THANKFUL

On Tuesday, I woke at 2:30 am and flew to Washington DC for a 2 hour meeting for my new job. I had a little time after my meeting before my plane left, so I walked to the Korean Memorial. (Mr. PoMonkey and I were in our nation's capital last year, but we failed to visit this stirring memorial.) I have never been a history buff and shamefully cannot carry a decent conversation about many historical events, but I have always been very patriotic and deeply moved by ceremonies, pageantry, military displays and our national anthem. The Korean Memorial was no exception...the life-like statues were remarkable, somewhat eerie, and incredibly touching. Even though I can't spew out endless dates, names, and facts, I do recognize the sacrifices of many people that enable my freedom and believe they should be respected and honored. You should definitely visit this memorial (and all the others, for that matter) if you get a chance!

(1. I did not take this photo. 2. I do not intend to be irreverent by posting this photo.)

ONE SMART MONKEY

Panbanisha, a bonobo, at Great Ape Trust of Iowa (pictured above) triggered a fire alarm last week...a prank she's pulled before! "It's a trick initially learned in October when she saw a welder start the alarm. It took her less than a day to learn how to duplicate the excitement." But they should all feel better now because according to the lead scientist, Panbanisha promised not to do it again.

What a smart monkey!
(HT to Mr. PoMonkey)

BE CAREFUL

Don't eat too much turkey...that tryptophan could cause problems. You don't want to wake up with mashed potatoes up your nose and green bean casserole in your hair!

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

TRAIN UPDATE

I'm now not sure which is worse: train-mates with intestinal issues (see 11/14 post) OR train-mates that forgot to bathe. What's amazing to me is...can you really be a fashionably dressed, clean-cut person and NOT shower?!? Can you really "just forget" to bathe?

Sure wish I had a nose plug, cotton ball, chewing gum, Vics salve, clothespin, surgical mask...anything!

MONKEY MAIL

My anonymous friend reminded me yesterday about monkey stamps. I figured since so many of you are preparing to send your Thanksgiving and Christmas cards, you might want to know about all your monkey stamp options. Look no further...PoMonkey is your expert (kinda)!First of all, you currently have 2 options at your local Post Office. However, the monkey stamps are in a group with other stamps and if you really wanted to just have monkeys, you'd have to buy A LOT of "panes". There is a Lunar New Year pane with the year of the monkey and a Picture Book Animals pane with Curious George. (And, yes, I've used both!)





Zazzle also has custom postage stamps of a sock monkey! I love them, but you pay $0.50 more for EACH stamp for the customization. That's a little steep!

Many other countries also have their own monkey stamps...I sure wish I lived in some of those places! They are really cool. I think these from Singapore are my favorite...and I'm not saying that just because I may know someone who lives there! If you know of other monkey stamps, let me know!

TRAIN FUN

I'm back! I'm no longer technology-less! However, I am having to adjust to the PC world after being in the MAC world for 5 years, but I'm finding that it's just like riding a bike.

The train commute downtown is going well...no one has kicked me out of a seat, I haven't had my lunch money stolen, and I haven't fallen asleep and missed my stop (like someone did yesterday). I did happen to sit behind someone this morning who seemed to have some flatulence problems...fortunately he wasn't going far!

I'll BE BACK!

Many of you know that I recently resigned from my current job and start a new one next week. I will temporarily be without technology as I transition between laptops. So I'll be back...I promise!

This is the cake from my going away party last week. The entire theme was monkeys...I know you're surprised, aren't you? It was a delicious cake, and the monkey picture was most excellent!! My office-mate, Kara, gets lots of "props" for the cake and decorations!