Okay. So I saw the new Indiana Jones movie last night. And no, this post is not going to be a review of the movie. Though if you’re curious, it kept me entertained enough to watch, but I really didn’t like it that much. I’d probably give it 2 or 2 1/2 stars out of 5. But that’s not why George Lucas made me cry. And nope, it has nothing to do with the Star Wars Prequels either (though they did make me hurl…).

Let’s flash back to 1980. I’d already seen that cool space movie called Star Wars. And I had the fake glow-in-the dark lightsaber that was probably attached to my hip. (You know the kind. You have to hold them up to the light for like 10 hours, then you shut off the lights and it glows green for all of 3 minutes…)

Anyways, when we heard there was a sequel to Star Wars coming out, that was like unheard of! What would it be about? Will it be new characters? New aliens? Will Luke be the hero? Will they ever catch that bad Darth Vader guy? Sooo many questions. Needless to say, I must’ve asked my mom like six thousand times if we could go see it when it came out. And when “The Empire Strikes Back” finally hit theaters, my whole family went to the local RKO Theater to catch it. These were the days when movie theaters were ALWAYS packed, and they were big screens, rather then 12 screens in one movie theater. And this was most definitely an event movie. So there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. And my 8-year-old eyes were literally glued to the screen. I don’t think my heart slowed down for a second.

And when the movie ended and the credits rolled… I was confused. Was that really it? Was it really over? But… but… but the bad guys froze Han Solo! And… and… the good guys didn’t rescue him!?!? How could it possibly be over?!?!? It was way more then my little pea brain could handle. And when my mom confirmed that it was over, the waterworks started. It was too much for me to take. Even her reassurances that “The good guys will most likely save him in the next movie” had little effect. Poor Han. Frozen in Carbonite. Well, at least for another few years…

COUPON TIME:

Speaking of frozen, here are a few good appliances coupons to save you money on a freezer or other big honkin’ units. Sorry, Carbonite sold separately.

$5 off online orders over $50 at HomeDepot.com
Use promotion code DAD2008 at checkout.
Valid through: June 4, 2008
This offer is valid and redeemable for a $5 discount on a $50+ online order at homedepot.com only. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount, offer, promotion or special incentive program and is not valid on: (a) labor or Self-Furnish and Install (”SF&I”) and Furnish and Install (”F&I”) program products, including without limitation roofing, windows, siding, HVAC products, custom closets, storage solutions, installed sheds or structures; (b) the purchase of gift cards or certificates; (c) prior purchases; or (d) Consumer Electronics (including, but not limited to, televisions, DVD players, speakers, home theaters, cellular phones, etc.), John Deere, Cub Cadet, Little Giant Ladder Systems, Thermador in select markets, Gaggenau, Miele, Dacor, Viking, Fisher&Paykel, Sharp Insight, Delonghi, Casablanca, Hunter Prestige, Buckhaven, Weber, Lynx, Alfresco, OCI, Marvel, Bertazzoni, Aga, and Vent A Hood products and trade styles.

15% off all Appliances & Floorcare at Sears.com
Plus, Free Delivery on $399+ or 0% for 12 months with your Sears Card
Valid through: May 29, 2008
Excludes Great Price items, Electrolux, LG Brand, Kenmore PRO small kitchen appliances, sewing machines, closeouts, dehumidifiers, water heaters, air conditioners, compact refrigerators, microwave hood combinations, range hoods and outlet store purchases.

5% off online orders at Compact Appliance
Use coupon code 5AFF.
Valid through: June 30, 2008

Free Shipping on orders of $115 or more at Kmart.com
Valid through: May 31, 2008
Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Not valid on previous purchases. Some restrictions apply. Items must be shipped via Lowest Cost or Ground Shipping method for all mailable orders of $115 or more. Lowest Cost & Ground Shipping methods only apply to orders shipped to the U.S. continental 48 states and the District of Columbia. Offer applies to most items under 120 lbs. Excludes shipping costs on non-mailable items delivered via freight truck, freight truck curbside or premium white glove shipping methods.

$15 off a purchase of $200 or more at Overstock.com
Use this link to activate coupon. Discount will appear during checkout.
Valid through: May 31, 2008 11:59pm MT
Excludes Books, Music, Movies, Software, Videogames, Club O, Overstock Auctions, Travel, Cars and Gift Cards. These items do not count toward the minimum order size. Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon. U.S. orders only.

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day today! Hope your day is filled with friends, family and best of all… hot dogs. Lots and lots of dogs! I’m heading over to my parents’ house this afternoon for a barbecue, and all I’ve been thinking about is hot dogs. Seriously. I think I may have a problem.

I also just wanted to say a very big THANK YOU to every man and woman who has ever served in the military, is currently serving or will serve at some point in the future. You guys and gals put everything on the line for us, and you don’t even know 99.9% of us. Yes, I’m a big fan of superheroes like Captain America, Batman and Spider-Man, but without sounding super cheesy or cliched… those guys putting their very lives on the line are the real heroes. So thank you for all you’ve sacrificed and all you’ve done. And I will most definitely eat a hot dog in your honor today! Heck, it’s the least I can do, right?

No, I’m not talking about the classic ’80s film starring Matt Dillon. Nope. Though that is a good one. I’m talking about another ’80s classic icon, well to me anyways. See, I was big into superheroes as a kid. Not just reading comic books, but collecting them and any and all action figures and toys I could find. (Which was sooo much less than what’s available today!). But one of the coolest things ever that I have was my pal Raydeen.

Raydeen was just pure awesomeness in a 23 1/2″ package. Made by Mattel, he was part of the Japanese “Shogun Warriors” line. Basically they were giant robots that helped fight the good fight and save people. There’s a big long Japanese history with comics, anime, toy, etc. But I didn’t care about any of that. I just loved this insanely cool toy!

Not only was he huge, but you could literally fire his left fist off and knock down an army of bad guys. I used to have all my superhero figures climbing all over him, hanging off the horn-like projections on his head. Man, I had such a blast with this guy. His arms moved up and down and he had small wheels on his feet. My friend Chris actually had Mazinga, a different model from the same line that shot all sorts of tiny missiles from his hand. So whenever we hung out to play, there were plenty of battles between the two.

But the coolest and most MacGyver-ish thing I ever did was literally make Raydeen my personal protector. Y’see, in the middle of his chest, there’s a missile launcher. You press down on a button on his back and this big yellow bird-like missile would go shooting out of his chest. So after a lot of trial and errors (mostly errors), I found a way to tie some thread to that button in the back and stretch it out across my door. So whenever anybody opened my door and walked in the room, they’d activate the missile which would fire at a whopping 0.05 mph and possibly hit them in the leg. Yeah, I was real proud of myself with that. Heh.

Sadly, like all great toy stories, the Mighty Raydeen met his match. I don’t remember the exact moment, but I imagine years of abuse and being smashed, dropped and tossed around, finally took their toll. His arm trigger mechanism totally broke, so not only couldn’t he fire his fist, but I couldn’t even put his fist on. Then I lost all his missiles. More cracks throughout. And eventually his head came off.

I’m sure I can hunt another one down on ebay or pick it up at some comic book convention somewhere. And who knows, I may just do that one day. And while it’d probably cost me an arm and a leg for such a retro toy… that’s still gotta be loads cheaper than paying the monthly fee on a security system, right?

COUPON TIME:

Why am I so in the mood for sushi now? Yeah, the whole Japanese thing. So with foreign lands in mind, here’s a slew of great deals and coupons for travel going on right now.

Save up to 30% on over 220 Destinations at Expedia.com
Book by June 30, travel by September 5, 2008
Up to 30% off hotels, cruises, cars, and activities. Huge selection of top U.S. and international cities.
Applies only at featured participating hotels in select destinations. Look for the green tag “Summer Vacation Sale” for additional hotels with summer savings. Discount is based on length of stay. Offers vary by hotel, are subject to availability, and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
Free $50 gas card with 3+ nights at Expedia.com
Offer is valid Monday through Friday
Book by June 27, 2008 for travel through September 30, 2008
Use this link for details. Valid through: June 27, 2008
This card expires on August 31, 2008. This promotion may be redeemed only once. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. resident, at least 18 years of age or older, and you must make a qualifying purchase. This offer is not valid on stays at Marriott branded hotels including: Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Marriott ExecuStay, Marriott Executive Apartments, Grand Residences by Marriott.

Save $50 on Golf Vacations at Orbitz.com
Book and travel by November 1, 2008
Use this link to get the promotion codes and all the details.

$75 off select 3+ night flight & hotel packages at Orbitz.com
Use promotion code 75AFFORB.
Valid through: December 31, 2008
To display qualifying hotels, click “I have a promotion code,” enter the above code and look for hotels marked with the icon “COUPON.”
Book a qualifying flight + hotel package by December 31, 2008, for 3 or more nights for travel by December 31, 2008, via Orbitz and instantly receive $75 off your purchase through the use of the promotion code. Limit one discount per hotel room and one promotion code per purchase. Discounts are not redeemable for cash for any reason. Any attempt at fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Orbitz reserves the right to change or limit the promotion in its sole discretion.

$25 off Last Minute Packages to Florida
Minimum 2 passengers
Use promo code FLORIDA25.
Valid through: May 31, 2008 11:59pm ET
Valid on Flight + Hotel Last Minute Deals package to Florida, for at least 2 travelers. Not redeemable on other Travelocity products or gift certificates. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer (including any other promo code) and must be redeemed at time of purchase.

$50 off 3 night stays at any hotel through Travelocity
Use this link and promotional code SAVE50.
You must use a MasterCard to receive discount.
Valid through: May 31, 2008 11:59pm ET

Up to $100 Rebate on your Hotel stay at Hotels.com
Use this link to view the coupon.
Get $20 with a 3-Night Booking
Get $30 with a 5-Night Booking
Get $50 with a 8-Night Booking
Get $75 with an 10-Night Booking
Get $100 with a 12-Night Booking
Valid for reservations booked online through May 31, 2008
Must travel by July 31, 2008

Fathers everywhere will be suffering from a horrible disease next month. It’s called Tie-itis. Yes, it’s when poor, hardworking men everywhere are given a lame yellow polka-dotted tie for Father’s Day. But worry not. For this disease is curable. And I beg of you to join me in the fight to wipe out Tie-itis once and for all. Shop early and shop for something cool that dad will actually enjoy!

To help, I’ve compiled a handy dandy list for you of neat, fun, different gifts that dear ol’ dad will get all weepy eyed over. And even better, every single one of these items costs less than $20. Fun and cheap? Yes, dad will be proud.

Top 10 Father’s Day Gifts Under $20

1. Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker: Father’s Day Pals
Entertainment Earth, $9.99
Sure, it’s just a cheap two-pack containing nifty Luke and Vader Star Wars action figures from Hasbro, but what makes this an acceptable gift is the fact it comes in a nifty Father’s Day-themed box, complete with a Father’s Day card. Hopefully your dad won’t cut your hand off and let you plummet to your doom after receiving this one…

2. Tools/Tackle Box Chocolates
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates, $9.25 each
Yes, chocolates are God’s gift to women. Us guys know that and that’s why you ladies should be regularly showered with boxes of them. But you know what? Chocolate tastes pretty darn good. Even to us guys! So go ahead and get some fun-shaped chocolate at least, so we’ll feel a little more manly, opening a box of the sweet stuff.

3. ESPN Magazine Subscription
Best Deal Magazines, $14.97 for 1 year (plus save 15% with coupons)
If your dad’s a big sports nut (whether it’s baseball, basketball, hockey or football), help him stay on top of the latest trends, scandals and stats with a 26-issue subscription to ESPN magazine. Sure, I’d rather get Sports Illustrated myself, but good luck finding a sub for under $20 for that one! ESPN’s a great second-choice, unless your dad only likes “sports” like bowling, golf or darts. None of which count as sports. Sorry.

4. Titanium Spork
Think Geek, $8.99
I can’t tell you how many times I used to be at my desk in the office, I’d open up a container of yogurt (stop laughing), reach into my desk and pull out… a fork. So I’d walk way back into the kitchen area and play the “find the spoon” game, which could take upwards of 15 minutes. If I only had one of these awesome titanium sporks, I’d never fear eating yogurt again. Plus, we only know how easy it is to break a plastic spork, so it’s definitely worth the minor aggravation of having to wash it regularly.

5. Guitar Hero Game key chain
Hot Topic, $19.99
If you can afford it, buy your dad the full-fledge Guitar Hero video game for the Xbox 360, PS3 or yeah, even the Wii. It rocks. Literally. But if your dad already has it or you can’t afford it, then get him this funky key chain game, that’s a mini version of the real thing. Just picture how rad he’ll look playing this thing on the subway commute into work each morning…

6. Watchmen graphic novel
Barnes & Noble, $15.99 (plus save up to 25% with coupons)
Iron Man’s a monster hit at the movies right now (and if you haven’t seen it, go see it! Now!) The next Batman movie hits theaters later this summer. But if your dad really wants to be ahead of the comic movie curve, you’ll get him Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s masterpiece comic series Watchmen. Arguably one of the best comics ever written (trust me, it is), this realistic look at superheroes-series is getting the blockbuster movie treatment and is due to hit theaters March 6, 2009 . And its director? Zack Synder… the guy who brought you the recent smash-hits Sin City and 300 films.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers Tape Measure
NFLShop.com, $19.99
How do you cure an NFL-addicted father who’s suffering from some severe football-withdrawl this summer? Easy. Get him something cool with his favorite team’s logo on it. Even better, get him something cool that he can use, like a tape measure. Who can’t use one? Or an extra one if they already have one? And I picked the Steelers here, solely because this is one big hint of an item. Ahem. Moving on to number 6…

8. Beer Mug with Bell
Target, $16.99
Speaking of football, what’s a game of pigskin without it’s national drink: the beer? This ingenious device available from Target not only safely houses that sweet sweet nectar, but when you finish chugging, just ring the attached bell and your lovely house waitress will race to your side with a refill. (NOTE: Lovely house waitress not included.)

9. Ghostbusters Boxer Shorts
80sTees.com, $9.99
Every guy needs a goofy pair of boxer shorts. And what guy wouldn’t love wearing Slimer from the classic ’80s film Ghosbusters on their undies? Granted, I’d rahter have those sweet Rocky Balboa American Flag boxers, but they were $20. A penny too much for this list.

10. Hot Dog Toaster
FreshFinds.com, $19.99
I love hot dogs. I could probably eat them every day for lunch and never tire of them. Roasted over a campfire is best. Sizzled on a grill is next. Nuked in the microwave is… well, pretty gross. So if your dad’s a hot dog fiend, then check out this funky fresh toaster that toasts up two dogs and buns at the same time. We’re talking like minutes. If your dad can make toast (and ys, that could be a big if), then he can cook himself up two scrumptious hot dogs.

Be sure to check out our
Father’s Day Deals & Coupons page

Been awhile since I did a Flashback Friday for you guys. Actually, geez, I completely missed doing one in April. Maybe I’ll just double up this month then to make up for it…

I probably should’ve saved this week’s Flashback for a month from now in honor of Father’s Day. But it got into my head, and you know what happens when a song gets stuck in your head. Anyways, I was a fan of Genesis in the ’80s like most average kids. I didn’t love ‘em, didn’t hate ‘em, just kinda dug their songs.

But in 1985, Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford went on to do a solo project. And I think I actually liked those guys better than Genesis. “Those guys” were Mike & The Mechanics, and when I first heard their song “Silent Running,” I was blown away. Here was a rock band with a song that played out like some science fiction movie, and the music even seemed to fit. And while I still love that tune, I decided to go with a much slower and more touching tune. (Go ahead, call me a wuss. I can take it.)

This one’s about dear ol’ dad. And chances are, you remember hearing this a zillion times on the radio.

Mike & The Mechanics - The Living Years

COUPON TIME:

Continuing with the father/son theme, here are a few coupons for dads everywhere to enjoy.

15% off your online order at The Children’s Place
Valid online only. At checkout, enter web code S2A58.
Valid through: June 1, 2008

$10 off a purchase of $25 or more at Snapfish
At checkout use coupon code ULTCOUPMAY.
Valid through: June 3, 2008
Plus 20 Free Prints for new Snapfish customers. Can be used once per customer. Cannot be combined with other coupons.

50% off on any NHL or NBA Logo when you
buy any regular priced Fathead
Valid through: May 20, 2008
Discounts will be applied in the shopping cart. Gift Cards and E-Certificates not included.

Since I started working at home over a year ago now, the biggest thing I probably miss is… Dunkin Donuts coffee. Particularly in the summer. I used to always stop at the D&D’s right down the road from my office. I’d run in and grab a large iced coffee and head back to the office (usually with a box or two of munchkins for my staff if they hadn’t ticked me off the day before). And nothing beats a hot summer day then an ice cold coffee. Well, nothing except an ice cold beer. But I wasn’t about to walk into work with one, or even six, of those.

So yeah, that’s what I miss most about not driving into work everyday. Granted, I save a fortune on gas, have no commute and can work in my jammies. But tomorrow, I gotta get outta the house because its…

FREE ICED COFFEE DAY!!!

On May 15, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at participating Dunkin Donuts, you can get a free 16 oz. iced coffee. I know I”ll be hitting up every D&D in my area (there’s gotta be like a dozen I gather), so I should be good and super wired all day tomorrow! Hopefully I’ll remember to at least put on pants first…

Yesterday was Mother’s Day and I hope all you moms out there had a wonderful day full of great gifts, good food and lots of pampering. But today’s Monday, so back to reality I guess. Heh. And since yesterday was all mom, I figured I’d take today to talk about dads. Or specifically, my dad.

I know today’s kids are way different then my generation, back in the “just-starting-out” VCR days of the early 1980s. The only war we knew then was a cold one that was all scare and no real fighting. Music videos were risque if they showed a bunch of women in halter tops and mini-skirts. And other then Eddie Murphy’s “Raw” or George Carlin’s anything, cursing wasn’t the the average norm that anyone could hear/find on a regular basis in normal conversation. And the internet? Hah. Yeah, no such thing. We were limited to super-slow dial-up modems that would connect you to a local BBS so you could play really lame games. So yes, it was a very different time back in the early ’80s.

My dad had a great philosophy in regards to me as a kid, in terms of movies. He’d much rather have me watch or see nudity, then let me see violence. So I guess that’s why I really don’t care for war movies or horror films. And show me a teenager who’d argue with his dad about seeing naked chicks. With that in mind, though, it didn’t mean he’d go renting crazy X-rated films for me or anything. But, it also meant that I could practically get away with a lot.

Probably the best story to sum up my dad is with this anecdote. I must’ve been about 12 or 13 at the time I’d guess and we were at the local video store at the time. (Yes, this is way before the birth of chains like Blockbuster.) Somehow he came across the movie “Porky’s.” I don’t remember the details, but I’m sure I conveniently placed that box near his line of vision. He ended up renting it, and as he was checking out, the woman behind the counter reminded him that it’s rated R and not really appropriate for kids. My dad thanked him and we left. Then I 100% will never forget this. We go home and pop the movie in the VCR. My dad’s in his big comfy chair, leaning back with his feet up. I’m all decked out on the white couch, laughing my butt off. (We both like comedies, so it definitely was the right type of movie for us.) It’s certainly adult in tone and there’s some quick nude flashes early on. Then it comes to… “the scene.”

If you’ve every heard of the movie, you know what I’m talking about. It’s the girls’ shower scene, where a few of the guys are peeking at the girls through holes in the wall and it’s… gasp… full frontal nudity. (Hey, that was realllly big and unheard of back in the ’80s.) It was also the one moment I was waiting for. The very reason I wanted to see this movie. And as the scene starts, without moving from his chair, my dad actually says, “Uh, I don’t think this movie’s really appropriate for you, Andrew.” My heart starts racing like mad, while my eyes are literally glued to the boob tube. (Pun intended.) I think I managed to mutter an “Uh huh” or something. And… well… that was it. I didn’t stop watching. My dad didn’t stop me. Nor did he say another word. I guess his saying it once validated him in his mind. And I had no problem with that at all.

COUPON TIME:

Now THIS is tough one. How do I tie this post into coupons. No way I’m hunting down codes for adult sites or anything, so get your mind out of the gutter. But since that shower scene was the highlight of my youth, I’ll work with that and get you guys a bunch of home-improvement/hardware store coupons. Go, dad!

10% off select Appliance Purchases of $399 or more
Plus Free Delivery & Haul Away via mail-in rebate
Valid through: May 14, 2008 11:59pm ET
$399 minimum excludes taxes, warranty, delivery and installation fees. Offer not valid on prior purchases.

FREE shipping on select Power Tools at HomeDepot.com
Offer ends: July 31, 2008
Offer includes: combination tool kits, drill presses, cordless drills, corded drills, impact drivers, screwdrivers, screwguns, sanders, polishers, grinders, hammer drills, chippers, breakers, lathes, staplers, planers, joiners, routers, recip saws, spiral saws, cut-off saws, circular saws, jig saws, band saws, worm drive saws, mitre saws, table saws, heat guns, nibblers, shears, stationary table saws and nailers. Offer excludes garden tools, plumbing tools and electrical tools. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount, offer, promotion or special incentive program, and is not valid on: (a) the purchase of gift cards or certificates; (b) prior purchases; or (c) certain items containing weight and/or size shipping restrictions.

15% off all washers and dryers at Sears.com
Plus Free Delivery & Haul Away (after rebate)
Valid through: May 16, 2008
Excludes Great Price items, Electrolux, LG Brand, Kenmore PRO, closeouts, and outlet store purchases

Shop at Northern Tool + Equipment through Shop.com and save:
$5 off a purchase of $50+ with coupon code BRDH5.
$10 off a purchase of $100+ with coupon code BRDH10.
Do not use Guest Checkout if you want to use a coupon!
Valid through: May 31, 2008
You MUST use this link to use the coupon. It will NOT work at NorthernTool.com. Coupons are valid only at select Shop.com stores. Computer/Electronics stores excluded.

So, like, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve thought about it for the past few weeks and kept telling yourself, “I’ll get something for mom next week when I’m at the mall.” And then next week comes, and you’re at the mall and you see a cool new Xbox 360 video game so you start looking at how Mario’s going to get sucker punched by Bowser again, and then you remember you need a new pair of sneakers, and you really should buy a Yankees T-shirt, ’cause like you don’t even have one anymore. And before you know it, you’re back at home thinking, “Huh. Guess I’ll get something for mom next week.” And now it’s Wednesday and you’re just mere days away from Mother’s Day. Nice job! Heh.

For you procrastinators out there, here’s a quick list of nice things you can do for dear ol’ mom that are sure to put a smile on her face:

• Be like ET! Yep, phone home. Whether you talk to your mom like 10 times a day or maybe once every 6 months, go ahead and pick up the phone. Tell her how much you miss her and that you wish her a great Mother’s Day and that you wish you could be there with her and all that. Be sure to mention you just got a haircut and that she was 100% totally right about [insert one of the 64 things your mom told you that you had to do, last time you spoke with her].
• Be like MacGyver! Get your lazy butt over to your mom’s house and finally make good on those endless promises you’ve made in the past to fix things next time you’re over. Whether it’s mowing her lawn, changing a light bulb, setting the clock on her DVD player or fixing those annoying sliding closet doors that always come off the track… just get over there and get to work.
• Be like Rachel Ray! No, I don’t mean shrink down a few inches and put the most gigantic smile ever on your face… I’m talking about cooking! Mom’s spent an entire lifetime (yours!) making you some of your favorite meals. So it’s about time you returned the favor. Whip up one of her favorite dishes, or if that’s way too complicated, just open up a can or a frozen TV dinner. Whatever. Just make an effort to make a meal for her. Cause no matter how awful it really is, mom will still love it. And if not, remind her that it’s totally the thought that counts.
• Be like those thumbs up/thumbs down guys! (I’d say Siskel and Ebert, but sadly Siskel is dead and Ebert’s suffering from lots of surgery/cancer. And I don’t remember the names of the guys who replaced them… But I digress…) Don’t be a wuss. Suck it up and take your mom to the movies. Just be sure it’s a movie she wants to see, not you. And don’t try spinning it somehow that you thought mom would love to see “Street Kings.” Nobody’s buying it.
• Be like DaVinci! I’m not talking about speaking in code. I’m talking about just being creative. Use whatever talent you have and make something for mom. Write a poem. Paint a picture. Take some photos and make a collage. Arrange a flower bouquet with flowers from your garden. Whatever it is, just put a piece of yourself in it, and mom’s sure to treasure it. (Plus, it’s a lot cheaper then buying her a new camera.)

COUPON TIME:

If all that sounds like way too much work, here’s a few last-minute coupons/deals so you can just order mom something cool online that she can return to the store later when she hates it:

10% off all online orders at The Company Store
Use promotional code AFDSAVE10.
Valid through: May 11, 2008
One-time use only. Discount applies to new orders of in-stock merchandise only, on merchandise total exclusive of tax and delivery charges. Valid only for purchases made online at TheCompanyStore.com and CompanyKids.com. Offer does not apply to past purchases, as payment on any credit card account, to the purchase of Clearance items, Charisma products, gift cards, or club memberships, and may not be combined with any other offer.

20% off your order at ICE.com
Use this link to activate the coupon code.
Valid through: May 11, 2008 11:59pm ET
One coupon per customer. Excludes sale items, engagement rings and items under Hollywood Jewels. Cannot be combined with any other coupons.

Send 12 Assorted Mother’s Day Roses + 6 FREE and FREE vase
for just $29.99 at ProFlowers
Valid through: May 9, 2008 or while supplies last

Save $10 and get FREE Chocolates when you send
24 Assorted Petite Roses, $29.99 at ProFlowers
Valid through: May 9, 2008 or while supplies last

15% off your online order at Teleflora.com
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: May 11, 2008
May not be combined with any other promotion and is not valid toward previous purchases. Not valid at retail locations or partner sites.

20% off select Roses or Lilies at Teleflora.com
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: May 11, 2008
May not be combined with any other promotion and is not valid toward previous purchases. Not valid at retail locations or partner sites.

Buy Mom a Magellan 3250 GPS Receiver, Get Yourself a Magellan 1200 GPS Receiver Free at RadioShack
Use this link for details.
Valid through: May 11, 2008

$20 off orders of $100 or more at Shoes.com
Excludes Sale Items
Click the “Apply Code Here” button in your shopping cart and enter coupon code may100.
Valid through: May 16, 2008 11:59pm CT
Not valid on Bags and the following brands: Allen Edmonds, Bruno Magli, Burton, Crocs, Dansko, Ecco, K-Swiss, LAMB, Keen, Lucchese, Mark Nason, MBT, Mephisto, Merrell, Puma, Royal Elastics, Siren, Stuart Weitzman and Ugg. May not be combined with other offers or applied to previous purchases. Valid only on orders shipped to the U.S.

$5 off orders of $50 or more at Shoes.com
Excludes Sale Items
Click the “Apply Code Here” button in your shopping cart and enter coupon code may50.
Valid through: May 16, 2008 11:59pm CT
Not valid on Bags and the following brands: Allen Edmonds, Bruno Magli, Burton, Crocs, Dansko, Ecco, K-Swiss, LAMB, Keen, Lucchese, Mark Nason, MBT, Mephisto, Merrell, Puma, Royal Elastics, Siren, Stuart Weitzman and Ugg. May not be combined with other offers or applied to previous purchases. Valid only on orders shipped to the U.S.

Apologies to all my loyal readers (which surprisingly is a lot more than just like 2 or 3 friends), for my lack of posting the past week or two. April was a super crazy zany month for us, mainly because we just sold our house and moved into a small 2-bedroom apartment. (We figured it’d be smarter to sell first, and then look for a new house to buy. Especially considering today’s market conditions.) So that’s the main reason time has been sucked away from me, and thus you all suffer terribly with less-than-daily posts from yours truly.

But beyond that, this week was a doozy. Let me start by saying this: “Despite what you think, your dad is probably right. ”

That’s pretty much what was running through my head on Tuesday morning as I lay on a cold dirty floor, holding paper towels and a ziplock bag full of ice over my left eye as I stared at the blood in my right hand.

I was at our house for some last-minute cleanup before the closing (spackle some giant holes in the wall, pick up the last big items, etc.). My dad met me there and wanted to take a few things. So I was in the garage, helping him take apart this tall plastic shelf system. It’s four big plastic shelves with holes in each corner, and four long plastic rods that go in each hole. You just pull the whole thing apart. Dad brought along a rubber mallet to whack the thing apart easily. I figured I could help by just pulling or twisting one of the rods out. It was a bit tighter then I thought. But apparently it just needed a tug… ’cause that foot-long plastic rod came flying out at like 90 mph and hit me square in the left eye. I literally saw stars, cursed like a sailor and with my left eye still closed and covered by my left hand, I looked down at my right hand and saw blood. Granted, it was only about 2 or 3 drops, probably about the size of a nickel total. But it was still blood. Smashed eye + blood = I think I’m gonna hurl.

Feeling weak, I made my way into the house and sat on the steps. (Remember, the house was completely empty. No furniture, no nothing.) Dad came running in behind me wanting to see the cut. I was able to open my left eye and see, so that fear was quickly abated.

And then it happened.

I started to sweat. A lot.

And I knew what that meant, since it’s happened a few times before. Knowing that I was moments away from most likely passing out, I did the only thing I could do. I scooted myself to the floor…

The next thing I knew, I was having a blast with my friends when, all of a sudden, I was sitting on the floor of my old house with my dad standing above me asking if I’m okay. “What a weird dream,” I thought. Until after a minute or so I realized the “friends” thing was the dream. This was reality. So I laid on the floor with a roll of paper towels under my head as a pillow, while my dad got me ice for my eye.

I’ll cut the rest of the story short and say that our bodies are amazing. The shape of our eye sockets truly do protect our eyes. That round rod smacked me real hard all around my eye socket. I’m a little black and blue above my eye lid, real sore, and have a nasty small gash in my eyebrow. (That’s where the blood came from). But my eye itself is 100% fine.

So yes. I basically punched myself in the eye and passed out. Probably one of the stupidest and wussiest things I’ve ever done. But at least I got out of spackling!

COUPON TIME:

Since I’ve been slacking in my posting duties lately, rather then theme any coupons this time around, I’ll take advantage of it being the beginning of the month, and spotlight some of the best new promos going on.

$10 off $75 in Apparel, Shoes & Home at Sears.com
Use coupon code ASOFT1075.
Valid through: May 3, 2008

20% off jewelry at Ross-Simons.com
Use promotion code MOM2008.
Valid through: May 10, 2008
Online only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Excludes clearance merchandise, gift certificates, prior sales, loose diamonds and mountings, select brands and art gallery purchases.

Free Shipping on all orders at SteveMadden.com
Valid through: May 4, 2008 11:59pm ET
Continental U.S. only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.

Free Shipping with an order over $99 at BabyAge.com
Use coupon code MAY99 duing checkout.
Valid through: May 31, 2008 11:59pm ET
Excludes all furniture, including but not limited to, DaVinci, Giftmark, Sorelle, Angel Line, Lipper, Simplicity, Bratt Decour, Dutalier, Shermag, Jennifer Delonge. Cannot be combined with any other coupons. Not valid on previous purchases.

10% off any size online order at Jewelry Television
Valid online only. Enter promotion code discmycj10 at checkout.
Valid through: May 31, 2008 11:59pm ET
Not valid on auction items and XTR products. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Coupon may be used one time per customer.

10% off online orders at WorldofWatches.com
Use coupon code MOM10.
Valid through: May 11, 2008 11:59pm ET
Excludes Cartier, Omega, Tag Heuer & Breitling. Cannot be combined with other offers.

10% off online orders at Wayside Gardens
Use Bonus Code MAY10.
Valid through: May 31, 2008

$5 off online orders over $50 at HomeDepot.com
Use promotion code SPRING21 at checkout.
Valid through: May 11, 2008
This offer is valid and redeemable for a 10% discount on an online order at homedepot.com only. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount, offer, promotion or special incentive program and is not valid on: (a) labor or Self-Furnish and Install (”SF&I”) and Furnish and Install (”F&I”) program products, including without limitation roofing, windows, siding, HVAC products, custom closets, storage solutions, installed sheds or structures; (b) the purchase of gift cards or certificates; (c) prior purchases; or (d) Consumer Electronics (including, but not limited to, televisions, DVD players, speakers, home theaters, cellular phones, etc.), John Deere, Cub Cadet, Little Giant Ladder Systems, Thermador in select markets, Gaggenau, Miele, Dacor, Viking, Fisher&Paykel, Sharp Insight, Delonghi, Casablanca, Hunter Prestige, Buckhaven, Weber, Lynx, Alfresco, OCI, Marvel, Bertazzoni, Aga, and Vent A Hood products and trade styles.