hi. come visit me. =)

So there will be traveling to Washington the last week of June. I'll have to get Mary to post on her ideal weekend for you peoples to come - hopefully it's ideal for you as well. Aside from the wedding she mentioned early July (which I guess she might be ok with skipping) it looks to me like July 6-8 might be perfect. I mean, I'm free most anytime for now, but it would be super if Mary wasn't on rotation when you came, yes?

Friday free-for-all

• Ask Andy about the incident involving Mr. Blue and a large piece of Glad Peel ‘n’ Stick. (He’s having trouble blogging because the new Google interface is giving him fits—is anyone else having trouble?)

• The Nebraska Andersons really want to invade Madtown this summer. It would be nice to set the dates now so we can set work schedules and whatnot. June and the first part of July are pretty open for us right now.

• Headbands are wonderful disguises for bad hair days.

• Alpha Phi sorority wins the Most Annoying Sign Award for writing “Alpha Phiesta on FRIDAY!!!!!” in sidewalk chalk all over the union plaza.

• I’m very proud of all my siblings. They’re making some very grown-up decisions this month and are handling it well, I think.

• I wonder what Mom & Dad think of all this. They’re very supportive of us & have always encouraged us to make our own decisions about the future, but I still wonder if they’re secretly freaking out that their little birds are flying away from the nest.

• My friend Chris bought Dad some beer at the Beaver bar on Saturday night. For the record, Chris is not from the Beaver area, so the mere fact that he was at the Beaver bar is strange enough. But Chris & Blaine partying together? That’s just … wrong.

• We’re getting new carpet on Monday and Tuesday! While I was in Boston, Andy installed new kitchen flooring. I’ll post a picture when everything is finished & looking spiffy.
  

Spring Break- LAS VEGAS!

Now that I'm almost recovered from my trip to Las Vegas, I can share some little tidbits.

• The weather was approximately 85 degrees during the day and around 80 degrees at night which was perfect for skirt/dress wear. I also sported my bikini at the pool and tried to get a tan. The minute I landed in Nebraska the cold air sucked my tan away. Darn it!
• We went to a lot of hot clubs such as Pure, the Pussycat Dolls Lounge, Ghostbar, the Playboy Club, and Tangerine. I decided that if I was in search of a sugar daddy, the club scene would be the place to go. I felt that I lost my hotness while in Vegas because the only men that hit on me and my friends were the taxi drivers and waiters.
  
• The food at all the restaurants was amazing. They actually flavored food with herbs and spices, not mayo and crispy coating. I tried some dishes that I never thought I would (like raw fish. And then I realized it was raw and I stopped eating it for fear that I'd get food poisoning.)

• The shopping was AMAZING! They had two Sephora's within three blocks of each other. I found some great buys and now I can spice up my look a little. I also shopped at Forever 21 and found some amazingly cute summer dresses. It was great to get all fancied up in Las Vegas. And even better, no matter what I wore, I didn't stick out because there was bound to be some other gomer walking around looking more country than I probably did!

Overall, the trip was great. The flight home was interesting though. I had a couple Lindsey's age next to me and they madeout the whole three hour flight, and the flight attendants sitting right behind me were retelling their stories of while drunkeness from the night before. Just a little side note: Apparently strippers put Vasoline on their poles for optimal sliding ability. Without this you will have bruises up and down your arms and legs, so said the female flight attendant.

give me a high-five, yo.

After being out of the office for 3 days, I still managed to cross EVERYTHING off my to-do list today. That happens maybe, oh, once every six months.

"spring break"

Did I ever happen to share with you what my friend and I are doing with our spring break funds? Permanent hair removal - underarms and bikini. Intense pulsed light therapy is offered at one of the health clinics in Madison, the one where I go to for physician appointments. It is a little pricey, but to never have to worry about shaving there or having razor burn where bikini bottoms rub (sorry for the imagery) for the rest of my life sounds so wonderful. Prepping for lake/pool time will be much easier. Our consult is in a couple weeks, though I'm not sure when we're actually doing it. It'll take a few sessions, but I hope to have it done by early summer at the latest.

By the way, I'm SO not able to focus well today. Studying has been somewhat sporadic and I'm having Paul over to eat tonight, so I should be getting stuff done before then. Send me your inspiration - I've been practicing telepathy, so I'm thinking it'll work fine. =)

So, I was thinking...

I've been daydreaming a lot lately about my aspirations, and even though I'm sure my future lies in health care, I've recently discovered my dream careers. I'm sure that none of you will be surprised, but do feel free to laugh if necessary.

• Singer: This one is tough because I feel that over the years my voice has worsened, and when I was watching "The Real Housewives of Orange County" the other night, there was a 20 something singer wanna-be and she really sucked badly. I have a feeling that no matter how many whistles and buttons a recording studio has, I would still sound horrible.
• Backup Dancer: This one would really float my boat!!!! I watch meaningless shows like "The Next Pussycat Doll", "Dancelife", and Christian Aguilara videos and I find myself salivating at the thought of being on stage shakin' my groove thang for thousands of people.
  
• Actress: This would be a neat career to have. I mean, think of how many hunky guys you could makeout with and how many awards ceremonies that you could get all dolled up for? Who would'nt want that. And, as embarressing as this is to admit, when I read PEOPLE magazine I wish that paparazzi were trying to click pictures of me when I'm walking in a park or something.

Okay, so I just realized that by listing shows that I watch it makes me seem really self-absorbed with appearances. Quite the contrary, I just find watching no-brain TV very relaxing after a hard day full of tests and class.

Anyway, I was just wondering, Andy, since you have so many things you still aspire to be as well, do you think you could add agent to the list? You'd get to stay in my guest house with the pool once I'm famous! LOL A girl can dream right?

It's official: I am sick of shopping.

I wasted a ridiculous amount of time in malls this weekend. I was looking for jeans and khakis, and the only thing I carried away was a $5.50 can of Ghiradelli hot chocolate mix and a bruised ego. Who do clothing manufacturers have in mind when they're designing clothes? I refuse to believe that I'm a freak of nature just because I have hips and thighs, as do 98% of the women I know.

Shopping has stopped being fun. I'm tired of dealing with the crowds, fake-nice salesgirls who don't have a clue how to fit anyone over a size 4, and unflattering styles. Fortunately, quite a few clothing boutiques have opened in Lincoln during the past year. I'm vowing to give them a try even though it's less convenient to drive to several locations rather than a mall. However, I'm willing to sacrifice convenience for good customer service and better merchandise.

Who wants to join my Ban the Mall movement?

Who?

http://www.myspace.com/mikejones

So who wants to go to Milwaukee with me on March 30th to see him?

Wednesday Musings

• Well, the fall semester of classes came out and it looks like none of my remaining classes conflict with each other, so I'll get to graduate again. So I got that going. One step closer to being ordained!
• My favorite work event of the whole year is Friday. I was in school with a male baton twirler that was the best in the world. Yes, he was the marching band feature twirler, but he was a manly man, so don't rip that.... Anyway, super active on campus, probably woudl have been homecoming king at NU, and in all the top honoraries. Anyway, he also did motivational speaking, and was killed by a fatigued driver on teh way to a speech on graduation day his senior year. Anyway, I'm on a small group that came up with the idea to build a memorial fountain on campus in his memory and it will be right outside the alumni center. Anyway, a big fundraising dinner for that on Friday that will put us over the top and we will break ground! Anyway, not the biggest impact I've had at work, but the first thing that was kindof my idea that will be built in granite on campus and be there a while. It's a very cool feeling. It will be even cooler when its done next fall.
• I wish NU had a basketball team. Looks liek Wisconsin is doing OK.
• So how easy is it to get wisconsin football tickets? I hang with 8 guys that do a college football tour each year where we invade a city and just hang out on campus for 3 days -- well this year, the group picked the Iowa-Wisconsin game. How hard is it to get tickets without paying way too much?
• So I've been sick and I lost a little bit of weight, but I'm bummed. I basically lost a month of strength I had built up working out htis winter. Sad.
• Crazy week in the markets. I don't even know what to say. I;ve been warning about the asian markets for a long time, and they finally crashed yesterday, takign the world economy down with it.
  

P.S. (pre-script, not post-script)

I have two über exams this week (Monday night and Wednesday morning) that I've been busy studying for, but after them I'll write a whopping awesome post. Until then, I wanted to tell all I accepted a pharmacy internship at Walmart on the east side of Madison for this summer. And so far, I haven't sucked at this semester so I'm going to try to keep that up. =)

So maybe you could just sit there and anticipate my next post, yes?

I have a spring in my step today

because it's a glorious 47 degrees outdoors. Yesterday I went on a 45-minute walk OUTSIDE. The streets were slushy and wet, but the trails were dry. Then I washed my car for the first time since Christmas. The weather is supposed to stay nice until Saturday, when we're supposed to get a thunderstorm, ice, and snow in the same day. I can't wait. Thundersnow happens only once or twice a year. It's creepy, like something out a sci-fi movie where the world is about to end, but awesome.

I also went to Joann's Fabrics yesterday and stocked up on card-making supplies. I bought a huge stack of assorted bright cardstock for 50% off, some inexpensive polka dot and striped accent paper, bubble alphabet stickers, and some random doodads. Oh, and I splurged on a circle cutter, which is more difficult to use than I anticipated. I've mutilated some of my beautiful cardstock already. Maybe I need to buy the special rubberized mat to put underneath the cutter rather than relying on cardboard?

I went to one of my high school friend's weddings on Saturday. At the reception, I sat with some twins who were a year behind me in school. They have six kids between them, which is mindboggling. When did everyone become such grown-ups?

I hadn't intended on writing Monday Musings, but that's what it turned into. Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

To-do list

So, I get my MBA finished off in December and I've been trying to decide how I want to stay busy. I've assembled an entire list of certifications and whatnot that I want to get in the next year. It's going to get a bit busy.

• I want to get notarized. I mean, how cool will it be to verify other people's identity and stuff? Plus, you get to learn all the juicy stuff in documents you are required to review.
• I want to learn the guitar. I know some of the basics, but I want to learn how to play guitar and record some nice little acoustic numbers I've been playing with.
• I want to get ordained. Yup, you can get ordained on the internet now. Cole and I are going to do this together. We've talked about it and think it is a swell idea.
  
• I want to get a real estate license. I mean seriously, all it takes is passing a couple tests, and I'm good at cramming, and I can list my friends houses when they sell, only charge like 1% and clean up. Plus, sell our own home when it's time to upgrade.
• PBA certification -- so I can be an official bowling instructor and run tourneys. This is another Cole and I plan to do together.
• I want to get scuba certified and pass a Class 3 and Class 4 whitewater rafting pass. Is there good whitewater rafting in Wisconsin? If so, perhaps we can knock that one out if we come visit.

I'm sure I will add more to it. But this is a pretty good, diverse list for starters.

Suggestions are welcome.

The dog days of winter

I've decided that February is a lot like August. In August, we're sick and tired of summer & breaking into a sweat the moment we walk outdoors. We can't stop thinking about the crisp, cool days of autumn. In February, we're so sick and tired of winter and the cold & ice that we feel borderline homicidal and CAN'T WAIT until the trees start blooming and the grass turns green again. Nothing makes me appreciate a season more than living through the suckiness of another.

This year I discovered that polarfleece sweatpants make winter much more bearable. Andy is in love with his Wigwam wool socks. Nevertheless, the J.Crew spring catalog still has me daydreaming about flip flops and cute skirts. It looks like yellow is going to be the hot color of 2007. Normally I avoid yellow because I think it makes me look pale & sickly, but this winter muckiness makes me want to give it another try. Maybe yellow accessories would be a good compromise?

Here's a photo to remind everyone of better days to come ...

[sigh]

Why is it so unbelievably expensive to buy healthy groceries?!? I just spent over $80! It'll probably last two weeks, and I tend to feed Mary and Paul at times, but STILL. It's all fresh produce, some salmon (I realize that one's a splurge), and a little dairy. EEK. Rightfully, I'll lose weight from all this tasty health stuff and then need less food and spend less money. So this is really an investment.

P.S. Check out my "gifts" on facebook. What's with that?

When New Surprises Come From Old Friends

Tonight after work I got together at my apartment with my friend, Chase. For those who need a little reminder he is my friend that is in the seminary to become a priest. We decided to watch Shrek 2 and eat some health Pizza Hut pizza (just kidding). Anyway, after the movie was over I was flipping through channels. My favorite show was on, which happens to be "Sex and the City." It also happened that the only other thing on TV was really lame. I asked with caution if it was okay to watch the show and he replied, "Of course it's okay. It's your favorite right?" How nice!

I was nervous at first. I mean these women constantly talk about one night stands, and it just so happened that the first episode included some pot smoking by the ladies. But, none of this phased Chase a bit. In fact, he just asked me questions about their style, such as my thoughts on Samantha's oversided sunglasses (of which I don't like) and on women's tatics in dating. I know this will sound weird, but in a way, Chase is like the gay guy that you can talk about everything with because deep down, you know he'll never want to get in your pants!

Abs of steel, no longer

I can handle that I've started using eye cream to keep the wrinklies away. I didn't even freak out when the 16-year-old at American Eagle told me they no longer stock my favorite pair of jeans because they're selling only uber-low-cut styles these days. But I've been VERY disappointed to learn in the past year or so that I can no longer pig out on junk food like I used to. Not because of the weight thing, but because my body feels like total crap (literally and figuratively) when I do. I ate too many Hershey's Kissables & conversation hearts last night, and I woke up with a pounding headache that still hasn't gone away. It's like an alcohol-free hangover. ugh.

What are their mothers thinking?!

It's been awhile since I've shopped at Victoria's Secret, but I had a $25 gift card burning a hole in my pocket so I stopped there in hopes of finding a super-cute pajama set. (which I did find, by the way -- a lavender cami and pants with white polka-dots!)

I hadn't been in the store for more than three minutes when four or five junior-high age girls walked in. The rest of the customers and I stared at them in disgust as they rifled through piles of thongs and PINK sweatpants and squealing in a way that only 11- and 12-year-olds can. You could tell that everyone in the store was asking themselves the same question: Why in God's name are these little girls shopping for thongs and sexy underpants?

It would be easy to blame VS. After all, when VS created the PINK line for the 16- to 22-year-old demographic, it unwittingly hit a gold mine when middle schoolers started buying its merchandise, too. But blaming VS oversimplifies the issue, in my opinion. The real problem lies with parents who are basically okay with their young daughters dressing like hoochies--even if the hooch-wear is concealed. (Let's hope so, at least.)

I guess the VS incident touched a nerve because it's just one more example of little girls turning into mini sorority girls in the blink of an eye. I don't think I'll offend any of you when I say that we weren't cute 12-year-olds. We had glasses, braces, possibly bad skin, maybe were a bit too chubby or a smidge too skinny. But guess what? Everyone else was a dork too! These days, I don't see many awkward 12-year-olds walking around. They have expensive highlights and Coach satchels and PINK sweatpants. True, this seems to be a bigger trend among the more affluent families, but I find it disturbing nonetheless.

Let's face it: VS doesn't just sell underwear. It sells an image, and that image is BE SEXY. Whether you're a glamour girl or a girl next door, VS has a sexy look for you. Twelve-year-olds shouldn't be trying to act sexy. Pubescent girls are massively insecure as it is. Why add the burden of trying to figure out what it means to be sexy when 12-year-olds are still children emotionally, even if they have signs of physical maturity?

Can we get back to the days when kids bought their underroos in a Hanes 6-pack until they were at least 16?

The price we pay for beauty

I'm sitting in front of the computer with honey and oatmeal on my face.

After a day of cooking up a storm, studying, and laundry, I decided I'd spend the last hour of my Sunday pampering myself. God only knows why I thought a homemade face mask was a good idea. I haven't done this since high school, and you'd think a nine-year absence from home beauty projects gone awry would've stopped me.

Anyhoo, I surfed the web to find recipes that didn't involve rose water, clay, or egg whites because a) who has a stash of rose water and clay? and b) eww, Salmonella City NEAR MY MOUTH.

I smell good, like a loaf of honey-oat bread. But I didn't realize how HARD it would be to make the oatmeal stick to my face. So there I was, standing at my bathroom sink, slapping on this goo like I was applying stucco to a house.

(hold on, will return in 2.2)

(okay, it's been more like 5 minutes)

I also forgot that most bathroom sink drains are not equipped to handle food product, so I rinsed myself over the kitchen sink. The verdict: While my face is baby-soft (and surprisingly un-sticky) I think I'll buy a premade mask at Bath and Body Works if I ever have another urge to mask.

brace yourselves ... it's a long one

Our family has spent 2007 cleaning up the emotional sludge of 2006—and the last four decades, really.

In summary: Grandma died last February, grandpa & uncle’s personal lives spiraled out of control as they dealt with grief, family ties started unraveling shortly after. Messy, messy stuff that’s really too personal for a blog but I’d share in person.

I’m painting a pretty grim picture so far, but the emotional cleanup is probably the healthiest thing we’ve done in ages. You see, our family avoids conflict at all cost. Any discussions about family problems happen behind closed doors, and nobody ever confronts the person they’re upset or worried about. We vent to each other, try to move on, and not surprisingly, nothing ever changes.

With the help of a mediator, last week we finally started to talk honestly about some issues that we’d buried for months, years, or even decades. There was a lot of crying. There were a lot of exclamations of “I had no idea that happened!” It was painful to listen to and even more painful to share.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I feel better than I have in at least a year. Mediation didn’t magically solve our problems, but at least the secrets are gone. I don’t expect us to turn into the perfect family (which doesn’t exist anyway, IMO), but I know we’re taking away many lessons from this ordeal—the big one being that secrecy gets us nowhere. It’s easier in the short term but can become problematic over time. I can’t tell you how often I’ve avoided talking to someone about a problem because a) I’m afraid of hurting and/or pissing someone off; b) I don’t know how to approach the topic; or c) We’re having a good time together and I don’t want to ruin the mood. In the end, however, it robs us of the opportunity to truly understand each other and people wind up with hurt feelings anyway.

I’d never think of behaving this way with Andy because I’m smart enough to realize that conflict avoidance is a fine way to screw up a marriage. So why haven’t I done the same thing with my family? I’m hopeful this will be a turning point for all of us.

I hear it's official ...

that there will be an Anderson reunion next weekend! Woot! I can't wait. We're thinking of lots of fun stuff to keep everyone entertained.

On another note, I'm sure everyone has noticed the "Sign up for new blogger" and "Sign into old blogger" options on the front page of the Blogger website. If it's okay with you guys, I think I'll switch us over to New Blogger. This means everyone will have to sign up for Google accounts. Is this okay? If you'd rather not go this route, that's cool ... just let me know.

I'm thinking about brushing up on some of my web editing skills and doing some heavy-duty modifying to the template to make it more personalized. Meaning the masthead could include some funky cool graphic, or a picture collage of us, or something. I'm open to suggestions.

and a happy new year to you!

I'd just like to take this moment to keep the blog in action and summarize what's going on with me and such.

Home is fairly boring. Paul's sick with something. Mary and I decided Costa Rica sounds great for next year's winter break. I've been knitting a scarf that has a lovely diamond pattern on it. I got a sewing machine for Christmas but I need some more supplies before I can let my creativity run wild. I think we average 2 movies a day here.

Happy early birthday to Hayley! I hope you have lots of exciting things planned.

This afternoon I hope to make final plans with my parents about visiting the fabulous Nebraska clan. Yesterday we took a trip to Davenport to make sure my dad could handle a full day out again (his last trip left him exhausted after just a few hours) and he's prepared for the drive now.

Umm... tomorrow I'm getting my hair cut shoulder length - that's around 6-8 inches off. Mary and I are heading to Madison then for a long weekend and wedding reception.

That's it for me. I want to hear about your exciting lives too!

P.S. I received an adult mad libs from a friend that I think would be enjoyable when I visit.

Hayley, will you be my date?

I happen to dig all three, but Asher is not a fan.

Sat - 02/10/07

Head Automatica
Jack's Mannequin
The Audition

at

Rococo Theatre

End of the Year Musings

So its the end of 2006. And I hate most Christmas letters that come with Christmas cards. They either seem like they want people to pity you, or they are trying to impress you by telling you how wonderful their life is, how awesome their children are and how much money they are having.

But, I aknowledge that it is good to at least think about these things to reflect on blessings and hard times so that you grow from them and don't make similar mistakes and don't take the good things for granted. So I'm not really writing this for any of you. If you want to keep reading, go ahead, but this is more for my own theraputic release.

So anyway, the blessings were pretty decent this year. Got a free vacation to LA and Las Vegas. Made it through another year as a homeowner with no major disasters. Got a bit of a promotion at work, and still manage to remain on speaking terms with the wife, which I think is a pretty good thing after three and a half years of marriage. We're much better than still speaking (for the record).

Not so much of a blessing, losing some relatives with others in the hospital or nursing homes, some stressful times with work and school.

2007 will be another interesting year. I'll finish grad school, maybe upgrade a car, maybe start talking about upgrading a house in the next couple years, and start the conversations on planning for other things that will eventually be coming.

Wonder what other trainwrecks, blessings and sad times 2007 will bring. Then again, if I knew, it wouldn't be a whole lot of an adventure and life would be pretty boring.

But I'm pretty lucky at the end of the day to come home to the gal I proposed to four years ago last wednesday, and still get to share everything with her.

So bring on 2007.

Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

Jules, I can't believe you've never had peanut brittle! This is fast, easy and foolproof if you read the directions correctly. ;) Unlike the stovetop versions, there is no need for a candy thermometer.

Ingredients:
1 c. Spanish peanuts (unsalted)
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. white corn syrup
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda

Mix peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a large glass bowl. Heat mixture on high for 4 minutes. Stir. Heat for 3 more minutes. Add vanilla and butter; stir. Heat for 1 minute, 15 seconds. (If you like sticky brittle, heat only 1 minute.) Stir in baking soda. When mixture gets foamy, immediately pour onto greased, foil-lined cookie sheet. Cool & break into pieces.

A note about peanut brittle

I say this knowing that Hayley & Julie have gotten all domesticated and might make peanut brittle someday soon. If you happen to make the big mistake of accidentally doubling the amount of corn syrup, don't try to double the recipe halfway through the cooking process. It doesn't work. You WILL have to throw out the whole batch and start over.

*sigh* Lots of time and ingredients wasted last night. :(

my plans

I brought up my Nebraska visiting idea to my dad this morning (he loves it when i interrupt his work day). He thinks it sounds like a good plan and now there's a possibility of him and my mom going to visit your parents, but dropping me off in Lincoln on the way there. My parents have to talk about it, and call your people, but either way I definitely think this is going to happen!!! I'm thinking about the weekend of January 13-14, though I have no idea when I'd come or go - that would depend partly on you. Also, my dad doesn't work on the 15th, the Monday because of Martin Luther King Jr. day so it turned out to work for him as well.

Anyway, I'm SUPER excited. And I seriously want to go, even if I have to drive all by my lonesome.

I Got In!!!!

Hello all. I just thought I'd tell you all that my dreams might actually come true. I just found out that I've been accepted to Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha for their BSN Nursing program which will begin Fall 2007!!!!!! Finally all my hard work is paying off!

yet another way to procrastinate....

e-bubble wrap

Who Wants to Snuggle by the Fire?

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I listen to my Mannheim Steamroller CDs, burn my peppermint candle, light up my Christmas tree, and watch my favorite Christmas movies. However, as I have gotten older I've realized that Christmas has a lot of romantic possiblities. Obviously Andy was aware of this, since it was during this blessed time of year that he proposed to our little Ashley.

My problem with this romance is that I have none. I have been visiting a lot of friends that I haven't seen in a while that lived in the same dorm as me last year. Most of them are a year younger than me. All the guys had those little boy crushes on me last year. I just found out that every single one of them has a steady girlfriend. This didn't bother me at first since I'm not crushing on any of them, but by the time I had listened to the "we're starting to get more serious" speeches, I realized I was the only one that didn't have a story to share. Even worse, was the looks on their faces when I said I haven't been dating anyone. Hello, as if I don't feel bad enough about myself, they had to send me the pity glance.

I haven't forgotten the reason for the season, but part of the holiday is about spending it with loved ones. Even though I have an amazing family, there's nothing like love from the opposite sex. I'd love to snuggle by the fire and bring a guy home to the parents. I know you'll all reply with the "give it time, you'll find him" speech, but do save your breath. I'll take your words for what they are worth, but my happiness in the meantime will waver. For now I'll settle by watching the love scenes in Christmas specials.

Exorcise the Scrooge Within

There are many wonderful things about the Christmas season: renditions of O Holy Night that bring tears to my eyes, festive decorations, the Charlie Brown Christmas special, parties, baking cookies with Mom & the girls, the solitude of a Christmas Eve church service, gingerbread coffee creamer …

However, there a few things that I have such disdain for that I wonder if I'm a grumpy old Scrooge. I’m hoping that by confessing now, I can enjoy the rest of the season without getting annoyed. When you’re done reading, post yours and don't think about your Christmas anxieties for the rest of the month.

Dirty Santas. You know, those gift exchanges during which everyone draws a number, then the participants get to pick a present or steal someone else's? I’m always amazed that normal people turn into greedy asshats during this exercise, and I get embarrassed for the person who brings the present nobody wants.

Secret Santa and White Elephant exchanges. I think they cheapen the spirit of gift giving and contribute to the gross commercialism that Christmas has become. I know I’m in the minority. When I politely declined to participate in our office’s Secret Santa, people gave me the "You Scrooge!" look.

“Seasons Greetings” cards. It’s surprisingly hard to find Christmas cards that actually say Merry Christmas on them. I belong to a message board that discussed this very topic last week. Apparently, non-Christians prefer Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays because Merry Christmas is “too Christian” and isn’t inclusive of everyone’s religious beliefs or lack thereof. Oh, the irony.

Stress. It’s a side of Christmas that I didn’t experience until a few years ago. I’m super worried about getting my cards done, baking goodies, and getting presents purchased and wrapped in time.

To offset all this negativity, I have another confession that will make ya’ll squeal with delight. I can’t wait to be a parent at Christmas. What could be better than being Santa Claus and reading “The Night Before Christmas” to Junior before tucking him into bed on Christmas Eve? Christmas is pure magic for the kids.

To the Wisconsin Clan

Hey kiddos, I hope you are doing okay. I hope that your dad starts to feel better soon and I'll keep you all in my prayers. Good luck with finals coming up and try to relax during all the madness. I love you all!

Thrusday Musings

You can tell its finals and dead week coming up. The old blog is dead.

Kansas City, here we come. Can't wait to sit out in a football game for 4 hours in 20-degree temperatures. Weather forecast right now is for 8-12 incehs of snow between no and midnight down there. It may be a fun drive.

My two stupid, waste of time, classes will be meeting for the last time on Monday and Tuesday next week. I have pepers due in both, and then a tkae home test due next Friday, then I am done. Whee. Two more semesters.

Is it possible to have Senior-itis if you are a grad student?

I wish other graduate majors were like the medical majors. I'd much rather be out there "doing things" for class instead of studying theory in a classroom.

I got a new cell phone. I think I am in love again.

Here is an SAT analogy for you. Shoes are to girls as _______ are to boys.
a) socks
b) technology toys
c) BBQ ribs
d) sports on tv
e) beer
f) all of the above

Don't you hate it when you sleep on your neck funny? It throws off my whole day.

Why are cats so scared of vacuums? I vacuum and the cat hides under the couch for two hours following. Why?

For Julie:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20061128/sc_livescience/newadvicedontsitupstraight

Speaking of shoes ...

beautiful, isn't it?

Funny DUI

There you go Julie.

http://www.bestwebatlanta.com/humor/humor_dui_stop_of_champion_dancer.shtml

Thursday Musings

Sorry I didn't get to this earlier...had a grandparent in the hospital briefly, a load of homework and a bad headache last night. Also writing from class. Wireless internet rules. I am a bad role model

• Shoes. I don't get women in shoes. Guys just don't get into these things. We just want something that doesn't look stupid and is comfortable. We don't get shoes as a fashion statement, accessory or highlight of an outfit. Don't try to explain it to us. Don't expect us to eventually "get it" because we won't.
• That said, oh my god -- I just got the most comfortable pair of shoes. They are
  my first pair of Sketchers called "comfort walkers" and I am in love. If I am to marry my new dishwasher, then these shoes will be the maid of honor. So soft, so comfortable, and in a style that looks OK for work and for casual. I am in love.
• No bitching about classes this week. Too many papers. Glad I only have two semesters of this crap after this month.
• Markets are looking good for an end of year rally. Buckle, A&F and a few others all beat estimates, so that's super going into the holiday season as long as oil stays down. European emerging markets took a bath, though.
• Sesame seeds -- how worthless they are until you get one stuck in your teeth and then it cracks open. Talk about a flavor explosion
• If I were a senator, I woul dformulate a bill that makes it illegal for relatives and friends to ask for Christmas ideas before thanksgiving. I woudl also make it illegal to play Christmas music before this date, have store decorations or hang lights at homes. I have spoken.

Hope you enjoy!

I found these posters at www.despair.com. There are some good ones, so check it out!

Movie Magic

Just reminding everyone that on November 17th the new James Bond film comes out. I'm really excited to see how this one turns out.

Trailer:
http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/mf/frame?theme=minfo&lid=wmv-300-p.1481640-172499,wmv-700-p.1481641-172499,wmv-1000-p.1481642-172499,wmv-56-p.1481638-172499,wmv-100-p.1481639-172499,wmv-28-p.1481638-172499&id=1808476050&f=1808476050&mspid=0&type=t

an excellent procrastination webpage

jackson pollock

click your mouse to change colors.

guess what?

i learned about ear wax today.

A Strange YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS6xcmwFU2w

Chefs' opinions needed

What are your thoughts about rice cookers? Essential, or just another appliance that takes up precious storage space?

I'm trying to decide whether to put it on my Christmas list ...

travels?

I'm suddenly in the mood again to go to Paris. Hayley, come with me? Someday at least? We'll go in the summer when Paris people travel and put they're apartments up for rent for a couple weeks - we'd be in the center of life and have an AMAZING time. My summer nanny employers have all the info we'd need to go. What year do you graduate? If we could graduate the same year, we could not start working until after a trip. Yay for quality time plans...

Paul's take on the midterm elections?

I'm jazzed that I doubled the number of registered Independant candidates in the House!

From the Daily Show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FcZJqqA2AI

Monday Musings

Sorry, double post.

Monday Musings

- Salad is not lunch. I had a lunch meeting today where they served a salad. Like two small chunks of chicken and artichoke hearts. I ate those, but that is NOT a meal.

- Why do toenails get so thick?

- Grad school still sucks, but in the "do-nothing" marketing class, the professor jsut gave up. Yeah....she was supposed to have a guest speaker nesxt week and forgot, so no class. The next week, we have a take home test and don't have to show for class. The following week is "optional group meeting time." Then we are into presentations and finals week. Whee -- jump through hoops and learn nothing new. Grad school. Boooo.

- I love trail mix.

- I make a very good Zach Morris.

- Ok, so doctors, nurses and pharmacists -- what makes ear wax? Seriously, what is that stuff?

- So I got a new parking pass as part of a promotion. I get to park right outside our building. Well, today was the secodn day I could use it and both times, I've walked three blocks to the old lot after work before I remember I get to park at my building now. Old habits are heard to kill I guess.

Peace out players.

To quote Stephanie Judith Tanner ...

How rude!

Is it just me, or are people becoming increasingly rude and inconsiderate? Earlier this week, Andy's aunt asked him if he could get her football tickets for Saturday. Thinking he was doing her a favor, he agreed. Today he found out that his aunt didn't want them, her friend did. A little annoying, but no big whoop.

Auntie said her friend would come by this evening to pick up the tickets since he lives in Lincoln and she doesn't. Andy has homecoming events all this week, so I agreed to stay home and play ticketbroker.

This dude and his 3-year-old daughter didn't show up until 9:50. Is it just me, or is really cheeky to assume it's okay to show up at a stranger's house that late? I wouldn't think of inconveniencing someone I don't even know that late in the evening. At 9:50 on a weeknight, I want to be showered, pajama-ed, and watching a Scrubs re-run, not running a collection service. Don't even get me started on the fact that the 3-year-old was toddling around with Daddy instead of sleeping. What the hell happened to bedtime? At her age, we were probably in bed by 7:30.

Thanks to e-mail and cell phones and instant messaging, there's this assumption that everyone should be accessible 24/7. It's made people lazy, rude, and irresponsible, which doesn't bode well for our future.

Monday Musings

Grad school is a sham. Honestly, I'm sitting in on a basic lecture learning very little new material. Basically, it is 15 weeks of "jump through my hoops" and don't care what you learn because faculty at this level are more concerned with writing textbooks and doing ressearch. One year left until freedom.

I've made a decision. You know that set of friends Ashley and I always bitch about for ditching us, or putting us second. Well, I've decided this last weekend that this was the last straw and I'm going to try to talk to the guy about it this weekend while we're out with the guys. From the end of Ash & I, we consider the friendship pretty dead, so if I piss him off or offend him, nothing lost. But if I bring something up, maybe they will realize that they need to work to get our friendship back. At this point, there is nothing to lose and maybe a little something to gain back.

Japanese markets tanked over the weekend. Not sure what the emerging markets are going to do. Looks like real estate has officially gone bust. I have a few days off this week for vacation (I have banked too many hours and I lose them if I don't take them) so I'm going to research some nice index funds and probably an additional mutual fund to diversify our portfolio a bit....maybe go large cap?

I have decided I'm going to re-dedicate myself to my fitness routine. This summer, I was kick ass and only 5 lbs away from my target weight. Then I got lazy as school started again. Good news and bad news, at least with strength, not working out for three months, I have only lost about 20% of where I was at with weight and reps, and I've already got 10% of that back in a week.

Peace out players.

Old habits never die

When a situation goes terribly wrong, sometimes the only good thing about it is learning from your mistakes and not repeating them again.

I managed to do that pretty successfully for about four years, but in the last semester I’ve fallen back to my old ways. In college, I was one of those sickeningly hyper-involved/rah rah, yay university! people. I also was on the Dean's List and yadayadayada. I'm not saying this to brag. From my professors' point of view, I was the model student. But from my point of view, I was pretty miserable from trying to be "perfect."

I was so happy to graduate because I couldn't take it anymore. The "real world" looked so good in comparison to college. It was. I had a steady work schedule most of the year and I didn't join any clubs because I was burned out from being a do-gooder in high school and college.

All that changed this semester. I've started school again. My involvement in a certain volunteer group has become more than I can handle. People have asked me to serve on committees at work, and I've said yes. Add those things on top of being a married homeowner, and I have CAUTION: MAY DETONATE written all over me.

I can’t believe I'm in same place I was four years ago—stressed out, crabby, losing sleep, and wondering how I got myself into this mess. I swore that I'd learned from my mistakes in college and I wouldn't do that again.

I changed for a while, but at the end of the day, I guess I haven't changed that much. Where's the happy medium between being a slacker and being like my mother?

Influences

Ok, so.... Going to get a little deep since I haven't for a while. I've been thinking a lot about influences the last couple days. I had a really nice chat with my grandpa on Saturday night talking baseball. It's crazy, but I see more and more of myself in him, my dad and one of my uncles all the time.

And it really is amazing what great role models I've had. So maybe this is a love letter to them.

From my Grandma Washburn, I learned the value of education and heritage. She was a school teacher, and she had me all set to sset college on fire when I was like 6. Even though I lost her in 1994, she really had an impact on me in those area.

From my dad and Grandpa Washburn, I learned the family business -- bullshitting. Yup, being comfortable working a room, stepping out of my comfort zone and getting to know people. I only wish I was better at public speaking.

From my Grandma Smollen, Grandma-in-law and Grandpa-in-law, I learned what love really is. To see the way these three people take/took care of their spouses as a caregiver, even if it ran them down to the point where it practically killed them. That is the ultimate in sacrificial love.

From my Grandpa Smollen, I have learned work ethic. Here's a guy that worked it in the navy and on the blue-collar factory line of the Falstaff Brewry. It makes me sad that he is getting some form of dementia and doesn't remember a whole lot, but I choose to remember him as the guy that showed me the value of hard work and having pride in your performance.

And of course, Eddie Vedder, who's music with Peral Jam got me away from Paula Abdul and my Nintendo and started getting me out there.

It's amazing that you don't realize the events and people that are shaping your life as it happens. But in retrospect, it is always a lot of fun to look back.

Ok enough deep stuff. Back to the Asian markets and stupid observations.

Box-office disappointment

Since I haven't jumped on the Netflix bandwagon like everyone else, I headed to Blockbuster on Friday night to rent The Producers and A Prairie Home Companion. I had been eagerly awaiting their arrival to DVD, and since The Breakup was out of stock, I figured what the heck? It'll be a musical weekend.

Eh. The Producers did not live up to the hype. It was only marginally funny, the storyline plodded along, and the cinematography left a lot to be desired. So sorry, Hayley, for a disappointing Friday movie night.

On Saturday night, we decided to watch A Prairie Home Companion. This is somewhat embarrassing to admit, but I'm probably Garrison Keillor's only fan that doesn't live in a retirement community. Anyhoo. PHC bombed too, despite having a ton of big-name actors and actresses. Maybe Keillor's sense of humor translates better in writing than on the big screen?

Help me, kids. I watch a lot more movies during the colder months, and I need some recommendations for next weekend.

Cat Herding

For all you cat lovers out there: http://www.catswithnoname.net/CatHerding.html

Currently listening to

• When the Lights Go Down -- By Nic Carl, an old HS classmate of mine. You can download it off his myspace at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=9154651 Its a mello song that is good for studying, reading or background to conversation. Sure to make you feel warm on a cold rainy day.
• The Alamo is No Place for Slow Dancing -- By Scene Aesthetic. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=7435185. See above. Another very good rainy day song. Also a good break-up song.
• The Adventure -- Angels and Airwaves. Peppy, happy and well mixed. Takes the 90's grunge with 2000 punk and sprinkles in some 80's synth. A very good song to play first thing in the morning or the last song in your car before you get out of it. Puts a spring in yoru step.

Can you tell it is raining in Lincoln today?

Quick Birthday Summary

First off, thanks all for the messages and cards. Quite wonderful. =)

I went out to eat with Paul at a restaurant called cosi. quite tasty.

Then we went to Cold Stone and I bought three 1.5 pint containers of ice cream. Only a few people came over to my apartment last night, though, so I have a LOT of ice cream left. Yummy.

Went to my friend's to watch Gray's and ended up staying there until nearly midnight. A game of checkers with shot glasses was included.

When I got back last night, the guy from Illinois I met in Italy had left me a message pertaining to how come I found him on facebook back in the day (even though I was supposed to so he could send me pictures from the hostel). So I called him (still a little buzzed) and wondered why he sent me his AIM screenname. Needless to say, it's possible he likes me based on what he directly commented on. But he's shorter than me (pitiful, I know) so that'll never go anywhere.

And I've been eating ice cream since...

Snaps to Andy

Just have to brag about him for a bit.

On this lovely blog, Andy introduced us to Ok Go and "Boston" by Augustana. Thanks to his keen ability to tell what's going to become trendy in music and entertainment, we knew about this stuff about six months before the rest of the world. Thus, we are cooler because of him.

He got a promotion recently. He'll downplay it and say that he's good at his job because he knows how to bullshit, but I’ve seen him in action. Bullshitting wouldn’t cut it.

For the last week, he's been tearing the siding off our house. Andy and his dad are putting up the new siding today. If I were in charge of this project, I'd hire someone and be done with it because I wouldn't have the patience, the arm strength, or the knowledge to get it done without severely injuring myself or the house.

When I married Andy, I had no idea that he knew how to do plumbing, hang drywall, re-wire a fixture, and install new siding. Definitely a pleasant surprise. Girls, the handyman is highly underrated (unless you're mechanically inclined yourself, which I most definitely am not).

Life with him is never boring. When I first said that to a friend, Andy thought I was insulting him. Quite the opposite, dear. Who wouldn't want to be around someone who's constantly making you laugh or surprising you with some quirky bit of knowledge (or construction skills)?

Okay, now snap your fingers for Andy!

Monday Musings

• The Bears are 5-0
• The A's are in the ALCS
• The Yankees are not.
• Life in Andy's sporting world is good
• Note to self, Advil is the best medicine after a day of physical labor. Kindof makes me wish we still had the hot tub. Oh well, at least Cole has enjoyed it
• I am speaking to Lindzo again after a brief period of not speaking to her.
• Apple jolly Ranchers are the best
• Cell phone companies are the devil
• IT guys are strange
• I don't want to go to college today. It is a cold and rainy day and I just want to go home and sit by the fire -- which would probably upset Ashley and make a hige mess as we do not have a fireplace.
• OK, seriously, how long does it take a small Asian man to grade a test?
• I hired Hayley's roomate today foran intership. This should be fun.

peace out players

Stop hiding and start living, with tequila

This was presented at the beginning of one of my lectures....

http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/2006/09/stop_hiding_and.html

Monday Musings - Slutting it up....

• So, my lovely sister-in-laws want to slut up my wife, huh? Well, I don't know how to comment on that without somehow getting into trouble one way or the other, or feeling like a hypocrite. Hmmm. Ashley is like a flower, we all know how beautiful she is, but you cannot force open her petals. She is her own worst critic, but I have been telling her for years that she has the goods -- she doesn't believe me. Good luck on your quest young ladies. I am anxious to see how it turns out for you. One thing I do know, Ash needs to remember how much attention she gets in her glittery maroon shirt from guys not named Andy. If she wants that sort of attention and self esteem boost, maybe you girls have something to work with?
• I hate my accounting professor with the white hot intensity of 1,000 suns. He went straight from undergrad all the way through his doctorate and never worked in the real world. Talk about the ivory tower. He has no concept for the part-time student. Those of us with lives can't get a 10-page paper assignment and turn it around in 48 hours, which is exactly what he expects us to do tomorrow. And his name is Dr. Wang, so you can imagine how hard it is to understand his lectures.
• Life is good -- the Chicago Bears are 4-0 and the Oakland A's open the playoffs on Tuesday in Minnesota. If only the old Huskers could get their stuff together.
• Got a promotion. Whee. Fun new exciting projects to work on, but feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
• Maybe I was just brought up different, but some people who claim to be friends are so inconsiderate. How can you make plans for months and months for something, confirm them two weeks ago, and then four days before the event, blow it off. I could never imagine doing that to people, especially friends. And then another friend who is in class with me had to proofread a group paper I did with another kid and just turn it in. And she just forgot. Seriously, how can you be that inconsiderate?

Peace out players.

The stork is making three deliveries in Lincoln next spring

No, I'm not pregnant with triplets. (Wouldn't that be crazy, though?) But three -- count 'em, three -- of my acquaintances have announced their pregnancies this week. It's only Wednesday! I'm happy for them, but it still freaks me right out. These people were my comrades in the anti-baby brigade until, apparently, July. When did these women make the mental shift from "kids are scary" to "I want a baaaabyyyy!"? And when will this magical change happen to me?

Every time I get the notion that I might be ready soon, it lasts all of five minutes before I start hyperventilating because HOLY CRAP! that's a lot of responsibility and I like to sleep in on Saturday mornings. (I'm being somewhat flippant, but the point is, I'm not selfless enough to be a parent yet.)

In case you're worried that we'll never have kids, relax. We want them. Someday. But it's okay to be nervous, right?

Funny thing

www.endofworld.net I already showed it to Mary and Julie.

Thursday musings

Las vegas. I liked it. Surprisingly. You can just eat, admire architecture, eat, see world-class shows, eat, swim, eat, shop and eat and have a wonderful time. A very expensive town, but very fun.

Sunburn sucks. Peeling now. Eeeew. But I do have a nice tan going. Too bad it's been cold and raining all week and I have to wear long shirts. Bummer.

Sooo -- crazy stuff goign on at work. The #2 guy in my shop is getting the #1 CEO job at Purdue. Well, he's dropped the ball on so much stuff in the last month that even though he is leaving in a month, he may get fired before that. Crazy. And I have to keep my mouth shut, cause I may be in a position to benefit from all of this. On top of that, we have a board of director's meeting next friday. Crazy stuff indeed.

My wife is like waaaaaay cool. I spent like five days with her constantly traveling, working, shopping, playing, eating.....and I didn't even get sick of her. Did I mention it was a good vacation?

OK, so I could get into Grey's Anatomy.

Looks like the Fed is done raising interest rates. Load up on consumer staples like P&G and financials like JPM and WFC.

So, a UN "diplomat" thinkgs George W is the devil. What ever happened to diplomacy. The president or the US could respond, but that diplomat is from a country that doesn't have free speech. Ironic.

I am starting to enjoy my accounting class.

I am dissapointed by my marketing class.

Random thought -- I need to remember to grab two extra football tickets this weekend so Ash and Hayley can go.

I like rain.

I don't like peeling.

Peace out players.

This will take 2 seconds....

Hey fellow familia, I hate to take advantage of our blog site, but I need to ask you all a quick favor. For my Psychology of Social Behavior class we are learing about self-perception and learning how others see us too. I'm sure you've all heard of the Johari test, but in case you haven't it is a test that allows a person to pick out five personal traits that they think describe them. They then ask other people to pick five traits that describe the creater of the Johari test. So, I'm asking all of you to go to this website and fill out my Johari test. It will seriously take like five seconds, and I really appreciate it. Fill it out ASAP! (It's due by Thursday at 6:30, but the sooner you answer, the sooner I can write my journal for the class that is due on Thursday night.) Thanks so much!

http://kevan.org/johari?name=hayley2004

:)

I'm baaaaack!

I've returned from a five-day vacation during which I forced myself to stay away from the Internet, e-mail and my cell phone. Sometimes a girl needs to escape.

Speaking of needing to escape, I hate, hate, hate those stupid Blackberry PDAs. During my trip I was surrounded by people who would pick up their Crackberries every five minutes to check e-mail or return phone calls. For crying out loud, enjoy your $10 margarita and turn off your damn phone. I firmly believe that no one but God needs to be accessible 24/7.

Las Vegas was fabulous, fun and expensive. Holy cats, was it expensive. It was near impossible to order dinner for less than $50 a person. Good thing Andy’s office will be reimbursing most of our meal costs. I'm way appreciative of our low cost of living in the Midwest.

Los Angeles. Man, that city was a hellhole. There was graffiti and garbage everywhere.

Due to my Vegas junket, I missed a day of class. Unfortunately, it was the most important day of the semester because we have to write a paper based on a guest speaker's presentation. I gave my professor a digital recorder to capture the lecture, and apparently the sound quality is horrible. I thought I could remedy the situation by interviewing the guest speaker, a suggestion that my professor shot down immediately. She also doesn't want me to rely on someone's notes. I know this is partly my fault, but I don’t have a clue how I'll get this assignment done.

I'm so not into school right now. Remind me again why I'm doing this.

Why must my immune system plot against me?

After taking human physiology, human anatomy, and numerous psychology classes, I'm smart enough to know that our immune system goes down when our body is wore out and stressed which means that it has a harder time fighting off bacteria and viruses. Well, I used to pat my immune system on the back because it usually decided to go down AFTER major tests and high levels of stress. However, in the past month and half I have fought off sinus infections and ear infections. Ironically enough, in the past month I have dealt with an intense five-week anatomy course, starting new classes at UNL, stressing over whether or not I'm getting into nursing school (which I should find out about in about three weeks), and other personal issues. You would think by now that I would have learned better stress management issues.

Well, tomorrow I have two big exams and today I'm stuck with nothing other than a migraine, which means that I'm nauseous and all I want to do is sleep. Good thing I'm a trooper and I'll study anyway. What good it'll do, I'm not sure.

Anyway, if any of you other productive students/workers have any tips on how to not be a stressed out/sick mess it would be greatly appreciated!

Facebook Follow-up, if you're interested

An Open Letter from Mark Zuckerberg:

We really messed this one up. When we launched News Feed and Mini-Feed we were trying to provide you with a stream of information about your social world. Instead, we did a bad job of explaining what the new features were and an even worse job of giving you control of them. I'd like to try to correct those errors now.

When I made Facebook two years ago my goal was to help people understand what was going on in their world a little better. I wanted to create an environment where people could share whatever information they wanted, but also have control over whom they shared that information with. I think a lot of the success we've seen is because of these basic principles.

We made the site so that all of our members are a part of smaller networks like schools, companies or regions, so you can only see the profiles of people who are in your networks and your friends. We did this to make sure you could share information with the people you care about. This is the same reason we have built extensive privacy settings – to give you even more control over who you share your information with.

Somehow we missed this point with News Feed and Mini-Feed and we didn't build in the proper privacy controls right away. This was a big mistake on our part, and I'm sorry for it. But apologizing isn't enough. I wanted to make sure we did something about it, and quickly. So we have been coding nonstop for two days to get you better privacy controls. This new privacy page will allow you to choose which types of stories go into your Mini-Feed and your friends' News Feeds, and it also lists the type of actions Facebook will never let any other person know about. If you have more comments, please send them over.

This may sound silly, but I want to thank all of you who have written in and created groups and protested. Even though I wish I hadn't made so many of you angry, I am glad we got to hear you. And I am also glad that News Feed highlighted all these groups so people could find them and share their opinions with each other as well.

About a week ago I created a group called Free Flow of Information on the Internet, because that's what I believe in – helping people share information with the people they want to share it with. I'd encourage you to check it out to learn more about what guides those of us who make Facebook. Today (Friday, 9/8) at 4pm edt, I will be in that group with a bunch of people from Facebook, and we would love to discuss all of this with you. It would be great to see you there.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Mark

Mexican Elections

While I wait for my delicious 12inch pizza...I thought I'd ask for Andy's (or anyone else who cares) take on the Obrador - Calderon situation in Mexico. I think that Obrador is another Al Gore...Recount!...Recount!!..but if he does form a separate government we'll have to naturally send in the marines and kick some ass....uh maybe not...but it could be something that greatly impacts our wonderful nation. Discuss.

THE INEVITABLE DEATH OF facebook

I logged onto facebook this morning and was appalled at the new stalker-friendly format. How much time to they expect people to waste on that over-done webpage? And too much information is provided: friends' new friends, everything people said and updated.... what's next - the ability to find out who's viewed your profile and when?

Well I'm not waiting to find out. About a minute after I realized the current situation, I disabled my already stripped account. As it is, people have lost their ability to carry normal conversations now that instant messengers and online profiles exist. I had class all morning today, then when I get back two classmates start talking to me. I JUST SAW YOU ALL MORNING!

Cousin Central

NOthing really new with me and I haven't blogged in a long time, so I thought I might as well write.

This semester is really busy. A hadful of major home projects as well as one really really hard class. It is an accounting class, which isn't my forte' but 70% of your grade comes from participation and group work. Which is good, because our first homework assignment was groupwork and we have to analyze Enron's fiancial statements from 1996 to 2000 and show where they lied and how you could tell. Well shit -- if grad students can look at the financial statements and tell something is off, why the hell didn't soem professional financial analysts step up and say "excuse me, this is fishy?'

Anyway, I guess it is my turn. I mean seriously, in most of my other group classes, I end up in the lead -- probably because I don't trust most of the peopel I randomly get assigned to in groups. But honestly, this time the group is me, another marketing kid I am friends with and one kid who is a CPA whiz. So, maybe this is karma paying me back by helping me out and cost with this group for busting my ass with others.

I hate election years. I can't get through one show without mudslinging. Thank the lord for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

I love football season. Except this year, Nebraska doesn' thave an off week until the third week in November. We want to take a trip to Minnesota, but its going to be hard to get away.

I lveo labor day. We should have three-day weekends every week.

Next years summer wear

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1849/361wu3.jpg

Discuss

Warren, you fox!

The Omaha World-Herald revealed this morning that Warren B., the second-richest man in the world and Nebraska’s only non-football celebrity, remarried this week.

That part is barely newsworthy compared to the bombshell dropped later in the article: Mr. B's new wife, Astrid, has lived with him since the 1970s. But Mr. B was actually married to his first wife, Susan, from 1952 until her death in 2004.

Say wha? The Oracle of Omaha, our humble hometown billionaire who still wears JC Penney suits, had a paramour? (I love that word, yet this is the first time I’ve had a real reason to use it.)

Wait, it gets better. Susan introduced him to Astrid and encouraged the relationship when she moved to San Francisco. The women were friends and both accompanied him to various personal and business events. Apparently, both women were supportive of this arrangement. Why Warren, you lucky dog, you!

I know it’s wrong to judge other people’s relationships because one never knows what negotiations and agreements a couple has made behind closed doors. But I cannot imagine, under any circumstances, introducing Andy to another woman and saying, “I’m moving away, my love, but let’s stay married. Let’s be friends. Let’s continue having sex. But go ahead, live with my friend and have sex with her, too!”

It’s not polygamy, but it’s awfully close. The ultra-rich are indeed different from the rest of us.

So I think my friend's girlfriend is insane

She is a chiropracter. She thinks that the power of the mind with regular chiorpractic care can cure all body ailments. From a cold, to a headache to an inflamed appendix. And that the whole medical industry exists to only drive the pharmaceutical industry and pump people full of drugs.

She has started her own office, and with all of her marketing, has decided to focus on convincing people of her opinion instead of just trying to woo people that believe in chiropractic care into her office -- despite that being the last thing she needs to spend her marketing dollars on.

She goes and gets adjusted daily by another chiropracter and has threatened to break up with my friend because he still takes asprin for a headache and doesn't agree with her.

I see this ending badly.

Strangled by my inbox

I've closed my inbox and have forbidden myself from checking any e-mail until noon.

E-mail is becoming the biggest time suck for me. I get started on a project and realize I need to refer to a message someone sent me earlier, so I open my inbox to retrieve that message. In the process, I see a bunch of new messages helpfully highlighted in red and think I need to check those too ... 90 minutes later I've abandoned the original project because I'm too busy putting out the fires started by the five new messages I just HAD to check. I can only imagine how much worse it would be if I used my work address for personal messages.

Does anyone else have e-mail ADD? Because I do, and all those wonderful time management techniques I learned in college (like setting aside specific times for e-mail checking) have fallen by the wayside. E-mail is my addiction, my distraction, my lifeline. But I need to kick the habit ASAP because a) I'm getting projects started but having a hard time completing them and b) it's becoming a procrastination tool, which contributes to A.

As I typed that last sentence, my coworker informed me that there's an office-wide e-mail argument about our messy break room. Riveting. I've been away from my inbox for all of four minutes and I'm missing a major throwdown in office politics?

Where's our Monday musings, Andy? I guess I'll make some of my own.

• Getting into the school routine has been nice for me. Catching up with old friends, meeting some new ones, and now that I live in an apartment I'm more disiplined with my studying!
• I have a quick question that is directed mainly towards Andy and Paul, since you are males and you probably have an explaination for this. When a girl FINALLY puts herself out there and gives you her number, how long will you wait around until you realize she's probably the coolest thing ever and call for a date? I'm starting to feel like a gomer for giving out the digits (which I don't normally do) but oh well, such is life.
• I'm enjoying the end of the summer weather so much. My roommate and I have been going running on some trails she found. We found one that is near a boy scout camp and it would be the perfect area to shoot a scary movie!
• What would your reaction be if your professor told you to practice your Anatomy homework on all your friends/boyfriends/etc.? To me it sounds like a hot pick-up line! (Andy this is probably where you poke your eyes out and pretend that you didn't see me write that.)
  

Ouch.

Sorry -- posted twice by mistake. See above.

Cousin Central

Monday Musings:

Do not get old. Back in the day, I could waterski and swim and party and kneeboard all day. Well, I just had a weekend out at Lake Okiboji in Iowa and it was an awesome time. Got to sit around for three days and just chill.

Waterskiing -- Good
Catching up with old college friends -- Good
Beer -- Good
Boating and swimming -- Good
All-night poker and pitch -- Good
BBQ and Steaks -- Good

The hangover of sleep deprivation and sore muscles (as sore as I've been in two or three years) as you head in to work on Monday -- NOT SO GOOD.

But man, what a killer weekend. Its also funny how our poker talk has switched from chicks and drinking stories to talk about personal finance, home equity lines, theology and child-rearing philosophy.

I'd like to throw out an official suggestion to the group. Instead of meeting in Des Moines in the mittle of winter, we should really ocnsider Okiboji each summer. It's 4 hours from Lincoln and about 5 hours from Cuba City. Just a thought -- lots more to do and we coudl get a giant cabin all togeher with seperate bedrooms and the like for much cheaper than the AmericInn and we're on a lake for the love of Pete. Parents can sit up and play cards all they want, and we can zip around on Jet Skis, swim, hit the bars, cruise for ladies to set up with Cole, etc...

Just a thought.

Peace out players -- I need Advil!

A Plethora of School Supplies

I should really just go to bed right now, but I have too much energy and excitement pulsing through me. I just got my computer today, and I just CAN'T WAIT to hook it up and try it out. I thought about doing it yet tonight, but it just seems like a project that should wait until tomorrow morning. By the way, Andy, thank you so very much for helping me out with all my computer decisions. I know we went though many ideas, but I'm pretty sure you hooked me up with a pretty awesome machine.

School shopping has been a much looked forward to event every year since Kindergarten, but this year, it has reached an all-time high. As much as college scares me right now, it also excites me, partly because of all the fun school supplies I get to pick out. This year, I am not limited to bright notebooks, character-clad folders, and sweet new pens; a whole plethora of supplies has been added to my cart. A brand new comfortor, white background splashed with pink, purple, lime, and teal polka dots; fluffy towels in a rainbow of colors -- pink, yellow, lime, and deep teal (thanks to graduation guests); new pajama shorts in a seventies-ish paisly pattern to match with an already owned rainbow cami; a TV; and to put it to maximum use, a DVD/VCR combo. Not to mention the items I haven't bought yet. A few including: a bath robe, pillows, shower caddy, desk organizers, and a fan since my dorm has NO AIR CONDITIONING (my own fault, by the way, as I could have chosen an all-girls dorm WITH air conditioning).

But like I said, college DOES scare me too. Right now I'm excited about all of the new things I'm getting, but I know as my move-in day (August 26th) draws nearer, I will probably get really nervous. I'm sure crying will be a companion for this nervousness, but I will hop over that toadstool when I come to it. Anyway, maybe I should get to bed now that I've bored you with my back-t0-school supplies.

Steadily climbing to the top of the hill ...

I turn 26 this week. I have one more year before I'm officially in my late 20s and just a hop, a skip, and a jump away from 30.

Twenty-five has been a landmark year for me. Maybe it's because I graduated from college earlier than most of my friends, but I spent my early 20s feeling like an overgrown kid who just happened to be doing grown-up things. I don't know why, but that feeling has gone away in the past year. It's nice.

I want to play hooky on the afternoon of my birthday. I have vacation days to use, so why do I feel guilty about that?

Monday Musings

First things first. Watch this video. I am not really a fan of the OK Go music, but these guys do all of their own music videos in their back yard. There are two, and they are both awesome. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCjSwr7zYtE and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEYSlut0Iuc&mode=related&search= It's pretty impressive considering that it is all one take with no editing.

I am starting to get sick.

I get to go back to school shopping this week. Yay. I need new shoes, new glasses, and lots of paste to eat.

Every wonder why you drive on a "parkway" but park on a "driveway?"

When you transport something by car, its called a "shipment" but if it is on a ship, it is called "cargo."

I have insomnia really bad this week. Not realyl sure why -- not a lot on my mind. Maybe it is the thought of Mary with her hands on my spleen or cupping a brand new pair of DD breasts -- not for herself of course, on a patient.

I like August. One of my favorite months.

Riding a tidal wave of emotions

I've had one of those weeks where I've gone from angry (monday) to sad (tuesday) to indifferent (wednesday) to smugly satisfied (thursday) to excited (today). I'm not even PMSing.

I've written several unpublished blogs this week. Only one will actually get posted someday.

I can't share all the details here because it's about some confidential work stuff, but let's just say it's been a bizarre week. I'd unwind with a glass of wine after work, but I had WAAAAAAY too much vino on Saturday night. That's another story, but I fear ya'll would think less of me if I told it. :)

Cousin Central

Ok - so, Mnday Musings follow-up.

There is doughnut of rain around us and we get none. Sad.

Big day for the asian markets. With the gas prices what they are, the fact that the Asian rim is still so strong is a good sign that the global economy will continue to expand, despite the outbreak of world war III. Also means gas will stay expensive for a long time.

I hate allergies.

I hate lawn grubs even more. Grrrrr.

Lindsay, checked on your computer and have an update for you. Not good news. But not horrible news either.

Enough heavy stuff. Stupid monday musings:

• Every wonder why you can't sneeze and pee at the same time? Smoething tells your brain to stop peeing because you have to sneeze.
• The cat has the squirts. Of course, if yo ugave me nothign but the eqivalent of fish and beef flavored oat bran for three meals a day, my bowels would be cranky too.
• I dont' know why this is so funny, but I laughed my ass off at this. it is an angry german kid waiting for his computer to load a video game. http://www.break.com/index/angry_german_kid_with_subtitles.html
• New band: The Audition. Check them out.
• Hayley -- what night do you want me to come over and hammer your picture hangers and looksie at your computer and so Ash can swim again?
• Lindzo -- what si the model number of the computer you are looking at?
• Cole -- ah, who am I kidding. Cole doesn't read this.

Well, I feel like this is the 10th time I've written this all down because stupid cousin central kept freezing every time I tried to post. Anyway, here's the abridged version.

Long story short, I feel a lot of responsibility in our family. As the oldest in the Nebraska-Wisconsin branches, I know that I have recently experienced and felt a lot of the things you are all going through or will in the next 10 years. I had a lot of not-so-hot emotional times (even if I keep it inside) and this whole college-to-real-world adventure we call life can really get off track fast.

I nearly made some mistakes that would have changed my entire life -- and I don't want you kids depressed or sad or emotionally unstable because your parents couldn't talk to you in your own terms.

What I'm getting at is that I want you all to still make mistakes and learn from them -- but with the proper mindset that will save you a lot of sleepless nights and get you through to the next steps with your mental health and happiness intact.

So this novel has two parts. Chapter 1 is Happiness. Chapter 2 is choices and destiny. Chapter 1 today.

I've been thinking a lot about choices, destiny, and the like. See, two things sparked this all -- one was an e-mail from an old college classmate that hit it big, and the other was my 10 year reunion.

You see, the old college classmate is now a marketing vice president at Verizon and has been in national commercials, been moved four times and is pulling down crazy awesome money. But for as well as she is doing, the only thing she can talk about is how sad and lonely she is to not have any friends, no man and be working 12-hour, 6-week days. She is the definition of what they tell you you can achieve in college if you work your butt off. That's the set up. See, I regularly kicked her ass in assignments and when we competed directly for clients in some advertising classes, my team was 4-1 against hers. So it makes me wonder could I have been her -- which further got me to thinking. Would I even want to be her?

The second step was the opposite direction of a gal at my 10-year reunion that was absolutely brilliant and gave up a promising academic career to marry young and be a stay-at-home mom. She had the same problem though -- regret. Regret that she gave up her career and may never get back into the field she studied. She was not happy either.

See, I've been thinking "is the grass always greener for some folks?" How do you know what success is and when you know if you've "made it?" Well, what I have come to realize is that there is no universal definition. The New York executive and the young mother have it all in completely different ways, but neither of them is happy.

Where am I going with all of this? Well, if you know me, I have always tried to define myself in my own terms and not by comparison or contrast. It breaks my heart to see people with lives that others would kill for, only to not be happy.

So I think I have reflected plenty on this in the last two weeks and concluded that success is really a mindset and an internal definition, not how others define you.

I have an awesome wife, a job I love most of the time, I get to see family and friends all of the time and I have my colleague's respect at work and in my profession. So what if I'm making a fraction of other classmates that I know I was better than. I have something far more valuable. I have found my definition of success, and I'm completely happy with who I am and my place in this world. They have money and families because somebody told them that was what success is. But since that was not their own definition, they still long for other things.

Here's where this comes full circle from what I posted to Lindsay a few weeks back....

When you have a 10-year reunion, it's easy to start playing the compare and impress game. But my 10-year reunion was nothing like. Most of us there were just happy to hook up again, and there wasn't the "I’m better than you" show that we had at the 5 year. Maybe there is an enlightenment that happens around age 28. If there is a midlife and quarter life crisis of identity, perhaps 28-ish is the grand enlightenment of self-realization

So to you youngins, let me tell you that it does get better. The uncertainty melts away, you finally discover your true self and the things that make you happy. You find your new sense of a home and to be happy, you need to find your own definition of success and pursue that -- not the definition that society, professors, parents or classmates throw on you -- or you will never feel that happiness.

For me, the simplest definition I have found for success is "knowing that one person out there sleeps better at night because you are alive." That right there, combined with the mentality to not compare myself to others has completely changed my life.

Andy, are you done with deep poo yet? I've been on the edge of my seat for a while now. By the way, how are you doing with the wifey gone? Just cuddle with Blue and it'll make it all better!

This girl should do stand-up comedy
Our darling Lindsey sent us a homemade anniversary card that brought tears to my eyes ... from laughing, that is.
The front had this lovely message: I hope your love lingers on ...
And the inside said: Like a big smelly FART! Happy Anniversary! Love, Linzo
Copyright 2006 by Arts Farts

Big props to you, sister dear. I was in a foul mood when I got home from work yesterday, but that cheered me up instantly.

Ok -- so I got some deep poo I am working through mentally.

Stand by for a blog novel.

I've had quite an eventful week thus far, and I just thought I'd share it with you all because I haven't written a blog for a long time.

So last night was my friend Chase's 22nd birthday. (He's the one that is in seminary to become a priest by the way.) I wanted him to have a good birthday so I invited him over and I was planning to make him a surprise supper. My roommate Shannon was my special helper too. So after my class in the afternoon I rushed home to play Betty Crocker before work. I wanted to make Chase a delicious chocolate-cherry two tier cake. So I mixed up my batter and popped it in my pans and let it do it's thing. Well, when they were finally done, I was pressed for time because I had to be to work in half an hour and it takes me about fifteen to get there. Anyway I went to dump cake tier #1 out and it crumbled into a hot, gooey chocolate-cherry mess. I was frazzled but decided it would be okay and I'd just have one little round cake instead. (The rest is in the freezer waiting to be used with ice cream or something.) So when I got back from work I grilled some lemon pepper chicken. This was risky because I've only grilled one other time so I was nervous. But it turned out great! We melted mozzerella cheese on top and served it on a bed of fetticini alfreado and had peas and a tossed salad on the side. All in all it was a great meal. Afterwards we were all talking and not to my surprise we all discovered that our lives are going in directions that we are unsure of or aren't aware of yet. I do feel bad for Chase though because his life decision is much more complex than Shannon and mine's are. He's not sure if seminary is what he wants to do and so in a matter of four hours we managed to consule each other and have a great birthday. Now stop Ashley and Andy. I know what you're thinking. I made him a special supper FOR HIS BIRTHDAY ONLY. And NO HE ISN'T GOING TO LEAVE THE SEMINARY FOR ME.

Today I took my first essay form test since high school. I was so nervous about it that I woke up at 6:00 this morning and studied and did practice tests until my class started at 1:00 this afternoon. That's pretty hard core. But I think I can see why people like essay tests better. At least you can get partial credit unlike all the stupid bubble-tests I take that it is either right or wrong. Anyway I hope it went well especially after all the hard work I put in.

The last thing I have to say is probably trivial but it has been building inside of me and I'd like to get it out. I really enjoy my job as a whole. Physical therapy isn't my alley exactly, but it is still interesting. Well one of my bosses is continuously cranky and basically tells people how much she hates to work. I find this funny because she has to be making quite a nice bit of dough, but from what I can evaluate I don't think she's at a happy time in her life. Sad day for her. But I worked over 12 hours this weekend at the Cornhusker State Games, which is an amateur sporting event that takes place once a year in Lincoln. Well I got volunteered by my boss to work as "medical personnel" at the youth baseball and open swimming events. I got excited until after I'd worked those 12 hours to only sit out in the 90+ degree heat and making only two ice bags. I mean I'm sure my time was appreciated but I felt that my weekend could've been spent doing something more productive. Anyway my boss that volunteered me has yet to mention or thank me for my efforts. I don't expect to get a thank you, but she hasn't once showed any sort of liking towards me. I'm starting to think I'm a bad person or something. Anyway, that is my gripe for the day.

Also, a special shout out to my lovely bride of three years today. This time three years ago, she as hustling do hair, make-up and nails and I was playing basketball. On another funny note, did you know an anagram for Andy Washburn is:

HUSBANDRY NAW.

Wonder what that means.

So --

I wrote another novel on Monday and then a faulty internet connection erased my masterpiece and I don't want to really rehash that all right now. So apologies for no monday musings. To make it up for you, please sheck out the song "the alamo is no place for dancing" by the Scene Aesthetic: http://www.purevolume.com/thesceneaesthetic

That and I have a mosquito bite on my cheek.

I went to the DMV this morning to renew my driver's license. The picture is way scary. Why didn't anyone tell me that my new haircut makes me look old? I know my 30th birthday is closer than my 20th, but still. hmph. Maybe I could use this picture instead.

Hey everybody. Listen to The Pineapple Song from the soundtrack of After the Sunset. It makes me so incredibly happy every time I listen to it. Currently, I'm no long bitter about my non-complete nights of sleep.

Why I'm never marrying a surgeon...
Mary left shortly after 2am this morning because of (what I presume) was a call to watch the liver transplant. Now, as she left in a short time, she failed to shut off her alarm. So at 5am I was woken from my dream (in which a ringing alarm fit into the setting) and had to get out of bed to shut it off. After 10 minutes of continuously sitting up then collapsing back into my pillow, I accepted defeat and got up for the day.

I made myself some ego wheat waffles that I topped with chocolate chips. While eating, I played domestic housewife and began busying myself around the kitchen. I made pumpkin bread. Then cut up the head of cauliflower (because it inevitably goes bad as even I am too lazy to cut vegetables when I'm really hungry). After I brush teeth, I'll probably do a little vacuuming then file away my finance papers I didn't get to last night.

Then I'll leave early for work so I can return Mary's library books, buy a sailing book, return my library books, and exchange the cracked juice pitcher at Target. All the while I will be praying my girls have mercy on this tired soul today - 9.5 hours with them yesterday almost did me over. I resorted to having them play a game in which the goal was to fall asleep first. No one won, but that was only because I couldn't play. Because if I played, I would refuse to wake up. Because yesterday I also had an initial 5am wakeup. Only since today I actually got up then, I know it's going to be a long day for as long as I stay awake...

Andy is out of town this week, so Monday musings are on hiatus. His absence means:
- I’m eating strange meals and watching Friends during supper.
- I’ve watched The Devil Wears Prada and two Sex and the City episodes … and it’s only Tuesday morning. :)
- I’m taking the final step in the lengthy process of transforming the hallway bathroom from Homage to the Early ‘90s to modern chic: painting the vanity and medicine cabinet white. So far, I’ve sanded everything, removed the doors and hinges, and put on the first coat of primer.
- Unfinished projects make me uneasy, especially in areas that are supposed to be my sanctuary, so I moved my grooming products into Andy’s bathroom for a few days. His shower, which normally contains a bar of Irish Spring, a bottle of shampoo, and a body wash (for really special occasions), is now littered with potions that have names like mango mandarin, raspberry almond, and green tea & ginger. Heh. It’s funny to see signs of femininity in a room that’s decidedly male.
- I’ve been journaling a lot. It’s good for my mental health; I need to do this more often.

I miss Andy. But once in awhile, it’s good to remind myself that I’m capable of unhinging doors and using power tools without help. And sometimes, it’s good for a couple to spend a week or two apart. The separation tends to make you feel like you’re falling in love all over again. The absence of our daily routine makes me appreciate our little rituals even more. To an outsider, I’m sure they seem boring and mundane. But to us, they’re evidence of the life we’ve chosen together. That’s your awwwww moment of the day.

Besides, I’m sure Andy is looking forward to nightly burrito and fish buffets when I’m in Nashville later this month.

The return of Monday Musings:

• I know it's Wednesday, but after the holiday, it feels like a Monday. Back off.
• Cole is single. And happy again might I add. She broke it off with him, but he comes out brilliantly. He didn't have to hurt her by being the jerk, he is out of a bad relationship, and as chipper as I've seen him in a long time. It sucks to lose your first love, but it is good to quit before you've put multiple years' time and emotion into it.
• Talk about following my own piece of advice -- I get an e-mail today from a fellow classmate and intern. She is massively successful and at 27 is a vice-president at Verizon and has a staff of 40, and was in a national commercial that is starting to air. Very hard not to compare myself to her, especially since I regularly kicked her ass in classes and on projects. She's making big bucks and is living just outside NYC. But I also detect some loneliness and sadness in her e-mail. Even though she has much success and money, I still consider myself much wealthier -- just in different ways and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
• Saw a cat brawl this morning. Cool.
• Emerging markets look to be where it will be as long as commodity prices stay high. I'm a little puzzled why the energy markets have not rallied despite the gas price spike.
• I like the smell of fireworks. Nothing like celebrating America by blowing a part of it up with Chinese technology.
• The North Koreans are crazy.
• Am I the only one that thinks this Ken Lay thing was suicide. You suddenly have a heart attack right before you are supposed to start serving life in prison?
• Wisconsin cousins, when Hayley turns 21, get ready to host us up there. Maybe fall of 2007?

First to direct a comment toward Andy's post - I find it unnecessary to add my opinions to topics that appear to belong only in the Nebraska circle. Some postings simply don't apply to me at all and I usually don't have any replies that contribute to the purpose of a given post. Unless I get more background for some things, they will probably remain Nebraska-only.

As for Paul - he's working back home and the dialup internet connection honestly can't handle this site well.

And a summary of what I've been up to lately:.. I'm still nannying for two girls during the week. They're so much better this year than last. We've had a lot of fun every day but maybe two so far, but those were because their parents kept them up to late over a weekend.

I sail whenever I have a free few hours. This past weekend I earned three more ratings (a rating allows you to take a given boat out in either light or heavy winds, depending on the level tested at). So I now have unlimited access to three boat fleets and the longboard windsurfers in the club. My body still hurts from 6 hours in 25 mph wind on Saturday, but it was so much fun I don't care. Plus, the latest boat I got rated on can hold 6 people, so now I can take out friends (and family) whenever I want for a little joy riding (did I mention it has room for coolers too?).

Then I used my club connections to get Mary and I a ride on one of the keelboats last night, that we sailed across the lake to watch the big "Rhythm and Booms" firework show with orchestra. Aside from the fact that we didn't get back to shore until after 1, it was an awesome evening.