SidenoteCal

Sister talk

2012-01-25T08:47:00.001-06:00

------------------------------------------------------------------
Sister: what's it called when you video chat with someone?

the thing we never do that starts with s?

Space?

Splice?
Spike?

Me: Um, Skype?

Sister: Yes. Skype.

Me: I should have let you guess longer
You were really onto something there

------------------------------------------------------------------

Things change

2012-01-24T14:58:00.000-06:00

I used to wish a guy would buy me bouquets of roses. Now I think shoveling my sidewalks is just about the sweetest thing a man could do.

What can I say? Home-ownership brings out the romantic in me.

Cold.

2012-01-20T12:55:00.000-06:00

Yesterday it was cold. Windchill of -29 degrees cold.

A neighbor kid stepped outside to catch the bus and screamed. All of the students I saw on campus *actually* had on real, winter coats. Doctors advised not being outside with exposed skin for longer than a few minutes.

Cold.

So now you know what it meant when two random guys pulled over, jumped out of their warm cars and pushed a stranger's out of the middle of the road when it broke down. A frozen act of kindness. I won't say seeing it warmed me up...but it did make me smile.

Went to the Go

2012-01-04T13:54:00.000-06:00

Just before Christmas, I went to Chicago for a conference.

In my spare time I got to visit with old friends,

do a little shopping and see the city's holiday sparkles.

It was *fabulous.*

OVER (rated)*

2012-01-03T16:29:00.000-06:00

I know I've said this before but it bears repeating:

matching socks are overrated.

Also, I am back in the country. Yay America!

*In my head, that title sounds like the cheer they do at basketball games when someone who is supposed to be super good misses a bunch of baskets or gets fouled out.

Barefoot in Barcelona

2011-12-23T11:15:00.000-06:00

Barefoot in Barcelona...it is the name f my nailpolish but it is also what I am doing right now. Christmas in Espana with (most of) the family!

(Will someone please tell me if my cousin throws a huge party while he's house sitting? I don't trust the cat to be a reliable informant. She's too easily bribed.)

Dean

2011-12-22T11:04:00.001-06:00

Dean,
Today you are 2 years old. How is that even possible? I remember the phone ringing late at night, and how I started crying when I heard squawking in the background. You sounded so tiny and I had waited so long to hear your voice.

Now, you say, "I wuv you, Aun'ie!" You tells me you miss me, that cows say "moooo," and you always shout the word yellow when you finds something that color.

Your Grandpa used to tell me this every night before bed (still does sometimes)and so I'll say it to you: I love to the moon and back. Happy Birthday, Love-bug!
xoxo
Auntie Oohoo

Oh my darling, Clementine

2011-12-19T10:58:00.000-06:00

"Hey, it's so good to see you! That pasta dish you brought tonight was so delicious."

"Thanks," he said, going in for a hug, "it's good to see you t----hey, are you wearing perfume?"

"Oh, uh," I scrambled to remember if I had spritzed any on before running out the door, "Yes," (I'm fairly certain that) "I am."

"What IS it? It smells SO delicious!"

"Bvlgari."

"Wow, seriously, delicious. Kind of citrusy but still..."

"Really? Because it's actually their rose version so I'm not sure...wait," I looked down at my hands. "Citrus? You do realize I'm peeling a clementine."

"Oh. Nevermind."

"Thanks."

Be careful what you type...

2011-12-05T10:48:00.000-06:00

Remember that time I was trying to find a shoe website and just typed in what I THOUGHT was the right URL but accidentally ended up on an, ahem, adult toy website?

At work?

Yeah.

It's only a matter of time before the Internet Police show up and send me home from school.

Almost as awkward as the time my brother's boss dialed the wrong number for a conference call and an, ahem, adult phone chatting service picked up instead.

On speakerphone.

Almost, but not quite.

Possessed, I tell ya

2011-12-02T10:46:00.000-06:00

My water meter was possessed. Possessed, I tell ya! Possessed.

Earlier this week I had an appointment for some tech to come replace my old one because, well, I'm not really sure why. Mostly because The City told me I had to and when The City tells you to do something, you do it. Otherwise The Wizard will show up and take away your courage, make you wear pigtails and sic flying monkeys on you. Pretty sure that's how it works.

This meant I had to find the water meter in my basement. Somehow I missed the day of Homeownership 101 where they taught about water meters.* {I also missed the lesson on how to figure out which smoke alarm is beeping but that's a whole different problem.}

I found a meterish looking thing, pointed the tech in that direction and crossed my fingers. All went well until 2:00am that night when I woke up for a glass of water and discovered that the new meter was possessed. Every time I ran the water it made a painful chugging, screeching noise that could be heard everywhere in the house. I tried to find a more logical explanation of what was wrong with it but since I was too freaked out to actually go down there it was kind of hard to tell from the top of the stairs...

15 calls to the wrong departments at The City later, I found a nice man who didn't laugh at me when I told him what was wrong {probably because I left out the fact there was a demonic spirit residing in the meter and just mentioned the noises...} and today I got a brand new one installed. One that makes no noises. One that is NOT possessed.

The tech claims the possessed one actually had a loose casing which commonly causes it to "make a racket" but we know the truth, don't we?

*If you missed Homeownership 101, too, and are wondering what the water meter in your basement looks like, this will help. You are welcome.

A Thanksgiving Story

2011-12-01T12:31:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving is a time for family, quality time and puking toddlers.

At least ours was.

Sister, Joe the Brother-in-law, and Dean the Nugget were in town and my brother invited all of us to do lunch with him at his fancy corporate office. Our tour, the food, his coworkers...everything was great until Dean started coughing on our way out.

Then, it happened. In a big lobby by the elevators and two glassed in conference rooms, the little guy puked. Sister caught all of it in her hands without letting a single drop hit that generic patterned carpet. {Mother of the Year, people. For real.} Joe threw his jacket down on the ground just in case there was more on it's way, Paul ran-walked to find a trash can, and Katie told me, "Wipes! Get the wipes out of my purse! NOW!"

Poor little Dean just stood there, shaking his head and saying over and over again, "Ooooh no! Oh no! Ooh nooooo!"

As soon as the situation was contained, he changed his chant to, "Shirt. Off! Shirt. OFF! SHIRT OFF!!!" Apparently the kid doesn't enjoy smelling like frow-ups. Noted. Joe scooped him up and started mumbling something about the nearest exit while Paul repeatedly hit the elevator button.

There's no limit to how much I'd pay to see those 3 minutes of security camera footage.

Murmurations

2011-11-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

My brother and I regularly call each other, "Mur-mur." There's a back-story but it's from so long ago that it has pretty much lost it's meaning and isn't nearly as endearing as the nickname itself is to me.

I watched this video and loved it. Everything about it. There are other films like it online that are more professionally done with better sound and steadier shots, but there's something about the awe of the videographer and her friend that is contagious.

It gave me chills.

And then, I read the last line of the video.

And it warmed me right up.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

{Mega} Move-in

2011-11-01T15:16:00.000-05:00

I started my job a few weeks ago but didn't really have office furniture but today the big shipment arrived. Between two offices, there were more than 20 boxes and since I had no idea the movers were coming I ended up camped out on the floor for most of the day. It gave me plenty of time to try to plan my very own...MEGA DESK.

Trust me. It's gonna be awesome.

Franken-foot

2011-10-31T15:39:00.000-05:00

As of Friday, I'll have no more Franken-foot because I'm getting unscrewed {technical term for the surgery is "hardware removal."} The screws from last year's surgery have done their job and the bones are all fused now and apparently, removing the metal will get rid of the last of the pain I've been having.

At least it was around for one last Halloween appearance!

Tights Season Opener

2011-10-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

For some in Minnesota, it's the goose or deer openers that signal fall has arrived. For me? It's the tights season opener.

There was frost on my plants, the temperature dropped below 50, and I once again found myself wishing my car had heated seats.

Bye bye, bare legs. Hello, brrrrrrr.

High five and move along

2011-10-19T09:17:00.000-05:00

A coworker's 8 year old son came home the other day and said, "Mom, a girl at school says she's my girlfriend. What does that mean?"

"Nothing," she replied quickly. "It means nothing. Just give her a high five and move along."

If only dating was still that easy.

Falling out of {love with} summer

2011-10-11T12:12:00.001-05:00

We are weeks past the summer equinox and it has still be in the 80s. Minnesota has been having it's hottest October in history and I am over it. Where is fall?!? The neighborhood girls took advantage of the hot weather and put up a lemonade stand. The best part is that all proceeds were going to be donated to the Children's Hospital. Too cute. But really...goodbye, summer. Please. Leave?

Staycation wrap-up

2011-10-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

This weekend I packed up and headed west for an overnight in western MN. To celebrate my new job, Elissa made me her famous "promotion cake" {chocolate cake with mint frosting}. The last of the summer flowers were blooming and during our morning coffee date we discovered a hidden alleyway with names carved into all of the bricks. It was the perfect way to end my staycation!

Wordless Wednesday: Yellow {Brick} Road

2011-10-05T17:52:00.000-05:00

Preoccupied, much?

2011-09-28T12:54:00.000-05:00

I made it as far as the garage before noticing.

And yes, in case you were wondering,

it is difficult being this awesome.

"So go get it."

2011-09-27T14:04:00.000-05:00

Reading and Writing

2011-09-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

"I like to write about the stuff going on in my life as long as it's interesting, but otherwise, I'd rather just read."

Story People

Not cool, Doc

2011-08-25T15:34:00.000-05:00

My first round of antibiotics wasn't successful in kicking this strep's butt so I had to go in for a follow-up. I told my doctor I was taking two, 200mg ibuprofen every 4 hours. He said, "You know someone your size can take 3 or even 4, right?"

I screamed, "ARE YOU CALLING ME FAT, DOC?"

Fine. I screamed it in my head. But still, not cool, Doc. So not cool.

Then and now

2011-08-24T15:34:00.000-05:00

Once my antibiotics kicked in and I was declared not contagious, I got to play with the nugget. One of my favorite moments was when I went outside at Grandma's house for a little quiet time away from the family and who showed up but Dean. The kid had figured out how to open the front door and let himself outside to play.

So play we did.

Somewhere there's a picture of me as a kid, watering those same plants with Grandma's watering can. I love transposing memories like that...

P.S. I totally bought him those slippers. Coolest.Auntie.Ever.

Stolen Bed

2011-08-19T15:40:00.000-05:00

Someone stole my bed. Actually, two someones. I'm out in California visiting my favorites (Sister, the brother in law, and my nugget Dean) but I've only left the house once...to go to the doctor. Turns out I have strep so my fever, sore throat and I have been stuck in bed. Along with Sasha and Daisy, who are the only ones not afraid of catching my 'ick.

Wordless Wednesday: Garage Sale

2011-08-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

The one thing I wanted...

...and it wasn't for sale.

{Sigh.}

How much is that kitty in the window?

2011-08-03T07:43:00.001-05:00

I'll let you guess which one I wanted to take home with me...

State Bird Bites

2011-08-01T21:03:00.000-05:00

I'm allergic to mosquito bites, which is funny {ha haha haha ha.} because there are so many here that people say they are the Minnesota state bird. This weekend's cabin tally was 9 which wouldn't be so bad except that I get welts the size of about two quarters which then blister, all the while itching like crazy. It aint pretty. Trust.

But amidst the mental anguish of trying to keep myself from scratching and testing out every lotion/cream/pill in the pharmacy, this happens...

...and makes every itchy moment worth it.

Going back

2011-07-29T09:32:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while...

when my hair gets hot, cooked from the sun

traffic is full of busses

and the air smells like city mixed with fresh bread

...it feels like there again.

Me encanta Madrid.

Photo taken on Beacon St. SE, Minneapolis

"How's that for battery?"

2011-07-27T06:33:00.001-05:00

Question: Is there anything more frustrating than a chirping smoke detector?

Answer: Yes. Not being able to figure out which smoke detector is chirping.

Story of my life the other morning:

WALK BICYCLES

2011-07-26T06:15:00.000-05:00

This sign on campus has my little grammar brain spinning.

Is it supposed to be a command? "Walk, bicycles!"

A list of nouns? "Walkers, bicycles"

Actions allowed under the bridge? "Walk. Bike."

This is why construction management majors should be required to take more English courses. So that I waste less time trying to mentally correct their signage.

Tots and tats

2011-07-25T06:33:00.001-05:00

In case I haven't mentioned it before, my nephew is the most adorable thing on the face of the earth which is once again proven to be true by this video of him swimming.

All I could think about after watching the video approximately 17 times was, "Bubbles! Kicking! Aaaaaaboom!"

Apparently, what something else stuck out to my dad since he watched it and said, "I didn't know your sister had a tattoo." She has had it since college and, after hiding it for years, gave up on trying to keep it a secret ages ago. {He missed the memo.} One of my friends tells her kids that tat she got in college is a special kind of temporary one that only comes off with special soap.

Maybe both of them should look into yesterday's groupon? "Like octopi, tattoos contain ink, are typically found among sailors, and can frighten young children in swimming pools. Protect tots from scary tats with today's Groupon: for $50, you get one laser tattoo-removal session."

Really though...back to the more important topic: how cute is Dean?

It's getting hot in here...*

2011-07-22T06:11:00.003-05:00

Unless you live under a rock, or perhaps in Europe, you know that it has been ridiculously hot in Minnesota this week. More miserable than anywhere else in the world, actually, when you combine the temperatures of 100 degrees F+ with the stifling high dew points.

The main interstate buckled and broke because of the heat, humidity, and rain. Another highway closed due to flooding. The shrubs in my backyard are officially fried.

It's like the apocalypse.

And to top it all off, on Tuesday morning I got a severe weather alert on my phone that said, "Severe weather warning until noon includes both the Minneapolis and St. Paul campus. Possible hail and winds at 70 mph."

There's some kind of system in place at the office where our office manager has some kind of special light on her desk that turns on when we should evacuate and go to the basement. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I picture it looking like this:

I could probably just walk to the other side of the building to see what it actually looks like but...why ruin it?

*The lyrics from that Nelly song (which go "It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes) were once sung to me by a 5 year old at the summer camp where I worked in high school. That was the day I vowed never to send my children to camp.

Heat waves and brain freezes

2011-07-21T07:59:00.000-05:00

In the winter, there is nothing to do because it's cold and dark and snowy so I have plenty of time to blog. But, since there's nothing to do (because it's cold and dark and snowy), I have nothing to blog about.

In the summer, there's tons to do because it's warm and sunny and beautiful so I have plenty to blog about...but no time to write because, well, you get the idea

Here's a few of my summer snapshots from the past few weeks while I've been MIA:

1. Low-cal high glam martinis

2. Iphone games with the brother in law (apparently we're pretty evenly matched)

3. Cabining. Lots of cabining.

4. Peep toes + stripes

5. Craft & wine nights with my girls!

6. Cranking the AC and snuggling under blankets with the kitten. 

Pretty, funny...pretty funny.

2011-07-19T07:03:00.003-05:00

It's my mama's birthday! Isn't she lovely?

People say I look like her which I take as a compliment every time. They also say I must get my hair color from her, which is ironic because she's naturally blonde.

{Maybe I shouldn't be telling people that on her birthday...hmm. Can't be as bad as revealing her age, right?}

Anyway, when I was 8 years old, we got a new girl in my class named Andrea. She was tall and had awesome hair and all the guys liked her. I was jealous. Also, she had a mom who was exotic looking and absolutely gorgeous. Nothing like the other mothers at school. I told Mom all about her. "Andrea's mom is the prettiest mom I've ever seen."

She paused. "What about me?"

I thought for a minute, and said, "Oh Mom...but you're funny."

Looking back, I still can't believe I didn't tell her how beautiful she is and that I hoped someday I'd be as pretty as she is. I also can't believe how gracefully she took what I said. She laughed and told me, "Well, funny lasts a lot longer than pretty does, so I'll take that any day."

Happy birthday, to my funny (and still very pretty) Mom.

Ahh...

2011-06-24T21:39:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think I post too many pictures of the cabin but it's just so amazing sometimes I can't resist.

This is truly my heaven on earth. As I drive north, every stress and worry and anxiety peels away and I arrived stripped down from the craziness of city life and ready to sit. Just sit. And enjoy.

With a view like this, can you blame me?

Serpent Lake, MN
6/24/11

Peonies

2011-06-21T07:16:00.000-05:00

This year, my sad little spindly peony plant bloomed with two, perfect white flowers and I was SO excited. Then, on a Sunday afternoon I stood in my kitchen and looked in the backyard where the neighbor kids' friends were standing by my peony plant, pulling the petals off one by one. Luckily over the weekend in Buffalo there were enough peony blossoms to fill the void in my heart. Mmm. So beautiful. Maybe next year my flowers will last a little longer...

Bubbles

2011-06-20T07:56:00.001-05:00

Looking through some old pictures from when I was growing up {to find the Father's Day photos}, I came across one that clearly shows where Dean got his affinity for bubbles. If he keeps up these similarities to his auntie, he'll be a pretty fantastic little boy, if I do say so myself.

My Daddy

2011-06-19T09:49:00.000-05:00

My dad is amazing.

Not only did he never miss a dance recital, he even went to 15 years worth of dress rehearsals. He's still the one I call in the middle of the night when I hear a scary noise and no matter what time it is he always offers to come over. Whenever I stop by my parents house, there are treats waiting for me in the fridge...fresh raspberries, handsqueezed orange juice, marinated olives. Growing up, he designated Saturdays as our special days and would take me out in his collector car to run errands and visit his favorite haunts. After business trips he always came back with trinkets for us kids, even if it was just the plastic room key from his hotel or a set of wings from the airplane, and he called every night to tell us he loves us.

If everyone could have a dad like mine, I'm fairly positive our prisons would be less crowded, wars would all but disappear, and the world would be a better place.

How to order ice-cream

2011-06-16T08:05:00.000-05:00

How to order ice-cream: If you're as classy as me you just say, "I'll take the stuff with Jameson in it." If you aren't as classy as me, you'll ask for the "Irish Moxie" ice-cream which is coffee based with a dash of Jameson. Yum.

Izzy's Ice Cream {which is a mile from my house} has been featured on the Food Network and with good reason. It's delicious and has a super cool feature where you can see in real time the inventory of ice-creams in the cooler. You can even sign up to receive an email when they restock your favorite flavor! Did I mention, yum?

Note: Please excuse my dazed expression and messy hair. I was in sweatpants, half asleep on my couch when I was told by a friend we were walking to Izzy's for a treat RIGHT NOW. I pulled it together but just barely.

Pretty little ditty

2011-06-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

On a rainy day like this, sometimes you just have to sit by the window, look out for a while and listen to a pretty little ditty. So here you go...a window and a song.

{Photo: Fire Station 19, Minneapolis, MN}

{Song: via Lettie Bumpkins}

Thumbs up for rock and roll!!!

2011-06-10T09:04:00.000-05:00

So I might be the last one to see this video (as is usually the case with things like this but Miss E has promised to forward me everything she views from now until forever-ish so that should fix the problem) but that doesn't make it any less awesome so enjoy it and THUMBS UP FOR ROCK AND ROLL!

Back to normal

2011-06-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

I'm alive! On Tuesday night I got The Food Poisoning from a place called Oak City,* which I am officially renaming Restaurant from H-e-doublehockeysticks. Luckily, I have a kitten who loves me so much she was willing to spend all of Wednesday following me back and forth from the couch to the bathroom floor and a boss who now text messages so I didn't actually have to pause from my misery to call in sick to work.

There was a Sex in the City marathon on TV and I managed to take morning & afternoon naps which pulled me through and now I'm back to eating real, whole, solid food again. Yipee! I missed it. Desperately. For that entire 24 hours.

Moral of the story?

I could never have an eating disorder. I love food and hate getting sick farrrrrrrr too much. Oh and don't eat at Oak Ci---I MEAN...Restaurant from H-e-doublehockeysticks.

*Yes, I am fully aware that proper grammar does not dictate the italicizing of restaurant names. I did it anyway. It felt right at the time.

Long, lazy holiday

2011-05-27T09:27:00.004-05:00

{I hope you have a side-by-side,

feet in the grass,

staring at the sky kind of weekend.}

iPhone photo taken at the University of Minnesota

Q & A

2011-05-26T06:42:00.001-05:00

Q: What's creepier than a woman buying used lingerie at the thrift store?

A: Some dude buying used lingerie at the thrift store.

Also, I saw the baby Jesus on the shelf at Valu-thrift. He was chillin with a swan. Anyone feel the need to analyze? I didn't. I just said, "What's up, baby Jesus?" and kept browsing. (Maybe I'm the one who needs analyzing...hmm...)

This post would have been more relevant if I had actually published it on Sunday (which I meant to do, honest.)

2011-05-25T12:59:00.001-05:00

I know the whole rapture thing is over and everyone is tired of the witty puns and jokes about being left behind but, well, I've been horrible about posting and had already uploaded these pictures so...might as well use them!

Nasty storm clouds + strawberries + angel food cake + wine = my last day on earth that wasn't actually my last day on earth

Frat row: Not so normal (Part Dos)

2011-05-18T10:10:00.000-05:00

This morning I saw two Mormons walking into a frat house.

There's no punchline. I just felt the need to share.

Frat row: Not so normal (Part Uno)

My favorite flavor

2011-05-10T17:56:00.000-05:00

I may or may not have chowed down on some Dairy Queen at my desk today. And it may or may not have been all over my face. If that had actually happened, this is probably how it would have started...

"I have an extra Dilly Bar. Want it?"
"No, that's ok...."
"Are you sure? You don't sound sure."
"I shouldn't. But, what flavor is it?"
"Reduced fat."
"I'LL TAKE IT!"

Vay-cay.

2011-05-03T23:31:00.000-05:00

Vacation is exhausting.

Daisy is tuckered out.

And so are my feet.

{Clearly.}

Rain Talk

2011-04-27T08:48:00.001-05:00

"I got up early this morning to come into work at 7am but when I walked outside in my suit and saw all of those crawlers, I just couldn't help myself. I was just going to grab a few of them because there's nothing like 'em when they're homegrown but 300 crawlers later I had to go inside to change out of my wet business suit and get ready for work again."

"You know you can buy those, right?"

"They just aren't the same. My wife loves them too, actually. She just loves that I keep them in plastic containers in the fridge all summer. It's her favorite."
"I'll bet it is."

"Too bad I have to take that suit to the cleaners now. I didn't get it muddy but it definitely got a little...musty."

{Overheard elevator conversation.}
{Also, you're welcome for not including a photo of piles of worms. I was tempted. Sorely tempted.}
{Photo from WormMan.com}

Frat row: Not so normal

2011-04-26T07:12:00.000-05:00

Normal: Seeing guys hanging out outside on frat row.
Not so normal: Seeing guys outside on frat row...studying and listening to classical music.

If I hadn't witnessed it personally while walking back from a meeting, I'd never believe it happened but I promise you it did. Working on a college campus can be so strange...

{Photo of frat row here on campus from Google Images.}

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T20:12:00.000-05:00

I hope your Easter was as beautiful and simple as mine was this year.

xo.

Mismatched.

2011-04-21T13:24:00.000-05:00

I was recently told I always look really put together.

Ha! Haha.

Haha.

About that...

One last snowfall

2011-04-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

Everyone is complaining about getting snow at the end of April but  really? 

It's beautiful. 

And I won't have to shovel it {which makes it  even prettier.}

Girls day at Ginger Hop

2011-04-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

About once a month, Elissa and I do a Saturday girls day. We get lunch, do some kind of spa appointment or get our hairs did, and then go out for cocktails. It's glorious.

Last weekend we checked out the Ginger Hop, which was just about as adorable as it's name.We ordered our fancy drinks and asked our waiter to take a picture of us. He snapped the shot, said "Aww, cute!" and handed my phone back to me.

And the photo? It. Was. Hideous. It's one things when someone's eyes are closed (which Elissa's were, btw) but this was like something off of a fun house mirror. If it hadn't been so horrifying I would have posted it for you because I really have no shame but it was too much even for me. It was traumatizing.

So instead, here are pretty photos of our drinks, the Ginger (Canton French Ginger Liquor, Chambord, vodka, OJ and soda garnished with candied ginger) and the Eye Candy (Patron Citronge Liquer, Canton Ginger, pomegranate juice, OJ, and sparkling brut) as well as our delicious fried egg rolls. In summary: I'd recommend going there for food and drinks but do NOT under any circumstances, ask an employee to take your photo.

A Pinkberry Prayer: ANSWERED

2011-04-15T12:04:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't believe in the power of prayer, behold...I have proof they work.

Back in November, I asked Saint Honoré to intercede on my behalf to get a frozen yogurt place like Pinkberry here in Minnesota.

He pulled through in a BIG WAY. Within walking distance of my office, there is now a by-weight frozen yogurt place with all the toppings my little heart desires. Even the logo colors look like Pinkberry's! I'm a happy, happy girl. Welcome home, Chilly Billy's Frozen Yogurt. Welcome home.

P.S. Confusador commented on my prayer post, "I don't know, trying to bring a frozen treat franchise to MN seems like a fools errand, I certainly wouldn't put any money on it." Who's the fool now, hmmmm???

Spring cabin weekend...

2011-04-11T13:45:00.000-05:00

Frozen lake 

Hick sign

Diner food

Drinkin' bar

Quilt nap

Hacked-off trailer

Oops.

2011-04-08T07:25:00.001-05:00

Political confession: the first time I heard a story about Ron Paul as a hopeful presidential candidate, I thought they were talking about RuPaul.

It was confusing.

To my credit, was in the other room so I couldn't see what they were talking about the TV. Easy mistake to make. Clearly.

Photos from Wikipedia and Google Images.

Waffle Face

2011-04-06T09:40:00.000-05:00

Tuesday morning as I drove to work half an hour late I wondered, "Is it a legitimate reason to be late if you slept through two alarms because you were exhausted and busy dreaming that about being forced to skip around from year to year like Henry in The Time Travelers Wife?"

Then I got too distracted by the massive waffled pillow dents on my cheek to think about it any more and spent the next 15 minutes trying to make them go away.

Because nothing says professionalism like sleep creases on your face at 9am on a Tuesday.

Nook Living

2011-04-01T07:35:00.000-05:00

As soon as I saw these decorated nooks on Anthro, I knew I wanted to live in this one. So, I invited my best friend to move in with me and you are all welcome to stop by to visit us.

We'll be serving tea and vanilla lattes.

Cupcakes too.

With sprinkles.

See ya there.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-03-31T12:19:00.000-05:00

I can't imagine living without getting the chance to say, "I love you" every single day.
It wasn't until I had signed the papers, packed her up, and brought her home that I realized my kitten has a black nose, not a pink one. I didn't even know cats could have black noses. {We grew up with German Shepherds.}
Saturdays are messy. Sundays are for cleaning up.
My 86 year old grandma has a more exciting social life than I do.
One of the worst things ever is waking up convinced it is Friday only to realize it's actually Thursday. {Things that are worse: realizing it's Wednesday, weak margaritas, getting your hair stuck in the car door.}

Fish Taco Friday

2011-03-28T10:10:00.000-05:00

Friday night I went out for fish tacos {it is lent, y'all} with another good, Catholic girl friend of mine. As we settled into the back of the bar to wait for our table, I tripped or hit my knee or did something equally klutzy and a mumbled, "Jesus H. Christ" slipped out.

My friend looked at me with a puzzled expression and said, "Wait, what's Jesus' middle name?"

Somehow keeping a straight face I answered, "H."

"Oh. But what does that stand...wait...you're kidding, right? I thought for a minute I missed that part of the bible."

It had been a long week. {Or so she claimed.}

Wordless Wednesday: Stained Glass Stairs

2011-03-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

Nativity of Our Lord Church, East side entrance

St. Paul, MN

Keyword Commentary

2011-03-11T09:44:00.000-06:00

Gotta love the keywords people type into search engines and eventually land them here.

"I'm bored what should I do"

Read my blog! That will entertain you! Maybe. On a good day. When I haven't slacked off and avoided writing for a few weeks.{Sorry about my lack of consistency, kids. I'm working on it.}

"NEKED"

Just to clarify, the post that included the word "neked" had nothing to do with me being neked. Promise.

"set  of  twins for  adoption  in  england [ages  13-16]"

No idea. But kudos for adopting older children, right? Although that's a very specific set of criteria...

"step brothers shark week"

My favorite week of the year is shark week. Last year I was at home post-surgery for the whole thingon bedrest and taking serious painkillers. It was pretty awesome {when I could stay awake.} I don't have any step brothers. Or step sisters.

"Sidenotecal"

That's me!

"Devon Sawa"

...was hot. The end.

Square advice

2011-03-10T10:56:00.000-06:00

I love post-it notes.
Especially this one.

{Photo via Daily Pep Talk who got it via a bunch of other people}

Unfortunate break

2011-03-09T11:04:00.000-06:00

It's had to know where to start with this little tweet from a local restaurant. Not only did they spell "which" wrong, but the sentence has also broken off at a very unfortunate spot...

I thought their link would bring me to different clips from Friday but apparently that wasn't exactly where they were going with it. The sentence in it's entirety is:

Witch would you rather watch high school, collage or pro sports- or all of them??

Maybe it's just me but hands down I would rather watch "collage sports." There's just something about seeing people clip things out of magazines and decoupage them together...it could entertain me for hours.

{Sidenote: None of the 12 people who have commented on this tweet have mentioned any of the ridiculous errors. Hmm...}

Are we there yet?

2011-03-08T13:46:00.000-06:00

This is officially the longest winter ever. I'm starting to feel like I did when I was 6 and we'd drive the 2.5 hours to our cabin: like no matter how many books on tape I listened to, we were NEVER, ever going to get there. When will it be spring?!?

I may have been born in a blizzard but the ridiculous amounts of snow {read shoveling} and times I've gotten stuck in the alley trying to get to work are out of control.

Also, that song about snowflakes on eyelashes? Total BS.
It isn't pleasant.
It isn't one of my favorite things.
It stings.

Worth repeating

2011-03-03T16:12:00.000-06:00

"I used to be pretty clear on what was real & what I made up, but with everything going on in the world, none of that seems to matter, so I just decided to talk less & smile to myself more, so as not to add to the general confusion."

-Storypeople

Trust

2011-02-21T13:44:00.001-06:00

Before this storm blew through and dumped more than a foot of snow on the Twin Cities, my parents and I made a quick trip up the cabin on Saturday.

Mom and I went thrifting and Dad planned to take a nap. He called Mom's cell phone about 15 minutes after handing me the keys to his BMW.

"How's she doing? Is she ok? She's a good driver. You know, I wouldn't trust her if I didn't trust her."

Well put.

My face hurts.

2011-02-16T09:28:00.000-06:00

But I bet it's killing you! {Baa dum dum.} I'm in the midst of sinus infection #2 of the season and it's a doozy.

My face hurts and my teeth ache from the pressure but I've learned some valuable lessons about things that should be avoided when sneezing every 1-2 minutes:

Merging a car during rush hour {the whole not being able to keep your eyes open gets pesky.}
Walking on an icy sidewalk {trust me.}
Applying mascara {it's a miracle I'm not blind.}

Also, I'm seriously considering moving into my shower with a few boxes of Puffs plus lotion. Not sure how that relationship will work out but steam and kleenex are the only things that make it possible for me to breathe. It could end soggily...but I'm willing to risk it.

Note: I'm now finished whining. Back to regularly scheduled programming.

A sweet inscription

2011-02-14T09:57:00.000-06:00

I'm a sucker for inscriptions in books, especially old ones. This one was printed in 1946 and has a lovely, bittersweet little note in it. {Plus, my mom calls me Jenny so it I heart it even more.} Sara and I found it at a thrift store in Atlanta and I've been saving it to share on Valentine's day.

As much as I'd love to hear the sweeping romance story behind it, I've daydreamed up plenty of my own for Jenny and Bill.

"To Jenny

I would like this book to be a reminder of those pleasant, but few, very few, times we were together.

Bill Miller"

Parents say the darndest things

2011-02-04T10:37:00.000-06:00

Mom got a new car. Dad's pretty excited about it:

Will you...erm...huh?

2011-02-01T16:42:00.001-06:00

UPDATE: Elissa got the same message from YoungMoney. Or John. Whatever. I'm over it. Now I feel like I was just being used. All of the specialness is gone...

I've gotten some strange spam emails in my day but this one takes the cake. Not sure if this is a marriage proposal or a request to be a surrogate mother or a citizenship scheme. Maybe all three?

Also...would our children's last name be YoungMoney or John? I should probably write him back and ask so we can move forward with negotiating our pre-nups.

Golden

2011-01-26T09:13:00.000-06:00

I'm spoiled rotten. It's a fact.

This morning my dad showed up with birthday cards, my favorite drink from Caribou, oatmeal for breakfast. And 26 long-stemmed red roses. Grandma sent me a gorgeous garnet ring from her own collection {we have the same birthstone} and I decided it is totally appropriate to wear a sparkly gold brocade party dress to work. On your golden birthday, it definitely counts as office attire.

P.S. I sure hope Rory got some treats after posing for my birthday wish picture...

Hotlanta

2011-01-25T16:43:00.000-06:00

It turns out Hotlanta isn't so hot during the winter. It was only about 30-40 degrees while I was there but luckily, I had a snuggle buddy to keep me warm every night.

My bed Monday morning:

Sara and I had a BLAST during my weekend jet setting trip to visit her but it is nice to be back in Minnesota.

My bed Tuesday morning:

Also, it turns out 80lb Rottweilers put off a little more heat than 6lb kittens. Ebbie needs to step up her game.

A weekend away

2011-01-20T13:36:00.002-06:00

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to  another, "What! You too? I thought I was the only one."

-C.S. Lewis

St. Paul, MN 2009

Seal Beach, CA 2010

Atlanta, GA 2011

CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS!

I'm off for a weekend away visiting Miss. Sara. Back in a few days!

Priorities

2011-01-19T11:13:00.000-06:00

If you're invisible, can you get mosquito bites?

I think you could because you're still there...you just can't be seen but you can bump into things so the mosquitoes should be able to find you.

But I think they can only find you if they can smell you. Or is it that they sense your heat? Either way, I think both of those things are still present when you're invisible because the only thing that is changing is your visibility, not your actually matter and its properties.

Unless...hmm.

With everything else that's going on my life, why is THIS the problem that kept me up in the middle of the night?

Worth repeating

2011-01-12T08:59:00.000-06:00

In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any  sentence begun.

-Elizabeth Alexander's Inaugural Poem

Photo taken on Mississippi River Road

A sidequote worth repeating...

2011-01-07T10:07:00.000-06:00

Finding the perfect outfit carries a mythical appeal, unlike unicorns, which devalue their myth each time they model for chintzy notebook covers.

{Groupon email, 12.30.10}

{Image found here}

Les Fleurs

2011-01-05T09:37:00.001-06:00

On a freezing cold day I left the office to grab a quick lunch at home. Bad dreams the night before had me in a funk and I needed to get some fresh air to shake them off.

Since I park in the garage on the alley, it's rare that I walk up my own front steps. I made it to the top of the first set of stairs before it registered there had been a small brown lump at the bottom of them. I turned around and bent down to see what it was.

There, nestled in the snow, was a perfect, dried, round hydrangea blossom. None of my neighbors have hydrangeas in the summer (much less in January) and I live no where near a florist. I have no idea where it came from but I picked it up and smiled for the first time all day.

The crazy thing is that last year, on a really tough day, I found a branch of dried hydrangeas stuck under my garage door.

It's a mystery. And I love it.

Photos taken by me.

Burn, Baby, burn.

2011-01-04T09:11:00.001-06:00

I like to pretend I know how to put out candles with my fingertips and not get burned but my attempts usually end with me hopping around in a circle trying not to swear. I have tried wetting my fingers but then I just end up with sooty stuff all over my hands and the candle still isn't fully out.

Also, as annoyed as I get by the fact my smoke alarm is more sensitive than I am and goes off at the slightest hint of smoke/bathsteam/hairspray, it also makes me feel safe at the same time.

And yes, these two random thoughts are, in fact, related. Welcome to my world.

Photo found in google images.

It's a toss up, Downward Dog

2011-01-03T09:33:00.000-06:00

It's hard to say what was the best part of my New Years day yoga;
the fact I still had on my make-up and a bar stamp on my hand from the night before or the cookies our instructor gave out at the end of the hour.

Probably a toss-up.

Photo from Balian Yoga Center

That feeling.

2010-12-31T10:40:00.001-06:00

You know that feeling you have the day after getting over a debilitating cold where you wake up, realize you can breathe through your nose, your throat doesn't feel like you've swallowed broken glass and you can move without it triggering a hacking cough? You feel like you could conquer the world. SO EXCITED to be feeling healthy again and thankful for the people who offered to help while you were feeling like crap.

That feeling usually lasts, what...a day? Maybe two?

It has been five months since my surgery.
22.14 weeks.
155 days.

And every day when I wake up I still have that carpe diem, blessed beyond belief feeling when I step out of bed and can walk without my crutches.

A pilot deadheading his way back to Salt Lake City was sitting next to me on a recent flight and told me that it has been 7 years since he had surgery on his shoulder and he still has that feeling of awe when his arm works the way it should. I'm hoping it sticks around that long for me. And longer.

I'm still in physical therapy and my foot still gets swollen and sore after walking too much but I still get so excited to be able to walk that I hardly even care. It has been a long year, especially this second half, but I had amazing people to help me through it and I really feel like the luckiest girl around. It's all about perspective and in 2010 I've received that in spades.

Happy New Years Eve (day)! Take a moment to count your blessings and I hope you have many more in the coming year.

My dad is Santa.

2010-12-30T08:37:00.000-06:00

Last year, not long after finding out he was going to be a grandpa, my dad bought a Santa suit. Jacket, pants, hat, beard, belt...the whole deal. Unfortunately the Christmas blizzard of 2009 kept him in Minnesota when the grandson arrived a few days early so he had to think of other ways to get his money's with out of that red velvet costume. On Christmas eve he suited up and made trips to all of our family friends' houses where kids {or grand kids} were celebrating. Four houses got visits from Santa and most of the adults had no idea who was hiding under that beard. One 85 year old great grandma insisted on sitting on Santa's lap for a picture even though she had no idea who it was.

This year Santa got a letter from a 5 year old, addressed to him at his Minnesota address inviting him back again on Christmas eve. He takes his job verrrrry seriously and decided to up the ante by buying some white eyebrow paint to look "more authentic."

In other news, my mom...I mean Mrs. Claus, got an iPhone and since I was at my house banished to the couch with the Christmas Crud, she was in charge of getting a picture of Santa. I got a text message that said, "I don't know how to take a picture. I think I took a video?"

"A" for effort, Mom.

Happy Birfday, Nugget!

2010-12-22T08:58:00.000-06:00

A year later and he's still the little love of my life. He walks and hugs and kisses and {almost} talks and steals the hearts of everyone he meets. I'm the luckiest girl in the world to be his aunt and Godmother!

{The following is a repost from 12/22/09}

Dean Michael

12/22/09

8lbs, 19.5"

Perfect.

Dear Dean,

Welcome to the world, little man!

I've already fallen in love with you and we haven't even met.

Pretty sure "Aunt" is going to be the best title I've ever had so thanks for showing up and giving me the new job. I would say that I can't wait to spoil you rotten but I've already been doing that since the day your mom told me about you. So, I can't wait to keep spoiling you rotten!

Just remember to love lots and be brave; the rest will follow.

Love,

Auntie Caley

One of THOSE days

2010-12-09T16:51:00.000-06:00

Wednesday night I was super excited to crawl into my bed made-up of freshly laundered sheets. I was so pumped I even took a picture of how pretty and welcoming it looked. Ebbie was so excited she jumped right up and settled in, see?

Well, apparently she got a little too excited because when I woke up Thursday morning she had gotten sick all over the bottom of the bed. {My gift to you is not including an updated picture with that in it.}

Then I lost my keys.

Then I went outside to bring the trash out for pick up and found garbage strewn all over the place. There were little bits of plastic around the garbage bin and a neat little hole where someone decided to chew his way in and help himself to my leftovers. Lovely.

When I got to work I got stuck in the elevator and realized I forgot my lunch sitting out on the counter in my kitchen.

Luckily the day improved from there but it was almost enough to make me turn around, go home, and get back in bed. Oh wait...first I have to re-wash those sheets. Ugh.

Living with a boy is weird. Part II

2010-11-22T11:30:00.000-06:00

Wednesday night I offered my brother a glass of wine. He said, "Sure, but only so you don't have to drink alone."

Last night he texted me and said I had better be home in time for The Office/Always Sunny/The League.
While we were watching the shows, I signed onto facebook and after a few minutes noticed a chat message that said, "U.smell."
I asked him, "When did you send that to me?"
"Uh, a loooong time ago."
"Really?"
"Yes, at 9:31."
"It's only 9:32."
"Exactly."

Living with a boy is weird.

It's puppet show time!

2010-11-16T07:39:00.001-06:00

The other day my neighbor had the following conversation with her first grader:

Fae: Mom, you know that thing that boys have that girls don't?
Mary Jo: Umm, what do you mean?
Fae: You know. They go to the bathroom with it. Daddies have them too.
Mary Jo: Oh. Yes. What about it?
Fae: Danny Waters showed me his on the playground.

Mary Jo had a little chat with the teacher who said, "Oh reeeeally? That doesn't usually happen until April! They're a little ahead of schedule this year. Looks like we'll have to schedule our puppet show to address that a little earlier than usual."

Neked

2010-11-12T07:56:00.001-06:00

Sooooooomeone decided to pick out his own socks...

and got totally BUSTED.

But really, when you're stark neked aren't socks the first thing you grab, too?

I want this dog.

2010-11-11T07:11:00.000-06:00

Speaking of Ebbie...what do you think the chances are that I could train the little scamp to do ANY of this?

I'd say...less than slim to none.

Charmingly disgusting

2010-11-10T09:44:00.000-06:00

This morning Ebbie was extraordinarily clingy.

She also has a kitty cold.

One of these things resulted in me saying, "Aww," when she curled up under my chin. The other ended with an, "Eww," after she rubbed her cold, runny nose on my cheek followed by a sneeze too big for a creature that only weighs 6lbs. She's lucky she's so cute.

Now she's sleeping on my heating pack, listening to my theme song of the moment. Not gonna lie...I'm more than a little jealous.

A Pinkberry Prayer

2010-11-09T09:36:00.000-06:00

Dear Saint Honoré,

Before I get started I just wanted to tell you that I couldn't find a patron saint of frozen yogurt, or even of icecream, but since you're the patron saint of desserts I thought you might be the right person for this prayer/letter. If you aren't, could you please forward it along? That'd be peachy.




Ok so here's the thing...if you could bring Pinkberry to Minnesota it'd make me the happiest girl in the world. Also, the poorest. But don't they always say it is better to be happy than rich, or something like that?

I trust you to make the right decision on this one.
Amen.

Love,
Caley Jennifer

Living with a boy is weird.

2010-11-02T07:06:00.001-05:00

The other night I got home from work and my brother was in sweat pants, a t-shirt, and his camo bomber hat. I asked him what he was doing wearing a big, furry hat inside and he said, "I just finished cleaning."

Later that night he yelled to me from the living room, "You owe me. I just finished your Little Ceasars for you."

Living with a boy is weird.

Disaster Zone

2010-10-29T07:57:00.001-05:00

Got home.

Splitting headache.

Wanted bed.

Broken glass all over.

Third one in a month.

Nothing to drink from, soon.

Guilty kitten face.

Checked every paw.

No blood.

Two different shoes--

no matching pair in reach.

Hands and knees...

broom, dustpan, papertowels.

Moved furniture.

Shard in palm.

Better than sole!

Trash bag ripped.

Broken glass all over.

Again.

Gave up.

Texted brother:

Wear slippers.

{Photo Source}

Der...

2010-10-19T08:19:00.000-05:00

The Best Friend has informed me that I need to start posting again and what she wants, she gets so I'll share this little gem with you to get myself started again.

Over the weekend I had a family friend, who happens to be an interior designer, come over and started planning new designs for a kitchen remodel. One that may or may not ever happen but that's not the point of the story. The point of the story is I went with her to a few houses in the neighborhood she had redesigned so I could get some visuals.

After my mini Parade of Homes tour I called Mom to tell her about it. "I really liked the granite but the coriander just looked kind of cheap to me."

She burst out laughing. "That's because coriander is an herb."

"Then what is the counter top called?"

"Corian."

What a difference a -der makes.

SidenoteCal

Sister talk

Things change

Cold.

Went to the Go

OVER (rated)*

Barefoot in Barcelona

Dean

Oh my darling, Clementine

Be careful what you type...

Possessed, I tell ya

A Thanksgiving Story

Murmurations

{Mega} Move-in

Franken-foot

Tights Season Opener

High five and move along

Falling out of {love with} summer

Staycation wrap-up

Wordless Wednesday: Yellow {Brick} Road

Preoccupied, much?

"So go get it."

Reading and Writing

Not cool, Doc

Then and now

Stolen Bed

Wordless Wednesday: Garage Sale

How much is that kitty in the window?

State Bird Bites

Going back

"How's that for battery?"

WALK BICYCLES

Tots and tats

It's getting hot in here...*

Heat waves and brain freezes

Pretty, funny...pretty funny.

Ahh...

Peonies

Bubbles

My Daddy

How to order ice-cream

Pretty little ditty

Thumbs up for rock and roll!!!

Back to normal

Long, lazy holiday

Q & A

This post would have been more relevant if I had actually published it on Sunday (which I meant to do, honest.)

Frat row: Not so normal (Part Dos)

My favorite flavor

Vay-cay.

Rain Talk

Frat row: Not so normal

Happy Easter

Mismatched.

One last snowfall

Girls day at Ginger Hop

A Pinkberry Prayer: ANSWERED

Spring cabin weekend...

Oops.

Waffle Face

Nook Living

Thursday Thoughts

Fish Taco Friday

Wordless Wednesday: Stained Glass Stairs

Keyword Commentary

Square advice

Unfortunate break

Are we there yet?

Worth repeating

Trust

My face hurts.

A sweet inscription

Parents say the darndest things

Will you...erm...huh?

*Golden*

Hotlanta

A weekend away

Priorities

Worth repeating

A sidequote worth repeating...

Golden