Step Into the Spotlight...

Prodigal Blogger

2008-12-07T10:09:00.004-06:00

It seems that I have a problem. I am not very good at updating my blog. I have come to a couple conclusions as to why this might be a problem.

1. Time - sure that tends to be the over-arcing reason for just about anything these days. But there is truth to my busy schedule.

2. Boring life - My life is filled with my wonderful blessings, but sometimes the mundane life kicks in and no one event seems blog worthy. My last MAJOR accomplishment was the TC marathon in October - and you will see, that is my last entry. When I actually find time to write, I search my brain for something to debate or announce but nothing rises to the top.

3. Screening information - I do not want to have something I write to be held against me. Example: At the end of October the company I work for went through some MAJOR changes. I did want to blog about that - but I thought better of it as to not regret anything I post. (I've read WAY too many articles about people losing their jobs over blogs, myspace, and facebook.)

So you see I have thought of my little blog. But my overconscientious mind got the best of me.

TCM - #2 Complete!

2008-10-05T21:30:00.003-05:00

It might not have been the prettiest of finishes, but a finish is a finish. I completed my 2nd marathon today at 5 hours and 45 minutes. I was pleased to be able to run despite my plagued summer of injuries. Yet even though I can hardly walk right now - I'm still thinking about that next marathon.

Last year we ran the "hot" Twin Cities marathon and today it was the "wet" one. At mile 5 (around Lakes Calhoun and Harriet) it started to downpour. At first it felt good and kind of brave to run in the ran, but after running through several puddles, my shoes were soaking wet and very heavy. This made for a difficult next 10-15 miles. By mile 20 I started to get some energy and the weather improved. I was able to stay very focused and lucid to the end. I was never really able to go very fast because of my injured foot and under trained legs, but I listened to my body and stayed the course.

We always wish for faster and better, but today I am thankful to have a supportive family, faithful running group, and a healthy, determined body.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

TCM - 4 Days

2008-10-01T19:32:00.003-05:00

Though it seems like a while since I began training for this marathon, part of me would love to go back and start over.

This summer has been a struggle for marathon training. I made it out every Saturday morning, but it always seemed like something went wrong - shin splints, had to set up a water stop for my running group, plantar fascitis....and the list of excuses continue.

But the fact is that on Sunday at 8am I will begin my second marathon whether I am trained sufficiently or not. This is a journey that I will begin and with the grace of God - finish.

TCM - 7 Miles

2008-07-06T23:07:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the strong will (or annoyance) of my mother, I was able to push myself to the 7 mile mark this past Saturday. Sure that might not sound like much after I was able to accomplish a marathon last fall, but after taking all of winter and spring off - I'm starting back to the basics. (in my new asics!)

We were at the family cottage this weekend and I knew that my running group was doing 7 on Saturday. We all drove out to the county road near the cottage. My Dad and Didrik dropped off my mom and I and drove ahead to mile 3 to act as a water stop. Mentally it really helped to know that van was there throughout the run. My mom ran the entire thing with me (she's 64!) and she probably could have done it a lot faster than me but she let me set the pace.

I did have some shin splint swelling during the first 3 miles that got me a bit concerned, but the second have of the run went a lot more smoothly and the pain went away.

Today my legs are sore but my Zumba class helped to loosen them up.

TCM - The Shoes

2008-06-20T23:06:00.002-05:00

Last weekend my parents took me to Rogan's in Eau Claire to buy me a new pair of running shoes. I knew that I needed to get a 1/2 size bigger shoe in order to compensate for swelling feet during long runs (after the blisters from last year, I needed to make a change).

After trying on several pairs of shoes and not finding the right fit, my mom had me try a pair of asics - they were $125! I've never had running shoes that expensive. But my parents bought them for me anyway (you're never too old to get random gifts from parents). At that price maybe the shoes will do the work for me!

2008 TCM

2008-06-14T19:05:00.003-05:00

It's that time again - summer. For some that means a slower pace and a chance to enjoy the warm weather. But for me, I need to conquer my weakness once again.

A couple of months ago I signed up to run the 2008 Twin Cities Marathon. The funny thing - I did it with out really thinking about what I was doing. I knew that I had to give this beast another shot after last year's hot mess. But I really haven't been running much at all and I've put on about an extra 10-15 lbs. This is all going to play out when I begin training in a couple of weeks. The schedule is set, I know what I must do, and now I just have to do it!

Return on Investment

2008-04-22T21:59:00.004-05:00

(here is me on my first day at the Caribou outside of my new office)

Well all, I am sure you have been dying to know...the suit paid off! I have a new job and today was my first day. I am the new Congregational Inside Sales Representative at Augsburg Fortress in Minneapolis, MN. It was a great first day filled with trainings and meetings. Of course I'm just geeky enough to enjoy learning about all of AF's products. This is a great fit for me because I get to enjoy working with congregations and their ministries but I stay out of the day-to-day dramaof the congregation and my schedule is M-F 8am-4:30pm...does it get any better?

I will miss the YMCA but I'm still going to teach fitness classes for a couple of different branches.

Investing in my Career

2008-03-03T21:22:00.003-06:00

It's not really a secret - I'm looking for a new job. It's not as if I don't like my current job, it's just "time". I've been in that current position for 2 years and now it's time to either move up or move out. I've had a couple of interviews and a couple more to come so this past weekend I thought it was time to invest in a new suit. I usually don't buy things full price - but I didn't want to skimp on this one. I figured my new high paying job that I get wearing the suit will actually pay for the suit.

How much did I spend? A couple of "Benjamin's". But it is a beautiful pin-stripped Ann Taylor Loft suit. I wore it today on one of the interviews that I have scheduled. I will know at the end of the week if it paid off - literally.

Forever "Camp Friends"

2008-03-01T23:06:00.010-06:00

Last night I had the opportunity to see my "camp friends". Our commonality is the fact that we worked at Luther Park Bible Camp sometime in the 90's. Over 10, even 15 years later we still can remember the stories and personalities of camp life, we even still look similar to our college-aged selves, but we are now all married and half of us have at least 1 off-spring.

We weren't together even 20 minutes before I was "razzed" by the fact that I haven't posted on my blog in a long time. So "camp friends", this one is for you!

Lisa and I with our matching denim overalls (summer of '96) - Lisa now is the mother of 4!!!

Kristen and Jane after "banquet" in the summer of '97. Kristen is now the mother of Ethan
(age 1) and Jane is the mother of Maria (9 months) Summer fun at the Cooley cabin (from right to left) Kyra has been married almost 5 years and is a school counselor, Carrie just got married this past summer and is a choir teacher, and Theresa is the mother of TWINS and a "pastors wife".

On one of our days off Jane (middle in yellow) and I had fun at ValleyFair in the summer of '96. Jane has been married now for a couple of year and is a social worker.

Here we are all now - not much different!

These friends of mine will always be very special to me...thank you ladies!

A month later

2007-11-07T21:49:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe that it has been a month since I ran my first marathon.
Life has been busy since then and the posts have been sparse.
But I will catch you all up in a few quick phrases:

Lost 3 toe nails
Traveled to Italy
Husband got the longest cold in history (keeping me up at night with his cough)
Work 12 hour days while vying for a promotion
The Pack keep winning
My fanball team keeps losing
Found a new favorite place for good "eats"
Chose my next marathon (yet haven't ran an inch yet)
Sufficiently procrastinated on housework
Wore new Italian shoes to work
Avoided Halloween trick or treaters by not answering the door
Taught a few fitness classes
Moved a piano into our house (I inherited a piano)
Brought my lunch to work every day last week
Bought Caribou everyday last week
Started reading "Under the Tuscan Sun"
Already planning next vacation

I DID IT!

2007-10-07T20:49:00.000-05:00

Here is my friend Thea and I at the beginning of the marathon.

I made it 26.2 miles a little under 5 1/2 hours later.

It was hot, the hottest TC marathon in history.

But it feels good now...

TCM - 1 Day

2007-10-06T20:28:00.000-05:00

It is the night before the marathon...
Am I ready?
Honestly I guess I don't know, but I will not settle for that answer.
Am I ready?
Yes
Am I excited?
Yes - there is nothing that I would rather be doing tomorrow than running that race.
Am I nervous?
Yes - but more excited.
There really is only one thing to say -
Bring it on...bring it on!

A Legend

2007-09-30T21:52:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Brett on 422 TD passes!

It is TRUE!

2007-09-30T21:48:00.001-05:00

4-0 BABY!!!

3-0

2007-09-23T22:05:00.000-05:00

Can it be true?

14 Days: Tapering

2007-09-23T10:26:00.000-05:00

I think that I might have been so delirious last weekend from my peak 21 mile training run that I forgot to blog about the experience.

First things first, I did it. Secondly, the body does some strange things after 18 miles of running. There was a point that I suspected the "wall" was coming right at me. My teeth were numbing, I was seeing stars in my eyes, and my body felt like it weighed 500 lbs. At that point I had to stop, walk, refocus, and continue. That's exactly what I did. But that was a very weird feeling.

Even after the run, it did take my body some time to recover. It wasn't so much of a muscle recovering, although my calves were pretty sore, just a mental recovering (ok and maybe a little bowel and urinary track recovering - hey I never said this was going to be pretty).

Yesterday I went out and "only did 10". I think that sounds so funny to say "only 10". Most of my group went on to do 12 but after a Friday workout of suicides (line running on the basketball court) and other torture exercises with my bootcamp class, my body was ready to be done.

Though I will enjoy these next two weeks, I am ready for the marathon. Bring it on.

26 Days: Nerves

2007-09-10T23:12:00.000-05:00

I would be lying if I said that I wasn't getting nervous. The big race is less than a month away. This past weekend I went down to 11 miles. That went just fine. Now it's peak week - on Saturday I run 21. After that peak, my tapering already begins.

I've decided I'm going to be the poster girl for cross training. At noon on October 7th I will be able to tell you if cross training MORE than running hurts or helps your performance. In my case, I might do just fine. Since I'm not going for time, all of my extra curricular work might pay off. Time will tell.

Can't Sleep

2007-09-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm awake with too many thoughts running through me head...

I have to get up early tomorrow to teach
I should really run after class
But should I run outside or on a tread mill?
I don't like running outside downtown...too much traffic
Maybe I could run around the track?
14 times around is a mile, that's a lot of times around...but maybe I could do some speed work
Everyone keeps telling me that I am losing weight
How come I don't feel like I'm losing weight?
The scale doesn't say anything different....my clothes aren't falling off.
But I'm running freakin' 18 miles, why wouldn't I be losing weight
Because I eat like crap
Why do I eat so poorly?
Laziness....
How can I go through an entire day of work and not feel as if I accomplished anything
There are piles on my desk
I need to finish my resume and submit it to the Ridgedale YMCA
What's my exec's reaction going to be when my boss hands in his 2 weeks
Is he going to want to talk to me?
I wonder how I'm viewed at work.
I need to get through those piles on my desk
I want to be a membership director, but I'm scared, too many expectations
However the money would be good
BodyStep went well today - those stupid songs are RUNNING through my head
Weird day at work today
Why doesn't my exec just want to talk to me about the schedule
I hate office politics
Didrik and I watched 5 episodes of CSI tonight.
TiVo is amazing
Didrik is going to be gone this weekend
Yuck, I have to work
12 miles this Sat.
I'm anxious to talk to the running girls
I hate cellulite
I think that I will always have it
Do I want to be promoted at Skyway or move to a different branch
It's easy to stay - better commute, friends at St. Paul Ys, know the facility
Challenge to leave
Maybe it won't be up to me
In that case I'm outta here - onto something else
But what?
Oh I don't want to even go there....I'd be here all night
Stupid BodyStep songs - leave my head!
Is this post going to take up the entire page?
Who cares, it's my blog
I wonder how many frequent flier miles I have
I need to start thinking of 2008 travels
That's an incentive to stay with the Y, the vacation is fab
30 days to the marathon - that's crazy
I'm crazy
No going back now - too many people know
Maybe I'll get a "mysterious injury"
I'd never forgive myself
Just do it...
Didrik is in the other room sleeping
I sent him there because of his snoring, and now I can't sleep
How ironic
This is going to be an interesting couple of months
What's going to happen at work
Marathon progress
Italy trip
No turning back now
Oh shoot, I forgot to call that guy back
I also need to do those check requests
and those damn piles
Ok - maybe I'll try to sleep now

Allie & Will

2007-09-04T23:18:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to spend time with my niece and nephew at the cabin this labor day weekend.

31 days: Mind Games

2007-09-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

Even though I successfully ran 18 miles last Saturday, I continue to play mind games with myself involving some of my training choices. For one thing instead of going to running group tonight, I stopped by my recently wedded friend Courtney's house (near lake Nikomis where my running group meets). Since she was just married last Friday it was CRUCIAL we talk about every detail of the wedding.

Secondly yesterday was Labor Day so I didn't have a class to teach. Instead I was anxious to run the road leading to my family cabin. This road is a 4 mile route of pure hills. I have had good and bad runs on this road and I was expecting my marathon training would help my endurance for the hills. Unfortunately my training had a reverse effect. Instead of conquering the "small mountains" my legs aches and I found myself walking to each crest of the hill.

It can be extremely discouraging to have a bad run after accomplishing new goals such as running 18 miles. I cannot be wavered, I must persevere!

44 Days: Weight Training & 5 mile run

2007-08-23T23:07:00.000-05:00

FINALLY! I felt like I had a really good run. One of those runs that could have kept on going. I just kept making loops around my neighborhood - feeling great! I kept saying to myself, "wow, I'm really in good shape!" Who knows what tomorrow will hold but I'll take what I can get for now!

46 Days: Running Club Night

2007-08-21T22:54:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went to my running club class. We had a guest speaker, Mike Seaman, a long time runner and coach. Unfortunately we didn't get started running until 7:30 and the humidity was almost unbearable. I made it one time around the lake. Right now I'm also thinking about tomorrow's BodyStep class. I have to introduce new choreography, that's always a lot of work. It's always something....

49 Days: 16 Mile Run

2007-08-18T21:10:00.000-05:00

I was nervous going into this morning's run. Last week I struggled with 14 to the point of questioning what I was doing. Fortunately today went quite well. I think that two factors went into today's success:

1. The weather - it was at least 20 degrees cooler this morning than last week
2. My Friday's Diet - I intentionally ate more carbohydrates throughout the day on Friday prepping my body for today's run.

We ran on the Gateway Trail starting under 694 in North St. Paul, running past Manning Ave. towards Stillwater then turning around to the finish. It was a beautiful trail. The rain began with 3 miles remaining - but we kept on running.

For the majority of the run we did 5 and 1 (run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute). This method really helps the body adjust to the long distance. I ran with the same 5 people I have been with for the majority of my long runs. We are all members of Salubrious, a non-profit running group lead by a friend of mine from the YMCA. This group has been a life saver for me, there is no way I could have done this on my own!

I took a nap for most of the afternoon to rest my body. My left glut/hip is bothering me again today. The muscle tightens up so much that any pressure is quite painful. I'm debating about getting it "looked at" but then I think this is just normal muscle pain after running long distances.

50 Days - Weight Lifting & 3 Mile Run

2007-08-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

Bad, bad day. I taught BodyPump this morning which acts as my weightlifting cross training. Then despite every ounce of my body refusing to continue, I forced myself out for a run. I ran along the Mississippi in DT St. Paul, a couple blocks from work. It didn't go well, in fact there was a time I actually sat on a park bench to watch the river flow by. Not exactly good for training. But the river was peaceful.

2007 TCM

2007-08-15T23:23:00.000-05:00

I did it. In May I signed up to run the Twin Cities Marathon. Training has been going - well - ok. I'm devoting a section of my blog to my training. Look under the label "TCM TRAINING"

The race is October 7th - check out the details:

http://www.mtcmarathon.org/

If you know me - I'd love to have you out on the course cheering me on!

51 Days Until Race Day: Cross Training

2007-08-15T23:16:00.000-05:00

Today is Wednesday which means "BodyStep" day. BodyStep is the most difficult and rigurous cardio class that I teach. (I'm a part-time fitness instructor) After an hour of leading power step moves to over 20 participants, I am not in the mood to go for a jog. There were times I could tell my legs were tired, but I kept going, can't look weak in front of the members!

The problem lies in the fact that I have to learn a NEW BodyStep routine by next week. This is NOT an easy task and memorizing the routine depends on a lot of practice and rehearal. This is something that I don't have. Not only is it difficult to find TIME to practice, but energy. I keep saying I need to cut down on classes as the training becomes more intense, but I can't seem to take my own advice!

I'm Back!

2007-08-15T23:04:00.000-05:00

Ok so I took a small sabbatical from writing in my BLOG. Well I'm back. Unfortunately you will now all have to read about my marathon training since that is all I think about lately.

John Cusack in the 80's

2007-04-09T18:20:00.000-05:00

So why I spend time figuring these things out is completely beyond me but here it goes:

Fat Man and Little Boy (1989) .... Michael Merriman NEVER HEARD OF THIS MOVIE
Say Anything... (1989) .... Lloyd Dobler OF COURSE A CLASSIC
Elvis Stories (1989) .... Corky ????????
Tapeheads (1988) .... Ivan Alexeev MORE ?????????
Eight Men Out (1988) .... George "Buck" Weaver HEARD OF BUT HAVE NEVER SEEN
Broadcast News (1987) (as John Cusak) .... Angry Messenger GOOD MOVIE BUT I DON'T REMEMBER HIM IN IT
Hot Pursuit (1987) .... Dan Bartlett THIS ONE MIGHT BE GOOD?
One Crazy Summer (1986) .... Hoops McCann HERE'S THE ONE WE WERE TRYING TO THINK OF, I HAVE IT ON VHS
Stand by Me (1986) .... Denny Lachance GOOD MOVIE
The Journey of Natty Gann (1985) .... Harry THIS IS WHERE I FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH JOHN CUSACK
Better Off Dead... (1985) .... Lane Meyer OBVIOUSLY A CLASSIC
The Sure Thing (1985) .... Walter (Gib) Gibson ANOTHER CLASSIC
Grandview, U.S.A. (1984) .... Johnny Maine HUMMMM....DON'T KNOW THIS ONE
Sixteen Candles (1984) .... Bryce GOOD MOVIE, HE HAS BIT NERDY ROLE
Class (1983) .... Roscoe Maibaum DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE SEEN THIS MOVIE

Dance! Dance! Dance!

2007-03-11T22:26:00.000-05:00

I compiled a list of different movies revolving around the themes of DANCE!
Haven't quite seem them ALL - but I'll start working on it!

2000s
"Stomp the Yard (2007 - College kids learn to stomp the yard)
"Step Up" (2006 - Ballet Girl Meets Janitor Boy)
"Take the Lead" (2006 - Antonio Banderas)
"Shall We Dance" (2004 - Richard Gear, Jennifer Lopez)
"You Got Served" (2004 - Two street kids dancers enter a local dance competition)
"Honey" (2003 - Jessica Alba)
"Save the Last Dance" (2001 - Julie Stiles)
"Coyote Ugly" (2000 - Learning to Dance on a bar)
"Center Stage" (2000 - A ballet movie)

90s
"Dance With Me" (1998 - Vanessa Williams)
"Showgirls" (1995 - Elizabeth Berkley)
"Strictly Ballroom" (1993 - A Baz Luhrmann movie)
"Swing Kids" (1993 - A group of kids dancing in Nazi Germany)
"Lambada" (1990 - Teacher by day, dance teacher by night)
"The Forbidden Dance" (1990 - Another movie about the Lambada)

80s
"Shag" (1989 - Shag competition in the 1960s)
"Dirty Dancing" (1987 - Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey)
"A Chorus Line" (1985 - Broadway Musical turned to screen)
"Fastforward" (1985 - Students trying to make it as entertainers in New York)
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" (1985 - Sarah Jessica Parker)
"White Nights" (1985 - Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines, A Russian Dancer in New York)
"Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo" (1984 - The local breakdancers are at it again)
"Breakin'" (1984 - A dance teacher and two break dancers make a strong team)
"Footloose" (1984 - Kevin Bacon)
"Flashdance" (1983 - Jennifer Beals)
"Staying Alive" (1983 - John Travolta, continuation of Saturday Night Fever)
"Fame" (1980 - Story of about students in a performing arts school)

70s
"Saturday Night Fever" (1977 - John Travolta)
"Turning Point" (1977 - Shirley MacLaine, Anne Bancroft, mother and daughter in the ballet)

Work, Work, Work, I Try Not to Complain

2007-03-03T21:57:00.000-06:00

Though I try to reserve this blog for reflections OUTSIDE of the workplace, there are times when all I can reflect on is WORK. The last couple of weeks have been 50+ hour work weeks of hiring/training new staff, working on projects, and keeping up with the everyday responsibilities. And yet at the end of the day, I still feel like there is more to be done. I say this because it's Saturday night and I have to go to work tomorrow. I only got one day off, today and it's back to work. I realize I'm probably feeling sorry for myself, there are many people who work longer hours than me, but it is my blog and I can bitch about whatever I want!

The Women

2007-02-21T22:38:00.000-06:00

Once again American Idol surprises even the veteran viewer. The women out sang the men! Now that's not to say that EVERY woman impressed me, in fact there are a couple that are downright irritating. However a couple of women (one in particular) that owned the stage.

Annoying women contestants:
Leslie Hunt: "dog walker" - She can't really sing and she is a spaz.
Antonella: "Antoinette" - She actually believes she can sing.
Alaina Alexander: "AA" - Can't take criticism

Favorable women contestants:
Jordin Sparks: "the young one" - She's young, but she's cute and has a lot of potential
Lakisha Jones: There's no one like here. She's humble, talented, and polite. She is the type of person that I want to see become an American Idol.

Let's see what happens tomorrow night! Two women and two men will be voted off!

The Men

2007-02-20T22:03:00.000-06:00

I can't say that I was extremely impressed with tonight's top 12 men finalists on American Idol. There were a couple of bright moments, but mostly I heard a bunch of nervous amatures try too hard or not hard enough.

High points:

BLAKE! I love him. He is super cute, original, modern, and talented.

Chris - It wasn't an extremely strong vocal performance, but I liked the song.

Low points:
Watching and listening to Sanjaya sing.
Chris Richardson thinking that he sang his song well.
The fear that the girls are going to be painfully worse tomorrow night.
Missing Chris Doughtry and Taylor Hicks from last season.

The Final 24

2007-02-15T22:59:00.000-06:00

It's no secret, I love American Idol. I have followed the last 2 seasons from start to finish. I can't help but fall into the tempting drama of the nobody becoming a star. Yesterday was the final Hollywood week episode. Randy, Paula, and Simon chose the final 24 (12 girls and 12 boys). I only have one comment for their selection: THE BOYS ARE WAY MORE INTERESTING THAN THE GIRLS. Now this isn't about me thinking a couple of the boys are cute. I'm talking about the overall package! The girls are boooorrrrring.

Anyway, as of now I only have a few favorites:
Chris S., Lakisha, Brandon, Blake, and Phil

I'm sure I will have more opinions after I hear them sing next week!

Be Good...Someone May Be Reading

2007-02-08T22:47:00.000-06:00

I couldn't help but overhear two of my colleagues at an association wide training I attended for work this afternoon. They are directors of two different camps and they are in the process of hiring for their summer season. They were talking about different methods of researching the lifestyles of potential counselors. Apparently various employers have been known to read MySpace accounts and blogs in order to know the "real" candidate.

I can understand the work that needs to go into finding quality candidates for such a vulnerable job as working directly with children. But again, the questions always arises, where does the privacy/public line get drawn? Technically I need to be careful as to what I write on this little piece of the World Wide Web, you never who might be reading or how something might get misconstrued. But what about those times I want to bitch about my job and my employer, where is my freedom to rant?

A sigh of relief!

2007-02-04T13:31:00.000-06:00

I was getting nervous...it had been a month and there had been no word. He said it would only take a couple of weeks. By the sounds of his last interview, it didn't look promising. Some local told me he canceled his golf club membership in town. The professionals fed into the drama and said there's not a chance.

But I continued hoping, waiting...waiting....and then I saw the headline.

BRETT FAVRE TO RETURN FOR HIS 17th SEASON!

I wasn't ready to say good-bye, nor was most of Wisconsin. I am well aware of the skepticism about his health and effectiveness, but I wish everyone would just quiet down and let the man play, and as we all learned, that will be for yet another season!

Water

2007-02-02T19:41:00.000-06:00

I came home from work early today only to find out that our townhouse is without water. At first I didn't think much of it assuming it was a temporary infraction, but a couple hours later when there was no change, I knew there must be a problem. So here we are waiting for some maintenance guy to come and take a look at our plumbing. I guess it won't be a rocking Friday night afterall.

(wait - when IS the last time I've had a rocking Friday night?)

Christmas Card 2007

2007-01-24T22:25:00.001-06:00

Last month Didrik and I sent out a Christmas card picture along with highlights from the year. For 2007 I decided that instead of making "resolutions" I would write my 2007 highlights as if it were the end of the year.

Elizabeth and Didrik's Highlights of 2007

January - On January 18th our nephew, William Adolph Larson was born to Elizabeth's sister Georgia and her husband Brian. Big sister Allison (2 years) isn't quite sure about having a little brother.

February - Didrik turns 36! In celebration of his birthday Didrik and Elizabeth spent the weekend skiing in Duluth with friends.

March - Elizabeth spent a week in Jamaica for the annual mission trip with her home congregation in Eau Claire.

April - Over the Easter holiday Didrik and Elizabeth spent time with their families.

May - Didrik and Elizabeth traveled to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway. Over Memorial Day Didrik went on his annual fishing trip in Northern Minnesota.

June - Elizabeth flew to Southern California to visit her cousin. Together they drove to Palm Springs for their annual girls weekend.

July - Elizabeth completed the Lifetime Olympic Length Triathlon.

August - Didrik and Elizabeth enjoyed a family reunion while attending Didrik's cousin Kara's wedding in Northern Minnesota.

September - Didrik traveled to Europe for the first time as he and Elizabeth spent 2 weeks traveling to London, Paris, and parts of Italy. It was a wonderful trip!

October - Elizabeth completed her first marathon while successfully running in the Twin Cities Marathon.

November - Elizabeth received a promotion becoming Membership Director at the ---- YMCA. She continues working PT as a fitness instructor.

December - Didrik and Elizabeth celebrated their 2nd anniversary as they plan 2008 with hopes of a new home and a new baby!

Looks like a busy year ahead...makes me tired just reading it!

William Adolph Larson

2007-01-23T22:42:00.000-06:00

My new nephew - Baby Will!

A Nephew?

2007-01-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

On January 18th at 2pm I became an Aunt for the second time.
My sister Georgia was due with her second child on January 21st, but the baby wanted to come a little earlier.

I was convinced it was another little girl. In my family there are two girls, my sister and me. I assumed her family would emmulate the one in which we grew up. But God had other plans because on Thursday I was blessed with a newphew.

William Adolph Larson (baby Will) came into the world at 9lbs 6oz. and dark hair just like his sister 36 months ago.

It's now all about trucks, sports, and the color blue. I think we have a NFL quarterback in our future!

Holiday Traditions: The New Year Celebration

2007-01-01T00:28:00.000-06:00

Like most Americans, my Holiday tradition ends with a festive New Year's Celebration on the 31st of December. Well Didrik and I didn't exactly have a "festive" New Year's party, but our friends Kurt & Julie made with over with their 2 year old daughter. Due to sickness, concerts, other plans, and snow our party dwindled down to our friends who live down the street. They left at 9pm leaving Didrik and I to watching Seinfeld and playing cards.

However the best part of the night was watching my Packers end with an 8-8 season. I did however get choked up as Brett played his potential last game of his career. FOUR MORE YEARS!!!!

Happy New Year everyone...I'll write more of my hopes and dreams for 2007 in a bit.

Neat Quiz

2006-12-17T22:48:00.000-06:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
North Central
The Midland
The Northeast
The South
Philadelphia
The West
Boston
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Holiday Traditions: My Wedding Anniversary

2006-12-10T21:58:00.000-06:00

These beautiful red roses were sent to me at work last Thursday from my thoughtful husband in honor of our 1st anniversary. I must have been CRAZY planning a wedding during the busy month of December. But I had always wanted a Holiday Wedding and it was as beatuiful as I could have imagined.

We were married on December 10th, 2005 (one year ago today). Because of our desire to have a Christmas wedding we will forever be celebrating our anniversary as a Holiday Tradition. Today we returned from a wonderful weekend away from the craziness of work and homelife.

Both Didrik and I took off work on Friday and drove to Madision, WI. We were married at Didrik's home church an hour outside of Madison. Our reception was at a beautiful Italian restuarant, Bellini, only a block away from the capital. As a gift from the restaurant they gave us a free dinner on our one year anniversary. Not only did we return to the location of our stunning reception, but we spent the night in the same hotel as our wedding night. On top of all the romance and details of the weekend, Didrik surprised me with a platnium pendant with a diamond in the middle.

The next day we drove to Galena, IL one of my favorite little town for shopping and wine (Galena Cellars, the BEST wine). From Galena we drove to Didrik's parents farm for home cooking and rest.

It was a perfectly beautiful weekend. I am lucky to have Didrik as my husband. He is loving, understanding, and forgiving. I am anxiously waiting 50plus more anniversary weekends together.

Holiday Traditions: Holiday Dishes

2006-12-10T21:46:00.000-06:00

Along with the boxes of Christmas decorations and artifical trees comes the numerous bins filled with my snowpeople Holiday dishes. They are a simple set from Target. My Christmas China (Hearts and Pine) are at my parents, unfortunately I don't have enough room for that set. I love collecting dishes. This collection started Christmas 2002 and has been growing ever since. When December arrives, the everyday dishes get put away and the snowpeople dishes ordain my shelves and counters. My husband doesn't really understand, but he doesn't have to.

Holiday Traditions: St. Olaf Christmas Festival

2006-12-10T21:24:00.000-06:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving weekend events my family and I traveling to Northfield, MN for the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival. My parents, sister, and I are all St. Olaf graduates so we each get a pair of tickets and meet for a Scandinavian Cafeteria meal followed for the traditional concert. (more details and pictures to come)

Holiday Traditions: My Barbie Tree

2006-11-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

This week I have begun decorating the house for Christmas. I have a wide collection of ornaments. However my pride possessions are my Hallmark Barbie ornaments. For over 15 years I have been collecting various Hallmark series of Barbie Christmas ornaments. Each year I designate a tree just for all of my Barbie ornaments. Part of the tradition includes my husband listening to a detailed history of each ornament as it goes on the tree. He looks forward to this every year :)

Holiday Traditions: Lefse

2006-11-26T22:50:00.000-06:00

Thanskgiving equals lefse! Every year for Thanksgiving while the turkey is baking in the oven, my mom and dad take out their 40 year old lefse grill and fulfill their yearly quota.

For those of you who don't know lefse, it's a potato base Norwegian tortilla. Northerners who originate from Scandinavia countries like myself like to fill their lefsa with butter and sugar.

As a good daughter, I do claim that my mother makes the best lefse I have ever tasted.

Holiday Traditions: After Thanksgiving Shopping

2006-11-26T22:29:00.000-06:00

In good "after Thanksgiving" fashion, my family headed to the "8th Floor Dayton's Display" in downtown Minneapolis. Now I realize that the infamous department store hasn't been Dayton's for 6 years, however, it seems wrong to proclaim we saw the "8th Floor Macy's display!" Yet we are simply grateful Macy's is continuing the tradition of opening the 8th floor to imagination and story for all to enjoy.

Our morning begins with 3 families coming together to enjoy the day. My mom and dad from Eau Claire, my sister, brother-in-law, and niece from Brooklyn Park, and Didrik and I from Inver Grove. We meet in the Women's shoe department on the first floor of Macy's. We then venture to the elevator headed to the 8th floor. The line appears to be long weaving all the way back towards the escalator, however we enjoy each other's company and soon find ourselves at the start of the display. This year the story is Mary Poppin's. The detail and charm is delightful. My 2 year old niece Allison enjoys every animation and surprise. At the end my mom, sister, and I shop for unique treasures while my dad waits in line for gingerbreak cookies.

From the 8th floor display we travel upwards to the 12th floor in order to wait for a table at the Oak Grill. I am able to predict who will order each entree as my family member's deliberate over the intricate menu. They pretend to be interested in something new, however they crave their yearly favorites. Our lunch begins with the perfect appetizer, the Oak Grill popover.

The serious shopping begins after lunch while we visit Macy's trim-the-home and housewares (the basement), Crate and Barrel, William Sonoma, and Target. My feet are tired by the end of the afternoon but my appetite for the holiday season is just beginning.

My 2006 Christmas List

2006-11-16T22:25:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth’s 2006 Christmas/Wish List
(thank you for your consideration)

ACCESSORIES

Ticket/Passport Holder
L.L Bean (llbean.com)

Toiletry Bag
L.L Bean (llbean.com)
Size: Large Color: Plum

CLOTHING ITEMS

Cashmere long-sleeve tee
JCrew (jcrew.com) item 71205
Size: L Color: Heather Peppermint

IPEX Body by Victoria Bra
Victoria Secret (victoriasecret.com)
Size: 38D Color: Buff

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Paris Theme Duvet
Garnet Hill (garnethill.com)
Size: king

Noritake Colorwaves Dishes
Macy’s (macys.com)
Noritake (noritakechina.com)

Serving pieces in blue, purple, or graphite
(Round Platter, Pasta Serving bowl, Round Vegetable Bowl)

Holiday accent plates: 4 of each color (blue, purple, graphite)

Crate and Barrel (crateandbarrel.com)
Orian Collection

Cheese Tray Rectangular Platter Chip and Dip

Dublin Barware Glasses (6 tall and 6 short)

BOOKS/CD/DVD/MEDIA
Rick Steve’s Travel Books
(amazon.com or Barnes and Noble or Border’s)

Victory!

2006-11-12T18:51:00.000-06:00

It's days like today that make living in Minnesota worth every minute!
Didn't see the game? Well click here for everything you need to know :)

The Clinic

2006-11-08T22:14:00.000-06:00

I just spent over 3 hours at the clinic being poked and prodded from head to toe all because of the stomach flu. So I haven't been feeling well the last couple of days. Sure I've vomited, had a fever, and some aches and pains. And maybe I muttered aloud a couple of times, "I'm dying, I'm dying." But I didn't think that my ailment deserved 3 hours at a clinic. I wouldn't have ever gone except that I finally succumbed to the wishes of my husband to, "go to the doctor."

Going to the doctor is fine, but usually when you have the stomach flu the doctor listens to your symptoms, says its a virus there is nothing I can do, and prescribes drinking plenty of liquids. Well today I ate my words. (or drank them) Instead of a quick look and confirmation of a virus, I had Multiple tests (including x-rays) to insure I didn't have some disease that I can't even pronounce. Now after feeling tired and a bit violated, I am actually feeling a little better. (even before I started taking the horse sized pills I was proscribed) Maybe the best way to get rid of the stomach flu is through hours of procedures at the doctor's office - who would have know!

Listen Up!

2006-11-05T21:28:00.000-06:00

So I have this theory: Everywhere you look people are drowning themselves in technology. What do I mean? Stand for five minutes in a skyway, on a street, or in a mall. Watch people walking past. Sure there are the groups of people talking and walking together, however there are of course people walking alone. But are they truly alone?

When is the last time that you rode in your car WITHOUT the radio, talking on the phone, or listening to your favorite CD? Why can't we walk on the street, in the skyway, or ride a bus without our favorite piece of technology attached to our hands or ears.

When I'm at home I find myself on my computer in front of the TV while talking on the phone. Am I trying to distract myself from something? This is where my theory comes to fruition: I believe we are trying to drown our emotions in technology. If we were to actually spend the day ALONE with only our thoughts, what would we tell ourselves? I think the results are too depressing for the experiment.

I was in counseling for a time after my divorce. My therapist challenged me to spend some time with myself. For someone suffering from lack of self worth and doubt, this was a scary assignment. Why couldn't she has asked me to confess all of my sins or confront my ex-husband with all of my wrong-doings? That would have been A LOT easier than actually listening to myself!

If we take time to listen to ourselves what will we hear? "You're worthless. Why can't you get a better job? You have failed in almost everything that you have done. You're alone. No one truly loves you. You're too fat, too ugly, too skinny, too plain." Naturally our existential self wants to deprive ourselves from happiness and optimism. Who wants to hear these voices? And so we pollute the voices with the outside world. If I'm talking to someone on my phone then I don't have to listen to myself.

There is a problem. Eventually we will have to deal with our issues. They may come out in a failed relationship or in a conflict with a family member. Or even worse, we try to lose ourselves in chemicals that will help us forget our reality. (sound familiar?) The skeletons in the closet will come out. But I don't want to think about that, I'm going to go send some text messages to 100 of my closest friends.

Pilates

2006-10-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

As if my last posting wasn't enough, I of course have to continue the insanity of MORE is BETTER and receive yet another certification. This weekend I spent all day Saturday and half of the day on Sunday receiving my Pilates Certificaton from NETA. This is my first NETA certification. It was a great course and I feel ready to start shadowing a class. In January I will have my own Pilates class, but for now, I think I will work WITH the instructor currently teaching the class. Pilates is a lot different than any fitness class I have instructed in the past. Pilates takes a lot more control not only doing the exercise but cuing the clients to exercise as well. I think this will be a good challenge for me as I delve into the realm of mind/body exercise.

My Body Aches

2006-10-17T21:47:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been doing a lot of "Moonlighting". Being a bit straped for cash I have started instructing fitness classes at various clubs in my neighborhood.

The obsession started last summer. Working at the YMCA I have the wonderful opportunity to use any YMCA facility in Metro area. I found myself at the Emma B. Howe location in Coon Rapids. Here I would take all sorts of various classes including Step, BOSU, and BodyPump. Though I had taken many classes before, especially at the Woodbury location where I worked full-time, it was at Coon Rapids I started to realize, hey I could do this.

In the fall of 2005, I spoke to the fitness director at Woodbury explaining my interest in group fitness. I was excited to hear that she believed I would be a good instructor. That September I went through a weekend Super Certification course thought the National YMCA of the USA. I became certified to teach Cardio and Step.

It was at this training that I met Barb, the fitness director at the South Family YMCA in West St. Paul. I happened to mention to her that I was interested in becoming certified to teach BodyPump (after all, that was my favorite class). A month later Barb e-mailed me with the news that she was hosting a BodyPump training at South and she wanted to put me through the training. This was a great opportunity and I leaped at the chance.

That all happened last November. It was been a wonderful year of learning about my physical abilities, doing things I never thought that I could accomplish. However, I have this inability to say, "no". Here I am instructing at 4 different clubs, teaching 10-15 classes a week.

I started instructing at the Woodbury YMCA. Then I began explanding my time to include classes at the South Family YMCA. When I was promoted to the Skyway YMCA Downtown St. Paul, it was important to me to be able to connect to the members as a fitness instructor as well as the membership coordinator. Wanting to branch outside of the YMCA, I got a gig as a long-term sub at Southview Athletic Club in West St. Paul, and now I'm subbing at The Grove in Inver Grove Heights! But I love it! I want to keep improving - did I mention I'm attending a Pilates training all weekend long?

Polka, pianos, and Aqua-net

2006-10-13T23:23:00.000-05:00

Tonight Didrik and I met our friends Heather and Adam at Nye's restaurant on East Hennepin in Minneapolis. This place is a treasure. From the moment I walked in the door to find the 60's icon hostess, I knew we had left Hennepin Ave. into a time warped supper club. Our waitress couldn't have been any younger than 70 and by the looks of it, she used a can of Aqua-net on her bouffant hair style.

As the night progressed I was rather impressed to see the space fill with 30/40 somethings enjoying a drink, some polka music, and the Karaoke piano bar. I didn't find myself gawking at tasteless clothing or over done young ladies, instead I felt I was part of a sophisticated crowd enjoying a Friday night of socializing.

Though I have had better steaks, the food certainly was fulfilling (even the Velveeta potatoes) yet the best part of the meal was the desserts.

I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a different "scene" other than the typical DT meat market hangout. Don't forget your dancing shoes and singing voices!

http://nyespolonaise.com/

Chapters of Life

2006-10-11T20:47:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe that I have been divorced for 3 years. Yesterday, October 10th, marked the 3rd year since my first husband and I were divorced. Has it truly been that long since my life started over - the second chapter of my adult life?

Even though we were divorced during my senior year at seminary, I knew my life was headed in a new direction as we were splitting. It was at that time I found a new job that led me to where I am today - my second chapter.

The first chapter began six years ago. I assumed the book had already written itself. I thought that I would be married to Ken, expecting a child, living in Wisconsin, and a pastor of a small congregation. My life doesn't resemble my pictures of six years ago.

I suppose we all learn sooner or later that life never happens how we expect. When will the second chapter end leading into chapter number three?

Happy Birthday Brett

2006-10-08T19:56:00.000-05:00

Even though you have broken my heart so many times, I will always be a fan.

(But why did you have to fumble in the last seconds of the
game while throwing for a TD in the red zone?)

Happy 37th Birthday Brett!

I wish I were Grey's Anatomy!

2006-10-06T21:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I love this show...but how is it fair that Meredith Grey has TWO beautiful, hot men vying for her attention. Does that seem unfair to anyone else but me?

What clock?

2006-10-03T21:32:00.000-05:00

This past summer I turned 30. My husband is 35. We were married last December. The majority of our friends have begun the procreation ritual once, twice, three times over. Naturally I look at myself asking, is it time for me to become a mother?

I have a niece Allison, she is 2 and the apple of my eye. But she's my niece. Every couple of weeks I get to play with her, buy her ice cream, keep her up until 10pm, and then leave her with my sister and brother-in-law to pick up the pieces. My sister is expecting another child in January.

There is a woman who attends my Tuesday Strength class. She is pregnant for the first time, due in 6 weeks. Last week I was brave enough to ask her age, she's 38. She is my hero!

Another lady in my early morning BodyPump class miscarried her second child, she thinks it's because she is already 32.

While working at the YMCA in Woodbury, a member who had one child after years of many failed attempts, and adopted a second child gave me her advise, "freeze your eggs now, you're only getting older."

I'm not ready to have children. I am too selfish. I like to take naps, work late, and instruct 10 fitness classes a week. I love to travel and watch TV. I want to go back to school to earn my PhD. I have goals and dreams that don't necessarily include a baby.

Yet there are days when I say to myself, "Why don't get just get knocked up."

Solange?

2006-10-01T22:37:00.000-05:00

When I was a Freshman in high school I began my career and passion of studying the French language. Within the first week each student was required to choose a French name to be used throughout the year. This was a great opportunity for a new freshman girl in a high school wanting to find an identity. When I received the list several names jumped off the page at me: Colette, Cecil, Adrienne, Claire, Monique...but I wanted something different, unique.

Then I came to the S section of the list, So-lang? What kind of name is So-lang? When I asked my teacher to pronounce the name it didn't sound at all like So-lang or So-lang-ee. I realized that this name could not be americanized by our harsh Yankee accent, instead it can only be pronounced correctly by using a French nasal accent. I fell in love with the name instantly. From that day forward, I was called, "Solange" for one hour of everyday as I learned of French history, life, and language.

Still today I continue to recognize my "French identity" as Solange. What does this beautiful French name mean? Here's what I found out about the name:

The girl's name Solange is pronounced so-LANZH. It is of French and Latin origin, and its meaning is "solemn, dignified." A saint's name. A fanciful meaning for the name is "angel of the sun."

Now I am far from being a saint or an angel, but Solange has always been a piece of my identity and my past.

In my mind...I'm on a beach

2006-09-27T16:41:00.000-05:00

Every year in Spring I travel to Jamaica for a mission trip with a group from my home congregation in Eau Claire, WI. I stayed home from work today because I wasn't feeling well. As I lay here in bed I imagine myself somewhere else. A place far from work and life's problems. My mind traveled to Sunset Beach, the resort we stayed at during our last trip to Jamaica. It was a beautiful little resort with a perfect view of the ocean. What a perfect place to escape in my mind during a crazy time of life.

First Post

2006-09-26T10:55:00.000-05:00

I believe that's it finally time I begin developing my "blog". Besides whereelse can I rant and rave about anything I want in order to fill my day with a bunch of timewasting meaningless? I am currently at work...about ready to fall asleep at my desk. In 10 minutes I need to travel upstairs to teach a step class.