8.12.2012
DAYS thirty-five through forty-three
Listen folks, these last days have been a whirlwind of bachelorette party shenanigans, solitary drives, work, grants meetings, time spent with MT, phone chats with Rachel, chorizo bean dip and Alex time at Boca, and Beerfest. I will include a random collection of pictures below for your viewing pleasure, and I really do mean it when I apologize for my absence. I'm getting it together, y'all. I got a little wrapped up in August...this month is bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. It's barely begun, too. One thing that won't be a distraction anymore, though, is MT. Dude got axed post-Beerfest for some pretty legitimate issues. I'm single and ready to mingle again! One thing the situation with MT taught me: with the incredible friends in my life and the insane amounts of fun we have, there is no reason for me to have anyone in my life who can't measure up. On to a new week and resumed daily posting!
8.03.2012
DAY thirty-four
Today was delightful, playing tourist in one of my favorite cities. Visited the river, Millennium Park, and did some general wandering. (Trying as hard as possible to avoid the overwhelming crowds of Lollapaloozers.) Saw my favorite pregnant friend to shower Nugget with adorable baby gifts and love. Got a new tattoo with Rachel, and generally enjoyed my Chicago Friday!
DAY thirty-three
Driving 6 and a half hours by oneself is not the most thrilling way to spend the day. Having Chicago and fantastic friends be the end of the journey, however, made it all worth it. Hats off to Phoebe for being the only cat I truly love. Seriously, she's too great not to.
8.01.2012
DAY thirty-two
As of today I have officially been a Minnesotan for an entire month! What a great ride so far.
Today's humidity threatened to kill us all, but didn't stop Marissa and I from checking out the farmer's market on campus. I made no purchases, but I did catch a few whiffs of Marissa's choice basil. She is domestic and has plans for homemade pesto. Yum. We came across the below featured mammoth zucchini, and then headed to Raising Caine's for some delightfully unhealthy chicken finger noms. Great coworker bonding! Excellent avoidance of actual work! Super hump day!
Today's humidity threatened to kill us all, but didn't stop Marissa and I from checking out the farmer's market on campus. I made no purchases, but I did catch a few whiffs of Marissa's choice basil. She is domestic and has plans for homemade pesto. Yum. We came across the below featured mammoth zucchini, and then headed to Raising Caine's for some delightfully unhealthy chicken finger noms. Great coworker bonding! Excellent avoidance of actual work! Super hump day!
DAY thirty-one
I finally got my new pants in the mail. Thank goodness. I couldn't stand to wear the too-big work pants another day. Went to Boca with MT to see Alex, and really put away a plate of enchiladas. I was too hungry to stop and take a picture, so all I've got for you are pants. Sorry, that's super lame.
7.31.2012
DAY thirty
Spotify has changed my work life. That's all. Let's just hope I don't start singing out loud without realizing. That would be embarrassing. Not that I haven't already let my freak flag fly.
DAYS twenty-seven -- twenty-nine
*Disclaimer: I promise to make a rare occurrence of mashing several days into one blog post. I’m still learning how to make blogging part of my daily routine, especially when it comes to the jam-packed weekend days of summer fun. That being said, sometimes I will have to do weekend wrap-ups, and you are just going to have to be okay with that.
Weekend Wrap-Up:
Irresponsible? Maybe. Wreckless? Possible. Completely amazing and totally worth it? HELL YES. Of what do I speak, you ask? This weekend I had the completely unexpected and unplanned opportunity to cross something off of my bucket list, and by God if I didn’t jump at the chance before I could talk myself out of it. I rode on a motorcycle! This may not seem like such a big thing to some of you daredevil types. I, however, have always wanted to throw caution to the wind and hop on the back of a bike but have never been given the chance. My uncle may own a BMW mid-life crisis motorcycle, and my mom’s cousin in Illinois might have been a Hell’s Angel back in the day, but I’ve never been offered a ride. How shocked am I that it happened on a first date? Yes, you read that right, a first date. I barely know this human and he says “Wanna ride my motorcycle?” and I don’t stop to think about anything but the answer “Yes.”
When I told my mom about this experience she first said “Isn’t it so much fun!” and then quickly followed it up with, “Wait, you did this the first time you met him? I’m so glad you told me after it’s over, I don’t think I could have handled that.” Sure, hopping on his bike was essentially giving him free reign to kidnap me, but luckily he didn’t. He did take me on the freeway, though, which I have to say was exhilarating. It’s also quite possible that I gave a really great show to onlookers on the street considering I was wearing a very first date appropriate short dress that was certainly not chosen for straddling a motorcycle and traveling at high speeds. We rode all over Saint Paul, saw some gorgeous views of the Mississippi, and I took some not so great pictures of the skyline. Which, in person, was incredible. It was a great adventure, a fun and unexpected evening and a super first date. And this was only Friday!
Saturday I went to brunch with Alex and then wandered around in Highland Park for a bit. After coming home to watch some Olympic coverage I was surprised to be asked to dinner and a movie by the motorcycle man, who I will further refer to as MT (which are not his initials, and are something only he will understand). That’s right, two dates in a row! MT brought me to a steakhouse that I can only describe as transcendental. Serious NOMS. Instead of a movie, I opted to watch Sons of Anarchy at his place and become best friends with his adorable dog.
Sunday started with an uncomfortably full-feeling afternoon of Panera and froyo with Ki, followed by some unnecessary shopping and iPhone tracking of our friend on his journey to Minnesota. Next I boldly invited myself over to MT’s house for more SoA (I can’t help it…I’m addicted to the show and his dog, and he’s not so bad, either). The day ended with a phone convo with my dearest Rachel, in which we made a super exciting plan for my visit this upcoming weekend. I’m not going to give it away…that would cheapen my picture for that day! Suffice it to say I’m seriously excited to see her and spend a weekend in the city with some not so long lost friends.
Weekend Wrap-Up:
Irresponsible? Maybe. Wreckless? Possible. Completely amazing and totally worth it? HELL YES. Of what do I speak, you ask? This weekend I had the completely unexpected and unplanned opportunity to cross something off of my bucket list, and by God if I didn’t jump at the chance before I could talk myself out of it. I rode on a motorcycle! This may not seem like such a big thing to some of you daredevil types. I, however, have always wanted to throw caution to the wind and hop on the back of a bike but have never been given the chance. My uncle may own a BMW mid-life crisis motorcycle, and my mom’s cousin in Illinois might have been a Hell’s Angel back in the day, but I’ve never been offered a ride. How shocked am I that it happened on a first date? Yes, you read that right, a first date. I barely know this human and he says “Wanna ride my motorcycle?” and I don’t stop to think about anything but the answer “Yes.”
When I told my mom about this experience she first said “Isn’t it so much fun!” and then quickly followed it up with, “Wait, you did this the first time you met him? I’m so glad you told me after it’s over, I don’t think I could have handled that.” Sure, hopping on his bike was essentially giving him free reign to kidnap me, but luckily he didn’t. He did take me on the freeway, though, which I have to say was exhilarating. It’s also quite possible that I gave a really great show to onlookers on the street considering I was wearing a very first date appropriate short dress that was certainly not chosen for straddling a motorcycle and traveling at high speeds. We rode all over Saint Paul, saw some gorgeous views of the Mississippi, and I took some not so great pictures of the skyline. Which, in person, was incredible. It was a great adventure, a fun and unexpected evening and a super first date. And this was only Friday!
Saturday I went to brunch with Alex and then wandered around in Highland Park for a bit. After coming home to watch some Olympic coverage I was surprised to be asked to dinner and a movie by the motorcycle man, who I will further refer to as MT (which are not his initials, and are something only he will understand). That’s right, two dates in a row! MT brought me to a steakhouse that I can only describe as transcendental. Serious NOMS. Instead of a movie, I opted to watch Sons of Anarchy at his place and become best friends with his adorable dog.
Sunday started with an uncomfortably full-feeling afternoon of Panera and froyo with Ki, followed by some unnecessary shopping and iPhone tracking of our friend on his journey to Minnesota. Next I boldly invited myself over to MT’s house for more SoA (I can’t help it…I’m addicted to the show and his dog, and he’s not so bad, either). The day ended with a phone convo with my dearest Rachel, in which we made a super exciting plan for my visit this upcoming weekend. I’m not going to give it away…that would cheapen my picture for that day! Suffice it to say I’m seriously excited to see her and spend a weekend in the city with some not so long lost friends.
7.26.2012
DAY twenty-six
My office may not have what I've affectionately dubbed "a lid," and may be a glorified cubicle, but it's got a door that locks, and a window with a view. That's all I could ask for, really. I've got plans to do some more decorating and really make this space more me, but it's still early. At least I've got some of my favorite people to look at! You ladies are a reminder of the amazing friends I have and some of the best memories a girl could make.
7.25.2012
DAY twenty-five
I like making people laugh. Sometimes I even do it on purpose. Today I spent some time not working with coworkers, and did some serious giggling. I also talked about Myers-Briggs and color psychology so it wasn't all folly. Working at a university is the best of both worlds: you can work in an office full of silly RA-type people who are also intelligent. This is my tribe, no question. Other highlight of the day: I found a Spanish language version of Monopoly for Susan. 
7.24.2012
DAY twenty-four
I love books for so many reasons, but one of the defining features of my favorite books is that they can move me - take me to another time or place, show me a completely new world, make me believe in and feel love and wonder and sadness and truth. The books that can make me laugh out loud without realizing, or bring tears to my eyes, or those which boil my blood, the stories that I become part of in my imagination and feel in my own heart. The fact that words on a page can have this kind of visceral effect on a person astounds me.
There are many books that I have read over the years that have done this, and I am forever changed by the stories they tell, the people they have introduced me to, and the places they have taken me. While I love to write, I'm not a writer of fiction. I prefer to dive in to the worlds created by others; I choose to write about what I know, what I think, and what I feel. I like having a voice and hope that someday my writing can touch at least one someone the way I have been touched by the words I have read. It's honestly enough for me to just write it down and put the words out there. Sometimes all you need is a way to let what's inside out.
All of this to say, I had forgotten how incredible The Perks of Being a Wallflower is. A little heavier of a post, but honest and real nonetheless. That's another bucket list item of mine for this year: always be honest with myself and with those I care about, because being real is most important. I'll take Sam's advice, too. I'm going to "do things" and "really be there."
There are many books that I have read over the years that have done this, and I am forever changed by the stories they tell, the people they have introduced me to, and the places they have taken me. While I love to write, I'm not a writer of fiction. I prefer to dive in to the worlds created by others; I choose to write about what I know, what I think, and what I feel. I like having a voice and hope that someday my writing can touch at least one someone the way I have been touched by the words I have read. It's honestly enough for me to just write it down and put the words out there. Sometimes all you need is a way to let what's inside out.
All of this to say, I had forgotten how incredible The Perks of Being a Wallflower is. A little heavier of a post, but honest and real nonetheless. That's another bucket list item of mine for this year: always be honest with myself and with those I care about, because being real is most important. I'll take Sam's advice, too. I'm going to "do things" and "really be there."
DAY twenty-three
Why is it that as adults we insist on making every work related thing into an acronym? And how come some get pronounced like weird made-up words and others just strings of letters? Who decides these things?
7.22.2012
DAY twenty-one
Let's just say I spent the day on the struggle bus. Lots of cleaning, organizing, bill-paying, and watching an eclectic mix of tv shows/movies. Highlight of the day: finding both Dirty Dancing movies on back to back. BOOM.
7.21.2012
DAY twenty
I finally made it to the Como Zoo! Alex and I had an entire day date, starting with animals, wax figures, people watching, and lots of pictures. After Zooing we headed down to Cottage Grove so I could meet the Hendersons, seeing as how I've been adopted as an older sister. Mama and Papa Henderson are delightful, as expected, and Alex and I spent the day listening to the constant chatter of 10 year old girls while we made 106 grad caps. We may have eaten a significant number of peanut butter cups. And some corn on the cob. Good day!
7.19.2012
DAY nineteen
Office Olympics! Not only did we wear matching shirts, buttons, and shades, we arrived fashionably late in flying v formation with lit sparklers and the Olympics anthem blaring. Go team! Sometimes working in Student Affairs is the most amazing thing ever, if only because I'm not the only freak getting jazzed about stuff like this.
After work I met up with Ki for happy hour drinks and the most unhealthy dinner ever. Then we went back to the '60s to see a movie for $3. Coolest random theater ever!
After work I met up with Ki for happy hour drinks and the most unhealthy dinner ever. Then we went back to the '60s to see a movie for $3. Coolest random theater ever!
7.18.2012
DAY eighteen
After another great day at work, I decided to spend some time chatting up the bartender at Boca Chica, while catching a few minutes here and there with Alex. After her $2 tip on a $70 tab from the too cool for everything teens, she lovingly paid the tab for my Coronas. She's a keeper.
7.17.2012
DAY sixteen/seventeen
Yeah, so I kinda forgot to do this whole blogging thing for a couple days. Here's what happened, first I was trapped in a black hole of meth and cartel murder madness (watching Breaking Bad, not irl). Then I got sucked into the Men Tell All episode of Bachelorette last night, which had far too little Jef Holm for my liking. Then today was just a normal Tuesday at work...not too much to report on. After work I ran some errands, put my brand spanking new license plates on my man Reginald, then sat down for a double dose of reality television crazy - Dance Moms followed by Teen Mom. None of these things really warranted a picture, although I suppose Reg and his new accessories could have been something share-worthy. I've got to get better about finding things to take pictures of!
Here's the problem, having 4 day weekends basically means I do nothing for the better part of a week. NOT OKAY. Starting next week I'm settling into my regular schedule (that I will have through the first semester) where I work Monday through Thursday. Once that happens, my plan is to capitalize on my 3 day weekends by doing fun Minnesota adventure things. I want to see the sights, and I want to share the sights with my fans (please read that in a very humble tone). So let's just scrap these last couple days. And while we're at it, if you could forgive the sorry excuse for photographic evidence of my "awesome new life" in Minnesota that I've provided so far, I would greatly appreciate it. MUCH BETTER STUFF IS FORTHCOMING. Or maybe I'll just start taking pictures of trees and lame shit on my way to work. Either way, you will love me.
xoxo from the land of 10,000 lakes!
Here's the problem, having 4 day weekends basically means I do nothing for the better part of a week. NOT OKAY. Starting next week I'm settling into my regular schedule (that I will have through the first semester) where I work Monday through Thursday. Once that happens, my plan is to capitalize on my 3 day weekends by doing fun Minnesota adventure things. I want to see the sights, and I want to share the sights with my fans (please read that in a very humble tone). So let's just scrap these last couple days. And while we're at it, if you could forgive the sorry excuse for photographic evidence of my "awesome new life" in Minnesota that I've provided so far, I would greatly appreciate it. MUCH BETTER STUFF IS FORTHCOMING. Or maybe I'll just start taking pictures of trees and lame shit on my way to work. Either way, you will love me.
xoxo from the land of 10,000 lakes!
7.15.2012
DAY fifteen
Because I am an adult and had cake for breakfast yesterday, I felt it was only appropriate to have a brunch of froyo with Ki. After consuming $5 worth of chocolate, red velvet cupcake, and cinnamon bun flavored deliciousness (plus toppings), I came home to spend the rest of the day watching Breaking Bad. Thank God Netflix finally added season 4, but crafty of them for waiting until the DAY OF THE SEASON 5 PREMIERE. Boo on you. I don't think it's mathematically possible for me to watch 13 episodes in 8 hours, but I sure as hell am gonna try.
Here we go.
Here we go.
DAY fourteen
Ki, Ryan and I decided to have a classy afternoon at Treasure Island casino, because that's clearly where normal adults go on a Saturday at 2:30pm. This was a seriously fantastic idea for many reasons: I love and have missed spending time with K and R, it gave me an excuse to drive to a different part of my new home state, I was able to gamble for several hours on the same $5 (neither losing nor making any money at the end of the day), the people watching was unbelievable, K and I found our favorite slot machine (pictured below), and R discovered and played a new poker game (which it's always interesting to watch). The ONLY negative: smelling like a casino for the rest of the day...I don't know how smokers don't realize how gross they smell.
7.13.2012
DAY thirteen
I am not one of those people who are afraid of Friday the Thirteenth thanks to my spectacular Grandpa and his lucky 13. I enjoy them, and even look forward to when they come around. So in honor of Donald and his love of chocolate (and because I wanted to) I baked a devil's food cake. I got impatient and frosted early, so it's kind of a melty gooey mess. But, damn, was it delicious. I love and miss you, DC. I ate an extra big piece for you. :)
7.12.2012
DAY twelve
After finishing my fist week of my Assistantship today I can say without a doubt that this whole crazy grad school adventure is exactly what I needed in my life. It's tough to be so far from friends and family sometimes, but when I get lonely I just think about how awesome my new life is and will continue I be. Luckily I have a few good friends here to keep me sane, and I know that as I get settled I will meet lots of great new Minnesotan friends. My job is everything I hoped for and more and I can't wait to truly get started. It makes me even more pumped to start classes in the fall (nerdy, I know). So for today I just have a picture of the sunset through the tree outside my window. It doesn't do it justice, but it's for Susan...she loves this effing tree.
7.11.2012
DAY eleven
My second day at work was spent entirely in meetings. Good thing I like the people I work with and am excited about my projects, otherwise it would have been rough. Oh, and the free Jimmy John's lunch didn't hurt. And knowing what movie Kiandra and I were headed to at the end of it all really helped me get through the day (and gave me some super daydreams). No shame, people. This shit was golden.
7.10.2012
DAY ten
First day as a Graduate Assistant! YIKES. I have an office, keys, and meetings on my calendar. This is for real! I'm so excited for this job and the experience it will give me in Student Affairs...not to mention the swag I scored today (and will keep getting) and the sweet deal on tuition. :) Now it all begins!
7.09.2012
DAY eight/nine
Right, well I said this might happen when I started this blog. I definitely forgot to post yesterday. I started the day with Beth's bridal shower, and then lost the rest of it and all of today to reading Catching Fire and Mockingjay. OOPS. Tomorrow is my first day at my Assistantship at the U, though, so I should certainly have something to post then.
7.07.2012
DAY seven
I spent a delightful day with my long lost friend Alex exploring Minneapolis. We started at the farmers market and got some sick deals on baskets. Check it out...5 for $1!
Next we had a bloody mary lunch at The Cafeteria in Uptown, and then wandered around MOA (many surprises were in store there...). I can't wait to have more great days with my dearest Alex!
Next we had a bloody mary lunch at The Cafeteria in Uptown, and then wandered around MOA (many surprises were in store there...). I can't wait to have more great days with my dearest Alex!
7.06.2012
DAY six
I took an accidental 5 hour nap today, so I have relatively nothing to share. I did however receive a heartbreaking ESPN update (which was also texted to me by a Chicago friend sharing my misery). I'm not sure how to feel...
7.05.2012
DAY five
Today was Susan's last day in the Twin Cities, so we played tourist. First campus, then we cooled off in a movie for a bit, before going to the Capitol building, the Cathedral of St.Paul, and a short stroll along the mighty Mississippi. After I drop Susan off at the airport tomorrow at the crack of dawn I will be alone in my new life for the first time. Weird.
I promise my pictures will improve... I'm still getting the hang of this whole thing.
I promise my pictures will improve... I'm still getting the hang of this whole thing.
7.04.2012
DAY four(th of July)
Happy Amurcuh, everybody! Today I celebrated the birth of our nation by getting my cable and internet up and running so I could watch this week's episode of the Bachelorette. Oh, and then my mom and I went to Woodbury to see some sweet fireworks.
7.03.2012
DAY three
I have Internet! Cable...not so much. After 4 very frustrating and unsuccessful calls to Comcast to get picture and sound to go along with the channel guide and information I'm giving up on tv for the night. I apologize for my not so thrilling posts in these first days, I promise better pictures are to come.
Damn you, Comcast.
Damn you, Comcast.
7.02.2012
DAY two
I am officially an adult now. I spent my second day in Minnesota making a gigantic and terrifying purchase, but I am happy to report I've got wheels, y'all!
It's hard for me to look like a serious adult, as demonstrated below. He still doesn't have a name...any suggestions?
UPDATE: he's got a name now! Reginald Mercer Goldberg. learn it and love it, folks.
It's hard for me to look like a serious adult, as demonstrated below. He still doesn't have a name...any suggestions?
UPDATE: he's got a name now! Reginald Mercer Goldberg. learn it and love it, folks.
7.01.2012
DAY one
I have arrived! Thanks to Kiandra and Ryan and their extreme muscle, my entire UHaul was unloaded and carried up 2 flights of stairs in 90 degree weather in under 2 hours. We are superhuman. And now that it is technically almost day two in the great state of Minnesota, I'm finally getting around to posting. My pictures aren't all that exciting because my brain and body are exhausted from the chaos of the past 36 hours.
First: an injury sustained early in the unloading process, followed by many bruises.
Second: the St. Croix river welcoming me to MN.
First: an injury sustained early in the unloading process, followed by many bruises.
Second: the St. Croix river welcoming me to MN.
6.04.2012
the why of the thing
I have friends who have created blogs to post a picture a day from their travels through life. Sometimes the photos are mundane or boring, sometimes they are silly or staged, some days they are even forgotten. The days when the photo really captures the person's life, gives a slice of the world through their eyes, however, are momentous. Every time I come across these photo blogs I feel inspired to add it to my bucket list. As I made my triumphant return from my parent's rambler in Bothell to my new digs in the Windy City I even vowed to start one of my own to no avail. I can blame this failure on a number of things - my lack of a smartphone capable of taking and posting pictures directly on the internet, my laziness, and the fact that life got so busy so quickly that this great idea got lost in the shuffle. But I think I know now the real reason I let it fall by the wayside - Chicago wasn't a new enough adventure for me. I'd been there and done that all before in the 4 years I called Loyola's lakeshore campus my home. I didn't feel the need to record my daily life because for the most part I was going back to old haunts. You can only find amusement in so many late night travels on the Red Line to want to capture the moments forever in blog history.
But my next adventure, well that's a horse of a different color. In a few short weeks I will be packing my adult life yet again, loading it all onto a truck, and driving north in search of a brand-spanking-new life. Destination: Twin Cities. Reason: University of Minnesota Grad School - MA in Higher Education. Goal: never let myself forget to have fun with life, every day. This blog will hopefully help in that endeavor, forcing me to observe the world around me, never take any moment for granted, and crossing some things off my bucket list along the way. I can't promise I won't have forgotten days, or those days where my life is pretty rote and therefore afford nothing more than a picture of good food or a pretty tree. But I can promise that I will live each day to the fullest and try my hardest to become an adopted Minnesotan, sharing my first glorious year in the land of 10,000 lakes ONE PICTURE AT A TIME.
countdown to DAY ONE: 26 days.
But my next adventure, well that's a horse of a different color. In a few short weeks I will be packing my adult life yet again, loading it all onto a truck, and driving north in search of a brand-spanking-new life. Destination: Twin Cities. Reason: University of Minnesota Grad School - MA in Higher Education. Goal: never let myself forget to have fun with life, every day. This blog will hopefully help in that endeavor, forcing me to observe the world around me, never take any moment for granted, and crossing some things off my bucket list along the way. I can't promise I won't have forgotten days, or those days where my life is pretty rote and therefore afford nothing more than a picture of good food or a pretty tree. But I can promise that I will live each day to the fullest and try my hardest to become an adopted Minnesotan, sharing my first glorious year in the land of 10,000 lakes ONE PICTURE AT A TIME.
countdown to DAY ONE: 26 days.
Letter of Love
Dear Minnesota,
This is a love letter. I know that's a bold statement to start with, but guess what? I'm a bold gal. I have been not so patiently anticipating my move to your lush and vibrant landscape for months now, and let me tell you, absence does make the heart grow fonder. So I don't want to beat around the bush any longer, I'm going to get right to the point and lay it all on the line. I'm ready to really fall in love with you, hard and fast, and I hope you are prepared to love me back because at this point in my life I just don't think I could handle that kind of rejection.
I may be sarcastic and bitingly witty, sometimes judgmental, and joke that I'm a real meanie, but in all honesty I'm a pretty nice lady. I like to think that I will be able to embrace the "Minnesota Nice" and give off the same warmth I've always felt from your people before. I can honestly say I've never met a Minnesotan I didn't like, and that's certainly something to aspire to. I can be generous with time and treasure, am a fantastic listener, have a great shoulder to cry on, and genuinely love to hug, all traits I think will help in my pursuit to fit in among the ranks of the sweetest people in America. Let's be real, there are too many entitled, self-absorbed and selfish people in this world and I don't need to be another, especially if being nice will get me in your good graces.
Hot dish is one of the greatest food concepts I've encountered in my 23 years as an eater. I can't wait to forget about the word casserole entirely and jump on the hot dish train to a satisfied stomach. I love saying my "oh's" like a real "o", and vow to embrace the "ay" in bag, dragon, flag, and diagonal like I was born doing so. I'll even do it without mockery or mimicry. I promise to visit the boundary waters at least once during my tenure as a Minnesotan, if only just to say I've been and lived to tell the tale. I doubt I'll participate in any daring outdoor adventures while I'm there, but it's enough to just have been, right? Not only are the boundary waters on my list of places to visit, but I can't wait to tour every corner of the little man's hat, taking in your best sights.
I may have never been much of a state sports super fan before, but Minnesota, you are one of the few places I think I can really root for. Whether I'm clearing for the Twins, Timberwolves, Wild, Vikings, or my new school team the Gophers, you can bet I'll be one of the loudest in the bunch. Lord knows I love me a good live sporting event, and even more an underdog comeback kid. I won't be a fair-weather fan and desert you when times get tough. Once I've got a Minnesota address to call home I'm all yours - win or lose, rain or shine, sweltering summer or bone-chilling winter I'll be your girl. Wearing your colors and cheering your names.
I'm going to be calling you home for the next two years at the very least, and I'm hoping, if all goes well and we get along as swimmingly as I've planned, it will be for much longer than that. This is a long-term relationship we are starting here, and as Luke told Lorelai "I'm all in." I'll give you my heart if you give me yours, and we can share all of the wonders and secrets I bet you have hidden in your borders. We've got memories to make, my friend. Let's get started!
xoxo - your new lady love,
Claire
This is a love letter. I know that's a bold statement to start with, but guess what? I'm a bold gal. I have been not so patiently anticipating my move to your lush and vibrant landscape for months now, and let me tell you, absence does make the heart grow fonder. So I don't want to beat around the bush any longer, I'm going to get right to the point and lay it all on the line. I'm ready to really fall in love with you, hard and fast, and I hope you are prepared to love me back because at this point in my life I just don't think I could handle that kind of rejection.
I may be sarcastic and bitingly witty, sometimes judgmental, and joke that I'm a real meanie, but in all honesty I'm a pretty nice lady. I like to think that I will be able to embrace the "Minnesota Nice" and give off the same warmth I've always felt from your people before. I can honestly say I've never met a Minnesotan I didn't like, and that's certainly something to aspire to. I can be generous with time and treasure, am a fantastic listener, have a great shoulder to cry on, and genuinely love to hug, all traits I think will help in my pursuit to fit in among the ranks of the sweetest people in America. Let's be real, there are too many entitled, self-absorbed and selfish people in this world and I don't need to be another, especially if being nice will get me in your good graces.
Hot dish is one of the greatest food concepts I've encountered in my 23 years as an eater. I can't wait to forget about the word casserole entirely and jump on the hot dish train to a satisfied stomach. I love saying my "oh's" like a real "o", and vow to embrace the "ay" in bag, dragon, flag, and diagonal like I was born doing so. I'll even do it without mockery or mimicry. I promise to visit the boundary waters at least once during my tenure as a Minnesotan, if only just to say I've been and lived to tell the tale. I doubt I'll participate in any daring outdoor adventures while I'm there, but it's enough to just have been, right? Not only are the boundary waters on my list of places to visit, but I can't wait to tour every corner of the little man's hat, taking in your best sights.
I may have never been much of a state sports super fan before, but Minnesota, you are one of the few places I think I can really root for. Whether I'm clearing for the Twins, Timberwolves, Wild, Vikings, or my new school team the Gophers, you can bet I'll be one of the loudest in the bunch. Lord knows I love me a good live sporting event, and even more an underdog comeback kid. I won't be a fair-weather fan and desert you when times get tough. Once I've got a Minnesota address to call home I'm all yours - win or lose, rain or shine, sweltering summer or bone-chilling winter I'll be your girl. Wearing your colors and cheering your names.
I'm going to be calling you home for the next two years at the very least, and I'm hoping, if all goes well and we get along as swimmingly as I've planned, it will be for much longer than that. This is a long-term relationship we are starting here, and as Luke told Lorelai "I'm all in." I'll give you my heart if you give me yours, and we can share all of the wonders and secrets I bet you have hidden in your borders. We've got memories to make, my friend. Let's get started!
xoxo - your new lady love,
Claire
8.13.2011
twelve schmelve
alright, so maybe my re-entry into the blogosphere hasn't gone as intended. maybe i totally forget that this totally public online diary exists for periods of several weeks. and maybe i will blame that on the fact that i've got lots going on in my world right now. so to get back up to speed on the life of me, here's a short list of the ch-ch-changes since i last updated.
summer happened, which brought along a ridiculous heat wave that my body was not equipped to handle.
my mom paid an extended visit to Chicago to see her baby giiierrrrllll in July. we had a blast and did lots of touristy things, and i was reminded just how freakin' awesome that Susan lady is. she's a gem.
another awesome friend moved away from Chicago (and me) - Hailey Ballhands Gillen, you will be missed (but you will also be visited in WV, no doubt.)
i switched departments at work, which so far is a welcome change and hopefully will bring more excitement as the program year swings into full gear.
my computer died a sad and painful death, but out of misery rose Rob the MacBook Pro. who, let's just be honest, is the most badass laptop in the world. he's sleek and sexy, too. RIP Theodore.
that is by no means exhaustive, and doesn't really show how busy i've been lately, but you get the general idea. on a happy note, a coworker has become one of my closest friends over the past few months, and i am delighted to add her to the short list of people i really dig. Beth, and by extension her fiancé Tommy, are great additions to my circle and i'm so excited to have many more adventures with them over the coming months. i'm really pumped to get drunk and sappy at your zoo wedding reception next year and say things i might regret in the morning, guys. and that's a sign of true love.
now i'm off to spend a good chunk of the day studying for the GRE (while some distracting television plays in the background). i will tell you one thing about the GRE, it's not making me feel any better about my math abilities. i wasn't wrong all those years when i avoided math like the plague. i really don't possess a talent for the numbers. words are my game, y'all. good thing i won't have to take any math once this GRE ridiculousness is over and done with. wish me luck! countdown to test date: 41 days. (aka: time to hit the books!)
ttfn
summer happened, which brought along a ridiculous heat wave that my body was not equipped to handle.
my mom paid an extended visit to Chicago to see her baby giiierrrrllll in July. we had a blast and did lots of touristy things, and i was reminded just how freakin' awesome that Susan lady is. she's a gem.
another awesome friend moved away from Chicago (and me) - Hailey Ballhands Gillen, you will be missed (but you will also be visited in WV, no doubt.)
i switched departments at work, which so far is a welcome change and hopefully will bring more excitement as the program year swings into full gear.
my computer died a sad and painful death, but out of misery rose Rob the MacBook Pro. who, let's just be honest, is the most badass laptop in the world. he's sleek and sexy, too. RIP Theodore.
that is by no means exhaustive, and doesn't really show how busy i've been lately, but you get the general idea. on a happy note, a coworker has become one of my closest friends over the past few months, and i am delighted to add her to the short list of people i really dig. Beth, and by extension her fiancé Tommy, are great additions to my circle and i'm so excited to have many more adventures with them over the coming months. i'm really pumped to get drunk and sappy at your zoo wedding reception next year and say things i might regret in the morning, guys. and that's a sign of true love.
now i'm off to spend a good chunk of the day studying for the GRE (while some distracting television plays in the background). i will tell you one thing about the GRE, it's not making me feel any better about my math abilities. i wasn't wrong all those years when i avoided math like the plague. i really don't possess a talent for the numbers. words are my game, y'all. good thing i won't have to take any math once this GRE ridiculousness is over and done with. wish me luck! countdown to test date: 41 days. (aka: time to hit the books!)
ttfn
5.19.2011
elevensies
right, so it's been about 5 months since i've written a new post. not that you could tell, because i removed the date stamp from my blog. but in the interest of full disclosure, i thought i should share. i could come up with many excuses for why this is the case, but really it comes down to laziness. that, and legitimate busy-ness. being a working girl is a lot of...work. sure i have cake hours, and yes i make time for other things outside of work like beer and volleyball games and trips to Target, but i just haven't made blogging a routine yet. it deserves that kind of attention. so, here goes. really this is the third start, but that's okay. there's a cliche about the third try for a reason. i'm going to keep this older count going because it represents the posts i've made since being a Chicago resident, and now i can move on to the rest of number eleven.
two of the best friends i know i will ever have moved away from the city last weekend. whomp whomp. debby downer. Kaeli left for a Mexican adventure with her brothers and mom, and then off to her new life in Charleston. i'm so happy for her to be able to start fresh, but i will miss my Kaels! she's so full of love and light! Kiandra moved home to Minnesota after graduating with honors and two majors. i'm so proud of her and excited for her to be up north where she belongs. i really don't know what i will do now that i can't see her the 4 times a week i'm used to, though. it's crazy to think that Kaeli has only been a part of my life for 2 and a half years and Kiandra for 1 and a half and already they mean so much to me. these two people have changed me for the better and i have been blessed to spend what time with them i did. i am also looking forward to spending lots more time together in the future. i know that no matter where we are in our lives we will always be in one another's hearts. ladies, thanks for being incredible women and thanks for sharing the city with me!
two of the best friends i know i will ever have moved away from the city last weekend. whomp whomp. debby downer. Kaeli left for a Mexican adventure with her brothers and mom, and then off to her new life in Charleston. i'm so happy for her to be able to start fresh, but i will miss my Kaels! she's so full of love and light! Kiandra moved home to Minnesota after graduating with honors and two majors. i'm so proud of her and excited for her to be up north where she belongs. i really don't know what i will do now that i can't see her the 4 times a week i'm used to, though. it's crazy to think that Kaeli has only been a part of my life for 2 and a half years and Kiandra for 1 and a half and already they mean so much to me. these two people have changed me for the better and i have been blessed to spend what time with them i did. i am also looking forward to spending lots more time together in the future. i know that no matter where we are in our lives we will always be in one another's hearts. ladies, thanks for being incredible women and thanks for sharing the city with me!
1.10.2011
ten fingers and ten toes
i spent so much time working on a spreadsheet today at the office that i actually started seeing stripes. white, glowy, ghostly stripes where there were none. not okay. thank god i finished building the worksheet (complete with complex and crazy formulas) so that i won't ever have to spend hours in front of it again.
the Bachelor (of which i am watching my first and only 3 minutes of this season, seriously) just said "she's going to have her own Pretty Woman experience today." soooo he's gonna dress her up like a broke-down hooker with a bad pink wig in 80s chic street walkin' wear only to bring her to Rodeo and buy her classy lady clothing to dress her up so his rich friends don't know he is paying for sex? sounds like a fun day. maybe if her laugh was as infectious as Julia's or the bachelor looked more like good old Richard i'd watch for a little longer. alas, he's no Gere.
the Bachelor (of which i am watching my first and only 3 minutes of this season, seriously) just said "she's going to have her own Pretty Woman experience today." soooo he's gonna dress her up like a broke-down hooker with a bad pink wig in 80s chic street walkin' wear only to bring her to Rodeo and buy her classy lady clothing to dress her up so his rich friends don't know he is paying for sex? sounds like a fun day. maybe if her laugh was as infectious as Julia's or the bachelor looked more like good old Richard i'd watch for a little longer. alas, he's no Gere.
number nine
the title of this post will only be humorous to those members of my immediate family, which i cannot fully explain. it's just another one of those random sayings that i grew up hearing and repeating, but not having any clue they came from movies or books or random bits of pop culture. watching Dana Carvey on SNL as the "church lady," seeing movies like "Raising Arizona," and reading books like "All Creatures Great and Small" shattered the image i had of my parent's comedic abilities. i found out they were just ripping off funny from the greats. it's fine, but it was weird to hear things i had grown up knowing from their original and previously unknown sources. my family, just like all normal ones, is strange. and now to watch "Raising Arizona" for some bedtime laughs.
8's great
playing my itunes on shuffle while i shower has illustrated just how diverse my musical taste is. in one shower and subsequent jam session i heard this interesting list of gems (all of which i totally dug and sang along to):
I Miss You - Dreamstreet
There's a Good Reason These Tables are Labeled Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of it Yet - Panic! at the Disco
Life is Wonderful - Jason Mraz
This City is Contagious - The Cab
We've Got it Goin' On - Backstreet Boys
Que Pasa? - Juanes
Panic Attack - Atmosphere
Some Fantastic - Barenaked Ladies
and that's just eight of the songs...
being eclectic is much more fun, i've decided.
I Miss You - Dreamstreet
There's a Good Reason These Tables are Labeled Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of it Yet - Panic! at the Disco
Life is Wonderful - Jason Mraz
This City is Contagious - The Cab
We've Got it Goin' On - Backstreet Boys
Que Pasa? - Juanes
Panic Attack - Atmosphere
Some Fantastic - Barenaked Ladies
and that's just eight of the songs...
being eclectic is much more fun, i've decided.
seventh heaven
i'm such a swingin' single. my big friday night plans? curl up in bed with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. re-reading the books is creating very mixed emotions. i had forgotten so many of the little details since i read them for the first and only time so long ago, and i love putting the pieces back together working my way towards the end of the story. but watching the movies right after i finish each book is actually filling me with anger. despite my strong and enduring love for Rupert Grint and all that is Ronald Weasley, the movies are sorely lacking the depth of the books. which is only this apparent when compared side-by-side. i still like the movies for what they are, but the large chunks of story-line, entire characters and character growth and development that are missing hurt me. Hermione is much more annoying in the books, yet despite it all Ron still loves her. Snape is much more curiously allied, it's a lot easier to believe his loyalty to Dumbledore and the side of right reading the books. poor Winky is completely erased and the entire story line of Barty Crouch, Jr. is much less sordid. oh, and where the hell is Pigwidgeon? i want that adorable little ridiculous owl to flit around and hoot madly. oh, well. on to the Order of the Phoenix...my fave.
sexy six
Jersey Shore season 3. that is all i have to say. because that is the only thing that happened today that is worth sharing. not only did the premiere include compulsory bitch fighting between JWoww/Snooks/everybody awesome and Sammi/Ronnie, there was already some hot tubbin', unexpected newbie nudity, adorableness from Vinny, the duck phone and so much more. no matter what is going on in my life, i can tell you that for the duration of this season of Jersey Shore i will be always be found on my couch Thursday nights with my favorite band of guidos, guidettes and juiceheads.
1.05.2011
party of 5
for some reason when this song came on during my shower shuffle session tonight i was super into it. i mean, the Chili Peppers are always my loves, but this was totally my jam in the moment. also, who doesn't love when a band uses words like "lexicon" in their lyrics. the lyrics for your enjoyment:
"Save the Population"
History's so strong
History's so strong
History's so strong
History's so strong
Sing another drinking song the honkytonk will do
Making another breaking bone your favorite ingenue
This the distant dawn
This the distant dawn
I put my cards upon the table
I do this because I am able
One picks his broken down devotion
I threw my pistol in the ocean
Eyes wide with revelation
Shine at the police station
And when the verdict comes round
I'm sure that you will go down
Stay all night
we'll save the population
Stay all night
we'll save the population
Stay all night
we'll save the population
Stay all night
we'll save the population
(Instrumental Bridge)
Pistol and its pawn
Sell it to the lexicon
A pistol and its pawn
Blood and border lines be drawn
Take another bottle down the brothel and the shrew
Make another awful sound, a rather gothic brew
History's so strong
History's so strong
I put my cards upon the table
I do this because I am able
One picks his broken down devotion
I threw my pistol in the ocean
Eyes wide with revelation
Shine at the police station
And when the verdict comes round
I'm sure that you will go down
Stay all night we'll save the population....(x10)
"Save the Population"
History's so strong
History's so strong
History's so strong
History's so strong
Sing another drinking song the honkytonk will do
Making another breaking bone your favorite ingenue
This the distant dawn
This the distant dawn
I put my cards upon the table
I do this because I am able
One picks his broken down devotion
I threw my pistol in the ocean
Eyes wide with revelation
Shine at the police station
And when the verdict comes round
I'm sure that you will go down
Stay all night
we'll save the population
Stay all night
we'll save the population
Stay all night
we'll save the population
Stay all night
we'll save the population
(Instrumental Bridge)
Pistol and its pawn
Sell it to the lexicon
A pistol and its pawn
Blood and border lines be drawn
Take another bottle down the brothel and the shrew
Make another awful sound, a rather gothic brew
History's so strong
History's so strong
I put my cards upon the table
I do this because I am able
One picks his broken down devotion
I threw my pistol in the ocean
Eyes wide with revelation
Shine at the police station
And when the verdict comes round
I'm sure that you will go down
Stay all night we'll save the population....(x10)
1.04.2011
four Loko
Snooki and the Situation both wrote books. just read that and soak it in for a second. okay, now think about this: they "wrote" these books, but someone whose brain cells haven't been burned by excessive tanning actually did the putting together of the words part. SHADOW WRITER. i seriously think i missed my calling. how does one get that gig? sure, it's a thankless job and you probably get paid crap, but you get to spend quality time trying to make coherent sentences out of the ridiculousness spouting from the mouths of geniuses like Snooks and Sitch. if you know me, you know my love for all things Jersey Shore. and this love isn't a fake love, or a mocking love. i have legitimately formed bonds with these GTL'd, poofed and juiced up guidos and guidettes. (some more so than others, sure. but nobody actually likes Ronnie and Sammi.) with the impending premiere of season 3 (THURSDAY!!) i am overcome by excitement. i have missed my adorable trainwrecks and can't wait to spend a little more time with them. but, seriously, if you know how i can get in on the ground floor of JWoww's literary debut hit a sister up. or, maybe Vinny and i can get together to write a romance novel, if you know what i mean. shoot, gotta go. it's T-SHIRT TIIIIIIIIIMMMMEEEEE!
i have a train boyfriend. he's hot and has gorgeous dark chocolate hair. his name, you ask? oh, i don't know it. or anything about him, other than that he takes the Purple line to Davis every morning and his office has casual fridays. someday, my friends, i will accidentally bump into him as we sway with the motion of the racing train car. i just have to wait until i'm not sick. and maybe until the weather is warmer so there's less coat fluff in the mix. also i have to think of a line. preferably one that's not creepy or dumb. this may take a while...
i have a train boyfriend. he's hot and has gorgeous dark chocolate hair. his name, you ask? oh, i don't know it. or anything about him, other than that he takes the Purple line to Davis every morning and his office has casual fridays. someday, my friends, i will accidentally bump into him as we sway with the motion of the racing train car. i just have to wait until i'm not sick. and maybe until the weather is warmer so there's less coat fluff in the mix. also i have to think of a line. preferably one that's not creepy or dumb. this may take a while...
1.03.2011
3 strikes, baby
now that i have my big-girl real-world job i have more time to do origami. thank god, because i thought my paper folding days were over. or, at the very least significantly decreased in number. but then i realized that working lunch coverage shifts at the reception desk was specifically designed to give me origami therapy time. people are always really impressed by my frogs and boxes. and boxes of frogs. so what if frogs and boxes are the only things i can make?
thank you, Leslie Knope, for reminding me how great The Phantom Tollbooth is. i seriously need to pick up a copy and give that sucker a read. it won't be the same without you reading it to me filibuster style in a town hall forum, but giving it a go all on my own will still be a great reminiscence.
thank you, Leslie Knope, for reminding me how great The Phantom Tollbooth is. i seriously need to pick up a copy and give that sucker a read. it won't be the same without you reading it to me filibuster style in a town hall forum, but giving it a go all on my own will still be a great reminiscence.
1.02.2011
take 2
sometimes the immaturity of people you think you knew is astounding and disappointing. come on, people. we are college graduates! we are in our twenties, not middle school. get with the groove. i'm not going into specifics here, because airing my personal dirty laundry in a public forum is not the adult way to handle it. i'm over it and moving on. vent session: complete.
there are so many things i love about my apartment, my building and my management company. seriously, these people are fantastic. my maintenance man, Mike, is the cutest Boston Irish guy, and so sweet. the guy who showed my my apartment two months ago, Andy, is a goofy baby-face and the literal embodiment of the term "goob." my cleaning lady, whose name i sadly can never remember, is an adorable little hispanic woman with a constantly smiling face. and damn if she doesn't keep this place spotless and smelling delightful. so when i went down to do three giant loads of laundry to discover they give us free laundry during the holidays it was just a cherry on top of my adoration sundae. you can bet your sweet behind that i washed my comforter, too.
there are so many things i love about my apartment, my building and my management company. seriously, these people are fantastic. my maintenance man, Mike, is the cutest Boston Irish guy, and so sweet. the guy who showed my my apartment two months ago, Andy, is a goofy baby-face and the literal embodiment of the term "goob." my cleaning lady, whose name i sadly can never remember, is an adorable little hispanic woman with a constantly smiling face. and damn if she doesn't keep this place spotless and smelling delightful. so when i went down to do three giant loads of laundry to discover they give us free laundry during the holidays it was just a cherry on top of my adoration sundae. you can bet your sweet behind that i washed my comforter, too.
1.01.2011
let's reset the count to 1 again, friends
Ronald Weasley has stolen my heart. he's such a ginger stud. some haters may say that's an oxymoron. they'd argue that flame-headed folk can't be sex gods, but i beg to differ. i have known more than a couple attractive red-heads in my day and Rupert Grint is just the celebrity embodiment of such fiery hotness. sure he's goofy and dopey, but he's also a loyal and courageous sidekick, battling Death Eaters, Snatchers and the Dark Lord with the best of them. plus, he's got good taste in ladies. Hermione Granger's a stone-cold fox. i'm jealous of his enduring affection for her, but i am content to sit back and watch him, wand a-blazing, fight for the good of the wizarding world, just so long as i can see him shirtless a couple times. oh, and don't get me started on the accent. i'm getting weak in the knees just thinking about it. i may have to re-watch a couple more Harry Potter movies tonight just to get my fix.
living alone i have realized that i talk to myself a lot. like hold entire conversations out loud with my own person. growing up an only child i often had to entertain myself and play alone, so talking out loud wasn't really strange. but now that i'm an adult and i discuss mundane everyday things like what i will have for dinner or what my plan for the evening is with myself, it's a little bizarre. thank god i'm not a loner. i mean, i have friends and spend quite a considerable amount of time with them, i chat on the phone regularly with my mother, and i spend all day making perfectly normal conversation with my co-workers. i'm not starved for attention by any means. so i guess what it comes down to is, either i really shouldn't be alone ever, or i find myself quite the entertaining individual. i like what i've got to say and i want to hear myself say it. i'm not sure which of those conclusions makes me sound less strange, but i think they are both equally true. i love having my own time and space, but i really am such a people person that being alone for long stretches of time (like these past few days when i've been sick) is too much for me to handle. and i do like who i am and what i've got to share with the world, which i see as a silver lining of this whole "i talk to myself constantly" thing. i think i'm a pretty great gal, and that's all right by me.
living alone i have realized that i talk to myself a lot. like hold entire conversations out loud with my own person. growing up an only child i often had to entertain myself and play alone, so talking out loud wasn't really strange. but now that i'm an adult and i discuss mundane everyday things like what i will have for dinner or what my plan for the evening is with myself, it's a little bizarre. thank god i'm not a loner. i mean, i have friends and spend quite a considerable amount of time with them, i chat on the phone regularly with my mother, and i spend all day making perfectly normal conversation with my co-workers. i'm not starved for attention by any means. so i guess what it comes down to is, either i really shouldn't be alone ever, or i find myself quite the entertaining individual. i like what i've got to say and i want to hear myself say it. i'm not sure which of those conclusions makes me sound less strange, but i think they are both equally true. i love having my own time and space, but i really am such a people person that being alone for long stretches of time (like these past few days when i've been sick) is too much for me to handle. and i do like who i am and what i've got to share with the world, which i see as a silver lining of this whole "i talk to myself constantly" thing. i think i'm a pretty great gal, and that's all right by me.
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