The Most Epic Battle of Cuteness Ever!!

Usually this type of post would be done by Marine.

But today, I am being the corny one.

I stumbled across this adorable little video on the inter webs.

BABY vs KITTY (cutest battle of all time)

After I watched the video a few times. I realized that there is a pair free standing legs on the wall in the background. YES. just a set of legs. LOOK. You will see what I'm talking about. They legs are dressed in shoes and pants and a tacky belt. But there is no upper half!

I would consider this video. A 2fer. 2 things seen in 1 moment. 2 birds with one stone. or 2 stones with 1 bird (if your my old buddy Evan.)

HAAPPY FOURTH OF JULY AMERICA!!!

There are very few things in the world that make me happy.

Celebrating America is near the very top of that list.

Patriotism makes me smile.

It should also make YOU smile.

If you are not smiling today,

You must be a Russian Commie. (or french like Marine)

In honor of America, you should head on over to our FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM and check out the photos from the TINY parade our LITTLE town has each year. The parade started at 10 in the morning at the firehouse right down the street. They walk up (or down) Montgomery ave and end up in a park apparently. (at least thats what the locals have been saying.) At this park festivities are had. I am not sure what sort of festivities, because i was still in my pjs snapping photos of the parade. So sadly I did not join the townsfolk.

What is rather funny is that I had completely forgotten that it was going on this morning. Marine had to go into work early at 8. Me in my groggy state, having my coffee and working on music, heard a rumbling of sorts coming from outside.

Mind you, I had my headphones on. So the sounds were all muffled. After my brain kicked in, I remembered that the FOURTH OF JULY PARADE was happening.

The band struck up that classic tune. and made their way past our apartment complex. followed by old classic cars, clowns and various other patriots.

what smiles i saw!!!!!!!

for effect, head on over to youtube.com and listen to :

John P. Sousa - The Stars and Stripes forever

while looking at the photos from the parade!

I rather like that video because of the conductor and the bitchin' flute and piccolo breakdown.

~Shawn!!!

Shawn Hill's Guide to: Proper House Keeping

Recently I found myself cleaning the apartment. I was cleaning things in a way I had never done before. I made the bed. I vacuumed the couch. I also try my best not to leave dishes in the sink.

I felt like a crazy old lady. the type that end up putting the plastic lining on the couch and still wont let anyone sit on it.

I suppose it took a while, but I finally understand why my mother made such a fuss about certain things. I was just too dumb, young, and naive to understand. I guess that IS growing up.

So in honor of the good old times and the propaganda pamphlets the American government use to put out to promote Patriotism, I have written my own little guide. (the first of many)

The American Government presents:

Shawn Hill's Guide : Being A Better American

Proper House Keeping

3 Steps to Success!

Dad is in the driveway cleaning his brand new American Made Motor-Vehicle. Mother is in the kitchen cleaning her beautiful KitchenAid appliances and utensils. Junior is upstairs tending to his studies and chores, while Spot, the dog, barks at squirrels in the back yard.

This is your typical American Family, Doing what typical Americans do everyday.

It is the American Way to keep your humble abode clean and orderly. Heck! It is your American duty to keep your home spic and span!

Today's Blog Post brought to you by:

As an American you are entitled to certain freedoms. These freedoms define you from the rest of the world, they separate "US" from "Them". The "Good" from the "Bad". The "Clean" from the "Unclean". Only in America do we hold dreams to be self evident!!

In a country filled with hard working Men and Women, a good American is only as good as the House they keep. Proper House Keeping is the Key to the American Success.

If a family keeps their home clean and happy, That clean and happy attitude will carry over into the work place. With a happy and clean attitude, you can accomplish more and be 110% effective in executing your daily duties.

First step is to Vacuum throughly.

That means even vacuuming the couch. It would be very embarrassing to ruin the new clothing of a neighbor, co-worker, relative or friend.

Second is to Make the Bed EVERY morning.

A welcoming, plush, fluffy bed is the first step to a successful night of sleep.

Third is to Do The Dishes at night before Bed.

Waking up in the morning to a clean sink will put you in a better mood to prepare breakfast.

A better breakfast means a better energy. Which means a better day.

Just implement these 3 Simple Steps into your daily routine and you will be on your way to a better home. A better home gets you closer to being a better American!

- Shawn Hill

Pancakes on my plate!

There's no substitution for real maple syrup and homemade chocolate chip pancakes...

Reader question time! How do you like your pancakes?
Fluffy and chocolatey like us? Perhaps a little fruity? Topped with whipped cream? How about tiny silver dollar pancakes versus huge plate sized ones? Flat or big and fluffy? Real maple syrup or the corn syrup loaded fake stuff? We want to know!!!

Lazy Dinners

... a friendly game of pick-up sticks on the kitchen floor?
... or last night's dinner mishap?

That's what happens when the pasta box gets wet and you lift it from the wrong end.
No problem - we'll still eat it!


How about some black beans and rice for dinner tonight?



We're making the most of what we have on hand - the lazy-man's dinner. I've been working odd shifts so we haven't bought any meat for the week! And now it will be even longer because my car is temporarily out of commission :( but more about that in another post!