Notables

As I've spent the last week (as many of Americans have) watching and listening to the financial crisis in this country. Honestly, sometimes I wish I was ignorant. I know it's better to be aware and help effect change but this stress is getting to many of us. So I dedicate this blog to the hundreds of words of wisdom from many wonderful people in my life. I have incorporated so many of their advice into my life and try to take their lessons with me daily. I want to share some of them - some are related to stress and dealing with it and some are just wise and worth sharing. Please feel free to share your favorites.

Roger Brewer (God rest his soul): "Surround yourself with good people."
Nancy K (and I have a wealth of stuff from her): "You can't control what people do. The only thing you can control is how you react to it."
My Dad: "If you lose say little, if you win say less."
My Dad: "It's better to have a lot of good friends than one best friend."
My mom - although not a direct quote: put others first, be kind.

And of course, from the Bible:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You all are going to love this!

Today, evidently, was Drive Your Tractor to School Day at DCHS. My mom called me completely hysterical after she dropped Ryan off this morning because she got there and was very puzzled until Ryno very matter-of-factly told her what day it was. Steve sent me some pictures from his camera phone, but I'm not able to upload them, and sweet Cyndi drove by and took these shots because I wanted to share it with all of you who have Cokato blood or understand Cokato blood. Funny stuff. FWIW, Stevey sure wishes he had a tractor today. And I quote, "but lets be honest, id love to have a john deere and be all awesome like the farmers. and carry my coffee mug around all day. id be pumped." Now we'll find out if he reads my blog.

Okay, and are you kidding me? Who's the wise guy? Thanks for making my day! (Blow this one up if you have to to see the little tykes tractor next to the combine. Totally worth it.)

The Too-Cute-Not-To-Post picture

Here it is. Come on...!

Biggest Loser Junkie

I love this show. I'm so glad there's more than one season per year. Sure, it's a little unrealistic weight loss by "real world" standards, but it's inspirational none the less. My notes from this week's episode:

1. Felt good to take a break from CNN and the whole economy mess and the election. Is it November 4th yet?

2. I love Bob Harper.

3. LT: (not a direct quote) "I came to a fat loss show and I gained three pounds. Wouldn't you be mad if you went to a makeover show and they made you uglier?!" I don't know if it's his east coast accent, but that CRACKED me up!

4. I don't have a favorite yet. Stay tuned.

I'm also looking forward to The Office, and Grey's Anatomy. Oh, and Presidential Debate #1.

Seeking Vacation Suggestions

Cory and I are considering a winter vacation with the kids in January or February. I'd like to go to Florida because we get a) planeride b) Disney and c) the ocean. We spent one night this summer with out kids in a hotel room and have no desire to do that again. This time I want bedroom doors that close so the kids (and their parents) sleep well! Happy kids = fun days, right? In fact, we're now considering renting a vacation condo. It's overwhelming to begin that process, so I thought I'd reach out to my network. Chances are there is someone out there who has a great suggestion to help us make that decision. Thanks in advance for your input!

*Yawn*

I realize that I'm slacking in my blog entries. It's just that I'm so tired! Thanking God that I've been very busy working with buyers and sellers the past two weeks, so I haven't had time to catch up on here. Goal for this week: take a too-cute-to-not-post picture of my babies. That'll work. XOXO

Sleepy, Honey?

Cory's addicted to Advil. I keep telling him he should quit, but he figures it's good for every ailment. So he takes it frequently. I buy it in the econo-size...I don't know...300 or so in a bottle? Anyway, about a week ago I cleaned behind my bathroom mirror in an effort to organize everything in this house (figure it'll take me 10 or 12 years). Embarrassed to say I haven't cleaned behind that mirror in the three years we've lived here. In the process, I threw out all expired medication. Included: Vicks vapo-steam, Aspirin, unopened Vitamin D, Tylenol PM. I made a little list of things to replace. Then I remembered an ad for Advil PM and knowing my hubbie's said addiction, I thought...hmm...oughtta try that. So I picked up a small bottle of it at Target. Four days pass. Last night I was brushing my teeth and think to mention to Cory, "Hey, I replaced the Tylenol PM that had expired with Advil PM. Thought you might like that." You know that look of confusion, then registration, then hilarity, then embarrassment? My dear, sweet husband has been liberally taking Advil PM for all of his aches and pains, real and imagined for FOUR DAYS! The label says (which we could hardly read through our laughter) "Do not take more than two tablets in 24 hours." Cory was taking them three and four at a time. Sleepy much, darling? (Which leads me to wonder...do they work? Wonder how much of that is psychological?) Explains the snoozing during his Fire Systems class on Monday afternoon, I guess.