HMM 11

I found this one as I was walking out of the backroom of the store. There it was to greet me. Someone was just decorating and trying to show off the merchandise and created this wonderful little surprise just for me.

Have a Magical Hidden Mickey Day!

Fun with Cousins

Fun with cousins at Thanksgiving. How much icing can we actually get on the gingerbread house and train? I think they did a great job decorating and they got to spend some really fun time together. They also got to roast marshmallows in the back yard on my cousin's porch in the fire pit. Great memories are being made.

Something Frivolous...

I follow some great blogs and one of those is a woman that Jim met through facebook and then discovered that my sister-in-law knows her too. Supposedly, we go to the same church but we have yet to meet. I started following because Jim follows-- but man, she has some really great content for us gen-xer's. All of that to say---she's having a contest. She had people send her old Halloween pictures back in October and we're voting on the favorite costumes...so do something frivolous today and go here to vote for me.

Remember when you are voting that my friend and I worked tirelessly a on these costumes when were was 15, that my friend and I spent hours on these very original, creative, outstanding Campbell's Soup Cans. Remember that we did not win the costume contest at the church party, we lost to some "elderly" couple--not that I'm bitter. So please vote with my fragile ego in mind.

Have a great day! Happy Halloween!

In a New York Minute

It seemed like a regular Saturday. Even more regular than the last couple because I didn't have to work. We got up and started thinking about the day. Jim and I were fussing about what to do about a Christmas tree. I was griping because I slept (or didn't sleep) wrong and my neck was hurting. I was watching reruns of Gilmore Girls and Jenna was just crawling out of bed.

The phone rings----the caller ID reads someone from our Sunday School class---I'm sure it's just a reminder about the Chili Cook-Off that we were not planning to attend---then I hear from Jim "Oh No!!" and everything changes.....

A friend of ours has fallen from his roof and has a head injury, they have taken him to the head trauma hospital....

Moments like these always bring the lyrics of Don Henley's New York Minute to mind. I know... not too spiritual uh? But it always reminds me how quickly things can change.

Since that phone call I have witnessed the body of Christ to what it should do. They have rallied beyond what is normal. I have witnessed the wonder of technology in how facebook has brought this tragic news to people all over the country in a matter of moments. I have witnessed a Sunday School class without direction but with determination to pray and lift up a family and take a love offering when no one knew what else to do. I have witnessed a school community (a public school at that) arrange a prayer vigil in a moment''s notice to pray for this teacher/coach and his family. I've watched my husband remembering all the time he spent with this man while they were in grad school. Then I saw him volunteer to finish out the man's teaching session at SNU without compensation. The call of God's people is never as evident as when there is a need in a tragic situation.

The situation for this family is dire and we are reminding ourselves that we serve a God of miracles...but know that we live in a world of cruel reality. Please say a prayer for this family as you think of it, the road ahead of them is one of uncertainty no matter what the outcome.

What the heck is this?

I realize that these are the laziest posts known to blogger world, but I will have to say that this is all I've got for the moment. Until I get a little more used to working so many more hours this is all the energy I can manage. Besides my co-workers thinks it's funny and look at me like I'm speaking Latin when I talk about taking photos to post on my blog. So without further crap ado....

What the heck is this??

It's about 3ft long and maybe 6in wide--lined with velvet.

HMM 10 --I 've had a conversion!

I've had a conversion! Not the two point kind like you find it football. Not the kind that people experience when someone finds the Lord and becomes a Christian. Not the kind where they take a van chassis and add an extra "lid" to it. I had the kind where normal everyday people who have been exposed to my craziness for Disney have been so overexposed that they are now finding Hidden Mickeys for me and bringing them to me so that I can see them for myself. I love it!! My friends John, Stephanie, Katie and Lizzie have now come to the happy side of life, and I'll bet this won't be the last Hidden Mickey they discover. Here is a photo of their find. I bet you have one in your house too. Have a Magical Hidden Mickey day!

The dreams gone by...

Why didn't I have the confidence for Musical theatre when I still had the youth for it? My daughter is getting ready to audition for the all school musical which just happens to be "The Sound of Music" (insert big sigh of enjoyment here). This is my all time favorite. As a young girl I wanted to be Maria or Julie Andrews whichever, they were interchangeable to me. As a singer, this music is in the perfect range for me, at the time I thought I wanted to be a teacher, so the kids were an added bonus, dancing around singing was my favorite activity and who doesn't want to fall in love with the rich, handsome and some what aloof Captain?

So, now when I could possibly muster up the actual confidence to try out for a musical, alas my youth has passed me by. My voice still might be able to sing these favorites of my youth but I'm sure the wrinkles, creaky knees, arthritic fingers, and added 30 pounds will prevent me from ever capturing this particular dream. So I'm hoping to get to realise it through my daughter. I don't usually force my dreams on her but you may spot me in the back of the audition in my best stage mother voice reminiscent of Rosalind Russell in Gypsy "Sing out, Louise...do it for Momma!"

And now pardon me as I warm up my voice and get my hairbrush out to sing my best version of "My Favorite Things"

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.........



P.S. If you are following "What the heck is this?" we went with a knife holder as the use for this particular item. Watch for more "What the heck is this?" int he coming days.

What the heck is this??

Welcome to my new reoccurring segment. It seems only appropriate that a new job will bring along new segments and interesting human interest stories. I'm sure the great stories will come when I actually have two seconds to spend on the sales floor.

On a daily basis we will receive at least one pick up truck load of donations. These donations are full of all kinds of merchandise, to use the term lightly. There is always something in the boxes that has a questionable use. So today I bring the first installation of:

What the heck is this???

It is made by Sterilite, so we're guessing some kind of kitchen/office utility unit. Any of your thoughts would be welcome.