Tuesday, Casey and I were stupid. We went to Wal-Mart.
Or, at least that's what I would have thought had I not gone there. The parking lot was packed, but the store itself really wasn't that bad. I've seen it much worse on regular days. Or in the middle of December. But for the 20th, it wasn't bad.
Same with the mall when I went on the 21st. Monday, it had been super crowded. Maybe this means everyone in town is done with their shopping already. I know I've been hearing that retail sales were strong, so I don't think this is a bad sign.
Meanwhile, not much else going on around here.
Left work a little before three today. Still have my jeans drying in the dryer, but that's the final part of the three loads of laundry I did today.
I was going to be all packed so I could just get up and leave in the morning, but it's not going to happen. I'm way too tired, and I put off packing until my clothes were done. It'll be easier in the morning anyway because I can just gather stuff up and go instead of trying to pack half tonight and half tomorrow. Of course, it means I either have to get up earlier or leave later. Or both.
Anyway, I am leaving for my parents in the morning. Won't be back until New Year's Day. I'll check in if I can, but if you don't hear from me, don't panic.
Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Early Thursday Threesome for December 22nd
Remember when I used to do these first thing Thursday morning? Ok, so it's been years. Still, I'm doing it first thing today. And it's brought to us this week by emotional rollercoasters and The Back Porch.
Onesome: Daily-- Do you have a daily routine you've fallen into this Christmas? ...baking in the morning, shopping in the afternoon? ...checking your list (twice) and then trying to find that certain something at lunch? ...checking the shippers to make sure everything is on the way? ...making sure you don't miss a day with your Advent calendar?
No more then normal. I still have to work. Then I go home after work. Really not much out of the ordinary for me.
Twosome: Ups and-- USPS and DHL and FedEx? How's the inbound traffic this year? Are you receiving more from on line stores than you have in the past? (Oh, and a word to the gang on this: Amazon's "SuperSaver Shipping" is using a sequence of Airborne to the USPS to the recipient, targeting deliveries for Friday the twenty-third. Heads up tomorrow for inbound reindeer!)
I think I did about the same amount of shopping this year on line as previous years. Maybe a little more, but not too much more. There's one package going straight to my parents I don't know about, but everything that should have arrived down here has arrived already.
Threesome: Downs-- ..de' hatch? What are your thoughts on eggnog now that it's that time of year? ...and sure, unleadeed or with the traditional added 'kick'. It seems no one is fence-sitting on this holiday drink; people either seem to like it or loath it. How about you?
I remember having eggnog once in my life and not liking it. I was a kid at the time, but I haven't gone near the stuff since. It was unleaded then and I'd have it unleaded again now.
Onesome: Daily-- Do you have a daily routine you've fallen into this Christmas? ...baking in the morning, shopping in the afternoon? ...checking your list (twice) and then trying to find that certain something at lunch? ...checking the shippers to make sure everything is on the way? ...making sure you don't miss a day with your Advent calendar?
No more then normal. I still have to work. Then I go home after work. Really not much out of the ordinary for me.
Twosome: Ups and-- USPS and DHL and FedEx? How's the inbound traffic this year? Are you receiving more from on line stores than you have in the past? (Oh, and a word to the gang on this: Amazon's "SuperSaver Shipping" is using a sequence of Airborne to the USPS to the recipient, targeting deliveries for Friday the twenty-third. Heads up tomorrow for inbound reindeer!)
I think I did about the same amount of shopping this year on line as previous years. Maybe a little more, but not too much more. There's one package going straight to my parents I don't know about, but everything that should have arrived down here has arrived already.
Threesome: Downs-- ..de' hatch? What are your thoughts on eggnog now that it's that time of year? ...and sure, unleadeed or with the traditional added 'kick'. It seems no one is fence-sitting on this holiday drink; people either seem to like it or loath it. How about you?
I remember having eggnog once in my life and not liking it. I was a kid at the time, but I haven't gone near the stuff since. It was unleaded then and I'd have it unleaded again now.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Quiz Time
Here are a couple more quizzes I've wanted to do for a while but haven't gotten to yet.
You are Brian! You are dependable, stable, and are
always there to help. You can be counted on to
fix any problem and get people out of sticky
situations. Just make sure you aren;t so stern
all the time; losen up and have a little more
fun in life!
What Trixie Belden character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Ok, I'll admit I picked a couple Brian answers. But it was rather hard not to know who they were going for. Now, If I had red hair but was the oldest and dependable with parents who did a good job raising the family....
You are Jim! You are a gentleman who ALWAYS tries
to do what is right in every situation. People
apprectiate your honesty and the humor that
often peeks out from your proper front. Make
sure your aren't SO honorable that you lose
friends because you are a goody-goody.
What Trixie Belden character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
I guess this just proves how much alike those two are. All I did was chance the hair color question, and I went from Brian to Jim.
Love life seems harsh, but I guess it's accurate.
But don't they speak that is Sweden? Isn't that like, a very cold place? No thanks. :)
You are Brian! You are dependable, stable, and are
always there to help. You can be counted on to
fix any problem and get people out of sticky
situations. Just make sure you aren;t so stern
all the time; losen up and have a little more
fun in life!
What Trixie Belden character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Ok, I'll admit I picked a couple Brian answers. But it was rather hard not to know who they were going for. Now, If I had red hair but was the oldest and dependable with parents who did a good job raising the family....
You are Jim! You are a gentleman who ALWAYS tries
to do what is right in every situation. People
apprectiate your honesty and the humor that
often peeks out from your proper front. Make
sure your aren't SO honorable that you lose
friends because you are a goody-goody.
What Trixie Belden character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
I guess this just proves how much alike those two are. All I did was chance the hair color question, and I went from Brian to Jim.
| This Is My Life, Rated | |
| Life: |  6.1 |
| Mind: | 5.8 |
| Body: |  5.3 |
| Spirit: |  7.9 |
| Friends/Family: | 4.8 |
| Love: |  0.8 |
| Finance: | 8.1 |
| Take the Rate My Life Quiz | |
Love life seems harsh, but I guess it's accurate.
| You Should Learn Swedish |
 Fantastisk! You're laid back about learning a language - and about life in general. Peaceful, beautiful Sweden is ideal for you... And you won't even have to speak perfect Swedish to get around! |
But don't they speak that is Sweden? Isn't that like, a very cold place? No thanks. :)
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Party Time
This was a very busy weekend. Christmas party time, you know.
Thursday night, we took the youth caroling. Took the bus this year, which I was very thankful for. Only made four stops, and we kept having to go back and forth because one gated community was going to let us in, then wasn't, then was.... What's really funny is we had no problem getting in a couple weeks ago.
Friday, I met for lunch with Pastor Jon. we talked about my future in ministry in the church, and specifically youth ministry. We reached absolutely no conclusions other then the fact that I would definitely stay through January. Still, it was a very good time.
Friday night, Jon took the youth staff out to dinner. It turned out being mostly Jr. High staff. We were going to the Cheesecake Factory down in Hollywood. Since no one got there to put our name in before 7:30, it was 10 PM before we were seated. That's what happens when you have a large group on a busy night. Most of us hung out at the Barnes and Nobel next door the entire time. That's where I found the book Smart Answers to Dumb Questions. A cartoon book depecting the sarcastic comments you often want to say to the questions you get asked all the time. "Would you liked to see our menu?" "No thanks. we'll just guess what you have?" "Is this book supposed to be funny?" "No, it's supposed to be read." Or my personal favorite exchange. Guy entering elevator on bottom floor: "Going up?" Guy in elevator: "Actually, we thought we'd break the monotony and go sideways today." Ok, so have I ever claimed not to be a wise guy? I came so close to buying the book, but I didn't at the last minute. Now I'm wishing I had.
Anyway, we did finally get seats and get food. It was quite good, and the cheesecake was fabulous. I also really enjoyed hanging out with these friends. The down side was, we didn't get home until 1 AM.
Naturally, I slept in on Saturday. Which didn't give me time to do anything much before I had to be down at Konrad and Carol's for the game night. We met early so we could spend some time making chocolates. Then we played Mexican Train Dominoes. I lost royally. It might have had something to do with me drawing more dominoes then anyone else to start.
Sunday evening was the annual Christmas carol sing at church. I always love that service, and this year was no exception. We didn't have a time for requests this year, but we still sang "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," a personal favorite that is often overlooked. And we ended with "Come On, Ring Those Bells." I couldn't have planned it better.
After that (no, my partying isn't over yet), I went to Stephen and Natalie's for their annual Christmas party. Plus I got to meet their new son, Dylan. Again, I had a wonderful time. We played Wise and Otherwise, a game kinda like Balderdash using old proverbs. I loved it and am quite disappointed to learn that the game appears to be out of print.
At the end of the party, one of their guests, told me I needed to get a wife when she heard me talking about enjoying TV and books. I was too offended at the time, but later I thought about how funny it was. If she only know what my weekend had been like. Plus it tied in to a discussion we had at the game night about how the church puts pressure on people to be married.
So that's the tale of my weekend.
Thursday night, we took the youth caroling. Took the bus this year, which I was very thankful for. Only made four stops, and we kept having to go back and forth because one gated community was going to let us in, then wasn't, then was.... What's really funny is we had no problem getting in a couple weeks ago.
Friday, I met for lunch with Pastor Jon. we talked about my future in ministry in the church, and specifically youth ministry. We reached absolutely no conclusions other then the fact that I would definitely stay through January. Still, it was a very good time.
Friday night, Jon took the youth staff out to dinner. It turned out being mostly Jr. High staff. We were going to the Cheesecake Factory down in Hollywood. Since no one got there to put our name in before 7:30, it was 10 PM before we were seated. That's what happens when you have a large group on a busy night. Most of us hung out at the Barnes and Nobel next door the entire time. That's where I found the book Smart Answers to Dumb Questions. A cartoon book depecting the sarcastic comments you often want to say to the questions you get asked all the time. "Would you liked to see our menu?" "No thanks. we'll just guess what you have?" "Is this book supposed to be funny?" "No, it's supposed to be read." Or my personal favorite exchange. Guy entering elevator on bottom floor: "Going up?" Guy in elevator: "Actually, we thought we'd break the monotony and go sideways today." Ok, so have I ever claimed not to be a wise guy? I came so close to buying the book, but I didn't at the last minute. Now I'm wishing I had.
Anyway, we did finally get seats and get food. It was quite good, and the cheesecake was fabulous. I also really enjoyed hanging out with these friends. The down side was, we didn't get home until 1 AM.
Naturally, I slept in on Saturday. Which didn't give me time to do anything much before I had to be down at Konrad and Carol's for the game night. We met early so we could spend some time making chocolates. Then we played Mexican Train Dominoes. I lost royally. It might have had something to do with me drawing more dominoes then anyone else to start.
Sunday evening was the annual Christmas carol sing at church. I always love that service, and this year was no exception. We didn't have a time for requests this year, but we still sang "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," a personal favorite that is often overlooked. And we ended with "Come On, Ring Those Bells." I couldn't have planned it better.
After that (no, my partying isn't over yet), I went to Stephen and Natalie's for their annual Christmas party. Plus I got to meet their new son, Dylan. Again, I had a wonderful time. We played Wise and Otherwise, a game kinda like Balderdash using old proverbs. I loved it and am quite disappointed to learn that the game appears to be out of print.
At the end of the party, one of their guests, told me I needed to get a wife when she heard me talking about enjoying TV and books. I was too offended at the time, but later I thought about how funny it was. If she only know what my weekend had been like. Plus it tied in to a discussion we had at the game night about how the church puts pressure on people to be married.
So that's the tale of my weekend.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
A Little Behind the Times
I got a funny piece of mail Friday.
It was a reminder to vote on November 8th from the Republican party. Icluded the governor's propositions so I could vote the right way.
Anyone else think it's funny that I got it six weeks after the election?
So, the question becomes, did someone at Republican head quarters slip up? Or is this another example of the post office delivering mail very slowly?
Of course, the flier looks familiar. I bet I got two or three of them before the election.
Anyway, I thought it was funny.
It was a reminder to vote on November 8th from the Republican party. Icluded the governor's propositions so I could vote the right way.
Anyone else think it's funny that I got it six weeks after the election?
So, the question becomes, did someone at Republican head quarters slip up? Or is this another example of the post office delivering mail very slowly?
Of course, the flier looks familiar. I bet I got two or three of them before the election.
Anyway, I thought it was funny.
Word Association for December 18th
Two WA posts in a row. Aren't you lucky?
- Replenish:: Supply
- People:: Magazine
- Trend:: Fashion
- Girlfriends:: Group of female friends
- Spirit:: (is) Willing
- Banshee:: Yell
- Oasis:: Water
- Thrills:: Chills
- Fountain:: Water
- Boxes:: Packages
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Word Association Catch Up
I never did the Word Association for Sunday, did I?
Well, here we go then.
Well, here we go then.
- Stalker:: Danger
- Outrageous:: Claim
- Carrying:: Bucket
- Spirited:: Debate
- Oh!:: No!
- Grid:: Lock
- Country:: City
- Karen:: Smith
- Candles:: Flame
- Relationship:: Dating
Thursday Threesome for December 15th
Brought to us this week by candy sellers and The Back Porch.
Onesome: Candy canes-- Treat of the Christmas season or something you just never got into? (Oh, and "traditional" or with green stripes for the aficionados out there?)
Treat of the season we should have more often. And definitely just red and white (even though I love the color green just about anywhere else.)
Twosome: and Peppermint-- or cinnamon scented candles and such? Which do you prefer when you walk into a home or business this time of year? ...or maybe even fresh evergreen from a real tree?
Fresh evergreen from a real tree, even though I haven't had a real tree for several years now. Scented candles usually bother my allergies.
Threesome: sticks-- ..or schtick? ..or even maybe kitsch? Yeah, what is your most un-favorite piece of Christmastime memorabilia? That display at the hardware store? The "Simpsons Nativity"? That ornament you made in third grade that still ends up on the tree each year? Inquiring minds and all that...
I honestly don't know if I have anything I don't like. If I don't like it, I don't buy it and since I'm the only one who buys stuff for Christmas at my place, it's not that big a deal.
Onesome: Candy canes-- Treat of the Christmas season or something you just never got into? (Oh, and "traditional" or with green stripes for the aficionados out there
Treat of the season we should have more often. And definitely just red and white (even though I love the color green just about anywhere else.)
Twosome: and Peppermint-- or cinnamon scented candles and such? Which do you prefer when you walk into a home or business this time of year? ...or maybe even fresh evergreen from a real tree?
Fresh evergreen from a real tree, even though I haven't had a real tree for several years now. Scented candles usually bother my allergies.
Threesome: sticks-- ..or schtick? ..or even maybe kitsch? Yeah, what is your most un-favorite piece of Christmastime memorabilia? That display at the hardware store? The "Simpsons Nativity"? That ornament you made in third grade that still ends up on the tree each year? Inquiring minds and all that...
I honestly don't know if I have anything I don't like. If I don't like it, I don't buy it and since I'm the only one who buys stuff for Christmas at my place, it's not that big a deal.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Absolutely Wonderful!
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is my favorite movie of the year, hands down. It is everything I hoped for in a movie version of the book.
Yes, the change details. Most of the time, it's minor stuff, but in the middle they make some major changes. But those changes help make it a good movie instead of a book. Either version stands up well by itself.
I absolutely can not wait to see it again. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you doing sitting here reading this post? Go, watch now! That is an order!!!!!!!!
After the movie, we came back to my condo for games and pumpkin pie. Joanne Fluke recipe, of course. We had a good time, although with Dawson there it was hard to concentrate on the game. Still, it was a wonderful day.
Other then that, not much else going on. When you go to work and do nothing at night, life is fairly easy with not much to report.
So I think I'll finally get around to doing this quiz I've seen on just about everyone's blog by now and haven't done yet.
So I'm a hero from a movie I hated. Interesting.
Of course, I think if I liked to climb and didn't mind tight fitting spandex, I could have bumped Spidy to the top.
Yes, the change details. Most of the time, it's minor stuff, but in the middle they make some major changes. But those changes help make it a good movie instead of a book. Either version stands up well by itself.
I absolutely can not wait to see it again. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you doing sitting here reading this post? Go, watch now! That is an order!!!!!!!!
After the movie, we came back to my condo for games and pumpkin pie. Joanne Fluke recipe, of course. We had a good time, although with Dawson there it was hard to concentrate on the game. Still, it was a wonderful day.
Other then that, not much else going on. When you go to work and do nothing at night, life is fairly easy with not much to report.
So I think I'll finally get around to doing this quiz I've seen on just about everyone's blog by now and haven't done yet.
 | You scored as Maximus. After his family was murdered by the evil emperor Commodus, the great Roman general Maximus went into hiding to avoid Commodus's assassins. He became a gladiator, hoping to dominate the colosseum in order to one day get the chance of killing Commodus. Maximus is valiant, courageous, and dedicated. He wants nothing more than the chance to avenge his family, but his temper often gets the better of him.
Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0 created with QuizFarm.com |
So I'm a hero from a movie I hated. Interesting.
Of course, I think if I liked to climb and didn't mind tight fitting spandex, I could have bumped Spidy to the top.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Tomorrow Can't Come Fast Enough!
So, in case you've missed it, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe opens today. I absolutely can not wait to see it.
I've heard from a couple people who have seen it. One went to a special screening they did for Master's College folks last night (during Bible study or you can bet I would have been there). The other went to a midnight screening. But have raved about it, saying it is everything a fan of the books would want.
I am going to see it tomorrow with the game night crew. 24 hours from now I'll be in the theater watching. I so can not wait until then. It can not get here fast enough.
Can you tell I'm a little excited?
I'm so excited today has been pretty much a waste. I didn't have much to do, but I wanted to get it done. I gone none of it done. I guess that's what Monday will be for.
Youth group last night went well. Small turn out, but I guess there was sports stuff going on for the school. I led worship by myself for various reasons. We're caroling next week, so this will be our last worship time of the year. And after next week, we're taking three weeks off. Since I'll be gone two of them, works out well for me.
I've heard from a couple people who have seen it. One went to a special screening they did for Master's College folks last night (during Bible study or you can bet I would have been there). The other went to a midnight screening. But have raved about it, saying it is everything a fan of the books would want.
I am going to see it tomorrow with the game night crew. 24 hours from now I'll be in the theater watching. I so can not wait until then. It can not get here fast enough.
Can you tell I'm a little excited?
I'm so excited today has been pretty much a waste. I didn't have much to do, but I wanted to get it done. I gone none of it done. I guess that's what Monday will be for.
Youth group last night went well. Small turn out, but I guess there was sports stuff going on for the school. I led worship by myself for various reasons. We're caroling next week, so this will be our last worship time of the year. And after next week, we're taking three weeks off. Since I'll be gone two of them, works out well for me.
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