Tuesday, August 26, 2008

tidbits

From the Olympics to the DNC! We're checking out tonight's speaker, Hilary Clinton, and being thankful the press has gone quiet for a few moments (though they still have to provide highlights during the speech at the bottom of the screen).

The clock is winding down on summer so we've decided to head out of town this weekend and visit Abi (and my brother and sister-in-law) in PA. I have such a long list of fun stuff to do together (visit the park, ride bikes, play games - oh boy!). We can't wait to see her....we just have to overcome a super long drive before then. In fact, this will be our longest road trip since we drove to IL from LA. I do love the occasional road trip. Reading, strange gas stations, scanning license plates and rest stop picnics....fun times!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

perplexed

We finally watched No Country For Old Men and I have NO IDEA why this movie won the Best Picture Oscar. My complaints:

  • There was way too much time spent on wounding people, and then the repair of said wounds.
  • A lot of pointless violence. Really, we got that Javier was ruthless and crazy. One or two murders would have done it.
  • The entire movie is about Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin's cat and mouse game and then *boom* Josh is dead in a pool...and by related thugs, not Javier. Wha??
  • Tommy Lee Jones had some interesting moments, but they were mere moments. Then the movie ends with a weird/boring scene between him and his brother...you get his character but it isn't developed enough for viewers to really care. And THAT is how the movie ends??
What am I missing? Do I just not get the Coen brothers? Did anyone like this movie??

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

tidbits

We're watching the beach volleyball finals right now. I hope my fellow 30-somethings Misty and Kerri can get the gold.

It was fun watching Nastia and Shaw rally in gymnastics.

Track and Field is getting old. It's too much talk for such short events. They need to cut in right before events start and spend less time commentating. TiVo has been very handy.

I wish I had time for more of the cable channel events. I loved watching all of the rowing Sunday.

What has everyone else loved / hate so far??

We're just over a week away from Labor Day and I'm trying to get in summer lasts (pool, another book, more ice cream and drinks, please!). It's been particularly hard to get a "season finale" in for all my favorite summer clothes, shoes and accessories....almost time to switch over into some fall transition pieces.

Don't let the end of summer sneak up on you - get all your fun in now!!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

do something

do something is the title of the crossword puzzle I'm working on (in today's Chicago Tribune magazine) and it's pretty tough so far. I'm not normally a big fan of crosswords, but I am trying to beef up my word skills for Scrabble and I figured this was a good way.

I finished the crossword puzzle two weeks ago with some help from Ben. Last week's was impossible...we'll see how I do this week.

Our house is quiet tonight - Olympics playing in the background - as we get ready for a busy week. Another work week for me and back to school for Ben.

Blah. I want some more summer vacation. For now I am going to keep working on the crossword and avoid thinking about Monday.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

tidbits

It's unseasonably cool this week, and it's nice, but also worrisome. Does this mean a super hot Sept. or an early Fall? I don't think I am ready for Fall just yet.

Today was move-in day at ISU so all the students are landing. It definitely brings back memories...and it definitely doesn't feel like it was 8 years ago. Ben's enjoying a week off before heading back to campus on Monday.

I've been staying up late all week hooked on the Olympics. The 10-11 p.m. events are killing me. I was pulling for the ladies during gymnastics last night and was glad they came out with a silver medal. I couldn't believe it when I heard one of the gals who competed on the uneven bars (Chellsie I think?) performed with a broken foot. I guess bars aren't very demanding on the feet, but it still had to be a major mental distraction and the landing couldn't have felt good. Crazy.

Monday, August 11, 2008

olympics

We're all in it! We've watched every day since Friday's opening ceremony, and I must say the absolute BEST thing about 2008 for us: TiVo. You can FF through commercials, crappy commentary/interviews and just get to the competition.

A few Central Illinoisans are competing so we're excited to watch for them (2 are runners and 1 is a volleyball player). My favorite sports so far are swimming and gymnastics. I am really afraid for the women gymnasts. They didn't have a good start last night. On the swimming front, we're super excited for Michael Phelps, Ben's U of M comrade.

Watching and cheering is so fun! Hope you all are enjoying it too.

Friday, August 8, 2008

ouch

We finished our softball season last night. It was a match for the ages. The two last place teams battling for 5th place. We technically had the better record because one of their two wins came from a forfeit. We earned our two wins.

Our first inning started strong, but our two run lead was short-lived. Due to injuries and travel, our bullpen was non-existent so we limped along until the game ended in a 15-run advantage for the other team.

I can sum up our season very easily: we had more post-game beers than hits every week.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

double h = double trouble

Greetings from Chicago! I'm in town on business for a few days, and it is very H&H (hot and humid). Very Florida-like.

A quick aside about Florida - We took a trip to the sunshine state (more than) a few years ago and my hair shrunk to a few inches of curl due to the out-of-this-world humidity. It had this overly moussed wet look every day ... I do not like Florida.

Obviously it is August in the Midwest and high heat and humidity are expected. I just wish hats were more widely accepted. There are only so many curly, creative styles this girl can manage. I am ready to get braids a la Monica on Friends (remember the Barbados episode??).