I Promise....
Have you seen those commercials from one of the online dating sites where a couple is sitting at a restaurant and they say things like "I promise to take out the trash" or "I promise never to wear flannel PJ's"?

Well, I started to think about things this morning that I promise "to do" and "not to do" in life. The Big Guy already knows my promises to him. At least I think he does....

I promise...

• To not participate in the ongoing "How-many-people-can-we-get-into-the-bus-stop-shelter". Seriously...every morning, there are more and more people in that shelter. And it doesn't look comfortable. Besides, come the true winter days that will be upon us shortly--nobody will be in that shelter. It has no door.
• To never start to cross the street in a crosswalk when the red hand is either flashing or is solid. I almost saw a man get hit this morning in his rush to get across the street. The hand is red for a reason, people.
• To never, ever, ever talk politics again with the Big Guy. It resulted in a terrible argument Wednesday night. I can hear the Big Guy's sister & mother laughing out loud while saying "...we told you...."
• That over the next two weeks, I will not be touching carbohydrates to help shake off the sugar cravings. Because believe you-me, after going to the doctor for my yearly physical and stepping on the scale, I need to do this. It does work--but by this time next week I'd do some serious damage for a piece of fruit.
• That I will keep you posted on said carbohydrate fasting. This should provide for some good blog writing. ha!
• That I will not freak out when my 15 year old cousin turns 16 in less than 3 weeks and takes me for a drive with her new license. Oh. My. Goodness.
• This weekend I'm going to become crafty and work on some projects. Including homemade cards for the Cards from Amy's Angels project. If you want more information, here's the link to an older blog post (a formal blog is in the works...more to come!).
• To finish Twilight before the movie comes out November 21st. How exciting that the guy who is playing Edward Cullen is from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie where he played Cedric. While the two books are completely different, I'd love it if the actor used his British accent. I know, I know...it's set in Washington state. I'm a sucker for the accent.
• To not eat large amounts of Halloween candy today or this weekend. In fact, we don't have any in the house (the Big Guy was sort of disappointed...). But I'm sure that there will be some sort of treat goodness here at the office. Isn't there always?
• To not lose sight of the fact that though gas may be below $2 here in Minnesota, that about 3 years ago we freaked out over $2 gas. Now we consider it cheap, where then it was "expensive". While it's easier on my monthly gas bill, it can (and probably will) creep up again.
• That I will not put up any fall/Thanksgiving decorations until Saturday. The same goes for Christmas--not until November 28th. However, it doesn't mean that I won't purchase some Christmas decor before said date. A girl can plan, right?

I want to also take a moment to thank Tiffany and Heather over at The Secrets In The Sauce for spotlighting my blog this week. I've gained some new readers and along the way, found some new blogs myself! I am still working through the comments everyone has left me. If I haven't stopped by your place, I promise to do so soon.

And lastly...

Happy Halloween!

I Got an Award!

Meaghan over at I Kicked Cancer's A** gave me this award! I am such a slacker and such a bad bloggy friend that I forgot to post it!

If you haven't been over to Meaghan's blog, you need to go check it out. She's even started a new project where she's selling coffee where the profits go to different cancer projects! So, if you love coffee, you'll need to check out her blog!

Therefore, thank you Meaghan for this award! I appreciate it!

Boo Mama? And Soup in a Crockpot? LOVE IT!

Well, if you're popping by from SITS, please let me introduce you to one of my favorite blogs, Boo Mama.

I cannot tell you how much I love this woman. Not to sound like I'm a stalker, but if there was a house up for sale in her neighborhood--I would so put in a bid because she would be so much stinkin' fun to live next too. She's Southern. She's sassy. She could teach me about football. She has an adorable little boy. She has a loving husband. She loves cheese & The Office. She has super cute hair. She also loves God and even did a mission trip to Africa. She makes me laugh. She makes me think.

And I adore her for it.

And now.....she is having a crockpot soup link-up?

This is the best day ever!

What a better recipe to post than one that involves cheese.

This is the easiest soup you'll ever make. As the Big Guy's sister says, "It's literally just dumping in the ingredients." One year, we actually had this for Christmas dinner with some great crusty bread. This served 6 adults with at least one, if not two servings left over.

YUM!

And while we're talking about crockpot cooking--if you have yet to try the Reynolds Crockpot liners, I would think about it for this recipe. Heat + cheese = at least a 24 soak in the sink.

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

1/2 pound bacon, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can (15 oz) chicken stock

1 pint half and half

1 medium block (1 pound size) of velveeta, cubed

1 can sliced potatoes, drained

1 can wild rice, drained

Directions

Fry up bacon and onions. Drain on paper towel when bacon is done

In a bowl, whisk cream of chicken soup, chicken stock and half & half. Pour into crock pot. Add bacon, onion, potatoes, rice & velveeta

Heat until cheese is melted and soup is heated through to 160 degrees.

Serve, eat, enjoy, and fight over who will have the leftovers for lunch.

Things to Note:

This is a favorite in our house. Because we are starting to watch what we eat.....

(insert eyebrow raise here and the phrases, "Wait, you're using velveeta and bacon...")

...we've used Canadian Bacon (the small ones that you use on pizza), the 2% velveeta, fat free 1/2 and 1/2, and the Campbell's Healthy Request soup. I will say that I personally can't tell a difference, but you might find that it separates a little in the crockpot. Don't worry--give it a good stir and it's good as good can be.

Thanks for stopping by! Now...print this post, and get your mouse clicking over to Boo Mama. You'll be glad you did.

Have you been BOOED? If so...scroll to the bottom of this post for details....


Who Knew You Could Find THIS at the Goodwill?

I'd like you to meet my old roommate Jenny.

She loves Halloween.

I mean loves it.

Each year, Jenny goes to a Halloween party and each year she tries to have the best costume. This is serious business people. I thought my college friend Nancy liked Halloween. Well...Nancy now has some stiff competition.

Oh, and that sound you hear? That's Nancy, reading my blog saying "Dang! I like her costume" and typing me a furious e-mail to find out the details on how she made it.

Jenny got almost every piece of her costume at the Goodwill. So, if anyone says, "I can never find anything good at Goodwill for Halloween" isn't looking hard enough or thinking creatively. Because this costume takes the cake!

Or the plastic pumpkin full of candy. Whatever you prefer.

Anyway....

Jenny has been picked as a semi-finalist for a costume contest. She's asking for votes because if she wins--she gets a sweet Macbook.

The Scoop on Voting:
I have no idea why Goodwill is doing this, but you need to put in your name, address, e-mail etc. in order to vote (insert rolling eyes and head shake here). Anyone can vote regardless of the state you live in.

But, if you live in Minnesota, your info. will be put into a drawing to win a 40 inch TV. Can't complain about that!

So....if you want to throw Jenny some support, and don't mind giving out your personal info to the folks at Goodwill (regardless of the state you live in), you can click here for the link.

If you don't want to vote, but want to leave Jenny a comment about how fab her costume is--I think she'd like that too.

OK....probably not as much as the sweet Macbook, but she'd like it, I'm sure!

**Edited to add: Hey! I've been booed! And not in a bad way...a fun, halloween way! So, if I've tagged you in a comment, all you need to do is grab a copy of the photo over on the right hand navigation (It's at the top....just right click your mouse, hit "save picture as"...) and then tag a few others. Putting this on your navigation bar helps folks to see that you've already been tagged. How fun! Thanks to One Wired Woman for the fun tag!

Welcome SITS folks! Make yourself at home!


Is it Late January/Early February 2009 Yet?

I seriously must have missed the memo.

LOST is being replayed on the Sci-Fi channel?

Um. Hello. Excuse me? Why wasn't I notified of this?

I love Lost.

When the Big Guy and I started dating, Lost had just started. The Big Guy was sort of forced into watching it. Not because I loved seeing Sewyer all sandy and grimey. Or because I loved how Charlie loved Claire.

It was because he only got one channel on his TV.

I kid. you. not.

Anyway....

Lost is replaying and it got me thinking about my favorite Lost moments. Like:

Favorite episode: Psalm 23. The one where Mr. Eko finds the plane with his brother's body. What's up with his walking stick?

Favorite character: Desmond. I love it when he calls all the men "brother". And that Scottish accent. Wow. And his love for Penny? *sigh*

Moment that made me cry like a baby: When Charlie dies. He holds his hand up to the glass and it says "Not Penny's Boat". Sobbed, sobbed, sobbed. And then I sobbed some more.

Moment that made me say, "Nuh-uh!": When you realize that The Other's have their own colony on the island--complete with electricity, showers and food. What!?!

Moments that made me shake my head: The entire 3rd season.

Things I look forward to every episode: To see what name Sawyer calls Hurley.

Please tell me that I am not the only one looking forward to this show!!

Welcome SITS visitors! Please look around and enjoy my ramblings.

I've Figured You Out, Rachel Ray....

(photo found from an online web search)

I have to admit that I absolutely LOVE Rachel Ray. Though this post may sound otherwise. But believe me...I'm a fan of RR.

I love her cookbooks.

I love her 5 quart oval saute' pan.

I love her phrases like EVOO, Yum-Oh and Sammies.

But when she talks about 30 minute meals--she's forgetting to tell you one small detail.

Her recipe's usually can't be done in 30 minutes unless you have the thing memorized.

Think about it.

You open up her 30 minute meal cook book and decide to make one of her famous recipes. You've planned ahead and gotten the ingredients while out doing your weekly shopping. But as soon as you sit down and get all the stuff out of the 'fridge and cupboard, you're constantly reading, chopping, stirring, and so on. Only to find that 30 minutes came and went 10 minutes ago.

Granted, it usually helps to prepare ahead of time. I don't know about you, but since I can't chop my veggies like the Iron Chef, I usually do some of that prep-work ahead of time. But even when I do a lot of that prep work, I find that I still can't do it under 30 minutes. Either the chicken isn't cooked within the 8 minutes she suggests, or I've burned the garlic and now I have to start over (you just can't save the dish once the garlic is burned...).

Now don't get me wrong....the Rachel Ray cookbooks in our house get quite the work out. Just last night I made her Indian Summer Smokey Chili. The Big Guy LOVES that chili. And considering it was 30 degrees yesterday, it was perfect.

But I realized last night as I was making dinner that the only Rachel Ray 30 Minute Meal I've ever made in 30 minutes or less was her Black Bean soup.

The only reason I have?

Because I have the recipe memorized.

I'm sorry Rachel Ray. But the jig is up. Please report back to home ec. and turn in your slotted spoon.

One Other Thing....

Again, to all the folks from SITS who are stopping by for a little bloggy visit--welcome! Come on in, look around. Make yourselves at home. I still can't believe that I was picked be a Saucy Blog. But then I got to thinking later today, "Oh no! When I wrote my post about being spotlighted for the week, I should have talked about the cards."

Cards, you say? Well....let me tell YOU. This is a very fun idea and I am so excited about it.

If you take a peek at my blog, you'll see that this September I was able to participate in the Susan G Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer 3-day walk. It was wonderful and life changing. Our team, Amy's Angels, raised almost $31,000 for breast cancer education and research. We all walked 60 miles over 3 days.

And I only had 1 blister.

But, the reason we did this walk was for our friend Amy. I speak about Amy often on my blog. Most recently I talked about how she said I laughed at her in her dream. I'm such a good friend that I'm bringing it up again. ha!

OK...back to the cards...

Amy said that while she was going through chemo and radiation, she loved the cards she received from friends and family--and even people she didn't know. It really made her day, even when she felt like it was a chore to just get out of bed to use the bathroom.

Long story short, a bunch of us on the 3-day team, Amy's Angels, as well as other friends, are getting together to make cards and send them to people are fighting cancer...any kind of cancer, not just breast cancer.

While the blog is still in the works (more to come on that specific blog...stay tuned), we are getting the word out any way we know how.

And what a better opportunity than to put up a post about the card project while I'm a saucy blog and will have a little more blog traffic!

Here's how we see it working:

1. You have a friend or family member who is battling cancer.
2. You send me an e-mail with their name, address and what cancer they are fighting.
3. Cards from Amy's Angels (that's us...) will send a homemade card to your friend or family member at no cost to you or anyone.
4. Enclosed in the card will be a personal note to your friend or family member, as well as information on who we are and where you can send additional card requests.

It is important to know that we aren't taking this task away from anyone. If you are currently sending this person a card each week while they fight cancer--please continue to do so. We are simply adding to their joy and helping to make someones day a little brighter!

So, if you know someone who is fighting cancer and you want us to send them a card, please e-mail me. My address is: mcclure_kelley@yahoo.com

Enjoy my blog and thanks again for stopping by!

**Edited to add: I know that some folks may be skeptical about sending some woman from Minnesota their friend or family member's address. I can't blame you. I would too. And while I can't make that "..gee-I-don't-know" feeling go away...know this. We are a group of women who just want to do what we can to make someone's day a little better.

I've Always Said I was Sassy....Now I'm SAUCY!

So, imagine if you will....

You're doing your normal Sunday routine. You come home (after nearly getting blown away by the 50 MPH wind gusts...) and as you're getting ready to chop up your veggies and stuff for the week, you decide to fire up the ol' laptop to listen to some NKOTB on the iTunes.

You do your internet routine (e-mail, news online, etc) and when you log into your blog you see....

20 comments

At first I thought, "What happened?!?!? What did I do?"

Then I thought, "Did my friend Ed leave the same comment 18 times?" because, yes, he would do that.

Then I read Meaghan's comment....

I'm a saucy blog this week!!

Whoo hoo!

Listen folks, if you've never been over to SITS (Secret's In The Sauce), you need to get over there. If you want more people to read your blog besides your mother (hi, mom!)....this is the way to do it. I just started with them and I have people stopping by, saying hi, and that leads me to some fun, awesome blogs. What do you have to lose? Get over there at check them out!!

So thank you, thank you, thank you for all the comment love. And thank you to the ladies at SITS for picking my little old blog to spotlight this week!

I promise to stop by to all of you this week who stop by and say hello! Because I have a feeling it will take me all week.

Excuse Me, Can We Talk.....

Dear Mother Nature,

How are you? How are the kids? What's new in the area of global warming?

I'm fine, thanks for asking. But I do feel that it is important that we have a very important talk. As you know, I decided to live in the beautiful state of Minnesota after my mother dragged me here in 1979 after she and my father divorced. Yes, it was for my own good--to be surrounded by family who loved and supported us. And yes, it was good because I was put into a fairly good school system--though I still hated the fact that I was picked last in gym class. Can I help it if I'm not a jock? I played in the orchestra for Pete's sake.

Moving on....

I do think that it is important for us to chat about what I heard on the radio this morning. While driving into the bus stop, I heard that it may snow on Sunday.

Ummm, Mother Nature? I don't know if you know this, but....IT IS OCTOBER.

I know. I know. We've had snow storms in the past in October. You don't need to remind me of the many times as a child while dressed up for Halloween that I was forced to wear a winter parka, boots, hat, mittens and a scarf. You know--that really cramps a girl's style as she's trying to dress like Princess Leah from Star Wars. A hat totally takes away from the cinnamon bun hairstyle.

But seriously? Do you know what this does to us Minnesotans when you decide to create a little snow in October? If not, let me refresh your memory:

• It causes us to be forced into winter driving mode earlier than anticipated.
• It causes rush hour traffic--either to or from work--to be a nightmare. I may as well camp out at the office and not go home.
• It causes us to break out the winter jackets, mittens, hats and scarf only to put them away 2 days later when you give us a 60 degree day.
• It forces me to find my ice scraper (with the brush attachment) in the depths of my car trunk only to find that the scraper end has been chipped and doesn't scrape my windows worth anything.

Therefore, I am asking you--please. Can we hold off on the snow? At least until Thanksgiving? Last year it was so nice when you did that!

Let me know if you need anything from me to make this happen. I'd be willing to even throw in a batch of monster cookies or even my amazing homemade caramels and English toffee.

Wishing you the best....
Kelley

Is it November 5th Yet?

Today I read the following headline on MSNBC...

McCain says Obama will "...say anything to get elected."

Hummm....last time I checked, don't all politicians twist the truth? Say what the public wants to hear? Proclaim that the other party is full of deceit?

Granted, I'm not here to talk politics. I don't need to do that. I already know who I'm voting for. To be honest, I don't care who you vote for either--just as long as you vote. But I can't help but react when I see headlines like this. It just makes no sense!!

But seriously....that's about as good as Michelle Bachman (click here to read the story and here to see the video) saying that Chris Matthews trapped her on Hardball.

I can't wait to cast my vote November 4th and put this political nonsense to bed.

Well, at least until the next big election.

They Still Have the Right Stuff....

I know you've been waiting on pins and needles for the NKOTB photos. Here is the first round of photos. Videos will be uploaded later.

Here is the low-down on the concert:

Julie and I met up with Molly and Kris at a local Mexican restaurant before the show. We beat the rush because this place was packed with women in their late 20's and early 30's. If a single man was in the area, he'd be a fool not to stop by the restaurant.

Julie, me, Molly and Kris.

(Julie did leave the Space Camp jacket at home...thank God)

After dinner, we headed over to XCel to get seated and settled for the show. Julie and I sat together without Molly and Kris. Reason? Kris won tickets on the radio! Julie and I were in section 118. Molly and Kris were in section 116.

We TOTALLY lucked out with our tickets. We were right next to the left stage riser.

Which means that we got to see those men up front and personal.

...Sigh...

It should be noted that before we left, Julie wanted to bring her binoculars. She had no idea how close we were.

Never mind that she sent me a map of the XCel Energy Center after we got the tickets showing me exactly where we were sitting.

When we got seated and the opening acts started. The first act was Tami Chenn (I think...yeah, she was that memorable...) followed by Natasha Bedingfield. I enjoyed Natasha Bedingfield.

The show started with an awesome video about how the guys walked away from it all 15 years ago. They then rose up onto a platform to the stage.

Needless to say that I was deaf from all of the screams.

I felt like I was 17 all over again.

Here are the pics from the evening that have the best resolution:

Danny getting the crowd to sing along. Danny was ALWAYS my favorite.

Jordan during Games.

All of the guys doing their thing...even after 20 years, they can still woo the girls

Donnie coming to visit our side of the arena.

The ever popular "This side is louder than this side" group participation.

Of course we were louder.

I mean...wouldn't YOU scream at Jonathan, Joe and Danny?

Yeah. Thought so.

The guys return from the rotating piano at the back of the arena.

La-la-la-la-la-la Tonight!

The men.
Dressed in all white.
Looking Angelic.
Singing I'll Be Loving You, Forever.
And yes. Jordan hit those high notes just like he did at 19.

The men singing Click, Click, Click.

I feel that it is important to point out that yes....there were backup dancers.

Which I did not like.

They do NOT need backup dancers.

Besides, they were hanging all over the men.

Including my Danny.

This photo needs some explaining.
At the end of Click, Click, Click (which, is about taking photos), they pose for a "photo". Each night they try to strike a different pose. This photo caused the guys to break into uncontrolled laughter. Joe felt it necessary to find out from each member what their "inspiration" was.

Jonathan didn't say much, but Joe said, "It looks like you're looking to the heavens."

Jordan was told that he looked like "..an Egyptian Flamingo."

Joe felt that, "...you'd be crazy to mess with Danny when he poses like that."

Joe was asked about his pose. Joe said, "I'm either catching a football or a baby."

Now. Donnie.
Hand over his heart. The other hand can speak for itself.

THIS is what caused the guys to break into uncontrolled laughter.

This was my 3rd NKOTB concert. The first two were in 1989 and 1990. I was a senior in high school and loved, loved, LOVED NKOTB.

Julie asked me last night what I thought about the concert. I told her that, without a doubt, it was better than both of those concerts put together.

And it was at this concert last night that I felt like I was 17 all over again.

I wouldn't change that feeling for the world.

Just Like Watching it on VHS, but Better...

OK...here they are. Video from the NKOTB concert on 10-21-08.

Now. Not that I'm all for making excuses. But....

I was using the Big Guy's 8.1 mega pixel camera. It has a video function. And while the image is sharper, the sound quality is (insert your own word choice here.). Therefore, before you hit "play", you may want to turn down your sound--or risk being deaf.

So, while it sounds like I'm in the middle of a hurricane and you hear nothing but women in their late 20's and early 30's screaming like they did when they were 16....you can at least experience what I experienced that evening.

I want to dedicate this post to my cousin, Jennifer. She wanted to go, but couldn't. So--this one is for you, kid.

Opening of the show. Through out this, if my hand is shaking, that is because Julie kept nudging me as we were watching it out of pure excitement.

(To see a video of their opening song--which was right after the video above was taken (minus all the screaming), click this link to the XCel Energy Center's website:

http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/videoplayer.jsp?IS_PLAY=Y&MM_FILE_ID=48 )

My Danny. Break dancing. A true kid of the 80's.

THIS is the best video. The final song was Hangin' Tough. The entire audience was doing the "Hangin' Tough arm wave". It was at this moment that I felt like it was 1989 and I was watching them for the first time.

Except at that concert I was at the far back of the arena, upper level and needed to use binoculars to see them.

My Night With 5 Bad Brothers From the Beantown Land....

So, it would help that if I wanted to upload photos to the bloggy that I would bring the camera cord.

But let me tell you, peeps, it will be oh-so-worth the wait!

We were so close that I can tell you the following:

1. I could see the tendons and ripples in Danny's muscles
2. I can tell you that Joe wore cargo pants and I could see the wrinkles in his pockets
3. I saw the laces in Jonathan's shoes and how they were tied
4. I can confirm that Jordan still looks good after all these years
6. I can also confirm that Donnie's goatee is trimmed and looking very nice.

I would also like to point out that Joe pointed at me while visiting our side of the stage.

OK....I don't know if he pointed at me exactly, but I pointed and he pointed right back, so that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Twenty Years Ago....
I went to camp.

No, not the camp I worked at.

It was Space Camp. OK?

While at camp I met my best friend.

No, we weren't a bunch of space geeks. We had dreams of being astronauts, but lets be real. We were there for two reasons: socializing and boys.

And for the record, I was commander of our simulated shuttle mission. The BFF got to dress up in a space suit and got to ride on the SRMS Arm (Shuttle Remote Manipulator System.)

Yes, I still remember that. I even have a book that tells me how to fly the shuttle. You know. In case I'm needed by NASA in a pinch.

So, my BFF was a military kid--her dad was in the Marines. After camp, they were going to be stationed in Japan. We kept in touch by writing letters (that was WELL before e-mails and text messages).

Then, in 1988, a common thread started in our letters. A common thread of a popular boy band who sang songs like Cover Girl and You Got It (The Right Stuff). We had the posters. We had their CD's. We had the VCR tapes of their concerts and Pay-Per-View shows (that are now warbled and sound like the band is underwater).

We did not, however, have the bed sheets
Or the slippers.
Or the dolls.
Or the marbles with their faces inside.

Now, 20 years later, we will be going to that popular boy band's concert.

We'll be sitting in row 7, lower level, stage left.In 12 hours, we'll be seeing this:



But really, we'll be acting like we're 15 again. And while we may be seeing 30 something men singing and dancing on stage, in our minds we'll probably be seeing this:

I just hope that the BFF leaves her Space Camp jacket at home (yes, she has a space camp jacket and STILL wears it. Ask her hubby.).

I mean, just because we're going to be acting like we're 15 doesn't mean we need to dress like we did when we were 15.

In Scanning the Photo Archives....

I found these camp photos and had to post them. They are by far some of my favorites.

Bama, Andre' and myself at SuperHero Rally Day. Bama was Captain Pretty Boy and Andre' was Blue Man--not to be confused with the Blue Man Group.

RJ on Arrival Day. This U-Haul is the largest U-Haul you can rent. It is filled to the top and all the way to the back with camper's luggage. Seriously.

Ruggs standing in the camp office wearing a trash bag as a skirt so his shorts didn't get wet from the rain. Oh Ruggs....

OK, so this wasn't taken at camp, but my camp friend Ed would send me an e-mail saying "How come I wasn't posted on your blog." So, I had to post a photo of him. He would of course say, "Don't forget to tell the ladies how to get ahold of me." If you're a sucker for an Irish accent, ladies, I can get you in touch with him. He a total gentleman--promise.

**Edited to add: Check out the comments. Oh Ed...how I adore you. But when are you going to remember that my name has 2 e's? What's funny is that it's even the IRISH spelling.

Jake and Chris on staff departure day. Jake is going to kill me for posting this photo because of his hair. His hair color was my fault. This was a result of me saying to Jake, "Of COURSE I know how to color hair. SURE I can make you a blonde." Blonde-out-of-the-box dye on dark hair does not come out blonde (in case you didn't know.)

**Edited to add: Jake just sent me a note on my facebook page after having a good laugh. As he put it, I said, "No Jake, it looks fiiiiiine." Well, it did at the time! Ok, sorta. OK, not really.

This is a great photo of Ollie and Anthony--the boys camp waterfront directors. Ollie is from New Zealand and is my birthday buddy (we have the same birthday--though I'm MUCH older) and Anthony is from England. Anthony hates it when I swear. He says that I'm not "being a lady." So, I have to watch my language around Anthony.

And finally...the best photo ever....

Kevin, Megan, Mary and Jake (with better hair) eating Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen before they get caught eating Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen. If I remember correctly, Kevin picked up Dilly Bars for the boys cabin who had the cleanest cabin in the session. What they are eating were the leftovers. I don't remember the circumstances surrounding this--either they had to be eaten before Bill Jones or Sam (the Executive Directors) found out or before the kids were done with rest hour. Either way, this was how the photo came about. In short, Kevin and Megan couldn't eat them fast enough without a brain freeze. Jake, however, pushed through--brain freeze and all.

**Edited to add: Jake would also like to add that he's surprised that he could fit a whole Dilly Bar in his mouth. So were we, Jake. So were we. Because let's face it...that's the best part of the whole photo.

Oh, how I love camp!

And I Don't Even Have a Speech Prepared!

Normally, I'm not much a weekend blogger anymore. Since the 3-day has come and gone, my "training updates" have pretty much ended.

OK....not pretty much. They have.

Anyway.

I logged onto my little corner of the internet today to discover that I've earned two blog awards! Now, I've seen blog awards before at different places. And I always said, "Oh, that's nice". Surprisingly, the competitive person in me didn't say "Where do I get one of those!" I'll be honest, I thought that blog awards came from some committee that existed at Blogger.com.

Apparently I have a lot to learn about blogging.

I was so thrilled to receive an award from Meaghan at I Kicked Cancer's Ass and from Angie at Nana's Boxes! Go on and stop by...you'll be glad you did. I love these two blogs.

ABOUT MEAGHAN & THE AWARD

Meaghan is a cervical cancer survivor. What's amazing about her story is that this girl knew that something was wrong--yet her doctors didn't seem to believe her. Finally, someone listened and her cancer was found. Meaghan has also started a fundraising site selling coffee! So, if you're a coffee guru, stop on by her place for details.

Apparently before I can accept my award, I need to answer the questions and pass it on....so....

Share 6 Things You Value

1. My Friendships: I have many friends. And while only a few live close to me, I value every single one--here and far away.

2. My Family: While every family has their share of issues (right?), I love my family and can't imagine not being a part of it.

3. My Faith: I don't talk about religion very often, but I do value my faith.

4. My Career Choice: Sounds silly, but I really do love what I do and I know that I make a real difference in working with my students.

5. My Kelley Time: While I love spending time with my friends, family and the Big Guy, I do value my time alone. I think this has to do with me being an only child.

6. My Health: While I could stand to lose a few pounds, I am in relative good health. Speaking of which, I need to schedule my yearly physical and mammogram! Have you done that lately? If not, you better get going!

Share 6 things you don't value:

1. Talking about someone behind their back

2. Lying

3. Greed: this is on so many levels, in my opinion (high gas and food prices, anyone?)

4. Not accepting people for who they are. Is this so hard?

5. Sales staff in stores who ask me every 3 minutes if I need help or if I need a basket: No. I'm fine and No. I don't.

6. How the tote bags of honey crisp apples are $1.37 a pound, and the apples are tiny. Yet the honey crisp apples on the pallets are $2.35 a pound and are bigger. I don't value that at all!

Now, part of this award is sharing it with 6 people. Since I really don't have 6 bloggy people to share it with....I'm doing three. Yes....I know. I have a blog roll as long as my arm, but I'm new at this and these are three blogs that I comment regularly.

So, here is who I'm tagging (like that blog reference!):

1. Tracy--the Artbarista

2. Growing Older But Not Up

3. The Jason Show

ABOUT ANGIE & THE AWARD

Angie's site provides boxes, that she decorates, for cancer patients. Angie supports all forms of cancer. She uses scrapbook paper, embellishments and lots of creativity! They're great! Last I checked, Angie is not a formal non-profit (not yet anyway), but she is accepting donations of supplies and money. If you're like me, and you have a ton of scrapbooking supplies lying around that you haven't touched in ages, I know Angie would love to have it. She shared with me that along with scrapbook supplies, she needs adhesive! Feel free to contact Angie for details on donations via her blog.

Angie's award to me states the following:

This blog invests and believes, in ‘proximity’ [meaning, that blogging makes us 'close' - being close through proxy]. These blogs are all charming and they aim to show the marvels of friendship. Let’s give more attention to them! So with this prize we must deliver it to eight bloggers that in turn must make the same thing and put this text.

Oh my! That's some big shoes to fill but it makes me feel good! Who knew picking on my friends on my blog would allow me to fit into this category. ha ha ha.

Eight bloggers? Again, I don't have 8. But I have 1 for sure that I'm going to tag:

1. Ministry So Fabulous.

If anyone falls into the "Marvels of Friendship" category--it's Amy Beth with her pretty, pink bloggy.

So, thank you to Angie and Meaghan for their awards. I am grateful and thankful for them!! (even though I bent the rules on passing them on....)

I Would SO Laugh Out Loud (and maybe even point)....

Last night I got a call from Amy. I missed her call, but she left me a voicemail.

She told me that she read my blog about waxing with coffee filters. The other night she had a dream that I was over at her house, helping her wax her eyebrows, using the coffee filters.

She said that in her dream, she ripped off the coffee-filter-wax-combination and half her eyebrow came with it. She then said in the dream I started laughing at her.

Amy wanted to make it clear to me that it wasn't nice that I was laughing at her in her dream.

This resulted in me calling her back to tell her that not only would I laugh at her in real life if this happened....I would probably point at her too.

While this sounds mean....it isn't. Because if it happened the other way around Amy would laugh harder and point at me with both hands.

That's a good, strong, friendship right there.

I adore the pants off of you Amy! Sorry....I couldn't resist.

Cheap Eyeglasses....SERIOUSLY!!

Would I joke about this? Nope. Not one bit.

I've worn glasses since the 3rd grade. And since the 3rd grade, for me, was in 1980, that's a lot of eyeglasses that have been broken on the monkey bars, gym class, slipping on the ice, etc.

As an adult in her mid-30's, glasses are hip, but haven't gotten any cheaper.

OK. Like I'd know how much my parents spent on eyeglasses in 1984.

But I don't know about you, but paying $300 or more for eyeglasses, lenses, coating, anti-glare and so on is crazy. I mean, we're talking car-payment on my face.

So, a while back a co-worker sent me a link to a blog that has eyeglass sites listed in the left hand column.

Please re-read the above sentence again, because if you don't, you'll go to the site and say, "Where are the cheap glasses that the lady from Minnesota was talking about."

(I'm just sayin'....)

Here's the best part. When I mean cheap, I mean CHEAP.

Now, let me say that cheap does not mean poor quality. My glasses that I ordered recently are of good quality and are perfect. No issues. None. Zero. Nada.

My new glasses, that are oh-so-trendy, that would have cost me $280 at Pearle Vision?

$20

I'm not kidding.

And that included shipping.

Oh, and did I mention I also got sunglasses? Yep. How much?

$25

And that too, included shipping.

So, now that you're eyes are wide, saying "SHUT UP!" and looking for the link...here it is. Click here for the super cheap eyeglass blog. Remember what I said above about where to find the eyeglass links....

That's what works for me. Now get your mouse clicking over to Rocks in My Dryer for more fun works for me posts.

**Edited to add: I want to thank Holly for her comment. She brought up a point that I forgot to add--so thank you, Holly! She stated that she loves the idea, but is cautious because she can't try on the glasses. I can't agree with her more. Here's what I did. I went in for my yearly eye exam, and after I was finished, I decided to try on some glasses. No offense to the eye clinic staff, but I tell them the truth. I'm not purchasing glasses, but I'm simply trying on frames today, and that I'm making note of the frames and style that I like for a future purchase. I also tell them that I'm comfortable looking at frames on my own (I don't need Susie Creamcheese Staffmember following me around the store while I try on frames telling me, "Oh, those look great on you...") Make note of the frames you like (brand name, color, shape, etc) and then come back and look online. While you may not find the exact frames you found at the clinic, you will find ones that are similar. Also, if you didn't get a copy of your prescription at the end of your exam, be sure to ask for it. In Minnesota it is against the law for an eye doctor to withhold that information.

It's Like the Big Mac, but Better for You....

I love my blog. As I've said time, and time again...."It's good stuff!"

Today I discovered SITS.

SITS = Secret Is (in) The Sauce. This is a blog community that has one goal: To get your blog out there for the world to see and leave comments. After all, you spend your time making your blog cute, funny and fun to read. It doesn't do much good when the only person reading it is you. So, why not increase your blog traffic by getting your blog out there.

There are ways to do it: leave comments with other people, hit the "next blog" link at the top. But this is a new way to get your blog out there, make some bloggy friends, and feel that when you blog about a specific topic it will be read and enjoyed by other folks like you.

Granted, you take a risk by joining a community. You can come across people you just don't agree with. But isn't that what happens in the day to day, anyway? Like Forrest Gump's mama said, "If God wanted us all to be the same, he would have given us watermelons for heads."

This week they are having a bloggy carnival. Since I'm new, I have sort of altered the rules to fit.

Sort of like putting together a puzzle and you discover that the last piece is part of it, but doesn't quite fit, so you do what you can to get. it. in. there.

The rules of the carnival are to say how SITS has changed blogging for you (sorta did that already) and then link to 5 of your favorite SITS blogs.

I don't have 5.

I just have 2 that I know are a part of SITS. So....

My blog to spotlight is....I Kicked Cancer's Ass. I stumbled to SITS through her blog. So it is sort of a 2-for-1 deal. I have a good friend who just won her battle with breast cancer. My friend is now 34. I get goosebumps every time I write her age, because women who are in their early 30's aren't supposed to get cancer. And what is terrible about cancer is because we are in our early 30's we get lumped into the "...you're too young..." category by doctors. Her blog is great. Check it out.

The second blog is Nana's Box, who lead me to Meaghan's blog above! I love how that happens. One blog leads to another and the next thing you know you're 15 pages into the internet! Nana's Box is so special--I can't put into words what her blog is like. Go check it out! You'll have warm fuzzies all day.

And for a shameless plug, read up on my own experience with cancer by participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk. See the links on the right hand side. You'll be glad you did....even if it is to read my e-mail from Wil Wheaton (yes! Wil Wheaton!!).

Thanks for stopping by to see me! I'm so excited to be a part of this community! Now you should go and check it out and see what is going on over at SITS or click on my little button on the side bar (over there...go. Go!)

The Kitchen Sink of Blog Posts, Part 2.....

I have a bunch of random thoughts today. For example:

1. I noticed last night that the Well Dressed Man at the Bus Stop is no longer wearing the ski-goggles, but has now upgraded to sunglasses. These are the kind that you wear to block out any kind of sunlight. I'm happy to see that his situation has improved where he no longer has to wear the goggles. I mean, come on...you're killing the man's style with those goggles.

2. How is it that when I lived alone, I could spend $30 a week on groceries, but when I moved in with the Big Guy, my grocery bill went to almost $100 a week? I am still amazed at Gayle from the Grocery Cart Challenge. She feeds her family of 6 on $60 a week or less. I've e-mailed her for tips and she's passed along some things to think about. I'm going to get there Gayle....or at least I'm going to try.

3. We got word that the CEO is coming around today to see us "personally". I hope that doesn't mean he's delivering pink slips to academic advising. I swear on my master's degree in college student personnel that I know what every student is up to this quarter!

Yes, our university has a CEO. We are for profit.
Yes, this is the first for profit university that I've worked for.
Yes, I still struggle with online education vs. face to face classroom education
No, our school is not a diploma mill.

4. Why is it that I think that paying $2.76 for gas (that's what the price was this morning) is "cheap" when a year ago I was singing a different tune?

5. Why can't all mirrors be the same? How is it that when I got to a store and try something on I look good and even a little thinner. I get home and I feel like I'm in a circus fun house with the mirror that makes you look short and fat.

6. Speaking of weight, it is sad that when I pulled out the fall/winter clothes from storage that I rejoiced because my khaki's still fit?

7. While we're on the weight issue, I have to confess that I've gained weight since starting at the online school. Going from the classroom where I was running around (literally) all day to sitting behind a desk didn't help matters. And I swear that we find any reason to celebrate & have a party on our team. With 3 pregnant families and an upcoming wedding on our team there is more to come.

Yeah, you would think that by doing the 3-day walk I would have lost weight.

insert deep belly laughing here as well as "yeah. Right!"

Now I have to really get back into things and get thee to a gym. And the Big Guy is coming with me. Doctor's orders.

insert evil laugh here

Say What?

I try my best not to talk politics or religion on my blog. After all, there is more to life than politics and religion.

But this weekend, I saw a clip of a McCain town hall meeting that made me sit there wide eyed in disbelief.

And to top it off....it was here in my home state of Minnesota.

The town hall meeting was in Lakeville, a Twin Cities suburb that is at the far southern end of the metro. It is one of those towns that you not only have the city, but the country well within the city limits.

You've seen the clip I'm sure. An older woman (probably in her 70's) said to McCain that the idea of Obama being president scares her because "he's an Arab."

McCain, thankfully, said "No, ma'am, he's not."

What scares me is that there are people who still think that Obama is a closet Muslim (which automatically makes him Arab, apparently). How many times does Obama have to come forward to say, "I'm a Christian and I'm an American" before people will believe him?

Sheesh.....

Hellllooooooo Africa!

Check out my cluster map....

Good morning, Africa, how are ya'? Thanks for stopping by!

Shout Out to the 3-Day Girls....

Last night, I went up to St Cloud to help out the 3-day team with an end-of-the-walk project. I'm not saying much because some of you who read this blog are impacted by this little project. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag!

Let me just say this....the final project is super cute, and per Amy, "We all look good."

'Nuff said.

Anyway, while we were working on this project around the Laumeyer kitchen table (crafted by the Amish), a few of the girls said that they liked my blog!

In fact, I think Amanda said, (and I quote), "I love your blog, Kelley!"

insert big ol' cheesy grin, along with an inflated ego, here

So, I thought I'd write a little bit about the 3-day girls and how much I enjoyed spending time with them over the last few months preparing for a journey that will continue for years to come.

And I'm not just saying these nice things so that the girls remember to sign up for the 2009 Crew.

Ahem.

I cannot say enough good things about these girls. Out of all the people who did this walk, I'm in a small group that has known Amy the longest (others in this group include Katie, Jennifer and Pam L. who have known Amy just a bit longer). When you have an old friend meeting newer friends in the circle, it can be hard. They are not only trying to figure you out, but you just want to be known as more than "Amy's old friend from college."

Not once did I feel like an outsider during this journey. I felt accepted and part of the group from day one. I was included into conversations, and even let in on a few inside jokes.

I was even taught how to play cribbage. Which is saying a lot because these girls are serious cribbage players.

I mean serious.

By the way...Amanda...I still think Amy and Angie cheated when we played at 3-day camp.

Just sayin'.

When we sat around last night and talked about doing this again next year as a crew, I thought to myself, "Oh my goodness! I'm so freakin' excited to do this next year with these girls!!" And the best part is I know of other friends who want to do crew with us in 2009 and I know that they'll have the same feelings that I have about these amazing women in Amy's life.

Therefore, I want to say thank you to the girls for making me feel so welcome.

The Joys of Growing Older....

So, this is the first time that I'm participating in Works for Me Wednesday over at Rocks In My Dryer. I was so excited to do this and when I popped over this morning I've now realized I need to be more on the B-A-L-L to participate in a bloggy carnival. Wow! That list is long!

Therefore, if you're popping by my blog for the first time bloggy carnival folks--welcome! If you're looking at my blog saying, "Hummm...she looks familiar..." well--hello again!

Here is my item for Works for Me Wednesday--waxing with coffee filters

Got your attention didn't I.....

Now. Before you get all wide eyed and thinking I'm going to start talking about waxing very private things, you will be happy to know that I am not.

I will not go there.

Ever.

This is a family friendly bloggy.

But, as a girl who is getting older, and genetics are starting to kick in more than ever, I am finding that I have to wax the upper lip and chin area. I personally like the wax that you heat in the microwave. Which requires the paper strips to pull off the wax.

Oh. I know. There is the wax that you don't need the strips.

Yeah. You try using that without getting your fingers all sticky.

For the longest time I was buying a kit with the paper strips AND a kit with the microwave wax. It was getting expensive. While my mom was visiting this summer, we were shopping in one of the discount stores and I said, "OH! I need to find wax strips."

Without missing a beat my mom said, "Just use a coffee filter."

And that, my friend(s), is how waxing with a coffee filter has become my every other week ritual.

Just cut the coffee filter in strips (which I'm sure you figured out--but just in case...) and use like you normally would. I can't say if this will work on legs, bikini or other areas, but it works very well for a face wax.

There you have it!

Now I have to deal with the fact that my friends, family and co-workers now know that I wax. While I do that, go over to Rocks in my Dryer and see what the folks have to share today.

I Have a Confession....

....I already started Christmas shopping.

(insert wide eyes, a gasp and a "Nuh-uh!" here)

Yes, it's true. I've started.

The Big Guy and I started talking about our Christmas lists the other day while at his parent's place for dinner. The Big Guy's sister shared an idea for one of the nephews and that's how the conversation got started.

I am VERY proud of the Big Guy's gift. He didn't even ask for it--but I know he wants it and I got a great deal on it. Granted, it's going to be his only gift, but he'll be excited, I know it.

In fact, it's better than the blue tooth headset that he asked for! Ha ha!

So, why start so early? Well, you see, I live in Minnesota. And by holiday time, it's usually cold. So a trip to the mall goes something like this:

• Warm up car 15 minutes before you head out
• Bundle up in down-parka, hat and mittens
• Grab list and purse
• Search endlessly for car keys and realize that they are in the car that is warming up
• Walk quickly to the car, get in and slam the door
• After door has slammed, say out loud "BRRRR! It's so cold!!"
• Drive down the road listening to the car tires crunch the snow and make lots of creaking and squeaking sounds (known as the "Minnesota Cold Car Noise")
• Roast in the car wearing your hat, mittens and parka with the heat blasting.
• Realize that you have control over the heat and turn it from the red hot zone to the middle cold/hot zone
• Get to the mall search endlessly for a parking space doing the Parking Space Creep & Crawl
• Find a space at the very end of the row and tell all in the car, "A walk will do us good!"
• Turn off the car, pile out of the car and walk at a 10 mile per hour pace to the store doors
• While walking a 10 mile per hour pace, you skid and slip all over the parking lot and you say to yourself, "Geez...why are we walking so fast in these conditions?"
• Get to the door, and get blasted with the heat from the store entry way
• Take off glasses that have now been fogged up by the blast of heat and exclaim "Whoa!" as you walk in
• Stumble your way to the carts
• Take off jacket, hat and mittens and dump them into the cart leaving no room for the goods
• Battle your way through the mall, store, etc. to find that most of what you've wanted is already picked over and the idea of a rain check means you have to come out to the mall again.
• After 5 hours at the mall, a cart full of goods, you bundle up to head out and do it all over again. This time, however, the car isn't warmed up and you now have to sit in the car for 15 minutes chattering your teeth, rubbing your mitten hands together saying, "This is crazy" and "Why didn't we just order online?"

And that my friends is why I do my shopping now, instead of in November/December.