Dolphin at Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Viva Las Vegas!
Yes, I'm completely behind on posting. I think it's the time of year with the weather and being busy. But, we're now back from our Vegas trip and I definitely wanted to post some comments and pictures of the event!
Before that, my brother was here for a nice long weekend a couple of weeks ago. We had a good time hanging out and even had a chance to go out one night with Mike, Dave and Charlie. A good time was had by all. And me being the only chick with my uncles, my husband and my brother was even more interesting! We also visited with the grandparents, celebrated Grandma Webb's 85th birthday, and were able to see the extended Garness clan as well.
In between, my cousin Sara was notified that her trip to Ethiopia to pick up Jesse was suddenly sped up and she had to leave within a week. They arrived home last night, so I'm anxious to hear how things went. Even more, we are very excited to see our new family member!
On to Vegas-we left late on Thursday night last week and got into Sin City at 11pm Pacific time. This means that it was 1 am Central, so I was whupped. Getting a ride to the hotel took awhile, checking in took longer, so when we dropped our bags onto the ratty carpet of our room at the Sahara (with iron marks on the carpet) it was now 12:30am PST. I went to bed. Mike did not! He stayed up and got acquainted with the hotel, took a short walk to the Straosphere (getting accidently side tracked on the wrong street and noticed "Asian Massage Parlors" and realized he better get the hell out of there!) and had a good time on his own.
We had breakfast at IHOP the next morning (believe it or not, we had never eaten there before and wanted to give it a try!) and headed for the strip. We went to the Stratosphere to take in the views, which were amazing. Mike even did one of the rides that hangs you out suspended over the side-crazy! He loved it. Then we headed down to the mid-strip via the new Monorail system.
Folks, Vegas has found a winner in building that Monorail. It's located behind the strip and has major stops at the Sahara, Hilton, Vegas Convention Center, Harrahs, Paris, and stops last at MGM. We used it for everything we could since the Sahara is at the north end and quite removed from everything. We bought 2 $20 ride passes that could be shared and it lasted us for the whole trip. Kudos to Vegas Public Transportation there!
We saw the Mirage, Treasure Island, Harrahs, pretty much mid-strip hotels. We headed to the Elvis-o-rama museum at this point (which took FOREVER to find and walk to) but it was well worth it. We took in a 1 hour concert and then toured the museum of stuff this guy has collected. Worth about 3 million dollars, there is stuff there that Graceland would probably like to get their hands on! The concert, however, was the highlight! This guy was amazing and did a first class tribute to the King. He sounded like him, sang like him, looked pretty close to him, and was very entertaining. At the end, he met people in the gift shop and I had my picture taken with him. I was on Cloud 9! (Mike laughed at me the whole time.)
That evening we went back down to the strip and got off at the Paris stop. That place is cool-Eiffel Tower, the whole bit. Then we went to watch the Bellagio Fountains. The fountains were beautiful and I could have stood there all night. We continued to walk up the strip and saw Caesars', many shops, The Mirage and it's volcano, Treasure Island and the ship, you name it. Vegas at night was a treat.
Saturday we spent most of the day at Hoover Dam. What to say? Really, a marvel. We had great weather and enjoyed getting out of the city for a bit.
Saturday night we went down to MGM Grand and New York, New York. We've decided that we'd like to stay down there next time because we loved the atmosphere. NY, NY has so much attention to detail, I don't know what more they could have done! Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, everything.
We went to the Venetian as well, and were so taken, again, with the details. I truly felt like I was in Venice with the gondolas and the canals. I think I liked it more then Mike because I wanted to stay there all night!
Also, at our hotel, we had the NASCAR Cafe, so we spent time eating supper there and watching the race Saturday night. That was super cool, but we booed Kurt Busch as much as possible since he is a Vegas native. Most of the bar was cheering for him!
Sunday we kept it low key and hung out at the pool. That night we went out to dinner at a nice restaurant (We even dressed up!) at Harrahs. Then, we finally were able to do some gambling at our hotel. In the course of about 1/2 hour, we lost a total of $45 in no time at all. That was enough for us, so we gave up.
Back to Minnesota early Monday where we picked up Madison in Zumbrota from Mom and Barry. She was spoiled and had a great time with grandpa and grandma! She was happy to see us though, and has stayed pretty close to me since we got home. Mike left for Iowa to spend the rest of his Spring Break there on Wednesday.
So, that was Vegas in a nutshell! Pictures posted above.
(Biggest Strip news was the opening this week of the new resort Wynn. This was created by Steve Wynn who built the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Mirage. We think that the character Terry Benedict from Ocean's Eleven is based on him! Anyway, the new resort cost $235 BILLON to build. It's huge and stands out on the strip big time. His comment (after losing the Bellagio) was, "I'm going to build an even better hotel that will make the Bellagio look like a Motel 6." Scary, but he has!)
Yes, I'm completely behind on posting. I think it's the time of year with the weather and being busy. But, we're now back from our Vegas trip and I definitely wanted to post some comments and pictures of the event!
Before that, my brother was here for a nice long weekend a couple of weeks ago. We had a good time hanging out and even had a chance to go out one night with Mike, Dave and Charlie. A good time was had by all. And me being the only chick with my uncles, my husband and my brother was even more interesting! We also visited with the grandparents, celebrated Grandma Webb's 85th birthday, and were able to see the extended Garness clan as well.
In between, my cousin Sara was notified that her trip to Ethiopia to pick up Jesse was suddenly sped up and she had to leave within a week. They arrived home last night, so I'm anxious to hear how things went. Even more, we are very excited to see our new family member!
On to Vegas-we left late on Thursday night last week and got into Sin City at 11pm Pacific time. This means that it was 1 am Central, so I was whupped. Getting a ride to the hotel took awhile, checking in took longer, so when we dropped our bags onto the ratty carpet of our room at the Sahara (with iron marks on the carpet) it was now 12:30am PST. I went to bed. Mike did not! He stayed up and got acquainted with the hotel, took a short walk to the Straosphere (getting accidently side tracked on the wrong street and noticed "Asian Massage Parlors" and realized he better get the hell out of there!) and had a good time on his own.
We had breakfast at IHOP the next morning (believe it or not, we had never eaten there before and wanted to give it a try!) and headed for the strip. We went to the Stratosphere to take in the views, which were amazing. Mike even did one of the rides that hangs you out suspended over the side-crazy! He loved it. Then we headed down to the mid-strip via the new Monorail system.
Folks, Vegas has found a winner in building that Monorail. It's located behind the strip and has major stops at the Sahara, Hilton, Vegas Convention Center, Harrahs, Paris, and stops last at MGM. We used it for everything we could since the Sahara is at the north end and quite removed from everything. We bought 2 $20 ride passes that could be shared and it lasted us for the whole trip. Kudos to Vegas Public Transportation there!
We saw the Mirage, Treasure Island, Harrahs, pretty much mid-strip hotels. We headed to the Elvis-o-rama museum at this point (which took FOREVER to find and walk to) but it was well worth it. We took in a 1 hour concert and then toured the museum of stuff this guy has collected. Worth about 3 million dollars, there is stuff there that Graceland would probably like to get their hands on! The concert, however, was the highlight! This guy was amazing and did a first class tribute to the King. He sounded like him, sang like him, looked pretty close to him, and was very entertaining. At the end, he met people in the gift shop and I had my picture taken with him. I was on Cloud 9! (Mike laughed at me the whole time.)
That evening we went back down to the strip and got off at the Paris stop. That place is cool-Eiffel Tower, the whole bit. Then we went to watch the Bellagio Fountains. The fountains were beautiful and I could have stood there all night. We continued to walk up the strip and saw Caesars', many shops, The Mirage and it's volcano, Treasure Island and the ship, you name it. Vegas at night was a treat.
Saturday we spent most of the day at Hoover Dam. What to say? Really, a marvel. We had great weather and enjoyed getting out of the city for a bit.
Saturday night we went down to MGM Grand and New York, New York. We've decided that we'd like to stay down there next time because we loved the atmosphere. NY, NY has so much attention to detail, I don't know what more they could have done! Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, everything.
We went to the Venetian as well, and were so taken, again, with the details. I truly felt like I was in Venice with the gondolas and the canals. I think I liked it more then Mike because I wanted to stay there all night!
Also, at our hotel, we had the NASCAR Cafe, so we spent time eating supper there and watching the race Saturday night. That was super cool, but we booed Kurt Busch as much as possible since he is a Vegas native. Most of the bar was cheering for him!
Sunday we kept it low key and hung out at the pool. That night we went out to dinner at a nice restaurant (We even dressed up!) at Harrahs. Then, we finally were able to do some gambling at our hotel. In the course of about 1/2 hour, we lost a total of $45 in no time at all. That was enough for us, so we gave up.
Back to Minnesota early Monday where we picked up Madison in Zumbrota from Mom and Barry. She was spoiled and had a great time with grandpa and grandma! She was happy to see us though, and has stayed pretty close to me since we got home. Mike left for Iowa to spend the rest of his Spring Break there on Wednesday.
So, that was Vegas in a nutshell! Pictures posted above.
(Biggest Strip news was the opening this week of the new resort Wynn. This was created by Steve Wynn who built the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Mirage. We think that the character Terry Benedict from Ocean's Eleven is based on him! Anyway, the new resort cost $235 BILLON to build. It's huge and stands out on the strip big time. His comment (after losing the Bellagio) was, "I'm going to build an even better hotel that will make the Bellagio look like a Motel 6." Scary, but he has!)
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
A Ramble from a Cluttered Mind
-at work our server has gone down too many times to count in the last week. My time has been occupied with this problem. Still no confirmed fix.
-watched the following movies this month: Stuck on You, Troy, Ray, Shrek2, and rented Collateral for this evening. All good movies, Ray sticks out as the best, by far.
-some parts of the state were pummeled with snow on Friday. Cottage Grove probably had 6-7 inches, nothing like the 20 plus that Rochester received.
-we received a notice from the Townhome Association that we needed to pick up our dog's feces. It's funny that we received this considering that we pick up her shit EVERY WEEK. Apparently, that's not good enough. And it's funnier yet when the people 2 doors down do not pick their dog's crap up at all! And when Madison eats most of what she puts out, it's make me scratch my head even more. My only guess is that the snow melting revealed some that we may have missed.
-my cousin Sara received word that a baby is available for her to adopt in Ethopia. She will go to pick him up some time the first week in May. He was born January 4th and his name is Esubalu. She is naming him Jesse Esubalu Seegmiller. She has one picture of him and he looks like a sweetheart.
-spending Easter in Babbitt with the Lemke's.
-watched the documentary "Supersize Me" last night. I don't eat much fast food anymore anyway, but after watching this I never want to eat it ever EVER EVER again! I highly reccomend renting it. (This is the guy that ate McDonalds for 3 meals a day for a month)
and that's all I can pull out of my ass for now!
-at work our server has gone down too many times to count in the last week. My time has been occupied with this problem. Still no confirmed fix.
-watched the following movies this month: Stuck on You, Troy, Ray, Shrek2, and rented Collateral for this evening. All good movies, Ray sticks out as the best, by far.
-some parts of the state were pummeled with snow on Friday. Cottage Grove probably had 6-7 inches, nothing like the 20 plus that Rochester received.
-we received a notice from the Townhome Association that we needed to pick up our dog's feces. It's funny that we received this considering that we pick up her shit EVERY WEEK. Apparently, that's not good enough. And it's funnier yet when the people 2 doors down do not pick their dog's crap up at all! And when Madison eats most of what she puts out, it's make me scratch my head even more. My only guess is that the snow melting revealed some that we may have missed.
-my cousin Sara received word that a baby is available for her to adopt in Ethopia. She will go to pick him up some time the first week in May. He was born January 4th and his name is Esubalu. She is naming him Jesse Esubalu Seegmiller. She has one picture of him and he looks like a sweetheart.
-spending Easter in Babbitt with the Lemke's.
-watched the documentary "Supersize Me" last night. I don't eat much fast food anymore anyway, but after watching this I never want to eat it ever EVER EVER again! I highly reccomend renting it. (This is the guy that ate McDonalds for 3 meals a day for a month)
and that's all I can pull out of my ass for now!
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
I'm 30!
Holy crap, that number seems large. But, as of yesterday, I am no longer in my twenties. I'm not even pushing 30. I am now a 30 year old Elvis fan.
Thankfully, no one has teased me too bad. I received a few funny cards, but my family and friends were remarkably kind to me. Thanks one and all for remembering me on my birthday.
Saturday night we had a little get together at our place, nothing fancy. Last night we went out to dinner at the Olive Garden. (YUM!) Mike gave me the following: 2 DVD set of The Best of Will Ferrell, 60 song Napster download card, and new headphones for my MP3 player. Very nice!
Mike's birthday is on Sunday, but he's only 29. The youngster. We are heading out to dinner tomorrow night to have a seafood buffet at the local casino to celebrate his day o birth.
Oh-forgot to report on our trip to Duluth 2 weeks ago. We had a great time with our friends. The guys all stayed at their friend Dave's house in Proctor while the gals (wives and girlfriends of the guys) hooked up and went to Canal Park. We had dinner at Old Chicago and then danced the night away at Grandma's. I felt old, compared to the all the 21 year olds. But, we all managed to get hit on at one point or another in the course of the evening. That always manages to boost your self-esteem!
We left Sunday morning at 9am in the middle of snowstorm. We drove to Rochester to pick Madison up and then fell asleep at home for the rest of the evening. I'm not used to getting only 4 hours of sleep after a night of partying. It's been many years since I've done that!
A good time was had by all. And I was told that I looked 23. I can't say I agree with that, but I appreciated the kind words (By some 27 year old guy on crutches who was hitting on me) just the same. :)
Holy crap, that number seems large. But, as of yesterday, I am no longer in my twenties. I'm not even pushing 30. I am now a 30 year old Elvis fan.
Thankfully, no one has teased me too bad. I received a few funny cards, but my family and friends were remarkably kind to me. Thanks one and all for remembering me on my birthday.
Saturday night we had a little get together at our place, nothing fancy. Last night we went out to dinner at the Olive Garden. (YUM!) Mike gave me the following: 2 DVD set of The Best of Will Ferrell, 60 song Napster download card, and new headphones for my MP3 player. Very nice!
Mike's birthday is on Sunday, but he's only 29. The youngster. We are heading out to dinner tomorrow night to have a seafood buffet at the local casino to celebrate his day o birth.
Oh-forgot to report on our trip to Duluth 2 weeks ago. We had a great time with our friends. The guys all stayed at their friend Dave's house in Proctor while the gals (wives and girlfriends of the guys) hooked up and went to Canal Park. We had dinner at Old Chicago and then danced the night away at Grandma's. I felt old, compared to the all the 21 year olds. But, we all managed to get hit on at one point or another in the course of the evening. That always manages to boost your self-esteem!
We left Sunday morning at 9am in the middle of snowstorm. We drove to Rochester to pick Madison up and then fell asleep at home for the rest of the evening. I'm not used to getting only 4 hours of sleep after a night of partying. It's been many years since I've done that!
A good time was had by all. And I was told that I looked 23. I can't say I agree with that, but I appreciated the kind words (By some 27 year old guy on crutches who was hitting on me) just the same. :)
Monday, February 28, 2005
Oscar
Can someone please give Martin Scorsese an award?? For God's sake, this guy made such movies as GoodFellas, Taxi Driver, and now The Aviator. Yet he's never won an Oscar. I think he deserves one by now. I'm not saying Clint Eastwood isn't worthy (and I didn't see Millon Dollar Baby) but Marty deserves to be honored!
I'm a fan of the Oscars, but Beyonce singing 3 songs this year put me over the edge. Icky.
Jamie Foxx winning for Ray, awesome! Morgan Freeman, awesome! Cate Blanchett-she WAS Katherine Hepburn, it was startling. Just as Jamie Foxx did as Ray. As Gary Busey said when he did The Buddy Holly Story: "The spirit of Buddy was just in me. I've never had an experience playing someone where I felt that happen." (Yes, we all know Gary is a little out there, but I'm a big believer when someone nails a part like these people did.)
Yo-Yo Man performing his song while they played the annual 'who died' this past year was great. That's always my favorite part to watch because sometimes you miss out on who passed away in the course of a year. The only surprise I had was actor Paul Winfield.
Beyond that, I'm recovering from a hard hit cold that's had me down for quite a few days. I think I'm seeing the light of day today.
Can someone please give Martin Scorsese an award?? For God's sake, this guy made such movies as GoodFellas, Taxi Driver, and now The Aviator. Yet he's never won an Oscar. I think he deserves one by now. I'm not saying Clint Eastwood isn't worthy (and I didn't see Millon Dollar Baby) but Marty deserves to be honored!
I'm a fan of the Oscars, but Beyonce singing 3 songs this year put me over the edge. Icky.
Jamie Foxx winning for Ray, awesome! Morgan Freeman, awesome! Cate Blanchett-she WAS Katherine Hepburn, it was startling. Just as Jamie Foxx did as Ray. As Gary Busey said when he did The Buddy Holly Story: "The spirit of Buddy was just in me. I've never had an experience playing someone where I felt that happen." (Yes, we all know Gary is a little out there, but I'm a big believer when someone nails a part like these people did.)
Yo-Yo Man performing his song while they played the annual 'who died' this past year was great. That's always my favorite part to watch because sometimes you miss out on who passed away in the course of a year. The only surprise I had was actor Paul Winfield.
Beyond that, I'm recovering from a hard hit cold that's had me down for quite a few days. I think I'm seeing the light of day today.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Not much going on
Happy belated 16th birthday to my niece, Alissa. Way to go on the permit!
It reminded me of when I got my license. I spent the whole day driving around Rochester, just because I could. It also reminded my parents of when I was learning to drive and how they thought we were all going to die.
Nice.
Mike and I are leaving for Duluth tomorrow to visit some friends. The guys are playing poker, the wives are all staying a hotel. I'm not sure what we're going to do, but probably just hang out. Madison is on her way to Rochester to hang with Grandpa and Grandma Dahl. Hopefully she isn't a terror!
I've noticed that she is getting much better in the behavior column. I no longer worry if she goes downstairs while I'm upstairs. I might check on her a time or two, but she seems to be staying away from the countertops and tables. Plus, I think we're getting better at keeping things that are alluring to her off those same spots. She might not be able to be left alone for a long time, but at least it's better.
Work has been challenging this week. I thought by going on vacation that it would give me a nice break away from everything so that I could come back refreshed. I did, but it only lasted about 3 days. Frustrations. I'm glad it's Friday. And we have Monday off for President's Day too.
My parents came up last Friday night and brought with them a leather couch purchased from my mom's boss. The basement now is looking like a real living room because all the extra furniture keeps getting sent down there! The couch is nice and it does brighten up the living room. I also bought curtains and a curtain rod for the bedroom, which gives it a nice finished look about it. Things are slowly coming together.
Otherwise, things are pretty quiet. (I finished Willie Nelson's Autobiography the other night. Written in 1988, it was good. I have found that Willie is drop dead hilarious. And a damn smart guy.) On to the stack of books waiting to be read!
Happy belated 16th birthday to my niece, Alissa. Way to go on the permit!
It reminded me of when I got my license. I spent the whole day driving around Rochester, just because I could. It also reminded my parents of when I was learning to drive and how they thought we were all going to die.
Nice.
Mike and I are leaving for Duluth tomorrow to visit some friends. The guys are playing poker, the wives are all staying a hotel. I'm not sure what we're going to do, but probably just hang out. Madison is on her way to Rochester to hang with Grandpa and Grandma Dahl. Hopefully she isn't a terror!
I've noticed that she is getting much better in the behavior column. I no longer worry if she goes downstairs while I'm upstairs. I might check on her a time or two, but she seems to be staying away from the countertops and tables. Plus, I think we're getting better at keeping things that are alluring to her off those same spots. She might not be able to be left alone for a long time, but at least it's better.
Work has been challenging this week. I thought by going on vacation that it would give me a nice break away from everything so that I could come back refreshed. I did, but it only lasted about 3 days. Frustrations. I'm glad it's Friday. And we have Monday off for President's Day too.
My parents came up last Friday night and brought with them a leather couch purchased from my mom's boss. The basement now is looking like a real living room because all the extra furniture keeps getting sent down there! The couch is nice and it does brighten up the living room. I also bought curtains and a curtain rod for the bedroom, which gives it a nice finished look about it. Things are slowly coming together.
Otherwise, things are pretty quiet. (I finished Willie Nelson's Autobiography the other night. Written in 1988, it was good. I have found that Willie is drop dead hilarious. And a damn smart guy.) On to the stack of books waiting to be read!
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Calmed Down
I'm back from my trip, the work move is done, things are finally starting to look normal again. I'm thrilled!
My trip to NY was great. I left on Wednesday, the 2nd and arrived in Binghamton around 9pm. I was greeted by a young lady who was very dressed up, wearing funky sunglasses, and holding a sign that said, "Taybe."
"Huh." I thought. That's a different name. Then I started thinking, 'I wonder where Pat and Alissa are?' No one was around at all.
It hit me. The young lady dressed up was Alissa, looking oh, about 25. And the sign she was holding was referring to my imaginary friend Taybe!!!!!
They got me. Pat was standing around the corner laughing his head off. I was just totally in another frame of mind, not paying attention to my surroundings, and they nailed it to me good!!
Kudos to them.
Thursday was a nice day for me to sleep in and relax while they went to work and school. Pat and I hung out in the afternoon and greeted the girls from school. Alissa's boyfriend Nick came over for dinner that night. As I told him later (jokingly, but I meant it too!) he is a fine young man. He and Alissa have very similar personalities and get along well. And I was also impressed with how he related to Paige and actually talked and joked with her. He also did not have a problem with talking to any of the adults. (Can I call myself an adult?) Good kid.
Friday morning the girls headed off to school, while Pat, Lyn and I went to an assembly at Paige's school. They do this monthly. The coolest thing was the kids had been collecting money to try to raise $188 for a school kit to donate to the tsunami relief effort. This one kit can service 80 kids. However, the kids raised $1000! It was so neat-they were all very proud. A community service program in Greene also decided to match the funds, so they were able to send a total of $2000 to UNICEF. How awesome is that? And this is just grades 3-5!
Pat and I headed off to Cooperstown afterwards, to the Baseball Hall of Fame. This was my third trip, and just something I wanted to do. I had not been there since Kirby Puckett was inducted in 2001, so it was nice to see his plaque, with Dave Winfield's, up on the wall. Granted, Kirby is no longer held in as high esteem as he once was, but he is still my favorite ball player. The hall is going through some changes and renovations. There weren't as many exhibits as there usually are. I suspect this is a good time of year for them to make their updates and prepare for the summer months. Still, always a cool experience. And Cooperstown is just a great town to go visit.
Friday night we watched the Manchurian Candidate with Denzel Washington. AWESOME movie. Freaky. The kind that really makes you stop and think. Keeps you guessing. Highly recommend! Saturday we watched Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen with Lindsey Lohan. It was a little questionable at first (this was more of a Paige movie) but it ended better then I thought it would. Cute movie over all.
Saturday Alissa had dance class, so I was able to catch her practicing for her recital next week. It was so cool to see her strut her stuff! Very impressive, and I'm glad to see both girls becoming so involved in dance.
We made a trip to Barnes and Noble while waiting Alissa was at class. Again, this place is dangerous for all of us Webb's. We love books WAY too much. But, as I said to them, at least we are spending our money on books, not booze. Well, unless you count Pat and Lyn's wine collection. :)
Saturday evening we ate at the Spiedie pit in Binghamton. (Yummy.) Spiedies are marinated meat (chicken, beef, pork) on a sandwich. However, you must use the special Spiedie sauce and grill the meat on kabobs. It's then pulled off on to a bun. We have long been out of the marinade at our house, so I made sure to stock up on a few bottles before I left.
My flight back on Sunday sucked. Philly was packed, the flight to Mpls delayed. I didn't get home until after 7pm, about 2 hours later then I should have. I slept in, went into work at noon, and commenced the office expansion move that evening at 5pm. Got home at 9pm. We're still working out the bugs of the move, buying cords, etc. But it went smooth and I was much better equipped to deal with things having come back relaxed and refreshed.
Now, it's back to doing the things I've been putting on the back burner at home and at work!
And, thanks to Pat & Lyn for feeding me and letting me come to visit and relax. I needed the family time and the away time!
I'm back from my trip, the work move is done, things are finally starting to look normal again. I'm thrilled!
My trip to NY was great. I left on Wednesday, the 2nd and arrived in Binghamton around 9pm. I was greeted by a young lady who was very dressed up, wearing funky sunglasses, and holding a sign that said, "Taybe."
"Huh." I thought. That's a different name. Then I started thinking, 'I wonder where Pat and Alissa are?' No one was around at all.
It hit me. The young lady dressed up was Alissa, looking oh, about 25. And the sign she was holding was referring to my imaginary friend Taybe!!!!!
They got me. Pat was standing around the corner laughing his head off. I was just totally in another frame of mind, not paying attention to my surroundings, and they nailed it to me good!!
Kudos to them.
Thursday was a nice day for me to sleep in and relax while they went to work and school. Pat and I hung out in the afternoon and greeted the girls from school. Alissa's boyfriend Nick came over for dinner that night. As I told him later (jokingly, but I meant it too!) he is a fine young man. He and Alissa have very similar personalities and get along well. And I was also impressed with how he related to Paige and actually talked and joked with her. He also did not have a problem with talking to any of the adults. (Can I call myself an adult?) Good kid.
Friday morning the girls headed off to school, while Pat, Lyn and I went to an assembly at Paige's school. They do this monthly. The coolest thing was the kids had been collecting money to try to raise $188 for a school kit to donate to the tsunami relief effort. This one kit can service 80 kids. However, the kids raised $1000! It was so neat-they were all very proud. A community service program in Greene also decided to match the funds, so they were able to send a total of $2000 to UNICEF. How awesome is that? And this is just grades 3-5!
Pat and I headed off to Cooperstown afterwards, to the Baseball Hall of Fame. This was my third trip, and just something I wanted to do. I had not been there since Kirby Puckett was inducted in 2001, so it was nice to see his plaque, with Dave Winfield's, up on the wall. Granted, Kirby is no longer held in as high esteem as he once was, but he is still my favorite ball player. The hall is going through some changes and renovations. There weren't as many exhibits as there usually are. I suspect this is a good time of year for them to make their updates and prepare for the summer months. Still, always a cool experience. And Cooperstown is just a great town to go visit.
Friday night we watched the Manchurian Candidate with Denzel Washington. AWESOME movie. Freaky. The kind that really makes you stop and think. Keeps you guessing. Highly recommend! Saturday we watched Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen with Lindsey Lohan. It was a little questionable at first (this was more of a Paige movie) but it ended better then I thought it would. Cute movie over all.
Saturday Alissa had dance class, so I was able to catch her practicing for her recital next week. It was so cool to see her strut her stuff! Very impressive, and I'm glad to see both girls becoming so involved in dance.
We made a trip to Barnes and Noble while waiting Alissa was at class. Again, this place is dangerous for all of us Webb's. We love books WAY too much. But, as I said to them, at least we are spending our money on books, not booze. Well, unless you count Pat and Lyn's wine collection. :)
Saturday evening we ate at the Spiedie pit in Binghamton. (Yummy.) Spiedies are marinated meat (chicken, beef, pork) on a sandwich. However, you must use the special Spiedie sauce and grill the meat on kabobs. It's then pulled off on to a bun. We have long been out of the marinade at our house, so I made sure to stock up on a few bottles before I left.
My flight back on Sunday sucked. Philly was packed, the flight to Mpls delayed. I didn't get home until after 7pm, about 2 hours later then I should have. I slept in, went into work at noon, and commenced the office expansion move that evening at 5pm. Got home at 9pm. We're still working out the bugs of the move, buying cords, etc. But it went smooth and I was much better equipped to deal with things having come back relaxed and refreshed.
Now, it's back to doing the things I've been putting on the back burner at home and at work!
And, thanks to Pat & Lyn for feeding me and letting me come to visit and relax. I needed the family time and the away time!
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
I thought he was dead by now...
Jesse Helms is trying to raise money for his senatorial library. I thought the guy was dead by now. Turns out he's 83, still bugs me, and still, of course, is a Republican.
Helms is apparently extremely wounded at the thought of former President Clinton doing anything ever again with his life. There has been talk (and it's just talk so far, people) that Clinton is jockeying for the position of U.N. secretary general when Kofi Annan retires. So, old Jesse sends a letter saying the following (and remember, this is supposed to be for fund raising!)
"I’m sure you might agree that putting a left-wing, undisciplined and ethically challenged former President of the United States into a position of such power would be a tragic mistake.”
Included with this letter is a petition urging President Bush to “rebuke all efforts by Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and every other liberal in Congress to push for Bill Clinton to become Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
Here's my response: Get A Fucking Life
If I hear liberal in that context again I am going to scream. What the hell is wrong with being a liberal? Don't we live in a free country where it's encouraged that we all have different ideas? No, wait, maybe that was just a figment of my imagination. It's guys like Jesse Helms that make me rage more then anything.
Let's not give money to this man for a damn Senatorial library. I don't think it's worth spreading the ideas of this 'conservative'.
Jesse Helms is trying to raise money for his senatorial library. I thought the guy was dead by now. Turns out he's 83, still bugs me, and still, of course, is a Republican.
Helms is apparently extremely wounded at the thought of former President Clinton doing anything ever again with his life. There has been talk (and it's just talk so far, people) that Clinton is jockeying for the position of U.N. secretary general when Kofi Annan retires. So, old Jesse sends a letter saying the following (and remember, this is supposed to be for fund raising!)
"I’m sure you might agree that putting a left-wing, undisciplined and ethically challenged former President of the United States into a position of such power would be a tragic mistake.”
Included with this letter is a petition urging President Bush to “rebuke all efforts by Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and every other liberal in Congress to push for Bill Clinton to become Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
Here's my response: Get A Fucking Life
If I hear liberal in that context again I am going to scream. What the hell is wrong with being a liberal? Don't we live in a free country where it's encouraged that we all have different ideas? No, wait, maybe that was just a figment of my imagination. It's guys like Jesse Helms that make me rage more then anything.
Let's not give money to this man for a damn Senatorial library. I don't think it's worth spreading the ideas of this 'conservative'.
Monday, January 31, 2005
The big 3-0 is coming....
My best friend Jill, from college, turned 30 on Friday. We went to their house for a little celebration with her family and to christen the new addition on to their house. I'm only about 4 1/2 weeks behind her, yikes.
We had a great time. Both her parents and Matt's parents were there, as was Matt's sister and new fiancee. We love their parents and don't get to see them that often, so it's always fun when we can get together with them. Plus, seeing Sammy (age 1) is always a bonus. :) He is a riot and kept us all very entertained.
Mike & I also decided to give Madison a test run on being alone in the house. We've done 2 so far-one hour and two hours. This was 6 1/2. It did not go well.
She ate a LAMP. A LAMP people! Granted, it was a small one that sits on the table, and is decorative and hangs from a little pole and swings and has fancy stuff on the shade. But, it was not plugged in, thankfully, because she ate through the wire, complete ripped the shade apart and left it in shambles! Then, I went upstairs and found that she had ripped up a pillow.
This dog is clearly not ready to be on her own. And it was our fault. She is just about 11 months old, but I think it's going to be quite some time before she has any freedom!
(And I really liked my lamp a lot.)
Saturday, we did not do anything. I mean nothing. We physically did not hardly move. I did not get out of bed for more then an hour the whole day I think. I felt like a bum, but in the end, I think it was a good thing. Work has been insane for the last 2 weeks, and I just felt like I couldn't get enough sleep. I think I got enough!
I'm leaving on Wednesday for a short visit to upstate NY and brother Pat's. I found a great airfare and just couldn't turn it down. Plus, I needed a break. I can't wait to get away from work! I'll be back Sunday evening.
On Monday, back to work, where finally commences the move of our office. Actually, we are just expanding and moving some people into the new space. This move has been ridiculous to coordinate. It's harder then when I moved the entire office to our current space last March. The logistics have been a nightmare. I will be happy to see it all come to an end.
:)
My best friend Jill, from college, turned 30 on Friday. We went to their house for a little celebration with her family and to christen the new addition on to their house. I'm only about 4 1/2 weeks behind her, yikes.
We had a great time. Both her parents and Matt's parents were there, as was Matt's sister and new fiancee. We love their parents and don't get to see them that often, so it's always fun when we can get together with them. Plus, seeing Sammy (age 1) is always a bonus. :) He is a riot and kept us all very entertained.
Mike & I also decided to give Madison a test run on being alone in the house. We've done 2 so far-one hour and two hours. This was 6 1/2. It did not go well.
She ate a LAMP. A LAMP people! Granted, it was a small one that sits on the table, and is decorative and hangs from a little pole and swings and has fancy stuff on the shade. But, it was not plugged in, thankfully, because she ate through the wire, complete ripped the shade apart and left it in shambles! Then, I went upstairs and found that she had ripped up a pillow.
This dog is clearly not ready to be on her own. And it was our fault. She is just about 11 months old, but I think it's going to be quite some time before she has any freedom!
(And I really liked my lamp a lot.)
Saturday, we did not do anything. I mean nothing. We physically did not hardly move. I did not get out of bed for more then an hour the whole day I think. I felt like a bum, but in the end, I think it was a good thing. Work has been insane for the last 2 weeks, and I just felt like I couldn't get enough sleep. I think I got enough!
I'm leaving on Wednesday for a short visit to upstate NY and brother Pat's. I found a great airfare and just couldn't turn it down. Plus, I needed a break. I can't wait to get away from work! I'll be back Sunday evening.
On Monday, back to work, where finally commences the move of our office. Actually, we are just expanding and moving some people into the new space. This move has been ridiculous to coordinate. It's harder then when I moved the entire office to our current space last March. The logistics have been a nightmare. I will be happy to see it all come to an end.
:)
Monday, January 24, 2005
Johnny....
If you take a moment to read my brother's blog, you'll find that my comments will be much the same regarding our grandparents and Johnny Carson. It's how I came to love to watch The Tonight Show.
Grandma Webb always said she liked Johnny because he didn't have to swear or be dirty to be funny. He might get a little naughty and his jokes might have 'other' meanings, but that's what made him fun and why Grandma thought he was hilarious.
I don't remember watching The Tonight Show with Grandpa. He always had very full days and wanted to get his sleep. Grandma, on the other hand, was some what of a night owl. It was a treat to get to stay up and watch the show with her.
The Tonight Show also signified that the hour was late. As a kid, if I heard the first strains of the show's theme song, I would always think, "WOW! It's REALLY late and I'm still awake!" Or, if I was sick with the flu and heard the song I would think, "Maybe they will let me watch the show cuz I'm sick." Whatever the reason, I think kids associated with Johnny that late night grown-up thing, where they could stay up late because they were adults.
I watched his final show with my other Grandma in May of 1992. She happened to be visiting us and we sat down to watch it together. This grandma was also a night owl, and she liked Johnny too. I remember thinking that this was a historic moment-so I made sure to videotape the episode. I remember my grandma and I both were brushing away a tear or two. I watched that very show not too long ago and it still brought tears to my eyes. I honestly thought Johnny would be around forever.
And so, Johnny, we bid you a very fond farewell.
If you take a moment to read my brother's blog, you'll find that my comments will be much the same regarding our grandparents and Johnny Carson. It's how I came to love to watch The Tonight Show.
Grandma Webb always said she liked Johnny because he didn't have to swear or be dirty to be funny. He might get a little naughty and his jokes might have 'other' meanings, but that's what made him fun and why Grandma thought he was hilarious.
I don't remember watching The Tonight Show with Grandpa. He always had very full days and wanted to get his sleep. Grandma, on the other hand, was some what of a night owl. It was a treat to get to stay up and watch the show with her.
The Tonight Show also signified that the hour was late. As a kid, if I heard the first strains of the show's theme song, I would always think, "WOW! It's REALLY late and I'm still awake!" Or, if I was sick with the flu and heard the song I would think, "Maybe they will let me watch the show cuz I'm sick." Whatever the reason, I think kids associated with Johnny that late night grown-up thing, where they could stay up late because they were adults.
I watched his final show with my other Grandma in May of 1992. She happened to be visiting us and we sat down to watch it together. This grandma was also a night owl, and she liked Johnny too. I remember thinking that this was a historic moment-so I made sure to videotape the episode. I remember my grandma and I both were brushing away a tear or two. I watched that very show not too long ago and it still brought tears to my eyes. I honestly thought Johnny would be around forever.
And so, Johnny, we bid you a very fond farewell.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
After a holiday hiatus, I am now back to blogging.
The holidays were quiet and fine. Being a part from Mike was tough and I hope we don't have to do it again. It was nice to be home and with my family for Christmas Eve. We always have fun, and it was especially nice to have Amy with us for the first time since she went to Salt Lake.
Everyone was very generous, as always. Especially my parents. We received a cool door knocker engraved with The Lemke's from my dad and Debbie, and a card table and chairs from my mom and Barry. Other cool gifts were: Coca Cola stuff for my kitchen, books, CD's, DVD's. Pam gave me an enormous Coca Cola Santa Claus cut out from the grocery store. It's really great. At Christmas time it will be fun to find a place for that to sit out.
I also bought a small jukebox to sit in the kitchen. It's just a table top one that has pre-programmed partial songs from various artists. Nothing fancy and didn't cost much. It's also a radio. I am considering building a jukebox like my brother did. I'm checking into the ideas and if I think I am creative and handy enough to do so.
New Year's Eve was quiet. We went to Pam and Charlie's and laughed a lot. I drove down to visit my grandparents that day. They had visitors, but it was nice to see the Olsen's from Burr Oak. I hadn't seen them in years. I talked with Grandpa and Grandma about some family history stuff and they were able to fill me in on some information. Grandpa told me that over the years he had heard many times on what a nice man my great-grandfather Paddy O'Brien had been. Since Grandma was just two when her dad died, we never knew much about him. Pat and I were just saying to each other how DUMB we all were to have never asked Aunt Katy or Uncle John more about their dad. Being the oldest, they could have told us things about him. It's funny how you regret these things. Anyway, Grandpa said that he had always heard that Paddy was just a really great guy. And having seen some items written down by my great-grandmother, she must have really felt his loss. One of the items I have seen written was 'when we lost my dear Paddy.' Oh how I wish I had known Grandma O'Brien!
Grandpa and Grandma continue to go down hill, which is really hard to see. It's funny how roles become reversed. I cut Grandma's finger nails for her while I was there. I thought to myself, how many times do you think she did the same thing for me when I was little? We both laughed that neither of us like our nails long-just kept short and rounded off. We talked a bit about how she wanted to be a beautician after she no longer could be a nurse. She said, "I had forgotten all about that. How did you remember?" I used to pester Grandma all the time to tell me stories about when she was growing up and the things she wanted to do. This was one of them. She gave lots of woman in the Burr Oak and Bluffton area perms over the years, or set their hair in curlers!
On New Year's Day I woke up feeling like crap and have yet to shake it. Seems like the flu is really hitting hard at our Office. Some people have been out as much as 5 days. Yikes.
Today, Greg Sellnow's column in the Post-Bulletin says that Emma has now replaced Emily as the top Girl's Name of 2004! I'm happy to report that Kristin (however which way you spell it) is not in the Top 10. I believe I may round out the Top 50, but that's as good as it gets. :) Jacob is still the #1 boys name, beating out Michael for the 5th year in a row. Other such funky names getting face time: Shakira, Justice, Lexus. Oh. My. God. I know that I like wierd names, but I guess I draw the line at naming my kid after a car. I'm still hanging on for naming my kid after Johnny Cash. How cool would it be to have a middle name like CASH? Yeah, let's just say that I have my doubts that my husband would EVER allow this to happen!
Speaking of names, more friends are having babies. Mike's friend Amy in California just announced that they are expecting. Surprisingly, there are not too many of our friends left that are without kids. We also spent time with Matt, Jill and Sam this past weekend. Sam had us in stiches. He is now 15 months old and talks jibberish and is just a fun kid to be around. In some ways I can't wait to be a parent after being with him, in others it freaks me out to no end. We'll see what the future brings, I guess!
Madison update: she went to the vet on Friday. No ear infection like I thought. She has now determined that she doesn't like the vet or the techs there! She went from 37lbs on August 25th to a whopping 56lbs! The vet would like her to lose a few to keep her hips in better shape. Mike calls her tubby now. Believe me, the dog is not fat. They would just like her to have more of a 'waist' as the Vet calls it. I don't want a fat dog. That's a fear of mine. So, her treats and food have been reduced and we'll have to crank up the walks more. Otherwise, she is still a happy, talkative pup who pretty much runs the house!
The holidays were quiet and fine. Being a part from Mike was tough and I hope we don't have to do it again. It was nice to be home and with my family for Christmas Eve. We always have fun, and it was especially nice to have Amy with us for the first time since she went to Salt Lake.
Everyone was very generous, as always. Especially my parents. We received a cool door knocker engraved with The Lemke's from my dad and Debbie, and a card table and chairs from my mom and Barry. Other cool gifts were: Coca Cola stuff for my kitchen, books, CD's, DVD's. Pam gave me an enormous Coca Cola Santa Claus cut out from the grocery store. It's really great. At Christmas time it will be fun to find a place for that to sit out.
I also bought a small jukebox to sit in the kitchen. It's just a table top one that has pre-programmed partial songs from various artists. Nothing fancy and didn't cost much. It's also a radio. I am considering building a jukebox like my brother did. I'm checking into the ideas and if I think I am creative and handy enough to do so.
New Year's Eve was quiet. We went to Pam and Charlie's and laughed a lot. I drove down to visit my grandparents that day. They had visitors, but it was nice to see the Olsen's from Burr Oak. I hadn't seen them in years. I talked with Grandpa and Grandma about some family history stuff and they were able to fill me in on some information. Grandpa told me that over the years he had heard many times on what a nice man my great-grandfather Paddy O'Brien had been. Since Grandma was just two when her dad died, we never knew much about him. Pat and I were just saying to each other how DUMB we all were to have never asked Aunt Katy or Uncle John more about their dad. Being the oldest, they could have told us things about him. It's funny how you regret these things. Anyway, Grandpa said that he had always heard that Paddy was just a really great guy. And having seen some items written down by my great-grandmother, she must have really felt his loss. One of the items I have seen written was 'when we lost my dear Paddy.' Oh how I wish I had known Grandma O'Brien!
Grandpa and Grandma continue to go down hill, which is really hard to see. It's funny how roles become reversed. I cut Grandma's finger nails for her while I was there. I thought to myself, how many times do you think she did the same thing for me when I was little? We both laughed that neither of us like our nails long-just kept short and rounded off. We talked a bit about how she wanted to be a beautician after she no longer could be a nurse. She said, "I had forgotten all about that. How did you remember?" I used to pester Grandma all the time to tell me stories about when she was growing up and the things she wanted to do. This was one of them. She gave lots of woman in the Burr Oak and Bluffton area perms over the years, or set their hair in curlers!
On New Year's Day I woke up feeling like crap and have yet to shake it. Seems like the flu is really hitting hard at our Office. Some people have been out as much as 5 days. Yikes.
Today, Greg Sellnow's column in the Post-Bulletin says that Emma has now replaced Emily as the top Girl's Name of 2004! I'm happy to report that Kristin (however which way you spell it) is not in the Top 10. I believe I may round out the Top 50, but that's as good as it gets. :) Jacob is still the #1 boys name, beating out Michael for the 5th year in a row. Other such funky names getting face time: Shakira, Justice, Lexus. Oh. My. God. I know that I like wierd names, but I guess I draw the line at naming my kid after a car. I'm still hanging on for naming my kid after Johnny Cash. How cool would it be to have a middle name like CASH? Yeah, let's just say that I have my doubts that my husband would EVER allow this to happen!
Speaking of names, more friends are having babies. Mike's friend Amy in California just announced that they are expecting. Surprisingly, there are not too many of our friends left that are without kids. We also spent time with Matt, Jill and Sam this past weekend. Sam had us in stiches. He is now 15 months old and talks jibberish and is just a fun kid to be around. In some ways I can't wait to be a parent after being with him, in others it freaks me out to no end. We'll see what the future brings, I guess!
Madison update: she went to the vet on Friday. No ear infection like I thought. She has now determined that she doesn't like the vet or the techs there! She went from 37lbs on August 25th to a whopping 56lbs! The vet would like her to lose a few to keep her hips in better shape. Mike calls her tubby now. Believe me, the dog is not fat. They would just like her to have more of a 'waist' as the Vet calls it. I don't want a fat dog. That's a fear of mine. So, her treats and food have been reduced and we'll have to crank up the walks more. Otherwise, she is still a happy, talkative pup who pretty much runs the house!
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Today is my last day of work before the holidays. WHEE!
Currently, I feel like someone has stomped on my head, kicked me in the gut, and sliced my brains open. I'm weaning myself off the anti-depressant Lexapro and it's kicking me in the ass. Mike just keeps quoting this episode of Friends where Chandler tells Rachel (who has tried smoking), "You've got to keep going because it's about to get sooooo gooood." I've found that taking a large handful of Tylenol can help me through for about two hours. Yikes.
I'm heading to Rochester with Madison tomorrow to celebrate Christmas, while Mike heads for Duluth. We visited his mom on Friday night at the hospital (just a quick trip up and back in the same night) and she looked pretty good. She will hopefully be heading for a nursing home to recoup in a few weeks. I'm sure the driving to Duluth from Babbitt daily is getting to be a tough one for Mike's dad. It's an 1 1/2 hour drive one way.
Madison has discovered that she likes to play fetch, A LOT! We bought her a tennis ball that she loves to ran after. I tried to get her to play fetch with the neighbor dog, but she was more interested in just chasing the dogs, not the ball. Yesterday she chewed a hole in a small football we have. Then she carried it around the house with her snout stuck inside. It was hilarious. She is quite the goofy dog.
Big news I read online yesterday was that Lisa Marie has decided to sell Elvis' estate. She will retain Graceland and her father's personal effects, but has decided to sell the bulk of Elvis Presley Enterprises to a company that can continue to market and expand her father's image and legacy into much more and continue to introduce him to new generations. While I understand the rationale behind this, I still think it's crap. I wouldn't give it up. I think she's getting something like 35 million for it, and they have about 13 million in debt that will be paid. But that estate makes over 40 million a year and I just can't see what you'd want to get rid of it. Yet, I suppose that Graceland will make up a lot of that too. It is the 2nd most visited private residence in America after the White House. Anyway, interesting argument.
We had a discussion at work yesterday on what is your best and worst holiday. It was a good question because it makes you stop and think and all holidays, not just Christmas. I decided that the worst Christmas was when Dad and Mom decided to separate 2 weeks before the holiday. Let's just say that it wasn't much fun that year! However I do remember specifically that I received my first Walkman that year. It did not have a radio, and it only had the Fast Forward, no rewind on it. Lasted me quite awhile.
My best Christmas was when I was about 5. Driving to Linda and Sig's house in Kasson, Pat pointed outside in the sky to me and said, "LOOK! It's Santa!" And sure enough, there he was in the sky with his lights flickering. Later, Santa showed up at their house too! It was great. I received a Dukes of Hazzard sleeping bag that lasted until we threw it away just last year.
A close second was the year that Dad got our dog Wimpy for us. They put a little bow on his head, and I had to close my eyes while they put him on my lap. He licked me in the face right away and I just loved him. He was so cute.
Happy Holidays!
Currently, I feel like someone has stomped on my head, kicked me in the gut, and sliced my brains open. I'm weaning myself off the anti-depressant Lexapro and it's kicking me in the ass. Mike just keeps quoting this episode of Friends where Chandler tells Rachel (who has tried smoking), "You've got to keep going because it's about to get sooooo gooood." I've found that taking a large handful of Tylenol can help me through for about two hours. Yikes.
I'm heading to Rochester with Madison tomorrow to celebrate Christmas, while Mike heads for Duluth. We visited his mom on Friday night at the hospital (just a quick trip up and back in the same night) and she looked pretty good. She will hopefully be heading for a nursing home to recoup in a few weeks. I'm sure the driving to Duluth from Babbitt daily is getting to be a tough one for Mike's dad. It's an 1 1/2 hour drive one way.
Madison has discovered that she likes to play fetch, A LOT! We bought her a tennis ball that she loves to ran after. I tried to get her to play fetch with the neighbor dog, but she was more interested in just chasing the dogs, not the ball. Yesterday she chewed a hole in a small football we have. Then she carried it around the house with her snout stuck inside. It was hilarious. She is quite the goofy dog.
Big news I read online yesterday was that Lisa Marie has decided to sell Elvis' estate. She will retain Graceland and her father's personal effects, but has decided to sell the bulk of Elvis Presley Enterprises to a company that can continue to market and expand her father's image and legacy into much more and continue to introduce him to new generations. While I understand the rationale behind this, I still think it's crap. I wouldn't give it up. I think she's getting something like 35 million for it, and they have about 13 million in debt that will be paid. But that estate makes over 40 million a year and I just can't see what you'd want to get rid of it. Yet, I suppose that Graceland will make up a lot of that too. It is the 2nd most visited private residence in America after the White House. Anyway, interesting argument.
We had a discussion at work yesterday on what is your best and worst holiday. It was a good question because it makes you stop and think and all holidays, not just Christmas. I decided that the worst Christmas was when Dad and Mom decided to separate 2 weeks before the holiday. Let's just say that it wasn't much fun that year! However I do remember specifically that I received my first Walkman that year. It did not have a radio, and it only had the Fast Forward, no rewind on it. Lasted me quite awhile.
My best Christmas was when I was about 5. Driving to Linda and Sig's house in Kasson, Pat pointed outside in the sky to me and said, "LOOK! It's Santa!" And sure enough, there he was in the sky with his lights flickering. Later, Santa showed up at their house too! It was great. I received a Dukes of Hazzard sleeping bag that lasted until we threw it away just last year.
A close second was the year that Dad got our dog Wimpy for us. They put a little bow on his head, and I had to close my eyes while they put him on my lap. He licked me in the face right away and I just loved him. He was so cute.
Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
"Oh the weather outside is frightful"...NOT!
It hasn't even snowed since Thanksgiving and just yesterday the temps finally went low enough to warrant a hat and scarf. This morning it was 7 degrees. I just want some snow so it feels like Christmas. I really don't want a bare holiday!
Mike & I both had Friday off last week, so we had a nice long weekend. We actually didn't do much, but it was just awesome to be at home and hang out. I finished my Christmas shopping and did up all the wrapping, as well as getting the Christmas box off to Pat. Now, baking commences. I managed to get caramels made, caramel bars, Kringla, and chocolate balls created. Caramels are awesome!
Friday night we went out to dinner at the new Green Mill in Hastings and then went to see Ocean's Twelve. Not a bad movie, but I didn't like as much as the first one. I thought that the first one with a setting in Vegas was perfect. However, there were a ton of great one liners which made for a funny movie as always.
We did see some good trailers for upcoming movies. There is a Vin Diesel movie coming out that is sort of a cross between Daddy Day Care and Kindergarden Cop. Looks cute. I still need to see the Polar Express and Ray. Mike would like to see National Treasure, which I think I would like to see as well.
I think we're going to go to Duluth on Friday to visit Kathy in the hospital. I haven't been up there yet, and since I won't be going for Christmas anymore, I'd like to see her after her surgery. I sincerely hope things start going better for her. It sucks that she will have to be in a nursing home for the holidays.
I also have to pass along a web site that made me laugh so hard I cried. It's gross and juvenile, but that's why I like it. It's called the Poop Report. I managed to find it doing some searches on the death of Elvis. (I was bored.) This, of course, led to stories about how he died on 'the throne'. What made me laugh was the comment that someone posted in August 2004:
Anyone catch the Watkins Glen race yesterday? Tony Stewart had stomach cramps the whole race. After he won he spent a half hour in his trailer before he went to the winner's circle. The commentator said he had to change his suit. I wonder how many laps he had to sit in his ass puddle.
OH. MY. GOD. What could you do if you had to go during a race? What choices do you have? My guess is that you have none. You crap your pants and hope for the best. In Tony's case, he won the race. :)
I must also point out that Pat and I have determined that we get this aversion to potty humor from our Uncle Mike who taught us that farts are funny. It's just a fact of life.
If anyone needs any last minute ideas for the loved one in your life, I suggest that you purchase this lovely book called: Turd Ferguson & The Sausage Party
It hasn't even snowed since Thanksgiving and just yesterday the temps finally went low enough to warrant a hat and scarf. This morning it was 7 degrees. I just want some snow so it feels like Christmas. I really don't want a bare holiday!
Mike & I both had Friday off last week, so we had a nice long weekend. We actually didn't do much, but it was just awesome to be at home and hang out. I finished my Christmas shopping and did up all the wrapping, as well as getting the Christmas box off to Pat. Now, baking commences. I managed to get caramels made, caramel bars, Kringla, and chocolate balls created. Caramels are awesome!
Friday night we went out to dinner at the new Green Mill in Hastings and then went to see Ocean's Twelve. Not a bad movie, but I didn't like as much as the first one. I thought that the first one with a setting in Vegas was perfect. However, there were a ton of great one liners which made for a funny movie as always.
We did see some good trailers for upcoming movies. There is a Vin Diesel movie coming out that is sort of a cross between Daddy Day Care and Kindergarden Cop. Looks cute. I still need to see the Polar Express and Ray. Mike would like to see National Treasure, which I think I would like to see as well.
I think we're going to go to Duluth on Friday to visit Kathy in the hospital. I haven't been up there yet, and since I won't be going for Christmas anymore, I'd like to see her after her surgery. I sincerely hope things start going better for her. It sucks that she will have to be in a nursing home for the holidays.
I also have to pass along a web site that made me laugh so hard I cried. It's gross and juvenile, but that's why I like it. It's called the Poop Report. I managed to find it doing some searches on the death of Elvis. (I was bored.) This, of course, led to stories about how he died on 'the throne'. What made me laugh was the comment that someone posted in August 2004:
Anyone catch the Watkins Glen race yesterday? Tony Stewart had stomach cramps the whole race. After he won he spent a half hour in his trailer before he went to the winner's circle. The commentator said he had to change his suit. I wonder how many laps he had to sit in his ass puddle.
OH. MY. GOD. What could you do if you had to go during a race? What choices do you have? My guess is that you have none. You crap your pants and hope for the best. In Tony's case, he won the race. :)
I must also point out that Pat and I have determined that we get this aversion to potty humor from our Uncle Mike who taught us that farts are funny. It's just a fact of life.
If anyone needs any last minute ideas for the loved one in your life, I suggest that you purchase this lovely book called: Turd Ferguson & The Sausage Party
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Another quick note...
I found out yesterday that a classmate of mine from high school passed away from Leukemia. Not sure how to feel. It's one of those things where you haven't seen this person in a long time, but during school, you were pretty good friends. It's bothering me.
I also dated Brandon on and off through h.s. and college. The last time I saw him was in 1994. He was on a road of drugs and alcohol and I wasn't interested in even keeping the friendship going anymore based on what I was seeing. But it was wierd-I always wondered what happened to him. I had crappy thoughts about him-he hurt me pretty bad in the romance department. Yet-now-you just feel really bad for having those thoughts.
I first knew him at St. Francis during CCD classes. We were good friends back then, always goofing around and trying to get through those darn classes. Later, in JH and HS, we hung around in the same crowds. But, you know the way things go after you graduate-everyone goes their own direction.
I guess it's bothering me cuz it's someone my own age. Our own mortality seems so far away-yet it can happen at any time. I've only lost 2 other people near my age-Mary when we were 16, my friend Syrentha to breast cancer when she was 31, just three years older then me at the time.
Anyway, just having those thoughts. So, I watched It's a Wonderful Life last night to make myself feel better. I can never watch that movie without getting goose bumps at the end when his brother Harry says, "To my brother George Bailey: the richest man in town."
"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." So, thanks to all of you, my family and friends. For without you, I would be nothing.
I found out yesterday that a classmate of mine from high school passed away from Leukemia. Not sure how to feel. It's one of those things where you haven't seen this person in a long time, but during school, you were pretty good friends. It's bothering me.
I also dated Brandon on and off through h.s. and college. The last time I saw him was in 1994. He was on a road of drugs and alcohol and I wasn't interested in even keeping the friendship going anymore based on what I was seeing. But it was wierd-I always wondered what happened to him. I had crappy thoughts about him-he hurt me pretty bad in the romance department. Yet-now-you just feel really bad for having those thoughts.
I first knew him at St. Francis during CCD classes. We were good friends back then, always goofing around and trying to get through those darn classes. Later, in JH and HS, we hung around in the same crowds. But, you know the way things go after you graduate-everyone goes their own direction.
I guess it's bothering me cuz it's someone my own age. Our own mortality seems so far away-yet it can happen at any time. I've only lost 2 other people near my age-Mary when we were 16, my friend Syrentha to breast cancer when she was 31, just three years older then me at the time.
Anyway, just having those thoughts. So, I watched It's a Wonderful Life last night to make myself feel better. I can never watch that movie without getting goose bumps at the end when his brother Harry says, "To my brother George Bailey: the richest man in town."
"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." So, thanks to all of you, my family and friends. For without you, I would be nothing.
"I'll see you tomorrow night."
Those words spoken by Tom Brokaw each night will be missed. I like Brian Williams, but it's going to take some getting used to not having Tom around on a regular basis anymore. I'm glad he stuck around through the election, because that is where I will miss him most.
I have to admit, I am a news junkie. It's what I wanted to do for a living for a long time. I studied anchors and reporters alike and took away certain styles and ideas to use as my own. Nationally, it was Tom Brokaw and Connie Chung that really finalized my decision to go into Broadcasting in college. Locally, it was people like Paul Majors, Don Shelby and Pat Miles (even Ernie Hain from KTTC's farm report in Rochester during the 80's) were all big influences.
When I ran into Ernie during my summer job at the Mayo Clinic in 1995, I couldn't believe my luck. The first words out of my mouth when I was introduced to him were: "ERNIE HAIN! I used to watch you on the farm report when I was in kindergarden!" (I'm sure he just loved that one!)
I worked with him over a 3 month span and learned a ton from him. He always told me that he believed that Tom Brokaw epitomized what an anchor should sound like. And, Brokaw's style of reporting was also to be commended. On the flip side, Ernie voiced this question: "I always wondered who the hell Barbara Walters slept with to become an anchor on television?"
In the last few weeks it has been of great interest to me to see how Brokaw has evolved. He admits that he is a political junkie and you can truly tell that when reporting on that stuff, he is at his happiest. But, he does so well with softer stories too. Just a few weeks ago I caught the tail end of a story that just overwhelmed me. It was a soldier in Iraq who had been killed on the day his first child was born into this world. You could truly tell that Brokaw was just as deeply affected by the event as I was. That's getting in touch with your audience.
And perhaps we'll never have as great of an anchor as Uncle Walter-Walter Cronkite. But, to me, Brokaw comes darn close.
I didn't expect him to get emotional at the end-but on that last day on the Today show, his emotions finally did catch up to him and he was hard pressed to speak without breaking down. Hat's off to you Tom. You're one of the best.
Those words spoken by Tom Brokaw each night will be missed. I like Brian Williams, but it's going to take some getting used to not having Tom around on a regular basis anymore. I'm glad he stuck around through the election, because that is where I will miss him most.
I have to admit, I am a news junkie. It's what I wanted to do for a living for a long time. I studied anchors and reporters alike and took away certain styles and ideas to use as my own. Nationally, it was Tom Brokaw and Connie Chung that really finalized my decision to go into Broadcasting in college. Locally, it was people like Paul Majors, Don Shelby and Pat Miles (even Ernie Hain from KTTC's farm report in Rochester during the 80's) were all big influences.
When I ran into Ernie during my summer job at the Mayo Clinic in 1995, I couldn't believe my luck. The first words out of my mouth when I was introduced to him were: "ERNIE HAIN! I used to watch you on the farm report when I was in kindergarden!" (I'm sure he just loved that one!)
I worked with him over a 3 month span and learned a ton from him. He always told me that he believed that Tom Brokaw epitomized what an anchor should sound like. And, Brokaw's style of reporting was also to be commended. On the flip side, Ernie voiced this question: "I always wondered who the hell Barbara Walters slept with to become an anchor on television?"
In the last few weeks it has been of great interest to me to see how Brokaw has evolved. He admits that he is a political junkie and you can truly tell that when reporting on that stuff, he is at his happiest. But, he does so well with softer stories too. Just a few weeks ago I caught the tail end of a story that just overwhelmed me. It was a soldier in Iraq who had been killed on the day his first child was born into this world. You could truly tell that Brokaw was just as deeply affected by the event as I was. That's getting in touch with your audience.
And perhaps we'll never have as great of an anchor as Uncle Walter-Walter Cronkite. But, to me, Brokaw comes darn close.
I didn't expect him to get emotional at the end-but on that last day on the Today show, his emotions finally did catch up to him and he was hard pressed to speak without breaking down. Hat's off to you Tom. You're one of the best.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)