Aunti Emi's going Blogging

A few Honda photos

2008-08-30T12:50:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from the Honda website of my car. :)

New car, new school, same job...oh my

2008-08-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

This post is sure to be "short and sweet" as I have been remiss in my postings...especially since I got a new car.

Here's the history on my car:
Bought brand new, took delivery on Tuesday August 19th in the evening (23.8 miles on it). Two of the most wonderful men on earth who helped with this process (Otherwise known as Phil and Nels) accompanied me to the delivery. While the process took very little time, and I do work at a car dealer so I had some idea what to expect...I found myself incredibly overwhelmed. There were questions about extended warranty that I hadn't thought about, there were questions about my satisfaction with the shape of the car that I couldn't answer (let alone remember to do much besides to breathe).

I "inspected" the car for damage, scratches, and the like and thought that everything looked good. I got the tour of the dealership which I won't be utilizing very often because it's in White Bear Lake, and I'm in Minnetonka. (If you think of a square, I'm on the bottom left in Minnetonka, they are on the top right in White Bear Lake - and no, there isn't a diagonal highway to get me there any faster).

We picked up the trunk liner and the all season floor mats from parts, and while Phil and Nels installed them for me (also taking the proverbial "fine tooth comb" to the car), I was getting an introduction to the owners manual, etc. Turns out there is a very minor scratch on the front chrome plate near the Honda logo that is being replaced. I just have to wait for confirmation that the part is in so that I can haul back up to White Bear Lake and get a loaner car while they do the work...

We finished up about 7 something and we were off!

The things I didn't learn that I had to figure out were how to work the windshield wipers as they are not the same as in the Camry and what on earth D3 is...(Hint, it's not good to be in D3 when driving down the highway). Basically, it's 3rd gear..

I have since gone about my normal life (parking as far away from other cars as humanly possible) and managed to make it all the way to Thursday night, August 28th before I had to gas up my car! (Yes, that's 9 days) I'm so excited, I can hardly tell you!!! My next suprise came when I filled up with gas at the gas station and it went really fast... Note to self: 11 gallons takes less time to pump than 16 gallons...and costs less too! (Gassed up at 340 miles)

I've had the car for 11 days, I still love it beyond what is reasonable, my plates have arrived at the dealer, and my parents come in town tomorrow.

Our plans:
Sunday is dinner and play time with the Hannemann's, Monday is the Renesance festival (in the 90 degree heat - I remember working through that...yuk). Tuesday is back to SV to work, Tuesday night with the rents, Wednesday to SV, lunch with the rents, Wednesday night at Borton, Thursday at SV (Toastmasters at 11:30), Thursday night with the rents, Friday back to SV for 1/2 day. 11:30 am - I'm outta there headed to the lake to take a boat cruise with Kristine Smyth, family, and bridal party. Saturday is Kristine's wedding (I'm so excited)...and Mom and Dad leave on Sunday...whew!

Of that time - I'll be working on stuff for school, helping Dad scotch guard my car, knitting, and trying to balance everything else I have going on in the near to late future...

I continue to hunt for another job to no avail - yet. I'm still knitting (finally picked it back up after way way way too long). I'm working on the last piece of a baby sweater for one of the gals at work. Lot's of fun, really easy.

P.S. Have I mentioned how many weddings and babies I know and/or are attending between now and March?? 3 weddings, 6 babies...

And now for the photos. I have a few more on my phone that I'll try to upload...

Saints Game Photos

2008-08-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of photos from the Saints game Friday night. The boys and I had so much fun!!! Tassy and Adam did too, I think...(they're parents, they don't count...) ;)

Max will tell you he wasn't tired, just giving me a hug... Alex watching intently...for 5 minutes
Even Nick was interested in what was going on...or maybe it was the popcorn that the guy in front of us had in his hand...

New car, meet everyone - Everyone, meet my new car

2008-08-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read correctly! I have officially purchased my very first car! (I sign papers, etc on Tuesday evening).
Before you start thinking about all the other cars that I've had since I started driving...
1984 Chevy Celebrity (Navy Blue, handed down from Grandpa)
1987 Chevy Blazer (Navy Blue, handed down from Dad) P.S. this one was and still is my favorite
19?? Chevy ?? (Light Blue - nicknamed "The Tank", handed down from Grandpa)
1993 Toyota Camry (Dark Green, handed down from Mom)
This brings us to current. Here she is!!! Please pay extra special attention to the mileage that is listed at time of purchase...it's amazing! I've never seen that before on a car.

I didn't drop off the face of the planet..I've just been busy

2008-08-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

Since I wrote to you last...I have been working, purchasing bridesmaid's dresses, making wedding invitations, search for a car, and trying to keep up with the rest of my life.

What I haven't done is advance any of my knitting, clean my house (beyond the top layer of stuff), apply for scholarships for school, purchased a car, or any number of other tasks that are on my list. I spent

Thursday night with Max and Nick so that Tassy and Adam could take Alex school shopping for the first time (bittersweet really...Alex is growing up). We had so much fun that I can't wait to do it again.

My car - I have decided on a 2007/2008 Honda Civic EX, 4 doors, Automatic in either Blue or Grey. No silver, no beige, and because I actually want my sister (the cop) to keep talking to me, no red. Dad suggests no black, and I don't want white...which leaves pretty slim pickings... Green is good, Blue is good, Grey is good...

I have also been keeping really busy at Supervalu trying to keep up with all the work and all the changes. There is more going on than I realize and pay attention to. Oy vey...

Guess what?!?!?!? Adam found the games on my laptop that Vista hides (don't tell Mom and Dad...my laptop is supposed to be for school).

In other randomness...I was browsing some of my old e-mails, blogs, and cds and came accross a few pics that I am posting, more for the heck of it than anything. Keep in mind, these aren't in any sort of order..they're just jumbled.

Updates

2008-07-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Long time no chat everyone! Here are a few updates for you all.

First - Happy 3rd Birthday to Max!!!! I love you sooooo much and love to watch you grow. I look forward to many more birthdays (hopefully not all will be filled with bugs...)

Second - The car hunt is still underway and I'm finding out that I have a more detailed list of wants than I originally believed.

Third - I have been accepted into graduate school and am on the hunt for financial aid to help me pay for it...ugh

That's it for now...hope to chat with you all soon!

A night with Alex

2008-06-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

Employee Appreciation Day's are really nice...and my latest was no exception. I got a half day off from Supervalu, and got tickets to the Saint Paul Saints game. I decided to take Alex. Needless to say, he had a blast!!! We played in the play area, ate junk food, and had a wonderful time. I will be posting pictures soon.

In addition to that (which was the 20th of June); I got tickets (through Supervalu) to the U.S. Women's Open. I went to that on the 24th of June. I got to see all kinds of Pro Golfers and even got to sit in the club house and cool off from the hot weater. I am celebrating my birthday today by relaxing and playing in the pool. Presents included some Blue Agave pre-mixed margaritas from Mom and Dad, a windbreaker jacket, and the grand finale - a laptop (from which I am posting this message). It's one of the best presents ever!!! Pictures to come soon from all adventures.

Oh yeah, one more thing...I have decided against getting the Corolla. I will be pursuing a 2007 - 2008 Honda Civic. Can't wait for car shopping to wrap up now that I have chosen a car. Just thought you all would like to have an update.

I'm getting a new car!!!

2008-06-10T15:28:00.002-07:00

Ok, well it won't be for a little while yet, but before September...I'll be the proud new owner of this... a 2009 Toyota Corolla S

I'm soooo excited!! I still have yet to drive the Honda Civic so let's not get too excited that this is the car...but so far....
As I said, it's not for a little while, and I still have one more car to try...but if the Honda doesn't blow me out of the water... Here's my new baby!!! Color and everything.

Thanks to Mom and Dad for helping me finance the car!!! I couldn't have done it without you! :)

Oh, what a beautiful morning...

2008-06-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

Before I break out in song today...let me tell you all about my morning.

Also, before I begin, let me "throw out there" that I am certainly not "complaining" or "venting", but am instead sharing an experience so that you all can be more informed should you find yourselves in this same situation.

My morning started off really smooth...I woke up at 5:45 with my alarm, jumped in the shower, got to work by 6:50 and worked solid until 8:15, when I was scheduled to leave to attend a Toastmasters function.

I arrived at said Toastmasters function, which was really hosting a group of 6 people as they learned how to become better speakers and presenters. It was sooo much fun, and I got to learn a lot about these wonderful people who all work out in SuperValu-land. I was inspired to laugh about stressful times to help you get through, to volunteer helping children in need, to climb a 14-eer (14,000 foot mountain); be cautious about drinking, acknowledge that when following your pasion, you never know when you'll get the chance to meet your hero, and that every piece of recycling that I do helps out a little bit!

These people were fantastic!!! Most of them had no prior speaking experience, but I feel that the feedback that they were giving to each other was outstanding! I cannot tell you enuogh wonderful things about these participants, and can only ask that I am allowed to be included the next time that this kind of experience rolls around.

Following this, I headed to the gas station to fill my car which was bordering on empty...(oops). Filled up with gas. Nothing...no engine...no starting...no power... HOLY #)%(U$!!!!!! The kind man working at the gas station brought his car over to jumpstart mine, and I got out of the parking lot, into the turn lane to head toward my mechanic's shop (which I'm figuring is the safest place to be) - stop for the red light. DEAD! Completely and truly dead!

Again, HOLY #)($&!!! Next step after the initial freak out and waving people around me is to call the mechanic. Now, I ask you...do I really have any idea what I expect him to do?? No. But I figure that I have no idea WHAT to do, so I call him. He says that if I can hold tight for 10 - 15 minutes that he'll come out and jump the car and get us both back to the shop.

He comes to the rescue 15 - 20 minutes later with 2 batteries in his trunk along with the jumper box. Jumps the car, leaves the jumper box attached and drives my car - backwards - into the parking lot of the gas station. In a calming voice, he tells me that if I feel comfortable, that I can drive his car into the parking lot (yeah, like that's going to happen, my adrenaline is running so high, I don't trust myself to do much besides breathe...even that's a task at this point). Next step, change the battery - test to validate that it was indeed the battery and not the alternator.

Works like a dream, get back to the shop, he tops off the fluids in my car, changes a burnt out bulb, and I get to go back to work. I arrive at work with a wallet that now has less money than before, and at 12:15... So much for 10:30.

The rest of the afternoon was fairly uneventful considering the mornings adventure. This is one morning I don't care to repeat.

So...how was your morning???

A wonderful weekend

2008-06-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Schooner Days! Schooner Days! Schooner Days!!! Each year on the last weekend in May/first weekend in June, the Eden Prairie Lions' Club hosts a carnival named Schooner Days. The carnival consists of rides for kids, games, lots and lots of food, as well as a giant tent for Bingo. I remember being a kid and going to Schooner Days with my parents and always had a great time.

My very first (and only) goldfish was won at Schooner Days (her name was Rosie). I remember having so much fun riding rides, and eating cotton candy and mini donuts (which have gotten spendy at $3.50 and $4.00 per bag, respectively). I always remember that my Dad would volunteer (he was a fireman), and Mom and I would come down to see him. We'd have hot dogs and then they would play bingo.

This is how I remember Schooner Days...I'm sure that if you asked my parents...the story would be somewhat different. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed playing bingo and the atmosphere of the weekend couldn't be beat! Every year since I have been back home (2004), I have been meaning to go to Schooner Days. This year, I finally made it!!! I brought my friends Tassy, Adam, and their 3 boys (Alex - 5, Max - 2, and Nick - 1), and my roommate Lisa. We all had fun, the two older boys rode rides, and we had a picnic in the soccer fields of the high school who shares the parking lot.

I have to admit that Schooner Days is much smaller than I remember it being, but I suppose that's what happens when you grow up. To complete our day, we headed back to Tassy and Adam's house where we taught Alex how to play spoons while the little ones slept. Talk about fun! Try playing spoons with a 5 year old...sober... I rounded out my evening with Tassy and Adam by playing Mariokart on the Wii with their boys and going back to Schooner Days to play bingo with Tassy.

It is still just as popular as I remember it being, but the people are so much younger than I remember... Such was my Saturday! Sunday was pretty low key with the spring purging occuring.

That's it from this end! I leave you with pictures from Kaity's visit to the Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia. She's still doing well in school, getting to get out and do more this semester. Sister night isn't the same without her, but she's having the experience of a lifetime.

One of those days

2008-05-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

I am trying really, really hard not to let this blog become my personal venting space, but seriously!

If you didn't know me better, you'd wonder what color my roots really are (no offense to the blondies out there). Yesterday and today have been two of those days when you have to wonder how I get through the day...

Yesterday...didn't check the weather, wore a short sleeved shirt to work with my pants. Not a big deal, right??? Wrong...cloudy, cold, rainy...I was freezing!!! Today...checked the weather, partly cloudy, high of 62-67 degrees. So, I planned for Supervalu to turn the air on seeing that it would be "warm" outside. Little did I know...they didn't...I was very warm...

I can't win for losing. Can't dress correctly for any of the weather! Ugh.

That's it for now...hope you all have a better day than I've had.

It may be Monday, but it sure felt like Thursday...

2008-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I got together with a dear friend of mine (Becca) who is getting married in October. I love her to pieces, and we spent a few hours together at her dress fitting as well as stopping to look for bridesmaids dresses...no luck there, oh well. What I did get was all of her invitations die cut, the last of the paper for invites purchased...and now all I have left is programs and gift bags.

For those of you who are confused...I'm designing and making the invitations, Thank you cards, programs, and thank you bags. It is more scrapbook-ish and I love doing it!!!

Roads were closed...it's Minnesota... The plans for this week are very small...work on invitations, etc., read my book, work, work, work, and on Friday...Nels and I get to go car shopping!!! I'm sooo excited.

More to come later!

I did it!!!

2008-05-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

I did it!!!

I applied for admission into Graduate School at Roosevelt University. Acceptance aside, I still have to wait for them to get my transcripts from Western, and for the department to get my "goal statement".

So, if the stars align, and the moon is full, and the wind is just right...I'll get accepted in time to start classes in the fall at which point, I'll be taking 1-2 classes at a time throughout Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The longer option (1 class/semester) will have me graduating Friday, May 11, 2012. Mark your calendars and consider this your advanced notice.

On to the details: I am/will be pursuing a Master of Arts in Training and Development. Roosevelt University is based in Chicago, with a campus in Schaumburg, IL. They offer 1 certificate, 1 Bachelor's, and 1 Master's degree online. I would be taking the same classes, taught by the same professors as the students in Chicago, but without the moving.

In the meanwhile, I'm putting the final touches on the "goal statement" - aka Cover Letter, which is used to help weed out the Education majors who want to teach in schools...this degree is not for that. Transcripts need to be ordered (something that I hope to do tomorrow), and I need to wait (with patience) for more details from the school.

So...6 months and 11 days later...

2008-04-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

I warned you last time that I wasn't going to be the best at updating this blog...

Here's the rundown of the past 6 months...

I worked. I worked. I worked.

Sad, I realize... Other than work...let's recap in some kind of chronological order.

October:
-Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad!!!
-Happy Anniversary to Misty and Nathan!
(I just know I'm forgetting something)
-Started working at Borton Volvo (see last post)
-Getting settled into the new work building
-Went to a bridal shower for Kelly
-Went to the Twin Cities Knit Out (I know, wild and crazy)

November:
-Thanksgiving with the Clark's in Red Wing (what a blast that was)
-Hair Care AND Color reset at work ($*%& on earth...let me tell you)

December:
-Christmas with Mom and Dad (stay tuned for the story on that one)
-Started thinking about the next Kreigoblemeyer Bash
-Katy gets ENGAGED!!!

January:
-Happy 1 year anniversary with Supervalu (rumor has it, I am supposed to get a pin)
-Kelly and How get married!
-Get ready for Kaity to go to Australia

February:
-Tassy's boys start spreading "the cold"
-Sadly, I resigned from my Bible study for the remainder of the academic year. Thursday nights were becoming to consumed with work and as it is the only night I can stay late....well...you get the point

March:
-Tassy's boys continue spreading "the cold" (I am no longer allowed to spend time with them until I am fully healed...cold, sinus infection, cold...)
-It snows
-Start talking about graduate school...the search continues

April:
-It snows
-My boss leaves the company
-I make a decision on Graduate school and am applying (Roosevelt University Masters of Training and Development - all online. Random: it's the only Masters program offered online)
-Find out that the Dad of one of Lisa's clients is quite possibly one of the greatest Celtic rock musicians I have ever heard! I'm hooked!
-Finally purchased an adapter that will plug my Sansa into my car so I can listen to all my wonderful music
-The TV dies...(never would I think that I was so attached, or that I could become so happy without - even if I did miss the noise and the ability to have a weekend movie fest)
-Go to Eau Clair for a book signing by Meg Swanson (and shopping at Yellow Dog Knits of course)

I'm sure that I have forgotten plenty that has happened in that time because it just doesn't seem possible that I could have remembered everything...I mean I'm good, but not THAT good.

And now...for the long awaited story about my Christmas Vacation...(take a bathroom break now, you'll be laughing pretty hard)

It all started on December 21st...a Friday. By all reasonable purposes, a great day! I have worked extra this week to leave early on Friday, and I have already packed so that when Lisa picks me up to go to the airport...we can drive and go!

Here ends the perfect plan for the "perfect vacation". I arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in (more than plenty as it turns out). I know that I have left lots of work hanging, but due to the tight time schedule, I just wasn't able to get through it all and despite that I had asked multiple times to get a laptop to take along and do the work... one was not granted to me. Make no mistake, I brought plenty of work along with me to get done as soon as I get to DFW to see my family as I'm going to spend a few hours...get my work done, and start Saturday AM with a clean slate and a great vacation.

Enter hurdle #1: My flight from Minneapolis to Milwaukee has been delayed, as has the flight in front of ours. I am going to keep a positive attitude here because, even when we leave 45-60 minutes late, as they speculate we will...I will still be able to meet my connection from Milwaukee to Dallas as the gate is not far away. A couple of phone calls from work with questions handled. I assure them that I'll be in Dallas that night, and will handle any emergencies and they'll be ready to rock and roll on Monday.

Enter hurdle #2: Flight leaves late. I still have plenty of time to get to my connection...and I fall asleep on the plane. When I wake up (feeling refreshed), I wonder what time it is and why on earth we haven't landed. Minneapolis to Milwaukee is a 45 minute flight! SUPRISE!!!!!!! It's foggy. We are currently circling the Milwaukee airport in hopes that the fog will clear and we'll be able to land. We can't. We do this for about 45 minutes and get a message from the pilot that after circling, we're going to head out to Madison where it's less foggy and we should be able to land. It's foggy in Madison too! :) I'm maintaining a positive attitude here... if I got delayed getting into Milwaukee...I can still catch a connection to get to DFW (even if it is in the middle of the night).

Enter hurdle #3: As we circle Madison, our fearless pilot tells us that if we can't land in Madison, that the air traffic controllers are recommending that we head for Detroit. :) Certainly, it's not as foggy in Detroit. We continue to circle Madison and find out that the fog has barely left Madison so that we can land, but that we have no hope for Detroit. So we land. And we sit and wait. And wait...and wait. One of the passengers on the flight is an off duty pilot who jumps right in and gives the flight attendants a hand passing out more beverages and cookies as we wait for instructions. He occupies children who are getting restless, he answers questions from pesky people who want to know when they'll get to Milwaukee...and is an all around Boy Scout! I couldn't thank him enough for all of the work that he did that day.

Enter hurdle #4: Now that we have landed, and there are 2 planes to our right who landed before us, and countless planes behind us who have landed... we need to figure out a way to Milwaukee. Normally, about a 45-1:15 minute drive from Madison. Unfortunately for us, we can't fly and the busses that the airlines have contacted need time to get to us, get us to Milwaukee, and come back for the next round of people.

By this time, the pilot has told us that we'll be boarding a bus once the planes to our right have de-planed (yes, that is the technical term). A few passengers offer to de-board in Madison as it's they're final destination. Some of us (namely me) sit and hope that the fog will clear and we can fly on to Milwaukee, I can hop a plane for Dallas, and if I don't get my luggage until New Years... I simply don't care! (Yes - most of you have guessed that ALL the gifts are in the checked luggage, but come on! My family will understand and they'll be happy enough to see me that they won't care...I hope).

After 90 minutes of waiting...we are told that if we would like to stay on the plane, Milwaukee flight control has just cleared us for landing! :) We can stay on the plane, with the luggage, and fly to Milwaukee!!! Please keep in mind that being the "wonderful" daughter that I am...I have been in constant contact with my family keeping them apprised of all the latest developments. I choose to add in here that it's 9:30 and I'm starving!!!!

Enter hurdle #5: After landing in Milwaukee at 10:30 PM, the passengers of my flight are told that we should wait at the ticket counter to the left of our gate and attendants will be by shortly to arrange new flights for all of us (since the airport is CLOSED). I am near the front of the line (#2 to be exact) and meet with a lovely young lady who totally understands my ordeal. Bless her! This same wonderful young lady tells me that the ONLY way I'm going to get to Dallas is if I stay overnight (for which I get a $10 food voucher for any airport food and a hotel voucher). I politely tell her that if it has a bed and a pillow, I won't be picky.

She gives me a voucher for the Super 8 (I am guaranteed that it is the only hotel left in Milwaukee with a shuttle and available rooms - I find out later, there was another choice). I am scheduled to leave at 3:45pm the following day. The attendant gets me all checked in and hands me the boarding pass and vouchers and bids me farewell (all i have to do when arriving back at the airport is check my bags). Needless to say, when you're stuck on a plane for 6 hours, you get to know the people who sat near you. I got to meet a lovely woman and her daughter (age 6). We all treck to baggage claim where we retrieve luggage and head off to the shuttle waiting area to get some much needed food and sleep. Denny's for dinner then bed (at 1 am)! A hotel manager who understands I have gotten stuck, has offered to let me check out late (1 pm). A wonderful nights sleep follows.

Enter hurdle #6: It's still foggy. As I stand at the counter checking out of my hotel room I meet a family who's flight has been cancelled due to fog. I am now praying for all that I'm worth that I can get out of town. Get to the airport in "plenty of time" for my flight. Make the mistake of looking at the flight boards and find out that 80% of flights have been cancelled. Mine, luckily, only says "Delayed". Delayed I can handle.

I get to the counter after waiting in line for 45 minutes, the ticket agent tells me that my flight is delayed in Kansas City due to the snow, and they'll be deciding on whether or not to cancel the flight in 30 minutes. Do I want to wait for my flight?? Or do I want to go ahead and book on the next available flight?? (Quick...seats are filling fast...there's only 1 left and it's for tomorrow morning). "I'll take my chances on this one, thanks! If I get to the gate and they cancel, the agents there can find me another flight, right??" "Yes, ma'am. I'll go ahead and print your luggage...wait...I'm sorry, your flight has just been cancelled. May I book you on that flight for tomorrow morning now??" "I'm sorry, tomorrow morning?? Are you sure there aren't ANY other flights?? Are there flights going anywhere near Dallas?? Can I get to Chicago?? Can I get back to Minneapolis?? Can I get ANYWHERE???" "No ma'am, I'm sorry. The airport is closing. The best I can offer is the flight tomorrow morning." "Ok, thanks. I'm sorry to get so upset, it's now the 22nd and I'm just trying to get home for Christmas." Get booked for tomorrow morning(Sunday...by the way.) "Is there any chance I can get another hotel voucher as this is the second day I've been stuck in Milwaukee??" "No ma'am, I'm not allowed to give any more vouchers out, but I do have this pink slip. It's the (something, something) stranded traveler discount phone number. "

I call the number, I have my boarding pass for tomorrow AM...and I have my luggage... What the number can offer as it turns out is the La Quinta for $69/night, the Wyndham for $79/night, or something else for $89/night. I decide on the La Quinta, until the gentleman on the phone informs me that the Wyndham has a bar. I am now set that if I'm going to be stuck again, then I'm going to get the hotel bar! The Wyndham it is!! Off I shuttle to the hotel, check in, settle in, talk to my folks...and after a brief spot of relaxation in my room (which is hard to find, but beautiful and luxurious inside), I head to the bar. Let's be honest about this...

A night at the bar, some dinner, the company of fellow stranded travelers (all of whom are so nice!!!), I'm off to bed and dead asleep by 8:30pm. Here's the funny thing about going to sleep in with the help of a few cocktails, I was WIDE awake at 5:00 am. I really wish I was kidding. I get showered, I watch the morning news (including the weather). I have coffee from the in-room pot. I pack up, and am ready to go! Catch the shuttle, check in, check bags...looking good.

At last! I'm at the gate, I'm waiting...I'm hearing rumors of the flight being delayed because of weather in another part of the country. I'm trying desperately to stay positive. Continue phone calls with Mom and Dad...and at long last, I get on the plane. I relax...and just before 11:30 am, I arrive in Dallas. I have never, ever, ever, been so happy to get to Dallas.

The rest of my vacation was a piece of cake! My family vows NEVER to bother with connections around the holidays again, even if it does save money.

See?? I told you that you'd be laughing! You're glad it didn't happen to you and are wondering if there was anything else that could possibly go wrong.

Till next time! :)

Saturday Morning Update

2007-10-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Someday, I will be the kind of blogger who regularly updates their blog...but until then, you all will have to love me for who I am ( ;) ). So I realize that last time (almost a full month ago), I said that September would be busy. And it was. Here's the rundown:

Happy Birthdays: (Not in date order)
Tassy, Alex, Katy, Lisa

Happy Anniversary: (also not in date order)
Tassy and Adam, Becky and Derek

Told you it was busy! On the 29th, Alex and I got to spend the day together and went to see Schoolhouse Rock Live, and it truly was a blast! We had lunch together, saw the show, and ended our afternoon with some play time at Edinborough Park with Mom, Dad, and the brothers. It was such a great afternoon - I can't tell which of us had more fun. Also happening in September was the engagement of my dear friend Chris to his long time girlfriend Kate. Congratulations you two! I wish you a lifetime of happiness and great vacations! :)

As of October 1, I am officially employed by Borton Volvo in Minneapolis. I get to sit with beautiful new cars Monday-Wednesday evenings from 5-8pm and every other Saturday from 8:30-5:00pm. I answer phones and help people pick up their cars from service. I am still learning more and more about Volvo, but so far, I like what I hear.

This new adventure also means that I am occupied with events Monday - Thursday evenings, so as you can imagine, by the time Friday rolls around, I am pretty tired. The idea that I would be all kinds of motivated and clean my house was kind of a joke, although I am happy to report that I did make progress.

Knitting Update: I am still working on my colorwork scarf, hat, glove set for Tassy (and I have been dedicated to knitting nothing but that). I am fortunate that the dealership lets me knit while I am here. I still have the railroad socks on the needles and am determined to finish the second toe so that I can start cruising on those. Eleanor Roosevelt sweater is on hold as I have discovered that I am a looser knitter than I was when I started. As such, picking up the sweater to knit up to the neck shaping, I now have to rip back and re-knit that section (~5-6") because I am less of a tight knitter and either need to crank on it or change needle size. UGH!!!!!! I love that sweater and want to finish it so that I can wear it this year!!! (It's in writing, I have to do it now). Other knitting... I still have the striped sweater that I need to sew together and steek... I have the creative color shawls that I need to finish... I have tons of yarn to make the Fiber Trends Hedgehogs that I need to work on. Lots of felted bags either finished and ready to felt, or very close to... Mom's shawl, Dad's sweater vest, my slippers... Too many to count, but never the less...they need to be finished! My goal this year, come you know what or high water - I WILL FINISH SOME PROJECTS THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!

Ok, enough of my ranting, I'm off to work now (even if I am already here). Talk to you all later!

Updates, etc.

2007-09-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so as far as being a regular blogger with regular updates, I am failing miserably. On the other hand, I am no longer at Old Chicago, so my evenings have a little more freedom. My super busy nights are Wednesdays (knitting) and Thursdays (BSF)...Therefore, I have Friday through Tuesday to get things done. How well that will happen, who knows...

Meanwhile, I've been super busy as it seems like half the people I know were born or married in September. This month has been busy with birthdays and now anniversaries... And I thought that I would have some fre time now that I'm not at the restaurant anymore...silly me. Justifiably, I have been super busy at SuperValu because this week we moved into our new office building, which is genuinly really nice! I'm really pumped for the new space, and while the floorplan is way more open, I don't seem to mind it that much (we're all learning how to use VOLUME CONTROL). :)

So, since I am no longer at the restaurant, I am now working with a company called Arbonne International (who can be found at www.arbonne.com). I am really excited about them and can't wait to share all the products with you. I love the products for many reasons, one of which being that it is totally botanically based (not made "with botanics" which is tossing in some extract of with all the other chemicals). This is 100% botanical. It is not made with any animal by products and is not tested on animals. It is pH balanced, and dermatologist tested and approved (which means that fewer than 4 out of 10 people will react to the product). Arbonne, however believes that this isn't good enough and they want 0 people out of 10 to react to their product. On top of all the benefits that the lines carry, the company carries an amazing business plan. There is no limit to my earning potential, and I can sell as much or as little as I want!

Enough of my big plug for Arbonne, but seriously, if you are interested, please, please, please let me know and I would be more than happy to get together with you to let you try it or talk about building your own business.

And, as it is Sunday, and my laundry is just about ready to be flipped, I suppose that I should get back to the cleaning of the day.

See you all soon!

I'm OK, and so is everyone I know

2007-08-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

This will be informative, but short. I have 7 minutes before I have to leave for the restaurant, but I'm OK. All of my friends and family that I know of are OK. I have heard of only one "six degrees of separation" death so far. A gal I work with (1) is friends with Bob Schroeder of Schroeder Dairy (2) whose receptionist (3)'s nephew (4) was killed. His car is the one in all the pictures with the green street signs crushing his car. Gruesome and frightening, but there it is.

It is in times like this that we all seem to check in with our loved ones around town and around the globe. Keep checking in with family so that you don't become one of the tragedy talkers (those who only talk to family after a tragedy). I know that this is a wake up call for me to stay in touch with friends and family more often, to put work aside (it will be there tomorrow), and to keep my blog better updated.

Ta ta for now, with 3 minutes left to spare before leaving for work, I'm going to attempt to check a few more blogs.

Early Morning Ramblings

2007-07-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

Since I realized that I haven't touched my blog in waaaay too long (22 days)...I really do need to post something. Sadly, everything that I would like to post about will take longer than I have to give before I go to work...
In summary of the happenings, I continue to spend lots of time with Tassy and family; work continues to change and evolve (aparently, I now need to keep track of exactly where I go, when I leave, when I get back, etc.). Long story...bad management (although indirect management, they are frustrating nonetheless). I am looking to leave the restaurant. WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had an interview with Borton Volvo last night, and I'm hoping that I will get the job offer within the week. Then I can put in my notice with the restaurant, give them the tiniest piece of my mind, and move on to bigger, and better things! I can't wait!... Although the money will go down slightly, I'm not making all that much now, and it will come in the form of bi-weekly checks, so really, I won't be impulse spending as much.

An exciting evcnt in the life of me is that I have about 2 or so weeks untill my parents come up for a visit. They both have their 40th class reunions 1 weekend apart from each other, so I get them here for a whole week!!!!

More to post later (I hope).

Happy Birthday USA!!!

2007-07-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!!! It's the 4th today and among other things, it means that I don't have to work! Anywhere!!!

I had a fantastic birthday yesterday, and other than having to work... I was out with Tassy, Adam, Lisa, and the boys grilling pork chops and having fun. Tas and the boys baked and decorated a cake for me, and I got the best picture of the three of them in a wagon. The frame is darling (I will try to post pictures soon). I got beautiful roses from my parents (at work no less) :) My mom is soooo smart! She knows that all the greatest flowers come in purple bags and boxes.

Today, however, is not my Birthday, and is cause for a whole different kind of celebration! I am headed for the Delano 4th of July Celebration (http://delano.citisite.com/Delano4th/). I'm told that it's quite the event to be attended. They shut down the roads going in and out of Delano (in certain areas) at 10 am! That being said, and the sheer fact that it is 8:08 (according to the computer) I should probably head in the direction of getting ready.

I promise to try to get an update of all things busy about my life posted in the next few days here... (Let's just say that between 2 and 4 am has been about the time that I'm getting to bed...)

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!!! (AND A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!)

Another Day, Another Dollar, No Power???

2007-06-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

Well, life at Supervalu continues right along...untill about 3:00 this afternoon, that is. It was at this point that our power went out. Power?? you ask?? Yes. Power. As in complete darkness minus the floodlights that are supposed to guide us out of the building. While I don't mind not having power, as long as it's during the daytime, when I can still see, this afternoon got to be a little anti productive. I got ALL of my filing done! (Go me!!!! :) ). I also mananged to have a team meeting with my new team, which got me pretty excited for some of the changes that are coming. I think that if you check in 3-6 months from now, you'll see that things are trucking along smoothly. I can't wait!!! In the meanwhile, I have a feeling that it's going to be lots of work, and lots of duplication as we work to merge the two historic companies into the "New Enterprise".

In other news, I had a wonderful time on Sunday with Alex, Max, Nick, Tassy, Adam, and Lisa. We got to grill chicken, be chased by a cheetah (aka Max), and overall, have a fantastic time. I look forward to doing it again soon...I'm hearing rumors about activities around the time of my birthday...which just may be coming up here...(13 days away, but who's counting?). I am happy to report that the giraffe that was drawn just for me by Alex is hanging proudly next to my calendar at work. The boat, that was also lovingly drawn, is getting mailed to Grandma Cathy and Papa Chuck (so that they won't feel left out). :)

Old Chicago continues to grow and change. New servers coming in for the summer, and others leaving for reasons beyond my comprehension... :) I have high hopes for the summer, including the ability to drop my shifts on Sundays...

That's about all I have here, it's muggy out today, so I'm hoping for rain. And now, off to knitting I go!!! I'm hoping that I can actually knit tonight, unlike last week when I got sucked in to conversation and holding the baby (aka Nick). (It may be worth noting here, that for the people who were actually in attendance last week, you will be able to confirm that I was really not sucked in, but rather, volunteered happily and enjoyed every minute of it).

The goals for this week at home are things like scooping out litter boxes, watering plants, running, emptying, and refilling the dishwasher. If I'm really cool, I will even manage to go to the bank and get more quarters...darn laundry...

What kind of flower are you??

2007-06-10T08:36:00.001-07:00

I am a
Daffodil

What Flower
Are You?

Just keep trekking...

2007-06-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

So the title somewhat implies what I feel life has been like for the past month, or so...constant going, going, going...with little end in sight. I realize here that I'm being slightly biased about the day to day business of my life and the life of my roommate. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to the day when things aren't quite so chaotic and we can both join the thousands of people who work only 1 weekday job and no weekend/evening jobs. One of these days...I too will be able to go out with the girls from work for happy hour on a Thursday afternoon without having to rush back for something.

Enough of my bitterness though...it's not very flattering. On the wonderfully bright side, I got to see three of my favoritest boys in the whole wide world!!! Alex, Max, and Nick Hanneman (ages 4.5 years, 19 months, and 14 weeks respectively). They brought such a joy to my Memorial day! I have missed them so much while we were living states apart, but now that they are back, I'm thrilled to get to spend time with them, even if it is because of a holiday (beggars can't be choosers.) We had a wonderful day together and I am definately going to make it a point to see them more often.

In yet other news... HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARED TYLER JOHNSON!!!! YOU'RE 9 TODAY!!!!! (or were on May 31st). :) I love you soooo much and couldn't imagine a better 9 year old to know.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow being Friday, as it means that we're finally in for a weekend, again. Work tonight at Old Chicago was ok. Slow, but not bad. I got to see my regular family from Virginia who are all doing well. Tomorrow, we look forward to seeing the Fosters, the Colbys, as well as several other families that are regulars on Friday nights... I can't wait for Saturday either, patio day shift for me, followed by an evening inside, where hopefully, I'll see Don Johnson and Kay, along with the other Saturday night crew.

Sunday is Kaity's last dance recital, and I'm thrilled to be included in the family who will be attending. Whether she likes it or not, she really has become my honorary little sister.

Till next time!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

2007-05-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I for one am thrilled that we get a 3 day weekend! I know that I can use the rest. Somehow, though, it always seems like the more time I get off, the more things come up to keep me busy and going. I know that it can't just be me...

Life around here continues just as chaotically as ever, and one of these days, I will actually post pictures so that I can share more with everyone. In the meanwhile, I'll just keep posting periodically and see where it gets me.

In all of the excitement of the weekend, let's not forget what we are celebrating. Let's give thanks to all the soldiers that we know who have served for the very freedom that we enjoy day to day. For those who have passed, let's spend a moment in silence and give thanks for the lives that they lived. I know I will.

Another Scorcher...

2007-05-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well...today topped the heat at 91F. Yes, I realize that 91 doesn't seem all that hot to everyone who lives south of Oklahoma...but up here, we get the 91 degrees, plus the humidity...Yuk! The loving, caring weather folks suggested that we may get some precipitation (aka. rain), but nothing. The big, mean front passed right over us. And what did we do wrong?? What did we do to avoid getting the wonderful, cooling rain???

On another note, as promised, I am definitely not updating everyday, but twice before a week has passed isn't bad, right???

Till next time... happy smiles!

Another One Bites The Dust

2007-05-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well...I can no longer claim to be one of the few remaining blogless. I have caved and started a blog of my very own. I struggled with what to name my blog since it seems rather...well, permanent. Alas, since my nephews are one of the most important things in my life, they got the naming rights. The other most important things stem around my cats, family, and knitting. I can't very well name my blog "the never quite finished project", or even "the Mama", or one of the many other things that I am called throghout the course of the day...

Kind of wishing that I had something more profound to say on my very first ever blog...

For those who read it, I will promise to try to update regularly, but won't promise anything. There are very devoted bloggers out there who update each and every day, or at least every day of the work week. I am not one of them.

Here's to the first of many posts to come and a new virtual life on the bloglines. :)

Happy Blogging!