tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179937723926170152024-03-18T23:02:13.678-05:00debits & (kredits)celebrating the small stuff in my ordinary lifekristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-20075054250557653952012-03-27T21:34:00.000-05:002012-03-27T21:34:47.365-05:00It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This (Part One)Here's the deal with my college friends - they are all super busy women! Planning a brunch or dinner tends to require weeks of planning and no less than 1,653,719 emails. So the planning of a girls weekend in Rochester took a bit of time (like 19 months) and effort. Just imagine the amount of effort that went into the weekends spent in Florida, NYC and someone's fabulous wedding Seattle.... Yes - some of those events required as much planning and consideration as William and Kate's royal wedding!<br />
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But when the girls gather and we partake in such a weekend, it unfolds to be a spectacle nothing less than royal affair. O.K. - so there weren't any fireworks, nor was there a wimpy kiss on a balcony and unfortunately there were no crazy hats like Princess Beatrice and Eugenie. Despite the lack of hats, Haley and Michelle brought every ounce of their character and it proved to be a spectacular day and night. Let it be known that the royal highness Thompson was near her porcelain throne throughout the weekend and sadly missed out on the Rochester events. I went out on a limb and promised her (before the festivities had begun) that it would be an epic event and that the girls would want to hurry back for round two very soon. (I'll let you browse the photos before you bet on my prediction).<br />
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The grandeur day commenced with a few final phone calls and texts to ensure the route had been mapped and the ETA was known to all. Both Michelle and Haley arrived full of excitement. Quickly, we were off to a liquid lunch. In search of a patio to enjoy the impressive March weather I was once again reminded that City Cafe is not open for lunch on Saturdays. I wonder when that fact will actually stick in my head? Thankfully we re-routed to Chesters (a popular venue for a liquid lunch on Saturday). We each toasted with a bloody mary to commence the official festivities. We noshed on some pretty tasty appetizers including thai chicken lavash, seared tuna and brie cheese balls. Yep - chunks of brie cheese (one of my favorite among the cheese family) coated in a batter and fried. These things tasted liked mini donuts filled with cream. Ahhhh-mazing! The bloody mary's were finished and the last brie cheese ball had been claimed, however the conversation was still flowing. I had to call a conversation timeout to make sure we didn't spend the entire afternoon in the booth at Chester's.<br />
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Next up - we headed over to TJ Maxx with a quick pit spot for some caffeine. The drive thru at Dunn Bros proved to be quite entertaining - likely due to the vodka consumed at lunch. TJ Maxx is one of my favorite hot spots in town. Naturally I start with the handbags near the entrance and then breeze past the scarves and sunglasses and on to the jewelry. For weeks I had my eye on a Michael Kors watch, however on Saturday I had to accept the fact that the watch had found a home and it wasn't with me! After the jewelry I either check out the clothing or shoes next and then wander through the decorative home goods. I've got a bit of a routine at TJ Maxx and can make my way through the store rather quickly snagging a few must haves each and every visit. When you throw Michelle and Haley into the equation and add in some neon colors and bright high heels the adventure requires close to 2 hours. Half way through the store I realized that I lost my coffee. My best guess is it was left in the shoe department...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately there isn't a $70 million prize, but can you guess who went home with a new rock salt lamp and a Buddha?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Can't leave out a funny detail - after Haley and I hit the checkout we watched Michelle scratch her head determined to find a handbag or clutch to match her neon fashion choice in hopes of creating an outfit for the evening. It was a perfect impulse purchase scenario. However after careful consideration she left defeated. I'm sure next time I see her the outfit will include some neon color!<br />
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Next up Hobby Lobby. Another local favorite. We spent over an hour looking at fabric and thinking of many, many creative projects. It wasn't until I realized it was almost 6pm that we decided the creative projects would need to wait for another day. We were hopeful that we could still squeeze in a pedicure before they closed for the day. As luck would have it, Michelle talked the women into 3 pedicures. The perfect way to relax after a liquid lunch and plenty of laughs at TJ Maxx.<br />
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Settled into the massaging pedicure chairs with plenty of terrible magazines in hand we spent the next hour talking through all of the major Hollywood gossip. I gladly sacrificed a magazine to Haley as she typically lags a good 4 to 6 months when it comes to the gossip. In fact, earlier in the day I made a reference to Snooki and she asked, "Who is Snooki?" Really, Haley? Yep - she had no idea who Snooki is. Just as we were drying our toes, she flipped the page in the magazine and I heard her say, "Oh that's Snooki!" So at that point I knew she had accomplished everything necessary in the way of gossip magazines so it was time to head home to chill and get ready for dinner.<br />
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We spent the next hour or so doing only what girls know how to do... sipping Skinny Girl margaritas, chatting (some more), picking out clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc for the night out. This has to be my favorite part of a girls weekend. It brings back so many great memories of the years we spent living together when we had the luxury of this routine several nights a week. Sure I can dress myself and get out the door in much less time each and every morning of the week - but to linger with a cocktail and mull over the choice of my earrings with two of my best girls - it really doesn't get better than this!<br />
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Well actually, it does...<br />
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To be continued.kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-14393700484747350472012-03-19T20:46:00.000-05:002012-03-19T20:46:01.303-05:00Thunder & Lightning & Statistics.... Oh my!<span id="goog_855344000"></span><span id="goog_855344001"></span><br />
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The thunder and lightning outside are orchestrating a perfect summer storm tonight. I was anticipating their arrival given the lack of behavior of my locks the past few days. Here's the deal... when the temps hit 80 degrees in March and there's a bit of humidity in the air I promise to bite my tongue. In between a hectic day of phone screens and some annoying meetings I ran my fingers through my hair fully annoyed with the limp locks. Just last week I started using the WEN products and for 3, maybe 4 days I swore it was gonna change my life. Introduce humidity and I have less than 5% confidence that the behavior of my locks is dependent upon the WEN products.<br />
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Just now the sky lit up and every head in the classroom turned towards the windows in a noticeable distraction from the professor who is mumbling about regression analysis and pvalues and slopes and statistical significance. As if that wasn't enough of a sign, the crash of thunder that followed was just loud enough to drown out his voice.<br />
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About 30 minutes ago I leaned over the guy next to me telling him that I'm struggling to apply this mumbo jumbo to my every day light. Introduce a little thunder and lighting and some hair products and VIOLA - I can instantly apply the subject matter! This seems like quite an accomplishment. I think my work here has been done. Hint, hint... Its time to get home and snuggled into bed so that I can finish the last 60 pages of my book!kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-25277901747931278832012-03-18T21:39:00.000-05:002012-03-18T21:39:44.054-05:00Who Saved the Daylight?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63Ybhcf29WmIrt16i5kXqKg7VKiOPNpkL2pwrJZEeO0LU7vYFSqkgK5Nil-eH_NGQ6trlc8rjOEfiRKoEfCZMRc4xYuMZqzbD3hXDV7x75l7ur18YSLuWqZ2xk5IORuRgh8EAILV589c/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63Ybhcf29WmIrt16i5kXqKg7VKiOPNpkL2pwrJZEeO0LU7vYFSqkgK5Nil-eH_NGQ6trlc8rjOEfiRKoEfCZMRc4xYuMZqzbD3hXDV7x75l7ur18YSLuWqZ2xk5IORuRgh8EAILV589c/s1600/photo.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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My first memory of daylight savings time must be somewhere around the age of six, maybe seven years old. I remember running through the neighborhood (even after eating "supper" with the family) playing with my friends hardly noticing the sun slowly drop off the edge of the earth. The sun disappeared just past the end of West Wood Acres, on the west edge of town.<br />
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There are also memories of bed time coming long before the sun fell of the edge of the earth. Those were the nights that I would plead with my parents to stay up just a little bit longer. There was always some other family in the neighborhood who was still outside making the most of the last few minutes of daylight. Their laughter made just a little bit more frustrated with my parents and their chosen bedtime for me and my sister.<br />
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Then I remember daylight savings time in college. Some years it meant an extra hour of partying. Other times it allowed me an extra hour of sleep to recover from the previous night.<br />
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When my friends started having kids, there were comments about how babies/toddlers and daylight savings time don't mix well.<br />
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I have plenty of previous experience with daylight savings time, however daylight savings time this spring was especially painful. Nevermind the babies and toddlers, let's talk about the 33 year old women. Those of us that don't even have babies or toddlers. <br />
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In the weeks leading up to daylight savings time I was perfectly happy with my morning routine. The first alarm sounds at 4:29 and allows me 6 minutes to snooze until the second alarm at 4:35. At that point I exactly eleven minutes to pee, brush my teeth, find some workout clothes, let Tucker outside, grab my gym bag and stumble to the car in order to find a place on the mat for my 5am kickboxing class. There's no reason to protect the guilty - so I might as well note that many nights the furry monster at the end of the bed wakes me around 2 or 3am for potty break. I must limit that dog's water at night. Trust me that there are more than a few choice words spoken at that time of night!<br />
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So now add daylight savings time to my morning routine and last week was basically a train wreck! 4:29 turned in 7:09. I'm fairly certain that I hit the snooze button 23 times during that period of time. Around 6:30 I even turned on the TV in hopes the noise would help me rise from the slumber. As I tossed and turned the view out the window was a black sky. My body was stiff and sore and my mind was groggy. Repeat this process Monday through Friday. <br />
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Thank goodness the weather gods are confused between March and May because I was able to run or walk every night after work. For about 1 hour each night I took in the extra daylight and was a happy girl. It felt great to return home feeling accomplished, after sweating it out. At that point I was feeling like I could accomplish anything given the sun had not yet set! Too bad none of those endorphins were still hanging around the next morning, say around 4:29am.<br />
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At the end of a long week, I was commiserating with my friend Haley, sharing our thoughts about the less than favorable effects of daylight savings time. She found the most succinct way to express her true feelings. As she told me that she had early morning meetings most days that week she concluded saying, "and don't you think I didn't realize that an 8am meeting really starts at 7am!" <br />
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There it is! Daylight savings time takes place at 2am on a specific day. However it takes most of us a few days to change all the clocks and watches we own to the correct time. Worse, though, is the zombie-like feeling that lingers for days, maybe even a week! It's effects haunt babies, toddlers and 33 year old woman! <br />
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Looks like its bedtime if there's any hope to rise and shine tomorrow morning while its still dark outside.kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-84529401587001189072011-11-20T19:52:00.000-06:002011-11-20T19:52:58.555-06:00Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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This <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtil_kFMvoU">commercial</a> makes me laugh. But my smile quickly disappears. Then there's a sudden onset of guilt as I realize I'm currently working on enlarging the imprint of my buttocks on the couch. Too many treats this weekend and this commercial is likely going to haunt me in my sleep tonight.<br />
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This girl will be at kickboxing bright and early in the morning. I don't want to face the wrath of Miss Hannigan!kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-31100284146514617042011-11-08T21:42:00.000-06:002011-11-08T21:42:05.656-06:00Blur<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTW8jvQO_snd-j5IEGFwBwGQowVExK7WzEXfnGfLQX958fAG4R8AAYsmCr5Hh4NvC-kUyhT_WEQA8TYVhpPQjOHabcCnqc7Gjd3vbzc8TiFPSTUF-wgiJRgW-QhkJn93ma0uYInuAFSw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTW8jvQO_snd-j5IEGFwBwGQowVExK7WzEXfnGfLQX958fAG4R8AAYsmCr5Hh4NvC-kUyhT_WEQA8TYVhpPQjOHabcCnqc7Gjd3vbzc8TiFPSTUF-wgiJRgW-QhkJn93ma0uYInuAFSw/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Life feels like a blur these days. I'm a passenger on a train and no matter how hard I try to focus; my view is still just a blur.<br />
<br />
This train is speedy towards a snow covered place where the winter days are short of light and filled with chilly temps. Its in a rush towards holidays with family and friends and warmth by the fireplace. And then the start of a whole new year.<br />
<br />
This train is speedy away from the all the items recently crossed off those to do lists. A spooktacular Halloween event at the office complete with costumes. My 3rd MBA class. A bridal shower for my cousin Dan's fiance. A slow recovery from my attempt at that triathlon back in July. Runs and walks around Cascade Lake while Tucker pulls anxiously on the leash. So many thoughts and details that are stuck in my head.<br />
<br />
I think I'm O.K. with being a passenger for a while, but it might be time for me to step into the shoes of the conductor and control the speed and direction of this locomotive. First order of business is getting those thoughts and details out in the open, along with a few photos that go along with them. That way I can look back on them in clear focus.<br />
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</div>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-82500911837519709132011-10-05T21:56:00.000-05:002011-10-05T21:56:34.047-05:00Rewind. Do Over.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORzAb6RB_kuuwnMAp_E_S3zCRxR7TfKB0WwvwqfopZBxCRAJZFiivyUrJ6Baqb65jFe7dyADyIaUmSO1W6NxwNeinip1H_QK-0hRtzdIAc5LD0msvuTijMwifvlQq9rQ-6HxfxdLhmCM/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORzAb6RB_kuuwnMAp_E_S3zCRxR7TfKB0WwvwqfopZBxCRAJZFiivyUrJ6Baqb65jFe7dyADyIaUmSO1W6NxwNeinip1H_QK-0hRtzdIAc5LD0msvuTijMwifvlQq9rQ-6HxfxdLhmCM/s320/photo.PNG" width="213" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>The arm twisting and triathlon back in July didn't end well. It was an accomplishment. The weeks that followed were not all that fun. As a result I missed out some perfect August evenings and runs around Cascade Lake. For weeks on end in July I trained for that triathlon in 90 degree temperatures. With sweat dripping into my eyes, I zoned out pretending the temps were in the 70s or even low 80s. While I fought through the early weeks of recovery and tried out a few pain killers before being prescribed Michael Jackson's death drug,the temperatures dialed back and the weather gods offered up my ideal running weather. At this point I couldn't even bend over to tie my running shoes. I was frustrated with the doctors and annoyed that I was immobile. I was jealous of all the runners on the trail each night as I could barely let the dog out for a potty break.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>10 weeks later I have managed to increase my walking mileage up to 3 miles. This week we've been given a little gift. One last rendezvous with summer, specifically those August nights that I spent in bed instead of on the running trail. Tonight I decided to take that leap and turn the walk into a run. I was anxious. A web of worry - that I wouldn't remember how to run and that I'd be in pain. After a minute or so I found my groove and fell into a rhythm. The warm temperature allowed me to break a sweat without having to worry about my eyes stinging. The pain free strides allowed me to clear my head. The worry was trumped by relief.<br />
<br />
Rarely we are allowed a do over. I got lucky tonight. And it felt great. If my lucky streak continues (or rather the weatherman is right) I'll get a chance to repeat tonight a few more times this week. Fingers crossed.</div>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-74607758081675915002011-10-04T22:48:00.000-05:002011-10-04T22:48:24.936-05:0010-4 Ten Code<span id="goog_332299566"></span><span id="goog_332299567"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbQNeRnKo5rReZzGJuU5-JVqO-YSbXHjnN6QjybTf-8DiiGMLxhZjszUIuRWHaIF62y7Y4G1SI2vyy28BQzfXpV-g3zgqfNRADonXzFsWMqs-Qhx2Qfh7H-obur_audWW2wqA7U7Xv1A/s1600/10513478-motorola-t5583-walkie-talkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbQNeRnKo5rReZzGJuU5-JVqO-YSbXHjnN6QjybTf-8DiiGMLxhZjszUIuRWHaIF62y7Y4G1SI2vyy28BQzfXpV-g3zgqfNRADonXzFsWMqs-Qhx2Qfh7H-obur_audWW2wqA7U7Xv1A/s1600/10513478-motorola-t5583-walkie-talkie.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I remember the first set of walkie talkies in our neighbor. I was super jealous. The thought of being able to chat with your friends after being sent to bed each night was intriguing. I'm not sure what there was to talk about considering the neighbor kids had played together all day long. (Running around without shoes and only rarely checking in with my mom - not a care in the world!). What more was there to say at the end of the day? Never mind what we'd talk about. If I had owned a set of walkie talkies I imagined using code and responding back with a standard 10-4. I had no idea what it meant, but I knew that the truck drivers used it to end respond to other drives or to end a conversation.<br />
<br />
My Grandpa Lenny was quite advanced in social media. Nope not Facebook or Twitter. He didn't even have an email account. What he did own was a scanner to listen in to the police activity. As a kid I was in awe of the fact that he knew all of the important town gossip before most other people. If we were lucky enough to hear anything come across the scanner I anxiously awaited a "10-4".<br />
<br />
A few days ago I sent an email to a sales guy reminding him of a very important corporate policy (said policy was likely put in place to save lives!). I received a reply that simply said.... 10-4. First I was in disbelief. Almost a bit irritated. Until I remembered there was a point in my life where finding the right point to use 10-4 was a highlight of the day. Maybe even the week.<br />
<br />
When the moon and stars align you might even find a way to utilize 10-4 on 10/4.<br />
<br />
10-24.<br />
<br />
Looking to brush up on the code? Check out this complete listing of T<a href="http://spiffy.ci.uiuc.edu/~kline/Stuff/ten-codes.html">en Code</a><br />
<br />
<i>Note: After G-chatting for about an hour or so yesterday with a friend I still found a reason to send approximately 13 emails and 3 text messages to a friend who will remain nameless. Perhaps I hadn't talked to her in weeks or months. Or perhaps I spoke to her several times the day before. There is always something to talk about. AT&T is thankful that I'm not short on words!</i>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-69847351429440171702011-09-15T23:03:00.000-05:002011-09-15T23:03:13.579-05:00What a WeekThis week has pushed my buttons, and tested my patience like unwelcome turbulence when all you really want is an uneventful flight to the weekend.<br />
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Morning temperatures in the 30s offered a harsh chill on my bare arms as I squinted and brushed the sleep out of my eyes while the dog did his business in the darkness this morning. <br />
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I've spent too much time on the phone with the bank, preservation company and their contractor. I've learned about the legal foreclosure process and lockout/trash out lawsuits against banks who have illegal foreclosure processes.<br />
<br />
I started class again at the beginning of the week and was disappointed in the overview of the course. If I'm going to invest my time (and my company's money) I sure wish the course material was focused and applicable. And it would be nice if we could get out of there by 9pm instead of listening to countless quotations and a few bad jokes.<br />
<br />
Then today I was forced to have a difficult discussion with an employee at work. I found out the work wasn't done, nor was there any communication to bring this to my attention. So I had to address the situation.<br />
<br />
And just when the negativity had reached toxic levels I walk in the door tonight and am greeted by a crazy dog who doesn't care about foreclosure or MBA classes or difficult discussions at work. He's only worried about marking his spot in each and every yard as we make our way to the mailbox. I'm about to scold him for not walking appropriately on a leash when I realize that its really not important tonight. That's when I empty the contents of the mailbox and realize that the timing of the US Weekly magazine couldn't be better. I occupy myself on the walk back to my front door by flipping the pages. All the while I don't even notice that the dog is dawdling and marking new spots on the return trip.<br />
<br />
Kim and Kris have once again earned the cover. A bit surprised that Bachelor Pad doesn't earn the spot, but at least it's not Teen Mom again. By the time I land on the couch I've already determined that Kim wore the outfit better than her sisters and I can get the outfit from Sears for $195. A bit pricey for Sears, but perhaps I'll have to check it out. Ali Lohan looks freakishly skinny. Seriously freakish. Her dad is worried about her and some random doctor they interviewed suspects a chin implant and cheek augmentation. I'm reminded to set the DVR to record PanAm. I always wanted to be a flight attendant until I really thought about. So this show should be perfect. I can live a former fantasy life starting on Sunday September 25th at 10/9 central. 25 Things You Don't Know About Olivia Munn. I don't even know who Olivia Munn is. But her 25 things are kinda funny.<br />
<br />
Where are those Junior Mints I bought at the grocery store?<br />
<br />
In loose talk I learn that Jennifer Garner has "breast pumped on every soundstage and airplane and senator's office" and she says she can do it again. Honestly how many senator's offices has really been in while pumping? Did you know that Adele pukes before going on stage? I finally got an up close glimpse of Beyonce's bump. Why are all the stars drinking coconut water? I need to put coconut water on the grocery list.<br />
<br />
The boxes of Junior Mints are small so I can probably have another one. I'm just having my dessert first!<br />
<br />
Reese was wearing a cute orange dress with ruffles. It's hard to hate Reese - she's always smiling and wearing something cute. Or she's out for a run or leaving the yoga studio. Why do I know so much about Reese's whereabouts? Kim's marriage to Kris is causing stress with her sisters. Wait... that photo was taken on a boat on Lake Minnetonka on Sept. 4. Where was I? oh yeah, in Seattle. Dang, I missed her in the twin cities again! Of course the mothers of the daughters on Toddlers and Tiaras have gone too far. The one with the blonde wig really does like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, except for the fact that she's FOUR years old! Not impressed with the fashion finds, but do need some new fall nail polish trends. Now I'm nearing the end of the magazine and I realize that I went too fast. Maybe I can flip back and start over. Or maybe I should get my butt of the couch and make some dinner, do some laundry and homework and get to bed! There's always next week. A guarantee that the dog can dawdle and pee 42 times on the short walk back from the mailbox... all while I escape in the latest US Weekly and maybe have more of those Junior Mints before the Halloween candy disappears from stores.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJLASxcq81Pyov60xTAyrOJU4TYTZqR9XPua-3aC4LMGW7eCnHqXvvpox5rGE8rmwN8RXGvFKw3JhPSTLSBAPYC9kbRActpCAo1-B9IfWuNfpQitNUkSnr8UnyPxuYg6HlOMsXrdnkYg/s1600/DSC_4635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJLASxcq81Pyov60xTAyrOJU4TYTZqR9XPua-3aC4LMGW7eCnHqXvvpox5rGE8rmwN8RXGvFKw3JhPSTLSBAPYC9kbRActpCAo1-B9IfWuNfpQitNUkSnr8UnyPxuYg6HlOMsXrdnkYg/s320/DSC_4635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A special thanks to Olivia Munn who noted that she loves "day drinks" - special drinks to make hard days better and good days awesome. It's been quite the week, but at least it didn't require any "day drinks" just 96 pages of US Weekly.kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-25529050016429232122011-09-07T21:23:00.000-05:002011-09-07T21:23:35.732-05:00Making a comeback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L6QHnpxXGykqo8riPA5mn5FLLt92ZuMhLUgnuxsgT8RMW5JOt61jvpi8ssF1uYtEAGSv2xPI8ySkyMZyOiFXGnfz5Q_Dv_wTa4x2nJBm0Khumk8pn1nOg4U2s-sMjflWxQHstTQbWcU/s1600/britneybackupdancers1-500x750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L6QHnpxXGykqo8riPA5mn5FLLt92ZuMhLUgnuxsgT8RMW5JOt61jvpi8ssF1uYtEAGSv2xPI8ySkyMZyOiFXGnfz5Q_Dv_wTa4x2nJBm0Khumk8pn1nOg4U2s-sMjflWxQHstTQbWcU/s320/britneybackupdancers1-500x750.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Britney made a comeback in 2009 I joined the crowd at the Target Center along with 20 of my friends. We danced, sucked down every last drop of alcohol in the suite and sang along to old songs and new songs. Most of us were there looking for the old Brit. A few of us were there on the chance that she'd have another meltdown. I think we all walked away realizing that she would never be the old Brit again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15 months ago I was looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Little did I know that I find so much more more. I guess those "gold guys" aren't kidding when they say the value of gold is higher than ever before. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today marks my one year anniversary working at McNeilus. It's been 365 days since I moved to Rochester and started this little adventure. I'm thankful I didn't have a Brit like meltdown and shave my head. But I do regret the fact that I didn't capture the every day details as they happened. Just like Brit I've decided to make a comeback. I'm committed to capturing the small things in my ordinary life and I even plan to go back and recount the adventures of the past year. I owe it to the new Kristi and the old Kristi.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.popcrunch.com/britney-spears-circus-tour-dancers-fired-for-suspected-drug-use/">My photos from the concert aren't all that great so I borrowed the photo above.</a>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-24246808857035430022010-05-13T23:11:00.000-05:002010-05-13T23:11:47.406-05:00Pot of Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5v_SGI1We8r8VRAstPbcokBRMLJbLDuMCYdwgEoYj7mUV8FQu6kSm2bx-veTfuBm7kM3dGiG_izAjdFfhnT59K7eTWpTAQEjn8uYncQXqwnj_4CcU5HsKxKtZGJl5K6pGnL_lON6VGU/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5v_SGI1We8r8VRAstPbcokBRMLJbLDuMCYdwgEoYj7mUV8FQu6kSm2bx-veTfuBm7kM3dGiG_izAjdFfhnT59K7eTWpTAQEjn8uYncQXqwnj_4CcU5HsKxKtZGJl5K6pGnL_lON6VGU/s400/IMG_1707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
There have been low hanging dark clouds lingering in the sky for days on end. They roll in quickly and then pass by. But sure enough there are more to follow. They are lurking off in the distance, waiting to dump raindrops big and small. The chill in the air makes it feel a little more like football season than baseball season. I've been trying to be a bit more aware of my surroundings. So I keep a watchful eye on the sky and finally catch a glimpse of hope. Do you see it? It's faint... and there are still plenty of dark clouds all around, but I'm full of hope and plenty of excitement. That was evidenced by the singing and dancing in the kitchen tonight. After taking a bit of a sabbatical from the cupcakes and cookies - I spent time creating something sweet this week. Perhaps I'll finally find that pot of gold at the end of the busy season.... I mean rainbow.<br />
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<div><br />
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</span></div>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-48787457547120090692010-05-06T20:57:00.001-05:002010-05-06T21:02:26.455-05:00April month-end reconciliationAs promised April brought a few showers. And a sneak peek at May's flowers. As with most other months it was filled with both debits and (kredits). Hard to believe that we're well into May and I just found time to recap April!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">April 2010</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">(+) </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Twins Games! 2010 Home Opener at Target Field. 4/14/2010 afternoon game with some rain. First night game in the new stadium! Three games in one week - a great way to start the season.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">(+) </span><span class="Apple-style-span">No cavaties at the dentist!</span><br />
<br />
<strong>(+) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Flowering trees. I have never been a big fan until this spring. I took Tucker for walks most nights and couldn't help but notice the fragrance along the path. It was refreshing! Made me take a few deep breaths and relax. I decided that when I own a home with a yard I definitely want a flowering tree.</span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">(-) </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Struggling to pull myself away from work. Wondering when the busy part will end?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">(+) </span>Run for the Lakez Marathon - a well run event that was organized by one of my great friends. I am so proud of Heidi. She worked her butt off and I had fun being a part of the weekend.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">(+) </span>Nachos at Zorba's. Yum - they are in the top5!<br />
<br />
(+) Scrapbooking weekend with the girls. With all the recent births the spring trip relocated to Eden Prairie. The close proximity allowed for access to babies and boys. After a long busy season it felt good to let the creative juices flow!<br />
<br />
(-) Subpoena phone calls - The first one made by heart skip a beat. By the time the third criminal was released from the hospital I was well aware of the process. Nothing like a scary automated phone call to wake you up at 6am and remind you of that very scary incident.<br />
<br />
(+) The moon - for some reason I was especially fascinated by the moon. Each night I looked to the East to find the moon. On cloudy nights I was dissappointed that it was no where in sight. The next morning while taking the dog out I looked to the West and sure enough Mr Moon was still here. I felt reassured to know the moon was so reliable - always in the sky.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTqOg5wpzUaFZ-OJWujz-_DhqbE9oqH7ki21clEMjDI50OZCTEQSKPdscg5HqyFl-PtnpaFjXFOqMyTp2653berHk8YADN2sQTo8Z9gNljUAIeeifrbMCsX1cO89zgnTyFo3xYQXRzlQ/s1600/April+month-end+reconciliation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTqOg5wpzUaFZ-OJWujz-_DhqbE9oqH7ki21clEMjDI50OZCTEQSKPdscg5HqyFl-PtnpaFjXFOqMyTp2653berHk8YADN2sQTo8Z9gNljUAIeeifrbMCsX1cO89zgnTyFo3xYQXRzlQ/s320/April+month-end+reconciliation.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-42161021799401363052010-05-05T21:48:00.000-05:002010-05-05T21:48:29.440-05:00Cinco De Mayo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSnSlwO5uwQQiZ0psx5Hd4unrCL66C__gYNgGXtVj-jjjCCrq35q6JQM8oqFwOS4vN_thce__SQRyO03z-fo-4YhwCs-1txRmGlaskCYLjcuybjjOE0d4i6_6ZkTjypPFaOJlREXLc4s/s1600/SuperNachosBeef_Other.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSnSlwO5uwQQiZ0psx5Hd4unrCL66C__gYNgGXtVj-jjjCCrq35q6JQM8oqFwOS4vN_thce__SQRyO03z-fo-4YhwCs-1txRmGlaskCYLjcuybjjOE0d4i6_6ZkTjypPFaOJlREXLc4s/s320/SuperNachosBeef_Other.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>When traveling was a way of life I often found myself in random towns in various states. If you were hoping for interesting and exciting locations the "town" part should have brought you back to reality. They were blue collar towns where most people worked at the local automotive supply plant. The towns were small. Just small enough that when you walked into the restaurant for dinner all conversation stopped and heads turned toward the door. Next came whispers about the out of towners. Didn't matter if we stepped foot into the supper club, China buffert of local Mexican joint. There was a rule that chain restaurants were out of the question as long as there was a risk to take with a local joint. China Buffet always posed too much of a risk for me. During those 5 years of travel I sought out as many local Mexican joints as possible. I got burned once or twice, but Mexican still reigns as my favorite food. And thus Cinco De Mayo holds a special place in my heart.<br />
<br />
One friend shared in my excitement for tortilla chips, beans, salsa and sour cream. In fact, I think it's safe to say her appetite for Mexican was slightly bigger than mine! After dragging other team members to countless Mexican joints a few disgruntled individuals questioned our incredible appreciation for the menu. Without giving it a second thought she quickly explained how her parents were in the Peace Corps and traveled the world after getting married. She was a blessing to their marriage and was born while they lived in Mexico. So as it turns out she was raised for the first few years of her life in Mexico where she feasted on the local cuisine. She explained how she was a picky eater and for months only ate guacamole. In order to bring this fabricated story full circle she quickly continued on about how her parents realized that the Peace Corps was not a life for a family so they moved to Nebraska and settled there. A perfect ending to the story as she is a Husker. I giggled at the guacamole part, but she was able to keep her composure (for the most part) and sure enough the gullible audience accepted the story.... and the fact that we would continue to eat at the local Mexican joints as much as possible.<br />
<br />
Several months later I walked past a group of staff in the office and overhead one talking about how Mindy was born in Mexico and ate only guacamole. I walked away with a smile. I still don't know what's more incredible... the fact that our audience was so gullible or the amount of Mexican food consumed during our travels. Regardless I still seek it out whenever possible.<br />
<br />
I started my own Cinco de Mayo celebration a day early and was introduced to a new Mexican joint in the skyways yesterday - Crazy Tacos. (Thanks Jen!) I was hoping for something off the menu at El Azteca today - but as I was hanging out at the "track" in Shakopee I settled for Chipotle. I know - pretty disappointing for someone who claims nachos are her favorite item on the menu. I promise to do better next year.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to nachos with the sisters on the patio at El Azteca this summer! I'll take a jumbo margarita on the rocks please!kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-63616405905919393082010-04-29T22:24:00.000-05:002010-04-29T22:24:11.624-05:00Magically Delicious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqTNXtfwxAMqAZz1Ky_1MnAuKBEAFSlI53T629dDc4JIntEZ5xP-I2S9cr20aup-5agLIv0xFwsUqj_0c3vBNs1JLzb2DKwhThd1XUeX7j89QnT-AxRteru0_Jdgs5zeDIyXzmFtzbwI/s1600/luckycharms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqTNXtfwxAMqAZz1Ky_1MnAuKBEAFSlI53T629dDc4JIntEZ5xP-I2S9cr20aup-5agLIv0xFwsUqj_0c3vBNs1JLzb2DKwhThd1XUeX7j89QnT-AxRteru0_Jdgs5zeDIyXzmFtzbwI/s320/luckycharms.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I've been feel rather lazy lately. I wish I could blame the laziness on being sick, perhaps a nasty virus. One for which there are no antibiotics. One where you need to take grandma's advice and drink lots of water and get lots of rest. Can't say I've had an abundance of water lately, but I've been working on the rest part. Last night's 9pm bedtime is proof that I'm working on it. Just haven't made much progress.<br />
<br />
So in my lazy ways (and due to a naggy pain on the right side of my abdomen) I opted for cereal for dinner. I was thanking my orange marshmallow stars that I went back to aisle 5 and nabbed that box of Lucky Charms. I'll be honest - I was originally looking for Alpha Bits. Thank goodness I didn't find them. The Lucky Charms were just what I wanted and needed tonight. If you're on a budget (and I am!) then Marshallow Mateys might serve the same purpose.<br />
<br />
I poured an extra large bowl and settled in on the couch. Instantly I was taken back to the days when I was about seven or eight years old. I would sit at the kitchen counter at one of two barstools. My sister sat along side me on the other barstool. I remember those barstools like it was yesterday, they swiveled from left to right. But Dad was quick to remind us not to bang the arm rests up against the countertop. Nestled under the kitchen cabinet and against the wall was a small television. It was <span style="font-size: xx-small;">small</span>. With rounds knobs for the channels and volume. I don't even think they make them that small these days. That television wasn't even as large at the screen on my laptop. Size didn't matter (in this case) as my sister and I would sit at the counter and eat our breakfast. Lingering in hopes of watching a few more minutes of television before Mom or Dad would coax us into the bathroom to get ready for school.<br />
<br />
As we lingered I ate the oat pieces of the cereal first. Then methodically ate the marshmallows by type. There were yellow moons, organge stars, blue diamonds, red balloons, purple horeshoes and finally the rainbows.<br />
<br />
I was busy recalling memories during my first bowl, so it wasn't until I poured my second bowl of cereal that I realized I could hardly recognize any of the marshmallows. Couldn't find the pink hearts or purple horseshoes. These marshmallows were striped and made of strange shapes. I finally found one or two rainbows. While it was magically delicious it was most definitely missing some of my favorite marshmallows. <br />
<br />
For a few minutes I was annoyed by the changes to the box of Lucky Charms. When I googled Lucky Charms and found plenty of reading material and images I realized that the contents of the cereal box isn't the only thing in my life that has changed dramatically since sitting at the counter eating breakfast before school. As I reached over to grab the remote control and change the channel on the television I was thankful not to have to get up and turn a know. I was also thankful to have outgrown the hairstyle of the eight year old me.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping I have as much energy as the leprechaun tomorrow!<br />
<br />
If you're curious about the cereal, like me, check out the details and history <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Charms">here</a>.<br />
Can't seem to find the source of the photo!kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-56680151224208367572010-04-27T22:43:00.000-05:002010-04-27T22:43:28.070-05:00Chia PetAll good employees know that we simply don't have time to get our hair cut on days off from work. So I decided to sneak out of the office this afternoon for a little grooming. It's a great feeling to leave downtown on the middle of a Tuesday afternoon when the sun is shining. Feels like I'm skipping school. Speaking of - I wonder what the date is for senior skip day - that's a tradition that should honored each and every year - whether you are in school or public accounting.<br />
<br />
Both Tucker and I had appointments for a little grooming this afternoon. I opted for foils and a cut while Tucker endured the ear cleaning and nail grinding along with his cut. It kills me to think of just how much money that dog drains from bank account, but I guess its a fair trade off considering he doesn't shed. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Looks like I have been watering this little Chia Pet since Christmas!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_rWZxaBNPux3oUGXm1UGkqZexRlx5OMvQNtD5AMBwGXSWJdb1ADZNZu8u6sMbBoBbQ7kydGqgf_W3kdmuZdUrPgGjdKgAWDOoGFcROfEezs1jg2DgHhXHo2ExAEXEGrl2UeRQNEspag/s1600/4.27.10+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_rWZxaBNPux3oUGXm1UGkqZexRlx5OMvQNtD5AMBwGXSWJdb1ADZNZu8u6sMbBoBbQ7kydGqgf_W3kdmuZdUrPgGjdKgAWDOoGFcROfEezs1jg2DgHhXHo2ExAEXEGrl2UeRQNEspag/s320/4.27.10+082.jpg" tt="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
While there was one big vote for a mohawk, I vetoed that voice. First stop was the groomer where I requested a spring cut - a little shorter than usual. Next I stopped in at Caribou to taste one of the new iced almond mocha lattes. After checking in for my appointment I noticed the Vogue was calling my name. I settled in with my latte and the magazine readying for some highlights and lowlights as well as cut. As a great friend likes to remind me... "You'll be happier if you add a little more blonde."<br />
<br />
90 minutes later I walked out feeling like a million bucks. Back to the groomer to get the dog. Not sure that Tucker shares in my excitement...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV65YMklGTSaeRPcP1zwFpPs0NimK32ehktTfssem_o9Jb7KcU6Roi6rM6BuQ1jV4b0j_XPN3RTVx9wR4uzgSjVuqsA7Yh4FBnqqt60_e_zFbAHsWrqa4LCzgClT3MBEZ4-HttAwC9IUM/s1600/4.27.10+099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV65YMklGTSaeRPcP1zwFpPs0NimK32ehktTfssem_o9Jb7KcU6Roi6rM6BuQ1jV4b0j_XPN3RTVx9wR4uzgSjVuqsA7Yh4FBnqqt60_e_zFbAHsWrqa4LCzgClT3MBEZ4-HttAwC9IUM/s320/4.27.10+099.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJRuLwapocQ6Sdy61UNixOixZFM9O-JpvXeJXU1htYtSXH2nXn92L0c9B851yKoDkH-pFTAHDP_WlLl8hOa9yhnp94t_hDzSM0-TVzUgiNR5OpW-x1Raesy_chiI7y2chOh0bgvIGUDY/s1600/4.27.10+164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJRuLwapocQ6Sdy61UNixOixZFM9O-JpvXeJXU1htYtSXH2nXn92L0c9B851yKoDkH-pFTAHDP_WlLl8hOa9yhnp94t_hDzSM0-TVzUgiNR5OpW-x1Raesy_chiI7y2chOh0bgvIGUDY/s320/4.27.10+164.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">after</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">My dog already has enough of an attitude, I sure hope he isn't traumatized by the lack of hair. Meanwhile I am anxious to watch my bank account grow as he won't need another haircut until 2013.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><br />
</div>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-45717439600683847412010-04-21T23:26:00.000-05:002010-04-21T23:26:43.525-05:00What's for dinner?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUlC78kJ-JCLR0BPMcn-ArktSsnyi5UNJbNCBqheQL7weMaSbvGL9Vb_TS8S3spgPo-J4VAwpq1cOHI47jC3hC842qqXIjsHK5qsu8Zwl1Hr_LKgXjasUoHpJ9wi2gCpY9rn8adBJidA/s1600/turkey+applce+bacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUlC78kJ-JCLR0BPMcn-ArktSsnyi5UNJbNCBqheQL7weMaSbvGL9Vb_TS8S3spgPo-J4VAwpq1cOHI47jC3hC842qqXIjsHK5qsu8Zwl1Hr_LKgXjasUoHpJ9wi2gCpY9rn8adBJidA/s320/turkey+applce+bacon.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a quick walk with the dog tonight I headed to the kitchen in search of something "fun" for dinner. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Potstickers - hmmm - nope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pizza - had that for lunch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pasta - last night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tacos - too much work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grilled cheese - maybe...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wait a minute. What about recreating that turkey, apple, bacon and cheese melt I had a few months ago? Now you're talking!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago I stumbled upon the turkey apple bacon sandwhich at D'Brians. After wondering the skyways at lunch one day I reluctantly settled for D'Brians. Much to my surprise it was one of the best sandwhiches I have ever tasted. It was a grilled sandwhich with turkey, apples, bacon and hvarti. DELICIOUS!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend Rachel (Ray) touts the <a href="http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipes/take-five-ingredients-recipes/ABC-Sandwich--Apple--Bacon-and-Cheese-">ABC sandwhich</a> - apple, bacon, cheddar.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little more searching provided some ideas for the future...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://erinssweetlife.blogspot.com/2009/09/bacon-apple-bleu-sandwich.html">Bacon apple bleu</a> - EVERYTHING is better with blue cheese!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TAB (not just your 80s soda) - <a href="http://myhappymeals.blogspot.com/2009/06/grilled-turkey-brie-apple-sandwich.html">Turkey apple brie</a> - right behind blue comes brie. Brie is defiitely my second favorite cheese.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn't quite roll off the tongue like B.L.T. But the turkey apple bacon and you pick the cheese is pretty tasty and I'm going to make it a regular in my meal planning.</span>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-70615739589212327282010-04-18T21:51:00.000-05:002010-04-18T21:51:59.709-05:0016 & Pregnant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WZY1I5JXumtz7jRmSHMtz4wej3w59IlH3GB2I4c0I7M2ZDlV3hJ2S91ccLgbVxF8ptnXUIAfGvSNJT60_maetGLEidOZUzRkx48kro6xkhh8ib6cgpmYoPHjXsPxGdQVyxtTCCUhikQ/s1600/mtv-16-and-pregnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WZY1I5JXumtz7jRmSHMtz4wej3w59IlH3GB2I4c0I7M2ZDlV3hJ2S91ccLgbVxF8ptnXUIAfGvSNJT60_maetGLEidOZUzRkx48kro6xkhh8ib6cgpmYoPHjXsPxGdQVyxtTCCUhikQ/s320/mtv-16-and-pregnant.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
I'm not 16 (anymore).<br />
<br />
And I'm definitely not pregnant.<br />
<br />
But I am obsessed with MTV's 16 & Pregnant. Thank goodness the weather was amazing today or I would have spent the entire day on the couch. I'm embarrassed to admit how many agonizing hours were spent contemplating how the girl would ever make it work. There were a few laughs at their silly tantums (those of the mothers, not the babies) but then I felt guilty laughing. Amber, Maci, Farrah and the other girls have a long road ahead of them. I have to say I think I like Catelynn and Tyler the best - they are one of the few couples who decided to give their baby to adoptive parents. A tough decision, but likely the best decision. On the update show Tyler is seen buying her a diamond ring. One of the smallest diamonds I've seen, but that's when I had tears in my eyes. You gotta love a love story.<br />
<br />
While the first 6 episodes were gut wrenching, Leah's episode took things to a whole new level when she and her boyfriend of 1 month Corey (he is a rebound guy) find out they are having twins! After the twins episode I realized I couldn't watch another episode (well, at least not today!).<br />
<br />
Wow - did I really just spill all those details. I sure hope I didn't spoil it for anyone planning to hold up and watch the marathon next weekend. I'm still unwinding from busy season and thus I have low expectations of my productivity on the weekends. I think I've hit a new low. I just made a promise to myself that I will read a book next weekend instead of watch TV. I can feel my brain rotting. Oh wait, that's the headache I've had all weekend. On Saturday morning I blamed it on the Friday night twins game and the 16oz beers. This morning I realized it was the lack of caffeine all weekend. Hmmm. There it is... the reason to get up and go to work tomorrow morning.... Coffee!kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-18569980110561252422010-04-04T21:36:00.001-05:002010-04-04T21:39:11.254-05:00March month-end reconciliation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yTr5OTaosn-rB4ppz6FlElQRy8KvFFR8SI0l-gum0kBS-s7c8nQtoNR2WSFwFmGOSWW1KKFiamXImPBxW6zBSI-GHwN5jeG4_ZtE6Wi5y1E3537Yw1DTZyG7LTT3Uib5UraSJjHh2h8/s1600/lion+and+lamb+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yTr5OTaosn-rB4ppz6FlElQRy8KvFFR8SI0l-gum0kBS-s7c8nQtoNR2WSFwFmGOSWW1KKFiamXImPBxW6zBSI-GHwN5jeG4_ZtE6Wi5y1E3537Yw1DTZyG7LTT3Uib5UraSJjHh2h8/s320/lion+and+lamb+cupcakes.jpg" /></a></div><br />
March was filled with a fair amount of madness and I'm not talking about upsets and 3 pointers. It was the perfect storm. I didn't keep good notes, but I believe it came in and went out like a lamb. Unfortunately I felt the lion's presence most of the month.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>March 2010</u></strong><br />
<br />
(+) The weather. Yup. The weather in MN in March was something to brag about. My favorite meteorologist says that hasn't happened since 1878. Here's to hoping its a new trend!<br />
<br />
(-) An unfortunate incident in Nashville<br />
<br />
(+) Baby Max was born on the 6th - I was lucky enough to sneak out of the office to visit him and his mom Holly.<br />
<br />
(-) The worst part of the month is that I just checked the camera and have no photos to show for the month. <br />
I made myself a little promise to do better in April.<br />
<br />
(+) Jack's BBQ and Broadway in Nashville - especially the Stage<br />
<br />
(+) Gorgeous full moon at the end of the month<br />
<br />
(-) Forgot to do a march madness bracket<br />
<br />
(+) Ditching 394 for Hwy 55 on my morning commute. So far it proves to be a shorter commute and I'm saving $$$ on the MnPass<br />
<br />
(-) Lack of sleep. (That's whay April is for!)<br />
<br />
(+) The Shred. Jillian Michael's 20 minute sessions were just what I needed to jump start the workouts. Looking forward to my prize! <br />
<br />
(-) Blog posts were few... and far between.<br />
<br />
(+) Light at the end of the tunnel. Here's to a big and better April!<br />
<br />
lion and lamb were found <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.58031cf9775720e593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=63bf608f8532f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=66592e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=print&currentslide=1&page=1">here</a>.kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-76011967025236720562010-03-28T21:27:00.000-05:002010-03-28T21:27:07.235-05:00Peeps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zBf1oAtVlZvsP9SLXemLRrouBuP5R-mWWSPFixRX4swloiYoMIEemusZP21xy_jO3feAay5FN-kraoNyny83rdUR6ikaLsbALzv6X_M7YBbZk4PDuw8wHZgQ9S56tAf060J_gSYp1aQ/s1600/peeps4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zBf1oAtVlZvsP9SLXemLRrouBuP5R-mWWSPFixRX4swloiYoMIEemusZP21xy_jO3feAay5FN-kraoNyny83rdUR6ikaLsbALzv6X_M7YBbZk4PDuw8wHZgQ9S56tAf060J_gSYp1aQ/s320/peeps4.jpg" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made a quick trip to target today. I didn't make a list and my mind was consumed by thoughts (separate blog post coming soon), but I was determined to have a little normalcy in my life. After wandering the aisles aimlessly, my favorite Easter candy brought a smile to my face. There in the sea of candy and other Easter treats were the Peeps. Pink ones, yellow ones, purple ones, blue ones, orange ones and green ones. Bunnies and chicks! Wait? Since when have there been blue and orange and green? I'm pretty sure they were only pink and yellow when the big bunny left them in my Easter basket. Peeps are for kids - just like Trix. But for some reason I have not outgrown them. I like to puncture the celophane and let them get hard and a little stale before eating them. I have a feeling its going to be a good week - thanks to the Peeps!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my grown up life I have found another way to embrace peeps. When the last of the slow melts and the mornings are still chilly I am anxious to introduce my toes to a little fresh air. Peeps toes are the flips flops of the office. I might have a professional job, but I still find a way to embrace the barefoot child that played with the neighborhood kids on Elaine Ave. These little peeps were the result of some recent retail therapy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tUACyeddx80Id4061d3u09le9RBGukSLpgJ-BJIGcoI2hPMHNrnkT0wHIKEkFsUojyeKPcf0IJalvEzg2JpLcjduuZJuUMnJ-KfQYv2O7GHNOgUfEpm3IBvW7Y__BBQAYcrVTtl7we4/s1600/peep+toes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tUACyeddx80Id4061d3u09le9RBGukSLpgJ-BJIGcoI2hPMHNrnkT0wHIKEkFsUojyeKPcf0IJalvEzg2JpLcjduuZJuUMnJ-KfQYv2O7GHNOgUfEpm3IBvW7Y__BBQAYcrVTtl7we4/s320/peep+toes.jpg" /></a></div>Me and my peeps are ready for Spring!kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-64542680058732979922010-03-23T23:20:00.000-05:002010-03-23T23:20:17.889-05:00Spring Break (of sorts)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoxdaJr_mKOf2e71VsqHxgWEws-uyHLbOlnSc7ffZ4SXUpiya3aTvwQDisQhyOxH4HAgvyMkalRewdns4PzGj3IRw71SRrjXVw7A_eRxhn1S3GR7-ImtiMUJjfJAWTI0s9lH7pFXdPYQ/s1600-h/will+return+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoxdaJr_mKOf2e71VsqHxgWEws-uyHLbOlnSc7ffZ4SXUpiya3aTvwQDisQhyOxH4HAgvyMkalRewdns4PzGj3IRw71SRrjXVw7A_eRxhn1S3GR7-ImtiMUJjfJAWTI0s9lH7pFXdPYQ/s320/will+return+sign.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>I'm on a Spring Break of sorts. Nash Vegas Baby! This is as close to spring break as you will come when you deal with debits and kredits. <br />
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For the past few years I have scheduled an audit in Nashville during March. It's a breath of fresh air after a long season of auditing. This is the first year that the audit has gone well. This is not the first year that I left my inhibitions at Gate C19 at the MSP airport. A morning flight, lunch on the patio, an afternoon of work, followed by dinner at Jack's BBQ (legendary) and a few too many drinks - all in a day's work! <br />
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I'm determined to have a star sighting while here in Nashville. Too bad Miley was busy with Simon tonight. Wonder where Nicole is? Not sure if it will ever happen, but I do promise to have a few too many morgan diets and listen to a some cover Country bands at the Stage. Not sure why - but I really like this place! Did I mention the weather? Vitamin D is a wonder drug. <br />
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Today's quote: "Nashville is like the Minneapolis of the South."<br />
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Will return soon - but for now I'm on spring break.kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-57878474041862439932010-03-16T22:58:00.000-05:002010-03-16T22:58:40.972-05:00En Route from En ZedA group email among some of my favorite girls this morning led to banter between my friend Andrea and I. She's on the other side of the globe and I was especially missing her. Particularly the energy level, humor and adventurous spirit. For the past two months there has been growing anticipation over a package that left En Zed destined for MN. Once again she inquired if I had found anything in mailbox. Today I asked her if the postman was swimming to MN? If so, I feared he drowned and the package was lost forever. <br />
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Having completely forgotten about the potential for a package, I opened the mailbox tonight and let out a squeal! It was finally here! The package that started its journey on the other side of the globe. Wrapped in brown paper with her recognizable handwriting - it was indeed from good old Fran.<br />
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Inside the package was a fun spiral book for keeping notes (perhaps an idea log for this little blog!), a cute post card filled with words of love from Fran and..... genuine sheep skin nipple warmers which were handcrafted in New Zealand. How considerate! Fran knows me just well enough to know that I have been dying for sheep skin nipple warmers! Or perhaps this was simply a return favor for a birthday package that I sent to Seattle a few years ago.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPPIh7gwtiJmU_bsSAjC-1YUV58V0XKfeBASqfc9aVehO1NSZ7goxP0NtXH8JOGtqacPV6EvPvR_SxB2oHT0PyvTFT34CB6KN6GzupC3sgk8pckHHq3MakaiHcbC30TUrKuDa1Whl-r0/s1600-h/10.00.08+-+XXX+227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPPIh7gwtiJmU_bsSAjC-1YUV58V0XKfeBASqfc9aVehO1NSZ7goxP0NtXH8JOGtqacPV6EvPvR_SxB2oHT0PyvTFT34CB6KN6GzupC3sgk8pckHHq3MakaiHcbC30TUrKuDa1Whl-r0/s400/10.00.08+-+XXX+227.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKsBZvxokb7mH2Naa2SVI2Os1aCHMDcII6n6KRCWwnlFWi170on24xVIPg54j66QSByJ5DNMSrXutHPoa_jkUYIiMX0Olg5ex6DvPyonWQs0_G0DxFZEp60hGISPccSIpJgldFUaEvn8/s1600-h/10.00.08+-+XXX+229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKsBZvxokb7mH2Naa2SVI2Os1aCHMDcII6n6KRCWwnlFWi170on24xVIPg54j66QSByJ5DNMSrXutHPoa_jkUYIiMX0Olg5ex6DvPyonWQs0_G0DxFZEp60hGISPccSIpJgldFUaEvn8/s400/10.00.08+-+XXX+229.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Thanks for the love Fran.kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-7197676898480284192010-03-15T22:42:00.001-05:002010-03-15T22:43:26.413-05:00The Lady in Aisle A13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR2GACM_eT2q8IbCLMXygBJT4sl4wZalWu4A11fDenFQiock61ig-1ONw79rdZjh3zxNspXG_HXvWc_eGqv9m9VQio2F1n1ai00iy3n1TIWR0C_XnGbx-3QwaYAWIiRITBwh0n1cXR1A/s1600-h/VHS+tapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR2GACM_eT2q8IbCLMXygBJT4sl4wZalWu4A11fDenFQiock61ig-1ONw79rdZjh3zxNspXG_HXvWc_eGqv9m9VQio2F1n1ai00iy3n1TIWR0C_XnGbx-3QwaYAWIiRITBwh0n1cXR1A/s320/VHS+tapes.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
I was a bit embarassed and a slightly frustrated by my trip to Target this evening. After boasting about how the remote control survived the spin cycle it decided to fail me last night. In a hurry, I headed toward the electronics department uncertain of where to find a universal remote control. I knew that Best Buy would have been a better option, but time didn't allow for that adventure. As I scanned the aisles I began to doubt that they even had what I was looking for. Finally at the end of the aisle I found three different options ranging in price between $6 and $18. I was pleasantly surprised by the great deal I was getting. (At one point I tried to justify a new LCD in the bedroom instead of the universal remote!) After careful consideration between black and silver I opted for the silver - the same color as the old school TV that sits on my dresser. I was feeling a little ghetto at this point, but none-the-less satisfied as I can once again fall asleep with the television.<br />
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What made the trip to Target worth my while was the chatty woman I met at the opposite end of the aisle. She too was suprised by the great "deals" at Target. She very much liked the prices she found and decided to toss a second package of 10 VHS tapes in her cart! I smiled all the way from the electronics department, through the checkout and to my car. I can't stop wondering what she plans to record on her VCR?<br />
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I heard that Young and the Restless is really good these days. Perhaps she's a Y&R fan!kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-63121002560360206212010-03-14T00:02:00.000-06:002010-03-14T00:02:09.147-06:00Spin Cycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nOlw5C3CMQuza8odeh_ispRo-h0GLoQypRKXWg2Ew3z6Kebe9jDkcGvX5emNF2Dzzf_L_he-3g0mLLtGHClpMqHlGwJu1XvP6_DM-Mqp5Hf63MeTd7dAngvUcyPItJX6p0wpfkAKs90/s1600-h/remote+control.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nOlw5C3CMQuza8odeh_ispRo-h0GLoQypRKXWg2Ew3z6Kebe9jDkcGvX5emNF2Dzzf_L_he-3g0mLLtGHClpMqHlGwJu1XvP6_DM-Mqp5Hf63MeTd7dAngvUcyPItJX6p0wpfkAKs90/s320/remote+control.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
As I ran out the door to take the dog to the new indoor dogpark I had a sudden burst of energy and decided to pull the sheets off the bed and throw them in the laundry. The thought of having to make the bed later that night was daunting. But the desire to crawl into a freshly made bed won out. After finding my uniform (sweats and a white vneck tshirt) I stripped the bed and ran downstairs to start to the laundry. I even added a little bleach to brighten the sheets. Bonus points for me.<br />
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The dogpark was great. Just the perfect fix for a rainy week of arriving home after dark each night to find a dog that is restless and playful. Over the past week I have come to view this dogpark as a lifesaver. It deserves a post of its own, so I'll save the details for later.<br />
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Back from the dogpark I dropped the leash and kicked off my shoes. Ready to find some dinner, but I halted at the washer to transfer my laundry into the dryer. Upon opeing the washer something strange caught my eye. After a double take I confirmed that sitting at the bottom of the washer was the remote control. Hmmm. Not exactly what I was expecting to find. But its always nice to know where the remote control is.<br />
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Wait. <em>What the hell is the remote control doing in the washing machine? </em><br />
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Just like Benson and Stabler I put the facts together and realized that in my swift move to strip the bed I brought the remote control along with the bedding. I stood there leaning over the washer thanking God that my head is attached to my neck, I'd hate to think what would happen if it wasn't attached! <br />
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I was pretty certain that the dose of bleach on top of the laundry detergent and the spin cycle had left the remote control out of commission. To my surprise, it works better than ever! Looks like I found a way to make doing the laundry a little more interesting.kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-71866162178516482512010-03-11T22:58:00.000-06:002010-03-11T22:58:07.712-06:00PTO Planning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3B3IH_krZ66IDtC9GGDSy3kWuRnif1uFWP2PoMPAjQQAg-RHTDrsQbriLXawqw3CxKKMLFVlWbWpuls2tfiDWvwQKVyDaF4pmpOD7QN4X7MClL640A-uYL8Rs6NYmdFVvu9lxxghMU8/s1600-h/thought+bubble.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3B3IH_krZ66IDtC9GGDSy3kWuRnif1uFWP2PoMPAjQQAg-RHTDrsQbriLXawqw3CxKKMLFVlWbWpuls2tfiDWvwQKVyDaF4pmpOD7QN4X7MClL640A-uYL8Rs6NYmdFVvu9lxxghMU8/s320/thought+bubble.gif" vt="true" /></a></div>That was the subject line of an email I received yesterday. The message came from HR. Felt like pouring salt in the wound. Trust me, once I find myself on the other side of this busyness I will welcome plenty of PTO into my life. <br />
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I believe that most people define this as "personal time off" or "paid time off". I like to refer to it as "purchased time off". As in I paid (dearly) by putting in many hours for the ability to take some time off.<br />
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After receiving this untimely message I proceeded to daydream about how I would spent my day of PTO. I would be elated for just ONE day of PTO. In fact, at this point I might be willing to use PTO on a Saturday. Yes - you heard me right... on a Saturday. I know it appears as if I have been brainwashed if I'm willing to cash in my prepaid for use on a Saturday. <br />
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With this week's dreary weather I have dreamed up a day of PTO that consists of sweats, raindrops, a little tunder, the dog, my downcomforter, remote control and possibly a fresh batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies. I am 142% certain that I could spent the entire day alternating between napping, reading a magazine, watching worthless daytime television and more napping. If I got restless in the afternoon I would simply roll onto my stomach and let one leg hang off the bed. That would be me making a statement to the dog that I'm not planning on moving anytime soon. Wait - for the dog's sake I would likely grab a Dingo for him when I went downstairs to get more cookies and some milk (in a glass with ice and a straw!).<br />
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After putting the finishing touched on my perfect day of PTO I was starting to feel guilty about wasting my day away so it was back to the drawing board. Take two would likely involve getting up early for coffee on the deck and my Google reader. Then maybe I would head to the gym for a class. I would likely sneak in a quick tan on my way home. The rays make it feel like an official vacation, so I'll try to ignore the cancer warnings and just pretend I'm in Mexico for about 15 minutes. After a long shower I would start some laundry, organize a closet or possibly the disaster area in my basement. Next up is lunch with a long lost friend - not one in particular - but any of them as I haven't seen anyone in weeks! wait I think it's been months! I would definitely follow the rule about letting your food settle so I would head over see my favorite nail artist for a mani and pedi. After a little pampering I would pick up some groceries, catch a quick nap, play fetch with the dog and then cook up a delicous dinner. As long as this is a fantasy PTO day I would likely crawl into bed around 9:30 and read. Bedtime before 10pm would be perfection.<br />
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At this point PTO is only in my imagination. Come April, or better yet May I plan make these dreams a reality!<br />
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For now, it's back to work.kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-13648952169683759962010-03-09T06:00:00.001-06:002010-03-09T06:00:09.281-06:00Turkey MeatloafEach and every time I left Tucker out to go potty he runs over to the neighbor's house and excitedly wags his tail at the door. He is hoping that his Buster will come out and play. When the neighbors are on vacation or just away for the day I struggle to explain to Tucker why we shouldn't sit there and whine while waiting for them to return.<br />
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Tucker isn't the only one that is excited to see the neighbors. I enjoy hanging out with Cara (and her husband) for many reasons. Perhaps there is good gossip about the neighbors. Sometimes we share a bottle or wine or bake cupcakes - or possibly drink wine while baking cupcakes! My favorite visits to their house are when dinner is involved. At first I was reluctant to accept their offer. These days I practically invite myself inside after playing with the dogs. Cara is a great cook and always makes a full meal (salad, main dish and side/s). I'm impressed with her recipes and pairings. I honestly can't remember all the meals I've had at their house but the Asian sloppy joes and turkey meatloaf were a few of my favorites. <br />
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Someone to cook me dinner is just the first part of my wish list. Part B includes someone to blow out my hair every morning. I'm jealous of women on television as I imagine how relaxing it might be to start my morning with a cup of coffee and the newspaper or better yet my google reader as someone does my hair. Heck while they are at it can they just take care of doing my makeup as well?<br />
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So as I devoured one of Cara's meals a few weeks ago I mentioned to her how this was fulfilling only part of my wishlist. When I told her about part B she offered up her husband. He didn't seem all that interested, but I really hope he changes his mind!<br />
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Not only do I owe them dinner, but I think I better throw in some dog food as well asTucker helps himself to his fair share of Buster's food!kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17993772392617015.post-30083300373166046612010-03-07T22:22:00.000-06:002010-03-07T22:22:53.433-06:00February month-end reconciliationFebruary came and went with a blink of the eye. That's what happens when I'm busy auditing. Better late than never, here's the month end reconcilation:<br />
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<strong><u>February 2010</u></strong><br />
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(+) Vancouver Winter Olympics<br />
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(-) Grandpa Lenie passed away on February 12th<br />
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(+) Barley John's Brew Pub<br />
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(+) Baby Sam was born on February 27th - his proud mama is an Andersen friend<br />
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(+/-) Lots of auditing <br />
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(+) FIT class<br />
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(+) Valentine's Day care packages<br />
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(-) The curse of water - leaky kitchen sink, broken toilet tank lever, and spilling an entire water bottle on my computer.<br />
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(-) Little sleep and lots of work<br />
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(+) Pottery Barn's spring catalog<br />
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(+) Lemon and lime water at my new favorite client<br />
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(+/-) Breathtaking frosty trees the morning that Grandpa went to heaven<br />
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(+) Reading the Sunday newspaper<br />
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(+) McDonald's filet-o-fish commerical. Give me that filet-o-fish... give me that fish.<br />
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(+) Papyrus gift wrap<br />
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(+) A beautiful full moon<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCJu2GaUNxEw-cKWiu1BePrz1jotdNhbBwL9xS8PZamb5uoXqezNIs9pj5lG6-yHgH32uPBwnAkXAFykhqaQLPip6LWBW5NJeyzQmxQR7knfLJIB3cUzO7keiu8xXWimnViyjI7ZKAjA/s1600-h/February+month-end+reconciliation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCJu2GaUNxEw-cKWiu1BePrz1jotdNhbBwL9xS8PZamb5uoXqezNIs9pj5lG6-yHgH32uPBwnAkXAFykhqaQLPip6LWBW5NJeyzQmxQR7knfLJIB3cUzO7keiu8xXWimnViyjI7ZKAjA/s640/February+month-end+reconciliation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11429663606328689358noreply@blogger.com0