The Wife's Birthday

I took the day off for my wife's birthday so we can spend time together. We went to Madison to stay the night at a hotel, and while there we went to see the musical Church Basement Ladies at the Overture Center. The next day we went the Milwaukee County Zoo. She loves going there and really wanted to go again, so that was our ultimate birthday destination.

Overture Center

I wish that I had been to the Overture Center before, because it is really easy to get to: take I-90 to 151S and ride all the way to the other side of the Capitol, and you're there. The Overture Center is a beautiful building - large, clean and stylish. We are going to make it there more often. A Russian ballet troupe will be coming as will an Opera or two. I have always wanted to see and Opera just out of curiosity and to say 'Been there. Done That.'

This was one of the times that we were going somewhere and not rushed. We got there early so we could walk around a little bit and pick up our tickets while not in a dead sprint. =) Of course, it is all my fault if we are. =)

There was some fantasy art displayed on a wall, by who I will assume is as local artist, that was phenomenal. Most were done as pencils. They were a very classical Brothers Grim sort of fantasy. Very cool. Very expensive.

Church Basement Ladies

This was an interesting musical. It is based in a Norwegian Lutheran church in Minnesota during 1964 and 1965, and based on real life experiences of the writer of the book that the musical is based on . It stars a man who plays a priest and 4 women as the church basement ladies, and that is all of the cast. The whole thing is set in the basement and no where else.

The time went really fast. The musical was about 2 1/2 hours including break and it did not seem more than an hour of time passed. It was quick and funny.

Milwaukee County Zoo

We got there at probably 11:00 after driving from Madison. The day was overcast and not so bright. We worried a little bit about it raining. I talked to my mom and sister on the phone during our trip there and they had received some rain... so we remain concerned. The impending clouds taunting us as we go.

The zoo, as always was cool. So many wonderful and beautiful creatures. We had the pleasure of petting and feeding Stingrays. That was very cool! Tanya was a little bit afraid to touch it, but in the end she braved it.

It rained lightly for about 10 minutes and then later, a little more that an hour before closing, it it rained consistently hard. We braved since we had an umbrella handy, but at that point the animals were not so cooperative.

Tanya has made the time to post some pictures of the Milwaukee Zoo for you. The site is in Russian but the controls should be pretty self evident

Ordination Anniversary

Today will mark the first full year that I have been ordained by the Universal Life Church. Since that day I have performed 2 weddings which has been a heart warming experience. It is wonderful to be apart of this rite of passage with these families. It is hard to put into the words the joy of performing weddings and participating and witnessing their passage and vow to one another.

Being ordained also has me asking a lot of questions about religion and and priests and exactly what it means to be a Priest, Father, Minister, Pasteur, Reverend, etc...

I will also probably pick up a few more weddings or other rites this year as well.

Angel's Day (Holiday)

I started a holiday some years ago called "Angel's Day" on May 7th to celebrate the wonderful people that have made a huge difference in my life. Those friends, family, co-workers, or just people out of the blue that have come through for you like an angel in that moment or moments in your life.

Take some time today to tell those special people in your life that they are special and that those moments made a big difference for you and for that you are thankful.

What we did for 'International Womens Day'

We have ordered 2 older IPods - one for me to work out with and one for Tanya to travel to Belarus and potentially for Yoga. I also ordered for Tanya a memory improvement CD set which she has been wanting. I brought flowers and some candy for her as well.

In the morning Tanya taught Yoga and then we went to eat at IHOP where she loves their Blintzes. After that we went home and watched some TV. Later on that night we went to see the movie 'Step Up 2 - The Streets". Good movie - more on that in another post. To end that day we went to Kahunaville for a little dancing and then to bed. A good day.

Happy International Womens Day!

To all of you ladies out there "Happy International Womens Day". For my beautiful Belarussian wife this is one of the biggest holidays for women in Belarus. It is a powerful holiday all throughout the former Soviet Republics.

Name Days

'What on earth are Name Days?' you ask. I have never heard of it before I met my wife and all of our Belarussian friends and family as it is not something that we celebrate here in the United States.

According to Wikipedia's 'Name Day' Article:

Name Days are a tradition of attaching personal names to each day of the year, and celebrating the association of particular days with those for whom that day is named. It is common in many parts of Europe. The tradition originates from the Christian church calendar and the tradition to name children after saints, although in many countries there is no longer a connection to the church.

According to My Name Day my Name Day is July 25th. Behind the Name Days has some more background info on Name Days. Name Days are as good a reason as any to take the day off and break out the wine and (Russian) vodka. All you Americans out there take the time and surprise your partners by celebrating there name day.

Happy New Year!!

I am gong to post a little about our New Year experience. As some of you may have gathered my wife is Belarussian and we have quite a few Russian friends. In the former Soviet Republics the dominant religion is Russian Orthodox and Christmas is not the biggest holiday of the year. It seems that New Years is the big holiday for them, and not only that but the Russian Orthodox Christmas is January 7 (not December 25, which I think stems from the fact that they have kept with the Julian Calendar instead of the standard Gregorian Calendar for some religious practices).

I have heard that for New Years people get dressed up in costumes and go from house to house, have large meals, get together with family and friends, and give presents on New Years. Their Christmas (January 7) is more like a subdued Thanksgiving here (as I have been told).

We had some friends over, which totaled approximately 6 people at our house for our New Years celebration, with me being the only native English speaker. =) Tanya and a coworker finished with work at about 23:30 (11:30pm) or so and we went to pick them up getting home with enough time for them to relax a little and prepare to have some fun. The girls did a lot or preparation during the day while I was at work, and did most of the cooking after they finished work.

I spent some time redesigning my church's website while the cooking was being done. There was not so much I could do to help them cook. I asked a few times, but they firmly had everything in hand.

Once everyone got home and changed we ate a little, drank, and prepared for midnight roll around. Once it did we tried to watch it in from a recording in Belarus via the internet and then watch it live on TV in New York. We all drank and toasted, once we were able to get the bottle open. Following that we all exchanged gifts which was cool. Then we closed the night by watching 'Save the Last Dance' Both my wife and her coworker had danced a lot and they love dance movies. Since there were 2 guys and 4 girls present we certainly weren't going to be watching a guy movie. Earlier, while the girls were taking care of the cooking and food preparation, the guys were watching 'The Crow' which is a hell of a great movie.

Our New Years was relaxing and quiet, and was spent with good people.

A Christmas Gift

This was written in 4 parts. Each two lines was written to a specific person and written in a card for them, and each was meant to fit into this specific little Christmas Poem. I was in the military and at sea when I wrote this, perhaps during my cruise to the Mediterranean in 1995, somewhere around there.

To my close friends and family on this holiday season
Warm tidings I send to thee

Upon this Christams season I think of you often
Reminiscing of our times together both happy and sad

Remembering the warmth of your words and embrace and never wavering in support

Remembering the gifts traded of both heart and wrapping but your loving presence is by far the best

Longing and treasuring the closeness that time and distance may bring

Wishing at every moment I could be with you this holiday
To share in the revel found only in the tidings of St. Nick

Being so far away and unable to give to thee the gifts I wish I send thee a present of heart and soul, of love and friendship in the prose contained herein.

James O'Neill, Winter 1995

Gift Cards?

So, we have this ephemeral gift for the lazy called the 'Gift Card'. Why would anyone inflict this scourge upon another especially during a holiday when we should be extolling love, family, friendship, and companionship. It is like saying 'Here. Go buy your own damn gift as I cannot be bothered the moment or three to think of buying a real one for you.'.

Oh, and it gets better. Not only does the giver not care so much, but the receiver has to take the time to pick out their own gift. They have to take the time to decide what to get out of the vast plethora of things that the store has to offer. The moral and intellectual quandry that this incites is painful and stressful. Why are you trying to inflict this state upon another that you care enough to think about getting a gift for. Surely they are at least semi-important to you and you might care about them at least a little bit. Happy Freak'n Christmas. Muahahahahahahahahah!

The hapless receiver will be going through the following 'How do I choose the best use of this gift card? Do I buy something with it that will use it up? Should I save it to buy something later? Do I buy something that is more expensive and foot the rest of the bill? Do I buy something that I want or something that I need? Which will make me feel less guilty?. Maybe I should use this to by something for someone else?'

All I have to say to you gift card buyers out there is 'You sadistic and lazy bastards. Go jump in a hole.'

Just so I can put this whole rant into in perspective for you. This Christmas we bought gift cards for everyone on our list. Have a great day. ;)

Christmas Review

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve and the weekend was spent with my sister's kids at my parents house. Tanya and I spent as much time with them as we could. We played Euchre, Rook, and Hearts for card games. This was the first time that my parents and Tanya and I had played Hearts and it is a lot of fun. We all derive some sort of a sadistic satisfaction by passing our worst cards over to our loved ones. These moments are great to foster love and nurturing feelings over a holiday together by screwing each other with the most heinous and vile cards you can muster from you hand! Muahahahah! =)

We gave the kids all of our gifts for them and their parental units to have for their present opening time as they left late on Christmas Eve. We sure do miss the munchkins when they are gone. =(

I had to shovel our driveway a little bit and that was a 2 hour ordeal that was tiring. I will have to buy a snow-blower some year. Ugghhh! Shoveling is one of the joys of home ownership that I could reeeaaaaalllly do without.

I also assisted Tanya in cooking deserts for Christmas Day at my parents house. We spent about 2 hours at the really bus Walmart shopping and fighting our way through the lines and about 4 hours cooking. Our cooking experience is as we could imagine persons cursed to never cook something right again. Everything went wrong. We started over at least twice and had to readjust the Belarussian recipe (which was given in grams and not cups) several times. Things just did not work out and we were tired and frustrated by the time we finished 4 hours later. Tanya was really cranky and frustrated. My poor little bundle of stress.

Christmas Day

I woke up early to go pick up Grandma and to take her to my parents house. During the drive there I called a bunch of people to say 'Merry Christmas!' and ended up, as I do every year, inviting some of our friends over to partake in our family's Christmas gathering. I had 4 potential takers and decided to stop at that.

After dropping my Grandmother off I then went home to take a shower and to prepare to go over there. We finished getting ready, got our stuff together and went over. Shortly after getting there at about 11:45 (11:45am) I realized that we forgot our camera and so I went home to get it while Tanya helped Mom with preparation.

Shortly after noon everyone had arrived and we were eating my mother's excellent meal and our accursed deserts. They did not quite taste as they were intended so everyone tried and a few had a small helping for seconds.

Following stuffing ourselves we played a whole lot of Ping Pong and Euchre. It was a great time filled with great friends and family, just the way it should be.

Were we missing people that needed and wanted to be here with us? =( Yes, we definitely were. It is times like these that make us feel that loss ever more so than our everyday lives. Those people that are so very special to us and who we miss even when they are only in the next room. Maybe some day that hole can be be rather permanently filled or repaired as we conquer life's most unfortunate situations and our own short comings and life's curve-balls.

Thoughts About Christmas and Holidays

As I am growing older I have begun to look at and expect different things from holidays: birthdays and Christmas, etc. In the US everything is so commercialized it is almost painful. Societal expectations for big gifts and great parties are the norm and I am afraid that what real counts gets lost in all of the glitz and planning.

For me, now gifts are not really important. What I really want is just is some kind words and to spend time with the important people in my life. Presents are nice, but the greatest gift is one that we can never buy no matter how much money we make - the gift of time.

I also do not want my children, when Tanya and I have them, to grow up with a commercial thought about holidays. Today, holidays are more about the money and gifts, and the real reason to celebrate is lost in the advertising.

When I was growing up my father asked me if knew what this or that holiday was really about and I appreciate that, and for me it served to punctuate the idea that many kids are lost in the presents and excitement and have no idea or appreciation for why we our nation is taking time out to celebrate.

Day of Angels

May 7th, Day of Angels, is a holiday that I have started to celebrate the 'angels' in my life. The special people that have helped me in times when I thought I was lost or needed that special touch or word. Take some time today to say thank you to those people in you life that have helped you, supported you, or have given you that uplifting moment to help you continue on or maintain hope. This is the day to say 'Thank you.' to those special angels in your life.

Life Update - Holidays

My Birthday

Wednesday night, My Wife said that we would stay up until midnight and that I could not go back into our bedroom. I was quite curious about this and I had no idea what she had planned. We watched two episodes of Friends, an episode of Studio 60, and something else while waiting for midnight. She was so anxious and impatient for midnight to come. Our Roommate was sitting on the couch with us working on finishing knitting her sweater.

A little before midnight we opened and poured some champaign for the three of us. They brought out some Mint Baily's Irish Creme and tried that. Delicious. Yummmy! ... and then a close friend of ours called to wish me a happy birthday.

Star Wars at Midnight

Before My Wife let me go into the bedroom to see what was in there she asked me what I thought was in there. I had no idea. =) After a few completely off-the-wall guessed I was finally allowed to go into the bedroom. I looked and saw my Star Wars picture hanging up and I was so surprised. I could not believe it. I just stood there smiling and pointing at the picture. I did not know what to say. I was so very happy. Why is this such a big deal? Well, I have had this Star Wars oil painting over my bed since I was very, very young. My mother bought it for me the year the movie came out. It is like 4 feet tall by 3 feet wide and is of the original Star Wars picture. When we moved into the house we went back adn forth about where to put it and, of course, it sat in the basement and did not end up anywhere where it could be seen.

And then they pointed out the wrapped present on the bed. I would have been more than happy with just the Star Wars picture over the bed, but there was more. =) I opened that and it was the special edition of the original Star Wars movies, which contains the original unmodified movies and and the reconditioned movies. Very cool! Shortly after a lot of hugging and kissing both of them we decided to go to bed.

The Morning

Mom called me at at little after 07:00 thinking that I would be going to work and that I had the next day off. We talked for a moment and she wished me happy birthday and then I went to bed. A little after 09:00 My Wonderful Wife came in and carefully and lovingly woke me up with kisses. I was still quite tired, and then she brought up the tray for breakfast in bed. She brought a peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich along with champaign and hot chocolate. What a great way to wake up.

Then I went into the living room and our Roommoate was making me a mudslide with the mint Baileys and was making popcorn so that we could watch one of the Star Wars movies. We sat down and watched the first movie. Very cool! =) My Wife and I then went to take a short bath and then a shower and there I found another present. It is called Pro-Active. It is a specialized program for acne which we saw on TV. Cool! Hopefully, this will help to remove some of the pimples I have.

Then we talked a little bit about what to wear to go shopping for shoes and after a few suggestion of this shirt or those pants, The Wife said "Don't you want to ask me what shirt you should wear?", which I do quite often. So I did, and she pulled out another present a medium blue cashmere sweater. I wore a white and blue stripped dress shirt with the cashmere sweater over it; the Belarussian jeans, and the brown shoes. Sigh!!

Shopping for Shoes

So we all hopped in our cars (The Roomate went in hers because she wanted to go swimming and give The Wife and I some time together) and My wife and I in my car and we went to go shopping. My Wife drove us, and she followed The Roommate who got onto I-90 going West which confused me because, as far as I remember, the Outlet Mall is near the Wintergreen off exit 92 and this was the wrong way for that. I could be wrong and and I was verbalizing this to My Wife and she did not say so much, mostly smiled and laughed at me. =) We took exit 87 and then we stopped off at Taco Bell for lunch The Wife and I ate, and our Roomate was not hungry having eaten breakfast and having popcorn and mudslide. Very cool!!

We then went to the Outlet Mall and The Roommate went swimming (at least I think she did). We started at one end and went from shop to shop. We looked for shoes for work and sports shoes as well as I need both desparately. We looked here and looked there. When we got about 75% of the way through the shops I got really tired at looking for shoes. We were at Sketchers and found some shoes there and they had a small sale. Buy one and get 50% of a second pair. I was somewhat ready to try something different in sports shoes. We both found a grey pair that we both liked but it was not in my size (10.5), and could only find an 11 which fit pretty well. There was another shoe that fit really well and we both thought it was ok. It is mostly grey with black trim and white laces and soles. We put the white laced shoes and some dress shoes for work on hold and continued onto the rest of the 25% of the mall that we wanted to look through, but I was like walk in and walk out. I was not so interesting in looking any more, The Wife was feeling a little bit the same, so we ran through the rest of the stores really quickly and then went back to the Sketchers store and bought the shoes. Yea!

Watching Star Wars Some More

We came home and The Roommate was home and we changed and started to watch the second Star Wars movie and we watched a little over half of it and then it was about time to meet my parents at Applebees (18:00). I was not really hungry. I was full on Taco bell, Mudslide, and popcorn, but was very much looking forward to seeing them and eating at Applebees again.

We then were getting ready to go shopping to Applebees - getting our coats on and Our Roommate gave me a scarf (brown and dark orange). I was so happy. This week I have been thinking about the black and grey scarf that she made me as well as my black coat. I was wishing that I had the scarf here to wear. They are so good to me. I was so happy.

Applebees

We drove to Applebees and met our parents at one of the small round tables near the bar. We hugged and talked and mom was a little bit teary eyed. Such a mommy. We talked and ate and laughed. I had the Bourben Street Steak, which I miss so very much. It was so hard to finish it, but I did. Yummy.

After eating we went to my parents to play Euchre. the Roomate was quite tired and sat down to watch some TV while we played cards. The Wife and I beat my parents 10 to 0, 10 to 2, 10 to 8, and 10 to 6. It was crazy how well things went for us. Before we left we ate the chocolate cake that my mom made. My parents also bought for me a cube of Mountain Dew and they took us to see the new James Bond movie "Casino Royale" with the new actor playing Bond which rocked. We then went home and watched a little bit of TV and then went to bed.

Christmas Holidays

Tuesday (Dec 19) We did the rest of our shopping. We bought some clothes for grandma and a fancy grey metal picture frame of The Wife and I on our wedding day.

I have been congested and on Friday (Dec 22) I called in sick and went to the doctor. The doctor said that it was most likely viral and nothing we really could do to help it. They gave me a prescription for an guyfensin based decongestant and sent me on my way. This stuff works wonders to help clear out my nose and chest. Great stuff.

Saturday (Dec 23) I did not sleep well at all. I woke up at about 03:30 and I could not get back to sleep until after 06:30 or so. I did not go to Karate and I tried to sleep in. After My Wife went to work I went into Baraboo to my friend house where a bunch of our gaming buddies are getting together to play a little bit and visit. We played a board game and then went to eat at Uno's in the Lake Delton. I was not hungry then, but I ate until I could not eat any more. It was good to see everyone again. I was so full when I got home - I brought what I could not finish and Our Roommate finished it when she came home from work.

Sunday (Dec 24 - Christmas Eve) The Wife has today and tomorrow off - Yea!!! In the morning We watched a little TV and started to cook a cheese cake. At about noon we went over to my parents house for lunch. My Youngest Niece was there and my parents had to take her back My Sister's at about 15:00 or so. We played cards and ate. They left to take the little one at 15:00 and we went home to prepare to go to a party tonight.

At about 17:45 or so we went to Deforest (about exit 126 towards Madison on I-90) to a small party that the couple that I play D&D with is having. We arrived a little before 19:00 and were the first people there. We brought a bottle of Merlot and Lambrusco. We left there at little after 22:00 when my friend Brian finally came. We talked for a little bit aand then we left. Tanya slept for most of the way home. It went well. Tanya was a little bit bored as was I. I knew only 3 people there, but it was good to get out and socialize. It is good for Tanya too. =)

When we got home Katia was there with Natasha, and a girl that she works with from Sundara named Tanya and we opened up a bottle of champagne and they snacked on some of the chocolate and Christmas snacks that mom made for us. We went to bed and they stayed up for a little while longer.

Monday (Dec 25) Tanya and I went over for lunch and we ate. The Roommate came over to eat at about 13:30 or so. She ate and we visited for a while, and we are going to wait until she finishes work to open presents.Shortly after that we played a game of Euchre and then we brought out a new game called Rook which is something that I bought for The Wife's birthday incase we had some spare time (not). We played two games of that and it is really fun. I almost like it a little bit more than Euchre.

The Roommate came over at about 17:30 or so and we opened presents. She left shortly after that to go chat with the boyfriend. We watched the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" which was good. It was not what any of us expected, but it was a good movie. We went home after that which was about 21:00.

Tuesday (Dec 26) I was not sure if I worked today and pretty much thought I did. I woke up and got ready as I normally do and went in to work. Whe I got there the parking lot was empty and was beginning to think I might not work today. =) I went to the court house and there was a sign that declared that we were closed Dec 25 and 26. Yea! So I went back home and the girls were up. We talked a little and The Roommate went to work.

We took an application for The Wife to the Wellness Center for her to teach Yoga. While we were in the are I stopped by Ho-Chunk where my friend, Brian, works to pick up my phone which I left at the party Saturday night. We talked for a little bit and then left.

We went to Kohls to exchange some white undershirts that Tanya bought me and they were having huge after Christmas sales. We stayed a little while and bought some clothes for both of us. Ugghhh!! Damn Sales. =) I got some pants for work and a new dress shirt. The Wife bought two pairs of warm pants for yoga and two shirts, as well as a pair of jeans that fit her really well.

The Wife and I went to Culvers to eat and on our way home we dropped of a small Custard Sunday for The Roommate while she was at work.

May 7th, Day of Angels

Siete de Mayo; Dia de Angeles; May 7th, Day of Angels - a new holiday started by .... Me. =) Why?? You Ask... To celebrate the Angels in my life. Find the Angels in your life... the people who have lifted you up when you have fallen, those who have given you strength when you were weak, those who have given you hope when all is lost - and thank them... Show them that their support made a difference! Tell them that without them and thier support things would have been very different.

We don't always know how the things we do affect people. We do not know how much we help and sometimes it is the little things, the innocuous things that we do that can give hope or inspiration - something as simple as a smile can renew the soul. There are Angels in your life find them, and let them know!! (I do not typically put personal stuff here, but I am making this an exception)

Celebrate the Angels that are in your life. I am happy to say that I ahve many that have made a difference in mine. This is third year that I have celebrated it and thee first year that I ahve made this public. So celebrate with me and spread the word.

Happy International Women's Day

To all of the women out there "Happy International Women's Day" We do not have it here in the US. My wife is Belarussian and it is a really big holiday there in Belarus and in the Russian Fedaration, and therefore a big holiday for me! It is kind of like Valentines Day for the Significant Woman(en) in your life and then a Sweetest Day for the others. Flowers, Candy and a really nice dinner for the wife/girlfriend type and then maybe a single flower for the rest.

• UN.org Info
• InternationalWomensDay.Com/
• Wikipedia's Entry

The History of the actual holiday is somewhat steeped in political turmoil and human tragedy, so let us all take the moment to remember that.

Christmas and Beyond

Christmas has come and gone as quickly as the agonizing preparation for that single day did not take. Somehow we decided what to buy for who. We endured shopping the day after Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas and those are tiring and stressful moments. It's either that or I am getting old! Hmmmm!!! Presents have been bought and exchanged. Family fun, food, and laughter has been had and now the season and year shall wind down and end with a huge bang for New Years.

Christmas was spent with my family and there was a lot of food and games to be had. We played some Play Station, ping pong, and (yes we had time for) 2 games of Axis and Allies - one on Christmas Eve and one the Day of Chirstmas. I will be the first one to tell you that I am tactically challenged and each game proves that. I do however learn something from it and my tactics change accordingly.

Our eyes and thoughts are very much on the near future: house buying, visas, schools/training for my wife, and a trip to Belarus. We are in the process of looking at my credit history, arranging for a mortgate, and having a realtor look for houses. There is so much to do and think about for our future plans.

The Past Year

The last year was also filled with many things to reflect and remember. I have spent a lot of time with friends from Belarus who have now gone home. Relationships have changed and been challenged. I have married and am looking forward to our futures together. We have traveled across the United States seeing many, many national parks. The past 3 years I have lived my life and every moment for my girls most of which have now gone home to Belarus, and I have married one of them. Now I look to living every moment for us.

The future is the past as it is reflected in the moment.

Happy Holidays!!

Happy Holidays and Merry Chistmas! In America this is perhaps the biggest holiday of the year where we spend a lot of money on presents and traveling. We will be spending Christmas with my family as will some of my friends. My mother will cook a wonderful meal and my sister's family will be there for a little bit as well! All in all there will be about 13 people present for food, football, and presents... and maybe some Axis and Allies. Probably not, but we can hope! =)

Christmas (December 25) is Belarus is not as big as it is here. Today they may get togther with family to eat and visit, but that is about it. Russian Orthodox celebrates Christmas on January 7th, which is still not as big a holiday as New Years!. New Years for them is the big Holiday full of drinking, presents, food, and parties. This is THE holiday for them that is a big as Christmas is for us Americans.

USCIS and Christmas Shopping

Monday was a really busy day for my wife (Tanya) and Katia and I. We made our way from the Baraboo area to the Milwaukee USCIS (referred to as throughout and formerly know as INS) service center to get Tanya's Biometrics (fingerprints) as a part of the immigration process.

We woke up at 05:00 and left a little after 06:00 for our 09:00 appointment for her to have her fingerprints taken. We got to the Milwukee area right in time for Monday morning rush hour. That was really cool! Not! We arrived at INS at about 08:40 with plenty of time to spare. We got there and were seen bascially immediately. In the ensuing mahem we were told that the her dirvers license was not valid as ID for the process because it has her maiden name on it the and the INS paperwork has her married name on it. So for the next 2 hours we go to kinko and have our marriage certificate faxed to us and then we were able to continue with the process. We were also able to get her Work Authorization stuff validated and should receive that in the next month or so. Yea! Nerve wracking as hell, but we are glad that is over.

Christmas Shopping

Following that stressful event we had the overwhelming desire to have a drink. Since that wasn't a real option the next best thing was to go Chrismas shopping at Johsen Creek Outlet Mall near Milwaukee. We arrived there at about 12:30 and stayed there until about 18:00 or so. Not having enough of shopping we stop in East Town Mall in Madison. When all was said done with 3/4 of a tank down we arrived at home at about 20:30 and a whole buch of Christmas presents. What is Christmas about anyhow?

Thanksgiving

My wife and some friends had to work pretty much all day. Not Cool! Bunch of Slave Drivers! I arrived at about 10:30 or so to help my mother out if I could and to spend time with the family. The rest of our family arrived a little after noon as well as a few other mutual friends arrived at about 12:20 or so. We ate pretty much as soon as everyone was in plave.

Mom made turkey, yams, corn, dressing, gravy, and a whole lot of other stuff. She had 3 pies ready: apple, a chocolate mousse, and pumpkin. A Banana Creme pie was brought as well. It was wonderful. It is a good thing that moms know how to cook or I think civilization as we know it might end!

We played a lot of Ping Pong I won almost every game that I played. Dad is my toughtest challenge. We usually have to play 3 games to see who is the winner of the set. We watched just a little bit of football as the Packers were not playng and have absolutely no hope for this season. Gaaaahhhhhhh!!! We spent sometime watching a dog show... very exciting.... Oi!!

Birthday Fallout

I feel great and had a wonderful birthday. Here are some highlights of the 2 day flurry of fun.

Sundara Spa

My birthday was awsome. My wonderful wife arranged for us to stay at Sundara Spa for the night which always great. After one day we are exhausted from relaxing and have had enough of water. It is our second time there and it always great.

Bon Jovi

We had lunch with my mother at Houlihans and later on that night we went to the Bon Jovi concert in Madison at the Kohl Center. That was the best concert that I have seen. They are great entertainers. They played version of quiet a few songs that were slower than normal. "I'll Be There For You", "Wanted Dead of Alive", and a few others.

He spent time shaking the hands and getting hugs from the crowd. He was mauled by a group of girls on the left side and came back for more latter on. There was so very much energy and excitement. The crowd sang a lot. They sang for 2 hours straight with no break and came back for a double encore. They had to leave the stage or they would have to come back for encore after encore becuase the crowd was not leaving unless it was clear that they were done.

My beautiful wife has taken the time to make the pictures that she took available on the internet. Beware this is a Russian site. =)

Supper with Mutual Friends

We had supper at my parents house with friend of ours at my parents house. Mom made deep fried chicken and a bunch of other stuff which is always superb. There were screw drivers, and Bailys Irish Creme being drank. We also played a lot of ping pong. Much fun was had by all.