Compliments of David Letterman

Top Ten Surprising Facts About Curling

10.Every year it's watched by dozens of people
9.Consistently ranked the world's number one broom-related sport
8.It's a lot like hockey, minus the speed and excitement
7.No number 7 - writer fell asleep while researching curling facts
6.Not to be confused with Norwegian sport "Carling" where you push a guy named Carl across ice
5.Longest match ever: unknown, because no one ever stays till the end
4.No number 4 - writer still asleep. Damn, curling is boring
3.Mickey Rourke making film about washed-up curling legend who comes back for one last big curl
2.Thing they slide down the ice is called "Thing they slide down the ice"
1.No one cares

These are a few of my favorite things!

No, this is not a 'shout out' to the Sound of Music. So, I hope you are not disappointed. Instead, it is simply a list of some of my fav things - and why they are. I love products - different kinds - and when I find something I love - I love to share it with all. I have thought about doing this before, but figured most people would not be interested. Well, today, I don't care. So, here goes - in no particular order:


This is my most favorite product by far. I started using it when I was pregnant with Berkley (so 6+years ago). It's called Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm. It used to be called Balmy Nights - and my sister-in-law (love her) used to make fun of me, because I would use it all day long. I am a lip balm addict - but I also am very picky about what I use. I hate when you put one on and 5 minutes later, your lips feel dryer then they were to begin with. This does not happen with Beauty Rush! I use it every morning, after I brush my teach, once or twice during the day (depending on the weather) and then before bed. It is so fantastic that I had my Mom send me a bunch from the States. I have one in my bathroom, once in the kitchen, and one in my purse. Also, it does come in tints. I have yet to try them out, but can't wait to check them out this summer.


Next is the Bamboo Prep Towels, from Pampered Chef. Since we are here, in Japan, there is a huge volume of Home Based Parties. What can I say, we get lonely for anything American. I have many items from Pampered Chef & I really like all of them. There are a few that I completely love! This is one of them. These towels are amazing! Let me preface by saying that, by nature, I am a Paper Towel Whore! I love the Paper Towel. I know that it is not very economical or environmental, but I love them. Partly because I hate having to dry my hands on a wet, stinky towel. Well, that has changed! I still have to use the Paper Towel for cleaning, but for drying I use these towels. They are awesome! Even, if you've just used it, it still dries. It's kind of like those car shammy things. But, white, pretty, and soft.


I have tried just about every mascara in the stores. I love LashBlast! I have been using it for, at least, a year and have had no desire to try anything else. They also have LashBlast Luxe, which has a shimmery look to it. I use that when we go to the Balls, etc. They have recently come out with LashBlast Length, which I am eager to try and compare.







Since we are here in Japan, we don't get a lot of options on the Tele. That make Hulu a popular site with many of us. If you have never checked it out - you should! There are tons of free shows to watch. It's so nice to be able to stay tuned to shows that AFN (Armed Forces Network) decides to not bring back. It's also one of the only ways we ever get a chance to see some shows. I love that no matter what, I can always count on Hulu to catch a missed show. Well, at least, most of the time - and without the dragged out commercial breaks!



Lastly, is my Kindle. Ed completely surprised me with this, at Christmas. Compared to most of my friends, I am not a huge reader - but I try. I love that it is so convenient. It's light weight, easy, and just plan cool! I had been checking them out - and wasn't sure if it would be worth it - or live up to the hype. But, for me, it has! Good job, Ed! I think this is the first time he 'out did' me in the gift department.

If you have something that you love - I'd love to hear about it. Like I said - I love products!

. . . and the winner is . . .

This is the 2009 Pacific Region Dental Command NCO of the Year! Ed had the opportunity to be sent to compete in the beginning of December. (Yes, December! I'm trying to catch up!) I don't think anyone was surprised by him winning. He worked really hard studying, working out, etc. The competition involves a test & essay, physical test, land navigation, combatives, and a board, where they are asked a ton of questions on various subjects. One gets points for answering correctly, their knowlegde of current events, their appearance & how well they carry themselves. Since he won that competition, he is now in Fort Bragg, North Carolina for the Dencom NCO of the Year. That is were all the winners of the various regions (the Army is divided into 7, worldwide) come to compete for the title of Dental Command NCO of the Year. His competition starts on Sunday and goes for a week. Hopefully, he will do well. He has really been preparing for it! Either way, he's our NCO of the Century!!!
As a side note - after Ed got back, he was helping out in Finley's class. Finley and a fellow student began to argue about whose dad was better. Finley won out when she said, 'No, my Dad is better! He even has the trophy!"