Tuesday, December 29, 2009
An Update - Yep, that's right, An Update
So, 2 months have gone by. November was gorgeous with many days in the 50s, which made up for our rotten October. We had our girls' weekend the first weekend in Nov and it was the best one yet! I had such a blast and the weather was damn near 60 everyday! Last year when I flew home for girls' weekend, there was a nasty blizzard, so quite the change.
Justin turned 30 on Nov. 27th, so we threw a party. Had a great time but found out that I have some kind of allergy to dark beer. I spent the entire next day on the couch, unable to eat or drink anything (I just threw it all up). It was miserable. Now you all are probably thinking I just got really drunk and was super hungover. I have drank waaay more than that before and never once been that sick. And I didn't mix anything, I drank straight beer all night. Well, now I know to never do it again. At least we had a good time!
I had to work the day after Thanksgiving, so Justin and I just spent Turkey Day here. We made the whole works: turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, rolls, and chocolate cream pie. It was all very delicious. We bought a new roaster pan and the turkey turned out way better this year than last. Bear even got to sample all the goods (minus the pie). He, of course, loved it all!
On to December. The month flew by. I can't even think of what I did. Had 3 lia sophia shows (the business is going quite well). Christmas shopped. Went back to Bis for the holiday - was there from Tuesday before to the following Sunday. Had a great time hanging out and playing games with my family. I love Christmas time. And got to see my BFF and had a wonderful time with her too. We exchanged gifts and played some interactive Mario Party on DS. I miss everyone already. I got back to the cities Sunday evening and Justin and I exchanged gifts. I got him a Slanket and a ps3 headset. From him I got a Vikings moshi, a cute-ass Favre/Vikes shirt, and a beautiful gold watch. Yay for Christmas!
Back to work and reality, but lucky for me it's pretty slow at work, so I'll have some short days this week. Have to work Friday but I probably only have to see one person, so no biggie. No big plans for New Year's. Justin and I usually just like to sit on the couch, watch a movie, and have drinks.
Then it's January. No offense to my peeps who have b-days in Jan (Talia, Josiah, Jamie, and Sam), but this is generally my least favorite month of the year. It's cold, there's nothing going on, football is almost over, and there's still months till spring. Speaking of spring, Justin and I are planning on taking a vacay to Florida in April (hopefully). We're going to use Justin's parents' timeshare and stay someplace on the beach. I've never been to Florida, so I'm looking forward to it.
I'll post some pics of Christmas and whatnot on Facebook. But that's it for now! Hope everyone had a fantastic '09 and here's to an even better 2010!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!
Okay, so now what I want you to do is when you post a comment, I want you to tell me what your favorite scary/horror movie is and your favorite scene from that show. I'll start.
My favorite horror movie is The Shining. It's hard though, cuz I really love The Exorcist too. But I'd have to say my favorite scene from The Shining is, well I have two. The first is when Danny meets the twin girls in the hallway and the blood comes pouring in. And the second is the classic scene when Jack Nicholson hacks his way into the bathroom after Danny, sticks his head in and says, "Here's Johnny!" Pretty predictable, but hey, how can you not love those scenes?
Ok, go. I wanna hear your stories, peeps. I know I can count on two people to comment for sure - B-dog and E-dog. They both loooove scary movies like I do!
Happy Halloween/Daylight Savings Time!
And to me, November means winter, so I guess, Hello Winter!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Long Time No Bloggie
I've done one Lia Sophia show and am in the middle of a catalog show. Things are going well so far. I'm really close to meeting my first goal for my Excellent Beginnings. It's fun and I absolutely love all the jewelry. If anybody wants anything, just let me know! ;)
Can't wait for girls weekend! I'll be flying home so that'll save me lots to time driving. I just can't wait to see all my favorite ladies in Bismarck. I'd have to say it's my 2nd favorite special event of the year. #1 is Christmas. Turkey day used to be up there, but I haven't been able to go home for it for a few years. I still love my birthday, but they've gotten less exciting each year, unfortunately.
I'm bummed about my elimination from King of the Hill. A PTA I work with invited me to this pool last year and this year. Basically you choose just one team that you think will win each week. If that team wins, then you move on to the next week. But you can't pick the same team twice. The last person to be in it wins the pot. Then we start all over, even if it's the middle of the season. Anyway, we had 30 people in it, $10 each, so the pot was $300! by week 5 it was cut to 13 peeps. Well, then in week 6 I picked Philly. Damn Eagles lost. So I'm out. But I hope it starts over soon. On a brighter note, I won the week 6 family football pool! Tiebreaker, baby! Melissa and I also have our own little bet. We pick one game each week to put $5 on. We try to pick a game that we think could go either way. Well, unforunately for Melissa, I'm up $20 so far. But there's still a lot of season left! Don't worry bff!
So Halloween is coming up. Don't think I'll dress up. We aren't gonna do much, just hang out and have some beers. Our typical weekend night routine. That's what we really enjoy. We're pretty mellow people. Last weekend our friends Sam and Ben came over. Sam and I carved pumpkins. We made slow cooker beef stroganoff and baklava bars - both very yummy. But now the damn squirrels are eating my pumpkin! Little bastards.
Oh well, what can you do! I looked online about how to stop squirrels from eating them, but I was too lazy to actually do what they said, so I didn't. I'd like to catch those little guys on tape eating it, I think it would be entertaining.
Well, have a great end of October everyone! POB.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Juicy Lucy Taste Test
Location #1:
The Nook
Hamline Ave, St. Paul
Burger: Juicy Nookie with American cheese
With all of these burgers, the key is the wait time. If you bite in the moment it hits your table, the molten lava cheese will scald the inside of your mouth like a motherlicker and you won't be able to enjoy it after that. So, as hard as it is, you must wait at least 5 minutes before digging in. My first bite of this burger was juicy and full of gooey cheesy goodness. The flavor of the patty itself was great, seasoned just enough and not too much to take away from the whole experience. The cheese was melted completely through and had the perfect consistency, not too runny or thick. Every bite I took had cheese in it, but it was not overwhelming in the least. Overall, the burger was fantastic in every way and I can't say a single bad thing about it. I have wanted to go back and get another in the worst way ever since.
Fries: Fresh-cut fries, seasoned with garlic cracked-pepper and served with chipotle ranch dipping sauce. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't care a lot about fries. Generally, if the option is there, I would take mashed potatoes over fries any day. But these fries were really good. The garlic cracked pepper seasoning was not too strong and the chipotle ranch added just the right amount of flavor to compliment. Crispy, not too thick, not too thin.
Drinkage: Sam and I like to share pitchers of beer and our go-to is Blue Moon. They had this, so we did too.
Atmosphere: Dive bar, very small but comfy. Our server was fairly nice and reasonably fast. The place was as clean as a dive bar can be.
Moolah: Nachos: $7.50 Burger: $4.95 Pitcher of New Castle: $10.25
Location #3:
Matt's Bar
Hit the cheese on the first bite. Good flavor, but runnier cheese than the Nook which I didn't prefer. Cheese throughout the whole burger. Got raw onions on this one (not sure what I got on the others cuz it was too long ago). They were like little McDonald's onions and there were a ton of 'em. The flavor of the onions was a little too strong, and not a real natural onion taste. I had to scrape about 1/2 of them off. But the burger was juicy and very good. Ate the whole thing.
Fries: The burger didn't come with fries, but Sam and I ordered a regular side of them. They were shoestring fries. Good crisp, not too thin. Very good flavor. However, I am not a ketchup dipper with my fries. So we asked for a side of ranch - NO RANCH! That's a huge deal for me. What restaurant doesn't have ranch? I don't care how small it is. So I had to resort to dipping in ketchup. For a regular size order, it was a little on the small side. We polished off the whole basket, which is really saying something, as I've mentioned previously, I'm not a huge fry fan.
Drank: Pitcher of Blue Moon. With tiny little glasses.
Atmosphere: Dive bar, very small. Not too clean. Kinda noisy, with some turd burglars being loud at the bar. And the women's bathroom had two toilets in it, not stalls, just toilets. I guess they support double peeing (not the kind you're thinking of, you dirty bird). It took a long time for our server to get to our table after I got there to get me a glass so I could share in the pitcher. If there is anything a server needs to be prompt about, it's getting me my damn glass so I can get my drink on! She was more or less friendly, kinda slow.
Ca$h: Fries: $3.95 Burger: $4.95 Pitcher: No idea.
Soooo, as you probably were able to tell from my reviews, the winner is:
The Nook!!!
For the value, the fries, but most importantly....for the burger! I highly suggest you visit this place if you live here, or even if you don't!
The End :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Just Some Things
Kanye West is a huge douche-canoe, as if we didn't already know this.
RIP P-Swayze.
I am sick with a cold.
Football is perhaps the greatest sport ever invented and just one more thing I love about the coming of fall.
We made chili yesterday and it was delicious.
We are leaving for Tennessee on Wednesday to visit Justin's parents. The puppah is heading to Dog Day Getaway. Thank goodness for wonderful places like TN and DDG.
I hate packing, most likely because I am a chronic overpacker and it takes me forever.
This is the first time I've ever really been nervous about flying. Just so much plane stuff going on lately. And don't give me the statistics, I know it's "safer" to fly than drive, but could there be anything scarier than falling out of the sky in a huge metal death box?
We lost our playoff match tonight for volleyball. Season's over. Boo.
And a permanent boo to laundry.
I wonder if Community will be a good show? Sidenote: Do I need a '?' there? I feel like it shouldn't be there, but it looked weird with a period.
I don't like when football games are played on the same field as baseball and you can see the dirt.
Adrian Peterson has an open invitation to my bed every night. Justin understands.
Ok, guess I'm done cuz my brain just ran out of thinks. :)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Om Nom Kittahs
Monday, August 24, 2009
Summer Fun
The following week was my birthday and Justin and I went to a place called 'The Melting Pot'. It's a fondue place and it's actually pretty cool. You have a burner on your table and they bring out pots for all the fondues. We had a cheese fondue with veggies, chips, bread, and apples. Next course was a salad. Next was our main fondue with coq au vin broth that came with sirloin, pork, chicken, shrimp, lobster, and filet. It actually wasn't that good. We didn't like the coq au vin flavoring and of course everything you cook in there tastes like it. So we weren't that impressed with the dinner part.
We had a chocolate fondue for dessert. It was milk chocolate with crunchy peanut butter melted in it. It was served with strawberries, pineapple, brownies, cheesecake, poundcake, and bananas. That was delicious!
Overall, we didn't think it was worth the price ($150!). But we were glad we tried it; it was a cool experience. We think we woulda liked it had we ordered just oil to cook it in. For my b-day present, Justin got me a sweet ass watch!
The day after was my actual birthday and the 1st day of 10KLF. Well, I got on the road at a decent time, but an hour and a half into my drive I realized I forgot the tickets and my money! Brian already had to wait for me, and now I had added another 3 hours to the wait! I was so pissed, so was Bri, but what can you do at that point? There's nothing worse than getting outta town, then having to drive back, and then back outta town, this time at rush hour. Awful experience. Then when I finally got to Fergus Falls to meet up with Brian, his phone didn't have reception, so we spent another 45 mins trying to get ahold of each other. We made it to 10k at about 9pm and had to miss Widespread Panic (on my birthday!) to set up our campsite before it got too dark. But the weekend was great; we heard some great music, the weather was perfect, and we had a great time. Unfortunately for Bri, his car broke down in J-town on the way back home! What a crazy adventure.
Our campsite at 10k - everybody kept telling us how sweet it was
Gorgeous sunset (taken from our campsite)
The following weekend I went to my friend Sam's house in Blaine and we had a Daiquiri Day with our friend Jenn (we all used to work together at Morgan Place in GF). We were supposed to go tubing down Welch River, but it was only 70 degrees that day (at the end of July!) and we didn't wanna freeze. But we had so much fun and plan to do it again soon!
And on to August! Well, the first weekend we didn't do much. The following weekend I met up with Melissa in Fargo for a BFF weekend. The weather was crappy, but that didn't matter! We had an awesome time just hanging out, playing cards, and going out to eat. We need those more often!
Last weekend, I went to ValleyFair Friday night with some girls I work with. I heart VF. But this was the first year I actually got sick. No horking (sp?) or anything, but very queasy after round #2 on Wild Thing. I had to take it easy after that, skipped the Power Tower, but made it on Steel Venom - my fave ride! Brenda, Brooklyn, and Josiah came that night to pick up Talia who flew in from NC (she was visiting her dad) on Sat. We picked her up from the airport, got ready, and went to Como Zoo. The girls loved it, especially the butterfly house. After that, we went to Como Town, which is basically like a little amusement park for kids. The girls had a lot of fun on the rides. Sunday we went to Underwater Adventures at the MOA. It was really cool; I loved the turtles! And the sharks were pretty sweet too. The girls liked it too, especially when they got to touch the crabs. It was a fun-filled weekend! It was pretty neat to be able to take the girls to some cool places around here.
Ok, that should bring you up to speed for now! That was a long post, so I'm done now. POB.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Things on my Mind
~ People should not say "irregardless".
~ People should also not say "for all intensive purposes" (right Justin?).
~ If you want to unfreeze meat, you say "thaw", not "unthaw", unless you want to freeze it again.
~ When asked "How are you?", people should answer with something like "Fine, good" etc. They should not answer with the same question. I asked you first.
~ There is no need in the world to make commercials 100x louder than TV programs.
~ The left lane of a highway is for passing/fast drivers. It is not to get a better look at the other side of the field or to see if the cows on that side are the same color.
~ There is very little that is more awkward than walking into a male patient's room while a Vagisil commercial is blaring on the TV.
~ If it's not your own yard, don't play in it.
~ Revving your engine really loud when you see a girl is super cool. Oh wait, I mean it's not. It's not cool at all. I don't think you are cool when you do this. In fact, pretty sure it has the opposite effect on me.
~ If you don't want to wear a helmet when you ride your motorcycle, that's your choice. But I won't feel sorry for you when your splatter your brains on the concrete.
~ Know when to use "too" vs. "to" and "there" vs. "their" vs. "they're"
~ "Save $15.00 off" doesn't make any sense. It's one or the other bitches.
Trust that I will add more to this list as I think of them. So keeping checking back, peeps!
Additions:
~ The word is 'height', there is no 'h' at the end of it. Get it straighth.
~ Do not put your tabs on your license plate in any sort of design. This is silly. They are not for decoration.
~ Use the word 'literally' in the right way. For example: 'She literally charmed the pants off him.' So, she was so charming that he stood there listening to her and decided it was time to depants? I doubt it.
~ I would rather you use no commas instead of too many in the wrong places. An example of a sign I saw in the shower at the lake: 'Please pull curtain, inside ledge when showering.' Same goes for quotations. What does this mean anyway?: Please "only" toilet paper in the toilet (sign in the bathroom at work).
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Upcoming Events
Today I sunbathed and started to get things together for 10klf. Justin washed and waxed my Accord and washed his Element. I helped a little. ;) We've got some steak stroganoff cookin' up in the crockpot - can't wait for that to be in my belly. It's been just a beautiful day. I'm on the deck right now, drinking a beer and Bear is laying next to me, loving this warm weather.
We've got a busy July coming up. This Thursday is the ProStep (company I work for) picnic at Como Zoo in St. Paul. Should be a good time. Saturday we have a housewarming party to go to at Sam and Ben's in Blaine. The following week we leave Thursday for ND for the Price Family reunion at Lake Sakakawea. We'll head to B-town Thursday night and stay with Erin and Steven (hopefully Justin can get outta work a little early!). Friday we'll head up to the lake; it'll be my first time there this summer, what a shame. Can't wait to get on one of those waverunners! We'll head back to the cities on Sunday. The following Monday night I start volleyball - 4-on-4 coed sand - with Jenny Brummer. I'm super pumped about that. Then my birfday is that next Wednesday!! Which is also the start of 10klf, so Bri and I will be spending my b-day and the next 3 days camping out listening to some great live music. All these things will be good times and this is looking like a pretty super July '09.
I'll get lots of pics and fill you guys in on my good times! Happy July to you!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Phish!!
This has always been one of my fave songs, so it was amazing to hear!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
May Updates
After
The weekend after that we had dinner with our friends Sam and Ben. They just moved into a house in Blaine, which is about 9000 miles from here. Ok, it just seems like so far away - takes us a good 45 mins to get there. That sucks, cuz we have a good time together, so it would be nice to live closer. But they made us country fried venison, cheesy potatoes, and asparagus. I was a little concerned about the venison, but it was really good! It all was. Sam made some crazy cucumber gin that Justin tried but I didn't. I made banana cream pie with homemade whip cream for dessert. Good times with good friends.
The next weekend was Mel's wedding! It was an awesome time, minus the losing my keys part. But the wedding went off without a hitch. I didn't get many pics (I was the maid of honor!), but here are a few. Now Josh and Melissa are in Jamaica, probably laying on the beach drinking a Miami Vice. Oh, I am jealous. Justin, I think we are in need of a tropical vacation!
Mel and I at the Rehearsal Dinner
Mel, Josh, and Dawn pre-wedding
Josh trying to laugh away his fears ;)
Then it was back to work this week. And so far it's been a busy one. My brain is pretty much fried from the wedding weekend and this week of work. I can't tell you how excited I am to sleep in this weekend! I think a BBQ should also be in the plans, supposed to be 80 on Sunday! We are in the process of remodeling our kitchen, so I will post some pics of that soon. It's lookin really good so far! And I suppose I should put up some pics of our bathroom that's finally done.
I'll leave you with a few pics of Jack and Kaya I got when I stopped over at Steven and Erin's on my way outta town. Good pups - Jack is a monster!
Peace out.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Last Night

Friday, April 10, 2009
Bear and Scout
Bear looks so vicious but he's so harmless.
"See, it's over yonder."
I am so handsome. Oh, and I love the sun too.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Old News
We had a nice Valentine's day at home together. We always just stay in and make dinner. Neither of us want to deal with the crazy crowds. Plus, we can make just as good a dinner at home and it's a lot cheaper! Justin also bought me some beautiful roses and delicious truffles (seriously delicious). We made, well, you can see what we made!
Here are just some random pics of Bear and his backyard buddy, Scout.
Speaking of our bathroom remodel, here is a pic of all the crap that was in our yard during the process. It's all gone now, hallelujah! Did I spell that right?
When we were in Fargo at the beginning of March, Justin stayed with some friends. Here are a few pics of Shea's dog, Ragnar, jumping for the frisbee. He's got some mad hops ;)
So it looks like cheese was the popular option on the poll! I apologize to everyone who wanted to pick onions - I forgot to put it on the list! I'm looking forward to the day I can enjoy a juicy lucy.
Stay tuned for a new post with some pics of Bear and Scout in action. They played together today for about an hour and I got some good shots.
Have a great Friday everyone and enjoy March Madness! You know I will!