RNC coming to town

The Republicans are heading to town. And I would like to run for the hills. Not purely because it's the Republicans (although that doesn't help), but because I'm tired of this whole convention mess before it even begins. For months here in St. Paul we've heard about how many people are coming to town, what roads will be closed, what businesses will be closed...We've witnessed the banners being hung and the streets being cleaned and spruced up with flowers. It's all nice, but I can't wait for this whole thing to be over.

It's not like the "locals" are encouraged to participate or even to observe. If you want to take a walk anywhere near the Xcel Center, you better be ready to be frisked by a Secret Agent. No thank you, I'll pass.

To be honest with you, I'm a little tired of politics in general. I'm tired of the rhetoric and political posturing. I'm not really interested in debating politics with others either. I know who I'm voting for. I encourage everyone to vote. But I don't want to get in an argument about it. My vote is no more important than your vote...my opinion is no more important than yours. I'm not going to try and sway you if you should think differently than me. I just hope you go out and vote.

Don't get me wrong--I think this presidential election is very important. And I really do care about the outcome. But I hope this election makes this country more unified rather than divided between two candidates.

The very nature of elections doesn't encourage that.

So during the upcoming week of the Republican Convention, don't be surprised if I bury my head in the sand. Wake me when it's over.

State Fair Trip #1

It was a good first day at the Fair...a little warm and humid, but the breeze helped keep things from being unbearable. We got to the fairgrounds around 10 am and stayed till 6:30 pm--over 8 hours at the fair! We were exhausted when we got home!

We enjoyed some of our favorite treats--pork chops on a stick, malts from the Empire Commons bldg (frequently referred to as the "Dairy Bldg"), shaved ice, mini donuts and of course, a foot long corn dog. I'm looking forward to my next trip to enjoy some treats I skipped the first day.

We made the full circle of the grounds, probably more than once. We made quick trips through the Fine Arts, Creative Activities, Horticulture and Education buildings...planning to return for longer visits when the weather is a little cooler. Somehow Joel convinced me to ride on the Sky Glider again this year...it left me a little queasy at the beginning, but you do get great pictures from up there (which I will be uploading soon).

The International Bazaar has been rebuilt...and looked awesome. The Twins tent moved to a better location...close to the International Bazaar and next to the FSN North tent.

Even though I'm fighting a cold, we're planning Trip #2 for tomorrow. We'll be taking my mom and Joel's daughter along with us. This won't be a 8 hour trip, but it should be a great day nonetheless.

Tomorrow, tomorrow...I love you, tomorrow...

Tomorrow's the BIG day: the first day of the Great Minnesota Get-Together; also known as the STATE FAIR. I have purchased oodles of discount tickets, as well as 2 coupon books. My camera has been cleared of all old photos and its battery has been charged. I am ready to go.

I am a bit concerned that I have a bit of a sore throat, but I think that can be attributed to the screaming I did at the ballgame today (Twins win 3-2, but those dreaded White Sox continue to win as well).

Hopefully, I'll fall asleep quickly tonight, so that we can head out fairly early tomorrow (9 am?). I already know what our first stop at the fair will be: pork chop on a stick.

Yum!

Fair Time

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Anyone who knows me, knows that I live for the fair! And it's almost Fair time!

The Fair opens on Thursday, August 21...and rain or shine, Joel and me will be there!

Just to help get you in the mood, here's a montage of photos from our visits (I think 5 trips) from last year.

Oh, and I found a blog of a bigger Fair fanatic...check it out at www.myprontopup.com.

The Office Max Rubberband Man

As promised, the Office Max commercial featuring the Rubberband Man. Enjoy!

Hump Day present

Call it my "Hump Day" present to you--The Spinners performing Rubberband Man on the Midnight Special--another blast from the past, courtesy of YouTube. (This could become a weekly tradition). Check out the outfits...and hang in there till the end when they pull out the rubberbands. I'm not lying!

This is a song my high school band played for years. I can't hear the song without thinking of this small-town band playing "Rubberband Man" marching down Main Street of rural America.

Office Max did some very fun commercials a few years back featuring their own Rubberband Man...maybe I'll bring you that tomorrow.

Until then...

Date Night on Monday

Joel and I generally have "Date Night" on Friday. It's something we stuck to once we were living together and not "dating" any longer. Sometimes we don't do all that much, but it's a night reserved for the two of us.

Tonight, quite spontaneously, we found ourselves in the middle of what felt like a Date Night.

After work I wanted to head to a bookstore and before that, we grabbed dinner. The weather is wonderful tonight...a cool breeze providing welcome relief from summer heat.

We normally drive past Como Zoo on our way home and initially decided to stop to take a walk. Then I had the idea of playing miniature golf.

We got started on the course just before a HUGE group walked up. This was the first time Joel and I have played miniature golf. Joel took an early lead, then I pulled ahead by the 9th hole. But a few shots later, I was again falling behind.

In the end, Joel was the winner...although, I want a re-match.

We wrapped the evening up with a stop at Izzy's for ice cream.

Now that's what I call Date Night.

A blast from the past...

This morning on my way in to work I enjoyed singing along to an old Paul Simon song "You Can Call me Al". Yesterday it was Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways to Leave a Lover". Some time ago, when I was still working at the Y, me and another person started singing the chorus to that song...and the younger crowd were a bit dumbfounded. Paul Simon has a knack for writing nearly nonsensical lyrics to little ditties that you will remember for years. And they more often than not bring a smile to your lips.

So, as I was listening to the song this morning, I remembered how much I loved the video to this song. Paul Simon, along with Chevy Chase--who sings as if he's Paul Simon. It's a very, very simple video, but Chevy Chase makes it funny. Simon keeps a straight face...until the end, where he cracks a smile.

So thanks to Youtube, I'm bringing you this video.

Hope it brings a smile to your day. Sit back with a diet coke, if you have one, and enjoy.