2019 Wish List

Family
Disney+ (Subscription Service)
Portal - for TV
Ring Doorbell - Matt has link
Large sandbox that can be covered
Bismarck Aquatic Center Memberships

Ainsley
(Amazon list)
Baby Wipes
See and Say Farm spinner*
Rice rusks, baby food, puffs
240 volt garage heater
carpet (stairs or living room)

Grady
(*Amazon list)
Dance Class (Toddler Gross Movements)
Skyzone
Duplos*
Lunch Box*
T-Ball Set*
Mr. Potato Heads*
Outdoor Web Swing*
Osmo - Genius Starter Kit*
Kids Snow Shovel
Plastic mug (for hot chocolate)

Eleanor
(Amazon list)
Swimming Lessons (for the spring)
Dance Class (Preschool Movements)
Tennis Lessons
Skyzone
Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks*
Duplos*
Boogie Board Jot LCD Writing Tablet*
Osmo - Genius Starter Kit* (on Grady's Amazon list)
Kid Snow Shovel
Workbooks for practicing letters and writing
Age appropriate art kits
Plastic mug (for hot chocolate)
Chest for pretend clothes wardrobe

Amanda
Jewelry Box or Jewelry Box (dark brown)
Makeup Brush Cleaner set
Eyelash curler
Set of 10-12 wooden bowls (salad) - link provides example
Slippers - size 9
Rothy's - size 9, Pointed Cloud Grey Birdseye or Flax Birdseye or Grey Glen Plaid, Dandelion Triple Stitch, or Spotted
Cowl Neck Sweater - XL, green or z-green
Haus Lab liquid eyeshadow, holiday set or aphrodite
Hobby Lobby gift cards for frames/glass


Matt
Menards cards for lawn next year
Large Bath Sheet Towel
Subscription to Field&Stream or Golf Digest
FitBit
Foam Golf Balls
Lyfx light bulbs (2) - outdoor
Pioneer Woman Cook Book
Blackstone

Christmas List

Matthew

• Ladder
• Goose Decoys - stationary and moving
• Blackhawk items
• UND items (especially sioux)
• Cubs items
• Homemade beer making kit
• Dirty Bird XXL Browning Camo Jacket
• Raffia Grass from Craft Store for goose blind
• Headlight for hunting/working
• Hard bottom blind bag for ammo
• 223 Gun
• Chicago Blackhawks Hat Trick DVD/Blu-Ray
• open back slip-on slippers
• Dakota Outdoors magazine subscription
• Socks - a special kind that Santa knows
• Tonneau cover for pickup
• crock weights
• Vortex binoculars

Amanda

• Wallpaper removed from her bathroom and kitchen
• Legging that aren't see-through
• Philips Sonicare Toothbrush
• New kitchen floor
• Gift Certificates to PetCo to get TonyDanza shaved
• Penzey's Taco Seasoning
• Cricut Vinyl Cutting Machine with Vinyl Transfer Tape and basic tools
• King size bed with bedroom set and sheets!
• Pressure Washer (for deck/patio, etc)
• New Curtain rods for bedroom and craft room
• Rice Cooker
• New luggage set with 2 carryon sizes
• Folding Chairs
• New Clothes, including dress socks
• Popover Pan
• JellyRoll Lid
• Cookie Scoop
• Bath products
• Humidifier
• North Face jacket
• Auxiliary canner
• Aux speakers for Ipod
• Silicon potholders
• Dancing jewelry 

TonyDanza and Lola

• Cat tree
• Ability to go outside whenever they want
• Milk treats
• Treats of anykind

On the Twelfth Day

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….hope.

Dear Santa –

I think I’ve been a good girl this year. I’ve attempted to be patient but I will admit there was some pouting and some crying. My husband is very aware of the latter mentioned acts. I’ve gotten older and sometimes the holiday spirit ebbs and flows given the mood and happenings, but this doesn’t mean that I don’t have a Christmas wish. I’ve watched the “Storybook Lady,” “White Christmas,” “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” and “Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus” enough to realize that the holiday power is something bigger than myself. My wishes have shifted in my years and wisdom. I honestly can’t imagine the list that I used to tell you on your knee each year. I remember a bike but I have a feeling that I didn’t ask you for that. My requests this year come from a spot of hope, with maybe even a tinge of desperation, a hope for happiness as I continue into 2015. You see as you get older you lose a grasp on those obtainable concrete items and things like peace and joy, which sounded so silly and unrealistic in my youth, suddenly becoming the shining wants of the holiday season. Don’t think for a moment I can’t get more specific but you see, that’s the thing, no matter what you bring for the holiday this year or don’t bring, I know that I still want the same outcome. I just think that I know what should be in your big giant bag and up your sleeve. Please keep my heart in mind this year. I’ll set some cookies out for you. Be aware that we’ve moved but I’ve been told by the home inspector that the chimney is clean.

Merry Christmas, Santa.

Love, ALR

Dear Santa –

I want food. And my own place. And those other cats gone. And a rabbit. And two doves. And a ground squirrel. And to go outside.  

Love, Nike

Catching Up...Life Goes On...

We celebrated my birthday. I stopped at the Social Security office and got my name changed there too. My grandmother gave me the best birthday gift, she gave Matt and I the cake stand, the same one that all the birthday cakes have been on, the cake stand that our wedding cake stood on. She did it in her true style. Gave it to me with a bunch of potatoes and carrots…no fuss and frill and all practical. It was wonderful.

 

We went to my parents. It was nice to get back there again…really hadn’t been there in awhile…I don’t think we can count the wedding, that was a blur! We brought back all the wedding presents.

 

We couldn’t bring the arbor home yet. That will be another special truck haul back.We chopped wood for Mom and Dad, which is also way more fun in September than February. But this should be a good start for them. Matt always enjoys doing that.

 

We started organizing the house a bit more…or tried to.

I harvested my garden. I had so few tomatoes grow on my plant I could have named them. If I get every single one that has bloomed to actually develop it will be 5. How embarrassing. I really wanted to do some canning this year…so I begged and borrowed from anyone that would give tomatoes to me. I tried my luck a little and made spaghetti sauce. I also have plans to try tomato soup and plain tomatoes. We’ll see. I did have to call my grandmother on my first attempt.
Grandma: How many did you get made?
ALR: I think I’m not very good at looking at a recipe and seeing how many cans I actually need.
Grandma: Oh, I’m still not very good at that.
ALR: Well that doesn’t give me hope.

 

Other milestone that has happened…we hit 300 posts during September and also by passed most posts for one year. Here are some stats and facts.

• Most used tag is family (170) followed by weekend (167).
• The site has had 5360 pageviews (compared to 2158 when we were at the 200th blog post).
• The highest month was September 2013, this isn’t a shock, especially when you consider it also had the most blog posts.
• The blog has been viewed in 4 countries (USA 5252, Canada 54, Russia 17, and Brazil 4).
• The 2 most viewed posts on an individual basis are “California Girl” and “Moving…” both from 2012.
• The biggest traffic was from our wedding site that we used to collect RSVP’s, www.mywedding.com/matthewandamanadaremnyse.
• The biggest fans are Diana Moser and Randy Remynse…biggest in terms of most vocal. Kevin Remynse makes honorable mention for most comments.
• The blog has had 3 different layouts…and is probably ready for another as the maroon will be around for 2 full years this coming December.

Best meal: pizza and beer for my 30th birthday...to be honest...it was A & B pizza (pepperoni, hawaiian and hawaiian and pepperoni) and Happy Joe Taco Pizza and Summer Shandy Beer.

 

ALR: Tell me a story…when you were young?

MJR: Oh you’re funny. Once upon a time, I met a blonde and married her.

ALR: That’s a good story.

Buy Me Some Peanuts & Crackerjacks.....

DAY TWO: this was one of my favorite days. Cubs Game Day.

That morning, complete in our blue and red, we took off for breakfast, which came as a recommendation from one of my coworkers. We had breakfast at Yolk and we were not disappointed. It was a lighthearted little place with a ton of light and a fair share of yellow. We sat at the bar, I had the California omelet, complete with avocados in it, with strawberry-orange juice, and he had the smoked salmon scrambler and we had to have a share plate of French toast. So good. The bread for the toast had to have been made fresh, too. So I had a predicament as he finished. I suddenly understood Matt’s cantstop attitude that he had with the deep dish due pizza, I couldn’t stop eating breakfast. I don’t know if it was the eggs, the fresh toast bread, the juice, what…it was so good. I always get upset that ND restaurants do not give the breakfast its proper respect and I couldn’t let this moment pass itself up. It’s a good thing we had a bit of walking ahead of us on the way to the red line and the Addison stop.

We decided that in order to save costs and play “local” we’d take the “L” (the subway) as much as possible. This not only saved us money but also footsteps. We bought all together 2 3-day passes and 2 1-day passes, which turned out to be perfect for what we needed. We got on and waited for our stop at Wrigley. We got on and so did 9 million other people. It’s a good thing that neither of us get nervous with crowds or claustrophobic easily. We sure got hot and sweaty though. By the time we got off at our stop we were dripping, warm, and ready to have a little space. It didn’t damper the sights and sounds of Wrigley. It was awesome to see the sign and the stands and the crowds and all the cubs logos. I was surprised at the amount of red sox fans that showed up to the game and we were a little disappointed by the amount of red sox fans that sat around us. Our seats were wonderful but they weren’t horrible, I was happy, I had some space finally, I had a view, and I had a beer. Matt wasn’t as content as I was to sit and enjoy batting practice he had to go and move around. He went and explored and I just took it in. My favorite part of the day was when he decided to come back to me and in his arms he had 2 foam fingers and 2 baby cub bats and one of the best smiles I’ve seen. Made my morning!

The game was great and the energy was high. I loved looking around the stadium and seeing the outside roofs with their own sets of packed bleachers! Final score was 3-0 but some of the best stuff was when we decided to leave the drunken red sox fans and head down to watch the game from the concessions after belting out “Take me out to the Ballgame”. I spied right at the base of the concessions, 2 chairs that I managed to talk Mr. Straightlace into swiping for the remainder of the game. Right behind the catcher….awesome view! The guys that we sat behind also were great, 1 cubs fan and 1 red sox fan, and they definitely were good sports as we watched the cubs bring down the game.

So the best parts were: that smile, the experience, and the HOT DOG…with just a little bit of grilled onions.

That evening we did a bit of walking around and took in Dave and Busters. I had never been and wanted to see what they were like. It was okay, something to experience one and now I’m good. I kicked butt in the horse race, skee ball, and most other games but he did bring home the bacon when it came to some of the tickets and he scored me a FANCY watch that I proceeded to wear for the remainder of the trip.

We ended up walking back to the hotel but not before having to make a few pit stops and even take in a Houlihan’s, which served me up a flight of martini’s.

This girl can’t complain about a day like that despite the sweat and sticky that I felt.

Best Meal: UGH…this one is tough but I think the Chicago Dog at Wrigley Field takes it.

“What kinda change you get in there?” Homeless man sitting outside of a grocery store that we walked out of.

Spas and Scubas

Wednesday morning started early again. We had been waking up at 7ish each morning. I loved seeing the sun come in the sheer curtains and he loved hearing the waves at night. We separated ways this morning and each did our own thing. He went scuba diving at the places that we had been the day before and I took a trip to the spa.

I liked when we came back together and shared our experiences. I admit I’m a little jealous. I would have loved to see the things that he saw: the shark, the colors of the fish, the seahorse, the turtle, and the possibility of the sea lions in the water. I wish our underwater cameras could have gone that far. I was excited with how happy he was with it.

I had a treatment called “the Sea of Cortez” it was a hot stone massage combined with a facial. It was pretty amazing and not at all like I thought it was going to be. The stones were heated up hotter than I anticipated and put in certain spots: my hands, feet, back, back of knees, forehead, hips, eye sockets, and even my collar bone. I left the spa feeling amazing.

We relaxed a bit with each other while we shared what happened and went downtown to shop a bit. Matt had a tougher time haggling than I did. The funny thing about Cabo is that you don’t need to exchange your money, most people deal in US dollars. So when we had a majority of peso and we were dealing in dollars, we had to convert back. That made more trouble for some of the street merchants. When working over a gift for his parents, he finally got to the right price and the arguing actually began over what it was from pesos to dollars. However when Matt says 4x5=20 and the merchant says 4x5=9, you can understand that language wasn’t the only barrier.

We finished off the night with the resort’s Beach Night. The evening was a little mortifying for me especially after we were part of the couple’s balloon relay event. We had some trouble popping balloons and we were the couple to take last. I’m not a great loser, especially when I embarrass myself while doing it! Oh my! At least the night ended up nice sitting on Kevin and Kim’s balcony.

Found this quote and made me laugh when I thought of baby Amelia, and how rough her week was! Ha!
“Babies don't need a vacation, but I still see them at the beach... it pisses me off! I'll go over to a little baby and say 'What are you doing here? You haven't worked a day in your life!' ”—Steven Wright

And we were married…

For 90 minutes.
We went through a timeshare presentation for the neighboring resort and doing this granted us food credits at our resort. Part of being considered for the presentation (and the food credit) required us to be 28, married, and gainfully employed. After the 90 minutes and we did our walk of shame back to Playa Grande, our resort, we became unmarried and laughed about the possibilities.

After our morning matrimony, we finally got to go snorkeling. We took a “glass bottom boat” out to Land’s End and the Arch for a tour and ended up on Lover’s Beach. There I need to acknowledge what an amazing boyfriend I had. As we started to go in the water I became scared. I couldn’t breathe with the snorkel tubes, I kept guzzling salt water, I kept floundering when I lost my footing and I wondered what I was going to do. Matt was so patient and talked me through it; he waited while I became comfortable and stuck close as I fought against the waves and the urge to breathe through my nose. It was well worth the fight though. The experience was like anything I had ever seen. We went around Pelican Rock which was so deep. We saw schools of fish of all colors and the plant life. It was pretty amazing. We did take some pics with an underwater camera. I have high hopes that they will turn out.

After swimming, we beached it for a while. Between the gallons of ocean water and the novelty that I had gotten sea sick on our ocean tour on the boat, I wasn’t feeling too hot. I was also very aware that I was carrying a portion of the beach in my swim suit. I didn’t protest when he turned on the tv and I recouped with 7up and Ritz crackers. I'm sorry to the maid who cleaned the sand out of the tub.

That night we ate well again. We ate at the resort for seafood night. I enjoyed a huge plate of paella and Matt had an amazing tune steak. I ate off that paella for almost 3 days. It was even better recooked. It didn’t taste like mine but I was happy with it still.

“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. “ –Susan Heller

Let Freedom Ring....

I’m still living off a weekend high…I won’t lie. I thought weekends were good but now, I think weekends are wonderful. I didn’t realize how much I like to sleep in, not worry about schedules, wander around the house, and just have the option to play. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really enjoying my job. I’m so in the learning mode and probably will continue to be for a while. It continues to be a great challenge where things are quick paced and I like the creative environment.

This past weekend was very good to me. I got off early on Friday (as KK Bold is on summer hours) and when I got to Dickinson I realized I had to hay my lawn. It was up to my knees in some parts. Ugh. From there Matt took me to wash fire trucks, which is not as romantic as it sounds. We ended the night with a walk down to the street dance where I got to catch up with Aubrey for a bit. Oh how I missed that girl!

Saturday was BUSY, especially for Matt. He let me ride along with him on the fire truck, which was newly cleaned, in the Roughrider Days Parade. I even got to do the horn and the sirens. From there he parked the truck at Family Fun Day where he let the kids play on the truck and hand out stickers all afternoon. I admit, it was pretty cute to watch. I stayed with him for a bit, did some stuff around the house, and then went back at the end. It was some great people watching!

Sunday was a do nothing day! Slept in…and it was great!!! Matt cooked me breakfast brunch but then we went to work on the house. I had to mow the lawn again, because it looked terrible. This time I had to bag it, he made me. Whoever invented bagging….was dumb. What a pain. While I did that, he ripped apart the old garage door. We cooled down with a water fight, I didn’t stand a chance!

On Monday, we went back to Bismarck. We took in the Mandan Art in the Park, the Bismarck Zoo, and finished the night off with watching the Capitol’s firework show. The weekend reminded me how great it is to be American.

“May I never wake up from the American dream.”—Carrie Latet

"I hope you don't mind that I put down in words"

Well, I can cross another thing off my list!! I officially saw Elton John in concert. One of my biggest regrets was not seeing him and Billy Joel in Fargo for the Face To Face tour but I made it right this time. Our seats weren’t bad…they weren’t great though! We were in row U, which is the top of the civic center and looked right down on him and the grand piano. Starting the concert with "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" he sang some well-known songs, “Benny and the Jets,” “Rocketman,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Take Me To The Pilot” but he also sang some of his new ones off of Union. I was able to take my Aunt Grace. We tried to crash the stage but some guy in a yellow shirt and a power trip kicked us back. We did get down there later on…What a great show. He ended it with “Your Song” and it really took me there.

Work has been interesting. Bush has begun to entertain talks about future funding. They are interested in an oil/energy impacting grant. We’ll see where it goes as we only have a verbal confirmation right now but it’s much more hopeful now than it’s ever been. Julie, my secretary, had her last day last Friday. I don’t blame her for looking for a new opportunity as it’s been so hard to wait and be unclear about a future.

I took a quick trip home to celebrate Alaina’s 19th birthday. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings and then did a little shopping. I know her and I are nothing alike and that’s okay…but sometimes it makes me share my head and laugh at just how different we are.

Dating/Boys have been interesting too lately. Mel and I met up with the guys we met a couple weeks ago last Wednesday. I also went out with a guy I’ve known for a while…I’m not getting too serious as I don’t need to be right now. Time will take care of me and the universe will continue to push me into places and I will be where I’m supposed to. OR at least, that’s what I keep telling myself. Ha!

Meanwhile, I can see 95% of my yard and have hopes that the snow may be done for the year. I hope I didn’t jinx it. I’m not putting my snowblower away anytime soon, that’s for sure.

"In this bright future you can't forget your past.”—Bob Marley

Laughter Warming My Heart!

What a weekend…I had a terrible week but it was made ALLL better by the amazing time I had on a getoutoftown trip!

Here’s the rundown of the week:
Sunday-Snow dump..they said 8 inches, but I think that’s a bit modest
Monday-shoveled and had some tough conversations
Tuesday-my car got backed into…GRRRRR!!! The moron did $1600 worth of damage to my door.
Wednesday-had some shopping issues and argued with the moron’s insurance company who is paying for the fixing of the car
Thursday-picked up the rental
Friday-RAN AWAY!

On Friday, 5 of us (Shantelle, Krissy, Becca, Burke, and myself) got out of town and headed for Bismarck. We stayed with a past DYP member Dave but enjoyed some of the downtown scene before crashing. We had dinner at the Blarney Stone and drinks at the Peacock.

Saturday morning, we got up at a decent time and took off for Grand Forks for the UND SIOUX GAME! I love hockey! Talk about luck when we walked into our SUITE, where we got to enjoy the game in style! The game was great, UND won 5-2. From there we went to Joe Blacks, a great little bar. This was a NDYP event, where Grand Forks hosted all the networks to come visit. They were awesome hosts and great to visit with. We are hoping to visit more about opportunities to partner.

The best part was all the laughter and fun. The five of us filled a car but also made sure there was great conversation and a ton of laughs! This was so what I needed and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have great friends and make memories.

“Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.” –From the movie An Affair to Remember

And the Groundhog said: Let there be Sping!

Dear Weather- I see we have reached a light agreement. Thank you for sending warmth and sunlight as a reconciliation for the crap you made me endure for the past couple months. OR maybe it’s not you and you are really influenced by a groundhog! Either way, I can put up with the melting! The driveway has emerged again…I don’t think I’ve really seen it since November. I’m not saying all of it’s there but a good 60%!

Work has been crazy lately! We’ve been working to rebuild the Masterminds program…if you’d like to see more info, check out the February issue of the City Magazine. It’s a business/networking group for women that own their own businesses. We had a great turn out the beginning of the month. They are really a curious bunch that is willing to share and learn from each other! Other things that have been happening include a trip to the legislative hall…one to host a NDYP social with the legislators and one to take the Leadership Dickinson students there. I was glad that they were so close together, it allowed me to have some nice carry-over for the students.

I’ve also been surrounding myself with good friends. We had a girls-night this month, we met to play games but after sampling Mama Rosina’s cheesecake…we got distracted by good conversation! Scott came down to visit me again but because of the Anti-super bowl party plans, he couldn’t stay long. The girls had previously decided to hunker down and take in some movies and hot toddies(and NOT watch the football game)! Aubrey and Becca did decide to take on the driveway before we settled in…I was amazed at the “damage” they did to the snow! What good friends!

This past weekend I took a quick trip home to attend the God’s Child Dream Maker’s Ball. It was a great event to raise awareness and funds for the God’s Child Project. It was amazing to see photos from the Guatemala project…it took me right back there. The best part of going was that Mom and Grace also attended! It was fun to share something that was a big deal to me with them…and they are always a riot…I’m so blessed with good family.

The only down spot was that I got really sick on Sunday night/Monday morning. I don’t know what happened but I’m still working up my strength. I’m not a good sick person but despite my illness, I had a nice Valentine’s Day snuggled up with two kitties! It was Lola’s “anniversary” date with me and TonyDanza was so comfortable under the covers that he snored! It made me giggle a bit!

“The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude.” –Robert Brault

I drink a toast to innocence, I drink a toast to now....

So a look back of 2010 in Reader’s Digest terms….

I got a trash compactor.
I went to Guatemala.
Mel (and Dudley) moved in.
I used my snowblower, too much.
I went to Deadwood.
I started a wishlist of things I wanted to do sometime.
I played golf a bit.
I went to Kansas and saw family.
I learned how to use my lawn mower.
I tried to learn how to use my leaf blower….it didn’t suck, literally.
I got new flooring, still loving it.
I celebrated my golden birthday in style.
I got new furniture in the living room.
I got strep throat for the first time.
I was on the radio.
I spoke on a Women’s Panel.
I completed my grant review, which totaled closer to 50 sheets of paper.
I had ink done…twice.
I performed faux-plumbing efforts.
I tried to date.
I waited.
I volunteered.
I Yp’d on the local level and on the state level, I was elected to the state board.
I had a Scentsy Party, I became a Scentsy distributor.
I got new tires on my car, I blew out a tire, and I got another new tire.
I celebrated milestones with my family…Mom and Dad’s 30th and Alaina’s 18th, and Grandma and Grandpa’s 60th.
I went gun shooting and loved it…I want to start developing that hobby.
I went to Moline.
I sat on TWO brand new combines, one was at the JD museum, one was Dad's.
I went to a couple weddings and even was a bridesmaid in one.
Janice made me laugh, a lot.
I wakeboarded and got up.
I was busy at work with events like Community Field Day, Ladies Night Out, and Leadership Dickinson.
I celebrated my Saturday and Sunday mornings with Lola and TonyDanza.
I took a class.
I cheered for Tiffany, one of my best friends, a Rodeo Queen.
I started a writing project, I have stalled with a writing project.
I ate pizza.
I celebrated like a rockstar, whenever I could.
My most used word on facebook was “don’t” but I didn’t take it negatively.
I met a Tibetan girl and saw a Tibetan Monk creating a healing and purity mandala.
I was dubbed a princess.
My second most used word on facebook was “know” considering that my first word was “don’t” I’m not surprised.
I fell more in love with pie.
I watched reality tv.
Sat around a campfire, started a campfire with a Victoria’s Secret magazine.
I slept on a boat.
Taught Mel how to use the snowblower, the dishwasher, and the golf ball washer.
Taught my mother and my 72 year old aunt how to use Facebook.
I drank wine.
Heard great quotes from all sorts of people.
Became acquainted with a drain/sewer CEO.
Went to Fargo, Minot, and Bismarck.
Most importantly I realized how rich I am with friends and families. This year has been made possible by the amazing people that are in my life. I know that next year has a lot to offer and I hope the possibilities lead me to great opportunities. The best part is knowing that I will be surrounded by these people that continue to make me smile and support me.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

100 posts and a golden birthday-It's all a learning process.

This is the 100th blog. A lot has happened since Jan 1, 2009 when I started this blog. A lot of things have changed, my age, my roommate, furniture, flooring, walls…the list goes on but the biggest change is my mindset. We all go through these waves of past, present, and future and trying to smash them all together can be hard and dangerous.

My golden birthday was this past week. I spent it with my mother, Aunt Janice, and 2 of the greatest friends a girl could have. These people have seen me at my best and accepted me at my worst. It was a great weekend filled with a ton of laughs. I also appreciate those that wished me well and thought of me. I am blessed to have a great support structure, my own personal army.

Things I have learned since I started the blog:

1. Things happen without you watching
2. It snows in Dickinson
3. Little things can make a big deal
4. You build the relationships you need then you build the ones you want
5. Sometimes the past should stay in the past
6. Living on the corner lot isn’t a walk in the park
7. Looking for passion isn’t easy and if you don’t try things, you won’t know
8. Live in the moment (I’m still working at application)
9. I’m a cat person
10. Leadership can be hard
11. The world is a huge place that I want to see a little bit at a time
12. You have the ability to raise people, if you want to by just giving a little more than expected.

I have three years before my thirtieth birthday. I plan on shaking some things up in my life. I’m not sure where and how right now but it will come together, one day at a time. I’ll work on crossing more of my wishhope list and working towards my happiness.

Happy Golden Birthday to Me. Thank you to those that have impacted me life.

Summertime...and the Livings Easy

Another busy week….I don’t mind but makes me think when summer’s over, I’m going to have to work on stuff at the house!

This week involved some more wake boarding-the bruises are coming from the falls, a Kiwanis picnic-Paul came with, one of my last YP executive meetings that I lead-September will be my official last, a trip to Medora-to oversee some community work, a quick trip to Bismarck-got my hair cut and saw my mother, sister, and Tiffany, a trip to the vet-TonyDanza had an eye issue thinking it will go away with some drops and time, a quick visit from Janie and Jerry-they were passing through to go to Colorado, went out on Saturday night-Candy’s boyfriend’s band was playing at Army’s, went to comedy club in Dickinson-had never done that before, and am still working on redecorating my room-I’m changing some things up and I like it!

Another big thing that happened is I changed my facebook status. Yes, I’m in a relationship. I am amazed at all the comments and likes! I am officially introducing Paul as my boyfriend. For those that are looking for a few facts, he’s from the area, he loves to wakeboard, he’s self-employed as a home remodeler/construction with his brother, and he’s 32 with no kids. I’m not taking anything too serious right now so it’s working out for the both of us. We’ll see…I might have said it last week, but I’ll say it again this week…Que sera sera!

I did not work or visit Sturgis this year, there’ll be another time to take the “festivities” in…I’m sure about it. I had an intern opportunity present itself…but it didn’t work out and I’m okay with that.

It’s been cooler here the past couple days…I admit I’m holding on to summer with everything I’ve got. I’m not ready for the shorter days and the cooler temps. I like the heat and the activities. I’m hoping we have an Indian summer a nonexistent winter…hey a girl can dream!

Laughing My Way Thru Summer...

So this summer is keeping me a little away from the computer and my writing. That’s not a bad thing but I wouldn’t mind some down time! So now I need to play a little catch up!

Last weekend I got to spend a little time with my family! They continue to make me laugh! Had pizza and beer with my dad and played chauffeur for him to Fargo. It was nice to have some time to pick his brain on a few things.
Got to Fargo and helped Janice with her housewarming/new deck party. I am still not happy that she’s in Fargo but I know she’s loving her little yard, partying with their friends, and the cultural events. She’s coming to Dickinson this coming weekend en route to Colorado and Sturgis!

I also have been spending time on the water with the guy I’m seeing. He’s an avid wake boarder (or a wave boarder as Mel would call it) and he’s taken me out to Patterson a time or two but this past weekend he took me, Mel, and Becca out to the Big Lake to try to teach us how to. I actually got up, not before I was incredibly frustrated with myself and my abilities. I did get up and had to smile about it! However when I woke up the next morning, I wasn’t smiling so much, I was pretty sore! Oh! But I will take sore over sunburnt, I did have some pretty bad burns on my legs and chest from a boating excursion. Thank Heaven for Tiffany’s advice of vinegar. I can handle smelling terrible if I don’t have to deal with the burning!

YP has been pretty eventful, We had the women’s social and it was a huge success! We had 15 girls come with over 40 books shared and the promise of one to come in September! We also hosted an Executive Exchange with the Bismarck/Mandan YP. They brought out 5 team members and we had 95% of our team present! We had some great feedback and conversation and they are interested in doing another future exchange where we go visit them!

I also had a stop in visitor drop in….Tiffany, my favorite rodeo queen, made a quick stop to have supper with Mel and I. It was nice to catch up a little and hear how she’s doing. I have been doing some extra writing for her blog as well. I need to catch up a little there but it’s been fun to follow her in the dream that she is making come true! She’s completely refreshing to have walk in my door-full of common sense and no-nonsense!

On the pet side, Lola and TonyDanza aren’t completely mad at Mel for bringing in Dudley the intruder. They aren’t snuggling with him quite yet, but we are making progress for the most part. TonyDanza eats Dudley’s food, Dudley chases Lola (halfway because she runs, if she’d stand her ground he might not think it was all a great game), and Lola looks down on the peasant Dudley from on top of her towers (the china cabinet and the cupboards). We do think it’s funny how Dudley doesn’t want to go under the table, which has become “safebase” for the cats!

Seems hard to believe we are on the downhill slide of summer, it’s honestly been one of the most rewarding summers I’ve had, mostly filled with adventure, smiles, laughing, and deep thoughts!

Cinco De Mayo in Guatemala...Yeah, Who else can say that?

May 5: What? This week CAN NOT be half over!

We woke up again at 6:30 ugh. This whole week I woke up at 6:30ish…brushed my teeth out of the shower (which I hated!), crawled into the shower (made sure not to expose my mouth to the water), put minimal make up on (eye linear and powder), and made it to breakfast at 7:00 so we could get to the Dreamer Center by 8:00.

This morning we went to Casa Jackson, the home for malnourished babies. These are not orphans but instead product of neglect or uneducated circumstances. The mothers are encouraged to come and visit the babies and are taught what malnourishment is and how to avoid it in the future. That’s a pattern we kept seeing was that education was a problem solver, but one line we heard was “If you want to talk to them about deodorant, you might as well explain to them where Neptune is.”

So the volunteers at Casa Jackson hold and care for the babies. I thought of Kim the entire time I was there as it was hard for me. I’m not a good baby person and she would love to hold all these little ones. The one I held was named Marvin. He was an aggressive eater, hard to imagine at one time he was unable to reach for the bottle or smile, laugh, or cry. These are all actions/emotions that they cannot perform when they first arrive at Casa Jackson. He loved playing with the soccer ball…I was amazed how tough this little guy was.

When we got back to the Dreamer Center, Patrick was there to make a dream come true. He told Stacy and I that he would take us to the gun range, which is one of the things on my wishlist. We first had drive through at Pollo Campero (chicken strips, fries, and a bun—this place is not for people thinking about no carbs, between the bread and the tortillas, FORGET IT!), went to his house (which is in a double gated community, amazing place!), and headed out to the gun range!

I shot a 9mm rocksmasher. I was so nervous but at one time I thought I might actually cry. I got to thinking about Patrick actually taking the time to take me, because he knew that I wanted to do this. It is really a simplistic thought but the feeling overwhelmed me. This man is the CEO of a 7 nation nonprofit and he took the afternoon off to make me feel special. So there I was shooting an automatic handgun….and actually not doing too bad. The first round I got 8 out of 15 on the target. The second round I got 12 out of 15 on the target. Patrick said that both my and Stacy’s shot would “get the point across”. I did think it was interesting once when a couple guys walked by us and said (in spanish), “Look at the Gringitas shooting.” They wouldn’t be so smug if they saw how well I shot! HA!

As we were heading back into town Patrick and I must have been thinking the same thing, I didn’t want the afternoon to end. He took us to the Welden, a restaurant which opened up into a patio with a pool filled with rose petals and ordered Spanish wine, salmon and crackers, and bread with a butter cheese spread. WOW…are you serious! When we finished off that bottle to some great discussion and then Patrick ordered Lemmon Frappes for us. Right now I can still feel the sun and taste how wonderful they were! This was one of the best afternoons that I’ve had in a long time…amazing.

That night we went to a Cuban club and listened to salsa dancing. I was maybe getting too ambitious because I tried to knock “play tambourine with a band” off my list, well when I was called up to play with the band, we looked at each other and said, “where’s your tambourine.” They thought I was a professional and obviously carried one in my purse. OH my! I did a little salsa dancing, good thing I had gone to a class only the Friday night before—my partner wasn’t as good as my Friday night partner but you get what you get!

I don’t know if any other Cinco de Mayo can hold a candle to this one!

Beach, Badlands, Blackhills...

Another exciting week…I feel like time is just flying. I’m also thinking about writing my congressional delegation to request that a third day be added to the weekend! That would give me some time to accomplish things!

I determined that my washing machine was not broken…my main drainage line was plugged. I made friends with George, president and CEO of George’s Drain and Sewage Cleaning. His bill was much cheaper than paying for new appliances! For awhile I had water coming in the house in 2 places. I’m still having the leaking that I did last spring but one swimming pool is better than two unplanned swimming pool.

Work has been crazy. Julie and myself worked from my home for the most part. We got a lot done but there’s just a lot of narrative to write! To top it off, there is so much happening right now that needs other attention. For example, I went and spoke to the Beach Area Chamber of Commerce about the HTC model. They seem really interested so we’ll see if they want to become involved. Their community is so interesting they have this little artistic cultural hub in middle of nowhere ND, it’s really refreshing to see so many of their residents care about their community and each other.

Another work-related trip included a drive out to Medora. They are starting their community days campaign and the kick-off event was a 91 year-old silent movie showing at the National Park. It had a great turn out and we have heard such positive things as feedback. Julie and I had our picture taken with Peter P. Dog, the National Park mascot. He’s got a blog, (http://www.trnha.org/wherespete.html), check it out…it’s adorable!

Friday, Candy came out to Dickinson as a prelude to National Irish Appreciation Day (St. Pat’s). She got a tattoo at “In the Flesh” as a reminder of things happening in her life. It turned out so nice on her. She didn’t even cry once…I was proud of her. While I was with her, I checked out some of the “past works”…one guy actually got a chocolate cake (with maraschino cherries on top) and the word “lie” underneath it…you can have you cake and eat it too. The artist also shared about a $400 combine that she was preparing for a guy…I just can’t image either of these designs being permanent on me. It really does take all types for the world!

I also was able to take in Julie’s son’s hockey game with her, Sierra(her daughter), and another co-worker, Deanna. It was fun to watch. I had forgotten how much I enjoy watching hockey. For their age group (about 10), they already have a pretty amazing skill set!

The top off to this week was an unplanned getaway to Deadwood. Candy and her sister, Aubrey, convinced me to come with and celebrate St Pat’s. I was hesitant right away as I have so much happening right now but the escape was wonderful! We took in the parade, the festivities, the dancing…we went to Saloon 10…WOW! I’ve been to Deadwood before but have never seen this many people. You couldn’t move 3 inches without bumping someone. The dance floor was ridiculous! The band was great but a few too many people! We took the trolley ride from hell, but thanks to Candy’s assertiveness…she was able to get us off after an hour of being bused around the entire city! Since Candy got a tattoo, it made me think I should get one too…so I did and in 3-5 days it should wash off! I’m including some random pics of the weekend, if you want the story…you might just have to ask.

We also were able to wander the town with open containers…it was like a Vegas with snow. The prices were all really reasonable too, which made me think…hmmm…maybe next year again! Funny thing is, this is not my first out of state St Pat’s celebration. I went and visit Matt Wald in Denver a few spring breaks ago. It feels good to take the short escapes!

My mother’s birthday was this week! She makes me giggle but I felt bad for her as her least favorite day also happened…spring ahead. She hates the switch forward of clocks and combined with all the mud from the melting..I’m sure she’s ready for spring to be over. It’s hard to believe that her birthday starts off the chain of the rest of my families, it will be my sister’s 18th next month…a scary thought!