Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Technology Sadness


For the last month I've been thinking to myself, "I really should back up the files on my computer." Yesterday I was sad that I hadn't. My computer crashed. If this has ever happened to you, you know the sick feeling that accompanies the thought that you've pictures, music, and work. In the grand scheme of things, it isn't such a big thing. But here's a friendly reminder:

Prevent technology sadness by backing up your files!!!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

A mother is...


"A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four
pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she
never did care for pie."


~Tenneva Jordan

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

It just doesn't get any better than this...


Two of my favorite treats have joined forces to create an irresistable candy sensation. Dark chocolate and Peanut M&Ms. I don't stand a chance.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

A picnic, a walk, and a proposal...


That's what the Saturday before last had for me.

I said yes, by the way.

You're never too old for a trip to the zoo.


My sister and I recently visited Omaha to visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Old Market. She's been hearing for a while now that Omaha has one of the best zoos in the country, frequently compared to the San Diego Zoo. We spent about 7 hours there only stopping for lunch. There was so much to see. If you are ever near Omaha be sure to make a stop there. The zoo was definitely worth the visit and the Old Market was a fun bonus, especially the Candy Shop.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Best Sneakers Ever!

Today I went for a run and I was thinking about how comfy my new running shoes are (Gel-Nimbus 9 by Asics). I picked them up a little over a month ago. I asked other runners what shoes they recommended, and everyone answered Asics as did the salesperson at the sporting goods store. So I got a pair and they truly are the best tennies I've ever owned. So if you're in the market new shoes, Asics are the way to go.

Friday, July 06, 2007

Thank you Liberty Mutual


I've been noticing the music on the new Liberty Mutual commercial and thanks to the Internet and iTunes I have been sampling music from HEM. How have I never heard of them before? Check out the commercial...

"The Part Where You Let Go"

and here's an older commercial featuring another song by HEM...

"Half Acre"

Thursday, July 05, 2007

My sister the songwriter


Have you ever had that feeling when someone you are close to does something pretty amazing and your heart just swells with pride? I had that feeling tonight.

I was over at my parents' house and my dad, my sister and I were playing music out on the patio. Towards the end of our little hootenanny my sister sang a couple of songs she wrote recently. They were really beautiful.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Oh deer!


I had a fun surprise on my bike ride today. While enjoying the bike path by the river I spotted a deer. She was running on another path closer to the river and then came up onto the path that I was on only about 40 feet in front of me. I tried to keep up with her, but she was too fast even though I was going about 20mph. She must have realized that she wasn't getting far enough away from me because she quickly ran back into the tall grass and trees and I lost her. I love it when things like that happen. To my left houses and a dike. But to my right trees, river, deer. I just wish I'd had my camera.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

A Fun Find












I recently attended an Art Festival and stumbled across a booth where a man was making name rings. He used a jewelers saw to carve names into silver or gold rings. He said that it usually takes him about 10 minutes to carve a ring with a single name, but he can put as many as 35 letters on a ring to make mother's/family rings which of course take more time. The rings were pretty cute so I decided to treat myself to one. All I had to do was give him my name and return later that day to pick it up. Check out Vickerman Name Rings.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

How Deep the Father's Love for Us


I went to a women's book club tonight through my church. We are reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. The story is based on the book of Hosea in the Bible. I've read the book before, but as I'm rereading it I've been thinking a lot about what God's love is like. The more I think about it the more I realize that it is incomprehensible.

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:17-19

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Mountain Mama

I recently took a road trip to Billings, Montana to visit my man. The last time I had been to Montana was when I was in junior high and I hadn't seen mountains since my family took a trip to Colorado in high school. I remembered that the mountains were beautiful, but I had forgotten just how incredible they are.

We went to a place called Rosebud for a hike. We hiked up into the mountains 3 miles to called Mystic Lake. It was really pretty. The hike was not too difficult, although in some places it was a little tricky. We had a picnic at the lake and then headed out. We spent about 5 hours on our trek. The scenery was amazing.


One day we drove through Bear Tooth Pass. We went beyond Bear Tooth Pass to a gorge about 30 minutes away. We spent about an hour in Red Lodge going to the shops and getting coffee. My favorite shop was the candy store. They had every kind of salt water taffy.


We also went white water rafting in Absarokee, MT. I was sooooo nervous. The guide took us on a small raft - we were the only people and he wanted to try it out. We wore wet suits so it wasn't cold at all, but I wasn't a fan of wearing a skin tight body suit either! At one point on the trip, we climbed up the river bank and jumped off of a small cliff. Pretty wild, I know. We saw a bald eagle nest and a ranch previously owned by Mel Gibson. It was a lot of fun, but my back was sore from rowing the next day.

On the way home I stopped to visit a friend who was expecting a baby. I was hoping that she would have the baby by the time I got there, but no such luck. Thirty minutes after I left her husband called me to say that her water had broken. What timing!

I had a great time visiting friends and gallivanting through the mountains.
I can't wait to go back!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

I'm a runner?!?!









I ran in the Fargo 1/2 Marathon last Saturday. It was an amazing experience. The weather was less than desirable: windy and cold. I optimistically wore a tank top and shorts and I was regretting that decision until I got into the run a few miles and started breaking a sweat. I felt really good until about mile 11, at which point a feeling of desperation came over me as I became acutely aware of every muscle in my legs and bum. But when I saw the finish line and my friends standing off to the side I felt great. Of course as soon as I stopped I felt horrible, but it was worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks to everyone who supported me during my training.

Friday, May 11, 2007

How not to give a retirement speech...


One of the paraprofessionals (education assistant) I work with is retiring this year. She's worked in the district for quite some time and the school held a retirement party for her the other day. The crowd encouraged her to give a speech. She did. It went something like this:

"I didn't prepare a speech. I'm not really sure what to say. I will miss the kids. I will miss some of you."

I wondered which of us she was going to miss. Too funny!

Monday, May 07, 2007

What died in here?!?!?


A recent e-mail from my sister...

"Your blog stinks! It smells kind of old and moldy like cheese that has gone bad!"

I just checked to see when I last wrote and I must admit that I am a very pathetic blogger. Will try harder in the future. My apologies to the handful of people who actually look this thing.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Getting in touch with my inner Irishwoman


Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I'm only 1/6 Irish, but I am celebrating my Irish heritage today by wearing green and sporting my Claddagh necklace which I bought at a nice little Irish shop in Sioux Falls a few years ago. When I was looking at the jewelry in the shop, the owner began telling me the story of the Claddagh ring, and I was so fond of it that I treated myself to a necklace (it didn't seem like the kind of ring to by for myself). Here's the story....

A man named Richard Joyce set off for the West Indian slave plantations intending to marry his love when he returned. Joyce was kidnapped himself in rough seas by a band of Mediterranean pirates and sold to a Moorish goldsmith who over the many long years of his exile helped him perfect the skills of a master craftsman. When William III became king, he demanded the Moors release all British prisoners. As a result, Richard Joyce was set free. The goldsmith had such a great amount of respect for Richard Joyce that he offered Joyce his daughter and half his wealth if Joyce stayed, but he denied his offer and returned home to marry his love who awaited his return. During his time with the Moors he forged a ring as a symbol of his love for her. Upon his return he presented her with the ring and they were married.

The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown).

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Golden Wisdom


Everything has its wonders,

even darkness and silence,
and I learn,
whatever state I may be in,
therein to be content.


Helen Keller, The Story of My Life

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Free Things Are Good


When I cook, I like to cook. I just don't do it that often because I'm not a fan of eating leftovers for a week, and the bigger reason is that I don't seem to have much time for it. But here's a FREE magazine from Kraft that one of my coworkers told me about that I think I'll be able to use. I was told there are 4 issues every year. And for the good of singletons and busy people everywhere, HERE is a link for the magazine.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

"Snow" Day = Productivity


My "Snow" Day Activities
1. Woke up @ 8:10 without alarm!
2. 3 loads of laundry
3. Crocheted
4. Made bed
5. Cat nap
6. Washed dishes
7. Dusted
8. Vacuumed
9. Filed paperwork
10. Balanced checkbook
11. Paid bills
12. Ran 6 miles
13. Regretted running mile #6
14. Showered
15. Visited parents for supper
16. A little fun shopping
17. Grocery shopping
18. Watched TV
19. Went to bed

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Storm Day! Hooray! Hooray!


Words cannot express the joy I am feeling at this moment. Tomorrow is a snow day. I don't have to work. I get paid. Oh happy day!