Whoa Baby! Its been a while....

So it has been a few days (or months) since I have blogged about anything. Some things have changed, but most things have stayed the same. To bring you all up to speed, I am going to samich the not-so-good things between some of the best things that have happend these past 'few' days.

~ Summer finally arrived, even though it is still a bit chilly every couple of days - it is here, and I am lovin' it (thanks McDonalds for the catch phrase)

~ Greg and I were able to spend 10 days, that's right, 10 DAYS at the cabin - and it was wonderful. I loved waking up, making my coffee and taking that and my book to the dock (along with my husband) and sitting there. SOaking in the rays, caffeine-ating and reading all about the wonderful wold of wizardry and witchcraft at Hogwarts was awesome!

~ Sadly, Greg is still unemployed. He looks everyday. He applies to at least 3 new places a week... and still nothing. He also is looking at going back to school - but for what? is the real question.

~ Whilst at the cabin, a few of our good friends joined us for the last weekend we were up there. We all ran the Race for the Cure in Baxter, MN - as the team: Ga Ga for Ta Tas. It was fabulous. My first 5K ever was pretty good. I am not going to say what my time was - but just that I was glad to finish and that my team raised $500! Woot! Woot!

~ My dad bought Greg a boat. Yup. We don't own a home - so why not own a boat?!? Good questions. Actually, its kind of a cool boat, and I am excited for when it is all finished. Its a 1954 Wagemaker. An old wooden boat that needs a bit of TLC. Well, what better time to work on re-finishing a boat then when one is unemployed. *Thanks dad for keeping my husband busy!

~ Most recently, my baby sister, Michaeala, turned 19. Ugh, that makes me feel really old. She came to stay with me last weekend for a girls night out Saturday. Kendra, Vanja, Rudy and I went to Salut to celebrate her big birthday. It was so fun, and the food was delish!

So, not much happened and yet we have been so busy - ALL THE TIME. I am sad that the summer is already more that half over. I am trying my hardest to really enjoy the every moment of the summer. There are so many reasons why summer in Minnesota is wonderful, but it goes so fast I hardly ever get to experience them all. I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer - and enjoying it to it's full potential! :0)

ugh

Sometimes people just make you want to go 'ugh'. It can be for any number of reasons. How do you deal with it? How do you brush it off? That is my struggle.

it was the best of times, it was the WORST of times

Life.  Its a crazy journey.  Everyday brings something new - good, bad, indifferent.  Everyday something new.   A month ago I never thought my life would take such a crazy, drastic turn.   I am not going to say turn for the worse (even though it feels like a nose dive/face plant on the cement) but definitely not a turn for the better.  Last Tuesday, Greg in had to break the terrible news to me that he would no longer be employed by Rehkamp Larson Architects.   That my friends is something I hope none of you have to experience.   It is a total gut wrenching, hand shaking, hot tears welling up and streaming down the face uncontrollably moment - and it is awful.    Some people might try and sugar coat it - well not me!  It is terrible.   I mean a month ago we were talking about starting to talk with banks about what our options are for home loans and starting to look for homes in the areas we want to live and in our price range.  It seemed like such a good time, we both had good jobs and were ready to commit to something more permanent.    Even the "Baby" word came up once or twice!  I mean that is serious business.   Now everything is at a screeching halt all because of this awesome recession our country is in.   

A job. It is such a mundane thing - get up, go to work, do your job, come home, sleep and start all over again.  Its funny how now a JOB is the most important thing in the world.   

A lot of people tell me "everything happens for a reason", and I am sure there is a reason - but I WANT TO KNOW WHAT THAT REASON IS!  

The thing that is the hardest isn't the financial stress, its the fact that this job was one that Greg truly enjoyed going to everyday.  He enjoyed the work he did, he enjoyed his co-workers, he enjoyed the neighborhood the office is in.   He liked everything about it.  That is what is so hard for me - is that now and perfectly happy, hard working employee has nowhere to go.   

M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A!

Minnesota hats off to thee

to our colors true we shall ever be

firm and strong united are we

rah rah rah for SKI-U-MAH

rah rah rah rah

Rah for the U of M!

Way to go Gophers on a winning season and making it to the tourney.   Can't wait 'til next season!

A New Adventure

Hello All! 

It has been a little too long.  We are still in this weird time of year where the weather can't decide if it wants to be spring or winter still.

Spring is coming however and I am super excited.  Less than two weeks people!  It will be glorious....whenever it gets here :)

Anyway, my new adventure....

Yesterday was my first day as an intern for YES (your extraordinary Saturday) that is run through MITY (MN Institute for Talented Youth).  I help teach a 3-D pop-up class for gifted 1st through 4th graders.  

I forgot how funny little kids can be - and how curious they are ALL THE TIME!  It can be quite exhausting.   However, I am looking forward to the next 3 Saturdays to see what my talented pupils will create! 

WHAT?

Its raining in February - which means we will most likely get 20 inches of now in March. NICE! I love MN weather.

Continued Random Facts

I can't really think of anything to blog about - so I will continue on with some more random facts about me.

4. I have this weird love for bowls. I don't know why - there is just something about the shape. I love bowls of all sizes and colors. Love them! (especially ones from Crate and Barrel :) )
5. I have never been snowmobiling in my life - NEVER. I know, I live in MN and its some kind of sin or something. But I just never have. It doesn't appeal to me.
6. I ran for my hometown's Miss contest. Yes, I ran for Miss Hutchinson in hopes of winning a college scholarship. Didn't pan out for me - oh well, I still got to wear beautiful dresses, get all made up and and dance the night away with my friends. It really worked out for the best that I didn't win because that summer Greg and I got engaged, and that wouldn't have been able to happen if I would have won the crown.

There you go. More will follow shortly I am sure.