Norton: A new best friend

Dell Laptop Computer: $1,000.00
Microsoft Office Software: $150.00
Norton Anti-Virus: $34.99
Virus free: Priceless

We managed to dismiss the reminders to renew Norton Anti-Virus Software and were hit by a nasty internet 'virus'. After two trips to the computer doctor, our laptop has again been diagnosed with a clean bill of health. We sure are spoiled with wireless internet in our house and missed having the laptop at arm's length the past week. Next time you see your Norton Anti-Virus renewal reminder pop-up, think of it as money well spent.

On a side note, Mike made his 2008 radio debut as he was a 'special guest' on the Creighton BlueJay basketball radio show. He put in a plug for the American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer event. Both Creighton University (Omaha) and University of Nebraska (Lincoln) basketball programs will be participating in fund-raising efforts this weekend. Mike and I will be working the silent auction booth at the Devaney Center on Saturday afternoon. Pictures and details to follow Saturday eve!

Free Tickets to see Green Bay...

Packers?...football playoffs?...nope, not quite. The Green Bay GAMBLERS (junior hockey league team) played the Lincoln Stars at the "Ice Box" located on Nebraska's State Fair Grounds. US Bank had some extra tickets and since my boss knows I am married to a sports enthusiast, they were offered to us. Mike did some reflecting on his college days (many moons ago) when he had season tickets for the Lincoln Stars. It was an interesting game. The fans cheered more for the fight that ensued in the second quarter than they did for the goals that were scored. I just don't understand that part of hockey. Referees/umpires don't just step back and let players throw punches in any other sport, so why hockey? It's a bit 'redneck' in my opinion. A basketball player would be ejected for the same behavior. I tend to be in favor of that approach. The Lincoln Stars won 4-2, so Nebraska's capital city was a happy one tonight!

Date Night

Since Mike has been battling a terrible cold/cough for several weeks and I've been hobbling around with back problems this week, we have not been out of the house much. We scheduled a date night and did something we haven't done since we moved into the house...went to a movie! We saw 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets'. Mike gave it 2 thumbs up. I also thought it was pretty good - maybe a bit far-fetched in a few scenes, but I guess that is what movies are all about. After the movie, we headed to Las Margaritas for supper. It was a fun evening!

Celebrating in Minnesota

Mike and I traveled to Minnesota to celebrate a belated Christmas and New Year's Eve with my family. We had a fabulous weekend!! Here are a few highlights:
* Tour (with Dad) of the Brau Brothers Brewery
* Supper at the Brau Haus - a favorite spot when we visit Lucan
* Playing with Addie - reading books and making animal sounds - we can be entertained by her for hours!
* Star cookies, green Christmas corn flake "cookies", chocolate cake/dessert, muffins...and bacon - New Year's diets had to wait until we got back to Nebraska with Mom's good baking
* Yahtzee competition between Lexy, Mom, Lisa and Mike with Lexy rolling TWO Yahtzee's in one game - tough to beat - we'll be looking for a re-match on the next visit
* New Year's Eve with Ann, Derrick, Cindy and Kevin to T-Tommy's in Currie and a stop at Breezy Point for a nightcap on the way home
* Ringing in the New Year with a toast with Mom and Dad - first time in a few years that we've been able to stay awake to see it!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2008!!