Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Seriously, Wendy's Isn't Even That Good

The title is tantamount to a declaration of war in our household, so I must clarify that this is Justin's opinion only. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Leiby Household, Jenny, The President, Liza, or Condi.

Jenny called me and told me on her commute home, in the blissful tone of an addict after a heroine fix, that Wendy's re-opened in Champaign. After we arrived at Wendy's, we got in line behind 41 people and commenced our 25 minute wait in line. Christ almighty.

Demand for square hamburgers is strong. Wendy's has been closed in the Champaign Urbana area for a long time, due to mismanagement by the local franchisee. The prices are noticeably higher, perhaps only for a little while to attract only those fast food lovers who are willing to pay a little bit more when they forget what Wendy's actually tastes like.

The price discrimination is delicious, unlike the fries. Wendy's fries typically suck in comparison to McDonald's. This evening they were on par with oven-baked Ore-Ida. I ordered the Baconator (a double cheeseburger with 6 bacon strips), which was a tasty burger. Remember to order it without mayo, though, because Wendy's insists on slathering its burgers in that stuff. I once had a Wendy's burger that came with mayo and mustard, and no ketchup. I do not know what demographic this combination serves, but any savage who likes mayo and mustard on a burger should go straight to hell.

Wendy's is 4th best among fast food restaurants (if Steak and Shake does not count as fast food). As I type this diatribe, my clothes and hair emit the stench of grease and cheap paint and carpet glue.

However, as I type this I see that my wife is smiling and satisfied. Anything that makes Jenny exclaim, "I have great news!" is worth undercooked fries, 25 minute waits in line, and stinky clothes. Jenny is happy, and so am I. Wendy's is not so bad. Stop whining, Justin.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Ow - our heads

We went out with a few friends last night. Had tasty tasty burgers at Seven Saints and then experienced "local flavor" at a place called "Rose Bowl"... The evening warrants another post at a later time. For now, it must be said that Justin and Jenny are not as young as we used to be.

Right now, we're off to brunch with a six year old. Wish us luck. Ow ow ow ow ow.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

We went to Belgium!

See Maria! We told you the Leibys would be in Belgium before too long. We just failed to clarify that we were going to Belgium, Illinois.




We actually stopped there on the way home from my birthday celebration. I absolutely loved what Justin had planned for me, so don't judge:





We drove 30 miles east to the closest Wendy's so I could get a Spicy Chicken Combo. (This has actually become a birthday ritual for us...sort of like one of Justin's "favorite" people.)



Then we drove about 70 miles further east so I could go shoe shopping at DSW. Yes, we have shoe stores here, but I had $65 in DSW reward coupons and they don't do online shopping. Three pairs of women's shoes, and two pairs of men's shoes later, our feet will be the fanciest things about us for quite some time.



On the way home we detoured briefly in the Village of Belgium, Illinois. We weren't able to take a picture of the sign reading "Belgium - Population 500" Were were also unable to get a picture of the many many trailers with built on porches or the vacant house with "NO TRESPASSING" spray painted on it. That's right, spray painted!



Apparently, spray painting messages on buildings is a common practice in Belgium...



Yes, that sign on the left reads "South Side Night Club Now Open". And the door on the far right has "OPEN" spray painted in large letters beside it.

Sadly, we missed the opportunity to take a picture of "Gross' Burgers" And if you were wondering, the only beer sold in this Belgium is Budweiser. Sorry Duvell, you lose.

Time for birthday dinner! (Early celebration rocks!)

Sunday, April 13, 2008

We've mostly contained the cat crazy until now...

Seriously, it has taken a lot of effort for us to not turn this blog into a day by day documentation of the craziness that we call love of our kitties. When we started the blog, we made a conscious decision to contain the cat love (or specifically, to not bore our friends and family with details about just how cute Condi is when she chases her tail). We think we've done a pretty good job of not forcing our cats down others' throats on the blog.

Then, something like this happens:








You need to know that he sat that way on his own. No posing. No human interaction. The extent of our interaction: "Honey, look at that" & "I'm getting the camera." How are we NOT supposed to post this picture for the world to see? Look at The President...he has man boobs...


And to put his size into perspective...





Hope everyone is having a great weekend.