A Week of Thanks

This is going to be a great week! I'm in class this morning for our Graduation from my Leadership Excellence class. We've had 16.5 days of class this year (that's 132 hours) and it's been one of the most informative and enjoyable education I've ever had. We've discussed all kinds of subjects to help make us more aware and how to deal with different people, situation plus how to hopefully make a positive impact on others and our work. I love talking about it (as I love to talk just about everything in my life) so if you want to know more, just let me know sometime when you have some time to discuss;)

But After graduation tomorrow, I have the rest of the week off from work. I had a bunch of projects planned but I've already done them all. I have some things to do in the garage (hanging some shelves, tool racks, etc.) and some cleaning to do for my company on Thursday, other than that I'm catching up on some movies and some relaxation! I'll keep blogging though. Sorry for the lack of blog on Saturday, my modem wasn't connecting for some odd reason.

It's Thanksgiving week and my folks will be coming to Rochester and my new townhouse to enjoy a feast as only I can provide!! I love cooking! But in the spirit of the holiday, I'm using this week to remind myself how truly blessed I have been by God and how lucky I am for having the gifts I have and the family and friends (not to mention my MILLIONS of fans). So I'd like to share with you some random thoughts of what I'm thankful for at the moment. So just like we did in 2nd grade:

I'm Thankful For....

1) The Amazing season by Iowa State in football.
2) The loss by Missouri Saturday that would allow a trip to beat Texas if ISU wins and Colorado loses next weekend.
3) Rivalries and the emotions and camaraderie they create. Go Vikings!!!
4) That I was raised properly in a good Christian Home and taught the difference between right and being a Hawkeye fan.
5) That I am able to play bass professionally with La Crosse and create music with my friends in hopes of the glorification of God.
6) That my last concert is over without too many casualties. Read the wonderful review (and it's knock on the music) here.
7) JEN DON'T READ THIS ONE!!! Clay is finally gone from The Apprentice and I'm thankful that Randal was saved despite a minor screwup. Hoping that Alla is next!
8) That Chipper Jones is a real role model for our kids by giving up some of his salary in order to help the team effort financially.
9) U2 and the fact that they KICK ASS!!! There was a little blurb on them on 60 minutes last night that talked about the rock and roll vs the political activist side of U2, but especially of Bono. I thought it was interesting and Bono had a great line towards the end when asked if 50 years from now if they'd be remembered as a rock group, or for their political stuff. He said "definitely as a rock group since most of the political things we're fighting for will have been solved by then". I thought that was a cool way of saying it.
10) Harry Potter and all of you FREAKS out there who worship these books. I am proud to say that I have not jumped on this bandwagon yet and will never watch a movie or read a book..... and mainly just to spite my mother who thinks they are the greatest books ever written. Love ya ma! Just glad Harry can entertain all of you.
11) The fact that Hy-Vee is open 24 hours a day so I can do my shopping at midnight when there's nobody there in my way, and there are 30 stockers who know exactly where everything is when I can't find the Karo syrup or whatever else is on my list.
12) We are only 3 years from electing a new president. I wish I could fast forward time....
13) Slippers and blankets that allow me to keep the house cold and save money. I'll turn the heat up when you get here this week Mom!
14) My new Turkey Fryer to make the most kickass turkey ever this week for my Thanksgiving dinner! I'll let you know how it turns out but Pitzen promised to direct me towards a successful turkey!
15) And last for today - I'm thankful for God, Family, Friends, and U2.... not necessarily in that order.

Song of the Day - Hazel brought over the new Madonna CD Confessions on a Dance Floor which is pretty cool. I like how the songs run together creating a kind of DJ mix, or a more artistic feel to it. I like how Madonna also keeps redefining herself and she's probably one of the few artists out there that can do that. Reminds me of another band I've mentioned once or twice before that starts with "U" and rhymes with "U2".

Video of the Day - I watched a couple of movies this weekend to discuss, but the first was Madagascar which was the cartoon with Chris Rock and Ben Stiller in it. Again, I still don't like Ben Stiller, even when he's a cartoon character. It was cute and I'm sure kids would like it, but wasn't as good as I was hoping. It's always hard to measure up to The Incredibles though!!!

Webpage of the Day - I'm not a fan of Pink but this was kind of funny. Why you'd name your dog "F**ker" is beyond me but whatever.....

Have a great Thanksgiving Monday!!!