English 101

There are so many obscure and underused (but *wonderful*) words in the English language. I thought the other day, “I should build a list of these words, so that I can learn them and start to use them incessantly.” Of course, I chose my favorite definition for each word, as some had multiple meanings. If you disagree, take it up with dictionary.com!

So here they are, part 1:

Abscond—(verb, used without object) to depart in a sudden and secret manner, esp. to avoid capture and legal prosecution: The cashier absconded with the money.

Amalgam—(noun) a mixture or combination: His character is a strange amalgam of contradictory traits.

Anachronism—(noun) something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, esp. a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time: The sword is an anachronism in modern warfare.

Anathema—(noun, plural) a person or thing detested or loathed: That subject is an anathema to him.

Appertain—(verb, used without object) to belong as a part, right, possession, attribute, etc.; pertain or relate (usually fol. by to): privileges that appertain to members of the royal family.

Atwitter—(adjective) excited; nervous; aflutter; twittering: They were atwitter at the prospect of meeting a Hollywood star.

Behoove—(verb) to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage: It would behoove you to be nicer to those who could help you.

Bombastic—(adjective) (of speech, writing, etc.) high-sounding; high-flown; inflated; pretentious.

Boondoggle—(verb, used without object) to do work of little or no practical value merely to keep or look busy.

Capitulate—(verb, used without object) to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms; to give up resistance: He finally capitulated and agreed to do the job my way.

Chockablock—(adjective) extremely full; crowded; jammed: a room chockablock with furniture and plants.

Clodhopper—(noun) 1. a clumsy boor; rustic; bumpkin. 2. clodhoppers, strong heavy shoes.

Debacle—(noun) a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.

Diatribe—(noun) a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism: repeated diatribes against the senator.

Frobnosticate/variant of frobnicate—(verb) (Usually abbreviated to “frob”, but “frobnicate” is recognized as the official full form) To manipulate or adjust, to tweak: Please frob the light switch (that is, flip it), also Stop frobbing that clasp; you’ll break it.

Learn one or two of these gems this week and use them in a random conversation. You may surprise someone with your ‘sturdy command of the English vernacular’. You can quote me on that…

-Me

Kids are a Gift from God

The bible talks about children being a gift from God.

Sometimes I tend to forget this, but I was reminded this morning. I believe this is true. Although at times, I feel like my sons try to push my buttons on purpose just to get me going (because they do), it’s good to take a step back and realize what a gift they are.

They say the funniest things sometimes. One second you’re ready to throttle them into next week, and the next, they have you rolling on the floor in laughter. I’m glad God has a sense of humor. I only hope and pray that my boys can learn something from me that they can pass on to their kids someday. Not something superficial, like how to build things using a hammer and nails (although that’s cool too), I mean something of substance, with eternal consequences. I hope to show my boys by the way I live, the things I say (and how I say it) that God is real, that His son Jesus is worth believing, and that He loves them very much.

It’s not easy, but it’s a privilege. Thanks God for the two gifts Janna and I have been given.

Yet another expensive hobby

So, I’ve been bashing around with remote control cars since I was a kid. Not the Radio Shack specials, mind you, but the hobby-class, racing style cars and trucks. You know, the ones you need to re-mortgage the house to afford, not to mention all the accessories you *have* to have to make the whole set up mint. David has been catching some of my interest in this hobby, and sometimes he and I will sit and work on our cars together. There’s a local R/C racetrack near us, and I’ve begun to take some practice laps actually racing this thing. It’s a lot harder than it looks, and certainly more difficult than bashing the front yard bushes.

The two best boys in the world

Did I mention that I love my wife and kids?

A.I.S. 40th Annual May Powwow Headaches

So, the American Indianist Society (AIS) puts on two Indian powwows a year, one in October and the other in May. Last year I decided that I would be the powwow chairman, which basically means that I got to do all the work, and worry about everyone else doing their job too. As if I wasn’t masochistic enough, I decided to agree to run this year’s powwow as well. Let’s just say that this will be the last one I run for a long time. People seem to be almost deliberately trying to make this a difficult task by saying “NO” to every ask for help. I’ll be glad when this one’s over!

The one that got away…

So David wanted to go fishing today after I got home from work. Despite the fact that the black flies almost carried both of us away, we had fun anyways. David isn’t even 4 years old yet, and he can cast and reel a spinnerbait by himself, over and over. (Although while casting he did hit me in the ribs with the bait once tonight). He didn’t catch anything, and all I got was a smallish pickerel (aka. lake snake) which I gladly released back into the scummy blackness of Paradise Pond. Good lad n’ dad time.

Christian Parenting

I have been listening to David Jeremiah on the radio as I drive to work in the morning.  Lately he’s been talking about Christian parenting, and all the challenges one faces as they try to raise their kids in a Godly way.  Something struck me as he spoke. Bringing up your kids to love God and trust Jesus is not any different than it was 50, 200 or 1000 years ago.  In God’s Word we can find EVERYTHING we need in order to help our kids know Him.  Sure, life is more fast paced, but this hasn’t taken God by surprise! He knew what these “times” would be like before time began!

29 More School Days Until Summer Vacation!

This is the time of the year that all teachers and school staff dream of…it’s countdown to summer vacation time! Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I’d much rather be home with my own kids…

These are also the longest days of the year (or at least they seem that way). MCAS is coming, which is also my very favorite thing to get involved with at school (sense the sarcasm, I know, it was subtle). Now is the time of year that I dream of participating in my many hobbies and interests. I know that in a few short weeks I’ll realize that I really don’t have time for most of them, but that won’t stop me

How did it come to this?

I’m blogging…..I can’t believe I’m blogging….

What happened to me?