Here's one of the pictures I took waaaayy back in October when we went camping with my Mom & Dad in that badlands.

Holy shiz. It's been MONTHS since I posted on this thing. Lets get up to speed.

I am still working for the county. Don and I are still married...go us! No one has died...that I know of. We still own our home with only 29 years left on our mortgage. Shannon has been home for a little over a week for Christmas break and we got 24" of snow over Christmas...yahoo!

Thursday

I really feel like a cow today.

TGIFridays for lunch: Pecan crusted chicken salad - - I wasn't impressed!
Red Lobster for supper: Grilled Salmon and Crab Legs with a salad and baked potato. - - yum!

Buh-bye diet!

So this week my diet is on hiatus while I am stuck in Bismarck for work... I enjoyed eating out, but at this frequency I just want my regular diet back.

Monday: Schlotzky's Deli - Chicken & Pesto pizza
Tuesday: Olive Garden - Soup, salad & bread sticks
The Walrus - Pasta Diablo
Wednesday: Big Boy - Pizza burger flyin' style combo
Johnny Carino's - Spicy Shrimp & Chicken

Tomorrow and Friday....who knows!

It seems as though I am horrible at posting anything new...

Don and I are going to the Badlands with my parent to do some hunting and camping this weekend. It looks like it will warm up a bit so it should be fun. Hopefully I will at least take some pictures to put up here.

Our couples massage on Saturday was amazing! Don and I both came home and took a 2 hour nap b/c we were so relaxed.

Today we went out to the lake and shot some clay pigeons with friends. Unfortunately our fun was short lived, as a friend of ours had a seizure while we were there. Luckily he went via ambulance to the hospital and should be fine.

Etiquette

Are you supposed to tip a masseuse?

Don and I are celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary today. We will be having dinner, watching a movie, drinking a bottle of wine and eating the top of our wedding cake...that is if it tastes ok. Then next Saturday we will be having a couples massage for an hour.

I have been going to the gym everyday after work for 3 weeks now. I feel good, I'm not sore and I have lost 5 pounds so far. 35 more to go!!

I joined a gym today and went for my first workout. I think it's a place I could get used to.

They are learning to love one another..

....and I am not learning to love that laminate floor...

Yesterday I came home for lunch and our kitten had a very goopy/green left eye. I called the vet, explained her symptoms and that she has been throwing up; they had me bring her in right away. As it turns out she has a respiratory infection, an eye infection and judging by her weight is only four weeks old. I was told by the pet store that she was 8 weeks old. So, after an $80.00 vet bill I went back to where I purchased her and started bitching; they willingly gave me my money back for the kitten. I already dislike pet stores that sell cats and dogs and would generally refuse to buy animals at those places, but this kitten was just too cute. Lesson learned...do not buy from a pet store no matter how cute they are. So after being on antibiotics and eye ointment for a day she has stopped throwing up, her eye is clear and she is eating more than ever. She has also gotten a little more independent and is willing to nap when I am not present.

Kitty met the dogs lastnight. We thought Tank would be aggressive...but he is scared of her. Still no name yet...

Here kitty kitty

Don gave me the go-ahead yesterday and I took the plunge and bought an 8 week old kitten. She is gray/tan and super-cute. I have introduced her to the dogs and she wasn't very impressed. However, she did sleep with us all night and woke up when Don left for work. She is very clingy and gets nervous when I am out of sight, so I think we're bonding. I will post her mugshot later.

YAY!

Congratulations Shannon on purchasing your first home!!!

What Conan O'Brien had to say about North Dakota's budget surplus

PS 22 Choir

In case you haven't seen these children before...they are amazing. Another reason music and arts should not get downsized in public education.

Oh, how I wish...

What would you do if you won $232.1 million like this guy?

Forever and a day

It has been many moons since I last posted and it seems as though the last couple of months have flown by. An update on those months includes my aunt and grandparents moving into assisted living and trying to assist my parents as best I can with fixing up the house and selling it. If any of you know my aunt and grandparents...anything with them is exhausting. The auction for all things that remain will take place at the house on June 1st at 6pm. And as one might expect our family is pretty much the only one that did ANY work. Surprise, surprise. Life must go on.

My new job is going well. I see things daily that make me take a step back and go "wow, I can't believe someone would do that"....but then I remember I work for social services. So for the most part I am content and keeping busy.

Don and I have been doing lots of yard work this year. We have been landscaping and planting grass as well as making plans for what to do as we can afford to. Heck, I am the one making most of the plans...that's what I do best.

I have been trying so hard to remember my camera when we are out an about and at the lake; but I bring the camera and then forget to take the pictures. Maybe in time I will have more moments that prompt me to get it out.

Childless Parent

I feel like the last couple of weeks have been such a whirlwind with this new job. So I will describe a little bit of what I do. I am a Parent Aide for social services; I basically work with families who have had children removed by Child Protective Services and are in the process of getting them back or who have been investigated and their children are safe but the parents need a little help. I am an open ear and a helpful hand. Anything from taking them to the store, helping with discipline, working on a bedtime routine or even when cases are at their worst, teaching them how to bathe and feed their children. So far it has been amazing to see just the kind of people who are reproducing as well as the cards they have been dealt at times. So far I think I will like it.

Newbie

I think my first day of work went ok. But the first day is always so much paperwork and new names and such, that I don't think it will ever be described as great. So far so good and I am slowly settling in to my new office. Thanks Mom and Dad for the congratulatory card and office warming gifts.

I am babysitting our niece and nephew today from 7:30-5:00. It always makes for an interesting adventure, especially since they BOTH have pink eye from a kid at daycare and they BOTH have nasty colds!! Luckily they have been on drops for the pink eye and I am making them and me wash our hands constantly. Hey, at least I have them at their own house so mine doesn't become a mess.

Coconut Kisses

If you love coconut like I do, you will love these. The bag I bought has a macaroon recipe on the back that I think I will try next week.

Adios

Two years of my life at the Boys Ranch will come to an end in approximately 6 hours. I will be enjoying some time off before I start my new job April 1, and I need to turn my sleeping schedule around from working nights in the next couple of weeks so I'm not a zombie when I start.

Binge

This past weekend was one of those weekends where I revisit the college lifestyle and revel in life without children. I made 150 jell-o shots Thursday, in which I consumed about 20 of them on Friday night and the rest were consumed by others over the weekend. Friday night was one of those times that sleep was unnecessary because I was having too much fun. Sleep came at 5:30 Saturday morning.

Shannon flew in from Vegas on Saturday morning and we had Big Boy for lunch and did some shopping. All in all I would call it a success and I made up for sleep Sunday afternoon.

Happenings

We are off to Bismarck for a tournament this weekend. Don is staying until Sunday but I will be coming back w/ mom after we fetch Shannon at the airport. I will be enjoying all my favorite Bismarck franchises; Big Boy, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse. Have a great weekend!

Hint, hint

I want a kindle....

....my birthday is coming soon. ;)

Hooray!

My days of enduring the night Nazi are over! I will start my new job with Ward County Social Services on April 1. Day shift, my own office, paid holidays....glorious!

Job

I got a call back today on my job interview. They want to meet with me again on Monday. I will take it as a good sign.

Updates

I am still patiently waiting to hear yes or no on my job interview.

I am still biting my tongue nightly as far as things with my co-worker are concerned.

I am still abstaining from soda.

I started doing yoga 2 weeks ago, it relaxes me more than anything. Who would have known all those weird movements would feel good.

If you haven't read the "Eat This, Not That" books you should. It has changed how I look at food. (Did you know that one 20 oz bottle of Sunkist soda has the same amount of sugar as 17 chewy Chips Ahoy cookies!! ...no joke)

We are continuing to do little updates here and there on our home. Next is a new garage floor and finishing our deck.

interview

I had my interview Monday with Ward County Social Services. I think it went very well and my experience was helpful in answering questions. The women who interviewed me seemed nice and it helps that my sister-in-law, mother-in-law and former boss all have ties there and could recommend me. They said they would most likely make a decision at the end of the week. Fingers crossed.

Bottle blonde

Born a blonde...grown to brown. The story of my hair. My last highlight and lowlight was a week before our wedding and with the expenses of our home and such I have put off having it colored. I finally broke down and made an appointment for Thursday mostly because I have an important interview Monday and I don't want my 3" roots showing. Someday I will give up the blonde look; but for now, I can not fathom the thought of...gasp...brown hair. So tomorrow I will hand over another Benjamin and keep living an illusion.

If you are unaware...Barbie turns 50 on March 9th. I grew up playing with Barbie and my Grandma Anne had a knack for having a new outfit for Barbie just about every week when I was really into them. Original Barbies in the box are collectors items and I think I may just purchase the 50th Anniversary doll. At $50.00 she is sure to be worth something in another 50 years for my children.

I have an interview Monday with Ward County Social Services. yay!

Don had a crappy night's sleep and we know nothing til they read the study.

Freedom!!!

We have officially payed off every cent of our credit card debt today! And I plan to not have any ever again!!!

Apnea?

I have been telling Don for years now that his breathing pauses while he sleeps. He had to take his Department of Transportation physical last week and failed due to his admitted sleep issues. So now he finally went in and did a sleep study last night. I will soon find out how it went and if I possibly have to listen to a CPAP machine the rest of my life.

More later...

Top 3

The latest three foods I have had and I love, love, love are....



Pioneer Woman's Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Molten Caramel Cake

Bobo

My dogs love Bobo as well.

(Excuse my awful picture taking abilities.)

Spicy Garlic Wing Sauce

I love this sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings and made it at home this evening.

1 Cup of Frank's Red Hot cayenne pepper sauce
1/3 Cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon course ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic, if desired

In a medium saucepan, heat Frank's, egg yolk, vegetable oil on low heat, whisk to combine. Then add sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. Heat through. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to sauce until desired consistency is reached. Minced garlic may be added at this time if desired. Toss on cooked chicken wings or use as a condiment.

Love it

My old hair straightener was frying my hair and needed to go. So Friday it's replacement arrived in the mail. I have found it is my new best friend and worth every penny. One swipe per strand and it's stick straight.

Career

As some of you may know, jobs in my career field are few and far between in Minot. After another couple of months of waiting for something to open, one has come along. I applied for this same job in November and made it to 12 on the list. I am hoping that with some re-wording on my application I can make it into the top 10 (they are given interviews). I will be sending in my app tomorrow. Wish me luck!!

Yes please.

I have decided that I will be purchasing these beautiful babies within the next few months. And yes, Shannon, Mom spilled the beans that you just bought a new LG washer and dryer (possibly similar to these). I'm jealous. Don's parents left their washer and dryer in our house to use until they build their house. However, I want my own and I want front loading, with pedestals because I'm short. Come to Mama.

Genetics

I have been doing so well with keeping my migraines under control for the last year. However, I got to work last night and one kicked in. As usual I am a dork and never bring my Imitrex with me because I hate carrying a purse and meds to work. Well, I think the lesson is learned to bring some. After 2 Excedrin Migraines and 3 hours on the couch it's under control.

I hope I don't pass them onto my children like my Dad did for me.

Sugar Lay-off

I quit drinking soda the day after Christmas. I have successfully abstained and I'm not really missing all those empty calories and sugar. I did have a couple of headaches the first week from the cut back in caffeine but I feel much better without it.

ND

I really do wonder why I live here on days when its -33 degrees, not including the windchill and there's 50+ inches of snow on the ground.

Luckily today it's 30 degrees above zero and still 50+ inches of snow. However, we will be getting on the roof to clear all the snow left behind from the last storm! I love ND!!

Thank goodness that's over.

I had my wisdom teeth out Wed. Amazingly it was not as painful as I though (granted the percocet helps). The worst part was the IV and then I was out. It took only a half an hour and the surgeon didn't hack my mouth up bad at all. So I will continue taking the painkillers and laying in bed until at least tomorrow.