Happy New Year From The Armstrongs
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Auld Lang Syne
Everyone have a safe a Happy New Year!
We got a giftcard for 2 free Blockbuster movies so I went and picked up March Of The Penguins, and The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. Both were pretty good. MOTP was very cute, who doesn't love the sight of a fluffy baby penguin? Hitchhiker's was entertaining, I'm sure you'd find it that way even if you've never read the book. I liked the casting, but the ending was way too Hollywood, as Geoff put it. I would have preferred for them to leave it open to the idea of a sequel, but without Adams writing that script, who knows how it would turn out.
Since I got a ton of books for Christmas (and I haven't even finished the books from last Christmas), I'm trying to make time to read. I really enjoy reading. My books this year would indicate that it was a Canadiana theme. Which is funny, as I seem to be struggling with my identity. I live in the U.S., I barely have a grasp on what's happening in my home country, and I have an American son to raise. We were approved to switch visas, so next week when Geoff goes up to Boulder, he'll talk to them about where we go from there towards our goal of getting a green card. I'm fairly certain I want to hold a dual citizenship, but I don't really know how it benefits me.
Anyways, I'll sign off with a quote from When Harry Met Sally. I hope I get to see you all sometime next year.
Harry Burns: I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
We got a giftcard for 2 free Blockbuster movies so I went and picked up March Of The Penguins, and The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. Both were pretty good. MOTP was very cute, who doesn't love the sight of a fluffy baby penguin? Hitchhiker's was entertaining, I'm sure you'd find it that way even if you've never read the book. I liked the casting, but the ending was way too Hollywood, as Geoff put it. I would have preferred for them to leave it open to the idea of a sequel, but without Adams writing that script, who knows how it would turn out.
Since I got a ton of books for Christmas (and I haven't even finished the books from last Christmas), I'm trying to make time to read. I really enjoy reading. My books this year would indicate that it was a Canadiana theme. Which is funny, as I seem to be struggling with my identity. I live in the U.S., I barely have a grasp on what's happening in my home country, and I have an American son to raise. We were approved to switch visas, so next week when Geoff goes up to Boulder, he'll talk to them about where we go from there towards our goal of getting a green card. I'm fairly certain I want to hold a dual citizenship, but I don't really know how it benefits me.
Anyways, I'll sign off with a quote from When Harry Met Sally. I hope I get to see you all sometime next year.
Harry Burns: I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Friday's Random Ten
Live What I Believe - Russ Lee
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Micah #5 - ApologetiX
Will 2K - Will Smith
King Of New Orleans - Better Than Ezra
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
Reach Out I'll Be There - Four Tops
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
I Melt With You - Jason Mraz
Dancing With Myself - Billy Idol
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Micah #5 - ApologetiX
Will 2K - Will Smith
King Of New Orleans - Better Than Ezra
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
Reach Out I'll Be There - Four Tops
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
I Melt With You - Jason Mraz
Dancing With Myself - Billy Idol
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Windy City
The wind, she is a blowin'. It was far too windy for me to venture too far from home. And I was heading to Blockbuster to get some new releases to watch. Perhaps I'll take the car later and go pick some up.
I think I'm nearly ready to take down all the Christmas decorations. I'd like to leave the outdoor lights on for a while though, I really like them. Also, if I take everything down, I'll be able to see if we're going to need another storage box.
No plans for New Years. Last year, we stayed in a hotel and it was fun, except that we were both sick and went to bed at 9pm. This year I'm not sure if we'll stay up until midnight, I do have to work in the nursery at church the next morning. Thankfully there is only one service and it's at 10am. We may try to have some friends over on Sunday for dinner, we're waiting to hear back. These would be our friends Chad & Khara. Great couple. I'm a little hesitant about having them over for dinner only because Khara travels all over the country, and has eaten at some of the coolest, nicest restaurants in the U.S. But I have faith in Geoff's cooking, and really the company can make a meal better.
Soon Geoff will be departing for the west coast. He's looking forward to the learning experience he'll get, but not so much the being away from us, and eating out every meal. I'm hoping he'll take advantage of being so close to San Fran and take in some sights. Man I wish I could get back to San Fran. What a neat town. I never get to see enough of places I visit (except Edmonton!), but I guess that's what draws us back.
I'm watching Hero right now. No, not the martial arts movie, the Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis, Andy Garcia movie. Excellent movie. I'll close with a quote from it.
Bubber: So you don't want the credit?
LaPlante: I don't take credit; I'm a cash kind of guy.
I think I'm nearly ready to take down all the Christmas decorations. I'd like to leave the outdoor lights on for a while though, I really like them. Also, if I take everything down, I'll be able to see if we're going to need another storage box.
No plans for New Years. Last year, we stayed in a hotel and it was fun, except that we were both sick and went to bed at 9pm. This year I'm not sure if we'll stay up until midnight, I do have to work in the nursery at church the next morning. Thankfully there is only one service and it's at 10am. We may try to have some friends over on Sunday for dinner, we're waiting to hear back. These would be our friends Chad & Khara. Great couple. I'm a little hesitant about having them over for dinner only because Khara travels all over the country, and has eaten at some of the coolest, nicest restaurants in the U.S. But I have faith in Geoff's cooking, and really the company can make a meal better.
Soon Geoff will be departing for the west coast. He's looking forward to the learning experience he'll get, but not so much the being away from us, and eating out every meal. I'm hoping he'll take advantage of being so close to San Fran and take in some sights. Man I wish I could get back to San Fran. What a neat town. I never get to see enough of places I visit (except Edmonton!), but I guess that's what draws us back.
I'm watching Hero right now. No, not the martial arts movie, the Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis, Andy Garcia movie. Excellent movie. I'll close with a quote from it.
Bubber: So you don't want the credit?
LaPlante: I don't take credit; I'm a cash kind of guy.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Like An Arrow
We're just days away from 2006. Exciting isn't it? I still have problems remembering what year it is, and now we are changing over. Maybe it will get easier.
I've had something on my mind for a few days, and I've been trying to get the words right in my head. There is still no resolution to that missing girl Aarone. It bugs me, that her family can't have peace, or answers. The father is still being painted suspicious, and I wonder if it is deserved. I think he is hiding something, and all the strange stories that keep coming up don't help his case. The big thing that everyone is harping on, is the he isn't acting the way people think he should. And it brings to my mind something I said following the death of a loved one, everybody grieves differently. We all react to death differently. Not to say this poor little girl is dead (though I suspect that must be the case since they have no leads, no sightings). Everybody sees things with their own slant. Years ago, I used to wonder how Colin & I could view our childhood so differently, and then realized we didn't share the same childhood. He experienced things differently than I did. Yes, we shared the same parents, and sometimes shared the same house, but we had two different childhoods.
Where was I? Oh yeah, I wish for that family to get answers and be able to move on with their lives. That's what's been on my mind.
And in the new year, I want health, happiness, travel, and much less drama!
I'll close with a quote from Toys (for you Geoff).
Patrick Zevo: Are you taking my duplication investigation seriously or are you disrespecting my duplication investigation?
I've had something on my mind for a few days, and I've been trying to get the words right in my head. There is still no resolution to that missing girl Aarone. It bugs me, that her family can't have peace, or answers. The father is still being painted suspicious, and I wonder if it is deserved. I think he is hiding something, and all the strange stories that keep coming up don't help his case. The big thing that everyone is harping on, is the he isn't acting the way people think he should. And it brings to my mind something I said following the death of a loved one, everybody grieves differently. We all react to death differently. Not to say this poor little girl is dead (though I suspect that must be the case since they have no leads, no sightings). Everybody sees things with their own slant. Years ago, I used to wonder how Colin & I could view our childhood so differently, and then realized we didn't share the same childhood. He experienced things differently than I did. Yes, we shared the same parents, and sometimes shared the same house, but we had two different childhoods.
Where was I? Oh yeah, I wish for that family to get answers and be able to move on with their lives. That's what's been on my mind.
And in the new year, I want health, happiness, travel, and much less drama!
I'll close with a quote from Toys (for you Geoff).
Patrick Zevo: Are you taking my duplication investigation seriously or are you disrespecting my duplication investigation?
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
It's What Now?
My birthday is in 15 days! So says Amazon.com.
I'll be spending it alone with Elijah, but it is my hope to find someone to go with me to Macaroni Grill and have enjoy the caffe latte cheesecake (my favorite).
It's nice to have something to look forward to. :)
I'll be spending it alone with Elijah, but it is my hope to find someone to go with me to Macaroni Grill and have enjoy the caffe latte cheesecake (my favorite).
It's nice to have something to look forward to. :)
Sunday, December 25, 2005
More Than Blessed
We had a fantastic Christmas morning, all of us getting a ton of great gifts. I don't really want to brag, so I'll leave it at I was very blessed. :)
Church was good last night and this morning. Elijah did pretty good sitting with us, but I can't wait until he can go back to the nursery. After we sang some songs, we all had to
-grab a t-shirt that read, The Church Has Left The Building
-get directions to a police station, firehouse, or hospital
-take at least 6 dozen donuts to your destination and thank them for working on Christmas Day
It was fun. We drove a few miles to a firehouse in Aurora (not the one down the road from us) and rang the doorbell. A man peeked out side the window before opening it to see our 3 smiling faces wishing him a Merry Christmas. He invited us in, and we saw two other firemen, and they lead us to the room with the vehicles. He explained the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine (they have an engine) and we talked a little bit about the other vehicles there. We wished them a slow day, and then we came home.
Geoff has tomorrow off work too, so it'll be another quiet day hanging around. The weather is awesome, very warm so we'll probably go out for a family walk tomorrow. The ribs last night were awesome, and the house smells like ham right now.
I'm going to close with a quote from Sneakers.
Whistler: I want peace on earth and good will toward man.
Bernard Abbott: Oh this is ridiculous.
Martin Bishop: He's serious.
Whistler: I want peace on earth and goodwill toward men.
Bernard Abbott: We're the United States Government! We don't deal with that sort of thing.
Martin Bishop: You're just gonna have to try.
Bernard Abbott: All right, I'll see what I can do.
Whistler: Thank you very much. That's all I ask.
Church was good last night and this morning. Elijah did pretty good sitting with us, but I can't wait until he can go back to the nursery. After we sang some songs, we all had to
-grab a t-shirt that read, The Church Has Left The Building
-get directions to a police station, firehouse, or hospital
-take at least 6 dozen donuts to your destination and thank them for working on Christmas Day
It was fun. We drove a few miles to a firehouse in Aurora (not the one down the road from us) and rang the doorbell. A man peeked out side the window before opening it to see our 3 smiling faces wishing him a Merry Christmas. He invited us in, and we saw two other firemen, and they lead us to the room with the vehicles. He explained the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine (they have an engine) and we talked a little bit about the other vehicles there. We wished them a slow day, and then we came home.
Geoff has tomorrow off work too, so it'll be another quiet day hanging around. The weather is awesome, very warm so we'll probably go out for a family walk tomorrow. The ribs last night were awesome, and the house smells like ham right now.
I'm going to close with a quote from Sneakers.
Whistler: I want peace on earth and good will toward man.
Bernard Abbott: Oh this is ridiculous.
Martin Bishop: He's serious.
Whistler: I want peace on earth and goodwill toward men.
Bernard Abbott: We're the United States Government! We don't deal with that sort of thing.
Martin Bishop: You're just gonna have to try.
Bernard Abbott: All right, I'll see what I can do.
Whistler: Thank you very much. That's all I ask.
Holly Jolly Christmas!
Hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas morning. We're off to church, but I'll upload some pics when we get back. It was a very wonderful morning, and it is indeed better with a little one to share it with.
*Update* I uploaded the pics. Visit Elijah's blog to see a movie.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Joy To The World, The Lord Is Come!
First off...
Merry Christmas Everybody!
Yesterday we went off to donate blood at the new blood center. It's not nearly as spacious as the old center, but if you are donating for a surgery, they give you headphones and you own tv to watch while they draw your blood. I was not able to donate yesterday, my blood pressure was too low (84/52). I tried to tell them I have a naturally low bp, but since your blood pressure drops 10 points when they draw blood, it's a safety issue. So I was disappointed, and may try to go back at some point. Geoff had no problems and he got his toque.
We had some plumbing issues with our kitchen sink, so we had to go to Home Depot this morning for Geoff to get supplies to fix it. He's quite the Mr. Handyman. Now I guess I can't complain about him watching Ed The Plumber if he's putting to use what he learns.
Our plans for today? Flexible. Geoff is making the cinnamon buns we'll be eating tomorrow morning (an Armstrong tradition), we'll go to Christmas Eve service, and hopefully Geoff will play Christmas carols on his violin. Somewhere in there we may watch Christmas specials (The Toy That Saved Christmas, Merry Christmas Mr. Bean, anything that's on tv), and we'll put the gifts under the trees.
Tonight's dinner is ribs, and let me say Geoff makes the best (in my opinion). Tomorrow night we'll feast on ham. Both recipes courtesy of our favorite chef, Alton Brown. We don't starve at our house. We also have a bunch of Christmas cookies to eat, lemon crisps (excellent with tea), Rachelle's gingerbread cookies (very chewy), shortbreads (Geoff's favorite) and my Christmas cutouts (turned out pretty good. The orange zest really adds to the flavor).
We may try to call y'all tomorrow, but time will tell what the day will bring. We'll also be online (AIM), and trying to send pics as often as we can.
I'm going to close with the lyrics to a great Christmas song, Babe In The Straw.
Who is this Child asleep in a manger
The Heavens are bright and the stable so cold
And on this holy night have You come to redeem us
Little Child in the straw
Who is this Babe, the Prince of the universe
The donkey is braying, the angels are singing
The prophets did say You would ocme to redeem the world
Little Babe in the straw
Merciful One, Lover of every soul
The Father's own Son, Emmanuel
Yes, we believe You are able to heal us
Noel, Noel, Save us all
And if we lose sight of Your sweet face
At the birth of grace, at the birth of grace
Light of truth, shine like Bethlehem's star
And lead us to where You are, Show us who You are
Save us tonight, Little Babe in the straw
Merry Christmas Everybody!
Yesterday we went off to donate blood at the new blood center. It's not nearly as spacious as the old center, but if you are donating for a surgery, they give you headphones and you own tv to watch while they draw your blood. I was not able to donate yesterday, my blood pressure was too low (84/52). I tried to tell them I have a naturally low bp, but since your blood pressure drops 10 points when they draw blood, it's a safety issue. So I was disappointed, and may try to go back at some point. Geoff had no problems and he got his toque.
We had some plumbing issues with our kitchen sink, so we had to go to Home Depot this morning for Geoff to get supplies to fix it. He's quite the Mr. Handyman. Now I guess I can't complain about him watching Ed The Plumber if he's putting to use what he learns.
Our plans for today? Flexible. Geoff is making the cinnamon buns we'll be eating tomorrow morning (an Armstrong tradition), we'll go to Christmas Eve service, and hopefully Geoff will play Christmas carols on his violin. Somewhere in there we may watch Christmas specials (The Toy That Saved Christmas, Merry Christmas Mr. Bean, anything that's on tv), and we'll put the gifts under the trees.
Tonight's dinner is ribs, and let me say Geoff makes the best (in my opinion). Tomorrow night we'll feast on ham. Both recipes courtesy of our favorite chef, Alton Brown. We don't starve at our house. We also have a bunch of Christmas cookies to eat, lemon crisps (excellent with tea), Rachelle's gingerbread cookies (very chewy), shortbreads (Geoff's favorite) and my Christmas cutouts (turned out pretty good. The orange zest really adds to the flavor).
We may try to call y'all tomorrow, but time will tell what the day will bring. We'll also be online (AIM), and trying to send pics as often as we can.
I'm going to close with the lyrics to a great Christmas song, Babe In The Straw.
Who is this Child asleep in a manger
The Heavens are bright and the stable so cold
And on this holy night have You come to redeem us
Little Child in the straw
Who is this Babe, the Prince of the universe
The donkey is braying, the angels are singing
The prophets did say You would ocme to redeem the world
Little Babe in the straw
Merciful One, Lover of every soul
The Father's own Son, Emmanuel
Yes, we believe You are able to heal us
Noel, Noel, Save us all
And if we lose sight of Your sweet face
At the birth of grace, at the birth of grace
Light of truth, shine like Bethlehem's star
And lead us to where You are, Show us who You are
Save us tonight, Little Babe in the straw
Friday, December 23, 2005
Is No Marriage Sacred?
Mike Myers & his wife Robin have decided to split? This totally blows!
Seriously people, there are so few things a marriage can't overcome. I'm just so disappointed.
Seriously people, there are so few things a marriage can't overcome. I'm just so disappointed.
Friday's Random Ten
Be Bold Jeremiah - ApologetiX
Hyena - R.E.M.
Long Way Down - Goo Goo Dolls
This Time Tomorrow - Captain Tractor
Little Bird - Annie Lennox
Selling The Drama - Live
Everything Is Automatic - Matthew Good Band
Banditos - Refreshments
I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The Darkness
In My Ear - Toad The Wet Sprocket
Hyena - R.E.M.
Long Way Down - Goo Goo Dolls
This Time Tomorrow - Captain Tractor
Little Bird - Annie Lennox
Selling The Drama - Live
Everything Is Automatic - Matthew Good Band
Banditos - Refreshments
I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The Darkness
In My Ear - Toad The Wet Sprocket
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Christmas Spirit 
I think I've exhausted my pictures. But it was fun to look back and see how young everyone looked.
I feel like Christmas should be done by now. It feels like I've been waiting forever. I am most looking forward to Christmas Eve service. It's the reflective time, and nearness of God in the songs we sing, and the love you can feel, or miss. Christmas Eve service makes me cry, it makes me miss my dad. But I feel God's presence, and that comforts me.
Yes I hate the commercialism of Christmas. I hate that people use songs about Jesus, change the lyrics and use them to sell cars. I was so annoyed at this lady on tv, who has like the world's largest collection of Santa memorabilia. And she just announces that she has the most Christmas spirit of anyone. That bugs me. You can't just say you have the most Christmas spirit because you collect Christmas stuff. I think if you have Christmas spirit, it shows with your actions. That's just what I think.
I'm tired of a society that boasts their traits, I'm this, or I'm that. Let your life be your witness.
Anyways, I hope you all have the kind of Christmas you want. And if you can't, make the most of what you have, make special memories, and be sure to tell people you love them. :)
I love ya guys (most of you anyways).
I'm closing with a quote I found from The Daily Show.
But really let's face it, all other days bow down to the 25th: Christmas. It's the only religious holiday that's also a Federal holiday. That way Christians can go to their services and everyone else can stay home and reflect on the true meaning of Separation of Church and State.
I feel like Christmas should be done by now. It feels like I've been waiting forever. I am most looking forward to Christmas Eve service. It's the reflective time, and nearness of God in the songs we sing, and the love you can feel, or miss. Christmas Eve service makes me cry, it makes me miss my dad. But I feel God's presence, and that comforts me.
Yes I hate the commercialism of Christmas. I hate that people use songs about Jesus, change the lyrics and use them to sell cars. I was so annoyed at this lady on tv, who has like the world's largest collection of Santa memorabilia. And she just announces that she has the most Christmas spirit of anyone. That bugs me. You can't just say you have the most Christmas spirit because you collect Christmas stuff. I think if you have Christmas spirit, it shows with your actions. That's just what I think.
I'm tired of a society that boasts their traits, I'm this, or I'm that. Let your life be your witness.
Anyways, I hope you all have the kind of Christmas you want. And if you can't, make the most of what you have, make special memories, and be sure to tell people you love them. :)
I love ya guys (most of you anyways).
I'm closing with a quote I found from The Daily Show.
But really let's face it, all other days bow down to the 25th: Christmas. It's the only religious holiday that's also a Federal holiday. That way Christians can go to their services and everyone else can stay home and reflect on the true meaning of Separation of Church and State.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Christmas Past V
Honey's First Christmas (2002)
I had to dig out Geoff's scrapbook from Grandma Joyce to get these pics.
I had to dig out Geoff's scrapbook from Grandma Joyce to get these pics.
Colorado Sunrise
Took this picture yesterday morning. Looks like we won't be having a white Christmas, we're supposed range 49-60 F (9-16 C) the rest of the week.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Christmas Past III
Picture With Santa At McNally
Christmas At The Price House. Taken during the progressive dinner.
To this day, I think Mr. Price fondly remembers me as the girl who said, "wow that's a big-ass star".
Christmas At The Price House. Taken during the progressive dinner.
To this day, I think Mr. Price fondly remembers me as the girl who said, "wow that's a big-ass star".
Christmas Past
I thought I'd dig into my photos to post some pics from Christmas pasts. So I'll get on searching through those.
Here's a pic of Geoff on our first Christmas (being married). You can sorta see how tiny our place was.
I love that there is a "Bananas In Pajamas"Calendar hanging on the wall. I used to love Bananas In Pajamas. BTW- the gift he is opening is a stocking stuffer I got him, the drinking bird.
Who is that cute girl?
Here's a pic of Geoff on our first Christmas (being married). You can sorta see how tiny our place was.
I love that there is a "Bananas In Pajamas"Calendar hanging on the wall. I used to love Bananas In Pajamas. BTW- the gift he is opening is a stocking stuffer I got him, the drinking bird.
Who is that cute girl?
Sunday, December 18, 2005
For Cate
A toque is that funny hat you see Canadians in. :) A good toque will have a poof ball on the top (as seen on Doug's hat. He's the guy on the right).
Kelly- so far as I understand Americans refer to them as "knit caps". But let's check with Cate, she's a costume designer.
For more info than you wanted on toques, visit Wikipedia.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
C Is For Cookie
Elijah has been sick the last 2 days, so I couldn't bring myself to put him in childcare and get others sick. So no trip to the movies for me, and we'll probably miss church on Sunday. His nose has been runny, and his tummy was upset last night. It doesn't help any of us that he hasn't been sleeping well.
It's been snowing since we woke this morning, big fat snowflakes that make it feel like Christmas is nigh. :) What better motivator for making Christmas cookies? With my sous-chef Geoff, we made Christmas cutouts. I hope to get these to my friend Myrna next week, but we'll see how the timing works out. And since I'm pleased with their turn out, here's a peek.
Also to keep with the season of giving, Geoff booked us to give blood on Friday. I think they are giving away toques to all who give blood this next week. Cool!
That's it. I guess we'll spend the rest of the snowy day inside watching movies and eating homemade soup. Stay warm!
I'm closing with a quote from Family Guy. (I wish there was a Kiss Christmas special, that'd be funny).
Gene Simmons: Someone kidnapped Santa? That does not rock.
It's been snowing since we woke this morning, big fat snowflakes that make it feel like Christmas is nigh. :) What better motivator for making Christmas cookies? With my sous-chef Geoff, we made Christmas cutouts. I hope to get these to my friend Myrna next week, but we'll see how the timing works out. And since I'm pleased with their turn out, here's a peek.
Also to keep with the season of giving, Geoff booked us to give blood on Friday. I think they are giving away toques to all who give blood this next week. Cool!
That's it. I guess we'll spend the rest of the snowy day inside watching movies and eating homemade soup. Stay warm!
I'm closing with a quote from Family Guy. (I wish there was a Kiss Christmas special, that'd be funny).
Gene Simmons: Someone kidnapped Santa? That does not rock.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Movies
While I've totally been lacking in sticking my nose in a book, I've been catching up on some movies I wanted to see (thanks On Demand).
50 First Dates. Very cute. I really liked this, and it made me a little teary. Also, the soundtrack is awesome, especially for an 80s nut like me.
Six Degrees Of Separation. I love Will Smith, so I finally got around to seeing his first movie. I wasn't familiar with the play, or the storyline. It was alright. I likes the flow of it, but could do without the nudity. Will Smith is interesting in it.
In Good Company. I like Topher Grace, I find him enjoyable in all his projects. But this movie was pretty disappointing to me, and no I didn't feel like he "phoned it in". I guess I expected more out of the movie, that the characters would do more, or grow more. So I kinda feel like it was a waste of my time.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to get out to the movie theatre. My church is offering free babysitting from 8:30am-12:30pm. And there is a huge Chinese Theatre between where we live and where the church is. Never been there, but it looks nice. Instead of buying theatre snacks, I may pop into the Harry & David near the theatre and pick something up. Mmm, Moose Munch.
I'll close with a quote from 50 First Dates.
Lucy: [to Henry] I hardly know you.
Marlin: Actually sweetie, you're kind of dating him.
[Lucy looks at Henry]
Henry: Yeah. Sorry I'm not better looking.
50 First Dates. Very cute. I really liked this, and it made me a little teary. Also, the soundtrack is awesome, especially for an 80s nut like me.
Six Degrees Of Separation. I love Will Smith, so I finally got around to seeing his first movie. I wasn't familiar with the play, or the storyline. It was alright. I likes the flow of it, but could do without the nudity. Will Smith is interesting in it.
In Good Company. I like Topher Grace, I find him enjoyable in all his projects. But this movie was pretty disappointing to me, and no I didn't feel like he "phoned it in". I guess I expected more out of the movie, that the characters would do more, or grow more. So I kinda feel like it was a waste of my time.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to get out to the movie theatre. My church is offering free babysitting from 8:30am-12:30pm. And there is a huge Chinese Theatre between where we live and where the church is. Never been there, but it looks nice. Instead of buying theatre snacks, I may pop into the Harry & David near the theatre and pick something up. Mmm, Moose Munch.
I'll close with a quote from 50 First Dates.
Lucy: [to Henry] I hardly know you.
Marlin: Actually sweetie, you're kind of dating him.
[Lucy looks at Henry]
Henry: Yeah. Sorry I'm not better looking.
Thar Be Squalls Ahead
My pirate name is:
Captain Bess Kidd
Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!
Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.
*Thanks Mike*
Friday's Random Ten
Horseshoes - Moxy Früvous
Let's Make A Mystery - Spirit Of The West
A Spoon Full Of Sugar - Harry Connick Jr,
One Love - Prodigy
Break Your Heart - Barenaked Ladies
Desire - Toad The Wet Sprocket
Every Breath You Take - UB40
Converge - Mars Hill
Boadway - Goo Goo Dolls
Something - The Beatles
Let's Make A Mystery - Spirit Of The West
A Spoon Full Of Sugar - Harry Connick Jr,
One Love - Prodigy
Break Your Heart - Barenaked Ladies
Desire - Toad The Wet Sprocket
Every Breath You Take - UB40
Converge - Mars Hill
Boadway - Goo Goo Dolls
Something - The Beatles
Thursday, December 15, 2005
2005 In Review/Looking Ahead To 2006
2005 In Review
A Book You Read: Why I Hate Canadians (Will Ferguson)
Favorite Tv Show/Movie: House
A Place You Visited: Bow Falls in Banff
A Big Event That Happened To You: Had a baby, bought a house
A Thank You To Someone: Cate, for the wonderful quilt. It makes me smile all the time.
Something You Would Do Differently: Take more pictures
Favorite Pop Culture/Sports Event: Edmonton Eskimos win the Grey Cup
Favorite Song This Year: Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers or Collide - Howie Day
Something That Made You Laugh: Watching Grampy try to dress Elijah in his jammies.
Looking Ahead To 2006
No resolutions really, I just am looking forward to...
the trip out to CA in the spring
the birth of my new nephew or niece, and subsequent meeting of said baby :)
the births of the Schmidt & Herbert babies
hopefully reading some of the books from last Christmas
possibly a trip to D.C. to see Kelly
A Book You Read: Why I Hate Canadians (Will Ferguson)
Favorite Tv Show/Movie: House
A Place You Visited: Bow Falls in Banff
A Big Event That Happened To You: Had a baby, bought a house
A Thank You To Someone: Cate, for the wonderful quilt. It makes me smile all the time.
Something You Would Do Differently: Take more pictures
Favorite Pop Culture/Sports Event: Edmonton Eskimos win the Grey Cup
Favorite Song This Year: Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers or Collide - Howie Day
Something That Made You Laugh: Watching Grampy try to dress Elijah in his jammies.
Looking Ahead To 2006
No resolutions really, I just am looking forward to...
the trip out to CA in the spring
the birth of my new nephew or niece, and subsequent meeting of said baby :)
the births of the Schmidt & Herbert babies
hopefully reading some of the books from last Christmas
possibly a trip to D.C. to see Kelly
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Family Activity
Last night the Armstrongs took in Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo. I imagine it's similar to the display that the Calgary Zoo also puts on. It was a little nippy, so we made sure we bundled up. It was a lot of fun, and incidentally Elijah's first trip to the zoo. We had some discount coupons from Chick-Fil-A so it was only $10. We grabbed some dinner, and then walked the park. The animals that are lucky enough to have inside/outside habitats were hanging around greeting guests. The first ones we saw were the elephants, which seemed to be Elijah's favorite. He smiled at the huge elephant stretching out his trunk to touch people. Geoff's favorite were the hippos, and mine of course were the giraffes. There was one giraffe who stopped eating long enough to stare right at Elijah. The place wasn't too busy, but we also shortly after it opened.
It's a pretty cool thing to check out, if your local zoo does it. We may try to find something fun like that for next Christmas, or we go back. It was pretty awesome. See for yourself.
It's a pretty cool thing to check out, if your local zoo does it. We may try to find something fun like that for next Christmas, or we go back. It was pretty awesome. See for yourself.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Activism
I don't think I'm an activist. I'm not sure I'd want to be, given that the word seems to have negative connotations to me. I guess there was a vigil/protest/whatever last night in Denver regarding the execution of Tookie Williams. Who was in attendance? Well Ward Churchill of course! (and you all know what I think of him) And this guy who thinks the Denver Police is out to get him & his family (he's on the news a lot). I dunno, it just seems weird to me. There is a gathering of people who didn't think Williams should die, and the stay of execution was denied, so what's the point of people in Denver meeting, when this guy is being killed in CA? What does it accomplish? It doesn't change what is going to happen, it's done. I would understand wanting to hold a vigil to honor a life of someone who has died, but to have megaphones and signs just seems so out of place to me.
I have opinions and beliefs that I feel strongly about. But I've never been to a protest or made a sign to express my opinion. Maybe I should. But frankly, I'm afraid to. I'm afraid physical violence would be bestowed upon me, because I don't share the opinions of the other people. And isn't that funny? Because aren't a lot of protesters trying to promote peace?
Anyways, I'll close with a quote from PCU.
President Garcia-Thompson: You passed out cigarettes for a smoke-a-thon on Earth Day. You installed speed bumps on the handicapped ramps and, most recently, you dumped 100 pounds of... MEAT on a peaceful vegan protest!
Droz: Oh, come on! That was way more than 100 pounds.
I have opinions and beliefs that I feel strongly about. But I've never been to a protest or made a sign to express my opinion. Maybe I should. But frankly, I'm afraid to. I'm afraid physical violence would be bestowed upon me, because I don't share the opinions of the other people. And isn't that funny? Because aren't a lot of protesters trying to promote peace?
Anyways, I'll close with a quote from PCU.
President Garcia-Thompson: You passed out cigarettes for a smoke-a-thon on Earth Day. You installed speed bumps on the handicapped ramps and, most recently, you dumped 100 pounds of... MEAT on a peaceful vegan protest!
Droz: Oh, come on! That was way more than 100 pounds.
Monday, December 12, 2005
A Perfect Sunday
Despite not getting a good night sleep on Saturday night, Sunday turned out to be a perfect day.
We had Elijah dedicated to the Lord on Sunday. Let me run down for you what exactly a baby dedication is.
It's a promise that Geoff and I will raise Elijah to know Jesus, raise him in a Christian home, instill in him the values and morals we hold. Once Elijah is old enough to understand Christ's sacrifice for his sins, he can choose to be baptized. We look forward to that day. But it was a lovely little ceremony, with Pastor Ron and our small group.
I had a wonderful 2 hour nap, we took a walk around the neighborhood after dark to see the lights people have put up, and after Elijah went to bed, Geoff and I enjoyed a fantastic roast beef dinner. Ended the day with watching Red Dwarf on the couch in our jammies.
Ah, that all days could be filled with such simple pleasures.
I'll close with a quote from Red Dwarf (something I could totally see myself saying).
Rimmer: I just want to say: over the years, I have come to regard you as... people I met.
We had Elijah dedicated to the Lord on Sunday. Let me run down for you what exactly a baby dedication is.
It's a promise that Geoff and I will raise Elijah to know Jesus, raise him in a Christian home, instill in him the values and morals we hold. Once Elijah is old enough to understand Christ's sacrifice for his sins, he can choose to be baptized. We look forward to that day. But it was a lovely little ceremony, with Pastor Ron and our small group.
I had a wonderful 2 hour nap, we took a walk around the neighborhood after dark to see the lights people have put up, and after Elijah went to bed, Geoff and I enjoyed a fantastic roast beef dinner. Ended the day with watching Red Dwarf on the couch in our jammies.
Ah, that all days could be filled with such simple pleasures.
I'll close with a quote from Red Dwarf (something I could totally see myself saying).
Rimmer: I just want to say: over the years, I have come to regard you as... people I met.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Christmas Party
We had an awesome time with our Christmas party, 10 adults, 3 kids (including us), and a ton of tasty treats. We had cookies, meatballs, bread & spinach dip, pears (from Harry & David), Rice Krispie treats, veggie tray, chips, salsa, Coc-Cola, wine and beer. Highlights were Elijah growling and scaring one of the girls, playing Clue-Great Museum Caper, and everyone digging both the trees.
Pics of the event for you:
Elijah checking out the Christmas crackers we gave everyone.
My little St. Nick. (the hat didn't last too long.)
This is Curt & Jan Jones, the wonderful people who have us over for holidays.
Shots of the guests.
The hosts with the most. :)
Pics of the event for you:
Elijah checking out the Christmas crackers we gave everyone.
My little St. Nick. (the hat didn't last too long.)
This is Curt & Jan Jones, the wonderful people who have us over for holidays.
Shots of the guests.
The hosts with the most. :)
Friday, December 09, 2005
I Usually Don't Put Much Stock In These...
But I think it has my number. 
*Thanks to Melanie & Mike for starting it*
*Thanks to Melanie & Mike for starting it*
| Your Birthdate: January 11 |
 Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world. You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm. Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche. Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done. Your strength: Your inner peace Your weakness: You get stuck in the clouds Your power color: Emerald Your power symbol: Leaf Your power month: November |
Friday's Random Ten
No Reply At All - Genesis
Three Times A Lady - Commodores
Superstar - Easily Amused
Why Georgia - John Mayer
It's Alright - Huey Lewis & The News
Monkey Wrench - Foo Fighters
Start Me Up - The Folksmen
Orange Crush - R.E.M.
The Future - Leonard Cohen
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2
Three Times A Lady - Commodores
Superstar - Easily Amused
Why Georgia - John Mayer
It's Alright - Huey Lewis & The News
Monkey Wrench - Foo Fighters
Start Me Up - The Folksmen
Orange Crush - R.E.M.
The Future - Leonard Cohen
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2
Odd Week
With the weather take a turn for the yucky, and dealing with being annoyed/angry/whatever, it's been an odd week.
On the good side of things...
Colin got a promotion at work! He's pretty happy about that.
Colin & Dawn got Dylan a puppy for Christmas. They've been wanting to add a four legged friend to the family for a long time, and now that they have the house, it was time. He's a little black pup (cross breed of poodle and Shi Tzu I think) named Snoop. Yes that's right, Snoop Dog.
My mom got a kitten. He's smoky grey with white paws and a white chest. She named him Snuggles. They are both very happy together. :)
Elijah had a good doctor's appointment this week. He goes back in March. He likes the Christmas lights. I want to try to take a family walk around the neighborhood to check out everyone's lights. I really want to take a picture of the house on the corner, so you can all see how they went ALL OUT!
Tomorrow is the Christmas party here. It looked like we might cancel, but then yesterday was the day everyone RSVP'd. Some people are even cutting short other parties just to come to our house. That makes me smile. It's nice to be loved (and I needed that this week). I still haven't baked my cookies, and Geoff hopes to bake tonight. That leaves me today to do it. Yikes!
Geoff put up the real tree last night, and I decorated it this morning. I'll take a picture tonight or tomorrow for you all. It's great to smell the pine all throughout the house. And Geoff was right, we do have enough ornaments for 2 trees. But I love adding new ones. He refers to Cornelius (fake) as the modern tree, and Irene (real) as the old school tree.
Getting married means trying to blend traditions, and one of Geoff's is not putting gifts under the tree until Christmas Eve. I hate this, I love looking at the gifts. But I don't want Elijah opening them early, so this year I'm okay with it. Actually, there is one gift under the tree, it's Auntie Lisa's to Elijah. It's in a bag, and it's flat. Elijah sorta plays with it, tries to look inside, but he can't see anything. Then he'll get distracted by Honey and move on to something else. It's gonna be fun Christmas morning. :)
Well, I guess those cookies aren't going to bake themselves. :) I also need to go out to Rite-Aid, so I'll bundle up Elijah and I and plow. I'm closing with a quote from A Christmas Story.
Narrator: In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.
On the good side of things...
Colin got a promotion at work! He's pretty happy about that.
Colin & Dawn got Dylan a puppy for Christmas. They've been wanting to add a four legged friend to the family for a long time, and now that they have the house, it was time. He's a little black pup (cross breed of poodle and Shi Tzu I think) named Snoop. Yes that's right, Snoop Dog.
My mom got a kitten. He's smoky grey with white paws and a white chest. She named him Snuggles. They are both very happy together. :)
Elijah had a good doctor's appointment this week. He goes back in March. He likes the Christmas lights. I want to try to take a family walk around the neighborhood to check out everyone's lights. I really want to take a picture of the house on the corner, so you can all see how they went ALL OUT!
Tomorrow is the Christmas party here. It looked like we might cancel, but then yesterday was the day everyone RSVP'd. Some people are even cutting short other parties just to come to our house. That makes me smile. It's nice to be loved (and I needed that this week). I still haven't baked my cookies, and Geoff hopes to bake tonight. That leaves me today to do it. Yikes!
Geoff put up the real tree last night, and I decorated it this morning. I'll take a picture tonight or tomorrow for you all. It's great to smell the pine all throughout the house. And Geoff was right, we do have enough ornaments for 2 trees. But I love adding new ones. He refers to Cornelius (fake) as the modern tree, and Irene (real) as the old school tree.
Getting married means trying to blend traditions, and one of Geoff's is not putting gifts under the tree until Christmas Eve. I hate this, I love looking at the gifts. But I don't want Elijah opening them early, so this year I'm okay with it. Actually, there is one gift under the tree, it's Auntie Lisa's to Elijah. It's in a bag, and it's flat. Elijah sorta plays with it, tries to look inside, but he can't see anything. Then he'll get distracted by Honey and move on to something else. It's gonna be fun Christmas morning. :)
Well, I guess those cookies aren't going to bake themselves. :) I also need to go out to Rite-Aid, so I'll bundle up Elijah and I and plow. I'm closing with a quote from A Christmas Story.
Narrator: In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
No Reply At All
I've been busy trying to deal with some issues I have, so I haven't really been blogging. Been spending a ton of time on the phone with Lisa & Athena. And while I was able to vocalize to them & Geoff what was bugging me, I think I will ultimately decide to not blog about that.
I've been obsessed with the song No Reply At All (Genesis) the last few days, so here are the lyrics. Something about the song speaks to me. I just love it.
Talk to me, you never talk to me.
Ooh, it seems that I can speak.
But I can hear my voice shouting out.
But there’s no reply at all.
Look at me, you never look at me,
Ooh, I’ve been sitting, staring, seems so long.
But you’re looking through me
Like I wasn’t here at all.
No reply, there’s no reply at all.
Dance with me, you never dance with me.
Ooh, it seems that I can move,
I’m close to you, close as I can get.
Yet there’s no reply at all,
There’s no reply at all.
I get the feeling you’re tryin’ to tell me,
Is there something that I should know?
What excuse are you tryin’ to sell me?
Should I be reading stop or go, I don’t know.
Be with me, seems you’re never here with me,
Ooh, I’ve been trying to get over there.
Ah, but it’s out of my reach.
And there’s no reply at all.
There’s no reply at all.
I get the feeling you’re trying to tell me;
Is there something that I should know?
What excuse are you trying to sell me?
Should I be reading stop or go, I don’t know.
Maybe deep down inside,
I’m trying for no one else but me.
Too stubborn to say, the buck stops here.
It’s not the one you’re looking for.
But, maybe deep down inside,
I’m lying to no one else but me.
Oh but my back is up.
I’m on my guard - with all the exits sealed.
Listen to me, you never listen to me,
Ooh, and it seems there’s no way out,
I’ve been trying, but we cannot connect,
And there’s no reply at all,
There’s no reply at all,
There’s no reply at all,
No reply at all.
Is anybody listening - oh oh,
No reply at all...
I've been obsessed with the song No Reply At All (Genesis) the last few days, so here are the lyrics. Something about the song speaks to me. I just love it.
Talk to me, you never talk to me.
Ooh, it seems that I can speak.
But I can hear my voice shouting out.
But there’s no reply at all.
Look at me, you never look at me,
Ooh, I’ve been sitting, staring, seems so long.
But you’re looking through me
Like I wasn’t here at all.
No reply, there’s no reply at all.
Dance with me, you never dance with me.
Ooh, it seems that I can move,
I’m close to you, close as I can get.
Yet there’s no reply at all,
There’s no reply at all.
I get the feeling you’re tryin’ to tell me,
Is there something that I should know?
What excuse are you tryin’ to sell me?
Should I be reading stop or go, I don’t know.
Be with me, seems you’re never here with me,
Ooh, I’ve been trying to get over there.
Ah, but it’s out of my reach.
And there’s no reply at all.
There’s no reply at all.
I get the feeling you’re trying to tell me;
Is there something that I should know?
What excuse are you trying to sell me?
Should I be reading stop or go, I don’t know.
Maybe deep down inside,
I’m trying for no one else but me.
Too stubborn to say, the buck stops here.
It’s not the one you’re looking for.
But, maybe deep down inside,
I’m lying to no one else but me.
Oh but my back is up.
I’m on my guard - with all the exits sealed.
Listen to me, you never listen to me,
Ooh, and it seems there’s no way out,
I’ve been trying, but we cannot connect,
And there’s no reply at all,
There’s no reply at all,
There’s no reply at all,
No reply at all.
Is anybody listening - oh oh,
No reply at all...
Monday, December 05, 2005
Three Things
Three screen names that you've had: Melissius, phil, Melissa_in_denver
Three things you like about yourself: My wit, my smile, my faith
Three things you don't like about yourself: My body, pettiness towards certain people (I'm working on it), lack of motivation
Three parts of your heritage: Scottish, Ukrainian, Yugoslavian
Three things that scare you: Anything horrible happening to my family, insects, lizards
Three of your everyday essentials: Kissing Geoff & Elijah, watching the news, checking my email
Three things you are wearing right now: Jeans, Disneyland shirt, slipper socks
Three of your favorite songs: Return To Me (Dean Martin), Boogie Oogie Oogie (A Taste Of Honey), Sullivan Street (Counting Crows)
Three things you want in a relationship: Someone who makes me laugh, trust, honesty
Two truths and a lie: I get motion sickness, I never lie, I love my friends like family
Three things you can't live without: Jesus, people I love, potato chips
Three places you want to go on vacation: Scotland, New Zealand, Italy
Three things you just can't do: Play an instrument, cut straight, eat fresh fish
Three kids names: Elijah James, Patrick Hugh, Noelle
Three things you want to do before you die: See Elijah get married, go on a cruise around the world with Geoff, be in a movie
Three celeb crushes: Harry Connick Jr, Robert Sean Leonard, Will Smith
Three of your favorite musicians: Harry Connick Jr, Michael Bublé (he sings), Geoff
Three physical things about the opposite sex that appeals to you: Smile, eyes, pecs
Three of your favorite hobbies: Reading, playing games, blogging
Three things you really want to do badly right now: Eat some Ruffles, soak in a hot tub, get out of town
Three ways that you are stereotypically a boy: Hate clothes shopping, love MXC, enjoy playing sports
Three ways that you are stereotypically a girl: I like going to the salon/spa, I love children, I love romantic comedies
Three things you like about yourself: My wit, my smile, my faith
Three things you don't like about yourself: My body, pettiness towards certain people (I'm working on it), lack of motivation
Three parts of your heritage: Scottish, Ukrainian, Yugoslavian
Three things that scare you: Anything horrible happening to my family, insects, lizards
Three of your everyday essentials: Kissing Geoff & Elijah, watching the news, checking my email
Three things you are wearing right now: Jeans, Disneyland shirt, slipper socks
Three of your favorite songs: Return To Me (Dean Martin), Boogie Oogie Oogie (A Taste Of Honey), Sullivan Street (Counting Crows)
Three things you want in a relationship: Someone who makes me laugh, trust, honesty
Two truths and a lie: I get motion sickness, I never lie, I love my friends like family
Three things you can't live without: Jesus, people I love, potato chips
Three places you want to go on vacation: Scotland, New Zealand, Italy
Three things you just can't do: Play an instrument, cut straight, eat fresh fish
Three kids names: Elijah James, Patrick Hugh, Noelle
Three things you want to do before you die: See Elijah get married, go on a cruise around the world with Geoff, be in a movie
Three celeb crushes: Harry Connick Jr, Robert Sean Leonard, Will Smith
Three of your favorite musicians: Harry Connick Jr, Michael Bublé (he sings), Geoff
Three physical things about the opposite sex that appeals to you: Smile, eyes, pecs
Three of your favorite hobbies: Reading, playing games, blogging
Three things you really want to do badly right now: Eat some Ruffles, soak in a hot tub, get out of town
Three ways that you are stereotypically a boy: Hate clothes shopping, love MXC, enjoy playing sports
Three ways that you are stereotypically a girl: I like going to the salon/spa, I love children, I love romantic comedies
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Crafty
I went out and bought some supplies to make a Christmas craft. I probably should consider finishing one project before starting another, but that's never been my style. The stocking is well on it's way, and this craft I have in mind shouldn't take too much. (insert laughter here) I also hope to bake some cookies this week. If they turn out, I'll take a picture for you.
We took Elijah to see Santa yesterday. I posted their picture together on his blog.
Scrubs is coming back to tv on January 3! And we'll get two new episodes. Whoo-hoo! The only problem I foresee is it may end up airing the same time as House, which means I'll be using the VCR for the first time since we moved.
I would like to get out to the theatre to see a movie, but I'm not holding my breath on that happening anytime soon. It just seems like a lot of trouble to get a sitter and go out. We didn't go out to movies often before Elijah, but the things we did do, were much more convenient by being so close to Cherry Creek. Aw, the downside of living in the 'burbs.
Last night we watched Surviving Christmas ('cause I think Affleck is the bomb yo!), and it was alright. Geoff said he liked the parts that didn't suck. :) It was very similar to Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. But then Hollywood doesn't really do original, doesn't it? In any case, I liked both movies (but Dickie Roberts is better).
I was going to post about this a while ago, but then forgot, and then my friend Ashley did: I'm really disappointed that Nick & Jessica broke up. I had hoped they would have stuck it out. I feel there are only a few things that can't be fixed in a marriage, and I doubt those issues were present. Marriage is hard enough, but then to add prying eyes and world-wide gossip, it must make it that much harder.
I'll close with a quote from Surviving Christmas.
Drew Latham: Folks, my firm's done a tremendous amount of marketing research and we've discovered two critical things, one; most Americans feel that Christmas is a time for family. Two; most Americans feel that in order to stand being around their family, for even one or two days, they need to swill as much alcohol as humanly possible.
We took Elijah to see Santa yesterday. I posted their picture together on his blog.
Scrubs is coming back to tv on January 3! And we'll get two new episodes. Whoo-hoo! The only problem I foresee is it may end up airing the same time as House, which means I'll be using the VCR for the first time since we moved.
I would like to get out to the theatre to see a movie, but I'm not holding my breath on that happening anytime soon. It just seems like a lot of trouble to get a sitter and go out. We didn't go out to movies often before Elijah, but the things we did do, were much more convenient by being so close to Cherry Creek. Aw, the downside of living in the 'burbs.
Last night we watched Surviving Christmas ('cause I think Affleck is the bomb yo!), and it was alright. Geoff said he liked the parts that didn't suck. :) It was very similar to Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. But then Hollywood doesn't really do original, doesn't it? In any case, I liked both movies (but Dickie Roberts is better).
I was going to post about this a while ago, but then forgot, and then my friend Ashley did: I'm really disappointed that Nick & Jessica broke up. I had hoped they would have stuck it out. I feel there are only a few things that can't be fixed in a marriage, and I doubt those issues were present. Marriage is hard enough, but then to add prying eyes and world-wide gossip, it must make it that much harder.
I'll close with a quote from Surviving Christmas.
Drew Latham: Folks, my firm's done a tremendous amount of marketing research and we've discovered two critical things, one; most Americans feel that Christmas is a time for family. Two; most Americans feel that in order to stand being around their family, for even one or two days, they need to swill as much alcohol as humanly possible.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Friday, December 02, 2005
Friday's Random Ten
Kindness - Todd Agnew
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - Neil Sedaka
Someday - Sugar Ray
Confessions II - Usher
Ladies Night - Kool & The Gang
Give Up The Funk - Parliment
Disappear - INXS
Hot In The City - Billy Idol
Rotten Apple - Alice In Chains
I Love The Nightlife - Alicia Bridges
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - Neil Sedaka
Someday - Sugar Ray
Confessions II - Usher
Ladies Night - Kool & The Gang
Give Up The Funk - Parliment
Disappear - INXS
Hot In The City - Billy Idol
Rotten Apple - Alice In Chains
I Love The Nightlife - Alicia Bridges
Birthday Week
Last Friday - Dylan's birthday
Sunday - Dawn's birthday
Today - Colin's birthday
Happy Birthday You Guys!
I love you, I miss you, I can't wait until I can see you again.
Sunday - Dawn's birthday
Today - Colin's birthday
Happy Birthday You Guys!
I love you, I miss you, I can't wait until I can see you again.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
To A Friend
Sometimes people are so caught up in themselves, they don't see how hurtful they are being. In a society that tells you to be selfish, "it's all about you", we are told no to feel guilty for hurting others. Because you should only be concerned about yourself. But how many of these incidents could be avoided by just TALKING to someone, instead of lashing out when they don't understand you.
I take theses things and I hope I learn from them. To be honest, to speak the truth in love, to stand up for what I believe, and to call people on their stuff.
This is my blog, I can say what I want. It's a forum for my feelings and my experiences. I would hope if I said something you took offense to you'd take the time to ask me about it. If you said something I thought was hurtful, I would probably ignore it, because it isn't worth getting myself worked up over something that I may have misunderstood. Or maybe it's a pattern, and I've learned not to take that path. I just hate lying, I try not to do it, and I hate when I feel like someone is lying to me.
I had a good Mom To Mom meeting today. It was meaty, it was small, it was everything I wanted it to be. Except it could have been longer.
We just finished watching Newsradio Seasons 1 & 2, so I'll close with a quote from that.
Joe: Seven times. I flunked this test seven times, you know. I mean, I don't want to say 'conspiracy,' but...
Lisa: Well actually, I am starting to see a pattern here."
Joe: Ah. Uh huh. Uh huh.
Lisa: One of last year's questions was: 'In the following circuit, the potential is blank volts.' And you answered: 'I refuse to answer the question on the grounds that the design of this circuit is totally sucky.'
Joe: Yeah. I don't know how that dumb bastard ever got to be a professor.
Lisa: Oh. Well you know, that would explain why you answered the next question: 'If you want to build a thermostat that won't be affected by humidity, try this you dumb bastard.'
I take theses things and I hope I learn from them. To be honest, to speak the truth in love, to stand up for what I believe, and to call people on their stuff.
This is my blog, I can say what I want. It's a forum for my feelings and my experiences. I would hope if I said something you took offense to you'd take the time to ask me about it. If you said something I thought was hurtful, I would probably ignore it, because it isn't worth getting myself worked up over something that I may have misunderstood. Or maybe it's a pattern, and I've learned not to take that path. I just hate lying, I try not to do it, and I hate when I feel like someone is lying to me.
I had a good Mom To Mom meeting today. It was meaty, it was small, it was everything I wanted it to be. Except it could have been longer.
We just finished watching Newsradio Seasons 1 & 2, so I'll close with a quote from that.
Joe: Seven times. I flunked this test seven times, you know. I mean, I don't want to say 'conspiracy,' but...
Lisa: Well actually, I am starting to see a pattern here."
Joe: Ah. Uh huh. Uh huh.
Lisa: One of last year's questions was: 'In the following circuit, the potential is blank volts.' And you answered: 'I refuse to answer the question on the grounds that the design of this circuit is totally sucky.'
Joe: Yeah. I don't know how that dumb bastard ever got to be a professor.
Lisa: Oh. Well you know, that would explain why you answered the next question: 'If you want to build a thermostat that won't be affected by humidity, try this you dumb bastard.'
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Decking The Halls
We're having a Christmas party on Saturday, December 10. You out of towners are welcome to come, please wear something festive (red, green, Christmasy).
Christmas Q & A
I know y'all are going to copy this from me, so please credit me for starting it. :)
* When is the best time to open presents? Always open one on Christmas Eve, then the rest go early Christmas morning.
* Have you been naughty or nice this year? Mostly nice.
* Real tree or imitation tree? This year both.
* Favorite Christmas cartoon character? Hermey.
* Did you ever write Santa a letter? For sure!
* Buy any Christmas presents online? Naturally.
* Save the ribbon and paper or rip right through it? Rip rip rip.
* Sharing Christmas with family this year? Just immediate family.
* Ever ride in a one horse open sleigh? No :(
* Ever roast a chestnut on an open fire? No
* Favorite Christmas pie? Not a fan of pie.
* Favorite Christmas movie? Come on, A Christmas Story! (but for a non-traditional movie, I have to say The Ref)
* Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night, Angels We Have Heard On High.
* People on your Christmas list; more or less than ten? I'd say it's 10 exactly.
* Will you have a white Christmas this year? Most likely.
* Do you believe in Santa Claus? Santa's got the spirit of Christmas, so I'll say yes.
* Who would you like to kiss under the mistletoe? My hubby, and Elijah. :)
* Who gives the best gifts? Geoff
* Do you send Christmas cards? Yes, a ton of them!
* What color best represents Christmas? White
* Do you own any Christmas music? You bet.
* How many Christmas parties will you attend this year? Maybe 1
* Does the postal worker get a gift this year? Maybe, he's pretty friendly to me. I used to share cookies with my UPS guy.
* Giving a present to a pet? Of course.
* Your shopping: All done, half-way done, just started, not yet started? Half-way.
* When is the best time to open presents? Always open one on Christmas Eve, then the rest go early Christmas morning.
* Have you been naughty or nice this year? Mostly nice.
* Real tree or imitation tree? This year both.
* Favorite Christmas cartoon character? Hermey.
* Did you ever write Santa a letter? For sure!
* Buy any Christmas presents online? Naturally.
* Save the ribbon and paper or rip right through it? Rip rip rip.
* Sharing Christmas with family this year? Just immediate family.
* Ever ride in a one horse open sleigh? No :(
* Ever roast a chestnut on an open fire? No
* Favorite Christmas pie? Not a fan of pie.
* Favorite Christmas movie? Come on, A Christmas Story! (but for a non-traditional movie, I have to say The Ref)
* Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night, Angels We Have Heard On High.
* People on your Christmas list; more or less than ten? I'd say it's 10 exactly.
* Will you have a white Christmas this year? Most likely.
* Do you believe in Santa Claus? Santa's got the spirit of Christmas, so I'll say yes.
* Who would you like to kiss under the mistletoe? My hubby, and Elijah. :)
* Who gives the best gifts? Geoff
* Do you send Christmas cards? Yes, a ton of them!
* What color best represents Christmas? White
* Do you own any Christmas music? You bet.
* How many Christmas parties will you attend this year? Maybe 1
* Does the postal worker get a gift this year? Maybe, he's pretty friendly to me. I used to share cookies with my UPS guy.
* Giving a present to a pet? Of course.
* Your shopping: All done, half-way done, just started, not yet started? Half-way.
For My Canuck Peeps
If you aren't reading Rick Mercer's blog....
A letter from Stephen Harper
(warning: may contain bad language, but it's funny)
A letter from Stephen Harper
(warning: may contain bad language, but it's funny)
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Fa La La La La
Just a bunch of misc thoughts today.
I think we're going to have a Christmas party. Short notice sure, but we just wanted to gather our friends near. In Irvine, our couples group would get together for a progressive dinner and ornament exchange. In Edmonton, Diane & Glen would throw a Christmas open house, where friends would gather for food. It's in that spirit, of being with people whose company you enjoy, and laughing and eating. I only wish our out of town friends could be there. :)
I sent out all the Christmas cards this morning, and hope they are well received. Though I doubt the letter has much to say that people didn't know, perhaps they enjoy a refresher of what the year held for us. It's fun to look back on the year and see all that God has blessed us with. If you haven't read the letter online, don't worry, chances are it's coming to a mailbox near you. It was a bit of a challenge to take the family photo, but nice that we could do it in the comfort of our home.
The coming year holds a few trips I think, for certain we are going out to CA in early June. Geoff was invited by his friend Sean to run in a marathon in San Diego. I am really looking forward to seeing more of San Diego, and hopefully to meet our friends Anna & Francesco's baby girl Julia. She was born a few months after Elijah. Of course I can't wait to see all my Irvine friends. And perhaps a trip to Disneyland. We'll have to see. I don't know how much Elijah will get out of that.
I also want to get up to Edmonton to see all the new babies, especially my newest nephew or niece. I don't know when I'll get the chance to do that, and it will likely be just me & Elijah going up. Perhaps in the summer, or we might push it to fall. It's all about timing and money. And I probably wouldn't stay too long, maybe a long weekend. I know, that's not enough for those of you who can't get enough of the Armstrongs. But when you add on that I am determined to get to D.C. to see Kelly, it makes for a busy year.
I am hoping that now we have a basement, I can buy Christmas stuff after the holidays for next year. Space has always been an issue until now, and if I can score a good deal (and that is my specialty), wouldn't it be silly not to? A lot of our neighbors are going all out decorating their yards. We hope to get out in some warm clothes and walk the neighborhood to see what everyone has done. Inspiration for the future, and just to get in family time.
I LOVE that Prime Minister Paul Martin got booed coming onto the field at the Grey Cup. That totally rocked! And the icing on his cake this week, a no-confidence vote. Looks like Canada's having an election in January. Get out and vote you hosers! (P.S.- visit Rick Mercer's blog for a funny letter from the P.M.)
Alright, I'm going to sign off now with a quote from Clue.
Mr. Green: But this is ridiculous. If he were such a patriotic American, why didn't he just report us to the authorities?
Wadsworth: He decided to put his information to good use and make a little money off of it. What could be more American than that?
I think we're going to have a Christmas party. Short notice sure, but we just wanted to gather our friends near. In Irvine, our couples group would get together for a progressive dinner and ornament exchange. In Edmonton, Diane & Glen would throw a Christmas open house, where friends would gather for food. It's in that spirit, of being with people whose company you enjoy, and laughing and eating. I only wish our out of town friends could be there. :)
I sent out all the Christmas cards this morning, and hope they are well received. Though I doubt the letter has much to say that people didn't know, perhaps they enjoy a refresher of what the year held for us. It's fun to look back on the year and see all that God has blessed us with. If you haven't read the letter online, don't worry, chances are it's coming to a mailbox near you. It was a bit of a challenge to take the family photo, but nice that we could do it in the comfort of our home.
The coming year holds a few trips I think, for certain we are going out to CA in early June. Geoff was invited by his friend Sean to run in a marathon in San Diego. I am really looking forward to seeing more of San Diego, and hopefully to meet our friends Anna & Francesco's baby girl Julia. She was born a few months after Elijah. Of course I can't wait to see all my Irvine friends. And perhaps a trip to Disneyland. We'll have to see. I don't know how much Elijah will get out of that.
I also want to get up to Edmonton to see all the new babies, especially my newest nephew or niece. I don't know when I'll get the chance to do that, and it will likely be just me & Elijah going up. Perhaps in the summer, or we might push it to fall. It's all about timing and money. And I probably wouldn't stay too long, maybe a long weekend. I know, that's not enough for those of you who can't get enough of the Armstrongs. But when you add on that I am determined to get to D.C. to see Kelly, it makes for a busy year.
I am hoping that now we have a basement, I can buy Christmas stuff after the holidays for next year. Space has always been an issue until now, and if I can score a good deal (and that is my specialty), wouldn't it be silly not to? A lot of our neighbors are going all out decorating their yards. We hope to get out in some warm clothes and walk the neighborhood to see what everyone has done. Inspiration for the future, and just to get in family time.
I LOVE that Prime Minister Paul Martin got booed coming onto the field at the Grey Cup. That totally rocked! And the icing on his cake this week, a no-confidence vote. Looks like Canada's having an election in January. Get out and vote you hosers! (P.S.- visit Rick Mercer's blog for a funny letter from the P.M.)
Alright, I'm going to sign off now with a quote from Clue.
Mr. Green: But this is ridiculous. If he were such a patriotic American, why didn't he just report us to the authorities?
Wadsworth: He decided to put his information to good use and make a little money off of it. What could be more American than that?
Monday, November 28, 2005
Quote For The Day
Kelly often posts quotes on her blog, and since she is in Prague, I will post one on her behalf.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. -Marcus Aurelius
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. -Marcus Aurelius
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Making The Most
Thanksgiving was great, both of the dinners were very tasty. I love going to Curt & Jan's, there is always a lot of people, they have a wonderfully large house to seat everyone (12 of us), and you get to leave with leftovers. We played Catchphrase, a staple of Thanksgiving at the Jones'. We got in two rounds of Scattergories before we had to get Elijah home for bed. But he enjoyed himself, he crawled around their floor and played with one of the 4 dogs there. He still needs to learn to be gentle. Thankfully it was a very understanding dog, she didn't react too much to him pulling her hair.
Geoff prepared our Thanksgiving meal last night, and as usual the gravy was fantastic. No one makes gravy like Geoff. :)
We decided that since we have the space, and I really want to put up the tree, we are going to have two trees this year. We dug out Cornelius (the fake tree) and decorated it with all the Hallmark ornaments, a few other store ornaments and ornaments from places we've visited. The rest will wait for the real tree, which we will probably buy in a few weeks. I'll have to take a picture so you can see how it's worked out. But the real tree will go in the front room, in front of the window, the fake tree is in the living room by the fireplace. Elijah really likes the lights of the tree.
I don't know if it's age, or the holidays making me miss loved ones lost, but I really feel like I want to make the most of the time I have with family. I don't know when I'll get back to Canada for a visit next, but I would like to try to see family at least once a year. Part of what spurned this was reading my Christmas Memory book. We got this great book the first Christmas we were married, that lets you write how you spent your Christmas, who you were with and other special memories. I was reading about Christmases past, and I missed all the people mentioned. I miss Christmas Eve walks around the Legislative Buildings with Doug & Barry. I miss a big family meal with the Kroliks. Progressive dinners with the couples group. I miss going to Uncle Kim's, or out to the farm on Boxing Day. I miss being in jammies opening presents with family.
My dream Christmas has all these elements. I'd like to have my friends & family come to church with us Christmas Eve, then all come back to our place for food, and caroling, with Geoff playing his violin. Christmas morning, we'd wake up just the 3 of us, and open presents, then spend the afternoon or evening with family. That is my dream Christmas. And I get to have all my friends and family across Canada & the U.S. there. Impossible, sure, but that's why it's a dream.
We're going to watch the Grey Cup today. Elijah is wearing his Eskimos shirt (thanks Auntie Dawn). Last night we watched The Ref, which is one of my favorite Christmas movies. I'll close with a quote from that.
John Chasseur: Mom, the TV's broken. What are we gonna do all night?
Connie Chasseur: Celebrate the birth of Christ!
Geoff prepared our Thanksgiving meal last night, and as usual the gravy was fantastic. No one makes gravy like Geoff. :)
We decided that since we have the space, and I really want to put up the tree, we are going to have two trees this year. We dug out Cornelius (the fake tree) and decorated it with all the Hallmark ornaments, a few other store ornaments and ornaments from places we've visited. The rest will wait for the real tree, which we will probably buy in a few weeks. I'll have to take a picture so you can see how it's worked out. But the real tree will go in the front room, in front of the window, the fake tree is in the living room by the fireplace. Elijah really likes the lights of the tree.
I don't know if it's age, or the holidays making me miss loved ones lost, but I really feel like I want to make the most of the time I have with family. I don't know when I'll get back to Canada for a visit next, but I would like to try to see family at least once a year. Part of what spurned this was reading my Christmas Memory book. We got this great book the first Christmas we were married, that lets you write how you spent your Christmas, who you were with and other special memories. I was reading about Christmases past, and I missed all the people mentioned. I miss Christmas Eve walks around the Legislative Buildings with Doug & Barry. I miss a big family meal with the Kroliks. Progressive dinners with the couples group. I miss going to Uncle Kim's, or out to the farm on Boxing Day. I miss being in jammies opening presents with family.
My dream Christmas has all these elements. I'd like to have my friends & family come to church with us Christmas Eve, then all come back to our place for food, and caroling, with Geoff playing his violin. Christmas morning, we'd wake up just the 3 of us, and open presents, then spend the afternoon or evening with family. That is my dream Christmas. And I get to have all my friends and family across Canada & the U.S. there. Impossible, sure, but that's why it's a dream.
We're going to watch the Grey Cup today. Elijah is wearing his Eskimos shirt (thanks Auntie Dawn). Last night we watched The Ref, which is one of my favorite Christmas movies. I'll close with a quote from that.
John Chasseur: Mom, the TV's broken. What are we gonna do all night?
Connie Chasseur: Celebrate the birth of Christ!
Friday, November 25, 2005
Friday's Random Ten
Bem, Bem, Maria - Gipsy Kings
Sadness Grows - Spirit Of The West
House Arrest - Bryan Adams
Witchy Woman - Eagles
Time (Clock Of The Heart) - Culture Club
Breath - Pearl Jam
Buona Sera - Dean Martin
Wicked Garden - Stone Temple Pilots
Good - Better Than Ezra
Miss United States - William Shatner
Sadness Grows - Spirit Of The West
House Arrest - Bryan Adams
Witchy Woman - Eagles
Time (Clock Of The Heart) - Culture Club
Breath - Pearl Jam
Buona Sera - Dean Martin
Wicked Garden - Stone Temple Pilots
Good - Better Than Ezra
Miss United States - William Shatner
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Gobble Gobble
Happy Thanksgiving!
First off, let me tell you that I am feeling better today. I am at the hump of the sickness, meaning I'm less clogged, and instead of a sore throat, it feels coated. So I anticipate that tomorrow I'll be coughing. In any case, I certainly feel well enough to enjoy turkey today. I will try to take it easy though, but good luck if we decide to play a game. Apparently I can be a little competitive and get excited when playing games.
Our turkey meal is set for 2:30pm, which I like. I feel like it won't disrupt Elijah's routine. He's been such a good boy this week, well he's a good boy a lot of the time. It will be nice to have this long weekend together to spend as a family.
The Christmas cards are mostly addressed (we're sending out close to 70 this year), all I'm waiting on is the picture we took on the weekend. Since I had grand ideas of being early this year, and that fell through, I've going to give you all, my loyal readers, a look at our annual Christmas letter. The photo we took you'll have to wait for. I also had hoped to get Honey cat to join us in the picture, but if you've met her, you know her. There is no way she would have sat still for that.
We're going to go for a family walk once Elijah gets up from his morning nap. So I'll close now with a picture of my turkey and a quote from Scrooged.
Earl Cross: All day long I listen to people give me excuses why they can't work. My legs hurt. My back aches. I'm only four.
First off, let me tell you that I am feeling better today. I am at the hump of the sickness, meaning I'm less clogged, and instead of a sore throat, it feels coated. So I anticipate that tomorrow I'll be coughing. In any case, I certainly feel well enough to enjoy turkey today. I will try to take it easy though, but good luck if we decide to play a game. Apparently I can be a little competitive and get excited when playing games.
Our turkey meal is set for 2:30pm, which I like. I feel like it won't disrupt Elijah's routine. He's been such a good boy this week, well he's a good boy a lot of the time. It will be nice to have this long weekend together to spend as a family.
The Christmas cards are mostly addressed (we're sending out close to 70 this year), all I'm waiting on is the picture we took on the weekend. Since I had grand ideas of being early this year, and that fell through, I've going to give you all, my loyal readers, a look at our annual Christmas letter. The photo we took you'll have to wait for. I also had hoped to get Honey cat to join us in the picture, but if you've met her, you know her. There is no way she would have sat still for that.
We're going to go for a family walk once Elijah gets up from his morning nap. So I'll close now with a picture of my turkey and a quote from Scrooged.
Earl Cross: All day long I listen to people give me excuses why they can't work. My legs hurt. My back aches. I'm only four.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Yuck
I'm sick. I'm nursing a sore throat, and it feels like all the holes in my head are plugged. I have to get better by tomorrow, I refuse to miss Thanksgiving at Curt & Jan's. My plan of attack? Plenty of warm fluids, resting (while I can), and a nice hot shower. Elijah seems to be better from his cold, now we need to make sure Geoff doesn't get sick.
Alright, I am going back to bed. Here's my closing quote, from Friends.
Joey: You can't have Thanksgiving without turkey. That's like Fourth of July without apple pie, or Friday with no two pizzas.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Truth & Beauty
We have some friends who live in OR, and they had a son born a month before Elijah. They are pregnant again! Due at the end of July. Exciting, but crazy! While I love the thought of adding to our family, I am enjoying my time with Elijah right now too much to consider a 2nd child. Elijah may not remember this time we spend, but I sure will.
There is so much drama going on right now with people I know, I'm happy that my life is quiet. I don't have teens being murdered on my block. I don't have someone breaking my heart or hurting my feelings. I have a wonderful husband and darling son to spend my holidays with, instead of being alone. I am blessed, and I am thankful.
I am also lucky. Today I found out I won a contest I entered, and I found two dimes on my walk this morning. Shaping up to be a good day! :)
Tonight House is on (yay!). It is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows, especially since Scrubs isn't airing yet. I am trying to get House season one from the library to catch up, but you can easily follow the show without it (or so I have found).
Nothing else to say. Bought most of the stuff we need for our turkey brine. Just need to find some fresh sage at King Soopers tomorrow.
I am going to close with a quote from Seinfeld.
Elaine: Oh. So, you're pretty religious?
Puddy: That's right.
Elaine: So is it a problem that I'm not really religious?
Puddy: Not for me.
Elaine: Why not?
Puddy: I'm not the one going to hell.
There is so much drama going on right now with people I know, I'm happy that my life is quiet. I don't have teens being murdered on my block. I don't have someone breaking my heart or hurting my feelings. I have a wonderful husband and darling son to spend my holidays with, instead of being alone. I am blessed, and I am thankful.
I am also lucky. Today I found out I won a contest I entered, and I found two dimes on my walk this morning. Shaping up to be a good day! :)
Tonight House is on (yay!). It is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows, especially since Scrubs isn't airing yet. I am trying to get House season one from the library to catch up, but you can easily follow the show without it (or so I have found).
Nothing else to say. Bought most of the stuff we need for our turkey brine. Just need to find some fresh sage at King Soopers tomorrow.
I am going to close with a quote from Seinfeld.
Elaine: Oh. So, you're pretty religious?
Puddy: That's right.
Elaine: So is it a problem that I'm not really religious?
Puddy: Not for me.
Elaine: Why not?
Puddy: I'm not the one going to hell.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Holiday Season
I'm really looking forward to turkey this week. We have a lot to be thankful for this year. We're going to have 2 turkeys this week, one at the Jones', and one at our place. Mmm. I posted before about inviting Kelly & Roman here for Thanksgiving, but Roman contacted me weeks ago to say he was taking Kelly to Prague for her birthday gift. They went this week. She really wants to come here soon, so maybe once she returns we can look at our calendars and figure something out.
Christmas is coming fast, and I'm pretty excited. There are aspects of the holiday I don't enjoy (going to the post office, and other stuff I won't mention), but let's go with the positive. I enjoy working on our annual Christmas letter we send out. I enjoy wearing my Christmas clothes. I love getting Christmas cards. I love the lights. Most of all, I love being able to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The songs singing about His birth, His life, His reign.
Roland posted on his blog a song list for a Christmas mix CD he made, so I thought I'd post the song list for the Christmas CD I made last year.
Go Tell It On The Mountain/Amen - Phillips, Craig & Dean
You Make It Feel Like Christmas - Neil Diamond
Jingle Jangle - Blue Hawaiians
Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord - Boney M
The Night Before Christmas (The Devil In The Kitchen) - Ashley MacIsaac
The Marvelous Toy - Irish Rovers
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies & Sarah McLachlan
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
This Christmas - Harry Connick Jr
Last Christmas - Wham!
Jingle Bells (from The Simpsons)- Robert Goulet
Do You Hear What I Hear - Out Of Eden
Silver & Gold - Burl Ives
Twelve Days Of Christmas - Bob & Doug McKenzie
Blue Christmas - Johnny Cash
O Come Emmanuel - Michelle Negron Bueno
Do They Know It's Christmas? - Paul Bellows & Stew Kirkwood
Mistletoe & Holly - Frank Sinatra
O Holy Night - Josh Groban (my favorite version of this song. Will give you chills)
Little Drummer Boy - Jars Of Clay
I may try to make another Christmas CD this year. I always like to add one or 2 Christmas CDs to my collection.
Here are pictures from Geoff hanging out lights. I was anti-icicle lights (because I think they are overdone, and everyone has them), but we compromised and got mutli-colored ones. It's hard to see the house, but hopefully you get the idea.
Thanks to all you guys for saying you miss us too. It meant a lot. I guess it makes the times we see each other more special, but I could use that specialness more frequently, y'know? :) All in good time.
I'll close with a quote from one of the ultimate guilty pleasure movies, Bring It On.
Sparky: I am a choreographer. That's what I do. You are cheerleaders. Cheerleaders are dancers who have gone retarded. What you do is a tiny, pathetic subset of dancing. I will attempt to turn your robotic routines into poetry, written with the human body. Follow me, or perish, sweater monkeys.
Christmas is coming fast, and I'm pretty excited. There are aspects of the holiday I don't enjoy (going to the post office, and other stuff I won't mention), but let's go with the positive. I enjoy working on our annual Christmas letter we send out. I enjoy wearing my Christmas clothes. I love getting Christmas cards. I love the lights. Most of all, I love being able to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The songs singing about His birth, His life, His reign.
Roland posted on his blog a song list for a Christmas mix CD he made, so I thought I'd post the song list for the Christmas CD I made last year.
Go Tell It On The Mountain/Amen - Phillips, Craig & Dean
You Make It Feel Like Christmas - Neil Diamond
Jingle Jangle - Blue Hawaiians
Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord - Boney M
The Night Before Christmas (The Devil In The Kitchen) - Ashley MacIsaac
The Marvelous Toy - Irish Rovers
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies & Sarah McLachlan
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
This Christmas - Harry Connick Jr
Last Christmas - Wham!
Jingle Bells (from The Simpsons)- Robert Goulet
Do You Hear What I Hear - Out Of Eden
Silver & Gold - Burl Ives
Twelve Days Of Christmas - Bob & Doug McKenzie
Blue Christmas - Johnny Cash
O Come Emmanuel - Michelle Negron Bueno
Do They Know It's Christmas? - Paul Bellows & Stew Kirkwood
Mistletoe & Holly - Frank Sinatra
O Holy Night - Josh Groban (my favorite version of this song. Will give you chills)
Little Drummer Boy - Jars Of Clay
I may try to make another Christmas CD this year. I always like to add one or 2 Christmas CDs to my collection.
Here are pictures from Geoff hanging out lights. I was anti-icicle lights (because I think they are overdone, and everyone has them), but we compromised and got mutli-colored ones. It's hard to see the house, but hopefully you get the idea.
Thanks to all you guys for saying you miss us too. It meant a lot. I guess it makes the times we see each other more special, but I could use that specialness more frequently, y'know? :) All in good time.
I'll close with a quote from one of the ultimate guilty pleasure movies, Bring It On.
Sparky: I am a choreographer. That's what I do. You are cheerleaders. Cheerleaders are dancers who have gone retarded. What you do is a tiny, pathetic subset of dancing. I will attempt to turn your robotic routines into poetry, written with the human body. Follow me, or perish, sweater monkeys.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Decking The Halls
As we prepare to decorate the house for Christmas, I kinda wish we could see family. I don't regret the decision to spend Elijah's first Christmas here in Colorado, because there is no way I'd want to travel over the holidays. And there is no way we could accommodate everyone coming here (meaning my family and Geoff's). I wish we lived a better driving distance sometimes(though really 25 hours isn't so much).
I know we'll have a wonderful Christmas, and I'll try to take a lot of pictures so you'll feel like you are here. Hopefully you all will do the same. And perhaps in a Christmas future, we'll venture up. But don't expect it to be on Christmas Day! :)
I miss all of you, in Alberta, in California, in D.C.
I know we'll have a wonderful Christmas, and I'll try to take a lot of pictures so you'll feel like you are here. Hopefully you all will do the same. And perhaps in a Christmas future, we'll venture up. But don't expect it to be on Christmas Day! :)
I miss all of you, in Alberta, in California, in D.C.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Friday's Random Ten
Time Of The Season - The Zombies
Invisible Sun - The Police
Poisoning Pigeons In The Park - Tom Lehrer
Crying - Roy Orbison & K.D. Lang
Cynthia - Blue Rodeo
Predictable - Easily Amused
What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
Blue Satin Jacket - Brock Skywalker & His Irregular Heartbeats
God You Are My God - Delirious?
Higher Ground - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Invisible Sun - The Police
Poisoning Pigeons In The Park - Tom Lehrer
Crying - Roy Orbison & K.D. Lang
Cynthia - Blue Rodeo
Predictable - Easily Amused
What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
Blue Satin Jacket - Brock Skywalker & His Irregular Heartbeats
God You Are My God - Delirious?
Higher Ground - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Frightening
I don't know if it's making news where you live but here in Aurora, it's been a strange week.
Monday a little 6 year old girl was reported missing, presumed to have runaway. As the week progressed, there were no leads, and her father supposedly wasn't being too cooperative (the mother lives in Detroit). Last night, they reported on the news the authorities believe the little girl was murdered, MONTHS AGO! They have found no body, and details aren't being shared, but how does a family conceal a death of a child. They have 7 older kids in the house. Here's the story.
It's so disturbing. The longer she was missing, the more I thought the whole situation seemed fishy. The nighttime temps here were very cold, so if she was outdoors somewhere it would not bode well. If someone had her, I figured there would have been more leads. I'll continue to watch this story unfold, and pray for the family.
In my world, not much has been happening. I can hardly believe how quickly time is passing (I know I say this a lot, but I am still in shock over it all). It's Friday? Thanksgiving is next week? Yikes! as I mentioned the weather has been chilly, so I haven't done much. I finally made it to the post office to mail off the "birthday week" package (Dylan, Dawn and Colin all have their birthday in the same week). Mom To Mom was good, I missed seeing the ladies. But we're off next week for Thanksgiving.
This weekend I think the plan is to do some shopping, get our Christmas lights, and watch the Broncos beat the Jets. :)
That's about all, so I'll close with a quote from Strange Brew.
Bob McKenzie: I was the last one left after the nuclear holocaust, eh. The whole world had been destroyed, like U.S. blew up Russia and Russia blew up U.S. Fortunately, I had been offworld at the time. There wasn't much to do. All the bowling alleys had been wrecked. So's I spent most of my time looking for beer.
Monday a little 6 year old girl was reported missing, presumed to have runaway. As the week progressed, there were no leads, and her father supposedly wasn't being too cooperative (the mother lives in Detroit). Last night, they reported on the news the authorities believe the little girl was murdered, MONTHS AGO! They have found no body, and details aren't being shared, but how does a family conceal a death of a child. They have 7 older kids in the house. Here's the story.
It's so disturbing. The longer she was missing, the more I thought the whole situation seemed fishy. The nighttime temps here were very cold, so if she was outdoors somewhere it would not bode well. If someone had her, I figured there would have been more leads. I'll continue to watch this story unfold, and pray for the family.
In my world, not much has been happening. I can hardly believe how quickly time is passing (I know I say this a lot, but I am still in shock over it all). It's Friday? Thanksgiving is next week? Yikes! as I mentioned the weather has been chilly, so I haven't done much. I finally made it to the post office to mail off the "birthday week" package (Dylan, Dawn and Colin all have their birthday in the same week). Mom To Mom was good, I missed seeing the ladies. But we're off next week for Thanksgiving.
This weekend I think the plan is to do some shopping, get our Christmas lights, and watch the Broncos beat the Jets. :)
That's about all, so I'll close with a quote from Strange Brew.
Bob McKenzie: I was the last one left after the nuclear holocaust, eh. The whole world had been destroyed, like U.S. blew up Russia and Russia blew up U.S. Fortunately, I had been offworld at the time. There wasn't much to do. All the bowling alleys had been wrecked. So's I spent most of my time looking for beer.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Favorite Quote Of The Week
I actually got to tag along with some guys from the Department of Natural Resources as they took a giant drugged polar bear, stuck him in a net and airlifted him via helicopter out of harms way. It’s quite a sight to see. They use a technique that was actually developed in Alberta as the most efficient way to transport Ralph Klein back and forth between Edmonton and Calgary.- Rick Mercer, on a visit to Churchill, Manitoba
Monday, November 14, 2005
A Bunch Of Random Things
As previously posted, we had a good time throwing our first party in the new digs. Wyoming people know how to party, they stayed from 3-10. We even played two rounds of Shout About Movies. We still have some food left over.
I dreamt last night that Jen & Greg, and Cate & Kaisara all bought a house together here in Colorado, right near us. Sigh, that was a good dream. :)
It's gotten colder here, there's been a strong wind blowing for days. There's no snow yet, but I'm sure it's around the corner. With a chill in the air, it makes me want to decorate the house for Christmas.
We got a great turkey for Thanksgiving, a 14 pounder and it was only like $6! We also got an invite from the Jones' to join them for Thanksgiving. I totally want to go, I love being at their house.
Zach Braff has posted a video post on his blog. It's interesting to get his perspective on stuff.
On Demand has one episode of Robot Chicken, so we watched it. It was hilarious, as usual. It was about how all the members of N*Sync were murdered, except for Joey Fatone, so he has to avenge their death in a martial arts match. If you haven't had the chance to see Robot Chicken, you have to find it!
Penn & Teller's special on tv last night has prompted Geoff to declare we'll go see their show in Vegas on the next trip. He is desperate to get back to Vegas, and I'd like to have people meet us there. If you are interested, email me. Maybe we can swing it.
No big plans for this week. I'll close with a quote from that episode of Robot Chicken.
Britney Spears: [in a death-match against Joey Fatone] Wait a second! Meet my homegirls - Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Simpson's sister...
Ashlee Simpson: I'm Ashlee!
Britney Spears: [sighs in frustration] Sh! The big kids are talkin'!
I dreamt last night that Jen & Greg, and Cate & Kaisara all bought a house together here in Colorado, right near us. Sigh, that was a good dream. :)
It's gotten colder here, there's been a strong wind blowing for days. There's no snow yet, but I'm sure it's around the corner. With a chill in the air, it makes me want to decorate the house for Christmas.
We got a great turkey for Thanksgiving, a 14 pounder and it was only like $6! We also got an invite from the Jones' to join them for Thanksgiving. I totally want to go, I love being at their house.
Zach Braff has posted a video post on his blog. It's interesting to get his perspective on stuff.
On Demand has one episode of Robot Chicken, so we watched it. It was hilarious, as usual. It was about how all the members of N*Sync were murdered, except for Joey Fatone, so he has to avenge their death in a martial arts match. If you haven't had the chance to see Robot Chicken, you have to find it!
Penn & Teller's special on tv last night has prompted Geoff to declare we'll go see their show in Vegas on the next trip. He is desperate to get back to Vegas, and I'd like to have people meet us there. If you are interested, email me. Maybe we can swing it.
No big plans for this week. I'll close with a quote from that episode of Robot Chicken.
Britney Spears: [in a death-match against Joey Fatone] Wait a second! Meet my homegirls - Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Simpson's sister...
Ashlee Simpson: I'm Ashlee!
Britney Spears: [sighs in frustration] Sh! The big kids are talkin'!
Happy Birthday Heather!
Heather is unique in that she is among the elite number of people to visit me wherever I move. She came to CA (before we had Beatrice so we bussed it almost everywhere we went), she came to Denver last year, and I expect she'll come to Aurora in the next year (she loves to travel). Hope you have a great birthday bud!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Friday, November 11, 2005
A Treat For Me
When we bought the house, I wanted to get a treat for myself. So we made sure we set aside some of our house money for me to bring a little bit of Scottish heritage & Glasgow to our new home. I contacted Scottish Stained Glass, and set an appointment up within a week of being here. They came to our house, and we picked out a design that was very reminiscent of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who designed a ton of buildings in Glasgow , including our favorite spot, The Willow Tea Room. They said it would take 5-7 weeks for them to make the window.
I got the call on Tuesday that it was ready to be installed today. Here it is.
Our Stained Glass Window
I got the call on Tuesday that it was ready to be installed today. Here it is.
Our Stained Glass Window
Friday Already?
well, let's get the random 10 out of the way.
Ride Wit Me - Nelly
Jimmy Olsen's Blues - Spin Doctors
Karate Schnitzel - Tenacious D
Come Fly With Me - Michael Bublé
Thunderstruck - AC/DC
Grace like Rain - Todd Agnew
Consequence Free - Great Big Sea
Rebel Yell - Billy Idol (note to Diane & Geoff- the original song doesn't have the dirty line, that is reserved for the live version)
You Might think - The Cars
Shy Guy - Diana King
Our dinner with our friends Jason, Nicole & Trista was a lot of fun. Geoff makes the best ribs. Here's the secret, 1/2 of it is recipe (Alton Brown's), the other 1/2 of it is using good quality meat (thank you Whole Foods).
Thursday, I blew off going to Mom To Mom because I felt like I had enough on my plate, plus Geoff had his dentist appointment. It turned out to be a good thing, 1. it gave me the chance to talk to Athena for 109 minutes on the phone (hee hee), and 2. Jayla said the guest speaker wasn't so great. Elijah and I took a walk around the neighborhood near us, and enjoyed the fresh air. Last night drove to our old neighborhood to take a CPR class at the pediatrician office. Saw that someone has moved into our old place (have fun with that!). The class was good, and I met a couple who brought their 7 month old daughter (Lara), and the wife is already 3 months pregnant with #2. Crazy! So I feel like now if I'm in a situation calling for choking or CPR with infants or children, I'll know what to do. They said even if you are worried you will forget a step, or do it wrong, almost any action is better than inaction. Plus, if I feel like I want to go through it again, it's only $10, and they do it every month.
Today will be spent wrapping gifts to prep for mailing, and cleaning the house for the party tomorrow (seriously, come to the party). Don't think I'm all done my shopping, far from it! I just have a few gifts bought. But my goal is always to mail everything by December 1. I can't recall if I've ever actually made that goal. :)
Well, the boy is sleeping, so it's as good a time as any to get on dusting. I will post again this afternoon with something exciting (well exciting to me). Until then, I'm closing with a quote from The Drew Carey Show.
Kate O'Brien: I don't believe this. You're taking advice from Oswald? Oswald who once swallowed a sponge to soak up all the beer, so he won't get drunk?
Oswald Lee Harvey: Did I get drunk?
Kate O'Brien: We had to take you to the hospital! You were clinically dead for two minutes!
Oswald Lee Harvey: But, did I get drunk?
Ride Wit Me - Nelly
Jimmy Olsen's Blues - Spin Doctors
Karate Schnitzel - Tenacious D
Come Fly With Me - Michael Bublé
Thunderstruck - AC/DC
Grace like Rain - Todd Agnew
Consequence Free - Great Big Sea
Rebel Yell - Billy Idol (note to Diane & Geoff- the original song doesn't have the dirty line, that is reserved for the live version)
You Might think - The Cars
Shy Guy - Diana King
Our dinner with our friends Jason, Nicole & Trista was a lot of fun. Geoff makes the best ribs. Here's the secret, 1/2 of it is recipe (Alton Brown's), the other 1/2 of it is using good quality meat (thank you Whole Foods).
Thursday, I blew off going to Mom To Mom because I felt like I had enough on my plate, plus Geoff had his dentist appointment. It turned out to be a good thing, 1. it gave me the chance to talk to Athena for 109 minutes on the phone (hee hee), and 2. Jayla said the guest speaker wasn't so great. Elijah and I took a walk around the neighborhood near us, and enjoyed the fresh air. Last night drove to our old neighborhood to take a CPR class at the pediatrician office. Saw that someone has moved into our old place (have fun with that!). The class was good, and I met a couple who brought their 7 month old daughter (Lara), and the wife is already 3 months pregnant with #2. Crazy! So I feel like now if I'm in a situation calling for choking or CPR with infants or children, I'll know what to do. They said even if you are worried you will forget a step, or do it wrong, almost any action is better than inaction. Plus, if I feel like I want to go through it again, it's only $10, and they do it every month.
Today will be spent wrapping gifts to prep for mailing, and cleaning the house for the party tomorrow (seriously, come to the party). Don't think I'm all done my shopping, far from it! I just have a few gifts bought. But my goal is always to mail everything by December 1. I can't recall if I've ever actually made that goal. :)
Well, the boy is sleeping, so it's as good a time as any to get on dusting. I will post again this afternoon with something exciting (well exciting to me). Until then, I'm closing with a quote from The Drew Carey Show.
Kate O'Brien: I don't believe this. You're taking advice from Oswald? Oswald who once swallowed a sponge to soak up all the beer, so he won't get drunk?
Oswald Lee Harvey: Did I get drunk?
Kate O'Brien: We had to take you to the hospital! You were clinically dead for two minutes!
Oswald Lee Harvey: But, did I get drunk?
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Apropos
I had written a post and then changed my mind about what I had written. I felt like words weren't capturing the emotions I was feeling. It was all brought on by the song Walking Away (Information Society).
On an almost related note, I finally watched Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. I enjoyed it, but it made me very sad. I found Jim Carrey's hair distracting (too Peter Krause), and Elijah Wood's character was so pathetic. I would likely recommend it if you were in the mood for a drama.
I had a good dentist appointment. My teeth are now clean, and the hygienist was pleased that not much had changed since I was there 6 months ago. Plus it wasn't all that painful. Whoo-hoo!
Not much else to share. I'm spending too much time thinking about things/people I can't change. I'll close with a quote from Never Been Kissed.
Merkin: I'm just a little tense. This whole office is not Feng Shui. All the desks are facing evil.
On an almost related note, I finally watched Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. I enjoyed it, but it made me very sad. I found Jim Carrey's hair distracting (too Peter Krause), and Elijah Wood's character was so pathetic. I would likely recommend it if you were in the mood for a drama.
I had a good dentist appointment. My teeth are now clean, and the hygienist was pleased that not much had changed since I was there 6 months ago. Plus it wasn't all that painful. Whoo-hoo!
Not much else to share. I'm spending too much time thinking about things/people I can't change. I'll close with a quote from Never Been Kissed.
Merkin: I'm just a little tense. This whole office is not Feng Shui. All the desks are facing evil.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
