Here's how the Wendy and kids visit is going so far.
Dancing - There has been a lot of it. Zoe is a very good dancer and she is very willing to share her gift with the world.
Picking Out Food - It turns out it's more difficult for a 90-year-old to pick out her food than it is for Jude and Zoe. This is something I have always wondered about. Grandma is also fussier about her food. To me, this means that grandma is further away from the beginning/end of life than Jude and Zoe are. Obvioulsy they are moving in opposite directions. Which means, +/- a year, Grandma is going to live <6 more years. Which isn't really news at all.
Margaritas - In a game-changing move, Wendy ordered margaritas with dinner. This opened the door for three more people to change their order to magaritas as well. Well played, Wendy.
Grandma is Going to Get Crabbier - I will express it like this: Grandma's crabbiness now < Grandma's crabbiness in two days. This is a no brainer. She has already expressed some bewilderment as to whose car is taking her places. This will only get worse. And possibly more entertaining.
Cheese Dip - Great cheese dip. Good job, Chuck.
Overall a solid start. Many big events on the horizon. Amazing Pizza Machine tonight. It's going to be off the hook. Zoo tomorrow. Kick ass.
killing my memory problems
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
AGENDA!!
Look! I turned this into a post!
WEDNESDAY we get to town, hang out with Helen, maybe swim at the hotel a while, go out to dinner.
THURSDAY we do kids' museum in the morning, meet with Hel after for lunch and what have you, afternoon with her, dinner at Amazing Pizza Machine.
FRIDAY we do zoo as early as possible, meet up with Hel after for lunch, afternoon to early evening for air exploration/manicures, dinner out.
SATURDAY we pack up and probably hang out at Hel's before we hit the road -- maybe an early lunch out.
WEDNESDAY we get to town, hang out with Helen, maybe swim at the hotel a while, go out to dinner.
THURSDAY we do kids' museum in the morning, meet with Hel after for lunch and what have you, afternoon with her, dinner at Amazing Pizza Machine.
FRIDAY we do zoo as early as possible, meet up with Hel after for lunch, afternoon to early evening for air exploration/manicures, dinner out.
SATURDAY we pack up and probably hang out at Hel's before we hit the road -- maybe an early lunch out.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wiener Race 2010
It all started with an article. Or was it an add? Whatever it was, Chelsey found it in the Thursday newspaper while we were at Jazz on the Green.
"This Saturday! Wiener Races in Syracuse, Nebraska in honor of GermanFest."
We jumped to attention. Wiener dogs? We have a wiener dog! We love wiener dogs. There was a phone number. Chelsey called it, hoping for a message that offered more details. She got more than she bargained for...
A very nice lady answered the phone at 8:30pm, and told Chelsey that we would have no problem entering our dog Deuce at this later juncture. She told us where to get the registration form. That was all we needed. We were going to Syracuse!
Chelsey called the vet and got any up-to-date list of Deuce's shots. I made some slight alterations to my previous Saturday plans - running in a 5k. We trimmed up Deuce's Saints jersey, making the necessary adjustments for him to run super fast. I brought up some wiener racing videos on youtube. They made Deuce bark.
The next day, Chelsey picked me up from a post 5k breakfast, and we were off. Chuck was there too. We made our way to Syracuse. The drive mostly consisted of two-lane highways. Chelsey was at the wheel and everything was looking good.
Until we hit the construction. We are already cutting it close. Would this push us over the ledge of lateness? We sat and waited to be escorted across the aforementioned construction, while the gentleman behind us got out of his car, lit up a cigarette and talked up the construction worker holding the stop sign.
We got moving again, and made it to town with plenty of time to spare. There were wiener dogs everywhere. Small ones. Big ones, white ones, black ones, skinny ones, fat ones. It was so great. All these little wieners, walking the street in peace and harmony. No barking. Just wieners.
We killed an hour, waiting for the race. As Deuce's heat grew near, we could feel the tension rising. Deuce started pysching out other dogs. He actually snapped at a dog that wasn't even in his weight group. (Deuce was a "Little Smokie." The dog in question was a "Brat.") Chelsey defused things by looking for another dog to adopt.
We handed the camera to Chuck, giving him all too brief instructions on how to shoot video. A decision that would cost us in the long run.
Finally our heat was called to the starting block. I took in Deuce, and put him in the first lane. We walked up to meet Chelsey, who would be standing at the end of the lane. We made the connection. It was all clear. Deuce knew Chelsey was at the end of the race. He would go meet her as quickly as possible. We would win the race. I would throw Deuce in the air. We would would drink beer out of a boot.
What happened instead shocked us all. The lady said "go!" All the dogs took off. Deuce just sat there. Then he milled around a little, sniffing along the way. Finally, he found a friendly lady next to the race cage, and started licking her hand. Race over. We were the losers.
We decided that since we didn't leave, we didn't need to drink beer out of a boot. We piled into the car. On the way out of town, we asked Chuck about the video. Turns out those filming instructions were a bit too brief. Nothing on the camera.
But we did get the chance to get some really cute pictures of Deuce on the way home. For most of the ride he had this huge smile on his face. A smile that said to us "I really did great on that race."
No you didn't Deuce. No you didn't.
"This Saturday! Wiener Races in Syracuse, Nebraska in honor of GermanFest."
We jumped to attention. Wiener dogs? We have a wiener dog! We love wiener dogs. There was a phone number. Chelsey called it, hoping for a message that offered more details. She got more than she bargained for...
A very nice lady answered the phone at 8:30pm, and told Chelsey that we would have no problem entering our dog Deuce at this later juncture. She told us where to get the registration form. That was all we needed. We were going to Syracuse!
Chelsey called the vet and got any up-to-date list of Deuce's shots. I made some slight alterations to my previous Saturday plans - running in a 5k. We trimmed up Deuce's Saints jersey, making the necessary adjustments for him to run super fast. I brought up some wiener racing videos on youtube. They made Deuce bark.
The next day, Chelsey picked me up from a post 5k breakfast, and we were off. Chuck was there too. We made our way to Syracuse. The drive mostly consisted of two-lane highways. Chelsey was at the wheel and everything was looking good.
Until we hit the construction. We are already cutting it close. Would this push us over the ledge of lateness? We sat and waited to be escorted across the aforementioned construction, while the gentleman behind us got out of his car, lit up a cigarette and talked up the construction worker holding the stop sign.
We got moving again, and made it to town with plenty of time to spare. There were wiener dogs everywhere. Small ones. Big ones, white ones, black ones, skinny ones, fat ones. It was so great. All these little wieners, walking the street in peace and harmony. No barking. Just wieners.
We killed an hour, waiting for the race. As Deuce's heat grew near, we could feel the tension rising. Deuce started pysching out other dogs. He actually snapped at a dog that wasn't even in his weight group. (Deuce was a "Little Smokie." The dog in question was a "Brat.") Chelsey defused things by looking for another dog to adopt.
We handed the camera to Chuck, giving him all too brief instructions on how to shoot video. A decision that would cost us in the long run.
Finally our heat was called to the starting block. I took in Deuce, and put him in the first lane. We walked up to meet Chelsey, who would be standing at the end of the lane. We made the connection. It was all clear. Deuce knew Chelsey was at the end of the race. He would go meet her as quickly as possible. We would win the race. I would throw Deuce in the air. We would would drink beer out of a boot.
What happened instead shocked us all. The lady said "go!" All the dogs took off. Deuce just sat there. Then he milled around a little, sniffing along the way. Finally, he found a friendly lady next to the race cage, and started licking her hand. Race over. We were the losers.
We decided that since we didn't leave, we didn't need to drink beer out of a boot. We piled into the car. On the way out of town, we asked Chuck about the video. Turns out those filming instructions were a bit too brief. Nothing on the camera.
But we did get the chance to get some really cute pictures of Deuce on the way home. For most of the ride he had this huge smile on his face. A smile that said to us "I really did great on that race."
No you didn't Deuce. No you didn't.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Brent's elbuzzard 1/2 Year Music Post
Every year around this time, Kent and I swap email about how crappy the music is that year. Then by the year’s end, we manage to like 20 or so albums enough to make our lists that no one reads. This year is no different. Except this year, I vow to give up on more music earlier. Here is my list of keepers and throw awayers.
Keepers (in alphabetical order)
Broken Bells – Nothing wrong with this album. But it’s not that great either. But it’s not that bad.
Charlotte Gainsbourg – I have finally embraced this album all the way. It has three or four high points. The rest is just okay.
The National – More of the same from the National. Songs about my lame life. Really good.
She & Him – Sweet music. Really good production. I’m in love with both members.
Sleigh Bells – This has most of my favorite summer songs thus far. Loud crashy cheerleader music. It’s not new, but it’s nice to get a new spin on it.
Surfer Blood – Dave, I think maybe you would like this. It reminds me of the 90’s but maybe not the 90’s that you liked the best. But still worth trying.
Titus Andronicus – I like this album, but I feel like its akin to eating way more food than one should. It just wears me out. Still waiting for it to click.
Vampire Weekend – The rest of my favorite summer songs are on this cd.
Throw Awayers
Beach House – Dear Beach House, You make really boring music. Signed, Brent.
Caribou – Dear Caribou, I don’t understand what you are trying to do. But I see that others do. So there you go.
Gil Scott Heron – Dear Gil-Scott Heron, Even if you were the coolest person ever, there would still be no reason to make this music. No reason.
Gorillaz – Dear Gorillaz, Good for you.
Janelle Monae – Dear Janelle, Kent made fun of me when I wanted to listen to you. Kent was right. Thanks for that.
Roky Erickson & Okkervil River – Dear Roky, Thanks for making an album that puts a permanent blemish on the careers of Okkervill River. I’m not sure they could have done it themselves.
Okay. All done. There are still plenty of cds that are still under consideration for the year-end awards. So don’t give up, Ruby Suns and Morning Benders.
Keepers (in alphabetical order)
Broken Bells – Nothing wrong with this album. But it’s not that great either. But it’s not that bad.
Charlotte Gainsbourg – I have finally embraced this album all the way. It has three or four high points. The rest is just okay.
The National – More of the same from the National. Songs about my lame life. Really good.
She & Him – Sweet music. Really good production. I’m in love with both members.
Sleigh Bells – This has most of my favorite summer songs thus far. Loud crashy cheerleader music. It’s not new, but it’s nice to get a new spin on it.
Surfer Blood – Dave, I think maybe you would like this. It reminds me of the 90’s but maybe not the 90’s that you liked the best. But still worth trying.
Titus Andronicus – I like this album, but I feel like its akin to eating way more food than one should. It just wears me out. Still waiting for it to click.
Vampire Weekend – The rest of my favorite summer songs are on this cd.
Throw Awayers
Beach House – Dear Beach House, You make really boring music. Signed, Brent.
Caribou – Dear Caribou, I don’t understand what you are trying to do. But I see that others do. So there you go.
Gil Scott Heron – Dear Gil-Scott Heron, Even if you were the coolest person ever, there would still be no reason to make this music. No reason.
Gorillaz – Dear Gorillaz, Good for you.
Janelle Monae – Dear Janelle, Kent made fun of me when I wanted to listen to you. Kent was right. Thanks for that.
Roky Erickson & Okkervil River – Dear Roky, Thanks for making an album that puts a permanent blemish on the careers of Okkervill River. I’m not sure they could have done it themselves.
Okay. All done. There are still plenty of cds that are still under consideration for the year-end awards. So don’t give up, Ruby Suns and Morning Benders.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hot times in O Town
So then, when you know what's up with you, post here about when you're on vacation, what you'd like to do/host, and good ideas about sneaking out of Crown Pointe without anyone noticing.
I've got this so far:
1. Brent -- 1 to 1 1/2 days vacation, wants to do zoo, spacey museum, possibly cookout
2. Chuck -- ?? vacation, wants us to visit him at work, will provide weird dog so we won't get homesick
3. Chelsey -- 0 vacation, wants to do nails, loves only outdoor pools b/c they make her more beautiful
All are welcome at our room/pool/old-peopled good times.
Just go ahead and update here, and I'll try to come up with a schedule. Brent, I hope your magic email trick works on this one.
I've got this so far:
1. Brent -- 1 to 1 1/2 days vacation, wants to do zoo, spacey museum, possibly cookout
2. Chuck -- ?? vacation, wants us to visit him at work, will provide weird dog so we won't get homesick
3. Chelsey -- 0 vacation, wants to do nails, loves only outdoor pools b/c they make her more beautiful
All are welcome at our room/pool/old-peopled good times.
Just go ahead and update here, and I'll try to come up with a schedule. Brent, I hope your magic email trick works on this one.
What are we going to do?
So last week I found out Wendy and the twins are coming in town at the end of July. Which begs the question, of what sort of good times can we get into while she is in town. Here is my list of ideas, assuming we can get them away from Grandma's apartment:
1) Zoo - new Madagascar exhibit. What?
2) Ice Cream - everyone loves ice cream?
3) Indoor Swimming - I hear their hotel has a pool. Possibly indoors.
4) Outdoor Swimming - Pirate Cove - in Council Bluffs - priced just high enough to keep the riff raff out.
5) Amazing Pizza Machine - buffet. games. go carts. good times. all under one roof.
6) Punch Chuck in the gnads.
7) Drive into the country - leave grandma out there. debate about whether we want to go back and get her.
1) Zoo - new Madagascar exhibit. What?
2) Ice Cream - everyone loves ice cream?
3) Indoor Swimming - I hear their hotel has a pool. Possibly indoors.
4) Outdoor Swimming - Pirate Cove - in Council Bluffs - priced just high enough to keep the riff raff out.
5) Amazing Pizza Machine - buffet. games. go carts. good times. all under one roof.
6) Punch Chuck in the gnads.
7) Drive into the country - leave grandma out there. debate about whether we want to go back and get her.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Fathers Day Gift Buying Guide
This weekend is fathers day. This being the case, I thought I should really get on the stick and get my dad his present. So I knew what I wanted to get him: a Saints Superbowl shirt because I am trying to force my fandom on the rest of my family this year, through ugly Saints-themed tshirts.
So I went online to pick out a shirt, and found the one I wanted, but it was only like 15 bucks. So I thought I would get him some sporty shorts, as he just joined a gym for the first time in his life. Okay – so I get the shirt and the shorts, and I get to the shipping part, and it says it could take anywhere between 4 days and 14 days to get there. This makes me mad.
So I do what I do whenever something gets me mad on the internet. I go to zappos. I have now scrapped the saints shirt gift, and am looking just for athletic shorts. I figure, I can get him some shorts, and support my favorite online vendor ever, and all will be well. So I am looking at all their athletic shorts, and I don’t see anything that I feel good about. People in my family do not appreciate $30 name brand athletic shorts, and that’s all zappos has. So I then think that perhaps I could buy him a pair of shoes – although I think at that point I was just shopping for myself. I then see these shoes that I now have an uncontrollable urge to buy.
I have given up on my dad completely. I am just trying to stave the little voices in my head that keep telling me I should have these, despite the fact I have absolutely no need to buy another pair of running shoes.
Those things are badass.
So I went online to pick out a shirt, and found the one I wanted, but it was only like 15 bucks. So I thought I would get him some sporty shorts, as he just joined a gym for the first time in his life. Okay – so I get the shirt and the shorts, and I get to the shipping part, and it says it could take anywhere between 4 days and 14 days to get there. This makes me mad.
So I do what I do whenever something gets me mad on the internet. I go to zappos. I have now scrapped the saints shirt gift, and am looking just for athletic shorts. I figure, I can get him some shorts, and support my favorite online vendor ever, and all will be well. So I am looking at all their athletic shorts, and I don’t see anything that I feel good about. People in my family do not appreciate $30 name brand athletic shorts, and that’s all zappos has. So I then think that perhaps I could buy him a pair of shoes – although I think at that point I was just shopping for myself. I then see these shoes that I now have an uncontrollable urge to buy.
I have given up on my dad completely. I am just trying to stave the little voices in my head that keep telling me I should have these, despite the fact I have absolutely no need to buy another pair of running shoes.
Those things are badass.
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