My friend Elizabeth has been participating in the Black Friday shopping frenzy for the last several years. This year she wanted to go but had no one to go with. I told her I would go with her since I've never done the 4 am thing before. I really don't know what I was going to get myself into.
Well, after touching base with her late Thanksgiving evening, we decided to postpone our early morning venture until the day after Christmas. We looked at the ads that day and nothing really caught our attention. At least nothing worth waking up at 3 am to wait in line at 4 am to get into the store by 5 am. Yippee, I was able to sleep in on Friday. And I am Thankful for that.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was very nice this year. I started the day by joining my neighbors and participating in the annual Turkey Trot at Manito Park. This was my first year doing it, but I guess it has been around for quite some time. It's a fun run, either 2.5 or 5 mile loops. We opted for the 2.5 version since I haven't been running (or even exercising for that matter). It was fun. A can of food for the local food bank serves as the entry fee for the run. This year was warmer than many as it was 40 deg. and no snow. Maybe that is why there were so many runners. It was like a mini bloomsday, I couldn't believe it. Once we finally starting running (after slowly walking for at least a 1/4 mile) the crowds thinned out and we were able to jog (or shuffle, as my husband puts it) for the rest of the course.
The run started at 9 am, and we were home just a hair before 11 am. Yes, we chit chatted with friends afterwards, thus the delay in getting back. Daryl stayed home with the kids because #1 he thought it would be too cold to have the kids out in the jogging strollers, and #2 we were planning on hosting the Lohstroh brood and he didn't think we had a lot of extra time in the morning, especially to do a fun run. As it turned out, I had everything done on time.
The table is set (for 19!)
Two turkeys and a ham! And I still ran out of lumpy gravy!
All in all, it was a really nice day and we all enjoyed it.
Henry is excited to chomp on his leftover turkey leg!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Little Mozarts
Recently the kids have been fascinated by the piano, and the other day the two of them were playing a duet. They are both saying "cheese" to the camera since they think they are getting their picture taken. I wanted to call them my "little Mozarts", but all I could think of while filming was "concert pianists" (I was having a serious brain lapse). Aren't they cute though?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Our oven is out
And right in time for Thanksgiving, too. Perfect timing. I was going to bake the other day and when I pre-heated the oven I noticed it was flashing inside. At first I thought it was just burning off stuff that had dripped onto the element, but when I looked closely, it wasn't burning at all, but in fact "sparking". It looked like the 4th of July inside my oven! I don't know what happened, or how, but the element is fried. So we had to order a new one. I hope it comes soon as we are supposed to be hosting about 23 people for Thanksgiving this year. Yikes. Luckily, we do have double ovens so I have been using the lower one for my baking needs this last week. I have been spoiled though as I do use and appreciate both my ovens. 
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Back on the soap box
Again, the following contains poignant opinions. Read at your own risk.
Okay, Okay. After all my ranting and raving and venting over the election, I thought I had stepped off my soap box until I received an email forwarded from my auntie in California,. She, like myself, is on the more conservative ends of things and sent this message from David Letterman. You may have heard/seen it but honestly, today was the first time I was privy to it. Probably because I don't watch the news or read the newspaper for these very reasons. Anyway, I thought I would share it with you because I totally agree. And I swear I didn't know about the "ungrateful, spoiled brats" when I blogged it myself.
Subj: Written by David Letterman
No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....What a thankless people we are!!!
David Letterman, on President Bush. (Surprising)
David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....
'As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.'
'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'
A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the NewYork Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
-David Letterman
Okay, Okay. After all my ranting and raving and venting over the election, I thought I had stepped off my soap box until I received an email forwarded from my auntie in California,. She, like myself, is on the more conservative ends of things and sent this message from David Letterman. You may have heard/seen it but honestly, today was the first time I was privy to it. Probably because I don't watch the news or read the newspaper for these very reasons. Anyway, I thought I would share it with you because I totally agree. And I swear I didn't know about the "ungrateful, spoiled brats" when I blogged it myself.
Subj: Written by David Letterman
No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....What a thankless people we are!!!
David Letterman, on President Bush. (Surprising)
David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....
'As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.'
'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'
A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the NewYork Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
-David Letterman
Monday, November 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Liam!
I hope you had a wonderful birthday yesterday. I'm sorry this greeting is late (but it's not as late your card, which by the way, I still haven't mailed). So I guess you can celebrate your special day all month long. I hear you have a couple of parties coming up? Very fun! I hope you are all doing well and again Happy Birthday.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tag, are you it?
My friend, Julie, tagged me with this questionnaire so I am obliging and sending it on.
The rules: Remove 1 question from the list below, and add your own personal question to make it a total of 20 questions. Tag 4 people, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged. Whoever does the tag will have blessings from all.
1. At what age do/did you (wish to) marry? at 25 (has it been that long already?)
2. What color do you like most? I have always loved PINK and Barbie,too
3. If you can have a superpower, what would it be? To stop time, or at least pause it for awhile, especially during the good times!
4. What is your favorite past time? Sleeping! I don't get a lot of that at night. See question #17
5. Which part of you do you hate the most? My big ol' arms waving the double bye bye
6. When you get sad, what do you do? Cry. duh.
7. What book are you reading now? Read, moi? I don't think so.
8. If you win $1 million, what would you do with the money? Put it towards retirement since that will be all that I have (401k and social security? yeah, right)
9. What did you love the most about last year (2007)? The birth of my daughter, cliche I know, but true.
10. How did you get your name? I believe it was a toss up between Patricia and Margaret. They like old fashioned names, I guess.
11. What is the moment you regret most? No regrets actually. Of course some of the things I have done and said were not my finest, but still no regrets. We learn from our mistakes, right?
12. What type of person do you hate the most? Hypocrites
13. What is your greatest asset? Family, of course
14. If you had one wish, what would you wish for? That my children live long, healthy and happy lives.
15. How did you celebrate the New Year? That was too long ago, I don't remember. It must not have been very exciting or else I would know.
16. What tv show do you watch that you are embarrassed to tell people about? Although I'm not embarrassed by it at all, I watch Little House on the Prairie a lot! (it's on the Hallmark Channel 3 times a day). I think America needs to watch more Little House and humble ourselves.
17. It’s 2008. What are you looking forward to this year? Natalie sleeping through the night? Hmm. There is still a month and a half until 2009. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
18. Anything in your life that you wish weren’t so awful? Lucky me, all is going very well. I am grateful!
19. What’s the shallowest thing you intend to do this year? Get my toenails done for the winter (like anyone is going to see them, right)
20. What’s the meaning of life? 39 or is it 43? from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Someone please correct me. Remember, I don't read.
Now the fun part...I get to tag. Unfortunately, I only know 2 people that blog, one of which tagged me, so to Crystal, I tag you. To Deb, when you get your blog up and running (which I hope is soon), I tag you too. And to Holly, I think you should keep a blog and let us know about life in Ohio. Thanks to all of you!
The rules: Remove 1 question from the list below, and add your own personal question to make it a total of 20 questions. Tag 4 people, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged. Whoever does the tag will have blessings from all.
1. At what age do/did you (wish to) marry? at 25 (has it been that long already?)
2. What color do you like most? I have always loved PINK and Barbie,too
3. If you can have a superpower, what would it be? To stop time, or at least pause it for awhile, especially during the good times!
4. What is your favorite past time? Sleeping! I don't get a lot of that at night. See question #17
5. Which part of you do you hate the most? My big ol' arms waving the double bye bye
6. When you get sad, what do you do? Cry. duh.
7. What book are you reading now? Read, moi? I don't think so.
8. If you win $1 million, what would you do with the money? Put it towards retirement since that will be all that I have (401k and social security? yeah, right)
9. What did you love the most about last year (2007)? The birth of my daughter, cliche I know, but true.
10. How did you get your name? I believe it was a toss up between Patricia and Margaret. They like old fashioned names, I guess.
11. What is the moment you regret most? No regrets actually. Of course some of the things I have done and said were not my finest, but still no regrets. We learn from our mistakes, right?
12. What type of person do you hate the most? Hypocrites
13. What is your greatest asset? Family, of course
14. If you had one wish, what would you wish for? That my children live long, healthy and happy lives.
15. How did you celebrate the New Year? That was too long ago, I don't remember. It must not have been very exciting or else I would know.
16. What tv show do you watch that you are embarrassed to tell people about? Although I'm not embarrassed by it at all, I watch Little House on the Prairie a lot! (it's on the Hallmark Channel 3 times a day). I think America needs to watch more Little House and humble ourselves.
17. It’s 2008. What are you looking forward to this year? Natalie sleeping through the night? Hmm. There is still a month and a half until 2009. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
18. Anything in your life that you wish weren’t so awful? Lucky me, all is going very well. I am grateful!
19. What’s the shallowest thing you intend to do this year? Get my toenails done for the winter (like anyone is going to see them, right)
20. What’s the meaning of life? 39 or is it 43? from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Someone please correct me. Remember, I don't read.
Now the fun part...I get to tag. Unfortunately, I only know 2 people that blog, one of which tagged me, so to Crystal, I tag you. To Deb, when you get your blog up and running (which I hope is soon), I tag you too. And to Holly, I think you should keep a blog and let us know about life in Ohio. Thanks to all of you!
'Tis the season for colds....again
Once again the family is down with colds. Daryl took Tuesday off to help recover (and help out with the kids). Henry was sporting a fever of 102 and just wasn't feeling like his usual chipper self. Natalie has a runny nose and a raspy voice but seems to be in good spirits. Me, well I have the worst sinus headache I've ever had. My darn head is about ready to explode. I can't think straight! It's a real bummer, but what are you going to do. I just hope we can all get healthly quickly so that we can enjoy life again.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Thoughts on the Election
NOTE: The following contains opinions re: politics. I am writing this when I am passionate about the attitude of this country. Maybe I should wait a couple days to cool off....nah! Please read at your own risk.
I usually do not partake in conversations/discussions when it comes to religion or politics but this year I seemed to have been immersed in both quite a bit. Regarding the general election, I think I have been bombarded with more political discussions this go around than I have in the last 20 years (since I have been eligible to vote). My conclusion is this:
I usually do not partake in conversations/discussions when it comes to religion or politics but this year I seemed to have been immersed in both quite a bit. Regarding the general election, I think I have been bombarded with more political discussions this go around than I have in the last 20 years (since I have been eligible to vote). My conclusion is this:
- In most of my discussions regarding this topic I have come to the conclusion that Americans are basically ungrateful, spoiled brats. We do not seem to ever be satisfied with what we have, but instead always want more. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. I was really getting frustrated when people were complaining about the "state of this country" and the economy, yet were driving their fancy cars to their fancy luncheons. These are the same people that complain about how much money they don't make yet buy brand new superfluous things without thinking about the ramifications. WHAT HYPOCRITES! I am totally tired of it all.
- Then, the worst is those people that complain about the government yet they don't even vote! Argh! We have this wonderful right (and privilege) in this democratic republic of ours, yet there are so many people that don't use it. Our forefathers and foremothers fought hard for this privilege and in this day and age, people simply do not seem to care. Do they know that our right to vote could be taken away? I say, if you don't exercise your right to vote, you should not exercise your voice to complain.
- I could go on and on with this political rampage of mine, but I will stop now. I just had to get a few things off my chest and vent. I am eager to see what kinds of responses I will get from this post, though.
- In closing, I believe we should all thank God and/or our lucky stars for being a part of country that allows us our freedom and our liberties. They should not be taken for granted, but instead we should be grateful for everything that we have and grateful for the lives that we lead. It can always be a lot worse.
GO VOTE!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
