They actually grow up

I had to steal this picture from my sister because during this event, I realized the need for me to take pictures was about 0. My family is a bunch of shutterbugs, and I easily default to getting them later. I was kind of struck by how grown up Amanda looked this weekend; it forces you to take stock in how fast time goes by. It was really nice to go down and see the Despins and then spend some time with my family at Karla's. I think the number of kids has superceded the adults. Be very afraid : )

A nod to self-reflection

Last weekend I was digging through my old Ireland mementoes, trying to find an email address for a B&B. Alas, I found a collection of several journals that I kept during the end of high school and through the first two years of college. Let's just say I laughed and laughed! How dramatic our lives are sometimes. And yet...I feel lucky that I took time to document some milestones--going to college, meeting Corey, studying abroad--gaining some shreds of what I hope to consider infinite and long-lasting wisdom. Sure we can focus on the silly and absolutely stupid things we did "when we were young," but inevitably, those are the times when we're starting to learn who we are and what the heck we are trying to do in this world. I would like to think this "journal" allows me to do that, but this writing is pretty G-rated in various respects. Perhaps my trip back over the Atlantic will encourage some more soul searching on paper. Do any of you still journal?

Ladies about town

Kerrie, Carrie, Carrie & Carrie



This weekend a group of six of us gathered to celebrate CR's bachelorette-dom. We stayed just outside of downtown, so everything we ventured out to do was nearby. To summarize the weekend, we basically ate and relaxed in various forms. Keep in mind that 4 of the 6 attendees were named Carrie/Kerrie. This got really confusing. We tried calling each other by our initials or our middle names. However, most of the time someone would call one of us and all 4 would respond. My favorite places we went this weekend (most involve food, of course): the French Meadow Bakery (I had the zone omlet w/ sundried tomatoes and goat cheese), True Thai, Chino Latino (CR and I actually ordered drinks called the Crack Ho Mojito), and the Aveda Institute for a beauty afternoon. Surdyk's had an amazing chocolate and cheese selection (women could live off of these two things alone) and I was introduced to the cheese monger--yes, they are actual people who cut cheese. Saturday night after dinner, we ended up at a highbrow club/bar where apparently Timberwolves, Vikings (CR said they were there; I wouldn't recognize them since I know nothing about football) and various model/plasticy mannequin-types seem to frequent. There was a very funny incident involving a man who said we were invading his "roped off space" and we got a good laugh out of that. The weekend was so much fun and was a great way to kick back and to celebrate CR's upcoming big day. Congrats to the bride-to-be!

Creativity minus 5

Maybe I should double check certain things--paying bills on time, locking the door--basic things--a little more.


I love the smell of my [grand]mom's spaghetti sauce.



People would say that I genuinely care about those in my life.


I don’t understand why the gestational period of a rabbit is around 6 weeks, and an elephant's is around 89.


When I wake up in the morning I usually envision a day of sleeping in.


I [lose] pretty vital items--keys, phone, wallet, checkbook--during any given week.


Life is full of small, treasured moments. Moments that define who we are and why we live our lives to be happy.


My past is pretty good.


I get annoyed when people don't turn into the lane closest to them.


Parties are being redefined as I age. Fun, though.


I wish I could speak another language fluently.


Dogs will hopefully be a part of our family.


Cats always want to be around me. The feeling's not mutual.


Tomorrow I'm going to a department dinner.


I have low tolerance for the idea that women can't do "male" projects. I think employees at Menards might believe this.


I’m totally terrified of getting into a car accident.


I wonder why people consider it neccessary to text while simultaneously walking down the hall/driving.



Never in my life have I bungee jumped.


High school wasn't 1/17 as fun as college!


When I’m nervous I get a stomachache.


One time at a family gathering I sat on my uncle's lap and had a few sips of wine. Wait, that was quite a few gatherings.


Take my advice: Tell the truth.


Making my bed makes me feel like my house is super clean.


I'm almost always procrastinating.


I’m addicted to miso soup.


I want someone to tell a joke that makes my stomach hurt from laughing.

nod to AI

I promised Corey I would post this and this on my blog, since he's probably Jason's #1 fan...

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.

House for sale

Well...we did it. The last few weeks have been a complete blur, but the house officially went on the market yesterday. Honestly, if I wanted to blog about something else I couldn't, because this endeavor has consumed my thoughts of the recent past! We really couldn't have done it without the help of our family and friends. I can TOTALLY sympathize with our friends who have done this in the recent past, esp. with kids. I took a ton of pictures once everything was finished and cleaned (oh yeah--that was an entire day in itself). I think it looks great! All shiny and cute. I decided to change my blog page designs--I've been on this green/hippie vibe for a while, where everything needs to be green, orange, blue...probably any sign of growthy or color is a signal that spring needs to come to this town. Happy spring everyone! The sun is shining and it's a good thing.