Belated Happy Holidays to all and I hope they were enjoyed.

A couple of my highlights were : Season 1 of Little House on the Prairie on DVD. (I have wanted something like this for so long, I just couldn't believe it. My husband rocks. And by the way, I'm a nut for that show. I've seen every episode at least twice. I cried when Michael Landon died.)

Also received on DVD: It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Poseidon Adventure, and Say Anything.

Books: many. Cash by Johnny Cash (just finished it-very good), An Elvis Scrapbook, a book on writing, another on Archiving and Saving old photographs, plus some others I'm blanking on.

Picture of Johnny Cash, in his younger days, flipping off the camera. Dad found it on the internet for me.

A new game called Tri-Bond. We have not played it yet, but it lists three things that sound unrelatable, and then you have to figure out what they have in common. Easy Example: Polar, Black, Grizzly= bears

Many cool Elvis things. And some nifty Coca-Cola items, including an antique crate that the bottles would be stored in.

And, our new digital camera that we purchased just a few days before Christmas was a blast in itself. Took a ton of pictures. Hopefully I'll have a website up soon to upload some of them to.

New Year's Eve was quiet. We went to our friend's Gabe and Shanda's, however their 4 year old Tyler suddenly felt horrible, his ear hurt, so Shanda and I trucked him to the ER at 9pm. Ear infection, so it was 11pm before we got back. Watched the ball drop and went home.

I'm still at the job. Tomorrow is supposed to be the last day. They are playing games. I just want out.

We watched Bruce Almighty on Friday night. Okay movie. Not great, but there were some memorable moments. It did drag on at times. One movie we are watching frequently on the movie channel is Two Weeks Notice with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant. Hilarious. Two of my favorite actors these days.

Might I point out the movie Serendipity? It came out a year or so ago with Kate Beckinsale and Joh Cusack (of course Jeremy Piven has a role). It's a darn fine John Cusack at his best movie.

Spent the weekend up north celebrating the Lemke Christmas. Lots of Fun.

Nephew Alex was the winner, hands down, for the total amount of presents. Only grandchild. You can imagine. He kept saying stuff like, "OHHHHH!" He didn't rip into the presents, but enjoyed looking through them. The clothes he received were just thrown aside.

Clothes are no fun when you are almost 2!

I received a wicked cool pair of Sorel Boots. I have the worlds poorest circulation in my feet and can spent a short period of time outside before my feet feel like I'm going to lose them. My father-in-law has said since day one that I needed a good pair of boots for snowmobiling. (Or 'bile' as Alex calls it!) These are good to -40 below. Comfortable and warm. I'm set!

Mike received the Lord of the Rings and Two Towers DVD sets. He did go see the latest edition in the theaters last week and said it was very good. I'm not into the trilogy so I haven't asked a lot of questions. He is currently watching the extras on the DVD's. I think they each came with like 4-5 DVD's a piece. Holy Crap.

The highlight of today is that we finally bought a digital camera! A Fuji Fine Pix A210. I like it so far. Mike is threatening to take inappropriate pictures. 'Nuff said. Can we say DELETE?

The rest of my week at work has been yucky. However, the boss now makes it a point to say good morning and good night to me each day since I gave notice. He never bothered to do that much before! It's a very long and tiring story. I hope that I can find a job I like. I'm so tired of this.

I'm starting to feel like a little kid again. Only 3 more days until Christmas Eve!

Just remember: "No man is a failure that has friends." But what Pat and I are wondering is whether or not Mr. Potter ever gives the money back! And Pat is really wondering why the hell Uncle Billy doesn't fess up and take responsiblity for his actions!!! Face it, Mr. Potter should have had the shit kicked out of him by Mr. Martini or something. Don't you think? Or maybe Harry Bailey since he was the big war hero!

Alternate endings anyone?

I quit my job yesterday.

Not fun. But, I made my point and said the things I was feeling. Was asked to stay, I said no.

I am not relieved quite yet, but hopefully it will set in soon.

Sorry about the lack of posting. Holidays are upon us.

We had nice Thanksgiving. Mike went to his parents, I went to mine. I had dinner with mom's family at Pam & Charlies. Poor Charlie had to work his last night shift at the hospital and didn't get home until 8am. Tyler woke him at 1pm just as we sat down to eat. He was happy that he no longer has to work those shifts anymore!

Great food, good turkey. I made the Pumpkin Pie the night before with my brother giving me crap on the phone through my mother. I have now officially ranked #2 in the family for the best Pumpkin Pie. Grandma is still #1. Sure wish I knew what she had done to make hers so good!

After hanging out there for awhile, I ran over to my dad's side of the family to visit with them. Unfortunately, I missed my grandparents by just an hour. It's difficult for them to be away from home at any great length. I ended up hanging out at Uncle Mike's house until 10pm ! I had not visited with many of my cousins and my aunt and uncle in almost a year. My aunt Sue also taught me how to knit! Uncle Tom kept asking WHY I wanted to learn this-Uncle Mike asked why I didn't just go buy a scarf. :) I think it's a valuable tool to know and I'm excited to keep going. It's a bit funky looking, but it's actually quite relaxing.

Friday I hung out with my mom most of the day. We didn't really do much-just took it easy. Then I went out to my dad's in the afternoon and visited with him for quite awhile. Later that night I did some late night shopping with my cousin Sara and we were both able to take care of a lot of our Christmas shopping. It was awesome being there so late!

Saturday I hung out at home again, and knitted. Matt and Tiffiny came down to celebrate Mom and Barry's birthdays. We went to Timber Lodge. Good food, nice time. Hopefully Mom and Barry enjoyed being treated to a dinner and gifts. It sure seemed like they liked it! It's cool to finally be able to afford paying for a meal after all these years of your parents taking you out. It was a pleasure to split the bill with Matt.

Work is a bit insane this week. Just gets busier and weirder by the minute. I was sick on Tuesday, but felt so guilty that I came in later in the afternoon. I'm thinking my flu shot did the trick at keeping things at bay. I've just felt a little bit yucky for a few days, but able to get pushing through. I sincerely hope that I did the right thing by getting it. First time-but after how sick I was at this time last year, I can't afford to go through that again.

Still looking on the job front. Have a headhunter. Getting a decent start anyway.

This weekend is nothing major. The tree is up, so I'm going to wrap Christmas presents and get that taken care of. Mike is going to a Christmas party in Duluth at his buddies' house. I usually go, but just not in the mood this year. I'm sure he'll have more fun without worrying about me and if I have people to talk to!

Two new shows we are liking: The Tracy Morgan Show (so far...) and Viva La Bam on MTV. Last night's episodes of Scrubs and Will & Grace were to die for funny. I haven't laughed like that for a long time.

I was out Christmas shopping last weekend at an outlet mall, and at the toy store I found a small Hermie the Elf key chain for $1.99. I came close to buying it for you Lally. But, I'll let your typo go by this time.

Yes, I was Christmas Shopping. I am about half way finished and am trying like mad to get done before Thanksgiving. I do not enjoy Christmas shopping and do not care for Christmas all that much. I hate crowds. Online shopping is very helpful. I am trying to save money this year and am making a few gifts. I just finished a 'no-sew' fleece blanket for my nephew. It's not perfect, but it'll work. I'm going to try my hand at a pillow tomorrow, while finishing up my latch hook rug of Santa. As my friend Jill & I coined our craft attempts "butt-ugly crafts" you can imagine how simple these projects have to be for me. I am going to attempt to learn to knit in a few weeks when I am home for Thanksgiving.

Mike is off deer hunting again this weekend. Second weekend in a row of being home alone. I am getting stuff accomplished as well as relaxing a bit. I haven't done a lot today due to feeling like crap. I'm having some medication adjustments and it leaves me feeling like I'm coming off an addiction. I've spent some quality time on the couch let's just say today.

Saw Matt & Jill's baby again last weekend. His nickname is 'Sammy the Bull' after a mobster. It's appropriate and cute cuz he's just a little guy. But in the week time span since I had last seen him, he had filled out. Technically, he wasn't supposed to arrive until next Tuesday! They are certainly enjoying him and seem to be settling in quite nicely. I'll admit I am moving closer to that direction of having a kid soon, but not there just yet.

Off to finish a few projects on the computer tonight...

And may I saw welcome and Uff Da to you Pat for joining the Sons of Norway.

May I just make a brief correction to you, Lally?

It's Hermie, the elf, not Herbie, who wants to be a dentist.

I take this very seriously. I have a mug in the shape of Hermie's head.

Okay, I suck for not posting for exactly a month straight. Sorry.

Just got back to town after being out since Tuesday at Mike's grandma's funeral. Obviously, not the way you would like the time off, but it was nice to visit with family. Mike's Grandma was a really cool lady and will be missed. My fondest memory (and first impression) of her was when I met her not long after Mike and I were began dating. She was wearing a) a pink windsuit b) had well manicured nails with funky nail polish and c) she wore tons of cool rings. Neither of my grandmothers wore anything like this, so she seemed to be a 'young' grandma. She was buried just that way-with her nails painted and rings on her fingers. We'll miss her a lot.

It's been quite the week besides the funeral-Matt & Jill had a baby boy on Sunday, October 26. He was three weeks early and very unexpected! Samuel Benjamin McMillen, 5lbs 2 oz, 18 1/2 inches. He's a little guy, but sure is cute. Mom & Dad are doing great, but are sleep deprived. It's been a tough week getting adjusted at home. He's had jaundice, so has been in each day to the clinic. Otherwise, he eats all the time, poops immediately, and then pees on them when they change him! I enjoyed holding him last night a lot. Mikey took a turn as well!

Also went to visit Miss Ava Butler, who is now 2 months old. She is just the opposite of Sam-she weighs about 11 lbs now and is a cute little chub. Mike says I'm getting baby fever.

Alex, the nephew, was a big hit all week. He likes being the center of attention and is a big ham. He learned a phrase that will come back to bite us all in the butt. His mom said something about the 'god damn pretzels' and what did he say? "God damn pretzel." I know you're not supposed to laugh, but I couldn't help it. Thankfully he only said it once. On Friday he was pestering me in the bathroom while I was getting ready, so I took a little hair gel and spiked his hair into a mohawk. He had a little flannel shirt and jeans on, so he looked like a little dude. We laughed so hard at him, that he started laughing at himself and was very pleased with all the attention! He's a lot of fun and really loves his Uncle Mike and Auntie Kristin. It sure makes me feel good that when I put my arms out and say come see me, he puts his arms up and jumps right in.

Tonight, Charlie and Tyler are staying over. They went to the Gopher game with Mike today, and then Tyler is making his Metrodome debut in the morning playing football in the Rochester Youth Football All-Star Game! We're excited. He's been studying his plays tonight while we watched TV.

Nothing too exciting besides those items has happened. Spent some time in Rochester last weekend, and visited with my grandparents. Mike and I both got new cell phones this week-switched to better coverage and better phones. We are both of fond of our new flip phones.

Back to work on Monday. I'm sure being gone most of the week will make for fun conversation with the boss!

Exactly 7 years ago this past Sunday, Mike & I met and went out together. On that very day, my niece Paige was turning 1 year old. I remember distinctly chatting with Mike at the bar and saying, "Today is my niece's first birthday!" He probably could have cared less (just kidding!) but I didn't know what else to talk to him about. Then I mentioned hockey and we had plenty to say then.

On Tuesday of next week, we will have been married 3 years. Seems like yesterday. I sure miss the days of college and all the fun we had together. I was just reminiscing with my old roommate Jill about the day Paige was born. She and our friends were just as excited as I was! The week prior we all jumped up when the phone rang thinking it would be Pat. Of course when he actually did call, we didn't think it was him. I remember I posted on my dry erase board hanging on our dorm room door : "I'm an aunt today!" Then, we drove to Shopko and bought her an outfit. :) Can you tell how exciting it was ?

I'm very lucky to say that I met my husband on the night of niece's birthday. Makes it all the more special.

1 year ago Monday, the 29th, my grandmother passed away. It's hard to believe she's been gone that long. We all miss her so much and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. She was an amazing person and I sure wish I could be more like her! It's difficult losing grandparents. I have to say that it's going to be a really hard day when the time comes for my other 2 grandparents.

Pat and I were emailing about how we can remember the sounds and smells of our grandparents house so clearly. The back door had a sound to it when it closed, very distinct. The front door had another type of sound to it. The house was always so inviting and comforting. The kitchen was always ready for anything: a visit, something to eat, play a game at the table, have the whole family together. I can close my eyes and still see myself sitting at the table, wet hair and fresh smelling from taking a bath. I'd have my jammies on and I would be eating Velveeta cheese on saltine crackers, with a glass of Tang. MMM. Can still taste it. I'd look at old pictures, or play Uncle Wiggly with Grandma. Sometimes I'd color, or draw. Other times Grandma would get out the letters from when her sons were away in the army.

In the summertime, the windows would be open. Pat would be outback letting off fireworks. Sometimes the old Tom cat would come into the yard and cause a ruckus. I remember Grandpa and Pat with a beebee gun shooting at it up in the tree. The music from 'over town' (as we called the Supper Club across the street) would be getting louder. Dad would already be over there playing in the band or hanging out. Mom, Uncle Mike & Sue were getting dressed to head over there. Then Pat & I could gleefully have Grandpa and Grandma to ourselves as we watched Lawrence Welk, Three's Company or The Love Boat. (Barney Miller was a favorite too). If it was a Friday night, Grandpa would head to bed at 10:30, after the news, but Grandma would stay up to watch Johnny Carson. However, if Joan Rivers was subbing for him, she turned it off and went to bed. She always let us stay up and watch with her. Popcorn or Ice Cream were a great evening treat.

Pat mentioned that he can remember their place almost more then our own house. I agree. Perhaps it's because we felt the safest and most loved while spending time there. It was really my most favorite place in the world to be. Burr Oak, Iowa. A very lovely little town.

To quote my newspaper writing Dad: Random thoughts from a cluttered mind...

Took the day off today to recoup. I'll pay the piper on Monday. I will either be fired or will quit. I can't quite decide what will happen.

I honestly don't know what the hell to do with my life sometimes. Is this common in your late twenties? Or is it something that plagues you forever?

Two important purchases tonight: 16 Greatest Hits of Johnny Cash (with us songs as I Walk the LIne, Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues, and A Boy Named Sue.) Second purchase: the single Rubberneckin' by Elvis with the Paul Oakenfold REMIX. have you heard it on the Toyota commercial?

MIke is in New Richmond, WI tonight at a football game with Gabe. Gabe is the assistant coach of the hs football team, and it's homecoming, so he invited Mike down to hang out on the sidelines. Mike misses football so much these days that I think it's really good for him.

Tomorrow, my mom and Barry are coming up. Barry has a board meeting at the History Center, so Mom's just going to tag along. I convinced them to bring TJ along too. I miss my dog.

On Sunday we are going to the Vikings-49ers game at the Dome. My first NFL game! I've been to a NHL game (Wild), NBA (Timberwolves), MBL (Twins and others), Soccer (DC United) so it's about time. My last big conquer will be NASCAR. Since Mike is a niners fan, we'll be on opposite sides. Not the first time! I promise I won't paint my face purple and gold. But I'll probably do some screaming! (I am considering the purchase of the horns with braids on them to wear).

Sunday is also the 7th anniversary of the day Mike & I met and went out. It is also Paige's 8th birthday. Hard to believe both. October 7th we'll have been married 3 years. When do you become the old married couple?

Writing class was a little less exciting this week. However, the creative juices get flowing so much that I come out of there with tons of ideas. Everyone is so supportive and in the same position as you, which really creates a great environment. My friend Terri said in an email that she wants a book dedicated to her. I told her I haven't gotten that far yet.

Haven't had time to post this past couple weeks-working marathon hours at work. Our catalog goes to the printer today. Hallelujah! I can't say that enough. I went to bed at 9:30pm last night and slept until 8am this morning. Still isn't enough sleep in the day for me to recover from the caffeine I've had to suck down to keep on going on. I'm learning to deal with the boss. Not saying it's going well, but I am learning to deal. Came close to walking out last week when I was here at 10pm accomplishing NOTHING because of his anal tendencies. But, I kept my cool. The f word flew a few times on my end, however he did apologize for the 'stress' of the work lately. The I proceeded to work all weekend. That's 3 Friday nights in a row that have involved work. I think it's going to come to the point where I need to say, "This company may be your entire life, but it is NOT mine." What do you think? :)

Started my writing classes last week. They are AWESOME! But I haven't had time to do my homework, go figure!

One more quote about Johnny Cash. His daughter, Roseanne, delivered his eulogy and said the following: "I can almost picture a world without Johnny Cash. I cannot, however, imagine a world without daddy."

How poignant.

There is a poem that starts out like this: "Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep."

For Johnny Cash, he'll never die. Not to me or millions of others. Driving tonight on I-94 to Minneapolis I saw a sheet hanging over the overpass. Thinking it was left over from 9/11 yesterday, I glanced up. It said, "You'll always be a legend Johnny Cash."

MSNBC is asking fans to submit their favorite Johnny stories and I was amazed at the wide range of age groups that were posting. My favorite Johnny Cash story is this, as related to me by my mom.

In the late 1970's, my dad was an Entertainment columnist for the Rochester Post-Bulletin. He did a lot of great columns about music, especially country, which was his favorite. Say nothing of the man in black. Dad set up an interview with Cash, and he was set to call our house at a specific time. The phone rings, and my mom answers it. She hears in a loud, booming baritone: "This is Johnny Cash. May I speak to Steve Webb?" My mom puts her hand over the phone, jumping up and down, and says in a loud whisper: "STEVE! It's JOHNNY CASH!" Guess where Dad was? In the bathroom. Dad yells, "I'm in the crapper!" Mom was mortified. But, Dad did the interview and guess what? He said Johnny Cash was just as cool as you'd expect him to be.

Do you remember that, Pat?

I can't say how glad I am that I purchased his last CD in August. And I'm saddened to realize that the outlaws are getting old. Waylon's gone, now Johnny. Willie's hitting 70. These men were a vital part of my musical influence as a child. One of the very first songs I learned to play on my guitar at age 7 was Folsom Prison Blues. I guess it's just hard to let them go. It truly is feeling like you've lost a grandpa.

John Ritter was a shocker. Having been a big Three's Company fan, and a fan of his new show, it's another sad one for me.

Johnny Cash's death for me is kind of like when Michael Landon died. I watched Little House on the Prairie for more then 75% of my life. He was a father figure to me because Pa could solve anything. As TV guide suggested," When he died a very public death from cancer, we all felt like we'd lost a family member. After all, who had spent more good times with us in our living room?" That's the best way I can sum up the loss of Johnny Cash.

Fall is approaching. It might be 90 degrees in St. Paul today, but that feeling is in the air.

Kids are back in school, traffic on the Interstate sucks, Vikings-Packer game yesterday (hot damn, we won) and hockey is on it's way. When my husband says to feel sorry for me, he means it. I have accumulated many hobbies in the past 2 years since he began watching NHL Center Ice coverage of the Penguins. Good for me, good for him.

In a little over a week I begin my writing classes that I signed up for. I'm really excited and looking forward to the experience. The writing thing is beckoning me in many ways and I hope to spend the winter working towards becoming a more creative non fiction writer. Must run in the blood of the Webb clan. Maybe it's that William Shakespeare connection?

I had my review at work on Friday for my 90 days. Didn't hear anything bad, which is always a plus. I know I'm a good worker. I just have a major personality clash with my boss, I believe. Today solidified that. I honestly can't decide if this place is worth sticking around for or if I'm just banging my head against the wall. If I was able to do my job without all the contact I have with him, I wouldn't mind it so much. However, we need to buy a house and that is the defining factor here. The money is inherently more important at this point in my life. I'm sitting tonight out on the deck reading in my mom's Good Housekeeping magazine about this killer jobs that people have that are so fullfilling and fun. Does such a job exist? I know all jobs are not perfect, but to actually enjoy going to work would be interesting. Or not even to enjoy, but to not dread it? I guess that's the question of the year for anyone. Answers? I'm willing to listen to anything.

Mike purchased Madden 2004 today. I think it's safe to say he is quite excited.

Our friends Andy and Janelle Butler had a baby girl on Thursday, September 4. 9lbs 7oz-Ava Sophia Butler. Janelle was quite large when I saw her 3 weeks ago, so it was no surprise the baby was as big as she was. It sounds like they are really excited.

Mike is in his friend's wedding this weekend here in St. Paul. His parents are coming down on Saturday to attend, so we're looking forward to having them and enjoying the wedding. We don't know many people, but I always like a good wedding dance whether I know people or not!

Congratulations to Pat's tribute to David Letterman. Did Mr. Urda happen to catch the show? I can only imagine how funny he may have thought that to be!

I had forgotten to mention a funny story our cousin Cindy had told to us during the camping weekend about a month ago. I related the story to my mom this weekend and she laughed so hard she cried. I thought you might enjoy it.

Cindy's son Derrick is now 19, and in college. During the camping weekend he got up one morning and his parent's friend Chirp said as he walked out of the camper, "hey, nice moose beard there Derrick." Derrick's got a scrawny goatee he was growing. Derrick smiled. Cindy said to us, "Didn't I ever tell you the story about that?" Apparently when Derrick was about 6 or 7 he walked in on Cindy when she was going to the bathroom. Nothing new for a mom, I'm sure. Suddenly Derrick stopped, pointed, and yelled: "MOM! You've got a moose beard!!" She nearly fell over. As you can imagine, it's been a family/friend joke ever since.

And on that note, good night!

Nothing as exciting as Pat's story of skunk spraying is going on in our lives!

Pretty much just eat, sleep, read a little, work.

Had my first photo shoot for our catalog at work last week. It went well in some ways and crappy in others. I learned the rights and wrongs, that's for sure. Got some great photos of my friend's little guy Tyler climbing on the wall. After the shoot was done, I drove over to Shanda and Gabe's and then had a few beers at Gabe's softball game. Now, I don't drink much anymore. 3 beers nearly put me under the table and I had to drive home too! It sure was fun-I didn't get home until 10:30pm which is a record for me on a working night! I even had a guy ask me where I lived-hot damn! (That may attributed to the fact that I still can't wear my wedding ring because my finger is swollen from my football injury. Whoops.)

Spent a great weekend up north 2 weeks ago. Took my cousin Tyler with and he was able to do some fishing. We spent most of Saturday out on the pontoon boat, which is great. Lots of sun and fun. Nephew Alex is growing like a weed and is a big flirt!! HE really took a liking to Tyler as well. :)

Staying home this weekend, Mike's got a bachelor party on Friday night. Rest and relaxation for the Labor Day weekend. No laboring for me!

The Winnebago Bowl was a success. We had 2 different teams for 2 games, so no real winner of one or both. Flags added a great element to the game. We've decided that they must continue.

I sustained a cool jammed finger injury. The swelling is now gone, but it's blue and yellow. Funky colors! Not broken-had X-rays. Hurts today, just sore.

Camping was great. Nice weather. Wild and crazy Saturday night, as usual. This year's event: pile-driving people out of their chairs when they were drunk.
Sara and I also snorted Pixie Sticks again. Numb nostral and I won't do that anymore. Twice is more then enough!

Gotta say, did miss Grandma being there. It's strange to not have her in Spring Grove anymore. I still haven't even made it out to cemetary since the day of her funeral. Too hard.

I hate work this week. 'Nuff said.

Going up north this weekend, bringing TYler with us for some fishing. Weather is supposed to be HOT!!

MN is still mourning Herbie. His funeral is on Friday at the St. Paul Cathedral. Lot's of great tributes going around. Amazing guy. We'll miss him.

After reading Pat's blog I had to post something. I agree with Alissa completely.
Canoeing should be done EVERY year!
It was awesome.

Funniest thing Paige said to me over the week:
"It hurts my feelings when Alissa tells me my feet stink when I wear these sandals!!!!!"

I also agree with Pat that this was one of the most fun times we've had.

Full report on the antics of the Garness clan after this weekend of camping. Leaving in 1.5 hours from work to relax in the sun and humidity
of Camp Winnebago. Get ready for Dave's "WHOO". And this year we've progressed to Flag Belts for the annual Winnebago Bowl. No more
of this two handed touch football crap.

We still need a trophy.

I am still alive, I promise. Just haven't felt like posting much. Getting things on track, mentally that is.

Enjoyed a nice vacation with my family. Canoeing the Upper Iowa with my dad and the rest of us was great. I would say Alissa holds the record for the most "whoo hoo"'s in one day. What fun they had! Beautiful day weather wise. Just what the doctor ordered for a vacation.

Work is getting a lot better. I'm busy every day and getting ready for the new school year. They say that we'll know when school starts around here because the phone rings off the hook. I guess I'd rather be busy then sitting with my thumb up my butt.

I will attest to the fact that Mike loves his new football game. He REALLY loves it. :)

Camping this weekend!

We also saw Pirates of the Caribbean over the weekend. Cool movie, very witty, interesting story. But, I did something I have never done before: I fell asleep briefly. I was exhausted that day and we went to the 10pm movie. I dozed off about 5 times I think and kept catching myself. I don't think I ever missed anything substantsial, or more then a few minutes worth, but I was mad. I have NEVER fallen asleep in a movie before. Oh well. Mike's joy of the night was the two gay guys that sat next to him and couldn't keep their hands off each other. :)

Spent last Saturday with my two college friends Jill & Erika. We had a nice time catching up with each other and heading back down to River Falls to visit our old college campus. It's changed in some ways, stayed the same in others. The town is definately grown since we were there. Later, we sat on the deck at Jill's house and looked at old pictures. Erika summed up those photos of us doing the strangest things as this: " God we were weird!" But we did have a blast. What I never realized is that I was the one (along with Jill's husband) that was doing most of the goofy stuff. I guess I used to do about anything back then for a good laugh. (Such as: climbing into the dryer at 1am to see if I fit.) Jill is currently 5 months pregnant, so talk centered on that mostly. She doesn't look pregnant, or is hiding it well! But, the baby is moving and that was so cool. I was floored at the questionaire they gave her at the hospital that she has to fill out before delivering. Such things as : "I want to feel the baby's head when it's crowning (eww)" or "My husband wants to catch the baby as it comes out" or "I want to hold it immediately after it comes out or after it has been cleaned". There is a lot to decide on!! She said her husband Matt just said,"Sign me up for whatever I can do." Cute!

This coming weekend is filling up fast. Tomorrow night Pam and the kids are coming up so that Whittney and her friend can attend a concert. I have the usual job of driving them to downtown Minneapolis :) Pam, Tyler & I will go shopping. Then I think they are staying over. On Friday night after work, I am meeting Steph at a mall in Burnsville and doing some shopping with her. She is then going to stay at our place and I will take her to the airport on Saturday morning, where she flies to Florida for work. Saturday evening, my cousin Laurie and her family are in town and we are going to a Twins game! Mike is traveling north for the 4th Annual NOME event. This is where he and his buddies stay at a cabin and drink, swim, and have horseshoe or bocce ball tournaments. He is really looking forward to the big event! Then, next week, I will have my last week of work before my 3 days off when the Webb's from NY come to visit MN!

Work stays the same. Still learning all I can.

Listening to your stories of faith in humanity makes ME feel better, Lally. Keep 'em coming because I'm not getting enough of them around here lately.

Didn't do much for the 4th. Slept in, spent a few hours at the pool, got burned a bit. Never fails. If I wear sunscreen I don't get a tan at all, if I don't where anything, I get red. Last night we went to see The Hulk. It was okay-better animation then I thought it would be. The ending was confusing. Only about 10 of us in the theater and STILL had people talking. I'm beginning to think we are just cursed to sit near people who annoy us during movies. :)

Not sure what we are going to do today. Maybe go to a mall around here that we haven't been to before? But, it's also a beauty of a day out there and I'd like to be outside again. That's the joy of this weekend, I guess. We can do what we feel like doing.

New job is fairing okay still...much to learn. Growing company and I hope that spells security. I seem to be bad luck for the places I've worked at since not even one of them are still in business.

Finished the out of town grad party thing last weekend. Derrick's party on Saturday was a beautiful 80 degree day with lots of sun. The night before we spent the evening sitting in lawn chairs in the driveway at Pam & Charlie's. With a little citronella candle in the midst of us all, it was like we were sitting around a 'mini' camp-fire. Much laughing ensued. Lots of Dave's "wah"s were going on. We also mooned Whittney and her friend as they pulled out the driveway. I wasn't even drinking that night! A good time was had by all.

On the way back from the grad party we drove some back roads up through southeastern MN. We're talking some out in the boondocks kind of roads! As we came up to the town of Houston, Mom showed to me two cemetaries that our great, great uncles are buried at. They are the siblings of Grandma Sophie Garness, whose parents died of diptheria and all the kids were orphaned and adopted out to families. Very cool churches and cemetaries. More pictures to add to the book.

The new Dell is awesome. I haven't been on it much, but it's so fast it makes our head spin. Sunday night we bought a new computer desk that is fricking HUGE. We aren't quite sure where we are going to put everything in the den yet. We are approaching that point where we need to buy a house. We outgrew the last apartment and are now outgrowing this one. It's scary how you keep gaining more crap. Ours is mostly furniture. Currently, my step-dad's old recliner is sitting smack in the middle of the living room. We usually get the cast offs of their furniture. Unfortunately, there is no place to put it. But, since we love the recliner so much, it's still sitting there!

Last night was episode 2 of The Osbournes. It's not so good this season. Ozzy is WAY out of it. Wonder if Jack is out of re-hab yet??

Congrats to Paige and her losing her two front teeth....

And I only have a few races left to go before I HOPEFULLY win the NASCAR family pool. Notice I said, Hopefully because it could swing large points in these races. I figure I'm due-I could use $50.

So it's been almost 3 weeks since I posted...I thought I better write something...

I haven't had time to be on the computer at home, so that's why the lack of posting. After I got my job I spent the rest of my time at my parents house taking a little vacation. I enjoyed myself and I saw a lot of people I haven't gotten to spend much time with.

The first week of work was hard, scary, frustrating, exciting, interesting, whatever you can think of. Emotions ran wild. Thankfully my husband held me in check and helped me through the week. I do like what I am doing with the company and as soon as I learn the crap load of stuff that is being thrown at me, I know I will feel a whole lot better. Today was a little boring, but I'm able to take on a few things of my own now. The boss freaks me out a tad, but I always have a problem with that happening. Even when I get along with them. He's nice, and I'm sure I'll get used to him. Serious guy, waiting for that moment where they lose their cool for just a bit to see their true colors.

Today we got our new Dell computer in the mail. I'm typing this on our old one, the last official use of it hopefully. It made it 4 years and is still chugging along, although slowly. It's going to be amazing to use this new one. Thanks to my brother for the technical assistance in what to purchase.

Whittney, our cousin, graduated from high school on Friday night in Rochester, MN. Century High School-the first complete graduating class, meaning they went all 4 years to the new school. Her party was fun but I was tired when it was over. My uncle Charlie's family was WAY more fun then anyone else. They know how to party. And Charlie's brother Sherman is awesome! We had a great time getting to know him better. Later that night we went over to Uncle Dave's place and had a camp fire in their driveway with one of those cool portable pits. But it rained, so the outside party didn't last long. We had fun inside telling stories that make Steph screech her famous laugh. Then Dave tried to imitate her...it went on and on. Cousin Amy was in town from SLC, so that made it even more fun. We had the 2nd Annual Toga Party on May 30, but she wasn't able to make it, so we are having another this Friday. 2 weeks ago we watched Dumb and Dumber and Stripes. This week it sounds like Deuce Bigalow and Van Wilder. I love the movie Van Wilder. Good stupid fun. Saturday is grad party #3 for Derrick. Thankfully I won't see my family until the end of July after that. It's getting a little old and the fighting is a'comin' out.

Weather is getting nicer, still not too warm yet. I'm still trying to get used to the new schedule of not getting home until almost 6pm. No time to work out as of yet, but I'm going to have to get my ass in gear soon. I don't plan on letting all my hard work of the last month go to waste.