Saturday, December 31, 2005

Happy New Year!

Baby New Year


Happy New Year From The Armstrongs

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.

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

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.

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?

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. :)

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.

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

Ready For Santa

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

Friday, December 23, 2005

Again For The Star Wars Geeks

Or anyone who wants a laugh. Make sure your speakers are on. :)

Chewy wishes you a Merry Christmas.

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.

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

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.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Christmas Past VI

Christmas In Calgary (2003)



Last Year, Christmas In Victoria

Christmas Past V

Honey's First Christmas (2002)



I had to dig out Geoff's scrapbook from Grandma Joyce to get these pics.



Christmas Past IV

Christmas 2000 (Spent In Edmonton)



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 Past II

Our First Christmas In California (Dec. 1999)



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?

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.

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.

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*

For My Nerdy Star Wars Friends


Star Wars by the 30-Second Bunnies

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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. :)

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*

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

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.

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...

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

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.

Saturday, December 03, 2005

You're A Mean One, Mr. Moore

Hopefully Elijah's first trip to see Santa won't be like this. :)

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

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.



Thursday, December 01, 2005

A Bunny Christmas Story

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.'