So really our story begins a year ago at this exact time. You know how this time of year it can start to get pretty darn cold at night, even as it warms a little during the day? Well, it can lead to some unpleasant things when you have an older home with a large field for a backyard.
Last year about this time I remember it was a Monday and I had just come back from my all girl weekend. I had taken that Monday off and was enjoying a relaxing day with Nate. We were in a good mood because he had been called for a second interview for the job he now has. We had just finished dinner and settled in to watch our Monday evening shows when our Taylor started acting a little bit nutty. She ran into our back room in the basement, which is our office. She didn't come out for the longest time, so Nate decided to go check on her.
He didn't come out of the office either. I yelled back "is she ok?" And he says "yeah" kind of slowly and still doesn't come back out. I decided to go see what was going on. Nate is looking at the floor and moved a box. As soon as he did this large black thing came darting after me. I did what any girl would do of course - screamed and jumped up on the office chair. I thought it was a bug, but Nate said "no, I believe we have a mouse." After a trip to Wal-Mart for some supplies, we had a long night of trapping not just one mouse, but several mice. Sadly all we had was a live trap, so Nate just kept getting up all night and emptying it out. He found holes outside the house where he thought they had come in, patched them all and figured we'd be good to go. And we were. For the whole next year anyway.
Fast forward to Fall 2009.
He had left the live trap just up in the ceiling in the office as a "just in case" type measure. This morning, I got up to do my workout and as I got into the basement I could hear a strange scratching noise. Perplexed I wandered around and made sure one of the cats had not gotten trapped somewhere. They were both accounted for. I still could hear the noise and thought it was very strange. Then it dawned on me.
So, I went upstairs to get Nate out of bed since his alarm had gone off anyway and asked him if indeed the trap was still set. He said "yeah, why?" So I told him about the noises. He checked it out and sure enough, we had a mouse. Nate's rather confused by this though, because he plugged up nearly every hole after this happened last year. I guess those little guys will get in anyway! So we dealt with it as best as we could for this morning, he'll attack the problem more tonight. We're both more calm about the whole thing this year, but I still wish we didn't have to deal with it!
Oh yeah, I've said it before, but I'll say it again - the myth about having cats in your house and not getting mice - totally false!! And yeah, Taylor and Pippin, not the best hunters in the entire world, nor do I think I want them to be!
9/29/09
Peace
Much like that content, happy, sleepy kitten above...I am very much at peace right now.
I can honestly say, I think I am in one of the best places I've been in a long time in terms of my life. And it's nice. I'm not so naive to say that nothing bad can happen to me - but I'm just in a happy peaceful place. I am blessed with wonderful family and friends. I am loving this beautiful season of Fall now that it has finally arrived. I have so many good things to look forward to in the coming months. Heck, I have good things to look forward to just in the coming weeks.
Nate and I are in a good place as a couple, our marriage has never been stronger. Not to say that we've ever really been in a bad place. Sure there were rocky moments when he was out of work, but that was ages ago. Or at least it feels like it.
I'm just content with how my life is going. I feel good. Peaceful. It's a nice feeling.
Peace to all of you as well.
9/28/09
Updates from weekend
Updates from the weekend:
I came in 5th out of 11 or so women at our family golf tournament. Not bad for someone who hasn't been out golfing once this year! I even took home a little money - on one hole we have a contest for who can shoot closest to the pin on their first shot - I ended up being the one who took that prize!
Beyond that, Nate and I had some nice quality time together this weekend, including a visit to one of our favorite restaurants (Donatelli's) that we haven't been to in quite some time because we like to go there when it is cold outside. Last night it was quite chilly and it sounded just about right!
Other things this weekend turned out less than pleasant, but I'm putting them behind me because today is starting out to be a good day and I think this week just might be a pretty good week!
I came in 5th out of 11 or so women at our family golf tournament. Not bad for someone who hasn't been out golfing once this year! I even took home a little money - on one hole we have a contest for who can shoot closest to the pin on their first shot - I ended up being the one who took that prize!
Beyond that, Nate and I had some nice quality time together this weekend, including a visit to one of our favorite restaurants (Donatelli's) that we haven't been to in quite some time because we like to go there when it is cold outside. Last night it was quite chilly and it sounded just about right!
Other things this weekend turned out less than pleasant, but I'm putting them behind me because today is starting out to be a good day and I think this week just might be a pretty good week!
9/25/09
Fore!
This weekend I'm going to be playing in a golf tournament with my mom's family. This tournament has been going on for years and years - before I was even born. Apparently it started with my grandpa taking out his sons, it then extended to the son-in-laws and grandsons. It was a tradition that continued after my grandfather died and was dedicated to his memory.
I can remember it from when I was young and we'd always meet up after the golf game for a big luncheon. There are trophies that are handed out each year and passed around, I tell you, this tournament is no joke! The Millers take their golf seriously! My dad's name is displayed a couple of times on that trophy, it was always fun when it was in our house on display.
Somewhere in the mid 90's it was decided that after nearly 20 years they would let the women play as well. They would be in a category on their own, have their own trophy, etc. My dad took this opportunity to teach my mom and I to golf and for a number of years my mom and I passed back and forth the last place trophy. We've both improved a bit - although this year I won't be surprised if I take it home after not getting out once this summer to play AT ALL.
It's fun being out on the course in the cool autumn air, it's a good chance to see family we almost never see and it's just a Fall tradition to me. There have been several years I have missed it, but I've almost always been there since I was eligible to play (must be 13 years or older). Even Nate has played once since we've been married, but I gave him a get out of jail free card on this year since as I said above, we did not golf this summer. He does ok but would be much more comfortable if he'd had a chance to play before tomorrow.
So, I'll be going at it totally cold tomorrow! I can only imagine how it will go, but I could surprise myself, you just never know. Or maybe we'll get rained out, I have heard that is a possibility. Here goes nothing!
I can remember it from when I was young and we'd always meet up after the golf game for a big luncheon. There are trophies that are handed out each year and passed around, I tell you, this tournament is no joke! The Millers take their golf seriously! My dad's name is displayed a couple of times on that trophy, it was always fun when it was in our house on display.
Somewhere in the mid 90's it was decided that after nearly 20 years they would let the women play as well. They would be in a category on their own, have their own trophy, etc. My dad took this opportunity to teach my mom and I to golf and for a number of years my mom and I passed back and forth the last place trophy. We've both improved a bit - although this year I won't be surprised if I take it home after not getting out once this summer to play AT ALL.
It's fun being out on the course in the cool autumn air, it's a good chance to see family we almost never see and it's just a Fall tradition to me. There have been several years I have missed it, but I've almost always been there since I was eligible to play (must be 13 years or older). Even Nate has played once since we've been married, but I gave him a get out of jail free card on this year since as I said above, we did not golf this summer. He does ok but would be much more comfortable if he'd had a chance to play before tomorrow.
So, I'll be going at it totally cold tomorrow! I can only imagine how it will go, but I could surprise myself, you just never know. Or maybe we'll get rained out, I have heard that is a possibility. Here goes nothing!
9/24/09
Thursday Top Ten
So those who follow my blog know - I am a big fan of lists. I thought it would be fun to shake things up a bit here and present you with a new weekly fun thing - a top ten list. I have seen other blogs do a "theme" post on a certain day of the week and I thought it would be fun to try. So I will be bringing you my top ten of a certain thing and I would encourage any and all of you to post in the comments what your favorites are of my weekly topic as well. Even if you have never commented before - don't be afraid, come on out and play!
So for the first week I bring you my top ten songs that immediately put me in a good mood! We'll call it the "Good Vibrations" (although Good Vibrations the song does not make my list, sorry).
10. Life In Technicolor - Coldplay from the album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
This song starts out kind of quiet and subdued but then it just gains momentum and ends up in a giant climax of sorts - and there aren't even any words, but man, it just gets me all excited!
9. Walk With Me - Seven and the Sun from the album Back to the Innocence
These guys are kind of unknowns as far as I know, but this song always puts me in a good mood, it's lively, upbeat and just fun. I also enjoy an acapella version by the group Fifth Element off their album Welcome to the Show.
8. Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve from the album Urban Melodies
I have loved this song since high school, the violins and strings have always seemed somewhat uplifting and really, you could look at the song as kind of a downer because he is calling life a Bitter Sweet Symphony, but you know what, life isn't always perfect, so sometimes we need that reminder!
7. Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Da - The Beatles from The White Album
Come on, are you telling me you don't get the urge to sing along when you hear this one?
6. Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves from Walking on Sunshine
Ok come on, the happiness is implied in the title of this one!
5. You Are Loved - Josh Groban from the album Awake
This song got me through some tough times when Nate wasn't working, it always cheered me up to remember that no matter what, there are people out there who love me. And I could listen to this man sing all day, so that doesn't hurt either!
4. I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker - Sandi Thom from the album Smile, It Confuses People
I love how she wants to be a hippie or a punk rocker, the inner hippie in me feels the same way sometimes, like I was born in the wrong decade or something! At any rate I love to blast this one and sing along.
3. What's Up - Four Non Blondes from Bigger, Faster, Better, More
Oh how I love to sing this one at the top of my lungs when I'm in the car or the shower. Fun fact too - the only time I have ever done karaoke somewhere, I sang this song.
2. If Everybody Looked the Same - Groove Armada from the album Vertigo
Just a fun upbeat song, I like the message and it makes me want to get up and dance.
1. Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard from the album Ocean Avenue
Again, upbeat, fun to sing along to and I just can't help but smile when I hear it. I don't even know why I love it so much, but I just do!
So there you go. I did my best to link each of the songs to a sample on the internet if you're so inclined to check them out! What are your favorite good mood songs? Feel free to let me know in the comments, your list need not be as long and detailed as mine!
Come back next Thursday for a new Thursday Top Ten!
So for the first week I bring you my top ten songs that immediately put me in a good mood! We'll call it the "Good Vibrations" (although Good Vibrations the song does not make my list, sorry).
10. Life In Technicolor - Coldplay from the album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
This song starts out kind of quiet and subdued but then it just gains momentum and ends up in a giant climax of sorts - and there aren't even any words, but man, it just gets me all excited!
9. Walk With Me - Seven and the Sun from the album Back to the Innocence
These guys are kind of unknowns as far as I know, but this song always puts me in a good mood, it's lively, upbeat and just fun. I also enjoy an acapella version by the group Fifth Element off their album Welcome to the Show.
8. Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve from the album Urban Melodies
I have loved this song since high school, the violins and strings have always seemed somewhat uplifting and really, you could look at the song as kind of a downer because he is calling life a Bitter Sweet Symphony, but you know what, life isn't always perfect, so sometimes we need that reminder!
7. Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Da - The Beatles from The White Album
Come on, are you telling me you don't get the urge to sing along when you hear this one?
6. Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves from Walking on Sunshine
Ok come on, the happiness is implied in the title of this one!
5. You Are Loved - Josh Groban from the album Awake
This song got me through some tough times when Nate wasn't working, it always cheered me up to remember that no matter what, there are people out there who love me. And I could listen to this man sing all day, so that doesn't hurt either!
4. I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker - Sandi Thom from the album Smile, It Confuses People
I love how she wants to be a hippie or a punk rocker, the inner hippie in me feels the same way sometimes, like I was born in the wrong decade or something! At any rate I love to blast this one and sing along.
3. What's Up - Four Non Blondes from Bigger, Faster, Better, More
Oh how I love to sing this one at the top of my lungs when I'm in the car or the shower. Fun fact too - the only time I have ever done karaoke somewhere, I sang this song.
2. If Everybody Looked the Same - Groove Armada from the album Vertigo
Just a fun upbeat song, I like the message and it makes me want to get up and dance.
1. Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard from the album Ocean Avenue
Again, upbeat, fun to sing along to and I just can't help but smile when I hear it. I don't even know why I love it so much, but I just do!
So there you go. I did my best to link each of the songs to a sample on the internet if you're so inclined to check them out! What are your favorite good mood songs? Feel free to let me know in the comments, your list need not be as long and detailed as mine!
Come back next Thursday for a new Thursday Top Ten!
9/23/09
Welcome Autumn!
Ok so I'm a day late.
But my season is finally here! I am a huge Autumn lover as mentioned in this blog several times over. I cannot wait to bring out my Fall harvest type decorations each year, I get excited to rearrange my closet and bring out my fall/winter clothes. I drool over thoughts of apple pies and apple crisp and cider.
Now it's finally here! Although the weather has had a hard time lately realizing what time of year it is. Most folks are going to hit me when I say I'm ready for it to be cooler. Notice I did not say cold, just cooler. I happen to love sweatshirts and sweaters and I look forward to wearing them.
We've got fun fall activities coming up in the next few weeks. My mom's annual family golf tournament is this coming weekend. In a couple of weeks we're having our annual Oktoberfest beer/bonfire backyard bash. I'm super excited for that. With all of our friends so spread out it's really nice to have at least one day during the year when we're able to get everyone together for some fun. And Nate gets to show off his beer at the same time!
Another sign of Fall of course is the new TV schedule - I have some new favorites already this year and I have been enjoying catching up with shows coming back from hiatus. We try not to live our lives around the television schedule and often times find ourselves catching up with shows all in one night, but less commercials that way, so it works out.
So there are many reasons that Fall is awesome, I love that it is finally here and I plan to enjoy every last minute because after Fall comes winter and well....it is Minnesota after all.
But my season is finally here! I am a huge Autumn lover as mentioned in this blog several times over. I cannot wait to bring out my Fall harvest type decorations each year, I get excited to rearrange my closet and bring out my fall/winter clothes. I drool over thoughts of apple pies and apple crisp and cider.
Now it's finally here! Although the weather has had a hard time lately realizing what time of year it is. Most folks are going to hit me when I say I'm ready for it to be cooler. Notice I did not say cold, just cooler. I happen to love sweatshirts and sweaters and I look forward to wearing them.
We've got fun fall activities coming up in the next few weeks. My mom's annual family golf tournament is this coming weekend. In a couple of weeks we're having our annual Oktoberfest beer/bonfire backyard bash. I'm super excited for that. With all of our friends so spread out it's really nice to have at least one day during the year when we're able to get everyone together for some fun. And Nate gets to show off his beer at the same time!
Another sign of Fall of course is the new TV schedule - I have some new favorites already this year and I have been enjoying catching up with shows coming back from hiatus. We try not to live our lives around the television schedule and often times find ourselves catching up with shows all in one night, but less commercials that way, so it works out.
So there are many reasons that Fall is awesome, I love that it is finally here and I plan to enjoy every last minute because after Fall comes winter and well....it is Minnesota after all.
9/22/09
A little too close to home
This morning Nate found out that his boss's daughter has a confirmed case of H1N1. There is now a possibilty that he'll be working from home for awhile at least for office work and obviously going to clients only when it's needed. Fabulous. He has been told to get checked out immediately at the first signs of any symptoms.
As someone who works in health care, specificially with vaccines, all I know is we'll have vaccine available hopefully in a couple of more weeks. Not soon enough when your loved one is potentially exposed.
All we can do is go one day at a time I suppose. This is just a bit too close for comfort for me!
As someone who works in health care, specificially with vaccines, all I know is we'll have vaccine available hopefully in a couple of more weeks. Not soon enough when your loved one is potentially exposed.
All we can do is go one day at a time I suppose. This is just a bit too close for comfort for me!
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