Corrections...
In talking with the few people who do read my blog recently, I've found that my original 'tone' did not come across accurately in the political debate I engaged in with my dad. A little information...
a) Yes, my dad did fire me up, but in a good way. I don't get to debate politics very often, and I enjoyed this exchange very much.
b) I was not angry and I am not angry now. I apologize to Charlie, who I inadvertantly put in between the exchange. I meant only to thank and express my gratitude to Charlie for all that he has and continues to teach me about many things. He and Pam have always been my other mom and dad.
c) I've learned (again) that blogging is no place for family discussions about politics, religion, divorce, or any of those those 'off limits' topics that often create angst.
My apologies for those I offended or upset.
On to other things...
Mike won tickets to the Twins playoff game on Saturday. (Caller 13 on 93X) Great game, even though they lost. It's been a long time since I've been that into a good baseball game. A good time was had by all.
Yesterday, we drove up to Ham Lake to visit with Mike's cousins and to see Aunt Shirley who is in town from Florida. Madison was able to enjoy time with a new playmate-Honey the golden lab. Beautiful dog, they are also close in age and had a blast chasing each other. She was tired last night!
I'm in the midst of a Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Ritchie Valens music fest. I finished reading the book I just bought: A Man Named Cash. It was okay. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but still a good read. So, that got me back to listening to my Cash stuff. Then, I started listening to this great CD called "Not Fade Away" by a bunch of artists doing Buddy's tunes. Then, I started thinking of La Bamba, and lo and behold, I caught the tale end of the movie on AMC tonight too. Plus, I've been buying up on E Bay the last few weeks some old black and whites of Holly, Waylon and Ritchie for my 50's style decorations in my bathroom. They look awesome. My goal now is to learn the song "Wishing" on my guitar, which is a tune that Buddy wrote for the Everly Brothers, but they declined. On the tribute CD, the version is so cool. We'll see if I can polish off my guitar skills enough to figure it out.
Now I'm currently reading Bleachers by John Grisham.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Debating is Healthy.
I've enjoyed the healthy debate between my father & I over the last few days. It's given me time to think about things in general and in politics. I always learn something. It has led to some conclusions in my mind and sorting out other feelings in another part of mind. All those are good things.
I did get to thinking about divorce, and I wanted to post something about that.
Things are tough when parents separate. When you are young, you don't understand the reasons and what is really going on. In the last few years, my mother has answered many of those questions that inevitably start to pop up as you analyze those previous times in your life. There are no easy answers, and she is the first to say that there was no finger pointing, they were both at fault. As I've gotten to know both of my parents in a different way over the years, I've come to see them in a different light. I see their backgrounds, their personalities, and how they did the best they could with the tools they had. No one ever said being a parent was easy-and I'm the first to admit that I was not an easy kid to raise.
I appreciate my father's honesty of the situation and his response. It's no secret that we don't see eye to eye on many things. But, I also know that my dad gave me a love of music and books, writing, and sports, and those are all things that are part of my personality, and I thank him for that. Those were all important tools in growing up as well. I don't know what I gave to him, maybe I wasn't able to give anything, but for as many times as I've been angry with both my parents, I have never wished that they were someone else. I'm glad my parents are who they are and I'm thankful for what they did give me.
Moving along...
Briefly, I couldn't handle watching the VP debate for longer then 15 minutes last night. I watched the Twins game instead.
My car went kapoot yesterday. It's leaking anti-freeze, so we had to leave it at Midas while Mike took his parents van to work (they just got back from Hawaii and were staying at our house overnight) while I took his car. Things got worse from there! The guy from Midas called to say that the battery was dead in the car when they tried to start it. My brakes needed to be done, and I needed an oil change. Thankfully, some of it is under warranty, which knocks the price from $1600 down to around $500. The car has not had any major problems in the 2 1/2 years I've owned it, so I feel lucky.
I came to work at 6:45am this morning, since I had to drop Mike off at work in order to use his car. Mine should be finished shortly and I should have a nice, fixed car. Fingers crossed!
Pat sent pictures of Alissa from Homecoming. She looked amazing! So hard to believe she will be 16 in February. Cute dress, awesome shoes, and a hottie senior boyfriend! Plus, her Gwen Stefani 40's style hair was great. The little girl that said, "I'm hottttt", has grown up!
Tomorrow is our anniversary. Wow. I sure wish I could do our wedding over again. It was such a blast. We aren't sure what we'll be doing to celebrate-probably nothing more then going out to dinner on Friday night or something. We've gone on two weekend trips the first two years of our anniversary, but last year and this year we've had to forsake that due to money. We hope to go back to the Bahamas this Spring.
GO TWINS!
I've enjoyed the healthy debate between my father & I over the last few days. It's given me time to think about things in general and in politics. I always learn something. It has led to some conclusions in my mind and sorting out other feelings in another part of mind. All those are good things.
I did get to thinking about divorce, and I wanted to post something about that.
Things are tough when parents separate. When you are young, you don't understand the reasons and what is really going on. In the last few years, my mother has answered many of those questions that inevitably start to pop up as you analyze those previous times in your life. There are no easy answers, and she is the first to say that there was no finger pointing, they were both at fault. As I've gotten to know both of my parents in a different way over the years, I've come to see them in a different light. I see their backgrounds, their personalities, and how they did the best they could with the tools they had. No one ever said being a parent was easy-and I'm the first to admit that I was not an easy kid to raise.
I appreciate my father's honesty of the situation and his response. It's no secret that we don't see eye to eye on many things. But, I also know that my dad gave me a love of music and books, writing, and sports, and those are all things that are part of my personality, and I thank him for that. Those were all important tools in growing up as well. I don't know what I gave to him, maybe I wasn't able to give anything, but for as many times as I've been angry with both my parents, I have never wished that they were someone else. I'm glad my parents are who they are and I'm thankful for what they did give me.
Moving along...
Briefly, I couldn't handle watching the VP debate for longer then 15 minutes last night. I watched the Twins game instead.
My car went kapoot yesterday. It's leaking anti-freeze, so we had to leave it at Midas while Mike took his parents van to work (they just got back from Hawaii and were staying at our house overnight) while I took his car. Things got worse from there! The guy from Midas called to say that the battery was dead in the car when they tried to start it. My brakes needed to be done, and I needed an oil change. Thankfully, some of it is under warranty, which knocks the price from $1600 down to around $500. The car has not had any major problems in the 2 1/2 years I've owned it, so I feel lucky.
I came to work at 6:45am this morning, since I had to drop Mike off at work in order to use his car. Mine should be finished shortly and I should have a nice, fixed car. Fingers crossed!
Pat sent pictures of Alissa from Homecoming. She looked amazing! So hard to believe she will be 16 in February. Cute dress, awesome shoes, and a hottie senior boyfriend! Plus, her Gwen Stefani 40's style hair was great. The little girl that said, "I'm hottttt", has grown up!
Tomorrow is our anniversary. Wow. I sure wish I could do our wedding over again. It was such a blast. We aren't sure what we'll be doing to celebrate-probably nothing more then going out to dinner on Friday night or something. We've gone on two weekend trips the first two years of our anniversary, but last year and this year we've had to forsake that due to money. We hope to go back to the Bahamas this Spring.
GO TWINS!
Monday, October 04, 2004
We know where I DIDN'T get my political views from...
Thanks Dad, for giving me more fodder for my blog. It's people like you (and I hate to use that phrase, but it's the truth) that people like me are trying to get to understand that voting DOES matter. It DOES affect you. I know, I know, you've said time and again that you are an old, cynical newspaper writer, but you've been this way for as long as I can remember. Case in point:
My interest in politics began young. Thanks to my Uncle Charlie, he gave me an amazing foundation to learn about them and what it means to take an active interest. My parents didn't give a crap (rather Dad didn't) and so when they dumped me off at my aunt and uncle's every Friday night while they went out with their friends, I got a front seat to learning about democracy. Charlie is also black, which gave me another point of view to see the world and politics from. And so, in 1984, Walter Mondale is running against Ronald Reagan. I was so excited as I learned how things worked for an election. On election night, I created my own 'poll' so to speak by giving out ballots to my Mom, Dad, Brother and one for myself. I had everyone vote and put it in my little poll envelope which was taped up on the wall in the living room. If memory serves me, my brother didn't want to participate, Mom voted for Mondale, I voted for Mondale, and Dad wrote on his ballot "don't care". Isn't it nice to see the encouragement from my family?!?
I guess I'm thankful that one of the main male influences in my life was Charlie. And luckily, he was there during the formative years of my youth. Dad wasn't around as much because of his divorce from my mother, so I spent even more time with Pam and Charlie.
To this day, I still learn about politics from Charlie. In fact, when Wellstone died and everything went to crap in Minnesota, I spent three hours at his place learning how to deal with it. We rehashed it out, discussed the outcome, what could/should have been done, everything. In the end, I came away feeling much better and learning again what a great thing we have in this country, even when it doesn't go the way you want it to go.
Dad, you are now 63. You say you are apolitical and this stuff doesn't affect you. What happens when you decide to retire? Will you have a prescription drug plan in place that will not cost you an arm and a leg? Will you have enough money saved, like Grandpa managed to do, to care for you and Debbie? Even then, as we have seen with Grandpa, it still costs a ton of money to pay those bills, even when you are healthy. These are the issues we all have to care about because they will directly affect us in some way. Social Security is there now, but it won't be there forever. Companies like Enron have taken their employees 401k plans and flushed them down the toilet. We have to elect someone who can at least get us on the road to figuring out what can be done.
I know what you'll say-I'm young, I'm still idealistic. Your damn right I am. And I hope I stay that way because at least that still gives me hope for this country. When people stop voting and stop caring, we're screwed. No wonder things are going the way they are right now. And I think that you have it the other way around when you mentioned that Kerry is a 'puppet'. Who the hell do you think is running our country right now? Not Bush. CHENEY. Bush is his puppet.
If you vote for Bush, fine. I'll just be happy you voted at this point. And I'm not one of those lunatics that hate everyone that doesn't vote the way I vote. I respect your opinion. This is just mine.
End of Rant. And Dad, thanks for the writing skills, and I still do love you!
Friday, October 01, 2004
"I thought the President was repetitive and reactive."-Kate O'Beirne, National Review Online’s the Corner
The above quote sums up my feelings on how Bush did in the debate last night. I've been somewhat worried in the last month about Kerry, but last night I felt that he stood tall and presented us with the facts. He looked presidential and he kept his cool. Bush's facial expression during Kerry's speaking time were reminiscent of Al Gore's constant huffing and puffing during the 2000 debates. Did somebody in the Bush camp forget to teach him how to use his 'neutral' face? Kerry seemed to concentrate on taking notes while Bush spoke, and there were just a few times I saw a facial reaction. Even then, it was no where near the frustrated, annoyed and belligerent look that President Bush kept conveying.
While the President is said to be 'folksy' and tries to come across as everyone's friend, I don't see that. I get the folksy, but I've never felt like he was trying to reach out to me. But, he may do better during the Town Hall Meeting debate because it may fit his style a little better. I'm still confident that Kerry can come across that way as well. Even John McCain commented that Kerry 'came out slugging.' Another key quote I liked about Kerry was from Tim Russert: “Tonight he seemed to find his voice for the Democratic view of the world.”
This morning on the Today show as Matt Lauer was interviewing someone from Bush's camp, Matt asked this person about the whole 'flip flop' thing they keep using against Kerry. Lauer said it to this effect: Isn't the ability to be flexible on key issues, make decisions based on information (even if it means changing where you were going) and admit that some of the things you have done were wrong are what people want to see in a President? This dude's response was that President Bush is flexible and that's what he is doing. Ummmm, no. If that were the case, he'd be able to step in front of us and say that he made an error in the invasion of Iraq and that he is doing his best to fix it. The guy DOES NOT like to admit that he is wrong!
The tides are changing...check this out from John Eisenhower:
As son of a Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, it is automatically expected by many that I am a Republican. For 50 years, through the election of 2000, I was. With the current administration’s decision to invade Iraq unilaterally, however, I changed my voter registration to independent, and barring some utterly unforeseen development, I intend to vote for the Democratic Presidential candidate, Sen. John Kerry.
I had to laugh while watching 60 Minutes on Wednesday night as Mike Wallace interviewed one of my favorite NASCAR drivers, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Turns out, Junior's a Republican. In some ways it surprised me, but in others it didn't because A) His Dad was a Republican B) He's from the Deep South C) He makes a lot of money. Not that any of those reasons automatically point to a Republican, they are just very common qualities found in many of them.
And it's no secret that the candidates are trying to appeal to the coined term 'NASCAR Dad'. Junior was quick to point out that many of his fans (and they showed a bunch of rednecks sitting outside their motorhomes at the track drinking beer, sitting in kiddie pools, and waving their rebel flags) are typically white, southern, and conservative. When Wallace questioned him on the rebel flag bit, and if NASCAR was pretty much all white, Junior said that they go hand in hand. Although Junior considers himself a 'good ole boy', he did say that he didn't agree with the rebel flag and that the sport is predominately white and that it didn't fit with his personality, although all the other stuff did. (In which Wallace replied, "So, if you weren't a driver, you'd be sitting outside your motor home, at the track, drinking beer and raising hell?" The answer? "Yep.")
Anyway, I just thought that was interesting. That's my two cents on the evening.
As for new television programming this Fall, I have only watched Joey. And, I like it. It's dumb and funny and a nice guilty pleasure. The writing isn't as good as Friends, but it still is enjoyable to watch because the character of Joey is likeable. Mike & I have always loved Joey and the dumb things that come out of his mouth. Plus, I really like the guy who plays his nephew. Drea de Matteo that plays his sister is okay, I'm not overly fond of her. I just read the other day that she is dating Shooter Jennings-none other then the son of the late, great Waylon Jennings.
Otherwise, the television doesn't get watched much when Mike isn't around. Some nights when he is at school, I don't even turn it on. I've been re-reading my Little House on the Prairie books for some reason. Return to the days of being a little kid. It's funny how much more I understand of the books now then when I was little. Yesterday I went to Barnes and Noble and purchased Bleachers by John Grisham and A Man Called Cash (brand new) by Steve Turner. The latter I just started today and it's already excellent, but sad.
This weekend: nothing on tap. Mike's with the boys at his NOME weekend, so it's just me and Madison taking it easy.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
To quote James Brown, "I feel good..." Or at least I'm getting there.
Went to the doctor for a follow-up on Friday for some other tests I had done, so they checked me out for my sickness crap too. Not much that could be done. Just that typical upper respiratory stuff. Otherwise, I was given a clean bill of health. My heart is in fantastic shape, my weight is normal for my height (although I disagree because I found out I have gained 12lbs since February). My blood work was good, with the exception of some elctrolite that I have to have re-checked. All in all, the symptoms I was experiencing before getting sick (shortness of breath, bruising, insomnia, sleep disorder, etc) all look like they are side effects of the medication I take for depression. So, to sum things up, it's all in my head.
I'm working on things. I'll get there.
My co-worker Amy had her baby last Thursday morning. Sophie, 7lbs 8oz. I stopped at the hospital on Friday to visit with them and she is absolutely adorable. Amy was in labor for 48 hours, pushed for 1 1/2 hours, and ended up with a c-section. The baby wasn't coming because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck FIVE times! Mom and baby are fine, although Amy is obviously recovering, slowly, from her surgery. Poor thing-she looked tough at the hospital.
My cousin Jenni also had a baby girl on Monday! Congrats to Jen and Tim, and the new grandparents, my Uncle Mike & Aunt Sue. Emily Elizabeth, in the same 7lb range as Sophie. New babies everywhere! I can't wait to see Emily. We haven't had a new baby in the Webb family for a very long time!
Her picture reminded me of when Jenni was a baby. I remember when she was born (I was 4) because although I liked her very much, I was also a bit jealous because of the attention Grandma Webb was giving to her! I also remember when my cousin Molly was born because she had to spend some time in the hospital. I have a vague memory of looking at her in the nursery of the hospital window and wondering why we couldn't hold her yet. She had lots of red hair! I wasn't as jealous of Molly, because I was older.
When I got home on Friday and showed Mike the pictures of Sophie, he asked if I was getting baby fever again. (I had it bad last October after Sam was born). He's always checking to see if I have it!
Mike & I went over to Cretin Durham Hall H.S. in St. Paul last night to watch Tyler play football for Century. They lost, but it was really fun to see him play at the JV level. They had him at running back, and I can't remember what he played on defense. He scored a touchdown as well! I'm glad we at least got to see one game this season. Sometimes it's hard to believe that is my little buddy that I used to carry around and take care of when he was little!
Fall is here...temp was 41 degrees this morning. It was awesome to wake up to. I love Fall weather. And, yesterday was Paige's 9th birthday. Happy Birthday kiddo!
Mike & I have now known each other 8 years as of yesterday. We'll celebrate anniversary #4 next week. Things have been tough lately as we deal with adjusting our schedules to his with school, taking care of his parents, worrying about grandparents, trying to remain social and have fun, on top of every day responsibilities and running a house. I realize daily that marriage is about communication, compromise, love and understanding. And, it's only your spouse that can laugh at your dumb jokes, love you even when you look like hell and are coughing your brains out, share in the responsibilty of a pet, understand when you lose a family member, feel your pain at losing touch with friends, it goes on and on.
There was much discussion when we started living together because of friends and family that didn't necessarily agree with that idea. For me, and I think for both of us, it came down to helping us be sure that this was what we wanted. Many people say that when you get married after living together, the divorce rate is higher because there is no difference in the feeling of being married and living together. Experts say that couples still have a tendency to think they can walk away from it all with no strings. I can honestly say that was not the case with us. The day we walked back into our apartment after getting married FELT different. I knew that there was no walking out that door without looking back.
After watching my parents go through a divorce, this was my way of ensuring that this marriage was going to last. No one has a crystal ball and no one can predict the future. But for me, this was my peace of mind. I'm not saying we didn't have the usual ups and downs of the first year of marriage. It was just that we knew how to deal with them. I love being married, and we really do have a great relationship, but we've also worked hard at achieving that. And it helps that we are also friends and like many of the same things. One thing that always stumps us though is our personalities. We are opposites here, but since we like many of the same things (i.e. hockey was the first thing we talked about) that is our common ground. But, we also are alike too in that our values are similar. We both think the world of our grandparents and spent a lot of time with them, our families are important, we believe in respect of one another, our ideas about raising kids are similar, we pretty much agree at what direction we want this country to go in, and we are both liberal. (me WAY more then him!) I guess it all comes down to a perfect mix of things that just work.
Mom & Barry leave for Pat's tomorrow-have a safe trip! Pat, hope you've recovered from Dave's visit as well. I received a crazy phone call from them on Saturday night from the baseball game they were attending, during the 7th Inning stretch of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." It sounded like a lot of fun!
Happy October!
Went to the doctor for a follow-up on Friday for some other tests I had done, so they checked me out for my sickness crap too. Not much that could be done. Just that typical upper respiratory stuff. Otherwise, I was given a clean bill of health. My heart is in fantastic shape, my weight is normal for my height (although I disagree because I found out I have gained 12lbs since February). My blood work was good, with the exception of some elctrolite that I have to have re-checked. All in all, the symptoms I was experiencing before getting sick (shortness of breath, bruising, insomnia, sleep disorder, etc) all look like they are side effects of the medication I take for depression. So, to sum things up, it's all in my head.
I'm working on things. I'll get there.
My co-worker Amy had her baby last Thursday morning. Sophie, 7lbs 8oz. I stopped at the hospital on Friday to visit with them and she is absolutely adorable. Amy was in labor for 48 hours, pushed for 1 1/2 hours, and ended up with a c-section. The baby wasn't coming because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck FIVE times! Mom and baby are fine, although Amy is obviously recovering, slowly, from her surgery. Poor thing-she looked tough at the hospital.
My cousin Jenni also had a baby girl on Monday! Congrats to Jen and Tim, and the new grandparents, my Uncle Mike & Aunt Sue. Emily Elizabeth, in the same 7lb range as Sophie. New babies everywhere! I can't wait to see Emily. We haven't had a new baby in the Webb family for a very long time!
Her picture reminded me of when Jenni was a baby. I remember when she was born (I was 4) because although I liked her very much, I was also a bit jealous because of the attention Grandma Webb was giving to her! I also remember when my cousin Molly was born because she had to spend some time in the hospital. I have a vague memory of looking at her in the nursery of the hospital window and wondering why we couldn't hold her yet. She had lots of red hair! I wasn't as jealous of Molly, because I was older.
When I got home on Friday and showed Mike the pictures of Sophie, he asked if I was getting baby fever again. (I had it bad last October after Sam was born). He's always checking to see if I have it!
Mike & I went over to Cretin Durham Hall H.S. in St. Paul last night to watch Tyler play football for Century. They lost, but it was really fun to see him play at the JV level. They had him at running back, and I can't remember what he played on defense. He scored a touchdown as well! I'm glad we at least got to see one game this season. Sometimes it's hard to believe that is my little buddy that I used to carry around and take care of when he was little!
Fall is here...temp was 41 degrees this morning. It was awesome to wake up to. I love Fall weather. And, yesterday was Paige's 9th birthday. Happy Birthday kiddo!
Mike & I have now known each other 8 years as of yesterday. We'll celebrate anniversary #4 next week. Things have been tough lately as we deal with adjusting our schedules to his with school, taking care of his parents, worrying about grandparents, trying to remain social and have fun, on top of every day responsibilities and running a house. I realize daily that marriage is about communication, compromise, love and understanding. And, it's only your spouse that can laugh at your dumb jokes, love you even when you look like hell and are coughing your brains out, share in the responsibilty of a pet, understand when you lose a family member, feel your pain at losing touch with friends, it goes on and on.
There was much discussion when we started living together because of friends and family that didn't necessarily agree with that idea. For me, and I think for both of us, it came down to helping us be sure that this was what we wanted. Many people say that when you get married after living together, the divorce rate is higher because there is no difference in the feeling of being married and living together. Experts say that couples still have a tendency to think they can walk away from it all with no strings. I can honestly say that was not the case with us. The day we walked back into our apartment after getting married FELT different. I knew that there was no walking out that door without looking back.
After watching my parents go through a divorce, this was my way of ensuring that this marriage was going to last. No one has a crystal ball and no one can predict the future. But for me, this was my peace of mind. I'm not saying we didn't have the usual ups and downs of the first year of marriage. It was just that we knew how to deal with them. I love being married, and we really do have a great relationship, but we've also worked hard at achieving that. And it helps that we are also friends and like many of the same things. One thing that always stumps us though is our personalities. We are opposites here, but since we like many of the same things (i.e. hockey was the first thing we talked about) that is our common ground. But, we also are alike too in that our values are similar. We both think the world of our grandparents and spent a lot of time with them, our families are important, we believe in respect of one another, our ideas about raising kids are similar, we pretty much agree at what direction we want this country to go in, and we are both liberal. (me WAY more then him!) I guess it all comes down to a perfect mix of things that just work.
Mom & Barry leave for Pat's tomorrow-have a safe trip! Pat, hope you've recovered from Dave's visit as well. I received a crazy phone call from them on Saturday night from the baseball game they were attending, during the 7th Inning stretch of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." It sounded like a lot of fun!
Happy October!
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
I'm still sick...
That's the long and short of it. Not much to post. My life has been nothing but staring at the ceiling, trying to sleep, or watching tv. I wish I could read, but I just can't focus!
I'm back at work today, trying to do something. I was here Monday and gone yesterday. No energy, coughing insanely. I sound like Kermit the Frog. Everyone keeps saying stuff like, "Wow, you sound terrible." "Why are you here?" "Don't breathe on me." "What's wrong with you?" I feel like the plague.
Yesterday I watched part of Days of Our Lives for the first time in a many months. It was retarded beyond my wildest dreams. I watched A Baby Story (which is always interesting when your friends are having kids all over the place), then I fell asleep and dreamed some really strange things. Then I woke and watched Little House (the one where Mary goes blind) and then Coal Miners Daughter was on, which is always a good watch. Watched some Seinfeld (the one where this girl thinks George and Jerry are gay, and the one where Kramer finds the Merv Griffin set), Father of the Pride (kind of cute), Scrubs, and then I actually watched an episode of Law and Order. Which Law and Order, I don't know. It's the one with Mariska Hagartay (is that the SVU?). It was a good episode, considering I'm not a fan of these types of shows. But, when I do watch one, I get sucked in.
Then, I let Madison outside when I was talking to my mom on the phone. She likes to lay out there, so I just let her be. When I got out there about 15 minutes later to check on her, she had dug up the entire tree of wood chips, the chicken wire, everything. THEN, she comes running in and tracks mud on the carpet. At that, Mike grabbed her and up to the kennel she went. He went outside to pick up the mess, I stayed in and cleaned up the carpet. When I let her out a short while later, she knew she was in deep shit. The joys of puppyhood.
Mike's busy with school and lots of homework. He's doing good, but definitely has gone into things full swing now. :)
That's the long and short of it. Not much to post. My life has been nothing but staring at the ceiling, trying to sleep, or watching tv. I wish I could read, but I just can't focus!
I'm back at work today, trying to do something. I was here Monday and gone yesterday. No energy, coughing insanely. I sound like Kermit the Frog. Everyone keeps saying stuff like, "Wow, you sound terrible." "Why are you here?" "Don't breathe on me." "What's wrong with you?" I feel like the plague.
Yesterday I watched part of Days of Our Lives for the first time in a many months. It was retarded beyond my wildest dreams. I watched A Baby Story (which is always interesting when your friends are having kids all over the place), then I fell asleep and dreamed some really strange things. Then I woke and watched Little House (the one where Mary goes blind) and then Coal Miners Daughter was on, which is always a good watch. Watched some Seinfeld (the one where this girl thinks George and Jerry are gay, and the one where Kramer finds the Merv Griffin set), Father of the Pride (kind of cute), Scrubs, and then I actually watched an episode of Law and Order. Which Law and Order, I don't know. It's the one with Mariska Hagartay (is that the SVU?). It was a good episode, considering I'm not a fan of these types of shows. But, when I do watch one, I get sucked in.
Then, I let Madison outside when I was talking to my mom on the phone. She likes to lay out there, so I just let her be. When I got out there about 15 minutes later to check on her, she had dug up the entire tree of wood chips, the chicken wire, everything. THEN, she comes running in and tracks mud on the carpet. At that, Mike grabbed her and up to the kennel she went. He went outside to pick up the mess, I stayed in and cleaned up the carpet. When I let her out a short while later, she knew she was in deep shit. The joys of puppyhood.
Mike's busy with school and lots of homework. He's doing good, but definitely has gone into things full swing now. :)
Sunday, September 19, 2004
"You're not dying...you just can't think of anything better to do."
That's a direct quote from Ferris Bueller and describes how I'm currently feeling. I haven't been this sick in a looooong time. Yikes.
Short post-limited energy.
I've watched 13 going on 30 and Mona Lisa Smiles, as well as a dozen episodes of Roseanne and Full House at 4am on Nick at Nite this weekend. I coughed so bad that I think I gave myself a hernia. Mike has slept downstairs and the dog has slept with me.
Anyway, I hope the rest of you have been able to enjoy this beautiful weekend of high temperatures and blue skies. It looks awesome! Get out there and do something because it won't be long before it's gone.
That's a direct quote from Ferris Bueller and describes how I'm currently feeling. I haven't been this sick in a looooong time. Yikes.
Short post-limited energy.
I've watched 13 going on 30 and Mona Lisa Smiles, as well as a dozen episodes of Roseanne and Full House at 4am on Nick at Nite this weekend. I coughed so bad that I think I gave myself a hernia. Mike has slept downstairs and the dog has slept with me.
Anyway, I hope the rest of you have been able to enjoy this beautiful weekend of high temperatures and blue skies. It looks awesome! Get out there and do something because it won't be long before it's gone.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Looooong Night
Last night was one of those nights you just want to end. I got home late because of a project at work. I was rushing to let Madison out, since Mike was at school. When I walked up the stairs, I smelled poop. She had diarrhea ALL OVER her kennel. So, I spent the first 45 minutes of my time at home cleaning that up.
Next, I head into the kitchen. We are infested with these tiny, little flea like bugs. I noticed them on Monday and thought nothing of it. Each day it has gotten worse, especially after I use the bug spray RAID. So, I sprayed down everything, took Madison to the store with me and bought more cleaning supplies. Then, I proceeded to spend the next 2 1/2 hours on my hands and knees cleaning all the floors in the house. (they are in both bathrooms too). When I returned an hour later to check, more bugs were back. We've checked everything and can't find where they are coming from. I hate bugs, especially in the kitchen where you are preparing food. I'm more concerned about using the RAID in there. And trying to keep Madison from licking it.
To finish off the evening, my Mom called. TJ has now joined my other 2 doggies in what I hope is a dog heaven like no other. The time finally came where they had to put him to sleep. I last saw him on Sunday, and he was in tough shape. I don't think he even knew me anymore. Monday night he had a bad seizure, the worst yet. And so, the time was set. I hope TJ is running like crazy chasing chipmunks and cats, his two passions. We'll miss him so much. He was by far the most interesting and personable dog we've ever had. If anyone gets a chance, drop an email to Mom and Barry. They are missing him lots.
And so, Madison heads off to stay with Mom & Barry this weekend while we go to Duluth for a wedding. Hopefully she is a help, not a poop head. :) We are looking forward to a nice weekend with our friends.
Last night was one of those nights you just want to end. I got home late because of a project at work. I was rushing to let Madison out, since Mike was at school. When I walked up the stairs, I smelled poop. She had diarrhea ALL OVER her kennel. So, I spent the first 45 minutes of my time at home cleaning that up.
Next, I head into the kitchen. We are infested with these tiny, little flea like bugs. I noticed them on Monday and thought nothing of it. Each day it has gotten worse, especially after I use the bug spray RAID. So, I sprayed down everything, took Madison to the store with me and bought more cleaning supplies. Then, I proceeded to spend the next 2 1/2 hours on my hands and knees cleaning all the floors in the house. (they are in both bathrooms too). When I returned an hour later to check, more bugs were back. We've checked everything and can't find where they are coming from. I hate bugs, especially in the kitchen where you are preparing food. I'm more concerned about using the RAID in there. And trying to keep Madison from licking it.
To finish off the evening, my Mom called. TJ has now joined my other 2 doggies in what I hope is a dog heaven like no other. The time finally came where they had to put him to sleep. I last saw him on Sunday, and he was in tough shape. I don't think he even knew me anymore. Monday night he had a bad seizure, the worst yet. And so, the time was set. I hope TJ is running like crazy chasing chipmunks and cats, his two passions. We'll miss him so much. He was by far the most interesting and personable dog we've ever had. If anyone gets a chance, drop an email to Mom and Barry. They are missing him lots.
And so, Madison heads off to stay with Mom & Barry this weekend while we go to Duluth for a wedding. Hopefully she is a help, not a poop head. :) We are looking forward to a nice weekend with our friends.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Sam Walton should have named his club "Crap Club"
I just got back from a monthly trip to Sam's Club for work. I cannot stand this place. After arguing with customer service for quite some time about a bill (which the corporate office couldn't help me with, so I had to go to the store of purchase) I finally lost my cool. Surprisingly, it worked, and I was able to get them to see where they made their mistakes. I got my money back and an apology.
I used to think the whole Sam Walton idea was genius. Now, since he died and Wal-Mart has taken over the world, I think otherwise. To me, it now represents everything that is wrong with America. They'll probably endorse Bush at the rate things are going.
I started to watch the Republican National Convention last night, but I couldn't get past keynote speaker Senator Zell Miller. He drove me up the f---ing wall. My favorite phrase ole' Zell used about Bush and his Christian ways was this one: "He's the same person Saturday night, as he is Sunday morning." Well, let's think about that. It wasn't too many years ago that Georgie Porgie was yacking his guts out on Sunday morning with a hang over and church wasn't even a glint in his eye. And, the Bush Twins were just a little too cute for my taste. Jenna looks just like her Dad-retarded.
Molly's recent posting of the link to Michael Moore's letter to the prez was great. It was sarcasm at it's finest.
Off to dog obedience class tonight! Mike's at the hockey World Cup, so it's just me & Madison. Help!
Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend. Enjoy the extra day off if you have it.
I just got back from a monthly trip to Sam's Club for work. I cannot stand this place. After arguing with customer service for quite some time about a bill (which the corporate office couldn't help me with, so I had to go to the store of purchase) I finally lost my cool. Surprisingly, it worked, and I was able to get them to see where they made their mistakes. I got my money back and an apology.
I used to think the whole Sam Walton idea was genius. Now, since he died and Wal-Mart has taken over the world, I think otherwise. To me, it now represents everything that is wrong with America. They'll probably endorse Bush at the rate things are going.
I started to watch the Republican National Convention last night, but I couldn't get past keynote speaker Senator Zell Miller. He drove me up the f---ing wall. My favorite phrase ole' Zell used about Bush and his Christian ways was this one: "He's the same person Saturday night, as he is Sunday morning." Well, let's think about that. It wasn't too many years ago that Georgie Porgie was yacking his guts out on Sunday morning with a hang over and church wasn't even a glint in his eye. And, the Bush Twins were just a little too cute for my taste. Jenna looks just like her Dad-retarded.
Molly's recent posting of the link to Michael Moore's letter to the prez was great. It was sarcasm at it's finest.
Off to dog obedience class tonight! Mike's at the hockey World Cup, so it's just me & Madison. Help!
Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend. Enjoy the extra day off if you have it.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Shut up, Taybe.
I was just thinking about how Alissa and I kept at each other with some family funny phrases when they were visiting in July. Somehow we started talking about when the kids were little and how they can never sit still when you go to an event. Pat mentioned that he had just found one of my old choir concerts from hs on tape and you can hear Alissa (age 4 at the time) saying such things as: "Don't. Stop. I'm hottttt." It was hilarious.
So, whenever she picked on me, or complained, we'd all start saying, "Don't, stop, I'm hot." After awhile, she managed to think up one of her own for me: "Shut up, Taybe."
Taybe was my imaginary friend at around ages 4-5. I don't know how to spell the name, because it's obviously made-up! Anyway, Pat loves to tell everyone how I was a nut case and that I used to freak them out with this 'friend' of mine. Alissa used it to her advantage. :)
To be honest, I knew Taybe wasn't real. I knew she was a figment of imagination. I couldn't have even told you what she looked like. She was just someone to talk to. I only had 2 other kids in the neighborhood to play with, and they were boys. When I got tired of playing cars, digging in the dirt, etc, and I wanted to do girl stuff, I played with Taybe.
She had a dog named Buffy. (That's because I wanted a dog myself.) She lived in two places: at the fire hydrant at the end of the block, and across the street from Mike & Sue, my aunt and uncle. (don't ask me why she lived in two places, I really don't know.) My mom said that I made her out to be very real. I would talk to her in the car and tell stories. Once, when mom drove around a corner too fast, I said, "Mom, watch out, you knocked over Taybe." It was just enough to freak Mom out. I don't remember much more then that about Taybe, but she went away when I started kindergarden.
In my defense, it's been noted by child psychologists that when children have imaginary friends, this indicates a creative and verbal personality. So, when Pat tells me I was a nut job, that's what I say. HE never had any imaginary friends. Mom & Dad just liked the fact that he was quiet and knew how to play by himself. Yes, I was (and am) the resident freak of our family!
I was just thinking about how Alissa and I kept at each other with some family funny phrases when they were visiting in July. Somehow we started talking about when the kids were little and how they can never sit still when you go to an event. Pat mentioned that he had just found one of my old choir concerts from hs on tape and you can hear Alissa (age 4 at the time) saying such things as: "Don't. Stop. I'm hottttt." It was hilarious.
So, whenever she picked on me, or complained, we'd all start saying, "Don't, stop, I'm hot." After awhile, she managed to think up one of her own for me: "Shut up, Taybe."
Taybe was my imaginary friend at around ages 4-5. I don't know how to spell the name, because it's obviously made-up! Anyway, Pat loves to tell everyone how I was a nut case and that I used to freak them out with this 'friend' of mine. Alissa used it to her advantage. :)
To be honest, I knew Taybe wasn't real. I knew she was a figment of imagination. I couldn't have even told you what she looked like. She was just someone to talk to. I only had 2 other kids in the neighborhood to play with, and they were boys. When I got tired of playing cars, digging in the dirt, etc, and I wanted to do girl stuff, I played with Taybe.
She had a dog named Buffy. (That's because I wanted a dog myself.) She lived in two places: at the fire hydrant at the end of the block, and across the street from Mike & Sue, my aunt and uncle. (don't ask me why she lived in two places, I really don't know.) My mom said that I made her out to be very real. I would talk to her in the car and tell stories. Once, when mom drove around a corner too fast, I said, "Mom, watch out, you knocked over Taybe." It was just enough to freak Mom out. I don't remember much more then that about Taybe, but she went away when I started kindergarden.
In my defense, it's been noted by child psychologists that when children have imaginary friends, this indicates a creative and verbal personality. So, when Pat tells me I was a nut job, that's what I say. HE never had any imaginary friends. Mom & Dad just liked the fact that he was quiet and knew how to play by himself. Yes, I was (and am) the resident freak of our family!
Monday, August 23, 2004
It's 3:23 pm.
I am taking a break at my desk because I am out of breath from doing manual labor around the office. Pushing a file cabinet down the hall by yourself isn't easy. Then, I had to start putting together a table for someone, and as I dragged the box into my office I realized that it was damn heavy. I think it's funny that then my boss or someone will come in my office and ask if I'm using my time in the most 'constuctive' way. My answer in the past has been: "Well, if you can tell me who is going to put this item of furniture together, then I wouldn't have to use my time to do it." I'm such a bitch sometimes. It's liberating!
I also went over to the Mall of America today (5 minutes from office) to have some lunch and walk around since I never made it out of the office last week. Our big boss asked if I could pick up some treats for the staff because they would be in a major meeting all afternoon. Well, I wasted 45 minutes of my own time trying to find something. No one at the mall could accomodate a dessert of some kind for 15 people. It just annoyed the crap out of me for some reason. It was also one of those days where you'd really like to buy stuff because you are actually finding things that you like for a change. But, I feel guilty everytime I spend money, so I only bought some soap for the bathroom at Bath & Body. My problem is shoes; and DSW Warehouse had 2 pairs, scratch that, 3 pairs I would have really liked. Oh well.
This leads to the next observation. Mike & I went to my co-workers home last night for dinner with her and her new husband. (They are the ones having the baby I mentioned previously). We had not been to their new townhome yet and we really wanted to see it as they had purchased their's not long after we did. Great place- super cute. It was a model home so it had all those extras that can really make a place. Such things as light switches and fixtures, hardwood floors, just those little things that we do not have. Or rather, do not have quality looking stuff. We liked their kitchen, bedroom and bath a lot. If we mixed those with our living room, dining room, loft and basement, it'd be perfect! Amy had decorated the place so well. We started asking ourselves this: are we too frugal? They have less money then we do, are much younger, and have a baby coming. But, they had all new furniture because they had nothing when they moved in. We're talking bedset, dining room set, living room set, the works. Then, you of course need comforters, rugs, etc. I know she spent some cash. We look at our place and it's hand me down city. Not that we aren't comfortable with it, but it starts to get old after awhile. We've been really lucky. That's when we questioned whether we are too cheap to go just that little extra mile to furnish things well. Or, I questioned, do we spend on other things that maybe they didn't? Such as: DVD's, going out to eat, clothes, whatever we all spend our money on. I have no clue what the answer is.
Okay, so that was Monday....
and I never finished my blog...it's now Thursday. I was out of commission on Tuesday and slept all day at home. Long story short-I take some anti-depressants, missed a dose (which I never do) and it knocked me on my butt. Today is the first day that is better. Anyway, Madison was at the vet for her spaying yesterday. I get a call at work around 10am from the vet asking if they could do x rays of her hips. Diagnosis? Hip displasia. I was a puddle. She is okay fo now-and the vet thinks it won't be an issue until she gets old and arthritic. They want to monitor it and have her come in again for x rays in 3 months. Because she still has a lot of growing to do, it may go either way. There is corrective surgery if it becomes bad, but it costs $3,000.
Otherwise, her surgery went well. She was the hit of the office with her personality. When I came to get her and said, "Hi Baby Girl" as she came out from the back, the look on her face was pure joy. Can you tell she is my baby? Mike's nickname for her is 'puppy' or 'baby puppy' and mine is usually 'goober' or 'baby girl'. We are sad, aren't we?!? Last night was quiet all around with us all being tired, and me not feeling good. Maddie slept most of the evening and through the night, but by this morning she was back to herself. She was playing a bit and attempted to do the play bite, which indicates she is up to her old tricks again. :) It's amazing how fast we've become attached to her in such a short period of time. With all that has gone on with TJ recently, I guess I just freaked out about the hip stuff thinking I didn't want to experience more pain as a dog owner. The vet is awesome-so great- and her exact words were: "I think Madison is going to be around for a long time."
I am taking a break at my desk because I am out of breath from doing manual labor around the office. Pushing a file cabinet down the hall by yourself isn't easy. Then, I had to start putting together a table for someone, and as I dragged the box into my office I realized that it was damn heavy. I think it's funny that then my boss or someone will come in my office and ask if I'm using my time in the most 'constuctive' way. My answer in the past has been: "Well, if you can tell me who is going to put this item of furniture together, then I wouldn't have to use my time to do it." I'm such a bitch sometimes. It's liberating!
I also went over to the Mall of America today (5 minutes from office) to have some lunch and walk around since I never made it out of the office last week. Our big boss asked if I could pick up some treats for the staff because they would be in a major meeting all afternoon. Well, I wasted 45 minutes of my own time trying to find something. No one at the mall could accomodate a dessert of some kind for 15 people. It just annoyed the crap out of me for some reason. It was also one of those days where you'd really like to buy stuff because you are actually finding things that you like for a change. But, I feel guilty everytime I spend money, so I only bought some soap for the bathroom at Bath & Body. My problem is shoes; and DSW Warehouse had 2 pairs, scratch that, 3 pairs I would have really liked. Oh well.
This leads to the next observation. Mike & I went to my co-workers home last night for dinner with her and her new husband. (They are the ones having the baby I mentioned previously). We had not been to their new townhome yet and we really wanted to see it as they had purchased their's not long after we did. Great place- super cute. It was a model home so it had all those extras that can really make a place. Such things as light switches and fixtures, hardwood floors, just those little things that we do not have. Or rather, do not have quality looking stuff. We liked their kitchen, bedroom and bath a lot. If we mixed those with our living room, dining room, loft and basement, it'd be perfect! Amy had decorated the place so well. We started asking ourselves this: are we too frugal? They have less money then we do, are much younger, and have a baby coming. But, they had all new furniture because they had nothing when they moved in. We're talking bedset, dining room set, living room set, the works. Then, you of course need comforters, rugs, etc. I know she spent some cash. We look at our place and it's hand me down city. Not that we aren't comfortable with it, but it starts to get old after awhile. We've been really lucky. That's when we questioned whether we are too cheap to go just that little extra mile to furnish things well. Or, I questioned, do we spend on other things that maybe they didn't? Such as: DVD's, going out to eat, clothes, whatever we all spend our money on. I have no clue what the answer is.
Okay, so that was Monday....
and I never finished my blog...it's now Thursday. I was out of commission on Tuesday and slept all day at home. Long story short-I take some anti-depressants, missed a dose (which I never do) and it knocked me on my butt. Today is the first day that is better. Anyway, Madison was at the vet for her spaying yesterday. I get a call at work around 10am from the vet asking if they could do x rays of her hips. Diagnosis? Hip displasia. I was a puddle. She is okay fo now-and the vet thinks it won't be an issue until she gets old and arthritic. They want to monitor it and have her come in again for x rays in 3 months. Because she still has a lot of growing to do, it may go either way. There is corrective surgery if it becomes bad, but it costs $3,000.
Otherwise, her surgery went well. She was the hit of the office with her personality. When I came to get her and said, "Hi Baby Girl" as she came out from the back, the look on her face was pure joy. Can you tell she is my baby? Mike's nickname for her is 'puppy' or 'baby puppy' and mine is usually 'goober' or 'baby girl'. We are sad, aren't we?!? Last night was quiet all around with us all being tired, and me not feeling good. Maddie slept most of the evening and through the night, but by this morning she was back to herself. She was playing a bit and attempted to do the play bite, which indicates she is up to her old tricks again. :) It's amazing how fast we've become attached to her in such a short period of time. With all that has gone on with TJ recently, I guess I just freaked out about the hip stuff thinking I didn't want to experience more pain as a dog owner. The vet is awesome-so great- and her exact words were: "I think Madison is going to be around for a long time."
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Sorry
It's been a few weeks since I've had a good chance to sit down and write much. Work has been busy, nights have been taken up with errands. Life at its finest!
We hit the Twins game two weeks ago with Mike's cousin Mikey, who was visting. He turned 16 while he was with us, and we had a great time showing him around the cities. Nice kid-and Madison loved to have company and someone who would run all over the house with her. Twins game was nice-I hadn't been to a game in almost 2 years. The new turf at the dome is amazing. I like it a lot more and it looks better then the other stuff. That artificial turf made it look more like indoor-outdoor carpeting. This stuff is much more realistic.
We also took advantage of riding the new Light Rail train into Minneapolis. By parking at Fort Snelling, the ride took about 15 minutes and dropped us off right in front of the Dome. Granted, the trip took about the same time as it would by driving, but you reduce the crap of finding a parking place and paying a small fortune for it. I will gladly do this again for a night out in Minneapolis.
Last week was spent in preparation for the big annual family camping trip. For 2 freaking nights and 1 day it takes A LOT to get going. Granted, this year was the easiest of all because everything is easily accessed in our basement, instead of a small closet in our apartment! I took Friday off, and we were on the road by 3:30. Madison made herself at home on top of all the coolers and had a nice perch to look out the windows and sleep on a blanket. We got down there before 7pm (Caledonia, MN) and were able to get the tent up with everything else before dark. We had some chilly nights, but with enough blankets and sleeping bags it was fine. Madison slept in her kennel, which we had room for in our large tent. She LOVED camping. Getting to run around in the country with other darks, a creek and people that wanted to play with her was perfect. Not to mention lots of bugs and fish to keep her interested! By the time evening rolled around, she would fall asleep at my feet around the campfire.
We had the annual Winnebago Bowl football game. I only played one game this year because I just wasn't up for more. We lost, so it sucked. The others all had fun. We had the new flag belts this year which make for easier capture. But, Derrick still managed to tackle Mike during the first play of the game instead of pulling his flag! (that sounded bad)
Nights were quiet, for once. Grace fell asleep on Saturday night at the fire, so she was decorated in grand tradition. What was funny was that she was the one that was so excited about decorating someone else! Cousin Randy and his family showed up as well, which is usually the only time we see them. Michelle and Dewey had gotten married quietly the weekend before, so we celebrated with a little cake and some gifts. Danny and his girlfriend were there with their 2 month old, Olivia. What a beautiful baby! I hadn't seen Danny in nearly 4 years, so that was nice that he came. Good time overall.
Went to visit Grandpa and Grandma on Sunday, in Harmony. We brought Madison to meet them. She licked Grandma, who thought she was a nice dog and pet her a bit. Same with Grandpa who proclaimed she was a smart pup! I spent a good hour chatting with Grandpa about how they are doing. Not great it sounds-and looks-and he did mention moving to the nursing home in Mabel. We'll have to see how that goes. He has a lot of responsibility in his hands and with his eye site going away, it can't be easy. It's very hard to watch the two people you love as much as your parents slow down and get older.
Madison's obedience classes started last week. We went to the first one without her, as requested, so we could learn what to expect. This week she comes along. I'm anxious to see how it goes! She loves other dogs but likes to whap them in the face with her paw. Some dogs don't take too kindly to that. She is the youngest at 5 months, with the oldest being 6 years. We took some advice from the class already and began working on things. When I let her out now and ask her to wait as I grab the chain, she does. I can't wait to see the dog named Elvis who is coming to class!
Tomorrow I am throwing a shower for my co-worker, Amy. She is due September 15, but I have a sneaking suspicion that she will go early. She is getting so big and round! It's been a great experience to be a part of her pregnancy since Day 1. They are having a little girl and are naming her Sophie. So, tonight I head off to Michael's, Factory Card Outlet, and Target to get all the things I need. I also have a haircut and eyebrow wax later, so I doubt I'll be home before 8:30pm tonight. Thankfully, we are not going anywhere this weekend. The plan is to paint the bathrooms and install shelving in the garage.
Bush and Cheney are in town tonight for a rally at the Xcel Center. This is like the 3rd or 4th time in 5 weeks. The interesting part is that the secret service is requiring all people to check in with their social security number and address. If they are a registered Democrat, they will not be allowed to enter. Nice. That's why Regime Change Begins At Home.
My most favorite t-shirt I saw recently with Bush's picture on it said, "Like a rock, only dumber." Classic. Kerry should be here again in the next week it sounds like. I can't wait until Election Day. I think I may have to take the day off, or take the following day off to recover from staying up to watch the returns!
Can Bill Clinton be our president again, please? (By the way, I'm only on Page 328 in his book. It's good, just has a lot of information to process.)
It's been a few weeks since I've had a good chance to sit down and write much. Work has been busy, nights have been taken up with errands. Life at its finest!
We hit the Twins game two weeks ago with Mike's cousin Mikey, who was visting. He turned 16 while he was with us, and we had a great time showing him around the cities. Nice kid-and Madison loved to have company and someone who would run all over the house with her. Twins game was nice-I hadn't been to a game in almost 2 years. The new turf at the dome is amazing. I like it a lot more and it looks better then the other stuff. That artificial turf made it look more like indoor-outdoor carpeting. This stuff is much more realistic.
We also took advantage of riding the new Light Rail train into Minneapolis. By parking at Fort Snelling, the ride took about 15 minutes and dropped us off right in front of the Dome. Granted, the trip took about the same time as it would by driving, but you reduce the crap of finding a parking place and paying a small fortune for it. I will gladly do this again for a night out in Minneapolis.
Last week was spent in preparation for the big annual family camping trip. For 2 freaking nights and 1 day it takes A LOT to get going. Granted, this year was the easiest of all because everything is easily accessed in our basement, instead of a small closet in our apartment! I took Friday off, and we were on the road by 3:30. Madison made herself at home on top of all the coolers and had a nice perch to look out the windows and sleep on a blanket. We got down there before 7pm (Caledonia, MN) and were able to get the tent up with everything else before dark. We had some chilly nights, but with enough blankets and sleeping bags it was fine. Madison slept in her kennel, which we had room for in our large tent. She LOVED camping. Getting to run around in the country with other darks, a creek and people that wanted to play with her was perfect. Not to mention lots of bugs and fish to keep her interested! By the time evening rolled around, she would fall asleep at my feet around the campfire.
We had the annual Winnebago Bowl football game. I only played one game this year because I just wasn't up for more. We lost, so it sucked. The others all had fun. We had the new flag belts this year which make for easier capture. But, Derrick still managed to tackle Mike during the first play of the game instead of pulling his flag! (that sounded bad)
Nights were quiet, for once. Grace fell asleep on Saturday night at the fire, so she was decorated in grand tradition. What was funny was that she was the one that was so excited about decorating someone else! Cousin Randy and his family showed up as well, which is usually the only time we see them. Michelle and Dewey had gotten married quietly the weekend before, so we celebrated with a little cake and some gifts. Danny and his girlfriend were there with their 2 month old, Olivia. What a beautiful baby! I hadn't seen Danny in nearly 4 years, so that was nice that he came. Good time overall.
Went to visit Grandpa and Grandma on Sunday, in Harmony. We brought Madison to meet them. She licked Grandma, who thought she was a nice dog and pet her a bit. Same with Grandpa who proclaimed she was a smart pup! I spent a good hour chatting with Grandpa about how they are doing. Not great it sounds-and looks-and he did mention moving to the nursing home in Mabel. We'll have to see how that goes. He has a lot of responsibility in his hands and with his eye site going away, it can't be easy. It's very hard to watch the two people you love as much as your parents slow down and get older.
Madison's obedience classes started last week. We went to the first one without her, as requested, so we could learn what to expect. This week she comes along. I'm anxious to see how it goes! She loves other dogs but likes to whap them in the face with her paw. Some dogs don't take too kindly to that. She is the youngest at 5 months, with the oldest being 6 years. We took some advice from the class already and began working on things. When I let her out now and ask her to wait as I grab the chain, she does. I can't wait to see the dog named Elvis who is coming to class!
Tomorrow I am throwing a shower for my co-worker, Amy. She is due September 15, but I have a sneaking suspicion that she will go early. She is getting so big and round! It's been a great experience to be a part of her pregnancy since Day 1. They are having a little girl and are naming her Sophie. So, tonight I head off to Michael's, Factory Card Outlet, and Target to get all the things I need. I also have a haircut and eyebrow wax later, so I doubt I'll be home before 8:30pm tonight. Thankfully, we are not going anywhere this weekend. The plan is to paint the bathrooms and install shelving in the garage.
Bush and Cheney are in town tonight for a rally at the Xcel Center. This is like the 3rd or 4th time in 5 weeks. The interesting part is that the secret service is requiring all people to check in with their social security number and address. If they are a registered Democrat, they will not be allowed to enter. Nice. That's why Regime Change Begins At Home.
My most favorite t-shirt I saw recently with Bush's picture on it said, "Like a rock, only dumber." Classic. Kerry should be here again in the next week it sounds like. I can't wait until Election Day. I think I may have to take the day off, or take the following day off to recover from staying up to watch the returns!
Can Bill Clinton be our president again, please? (By the way, I'm only on Page 328 in his book. It's good, just has a lot of information to process.)
Friday, August 06, 2004
Giggles
To make you laugh today, check out this site to view a short movie that bashes both Kerry & Bush!!
Next, you have to listen to this song. It's dumb and funny and I gurantee you won't be able to get it out of your head after you hear it. Rumor has it that the children's singer Rafee (remember him? Baby Balooga was a hit) wrote it. Banana Song rocks.
I also want to make a push to anyone who is interested in getting a dog. Madison's brother is the last of the litter to find a home. He sounds just like her-pretty laid back and smart. Even the way they describe how he sleeps is how Madison sleeps! If you know anybody that wants a great puppy, this is the one to get. I can attest to that!
Congrats on the job Molly! Sounds like this is just right for you.
To make you laugh today, check out this site to view a short movie that bashes both Kerry & Bush!!
Next, you have to listen to this song. It's dumb and funny and I gurantee you won't be able to get it out of your head after you hear it. Rumor has it that the children's singer Rafee (remember him? Baby Balooga was a hit) wrote it. Banana Song rocks.
I also want to make a push to anyone who is interested in getting a dog. Madison's brother is the last of the litter to find a home. He sounds just like her-pretty laid back and smart. Even the way they describe how he sleeps is how Madison sleeps! If you know anybody that wants a great puppy, this is the one to get. I can attest to that!
Congrats on the job Molly! Sounds like this is just right for you.
New Hottie
Watched the movie "13 Going on 30" last night. Although not considered a classic or awesome movie, it was a darn cute and feel good kind of flick. Check out the guy from the movie-he's my new hottie. Cute!
One thing I can't be more happier about in the past week: the appearance of more John Kerry bumper stickers. I'd say that I have seen the Kerry stickers outweigh the Bush ones by about 10:1 ratio. Seriously. Either the Republicans aren't pushing their stuff, or the Kerry camp is going crazy (probably this one) but I'm happy to see people supporting Kerry. I thought that his introduction at the Convention was classic. "Lt. John Kerry reporting for duty." Whoever thought of that knew the crowd would love it.
It's Friday and the day can't end soon enough. I don't know what is has been about this week. I can't get enough sleep, Work sucks, headaches abound. I just feel like if I don't keep holding my eye balls open and my head up that it will be fall on my desk with a loud crash, and I'll be out. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture. I now understand why.
I took some old pictures I found into the PictureMaker at Target the other day. Surprisingly, they turned out quite well. Three were these tiny little photos that were at Grandpa and Grandma's. I could tell that one was Uncle Mike, but the others I was unsure. As it turns out, the other two consist of Dad holding a baseball bat on his shoulder. (Aged less then 7 at least) The other is of Dad and Mike together. They look like two little rascals. Pretty cool. The others were of my Grandpa Garness and one of my mom, brother & Me in our back yard. Let's just say that i have a black eye in the picture and look really ornery. I was around 2, so this comes to know suprise to anyone who knew me at that age.
Our time up north was fun. Madison and Joey got along well and had fun wrestling with each other. Alex was funny as always. "Uncle Mike, come here so I can splash you." He has a great vocabulary for age 2 1/2. Madison was whupped after being in the water for 2 days. She saw ducks, loons, you name it. Surprisingly, she didn't do anything but just watch them paddle by. Fun to watch.
Off to the Twins game tomorrow!
Watched the movie "13 Going on 30" last night. Although not considered a classic or awesome movie, it was a darn cute and feel good kind of flick. Check out the guy from the movie-he's my new hottie. Cute!
One thing I can't be more happier about in the past week: the appearance of more John Kerry bumper stickers. I'd say that I have seen the Kerry stickers outweigh the Bush ones by about 10:1 ratio. Seriously. Either the Republicans aren't pushing their stuff, or the Kerry camp is going crazy (probably this one) but I'm happy to see people supporting Kerry. I thought that his introduction at the Convention was classic. "Lt. John Kerry reporting for duty." Whoever thought of that knew the crowd would love it.
It's Friday and the day can't end soon enough. I don't know what is has been about this week. I can't get enough sleep, Work sucks, headaches abound. I just feel like if I don't keep holding my eye balls open and my head up that it will be fall on my desk with a loud crash, and I'll be out. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture. I now understand why.
I took some old pictures I found into the PictureMaker at Target the other day. Surprisingly, they turned out quite well. Three were these tiny little photos that were at Grandpa and Grandma's. I could tell that one was Uncle Mike, but the others I was unsure. As it turns out, the other two consist of Dad holding a baseball bat on his shoulder. (Aged less then 7 at least) The other is of Dad and Mike together. They look like two little rascals. Pretty cool. The others were of my Grandpa Garness and one of my mom, brother & Me in our back yard. Let's just say that i have a black eye in the picture and look really ornery. I was around 2, so this comes to know suprise to anyone who knew me at that age.
Our time up north was fun. Madison and Joey got along well and had fun wrestling with each other. Alex was funny as always. "Uncle Mike, come here so I can splash you." He has a great vocabulary for age 2 1/2. Madison was whupped after being in the water for 2 days. She saw ducks, loons, you name it. Surprisingly, she didn't do anything but just watch them paddle by. Fun to watch.
Off to the Twins game tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Come on get happy...
At the Mall of America the other day there were auditions being held for the new Partridge Family reality show. Is it just me, or have reality shows gone too far?
Over the weekend we watched The Surreal Life, which was actually funny. That's the one where all the celebrities live together in a house and basically act obnoxious. This cast includes: Vanilla Ice, Erik "Ponch" Astrada, Tammy Faye Baker, Trishelle from the Real World, Ron Jeremy the porn star, and a Baywatch chick. Even though Ron Jeremy is gross, he's actually a pretty decent guy, as is Erik Astrada. Tammy Faye seems like just a softie at heart who is so religious she just wants to love everyone. I have to admit, I scoffed at this show initally. Then I laughed.
I haven't posted in almost 2 weeks because there hasn't been much to post about. Life moves pretty fast sometimes...where have we heard that quote before? Over the weekend we had a Housewarming Party at our place for some of the fam. Thanks to all who gave us such nice things. We appreciate the 'warming' of our place. I found out that I am not much of a hostess. I guess I'd rather just go to other people's houses. I'm not good at having people visit!
We have a new DSL connection at home, that is finally working as of yesterday. We are happy to finally have it since our dial up no longer worked very well.
Madison is still her happy puppy self. We start her puppy classes in just a few weeks, thankfully. She's got an 'attitude' going right now where she likes to bark at you when you aren't paying any attention to her. And she is still eating her poop. I give up on that one. Hey, if you want to eat your own shit, that's your business. Just don't lick me afterwards. And, she loves to dig. The tree in our front yard is taking a beating and we'll have to make a run to the hardware store to fix something up to keep her from digging.
Mike was accepted to grad school and begins at the end of August. I'm so excited for him and I hope this will help him get where he would like to be with his career. The next 10 months will be challenging, but something we both decided was worth the sacrifice.
We made a trip to the new IKEA store a few weeks ago. That is going to be a dangerous place for me! The furniture is so modern and unique-while combining quality and low prices. We bought a corner unit for our television. I could have bought a lot more! I highly recommend this place to newly out of college individuals who needs furniture and don't have a lot of money. (Molly, a tip! But sorry, no job offer.)
Speaking of Molly-please know that we have all felt this way at one time or another. You are not alone! It's the crappiest feeling in the world knowing that you are qualified, that you have a 4 year degree, and no one wants you. A job is out there-it is! I guess it's like romance. It happens when you least expect it. My first job out of college was purely by accident. Keep doing what you are doing and some day you will stop and say: how is it possible I've been out of college for 10 years ? Can I stop working and go back to those fun days? I miss college-something I never thought I would say. Keep your head held high.
Tonight is the big convention night-John Kerry will accept the nomination. I have missed the last 2 nights because I basically just forgot-too busy being outside with Madison and enjoying the weather. I'm mad that I missed Clinton's speech. Anyway, tonight I hope is the beginning of the end of the Bush reign. (Still haven't seen Fairenheit 911)
This weekend we are taking some time out to drive up north. The weather sounds decent and we haven't been to my in-laws all summer. (mike has, not me) So, we thought we 'd take the weekend to relax, check out the pontoon boat, and introduce Madison to the lake. This will be her first long car ride since we brought her home. She has had diarrhea on and off all week, so here's hoping she doesn't crap all over the car!
Spoke with my Dad yesterday, who is recovering from prostate surgery. He is on the mend, but still recuperating. Keep feeling better!
Dad has also been helping my friend Jeannette with some writing recently. She has been part of a contest at the Pioneer Press called "Average Joe Sports Writer". With a pool of contestants, they pit 2 individuals against each other and give them a topic in sports to write about. Jeannette is down to the final 4 and has done a fantastic job. The winner each week is chosen by the Sports Editor, Deputy Sports Editor, and online voting. If you get a chance, check it out and vote!
At the Mall of America the other day there were auditions being held for the new Partridge Family reality show. Is it just me, or have reality shows gone too far?
Over the weekend we watched The Surreal Life, which was actually funny. That's the one where all the celebrities live together in a house and basically act obnoxious. This cast includes: Vanilla Ice, Erik "Ponch" Astrada, Tammy Faye Baker, Trishelle from the Real World, Ron Jeremy the porn star, and a Baywatch chick. Even though Ron Jeremy is gross, he's actually a pretty decent guy, as is Erik Astrada. Tammy Faye seems like just a softie at heart who is so religious she just wants to love everyone. I have to admit, I scoffed at this show initally. Then I laughed.
I haven't posted in almost 2 weeks because there hasn't been much to post about. Life moves pretty fast sometimes...where have we heard that quote before? Over the weekend we had a Housewarming Party at our place for some of the fam. Thanks to all who gave us such nice things. We appreciate the 'warming' of our place. I found out that I am not much of a hostess. I guess I'd rather just go to other people's houses. I'm not good at having people visit!
We have a new DSL connection at home, that is finally working as of yesterday. We are happy to finally have it since our dial up no longer worked very well.
Madison is still her happy puppy self. We start her puppy classes in just a few weeks, thankfully. She's got an 'attitude' going right now where she likes to bark at you when you aren't paying any attention to her. And she is still eating her poop. I give up on that one. Hey, if you want to eat your own shit, that's your business. Just don't lick me afterwards. And, she loves to dig. The tree in our front yard is taking a beating and we'll have to make a run to the hardware store to fix something up to keep her from digging.
Mike was accepted to grad school and begins at the end of August. I'm so excited for him and I hope this will help him get where he would like to be with his career. The next 10 months will be challenging, but something we both decided was worth the sacrifice.
We made a trip to the new IKEA store a few weeks ago. That is going to be a dangerous place for me! The furniture is so modern and unique-while combining quality and low prices. We bought a corner unit for our television. I could have bought a lot more! I highly recommend this place to newly out of college individuals who needs furniture and don't have a lot of money. (Molly, a tip! But sorry, no job offer.)
Speaking of Molly-please know that we have all felt this way at one time or another. You are not alone! It's the crappiest feeling in the world knowing that you are qualified, that you have a 4 year degree, and no one wants you. A job is out there-it is! I guess it's like romance. It happens when you least expect it. My first job out of college was purely by accident. Keep doing what you are doing and some day you will stop and say: how is it possible I've been out of college for 10 years ? Can I stop working and go back to those fun days? I miss college-something I never thought I would say. Keep your head held high.
Tonight is the big convention night-John Kerry will accept the nomination. I have missed the last 2 nights because I basically just forgot-too busy being outside with Madison and enjoying the weather. I'm mad that I missed Clinton's speech. Anyway, tonight I hope is the beginning of the end of the Bush reign. (Still haven't seen Fairenheit 911)
This weekend we are taking some time out to drive up north. The weather sounds decent and we haven't been to my in-laws all summer. (mike has, not me) So, we thought we 'd take the weekend to relax, check out the pontoon boat, and introduce Madison to the lake. This will be her first long car ride since we brought her home. She has had diarrhea on and off all week, so here's hoping she doesn't crap all over the car!
Spoke with my Dad yesterday, who is recovering from prostate surgery. He is on the mend, but still recuperating. Keep feeling better!
Dad has also been helping my friend Jeannette with some writing recently. She has been part of a contest at the Pioneer Press called "Average Joe Sports Writer". With a pool of contestants, they pit 2 individuals against each other and give them a topic in sports to write about. Jeannette is down to the final 4 and has done a fantastic job. The winner each week is chosen by the Sports Editor, Deputy Sports Editor, and online voting. If you get a chance, check it out and vote!
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Blah
That's how I feel today.
Vacation was short, never long enough. We went canoeing on the rising Upper Iowa river, which was a blast. (Even though I got burned!) We hung out with family, I went to my friend Erika's wedding, a parade at my Dad's, trip to Clear Lake, Iowa to see where Buddy Holly was killed, went to see Anchorman, did a lot of shopping (MOA included), went to see a folk group play with my Dad, and read my books. It wasn't overly relaxing, but it was nice to be home.
Madison was busy lapping up all the attention she received from all of the extra people around the house. Alissa and Paige really liked her. She learned some new things from Grandpa Barry, which is good. She terrorized TJ each morning by trying to get him to play. Poor TJ, he wanted to play, but it's just too hard for him.
Things are not looking good for my buddy...he has had five seizures in the past 3 days. I found a few tumors on his chest as well. We knew it was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier. Madison will miss him too.
Back to work. There were things to catch up on, but nothing major. I'm just busy today and Friday because my co-worker is out and I'm covering her job too. Can't wait for the weekend.
Welcome to the post college working world, Molly!
That's how I feel today.
Vacation was short, never long enough. We went canoeing on the rising Upper Iowa river, which was a blast. (Even though I got burned!) We hung out with family, I went to my friend Erika's wedding, a parade at my Dad's, trip to Clear Lake, Iowa to see where Buddy Holly was killed, went to see Anchorman, did a lot of shopping (MOA included), went to see a folk group play with my Dad, and read my books. It wasn't overly relaxing, but it was nice to be home.
Madison was busy lapping up all the attention she received from all of the extra people around the house. Alissa and Paige really liked her. She learned some new things from Grandpa Barry, which is good. She terrorized TJ each morning by trying to get him to play. Poor TJ, he wanted to play, but it's just too hard for him.
Things are not looking good for my buddy...he has had five seizures in the past 3 days. I found a few tumors on his chest as well. We knew it was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier. Madison will miss him too.
Back to work. There were things to catch up on, but nothing major. I'm just busy today and Friday because my co-worker is out and I'm covering her job too. Can't wait for the weekend.
Welcome to the post college working world, Molly!
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Back in the saddle again
I'm back from vacation, back at work. I will post more later on the joys of being off for 10 days. I can tell you a couple things:
1)Madison and TJ woke me up at 5am each day.
2)We saw Anchorman and I thought it was really funny. Pat, Lyn and Mike do not concur.
"CANNON BALL!" I love Will Farrell.
I'm back from vacation, back at work. I will post more later on the joys of being off for 10 days. I can tell you a couple things:
1)Madison and TJ woke me up at 5am each day.
2)We saw Anchorman and I thought it was really funny. Pat, Lyn and Mike do not concur.
"CANNON BALL!" I love Will Farrell.
Friday, July 02, 2004
Holiday...Celebrate...
I'm not a Madonna fan, but that song popped in my head. Last day of work! It cannot come too soon. This has been one of those 'weeks' that you wish you could forget. Granted, nothing is as bad as my last job in terms of the stress. This week was just one of those ones where you wonder where the humanity in the world went to!
It's been 4:30am all this week for Madison. Mike & I are butt tired again. She seems to be a big pain in the butt in the morning. Otherwise, she is a great dog. I took her for a long walk last night, but it didn't slow her down any. I think that means that she is growing and can handle more exercise. At the Vet on Wednesday she had gained 6lbs in 3 weeks. The vet guesses that she may reach 50-60lbs total. For some reason, I don't see her getting that big. Time will tell. Her latest thing is that she barks at objects. We're never quite sure what it is that she barks at! Sometimes it's the bath tub, or she sees herself in the mirror. The last few days she barks at something on the counter! She is a funny dog.
I'm heading home at noon to pick her up and bring her back to the office with me. Then at 3pm we are going to leave for Rochester. Our big boss (who is gone today) left us an email stating that we should all leave at 3pm today. What a godsend that will be! His words were: "I know there is no way that I would know if you left earlier then that, but the guilt would eat at some of you and I would get a confession anyway." The guy is a riot at times!
I'm almost finished with Big Russ and Me. Great Book. Then, I will begin the mammoth task of My Life by Clinton. I still haven't finished my Naomi Judd book, plus I know that Pat is bringing a few more for me. I need to get back to reading a bit more again.
We're looking forward to the weekend. It should be a lot of fun and relaxing! Cousin TJ will help keep Madison in line-plus 6 more people to watch her will be lovely to give me a rest!
2 quotes that I've recently found that seem to work for our upcoming holiday and the state of our nation. I hope you find them as enlightening as I did.
"The highest patriotism is not blind allegiance to official policy, but a love of one's country deep enough to hold her to a higher standard."
-George McGovern
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy Independence Day!
I'm not a Madonna fan, but that song popped in my head. Last day of work! It cannot come too soon. This has been one of those 'weeks' that you wish you could forget. Granted, nothing is as bad as my last job in terms of the stress. This week was just one of those ones where you wonder where the humanity in the world went to!
It's been 4:30am all this week for Madison. Mike & I are butt tired again. She seems to be a big pain in the butt in the morning. Otherwise, she is a great dog. I took her for a long walk last night, but it didn't slow her down any. I think that means that she is growing and can handle more exercise. At the Vet on Wednesday she had gained 6lbs in 3 weeks. The vet guesses that she may reach 50-60lbs total. For some reason, I don't see her getting that big. Time will tell. Her latest thing is that she barks at objects. We're never quite sure what it is that she barks at! Sometimes it's the bath tub, or she sees herself in the mirror. The last few days she barks at something on the counter! She is a funny dog.
I'm heading home at noon to pick her up and bring her back to the office with me. Then at 3pm we are going to leave for Rochester. Our big boss (who is gone today) left us an email stating that we should all leave at 3pm today. What a godsend that will be! His words were: "I know there is no way that I would know if you left earlier then that, but the guilt would eat at some of you and I would get a confession anyway." The guy is a riot at times!
I'm almost finished with Big Russ and Me. Great Book. Then, I will begin the mammoth task of My Life by Clinton. I still haven't finished my Naomi Judd book, plus I know that Pat is bringing a few more for me. I need to get back to reading a bit more again.
We're looking forward to the weekend. It should be a lot of fun and relaxing! Cousin TJ will help keep Madison in line-plus 6 more people to watch her will be lovely to give me a rest!
2 quotes that I've recently found that seem to work for our upcoming holiday and the state of our nation. I hope you find them as enlightening as I did.
"The highest patriotism is not blind allegiance to official policy, but a love of one's country deep enough to hold her to a higher standard."
-George McGovern
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy Independence Day!
Monday, June 28, 2004
Only One More Week...
This is my LAST week of work before ten nice days of vacation. I can't wait.
Our weekend was pretty quiet. Yesterday we spent most of the day at Mike's cousin's home on a lake on the western part of the cities. We found out that Madison is truly a water dog. She literally jumped right in the water and started swimming. It was great. She also rolled in dirt and got absolutely filthy so she had to be sprayed down! Later, we took her out on the boat for the first time and she loved it. She actually wanted to jump in the water as the boat was moving. I think she's going to love the lake and the pontoon boat up north when we go! She slept looong and hard all the way home and all night too.
Saturday we did a few errands and went to Best Buy. Mike bought me the Elvis Ultimate Gospel CD that I've been wanting. Awesome CD. I'm not a big gospel freak, but I do like some of them. I had always heard that Elvis had always wanted to do more gospel songs, and that he knew a ton of them by heart. His only album of gospel songs "How Great Thou Art" won 3 Grammy's. It's nice and relaxing to listen to.
I started reading Tim Russert's book "Big Russ and Me". I'm really liking it. His Dad sounds like a great guy. My Clinton book hasn't arrived yet, so I'm hoping it does within the next week. I'd like to take it with me on vacation.
Friday after work I'm going to head home, change, and get Madison. Then we'll head to Rochester for 10 days of hanging out with the NY Webb's and other family. Madison will enjoy her time with TJ-she behaves a lot more when he is around!
This is my LAST week of work before ten nice days of vacation. I can't wait.
Our weekend was pretty quiet. Yesterday we spent most of the day at Mike's cousin's home on a lake on the western part of the cities. We found out that Madison is truly a water dog. She literally jumped right in the water and started swimming. It was great. She also rolled in dirt and got absolutely filthy so she had to be sprayed down! Later, we took her out on the boat for the first time and she loved it. She actually wanted to jump in the water as the boat was moving. I think she's going to love the lake and the pontoon boat up north when we go! She slept looong and hard all the way home and all night too.
Saturday we did a few errands and went to Best Buy. Mike bought me the Elvis Ultimate Gospel CD that I've been wanting. Awesome CD. I'm not a big gospel freak, but I do like some of them. I had always heard that Elvis had always wanted to do more gospel songs, and that he knew a ton of them by heart. His only album of gospel songs "How Great Thou Art" won 3 Grammy's. It's nice and relaxing to listen to.
I started reading Tim Russert's book "Big Russ and Me". I'm really liking it. His Dad sounds like a great guy. My Clinton book hasn't arrived yet, so I'm hoping it does within the next week. I'd like to take it with me on vacation.
Friday after work I'm going to head home, change, and get Madison. Then we'll head to Rochester for 10 days of hanging out with the NY Webb's and other family. Madison will enjoy her time with TJ-she behaves a lot more when he is around!
Friday, June 25, 2004
La La La...
I'm so tired I don't know what I'm doing. I'm at work in a daze. I need sleep. TGIF.
This week has been interesting to watch all the Clinton stuff going on. His appearance on Oprah was especially enlightening. I like Oprah's interview styles and he seemed pretty comfortable. The crowd certainly was on his side.
I ordered the book last week at Barnes and Noble online, so it should be delivered today along with my Big Russ and Me book. I still haven't finished two other books I'm working on. And I bought a puppy book yesterday too. Craziness. But, I'm looking forward to reading Clnton's book. I can't help it.
I gotta go. I'm gonna fall asleep.
I'm so tired I don't know what I'm doing. I'm at work in a daze. I need sleep. TGIF.
This week has been interesting to watch all the Clinton stuff going on. His appearance on Oprah was especially enlightening. I like Oprah's interview styles and he seemed pretty comfortable. The crowd certainly was on his side.
I ordered the book last week at Barnes and Noble online, so it should be delivered today along with my Big Russ and Me book. I still haven't finished two other books I'm working on. And I bought a puppy book yesterday too. Craziness. But, I'm looking forward to reading Clnton's book. I can't help it.
I gotta go. I'm gonna fall asleep.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Good Morning at 5:30am lately...
And so goes another week of Madison trials! She has taken to getting up around 5:30 every morning. Those of you who know me well know that I'm just not a morning person. Night? Absolutely. So with my sleep problems still entact, this isn't helping. But hey, when she has to pee, she has to pee!
This morning I was so tired that I fell asleep on the couch watching her play on the floor. I heard some paper rustling, but I thought it was just the plastic bottle label she likes to play with. To my surprise when I woke up, she had chewed up an entire People magazine! At this point I was like, Whatever. I'm too tired.
Madison had a great weekend with cousin TJ. She follows him around the house and pretty much does whatever he does. It gave us a bit of a break too with 4 people watching her. Grandpa Barry babysat on Saturday morning and she was a little bit of a poop outside. He found out she likes water-he was trying to wash the car and she kept trying to bite the water and the hose. ;) Her new kennel is working much better. She goes in voluntarily, but still cries when you leave. I don't feel as guilty about her being in there now that she can see what's going on.
Jenni's wedding reception and dance was very nice. Food was amazing. It was nice to see family and hang out with my cousins. We all took a lot of pictures and goofed around. It's great to see all my cousins are growing up into such nice adults!
Work is very slow this week. Makes for some long days. Lots of complaints about silly things, which tends to happen when there isn't much going on. Some days I can't believe that I work with people that resort to saying things like, "why does she get a new desk and I don't? Why does it take precedence over my file cabinets?" To be frank, I don't care! A job is a job and I'm just doing mine.
The dumb thing of the week that I did was this: I forgot my keys in Rochester! As I sat down in my car on Monday morning and reached for my purse, there were no keys. It was then that I realized they were probably sitting on the counter back home. Mike was driving all weekend and he was using his keys. What a dummy I am! Thankfully we have a spare car key, but I was an hour late to work because Mike had to drive home to give me the spare. :)
Another 7 days of work, and then I am off for 10 glorious days in July while the NY Webb's make a visit. I honestly can't wait to catch up on some sleep and relax. This sleep thing is making me feel 50, not 29.
And so goes another week of Madison trials! She has taken to getting up around 5:30 every morning. Those of you who know me well know that I'm just not a morning person. Night? Absolutely. So with my sleep problems still entact, this isn't helping. But hey, when she has to pee, she has to pee!
This morning I was so tired that I fell asleep on the couch watching her play on the floor. I heard some paper rustling, but I thought it was just the plastic bottle label she likes to play with. To my surprise when I woke up, she had chewed up an entire People magazine! At this point I was like, Whatever. I'm too tired.
Madison had a great weekend with cousin TJ. She follows him around the house and pretty much does whatever he does. It gave us a bit of a break too with 4 people watching her. Grandpa Barry babysat on Saturday morning and she was a little bit of a poop outside. He found out she likes water-he was trying to wash the car and she kept trying to bite the water and the hose. ;) Her new kennel is working much better. She goes in voluntarily, but still cries when you leave. I don't feel as guilty about her being in there now that she can see what's going on.
Jenni's wedding reception and dance was very nice. Food was amazing. It was nice to see family and hang out with my cousins. We all took a lot of pictures and goofed around. It's great to see all my cousins are growing up into such nice adults!
Work is very slow this week. Makes for some long days. Lots of complaints about silly things, which tends to happen when there isn't much going on. Some days I can't believe that I work with people that resort to saying things like, "why does she get a new desk and I don't? Why does it take precedence over my file cabinets?" To be frank, I don't care! A job is a job and I'm just doing mine.
The dumb thing of the week that I did was this: I forgot my keys in Rochester! As I sat down in my car on Monday morning and reached for my purse, there were no keys. It was then that I realized they were probably sitting on the counter back home. Mike was driving all weekend and he was using his keys. What a dummy I am! Thankfully we have a spare car key, but I was an hour late to work because Mike had to drive home to give me the spare. :)
Another 7 days of work, and then I am off for 10 glorious days in July while the NY Webb's make a visit. I honestly can't wait to catch up on some sleep and relax. This sleep thing is making me feel 50, not 29.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Slow down? Not me.
I was just thinking last night that I don't know the last time that I've sat still for more then 20 minutes on a week day evening. If I'm not watching Madison like a hawk and running her outside, I'm cleaning, or I'm watering the flowers, something. I think I need a break. I just want to get back to reading my book so I can finish it! Sound familiar? It's like I'm a new parent!
Maddy is in Day 3 of crate training. The last 2 days she has not gone to the bathroom in the crate-Sunday must have a taught her something! She still does not like to go in there, even with treats, but she seems to do okay. She is raring to go when we get home, so we have to do lots of playing and walks.
Last night we made another trip to PetSmart to investigate a larger, wire crate for her. Plus, we had to return the gate, which made no sense to keep since she can jump it. What was cute is that there were some puppy training classes going on. There was a boxer, jack russell terrier, golden retriever, and 2 mixed breeds. Maddy was so excited! We definitely need to get her involved in a class. Afterwards she was able to greet a few of the dogs, and then she tried to paw the Jack Russell in the face. I think she just wanted to play, and that was her way of letting him know. Plus, she was larger then him.
We came home with a new crate, a water dish, treats, and a floor mat for her food. She promptly tried to chew the floor mat when I layed that down for her bowls. She is really a chewing machine. This morning she again ran over to crap in the neighbors lawn because she doesn't like getting wet when the sprinkler system comes on at 5:30am. Thankfully, these people adore her and I obviously pick it up. I warned them that she is doing this, and they were so nice about it. It's really appreciated!
Tonight Bryan & Mary are coming with their new baby Hanna! We have not seen Hanna yet-she is just a month old. The pictures we have seen are great-she a cute little chub. Also, my former boss at TM and great friend Alana had a baby boy on Monday! He was 2 weeks early. My co-worker Andrea also had her baby last week. Another boy. It seems like everyone is having babies and they are all coming earlier then their due date.
Work is fair right now. I'm still really tired-even without the caffeine. I think I'm sleeping soundly but I just can't seem to get enough sleep. Madison had me up at 3am today to pee, and then again at 5:30am. That can't help, but what can you do? She's been really good about going back to sleep. Hopefully this weekend I can get a little extra sleep. I guess the other thing I have to get my butt in gear on is exercise.
I was just thinking last night that I don't know the last time that I've sat still for more then 20 minutes on a week day evening. If I'm not watching Madison like a hawk and running her outside, I'm cleaning, or I'm watering the flowers, something. I think I need a break. I just want to get back to reading my book so I can finish it! Sound familiar? It's like I'm a new parent!
Maddy is in Day 3 of crate training. The last 2 days she has not gone to the bathroom in the crate-Sunday must have a taught her something! She still does not like to go in there, even with treats, but she seems to do okay. She is raring to go when we get home, so we have to do lots of playing and walks.
Last night we made another trip to PetSmart to investigate a larger, wire crate for her. Plus, we had to return the gate, which made no sense to keep since she can jump it. What was cute is that there were some puppy training classes going on. There was a boxer, jack russell terrier, golden retriever, and 2 mixed breeds. Maddy was so excited! We definitely need to get her involved in a class. Afterwards she was able to greet a few of the dogs, and then she tried to paw the Jack Russell in the face. I think she just wanted to play, and that was her way of letting him know. Plus, she was larger then him.
We came home with a new crate, a water dish, treats, and a floor mat for her food. She promptly tried to chew the floor mat when I layed that down for her bowls. She is really a chewing machine. This morning she again ran over to crap in the neighbors lawn because she doesn't like getting wet when the sprinkler system comes on at 5:30am. Thankfully, these people adore her and I obviously pick it up. I warned them that she is doing this, and they were so nice about it. It's really appreciated!
Tonight Bryan & Mary are coming with their new baby Hanna! We have not seen Hanna yet-she is just a month old. The pictures we have seen are great-she a cute little chub. Also, my former boss at TM and great friend Alana had a baby boy on Monday! He was 2 weeks early. My co-worker Andrea also had her baby last week. Another boy. It seems like everyone is having babies and they are all coming earlier then their due date.
Work is fair right now. I'm still really tired-even without the caffeine. I think I'm sleeping soundly but I just can't seem to get enough sleep. Madison had me up at 3am today to pee, and then again at 5:30am. That can't help, but what can you do? She's been really good about going back to sleep. Hopefully this weekend I can get a little extra sleep. I guess the other thing I have to get my butt in gear on is exercise.
Monday, June 14, 2004
She's a cat
This morning, as I'm eating breakfast, Madison the puppy comes out from the kitchen from where she was eating her breakfast. She didn't see me at the table eating, so I called to her. She saw me across from the table, so she hopped up on the dining room chair, climbed onto the table, and walked across it to meet me. Can we say CAT anyone?
Madison met cousin TJ this weekend, and they seemed to get along well. TJ was a bit jealous of the attention I gave Madison-so he peed on my foot in the sunroom. Her scent was there on the rug and I think he made his point! Later, he laid in my lap while Maddy chewed on a toy. When I left, he did his usual loud barking to signify that I am not to leave! Although he looks a little rough, he is about 75% TJ. I'll take that over anything.
Maddy was a big hit with Mom & Barry, as well as Pam who stopped by. We then made a trek over to Byron where she met Dad, Debbie & Janelle. Puffy the dog did not care for Madison at all. Dad had to keep her separated. Janelle's comment made sense: "Puffy is a widow now." But, they all enjoyed Madison as well, especially Dad. Maddy has a tendency to melt some hearts. Especially hurting hearts. She is a special little dog.
Yesterday was her first try in the crate for about 2 hours. She pooped in it and pawed at the door. Hopefully today she will understand that if she poops and pees in there, she will have to lay in it all day long. I now understand how Pat felt too about putting Dizzy in a crate. It's not fun and I feel bad. But, the vet said it's the best thing you can do for her. She still is having accidents, but it's always because we are not watching her carefully. She has also learned to sit in just a week-and is starting to know her name. Much to learn!
We received our security deposit of $400 back from the apartment, so we went to buy a grill yesterday! We had grilled barbeque ribs and they were tasty. The rest of the money goes to each of us to spend a little on ourselves. I've gained a few pounds and can't get into some of my shorts. nice. So, I need to buy a few new clothes.
Today is my 7th Day of being caffeine free. I do not enjoy it at all. But, I am determined to do this for better sleeping habits. It is helping and I seem to be sleeping sounder. I can't wear the sleep mask because SOMEONE ate it! All in all, I wake up feeling more rested. I'm existing on water, lemonaide, gatoraide, and Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi. Back in the day I used to drink PepsiFree. It's hard to find Caffeine Free Pepsi or Coke at all. Diet Pepsi tastes better then the Diet Coke. Why should it taste different because of caffeine? I have no idea. But it does. Has anyone tasted the new low carb/calorie Coke?
This weekend we head back to Rochester for my cousin Jenni's wedding reception. We haven't had a wedding dance to go to in a long time, so this should be fun. All the cousins are 21 (except Allie) and over so we can have a few drinks together. Nate is also home from Hawaii. Mike is going to go to a bachelor party in Rochester for one of our college roommates, who is a McCabe from Lanesboro. (Grandpa worked for his grandpa, Dad knows his Dad, etc) I like to call him Kyle Petty-looks just like him! Anyway, Doug's party is Saturday night as well.
Puppy training tips anyone???
This morning, as I'm eating breakfast, Madison the puppy comes out from the kitchen from where she was eating her breakfast. She didn't see me at the table eating, so I called to her. She saw me across from the table, so she hopped up on the dining room chair, climbed onto the table, and walked across it to meet me. Can we say CAT anyone?
Madison met cousin TJ this weekend, and they seemed to get along well. TJ was a bit jealous of the attention I gave Madison-so he peed on my foot in the sunroom. Her scent was there on the rug and I think he made his point! Later, he laid in my lap while Maddy chewed on a toy. When I left, he did his usual loud barking to signify that I am not to leave! Although he looks a little rough, he is about 75% TJ. I'll take that over anything.
Maddy was a big hit with Mom & Barry, as well as Pam who stopped by. We then made a trek over to Byron where she met Dad, Debbie & Janelle. Puffy the dog did not care for Madison at all. Dad had to keep her separated. Janelle's comment made sense: "Puffy is a widow now." But, they all enjoyed Madison as well, especially Dad. Maddy has a tendency to melt some hearts. Especially hurting hearts. She is a special little dog.
Yesterday was her first try in the crate for about 2 hours. She pooped in it and pawed at the door. Hopefully today she will understand that if she poops and pees in there, she will have to lay in it all day long. I now understand how Pat felt too about putting Dizzy in a crate. It's not fun and I feel bad. But, the vet said it's the best thing you can do for her. She still is having accidents, but it's always because we are not watching her carefully. She has also learned to sit in just a week-and is starting to know her name. Much to learn!
We received our security deposit of $400 back from the apartment, so we went to buy a grill yesterday! We had grilled barbeque ribs and they were tasty. The rest of the money goes to each of us to spend a little on ourselves. I've gained a few pounds and can't get into some of my shorts. nice. So, I need to buy a few new clothes.
Today is my 7th Day of being caffeine free. I do not enjoy it at all. But, I am determined to do this for better sleeping habits. It is helping and I seem to be sleeping sounder. I can't wear the sleep mask because SOMEONE ate it! All in all, I wake up feeling more rested. I'm existing on water, lemonaide, gatoraide, and Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi. Back in the day I used to drink PepsiFree. It's hard to find Caffeine Free Pepsi or Coke at all. Diet Pepsi tastes better then the Diet Coke. Why should it taste different because of caffeine? I have no idea. But it does. Has anyone tasted the new low carb/calorie Coke?
This weekend we head back to Rochester for my cousin Jenni's wedding reception. We haven't had a wedding dance to go to in a long time, so this should be fun. All the cousins are 21 (except Allie) and over so we can have a few drinks together. Nate is also home from Hawaii. Mike is going to go to a bachelor party in Rochester for one of our college roommates, who is a McCabe from Lanesboro. (Grandpa worked for his grandpa, Dad knows his Dad, etc) I like to call him Kyle Petty-looks just like him! Anyway, Doug's party is Saturday night as well.
Puppy training tips anyone???
Friday, June 11, 2004
Chewing, Chewing and more Chewing!
Our evenings are spent trying to tire out Madison so that she won't chew the house apart, and will sleep through the night! The sleeping is going well and she usually only has to go out once in the course of the night. She seems to understand that once the lights are off in the bedroom, it's time to sleep.
She is starting to understand her name-except when she is outside! Then, she chooses to ignore and wander. She is starting to understand the concept of sit and outside too. No accidents in the house last night-she keeps going over by the door to let us know she has to go. Otherwise, we pay attention to where she is sniffing and that usually when she has to poop.
On Monday she jumped the gate in the kitchen that we had her penned in with. She had a lovely day of having the house to herself! Thankfully, she didn't damage too much. She did manage to get a hold of my CPAP sleep mask and chewed it up. That is, of course, the most expensive item she could have chosen. :) Otherwise, just Mike's hat and a magazine were casualities. Wednesday/Thursday were spent in the basement. She has her box, blanket, and toys. It's cooler down there for her and she has the run of the whole basement. yesterday she even went to the bathroom on the 'puppy training pad' by the door. We thought that at least we could still work on the potty thing even if we can't be there with her.
Life is pretty much all Madison right now! We haven't gotten a whole lot done, plus it's done nothing but rain. It's really starting to get ridiculous. Tomorrow we are driving down to Rochester for the day to visit TJ and show off Madison. She likes the car, and actually calms down more when she is in there!
Side note: I saw a bumper sticker this morning that I caught my eye. It said 'fety driving'. I'm like, huh? Then I realized that it was 'safety driving' and the first two letters were gone. How safe is this truck actually driving then???
Currently listening to: The Mavericks "Oh What a Crying Shame"
& Lisa Marie Presley "Lights Out"
Our evenings are spent trying to tire out Madison so that she won't chew the house apart, and will sleep through the night! The sleeping is going well and she usually only has to go out once in the course of the night. She seems to understand that once the lights are off in the bedroom, it's time to sleep.
She is starting to understand her name-except when she is outside! Then, she chooses to ignore and wander. She is starting to understand the concept of sit and outside too. No accidents in the house last night-she keeps going over by the door to let us know she has to go. Otherwise, we pay attention to where she is sniffing and that usually when she has to poop.
On Monday she jumped the gate in the kitchen that we had her penned in with. She had a lovely day of having the house to herself! Thankfully, she didn't damage too much. She did manage to get a hold of my CPAP sleep mask and chewed it up. That is, of course, the most expensive item she could have chosen. :) Otherwise, just Mike's hat and a magazine were casualities. Wednesday/Thursday were spent in the basement. She has her box, blanket, and toys. It's cooler down there for her and she has the run of the whole basement. yesterday she even went to the bathroom on the 'puppy training pad' by the door. We thought that at least we could still work on the potty thing even if we can't be there with her.
Life is pretty much all Madison right now! We haven't gotten a whole lot done, plus it's done nothing but rain. It's really starting to get ridiculous. Tomorrow we are driving down to Rochester for the day to visit TJ and show off Madison. She likes the car, and actually calms down more when she is in there!
Side note: I saw a bumper sticker this morning that I caught my eye. It said 'fety driving'. I'm like, huh? Then I realized that it was 'safety driving' and the first two letters were gone. How safe is this truck actually driving then???
Currently listening to: The Mavericks "Oh What a Crying Shame"
& Lisa Marie Presley "Lights Out"
Monday, June 07, 2004
It's Official
We took the plunge and become 'pseduo' parents this weekend and adopted a dog!
She is 12 weeks old and is a Golden Retriever mix, but is all black. Her name is Madison! She came to us from the town of Madison near Montevideo, MN, so we just named her after the town. Maddy for short.
She learned how to go up and down the stairs yesterday, with some help with treats. She's not so sure about the leash and the chair outside, but is getting used to it. We are working to see if we can just keep her off a chain when she is going to the bathroom. She will stay in the yard for the most part, but likes to wander when she sees people.
Today is her first day alone and she didn't like it when I left. I'm worrying about her all day today, but I'm sure she's fine. I assume she'll spend her day sleeping. We blocked off part of the kitchen with a gate because we don't have a dog crate for her yet. This way, she has the freedom to wander around and can look outside. I just hope the potty stuff works okay. She's only had a couple of small accidents so far and has not pooped in the house yet. In short, I'm loving my doggie. She will get to meet TJ this weekend!
That pretty much took up most of our weekend. Matt, Jill & Sam came over Saturday night. He took a liking to Madison and was pulling her hair and patting her. Thankfully, Madison was fine and liked licking him. (she is a BIG licker!) Sam is growing like a weed and is so cute. He likes to babble and is a pretty happy guy. Matt & Jill seem really happy being parents.
Otherwise, we have spent a lot of time outdoors with Madison. She is getting acquainted with the 2 neighbor dogs across the street. She is starting to learn her name a bit and is getting 'outside' pretty good. Lots to teach her as she is at that critical age of learning!
We took the plunge and become 'pseduo' parents this weekend and adopted a dog!
She is 12 weeks old and is a Golden Retriever mix, but is all black. Her name is Madison! She came to us from the town of Madison near Montevideo, MN, so we just named her after the town. Maddy for short.
She learned how to go up and down the stairs yesterday, with some help with treats. She's not so sure about the leash and the chair outside, but is getting used to it. We are working to see if we can just keep her off a chain when she is going to the bathroom. She will stay in the yard for the most part, but likes to wander when she sees people.
Today is her first day alone and she didn't like it when I left. I'm worrying about her all day today, but I'm sure she's fine. I assume she'll spend her day sleeping. We blocked off part of the kitchen with a gate because we don't have a dog crate for her yet. This way, she has the freedom to wander around and can look outside. I just hope the potty stuff works okay. She's only had a couple of small accidents so far and has not pooped in the house yet. In short, I'm loving my doggie. She will get to meet TJ this weekend!
That pretty much took up most of our weekend. Matt, Jill & Sam came over Saturday night. He took a liking to Madison and was pulling her hair and patting her. Thankfully, Madison was fine and liked licking him. (she is a BIG licker!) Sam is growing like a weed and is so cute. He likes to babble and is a pretty happy guy. Matt & Jill seem really happy being parents.
Otherwise, we have spent a lot of time outdoors with Madison. She is getting acquainted with the 2 neighbor dogs across the street. She is starting to learn her name a bit and is getting 'outside' pretty good. Lots to teach her as she is at that critical age of learning!
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Like Family
Friday night was a tough one for me. Mom called and said that what we figured was true-TJ has a tumor. It's a bad one, pushing from one side into the other lobe of the brain. The vets said they could do chemo/radiation, but these types of tumors don't respond well to treatment. It's probably been going on for up to 6 months, and it's probably genetic. So, they sent him home with prednizone and said to make him comfortable and give him lots of love. By Saturday, he had perked up quite a bit and Mom said he was more like himself. I hope to go home and see him, spend a little time with him, before things get too bad.
I broke down many times on the way up north. I just can't imagine life without that little bugger. He's asked for so little and given so much happiness.
With the rain we've been experiencing for the last few weeks, I need some sunshine. I spent 3 hours last night planting flowers and putzing around outside. I can't sit still, I don't want to sit still. I did the laundry, I did the bills, I sent out some mail, printed out some pictures, you get the idea. Tonight, cleaning the basement.
We did have a nice, all be it short, trip to Babbitt. It was good to see Alex and hang out with him. He's got quite the attitude these days-the terrible two's have set in. He really likes the word "NO". Imagine that? And when he wants something from his Uncle, he just keeps saying, "Mike. MIKE! MIKE! MIKE!" What's cute is when you point to someone and ask who it is. It cracks me up. "Das Grandpa!" "Das Bob!" It was good to have a little one around for some smiles.
And, Joey the Wonder Dog is going to win us $10,000 hopefully! America's Funniest Home Videos (which I never watch, but caught last weekend) is looking for your ugliest dog videos. Well, Joey is a Husky-Wiener Dog mix. Can you get any stranger? He's a cutie. We taped him playing with his favorite bowling ball and pin. He barks and paws at the ball because it drives him nuts that he can't pick it up! I told him if he wins me any money, I'll buy him all the bones he can eat. :)
Friday night was a tough one for me. Mom called and said that what we figured was true-TJ has a tumor. It's a bad one, pushing from one side into the other lobe of the brain. The vets said they could do chemo/radiation, but these types of tumors don't respond well to treatment. It's probably been going on for up to 6 months, and it's probably genetic. So, they sent him home with prednizone and said to make him comfortable and give him lots of love. By Saturday, he had perked up quite a bit and Mom said he was more like himself. I hope to go home and see him, spend a little time with him, before things get too bad.
I broke down many times on the way up north. I just can't imagine life without that little bugger. He's asked for so little and given so much happiness.
With the rain we've been experiencing for the last few weeks, I need some sunshine. I spent 3 hours last night planting flowers and putzing around outside. I can't sit still, I don't want to sit still. I did the laundry, I did the bills, I sent out some mail, printed out some pictures, you get the idea. Tonight, cleaning the basement.
We did have a nice, all be it short, trip to Babbitt. It was good to see Alex and hang out with him. He's got quite the attitude these days-the terrible two's have set in. He really likes the word "NO". Imagine that? And when he wants something from his Uncle, he just keeps saying, "Mike. MIKE! MIKE! MIKE!" What's cute is when you point to someone and ask who it is. It cracks me up. "Das Grandpa!" "Das Bob!" It was good to have a little one around for some smiles.
And, Joey the Wonder Dog is going to win us $10,000 hopefully! America's Funniest Home Videos (which I never watch, but caught last weekend) is looking for your ugliest dog videos. Well, Joey is a Husky-Wiener Dog mix. Can you get any stranger? He's a cutie. We taped him playing with his favorite bowling ball and pin. He barks and paws at the ball because it drives him nuts that he can't pick it up! I told him if he wins me any money, I'll buy him all the bones he can eat. :)
Friday, May 28, 2004
New 'do, New Outlook
It goes with my personality.
When things are stressful and I feel a bit crazed by life, I always end up doing this.
I get a haircut. I dye my hair. I clean. And I don't sit still.
I have done all of this recently.
Last night I cut off about 3 inches of hair and dyed it dark brown in an attempt to get back to my natural hair color. I love it and it feels a 100% better to have the weight of all that hair off my shoulders. I also have not been able to sit down to read a book, because then my mind wanders. So, the answer is to be gone as much as possible each night this week and do chores around the house to keep myself going. So far, so good.
TJ Update: He was at the U of M yesterday and stayed overnight. He is going to have a CT Scan and possibly a spinal tap. The vets are awesome-they told Mom and Barry to keep their hopes up. It could be encephilitis, not a brain tumor. They can treat the encephilitis and it could explain the seizures, the loss of vision, his behavior, etc. I'm willing to accept the worst, but it's good to know there is hope. Fingers crossed, lots of prayers have been said.
Mike & I are heading to the Northwoods today after work. I have not been up that way since January, so I'm looking forward to getting into the great outdoors. I'd actually like to be able to do a little fishing because I'm craving walleye. But, I don't know if there will be time or fish to catch!
Have a great Memorial Day...and I ask that you remember the reason we have this day off. Take a moment to honor those who have died and if you get the chance, go see the new WWII Memorial. I can't wait to see it.
It goes with my personality.
When things are stressful and I feel a bit crazed by life, I always end up doing this.
I get a haircut. I dye my hair. I clean. And I don't sit still.
I have done all of this recently.
Last night I cut off about 3 inches of hair and dyed it dark brown in an attempt to get back to my natural hair color. I love it and it feels a 100% better to have the weight of all that hair off my shoulders. I also have not been able to sit down to read a book, because then my mind wanders. So, the answer is to be gone as much as possible each night this week and do chores around the house to keep myself going. So far, so good.
TJ Update: He was at the U of M yesterday and stayed overnight. He is going to have a CT Scan and possibly a spinal tap. The vets are awesome-they told Mom and Barry to keep their hopes up. It could be encephilitis, not a brain tumor. They can treat the encephilitis and it could explain the seizures, the loss of vision, his behavior, etc. I'm willing to accept the worst, but it's good to know there is hope. Fingers crossed, lots of prayers have been said.
Mike & I are heading to the Northwoods today after work. I have not been up that way since January, so I'm looking forward to getting into the great outdoors. I'd actually like to be able to do a little fishing because I'm craving walleye. But, I don't know if there will be time or fish to catch!
Have a great Memorial Day...and I ask that you remember the reason we have this day off. Take a moment to honor those who have died and if you get the chance, go see the new WWII Memorial. I can't wait to see it.
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Life is always changing, and I struggle with that.
TJ, my parents dog, (and my dog too in many ways) has been suffering from seizures for last week or so. He hasn't really been himself for almost a month, and the vet thinks he may have a brain tumor. I was so hoping that they would just say that he got into something, needs medicine, and that's that. But, it's not sounding like that is the case.
I watched him for a 2 days almost over the weekend while my parents attempted to go on vacation. But, he had a seizure by the early afternoon of the first day, and another in the night. I was so paranoid that I didn't sleep hardly at all and kept getting him up to see if he was okay. It's the most horrible thing to see him have a seizure. I cried my eyes out each time and held onto him and tried to remain calm. But, it's difficult. Mom is going to check with the vet again, and at the U of M to see if there are any other options, but MRI's and CT scans are going to run very expensive. So, it's really up to them. TJ is only 6 and it just doesn't seem fair. We all just want our crazy, wild dog back again.
I just lost my dog 6 years ago-and she lived to be 17. Our Airedale was 11 and went only 6 months before Taffy. I don't know if I want a dog of my own. It's a hard thing to take when you lose them. I guess I'll just keep praying that TJ is not in pain and that it may possibly be something else. And then come to terms with it all.
To be honest, I am a big baby when it comes to animals in trouble. My mom used to make me turn off Lassie when it was on because I would cry when she would be lost and trying to find her way home. I distinctly remember an episode of Little House on the Prairie when Laura loses her dog Jack to old age. I cried to bad that Mom threatened to turn it off if I didn't stop. The worst movies for me as a kid were Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows. I was in 4th grade when I saw both of those movies in class (on the old film projectors that you ran the film through) and when they were over, I was a mess. My whole desk would be wet from crying. I guess I'm just ultra sensitive to animals, especially dogs. And now, Dad with Norman, I'm so bummed. Norman is just the sweetest thing in the world.
Anyway, tonight we are cleaning out the apartment and handing over our keys. We haven't lived there in a month, and tonight we have a good session of stuff to tackle. Hopefully it won't take too long. Then, it is all official and we can turn the page of that part of our life. I hope it finally makes us feel like we have completed everything.
TJ, my parents dog, (and my dog too in many ways) has been suffering from seizures for last week or so. He hasn't really been himself for almost a month, and the vet thinks he may have a brain tumor. I was so hoping that they would just say that he got into something, needs medicine, and that's that. But, it's not sounding like that is the case.
I watched him for a 2 days almost over the weekend while my parents attempted to go on vacation. But, he had a seizure by the early afternoon of the first day, and another in the night. I was so paranoid that I didn't sleep hardly at all and kept getting him up to see if he was okay. It's the most horrible thing to see him have a seizure. I cried my eyes out each time and held onto him and tried to remain calm. But, it's difficult. Mom is going to check with the vet again, and at the U of M to see if there are any other options, but MRI's and CT scans are going to run very expensive. So, it's really up to them. TJ is only 6 and it just doesn't seem fair. We all just want our crazy, wild dog back again.
I just lost my dog 6 years ago-and she lived to be 17. Our Airedale was 11 and went only 6 months before Taffy. I don't know if I want a dog of my own. It's a hard thing to take when you lose them. I guess I'll just keep praying that TJ is not in pain and that it may possibly be something else. And then come to terms with it all.
To be honest, I am a big baby when it comes to animals in trouble. My mom used to make me turn off Lassie when it was on because I would cry when she would be lost and trying to find her way home. I distinctly remember an episode of Little House on the Prairie when Laura loses her dog Jack to old age. I cried to bad that Mom threatened to turn it off if I didn't stop. The worst movies for me as a kid were Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows. I was in 4th grade when I saw both of those movies in class (on the old film projectors that you ran the film through) and when they were over, I was a mess. My whole desk would be wet from crying. I guess I'm just ultra sensitive to animals, especially dogs. And now, Dad with Norman, I'm so bummed. Norman is just the sweetest thing in the world.
Anyway, tonight we are cleaning out the apartment and handing over our keys. We haven't lived there in a month, and tonight we have a good session of stuff to tackle. Hopefully it won't take too long. Then, it is all official and we can turn the page of that part of our life. I hope it finally makes us feel like we have completed everything.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Ummm, No.
"Producers have visited the Hernando, Miss., area looking for possible locations for a movie based on the life of Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash. "Walk the Line," now in preproduction, is expected to star Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash."
Unfortunely, I can't see either one of them as John or June. Suggestions, anyone?
"Producers have visited the Hernando, Miss., area looking for possible locations for a movie based on the life of Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash. "Walk the Line," now in preproduction, is expected to star Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash."
Unfortunely, I can't see either one of them as John or June. Suggestions, anyone?
It's only Wednesday.
It seems as though it should be Friday by now, for some reason. Long week for me, not sure why.
I did however have a great night on Monday night. I attended a seminar by Naomi Judd (the country singer whose daughters are Ashely Judd and Wynonna) in Minneapolis. It was in a ballroom, and was limited to about 100 people or so. I was excited because 1) She is involved in Spirit, Mind, Body healing 2) She has a great personality 3) I've always liked her music. Her lecture was about how to take control of your life and get to a better place. Well, I'm at a place in my life right now that I could use a little of that! So, I went. And as I entered the building and went up the escalator, who should be in front of me? Naomi! Got to say hi. I then went to purchase her new book before entering the seminar.
Seminar was fantastic. I took 5 pages worth of notes. She had some great information that makes you stop and think about what one is doing with their life. I'll share one brief piece that hit home with me: You're only allowed to be a victim in life once. After that, you are volunteering.
Afterwards, they announced she would be signing her book. So, like a crazed fan (I walked,didn't run) I went to get in line. After only waiting 10 minutes, she signed my book, shook my hand, and actually took time to talk to me. I mentioned to her that she had once called Dad to thank him for an article that he wrote about Wynonna after she went solo. She remembered him, the conversation, and said again, "I just loved how he wrote it." She said, "You tell your Dad hi, and that I remember him well." Then she thanked me for coming, was glad that I wanted to make changes in my life, and wished me well.
I have to say that I was seriously impressed with her. There was no 'celebrity' put on by her. What you see is what you get, and she says what she's thinking. I came away respecting her more then ever. Then, I promptly pulled out my phone as I was leaving, called Mom and said, "I MET NAOMI JUDD!!" I walked in the door and said the same thing to Mike. Can you tell I was excited?
Yesterday, I received the CPAP machine that I will be wearing at night to help my sleep apnea. I wore it last night and it sucked. They told me to give it a few weeks because there is a definite adjustment. I woke up with a headache today, and didn't even wear the thing all night long cuz it bugged me so bad. Hopefully I set it up correctly, because I did have a one hour training on how to use the damn thing! Mike now calls me Darth Vader at night. :)
Mike's parents, sister and nephew arrive tomorrow. They are all heading to Iowa together on Friday for their annual visit and to celebrate Mike's mom's birthday-the big 5-0! I have not seen Alex since January, so I'm anxious to see how much he's grown. I'm sure he is already talking about going to Uncle 'Bike's house!
I'm home this weekend, I think, on my own working on the house stuff again. I might be dog sitting TJ while Mom & Barry go on vacation. TJ had two seizures over the weekend, which has never happened before, so I'm waiting to hear what the diagnosis was. I love my doggie so much!
It seems as though it should be Friday by now, for some reason. Long week for me, not sure why.
I did however have a great night on Monday night. I attended a seminar by Naomi Judd (the country singer whose daughters are Ashely Judd and Wynonna) in Minneapolis. It was in a ballroom, and was limited to about 100 people or so. I was excited because 1) She is involved in Spirit, Mind, Body healing 2) She has a great personality 3) I've always liked her music. Her lecture was about how to take control of your life and get to a better place. Well, I'm at a place in my life right now that I could use a little of that! So, I went. And as I entered the building and went up the escalator, who should be in front of me? Naomi! Got to say hi. I then went to purchase her new book before entering the seminar.
Seminar was fantastic. I took 5 pages worth of notes. She had some great information that makes you stop and think about what one is doing with their life. I'll share one brief piece that hit home with me: You're only allowed to be a victim in life once. After that, you are volunteering.
Afterwards, they announced she would be signing her book. So, like a crazed fan (I walked,didn't run) I went to get in line. After only waiting 10 minutes, she signed my book, shook my hand, and actually took time to talk to me. I mentioned to her that she had once called Dad to thank him for an article that he wrote about Wynonna after she went solo. She remembered him, the conversation, and said again, "I just loved how he wrote it." She said, "You tell your Dad hi, and that I remember him well." Then she thanked me for coming, was glad that I wanted to make changes in my life, and wished me well.
I have to say that I was seriously impressed with her. There was no 'celebrity' put on by her. What you see is what you get, and she says what she's thinking. I came away respecting her more then ever. Then, I promptly pulled out my phone as I was leaving, called Mom and said, "I MET NAOMI JUDD!!" I walked in the door and said the same thing to Mike. Can you tell I was excited?
Yesterday, I received the CPAP machine that I will be wearing at night to help my sleep apnea. I wore it last night and it sucked. They told me to give it a few weeks because there is a definite adjustment. I woke up with a headache today, and didn't even wear the thing all night long cuz it bugged me so bad. Hopefully I set it up correctly, because I did have a one hour training on how to use the damn thing! Mike now calls me Darth Vader at night. :)
Mike's parents, sister and nephew arrive tomorrow. They are all heading to Iowa together on Friday for their annual visit and to celebrate Mike's mom's birthday-the big 5-0! I have not seen Alex since January, so I'm anxious to see how much he's grown. I'm sure he is already talking about going to Uncle 'Bike's house!
I'm home this weekend, I think, on my own working on the house stuff again. I might be dog sitting TJ while Mom & Barry go on vacation. TJ had two seizures over the weekend, which has never happened before, so I'm waiting to hear what the diagnosis was. I love my doggie so much!
Friday, May 14, 2004
No rants today, but I was glad to see that Miramax settled the issue with Disney, and they're still going to find a way to distribute Michael Moore's film.
I caught Mike's cold, so I've been sick all week. Sucked. I still have not received my CPAP (the device I will have to wear to bed at night for sleeping) so my sleep and restless legs are nasty. When I came back to work yesterday and was hit with all the shit that had happened while I was gone the day before, I tackled it head on with the following comment: "I am incapable of bullshit today." Let's just say I made headway with a few vendors that were giving me crap.
On Wednesday night, my step-dad Barry graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College! We trekked down to Rochester for the big night to watch him accept his diploma and cheer his hard work. He deserves much credit for working so hard. I know it was challenging for him, but he did an awesome job. I have pictures, and I'm trying to find time to create a site, so hopefully I can post them soon.
I am heading to Duluth tomorrow morning with my friend Jeannette to go to a wedding. It's Terri, our former co-worker from Target Market. She is marrying her British lovah, as we like to call him. He's from Manchester, England and has a wicked cool accent. We've only met him once, so we are looking forward to seeing him again and his family. We'll get to see how those brits can party! I'm curious to know if all the women will wear large hats. I had a boss that was from England and she said that all the women wear hats to weddings over there. Interesting...
Last weekend my aunt Pam came up to help me decorate my kitchen. It turned out so awesome! We put up a bunch of cool Elvis stuff, along with a few Coca Cola items. I bought a red Coca Cola bakers rack that I put in the dining room, along with what they used to call a 'utility cart' for the kitchen. It has a coke logo on it as well. The kitchen won't have a total 50's look to it, but it will be close. Now I need to paint both bathrooms and I should be done with that part of things. It's fun, but demanding at times. We love our house, but the drive is wearing on me. I wouldn't care if it was just driving, it's the fighting rush hour that sucks. Oh well. I keep telling myself that it's worth it because of the quiet and our location. And it is.
We also went to this furniture place called HOM last night. We always thought it would be too expensive, but it was really reasonable. And, it was huge! They had everything, including an enormous statue of Elvis for $530! Anyway, the smartest marketing tool they put into that place was a cookie shop. A FREE cookie shop. They have a kitchen right there that bakes homemade cookies, and they offer free soda, coffee, water, and juice. There is a little cafe area to sit in while you dine away on those luscious, moist cookies. Yum. The place smells like a home, and feels like one too. What an idea.
By the way, we did find some furniture we liked, we just have to wait awhile to buy it.
Two recent movies: Mean Girls and The Pianoist. I liked Mean Girls more then Mike. I thought it was extremely well written and funny. Pretty accurate portrayal of girls that age, and they went just a tad to extremes for a good laugh. 2 thumbs up. The Pianoist was excellent. Adrian Brody is a fantastic actor who highly deserved his Academy Award for Best Actor. Very sad movie, dark, depressing and it gave the viewer the exact taste of what life in the Warsaw Ghetto was like during the Holocaust. I did not know it was based on a true story. 2 Thumbs Up.
Congrats to Molly who graduates from UW-Madison tomorrow!
*Music* Elvis: 2nd to None
I caught Mike's cold, so I've been sick all week. Sucked. I still have not received my CPAP (the device I will have to wear to bed at night for sleeping) so my sleep and restless legs are nasty. When I came back to work yesterday and was hit with all the shit that had happened while I was gone the day before, I tackled it head on with the following comment: "I am incapable of bullshit today." Let's just say I made headway with a few vendors that were giving me crap.
On Wednesday night, my step-dad Barry graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College! We trekked down to Rochester for the big night to watch him accept his diploma and cheer his hard work. He deserves much credit for working so hard. I know it was challenging for him, but he did an awesome job. I have pictures, and I'm trying to find time to create a site, so hopefully I can post them soon.
I am heading to Duluth tomorrow morning with my friend Jeannette to go to a wedding. It's Terri, our former co-worker from Target Market. She is marrying her British lovah, as we like to call him. He's from Manchester, England and has a wicked cool accent. We've only met him once, so we are looking forward to seeing him again and his family. We'll get to see how those brits can party! I'm curious to know if all the women will wear large hats. I had a boss that was from England and she said that all the women wear hats to weddings over there. Interesting...
Last weekend my aunt Pam came up to help me decorate my kitchen. It turned out so awesome! We put up a bunch of cool Elvis stuff, along with a few Coca Cola items. I bought a red Coca Cola bakers rack that I put in the dining room, along with what they used to call a 'utility cart' for the kitchen. It has a coke logo on it as well. The kitchen won't have a total 50's look to it, but it will be close. Now I need to paint both bathrooms and I should be done with that part of things. It's fun, but demanding at times. We love our house, but the drive is wearing on me. I wouldn't care if it was just driving, it's the fighting rush hour that sucks. Oh well. I keep telling myself that it's worth it because of the quiet and our location. And it is.
We also went to this furniture place called HOM last night. We always thought it would be too expensive, but it was really reasonable. And, it was huge! They had everything, including an enormous statue of Elvis for $530! Anyway, the smartest marketing tool they put into that place was a cookie shop. A FREE cookie shop. They have a kitchen right there that bakes homemade cookies, and they offer free soda, coffee, water, and juice. There is a little cafe area to sit in while you dine away on those luscious, moist cookies. Yum. The place smells like a home, and feels like one too. What an idea.
By the way, we did find some furniture we liked, we just have to wait awhile to buy it.
Two recent movies: Mean Girls and The Pianoist. I liked Mean Girls more then Mike. I thought it was extremely well written and funny. Pretty accurate portrayal of girls that age, and they went just a tad to extremes for a good laugh. 2 thumbs up. The Pianoist was excellent. Adrian Brody is a fantastic actor who highly deserved his Academy Award for Best Actor. Very sad movie, dark, depressing and it gave the viewer the exact taste of what life in the Warsaw Ghetto was like during the Holocaust. I did not know it was based on a true story. 2 Thumbs Up.
Congrats to Molly who graduates from UW-Madison tomorrow!
*Music* Elvis: 2nd to None
Friday, May 07, 2004
I know it's been a few weeks, but I've got a rant.
What the hell is America coming to? When Disney blocks its Miramax division from releasing a Michael Moore movie, there is a problem. Is there such a thing anymore as freedom of speech? Or are we so wrapped up into trying to figure out exactly what 'freedom of speech' consists of that we fail to see the real reason our Founding Fathers created it? I know that we still have it better then most people in the world, but I get more frustrated every day I watch the news or read the paper. I pride myself on trying to see both sides of the picture. Yes, I am a Democrat. But I still try to make a decision based on the facts, not on partisian sides. But each day, especially this week, I find myself getting angrier with this administration and the crap that we are being fed. And I'm not just mad at Bush and his cabinet, I'm mad at the Senate, the House, everybody. I'm getting tired of career politicians. I'm starting to wonder if there are many individuals out there who honestly 'care' about the average Joe. We can't get our budgets balanced, we can't pull our soldiers out of conflict, we can't stop our gas prices from rising, it goes on and on.
I miss Paul Wellstone. 'Nuff said.
The finale of Friends last night wrapped up everything into a nice little package, the way I think we all hoped and knew it would be. I will miss this show. Hands down, this is my favorite show of all time. I quote it frequently. I still don't think Matt LeBlanc's spinoff will do well, but hey, give it a try.
Still unpacking and getting settled into life at the new house. Thanks to Mom, who came up last Saturday for a few hours, she was able to get some things organized. I was so tired of unpacking, things had just started to lay around and not get put into any kind of semblance of order. Thankfully mom's are very good in this area. Or, at least mine is! Mike was also gone up North last weekend, so I hung out on my own which was really nice. I slept, I read, I unpacked. Just needed a little alone time I guess.
I received the results to my sleep clinic study, which were very interesting. They have identified that I have a mild sleep apnea. This means that I am waking up (my brain is waking up) about 20 times an hour from snoring. The snoring is causing me to stop breathing or have shallow breathing. Apparently, I have a very long uvula (the hangy ball thing at the back of your mouth) and it lays on my tongue when I go to sleep. This creates a suction affect and closes down the air ways! Fun. I also stay in the REM sleep about 15% more then the average person, indicating that I dream a lot. Yep, could have told them that one! The REM sleep is the mentally refreshing sleep, the stage before REM is the physically refreshing sleep. I am not getting enough quality in either of them. The answer is to where a mask over my noise that pumps oxygen into my brain. It keeps that air ways open and should prevent snoring. We'll see if I can tolerate wearing it while I sleep! I should hopefully get it next week. All I know is that I have slept very little this week (I have restless legs as well) and I'm ready to tip over today. TGIF
Last, our visit from Pat & Paige was great. It was short and went fast, but we're so glad they were able to make it. Paige has grown so much and has such a great personality. She cracks me up! And, I've got someone to defend me from my brother at last. When Pat was picking on me she said, "Um, excuse me Dad, but you're not the boss of Aunt Kristin." YAY! And, she had to tease Mike so when she saw him she said, "How's Crusty doing?" This is in reference to Rusty Wallace, who has been Crusty for so long since he's an aging NASCAR driver. Crusty, however, finally won a race recently, so he's not so Crusty anymore. But, Paige is a big Bobby Labonte fan, so she had to tease Mike.
We also spent time with Grandpa and Grandma Webb. Paige and I tracked down the Uncle Wiggly board game, Monopoly from 1953 (I think), Spinner Winner (which we never really learned how to play), the puzzle of the United States, and some of Grandma's old school books and papers. I think Grandma got a kick out of watching us play the games. The old Grandma popped up at one point when she said, "I think you might need some more light over there." She used to always say that when we read or played games. :) Altzheimers is a strange disease. On a rare occasion the old Grandma does show up and it's always a treat when she does. Even though she is still here with us, I really miss Grandma the way she was.
*Music* The Doors Greatest Hits
What the hell is America coming to? When Disney blocks its Miramax division from releasing a Michael Moore movie, there is a problem. Is there such a thing anymore as freedom of speech? Or are we so wrapped up into trying to figure out exactly what 'freedom of speech' consists of that we fail to see the real reason our Founding Fathers created it? I know that we still have it better then most people in the world, but I get more frustrated every day I watch the news or read the paper. I pride myself on trying to see both sides of the picture. Yes, I am a Democrat. But I still try to make a decision based on the facts, not on partisian sides. But each day, especially this week, I find myself getting angrier with this administration and the crap that we are being fed. And I'm not just mad at Bush and his cabinet, I'm mad at the Senate, the House, everybody. I'm getting tired of career politicians. I'm starting to wonder if there are many individuals out there who honestly 'care' about the average Joe. We can't get our budgets balanced, we can't pull our soldiers out of conflict, we can't stop our gas prices from rising, it goes on and on.
I miss Paul Wellstone. 'Nuff said.
The finale of Friends last night wrapped up everything into a nice little package, the way I think we all hoped and knew it would be. I will miss this show. Hands down, this is my favorite show of all time. I quote it frequently. I still don't think Matt LeBlanc's spinoff will do well, but hey, give it a try.
Still unpacking and getting settled into life at the new house. Thanks to Mom, who came up last Saturday for a few hours, she was able to get some things organized. I was so tired of unpacking, things had just started to lay around and not get put into any kind of semblance of order. Thankfully mom's are very good in this area. Or, at least mine is! Mike was also gone up North last weekend, so I hung out on my own which was really nice. I slept, I read, I unpacked. Just needed a little alone time I guess.
I received the results to my sleep clinic study, which were very interesting. They have identified that I have a mild sleep apnea. This means that I am waking up (my brain is waking up) about 20 times an hour from snoring. The snoring is causing me to stop breathing or have shallow breathing. Apparently, I have a very long uvula (the hangy ball thing at the back of your mouth) and it lays on my tongue when I go to sleep. This creates a suction affect and closes down the air ways! Fun. I also stay in the REM sleep about 15% more then the average person, indicating that I dream a lot. Yep, could have told them that one! The REM sleep is the mentally refreshing sleep, the stage before REM is the physically refreshing sleep. I am not getting enough quality in either of them. The answer is to where a mask over my noise that pumps oxygen into my brain. It keeps that air ways open and should prevent snoring. We'll see if I can tolerate wearing it while I sleep! I should hopefully get it next week. All I know is that I have slept very little this week (I have restless legs as well) and I'm ready to tip over today. TGIF
Last, our visit from Pat & Paige was great. It was short and went fast, but we're so glad they were able to make it. Paige has grown so much and has such a great personality. She cracks me up! And, I've got someone to defend me from my brother at last. When Pat was picking on me she said, "Um, excuse me Dad, but you're not the boss of Aunt Kristin." YAY! And, she had to tease Mike so when she saw him she said, "How's Crusty doing?" This is in reference to Rusty Wallace, who has been Crusty for so long since he's an aging NASCAR driver. Crusty, however, finally won a race recently, so he's not so Crusty anymore. But, Paige is a big Bobby Labonte fan, so she had to tease Mike.
We also spent time with Grandpa and Grandma Webb. Paige and I tracked down the Uncle Wiggly board game, Monopoly from 1953 (I think), Spinner Winner (which we never really learned how to play), the puzzle of the United States, and some of Grandma's old school books and papers. I think Grandma got a kick out of watching us play the games. The old Grandma popped up at one point when she said, "I think you might need some more light over there." She used to always say that when we read or played games. :) Altzheimers is a strange disease. On a rare occasion the old Grandma does show up and it's always a treat when she does. Even though she is still here with us, I really miss Grandma the way she was.
*Music* The Doors Greatest Hits
Monday, April 19, 2004
Moving On Up
It's official, we are completely moved in. What a process!
Although we are going to be living amongst boxes for a very long time, we are able to use the living room, kitchen, bathrooms and bedroom. I don't know where very much stuff is, but it's there!
The only casualties of moving were the following:
1 Coca-Cola Salt shaker
1 ripped bed sheet
1 plate glassed door
Yep, I broke an entire glass door at our apartment. The weather yesterday was just psycho. The temperature reached 88 degrees and was humid beyond belief. There were tornado warnings everywhere and was fast approaching the Twin Cities. I had to run up to the apartment to pick up the rest of the food from the kitchen, so I made a dash up there thinking I had plenty of time.
The longer I was there, the darker and more windy it became. So as I'm carrying the cooler, my last load, out the door I pushed open the backdoor of the building to step outside. As I used my foot to push the door, the wind grabbed it, blew it against the brick wall and shattered glass everywhere. I was very lucky.
I only sustained a small cut on my hand, but of course it bled profusely down my hand. I stood there not knowing what to do, so I went and put the cooler in the car and walked over to the neighbor lady who works at the rental office. She is a dear-more worried about my hand then anything. She went to make the call to the fix it guys, when they happened to walk out to the parking lot and saw the door. I felt so bad-but they were awesome and knew the wind did it. So, I left them to fix the mess as I drove home with my hand wrapped up in kleenex.
I was wearing shorts, sandals and a tshirt. I could have been cut a lot worse. But I still felt like a dumb ass.
The sirens did blow around 8pm last night, but I think it was just cuz of the winds. We were in the midst of cooking a late supper, so we didn't go downstairs. I stood and looked out the door because it was way cooler to watch. There were also wild fires earlier in the day that burned up about 500 acres, so it was crazy. Once again, April in Minnesota is unpredictable in the weather department.
**I like my cousin Molly's idea of posting what she is listening to in the music area. I'm going to try to remember to do so**
Wynonna-What the World Needs Now
alternately with VH1 Storytellers Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson
It's official, we are completely moved in. What a process!
Although we are going to be living amongst boxes for a very long time, we are able to use the living room, kitchen, bathrooms and bedroom. I don't know where very much stuff is, but it's there!
The only casualties of moving were the following:
1 Coca-Cola Salt shaker
1 ripped bed sheet
1 plate glassed door
Yep, I broke an entire glass door at our apartment. The weather yesterday was just psycho. The temperature reached 88 degrees and was humid beyond belief. There were tornado warnings everywhere and was fast approaching the Twin Cities. I had to run up to the apartment to pick up the rest of the food from the kitchen, so I made a dash up there thinking I had plenty of time.
The longer I was there, the darker and more windy it became. So as I'm carrying the cooler, my last load, out the door I pushed open the backdoor of the building to step outside. As I used my foot to push the door, the wind grabbed it, blew it against the brick wall and shattered glass everywhere. I was very lucky.
I only sustained a small cut on my hand, but of course it bled profusely down my hand. I stood there not knowing what to do, so I went and put the cooler in the car and walked over to the neighbor lady who works at the rental office. She is a dear-more worried about my hand then anything. She went to make the call to the fix it guys, when they happened to walk out to the parking lot and saw the door. I felt so bad-but they were awesome and knew the wind did it. So, I left them to fix the mess as I drove home with my hand wrapped up in kleenex.
I was wearing shorts, sandals and a tshirt. I could have been cut a lot worse. But I still felt like a dumb ass.
The sirens did blow around 8pm last night, but I think it was just cuz of the winds. We were in the midst of cooking a late supper, so we didn't go downstairs. I stood and looked out the door because it was way cooler to watch. There were also wild fires earlier in the day that burned up about 500 acres, so it was crazy. Once again, April in Minnesota is unpredictable in the weather department.
**I like my cousin Molly's idea of posting what she is listening to in the music area. I'm going to try to remember to do so**
Wynonna-What the World Needs Now
alternately with VH1 Storytellers Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Sleep Clinic anyone?
At about 8pm last night, I drove over to Woodbury and spent the night at a Sleep Clinic. To sum it up in one word:
Wierd.
The reasoning behind going to the clinic is that I have never slept well. It's probably genetic, according to my dad, and he's probably right in many ways. I have night terrors, I have nightmares (there is a difference), I rock back in forth, I snore (which I never used to do), I have restless legs. All of this makes me feel extremely unrested the next day and I often want to just put my head on my desk and sleep.
Two things that I need to set as goals for myself that will help: stop the caffeine and go back to regular exercise. I admit, I've been so busy with work and moving that I have not gotten back to regular exercise. And the caffeine has been necessary to keep myself awake when I don't get enough sleep. Unfortunately, it starts a cycle that goes around and around.
Feeling like a dork, I came dressed in a tshirt and pajama pants. I also brought along my trusted blanket (yes Pat, I brought it along with me), my pillow, and a stuffed animal. I was informed that around 10pm the tech would come in to start hooking me up for the night. Until then, I was allowed to watch tv, read, etc.
The room looked like a small hotel room. I had a very comfortable sleep number bed, which I highly recommend now. (My number is 30!) The television was mounted on the wall and I had a table, pillows and extra blankets. So, I read through a TV guide, wrote out some birthday cards, and watched Judging Amy (which I've never watched) on CBS.
At 10 pm my tech came in to set me up for the night. Beth was young, very nice, and very talkative. She works 3 nights a week and has to stay awake the whole night to watch the patients. I ended up with electrodes on my legs, 4 on my face, 5 on my head (glued into my hair with this goop) and 2 on my chest. I also felt like ET with a monitor on my index finger to monitor my oxygen levels. It glowed! I was told to lay down (she even covered me up) and she would come on the intercom and let me know what to do.
Her voice came through the wall (very strange) and asked me to do some various things to calibrate the electrodes. (i.e. point your toes, blink your eyes, hold your breath.) Then Beth told me if I needed anything during the night, I should simply speak out loud and she would come in to help me. Then it was good night!
I admit, I had a hell of a time falling asleep. But, the night was fairly typical for me with lots of tossing and turning. It was difficult to move very much because of the wiring. Only once in the course of the night did she come in and wake me. One of the electrodes had fallen off and she had to rewire it, which only took a few seconds. Back to sleep I went.
Out of nowhere, a voice wakes me at 6:45am and says, "Good morning Kristin. I'll be in shortly to unwire you." Scared the crap out of me. And I was extremely groggy. When she came in she informed me that I had snored during the night and had restless legs, but that I didn't appear to have any resperatory problems. I will find out the complete analysis in 2 weeks.
I was home by 7 am, where I promptly ate a bowl of cereal and went back to sleep. I didn't have to be to work until 10am, so I took advantage of the time. When I took a shower, it took me four tries to wash my hair to get out the goop they use. Gross is all I have to say.
All in all, the experience was fine. Just a little strange. My hope is that I find out why I do the things I do in my sleep and what I can do to feel rested in the morning!
Last, we should be completely moved in to the house by Saturday night. We painted last Friday with mom, and I have one coat left to do in the kitchen. I'm painting one wall RED, because I'm decorating with Coca Cola and Elvis, so I want a 50's style look. Red is more difficult to paint with then I ever thought it would be. 4 coats of paint!
We drove to Rochester late on Saturday evening and spent the night so that we could see Amy (who is home) at a little movie night at the Lamb's house. The girls ended up staying upstairs chatting all night, while Mike & Charlie watched Sea Biscuit on Charlie's awesome new tv. It was so loud, it sounded like the horses were galloping through the living room upstairs!
Sunday we went to Dave's for Easter. A nice brunch and some fun with the cousins. Nothing major, home by late afternoon. Wish I could have gone to Grandpa and Grandma's as well.
Pat & Paige arrive a week from today. We are looking forward to their visit. Grace especially can't wait to hang out with Paige she said!
At about 8pm last night, I drove over to Woodbury and spent the night at a Sleep Clinic. To sum it up in one word:
Wierd.
The reasoning behind going to the clinic is that I have never slept well. It's probably genetic, according to my dad, and he's probably right in many ways. I have night terrors, I have nightmares (there is a difference), I rock back in forth, I snore (which I never used to do), I have restless legs. All of this makes me feel extremely unrested the next day and I often want to just put my head on my desk and sleep.
Two things that I need to set as goals for myself that will help: stop the caffeine and go back to regular exercise. I admit, I've been so busy with work and moving that I have not gotten back to regular exercise. And the caffeine has been necessary to keep myself awake when I don't get enough sleep. Unfortunately, it starts a cycle that goes around and around.
Feeling like a dork, I came dressed in a tshirt and pajama pants. I also brought along my trusted blanket (yes Pat, I brought it along with me), my pillow, and a stuffed animal. I was informed that around 10pm the tech would come in to start hooking me up for the night. Until then, I was allowed to watch tv, read, etc.
The room looked like a small hotel room. I had a very comfortable sleep number bed, which I highly recommend now. (My number is 30!) The television was mounted on the wall and I had a table, pillows and extra blankets. So, I read through a TV guide, wrote out some birthday cards, and watched Judging Amy (which I've never watched) on CBS.
At 10 pm my tech came in to set me up for the night. Beth was young, very nice, and very talkative. She works 3 nights a week and has to stay awake the whole night to watch the patients. I ended up with electrodes on my legs, 4 on my face, 5 on my head (glued into my hair with this goop) and 2 on my chest. I also felt like ET with a monitor on my index finger to monitor my oxygen levels. It glowed! I was told to lay down (she even covered me up) and she would come on the intercom and let me know what to do.
Her voice came through the wall (very strange) and asked me to do some various things to calibrate the electrodes. (i.e. point your toes, blink your eyes, hold your breath.) Then Beth told me if I needed anything during the night, I should simply speak out loud and she would come in to help me. Then it was good night!
I admit, I had a hell of a time falling asleep. But, the night was fairly typical for me with lots of tossing and turning. It was difficult to move very much because of the wiring. Only once in the course of the night did she come in and wake me. One of the electrodes had fallen off and she had to rewire it, which only took a few seconds. Back to sleep I went.
Out of nowhere, a voice wakes me at 6:45am and says, "Good morning Kristin. I'll be in shortly to unwire you." Scared the crap out of me. And I was extremely groggy. When she came in she informed me that I had snored during the night and had restless legs, but that I didn't appear to have any resperatory problems. I will find out the complete analysis in 2 weeks.
I was home by 7 am, where I promptly ate a bowl of cereal and went back to sleep. I didn't have to be to work until 10am, so I took advantage of the time. When I took a shower, it took me four tries to wash my hair to get out the goop they use. Gross is all I have to say.
All in all, the experience was fine. Just a little strange. My hope is that I find out why I do the things I do in my sleep and what I can do to feel rested in the morning!
Last, we should be completely moved in to the house by Saturday night. We painted last Friday with mom, and I have one coat left to do in the kitchen. I'm painting one wall RED, because I'm decorating with Coca Cola and Elvis, so I want a 50's style look. Red is more difficult to paint with then I ever thought it would be. 4 coats of paint!
We drove to Rochester late on Saturday evening and spent the night so that we could see Amy (who is home) at a little movie night at the Lamb's house. The girls ended up staying upstairs chatting all night, while Mike & Charlie watched Sea Biscuit on Charlie's awesome new tv. It was so loud, it sounded like the horses were galloping through the living room upstairs!
Sunday we went to Dave's for Easter. A nice brunch and some fun with the cousins. Nothing major, home by late afternoon. Wish I could have gone to Grandpa and Grandma's as well.
Pat & Paige arrive a week from today. We are looking forward to their visit. Grace especially can't wait to hang out with Paige she said!
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
We are currently about 3/4 of the way moved into the house.
Thanks to my parents coming up on Sunday, we were able to make 2 trips with 3 vehicles. All that is really left is the furniture, our clothes, and what's left of the kitchen. On Friday, I'm going to try to paint with my mom. Mike is going to fill some nail holes tomorrow and get things ready. On Mondy night I washed clothes down there and started unpacking the kitchen. The challenge is now finding where to put everything. You never realize how much crap you own until you start to move!
It does feel like our home now and we are looking forward to being there permanently.
On Saturday my friend Jill & I drove to Rochester to go to the wedding shower of our college friend Erika. Some newer shower games that were better then the traditional ones. Great food, and she was happy that we had come. I guess that's what it really is all about. Still haven't met her husband to be yet!
The weather has been "delightful" the last few days with temps reaching 60's-70's. It's supposed to snow again soon, but I guess we can be happy that spring is really coming. The tulips are poking through and that's always a good example. However, the biggest sign that spring is coming is BASEBALL started! The Twins have new turf and it makes the field look really strange. It's probably going to take them some getting used to playing on it with the ball coming off the grass a bit slower now. They didn't get much chance to practice, because it just was completed last Thursday. Talk about cutting it close!
Work is fine. Things have quieted down some what. People are starting to get to know their way around and finding supplies easier. Still occasional freak outs, but we're slowly getting people to be self-sufficient. It's not the most exciting job, but it is a job I can do and do well.
TJ (the dog) came to visit with Mom & Barry on Sunday. He made himself at home on our new bed and layed down for a nap! When we got to the new place he ran around and explored while smelling everything. Dog approved! We also met our neighbors across the street who have a Brittany that looks a lot like Taffy. Of course I headed right over and said, "Can I pet your dog?" Similar behavior like Taffy when she was young-go crazy when someone new comes over. Very soft dog and made me miss Taffy as always. It makes wanting to get a dog even more important.
Easter-don't think we'll be making it down, maybe to Rochester for Sunday, but that is all. Depends on how things go in the moving area. We're trying to get settled by the 19th, so there is much to do.
Thanks to my parents coming up on Sunday, we were able to make 2 trips with 3 vehicles. All that is really left is the furniture, our clothes, and what's left of the kitchen. On Friday, I'm going to try to paint with my mom. Mike is going to fill some nail holes tomorrow and get things ready. On Mondy night I washed clothes down there and started unpacking the kitchen. The challenge is now finding where to put everything. You never realize how much crap you own until you start to move!
It does feel like our home now and we are looking forward to being there permanently.
On Saturday my friend Jill & I drove to Rochester to go to the wedding shower of our college friend Erika. Some newer shower games that were better then the traditional ones. Great food, and she was happy that we had come. I guess that's what it really is all about. Still haven't met her husband to be yet!
The weather has been "delightful" the last few days with temps reaching 60's-70's. It's supposed to snow again soon, but I guess we can be happy that spring is really coming. The tulips are poking through and that's always a good example. However, the biggest sign that spring is coming is BASEBALL started! The Twins have new turf and it makes the field look really strange. It's probably going to take them some getting used to playing on it with the ball coming off the grass a bit slower now. They didn't get much chance to practice, because it just was completed last Thursday. Talk about cutting it close!
Work is fine. Things have quieted down some what. People are starting to get to know their way around and finding supplies easier. Still occasional freak outs, but we're slowly getting people to be self-sufficient. It's not the most exciting job, but it is a job I can do and do well.
TJ (the dog) came to visit with Mom & Barry on Sunday. He made himself at home on our new bed and layed down for a nap! When we got to the new place he ran around and explored while smelling everything. Dog approved! We also met our neighbors across the street who have a Brittany that looks a lot like Taffy. Of course I headed right over and said, "Can I pet your dog?" Similar behavior like Taffy when she was young-go crazy when someone new comes over. Very soft dog and made me miss Taffy as always. It makes wanting to get a dog even more important.
Easter-don't think we'll be making it down, maybe to Rochester for Sunday, but that is all. Depends on how things go in the moving area. We're trying to get settled by the 19th, so there is much to do.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Need sleepy.
We are homeowners as of Monday. But it doesn't feel like it yet!
Work has survived the move to the new office. Now, it's just hand holding until they all stop freaking out that they can't remember how to wipe their butt or something. I'm just really overtired! but it went better then expected. In honor of my big accomplishment, I received a cake in the shape of little moving boxes with labels on them. I swear, I dreamt the other night that I was labeling my boxes at home like I was at work. Then, in the dream I labeled Mike.
New address will be sent out shortly via email and snail mail to others. Thanks to all for their encouraging words and helpful advice.
The scary part (besides signing your name 30 times) is looking at the date you would pay the mortgage off. YIKES!
We are homeowners as of Monday. But it doesn't feel like it yet!
Work has survived the move to the new office. Now, it's just hand holding until they all stop freaking out that they can't remember how to wipe their butt or something. I'm just really overtired! but it went better then expected. In honor of my big accomplishment, I received a cake in the shape of little moving boxes with labels on them. I swear, I dreamt the other night that I was labeling my boxes at home like I was at work. Then, in the dream I labeled Mike.
New address will be sent out shortly via email and snail mail to others. Thanks to all for their encouraging words and helpful advice.
The scary part (besides signing your name 30 times) is looking at the date you would pay the mortgage off. YIKES!
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