I can’t believe I was close. I figured I had no shot because of the nationwide interest in the UpYourBudget treasure hunt that people are driving from far away to get in on the hunt. But it turns out many people thought the sticker was in the Plaza. I never got near there as I based my movements on the last video. I probably missed by less than an hour or two. Don’t know the exact time the winner found it, but I’m sure it was before me because I didn’t get to Hooters till after 10:00 am, and he already posted an entry about the sticker theft by then.

It’s rare that I do something on the spur of the moment. Having three kids has something to do with it. That’s okay because I’m a planner by nature, but it’s cool to do something completely spontaneous.

I learned that I could never handle being on The Amazing Race. Just this little hunt in one place had me jittery and feeling too competitive, and constantly feeling like I had to hurry. Surprisingly, I felt calm most of the time and took my time looking around. Sort of savoring the experience. I’d love to be on the show simply to see the places, but I could do without the rushing… however, if you want to keep seeing more places, ya gots to rush.
(more…)

In celebration of the launch of the new site, Astraware has a Play Anywhere Competition. The finalists are posted. Go for the loo (hint, hint). Pwetty pwease?

It’s holiday weekend in the U.S. and many go to the movies. I’m sure most are seeing Star Wars: ROTS (Paul saw it last week), but those of us with kids are taking them to see Madagascar or Kicking and Screaming. My kids saw the former and said it was funny especially the penguins. I reviewed the meryl.net articles: Kicking & Screaming Children’s Books, and I think the movie is better without having seen it. Reminds me of a quote I read recently…

“Never judge a book by its movie.”

—J.W. Eagan

Colleagues and I were talking about Star Wars. If someone who has not seen any of the movies (you know… like my two-year-old), should he start with #4 (Star Wars) or #1 (Phantom Menace)?

After discussing with many good points thrown in, we agreed starting with #4 was best. Not knowing some of the “secrets” while watching #4 and #5 evokes a greater reaction than if someone begins with #1. I’d rather react to Luke and Laura’s scene without knowing the real story. Think about it. It’d be a different response than if you had known beforehand. I’m not providing details on purpose in case someone reading this hasn’t seen them … though I would think that would be highly unlikely.

I was passed the musical baton by Krista Stevens.

Total volume of music files on my computer (just got an iPod, so it will change soon!):
159 songs – 274 MB

Last CD bought (I think!):
Mink Car – They Might Be Giants

Song playing:
“Everybody’s Got the Right” from Assassins

Five songs I listen to a lot (on a kick especially to block out speakerphone noise):
* “Everybody’s Got the Right” – Assassins

* “Ballad of Czolgosz” – Assassins

* “Unworthy of Your Love” – Assassins

* “Another National Anthem” – Assassins

* “All That Jazz” – Chicago

Stop laughing.

Five people to whom become the next victims… er… I’m passing this baton:

* Christine

* Robyn: busy prepping for big things… or rather, little things. But she loves Weezer.

* Dori

* Eric

* Jersey Meryl

* Pirillo

Feed the Kids Break

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Boy, I’d love to watch DDR Europen Cup. I’ve seen some of the advanced songs and I can’t imagine a person succeeding through those steps that require each foot having its own brain.

The DDR craze has arrived in my household. The kids’ uncle loaned them a PS2 and we’re kickin’ our heels with Dance Dance Revolution. DDR Extreme 2 is great. We wanted to get another to have more song choices, so I shlepped to a few stores and only one was available—DDR Max. I’m disappointed in it because the beginner (light) level is much harder than the one on DDR Extreme 2. Is there a different one we should’ve gotten? I went to Konami’s site and tried to search DDR sites, but they don’t give enough details to determine what would work for us lowly beginners. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

In this ultra-vain country of mine, we’re obsessed with our looks. See what happens after plastic surgery. Hmm… still doesn’t change my mind about wanting to do something myself.

Despite growing up playing TV video games, computer games, and handheld electronic games, I still love the old fashioned board game. The newest addition to the Snave family cabinet is Carcassonne. Haven’t played it yet, but I look forward to it. Thanks to my Secret Santa (Hanukkah Harry?). This was a wonderful and generous gift. Thank you, Secret Santa in PA! I will think of you whenever my family gets together and plays the game.

I think family games night is one of the best ways to spend time together as a family. I have memories of staying up past midnight working on puzzles during winter break from school. One year, a friend of mine came over to help and we stayed up till 3am working on a Coca-Cola puzzle only to find a one piece was missing. That’s OK, the fact I still recall it with a smile is worth it.

What are your favorite board games? I like Scrabble. I enjoyed playing Careers. Though it’s not a board game, I liked Electronic Detective, but I got scared of it because I didn’t like the gunshots at the beginning of the game. I was young and thought something bad was going to happen.

PETA folks, I promise no real cats are harmed in this addicting game. Play Cat Bowling. I bowl better at the alley than in this game.

When I am away from the computer and can’t do any work, this is what I am doing. I can’t stop playing!!! (249990) It’s been helpful as I’ve come down with something and am on antibiotics. So I sit in bed or on the sofa playing the game.