...because somebody had to do it.
Just kidding. Have a good one, Daniel.
Matt
P.S. new slide show feat. Daniel
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
MY AMAZING TRIP!
Hey, fam! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far because I sure am, especially this past week I spent in Atlanta with the wonderful Lincenbergs! I had so much fun spending time with just the girls (and Uncle Shel). Everyday was funfilled and packed to the limit with excitement. All the Lincenbergs so kindly took time out of their days to spend time with me, but it was easy to see they all have hectic lives. I loved the constont friends and action happening at the Lincenberg house, and there was no doubt it was very different from the Ettleson lifestyle.
First things first. Packed and ready to go, I said good-bye to Mom, and Dad and I were on our way to O'hare airport. We were able to cut right past the long check-in line, to a short line were they allowed Dad to accompany me to the gate. We found our gate, devoured a huge Cinna-bun, and it was time for me to board. Good-bye Chicago, hello Atlanta! The plane fortunately took-off on time, and with a smooth flight, I landed safely at the Atlanta airport. I walked right of the ramp be warmly welcomed by Aunt Julie and Paige. Yay! I made it! We went to get the luggage and we were on way...to Subway! After Paige very maturely ordered 8 subs to go over the phone, we stopped at Kroger (the grocery store) and picked up the sandwiches. Little did I know, tonight we were going to Stone Mountain! We continued to the Lincenberg home where I was hugged by 4 more, Uncle Shel, Kim, Devin, and Jamie. But wait there's one more! Jonathon, Devin's boyfriend, was already at the house, and I learned that I was the second Slaw cousin to ever meet Jonathon (BJ was the first). We caravaned over to Stone Mountain were we saw a huge "mountain" of limestone" and an unforgetable lasershow. By the time we arrived back at home, everyone went straight to bed.
On Sunday morning, Aunt Julie made us butterscotch and chocolate chip waffles. They were delicious! In the afternoon, we toured the World of Coke. I have never tasted such a variety of drinks in my life! I also liked the commercial room where they showed many old Coca-Cola commercials. Of course the heavy rain and storms slowed down the travel time, but we managed to stop at Roaster's were we had the most incredible hostess. I will never forget her, or maybe it's because she was Devin! We also fit some Singstar, ping-pong (Paige-pong), and fooseball in as well.
On Monday, Paige and I made ourselves breakfeast and soon we were off to the neighborhood pool. Aunt Julie joined us when she returned from work. After our relaxing afternoon, it was off to Kroger to get tonight's meal. We were joined by two of Kim's friends for a dinner of spaghetti. Yum! I can't exactly remember if it was this night or last night that we watched My Best Friend's Wedding, but we watched it. We also rented P.S. I Love You and watched that which ever night we didn't watch the other movie. Although I fell asleep during this one. Ooops.
On Tuesday, Paige and I played a few games, watched a little TV, and we were headed to the ortho. After waiting a few minutes we continued to the Perimeter mall, conviently located right across from the W hotel that most of us stayed at just a few short months ago. Paige and I each bought something, and then, I saw this one coming, Aunt Julie couldn't resist from buying us matching shirts. You'll see them at Camp Slaw, don't worry. Aunt Julie also bought us Frappuccinos from Starbucks-very good! We stopped and visited Kim at the Atlanta Scrapbook Connection (where she works), and Paige picked up a few things. We stopped at Kroger to prepare for a delicous BBQ dinner.
On Wednesday, we woke up bright and early, around 9 am. We put our bathing suits on and grabbed some towels because were all ecstastic about our day at White Water! We went on a bunch of really fun rides. The Tornado was my favorite! Featuring a short yet steep drop and a side to side thrill ride, the Tornado was nearly an hour wait. Finally it was time to go home. We popped Paige's Bat Mitzvah Video in the DVD player and Kim made us all pizza.
On Thursday, I went with Aunt Julie to unfortunately her last tennis match. She played doubles, and I was very impressed. I has so much fun, especially since right after I got to play tennis at the neighborhood courts with Aunt Julie, Kim, and Paige. Then Paige and I went to the pool until it was time for our Girl's Night Out. Aunt Julie and Uncle Shel went out, Jamie was home on her day off, and the five of us went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. After, we just hung out at the house, and I played with Joey the gerbil.
On Friday, we spent a lot of time at the pool just fooling around and having tons of fun. Then with a little minor miscommunication we finally made to Nancy's Nails for a relaxing and enjoyable pedicure. Then we made on last trip to Kroger. Devin and Kim were out and about, and a wonderful Shabat dinner was prepared. We lit the candles and enjoyed a beautiful dinner. After, Paige, Aunt Julie, and I went for a "power" walk. We deserved ice cream so we drove out to Carvel. Mmmmm. To finish the day off the four of us watched Juno in their theatre.
Unfortunately Saturday came and it was the final hours, but we made the best of them. Aunt Julie made Rocky Mountain Toast. Then, Devin, Paige, Aunt Julie, and I went the Northpoint mall. We shopped around for about an hour, and came home to quickly change and head for the pool. After spending about hour there, we came home, and I finish packing up. We began our trip to the airport, but it was soon halted by heavy traffic. Jack, the GPS, helped us get out of our tricky situation. We got to the airport in the knick of time and ran to check-in. We raced to the gate only to find my flight had been delayed a half an hour. Ha! Finally, I said good-bye and boarded. My flight was further delayed while I was on the plane, but eventually I made it home. Dad was waiting at the gate and we both gave a big hug. I had so much to share with everyone, and I hope this got the job done for most of you.
Love, Lizzy
P.S. Thanks Jamie for taking your days off from camp counseling during the week I came to visit. I was really glad I got to see you. For those who don't know, Jamie is a counselor for Barney overnight camp so I didn't get to see her as much as the others, but I was happy to see her for short while than not at all.
P.P.S. As Paige has mentioned, she is running a very successful business by caring for people's homes in their absence. I enjoyed tagging along to all of the different houses and playing with their adorable pets.
First things first. Packed and ready to go, I said good-bye to Mom, and Dad and I were on our way to O'hare airport. We were able to cut right past the long check-in line, to a short line were they allowed Dad to accompany me to the gate. We found our gate, devoured a huge Cinna-bun, and it was time for me to board. Good-bye Chicago, hello Atlanta! The plane fortunately took-off on time, and with a smooth flight, I landed safely at the Atlanta airport. I walked right of the ramp be warmly welcomed by Aunt Julie and Paige. Yay! I made it! We went to get the luggage and we were on way...to Subway! After Paige very maturely ordered 8 subs to go over the phone, we stopped at Kroger (the grocery store) and picked up the sandwiches. Little did I know, tonight we were going to Stone Mountain! We continued to the Lincenberg home where I was hugged by 4 more, Uncle Shel, Kim, Devin, and Jamie. But wait there's one more! Jonathon, Devin's boyfriend, was already at the house, and I learned that I was the second Slaw cousin to ever meet Jonathon (BJ was the first). We caravaned over to Stone Mountain were we saw a huge "mountain" of limestone" and an unforgetable lasershow. By the time we arrived back at home, everyone went straight to bed.
On Sunday morning, Aunt Julie made us butterscotch and chocolate chip waffles. They were delicious! In the afternoon, we toured the World of Coke. I have never tasted such a variety of drinks in my life! I also liked the commercial room where they showed many old Coca-Cola commercials. Of course the heavy rain and storms slowed down the travel time, but we managed to stop at Roaster's were we had the most incredible hostess. I will never forget her, or maybe it's because she was Devin! We also fit some Singstar, ping-pong (Paige-pong), and fooseball in as well.
On Monday, Paige and I made ourselves breakfeast and soon we were off to the neighborhood pool. Aunt Julie joined us when she returned from work. After our relaxing afternoon, it was off to Kroger to get tonight's meal. We were joined by two of Kim's friends for a dinner of spaghetti. Yum! I can't exactly remember if it was this night or last night that we watched My Best Friend's Wedding, but we watched it. We also rented P.S. I Love You and watched that which ever night we didn't watch the other movie. Although I fell asleep during this one. Ooops.
On Tuesday, Paige and I played a few games, watched a little TV, and we were headed to the ortho. After waiting a few minutes we continued to the Perimeter mall, conviently located right across from the W hotel that most of us stayed at just a few short months ago. Paige and I each bought something, and then, I saw this one coming, Aunt Julie couldn't resist from buying us matching shirts. You'll see them at Camp Slaw, don't worry. Aunt Julie also bought us Frappuccinos from Starbucks-very good! We stopped and visited Kim at the Atlanta Scrapbook Connection (where she works), and Paige picked up a few things. We stopped at Kroger to prepare for a delicous BBQ dinner.
On Wednesday, we woke up bright and early, around 9 am. We put our bathing suits on and grabbed some towels because were all ecstastic about our day at White Water! We went on a bunch of really fun rides. The Tornado was my favorite! Featuring a short yet steep drop and a side to side thrill ride, the Tornado was nearly an hour wait. Finally it was time to go home. We popped Paige's Bat Mitzvah Video in the DVD player and Kim made us all pizza.
On Thursday, I went with Aunt Julie to unfortunately her last tennis match. She played doubles, and I was very impressed. I has so much fun, especially since right after I got to play tennis at the neighborhood courts with Aunt Julie, Kim, and Paige. Then Paige and I went to the pool until it was time for our Girl's Night Out. Aunt Julie and Uncle Shel went out, Jamie was home on her day off, and the five of us went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. After, we just hung out at the house, and I played with Joey the gerbil.
On Friday, we spent a lot of time at the pool just fooling around and having tons of fun. Then with a little minor miscommunication we finally made to Nancy's Nails for a relaxing and enjoyable pedicure. Then we made on last trip to Kroger. Devin and Kim were out and about, and a wonderful Shabat dinner was prepared. We lit the candles and enjoyed a beautiful dinner. After, Paige, Aunt Julie, and I went for a "power" walk. We deserved ice cream so we drove out to Carvel. Mmmmm. To finish the day off the four of us watched Juno in their theatre.
Unfortunately Saturday came and it was the final hours, but we made the best of them. Aunt Julie made Rocky Mountain Toast. Then, Devin, Paige, Aunt Julie, and I went the Northpoint mall. We shopped around for about an hour, and came home to quickly change and head for the pool. After spending about hour there, we came home, and I finish packing up. We began our trip to the airport, but it was soon halted by heavy traffic. Jack, the GPS, helped us get out of our tricky situation. We got to the airport in the knick of time and ran to check-in. We raced to the gate only to find my flight had been delayed a half an hour. Ha! Finally, I said good-bye and boarded. My flight was further delayed while I was on the plane, but eventually I made it home. Dad was waiting at the gate and we both gave a big hug. I had so much to share with everyone, and I hope this got the job done for most of you.
Love, Lizzy
P.S. Thanks Jamie for taking your days off from camp counseling during the week I came to visit. I was really glad I got to see you. For those who don't know, Jamie is a counselor for Barney overnight camp so I didn't get to see her as much as the others, but I was happy to see her for short while than not at all.
P.P.S. As Paige has mentioned, she is running a very successful business by caring for people's homes in their absence. I enjoyed tagging along to all of the different houses and playing with their adorable pets.
Friday, July 11, 2008
25 days
Camp Slaw is only 25 days away.I hope everyone is excited.I alsaw think everyone is pumed about Rob coming! Camp Slaw 14 will be a blast August 6 to 10 at the abby!!!!!!!! Love Jay-K
Monday, July 07, 2008
Thirty days to thirty
Hello fam. As I begin to contemplate the meaning of hitting the big three-o, my first thought was that it would be fun to post a rhyming blog on the Dummyline. Then I started to think of words that rhymed with thirty--dirty, flirty, nerdy, squirty. Suddenly, that train of thought started to lose some steam.
A wordsmith I may be, but no assortment of words can express just how fortunate I feel that I will get to celebrate my thirtieth birthday in the presence of all the loved ones I care about most. Iowa has been good to me, but there just aren't any Slaws, Ettlesons or Lincenbergs around. There are a few Whites, but they're just pretenders.
You are all always so good to me when I'm up at Camp Slaw. I hope to elicit some smiles and laughs in return. Perhaps there will be another song, game show (a Monty revival!) and/or comedy act in the works.
Until then, I ask that you all soak up every last drop in this next month of summer. Some of you are already doing just that, which pleases me greatly. My parents are taking the cruise of a lifetime in the Mediterranean, Lizzy is packing her bags for Atlanta, Rob and Jeni are in the honeymoon period of their engagement, and so much more. I am giddy with delight knowing that each of you will be arriving at Camp Slaw with stories to share.
Camp Slaw aside, many of you are wondering if BJ is taking his nomadic act back to the Chicago area. All I can say at this point is that it's a serious possibility. I have applied for a Professional Academic Advisor position at the College of Lake County, which looks intriguing to me. I should find out in the next week or two if I'll be asked to come out for an interview. A lot of chips would have to fall in place. There is a lot to my Des Moines life that I enjoy. The whole notion of starting graduate school all over again is another wild card that is infiltrating the mix. I could spend the next year researching and applying to top-notch Higher Education Master's degree programs, then go somewhere in 2009 and complete the Master's full-time in two years. I have to lay out all the cards on the table and try to ask myself which one is the best hand.
I can tell by the rumbling in my stomach that I have rambled here long enough. I hope all of you had an explosively fun 4th of July and I will see you down that long lonesome highway.
xoxoxoxo,
BJ
A wordsmith I may be, but no assortment of words can express just how fortunate I feel that I will get to celebrate my thirtieth birthday in the presence of all the loved ones I care about most. Iowa has been good to me, but there just aren't any Slaws, Ettlesons or Lincenbergs around. There are a few Whites, but they're just pretenders.
You are all always so good to me when I'm up at Camp Slaw. I hope to elicit some smiles and laughs in return. Perhaps there will be another song, game show (a Monty revival!) and/or comedy act in the works.
Until then, I ask that you all soak up every last drop in this next month of summer. Some of you are already doing just that, which pleases me greatly. My parents are taking the cruise of a lifetime in the Mediterranean, Lizzy is packing her bags for Atlanta, Rob and Jeni are in the honeymoon period of their engagement, and so much more. I am giddy with delight knowing that each of you will be arriving at Camp Slaw with stories to share.
Camp Slaw aside, many of you are wondering if BJ is taking his nomadic act back to the Chicago area. All I can say at this point is that it's a serious possibility. I have applied for a Professional Academic Advisor position at the College of Lake County, which looks intriguing to me. I should find out in the next week or two if I'll be asked to come out for an interview. A lot of chips would have to fall in place. There is a lot to my Des Moines life that I enjoy. The whole notion of starting graduate school all over again is another wild card that is infiltrating the mix. I could spend the next year researching and applying to top-notch Higher Education Master's degree programs, then go somewhere in 2009 and complete the Master's full-time in two years. I have to lay out all the cards on the table and try to ask myself which one is the best hand.
I can tell by the rumbling in my stomach that I have rambled here long enough. I hope all of you had an explosively fun 4th of July and I will see you down that long lonesome highway.
xoxoxoxo,
BJ
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Blog version 2.0
To begin, see above on the top of the blog for an introduction to Slaw Dummyline v2.0. I hope these changes result in a more multimedia based blogging experience that everyone can enjoy. If you look to the right side of the blog, you will see the addition of the logo (The Dummy, Dummy Line f. Grandpa Bob), the poll and the slideshow features.
My hope is that (with the exception of the logo) you guys (and not just me) will be able to contribute to these new applications. The poll is not just there for people to vote (and to be hilarious... but seriously), it would be great if others posed their own questions and answers as well. Even though the vote says there are about 30 days left, it can be changed at any time. To do this, simply log on (username matt@ettleson.com, etc.) and then view the blog. In the upper righthand corner of the screen is the underlined word "customize." Click that. From there, you can edit the layout of the blog and the slideshow and poll apps.
The slideshow app is particularly interesting because it is a part of a larger project I have of creating an online collection of web photos (using a google program called Picasa) that all of the family members can contribute to and have access to. Part of the result would be a much more interesting and varied slideshow, but there would be other possibilities as well. I know we share photos online already, but having them all in one place in the future may be helpful.
Finally, let me know what you think about the blog. I think someone (BJ) suggested a blogging tutorial this camp slaw. While that may not be necessary, I would certainly answer any questions and concerns you folks have so that everyone is capable and comfortable with blogging (if they want to in the first place, of course :) ).
Matt
My hope is that (with the exception of the logo) you guys (and not just me) will be able to contribute to these new applications. The poll is not just there for people to vote (and to be hilarious... but seriously), it would be great if others posed their own questions and answers as well. Even though the vote says there are about 30 days left, it can be changed at any time. To do this, simply log on (username matt@ettleson.com, etc.) and then view the blog. In the upper righthand corner of the screen is the underlined word "customize." Click that. From there, you can edit the layout of the blog and the slideshow and poll apps.
The slideshow app is particularly interesting because it is a part of a larger project I have of creating an online collection of web photos (using a google program called Picasa) that all of the family members can contribute to and have access to. Part of the result would be a much more interesting and varied slideshow, but there would be other possibilities as well. I know we share photos online already, but having them all in one place in the future may be helpful.
Finally, let me know what you think about the blog. I think someone (BJ) suggested a blogging tutorial this camp slaw. While that may not be necessary, I would certainly answer any questions and concerns you folks have so that everyone is capable and comfortable with blogging (if they want to in the first place, of course :) ).
Matt
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Atlanta Here I Come!
It's official. I (actually my mom - thank you so much!!) have booked my flight to Atlanta for Saturday July 12th. I am so excited not only to flying by myself for the first time but to see the Lincenbergs for an entire week! I am coming back on July 19th, but I'm trying not to think about that. I'll be sure to blog and tell in person all about it. Can't wait!
Love, Lizzy
Love, Lizzy
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