Ben and Jenelle DOT COM

A third Christmas list is now available to the right — the Comande Family Christmas list! If you’re a Comande family member, and you want your Christmas list posted for all to see, you can contact us (e-mail, phone, whatever), and we’ll add it as soon as we can. So far, it’s just Sue and Ed. Would you like to be next?

And even if you’re not a Comande Family member, we’ll still put a list up for you. 🙂

A few birthdays before heading out:

Sunday the 7th: Happy Birthday, Grandma Iz!

Sunday the 7th: Happy Birthday, Uncle Gary!

Friday the 5th: Happy Birthday, Jeff! (a friend in Missouri)

A lot of us had trouble making shots at tonight’s game, but I still thought we put forth a good effort. Oh, well… you can’t win ’em all. Next week, we’re playing a team called “Bye”. I wonder if they’re any good.

In other news — only 6 days until I get my ring back. 🙂

Would you like to try the BEN weight loss plan? Here’s what you do. Exercise a little more. Eat a little less. That’s it.

I’ve noticed that I’m losing weight in various parts of my body. Since January, I’ve lost roughly 40 pounds. My waist size has dropped from nearly 40 to 34-35. But here’s one I didn’t expect — my wedding ring doesn’t fit anymore.

So, yesterday evening, I went in to Rasmussen Jewelers to get my ring re-sized. You know how jewelry store folks like to make positive comments about you and encourage you to buy something? Well, jewelers must love it when a guy walks in and needs his ring sized down. Assuming correctly that I must have lost weight, the compliments rained down — stronger than the light drizzle outside. Being the only person in the store, every employee managed to get one in.

The person helping me out: “You look fabulous.”

The person sitting at a computer updating something-or-other: “Wow! How did you do it?”

The person in the back on the phone: “You’re looking great! Nice work!” (He must have been on hold — otherwise, he really confused the person on the other line)

Anyway, my ring size was 9 when the ring was purchased in early 2003. I’m now a size 7.5. Those finger aerobics really pay off.

Well, Northwestern fans aren’t happy, but the whole state of Wisconsin has no depression whatsoever, which makes me smile. 🙂

The flowers that were previously displayed on the webcam (now available for viewing here) were purchased at Pick N’ Save.

And, as you can see from the latest webcam picture, our butter knife indeed does have a notch. The picture was taken to answer a question from one of the many readers of this log. Thanks for asking!

I’ve decided to play city league basketball on my uncle’s team this year (Pinocchio’s Restaurant at 31 & 20). We’ve had two practices so far, which consist mainly of scrimmage games with whoever else happens to be around.

One of the people who we happened to be playing against last night just happened to be 1994 Rose Bowl MVP Brent Moss, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in playing for Wisconsin in 1993. He was certainly the strongest player on the other team, but I wouldn’t call his presence dominating. 🙂

And that’s my latest celebrity encounter.

Those of you who have been paying attention to the History Page realize that there were a couple of milestones on October 12 that are worth mentioning here:

Happy Anniversary, Ed & Yolie!

Happy Birthday, Laura!