I haven't been out of my pajamas in two days and I have watched five movies in a row.
Judy and I danced to the songs at the end of Walk the Line last night. She is a good dancer.
I seriously can't stop eating the last of the Xmas cookies and think I should probably just throw them all away so I don't get sick...but then I think, who cares, it's not like they will be around in a few weeks.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
the party
Best quotes from the party:
"I don't wear an under wire bra."
"You have a really clean house, and coming from me that means a lot."
The party was a success and we thank everyone who came!
Photos and video to come...
"I don't wear an under wire bra."
"You have a really clean house, and coming from me that means a lot."
The party was a success and we thank everyone who came!
Photos and video to come...
Friday, December 14, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
too much toy
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
It is cold out.
We got our first real heating bill.
Yikes.
So why am I still cold?
Made sugar cookies and Chex Mix last night.
All of which are in the garage, in air tight containers, freezing.
They are waiting for next Saturday to be eaten.
Jake heard this cop tell the Target photo lady that his dog ate a sock and a $1500 surgery later he is okay.
Judy threw up in her kennel this morning.
I know I know that is gross but deal with it.
She has been destroying her fabric toys lately and also chewing on the plastic fencing in the backyard.
Which by the way, is suppose to keep her out of certain areas of the yard -- but she now jumps over, eats through, or digs under it....
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Jake is worried and thinks Judy has had too much toy for dinner and will have to have $1500 surgery.
She was acting weird this morning......
We gave her a bone and threw her in the backyard.
We said if she didn't start digging in the snow and hiding it and covering it back with snow and then re digging it back out, etc. etc. then something was really wrong.
Then I left for work.
I just called Jake - she has been digging ever since I left, she is fine!
It is cold out.
We got our first real heating bill.
Yikes.
So why am I still cold?
Made sugar cookies and Chex Mix last night.
All of which are in the garage, in air tight containers, freezing.
They are waiting for next Saturday to be eaten.
Jake heard this cop tell the Target photo lady that his dog ate a sock and a $1500 surgery later he is okay.
Judy threw up in her kennel this morning.
I know I know that is gross but deal with it.
She has been destroying her fabric toys lately and also chewing on the plastic fencing in the backyard.
Which by the way, is suppose to keep her out of certain areas of the yard -- but she now jumps over, eats through, or digs under it....
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Jake is worried and thinks Judy has had too much toy for dinner and will have to have $1500 surgery.
She was acting weird this morning......
We gave her a bone and threw her in the backyard.
We said if she didn't start digging in the snow and hiding it and covering it back with snow and then re digging it back out, etc. etc. then something was really wrong.
Then I left for work.
I just called Jake - she has been digging ever since I left, she is fine!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
cosmic connections
We were maybe getting a little anti-wedding.
I was maybe getting a little anti-bride.
Two days ago we were seriously considering flying to Jamaica and not telling anyone.
But yesterday things starting clicking.
I am talking about cosmic connections people.
Remember June 28th, 2007?
This day was the day that my ring was delivered.
Now it will be the day we will celebrate each year.
Remember my thing for the number eight?
On this day we will have been together for eight years, I will be 28 years old, and just about anyway you look at 6/28/08 you have the number eight.
This date found us.
The place had it open and the important people in my life were available.
Things happen for a reason.
We are getting married at Camrose Hill Flower Farm on June 28th, 2008 and it is going to be beautiful.
And now we are EXCITED!
I was maybe getting a little anti-bride.
Two days ago we were seriously considering flying to Jamaica and not telling anyone.
But yesterday things starting clicking.
I am talking about cosmic connections people.
Remember June 28th, 2007?
This day was the day that my ring was delivered.
Now it will be the day we will celebrate each year.
Remember my thing for the number eight?
On this day we will have been together for eight years, I will be 28 years old, and just about anyway you look at 6/28/08 you have the number eight.
This date found us.
The place had it open and the important people in my life were available.
Things happen for a reason.
We are getting married at Camrose Hill Flower Farm on June 28th, 2008 and it is going to be beautiful.
And now we are EXCITED!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
changed perspective
Changing perspective.
We were testing this concept out last night.
We stood back and took it all in.
We changed positions and titled our head.
We sat down and admired the view.
What do you think?
I don't know, what do you think?
I like it.
I think it looks horrible.
Oh.
We rearranged the living and dining room to make room for that darn tree. The porch was too cold and plus you can't smell the blue spruce from the porch.
I have to admit though, it was refreshing to wake up this morning and walk right into our changed perspective.
We were testing this concept out last night.
We stood back and took it all in.
We changed positions and titled our head.
We sat down and admired the view.
What do you think?
I don't know, what do you think?
I like it.
I think it looks horrible.
Oh.
We rearranged the living and dining room to make room for that darn tree. The porch was too cold and plus you can't smell the blue spruce from the porch.
I have to admit though, it was refreshing to wake up this morning and walk right into our changed perspective.
Monday, December 03, 2007
gosh darn it
You know when you close your eyes and think I can't believe this is actually happening but you know that it is really happening and you just want it to be over? Yesterday Jake and I were driving the Ford Explorer (because the starter is out on my Toyota Corolla) south on 35E and we had just passed a half dozen cars flipped over in the ditch. As we started to spin out of control I remember hearing Jake say, "We're okay, we're okay." Apparently, I just kept repeating what he was saying even though I don't remember doing that...I thought, oh no, Judy is in the kennel, can I somehow grab her? As fast as it started it was over. Our back left above the wheel by the bumper had smashed into the guard rail. We were stopped and staring into oncoming traffic - halfway on the shoulder but still all the way turned around. The guard rail saved us from flipping over.
Thank you Hillary Clinton.
I say that because Amanda had a dream that as President Hillary's big platform was to install guard rails on all the highways. It was a dream but I thank Hilary anyway because she is doing good work and I like her and gosh darn it I want a woman as our President. Bush has done bad work and I do not like him. At all.
We were driving south, meeting friends, for the annual Christmas tree cutting down adventure. Last year was my first official year of attending and I had just moved back to Minnesota and living in a fabulous mansion of an apartment. I cut down a 10 foot tree by myself and hauled it up to our 2nd floor mansion of an apartment. It was too big and had to cut a foot off once I had hauled it up to the living room. It was a beautiful tree and I wrapped a string of lights around every single branch and didn't even start the mansion of an apartment on fire.
This year we had decided to get a smaller tree and maybe not even bring it into our little house - the porch seemed like a good place for it and we would still be able to see it from the living room because of the windows.
It took Jake 5 seconds to cut this little tree down and we stuck it in the back of the car and drove back north on 35E in our smashed back left above the wheel by the bumper Ford Explorer.
Judy was exhausted and fell asleep at 7 pm. Jake finished up the dishes that had been piling up and we watched The Amazing Race.
Thank you Hillary Clinton.
I say that because Amanda had a dream that as President Hillary's big platform was to install guard rails on all the highways. It was a dream but I thank Hilary anyway because she is doing good work and I like her and gosh darn it I want a woman as our President. Bush has done bad work and I do not like him. At all.
We were driving south, meeting friends, for the annual Christmas tree cutting down adventure. Last year was my first official year of attending and I had just moved back to Minnesota and living in a fabulous mansion of an apartment. I cut down a 10 foot tree by myself and hauled it up to our 2nd floor mansion of an apartment. It was too big and had to cut a foot off once I had hauled it up to the living room. It was a beautiful tree and I wrapped a string of lights around every single branch and didn't even start the mansion of an apartment on fire.
This year we had decided to get a smaller tree and maybe not even bring it into our little house - the porch seemed like a good place for it and we would still be able to see it from the living room because of the windows.
It took Jake 5 seconds to cut this little tree down and we stuck it in the back of the car and drove back north on 35E in our smashed back left above the wheel by the bumper Ford Explorer.
Judy was exhausted and fell asleep at 7 pm. Jake finished up the dishes that had been piling up and we watched The Amazing Race.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
if you read my blog and i know who you are then you are invited to our party but if i don't know you and you want to come then that might be weird
We just taught our dog to serve us egg nog,
so we're having a party to show off our smarty.
Sometimes she farts but she's dear to our hearts,
her name is Judy and she's just such a cutie.
Enhance the holiday cheer by bringing in your own beer.
Or I could make a mixed drink, we've got gin under the sink.
Have a seat by the fire, it's a sight to admire.
It'll keep your toes hot while that nog hits the spot.
Come and see our new home made of stucco and stone.
The street name is Blair, so we'll see you there.
Saturday, Dec. 15th at 6:30 pm - please come and eat!
P.S. If you don't care for beer, you're still not in the clear
it's our sincerest wish that you'd bring a food dish!
so we're having a party to show off our smarty.
Sometimes she farts but she's dear to our hearts,
her name is Judy and she's just such a cutie.
Enhance the holiday cheer by bringing in your own beer.
Or I could make a mixed drink, we've got gin under the sink.
Have a seat by the fire, it's a sight to admire.
It'll keep your toes hot while that nog hits the spot.
Come and see our new home made of stucco and stone.
The street name is Blair, so we'll see you there.
Saturday, Dec. 15th at 6:30 pm - please come and eat!
P.S. If you don't care for beer, you're still not in the clear
it's our sincerest wish that you'd bring a food dish!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
12 hours
I had nine days of vacation. Yesterday my first day back I spent 12 hours at work. For nine days I spent my days doing everything and nothing - hanging out with Jake and Judy.
A few highlights included - Oprah's Favorite Things show, hosting Thanksgiving at our house, trying on wedding dresses in Mankato, helping Peter and Cassie move into their new home, washing all the windows inside and out on the house.
Why don't we take vacation more often? Because this is America and we work to pay the bills. We spend more time at the office than at home. We see our co-workers more than our family. I think this is crazy.
A few highlights included - Oprah's Favorite Things show, hosting Thanksgiving at our house, trying on wedding dresses in Mankato, helping Peter and Cassie move into their new home, washing all the windows inside and out on the house.
Why don't we take vacation more often? Because this is America and we work to pay the bills. We spend more time at the office than at home. We see our co-workers more than our family. I think this is crazy.
Monday, November 19, 2007
random monday because i am on vacation
Amanda gave Judy this little shirt and we tired it on the other day...she didn't quite know what to do! If you listen closely you can actually hear a real Judy toot!
Welcome to my life.
Welcome to my life.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
hey culligan man!
This morning as I am walking into work...I glance to my right and notice the Culligan man as he is 1) talking on his cell phone and 2) starting to pull out a 50 pound water jug. I am four feet to the left from said Culligan man as he drops the 50 pound water jug and it shatters and explodes. Said exploded water lands on my leg, suede boots and Cole Haan leather purse.
Hey Culligan man!? - what just happened?
I walk two steps forward and look back at Mr. Culligan man and hear him say, "Uh, there goes another one." Mr. Culligan doesn't even look at me - there was no acknowledgment from Mr. Culligan man. He continues to talk on his cell phone.
After I tell what is thus far my most exciting story of the day to my activist friend Abigail, she encouraged me to call Culligan.
Culligan manager man was appalled at this behavior and said that this is not how he wants people to experience Culligan. He actually said to me after I told him what happened, "So, he was so self involved that he didn't even look at you, wow, that is pretty horrible. I can't be the eyes and ears our there all the time, so thank you for sharing your story and I am sorry that happened to you."
Hey Culligan man!? - what just happened?
I walk two steps forward and look back at Mr. Culligan man and hear him say, "Uh, there goes another one." Mr. Culligan doesn't even look at me - there was no acknowledgment from Mr. Culligan man. He continues to talk on his cell phone.
After I tell what is thus far my most exciting story of the day to my activist friend Abigail, she encouraged me to call Culligan.
Culligan manager man was appalled at this behavior and said that this is not how he wants people to experience Culligan. He actually said to me after I told him what happened, "So, he was so self involved that he didn't even look at you, wow, that is pretty horrible. I can't be the eyes and ears our there all the time, so thank you for sharing your story and I am sorry that happened to you."
Monday, November 12, 2007
perfect proposal presentation to our people
How did you get engaged?
Jake and I decided together awhile ago that we wanted to get married. Yippi! Then we tried to think of a fun way to surprise our families. We had lots of ideas for how we were going to tell them - all of which made us both look very witty and funny. We needed to find a time when both our families were in the same space without actually telling them that they all needed to be in the same space! This small task proved to be difficult! Eventually we accepted that we wanted to share our good news more than we wanted to have the perfect proposal presentation to our people. Last Saturday was so much fun. My parents were in Minneapolis at a friends, so we drove over to them and Jake said, "Jim and Kris - we are getting married!" Then we drove down to Mankato to find Mary, Ben and Katie all in the front yard - I said to them, "Guess what?? We are getting married!!" It was so much fun!
Our decision to get married was ours together.
Where did you get that gorgeous ring?
Oh, I am so glad you asked. It was very important to me to have conflict free diamonds. I found this amazing company called Brilliant Earth and all there diamonds are from Canada. They were very personal and helpful and on June 28th the UPS guy delivered my ring during my lunch hour! It was very exciting! We kept the ring a secret for four months. Oh my gosh. The yellow gold is ethically mined and the 28 diamonds all the way around are all certified conflict free.
When are you getting married?
We do not know yet. Probably next October?
Where are you getting married?
We do not know yet. Either Mankato or St. Paul/Minneapolis.
Are you going to have a big wedding?
We do not know yet. We love our families and friends so much that having them all in one room together would be a LOT of fun!
Jake and I decided together awhile ago that we wanted to get married. Yippi! Then we tried to think of a fun way to surprise our families. We had lots of ideas for how we were going to tell them - all of which made us both look very witty and funny. We needed to find a time when both our families were in the same space without actually telling them that they all needed to be in the same space! This small task proved to be difficult! Eventually we accepted that we wanted to share our good news more than we wanted to have the perfect proposal presentation to our people. Last Saturday was so much fun. My parents were in Minneapolis at a friends, so we drove over to them and Jake said, "Jim and Kris - we are getting married!" Then we drove down to Mankato to find Mary, Ben and Katie all in the front yard - I said to them, "Guess what?? We are getting married!!" It was so much fun!
Our decision to get married was ours together.
Where did you get that gorgeous ring?
Oh, I am so glad you asked. It was very important to me to have conflict free diamonds. I found this amazing company called Brilliant Earth and all there diamonds are from Canada. They were very personal and helpful and on June 28th the UPS guy delivered my ring during my lunch hour! It was very exciting! We kept the ring a secret for four months. Oh my gosh. The yellow gold is ethically mined and the 28 diamonds all the way around are all certified conflict free.
When are you getting married?
We do not know yet. Probably next October?
Where are you getting married?
We do not know yet. Either Mankato or St. Paul/Minneapolis.
Are you going to have a big wedding?
We do not know yet. We love our families and friends so much that having them all in one room together would be a LOT of fun!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
oh yeah!
After eight years, a house, a mortgage, and a dog we decided it was about time. We told our families on Saturday - we are officially engaged!
I will post more later but I couldn't wait any longer to share the news!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
how many
I love Halloween.
I love orange and black.
Pumpkins.
Leaves.
Ghosts.
Bats.
And candy!
Tonight is our first Halloween in our very own house!
A few weeks ago I decorated the porch with pumpkin lights and bats and stars that I cut out of Jake's black art paper. He didn't want me to use it but he doesn't even use it.
We are very excited and have a bet for how many trick or treaters will visit.
Anne - 30
Jake - 50
Loser makes dinner for a week.
I love orange and black.
Pumpkins.
Leaves.
Ghosts.
Bats.
And candy!
Tonight is our first Halloween in our very own house!
A few weeks ago I decorated the porch with pumpkin lights and bats and stars that I cut out of Jake's black art paper. He didn't want me to use it but he doesn't even use it.
We are very excited and have a bet for how many trick or treaters will visit.
Anne - 30
Jake - 50
Loser makes dinner for a week.
Friday, October 26, 2007
my calling
Judy started Puppy Einstein last night at the St. Paul Dog Training Club.
The stars aligned for Judy and me last night.
She found her calling - Agility and treat rewards.
I found out that I really want to train Judy in Agility. And win competitions.
It seems like my calling.
I am extremely competitive and don't have an outlet for this energy anymore (I am not participating in high school soccer games these days, obviously).
We both would be getting exercise.
It would give Judy a job and me some focus.
We both would be challenging our patience.
Oh, and this could be my one shot at becoming a celebrity.
Well, that is it. I am going to train Judy and be on Animal Planet competing in Agility.
OMG - I AM GOING TO BE FAMOUS.
Finally!!!
The stars aligned for Judy and me last night.
She found her calling - Agility and treat rewards.
I found out that I really want to train Judy in Agility. And win competitions.
It seems like my calling.
I am extremely competitive and don't have an outlet for this energy anymore (I am not participating in high school soccer games these days, obviously).
We both would be getting exercise.
It would give Judy a job and me some focus.
We both would be challenging our patience.
Oh, and this could be my one shot at becoming a celebrity.
Well, that is it. I am going to train Judy and be on Animal Planet competing in Agility.
OMG - I AM GOING TO BE FAMOUS.
Finally!!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
I think my brother, who is 25 today would think this is funny.
So...............Happy Birthday Peter!
So...............Happy Birthday Peter!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
it's my birthday
Today I am 28 years old.
You might already know this but, my favorite number is eight - so anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that has an eight around or near it or can be added, subtracted, multiplied to make an eight is a good thing.
Which means 28 is pretty much perfect.
This little video makes me happy. Our neighbors, Gracie and Liam are wonderfully crazy, delightful, silly, and sweet all at the same time. Judy and our backyard....ahhhhh, life is pretty good and I know that my 28th year is going to be the best!
You might already know this but, my favorite number is eight - so anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that has an eight around or near it or can be added, subtracted, multiplied to make an eight is a good thing.
Which means 28 is pretty much perfect.
This little video makes me happy. Our neighbors, Gracie and Liam are wonderfully crazy, delightful, silly, and sweet all at the same time. Judy and our backyard....ahhhhh, life is pretty good and I know that my 28th year is going to be the best!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
right paw
Last night Judy and I were trying out her new nail clipper. She was being so patient and letting me trim her back left paw, her front left paw, and then I moved to her front right paw....she was calm and curious. Probably wondering about what this new gadget was doing and thinking, wow, I can't feel anything but I know that something is happening, this is fun....
I prepare the clipper for the right nail...and then Judy startles and scoots away.
As I look into her eyes I know that I have done something wrong. Oh NO! I have cut to far down. My mind is racing. Oh Judy, oh no! I am so sorry. I start to panic. Jake!!!! I cut too far. Judy is bleeding. Jake rushes upstairs to the kitchen and as tears are streaming down my face Judy quickly licks my hand to let me know that it is okay. But I can't stop crying. Now there is a small pool of blood under her front right paw. I am now officially freaking out and Jake is holding Judy. He tells me to calm down but I cannot. I run to get a gauze pad and some tape. Judy just looks at me and I feel so horrible I cannot believe I have hurt her and made her bleed. I wrap her little paw and she calmly lets me.
She didn't whine or whimper or limp or anything. Jake reassures me that it probably felt like a pin prick to her and that with all the soft tissue on her paw blood flows easily. I am reassured but I still feel horrible.
She is doing fine, I don't know how long it will take for her nail to grow back...and she didn't and doesn't even seem to notice anything happened last night. I just couldn't get the image of her little puppy face looking up at me, watching me freaking out, and seeing the little pool of blood by her paw. It was just so sad.
I prepare the clipper for the right nail...and then Judy startles and scoots away.
As I look into her eyes I know that I have done something wrong. Oh NO! I have cut to far down. My mind is racing. Oh Judy, oh no! I am so sorry. I start to panic. Jake!!!! I cut too far. Judy is bleeding. Jake rushes upstairs to the kitchen and as tears are streaming down my face Judy quickly licks my hand to let me know that it is okay. But I can't stop crying. Now there is a small pool of blood under her front right paw. I am now officially freaking out and Jake is holding Judy. He tells me to calm down but I cannot. I run to get a gauze pad and some tape. Judy just looks at me and I feel so horrible I cannot believe I have hurt her and made her bleed. I wrap her little paw and she calmly lets me.
She didn't whine or whimper or limp or anything. Jake reassures me that it probably felt like a pin prick to her and that with all the soft tissue on her paw blood flows easily. I am reassured but I still feel horrible.
She is doing fine, I don't know how long it will take for her nail to grow back...and she didn't and doesn't even seem to notice anything happened last night. I just couldn't get the image of her little puppy face looking up at me, watching me freaking out, and seeing the little pool of blood by her paw. It was just so sad.
Monday, October 15, 2007
blog action night
Today is Blog Action Day and I got sick and had to leave work.
So now, I post at night. I wanted to write more but....for now, this is what I want to say:
In my fifth grade yearbook I wrote that my greatest wish was; That everyone in the world would recycle!
This is still my wish.
Oh, and that bottled water be banned.
Petroleum to make the plastic bottles, petroleum to drive the plastic bottled water to the stores, and then petroleum to drive the plastic bottles to a landfill to stay for the next million years. Grrrrrr. Just buy a Nalgene.
Where are all these landfills?
So now, I post at night. I wanted to write more but....for now, this is what I want to say:
In my fifth grade yearbook I wrote that my greatest wish was; That everyone in the world would recycle!
This is still my wish.
Oh, and that bottled water be banned.
Petroleum to make the plastic bottles, petroleum to drive the plastic bottled water to the stores, and then petroleum to drive the plastic bottles to a landfill to stay for the next million years. Grrrrrr. Just buy a Nalgene.
Where are all these landfills?
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
some pumpkins
Jake and I were feeling patient and adventurous.
So we invited our neighbors, 5 1/2 year old Gracie and 3 year old Liam, to help us pick out some pumpkins at a house a few blocks away.
We even brought Judy. It was a ton of fun (all 30 minutes of our walk there and back) by the end of it we were just happy that everyone was still alive.
I have some videos that should be accompanying this post...but they will have to come later.
So we invited our neighbors, 5 1/2 year old Gracie and 3 year old Liam, to help us pick out some pumpkins at a house a few blocks away.
We even brought Judy. It was a ton of fun (all 30 minutes of our walk there and back) by the end of it we were just happy that everyone was still alive.
I have some videos that should be accompanying this post...but they will have to come later.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
i get to see avery tomorrow!
Amanda says he can now sit up without the use of this lovely Bumbo chair!!!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
two way
As I am trying on my newly discovered trendy Target outfit...Jake calls and innocently asks, when am I getting home?
"Oh, in a bit Jake, I'm at Target...I have to pick up my prescription...I'll be home soon!"
As I continue to check myself out in the Target dressing room two way mirrors...my phone rings again...again, Jake asks innocently, when are you coming home Anne?
"I'm leaving right now, see you in a bit!!"
-----
Little did I know that while I was trying on clothes in the Target dressing rooms...there was a warm meal waiting for me at home to be eaten by the light of candles.
Isn't he the best?
"Oh, in a bit Jake, I'm at Target...I have to pick up my prescription...I'll be home soon!"
As I continue to check myself out in the Target dressing room two way mirrors...my phone rings again...again, Jake asks innocently, when are you coming home Anne?
"I'm leaving right now, see you in a bit!!"
-----
Little did I know that while I was trying on clothes in the Target dressing rooms...there was a warm meal waiting for me at home to be eaten by the light of candles.
Isn't he the best?
Monday, October 01, 2007
so proud
Tonight as we watched her come, sit, stand, sit, down on command we beamed with pride. We were so proud. She did it - in front of all other eight puppies and families. Tonight Judy graduated from puppy kindergarten!
For the last month, we have met for one hour of chaos each week to learn from, who Jake and I call, the "dog whisperer." He can move mountains folks. Well, he can train the craziness out of the craziest puppies out there! He is great. Oh, and he is hilarious.
He says things like:
"Let's try a lab. They are food motivated and have attention spans the size of a gnat."
"She doesn't know whether she is losing her head or her hat."
"These are PUPPIES guys, they are puppies! They do what puppies do."
Chuck talking aloud for the puppies: "He says, "why don't I get to play." "She says, "i don't care if I'm small." "He says, "where's my treat." "He says, "i'm not scared of you."
"Oh there you are - I thought I had lost you completely."
"You're so sppecial." "Oh good dog, you're so sppecial."
p.s. This polaroid photo is hilarious for a few reasons - 1. Judy has a graduation hat on...which you cannot see, and 2. Jake is holding her graduation certificate upside down.
Here is a video of "puppy play time" - Judy hasn't quite figured that out yet...
For the last month, we have met for one hour of chaos each week to learn from, who Jake and I call, the "dog whisperer." He can move mountains folks. Well, he can train the craziness out of the craziest puppies out there! He is great. Oh, and he is hilarious.
He says things like:
"Let's try a lab. They are food motivated and have attention spans the size of a gnat."
"She doesn't know whether she is losing her head or her hat."
"These are PUPPIES guys, they are puppies! They do what puppies do."
Chuck talking aloud for the puppies: "He says, "why don't I get to play." "She says, "i don't care if I'm small." "He says, "where's my treat." "He says, "i'm not scared of you."
"Oh there you are - I thought I had lost you completely."
"You're so sppecial." "Oh good dog, you're so sppecial."
p.s. This polaroid photo is hilarious for a few reasons - 1. Judy has a graduation hat on...which you cannot see, and 2. Jake is holding her graduation certificate upside down.
Here is a video of "puppy play time" - Judy hasn't quite figured that out yet...
Saturday, September 29, 2007
i think i've seen enough
I enjoy shopping and am notorious for bringing things home, trying them on again, and then changing my mind.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
mindfulness
Mindfulness - what does this mean to me? to you? Living in the moment? Filling ones mind with life? Every mundane thing about it? Do I ever...? I mean REALLY live in the moment. Every second - feeling what is happening around me, to me, for me, with me.
I don't think I do. Enough.
I do when I am taking photographs, I really live in the moment then - and with the little moments of life videos I take...but when I am not hidden behind a lens do I really LIVE in the moment? Am I mindful? I want to be.
What does life feel like for you?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
puppy bark
Judy has been barking in her kennel and not sleeping for the last two nights. Which means we are not sleeping.
This is the first time she has done this. And let me tell you, this barking is ridiculous - it sounds like she is trying out every octave of her ear piercing puppy bark, you know - to really test out her range. OH MY GOSH.
There are moments I can understand why people break down and do things they regret....because exhaustion + ear piercing bark = impaired decision making.
We have tried everything - ignoring her, taking her outside to go to the bathroom, not taking her outside, giving her a new blanket, putting a sheet over her kennel, not having a sheet over kennel, saying "NO", not saying "NO", and then last night at 1:30 am we moved her right next to our bed (usually she is in the kitchen) and after a few firm "No's" she fell asleep and so did we.
I don't get it. Why now? What changed with her in the last few days? Why is she doing this to us?
This is the first time she has done this. And let me tell you, this barking is ridiculous - it sounds like she is trying out every octave of her ear piercing puppy bark, you know - to really test out her range. OH MY GOSH.
There are moments I can understand why people break down and do things they regret....because exhaustion + ear piercing bark = impaired decision making.
We have tried everything - ignoring her, taking her outside to go to the bathroom, not taking her outside, giving her a new blanket, putting a sheet over her kennel, not having a sheet over kennel, saying "NO", not saying "NO", and then last night at 1:30 am we moved her right next to our bed (usually she is in the kitchen) and after a few firm "No's" she fell asleep and so did we.
I don't get it. Why now? What changed with her in the last few days? Why is she doing this to us?
Sunday, September 23, 2007
paint the pavement
Yesterday, our neighborhood painted our intersection in a project called Paint the Pavement. Jake and I volunteered on the planning committee and have been working on this project with some other neighbors.
Jake was the designer and the Paint Master for the day. Mary came up and so did my parents! It was an awesome day with beautiful weather and a great community turn out.
I watched toddlers paint outside the lines and didn't even freak out.
Here are some photos from the day -
Jake was the designer and the Paint Master for the day. Mary came up and so did my parents! It was an awesome day with beautiful weather and a great community turn out.
I watched toddlers paint outside the lines and didn't even freak out.
Here are some photos from the day -
Friday, September 21, 2007
drip drip drip
Well, with the torrential downpours we have been having lately there have been a few surprises at our house. One of which is this lovely drip drip drip in the basement! Ahhhhh, home ownership is the best.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
cappuccino to her
Allisa is moving in two weeks! Things are happening fast for them - which is great because they have waited so long for this to happen but sad for us because it means they won't be just over the bridge anymore...
This morning Allisa couldn't make coffee because her house is full of boxes and they have to pack up their house and all of Delips books. So Paige and I surprised Allisa and brought her cappuccino to her front porch. It was the best!
We have been having coffee every Thursday since I moved back and it has continued to be a highlight in my week. Seeing Thelma and Allisa every Thursday will be something I will miss so much.
Here is another video of Thelma....just because she is so dang cute and smart. She figured out the iPhone at 20 months old.
This morning Allisa couldn't make coffee because her house is full of boxes and they have to pack up their house and all of Delips books. So Paige and I surprised Allisa and brought her cappuccino to her front porch. It was the best!
We have been having coffee every Thursday since I moved back and it has continued to be a highlight in my week. Seeing Thelma and Allisa every Thursday will be something I will miss so much.
Here is another video of Thelma....just because she is so dang cute and smart. She figured out the iPhone at 20 months old.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
pyrex and poop
On Saturday morning I went to this great antique shop on the corner of Selby and Fairview. I found the greatest treasure.
Pyrex.
They come in any color and size you can imagine. Brights colors, big or small, round, square, and rectangular. This was my dream come true.
I found a little red one, two different round orange ones, white and blue rectangular ones, and a square yellow one. They were labeled leftover refrigerator containers and I had to have them! They all have covers and they make a lot of sense - you can heat them up in the oven or the microwave. No more plastic! Pyrex is the best.
On Saturday we also picked up a pooper scooper. Or rather the pooper scooper picked up some poop.
Pyrex.
They come in any color and size you can imagine. Brights colors, big or small, round, square, and rectangular. This was my dream come true.
I found a little red one, two different round orange ones, white and blue rectangular ones, and a square yellow one. They were labeled leftover refrigerator containers and I had to have them! They all have covers and they make a lot of sense - you can heat them up in the oven or the microwave. No more plastic! Pyrex is the best.
On Saturday we also picked up a pooper scooper. Or rather the pooper scooper picked up some poop.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
words for today
Has it really been two weeks...at times, when I am neglecting my reflections, stories, posts...I think I will loose all my readers. And I panic. Then I think, what readers?! I am not dooce. Even though I want to be dooce. She is so funny, smart and tall.
I have been tired lately. Tired but okay. Not the best but okay.
Judy is wonderfully exhausting and cute. She started puppy kindergarten last Monday and we go again this coming Monday. The freakin' dog whisperer is the teacher. He taught tricks to crazy puppies during our class - both Jake and I thought it was fake but then realized that was impossible.
My dad is home and recovering, which involves breathing exercises, short walks, and taking pills. He sounds better and tells me he is feeling pretty good (trying to get back to "normal").
We painted the office. I decided one night that I wanted to do it and got the paint picked out 10 minutes later. It was suppose to be a silvery grey but it sorta looks blue grey or grey lavender during different times of the day.
I feel strange today. Not really connecting with the world or something...can't quite figure it out. I need something but don't know what.
Well anyway, these are my words for today.
I have been tired lately. Tired but okay. Not the best but okay.
Judy is wonderfully exhausting and cute. She started puppy kindergarten last Monday and we go again this coming Monday. The freakin' dog whisperer is the teacher. He taught tricks to crazy puppies during our class - both Jake and I thought it was fake but then realized that was impossible.
My dad is home and recovering, which involves breathing exercises, short walks, and taking pills. He sounds better and tells me he is feeling pretty good (trying to get back to "normal").
We painted the office. I decided one night that I wanted to do it and got the paint picked out 10 minutes later. It was suppose to be a silvery grey but it sorta looks blue grey or grey lavender during different times of the day.
I feel strange today. Not really connecting with the world or something...can't quite figure it out. I need something but don't know what.
Well anyway, these are my words for today.
Friday, August 31, 2007
bypass
Right now, as I type, my Dad is having quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery.
Basically he was a walking heart attack with four of his arteries almost 90% blocked. After an angiogram yesterday afternoon they scheduled surgery for 8:30 am this morning. Can I say - Holy Shit?!
My Dad is healthy and plays racquetball or golfs almost everyday - so the doctors tell us everything will go smoothly. His father died of a heart attack. So this is pretty scary. My gut tells me everything is going to be fine though.
His 63rd birthday is on Monday - what a crappy way to celebrate.
Basically he was a walking heart attack with four of his arteries almost 90% blocked. After an angiogram yesterday afternoon they scheduled surgery for 8:30 am this morning. Can I say - Holy Shit?!
My Dad is healthy and plays racquetball or golfs almost everyday - so the doctors tell us everything will go smoothly. His father died of a heart attack. So this is pretty scary. My gut tells me everything is going to be fine though.
His 63rd birthday is on Monday - what a crappy way to celebrate.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
dirty paws
Our life now involves and sorta revolves around a puppy.
Jake and I have turned into "those" people that we ALWAYS said we would not be...
You know - talking about bathroom routines, eating habits, annoying habits, and the oh so HILARIOUS little things that a puppy does.
But you know what? I don't care. For quite awhile I have been too "into" me, my problems, my perfectionism, my "issues" that I had a really hard time relaxing.
Now I don't care about dirty paws on my clothes and I invite puppy kisses on my cheek in the morning.
Judy has a beating heart and is full of energy and love - and THAT is a good thing!
Jake and I have turned into "those" people that we ALWAYS said we would not be...
You know - talking about bathroom routines, eating habits, annoying habits, and the oh so HILARIOUS little things that a puppy does.
But you know what? I don't care. For quite awhile I have been too "into" me, my problems, my perfectionism, my "issues" that I had a really hard time relaxing.
Now I don't care about dirty paws on my clothes and I invite puppy kisses on my cheek in the morning.
Judy has a beating heart and is full of energy and love - and THAT is a good thing!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
pinky
Jake bought a knife sharpener on Sunday and sharpened all our knifes that night.
I bought potatoes on Monday and Jake started slicing them that night.
Five minutes later Jake did not have the tip of his left pinky.
We were sad to see it go...but we had no choice.
I bought potatoes on Monday and Jake started slicing them that night.
Five minutes later Jake did not have the tip of his left pinky.
We were sad to see it go...but we had no choice.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
come here!
Even though she is so cute...puppy training is hard. Consistency, patience, and reinforcement - oh my! Anyone have tips?
Monday, August 20, 2007
lucky seven
Judy was born 7/7/07 and we picked her up at 7 o'clock on August 17th, 2007 - which means she just started her 7th week of life.
Maybe we should have named her Seven?
She has lived with us for a full three days days. In the last three days she has met twenty four new people.
She is a what you would call a total cutiepatootie.
Jake and I feel very happy and hope she doesn't ruin our lives.
Maybe we should have named her Seven?
She has lived with us for a full three days days. In the last three days she has met twenty four new people.
She is a what you would call a total cutiepatootie.
Jake and I feel very happy and hope she doesn't ruin our lives.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
this is judy
Okay, I might have spoken too soon - maybe this IS the most exciting thing ever!!!
This is Judy, she is a cutie.
This is Judy, she is a cutie.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
garage doors
Okay, so maybe they are not so glamorous - but I haven't been this excited about garage doors in...wait, ever!
This morning we got two new beautiful steel garage doors with openers! OH MY GOSH. (Photo of new doors coming soon - this is our goodbye photo with the old doors).
Even before the punk kids punched through our crappy rotten wood panel the first week we moved in, we knew we were going to replace the doors...so, three months later we now will start parking in our garage. OUR GARAGE - our very very very own garage. It might seem silly but it feels awesome!
More photos and videos of the inside of the house coming...! But for now, here is a video of Jake at dinner last night. Yup, that is right, we ate at DQ. Hot eats cool treats.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
a preview
Okay, here is the deal - this post is a preview of my next post - which will be about our house - because I don't think I have updated the world with photos or video of the new house. In order to do this my computer needs to be fixed by Jake. I feel naked without my computer. Wait, is that normal?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
to be home
It is good to be home. Home where I take naps and eat chocolate ice cream. Home where I get hugs and listen to music in my living room. It is good to be home.
Monday, July 23, 2007
buzzed
I am at a conference where they have free food and snacks all day.
Did I mention free drinks as well? Just at night with dinner.
Last night I had lobster! I love New England. Tonight I started the dance after the BBQ. Seriously. It was so fun.
Here is the hilarious e-mail I sent to Jake last night....after a few glasses of free wine. i love conferences.
oh hun. i miss you so much. i wish you were here with me, i love you. i am buzzed right now forsure. i want to laught outloud but i have two roomates - i don't want to be that person that is loud and annoying. i am going to wash my face and brush my teeth now and then checkt osee what time ih ave to eat breakfast i don't wan to miss that. hello. then i will sleep long ab dhard i am so tierd. i am speelling nad spacing wr4ong but oh well when i replied to others not you i was very careful i mssyou and love you and will talk toy outojmorrow.. gezzei amn don'nt want to type anyme. anne
I feel like I am in college again. Living in a dorm with two roommates. Totally loving life and sharing a shower. But in my real life college experience I didn't drink free wine, I didn't drink at all. So maybe this is me reliving that experience.
OH MY GOSH I AM HAVING SO MUCH FUN.
Did I mention free drinks as well? Just at night with dinner.
Last night I had lobster! I love New England. Tonight I started the dance after the BBQ. Seriously. It was so fun.
Here is the hilarious e-mail I sent to Jake last night....after a few glasses of free wine. i love conferences.
oh hun. i miss you so much. i wish you were here with me, i love you. i am buzzed right now forsure. i want to laught outloud but i have two roomates - i don't want to be that person that is loud and annoying. i am going to wash my face and brush my teeth now and then checkt osee what time ih ave to eat breakfast i don't wan to miss that. hello. then i will sleep long ab dhard i am so tierd. i am speelling nad spacing wr4ong but oh well when i replied to others not you i was very careful i mssyou and love you and will talk toy outojmorrow.. gezzei amn don'nt want to type anyme. anne
I feel like I am in college again. Living in a dorm with two roommates. Totally loving life and sharing a shower. But in my real life college experience I didn't drink free wine, I didn't drink at all. So maybe this is me reliving that experience.
OH MY GOSH I AM HAVING SO MUCH FUN.
Friday, July 20, 2007
different places
Tomorrow at 6 o'clock in the morning I leave for Vermont. I will rent a car with GPS and drive through the mountains to my destination. I will stay for two days. Then I drive to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire for a five day conference.
I am looking forward to the new sights I will see and the people I will meet.
But lately I have been falling in love with our house, our backyard, our neighborhood, our friends, the ideas of today, tomorrow and yesterday and the conversations that follow. I used to think that I would live in different places - exciting places like New York or California. Are those places really exciting? Do I still want that? I don't know. What about another country? Then I think of the high school that is just down the block from our house. You have to speak another language at home and have lived in the US for less than three years. I see girls with long fabric every day before I head to work. That is where I need to be. I met some of these students at a neighborhood gathering - words cannot describe the light and curiosity in their eyes. They were amazing. Then a few weeks later I watched a PBS special that followed two immigrant families transition to the US...I cried as I watched in awe the determination, passion, resiliance of these families. I couldn't help but feel so incredibily selfish.
I don't know why this is what I am saying today on my blog...like I said before, I am heading to Vermont at 6 am and I will rent a car with GPS.
I am looking forward to the new sights I will see and the people I will meet.
But lately I have been falling in love with our house, our backyard, our neighborhood, our friends, the ideas of today, tomorrow and yesterday and the conversations that follow. I used to think that I would live in different places - exciting places like New York or California. Are those places really exciting? Do I still want that? I don't know. What about another country? Then I think of the high school that is just down the block from our house. You have to speak another language at home and have lived in the US for less than three years. I see girls with long fabric every day before I head to work. That is where I need to be. I met some of these students at a neighborhood gathering - words cannot describe the light and curiosity in their eyes. They were amazing. Then a few weeks later I watched a PBS special that followed two immigrant families transition to the US...I cried as I watched in awe the determination, passion, resiliance of these families. I couldn't help but feel so incredibily selfish.
I don't know why this is what I am saying today on my blog...like I said before, I am heading to Vermont at 6 am and I will rent a car with GPS.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
in a panic
Yesterday at this point I had already woken up in a panic thinking I was late, only to find that it was 5:46 am.
A few hours later I dropped my hairdryer in the toilet while it was plugged in. I thought I was going to die but I am still here so I can't explain it.
While I drove home from work later that day, I held my car blanket up the entire time to shelter myself from the down pour that was outside. Luckily I avoided getting completely soaked.
My automatic window stopped working, while it was down.
A few hours later I dropped my hairdryer in the toilet while it was plugged in. I thought I was going to die but I am still here so I can't explain it.
While I drove home from work later that day, I held my car blanket up the entire time to shelter myself from the down pour that was outside. Luckily I avoided getting completely soaked.
My automatic window stopped working, while it was down.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
walk the slackline
This is my Dad on the 4th of July - we all tried to walk the slackline that Jake had set up between two trees in the backyard. Jake and Ben are the only two human beings I have ever seen walk all the way across.
p.s. He is not wearing white socks.
p.s. He is not wearing white socks.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
the sweds
I was on vacation - a blogging vacation.
The Swed's have been in MN all week - and staying at our house since Friday. It has been so much fun!
I will post photos and videos later.
The Swed's have been in MN all week - and staying at our house since Friday. It has been so much fun!
I will post photos and videos later.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
in honor of
I don't work tomorrow in honor of the 4th.
I don't work on Thursday or Friday in honor of me.
Agenda for vacation:
1. Tonight, organizing the explosion of crap in the basement.
Where should I put this?
Just put it in the basement.
2. Tomorrow, head to Kato for illegal fireworks and turkey burgers.
Malin, Joakim, and Johan are visiting from the country of Sweden. Malin lived with my family during my senior year of high school. Also, Katie is home from Madison and brought two of her college friends.
3. Some other day, head back to St. Paul.
Basilica Block Party Saturday night with Peter, Cassie, Malin, Joakim, Johan and a thousand other people.
Should be fun!
I don't work on Thursday or Friday in honor of me.
Agenda for vacation:
1. Tonight, organizing the explosion of crap in the basement.
Where should I put this?
Just put it in the basement.
2. Tomorrow, head to Kato for illegal fireworks and turkey burgers.
Malin, Joakim, and Johan are visiting from the country of Sweden. Malin lived with my family during my senior year of high school. Also, Katie is home from Madison and brought two of her college friends.
3. Some other day, head back to St. Paul.
Basilica Block Party Saturday night with Peter, Cassie, Malin, Joakim, Johan and a thousand other people.
Should be fun!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
two weeks ago
My brother Peter and Cassie got married two weeks ago! The two days of celebration were unforgettable - here are some happy moments! My dad made an amazing wedding slide show!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
remember
If I have to say, this day is a pretty good one.
I was excited with how it turned out.
Woke up knowing I was going to have a good day.
That just might be the best feeling ever.
Thursday, June 28th, 2007 - yup, a day to remember.
I was excited with how it turned out.
Woke up knowing I was going to have a good day.
That just might be the best feeling ever.
Thursday, June 28th, 2007 - yup, a day to remember.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
go and sit
The heat is very hot. My 10 minute drive to work is AC all the way. The coolness of dusk is my favorite time of day - I go and sit outside then. Before this time, I have been hanging out in my basement, watching TV, cooling off for a bit. Thank goodness we bought a house.
Monday, June 25, 2007
puffy and crazy
I walked outside in my robe this morning to get something from my car and my neighbor (who I haven't officially introduced myself to yet) was walking his dogs.
I went to bed last night with damp hair so this morning it was all puffy and crazy looking - oh well, first impressions don't really matter, do they?
I went to bed last night with damp hair so this morning it was all puffy and crazy looking - oh well, first impressions don't really matter, do they?
Friday, June 22, 2007
bit of dilemma
I am in a bit of dilemma...with my blog. I can't figure out if I want to post everyday or not post at all. I find myself exhausted at the end of the day and all I want to do is be outside relaxing in the backyard. But the dilemma that I face is that I love sharing my stories, insights, humor, good looks - I mean, life --- with you.
Here is a quick update - while I debate with myself what to do with my blog...
The squirrel got out. After much convincing and pushing our comfortable neighbor boundaries they finally let the squirrel escape.
My brother and Cassie got married last Friday! The weekend was amazing and the party was a blast. They left on their honeymoon on Sunday.
Jake just climbed Mt. Hood and he is climbing Mt. Rainier today and tomorrow. He has been gone all week and I miss him.
I am currently obsessed with my yard, specifically perennials and my veggies. I don't know what I am doing but I don't care. A rabbit is eating some on my plants and I want to kill it. Free the squirrel but kill the rabbits!!!
This weekend is the biggest weekend I have all year at work. Which means, that even though today it is Friday for you, it is Wednesday for me, and there will be no Saturday or Sunday for me.
Here is a quick update - while I debate with myself what to do with my blog...
The squirrel got out. After much convincing and pushing our comfortable neighbor boundaries they finally let the squirrel escape.
My brother and Cassie got married last Friday! The weekend was amazing and the party was a blast. They left on their honeymoon on Sunday.
Jake just climbed Mt. Hood and he is climbing Mt. Rainier today and tomorrow. He has been gone all week and I miss him.
I am currently obsessed with my yard, specifically perennials and my veggies. I don't know what I am doing but I don't care. A rabbit is eating some on my plants and I want to kill it. Free the squirrel but kill the rabbits!!!
This weekend is the biggest weekend I have all year at work. Which means, that even though today it is Friday for you, it is Wednesday for me, and there will be no Saturday or Sunday for me.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
what the
As I am walking down the hall at work, just moments ago, I hear flip flop flip flop.
And I think to myself, What the hell is that?
Then I look down and notice I am wearing flip flops. At work. Right now.
I forgot to change my shoes back when I went home for lunch. Whoops.
And I think to myself, What the hell is that?
Then I look down and notice I am wearing flip flops. At work. Right now.
I forgot to change my shoes back when I went home for lunch. Whoops.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
what do i do?
I don't know what to do. Every compassionate and sensitive cell in my body is aching. I want to climb up on a ladder and rescue it in the night.
My neighbors trapped a squirrel in their roof and I can hear its desperate scrapping trying to get out and worst of all I can see its little arms grasping the shingles from inside trying to escape. It is relentless. It woke me up at 6 am this morning.
This squirrel needs my help. Do I ask my neighbors to free it? I know they don't like it and that is why they patched this hole in the roof (where it is trapped) in the first place. I don't think they intentionally trapped it in their roof because that would be weird. They are not weird people except when they tell me that I shouldn't paint my dining room. What do I do????
My neighbors trapped a squirrel in their roof and I can hear its desperate scrapping trying to get out and worst of all I can see its little arms grasping the shingles from inside trying to escape. It is relentless. It woke me up at 6 am this morning.
This squirrel needs my help. Do I ask my neighbors to free it? I know they don't like it and that is why they patched this hole in the roof (where it is trapped) in the first place. I don't think they intentionally trapped it in their roof because that would be weird. They are not weird people except when they tell me that I shouldn't paint my dining room. What do I do????
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
raise today
I got a 10% raise today! I really really did!
(It was an overall campus thing but still, it feels awesome!)
Yippi!
(It was an overall campus thing but still, it feels awesome!)
Yippi!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
over the fence
Let's face it - life is full of blog posts.
The moment we show our face or our feet out our back door, she is there ready with her quickfire questions.
Anne/Jake - What are you doing?
Anne/Jake - What will you be doing after what you are doing?
Anne/Jake - Do you want to see my ________(insert anything you can think of here)?
Anne/Jake - Do you want to see my________after you have seen my_____________?
Anne/Jake - Look at my bike, my streamers, my horn, my sneakers, my caterpillars!
But today she saved the best for last. As we are inching our way through our backdoor, she screams over the fence in desperation....
Anne - WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRINCESS? MINE IS ARIEL.
The moment we show our face or our feet out our back door, she is there ready with her quickfire questions.
Anne/Jake - What are you doing?
Anne/Jake - What will you be doing after what you are doing?
Anne/Jake - Do you want to see my ________(insert anything you can think of here)?
Anne/Jake - Do you want to see my________after you have seen my_____________?
Anne/Jake - Look at my bike, my streamers, my horn, my sneakers, my caterpillars!
But today she saved the best for last. As we are inching our way through our backdoor, she screams over the fence in desperation....
Anne - WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRINCESS? MINE IS ARIEL.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
all about
I love technology. I just Gmail chatted with Jake - who is in IRELAND - while he uploaded some digital photos to a computer in IRELAND that he then sent as attachments via Gmail email so I can see what he is seeing halfway across the world. I then took one of his photos, that he just took in IRELAND, and upload it to MY computer and then to blogger, all so I can share our lives with the world. Because really, isn't that what life is all about?
dreams you dream
Just about the best damn night I could have ever had was had last night.
I finally got my danish modern teak dining room table off of craigslist. It was a hell of a deal.
I then treated myself to an AMAZING dinner by myself at Broders' in Minneapolis. I enjoyed a lobster pasta dish and a glass of white wine.
If you haven't ever asked for a table for one, you need to, because there is nothing more confident than dining alone.
After dinner I got lost driving on the parkway in Minneapolis, eventually making it home. The night was on the verge of dusk, the air was rainy and the roads were romantic.
I called an old friend and we talked on the phone all night about...nothing in particular really, just stuff.
I went to bed and dreamed the dreams you dream about...
I finally got my danish modern teak dining room table off of craigslist. It was a hell of a deal.
I then treated myself to an AMAZING dinner by myself at Broders' in Minneapolis. I enjoyed a lobster pasta dish and a glass of white wine.
If you haven't ever asked for a table for one, you need to, because there is nothing more confident than dining alone.
After dinner I got lost driving on the parkway in Minneapolis, eventually making it home. The night was on the verge of dusk, the air was rainy and the roads were romantic.
I called an old friend and we talked on the phone all night about...nothing in particular really, just stuff.
I went to bed and dreamed the dreams you dream about...
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
something different
Life has changed for my little circle of friends. Each of us has added something different to the group - whether it is a new baby, dog or a house. We now sit in backyards when we hang out, some of us are breast feeding, and others throw sticks to be fetched. We didn't do this last year. It is wonderful and beautiful to see your friends in different lights, to see them become more of who they are...
Friday, May 25, 2007
two typical
1. New neighbor aka "the block caption" told me in not more than 2 minutes that I had bought all the wrong vegetables to plant in MY garden and that she thought it was a bad idea that I was painting MY dining room a different color.
2. In my robe and ready for bed I couldn't find my slippers. They were on the porch so I tried to unlock the front door (from the inside) but I could NOT turn the old lock for the life of me - I do not know why it wasn't working....so, I put on my heels and went out the back door to open the front door with my key and come inside with my slippers.
Two typical new homeowner experiences I would guess.
2. In my robe and ready for bed I couldn't find my slippers. They were on the porch so I tried to unlock the front door (from the inside) but I could NOT turn the old lock for the life of me - I do not know why it wasn't working....so, I put on my heels and went out the back door to open the front door with my key and come inside with my slippers.
Two typical new homeowner experiences I would guess.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
getting a dog
Recently, I have been just a little obsessed with getting a dog. I don't know why I want a dog so badly. Well, sure I do - they are soft and nice and they will always love me no matter what.
BUT...they do bark and poop and dig and sometimes chew on nice things.
I have been calling newspaper ads about puppies and checking the humane society website. I have been reading a puppy book that Paige lent me. I have even started to not let the "oh god" dogs bother me every time they start barking - which is EVERY TIME someone steps into the alley. But it's fine - I'm fine with it. I am changing how I think. I love dogs.
Tonight I even visited the humane society. As I walked in the smell almost turned me around. Then I just stood there - looking at all the cages of cats. So MANY cats. The woman pointed me to the dogs. I walked down this narrow hall to the dogs and opened the door. There was a German Shepard puppy sitting there only moving its head up to look who had come in. There was an old fuzzy poodle whose eyes followed my every move. And then there was a beagle that kept bouncing up and down up and down and trying to hold back its excitement but finally letting out some barks. Tears started to well up in my eyes and I couldn't take it anymore. I ran out of that room as fast as I could.
They were so alone.
And there was nothing I could do to help them and it was so so so sad. I am crying right now just thinking about them. Who were these dogs and why were they there? What happened to the people who had them before? I was so sad thinking that no one would ever adopt them and take them home. I went there knowing I could not have taken one home but I went anyway. I felt selfish for going and for looking at them helpless in their cages. I couldn't take it and as I drove home crying I knew I shouldn't have gone, I wasn't ready.
BUT...they do bark and poop and dig and sometimes chew on nice things.
I have been calling newspaper ads about puppies and checking the humane society website. I have been reading a puppy book that Paige lent me. I have even started to not let the "oh god" dogs bother me every time they start barking - which is EVERY TIME someone steps into the alley. But it's fine - I'm fine with it. I am changing how I think. I love dogs.
Tonight I even visited the humane society. As I walked in the smell almost turned me around. Then I just stood there - looking at all the cages of cats. So MANY cats. The woman pointed me to the dogs. I walked down this narrow hall to the dogs and opened the door. There was a German Shepard puppy sitting there only moving its head up to look who had come in. There was an old fuzzy poodle whose eyes followed my every move. And then there was a beagle that kept bouncing up and down up and down and trying to hold back its excitement but finally letting out some barks. Tears started to well up in my eyes and I couldn't take it anymore. I ran out of that room as fast as I could.
They were so alone.
And there was nothing I could do to help them and it was so so so sad. I am crying right now just thinking about them. Who were these dogs and why were they there? What happened to the people who had them before? I was so sad thinking that no one would ever adopt them and take them home. I went there knowing I could not have taken one home but I went anyway. I felt selfish for going and for looking at them helpless in their cages. I couldn't take it and as I drove home crying I knew I shouldn't have gone, I wasn't ready.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
eight random
Inspiration: Trisha.
Eight random things about me:
1. I love love love plain jane shredded Kraft cheese melted from the microwave onto bite size tortilla chips. I have actually had this for dinner the last two nights this week!
2. I only like chocolate chip ice cream with the shaved chocolate chips not the chunks of chocolate chips.
3. I have a Gustavus sweatshirt that I got on my thirteenth birthday that I wear every Saturday and Sunday in the fall and winter. It is obviously half of what I call my weekend outfit. The other half is a pair of jeans I have had way too long.
4. I bought workout clothes in the hopes it would motivate me to exercise. Some still have the tags on them.
5. I played soccer, volleyball, and ran track in high school.
6. I use ProActive :)
7. I love watching reruns of The Golden Girls and The Cosby Show.
8. Eight is by far my MOST FAVORITE number - has been my entire life, so there was just no way that I was going to settle for just seven random things about me!
Eight random things about me:
1. I love love love plain jane shredded Kraft cheese melted from the microwave onto bite size tortilla chips. I have actually had this for dinner the last two nights this week!
2. I only like chocolate chip ice cream with the shaved chocolate chips not the chunks of chocolate chips.
3. I have a Gustavus sweatshirt that I got on my thirteenth birthday that I wear every Saturday and Sunday in the fall and winter. It is obviously half of what I call my weekend outfit. The other half is a pair of jeans I have had way too long.
4. I bought workout clothes in the hopes it would motivate me to exercise. Some still have the tags on them.
5. I played soccer, volleyball, and ran track in high school.
6. I use ProActive :)
7. I love watching reruns of The Golden Girls and The Cosby Show.
8. Eight is by far my MOST FAVORITE number - has been my entire life, so there was just no way that I was going to settle for just seven random things about me!
Friday, May 18, 2007
top bidder
As you know, we bought a house and officially moved in last Saturday. That afternoon in our new backyard, my parents, Jake, Mary, Ben and I all relaxed in the lawn chairs my parents brought up, enjoying some Red Baron frozen Pizza and Red Stripe beer, after an exhausting morning of moving. Eventually Allisa, Delip and Thelma dropped by and as soon as I started to take in all the excitement, it finally hit me - I HAVE A BACKYARD and MY FRIENDS and FAMILY are going to visit me - HERE, in my BACKYARD. OH my gosh, I was elated and couldn't believe how amazing it felt. So many fun times to come....
So, back to the house - our new cute little 1924 bungalow that has a screened in front porch, living room with a real wood burning fireplace, dining room with built-in buffet, two little bedrooms, and a totally charming retro kitchen (that needs to be remodeled at some point - but we can say it is charming right now because we just moved in). In our tiny little bedrooms we have two tiny little closets and with my love of shopping, I mean, dress code for work, there just isn't enough space for all my clothes or for that matter, Jake's. He is just going to have to fold all 100 of his Threadless t-shirts and move to the basement. His clothes, not him.
With a new house on my mind, every domestic cell in my body has taken over. I NEED FURNITURE. I need curtains, rugs, tables, bed frames, desks, and most importantly a dresser to help contain the explosion, I mean, necessity of all my work clothes.
So craigslist and eBay have become my new best friends.
Hello eBay.
Logging in a few days ago I started my search. danish modern dresser. antique.
Voila!
Of course I find one that I like. Watch this item? Yes, of course. It is added to My eBay. Great. Perfect. I can now watch this item.
Yesterday I get an e-mail from eBay that says - Hey, this item that we have let you watch has only 5 hours left to be watched. Do you want to bid now?
YES I DO WANT TO BID NOW.
I have never "really" bid on eBay. A few days ago Jake started to explain to me how eBay works so I felt confident that I had some idea of how bidding works...the only bids I have made have been out bid, and they were just "pretend" bids because I knew they would be out bid.
I know I know. How can you make a pretend bid on eBay? You can't. But I can think they were pretend if I want to.
I see that bidding starts at $400. Great, I can do that. You have been out bid. Well fine, how about...$450. You have been out bid. At this point, now I am curious - how much are people really going to pay for this dresser? I seriously didn't think my bids were ever going to add up and I just wanted to try one more....I enter $500.
YOU ARE THE TOP BIDDER.
Oh shit. I am? Oh god, NO! I don't really want to pay $500 plus $99 in shipping. Crap.
To make a long story short. I e-mail Jake to let him know what I have done and my situation sparks quite the argument, I mean conversation, between us...money, shopping, clothes and how eBay really works. There were some tears and frustration but eventually we accepted that whatever happens, happens, and it is not really the end of the world.
But there are still 4.5 hours left for the biding to end. Being the optimistic person that I am, I believe that someone is going to out bid me--but Jake, the "realist", thinks I of course will win and we will have to pay $500 plus $99 in shipping, for this dresser.
We decide that we will just have to wait and what better time then right now to dig up our garden in the backyard. Fast forward to 4 hours and 15 minutes later....
15 minutes left to go....Jake and I sit down to enjoy The Office and as the show starts to skip on his computer I get distracted back to reality. I grab my iBook and log-on to my eBay.
4 minutes 35 seconds left....
Refresh.
Refresh.
Refresh.
2 minutes 37 seconds.
Refresh.
2 minutes 27 seconds.
Refresh.
Refresh.
Refresh.
1 minute 13 seconds.
YOU HAVE BEEN OUTBID. BID NOW!
Oh my gosh!!!!!! I've been outbid! I've been outbid!!!
Do I want to bid again, eBay asks?
HELL NO, I just saved $600 dollars and my relationship.
Thank you eBay.
So, back to the house - our new cute little 1924 bungalow that has a screened in front porch, living room with a real wood burning fireplace, dining room with built-in buffet, two little bedrooms, and a totally charming retro kitchen (that needs to be remodeled at some point - but we can say it is charming right now because we just moved in). In our tiny little bedrooms we have two tiny little closets and with my love of shopping, I mean, dress code for work, there just isn't enough space for all my clothes or for that matter, Jake's. He is just going to have to fold all 100 of his Threadless t-shirts and move to the basement. His clothes, not him.
With a new house on my mind, every domestic cell in my body has taken over. I NEED FURNITURE. I need curtains, rugs, tables, bed frames, desks, and most importantly a dresser to help contain the explosion, I mean, necessity of all my work clothes.
So craigslist and eBay have become my new best friends.
Hello eBay.
Logging in a few days ago I started my search. danish modern dresser. antique.
Voila!
Of course I find one that I like. Watch this item? Yes, of course. It is added to My eBay. Great. Perfect. I can now watch this item.
Yesterday I get an e-mail from eBay that says - Hey, this item that we have let you watch has only 5 hours left to be watched. Do you want to bid now?
YES I DO WANT TO BID NOW.
I have never "really" bid on eBay. A few days ago Jake started to explain to me how eBay works so I felt confident that I had some idea of how bidding works...the only bids I have made have been out bid, and they were just "pretend" bids because I knew they would be out bid.
I know I know. How can you make a pretend bid on eBay? You can't. But I can think they were pretend if I want to.
I see that bidding starts at $400. Great, I can do that. You have been out bid. Well fine, how about...$450. You have been out bid. At this point, now I am curious - how much are people really going to pay for this dresser? I seriously didn't think my bids were ever going to add up and I just wanted to try one more....I enter $500.
YOU ARE THE TOP BIDDER.
Oh shit. I am? Oh god, NO! I don't really want to pay $500 plus $99 in shipping. Crap.
To make a long story short. I e-mail Jake to let him know what I have done and my situation sparks quite the argument, I mean conversation, between us...money, shopping, clothes and how eBay really works. There were some tears and frustration but eventually we accepted that whatever happens, happens, and it is not really the end of the world.
But there are still 4.5 hours left for the biding to end. Being the optimistic person that I am, I believe that someone is going to out bid me--but Jake, the "realist", thinks I of course will win and we will have to pay $500 plus $99 in shipping, for this dresser.
We decide that we will just have to wait and what better time then right now to dig up our garden in the backyard. Fast forward to 4 hours and 15 minutes later....
15 minutes left to go....Jake and I sit down to enjoy The Office and as the show starts to skip on his computer I get distracted back to reality. I grab my iBook and log-on to my eBay.
4 minutes 35 seconds left....
Refresh.
Refresh.
Refresh.
2 minutes 37 seconds.
Refresh.
2 minutes 27 seconds.
Refresh.
Refresh.
Refresh.
1 minute 13 seconds.
YOU HAVE BEEN OUTBID. BID NOW!
Oh my gosh!!!!!! I've been outbid! I've been outbid!!!
Do I want to bid again, eBay asks?
HELL NO, I just saved $600 dollars and my relationship.
Thank you eBay.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
uhaul
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
new flickr
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
we moved
Friday, May 11, 2007
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
can feel
Last night I awoke to lightning and rain on my windows.
Walking outside this morning the smell in the air reminded me of the storm the night before.
I saw ducks crossing Fairview on my way to work - momma duck followed by six little ducklings.
Looking out my fourth floor office window to the tops of trees and the city of St. Paul.
My window is open and I can feel the breeze on my legs.
Walking outside this morning the smell in the air reminded me of the storm the night before.
I saw ducks crossing Fairview on my way to work - momma duck followed by six little ducklings.
Looking out my fourth floor office window to the tops of trees and the city of St. Paul.
My window is open and I can feel the breeze on my legs.
Monday, May 07, 2007
never fails
Weekends.
Usually busy, usually a time to catch up on sleep, dishes, cleaning, etc. This excuse seems to catch up with me too often.
I am done with this excuse. If I want to go dancing downtown, then I am going to go dancing downtown. If I want to hang out all night with friends, then I am going to hang out all night with friends.
Saturday night, while out on the town, I realized that I might not be having enough fun in my life and things need to change. Going out, hanging out with friends and having a few cocktails never fails to be a good time.
Friday night - this video took place during "packing" and I can't help but blame this completely random, almost unnecessary video on the above mentioned excuse.
Then we have Saturday night with Joel and me lookin' lovely....
Life is about to change my friends! No more drumming toy bears! At least for now...
Usually busy, usually a time to catch up on sleep, dishes, cleaning, etc. This excuse seems to catch up with me too often.
I am done with this excuse. If I want to go dancing downtown, then I am going to go dancing downtown. If I want to hang out all night with friends, then I am going to hang out all night with friends.
Saturday night, while out on the town, I realized that I might not be having enough fun in my life and things need to change. Going out, hanging out with friends and having a few cocktails never fails to be a good time.
Friday night - this video took place during "packing" and I can't help but blame this completely random, almost unnecessary video on the above mentioned excuse.
Then we have Saturday night with Joel and me lookin' lovely....
Life is about to change my friends! No more drumming toy bears! At least for now...
Sunday, May 06, 2007
sea of crap
Vimeo quite possibly has changed my life. I told Paige she would have to make me a new shirt that read IM VIDEO BLOGGING THIS.
We started packing today - something I have not been looking forward to AT ALL. First of all, packing sucks. Secondly, I am deep in apartment remorse. I am so sad to leave this amazing apartment. It's true. Third, packing sucks.
We are lucky though because we have until the 16th to move out and the new house is only 1 mile away. Which is great because we can take our time (procrastinate) and slowly transition into the new house....
I might have mentioned that I have a serious problem with hanging up my clothes. I HATE TO DO IT and one could even say that I should seek professional help to overcome my avoidance, neglect, and total disregard for clothing organization.
So today while we were packing I needed to get some boxes at the back of my closet...and during the hurdle, to get to the back of my closet, I strained my back....perfect timing for an intervention, don't you think?
We started packing today - something I have not been looking forward to AT ALL. First of all, packing sucks. Secondly, I am deep in apartment remorse. I am so sad to leave this amazing apartment. It's true. Third, packing sucks.
We are lucky though because we have until the 16th to move out and the new house is only 1 mile away. Which is great because we can take our time (procrastinate) and slowly transition into the new house....
I might have mentioned that I have a serious problem with hanging up my clothes. I HATE TO DO IT and one could even say that I should seek professional help to overcome my avoidance, neglect, and total disregard for clothing organization.
So today while we were packing I needed to get some boxes at the back of my closet...and during the hurdle, to get to the back of my closet, I strained my back....perfect timing for an intervention, don't you think?
Thursday, May 03, 2007
oh god
We bought a house today.
We have to rake and shovel and mow.
We have to pay for heat and water and garbage removal.
We have neighbors and neighbors dogs and things we don't even know about yet.
But oh does it feel good!
We have to rake and shovel and mow.
We have to pay for heat and water and garbage removal.
We have neighbors and neighbors dogs and things we don't even know about yet.
But oh does it feel good!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
seattle
Seattle's famous Farmers Market.
Hello - my KING size feather bed with six delicious pillows. I slept like a dream.
My marble bathroom - tub and shower included.
View number one from my 22nd floor window.
View number two from my 22nd floor window.
View number three from my 22nd floor window.
The flower market at the Farmers Market.
Isn't the color beautiful?
The very first Starbucks store - notice that wonderful original logo.
Self-portrait in Seattle.
Hello - my KING size feather bed with six delicious pillows. I slept like a dream.
My marble bathroom - tub and shower included.
View number one from my 22nd floor window.
View number two from my 22nd floor window.
View number three from my 22nd floor window.
The flower market at the Farmers Market.
Isn't the color beautiful?
The very first Starbucks store - notice that wonderful original logo.
Self-portrait in Seattle.
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