Christmas Pictures

We had a fantastic Christmas...full of laughs, presents and way too much food.

Paul got his PS3.

We got Dad a Bears Jersey...

Lindsay and Gavin

Me and Taylor


Mom and Hayden

Jeff and Paul


Me and Paul - in our hats from our Christmas Crackers

Me and Cathy

Jordan and Cathy at dinner

Hayden and Keith going home.

Photo booth

I don't think I went outside today...I should have really because it's at least 30 degrees warmer than it was the first 2 days we were here..and I think it only hit 30 here..so I guess that would make it 35 degrees warmer.

So..today we did all of our wrapping...and then Lin and the boys came over. Gavin humored me by taking a photo booth picture.

I tried to do a retake, but he wasn't having any of it. I can probably get Taylor to do one with me if she comes over tomorrow.

Delayed!

We're delayed! I knew we would be! What is good though..is that the San Antonio airport apparently now has free internet...so we are staying entertained.


If you know anything about seats at airports you know how awkward they are..and then imagine that my computer is on my lap and this picture is at a bad angle...but anyway..regardless...we're delayed and so we took a picture and decided to let everyone know...

We're ready to go

Well, we are mentally ready to go.  Its 9:00 and my bag is mostly packed..which means I have clothes packed but not much else.  I'm sure we'll be ready..is there anything I really could forget and not be able to replace?

Spell check

I've just had he most ridiculous conversation with my mom...brought to you by spell checker...the letter O and the number 7.

Me: I finally had a good night sleep. I did wake up in the night but I made sure I didn't wear my watch to bed...and when I woke up I didn't look at the clock.

Carol: I'm glad your rested.

Me: Me too...Maybe it was the hot chocolate I had before going to bed. I don't know, I am just glad I slept.

Carol: If you made it with hot mild that would defiantly help. Warm/hot milk produces tryptophan and that makes you sleep.

Me: Hmm...hot mild? Did your spell check go crazy on you? Yes...I made it with Cadbury's drinking chocolate...I had warm milk.

Carol: I had Horlicks made with hot mold last night and slept like a log.

Me: Um...with hot mold..that sounds lovely??? Whats up with your spell check??? If I drank hot mold I don't think I'd sleep like a log...I'd probably have to sleep by the toilet...

(I had to stop several times to wipe away the tears as I typed this...)

Comedy like this just happens naturally...and is sponsored by spell check....

Christmas Tree

We put up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. If we weren't going out of town for the holidays, I probably would have waited until at least the beginning of December to do it. Also, we didn't put out all of the decorations or even the lights outside this year, but I felt that at least the tree had to go up.


I love getting out all of the decorations for the tree...I have so many favorites. Its a shame that they only come out once a year, but maybe that's why I love them so much...because I don't see them for the other 11 months of the year.

Happy Anniversary

Today Paul and I celebrated out 1st anniversary.

Celebrated...sounds like such a funny thing to say really. It's not like we had a party with balloons and hats or anything...but we had a really nice dinner and enjoyed each others company. I think that's a nice way to spend an anniversary.

Sleepy

Izzie and I were being lazy on Saturday...and we were talking (yes....I talk to the dog...are you really surprised????) about how we were going to take our Christmas card picture with me Paul and Izzie in bed..but since Paul was already up, we were going to see how it would have looked.  I was procrastinating about getting up and going to the gym :)

We were supposed to be pretending to be asleep...clearly Izzie doesn't have a good understanding of what that means...I wonder what she was thinking about..she looks deep in thought.  Either that or she thinks her mama is insane..can't really argue with her there.

Post...with pictures

So..it's like this.  Here's the cord for the camera. 

This means that my pc is broken and it is currently in for repair.  The good news in all of this is that it wasn't Paul's fault.  Apparently there is a known issue with HP computers and so the repair place is getting it fixed for us..and it'll only be $100.  It could have been a lot worse.   But now, I'll be having to use the cord all the time, because Paul got me a MacBook!

I have been wanting one of these for a really long time.  We found that it has all kind of great picture thingy-magigies...so that was fun.  The thing that really stinks, though, is at this point, I am having a hard time figuring out how to get pictures into blogger, etc, etc.  I am sure I'll get through it with some practice.

I really wish we'd had this to make our Christmas card.  Well..there's always next year.

Cold

I just called and talked to my dad. I said that I was freezing...its 49 degrees...he had no sympathy for me...none.

Boring Post

I am going to say this is going to be a super boring post...mostly because my laptop won't turn on so I don't have any pictures to post..or if I take some..say maybe of the sweater I am knitting..I can't post them because I don't know where the cord is to hook my camera up with this computer. (I think I actually know where the cord is...but I am not going to get it because I have no sweater picture..and I think you see the vicious cycle...) So..yeah..my laptop is broken. I am going to take it in to get repaired on Thursday. I blame it on Paul and his stupid game that he plays on it. Ever since he started it has been super slow. I think he's going to owe me a MacBook...

What else? The weather here has been so nice..but now the wind has started blowing and so it'll be "cold"..well Texas cold, for the next few days.

There really isn't anything else happening. I am counting the days till we go to Illinois for Christmas...for which I have bought Paul snow boots...he'll be needing them :)

Christmas Song

Have you seen this? I thought it was funny...and kinda put me in the Christmas spirit :)

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

A Colbert Christmas: Another Christmas Song

Ron Paul Interview
Bob Barr Interview

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Miss Lizzie's sweater

I was looking online for a knitting pattern for a sweater for Izzie. I know what you're thinking..why wasn't I working?? I have had a really rough day so far and so I needed to take a short break. Anyway...while I was looking for a sweater pattern for Miss Izz...I found this.


I can't imagine any cat sitting in a sweater! Miss Lizzie certainly wouldn't..but maybe she would?? maybe I should make her a sweater for when she goes out...hmm....

Regardless...I loved this picture and had to share!

Hugh

I realized that I missed Hugh Laurie on Ellen today...there are 2 Hugh's that I love...the other is Hugh Grant (he was not on Ellen). I'd even name a son Hugh..if went better with Hoover..Hugh Hoover... I digress...

In case you missed it too..here it is.

I've been a bad, bad blogger...

I have to admit that I have a huge case of the Post Election Blahs, as you can probably tell by my lack of blogging... There's no more being glued to CNN, no more trying to convince people to vote and posting fun political videos. I wonder if a lot of people are feeling the same way? I do hope that I continue to stay interested in the political process..and not wait until the next election.

But I suppose life does go on..right? Right.

This past weekend I went to visit Jill in California. We had a great weekend..mostly spent eating and knitting. We both went on a HUGE yarn buying bender...so I should be set for knitting for at least a little while.

You can't possibly tell from this picture, but my yarn purchases, along with a few things from Lucy, required me to borrow a duffel bag from Jill so I could get home. She could have shipped it, but I don't like to be separated for so long from my stuff...

We also had cupcakes! I LOVE cupcakes...I mean, LOVE... so I was thrilled when we saw a Sprinkles!

Aren't they beautiful??? Mine were on the left...Jill's on the right. They were well worth the $13.50 I paid for 4 of them..would do it again in a heartbeat.


So we shopped and we did a lot of knitting...that was about it really. I had a great time and it was just what I needed. Maybe now that I am a little more refreshed, I'll be able to blog a little more often.

And there haven't been any Izzie pictures lately...so here you go.

Obama

Here we go America...we have a new President. I have no words...

did you vote?

Did you vote today??? if not...GO!

crazy

I am taking a mental health break from work...for about 5 minutes because that's about all I can spare today...seriously..I think people do stupid things only to make me crazy. It's like they have a monthly conference to come up with the most boneheaded ideas and they probably place bets and everything. And somewhere, they are all have dates where I will snap...that date might be near...or far...who knows

Anyway...I am SO excited about the election. I'll be wearing my Obama shirt tomorrow...glued to CNN...so make sure you get out and Vote. If you don't, you have to shut up for the next 4 years. period.

Thank you for listening.

Halloween

Happy Halloween.

We didn't get any trick-or-treaters, except Zack next door, so we went grocery shopping. Oh..and it was 85 degrees.

Video schmideo

I really like Sarah Silverman... Warning..this may be offensive to some people who are overly sensitive..and those people should not be on my blog anyway :)


The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

Update: Dude..yes..I know this is old...but I still liked it...not my fault I was prolly super busy when it came out and I totally missed it but its hard to cover the entire internet everyday right??

Next Tuesday...

Next Tuesday I plan to sit in front of my TV and watch CNN all day..because this has got to be the most exciting election I may ever see in my life time. Never, in my lifetime, has it meant more! I also find it inspiring that so many of these type of videos are coming out...which appeal to my demographic!

Golf

It was a really nice day here in Texas, so Paul and I did a few things outside. First, Paul got a new bike...I got my tires pumped up :) We had a quick ride around our apartment area and so I think we both know how to do it. They say you never forget, right? Or is that when you fall off, you get right back on ??? I can't remember.

We also went to the driving range. Now the last time we went I got really mad...I am happy to report that on this occasion, I did not go all Happy Gilmore on anyone!

I obviously needed to be wearing my lucky Tab visor...

Vote

Don't know if you've seen this..but it made me smile

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Thank you for shopping at Walgreens

So..at lunch today, my mom went to Walgreens to pick up a few things...

As the receipt shows, she purchased the following items:

• Vitamin D - buy one get one free.
• Eye shadow - buy one get one 50% off
• 2 packages of facial cleansing cloths...

When she went to check out, the items were rung up..and the cashier, Jim, asked her for $9.74. My mom asked if that was correct...Jim reviewed the receipt and said, yes, that was correct. OK, so my mom handed him $10.04 cents. Jim, gave her $10.30 change...so she said you gave me change for a $20, and Jim replaced her $10 with a $1

Look at the receipt!

Had Jim reviewed the REGISTER...he would have gotten the amount right! Who looks at the RECEIPT???? According to my mom..this was the manager...He charged her the amount she SAVED....and then..it clearly shows she still owed 12.26...who knows what he did with that!!! Some one's going to be in trouble later today! Especially if he's done all his transactions like this...oh..and again, if you missed it, this was the manager!

So..the moral of the story is...if you're ever in Oswego, Illinois, and your down a few bucks..go to Walgreens and look for Jim - I'll allow him to serve me any day of the week...and maybe I can quit my job.

Come on Down!

If you are in my family...you know that my Nan (my mom's mom) LOVED the Price is Right! And I think Lindsay watches it any day that she can. I can picture her in front of the tv..with a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee...watching and bidding for an hour! Well..they came out with a Price is Right game for the Wii...and I thought it would be the PERFECT present for Lin...well it got some mixed reviews online and so I hesitated to get it. Well Friday, Paul got a $40 reward certificate for Best Buy..blah, blah, blah...we got some games..one of them being the Price is Right! Well...it did not disappoint!

I got to Spin the Wheel...

Bid on my Showcase of fantastic prizes...

And I won!

So I think that Lin may be getting this for an upcoming occasion.

Also..this is totally unrelated..but take a look at the view out of my living room window.

Does it not look like it could snow??? Well..its like 85 outside...crazy, right?

I have readers?

Ok..so I've noticed that since I've put the 'Where Are You' profile visitor map on my page that people actually do look at my blog..which is weird because for ages I've seriously thought that I've just been talking to myself...which is fine, I suppose..because I talk to myself a LOT!!! Anyway..I'd like to take a minute to request that someone make some comments!!!! I mean, honestly...just say Hi if you'd like..but say something!!!!

Whew...got that out...

Ok...(I say that a lot...) anyway, I've been holding onto this for a while now...and I think today is as good a day as any...a few weeks ago, I made some admissions...one related to a certain muppet type show with a catchy theme song that you can sing along to..I think you know which one I mean...anyway, I think someone at the Staples company would be interested in this....

I don't know about you..but that looks like the Easy Button to me!!!

I suppose I should not only be admitting to loving the muppet-type shows..but also to the fact that I take pictures of my TV...

Post comments people!!!!

Vote

I found this over on Kate's blog..I can't top what she said so I'm not even going to try... you should head over there and check it out..but here's the video. Makes you think...and you'd better vote!

I've missed you

It's been a while since I've blogged..well..since I had the political posts...and I think its because I haven't had much going on. Well...I still don't have much going on, but I do have some pictures I can share with you...and I am sure I'll manage some commentary...

Ok..so you know I like to post pictures of Izzie because every one loves her..right? Well there is a little boy who lives next door - Zack - and he loves Izzie too. We'll start with a picture of Zack.

Last Saturday night Jennifer (Zack's mom), Zack and I went to Target..well..because we were bored..and we got some Halloween decorations, including this ghost in the picture. Zack..he loves that ghost..and he loves Izzie...which brings us to this video...



So...enough about Izzie...

We went today to buy a new tent. If you recall, in the spring we went camping and had a good time. Well..after that experience, with Paul, Izzie and I in a really small tent..I mean, small once you put in the queen size airbed there really wasnt much room...so we got a new tent. We're planning to go camping again on October 25th..so we figured that in preperation..and because we had nothing else going on...we should make sure we could set it up, it had all the pieces, etc, etc.

So here we are in our front yard...its really small..and it was super windy today...nice, right?

Here's a look at the front.

We got this one because it has the screen porch. The picture on the box showed that the screen room had a floor, which is why we piced this one...but when we put it up NO FLOOR! So..we're going to have to get a tarp or something...Oh also..we don't have the cover thing (Im so technical, I know) on but we do have one so if, god forbid it rains, we won't get wet!

So there you have it. Paul said that when we move to Illinois, that we should camp on the way...haha..right...can you see telling my mom..hey..were stopping at the KOA and you can sleep your ass on the ground??? Yeah..right!! Still, I like the new tent. The airbed and the dog will fit much better this time around.

I Couldn't Resist....

In all Seriousness...

I've had people mention this to me...but I couldn't quite believe it..but its true...

(sorry for the short commercial before the real thing...)


Watch CBS Videos Online

I am moving to Mexico if this woman EVER becomes our President!!!!

they're back....with videos...

I don't know about you, but I sure am glad that all my favorite shows are starting again. Unfortunately, with all the new shows that start at this time of the year, there comes a time when you have to decide that, though you really like how a new show looks, you just can't commit to one more program. I feel like this is what I've had to do this season...I am going to commit to exactly zero one more new program.

So..let me run down some of my favorites..in case you're looking for something new to watch.

The Big Bang Theory - Monday

We just recently bought the first season on DVD. I really hope lots of people are watching this because it's got to be one of the funniest comedies on TV.




Also..of course..House - Tuesday

I searched You Tube (don't you love You Tube???) for some funny scene, but found this. I actually remember most of these. If you love House like I do, then enjoy. If not..I question your judgement. I love Hugh Laurie...and another Hugh..but maybe that'll be the subject of tomorrows post.



So those are pretty much the 2 shows every week that I don't miss right now. In January, LOST will start again and then I'll have another show.

I actually must correct myself..I did start a new show this year - bringing up LOST made me think of it. I've been watching Fringe - Tuesday

Its great so far and has all the crazy creepiness of LOST..but different, you know? Its kind of sci-fi... and I found a clip on YOU TUBE!!!



And also Dirty Sexy Money - Wednesday



And Grey's Anatomy - Thursday. I am not posting a video for Grey's, because I am a little torn. I think I'll give it a few episodes, but if it gets all boring and predicable like last season, I think I am going to call it quits.

OH..and Scrubs will be back in the winter!!! I have a few more seasons on DVD that I still need to watch :)

So, that's what I am watching...Paul is watching WAY more shows...what about you?

gone visiting

This past weekend (well...starting Wednesday) I was visiting my family. You may remember the huge hurricane, IKE, that came though Texas...well I missed it, as did my husband and dog - we were on the west side of the storm. Anyway, as it was dry here, it was raining, causing severe flooding in the Chicago area. Seriously..it rained for at least 2 days non-stop. And I am not talking about a light mist..or even a trickling rain..but serious downpour!!! Regardless, I did get to see the cutest little boys in the world..



I also got to visit with Taylor and Jordan..though they are too big for tons of pictures anymore.

On Sunday we had to go to church for Taylors Confirmation and the boys were so well behaved - Jerry supervised.

Things that start with "H"

I've spent almost the entire weekend watching the 2 day House marathon on USA..and knitting Hats - almost 3 of them, to be exact. Don't ask me why..I'll need a hat in December, but I certainly don't need one now! Its still in the 90's for peets sake!

They turned out nice though..I'll post a picture tomorrow when I am not so sleepy...

So the weekend wrap up..Mrs. Hoover whatched House and knit Hats..haha...(that may not be so funny tomorrow).

Peggy

TMZ.com was doing look-a-likes for Sarah Palin.

The great Peggy Hill should be insulted!

Weekend

It was a really boring weekend..in case anyone is wondering. Here, in no specific order, is what I did this weekend.

1. Watched the first two Lord of the Rings films. (I did those in order, of course)
2. Went shopping with my husband for new shirts. (and he actually got some really nice ones...)
3. Went shopping for socks and workout pants.
4. Had breakfast at the Cracker Barrel.
5. Finished a pair of socks.
6. Went to the gym only once.
7. Bought ticket to visit Jill in November.
8. Thought about going to the movies but didn't go.
9. Sat on my ass.

That's it. ..I can't think of anything else :)

Pictures of the socks to come.

Is there a Doctor in the house?

I think its going to be a weird day. It started when I woke up...looked at my watch..and saw it was 10:00! I jumped out of bed...I was SO late for work...then I looked at the clock by the bed...8:04! Jesus! Now I was going to be early for work. Hopefully there would be traffic and i could waste some time...unfortunately, Izzie was laying on the sofa and Paul had already gone to work..so I made it there in like 10 seconds.

I don't mean to go all hypochondriac on you, but I am totally suffering from several syndromes these days. Now that the Olympics is over, I have nothing to do. Well...not nothing, but I get totally involved in the Olympics and I watched it constantly..even the equestrian events! I watched water polo, handball..absolutely anything they decided to broadcast! Now..nothing! Is there some kind of rehab for this? Probably not...so I am suffering from POS - Post Olympic Syndrome. At least there was the Democratic National Convention! But that's over..and I've come down with a bad case of PDNCS! I suppose I shouldn't be excited that there is a major weather event on the horizon...but at least there will be something else to be glued to. (I hope it doesn't hit New Orleans...or us!). At least I don't have PMS...that would SUCK!

Happy and Warm

I was just commenting the other day how McDonald's no longer has Happy Meal boxes. I love those! But lately, every time I see a kid with a Happy Meal, its in a bag. There is just something about that box. So today for lunch, I went to McDonald's...and ordered a Chicken Nuggets meal (with Apple Dippers instead of fries) and guess what came to me through the window!!

Also..look what came today...my swift arrived so I had wind some yarn. I no longer have to do this by hand, around a chair back, with my husband laughing at me when I drop the ball of yarn!

And of course..a video. Jill, eat your heart out!!! :) Yes..I'll bring it with me when I come see you in November!

Admission and Recap

So..the American Idols tour...yes, you can call me a dork..I don't mind. Actually, I think the days of me not saying what I like are over...so here you go...I like Britney Spears music..I think it's catchy and is great to sing to..loudly..in the car! So there! whew..that felt good...

I said I was going to post more video..so here's more video..and pictures of course..but you'll have to go to flickr for them. I started posting them here and it was SO not worth the effort..so I'll direct you to the badge to your left..and just put my favorites here.

On the Street

I love Sesame Street..I admit it. I am 33 going on 5. Sometimes if I pass by it, I'll stop and watch.
So anyway...my mom was here visiting..and we both like this song by Feist and so we downloaded it. Apparently there is a Sesame Street version she did..and I think its cute.




From now on all my posts will have videos....

Idols on Tour

Carol and I went to see the American Idols tour on Sunday night in Houston. We had a really good time...even with the woman sitting on my right who screamed constantly!!! I wish laryngitis on the woman...long term laryngitis!!!

I'll get the pictures and videos up shortly.

Bug

I just saw this on another blog I've been reading. It made me laugh!



Warning...contains bad language..but so funny....

Then there's a remix too...

UPDATE: The remix was SO annoying I removed it. I realize you could just choose to not play it...but I still felt strongly about it....

totally forgot

How did I totally forget to say that we got a new TV???? Just in time to watch the Olympics too.

Nice huh?

pre pre pre pre preperation

It's been an uneventful weekend...well I can't really say that...I got my hair cut (on a Saturday night..how sad have I become???)..all of the laundry is done..and I am just about ready for my mom to visit this weekend.

I have also started the pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-move sorting and donating... I can use all those pre's because we still have about 286 days (worst case scenario) before the moving day. I mean, I want to be prepared, right??? don't want day 5 to come and have me sitting here thinking "Maybe I should start doing something before my parents show up and have simultaneous heart attacks.".

I've cleaned out the linen closet, got rid of some old towels, etc. and sorted all of my excess toiletries into sections.

..who knew I had so much lotion???

I better start moisturizing if I plan to use that all up!

I also cleaned up the bedroom closet - re-stacked all my shoes...and shelved my bags.

I even had words with Izzie...we cannot possibly take all her dogs with us.

She'll get back to me on her decision.

Polski Coldski

I went to Poland and all I got was a cold...seriously.

I haven't had a cold in over 2 years...then work sends me to Poland, I get sick. Seems unfair, doesn't it. So..due to my germy-ness (Im sure that isn't a word) I haven't done much this week besides lay on the couch and watch the Olympics. I will have a real post soon.

My Polski Weekend

First..this is not going to be a summary of an interesting weekend in Europe..with pictures of wonderful sights..nope. Not this one. I was really surprised to learn that there really isn't much to see in Warsaw. It seems that all of the wonderful architecture that you see in most parts of Europe were destroyed during World War 2 - so most of Warsaw is relatively new.

Since learning of this, I took the opportunity to do very little :) (I didn't even go shopping) When I say very little, I mean that I did things like have breakfast and then go back to bed (I did that on Saturday). After I got up from my post breakfast nap, I did find a shop to get some water and a few other things and then went back to my room...to watch the 3rd season of Scrubs. Thank god for TV shows on DVD! I also did some knitting. In the evening, I did meet up with some of my co-workers and we went to have a lovely dinner.

I didn't even take these pictures! I don't know what's wrong with me. I am usually such a picture taker! If Izzie was here there would be all kinds of pictures!

Sunday we worked most of the day - I did find time for a manicure though..and to start watching Season 4 of Scrubs...I love that show!!