, and stains the wall. It will also cause your mother to spew obscenities, after which you will get a lecture from your father that lasts a solid 45 minutes (and counting)....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T06:31:00.001-07:00

Note: Cross posted from curlykidz.Permalinkhttp://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=https://curlykidz.wordpress.com/?p=4252Note: Cross posted from curlykidz.Permalink

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T06:19:00.001-07:00

Note: Cross posted from curlykidz.Permalink

Thanks for stopping by!

2009-09-10T21:17:00.001-07:00

I've been blogging over at wordpress for a while now, but decided to start putting my feed here as well since I've been following some blogspot bloggers pretty actively of late... as you can see you can subscribe via RSS or email subscription. I'm also working on importing the archives from my blog at myspace into my wordpress blog, so you'll see some oldies but goodies cropping up here several

she slays me...

2006-10-15T23:36:00.001-07:00

OK, so Daija was sporting a fairly low maintenance hair style today... the front of her hair gathered into a ponytail on top, and the back gathered into a ponytail in back. Several dress up changes had done some damage to the top ponytail, so after I pulled her pajamas on, I set out to redo the top ponytail

ADHD: history of the "overbalance of fire over water"

2006-10-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

A-D-H-wut? Oh, ADHD. It means attent.......hey that cloud looks like cookie monster! "How many ADHD people does it take to screw a light bulb?" Only one, but it took several light bulbs and several months to get it done because the ADDer..... Paid for the lightbulb then left it in the shop on the

ATA SmartBrief

2006-10-04T11:07:00.001-07:00

Cyndi Whitmore (cynthia.whitmore@americawest.com) thought you might be interested in checking out an excerpt from ATA SmartBrief. If you have any doubts that we live in a society controlled by men, try reading down the index of contributors to a volume of quotations, looking for women's names."--Elaine Gill, American author Designed specifically for aviation executives like you, ATA

Air Force One

2006-10-04T10:47:00.001-07:00

Reflecting Versus Reacting

2006-09-29T15:02:00.001-07:00

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Live, from the kitchen...

2006-09-23T22:01:00.001-07:00

Current mood: annoyed I'm in the kitchen multitasking... cooking dinner and on the phone with reservations to change Ro's itinerary and check on the company's policy on emergency travel for employees. I'm holding patiently while Ms. Fabulous Reservations Agent it searching the policy (made me feel less

death, dignity, and a last HURRAH with family

2006-09-23T20:36:00.001-07:00

I got an email followed by a phone call shortly after I arrived home yesterday afternoon. My dad's sister has will be going into hospice next week, and the call has been put out for all available family to travel to Minnesota for a last hurrah. Aunt Diane is currently in the hospital due to dehydration.

Daija and Halle, Live from the back seat...

2006-09-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

I'm editing this post because the back seat entertainment really started this morning. the trailer I have several books that I had as a child, that I've had so long I don't know quite how I got them, but whenever that was, they were already old. I've been trying to get Tyler to move away from paperbacks

The objectification of multiracial youth

2006-09-22T19:06:00.001-07:00

One of the things that disturbs me about the infamous "What are they?" questions from complete strangers, or the "Oh, just look at hair hair!" exclamations, where people are not complimenting "her" so much as they are talking about her like she's not there or can't hear them, is not that I think the people

Thoughts on children's media, sexual objectification, and racial stereotypes

2006-09-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

So when we last talked, I was just about to go see Disney Live at Dodge Theater. Daija enjoyed it, until it was time to go... she was definitely tired and started melting down. I wasn't real impressed with the venue (the seating wasn't stadium style enough, which makes it hard for little people to see), and I didn't think the show was much better. I mean it was cute, but it was no Disney on Ice.

What ARE they? (Follow Up)

2006-09-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

So Christie asked if I'd come up with any good responses to the infamous "What are they?" question, or ways to handle the zooing/petting. No pressures, she says.When the kids (and I) were younger, I rarely hesitated to respond with a snappy comeback or snide response. Where'd my 2yo get his curly hair? I permed it. Is she yours? No, I just thought she was cute so I snatched her from a cart

ADHD gadgets... part 2

2006-09-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Y'all remember the Watchminder, right? The short version is, it was a GREAT idea, but the product just didn't deliver. If you want the long version, see my review in the link. So the next step in my quest for something other than myself to follow Tyler around and redirect him is the TIMEX Ironman Data Link USB Watch.

I'm ready for a beer and a pair of 'crack pants'

2006-09-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Having a home warranty with a $50 deductible is nice, but it's even nicer to keep that $50 for yourself...I just unstuck me a flywheel... Fixing a Garbage Disposal from Home Repair, an About GuideSiteTM. PROBLEM:Stuck Flywheel / Disposal Will Not Run (makes a humming noise)If the garbage disposal won't turn on but makes a humming sound when you flip the switch, it won't do that for long. That

Who's reality is it? 7/4/06 2:39PM

2006-07-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

The other week I blogged about attending a Roosevelt School District Board Meeting. I mentioned feelings of validation because the board president and district superintendent both sought me out after the meeting adjourned. I had been so nervous to speak in that forum about the topic I wanted to address:

Viewpoint: Amerikkka

2006-07-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

I know that for most of us ( and by us, I mean, those of us who were born in the post Civil Rights Era and/or who got the whitewashed version of American History that I received ), this term may be shocking and disconcerting. It's not a phrase that I'd seen in writing before the other day, but I figured I

We've Moved!!!

2005-10-21T00:48:00.000-07:00

Or, our blog has.CURLYKIDZ

Take me out to the ball-game...

2005-10-03T23:10:00.000-07:00

Play slideshow This slideshow includes 22 photosBuy me some peanuts and cracker jacks... errr... nachos and cotton candy. Here are some pictures at the 2005 Perform Air Baseball Outing. I was *really* ambitious and escorted five kids to the game (with a little carpooling help from friends) - Tyler invited his friend James and Halle invited her friend Chaz. A good time was had by all... and I

Withdrawal

2005-09-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

It was a HUGE weight off my shoulders to go over there and get their things today at lunch. I told her the kids wouldn't be coming back and I was there to pick up their things and withdraw them from the school. The secretary said she had anticipated as much when the kids weren't there this morning, and thanked me for being patient so long. She said that she knew it was too little too late, but

New School Monday

2005-09-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

The kids will be starting at the new school Monday. I found out Wednesday that the after school program at the community center filled their vacant position. I dropped off the rest of the registration forms for the school yesterday and did the community center registration last night. This is all good timing because yesterday afternoon I had my final straw with the charter school. The kids aren't

Tyler's 'Big Brother'

2005-09-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update... the meeting with Tyler's 'Big' went well. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence or if Al knew Tyler was interested in aerospace, but he brought him a book about different kinds of flight as a gift. They had their first outing on Sunday - went to McDonald's, swimming at Al's condo in the community pool, and then to Baskin Robbins. Tyler said he had a great time.

Suicide bomber says he was kidnapped, forced to target mosque

2005-09-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Associated PressSept. 19, 2005 07:10 AMBAGHDAD, Iraq - A suicide bomber captured before he could blow himself up in a Shiite mosque claimed he was kidnapped, beaten and drugged by insurgents who forced him to take on the mission. The U.S. military said its medical tests indicated the man was telling the truth.

It's parents' job to set boundaries

2005-09-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

It's parents' job to set boundariesSept. 6, 2005 12:00 AMWith three teenagers in the household, I qualify to talk on teen curfew issues. I welcome police enforcement of teen curfews outside the movie venues at Chandler Fashion Center and Ahwatukee's AMC 24, especially since many of these kids are young - as in seventh and eighth grades.But police enforcement is a non-issue for our family. We've

One nation (not always), under God (since 1954)

2005-09-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

One nation (not always), under God (since 1954)Sept. 15, 2005 12:00 AMWe get so fixated on which version of the Pledge of Allegiance that we want to strong-arm children into reciting that every time the argument over its wording winds up in court, we blow our chance to teach kids everything they need to know about America.

The Bubble Gum Garden

2005-09-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Mission Control

2005-09-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

A Gentle, Angry People

2005-09-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Pastoral Letter from the Rev. William G. Sinkford President, Unitarian Universalist AssociationA Gentle, Angry People(Tuesday afternoon, September 6, 2005)I am so angry. I've had to stop watching coverage of the disaster along our Gulf Coast. The statements from our political and military leaders that we have "turned the corner," that we have a unified disaster command with "perfect coordination,

worth a thousand words...

2005-09-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

In another effort of "encouragement," a Louisiana State Police SWAT team, armedwith rifles, confronted two brothers at their home in the Uptown section of NewOrleans, leaving one sobbing. "I thought they were going to shoot me," said 23-year-old Leonard Thomas, weeping on his front porch. "That dude came and stuck the gun dead at my head." One officer, who did not give his name, said his team

FEMA Called...

2005-09-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

School Transfer pending...

2005-09-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I checked and the Kyrene school has room for both the kids. I've spoken with the open enrollment specialist, and both the school's principal and gifted resource teacher. I'm ready to make the move, but that flippin' Northwest strike continues with no end in sight. I still have no idea how much longer Ro will be in Milwaukee. the after school program at the community center is understaffed,

Third Time's a Charm?

2005-09-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

So it's been a full two years since I first contacted Big Brother's Big Sisters... so two years, and two passed matches later, I think we have a winner. Next Tuesday, potential Big Brother Alvin and our match support specialist will be coming over to meet with Tyler and I. Alvin is a 60yo retired teacher from Ahwatukee (formerly the NE, I think Connecticut)... he's white, Christian, non-smoking,

Bombings kill 160 in Iraq

2005-09-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Associated PressSept. 14, 2005 11:00 AMBAGHDAD, Iraq - More than a dozen explosions ripped through the Iraqi capital in rapid succession Wednesday, killing at least 160 people and wounding 570 in a series of attacks that began with a suicide car bombing that targeted laborers assembled to find work for the day. Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility.

Home, sweet home...

2005-09-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Reggie made it home last night, and he acted like he's always been part of the family. He seems familiar with the kennel and the sound of the back door meaning it's potty time. He was pretty perky, despite walking like a cowboy after a long trail ride ;) He did piddle three times in the house this morning (would have been four but I busted him just as he raised his leg). He'd already been

Charter thing isn't working out too well...

2005-09-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

I made the decision to enroll the kids at this school based on the Tucson school's success; they are one of a handful of schools ranked excelling by the AZ Dept of Ed. Unfortunately it doesn't look like the Phoenix campus is going to enjoy the same success; at least not for a few more years, and I don't have that kind of time. I sent the email below to the principal of the kids' current school a

Reverse Psychology from a 2yo?

2005-09-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

I think Daija tried to psychologize me Saturday night. She was fighting going to bed, and after about the third time I planted her but on the mattress, she was in there screaming 'Mommy don't turn on the light'. I listened, very carefully, and she was saying... don't turn ON the light... not don't turn OFF the light (which was already off).I think she thought if she told me not to turn it on, I

Ramie Meets Reggie...

2005-09-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

We took Ramie down to meet Reggie and that went well. They checked each out, and once she'd given him the once-over, she turned her attention to sniffing down the rest of the holding area. Reggie, on the other hand, would have had his nose glued to her *ahem* backside if he'd had the choice. LOL, poor little guy - her stuff (hopefully) won't be all that interesting to him after tomorrow. Halle

Regulus "Reggie" Leo

2005-09-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

My GAWD, I forgot how expensive it is to get a new dog. The leash, the harness, the name tag, the food, the food dish, the book that had the best grooming section, the slicker brush, the crate, the water bottle, the 'pee stake' and a couple toys and I've already spent well over the adoption fee on supplies for the little booger. Ramie has gotten into a bad habit of dragging whoever is walking

Guess What?

2005-09-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

ding ding ding ding ding dingOh, and he was so happy to see me... he was actually a little wiggly when I stopped outside his pen before someone came to take him out so I could hold him. Of course we had to walk ALLLL the way through this long row of cages of barking dogs to get to a holding area and he was just trembling when the guy handed him to me. I swear he crawled right up to my shoulder

How much is that doggie in the window...

2005-09-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Have I ever mentioned that I have been looking for a Shih Tzu for Halle since January 04? I won't buy from a backyard breeder, and I can't afford one from a real breeder (it'd probably run around the equivalent of my mortgage payment), so I've been watching out for one to pop up in a shelter and it's finally happened! Last night I raced over to Animal Control like a maniac to get there before

"Never"

2005-09-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Daija went through a phase (she seems to be leaving it since having left the YMCA) where she constantly told me no. I can't stand that, but since the other two never told me no, I really had no idea what to do about it. Telling her not to tell me no, just resulted in her screaming NO.One night, I think it was the third week in July cuz Tyler wasn't home yet, just after we got home, she told me no

"Not Coming"

2005-09-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Before the story, I gotta explain the 'What' rule. I cannot stand it when I call a child and he or she yells back 'what' in response. My (older) children know that if I wanted to come look for you, I would have. If I call you, it's because I want to see you standing in front of me. So when I call your name, you call back that you are coming to confirm that you heard me as you begin to walk in my

Too Big

2005-09-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

I have a big picnic table in my kitchen right now... I have a booster chair attached for Daija cuz she's still likely to slip off the bench and knock her jaw out of whack. Anyway, last night Daija announced "I sit by you, Mommy... I too big my chair"It'd be nice if she decided she was too big for diapers and pull ups.

READY TO PULL MY HAIR OUT

2005-09-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am so hot right now. Long story not so short, I've noticed that we miss a lot of maintenance opportunities because the log pages for the deferrals aren't always updated in a timely manner. Now technically, it is not my responsibility to go in and read these log pages - in a perfect world I get the part they ask for, and it's really what they need. Once my repair is delivered here, my job is

Recovering from the Long Weekend...

2005-09-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday we had Halle's dance class, errands, some house cleaning and a baseball game to which I took all three of my kids and two of their friends. After we got home from the game I started painting - two more coats on the doors, another coat on the bed, and two coats on the baseboards plus touch ups to cover the fiesta pink I got on the celestial sun walls - and putting up the appliques. Got a

6-year-old becomes a hero to band of toddlers, rescuers

2005-09-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Tense days lead to reunion of kids and their momsBy ELLEN BARRYLos Angeles TimesBATON ROUGE, LA. - In the chaos that was Causeway Boulevard, this group of evacuees stood out: a 6-year-old boy walking down the road, holding a 5-month-old, surrounded by five toddlers who followed him around as if he were their leader.They were holding hands. Three of the children were about 2 years old, and one was

Announcement for All Employees - Relief Efforts Thank You

2005-09-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

In case I haven't said it lately, I am always so proud to work for this company.September 6, 2005Dear Fellow Employees,More than a weekhas passed since Hurricane Katrina devastated the people and city of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities. Even before its impact - and throughout the days since - our employees have come forward with selfless donations, both of time and money, to aid in

U.S. jets attack bridges near Syria to halt insurgents

2005-09-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Associated PressSept. 6, 2005 07:00 AMBAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. Marine jets Tuesday attacked two bridges across the Euphrates River near the Syrian border to prevent insurgents from moving foreign fighters and munitions toward Baghdad and other cities, the U.S. command said.A Marine statement also said U.S. and Iraqi forces destroyed a "foreign fighter safe house," killed two foreigners and arrested

The Sky is Home

2005-09-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

"To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home."- Anonymous

A Forgotten Update...

2005-09-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

Ei just asked me how Daija was liking preschool and I totally forgot to tell y'all what happened. I pulled Daija out of preschool about four weeks ago. She'd gotten aggressive with the teachers right after Ro went on contract the first week of June (he did two weeks training in Toronto and then 6 weeks in Tucson so Daija was only seeing him weekends and she'd gotten used to him picking her up

"Stolen" Blog

2005-09-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Was sent this by a friend - it's too funny.My brother had this posted on his My Space Bulletins.....thought you wouldappreciate it:This has to be the greatest blog I have ever stolenA president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable offense. A president lying to enlist support for a war in which thousands die is a solid defense policy Government should limit itself to the powers

Halle's Birthday Surprise

2005-08-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

Halle got a newly decorated room for her birthday. Saturday told Halle I needed her floor to be toy-free so I could mop (I'd pulled the carpet out the week before suspecting it was the source of the vague urine odor I couldn't pin down). That night the kids had a 'movie/slumber party' on the futon in Tyler's room and I took all the furniture and toy containers out of the room. Sunday I set up

My boy is home...

2005-07-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Tyler came home not last weekend, but theweekend before. The girls missed him, but it was worse for Daija because she is so little and she got all confused. In her mind, the only daddy is her daddy... so when she would ask Tyler where he was and he said he was at his dad's house... next thing you know she's asking Ro 'Do you have my Tyler?'. So we try to clarify which Daddy Tyler is with... then

ATSB Approves Proposed AWA/US Airways Merger

2005-07-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

PHOENIX, July 22, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- America West Holdings Corporation (NYSE: AWA) and US Airways Group, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: UAIRQ) today announced that they have received approval for their planned merger from the Air Transportation Stabilization Board (ATSB). Both America West Airlines and US Airways hold loans backed by a federal guarantee from the ATSB. The

No competing bids proposed for US Airways

2005-07-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

No other offers were submitted for US Airways before the July 1 deadline, Bloomberg News reported. The airline has agreed to merge with America West Airlines. The deal still needs approval from creditors and a bankruptcy court.

US Airways submits reorganization plan centered on merger

2005-07-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

US Airways submitted its reorganization plan to a federal bankruptcy court Thursday. Submitting the plan is one of the last steps the airline must take toward emerging from bankruptcy protection. The plan involves the airline's proposed merger with America West Airlines, which would create a large, low-cost carrier.

AmWest-US Air merger's details revealed

2005-06-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

SEC filing features items of note for investorsDawn GilbertsonThe Arizona RepublicJun. 29, 2005 12:00 AMAmerica West Airlines and US Airways weren't formally engaged until last month, but the pair began flirting well over a year ago.The long-distance courtship began in February 2004, according to new merger documents filed Tuesday with securities regulators. It was a case of opposites attracting:

Merger faces many risks, filing says:

2005-06-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Risks to the merger of US Airways and America West Airlines include the integration of corporate culture and high fuel prices, the carriers said in a regulatory filing. The merger still needs approval from a bankruptcy court and creditors.

Bad vaccine sickens 216 children

2005-06-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

BEIJING - More than 200 Chinese children became sick and one child died afterbeing given an unauthorized Hepatitis A vaccine, the government said Tuesday.

Report: America West faces no serious rivals for US Airways

2005-06-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Just one person has publicly expressed interest in bidding this week for US Airways, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. Bids, which would rival a merger proposed by America West Airlines, are due this week. The lone bidder, Sallijo Freeman, is an Atlanta woman who says she represents an overseas investment group. The bankruptcy judge will evaluate all bids and decide on July 7; observers do

US DOJ clears USAir/America West merger

2005-06-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

By John CrawleyUpdated: 7:41 p.m. ET June 23, 2005WASHINGTON - U.S. anti-trust enforcers cleared the proposed merger between bankrupt US Airways and America West Airlines , saying it would be good for consumers, the Justice Department said Thursday.

America West’s CEO faces test in takeover

2005-06-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Doug Parker plots survival of airline in US Airways mergerThe Associated PressUpdated: 4:45 p.m. ET June 17, 2005TEMPE, Ariz. - Eleven days after taking over as chief executive of America West Airlines in September 2001, Doug Parker had to abruptly shift his focus from improving the carrier’s poor reputation among customers to fighting for its survival.

Daija wants the moon...

2005-06-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Last night I was reading with Daija, and after a few rounds of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom she got out another favorite... Grandfather Twilight. I read it to her once and then she flipped through a few pages. On the last page, the dog and cat pictured in the story are curled up asleep. She said to them 'Good night... I love you...' then kissed them/the book. When I read it to her again, on the first

Quandary: 2005-2006 School Year

2005-05-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

The gifted coordinator tested Halle about two weeks ago, and she scored 98+ percentile on the Ravens. Our district uses the Ravens test because it's non-verbal and less biased than most other IQ tests. The highest percentileranking is the 98th percentile, so if a child does better than that, they can't get a score of the 99th percentile... they are said to have scored 98+. Tyler took this test

A special lunch for Halle...

2005-05-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute story that a friend of mine who works for the school district sent me about Halle... Halle wasn't permitted to go on a field trip (I have no idea why, and since Halle didn't seem to care I didn't even bother to ask, I know I wouldn't have liked the answer) so our friend decided to take Halle a surprise lunch...This morning, I went to the cafeteria and asked Ms. Cafeteria if

A moment of silence...

2005-05-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it isworth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost wentunnoticed last week.Larry LaPrise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey," died peacefully atage 93. The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin.They put his left leg in.... And then the trouble started.it's OK to laugh, you

AmWest, US Airways to merge

2005-05-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Of course this is by no means final, but it looks like we're moving ahead on this. A couple people have expressed concern for me and my job... my mama wanted to know if I'd have to move to DC. Right now I'm not worried about my job, or needing to relocate anytime soon. While the merger plan is official, the current plan doesn't have the airline fully integrating until 2008, and that's if all the

AmWest deal looming

2005-05-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dawn GilbertsonThe Arizona RepublicMay. 18, 2005 09:48 PMSignals were mixed Wednesday on whether America West Airlines and US Airways will announce their merger today as planned.But there was a clear sign an announcement could be imminent: US Airways CEO Bruce Lakefield was booked on an early morning flight to Phoenix.Lakefield, who has led the bankrupt carrier since April 2004, is due into Sky

New name for a new airline?

2005-05-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

America West, US Airways may get new name: If US Airways and America West Airlines merge, officials will choose a name for the combined airline. One marketing expert suggested rebranding the combined airline because of recent customer service snafus at US Airways and limited recognition for the America West brand, the Arizona Republic reports. The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) (5/18)

America West, US Airways may announce merger today, report says

2005-05-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

America West and US Airways have secured a vital loan from jetmaker Airbus and may announce merger plans as early as today, the Wall Street Journal reports, quoting unnamed sources. Meanwhile, the chairman of US Airways said the talks between the two carriers are not likely to collapse. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (5/19), The Charlotte Observer (N.C.) (free registration) (5/19)

Real ID

2005-05-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look fabulous and exciting and well worth all the money it's going to cost to implement...

Survival of US Airways depends on merger with America West

2005-05-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

The survival of US Airways depends on whether it will merge with America West Airlines, the Washington Post reports. One unnamed executive said the carrier does not have many options outside of a merger. The two airlines may reach a merger agreement later this week, according to media reports.

AmWest, US Air deal likely soon

2005-05-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

Weeks of speculation about an America West Airlines-US Airways merger should give way to straight facts this week, with a formal announcement of the deal tentatively set for Thursday.http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/0516amwest16.html

vent...

2005-05-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Tyler has been sneaking the sweet snacks - pudding, cookies, candy. He has permission if he gets hungry at night or at off-meal times to help himself to a cheese stick, nuts, or fruit, but I keep finding wrappers from the other stuff in his room. He had gotten better about fessing up, but the sneaking sweets happens 1-2 times per week, and he lies to cover it up 1-3 times a month. What I've

America West swings to profit in first quarter

2005-04-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Results include gain on fuel hedging transactionsThe Associated PressUpdated: 11:28 a.m. ET April 20, 2005PHOENIX - America West Holdings Corp., whose flagship carrier is in merger talks with US Airways Group Inc., said Wednesday it swung to a profit in the latest first quarter from a year-ago loss.

"c" is for...

2005-04-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

I am actually thinking about charter school, for both kids. I'm just not hearing great things about the gifted program past third grade/over at Julian. I'm not entirely comfortable with charter schools, there are too many that are run as bad or worse than the public schools. There is an awesome one in Ahwatukee that my friends have their older boys in, but it's the wrong way for me to be driving.

First Grade....

2005-04-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I've got myself a pickle. This quarter we are right back to Halle not wanting to do anything. She says the morning message is boring. She wants to write something else, something harder, something 'like this, see, I don't know this word' as she waves a book around. She writes at home, little notes to the rest of us and copies out of books. Mrs. BAG says she doesn't really volunteer to read

and the saga continues...

2005-04-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

As you know, I told my sister on the 4th that I thought it would be better for her to just get a storage unit, it would be cheaper. I was surprised that she sounded upset, I expected her to be relieved to save between $100 and $150 and at the same time, get out of a 'lease agreement' for a room she obviously didn't want to live in. On the 5th, I called my mom to see how things were going. Mom

2005-04-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

"The base of all things is love, respect."--Vickie Downey, TEWA/Tesuque Pueblo The greatest weapon of any Spiritual Warrior is love. Love will change minds; love will forgive; love will let go; love will cause good luck; love will heal; love will cry; love will get rid of resentments; love will overcome fear. Love loves love. Any human who is loving will be guaranteed respect. Respect loves love.

2005-04-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

"Once you make a friend, a friend never leaves you, even to death. So a friend is really hard to find." --Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA Once, an Elder told me he made a decision to be my friend. He said this friendship wasn't based on my behavior or how I acted; he said the friendship was based on his decision. He decided to be my friend. This friendship has happened like he said. Even if I don't see

The 'Crystal Saga'

2005-04-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

I know I've mentioned to a few people that there was some drama with my sister, but that it was a long story, and it's been stretching out for two months. Here's the condensed version:The first weekend of February is when it started - she left the house Saturday morning and comes in Sunday evening while the kids' and I are watching TV. Monday morning I leave for work and there is an unfamiliar

Points to Ponder

2005-03-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

"When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail." -- Abraham Maslow"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. ""But when a young lady is to be a heroine, the perverseness of forty surrounding families cannot prevent her. Something must and will happen to throw a hero in her way." -- Jane Austen"A lie gets halfway around the world before

Hoppy Easter!!!

2005-03-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

We had a good weekend, even though I felt like I was running a marathon. We went to Disney on Ice Saturday, and the kids loved that. Sunday we went to church and they had a little Easter Egg hunt. I should have taken pictures, the girls were so beautiful and Tyler looked so handsome and grown up. Then we drove out to Surprise to visit my nana at the hospital. She's finally out of the

Not much in the way of updates, but...

2005-03-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get it together at work since I'm out next week. Taking the kids to SB Sunday and coming home Wednesday. My grandma went into the hospital last Saturday night because she couldn't breath again and was intubated until yesterday. I'm not sure when she'll be able to go home. Ro left Sunday night for England again. Oh, and he called last night because he is supposed to say

You may call me Madame President!

2005-03-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

OK, not of the country or anything, but of my kids' PTSO (parent teacher student organization). Kinda operates like PTA, but independant from the state/national association. I kinda got it by default - I've been asking the principal about PTSO for the two years Tyler has been there, and when they held the informational meeting to form a PTSO, I was the only parent there for the first 30 minutes

Please don't eat the airplane...

2005-02-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Background: Daija and I have a little war of words where I say 'you silly' and she replies 'no, YOU silly' which can often diffuse a potential temper tantrum.So over the weekend, I am about to change her diaper and notice a foreign object in her mouth. I asked her to spit it out and it's a couple peices of her little foam AWA plane. I asked her not to eat the airplane, and tossed the peices

President's Day Weekend...

2005-02-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

The kids had the day off school yesterday so I took a vacation day. Got a good bit done around the house Saturday morning, and then laid down Saturday afternoon after I put Daija down, thinking I would take a quick nap (damn Ro, damn him and his naps)... slept for four hours. Was up half the night Saturday.Then Sunday I went and took my nana out to lunch. My deadbeat brother (the one previously

Tyler - Specialist Update

2005-02-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am so behind! I got a phone call earlier this week from Dr. Kessler's office, to schedule Tyler for an appointment. His next available for a new patient: JUNE 20!!! The school year will be over at that point and I'm not sure if Tyler will already be in VA, but if not he'd be leaving shortly after his birthday on 6/27. I figured it would be better to start the process and be able to continue