Every Kiss Begins With [barrrffff]

Christmas brings out many types of commercials, but the jewelry commercials are by far the most nauseating to me. What bothers me the most is that they all feature some cutesy way for the man to present his woman with the gift:

• Immediately following the breaking of the wishbone, as he "grants her wish"
• Holding up the bag from the store to stop a snowball fight
• Hanging it on a tree at the tree-selling lot
  
• Putting it around her neck while she sleeps
• As part of a yucky version of "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

I'm sure I'm missing some...

Every commercial seems to indicate that he has fulfilled her ultimate wish, which makes her look shallow and superficial, like a raccoon that's in love with sparkly objects. I bet he's just trying to placate her with money instead of time or affection so he can go play golf each weekend. I mean, really, ladies, if your significant other spent $1000 on jewelry for Christmas, would you like it or think he's a doofus for spending that much money on a bunch of rocks?

...it can only be JAR-ed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's In The Game!

Annika occasionally asks me to play computer games with her, mostly because she wants to play things like Zoo Tycoon, or some of my EA Sports games. A few weeks ago we played some Madden '04 together. I have it set on "Rookie" level, so I usually win big, and I let her play defense most of the time. She's played enough now to actually run the offense, specifically seeking out the running plays, which are given a different color when selecting them. She hasn't quite put together an entire touchdown drive but she's moved the ball.

Another game we play is Tiger Woods '04. She enjoys playing, but I think the most fun part for her is customizing her player. The hair, clothing, shoe, accessory, and tattoo options are so extensive that number of possible outfits is basically unlimited. Usually she hits the links with a braided blonde ponytail and an array of pink clothing. Today she switched from short sleeves and a skirt to a jacket and pants, since it's winter. Then, while playing, she actually holed out a chip from the rough. I missed it at first but confirmed it on replay.

"Dad, it went in the hole!"