Follow up to Dave's Earlier Post

Previously on the Haase blog...

Dave wrote a glorious post on hmmm, what does he say "It's not the thought that counts, it's getting it right that counts?" This is most ironic now, as we had a bit of a role reversal recently.

Here I am 8 months pregnant and starting to have glorious back pain, so I asked for a little back massage. Dave preceded to read an article on the computer while rubbing my back. I said nothing but thank you and graciously did not complain when he was exhausted five minutes in.

At that point, I told my brother it was his turn. He was quite attentive and upon receiving his back rub, I gave Dave a little polite feedback as to the "variations" in their massages. Dave was less than pleased by my comments and told me that if I wanted a back massage, I shouldn't complain...

I found this as the perfect opportunity to say "If you want snacks from me, then don't complain and isn't it not the thought that counts, but getting it right that counts?!"

Needless to say, he had no rebuttal and even laughed a little. Point taken.

Holiday Fun

OK, it's been a long time. Sorry for the absence, but I'm getting used to my new work sched, and moving into our new house (pics to come). Here are some highlights...

1. The day after coming back from China, Ash drops my iPhone into our new toilet. I guess she was trying to test the flushing capacity! After not using my phone for 6 months (Europe and China are expensive for cellies), the first day back in action my phone was destroyed. Sweet.

2. Moving into our new house means there are about 100 little $30 things we "need" to buy, so we are spending money like it's going out of style.

3. Our new house is awesome. Love it.

4. We are traveling to MN, CA, and CO in the next two weeks for the holidays. Right now, I'm sitting in the Murphy's house, staying inside because it is -7 degrees outside.

5. It is my birthday. Today. I'm 28 years old, and getting sleepy more often every day.

I'm just breaking the seal here...I'm back (said in a creepy, horror movie-like voice).

It's the thought that counts...

There is a saying that "It's the thought that counts..."

I would like to disagree. My saying goes like this, "It's getting it right that counts." For example, today, Ash brought me a delicious lunch of pasta salad, barbecue sandwiches and coke zero. I immediately noticed two problems:

1. Hot sandwiches are not meant to be served on cold bread
2. I hate cold pasta of any sort

So, I was faced with a dilemma...let Ash forever get this wrong, and make today easier. Or, correct her now and help her love me better for a lifetime. I think you know which option I chose.

Merry Christmas! Get it right this year.

My Grown Up Christmas Wish

*This is what I look like when I ski, except a little better.


I just found out that the Smabys are joining us in Vail for new years! I can't tell you how exciting this news is...we have been on serious friend withdrawal (and family, and anyone we know for that matter) in China. We were supposed to have the King family out, but they were given one of those family guilt-trips that make the holidays special. We are very sad to hear they will not join us (found out yesterday), but so excited that the Smabys are coming!

In honor of the Smabys joining us, I would like to list 5 things I like about both Brett and Krista:

Krista
1. She puts up with Brett. Not many people could.
2. She cares for special children. Like Brett.
3. She forces Brett to get me snacks and beer.
4. She agreed to marry Brett only after I was "off the market."
5. She is a master of mental Jujitsu, and can brainwash anyone.

*While #4 may be misleading, it is true.

Brett
1. He is engaged to Krista
2. He refuses to grow up
3. He is into some really dorky things, and seems to be unfazed by society's scorn for said things (weird music, viral videos, Cheetos, mountain dew, video games, rod Stewart).
4. He thinks of some really great and awkward questions that make a perfectly enjoyable evening uncomfortable in a hurry (see Bodega Bay).
5. He sees me as a mentor, inspiration, and friend

*While 5 may not be true, I can't say that it isn't for sure.

*I also can't confirm that I won't deny to not use as many negatives in one sentence as is not possible.

So, in closing, if any of you out there would like me to write nice things about you, just come to Vail for New Year's!

*Technically, Brett and Krista have not committed to joining us yet. However, after reading this blog they will feel touched by the nice comments and guilty about letting me down (this was my only Christmas wish). Therefore it is a done deal.

I'm so excited...

I am very excited to go back to the US, to our new home and to my little doggie. Ash left yesterday, and I've got 1 week left before I go home!

Unfortunately, I am not as excited as this child about his Pokemon card. Wow. This is why Christmas needs kids, to keep the level of excitement up. I wonder what the videos would've looked like when I was a kid of me getting a new BMX bike, or the Nintendo Robot thing I got that was awesome...I'm guessing a little less dramatic than this clip!

*Caution, do not watch this at work as you might laugh out loud uncontrollably. Economic downturns are bad times to be watching YouTube videos at work!!

*The best is the end where he is reduced to a speechless, breathless, sobbing wreck. Amazing. As a marketer, I worry that the company promoting Pokemon might be a little TOO effective...