Big Brother 9 Again

I've officially given up on Big Brother for this season. No one is left who actually deserves to win, and I'm so sick of the crap going on in the house. They aren't real because they know the cameras are on them all the time. It's just so sickening what Big Brother has become. I loved Big Brother in the first few seasons, but now, it's old and with them trying to make sure that the contestants "expect the unexpected", it's actually gotten boring. They need to do like survivor did and go back to the old ways from the first few seasons. The other thing that has been bothering me is that they are using Big Brother to promote other shows like Jericho that they were going to cancel anyway. Julie is predictable these days and though I love her, she needs lessons from Jeff Probst on how to provoke the answers she wants out of people. I'm done with this season, but will probably watch next.

Dream Chronicles 2

This game is a great continuation of the first. I love these kinds of games, the ones that are hidden object and puzzle at the same time. The only problem is that it is completely frustrating that I can't find the things I need or where they go. I like the game, but the frustration is starting to get to me. I think it's worth the money, but can't really know for sure. I've found a couple places for help, but they don't help much. I just know that I've been playing this game all day and still haven't gotten half way through.

Growing Up...

While I was in Chicago, I found this most wonderful TV show on Animal Planet called Growing Up... It takes you through the trials of different animals in their growth and how amazing people take them in and raise them. The first one I saw was Growing Up Black Leopard and it made me want to learn to help in a sanctuary like that at some point. I've also seen Tiger, Walrus, Lynx and a bunch of others, but every one make me want to watch more. I've found that it comes on Animal Planet at 10 am EDT and 4 pm EDT if you want to watch. If you love animals, it's worth your time.

A Tribute to Wally Bronner

Today is a very sad day for anyone who has had the pleasure of strolling through Bronner's and feeling the real spirit of Christmas. Though Bronner's will still be there, the part I loved most will never happen again. It was always a pleasure to walk through Bronner's and see Wally greeting people or signing books. He was one of the nicest men I have or will ever meet in my entire life. The thing that impressed me most about Wally was his passion for making sure Christ stayed in Christmas no matter what. Sure, Bronner's sold other holiday items, but their focus was always on Christmas. The other thing that really impressed me, with all of the people who he met on a daily basis, he always remembered me. My name is original so I guess it's not that hard to believe, but I got the impression I wasn't the only one he remembered. I think that Wally loved the people as much as he did Christmas. Because of that, his influence and passion will be passed down for generations and not just in his family, but to the families of everyone who he touched.

I don't mourn for Wally because I know that he is "Now with his Christ of Christmas", but I do mourn for his family and their great loss. He was unique, caring, kind-hearted, giving, loving, funny, passionate and well, that list could go on forever. As for me, I would rather miss Wally than to never have met him, he touched my life and the lives of everyone he met. I feel sorry for those of you who never had the chance to meet Wally, who never had him touch your life, but he will always live on in the Christmas Wonderland that bears his name, Bronner's.

Hell's Kitchen 4

I watched the new season of Hell's Kitchen tonight and was completely disappointed. It started out slow and pretty boring. Chef Ramsey seems to have calmed down a lot and the new chefs, well, I cook better than any of them. I know I could never pass Chef Ramsey's tests, but I can still cook better than any of the chefs this season. I'm glad that Scott is back, but don't really like the new woman Sous Chef. As for my favorites, well, I think that Louross and Rosann for now. Hopefully this season will get more interesting, I'm not sure how much more boring reality TV I can sit through. I'll keep watching, but only because I love Hell's Kitchen.

Plant Tycoon

It's been around a while, but I just recently decided to go back to playing Plant Tycoon. I love most Tycoon games so this one interests me. I love mixing the pollens and coming up with different and strange new varieties of plants. My biggest problem with this game is that it takes so long to do anything. Not only does it take around 45 minutes for a single plant to grow in fast mode, you can't really play with new varieties until you have the better soils and in order to get the better soils you have to have money and money comes from selling plants. See the problem? It might not be a problem for someone who is patient, but I'm really not. I do like this game and will continue to play, I'll just be playing other games at the same time. Plant Tycoon is worth the money if you are patient.

Ethel's Chocolates

I'm a huge Chocolate fan and always thought Godiva was the best out there, then on a trip to Chicago, my husband and I stumbled upon Ethel's Chocolates. I couldn't believe how amazing their chocolate was. We picked up 12 pieces then went back for more just a couple days later. Ethel's, thank God, has a website where some of their chocolates are available, but if you want to really experience Ethel's, you should check out their shop below the Renaissance Hotel in Chicago. They give you free samples and, for the taste, their chocolates are reasonably priced. After I finish the ones I brought home with me, I'll definitely be ordering more.