Status Update: Minnesota x2!

Hello Friends!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. There hasn't been much to say, since no one has wanted to take me on any adventures. This makes me beary sad.

But the break was nice and it allowed my friend Brenna to make me a hat, in preparation for future cold voyages! Do you like it?

Good thing she did too, since I'm headed off to chilly Minnesota again, to spend time with Merrian and Kim. Hopefully they have lots of grand adventures in store for me.

Hope to see you all soon!

-Thaddeus

The Nation's High Five!

Tour Guide: Anna

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date: 10-7-09 thru 10-15-09

Thaddy arrived in MI on a cold, rainy fall day.

I had to go to lacrosse and he thought about tagging along, but decided it was too cold.

So he took a nap instead. I managed to rouse him the next morning for a bit, but he stayed in bed all day. I finally convinced the little guy to experience Calvin College on Wednesday morning. We went to Anatomy, Anatomical Kinesiology, Developmental Psych, Historical and Sociological Foundations, Foundations of Physical Education Recreation and Sports, and Motor Learning and Performance Skills. It was a busy day!

That night was dorm worship and Thaddy sang his little heart out! After, we went to 7-11, where Donald helped Thaddeus pick out which Slurpee to get.

He settled on banana.

Then he went back to his nice warm bed until Saturday. On Saturday, we made the trip out to Lansing from Grand Rapids for a lacrosse tournament hosted by Michigan State. Despite his best cheering efforts, Calvin lost to Central Michigan University by 1. We went back to the vans where Thaddeus decided he wanted a picture with his new found friend Jenny.

While there, he ate a banana that had a sticker on it that said, "Place sticker on forehead. Smile." So naturally he obliged.

We then enjoyed a sub at Subway.

Then Thaddeus proceeded to cheer Calvin to a victory against the University of Toledo and a tie against Calvin's rival, Oakland University. >:| But he did cheer me to a goal in that game! Saturday wore Thaddeus out so he slept until Sunday afternoon when he roused himself in order to help Emily and I make 3 lasagnas, 3 types of pudding, and garlic bread for Sunday night dinner with 3rd Beets Veenstra.

It was very delicious and put Thaddy into an extended food-induced hibernation for almost a whole week! Now, it is time to bid farewell to Thaddeus, but not without a souvenir to keep him warm on his trip back to sunny, warm Southern California.

Happy travels Thaddeus and I hope you enjoyed your stay in America's high five! :)

Thaddeus Promo Video

To get some more readers, Thaddeus has a video on YouTube now! Check it out!

Status Update: The Nation's High Five

Hello Friends!

After returning from chilly Minnesota, and enjoying a precious few days in warm California, I'm off again! Unfortunately, I'm headed to another cold state, Michigan (or the nation's high five). I'm excited to meet my next tour guide, Anna, and see what adventures she has in store for us! Hopefully they're not all outdoor activities. Maybe I need to consider purchasing a sweater and/or hat.

Jojo has been busy lately, so she hasn't gotten the chance to work on my YouTube video yet, but hopefully that will come about soon. Maybe when she needs a study break.

That's all for now! Also, I would be beary happy if someone from a warm state wanted to take me on an adventure...I'm just sayin'.

-Thaddeus

Mini Soda!! (Minnesota)

Tour Guide: Liz

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Date: 9-25-09 thru 9-27-09

The adventures of Liz and Thaddeus began with a bang! Literally. I could not open the box that Thaddeus had arrived in, but with the help of my mother and a short woman that I did not know, we somehow got open! Thaddeus was not fond of the weather once he was out of the box. It was cold and rainy, not 85 degrees and sunny like he was accustomed to. We then began our adventure by going to the Concordia Academy Beacons' homecoming football game! I introduced Thaddeus to a number of people. He was loved instantly.

The Beacons lost, but Thaddeus and I had a marvelous time. Afterwards, some friends invited us to go to "The Flame." I had never heard of such a place, but Thaddeus and I agreed. It was the most delicious decision we had made all day.

With only hours left of being 19, we adventured to Old Chicago to a birthday treat! Thaddeus devoured my birthday cookie while I munched on ice cubes.

Before he knew it, I had advanced in years before his beady eyes! Before we both knew it, it was one in the morning. Bed time! The next day, I got up earlier than Thaddeus, so I let him sleep. The time difference must mess with his system. But it was my birthday! I could not imagine a better adventure day for Thaddy to join me. I had a soccer game scheduled, but the rest of the day was ours! Thaddeus slept through my game, but we defeated the Woodducks 5-0. Total domination. My parents picked us up and we went to have a birthday dinner complete with confused grandmother, bleu cheese, and chocolate cake. Well, we both learned the effects of too much chocolate on teddy bears. Thaddeus spent the night in bed while my parents and I played an invigorating game of Beatles' Trivial Pursuit. I soon joined Thaddeus in dreamland though. We woke up Sunday a bit confused, but happy and ready for Thaddy's last adventure. It was even colder than the day Thaddeus had arrived.

He was displeased and his face looked as though he was begging to go home to Jojo. I played and watched ultimate frisbee while Thaddeus stayed in the warm car. When I returned, we blasted the heat and drove home.

Later, I took Thaddeus on a nice tour of the U of M's beautiful campus. Thaddeus would love to go to the U, but he could not get over the cold.

Thaddy's adventures in Minnesota this weekend were certainly memorable for me. I hope he enjoyed his visit. On to a warmer place perhaps! Thaddeus certainly wouldn't mind. Au revoir, Thaddeus!

Status Update: Minnesota!!

Hello Friends!

I just recently returned from South Dakota (where I had lots of fun), only to turn around and head to Minnesota today, to visit with a girl named Liz. I'm quite excited to meet her, since she's a beary good friend of my caretaker, Jojo. I can't wait for all the fun adventures we are sure to have!

In other news, Jojo is working on filming a video about me to put on YouTube. She says it's a "promotional video." She tells me it will help me meet new friends and explore more places around the world. I am eager to see how it turns out and hopeful that it will serve its purpose.

I believe that's all for now! Stay tuned for news of my Minnesota trip. Hope to come and visit you soon!

-Thaddeus

Brookings? For Sure!

Tour Guide: Nate

Location: Brookings, SD

Date:9-12-09

Thaddy started out his adventure waking up after a bit of hibernation from the long trip from California.

After I greeted him with a big bear hug, he decided he still needed some more rest, and slept through the night.

In the morning, it was a bit difficult to get him out of bed, but when he finally got up, he was ready for adventure! Though I think he was a bit homesick, because when I left the room for a moment, he was on my computer looking at Jojo's Facebook. Then he even Skyped with her!

Eventually, with the help of his tummy rumbling, I got him to get ready for his big day. He got pumped up for the day by jamming out to some Owl City on my iPod.

Then he ended up meeting another furry friend, and they hit it off quite well. But poor Thaddy needed some food! So off he went to raid my fridge, which unfortunately didn't have much in it. So it was off to Wal-Mart to buy some bear food! On the way to the car, Thaddy spotted my buddy Goldie on the grill of my car. He thought it would be fun to ride with him, but quickly decided he would rather have a seat belt.

After a quick run to Wal-Mart, and finding out that bears like peanut butter cup ice cream a whole lot, it was off to a pre-game tailgating party! On the way over, Thaddy spotted the SDSU Campanile, and wanted a picture by it.

Once at the party, Thaddy had a fun time meeting a bunch of my friends and eating a good old-fashioned hot dog. He even tried some slacklining, though it wasn't quite as easy as it looked, and he took some good spills.

When we recovered from the slackline, we were off to the game! Thaddy, being the stud he is, was quickly surrounded by my lady friends, who all wanted their picture taken with him. The game was great, and with his giant finger, Thaddy cheered the Jacks to a 44-6 victory!

Bear hugs were given all around, and we went back home to relax. Thaddy ended his day by putting on some reading glasses and studying a few memory verses.

Thaddy's adventure is now at an end here in South Dakota, and as he says goodbye to me and my roommate Jon, he has a spark in his eye that tells me he's excited for another adventure.

Status Update: Off to South Dakota

Hello Friends!

After a beary exciting and adventurous stay in La Mirada, in which I got acquainted with home, I am now all packed up and ready to be shipped off to South Dakota! My travel journal contains its first entry and directions for my next tour guide, which happens to be a friendly fellow named Nate. I am quite ecstatic to meet him and see what South Dakota has to offer in the way of exploring.

My accommodations for my trip are quite cozy, and very dark, which are perfect conditions for a nice hibernation nap along the way. And I hear it's cooler in South Dakota, which will be a good break from the heat of California. It does get quite toasty when one is wearing a fur coat.

Because of the time delay involved in shipping me across the country, I won't be able to write to you for a while. So, until I write again, have a wonderful few days!

-Thaddeus

Thaddeus Tours La Mirada!

Tour Guide: Jojo

Location: La Mirada, CA

Date: 9-4-09

Since Thaddeus will be going off on lots of adventures soon, I decided to give him a good picture of what "home" is like. And since I'm a college student, home is campus. So I took Thaddy around with me today.

First it was Biology at 8:30am. He wasn't any more excited than I was to wake up so early. But he seemed pretty interested in mitosis. He was also glad I chose to sit in the back of class, so he could be less conspicuous. I assured him that the professor wouldn't kick him out, as he's just an innocent little bear who wants to learn. Thaddy wasn't convinced.

After Bio, Thaddy and I joined up with my two best college friends, Brenna and Kendall. The four of us went to chapel in the gymnasium on campus. Then it was off to the caf for a late breakfast. We were all quite hungry, but Thaddeus in particular had a ravenous appetite. He easily finished off a whole Belgian waffle, plus a side of bacon and a glass of milk. When it was all gone, he was "stuffed."

Thaddy and I then parted from Brenna and Kendall, since I had class in a bit. But first I had to study some flashcards for a quiz. French vocabulary cards to be specific. So Thaddeus and I plopped down by the fountain to study in the warm California sun. Thaddy dozed off for a bit (though he denies it) and I had to wake him up to go to class.

Along the way, he spotted an inviting tree and begged me to let him take a quick climb. I relented, which was a bad idea, since the darn little fuzzy rump nearly made me late to class!

When we got there, a girl in my class asked me if I had brought my bear for good luck. I said no, which happened to be quite true, since I only got 80% on my quiz. But I wasn't too bummed, cause how bummed can a person be when they get to spend the day with a funny little bear named Thaddeus? After class, Thaddy and I headed back to my dorm to chill out. After all, it was Friday! He joined me in a Bones-watching party before Kendall and I took him to the honorable cheese society meeting.

Since we skipped lunch because of our late breakfast, Thaddeus was glad to fill his stomach again. He washed it down with a glass of chilled apple cider.

Then Thaddy and I watched more Bones and funny YouTube videos. When dinner rolled around, we didn't feel like eating in the caf, so we got pizza to go. Thaddy, Brenna, and I ate in our room and watched No Reservations. Thaddeus especially liked the fact that Zoe (played by Abigail Breslin) had so many stuffed animals. Then Thaddeus joined Brenna and I in some fun fashion photo shoot action. He was a little too shy to "work it," but I got a couple of cute shots of him.

He was pretty worn out afterwards. It's been a long day for the little guy. So I made him a nice, comfy bed and now he's dreaming away. Goodnight Thaddeus. Sleep well!

Let Me Introduce Myself

Hello Friends!

My name is Thaddeus. Well, Thaddeus the Traveling Bear, if you want to be more specific. But a lot of people call me Thaddy.

I'm so excited to have the chance to meet you and spend a day adventuring with you!

So follow the directions on the left side of the page and I'll be on my way to visit you ASAP.

Have a beary good day!

-Thaddeus