When was the last time you felt stupid?
For me, this afternoon. I put delicious food in the crockpot this morning, something we put together at one of those meal assembly places. I had a crappy day at work and one consolation was that dinner would be done when I got home, and it was going to be good, after simmering all day. I imagined walking in the door to delectable smells...
Husband called at 4:00 and told me the crockpot was not plugged in.
Beef. Out. All. Day. Ruined.
Grrrrr...I am a spaz.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
I'm Still Full...
We had a great Thanksgiving in Iowa. It was nice to spend a few days and see a lot of family, most of whom we hadn't seen since our wedding. It was also great to just hang out at Mom and Dad's. We drove in Wednesday night, and I stayed up late talking with Dad about some family history things I had recently found. A little after 1AM my newly-turned 21 lil' bro got home from a night out with friends, so he provided some entertainment as well. Thursday was a big day, as we celebrated with my entire extended family on my dad's side. We are a huge family, so we need to rent out a space to have our holiday gatherings. This year we numbered 57 strong! It was a really nice time, with LOTS of food. Friday we spent the day hanging out at the house, and getting ready to have Mom's side of the family over for dinner that night. So more good food, good conversation, and a few laughs along the way.
Brandon and my dad, as usual, were two peas in a pod. I am forever grateful to my parents for their open arms and their patience. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving spending time with you!
Brandon concentrating on beating my dad at Battleship
Cousins showing off their spoon skills
We had a great Thanksgiving in Iowa. It was nice to spend a few days and see a lot of family, most of whom we hadn't seen since our wedding. It was also great to just hang out at Mom and Dad's. We drove in Wednesday night, and I stayed up late talking with Dad about some family history things I had recently found. A little after 1AM my newly-turned 21 lil' bro got home from a night out with friends, so he provided some entertainment as well. Thursday was a big day, as we celebrated with my entire extended family on my dad's side. We are a huge family, so we need to rent out a space to have our holiday gatherings. This year we numbered 57 strong! It was a really nice time, with LOTS of food. Friday we spent the day hanging out at the house, and getting ready to have Mom's side of the family over for dinner that night. So more good food, good conversation, and a few laughs along the way.
Brandon and my dad, as usual, were two peas in a pod. I am forever grateful to my parents for their open arms and their patience. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving spending time with you!
Brandon concentrating on beating my dad at Battleship
Husband and I after Friday night dinner
Cousins showing off their spoon skills
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thankful
We are departing for Iowa in a couple of hours...leaving work early today felt delicious! I need the break, and I'm looking forward to heading for the homestead and seeing the parentals. It's been awhile. The next few days will be filled with family, food, more family, more food, and good times all around.
To all my friends and family out there, Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that each and every one of you are in my life. Be safe and happy this holiday, and stuff your bellies and souls full.
We are departing for Iowa in a couple of hours...leaving work early today felt delicious! I need the break, and I'm looking forward to heading for the homestead and seeing the parentals. It's been awhile. The next few days will be filled with family, food, more family, more food, and good times all around.
To all my friends and family out there, Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that each and every one of you are in my life. Be safe and happy this holiday, and stuff your bellies and souls full.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Dear Iowa Hawkeyes,
Needless to say, it's been a rough season. The first half looked promising, the last half was a joke. Ohio State, I can understand. Michigan. But Indiana? Northwestern? And the final stab wound...your last game of the season.
I wore my Hawkeye shirt with pride, and my brother and sister-in-law drove up from Iowa for the game. We endured the cold to get just the perfect tickets. Hawkeye support was strong in "Kinnick North." This game was in the bag. You were going to end the season strong and head into your bowl game with a new attitude. You were going to prevent Minnesota from being bowl-eligible, give me some bragging rights over my Gopher-loving friends and family.
The first half wasn't bad. But there were too many gaps in the defense. Missed tackles. And that ill-fated interception at the very end of the half, when you were 1 yard away from taking the lead. Boy, what a different game it could have been.
Why must you torment us? Your fans, generations of good Iowa folks, some who don't even live there anymore, but still remain faithful. Why make use hear, repeatedly:
"And that's another Gollllllden Gopherrrrrr...FIRST DOWN!"
That got annoying.
Minnesota fans grew louder. "We hate Iowa" was chanted repeatedly. And we left the Dome shaking our heads.
Did you even want to play? How bad did you want it? You were tentative when you should have been tenacious. Minnesota wanted it more. They played better. They deserved to win.
The thing is - I still love you, Hawkeyes. You disappointed me, and I might be mad for awhile. I only lecture because I care. Please, get your act together before your Bowl game. I'll be watching.
Regards,
Minnesota Transplant, Hawk Fan for Life
Needless to say, it's been a rough season. The first half looked promising, the last half was a joke. Ohio State, I can understand. Michigan. But Indiana? Northwestern? And the final stab wound...your last game of the season.
I wore my Hawkeye shirt with pride, and my brother and sister-in-law drove up from Iowa for the game. We endured the cold to get just the perfect tickets. Hawkeye support was strong in "Kinnick North." This game was in the bag. You were going to end the season strong and head into your bowl game with a new attitude. You were going to prevent Minnesota from being bowl-eligible, give me some bragging rights over my Gopher-loving friends and family.
The first half wasn't bad. But there were too many gaps in the defense. Missed tackles. And that ill-fated interception at the very end of the half, when you were 1 yard away from taking the lead. Boy, what a different game it could have been.
Why must you torment us? Your fans, generations of good Iowa folks, some who don't even live there anymore, but still remain faithful. Why make use hear, repeatedly:
"And that's another Gollllllden Gopherrrrrr...FIRST DOWN!"
That got annoying.
Minnesota fans grew louder. "We hate Iowa" was chanted repeatedly. And we left the Dome shaking our heads.
Did you even want to play? How bad did you want it? You were tentative when you should have been tenacious. Minnesota wanted it more. They played better. They deserved to win.
The thing is - I still love you, Hawkeyes. You disappointed me, and I might be mad for awhile. I only lecture because I care. Please, get your act together before your Bowl game. I'll be watching.
Regards,
Minnesota Transplant, Hawk Fan for Life
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
TV Tunes
Tonight is TV night for Husband and I. It's pretty much the only night we sit down and watch together, because we typically like entirely different shows. But Wednesdays we usually watch Lost, and before/after Lost, I tolerate his incessant channel-flipping. I do this because it's just nice to sit in the same room and enjoy each other's company, instead of being on different floors of our abode.
So the one show we can cling to happens to be on hiatus until February, which I find completely stupid. We'll probably lose interest in Lost by then (OK, probably not, because we have to know if they escape from "the others.") Who ever heard of a fall finale? Good grief. Now what to watch?
Tonight we stumbled across a show called Bones. Husband had seen in before, but this was my first time. It was pretty good, and they showed 2 episodes in a row, so we could spend a couple of mindless - but together - hours. Anyway, toward the end of one of the episodes I heard a familiar voice singing in the background. A voice I was introduced to by my friend Jacquie, a voice we have listened to several times at a tiny place called the 400 Bar here in Minneapolis. A voice I have sang with in the car on roadtrips. I was delighted to hear Tim Easton singing Next to You. It's a very sweet song, and he's a great singer/songwriter. Check him out!
Tonight is TV night for Husband and I. It's pretty much the only night we sit down and watch together, because we typically like entirely different shows. But Wednesdays we usually watch Lost, and before/after Lost, I tolerate his incessant channel-flipping. I do this because it's just nice to sit in the same room and enjoy each other's company, instead of being on different floors of our abode.
So the one show we can cling to happens to be on hiatus until February, which I find completely stupid. We'll probably lose interest in Lost by then (OK, probably not, because we have to know if they escape from "the others.") Who ever heard of a fall finale? Good grief. Now what to watch?
Tonight we stumbled across a show called Bones. Husband had seen in before, but this was my first time. It was pretty good, and they showed 2 episodes in a row, so we could spend a couple of mindless - but together - hours. Anyway, toward the end of one of the episodes I heard a familiar voice singing in the background. A voice I was introduced to by my friend Jacquie, a voice we have listened to several times at a tiny place called the 400 Bar here in Minneapolis. A voice I have sang with in the car on roadtrips. I was delighted to hear Tim Easton singing Next to You. It's a very sweet song, and he's a great singer/songwriter. Check him out!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The Postman is My New Best Friend
This has to be some kind of world record - today I got nothing but good mail. REALLY good mail.
1) A belated wedding gift from my cousin Kayla, who lives in Sitka, Alaska. She got us some very cool and thoughtful Alaska-made merchandise, and wrote a nice card telling us, among other things, that SHE'S GETTING MARRIED IN JULY! I'm so excited for her. It was great to hear from her, it's been a long time.
2) Some genealogy info on my Koch ancestors from a woman I was put in contact with through a co-worker. She's from St. Louis and did this for me as a favor, having never met me. The info she found is fantastic, and solves some mysteries I haven't been able to crack or confirm. I won't bore you non-genealogy freaks with the details, but Dad, you're going to be very excited!
Not a credit card offer in sight. It's the little things in life, people, the little things. Rock on.
This has to be some kind of world record - today I got nothing but good mail. REALLY good mail.
1) A belated wedding gift from my cousin Kayla, who lives in Sitka, Alaska. She got us some very cool and thoughtful Alaska-made merchandise, and wrote a nice card telling us, among other things, that SHE'S GETTING MARRIED IN JULY! I'm so excited for her. It was great to hear from her, it's been a long time.
2) Some genealogy info on my Koch ancestors from a woman I was put in contact with through a co-worker. She's from St. Louis and did this for me as a favor, having never met me. The info she found is fantastic, and solves some mysteries I haven't been able to crack or confirm. I won't bore you non-genealogy freaks with the details, but Dad, you're going to be very excited!
Not a credit card offer in sight. It's the little things in life, people, the little things. Rock on.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Please Vote Today!
Your vote counts. Minnesotans, please remember to VOTE YES for the constitutional amendment to direct all motor vehicle sales tax revenue where it belongs...to transportation!
Your vote counts. Minnesotans, please remember to VOTE YES for the constitutional amendment to direct all motor vehicle sales tax revenue where it belongs...to transportation!
Monday, November 06, 2006
small wonders
To celebrate the good weather this weekend, and because my husband took the initiative to ask, I took a walk with my boys on Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful fall afternoon, the sun was shining, and the bare trees let us see all the bird nests in the trees, and all of the critters crunching around in the fallen leaves. The boys were playing catch with a football along the path, and I caught the occasional errant pass and tossed it back to Brandon. I was promptly told, by my husband, that I threw like a girl. I remember a time when that would have offended me, but hey, I AM a girl. I do admit that when he showed me the "right" way to throw, it was much improved. So I learned a little something.
Sunday I was hoping to repeat the experience, but the boys were distracted by indoor activities so I went alone. I strolled along, listening to the chicka-dee-dee-dees and all the other bird noises and looking up at the treetops to see what I could see, and something caught my eye. A snow-white squirrel.
This was toward the end of my loop and near home, so I hustled back to grab the cam and get a photo. I have to admit, I was a little excited (and I know you're all thinking - what's with this woman and squirrels?) I told Husband and he chuckled, non-impressed. Apparently this is nothing new to him, this albino squirrel thing. Which of course, deflated me like a popped balloon. It's the little things, babe, the little things...these small wonders keep me going. Every once in awhile I like to get back to my tree huggin', John Denver-lovin' self and just look around. It's such a simple way to derive joy in everyday life.
I think he realized the husbandly mistake and tried to act interested, but by that time I was over it and decided if this phenomenon was new to me, it may be new to some of you too. So I walked back, and it was still sitting there, pretty thing.
Anyway, here it is...for those of you who've never seen one, let me know I'm not alone!
To celebrate the good weather this weekend, and because my husband took the initiative to ask, I took a walk with my boys on Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful fall afternoon, the sun was shining, and the bare trees let us see all the bird nests in the trees, and all of the critters crunching around in the fallen leaves. The boys were playing catch with a football along the path, and I caught the occasional errant pass and tossed it back to Brandon. I was promptly told, by my husband, that I threw like a girl. I remember a time when that would have offended me, but hey, I AM a girl. I do admit that when he showed me the "right" way to throw, it was much improved. So I learned a little something.
Sunday I was hoping to repeat the experience, but the boys were distracted by indoor activities so I went alone. I strolled along, listening to the chicka-dee-dee-dees and all the other bird noises and looking up at the treetops to see what I could see, and something caught my eye. A snow-white squirrel.
This was toward the end of my loop and near home, so I hustled back to grab the cam and get a photo. I have to admit, I was a little excited (and I know you're all thinking - what's with this woman and squirrels?) I told Husband and he chuckled, non-impressed. Apparently this is nothing new to him, this albino squirrel thing. Which of course, deflated me like a popped balloon. It's the little things, babe, the little things...these small wonders keep me going. Every once in awhile I like to get back to my tree huggin', John Denver-lovin' self and just look around. It's such a simple way to derive joy in everyday life.
I think he realized the husbandly mistake and tried to act interested, but by that time I was over it and decided if this phenomenon was new to me, it may be new to some of you too. So I walked back, and it was still sitting there, pretty thing.
Anyway, here it is...for those of you who've never seen one, let me know I'm not alone!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Kids These Days
Yesterday Brandon came into the livingroom while I was watching the Hawkeye game. He watched for a bit and then asked "Is it a penalty when you call a fair catch and then don't go after the ball?"
My first inclination was to look for my husband, the walking encyclopedia of sports trivia. With him nowhere in sight, I considered the question and applied my minimal football knowledge and some common sense. "I would think so," I said, proud of myself. Here's me, bonding with my 13-year-old stepson.
"I thought so," he said. "That's why I keep getting penalties when I play. I call it but then I don't try for the ball."
Just when I'm about to put on my compassionate yet authoritative parent voice and talk to him about why he doesn't try for the ball, something clicks. He's not talking about actually playing a game of football, as in outside with other kids...he's talking about playing a video game.
How times have changed. Yet another realization in the life of a new stepmom.
Yesterday Brandon came into the livingroom while I was watching the Hawkeye game. He watched for a bit and then asked "Is it a penalty when you call a fair catch and then don't go after the ball?"
My first inclination was to look for my husband, the walking encyclopedia of sports trivia. With him nowhere in sight, I considered the question and applied my minimal football knowledge and some common sense. "I would think so," I said, proud of myself. Here's me, bonding with my 13-year-old stepson.
"I thought so," he said. "That's why I keep getting penalties when I play. I call it but then I don't try for the ball."
Just when I'm about to put on my compassionate yet authoritative parent voice and talk to him about why he doesn't try for the ball, something clicks. He's not talking about actually playing a game of football, as in outside with other kids...he's talking about playing a video game.
How times have changed. Yet another realization in the life of a new stepmom.
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