Shopping Wisdom

I had the day off today, so I thought I'd relish the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping sans kids and sans husband. I discovered a holiday marvel, that I feel I'm obligated to share. Two words:

SHOP. NOW.

I went to about a million stores today. All of them had their shelves fully stocked with the newest and most sought after treasures. Stuff was literally falling off the shelves. And because of the expected decline of holiday spending the retailers are starting all their sales that usually start on Friday, BLACK FRIDAY, RIGHT. NOW.

I got stuff for like 50% off a sale price. It kicked ass. A toy store had buy 3 get 1 free ON ANYTHING IN THE STORE. Not only that, but the stores were abandoned, as everyone is more concerned right now with buying dead, frozen birds and stale bread. I cashed in BIG TIME, avoided the crowds all together, got amazing deals, and had unlimited selection. It was like being the first person at a garage sale.

I highly recommend shopping now. I'll never wait till after Thanksgiving again...

Walmart Debacle; Take Two

I had another holiday debacle with WalMart this morning. The same song and dance as last year with our picture for our Christmas cards. We sent them in for printing and Brian went to pick them up this morning. He got all the way to the photo center, waited in the line, only to be told he would need a copyright release in order for them to give him the pictures. Apparently, I didn’t have one online, so I’ll have to make a trip there to convince them that I actually took the picture.

As I said last year, I guess I’m glad that someone’s paying attention, but it’s still a pain in the butt. You’ll just have to wait to get the card in the mail for the picture…

Have a good one!

What I've Been Doing

I just saw that I haven't posted since like, November 9th or something. Earlier this month, my Grandpa went into the hospital with a very grave prognosis. On November 11, which ironically was Veteran's Day, he lost his fight. Obviously, we've been busy with funeral planning, and then funeral attending. My blog, nonetheless, has taken a hit. The funeral was this past Sunday, which was also the day that we left for Wisconsin Dells for our "vacation" to Glacier Canyon Lodge. It was supposed to be Vincent's birthday present. We still went, but with heavy hearts. I'll post more on that when I can find a pic that doesn't embarrass me in my bathing suit.
I was going to write about all the things my Grandpa did and was in his 88 years on this planet. I then realized that I would need a novel, not a blog, to accurately portray his life and what he was to so many people. Happily, we were all part of the decisions regarding Grandpa's care, and most of the family was at his bedside for his last hours, holding his hand as he went through the pearly gates. We have peace knowing that we made decisions with his wishes in mind, and that he didn't suffer. Literally, this was a man who went from installing a furnace in the basement of one of his many rental homes one day, to being gravely and acutely ill in the ICU the next. My Aunt drafted a pretty impressive obituary, while it only highlights a minute part of what this man has accomplished in his long life. After we attended the burial, with a Naval presenting of colors to my Grandma and playing of TAPS, we "drank to his good life" as he requested at Strongbow Inn. Thanks for all the memories Grandpa, and rest in peace.
George Joseph Puchowski, 88, a lifelong resident of Lake Station, New Chicago and Hobart, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. George is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Dorothy (nee Miller) whom he married on Valentine's Day in 1942: five children: Carol Puchowski and Janet Richmond, both of Valparaiso, George Michael Puchowski, Gerald Puchowski and Dan Puchowski, all of Hobart; four grandchildren, Michelle (Moises) Vallejo of Tucson, AZ, Jennifer (Brian) McDonald of Valparaiso; Michael Puchowski and Kaytlin Puchowski of Crown Point; four great grandchildren: Mya and Marley Vallejo of Tucson, AZ and Vincent and Jade McDonald of Valparaiso; and nieces, nephews and other family members, including Joanne Toigo and Lloyd Purchatzke. Preceded in death by his parents: Zachary and Albina Puchowski of Lake Station; sisters: Nina (Al) Waichulis of New Chicago and Ellen Needs of Lake Station; and brother, Theodore (Judith) Puchowksi of Hobart. George was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy during WW II and the Korean War as a Seabee. He was a lifetime member of New Chicago Paul Leon Wolek American Legion Post #454 and was elected First District Commander in 1953 and Commander of Post #454 in 1954. George was instrumental in establishing an American Legion Post #1 in Tokyo, Japan during the Korean War and was also a member of Lake County 40/8, Voiture 470. In 1976 George retired from U.S. Steel after 37 years as a roll turner. He was a 50-year member of Mensa International. Between 1958 and 1965 George enjoyed running bi-weekly dances for area teens at the New Chicago Youth Center. One of the greatest highlights of his life was being asked to deliver the Commencement Address for the Edison Class of 2006 on the 67th anniversary of his own graduation from Edison. George was a hard-working and generous man who loved his family, made friends easily, and was often seen with his beloved dog," Blue" and later with "Blue Too." George loved reading the morning paper and wouldn't start his day until he had completed the Jumble word puzzle over breakfast at one of his favorite Hobart restaurants. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fr. Blaney's Share Foundation with the Handicapped, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371 (219-778-2585) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (800-873-6983).

And, We're Back

We made it back from Colorado and are recovering from the aptly named "Operation Car Swap". I haven't even mentioned this in my blog or really even in detail on Facebook, unless you've really been paying attention. Anyway. Quickly because we just drove 16 hours (33 hours in a 3 day period). My sister has (had) an 05' Volkswagen Bug (a nasty, little car with a lot of warning chimes) and my mom has (had) an older Olds Alero (nice in it's day, but, uh, yeah...) Mom wanted the bug (I will admit, it's cute... just a little shocking after driving an Expedition for the past few years). So Sissy and her family met me and Brian in Colorado Springs with the bug in tow (by their new 2500 Chevy truck - much more practical). We drove the Alero, swapped cars, had a beer, and came home. Actually, the truth is not far from that story. We stopped by the property on Saturday for about an hour and a half, put up a sign (stand by - pics are coming tomorrow), visited Garden of the Gods, and well, that's about it. We found a cool little microbrewerey called "Trinity" that I thought had good ambiance (Bob Marley playing quite loudly upon our arrival), a "smoking" area with couches in the back, and a tree-hugging, dreadlock fitted waitress with a shining personality. Brian wasn't impressed - we went there primarily to try their unfiltered wheat beer, which they were out of till next month. Unfortunatley, we weren't prepared to wait a month, so we settled for a Belgian wheat that was mediocre. Sissy, that's the call you missed from me. I wanted to rub in the fact that we were dining at a place called Trinity with all kinds of stinky beers and an abundance of incense, Bob Marley, and dreadlocked hair.

I'll put some pictures up tomorrow. I'm in a funk from driving a mini-car till my brains popped right out of my head...

A Prayer Now Would Be Nice

My grandpa, who is almost 89 years old, was admitted to the ICU today. He has literally, never been sick a day in his life. We went to see him tonight and he looked sick. They say he's just kind of shutting down - I guess he's just finally gotten tired. This is a person who at his age is/was still laying carpet, remodeling bathrooms, and fixing leaking roofs. This is the same person who had to retire from the mill because he was getting death threats for working too hard from other union members. This is a person who has never bought anything with credit in his whole life. Just a week or so ago we were cleaning out one of his storage barns. He actually thought that we were all at the hospital to see my grandma, and was insisting that he get heading home about the time I finally left the hospital tonight. I'm sure he thinks there's some bolt that needs tightening, or maybe he had a poker game scheduled with "chili Bob". One of the smartest people I have ever met, a true Mensa genius, lying there with no idea what the hell was going on. One doctor said it'd be a miracle if he makes it 24 hours. Another seemed to think he'd be going home in a few days... either way, we could use a prayer, or whatever you do, sent this way...

Ok, that was funny

Vincent just saw my last post and asked, "Mommy, did you let that little girl borrow my sister's costume?"

He was referring to the fairy picture. How cute.

Halloweenies

Well, we survived another Halloween. We have about 399 pounds of candy upstairs, but couldn't have had a better night for trick or treating. In years past it's either been 20 degrees outside and/or 20 degrees and snowing. This year we got lucky and were able to go out in sweatshirts only. Score one for global warming. We had big plans to fill the cooler with um, soda, and drive the golf cart around, but the thing was DEAD DEAD and wouldn't move. It was only the day AFTER Halloween that we discovered a broken battery cable on one of the 6 batteries. No wonder it wouldn't move. Oh well. We walked off the calories from the sodas so I guess it wasn't entirely a bad thing...

Here are a few pics of us at the pumpkin patch and two of the kids in their costumes. I have a few more on my facebook page for those of you who are priveleged enough to be my friends!