PS...Sorry Savanna---h

Oops, should have spelled her name correctly. :)

I Am Sorry (Sort of)

I, Chris Thomas, have been the mastermind (& a brilliant one at that) of the Moon Lighting Blog. Amy Moon received a call from her good friend and neighbor, Noelle, who was also innocently dragged into my blog tonight where she learned that she was the 'proud'? owner of a blog. Unfortunately, it wasn't hers. As most of you know, I'm a jokester with a little bit too much time on my hands and a few more billable hours to log (I also apologize to my clients who unknowingly have funded this delightfully funny blog). Thanks to all my devoted readers, fans, & innocent victims. I've had endless nights of giggling laughter---thanks, Ambien for allowing me some rest from my funny self. I have one last apology to make--to Laura whose blog I used to make comments that were not hers. For that, I will be enjoying the couch for nights to come--thanks again, my faithful friend Ambien.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Chris Thomas to anything that is worthy of his genius.

Identity Theft (Please Read)

I am still trying to pick myself up off the floor. I have been the recipient of a mean April Fools joke in the form of this blog. I just learned about “Moon Lighting” yesterday. It seems that a neighbor of mine, Bryan Wright, has been holding a grudge because he thinks I was involved in a neighborhood prank two years ago that involved kidnapping his University of Utah garden ornament and holding it hostage for several weeks. I knew something was up the past few weeks because he kept mentioning how payback is a –word omitted – but I couldn’t figure what he was up to until Jana Spangler called and mentioned my new blog???

I finally got control of Moon Lighting this evening. To set the record straight, I don’t think blogs are corny, I just haven’t been motivated to start one; I haven’t seen Slumdog Millionaire nor do I approve of ‘R’ rated movies; We did purchase an Acura MDX and picked it up in Las Vegas, however I did not gamble and we were in Zion on the Sunday when Bryan wrote I was playing slots at the Paris Casino; I’m not a fan of ditching church nor do I like the early schedule because it allows us to go to brunch, but I do have to admit that we have been to Sunday brunch once every two years though.

I am not sure what to do with this blog, but thought I would let you know that this wasn’t me. If you see Bryan Wright, kick him in the shins for me.

Blogging Fatigue

When I started this blog, I was worried this day would come. I felt the pressure of constantly having to do something blog worthy so that I would be fresh, interesting --the topic of conversation. Well lately I haven't been feeling it. It has been a challenge coming up with something to blog about and then it feels as though no one is reading my posts. Maybe it's just a case of "it should be spring but it feels like it's still winter blues." I think I am going to take up sewing...

Sunday Brunch

Oh my one guilty pleasure. There is one thing I really enjoy about early church --it's that it gets out by noon which is ample time to catch brunch. Nate isn't a big Sabbath breaker, but occassionally I can convince him. This Sunday we hit Grand America. The jazz quartet was amazing along with the eggs Benedict, chocolate fountain and smoothy bar. There is something ah so rejuvenating about a little Sunday escape. Thanks Nate.

Mega Sucks!

Okay before I explain what happened I have to clarify that I hate the word 'sucks.' I was livid one day last fall when Avery came home from preschool and had somehow learned the s word. I was shocked hearing it come from the mouth of my four-year-old. We had a nice little talk and I haven't heard it since, thank goodness. But, to sum up the last day of Las Vegas, all I can say is that it Sucked, otherwise I would have to use something more profane.

We picked up the MDX, which is gorgeous and drives unlike any car we have ever owned. The weekend was great fun driving up and down the strip, shopping at the outlets, eating at great restaurants and then it happened. As the last hurrah before heading back to SLC, we decided to go to Paris for the French buffet, which Nate loves because he served his mission in France. On the way into the buffet we passed the Mega Bucks slot machines. Despite the fact that you (well many of you) unanimously decided I shouldn't play the $3 and the fact that it was a Sunday afternoon, the excitement of the noise and lights of the casino got the best of me --after all $3 is insignificant right? The answer is WRONG!!! Within a half hour I was down nearly $100, Nate was really annoyed and I felt so bad it was as though I needed to talk to the bishop.

Because of my losings, we decided to skip the buffet and grab something inexpensive for the drive home. As I was sulking on the walk to the car knowing that none of this would have happened if I hadn't swayed from the straight and narrow, I discovered our new MDX had been keyed. I guess karma really bit me in the --well you know where, it sucks. Fortunately, the key job wasn't that bad (Nate says he can touch it up), but the entire afternoon left a bad flavor in my mouth. As we drove back to SLC, instead of watching DVDs on the new entertainment system, it was time for quiet reflection. Through hours of deep thinking, I set some goals and although I am still disappointed, I am motivated to do and be a little better.

To Gamble?

The big weekend is upon us. Nate and I will be leaving for Las Vegas to pick up our MDX this weekend. I am beyond excited!!! At the same time, there is a little dilemma that I need your help with. Last time we visited Sin City, I played the Mega Bucks slots. I put in $3 and won $50. I only played once and then Nate and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with the winnings. I read online this afternoon that in an effort to stimulate the local economy it's rumored that one of the Mega Bucks machines will be paying out a seven-figure sum at anytime. I want to try another $3, but my conscience is starting to bother me. Is a one-time bet of $3 really that bad? It's not like it could lead to becoming a gambling addict. Or, am I simply afraid of winning the jackpot and then not knowing how to answer questions about being a full tithe payer? So I am leaving this in the hands of fate --your hands. I will pull the one-armed bandit if the 'yeas' out vote the 'neys'. So help me with this decision (one vote per person only) and place your vote in your comments.

Ditching Church

Savanna has been sick all weekend. There are few things as exhausting as caring for an ill child --not only are you hurting for them but the lack of sleep really takes it's toll. When it came time for church on Sunday, I took one for the team and stayed home with Savanna while Nate and Avery went to church. I felt a little guilty at first, but then again the fatigue factor was high. After the door closed, Savanna immediately fell asleep and I enjoyed three hours of pure bliss. It's not that I didn't want to be at church. I usually enjoy the three Gs: gabbing, gossiping and learning about the gospel. At the same time, sitting in my jammies eating chocolate raisins and watching reruns on the Reality Channel was pure bliss. Speaking of one of my favorite things, reality television, the Bachelor finale is tonight. I can't wait to find out who he chooses. I also can't stand to watch it live. I have to TIVO and scan through the commercials. I hate how they try to create so many cliff hangers. Here's to a quiet night of sleeping children and the guilty pleasures...

Slumdog!!!

Sunday was so exciting that I am still on cloud nine. I was jumping up and down when Slumdog won Best Picture. This has been one of the best weeks of my life aside from getting married and the births of Avery and Savanna. The car and then my favorite movie of all-time sweeping the Oscars.

I'm looking forward to the State of the Union speech tonight. The jury is still out in my mind regarding Obama, but I do enjoy hearing him speak. Anything that can help the economy is welcomed news.

Good News

I knew this blog would bring good Karma. Since I last posted, we got the MDX we wanted at auction at a huge savings over anything offered by the dealers. Plus I won't have to deal with another bad cologne and cigarette breath salesperson. Viva Las Vegas! I will be going next weekend to pick it up, which makes it twice as nice. Now if "Slumdog" wins Best Picture tonight, it will be the perfect weekend.

R Rated Movies

As I have been anxiously awaiting the Oscars this weekend, I keep wondering what is the big deal about ‘R’ rated movies. I saw “Slumdog Millionaire.” It was amazing, inspiring, possibly one of the best movies I have ever seen and if it doesn’t win the Oscar for Best Picture, I will be totally depressed. The sad thing is I don’t know anyone who has seen the movie because it is rated ‘R.’ It is so frustrating not having anyone to talk to about the movie. Every time I bring it up, I get a blank stare and then feel as though everyone is judging me. It amazes me that no one has a problem with drinking Diet Coke, but they act as though an ‘R’ rated movie is the pathway to H-E Double Toothpicks. I have walked out of several PG-13 flicks that were totally crude and inappropriate, yet have seen ‘R’ rated movies that aside from some brief nudity, drug use, fake violence or an ‘F’ word or two that were ahh inspiring. Why do so many avoid getting even with in sight of the edge of the cliff when it is perfectly safe and the view is so amazing?

Car Shopping

I'm not sure why this didn't post when I created it yesterday, I hope it works this time.

I hate car dealers. So when our Volkswagen went on the fritz, I was totally depressed. It seems like it is so hard to find a car from the newspaper and I always feel like I am getting taken when I step into the showroom and all of the salespeople chase after you like you’re at RC Willey. We visited one dealership and the salesperson, who smelled like cigarettes and cheap cologne, not only gave me the creeps but tried to convince us that 10-year-old mini van with 150k miles was the perfect car for us. The funny thing is we were looking for a new car and this guy wouldn’t give it up until Savanna threw-up, which was fortunate because I think he was going to take us hostage if we didn’t give in. Recently, a good friend introduced us to the “Auto Agent,” a very fashionable (if you catch my drift) guy named Michael who works like a realtor for cars. He helped us hone in on the perfect car, an Acura MDX, and is helping us to buy a lease return with a few thousand miles at auction. The auction prices have been several thousands less than the dealers and the best part is I might be going to Las Vegas to pick it up. Tomorrow is the auction and we are crossing our fingers.

I’m Probably the Last to Give In

I have long thought some blog posts were kind of corny, especially some from the women in my ward. Now I guess some might say the joke could be on me. As much as I tried to act like blogs were lame, I’ve always secretly wanted a forum to express my opinions. I have also had some reservations at having a blog because I am quite opinionated and have been afraid that I might step on some toes. I hope those few that I share my blog with will be open minded and love me unconditionally. You have no idea how big of a jump this is for me. I guess if this doesn't work out I can always take this down. So here’s to a new adventure, I am officially a blogger.