To Tip or Not To Tip...

...that is the question.

I've been going to the same grocery store for years now, and always utilize the drive-up bagging service they provide for large quantities of bags. In a conversation last year, a friend was startled that I don't tip the guy who throws my bags in the car. I hadn't ever thought about it, but since she had called it to my attention, I thought I'd be vigilant to see if anyone else tips the bagger. Either EVERY shopper is SUPER stealth about forking over a tip, or I'm not the only one that doesn't shell out.

Given the fact that taking carts out of the store in order to load your own groceries is not an option, I thought I was safe in assuming this is a service of convenience provided by this high-end grocery store. However, it bothers me every time I drive up now. Are the baggers thinking "here comes that white SUV with the jerk lady that doesn't tip"?

Etiquette, anyone?

Probably More than You Need To Know.

I've been scratching my armpits like a freaking chimpanzee for the last two months. Now I know why.

A couple months ago, I noticed a small red spot under one of my arms. Shortly after, I developed a crazy rash on my legs. Having just returned from California where I spent an entire day in the grass, I thought this was a flare-up due to my grass allergy. As it progressively got worse, I watched as dry, red spots slowly engulfed my legs. My next self-diagnosis was eczema, so I loaded up on moisturizing cream and went to town. No luck- my legs looked like I had acquired leprosy, while they FELT like I had a bad case of the Chicken Pox.

This week, after waking up to bloody legs from scratching in my sleep, as well as being fed up by the CONSTANT itching under my arms, I took my rash-ridden self to the doctor. After examining my legs, he ruled out eczema and any kind of fungal infection. Stumped, he then looked under my arm. And, after an enlightening "Ohhhhh!", he started a line of questions:

Dr: Did you notice this spot before the rash on your legs?
Me: yes...
Dr: And did your ribcage and abdomen ever itch?
Me: YES...
Dr: And did it then spread to your legs downward?
Me: YES!...
(It was starting to sound like that annoying Progressive commercial)

He then informed me I have a "classic case" of Pityriasis Rosea, a viral infection that begins with a "Herald Spot" and quickly becomes a skin rash. My particular case is accompanied by severe itching.

Oh, not to worry, because it usually only lasts four to six months. MONTHS!!! ARGHH!!!! Until then, I'm supposed to take lots of cold showers and oatmeal baths to help combat the itching. The only good news in this situation is that the approaching cold weather gives me a good excuse to keep my spotted skin covered up. I think this may be the only time I've actually welcomed winter weather.

Workin' the Camera

We spent part of our "family day" last month on a photo-shoot with the magnificent Lyndsey Johnson of On3Design. And the photos turned out...well, magnificent. :) You can find a selected few showcased here, or enter the gallery to view all of the pictures or order for yourselves.
Passcode: KendallS
Date: 09-30-10.

Thou Shalt Not Change Diapers.

A couple of weeks ago, we served as volunteers in the nursery at our church. Kendall was there, as well as several other babies. As we read through the volunteer guidelines, Chris took special note of the diaper changing rule: no men changing diapers. Great. Just the ammo he needs to get out of that stinky job.

This conversation took place in our home tonight:

C: Pee-uu! SOMEone has a dirty diaper!
J: Uh-oh!
C: Who do you want to change your diaper? Mommy or Daddy?
J: Daddy.
C: Uh-uh! Daddy can't do it. It's against the rules.
J: Excuse me?
C: The rules at church say I can't change diapers.
J: Well, it's a good thing we're at home, and not at church then.
C: Hey, they're God's rules, not mine.
J: They are NOT God's rules. They are boundaries created because of all the men who have screwed up and done inappropriate things with children. Women are more trustworthy, I guess. Either that or they don't want men vomiting all over the nursery.

(C leaves the room with the baby. C reappears several seconds later.)

C: So, question...the church is a place of worship, right?
J: Right.
C: And we worship God at our home as well, right?
J: ...ugh. I can see where you're going with this...
C: So, the same rules should apply, right?
J: Too bad they are the church's rules, and not God's rules. When you can find that scripture, I'll let you off the hook. Go change her diaper.

(C chuckles and changes her diaper.)

Nice try.

Sometimes Saying Things Correctly is Just Too Difficult.

As IF I'm not already uber-grammar-conscious, this video fires me up! For all of you who still say "supposebly"...I shun you.


LIDDLEIDDALY!

Fall Beautification

I've been inspired recently by some do-it-yourself-er friends of mine, and decided that I could spruce up our porch with a little creativity. I saw this idea in Rachael Ray's magazine and thought it was ingenious. Kendall went down for nap today, and I let the pumpkin guts fly! A bright and cheery welcome to some special visitors due to arrive this week! :)

To Everything, Turn, Turn, Turn...

There has been a lot of "turning" here in Duluth in the last few weeks. Autumn here is much like cherry blossom season in Washington D.C. If you time your visit just right, you will be treated to the most spectacular palette of fall colors you've ever seen. Unfortunately, the colors leave as quickly as they arrived. At this point, most of the leaves have lost their vibrant shade of red or yellow, and are waiting on the first gust of wind to sweep them to the ground. Still, those three weeks of autumnal brilliance make trudging through the long winter worth it.

In light of the anniversary that passed last week, we had an intentional family weekend. Chris took Thursday and Friday off, and we honored Derek's life by making memories with our loved ones. On Thursday, we took full advantage of the fall foliage by having some family portraits done (you might remember the incredible work On3Design did with Kendall's newborn pictures!). Afterward, we hit up Blackwoods Bar and Grill for a lovely lunch, and headed home for family nap time. Chris' mom, Marcia, arrived later in the afternoon, so Chris and I took off for an impromptu date night- dinner and a movie. Thanks, Grandma Marcia!

Friday, we trekked over to Bayfield, Wisconsin for the annual Bayfield Apple Festival. I was very disappointed, as were we all, when we arrived under large clouds of rain. We tolerated the rain at the outdoor festival as long as we could before surrendering and heading back to the car. The fun potential for this event is high, though, with the right conditions! Live music, great food, yummy desserts, fun parades, and pumpkin patches...next year we'll check the weather report first! :)

We made a stop at Erickson Orchards on our way out of town to pick up a
couple apple pies and other apple treats. By the end of the day, Kendall was famous
for her cute hat, getting recognized in several places.

Kendall, checking out the craft booths with Grandma.

Our drive back to Duluth along Lake Superior was stunning.

Fall foliage in full bloom on our block!