Good morning everyone. First, Happy Memorial Day, and a BIG thank you to the men and women who serve our country and defend our freedom every single day. We would not have the lives that we live without all of you, so a true heartfelt "thank you" to each and every one of you!!!
Second, I have totally neglected my blog this week. I am sorry about that. I am not sure how many readers I have any more (though I would love to know so shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment so I know who is still reading), but my apologies for not writing last week. It was just a crazy, busy week. Today, I have a bit more time, so thought I would update you on a few things.
Of course, my biggest thing was the tattoo this week. I absolutely LOVE it. I am not going to be one of those macho men that says, "eh, it barely hurt." I am here to tell you, it hurt like a bitch!!! But, I am really glad I got it. I have always wanted one, and am so happy with the way it looks. Poohki at Steady Tattoo is amazing. If you are ever in the market for some ink, go to Poohki. I believe Chad will be going to him coming up soon.
We also finally finished our registration. That is NOT an easy process. However, it is done, and I am really excited with the things we registered for. Ultimately, we have registries at Bed Bath & Beyond (our main registry), Specially Yours (our "fun" registry), and Sears (our small and random, but important registry). Now the fun part will be seeing what we actually get. Good times!!
I also had my cavities filled. Nothing too exciting to report there, but again, major kudos to my dentist, Dr. Bomberg. He gets me numb every time (not an easy task), and I do not feel a thing, not even the novicaine shot (also not easy). The nitrous oxide also helps!!
This weekend, Chad and I each bought a Nintendo DS. A smart buy? Probably not... we have no money!! A fun buy? Absolutely!!! I love it, and to set the record straight, I AM smarter than a 5th grader (one of the games I bought)!!!! Having the DS will definitely keep me busy next week in New Orleans, and then on the 14-night honeymoon. It will be great to have.
So, that is pretty much the excitement these days. Today I am at work for Memorial Day and will be showing "The Blind Side" to my tenants during lunch for the Cinema Cafe. They love it, so it makes it all worth it.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Update
Update to the post below... we are now also registered at Sears. Follow the same link below to access our registry.
We Are Registered
Well, we are registered for the wedding, but man, what a process!! We started at 10:00am on Saturday morning and did not finish until 5:30pm with only an hour break for lunch in between.
We started out at Specially Yours in Hopkins. As you may or may not know, this is my favorite gift store. They have the cutest things in there. Cindy, the owner, could not be sweeter, and even e-mails me when she gets new things in that I may like. We registered for a lot of fun things there... serving pieces, bowls, candlesticks, dessert plates, candy dishes, and the list goes on. If you have not been in the store, you need to go. It is the best. There is a link from our Wedding Website, so check it out.
After Specially Yours, we had the daunting task of tackling Bed Bath & Beyond. That said, it is my favorite store, and I could live there. However, registering in a place like that is absolutely exhausting. We were in just the first section for over an hour. That, of course, was the kitchen part. You have to get the smallest of things. It is just nutty. But we did it, and got some great things. By the end though, my feet were bad, my mom's knees were terrible, and Chad was just plain pooped. One of the best parts about BBB is their return policy. They let you return things as long as your registry is posted, and all registries are posted for AT LEAST two years. That is amazing.
Our last stop was Target. I have to say... MAJOR disappointment. Everyone and their brother loves Target... who wouldn't?!?! They have everything. It is the classic story... go in for a pack of gum, and come out $100 poorer. But to register there... sucks! First, they only allow you to return things up to 90 days after your event. Well, given we do not have our house yet, that would never work for us. Also, things you scan, and verify with the scanner gun, do not show up on your registry. There are at least four things (and probably more that we have not figured out yet) that we scanned, but when we got home and checked online, were not there. All things considered, we eliminated Target from the registry, and moved most things over to BBB.
So that is my tale. We are registered at Specially Yours and Bed Bath & Beyond. If you want to see our registry, go to our Wedding Website and click on "registry" on the left side. Our address is: http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/AlexLocke&ChadHewitt
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
We started out at Specially Yours in Hopkins. As you may or may not know, this is my favorite gift store. They have the cutest things in there. Cindy, the owner, could not be sweeter, and even e-mails me when she gets new things in that I may like. We registered for a lot of fun things there... serving pieces, bowls, candlesticks, dessert plates, candy dishes, and the list goes on. If you have not been in the store, you need to go. It is the best. There is a link from our Wedding Website, so check it out.
After Specially Yours, we had the daunting task of tackling Bed Bath & Beyond. That said, it is my favorite store, and I could live there. However, registering in a place like that is absolutely exhausting. We were in just the first section for over an hour. That, of course, was the kitchen part. You have to get the smallest of things. It is just nutty. But we did it, and got some great things. By the end though, my feet were bad, my mom's knees were terrible, and Chad was just plain pooped. One of the best parts about BBB is their return policy. They let you return things as long as your registry is posted, and all registries are posted for AT LEAST two years. That is amazing.
Our last stop was Target. I have to say... MAJOR disappointment. Everyone and their brother loves Target... who wouldn't?!?! They have everything. It is the classic story... go in for a pack of gum, and come out $100 poorer. But to register there... sucks! First, they only allow you to return things up to 90 days after your event. Well, given we do not have our house yet, that would never work for us. Also, things you scan, and verify with the scanner gun, do not show up on your registry. There are at least four things (and probably more that we have not figured out yet) that we scanned, but when we got home and checked online, were not there. All things considered, we eliminated Target from the registry, and moved most things over to BBB.
So that is my tale. We are registered at Specially Yours and Bed Bath & Beyond. If you want to see our registry, go to our Wedding Website and click on "registry" on the left side. Our address is: http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/AlexLocke&ChadHewitt
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Week of Pain
Well, next week would be considered a normal week... except for two BIG difference. On Tuesday, I am getting three cavities filled! On Wednesday, I am finally getting my tattoo!!!
I try to take good care of my teeth. I go to the dentist for my regular cleanings, as well as brush, floss, and garggle with mouthwash on a very regular basis. Still even that, won't prevent cavities. I was at the dentist a few weeks ago and found out I had not one, not two, but THREE cavities. My teeth were also stained. This shocked me to be honest. Upon further chatting with my dentist and hygienist, we realized that the culprit was Slim Fast. Those damn shakes!!!! The were barely working anyway, and then they stained my teeth and gave me three cavities?!?! Needless to say, I was not happy. As is, I hate the dentist, and now I have to go and get three fillings in one day. Yuck! Wish me luck... my anxiety that day will be through the roof.
Then, the pain continues the next day with my tattoo. However, this is pain I am excited about. I have wanted a tattoo for a long time. But, instead of talking about it, I am finally doing it. After finally deciding on what I wanted, and where on my body I wanted it, I did extensive research. I looked around at many shops here in the Twin Cities. I also studied up on SEVERAL tattoo artists. Slowly, I narrowed down the list to two. I knew which one I really wanted, but then put a survey up on Facebook. Low and behold... everyone agreed with the same artist I wanted. So, I will be getting a smiling sun with sunglasses on my left ankle from Poohki at Steady Tattoo in Minneapolis.
I am definitely nervous about the tattoo, and I know it hurts. It hurts even more on the bone, which is where mine is. I also know people have passed out before, so Chad said to make sure I have a fan on me. I have already put my deposit down, and purchased the specific soap and lotion I will need to care for my new art after it is on me. I know my mother, an avid read of my blog, hates, detests, and despises the idea of my tattoo. But I also know that I am a 33 year old man who makes his own choice, and whose mother will love him no matter what. She doesn't have to like it, but she does need to accept it.
In any case, it will be the week of pain. Both activities I am excited to have done with, and then I will be really happy once my tattoo is on me, cleaned up, and ready to look good.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
I try to take good care of my teeth. I go to the dentist for my regular cleanings, as well as brush, floss, and garggle with mouthwash on a very regular basis. Still even that, won't prevent cavities. I was at the dentist a few weeks ago and found out I had not one, not two, but THREE cavities. My teeth were also stained. This shocked me to be honest. Upon further chatting with my dentist and hygienist, we realized that the culprit was Slim Fast. Those damn shakes!!!! The were barely working anyway, and then they stained my teeth and gave me three cavities?!?! Needless to say, I was not happy. As is, I hate the dentist, and now I have to go and get three fillings in one day. Yuck! Wish me luck... my anxiety that day will be through the roof.
Then, the pain continues the next day with my tattoo. However, this is pain I am excited about. I have wanted a tattoo for a long time. But, instead of talking about it, I am finally doing it. After finally deciding on what I wanted, and where on my body I wanted it, I did extensive research. I looked around at many shops here in the Twin Cities. I also studied up on SEVERAL tattoo artists. Slowly, I narrowed down the list to two. I knew which one I really wanted, but then put a survey up on Facebook. Low and behold... everyone agreed with the same artist I wanted. So, I will be getting a smiling sun with sunglasses on my left ankle from Poohki at Steady Tattoo in Minneapolis.
I am definitely nervous about the tattoo, and I know it hurts. It hurts even more on the bone, which is where mine is. I also know people have passed out before, so Chad said to make sure I have a fan on me. I have already put my deposit down, and purchased the specific soap and lotion I will need to care for my new art after it is on me. I know my mother, an avid read of my blog, hates, detests, and despises the idea of my tattoo. But I also know that I am a 33 year old man who makes his own choice, and whose mother will love him no matter what. She doesn't have to like it, but she does need to accept it.
In any case, it will be the week of pain. Both activities I am excited to have done with, and then I will be really happy once my tattoo is on me, cleaned up, and ready to look good.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Games Galore
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to play games. You just can't beat sitting around with family and friends, having a good time, making each other laugh, and see who can kick whose ass in a round of whatever game you happen to be playing. So, today's blog post is my favorite 10 games. I should mention a few things... 1. These are in no order and 2. I would not exactly call this a comprehensive list. My mind can only reach so far back, so while I think these are my top 10, I could certainly be missing some. Okay... on with the games...
1. Candyland - This should be an obvious choice for anyone who was ever a child. To this day, when we get bored at home, Chad and I will still play it. And somehow, he wins EVERY time, without fail.
2. Operation - Remember the buzzing game that required a battery? It was always so fun, and truly a challenge. I think even now, as an adult, it is still not easy to do.
3. Apples to Apples - Definitely one of my newer favorite games. It is just so funny to hear how people would define a word. Definitely a hilarious game... and can also get downright offensive!
4. Uno - An old standby. Not much skill involved, but fun to sit around and watch people collect more cards, skip each other, and try to remember to shout "UNO!"
5. Yahtzee - I never played Yahtzee much growing up... I have played more as an adult and really love it. I even have it on my phone as a game I downloaded. It certainly makes you think, and moves pretty quickly.
6. Rummikub - Hands down, this one is in my top 3 games. I love it!! It is the perfect mix of strategy, luck, skill, and brain-power. True, the game can be extremely frustrating at times, but is so fun to play.
7. Scattergories - Another great game. This is one where sometimes even the simplest answer is hard to come up with, but where a completely obscure response will get you points. So fun... I even played it with my tenants this morning.
8. Friends Trivia - Not actually one of my top 10, as I have rarely actually played, but it is definitely a fun chance for me to utilize my extensive and useless knowledge of all things Friends.
9. Clue (regular and VCR) - Chad and I recently played on our cruise, and while it had been years, it is still a fun game. I also used to play the VCR version which was also awesome!!
10. Balderdash - Since my days in USY, this has been a definite fave. People can come up with some of the funniest things and you wonder where it came from. Other times, you cannot even tell which is the real definition and which are made up. Lots of creativity here, but you have to be in the mood for it because creating those definitions is NOT easy.
So there you have it. Please let me know what your faves are by leaving a comment. Also be sure to tell me if you particularly agree or disagree with any of mine. I like to hear what's on your mind!
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
1. Candyland - This should be an obvious choice for anyone who was ever a child. To this day, when we get bored at home, Chad and I will still play it. And somehow, he wins EVERY time, without fail.
2. Operation - Remember the buzzing game that required a battery? It was always so fun, and truly a challenge. I think even now, as an adult, it is still not easy to do.
3. Apples to Apples - Definitely one of my newer favorite games. It is just so funny to hear how people would define a word. Definitely a hilarious game... and can also get downright offensive!
4. Uno - An old standby. Not much skill involved, but fun to sit around and watch people collect more cards, skip each other, and try to remember to shout "UNO!"
5. Yahtzee - I never played Yahtzee much growing up... I have played more as an adult and really love it. I even have it on my phone as a game I downloaded. It certainly makes you think, and moves pretty quickly.
6. Rummikub - Hands down, this one is in my top 3 games. I love it!! It is the perfect mix of strategy, luck, skill, and brain-power. True, the game can be extremely frustrating at times, but is so fun to play.
7. Scattergories - Another great game. This is one where sometimes even the simplest answer is hard to come up with, but where a completely obscure response will get you points. So fun... I even played it with my tenants this morning.
8. Friends Trivia - Not actually one of my top 10, as I have rarely actually played, but it is definitely a fun chance for me to utilize my extensive and useless knowledge of all things Friends.
9. Clue (regular and VCR) - Chad and I recently played on our cruise, and while it had been years, it is still a fun game. I also used to play the VCR version which was also awesome!!
10. Balderdash - Since my days in USY, this has been a definite fave. People can come up with some of the funniest things and you wonder where it came from. Other times, you cannot even tell which is the real definition and which are made up. Lots of creativity here, but you have to be in the mood for it because creating those definitions is NOT easy.
So there you have it. Please let me know what your faves are by leaving a comment. Also be sure to tell me if you particularly agree or disagree with any of mine. I like to hear what's on your mind!
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Random Ramble For You To Enjoy
I have no blog topic today, so I am going to do one of my "random rambles" of things on my mind...
- I am REALLY sick of the rain
- Those lesbians on The Amazing Race are vile people
- I love that the brothers won The Amazing Race
- It would be great if Chad's townhouse sold
- Betty White on SNL was awesome... I hope you did not miss it
- My wedding is less than 5 months away!!!!
- Sometimes, with certain people, you just need to let it go
- Facebook is really just a fancy word for gossip
- I am excited to go to New Orleans next month
- I actually have "blog followers"... how cool!!
- I have the world's smallest bladder and am already sick of peeing today... damn flavored water
- I wish there were an easy way to get healthier
- Three hours of Survivor on Sunday... get excited
- Winning the lottery would not make everything better, but it would make a lot of things easier
And on that note... I will sign off. Do you have anything random to ramble about? If so, leave a comment.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
- I am REALLY sick of the rain
- Those lesbians on The Amazing Race are vile people
- I love that the brothers won The Amazing Race
- It would be great if Chad's townhouse sold
- Betty White on SNL was awesome... I hope you did not miss it
- My wedding is less than 5 months away!!!!
- Sometimes, with certain people, you just need to let it go
- Facebook is really just a fancy word for gossip
- I am excited to go to New Orleans next month
- I actually have "blog followers"... how cool!!
- I have the world's smallest bladder and am already sick of peeing today... damn flavored water
- I wish there were an easy way to get healthier
- Three hours of Survivor on Sunday... get excited
- Winning the lottery would not make everything better, but it would make a lot of things easier
And on that note... I will sign off. Do you have anything random to ramble about? If so, leave a comment.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
I Want To Win
I do not ask much, but dammit, I want to win the lottery!! Now, I know there are people who say "You cannot win unless you play," which is true, but I do play. No, I am not a crazy ticket buyer, but I do purchase some occasionally. And I think it is about time I win. Granted, everyone wants to win, but we can't all win, so I will do everyone a favor, and I will win for you!!
So, what would I do with the millions? Well, it depends on how many millions I got. First thing, I would definitely take the pay-out-over-20-years option. That would give me twice as much money. I would also find an accountant, because I want someone to manage my money so I do not have to deal with it. I would also not quit my job. I love what I do, and would get bored without working. As to what I would buy...
First, both Chad and I would pay of all of our debt. That means credit cards, cars, student loans, houses, etc. Once that is squared away, we would start taking care of our family. Not everyone would get the same amount, but here is the time you would get out of something what you put into it. Invest in me, and it will come back 10 fold. Screw me over... you can go fuck yourself! I know AP wants a fence. Missy wants to adopt two children. My mom wants to be able to retire. All of those would be great. I have not heard from Chad's family what they want yet, but I am sure we could work something out.
Of course, there will still be plenty left over for LOTS of vacations/cruises, massages, theater tickets, and other luxuries. We will invest some as well, so we should be able to retire quite happily. And for sure, we would finally move to one of the many tropical places we have talked about.
But for now, all of this is a dream until my numbers finally come up. And when they do, we will all be better off. So... what would you do if you won the lottery? Let me know by leaving a comment.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
So, what would I do with the millions? Well, it depends on how many millions I got. First thing, I would definitely take the pay-out-over-20-years option. That would give me twice as much money. I would also find an accountant, because I want someone to manage my money so I do not have to deal with it. I would also not quit my job. I love what I do, and would get bored without working. As to what I would buy...
First, both Chad and I would pay of all of our debt. That means credit cards, cars, student loans, houses, etc. Once that is squared away, we would start taking care of our family. Not everyone would get the same amount, but here is the time you would get out of something what you put into it. Invest in me, and it will come back 10 fold. Screw me over... you can go fuck yourself! I know AP wants a fence. Missy wants to adopt two children. My mom wants to be able to retire. All of those would be great. I have not heard from Chad's family what they want yet, but I am sure we could work something out.
Of course, there will still be plenty left over for LOTS of vacations/cruises, massages, theater tickets, and other luxuries. We will invest some as well, so we should be able to retire quite happily. And for sure, we would finally move to one of the many tropical places we have talked about.
But for now, all of this is a dream until my numbers finally come up. And when they do, we will all be better off. So... what would you do if you won the lottery? Let me know by leaving a comment.
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Dells
This weekend, Chad and I went to the Dells. Instead of giving each other birthday gifts this year, we decided to do what we love most... travel. So, we took a quick weekend trip to the Wisconsin Dells.
Really, there is nothing that stands out to talk about. We stayed at Hotel Rome at Mount Olympus. The room itself was weird in that it had Pergo floors, not carpet. It did, however, have a HUGE whirlpool that we used several times. The hotel also had an indoor water park, that was okay, nothing special. Chad and I did learn, however, that hiking up all those stairs to get to a water slide, is definitely child's play, and adults should learn their age. None the less, we did several slides, and enjoyed their lazy river. They also had an indoor and an outdoor amusement park, so we did some roller coasters, and that was about it.
Food was fine... again, nothing that was to die for. I had good Chocolate Chip Pancakes at the Wintergreen Grille. Chad really loved the ribs he had at the House of Embers. We also had a restaurant deliver to us one night as we stayed in, watched TV, and used the tub again.
We also went shopping at the Tanger Outlet Malls. We both bought a new suitcase which we desperately needed. I bought a few new polos and Chad bought a new sweater and swimsuit.
So, overall, it was fun to get away and relax, but nothing so amazing we could not believe it. Still, I love travelling, and even these short weekend trips are great. Next up... a week in New Orleans in June!
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
Really, there is nothing that stands out to talk about. We stayed at Hotel Rome at Mount Olympus. The room itself was weird in that it had Pergo floors, not carpet. It did, however, have a HUGE whirlpool that we used several times. The hotel also had an indoor water park, that was okay, nothing special. Chad and I did learn, however, that hiking up all those stairs to get to a water slide, is definitely child's play, and adults should learn their age. None the less, we did several slides, and enjoyed their lazy river. They also had an indoor and an outdoor amusement park, so we did some roller coasters, and that was about it.
Food was fine... again, nothing that was to die for. I had good Chocolate Chip Pancakes at the Wintergreen Grille. Chad really loved the ribs he had at the House of Embers. We also had a restaurant deliver to us one night as we stayed in, watched TV, and used the tub again.
We also went shopping at the Tanger Outlet Malls. We both bought a new suitcase which we desperately needed. I bought a few new polos and Chad bought a new sweater and swimsuit.
So, overall, it was fun to get away and relax, but nothing so amazing we could not believe it. Still, I love travelling, and even these short weekend trips are great. Next up... a week in New Orleans in June!
Check back often for more Random Ramblings!
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