The ladies

After much planning and date arranging, several of the ladies were able to make the trek north for a weekend getaway to this lovely townhouse in Beaver Bay. Despite the rainy conditions, we managed a walk and a chat down on the Lake Superior shore and a dinner out here. Most of our time, however, was spent chatting, eating, and just catching up on each other's lives. The newest member of the clan, Reagan, was unbelievably willing to snuggle with her mama, lulled to sleep by the crazy chatter. Thanks for a wonderful weekend, ladies! It was very rejuvenating to be around all of you. It makes me miss you a whole lot more.

Our attempt at the chic, windblown look.

The cupcakes spelled out "Happy Birthday Liz and Kat." That's a lot of cupcakes.

One of the many delicious items that we ate during the weekend. Of course there was no shortage of food, candy, drinks, etc.

Away

I drove down to see my sister and the kiddos this past weekend, yes, for a visit, but for more than that. Things have been rather heavy of late and I have been taking opportunities to leave my to-do lists and other domestic responsibilities behind. Literally and figuratively, I needed to get away. There was some soccer game watching, pool time, play time and game time. I am switching jobs and am very excited for this change. I'm ready for a new set of challenges and want to work towards putting my mark on something different and quasi yet-to-be-determined. I won't be taking my traditional time off in August, but I'll settle for some additional weekend getaways. Breathe deeply, be excited for what's to come, and enjoy the fleeting days of summer.

J's visit home

Good luck with your new job, Mrs. Doudrick!

Summer fare

I ate this for three days in a row. It doesn't get much better than this.

Another take on outdoor activity.

Number of insect bites endured on recent camping trip: 57. For real. Which is amusing since my last post so confidently poo-pooed the bugs. Damn hubris. I had been looking forward to our camping weekend for weeks; an opportunity for us to be alone, outside, with limited cell phone reception. I put bug spray on (the semi-non-toxic kind), and by 7:00pm I was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants, but hell hath no fury when the mosquitoes and flies were biting me through my pants (many butt lesions to prove it). I surrounded myself with the citronella candles to kick the hub's bum in Poker Yahtzee (which is really fun). I felt bad because I was whining about it; I've been camping my whole life, so it's not like I haven't been bitten before. My sister thinks I might have a more serious allergic reaction (my ankles were kind of swollen, there were clusters of bites). It was not pretty. I'll save the pictures for those in the medical field.

Another thing I'm possibly allergic to--shocking. I'll post some pictures of the happy moments.

I heart summer

Monday evening, assessing the end of the weekend: I'm full of welted bug bites but it's worth it; I'll wear them like a badge of seasonal honor. There's an obvious sense of revelry that northerners have when the weather gets warm, even downright hot. But beyond that, I'll complain little about the heat, I'll silence my grumbles about the bugs and I'll take naps after a long day outside because we earn these glorious days. (I am glad, however, that I have AC.)
Friday, after my nap on the lawn chair (again, I heart summer) the hubs and I bought paint for the living room, dining room, entryway and hallways, which comes to five gallons. Despite my love for decorating, the last few color choices in this house haven't been exactly what I envisioned; maybe I'm become less of a hue risk-taker. I want the color to maintain the warm, sunny feeling of the space. Then we went and ate chicken wings and I drank cider. That was our dinner. Later that night we hot tubbed it at the Berrisfords and spied a few lightening bugs--so cool.

The Gina sandwich--all from the old hood


Saturday we went to the Geneoveses' cabin, old family friends who live across the street from my parents. There were friends and families from many different connections, but we talked about how the cabin is really a nucleus for so many of our summer stories.

Sunday we headed north and attended another family/friend gathering where we got to try out our new custom-made beanbag boards (this is serious business) and I proceeded to not win my matches. Fireworks and parade-watching summed up a great weekend.

Family and friends abound

Little elfin Fi

Grownups' night at Blackwater (notice the unplanned purple and blue/red combos)
Good, kids! The coloring tradition has continued!

Papa and the little Diva

I was lucky that despite a week-long trip away for work, I was able to see most of the visitors who came into town. CARH and Fiona were here for two whole weeks so I was able to see them on many occasions, which included a highly-recommended afternoon sitting in her parents' sun porch, which is the closest thing to actually being in a tree while remaining indoors. My sister and the kiddos came and we had a blast--coloring, watching movies, and just being silly. I love that they are the age where everything is just exciting--just ask Sydney. She's the queen of excited. Shandiz, the culinary artist, was able to come for the end of the Hedayati trip, so we spent some time talking about, what else, restaurants. I've been spoiled with many visits already this summer, and a few more to come...

Summertime is weddingtime

I have to collect as many of these coupley pictures as I can--someone tends to close his eyes in about 40% of our attempted photos...

Summer could be here

This weekend was packed, and definitely in a good way. I pulled out my summer clothes storage box that I keep under the bed and welcomed back my long sundresses and Bermuda shorts. The weather has been unseasonably warm lately, so I finally gave in to a wardrobe shift.

Liz and her bridesmaids (We even got a picture with Nan, who has done makeup for most of our weddings!)




Liz's sister Noelle was married last weekend and I was just in love with her vintage-inspired dress and all of its details. The downtown St. Paul building was recently restored it was very cool. Janell and I helped with O for the day; the event was definitely a family affair and it was clear that this couple surrounds themselves with good people. The night before, we headed to Pizza Luce, which after my overwhelming excitement at the GF menu, Janell knew there were no other dining options. It was glorious--eating pizza that was ordered in a restaurant. I savored every bite. We stayed with Amy & Conor, who made us coffee and breakfast. I made sure to rub that one in with the hubs.


Sunday, CB and Dan came over for dinner during a visit home. I wish we would have had more than an evening, but we had a blast. The table was set with candles and some fresh lilacs from our bush, and we grilled shish kabobs and used the fresh berries with some cake for dessert. The sports talk was designated for one room and the kooky, I've-known-you-my-whole-life-so-we-talk-about-everything conversation took place in the kitchen. Hopefully a visit to the east coast isn't too far off!

Mother's Day

We counted this as the fifth Mother's Day of our annual brunch celebration here. Our waiter had to earn his keep that day--we were there for over two hours. My mom and I, with my cousin Mary (back), her stepmom, Sharon, and her daughter-in-law, Tricia. After brunch we did some window shopping and antique hunting. I'm still thinking about the circa-1910 mahogany clawfoot dining table that I don't have room for...We plan to expand the group next year, which hopefully includes my sisters!

Spring times

My co-workers & I prepping for a 5K
Dory & I at the Faculty/Staff Luncheon--formal theme

Rancher town

A recent trip--in the busiest time of the year--was actually quite relaxing. I know my geographical surroundings had a lot to do with my respite. Just a few days prior to my arrival, Missoula (which is the only city by that name in the world) had a snowstorm; by the time I landed it was brown landscape and flowering trees. Climbing to the M, located in the foothills behind the University campus, takes about 1.5 hours, but the view is definitely worth the effort. Despite its small size (I know Tiffany would disagree with that measurement), there were several small, locally-owned restaurants and shops that definitely fit my liking, and kind of reminded me of the hippy/small town/uniqueness of Duluth. Any visitor to this town has to climb to the top of the M--which I did, promptly, without my camera. About an hour to the top.

Some wonderful little ditty shops I stumbled upon: Noteworthy, a beautiful little stationery shop (printing press in the basement) that sells the wittiest little cards that I sent on to a few friends. Their store window was amazing, as it featured four dresses, all completely made out of paper.


Butterfly Herbs was a haven, complete with a coffee shop, and tea/candy/vintage trinkets store. Bestill my heart.

Restaurants--quite a variety of fare for a smaller town (that exceeded eateries with bars). El Cazador (the hunter): very down-home atmosphere; excellent tamales and mole sauce. The Up Town Diner: straight out of 1950; giant breakfasts. Didn't get a chance to try "Missoula's best shake." The Shack Cafe was much more charming than its name describes, with its vintage paneling and wooden booths. Amazing huervos rancheros. Sawaddee Thai Restaurant--delicious green curry. Big Dipper Ice Cream: completely worth the 15-minute walk and 20-minute line. The choices of flavors, cones and dips are enough to make old and young alike dizzy with sugar-infested delight. Lastly, the people here are down to earth, genuine. Minnesota nice, western style.

Ladies, revisited pts. I and II

CR's backyard

Near Carlsbad Public Beach

Cousin Chanel & I

CB's excellent profile

This week, as I slowly recover from my traveling lag and general attentiveness to non-vacation activities, I'm left with an overwhelming sense of love and comfort, reminding me of the immense value of my female friendships. The familiar feeling after being with my ladies--laughter, serious and not-so-serious conversations, fashion consultation, gossipy consultation, life-altering decision consultation--I am renewed and struck by the immense nourishment I get from these relationships. I know I am lucky. Not every woman I know has such an incredible support system. I try not to take that for granted. And although there are curves in our lives and the direction digresses from one another at times, I know who I can count on.

It was hard to say goodbye to the Carries--66% percent of the trifecta--as CR dropped us off at the airport Monday morning. Rarely are all three of us ever in the same location at the same time, but this trip proved we're on to something and I know we won't wait too long before that is replicated. Let's just say that the trip was one of indulgence--lots of eating (thanks to Shandiz for preparing all of those glorious plates and cocktails); shopping (J Crew dress on clearance; golf clothes for this summer); taking in the beach; trying out a few new restaurants; and spending most of our time dissecting the daily goings on of our lives. Their friends, Victor and Janine, whom I've gotten to know from the wedding, hosted a BBQ. My cousin Chanel and her friend came by for dinner(homemade enchiladas per the baby daddy) and us four older adults were transported back to an episode of "I'm a 20-year-old College Student." That makes you feel old. The views surrounding San Diego/Carlsbad really are spectacular, and the rolling (and massive) hills do leave you with a sense that this place is quite grand.

While approaching the officer in the security line, I let an older gentleman in line ahead of me, whom just happened to be one of our former Vice Presidents--what a cool experience. Looks much younger than 82!



The weekend prior to my departure out west, I met with my college friends for Kat's going away party for her deployment. Now you can understand this thread of recent female camaraderie! Beth and I drove down for the day and most of our ladies were there. Amy had a great spread for us, including GF chocolate cake. The silliness was inevitable, and soon I felt like it was all of us again, just with a few more husbands and kiddos. I left with the feeling that I don't see them enough; we need to get moving on our next event. (Cabin? Spa?)

A few good days

I was really excited to try this new restaurant, and strangely enough, since I had been there despite its November opening, I thought my birthday would be a good excuse to make my first visit. I had the spicy roll sampler, which included tuna, salmon and California rolls. The shumai dumplings were yummy, too. It was a really good mix of ladies--which left me thinking there should be more ladies-only events. After dinner we headed here and met up with Corey and some of the other men, and had some very excellent martinis. Saturday night we had dinner and my parents'--steak and twice-baked potatoes--and my mom surprised us by inviting Corey's parents. Sunday I drove to the Metrodome to watch the Saints play St. Thomas. I swear I get so nervous I shouldn't even be allowed to sit in the stands. Monday I spent a few hours shopping, drinking in all of the retail therapy I don't have access to at home. It was an excellent weekend.

The 30 crowd

Within 12 months houses the 30th birthdays of me and a great majority of my friends. Bonne Anniversaire, mes amies! I'm feeling the pressure to adopt a philosophy about this monumental birthday. Humor (and Hallmark) aside, most of the credos of aging are negative. Generally, I think being able to say I'm 30 (most likely because people I meet can barely believe I'm 20) kicks ass. There are so many conventions about what one should be at every landmark age and I don't really buy into that. For a lot of what we do, I think age is just a suggested guideline--consider it but don't let it dictate you. Maybe it's just a gaping dose of self-assessment/ego-centrism, but seeing that we live quite a bit longer than they did during Medieval times, we have to let our self-created mantras be our living guidelines, right?

My 30th year's worth of advice [to myself]:
1. Laugh more. Lots more.
1a. Have a kick ass party in your honor and don't think twice about it.
2. Care less about the tasks that in reality don't matter but consume much of your time. Still do them, but strive to care less.
3. Participate in creative endeavors more frequently (like the pottery class offered this summer).
4. Keep exercising so that you can still do it when you’re 70. (Make vanity only your second priority. Don’t worry that you are incredibly less flexible than even 10 years ago.)
4a. Don't skip dessert because it makes you appear sad.
4b. Don't buy the cheap wine just because it's cheaper; buy what tastes good.
5. Continue to kiss your husband each & every day, even if he doesn't like your gooey lip gloss.
6. Tell those closest to you that you love them, even if they're not people that you say "I love you" to.
7. Practice your spirituality, whatever that means to you.
8. Volunteer more. You do have time.
8a. Join a foundation/non-profit/become a board member of a cause that matters to you (DSAMN, Art Institute).
9. Remember that a dog's POV is a pretty good way to look at the world (i.e. let it go).
10. Let it go. Being right all the time doesn't ensure well, anything, really.
11. Who cares if people are mad at you. You can't be everything to everyone.
12. Be grateful. Every day.
13. Learn to water ski. Forget how much farther you are from the water than when you were 8.

Girls (and boys) just wanna have fun

Last weekend I joined in Anne's birthday celebration at a few of the metro area's downtown hotspots. Most of the people in Anne's group had been to Chiang mai Thai on Hennepin Ave, but what a jewel that I got to discover! The green veggie curry was excellent and gluten-free. Plus, I've never met a spring roll I didn't like. There were tables waiting for the guest of honor here, where we watched some dancers in their very bright and revealing costumes, gave some tips (Lady Gaga was amazing), leaving me to wonder where it all goes in those outfits? The Shout House was quite popular, considering basically every song is a crowd favorite. There were some heavy metal covers that even sounded great on the piano.

Some sweet

Made some delicious sweet potato pancakes this morning, topped with real maple syrup and toasted walnuts. Bon appetit.

Vegas vaycay

Outside the water show at Bellagio

Livin' it up at the Ghostbar. Went to bed at 6am MN time. I was quite proud of us. Must have been those $12 cocktails...

Us at Caesar's Palace. The dealers were wearing fake gold chains.

Outside our hotel. Had breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi with Jenna and the mushroom and brie egg white omelet was perfection!

The conservatory in the Bellagio--celebration of the Chinese New Year.



We're already talking about the next trip. I'm thinking white sand...