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February 26, 2005
No Time To Play
I have laundry to fold and no time to type so I thought I would just post a picture for today. This is Ashley’s armoire - her very messy armoire.
Posted by tami at 10:49 PM Comments (2)
February 25, 2005
Obsessed: Take 2
I should know better than to expect too much out of a movie after reading the book. Nine times out of ten, I end up disappointed.
After I found out yesterday that there was a movie based on the book Magnificent Obsession, I quickly called Hollywood Video and reserved a copy. This morning as I watched the movie the only word that rightly described it was “different”. The entire movie is totally different from the book. The names are the same, but everything else is drastically different. I don’t know why it’s so hard for these movie people to make a movie that is actually like the book!
Needless to say, I was very disappointed. The whole thing seemed cheapened and trivial in comparison to the book. With that said, if I hadn’t read the book and didn’t have anything to compare this movie with I may have enjoyed it. I liked the actors and actresses, seeing the dresses of the 50’s, and the beautiful cars. The next time I read a book that has had a movie made after it; I’ll just skip the movie.
Posted by tami at 11:37 AM Comments (1)
February 24, 2005
Obsessed
I finished a wonderful book this afternoon written by Lloyd C. Douglas called Magnificent Obsession. Having never read anything by this author, I had no idea what to expect. There was no book jacket when I purchased it, so I didn’t even have a blurb to go on.
I quickly found that it was hard to put this book down. It was mysterious, moving, and yet very romantic. The characters and their surroundings were immediately likeable.
Believe it or not, I was just going to tell you that this book would make a wonderful movie, so I decided to look it up. What do you know! A movie was made in 1954 and starred Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman. How grand is that! Now I wonder if Hollywood Video has it in stock.
Posted by tami at 3:54 PM Comments (6)
February 23, 2005
Cushion
I recognize the fact that I am beginning to act more and more like Mr. Rogers everyday. The first thing that I do when I get home is take off my regular shoes and slip on my pair of Isotoner house slippers. Not only do they keep my feet warm, they also have a “secret sole” which makes them very cushiony.
All day long, I plod around in my slippers until I have to leave the house and put on regular shoes. Kevin has even commented that he never thought he would be married to someone who wore slippers all the time. Hum, that doesn’t sound like a complement, but I can’t help it, they are too comfortable to give up. He never goes bare foot either though. He wears socks around the house and they don’t come off until bedtime. If he tried the Isotoner slippers, he would never go back to wearing socks only again.
On the flip side, maybe I’m just getting old.
Posted by tami at 7:53 AM Comments (2)
February 22, 2005
A Short Film
This weekend we watched the movie Phone Booth and I can give you a little tip. If you watch the theatrical trailer, you can skip the movie altogether. The trailer literally tells the entire story and the movie is LESS than an hour and a half. It’s only about 75 minutes without letting the credits run! With that said, it was a good story. The language was horrible, but it’s what you would expect from the bad streets of New York. If I had paid big money to see this in the theatre, I would have been ticked. Then again, if I had rented this for $4, I would have been ticked. We rented it for FREE at the public library. That’s the only way to watch this movie – FREE.
At Andrew’s request, we also watched Spider-Man 2. He had already seen it, but wanted us to see it too. This was a really good movie as was the first one. It makes me want to watch all of the Superman movies again. I don’t think Andrew or Ashley has seen any of these all the way through. Since they weren’t made during their time, they haven’t had easy access to them. I may have to put them on my “movies that I want” list.
Speaking of that list, I was able to cross one of the ones I want off this weekend. I found Awakenings at Circuit City. It has Robert De Niro and Robin Williams - two awesome actors! This is a great movie!
Posted by tami at 7:58 AM Comments (7)
February 18, 2005
Until Next Christmas
This is Ashley’s last can of Pepsi’s Holiday Spice. Holiday Spice was a special edition Pepsi only distributed at Christmas. Ashley liked it so much that we bought her about four cases. Even though she’s a slow drinker, she knew this day would come; the dreaded day when she was down to her last can. If you listen closely you’ll be able to hear her screaming.
Posted by tami at 8:03 AM Comments (6)
February 17, 2005
Examples Of Change
I hate change! I want things to stay the same forever! Kevin has downloaded the newest versions of programs for this blog and he says that it’s a good thing, but all I see are changes. Personally, I liked things the old way.
It also kills me when faster computers come out. I play certain games over and over again. Then I get a faster computer and it refuses to play the older games for me!
We have lived in our house for almost nine years and I have never rearranged the furniture nor will I. I just cannot handle change!
I hope that Kevin can finish soon so that I can begin to get used to everything. Until then I will be pulling my hair out!
Posted by tami at 11:36 AM Comments (4)
February 16, 2005
FYI
Comments are currently non-operational. We are working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Posted by tami at 8:07 AM Comments (9)
Dad
Monday morning my battery light and my "service engine soon" lights were on in my car; one bright red and the other bright orange. I ignored both just because here lately every time it rains the battery light comes on. Most times when the service engine soon light comes on, it goes off after a while with no problems. This was not the case Monday afternoon.
I was sitting in the car in a line of probably 40 other cars when I notice that my clock is no longer working. I knew right then that I would not be able to start the car again. I called Kevin and told him what was going on and he said that he would leave work and be right there. The only problem is that his work is a 35-minute drive away; and that’s with little traffic. So, I called my dad. I am so thankful that with his job he is normally in town! I called him on his cell and he dropped everything to help me. He picked Andrew up from school, and then came out to Ashley’s school and tried to give me a jump. Unfortunately, the jump didn’t help. It turns out that it was the alternator.
Dad was selfless. He helped Kevin to “tow” my car to the service center so that I wouldn’t have to pay a fee. He even crawled around on the ground, dress pants and all, and got dirty for me. It makes me feel good to know that he is always there for me when I need him. Even though we sometimes disagree, he’s always willing to help. Thanks dad! I am thankful for you!
Posted by tami at 7:52 AM Comments (0)
February 14, 2005
Tearjerkers
BBC NEWS has compiled a list of the top 20 tearjerking movie moments. Take a look at the list and see if you agree with their choices.
I can say that I definitely agree with E.T. being the number 1 tearjerker. I agree with many of the others even if they only made me cry the first time I saw them. If I could add any movies to the list, they would be Savannah Smiles, Steel Magnolia’s, and Schindler’s List. I think Savannah Smiles would be my top tearjerker of all time. Have I forgotten any that aren’t on the list already?
Posted by tami at 8:04 AM Comments (1)
February 13, 2005
Popcorn
We watched three movies this weekend. The first was The Notebook. I had heard that this was a sad movie and indeed, it was, but it did not make me cry.
Love Actually was the second movie. This was upbeat and I loved seeing London. This one has a great soundtrack.
The third and last movie we watched was 50 First Dates. Out of the three, I think we all enjoyed this one the best. It was hilarious!
Happy Sunday everyone :)
Posted by tami at 8:22 PM Comments (3)
February 10, 2005
I Care
Kevin and I have been married well over a decade. In this time I cannot tell you how many care or “I Care” packages my mother has made for us.
Many years ago, when we were living in an apartment we had no extra money. Going to a restaurant was an extravagance we could not afford. We drank lots of Kool-Aid. RC Cola was our big indulgence. There were times that we would get down to almost nothing in our cabinets and refrigerator. I don’t know how mom knew, but she always did.
She and dad would come over sometimes bearing five or six grocery bags full to spilling! There was lots of meat, and canned vegetables but, there were also brownies, pudding, and cake mixes! She knew that we couldn’t afford to splurge on many sweets, so she made sure that she included those in the I Care packages too. I don’t know what we would have done sometimes had she not thought of us.
Only last night Kevin made fried chicken. We had seven legs left over and I called to ask her if she wanted to have them for her and dad’s dinner. She said, “You cooked fried chicken on a weekday?!” She said this because cooking fried chicken is normally saved for a weekend meal around here. It takes hours and lots of cleaning up afterwards; something that most people don’t want to commit to during the busy workweek.
I explained to her that the chicken was literally the last thing in our freezer. She said that they would pick it up and that was the end of our conversation.
About an hour or so later, dad arrived at the door. He was there to pick up those seven chicken legs, but he had also brought two I Care packages with him. In them were two boxes of macaroni & cheese, two packages of cubed steaks, pork chops, and a $13 pork roast! I was astounded.
It’s not that Kevin and I couldn’t afford groceries; we just hadn’t been out to shop yet. But that didn’t matter to mom. That wasn’t her point. Her point was to let us know that she cares with her I Care packages. Well, I hear you loud and clear mom and I appreciate it. I only hope that I remember to be as thoughtful when needs arise.
Posted by tami at 8:29 PM Comments (1)
February 9, 2005
Old?
This email had me laughing aloud!
Have you been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, “Surely I can’t look that old?”
I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same name had been in my high school class some 40-odd years ago. Could he be the same guy that I had a secret crush on, way back then?
Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been my classmate. Hmm …. Or could he?
After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended Morgan Park High School. “Yes. Yes, I did. I’m a Mustang,” he gleamed with pride.
“When did you graduate?” I asked.
He answered, “In 1959. Why do you ask?”
“You were in my class!” I exclaimed.
He looked at me closely.
Then, that ugly, old, wrinkled son-of-a-buck asked, “What did you teach?”
Posted by tami at 7:57 AM Comments (1)
February 7, 2005
Kids!
Kids really do say the darndest things.
Yesterday we stopped at the ATM machine at Republic Bank. I heard Ashley’s voice from the backseat reading the sign aloud. “Republic Bank,” she said. “Hmmm, does that mean that Democrats aren’t allowed to go there?”
That was just too funny!
Posted by tami at 10:47 AM Comments (3)
February 4, 2005
More Funnies
My friend Christy sent me these funnies :)
A very gracious lady was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.
"Only the Ten Commandments." answered the lady.
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"Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world.
There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord,"
And there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, its morning."
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A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses."
When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket, I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."
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There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation "I have good news and bad news. The good news is we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is it's still out there in your pockets."
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While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage.
The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust."
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A Sunday school teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy. "Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.
"You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "
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A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."
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A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?" The son replied, "I do know!"
"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"
"That's easy, Daddy." the young boy replied excitedly, "It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'"
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Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt."
Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said, "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."
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The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building.
Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play.
"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But, you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances."
During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."
At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star Spangled Banner."
And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!
Posted by tami at 7:57 AM Comments (0)
February 3, 2005
Rules
Thanks to Deanna for this funny email :)
Pet Rules--Memo to the Family Dog and Cat
1. When I say move, it means go someplace else. It does not mean switch positions with each other so there are still two of you in the way.
2. The dishes on the floor are yours and contain your food. All other dishes are mine and contain my food. (Please note: placing a paw or nose-print in the middle of my dinner does not stake your claim on it, nor do I find it aesthetically pleasing in any way.)
3. The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
4. I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. Locate your inner beast and remember that sleeping animals can actually curl up in a ball, so it is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible.
5. My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.
6. For the last time, humans like to use the bathroom alone. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it won't help to claw, whine, meow, bite the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. (Trust me, I have been using the bathroom for years...canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.)
7. When you see me asleep on the couch, it is not funny to make a sudden leap onto my stomach and drop a chew toy, bone or jingle ball on my crotch, no matter how much that makes other family members laugh.
8. Dog: Don't think for a minute that making a sad face and whimpering pathetically will get you out of trouble when I find a puddle of pee on the carpet. The face and the whimpering only validate that you knew it was wrong when you did it.
9. Cat: My sitting down to bite into a juicy sandwich is not a signal for you to begin gagging loudly and then hocking up the most disgusting hairball in history.
10. Dog and Cat: The proper order is kiss me, then go lick yourself. I cannot stress this enough.
To pacify you I have posted the following message on our front door:
Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here; you don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
3. I like my pet(s) better than I like most people.
4. To you it's an animal. To me, it's an adopted child who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and is speech-challenged.
5. Dogs and cats are better than kids. They eat less, are easier to train, usually come when called, don't ask for money, never drive your car, don't hang out with losers, don't drink or smoke, and don't worry about the latest fashions.
Posted by tami at 11:35 AM Comments (2)
February 2, 2005
60 Years Ago
January 27th marked the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. What is amazing to me is that this happened only 60 years ago. Today, one cannot imagine anything this barbaric happening. I do not understand how things got so out of hand that one ruler was able to demand his people commit the murder of millions. The ignorance is astounding. It might make you wonder if something of this kind could happen again. We would all like to think the answer to that would be a resounding no, but who can really be sure?
This anniversary prompted me to once again watch Schindler's List. Steven Spielberg directed this movie in 1993. I cannot imagine anyone not having seen this yet, but in case you haven’t I will tell you that it is a phenomenal representation of the Holocaust. We own the DVD, so before I even played the movie I played the section where the Holocaust survivors speak out. They told stories of events that happened to them while held captive. When I actually watched the movie, I saw where Steven Spielberg made sure that those events were in his movie. It is unbelievable what these people went through! Horrific as it may be though, I think we all need to be reminded every now and again about how blessed we are. I don’t think any of us could say that we went through or will ever go through what these people did.
Posted by tami at 4:20 PM Comments (1)