Let the Countdown Begin!

I cannot believe that we are one week out from Thanksgiving.  It is amazing how fast time goes this time of year.  This year we are switching things up a bit and heading for the OH, instead of the IA.  We haven't been 'home' to Bellevue in close to a year.  It will be great to spend Thanksgiving with my parents, my sister and her family.  What I'm looking forward to the most is making dinner with my Mom, I could spend hours with her in the kitchen.  I think that I'm finally starting to gain her respect alittle, because she will actually give me a task and then sit and the table while I do it, no longer is she standing over my back making sure I'm doing it the 'right' way. 

I know that all the stores have their Christmas stuff out, but Thanksgiving really signals the being of Christmas for me.  I am a devoted black Friday shopper, that really starts the shopping off.  I'm so behind schedule this year, I've barely made a list.  So instead of putting that together, I'm writing this, that's okay I work better under pressure.  So I've been thinking alot about shopping, so I thought that I would share my tips.  Many of you may have your own, I would love to hear them!

1.  Prepare.  As I always say "know the price you would pay today" as in if it wasn't on sale, that way you 
     will know what kinda deal you are getting.  Also, know is the time to start checking the ads, I know it's
     fun to look through them when you are full of turkey and have one more piece of pie, but it's better to get
     your strategy down now.  My favorite website for this is www.black-friday.net  it is great, helps you
     check out your favorite stores and even comparison shop.  It will also help you figure out what you
     'would pay today'
2. You will be what your wear.  It is important to dress for comfort.  I go with a 'layered look' that is so that
     you can shed them as you go; t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt (Ohio State, of course) and a fleece
     w/pockets.  Of course, make sure you where comfy pants, and maybe thermal long johns underneath (it
     can get really cold outside of Best Buy at 5 in the morning).  I don't carry my purse but I stash my cash,
     ID, credit cards and coupons (don't forget these!) in my pockets, so I'm not always worried about my
     purse.
3.  Buddy system.  My husband is always my buddy, we split up, conquer the store, and meet at the
     registers.  It also worked great a couple of years ago when it was so cold, we took turns waiting in the
     car with the heater on.
4.  Watch your fluids.  You don't want to lose your place in line to make a trip to the ladies room.  Also,
     there may not be a place to go, and it makes the cold so much worse!
5.  Finally, be nice.  Do not push and shove.  I've seen people fall over pallets, and scream and yell at
     everyone.  A DVD for $5 is not worth the hit to your Karma.

So have fun, stay warm, and enjoy the holiday and the shopping!  If anyone is looking for me, I'll be a Walmart at midnight on Friday, with my buddy and my comfy pants!

Later ~ Cyn

Getting their kicks on Route 66

Well, it’s official. We have a rockstar in the family. Last Friday, Jeff and I and a ton of family and friends headed down to the Kinetic Playground to celebrate the kick-off concert of the Red Bull Rock the Route tour. It is the first tour for Cody’s (that’s my awesome brother-in-law) band Young Jesus. They have been blessed with the opportunity to head down Route 66 (by the way, they did a great cover of that song on Friday) and play several clubs on there way to LA, where they will end at the Viper Room (don’t worry, he’s getting me a picture of the River Phoenix stuff). We are beyond proud, and Jeff hasn’t stop smiling since that night.

Can't even tell they are brothers, can you?

Did I mention it was a contest (you probably know that if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook)? They are competing against another band for valuable studio time. From what I understand, from Facebook and Twitter updates the judges love them, but they are losing out on the text vote.  So please text YoungJ to 72855 and vote for them, no worries it’s free. I totally promise that they rock!



Thanks…Cyn