#star wars family car decals

[hobbitunderthemountain]

anyway in happier news i finally have my new (used) car and it’s been detailed and it’s all pretty and i’m going on a roadtrip and seeing (hopefully) four different friends this weekend which i am stoked about!!!!

[raeloganthesonic06fangirl]

I assume you like Star Wars

Actually, this one is a soft "Kinda"

I love the Star Wars aesthetic, and I have seen a fair amount of the films a few times over, played the crap out of Jedi Outcast II as a kid, and did grow up in an environment that had plenty access to Star Wars content... But I wouldn't label myself on par with the more enthusiastic fans.

I'm casual at best; I'm not as well versed in all the lore, but I won't say no if someone brought out some of the movies to watch while hanging out.

That said, I will admit that I have Star Wars pajamas, and the family car has a fair sized Yoda decal on the side window. Also, in the short few times I've been to Disneyland, I spent too much time at the Star Tours part of the park. Also, I've seen all the Family Guy and Robot Chicken parodies, and did sit through the Star Wars Christmas special during a school trip once. And Genndy Tartokovski's Clone Wars was pretty cool. I also had a Han Solo in Carbonite toy and a Stormtrooper toy for my dog a couple years ago before she chewed them up.

I also had a Darth Maul birthday cake when I was 9

I know it well enough to identify when it's being referenced. And I totally respect it's importance in modern pop culture, and that it's one of those franchises that really gives different generations a common interest, especially with families.

[lizek316]

I saw 2 of the radest cars at Target today.

Joe’s car? Perhaps Chris Pratt’s?

There was also a T-Rex hood ornament.

In case it to too small to read, the Star Wars decal says: The Empire doesn’t care about your stick figure family.

A+ to these people.

[sunfish999]

Types of People, Kpop ver.

tag yourself haha enjoy

BTS

enjoy Starbucks, typically get an Americano. actually like snakes and most animals. read fantasy romance novels, and that goes for movies as well. when gardening, they prefer flowers, and like the aesthetic of a color scheme. “I’m in love with Khalid”. yellow walls, acrylic paints on wood. starry nights and writing fanfiction at 4:30am. can be bossy but is logical and fair when making decisions. screams at the tv during sports games.

BAP

stealing roses from a neighbors garden. passionate about anything they set their minds to. is sort of basic but in a cute way. lying in bed all day, quilts made by a grandmother. orange lotus soap with a basil scent. writing song lyrics or sheet music, playing the ukelele painted with flowers by your best friend. listens to depressing emo music but somehow it motivates them. cliche daydreams about crushes, can’t get over them even after being rejected. frilly socks and black tights. chipped purple nail polish. 

VIXX 

very sweet, into astrology. carries a picture of their little nephew in a leather wallet. clear phone case with the space gray iphone 8. likes holding hands with family members, friends, and lovers. lives near the ocean and always has sand between their toes. salty hair. a fresh, lemon scent with a hint of lavender. prefers pinterest over tumblr. “Jon Bellion is SO underrated”. very organized but has lots of things. black doc martens with doodles in gel pen. carries unscented chapstick everywhere.  

MONSTA X

tries to be an emo kid but really isn’t. has a lot of money but saves it all for ‘charity’ or ‘college’. aces school but always sleeps in class. mcdonalds all the way. laying in the grass on a sunny day. has some acne but is beautiful anyway. your average alternative music taste. down to earth, grows vegetables for their families. upside down herbs hanging from the kitchen window. is super athletic and most likely plays basketball. really good hearing but can’t see for shit. round glasses that are mismatched. 

EXO

singing in the shower, loudly, along with the music on your ipod. brushing your teeth with kids crest toothpaste. lives in jumpsuits and denim jackets. no one knows but they hate the dark. horror movies ftw. an entire shelf in their bedroom is dedicated to plushies. “yes i have to stand on this chair to take a picture of my food”. family camping trips every summer. plays the clarinet and looks forward to band camp. blasts lofi chill hop music whenever they’re in need of inspiration. pretty hands, no piercings. lives for doing anything with other people, will never hesitate to help out someone in need. 

SHINEE 

super nostalgic, keeps a memory box and still talks to childhood friends. That One Mom Friend. wants to major in psychology. keeps a dream journal and has a tumblr dedicated to psychic research. talks to their dog more than people. huge fluffy white comforter. listens to country music. likes the moments when it’s raining but the sun is out, and most wait for a rainbow but it never appears. doodles on your arms in crayola markers. cheetah print parkas are the way to go in winter. could be in a roller derby or bowling league. 

GOT7 

opening a window during a thunderstorm and just listening. forgetting to write in their diary. pressed wildflowers that are ugly to some but pretty to them. black fountain pens and nothing else. brings a smoothie to class every morning but never forgets fries at lunch. indie music is their jam. covers up the dark circles under their eyes with concealer, since they stay up until 3am. sleeping in super late on weekends and finally feeling refreshed. star of the soccer team and the lead role in the school musical. clumsy but charming. love at first sight. 

NCT 

making pinterest foodie recipes. prints out wikihow pages and keeps them in a notebook with them at all times. could read steven king at night without getting scared. screeches at jump scares but cradles spiders. is the world flat? probably does ballet or works out 24/7. keeps potted plants on their windowsill but can’t figure out why they keep dying. never turns the fan on while showering and then draws figures on the glass. drake is my spirit animal. phone is always at 80% but they never bring a charger anywhere. makes you go on the biggest ride at amusement parks or the biggest slide at waterparks. risk-takers and daredevils. 

BIGBANG 

ironically, watches the big bang theory. and the office. and parks and rec. along with friends. they really enjoy buttery popcorn but skip the salt. listens to 80s music. just above passing grades, hate attention. likes drawing with charcoal on big sketchpads. backhugs for their lover, kisses that send shivers up your spine. silver ring on their middle finger, wears a plaid fannypack everywhere. loves making jokes and is a living meme. lives on a large campus at the uni, works out with friends and is enemies with their roommate. eyebrow piercings and no-makeup makeup. carries a water bottle everywhere. 

DAY6 

works hard in school and their grades reflect that. has social anxiety but no one knows. pretty posters tacked on the walls. graffiti on the bathroom stalls and on train cars. champion chalk artist. always gets ice cream in a dish. two spoons, they love to share. sitting on the roof of a skyscraper and looking at how awake the city is. thrift store shopping. loves reading biographies and watching documentaries. listens to classic rock. 

TWICE

a cat fanatic. watches sherlock, doctor who, and supernatural. is a total geek. makes theories on every tv show ever. can’t fall asleep at night thinking about government conspiracies. gasps when people say they haven’t watched every star wars or read harry potter. “you mean to tell me you don’t know who BILBO BAGGINS is??” stargazing on the roof of your house. spilling tea on your sweater but just shrugging it off. will probably be a best selling author one day. smiles and says ‘have a great day!’ to everyone they see. the guardians of the galaxy soundtrack is everything anyone ever needed.

LOONA 

has a favorite poet. cringes at their freshman year GPA of 3.7. listens to podcasts. carries around an almost ripped rucksack so stuffed with books it’s a miracle it hasn’t burst yet. wants to major in philosophy but minor in math. works in a cafe that sells pastries. studies while perched on cushions that cover the floor of their room. falls asleep in random places. owns a pet bird. sings while baking cookies and played the flute in seventh grade. is fluent in french. 

BLACKPINK 

is into photography. annoys a lot of people but doesn’t let it bother them. smells like sweet perfume. idolizes Audrey Hepburn and owns a book about elegance. it’s on their coffee table. likes vintage hats and wears lace bralettes under everything. owns a record player that continuously plays classic piano records from goodwill. feels like they were born in the wrong generation. tries to capture their emotions with a camera. picks daisies and is an expert at making flower crowns.

RED VELVET 

has a sweet tooth. likes cookies and cakes and candies. desperately wants to travel to london. has an art instagram where they post calligraphy. plays card games every saturday. mornings in the saddle and stroking their horse. collects the eggs from their chickens each morning to make omelets. has quote decals on their walls. dazzling white smile and red lipstick. works as a nanny for the kids down the street. is always tired. listens to slow love songs and teaches ballroom dancing and waltzes. 

F(X)

is cool and they know it. pulls all nighters with ease, handles alcohol well. takes risks only because they have nothing to lose. is dissatisfied with life. predicted their own death and has written their will already. sells old notes and tests to younger students, as well as being an irish literature tutor. likes reading shakespeare. is the heartthrob of the school. stares out the window during class but can answer whatever question the teacher asks. ripped jeans and fishnets is a winning combination. is a black belt in taekwondo. only ever drinks hot chocolate. 

i don’t even know what half of these mean but tag yourself lmao this took years its 3:01am 

[quantumleapanalyses]

Quiz time!

In the summer of 1990, to help promote the show, NBC released a “Quantum Quiz” to go along with “Quantum Week” (a week where one episode was aired every day, Monday through Friday).

For fun, here’s the quiz. I’ve updated and edited the questions for difficulty (I’ve also added at least five bonus points throughout to compensate), to fix errors and to reflect the show’s status up through the end of season five. No fair using books, websites or any other references to answer this quiz! Answers are below the cut.

What phobia did Sam have to overcome during one of his leaps? Bonus point: Name the episode.

How many times has Sam leaped into the life of a woman? Bonus point: name at least four jobs those women did (e.g., one was a cook). 

What soon-to-be-famous music star did Sam meet on leaping into the life of a disc jockey in 1959? 

Executive producer Don Bellisario calls the above a “kiss with history.” Describe three other soon-to-be-famous people with whom Sam crossed paths.

How many times has Al been married? What happened to his first wife? 

What is the name of the computer Al uses to determine the odds and reasons for Sam’s leaps? Bonus point: What does Edward St. John call this computer?

What historic event did Sam, as a womanizing professor, glimpse while en route to reunite a student with her father in Washington, DC? Bonus point: name one other historical event, other than the shooting of JFK. 

What small Midwestern town did Sam leap into as a deejay? 

Why was Al so adamant that Sam persevere to overcome prejudice as mentally challenged Jimmy?

In what musical production did Sam sing when he leaped into the life of an understudy? Bonus point: name two other songs that Sam sang in other episodes during the series. 

What tragic fate befell Sam’s older brother in 1969? 

Who besides Sam can see and hear Al? 

What types of athlete has Sam leaped into over the course of the series? Name three. 

When Sam leaped into the life of Samantha, what did the corporation Samantha worked for manufacture? 

When Sam leaped into a boxer’s life, who acquired his contract? 

How old was the youngest person into whose life Sam has leaped?

Name at least two of the black people that Sam has leaped into. 

What military rank does Al hold? 

Sam leaped into the life of an American Indian of what tribe? 

As a trapeze artist, what death-defying trick did Sam have to perform? 

What MTV star guested in an episode? 

Name someone from Sam’s own past whom he encountered on a leap. 

Name at least one physical handicap that Sam had to feign on one of his leaps. 

What is Sam’s trademark comment just after he leaps in? 

What key person from Al’s youth as an orphan did Sam leap into?

Answers:

Acrophobia, in Leaping In Without a Net.

Nine. Secretary, real estate agent, pageant contestant, beauty shop assistant, Sunday school teacher, singer, housewife, radio personality/sex therapist, prisoner.

Chubby Checker.

Buddy Holly (singer), Woody Allen (director), Dr. Heimlich (inventor of Heimlich movement), Stephen King (writer), Lee Harvey Oswald (assassin), Elvis Presley (singer), Marilyn Monroe (actress), Dr. Ruth (sex therapist). Chubby Checker doesn’t count since he was mentioned in the above question.

Five. Beth declared him dead then remarried.

Ziggy. Bonus point: Alpha.

Watergate. Bonus point: one of the following- 1965 Blackout, civil rights movement, Watts riots, Beatlemania, Hurricane Camille, the Vietnam War, women’s lib movement, US Civil War.

Peoria, Illinois.

His sister, Trudy.

Man of La Mancha. Bonus- any two of the following: Amazing Grace, Volare, Let It Be Me, Imagine, Cuanto La Gusta, Great Balls of Fire, Joy to the World, Somewhere in the Night, Footloose, Fate’s Wide Wheel, Rock the Redhead, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Dixie, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Baby Let’s Play House. No points for you if you named Man of La Mancha songs!

Tom died in Vietnam.

Children, the mentally deficient and animals, plus blondes (or so Al thinks). You still get points for remembering at least one of these.

Any three of the following: football, baseball, pool, boxing, wrestling, track and field.

Cars.

Nuns.

13. No, the chimp doesn’t count for this question.

Black people: Jesse Tyler, Charlie “Black Magic” Waters, Ray Harper, Cheree.

Navy rear admiral, upper half. Bonus point if you said more than “admiral.”

Shoshone.

The triple.

Julie Brown.

At least one and you get the point for this: Donna, Sam’s family, or young Al.

Either blindness or amputated legs. Bonus points if you got both.

Oh boy.

Charlie “Magic” Waters.

Tally up your points! 33+ = You cheated! Go back and recount your points. 26-32 = You’re amazing at this! (Or just really good with racking up those bonus points) You should join Project Quantum Leap! 20-25 = Bonafide Leaper. 15-19 = You get an “I Like Ike” button and some love beads. 10-14 = You get a five-pack of happy-face decals. 5-9 = There’s some hope for you. Why don’t you go adopt a frog and practice leaping with it? 0-4 = See a podiatrist for flat-footedness.

[starwargift]

#starwars - Star Wars Family Car Decals # #starwars #starwarsgift - https://t.co/FLHaoDSR5Q https://t.co/XqPU7BVoVs

[capticalcitycomics]

Just Pinned to 1 Star Wars: Star Wars Celebration Build Your Own Family Car Decal Boat Laptop Mom Dad Kid http://bit.ly/2GwHXwO

[itdisneymatter]

Day 02 - Epcot

TLDR: Epcot. A slightly later start today though a pretty full and non stop day once we began. Spaceship Earth up first, squeezed into the Ellen's Energy Adventure, then Test Track with a touch of competitive spirit. Living with the Land, Circle of Life and then Soarin’ in quick succession. Finished off with the new ride - Frozen Ever After and decided to skip out on World Showcase in favour of heading straight to Miller's Alehouse for my first proper meal of the trip. Walmart, then home, early (earlier).

The future is what you make it!

Sooo Robert had been unimpressed by the shops we had visited to far, mainly because they didn’t stock Pokemon cards. With the thunderstorms last night, we promised we visit Walmart first thing, which we did prior to picking up my Mum & Dad for Epcot. That meant skipping breakfast. Again. Picked up a wee rucksack so we could carry around all our rain jackets and little extras. Robert got his Pokemon cards and Gracie managed to find yet another collectable in the form of Hatchimal miniatures. Patrick and I had been speaking prior to the holiday about another card collection called Magic: The Gathering, but neither me nor him knew much about them. He picked up a starter pack to have a look. As someone who like his RPG and Fantasy things, I was a little intrigued. I dont think it will take Patrick long to become an expert.

Swung back around to pick up my Mum and Dad who were waiting for us at their Hotel with coffee in hand - result! The other party (which I'll cover in just a sec), were heading to Mass first and planned to catch us up at Epcot when they were done. So let me backtrack a little and explain who is actually all here as I havent yet done so and were already two days in - thats just impolite, so sorry.

Fifeteen of us in total. First off we have our wee family of five, Me, Ann, Patrick, Robert & Grace - Ive went on at length about all of us at some point in the past - yeah, you know who we are. Then its my mum and dad, Sadie & Wullie, Orlando veterans and all round great parents. My brother Michael is up next, with Sarah Jane, Corrie, Alessio and their wee baby who recently had her first birthday - Isabella. And finally we have my sister Pauline with Kevin & Emily. Both Emily and Isabella are first timers to Orlando and all things Disney, so makes it an extra special visit. Ourselves and my parents share the first car, My brother, sister and their families share the second. I'll refer to the latter as 'the other party' at times but this is entirely for brevity. Now, back to the story...

We ended up getting to Epcot around 10:30 which was right in time for our first Fast Pass - Spaceship Earth. A big slow moving train through the anals of Civilization, located in the big multi-faceted ball that Epcot is renowned for. Y'know its a fairly simple ride and I've done this it a fair few times now, but this like many others, never ceases to amaze me. If you've ever seen Inside Out, I imagine this whole place to be a core memory and have its own wee island somewhere in the depths of my brain, churning out little orbs of Joy. If you haven't seen Inside Out, then all of what I've just said will sound really really weird, but trust me - go watch it. Good start to the day!

Hey You Guys! 

Next we checked out Test Track but it was down for some unknown reason, so grabbed some coffee and pastries will we waited for the other party (that being, oh wait right we did that already, didn't we?). By the wonders of Whatsapp and Feel at Home from Three (shameless plug), Kev let us know that they'd arrived and we arranged to met them back at the entrance. We'd coordinated our t-shirts today, those being our new Celtic Champions 6-in-a-row tee :) which made it real easy to spot them. On the subject of attire, zipped pockets - how amazing are they? I know I sound like I'm getting old, but they're definitely the way to go if you're on holiday!

Ann really hurt her eye over the course of the morning and it was progressively getting worse as time went on. I suggested that she patch over her eye to give it a rest, however this led me to call her One Eyed Willie, which didnt go down to well, so stopped in fear of my life (or having to walk the plank - right, sorry Ann, that was the last one, promise ;) x )

Next we headed to Ellen's Energy Adventure, a big moving cinema all about th wonders of energy hosted by the hilarious Ellen DeGeneres & Bill Nye, the science guy. Funny as well as factual too, couldnt go wrong.

Now came Test track, a ride where family loyalty went out the window as we went head to head to design the most efficient car. Super fast, fun ride and good to see the competitive spirit from everyone - even Gracie was doing a little trash talking (well she was in my team, otherwise I wouldn't have encouraged it ; ). In the end, we failed to hit top spot, but our car was easily the best looking one out the lot (all designed by my lovely co-pilot Gracie).

Scores on the doors were as follows:

Ann, Kevin & Pauline - 208 Michael, SJ & Emily- 205 Me, Dad & Grace - 204 Patrick, Robert & Corrie - 156 (who intially claimed 226 - what a bunch 'a chancers!)

All  in all great fun and everyone loved it (especially Gracie who wanted go back on it straight away).

Living With The Land Fast Pass (on the other side of the park) up next, which we made it with 5 minutes to spare. Nice boat ride about farming and such (seriously) with Patrick even enquiring about the Behind The Scenes tour (or Behind The Seeds as they called it) - he just loves learning new things! He also managed to spot 2 hidden Mickeys on the ride (thats disguised Mickey symbols all over the Disney parks) -  so well done PG!

Quick stop at The Circle Of life, a wee environmental film featuring The Lion King's Simba, Timon & Pumba, which began with the song of the same name. That song gives me goosebumps every single time! *shudder*

After that was Soarin', which we had passes for, but everyone wanted to ride so meant we had to split up into two groups, one to watch Isabella while the other went on the ride. While we were waiting to ride (with views of an cool looking India Jones-esque style journey being mapped out on the screen before us), Robert asked the attendant out of the blue if we could get in the first row - good ole Ro! :)

This ride was Epic - its the only word to describe it. Flying through the air, over different landmarks of the world aking in hugs vistas, they even had different smells. Everyone loved it and even my Dad rearked it was the best ride yet as we walked off the ride.

Do you wanna build a snowman?

During the wait and switch-over of groups we came to the decision that the five of us and my mum and dad would head home after the last ride and try getting a proper bite to eat when it was a little quieter, whilst, Pauline, Michael & Co would remain in the park and finish off the remaining rides.

So onward it was to Frozen Ever After, Epcot's newest ride based on the extremely popular Disney movie and set in Norway (well Epcot's mini representation of Norway on their World Showcase). On our way, we bumped into Pluto (the dog, not the planet-oid-y thing), so used the opportunity to grab our first character autograph! Kids were really excited! There was a Disney Photo-pass photographer there too so managed to get some nice groups shots (except for ours, so had to use one of my own photos here as a backup).

The ride was a great little boat trip through the Kingdom of Arendelle with Anna and Elsa (who is my favourite princess without red hair, ok ok, she isnt really a princess, yeah I know, but still). Even the Snow-gies made an appearance! And with the ride came another ride photo from the Memory Maker - excellent! :D The kids loved it and Emily was skipping out of the ride singing Let It Go at the top of her voice! :)

So we said our goodbyes and left the other party then, who planned to continue their travels around the World Showcase and possibly grab Spaceship Earth, which they missed, on the way out. The World Showcase is an awesome thing, but I think the allure of a hearty meal after a long day was far too tempting for us.

We headed straight to Miller's Alehouse from the park in an attempt to avoid the queues and wait times... which we did! However once we were seated and after a quick scan of the menu - the Snow Crab that Gracie had set her heart on to share with me was no longer on the menu - she was more gutted than me! :( In its place I opted for a nice wee Flat Iron Steak & Coconut Shrimp combo, which was awesome. Grace and Ann chose to share the 35 Shrimp menu item (which was 35 shrimps funnily enough) and Grace inhaled about 18 of them. Man, that girl loves her seafood! The Nacho starter that Ann thought she might need however was an absolute mountain and in the end, defeated all of us (its really big enough for two peeps to share as a main meal if Im being honest). The food and menu options in the place are second to none so were definitely planning a return visit in the next few days with our entire group!

A second trip to Walmart rounded off the day in order that we could take a slightly more relaxed look at what they had to offer. The last time I was here I picked up some amazing Cinnamon Pecan coffee, but alas they appeared to no longer stock it or any equivalent. The boys picked up more trading cards, Grace picked up more Hatchimals and we got a variety of non-essential items including a Star Wars decal for the car, a Pecan pie (obviously I have a thing for Pecans) and some Harley Quinn Comics (and I have a thing for her too ; ). Had a look at the laptops too, which were ridiculously cheap, so toying with the idea of picking one up, but Ill need to do some in-depth investigations first.

Rest day on the cards for tomorrow with shopping planned in the am, so should a relatively quiet one. I'm kinda looking forward to it in all honesty, following the two successful but extremely packed days we've all had.

[nathanjhill]

Repentance (Advent)

Scripture: Mark 13

I am always amazed, brothers and sisters, how it seems like every year, earlier and earlier, our grocery stores, shopping centers, and holiday commercials change, flipping quickly over to those jingle bells and wintry landscapes and big sales events and especially those annoying car commercials where some jerk buys his wife a new car on Christmas morning, putting one of those big red bows on top of it. Those car commercials drive me up the wall - because if you are in a healthy relationship with someone, buying a car requires conversation. I don’t want to go too far from here - but what if you pick the wrong color? What if your spouse wanted 4 wheel drive? What if they wanted all leather interior?

Too much risk.

But despite the commercials and sales, we gather here in worship to talk about the real meaning of Christmas. And that is what our sermon series is about this year. We recognize that there are more and more people in our culture and our lives who do not celebrate Christmas or maybe do not know the gospel story. If you are one of those here today, we are so glad you are here. It is can be confusing to understand what Christmas is about when all of those movies turn it into heartwarming stories about family, fireplaces, Santa Claus, gift giving, and holiday hijinks. So, Pastor Tracey and I are challenging you to do something different - to answer this question - how will you tell the story of Christmas?

While we will stalk about hope, peace, love, and joy, we are going to talk about some of the other gifts that Jesus brings into our lives in this season - gifts that enable us to tell others what Jesus means to us.

What if one of the greatest gifts you might receive this Christmas was the opportunity to turn your life around?

In our scripture this morning, Jesus is giving his disciples an earful of advice about the difficult days of persecution, upheaval, and change in store for them - before the Son of Man (before he) returns. His followers will be kicked out of synagogues. They will be dragged before the courts. There will be division. There will be wars. Families will turn against families… Merry Christmas?

Jesus’ words does not read like a heartwarming Christmas story. This is not in any of the children’s books. This has never been made into a charming animated TV special. This is the not scripture to tell your kids before you tuck them into bed with visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in their heads.

This is a passage with urgency and a little fright.

Listen again to this bombastic Advent story:

But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

This apocalyptic vision sounds more like a disaster movie than a Hallmark holiday feature.

When Jesus returns, creation itself will be re-ordered, twisted, turned, shaken to its core.

Jesus is warning his disciples - that there will be distractions, bad teachers, and difficult days - all signs, like a fig tree changing its season, that Jesus is on his way to gather his people up.

Jesus commands his followers to do one thing - “keep awake!”

But I prefer what I say to my kids some mornings, “Wake up!”

일어나요!

French: Réveillez-vous!

Spanish: Despiértate!

Throughout all the turmoil and war and division you may see and experience, stay on your toes - keep your head up - be prepared - watch - listen - get ready.

Jesus uses a simple illustration of a master leaving his servants behind as he goes on a long trip - but he gives them no expected return time. If the servants are “faithful”, if they carry out the work to which they are assigned, if they live as they should, then it won’t matter when the master will arrive home. They will have nothing to hide and nothing to fear:

But Jesus’ point is this - do those servants have their lives in order? Are they living as they should?

This morning, as we begin Advent, I want to challenge us to think about this “wake up” alarm as a call to repentance, a very theologically appropriate call for our society, for each of us, as we begin this unique Advent season. Repentance is a church word. It falls in and out of fashion. It’s a theological word that has been playing on my mind in the case of sexual harassment cases, Russian interference scandals, broken families, and broken lives. Repentance means to turn around - to make a 180 degree in your life - from a course of action that is wrong or sinful or downright evil to one that is good and decent and compassionate.

Repentance is not simply saying, “I am sorry” - it is reorienting your life, shaking up your own created order, and changing who you are and how you live.

Most of us are not thinking about the season of Advent and the holidays as a time to change anything. We are most of the time just trying to get through it all. We would be just fine with status quo. But if our lives are to be preparing for the coming of Jesus, this may be the best season to think about what needs to change to make room for Jesus, so that we too are faithful followers.

So that we too are ready!

What is that change that you might need to make to prepare?

Imagine if the greatest gift you might offer yourself and those you love was a turning around, a reorienting of that in your life that is destroying you, eating you up, and burdening you down.

Imagine if the greatest gift you could offer to a loved one was an invitation to be released from that sin that holds sway over their life.

Imagine if the greatest gift you could proclaim to our aching world was a way of life that might fulfill them more than anything sold in a store.

Imagine if the greatest way we could bless others was to reorient our lives that we might become part of God’s oncoming torrent of justice and righteousness.

Repentance is not simply turning away from evil things - it is a turning to the goodness of God and a holy compassion that says, no matter what you have done, you are loved and you are worth more than your greatest mistakes.

As I shared yesterday at Melissa Rowley’s memorial service, Christmas is the good news that comes down into our messy mangers, broken hearts, and weary souls.

That is something worth staying awake for - that is the kind of thing that we might set our alarm clocks by - that is a gift to anticipate and prepare for with all of our being.

Here’s how you make that first step:

You say “yes” to God.

You pray, “Jesus, come into my life.”

And then you get to doing the pruning work. Jesus uses this powerful image of the fig tree in our text, and he uses that kind of image elsewhere in the gospels. He says that good things will bear good fruit, and negative things will bear negative fruit. Now, that doesn’t mean when we follow Jesus that we always get it right - or that everything is going to work out and we’ll have a brand new car with giant red bow waiting on our doorstep on Christmas morning. It means that this process of repentance gives us an opportunity to decide what in our life is bearing the kind of fruit that is good and sweet and what is sour and rotten?

That pruning work is part of our effort to “stay awake” - to stay on our toes - to be doing the faithful work of loving our neighbors and our families, working for justice and peace, cleaning up that which is sick in our hearts.

What fruit in your life do you need to toss out this Advent? What kind of story would that tell to someone in your life who thinks Christmas is just about parties and sales?

Close with Just Mercy story

Lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson, who has gained fame and recognition for his incredible work with people on death row and under unfair criminal sentences, tells the story in his book, Just Mercy, about a visit to see a mentally disabled man named Avery Jenkins. Avery had been convicted of murder and sentenced to death - despite the fact that it was clear he had serious behavioral issues and mental illness. It was clear to Bryan and his correspondence with Avery, that the condemned African American man had probably not been fit to be tried as an adult. It was hard to hold a conversation - it was hard to interview him - and every time Avery saw his lawyer, the first question was, “Did you bring me a milkshake?”

On the first day Bryan went to the prison where Avery was held, he couldn’t help but see this pickup truck sitting out in the parking lot covered “with disturbing bumper sticks, Confederate flag decals, and other troubling images”. One of the stickers read, “If I’d known it was going to be like this, I’d have picked my own damn cotton.”

Did I mention that Mr. Stevenson is an African American man?

Disturbed by this pickup truck, he walked into the prison to sign in and meet with his client. He had been to a lot of prisons and knew the routine well, but this time, he was greeted by a tall white man, about six feet in height, very muscular. This security officer stopped the lawyer and said, “If you want to see your client, you need to be searched first.”

Mr. Stevenson nodded and started to comply, taking off his shoes.

But the guard stopped him and said, “You’re going to go into that bathroom and take everything off if you expect to get into my prison.”

Bryan tried to push back as a lawyer - he knew the protocols and his rights - but the man stopped him again, “Now, you can get into that bathroom and strip, or you can go back to wherever you came from.”

Finally, after jumping through all of these demeaning, de-humanizing hoops, Mr. Stevenson was led in to meet his client, figuring out that complying was going to save time and trouble. But just as he was about to go into the meeting room, the security guard stopped him one more time and said, “By the way, did you notice that truck out there with those bumper stickers, flags, and a gun rack?”

Bryan nodded, “Yes, I saw that truck.”

The guard’s face hardened. “I want you to know, that’s my truck.”

It was clear to Bryan that this information was a threat - to keep him in his place, to keep the power structures in place.

And as his case with Avery, who kept asking for that chocolate milkshake every single time they met, went on (REPEAT THIS), Mr. Stevenson and his organization got Avery’s sentence back into court to be reviewed. Guess who was tasked with driving Avery to court and back? That outright racist correctional officer, sitting in that courtroom, back and forth, back and forth. But the appeal went well - with mental health experts, foster parents, family history all coming out with the hopes that Avery might get the help he needed and there might be some leniency for what he had done. Avery, like many kids on death row, had a history of being sexually abused, being beaten, being abandoned - even by the very foster parents charged with caring for him.

About a month later, feeling somewhat hopeful about the hearing, Mr. Stevenson went to see Avery. The truck was there again. And guess who greeted Bryan at the door?

Bryan knew the routine, “Look, I’ll step into the bathroom to get ready for your search.”

But this time the guard stopped him. “Oh, Mr. Stevenson, you don’t have to worry about that. I know you’re okay.”

Now Bryan was a bit nervous - what was going on here? As the guard led him back to meet with Avery, the guard began to open up:

“You know I took ole Avery to court for his hearing and was down there with y’all for those three days. And I, uh, well, I want you to know that I was listening. You know, I - uh, well, I appreciate what you’re doing. I really do. It was kind of difficult for me to be in that courtroom to hear what y’all was talking about. I came up in foster care, you know. I came up in foster care too. They moved me around like I wasn’t wanted nowhere. I had it pretty rough too. But listening to what you was saying about Avery made me realize that there were other people who had it as bad as I did. I guess even worse. Well, I think you done good, real good.”

The guard reached out his hand - and the two shook hands.

And just about as Mr. Stevenson was to go in and meet with Avery, the guard grabbed his arm one more time. “Oh, wait. I’ve got to tell you something else. Listen, I did something I probably wasn’t supposed to do, but I want you to know about it. On the trip back down here after court on that last day - well, I know how Avery is, you know. Well anyway, I just want you to know that I took an exit off the interstate on the way back. And, well, I took him to a Wendy’s, and I bought him a chocolate milkshake.”

Bryan never ran into that guard again - the rumor was that not long after that, that guard quit that job - maybe just maybe that time with Avery in that courtroom started him on his journey of repentance, turning away from racism and hatred and anger to new life.

There is something to this story that captures what Christmas is really about - light in someone’s darkness - that both of those men in the prison, though one was a security guard, were incarcerated by darkness - and suddenly, light dawned to show them both another way.

What if your Advent wasn’t about stuff and noise and anxiety and fear?

What if your Advent was about turning back to a God who loves us, who knows how much we struggle, and who steps into our lives and this world to love us to heaven?

Are you ready to keep awake?

[terrordave1]

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I had plenty of anticipation going into the 2017 Chicago  Days of the Dead with goals to match. Although I’m no vlogger at this stage of the Terror Dave game, I wanted to capture as much video as I could while meeting celebrity guests, doing some shopping, and stepping out of my comfort zone for a bit of cosplaying (more on that later).  This year’s headliners included Linda Blair, Sean Astin, Dee Snider, and Jeremy Bulloch. As a lifelong STAR WARS fan, seeing Bulloch, a.k.a. Boba Fett, was priority #1 while my kids had autograph ambitions of their own. On this Friday night, however, it was “adult swim” as my horror compadre, Chris, and I attempted to tackle as much of the event as we could before the Saturday crowds made it a challenge.

Chris Carr (left) and I clownin’ around at Days of the Dead Chicago!

Shortly after arriving, I spotted my fellow Svengoolie chasers, Don and Bunny Urban. They’ve been attending this event from the very beginning; sitting in on as many celebrity discussions as they can. They’re always so kind in sharing their photos and insights from those for this site which is a huge help to me. So a BIG thank you to my friend the Urbans!

With Don & Bunny

With time to kill before the doors opened, I had an opportunity to meet some fun people, including a rather amusing woman with her husband and an eleven-year-old boy about to lose his “only child” status. “This one was a surprise,” the woman said, while patting her pregnant belly. She then proceeded to go on a hysterical tirade about wishing her spouse would take her on a more traditional vacations rather than horror cons. “My co-workers all show me pictures of their families at tropical islands and Disneyland!” she snapped while glaring at him. “And here I am like, ‘Oh…well check out this picture of us with Norman Reedus of The Walking Dead.” I cracked up.

Of all genre enthusiasts,  I’ve always found horror fans to be the nicest to talk to. I’m no sociologist, but I’m thinking it has something to with our favorite movies providing us a healthy outlet for frustration.

I also ran into Phil Meenan whom I spoke of last year. He showed off his tattoos of the celebrity he was anxious to meet this year,  Alice Krige from Ghost Story.

Once inside, I couldn’t help but notice  a maniacal elf swinging overhead along with other macabre, Christmas-themed props. It was the talented team from Illinois’ Massacre Haunted House whose haunt I was able to enjoy this past Halloween season. I wasn’t entirely surprised to see them as I’d recognized their giant, killer clown (seen in a previous photo) standing in the foyer.

The folks at Massacre also style haunts around Valentine’s Day and Easter which I’m looking forward to attending. I’m a firm believer that Halloween is a lifestyle, not just some date on the calendar, and attractions such as these reinforce that. Seriously, how much more fun would life be if we put a scary twist on ALL the other holidays, especially Christmas?

Further down was a booth displaying Bigfoot and Yeti patches which, naturally, reeled me in like a tractor beam. Aside from the fact that I love cryptozoology, I also collect patches: zoos, dinosaurs, UFO-related, and cryptozoology. So, needless to say, when I saw George Coghill the Monsterologist‘s setup, I quickly pulled out my wallet.

Ironically, though I’d never met Coghill before, I’ve had decals of his monster designs on my car ever since he did a Kick-starter campaign for them years back. I’ll be doing a full interview with the Monsterologist in an upcoming issue of Scary Monsters Magazine so stay tuned for that.

The next stop was Jay Langley’s Scare Bears which I featured HERE two years back with many more mentions since. I make no secret that I’m nuts for the guy’s work and, with no two bears exactly alike, add one to my collection each time I see him. He’s a great guy, his prices are reasonable, and it’s one purchase that never leaves me with buyer’s remorse.

Jay always creates special bears for auctions, like the one he does annually for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. This year’s bear was inspired by Jeepers Creepers along with another Leatherface one he did for an in-house raffle. He also created a custom Deadpool bear for a fan that was just incredible!

This past year I’ve been collecting Trick r Treat Sam items: both official and homespun. The last time I saw “the Clay Guy,” Barry Crawford,was at the Indianapolis Horrorhound Weekend this past September and I remember thinking then how much I wished he’d add “Sam” to his menagerie. My wish would come true a LOT sooner than expected as there was one standing prominently here at Days of the Dead. So that new treasure has since joined my clay Svengoolie and “Bubba” Scarecrow on my shelf. Barry also added a 2017 Pennywise as well as the Demogorgon from the Netflix smash hit, “Stranger Things.” The man is not only on top of current trends but seems to be outdoing himself in terms of his workmanship (and Barry, if you’re reading this, my next wish is for Krampus and his dark elves from the hit movie).

Here are some of the other great items on sale at Chicago’s 2017 “Days of the Dead”….

And here are my new Sam acquisitions…

One thing I did NOT expect while doing my holiday horror shopping was cuddling with a rare animal. There was a gal walking around with her Sphinx cat; a breed I’ve never had the honor of seeing in person before. He purred the whole time I held him and was much softer than I’d imagined. I also couldn’t believe how calm he was. If I tried bringing my Felix to an event like this, he’d have a kitty coronary two seconds after walking in the door.

Tonight, however, would belong to the canines rather than felines. As proven by the evening’s first celebrity encounter.

Coming Up…Rescue Dogs make Linda Blair’s Head Spin!

~Dave

A Touch of Holiday Horror at Chicago’s Days of the Dead! ( I had plenty of anticipation going into the 2017 Chicago  Days of the Dead with goals to match.

[buy-legos]

Price: $51.50 Item specifics Condition: New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item (including handmade items). See the seller’s … Read more Brand: LEGO Gender:GirlsMPN: Does Not Apply Theme:FriendsUPC: Does not applybionicle minifigs decorations lloyd buildings garmadon birthday cards ww indominus rex season spinners princess wonder woman pack battlefront tshirt spinjitzu gingerbread display lightsaber pirates porsche halo costumes head guys ice cream system wheels container speed war board dinosaurs blue video trilogy wedo phone building troopers starwars jango fett soldiers ball rogue blu ray joker toddlers space airplane light custom sword pirate tank teens motor halloween asylum ship nindroids stickers lego star wars friends batman city set sets dimensions minifigure minifigures ninjago movie advent calendar legos duplo for women harry potter nexo knights fnaf figures figure creator men elves technic marvel juniors baseplate rebels poster minecraft trek keychain table parts costume scooby doo portal storage bricks architecture train games weapons shirt book kids blocks toys houses castle kit people clearance legends jurassic world base park game pieces junior superheroes y-wing dvd starter tap chima classic ideas party supplies education kits police box alarm clock cars books captain america avengers t brick dimension black ninja turtles xbox boys zane clone watch buildable dc comics trooper ps spiderman arkham knight one helicopter action guns mixels kylo ren plates mask limited edition friend army batcave deals baseplates polybag angry birds worlds animals mini hands car truck green robot ghostbusters toy airjitzu house flash drive mindstorms ev minifig speedorz adults plane destroy fire man pajamas snake mold statue figurines bag socks organizer robotics mat chain hero hobbit vehicles airport anakin skywalker christmas soundtrack suicide squad jungle power supply hoodie iron block hat military collectors helmet batmobile ambulance ucs gun civil boats nxt lights platforms episode millenium disc snakes story white hair maul decal snowspeeder tumbler mickey mouse racers band u coast guard stormtrooper bedding track mug piggy bank boba justice league level bags the candy plate separator palpatines arrest temple special small hulkbuster posters microfighters shoes guardians of galaxy sheets necklace universe ships excavator naboo starfighter cake topper dinosaur clones reader construction large boards funko pop battle american onesie cape big heads plush luke super killer mixel hoth jedi brown modular doc mcstuffins wall decor jay prime jr mystery guide control volcano mount republic movies hulk boat deadpool stable puzzle winter superhero atlantis superman turtle chea

The post NEW LEGO ROYAL FAMILY MINIFIG LOT 4 minifigures castle crown king queen princess appeared first on Buy Legos Online.

[rachelclewis]

Cohabitation

I started this blog after a breakup – a really bad one – with the idea that I was done with relationships.  I decided that I was tired of comparing myself to my ex-husband (married with two kids, while I was still single and lonely).  I decided I was done waiting for a guy to come along and stay in my life.  I was going to take myself to a sperm bank for my next birthday.  I was going to write about this process as it went along, as I made lemonade out of my sour relationship lemons.

I didn’t get far.  I went to my doctor and told her my plan.  She was discouraging.

“Your eggs are old; they won’t be very high quality anymore.”

I was 37 at the time.  I thought I was still in the window.  When was I supposed to freeze them? In my twenties?  Teens? No one told me!  My poor eggs.  I knew I had passed the ideal age, but I imagined there was still some green in my inner garden.  Suddenly I saw my eggs, not as colorful uncut blooms, but as the dusty and mold spotted roses rotting away on Miss Havisham’s wedding cake in Great Expectations.  Intended for a joyful event that never took place.

“Have you thought about adoption?” my doctor asked.

I did.  I thought a lot about it.  I certainly wasn’t opposed to it.  I did contemplate the fact that it is much cheaper to make a baby from scratch than to adopt one.  But the real deterant to me was the the fact that I would have to convince a number of people that I would be fit and capable of doing it on my own.  The sperm bank doesn’t have that obligation.  And I imagine they take credit cards.

The thought did leave me with the question… Could I prove to some strangers that I would be a good single parent?  If not, what did that mean? Would I be a good single parent?  I’ve got a paycheck, insurance and a spare room.  But it’s just me.  There’s no fall back plan.  If something happens to me, what happens to the baby?  Would bringing a child into the world, or even just my life, be a terribly selfish thing to do?

I decided it was.  And that was the end of that lemonade stand.

Let me say with full caps for emphasis: I AM NOT SAYING THAT SINGLE MOTHERS ARE SELFISH!!! THAT IS NOT WHAT I REMOTELY THINK OR FEEL!!!  I just decided that I didn’t have the resources to do it.  I have an amazing family, amazing friends, and I’m living a rich life that a part of me would love to share with a child.  The rest of me, however, is afraid.  Afraid I don’t have the physical or mental staminal to handle it.  Afraid that I would be too anxious or too sad to do it well.  And what if I get injured or sick and slide into destitution or a coma…?  As it stands, I already lie awake worrying about things like this.  If a little person were depending on me and only me?  I don’t think I could function.

ONCE MORE! FOR EMPHASIS! THAT IS JUST ME!  THE WORLD IS FULL OF AMAZING SINGLE PARENTS WHO KICK ASS ON A DAILY BAISIS AND I HONOR YOUR CHOICES AND YOUR AWESOMENESS!

Also, I heard a story on the radio about a woman whose 35 year old autistic son took a shit in the back of her car, and it terrified me so much I couldn’t blink for forty-five minutes.  So, just in case I implied that I am NOT selfish, that’s not what I meant.  I am.  I’m completely selfish.  That may be the real problem.

Anyway, that was three years ago.  And I did move on with my life.  I sold my condo and bought a house.  I got a promotion at work and that was a good thing.  I found other ways to connect with the children that were already in my life.  I focused on being the best damn aunt that I could be.

I didn’t want a relationship.  Frankly, the pain just wasn’t worth the reward.  I was never going to throw that much time and energy and love away on anyone ever again.  But time passed and – like I always do – I started losing my resolve.  Because I got lonely.  And I have these coupled friends that I hang out with and they make it seem so… possible.  So, I got back out there.  I met somebody.  And yada yada yada… my boyfriend and his five-year-old son moved in with me in September, just after my 40thbirthday.

So far, it is going really well.  I was worried I would feel invaded and have a hard time downsizing enough of my stuff to make space for “the boys” (two human males and one snake that I am told is male; I haven’t verified).  There were a few pieces of furniture that I gave to charity that were harder to let go than they should have been.  Perhaps because they were things that I bought immediately after the divorce and it were emblematic of my independence?  I bought them during the first period in my life when I had the freedom to choose a piece of furniture for myself.  First, I had to figure out what my own “taste” was, and I honestly had no idea.  I chose a few things, including a red armless chair and a faux leather trunk, that may well have been completely ugly, but they were new.  And all mine.  It was a scary, fun, and luxurious place to be.  Maybe giving those things away felt like closing of a chapter on my life, and that’s the issue?  Even though I wanted to close that chapter.

Or maybe I just liked that chair and that trunk and now I don’t have them anymore.  I guess I don’t need to get all Freudian about it.

My other concern was for Ethan, the kindergartener.  He expressed enthusiasm over moving in from the beginning.  He most often expressed excitement about getting to live with Wensley, because apparently moving in meant that the dog “will officially be my big brother!”  There was one other time that he told me he was really excited to come and live with me because I have Blu-ray, but mostly it was all about Wensley.

Still, I was concerned.  I was worried that once he saw his stuff in his new room in my little 1940’s house, he would realize just how much smaller it is than the one he had in his 2010’s town house.  He didn’t have a backyard at the town house, but there was a playground with a slide and swings.  And the old living room was more accommodating to wrestling.  Similarly, the old couch was more suitable for cannon-balls and similar.  I had the idea that I would set up his room with all of his old things but also put up a few new things that he could get excited about to distract him from the habitat shrinkage.  So I set about doing one of those HDTV makeovers, but on a much smaller budget.

First I got a Totoro night light.  You can choose if you want the stomach or the umbrella to be lit.  (When I turn it on for him at night I ask him, “Belly or brawly?”)  Then I got a large wall decal showing an X-wing and TIE Fighter battle over the fate of the death star from any one of the Star Wars movies (am I the only one who has noticed that they all seem to end the same way?).  His rug is five foot Millennium Falcon and his light switch cover says “Light Side / Dark Side.”  Admittedly, that last one was for me. Ethan will appreciate it when he is older, I’m sure.  But puns are not the natural purview of five-year olds.

Ethan got a tour of his room and he loved it.  Matt even helped make the light switch a success by acting out the difference between “light side” and “dark side” at the speed of Ethan’s switching.

It was a little strange because we were heading up to Idaho that day for a long planned visit to see Matt’s parents, so Ethan got to see his room but not stay in it that night.  While we were in Idaho Ethan and I were hanging out in Matt’s childhood room, looking through his old knickknacks.  We were blowing dust off sports trophies and holding sea shells up to our ears to listen for the ocean while Matt and his parents talked in the other room. Ethan put down his sea shell and told me again how excited he had been to move in with me.

“Daddy said we were moving and I said, let’s move Friday!”

I laughed. “Yeah, it took a little time to get it all planned.  We still have a lot of unpacking to do.  But I’m glad you are happy about it!  I’m happy too.”

Then he looked me in the eye and said, “You and Dad made a really good choice.”  I know it sounds like I’m putting words in his mouth, or like I don’t know how to write children’s dialogue.  But he talks like he is 28.  He just does.

I was charmed and more than a little bit verklempt.  He’s such a sweet kid; of course he wasn’t focused on the size of his room, or his stuff in general.  He’s been through a lot in his five years, and he is good at making lemonade, too.   I felt like he was telling me he’s glad I’m in his life, Totoro night light or no.  It suddenly occurred to me that he is gaining more than a dog and a yard – he’s gaining me, too.  I’m glad so glad he thinks that is a good thing.

[thecarexpertuk]

What is it: Latest-generation variant of MINI’s crossover model. Key features: Larger size, new engine, more equipment. Our view: While remaining a divisive model, the new MINI Countryman is a major advance on its predecessor, particularly in terms of interior space. Review type: Full road test

If ever there was a Marmite car, it is the MINI Countryman. First launched in 2010, this model took the BMW-era reimagining of a British motoring icon into the booming crossover market.

Read more MINI news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

To many enthusiasts, however, it’s a MINI too far, principally because there is nothing Mini about it. The Countryman outstretches many family hatches, especially in height. And it has a bulging body style that looks like a MINI has spent several weeks in a gym.

Lined up against the detractors, however, are the fans, and there are plenty of them. The first-generation model regularly topped the brand’s sales charts.

Many who fully bought into the lifestyle image that has made the MINI such a success, love the idea that they can also buy into the UK market’s fastest-growing sector – crossovers – yet still drive a MINI. And they are prepared to live with the compromises, most notably very little space in the back.

Now MINI has addressed that issue in the second-generation Countryman, which arrived on UK roads in February 2017. Adopting the styling cues of other new MINI models launched over the last couple of years, the latest Countryman boasts new engines and more tech, much of it standard. But the big headline – it’s even bigger than its predecessor…

Next page: Exterior and interior design

Exterior and interior

The latest MINI Countryman sits on a new platform, also used for the Clubman estate model and the BMW X1, which is regarded as a rival. The car measures some 20cm longer and 3cm wider than its predecessor, so it’s by far the biggest MINI around. It gains the latest-generation styling, which is still recognisably MINI, but if anything it looks even bulkier than the Mk1 with a bulbous grille, bulging headlamps (now LED) and a squared-off rear end.

Of course, the Countryman gains signature crossover styling cues. Black wheel arch protectors, chrome sills and roof rails are part of the package, while being a MINI, there are many opportunities to increase the cost with personalisation options, including two-tone exterior finishes and body decals.

MINI fans will notice the biggest changes on the inside. The larger dimensions include a longer wheelbase, so front-seat passengers have more head and shoulder room, and rear-seat passengers get some room! For the first time, it is practical to offer three proper seats in the back of a MINI, and space can be extended by sliding the rear seats back and forward by up to 13cm.

Boot space is more generous too – at 450 litres, it is 31 less than in the Mercedes-Benz GLA but a lot more than the 355 offered by the Audi Q2. Drop the rear seats and the space jumps to 1,309 litres, 220 more than in the Mk1.

The traditional MINI dash layout remains. With its huge circular infotainment screen and the row of Star Wars pod racer-like flick switches below, it’s somewhat OTT but one of the elements that appeals to those who buy MINIs. Updates see a touchscreen now standard, as is satellite navigation, while the screen is surrounded by a curious lighting ring that can change colour depending on what driving mode one has selected.

Next page: Engine and driving experience

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Engine

Two petrol and two diesel engines power the latest Countryman, all described as new to the MINI range. There is also to be a plug-in hybrid variant, MINI’s first. This quotes official efficiency figures of 134.5mpg and 49g/km, and a 25-mile range on electric power only.

Like on most of today’s crossovers front-wheel-drive is standard, but the car also delivers a degree of off-road ability with the availability of an all-wheel-drive transmission dubbed ALL4. Six-speed manual or Steptronic auto transmissions are on offer.

Our test car is the smaller of the two diesels, the Cooper D, fitted with a four-cylinder engine of a shade under two litres and with 150hp on tap. Matched to a manual gearbox, it quotes a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds, while returning combined cycle fuel economy of close to 60mpg and with the options loaded onto our car emissions of 132g/km.

On the road

The MINI has always been renowned for its precise but fun handling. Trying to maintain this reputation alongside the bulk of a crossover must have given the chassis engineers their biggest challenge.

Overall they have succeeded. The Countryman is generally a fun car to drive, and its road manners belie its steroid-induced image. The engine has plenty of power, with excellent pick-up from low revs but equal refinement, no louder or coarser than any petrol unit.

On the road, our car cruised in comfort, with a slightly but not uncomfortably firm ride even in the Normal drive mode, which is the best all-round selection over ‘Eco’ or the more raucous ‘Sport’.

But it is in corners where the car came alive, displaying inch-perfect turn-in, sharp response to steering inputs and grip to a level that makes one forget that this is a crossover. Body roll was absent, despite the slightly higher ride height. The new MINI Countryman retains all the dynamic abilities that have made its smaller sisters renowned in the handling department.

Next page: Equipment, summary and specifications

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Equipment

The new Countryman arrives with a notable increase in standard equipment. As well as the already mentioned satellite navigation, there is Bluetooth connectivity, a DAB radio, parking sensors and cruise control all supplied.

It is easy, however, to significantly increase the cost of your car by wholesale delving into the options list – our test vehicle included some £7,000 of extras.

Almost £3,000 of this was accounted for by the ‘Chili’ option pack, which includes the driving modes, auto air conditioning, LED fog lamps, sports seats and such like. And another £950 buys the media pack, with an enhanced sat nav boasting a screen enlarged in diameter by more than two inches, wireless charging for smartphones and the MINI Connected assistance service.

There are luxury options too, such as the powered tailgate, and even a picnic bench that slots atop the boot sill.

Safety results are good, with the new MINI Countryman scoring a five-star rating from Euro NCAP.

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Summary

The Countryman will continue to divide opinions, particularly amongst traditional Mini enthusiasts who will no doubt object primarily to its size and styling. Maybe that’s not really a valid argument with even the likes of Jaguar, Bentley and Maserati now offering crossovers – so long as you forget the brand name of this car.

The opinions won’t worry MINI. The brand’s oft-best seller has been improved in just about every area and is already flying out of showrooms. The bigger dimensions have simply made a highly popular car more practical, and the MINI Countryman will continue to find many fans.

MINI Countryman – key specifications

Model tested: MINI Cooper D ALL4 Countryman Test Date: June 2017 Price: £27,620, with options £35,740 Insurance group: 21E Engine: 1995cc diesel, four-cylinder inline. Power (hp):150 @ 4.000rpm. Torque (Nm):330 @ 1,750rpm. 0-62mph (sec):8.8 Top speed (mph): 127. Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 58.9. CO2 emissions (g/km):132. Key rivals: BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q2.

MINI Countryman review What is it: Latest-generation variant of MINI’s crossover model. Key features: Larger size, new engine, more equipment.

[starwargift]

#starwars - Star Wars Family Car Decals # #starwars #starwarsgift - https://t.co/0LFXy2Jzoc https://t.co/t5kFr32qlf

[itdisneymatter]

Day 06 - Shopping, Take II

TLDR: Change of plan from Volcano Bay, due to its alarming popularity we ended up on a pool/shopping day. Kids loved the pool and didn't want to leave. At the shopping malls, the kids spent more of their money with Gracie getting 2 out of 3 if the things she planned to buy - result! Ann & Myself never really bought anything, so the five full bags of kids toys went to the car for the lift home. Decided on Golden Corral buffet for dinner, just us and the folks - wasn't disappointed. Rolled home. Hatched a hatchimal.

Change Of Plans...

So I explained yesterday that we found out Volcano Bay, Universal's new water park, was VERY BUSY, and it was at capacity most days at opening. We had this park on the schedule today, but with it being full in the morning and it scheduled to rain in the afternoon, we decided to scrap the plan and do our own things instead.  Well have to wait for a good day and maybe hit the park in the afternoon for our best chance at it. As it was pretty much a free day, we allowed ourselves and the kids to sleep a little later. Our first proper trip to the hotel pool was long overdue, so once everyone was up and ready, we headed off for a swim with very happy kids. The kids absolutely love the water and after some swimming practice (, cannonballs, underwater antics and chilling by the pool-side, we decided it would be good day for shopping, especially if it was likely to rain later in the day. Here are some snaps from the GoPro which is yet to be utilized to its fullest, so will need to try harder.

Shopping, again!

We'd seen a Toys R Us on our way to Best Buy the other day, so headed back to the same shopping mall to spend a few hours this time. We hadn't had any breakfast yet, so pretty much bypassed all the shops on the way to the Food Court. There was pretty much every type of food available, but we had set our sights on Taco Bell, which was our fast food guilty pleasure from last time. We loaded up on burritos, tacos & nachos (with the exception of Robert, who went for a foot long Subway - which was his first one and was pretty stoked about it). I’m not sure if it was tiredness, but Ann tried to pay with our hotel room key card - LOL - unfortunately were not that technologically advanced yet... :P

We mostly hit shops for the kids, including Disney, Gamestop (3 different ones) and the aforementioned Toys R Us, though we did manage to pick up a few gifts for people along the way. Grace, who had here heart set on ANOTHER Hatchimal and a Furby, got both, with the Hatchimal being a rarer Draggle type (according to her, she is very knowledge about that kind of thing I led to believe). She was really really happy and couldn't wait to get home. Robert settled on Pokemon cards for the most part, and Patrick was a little more reserved. I did get a cool Star Wars Decal for the car back home so now everyone will know we a geeky family! :P

Heading back to the car, via the restaurants, Gracie recalled my promise of getting her some sushi (y'know one of those promises to kids, where you dont actually have any intention of doing the thing in the hope that theyll forget about it). Oh well, a 'promise' is a promise I suppose. So she picks a seafood platter (obvs) and the next thing I know she's sitting down with chopsticks in hand, ready to tuck in. I said she could probably just pick them up with her hands and she didnt need to struggle with the chopsticks. She just shook her head and began eating away, as if she'd been using them all her life. We were all staring in amazement at this wee 6 year old, masterfully wielding two bamboo sticks to eat her lunch. Now, we dont actually eat that much sushi (save for me and P), and I think we've used chopsticks once, through our make you own sushi phase - so Im bewildered where she has picked this up. Watching too much Kung fu Panda, maybe?

Last stop before home is Walmart to get a few essentials and it is here where we were enlightened by Patricks Fun Fact Of The Day. And with this, Ill give you an example of how Patrick Fun Facts come about. We were in Walmart, walking past the freezer isle and see ice lollies. One brand which are called popsicles, to which he responds out of the blue:

Y'know the Popsicle was invented by an 11yr old called Frank Epperson? When he was wee, he put a stick in a can of soda and left it overnight.  He called them Eppsicles but when his kids came along, they began to call them Pops' sicles and the name stuck...

And this happen at least once every single day. We'll just be blethering about something and Patrick will pipe in with his wee Fact and then carry on as if nothing happened, its really funny and astounding at the same time.

Dinner, dinner, dinner, dinner... BATMAN!

We'd planned dinner for Golden Corral, a buffet place (or rather palace), and were joined by my mum and dad. The other guys had had a later lunch so weren't ready for a full on buffet yet. It was just as awesome as I remember, but I have to call particular attention to the Steaks, these things were absolutely massive!!! Ill pop a pic of some of the *smaller* ones I managed to snap below, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen steaks so big. And they just go and cook them to order for you right there and then, its brilliant! 

I did also manage to grab my first dessert here - Pumpkin pie, which is one of my absolute favorites but don’t normally get to eat it because well I don’t live in America. Everyone was satisfied from starter to dessert including little Gracie who still seemed to have a passion for chocolate covered strawberries...

An image from the archives from 4 years ago...

And now tonight...

We noted the time in the UK had turned midnight as we finished up which marked the official time for Patrick’s birthday (not when everything turned back to a pumpkin. though wont be fully celebrated here in until tomorrow). He was pretty content and was now really looking forward to tomorrow :) On our road home (to apparently hatch a Draggle, dont ask), we were treated to a rendition of of the song 7 years, performed by Grace Gaffney (originally by Danish pop group, Lukas Graham). Its here song of the holiday and shes been practicing ever since we got here. I’m pretty sure she'll have this perfected by the end of the three weeks and Ill likely have a video of the finale performance for your pleasure. Watch this space.

Tomorrow Universal Studios and more importantly the not so wee Patrick officially turns 11. Eeek.

[kiejse-jiewko]

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