anne's chit chat

new blog

2009-08-12T22:52:00.002-05:00

Please visit my NEW blog!

http://anneschitchat.com

new blog design...almost

2009-08-04T09:48:00.004-05:00

Jake and I collaborated on a new blog design for me!

And I will no longer be at .blogspot --- my new home will be my very own .com!

www.anneschitchat.com YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! (you can go check it out but nothing is there yet).

My 'new' blog will be launched sometime later this week.

I am so excited and am feeling very inspired and creative.

It is nice to have a husband who has mad in skills in...you know, human computer interaction and interweb coding. I love him.

hoping to redesign my blog

2009-07-30T23:47:00.001-05:00

And my life.

Currently hiding in my head.

Come back. Soon.

this looks like so much fun!

2009-07-23T19:23:00.001-05:00

chit chat chatter

2009-07-15T11:43:00.006-05:00

Going to try a conscious stream of thoughts for a post today. Haven't been blogging much these days. Been busying trying to lose 10 pounds. Yup, 10. I really just want to fit into my old jeans. I miss them. So I have been eating better, trying to cut out carbs and gluten and sugar. But I still like mojitos WAY too much. Just ask Paige. I was a little tipsy the other night! I also go to LA Fitness. Just a quick 30 minute workout. This is hard when all I want to do is bake cookies and watch Ellen. But I have been slowly changing my routine and you know what?! It is getting easier to put on my ankle socks and new tennis shoes and walk the six blocks to LA Fitness. It feels pretty good and I even lost 2 pounds last week! I weight myself just once a week and also take my measurements (scary!). Have been eating amazingly well - summer produce is addicting and we pick up our farm share every Thursday and eat delicious snap peas, beans, lettuce, beets, turnips, kale, and green onions all week. I make egg salad and Thai turkey burgers and chicken salads with all the fixings and roast cauliflower and turnips and grill steak. The steak is from Whole Foods though.

Judy is a real sweet dog and she is one of my favorite things in the whole world. Next to Jake she is right up there. She is really into her new 'old' basketball that Mary gave her - it is quite challenging for her and has been known to distract her for 10-15 minutes in the backyard. She doesn't even care about squirrels anymore. Just kidding. Let's see what else...OH, I am really into sewing these days. Well, I guess just two pillows. But I finally figured out how the hell a bobbin works. The first pillow took me two days and a trip to JoAnn Fabric for a seam ripper BUT the second one took me only 10 minutes! I really had the hang of things by then. My next sewing project is covering these hideous chair cushions form my most recent chair purchase. Current chair count - 22. Holy Crap. Not all of them are upstairs but whoa! I might have a slight problem with chairs. Jake tells me this a lot. But I just love them. Jake's Grandma Joy has the coolest chair in her porch. I am on the lookout for one similar. Not that I need any more chairs.

Well, I think I need to stop this rambling post now. At least I still have some chit chat chatter in me. Were you really worried? :)

happy 2nd birthday judy!

2009-07-07T13:18:00.005-05:00

strawberry picking

2009-07-03T13:06:00.001-05:00

We decided to go strawberry picking for our anniversary and it turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous day! The strawberries are addicting - luckily you can eat and pick!

Click for more photos from the day!

wooden toy plane

2009-07-01T12:26:00.005-05:00

Found this little wooden plane at a garage sale today for only $2 dollars!

The man who sold it to me said that it is a model Bonanza plane but is also called the 'doctor killer' - because at the time of original production only doctors could afford them...and many times when flying them they would spin out of control and crash. Found this to be true when I looked it up on Wikipedia as well.

I have it sitting on a side table in the porch.

words cannot express how happy i continue to be about our president and michelle obama. wow. wow. wow.

2009-06-30T18:58:00.003-05:00

we're eatin' cake for breakfast

2009-06-28T09:33:00.004-05:00

You know the tradition of saving the top of your cake in the freezer? Well, we have a small freezer and that cake was just too good to freeze it for a year.

We just ate it.

We picked up our fresh cake for our first anniversary yesterday and have been enjoying it for breakfast today!

Happy 1st Anniversary Jake. I love you I love you I love you.

this week last year, saturday

2009-06-27T10:28:00.012-05:00

By this time on Saturday my up-do was in place and I am having the best hair day of my life.

We had woken up to blue skies but there was definitely a HUGE chance of rain and sure enough when we were done at the salon it was overcast and starting to sprinkle. But for some strange reason the rain was not sending me into a panic -- maybe it was because it was my WEDDING DAY!!!

I drove out to Camrose Hill in my car with Katie and Cassie following behind.

As I was driving the weather was patchy, with beautiful storm clouds and clear blue skies in the horizon. I will never forget what it looked like.

I was oddly calm considering my personality. However, my thoughts turned to a slight panic with the possibility of it really raining. I started to think of how sad it would be to not be able to share Camrose Hill Flower Farm with all my friends and family -- it is just so beautiful there.

THEN this song came on the radio with these lyrics (looking at them now, I must have only heard a few key* words - either way, it made me cry with joy, I just knew it was a sign that EVERYTHING was going to be perfect)!

Don’t stress, don’t stress, don’t stress
Just tell him to the left left left
Don’t stress, don’t stress, don’t stress
Cause we gone & we gone & we gone
*No stress, no stress, no stress
*Girl you deserve nothing but the best
*No stress, no stress, no stress

Girl you need to tell him…
That I'm leavin’ never to come back again
You found somebody who does it better than he can
*no more making you cry, no more them gray skies
Girl we're flyin on the G5 G5

I credit this silly silly song to saving me from a whirlwind of panic, a spiral of doubt, and for changing the course of weather that day.

That morning it was ABSOLUTELY pouring buckets at Camrose Hill while friends and family were setting everything up -- my Mom was totally without a doubt panicking. PANICKING.

I was freakishly calm as a cucumber.

As always so were Katie and Ben.

Later that night guests told me that they drove to Stillwater (from all directions) with storms and pouring rain but as soon as they got near Camrose Hill it was clear and beautiful.

At the same time Jake, the procrastinator, did not disappoint! As soon as I left that morning for my hair appointment he began frantically calling jewelery stores in St. Paul looking for one that was open. He had decided to buy me a necklace as a wedding gift - pearls! WOW. He is a keeper.

Peter arrived at our house and they headed to Super Target and bought $250 dollars worth of umbrellas! Just in case.

We were all at the Farm and the day had officially begun. All of a sudden it was 1 pm and I hadn't even gotten dressed!

After all the getting ready and taking photos we had to make a split second decision about the rain -- we had the iPhones in over gear checking the radar and at approximately 3:50 (ten minutes before people began to arrive!) the decision to be outside was made! Everyone started to assemble the chairs OUTSIDE for the ceremony (apparently, except for Katie and Grandpa Bill :)

iPhone checking!

Seriously, look at that sky!

The ceremony was so beautiful. My Dad was hilarious. Jake looked amazing. My veil was super long. My family was so wonderful. Our friends were all there. Everything about Camrose Hill is magical. The barns, the fields, the flowers. And the weather, wow --- it was seriously freakin' amazing. Perfect Minnesota 75 degrees with a slight breeze. Perrrfect!

The night was full of hugs, laughter, food, cake, flowers, wine, beer, dancing, s'mores and love. Oh my goodness I want to do it all again and just hit pause. It goes so fast with such a fury. And with a blink of an eye it comes to a close...the linens are off the tables, the flowers are in buckets, and the candles are blown out.

But what a day, what a day to remember.

this week last year, friday

2009-06-26T11:59:00.009-05:00

I remember waking up, last year on this day, and thinking - HOLY SHIT IT IS HERE. It was FINALLY Friday, the day of our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The day BEFORE our wedding!

This was it, this was the 'beginning' of the 'end' of our wedding planning!!!! There was no time left to plan, work out the details, or panic! Thank goodness.

The day was HOT, 90 degree Minnesota hot with humidity.

We met our family and wedding party at Camrose Hill for the rehearsal and it was so much fun! We put everyone to work though - moving chairs and figuring out the 'flow' for the next day.

Ben and Becky had driven all the way from Colorado and made it just in time, we were so happy to see them!

Amanda had brought me the most beautiful 'practice' bouquet.

Rehearsing the ceremony was very smooth and efficient because of our wonderful Officiant Reverend AnnaMarie Ronning. She was a pro! Jake and I had worked out all the details of our ceremony with her beforehand.

After the rehearsal we all headed to The Dock Cafe in Stillwater and had the most delicious meal. Our table was long and sat in front of an entire wall of windows, we had the most beautiful view of the river. It began to absolutely pour, but that was fine, it needed to cool everything down.

Jake and I felt so happy that night and were so ready for the next day to arrive!

this week last year, thursday

2009-06-25T11:55:00.004-05:00

Thursday morning my parents were at our house ready to help in any way they could.

So we extended our dining room table to 11 feet, drew up a huge reception diagram, and finalized the seating chart. After hammering it all out, I began to write every one's name on the place cards along with their table number (only making a few mistakes!). Then for the next two (or three?) hours my Dad whole punched the corners of each place card and my Mom and I tied raffia on every single one. Oh, AND we alphabetized them too! We were seriously emotionally and physically exhausted when we got done.

All I wanted was for the place cards to be blowing in the breeze at Carmose Hill Flower Farm on my wedding day.

That night Jake and I had to finalize the wedding program and our plan was to Gocco print 250 of them (just like our invites, rsvp's, directions cards, favors, and place cards). By hand. Late Thursday night. The day before our rehearsal dinner.

Well, after realizing that our program template was NOT going to physically fit onto a Gocco screen (and maybe freaking out a little bit)...Jake called Kinko's to see if they could help.

Twenty minutes later Jake arrived home with 250 beautifully printed programs!

We had LITERALLY spent hours and hours and hours printing all our other materials by hand and here we were, the night before everything was about to begin with printed programs in 20 minutes. It was hilarious.

We were ecstatic to be 'done' with all the details! And so ready to get married!

this week last year, wednesday

2009-06-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

We designed and Gocco printed 250 place cards on Wednesday - getting ready for the seating assignments which had not been finalized yet!

this week last year, tuesday

2009-06-23T13:37:00.004-05:00

We designed the favors and on Tuesday I Gocco printed 250 on tiny vellum envelopes. Then I stuffed them with wildflower seeds and sealed them with double sided tape!

this week last year, monday

2009-06-22T13:52:00.004-05:00

I had been collecting, borrowing, and buying antique bottles for months and on Monday I delivered them to Camrose Hill Flower Farm to be used as vases for the flowers on the tables.

happy father's day

2009-06-21T09:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks Dad for always making me laugh!

2009-06-18T10:12:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I just want to talk about The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

me a few weeks ago, just in case you wanted to know

2009-06-17T19:22:00.001-05:00

judy did not come running

2009-06-16T09:56:00.006-05:00

Last night, while watching Kathy Griffin My Life on the D-List, I had an awful feeling that Judy was not in the backyard. That she had escaped.

I yelled at Jake that I think Judy is out, so we both ran out to the backyard and whistled for her.

She was NOT in her usual top of the stairs spot.
She did NOT come running from around the side yard.
She did NOT come running from over by the garage.

I just knew that she was not in our yard.

I remembered that earlier I had opened the white gate in the side yard to have her run around the front yard. I had also propped open the front porch door for her to run inside. She didn't want to come inside so we both ran to the backyard and I played with her for 15 minutes.

It was hard to remember the exact sequence for everything but I thought I had left her outside and I came inside.

As Jake runs into the backyard to go looking for her in the back alley, I sprinted to the front of the house, out the front door to check the white gate and look for her in the front.

As I ran through the propped open porch door and onto the side yard - the white gate was shut! This was good but it meant that maybe the back gate was open! Oh no!

I ran into the backyard and Judy comes running to me!!!!! JUDY!!!!!

As Jake ran to the back gate (which was closed as well!) Judy was standing there wagging her tail at him!! She had somehow gotten out and looked like she was just waiting for us!

Turns out, after we played in the backyard we BOTH came back inside. I had forgotten to shut the porch door and apparently she just walked outside and had about 15 minutes of FREEDOM.

Where did she go? What did she do? She has sorta done this before.

All I know is that she is the most wonderful dog ever and I love her.

I mean, she saves Max on Christmas Day and now she is taking trips around the block by herself!

She is so good -- she didn't run around the neighborhood, or to Hamline Avenue, or get hurt. She somehow made her way to the back alley (found the one house that doesn't have a fence around their yard) and just waited for us to come and play with her.

Of course she could have just walked back through the front door, but that is totally not as exciting!

monday photos

2009-06-15T14:28:00.004-05:00

New Danish style love seat in porch! Bought some foam and fabric - currently trying to figure out how to ACTUALLY make the cushions instead of just wrapping fabric around the foam. Jake cut the foam with our new electric knife!

Old photo of us, circa 2002. or 2001. Little yellow vase. Cute!

Polar Bear print hung up in bedroom. Just in case you were wondering if I had forgotten about it.

Pretty peonies. Mom and I hosted a bridal shower for my cousin Abby on Sunday -- peonies are over my house right now and I wouldn't have it any other way.

New table runner. I have never used a table runner before but I saw this one at Patina and thought I would give it a chance. I like it.

Every time I walk by the dining room table I give those peonies a little hug.

focus of a champion

2009-06-13T10:46:00.001-05:00

ben in law

2009-06-12T10:56:00.011-05:00

I just walked up from the basement.

The basement that I am de-cluttering.

What else is new.

Jake says, "Want to watch these videos of Ben and Travis doing 'The Nose' in a day?"

Yes, yes, I do.

It is exactly these moments that I just don't know what the hell I am doing with my life. I mean, Ben and Travis are climbing a fucking mountain. IN A DAY.

Because that is what they do. They climb mountains. For FUN.

But then I remember that even though Ben is in the best shape of his life and I still can't make it to LA Fitness three times a week -- I am still related to him!

I am an INGMAN now.

And that makes me just a little bit more of a bad ass.
And cool.
Oh yes, so very cool.

Thank you Ben for making me feel better about myself.

Watch all of Ben and Travis's videos by clicking the photo above (definitely start with Bears! Part 1).

jake and i are taking advantage of this tonight

2009-06-10T10:38:00.007-05:00

Does anyone want to join us? 6:00 pm Grand Ave Punch.

2009-06-10T10:37:00.001-05:00

I have blogger block.

new haircut

2009-06-05T12:42:00.003-05:00

pretty pink peonies and blue caterpillar

2009-06-03T15:01:00.003-05:00

bags of bags

2009-06-02T09:12:00.008-05:00

Yesterday I cleaned out the garage.

I actual enjoy cleaning out the garage.

I know what needs to stay and what needs to go.

I believe that clutter is really just bad energy, weights a space down, and the people sharing the space. So when I consider something to be bad energy, it has to go.

Go go go!

Yesterday, I was pretty hot on the Craigslist 'Free Stuff' posts!

It was great. Strangers came and took my bad energy away! For free!

Here are a few examples of what is NOT in my garage anymore! (Also, three bags FULL of just more paper bags with handles! Gone! Gone! Gone!)

he still fits into his wedding suit, and looks delicious

2009-06-01T22:30:00.000-05:00

i can't believe that i am finally done with the yard revamp

2009-05-29T14:59:00.003-05:00

Click for more.

katie graduated from college!

2009-05-28T10:10:00.002-05:00

Katie graduated from UW-Madison and we celebrated with a good old fashioned backyard neighborhood BBQ! Check out the photos from our super fun and totally exhausting weekend home to Baker Avenue.

pizza on the farm

2009-05-27T15:43:00.000-05:00

Last night was amazing. Just amazing.

jake knows how to fix things and i like it

2009-05-22T11:41:00.001-05:00

front garden

2009-05-21T13:48:00.002-05:00

Feeling proud of the front garden! Click to see more photos.

smells like chocolate

2009-05-18T13:40:00.004-05:00

We were outside ALL day yesterday working in the yard. No one ever tells you that when you own a house the yard is the biggest responsibility! Besides the mortgage, of course.

We worked really hard, so take a look at all the other photos on Flickr!

We spread cocoa shells over the completed garden by the garage and it smells like chocolate and looks delicious!

finding treasures

2009-05-13T09:35:00.007-05:00

Have been having fun finding treasures on Craigslist, at garage sales, on Summit Avenue and in our alley.

Check out all the new corners of my house...just click on photo to see more!

our little backyard garden

2009-05-11T10:36:00.003-05:00

You can sorta see the 'before' garden at the top of the photo. Believe me when I say that it had a HUGE assortment of abundant weeds. Yesterday, Jake and I removed all the weeds, turned over the dirt, repositioned some existing plants, and planted some flower bulbs.

Whoa! Look at that catch!

We mapped out where all our veggies are going to go

Back left area is our raspberry patch -- still growing but we will be leaving some room for them to spread each year. To the right of the raspberries, by the lime stones, will be the herb garden with basil, sage, thyme, oregano, chives, peppermint, and spearmint.

In front of the raspberries will be cherry, grape and Roma tomatoes, bean, peas, peppers, carrots, beats, and strawberries. Probably won't be able to eat any strawberries this season but hopefully a bigger patch next year.

Front 3 feet of garden will be dedicated to perennial bulb flowers -- I hope they grow! I dug like 100 six inch deep holes yesterday!

Now we just have to maintain the WEEDS!

happy mother's day

2009-05-10T10:13:00.002-05:00

dandelions

2009-05-08T09:16:00.003-05:00

Our yard is gloriously plush with bright beautiful dandelions!

However, this is not acceptable in mainstream society.

There comes a point where we have to do something about them, so they don't seed all over the neighbors lawn.

So the weed whacker comes out and destroys.

Click on photo for front yard dandelions.

well, that didn't last long

2009-05-07T09:46:00.003-05:00

IT'S BACK!

And of course a motorcycle.

You know, because there is room.

neighbors front yard demo causes anne a panic attack

2009-05-04T13:55:00.002-05:00

Click on photo to see more.

chicago road trip

2009-05-04T08:53:00.000-05:00

See all Chicago photos here.

look closer

2009-05-02T11:42:00.005-05:00

roosters and dresses

2009-04-30T11:12:00.006-05:00

Fog is everywhere
the rain, I don't mind

The evolution, and hand written notes...it's all good

See through, your eyes
Hearts are aching
Contact is fleeting

Just sitting, chatting
Chit chatting - cause it's what we do

The music is always there,
and it is GOOD

Coulda shoulda woulda

Living
Life.

2009-04-29T08:13:00.003-05:00

Heading to Chicago! Will be twitter blogging via phone!

2009-04-28T08:22:00.003-05:00

You are my everyday inspiration Jake. Happy Golden 28th Birthday.

i didn't know where i was going, but i went somewhere

2009-04-27T07:50:00.000-05:00

I live in the United States of America.

But have I seen anything?

How is it that three miles from my Blair block neighborhood party, boards are nailed over windows? How is it that the same Blair block, in the 400's, two people got shot? Shot with a real gun.

What about the 1300 block? What is so different about us?

I was in the SA (Salvation Army) the other day and I talked to six different people. As in six different conversations about dishes and Tupperware and missing glasses. I haven't talked to so many people in months. I realized I was there for a good deal just like they were.

Anyway, walking through to the back, where her kitchen was just completed two days ago, I found a kindred spirit. She is a treasure finder. It ACTUALLY says that on her card. And her yard is a Wildlife Habitat. A WILDLIFE HABITAT IN HER YARD! I have been feeding peanuts to the squirrels...but also knocking down bird nests...where does that leave me? Anyway, she said 'modular' a lot, but it didn't matter, she had sea glass hanging in her window.

In another basement, he wore a bow tie and told us of possible secrets behind the walls where pool cues hid and alcohol was drunk.

These are my neighbors.

I know you might not know what this all means, but it is okay. Don't worry about the mud.

Just know that it is my home.

It is where I walk my dog and dream the dreams you dream about.

Just like you.

thrifted

2009-04-25T09:49:00.003-05:00

Vintage Tupperware and Pyrex - oh my!

sometimes i am vain

2009-04-24T10:08:00.005-05:00

I used to pick out an 'outfit' every single morning.
As well as earrings.
And shoes. High heel shoes.

Those decisions could take minutes to hours to decide.
Running around with no shirt on, ironing a button down.

Now, I wear the same outfit pretty much everyday.
I like to call it my uniform.

Jeans from Target, GreenDimes t-shirt, and Dansko clogs.

Today I put on a blue short sleeve sweater from the GAP.
I think it added a little 'pop' to my look.

I hope Jake appreciates the effort.

perennial plants popping

2009-04-23T19:17:00.001-05:00

the view out my backdoor tonight

2009-04-22T20:14:00.001-05:00

earth day

2009-04-22T08:34:00.015-05:00

My wish in second grade was that everyone would recycle.

We didn't know that the icebergs were melting back then.
We didn't know that Sarah Palin would be assaulting wolves.
Or that Dr. Carter cared so much about Polar Bears.

I always liked Carter.

Why do you throw plastic bottles and cigarettes out your window?

Those plastic bottles will not disintegrate.
They do disappear from your point of view.
But don't lose perspective!

Also, we are running out of space people. Not space people. Space, people.

We can't have eighteen kids anymore. Think of all the waste. Think of all the plastic diapers in the world right now. Just think of it! All that poop wrapped in plastic, wrapped in plastic, wrapped in plastic...wow.

Have you heard of gDiapers or cloth. I pooped into cloth when I was a baby -- I was way into environmentalism.

ANYWAY.

This is what I do and you can too -

1. Recycle paper, glass, plastic and bring it out to your curb every week.
2. Bring cloth bags to Target or wherever you go shopping.
3. Compost your food waste like banana peels, egg shells, green beans, and everything other than meat.
4. Go to the Farmer's Market and buy fresh, local food from farmers in your area.
5. Respect the Earth and animals we share it with.
6. Turn off your lights!
7. Walk to Target with your cloth bag.
8. Stand up for the Earth!

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-21T15:49:00.005-05:00

I have many problems.
Let's face it, we all do.

But not everyone blogs about them.

I have a problem with Milano cookies, Danish furniture on Craigslist, and Real Housewives of New York City.

What's your problem?

two rooms at a time

2009-04-20T09:02:00.002-05:00

In the process of deep cleaning the house. The dining room got the deep clean - dusting, mopping, window cleaning, baseboard scrubbing, drawers and shelves de-cluttered and re-organized. Obviously, cleaning makes Judy exhausted. Working on kitchen cabinets next!

some sorta suburbia

2009-04-17T14:05:00.006-05:00

As I walked into the backyard I felt something different.

Something definitely was different.

As I looked around I caught my breath.
I couldn't believe my eyes.
And I smiled with delight!

There was NOT a car parked all the way up in my neighbor's backyard!

Finally, I can feel a little closer to some sorta suburbia where people park in their garages and chemicals kill their dandelions.

Or something like that...

Pay no attention to the DIRT lawn and green WIRE garden fencing all over the table!

one room at a time

2009-04-16T08:50:00.003-05:00

I have decided to deep clean one room at a time, so yesterday all by myself, I pushed the living room furniture into the dining room. I dusted, moped, wiped down, re-organized everything in this room. Next room - dining.

still getting wedding gifts!

2009-04-15T13:08:00.011-05:00

Joel made this absolutely beautiful custom frame for our wedding gift. He brought it over last night and we love it!

The Polar Bear print we had purchased awhile ago from Threadless (can't find it on their website now though) and it is very important to me.

I care about Polar Bears very very much.

Thanks Joel for being such a great friend!

Click on photo to see more.

plants make your life better

2009-04-13T19:00:00.008-05:00

I tend to panic and buy spontaneously when it comes to plants. I never quite know which ones to get or where to get them. I usually pick the wrong kind, water too much or too little, and sometimes they live but most of the time they die.

Today I went to Bachman's and found some plants and pots that I liked and I am going to give it another go! (I went to Home Depot first which proved to be a very sad situation with me holding various packages of garden bulbs of Dahlia's instead of house plants - I finally had to abandon everything in a corner and walk out with a headache).

Regardless of my past plant experiences -- I am going to try very very very hard to keep these babies alive!

Also, did you know that there are three really important houseplants that can improve the air quality in your home? Watch this short video - it is so cool! I found the "Mother in law" one at Bachman's and brought it home with me!

judy sleeps

2009-04-10T11:27:00.005-05:00

A few nights ago we set up Gawker to see what Judy is up when she sleeps. Gawker is an application that creates time-lapse movies using a webcam. She starts out on the couch -- look for her white fur...when she disappears she is behind the red chair in the corner of our living room (which you can't see)...I got up at 6:45 am to go to the bathroom, she got up to say hello...around 8 am she is like - are you guys going to get up soon or what?! She moves to our bedroom door and just waits for us (or ufos)!

Judy Sleeps from Anne Ingman on Vimeo.

dear mr. ex-president

2009-04-08T19:55:00.008-05:00

Yes, we have come a long way (from G.F'ing.W.) but of course we still have a lot of work to do - regardless of that messy clean up --- I am still so happy, elated, and ecstatic about our new Mr. President!

On a side note I was with my dear dear friend Paige tonight for 'happy hour' and we were talking about Andrew Bird and living in trailers and I happened to mention the pop/rock star Pink. You know, the usual topics of conversation.

Anyway, she was like, "Pink? Who is Pink?"

I was like, "WTF, are you kidding me?"

Anyway, this IS Pink (back in 2006).

2009-04-07T17:09:00.002-05:00

Lately I have been buying a lot of tulips. Having fresh flowers in the house makes me happy. I also think it makes me want to keep the house 'tidy' --- but as I look around now, it is not working!

i wrote a poem yesterday and i liked it

2009-04-07T00:42:00.004-05:00

So, let's face it. How do I blog after that?

What are the words? What do the words mean now? What can the words be?

I mean, life is ordinary. Extraordinary but ordinary.

I mean, I was just at LA Fitness in Midway sweating on an elliptical machine next to strangers from around the world.

But then a friend told me tonight that she felt left out of my life not having Internet at home. She can't read my blog. I told her that it was okay. BUT.

I mean, WTF, no Internet at home. It is 2009. But whatever. Choice is choice and choose your choice.

So here I am. And there you are.

No matter what. We have that.

And it is OKAY.

Hallefuckinlulia, right?

a poem or something like it for monday almost afternoon

2009-04-06T10:44:00.006-05:00

I can tell things are changing.

Outside, inside, everywhere.

Walking through sketches of branches I had a moment, a few actually, that made me think.

About you, about me, about the honey bee. Just listen. LISTEN.

The river wraps around the branches. And things get muddy. Very muddy.

But where does all this water go?

Don't worry about the mud. It is in the right place.

The tide will change.

And the river flows back to the banks.

The point is, it is not up to us to decide.

It might be up to me but probably gravity.

I never knew how strong a fallen tree could be. Until it fell right in front of me.

Scared the shit out of me!

Things are changing.

And the truth is salty water never tasted good anyway.

2009-04-04T23:19:00.004-05:00

Just so you know, I went there.

I went somewhere you can't find.

And it was beautiful.

weekend judy

2009-04-04T11:03:00.001-05:00

Corralling two (sometimes three) old racquetballs is her form of herding sheep.

2009-04-02T13:54:00.007-05:00

I made chocolate chip cookies on Tuesday night but just a half batch.

I put them on the top shelf of the cupboard thinking it would impair my ability to eat five to six at a time.

I started using the step ladder to reach them.

My name is Anne and I am a sugaraholic.

the sun in this photo does not reflect the amount of sun that minnesota is currently experiencing, which is none

2009-03-31T18:12:00.005-05:00

Where are you Spring?

green eggs and ham

2009-03-30T12:36:00.003-05:00

Click on photos for more!

i vote earth

2009-03-28T21:07:00.004-05:00

Currently participating in Earth Hour 2009 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

earthhour voteearth minnesota usa

earth hour

2009-03-27T15:44:00.018-05:00

I care about our Earth.
I care about Polar Bears.
I care about Wolves.
I care about Climate Change.
I care about Action.

I am turning off my lights starting at 8:30 pm tomorrow for one hour.

Just one hour!

Join me and millions of other people around the World. How cool is that?!

We can make our voices heard about Climate Change.

cannot move my legs

2009-03-27T13:44:00.005-05:00

Okay, so I have sorta been hibernating.
We haven't seen sun all week in Minnesota and it is depressing.

Wednesday I joined LA Fitness. I have been getting pretty comfortable eating ice cream and watching reality television these last few months. Or several months.

Damn you extra fat around my belly, thighs, and butt.

I had a complimentary workout with a trainer included in my joining fee so yesterday morning I met with Joel. We talked about my goals and took my BMI. I cried. Twice. He asked how hard I wanted to work and I said a nine. After we started the work out I wished I had said a two. My legs were weak in the knees, I was red in the face and sweating, I wanted to just take a nap and eat Kemps chocolate chip ice cream. I told Joel I felt drunk. And then I leaned on him. He held me up during squats - and I was just standing on the ground!

Of course he wanted me to sign up for a trainer, but I had to be honest with him - "It was hard enough for me to join in the first place and I don't have a job and we don't have anymore money. I know that I just cried in front of you and leaned on you...seriously, thank you for the last hour of my life -- you were really great."

This morning I realized that I CANNOT MOVE MY LEGS. I am in a lot of pain. Inactivity will do that to a person.

Regardless, when I noticed a bit of sun this morning I knew that I had to get out of the depths of despair and hibernation and move my legs. So Judy and I went to the dog park.

While there I moved slow. Very slow. I lost my phone when I reached in my pocket for the ball. Unfortunately, I figured out I lost my phone after I had hiked for another 20 minutes. I back tracked my route and enlisted a stranger to help me. Judy was caked in mud and jumping on this nice man. Finally, we found my phone. Thank goodness it is hot pink.

I walked to my car and I had a $35 parking ticket.

Then I went to DQ and got a blizzard.

2009-03-24T10:17:00.004-05:00

Kids are funny.

citizens of the interweb

2009-03-21T13:04:00.004-05:00

Currently experimenting with Twitter.

Notice sidebar.

Updated my Blogger layout.

Notice archives.

Joined a few groups on Flickr and submitted some photos.

Got some new visitors to my Flickr - which is cool.

Stumbled upon Qik, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore.

Hello!

Currently staying in touch with the citizens of the Interweb.

And celebrities.

410 northfield

2009-03-19T10:25:00.008-05:00

What can I say?

I like to clean.
I do.

I love the satisfaction that results from removing dust, dirt, grim, sticky residue, and smudges.

Over the years I have developed a few special techniques. Like, using pumice stones to remove rust stains on toilets and Q-tips and rubbing alcohol on sticky surfaces and little in-between spaces.

Our friend Amanda was going to be out of her house ALL day yesterday and I knew it was my opportunity to make my move.

I recruited Paige.
I took some notes and drew up a game plan.
I gathered all my rags, vacuums, and cleaning supplies.

This was going to be a big surprise for Amanda!!! We were so excited!

We worked so hard the whole day and were totally exhausted by the end. It was so worth it though because I couldn't think of a more deserving friend than Amanda.

Deep Cleaning Amanda's House from Anne Ingman on Vimeo.

To be honest their house was not that dirty -- but having an almost two year old, priorities shift and Amanda has been wanting to deep clean but just hasn't had the time. Paige and I had the time, so we knew it was time to clean!

am i irish now

2009-03-17T11:06:00.002-05:00

Mary came up for dinner last night and she brought us some treats and this little Irish flag that she made! She is always so thoughtful.

When Jake and I first started dating I had no idea how important their Irish heritage was to them -- until I came over on St. Patrick's Day and their milk was green.

Wait! Now that I am an Ingman....does that mean I am Irish now?!

breezy house

2009-03-16T14:13:00.002-05:00

It is days like today that I feel so damn lucky to be free!

Free from the walls of an office.
Free from the hours of a work day.
Free to sit in my porch with my robe on at 10 am or go on a walk at 2:30 this afternoon.

The windows and doors are open at my house and it is breezy.

judy judy judy

2009-03-14T11:48:00.001-05:00

i create my life

2009-03-13T09:07:00.007-05:00

What do I want to do in my life?

I do know for sure that I want to be happy and spontaneous and compassionate and thoughtful and kind and creative. And that I love people. I love meeting strangers and having conversations. And I love chit chat.

How do I use what I know to create things in my life?

Well, for starters I have been reading this book called, The Secret, and it is changing how I think.

It says - I create what happens to me. I attract what I want in my life. I control my thoughts and feelings.

But sometimes I get nervous and scared. I push things to the side. I hide under blankets. I procrastinate.

But NOT today!

So blog readers, Internet, world, I am putting this energy out there because I create my life.

I want to be a photographer!
I want to be a wedding photographer!

What happens next?

I know for sure that I will create it.

what i do on a cold march afternoon

2009-03-12T09:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, after walking around the house a few times, okay okay a little bored, I pulled out the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. I tend to gravitate toward baking when there is nothing else pressing my schedule. Before the glorious wonders of wedding registries, I used to make these cookies by hand! It was definitely more of a workout. Now, I just pull out my Cuisinart Food Processor and whip up these puppies in no time flat. And they are delicious. Sometimes, just for a moment, I think that I could just eat all the 'raw' dough and it would be just fine and I would be happy...but then I realize that would be CRAZY.

reader anne

2009-03-11T18:05:00.005-05:00

Ummmmm, HELLO!

I just got a legitimate shout out on dooce.com today in the Daily Style section.

Yup, that's me. Reader Anne. I AM READER ANNE!!!!!

Hello millions of Internet people!

poinsettia

2009-03-11T13:15:00.007-05:00

Back in December I bought two Poinsettia's from IKEA for $7.99 each. They are still thriving and I have hardly watered them.

But I think it might be time to get rid of them.

I mean I have tulips in vases for goodness sake!

Today at breakfast, I asked Paige if I should get rid of them.
She turned to me and said, "It might be time Anne, it IS March!"

Maybe I should put them in the basement and see if they last until next December?
At least I would be saving $16 dollars.

And in this economy, that is a fortune.

sunday brunch

2009-03-08T15:29:00.001-05:00

2009-03-07T09:34:00.004-06:00

Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way you are right.

Henry Ford (1863-1947)

you say ugly, i say yard

2009-03-06T10:57:00.003-06:00

And so the melting begins - only to reveal mud, long lost balls, and soggy dog poo.

he doesn't normally wear a tie to work

2009-03-05T12:36:00.003-06:00

This has been quite the week for me, I mean Jake.

He has had a meeting everyday and has had to leave the house for hours at a time.

I think I may have gotten used to us being together almost every moment of the day when I said to him last night, "This is the worst week of my life!"

Today is the most important meeting -- which means no jeans or Patagonia fleeces.

I think he looks fantastic and I told him so.

2009-03-03T17:39:00.003-06:00

I say, "I had the most delicious nap today. And I think it was because you were not here."

Jake says, "Yeah, I do seem to stress you out just by existing."

avery loves trucks

2009-03-02T11:29:00.001-06:00

Avery loves trucks. He really really does.

Awhile ago Paige and I had to 'watch' Avery for about a minute and a half while Amanda brought stuff to her car and warmed it up.

In that minute and a half we introduced Avery to the wonders of You Tube.

Once he realized that at ANY moment of ANY day he could just point to the computer and say 'truck' and magically videos of trucks appeared --- well, his little life changed! Avery is a smart cookie.

For over two weeks Amanda and Matt had to hide their computer from Avery because he was relentless!

Whoops!

I hear he is back to watching patiently outside for a truck to pass.

Ahhhhhh, the good old days!

Avery Loves Trucks from Anne Ingman on Vimeo.

crazy hot

2009-02-28T10:09:00.004-06:00

Sometimes on Saturday mornings we go to Kopplin's to get an almond latte and currant scone for me and mocha and almond croissant for Jake.

Kopplin's has the best coffee in St. Paul.

I like my drinks really really really hot. Hotter than boiling? Not possible.

I waited in the car while Jake went in. When she handed him our drinks she said, "Almond latte. Crazy hot."

It was delicious.

Allisa made me this felted coffee cup holder -- very eco-friendly!

this is our dog judy

2009-02-27T12:30:00.003-06:00

Shoveling with Judy - The Sidewalk from Anne Ingman on Vimeo.

Yes, that is "We are the Champions" playing in the background.

Shoveling with Judy - The Stairs from Anne Ingman on Vimeo.

Yes, Judy did not listen to us when we said "Come in" and that is embarrassing. Usually, she is pretty obedient but when it comes to snow...apparently she thinks she can do what she wants!

Oh, no you didn't Judy!

yesterday was spring and today is a blizzard

2009-02-26T15:02:00.000-06:00

kitchen rooster

2009-02-26T09:13:00.004-06:00

I have a rooster piggy bank in my kitchen. Do you?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

Isn't it fabulous?!

just a lovely day

2009-02-25T15:57:00.004-06:00

Bryan, Chanda and Fiona stopped by this morning to drop off some loaves of bread from Breadsmith -- just because that is what they do. They are so nice.

I am currently obsessed with cinnamon toast and hope I can restrain from eating the entire loaf myself. Have already had three pieces this afternoon.

Then two former co-workers, Stacy and Kate, came over for lunch and we had a lovely time catching up!

Jake, Judy and I went for a walk after they left and the weather was just perfect.

They say it is going to snow again (which I don't mind at all) but today felt like Spring and the tulips on my dining room table made it even more so.

It is good to be happy!

Judy tooted when she jumped up on the table to see what I was doing - it happens all the time but still makes me laugh! She is so funny!

birthday party at my house!

2009-02-24T11:59:00.003-06:00

There were three of us! Three of us! Cooking in my little kitchen -- Amanda was roasting a red pepper on the stove for the appetizer. Allisa was chopping carrots, onions, and ginger for the soup. And I was whipping cream and folding in chocolate shavings for the cake! All in honor of our dear friend Paige's 30th birthday. It was a fantastic night.

Click on the photo to see more from the party.

happy birthday paige!

2009-02-23T09:54:00.002-06:00

it snowed!

2009-02-21T10:49:00.006-06:00

No more brown, ugly, random, mangled patches of muddy ice.

Just clean, crisp, white virginal snow.

Well, at least until the next melting.

But for now, I treasure the moments before all the neighbors come out and shovel, before the plows destroy the soft blanket on the roads, before the sun melts it all down to the mud of our backyard.

Don't forget to click on the photos Dad!

guess what arrived today?

2009-02-19T15:09:00.004-06:00

piperlime

2009-02-17T08:34:00.018-06:00

I would say that most of the time I do the right thing.
And when I happen to not...I can pretty much get out of anything.

Well, not this time.

Last year around 'the wedding' (which I have come to describe as a very traumatic time in my life) I wasn't in my right mind. I had an extremely warped sense of what I 'needed' 'wanted' 'could afford' etc.

You have to understand that on a regular basis I had to make DECISIONS that cost more money than I had ever spent in my whole life. ON A DAILY BASIS.

Money became a weird, strange, oh so wrong, non-object.

So I bought some sandals online at Piperlime. You know, because I 'needed' them to match potential outfits surrounding the time of the wedding and honeymoon.

These sandals cost $170 dollars, they were made in Italy.

I know, it's a lot, right?

Of course, they didn't fit.

The normal response and action would have been to return them right away. But you have to understand that I was sooooo consumed that normal responses were not an option. To make you feel better, it has taken me six months to figure out the results from the trauma of having a wedding. Don't worry about me though. I have a life coach.

Anyway. The other day, in a fit of getting stuff done that I have been putting off for months, I dug out these sandals and found some packing tape and Jake and I drove over to UPS. You see, they actually make it really easy to return something. They give you a return label and all you have to do is drop it off at a UPS. And there just happens to be a UPS about 5 blocks away from our house. But that is not the point though.

Also, there was another pair of shoes that I was returning. But they were only $34 dollars and quite the deal. Of course, they didn't fit as well.

Okay, so where are we? Oh yeah, at UPS. Of course I had looked up Piperlime's return policy and it was a 60 day return. Grrrrr.

I was not happy but I returned them anyway. Within a few days I got an e-mail from customer service saying they had received the $34 dollar shoes and were crediting my account. Great!

A few days later I get this, "Recently we notified you that we processed a Return or Exchange for Order ####. The shoes were returned more than 60 days from the
return by date posted on your invoice. However, as a one-time courtesy, we returned them."

Okay....thanks, but what about my $170 sandals????

So I wrote them an e-mail -- saying something about how my tardy return was unintentional and how I assumed incorrectly that their return policy was similar to other online shoes stores like Zappos and Shoes.com --- which have a 365 day return policy! I am a loyal customer and card member....blah blah blah.

Yeah, that didn't work, because I got this is response, "Thank you for the message to Piperlime. We apologize, however, order #### is past our 60 day return period. As a result, it is not returnable nor exchangeable. Again, we are sorry for any disappointment this may cause you. We are sending the shoes back to you."

WHAT?! I don't WANT THE SHOES SENT BACK TO ME!

I reply to this e-mail within minutes and let it be known that I am extremely disappointed and that I hope they would reconsider. I also say, "Why were my other shoes returned then? I sent both of these packages back on the same day, both of which were past your return policy. To me, as a customer, it is very unnerving that you "reconsidered" with the $34 dollar shoes but not the $170 shoes! This is a HUGE discrepancy! If at all possible -- switch your choice for your "one-time courtesy" and credit the $170 shoes --- send me back the $34 shoes instead. Please!!!!"

I woke up this morning to this reply, "Thank you for your reply. We are sorry for the disappointment caused by our previous response, and 60 day return policy. We are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating our business, and feedback like yours is a
vital part of that process. Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

We appreciate your business, and hope you will continue to shop with us.
We have a wonderful selection of merchandise just waiting to be added to
your wardrobe."

Are you fucking kidding me????

So I respond saying this, "Are you a real person replying to my messages?! "We have a wonderful selection of merchandise just waiting to be added to your wardrobe..." Why are you saying this to me?

Did anyone read my e-mails?

You can call me if you want to respond any further --- my phone number is ####. Only then will I believe that a real person is actually reading my e-mails."

I haven't heard anything back yet.

**Update**

Most recent response from Piperlime, "Thank you for your recent email. Please accept our apologies for any confusion regarding our return policy. Once received, our returns are processed in the order that they are received. In this case, the return
from order #### was received and processed prior to order ####. To remain fair and consistent with all of our customers, we are unable to make any exceptions to our policy. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

HOW INCONVENIENT for me. Thank you Piperlime. FOR NOTHING.

I haven't mentioned this but all of these emails I have received have been from different 'Customer Service Representatives' --- first Brett, then Shelly, and now Amanda! And I keep addressing my emails to whomever just sent me a reply....but then a new person responds! Nobody cares about me.

***Update***

Dear Amanda, Shelly, and Brett and any new 'Customer Service Consultant or Customer Loyalty Representative' who is about to read this,

Sure, I accept your apologies.

But I am still upset about your return policy discrepancies. Because let's face it, $170 is a lot of money to spend on shoes I am NEVER going to wear because they do not fit.

With that said, thank you for some good blogging material - http://anneschitchat.blogspot.com/

Sincerely, Anne

****Update****

"Someone" from Piperlime just called me. I want to puke. She just wanted to make sure that I 'understood' the return policy and that the one 'exception' was given to the first package that arrived. I don't even think she read ALL my e-mails --- she probably just got passed down my number and a one liner that said, "Customer confused about return policy."

Oh, I understand.

I understand that I made a mistake and Piperlime SUCKS.

*****Update*****

Received another e-mail, this time from Dana, "Thank you for your e-mail. We regret to hear of your dissatisfaction with our return policy, and we do apologize for the inconvenience and frustration this matter has caused. Hearing about your disappointment is an incentive for us to continue looking at ways to improve the
service we offer. Let us assure you the details of your complaint will be included in our next service review meeting.

We appreciate the time you have taken to share your concerns with us and
hope you will give us another opportunity to serve you in the future."

Of course, I reply:

Dana --- or whomever will read this;

Thank you for all the replies to my emails.

If at all possible, during your next service review meeting, print off my blog post to share with everyone (http://anneschitchat.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-hate-robotic-customer-service.html). I would appreciate that very much. It tells the story from my perspective (as a real person and customer) but of course reflects your companies responses --- which, I do admit are very professional and appropriate (except for the line of: "We have a wonderful selection of merchandise just waiting to be added to your wardrobe." Obviously, this is not something to include in an email response about a complaint).

Regardless, I appreciate this situation. But know that Piperlime is NOT an online shoe store I will visit in the future. I will take my business to Zappos or Shoes.com or just go to The Mall of America.

Sincerely, Anne

******Upadate*******

I am done now.

*******Update********

Guess what arrived today???

blogging again

2009-02-08T22:19:00.005-06:00

So yeah, here I am again.

Hello.

Guess what?

Life is good.

And you wanna know why?

Because deep down.
Deep down.
People are good.

I love love love my friends.
Like Amanada. Who I have known...well, forever. But sorta fell in love with when I was 16 on the steps of West High. She was pretty cool back then, and still is. And then there is Paige -- who is so honest and raw, that it gives me goose bumps. And Allisa who I admire for her total and complete patience and love for her children and life in general.

These women, and really so many more, I admire and learn so much from.

Anyway, I am watching the Grammy's and for the first time ever ---- watched them with a friend. Paige. And oh my gosh, it just THAT much more fun!

Thank you PAIGE....(and rum and Coke and Whole Foods Pizza). I love love love you!

And thank you Stevie Wonder.

Because you are, let's face it, AMAZING.

2009-02-07T20:28:00.001-06:00

Will I ever blog again?

facebook addiction

2009-01-25T00:16:00.002-06:00

Currently I am obsessed. OBSESSED. with Facebook.
Facebook status updates.
For me.
And for Judy.
Facebook confirming friends.
Facebook photo tagging.
Facebook. Facebook. Facebook.
I can't stop!!!!