September 28, 2006 - Thursday
Dave and I went house hunting today. We talked about it last night; I've been discouraged with a lot of things that have happened on our path to home ownership. The first house we put an offer on was abruptly taken off the market because the agent (who was also the seller) decided her asking price was too low -- shady. Another house we were intending to put an offer on was just a little too close to murderville. So I finally caved and agreed to move to the suburbs.
This morning was our fourth excursion of seeing about 10 properties. (Our poor Realtor. He has been great.) The first house we saw today was it! It is perfect for us. It has room for us to grow (don't read too much into that) and realistic sweat equity. Sweet! We put an offer on the house at about 4 p.m.
Now we wait. Another test of my patience. But as I was told yesterday by two people in my life (who both happen to have the same birthday): Sometimes it's not about the destination, it's about the journey.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Patience
September 27, 2006 - Wednesday
So the saying goes: The best things come to those who wait. Basically, patience is a virtue. I couldn't agree more.
For the past few years I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I have been working at least two jobs and going to school, all while trying to maintain some sort of social life to keep me sane. I complained a lot about it, but I miss the madness. I really do. I'm one of those people who really likes to be busy. It is sort of a catch-22, however. I like to be busy, but when I'm busy I would love to have a night to watch TV and read a book in the bathtub.
So, here I am with one (part time) job and nothing to do but read and watch TV. I take walks with my sister, and I'm trying to play the piano more often. I do get bored by myself so I go out with friends, but a part-time job means less money to do things with. I have been job hunting, which is time-consuming, but it requires serious patience. I am not a fan of waiting for the phone to ring.
I guess patience is something special. But my Type-A personality just won't let me enjoy it!
So the saying goes: The best things come to those who wait. Basically, patience is a virtue. I couldn't agree more.
For the past few years I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I have been working at least two jobs and going to school, all while trying to maintain some sort of social life to keep me sane. I complained a lot about it, but I miss the madness. I really do. I'm one of those people who really likes to be busy. It is sort of a catch-22, however. I like to be busy, but when I'm busy I would love to have a night to watch TV and read a book in the bathtub.
So, here I am with one (part time) job and nothing to do but read and watch TV. I take walks with my sister, and I'm trying to play the piano more often. I do get bored by myself so I go out with friends, but a part-time job means less money to do things with. I have been job hunting, which is time-consuming, but it requires serious patience. I am not a fan of waiting for the phone to ring.
I guess patience is something special. But my Type-A personality just won't let me enjoy it!
Monday, September 25, 2006
How about those Twins?
September 25, 2006 - Monday
Tell Patrick Reusse in April and he would have laughed. Ask my sister and she would have told you she was just hoping for a .500 record. I was just happy the Twins still existed. But after all of that, the Twins are going to the playoffs!
I don't care if you're a baseball fan or a Twins fan, this season has been so amazing that everyone has gotten involved -- just the way the Twins like it. Here are my faves: Lewwwwwwwww (my boyfriend), Torri Hunter (HR #30), Justin Morneau (MVP), Joe Mauer (AL batting champ), Johan Santana (Cy Young), Phil Nevin (who? well, why not?), Mike Redmond (super cheerleader and supreme backup catcher), Luis Castillo (I'll let the #1 jersey slide for now), Jason Bartlett (batting champ in my mind), Nick Punto (a goalie in a different life), Michael Cuddyer (dimples), Pat Neshek (Minnesota boy #2), Jason Tyner (my backup boyfriend), and on and on. Seriously, I could go through the whole roster.
The only thing I'm hoping for is a division title. Let's go Twins and (although it hurts to cheer against my Grandpa's team) let's take out those Tigers!
Tell Patrick Reusse in April and he would have laughed. Ask my sister and she would have told you she was just hoping for a .500 record. I was just happy the Twins still existed. But after all of that, the Twins are going to the playoffs!
I don't care if you're a baseball fan or a Twins fan, this season has been so amazing that everyone has gotten involved -- just the way the Twins like it. Here are my faves: Lewwwwwwwww (my boyfriend), Torri Hunter (HR #30), Justin Morneau (MVP), Joe Mauer (AL batting champ), Johan Santana (Cy Young), Phil Nevin (who? well, why not?), Mike Redmond (super cheerleader and supreme backup catcher), Luis Castillo (I'll let the #1 jersey slide for now), Jason Bartlett (batting champ in my mind), Nick Punto (a goalie in a different life), Michael Cuddyer (dimples), Pat Neshek (Minnesota boy #2), Jason Tyner (my backup boyfriend), and on and on. Seriously, I could go through the whole roster.
The only thing I'm hoping for is a division title. Let's go Twins and (although it hurts to cheer against my Grandpa's team) let's take out those Tigers!
Pictures and a new kind of pack rat.
I just returned from a beautiful wedding in North Carolina. It was a wonderful time -- great to see family and meet new people who will become part of my life and David's life.
I came home and uploaded some pictures from my digital camera. I didn't take many because Steve, Dave's dad, took plenty -- as did many other people. As I get them, I will put a few online. For now, there is a picture of Brian, my ridiculously funny brother-in-law, wrestling with Dave. I'm quite proud of the action shot.
With this wedding, and with many other occasions, I have started thinking about where I am going to put all the pictures I have. Between Dave and I, we have about 10 actual picture albums with about 200-300 pictures sitting in boxes. I stopped printing a lot of pictures after my nephews were born because I just can't keep up! My hard drives are filling up with MP3s and pictures (I thought I would never use 60 gigs. Boy was I wrong.), and I have mountains of CDs with pictures on them. What will I do with all of these? I have been told that the CDs only last about 7 years. What will I do then? Is this really something I should be freaking out about?
What it amounts to is this: I have too many pictures. I have too much stuff. It isn't in my house; the lack of space keeps me under control. It is in my computer and on CDs. Is it necessary to keep it all? Will I ever look at it? I know wedding pictures and baby pictures are priceless, but with digital cameras and 512 megabyte memory cards, is a picture really worth a thousand words?
I came home and uploaded some pictures from my digital camera. I didn't take many because Steve, Dave's dad, took plenty -- as did many other people. As I get them, I will put a few online. For now, there is a picture of Brian, my ridiculously funny brother-in-law, wrestling with Dave. I'm quite proud of the action shot.
With this wedding, and with many other occasions, I have started thinking about where I am going to put all the pictures I have. Between Dave and I, we have about 10 actual picture albums with about 200-300 pictures sitting in boxes. I stopped printing a lot of pictures after my nephews were born because I just can't keep up! My hard drives are filling up with MP3s and pictures (I thought I would never use 60 gigs. Boy was I wrong.), and I have mountains of CDs with pictures on them. What will I do with all of these? I have been told that the CDs only last about 7 years. What will I do then? Is this really something I should be freaking out about?
What it amounts to is this: I have too many pictures. I have too much stuff. It isn't in my house; the lack of space keeps me under control. It is in my computer and on CDs. Is it necessary to keep it all? Will I ever look at it? I know wedding pictures and baby pictures are priceless, but with digital cameras and 512 megabyte memory cards, is a picture really worth a thousand words?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Nephews!
September 19, 2006 - Tuesday
My cute 1-year-old nephews are coming to visit today and tomorrow. I can not wait! I will definitely put a photo or two up on MySpace. Apparently they are talking to each other in their own language, (they are twins) which I'm excited to hear.
They are still pretty small but can crawl all over the place and walk with something to steady them.
Whenever I am going to see them I have dreams about being an irresponsible aunt. I just had a dream where I was driving with Bryce on my lap, a la Britney Spears! Freaky! I think babies bring that out in a lot of people, though -- the worry that you aren't responsible enough or don't know what you're doing. My sister told me when she first had them she would have dreams where she had lost them. How frightening! But we are a family with weird dreams; at least the sisters are.
I'm off to see my nephews! Yay!
My cute 1-year-old nephews are coming to visit today and tomorrow. I can not wait! I will definitely put a photo or two up on MySpace. Apparently they are talking to each other in their own language, (they are twins) which I'm excited to hear.
They are still pretty small but can crawl all over the place and walk with something to steady them.
Whenever I am going to see them I have dreams about being an irresponsible aunt. I just had a dream where I was driving with Bryce on my lap, a la Britney Spears! Freaky! I think babies bring that out in a lot of people, though -- the worry that you aren't responsible enough or don't know what you're doing. My sister told me when she first had them she would have dreams where she had lost them. How frightening! But we are a family with weird dreams; at least the sisters are.
I'm off to see my nephews! Yay!
Monday, September 18, 2006
If you believe that ...
September 18, 2006 - Monday
It is pretty widely known (at least within the service industry) that people tend to say things that aren't true or that they have no intention of actually doing when they are drinking. Whether it is "We should have lunch tomorrow" or "Tom Cruise is my uncle, and I want to give you a million dollars," it happens quite often.
So imagine my surprise when a man told me that he owned the Crocs company and that he just moved into the area and is trying to get restaurant workers to wear them. The premise made little sense until he told me they just made a lace-up version of the shoe. I told him I would wear the shoes because the sandals are extremely comfortable, albeit quite ugly. He then assured Marcy and me that he would send us two pairs of the shoes for free. Hmm. Now I begin to see this for what it really is.
Well, a quick Internet search reveals that there is no Paul who was involved in the beginning of Crocs. I tell myself that maybe he got into the business later, or he was exaggerating a bit. But there is no evidence online of a tragic death of one of the investors either, which he was upset about. But I feel kind of bad doubting something like a person's death. Finally, there doesn't seem to be any lace-up Crocs on the company's Web site. Well, I guess that's it -- just another drunk story. So why am I still hoping to get some free shoes?
It is pretty widely known (at least within the service industry) that people tend to say things that aren't true or that they have no intention of actually doing when they are drinking. Whether it is "We should have lunch tomorrow" or "Tom Cruise is my uncle, and I want to give you a million dollars," it happens quite often.
So imagine my surprise when a man told me that he owned the Crocs company and that he just moved into the area and is trying to get restaurant workers to wear them. The premise made little sense until he told me they just made a lace-up version of the shoe. I told him I would wear the shoes because the sandals are extremely comfortable, albeit quite ugly. He then assured Marcy and me that he would send us two pairs of the shoes for free. Hmm. Now I begin to see this for what it really is.
Well, a quick Internet search reveals that there is no Paul who was involved in the beginning of Crocs. I tell myself that maybe he got into the business later, or he was exaggerating a bit. But there is no evidence online of a tragic death of one of the investors either, which he was upset about. But I feel kind of bad doubting something like a person's death. Finally, there doesn't seem to be any lace-up Crocs on the company's Web site. Well, I guess that's it -- just another drunk story. So why am I still hoping to get some free shoes?
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Jon Stewart questions the question mark.
September 14, 2006 - Thursday
Being that I love words and punctuation, this segment of The Daily Show last night was great. What makes me laugh is the fact that copy editors at the newspapers I have worked for have been boggled by the same thing. Why the increase in question-mark headlines? Regardless, check it out. It's only about three minutes. It will make you laugh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki2GWdOIYxw
P.S. Please don't get hung up on the fact that he rips on Fox News, which would seemingly make him "liberal." Some people on YouTube made a big deal about it. Come on, it's comedy.
Being that I love words and punctuation, this segment of The Daily Show last night was great. What makes me laugh is the fact that copy editors at the newspapers I have worked for have been boggled by the same thing. Why the increase in question-mark headlines? Regardless, check it out. It's only about three minutes. It will make you laugh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki2GWdOIYxw
P.S. Please don't get hung up on the fact that he rips on Fox News, which would seemingly make him "liberal." Some people on YouTube made a big deal about it. Come on, it's comedy.
A new phone
Finally! I got a new cell phone. Yes, I have joined the new millenium. I am not even kidding. I had it for a long time, and Dave had it before that. Yikes.
But (and I know I'm not the only one) I miss my old phone. I don't have the same ring -- so obnoxious and so fun to dance to. Now, whenever my phone rings I think, "Geez, someone needs to answer their phone ... oh wait." And I feel like a big idiot.
And one other thing: Do NOT go to the Sprint store on West Lake Street. Wow, did they make me upset. When we picked out our phones, Stewart (our not-so-helpful salesman) told us it would take 10-15 minutes to transfer numbers. We left and returned in said time, to which he said it would be about 10 more minutes, clocked out and left! Yeah, thanks Stu. After about 25 minutes, Dave went to the back and the "manager" told us it would be at least an hour. He said he didn't know why Stu would have said differently. Funny, we heard another sales person tell someone else 20 minutes, so we knew everyone there was full of it. Dave had to work so I took my phone and said I would do it manually. Good thing there was a baseball game on TV. So next time we need to go to the Sprint store, we will be heading to Edina.
But, I have a new phone. And I will slowly learn to love it, I'm sure.
But (and I know I'm not the only one) I miss my old phone. I don't have the same ring -- so obnoxious and so fun to dance to. Now, whenever my phone rings I think, "Geez, someone needs to answer their phone ... oh wait." And I feel like a big idiot.
And one other thing: Do NOT go to the Sprint store on West Lake Street. Wow, did they make me upset. When we picked out our phones, Stewart (our not-so-helpful salesman) told us it would take 10-15 minutes to transfer numbers. We left and returned in said time, to which he said it would be about 10 more minutes, clocked out and left! Yeah, thanks Stu. After about 25 minutes, Dave went to the back and the "manager" told us it would be at least an hour. He said he didn't know why Stu would have said differently. Funny, we heard another sales person tell someone else 20 minutes, so we knew everyone there was full of it. Dave had to work so I took my phone and said I would do it manually. Good thing there was a baseball game on TV. So next time we need to go to the Sprint store, we will be heading to Edina.
But, I have a new phone. And I will slowly learn to love it, I'm sure.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Primary elections today ...
September 12, 2006 - Tuesday
... and everyone should vote! (Excuse me while I pull out my soap box.) I know it may not be as sexy as the presidential election, but these people are instrumental in how our state government is run.
I don't care who you vote for (that isn't true, but I think being an informed voter is all I can really ask for), just do it. The polls are open until 8 p.m. tonight. Don't know where to vote or what candidates stand for what? Check out the new-fangled Internet. It's a wealth of information. Here is one of many sights: www.startribune.com/myvote
It can be easy to get discouraged with democracy, but if you don't vote is it really a democracy?
... and everyone should vote! (Excuse me while I pull out my soap box.) I know it may not be as sexy as the presidential election, but these people are instrumental in how our state government is run.
I don't care who you vote for (that isn't true, but I think being an informed voter is all I can really ask for), just do it. The polls are open until 8 p.m. tonight. Don't know where to vote or what candidates stand for what? Check out the new-fangled Internet. It's a wealth of information. Here is one of many sights: www.startribune.com/myvote
It can be easy to get discouraged with democracy, but if you don't vote is it really a democracy?
Saturday, September 9, 2006
Cold enough for you?
September 9, 2006 - Saturday
I love how everyone finds something to talk about on an elevator or the bus. The weather! Who decided it was so entertaining? Minnesotans love to talk about the weather, or rather I should say, Minnesotans love to complain about the weather. The winter is long and cold; the summer is too short and hot. People say only death and taxes are certain. I believe this complaint is certain even with global warming working against it.
On that note, why is it 52 degrees in September? I am not OK with this -- maybe at night, but not at 2 p.m. There is something so cozy about pulling out the sweaters and big blankets, but I don't expect to do that until October. I wanted another month of skirts and tank tops. The weather forecaster warned me that the warm days would come back, but I don't trust meteorologists. Since when is telling the future a legitimate science? Not that I'm bitter ...
I love how everyone finds something to talk about on an elevator or the bus. The weather! Who decided it was so entertaining? Minnesotans love to talk about the weather, or rather I should say, Minnesotans love to complain about the weather. The winter is long and cold; the summer is too short and hot. People say only death and taxes are certain. I believe this complaint is certain even with global warming working against it.
On that note, why is it 52 degrees in September? I am not OK with this -- maybe at night, but not at 2 p.m. There is something so cozy about pulling out the sweaters and big blankets, but I don't expect to do that until October. I wanted another month of skirts and tank tops. The weather forecaster warned me that the warm days would come back, but I don't trust meteorologists. Since when is telling the future a legitimate science? Not that I'm bitter ...
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Ah fantasy football!
September 6, 2006 - Wednesday
Another year, another draft. I have to say I think I like the auction style better. But that might have something to do with the fact that I became a financial backer this year instead of a player. Don't get me wrong; I dig the draft: I have been involved four years running. However, I just didn't have the brain power to waste on knowing *all* those players. I think guys have a special part of their brain dedicated solely to stats like the fact that Antonio Gates had 1100 yards last season, averaging about 70 yards a game. (68.9 as Dave has informed me.)
So, I watched Bryan -- the one who gave me the nickname I have on this Web site -- draft our (his) team, which I have to say is pretty sweet. Now I get to watch all the games, cheer for the players and maybe win some cash. I can't wait to hear the sweet, sweet sounds of NFL pregame on FOX. Na-na-na na-na-nuh!!!!! Combine that with baseball in October (forget October, what about September?)and it's a good time to be a sports fan.
Another year, another draft. I have to say I think I like the auction style better. But that might have something to do with the fact that I became a financial backer this year instead of a player. Don't get me wrong; I dig the draft: I have been involved four years running. However, I just didn't have the brain power to waste on knowing *all* those players. I think guys have a special part of their brain dedicated solely to stats like the fact that Antonio Gates had 1100 yards last season, averaging about 70 yards a game. (68.9 as Dave has informed me.)
So, I watched Bryan -- the one who gave me the nickname I have on this Web site -- draft our (his) team, which I have to say is pretty sweet. Now I get to watch all the games, cheer for the players and maybe win some cash. I can't wait to hear the sweet, sweet sounds of NFL pregame on FOX. Na-na-na na-na-nuh!!!!! Combine that with baseball in October (forget October, what about September?)and it's a good time to be a sports fan.
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
I love old computers.
Tonight Dave is using my laptop, so I figured I would use my old desktop computer. No biggie, right? It's only 5 years old.
I laugh at myself. I am such an optimist sometimes. The computer isn't bad, just not good.
All the programs are up to date, (Windows XP, Photoshop 7, Office whatever, blah blah) but can I expect a 5-year-old processor to handle all these things, especially when I would like to install Flash? Silly Becca!
I spent about an hour troubleshooting and no more! I'm contemplating throwing it out the window, but I think the city frowns upon those things. Soooooooooooooo, it sits in the corner and wastes space. I love old computers.
I laugh at myself. I am such an optimist sometimes. The computer isn't bad, just not good.
All the programs are up to date, (Windows XP, Photoshop 7, Office whatever, blah blah) but can I expect a 5-year-old processor to handle all these things, especially when I would like to install Flash? Silly Becca!
I spent about an hour troubleshooting and no more! I'm contemplating throwing it out the window, but I think the city frowns upon those things. Soooooooooooooo, it sits in the corner and wastes space. I love old computers.
Monday, September 4, 2006
Summer comes to an end...
...and I don't have to go back to college. It is just a little weird to me. Of course I spent a few years not in school when I moved to Minneapolis, but after being back in the swing of things, it is hard to get out. Labor Day means getting books and folders ready for class and memorizing class schedules and figuring out how the hell you're going to swing this for another sememster. Now I have none of that. On with the job hunt!
Of course, tomorrow will begin two weeks of jury duty. Here in Hennepin County they offer a system in which you can call twice a day to see if they need you instead of sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day in the courthouse. Of course, you also run the risk of being involved in something really enthralling and forget to call in. Oh well, I'm sure it will be an adventure.
Of course, tomorrow will begin two weeks of jury duty. Here in Hennepin County they offer a system in which you can call twice a day to see if they need you instead of sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day in the courthouse. Of course, you also run the risk of being involved in something really enthralling and forget to call in. Oh well, I'm sure it will be an adventure.
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