jedivamp

2012-01-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

The great house swap.

So we live in Clive now. My husbands parents moved out to the country and offered to let us rent their house / Jer's childhood home. We moved in as of the end of December.

Jenn bought our house - with the new deck. ;-)

All of us are moved but boxes and totes are everywhere. We have to clean up the basement so it can be the computer room. After that most of the rest will be unpacked. Still have a few things at Jenn's that we need to move but just small stuff.

Today was Bethlynn's first day at her new school. Good Luck babe!!!

The pets seem to be handling it fine. I was worried about the dog and all of those stairs but he is ok so far. He huffs up them and tears down them. No crash yet. We had to get him a kennel because we did not have a room to lock him in at the new place. He seems to really like it. But I feel bad that at around 10 years old he is being locked up when he was not before. :-(

We are happy and it will be great. :-)

2011-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about a programmable thermostat !!!

We just got a new furnace today and of course a new thermostat. Our old one was just the bar that you moved to the temp you wanted. The new one can be programmed. :-)

Between this and the new deck we are broke again but happy. Just need to do a few things around the house and a new screen door.

BTW - the deck is complete - Jer and Roger finished the railing for the steps.

2011-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

The new deck is done ...... almost.

This past weekend worked for everyone ...... even though we missed a craft show and a gun show.

The new deck is beautiful. The side rails are taller so it looks bigger. The base structure was still good so all we had to replace were the deck boards, the steps and the railing. And the lattice work. Our helpers were great!!

Tear down and getting the supplies took most of Saturday. The building was Sunday. Only a couple of things need to be finished - the hand rails for the steps, fillers here and there and the lattice work. I hope to get the lattice work done myself in the next couple of weeks. There will be some cutting involved so wish me luck.

The only thing we put back on the deck was the grill. I felt bad putting the planters back on because I know they leave a ring ... so they are in the flower bed right now. :-)

2011-09-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

The deck that will never be ........oh it will if it kills me.

We have been needing a new deck for a couple of years now. A section has been replaced by my wonderful father in law but that was only a band aid.

The knot holes are falling out, the railing for the stairs is broke and at least one side rail is not secure. The stairs were sagging but Jer braced those a while back.

We got a quote from a professional and it was over $3,000. I wanted to go that route for it to be fast and done up to code but that was way too much money and they said it could take over a week. My father in law and husband are going to do it for just over $1,000 for supplies. That is if the weather and personal plans will allow.

Spring was too rainy and summer was too hot - 100+ days and of course no shade. We wanted to try last Saturday but it rained all day ....... and then personal plans got in the way for the rest of the weekend.
Anna and I had already cleared off the deck and replanted some flowers from in front of it. This weekend is a no go because of personal plans so I put the deck stuff back up. It was too bare.

I just hope we get it done by the first frost.

BTW - I have been posting all summer - adding to the previous one about power bars. :-)

2011-05-23T14:42:00.001-07:00

Power Bars / Energy Bars

I'm on this kick to see if I can find a yummy power bar.

I have tried a few so far but forgot to write down what ones were good .... so now I'm going to do it here.

Clif Bar / Crunchy Peanut Butter - it was soft, sticky and had a very sweet aftertaste ...... like apples. No chocolate. Results - Good. I would have it again.

Luna / Caramel Nut Brownie - it looked great. Caramel on top drizzled with chocolate and a chocolate covered bottom. Taste was not so good. Results - Yuck. Would only have again if forgot how it tasted.

Luna / Nutz Over Chocolate - it looked like the description. Taste was not good - the peanuts tasted stale. Results - Yuck.

Kashi GoLean Roll! / Caramel Peanut - it looks good and tastes good. A little sticky but soft. Results - Good.

Balance Bare / sweet & salty peanut butter - it looked like a peanut butter rice crispie bar. Tasted ok. Results - OK.

Promax / Double Fudge Brownie - it looked like a long piece of chocolate covered fudge. That is not how it tasted - it really had no flavor. At least there was no aftertaste. Results - No thanks.

Clif Mojo / Peanut Butter Pretzel - it looked ok and tasted ... meh. Results - not again.

Clif Bar / Blueberry Crisp - it looked a mess but was ok. Had a good blueberry smell and a sweet aftertaste. Did not like the random nuts in it. Results - maybe again.

Clif Builder's / Peanut Butter - Looked like a regular granola bar. Had a good PB taset. Results - ok.

Clif Bar / Chocolate Chip - it was soft, sticky and had a very sweet aftertaste ..... hardly any Chocolate Chips. No chocolate taste really. Results - no thanks.

2011-04-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Stained shirts and still fat.

The weather has gotten nice enough to get out the short sleeved shirts. 3 out of the 5 I wore last week were stained. I was able to get out some of the stains but one shirt is now just a weekend shirt. Of course it was one of my favorites.
The shirt I wore to work today has a stain on it ....... what the !!!!

It is time to go shopping again. I just wish I would have lost some weight. But that does not happen if you do not get up off the couch.

I was on some horrible meds for most of February and March. First a cream for three weeks and it did not work. Then two pills for 10 days. One was Prednisone ....... never again!!! That stuff messed me up. I hurt all over, could not sleep and my eyesight was messed up. The doc said I had every side effect but the rage and urge to eat. I was too tired to eat or be upset. It took another week to work out of my system. I still do not feel right. Any injury I had in my life hurt and still does hurt. My broken arm from the 3rd grade, my messed up knee from college and my neck from who knows when. And my leg started to swell again and it had not done that for about a year.

I'm flying to NY for work in May so lets hope that turns out well. I do not like to fly because I get airsick and last time I went (June of last year) I was just on my first blood pressure meds ....... I was a mess. Now I have been on new blood pressure meds for a while and cholesterol meds. Lets hope that I feel better this time.
I just do not know if I want to buy a new swimsuit just in case the place has a pool or not. I do not think anyone would want to see me in a swimsuit.

Oh well ............

2011-02-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hillary kitty passed on a foggy February morning.

The song playing at the vet was "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton. I cried a little. She was our cat before she went to live for years with Anna.

She was almost 18 and her kidneys were failing. It was very hard on Anna.

Be at peace Hillary. So say we all.

2011-01-14T11:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2011

Jeremy and I joined the gym again last weekend. And bonus - we got our old rate again.
Anna and I have gone already and did you know that the Elliptical is not easy. It is considered a low impact workout but that does not make it easy. OMG it was hard!! I only made it 10 minutes on that thing. And I only went that long because Anna was still going on hers ........ trying to keep up. Back to the treadmill.

We are trying to eat better. Fish and chicken. Pizza Thursday is still in and I love the turkey sandwich from VI. But we are trying.

Wish us luck! :-)

2011-01-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

2010 ended with vomit. :-I

I had the flu on Dec. 31st ........ after my husband had it for the whole week. Yes we got our flu shots in September but that only helps with some of the symptoms. Nothing really helps with the nausea and throwing up. I felt a little better in the evening and had some dinner but slept an hour or so before we watched the ball drop. Then off to bed. :-P

Besides the illnesses at the beginning of the year, the car accident in July, the stressful work conversion in Sept. and no vacation this year ... yet again ........... 2010 was not all bad. I'm not saying I would do it all again.

Jeremy took time off from school in the fall to find a job. He did and it is in his field of study. But now school is not letting him go back - new rules, etc. He looked around at another one but that was more stress than we needed. The dude was doing a hard sell and want Jer to talk to financial aid when all we wanted was info.

My health was not great in 2010 - I'm now on two meds that everyone says I'm too young to be on. My doctor says that all I need to do is loose weight. Ok.

Jenn and Bethlynn moved back to their home town in the fall and I miss them. I spend way too much time on FB. And I'm already sick of winter.

Goodbye 2010 ...... Hello 2011.

2010-09-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

Things I'm missing for a scheduled work weekend:

Minnesota Renaissance Festival - Wine, Chocolate and Romance
Vikings game in MN
Craft Fair
Gun Safety course

I know I would be missing the rest if was able to choose one but the list is just taunting me because I can not choose any.
The work project is very important and I will be part of it with no problem. It is just odd that so many things that I would want to do happen to land on the same weekend.

:-P

2010-08-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

How am I supposed to set aside 13 years of hate?!?

Looking for him in the crowd (so I can bash his face in), wondering if he is in that car that has been following me a little to long (so I can run him over), hoping he dares to show up on our doorstep (so I can bash his face in while calling the cops and he goes to jail) ........ praying he is dead.

OMG, How am I supposed to turn that off?!?!

I will try for her ....... because of the love I have for her.

No promises that I wont be kicking him underneath the dinner table.

:-I

2010-06-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

All of the plants are doing well minus the tomatoes.

I do not think the hanging pot was big enough for the roots. The leaves got yellow and are now spotted and brown. I did replant a couple smaller ones that I grew from seed. We will see if that helps.

The grape tomato plant has small ones coming in. Maybe next year I will do one hanging down and then an herb in the top.

The daisies that my sister transplanted into my front flower bed are huge. The flowers almost reach up to the front window. We will have to divide them out this fall. Anyone for some daisies?

The back yard has been under water for a couple of weeks now. It will not stop raining at night. Anna was not able to mow back there .... that just makes it worse when she finally can. Hopefully tonight.

Wish I had a real garden for the stress and more veggies.

My blood pressure is not good and the doctor is threatening to put me on meds. I have to go in this Friday for them to check it again. I do not want to be on meds. They can never get my antibiotics right and it makes me sick. I would hate to think what blood pressure meds could do to me ....... oh well.

2010-05-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

The plants are in the ground!!!

It sounds like a secret password but it is not. My sister and I finally got my flower beds planted.

I have an L shaped flower bed in front of the deck along the sidewalk from driveway and one in front of the house.

The L has some Lily plants that I just cannot kill not matter how hard I try and now some great flowering plants.
The flower bed in front of the house has had 2 flowering bushes and 3 day lilies for years. We planted 3 more flowers.

I also have two tea cup shaped flower pots on the deck and two pots along the driveway. I love those tea cup pots. One has a vine and the other a flower. The ones along the driveway have Rosemary and Lavender .... as usual.

The hanging plant is a tomato for my husband. We will see if we get better tomatoes than last year. This year I planted grape tomatoes in the top and regular in the bottom.

The only problem I can see is the watering of these plants. I'm not very consistent. :-)

Wish us luck.

2010-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Easter in NE.

We traveled with R&J (and the dogs) to visit the Grandmas in Nebraska.
It was a good trip.

What I will most remember from the trip (besides the people) is:

The 3 cattle lots we went past - OMG the smell !!! It almost makes you want to throw up ............ but did not put us off of beef. We had steaks for dinner that night.

All of the central pivot irrigation lines in the fields ........ almost every field. I have seen one or two hear and there in IA but never as many as in NE. I almost wanted to count how many but would have needed a hand tally counter.

Dr Who on the BBC channel had commercials. Dr Who does NOT have commercials. I watch it on IPTV - no commercials.

Good weekend. :-)

2010-03-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

2010 sucks rotten eggs ......... so far.

Most years go by with just a couple of obstacles but not 2010. Here is the list so far:

1. My car was in the shop over New Year's - would not start. $ I do not have.
2. I had a sinus infection and a bad reaction to my meds.
3. A coworker gave me a cold that turned into Bronchitis. And I had a bad reaction to the meds for that also.
4. There was a gas leak at my home that nearly blew up the house.
5. I hurt my back last week - pulled a muscle. OMG that hurt and still does a little. But no bad reaction to the meds.
6. And so far this spring - my roof is still leaking (we have had a few days of rain) and it looks like all the snow broke the back deck.

I have been to my doctor more times this year so far then other years put together.
And then the small things - social and work drama.

2010 needs to get better ............ please !!!!

2010-02-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

Not visiting = "hating" a person.

That is total BS!!!!

I was asked the other day to take a 8 hour road trip (4 hours there and 4 back - in the same day) to see a very good friend. I declined for many reason and was given the response of "that is why she thinks you hate her".
What is that? I do not hate this friend but have reasons that I can not make the trip. Some may see my reasons as "not good enough" but they are mine.
For example:
1. I'm getting too old for drive up and drive back in the same day.
2. No $ - I'm not going to get into our $ situation right now because it is no ones business ...... but if anyone thinks we have "mad money" you are sadly mistaken.
3. I work during the week and my weekends are my time to relax ....... the way I want to. You do not have to understand online gaming or role playing. Just understand that it is my choice and the way it is going to be.

Another thing is that I think there is a little reverse discrimination. People think that if you do not have kids you have all the time in world and can do anything you want. Not true. There are still obstacles.

My parents moved to Florida in 2002 and I have not visited them once. It is not because I "hate" them or think they should only come visit me. There are many reasons why I have not visited.

My husband has a cousin that he is close to and he has never seen her kid ............. who is 10 or 11 this year.

Things and life get in the way.

This friend that I supposedly hate has rarely come to see me. So in those standards she must really hate me.

What the hell. I just give up. I'm not going to call anyone anymore to see if they want to get together and/or do things. I'm just going to worry about me ........... the way that I guess it is being taken anyhow.
.
.
.
Who am I kidding. I'm the cruise director of our life and there is no way I will stop. No matter how much I'm under appreciated.

2010-02-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

"Do you smell gas?"

Yesterday Jeremy called me to ask if I had smelled gas at the house when I was home for lunch at 1. Not really. He thought he did and when our niece got home from school at 3:30 she said she could smell it. He called our gas company and they came to check if we had a leak. We did - a huge one. The gas was building up under the house and then leaked into the house. It was bad. The guy said that if we had waited any longer we would not have had a house. He evacuated Jeremy, Bethlynn and the dog. Mushu (the cat) was no where to be found. Jeremy called me around 4 with and update and I left work. The gas guy showed Jeremy the leak and shut off the gas to the whole house. He could not do any of the repairs and said we would have to get a plumber to do them.

It was very hard to find a plumber to help us. I tried Golden Rule first and they were combative on what the gas company was supposed to do and called the gas company liars and then said they could not help us. Most others do not work on trailers and / or do not have those kind of parts in stock. Jeremy found a few that would help but no one could do anything that night. A whole night without gas and heat was not what we wanted. Just our luck the pipes would freeze and burst.

Jeremy finally found someone to come out and look at the damage around 7:30 pm. Bethlynn and the dog went to my sisters when the gas guy kicked them out of the house that afternoon so that is where I went to wait. The dog and I got home around 9:30 pm and the plumber (really nice guy) was done fixing what he thought was the issue but needed the gas turned back on to test it. Jeremy called the gas company and asked that someone come out to turn it back on – once again 9:30 pm. The gas was finally turned back on at MIDNIGHT – the wait was due to bad customer service. The gal that Jeremy talked to at 9:30 thought the gas was only shut off to the hot water heater and not the whole house so she did not make it a high importance call. And to find out later when Jeremy called back for an eta she had put the service request in for March 18th not yesterday Feb 18th. OMG !!!

The plumber is coming back today to finish the repairs.

There are 3 morals to this story: shovel the snow away from your gas pipes or they will break, do not use Golden Rule because they are extremely unhelpful and the gas company has stupid overnight customer service reps.

2010-01-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

Taking down the Christmas tree is such a lonely affair.

When I put up the tree I had help. People came over - we watched Christmas movies, drank Milknog and decorated the tree. Taking it down = you are on your own. Why is that?

And it was not easy. We have received around 30+" of snow this December / January and it has been bitter cold. I had to shovel a path to the shed to get the tree box and the ornament tote. That was not fun .... and trying to put away my buried outside decorations = me wading thru chest high snow drifts. Some of them are still out there buried under feet of snow. They will just have to wait until spring.

My BF did come over to do laundry ... her apt facilities are sad. She did help put the tree away - but it was not the main reason for the visit.

It just strikes me as odd considering how much we as a people like to demolish things ........ no help or joy in the removal of the tree. Oh well.

2009-08-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

When did things change and why?

I'm at work sick. I cannot stop sneezing and blowing my nose. My throat feels raw ............ and yes I am taking meds and drinking liquids - hot green tea and hot chocolate.

When did the mindset change to it being OK to come to work sick and get your coworkers sick?

I'm not really talking about me but a coworker that got a few of us sick. She is a social butterfly - she walks around the office talking to people and offering up her daily baked goods. She has been coughing up a storm for about a week and went home early one day ........ I think it was Monday.

Maybe she came to work for the same reason I'm not going home sick.
I need the $ !!!!
It is not that my job is so important that the company would come to a stand still if I was not here. Yes, there are a few things I do that the coworkers in my department do not know how to ....... but I'm sure my very intelligent (and awesome) supervisor would be able to figure it out. Or it would just wait for me to get back. :-P

And to top it off - I just know I'm going to get my husband and niece sick. That would be bad !! He has finals next week and it is her first week of middle school.

DAMN IT !!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

"Kookookachoo got screwed."

It sometimes feels like the world is against you. You think things are going well and that you are a head of the game ....... then something knocks you back. You loose faith for a while and need things to go your way again to get back to your previous state of mind.

We have had a few of these recently. We - my family and friends.

My wonderful husband thought he was done paying out of pocket for his classes but the school has informed him that he has two more payments to make. His loan adviser (who is no longer with the school) may have left out a couple of things when Jeremy was signing up because he was hesitating due to the cost. Nice.

My best friend just started a new weekend job ... in her field of study. But has already had a miscommunication with a coworker. She got called in to be reprimanded by the supervisor and that supervisor would not even listen to her side of the story. She almost quit the job she previously loved.

I've had small things happen to me and simple health issue. But it all just makes me want to lay on the couch and just watch TV with the dog. It is a fight almost every morning to get up and go to work. A job that I love. The issue is getting motivated to get up ....... I believe that is called depression.

No, I do not have time for this. Everyone else is depending on me. Just like in college - I'm the cruise director of our group. I swear we would never talk to each other if it was not for me. Thankfully my mother in law is the same way so she can handle all of the family stuff.

My head hurts and I have weeds to pull .... got to go. :-P

2009-05-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Not my kind of music.

I work in a department that is very quiet. There is no muzak or radios that are too loud ......... most of the time.

Some times I can hear the music from a cube mate's ipod .... even though they have headphones on or ear buds. How loud is that music?

It reminds me of my sister when we took family trips. She would just listen to music via her headphones all the way to our destination and back. It was so loud that I could hear the songs and so could my mom in the front of the van. My mom would tell her to turn it down because we could hear it and that it had to be damaging her hearing. Or my mother would try to talk to my sister, get no answer, turn around to see that she had her headphones on and say "Oh, she has her ears on."

I now use that saying when my niece has her ear buds in and is blaring her ipod.

I think my sister may be a little hard of hearing now. When you call her house - the TV is blaring and when you get into her car - the radio is full blast.
That or she just loves it loud .... still.

2009-04-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

I'm sick and tired of rain.

How am I going to get anything done outside when it rains every other weekend. My niece and I did get some flowers planted this past weekend but rain today, next two days of partly cloudy and then rain for three more days after that.
I have painting and repairs to do outside ..... when that will happen is any
ones guess.

I'm also sick and tired of hurting. My phantom leg pain still bothers me and now my arm hurts. I had a cyst removed from my forearm and it hurts more than you would think. I just hope the tests come back benign.

On an up note, my mom is in town visiting until the end of the month. She stays at my sister's house. I hope to see her more than just on the rainy weekends.

:-P

2009-03-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

Life is not fair for most.

I have three people close to me that are out of work. They are actively searching for jobs and two are going back to school. I have another friend that has a part time job and is desperately searching for a full time job in her field ....... with little luck.

I, on the other hand, have a great job. I could not ask for more. Maybe less ........ less noise around the office, less smells (my cube is near the door to the breakroom) and less stress.
I know I can help control the stress issue ...... but I never do. I just ignore stuff until it gets too much and then have an ocular migraine or make myself ill.
Right now I have smelly hair that is giving me a headache. I ran out of my regular conditioner and had to use another. It smells like citrus or flowers ...... stuff that I do not need to be smelling every single time I turn my head. It is not a big enough issue that I need to go wash my hair again .............. because I still do not have any good conditioner.
I just hope I do not get another ocular migraine. I have had 4 in one week. I need to find the trigger ......... but that could be anything. I'm voting for smells and maybe my neck pain from my pillow. I need a new pillow big time.

I have a lot of stuff that needs to be done around the house .... thankfully my mother is coming into town in April for about 20 days. She stays with my sister but I get to see her and make her help me with stuff. :-)

I hope this spring is kind to all of us.

2009-02-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

One of my sisters cats passed away this morning. It looks as though he was chasing the other one (an older, cranky cat) and ran right into a chair ...... maybe breaking his neck. My sister did not hear a screech so she could not have helped him. We took him to the vet to be cremated.

I will miss my pumpkin kittie .......... goodbye Solan.

2009-02-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

The weather is getting nice - it is 54 today.

Most of the snow has melted except the piles from shoveling. Rey-rey is so happy to see grass again. We had shoveled out an area for him to go but not down to the grass .............because there was ice on top of the grass.

Now that the snow and most of the ice are gone I am amazed at all of the dog poop one Chihuahua can leave behind.

I can't wait to start going for nightly walks again. We cancelled our gym membership - considering we did not go at all in 2008.
All of us need to loose some weight - not Mushu of course because she is a cat and they do not go for walks very well. :-)

more animals

Bring me Solo and a cookie

2009-01-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

see more puppies

It is very cold and I'm sick of snow!!!

My car would not start this morning .......... I should have stayed in bed.

2008-12-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays !!

Michelle, Jeremy, Mushu and Rey-rey

see more puppies

2008-11-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

"Crazy cat people get a bad rap, but crazy dog people are so much worse. Crazy dog people will cut you."

see more puppies

i. iz. tryn. 2. esplode ur hed wit mai mind.

2008-11-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

It was wonderful !!!!!

We had great weather, his correct ring came in and there were no issues at the reception ........... to our knowledge.

I'm a Mrs. ......... a wife ......... taken ............."I'z married now!"

Anna took pictures as did about 4 others and Sam had his video camera.

The food was great and the cake was cool ......... and yummy. :-)

We stayed at a local hotel on the wedding night, had brunch with relatives and friends Saturday and then opened presents on Sunday.
The house is a wreck and we have no idea where we will put our new stuff .............. but appreciate the kindness of our guests.

I can't wait to get my name changed ....... it will take some time to get used to signing the new last name but I will survive.

Now on to the holidays.

See ya, Michelle and Jeremy

2008-10-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

14 days to go!!!!!!!

They cannot get Jeremy's ring size in for 4 weeks for the style he wants. They can get us a 1/2 size smaller in time for the wedding and then we can trade to the correct size later. :-I

I just hope I can get it on his finger at the ceremony .......... and that he can get it off. :-P

See ya!!!

2008-10-14T07:25:00.001-07:00

Sick as a dog!!!

I wonder where that expression came from ....... ??????

Any how, I was sick all weekend. Had to call in sick on Monday because of coughing fits. I'm still not up to it but I have very little personal time left and need all I can get for the days before the wedding.

We did go out on Saturday to get his ring ordered. The staff did not want to be around me but too bad. He actually picked a different ring than what would have been on the card ........... so it was a good things he was with. :-)

I just want to go to bed. Oh well ......... back to work.

2008-10-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Stress!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I went to the jewelry store to purchase Jeremy's wedding band .......... no go!!

We had stopped by in September to get him sized and he picked out 3 styles he liked. It is up to me to pick one and surprise him.
So today during my lunch hour I stopped by ready to make a purchase. The guy in Sept said he would write down Jeremy's size and styles and to ask for the card. I asked and they could not find the card. They tried to look under R for the last name, J for Jeremy and my name. Nothing.
I can remember two of the styles but not the third and I was not 100% sure about the size. GREAT!!!!!!!!!

Let's just says that I'm not happy right now. It takes time to order the ring and now I have to drag him back to the store. He is sick as a dog right now and not up to going to class let alone a jewelry store.

I'm going to have to postpone Waffle House on Saturday and hope we can go then.

:-P

2008-10-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

The guest count is at 73. Wow!!!

I can't believe that many people care if we get married. Mom says that most of them just like to party and are coming to see her. :-)

All that is left is the small stuff .. oh and the rings. Jeremy has mine started. We looked at the mold the other day and it should be ready next Thursday. I need to get his ........ maybe this weekend.

The bachelor and bachelorette parties are this weekend. He is going to paintball, dinner and then local "charity events". We are going to glow-in-the-dark mini golf, dinner and then out for drinks.

Next weekend - off to Waffle House with Sam. Yum!!

See ya, Michelle

2008-09-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

The invitations are out.

We have already had 3 RSVP .......... only one was someone I expected to respond so fast. Some friends have not responded yet. :-(

A block of rooms has been booked and my sister is carving many pumpkins. They look great!!

A few things are left to do and then we should be set ......... until last minute stuff comes up.

We went up to the Minnesota Ren Fest last weekend with Keith and Cristy. It was fun. I purchased another dress that may be used for the wedding. We visited with Suzy and had a blast.

Got to go ........... see ya!

2008-07-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

The light sabers are here!!!!!

We have green, blue and red .......... for my Sith.

I have a dress, Jess is making Jer's outfit and we have looked at wedding bands. Jeremy says it is up to me what I get for him ...... "you know what I like". Ok.

We are checking with Cristy's dad on the food .......... he did their rehearsal dinner and it was good.

We have purchased so much stuff for the reception. It will be a fun party.

Next the invitations need to go out and the block of rooms need to be booked.

Mom was up to help but everything is under control now ...... she will be back in September to help when it gets crazy.

2008-05-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is how I start each day...

2008-05-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

The cake issue has been resolved ............... the new cake lady is great !!!!!!!!!

She is doing it all for under $500.00 ............ the wedding cake, groom's cake, sheet cake and delivery / set up.

AND ...........

We have found a reception site. :-)

Next is food and attire .................. oh and if we want everyone there for the ceremony or just the reception.

Then the invitations .......... rings ................. it would be easier if I did more than one thing at a time but oh well ........... that is just me.

See ya !!!!!!!

2008-05-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

The number keeps getting bigger.

I love my family ....... my side and Jeremy's side ........ and I understand that a wedding is a big deal ....... but I have issues with being in front of strangers.

My mother is from a large down-home farm family and has about 10 brothers and sisters. And now they are all getting invitations to my small Halloween party wedding. (Now more donated help and $ is needed.)
She did admit that most of them will not show and that it is "nice to send them an invite". That is fine but I have not seen most of these relatives since I moved away from MN in the 6th grade ......... a long time ago.
I guess it is only fair to give invites since I did send on to my father's only brother and his family (a total of 4 people if they all come).
Mom is NOT making me invite all of the step-brothers and step-sisters (a very large number). That's good.
I can't imagine that any of these people care that I'm getting married or even want to see it ........... but I understand oh too well that it does not feel good to not be asked/invited.
Unlike some, we are not trying to get as many present as possible - thus invite all of the people we have ever known.
We are not even registered and are not asking for gifts. We brought two households together and have purchased all the stuff we need.

Oh well ........... it will be fun no matter what ......... I just do not want to disappoint people.

2008-04-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

What is this cake made of?

That was my response after receiving my first quote on wedding and grooms cakes.

I have to admit that maybe we went to the wrong person - they had a flashy web site, etc. BUT $900 for the wedding cake and $275 for the grooms cake is just crazy.

The cake lady said that the price was so high because I wanted artistic designs for both cakes .................. yes, but simple designs.

My sister found a cake pan on the web that would be perfect for the grooms cake - we may be able to make it with a little practice and a few trial cakes. That would be a shame to have to eat the "failed" cakes.

Cristy may be able to help also. She knows someone that does custom / specialty cakes for fun. This is not her "job" so she may not charge so much.
Cross your fingers and wish us luck.

Next is the wedding rings. :-)

2008-04-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, sorry it has been so long. I guess getting my own computer did not help me blog more. :-)
I have to admit that as soon as I get on the computer I play LOTR online. I'm hooked - I have a level 39 hobbit that is a grand master cook .......... not that that means anything to most people.

Wedding stuff is going slow. I'm not one of those females that has been dreaming of her wedding day since she was a little girl. I know what I do not want but what I should have and need are unknown to me. My sister and best friend are helping a lot and so is my future mother-in-law. My sister, Anna, made my save the date cards and a blog for our wedding.
Since the date is on a holiday, 10/31/08, we decided to send out the save the date warnings.
I have ordered the invitations, we have a judge and a location. Next is the wedding and grooms cakes. I intend on spending money in that area.
We want the reception to be more of a Halloween party.

Got to go. Misha

2007-08-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

I have my own computer .... finally. :-)

My friend Sam was nice enough to give me his old computer after upgrading. He is a great guy!!

I have web access and will be able to work from home soon. I know that does not sound fun to most people but I love my job.
I feel bad when I go home sick or miss a day of work ......... like today. I had an Ocular Migraine and went home early. The eye stuff is bad but short lived .... the headache and neck pain are lingering. It is not fun but only happens a few times a year - thank goodness.

Change of subject - this past weekend we looked at a possible location for our wedding. It was very nice and we plan to go back and look at it in October. I also want to look at a local chapel and a park that are other possible locations.

I will try to keep this updated better now that I have my own access.

See ya, Michelle

2007-04-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

My New Job !!

I am no longer in customer service and have gone to the other side..... corporate.

I love it !!! I do not have to talk on the phone and the days go fast due to I'm busy.
Busy in a good and interesting way. :-)

Now Jer's job needs to get straightened out .......... then a new house.

Wedding is looking to be in 2008.

See ya, Michelle and Jeremy

2007-01-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a fiancee !!!

Jeremy, the most wonderful man in the world, has asked me to marry him and I said YES!!
There is no way I will let him get away.

The ring is beautiful ... Jeremy designed it with the jeweler.

How he asked is a great story that I continue to tell ... but not now.

2006-10-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

Bling !!! Bling !!!

Jer and I went looking at rings yesterday.
We found my correct size and preference of settings.

The lady helping us was great and she taught us lots. :-)

I like round cut, pressure setting and white gold.

It is amazing how few choices there are for the pressure setting. :-P

Oh well, it will be ok.

2006-10-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Dawn's wedding !!
Our good friend Dawn married her Jeremy this past weekend. :-)

Dawn's dress was great - she looked the beautiful bride.

It was a little warm out but that was ok. The reception was fun. It was great to visit w/friends and Bethlynn had a great time dancing.
It was a shame we had to leave early and my Jeremy did not get to catch the garder belt again (as he did at Keith and Cristy's wedding) but we had to drive back home yet. :-(

I wish them love and luck.
Michelle and Jeremy

2006-09-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Keith & Cristy's wedding.
Our good friends got married on the 9th. It was a beautiful ceremony and the reception was great.
I actually got Jeremy to slow dance ....... wow !! Bethlynn and I got him to dance for half a fast song.
Bethlynn danced w/Keith at least 3 times................ she was in heaven. It is ok that Keith, one of Bethlynn's many boyfriends, married Cristy.........Bethlynn likes Cristy and even danced w/her once.
I also danced w/Cristy during the $ dance ......... but I guess Keith won with more money for his $ dances.
We wish them the best of luck in all they do.
Love, Michelle and Jeremy

2006-08-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

My favorite supervisor and friend is leaving !!! :-(

Well really he has not been my actual supervisor for about a year but he was still w/the company.

I will miss him .......... I loved to yell his name out as he came on the cfs floor. :-)

Michelle

2006-08-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

Moving furniture sucks !!!!!!

Jenn's couch and chair, etc. are out.

Jeremy's stuff is coming in. His parents are very excited to get rid of all off his stuff.
The are trying to give us all his comic books and the stuff saved from his childhood.
It is ok and we want to have it but we are going to have a full house again. :-)

What fun !!!! :-P

2006-05-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Keith and the Fishing Derby.

On the 20th of May - I went fishing. Not my choice. :-)

Keith (one of Bethlynn's boyfriends) asked to take Bethlynn to the Hy-vee Fishing Derby.
It started at 9:00 am but people get there around 5-6 to get a good spot on the banks of the lake.
They stocked the lake w/bullheads and some were tagged for prizes. I went with to take pictures and help. Cristy, Dan and his 2 year-old AmberDawn went also. It was an overcast and cool day.
We got there just before 9, it was packed and hard to find a good spot. We walked all the way to the far side of the lake and took a spot in an alcove. The water was dirty and people were not cathcing fish there. Bethlynn saw some boys to the left that were on the main part of the lake catching a lot of fish. She wanted to move by them. Per the rules, adults are not to fish and you are to make room for a child to fish. I squeezed her in on that side. Keith got her ready to fish and then went to get the others. By the time he was back, she had already caught a fish. AmberDawn's first fish was a tagged one. She got her prize and was done fishing.
Keith spent most of his time taking fish off of Bethlynn's line. She is a great fisherman. :-)
Bethlynn got a tagged fish and her an Keith went to get her prize. Her choice was a Barbie.
She wanted to stop fishing then but Dan told her that more fish were tagged and she could win a prize again.
By the time we left, around 12:30, they had about 9 fish in the cage. We took pictures and then let the fish go.
Keith wants to take her fishing again when they both can fish and it is less crowded. :-)

What a nice guy !!!

2006-04-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and so did my dog !!!!!!!!!!

I'm having a full blow allergy attack right now ............. so needless to say I'm having tons of fun. Smell that? That is sarcasm !!!!!!!

My 6 lb Chihuahua thinks he is a trapeze artist. I was walking him last night after work and we had an accident. Being a Chihuahua , he thinks he is a big dog ..... and is not too friendly to other dogs we meet on our walks. A woman and a small poodle were on the sidewalk coming at us and the other dog was not on a leash. The woman was talking on her mobile phone and not paying attention to her dog. So I picked up my dog to keep from having a meeting that we could not pull them apart from, due to "it" not being on a leash. Well the poodle started to jump all over my legs and that was enough to cause my "big" dog to go crazy. He forced his way out of my arms and leapt to the groud from the height of my upper chest. He landed badly on the sidewalk and yelled like you would not believe. I was insane w/worry. I scooped him up in my arms and ran home. With the stupid poodle chasing me and the woman, still on the phone, following yelling at her dog. I got in the house, yelled for Jeremy to drive us to the vet and that I thought that he broke his leg. There was blood and he would not put his left front leg down. On the way to the vet, he was crying and drooling. The vet was not in but a tech was.
She checked him over and when we put him down he walked around ok. She thinks he was just shocked by the landing and the scratch on his chin is what was bleeding. She advised to take him home and watch him.
He is fine. :-)
I am not. :-I

See ya, Michelle

2006-02-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

A Jedi I am not !! :-)
I got my wonderful man the Star Wars Trivial Pursuit DVD game for Valentines day. We played a game of it and needless to say I did not win. I did get a least 3-4 questions correct and got 2 pie. Jeremy on the other hand go almost every question correct and won the game in no time. I was very proud of him. He knows stuff about Star Wars that is mindblowing.
Tonight we are trying LOTR Stratego. I have never played the game. :-I
When my mother comes to visit in March, I will make her teach us the card games she plays every night w/her husband. I have not played cards since I was a kid ........ so we will see how well I do there. :-)
Valentines day was nice. Small personal gifts and dinner w/the "in-laws".

See ya, Misha

2005-12-27T06:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays !!!!

It was not a white Christmas but that did not matter. We had a great gift exchange w/friends. I got to try out the dance machine w/the Bethlynn. :-)

Jeremy's family was way to kind w/the gifts again this year. Between the gifts and gift cards, a lot of money was spent. Thank you !!! Thank you all !!!!!!!

I hope you all have a great New Years Eve. Be safe !!!

Love, Michelle & Jeremy

2005-11-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

It is pre-Christmas time again. :-P
I have a mind block on what to make for gifts this year and have no money to buy. :-(

We are going to put up the x-mas tree in the front room. This will make it so the tree can be seen from the street and the dog will not tinkle on the gifts. :-)

I'm sure it will be a great holiday no matter what gifts are received or given.

Just looking forward to the get togethers and time w/friends and family.

Hugs to all, Misha

2005-10-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hello again and welcome to fall in the midwest. :-P

I miss the old days, I dislike hot temps and would rather cooler temps. :-(

I spent Thursday Oct. 13th helping the wonderful Jennifer and Bethlynn decorate for Halloween. It was fun and it looks great. But the bugs were insane !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The place is ready for the bonfire. I can not wait. :-)

See ya, Misha

2005-09-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

Guthrie county fair time.
Jeremy and I went to the fair to see the booth for Cue's N Stuff and show him a county fair.
Bethynn showed us the games and rides. She had many things to say about the funnel cakes. We had some $ to spend and did some games. Bethlynn is a great fisherperson and caught 2 sharks in one time. We are not so great at the bowling type game. None of us could reach the 190 point limit for a prize. :-(
Bethlynn wanted to go on the Tilt a whirl even though I told her I got sick on round-n-round rides. I got some tickets and the three of us tried the ride. I advised her I would do only one ride and that one was her choice. Needless to say the ride upset my tummy so much that Bethlynn said she was sorry for making me go on it and I had to call it a night due to not wanting to get sick. :-I
I'm not the aunt for carnival rides. She will have to depend on Amanda and Emily. :-)

2005-08-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Today, Monday 08/08/05, is Rey-Rey's 3rd birthday.
He got a Busybone and some rawhides. He is happy to be a year older.
But Mushu is still not impressed w/him. I aksed her if she could be nice to him today for his birthday but she acted beyond it. :-)

I just wanted to share that and tell ya'll how much I love my doggie.

Thanks, Michelle

2005-07-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Jeremy and I are doing well. It is odd for the house to be so quiet. There are times at night when I miss Jenn and Bethlynn but I go on.
Rey-rey and Mushu are still not getting along. But who knows what they do when we are out.

Our vacation was spent at home doing nothing much. I painted a little and we went out.

I forced Jer to go to fireworks in Urbandale this fouth. I told him that if he did not like it, he only had to do it every other year. :-)

Nothing much more to update. We are jsut working and trying to stay out of the heat and sun.

Luv, Michelle and Jeremy