What We Can't Buy at Wal-Mart

I was suffering from some nasal congestion and got a recommendation from a friend to try some Sudafed. I decided it was time to go to Wal-Mart and buy some. One night after dinner I packed up my daughter and headed to Wal-Mart. I chose Wal-Mart because I also needed some other household items and as we all know, Wal-Mart has pretty low prices. We arived and began our shopping. As we made our way over to the Sudafed isle, I discovered instead of being able to get the box of Sudafed off the shelf. I had to grab a Sudafed card and then proceed to the pharmacy to collect my Sudafed. As I walked over to the pharmacy, I noticed all the lights off, windows shut and ultimately it was closed. I then noticed a sign explaining the hours of operation for the pharmacy. I then noticed a sales person stocking a shelf near by and asked her despite already knowing the answer that if the pharmacy is closed I would be unable to get my Sudafed. She affirmed my hunch the Sudafed was unattainable. I purchased my items minus the Sudafed and went home.

How come a store is open for 24 hours but has its pharmacy close at 7PM on weekdays. I mean doesn't it seem logical if a store is open 24 hours you would be able to purchase all the items the store has to offer 24 hours a day. I mean it is Wal-Mart. You can go up there at 3 in the morning and purchase some new underwear but if it was medicine you seek, you better think twice and probably head to Walgreens because they have all their products for purchase 24 hours a day. If you were in an emergency and needed medication the store you seek would definitely NOT be Wal-Mart. With all that is offered at Wal-Mart, it definitely isn't medication after 7PM.

The Miracle of Birth

I would like to share another great memory of my life. On January 7, 2005 Emma Naomi was born. It was a day Heather and I had been waiting for quite some time. Well I should say for obvious reasons Heather was more anxious than I was.

As most women know and share to almost everyone, during the last month of pregnancy they are ready to be done. To take you back a few weeks, Heather went to the doctor a few days before Christmas for a final check. During the doctor visit, the doctor very enthusiastically said, “it looks like you might have a Christmas baby; I think the baby could come at any time.” I was pretty excited. But unfortunately for me Heather heard, “The baby is going to be born very soon.” Now I can understand a woman’s need to be done with pregnancy when they are down to the last few weeks, but it doesn’t help the situation to have the doctor tell my wife the baby is coming at any time. The next two weeks were the longest weeks of our lives. Everyday Heather would say, “I just want to be done. I should be having this baby today.” As the good husband that I am, I was supportive and sympathetic to her needs and did everything I could do to keep her comfortable, but there really wasn’t anything that I could do. Christmas eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day all came and past and no baby. It was the longest Holiday season ever.

To make the story longer, Heather was not working just waiting, and I was working two jobs to keep up. My employers knew I was on high alert and had to leave at a moment’s notice. On a normal day when I got done with my morning job, it was straight to work again. For some strange reason on January 7 I had some spare time and decided to make a surprise visit home. I was home for about 30 minutes when Heather developed major contractions. Heather called the hospital to ask if we should come in and asked the standard question, “How far apart are you?” Well at this time I was running around all crazy getting stuff ready and had no idea how far apart they were, and Heather was a little preoccupied at the time to sit and stare at a clock to time it. So I think at the time we just gave them some answer of “5 minutes.” The hospital gave us the run around and said we should wait and come in if they were closer together. Well after another contraction came about 2 minutes later, Heather called again and the hospital said come in. I grabbed the bag and headed in.

On the car ride over I remember telling Heather to hold on and wait. I did not want to pull over and deliver a baby on the shoulder of highway 694. Thank goodness we made it to the hospital. I got Heather a wheel chair and we were on our way. We got inside and they requested we register. I tried to explain we had preregistered, but for some reason we weren’t in the system. Trying to remain calm I started to fill out the paperwork and Heather in her glory said, “I can’t wait! Fill out the paperwork later and get me upstairs.” I looked at the receptionist, I looked at Heather, I looked at the receptionist, I looked at Heather, and we were on our way upstairs. We got to our room and Heather was awesome. After 90 minutes at 6:35 PM Emma Naomi took her first breath on her own and came into the world. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen and when it happened I have no idea what I was thinking about. I just remember one minute nothing, the next a baby. The nurse proudly announced, “You are the proud parents of a baby girl.” Heather emotional and sobbing says, “I’m sorry it’s not a boy.” I hugged and kissed her and said, “It’s ok!”

QB Controversy

As an avid Minnesota Vikings fan I thought it only appropriate to share my thoughts about why Brad Childress will lose his job because of his loyalty to Tarvaris Jackson.

Going into his fourth year as head coach, Brad Childress, has put all his hope on two mediocre quarterbacks to lead his team to a winning record and a playoff birth. Mr. Childress has recently stated he wants Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson to compete for the starting position next season. Right now anyway it is apparent the Vikings organization will not pursue the signing of a free agent quarterback. It is my opinion, if the Vikings do not find or produce a NFL worthy quarterback to lead the team next season, it will be the end to the Brad Childress era in Minnesota.

I do not boast to be a great NFL recruiting mind, as Paul Allen voice of the Minnesota Vikings would say, but I still wonder to this day how Brad Childress convinced other front office personal to trade up in the draft to take Tavarias Jackson. I know NFL talent does not always come from top division 1 schools but I don’t think it was the right time to draft a quarterback from Alabama State. But with a coach like Brad who boasted on his ability to create NFL quarterbacks, I was hoping for the best.

In the past 3 years Brad has attempted to bend and mold Tarvaris into the quarterback of the future. Vikings fans are still waiting to see praiseworthy quarterback. Throughout training camp last season, Brad supported Tarvaris and named him the starter. Starting the 2008 season 0-2, Gus Ferotte was quickly announced the replacement for the remainder of the season. I do think the benching of Tarvaris was a bit early but I would speculate, Brad was feeling some pressure from the front office to win and win now. I mean the front office did just spend millions of dollars to bring in highly sought after free agents Jared Allen and Bernard Berrian. So, as the season progressed Gus led the Vikings to a playoff worthy record but went down to injury. Tavarius came back in to finish off the season with a Division Championship. But throughout this run I still felt uncomfortable about the possibility of either quarterback coming up with a big fourth quarter drive to win a game. I never had the feeling that our quarterbacks would be good enough to make the clutch throw, get the key first down, or complete the long pass necessary to go far in the playoffs. And my feelings were cemented by the first round home playoff loss to the Eagles.

As I have sat back and watched the Vikings improve over the last 3 seasons, I still wait for the day when I can have a feeling of hope in the fourth quarter. I have no idea what they will do next season, but I am going on the record and predicting, “If the Minnesota Vikings do not make the playoffs, or if the Minnesota Vikings do not win 1 playoff game, Brad Childress will be replaced at the end of the 2009 season.”

How I Met My Beautiful Wife

I have told this story to some people but as most of you know I love telling stories. So for the enjoyment of everyone else, this is how I first met my wife.

I met my wife working at a shelter for troubled boys in Anoka, Minnesota. The very first time we ever talked on the phone she called me to relieve her at 6 the next morning. First of all, I had no idea who this person was. Second, when I took the shift I was visiting my folks in Duluth, and third she called at 9 in the evening. So I thought for a second, had nothing else to do and accepted the work. I quickly went to bed because I had to leave Duluth at 3:30 the next morning to make it to work on time. When I arrived at work, there she was eagerly waiting my arrival. She thanked me a million times for relieving her and then left. This brief interaction was only beginning.

A few days later our second encounter happened. The company had an outdoor basketball court. I was with my boys shooting hoops when who happened to stop over with her boys? Yep that’s right, Heather. I will admit some flirting took place while on the job, but at no time did I ever lose my focus of my job responsibilities. I built up some courage asked Heather if she would like to come out with me and some friends after work. Heather thought for about 1.2 seconds and accepted my invitation. After work I picked her up and we went out. Maybe it was coincidence or fate but our friends never showed up. We sat and talked for a couple hours and then I invited her back to my place and we watched our first movie together. It was a great first date.

I then tried to play it cool and give it the 2 day rule. For those of you who don’t know, after a first date the unwritten rule is a guy gives it 2 full days before calling again. From what I learned later, during those 2 days Heather was very anxious and never thought I would call back. But after 2 days I called back and several other dates ensued. Sparks turned into flames and we quickly spent all of our free time together and some work time as well. We hit our rough spots as any normal relationships do but we worked through it together. We dated for about 2 years off and on until we got engaged and married.

Wedding vs Day of Love

As Valentine's Day has come and gone I thought it only appropriate to share my thoughts on this National Holiday. There have been times in my life when Valentine's Day has been fun and boring. I think the boring times were when I was in high school and single in college. I did purchase the gift for my high school sweetheart and we did have a nice dinner, (I purchased this as well) but as the night ended and I dropped her off at home it seemed a bit melodramatic. Don't get me wrong I did get a present out of the deal. But I felt forced to show "extra" love because of history of Saint Valentine.

In college I spent 3 of 4 Valentine's Day at my place, watching movies, and enjoying the company of myself. The one Valentine's Day I decided to get a date was my freshman year when I really wanted to make a good impression on a girl who caught my fancy. I got her number from a friend of mine and it was to my surprise when I called, she answered and without much hesitation said yes to my invitation. I did my homework, found out her favorite flower and favorite restaurant. We had the date which I thought went very well, I paid for everything and was quite the gentleman if I do say so myself. However, after Valentine's Day there was no return phone call from her despite numerous attempts for a second date. It was for this reason I spent the next 3 Valentine's Day all by myself. Thanks for letting me get that story off my chest.

So with this in mind, is it ok for weddings to take place on this date? If so, is it then fair for others to be upset if they must miss out on the opportunity for a special date with their love one for attendance at a wedding. This controversy is why I decided it necessary to blog and share my opinion. I think there would be no reason why people should avoid scheduling Valentine's Day as a wedding day. This year I found it rather enjoyable to spend Valentine's Day with my wife and then share the day with our friends while they "tied the knot." It was fun and added some variety into a National Holiday that may in any other year turn into the same "dinner and a movie date day." How many times do your friends get married (well marriages end in divorce 50% of the time)? I would find it rather selfish to be mad at your friends for deciding to get married on Valentine's Day and ruining your chances for a date night. I mean come on, how many other times of the year can you go out on a date night? Just because this one day is nationally known, doesn't mean hostility would have to accompany you to the wedding. I can only think of one thing, selfishness. And on the day of love you should be happy being with your significant other where ever that maybe, even a wedding.

I will say, after Heather and I started dating I have enjoyed Valentine's Day ever since. I believe when you find that person you want to spend the rest of your life with, Valentine's Day will be something you look forward to every year.

My Obsession for Duke Basketball

It was the 1990-91 basketball season when I was first introduced to Duke University during March Madness. Christian Laettner and Bobby Hurley were the leaders of this Blue Devil squad that included other great names such as Antonio Lang, Grant Hill and Thomas Hill. I was 10 years old at the time and watching this squad win a national championship with a 32-7 record will be forever grained in my brain. I have been a loyal follower of Men’s Basketball at Duke University ever since.
I thought it only be appropriate to share about some of the highlights from my life about Duke University. First, “The Shot” by Christian Laettner with time expiring to beat Kentucky in 1992 in the East Regional to advance to the Final Four is by far my number one highlight. I would argue this is the greatest college basketball highlight of all time. (This highlight is on You Tube.)
My second favorite Duke moment is when I visited Duke University. It was summer time so the campus was empty. As I walked around campus I could feel the history and aura of the greats who had walked the campus streets before me. As we approached Cameron Indoor Stadium I was getting goose bumps. As we entered the stadium I saw the 2 National Championship Trophies and pictures of past and present players. To my amazement we could enter onto the playing floor. As I entered and looked to the rafters and saw the retired jerseys, ACC Championship banners, and the National Championship banners I was in awe. I walked to half court and touch the logo. I then ran down and touched the rim. I took about 30 pictures to remember every single moment.
My final favorite Duke basketball moment was in 2001 when they came to Minneapolis and won their third National Championship in 10 years. Watching Shane Battier, Jason Williams, Nate James, Chris Duhon, Carlos Boozer, and Mike Dunleavy defeat Arizona in my home state was spectacular.
I know some day I will make it to Cameron Indoor Stadium to watch them play in person. I wait patiently for that opportunity and I know my opportunity will come.

The Chipotle Experience

Living in Duluth has many pros and cons but in my opinion the biggest con is the absence of the fast food chain Chipotle. When I left Duluth in 1999 for college in St. Paul, MN I was introduced to this wonderful food chain and immediately fell in love. I cherished every time I could enjoy my chicken burrito that was conveniently located throughout the metro area. It is an unfortunate tragedy that Chipotle has neglected to expand to northern Minnesota. It was even more unfortunate for me when in 2005 I moved back to northern Minnesota that is 150 miles away from any Chipotle. Upon my arrival back to northern Minnesota I have shared my wonderful experiences at Chipotle with many residents. The most common response I receive from residents of northern Minnesota is, "What is Chipotle?" I then care to explain to them the smell, and enjoyment one receives while ordering their meat, black or pinto beans, salsa, sour cream and cheese that is magically stuffed into an extra large tortilla. Even after this explanation many still ask, "What is so special about that?" I then enlighten the residents of northern Minnesota when they travel to the metro area of they must make a stop at Chipotle.
As a testament of what I am talking about I work with one of the most picky eaters I have ever met. He has lived in northern Minnesota his whole life and until last year he had never had the pleasure to enjoy a Chipotle burrito. During work last year he had the opportunity of traveling to Minneapolis and had time for lunch. I convinced him to try Chipotle. After helping him order, showing him how to unwrap the foil and watching him sink his teeth into his first Chipotle burrito, it was love at first bite. This guy has been in love with Chipotle ever since and obsesses about when the next time he will travel to Minneapolis for business.
So I would suggest to all people who have never experienced the joy of eating Chipotle burritos, google Chipotle, locate the closest location and make the trip. It will be worth your time and money even during these tough economic times.
As I sign off tonight, don't be scared to try new things and especially not the Chipotle burrito.

"Oh Mom..."

Last night I called to inform my mother of the newly created blog. Today we had my parents come for lunch. During our time together my mother expressed her concern of posting information on the internet. She made it quite clear she wasn't worried about people knowing about me or Heather but concern for her 4 year old grand daughter. Oh I love my mother and how much she cares about her kids...oh wait I mean her grand kids. I still remember the day when I received a call from my mother requesting I drive out to their house so, "she could see her only grand child in Duluth." It was odd she didn't seem all that excited about me coming with Emma. I love my mother and how much she does for me and my family. I love you Mom!

The Family 2008

We hardly get any "good" family photos but this one turned out quite nice. We are the Bashaw family!

Our First Ever Blog

This is another first for the Bashaw family, not only do we write Christmas letters but we are now blogging. Saturday afternoon has been pretty quiet and so we have made a decision to start a blog. We aren't quite sure what the normal expectations are for those who blog, but we have decided to take on the challenge. Since Heather's enrollment in school we had the luxury of purchasing a new laptop computer. We have enjoyed the perks associated with the new computer and most of all sitting on the couch, watching tv, and surfing the internet all at the same time. Isn't life in America grand? With a 4 year old running around the house our lives are hardly dull, but we both agree, Emma is the best perk of all! We look forward to including a blog in our lives as well! Thanks for visiting "The Bashaw Blog."