puffy

As tears roll out of my puffy eyes down my checks I miss her.

Last night after what seemed like an already bad day I found out that my dog, Patches, was put to sleep.

I could not stop crying. I really really couldn't.

Even though I had said "good-bye" to her when I was home for Thanksgiving, I am still so sad.

I didn't think it would be this hard.

can't be so

It's what's for dinner.

A family tradition.

It's what I choose as my special birthday meal.

I can always count on it as the perfect leftover.

Spaghettie meat pie is what we call it...and I decided to make it for myself this past Saturday.


This past year I have joined two local co-ops and have chose organic over conventional. When buying meat, which is seldom, I look for organic. My Co-op in Ames, Iowa is not as abundant as my old St. Paul, MN Co-op...so at times I have to shop at the local Hy-Vee (a Midwest grocery store...or maybe it just Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa...hmmm? I need to travel more).

On Saturday I couldn't find any organic beef and couldn't bring myself to get the conventional beef. I prefer my cows to actually graze in pastures and feed on grass as opposed to stuck in a cage and force fed corn mush with a side of antibiotics.

Stearing away from the beef packages wrapped in cellophane I decide to try something new. I head back to the Natural Market corner where all that weird "natural" food is located...like soy products and expensive organic stuff...please note the intended sarcasm. And then I see it---Gimmi Lean meatless fat free cholesterol free meat. I think to myself, "It can't be so bad. It says to just fry it up in a skillet and is great in tacos, marinara sauce, omelets, and lasagna, or just sausage patties."

I'll give anything a try.

As hard as I try it doesn't taste like my favorite meat pie.

My fake meat just wasn't that good for dinner.

over the

I just talked to Jake in Germany! Our conversation occured through our lap tops over the Internet using Skype.

He also sent some pictures the other day, this is a sign he found in a residential neighborhood!



I miss you Jake but I am so glad you are having so much fun!!!

justify my

It is 5:20 pm and I am still in my pj's and robe. I actually have only been awake for four hours.

In those four hours I have watched Headliners and Legends hosted by Matt Lauer on Oprah and countless TLC decorating shows...drank a hot cup of green tea and heated up some pizza from late last night.

I don't really know where to start...should I take a shower, get dressed, clean up my mess, or just save myself some time and stay in my pj's?

I am maybe a little lazy today.

Here is the part where I justify my laziness: For the past three weekends I have been on the road...so I haven't had a relaxing weekend "home" in awhile.

I also might be a little lonely today.

Here is the part where I justify my loneliness: Jake left on Tuesday for Germany and won't return until next Sunday.

dancing with

How could I have missed them?
I remember glancing up and seeing their bright colors and thinking..I should take a walk.
But they fell so fast.

Now I see through the branches and over to the street.
The shade is gone.

The few still holding on are dancing with the wind.

a little

I know I have been a little behind with my comments on all the blogs I visit. Which makes me feel that I am neglecting my blogger friends.

Tonight I was thinking about that...there is a difference between "non-blogger friends" and "blogger friends" but sometimes I wish there wasn't.

Because I know that if I saw a "blogger friend" on the street, I would most definitely scream with joy and give them a huge hug...just as I would do with a "non-blogger friend."

Basically I am a little jealous that Cheryl, Marissa and Mindi all had brunch last Sunday.

still reading

Hi. I am still here.

I am busy and tired from my new job.

I am trying to find that balance of life that we all strive to achieve. Well, I haven't found it yet.

To all my blogger friends out there, know that I am still reading...but not commenting as much.

I am tired now.

the subject said

It still has the crease marks from where I folded it and kept it in my pocket six years ago. I remember reading it aloud to all the girls on my floor and they always wanted to hear it again.

The subject said I love you.

Anne,

Of all the things I have done while I have been here, whether it be hanging out with my friends, acing a test, or walking across campus on a beautiful fall afternoon, nothing has given me the feeling your card gave me today. I was so happy. To think that there is someone as caring, creative, beautiful, smart, and happy as you out there, is in itself amazing. You are truly a gift to this world. Never change.

That being said, I just wanted to let you know how much I love you. So if you want to find out, walk outside at 3:00 pm, close your eyes and tilt your head to the sky, take a deep breath and open your eyes. When all you can see is the wide blue sky and the drops of red and orange in the trees, that is how much.

Missing you in Iowa.

Jake wrote this before he knew I liked him, before we became best friends, before we fell in love, and before I moved to Iowa to finally be together. I know now what I knew then, that he makes me feel like no one else ever has....and that their is no one I would rather be with.

new colors

I had a summer of freedom! My days were my decisions and my time was endless. I squeezed possibility out of every moment.



Fall has arrived in Iowa. The harvest is here! The trees are new colors my eyes have never seen and the air is crisp with anticipation.

classic ingman

Happy Birthday Ben! Cheers to you for a wonderful year ahead! Miss you!