Blog Ketchup

Yes, it's time to update the blog already. But, you say, it's only been 5 months since the last entry! I know, I know but my public's clamoring for more. So this one's dedicated to you, Rochelle.

First of all, Mika's baby doll got a twin sister in November. We call her Rose and we like her an awful lot.

In December, like good Christians and consumers, we celebrated Christmas. Justin's parents and older sis came up to join (create) the festivities and we're so glad they did. Mika's Big Present was her bike and bike hat. She LOVES them (phew!).

And finally, here's a true story.

I thought lotto tickets might make a funny gift so I was at Albertsons standing in front of the ticket machine pondering the options and moral implications, when an unsavory fellow came up. He wasn't the sort I'd normally start a conversation with, but a common interest in the lotto machine created a bond that empowered me to speak. Besides, I wanted information. "So how do these work?" Before I could continue, he started thumbing a wad of cash that I hadn't noticed til then and said in a condescending tone, "Well you put in money and push a button and out it comes at the bottom." He put actions to words, bought a $1 ticket and said, "Here you go!" That was unexpected generosity. I took the ticket, said thank you, and asked what I really wanted to know in the first place. "Do I have to scratch this right away or can I wait a while?" He gave a helpful but incorrect answer and left. I looked down at the ticket he bought me. Triple Latte. Ha! Gambling and coffee - how perfect for a devout Mormon. Couldn't he have spent a buck more and bought me a bingo card? That looked more fun. I was too embarassed to give it away so two months later I finally got around to scratching the ticket myself. I won $2.