Happy Birthday to Nick the Geek

Let's face it - I liked Nick the Geek long before I knew he was younger than 2/3 of my kids. If you found my blog today, it's because of him. If you got lost and directed somewhere else, it's because of him. Most things are his fault, good or bad.

Nick is Super Youth Pastor who has gotten me out of more than a few geek-type jams. He has also gotten me in a lot of trouble, but we won't go there. Go follow him on Twitter, because I need you to take my side on a few arguments like using the NetiPot (not geeky enough for him, it simply uses the wonderful forces of gravity), eating more fruits and veggies, and supporting my Hawkeyes in some way, shape, or form. He will argue with you, simply because he can.

He keeps his finger on the pulse of geekdom at all times.

I really wanted to give him these for his birthday, but I didn't. I'm of the "It's the thought that counts" mentality, so...

 He.Got. Nuthin'.

He even has his own action figure. I've heard his MIL has one, but she's ripped the head off. For the love of all that's good and holy, I can't understand why.

Nick has a huge heart for the youth in his community, and I'm waiting to see him on AFV one of these days sporting his T-shirt cannon which he has promised to use to spew my ashes across the Mississippi. (Hopefully not soon).

Swing by Nick's blog and wish him Happy Birthday, or leave a comment here - I'm sure he'll stop back to make sure this random rambling is still online.

Tea today: Young hyson

Happy Birthday, Helen!

Today is my friend Helen's birthday. My very good friend.

However, I've never met Helen.

At least in person.

We've emailed, exchanged tweets, and have prayed for a lot of the same things: Big Al, ill parents, struggling children, safe travels.

Ron Burgundy frequently makes fun of my "imaginary friends" as if they were all of the Snuffleupagus variety. But this Big Bird knows Helen is real, and someday soon I hope to meet her IRL. I know she really exists. Who would pretend to be a hilarious Hungarian Catholic bookworm?

We share the love of laughter, good food, and snarky friends. We differ in the fact that she cooks Hungarian foods. I have Hungarian paprika in my spice drawer, but I have no idea how to use it.

Once again she has been caught salsa dancing in the grocery aisles. Stop over at Random Musings and wish her a happy birthday!


Happy Birthday, Helen!


Tea tonight: Genmaicha

Buzz by and wish her Happy Birthday!

Nothing says smile like our favorite Annie B at BuzzbyAnnies. She owns Cinco de Mayo, she hearts Mexico, and loves all things Mexican, so stop by her blog and wish her Happy Birthday today! And while you're at it, be sure to check out her most precious pup Boz. Quick, before she bolts for Mexico!!

And Annie, forget the sugary, gooey birthday cake. I leave you with my all-time favorite Black Bean Cakes with Chipotle Cream!! YUM-O! OLE!

Tea today: Tazo Zen