So the World Health Organization is on a full force of recognizing the latest global trend - obesity - better known at 'globesity' to them. While just finishing up reading an article about this latest 'tragedy' I went on to check the lastest headlines sent out daily by IFDA and one of the top retail articles was about McDonald's in China with a delivery service.
Okay. Moment to breathe before I rant and a few points I will not deny.....
1. I will use delivery service (but rarely)
2. I enjoy fast food
3. I believe it is your own perrogative when it comes to health and nutrition
Now with that out of the way:
HOW LAZY CAN ONE GET not only do you want fast food but it comes delivered to your door? I would like to pretend that it's worth consuming if I made the initial attempt to walk/bike/transport myself there. I will give cheers to Mikie'Ds for aknowledging consumer needs/demands by including healthier options on their menu. But I will jeer for opening up a delivery method.
(yes, you can argue this through and through...but it's more like me being mad at not only myself but others too when it comes to taking care of one's health.)
*****
Five Days until Christmas Update.....
My Stats: flying 1,836 miles, driving 800 miles and consuming about 10 lbs of food. Oy.
I'm still not up-to-date with my shopping.
*****
Someone told me that Cornell's hockey is #1 (They lost to Harvard!). I giggled. Not that the U is #1...but at least we're ranked.
12.20.2007
12.19.2007
Uh oh!
My roommate informed me this past weekend that I have left the oven on. Not once, but five times since I've moved in two months ago. Not cool. The odd thing is, I have never done that before (at least unintentially). It also doesn't make sense for the fact that I haven't been using the oven anymore often than I have in the past.
Well the oven is one thing but now guess what I forgot? Yep, a burner on the stove. Yesterday. My roommate left a voicemail about it. I don't blame her. Even though I remember turning the knob (because of oven issues, I must not have turned it off all the way. Word. Don't light anything in our house.....it make not be pretty.
So this morning I decided to load myself with protein before going to the gym so I made up a nice 'ol Salsa & Cheese Omelet. That, of course, required me to use the stove. I shut the burner off and then did a double check and headed out the door.
(Skip ahead a half hour)
So I'm at the gym and movin' along on my cardio workout, watching the local news. On flashes a "News Update" - a row house in west Philly (I live in West Philly...kinda) was on fire.
What went through my mind......."OH CRAP!!!"
But, it wasn't my house. "Phew."
Well the oven is one thing but now guess what I forgot? Yep, a burner on the stove. Yesterday. My roommate left a voicemail about it. I don't blame her. Even though I remember turning the knob (because of oven issues, I must not have turned it off all the way. Word. Don't light anything in our house.....it make not be pretty.
So this morning I decided to load myself with protein before going to the gym so I made up a nice 'ol Salsa & Cheese Omelet. That, of course, required me to use the stove. I shut the burner off and then did a double check and headed out the door.
(Skip ahead a half hour)
So I'm at the gym and movin' along on my cardio workout, watching the local news. On flashes a "News Update" - a row house in west Philly (I live in West Philly...kinda) was on fire.
What went through my mind......."OH CRAP!!!"
But, it wasn't my house. "Phew."
12.18.2007
The the Award Goes To!
I really had no decent title. I'm actually just sitting here and procrastinating. A week from today is Christmas day. Am I prepared? Nope. Do I have my shopping done? Far from. Are your plans set? Pretty sure not.
What do I know?
I know that I'm flying in on Friday and coming back on Wednesday. I know that there will be food, family and gifts and church. At what time and order....not a darn clue.
I'm okay with it though. I want to see my cows and ride snowmobile for a bit. And perhaps see a friend or two. Doubt that will happen though.
This is killing me. Not knowing the plans. It's partially because of me and partially because of my family.
But I'm going to continue to sit here and procrastinate by blogging (obviously) and writing emails for work.
Though here's a few things I'm tiring quick of right now:
- People complaining about 'cold' weather (it's in the 30's and '40s here!...let's call those in the Midwest with no heat!)
- People using the excuse to not respond due to the holiday (ummm...unless you're traveling and like, not a good excuse, respond people!)
- Eating my weight in goodies (this is my fault, but I'm still complaining!)
- People bragging about how they are done with shopping.
- How slow the days are going, leading up to Christmas, oy!!!
But I'm happy for this....
My family. They rock. They got me tickets for the NCAA Big Ten Wrestling tournament in March. AWESOME!!
What do I know?
I know that I'm flying in on Friday and coming back on Wednesday. I know that there will be food, family and gifts and church. At what time and order....not a darn clue.
I'm okay with it though. I want to see my cows and ride snowmobile for a bit. And perhaps see a friend or two. Doubt that will happen though.
This is killing me. Not knowing the plans. It's partially because of me and partially because of my family.
But I'm going to continue to sit here and procrastinate by blogging (obviously) and writing emails for work.
Though here's a few things I'm tiring quick of right now:
- People complaining about 'cold' weather (it's in the 30's and '40s here!...let's call those in the Midwest with no heat!)
- People using the excuse to not respond due to the holiday (ummm...unless you're traveling and like, not a good excuse, respond people!)
- Eating my weight in goodies (this is my fault, but I'm still complaining!)
- People bragging about how they are done with shopping.
- How slow the days are going, leading up to Christmas, oy!!!
But I'm happy for this....
My family. They rock. They got me tickets for the NCAA Big Ten Wrestling tournament in March. AWESOME!!
12.13.2007
Thank you Comcatst. Not.
***Note from my University in regards to the Big Ten Network***
Dear University of Minnesota Alumnus:
We want to bring you up to date on the Big Ten Network (BTN). With many of our
Gopher football games being aired on the Big Ten Network and with 19 men’s
basketball games and 10 women’s basketball games scheduled to be aired, we have
received phone calls, letters, and e-mails from Gopher fans who are frustrated
that those broadcasts are not available on the state’s largest cable systems.
The Big Ten Network, which launched just three months ago, has been in the
works for nearly three years. Its development included input from conference
officials, university presidents, athletic directors, faculty representatives,
and others. In their opinion, the establishment of a network that would focus
on our schools and student-athletes was the right thing to do to ensure the
long-term stability of Big Ten athletics from a recruiting standpoint, a
financial standpoint, and a marketing standpoint.
From the outset, the network was offered to all satellite and cable providers.
The only non-negotiable BTN demand was that the network be included in the
expanded basic package within the Big Ten region. Within 30 days of launch, BTN
was in nearly 30 million homes nationwide—the most successful launch of its
kind in cable television history. It is being carried on DIRECTV, Dish Network,
and approximately 157 cable systems, including several in the state of
Minnesota, and all are offering the Big Ten Network on their expanded basic
lineup at no additional charge to subscribers.
Unfortunately, the three major cable carriers in Minnesota—Comcast, Charter,
and Mediacom—have chosen not to carry the Big Ten Network. The local contacts
of those companies have a long history of supporting Gopher athletics, but the
decision not to carry the network is being made outside of Minnesota.
We’ve heard from cable company spokespeople that BTN is too expensive. But if
small cable companies in Minnesota such as Hiawatha Broadband in Winona,
Consolidated Telephone Company in Brainerd, and Ace Communications in Houston
can negotiate a price that is acceptable, why can’t Comcast, Charter, and
Mediacom do the same?
We’ve heard from the cable companies that the Big Ten Network does not belong
on expanded basic cable, and that their customers shouldn’t have to pay for a
channel they may not watch. Review the lineup of 70 or so channels that are
currently included on your expanded basic cable package; we think you’ll agree
that the Big Ten Network would be among the more popular channels in that
lineup. Again, if the smaller cable operators, DIRECTV, and Dish are placing it
on expanded basic, why can’t Comcast, Charter, and Mediacom?
We’ve heard cable spokespeople say that you don’t need to get BTN because all
the good games are on ABC, ESPN, and other stations already on their expanded
basic. We would suggest that Gopher fans don’t need to be told by the cable
companies which games are “the good games.” Most Gopher fans would agree that
the good games are those in which the Gophers play. Our last football game
against Wisconsin was a great example.
The role of our athletic department and university—much like the role of the
local folks at Comcast, Charter, and Mediacom—is limited. We are doing all we
can to assist the Big Ten Network staff in their negotiations. But, simply put,
until the major cable companies are willing to negotiate, our role in the
process will remain extremely limited.
We’ve often been asked if there is anything Gopher fans can do to help us work
our way through this situation. Here are a few suggestions:
First, when discussing this issue, please share the information in this letter.
There are always two sides to a story, and we think the information in this
letter can help counter some of the misinformation in the numerous negative ads
being run by some cable companies.
Second, if you feel comfortable doing so, we ask that you continue to try to
contact your local cable provider and let them know that you want the Big Ten
Network on your expanded basic lineup, and that even though you have not made
the switch to satellite, that doesn’t mean you don’t have an interest in BTN.
Tell them you’re a Gopher fan; remind them that they are the temporary holders
of a municipally-regulated cable franchise in your area and are obligated to
respond to your community and its programming mandates.
Finally, please understand that most of you do have options. The Big Ten
Network is available throughout Minnesota on DIRECTV and Dish Network.
Switching from cable to satellite is not something that everyone wants to do,
but it is available and it is an option to most households in Minnesota.
Increasingly, it is an option that is being acted upon. In the state of
Minnesota, for instance, we’re told that nearly 30 percent of households now
have satellite TV and that number continues to rise.
In summary, a successful Big Ten Network is good for the University of
Minnesota and Gopher athletics. It provides unprecedented marketing
opportunities, a distinct recruiting advantage, and a steady, guaranteed stream
of incremental revenue over a 20-year period that will help Minnesota remain a
nationally competitive athletic department. It’s a network about your
student-athletes, your teams, and your school. We want to thank all of you who
have contacted us in recent weeks. We hear you. We share your concerns. Please
know that we will continue our efforts to bring broad distribution of the Big
Ten Network to Gopher fans in every corner of this great state of Minnesota.
Thank you for your patience and for your continued support of Golden Gopher
Athletics.
Go Gophers!
Bob Bruininks Joel Maturi
President Director of Athletics
----------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Minnesota
Department of Alumni Relations
200 Oak Street, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55455-2040
800-862-5867 umalumni@umn.edu
I guess a certain cable company will be getting a few letters and phone calls from someone.
Dear University of Minnesota Alumnus:
We want to bring you up to date on the Big Ten Network (BTN). With many of our
Gopher football games being aired on the Big Ten Network and with 19 men’s
basketball games and 10 women’s basketball games scheduled to be aired, we have
received phone calls, letters, and e-mails from Gopher fans who are frustrated
that those broadcasts are not available on the state’s largest cable systems.
The Big Ten Network, which launched just three months ago, has been in the
works for nearly three years. Its development included input from conference
officials, university presidents, athletic directors, faculty representatives,
and others. In their opinion, the establishment of a network that would focus
on our schools and student-athletes was the right thing to do to ensure the
long-term stability of Big Ten athletics from a recruiting standpoint, a
financial standpoint, and a marketing standpoint.
From the outset, the network was offered to all satellite and cable providers.
The only non-negotiable BTN demand was that the network be included in the
expanded basic package within the Big Ten region. Within 30 days of launch, BTN
was in nearly 30 million homes nationwide—the most successful launch of its
kind in cable television history. It is being carried on DIRECTV, Dish Network,
and approximately 157 cable systems, including several in the state of
Minnesota, and all are offering the Big Ten Network on their expanded basic
lineup at no additional charge to subscribers.
Unfortunately, the three major cable carriers in Minnesota—Comcast, Charter,
and Mediacom—have chosen not to carry the Big Ten Network. The local contacts
of those companies have a long history of supporting Gopher athletics, but the
decision not to carry the network is being made outside of Minnesota.
We’ve heard from cable company spokespeople that BTN is too expensive. But if
small cable companies in Minnesota such as Hiawatha Broadband in Winona,
Consolidated Telephone Company in Brainerd, and Ace Communications in Houston
can negotiate a price that is acceptable, why can’t Comcast, Charter, and
Mediacom do the same?
We’ve heard from the cable companies that the Big Ten Network does not belong
on expanded basic cable, and that their customers shouldn’t have to pay for a
channel they may not watch. Review the lineup of 70 or so channels that are
currently included on your expanded basic cable package; we think you’ll agree
that the Big Ten Network would be among the more popular channels in that
lineup. Again, if the smaller cable operators, DIRECTV, and Dish are placing it
on expanded basic, why can’t Comcast, Charter, and Mediacom?
We’ve heard cable spokespeople say that you don’t need to get BTN because all
the good games are on ABC, ESPN, and other stations already on their expanded
basic. We would suggest that Gopher fans don’t need to be told by the cable
companies which games are “the good games.” Most Gopher fans would agree that
the good games are those in which the Gophers play. Our last football game
against Wisconsin was a great example.
The role of our athletic department and university—much like the role of the
local folks at Comcast, Charter, and Mediacom—is limited. We are doing all we
can to assist the Big Ten Network staff in their negotiations. But, simply put,
until the major cable companies are willing to negotiate, our role in the
process will remain extremely limited.
We’ve often been asked if there is anything Gopher fans can do to help us work
our way through this situation. Here are a few suggestions:
First, when discussing this issue, please share the information in this letter.
There are always two sides to a story, and we think the information in this
letter can help counter some of the misinformation in the numerous negative ads
being run by some cable companies.
Second, if you feel comfortable doing so, we ask that you continue to try to
contact your local cable provider and let them know that you want the Big Ten
Network on your expanded basic lineup, and that even though you have not made
the switch to satellite, that doesn’t mean you don’t have an interest in BTN.
Tell them you’re a Gopher fan; remind them that they are the temporary holders
of a municipally-regulated cable franchise in your area and are obligated to
respond to your community and its programming mandates.
Finally, please understand that most of you do have options. The Big Ten
Network is available throughout Minnesota on DIRECTV and Dish Network.
Switching from cable to satellite is not something that everyone wants to do,
but it is available and it is an option to most households in Minnesota.
Increasingly, it is an option that is being acted upon. In the state of
Minnesota, for instance, we’re told that nearly 30 percent of households now
have satellite TV and that number continues to rise.
In summary, a successful Big Ten Network is good for the University of
Minnesota and Gopher athletics. It provides unprecedented marketing
opportunities, a distinct recruiting advantage, and a steady, guaranteed stream
of incremental revenue over a 20-year period that will help Minnesota remain a
nationally competitive athletic department. It’s a network about your
student-athletes, your teams, and your school. We want to thank all of you who
have contacted us in recent weeks. We hear you. We share your concerns. Please
know that we will continue our efforts to bring broad distribution of the Big
Ten Network to Gopher fans in every corner of this great state of Minnesota.
Thank you for your patience and for your continued support of Golden Gopher
Athletics.
Go Gophers!
Bob Bruininks Joel Maturi
President Director of Athletics
----------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Minnesota
Department of Alumni Relations
200 Oak Street, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55455-2040
800-862-5867 umalumni@umn.edu
I guess a certain cable company will be getting a few letters and phone calls from someone.
12.12.2007
I Bleed.....Maroon & Gold
The more I'm away from my alma mater the more I miss it and cherish it. The other day I found myself perusing the UBookstore for various items, originally meant as gifts for my nieces and nephew only to purchase a number for myself too!
And that leads to another thing...neither parent of my nieces and nephew are Alums. Nope. My oldest brother (their father) graduated from a UW school and their mom from another MNSCU school. Though my other brother and myself are Maroon and Gold through and through and believe that our nieces and nephew should be too. It only seems appropriate that the kids be decked out in proper U wear when attending a Gopher Wrestling meet to which my family has had season tickets for years.
The crazy thing is, I didn't start at the U. I started an out of state school with intentions on graduating there with a VMD. But after those two years I found myself lacking a family beyond my academic deparment. So I transferred and I fell in love with the school that I was so worried would keep me back. Yeah, it's big and it's city-esque. Perhaps you become a bit of a number and it does take a lot for you to be noticed. I may have griped about the lack of U tradition as opposed to my previous school or the fact that PC was the biggest concern on campus over really expressing your voice.
Those were complaints then. Now I'm proud.
I had the opportunity to visit an Ivy League school with a friend. Now this friend was known by EVERYONE. He was the guy who organized everything, who became friends with the Admin and threw the parties. We could barely walk 10 ft without being stopped. When visiting his college (old dormitory where he lived for 4 years) the new onsite Reagent greeted him by first name, even though they had never worked directly together. The Reagents' wife was introduced to me briefly, as was her husband and by the end of the 20 minutes we were socializing around I became a slight part of the family. When walking out the door the couple thanked me (by first name) for coming. Not something you get back home. Again, this school is about 1/7th the size of the U.
I have to admit, I was jealous. The camaraderie and the networks were amazing. But then I started to think back to my time at the U. I loved it. I loved the challenge to be known; and I had beat that challenge. I joined 5 clubs and became involved in a variety of organizations around the university. It got to a point where I complained about not being able to walk to class without stopping and talking to someone. My network may not, at the time, seemed as diverse or haughty but I will beg to differ now. My network includes those in finance, agriculture, politics, medical and the list goes on. And these are good, down-to-earth, people who care about voices being heard through their work. They worked hard on a campus where you can easily become a number. You don't get handouts at the U. There are services, but you alone have to make that first move to be something and I think that is more important than just getting the services handed to you.
So now I'm becoming a Life Member next year of the Alum Assoc and I have taken on the challenge of reviving the area Alum Chapter in my new city. I will continue to clothe my family in U wear, cheer (and jeer) my sports teams and, eventually, I can make out a nice big donation check to my school. I believe in it and I'm proud.
That's right....I bleed Maroon and Gold and I'm proud of it.
And that leads to another thing...neither parent of my nieces and nephew are Alums. Nope. My oldest brother (their father) graduated from a UW school and their mom from another MNSCU school. Though my other brother and myself are Maroon and Gold through and through and believe that our nieces and nephew should be too. It only seems appropriate that the kids be decked out in proper U wear when attending a Gopher Wrestling meet to which my family has had season tickets for years.
The crazy thing is, I didn't start at the U. I started an out of state school with intentions on graduating there with a VMD. But after those two years I found myself lacking a family beyond my academic deparment. So I transferred and I fell in love with the school that I was so worried would keep me back. Yeah, it's big and it's city-esque. Perhaps you become a bit of a number and it does take a lot for you to be noticed. I may have griped about the lack of U tradition as opposed to my previous school or the fact that PC was the biggest concern on campus over really expressing your voice.
Those were complaints then. Now I'm proud.
I had the opportunity to visit an Ivy League school with a friend. Now this friend was known by EVERYONE. He was the guy who organized everything, who became friends with the Admin and threw the parties. We could barely walk 10 ft without being stopped. When visiting his college (old dormitory where he lived for 4 years) the new onsite Reagent greeted him by first name, even though they had never worked directly together. The Reagents' wife was introduced to me briefly, as was her husband and by the end of the 20 minutes we were socializing around I became a slight part of the family. When walking out the door the couple thanked me (by first name) for coming. Not something you get back home. Again, this school is about 1/7th the size of the U.
I have to admit, I was jealous. The camaraderie and the networks were amazing. But then I started to think back to my time at the U. I loved it. I loved the challenge to be known; and I had beat that challenge. I joined 5 clubs and became involved in a variety of organizations around the university. It got to a point where I complained about not being able to walk to class without stopping and talking to someone. My network may not, at the time, seemed as diverse or haughty but I will beg to differ now. My network includes those in finance, agriculture, politics, medical and the list goes on. And these are good, down-to-earth, people who care about voices being heard through their work. They worked hard on a campus where you can easily become a number. You don't get handouts at the U. There are services, but you alone have to make that first move to be something and I think that is more important than just getting the services handed to you.
So now I'm becoming a Life Member next year of the Alum Assoc and I have taken on the challenge of reviving the area Alum Chapter in my new city. I will continue to clothe my family in U wear, cheer (and jeer) my sports teams and, eventually, I can make out a nice big donation check to my school. I believe in it and I'm proud.
That's right....I bleed Maroon and Gold and I'm proud of it.
12.10.2007
Addicted to New Radio & Challenge
That's it. I'm addicted. To news radio. Who would have thought? I didn't plan on it but I was tired of the radio station that I had been listening to during work hours and wanted to mix it up a bit so I decided to give MPR News Radio a try, And now I'm hooked. I'm in love. Much of it may be due to the fact that it focuses a lot on the caucuses right now or that it gives continuous MN news (which I crave) or that it has the NPR Science Fridays! Whatever it is....it's working.
The best part is that it doesn't distract from my work like music sometimes has a habit of doing. And the plus side, I find myself a little more knowledgable about the going ons back home and nationally. I consider it a good deal.
And now the challenge.....(I'm changing topic here)
I have a new challenge and I'm EXCITED. I had contacted the Chapter President the Alum group in my new home area of Philly. He responded promptly, thanking me for contacting him but had to admit that the local chapter has been a bit "dormant for a while" but they need "new energetic people like 'me'", thus leading me to mastermind how I can revitalize an Alum Chapter. I may not have been considered for my colleges Alum Director postition (long shot but thought I'd try) but I think I can handle this. I'm sure there's a number of UMAAers lurking around this area. I just need to capture them and our little Alum empire!
Any suggestions/advice is well accepted:)
The best part is that it doesn't distract from my work like music sometimes has a habit of doing. And the plus side, I find myself a little more knowledgable about the going ons back home and nationally. I consider it a good deal.
And now the challenge.....(I'm changing topic here)
I have a new challenge and I'm EXCITED. I had contacted the Chapter President the Alum group in my new home area of Philly. He responded promptly, thanking me for contacting him but had to admit that the local chapter has been a bit "dormant for a while" but they need "new energetic people like 'me'", thus leading me to mastermind how I can revitalize an Alum Chapter. I may not have been considered for my colleges Alum Director postition (long shot but thought I'd try) but I think I can handle this. I'm sure there's a number of UMAAers lurking around this area. I just need to capture them and our little Alum empire!
Any suggestions/advice is well accepted:)
12.09.2007
12.06.2007
I workout to watch TV.
True statement. You see, not too long ago a friend of mine made a comment stating that she went to the gym just so she could watch cable TV cause she was too cheap to purchase it herself. I didn't blame her because she is paying her way through law school even though, it made me chuckle and shake my head.
Though, I have come to realize that I just may be doing the same thing! Last night I found myself conitinuing on with my workout even though I was way past my time (it beeped and stopped recording my distance!) just because I wanted to see the last 10 minutes of "Hogan Knows Best"! Crazy. I know.
You see...we (my roommate and I) have basic cable right now. And it's not that we're cheap, we just don't find it necessary to upgrade since we are always at work or traveling. But with that I often find myself scheduling my workouts around what is going to be on cable TV at the gym each night. Yep. That's right. I'm doing exactly what said friend did. Call it pathetic or call it clever; your choice, but you can't deny that it's darn thrifty! (point: I pay $10/month in membership dues and upgrading cable would be at leat another $40/month....do the math)
So instead of becoming a couch potato I am a fit girl who knows who "I Love New York 2" is going for. (I can't believe I just admitted to that! Darn you Vh1!!!)
12.05.2007
White Christmas
I remember last year when my mom asked me if I was going to put up any Christmas decorations. I said no. Not that I don't like Christmas...that's far from it. Even though there were a few other variables to the equation of the 'no' (i.e. I was broke, we had a cat that would find a way to kill itself with the tinsle and really wasn't much space for a wreath, long behold a tree). The main reality was...being far away from home, it didn't feel like Christmas. Sure I was living in a city that took the holiday's and RAN with it (Can you say 10 parties in 18 days?! Uffda!). When you looked beyond the huge decorated trees in the Whitehouse, the lights amongst the Georgetown streets and the "umpteenth" piece of Christmas chocolate - it wasn't Christmas. Why? It just wasn't the way we prepared/celebrated for it back home. Yeah, we had parties and got dressed up but there were deeper moments to it too.
Such as....
1) Attaching Christmas lights to the barn while standing 25 ft in the air in a shakey John Deere feed bucket.
2) Running through the snow from the shop in the main yard to the house with the dog.
3) Evening walks from the barn to the house when all that is on is the Christmas lights and the sound of the ice/snow cracking beneath my boots.
4) Seeing the "Northern Star" on top of the Harvestor (silo) from miles away and getting the feeling that all is right in the world.
5) Helping my mom with various (once annoying) tasks of prepping the house (Think Studio 56, New England Series!).
6) The feeling you get when they light the Advent candle every Sunday....
7) Seeing family more often throughout the month and giving and recieving homemade goodies.
8) Watching various Christmas shows on TV with my mom and her crying (e.g. It's a Wonderful Life).
9) Taking 15 minutes in the morning just to put on all the warm Carhartt clothing to go outside and feed the baby calves.
10) Dad and I making fun of mom for listening to Christmas music NONSTOP.
It's not the same anymore...nor will it ever be. I will do a little decorating but the real Christmas time will not be until I come down the driveway at the farm on the 21st.
Such as....
1) Attaching Christmas lights to the barn while standing 25 ft in the air in a shakey John Deere feed bucket.
2) Running through the snow from the shop in the main yard to the house with the dog.
3) Evening walks from the barn to the house when all that is on is the Christmas lights and the sound of the ice/snow cracking beneath my boots.
4) Seeing the "Northern Star" on top of the Harvestor (silo) from miles away and getting the feeling that all is right in the world.
5) Helping my mom with various (once annoying) tasks of prepping the house (Think Studio 56, New England Series!).
6) The feeling you get when they light the Advent candle every Sunday....
7) Seeing family more often throughout the month and giving and recieving homemade goodies.
8) Watching various Christmas shows on TV with my mom and her crying (e.g. It's a Wonderful Life).
9) Taking 15 minutes in the morning just to put on all the warm Carhartt clothing to go outside and feed the baby calves.
10) Dad and I making fun of mom for listening to Christmas music NONSTOP.
It's not the same anymore...nor will it ever be. I will do a little decorating but the real Christmas time will not be until I come down the driveway at the farm on the 21st.
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