11.4.08

Can you imagine what it would have been like to be in Grant Park that night? Unbelievable. The next chapter in history has been written.

Replication

Okay, I know the world of photos on last weekend has been done, but I thought I would put out a few more that were really funny. After the shower, Liz, Janell, Ryker, Noelle & Debra headed to the BooZoo at the Como Zoo. I am pretty sure the adults had more fun than the kids. FYI, my camera sucks. Santa, if you're reading this, I would put in a request for this nice camera.

Volunteerism

In junior high, CB & I volunteered at one of the local hospitals, where the aprons were in fact candy-striped. Besides the last day of volunteering (which involved a cart, a sheet and CB & I hiding underneath the cart), I liked to think that we were providing some shred of goodness to people. For the last few weeks, I had been thinking a lot about volunteering for the local DFL office. One of their volunteers had called me a few times and it was set up. I went last night, not knowing what to expect. I am sure this office was much like other offices in any state. It contained about 30 volunteers, many who greeted me at the door. My job was important but simple--I called voters to ask about their leanings for the Senate & Presidental race. Only 2 people hung up on me out of about 60--not bad! They offered homemade food to everyone. But more importantly, after talking to a few of the volunteers, I realized that a lot of them have been volunteering every week, every day for a looooong time. I left with my yard sign, a button and a warm, fuzzy feeling. It felt like my time was warranted, and that I was exercising my earnestness toward something productive. I'm not looking for a gold star, but I guess it's nice to be reminded that giving our time can be signifigant.

Love/hate groceries

Today's food supply was reaching the blah/gross level. I wasn't that hungry for breakfast (aka I overslept and didn't have time to make what I wanted--eggs), and lunch didn't seem too interesting (I had some trail mix, brie & GF crackers), so by the time dinner rolled around I was anticipating a meal as spectacular as Thanksgiving. That's why I love grocery shopping. Not the time it takes (however, we made it in/out in less than 45 min), but I love coming home, cleaning out the fridge and later opening it to discover its bounty. Lots of colors of fruits & veggies, homemade meals ready for consumption. I know, I'm wierd. But I took a picture of it (I guess Kat inspired me subconsciously?). When they get Simon delivers up here, I'm going to be all over it. Dinner was good, and it inspired me to make an apple crumble. Yum. I'm all about the apples lately.

Fun yet relaxing

The best recipe for a weekend: getting to relax, seeing friends/family and being productive. I went to the co-op in preparation for making Curried Butternut Squash soup. It's the best thing about fall, and it's really easy. I make a giant batch and then eat half of it for about a week and freeze the rest. Friday nights I've become accustomed to just sitting. In front of the TV. Nothing else really happens, but I am able to pare down my TV's DVR list. I love it. Saturday morning I had a catch up coffee with my wonderful friend, Jen; I swear 3 hours once every other month isn't enough! We are going to try to get together more often. Saturday afternoon, Corey and our friends Niki & Justin headed south for a BBQ/get together at our college friends'. I was prepared for cold temps, dressed in a sweater, with a vest, scarf and boots packed in the trunk. I opened the car door upon our arrival and people were wearing shorts. It turned out to be a glorious day. Sunday we went to Tom & Kim's to make cookies (I sprung for the GF ones) and that night had a wee dinner party with them and the Hedayatis. I didn't take a picture of the spread but it was great! I don't always look forward to Sundays (due to impending Mondays) but what better way to spend it?



I had to put this in here because 1) the look on everyone else's face is hilarious (I can only wonder what conversation was ensuing); and 2) my rump is the victim of the non-timed photo.


The Hedayatis' first visit to our house (we are all doped up on sugar & lots of food):

Out of touch with america's youth

So, a few days ago I was at Target trying to find a little nugget to send to my nieces for their birthdays. I have come to the conclusion that 1) I'm proabably not the "cool" aunt and perhaps haven't been for some time and 2) the reason I am not cool is I don't have a clue about the pulse of 3-12 year-olds. It's too young for gift cards, right? Because I completely get that once you're in junior high/high school you wouldn't be caught dead in anything that a relative over the age of 20 would buy you. So I'm in the checkout line at Target and I ask a young girl if she would like (insert gift) if she were 10. I think I totally freaked her out because I'm of course a stranger; if I had kids and some random lady started talking to them, I would be freaked out. She replied with a meek "I guess," which left me uncertain. Does your older-but-clueless auntie get a gold star because she meant well but had no clue, aka her heart was in the right place?

Autumn

The rain finally quit yesterday and the last two days have been absolutely glorious. I've been so sad because of course all of the most sunshiny days I am at work, only able to see the cacaphony of color when I leave the office and peer out toward the lake. The trees are becoming intermittenly bare, so I think I have to go take pictures tonight. Fall is hands-down my favorite season because everything is changing and becoming so rich in color. I really want to drive north along the shore to see its majesty, so I may have to make time for that this weekend.