Tuesday, August 31, 2010

SEPTEMBER GOALS

I have a list of things I need to get done in September. Not little goals like do the dishes, brush the cats, etc.. I'm talking about stuff I have been putting off for far too long. And now that everyone knows about it, feel free to hold me accountable!

1. Ride my bike 20 miles every week.
I can admit it. I have been neglecting my bike recently. We haven't had as much quality time together as I would like, but that's going to change this month. There is a trail within blocks of my apartment, and there is no reason for me to keep the bike in storage any longer!

2. Finish quilt.
I have been working a purple rag quilt forever. FOREVER! It needs to be done and out of my closet where it is wasting valuable shoe and clothing space.

3. Send out at least 10 cards/notes/love letters.
My friends need some mail love to let them know that I care about/appreciate/am thinking of them. Like I said before, who doesn't love snail mail?!?

4. Donate blood.
I have schedule two appointments in the last few months and have canceled both of them. I feel like such a donating slacker. This month, I'm kicking that slacker out the door!


5. Cross two things off of the 2010 bucket list.
Two things doesn't sound that hard, right? Well, it is. With the crazy schedule I have been dancing around lately, it's no wonder the bucket list is suffering. These items have yet to be decided, but I'm sure they will be fun!

Monday, August 30, 2010

MY PROUDEST MOMENT

At of all the things I have accomplished in my life, I think finishing RAGBRAI takes the cake.

Virgin written on the back of our legs. People were so much nicer after they saw that!
It was the summer after my senior year of college, and me and two of my good friends, Sarah and Laura, planned to ride our bikes with thousands of our closest friends across the great state of Iowa. Luckily, we were selected through the raffle and became an official RAGBRAI team, The Lamp Commanders. (The team name is a story in and of itself, and will be saved for another time!)


Once my friends and I decided to take RAGBRAI head on, I was determined to finish. I worked out and tried to prepare myself mentally. The best piece of advice I received was from a customer I had while working at the bookstore. She told me to just get back on.

Laura said that these were the bitchest hills. She was right!

I knew it was going to hurt. I knew the days were going to be long. I knew this would push me further and harder than ever before. And no one let me forget it. A lot of people doubted me, and they weren't afraid to tell me. But there was one person who seemed confident in me. Her name was Liz. I worked with her at the bookstore and as the days grew closer I became more and more nervous. She always seemed very positive though and kept telling me that she thought I could do it.



She was right. I could do it! And I did! All 477 miles of it. It was hard, long, and there were many struggles. But I never stopped, and I never quit. There were many challenges along the way, but it was so much fun. I learned a lot about myself, and I think my relationships with my friends grew too.


I can't wait to do it again!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

WEEKEND SNAPSHOT

Friday: Dinner with Andrew, Megan, and Trevor at Old Chicago

Saturday: Mall with Andrew, Caffeine Dreams, Dundee Days, Steak Dinner at Czech Club






Sunday: Grocery shopping, Dexter, cleaning, Fantasy Football Draft



How was your weekend?

Saturday, August 28, 2010

CAR ENVY

I have only owned two cars in my life. The first one being my beloved '93 Ford Taurus. I bought her from a lady in my hometown who knew that I was looking for a car. She called me one day and asked if I would like to see it. It didn't have power anything (locks, windows, seats...), but I was sold. My parents loaned me the initial $1,500, and I paid them back through my own money and work. I was so proud to own my own car at 15 and felt so cool driving it to school!


After six years, it was time to move on. The Taurus was well loved to the point she was missing door handles, she overheated regularly, and her tires were giving out... That's when I met my '01 Chrysler Sebring! By all means, I thought this car was infinitely cooler than the Taurus. What 21-year-old wouldn't love a sporty red car?


We have been through some rough times... new tires and new transmission. And although I'm feeling the new car itch, I plan on driving her until she can't take one more mile.


When the time comes to replace her, I already know what I'm looking for. I'm will be headed straight for the Ford Broncos! Yes, you heard that right... FORD BRONCOS! I am guessing that I only have a few more years before I have to "grow up", and until that time comes, I'm going to enjoy driving something fun!


How fun would it be to be driving down the road in your Bronco with the top off and the wind in your hair? We would go camping, out with friends, and just enjoy the open road. Until then, I'll just keep dreaming...

Friday, August 27, 2010

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: CELEBRITY EDITION


In high school, I would go with my mom to market in Chicago. We would spend all day buying new merchandise for her Hallmark store. It was there that I met Meredith Baxter, famous for her role as Elyse Keaton on Family Ties.


When I was in college and I heard that Amy Sedaris would be giving a speech and doing a book signing on campus, there was no way I was going to miss it! She was so funny and nice. Love her!

Other people I have passed by (and didn't get pictures with!): Scarlett Johansson and John Madden

Thursday, August 26, 2010

HAIRY BUSINESS: UPDATE

Tonight, I got my hair done! And I couldn't be more excited about how it looks! Bob did a great job. I would recommend him to anyone!

My hair is now darker.... and I have bangs!


Love it!


What do you guys think?

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

EPIC MUSTACHE - WEEK 3

Today marks week three of Andrew's epic mustache-athon. I don't think I see a significant change between week 2 and week 3. What do you think?


Additionally, Andrew wasn't having a good hair day. I know...boys. Geez! That is a look of shear disgust on his face!

To make up for it, I let him take a picture with Erin. Who can have a bad day when you are hold the world's cutest fatest cat? Not me!

Monday, August 23, 2010

HAIRY BUSINESS

If you haven't heard, I have been growing my hair out for locks of love.


I haven't cut much length off in quite awhile, and frankly, I'm getting sick of it! Long hair in the summer in Nebraska is no good. I have started to think of other ideas for my hair until the time comes to chop it off.

Use as a beard
Dress up as cousin it
I go in for an update to my do on Wednesday when Bob works his magic! This time, I'm going dark brown (for Mal's wedding) and getting bangs (to spice things up). Lord knows I need to get these roots taken care of!


I guess for now the 10 inches will have to wait so I don't look like a boy when I finally cut it off. And in the end, maybe I'm ok with that. For now!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

TATTOO

Today was the day. I was going to get another tattoo! After TJ passed away, I spent a lot of time thinking about what I could get to remember him by. It seemed like nothing would ever seem right, until I saw a photo on facebook of his tattoo. He had IA tattooed on the inside of his lower lip. It was perfect! So I made an appointment with Jodi at Oz Tattoo!


The process was surprisingly pretty painless. It took less than 10 mins and didn't really hurt at all. I am so pleased with the results!


On the ride home, Andrew got a text from Nick that said something about how TJ would have thought that had been so cool. I think TJ would have thought it was pretty cool too. I just wish I could hear him say it...


I miss you TJ.

Friday, August 20, 2010

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

I'm going to start something new this week. Each Friday, I will be posting two older photos of myself. I'll try to always pick something super embarrassing for everyone. Hope you like it!
 
Christmas 1991

Jesse and I before Senior prom

Thursday, August 19, 2010

5 THINGS: I LOVE!

1. This picture of Andrew and his dad.

2. Cereal. Any and all cereal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3. New socks. They make any day better :)

4. My friends. ALL OF YOU!

5. Snail mail. Writing it and receiving it.

Ps. Isn't the little guy that Alex brought us from Norway the cutest little broken magnet you have ever seen?!?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

EPIC MUSTACHE - WEEK 2

This week we decided to try out the faux hawk hairstyle. How rockstar is that!


What do you guys think? Has it grown?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

FOOD: BBQ PIZZA ROLLS

I saw this made on tv this weekend and decided to recreate it. It doesn't require many ingrediants, and because every ingrediant is equally amazing, I don't think you can go wrong.

Included in the recipe: pizza crust, ranch, bbq sauce, chicken, cilantro, and cheese!


First, mix up the dough or buy the dough in a can. I had this on hand, but I think either would work. Then spread the dough out into approx. a 12" x 12" square and spread a thing layer of ranch on top.


Then mixed your grilled chicken breast chucks with enough bbq sauce to coat. I would guess that we used about 1 1/2 cups chicken. It may not seem like a lot, but remember they will be rolled up.


Next, top your dough with the chicken, cheese, and cilantro. Feel free to add as much cheese and cilantro as you would like.



You will then roll the dough and toppings up just like you would a jelly roll. It's going to get messy, but I don't think looks are too important.


Then slice it up to fit neatly into your cupcake pan that you have thinly coated with cooking spray or grease.


Then pop them in the oven at 375 degrees until crispy and delicious. We cooked ours about 25 mins. Just use your best judgement!


Enjoy!

In other news, Andrew's salsa was toooooo spicy. Ugh. I guess that's what I get when I let him cut up the peppers...