It Ain't Cool Being No Jive Turkey So Close to Thanksgiving 2008

So, I started this around Turkey Day, but have been really busy, so it is coming up a little late. (That's what she said.) This has been a year of ups and downs for most people I know. We have seen several new arrivals while saying goodbye to loved ones way too soon. While the world has been weaving it's web round us, I have to say that the people that have gotten me and others through it all have been the best friends and family that a person could ask for. The small amount of people that are devoted to reading my missives are more important to Mar and I than I can put into words. Thanks for being there and I hope you all know that we have the best friends EVER. Now on to the additional thanks and happy thoughts:

• Turkey Bowl- By my count, this was the the fourteenth edition of the annual affair. Although we were a little light this year in regards to participants, this is a tradition I hope never ends. LVP goes to Brian J. 
• The Chicago Cubs Playoff Run- For the second year in a row, we made a great run. I had the good fortune to go to the best regular season game that I have ever attended. Rami's grand slam to win the game in the bottom of the ninth was exhilarating. I have never experienced that type of electricity at a ballgame. In my heart of hearts, I know that 2009 will be the year. 
• Radiohead- Now that I think about it, I don't think I have told you guys that I went to go see Radiohead this summer at Lollapalooza. BEST CONCERT EVER. Radiohead is my favorite band and their music has been inspiring me since 1997. This year, I had the good fortune of finally attending one of their concerts. It was on a sunny, hot day in Grant Park, and I made the trip solo, as most people I know do not know how to appreciate the world's greatest band. To make a long story short, it was  a truly mesmerizing evening that I still think about. The show was perfect in every way and I am grateful that I just had the chance to experience the magic. 
• Frank the Gnome- Frankie has been a very welcome addition to our little family. He watches over us and the cats with his enchanting smile and showers us with good thoughts and feelings. 
• The Wisconsin Trip- Our little trip up to the Northwoods was a lot of fun. The cabin was beautiful and we had a lot of fun with the people that joined us. 
• The Battlestar Mid-Season Finale- Totally breathtaking. The best show on tv did not fail to deliver with a near perfect episode. I still cannot believe how it ended. 
• The Mist- As I have previously mentioned, this delicious beverage brings me joy every time I taste it.
• My New Team- I recently met my new water polo team and cannot wait to start the season next March.
• My Kids- My eyes are opened in new ways every day and show me why I chose to do what I do.
• The Bouncing New Additions- As I mentioned, we have has several new arrivals this year. Welcome to each and every one of you. You all have great parents that will shower you with love and attention. I can only hope that you will soon know the joy of a Cubs World Series Championship.
• Mr. President-Elect- We did it folks. By no means will he wave a magic wand that will fix the mess we are in, but I think he will give us a fighting chance.
• My Family- They have always been there and always will be. Thanks for putting up with me.
• Marilyn- Thank you for saying yes. We have been at this little game for quite awhile, and August 1st cannot come soon enough. You have made me the person that I am today and brought me nothing but joy and love. Seeing you walk down the aisle will make me the happiest man in the world. Our lives are just now beginning and you are the only person that I can imagine spending the rest of it with. 

Of Mist And Men

I guess you can say holiday season is upon us now that Halloween has passed and stores have started to break out he Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanzaa merchandise. While it does seem early to me, I guess it's never too soon to find a deal. Well, along with holiday sales, stores seem to stock "special" holiday items, such as one of my favorite cookies, Jingles (Which have now been repackaged as Santa's Favorites. It is very important that you get Santa's Favorites, not the new Jingles. Santa's Favorites are made by Salerno and new Jingles are made by Keebler. Nothing against the little elves, but Salerno makes a superior product. Plus, any true Jingles loving consumer will not buy the new Keebler Jingles out of respect and loyalty. Here is an interesting post from a fellow blogger that shares my affinity for the true and original Jingle s.).

In addition to Jingles, I love the seasonal offering from Sierra Mist. It is called Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash. This lovely concoction blends cranberry with the lemon-lime of the original Sierra Mist with delightful results. I was first turned on to this elixir two years ago while on my way home from Indiana. While I was gassing up, the label caught my eye and I decided to give it a whirl. Boy was I happy that I did. Consequently, during the last two holiday seasons, I have anxiously awaited the arrival of "The Mist" as it is lovingly referred to on our home. Last year, Mar's mom even bought me a case for Christmas. So, if you come across The Mist, I highly recommend picking up a sample. For those of you that drink diet, rest assured that a calorie free option is also produced.