Gift Idea #13...

A twist on the standard candle or candleholder.

The Lumen Candle creates a cool shadow on the wall behind it.

A bit pricey for 'just a candle holder at $48 but a great gift for religious candle burners. And they aren't too shabby 'unlit' either. Pretty snazzy.

Maybe more companies will 'copy' the idea and sometime down the road the price will come down.

Antique Store Find...

First, I have to point out that my last post was my 150th! Cool.

Ok, so my mom and I went to this obscure antique store in my hometown over the Thanksgiving holiday and we found something pretty cool. Well, some of you may appreciate it...others won't care less.

So we're looking around and I hear my mom say "have you heard of Herman Miller?"
Now, if you know what I do...really know what I do...this is a silly question. For those of you that don't know me or need a reminder...I'm an interior designer, specifically for systems furniture. Pretty much all I specify all day, everyday is Herman Miller. Anyway, so I go over and there are 2 matching Eames molded plastic chairs with upholstery in fantastic shape. Now...even if you have never heard of Herman Miller, you know Eames. You've seen their work. You've seen their most famous lounge chair on all kinds of TV shows and movies...

No, this is not what was there. If you find one for under $500 BUY IT. Actually under $1000 is a great price too.

Anyway...what we did find was the Eames molded plastic chair, a pair of them. I'm not going to say how much they were asking for them...but I'm thinking of getting them and frankly trying to make a profit off of them. Although, they really are so nice, that if I had to keep them...oh darn, I guess I could.
I missed the production date on them, all the tags are still there. But I took a picture of them, but it didn't turn out and I can't tell. But they do seem old. (Not like the purse I found there that they were selling for $150 that I got out of the LTD catalog for $12. Literally, the exact same purse.) Anyway, I've been crawling ebay and other websites to see how much they might really be worth to someone and the results are mixed...some things I'm seeing tells me they'd be worth at least double what the store was asking, others not so much. So I'm just not sure yet what makes one more valuable than another but to me these should be pretty good. Not only were they in unreal shape, but they actually are kind of pretty too. I'm really considering buying them and figuring it out later.

Anyone else out there interested? I'd entertain offers. :)

Christmas Time is Here...

Happiness and cheer

Fun for all

That children call

Their favorite time of year

Well, I just learned today that we will probably be hosting Christmas again this year. (For the friend Christmas party)

And I'm totally cool with it...I actually was a little sad that I wasn't going to host. I don't always have to host and I can't always be the host...but I love being host. I go a little overboard all the time. I like to get a little 'Martha Stewart'-y with food...but not too complicated. I make party favors...like last year everyone took home a tote bag with a bottle of wine, a CD of Christmas music compiled by me, and some other goodies. And of course we have to decorate!

So I now need to get busy laying out the menu and creating another Christmas mix. We missed the ball with making wine for Christmas this year...but maybe we need to keep people wanting. :)

I'll have to post a picture of our tree when we get it set up!

Gift Idea #12...

Ok guys...we aren't so hard to shop for...really, we aren't.

I have plenty of ideas going for you so far for the lady in your life...and here is another.

Every woman likes jewelry...you can hardly go wrong. And most of the women I know would love this cha-cha bracelet.

This particular one is from The World Market and is only $13. But use this as an example...I'm sure Target has something like it...most stores probably have something like it.

Like I said, you can't really go wrong with jewelry. And I know how your minds work...you are thinking of diamonds and rubies and stuff, aren't you? Um, that's great and all...but that's not necessary all the time. Jewelry can just be a sterling silver necklace or bracelet...something simple and not fancy...something we can wear anytime is actually better! Don't always think we have to have the expensive stuff...we won't turn it down of course, but seriously...keep it simple. ;)

Gift Idea #11...

A personal fan that plugs into your computer's USB port!

This is WAY cool! I want one! hint hint
Actually I do need one for work...hint hint

This really is very useful. First of all, the cord is long enough that you don't have to have your computer on your desk for it to plug into. It keeps you cool for when that winter sun comes directly in your window and promptly warms you to a tropical temp while the rest of the office is freezing. AND...icing on the cake...it supplies 4 additional USB ports right on your desktop (2 on each side of the base) and for only $12...you can't beat it!!!
Love it!

Ok...
Remember yesterday's gift idea? Tote bags? Here are a few more of those that I found...

The single tote...available in many different styles...you'll have to browse or search to find the others... $8
And a multi-pack in case you really take the grocery thing to heart and want to use them. OR give them away individually as gifts or part of a gift (put a gift inside)! $34.50 for five
They also have black and white ones in a 5-pack. Ooooh those are fabulous!!

S.A.D.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Read all about it here if you'd like. It's basically I get depressed, moody, indifferent, and very tired in the winter. It's due to the days getting short.

I've noticed it in me before but this year, it's pretty strong and effecting me more. So I'm now officially on something to help. The only thing is it won't really kick in for about 4 weeks. So maybe ON Christmas I'll feel better. We also had to make sure it wasn't a drug that had a side effect of weight gain, and it does NOT so I should be less tired and more motivated about everything in about a month!

Just in time to hit the gym with all the New Year's Resolution people. That's the only thing that sucks about our gym in January. Don't get me wrong...if that's your resolution and you're serious about it more power to you. But the gym typically clears those people out by about March. Stick to it if you're serious. Don't set unrealistic goals. Maybe I'll talk about this again in January.

Gift Idea #11...

A way cool tote bag!

This one is from Target and is only $14.

Ok, some of you may say...yea, it looks pretty neat, but it's just a tote bag. Well, okay, yes...but I use totes all the time. If you or the person you're shopping for travels at all...just around town or more...this can be used for 'the little things' that will travel but not necessarily go in your suitcase.

You can go green with this bag too. You may have heard that some cities are banning the plastic grocery bag for environmental reasons. Now...I reuse those bags too...to clean out the cat box. But you can use a tote bag or two for the grocery store instead of the plastic bags they give you. It's an especially good idea if you really don't reuse the plastic bags. It cuts back on waste and more fit into the bag...fewer trips from the car to the kitchen!

These are all the things I use tote bags for in case you still need convincing of their usefulness:

-for the cat food and cat bowls when they go to 'grandma's'

-to transport gifts, food, or whatever when I take something to a friend or get together

-groceries...well, I have good intentions to do this anyway

-my carry on when I travel by plane

-travel extras when I visit 'home'

-to bring back all the Christmas presents from 'home' to home

You get the idea.

Gift Idea #10...

Photo Jewelry

There are lots of places to get these items and there are all types...necklaces & bracelets.

Hey...if someone wants to get me one of these...feel free!

I think they're pretty cool and you can change out the pictures for new ones down the road.

The bracelet shown here is $20.

There's also a money clip, slide on charms, a charm bracelet for nurses, and all kinds of stuff on this particular company's website.

I just found that Shutterfly also has photo jewelry and right now it's 20% off. They have necklaces and bracelets, both are marked down to $40 while the sale is going on.

Gift Idea #9...

I love Burt's Bees!

The Burt's Bees Starter Kit

I'm no hippie but the guy that invented these products was...I'm pretty sure. Yea, that would be Burt.

All Burt's Bees products are all natural and they don't test on animals.

And this is a great sampler pack to get a lot of different items without having a huge supply if you or whoever you get it for ends up not liking something. I like most of stuff in this pack myself. My favorites are the lip balm...nice and tingly (always have it with me), the foot creme, the cuticle creme (in my purse at all times), and I also like the lip shimmer...sorry that's not included in this pack. Oooh, also the Res-Q-Ointment...it's kind of like Neosporin but natural...again...not in this pack but...love it.

They also have a Baby Bee Starter Kit for the little babes.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, to me, means time with the ones you love and are most important to you. And also to take a moment to think about the things that you are thankful for and may take for granted.
We are all lucky. We eat well and aren't truly in need of anything. We live in a great country compared to many around the globe.
There are people in the world (and even some in America...we mustn't forget that) that have to worry about where their next meal will come from, will it be enough?, where they can get clean water, live in squalor and not just in constant want but constant need.
I am thankful for...
the greatest family ever, a truly wonderful husband that gets me and I get him, a loving marriage, a fun marriage, the best friends I could ever have dreamed of and a lot of them, a steady job, enough money to live on, my health and the health of friends and family.
Have you ever noticed that many times people don't tell those they love how much they mean to them? They say things like "you know who you are"..."you know how much you mean to me"...I almost said those things here. But I've just decided to go for it all...name names. And I really hope I don't leave anyone out. If I do, I assure you it isn't intentional and apologize now just in case.
I'm extremely grateful, thankful, and blessed to have these people in my life...I love you all.
my husband Rob, mom, Bob, dad, grandma & grandpa (married 64 years), Aunt Sara & Uncle John, Renae/Bryan/Derek & all of their spouses and kids, my in-laws (I finally have a sister!) the whole fam is great, Brent & Liz, Craig & Stacy, Maggie & Robert, Missa & Jason, Mary & Brian & little Grant), Lucy, Etter & Lily, Pete, Robb & Lisa & little Addison, & Shawna. I can't list every family member that I love, it's huge, Millers, Kenagas, Bontragers, Hunsbergers...you see where I'm going here? Amish names anyone? :)
Anyway...I encourage you to take a moment and think about what you are thankful for and tell those people that are important to you that they are just that.

Ok...sappiness over...

Quite the Adventure...(it's a long story)

Quite.

It all started on Sunday...4 members of our systems furniture team were going to fly to Moline, Illinois to do a furniture inventory at Rock Island Arsenal.

We flew in (Indy to Chicago to Moline) on Sunday so we could start early on Monday morning to make the most of our time there. (By the way...Rupert (Survivor) sighting at the Indy airport...he flew to O'Hare on the flight before ours). We arrived in Moline at our hotel somewhere around 6:30pm. We were tired just from the travel, and also it gets night-time dark REALLY early there so it psychs you out, so we opted to just stay at the hotel and eat at the TGIFriday's attached to it. I don't know if it was something I ate or pure coincidence, but at 2am I woke up in a dead sweat and major stomach pain. Let's just say I had a stomach bug of some sort and it was not pretty. I thought for sure that I wouldn't be able to work in the morning. I asked the front desk if they had anything. "We have some sinus/allergy medicine or some Tylenol."...Did you not hear my question? Then she proceeded to tell me that there was a convenience store a mile away. We didn't have a rental car (don't ask). So I went back to the room...got a Sierra Mist from the 'Slice' button on the really old Pepsi machine and hoped that would help. My last resort was calling a cab to go to the store if it really kept up. Apparently everything 'left my system' cuz I was ok aside from stomach cramping the rest of the night. The next morning our ride took us to a Walgreens before going to the Arsenal. I chugged Pepto pretty much all day. Mmmm, Pepto straight from the bottle...yummy. gross
Oh, also...I guess Moline is where John Deere came from...there was a museum and the John Deere Pavilion was across the street. I don't know if it's because of this...more country folk in the area or what...but how cool is a hotel that includes biscuits and gravy in it's continental breakfast?!? (I risked it and had some-WAY GOOD!)

Anyway...the facility was gorgeous...at least where we were...and you could tell there was a lot of history there. We were very worried about being able to inventory about 500 stations on two huge floors in two days. When we arrived and started to tour the space with the furniture we needed to capture (with no floor plans by the way) they also took us to other spaces that were not mentioned before...a few places on the first floor plus a room full in the basement in parts & pieces. So there was more that we needed to do and we were already worried about the time. But they were the most organized office I've ever seen...and this is a government agency we're talking about. Typically a "cube farm" has a standard workstation with what we call 'typical' components that make it up. And also typically the people working in these cube farms move stuff around and steal things from other stations for their own use, making it more difficult on our end to say that something exists a certain way and that we have all the parts to reconfigure it, etc. Not here. It was VERY 'typical'...there was very little we had to note as far as changes on the floor plans that they miraculously found and provided for us (AND they were actually pretty much current!). It made it very easy for us.
We could have finished all of it in one day but we opted to call it a day around 3 and kill some time at the local mall. I purchased my first Christmas gift of the season but didn't find much else, even though I took 4 pairs of jeans into the dressing room. Grrr!
We ate at a mexican restaurant...I had shrimp fajitas and not a whole lot of chips/salsa to go as easy as possible on my stomach. It hurt, but that's all. We went back to the hotel and I knew I was staying there. It was only 7:30 or so. The others wanted to do something so they all walked over to a local pub (we were downtown) and had beer & played darts for quite a while. I got in my jammies and curled up on the Sleep Number bed because my stomach was still rebellious and read a little out of American Band and watched Tomb Raider.


The next morning we slept in a little and made our way to RIA. The only thing we had to do that day was the basement (torn down) inventory. But it was so well organized that it only took us an hour TOPS. We had only one incident where some panels were leaning against the wall and my partner was pulling them away to look at the bases for power when they shifted and started to fall, I tried to get there to help her but they had too much momentum already. They fell hitting us both in the process. I didn't know it until I spread blood all over my paper and pants but apparently an edge caught my knuckle just right and sheared off some skin into a nice 'flap'. It was dirty down (we saw mouse poo) so I went and washed it right away and got a band aid. Luckily I was able to use the still attached flap-o-skin to ebb the flow and help it heal. I can't feel this particular spot of skin when I touch it...but it works. Still hurts a little but...oh well...it's my 'battle scar' from the military arsenal!

We were done so early that we called our coordinator to see if we could get earlier flights. We weren't supposed to fly out until 4. She could only get us to Chicago sooner but not Indy sooner AND it was extra $. So it was turned down. Unbeknownst to us...this is where it all went wrong...we should have taken the deal.

We killed time at Target and Kohl's then ate lunch at Garfield's. Then went to the airport around 2:30. Standing in line at the ticket counter, we see the monitors showing departure times...our 4:06 departure was now 6:20. This was only the beginning. Our connecting flight out of Chicago was to depart at 6:15. Do the math...it's a problem. But, it was possible that the flight out of Moline would get bumped up again AND that the connecting flight would be delayed too so we still might make it. But just in case, they gave us a back up flight out of Chicago on a different airline. We get in the security line and in front of us is 'ultra-chic chick'. She's wearing skin tight leggings with furry boots with 3 inch (at least) heals and a holier than thou look on her face. She annoys me with her presence all the way through the line. We get to the little place where you get the trays to put your stuff in and she's taking her time at the spot nearest the end of the table. The people in front of her go through, so I go around her to get a tray and get out of the way to start putting my stuff in. Apparently I wronged her and commited some sort of sin...as if she can't just go around me when she's ready...she gave me the most shocked 'what the hell do you think you're doing' look...which I ignored. I continued to sort my stuff in the tray and take my shoes off. She's ready to go through so she grabs her tray and faces me. Fine. I grab my tray and go around her so her highness can proceed in a straight line to the xray machine and metal detector. The guy traveling with us (who I handed a tray when I went in front of the princess to try to make clear I was just trying to be efficient) said "did you see that look she gave you!?!?"...I just said "I can take her...she might break a nail". People like that are a total waste of space and resources on the planet. How much do you want to bet that she never used the public restrooms there? I can see her walk in, look around and think "where's the concierge and the white cotton towels?" and turn around. I bet she peed her pants waiting for her bags at her destination.
ANYWAY...we go sit near our gate. We did a little more math with our backup flight and figured out that we were never making that connection either. So another backup was made.
I get a double Disaronno on the rocks at the bar.
We wait and wait and wait for a plane to arrive...any plane to arrive at the gate that might be ours. At about 6:15 a plane pulls up and deboards. No boarding call comes. Do you see where I might be going with this? Finally an announcement is made that the flight has been delayed for 3 hours.
There goes EVERY backup. The problem is fog in Chicago. So as we're sitting there trying to figure out plan B and C...another announcement. "This flight may be cancelled entirely...we'll know withing 30 mintues". I get in line. I already formed the thought...if I can get to South Bend myself, I'll have my parents pick me up from there and I'll just stay through the holiday. I was already driving up to Elkhart Wednesday evening anyway...I would just call Rob to have him bring up a few things for me. I didn't care what the other people did to get home if I could get to South Bend. Selfish? I don't know...do you spend 48 hours straight with your coworkers and not want to get away from them? In a strange city? Not feeling well? Never in your own bed? Yea. I didn't think it was selfish either.
I finally get up to the counter...no go. South Bend is having flights cancelled too. Now, I don't know if that's all true...we had this same ticket agent when checking in, she seemed...well, not the most knowledgable to say it nicely...I mean, she's the one that gave us the backup that would never have worked. So maybe it was just that she wasn't as good as others but I have no choice but to believe what she is saying as far as flights go. I asked about getting all 4 of us to Indy...when and how that might happen. Well, we could take the 10pm flight out of Moline (if that one really does take off) to Chicago but then we'd have to spend the night at O'Hare to catch some flight the next day...today...the busiest travelling day of the year. Yea. Ok, so no on tonight. What about tomorrow (today)? We can fly you out at 10:15am get you into Indy at 3:15pm. Um, no. We want to go home NOW. We're all over it at this point.
So a car is rented and we drive the 5 hours to Indy. Boring ass drive. What's funny is...we stopped at Taco Bell to get dinner about 45 minutes into the trip and this guy holding the door looked at us and said "weren't you guys at the airport?"...found out he was going to Indy too.
We get to the Hertz rental agency. Apparently they close at 1am. It was almost 3am. BUT there were still people around...just closing up and walking to their car. We could leave the car in employee parking and there was an obscure drop box. We got it all taken care of and I finally crawled in bed at 3:30am.
We were allowed to be late to work today.

Here's the kicker...we would have gotten home at a decent time if:
a) we paid the extra $ and took that earlier flight...8pm
OR
b) rented a car when we were done with inventory to drive home...5pm

But, as I was in the ticket line trying to go to South Bend a gentleman had a great quote from a pilot he talked to...if you've ever had an even remotely scary flight...it puts it all in perspective and I will remember it always...
"I'd rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air, than in the air wishing I was on the ground"

Will be away...

I'm taking off this afternoon to go to Illinois for work and I won't be back until Tuesday night. Inventory-ing furniture...so exciting. And it's for the government...even better.

I'll be 'back on the air' Wednesday!

Gift Idea #8...

Ok, I couldn't help myself today with the posts! Plus I seriously love this gift idea (hint hint). Since I'm addicted to my Diet Coke...it would make perfect sense!

The personal mini fridge that plugs into your computer's USB port!!!

How cool is that?! It's $34...so it's not super-d-duper cheap...but in cases like myself...totally useful!

Gift Idea #7...

Yea, so this isn't for everyone...BUT I know some peeps out there that will appreciate this find.

A Beer Pong Table!

And this one folds away for easy storage...way better than the giant plywood piece that's sitting in my garage right now. So if you host a lot of parties, know someone who does, or just appreciate the b-pong...here you go.

It's marked down to $75.

Outsourcing Call Centers...

Ok, please don't mistake this for any kind of prejudice...but seriously, why do companies have to outsource their customer service call centers to other countries?!?!
It's infuriating when all you want to do is inquire about your account or activate a credit card or change your last name (yes...I procrastinated!) and you have to ask the person you are speaking to to repeat what they said a dozen times because you can't understand them!

Customer Service = serving the customer

I don't care if a foreign person is taking care of me or even if they have an accent. But when their English is so bad you almost need a translator for English with a heavy accent to standard English...what's the point...you're just ticking me off.


And the picture? Call centers don't look like that...I've seen call centers...I've had to inventory the furniture and/or document names for the floor plans...the people aren't that happy, nor do they look that nice. Meaning...they're in T-shirts and gross jeans. They know their not seen. Granted...that is only my experience of call centers in Indiana.


Let me add to this...
I shouldn't have to "press 1 for English"...EVER.

Gift Idea #6...

For the Star Wars/computer geek...

Actually, I love these!

Chewbacca & Storm Trooper Flash Drives

A bit on the pricey side if you ask me...but I couldn't help showing you all. I mean, how fun are these!?

Great blog...

A very funny read & a lot of throw backs to some awesome old school toys...
slap bracelets...good times.

http://redactedblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/dangerous-toys-dangerous-or-just-toys_16.html

Gift Idea #4 & #5...For the winos...

Wine openers are great...wait...good, easy to use wine openers are great.

We have one like this...

But there are electric ones too. This one has a great review. Keep in mind that it has to sit on a charger, so it might not as easily be hidden away.

And while we're on the wine theme...

How about a wine chiller/warmer...

I can't vouch for these...does anyone have one? How do you like it?

Gift Idea #3...

For those that are 'picture crazy'...

A digital picture keychain! $29.99

Holds about 50 pics!

Gift Idea #2...

This is more for kids or people who draw a lot or quirky people like me who just get a kick out of stuff like this...

SMENCILS

Or smelly pencils!

I can't vouch for them but they seemed fun.

And thank you to 'Anonymous' for the comment about the purse hanger from yesterday! Great feedback!

Daily Gift Ideas for the Holidays...

Christmas is coming up quick! It will be here before we realize it! And I've seen a few really cool gift ideas browsing the web and thought this would be a good time and place to share them. So I will be bringing you daily gift ideas and maybe you'll love them! I will try to remember to include a link to where I found them, but you can always do your own search for something similar or the same thing to buy it from somewhere else. (You should know that I'm a huge fan of Amazon.com!)

Let me know if you love them or hate them!

First up...

For women who carry purses and don't like to put them on the floor at a restaurant...or elsewhere. A purse hook!

This spiffy thing comes with it's own pouch and folds up as small as a compact to carry in your purse. It allows you to hang your purse from the table ledge instead of it being on the floor or the back of your chair where it could easily "walk away". The extra cool thing about this particular one is that there's a mirror surface on it so it really does act like a compact too!

Eureka!

A good TV show, we like it, but that's not what this is about.

A drug that I can afford actually worked on my most recent migraine! I had a headache all day Friday and it started to feel migraine-ish on the way (driving to) Elkhart so I popped my first MAXALT. It worked! It did make me feel a little weird...slight dizziness, small pressure in my chest/throat, and an almost numb feeling all over...but that's how I felt on Imitrex anyway. Plus when you have a headache that bad...I'd rather have the side effects.

But I did go to the doctor this morning to have some blood work done. We're going to try to find out if there's a source to all these headaches instead of always just treating the headache. So my arm hurts now.

Actually, specifically, we're testing my thyroid. Someone told me that their sister found the source of her migraines was an underactive thyroid. AND I've been struggling to lose the pounds and even though I haven't been all "boot camp" about it, I still feel like I should be losing something. Plus, I'm having issues with hunger. Meaning, I'm hungry all the time...even an hour after eating a meal that is plenty big enough to be satisfying. It's like the message that there's food in my stomach NEVER reaches my brain. And as you can imagine...that's downright frustrating...imagine never feeling satiated.

I think that's why I've been more grumpy lately.

Baby Dure...

I'm not as quick on the draw for this baby announcement but Robert Addison Dure was born on Monday!

He was 3 weeks early so he's a little guy at 6 lbs and if I remember right 19 1/2 inches long. His fingers and toes are SO long! It feels like you're holding nothing when holding him...I mean he weighs half as much as our smallest cat!!

For anyone that needs a reminder Robb Dure (proud daddy) is Rob's roommate from college and one of our groomsmen at the wedding.

And here's proof that Rob will hold babies! And look at all the hair this kid has!!

More Gripes & Random Things About Me...

Yea, call me negative if you want! But if we all keep it inside...it turns us into monsters. It feels better to get it OUT.

Ok here we go...

-Another grammar thing - piCTure...not "let me take your pitcher"...PICK-cher.

-Gripe of the Day: Why do you need to stomp around the office? It's more than just this incident but here it is...if you are working at another desk nearby or helping someone nearby and your phone rings and you are busy or just don't want to answer it...don't answer it. You really don't need to sigh heavily and stomp all the way there like you are a 7 year old having a tantrum. It's really just the stomping thing. Some people walk this way all the time. Really? Why? It's always bugged me, maybe that's why I walk lightly. I don't know. But I remember in the dorm in college, one of the girls next door totally stomped down the hallway all the time. I couldn't even imitate how loudly she walked, I don't know how these people do it! I don't know why either...do they want to announce to everyone that they are coming?

-Random: I can't stand to see that little envelope in the lower right corner of my computer screen denoting that I have a new email. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE that little envelope...but I can't leave it alone. If I know I have a new email, I look at it. I can't stand leaving it there for later. I'll at least read it to find out where it falls on the scale of importance, maybe flag it (different colors denote different things) but I MUST check it!

-More Random: Have I talked about my obsession with right angles? (or at least 45 degree angles) If there are papers on my desk, table, whatever, wherever...the edges/lines should be parallel. And if they aren't I move them. I'm not in my house taking a protractor to my picture frames on the mantel or anything, but I'm closer to the OCD end of that one than most of you reading.

-Even More Random: Here's another strange one...color order. If I have markers or highlighters that I keep in a pack, I like them to be in 'color order'...yes...pretty much like a rainbow...that's how it makes sense right? I did this even as a kid.

Good

Bad

Daylight Savings? Time...

I don't get it...
You can explain Daylight Savings Time to me until you turn blue but I don't think I'll ever get it. Time is a concept, not a real thing.
Plus, I just don't really understand the benefit. Except that maybe other states will actually know what time it is here instead of being so many hours ahead/behind in the winter and then it was different in the summer. THAT is the only benefit that I see so far.

"For the farmers"...what? No, farmers will work from dawn to dusk no matter what time dawn and/or dusk are.

"For businesses"...again...only so they know what time it is here instead of guessing. Otherwise...still don't get it.

AND...I sort of understand wanting to have more daylight in the evenings...but, wouldn't you want that year round? Now it's dark by 6. Wouldn't it be better if it was dark at 7?

If someone has a logical explanation, you're welcome to leave a comment and try to get through to me.

Indiana...

So the in-laws were down this weekend and we went to Brown County Saturday. Brown County is really beautiful and a major destination in the fall, it's about an hour south of Indianapolis. The colors were just past their peak but it was a gorgeous day so people were out in full force. Nashville, yes, Indiana, has become a tourist town with many houses converted into shops. There's also two wine tasting rooms there...Brown County Winery and Chateau Thomas, both were hopping. It's also an artisan community so a lot of people sell their wares out of the shops. The best stops (for me) were the winery tasting rooms, the jewelry shops, the candy shops (mmmm, pumpkin fudge), and "The Ordinary". The Ordinary is where we ate lunch, more about what I liked later.

Now, I titled this post 'Indiana'...here's what I like about Indiana...

-Time/Distance...same thing. Notice how I said that Nashville/Brown County is "an hour" south of Indianapolis. Apparently, and I've never noticed until it was pointed out, all distances are given in TIME not miles. And it's true! But it's much more useful information than miles. Miles don't tell me anything. My house is 12 miles from work, but it's a half hour to get there during rush hour. Question: "How far is Elkhart from Indianapolis?" Answer: "About 2 1/2 hours". Boom, you know how much time to give yourself.

-Wine - yes, there are wineries here. It's no Sonoma or Napa Valley, but we've got enough. And it's definitely midwestern...a lot of it is sweet. And sometimes you just want a sweet wine. We've got plenty to choose from right here in Indiana.

-Driving. On back roads...county roads if you will...here's how you drive: in the middle of the raod (it's smoother there), as fast as possible without the risk of losing a tire on a potential pothole...disregard the 35mph limit...go 50 or so, rolling stop at the 4-ways, and always watch for deer. Now, we're not stupid...if another car comes you slow down and get in your own lane, if there's another car at the stop sign you actually come to a full stop or come closer to one. But we all know that if the road is bumpy...it's actually a smoother ride if you go faster. (For Elkhart: same goes for railroad tracks)

-Food. What is a pork tenderloin to you? Because to a Hoosier it's a very flat piece of pork that is breaded and fried, served on a bun. Check out this baby from 'The Ordinary'...

This thing was as big as my face! There is a bun under there and steak fries too! What you have to do is cut it down to size to fit the bun better...sometimes actually making a double decker out of it..which is what I did AND had some to spare. Oh, and I think it's a rule that you have to put mayonnaise on it. Holy cow this thing was so GOOD!

While we're on the topic of food...Blue Moon ice cream. It's the bomb. However, my experience has told me that only Northern Indiana gets it right.

Hey, fellow Hoosiers...what else is there about Indiana? I can think of a few others...but I want to know what your thoughts are too!!!

More grammar lessons...

Let's talk about this word...

Ok, we know the work has Spanish origins, so let's think about that while we look at how it's spelled.

First, let's get the most ridiculous pronunciation I've ever heard out of the way...

Chip-AH-tull

Uh...NO.

Next, it's pretty clear, unless I am constantly hallucinating, that the T is before the L at the end.

Chi-pole-tay

Nope, not right either.

Here it is...verified even...

Chi-poht-ley

Ok. That's all. Thanks.

1977...

It was a good year. That's the year I was born...as well as several partners in crime, including my husband. However...the JCPenney catalog from '77...tells the story of the sad state of affairs in style from that year.

I wish so much that I could take credit for this. But I can't. However, it came to my email inbox at a time I desparately needed a break and a laugh. I don't know who originally wrote this, it's hilarious. Enjoy...

Timeless style ...

Last weekend I put an exhaust fan in the ceiling for my wife's grandfather. While my wife's brother and I were fitting the fan in between the joists, we found something under the insulation. What we found was this:

A JC Penney catalog from 1977. It's not often e-mail fodder just falls in my lap, but this was two solid inches of it, right there for the taking. I thumbed through it quickly and found my next dining room set, which is apparently made by adding upholstery to old barrels:Also, I am totally getting this for my bathroom:There's plenty more home furnishings where those came from, however I'm not going to bore you with that. Instead, I'm going to bore you with something else.

The clothes. The clothes are fantastic!

Here's how to get your ass kicked in elementary school:

Just look at that belt. It's like a boob-job for your pants. He probably needed help just to lift it into place. The belt loops have to be three inches long. And way to pull them up to your armpits, grandpa.

Here's how to get your ass kicked in high school:

This kid looks like he's pretending to be David Soul, who is pretending to be a cop who is pretending to be a pimp that everyone knows is really an undercover cop. Who is pretending to be 15. (Added by Stacy: Doesn't this kid look like the older brother in E.T.?)

Here's how to get your ass kicked on the golf course:

This "all purpose jumpsuit" is, according to the description, equally appropriate for playing golf or simply relaxing around the house. Personally, I can't see wearing this unless you happen to be relaxing around your cell in D-block. Even then, the only reason you should put this thing on is because the warden made you, and as a one-piece, it's slightly more effective as a deterrent against ass-rapery.

Here's how to get your ass kicked pretty much anywhere:

If you look at that picture quickly, it looks like Mr. Bob "No-pants" Saget has his hand in the other guy's pocket. In this case, he doesn't, although you can tell just by looking at them that it's happened - or if it hasn't happened it will. Oh yes. It will. As soon as he puts down his matching coffee cup.

Here's how to get your ass kicked at the beach:

He looks like he's reaching for a gun, but you know it's probably just a bottle of suntan lotion in a holster.

How to get your ass kicked in a meeting:

If you wear this suit and don't sell used cars for a living, I believe you can be fined and face serious repercussions, up to and including termination. Or imprisonment, in which case you'd be forced to wear that orange jumpsuit.

How to get your ass kicked on every day up to and including St. Patrick's Day:

Dear God in heaven, I don't believe that color exists in nature. There is NO excuse for wearing either of these ensembles unless you're working as a body guard for the Lucky Charms leprechaun.In this next one, Your Search For VALUE Ends at Penneys.As does your search for chest hair.

And this -- Seriously...no words:

Oh wait, it turns out that there are words after all. Those words are What. The. F*ck. I'm guessing the snap front gives you quick access to the chest hair. The little tie must be the pull tab. (Added by Stacy: This is also a great look for your next square dancing competition.)

Also, judging by the sheer amount of matching his/hers outfits, I'm guessing that in 1977 it was considered pretty stylish for couples to dress alike. These couples look happy, don't they?

I am especially fond of this one, which I have entitled "Cowboy Chachi Loves You Best."And nothing showcases your everlasting love more than the commitment of matching bathing suits. That, and a blonde girl with a look on her face that says "I love the way your junk fights against that fabric."

Then, after the lovin', you can relax in your one-piece matching terry cloth jumpsuits:

I could go on, but I'm tired, and my eyes hurt from this trip back in time.

I think it's the colors.

That said, I will leave you with these tasteful little numbers:

Man, that's sexy.