All Gussied Up

This week has been insane at the Carlson Casa. Besides starting my summer class that meets two nights a week and nannying, I have also been working at our church's Vacation Bible School. I was exhausted. Last night, I fell asleep on the couch at midnight, woke up at 3 and went to bed, then slept until 11:30 this morning. It was fantastic and much needed. So when Troy suggested that we have a date night tonight, I jumped at the opportunity to have a night of relaxation.

There are plenty of things that make being a girl difficult. Being coordinated in heels, (guys, prepare yourselves for this next one) menstruating and cramps, fat days . . . the list goes on and on. But one thing I love about being a girl is when I have the time to get all gussied up. When Troy and I have date nights, taking an exorbitant amount of time primping is part of what makes the date so fun.

We like to go out to dinner around 8 on date night days because something about eating that late makes us feel classy and important. Plus in all the classic movies, the guy always picks the girl up at least after 7. I start getting ready at least an hour and a half before we have to leave. I take a super long shower, shave my legs even though part of me feels like it is a complete waste - once I open the shower curtain and feel the outside air, I get goosebumps which completely eradicates the act of shaving. I put on my cute robe while my hair gets the attention that it needs as well as extra time on my make up. If it is warm outside, I always wear a dress. I know some of you are thinking, this is stupid, but I think you are underestimating the power that women have when they get all gussied up. I know my husband appreciates the extra time I take . . . well, maybe not if he is hungry.

When I walk downstairs for the reveling, Troy, being the fantastic husband that he is, always comments on how nice I look and then he shows me off at . . . the Olive Garden. Hey, the Olive Garden might just be a run of the mill restaurant to you, but to a young couple trying to save their pennies for retirement, it's our date night place! Besides, we enjoy going so that is all that matters. We really go all out while we are there too, wine, appetizers, dinner and then tiramisu.

So, if you're looking for me, I'll be showing off my cute husband at the Olive Garden. I'll be the gal all gussied up.

Schmuck-Producing Ads

Little known fact about Pam Carlson - I have a degree in Business; Marketing to be more specific. So, I do have a slight interest in consumer behavior and I respect the creativity behind commercials and advertisements. However, I don't think you need a Business Degree in order to spot a ridiculous ad. I would hope that any Joe would pick up on the cheese-factor. Now, I don't know if the economy has forced companies to downsize their marketing budget, or if the creative juices of these commercial masterminds has suddenly dried up, but I have noticed a few ads that do nothing but make the American population seem like a bunch of lazy schmucks.

Schmuck-Producing Ad #1

A couple years ago there was a commercial for Olive Garden. I tried to look it up on YouTube but it was taken off. Probably because it is a breeding ground for divorce. It shows a woman and her daughter talking about how they go to the Olive Garden on "nights when Dad works late." Troy and I always thought this was ridiculous. I mean when I was growing up, on 'nights when dad worked late' my mom made fish sticks and macaroni and cheese for us. Apparently, Olive Garden likes to take advantage of missing family members. If this is the direction that the Olive Garden is looking to go with their ads, here are a few more ideas that they can use . . . free of charge:

- When Grandpa's in the hospital having a tumor removed, my cousins and I like to hit up the Olive Garden!
- When my wife is giving birth, I like to meet up with the guys at Olive Garden!
- When my son is playing his championship little league game, I like to sneak out with the hubby to the Olive Garden!

Schmuck-Producing Ad #2
This week I heard a radio ad at the health club for Yo-plait Frozen Smoothies. It went something like this: "Yesterday my friend called me and told me she was really craving a smoothie, but it is such a hassle! You have to buy the fruit and mash it up. Don't you wish there was an easier way to enjoy a healthy snack? Well, now there is! Yo-plait Frozen Smoothies! Find them in your grocer's freezer!" I almost laughed out loud when I heard this. How difficult it is really to make a fruit smoothie at home? My mother-in-law makes them many mornings for her breakfast. I have never heard her complain about how they are 'such a hassle.' The next thing I am going to hear is that making your morning coffee is too much work . . .

Schmuck-Producing Ad #3
Enter my next ridiculous commercial: 5 Hour Energy. I have in the past mentioned my feelings about this apparent super drink, but I have also seen commercials for this product that make it seem like making coffee is just too much work. Making coffee is one of the simplest tasks I do all day. Obviously, these people can not be true coffee lovers to make a blasphemous statement like that. What do these lazy people do when they have to change the toilet paper roll or fill up their car with gas? Life must be so exhausting for them. Here's one of their commercials:

Alright, I'll get off my soap box now. I mean, apparently this is just the way that companies view us - schmucks. Well, I'll show them. But if I'm going to take on Corporate America, I'm going to need a plan. Maybe I'll work one up during dinner tonight. I mean, Troy is home sick with the flu, and that's when I like to go to the Olive Garden!