random thoughts on a random day....

So, i'm up at eagles nest selling gift certificates today, and i'm a little bored and tired. so i figure, why not blog? anyhoo, i'm sure you'd all be interested to hear that a plumber came to the house today and unclogged our bathroom sink and tub. it's fantastic to take a shower and not have to wade in your own filth at the same time. so, that's pretty cool, i guess. also, i was kind of rushing to leave this morning and was brushing my teeth and washing my face at the same time, and totally got toothpaste in my eye.... not cool. so, here i am now, just surfin' the web, checking stuff out, eating a lot and not moving much. hope everyone's day is as eventful as mine. ciao!

p.s. friday is the winter solstice and to celebrate, i'm going to a medford show up the shore. should be a blast. the boys are sounding fantastic with their new lineup.

Gardening, yoga, bubble baths, medication...and I still want to smack somebody!

So, the christmas season is upon us once again. and let me tell you, you have not witnessed the true meaning of the christmas spirit until you have worked retail for the holidays. as most of you know, i am working back at the old barnes and noble for the holiday season. my hiadus did me well, because i was able to pick up the pieces of my self-esteem that were shattered by last years' holiday shoppers. i am in good spirits, even when crotchity old ladys try to rush me so they can catch the bus in time to get the good seats. i'm really working on centering myself and staying calm, even in the face of the crazed shoppers. but in the end, i'm only human, and can only take so much of this crazy shit! and i'll be oh so glad to have five days off right before christmas... and that's when the real winners come in and blame you for their special orders not being here and making you feel that you single-handedly ruined their family's christmas. i choose not to buy into the guilt that some so heavily lay on me, and instead go to the breakroom, stuff my face with holiday cookies and bitch to my co-workers. only once in my retail history did i ever cry. this year i'm in a much better place, so far so good! merry christmas to all, and to all that cross me this holiday season....f**k off! i'm in no mood!

Diablo Cody is RED HOT!!!

Diablo Cody is a writer from Minneapolis and i just picked up her book Candy Girl: a year in the life of an unlikely stripper. She's frickin' hilarious! The way she describes Minnesota is so funny and true. "Everyone's favorite supper is a gluey carbohydrate-rich concoction simply known as "hotdish." That's one observation that is purely Minnesota that left me in stitches. I have practically finished the book in two days, literally could not put it down. If you are in the mood for some raunchy, blunt humor, this is the book for you. She has also written a screenplay for a movie that comes out this Christmas called Juno. I've seen previews and it looks really cute and funny. So keep your eyes out for that one. This chick makes me want to a.) write about things and myself exactly as i see them, b.) be a badass chick! and c.)no, not strip... but tap into those parts of myself that i'm scared of but interested in what could be. So, there's my monthly book review. Now that i'm working at Barnes and Noble again, I'll have much more to read and be more up to date on the current prints. Peace out y'all.

One more thing. If you were wondering what "porn-shui" was, it refers the the art of posistioning oneself in one's office or cubicle so that one can surf porn undetected. Usage: "I have great porn-shui; I face the hallway and the desk behind me is vacant."

(experpt from Candy Girl.) enjoy!~

Into the Wild will get into your head....Sonja's movie review.

All i can say, is go see this movie. I read the book, Into the Wild a couple years ago and became obsessed with the story. It's the true story of Christopher McCandless, who set out on the road and lived on the fringe for about 2 years. And his plan was to make it up to alaska and live off the land in the bush. I really admire Chris for living the life that he felt he needed to live. I also think that even though it was so unfortunate that he died young, it almost couldn't have been any other way. When i first heard that there was a movie out, i was appalled. I don't think that every book needs to become a movie, but sean penn really did the whole story justice. the movie was absolutley beautiful! the cinematography was awsome. emile hersh, who plays chris, could not have done a better job. his portrayal was almost errie. please see this movie and call me so we can discuss it.! enjoy....take it in for what it is, and let it penetrate your mind, body and soul.

Sights on a new adventure....in a new place...

Well, I believe that my time here in Duluth, will soon be coming to a close. I have lived here for over 5 years now, and I think it's time for a change. I have recently reconnected with an old friend who lives here, and we both feel that we want to get away from Duluth. So, we've decided to venture out East! My friend, Shelly, and I are taking a trip in April to go check out some spots out on the Eastcoast, and see what we like. We have talked Vermont, Maine, Boston, who knows!? All I know, is that i need a change and i need to close this chapter of my life. I have always wanted to move somewhere far away, just to try it out, and now seems like the perfect time. We will plan on moving next summer, by August at the latest. So, my goal right now is to work more, play a little less and save, save, save!! I feel this is something that i need to do for myself. There is too much here that leaves me feeling stuck in the past, and caught up in too much drama that i would rather avoid. I am craving change and growth, and i don't think i can reach that potential here. Nothing is set in stone as to where we will go, or when exactly, but the trip in April will really help to clarify all of that. I would love some feedback from anyone who has it. This is a very recent idea, but I feel that it's a good one!!!

"ONCE..."

I have been introduced to some of the most beautiful music i have ever heard in my life. There is an indie movie called "Once" that is about two people who meet and make beautiful music, but come together at such the wrong time and have to learn to let each other go. I haven't even seen the movie yet, but I've listened to the soundtrack, and it tells the whole story. I recommend everyone buy the once soundtrack. The leads in the movie are also in a band called the swell season, and the guy is the lead singer for the band the frames, which are from Ireland. I'm so blown away by all of the music and songwriting and vocals and everything. and i can't wait for the movie to come out on video so i can finally watch it. If anyone wants to go see the swell season with me in november in minneapolis, let me know!!

Obsessed Much??

I have recently been listening to the Wailin' Jennys newest cd Firecracker, and yes, I am obsessed. Mom and I are fans, and i think that everyone could enjoy their music. It's three female vocalists and between them, they play guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin, accordion, organ, harmonica, you name it! You can listen to them on their website: http://www.thewailinjennys.com/. They are so beautiful and their music speaks to the soul. I was thinking that if i was going out to Seattle for marit's birthday, i would try and catch their show in Victoria, BC. But i am now joining mom and david in Seattle the weekend before. It will be nice to be with everyone to celebrate marit's big day! I'm very excited! well, check out the Jenny's or pick up their cd, and i promise you won't be disappointed.

"jump into the darkness of the unknown....."

These last couple months have been a wild ride for me, and i'm continually trying to regroup and process things and find my balance amongst all the chaos. There have been a lot of ups and a lot of downs for me lately, but it feels good to have that instead of just coasting somewhere in the middle. For those of you who heard about dan's accident, he's doing well and is pretty stable. For those of you who don't know what happened, give me a call and i will fill you in. This has been an intense experience and it has reminded me how precious our lives are and how important it is to have people who care about you and love you. Life is crazy and i feel i've seen a lot just recently, but i feel my eyes have been opened and my heart has been opened. I read a quote in anne lamott's book yesterday...(she didn't write it, but was quoting someone else.) "when we jump into the darkness of the unknown, faith lets us believe that we will either land on solid ground, or we will be taught how to fly..." i thought this was such an amazing way to look at life and to look at taking chances. we have no idea what is out there, and the only way to find out is to jump in and have faith that you will be ok. well, i hope that everyone is well and enjoying the change of the seasons. it's getting cold up here, but it feels good.

BaLaNcE

Within the last few months, I have really felt off course and out of whack! I'm trying to find more balance in my life and in my spiritual quest for happiness. Tomarrow I am going to my first acupuncture sesssion, to deal with my smoking habits. I've read that acupuncture is really good for addictions. And i'm facing the fact that i'm a closet smoker and need to get it out to really get over it. With everything that is going on in my life right now, I truly believe that we can all have balance internally, even when it's not totally projected by the things we do. So, on goes my search for balance in my spiritual life, and wishing everyone peace and happines in their daily lives!

RAGGAE FEST!!!

Yesterday, Dan and I went down to the bayfront to enjoy a whole day of reggae music and the 2nd Annual Bayfront Raggae Fest. "One love, one heart, one destiny!" It was so much fun. We were planning on just staying home and laying low, but my friend offered us free tickets, so how could we say no?? The day was perfect, it was sunny, warm, cool breeze.....beautiful! I ran into some good friends, and some old friends that I haven't seen in years. All in all, it was an awsome day, and a great event for Duluth.

Update on my life....

I have not posted anything in awhile. I'm waiting to get some photos from dad from the souix city weekend. Dad, Ken and I went down there for cousin Sarah's wedding, and it was pretty cool to see some family that I haven't seen in years!! And when I say years, I mean since maybe '92. Anyway, be expecting some pics soon. I know Mar and Ree are anxious to see them.
I feel like I've been gone almost every weekend since summer started. I'm just starting to feel a part of Duluth again. I'm going down to St. Paul to see the Police in concert on July 3rd. Then maybe going up to Nelson's cabin that weekend to celebrate the 4th with them. Should be fun to see all of them, (so i guess the going won't stop anytime soon...) I hope everyone has a wonderful fourth of July!!!

Steamboat Springs Birthday!!!

The layout is kind of funky, but I wanted to get all the pictures in that I could...

Well, I just got back from a weekend of Herbalife training in Steamboat Springs, CO. And it was AMAZING!!! I actually have picutures, too. So, I'm posting quite a few of them so you all can get an idea of the feel out there. Let me just say, I feel like a different person coming back from this weekend. I'm really excited about what I'm doing with my Herbalife. It was fun to have my birthday in a different place and meet some new people. Plus, it was great to spend time with Amber, Laura and Jason (who are in my herbalife team.) We had a blast. Enjoy the pics!

P.S. for reference, Amber is the tall blonde and Laura is the shorter one in the red...And the dude with the 'stache was a not-so-secret admirer.

MEDFORD

I haven't been keeping up with my blog lately, so that's why I'm doing two posts today. Also, I had a cancellation at work, so I have some time to sit at the computer. Anyhoo, I'm really impressed with a new band that has been circulating in Duluth. They are Medford. I saw them for the second time last night at the Brewhouse, and I thouroughly enjoyed myself. They seem (or rather look) young, but their sound is way beyond their years. They have a full sound, with harmonies, lead guitar, bass, drums, keys and and occasional accordian. I think everyone should check them out on their website: www.myspace.com/medfordband. You're able to hear their songs on their web page. So, check it out.

My First Half Marathon!!

Yes, it's true.... I ran 13 miles and didn't keel over at the finish line! Last sunday, annie and i ran the wells fargo half marathon, david and kaarin also ran, but they were much faster. All in all, it felt pretty good. Near the end, the wind really picked up and it felt like a tornado. We even saw a tree fall over and almost hit a child, it was crazy. But, we finished and were pretty sore for a couple days. I'm feeling back to normal now and ready to do it again next month for the Grandma's race.!
p.s. i'm also registered for the twin cities marathon, but i'm not totally sure i want to commit to that....

Why is winter here again??

Up north, here, we've just recieved about 10 inches of snow. It's april 4th!! And it's not just some light snow that will melt in a day, it's scary, freezing snow that is causing ice to form everywhere..... like my car. So, this morning, i get a call that i have a massage scheduled at 8:30am. So, i get myself out of bed, brave the cold, get outside, and my car door is frozen shut. i pull and pull on it, and it finally gives. but then, it won't latch shut! "what the hell is that?" i say. I don't know what else to do but drive while holding it shut. (which was a lot harder than i thought, plus my hands were getting cold.) i finally make it to work so that i can do my 30 minute massage and the door finally latches shut. But then, the really funny part, is that my client cancelled on me about 10 minutes before the appointment. That's funny, right? Anyhoo, that was my morning. I'm not complaining, really, i just see how when you get yourself in a bad mood, it kind of spirals. so, my bad mood stops here!

Rumble at the Roller Rink...

S**t's goin' down at World of Wheels in Superior, WI!!!
So, last week, my friend Jayme was minding her own business at the roller rink, when some (excuse my language) whore! plowed into her on purpose. There were witnesses who saw the whole thing, and saw this girl single out Jayme and attempt to knock her down. There has been a "Roller Girls" club recentley formed in Duluth, and we think this chic was one of the newbies trying to show off her stuff. So, tomarrow, I'm bringing a posse to World of Wheels and we're going to check out the scene. I feel that with my background in figure skating, I can totally fake this girl out with my stellar moves, and do some skate jammin' on her ass! I won't turn to violence, only graceful revenge.

My new venture in Herbalife...

As some of you know, I am now an Herbalife distributor. And for the past few weeks I have been learning the ins and outs of the products and the business. It's exciting for me, because it works so well with my massage business and it's a great way to make some extra money and have a second stream of income. If anyone is interested in info please let me know. I've been taking the products myself and I've noticed that I have a lot more energy throughout my long days of massage. It's good stuff.

A Winter Wonderland of snow, ice and Dan's ponytail...

Well, we sure got our share of snow this year, all in one week!! Last weekend, I went up north with Dan's family to the Grand Superior Lodge and I just got some pictures from Shannon, (Dan's sister in-law.) As you know, we got snowed in there, but I couldn't have asked for a better place to be stuck. And with Dan's family, there's never a dull moment. Along with all of the snow, there was quite a big moment in Dan's life..... he cut his hair!!! His sister Lori cut off his ponytail at about 3 in the morning, after we all had a few beverages. I think Dan regretted it at first, but is now pleased with it. He has since gotten more cut off, so he looks even different now. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I had a wonderful weekend with the Maras/Esser clan, and when we got back home, we got pounded with another 2 feet of snow, and had one of the worst blizzards in the past 15 years. Well, here are some pictures of the weekend up north, and a before and after of Dan shedding off about 18 inches of hair. Enjoy!!

TBT

This last weekend, Dan and I and some friends went to Minneapolis for the Trampled by Turtles cd release concerts. They packed First Ave on both nights, and it was pretty wild! For those of you who aren't familiar with TBT, they are four Duluth boys who plays some crazy bluegrass. They just released their 3rd album, "trouble", and they are definetly becoming quite the band. They tour all over the U.S., and play at big festivals, and sell out venues like First Ave, and they're from Duluth!!! I remember watching them play to crowds of 20 or 30 at Pizza Luce, and now they can't even play at Luce because the crowd is a fire hazard! Well, they put on a good show, and the crowd usually rocks, too. Just picture a bluegrass mosh-pit...... It's fun stuff.

beautiful subconcious thoughts.....

A few nights ago, I slept better than I had in a long time. And I dreamt about the most beautiful, intricate images and people. The image that stayed with me long after I woke up, was of my Grandpa Lee. He came to me in the most bizzare sort of house with a fountain running through it. He looked like a younger version of himself, like the pictures of him when he was in the war, jumping in the water and waves of the ocean. The thing that made me so happy, was that he was so vibrant! I truly felt that he came to me, spiritually and gave me a sign that he thinks of me, as I think of him, too. I woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvinated. I don't know exactly what it all means, but I felt a strong presence of something out of this world. I was so excited to share this with my mom the next day, and she told me how he was a "prayer warrior." Thought and prayer are things that never leave our souls and I could feel the power of my Grandpa and his thought of me.

Hot New Ride....

Dan and I have just recently bought a new car. well, it's a '95, but it's new to us. I tried to find a decent picture of the car. It's black, and Dan wants to tint the windows, like we have on the Kia. I guess tinted windows will make any car look cool (hence the Kia...) but seriously, this mazda is so sweet!! and it was a steal. It's the nicest thing I've ever driven and probably the nicest thing I'll ever drive. It's fun to have something that actually has POWER! I don't have a picture of myself or Dan in the car, but I'm pretty sure we look frickin' awsome. Dan said he sees people staring at him all the time when he's driving now. Who knows if it's the car or the stud behind the wheel.....

Panic Attack!!

I'm definetly itching to see some Widespread Panic. Dan is almost definetly going to Raleigh, NC in April, with some friends, but I won't be going with then. Late spring and summer are when we see them most. I have to say, that Jimi Herring is so awsome, and even though I liked George, Jimi blows him out of the water! To all that care, Panic is headlining at the Wakarusa Festival in Kansas. I would love to go! They won't be at 10k this year, but there are such good bands playing, that I still might make it out to Detroit Lakes anyway. Spring is coming fast, I feel it. And the good weather will be here soon. Let's see if Panic will make it up to Duluth's bayfront this year. It's not totally impossible.

Winter Running???

I am currently in "training" for a half marathon. Annie and I have been running together and we hope to be ready by may, to run from wayzata to excelsior without wanting to die at the end. But lately, with this cold front, I've noticed that my desire to go outside to run has diminished some. We've been so lucky this winter and somedays, it feels like spring. But on days like today, when it's 7 degrees and windy as hell, do I just bite the bullet and go outside? or do I save myself for another day and lounge on the couch in the warmth of my home? If I want to do sufficent training, then I guess I have to bundle up and go outside. I don't really know if I'm cut out for this, but I guess I'll find out.

summer picture...

I have figured out how to add pictures that are already on the computer. this is a pic that marit has on her blog of the three of us out in washington. i brought the gals to their first panic show and it was awsome!! dan and i hope to catch some shows here in the next couple months.

My very first blog!

Okay, all... this is my attempt at the world of technology. i don't have a digital camera or anything, but i'm going to try and post pictures that are already on the computer. i don't know how that will work. but i plan on getting a camera soon. so, keep in touch. i'll try to stay updated.