Doritos - With the crystal ball. Pretty good.
Coke - The bugs stealing the guys coke. That was cute. The Coke Zero commercial that was a re-make of the Mean Joe Green commercial. At first I was upset. That commercial is iconic, how can you re-make it?? But it was funny.
Pepsi - With Wil. I. Am and Bob Dylan. Considering it was Pepsi, I liked it.
Career Builder - You might need a new job (or something to that effect). Ha Ha. That used to be me. Screaming in the car, crying, wanting to punch something, although not small animals.
Dana's mad that the Cardinals lost.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Parenting 400
I'd say we're probably to the 400 level of our parenting. We're definitely beyond 101. And I think once we hit the teen years (in 2 months) we'll move on to graduate school, then later our PhD. That's assuming we complete our undergrad!!
Last Friday, Cassidy wanted to go to the Skating Rink for a teen dance. We agreed to let him go. I would drop him 0ff, and Dana would pick him up at midnight. (Wait a minute! Did I let my almost 13-year-old stay out until midnight?) When we were just a few blocks from the rink, my conversation with him went a little something like this:
Me: I know I don't have to tell you this, but I have to tell you this. Behave yourself and do what you're told.
Cassidy: I know.
Me: I know you know, but I still have to tell you these things. Just make sure you do what you're supposed to.
Cassidy: I will, Mom.
And before dropping him off 30 seconds later. . .
Me: Have fun and be good. You have your phone don't you?
[Rhetorical question.]
Cassidy: Yes, Mom.
Me: Call us if you need anything.
Cassidy: K
Last night, Katie and I were on the computer looking up how to pierce the ears of her American Girl Dolls. (FYI. You have to send them to the "hospital".) She hears the TV from the other room and says "Meth commercial." What a sorry state of the world when a 7-year-old recognizes the sound of a meth commercial. I guess that's good because she looks at me with wide eyes and says, "I'll never do meth." And I said "You better not!" A few minutes later we were back in the living room and it came up again. I told them both that they had better never use Meth or any other drug. Cassidy was ignoring me, so I got his attention and repeated myself. He says, "I know, Mom."
I remember telling my mom one time that when you raise a child, you teach them the best you can, and they eventually get to an age where they're on their own and you hope you've taught them the right things. I'm pretty sure I told her that before I had kids of my own, but I still believe it. That's why my kids constantly hear these mini lectures from me. When Cassidy was little, I would tell him not to smoke cigarettes and then ask him why. He would say "Because it makes those things that you breathe with black." Scare tactic? Maybe. But hopefully when someone offers him a cigarette (if they haven't already) he'll remember that and decide for himself that it's not a good idea.
Hopefully. . .
Last Friday, Cassidy wanted to go to the Skating Rink for a teen dance. We agreed to let him go. I would drop him 0ff, and Dana would pick him up at midnight. (Wait a minute! Did I let my almost 13-year-old stay out until midnight?) When we were just a few blocks from the rink, my conversation with him went a little something like this:
Me: I know I don't have to tell you this, but I have to tell you this. Behave yourself and do what you're told.
Cassidy: I know.
Me: I know you know, but I still have to tell you these things. Just make sure you do what you're supposed to.
Cassidy: I will, Mom.
And before dropping him off 30 seconds later. . .
Me: Have fun and be good. You have your phone don't you?
[Rhetorical question.]
Cassidy: Yes, Mom.
Me: Call us if you need anything.
Cassidy: K
Last night, Katie and I were on the computer looking up how to pierce the ears of her American Girl Dolls. (FYI. You have to send them to the "hospital".) She hears the TV from the other room and says "Meth commercial." What a sorry state of the world when a 7-year-old recognizes the sound of a meth commercial. I guess that's good because she looks at me with wide eyes and says, "I'll never do meth." And I said "You better not!" A few minutes later we were back in the living room and it came up again. I told them both that they had better never use Meth or any other drug. Cassidy was ignoring me, so I got his attention and repeated myself. He says, "I know, Mom."
I remember telling my mom one time that when you raise a child, you teach them the best you can, and they eventually get to an age where they're on their own and you hope you've taught them the right things. I'm pretty sure I told her that before I had kids of my own, but I still believe it. That's why my kids constantly hear these mini lectures from me. When Cassidy was little, I would tell him not to smoke cigarettes and then ask him why. He would say "Because it makes those things that you breathe with black." Scare tactic? Maybe. But hopefully when someone offers him a cigarette (if they haven't already) he'll remember that and decide for himself that it's not a good idea.
Hopefully. . .
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Amio Andretti
That's what Dana calls me from time to time. He thinks I drive like a race car driver. But I don't. Not usually anyway. I guess I'm just a little aggressive.
I set my cruise control to about 62 mph. And I cruise at that speed. If I get behind you and you're only going 60 or 61, I don't slow down. I will get around you (quickly) and then go back to cruising speed.
Then there are the people that drive below the speed limit. It's one thing to drive 55, and yes, that bugs me, too. But under 55? Now, there's just no call for that. But do you know what really irritates me? The person behind them that won't pass. That one car that rides their bumper but won't ever make their move. Being fourth or fifth in line is very frustrating (for me) because you are really taking a chance to pass that many cars. Every night this week I've been in this situation while driving home.
It makes me crazy!!
Err, uh. . . crazier . . .
I set my cruise control to about 62 mph. And I cruise at that speed. If I get behind you and you're only going 60 or 61, I don't slow down. I will get around you (quickly) and then go back to cruising speed.
Then there are the people that drive below the speed limit. It's one thing to drive 55, and yes, that bugs me, too. But under 55? Now, there's just no call for that. But do you know what really irritates me? The person behind them that won't pass. That one car that rides their bumper but won't ever make their move. Being fourth or fifth in line is very frustrating (for me) because you are really taking a chance to pass that many cars. Every night this week I've been in this situation while driving home.
It makes me crazy!!
Err, uh. . . crazier . . .
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
It ain't easy bein' green
Kermit the frog really knew what he was talking about. The Dixon's recently decided to "go green." We do what we can, although I'm sure it's not enough. But we figure making some sort of attempt is better than none at all. I hope after reading this you will also try to make some changes to help our planet.
We have changed virtually every light in our house to energy efficient lights. Although it did cost us some money up front, I've seen about a $50 decline in our power bill each month. Really! Sure, they take a little while to warm up, but in less than 30 seconds, you have full light. And they're so much more efficient.
Paper or Plastic. They say that one really isn't any better than the other for the environment. They both let off CO2 into the atmosphere during production. I would always get plastic because I could carry more at one time. (I don't usually get help bringing the groceries in.) And I would use them to line the bathroom trashcan. But I don't re-use that many, so they were ultimately thrown away. I would cringe when they put the Cascade in a bag by itself. Yeah, I know why they do that, but they could have just put it in the cart. So this summer I started buying the re-usable bags. I have 5 and don't think I've ever needed more than that. At only $1 a piece, that's a pretty good investment! In the last 6 months, I figure I've saved about 200 plastic bags from going out to the trash to be burned. Here's the catch though, you have to remember to put them back in the car each week.
I recently met a friend at Subway for lunch. I got a salad and they put it in a bag for me. Of course they always put your sandwich in a bag. Why? So that you can carry it to the table I guess. Is that really necessary? No, I don't think so. I guess I'm going to have to tell them to stop using the bag. Really, I'm capable of getting it to the table without killing the environment. Imagine how many of those bags Subway hands out each day that are used for about 30 seconds. What a waste!!
And what about when you run into the store for a tube of toothpaste, or deodorant? Do you really need a bag for that? If it's a small enough amount for me to just carry back to the car, or throw in my purse, I do tell them to skip the bag. I used to get weird looks, but most people aren't surprised by it any more. Perhaps I'm not the only one.
And finally, warming up your car. Ugh. I really hate doing that. But, when the temps are as frigid as they were a week ago, you don't really have a choice. Dana tends to send Cassidy out at 6:45 to start our cars. I take the kids down to meet the bus at 7:00 and usually have to come back in the house to eat breakfast and pack my lunch. If I leave my car running the whole time, it will run for 45 minutes. That's stupid. Since it's "warmed" up, I've been turning the car off once I get the kids on the bus. So when I come back out 20 minutes later the car is cold again, but I feel better that I've made an effort.
I could go on and on, but it's passed time for me to get back to work, so I'll leave it at that. Just think about it though. Buy a re-usable bag or replace a light bulb. Your mother earth will thank you for it.
P.S. In case you didn't know, we have a new President. WOO-HOO!!!!
We have changed virtually every light in our house to energy efficient lights. Although it did cost us some money up front, I've seen about a $50 decline in our power bill each month. Really! Sure, they take a little while to warm up, but in less than 30 seconds, you have full light. And they're so much more efficient.
Paper or Plastic. They say that one really isn't any better than the other for the environment. They both let off CO2 into the atmosphere during production. I would always get plastic because I could carry more at one time. (I don't usually get help bringing the groceries in.) And I would use them to line the bathroom trashcan. But I don't re-use that many, so they were ultimately thrown away. I would cringe when they put the Cascade in a bag by itself. Yeah, I know why they do that, but they could have just put it in the cart. So this summer I started buying the re-usable bags. I have 5 and don't think I've ever needed more than that. At only $1 a piece, that's a pretty good investment! In the last 6 months, I figure I've saved about 200 plastic bags from going out to the trash to be burned. Here's the catch though, you have to remember to put them back in the car each week.
I recently met a friend at Subway for lunch. I got a salad and they put it in a bag for me. Of course they always put your sandwich in a bag. Why? So that you can carry it to the table I guess. Is that really necessary? No, I don't think so. I guess I'm going to have to tell them to stop using the bag. Really, I'm capable of getting it to the table without killing the environment. Imagine how many of those bags Subway hands out each day that are used for about 30 seconds. What a waste!!
And what about when you run into the store for a tube of toothpaste, or deodorant? Do you really need a bag for that? If it's a small enough amount for me to just carry back to the car, or throw in my purse, I do tell them to skip the bag. I used to get weird looks, but most people aren't surprised by it any more. Perhaps I'm not the only one.
And finally, warming up your car. Ugh. I really hate doing that. But, when the temps are as frigid as they were a week ago, you don't really have a choice. Dana tends to send Cassidy out at 6:45 to start our cars. I take the kids down to meet the bus at 7:00 and usually have to come back in the house to eat breakfast and pack my lunch. If I leave my car running the whole time, it will run for 45 minutes. That's stupid. Since it's "warmed" up, I've been turning the car off once I get the kids on the bus. So when I come back out 20 minutes later the car is cold again, but I feel better that I've made an effort.
I could go on and on, but it's passed time for me to get back to work, so I'll leave it at that. Just think about it though. Buy a re-usable bag or replace a light bulb. Your mother earth will thank you for it.
P.S. In case you didn't know, we have a new President. WOO-HOO!!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Today in Middle Earth
Today in Middle-earth, January 15
The Bridge of Khazad-dûm, and the fall of Gandalf (1419)
The Company reaches Nimrodel late at night (1419)
January 15, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Bridge of Khazad-dûm, and the fall of Gandalf.
(from the appendices)
“… there came a great noise: a rolling BOOM that seemed to come from depths far below, and to tremble in the stone at their feet. They sprang towards the door in alarm. DOOM, DOOM it rolled again, as if huge hands were turning the very caverns of Moria into a vast drum...”
(Tolkien, 1965 Ballantine, p. 428 FotR)
2. The Company reaches Nimrodel late at night.
(from the appendices)
“‘Lothlórien!’ cried Legolas. ‘Lothlórien! We have come to the eaves of the Golden Wood. Alas that it is winter…’”
(Tolkien, 1965 Ballantine, p. 438 FotR)
I thought you might like to know.
http://www.theonering.net/
The Bridge of Khazad-dûm, and the fall of Gandalf (1419)
The Company reaches Nimrodel late at night (1419)
January 15, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Bridge of Khazad-dûm, and the fall of Gandalf.
(from the appendices)
“… there came a great noise: a rolling BOOM that seemed to come from depths far below, and to tremble in the stone at their feet. They sprang towards the door in alarm. DOOM, DOOM it rolled again, as if huge hands were turning the very caverns of Moria into a vast drum...”
(Tolkien, 1965 Ballantine, p. 428 FotR)
2. The Company reaches Nimrodel late at night.
(from the appendices)
“‘Lothlórien!’ cried Legolas. ‘Lothlórien! We have come to the eaves of the Golden Wood. Alas that it is winter…’”
(Tolkien, 1965 Ballantine, p. 438 FotR)
I thought you might like to know.
http://www.theonering.net/
Sell by vs. Use by
Didn't they always used to have a "use by" date on foods? I could swear that they did. However, I think the grocery industry must have petitioned congress to start using the "sell by" date. That way, they know when to pull it off their shelves. Unless you shop in Hoopeston. You really have to watch the dates or you'll get something home that's primed for a science experiment. Been there, done that.
I'd much rather see the "use by" date. Sell by doesn't help me. How do I know how long my yogurt is good for? Is it 2 days, 3 days, a week? Probably not a week, but I guarantee you that when that sell by date comes and goes, that yogurt meets the trash! I'm not taking any chances and I'm not checking it with my nose.
Then there's the "born on" date that's on beer. REALLY?! I always thought that was stupid, too. I guess they were trying to be clever. Nothing like a drunk trying to figure out how old or young their beer should be before consuming it. Does yogurt stay fresh as long as beer does? Probably not.
So we try to eat everything in our house before the sell by date. It's just safer that way.
I'd much rather see the "use by" date. Sell by doesn't help me. How do I know how long my yogurt is good for? Is it 2 days, 3 days, a week? Probably not a week, but I guarantee you that when that sell by date comes and goes, that yogurt meets the trash! I'm not taking any chances and I'm not checking it with my nose.
Then there's the "born on" date that's on beer. REALLY?! I always thought that was stupid, too. I guess they were trying to be clever. Nothing like a drunk trying to figure out how old or young their beer should be before consuming it. Does yogurt stay fresh as long as beer does? Probably not.
So we try to eat everything in our house before the sell by date. It's just safer that way.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Mild Freak-out!!
Last night before going to bed, I decided to put some lotion on my hands. I climbed into bed, took off my engagement ring (carefully laying it on the covers) and put on some lotion. Meanwhile, Dana came to bed. As I said yesterday, his hands are really dry from working in Cassidy's room, so I knew he'd want some lotion for his hands. After he was done, I put the lotion on my night stand and off to dreamland we went.
The alarm went off at 4:20 a.m. this morning, and it was a little hot in our room. I threw off some covers to cool off. I eventually rolled out of bed to get dressed to exercise. While in the bathroom however, I noticed the absence of my engagement ring. OH, MY GOD!!!! What did I do with it last night? That's right! I carefully placed it on the covers right in front of me so I could put it back on after applying my lotion. BUT I DIDN'T PUT IT BACK ON!!
I casually returned to our room where Dana was getting dressed. I DON'T SEE IT ANYWHERE! AND I THREW OFF THE COVERS THIS MORNING BEFORE GETTING UP. OH, GOD, WHERE CAN IT BE! Dana finally went downstairs and I frantically started looking for it. I just kept remembering the Christmas that I lost my diamond pendant necklace. . . .
--Graduation Day 1989--
When I was in High School, it was all the rage for boys to buy their girlfriends "promise" rings. Dana didn't buy me one, but he did buy me this little diamond pendant. It was small, but he told me that it was his promise that he would someday marry me. It meant the world to me. After all, I was only 18 years old and had thought I'd met the man I would marry. (Turns out I did.)
-- Christmas 1997--
It's 1997 and I still wear that little diamond necklace Dana gave me in High School. It's also Christmas Eve and it's the last time I'll ever wear it. Mom had gotten me a necklace for Christmas. I decided to try it on. So I took off Dana's necklace and carefully placed it in the box that the new necklace came in. Later that night, everything got shoved in bags and taken home with us. A few weeks later, I'm getting ready for work and was looking for my necklace. I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE! WHERE ON EARTH COULD IT BE? I finally came to the realization that I must have thrown it away when I was cleaning up all the boxes and bags from Christmas. I don't know what else could have happened to it.
--4:30 a.m. January 13, 2009--
All of these memories are flashing through my head in a matter of milliseconds and I'm getting more and more terrified that I can't find my ring. I pick up the blanket that's on our bed and feverishly shake it waiting to hear my ring hit the wood floor. I don't see or hear anything. I turn back to the bed, and there it is. PHEW!!! Heart rate is back to normal. . . I go downstairs and exercise.
I'm never taking off my engagement ring again!
The alarm went off at 4:20 a.m. this morning, and it was a little hot in our room. I threw off some covers to cool off. I eventually rolled out of bed to get dressed to exercise. While in the bathroom however, I noticed the absence of my engagement ring. OH, MY GOD!!!! What did I do with it last night? That's right! I carefully placed it on the covers right in front of me so I could put it back on after applying my lotion. BUT I DIDN'T PUT IT BACK ON!!
I casually returned to our room where Dana was getting dressed. I DON'T SEE IT ANYWHERE! AND I THREW OFF THE COVERS THIS MORNING BEFORE GETTING UP. OH, GOD, WHERE CAN IT BE! Dana finally went downstairs and I frantically started looking for it. I just kept remembering the Christmas that I lost my diamond pendant necklace. . . .
--Graduation Day 1989--
When I was in High School, it was all the rage for boys to buy their girlfriends "promise" rings. Dana didn't buy me one, but he did buy me this little diamond pendant. It was small, but he told me that it was his promise that he would someday marry me. It meant the world to me. After all, I was only 18 years old and had thought I'd met the man I would marry. (Turns out I did.)
-- Christmas 1997--
It's 1997 and I still wear that little diamond necklace Dana gave me in High School. It's also Christmas Eve and it's the last time I'll ever wear it. Mom had gotten me a necklace for Christmas. I decided to try it on. So I took off Dana's necklace and carefully placed it in the box that the new necklace came in. Later that night, everything got shoved in bags and taken home with us. A few weeks later, I'm getting ready for work and was looking for my necklace. I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE! WHERE ON EARTH COULD IT BE? I finally came to the realization that I must have thrown it away when I was cleaning up all the boxes and bags from Christmas. I don't know what else could have happened to it.
--4:30 a.m. January 13, 2009--
All of these memories are flashing through my head in a matter of milliseconds and I'm getting more and more terrified that I can't find my ring. I pick up the blanket that's on our bed and feverishly shake it waiting to hear my ring hit the wood floor. I don't see or hear anything. I turn back to the bed, and there it is. PHEW!!! Heart rate is back to normal. . . I go downstairs and exercise.
I'm never taking off my engagement ring again!
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