Oh man am I starting to show my age here? Or am I just way out of the loop?
They mentioned in the news yesterday that traffic in our big city here last night might be a bit tricky due to a Twins game in the new stadium and the Justin Bieber concert at the Target Center.
They were going on and on about Bieber Fever. Bieber Fever? Who is this kid?
Ok, well I guess I know Justin Bieber is the new "IT" guy with the tween set - but I couldn't tell you anything else about him. I don't know what he sings. I just know that apparently he's insanely popular right now. I was having a discussion with my mom about it at lunch yesterday and I'm like "isn't he one of those Disney Channel kids?" To which my mom - MY MOM who is older than I am by quite a bit said "Oh no, not at all, he's just some kid that got popular after he put out a YouTube video."
My own mother is more in the entertainment know than I am!
I read People Magazine. I read EW online. I try to keep up, but I guess I am not doing as good of a job of that as I used to! I guess that is what happens when you no longer have cable television and your radio station of choice is very much "indie" based!
6/30/10
6/29/10
And I ran, I ran so far away
80's music fans will appreciate the title of this post. Oh Flock of Seagulls....
Anyway, just a brief update on Nate and I and our running. Today we hit our personal best so far, 22 minutes of uninterrupted running. This week we need to hit 25, which I believe we will on Thursday. Then we start pressing on to the ultimate goal of 30 minutes, which should also put us at the distance of a 5K total.
We should have already been to this point, but weather has set us back a bit a couple of times. It just can't be helped. Not our fault in the least. It's just been a bit of a rainy, soggy stretch over the last month or so.
Because of those set backs though, we were starting to get discouraged. We hadn't made it past 15 minutes and were beginning to feel like we never would get there. Then over the weekend we made it to 20. And today we made it to 22. And let me tell you, it's not our ultimate goal yet, but it feels darn good. More than good. Amazing. Accomplished.
I never would have dreamed in March when we started (and could barely run a full minute mind you) that we would get this far. But we have and I am proud. Proud of Nate and proud of myself. Such good feelings.
Anyway, just a brief update on Nate and I and our running. Today we hit our personal best so far, 22 minutes of uninterrupted running. This week we need to hit 25, which I believe we will on Thursday. Then we start pressing on to the ultimate goal of 30 minutes, which should also put us at the distance of a 5K total.
We should have already been to this point, but weather has set us back a bit a couple of times. It just can't be helped. Not our fault in the least. It's just been a bit of a rainy, soggy stretch over the last month or so.
Because of those set backs though, we were starting to get discouraged. We hadn't made it past 15 minutes and were beginning to feel like we never would get there. Then over the weekend we made it to 20. And today we made it to 22. And let me tell you, it's not our ultimate goal yet, but it feels darn good. More than good. Amazing. Accomplished.
I never would have dreamed in March when we started (and could barely run a full minute mind you) that we would get this far. But we have and I am proud. Proud of Nate and proud of myself. Such good feelings.
6/28/10
Our house
This August we will have owned our home for four years. And I know how lucky we are and blessed we are to own a home, be able to continue to afford to own a home and all that jazz. But sometimes, I look at my house and I get frustrated when I think, we've been here for four years and we still have so much work to do.
When we made the choice to buy this house we knew we would have years of work ahead of us. Nate's great aunt was so elderly by the time she went into assisted living that there was much that had worn down and not been dealt with for quite some time. We knew that we would be moving into a "Fixer upper" and were able to get a better price on the house in exchange for that. And we were ok with that. It was so wonderful to start out in a house as opposed to an apartment so at the time, that was what mattered most.
We didn't anticipate a couple of shaky years worth of employment issues that would leave us just barely able to pay monthly living expenses for some time. So, when I look at it from this angle, it's amazing we were able to do things we have done so far: a new furnace/air conditioner, a new front and back door installed, new fridge, new dishwasher, painted master bedroom. Nothing to sneeze at for sure, but there's still more to go!
We're into a place where we're starting to feel comfortable with our expenses again. No, we are not rolling in the dough so to speak, but we're finally more or less recovered from those two years of uncertainty. And I'm more motivated than ever to finally get more things done that will make our house much more up to date and overall in better shape.
One such thing is painting our living room. I have been putting off this project for awhile now. We bought the paint during a sale two years ago and honestly, I have no excuses for it not being done yet. I just dislike painting. And I know I'm going to have to live with my living room being a bit messy for a little bit and that makes me cringe as well. But it has to get done. It's a cost-free project at this point that will bring me that much closer to the goal of the house being "fixed up" so to speak. So tonight, it begins. It's on like Donkey Kong. And I plan to finish this in considerably less time than last years six month long project in the bedroom!
There are so many other things I want to try and do in the near future that I feel like I have "Home project ADD." When we first moved in, Nate and I made a list of projects and sort of rated them in order of what we'd like to get done first and what was most urgent. I think we'll need to sit down and do that again and that should help considerably.
Still, as much as it may sound like I'm whining right now and as frustrated as I am at times, I love my house. I love our neighborhood, I love our yard, I love my quirky shag carpeted basement. And I wouldn't trade the memories and experiences we've had in our house so far for anything. They are the things that have made our house a home. Not just the updating and repairs done up to this point. And those are the things I try to focus on most when I get in these kind of moods! We are definitely blessed.
It is our house, our home. A place that we share together. That is what matters most.
"Our house, is a very, very, very fine house, with two cats in the yard, life used to be so hard, now everything is easy cause of you." -Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
When we made the choice to buy this house we knew we would have years of work ahead of us. Nate's great aunt was so elderly by the time she went into assisted living that there was much that had worn down and not been dealt with for quite some time. We knew that we would be moving into a "Fixer upper" and were able to get a better price on the house in exchange for that. And we were ok with that. It was so wonderful to start out in a house as opposed to an apartment so at the time, that was what mattered most.
We didn't anticipate a couple of shaky years worth of employment issues that would leave us just barely able to pay monthly living expenses for some time. So, when I look at it from this angle, it's amazing we were able to do things we have done so far: a new furnace/air conditioner, a new front and back door installed, new fridge, new dishwasher, painted master bedroom. Nothing to sneeze at for sure, but there's still more to go!
We're into a place where we're starting to feel comfortable with our expenses again. No, we are not rolling in the dough so to speak, but we're finally more or less recovered from those two years of uncertainty. And I'm more motivated than ever to finally get more things done that will make our house much more up to date and overall in better shape.
One such thing is painting our living room. I have been putting off this project for awhile now. We bought the paint during a sale two years ago and honestly, I have no excuses for it not being done yet. I just dislike painting. And I know I'm going to have to live with my living room being a bit messy for a little bit and that makes me cringe as well. But it has to get done. It's a cost-free project at this point that will bring me that much closer to the goal of the house being "fixed up" so to speak. So tonight, it begins. It's on like Donkey Kong. And I plan to finish this in considerably less time than last years six month long project in the bedroom!
There are so many other things I want to try and do in the near future that I feel like I have "Home project ADD." When we first moved in, Nate and I made a list of projects and sort of rated them in order of what we'd like to get done first and what was most urgent. I think we'll need to sit down and do that again and that should help considerably.
Still, as much as it may sound like I'm whining right now and as frustrated as I am at times, I love my house. I love our neighborhood, I love our yard, I love my quirky shag carpeted basement. And I wouldn't trade the memories and experiences we've had in our house so far for anything. They are the things that have made our house a home. Not just the updating and repairs done up to this point. And those are the things I try to focus on most when I get in these kind of moods! We are definitely blessed.
It is our house, our home. A place that we share together. That is what matters most.
"Our house, is a very, very, very fine house, with two cats in the yard, life used to be so hard, now everything is easy cause of you." -Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
6/25/10
Flashback Friday - Spring 1999
So as I stated last week, my Facebook friends have been enjoying some old pictures I've been scanning from high school and sharing with everyone. Something about being out of school for ten years brings on the nostalgia I guess! At any rate, I decided to post another one here for my blogging audience to enjoy as well.
Nate and I all dressed up for our junior year prom. I remember it was quite the big deal, since my mom never went to her prom she insisted I get the best dress (we actually got it at David'd Bridal) and she even let me get highlights in my hair for the first time ever (yes I was 17 and could make my own choices - but she paid for it). We got my shoes dyed to match the dress. It was a pretty darn big deal! We ate dinner at my parents house and our parents were nice and drove us to Calhoon Beach Club so we wouldn't have to deal with the parking. It was a gorgeous location for a prom.
The added bonus? I wore that dress again to a sorority formal at St. Kate's ironically during my junior year of college! Nate did not wear a tux that time though. Nice shirt and tie was more the attire that the dates wore to those events!
Ah, memories. :)
6/24/10
Dry
Man I am coming up so dry on blogging topics these days! It's not for lack of things going on - seems like we're busy as bees - but there's not much new and exciting things going on really. It's routine.
I don't dare complain - seems like the minute I say, boy, life is kind of boring lately - something bad happens. I am NOT wishing for that at all!
It's just summer. We have a routine. We have things going on. We're enjoying it as much as we can.
The job "Stuff" I was vague on the other day is looking better. So I feel pretty good about that.
Busy weekend ahead. Something about this time of year I think.
I may bring back some of my "blog topics" to help me write more often. The Top Ten lists, Music Monday, Flashback Friday. Something. We shall see how things go!
For now, know that we are here and we are just plugging away!
I don't dare complain - seems like the minute I say, boy, life is kind of boring lately - something bad happens. I am NOT wishing for that at all!
It's just summer. We have a routine. We have things going on. We're enjoying it as much as we can.
The job "Stuff" I was vague on the other day is looking better. So I feel pretty good about that.
Busy weekend ahead. Something about this time of year I think.
I may bring back some of my "blog topics" to help me write more often. The Top Ten lists, Music Monday, Flashback Friday. Something. We shall see how things go!
For now, know that we are here and we are just plugging away!
6/22/10
Stuff
Lots of things going on, lots on my mind both good and less good, lots of just stuff.
My weekend was wonderful - Rock the Garden did not disappoint. Brunch with my in-laws was very tasty. Golf with my parents was fun - though I did horribly, enough to the point that I will not share my score. Always room to grow!
We've been able to run or walk every day for the last several and even though it's been humid, it's been nice to be out moving each day.
We're moving closer to a new painting project at home in the living room. We only bought the paint two years ago, so it's probably time.
I'm slowly working through my summer list of things.
Yet I am a wee bit worried about some things pertaining to work - many changes coming and I just want to still be there when it's all done. I should know more in the next couple of days. I honestly don't like blogging about my job, so I really won't go into it, but it is leading me to a state of ungluedness at the moment. I work for a really great organization and my goal is to stay there as long as I possibly can.
I am not letting it consume me though and just continue my daily mantra of "one day at a time."
Here is a picture of Nate and I from Rock the Garden. It has been the highlight of my summer so far.
My weekend was wonderful - Rock the Garden did not disappoint. Brunch with my in-laws was very tasty. Golf with my parents was fun - though I did horribly, enough to the point that I will not share my score. Always room to grow!
We've been able to run or walk every day for the last several and even though it's been humid, it's been nice to be out moving each day.
We're moving closer to a new painting project at home in the living room. We only bought the paint two years ago, so it's probably time.
I'm slowly working through my summer list of things.
Yet I am a wee bit worried about some things pertaining to work - many changes coming and I just want to still be there when it's all done. I should know more in the next couple of days. I honestly don't like blogging about my job, so I really won't go into it, but it is leading me to a state of ungluedness at the moment. I work for a really great organization and my goal is to stay there as long as I possibly can.
I am not letting it consume me though and just continue my daily mantra of "one day at a time."
Here is a picture of Nate and I from Rock the Garden. It has been the highlight of my summer so far.
So like I said, just mostly stuff going on. Good stuff, not so good stuff. Stuff. Life is full of stuff.
6/18/10
Are you ready to rock?
Cause I sure am!
For our second year now we are heading down to the Walker Art Center tomorrow for 89.3 the Current's Rock the Garden event. I am beyond excited for this outdoor concert. We had a ton of fun when we went last year. Not quite as big of headliners at this year's events, but a good lineup all together. The groups this year are: Retribution Gospel Choir, OK Go, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and MGMT.
For those unfamiliar with any of the above and have a few minutes - here are some links that might help.
Retribution Gospel Choir is a local MN group and I actually know very little about them, but the one song I do know I like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf-r7aRBRHI I am anxious to hear some other music and see if I like anything else as well!
OK Go is an innovative kind of group. They are best known for this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA - in which the entire thing is done on treadmills. Hard to believe they could top that, but they recently released a new song "This Too Shall Pass" and I have to include a link to this video as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w I promise you, best three and a half minutes you could waste.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings is a lovely soul, rhythm and blues kind of group that reminds me of some of the great groups of the 1960's. I love the energy of their music and I think it will be fun to see them live. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cckkzRDBAo
And finally MGMT. They have a really unique, different kind of sound, but their music puts me in a good mood whenever I hear it. I have heard they haven't been the greatest live, but I'm hopeful that they will put on a good show. Here is one of my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9dSYgd5Elk
So anyway, it should be a good time. Plus, there's just something about being outside on a lovely warm MN evening, sitting on the grass with other music fans, people watching (and let me tell you we were quite entertained by some of the concert goers last year - story for another day), eating a little food, maybe drinking a beer. It just screams summer to me. I am totally ready to rock.
For our second year now we are heading down to the Walker Art Center tomorrow for 89.3 the Current's Rock the Garden event. I am beyond excited for this outdoor concert. We had a ton of fun when we went last year. Not quite as big of headliners at this year's events, but a good lineup all together. The groups this year are: Retribution Gospel Choir, OK Go, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and MGMT.
For those unfamiliar with any of the above and have a few minutes - here are some links that might help.
Retribution Gospel Choir is a local MN group and I actually know very little about them, but the one song I do know I like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf-r7aRBRHI I am anxious to hear some other music and see if I like anything else as well!
OK Go is an innovative kind of group. They are best known for this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA - in which the entire thing is done on treadmills. Hard to believe they could top that, but they recently released a new song "This Too Shall Pass" and I have to include a link to this video as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w I promise you, best three and a half minutes you could waste.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings is a lovely soul, rhythm and blues kind of group that reminds me of some of the great groups of the 1960's. I love the energy of their music and I think it will be fun to see them live. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cckkzRDBAo
And finally MGMT. They have a really unique, different kind of sound, but their music puts me in a good mood whenever I hear it. I have heard they haven't been the greatest live, but I'm hopeful that they will put on a good show. Here is one of my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9dSYgd5Elk
So anyway, it should be a good time. Plus, there's just something about being outside on a lovely warm MN evening, sitting on the grass with other music fans, people watching (and let me tell you we were quite entertained by some of the concert goers last year - story for another day), eating a little food, maybe drinking a beer. It just screams summer to me. I am totally ready to rock.
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