Kristen said 1 day later

T ‘was the nite before implementation and all through the house,
Not a program was working, not even a browse.

The programmers hung by their tubes in despair,
With hopes that a miracle soon would be there.

The users were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of inquiries danced in their heads.

When out in the machine room there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.

And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a super programmer ( with a six-pack of beer ).

Her resume glowed with experience so rare,
She turned out great code with a bit-pusher’s flair.

More rapid than eagles, her programs they came,
And she cursed and muttered and called them by name.

On Update! On Add! On Inquiry! On Delete!
On Batch Jobs! On Closings! On Functions Complete!

Her eyes were glazed over, fingers nimble and lean,
From weekends and nites in front of a screen.

A wink of her eye and a twitch of her head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

She spoke not a word, but went straight to her work,
Turning specs into code; then turned with a jerk.

And laying her finger upon the “ENTER” key,
The system came up and worked perfectly.

The updates updated; the deletes, they deleted;
The inquiries inquired, and closings completed.

She tested each whistle, and tested each bell,
With nary a bomb, and all had gone well.

The system was finished, the tests were concluded,
The users’ last changes were even included.

And the user exclaimed with a snarl and a taunt,
“It’s just what I asked for, but not what I want!”

Vote in the comments below.  Voting is open through 12/24.

GJ said 2 minutes later

I'm definitely bringing Dominion along with Intrigue, plus at least one social game if no one suggests one.

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Marc said 22 minutes later

Dominion is a must, Ticket/Settlers (I'm ok with one of these staying home). I feel like I've played Balderdash, but with my memory, I have no idea how to play it. All I know is it requires some form of lying and we always think GJ would be best suited for that game. :)

Killer Bunnies might be a fun social game, but it will certainly take some time to get people acquainted with it.

I'm already home and brought Xbox with Rock Band 2 (with likely 100+ more songs than last year).

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GJ said about 1 hour later

RB2 is cool, so long as I get to play medium on guitar. Aaron will amaze all with his ability to play expert, Jeff Healey style.

Steve has Catan, so maybe he can bring that. I'll probably bring Ticket 1910, since I don't think everyone has played that yet--but if everyone would rather play Europe, I'm cool with that too. For Dominion, I think I'm going to obtain a card box, so I can fit both big games in a small package.

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Geoff said about 1 hour later

I vote for Dominion, Ticket, and Catan to come.

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Abby said about 7 hours later

I vote for Killer Bunnies, Apples, Dominion, of course, and Ticket to Ride. I guess I just don't feel like Catan at the moment.

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Steve said 1 day later

Dominion(s) is a must, as are the ticket to ride derivitives (I haven't played the 1910 expansion I don't think). I can bring Catan home, but I have to admit, after playing it a few times, despite having about a 50% win record, I'm not overly impressed with the game. So much is decided in the beginning of the game. Only in my last game did I luckily come from behind and win.

I could certainly be talked into playing a game of risk or axis and allies, if there is enough interest.

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GJ said 1 day later

Yeah, I'm not that thrilled with Catan myself.

The 1910 variant replaces the card in the USA game to be full sized, and adds a whole lot of destination tickets and an additional bonus card. You also end up getting far more destination tickets. It makes the USA map a whole lot more fun, in my opinion. Maybe I'll bring both versions, since there still seems to be a lot of interest in the TTR series.

Axis and Allies--hoo boy. I have three bastardized copies of the game, and may even have several editions' worth of rules. I think that might be a stiff order for this visit, but we will have to pull that out sometime for old times' sake.

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Geoff said 1 day later

Ok well I guess we can leave Catan home since I seem to be the only one interested in it. If you really want to sacrifice a full day, I can whip out Civilization (I don't think we've ever actually completed a game). ;)

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GJ said 1 day later

The Civ game has issues...there's a reason we never completed a game, if I recall correctly.

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Marc said 1 day later

I think I have like a 2% win record in Catan, which may be why I didn't vote for it. Although I think Ticket to Ride is similar if not worse record wise, but I don't feel like I'm screwed in the beginning at times. :)

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Steve said 1 day later

Geoff, I'll try to remember to bring Catan, I'd be up for playing it. I'm always up for playing games.

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Kristen said 1 day later

Bring on the Guitar Hero! I played the other day and had almost forgotten how much fun it is. I can't think of a better reason to give myself some carpal tunnel syndrome.

Killer bunnies sounds interesting....I'm kind of done with the apples. I wouldn't mind whipping out a game of hearts....

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Geoff said 1 day later

Civ had big issues...as in it would take a lifetime to complete.

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GJ said 1 day later

Only problem with Rock Band is the total lack of a stereo to play it on at Mom & Dad's. Few other games are so awesome to play through a good stereo system, but this one is a "duh, of course!" one.

Killer bunnies is pretty amusing, but fairly complex (well, as least complex sounding).

So, if I'm counting right, I'm bringing: Dominion (both games), Ticket to Ride (both games), Killer Bunnies, and one yet to be determined social game. I might bring Inklings, we haven't played that one in a while--or somebody could bring Scattergories, that's always fun. Actually, think Mom and Dad have that one.

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Marc said 2 days later

I should mention I brought my guitar amp, so we'll have plenty of kick for Rock Band. :) No 50+" widescreen though, which is the clear problem we have with video games. We need to get a portable projector.

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GJ said 2 days later

I have a crappy one. But they don't work well with all those thugs holding guitars in front of the screen, ya know? Nor do we have a good place to put the projection, sans Apsen House.

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Eric said 4 days later

Just wait 'till you see Kyle on the drums in Rock Band. I can't even compete with him, not in the same universe. He might rival Geoff!

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GJ said 4 days later

So, we'll have Aaron (Jeff Healy) on guitar, Kyle (Keith Moon? Shannon Leto? Neil Peart?) on drums. Quite the lineup! :)

Oh, btw, I just picked up TTR Europe 1912. So if you thought you were up to speed on all things Ticket to Ride, get ready for some warehouse and depot action! More long routes! More routes, period! New bonuses!

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Marc said 4 days later

If Geoff sings we'll have either one of the Beastie Boys or Bon Scott/Brian Johnson. Can't wait to see the kids playing, I've been playing drums on expert almost exclusively (And up until yesterday, Rush's YYZ was the only song I couldn't beat).

Warehouse and depots sound interesting, looking forward to that too!

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Geoff said 5 days later

I'm sure Kyle is probably better than I on the Rock band drums...I haven't played those in a long time. Marc would probably be a better comparison. Now if we decide to do an improvised drum off...I'm game hahaha. Hopefully Marc brought his real guitar :)

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Marc said 5 days later

I brought the real guitar. I can't be away from one for more than a week. :)

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Geoff said 5 days later

excellent. I'll try and remember to bring my vibration resistant sticks...works very well for those rubber/hard plastic drums. I could also bring a single chain-drive beater too for the kick pedal...I don't have it hooked up right this moment :)

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Geoff said 5 days later

where did you come up with Shannon Leto?!?

I could picture Kyle as Terry Bozzio (which by the way is one of the few drummers who actually has more drums than Neil on stage if you can believe that!)

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GJ said 5 days later

Working on a picture to help you see the connection.

Geoff said about 3 hours later

I might be interested...let me check with Michelle and see if she is interested.

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GJ said about 5 hours later

k, let me know--will be ordering tickets today.

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Geoff said about 6 hours later

why don't you pick up 2 tickets for Michelle and I...and if we can't go you can scalp them ;) jk, I'll owe ya $20

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GJ said about 7 hours later

ok, I'll order them

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GJ said about 9 hours later

Tix ordered--they're about $11 after the "convenience" charge. General admission. Tickets are good for all games that day, but we're only planning on attending the 6pm game right now. Gotta have time to play Dominion. :)

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Abby said about 9 hours later

Hmm, I'll have to see if any of my friends are going. If they are, I might have to organize a meet-up ;)

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Marc said about 12 hours later

I'll still be in town and would be glad to join you guys if you can still order up tickets or if I can order them. It would just be me, as Laura will be flying back to NC on Friday.

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GJ said about 13 hours later

You can get them from http://www.nysphsaa.org/championships/ and select Buy Tickets, since I already bought mine.

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Marc said 1 day later

Tickets ordered.

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Geoff said 1 day later

cool! Hope someone is home to watch Ashlyn! hahaha

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GJ said 1 day later

That would be Mom and Dad, who have to watch your pooches, too. :)

Geoff said about 20 hours later

Great story! Thanks for sharing.

Marc said 4 minutes later

Also note, I'll be bringing the less fun Guitar Hero World Tour, which has some more songs. Many it has in common though, and we could always try the Music Studio and see just how musically untalented the family is as a band.

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Geoff said 17 minutes later

Metallica - And Justice For All
NIN - The Perfect Drug
Rush - Limelight??? You Don't Have, how dare you.
Shinedown - Devour
Six:A.M. - Life is Beautiful (great song)
Smashing Pumpkins - Siva
The Greatful Dead - Casey Jones

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Marc said 20 minutes later

I knew the limelight song was coming. Notice I have the Limelight (Original Version). The original was a cover and a horrid one at that. You'll also notice I have two Working Mans. One is a cover and has the original solo. The other is the Vault Edition (master track) which has a pretty awesome and very different solo.

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GJ said about 2 hours later

I think you have most of these...
War Pigs - Black Sabbath (tho I prefer the Faith No More cover)
Juke Box Hero (c'mon, I grew up in the early 80s)
Bad to the Bone (see above)
3's and 7's (tho this is in RB3, it's awesome)
Where the hell is the Black Crowes' 'Twice As Hard'???
Summertime Blues
Joker and the Thief - Wolfmother

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Marc said about 2 hours later

Dang, Geoff how'd I miss Life is Beautiful? That is an awesome song. All good suggestions so far guys, I should have 'em all for Thanksgiving. Summertime Blues kinda stinks. I love to say it, but Rush really did a much better version...heck I've heard some better country versions than The Who's. Maybe it's just because it's their Live version. It's all the singer's fault, the music is really hard to make sound bad.

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GJ said about 8 hours later

You just aren't playing the Who's version loud enough, or you haven't had quite enough beer. :)

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Marc said 2 days later

I also just picked up the AC/DC track pack, which includes 18 songs from them, all of their good ones. To anyone who isn't an AC/DC fan, I've picked up 18 songs that sound exactly the same. :)

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GJ said 2 days later

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

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GJ said 2 days later

Get enough vodak in me and I'll sing. Which won't be pretty. Just ask Darcy.

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Geoff said 2 days later

Nobody can sing like me, ok? I'm taking names come Turkey Day. I will own AC/DC.

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Kristen said 2 days later

Drew will try to give you a run for your money on that Geoff--who is bringing the video camera??

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Marc said 2 days later

Drinking + Rock Band is good...me and a couple IBM buddies gave it a go, we were playing until about 4 AM and I've got a couple funny videos from it as well.

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GJ said 2 days later

Mom and Dad still have a fair amount of Stoli. I'm set...but I still can't sing to save my life. Or play guitar beyond "medium," nor even come close to playing drums on even "easy." Meh. Wii Tennis, anyone? Btw, we need to find a bigger room to do that in. :)

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Geoff said 2 days later

I'm game for all the above. Well, save for the boos, I can act like an idiot all on my own :)

Marc said about 5 hours later

I most likely can't make it to the Saturday morning one (but don't hold me to it, I have nothing to do, so I may drive back).

Sunday I'm definitely in.

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GJ said about 9 hours later

I'll be bringing my tree-seeking clubs, as well as my hole-averse putter.

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GJ said about 21 hours later

Btw, we'll be out Friday late afternoon, and returning Monday afternoon. I can probably do both sessions, so long as they're of the nine hole variety and we play with quick play rules.

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Geoff said 1 day later

9 holes, no problem. What is this quick play? You mean I can't shoot a 15 on hole #5 at Skyline?

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GJ said 1 day later

quick play is ready golf (no honors or distance order, whoever is ready to hit, hits), and no spending more than 60 seconds looking for a lost ball.

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Steve said 1 day later

I'm bringing Parsla home (my girlfriend), so no room for the clubs :-(

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Geoff said 1 day later

doh!

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GJ said 1 day later

if she doesn't golf, maybe she'll play the train game or the wii? :)

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GJ said 1 day later

Oh, sorry, now I get it. Due to carrying an extra warm body (and associated luggage) in your two-seater leaves you no room for a set of clubs. I'm going to claim that being sick is affecting my brain. In reality, I'm truly that stupid a good part of the time. :)

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Marc said 2 days later

Steve can borrow one of our sets of clubs. We need him out there!

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Geoff said 2 days later

Sure do! I can't be the only one to send other golfers running with their killer slice!

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Steve said 2 days later

We'll see. I'll probably pass this time around, and head over to Joe's while you guys are golfing. It's a short weekend, so trying to fit in time to see everyone is tough. Of course, you all know that probably better than I.

Marc said 14 minutes later

Seconded.

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Geoff said about 2 hours later

All in favor....

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GJ said about 14 hours later

Cool. I'll eat whatever you guys bake.

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GJ said about 14 hours later

I'm gonna smoke everyone at Ticket to Ride, btw.

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GJ said about 18 hours later

Oh, and Darcy was heard to say something to the effect of, "Let them eat cake." Dunno what that means, I guess we'll have to find out.

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Steve said about 20 hours later

God no. I came back from Christmas and my Arizona trips 15 lbs heavier than I was just before thanksgiving! I'm back down 7, but still, way too heavy. I suggest we limit how many cookies are brought for the holidays. I just can't help myself, they're so delicious!! Either that, or hide them, and do a better job than Mom did when we were kids. I'll check the microwave, freezers, oven, under the train table....

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GJ said about 21 hours later

Just need to jog in place while playing TTR.

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Steve said about 23 hours later

I was thinking maybe I'd just play wii tennis all weekend, that always seems to be a good workout....

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GJ said about 24 hours later

Hehehe. Or I'll take donations and we can go get smash brothers brawl. :) Not much workout there but button mashing, tho.

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Geoff said about 24 hours later

I just want cookies...and some wii tennis of course.

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GJ said 1 day later

I hear Oreos are pretty good, especially with milk.

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Geoff said 1 day later

nutter butters are good too...yum!

GJ said 3 minutes later

We're not sure precisely when we'll be up. My hockey game for Sunday may be cancelled, if so we may come out Sunday December 23. If not, we'll probably be out some time later on Monday the 24th. Not sure if we'll come out twice, or stay for one longer trip yet--likely depends on everyone else's plans.

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Marc said about 1 hour later

I'll be home on the 21st and then home for two weeks. Definitely Ticket to Ride, GH3 depends on if you wanna bring it all. My roommate and I got GH3 for PS2, so I could prolly bring it back and we'll have enough controllers on the PS2.

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GJ said about 6 hours later

Yeah, let's do that. I love having a wireless controller, but it's not the end of the world. I finally beat medium today, and tried hard just for kicks. Hahahah, I think I'll stick with medium for quite a while.

Word is, Activision will ship out new DVDs to fix the stereo issue, and downloadable content is coming for Wii in early 08.

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Steve said about 6 hours later

I'll be heading home on Saturday the 22nd, returning to MI on the 1st of Jan. Really looking forward to seeing everyone!

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Geoff said about 21 hours later

I should be home sometime the 22nd...then I have to return home briefly right before New Years for Michelles doctor appointment and to feed the lion. Side note, I HATE FireFox and their stupid Quickfind apostrophe problem which ALWAYS screws up when I want to type anything into the blog.

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GJ said 1 day later

Can't say that I have that problem with my xp version of firefox. :)

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Marc said 1 day later

I know what Geoff is talking about. I have the problem all the time on Windows. I couldn't speak for Mac as I use Safari, but I imagine it is plagued there too.

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Geoff said 1 day later

This is on my XP version...I don't even use FireFox on Mac as it is plagued...Safari is much better (except for their stupid Flash on top of Flash bug). Darn browsers!

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Kristen said 1 day later

I'll be home on the 22nd as well, hopefully with a load of cookies in tow! I'm doing a marathon baking session this Sunday. I think that Drew will be coming up for a few days as well at some point, so you all will get to meet the boy. You better like him, cause I'm done looking dammit! No pressure. :)

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GJ said 1 day later

If he can play Guitar Hero and Wii tennis, he's in. :)

Darcy is buying a few tons of butter today, so I expect we'll have a few cookies in tow, too.

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GJ said 1 day later

OK, we'll be coming out either Sunday night or Monday morning, and likely leaving Thursday.

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Kristen said 2 days later

He has played a little Wii tennis, but he's a guitar hero novice. He can jam out a few metallica tunes on a *real* guitar though...

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Eric said 2 days later

We'll be coming in on Friday the 28th after Christmas, around 2pm. We'll be staying in Syracuse until the 31st.

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Steve said 3 days later

Oh no, Kristen you're leaving me to be the *only* single Baumbach now?!?!?! I guess I better get off my duff....

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GJ said 3 days later

Real guitars are for wussies. :) Sorry, Marc! Not that I'm very good at GH3....only just now beat Lou at medium, and watching me play songs at the hard level is still pretty funny (but I can at least finish some of them).

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GJ said 4 days later

Updated travel status--I couldn't get out of my Dec. 23 game, so we're leaving Monday morning, should be in around noon on Christmas Eve. We'll now stay into Friday, 12/28, but leave that afternoon so sleeping arrangements aren't too ornery. We might even get to see Eric & Gina, depending on when they arrive. Safe travels to everyone!!

Marc said 21 minutes later

Both ideas sound good to me. In terms of the calendar, there's a program for the Mac called iPhoto, which lets you build calendars. I dunno if you've seen the one I made for Laura, but it came out really well. You can do the same thing in terms of birthdays, anniversaries, and set length of the calendar.

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Geoff said about 1 hour later

Forget the sound clips, I can bring my video camera and we can literally tape each of us. Also, I can help putting the video together. We can combine photographs, video, and add some music in there and make it real slick. If you can handle scanning old photographs and getting them to me, I can do the rest pretty much. Way better than PowerPoint I can assure you. Not only that, but we can put it on DVD too!

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Kristen said about 3 hours later

Sweet, Geoff! I have some ideas for music (wedding song, etc.) I envisioned something that went chronologically..like starting with their marriage (maybe see if Grandpa has any old photos...I've never seen any of mom and dad dating...) and going through each child's birth and major life events...

It's awesome that we can do all this stuff digitally so we can work on it together in different states! We'll knock heads during christmas about this.

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GJ said about 4 hours later

Oh, we'll knock heads all right. I gotta rap Steve, Marc and Geoff a whole lot in their respective noggins for the prior post. Other than that, the idea seems good on HTML. (warning, bad techie joke).

GJ said about 16 hours later

Just a thought--let's add the link over there to the right ---->

Maybe the start of a "tools" heading.

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Marc said about 17 hours later

I keep meaning to finish up this nice little thing in the admin interface to allow us to add things to the sidebar, but been lazy. So maybe I'll just add it manually. :)

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Abby said about 22 hours later

I need my user and password.

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GJ said about 22 hours later

user: iLOVEtheCOLORpink
password: INVADERzeeeeeeeeeem

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Marc said about 22 hours later

Abby: Your username/password have been sent to your e-mail address.