The Friday night hunt....

Hola!

Last night - after Mexican and Margaritas - my husband and I went to Target for a few needed items. Somehow each time we go there we end up in the toy department. This is usually not a problem. We wander around looking for toys to buy WM's kids (can never decide on one) and then purchase the necessary items.

This however was not one of those trips. Last night's trip started a 3 store search.

For all you Star Wars fans - for all you Transformer fans - THIS is the ultimate toy.













They had ONE at each store. Well the back of the box said collect all 4 - so we just HAD to find them all.... Boys and their toys....whatever will I do with him.

In Memory...

Five years ago this week we lost a shooting star.

January 14, 2001 Mr. Chep's brother, M was lost in a terrible accident while aboard a cruise to the western carribean.

M was on a cruise with his girlfriend and her family. After a fight out on the cruise deck, M climbed over the railing and couldn't get back. He fell from the 4th highest deck of the ship into the water. He was found an hour later floating unconcious in the water and died at 6:45am at Tampa General hospital. He was 19.

M was the brother I never had. M told me storied about Mr. Chep's childhood that made me laugh. When M smiled - you had to smile.

Just before M went on the cruise with his girlfriend he had decided to leave ISU and come back to live at home and attend a college here in town. It was going to be a chance for M and I to really get to know each other. I never had that chance.

During the first few years of our courtship/marriage M was in high school busy with his friends, sports and just being a teenager. He escaped serious injury numerous times in his short life - many while in high school. When M graduated, we all moved to Iowa to be with Mr. Chep's dad. M went off to college - and 6 months later he was gone.

M still lives in all the people he touched. His smile could light a room - and when I need a little "push" I often think of him and what he might do. He was like most young men - unsure of what he wanted - but he did know this. He loved his family and his life. The life he led was short - but full. It was this experience that taught me to live in every moment as if it were your last - because you never know when it's your time.

I love and miss you M.

Feeding the hungry that refuse to eat - but are still picky....

As the Academic Administrative Assistant one of my duties is to order food for various occasions. The first Friday of every month we hold a communications meeting. The first 1/2 hour of this meeting is breakfast. Normally this is a minor task - that only consists of me deciding - eggs and bacon or french toast and juice. This week that very task is frightening to me. FRIGHTENING.

I know, I know 'You can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.' Hell - half the time I hear half the people complaining about FREE food. This alone baffles me - and annoys me at the same time.

In a previous post you may have read that there is a "Biggest Loser" challenge going on at work. I, in my infinate wisdom, chose NOT to participate in this event. I am however aware of the various diets that people will try in order to lose weight. A few of my favorites are:

Atkins: We have ALL heard of the meat, cheese and veggie diet. I know at least one person at work that is going to take this approach. I tried this once - I about broke the bank trying to maintain this diet - not to mention the lack of caffine made me unbearable and my husband FORCED a Diet Coke in my hand a MADE me drink it. He hated me during that week.

South Beach: A healthy version of the Atkins diet. If I was to TRY a "formal" diet - this may actually be it.

Weight Watchers: Point value weight loss system. Great idea for people that don't like to change their diets and just want to watch their intake.

The Master Cleanse/Lemon Diet: If you haven't heard of this diet - you may be shocked at what people do to "cleanse" their bodies. For 10 days people drink nothing but a mixture of water, cayenne pepper, lemon juice and maple syrup. Yeah if you think you read that wrong - read it again. You will find you read it right. All I have to say it NASTY.

OK - at least 3 of these diets are being represented during the "Biggest Loser" contest at work. Have you ever tried to feed a bunch of cranky ass people during the first week of their diet? They keep asking me "What are we having?" "Can we have no carbs?" "Can we have low fat?" I went to the President of the college and asked her "Do we have to feed these people?" She said - "Yes we should" - but that very same question came to her mind - WHAT DO WE FEED THESE PEOPLE?

We made an executive decision to feed them breakfast casserole and fruit.

I wanted to get Krispy Kremes - funny - not many saw the humor in that. Shame.

Happy Birthday to me....

Nope - not my birthday...but we booked our birthday trip.

We will be heading to Nestor Falls, ON May 27th - June 3rd! We will be staying at the Arrowhead Resort and Motel a little, out of the way place owned by my friend's Aunt and Uncle.

This is the 2nd fishing trip we have made across the border - so we are better educated and ready to bring home a boat load of fish!

Mr. Chep has already started watching the fishing shows this morning - the man has the mid winter itch!

Here are some photos from our last trip to Canada. ENJOY!