One of my favorite things (among many) about returning to Minnesota is the amount of time Melissa and I have been able to spend together. We've been friends since we pledged Alpha Xi Delta together in 1991. We lost touch after college when she moved to Minneapolis, but while I was still in grad school she moved back to Brookings and we reconnected. Then I moved away in 1998, but we've managed to stay in contact all these years and now are finally in the same city!
We have many of the same interests and are trying to motivate each other to take advantage of all the great things that the Twin Cities have to offer. Most of our time so far has been spent shopping and trying new (to us) restaurants, but yesterday we went on a guided walking tour of Summit Avenue in St. Paul. It was a beautiful (if even a little too hot) day and our tour guide was so knowledgeable. Summit Avenue is the best-preserved Victorian boulevard in America, with 373 of the original 440 residences still standing along the 4.5 mile street.
Upcoming activites on Melissa's and my adventure list include Pilates classes on the reformer machine, cooking/baking classes and volunteering with a charity. Stay tuned!
Busy Body Strikes Again
Some of you may have thought I was exaggerating about mister busy body and the importance of wearing jeans on Friday. Even I thought I probably made too big of a deal about it. Until now. You won't belive this...BB (busy body) just stopped by my office to see if I have jeans on!
He stopped by and peered from the doorway under my desk (which is more like a table - there is no panel covering the front). Figuring I knew why he was here, since he has no business reason to talk to me, I just looked at him inquisitively.
The exchange that followed went something like this:
BB: You've got to wear jeans.
Me: I am wearing jeans.
BB: Oh, those are jeans?
Me: Yes. Are there a certain type of jeans we're supposed to wear? Because I didn't know that.
BB: No, no. Just making sure that you're wearing jeans.
Me: Yep. I'm wearing jeans.
Is this guy not seriously annoying?
I'm thinking that instead of not wearing jeans in protest of this fool that I'll start wearing jeans every day. Maybe jeans from head-to-toe...jean jacket, jean shirt, jeans. I used to have some cool denim ankle boots in sixth grade. Mom, why did you let me get rid of those? They'd probably still fit! Maybe I'll even start calling myself Jean.
He stopped by and peered from the doorway under my desk (which is more like a table - there is no panel covering the front). Figuring I knew why he was here, since he has no business reason to talk to me, I just looked at him inquisitively.
The exchange that followed went something like this:
BB: You've got to wear jeans.
Me: I am wearing jeans.
BB: Oh, those are jeans?
Me: Yes. Are there a certain type of jeans we're supposed to wear? Because I didn't know that.
BB: No, no. Just making sure that you're wearing jeans.
Me: Yep. I'm wearing jeans.
Is this guy not seriously annoying?
I'm thinking that instead of not wearing jeans in protest of this fool that I'll start wearing jeans every day. Maybe jeans from head-to-toe...jean jacket, jean shirt, jeans. I used to have some cool denim ankle boots in sixth grade. Mom, why did you let me get rid of those? They'd probably still fit! Maybe I'll even start calling myself Jean.
I wore jeans today.
Thanks for all your input. I decided to wear jeans today. Mostly it was because I don't have much to choose from and was tired of my other pants. But I'm not going to wear them every week...I won't be goaded into conforming!
This all reminds me of a time in high school (ca. 1988?) when "bump shoes" as I called them were all the rage in Ivanhoe. I'd say 99% of the people in about a four-year age span had the same pair of shoes. Boys and girls.
They looked approximately like those shown, only the boys' were slightly more masculine. Slightly.
The only people in 9-12 grade who didn't have them were the kids who probably only had one pair of shoes...and me. There's nothing wrong with the shoes - they're cute - it was just weird that everyone had them.
Disclaimer: I actually own a similar pair now and really like them, but as with most things in high school, if everyone had it and it became a big deal, then I didn't want it. That's still kind of true.
Few people probably remember the bump shoe days, but that was a uniquely Ivanhoe time I've found hard to forget. Every day, it seemed, someone new would show up with a pair of bump shoes. Most people wore white ones and if you'll recall, 1988 was still the height of pinned/rolled jeans in Ivanhoe. These shoes tended to make feet look larger than they were and in contrast to the peg leg jeans (all too often white jeans, again on boys and girls), let's just say it was not a good look for very many people.
Jeans on Friday: Perk or Pariah-maker?
Many of you are fortunate not to work in traditional corporate offices, but I'm sure you've all heard of the so-called "perk" of wearing jeans on Fridays (sometimes or every week). In my new office, jeans are allowed every Friday.
Over the past six weeks I've learned that they are not only allowed, they are practically required. Or at least they are in the mind of one guy. I'm not sure why, but he has made it his personal mission to make sure I wear jeans on Fridays. Not only has he reminded me on Fridays when I didn't wear jeans and praised me the one week I wore them, he has also mentioned it to my boss!
(Note: This guy is not in charge or even above me in the hierarchy, by the way. He's very nice but perhaps a bit of a busy body.)
Why are jeans a perk? It's not like we're required to wear buttoned up suits and uncomfortable shoes everyday (although I sometimes wear them by choice). I have enough personal freedoms in my life that being permitted to wear jeans is not a perk.
Don't get me wrong, I love wearing jeans. But because I want to, not because I have to. I would be just as bothered if I felt required to wear anything.
The past couple of weeks I've started to think about it. I gave in to the pressure one week and wore them, but since then my indignant and stubborn side has led me to purposely not wear jeans simply because it's become a big deal (at least to this one nosy guy). Then again, my conciliatory side says to wear them on most if not all Fridays in a solid Midwestern effort to show that I don't think I'm better than anyone (which of course I'm not).
(Another note: Not everyone here wears jeans on Fridays. The dress code is generally casual so there's not much difference.)
My question to you is: should I wear jeans tomorrow?
Over the past six weeks I've learned that they are not only allowed, they are practically required. Or at least they are in the mind of one guy. I'm not sure why, but he has made it his personal mission to make sure I wear jeans on Fridays. Not only has he reminded me on Fridays when I didn't wear jeans and praised me the one week I wore them, he has also mentioned it to my boss!
(Note: This guy is not in charge or even above me in the hierarchy, by the way. He's very nice but perhaps a bit of a busy body.)
Why are jeans a perk? It's not like we're required to wear buttoned up suits and uncomfortable shoes everyday (although I sometimes wear them by choice). I have enough personal freedoms in my life that being permitted to wear jeans is not a perk.
Don't get me wrong, I love wearing jeans. But because I want to, not because I have to. I would be just as bothered if I felt required to wear anything.
The past couple of weeks I've started to think about it. I gave in to the pressure one week and wore them, but since then my indignant and stubborn side has led me to purposely not wear jeans simply because it's become a big deal (at least to this one nosy guy). Then again, my conciliatory side says to wear them on most if not all Fridays in a solid Midwestern effort to show that I don't think I'm better than anyone (which of course I'm not).
(Another note: Not everyone here wears jeans on Fridays. The dress code is generally casual so there's not much difference.)
My question to you is: should I wear jeans tomorrow?
Chris is Bane
For anyone who hasn't figured out the identity of the commenter named "bane," it's Chris. I convinced him to start commenting because hardly anyone else does (hint, hint)!
Speaking of Chris, I'm happy to report that he's finally feeling good and his leg has healed very well. He's also getting ready to move to Minnesota within the next month.
Speaking of Chris, I'm happy to report that he's finally feeling good and his leg has healed very well. He's also getting ready to move to Minnesota within the next month.
Fun facts about Minnesota
I recently read a list of 50 great things about Minnesota. I won't list them all here, because most of them we've heard before and some are not that interesting.
I find this VERY hard to believe, although it explains why Publix in Jacksonville charged several dollars for five stalks. I couldn't bring myself to buy something that grows in every Minnesota yard. And, yes, South Dakota yards too. Which proves this wrong already.
There were, however, two that were so surprising I had to do more research.
32. Rhubarb only grows in Minnesota. (Some out of towners will tell you differently, but don't believe them.)
A simple Google search on "rhubarb" dispels this notion completely. Rhubarb is actually indigenous to Asia and came to the US via Europe in the late 1800s.
Further research may indicate that there is a certain type of rhubarb native to Minnesota, but it hardly seems worth it...when, really, does it matter? Let's chalk it up to an enthusiastic Minnesotan thinking up yet another way that state is unique and better than anywhere else. And who could blame him/her?
49. Minnesota has 90,000 miles of shoreline. This is more than California, Hawaii, and Florida combined.
Since the person who wrote this list was wrong about the rhubarb, I'm now skeptical of everything on the list. But, if true, WOW! What's the big deal about the coasts, anyway? Some of us have lived within mere miles of the ocean and can count on hands and feet (maybe just hands) the number of times we've actually touched the water.
I checked the DNR website and the most relevant stats I could find are:
- 13,136,357 acres of total surface water area
- 69,200 miles of natural rivers and streams
So 90,000 miles of shoreline doesn't seem impossible, does it?
Has this made anyone hungry for rhubarb pie and a boat ride?
Angie is a Superstar!
Last night I had the opportunity to watch Angie play volleyball for the first time. Wow! She is a great player and fun to watch. The match was a real nail-biter, with Delano losing the first two games and then storming back to win the next three!It was interesting to see how the game is different now than it used to be. They play best of five (rather than three) and to 25 points rather than 15 (except the tie breaker). They also use "rally scoring," where a point is scored on every serve rather than just by the serving team.
These changes seem to make for a more exciting match, although I did find it confusing at first. Although I wasn't a very good volleyball player, I thought I at least knew the rules!
Not having been to a high school sports event in years, there were many other great things I observed. This may be unique to Delano, but I loved the enthusiasm of the 20+ students who serve as the cheering section in lieu of official cheerleaders. They even had a sign for #12 Snaz!
The former cheerleader in Bonnie also came out during this exciting match! Although there wasn't a large crowd, they weren't short on enthusiasm. I can still hear the voice of the woman behind me hollering Snaz-eeee throughout all five games.
It was great to see Angie play and especially to see her team win! I think their record is now 4-1, so I hope their great season continues.
A Fun Wednesday Night
Last night I decided to stop by Barnes & Noble in Edina on my way home. Garrison Keillor was signing his latest book "Pontoon" and I thought it would be fun to see him in person, since I've enjoyed listening to him on the radio for years.(Surely this secures my nerd status, lest any doubt remained.)
He talked and answered questions for about 45 minutes, during which time he wove stories and developed characters off the cuff unlike anyone I've ever heard or seen. Keillor is an unparalleled storyteller in modern times.His brand of humor is of course appreciated here, where most everyone in the audience could relate to his stories, but he is highly regarded in literary circles worldwide.
Following the Q&A, he began signing copies of his book. At that time I learned I missed out on picking up a calendar page that would secure my place in line. Not wanting to leave without a signed book, I tracked down the calendar lady and received my page. July 12. I knew it would be a long night!
Two and a half hours later (at least I was free to sit and read or wander in Barnes & Noble), my turn finally arrived. Part of the reason it took so long is because Keillor chatted with every person in the line. My chat consisted of talk about Jacksonville and the merits of being a beach person, a lake person or - what he considers himself to be - an arboreal person (that would be someone who likes trees, for anyone wondering...).
Now I'm really ready to attend a live broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion this season! I have a feeling that Chris will pass on this one, so if anyone's interested in going with me...
Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund
I recently read about a Minnesota businessman who has started a wonderful organization here. The Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund offers grants starting at $500 to Minnesota soldiers who have served in a combat zone since 9/11/01.
According to the website: "The grants represent the state’s appreciation for their service and are not based solely upon need. The grant amounts will vary, however, according to the level of hardship endured as a result of combat zone deployment." (i.e., more injury=more money)
Minnesota is the only state with a fund like this, although the governor has written to his 49 counterparts suggesting they follow suit. It would be wonderful if South Dakota had one so Jon could benefit, but maybe this is something that will catch on.
However, many of you know Minnesotans (must be taxpaying residents) who would qualify. Please direct them to this website where they can complete an application:
http://thankmntroops.org/MMAF-Resources.html
Six Years Ago
In remembrance of 9/11, I dug out my photos from that day six years ago that changed all of our lives. They are certainly not the caliber of images we've all become so familiar with, but they are what my eyes saw that day.
We can't change what happened that day. And we can't change what's happened in the years since, in a war falsely predicated on a non-existent connection between 9/11 and Iraq.
But we has citizens have the power and responsibility to tell our leaders what we want. It's your vote. Use it or lose it! Although the election is over a year away, there will probably never be a more important vote (except 2004 and 2000 - don't make the same mistake again!)
If your previous votes enabled this war to continue, it's not too late to change. Are you really living in the small-government, low tax world you've been led to believe your vote would create? Not while we're all funding a $300 million-a-day (yes, a day) misguided and unwinable war. (And not at all, if you do your research).
We can't change what happened that day. And we can't change what's happened in the years since, in a war falsely predicated on a non-existent connection between 9/11 and Iraq.
But we has citizens have the power and responsibility to tell our leaders what we want. It's your vote. Use it or lose it! Although the election is over a year away, there will probably never be a more important vote (except 2004 and 2000 - don't make the same mistake again!)
If your previous votes enabled this war to continue, it's not too late to change. Are you really living in the small-government, low tax world you've been led to believe your vote would create? Not while we're all funding a $300 million-a-day (yes, a day) misguided and unwinable war. (And not at all, if you do your research).
While it won't undo 9/11 and it won't undo the thousands of deaths since, ending the war and righting our course as a nation is the only choice that makes sense.
So it isn't just me!
While staying in Eden Prairie for over two weeks last month and making a number of trips there since my office is nearby, I started to question my sense of direction. (No, not in life. Just in driving.)
The area where 494, 169, 212 and 5 intersect, interchange and basically swirl in circles with local streets have just barely begun to make sense to me after more than a month. I always found my way, but only with the notion that it couldn't have been the most direct route.
The area where 494, 169, 212 and 5 intersect, interchange and basically swirl in circles with local streets have just barely begun to make sense to me after more than a month. I always found my way, but only with the notion that it couldn't have been the most direct route.
Exiting Eden Prairie Center can even give experts like Bonnie momentary pause, so imagine how a newbie used to gridded street layouts like me has been doing!
Much to my relief, I'm not alone! According to today's Star Tribune:
"Eden Prairie's winding streets have confused motorists since the 1980s...drivers must find their way into the city from several freeway exits. Once off the freeway they must take a loop...[that] often leaves drivers clueless about what direction they are going."
Clueless is an understatement. It's a good thing I enjoy driving around until I find what I'm looking for (and also a good thing Chris isn't here yet, because he is not a fan of that methodology). As the city's economic development manager puts it: "people are finding their way even though there might be a little frustration."
Although I've taken the scenic route in many places besides Eden Prairie, it's been by far the most confusing area for me. Now that I've begun to figure it out, it appears that help is on the way! The city is going to add nearly 60 "Eden Prairie Ring Road" signs for the Prairie Center Drive and Valley View Road circle to let drivers know they're on a loop.
I like the idea, but don't know that this solution will alleviate the real problem, which for me is the loop itself, where to find things on the loop and how to get off the darn thing and on to the right highway going in the right direction!
Labor Day at Roy Lake
The weekend at the lake was great fun. I took a video and a few photos that I'm sure Amber has been waiting to see. We missed you!!
Mmmm...that pool water sure is nummy!
Trevor and Jon caught some crawdads.
Mmmm...that pool water sure is nummy!
Trevor taking us for a pontoon ride (no, I'm not wearing a fur coat!)
Grandma enjoyed the ride, too!
Kailey liked to drive in circles.
This angle makes me look bigger than dad!
Skipper and Gilligan in action.
My Ashtray Apartment
Since moving, I've been so bad about keeping up with my blog postings. Maybe it's because I see most of you so often now that I don't have any new stories? Well, it's either the mundane day-to-day or nothing and today I'm going with the former.
I moved into an apartment in downtown Minneapolis yesterday. My excitement about the prospect of city living dwindled the moment I opened the door and was hit with the acrid stench of cigarette smoke baked into every nook and cranny. It smelled as if someone had smoked a pack a day for 20 years and never cracked the window.
Thinking that my immediate nausea was related to hunger, I took a walk to Target for snacks and air fresheners. Despite the temporary emotional lift from walking the downtown streets abuzz on a late holiday afternoon, the smell (and nausea) were still there when I returned to my 25th floor ashtray.
Downtown's noise is music to my ears, except when I want to sleep. I had to close the windows, but hoped the "fresh linen scent" would eliminate at least some trace of the former tenant's chain smoking. Nope!
Although staying in nine different hotels/houses in the past month has resulted in many restless nights, last night may have been the worst. I kept dreaming that I was surrounded by giant cigarettes that were trying to smother me in ashes. (Not really, but that's about how it felt).
I finally gave up around 5:30 am and decided to hit the building's fitness center. If the room smelled sweaty, my nose was too grateful to notice. Upon returning, I went to make coffee, only to discover a moldy coffee filter in the basket.
Is this starting to sound like "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"? At least I didn't drop my sweater in the sink or wake up with gum in my hair.
My day actually improved quite a lot after that, so I really shouldn't complain! The commute was a breeze and because I couldn't make coffee at the apartment I treated myself to a Caribou latte. I've missed that place and probably treat myself there too often!!
I do dread returning to the stink hole tonight, but at least I know they're coming to shampoo the carpets (not scheduled yet, so let's hope it's soon). I have my doubts that it will work, but the relocation company seems open to moving me if I'm still dissatisfied. They don't have another apartment in the building, but I will be happy to move somewhere else.
Is it surprising that I'm making such a big deal about the smell? Maybe. But this is really bad - I think almost anyone (even some smokers!) would do the same thing. I may not be paying the bill, but that doesn't mean I won't pay in other ways (lost sleep, general crankiness).
I'll end on a positive note...the view of downtown from the 25th floor is awesome!
I moved into an apartment in downtown Minneapolis yesterday. My excitement about the prospect of city living dwindled the moment I opened the door and was hit with the acrid stench of cigarette smoke baked into every nook and cranny. It smelled as if someone had smoked a pack a day for 20 years and never cracked the window.
Thinking that my immediate nausea was related to hunger, I took a walk to Target for snacks and air fresheners. Despite the temporary emotional lift from walking the downtown streets abuzz on a late holiday afternoon, the smell (and nausea) were still there when I returned to my 25th floor ashtray.
Downtown's noise is music to my ears, except when I want to sleep. I had to close the windows, but hoped the "fresh linen scent" would eliminate at least some trace of the former tenant's chain smoking. Nope!
Although staying in nine different hotels/houses in the past month has resulted in many restless nights, last night may have been the worst. I kept dreaming that I was surrounded by giant cigarettes that were trying to smother me in ashes. (Not really, but that's about how it felt).
I finally gave up around 5:30 am and decided to hit the building's fitness center. If the room smelled sweaty, my nose was too grateful to notice. Upon returning, I went to make coffee, only to discover a moldy coffee filter in the basket.
Is this starting to sound like "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"? At least I didn't drop my sweater in the sink or wake up with gum in my hair.
My day actually improved quite a lot after that, so I really shouldn't complain! The commute was a breeze and because I couldn't make coffee at the apartment I treated myself to a Caribou latte. I've missed that place and probably treat myself there too often!!
I do dread returning to the stink hole tonight, but at least I know they're coming to shampoo the carpets (not scheduled yet, so let's hope it's soon). I have my doubts that it will work, but the relocation company seems open to moving me if I'm still dissatisfied. They don't have another apartment in the building, but I will be happy to move somewhere else.
Is it surprising that I'm making such a big deal about the smell? Maybe. But this is really bad - I think almost anyone (even some smokers!) would do the same thing. I may not be paying the bill, but that doesn't mean I won't pay in other ways (lost sleep, general crankiness).
I'll end on a positive note...the view of downtown from the 25th floor is awesome!
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