Local Elections

So, yesterday was the 1st Tuesday of November. Election Day, but this year it didn't quite have the same feeling. Last year I was so excited to vote - I actually cast my ballot two weeks early. This year, no campaigning, no yard signs, no long posts espousing the merits of a particular candidate. Truthfully, we only had two choices on the ballot this year - City Council and Mayor. I guess voting for Dennis Webb isn't the same as voting for Barack Obama.

I don't know what it is about Holladay. I just don't feel involved in any part of this town and this has been my home for most of my life. I guess it's because we were only recently incorporated into Holladay and I still haven't seen any changes that matter to us. The only things my living in Holldady has meant is new street signs and higher taxes.

Still, I know I should have gone to vote yesterday. I just couldn't do it. The only thing I knew about the candidates was how they felt about the Cottonwood Mall project. In the end the mayor was reelected and life seems pretty much the same today.

Halloween

I think Halloween mostly happened without me this year. At my job each of us is required to work a certain number of Saturdays each year. Well, guess who's turn it was? Normally, that wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but it's hard to get psyched up for fun after working 13 of 14 days (especially when we know Sunday isn't much of a day off). Still, I got home around 5pm and was determined to help the kids have a fun day.

Until, I remembered that the Utes were playing at 6pm. Well, one of has to stay home to hand out candy, right? Tara was a trooper and took Kennedy, Alex, and Dylan out for a few trips around the block. We have a few neighbors who really enjoy Halloween and they were nice enough to throw a Trick or Treat party for the kids. Everyone had a great time.

Kennedy and Alex are really getting into trick or treating and they were prepared for a haul. By the time the night was over our princess and biker dude had more candy than they can possibly eat in a month (although I don't think it will take them that long). Our neighbors totally spoil the kids and they take full advantage. Still, it's only once a year so I won't make a big deal out of it.


Dylan wasn't too sure of what to make of the whole night. He enjoyed the treats, but he was ready for bed just after 8pm regardless of how much food was around the house. It was a blast to get D all ready in his scary costume and kinda fun that we didn't use the same duck costume we had for Dede and Alex. One thing's for sure: Dylan is the fattest skeleton you've ever seen.


After the haul everyone came back home and cousins compared who had the biggest pile of goodies. Liam, Chloe, and Quinn joined in the fun and we had a great time watching the kids drink "bathwater" punch and wolf down a few Halloween goodies. My parents were actually in town this year, so it was even more fun to share the day with Nana and Papa.


Overall, it was a good night. Lots of candy, cute costumes, and family always make for a fun celebration. Now, on to the turkey....

Halloween at Grandma and Grandpa's House

This year we spent a few hours of Halloween at my parents house and I was so glad we went. The kids had a blast and my entire family came.

It was nice to see everyone. We had yummy chili and treats and the kids really had fun.

Kennedy and Alex played with their cousins and learned how to climb the big tree that I grew up playing in. It was a very nice day and a fun way to start the Halloween party!

Lights, Action.. Hey, Where's the Camera?

Several months ago I metnioned that our Nikon camera died while in Washington D.C.. We're not really sure what happened, but it was in serious need of repair. After investigating my options, I took the camera to a local repair shop for a two week repair. That was a bit longer than I had hoped (we wanted the camera back for Alex's birthday), but what are you going to do.

After the two weeks had passed I called to find out the progress of the repair. "Still working on it, but we should be done in about ten days." So I waited. "Not yet, give us to the beginning of next week." At the end of August I finally got the real story.

"Our repair tech had the camera on his desk when he went out of town. After he came back he worked on the camera, but couldn't fix it. Sorry, but we're going to have to send it to Nikon for the repair. It should be done in a week or so."

At this point I informed them that there had better be a substantial discount on this one. Still, there was nothing I could do. So I waited, and waited, and waited. Calls came and went. Promises of the repair repeated, but still nothing. The big holdup was a part that Nikon needed to get from Japan which leads me to two questions: 1)If you're the Nikon repair center - how can you not have the part. 2)How can it take three weeks for a part to come from Japan. Is it coming by boat?

Finally, I told them that they could keep the camera and I was moving on. Ten minutes later I got a call. "Nikon is going to ship you a new camera. It should be here tomorrow." I guess things were finally starting to move.

Tara went and picked up the camera - a Nikon D3000. Not the camera we started with, but we later learned that the D40x had been discontinued and this was the replacement. I wasn't thrilled to learn about the change, even less so when I read a few unflattering reviews (one said the D3000 was the worst Nikon digital camera - ever). Still, I wanted a camera.

I opened it up and it didn't work! It had the same problem as my camera. In desperation I contacted Nikon directly and plead my case. Forget the middle man - it was time to let the big boys know of my disappointment. 24 hours after my call I had a new camera and lens that worked. October 28th, over three months since I dropped off my camera.

I learned a few things from this experience. First, call the manufacturer directly. A third party is never going to go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. Second, be persistent early. I kind of lost track of the time at the beginning of the repair and it cost me. Last, buy a Canon....

It's NaBloPoMo Again

It's National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) again and I have to admit I'm not sure if I can make it this year. Over the past couple of months my blogging sails seem to be drooping a bit. I don't know if I've lost my mojo or if it's simply that I finally realized how boring we are. Still, I'm committed to giving NaBloPoMo a good effort this year.

If you're new to our blog, NaBloPoMo involves posting a blog entry every day for the entire month of November. So, get ready. You're about to learn more about me than you ever imagined. Don't fret I won't get into my personal habits (too much) but let's see if I can share a few new things about me and the the family. See you tomorrow!