Holly Jolly Christmas

I only have like 5 minutes to write this... but I felt bad that I haven't written anything for Christmas yet. Last night I saw Santa on the fire truck, and I felt like I was 6 again, I just wanted to wave and chase him down the street. I put some Christmas songs on my playlist. Enjoy. I'll write again soon about everything that is going on with me. Till then, Merry Christmas!

Falling Out of Love

Last night after waiting 2 hours in a snow storm for the bus to come and pick me up I realized that my feelings for the bus have changed, I'm not sure I love it like I used to. This morning was not any better, I was 30 minutes late to work. I am going to have to suck it up though, there is no way that I can afford to drive downtown, nor do I think it would be much more time efficient.
I was amazed that a riot didn't break out at the bus stop last night. There were probably 60-70 people waiting, and you haven't seen cranky till you see a bus stop full of people who have been working all day, are freezing cold, and want to get home. I was amazed at how many grown adults were not dressed warm enough…no hats, no gloves, no boots… WHAT WOULD THEIR MOTHERS SAY?!?!?!" I was bundled up quite nicely but after an hour I got wet and then the wind picked up, I was shaking so intensely I thought my legs were going to brake off.
Buses kept driving by us but they were so full that they didn't even attempt to pick anyone else up. People at my stop were screaming, swearing, calling the bus company to chew them out and a few ladies even ran up to buses stopped at the lights pounding on the doors for them to "let one more on."
In my mind I imagined this ferocious mob of bus stop renegades surrounding buses and tipping them over, knocking down nearby trees to burn for warmth and hijacking vehicles to make it home. I just laughed to myself about all the drama, hummed Christmas Carols and Hymns. I realized that getting upset wouldn't make the bus come any faster.
When the bus finally came it was Bonnie!!! Who is my favorite bus driver in the whole world (nest to my mom that is), she cracked jokes over the microphone to our overfilled bus… telling us that we were going to play musical chairs, and she even sang us some Christmas carols… "oh the weather outside is frightful, but the bus is so delightful and since there's no where else we can go, let it snow let it snow let it snow." Some people looked bothered that she was joking around, I laughed and clapped for her… sometimes people just need to lighten up.
The first few snow falls seem to cause a lot of trouble, but after a few weeks people adjust quite well to it. I do have to say I am excited for the winter wonderland we have to enjoy for the holidays, hopefully I will get out sledding or make a few snow angels in the backyard this week.
I guess it's wrong for me not to love the bus just because the weather is bad, the bus company can't stop it from snowing. And buses have to drive slower in harsh conditions… we all have our weaknesses… to really love someone (or a bus) you have to see past their weaknesses. I'm really glad we had this talk… I guess the bus and I can make this relationship work, but there is going to have to be some sacrifice and a whole lot of patience.

Thanksgiving

It was a great Thanksgiving! I ate way too much as always and loved every second of it. Only one piece of pie though... pumpkin of course with a little whip cream. The best part of the day was being with my family... however I was very sad that my sister Beth couldn't be there. Just imagine her in this picture tucked somewhere between Jenny and Susie.

So these are some of my cousins, not a bad looking one in the bunch my dad pointed out. I think my cousins are adorable... I realized that one of the things I am thankful for is that I come from a great gene pool. I couldn't believe it... I'm still the tallest one!!! I'll give you the names starting with me, then MB (Mary Beth), Michelle, Jenny, Megan, and Susie (our little blond bombshell).

This is Ben and MB almost seconds after we ate. They didn't want to miss out on the couch and blankets. I actually went the whole day without a nap, I couldn't believe it... I did the dishes, went for two walks and played games all day. It was pretty cold out in these parts yesterday... but I don't mind cold when it is seasoned with a few snow flakes. My brother and I stepped out to take some cute posed pictures.

I was going to write a post about all the things that I'm thankful for... however I'm thankful for everything... or least I'm trying to be thankful in all things. SO that would be one immense list, truly my cup runeth over and spilleth all over the floor!!!! If I had to name just one thing that I have been thankful for over the last few weeks I would have to say my relationship with my mom. I talk her ear off constantly about all the craziness in my life, and she is always there to listen... she is the best.

Here she is with my aunt Becky and they are both holding their dogs (obviously). They both pointed out that the dogs were just holding a spot for the future grandchildren... someday ladies... someday.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Independant Women

There is something so liberating about being self-reliant. This weekend my Dad taught be how to change the oil in my truck. It was great bonding time for both of us and it's great to see my dad in "his element" he is so talented when it comes to cars and all that jazz.

I was pleasantly surprised... changing oil is pretty easy. In fact I don't think I'll have any problem doing it completely on my own next time. Well except for that bolt that you have to unscrew to drain the oil, I think I had my whole body weight on the wrench and still couldn't get it to budge; my father however unscrewed it quite effortlessly.

In reality it is not really that much cheaper to change your oil yourself, and considering the convenience of having someone else do it... it's worth it to go to the shop. However it feels good to know that if I needed to, I could take care of it myself.

It's always good to set goals.

Skills that I would like to obtain…someday. I'm not really in a rush with these ones.

• Writing poetry
• Knitting
• Sewing
• Flipping pizza dough into the air
• Golfing
• Playing the piano
• Speaking Spanish fluently
• Cutting hair
• Sword Fighting (Sparring?)
• Painting
• Being able to draw a picture and have it look like real life (Not like a cartoon)
• Singing opera
• Dunking a basketball (or just being able to jump higher would be ok)
• Dancing… like real dance moves
• Swimming without plugging my nose
• Remembering Jokes
• Karate
• Scuba diving
• Play the cello
• Fix a computer when it’s broken
• Change the oil in my truck
• Fix cars
• Garden
• Landscaping
• Ride a unicycle
• Interior Design
• Be able to distinguish different composers of music by hearing their songs
• Identify what kind of car I pass by before reading the name on the back
• Do the really loud fingers in the mouth whistling
• Play the harmonica
• Glass Blowing
• Be able to name constellations in the sky
• Bird Watching
• Taking the fish of the hook when fishing without wearing gloves and screaming when it moves
• Drive a motorcycle
• Use really big words in sentences… or increase my vocabulary
• Hunting
• Winter Camping
• Remember which plants are edible and which are not (I have learned it before I just have to get my brain to find where it put that information.)
• Speed Reading
• Making Pancakes look like Bert and Ernie… How did my mom do that?
• Cake decorating
• Photography
• Play the drums
• Paintball fighting (is that what you call… perhaps playing paintball)
• To pull a table cloth off a table with out letting anything move or fall off
• Balancing a shovel on the end of my nose… or my chin
• Fire eating… ok now I’m just trying to make the list longer. I Don’t really want to eat fire… but it would be neat to learn how to fight fires.
  

How about you, what are some things you'd like to be able to do?

Sleepy Time

Sometimes on the way home from work on the bus I fall asleep. I try to read the whole way home, but there is just something about that warm cushy bus and the low hum of the engine that puts me out. Normally I will catch myself with my head back and my mouth wide open... which is pretty embarrassing as it seems that everyone else has mastered taking bus naps with their heads down. Today I read a chapter in Jane Eyre but still had about 15 minutes till we got to the park and ride. I was sitting frightfully close to this guy and was nervous to fall asleep next to him but my eyes were getting heavy and I couldn't resist.
I'm sure you can probably imagine that I was awoken up by my head hitting his shoulder. I quickly sat straight up and apologized, he seemed pretty understanding about the whole thing but I caught some ladies a few seats over having a good chuckle about it. They probably watched it all slowly unfold... I love watching people fall asleep, especially my dad in the rocking chair. Good times....

A Night In Wonderland

Last night was the big Haloween Dance. I was so excited to dress up like Alice in Wonderland that I read the book yesterday at work (during my 3 hours of downtime) in order to get into character. There is just something so fun about dressing up... and wearing long blonde wigs. I think there is something to that whole blondes have more fun thing. I'm a brunette through and through though.. I have to stay true to my "Roots." This picture is of me and Audrey Heburn and here are some pictures of the other characters that were present...


Here I am with Shirley Temple and Dora the Explorer. I thought it was cute that we all looked like little girls. However these two are only like 5 feet tall... so I had to crouch way down to not feel like such a giant. I can see why Alice had such a great desire to be the same size as the people she was around. "One side makes you taller and the other makes you smaller."

Ok.. so you might not be able to tell who is on the far left. She didn't have her sunglasses on in the picture. But she was the little designer lady from "The Incredibles" and in the middle is one of the players from "A Legue of Their Own."



This is Josh, and I think he is supposed to be some kind of cartoon character, but I have no idea which one. He showed me a picture of him that he was carrying in his pocket... he must have known that people would wonder who he was.

This is Sam... I mean Drew Carey. Although he could be anyone famous who wears glasses... Clark Kent perhaps?




Bagger Vance was also there. I know... he looks a little pale, perhaps it was the lighting, or maybe it was the flash on my camera.




From the Scooby Doo Crew Daphne was there too. She has some really cute boots on which you can't see in this picture. I wish I would have taken more pictures... but the dance floor had my name written on it, kidding. I could still work on my moves a bit, but no matter if I looked ridiculous or not, I had a great time!!!!

One Down

I finished a book. I realize that this might not be as exciting for you as it is for me, but humor me for these two short paragraphs of joy!!! With all the directions that life pulls me in I'm amazed I find time to read so much. Thank goodness for the bus, and for hour long lunch breaks. I completed Oliver Twist this morning, and it was wonderful. The last chapter reminded me in movies how they go through all the characters and let you know what eventually happened to each one of them ( l love it when they do that!!). I suppose movies got that idea from books… lol. Like Barbara Foster, my Bishop's wife, said "this is a book where the good people are VERY good, and the bad people are VERY bad." There are such extremes in the characters, but in the end it is the good and merciful and true that triumph. I have always loved this theme in books and movies, Willow and Queen Bavmorda, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, Frodo and Saramon, Prince Phillip and Maleficent, Harry Potter and Voldemort… you get the idea.

Like Oliver we are all born good and innocent. We have been given the Light of Christ to help us choose right from wrong. Oliver was thrown into a world full of crime, dishonesty cruelty… he fought to not let these things taint him or change what he knew deep down inside to be right and good. Surrounded by cruel and vicious criminals Oliver remains pure in heart. Beautiful… absolutely beautiful… well done Dickens, bravo Old Chap.. It twas oh so frightfully delightful and insightful, I shall have to read another. Next up Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Dream Walking

Walking down the dirty and damp streets of Minneapolis after a hard days work I always see the same sights. The female traffic cop in the middle of Marquette and 5th with whistle in mouth, the light rail rings it's bell and pulls into station right before I cross 5th. Then it's three city blocks to the bus stop, past a large group of fellow bus riders by the newspaper machines, cross in front of the parking ramp exit and wait at the light on 4th. Then past another group usually containing a few smokers… I doge the clouds of smoke and hold my breath, pick up the pace to make the light on 3rd and then wait for the 850 Metro Transit to arrive.

I think I could make this little trip in my sleep… in fact I have noticed that I have been dream walking. My brain actually escapes what is going on around me and I have dreams, wide awake on my way to the bus. Usually they are just about things to come, I will go over situations, conversations and future events in my mind. Oddly enough I become so wrapped up in them that sometimes I wonder if I am talking to myself… I know I laugh out loud when something funny happens…

I have always been a dreamer. I used to think that all of my dreams had profound meaning, so I wrote them all down. I thought perhaps they would unlock the secrets of my future someday. I have in my life had a few very powerful and profound dreams that have changed my course… however most of them are just nonsense. If all of my dreams did come true I would live a very interesting life indeed...

I was thinking about writing down some of the more wacky dreams I have had in my life. I thought it would be a good laugh for you all, but they never seem quite as amazing or funny when you tell someone else.

I am grateful for an active imagination, it always seems to make life more interesting... what do you daydream about?

Mom's Overture

My mom and I have been sitting at the computer for a few hours messing around. Someone sent this to her, and it gave us a good chuckle. I'm not a mom... but I'm pretty sure my mom has said all of these things before. I thought the moms out in Blogger Land would like this. ENJOY!!!!

OH and another side note, I set up my Blog so that ANYONE can post a comment, you don't need to have an account anymore... so write me a note why don't cha!!!

A Vacation to Remember

I'm back sadly enough, but I have a lot of memories to take with me. It was a vacation of firsts.

• It was the first trip I planned all by myself, like a grown up!


• I went to my first mission reunion


• Listened to my first live Mariachi band


• Had my first hot air balloon ride


• Went swing dacing for the first time ever


• Got set up on my first blind date


• And unfortunately got into my first accident when I was driving... sorry again Katrina about the car.... I really know how to end my vacations with a BANG!

The reunion was good... but not too spectacular. It was good to see President and Sister Koyle and my old companions. However the "Elders" are still awkward to talk to. I kept starting conversations with them to have them walk away from me as soon as they found someone else to talk to... I guess I'm not as exciting as I think I am.

New Mexico is amazing!!! I loved being there as a tourist... even though being a missionary was incredible as well... just different. I got to enjoy a little bit more of the culture and hang loose. I saw a lot of the people that I taught and the members that inspired me. I also ran into some old companions... which was a pleasant surprise. People ask if I would ever move there... but I like to have it as my get-away. Whenever I need to escape I'm hopping the first plane to Albuquerque.

I had a lot of time on ariplanes to ponder life and my next move. I have officially decided to apply to BYU Provo!!! So to all my Utah peeps... keep your ears open for people who need a roomate, I'm sure a good one.

Now for the moment you have all been waiting for PICTURE SHOW!!!!!!

PEACE!! I'm outta here!

If you haven't already noticed the time of this post let me draw your attention to it. It is now 11:30PM, once again I have officially waited until the last minute to pack my bags. But who cares in a few short hours I'll be on vacation.... my plane leaves bright and early 6:55AM. My lovely Momma is taking me to the airport. I'm excited for this adventure I'm about to undertake, I'll be praying that my flights don't get cancelled or delayed. I have never had that happen before and I think I'd have a mini nervous breakdown if it did. Hopefully it will all be smooth sailing. I can't wait to show you all the great pictures I'm going to take and tell you about all the great things that are going to happen... guess your just have to look forward to the next post. See ya'll in a week!!!!!!

The Power of a Kind Word

Tace, is a man who works in my department. He has a great name doesn't he!! Since my starting at the company he has been getting teased about having a "girls name." I have assured him that the "e" at the end makes it quite masculine, and he agrees. As I sat at my cubical this morning staring at the screen someone walked by and knocked on my cubicle wall and said, "Great glasses, you look very nice today." I looked up to see Tace, he said, "You know, us Tace's have to stick together." I smiled in agreement and thanked him for the compliment.
This is the third time this week that someone I barely know has given me a compliment…. And I must admit, it feels great. It makes me smile a little brighter and walk a little taller… like a magnificent boost in confidence. It makes me want to be a little better, because I realize that someone notices. Don't worry I'm not letting this all go to my head, my point in writing this is because I was wondering, how often do I compliment others? I'm sure I could do it much more than I do presently, especially the complimenting of complete strangers… what a great way to start a conversation and develop a friendship!
Now these don't have to be simply compliments of appearance, but thanks for a job well done, appreciation for a door opened, a talent shared or recognizing someone who has inspired you. I want my words to have a positive impact on the people around me. Other people, like myself are trying to build meaningful lives but who often hit the roadblock of discouragement. As I reflect on the kind of words that built me up this last week and in the past, I've decided to make compliments a regular part of my vocabulary. Have you complimented someone yet today?

AH... The Classics

This week during one of my frightfully boring moments at work, I searched online for classic books that I hear about all the time but have never read. This was sparked by someone making reference to Gone With The Wind in a conversation and me having no idea what they were talking about. So for about the fourth time in my life I went and got a library card... I seem to loose them alot. I checked out two books, Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. At the checkout the librarian said (in a very librarian voice), "Ah, the Classsics." I giggled and told her I had a list of about 36 to read so I would be back. If anyone has any classics they think I should add to my list feel free to let me know.

The Return Of Kita!!!

I don't consider myself a dog person, I never have. I mean, I like them… especially when they are at other people's houses. To me the "Cons" of owning a dog outweigh the "Pro's" A few include but are not limited to: The expense, the smell, the clean-up, the time commitment, worrying about them running away, having them bite small children (I have seen this happen on more than one occasion), taking them to the doctor, having them constantly wanting to eat your food, and of course the licking…
However all of those negative thoughts were thrown out the window when I met Kita. She is my sister's dog, and for some reason I love that little Chihuahua so much I don't even care that she licks my nose, and begs for my food…. I just love her. For the past few years she has lived with my sister, but recently my sister got a new job and apartment where dogs are not allowed. Now Kita has returned back to us and I'm so glad that she's there, I get excited to come home now because that goofy little dog jumps up and down when I walk in the door. It makes me feel special. This morning though she looked so sad, I can tell she misses Beth (my sister) and where she used to live. I have been trying to think about ways to cheer her up today… perhaps I will take her for a walk by the river. She loves the smell of dead fish, I figure we might be able to find a few she can play with. It's silly right? How in the world did I fall in love with a dog? I mean she has a personality, I feel like I know her… she is part of my family. It's amazing how love can make all the "cons" disappear, and I'm not just talking dogs now… I have been memorizing scriptures about charity this week, they are great to have stored in the brain, whenever I start thinking a negative thought about something or someone I quote the scripture in my mind and it has this amazing power to help me look at things differently.

Thought for the Day

This is something I read today at lunch, it has caused me to reflect on many things going on with me. Instead of telling you all the things that have been running through my mind, I'll share with you the story and you can see what it makes you think of.

This is a story told by Abraham Lincoln of a farmer who loved a large shade tree that stood near his home: "It was a majestic-looking tree, and apparently perfect in every part- tall, straight… One morning, while at work in his garden, {the farmer} saw a squirrel run up the tree into a hole, and thought the tree might be hollow. He proceeded to examine it carefully and, much to his surprise, he found that the stately tree that he had valued for it's beauty and grandeur to be the pride and protection of his little farm was hollow from top to bottom. Only a rim of sound wood remained, barely sufficient to support its weight. What was he to do? If he cut it down, it would do great damage with it's great length and spreading branches. If he let it remain his family was in constant danger. In a storm it might fall, or the wind might blow it down, and his house and children be crushed by it. What should he do? As he turned away, he said sadly: "I wish I had never seen that squirrel."

On a Lighter Note

Thank goodness for vacations!!!!!!!!!! In just two short weeks I will be basking on the sunny shores of.... Utah? Ok so it's not like a tropical getaway, but I think it was Brigham Young who said, "This is the place" (The first time he saw it.) I'm going to my mission reunion, to see my wonderful president and his wife and hug all my old companions. I also get to spend time with Sara, just like the good old times in La Crosse... could it get any better? ACTUALLY IT CAN!!! After three magical days in Utah I will be wisked away to "The Land of Enchantment" otherwise known as New Mexico. I am going to the national hot air balloon fiesta, and to see the people that I love from my mission. I am sooooo looking forward to it, because sometimes you just need to escape.

GO BANANAS

I know, I haven't posted anything for awhile. Sorry to all of you who periodically stop in here. It's an interesting thing about having a job where I sit and stare at a computer all day... I have lost almost all desire to be at the computer when I am at home. I say almost because, let's face it I still love Blogging. Today I looked up random facts about bananas on the interernet, ahhh the joys of the great information superhighway. So I thought I would share some with you and advise you to go eat a banana!

• Bananas are America's #1 fruit.


• Bananas are great for athletic and fitness activity because they replenish necessary carbohydrates, glycogen and body fluids burned during exercise.
• Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or sodium.


• In 2001, there were more than 300 banana-related accidents in Britain, most involving people slipping on skins.


• The average American consumes over 28 pounds of bananas each year.


• The phrase 'going bananas' was first recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary, and is linked to the fruit's 'comic' connections with monkeys.
• Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.


• Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

The Coroporate World

Top Ten Things To Do When you have NOTHING to do at work

10. Write pointless e-mail to your friends
9. Balance your checkbook
8. Highlight things
7. Write numbers on post-it notes
6. Read over your companies Web site page, pretend like you are really interested in learning more about it
5. Listen to all the different ring tones on your phone, choose the one that makes you the happiest.
4. Apply lotion to your hands over and over again
3. Go to the bathroom
2. Take off your shoes and rub your feet on the carpet
1. Make a top ten list of things to do when you have nothing to do at work

For some reason I have this new obsession with top ten lists. I created this one the other day when I literally had NOTHING to day at work from 11:30 to 4:30... I felt like I was grounded to my cube or something. I am told things will pick up after month end, man I hope so!!!!!

Get Down!

"If you can't dance in your house, then where can you dance?"

--Gary Ralph Krause

The other night my dad and I where doing dishes and jammin out to music, which is not an uncommon practice in our home. My dad tossed the drying towel over his shoulder and busted out his signature dance move... which I can't quite do justice to in words... but it involves some twisting of the hips and pointing of the fingers. I giggled and told him "nice moves". I think he thought I was making fun of him... so maybe I was a little.... to which my dad responded "If you can't dance in your house, then where can you dance?" So, I apologized and told him he could keep dancing... but I had ruined the moment. With this lesson learned I have been trying to dance a lot more around the house, especially in the morning when I am getting ready. I find that it makes my day go better... and I can work on all my sweet moves. I just think we should all dance a little bit more around the house... and don't laugh at your parents dancing... JOIN THEM!!!!

The Great Pony Puzzle

There are many people who jokingly talk about every little girl wanting a pony. I however can not recall that ever being a dream of mine. I wasn't really into horses, that was my sisters thing. She was a My Little Pony junkie, they were everywhere in her room. Now I will admit that there were many things I copied my sister on, but when it came to favorite animals I felt like I had to be different. We couldn't pick the same favorite, for that might somehow diminish my love for the animal... plus I would never be able to compete with the horse and pony show she had going on in her room. So I choose the monkey instead. So what does all of this have to do with the adorable picture at the top of this post. Well, I went to a farm the other day... you know just to hang out (it was a ward party). There were ponies all over the place, just walking around letting people pet them!!! I suddenly felt like a little girl... could I have denied myself all these years of my desire to have my very own pony? This little girl (in the picture), who never told me her name, was sitting all by herself.. I walked over and asked if she wanted to go and pet the ponies with me. You can't tell from the picture, but she was talking to them.. which at first I thought "How cute is that." Then when I went up to pet them I realized that I was talking to them too... but I wondered if it was cute when I did it... or if I just looked like a crazy person. Nevertheless.... I loved every minute of it!!!!! Call me a late bloomer if you will, I 24 years old... and I want a pony for Christmas. I feel like I just made my introductions for a 12 step group.... it's called Pony lovers anonymous. OK enough talk... more pictures!!!!

City Life

Well I have started the new job... welcome to the real world. It is crazy being downtown in the hustle and bustle each day. People don't smile, in fact they hardly will look at you. It's all business... I can't help but feel like some kind of impostor. I feel like one wrong move and the gig is up!! I still look at people in the face, and smile at them.... I have never been one to stare at the ground or pretend like I am looking at something more important. This is just out in the streets however... the people in my office are very nice and friendly. I still feel like I barely know what is going on though. I don't get my own desk until Thursday and on Friday I get to use the telephone!!! LOL. Right now I have just been learning a lot about reports and computer systems... next week I have to go to this class everyday from 12:00 to 4:00, should be fun... or not. We'll have to see. I have some great pictures to show y'all from our singles ward camp out to Taylors Falls... but I am on the run today. Keep your eyes open for it in the next few days.

Firsts

It's only the afternoon and this day is already marvelous. I woke up bright and early, and gave the Metro Transit system a test run. I had never taken the bus before today... I know I live a sheltered life. I wanted to make sure that I would make it to work on Monday without any problems, taking the bus is a piece of cake, and it makes me feel all independent. I don't know if other people get this or if it is just some weakness of my own, but new things frighten me a little. Except for food that is.. I mean I'll eat anything. But going new places, or doing something for the first time... especially when people are involved who are not new.... I get butterflies in my stomach and I have this desire to turn and run away. Even just going into a store I've never been in before. Please let me know if anyone gets that way so I wont feel like an odd duck.

I walked around downtown and became more familiar with my new surroundings. I memorized the street order and directions... paying attention to all those tricky one ways. I walked to the stone arch bridge and admired the river and then I called my mom to come pick me up... LOL! You didn't expect me to take the bus there AND BACK did you.

Another amazing first happened today as well, I went and got the mail and there was an envelop from my new employer. I was curious to know what they would be sending me. I opened it up to find my first paycheck!!!!!!!!! I haven't even worked yet and they already sent me a check... I think it might be for the interview or something. Honestly I have no idea, but my stress of having absolutely no money will soon be gone... now I'll just stress on what I should and shouldn't spend it on.

This Crazy World

Yesterday I went to volunteer for the hospital... you know give back to the community, and help the sick, lift the hands that hang low and all that good stuff. You would think that people would be excited by your willingness to help and want your free labor. I mean I LOVE FREE STUFF!!!
Well, after a TWO hour orientation including over 10 pages of paperwork... you know a background check, two quizzes one on fire safety and the other on HIPPA which is the policy which keeps patients information confidential. We also had to learn how to wash our hands, and all of the codes and what they mean... like code blue (respiratory failure) and code pink (Someone is trying to steal a baby!!)
I felt like I had just gone through medical school... after that two hours I feel like I should be a doctor there (not to trivialize what doctors do or anything). Well... there is more to do, I have to buy a $12.00 uniform, pay the $5.00 auxiliary fee, have a Mantoux test for tuberculosis, and have blood drawn in the lab for further testing.
I just want to read people their mail, hand out flowers and wheel sick people around in wheelchairs... so what's with the investigation. I suppose it's nothing new for me to tell you that we live in a crazy world. There are so many nutz-O people walking around that everyone is on the defence. People can't tell anymore if you are just a good honest person or a ruthless baby stealer. I mean I understand hospital security and all... it's just sad that that's the way it has to be. SO if you are crazy... QUIT IT your ruining it for the rest of us!!!!!

Moving on Up

I HAVE A JOB!!!!!! A real live job, with people and office supplies. There is even a 24 story building, and a fish tank... elevators.... people all dressed up and serious and security guards.

After the long and strenuous last three months of job searching... OK that's stretching it a little... long perhaps but sending in resumes online doesn't tend to be too strenuous, well maybe my fingers cramped up a time or two from typing sooo much, and my eyes were a little strained.... sorry where was I. Oh ya, so two days ago I got a phone call from a bank I applied to and they gave me an offer, I didn't except right away though because I was waiting to hear from the "silver tuna" (the job that would pay me much better). So I set out to call them and find out what was going on... but they called me first and offered me the position. Naturally I called the bank and laughed at them... "You'll never have me!!!!" OK so that's not true either. I politely told them thank you for their time and the offer, but I had something better.
Enough Rambling, my new job is at RBC Dain Rauscher in downtown Minneapolis. I am going to take the bus, and dress up and be all professional. Beth, I am reminded of Drop Dead Fred when he told Snot Face (Phoebe Cates), "We're grown-ups now!"
Could my life possibly be any better this week!!!! Of Course it could, I went to the zoo yesterday!!! Allow me to share some of the things I saw.

On the left is Bill, He just kept staring at me, I think he likes me... and kind of a camera hog. He wouldn't let any of the other fish get into the shot. Below is some of the lilly pads that were above his tank.

The vegetation at the zoo is my favorite part, we spent most of our time with the flowers and trees. We made sure not to miss seeing the Monkeys. And when I say we for all who don't know her I mean the lovely Sara Clark... she's a monkey a hugger.

ALRIGHT ALREADY!!! I got stuff to do today, perhaps I'll tell you all about it tomorrow, until then I'll leave you with the same salutation that my high school principle would give us at the end of announcements. "Have a Good day.... OR NOT, The choice is yours!"

The Couch

Perhaps you are thinking to yourself, "Is that a couch in a tree?" Or maybe you are thinking, "Man, that sure looks like a good place to sit." This is the view I have from my dinning room table of the neighbors backyard. I find myself starring at that couch every morning. First of all, because it looks quite out of place, and second because I still can not quite understand how they got it up there and how in the world they plan on getting it down. Now if you look closely you can see the power lines and the roof of the barn giving you a little indication of just how high up this thing is. I have never seen anyone sitting up there. But one of these days I am going to march next door and ask if I can take a book up there. I can't help but think that it must stink.. and be kind of soggy, I mean it sits up there rain and shine. That would be a good comfy spot for the squirels, and I'm sure the birds have pecked nice holes in it seeking stuffing to add to thier nests. I have seen people try to make thier tree forts amazing... but I think there is a point when you've taken it too far.

Sucked In

Well, each and everyday I sit down with high hopes of the things I will accomplish in the day, then I check my e-mail. It seems like such a small thing, "Oh, it will just take me a second..." I foolishly tell myself. Then without fail I get sucked in.. and three hours later I emerge from my computer chair, dry eyed and sleepy. So today as I sat studying the difference of soluble and insoluble fiber (I want to be a nutritionist someday you know), Sara instant messaged me and told me about something called a Blog. I had no idea what they were having been so sheltered from the technological world for 18 months on my mission in New Mexico. I was quite impressed and thought... now this is what I should spend my day doing. I would like to welcome you all to my Blog, it will no doubt be quite boring until I figure out how to add stuff and spice it up, but what better way to waste valuable time. This actually is a great idea for keeping everybody posted and staying in touch, so I guess this is a noble cause.