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!