0 Degrees

I officially know what cold feels like.

Let me preface this by saying that I thought I knew what cold felt like. It felt like a chill that nipped at the beginning of a wintry run; it was the wind that found its way under your coat collar and made you pull it closer. Cold was also the novelty of visiting Minnesota and the brief cold minutes spent walking in to a warm place or in a car that had been running. Was I ever wrong.

On Wednesday, December 9th, the temperature as I drove from BLI to Bed, Bath, and Beyond hovered around a balmy 7 degrees Fahrenheit. My car was toasty warm, and I felt like the best prepared new Minnesotan with my cozy long-johns on. I got out of my car and made the trot in to BBB (Because you don't walk in 7 degrees). No big deal.

Fast forward 6 hours to 11pm. It's quitin time, woohoo!!! My first of two obsurdly long days this week is done, BBB was easy, and I am on my way home. Life is good. Time for the trot back to the car, brrrr, it's really cold out, and oh crap, I forgot to put on my golves. No biggie, I will put them on as soon as I start my car. Let my "fabulous" co-worker, Jake, who just had surgery get into his car first - ok my turn. In the car, check. Key in the ignition, check. Start the car, ummmm, I said, "Start the car." My lock is stuck, which happens frequently, but this time it isn't playing nicely. A minute passes and my fingers are starting to tingle. Maybe I should stop trying and put on my gloves. But what if all my co-workers leave and I am stuck here? Keep trying. Another minute passes, and PRAISE THE LORD it starts. Now for those gloves.

By this time (literally 2 minutes or less that felt like 10) my fingers had set into a dull ache but heat was on the way. I get going. As, I approach the interstate, I look at the temperature guage. 0 degrees and no sunshine. Where is my heat? I feel a shudder of coldness rock my body from core outwards. My fingers are now throbbing in a way that I have never felt before. Am I going to lose them? And where is my heat?! I am now on the interstate, and I realize, my goodness, THIS is what cold feels like.

As if making this revelation was all my heat needed, it kicked on. I indulged in the heat pouring out of the vents, letting it fill the car, my lungs, and warm every single cold little digit on my hands.

So when ya coming for a visit?

19 Days!

Hi Honey!

I get to see you in 19 days!!! Woohoo! When did it become that Christmas could be overshadowed by something else. Oh yeah, your wedding and now my trip home! I have scheduled a haircut on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and I figured we could run before that (if you don't have Redden) and go to get makeovers after that and then perhaps we could convince Colin and Teresa, Rusty, and Casey to meet us out??? Let me know your thoughts.

I talked to Ari yesterday ~ she didn't sound so good. Keep her in your thoughts a prayers and maybe give her a call if you get a chance. From the jist of it, she and Bart are having growing pains as they settle back into a relationship together.

Today I get to work from 10 to 5 at BBB and tomorrow we are going to get between 1 and 3 inches of snow, woohoo! I start my lighting job tomorrow and have been doing massive studying leading up to it. I now know more about lighting than I ever thought possible. :) Love you girlie, now BLOG!

Becoming Minnesotan

Contrary to what the title of this blog may have you believe, this blog is not a story about a transformation I am making (at least I don't think so...) rather an observation on my husband. This morning I had trouble understanding him; his Minnesotan accent has come back full force. Ya know how redneck breeds red-speak? Well Minnesotan breeds northern-midwest-speak -ya'll. He went to Duluth yesterday and was talking about it this morning. Duluth in Kentucky is pronounced Duh-looth, what he said to me was Da-lute or Da-lude. I was like, "the-what?" and he said "Nooo, DA-LUTE." Me - "??????? Wait, Duh-luth, ohhhhh."

Up here, you see quite a few fellers that you expect to sound like country boys, and I GUESS they do - if you are from these parts. I was in the DMV yesterday and next to me stood a prime specimen of good ol' boy; you could practically see the hills and hollers from which his family tree grew and then the teller told him to have a good day... "You bet," was all he spoke and once again I was left realing from what I had assumed I would hear.

Driving home from the DMV, I reflected on this change in location and the vast differences that exist between here and home. I pass children playing and for the most part the poor dears are dressed in purple. A short drive is now 20 minutes. In a rural place everyone is friendly instead of closed off. The mornings are down right frigid. They don't have soda or Coke up here but they have something that seems the same called "Pop."

All-in-all, this new planet seems pretty great, but I tell you what, this language barrier could be a problem, hopefully I will learn to interpret this language without starting to speak it myself!

Life As An Individually Packaged Twinkie

Lately more and more, this is how I am feeling.  The other day, when I saw Redden's individually packaged Twinkie, I couldn't help but feel sorry for it.  Sitting quietly in its cellophane, wondering what its twin is up to, trying unsuccessfully to nuzzle up to the cup of applesauce or banana to serve a substitute for what its missing.

My soul feels a tad more empty than it used to.  As each day passes, reality of your departure sets in a bit more.  The by-products are pretty clear.  I find it harder to have meaningful conversation with anyone and am feeling a bit more mistrusting of relationships.  I can feel my walls going up like the cellophane around that lone Twinkie.  At random moments, I think of something that we did or an inside joke and sadness sticks a knife in my heart and twists for some unspecified amount of time.  

In spite of all this, like the Twinkie, I want to fulfill my potential as an individually wrapped morsel of goodness (I know I'm starting to stretch it...)  If other people can enjoy me all by myself, why can't I?  I guess my biggest problem is that without you by my side, I don't fully know how to be me.  I experienced a similar feeling when you went to Germany.  Luckily, our surrogate triplet was there to help fill your temporary absence.  Right now, she is busy with the return of her husband, and as you and I discussed - there is some circumstantial emotional distance that is affecting that tie.  Brett is another likely candidate to fill that emotional void, but the distance and certain physical and emotional things are preventing me from leaning on him.  Also, the fact that no one can ever replace you or fully fill your shoes, probably makes hearing about how lonely I feel pretty darn miserable.  

And maybe this is all self-inflicted.  Maybe I put up these walls because I don't want anyone else to try and fill your shoes.  Maybe I am afraid that they will be successful.  Maybe I just don't trust anyone enough to be the non-judgmental confidante that you have been for so many years.  I bet that right now you are thinking, 'Katie... I am still that.'  To which I say, 'Yes you are,' but not having you close and not knowing the ins and outs of your day make it feel weird.  I can't explain it.  

So what is an individually  wrapped Twinkie to do?  Well, it could develop non-meaningful relationships with the more perishable items in the lunch box, or stay inside its plastic and make origami of its cardboard tray.  But I am thinking that this Twinkie just needs to get to know the other individually wrapped items in the pantry a little better, while continuing to work on Twinkie telepathy.

Other than the present I'm not telling....

I think I will ship you a case of $3 Chuck. I have had the best Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauv. ever. You will thank me everytime you drink it. ;) Love you!

It's curtains for us!

Yaaaaaay, secure locks. Finally, a girl and her twinkie can sleep soundly.

Katie, today was probably the best that I have had here. I took job initiative and set-up an interview with Meg Steinke of the MMF and I e-mailed another resource I have at UMN. Though it doesn't amount to any solid leads, it still makes me feel accomplished. Stephen and I also set-up bank accounts today and amassed $125 in free money, woohoo!!! Every free account you open gets $50 and every person you refer = $25 bonus bucks. Soooooo - Stephen opened an account ($50), referred me ($25) and I collected a cool $50 for my account. Hmmm, I found my new job.... opening checking accounts!

The back story is, is that during this process, the bank line got severly backed up. We could tell our teller was stressing, so we offered to browse while she helped them. We also noticed that the bank is hiring so I asked for an application and she gave me one! ;)

Once Stephen and I finished our excursion, we came home to find the Momma vigorously scrubbing the bathroom. To match pace, I started unloading boxes. We have reached the photo album/decorative item boxes, aka 'the point you realize all your stuff will never arrange in quite the same way'. What on Earth was a girl and her Momma to do?! We had to go shopping.... ;)

Mom and I decided first on the list was CURTAINS!!!! :D We headed to JC Penneys and started rifling through drapes. Drape after drape and nothing fit the bill. I was content to walk away if it meant waiting for just the right house dress (cause really, isn't that what it is???) Plus, Mom and I were seeking something so specific - right colors and style, thermal linig for warmth, not to mention cheap as all get out. We found a feel "possiblilities" but none of them panned out. Ah well, what can you do? But there was time for one final pass.... and then.... we stumbled upon the PERFECT drapes. Interesting and slightly trendy desing, without being overwhelming, complementing colors to coordinate both the kitchen and the living room, thermal, and on clearance for $15 a drape!!!! (An angels' chior rang out at that moment.) We then found complimenting (but not coordinating) rugs which were also very reasonably priced.

We decided to use the positive shopping momentum to catapult us across the street to Home Goods' art department. There were found a gorgeous red anchor painting for the first wall you see in our living room, as well as a bronze, leafy-wonder to mimic the shape of our living room and accentuate our well scuffed (haha) fireplace. I am truly experiencing a shopper's high. Siiighh.


Once at home, Mom cooked a fabulous meal of asian halibut, wild rice and apples, broccoli au gratin, and toasty bread with olive oil dipping sauce. YUM! Sue joined us and we had a fabulous dinner.

The night ended with Momma-bear, Esteban and me enjoyingour new sofa/recliners and watching yesterday's episode of the Biggest Loser. Tomorrow morning Stephen heads to work and Mom and I will head to hang out with her class mate. Oh, and on the way, I will try to pass the written driver's test. Sigh. :)

Love you!!!

Just Stuff

That Ziti recipe sounds delicious!  I can't wait to make it!  I will probably do it one day this weekend and have leftovers for work meals.  Yum!  I just got back from running with Dad.  We had good conversation as usual.  He always has engaging questions that head to long conversations.  I really enjoy it.  Tomorrow I will run with him and Larry for the first time.  I am interested in seeing how running as a threesome will go.  

Last night I was completely lame.  I worked late, went grocery shopping, watched CSI and How I Met Your Mother and went to bed. I didn't sleep well for obvious reasons, however that is all taken care of now.  It is now 5pm and my situation has been taken care of.  I am so relieved!  Ooo and while the guy was there, I practiced curling my hair with a straightening iron.  Bethie, it looks so cute.  Check out this video to learn the SUPER easy way to curl your hair with a straight iron.  I didn't even do it quite like she did and it turned out really cute.  With more practice I can see how this would take no time at all.  

Tonight Jen and I were going to get together, but I am feeling run down and she hasn't seen Jacob all week so it works well for both of us.  I think she and Jacob might come over for Ziti this Friday.  Woohoo!

Did you all have a good day?  I hear that you and Mom were planning on going to IKEA.  Did you love it?  And did you eat Swedish Meatballs?  Doing anything fun tonight?  I miss you so much and am getting antsy for a phone date sometime soon.    

To carpet or not to carpet...

Hehehhheehehhe, based on the mood I am in, I will definitely be playing "Grill, Gut, or Groin" with Stephen. hehehe Today we had a minor disagreement as to whether or not to carpet the bahroom. I love the idea (of course) because of the coziness it will provide our very blase bathroom. Stephen breaks out into cold sweats thinking about the mildew-goonies that might crawl out of the carpet and snuggle up in bed with us at night. The "misunderstanding" will have to wait until another day, however, because the darn piece of carpet costs $140!!! Too ricj for my blood!

I made some spectacular (if I do say so myself) baked ziti tonight. I highly recommend the recipe if you are looking for a cheap, delicious, and many-portioned meal to make. Here's a link: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Ziti-I/Detail.aspx. The key to this recipe is the sour cream. I highly recommend you make the following changes: 1 jar of sauce instead of 2, use 16oz. of Walmart brand light sour cream and do two layers, once just after the provolone and once just after the second layer of ziti. The Great Value light sour cream has a sweetness to it that mega compliments the spaghetti sauce. It is SOOOOO good.

I am getting ready to go snuggle on my new couch and watch some tube. I could not agree more about having Mom around just to hang out with. We are having a wonderful time. I could get used to not being employed. ;)

Love you!

You haven't even been gone a week?? It feels like so long already!

hehehe  You have to take a written test again!  lol  That filled me with joy and delight and made me giggle uncontrollably. It sounds like you have had a busy and productive day.  Did you all have fun at Dick and Shirl's?  I wish I could have been there!  So often we haven't had the time to just hang out with Mom, and it is one of my favorite things to do!  Saturday night we had so much fun with her and Dad.  Brett raved about it.  He said that we can hang out over there anytime and also said that Mom was an excellent cook.  Are you relaying all of this to her?

Well my locksmith appointment got delayed again.  The locksmith got caught up in another job and couldn't make it to my house so it is back on for tomorrow afternoon.  Because of that I decided it best to go ahead and make a report with the police.  I am trying to do smart things to keep myself safe rather than just assuming that everything will be okay.  Celeste and Carl have my extra key and are also going to be available at a moments notice.  I still can't believe that all of this is happening.  Why are people so weird?  I would much rather spend my time sleeping than going and unlocking someone's door for sh*ts and giggles.  

So anyway, after my lock rekeying plan was thwarted, I went and had lunch with Redden.  I see why mom loves going on her own so much.  He is the biggest sweetie there ever was.  He snuggles up close, leans in, hugs and grins like an angel.  He made me feel so special and happy.  Things are put into perspective in moments like those.  That is also something that helped me decide to call the police.  I realized that the whoever is messing with me is making me feel like my son is in danger.  And I will be damned, mess with me all you want; but make me feel like my son is in danger and I am ready to pick up my ninjy-stars and judy-chop someone.  Speaking of, click here for the link to the video.  Now don't be using this on your kids or your dogs, ya hear?  Oh and Redden tried to get me to play a game with him called, "Grill, Gut, or Groin".  I am lucky that I am still pretty quick on the uptake because saying one of those would have resulted in a punch to said location, and Redden being hauled out of school by his ear by his Momma...  the little twerp.  Now quick, go say it to Stephen and punch him in whichever spot he says.  hehehe  Tell him that it was from Redden. ;) 

Tonight a new show comes on called, "V" - it looks interesting so I think I might watch it.  I am thinking I may also go out and get my ipod...  I am trying to resist but can't get it off my mind.  I am also thinking that some Gumbo Ya Ya or Bourbon and Toulouse might be in order... mmmm Maque Choux...  nom nom nom nom nom.

And by the way... Go Phillies for pulling it out last night!!  Can't wait to talk to you sometime soon!  Call me if you get bored (yeah right, like that will happen!).  

28 going on 16??

So we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our couches this morning - fun and exciting stuff. We had a good day yesterday, filled with Trader Joe's shopping ($3 Buck Chuck - woohoo!), a few drinks and Dick and Shirl's, and dinner at Broadway pizza.

And oh, did I mention that I get to take the written driver's test again? Am I 16 going for my learner's permit?! Or maybe it is because I am from Kentucky, and they need to make sure I can read - ahh the joke's for this one could go on for a while. Don't tell any Minnesotans; I'll never live this one down.

Today Mom and I are going to go to Becker Furniture to buy a bed frame for Mom's bed - it is too low for her walker. ;) hehehe

We are also going to unpack boxes and go sign paperwork for our homeowners insurance. Fun and exciting day. :D

So the other cool thing that happened yesterday was that Dick and Shirley gave us Alaskan halibut that they caught themselves and venison Dick shot himself. Yum!!! I can't wait to let Mom show me how to cook these things.

I love you my sweet pookie bear. You are on my mind all the time!!!

This Could Be A Lot Like Christmas!

Oh my gosh.  I cant tell you how fantastic it was to pull up the blog and find a post from you!  I almost peed my pants.  Not really...

So today has been pretty uneventful.  I woke up at 5am... Booo!  I couldn't get back to sleep either.  But all things considered,  I feel pretty good.  Work has been status quo.  I did get to run with Dad again today.  It was nice.  And bonus - we got to see two adult men fighting like 8 year olds in Woodland Park!  I think they were either mentally ill or drunk.  Or both...  Instead of throwing punches they would push each other or pull hair.  And they yelled a lot.  Oh boy did they yell.  

How exciting that you get to go shopping tomorrow!  Is it just going to be you and Stephen or are the Lees going to join you?  Did you say that all the ugly rooms had been painted?  

I am so looking forward to having Brett in town.  Tonight we will probably just take it easy.  He and I are both pretty spent.  I am thinking that maybe we will rent some scary movies and veg out on the floor with some pillows and blankets.  Maybe I will even show him the mad Garrity Scrabble skills...  I have to be up pretty early to go to Redden's soccer game.  And doh!  I am on snack duty this week.  Grrrr.  I know what I will be doing after work.  

I can't wait to hear from you again!  I love you!

Move in day!

So I am just sitting at Dick and Shirl's killing time while Stephen closes on our house. Woohoo!!! Exciting! We are so ready to get this move-in underway. I just want everything out of the truck and car, basics placed and the surfaces wiped clean! Then tonight maybe Stephen and I will be able to rest a little. Tomorrow morning, I am definitely planning on a run before everyone returns to help. We also go furniture and cell phone shopping tomorrow, woohoo! :D I hope you and Brett have a good evening. Any fun plans for tonight? Miss you so much, sweet girl. And Mojo wants to know if you have any steak sandwiches for him...

And Away We Go

Hi my sweet girl.  Here is our new blog.  You are going to close on your new home in Big Lake, MN tomorrow morning.  I am sitting in Lexington watching the Phillies play in the World Series against the Yankees.  Go Phils!  We just talked a few minutes ago.  I miss you.  Wow... my thoughts sound like an elementary schooler...

Anyway, this is to get us going.  I love you and miss you sweetie pie!