A quick post to share some of my current favorite beauty products.
I found this nail file at a little boutique here in town and it is the best nail file I've EVER used. It never wears down, makes your nails stronger if used often, and can be used for thick rugged toenails or a quick pinkie finger shape-up. I'm sure you can get them anywhere but this website has some cute personalized ones.
Crystal Glass Nail File
These next two products I used at some snazzy hotels that I've stayed at on recent business trips, the W in Chicago and Hotel Max in Seattle. The Rosemary Mint shampoo made my hair feel like silk and smell like a dream. The lemon and sage Bliss products smell fantastic but are a little oily. I adore them both.
Aveda Rosemary Mint
Bliss Body Products
This is my all time favorite "lip stuff" of all time ever. I bought so many of them when I was in Alaska and my last one is almost gone.
Denali Dreams Lip Balm
And oh my, do you have to buy this gem. I've got two ladies that you can buy from and I'll let you use mine to try it out. You never knew your face could feel so revitalized. This is NOTHING like the apricot scrubs and other exfoliaters, you have to try it to believe it.
Mary Kay Microdermabrasion
Great gifts for the women in your lives ;)
Friday, December 04, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Some wedding updates and girl's weekend
Wedding planning is coming along. I finished our invitations and they're waiting for November to be sent out! Don't tell anyone but I did them all (minus postage) for $40.50. You may have a different invite than your neighbor, but who's comparing? We are most excited (well, besides for the marriage) for our band. We booked The Dollys, a Minnesota folk band. You can check out their MySpace but there isn't much music on there. We went to see them play in Saint Paul this summer with my sisters and some friends and we had so much fun. My dress is really taking shape! It was my mothers wedding dress from the 1960s and she is so thrilled that I am wearing it. We'll have a picture of her in it at the wedding but you might not recognize with without sleeves, high neckline, and unfitted waistline. I'm told that I'm not allowed to let Matt see it so I'll post a little teaser here of my shoes.
Most of the tasks on my list will need to wait for Matt to get home. We're expecting that he'll get back Thanksgiving weekend which leaves just enough time for him to get one day of hunting in and still have Thanksgiving with our families. There will be a lot of last minute things we'll need to do after Christmas (like buy ALL of the decorations and candy on clearance) but that's what you gotta do to save money. I also plan on making my own flowers after seeing how easy it is on youtube. I'll probably be kicking myself for that idea as I'm scrambling to get all the boutonnieres bound the night before the wedding.
My sisters (and those I consider sisters) all came out to Wisconsin last weekend for girls' weekend. We had a nice time in the little towns on Lake Pepin. We went to some quirky shops, a wonderful bakery, and the Maiden Rock Cidery and Winery. Afterwards they came and stayed at my house. It was nice to catch up and get to know the newest additions to our family, Vincent, Madeline, and my brother's darling girlfriend, Jessica!
It's been rainy and dreary in Wisconsin for weeks. I can't wait for things to dry up so I can rake and prune and mow and get ready for a long winter!
Most of the tasks on my list will need to wait for Matt to get home. We're expecting that he'll get back Thanksgiving weekend which leaves just enough time for him to get one day of hunting in and still have Thanksgiving with our families. There will be a lot of last minute things we'll need to do after Christmas (like buy ALL of the decorations and candy on clearance) but that's what you gotta do to save money. I also plan on making my own flowers after seeing how easy it is on youtube. I'll probably be kicking myself for that idea as I'm scrambling to get all the boutonnieres bound the night before the wedding.
My sisters (and those I consider sisters) all came out to Wisconsin last weekend for girls' weekend. We had a nice time in the little towns on Lake Pepin. We went to some quirky shops, a wonderful bakery, and the Maiden Rock Cidery and Winery. Afterwards they came and stayed at my house. It was nice to catch up and get to know the newest additions to our family, Vincent, Madeline, and my brother's darling girlfriend, Jessica!
It's been rainy and dreary in Wisconsin for weeks. I can't wait for things to dry up so I can rake and prune and mow and get ready for a long winter!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
I Didn't Even Noet
This summer, I officially moved out of my parents house. I haven't lived there for six years, but finally got around to cleaning out the rest of my closet in my room that is no longer my room. I left there a big oak chest that I made in high school and that I filled with my "life" from kindergarten through college. Pictures, letters, yearbooks, leaf books, videos, knee pads, awards, paintings, special things from my ancestors, and so much more. Matt helped me bring it all to our house. The chest now sits in our living room and I spent weeks sorting through all of my memories and putting the important things in a different chest underneath our staircase. Every night that I would set out to organize it, I spent hours reading and remembering all of the good times I've had. I reminisced until my knees hurt. Among all the fun things that I'd found, were some of my writings from high school. I was quite impressed with myself at the time but I remember putting them away feeling very embarrassed about anyone ever seeing them while thinking to myself, "I bet someday I'm going to be glad I kept these." I am. They made me laugh and they're not quite as silly as I remembered them.
Angel Child
By Anna D
Apostrophe (must have been for a class?)
Far beyond the reach of my reason,
Away from all that I know.
Where praises are sung throughout each season;
You dwell but have yet to grow.
You dwell in this place where angels abound
Just as I did long ago,
Before I was picked to be brought to the ground,
And to my mother did go.
You do not know me, angel child,
But I ask you if I may
Speak to you with voices mild
And see you soon, I pray.
My baby, my child, my life, my sweet,
My all, my dream come true.
My girl, my boy, my love and joy,
My everything that I do;
You are but a vision in the eyes of our Lord
And one day to me you will come.
And on that day His love will be poured
In the miracle knit in my womb.
I do not know yet, first born kin,
Who your daddy will be.
But I pray that your heart he will win and hope that somewhere within
His mind he thinks of you and me.
Keep safe now, my dear, and know
That I'm down here waiting for you.
Say hello to the others; your sisters and brothers,
And tell them I miss them too.
Why on earth I was thinking so deeply about having babies is beyond me. But it gets worse...This is a poem I wrote "to my husband" as we are lying next to each other and I am thinking back to when we first met. When I wrote this, I'd never even kissed a boy.
To My Husband
By Anna D
Age 16
I lie in silence my beloved still sleeping
Seeing his face I cry
Not sadness nor fear are at fault for my weeping
But the graces that God not deny.
My mind wonders back to a time of before
What I would have given to know what was in store.
Each night my prayers went up to understand
What love would find me, what love by man?
Was I wrong to believe in fate or first sight?
It was time that was telling me so.
Could I last, could I stand, could I put up the fight?
My heart could not bear one more blow.
"All I ask of Thee is a simple boy."
Ha! This lie I was to ignore!
This plea I soon made grow to destroy
And the boy became so much more...
"God make dark and strong and tall
And God, the next day please make him call."
"Let him be perfectly fitted for me
From his cowboy boots to his hat, can't you see."
"That he should be smart and innocent is fine
And he has a last name that fits well with mine."
"His morals are strong, he keeps me calm
His kiss will melt me away.
His skills in wrestling and golf and baseball
Are likely to come in handy someday."
"For in the cute little town we will live
Not too far from home,
We will find lots of love and joy all around
In the kids we will have of our own."
"A prince or a rancher will suite me just fine
But PERFECT is just my type.
My lover will always come home to me
And know that I am always right."
The time that was hurting me also led me to see
All I was begging You for.
Soon I opened my eyes and I opened my heart
And revised my wishes once more...
"Lord, make him beautiful, if only to me
Soon may his hand meet mine.
Soon will he come I ask of Thee,
Though I know, I know not the time."
Twas by faith that my love now finds me here
Our prayers He had not ignored.
Shall nothing be hidden and all be given
When you put your trust in the Lord.
That's not all. Around the same time (probably age 15) I wrote a list of all the attributes I look for in "my man."
Angel Child
By Anna D
Apostrophe (must have been for a class?)
Far beyond the reach of my reason,
Away from all that I know.
Where praises are sung throughout each season;
You dwell but have yet to grow.
You dwell in this place where angels abound
Just as I did long ago,
Before I was picked to be brought to the ground,
And to my mother did go.
You do not know me, angel child,
But I ask you if I may
Speak to you with voices mild
And see you soon, I pray.
My baby, my child, my life, my sweet,
My all, my dream come true.
My girl, my boy, my love and joy,
My everything that I do;
You are but a vision in the eyes of our Lord
And one day to me you will come.
And on that day His love will be poured
In the miracle knit in my womb.
I do not know yet, first born kin,
Who your daddy will be.
But I pray that your heart he will win and hope that somewhere within
His mind he thinks of you and me.
Keep safe now, my dear, and know
That I'm down here waiting for you.
Say hello to the others; your sisters and brothers,
And tell them I miss them too.
Why on earth I was thinking so deeply about having babies is beyond me. But it gets worse...This is a poem I wrote "to my husband" as we are lying next to each other and I am thinking back to when we first met. When I wrote this, I'd never even kissed a boy.
To My Husband
By Anna D
Age 16
I lie in silence my beloved still sleeping
Seeing his face I cry
Not sadness nor fear are at fault for my weeping
But the graces that God not deny.
My mind wonders back to a time of before
What I would have given to know what was in store.
Each night my prayers went up to understand
What love would find me, what love by man?
Was I wrong to believe in fate or first sight?
It was time that was telling me so.
Could I last, could I stand, could I put up the fight?
My heart could not bear one more blow.
"All I ask of Thee is a simple boy."
Ha! This lie I was to ignore!
This plea I soon made grow to destroy
And the boy became so much more...
"God make dark and strong and tall
And God, the next day please make him call."
"Let him be perfectly fitted for me
From his cowboy boots to his hat, can't you see."
"That he should be smart and innocent is fine
And he has a last name that fits well with mine."
"His morals are strong, he keeps me calm
His kiss will melt me away.
His skills in wrestling and golf and baseball
Are likely to come in handy someday."
"For in the cute little town we will live
Not too far from home,
We will find lots of love and joy all around
In the kids we will have of our own."
"A prince or a rancher will suite me just fine
But PERFECT is just my type.
My lover will always come home to me
And know that I am always right."
The time that was hurting me also led me to see
All I was begging You for.
Soon I opened my eyes and I opened my heart
And revised my wishes once more...
"Lord, make him beautiful, if only to me
Soon may his hand meet mine.
Soon will he come I ask of Thee,
Though I know, I know not the time."
Twas by faith that my love now finds me here
Our prayers He had not ignored.
Shall nothing be hidden and all be given
When you put your trust in the Lord.
That's not all. Around the same time (probably age 15) I wrote a list of all the attributes I look for in "my man."
- Tall and solid
- When he grows up he's going to look like Santa Claus
- He wants to live just like me in the middle of nowhere
- He is simple, straight forward, and maybe not super smart, but extremely full of common sense
- He has dark hair and blue eyes
- he likes kids and will have many of them
- Just like John Zachman, he will grow up to be a perfect grandpa and tell little jokes like, "money is the last thing I worry about because it's the last thing that I have."
- He will be conservative
- He butt will look so nice in a baseball uniform
- He'll love Don Williams and all good music
- He plays golf on his free time
- He's a good kisser
- He has good hands (highly suggested)
- He can dance
- He doesn't get wasted drunk
- Good morals
- Good movie pics
- He's a good snuggler
- He doesn't mind me picking all over him
- He's a guy guy
- He wrestled
- He can bite his lip
- Not super rich
- Has a last name that fits well with me
- Doesn't chew
- Likes my weird toes
- Can stand my stubbornness
- Understands my family
- Likes to be outdoors
- Innocent
- Can tell a good story
We all shoot for 100% but I think 90% is okay too. Especially if he adds a couple of things to the list that I didn't even think of. Like, he uses words like "uncouple" and "retard" and other nautical terminology in everyday language. Or he doesn't mark the page when he sets a book down. Or his favorite CD is the score to Battlestar Galactica. And it just might be the fact that he makes me dinner every night and has it ready when I get home from work. It could be that he won't admit that he has a speech impediment or blonde hair. No, I'm definitely only in love with him for that dimple...
Friday, September 18, 2009
Star Struck *Updated with answer*
Can you guess what these four groups/individuals have in common?
The Oak Ridge Boys
Carlos Santana
Michael Berryman
Hanson
You had it, Trine. All of them have purchased coffee from us. The Oak Ridge Boys a couple of years before I started working at my place of work. Not sure of the details on that one. Santana bought some really good Mexican coffee from us last year to be roasted for a restaurant that he was opening on the West Coast. I don't know what ever came of it. My boss met Michael Berryman in a Saint Paul bar last year. They got to talking and it turns out he is a home coffee roaster. He buys every once in a while from us, we sell it mostly as a favor to him in small quantities. Lastly Hanson. I didn't know they were still "around." I also didn't know they still make music. I especially didn't know that they don't look like this any more (google them!). I got an email from a customer in Oklahoma who said that Hanson was working on a project in Africa and were looking so fundraise through coffee sales. They bought a really outstanding Kenyan. Hanson knows coffee!
Who could be next??
The Oak Ridge Boys
Carlos Santana
Michael Berryman
Hanson
You had it, Trine. All of them have purchased coffee from us. The Oak Ridge Boys a couple of years before I started working at my place of work. Not sure of the details on that one. Santana bought some really good Mexican coffee from us last year to be roasted for a restaurant that he was opening on the West Coast. I don't know what ever came of it. My boss met Michael Berryman in a Saint Paul bar last year. They got to talking and it turns out he is a home coffee roaster. He buys every once in a while from us, we sell it mostly as a favor to him in small quantities. Lastly Hanson. I didn't know they were still "around." I also didn't know they still make music. I especially didn't know that they don't look like this any more (google them!). I got an email from a customer in Oklahoma who said that Hanson was working on a project in Africa and were looking so fundraise through coffee sales. They bought a really outstanding Kenyan. Hanson knows coffee!
Who could be next??
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Homemaker
I love fall. I love it. I love candy corns and candy pumpkins, I love turtle necks and sweaters and socks, I love dead looking plants with bright red tomatoes on them, I love foggy mornings and chilly nights, I love apple cider and caramels, I love canning and pickling, pumpkin pie and pumpkins that you don't eat, I love new pencils and college kids running all over town, I love turning off the AC and waking up with a chill, I love mowing the lawn really short for the last time, I LOVE THE COLORS, I love the smell and the feel and even the fact that it means winter is on the way! It's the best time of year to spend with Matt and some of our favorite memories are from camping trips in the fall. It's beautiful and my life would not be complete without Midwestern autumns.
From my garden, I pickled the jalapenos and dried the oregano. It was my first pickling/canning operation all by myself! I definitely knew what I was doing after years and years of canning with my father.
I am very proud of my pickled produce and left them on the counter to admire for weeks. I've finally put them away for the winter and for Matt to enjoy when he gets home. It's not a lot but it's all I had time for this harvest season. We hope to make a larger garden next summer and I want to do more canning, especially jams which I missed this year. I love homemaking! I love homemaking in the fall!
I have a very small garden in back with bell peppers, jalapenos, tomatoes and oregano. I also have a family-in-law who live on a farm and have a bigger garden that I get to reap the benefits of. For instance, I came home one day a couple of weeks ago and found this
Stuffed peppers from the garden (beef from the pasture) and chocolate cake dessert! How lucky am I?? They also brought over some zucchini which I used to make a special meal for my parents on their first visit to my new house and a giant bag full of green beans from the garden which I blanched and froze for the winter!
From my garden, I pickled the jalapenos and dried the oregano. It was my first pickling/canning operation all by myself! I definitely knew what I was doing after years and years of canning with my father.
I am very proud of my pickled produce and left them on the counter to admire for weeks. I've finally put them away for the winter and for Matt to enjoy when he gets home. It's not a lot but it's all I had time for this harvest season. We hope to make a larger garden next summer and I want to do more canning, especially jams which I missed this year. I love homemaking! I love homemaking in the fall!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hello Wisconsin!!
I have FOUR unpublished posts hanging out in my blog. So much has been going on lately and I just can't seem to finish a thought. Matt left for the deep blue at the beginning of August. We really had a great summer together. Toward the end it got pretty hectic with cleaning, packing, planning, and trying to find time to enjoy each other. It came fast. As usual, this trip has not gone as planned. Matt's 120 days on the job does not start until he actually signs on the ship. He ended up getting held up in Bahrain for 10 extra days which means we should expect him home JUST in time for Christmas which means we'll only have a couple of weeks before the wedding! I guess that means less time waiting for the time to pass when he gets home!
I moved into the house the weekend before Matt left and tomorrow I will be an OFFICIAL Wisconsin resident. I had every intent on stripping the whole house down and redoing it MY way. As I'm here longer, I see all of the love that Matt has put into this house already. I bought new furniture for the living room and set it up just so. As I was cleaning up from the sailboat border that I had just torn down, I realized that the color of the walls was perfect. Matt chose well. I really like the wallpaper in the hallway too. It fits into the old style of our house. There is a lot of touching up to do, but I don't want things to change too much. I love our house and I love that we will be in this house for our fist years of marriage. It's a great house for kids and it has so much character (it's 100 years old!). I painted the kitchen a pretty crazy blue/green but it's such a small space that it works. My next task is to strip the wallpaper out of the bathroom and dining room and paint those. I'll post some pictures later, I want to send them to Matt anyway. With the commute, I'm not here as much as I'd like to be and I have a lot that needs to get done including mowing the lawn...yes, I do it all! My goal is to have things painted and decorated in time to have Christmas Eve at our house this year. It's big and great for a Christmas party. We have lots of extra beds for people to stay the night if they don't want to make the long trip back to Minnesota!
Wedding planning is coming along. To be honest, I'm not really doing anything right now. It seems to take care of itself but I'm sure I'll be scrambling at the last minute. We had the lovely Mrs. Megan Norman take our engagement photos before Matt left for work. Here are a few that I really like.
It's hard to believe it is nearing the end of August. Life is strange when you want it to slow down for four months and then pray for it to speed up for the next four months. It really did slow down this summer and we had a lot of quality time with family and friends. I've been travelling a lot this summer around the states...Atlanta, Vegas, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver. Atlanta was hot, Vegas was hot, but the West Coast...now that was gorgeous! I can't wait to go back with Matt and hike the Colombia River Gorge. The only pic I have handy is one of me at the fountains in Vegas.
We somehow ended up at the Nielsens on the Fourth of July for an impromptu party with fireworks and all! We also celebrated Weazy's birthday and the kids had fun playing with Jake!
Poopoos
The Matts
Two sides to every girl
Matt eating the moon
One of the highlight of the summer was our camping trip to Itasca State Park. Kiki and Adam were able to spend one day with us which was so wonderful! We brought up our canoe and our dog and LOTS of food.
Minnesota State flower: Lady slipper
Hiking around the park
Owow
The Mississippi Headwaters
Oh, and I almost forgot...I RAN A FREEKING MARATHON.
Our family also welcomed the newest member, Vincent, this summer. He is the first in a long line of babies that will be showing up this year! Congrats to Pete and Nellie and our prayers with Jessica and Laura as they prepare for #s 20 and 21! And don't for get my cousin and best friend who beat me to the alter and to motherhood!! Congrats Lydia, I am so blessed to have you.
Have a delightful day!
I moved into the house the weekend before Matt left and tomorrow I will be an OFFICIAL Wisconsin resident. I had every intent on stripping the whole house down and redoing it MY way. As I'm here longer, I see all of the love that Matt has put into this house already. I bought new furniture for the living room and set it up just so. As I was cleaning up from the sailboat border that I had just torn down, I realized that the color of the walls was perfect. Matt chose well. I really like the wallpaper in the hallway too. It fits into the old style of our house. There is a lot of touching up to do, but I don't want things to change too much. I love our house and I love that we will be in this house for our fist years of marriage. It's a great house for kids and it has so much character (it's 100 years old!). I painted the kitchen a pretty crazy blue/green but it's such a small space that it works. My next task is to strip the wallpaper out of the bathroom and dining room and paint those. I'll post some pictures later, I want to send them to Matt anyway. With the commute, I'm not here as much as I'd like to be and I have a lot that needs to get done including mowing the lawn...yes, I do it all! My goal is to have things painted and decorated in time to have Christmas Eve at our house this year. It's big and great for a Christmas party. We have lots of extra beds for people to stay the night if they don't want to make the long trip back to Minnesota!
Wedding planning is coming along. To be honest, I'm not really doing anything right now. It seems to take care of itself but I'm sure I'll be scrambling at the last minute. We had the lovely Mrs. Megan Norman take our engagement photos before Matt left for work. Here are a few that I really like.
It's hard to believe it is nearing the end of August. Life is strange when you want it to slow down for four months and then pray for it to speed up for the next four months. It really did slow down this summer and we had a lot of quality time with family and friends. I've been travelling a lot this summer around the states...Atlanta, Vegas, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver. Atlanta was hot, Vegas was hot, but the West Coast...now that was gorgeous! I can't wait to go back with Matt and hike the Colombia River Gorge. The only pic I have handy is one of me at the fountains in Vegas.
We somehow ended up at the Nielsens on the Fourth of July for an impromptu party with fireworks and all! We also celebrated Weazy's birthday and the kids had fun playing with Jake!
Poopoos
The Matts
Two sides to every girl
Matt eating the moon
One of the highlight of the summer was our camping trip to Itasca State Park. Kiki and Adam were able to spend one day with us which was so wonderful! We brought up our canoe and our dog and LOTS of food.
Minnesota State flower: Lady slipper
Hiking around the park
Owow
The Mississippi Headwaters
Oh, and I almost forgot...I RAN A FREEKING MARATHON.
Our family also welcomed the newest member, Vincent, this summer. He is the first in a long line of babies that will be showing up this year! Congrats to Pete and Nellie and our prayers with Jessica and Laura as they prepare for #s 20 and 21! And don't for get my cousin and best friend who beat me to the alter and to motherhood!! Congrats Lydia, I am so blessed to have you.
Have a delightful day!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
And I Would Walk 500 Miles...
When all is said and done I will have run 550 miles during my training for the marathon. I modified the "Intermediate" training schedule (even though I'm a beginner) to fit my body and lifestyle. I ended up running usually five days per week with an average of 30+ miles per week. I feel ready. And excited and anxious and worried and CRAZY and happy and nauseous. Well not actually nauseous but poopy, namely, anxious poo which I just found out doesn't happen to everyone. I'm hoping I don't deplete my store of vitamins and carbs which I've been loading up on this week.
I've had so many thoughts and challenges the past 18 weeks that I haven't been sharing on my blog. That is partially because I am really busy and also because I'm able to be sharing this experience with my sisters. We are capital D Dorks when it comes to running and call each other multiple times each day to discuss our mileage, aches and pains, nerves, and everything else that comes with running a marathon. Poop is a common subject. Who knew there was so much to think about.
I'm pretty certain that I will have post-marathon depression and I'll need to find some other goals to set. Of course WEDDING PLANNING should do the trick! My next goal is to get married in January. There, it's set.
I've had so many thoughts and challenges the past 18 weeks that I haven't been sharing on my blog. That is partially because I am really busy and also because I'm able to be sharing this experience with my sisters. We are capital D Dorks when it comes to running and call each other multiple times each day to discuss our mileage, aches and pains, nerves, and everything else that comes with running a marathon. Poop is a common subject. Who knew there was so much to think about.
I'm pretty certain that I will have post-marathon depression and I'll need to find some other goals to set. Of course WEDDING PLANNING should do the trick! My next goal is to get married in January. There, it's set.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tea Time
2009 Tax Cut Rally
Saturday, 2 May 2009
11:00am-4:00pm
Main Rally at 2:00pm
Capital steps St. Paul, MN
Who's with me!?
Saturday, 2 May 2009
11:00am-4:00pm
Main Rally at 2:00pm
Capital steps St. Paul, MN
Who's with me!?
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Life is Good
I've been busy lately training for the marathon, pining for my boyfriend, and travelling for work.
The running is going well though my body is slowing down a bit. I broke my tailbone when I was in grade school. I was hanging from an old swing set in my friend's back yard and fell on to the hard ground. I never told my mom because as I recall, I wasn't supposed to be there and so I crawled around for a week hoping nobody would notice. Well, it hasn't been the same since and when I run a lot or walk in flat shoes on hard ground, my butt hurts. Really bad. We're up to 15 miles this week and it's great to see how the training is actually working, even when we get bored or tired.
Matt has officially been away for four months but comes home next Friday. I told him no kissing on Good Friday. We'll see about that ;) We are running out of things to talk about on the phone and are anxious to start planning our lives. We are going to have a VERY busy summer. Matt will be gone a lot taking courses in Florida and California. It's important for him to stay updated so that when positions open up higher than 3rd mate, he can step up and hopefully someday become captain! We are looking forward to spending time with each other and our friends and family including: Easter with my family, Grandma's Marathon (Matt is running the 5k!), Country Fest with Chris, Jen, Ben, and Katie, a family reunion for Matt's mom's side of the family, and Nathan and Sarah's wedding. We'll also be doing lots of painting, planting and other maintenance including a new roof!
I feel EXTREMELY blessed, lucky, fortunate, to have the job that I do. In this economy we are doing very well and growing quickly. Not only do I have a steady job, but I work with some of the most unique and genuine people and in such an exciting and growing industry. I had the opportunity to travel to Central America in January and will be doing lots of trade shows and training around the country this year. In two separate trips I visited El Salvador and Guatemala and then Panama a week later. Here are some of my favorite pictures from my travels. Someday I plan to explain in more detail what I do and see but for now here is a little pictorial:
The running is going well though my body is slowing down a bit. I broke my tailbone when I was in grade school. I was hanging from an old swing set in my friend's back yard and fell on to the hard ground. I never told my mom because as I recall, I wasn't supposed to be there and so I crawled around for a week hoping nobody would notice. Well, it hasn't been the same since and when I run a lot or walk in flat shoes on hard ground, my butt hurts. Really bad. We're up to 15 miles this week and it's great to see how the training is actually working, even when we get bored or tired.
Matt has officially been away for four months but comes home next Friday. I told him no kissing on Good Friday. We'll see about that ;) We are running out of things to talk about on the phone and are anxious to start planning our lives. We are going to have a VERY busy summer. Matt will be gone a lot taking courses in Florida and California. It's important for him to stay updated so that when positions open up higher than 3rd mate, he can step up and hopefully someday become captain! We are looking forward to spending time with each other and our friends and family including: Easter with my family, Grandma's Marathon (Matt is running the 5k!), Country Fest with Chris, Jen, Ben, and Katie, a family reunion for Matt's mom's side of the family, and Nathan and Sarah's wedding. We'll also be doing lots of painting, planting and other maintenance including a new roof!
I feel EXTREMELY blessed, lucky, fortunate, to have the job that I do. In this economy we are doing very well and growing quickly. Not only do I have a steady job, but I work with some of the most unique and genuine people and in such an exciting and growing industry. I had the opportunity to travel to Central America in January and will be doing lots of trade shows and training around the country this year. In two separate trips I visited El Salvador and Guatemala and then Panama a week later. Here are some of my favorite pictures from my travels. Someday I plan to explain in more detail what I do and see but for now here is a little pictorial:
Monday, February 16, 2009
News of Victory
Legend has it the first "marathoner" ran 26 miles, 385 yards to deliver news that the Greeks had defeated the Persians at Marathon. Then he died.
Today is the official start of the training for Grandma's Marathon which I am going to run in June along with my posse; Laura, Butch, Katrina, Matt, Nick, Debbie, and Ryan, (any others?). I'm feeling pretty good on day one. My goal for the race is to run the entire length without walking breaks and to finish in 4.5 hours. I would also love to cross the finish line with my sisters but it might be difficult to stay together the entire time. Last year, I ran Grandma's Half and felt like an all star. At one point towards the end of the race I got a little gaggy but kept running through it. I doubt I could have, but I really felt like I could have run the entire marathon that day. I was surprised at how great I felt. The trouble comes in trying to pace myself. During the half I started out REALLY slow and kept that pace the whole time just so I wouldn't exhaust all of my energy and have to walk. I was able to run the entire time but at the end I felt as though I could have kept a faster pace. I'm glad I have that experience so I have something to gauge the marathon by. My run today is three miles. In total, the training is about 700 miles of running. Whew. Makes the marathon seem like a walk in the park.
Last year we felt a little silly for getting a medal for only doing half the job. This year, it's the real thing!
The best part is, my lover man will be home and there to cheer me on!
So, if I don't answer my phone, I'm probably running. And if I'm late for work, it's probably because I went for a run. And if I can't meet up for dinner, I'm most likely on the treadmill. And on Sundays, forgetaboutit...those are the weekly long runs. I also like running with a buddy so if you're ever up for it, give me a call.
See you on the road!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Interview Me
I tagged myself for a meme just so I would have an excuse to write a post and ya'll can quit yer hollerin'. My niece asked me the following questions:
1. What color would you die your hair if it only lasted for a week?
2. If you could live anywhere on earth (and have your family with you) where would you live?
3. When you have kids do you want the oldest to be a girl or a boy?
4. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
5. If you won $1,000,000, how would you spend it?
And I have the following answers:
1. What color would you die your hair if it only lasted for a week?
White. I already have 23 gray hairs and I want to see what I will look like with gray hair all over. I think men with gray are very attractive and women too but usually only if they are dark complected, unlike me.
2. If you could live anywhere on earth (and have your family with you) where would you live?
I think Italy but I have never lived there. Of the places I have been, I would have to say Alaska. The boys in my family would be in heaven and I like the views, people, snow, sky, ocean, air, art, animals, and proximity to the lower 48.
3. When you have kids do you want the oldest to be a girl or a boy?
Boy. I would love to have all boys other wise two boys and then two girls. No twins.
4. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Worrying and anxiety. Sometimes it is very debilitating.
5. If you won $1,000,000, how would you spend it?
First, I would pay off my student loans. Then, I would open up a savings account and invest a portion. Next, I would help Matt find a job on a ship that isn't so far away. After that, I would take a trip to Italy. Lastly, I would have 18 babies.
1. What color would you die your hair if it only lasted for a week?
2. If you could live anywhere on earth (and have your family with you) where would you live?
3. When you have kids do you want the oldest to be a girl or a boy?
4. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
5. If you won $1,000,000, how would you spend it?
And I have the following answers:
1. What color would you die your hair if it only lasted for a week?
White. I already have 23 gray hairs and I want to see what I will look like with gray hair all over. I think men with gray are very attractive and women too but usually only if they are dark complected, unlike me.
2. If you could live anywhere on earth (and have your family with you) where would you live?
I think Italy but I have never lived there. Of the places I have been, I would have to say Alaska. The boys in my family would be in heaven and I like the views, people, snow, sky, ocean, air, art, animals, and proximity to the lower 48.
3. When you have kids do you want the oldest to be a girl or a boy?
Boy. I would love to have all boys other wise two boys and then two girls. No twins.
4. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Worrying and anxiety. Sometimes it is very debilitating.
5. If you won $1,000,000, how would you spend it?
First, I would pay off my student loans. Then, I would open up a savings account and invest a portion. Next, I would help Matt find a job on a ship that isn't so far away. After that, I would take a trip to Italy. Lastly, I would have 18 babies.
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