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.

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.

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...

Ringing in the new year

The past year has definitely been one of change and transition. Between us losing some very close friends and family to Corey's new job, we've had some time to reflect and realize how lucky we are. The multiple holiday gatherings really hit that message home, too. New Year's Eve was spent in good company; during the day we went bowling with the Wallaces and CB; I had my usual performance of several strikes followed by several gutter balls. Maybe I should do some research on double-jointedness and bowling. That night we had dinner a new, very hip restaurant in town that I've been meaning to try since its October opening. The restaurant and adjoining theater is supported by a local foundation that supports and develops arts and culture. Corey had a bison burger and I had the tofu curry rice bowl--so yummy. Later we met up with Justin, Niki, Kenny and Rikki and had drinks at the Blackwater. I had this delicious minty martini that was served with a candy cane. That day was a step up from our recent ritual of a 12:15 am bedtime on New Year's.

Blessings on christmas

Apparently everyone and their mother (truly) takes pictures at our family functions, so I really don't have any pictures to show for from our Christmases with the fams, beginning on the 21st and ending the following weekend. This included several dinners, some games, and a spectacular light show. I should have taken pictures of our deck and how much progress one makes after 3 hours of shoveling, but pretty much anyone in the Midwest had the same visual image outside their door Christmas Day. Thankfully, it was a safe trip back to our house that afternoon, where we spent the evening in dry clothes, with the fire on, opening a few small, sentimental gifts and playing board games. To being grateful for the abundance the holidays remind us of...

Happy birthday, coach

Last night Colleen had a birthday party for Coach. She wanted to host an event where friends and family would come together to share memories with Maddux and Josie. She had a journal that people could write down their stories, and then someone was videotaping as people around the room would recollect a touching or a funny story. There were lots of kids there and the most important impression I got in the room last night was how important his family was to him. Happy birthday, coach; you're missed very much.

Some cake & candles

Since my anti-birthday husband wanted to keep the day low-key, I made stew and we had Kim, Tom, Max & Vivi over for dinner and cake (go GF Betty Crocker). Of course I put all 31 candles on the cake, so Max gladly assisted.

Baseball and bento boxes

This year to celebrate our anniversary, we tried to keep it low key. It probably seems like all I ever write about is going out to eat, but honestly, trying a new restaurant is probably one of my favorite things to do. I definitely live on a budget, but I think it would be really hard to cut out this indulgence! So when Corey suggested we combine some retail therapy and baseball (after I nixed his suggestion to go to Valley Fair), I thought his "planning" was perfect. Friday night we went to Midway Stadium to support an alumni and watched a pretty good game. Good memories--we hadn't been there since we were supporting the last alumni who was playing for the Saints. We were seated in the family/friends/wives/trashy girlfriend section and man, that is an entertaining sight to watch--I can only imagine what I would find sitting behind Kate Hudson at a Yankees game. Despite games being family-friendly events, some obnoxious superfan decided it was completely permissible to smoke a cigar at a sold-out game. He was approximately 30 rows in front of me and I was this close to walking down and offering him $20 to put it out. Saturday I introduced Corey to the mecca otherwise known as Ikea. At first I was sort of wandering around aimlessly, commenting on all the items I could use from the staged rooms. We had planned to buy some inexpensive lights, but most of them weren't hard-wired. We ended up with this really great, traditionally-styled wardrobe. Ding, ding! Instant closet. There's even a mirror on the front, which saved us from having to buy one and hang it. We tried this great restaurant for lunch at the MOA called Crave; the food was really good and reasonably priced. Corey had the free-range Chicken Caesar salad (where the lettuce was grilled) and I had a bento box--complete with fruit, sushi, seaweed and tempura--for $10. The Twins had a horrible game--despite a HR in the last inning, but sitting up 4 rows was ample compensation. Lots of bums during warm up...I had my mom's not-so advanced camera, but I managed to nab a few good shots (bad day to not bring the wide-angle lens). We walked back from the lightrail to the hotel in the POURING rain, but it was actually worth a few good laughs.

Lull

Well, the season ended for the team, and it was a long, phenomenal ride. I look back at what the coaches and the team have accomplished this year and it is nothing short of amazing. Just speaking from my perspective, a non-player, non-coach but busy yet involved spouse (BYIS), it's also been a tough, rewarding, emotional ride. The conclusion of the season signaled a date for us out to a movie. We're making plans for next weekend, too, which includes some serious yard projects.

Weekends

There's been a nice balance of short bursts of obligation and fun moments in the last few weekends. My sister and her kiddies came to visit, which included dinner out with them, Corey and my parents (which really only happens on holidays), in addition to Sunday brunch at my parents'. In honor of our togetherness I broke down and bought my absolute favorite sparkling wine that I profiled on my other site. Then last Friday, Corey and I had dinner with some friends and still made it home early. Saturday we had brunch (I'm a big fan if you didn't notice), went to the new and gargantuan Menard's, made a mental list of some house items/summer projects, and each got a new hat to boot. Fun and even some productivity. Plus it makes you forget how much you can dread Monday mornings.

Day of hearts

Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon with Tiffany and Kade--it was a nice surprise. She called on her way into MN, so I was really glad to hear she'd be in town. Kade let me hold him and I got a few giggles out of him, too. I didn't take any pictures, sadly, but we had a good time and some excellent conversation. Corey & I went out for dinner at one of my favorite local places hoping to convert him. It worked. He had the 3-cheese penne and I had the Thai turkey chili and the salmon with raspberries and peaches. It was delicious.

A romantic gift

For my Valentine's gift, I asked for these running shoes. I know, it's really sexy. Not that it's even about the gift, and actually we had a quasi-agreement that we wouldn't buy gifts for one another, instead, to buy items for the house (case in point: for Christmas, we bought another one of these chairs for the LR). However, I want these before March, considering March is the absolute latest I can begin training for the half. And if I receive them tomorrow, I can start training tomorrow. Corey's getting a Shutterfly calendar and a photo card. Planned in advance, however, ordered barely in the nick of time.

Happy 30th to my man

I had debated between throwing a surprise party for Corey and just going out to dinner. I joked that he doesn't really like celebrating his birthday, but I know how much he--like everyone else--likes spending time with their friends. So considering all the craziness that's been circling around lately, I thought it was a good time to celebrate. It was mostly a surprise and he was so glad to see so many people all coming together--that was the best part. Happy birthday, baby; I love ya. It's going to be a great decade.

The homemade craps table (this took some online research)


The blackjack dealer & her assistant

Logical answer

Corey's response to my question as to why he doesn't read my blog:
"Because I live with you [duh]."

2nd anniversary mark

Corey and I have a fun plan to celebrate our anniversary--each year, the other person plans the trip. With our schedules, the only times we can really go away are after Christmas and the few weeks before school starts. Plus, we have a pact that we can save on everyday things but taking a trip every year is something we have to do for ourselves. So I had given him some random and elusive clues and Monday afternoon we headed to Bayfield. I went the B & B route and we were both so happy with the results! We were a three-minute drive from downtown, we had lots of privacy, an AMAZING view of the lake, and the breakfast that came to our door in a basket was homemade and delicious. We had homemade apple juice, quiche with feta and sun-dried tomatoes, and almond butter scones...We took the ferry tour to Madeline Island, and I managed to have a delicious GF pizza at a local charmer, Ethel's at 250. I bought Corey (aka us) an anniversary book, so that each year we can reflect on our goals and celebrations (thanks, Liz). Happy anniversary, Corey, je t'aime--

Family, friends & baseball

This weekend we headed south for multiple forms of weekend entertainment. Friday we stayed with the Despins, & Liz & Bryan, the newest members of the city, came over for dinner. We went to the local baseball game to see some of Corey's best play. It was Plunger night (who thinks of these promotions?) so Nathan had a great time plunging everyone's legs. Saturday we got to see the Pershing's new homestead and headed to Karla's for their housewarming. I think ladderball is the most popular outdoor home sport. Saturday night we stayed with Nick & Anne, & headed to the Twins game and then had a great dinner at Joe's Garage. My & Anne's purses were so big collectively that at the game, they got their own seat.

Date day

Sundays are the best when you partake in fun activities and mostly forget that Monday is soon approaching. Corey and I took off because of our open house and went out to brunch at this wonderfully quaint little place near the lake. Only about 20 tables but well worth it if you have to wait. Homemade blueberry pancakes. Yum. Afterwards we went to see Leatherheads, which was more or less an homage to the town for which the team was named. It was actually filmed in NC, and the setting could have really been anywhere in 1925. But the views of Clooney were spectacular, as usual. We hit the grocery store and then had Kim and Tom over for dinner. We played Loaded Questions and watched baseball: a great end to our weekend. We had planned to grill for most of the day, but when the sleet starting falling we decided the "Welcome Spring" BBQ would have to wait.

Feeling loved

This weekend was great as I got to celebrate my birthday with lots of people I love. Also, I can't believe how many times I got a treasure or a card, reminding myself how thoughtful my friends and family are and how thankful I am. Thanks for making it so special! Monday night my parents had us over for teriyaki steak, twice-baked potatoes and mom's new famous flourless chocolate cake (made with garbanzo beans!). I brought the remnants into work the next day and no one could believe it was actually good for you. (I am digging for the recipe, but I know for sure it's from Bette Hagman's Gluten Free Gourmet). My co-workers and I went out for lunch on Friday, then CR, Shandiz, Corey and I went out for dinner that night. We met up with Joe, Em, Aaron, Lenae, CB and Jodi for some bowling. We had a great time. Saturday was CR's bridal shower and it was great to celebrate at Melissa's uber-cool Victorian house. (The flourless cake also made a successful appearance). By Saturday night, the proverbial truck had hit me and the bragging about not being sick had evaporated. I've been chugging down tea and using my Neti pot, so I'm hoping for a quicker recovery.

Preview of future weekends

This past weekend was mostly crazy busy with some fun mixed in. I took the day off Friday and Corey was off for the week, so we scoured the house in preparation for meeting with our listing agent. We filled our entire truck with old mismashy furniture and Corey took it all to the recycling center, and we can now see the basement floor again. I mean, you could probably take up residence down there. The agent walked through the house with us, room by room, and told us what we should update to get ready to sell. Two big items include replacing our back door and cracked glass in our living room window. The rest is really painting, replacing baseboards, organizing, moving furniture, cleaning the carpets, etc. Not huge expenses but just a lot of time. So...we are trying to map out our tasks for Menards and elsewhere and will try to get cracking. We went to 6 open houses on Sunday with her and it becomes rather easy to decide which houses are worth considering and which are just kinda icky. So, the faster we can sell I think the more freedom we have to choose something else. Friday night Kim and Tom invited us over to their new place and we hottubed it under the stars--that was fun. Saturday we priced some items we're planning on buying--a bookcase, an ottoman, and possibly a chair. Any other advice for preparing/staging your house?

Snow in the desert

I just returned for Tuscon where I had been for a conference. We were lucky enough to stay at the Biosphere2 and man, for not being a scientist, I was pretty amazed with the place! It kind of brought me back to being a kid again, where everything that surrounds you supplies a certain type of wonder and awe. It certainly didn't hurt that every morning when I woke up and looked out the window, there were mountains surrounding us. We stayed in little casitas which, during the academic year, are dormitories for students doing research in the Biosphere. I was struck by the desert and how vastly different the landscape is from what I'm used to. The southwest is just going in to their spring, which is really the only time of the year where they see rain. There were notes posted warning visitors to watch for the javelinas (wild pigs), deer, racoon-like animals, mice, and very rarely, the Gila monster. That was more than enough to keep me on the path to the parking lot.


Last Tuesday night we actually celebrated Valentine's due to my leaving early on Thursday. We went to Pizza Luce, which we've been known to frequent on the 14th, and then stopped at another watering hole for a glass of wine. We actually both made homemade cards this year which was great. Corey got a tie and some cheeky boxers (which I get him every Valentine's) and I got Obama's book The Audacity of Hope. I was really touched; I had mentioned the book a few weeks ago and was pleased he had remembered. I can't put it down. Thanks for the great Valentine's Day, babe. I heart you.