As you can see, we had a fantastic time at the Pat show. Before the show and during the break, Andrea and I went to Drink to do some dancing. Some very drunk serviceman hit on me, which was flattering and yet not. You know what they say about beer goggles. That and he totally reminded me of one of Shaun's old roomates - Drew, if any of you knew him. Bleck. I'd pass, thanks. Then some very very drunk guy on the Lightrail hit on Andrea - and wouldn't let it go. It was pretty hilarious, truth be told. Even after she gave him my name. The cop riding the lightrail was all like, 'Hitting on girls again, Brian?' Haha, so I guess he does that a lot. Then he got off two stops too early and had to run to the stop (our stop) his friends got off on. Hilarious. I can't begin to imagine being as drunk as that guy and running. Yikes.
Last weekend was pretty uneventful, we didn't really have anything planned. We did decide to go to the Holidazzle Saturday night. We were just walking around down there and somehow a lady from work managed to recognize me - it was weird. How many hundreds of people down there and she managed to see me. We were somewhat disappointed by the length/quality of the Holidazzle, we were't quite sure if it was worth the hassle. Ah, well. It gave us something to do.
Tonight we met up with my parents and gave them the kitties for the weekend - we're going to Milwaukee for Shaun's family's Christmas. Yay for a 6 hour drive. It's going to be a pain in the rump getting across the cities on 494 tomorrow, esp. if we manage to gather 3-5 inches tonight. Shaun's dropping me off @ work tomorrow because the office is closing @ 3 tomorrow and we want to take of as soon as possible. So I hope that you all have a very enjoyable holiday, be safe, and talk to you soon!
Thursday, December 21
Wednesday, December 13
Photoblog time!
Emma and Calli
My mom @ her birthday party
Pat on 12/9
Shaun's parent's house - SNOW!!!
Detail of our Xmas Wreath - something the cats cannot pull over/down!
Yeah! It sure was great singing on stage with you, Pat!
The Man-on-man boob grab.
The couch @ my mom's b-day
Hello, what's that?!
Devil Dawg!
Bathtime!
Oh, boy. This feels good!
Playtime!
Haha! That was a good funny!Wednesday, December 6
What I've been up to
Hey, All - I've been trying to keep up on this more, let's see how long I can keep it up! :) I plan on being able to do it for a while.
At any rate, last Thursday I drove up to Lino Lakes and met my parents for supper and to give them the kit-kits. Poor things hate that kitty carrier, but they sure did like the polar fleece I put in it! Anyway, at one point an old grandpa started moving over into my lane to get onto the 35W ramp, didn't look in his blind spot and just about took me out. And just after I got onto 35W, I had this guy riding my rear end so closely I couldn't even see his headlights. I was behind a semi, and all I could think was, 'What if I had to slam on my brakes? I'd be sandwiched between a semi and a bad driver!' Not a cool thought. Dad was happy he got the cats, even though they tire him out because he has to keep them out of everything. They're naughty, what can I say?!! ;-)
Friday I left work @ noon so that we could head to Shaun's parent's house. We hadn't seen them since the end of August on vacation. It was really nice to see them again. I got recruited to help Leanne hang up some shelving (mostly I was just a catalyst for decision making). But it was a good time. Saturday evening we went to Milwaukee to see Shaun's aunts and uncles - Sarah, Steve, Polly and Craig. And also the cousins. And last but not least, I got to hang out with Callie too. It was a really nice weekend. :) And now it's back to the daily grind of work, work and more work. Take care!
At any rate, last Thursday I drove up to Lino Lakes and met my parents for supper and to give them the kit-kits. Poor things hate that kitty carrier, but they sure did like the polar fleece I put in it! Anyway, at one point an old grandpa started moving over into my lane to get onto the 35W ramp, didn't look in his blind spot and just about took me out. And just after I got onto 35W, I had this guy riding my rear end so closely I couldn't even see his headlights. I was behind a semi, and all I could think was, 'What if I had to slam on my brakes? I'd be sandwiched between a semi and a bad driver!' Not a cool thought. Dad was happy he got the cats, even though they tire him out because he has to keep them out of everything. They're naughty, what can I say?!! ;-)
Friday I left work @ noon so that we could head to Shaun's parent's house. We hadn't seen them since the end of August on vacation. It was really nice to see them again. I got recruited to help Leanne hang up some shelving (mostly I was just a catalyst for decision making). But it was a good time. Saturday evening we went to Milwaukee to see Shaun's aunts and uncles - Sarah, Steve, Polly and Craig. And also the cousins. And last but not least, I got to hang out with Callie too. It was a really nice weekend. :) And now it's back to the daily grind of work, work and more work. Take care!
Sunday, November 26
Honesty in Blogging
Hello, all -
Sorry that I have been MIA here for so long. I have been focusing on my personal life for a while, and haven't been able to spend the time that I normally spend on blogging. I have been debating about saying this for a while because I know a lot of you (friends, family) read my blog and I didn't want to unduly worry you.
We have been having a bit of a challenging time lately, Shaun and I. I realize that the first year of marriage is a tough year for most newlyweds, and we are not an exception. I believe that if we didn't have some problems it would probably be worrying, but at times I have been so frustrated with it all, all I could do was cry. But luckily, we have been doing much better lately and have been listening to each other's needs and wants and have been trying to accommodate those as best we can to make each other happy. I think that a majority of it is because we are young and like to have things our own way (we are both so stubborn) and didn't like compromising on anything. Happily, it seems to be something that we are getting better at, and seems only to be improving. And I guess I feel that that's what it's all about - thinking about another person's needs and making them my priorities, too.
On to happier things. Since I never discussed it, the Tombstone Trail rally race that we did with Andrea and Cory was so much fun!
So we had the time of our Octobers doing this. Tempers got a little short, but I think that that's because we all ended up getting so competitive. Shaun's car doors autolock once you start driving, so when we'd want to rush out to go check out the gravestones, we'd be yelling, 'Unlock the DOORS!!!' He finally got to the point where he would remember it all on his own, but it took a little yelling to get him figuring it out on his own. ;-) It was actually pretty cold, but I was so busy thinking (and running) that after the first time I got out of the car I didn't even realize that it was cold. We felt like we were doing so bad because we skipped a couple of graveyards and we were pretty sure that we had missed some questions. But we figured we didn't do so bad for our first year. Anyway, at the end of the night we met up at Godfather's Pizza in Redwing, MN. Turns out that we tied for first in our class but lost the tiebreaker so we got second. We placed 8th overall out of 53 cars. Not bad for our first year, not bad at all. We are bumped up a class for next year now because we did so well our first year. We are already making plans for next year's Tombstone Trailer. (We are determined to get that best costume award! Hehe)
Much of November was pretty uneventful, it was deer season for most of it so we were up in H-town for three weekends in a row. The final weekend we (Mom, Lucy and I) went up to Duluth to visit Jennifer and do a little shopping. We ate at Olive Garden (it was deelish, but a little arugula goes a long way, and this was smothered in arugula) and went to Michael's and Target, where I made my mom purchase cute wrapping paper and ribbons. I didn't actually make her, but I told her that if she wanted me to wrap her presents for her, I refused to wrap them ugly. So she willingly bought the cute stuff. It was a lot of fun, and it was really nice to see Jennifer again.
We headed up to H-town for Thanksgiving. The food was SO GOOD! Everything was going well until my Grandpa made a somewhat uncouth comment in front of my mom, Shaun and I after we were done eating. Ugh. It was something that I really did not want to hear about. But we had a good night once I could sit on the couch it was all better. Tyler, Dana and Gracie came and I was playing with Gracie. She had a little toy of the Wicked Witch from Snow White, and I had her saying, 'RAWR!' every time she looked at it. She also LOVES hearing 'Pattycake'- she scrinches up her face and tilts her head against her shoulder. SOOO cute!
Friday I helped my mom rearrange the living room. Brought the computer out there and we had fun playing Mah Jongg. This weekend we cleaned, but I didn't get as much X-mas decorating done as I wanted to. Oh, well. It'll happen! I decorated a wreath so that we can hang the ornaments that Shaun's Grandparents have gotten us and keep the cats from playing with them and breaking them. But now they keep jumping up the wall to get it. I hope it survives the night - I haven't put our precious ornaments on it yet in fears of that happening. Anyway, time to finish decorating (I hope!) Take care! :)
Sorry that I have been MIA here for so long. I have been focusing on my personal life for a while, and haven't been able to spend the time that I normally spend on blogging. I have been debating about saying this for a while because I know a lot of you (friends, family) read my blog and I didn't want to unduly worry you.
We have been having a bit of a challenging time lately, Shaun and I. I realize that the first year of marriage is a tough year for most newlyweds, and we are not an exception. I believe that if we didn't have some problems it would probably be worrying, but at times I have been so frustrated with it all, all I could do was cry. But luckily, we have been doing much better lately and have been listening to each other's needs and wants and have been trying to accommodate those as best we can to make each other happy. I think that a majority of it is because we are young and like to have things our own way (we are both so stubborn) and didn't like compromising on anything. Happily, it seems to be something that we are getting better at, and seems only to be improving. And I guess I feel that that's what it's all about - thinking about another person's needs and making them my priorities, too.
On to happier things. Since I never discussed it, the Tombstone Trail rally race that we did with Andrea and Cory was so much fun!
Shaun, Cory, Andrea and I in the car on our way to the graveyards!
So we had the time of our Octobers doing this. Tempers got a little short, but I think that that's because we all ended up getting so competitive. Shaun's car doors autolock once you start driving, so when we'd want to rush out to go check out the gravestones, we'd be yelling, 'Unlock the DOORS!!!' He finally got to the point where he would remember it all on his own, but it took a little yelling to get him figuring it out on his own. ;-) It was actually pretty cold, but I was so busy thinking (and running) that after the first time I got out of the car I didn't even realize that it was cold. We felt like we were doing so bad because we skipped a couple of graveyards and we were pretty sure that we had missed some questions. But we figured we didn't do so bad for our first year. Anyway, at the end of the night we met up at Godfather's Pizza in Redwing, MN. Turns out that we tied for first in our class but lost the tiebreaker so we got second. We placed 8th overall out of 53 cars. Not bad for our first year, not bad at all. We are bumped up a class for next year now because we did so well our first year. We are already making plans for next year's Tombstone Trailer. (We are determined to get that best costume award! Hehe)
Much of November was pretty uneventful, it was deer season for most of it so we were up in H-town for three weekends in a row. The final weekend we (Mom, Lucy and I) went up to Duluth to visit Jennifer and do a little shopping. We ate at Olive Garden (it was deelish, but a little arugula goes a long way, and this was smothered in arugula) and went to Michael's and Target, where I made my mom purchase cute wrapping paper and ribbons. I didn't actually make her, but I told her that if she wanted me to wrap her presents for her, I refused to wrap them ugly. So she willingly bought the cute stuff. It was a lot of fun, and it was really nice to see Jennifer again.
We headed up to H-town for Thanksgiving. The food was SO GOOD! Everything was going well until my Grandpa made a somewhat uncouth comment in front of my mom, Shaun and I after we were done eating. Ugh. It was something that I really did not want to hear about. But we had a good night once I could sit on the couch it was all better. Tyler, Dana and Gracie came and I was playing with Gracie. She had a little toy of the Wicked Witch from Snow White, and I had her saying, 'RAWR!' every time she looked at it. She also LOVES hearing 'Pattycake'- she scrinches up her face and tilts her head against her shoulder. SOOO cute!
Tyler, Dana and Gracie
Too CUTE! :D
Friday I helped my mom rearrange the living room. Brought the computer out there and we had fun playing Mah Jongg. This weekend we cleaned, but I didn't get as much X-mas decorating done as I wanted to. Oh, well. It'll happen! I decorated a wreath so that we can hang the ornaments that Shaun's Grandparents have gotten us and keep the cats from playing with them and breaking them. But now they keep jumping up the wall to get it. I hope it survives the night - I haven't put our precious ornaments on it yet in fears of that happening. Anyway, time to finish decorating (I hope!) Take care! :)
Wednesday, October 25
Hey, kids!
Sorry, I suck. I know it. I am flagellating myself right now over my lack of dedication to my sites. Including my myspace site. I feel bad not checking everyone's out and leaving comments and what not, so I am resolving to get my act in gear after Halloween. I have a plan in mind for a new background and song and what not. It's just taking some time getting it together. And I'll post about last weekend soon too, I promise!
Sunday, October 15
The pics I promised!
They're from the weekend that we went camping @ Gooseberry Falls State Park. They were all taken in Granad Marais on that Saturday because we didn't feel like camping in the rain.
Tuesday, October 10
Gosh, Ok, when was my last post?
A long time ago is all I know. Allrighty. I'll just hit the highlights because everything else is mind-numbingly BORING.
A few Sundays ago Sarah* and I got together for some coffee and a good long chat. I was proud of myself because I even parallel parked in Minneapolis (ok, so it wasn't downtown) and it'd been a really long time since I had done that - or even tried. It was nice to sit down and chat with someone who has very similar viewpoints as me on many topics - and even when we had different ones, it was nice to discuss them anyway and see how someone else viewed the topic. We also talked about our furry babies and how strange yet utterly adorable they are.
I was unable to park in the garage for a couple of weeks due to my car leaking oil (!?!?!). This is the first problem that my car has presented us with, and it had been three years. Shaun took it to the dealer (Friday #1 that I had to get dropped off @ work) to get it checked out. Turns out that my oil pan gasket, rotors, brakes, and intake gaskets were bad. Approx. $1300 worth of repairs and labor when all was said and done. My drums and brakes in the back nearly need to be replaced. So that Friday Shaun took my car to his buddy Dan's place to replace the brakes and rotors. They got it done, even though the new brakes scared me at first becuase they were slippery. I had to get a ride home from Abby. (Thanks, Abby!) Shaun then called me to say that he would be a few more hours at Dan's. The time was 7pm. Turns out that Dan's friend was heading to Dan's and she was in the EP so she picked me up. It was a good time.
The next Friday Shaun took my car to his friend Jason's house in Osceola, WI. (An hour and a half drive) So I got dropped off at work with the promise that I would get picked up no later than 5. My only requirement was that my car wouldn't get broken worse than it was. This time it was the oil pan gasket - easy, right? They just used a liquid sealant that apparently a lot of non-dealership oil-changers use. Anyway, I called Shaun at about 5 to find out where he was. He was half an hour or so into his drive driving Jason's car. They managed to do the one thing I asked them not to - break my car. Turns out Jason turned the bolt too much when replacing my oil pan and cracked the pan, which caused all of the oil to gush out. So Kelly brought me home from work that night. (Thanks, Kelly!) Shaun went back to Jason's to put an epoxy onto the crack and brought my car home on Saturday morning. Yaay. I made Jason white chocoalte and macadamia nut cookies to thank him. I offered to make Dan some, but he said he would just take the thanks, thank you very much. So now my car is safely driveable again.
A week ago Friday we hosted Andrea's birthday party. Which, of course, was the day that Shaun brought my car to Jason's and was late. When we still had to cook and clean. Typical. Anyway, we got everything cleaned up and cooked and baked and had a good time. Andrea and Corey helped us, too. We had a couple of drinks and played a quick coupke of games of Catchphrase. That was lots of fun! :) Then we went to Old Chicago to play pool/darts, but because it was 'crowded' (there were spots at the bar available) they didn't have the balls/darts out. Boo. Then we headed to Mystic Lake where I tried to find Sarah* but she was no where to be found. Andrea was getting tired so we all headed home. I think that everyone had a good time. I know I did!!! :D
Last weekend we headed down to Madison to visit JP and my 'personal attendant' Kari. Steve whom I went to college with also lived with them so it was cool getting to see him, too. We got there at about 9 Friday night and went to a brew house for a quick drink. I had about the best amaretto sour I have ever had. Then because we're all old people and can't stay up late anymore we headed home. Saturday the four of us headed to the Great Dane for lunch - Shaun, JP, Steve and I. Had some good food, and played pool and darts. I am definitely not as good at them as I used to be back in the college days. SO sad! That night JP, Kari, Shaun and I went to Biaggi's where we waited for an hour and half for a table. We knew that we'd have to wait the hour, but I think that they completely forgot about us because by the time we finally got fed up with it and Kari talked to a Manager, he checked it out, came back over to us and said the next table was ours and he'd give us three appetizers for free. So in case you ever go to Biaggi's, the Artichoke dip is DELICIOUS. :D So is the chicken parmesean. The chocolate martinis sans the raspberry liqueur is delish too. But the ones with raspberry are bleck. Unless you like your nose burning. Sunday morning before we left the 6 of us had breakfast - yes, that's right, 6. I called Jenny and Josh and they met us (JP, Kari, Shaun and I) at Perkin's and we had some delicious breakfast. Jenny and I caught up on stuff and spend most of the time chatting and sharing pictures. They have a house and a dog and two cats. So cute! So the next time that Shaun and I get down that way we are going to stop and see their house. Miss ya girlay!!!!
This coming Friday we are heading to Menomonie for homecoming, then heading back to the Cities to hang out and go to a couple bars. Saturday night is just too ridiculous after the game and whatnot. So I am completely looking forward to El Patio and CHEAP drinks! :) (Funnily enough, they used to seem so expensive)
Hope you all are having a great time and I promise some new pictures soon!
A few Sundays ago Sarah* and I got together for some coffee and a good long chat. I was proud of myself because I even parallel parked in Minneapolis (ok, so it wasn't downtown) and it'd been a really long time since I had done that - or even tried. It was nice to sit down and chat with someone who has very similar viewpoints as me on many topics - and even when we had different ones, it was nice to discuss them anyway and see how someone else viewed the topic. We also talked about our furry babies and how strange yet utterly adorable they are.
I was unable to park in the garage for a couple of weeks due to my car leaking oil (!?!?!). This is the first problem that my car has presented us with, and it had been three years. Shaun took it to the dealer (Friday #1 that I had to get dropped off @ work) to get it checked out. Turns out that my oil pan gasket, rotors, brakes, and intake gaskets were bad. Approx. $1300 worth of repairs and labor when all was said and done. My drums and brakes in the back nearly need to be replaced. So that Friday Shaun took my car to his buddy Dan's place to replace the brakes and rotors. They got it done, even though the new brakes scared me at first becuase they were slippery. I had to get a ride home from Abby. (Thanks, Abby!) Shaun then called me to say that he would be a few more hours at Dan's. The time was 7pm. Turns out that Dan's friend was heading to Dan's and she was in the EP so she picked me up. It was a good time.
The next Friday Shaun took my car to his friend Jason's house in Osceola, WI. (An hour and a half drive) So I got dropped off at work with the promise that I would get picked up no later than 5. My only requirement was that my car wouldn't get broken worse than it was. This time it was the oil pan gasket - easy, right? They just used a liquid sealant that apparently a lot of non-dealership oil-changers use. Anyway, I called Shaun at about 5 to find out where he was. He was half an hour or so into his drive driving Jason's car. They managed to do the one thing I asked them not to - break my car. Turns out Jason turned the bolt too much when replacing my oil pan and cracked the pan, which caused all of the oil to gush out. So Kelly brought me home from work that night. (Thanks, Kelly!) Shaun went back to Jason's to put an epoxy onto the crack and brought my car home on Saturday morning. Yaay. I made Jason white chocoalte and macadamia nut cookies to thank him. I offered to make Dan some, but he said he would just take the thanks, thank you very much. So now my car is safely driveable again.
A week ago Friday we hosted Andrea's birthday party. Which, of course, was the day that Shaun brought my car to Jason's and was late. When we still had to cook and clean. Typical. Anyway, we got everything cleaned up and cooked and baked and had a good time. Andrea and Corey helped us, too. We had a couple of drinks and played a quick coupke of games of Catchphrase. That was lots of fun! :) Then we went to Old Chicago to play pool/darts, but because it was 'crowded' (there were spots at the bar available) they didn't have the balls/darts out. Boo. Then we headed to Mystic Lake where I tried to find Sarah* but she was no where to be found. Andrea was getting tired so we all headed home. I think that everyone had a good time. I know I did!!! :D
Last weekend we headed down to Madison to visit JP and my 'personal attendant' Kari. Steve whom I went to college with also lived with them so it was cool getting to see him, too. We got there at about 9 Friday night and went to a brew house for a quick drink. I had about the best amaretto sour I have ever had. Then because we're all old people and can't stay up late anymore we headed home. Saturday the four of us headed to the Great Dane for lunch - Shaun, JP, Steve and I. Had some good food, and played pool and darts. I am definitely not as good at them as I used to be back in the college days. SO sad! That night JP, Kari, Shaun and I went to Biaggi's where we waited for an hour and half for a table. We knew that we'd have to wait the hour, but I think that they completely forgot about us because by the time we finally got fed up with it and Kari talked to a Manager, he checked it out, came back over to us and said the next table was ours and he'd give us three appetizers for free. So in case you ever go to Biaggi's, the Artichoke dip is DELICIOUS. :D So is the chicken parmesean. The chocolate martinis sans the raspberry liqueur is delish too. But the ones with raspberry are bleck. Unless you like your nose burning. Sunday morning before we left the 6 of us had breakfast - yes, that's right, 6. I called Jenny and Josh and they met us (JP, Kari, Shaun and I) at Perkin's and we had some delicious breakfast. Jenny and I caught up on stuff and spend most of the time chatting and sharing pictures. They have a house and a dog and two cats. So cute! So the next time that Shaun and I get down that way we are going to stop and see their house. Miss ya girlay!!!!
This coming Friday we are heading to Menomonie for homecoming, then heading back to the Cities to hang out and go to a couple bars. Saturday night is just too ridiculous after the game and whatnot. So I am completely looking forward to El Patio and CHEAP drinks! :) (Funnily enough, they used to seem so expensive)
Hope you all are having a great time and I promise some new pictures soon!
Monday, September 25
I really wanted this to be my myspace bg
But it didn't work, of course. Please open the link in a new window. It could SOOO be better, it's too jerky and makes me frustrated, but when I did a trial and it didn't even work, I decided not to worry about it. Maybe I'll develop for future use, though. We'll see.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d80/zurichaz/blog/stars.swf
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d80/zurichaz/blog/stars.swf
Thursday, September 14
St. Louis
It's a pretty city. If it wasn't warmer and more humid, I probably wouldn't mind living there. Found the cutest little colonial house by our hotel that was for sale. I was almost literally drooling over it, it was so stinking cute.
I busted my azz off but it was worth it for the trip - when else would I get to go to St. Louis? I had lots of amazing (and unhealthy) food and drinks, and generally had a good time. I was really tired, though, having to get up at 4:30 Monday morning, going to bed @ 1:30 and up at 4:45 Tuesday morning, going to bed at about 11:30. Kelly let me sleep in Wednesday, and told me I didn't have to come until about 9 this morning, but I came in at 8 like usual. We stayed at a Hilton, and it was super nice. I loved the St. Louis office, and I already thought that ours was pretty darned cool. But the meeting went off without a hitch, and we heard lots of compliments about how many people liked it. Kelly said it's the most positive feedback that she's ever heard about one of those meetings. I worked on a survey to send out to everyone today and handed it to Pete before he left. I have so much to do still!
I was feeling pretty philosophical yesterday as my flight was about to take off. I said a quick, heartfelt prayer about how I hope that my plane would land safely because I wasn't ready to go without seeing my husband whom I love so much one more time, and all of my family and friends, too. As we were taxiing off, watching the wings bounce around was somewhat disenheartening, but all of the smaller planes do that. It's incredible how low the clouds actually are, but when you're staring up at them they seem so far away. Lifting up through the puffy clouds (they reminded me a lot of cotton candy) was so neat, looking down below and seeing the Mississippi shrinking, and the sun reflecting off of all of the silos and other shiny metal things far down below. Finally we got above the clouds and I saw the shadow of our plane on the clouds, with a rainbow circle wrapping around it. Right then I relaxed, because I knew my prayer had been heard and that everything would be ok. I sound like such a first time flyer, but this was only my third round trip ever. Dusk was gorgeous. I have never seen it replicated as accurately as I viewed the real thing last night... wish I had, though because I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Anyway, I hope you all are taking care and I hope to talk to you soon. :)
I busted my azz off but it was worth it for the trip - when else would I get to go to St. Louis? I had lots of amazing (and unhealthy) food and drinks, and generally had a good time. I was really tired, though, having to get up at 4:30 Monday morning, going to bed @ 1:30 and up at 4:45 Tuesday morning, going to bed at about 11:30. Kelly let me sleep in Wednesday, and told me I didn't have to come until about 9 this morning, but I came in at 8 like usual. We stayed at a Hilton, and it was super nice. I loved the St. Louis office, and I already thought that ours was pretty darned cool. But the meeting went off without a hitch, and we heard lots of compliments about how many people liked it. Kelly said it's the most positive feedback that she's ever heard about one of those meetings. I worked on a survey to send out to everyone today and handed it to Pete before he left. I have so much to do still!
I was feeling pretty philosophical yesterday as my flight was about to take off. I said a quick, heartfelt prayer about how I hope that my plane would land safely because I wasn't ready to go without seeing my husband whom I love so much one more time, and all of my family and friends, too. As we were taxiing off, watching the wings bounce around was somewhat disenheartening, but all of the smaller planes do that. It's incredible how low the clouds actually are, but when you're staring up at them they seem so far away. Lifting up through the puffy clouds (they reminded me a lot of cotton candy) was so neat, looking down below and seeing the Mississippi shrinking, and the sun reflecting off of all of the silos and other shiny metal things far down below. Finally we got above the clouds and I saw the shadow of our plane on the clouds, with a rainbow circle wrapping around it. Right then I relaxed, because I knew my prayer had been heard and that everything would be ok. I sound like such a first time flyer, but this was only my third round trip ever. Dusk was gorgeous. I have never seen it replicated as accurately as I viewed the real thing last night... wish I had, though because I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Anyway, I hope you all are taking care and I hope to talk to you soon. :)
Sunday, September 10
Catch-up!
Okay, so it's been a long time since I've updated. Sorry! I've been so ridiculously busy with work lately that as soon as I get home I don't want to do anything but sit on the couch and unwind. But it's all cumulating tomorrow morning when I take off for St. Louis (on 9/11! EEP! Ok, I'm not really all that worried). But it'll be fun once I get done with all of the work. ;-)
Alissa and Tony's wedding was fun. For the ceremony we sat on haybales and watched the ceremony. During the prayer, my little cousin Tucker farted so loud and long. I felt sacriligious, but I couldn't keep from laughing. Especially when I saw everyone's shoulders in front of me shaking from their laughter. But it was a beautiful ceremony. And the reception was gorgeous, too. But I didn't expect any less than perfection from Alissa. :) The best man was Jake N., a guy I went to high school with. Clayton M., Justin F., Deanna G., Alison D., Aaron N., Randy D. and a whole bunch of others I went to school were there. I said hi to (made him not able to ignore me) Randy Duxbury. I congratulated him on getting on a billboard, and whatever other small talk we made. By that time I had been drinking enough of the delicious champagne that I really didn't care who I talked to. But it was a good time, and the food was delicious, the weather was beautiful, and everything was perfect. I'm so happy that they got such a wonderful day.
We went to the state fair on Labor day with Andrea. It was a good time, but no one wanted to go on rides with me. :*( I need to find friends who like going on rides!
We went to O'Gara's for a little bit to see Andrea and Jeremy for a little while on Friday. After work on Saturday we headed up to Hinckley. We had rented a movie off of pay-per-view when halfway through, my uncle called asking my dad to come down and help him get Grandpa into the car to rush him to urgent care. Well, they kept him overnight and as of when we left Hinckley, they hadn't figured out what it was.
I had better finish packing since I get to get up at a quarter after 4 this morning. Bleck!
Alissa and Tony's wedding was fun. For the ceremony we sat on haybales and watched the ceremony. During the prayer, my little cousin Tucker farted so loud and long. I felt sacriligious, but I couldn't keep from laughing. Especially when I saw everyone's shoulders in front of me shaking from their laughter. But it was a beautiful ceremony. And the reception was gorgeous, too. But I didn't expect any less than perfection from Alissa. :) The best man was Jake N., a guy I went to high school with. Clayton M., Justin F., Deanna G., Alison D., Aaron N., Randy D. and a whole bunch of others I went to school were there. I said hi to (made him not able to ignore me) Randy Duxbury. I congratulated him on getting on a billboard, and whatever other small talk we made. By that time I had been drinking enough of the delicious champagne that I really didn't care who I talked to. But it was a good time, and the food was delicious, the weather was beautiful, and everything was perfect. I'm so happy that they got such a wonderful day.
We went to the state fair on Labor day with Andrea. It was a good time, but no one wanted to go on rides with me. :*( I need to find friends who like going on rides!
We went to O'Gara's for a little bit to see Andrea and Jeremy for a little while on Friday. After work on Saturday we headed up to Hinckley. We had rented a movie off of pay-per-view when halfway through, my uncle called asking my dad to come down and help him get Grandpa into the car to rush him to urgent care. Well, they kept him overnight and as of when we left Hinckley, they hadn't figured out what it was.
I had better finish packing since I get to get up at a quarter after 4 this morning. Bleck!
Wednesday, August 30
Just had to say...
That this skin is so sweet it makes my teeth ache. I can't wait until I make myself have time to start making my own!!
Random pics...
Me up north @ the cabin.
Dora, of course.
Leanne, Grandma Bliss, and Gloria up nort'.
Sunday, August 20
Whole lotta random things...
So. Where to start? I'll start with my trip to St. Louis for the North Central District's meeting. Yep, I get to go to St. Louis and stay in a hotel for two nights. The fun little catch(es)? We fly out on 9/11, and my flight is on Northwest. Lovely. I don't anticipate anything bad happening, the only thing I'm really worried about is that damn CHAOS thing affecting my flight. That would really really suck. The General Manager's coordinator is counting on my being there. Should be a fun time, though. We're going to go on an Anheuser-Busch tour. They have a really good hospitality meeting at the end, but as most of you know, I have zilch interest in beer. Unless they have something crazy cool or summat.
I was super psyched yesterday (And still am today) - I've managed to lose a dress size! Anita, a friend from work and I have been working out during our lunch hour (most days) and I've been doing weight watchers, which has apparently made a big difference, and has allowed my metabolism to catch up, apparently. Which is freaking awesome. I began at the beginning of August, and told myself that my goal was to lose a dress size by Alissa's wedding - so go me! One goal down, another to go. It just feels *so* good because it's a confirmation that I can actually do this. And it won't kill me. I have begun to realize that this is a lifestyle change and I will be watching what I eat and making sure I exercise for the REST OF MY LIFE which is somewhat daunting, but being overweight is worse. Unfortunately, I have not managed to pick up the rest of my immediate family's 'skinny' genes. Ah, well. There could be worse things.
Got my hair trimmed and highlighed today at Fantastic Sam's. I was somewhat dubious about this, wondering what kind of a job a 'discount' chain could do. I suppose it all comes down to the stylist that you get. At any rate, it looks good! I do really like it. Maybe it's because my hair was mostly my natural blah mousy dark ash-blonde color. But I'm happy with it. Just not happy with the price tag - ouch. Nearly $100. She never asked me if I wanted it blown out or whatnot, which all, of course, comes with a price tag. I just assumed that the price of the shampooing was included in the highlighting due to its intrinsically necessary nature. But no, apparently. But then again, like I told Shaun, we have been spoiled silly by the prices that Shelley had been charging us. Maybe if I went to a Fantastic Sam's in a non-ritzy suburb it might be cheaper, too. Which I am sure is the reason why the prices were unposted upon their website.
Tuesday evening immediately after I get home from work we are leaving for Minocqua, WI for Shaun's annual family vacay. Hopefully the weather will be better than last year's, but as SAD as this sounds, I am going to be bringing my laptop in case it rains or whatnot so that I can do some work. But that's alright, otherwise I'd be bored silly watching everyone play cards. Bleck. Apparently, my in-laws (haha! That still sounds funny to me... :) ) will be taking walks in the mornings, so we are planning on joining them. I need to make sure that even though I do not have an elliptical machine available, I am still getting some activity in my daily repitoire.
This is the part that is kinda fun, but bad - Shaun and I bought a hard plastic ball homemade ice cream maker to have the kids make their own ice cream and then eat it afterwards. We're also going to bring fun toppings and whatnot. Wal-Mart (boo, hiss, I know...) had homemade ice cream mixes where all you had to do was add milk, but that stuff turned out NASTY. So I checked out a book from the library and used their Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream recipe to make some. I was supposed to use vanilla bean pods, but those things were $12/2. So, no. After simmering the sugar, egg yolks, milk and whipping cream together I added a good dash of good-quality vanilla exract and we made it the next night with the ball. That was the BEST vanilla ice cream I have ever had. Even after freezing it it stayed soft. Mmmmm. Delish. So tomorrow night I'm going to make a double batch so that it's all ready to just stick in a cooler and bring up. The book says that as long as it stays refrigerated, the mix will keep a week. So that's perfect. :)
Anyway, hope you all are having a great life. :)
I was super psyched yesterday (And still am today) - I've managed to lose a dress size! Anita, a friend from work and I have been working out during our lunch hour (most days) and I've been doing weight watchers, which has apparently made a big difference, and has allowed my metabolism to catch up, apparently. Which is freaking awesome. I began at the beginning of August, and told myself that my goal was to lose a dress size by Alissa's wedding - so go me! One goal down, another to go. It just feels *so* good because it's a confirmation that I can actually do this. And it won't kill me. I have begun to realize that this is a lifestyle change and I will be watching what I eat and making sure I exercise for the REST OF MY LIFE which is somewhat daunting, but being overweight is worse. Unfortunately, I have not managed to pick up the rest of my immediate family's 'skinny' genes. Ah, well. There could be worse things.
Got my hair trimmed and highlighed today at Fantastic Sam's. I was somewhat dubious about this, wondering what kind of a job a 'discount' chain could do. I suppose it all comes down to the stylist that you get. At any rate, it looks good! I do really like it. Maybe it's because my hair was mostly my natural blah mousy dark ash-blonde color. But I'm happy with it. Just not happy with the price tag - ouch. Nearly $100. She never asked me if I wanted it blown out or whatnot, which all, of course, comes with a price tag. I just assumed that the price of the shampooing was included in the highlighting due to its intrinsically necessary nature. But no, apparently. But then again, like I told Shaun, we have been spoiled silly by the prices that Shelley had been charging us. Maybe if I went to a Fantastic Sam's in a non-ritzy suburb it might be cheaper, too. Which I am sure is the reason why the prices were unposted upon their website.
Tuesday evening immediately after I get home from work we are leaving for Minocqua, WI for Shaun's annual family vacay. Hopefully the weather will be better than last year's, but as SAD as this sounds, I am going to be bringing my laptop in case it rains or whatnot so that I can do some work. But that's alright, otherwise I'd be bored silly watching everyone play cards. Bleck. Apparently, my in-laws (haha! That still sounds funny to me... :) ) will be taking walks in the mornings, so we are planning on joining them. I need to make sure that even though I do not have an elliptical machine available, I am still getting some activity in my daily repitoire.
This is the part that is kinda fun, but bad - Shaun and I bought a hard plastic ball homemade ice cream maker to have the kids make their own ice cream and then eat it afterwards. We're also going to bring fun toppings and whatnot. Wal-Mart (boo, hiss, I know...) had homemade ice cream mixes where all you had to do was add milk, but that stuff turned out NASTY. So I checked out a book from the library and used their Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream recipe to make some. I was supposed to use vanilla bean pods, but those things were $12/2. So, no. After simmering the sugar, egg yolks, milk and whipping cream together I added a good dash of good-quality vanilla exract and we made it the next night with the ball. That was the BEST vanilla ice cream I have ever had. Even after freezing it it stayed soft. Mmmmm. Delish. So tomorrow night I'm going to make a double batch so that it's all ready to just stick in a cooler and bring up. The book says that as long as it stays refrigerated, the mix will keep a week. So that's perfect. :)
Anyway, hope you all are having a great life. :)
Sunday, August 13
OMG!!!
I laughed SO hard at this! The cat on the bed is the funniest one by far, for me. I almost feel bad for some of them, but they did it to themselves. So I decided that you all needed a funny break, too. Warning: Probably a little bit slow to load on dial-up. I've also included the hyperlinks for less pixellated viewing. :)
Edit 8/20/06: I deleted these because I know they were appearing strangely using Firefox, and found it extremely annoying. I know it loads OK in Safari (Mac) but I axed them anyway. You can view them at my myspace, www.myspace.com/zurichaz. Thanks! :D
Edit 8/20/06: I deleted these because I know they were appearing strangely using Firefox, and found it extremely annoying. I know it loads OK in Safari (Mac) but I axed them anyway. You can view them at my myspace, www.myspace.com/zurichaz. Thanks! :D
Thursday, August 10
Why I haven't posted
I was asked today why I haven't posted. I guess it's because I don't feel like I have had a whole lot to say. Most of it is just negative feelings that I don't want to think about more than I really have to. But I'll try to give you guys something decent to read, anyway.
Last weekend Shaun went home to Plymouth to see the Violent Femmes play for free at Bratfest, and also to pick up our camping gear. He had a good time he assured me.
I went home to hang out with my mom and dad, and I brought the little ladies with me. They were their usual cute and charming selves. Saturday was Alissa's bridal shower. There was really good food, and I even won a prize. There was so much noise going on that I could hardly hear myself think so I could hardly hear when Lisa was saying stuff, so she probably thought that I was overzealous (read: obnoxious) butI guess that there wasn't really much I could do about it. I spent a lot of thinking of what to get Alissa and Tony (not just the plain ol boring stuff off of your registry, even though that stuff is fun to get, too!) but something that showed her that I was thinking of her because I couldn't help her out in the same way with her wedding as she did with mine. So I made her a card in a cute little tin, and bought the cutest little colander with strawberries cut into it, and then a couple of pans off of her registry, and Mom got her face cloths cut out of old chenille bedspreads. I also got her a little box with dried flowers epoxied into the top, thinking it'd be a cute little knick knack to fill up some space in that humongous house she has. And that if she hadn't decided what to do with her wedding flowers, well, here was an option. At any rate, it was a nice day had by all.
Sunday we just sat around the house and didn't do much. My brother, Todd and I had lunch @ Tank's. I love their cheeseballs! Then I drove home and discovered that when I sing in the car the kitties have to talk back. So, I stopped singing because their miaowing was driving me crazier than not singing was.
This week we haven't done much, just went grocery shopping. We're hanging around here this weekend to clean the place up. It's irish fest on Harriet Island, maybe we'll go see that, too.
Last weekend Shaun went home to Plymouth to see the Violent Femmes play for free at Bratfest, and also to pick up our camping gear. He had a good time he assured me.
I went home to hang out with my mom and dad, and I brought the little ladies with me. They were their usual cute and charming selves. Saturday was Alissa's bridal shower. There was really good food, and I even won a prize. There was so much noise going on that I could hardly hear myself think so I could hardly hear when Lisa was saying stuff, so she probably thought that I was overzealous (read: obnoxious) butI guess that there wasn't really much I could do about it. I spent a lot of thinking of what to get Alissa and Tony (not just the plain ol boring stuff off of your registry, even though that stuff is fun to get, too!) but something that showed her that I was thinking of her because I couldn't help her out in the same way with her wedding as she did with mine. So I made her a card in a cute little tin, and bought the cutest little colander with strawberries cut into it, and then a couple of pans off of her registry, and Mom got her face cloths cut out of old chenille bedspreads. I also got her a little box with dried flowers epoxied into the top, thinking it'd be a cute little knick knack to fill up some space in that humongous house she has. And that if she hadn't decided what to do with her wedding flowers, well, here was an option. At any rate, it was a nice day had by all.
Sunday we just sat around the house and didn't do much. My brother, Todd and I had lunch @ Tank's. I love their cheeseballs! Then I drove home and discovered that when I sing in the car the kitties have to talk back. So, I stopped singing because their miaowing was driving me crazier than not singing was.
This week we haven't done much, just went grocery shopping. We're hanging around here this weekend to clean the place up. It's irish fest on Harriet Island, maybe we'll go see that, too.
Friday, July 28
Thursday, July 27
Birthday!
So for those of you who didn't know, yesterday was my birthday. Work was SOOO EXCITING (yeah, right.) but the lady who sits across the hall from me in an office found out it was my birthday so when I came back from working out there was confetti all over my desk and she had gotten me a couple of soy candles. I use them for scent - makes my uuugly lil cube so homey!
That night Shaun and I went to eat @ The Cheesecake Factory. The food was more disappointing than I remember, but the bread and appetizer were really good. I passed on the cheesecake, after eating all of that food I felt like it'd be too heavy. Anyway, Shaun handed me a little jewelry box with a ribbon he tied onto it. So I opened it and there was a piece of paper in it with a black and whie Apple logo. I was confused, and gave Shaun the 'confused' look. He said, 'Yes, that does mean what you think...' Well, I wasn't really thinking ANYthing, but it turns out he got me a new laptop!! I am so excited, I love this thing. :D
So now I cannot wait to see it tear through my 3D renderings or opening all of my Illustrator and Photoshop files!!!
That night Shaun and I went to eat @ The Cheesecake Factory. The food was more disappointing than I remember, but the bread and appetizer were really good. I passed on the cheesecake, after eating all of that food I felt like it'd be too heavy. Anyway, Shaun handed me a little jewelry box with a ribbon he tied onto it. So I opened it and there was a piece of paper in it with a black and whie Apple logo. I was confused, and gave Shaun the 'confused' look. He said, 'Yes, that does mean what you think...' Well, I wasn't really thinking ANYthing, but it turns out he got me a new laptop!! I am so excited, I love this thing. :D
*sigh* But I only have 1...
So now I cannot wait to see it tear through my 3D renderings or opening all of my Illustrator and Photoshop files!!!
The Weekend Update
So, as is sooo typical in my life, right after I updated this blog saying 'no plans for this weekend,' BAM! Plans happened. Jen D called to talk. She said that her and Keith were supposed to have gone camping, but that he had decided to do his parent's deck instead and that HAD to get done before it rained, so he'd be busy all weekend. She (kiddingly) asked if we wanted to go camping. I said, 'Sure, where at?' She was shocked I was serious, but Shaun and I had planned on going camping at some point this summer before we forgot to get our camping stuff from his parent's house. So we decided to go to St. Croix out past Hinckley. (It was about the only campground that had any open slots!)
Saturday we all had lunch with my parents at Tank's. It was my first day back on real food. I had been on a liquid detox diet (it sucked, but was worth it) for the previous 13 days. I could only have a few of my cheese balls and half my burger. But that's OK. So the three of us headed out to St. Croix and got registered and the tent set up and whatnot. Jen said that she'd run and scream bloody murder if a bear came into our campground but she really hoped to see a racoon since they are so damn cute. So we went swimming in the St. Croix, and we even got Jen to come out with us. She has a phobia of fish so it was a LOT of work to get her out there. But she did eventually get out there even though she had to splash the entire time to scare away the fish. We played 'pickle in the middle' with a gatorade cap that came floating down the river (bad people, BAD!). That night we had burgers and a few chips, then I had a singular s'more and after that I was stuffed. Shaun and I walked over to go wash off the dinner plates when we heard hysterical screaming. Turns out while Jen had her back to the picnic table a raccoon decided to make a meal of the marshmallows. Jen had heard something and turned around and saw a big shadow so she screamed. Anyway, once she calmed down I had to aim the flashlight at it so she could take pictures of us. It was really not scared of us. That night while sleeping it sounded like we had a bear growling outside our tent, but it was just the guy in the site next to us snoring. VERY VERY LOUDLY. It was sooo annoying. Sunday was no big deal, I opened the world of chocolate chip pancakes to Jen and she loved them. Then we went back to the parent's house and Jen left.
Shaun and my dad changed his oil, and mom and I went to go see Peggy and Rick and Alissa and Tony. Their house is SO NICE!!! It's gorgeous. Too big for me, though to want to keep clean. Oh, well. :) They're happy with it and that's all that matters. Then we came home and didn't do much.
Saturday we all had lunch with my parents at Tank's. It was my first day back on real food. I had been on a liquid detox diet (it sucked, but was worth it) for the previous 13 days. I could only have a few of my cheese balls and half my burger. But that's OK. So the three of us headed out to St. Croix and got registered and the tent set up and whatnot. Jen said that she'd run and scream bloody murder if a bear came into our campground but she really hoped to see a racoon since they are so damn cute. So we went swimming in the St. Croix, and we even got Jen to come out with us. She has a phobia of fish so it was a LOT of work to get her out there. But she did eventually get out there even though she had to splash the entire time to scare away the fish. We played 'pickle in the middle' with a gatorade cap that came floating down the river (bad people, BAD!). That night we had burgers and a few chips, then I had a singular s'more and after that I was stuffed. Shaun and I walked over to go wash off the dinner plates when we heard hysterical screaming. Turns out while Jen had her back to the picnic table a raccoon decided to make a meal of the marshmallows. Jen had heard something and turned around and saw a big shadow so she screamed. Anyway, once she calmed down I had to aim the flashlight at it so she could take pictures of us. It was really not scared of us. That night while sleeping it sounded like we had a bear growling outside our tent, but it was just the guy in the site next to us snoring. VERY VERY LOUDLY. It was sooo annoying. Sunday was no big deal, I opened the world of chocolate chip pancakes to Jen and she loved them. Then we went back to the parent's house and Jen left.
Shaun and my dad changed his oil, and mom and I went to go see Peggy and Rick and Alissa and Tony. Their house is SO NICE!!! It's gorgeous. Too big for me, though to want to keep clean. Oh, well. :) They're happy with it and that's all that matters. Then we came home and didn't do much.
Last weekend and wednesday...
I'll update in a few hours, but let's just say that the weekend was fun and Wednesday was FANTASTIC! :D
Wednesday, July 19
What's new with me
Not a whole heck of a lot. Really. Mostly it's just work and home, work and home. A couple of weekends ago Andrea accompanied me to the Craftstravaganza! at the state fair grounds. I think they should have one of those once a month. It was awesome! It made me so much more inspired to do things with myself. (You know, designing and creating - using my skills that I have honed over the years...) Hopefully my handbag venture with Sarah* will pick up soon. We're still trying to think of a company name (ideas welcome!) and doing sketches.
I started a detox that Sunday. It was hard work, but Saturday I'll be able to eat normal food again. But I have resolved to eat much MUCH better, lots of veggies and fruits. Anita, my friend from work, borrowed me a smoothies book so I am ALL about that. :) Deelish.
Then it was mostly work. Boooring. Last Friday we went to Rob's place in Isanti for a bonfire. It was a lot more boring than it usually was. Andrea came with us to that too, and she was enjoying herself (or at least I hope she was, and wasn't lying) which is good, I felt bad because it was so boring. Saturday we went to Hudson's Arts and Music festival. It was pretty disappointing. The craft fair wasn't too big, and the music part was DEAD. Probably because it was too hot to sit in the sun and watch a band. Sunday we just sat around. Aren't we fun??
This weekend, we have no plans. We'll see if I end up having something interesting to say Monday! ;-)
I started a detox that Sunday. It was hard work, but Saturday I'll be able to eat normal food again. But I have resolved to eat much MUCH better, lots of veggies and fruits. Anita, my friend from work, borrowed me a smoothies book so I am ALL about that. :) Deelish.
Then it was mostly work. Boooring. Last Friday we went to Rob's place in Isanti for a bonfire. It was a lot more boring than it usually was. Andrea came with us to that too, and she was enjoying herself (or at least I hope she was, and wasn't lying) which is good, I felt bad because it was so boring. Saturday we went to Hudson's Arts and Music festival. It was pretty disappointing. The craft fair wasn't too big, and the music part was DEAD. Probably because it was too hot to sit in the sun and watch a band. Sunday we just sat around. Aren't we fun??
This weekend, we have no plans. We'll see if I end up having something interesting to say Monday! ;-)
Thursday, July 6
Tuesday, June 27
The Surgeon General Comes Through...
I'm sorry to all of you smokers out there who read this and become offended, but thankfully someone is aware of the effects of second hand smoke to all of us who choose not to injure ourselves and the ones that we love by smoking. The Surgeon General has published the first new study since 1986 that has proved conclusively that second hand smoke doesn't 'possibly' cause lung cancer, it definitely causes lung cancer. And not only that, it also affects second hand smoke inhalers by contributing to SIDS deaths and heart disease.
As the vice president of national policy and advocacy of the American Lung Association, Paul G. Billings is quoted as saying, "Essentially, the Surgeon General slammed the book on any scientific debate on secondhand smoke. The evidence is clear. Secondhand smoke is harmful and needs to be eliminated." (ScoutNews)
According to ScoutNews, 126 million Americans are exposed to second hand smoke. There are many risks associated with this, with adults being more likely to develop heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmokers, and ear infections, asthma attacks, respiratory problems, ear infections, and not least, SIDS. Secondhand smoke is a known human carcinogen (A substance capable of inducing cancer in an organism) and is composed of more than 50 carcinogens. Living with a smoker increases a nonsmoker's risk of lung cancer and heart disease by 30%, according to the Surgeon General's report.
I know that right now in St. Paul smoking is banned. In Minneapolis, smoking is prohibited in places that serve food. In Bloomington, smoking is banned in public places, including bars and restaurants. Golden Valley has smoking banned in indoor and outdoor areas of eating and drinking establishments and all public areas to 25' from the doors. And it hasn't hurt the economy, according to research done in the areas.
I realize that forcing smokers to be unable to go out and smoke is impinging on their rights to do what they want, but is it fair to be affecting others' health while doing so? While those nonsmokers basically don't have a choice? Is it fair to be asking those nonsmokers to go to other places to avoid smoke when smokers are protesting that exact reason? That smokers are being forced to go other places to smoke? So who is more right here? Who is the law more on the side of? I think that if I had a behavior that was harmful to others I would try to keep that behavior from the others that I could potentially harm. Is it all right to have pregnant women inhaling smoke, only to give birth to a child who then dies of SIDS that attributable to the smoke? I don't think so, and I hope that others do not find this acceptable, either. An innocent life, that hadn't even had a chance to do anything with the gift that they were granted, taken because someone thought that smoking is their right and whoever doesn't like it should just walk away. Not everyone has that choice - like some people in hospitality and tourism. For some of them, that job is their only source of income, and they cannot get any other job.
I am going to wrap up my diatribe now, but I ask of you smokers, please please think of others also. They have just as much right to choose not to smoke as you do to smoke. But is their choice harming your health without your consent?
As the vice president of national policy and advocacy of the American Lung Association, Paul G. Billings is quoted as saying, "Essentially, the Surgeon General slammed the book on any scientific debate on secondhand smoke. The evidence is clear. Secondhand smoke is harmful and needs to be eliminated." (ScoutNews)
According to ScoutNews, 126 million Americans are exposed to second hand smoke. There are many risks associated with this, with adults being more likely to develop heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmokers, and ear infections, asthma attacks, respiratory problems, ear infections, and not least, SIDS. Secondhand smoke is a known human carcinogen (A substance capable of inducing cancer in an organism) and is composed of more than 50 carcinogens. Living with a smoker increases a nonsmoker's risk of lung cancer and heart disease by 30%, according to the Surgeon General's report.
I know that right now in St. Paul smoking is banned. In Minneapolis, smoking is prohibited in places that serve food. In Bloomington, smoking is banned in public places, including bars and restaurants. Golden Valley has smoking banned in indoor and outdoor areas of eating and drinking establishments and all public areas to 25' from the doors. And it hasn't hurt the economy, according to research done in the areas.
I realize that forcing smokers to be unable to go out and smoke is impinging on their rights to do what they want, but is it fair to be affecting others' health while doing so? While those nonsmokers basically don't have a choice? Is it fair to be asking those nonsmokers to go to other places to avoid smoke when smokers are protesting that exact reason? That smokers are being forced to go other places to smoke? So who is more right here? Who is the law more on the side of? I think that if I had a behavior that was harmful to others I would try to keep that behavior from the others that I could potentially harm. Is it all right to have pregnant women inhaling smoke, only to give birth to a child who then dies of SIDS that attributable to the smoke? I don't think so, and I hope that others do not find this acceptable, either. An innocent life, that hadn't even had a chance to do anything with the gift that they were granted, taken because someone thought that smoking is their right and whoever doesn't like it should just walk away. Not everyone has that choice - like some people in hospitality and tourism. For some of them, that job is their only source of income, and they cannot get any other job.
I am going to wrap up my diatribe now, but I ask of you smokers, please please think of others also. They have just as much right to choose not to smoke as you do to smoke. But is their choice harming your health without your consent?
Tuesday, June 20
Saturday, June 17
Hi, y'all
Well, the biggest news is that we are in the market for a new car, as most of you know. It'll take a minimum of $1,400 to fix it to make it safe to drive. Apparently, Shaun's wheels are thisclose to seizing due to bad wheel bearings. So it's basically not safe to drive. We're mostly looking at Subaru Impreza WRX wagons. They're cute and pretty zippy; they have turbos. Oh, and it HAS to be a stick. If we get one of these, Shaun'll probably be talked into doing the autocross next year. I'm not too sure about that. Just what I want to be paying for is replacing tires all the time. No thanks.
Last weekend was Shaun's company picnic @ Valleyfair. We ended up walking across 101 because we didn't want to have to pay $8 since we weren't going to the park. We left immediately after that (which is good we didn't stay, it started raining as soon as we got into Shakopee) and went to Osceola, WI to watch some of Shaun's friends wakeboarding. Did it mention it was like, 50-odd degrees and sprinkling every so often? That night we went to Rob's friend Brad's housewarming party in North Branch, MN. It was a pretty good time. But Shaun was tired so we left to 'go sleep in our own bed'. More like the car seat. ;-) And then we did absolutely nothing all day Sunday.
Today we're hoping to go to Rob's cabin and then see my family tomorrow. Well, my mom and maybe brother at any rate. My dad's working in South Dakota. So I won't get to see him on Father's day. Oh, well. We're pretty used to that.
It rained like crazy here last night, all I could think about was my friend Anita's leaky ceiling. It leaked Memorial day weekend and they told their landlord about it but nothing happened, then on Wed night it rained (and leaked) again so she called and their landlord said that they'd let them out of their lease. So I'm hoping that their stuff is alright after the downpour.
Sorry there aren't any pictures, but there should be some coming soon! :)
Edit: I didn't mean to imply anything suggestive with the 'our own bed; opart. It's just that that's the reason why Shaun wanted to go home, then ended up falling asleep in the car.
Last weekend was Shaun's company picnic @ Valleyfair. We ended up walking across 101 because we didn't want to have to pay $8 since we weren't going to the park. We left immediately after that (which is good we didn't stay, it started raining as soon as we got into Shakopee) and went to Osceola, WI to watch some of Shaun's friends wakeboarding. Did it mention it was like, 50-odd degrees and sprinkling every so often? That night we went to Rob's friend Brad's housewarming party in North Branch, MN. It was a pretty good time. But Shaun was tired so we left to 'go sleep in our own bed'. More like the car seat. ;-) And then we did absolutely nothing all day Sunday.
Today we're hoping to go to Rob's cabin and then see my family tomorrow. Well, my mom and maybe brother at any rate. My dad's working in South Dakota. So I won't get to see him on Father's day. Oh, well. We're pretty used to that.
It rained like crazy here last night, all I could think about was my friend Anita's leaky ceiling. It leaked Memorial day weekend and they told their landlord about it but nothing happened, then on Wed night it rained (and leaked) again so she called and their landlord said that they'd let them out of their lease. So I'm hoping that their stuff is alright after the downpour.
Sorry there aren't any pictures, but there should be some coming soon! :)
Edit: I didn't mean to imply anything suggestive with the 'our own bed; opart. It's just that that's the reason why Shaun wanted to go home, then ended up falling asleep in the car.
Thursday, June 8
I know, I know. I'm not doing good at keeping this up...
Memorial day weekend was nice, we brought the kitties up to my parent's house and let them run wild. Etta will actually stay in the same room as them now. My dad ended up coming home from Louisiana, so that was nice to see him again! We hung out at Rob's cabin a lot, just chilling on the pontoon. :) Monday sucked though when we got home - Shaun's (when purchased) $300 bike was stolen. We looked at our deductible for our renter's insurance and it's $250. So it wasn't even worth reporting or anything for no $ and upped premimums. That kinda put a damper on it all, but it sure was nice seeing Jen D and Jen L! :)
Last weekend we thought that we had absolutely no plans, but the weekend ended up getting booked up Friday. Friday night we went to see 'The Breakup,' which was eerily like our relationship. But I hated the ending of the movie.
Saturday we went to Kohl's and got a blender, and then Sarah* and I went to the Edina art fair. I think while we were there we decided to open up a handbag business, so if you want a cute handbag, get a hold of us in a month or two. ;-) For friends, we might even make custom orders. I loved it so much (and didn't get to buy anything) that I decided I'd drag Shaun with the next day. That night we went to Old Chicago in Minneapolis and met up with Rob, Andrea, and her friend Danica. We were there for less than 5 minutes when some guy walked up to me and said, 'Hey! Come give my friend a kiss on the cheek. He's a bachelor!' Inside, I was thinking, 'Why me?' but I decided to be nice and went. When he saw me, he was like, 'Oh, man guys!! Oh, man!' SOOO that makes me wonder if it had something to do with my size. I doubt it was because I was knock dead gorgeous. It just makes me realize how judgemental people are and want me to be less like that. Danica wasn't into dancing, even though Rob kept trying to get her to (he was in a pub crawl that day; he'd been drinking since 1:30pm and this was about 11pm). So we went to a bar called 'The Lodge' and I just started dancing like I didn't care. I did and didn't. But I was hoping to make Danica feel more comfortable.
On Sunday we went to see Shaun's work friends Dan and Jason and Dan's roomate Louis do an autocross. Then we went to the Edina art fair, where Shaun realized he had lost his wallet. We decided it was in either my car or the shuttle bus we took. Well, it wasn't in either. We left as soon as he realized he didn't have it because what fun is it to be with someone who's worried about their wallet/purse? That was a bummer. After that we went to Hyland to watch the pro disc golf tour that was there. Can you believe that there are disc golf groupies?!?! There are. They're 30-40 years old, too. I think they're reliving their hair band groupie days. Anyway, I had HORRID blisters from the shoes I wore the night before so I hobbled everywhere. We decided it was too hot so we came home and chilled.
We don't really have any plans this weekend beyond Shaun's company picnic early Sat afternoon. We'll see how that goes, it's supposed to rain.
Edit: Jean pointed this out to me - I forgot to include whether Shaun found his wallet. Yes, he did. When we got home. It was in his shorts from the night before. :p So he ruined my second fun trip to the art fair. I won't even start on what he did when he 'lost' the laundry card monday night......
Last weekend we thought that we had absolutely no plans, but the weekend ended up getting booked up Friday. Friday night we went to see 'The Breakup,' which was eerily like our relationship. But I hated the ending of the movie.
Saturday we went to Kohl's and got a blender, and then Sarah* and I went to the Edina art fair. I think while we were there we decided to open up a handbag business, so if you want a cute handbag, get a hold of us in a month or two. ;-) For friends, we might even make custom orders. I loved it so much (and didn't get to buy anything) that I decided I'd drag Shaun with the next day. That night we went to Old Chicago in Minneapolis and met up with Rob, Andrea, and her friend Danica. We were there for less than 5 minutes when some guy walked up to me and said, 'Hey! Come give my friend a kiss on the cheek. He's a bachelor!' Inside, I was thinking, 'Why me?' but I decided to be nice and went. When he saw me, he was like, 'Oh, man guys!! Oh, man!' SOOO that makes me wonder if it had something to do with my size. I doubt it was because I was knock dead gorgeous. It just makes me realize how judgemental people are and want me to be less like that. Danica wasn't into dancing, even though Rob kept trying to get her to (he was in a pub crawl that day; he'd been drinking since 1:30pm and this was about 11pm). So we went to a bar called 'The Lodge' and I just started dancing like I didn't care. I did and didn't. But I was hoping to make Danica feel more comfortable.
On Sunday we went to see Shaun's work friends Dan and Jason and Dan's roomate Louis do an autocross. Then we went to the Edina art fair, where Shaun realized he had lost his wallet. We decided it was in either my car or the shuttle bus we took. Well, it wasn't in either. We left as soon as he realized he didn't have it because what fun is it to be with someone who's worried about their wallet/purse? That was a bummer. After that we went to Hyland to watch the pro disc golf tour that was there. Can you believe that there are disc golf groupies?!?! There are. They're 30-40 years old, too. I think they're reliving their hair band groupie days. Anyway, I had HORRID blisters from the shoes I wore the night before so I hobbled everywhere. We decided it was too hot so we came home and chilled.
We don't really have any plans this weekend beyond Shaun's company picnic early Sat afternoon. We'll see how that goes, it's supposed to rain.
Edit: Jean pointed this out to me - I forgot to include whether Shaun found his wallet. Yes, he did. When we got home. It was in his shorts from the night before. :p So he ruined my second fun trip to the art fair. I won't even start on what he did when he 'lost' the laundry card monday night......
Thursday, May 25
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