Monster Mash

Apparently, I have a natural proclivity for Wii boxing. I’m not sure that there’s any “talent” involved, as playing the game (for me) simply involves jumping up and down (like a real boxer!) and swinging wildly. I do, however, score better than my partner and work up quite a sweat. This latent talent has led me to request the Wii Fit for the upcoming family gathering and present giving holiday. It is, of course, sold out everywhere, which means I won’t get it for a while. But man! This concept of video games = fitness totally blows my mind. I want nothing more than to spend a solid half hour every day fake boxing, playing soccer or doing yoga. It almost seems fun when your movements get analyzed and scored, perfect for nerds who like to be ranked!

I remember when video games ruled our childhood. It was so awesome and magical to spend hours with my brother, zoning out on Nintendo. There is a classic family photo that my brother requested my mother take of him next to the TV that displayed his Zelda high score. His face was so proud and serene. Video games, yes! Speaking of which, if you haven’t rented King of Kong, please do immediately. It is only the most entertaining portrait into an American mind since W. I watched it once, yet think of it probably every single day.

In other news, I’m deeply into winter-time nesting. New pillows have been purchased for the couch, shelving in the computer room has gone up (and given us some much needed additional space in which to store more junk!). I am putting the finishing touches on the familial stockings from last year, various crafting supplies have been organized into a large plastic bin, the mini blinds have had an attempted cleaning (impossible). Things are looking up, and next weekend marks the beginning of my favorite yearly phenomenon—decorating a large, dead tree with flashing lights and sleeping in the living room next to its warm and reassuring glow (against the wishes of my mother, who cites “fire” as a reason for not doing it). Bah humbug!

Assorted Photos:
Here's a really nice picture of Kendra and Anna from early October. So pretty!:



Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving:
Sea Lions have been known to attack.


I am a giant monster compared to midgets!


Albert, visionary


Dapper old man