Christmas 2009

Well, Christmas is almost here. La Dee Freaking Dah. Got almost all of our shopping done in one day. Saturday the 19th. Nothing like waiting for the last minute. It was really quite easy. Just got everyone gift cards this year since we have no idea what is on anyone's wish list. Christmas is for kids anyway.
Speaking of kids, the only real gifts we bought were for the 2 great-step-grandchildren, Nali and Madden. We got them the noisiest toys we could find. A toy electric guitar and a toy electric keyboard. That should drive their parents nuts!
Judy made me swear not to buy her anything this year. OK. Fine with me. But feel free to get me something. HA!
My wish list included a Bears Snuggie (which I already bought myself since the store was running out at the time and now they're completely out), the new Jimmy Buffett CD (which I'm sure I'll be getting), and beer. I'm pretty easy. Buy me anything with Bears or Cubs on it and I'm happy.
I have received a few gifts already. From the boss: a Bears desk clock (now if I can just figure out how to shut of the alarm. It keeps going off at 12:30 pm and I've lost the instructions!) From my sister: I think the Mickey Mouse ladle is for me, right? I haven't opened the box of chocolates yet. There's no name on it so I assume it's for me. Judy's gift from Sis has not been opened yet either. Even tho' the cats have tried. Also from work: they're lifting the wage freeze this year. Don't expect much tho'. I'm sure there's a cap. But it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

No Work Today!

There's about 12" of snow on the ground so they closed the plant today. YeeHaa!
Not that there's much to do around the house other than horse around on the internets.
Bad news tho'. I only have one beer in the fridge.
Good News: I'm on Darvocet (pain killers).
I had a wisdom tooth and a molar extracted yesterday. I'm in no real pain but the Darvocet is fun anyway!

S&H Green Stamps

Anyone remember these from the 60's? You collected them until you had enough to purchase something from their catalog. Well, when I was around 10 I had a paper route and part of my pay was S&H Green Stamps. When the job was over we went thru the catalog to find something for me to buy. Mom talked me into ordering a pitchter and glasses set. I had it for years. Not sure what ever became of it though. I know I'd broken a few of the glasses in moves throughout the years.

So this past weekend the wife and I went shopping for new glasses. Something that wouldn't etch in the dishwasher. 4 hours and about 16 stores and we still couldn't find anything. I was done shopping and ready to drink a beer. The wife continued her search. I got it in my head to find those type of glasses I used to have. Found out they were called "milk glass". And I found a complete set on eBay. With 4 fours of bidding left on the item. I put in a max bid of $50.00 and won! For only $31.00! Here they are. I should be receiving them in about a week.

Enemy Territory Pt. III

So we take off to Green Bay Saturday afternoon. And guess what we see on the way up?

Good omen, no?

Found our hotel and checked in and look how close to the stadium we were:

Only a 2 block walk to get there. (It was a 2 block stumble on the way back!)

Although the Bears lost the game 21-15 it was still a blast. It was funny to hear the Packer fans cuss out Rodgers one minute and then cheer him on the next. But I was doing the same thing concerning Cutler. 4 INT's! But it was still a well fought game. And judging by all the other games we watched that afternoon, the Vikings look like the team to beat.

And just why is this guy smiling? The Bears lost! ( I bet Miller Lite had something to do with it.)

Enemy Territory Pt. II

Getting my gear ready. I recently just received these for the game. The wife was not happy.

Venturing into Enemy Territory

The Bears play the Packers at Lambeau Field in the first regular season game on Sunday night, September 13. Which also happens to be our anniversary. So I bought tickets thru StubHub.com for the game for Judy and I. Paid $170 each for 2 tickets with a face value of $59 each. OK, no big deal. Search Stubhub to see what the most expensive tickets are going for if you heart can take the sticker shock!



Then I booked a hotel room one block away from the field. $86.00 bucks! What a deal! Until I looked closer at my booking some weeks later. I booked the hotel for 8/13 and not 9/13. Dumbass! I called the hotel and they let me cancel but they were already booked for game day. So by scouring Hotels.com I finally found another hotel. It's a mile away from the stadium but they have a shuttle to the game. Now for the kicker...you have to book 2 nights and the total came to $435.00! What a royal ripoff! I guess that's the only way Green Bay can make any money (being the podunk town that it is!).





Now it's just a matter of figuring out which, of all my Bears gear, I should wear to the game. Since I have several to chose from. Will post pics of my choices later.

I love doing windows now

Another fun thing I did last weekend was wash windows. I first went out and bought this tool. Just hose the windows, soap 'em up with the Swiffer-like "mop", rinse and you have completely streak free windows! This is the greatest invention of the 21st century! I did all 17 windows on my house in under a half hour.

Judy got stuck doing the inside of the windows. That's a real pain. But I'll gladly do the outsides anytime she asks me to now.

I should drink beforehand

Well, last Sunday I took Kris out driving. First time he's ever driven anything bigger than a golf cart. I stayed calm, didn't yell at him to STOP! or anything like that. He's still got a ways to go but he did better than I expected.
First we practiced a little in a large parking lot so he could get the feel of the truck and the gas and brakes. Then we headed out to the country for a leisurely drive. Mostly straight roads just so he could get some pratice.

Man, that beer never tasted so good after we got home!

Butters the Huntress!

As I've mentioned before, Butters is my cat. She's declawed but is allowed outside from time to time. Lately, she's been getting a little braver and venturing out in the yard farther. Normally she just lays on the deck.

Well, yesterday, she brought us all a suprise gift. It was a vole that she caught out in the yard. She walked up to the screen door with it in her mouth wanting to come in. I shooed her off so she just layed in the grass and tossed the poor thing around for awhile. Finally I took it from her since I didn't want her to try and eat it and get sick.

A new addition

Well, besides adding Kris to the household now. Look what we've just acquired:

She's 9 weeks old and I think her name is going to be "M". Notice the M shape on her forehead?

Needless to say, Butters, our 8 year old orange tabby, is not exactly pleased.

I'm not sure...

Well, I've wanted this blog to be somewhat lighthearted and boring. But somtimes things happen that you just have to talk about since there's now been a big change in the household.

You see, on May 30, Kristofer's Dad died (Kris is our grandson). Judy and I are becoming the legal guardians of him. He's living with us now. He's got a pretty sweet set up in the basement. Big screen TV, cable, internet, Xbox.

Last night he had 3 of his friends over for a sleep over. They behaved themselves pretty good. Except when they went out to "ding and dash". Now feeding 4 boys in their early teens isn't too hard but it is expensive. $70.00 worth of pizza, $30.00 worth of snacks/pop, and about $10.00 worth of donuts for breakfast this morning.

And to top it off, Judy's talking about getting a new kitten for Kris! This could prove somewhat of a challenge with our current cat who is 8 yrs old. She owns the house and I'm not too sure she's going to accept a new kitten in the house. At first, at least. I'm sure they'll get used to each other. It's just the transition period that's going to be a headache.

EXCELLENT MOVIE!

Attended the advanced showing of "Star Trek" last night. Excellent show! All the characters were spot on. Especially "Bones" (forget the actors name at the moment). Played him perfectly. Spock was a little too...emotional for me but still done well. The movie was fasted paced and there really wasn't a dull moment. Been reading some of the reviews this morning and they're all good.



I was a little disappointed that more people that went weren't dressed up. I think I was the only one. Well, it was an advanced showing and I guess not a lot of people knew about it. Tonight is the actual nationwide opening. And knowing this town, I'm sure there'll be a news crew at one of the theatres.

Got the shirt!

Got my TOS shirt in the mail the other day. Can't wait to wear it! (Psst...wife still does not know)
Since the movie is going to premier on a Thursday I'll be wearing it to work that day too! That should cause a bit of a commotion!

Will post a pic later.

Should I get Vulcan ears to go with it?

GOT MY TICKETS!!

Star Trek Movie premieres on 5/8/09. I've got advanced tickets to the 5/7 showing!
Got my communicator badge all shined up and ready to go. This is going to be the biggest movie event of 2009. Let's just hope the Academy doesn't turn their noses up at it.

I'm also thinking of buying a command shirt for the performance. (Will have to sneak that one by the wife!)

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

TO ME!

Yep, today is my birfday. Did pretty good this year (hell, it's only taken 49 years!).

Judy bought me a new Cubs sweatshrit and jacket. She also got me a new golf game for the PC but I can't run it. No DVD player on my PC. Probably should get one one of these days.

Anyway, I returned the game and went out and bought me a new golf bag. I figure that after receiving a bonus at work and it being my birfday, I deserve it. Check it out:

I've still got a gift card for somewhere coming from my sister and Mom sent me $20 for lunch. I'm just wondering if the grandkids are going to remember. Nahhh......

Valentine's Day

Wow, it's been awhile since my last post! But you all know how lazy I am.
Well, what's been going on? Judy still hasn't smoked. I, however, have been banished to either the garage or basement when I want to smoke.

My last water bill was $250!!!!! (for 3 months) They even sent a note asking if there were any leaks. None that I know of. Now they've gone to monthly billing and the new bill is $83.00. That's going to be over $250 again for a 3 month period! What's going on? Then I discovered the problem. My water softener is shot and has been running almost continually. There goes $475. Hope that fixes the water problem. Doesn't it figure? I just got my tax refund and it's already spent! Just when you think you're getting ahead...

As for Valentine's, like every holiday, I got the shaft. But Judy got a Snuggie (blanket w/arms) and an iPod Shuffle (for when she goes to the gym). She was quite surprised tho'.

Nobody likes a quitter...

Well, Judy quit smoking. It's been about 2 weeks now. Just went cold turkey.
She's not really bugging me about it. Much. So I've got 2-1/2 packs of smokes left so I guess I'll give it a try too. We'll see how long this lasts before I snap, grab an axe, and chop someone's head off!

Deep Frying

So, I've never deep fried no nothing at any time myself. Well, The son-in-law's son's girlfriend brought us a whole package of home made egg rolls (She's Laotian). So the wife and I went out the other day and bought a deep fryer and a gallon of oil (10W40).

I was expecting to have an expolsion or at least a fire. But they turned out OK. Excellent, in fact. Now I want to deep fry everything! Get me some Twinkies!!! Mozarella sticks! Mushrooms! Chicken! Ice Cream! French Fries!

I've got to remember to change the oil in it tho'. I remember, when I was in Korea, going to the only McDonald's in the country. The fries tasted like fish! Because they never changed the oil (or had separate vats). And fish is real big in Korea.

100 Things

OK, so my sister did this so now I'll try...



100 ThingsRULES: There are 100 statements and you bold the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Had stitches

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept in an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitchhiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten cavier

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chicken pox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a lawsuit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

The cars are another year older.

Well, it's a new year. New challenges, new hopes, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah.

We went to dinner at a new restaurant called Thai Basil Fusion. Not bad. If you like Thai food that's kind of tweaked for the American palette. Then we went home to watch "Burn After Reading". Now I owe the video store since I burned the DVD after watching. What a waste of 2 hours of my life! We tried, but could only make to 11:00. When we woke, the new year still arrived. I was, of course, a little fuzzy around the edges. Miller Lite, ya know.

Gonna cook a turkey today and have some people over. Got to go to the store for all the sides, etc. Man, do I have exciting weekends or what?

Judy spent the last 4 days at her Mom's (I had to work). If it wasn't for take out and beer, I'd probably be in the hospital for lack of nutrition. HA! Just too lazy or imaginative to cook for myself.

Christmas was good. I got hosed. All I got was $50 bucks and a Bears blanket. The blanket's cool (or should I say warm and cozy?). I burned thru the 50 in a heartbeat buying things like food and beer. Since I bought Judy her new monitor I get to go shopping for myself for "Xmas" presents. So I've got about $130 worth of spending to do plus the $30 Kohl's bucks I have. So far, I've bought 2 new pair of slacks. Can't find anything else right now I really want/need. We'll see tomorrow.