Jane M. Says

Moving On

2006-09-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

I'm moving off blogger to my own website.

Update your links and come visit me at seejaneblog.com

9.11

2006-09-11T06:53:00.000-05:00

Five years ago today, I got up, got on the bus, and went to work.
I don't even think I was past my morning emails when Lisa sent me an IM that a plane had crashed into the WTC. By this time the office was buzzing as none of us could get through to any website that would tell us more info.

I'm not even sure when I heard the 2nd plane hit. I know we eventually watched some coverage on a 4" TV in a co-workers cubicle, because the breakroom was full.

We were sent home before noon, as our offices at the time were right next to the IDS Tower (the tallest building) in downtown Minneapolis. The buses were packed mid-day as everyone was being sent home.

I was home by myself. My parents were in Iowa on vacation. My brother was in Colorado for work, and Chad was stuck at work. I didn't have cable, so there was nothing on TV except coverage. So I decided to take advantage of the day off, and mow the lawn. I normally listened to the radio while I mowed, but again, nothing but coverage of the tragedy.

It was a long long day. Chad finally got home from work so I wasn't by myself. My sister-in-law called. Apparently Drew was in the stage where it was fun to push buttons and turn off the TV, so she wasn't getting all the coverage.

A day after I was thinking how I had no personal connections to anyone in NYC. But then I remembered my friend Dan. He lived in Cleveland, but had been working on and off in NYC for the last few months. I called him immediately. He answered! His trip had been cancelled that week at the last minute. He was supposed to be staying in the hotel attached to the towers. He was supposed to be there, but he wasn't.

My brother drove home from Colorado with co-workers shortly after. My parents got back from their trip. And a few days later, my friend Beth got married, and it was a celebration, because everyone was able to make it, even those who had to get on a plane.

I'll always remember where I was (and where my family was), who told me, and that day, and how it changed our world.

More 9.11 stories.

Blog-Light on The Perfect Closet

2006-09-11T06:18:00.000-05:00

At The Perfect Closet, the author is remedying her love of shopping with blogging about clothes. It's a great daily fashion "fix" without using cash or credit.

The blog also includes a "Frugal Friday" feature for those of us who pay close attention to our price tags.

So here it is– every Friday, I will attempt to put together an entire
outfit for under $150 with each piece being $50 or less.

It's been a fun blog to read. And if you have kids check out The Perfect Closet Kids.

Wedding, Football, and Birthday

2006-09-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

There is a going to be a lot of celebrating this weekend!

First, tomorrow afternoon Nicki and Todd are getting married! Yeah!! Nicki has been a very patient girl and waited a long time for this, so we are thrilled to pieces for them!

Second, the NFL season started yesterday! I'm excited! I love football season for lots of reasons! 1. The Packers 2. Love watching the Vikings never quite measuring up (I know a bit vindictive, but I'm a Packer fan living in MN and I've been mis-treated several times!) 3. I love to have people over for games, because I love food that goes well with football!

And third, we have Jana's 3rd birthday party on Sunday! It is also Jana's mom's birthday tomorrow!

Lots to celebrate!

Mmmm... my favorite!

2006-09-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

For those of you that were wondering.

I Am a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting.
You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

Thanks to FridayNightGirl at Another Day for this link!

American Idol in the Air

2006-09-08T11:29:00.000-05:00

American Idol has come to Minneapolis. Minneapolis Season 6 Auditions started this morning. I wish I still worked downtown. I think I'd be camped out and people watching!

Coming into work this morning I was also tuned to KS95 and heard "Dead or Alive", but it wasn't Jon singing it was Finalist #4 from last season, Chris Daughtry.

I know not everyone understands the country's fascination with American Idol, but I just can't help myself.

Can't Fight the Moonlight

2006-09-07T12:08:00.000-05:00

As the weather has been cool, we have been living without the A/C. At night we leave the windows wide open. 2 of the last 3 nights I have woken up to the Moon shining bright right in my eyes. The first night, I thought it was a spotlight outside. Luckily I have been able to just roll over and fall back asleep.

More Free Stuff

2006-09-06T19:20:00.000-05:00

Boston Gal's Open Wallet has a link to a free sample of Dove Deep Moisture Hand Wash

Coupon Hunt

2006-09-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

If anyone out there has a Bed Bath and Beyond coupon they care to part with I would really appreciate it!

I found curtain hardware, including a rod, that I would like for our living room curtains, but if I can avoid paying full price I would love it!

And I can't believe I don't have any coupons. I've been on spree, where I throw out coupons if they will only tempt me to buy things I don't need. Except now I have the need!

Moving On.. but where to?

2006-09-05T09:29:00.000-05:00

I'm seriously considering getting my own space. Moving off of blogspot.

Settling down.

Owning vs. squatting.

I just don't know WHERE to move to? What do you think?

PollPub.com VoteWhat should the domain of my blog be?

Some Laboring on Labor Day

2006-09-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

Two "projects" today:

I made a big batch of spaghetti sauce. I froze 4 containers which is probably about 1 1/2 meals each for the 2 of us. And we ate it tonight and have more for a couple lunches this week.

Chad and I also put up this shelf in the main (my) bathroom. This bathroom doesn't have a medicine cabinet and so I tend to clutter the vanity because some things I want right there. I had been looking for a while without much luck. Then a few weeks ago, I found this one in the Pottery Barn catalog. After pricing out others on the internet, I ordered it. It was not super easy to hang. I measured about 4 times before it was finally right, and then it was still tough to get up there. Plus I had to dismantle the drain under the sink after I dropped one of the screws down it! But it's up, without any extra holes in the wall and the drain is back together and the shelf looks great.

Blog-Light on Buzzville

2006-09-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

In my meanderings through the blogs I read regularly, I often find several that I will come back to repeatedly.

Buzzville

Just discovered this week. Exciting, because Kelly blogs about crafty things. And she has great pictures (which I love). Plus she and another blogger just opened their own online store for Japanese print fabrics: superbuzzy.com

You can't help but enjoy a crafty entrepreneur... She's living my dream. (and I like bees... buzzz)

Blog-Lights

2006-09-04T09:13:00.000-05:00

Since as of lately I've been doing a lot of "blog surfing", I thought I'd start sharing some of my interesting finds.

The Perfect Closet - 09/11/06
Buzzville - 09/04/2006

This post will always be accessible from the sidebar under BlogRoll.

Project Wallpaper - Take 2

2006-09-03T19:17:00.000-05:00

Whew... Two afternoons of work and all the pink floral wallpaper in our entry and stairway is down! Plus the country blue/pink wallpaper at the bottom of the steps! The walls just need some minor spackling, sanding, and then rinsed, before we can paint!! Yeah!!!

Tomorrow we are not working on the walls. Just getting the house cleaned and running errands. Although I won't have to go grocery shopping, because Chad and I went tonight.
Note to self: Do not take a "Hungry Chad" to the grocery store!

Sunshine and the Rain

2006-09-02T08:15:00.000-05:00

Last night Chad and I went to dinner and a movie. Dinner was Mexican. Yummm.. The movie was Little Miss Sunshine. It was a great movie with a great cast (Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Steve Carell) The movie was about an off-beat (somewhat dysfunctional) family and their trip to get their youngest daughter to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. The movie was so well cast, and had good timing. It didn't drag and the story and characters were well developed.

Apparently the movie is probably the only sunshine we're going to see all weekend. Ernesto is not allowing the rain to merely pass through, but is trapping it up here for a few days. Not nice. So our goal of staining our deck is out. So I'm ready to tackle Project Wallpaper Part II.

School Dreams

2006-08-31T17:27:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a recurring dream about school? I haven't had one for a while, but I used to have the same dream over and over. I usually don't remember dreams at all. This dream is different, and as far as I know I usually remember.

The Dream:

I'm in college (it's never distinctly UW-Stout or UM-Duluth, just a general college). It's the end of the semester. I've been skipping one or several classes very regularly, and now have come to the question of how I plan on passing. It's too late to drop any of the courses. In some cases I don't even know where the classroom is. Usually it's because the class meets across campus, and I've been too lazy to walk that far. I'm panicked about my transcript and mostly how I'm going to tell my parents.

What does it mean? I'm not sure. I do know that I only dream it when I'm stressed out or feeling stretched pretty thin. Obviously the worrying about my parents probably means that I'm concerned with how others view me. (In college I really did worry about my parents standards)

Chad said he has had the exact dream. Apparently it's pretty common. The alarm this morning was set to KS95, and they were talking about people's dreams there too. That's how I got thinking about this today.

I spent a little time researching on the internet, but I didn't find much (I really didn't look long) about school dreams. The only thing really relevent was this link which is a similar dream to my dream. (Except in mine the problem class isn't Math. I never had a problem with Math)

I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else has had similar dreams. But for those lurking, feel free to keep it to yourself too. (sarcasm) Just kidding.. does the guilt factor help at all? Maybe the guilt will sit in your subconscience and you'll have your dream tonight.

If You Like Free Stuff

2006-08-31T10:37:00.000-05:00

Free Samples of:

Links originally shared at Boston Gal's Open Wallet

On High Fashion

2006-08-30T20:16:00.000-05:00

When I was 9, my mom made me the coolest outfit. I remember it was an "Annie" pattern (as in Orphan Annie). It was a pair of pin striped denim pants with a shirt that was off white with navy pin stripes. The pants had suspenders, and the shirt had a red ribbon bow tied around the neck. Very cute, with my red hair. :) The whole thing was very reminiscent of the outfit in the picture (found at Anne Taylor Loft)

I know that fashion has cycles. I know that in the last few seasons we've seen ballet flats and gauchos come back. Two styles I really like (although I don't own any gauchos).

But my big concern tonight was not the suspender pants. How could I hate anything I loved in the 4th grade? My bigger concern at Anne Taylor Loft and New York & Company were the slim fit pants. Not just slim through the waist and hip, but the whole leg. Yes. Tapered pants. I'm just wondering what Clinton and Stacy will say about that, because I tried a pair on, and it emphasized my belly and butt. Not good!

Maybe I am becoming an unstylish thirtysomething, but I always said I wouldn't! Anyone else worried about tapered pants?

Madison In The Morning

2006-08-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

Why would people be googling on the phrase "Madison in the Morning"? Is it a song or show or something like that? They keep finding my post, and I'm sure they're disappointed as I was actually traveling to Madison in the morning...

Hmmmm.... If you know, please fill me in...

Weekend Recap

2006-08-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

We had a great weekend. Friday night Chad and I headed to Hudson to have dinner with Sarah and Curt. Always a good time with the 2 of them, the only downside is that Chad sometimes comes home with new electronic dreams! We had a great time and finally got to experience night life in downtown Hudson!

Saturday morning we ran some errands, including scouring the area for Burnsville Blaze t-shirts. We finally actually found some in Apple Valley.

The shirts were for the bike tour yesterday afternoon. The bike tour is an annual event with our friends in Northeast Minneapolis. We weren't actually sure if we were going to go. But once we found the shirts for Team Burnsville Blaze and realized we could get both bikes there, we were very excited. Can you believe I can fit 2 bikes in my Corolla by taking off only the front tires. And the trunk shuts all the way!

We started out at Kyle's, moved on to Jim and Bridget's, then to Mike and Beth's, stopped at a bar/restaurant for dinner before heading to Jim's (another Jim) and back to Kyle's. Always a fun time. I think the attendance was down a little this year, but very fun, as I've gotten to know more of the ladies in the group recently, so we usually hang out and make fun of the weird girls we don't know or the guys.

This morning we went to church which was followed by a lazy afternoon. The down time was nice. I finished reading my book, and I think Chad watched some golf.

Chad's at a Fantasy Football Draft tonight. Hard to believe the NFL season starts in 2 weeks! Crazy! Summer's still go by too fast!

Stupid and Contagious (a book)

2006-08-27T14:40:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading the book Stupid and Contagious, by Caprice Crane. A great read! It's the first in a while that was a real page turner for me. The story is about a friendship of two next door neighbors, Heaven and Brady.

It was so funny. Lots of laugh out loud moments. The chapters flip flop between Heaven's and Brady's perspective which really keep you turning the pages. That and you want to know where the story goes.

I don't know exactly how I stumbled on this at Barnes and Noble. Last week I was just hanging out; actually walking up and down aisles looking at books. This is one I found. Now that I've read the whole thing I've checked out other reviews at amazon.com and bn.com, and they are both averaging 5 stars. And I'd have to agree, because the humor and the story, and the characters suck you in, plus this book has a total feel good factor!

WOMEN READ THIS: An Aggressive Form of Breast Cancer

2006-08-25T07:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my friend Anne sent me a video clip. Now I hate being an alarmist. It's really not a great tactic to teach people. But I think in this case, awareness needs to be raised quickly.

The clip was from a news story that Channel 4 out of Seattle (KOMO - ABC) did in May. The story was about Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). IBC is a very aggressive form of Breast Cancer that most women (and some doctors) have never heard of. The story centers around how many women are told they have bug bites or were just too embarrassed by this rash they had developed on their breasts, when in fact it's IBC.

Everything we hear about mammograms and lumps does not pertain to this type of breast cancer. Yeah, scary stuff. So I highly recommend that you read the article and watch the attached video clips. Here's the link.

As there is no definite cure, the best chance we have is not being ignorant of the disease and catching symptoms early.

My mom is a testiment to catching Breast Cancer in it's early stage. My friend Karin's mom also! We have to be educated and attentive to beat this.

The article states that 1 of 8 women will have breast cancer at some point in their life! One of the women in the first news story was 16 and died, because she was too embarassed to tell her mom when she first noticed symptoms. My point is here: you're never too young and we'll all know someone.

Please pass the word, this is important stuff!

Thanks, Anne, for sharing with me! P.S. While searching for more information on this. I found a link at Snopes which confirms this is not a hoax.

Happy 30th Birthday to Sarah!!!

2006-08-24T06:42:00.000-05:00

Today is Sarah's 30th Birthday!!

For those of you who don't know Sarah, she and I go way back!!
We met in college (we were both cool math geeks)
Later we became roommates (post college).

Best of Friends!

It'd be even awesomer if we:

A) weren't both so busy, B) didn't live so far apart C) all of the above!

Here are some highlights.
Believe me I have many more, but they are pre-digital camera era and my scanner is not cooperating.

Disney World - Spring Break 1998 - Our Senior Year of College
I like to call this one: Cocktails and Curlers. We lived together one year after college, and I'm sure we were heading to O'Garas shortly after this one was taken. Probably 1999 or 2000.
Sarah and I at her wedding. She was a princess that day. September 2001.
2003: Jennifer and I pulled off a surprise birthday party for Sarah!
Sarah as my Matron of Honor. November 2003
Left to Right: Steph, Sarah, Karin, Nicki

Here we are with Nelson. (yes the twins, and yes they cut their hair)
Sorry it's not a better picture. Chad's Camera Phone sucked. February 2005?
Sarah and I at the Awesome 80s Prom: August 2005. We both fit into our high school dresses!
Here we are in California with a couple beverages of choice! April 2006

When The Levees Broke

2006-08-22T20:17:00.000-05:00

As I'm in a hotel last night and today, I've been able to catch Spike Lee's "When The Levees Broke" on HBO. Well still watching it right now. It has been pretty good so far.

Right after Hurricane Katrina, people kept talking about how this was going to wake up America and help people realize the racial and class inequities in this country. I'm not sure it has. I think it did, but now I feel like it's kind of been forgotten. Especially if you don't know anyone that was directly affected. Sad, very sad.

Valparaiso

2006-08-22T20:11:00.000-05:00

I got to Valparaiso yesterday afternoon. I flew into Chicago Midway, and had to drive out by myself. I did not enjoy my drive through south Chicago. But at least it was daylight!

I'm here by myself (meaning no one else on my team is here). I'm just following up with our store here. Making sure things are going smoothly for them with using the new application. Also gives them a chance to ask questions and for me to help them with any shortcuts. They are not very demanding, so it's been a pretty relaxing, but still interesting couple of work days.

Although not so relaxing today as one member of our team was let go. Cost containment. Sad as I have been the one let go before. I'm flying back tomorrow evening. I think I will just be spending a couple hours in the store here, before going back to Chicago and meeting up with some team members in Alsip before heading to the airport. Then home where my husband is all by himself right now. I'm sure he misses me. Unless there is baseball on, then maybe not.

Orange Account

2006-08-18T21:45:00.000-05:00

Anyone out there have an ING Direct Savings account?
We are looking to beat our current 0.75% interest rate.
I know they have referral bonus programs. If you want to refer me, drop me an email.

And if you have any reviews about their service, I'd love to hear that too!

Up To Here in Chocolate

2006-08-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of chocolate. But I don't think I'd ever want to be dipped like this worker from Wisconsin.

3-2-1 Contact

2006-08-17T20:14:00.000-05:00

My eyes were especially dry on Tuesday evening. However, I didn't give it much thought. At least not until I went to take out my contact and I couldn't find it. Now I have previously lost a contact right out of my eye and not noticed. My eyesight is actually pretty strong in one eye (I only wear one contact), and I won't really notice that I need glasses until I'm reading a book or a computer screen.

So on Tuesday when I couldn't find my contact in my eye, I chalked it up to a loss (they're disposable). I also decided to wear my glasses on Wednesday, because I was tired and my eyes had been so dry on Tuesday. Then this morning, in the shower, it felt like I had an eyelash in my eye. When I got out, I tried to rub it around to get the eyelash out. But nope, it wasn't an eyelash. It was my contact - folded up and hiding in the upper inner corner of my eye. Not good.

So instead of falling out of my eye, it got stuck behind my eyelid for 2 nights and a day! Needless to say, I sported my glasses again today. And probably will tomorrow too. I'm sure I will go back to my contact, but I want to give my eye a few days relax without it.

Anyone have any advice for my dry eyes? Besides making me cry?

Book Club Recap

2006-08-16T10:56:00.000-05:00

Last night we had book club at my house. It was a small affair: Anne, Luci, Leah (in her first appearance), and myself. Chad joined us later for cake on the porch too.

We were supposed to read Reading Lolita in Tehran but none of us in attendance actually finished the book. (I know Nicki finished it, but couldn't make it last night) This is not the first time this has happened. But I am currently reading it and have every intention to finish.

It was a great night to sit out on my porch, and since there were so few of us, we all got a comfy seat! :)

As we had not read the book, we just hung out, ate (salad, crab dip, chocolate chocolate chip zucchini cake, and Ben and Jerry's), and talked. Always a good time with the book club girls!

We're a pretty fun group. As I was trying to explain to Leah yesterday afternoon, we all have pretty much met each other through our book club, and don't all share similar histories. It'd be pretty fun to map out the different relationships and how each person came to be a part of the group.

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake

2006-08-16T10:51:00.000-05:00

Now after another recipe, I only have half of my zucchini left. This was again an excellent recipe. Went great with ice cream!

I modified only slightly. The original recipe was found at The American Egg Board's website.

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake
(Makes 12 servings)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup applesauce (2 individual packaged servings)
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 1/2 to 2 small, 10 oz.)
1 cup chocolate chips
Confectioners' sugar

In medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, if desired. Set aside. In large mixing bowl at medium speed, beat together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in applesauce, eggs and vanilla until thoroughly blended. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in reserved flour mixture. Gently stir in zucchini; then chocolate chips. Pour into lightly greased and floured 9-cup fluted tube pan.

Bake in preheated 350°F oven until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 60 to 70 minutes. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes. With narrow spatula or knife, loosen cake from pan and gently shake onto serving plate. Cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

37 Years

2006-08-14T10:59:00.000-05:00

Sesame Street is starting it's 37th season today. That's amazing! I didn't grow up watching Sesame Street daily (we only got CBS at home, so I watched Captain Kangaroo), but I loved watching SS at my grandpa's house or my friend's.

In honor of the anniversary, the Lovely Miss Davis is asking parents to post what music, tv, etc from their childhood that they will share with their children. I'm not a parent, but I am an aunt! And I bought my nephew and niece the CD and DVD of Free To Be, You and Me, starring Marlo Thomas, Alan Alda, Carol Channing, and many more. It was my favorite. I never had the video, but loved the record. So funny, and great lessons in stereo-typing.

Blueberry Zucchini Muffins

2006-08-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Lisa sent home a big zucchini from Ed's garden. Not his biggest, but it was pretty big!

I used about 1/3 of the zucchini today in this new recipe: Blueberry Zucchini Bread.

I did make a couple of adjustments (documented below), including making them into muffins instead of mini loaves, and adjusting in brown sugar. They are fantastic. Also in reading some of the other reviews, next time I may substitute half of the oil with applesauce to cut down on some of the fat.

Blueberry Zucchini Muffins

3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups shredded zucchini
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 pint fresh blueberries

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease muffin pans or line with papers.

2. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar. Fold in the zucchini. Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries. Transfer to the prepared muffin pans.

3. Bake 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 30 muffins.

Over-Reacting - The Conclusion

2006-08-13T17:45:00.000-05:00

He's fine. He left late. 9:45. Hard to go 250+ miles in 4 hours. Although that's minor, and apparently not the reason he didn't call earlier.

He hit traffic, caused by an accident and then construction. Also rain on a Sunday in August results in earlier southbound "cabin traffic". And his phone wasn't working due to being left in his golf bag during the rain.

So long story short. He left late, got stuck in traffic without a cell phone. He finally called from a gas station. From his perspective it's not his fault his phone didn't work or traffic was bad. The leaving late will be overshadowed by all that he endured today. (If you sense sarcasm, you sense right).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to be mad. There are "better" things to waste energy on being mad at. It's just frustrating as the sense of "allowing enough time" can be WAY off! At least this time there were no plane tickets or RVs involved! :)

Am I Over-reacting?

2006-08-13T13:12:00.000-05:00

I don't think I am, but I also need to vent.

My husband drove 5 hours up to the stix of northern Minnesota for a weekend of hanging out with his buddy and golf. A great opportunity to see his friend from Oregon. No cell phone coverage up there, but that's fine. We can go a couple days without seeing each other.

We also committed to going to his other friend's for an open house for their baby's baptism this afternoon. He said he would be home. Great, I'm glad we can both go.

I asked him if he wanted to meet there (northern suburb) or if he would come home first and we'd go together. He said he'd call me in the morning on his way home, as he wasn't sure what time he would leave. Perfectly reasonable.

It's 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Our commitment to the open house is at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. (45 minutes from where we live) He hasn't called. And his cell phone goes straight to voicemail. Since he got coverage 2 hours from home when he left, he should be back in range by now.

So why hasn't he called? My guess is he may have been up late and slept in. Possibly he has a dead battery, but again, pay phones are not extinct, just endangered. Most gas stations still have them. Or even another possiblity, is that they decided to golf again this morning. (I wouldn't be that surprised)

And it's super frustrating to hope that this all it is. That he just overslept (by a lot) or didn't get up and going like he committed to or even just went golfing.

Can you tell I'm not happy? Am I over-reacting? (This is the point where you can tell me frustrating and/or lame excuses from your significant other to make me feel better!)

Stay tuned.. I'll keep you posted on the excuse later. Or maybe it's a legitimate reason.. I am pretty sure that whatever it is, he's had enough experience with the "not calling when you promised" wrath, that he'll be apologetic when he gets home, before I even say anything.

P.S. Can you tell I don't care if his friends read this??? I'm supposed to edit carefully so they can't make fun of him. I don't care right now.

Project Wallpaper - Take 1

2006-08-12T15:31:00.000-05:00

This morning I started on the wallpaper project. I took down the wallpaper in the foyer and the paper leading down the steps. It wasn't that bad. Just sort of tedious. I bought a steamer last year in preparation for the wallpaper event, but today was the first time I used it. It works really well, but it gets things wet, so I'm nervous as how it'll work when we're taking wallpaper down in a carpeted room.

But so much better! I even got whole big strips down. Do you think I should email the lady who took the matching drapes and see if she wants the wallpaper to match?

I'll post before and after pictures once I'm to the after. Right now I'm at the in between. I'm stopping for today, because I want Chad to help me and he's not home today.

Weekly Asides

2006-08-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

It's so so nice, when a salesperson charges you $20 for 3 pairs of underwear and then chases you down when she realizes it's actually 4 pairs for $20, and THEN doesn't even make you sit through a cash register exchange, just lets you stuff another pair in your bag.

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0~

It's expensive to use a FAX machine at Kinko's!!! I think that's my next money making scheme. Buying a fax machine and only charging $1/page instead of $1.50!!!

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0~

My recipes are all organized!!! My next organization project: Wedding Photos. See if I can finish before my 3rd anniversary.

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0~

Another money-saving tip. If you find money that you didn't know you had, go straight to the computer and transfer that amount from your checking to your savings, and then put that cash in your wallet. I found $6 in two different pockets this week. Now my "Change" account has that money.

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0~

Yet another $$ tip: I keep a piggy bank in the laundry room. Not kidding. An actual piggy bank, for all change and dollars I find. Why else do you think I do Chad's laundry? It's not for the gum, Tums, or golf tees!

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0~

Ever take a day off with grand notions of getting a lot done, but then getting none of it? That was me today.

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0~

Are these shoes cute (in black)? I really liked them in the store, but not sure. Recently I've been really impressed with Clarks' shoes. Is it because I'm 32 and comfort is more important? Or are they getting cuter? Here's the other pair I like; what do you think of these? Neither look as cute on the internet as the did in the store. They're both kind of "practical", but they are for my wide feet in a business casual environment in suburban Minnesota. I don't work in downtown Minneapolis anymore. This is high fashion for Lakeville! (No offense Lakeville readers, if there are any of you)

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0~

I hate shopping for shirts. I have broad shoulders, so if something fits in the shoulders it is usually too loose in my midsection. I know I can get things taylored, but that's a pain too. My only hope is that when and if I'm ever pregnant, I should be able to wear regular shirts for a while!

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0~

I think tomorrow is "rip down wallpaper" day. I have to start sometime. I'll keep you posted on that one.

Discounts on Magazines !!

2006-08-09T19:58:00.000-05:00

If you love your magazine subscriptions, here is an EXCELLENT way to save mucho money on them!

Check out BudgetMags.

A Year (52 issues) of U.S. News and World Reports for less than $6!! ($24.97 at Amazon.com)

A Year (26 issues) of ESPN for less than $5! ($14.97 at Amazon.com)

A Year (12 issues) of Fitness for less than $4!! ($13.97 at Amazon.com)

Plus a whole lot more!

-- Yes, I'm into money saving tips right now. Check out a bunch more at the "link-a-thon" posted over at NCN.

Extra Pennies Adding Up

2006-08-09T17:32:00.000-05:00

I like to throw all my change in the end of the day in my big coke bottle bank. But with as little cash as I carry, I don’t usually collect too much by the end of a day.

Bank of America has a great program for their debit card users. The idea is based on the idea of throwing your extra change in a jar at the end of the day, but more convenient for us debit card users. It’s called Keep the Change. Basically it rounds each debit card purchase up and at the end of the month, transfers that money from your checking account to your savings account. And for new members of this program, they will match this amount at 100% for the first 3 months. After that they will match it 5% (with a yearly cap of $250).

Free money for those who choose to take part! A great reason to tip your waitress or fill the gas tank enough so the bill comes to 1 penny over an even dollar amount.

At this point I am not ready to switch banks, and forego the convenience of having a physical location to go to. Instead I’m implementing my own Round Up program.

I’m going to go through my bank statement each month and round up each debit and round down each deposit (including interest, paychecks, etc), then transfer the total amount to a separate savings account. Granted I’m not getting a match (unless any of you want to volunteer to match it)! But I’m saving. I’m doing this with my own account and the account my husband and I share.

Today I started with July's statements. My total transfer was $26.20. So if I can average $25/month, that’s an extra $300 a year! And right now, I’ve kind of created my own little “Math Geek” challenge.

I’m always looking for interesting ways to save money, as I don’t think I save nearly as much as I probably could. So if you have any ideas, please pass them on!

Pepper Jelly Glazed Chicken

2006-08-08T18:53:00.000-05:00

Last night I told Chad I would make him dinner as I have not been doing that much lately. So I decided to start with what I had in the freezer.

I found a couple of chicken breasts that I took out to thaw. Thinking I would make chicken fingers, but then later decided I wanted something different. Then I found this recipe for Pepper Jelly Glazed Chicken, as I had a half a jar of pepper jelly just sitting in the fridge, plus the other ingredients.

It turned out really good. Initially sweet, but then you taste a little kick. I served it with rice and green beans (Target sells awesome frozen veggies that you steam right in the bag). The sauce was really good over the rice.

I did make some adjustments as I didn't feel like measuring. So maybe it was accurate, but I just guesstimated my ingredients. If you don't like guesstimating, check out the recipe at the link above, else here's how I did it.

Pepper Jelly Glazed Chicken
(with my adjustments)

INGREDIENTS:
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
about 1/3 cup red pepper jelly
about 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
about 1/3 cup honey

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees F).
2. Arrange chicken breasts in a baking dish so they are not crowded. In a cup or small bowl, mix together the pepper jelly, mustard and honey; pour over chicken to coat.
3. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, basting occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink, and the juices run clear.

Remember When...

2006-08-08T14:13:00.000-05:00

Remember when I was gung ho about Weight Watchers and getting skinny?

I barely remember, except I am reminded when I try to get dressed in the morning. :( It's not fun wearing the same thing week after week, because I only have a few things that fit well.

This job and all the travel has been hectic on my waistline! I don't feel like I have a regular schedule which makes me so uninspired to eat well or exercise even when I am home... (it also keeps me unmotivated to do projects around the house)

But today I did better. I ate cereal (Kashi) before I came to work, and then for lunch, I got a deli round sandwich from Subway (smaller) and ate it with a small yogurt. No chips!! And I am full. My clothes are still tight, but I have to get back to eating smaller portions and making smarter decisions, no matter what "sounds" good at the time. I'm giving myself credit for that at least.

but sigh.. what's even more depressing right now I'm still considerably smaller from when I started Weight Watchers... but I didn't buy many clothes at that in between size.. so I have lots of cute stuff that is too small for me right now, and some that is still too big, but not much of anything that fits really good...

I need to get back on track.

Proof that I Talk Mostly "Normal"

2006-08-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

Jane's Linguistic Profile:

70% General American English

20% Upper Midwestern

5% Midwestern

0% Dixie

0% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

County Rooaadd

2006-08-07T12:31:00.000-05:00

I set out Saturday morning for my road trip to Wisconsin. Chad and I have discovered that taking 90 through La Crosse from our house in Burnsville is actually a little faster when heading to Madison. As we get more freeway time in Minnesota where the speed limit is 70 and Interstate 90 also seems to be less busy than 94. Plus it's conducive to stopping at my parent's in Rochester. Especially this time as I was picking up the sash my mom made for Nicki's flower girl. After a short visit with my parents, I got back on my way, but I realized I was going to be a little late.

Although once I got off the Interstate in the Dells, my trip became more frustrating as I had definitely allowed enough time to get lost! Once I had recovered from being lost for an hour trying to find Nicki's shower in Rock Springs, WI, I was able to really appreciate the song County Road, by G.B. Leighton. I realized just how accustomed to city driving I am! I am used to well marked, straight roads! I am not used to driving for 10 miles and then slamming on the brakes, because I just drove past my turn that was only marked at the intersection! :)

Once I finally found Nicki's shower (I was only an hour late) and enjoyed the last hour+ of the party, I headed on to Monticello to Lisa's house. Now since I had been to Lisa's house before and verified her directions from Baraboo to Monticello with my road map, I was much more relaxed and enjoyed the drive while counting Kwik Trips (my new favorite gas station) and listening to Harry Potter on cd.

Saturday night, Lisa and Ed were hosting a party to break in the new family room that Ed slaved over this summer in their basement. It is a great room, complete with a big beautiful bar, fireplace, and HD TV. Plus to make it even more enjoyable was kicking off football season with the local tv station playing the Packers Family Night Scrimmage. (What other team could sell out a pre-pre-season inner team scrimmage?!) Lisa had made some great appetizers (a lot with zucchini from Ed's garden) so I scarfed down a ton of those, as I had missed the food at the shower!

Ed also built a massive bonfire in his attempts to lure people outside away from his beautiful bar. It didn't work and the bar won! I'm not sure if Ed was happy about his bar being a success or upset that his fire wasn't a big attraction.

We were up late, so we slept in a little the next morning (9 am). Lisa and I got a chance to talk outside of the party crowd over breakfast. We then showered (got out the bonfire smell) and headed to Middleton to meet Angie for lunch at P.F.Chang's before heading back home.

Inspired to Downsize??

2006-08-05T07:56:00.000-05:00

Apartment Therapy has some great looking spaces (as small as they may be). I could sit for hours and look through these pictures. Just to see how creative people are and how they use all the space they have, but with beautiful results.

Makes me feel a bit like a pack rat. I admit it; I am. However, I try really hard not to be. Chad and I are both getting better. Our house is functional. Every room is fully finished with the exception of the laundry/furnace room (which is only missing the finished ceiling, as it's tiled and wallpapered). We really don't have any place to just stash stuff, besides a couple closets downstairs and some space in the (unheated, uninsulated) garage.

Even though my kitchen is about the size of some of these apartments, maybe I can still learn some functional space saving techniques to use as we go about starting with our finishing touches.

Talladega Nights and Madison in the Morning

2006-08-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

Chad and I have been anticipating Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby all summer, so of course we went opening night. Even though we have Netflix, neither of us could wait for a Will Ferrell movie to make it to DVD. It was good. Hard to tell, when you're so excited for a movie. It was slow at first, but there were definitely some hilarious parts (or maybe what was hilarious was my husband laughing uncontrollably next to me). Of course, the outtakes at the end were super funny too (but they usually are).

I liked it. Doesn't compare to Anchorman, Old School, or Wedding Crashers, but come on... it's Will Ferrell!

Tomorrow I am heading to the Madison area. Reedsburg first for Nicki's bridal shower, and then on to Monticello to see Lisa and Ed. Hopefully Sunday I'll get to see Angie too. I haven't been to Madison in over a year, so I'm excited. Just me and my Harry Potter cds tomorrow!

Swedish Fish

2006-08-04T13:08:00.000-05:00

It has been YEARS since I've had Swedish Fish, but let me just say: They are still super yummy!!!

I came across them at SuperTarget today, in the bulk Jelly Belly aisle. I just couldn't resist. So here I am now, just chewing away, and YUMMM!!

It takes me back to when I was a kid in Alma, and my mom needed spices. There was a spice/gift shop attached to Runions Gallery, and I always got to pick something. Occasionally it was a licorice pipe (red only, never black), but usually I liked to pick the Swedish Fish: one of each color.

Happy Birthday to Dano!!

2006-08-03T06:47:00.000-05:00

Today is my friend Dan's birthday. Cleveland Dan, if you're wondering.

I doubt he reads this, but I wanted to wish him a happy birthday if he does!!!
Happy Birthday Dano!!!

That's Dano on the left, along with myself, Mikey, and Lisa. This picture was taken on a crazy night in Chicago in 1998, so we're a little younger looking! Sorry about the picture quality, this is how digital was in 1998!

The Beginning of My Week

2006-08-02T15:18:00.000-05:00

Monday -
Still very very very hot.

Made sloppy joes. While browning the meat, I wished I hadn't started as the stove was very very very hot!

I mixed it up a little too. Instead of my normal Sloppy Joe recipe, I just browned the ground beef and mixed in the following and let it simmer:

a can of Southwestern Tomatoes
a can of tomato sauce
chopped onion
chopped green pepper
some mustard (a key ingredient to a good sloppy joe)
chili powder

They were good. I probably like my regular recipe more. It's one of my signature party dishes!

Monday Night -
Not sure... apparently it wasn't too exciting!

Tuesday -
I worked from home in the afternoon, because Katie came to pick up a table that we are donating to the Luther Park auction. So I got to catch up with her. It has been a while since I've seen her, so that was fun, even though it was a short visit outside.

During the afternoon, I had the TV on for background noise. Watched a show called "Work Out" on Bravo. It was another reality tv show, that I don't need to watch. I watched for about 45 minutes before I finally realized that I recognized one of the trainers from Amazing Race. How pathetic am I. Emphasized the fact that I do not need to watch this show regularly. (Making it public here that I. will. not. get. sucked. in. You are my witness!)

Also joined the BlogHer community. I've been nosing around there a little bit, and found lots of interesting blogs.

I also made a quick trip to Cub where I recognized this sweet girl in a cart by the cheese, so I got to catch up with her mom and dad.

Tuesday night -
We attended a National Night Out picnic at our neighbors house. (Although we weren't outside, because it finally rained. A LOT!! I don't know how much yet, because I didn't want to get wet checking the rain gauge this morning, but it looked to be over 3") Anyhow, all of our neighbors are great. And we met more, including the people who do the magnificent fireworks show on the 4th of July. I feel like we know more about our neighbors from the 2 picnics we've attended with them in the last year, than we ever did living in Columbia Heights for 5 years. My next door neighbor, Nancy, offered to explain to me what I have in my garden and to water my flowers for me when I am out of town, so I don't have to leave that to Chad. Plus she told us that they are seeing deer in our yard regularly (and gave us an idea about a homemade solution to ward them off)

My Favorite Soap

2006-07-31T19:26:00.000-05:00

I have recently (the last 6 months or so) discovered a new favorite bath (liquid) soap. Ivory Body Wash. I like it because:

it doesn't leave residue in my bathtub, like other brands
it smells good
it's relatively inexpensive ($3.99 a bottle at Target or Byerly's)

The problem is now I can't find it at either place now. So I was excited when I discovered it in Amazon.com's new "grocery aisle". Even though I would have had to buy 6 bottles, I wouldn't have had to worry about where I would find it next! But now it's gone from their website too!

The Weekend Pace

2006-07-30T20:31:00.000-05:00

I got back into town around 6:30. Fortunately I was able to relax a little, as I found out that I wouldn't be flying back to Valparaiso tonight for another week. So I got home, had some dinner, and then went out to get some groceries and pick up the supplies for an art project the next day when my niece and nephew were here for the day.

Saturday morning, I was up early. Drew and Katelyn arrived around 8:30. Mike and Melanie were going to a birthing refresher course. Grandma and Grandpa A. joined us at lunch time for the rest of the day. We had a busy, but fun day! It included a short (hot) walk to the park, decorating onsies with fabric markers for the new babies arriving soon (their new brother or sister, and new cousin), running through their Elmo sprinkler, playing a marble game that Grandma and Grandpa brought, making homemade peach ice cream, and some down time (individually) watching Disney videos. (Cinderella for Kate, Hercules for Drew). When Mike and Melanie got back, we ordered pizza and ate the ice cream we had made.

Last night after everyone left, we watched a movie (my Netflix pick), Transamerica. It was a good movie. A little slow maybe, but a good movie. Felicity Huffman was excellent (nominated for an Oscar in this role).

We went to the late service at church today. It was Renée, the pastoral intern's, last Sunday. She has always been so friendly to us since we have been going to this church. She gave a great sermon, and afterwards a lunch was planned. So at the end of the service, Pastor Paul asked everyone to remain in their seats to say a prayer before lunch. After the prayer, Pastor Paul made another announcement: Renée had planned everything about the service except what was about to happen. When Renée turned around her boyfriend was standing right there with a bouquet of flowers and asked her to marry him. It was really cool. She, of course, said "Yes", after jumping up and down.

After lunch we came home for naps and then headed out to shop for a gas fireplace insert. That wasn't long, as we knew pretty much what we were looking for. Next step is to get a voucher for my employee discount and then order it with the store manager.

The rest of the day we lounged and I worked on organizing my recipes. I tend to save magazines, so every couple months I go through and cut out the ones I really want to save. Now my long list of "recipes to try" is longer.

It's time to get ready for the week, but our house smells of burnt popcorn, as Chad didn't follow the directions and stepped away from the microwave. So in this heat we have the AC turned off, so our house can air out. At least our basement is pretty cool!

Fresh Peach Ice Cream

2006-07-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

I made this with Drew and Kate yesterday. Very easy! We ate it with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. It was a great dessert! I used frozen peaches as it was easier and I already had a bag in the freezer. From the book that came with my ice cream maker.

Fresh Peach Ice Cream

Makes about 1 quart

2 cups half-and-half
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
3 cups peeled, pitted, sliced peaches or 1 pkg (16 oz) frozen sliced peaches, thawed
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla extract
dash salt

Combine half-and-half, sugar, dry milk in a blender or food processor and process unil smooth. Add peaches with remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to freeze. Blend mixture for a few seconds before pouring into the ice cream maker. Follow the instructions for freezing.

Box Tops

2006-07-29T07:13:00.000-05:00

I just recently realized that Kleenex tissue, Viva paper towels, and Cottenelle toilet paper (all Kleenex brands) have the Box Tops coupons on them. According to their website, you'll find them on Ziploc brand bags and containers as well.

Although I usually buy my groceries by cost or preference and not whether they have a Box Top coupon, I do save them for my nephew. And it just so happens that is our preferred tissue, paper towel, and toilet paper, so it works out. Just wanted to give the heads up to any of you that may collect them, so you don't accidentally throw them away.

Poll: Twix vs. Kit Kat

2006-07-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

If you had the choice between Twix or Kit Kat which would YOU choose?

Eating Right on the Road

2006-07-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Since I've been traveling a lot for work, I've had a tough time maintaining my weight. An extra 5 lbs is tough to deal with when you're options are "eating out, eating out, or not eating". So this week, I am concentrating on getting 2 servings of milk each day and 5-a-day. Yesterday I got all of my 5 in, before dinner as I chose a banana over Chex Mix at the hotel's "happy hour". I know strange choice. Even more strange that I drank a beer afterwards... yeah, sounds disgusting, however at the time it didn't seem so strange.

Unfortunately, "Go-Lives" are always teaming with other bad (but oh so good) treats.

Cinnamon Cake doughnut from Dunkin Donuts (which we don't have at home)
Dark Chocolate M&Ms
MILKY WAY® Brand MIDNIGHT® Minis

I did get up and walk again this morning. Got through Chapter 4 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, so that's a win. Wish me luck the rest of the week.

Happy Anniversary!!

2006-07-23T08:40:00.000-05:00

Happy 39th Anniversary, Mom and Dad! (a day late, sorry!)

Saturday

2006-07-23T08:26:00.000-05:00

Friday night, we stayed in and watched The Constant Gardener (a Netflix selection). It was OK. Not my favorite. Tough to follow. Something to think about. Movies about Africa are very disheartening. A huge continent where people are poor, and not enough is being done to help.

Yesterday, I was up early to get to the Y and walk a little. I borrowed Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on CD from the library, so I'm trying to use that as motivation to walk or work out. So far I'm through Chapter 2. It's 23 discs. Crazy!

We also worked on our yard in the afternoon. Cleaning up weeds, watering, and trimming shrubs. I've officially shown Chad what needs to be watered while I'm away.

Last night, we headed to Coon Rapids to visit the Romes and baby Abby. She slept most of the time, so we all got to enjoy the meal that I prepared (enchiladas and roasted pepper salad. All in all a good day. Today is laundry and packing.

Roasted Pepper Salad with Salsa Vinaigrette

2006-07-23T08:19:00.000-05:00

This is a recipe I tried for the first time last night. And it was excellent!! It comes from the Ortega website. Very tasty and a great compliment to enchiladas. It would actually be good side to any mexican dish. The recipe also gave me a chance to practice a technique that I learned from The Take Home Chef: how to roast peppers (*after broiling, place in bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam off the skin)

Roasted Pepper Salad with Salsa Vinaigrette

Ingredients
6 medium red, green and yellow bell peppers, (2 of each)
1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup Salsa (Mild or Medium)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbls. balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups torn lettuce leaves

Directions
PLACE bell peppers on a baking sheet. Broil, turning peppers frequently, until sides are blistered and charred. Remove from broiler. Carefully place peppers in plastic or paper bag (*see above); let stand 10 minutes. Peel; remove core and seeds. Cut into 2-inch strips.

COMBINE bell peppers, onion, picante sauce, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Cover; refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over lettuce.

Chicken Enchiladas

2006-07-23T08:15:00.000-05:00

This is a recipe I've had for quite a while, but I don't make it real often. Usually for company. It also works really well to make a double batch and freeze, then just add the sauce and cheese before baking.

Chicken Enchiladas

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 onion, chopped
1/2 pint sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced8 (10 inch) flour tortillas
1 (12 ounce) jar enchilada or taco sauce
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear. Drain excess fat.
Cube the chicken and return it to the skillet.
Cook the green pepper, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, chili powder, and ground black pepper for a minute or two with the chicken.
Add the sour cream and cheddar cheese.
Heat until cheese melts. Stir in salt and tomato sauce.
Roll even amounts of the mixture in the tortillas. Arrange in 2 9x13 inch baking dishes or a 10x15 inch bar pan (with at least 1” sides)
Cover with enchilada/taco sauce and 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Soooo Pretty

2006-07-22T09:10:00.000-05:00

I finally found a new template to use on Blogspot... Yay!! I love the colors. I'm not even going to ask for opinions, because I really really like it. A LOT! But you can tell me if you like it, if you want.

I still want to see if I could publish my own (on my own domain), because last time I found a template outside of blogspot, it went away suddenly, and I was forced to re-design. I must say though I'm feeling more relaxed about it now.

Rescue Me

2006-07-21T14:50:00.000-05:00

Chad and I discovered a new summer favorite show: Rescue Me. It's on Tuesdays on FX at 9 pm CST. Great show starring Denis Leary who is nominated for an Emmy for Leading Actor.

The storyline centers around Tommy Gavin (Leary's character) who is a member of FDNY. The storyline includes his family and men in his firehouse. Dealing with life in NY after 9/11. But of course it also has the backstabbing and romance factors of drama, but also a lot of subtle humor.

This isn't for the kiddies though. Shocking what cable TV gets away with after 9 CST. Chad just purchased Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD and we are working on those too.

DVR/TiVo hint: The show starts immediately after the credits, be careful with that Fast Forward!

Moving On? Is it a good idea?

2006-07-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking about moving on to my own domain. Seeing what I could do with a blog. I'm kind of thinking that this is good timing as I will be working in Valparaiso, IN the next two weeks, and it might make those hotel evenings more interesting...

Anyone have any experience with this? Of course I'd need my domain hosted, and I'm looking into two possible sites who do hosting: siteground.com and hostingon.com. I looked into others like GoDaddy.com, which was much cheaper, but I don't want to associate myself with those demeaning SuperBowl commercials, or ads on my blog.

I think the main reason, is because I can't figure out a template that I like on blogger, and I'd like some more creative outlet with this. PLUS, it'll be a good geeky learning experience for me. And then I will have to hunt out someone who would be able to help me with a template... I have a few ideas on who that could be already.

Love to hear any comments or suggestions!!!

Jake's Meatloaf

2006-07-18T18:52:00.000-05:00

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Kim. It is very tasty. Chad has always told me that he's not a big meatloaf fan, but he thought this was very good. The sauce or glaze makes this excellent! I guess the recipe originally comes from the Chickadee Restaurant which was in Woodbury, which I think is now closed.

Jake’s Meatloaf

Mix together:
2 beaten eggs
2/3 cup milk
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
3 slices bread (crusts removed, sliced into small cubes)

Then mix in the following:
2/3 cup shredded carrots
1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup onions
2 pounds ground beef

Form a half log shape (shallow and wide) in a glass 9x13 pan.
Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Cover with glaze and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Glaze:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
4 tsp. mustard

Wonderful Margaritas

2006-07-18T12:06:00.000-05:00

I found this recipe a while back on allrecipes.com.

Super easy and yummy margaritas.

Wonderful Margaritas

2 (12 fluid ounce) cans frozen limeade concentrate
1 liter artificially sweetened citrus soda
12 fluid ounces tequila

Empty the limeade into a 2 quart pitcher. Using the empty limeade cans, fill each one twice with citrus soda and pour into the pitcher. Fill one limeade can with tequila (I fill it mostly with tequila and top it off with some Triple Sec) and pour into the pitcher. Adjust alcohol to personal taste. Mix well and serve.

Boat Outing

2006-07-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

Sunday: Sarah and Curt had invited us out on their boat. We woke up to thunder and rain, but decided to wait a couple hours and head out a little later.

So the rain passed, and around 1:30 we were in Prescott ready to go out. Curt suggested we head south on the Mississippi, as the weather looked nicer that way. It was a nice day out, although hot. Luckily we were able to retreat to the lower level with air conditioning for lunch. Sarah and I also took a break down there with our pitchers of margaritas, while Chad and Curt discussed TVs, speakers, and such.

Once we got to Red Wing, we decided to go through the lock and go down a little further and then have dinner in Red Wing on our way back. So we headed down a ways, and then decided to anchor so Curt could cool off in the air conditioning too. We played a game of Catch Phrase, and then went back up and the sun was shining and it was gorgeous. So we all enjoyed the ride back to Red Wing. Curt even let me drive the boat, and he got to enjoy the sun deck a little. When we got back to Red Wing, we stopped south of the lock to eat at the St. James Hotel where only the Port was open, so we felt a little under-dressed, but it wasn't very busy, so we settled in.. for a long meal. Much longer than we anticipated. The service was not very quick. By the time we were back to the boat it was starting to get dark, so we were cruising pretty good while we still had light. Although we didn't get far. Once we reached the lock and dam, we found a barge coming through it. And not just any barge, a barge whose load was so big, it couldn't make it through in one trip. So we sat in the boat for about an hour and a half, waiting for this big barge. About 30-45 minutes into it, we realized why the other fishing boat waiting was dark. Mayflies. They were everywhere. Even though they're harmless, they are gross. After we finally made it through the lock, we had the challenge of making it through the channel to Prescott in the dark. Sarah was able to kneel on the sundeck, and point the boat's spotlight around to find the channel markers and we made it back by midnight.

It sure ended up to be more adventure than I'm really used to on a Sunday night, but we had a good time, and hopefully they won't think we are bad luck, and take us out again.

Weekend Outings

2006-07-17T18:45:00.000-05:00

We had a busy weekend, packed with seeing and spending time with friends we don't see too often.

Friday night, Chad and I met up with my friend Dano from Cleveland and my friend Rock (who lives here but I definitely don't see him much at all) at Spectator's. It was a good time. Got a chance to meet Rock's girlfriend, and Dano's buddy, Justin and his girlfriend, who I hear about a lot. Justin lives in Savage not far from us at all. And he's a Packer fan, so he's a good guy!

Saturday, Chad was up early to beat the heat with an early tee time. The Kieta's were up from Madison, so Dan joined Chad, Chip, and their dad for the Saturday morning golf. I met Chad, Dan, Angie, Brianne, and Kelly (Angie's friend) at Major's for lunch (also noticed that had the same menu as Spectator's, must be owned by the same company).

After lunch, Angie, Dan, Brianne, and Kelly came over to see our place for a little bit. Brianne went straight for our electrical outlets. Guess we have to get some safety plugs before she comes back.

After they left, Chad and I crashed for about 2+ hour naps. After our naps we headed over to Kelly and Dan's (different Dan, Kelly's boyfriend) new house for a barbecue. They live in a gorgeous big house in Uptown. 3 floors and it used to be a rooming house, Beautiful woodwork and in great shape.

We didn't stay out too late, as we had a day on the river with Sarah and Curt planned for Sunday. But that is another long story, and deserves it's own blog entry!

5 Daily

2006-07-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

In trying to get in 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, tonight I decided to go with bananas and strawberries... on vanilla ice cream with Hershey Syrup. That counts, right???

I call this the "Strawnana" , by the_macats

Flickr

2006-07-12T15:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I realized that I could probably find a photo pertaining to almost anything at flickr.com.

Today my point being... I have a headache. Here's just a touch of the 3415 photos relevant to the word "headache" on flickr.

Splitting Headache by ryansdad

Headache? by Mareen Fischinger

Headache by ehavir

headache, baby? by fuxicek

Unfortunately, I don't know much about copyright laws, so there are just links...

If they say "All Rights Reserved" but then they allow you to download the full picture, is that weird??? because there are options about whether you decide to reserve the rights, and also options about whether you can download the actual .jpg.... so I don't get it.

Mid-Summer Vacation

2006-07-11T19:59:00.000-05:00

I know that most normal people plan their getaway around the 4th of July, but not us. We planned ours around a Steely Dan and Michael McDonald concert in Tinley Park. Friday we headed out with Chip and Kim (Chad’s brother and his wife) to Chicago. It was about an 8 hour drive as we hit rush hour just outside of Chicago, and we were staying downtown just off Michigan Avenue. Friday night we got to the hotel made arrangements to have dinner with my aunt Marilyn and then headed to the bar in our restaurant for drinks. Marilyn arrived shortly after had a drink with us and then we went to dinner at Phil Stefani’s. We had a very nice dinner. After which Marilyn hopped in a cab to go home and we hopped in a cab and headed to Wrigleyville for some late night action. It was a very late night for me, being a total morning person, but Chad, Chip, and Kim enjoyed the bars and dancing.

Saturday morning we were up early enough (around 8) by about 9:30 or 10, we headed out for a quick bite to eat at Dunkin’ Donuts. We then headed out to do some shopping on Michigan Avenue. Karin and Gabe met us out, and we perused the Magnificent Mile Art Festival for a little bit and then headed down to the Taste of Chicago. We walked through Millenium Park on our way, and got to see “the bean” which was really cool, especially from underneath.
Once at the taste, we got several “tastes” in (my favorite being chocolate chip cheesecake) before heading back to the hotel for a quick nap before cleaning up and heading out to Tinley Park.

The concert was at an outdoor ampitheatre and a really nice facility, although Chad is apparently an outdoor theater snob and kept saying it was “Bottom 5”. It did not stop him from dancing and having a good time. The lady next to Kim told her that he was very entertaining and everyone was watching him. I’d post pictures, but I was told I was not allowed to share those. Not even with Chip and Kim who were there. Michael McDonald was great. And Steely Dan would have been more fun if I knew who they were… but Chad, Chip, and Kim loved it. I did recognize many songs, but when you’re somewhat unfamiliar and the music is loud it’s sometimes hard to understand the lyrics. I definitely would need to brush up on my Steely Dan if we would go see them again.

Sunday morning we headed back very early. Our trip home was much quicker as Chad was driving and made us combine all our stops. When we stopped for a bathroom break, we were also required to eat and fill up with gas even if we had over a half of a tank.

I took Monday off too, as when I requested time off I didn’t know how long the weekend would extend, and figured I would be able to enjoy the time off if I was just at home. And I did! I slept in (8:30 is sleeping in for me). And then spent some time catching up on emails and blogs (although not updating, just reading). I then talked to Steph for about an hour on the phone, then texted Jodi to make lunch plans. After lunch with Jodi, I met Lisa for coffee at Caribou downtown. I then headed over to the Marshall Field’s warehouse to pick up our new coffee table finally, before heading home (unfortunately in rush hour traffic). Last night I spent putting the coffee table together (unassembled is the only way it fit in the Corolla), and then watching several episodes from Season 2 of Will & Grace on DVD.

Today I made it to the YMCA this morning and then it was another day back at work, but I know that if I hadn’t had yesterday off, I would not be a happy camper right now. I’m figuring out that since I don’t have as many friends at my new job, it’s really hard when Chad is traveling for work, because I have such little social contact each day. That was seldom an issue when I worked at Oracle/Retek. At least now that I’m aware of it, I can make more of an effort to make plans and force myself out on people!

Tonight, I am going to do some “light” cleaning and relax a little. Try to get to bed early, so I can get up and hit the YMCA before work again tomorrow.

Will & Grace - Season 1

2006-07-11T14:46:00.000-05:00

Anyone out there want to borrow my Will & Grace - Season 1 DVD before I sell it on Amazon?? I have Season 2 that I'm halfway through too.

Get in on this Offer!

2006-07-06T16:16:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of Craigslist, but I didn't see this ad! I'm just wondering what this guy will do in the winter.

Holiday Weekend – Love & Dislike (Nothing to Hate during a 4 day weekend!)

2006-07-06T08:43:00.000-05:00

Love – That I found someone to cover my on-call duties on Friday evening so I could go to the Brewer-Twins game!

Dislike - The family reunion in front of us at the game, as they kept moving around and standing up in front of us (although they were enjoying themselves, so I can’t hate them for that… just dislike and annoyance)

Love – That we saw back to back homeruns and the Twins win!

Dislike - Going back and forth to Menards and hauling bags of mulch and wood chips around the yard.

Love – That our landscaping looks renewed!

Dislike – Waking up early to meet the people coming to help me split Hostas.

Love - That they did all the splitting and replanted several for me. And showed me exactly how it needs to be done, so I can finish up the ones I found in the back!

Dislike – Feeling so tired at the end of the day that I can’t move.

Love – Having Netflix and always having a movie to watch (even if it’s by myself. This weekend it was ShopGirl)

Dislike – Cleaning and more cleaning to get ready to host a 4th of July picnic.

Love – Seeing my house clean.

Love – Having the tiki pool set up.

Dislike - A big doe eating my freshly split hostas on Tuesday morning.

Love – Seeing a deer in my yard!

Dislike – Grocery shopping

But Love – Making lots of food!

Love even more - having people over!

Hate (so there may be a couple) – mosquitos that come out after dark.

Love – the amazing fireworks display our neighbor puts on. (Seriously we think he must have spent over $1000)

Hate – Going back to work after enjoying 4 days off.

Love – That I’m only working 2 days before another 4 day weekend!!!

It's Not Too Late

2006-07-06T08:24:00.000-05:00

To start watching Grey's Anatomy! ABC is moving it to Thursday night, and tonight's episodes will be the serie's very first show. Not sure if they will replay the entire season 1 over the summer, but I have it on DVD if anyone wants to borrow it.

Happy 4th of July!!!

2006-07-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone enjoys the holiday today!

The Only Prescription is More Cowbell!

2006-06-29T22:01:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across my favorite Will Ferrell SNL skit online tonight.

If you've never seen this you have to watch it!

And if you've seen it 100 times, it's still funny!

"I've gotta have more cowbell, Baby"

Hostas

2006-06-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

Know anyone that needs hostas? And someone that can show me how to split mine???

A lot of mine are starting to look overgrown.

Cleaning Out the Pantry - An Attempt to Organize

2006-06-28T11:28:00.000-05:00

Our pantry is a mess. Mostly just a lot of stuff in it, but yet I always seem to be going to the grocery store to buy stuff. I think this weekend I need to inventory it. And then once I'm going to do that I'm going to try and incorporate one thing from the pantry into each meal. Whether it's using up a box of pasta in a made-up hotdish, or having canned peaches in my lunch. We're coming up on the 1 year anniversary of moving into our house, so now I want to think about what I've acquired and why I'm holding on to it!!!

P.S. That's not my pantry in the picture... But not far from it!

Never enough time

2006-06-25T20:18:00.000-05:00

Today I was going to clean windows, but then I decided my time was better spent mowing the lawn, and cleaning up the kitchen. However, now I have to figure out when to wash windows.

I also measured our landscaping for how much mulch we will need, because we have some really bare spots. It's a LOT! So now I have to get that organized, as well as find someone to seal our deck and seal our driveway... House maintenance can be so overwhelming some time!

Butterscotch Cashew Scotchies

2006-06-25T20:05:00.000-05:00

I made this recipe yesterday. We were going to a party, so I thought it'd be fun to make something to take, and these turned out to be extremely easy to make and very yummy!! This is from my "The Cake Mix Doctor" cookbook.

Butterscotch Cashew Scotchies

Makes 24 bars.
Preparation Time - 10 minutes
Baking Time - 27-29 minutes

1 package (18.25 oz) plain yellow cake mix
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped lightly salted cashews
1 cup butterscotch chips

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350. Set aside an ungreased 13x9" baking pan

2. Place the cake mix, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the bowl with a rubber spatula. Blend again on low speed for 1 minute. Transfer the batter to the pan, smoothing it out with the rubber spatula so that it reaches all sides. Sprinkle the cashew pieces and butterscotch chips over the batter. Place the pan in the oven.

3. Bake the cake until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 27 to 29 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.

4. Cut the cake into 24 bars. Remove the bars from the pan with a metal spatula, and serve.

Happenings Coupon Trade

2006-06-23T20:46:00.000-05:00

So today I was perusing Craigslist again! I always go look at Wanted and Trade, just in case somebody wants some of my junk, that I haven't thought of to get rid of!! :)

Today I found someone posting to trade coupons from their Happenings book. We don't use that many of them, but the ones we do we would always love to have more. So I had almost all of them left for this person that wanted to trade, so hopefully I can get some good ones from them!

Craiglist - Something For Everyone!

2006-06-22T06:53:00.000-05:00

Every time I do something with Craigslist, either posted or bought, but mostly posted, I've had success. It is unbelievable! Last night I posted my drapes that I took down in the living room. They are custom to our house, but just don't match or our stuff or really my taste, BUT they are somebodies, because in the last 12 hours, I have gotten 28 responses from people who want them! It's crazy! Guess I should have asked for money for them! Oh well. Hindsight!

Lousy Luck

2006-06-21T17:42:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a tank of gas, and shortly after, my check engine light came on. I called the Toyota Dealer to make an appointment to bring it in, as it is very much so under warranty. However, the service guy told me that it may be that I didn't have the gas cap on tight and that if I brought it in and it was the gas cap it would cost me $800 for that diagnosis, as it was my fault and not covered by the warranty. What?? $800?? but whatever, if it was the gas cap, then I'm all for trying that and not dealing with bringing it in. And he told me it may take several trips for it to reset itself... OK. give it a week of driving.

So a few times later the MAINT REQD light comes on. Chad reads in the manual that it means the oil needs to be changed. I was a bit curious to know how it figured my oil needed to be changed, because it didn't. So then I just thought it was related to the check engine light.

Which brings me to this morning! I'm driving into work and I know I don't have much gas, but the gas light isn't on, so I know it's enough to get me to work, at least. Well on my way, it comes on. So I stop at the truck stop by work to fuel up. I fill my car and was only slightly annoyed when the Pay at the Pump told me to go inside for a receipt. But then I was very annoyed, when my car didn't start again!!! It turned over, but didn't start. So I pull out my cell phone to call Chad to see if he has the roadside assistance number, because I hadn't put it in my purse yet. (New service our insurance JUST started offering!) Low and behold, my cell phone doesn't work! I can't dial a number, and I can't access my phone book. So now I'm sitting in my car at a gas pump, my car won't start and my cell phone won't work (even when I turn it on and off!) So I head into the truck stop, luckily it's a truck stop and there are phones, but no phone book!! I sit down at one, and call Chad. He doesn't answer, because he doesn't recognize the number. I then call the number on my insurance card to get the roadside assistance number and call them. Again he tells me to check the gas cap. So I go back out and check it. It's on tight. Car still doesn't start.

I come back. I then pull out my calling card (which apparently I keep for occasions like this) but it has ZERO minutes on it! So I reload my card, which takes 10 minutes and meanwhile a trucker is talking to me about what's wrong with my car... I'm not really caring. I get more minutes on my card and then call my mom, because I need to find out the phone number for work, so I can call my boss, because now I'm also late for work. So after flubbering to my mom and explaining what I need, she finds the number for me. I call my boss, who is very understanding. I then call the Roadside Assistance back and they call a tow truck for me, but it'll be about 45 min to an hour. And I don't have a phone number to give them, because mine doesn't work! Although right after I get off the phone, mine makes a weird beep and starts working again, and I have a message from Chad.

I go back out to my car, and sit and wait. I decide to read the manuel while I'm waiting, because I have nothing else to do. That's when I find out that there is a mechanism that needs to be reset when the oil needs to be changed. It then triggers the MAINT REQD light after 4500 miles. And eventually, will lock your car from being started! I have never heard of this. And apparently Sears did not do this when I took it in last time. SOOOO I reset this oil changer tracker thing, and shazam, my car starts!

Now I have to go back inside, because my phone still doesn't work and cancel the tow truck. While I'm on hold, my trucker friend asks me what it was, and tells me that these new cars are too fancy, and that's why he sticks with the older cars.

So I made it to work about an hour and a half late. Not a good start to my day!!! AND I still need to figure out what is up with my check engine light. The guys at work suggested having Chad call or take it in, because it shouldn't cost that much, and think that maybe a guy would get better service! AND I still don't know what was up with my phone.

The Take Home Chef

2006-06-20T21:47:00.000-05:00

My new show I found on TLC. I like cooking and I enjoy funny attractive Australian men who can also cook... so naturally this show works for me.

Short, But Sweet

2006-06-19T19:33:00.000-05:00

I had a short and busy weekend! I flew home from California on Friday night, expecting to land around 5:40 and getting laundry and things in order before heading up north for Drew's birthday celebration. Unfortunately the weather had other things in mind. My flight back from the OC was bumpy and turbulent, so much so that when we got to Minnesota and couldn't land, because of bad weather we had to fly to Duluth to re-fuel, as we didn't have enough fuel to circle over the Twin Cities. So I didn't make it home until after 8. So I didn't get laundry done as I had to bake Drew's birthday cake and make a trip to the grocery store because Chad's dad and brother were coming here for Father's Day.

Saturday morning, we were up early to drive up to Aikin. We made good time and were there around 10 am. I finished decorating the cake. It was pretty easy, as Melanie had gotten Frog candles (the party theme was frogs) and so I made a pond and put in some grass around it. Drew added some lilypads too. And instructed me to write only "Happy Birthday". The rain set in shortly after the cake was decorated, so we had lunch inside, before heading next door to Grandpa and Grandma Larson's where we spent the rest of the day inside enjoying birthday festivities, including opening presents, playing with presents (specifically Movin Monkey's and Clue Jr), a reptile hunt (Drew hid the little creatures for the rest of us), and a birthday dinner complete with Lemon Birthday Cake with frog candles.

Sunday we woke up to a much nicer day. Chad headed back early to spend the day with his Dad, but I stayed and rode home later with my parents. After church, we put our swim suits on. I played in the lake with Drew and Kate for a little bit, before we went out on the pontoon. We also took the tube out, so several of us took turns riding. My mom and Kate went first. Kate loves it, and was disappointed that her ride was over so fast. Drew and I were next, although Drew was reluctant once it came time to get in the tube, we convinced him to try it, and he seemed to enjoy the short ride. Kate eagerly climbed in again with me, so I could have a longer ride. After our ride we had lunch and opened Father's Day presents, and then I headed back with my parents.

It was a great weekend, and always fun spending time with the whole family and Melanie's family too.

Fear Factor - Reality Stars

2006-06-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

How pathetic is it that I'm watching Fear Factor with Reality Stars and I know 10 of the 10 contestants? Trishelle and Mike from the Real World, Craig and Tana from the Apprentice, Carmen and Anthony from American Idol, Victoria and Jonathon from The Amazing Race, and Twila and Johnny from Survivor.

Baby

2006-06-12T22:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Chad's brother called with news. Chad and I are expecting yet another niece/nephew in January. So one on my side in September, and one on Chad's side in January!! Pitter Patter!

A Wedding In December

2006-06-12T22:32:00.000-05:00

Today on the plane, I finished reading A Wedding In December, by Anita Shreve. It was a good book. We're reading it for our June book club. I liked it. Anita Shreve has a definitive style in writing. I feel like her characters are always these literary dark deep (somewhat tortured) people with some tragedy in their past. And there is nothing wrong with that. And I like her books, I just can't read them one right after another. If you like Anita Shreve, you'll like this book...

Movies

2006-06-12T22:19:00.000-05:00

Saturday night, Anne and I went to see Kinky Boots. I hadn't heard of it until she suggested it. It was cute. Probably most definitely a chick flick. Chad was glad that he doesn't have to sit through it. :) And it was fun to see and spend time with Anne!

Last night, after Chad got back from Madison, we went to The Break-Up. I really enjoyed it. I think Chad did too, although he doesn't know if he'll ever want to watch it again. I told him it was an object lesson, and I don't think he liked that. But I think why it was so funny was that I know so many couples that have the same arguments they had in the movie. Like, "I want you to want to do the dishes". Very funny!

Happy Birthday to Drew!!

2006-06-11T17:14:00.000-05:00

Drew is 6 today!! Hard to believe that it's been 6 years since that Sunday night when my brother called to see what I was doing, and when I asked him the same, he said "Having a Baby!" We're celebrating next weekend, so watch for the cake pictures!

Calm House

2006-06-11T17:10:00.000-05:00

My house is relaxing again! I got it cleaned up and my summer/winter clothes rotated to the right closets. The bathrooms are all clean, the floors are mopped, carpets vacuumed, dishes in the cupboards. I'm feeling caught up and ready for my week! Even though I won't be home to enjoy home, I know that unless Chad creates huge messes, it will be nice to come home to this house next Friday!

Get Out The Birkenstocks

2006-06-10T12:46:00.000-05:00

Today, after a very restful sleep, I got up and went to the Farmers Market. It was the first Saturday they were open in Burnsville and there didn't seem to be a whole lot of vendors there, but enough to get some strawberries and lettuce. I also tried some yummy bread from Harvest Bread Company, and there was a pork vendor there, so I will probably get some brats next week when I know I'm going to be home to enjoy them!

I also went to the Valley Natural Food store in Burnsville. I needed some thyme, and wanted to find a place where I could buy spices in bulk. It's a very nice store. I'm really interested in the cleaning products and love that you can buy so much in bulk, including pasta, so that I buy what I need, and buying in bulk helps cut down on packaging which I love!

9-1-1

2006-06-09T21:13:00.000-05:00

I called 911 last night. We shut off our AC last night and opened up the windows. I woke up around 2:30 am. Not sure if something was blowing in the house or if I heard noises from outside, but then I got up to go to the bathroom, and as our bedroom windows look out over the cul-de-sac and I had the window open, I noticed a car sitting out there. In the middle of the road, right in front of our house. And a guy leaning up against the trunk. The lights were off. So I woke up Chad and he walked around inside the house. And I called 911, because it was so suspicous. They promised to come out and check it out. Pretty much right after I called, the guy got back in the car (on the passenger side, so he wasn't by himself) and they took off. The lights weren't on, and I didn't hear the car start. A short time later a couple police cars drove through with a spotlight, but they were gone. We figure it was probably some kids parking doing something illegal or immoral, because all the landscaping in the center of the cul-de-sac is in full bloom right now, so it's a good hiding spot for a two door black car at night. So, we'll be leaving our outside lights on a little later. Makes me really glad we have a security system too! And a police force that comes to scope out calls like that! This weekend I'm going to go and talk to the neighbors to let them know what I saw too.

Gratitude

2006-06-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

Today, I started a gratitude journal/blog. Yesterday I took the afternoon off to kind of settle myself down. Being home this week has been kind of an adjustment, and I'm feeling unsettled because there is SOOO much to do. I feel like the house is a mess, and I want to get back into a routine, and it's tough knowing that there is more time away coming up later this summer.

And I can get really stressed out over stuff like that, even if it's simple stuff like not having time to wash windows... but I am trying to remind myself that I am really very blessed, so I started this online journal/blog (http://being-thankful.blogspot.com/) to remind myself (and others) that I (and most of us) don't have it that bad and I can't sweat all the bad stuff all the time when I really have a lot to be thankful for.

Home Sweet Home

2006-06-05T12:23:00.000-05:00

Besides my brief Love/Hate blogging on Saturday, I apparently avoided the computer as much as I could. I was enjoying being home!

Friday night, I was able to catch an earlier flight home from Milwaukee, and the flight also landed early, so I got in well over an hour earlier than I expected to. Chad and I went out for dinner. As much as I was sick of eating out, we didn't have anything in the house to eat either. (which makes me wonder what Chad ate all week while I was gone) We tried a place in Savage called Spice. It is a Thai restaurant that we first noticed when we were looking for a house, and we finally tried it. After a very yummy dinner, we walked around Sunset Pond. It is about 1.75 miles around the pond, and a nice way to burn off our dinner.

Saturday, Chad got up early for golf, and I got up (not as early) for a hair appointment and grocery shopping. I went to a baby shower for our friend Kim in the afternoon, while Chad met up with Aaron and the guys for Aaron's "Baby Bachelor Party".

Sunday, I coerced Chad to go to early church. We then both came home and took naps! I also did some cooking, including getting some stuff in the freezer as even that is bare. I made Turkey Chimichanga's, Jerk Chicken, and Marinated Cucumbers. So not much experimenting with anything new. But it still felt good to be in the kitchen!!!

Today I'm at work. Strange, but nice. My gym bag is in the car so I will go to the Gym after. I have some catching up to do! The scale was NOT my friend on Saturday. 7 weeks of restaurant food will do that to you!

Love & Hate - Take 1

2006-06-03T17:50:00.000-05:00

Borrowing this format from Love Is Blonde -

LOVE - Being Home. Driving My Own Car, my TiVo, and clean laundry.

HATE - That my husband went golfing and now is out with the guys on my first day home in 2 weeks! And also the housework/chores that need to be done, because we've both been gone.

LOVE - Chad's friends' significant others, baby showers, and Jenny T. who included me on the evite for a party, so I didn't hear about it the day before.

HATE - Hate being surprised by news I should have heard from Chad weeks ago... (i.e. Molly and Rod, but mostly Molly, are pregnant)

LOVE - My new haircut and highlights.

HATE - the amount of "product" my stylist uses.

LOVE - These gorgeous warm June days!

HATE - My flowers withered up while I was gone.

LOVE - I will be home for awhile to hopefully revive them!

Results

2006-06-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

I beat 207 people in the race on Saturday. Results.

Memorial Day Weekend

2006-05-30T21:16:00.000-05:00

I had a very fun-filled long weekend.

On Friday, I took off work early with my co-worker Suzy and headed to Chicago. We went to the Cubs game. They managed to lose to the Braves in the 9th inning, but the Old Style Light still tasted good with our hotdogs!

After the game, Suzy and I hung out a little longer and then I rode the 'L' to Karin's. Saturday morning, Karin and I got up early and headed to Soldier's Field for our 10 mile race. And we finished in less than 2 hours, maybe not our best run, but we finished!

Saturday afternoon, we took naps and then grilled out and hung out at home.

Sunday Karin, Gabe, and I went to brunch and then to Lincoln Park Zoo. It was very HOT!! But fun! Saturday night we ate more brats :) and then went to Target.

Monday morning, Karin and I got up and headed to brunch again. And then back to Target where I picked up a swimsuit before heading over to my aunt Marilyn's on the 'L'. We didn't go to the pool, just spent the afternoon in her air conditioned apartment and then went out to dinner.

Again I turned in early, as Suzy was picking me up at 6, so we could be back in Waukesha early this morning.

It was a great weekend, but I am very much looking forward to being home next weekend with Chad!

Chicago

2006-05-28T22:12:00.000-05:00

Lincoln Park Zoo
Originally uploaded by Jane M Says.

Karin, Gabe, and I headed out to Lincoln Park Zoo this afternoon. It was a warm day, but fun. Here are some pictures

Night

2006-05-28T08:03:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading Night, by Elie Wiesel. A very quick read. I had read it a long time ago in 9th grade English, and remember liking it then, so I decided to read it again. It is a very good look into what life was like at in Concentration Camps for Jewish people during World War II. A glimpse of how their faith was shaken and mostly the strength it must have taken to endure.

I highly recommend this book if for no other reason than to be aware of this horrifying time in history as it should not be forgotten.

Fixed It

2006-05-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

Not sure why my template went away... but anyways, welcome to the new look and feel... again!

Template...

2006-05-28T07:29:00.000-05:00

I can't figure it out... Where, o where did my template go???

I have to investigate!

Finales

2006-05-23T21:01:00.000-05:00

So I lied about reading right away... well not lied, so much, as I will read, but I'm blogging first :) I've maybe been ignoring my blog lately :)

But have season finale's always been such cliff-hangers? I feel like this season I was just left hanging!

Besides Will & Grace, which ended completely, Survivor and AI (reality TV doesn't count) my shows totally didn't "finalize" anything!

FIRST - The Office - Pam and Jim kissed. Chad nor I saw that coming!!! Will she leave Roy?

SECOND - Grey's Anatomy - who will she choose Chris O'Donnell or Patrick Dempsey??

THIRD - er - Luka is still trapped in that room, and Abby collapsed. How come nothing exciting happened until the last 15 minutes of the show?

FOURTH - How I Met Your Mother - What is the story with Lily and Marshall? Did they break up?

And Even The New Adventures of the Old Christine, which I watch occasionally, kind of left the question of the direction of the characters relationships hanging.

oi... UNfortunately, I have a feeling summer will fly by and I'll find out what happens...