Thank God for Kinkos!

Kinkos is my new BFF! Not necessarily because I chose it, but because I have had to visit there every day for the last two weeks or so. I have been copying documents, faxing information and sending some items FedEx. While standing at the counter the other day, another sign caught my eye.

PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPHS

Kinkos takes passport photos. Not only do they take them in a semi-private area of the store, they allow you to review your picture before it's printed. That's right - you choose if it is acceptable or needs to be done again. Upon this discovery, I paused and enjoyed the Hallelujah Chorus that was my private concert! I found it. The answer to my picture crisis.

So the next day; I fixed my hair, picked out the perfect accessories and put on my favorite sweater. A last check in the mirror, lipstick in my hand (for touch up), and I was off to Kinkos. When I got there, I was the only customer and it became my own private photo shoot. Let me tell you, Ms. Kinkos knew what she was doing. She snapped my picture, brought the camera over for review and to my shock and amazement, the first and only picture was awesome! Now that was how the passport photo process was supposed to be.

I trotted to the counter, all smiles, and waited for my photo to print. I paid my bill. (Double that of the discount grocery store that gave me the photo from Hell, but worth every penny). Took my little folder with the two 2X2 inch photos and headed home to complete my application. Now, I just need to wait for the Government to respond. Thank goodness there are no immediate travel plans. The application and my beautiful photo have been sent off to the National Passport Center.

Yippee! I will be able to travel again. I will be able to flash my passport with an awesome photo!

I am now able to put the Cash Wise Grocery experience far, far behind me.

What's up . . .

Our vacation to San Francisco was awesome! Can you believe my husband and I actually had 4 whole days with NO computer? No emails, no Internet access, no TMZ. It was great! It was the first vacation that my husband and I actually traveled together. And while some leave their hearts in San Francisco, this is where it seems my husband and I lost our freakin' minds!

To begin, we admit it - we took a "bargain" vacation. The hotel package was ours for a ridiculous $79.99 and the promise we would donate 2 hours of our stay to hear the spiel of Wyndham Resorts. (And for that we got an extra night's stay.) The airline tickets were the "benefit" of accumulating a lot of frequent flyer points. Good thing we had a lot considering they advertise you only need 25,000 per ticket but they don't have anything available on the flight unless you give up 50,000 per ticket. (NWA SUCKS!) So, with those expenses in mind, we agreed we would enjoy ourselves and not be too budget conscious for the duration of the trip.

The insanity started at that little presentation. The one that was supposed to be 2 hours long and we were supposed to collect our "prize" and move on. Let me introduce you to Hari and Alisa, Fairfield Resort Timeshare Owners! It's been about a month now and we are preparing to make our first payment. I think we made a great choice . . . and I know I'll be getting to go on vacation more than every 4 years. {INSERT SHAMELESS PLUG/ADVERTISEMENT}. If you or someone you know would like to have a cheap vacation, let me know. I'll refer you to my people, they'll call your people and you'll get the hook up. Send me your name, address and telephone number at cedes500e@yahoo.com. Please note: they have locations nearly everywhere - so San Francisco is NOT your only option.

With that purchase, we started banana peel surfing on ice when it comes to spending. Our purchase finally concluded around 5:15 pm. Now anyone who knows me, knows I won't waste away without food - but you also know I like food and damn after 6 hours, I was hungry! Hari and I headed to Pier 39 and the Hard Rock Cafe. Souvenir clothes, glasses, intoxicated memories . . . we bought 'em all. Saturday's spending was a bit more controlled during the day. What can you say - they have a lot of cheap shit in Chinatown. But then, while packing, I realized I had nothing to read on the trip home. What was I thinking? I asked my husband if we could go to Borders to find me something. OMG! An enormous shopping bag and $100 later we went back to the hotel. One would think I would know by now not to take my husband into a book store with time to wander. On Sunday, we took a deluxe tour of Silicon Valley courtesy of my nephew Tony. I think I know what he'll be doing to pass the time once he's retired. Tony's Tours should be open in 35 years or so. Seriously, we could not even have designed a custom tour for ourselves that was so perfect. My husband was giddy!

Since our return, our life has not been standing still. Just a few days after our vacation, my husband interviewed for a new job. Not to be outdone, I received my first subpoena and headed back to Sioux Falls for a Grand Jury hearing. There are days that the only justice we get from "the justice system" is the opportunity to tell our story and then work to put the incident behind us while filing away the lessons learned for future use.

While in Sioux Falls and Worthington I was able to touch base with those who are most important. My peeps in Sioux Falls are "The Moving Crew" and "The Moon Crew". The "Moving Crew" are three of my closest friends. (Julie, Brian and Rich) Not only would I trust them with my life but they have been the manual labor and emotional support for my moving adventures. I played "Easter Bunny" and dropped off treats for all. My friend Julie, who is one of the greatest friends a girl could have; gave me shelter, conversation and a few necessary shopping trips. Seriously, a girl cannot hang with her BFF and not shop and eat. (There is a law regarding this!)

I was so happy to find out what was new with "The Moon Crew". According to Phlip, I'm the "Queen of Skinny" and Mary is the "Princess". How exciting! I finally out rank Mary. So, here's the 'skinny':

Liz's little man Marcus is celebrating a birthday. It amazes me how far that guy has come from his 2 lb 10 oz early arrival. Last year the big birthday gift was a little red wagon - this year he's progressed to a play system.

Phlip got my job! They could not have found a better replacement.

Big J and Phlip are going strong as a couple. After a few 'slips', the staff at the Citi Enquirer were able to piece together some incriminating information. Let's just say, a 72 degree snow day is a bit suspicious. It is so awesome to see how happy they make each other. (I know that is going to be one fun wedding.)

The Princess of Skinny is staying strong after some family sadness. My prayers go out to her. I really do not understand how life can be so unfair. All I can say, I admire Mary and am EXTREMELY impressed with how she and Hottie are raising their family.

Mr. B finally introduced me to his 50" plasma. I have to admit, I am green with envy and have to take back all the snarky things I said about camping at Best Buy on Thanksgiving night. That is truly one effort that paid off.

With all I am facing, one thing I know -- no matter where life takes me or what changes are in store -- "The Moon Crew" and "The Moving Crew" are the most authentic and sincere people I will ever know.