Friday, November 30, 2007

That Kind of Day

Today is the kind of day where you get home from work, make a hearty soup or chili, light the fireplace and snuggle down by the fire with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Unfortunately, I don't have a fire place. Also, Ryan and I have the John Butler Trio show to go to tonight. Instead of a hearty soup, we will be stopping at Taco Bell to grab a bite to eat before the concert. Oh well, maybe we will have another one of these fall days in a couple years when I have a fireplace... It will still be a great night despite the fact that we will not be near a fire with hot chocolate :).

Hot Chocolate

Life is Like Hot Chocolate

posted by Popat on Oct 24, 2007

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: "Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups. The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate."

All I Want For Christmas

My Chemical Romance

World AIDS Day


Tomorrow is World AIDS Day. Just a few facts... EDUCATE YOURSELF!

What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system-the body's defence against diseases. A person infected with HIV may not have symptoms to start with, but eventually without effective treatment the immune system will become very weak and they will no longer be able to fight off illnesses.


Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?
No. When someone is described as HIV positive, they have the HIV virus in their body. A person is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.


I don't know anyone with HIV... Do I?
There are approximately 70,000 people living with HIV in the UK and about a third of these don't know they are infected. The epidemic is still growing in the UK with around 7,000 new diagnoses every year. Even if someone you know is living with HIV, they may not feel able to tell you.


Is there a cure for HIV?
No, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. People on HIV treatment can live a healthy, active life, although they may experience side effects from the treatment. If HIV is diagnosed late, treatment may be less effective in preventing AIDS.


What's it like living with HIV?
If people with HIV are diagnosed early and respond to treatment they can be healthy, work and have relationships like anyone else and have a long life expectancy.

Coming to terms with an HIV diagnosis and getting used to treatment can be very difficult however, and people living with HIV will often need support from healthcare providers, friends and family, employers and support organisations. Hear real stories from people living with HIV about their experiences.


Why do people find it hard to tell others they are HIV positive?
People living with HIV may find it hard to tell others about their condition as they worry that people will reject them, or they will experience prejudice from friends, family and colleagues. People living with HIV can also experience discrimination in their workplace, in healthcare settings (e.g., GPs and dentists), from members of their local community and through the media.

HIV prejudice is often the result of ignorance about how HIV is passed on and unfounded fear of becoming infected. Encouraging those around us to talk about HIV and find out the facts can help overcome this.

Mr. Rogers

Detroit signed another 1 year contract with Pitcher Kenny Rogers.

Rogers, 43, was to hold an afternoon teleconference in tandem with Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, who had consistently said that Rogers was Detroit's No. 1 choice to help anchor manager Jim Leyland's starting rotation in 2008.

No contract terms were yet available, but it is believed Rogers stands to make something in the vicinity of the $8 million he was paid in each of the last two seasons. It is possible that performance incentives could take the figure higher.

The Tigers-Rogers negotiations were longer and more cumbersome than either party had anticipated, even after Rogers fired Boras as his agent on Nov. 15. Rogers had said last season that he preferred to pitch in Detroit, if he pitched at all in 2008.


Check out more of the article from the Detroit FreePress here.

Winnings

If you are like me, you love free things. I have been collecting 'points' for awards on a couple different stations websites - a morning news station I watch when I am getting ready in the morning (Fox 6) and a morning radio station that I listen to from 7:30 - 10 at work (Channel 93.3). In the last week I have redeemed some of the points I had been collecting through Channel 93.3 and have gotten some pretty sweet things thus far:

Gilmore Girls:
The Complete Seventh Season DVD


After 20-plus years of single motherhood, after a series of Mr. Not-Quite-Rights, after buying that perfect wedding dress and watching it hang in the closet, Lorelai finally gets married. Yes, but to whom? The answer is just one of the deliciously intriguing what’s-gonna- happens in these 22 episodes about a mother, a daughter, a town and a world that devoted Gilmore groupies have taken as their own.

Sharpen your wits for the famed, fast-paced Gilmore dialogue – but let your heart do its thing. From Stars Hollow to New York City to Paris…from Lorelai’s wedding to Lane’s baby shower to Rory’s graduation… from beginning to middle to end…here's Season 7.


and

Festival of Lights at the Wild Animal Park:
Four (4) Tickets
The San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park illuminates the holiday season this December with "Festival of Lights." Celebrations begin on December 7 and the holiday activities continue each evening until December 23 and again December 26 through December 30.

Progressing through the larger-than-life lighted figures guests can enjoy holiday lights. The celebration continues with the rush of sliding down a real snow hill. There are holiday crafts, face painting, cookie decorating for kids of all ages and a variety of entertainment throughout the Wild Animal Park. Santa can be found mingling with children in the new Discovery Station and will be available for souvenir photo opportunities through December 23.

For a better look at the lighted atmosphere guests can take a ride on Balloon Safari (this is not included with tickets; there is an additional fee); comfortably floating onboard the silent, tethered helium balloon 400 feet above the ground. Guests will have opportunities for in up-close exotic animal encounters and nighttime safaris aboard the Journey Into Africa tour.


Before these two prizes I won 4 tickets to Disneyland and got to go on the Nemo Ride before anyone else was able to get in. I LOVE free stuff!!

No Way!

Is that a bird? No. Is it a plane? No. Then what is that strange thing in the sky? IT'S RAIN!! We are finally getting some rain. Check it out. We might even get a whole 1/2 inch of rain over the next 2 days, whoo hoo. I know, I know, it is sad, but we have to take what we can get. I guess that's what you give up to live in SUNNY San Diego. I am actually glad it doesn't rain more, 'cause MAN, NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO DRIVE WHEN IT ISN'T SUNNY!! Send these people to the Midwest and let's see them try to drive, GOLLY GEE!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Holiday Mailing

I thought it would be helpful for everyone if you knew when you needed to ship things by to make sure they get their by Christmas (whether it be gifts, cards, etc). I went on the US Postal Service website and got the info to share.

Holiday Mailing Guidelines within the U.S.

Anywhere in the U.S.

Letters and Cards - Dec 20

Priority Mail® - Dec 20

Express Mail® - Dec 22

Parcel Post® - Dec 15



Make sure all your goodies get there on time :).

Trolley Shots

I took a bunch of shots over at the Trolley stop on my lunch break today. I couldn't pick them all for my photo of the day, so I thought I would post a couple here :).




The Office

FED UP MICHAEL RETURNS FROM HIS JAMAICAN VACATION AS THE OFFICE PREPARES FOR A NIGHT OF INVENTORY - Still in "vacation mode" after his trip to Jamaica, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) tries to hang on to his relaxed island vibe despite a wave of office hassles. But it becomes too much when an e-mail containing a racy vacation photo is forwarded around the office. Pam (Jenna Fischer) gets caught in the middle as Jim (John Krasinski) and Karen (guest star Rashida Jones) argue.

Yes, this is a re-run, but still a GREAT one!!

Happy Men

Got this in an email and thought it was funny so I wanted to post it.

Men Are Just Happier People -- What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can play with toys all your life. One wallet and one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

800


Post 800! Wowser. Who knew that last year when I started this blog it would transpire into something that I would continue with. I hope you enjoy it. I started it so that it would just be something I could do to waste time, but now I actually enjoy it.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Contacts in the South

I am looking for contacts with schools in the south (Florida, Georgia, etc) to connect an awesome couple with. They are currently traveling around the country in an RV run by discarded veggie oils. I think they are doing a great thing. You can check out their blog and the info about their tour here: http://livelightlytour.com/about-the-tour/. They are looking for schools (or local businesses) to set up short demonstrations at, to show people how they are living, the ease of living 'lightly', etc. I wanted to check in with you to see if this would be something that you would be able to help out with. If you would be willing to help, let me know and I can pass along your info to the family. If you know of anyone who may be interested in helping out (it doesn't just have to be at a school either), let me know and I can contact them to see if they would be able to help out.

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning house, while necessary for all, is a very personal issue. Don't worry about other people's standards. Decide what "clean" means to you and keep house accordingly. Above all, use your time effectively. Here's how:


Establish Priorities
Identify which tasks absolutely have to be done, which ones should be done and which ones would be nice to get done. Work on them in that order and forget about all others.

Set Time Limits
You can accomplish quite a bit in several 10- or 20-minute periods. Keep your cleaning schedule flexible so you can change it if something unexpected comes up. Do what you can when you can.

Delegate
Teach your kids how to fold laundry, vacuum, dust, unload the dishwasher, make their beds and prepare their breakfasts, lunches and snacks. Enlist teens to help with big jobs like washing windows and floors and cleaning cabinets and woodwork.

Finish Tasks
Complete one project before you start another.

Two-Timing
Make double use of your time -- straighten the coat closet while waiting for the car pool; clean kitchen counters while talking on the telephone.

A Family Affair
Set aside at least two hours once or twice a week for cleaning. Write down all necessary tasks on slips of paper and put them in bowl according to difficulty. Every family member chooses from the appropriate bowl. Enforce the rule that everyone helps with some cleaning task during that time.

Spill Savvy
Wipe up spills as soon as possible. The sooner you clean up, the easier it is to remove stains completely.

Minimize Spring Cleaning
Clean as needed. Systematic, regular cleaning minimizes the need for heavy-duty seasonal cleaning.

Dirt Defense
You can keep your house cleaner by preventing outdoor dirt from getting in. Use doormats and boot scrapers. As needed, sweep sidewalks, steps and stairwells leading to your home.
If you have the space, set up a mudroom, where wet and soiled clothing and boots can be removed and stored.
To reduce airborne dust, regularly vacuum registers and radiators. Change the filters in your air conditioners and furnace, following the manufacturer's instructions. If you have severe allergies, hire a professional yearly to clean heating and ventilation ducts to reduce dust and molds.

Wonderful Time

Paper in the Window

BEWARE OF PAPER IN THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE

NEW WAY TO DO CAR JACKING


You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into Reverse.

When you look into the rear view mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off.

They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the car jacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!

BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED....

If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this.

A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands.

Pro Bowl

VOTE FOR SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER:
KASSIM OSGOOD & LINEBACKER STEPHEN COOPER FROM THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS!!!

VOTE FOR ALL THE CHARGERS TO REPRESENT SAN DIEGO IN THE 2008 NFL PRO BOWL:

STEPHEN COOPER
CLINTON HART
JAMAL WILLIAMS
LADAINIAN TOMLINSON
LORENZO NEAL
ANTONIO GATES
DARREN SPROLES
MIKE SCIFRES
MATT WILHELM
ANTONIO CROMARTIE
SHAWNE MERRIMAN
PHILIP RIVERS
IGOR OLSHANSKY
SHAUN PHILLIPS
LUIS CASTILLO



VOTE NOW UNTIL DECEMBER 15TH @ NFL.COM
YOU CAN VOTE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT!!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

PUPPY POWER

Mom just sent over a picture of Tucker and Q. Enjoy!!

Tucker is the white faced boy and Q is the brown faced pup. Look like lazy dogs to me, just chillaxin' on mom and dad's bed. :)

Hawthorne Heights

Hawthorne Heights Guitarist Dies on Bus

NEW YORK (Nov. 26) - Hawthorne Heights guitarist Casey Calvert passed away Friday on the band's tour bus in Washington, D.C. He was 25.

The cause of death has yet to be announced, although early reports suggest it may be related to acute asthma.

In addition to guitar, Calvert was also the group's screamer.

"At this time we're not sure what exactly happened. Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed," the band wrote in a Nov. 24 post on its Web site.

"We can say with absolute certainty that he was not doing anything illegal. Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don't contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear," the statement continues. "We don't want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable."

Hawthorne Heights was to be on the road through Dec. 21 as part of the Wintour '07 with Amber Pacific, Escape The Fate, the A.K.A.s, and the Secret Handshake.

The group has begun work on its next studio album, but progress has been stalled by an ongoing lawsuit between it and Victory Records.

Stretch Your Legs

Taking a long flight this Christmas? Stretch your legs
Posted: Nov 20th 2007 3:09PM
by Martha Edwards


Flying or driving long distances this holiday season? Many of you are, and some are even heading a long-haul trips that can not only leave you uncomfortable, but can put your health at risk too if you develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT.) So what can you do you make your travels more comfortable? Here are some tips:

**Wear loose clothing and avoid tight socks or leggings
**Extend your feet as much as possible to increase your circulation
**If you're driving, stop every two hours and get out of the car.
**If you're flying, stand up at least as often and change your position whenever possible.
**Drink lots of water. This will keep your blood flowing and it will keep you moving --to the bathroom!

10 easy ways to green your home

The 10 easiest ways to green your home
Being earth-friendly doesn't require going solar or growing all your own food. There are plenty of easy ways to make a big difference.

By Ann Archer

When it comes to the environment, being a good global citizen starts at your doorstep. From recycling to using alternative cleaning materials, minor changes at home can add up to real benefits for the planet, not to mention your own health and happiness.

It may be a cliché, but the best way to be Earth-friendly is to cut down on what you consume and recycle whenever you can. The U.S. generates about 208 million tons of municipal solid waste a year, according to the National Institutes of Health. That's more than 4 pounds per person per day. Every little bit helps; recycling just one glass bottle saves enough electricity to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours.

Here are 10 more easy ways to green your home:

1. Green up your appliances. Getting rid of that old refrigerator in the garage could save you as much as $150 a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Appliance use comprises about 18% of a typical home’s total energy bill, with the fridge being one of the biggest energy hogs. If any of your appliances is more than 10 years old, the EPA suggests replacing them with energy-efficient models that bear their "Energy Star" logo. Energy Star-qualified appliances use 10%-50% less energy and water than standard models. According to the Energy Star site, if just one in 10 homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would be equivalent to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees.

Also, consider what you put in that energy-efficient refrigerator. Pesticides, transportation and packaging are all things to consider when stocking up. Buying local cuts down on the fossil fuels burned to get the food to you while organic foods are produced without potentially harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

2. Watch the temp. Almost half a home's energy consumption is due to heating and cooling.

Turn down the thermostat in cold weather and keep it higher in warm weather. Each degree below 68°F (20°C) during colder weather saves 3%-5% more heating energy, while keeping your thermostat at 78°F in warmer weather will save you energy and money. A programmable thermostat will make these temperature changes for you automatically.

Clean your furnace's air filter monthly during heavy usage.

Consider a new furnace. Today's furnaces are about 25% more efficient than they were in the 1980s. (And don't forget to check out furnaces carrying the Energy Star label.)

To keep your cool in warmer weather, shade your east and west windows and delay heat-generating activities such as dishwashing until evening.

Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners. Light clothing in summer is typically comfortable between 72°F and 78°F. But moving air feels cooler, so a slow-moving fan easily can extend the comfort range to 82°F, according to "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings" by Alex Wilson.

3. Save water. The Web site "Water -- Use it Wisely," created by a group of Arizona cities, lists 100 simple ways to save water. We’ll share just a few here:

Put an aerator on all household faucets and cut your annual water consumption by 50%.

Install a low-flow toilet. They use only 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to 3.5 gallons per flush for pre-1994 models. If you have an older model, adjust your float valve to admit less water into the toilet's tank.
Of course, you don't need products to save water -- behavioral changes also add up quickly: using a broom instead of the garden hose to clean your driveway can save 80 gallons of water and turning the water off when you brush your teeth will save 4.5 gallons each time.

4. Clean green. Stop buying household cleaners that are potentially toxic to both you and the environment. In his book, "The Safe Shopper's Bible," David Steinman suggests reading labels for specific, eco-friendly ingredients that also perform effectively. These include grain alcohol instead of toxic butyl cellosolve, commonly found in carpet cleaner and some window cleaners as a solvent; coconut or other plant oils rather than petroleum in detergents; and plant-oil disinfectants such as eucalyptus, rosemary or sage rather than triclosan, an antifungal agent found in soaps and deodorant. Or, skip buying altogether and make your own cleaning products. Use simple ingredients such as plain soap, water, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), vinegar, washing soda (sodium carbonate), lemon juice and borax and save money at the same time. Check out these books by Annie Bertold-Bond for cleaning recipes: "Clean and Green" and "Better Basics for the Home."

5. Let there be energy-efficient light. Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 32-watt CFL can save $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.

6. Save a tree, use less paper. You can buy "tree-free" 100% post-consumer recycled paper for everything from greeting cards to toilet paper. Paper with a high post-consumer waste content uses less virgin pulp and keeps more waste paper out of landfills.

Other tips:

Remove yourself from junk mail lists. Each person will receive almost 560 pieces of junk mail this year, which adds up nationally to 4.5 million tons, according to the Native Forest Network. About 44% of all junk mail is thrown in the trash, unopened and unread, and ends up in a landfill. To stem the flow into your own home, contact the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service at P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512, or download the online form. Opt out of credit card or insurance offers at OptOutPrescreen.com or by calling 888-567-8688, a single automated phone line maintained by the major credit bureaus.

Buy unbleached paper. Many paper products, including some made from recycled fibers, are bleached with chlorine. The bleaching process can create harmful byproducts, including dioxins, which accumulate in our air, water and soil over time.
Finally, here's a third answer to the old "paper or plastic" question: No thanks. Carry your own cloth bags to the store to avoid using store bags.

7. Want hardwood floors? Opt for bamboo. Bamboo is considered an environmentally friendly flooring material due to its high yield and the relatively fast rate at which it replenishes itself. It takes just four to six years for bamboo to mature, compared to 50-100 years for typical hardwoods. Just be sure to look for sources that use formaldehyde-free glues.

8. Reduce plastics, reduce global warming. Each year, Americans throw away some 100 billion polyethylene plastic bags -- from grocery and trash bags to those ultra-convenient sandwich bags. Unfortunately, plastics are made from petroleum -- the processing and burning of which is considered one of the main contributors to global warming, according to the EPA. In addition, sending plastics to the landfill also increases greenhouse gases. Reduce, re-use and recycle your plastics for one of the best ways to combat global warming.

9. Use healthier paint. Conventional paints contain solvents, toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause smog, ozone pollution and indoor air quality problems with negative health effects, according to the EPA. These unhealthy ingredients are released into the air while you’re painting, while the paint dries and even after the paints are completely dry. Opt instead for zero- or low-VOC paint, made by most major paint manufacturers today.

10. Garden green. First, use compost instead of synthetic fertilizers. Compost provides a full complement of soil organisms and the balance of nutrients needed to maintain the soil’s well-being without the chemicals of synthetic fertilizers. And healthy soil minimizes weeds and is key to producing healthy plants, which in turn can prevent many pest problems from developing to begin with.

Use native plants as much as possible. Native plants have adapted over time to the local environment and support native animals. They also use less water and require less of your attention.

Focus on perennials. Gardening with plants that live for more than one year means you don't have to pay for new plants every year; it also saves the resources used commercially to grow annuals.

Stop using chemical pesticides. American households use 80 million pounds of pesticides each year, according to the EPA. These toxic chemicals escape gardens and concentrate in the environment, posing threats to animals and people, especially children. A better alternative is to try a variety of organic and physical pest control methods, such as using diatomaceous earth to kill insects, pouring boiling water on weeds or using beer to bait slugs. You can find more non-chemical pest control tips at the National Audubon Society's site.

Finally, consider using an old-fashioned push mower. The only energy expended is yours.

Zhen Zhen

Cub's name unveiled!
(November 26, 2007)
With the sounds of traditional Chinese music and the performance of a Chinese dance troupe in lion costumes, the Zoo unveiled the name of its 16-week-old giant panda cub. Zhen Zhen, which means precious, garnered more than 50,000 votes or 36 percent.

After sorting through more than 2,400 names submitted by San Diego Zoo visitors, the Zoo's giant panda team narrowed the names down to four and gave people all over the world the opportunity to vote for their favorite through an online naming poll earlier this month.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Painting Pots

We also went and painted pots at a ceramics place Saturday afternoon. Ryan's mom painted a plate, his dad painted a cross, Ryan painted a mug, and I also painted a mug. We get to go pick them up Friday after 5. I will post the after pictures when we get them back, and I'm sure we can run a contest to see who's turned out better, but here are the before pictures.
Jamie's Cross:

Inside my mug:

Outside of my mug:

Ryan's mug:

Charlene's plate:

After we painted pots we went and saw Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. It was a cute movie. My mom told me some of the critics were saying it was a 'waste of time', but I disagree. I would definitely recommend it!!

Go Bolts!

Sunday I went to my first ever NFL game. It was a lot of fun. I live about 5 minutes from the stadium, and on days that there are home games I can hear the announcers in my apartment. It was fun seeing the game LIVE. It was also ever better that WE WON!! The Chargers are back above .500, which is nice :). We were in section 7. The seats were on about the 40 yard line. I don't think there is a bad seat in Qualcomm.
AT&T gave out Cheer Cards:

Ryan and I with our cheer card:

The Q:

End zone:

The McClurgs:

Saturday Surf

Saturday morning we all went down to the beach and watched Ryan surf. The waves weren't that great, but it was still nice. He is always stoked to surf and wants his parents to see he has gotten better, so we tried to show his progress off :). The weather was awesome all weekend, about 65 or 70 and sunny.
The beach:

The beach:

Me bundled up before we headed out:

Black Friday

Our 'Black Friday' was anything but black, it was nice and cheery and DISNEY-FILLED! Disneyland is soooo fun. I don't think I have ever had a bad time when I have been in Mickey's land. :) Ryan's parents took Ryan and I to Disney on Black Friday. I originally thought it was going to be very busy, seeing as kids are out of school and families are all together, but I think people were actually out at the malls getting their shopping done. I was so happy to see the whole place decked out in the Christmas decorations. Yay. I took a ton of pictures. They totally redid Haunted Mansion, all covered in Nightmare Before Christmas stuff - AWESOME. They also redid some of the It's a Small World ride and they little people were signing Christmas songs and had it all lit up fun. The castle has snow all on it (yes, it was fake, but pretty nonetheless). They also made it snow in the evening, with bubbles, it was so fun, especially for kids that haven't seen or played in snow, what an experience. I took like 175 pictures, so make sure you check them out, but here are a few of the top picks :).
We saw Mickey:

Jack at the Haunted Mansion:

The castle with the 'snow' on it:

Ryan and I on It's a Small World:

The castle lit up at night:

The fake snow in the sky:

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a nice day, and I hope yours was as well. Ryan's parents flew into town last Tuesday (and are flying out today), so we were able to spend Thanksgiving with them. Ryan and I made a yummy three cheese lasagna (well, it was supposed to be 3 cheese, but Ryan wanted to add some of the 4 cheese nacho cheese, so it turned into a 7 cheese lasagna). His parents had Tommy the Turkey. We had a bunch of sides; mashed potatoes, veggies, rolls, and pie. Ryan loves the blueberry pie, so they had to get one of those. Ryan's mom and I did crafts, we painted some holiday wood hangings - I did the snowman and she did the Santa. My snowman is on my front door now. Here are a few pictures. Check out the rest of them if you haven't already under My Photos on the side bar.
Ryan's pie:

The crafts Charlene and I did:

Ryan making mashed potatoes:

Thanksgiving daisies:

Pictures Are Up

I have posted my 200+ pictures from this past weekend; Thanksgiving, Disney, Painting Pots, Beach, Chargers Game, Etc. Check them out here. There will be stories up later (just trying to catch up on all the work that needs to be done right now though).

Animal Rescue

Hi, all you animal lovers. This is pretty simple... The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (how about 20 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box "fund food for animals" for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

John Butler Trio

Ryan and I will be going to see John Butler Trio next Friday. I was originally looking into buying him tickets to the show for Christmas, but with all of the fees and taxes the two tickets were going to cost me over $80. Ryan sent me an email yesterday and said that the venue that the show is at sent him an email for a 2-for-1 Tuesday deal, that you could buy two tickets for the price of one if you purchase them on Tuesday. He looked into it and buying them that way was less than the cost of one (a totaly of only about $35 for the two tickets). I have never been to a show like this (it is a little slower and folk'ier than I am used to). Ryan loves JBT, so if it will make Ryan happy (and I have to say it I enjoy it a little more than I used to) I will go. I will probably put up some pictures after the show, but just thought I would blog about it before I forget. Check out the website if you'd like to hear a little of their stuff.