Three Day what?

As most of you probably enjoyed, we had a three day weekend because of Memorial Day. It started out gloriously on Friday afternoon – my boss graciously let me off at 3:00 p.m. Generally, the evening was uneventful. Jim and I bought some presents and grabbed some dinner at Chili’s (I love, he hates).

On Saturday, the day began as a whirlwind. We helped Chris and Alicia with their garage sale (and broke even with what we sold and bought!) We enjoyed a Panera Bread lunch and then picked up Xander and Mari for Jonathan’s (my nephew’s) fourth birthday party at his house! The theme was a superhero mix!! We had a lot of fun, talking, relaxing, and I’m sure Jim enjoyed the 87 hours he was outside with ALL the children (almost 10 of them!) We were exhausted. That same night, David (my other nephew spent the night) and he and Jim were up until midnight playing the Wii!! (David beat Jim a few times).

On Sunday, we woke up early, stopped at McDonald’s for breakfast and headed off to church. Then, Jim, David, and I sat in Walgreens pharmacy for an hour, David and I went shopping for stuff for a fruit salad, and we picked up ten balloons for Aunt Lois’ birthday party. At 2, we headed to Rhonda and Bill’s for my aunt’s 60th birthday party and had a TON of fun playing bags, ladderball (new favorite), baseball, running around, and ending the LONG day at a campfire with s’mores made especially for us by David. As if we hadn’t “punished” ourselves enough, Kaeli (my niece) spent the night and Jim stayed up with HER until 1:00 a.m. playing the Wii (unfortunately, he crushed her in almost all the games, but she did get a bulls eye in darts!)

Kaeli and I slept until 8:00 a.m., then graciously let Jim have the bed for another hour. We played some Wii and she helped me to figure out my Webkinz that I got from Bethany. (It’s an animal called a Googles. I named him Peanut). She was easily exasperated by my inabilities to listen to her directions. We then grabbed breakfast (scratch that, LUNCH) because we got to McDonald’s late and we dropped her off at home. Giving hugs and kisses as we left. THEN, we stopped at the grocery store for some Memorial Day fare (saving a whopping $50.00!!) and then proceeded to my parents’ house for some fun in the sun. After a thousand different Badminton tournaments, Dad champs in singles division, and Jim and I in couples division, we relaxed on the couch with a few rousing games of Yahtzee and episodes of Jon&Kate plus 8. We had burgers, salads, and turtle pie! Yummy!!!

We collapsed in our bed at 10:00 p.m. last night!! Boy – were we exhausted!!! I echo Erik’s sentiment – so much for a three-day weekend!!

Thank God, America.

In one moment, you've convince me to watch Idol again.

If you live under a rock somewhere and didn't know, David Cook WON American Idol (Personally, I was stunned!) After Tuesday's shenanigans, I went online and saw that a LOT of people felt the same way that I did. Bethany and Aldo said David Cook and Jim said that a company predicted David Cook by a landslide!!! Shocker of Shockers - he won a COMMANDING victory winning by 12 MILLION votes - if that's not a mandate, I don't know what is.

Chris Daughtry is avenged, life is good and all is right with the world.

Sorry David A....NOT!

WooHoo!!!!

Thoughts on American Idol.

People have thought for years that American Idol is "rigged." From the year of Ruben Studdard winning to Chris Daughtry getting kicked off instead of Katharine McPhee, the show has been shrouded in controversy. Unfortunately, this year for me has perhaps been the straw that has broken the camel's back.

If you don't know already, I love David Cook and have always imagined him coming along to avenge Chris Daughtry. After last night's ridiculous display by the show, however, this will not come to pass.

Let me just say, I cannot STAND David Archuleta. He was on Star Search and his voice is Celine Dion-esque. Yes, he has a good voice, but NO, he is in now way an American Idol. He lacks personality, versatility, and strong stage presence.

The judges were relentless on David Cook and took every opportunity to use the ridiculous boxing analogy. "David Archuleta, this night was a knockout for you." Could they be anymore obvious about who they want to win? Also, a newspaper made a point that Idol has been behind Archuleta from the get go - in fact, Archuleta screwed up the words on THREE separate occasions, but conveniently, the judges didn't harp on that. Yes, America is the one that votes, but what they judges say (mainly Simon) makes a difference.

Forgive David Cook for doing something (gasp!) different and not choosing some ridiculously sappy song for his finale that talks about living to his wildest dreams and having "his moment." He tried something different with Collective Soul and shows what has made him great all season - a willingness to try something new and make it his own.

Instead of David Archuleta's sappy eyes and ridiculous voice, I'd rather see David Cook crowned, but of course, the producers at American Idol have already obviously spoken. What's the point in watching a show when the behind the scenes people have already made your decision for you? What do you think?

Find David A. take the title, but I'll just be glad when this is another year of Chris Daughtry and you drift off into obscurity while David Cook continues to make a great CD and awesome music. After all, it doesn't seem lately like it's that great to be an American Idol anyway.

American Gladiators.

Can I just say how much I absolutely ADORE this show? Not only does it have amazing gladiators, it also actually made me cry out of inspiration from it last week. Yes, I know, I’m pathetic.

On a different note, we are doing laundry tonight….laundry that we’ve put off for sometime now. God help us.

I enjoy these days, just the two of us, folding and washing clothes, watching gladiators rip people to shreds and usually a homemade meal from the grill!!! I just love chillaxin’ and spending time with my hubby.

What “ordinary” things do you like to do that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

Expect the Unexpected.

Sometimes, life changes without even knowing it and you look around and wonder how you got to where you are!! With all life's unexpectedness (I know it's probably not a word), I love it.



Question of the Day:

With a win in West Virginia, should Hillary jump out of the race?

Bicycle Built for One.

I came to a realization this morning as I watched the news. With gas prices soaring and more people turning to alternative means to get to work, I figured I could do my part to save money, get fit and help the environment in the process.

If you don’t already know, I work just about a mile from home (lucky me!!). I talked to Jim this morning and I think I’m going to start garage-saleing looking for a bicycle. If you know anything about bicycles, let me know where the good ones are, what to look for, and on the off-chance, you or someone you know is selling one!!

Road Trip.

I need some advice. A few close friends of mine have decided to road trip it with me this summer. We don't have a TON of time because we all work or will be working. We're looking for easy, cheap weekend road trips. Any suggestions?

Grilleration, Take 2.

As you know from previous posts, we LOVE grilling!! I thought I'd add a few more things that we have grilled or are planning to grill

Taco Burgers
Bruschetta Burgers
Italian Sausage
Brats
Cheddarwursts (the best!)
Grilled Potatoes and Onions

The old standbys of course are corn on the cob, garlic bread, and buns for the burgers! Any other different unique suggestions??!?

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Who are you predicting to win American Idol and who would you LIKE to win American Idol?

Unspoken.

Remember when you were a kid and everyone had a prayer request? And all of them were unspoken? If you have any prayers requests today, feel free to add them to the list.

Friend, Jen: Diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, but now in remission. Diagnosed with liver cancer last year and although the tumors are shrinking, her body is unable to clot blood and she needs an entire blood and platelet transfusion later this week. She still receives weekly chemo treatments. She has a nine-year-old daughter.

The Flowers of May

This blog entry is random and a stream of conciousness.

I had an old friend over from high school last night – I LOVE having him around – he makes me laugh and we can always reminisce about life – PLUS, he’s intelligent, so our conversations CAN be educated. Here was our menu:

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon (Don’t tell my parents!)
Garlic-buttered Shrimp
Corn on the Cob
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Grilled Garlic Bread
Strawberries
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yummy!


“It’s just noise coming out of an ugly scientist.”Last night’s Office – you HAVE to love that show.
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Finding friends over the internet through other friends – yes, Megan, I’m talking about you! (wink, wink!)

Trying to sing for worship...on the stage…and finding myself actually LIKING it.

Waking up and actually feeling better about my day…and my life.