Recombobulation?

The "recombobulation" area at the TSA security checkpoint, Milwaukee airport.

Are they saying "this is where you get un-confused after a nice frisking," or "where you get confused again"?

Tracking ourselves inflight

With free wifi, there's no end to the possibilities of things I we can look up. Only 30 min to landing.

Baby in flight

This message is coming to you fro 35k feet. That's right folks, free wifi on the airplane. We made the 5:30 am wake-up ok, made it through security ok, our one checked bag was 49.5lbs, and Grace even took a short nap after takeoff. Here's to hoping the rest of today's travels go as smoothly.

McRib

It was with small fanfare that I had my first McRib today. That's right, in my short 30 year life, I have consciously avoided McDonalds restaurants while traveling in distant lands in hopes of finding much better local fare - while at the same time, never giving thought to ordering this limited time offer of a sandwich in the off chance I visit the golden arches while in ahurry around home. I have never had a McRib... until today. My formerly Canadian neighbor and I had a couple while watching football, and I honestly must say I'm not sure what all the hype is about. When I asked Sarah if she was interested, she said, "What's a McRib?" After meticulously explaining the concept of mystery meat formed into rib-like sandwich patties, Sarah says, "Processed meat that's pressed into the
shape of ribs? That just sounds disgusting. That makes me want to vomit."

I also did a bit of research to understand the mystique of the McRib to find out why some have gone so far as to call the McRib - America on a bun. Once again, Wikipedia comes to the rescue with suscint, voluminous information (HERE) and also the listed nutritional information from McDonalds (HERE). Trust at your own risk.

Final Verdict: It's unlikely I will ever order another McRib.

Grace Gets Chomping

Grace has started eating solid foods. Well, "eating" is a term I use loosely for now to describe us spooning food into her mouth and then her putting most of that either on her hands, her face, her cloths, or the high chair. After the prerequisite rice cereal, we have moved onto much better, more solid items such as yams, avocado, and peas & beans.

As you can clearly see, Grace is still working out the basics of eating. I see a possible future career in glass & plate eating.

Grace out of Graceland

I enjoy my job as a loadmaster so for many reasons, not the least of which is all the great places we get to visit. Just before Thanksgiving I went on a 3 day trip to Memphis. Although we work during the day, we were lucky enough to have some time at night to enjoy much of what Memphis has to offer. I took a tour of the Gibson guitar factory, we strolled up and down Beal St listening to live music, and ate some delicious BBQ. The one notable thing we skipped was a tour of home of the King himself, the iconic Graceland. On the morning of our departure, however, the bus driver took us by the gates of Graceland, and with one of the crew cell phones, he took this blurry photo.

Me enjoying a pulled pork BBQ omelet and GIANT biscuit. It was delicious.

I also found a youtube video of one of the bands we saw down on Beal St. Simply awesome. And no, the guy dancing in the video was not there they night we were there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qqYHMULlSc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m7QS45dYGo&feature=related

Team America

We have some of the best neighbors anyone could ever ask for. Sarah and I are always saying if we win the lottery (even though we don't play) we wouldn't move to a fancy neighborhood, we would just remodel like the dickens (even though we are kind of already doing that) - and the reason is because we love our neighbors so much. One household, whom we affectionately call the "Canadian Neighbors" recently had some big news, and subsequently, are now known simply as the "Canadian Neighbor." After many years of having a green card, Brad completed his interview process, naturalization test, raised his right hand, and became an American citizen. Team America just grew one team member stronger. To celebrate, they threw a huge American themed party. Everyone wore red, white, and blue, and jeans and sneakers - everyone except Sarah that is. Grace was also in attendance as an infant lady liberty - sans green robe, book, and torch - ok, she only wore a crown.

The Canadian Neighbors, Brad and Jessie.

Jessie, the lone remaining Canadian Neighbor enjoying time with Grace

During Brad's process, he would ask me many of the study questions on the naturalization test he would be required to pass before becoming a citizen. I've linked to the test questions and I challenge all of you to take the test without looking at the answers. I will admit I got many wrong - who new the first amendment granted 5 freedoms? I thought it was just three.

Naturalization Test from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, HERE

Thanksgiving Update

Our busy schedules have allowed us time enough to play, but not the time to relay the stories of our adventures. It's Sunday, and although I should be studying, I'm taking time to try and retrace the steps of some of the more eventful moments of the past couple of months. Look for posts on "Team America", "Operation Toque", "Grace out of Graceland", and "Grace Gets Chomping."

While waiting, enjoy our photos from Thanksgiving!

http://picasaweb.google.com/scott.templin/Thanksgiving2010#