Pass the Bugles

OK - I had a very weird and funny dream this morning, and since I know some of my family reads this, I thought they would get a kick out of it. Because you, dear family, were the stars!

It started with Husband and I driving in the dark, and looking up into the trees at a nest of some sort. We drove to a beach, which had no sand but just a concrete slab leading to the water. We parked the car and got out, because Husband wanted to walk down to a nearby jetty. He got a lawn chair and started walking. There were other cars parked around, and suddenly it was light out and there were lots of people. It was some kind of country club picnic, I told Husband it was a fundraiser. We walked by a table of people eating and I saw my Aunt Jennifer. I stopped to say hi, and also saw my Uncle Tony sitting next to her. I looked around the table and in addition to a bunch of unknowns including two ladies with bright red, curly hair piled high on their heads (and I mean HIGH), I saw my Uncle Steve. I asked where Carole was and he said she was trying on some jeans. (?)

At this point Husband disappeared and my cousin Kristi appeared next to me, talking to our relatives. She asked them to pass a platter filled with Bugles and Chex cereal stuck together and shaped in the form of butterflies. She was wearing a really weird outfit - super baggy jeans with a long-sleeved T-shirt that had a ladybug on it. Everyone else was wearing shorts.

Jennifer was holding her granddaughter, my cousin Emily's little girl, Allison. She is about 4-5 months old now, and she was the same age in the dream. She was sleeping when I first saw her, but Jennifer woke her up and when she saw me, her eyes got wide and she said, "you wanna hold me?" and was all animated and talkative (keep in mind her age). I took her in my arms and carried her around.

I walked into a different room (which is weird, because we were just outside...) to talk to another table full of people. There was nobody I recognized at this table. But then I looked down on the ground, and there was my Uncle Steve, laying on the ground and waving at Allison, trying to get her to wave at him.

It was at this point that I woke up, so I didn't get to see what other oddities might show up in this dream! In any case, it was nice to "see" my family's faces...I'm sure more of you may have shown up if I had slept longer!

Nice Surprise

Today a couple of my soon-to-be coworkers sent me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, as a congratulations and saying they are so excited for my start next week. How nice!

So it all comes down to this...
Most of you know that Friday was my last day at my job. I packed everything up and walked out of there for the last time at about 4:30. It was a weird feeling...I don't think it has really hit me yet that I won't be going back. I did have some sad moments saying goodbye to some really good friends - but since I know they are my really good friends, I know I'll be seeing them again. Other than that I think I've just been on autopilot, trying to get everything done before I left. I worked there for over 6 years, and it's hard not to get attached to a place, I guess...This was a difficult decision, as this was really the first job I have left that wasn't for reasons of moving, graduating, etc. But after a lot of consideration, both my head and my heart finally agreed it just wasn't the right place for me anymore.

I took this entire week off to unwind and regroup for my new job, which starts March 5th. A few of you have asked about what this new job entails. I have taken a job with another consulting firm located on the west edge of St. Paul. It's a smaller, up-and-coming firm that's fairly new to the Twin Cities. For comparison, this firm currently has 48 employees, and my past firm currently has 130 (but had about 250 6 years ago). They are growing fast and most importantly, have a growing environmental practice. Two of my former supervisors have gone to this firm, so there will be some familiar faces. I will still be an environmental planner, but this job offer was a promotion and so I will be taking on more responsibility. The firm is also national, so I will still have access to projects all over the country. I am very excited about the opportunity and looking forward to a little bit different work and corporate environment. You can read more about the new firm here.

[You may be wondering why I'm not mentioning the firms by name - normally I make it a policy not to talk about work-related things on the blog. Too much potential for issues to arise, especially if they are mentioned by name and therefore this blog would come up on a general internet search.]

So here I am, with all kinds of time on my hands. This week I don't have any specific plans, and I intentionally did not make a list for myself, because I didn't want to feel obligated to do anything. I do have some things in mind, however, as I know myself and I know I need to stay moving to feel I've accomplished something/not get bored. But don't worry, I will be sure to include some things just for me! I do believe I have earned it. :)

Hope (MN) Springs Eternal

Some of you know I was hoping to make it to Newton, IA by 10AM this morning for my friend Amy's baby shower. I was really looking forward to seeing her, as I rarely get the opportunity to see my friends when they are actually pregnant. Plus, as I mentioned in a previous post, I just wanted to get out of town and visit some of my favorite people after a long, stressful week.

So anyway, when I got up this morning I checked the road conditions (because I am my father's daughter...) and it looked like maybe I had a window of opportunity with the weather. The worst part would be in Iowa, between Mason City and Ames. But by the time I got there, maybe the roads would be well salted and in better condition. I know me, and I knew I'd feel bad if I didn't try. So I set off just before 6AM. When I left the weather here in Minneapolis was under control. About an hour south of the cities, however, things became a bit tenuous. The roads were getting slick, and the freezing rain/sleet was continual. I was starting to think that this may not be the best idea, but in my head I was chanting:

amy.baby.I can do this.amy.baby.amy.baby...

WHOA!!!okokokokokokokokok...

Ditch.

That pretty much made the decision for me.

I managed a soft, low-speed landing - I was ok and the car was ok, and after a few unsuccessful attempts at driving back up the ditch slope, I was able to turn the car around so I would at least be entering the highway going the right direction, and made it back onto the road. I remained weirdly calm through the whole thing...but then I called Husband and told him I was coming home, and the tears started. I pulled over at rest stop, which was luckily the next exit, and sat in the car and bawled. It was a combination of everything: being scared sh*tless about the ditch experience, realizing I was not going to be able to see everyone, missing the shower, my last day of work, being so very tired...so I let it all out for a good 5 minutes and then decided to go inside in search of a scratchy paper towel to blow my nose.

The sidewalks were so iced and slippery that I could barely walk to the door. There was an older gentleman salting the sidewalk, and we chatted a little bit. Said he couldn't keep enough salt down, it just kept icing back over. I told him I couldn't take anymore of the road, and I was turning around. He told me the next exit was less than 2 miles away, and it was the Hope, MN exit. "So you see, there's always hope," he said. That made me smile. I'm sure I was a real sight with my red eyes and penguin-waddle up the slippery walk.

I headed back down the road, and sure enough "Hope - 1 mile." What an understatement!

I made it back home around 9:45 and Husband and Brandon had cleaned the livingroom and kitchen, which were both a mess because I have not been home much this week. What a nice surprise! "Thank you, I needed that," I said. "I know," he said, and gave me a big hug. Just one of the MANY reasons I love this man.

I've taken a short cat nap already, and I'm looking forward to a nice long nap this afternoon. This weekend, travels will have to wait.

Holding it Together

It's been a heck of a week...I am exhausted so this will be short. My last day at my job is tomorrow. I am excited for the change, but I am sad to leave many good friends. Tomorrow will be a tough day, I'm sure.

I'm headed to Des Moines early on Saturday morning for a baby shower for my good friend Amy. Hopefully the weather holds, because I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends, my brother, and just getting out of town.

But right now...I'm headed to bed.

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Conversations With Hayley

Lastnight our niece Hayley (age 4.5) spent the night with us. She's on a whirlwind tour of relatives before Mom and Dad get home from their long weekend away.

I always look forward to spending time with Hayley, and this time was no exception. And WE...HAD...A...BLAST! It seems she has learned so much more every time I see her. It amazes me the things that she says sometimes...here are a few snippets of various conversations.

While waiting to pick up our Papa Murphy's pizza:

"So Hayley, what should we do tonight?"

With an extremely serious look, she whispers, "Let's you and me play some Barbies, ok?"

First thing this morning:

"I had good dreams lastnight."

"About what?"

"Pizza."

[Sounds like an alright dream to me]

While playing Barbies (my Barbie had a wedding dress on):

"Will you come to my wedding?"

"Mmm...no thanks."

"Why not?"

"I have to make a cake."

"Oh, are you making the cake for my wedding?"

"Yeah!"

"Can I get white cake with purple on it?"

"No. It will be sparkles with blue."

[So much for being the bride]

Again with the pizza:

"I had good dreams lastnight."

"Yeah, about pizza. What made it a good dream?"

"It was pepper-noni and sausage."

"Yeah?"

"And I ate it."

[What more could you ask for, really?]

Thoughts on treats:

"Can I have some cake?"

"Well, you have to pick, cake or a sucker."

"Yeah, because when I eat too many treats I get a moustache."

[I didn't have a clue where to go with this one]

While watching the Wizard of Oz:

"What are they doing?"

"They're trying to get out. The bad witch is after them."

"But...did they get the lipstick?"

"The what?"

"Her lipstick?"

"Oh, her BROOMSTICK?"

"Yeah!"

Hayleys and movies and Barbies, oh my! It was a delight having her around, and hey - I figured out how to get a carseat in the Honda (long story there). I hope you come to stay again soon, Hayley.

V-Day Recap

Our first Valentine's Day as a married couple was pretty quiet. We agreed that we didn't want to make a fuss about it and didn't want to bother with the crowds going out to eat, so we decided that I would pick up food from our favorite Thai restaurant on my way home, and Brett would take care of dessert. Then we'd just stay home and watch our favorite TV shows, typical of most Wednesdays.

So that, friends, is exactly what we did. I set up a nice little table and we ate Xhan Chicken and Sesame Chicken, then talked and looked through some photos for awhile until Bones came on. At 8:00 we ate our dessert, which was an ice cream cake decorated with "Happy Valentine's Day," which Brett thoughtfully had them write in my favorite color, purple. Then we watched the hockey game until Lost came on, and that was pretty much it! Just the perfect evening. To some, watching TV may not sound all that exciting, but I assure you this is a remarkable experience...any other night of the week, we don't agree on what shows to watch!

Hope all of you enjoyed the holiday as well.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

After a lot of:

Why are you leaving?
Are you sure this is what you want to do?
Is there anything we can do to make you stay?
Have you thought about this?

(that last one kills me - do these people know me at all?)

Yes, I gave my 2 weeks notice today. I've learned a lot in the past 6 years, but for many reasons it's time to move on. My new adventure begins March 5th. Stay tuned.

Reconnect

Lastnight I met up with my friend Kristy, who was in town from Des Moines. There were 7 of us at dinner, but we finished out the night with Kristy and myself, her aunt, and her aunt's friend. Kristy's aunt and her friend have also known each other since high school, just as Kristy and I have. Seeing them laugh and recollect over a few glasses of wine made me smile. It really re-emphasized that I am so lucky to have Kristy and all the other great girlfriends in my life. I hope we are sitting around talking and laughing 15, 25, 35 years from now...girlfriends are a special part of life that cannot be replaced. I treasure each of you!

When Stupid Things Happen to Smart People
Subtitle - When Early Mornings Happen to Night People

Note hastily torn, hard to close right edge.

Now note convenient, resealable left edge.

If I would only actually pay attention to what I'm doing...

Get Ready For the Heat Wave

So today Mother Nature ended a 62-hour stretch of subzero temps by rewarding us with a balmy zero at 3PM. Of course the positive digit held for about an hour or two, before plummeting to subzero depths once again.

When I read 62 hours, I thought "Is that all?" Feels like it's been frigid for far longer. But I guess the actual temps don't count the windchill, which has had eyes tearing up and snot freezing ala Dumb and Dumber for days on end now.

But alas, the future looks bright. Tomorrow the high here in the Twin Cities will be 9. So roll out the beach towels and blend up that pina colada! Of course that 9 is discounting any sort of breeze, so you may need that cover-up after all.

Subzero Oasis

Things have been pretty quiet lately, hence no posts since last Monday. This weekend we hunkered down and battled the cold weather (current temp is -9, windchill -21). I cleaned, ran a few errands and did manage to go to the gym, but otherwise stayed inside under the blankets and watched a lot of TV. The highlight was a very informative documentary called Who Killed the Electric Car. It's about the rise and fall of the electric car in the early 1990s, and a look into why it happened and who/what is to blame. Some very interesting points that one can only hope will be taken seriously as global warming, alternative fuels and less reliance on foreign oil comes to the forefront of our domestic policy.

Tonight we watched the Superbowl, and were glad to see the Colts defeat the Bears. Husband was rooting for them I think because they haven't won a Superbowl in 9 attempts, and he also doesn't like the Bears' quarterback. I was happy to cheer them on also, for the simple fact that there are 2 Iowa alums on the team, Dallas Clark and Bob Sanders (a favorite a mine when he was a Hawkeye). Of course the commercials were good, but I missed the halftime show as Husband is not a fan of Prince. Instead we watched the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet, which was very cute but did nothing for my dog envy. Have to wait until we buy a house to get that puppy!

So we're pretty boring lately, but I have a feeling February is going to be very interesting - stay tuned!