If He Had to Go Somewhere...

"Hey, ah, just thought you'd like to know, or be the first to know, that the Twins just traded Santana to the Mets...for like, 3 to 4 pitching prospects from the Mets...but ah, anyway, good news for us. OK bye."

3:31PM today, voicemail from my brother. It made my day on many levels. Thanks bro.

GNO

There's nothing like Girls Night Out. The only drawback is I stayed out too late and had a busy day today (house hunting - more on that later!), so I'm too tired to write much. I love my ladies though!

This is Why I Shouldn't Ask Questions During a Hockey Game

"Did you talk to him?"

"Yeah."

"What did he say?"

"Nothing. He just listened."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. We just talked."

...Say what?

Don't Sweat It

I was searching the net for some home remedies for common ailments, and came across this enlightening discussion on perspiration. Thought you might enjoy.

"Perspiration is usually not excessive when a woman is in good general health, or when it is not a result of violent exercise or unusual temperature conditions. But when it is habitual and unchecked it robs a young woman or girl of all that charm of daintiness and appeal which is her right and privilege. There is no odor more immediately and more resentfully noticed than that of dried perspiration. It clings not only to the body, but to the clothes. Perfumes and scented powders do not hide it, and it always awakens disgust.

Frequent bathing, frequent change of undergarments and stockings, and a free use of talcum powder or "odorono" are all indicated. Never imagine that the use of talcum instead of soap and water will do away with this unhappy scent. After washing, always and invariably after washing, is powder to be used. The poet has coined the phrase "honest sweat." But there is no such thing as "honest sweat" in feminine beauty's bright lexicon of charm. Perspiration, especially at evening affairs, dances, etc., steals away that natural freshness and fragrance of aura which should surround woman."

I couldn't possibly make this up. It's right here.

Awakening My Inner Rock Legend

We received Guitar Hero III for Christmas from my parents. It's proven to be a nice little family adventure - Brandon and I play it, and Husband enjoys watching every now and then, and gets a kick out of how excited we get when we celebrate little victories.

Today's victory also coincides with the return of our "big" TV, which has been in the repair shop for a the past month (! - long story):

"A" is the completely unoriginal name of my band. Don't worry, both Brandon and I still have "Hard" and "Expert" levels to go. It can be completely ridiculous at times - I had to laugh when I caught myself yelling "YESSSS! I just beat Slash in a guitar battle and it unlocked 'Welcome to the Jungle!" or when Brandon asks me how many tries it took me to beat the evil Lou in the final battle. Point being, Mom and Dad, we're having a good time!

(This is a real rocker outfit, eh? I call it Suburban Stepmom Chic)

The Nothing Box

You've all heard the jokes about women's brains vs. men's brains...I don't think this video could be any more accurate. The amazing thing is, Husband agrees! (Thanks for sending, Marcey)

Counting Blessings

The blogs have been a little light lately, I know...not a whole lot going on. I did just return from a brief trip to Washington D.C. for work. This was my first big company event, so it was nice to meet some new people and learn more about the company. We have an olympic theme going into 2008, and our keynote speaker on Friday afternoon was Devon Harris, a member of the infamous Jamaican bobsled team (inspiration for the movie Cool Runnings). He gave a very inspiring speech and it was a great cap to the day and half we had there.

Additionally, between the end of my meetings and my return flight home, I had some time to get together with my cousins Jeremy, Lorena and Mackenzie. We don't get to see each other too often, so it was so great to catch up. Mackenzie is a year and a half old, and such a bundle of energy! She didn't quite know what to think of me at first, but by the end of our time I got a "cinco" and a hug and kiss. I also enjoyed talking with Jeremy and Lorena, and discovered that Jeremy has his own mortgage company. He offered to let us bounce ideas off of him as we look for a house. A happy coincidence!

While at the airport I also had a nice chat with my dad, and learned that my grandma is able to return home from the hospital today! Such a blessing! She has had to spend a lot of time away from home over the past couple of weeks. We are glad the doctors found a way to treat the problem, if not entirely diagnose the cause. We are hopeful that everything stays in check and she is on her way to a full recovery.

I'll leave you with a backyard visitor we have had lately. There have been up to three at a time, snacking on the seed the landlord leaves for the little rodents. Kind of fun to see.

Crazy Train

Prompted by some audio of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train"

"I'm on the crazy train. But you know that."

"How do I know?"

"Because you're the conductor."

-pauses, then continues-

"But, sometimes I like to take the wheel."

"Sometimes?"

***
You can guess who said what.

Welcome, 2008

As I head into 2008, I'm concentrating on 3 things (resolutions, if you will) that I'd like to work on in the new year.

I will make an effort to:
1) Notice and appreciate the little things that life brings each day.
2) Focus on finding the positive in everything and everyone.
3) Be grateful and share my gratitude more often.

In the spirit of #3, I'd like to share some things I am thankful for as we go into a new year:

- a Husband who adores me despite (and because of) my idiosyncracies
- a stepson who makes me laugh and allows me the opportunity to grow as a person and be a positive influence
- a challenging career alongside people I respect and admire
- money in the bank that will allow us to buy a house
- friends and family who are supportive and loving

Happy New Year to you all.