Observations at the MOA

Most of the day yesterday was spent walking the levels of the Mall of America. Initially our work team went there to talk about a new ceiling grid structure from which to hang window display elements such as banners, and dare I say, or even attempt to dream it, props. *gasp*

In order to get a better idea of what we wanted, we took a tour of the mall - doing what few others at the mall do - look UP inside the other retailer's window spaces. We saw the full gamete of ideas and installations for hanging systems. It was rather enlightening to say the least.

Our troop enjoyed lunch at Crave (though I admit my salad left a little to be desired and contained a few "questionable" items.) Then it was off to the CB store to evaluate fixtures and the combination of the CB and CJ stores into one big, beautiful (or so we hope) Dual Store.

There was one moment when our team was walking on the first floor when we passed the "new" Microsoft Store - right across from an Apple Store. I stood between them and time stood still as I laughed my ASS off at what a wannabe Microsoft is. I mean, seriously, I can just picture Microsoft sending over their corporate teams to different Apple stores in the area to "spy" on everything they have in their store. From their finishes, to their colors, wow. Unfreaking real!

I am never shocked to discover all of the odd people that come out to the MOA. There was one instance where one of the escalators was broken down and blocked off. This discheveled woman walked over to the block-off guard and physically kicked it with her foot! My coworker and I were also trying to get downstairs, but fortunately, there was an elevator behind us. Well, Crazy noticed that too, and went to hit the down arrow, and then stepped right up to the door, and clawed with her long fingernails at the door to open faster. I was a little timid to enter the same vator, but when it opened, there were other people inside, so we all traveled down together. Crazy actually gave an explanation of her kicking the block-off guard to anyone who wanted one riding downstairs with her. But wow, weird. There were of course others, but none that I had this close of an interaction with.

In other news:
The 75-gallon tank has all of its plants in and secured (some we have tied to the driftwood or the clay pots to "train" them to grow around the pots when they grow out) and ready to grow! Derick also discovered that one of the larger of the 4 baby Saijcas that are in the tank decided that he wanted to build his cave under part of the driftwood and was already clearing out the rock with his body! It is too large for him to move with his mouth yet - since he is little, so he has taken matters into his own hands and started moving-in! We put a stop to that by finally placing the pots in the tank for them to claim as their "caves."

In OTHER, other news:
The Packers play in their second playoff game this weekend - which has our household very excited! We may end up inviting some people over to watch the game with us - maybe not, we'll have to see. I am looking forward to the weekend (as I usually am) to just rest and relax - seriously. I will NOT get antsy pantsy and want to go and do things. Ok, maybe I will WANT to, but actually going out and doing things - nope. I need to get back to my books. I have a small stack on my dresser that I have been wanting to get through for some time now, and the pile has not budged or gone down - but has maybe only grown since I got a few new books for Christmas!

Hope all you people in MN are enjoying the snow falling out there - HUGE snowflakes! Wow!
-L