A Few Great Photos from Reno

Inappropriate Frowning from Squidward

Keri-Ann this is funny on so many levels

Kokopelli Greetings for John Smith

It's the empty chair where Laura once sat

(For Ruth only)

Mom and Dad-Happy Anniversary

I Finally Made It To Number 1

On Southwest they indicate the number in which you checked in on your boarding pass. (Note the number in the bottom left hand corner) A couple of years ago this was pointed out to me I started making a concerted effort to become number 1. Finally, yesterday when I checked in online I made number one! My previous best check in was number 9. Somebody throw me a party!

Too Much 24 For This Guy

In Vancouver last week a rather impatient father used extreme measures to get his realitves out of the house. When his wife's grandmother was protesting over him swatting his son he decided that she needed to leave. Apparently the grandmother didn't get up to leave right away and he felt the only option was to get out his taser and use it on the old woman.The entire article can be found here: http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/0126taser-grandma26-ON.html

I must say that I am glad that my husband does not have a taser. After reading this article he would probably start tasering everybody right out of our house. God help those that stopped by without notice, opened the refrigerator without permission or started a fire in the fireplace.

Tonight, Jack did a little torture on his brother. I personally think he should have killed that little weasel. Tonight's episode was almost boring until the very end. Jack was seen for less than 5 minutes during the first 30 minutes. I have to say though that Jack is looking pretty darn good, he sure recovered quickly.

Short blog tonight because I have to try out the new taser on James.

Blog on Dinner: A'Float Sushi

James and I have been wanting to try A'Float Sushi for quite awhile. Tonight, we finally went and it was an interesting place indeed.

Here is the overview: You sit around this giant sushi bar and as the chefs make the sushi they put it out on these boats that float around the bar. You simply pick up any plates you want as they float on by. The plate color or style indicates the cost of that particular plate of sushi. (It took this genius half way through the meal to figure this out).

So onto the sushi itself, it certainly wasn't the best I have had but it was fresh and decent. Would I go back? Potentially. David liked it, I think primarily because he knew what he was ordering. James liked it because he was able to try things that he might normally not have ordered. I was none to pleased because a spicy tuna roll didn't float by even once!

This is not an upscale Sushi restaurant and because of that overall, I would give A'Float Sushi a grade of "B". It is fine and probably an "A" if you are looking for relatively cheap sushi. David really enjoyed the Dragon rolls here and would give it an "A" except for the fact that the waitresses weren't nearly as good as J-U-L-I-E. (Note: Two weeks ago we had the most annoying waitress at Sushi Roku (named Julie). For the life of me I can't understand it (David finds most everyone irritating) but for some reason, David loved her. Again thats Julie, J-U-L-I-E)

The Missing Wallet Has Been Found!

The Phoenix PD is in possession of my lost wallet! I lost it on December 1st at approximately 7:30PM. I wonder if it was just turned in? Or maybe it just took them until 1/25/07 to catch up with their paperwork and send me a note? Here are a couple of interesting things I found about this:

• Two printed letters arrived: one was in English, the other in Spanish. The Spanish one was on top.
• I must bring my ID to retrieve the wallet. While it makes sense that you would need ID to pick up lost property, in this case they have the ID, so.............
• The wallet release process will likely take longer than 45 minutes. Nice of them to set this expectation up front.
• If I cannot pick it up I can get a notarized letter allowing someone of my choice to pick it up
• Silverio Q. Ontiveros is the Commander of the Property Management Bureau
• I have until 2/24/07 to pick up the wallet.
• After 2/24/07 it will be disposed of in accordance with Phoenix City Code (Article XVIII Section 2-301)

The Situation Room

On Wednesday when I approached the office that part of the Phoenix team works in I had to bust out my Pearl and take a picture of the new entrance to the room:

How cool are they anyway? They totally have the 24 situation room. I can tell you that if any team needs a situation room, they do. These guys are non-stop action (just like Chloe and team) and their leader (Dora) is constantly undercover and managing all kinds of dramatic situations. Extra big points too since the actual situation room was pretty clean :)

What Is Your Current Ringtone?

Historically I have used the Sex and the City ring tone. I think I had that ring tone on my last 5 phones (except the Treo). Ray M. loved that ring tone, every time my phone would ring he would break out his best Sex and the City dance. Seeing Ray dance, LOL.

Since my 24 obsession started (mid September) I have had the CTU ring. Well, last weekend I changed it up again when I downloaded Nickleback's Photograph. "Look at that photograph, it always used to make me laugh". Since then I have downloaded a couple more ringtones. Here they are:

Nickleback-Someday
Natalie Merchant-Jealousy
Sex and the City Theme
Gin Blossoms

At this moment my ringtone is Natalie Merchant's Jealousy

Today's Flight Home (From PHX)

My airport timing today was fantastic. My flight was at 5:20pm and I walked into the airport at 4:58pm. Looked up my gate number, walked to the kiosk, reprinted my boarding pass, walked through security (no wait) and boarded my flight at 5:11pm. (Right ahead of the "C" people)

Got a great window seat at the back of the plane, there was a quiet, keep to himself type of guy in the aisle and the middle seat was open. Listened to Natalie Merchant on my IPOD, caught up on my email. Flight was perfectly smooth.

Two warm and fuzzy moments during the flight:

(1) Seeing the RT Aging report from today! The best numbers we have ever had! You guys rock (I am so proud)!!!
(2) Reading a great Wikipedia article that was printed just for me. I have decided to become a Wikipedia contributor.

Let's Roll Out The Red Carpet for Miranda!

This weekend, Miranda is having the coolest birthday party ever. She is having a red carpet Disney party and I totally wish I was able to go to it. I have never walked on the red carpet but I bet it is pretty awesome.

The only thing that could make the Disney Red Carpet better is if Ashley Tisdale crashed it. Unfortunately, when I called her she already had plans otherwise she would have shown up for sure.

If I was going to Miranda's party (dressed as a Disney character) I would probably have to go as Cruella De Ville (sorry, I love the villians) or as Malafecent. I know a couple of people that are perfectly primed to go as the Old Hag in Snow White, it's like they have been waiting their whole lives for Miranda's party. (Miranda, can I just send them over?) Katie has decided that she would like to go as Nala from the Lion King. Here's my list of the posters on this board and who I think they should go to Miranda's party as:

You know what???? I started the list and realized that it might get people to hate me so I have decided against writing it. (I'll just tell Miranda what I was thinking) So here is my analysis of only the McKay family:

Miranda-Snow White
Rachel-Sleeping Beauty
Camdyn-Ariel
Jane-Belle
John-Goofy

Happy Birthday, Miranda!!!!!!! David and I hope you have a terrific day!

Jane's Birthday Gift....

Happy Birthday to Our One-Legged Friend, Jane

Earlier this month we had the pleasure of having Jane and her family attend the Rose Parade with us. I must tell you that I was a little worried that Jane would have trouble getting into the house (Even with my persistent nagging David was unable to get the ramp installed prior to her visit) but luckily she was able to hop in without any trouble at all. It's amazing just how easy she makes it look. What an inspiration!

While we were watching the parade I learned that Jane used to be on the flag team. What an amazing accomplishment for someone suffering this handicap! (Oh wait, is that okay to say? Maybe I should have said for someone who is a monopede or someone who is left-leg challenged?) I have since seen some shots of her in her flag uniform. She looked so great, it was hard to even tell that she was missing a limb. I think the fact that she carried the flag pole on her left side helped out a bit, it prevented her from appearing off-balance and she could also use it to steady herself if & when she needed to.

For those that think flags is the extent of her athletic abilities you couldn't be farther off. Jane is quite an all around athlete. I recently learned that while she was growing up, in Utah, she was a semi-professional snowboarder. I would love the details behind her success in snowboarding but I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable by asking "How can you be a snowboarder at that level with only one leg", the question is just kind of rude. When the time is right, I'm sure she will tell me. Jane is also is a very good soccer player and in recent years has become a referee for games in the Mesa area. It became obvious to me (after reading the McKay family Christmas card) that she puts alot of pressure on her children to play good soccer. Miranda must score some goals if she is going to be able to go to Disneyland this year. Couldn't you just hear her yelling from the sidelines? "Miranda, if I can score (goals) with one leg you certainly can score them with two" or "Do you really think it is easy for me to score (goals) with one leg? Not, so much"

I hope this inspires more people to let go of whatever ailments or issues they are having and continue to enjoy life. Whether you have lost a limb, suffer from bad or no hair, or are just not very attractive this should not stop you from living a fun and fulfilling life. For her birthday, we are setting up a foundation for Jane to help others, the foundation will focus on improving the self esteem of people in the community. Please note that people are already coming out of the woodwork to donate to Jane's foundation! Just today, I have received calls from the "Mesa Republican Party", "Salvation Army", "Arizona DMV" and the "American Society of Radiologic Technologists". Please be apart of this great opportunity! If you would like to make a donation, I would encourage you to pass by Jane's office and simply empty the change in your pockets directly onto her desk. We will make sure your money gets distributed properly.

Multiple Email Addresses

Yesterday, someone commented on the fact that I have several email addresses and "How many do I really need?" I wonder how many email addresses does the average person have? Let's go through mine for a second:

I have my work email:
Kim-@chw.edu
Kim.Thomas-@chw.edu
Kthomas-@chw.edu

While there are three work addresses they all go to the same place so I am going to count those as one. I also have my other work address: Kimberly.Thomas-@ps.net

Then I have my original email address that I have never wanted to cancel. (Note: If I check this once a year that is alot)
Kim1Champ-@aol.com

Of course I own the domain, Kim1Champ.com. I have two email addresses there but I never use them. Actually, you could send ANYTHING@kim1champ.com and it would drop into my kim1champ mailbox but again, I never read it.

Then I have my old junkmail account:
KimThomas88-@hotmail.com.

Also my old yahoo account,
Kim1Champ-@yahoo.com.

Next I have my two main-non work addresses:
Kim.Thomas-@gmail.com
TheChamp-@gmail.com

Kim.Thomas-@gmail is used whenever I have to sign up for things and/or buy something and of course I use it for blogging. TheChamp-@gmail.com is my main personal email. If you have stupid jokes and feel compelled to send them to me, send them there.

I also have another gmail account but it is a secret ;)

Gmail is far superior to all of the other accounts. It's easy to organize and includes email threading.

So in total I have 11 email addresses consisting of 9 email accounts, 4 of which are active. How many email addresses do you have?

Mom's "Wind" Warning

A couple of weeks ago I was in Sacramento headed to the airport when my mom called. She called to tell me that it was windy in LA and that my flight might be rough. At the time I thought she was just looking for an excuse to call me since we hadn't really talked in a couple of days. (We usually talk frequently, just ask James) After the call I said to my two companions "Mom called to say it's windy in LA and the flights are going to be bumpy, but really she just called to talk to me". Two of us laughed.

About two hours later when I was on the most horrific flight of my life I was thanking my mother for the warning. The flight was all over the place moving 300+ feet in vertical drops as well as jerking from side to side. It seriously felt like I was on a roller coaster. We even took a different route back into Burbank (first time that has every happened on one of my flights). I was completely unnerved but I was under control only because of mom's warning.

The trip back to Phoenix that day was equally rough. After it landed I received a text message that just stated, Thank God for my mom giving us a warning-tell her thank you. That little warning gave us all enough comfort to keep us calm while others were literally screaming on the planes. I called mom and thanked her on our behalf, I will never make fun of her weather warnings again.

Last tid bit-All my subsequent flights into Burbank have been windy and all have followed this new route.

Follow up to Automatic Paper Towel Dispenser

This automatic paper towel dispenser is truly one of a kind! The paper towel shown at the right was obtained with only ONE wave of the hand. Finally someone got it right. This was brought to us by Jenn from Staples. (How happy am I that Jenn took this photo?) Speaking of Staples how did you all feel about The Office episode from last week?

This reminds me: If others have good pictures or story ideas they should email or text them to me. We have very talented and resourceful readers out there. BTW: Misty, I gave Rachel your XM Radio on Friday night. Sorry for the delay. (Squidward, yours is on it's way too)

Happy Birthday Benny!

Happy 30th Birthday, Mr. Edwards!

Happy Birthday Becca and Mich!

Flash Back, 27 years...The famous Snoopy and Incredible Hulk cake.
(Also note those hideous green dining room chairs)

New Blog: Doomsday Clock

Tonight I bring you a blog that I did not write. This work of art was written by our favorite Christmas Tree Decorator and Padme impersonator, Queen B.

The following blog is entitled: "Doomsday Clock moved forward"

LONDON, England (AP) -- The world has nudged closer to a nuclear apocalypse and environmental disaster, a trans-Atlantic group of prominent scientists warned Wednesday, pushing the hand of its symbolic Doomsday Clock two minutes closer to midnight.

Queen B's thoughts...

(1) The most obvious first, of course. 2 minutes closer to midnight of WHAT DAY??? Wouldn't it be more important to pinpoint the day rather than the minute? I would much rather freak out for 1,440 minutes on Day X of Month Y of Year Z (assuming we made it all the way until the end of the day... it could be significantly fewer minutes than that if it were to occur at like 8:30am when I was about to start the daily ops call). Instead they would rather that I freak out every night at 11:52 pm wondering if the nuclear apocalypse AND environmental disaster were going to occur in the next minute.

(2) Who the heck let the scientist into the room to push the hand of the clock forward? Shouldn't we keep it more secure? Where is Homeland Security when you need them? Shouldn't the Doomsday Clock, which predicts nuclear apocalypse AND environmental disaster be their #1 priority? It sounds a lot more important to me than whether my 1 ounce liquids are in a Ziploc bag when I'm at the airport, which is their current #1 priority I believe.

(3) How does daylight savings time play into this? Especially with all of the changes to DST this year, I'm really concerned that we haven't thought this all the way through.

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Please read more of Queen B's words of wisdom at http://smbtamu01.blogspot.com/

Two Highlights from American Idol

(1) Scary looking chick:


(2) When one disaster asked if Simon Cowell would be his voice coach Simon responded: "I couldn't coach you. It would be like coaching a one legged man to win the 100 meter sprint. I may be a good coach but if you haven't got it, you haven't got it. (You all know how I feel about one-legged people so I just had to post this great comment)

Snow in Malibu

Today, it snowed in Malibu. Listening to the people in Malibu tonight on the news was entertaining. My two favorite comments (both from adults):

• The fun only lasted until the snow melted a few minutes later.
• The snow has made this the best day of my life (really, is that really true? If so, how pathetic)