Small Town Stories: The Quarter

I am a suburban girl, born and bred, who is getting used to small town living.

So far I am really enjoying it.  Sure, there are things that I miss about big town living (like fresh salads with goat cheese and weird greens or Thai food) but all that foodie goodness is only an hour away.

Last week we went to a little hole-in-the-wall diner for breakfast.   It's the only place in Glencoe that we hadn't tried yet.   The name is Lindy's.   It was buried in the back of another building, and well, nothing about it looked very good.

We were pleasantly surprised! It was much larger than I imagined and the walls were full of 1950's diner/malt shop decor. The menu had your standard breakfast fare for cheap.  We were the only patrons aside from a table about twenty feet away where half a dozen old-timers sat drinking coffee and talking about... oh... farming, politics, current events, you name it.

Jack was practicing his big boy skills and struggling to keep still at the table.  He's getting too big for highchairs so he bounced back and forth between Tom's side of the booth and mine.  He kept eyeballing that other table. Every so often he would hear boisterous laughter and I could tell that Jack wanted to see what the ruckus was all about.

And then there is Jack's latest habit. When he hears people laughing out loud, he often copies them.  A few seconds after we hardy-har-har, little Jack's voice pipes up with HA HA HA HA HA.  It makes us laugh even more.  So of course, when the guys at the table would break out in laughter, our little clown would do the same. I wasn't sure if they noticed, but Tom and I smiled every time it happened.

About halfway through our meal, the men at the table left. They shuffled past our booth on the way out. One of the men slowed down to say Hello. Not hello to us, but to Jack.  He held up his hand for Jack to watch and produced a quarter out of thin air.  Magic!  Jack watched in awe and shyly took the offered coin from the smiling stranger.

And away the old man went.

Isn't that the best? Things like that don't happen in the big city; people are too busy, too crabby, too wrapped up in their own agenda to notice a laughing little boy on the other side of the restaurant.

Yep, I'm liking it out here in God's Country.

(check out that link - a fancy French director made a PBS documentary about Glencoe in the early 80's - we watched it on youtube before we moved!)

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Fan Mail: Living Frugally

One of my readers sent in a question!  I was so psyched to get *mail*.  It was a Dear Abby moment, for sure.  The topic?   Living Frugally.   It's something that I know all about, and I learned how to do it backwards. You see, I spent the first few years of my adult life living the exact opposite.   I want, I get.   I want now, I get now.   Guess what?  The banksters LOVE that. They love to see your empty bank account and then send very full monthly credit card statements.  And once you start using one, then they all send you invitations!  Hey you, pretty girl, how would you like another shiny card for your wallet?  Sign Here! And here. AND right here.

I was about 21 when I slowly began gaining interest in making things from scratch.  I wasn't interested to save money, I was interested in the heritage and tradition of it all.   I was also learning about chemicals and how they effect our bodies.  I started shopping at the organic foods store. And as lovely as all of those products are, they are INSANELY expensive. I bought personal care products from Tom's of Maine and Kiss My Face and Burts Bees.  I was paying probably triple what you pay for shampoo from Walgreens.  Yah.   Living 'greener' but definitely not cheaper.

At the same time, the man in my life back then was a huge spender.  Where I was buying fancy facial soap, he was putting ATV's, boats and garages on credit.  We were drowning, literally drowning in debt.  It was a stressful, stressful time.

I started couponing.  I started cutting back on fun, frivolous junk.  I started googling terms like 'homemade laundry soap'.   But for all that I was 'saving', I could not keep up with the interest or his spending. Important Life Lesson learned:  you can't control anyone elses behavior.

Fast forward half a dozen years later.   I had a clean slate.    The housing market was still rockin' and I was able to exit that relationship relatively unscathed; emotionally and monetarily.

I had made my own laundry detergent, cleaning products, gotten good at cooking from scratch, and loved the idea of reduce, reuse and recycle.  But spending less was still a hobby, a game if you will.

And here we are today.

Since I left the corporate playground, and along with it that corporate paycheck, spending less is an absolute necessity.  Tom is 100% against using loans and credit.   He would rather cut off his right arm than owe the bank a single cent.

What does that mean for us?  If we want it, we save for it.   To survive on one (smallish) income these days is really, really challenging.  But totally doable!

OK, after that super long preface.... here is a question from Kimberly in Aberdeen, WA,and the answer I emailed her privately.  When I asked if I could use her question as a post, she was all for it.   Thanks Kim!

Living Frugally

Hi Nina!

I really want to live more frugally and honestly to learn to love doing it! I see your posts and I am so jealous because I would love to make my own mayonnaise, soap, and all the other things you are doing but I don't even know where to start. I was wondering if you have some ideas to help me out. The one thing I do want to find is a disenfectant/ cleanser for all over the house...tub, sink, counters, floor....I hate having toxins on surfaces that Bella will touch and/or eat off of. Or if you know of good websites to go to that have great ideas....

I appreciate any help you can give.

Kim

ArtsyNina Answers:

Kim it is so easy! Especially these days - going 'green' is so popular and ideas are all over the web!

Here are some of my routines: 

For general cleaning around the kitchen and bathroom I have read lots of recipes. My favorite is just a mixture of about half vinegar, half water, and 5-6 drops of dish soap. I put it in a spray bottle and use it for counters, tables, and sinks. If I have an essential oil handy. like lavender, I'll add a drop or two and it smells nice.

For toilets I might sprinkle in some baking soda, washing soda or borax (whatever I have on hand at the moment) and use a toilet brush if there is a lot of crud. Otherwise just a splash of vinegar and a quick swoosh with the brush usually does the trick.

Cleaning the tub is tougher. I haven't found a home-made remedy that works as well as comet or scrubbin bubbles  I've tried to clean the ring around the bathtub without commercial cleaners and my arms get sore from scrubbing. LOL

For windows and glass I use 50/50 mix of vinegar and water and newspapers for wiping instead of paper towel or rags.

For floors I will use really diluted murphy's oil soap, plain old pinesol or vinegar and water for light cleaning. Having a toddler makes for a dirty, dirty kitchen floor.

I've made laundry soap before and honestly you can buy store bought cheaper (when you buy the REALLY cheap, off brand stuff). But that is loaded with perfumes and dyes. Atleast when you make your own, you know what's in it. I've used the recipe found at this site:http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm

And I don't use paper towels anymore. When I used to buy them, I swear they disappeared way too fast. Such a waste. I just keep a deep drawer in the kitchen filled with dishtowels, rags and dishcloths. 

For dusting I use a slightly damp towel. That's it. I think pledge attracts dust. LOL

Now - saving in the kitchen is amazingly simple. Just quit buying prepackaged meals and use coupons whenever possible. Except frozen pizzas. I usually have one or two on hand for those nights when I am totally sick of cooking  My freezer is stocked with frozen fruits and veggies and meat that I buy on sale or with coups.

Buy things in bulk; flour, sugar, spaghetti noodles, beans. We bought HUGE quantities from Sams Club and then vacuum sealed smaller portions. Buying like this is extreme and I hate to do it, buy my husband thinks our economy is going to crash so we 'need to be prepared' LOL.

We don't buy snacks, unless I have a coupon and it is free or nearly free (example, spicy thai kettle chips are my favorite - they were on sale for $2, I had a $1 off coupon and went shopping on a day that my grocery store doubles manufacturer coupons. the chips ended up FREE). I have a major sweet tooth, but if I'm craving a cupcake- I have to bake one! If your cupboards are well stocked (oil, flour, baking powder and soda, salt, spices, cocoa powder, molasses, sugar, honey, vanilla extract) you can make ANYTHING. Seriously.  I even make my own brown sugar.  We rarely buy pop and buy NOTHING with artificial sweeteners. We use real butter. I buy the big container of plain yogurt and add things to it per serving; a handful of blueberries and a teaspoon of sugar, honey and cinnamon, strawberries, etc. Plus when it's plain you can also use it in dips or in place of sour cream. I make hummus from chickpeas, olive oil and tahini. Just think - everything on a grocery store shelve was made from ingredients. If they can do it, so can you!

A lot of my ideas come from old cookbooks or The Super Baby Food cookbook. And lots of surfing the net. I don't have a favorite site or anything - only a favorite search engine. I swear GOOGLE can help me find any answer under the sun.

ANyways - enough babbling for now. Hope I have left you with some frugal ideas!    -Nina

Well there you have it.  Nothing original or groundbreaking, just kickin' it old school like our grandmothers and great grandmothers did.  It's harder.  It's more time consuming.   But it's so worth it.

Homemade Brown Sugar:  White Sugar + Molasses

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Spring at This Old House

For the first time in a long time, we are actually enjoying a spring in Minnesota.  In years past we go from 50 degree days straight to hot and humid.    Or so it seems.  This year, however, we have enjoyed weeks of days in the 60's. A few warmer ones, a few cooler ones.  It's... nice.

Especially since we won't have air conditioning this year. *smiles*

We started May off with our California vacation.   The day after we returned home, I started my summer job.   I now chase TWO toddlers around all afternoon, and in June I will have three. Yesterday I was outside with the boys; trying to convince them to chase me around a tree.  They are only slightly easier to entice than grown men;  I couldn't convince many of them to chase me in my pre-Tommy days either.

Magnets are FUN

Warmer weather enables warmer weather projects, like spray painting!   This satin nickel light just wasn't going to work with the oil rubbed bronze fixtures in the bathroom. The damn thing was $80, I wasn't about to throw it away.   Oh No. It turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself.

The landscaping is another one of those projects that will never end.  I took a gamble and ordered some plants off of ebay.  They were very affordable.  A box arrived yesterday with bags of ferns, hens & chicks, wood betony lousewort and.... a mystery bag.   I was so excited!  Because, you know, I love a good mystery.  One of the mystery plants was wild ginger.   It is very pretty, but doesn't survive in my zone. So I potted it, hoping to turn it into a houseplant.  We'll see. The other items were sage and another variety of fern.  The sage looks like a weed. But I am going to trust this random ebayer, and assume she knows what she packed me.   I spent this morning planting everything.  *here's to plants that not only survive, but thrive*

instructions said to soak roots for 30 min before planting

Ah... now to the rhubarb.  Our CSA told us that the rhubarb plants are ready to go, so Jack and I went to the farm to pick some on Tuesday.   We were taken on the grand tour by Shannon of Dunlooken Farms; Jack chased the ducks, turkeys, baby goats and dogs.  It was fun and dirty!  I felt like a city girl as I nervously   watched when Shannon ushered her kids and mine into the pen with the baby goats.  Will they bite?  Kick?  Trample? Turns out they just lick.  Did I have my camera along for all of this uber kid/farm cuteness?    Of course not.

But back to the rhubarb.   I love it. I want to get some growing here for next year.  I hit google looking for recipes and found Rhubarb Cream Pie (and it's from a Northern Minnesotan, I know it will be good).  I had fully intended on making it, but when I got to the grocery there was a change in plans.  At the end of aisle four was a canning display.  I started collecting canning supplies about a year before we moved.   Because I knew we would land in the country or a small town and damnit, I would can.   So instead of delicious rhubarb cream pie ingredients, I came home with jelly jars.  And now I have 4 delicious jars of rhubarb orange marmalade.  Actually, three and a half.   Tommy thought it tasted good on ham and ate half a jar last night.

Botulism Free! (I hope)

What else can I report?  The bathroom is coming along slowly but surely.  Tom replaced some wiring, we put up more drywall, and laid the floor.  No more plywood under my bare feet and exposed wall studs that once housed bat caves! But she is still a long ways from being done.

And last but not least, I'm in the running for Blog of the Month along side my BBFF's (that's Blog Best Friends Forever for those of you who don't know: Mom)  Dweej at House Unseen, Life Unscripted and Katie at Chicken Noodle Gravy.   These girls can write.  They suck you in with humorous stories and well written sentences. Before you know it, you are checking their pages probably too frequently in a stalkerish fashion just waiting for their next posts. Addicting.  Really.

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Magically Healing Soup. Maybe.

I'm desperate. And sick. Again. I'm sick of being sick and desperate for this cold that has occupied my house for the past few days to LEAVE.

Yes, I am taking a multivitamin. And plenty of supplements like echinacea, insane quantities of vitamin C and probiotics occasionally. And I even started drinking wheat grass powder a few weeks ago, cuz, I don't know, the jar looked cool. I should have impenetrable immunity, damnit!

So I am resorting to witchcraft. I dug out my stockpot cauldron. I gathered all my magical ingredients (carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken base and spices).  I was out of eye of newt and the horny toad looked old.   I'm hoping the soup will be powerful enough without them.

Really though, even though veggies and spices may sound mundane and unmagical, they possess healing powers! I am sure of it! (employing positive, non-sick thoughts here).

double double toil and trouble

Carrots: lots of vitamins and minerals and has been used to help chronic coughing
(souce: Carrot Museum )
Celery:  while I couldn't find anything that specifically said celery was good for colds, it's just a good idea to eat it. My mom told me so.
Onions: Onions contain a sulfur compound (allyl propyl disulphide) that can cure or prevent a variety of common cold symptoms, such as severe cough, sore throat, and earache (source:gurneys.com)
Garlic: It wards of vampires AND colds.  This study mentioned by BBC from 2001 had some decent findings. Of course, big pharm doesn't want you to think garlic works.  They need to keep selling cough syrup and cold meds.
Sea Salt: It naturally helps to build up the immune system so that you can avoid common ailments such as the common cold, allergies and asthma. (source: www.livingfood101.com)
Oregano: high in anti-oxidants; phenolic acids and flavonoids, anti-inflammatory, can protect against the common cold, influenza, fevers and indigestion. (source: abcnews.com)
Thyme: has antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antitussive, astringent and anthelmintic.  I don't know what most of that means, but it sounds important. (source:medicinalplants.us)  
Marjoram: is a great antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. As a result, it fights against a variety of common illnesses, including the common cold (source: herbwisdom.com)
Red Pepper Flakes: high vitamin C and capsaicin, Eating chillies can help with the common cold as they clear congestion. Capsaicin’s peppery heat stimulates secretions that help clear mucus from your stuffed up nose or congested lungs.
Parsley: rich in antioxidants and vitamins K, C and A. (source::www.livestrong.com)


***Just because I believe everything I read in the internet doesn't mean you should.  I mean, you can if you want, but I wouldn't advise it.***

I added dumplings too.  Because they taste good.

Loose Recipe (that means follow it loosely - you can't screw up homemade chicken soup).  Do I normally add all these spices to my soup?  No.  I am seriously trying to feel better!


6 cups chicken broth
4 carrots, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
bay leaf


Bring to a boil then let simmer and add these awesome dumplings.


I cooked and wrote most of this post on Saturday.  The cold started on Friday.  Am I all better?  No.   But almost.  I still think Chicken Soup is a good idea for colds!

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The Tommy & Nina Story: Dating Site Profiles *smirk*

Oh Boy.  I thought these were lost forever, but I was digging around in my old hotmail account and there they were!  Is it cheesy to post these?  Absolutely.  But I find them entertaining and maybe you will too.  

This was my first foray into the world of online dating.  My very first, and only, dating profile. And it lasted exactly 36 hours (because I was too cheap to sign up after the free trial).  Isn't that some sort of husband fishing record?  I caught my man off match.com in under 3 days? *chuckles*

Without further ado, here is Artsy0808:

***disclaimer: copying and pasting these from long lost emails left them with horrible formatting that I did not have the patience to undo.  Also, I shrunk the font in the profiles so that this blog wasn't eight years long.  Sorry.***

 

Artsy0808

Is this the Man Catalog? Where do I place my order? *looks around in confusion and delight*

Online now!

• 29-year-old woman
• Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
• seeking men 27-35
• within 50 miles of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States

Relationships:	Divorced
Have kids:	None
Want kids:	Definitely (More than 3)
Ethnicity:	White / Caucasian
Body type:	About average
Height:	5'8" (172cms)
Religion:	Christian / Other
Smoke:	No Way
Drink:	Social drinker, maybe one or two

In my own words

for fun:

Vintage junk, estate sales, fleamarkets, sand volleyball, tae kwon do, watch hockey, cook & BBQ, play in the sun, anything on the lake, camping, fishing, read, write, rollerblade, exercise the dog, make stuff, garden, car shows, county fairs...

my job:

I work in the auto industry. Pretty much a Man-Job, minus all the dirt and grease.

my religion:

I was baptized Greek Orthodox, but only attend for weddings, funerals and the occasional Easter service. Why wasn't THAT a choice? hehehe

favorite hot spots:

I haven't done much roaming around (I have yet to see an ocean!) but I love going Up North. Maybe I should list where I WANT to visit :) Alaska, Greece, anyplace with the pretty blue green tropical water, historical sites all over the US...

favorite things:

I love PBS. Dick Proenneke and Alone In The Wilderness. Bacardi Limon. Good fiction that can make me cry. Scary movies. Paul Newman. Slapshot & Cool Hand Luke. The MN Wild. Leine's Honey Weiss with TWO lemon wedges, haha. Fresh walleye.

last read:

Jodi Picoult: My Sister's Keeper. Made me bawl like a little girl.

About my life and what I'm looking for

WoO HoO! Finally someplace I can write a decent paragraph or six.


I'm a good girl. Pretty much. I usually spend my Sunday mornings hangin' with Mom, Dad and sis. We read the paper, have breakfast, drink coffee and shoot the sh!t. During the week I spend my days honing my sarcasm and quick wit on the people at work :o) Then I come home to a hyper black lab who needs a good session of fetch. After that? I just started a super fun tae kwon do class (I'm a NO BELT, haha) and sand volleyball at a bar nearby. Our team name is Doubleyew Tee Eff. If that makes you chuckle we'd probably get along just fine.


I have a great group of friends who keep me busy and out of trouble (what's that saying about idle hands? hehe). I'm always smiling and have embraced my dorkiness. I'm a grammar fanatic and spelling Nazi. But I'm writing this fast to maximize my three day trial - after that? I'm OUT! (so excuse any errors.) I use sarcasm probably too much, in fact I can't speak without it and I've been known to use humor when I shouldn't.


Anyways, I love the outdoors and so should you. I find myself attracted to that outdoorsy type guy; no man jewelry or highlighted hair puh-lease. I love to lay in the boat and soak up sun or read a book while you fish for our dinner :o) I could live at the cabin and hope to move up north sooner than later. I want cool nights by the fire, early mornings on the dock, afternoon naps with a light breeze...


I want that guy who is game to do things I'm interested it, just like I'd tag along to his things - just to see him smile and get enthusiastic about it. I'll go to the Boat & RV show if you go to Traders Market in Elko over Labor Day. Deal? I want a Wild game or two; dinner at neat restaurants, an air hockey partner and someone who'll walk the dog with me on a summer night. I want someone who will try my cooking (it's fantastic, honest!) and can hold his end of a conversation.


More about me? I don't have cable. I'm not a fan of 'excess'. I prefer jeans and a tee to heels and sparkly tank tops. Going downtown is 'scary', haha. I wake up with the sun. Sometimes before it. I love history. My best friend and I can sit around reading questions from a 1983 edition of Trivial Pursuit for hours. I adore big dogs and dislike cats. I actually like my job (most of the time). I want to learn how to golf. I love old stuff. I'm currently obsessed with the 1950's; the campy pictures of the housewife in heels and an apron, husband in his business suit holding a lowball, and two perfectly groomed children. Ahhh, domestic bliss. *giggles*


Is that enough for now? Do I have to use the remaining 1300 characters? lol

About me

Hair:	Blonde
Eyes:	Brown
Best Feature:	No answer
Body art:	Pierced ear(s)
Sports and exercise:	Aerobics, In-line skating, Martial arts, Walking / Hiking, Yoga, Baseball, Hockey, VolleyBall
Exercise habits:	Exercise 3-4 times per week
Daily diet:	Meat and potatoes
Interests	Book club/Discussion, Camping, Coffee and conversation, Cooking, Dining out, Fishing/Hunting, Gardening/Landscaping, Hobbies and crafts, Shopping/Antiques, Watching sports
Education:	Some college
Occupation:	Executive / Management
Income:	No answer
Languages:	English
Politics:	Conservative
Sign:	Leo
My Place:	Live alone
Pets I have:	Dogs
Pets I like:	No answer

About my date

Hair:	Any
Eyes:	Any
Height:	6'0" (182cms) to 8'0" (243cms)
Body type:	About average, Athletic and toned, Slender
Languages:	English
Ethnicity:	White / Caucasian
Faith:	Any
Education:	Any
Job:	Any
Income:	Any
Smoke:	No Way
Drink:	Social drinker, maybe one or two, Regularly
Relationships:	Any
Have kids:	none
Want kids:	Definitely, Someday
Turn-ons:	Boldness / Assertiveness, Brainiacs, Flirting, Sarcasm, Skinny dipping, Thrills, Thunderstorms
Turn-offs:	Body piercings, Long hair, Money, Power

After seeing that I actually put that I wanted more than three kids down, it's amazing that any sane men were interested.  And dating profile Nina is apparently MUCH more physically active than the real Nina.  Although I was taking tae kwon do when I wrote this.  I think I lasted through 3-4 weeks of an 8 week course.  *eyeroll*  And now that I'm pretty much poor, money isn't quite the turnoff that it once was.   *LOL*  I was (still am) pretty picky. Apparently.

I can't believe this was only three years ago.

Now for BigNStrong55435 (I still tease him about the name, to which he replies 'it worked, didn't it?')

BigNStrong55435

Want to sit around on the couch and get bored? Me Neither!!

Active within 24 hours

• 28-year-old man
• Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
• seeking women 23-29
• within 30 miles of Saint Paul, Eagan, Minnesota, United States

Relationships:	Never Married
Have kids:	None
Want kids:	Not sure
Ethnicity:	White / Caucasian
Body type:	About average
Height:	6'1" (185cms)
Religion:	No answer
Smoke:	No Way
Drink:	Social drinker, maybe one or two	In my own words for fun: I enjoy being with friends. It is rare if I refuse to try something at least once. I Michael Jordan'd my TV into the trash can a few months ago because it had remained turned off for over a year. Being outdoors is my favorite! my ethnicity: 50% swedish and the rest is a european smoothy. my education: Originally I was going to become an Air Traffic Controller, but now I am beginning to persue my lifelong dream of becoming 100% independent and open my own business. I know my limits and I intend on blowing way past them. favorite hot spots: My favorite travel destinations so far would have been Europe! My next big vacation is probably going to be to Alaska sometime next year. A month long camping trip in an Alaskan summer with a good canoe is just to tempting! favorite things: Sitting around playing video games 24/7...I'M KIDDING! Going out to eat probably tops the list. The funny thing is most great restaurants I can make their stuff better at home. I really enjoy cooking. last read: I read a couple books my neighbor published. He's an older man who has some of the most interesting stories I've ever heard. If you get to know me you'll have to meet this guy at least once. Hollywood almost made a movie about him! He's cool! About my life and what I'm looking for WHO I AM I am an entrepreneur at heart. A man who is free to control his own destiny. A free spirited person who craves excitement, a great life, and is driven to achieve. A little excitement, a little relaxation. A Work hard, play hard type of attitude is what defines me. I am a very active person and staying in shape is very important to me. During the warmer months I love spending as much time outside as possible. Whether it is running, cycling, hiking, or having late nights with my friends, I am always digging up something fun. During the winter months cross country skiing is a ton of fun, and I just took up downhill skiing which is a blast! Next year I'm going to learn how to snowboard. I am a very independent guy and I am looking for someone who shares some of my interests. I want to be with someone that is active and feels that a healthy lifestyle is key, but also likes to indulge in some ColdStone Creamery here and there. I'm the farthest thing from a couch potato. I would like someone that is comfortable in their own skin; confident, and unafraid to be themselves. The perfect woman for me would be an outgoing independent lady who loves to live life to its fullest and enjoy experiencing new things as well as having some favorite pastimes that bring happiness. I want someone who always enjoys the good side of life and can brush off the other stuff. You know, a positive person who can overcome negative stuff with relative ease. You should have a great sense of humor since I love to make people laugh and I would like to find someone who shares this same belief. Having a passion to push themselves to see how much they can achieve in life, love, and happiness is key. The reason I am looking for these qualities is because they are a direct reflection of who I am. I'm a solid guy who stands on his own. P.S. I have a great relationship with my mother. I have excellent teeth, and I wear nice shoes. About me Hair: Light brown Eyes: Hazel Best Feature: Arms Body art: Visible tattoo Sports and exercise: Cycling, Dancing, In-line skating, Other types of exercise, Racquet sports, Running, Swimming, Walking / Hiking, Weights / Machines, Baseball, Basketball, Billiards / Pool, Football, Auto racing / Motorcross, Bowling, Hockey, Skiing, VolleyBall Exercise habits: Exercise 5 or more times per week Daily diet: Keep it healthy, Meat and potatoes Interests Business networking, Camping, Cooking, Dining out, Fishing/Hunting, Hobbies and crafts, Movies/Videos, Music and concerts, Playing cards, Playing sports, Travel/Sightseeing, Watching sports Education: Some college Occupation: No answer Income: No answer Languages: English Politics: Non-conformist Sign: Scorpio My Place: Live with roommate(s) Pets I have: No answer Pets I like: Dogs About my date Hair: Any Eyes: Any Height: 5'0" (152cms) to 5'11" (180cms) Body type: About average, Athletic and toned, Curvy, Slender Languages: English Ethnicity: White / Caucasian Faith: Any Education: High school, Some college, Associates degree, Bachelors degree, Graduate degree Job: Any Income: Any Smoke: No Way Drink: Any Relationships: Any Have kids: none Want kids: Any Turn-ons: No answer Turn-offs: No answer

It's funny to compare what people write in these things to what they really mean. For example; when he says that staying in shape is important to him, what he means is that he enjoys eating massive amounts of macaroni and cheese.  Actually, his profile was probably more accurate than mine as far as athleticism goes.   He WILL ride his bike for 50 miles, for fun, without dying.  I start slowing up after 5 blocks. Downhill.

Now, what was it that caught my eye about him?  I was sitting online reading through messages that other members had written to me.  Lots of 'what's up' and other lame intros.  Tommy, on the other hand, wrote the cutest, funniest greeting and it caught my attention immediately.  

He wrote: Your order is being processed, ma'am.

(remember my headline? Is this the man catalog?)

So yah.  That's how it all started.  Nerdy. Nerdy. Nerdy true love.

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Corporate World vs. Toddler World

It's been about 6 months now since I left the daily grind and replaced it with dirty diapers and Sesame Street.  Do I miss it?   Maybe just the littlest bit.   And I mean little.  Miniscule.

I was thinking about the things that I used to manage and what I manage now.

Old Nina: Constantly multitasking (deadlines and spreadsheets and ringing phones and angry customers), putting out figurative fires, trying to make everyone happy, dealing with the attitudes, gripes and quirks of a team of 4-5 middle aged men (closed door meetings, tattlers tattling, the occasional tantrum with swear words and slammed doors).

New Nina: Constantly multitasking (get out of the street! take your finger out of your nose!  chocolate covered hands? not on the couch!), putting out literal fires (Nina, I think the fishsticks are done: the oven is smoking), trying to make everyone happy, dealing with the attitudes, gripes and quirks of a team of 1-3 toddlers and little boys (you broke my truck!  I want the OTHER cheese!  No, it's mine!  Mom. MOM. MOMMMM!!!)

So which do I prefer?   I can tell you it's much easier to soothe an upset kid than an adult.  Now, if I could have offered the guys a bottle (of booze) or cuddle them in my lap, things may have been easier.   But there are silly corporate rules about that sort of thing, thank God.   And for discipline, I could spank my kid (but haven't had to yet).   I could have spanked the guys at work too, but they would like it.  And that is for sure.  *smirk*  The kids don't really understand what a pink slip is all about, so it wouldn't even phase them.   A pink slip at work just made the surly surlier.  (ps, I haven't given any children pink slips.  LOL) Discipline definitely isn't my forte.  Glad I don't have to employ it often.

What I do miss about work is the social aspect; talking to peeps, getting out of the house, having a reason to dress nice and wear some jewelry.   It's amazing how isolated you become when your entire world revolves around a two year old and his nap time (hellooooo quiet, clean house).   I've managed to stay fairly busy and with the internet I feel plenty 'connected' to family and friends.  And blogging has opened a whole new sphere of like-minded funny people to interact with.

I also miss using my brain.   That's a poor way to explain it.  I still use my brain.  Really.  But I was good at what I did and received positive feedback often. Now I guess my feedback just comes in other forms; smiles, hugs, and watching my little boy learn new things.

Staying home has been a bit of an adjustment.   A good adjustment; for me, Jack and my husband.  I'm glad I get to stay home.   I'm certainly less stressed.   And the house certainly is cleaner.

Toddler World wins.

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Design My Landscaping. I'll pay you five hundred... cheerios.

Any landscape designers, master gardeners or green thumbs reading this?  I need some help!

Here's a pic of our place last summer when we bought her. Not a single flower or shrub on the property. Nothing.

And here she is this morning.

Not much has changed, aside from some paint, a door, potted plants and decorations.   Oh, and a brand new, almost killed my husband, roof.   The house faces East.  I have planted daylilies along the South wall of the house, and yesterday I started a shade garden along the North side, with ferns and hostas.  Hopefully everything will fill out in a year or two (it's so hard to picture what things will look like when you start with such dinky plants, haha).

North side, about 1pm yesterday after the border installed by Team Hedin but before the weed pulling:

Northside, 5pm, after BBQ'd Greek chicken kabobs, nap time, landscaping fabric, plants and mulch.   It would have been a perfect day if I had a refreshing Leini's Summer Shandy to drink.  Stupid closed liquor stores on Sunday.

yes, we still need to paint this side of the house

So what do I want help with? The front of the house. What should I plant under the windows on the right?  And what should I plant around the porch?  I want perennials, things that are easy to care for and require little to no pruning.  I have been reading about yews and other evergreen shrubs.   Have any favorites?  Or advice on what to stay away from?  Also, every gardening site says I'm a zone 4 gardener, although I wonder if I shouldn't be looking at zone 3b plants.   It actually hit 30 below here last winter.    BRRR.

PS, I ordered some dirt cheap plants off of ebay; Christmas Ferns to add to the north side. They should arrive this week.  I'm kind of scared to see what I'm actually getting. 

Over & Out Internets!

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Friends, Kindness and Karma

I think I must be the luckiest girl on the planet. Or at least the luckiest in Minnesota and certainly on the internet.  I have had a windfall of positive events over the last few years; most importantly personally (great friends, husband and kid), a little bit professionally and a tiny bit monetarily (hello WINNING). 

I usually accredit my good fortune to Lady Luck.  But maybe that's not it.   I've been thinking more along the lines of karma.  I'd like to think I have done a good deed or two in my time and I try to be a decent friend, neighbor, daughter, sister, mother and smokin' hot lover wife.  At times I feel like I fail miserably, like when my BFF Nici moved to Chicago for, oh, two years? And I never visited once.  BAD friend.  Or when Jack was born and I fell off the face of the social planet, into that vortex that new, stressed out moms go, and still haven't fully returned.

But I must be doing something right.  Because I really am blessed, lucky, good-karma-rich, whatever you want to call it..  Here is a wonderful example and it makes my heart burst with gratitude just thinking about it.   I have a friend named Sara.   We grew up on the same block and were best friends around 5th through probably 8th grade, maybe more.  We were into colored Girbaud and Guess Jeans, Z. Cavaricci, plastering our tall bangs with hairspray, and color-coordinated silk shirts. Or maybe I was just into the silk shirts (I distinctly remember wearing teal jeans and a teal button down silk shirt.  Probably matching socks, too!)  We started running in different crowds once high school started and I didn't see her again till 2006, at our 10 year reunion.  We picked up right where we left off.   Although we don't see each other often, we keep up via emails, Facebook, a wedding (hers), a baby shower (mine) and the occasional dinner.

When she heard that I was making plans for our belated honeymoon, she asked for our itinerary.   I didn't think much of it; she is a travel agent and interesting in all things travel-y.  Little did I know, she had big tricks up her sleeve.   A few days later, FedEx dropped off a package with all sorts of information about San Francisco and a very generous American Express gift card with the instructions to have a nice dinner on her and her husband.  AND THEN, when we arrived at our first hotel, we learned that Sara had upgraded us to the nicest room in the joint.   But she wasn't done yet!  There was also a gift card for a meal in the hotels pub.

Is that not completely amazing?   I was (and still am) totally blown away by her thoughtfulness.  I get all teary-eyed just thinking about it. SHE IS SO AWESOME!  What did I ever do to deserve a friend like this?  I'm not worthy! (in my best Wayne's World voice).  At first I was speechless, but now I am bubbling over with gratitude, praise and thanks (this blog is getting long, as you can see).

Sara, I am so incredibly glad to know you.  I love you, woman!

Sara's Bachelorette Party 2007

(PS, I thought for sure that I had a pic of us from junior high, maybe at Valley Fair, but I can't find it! This will have to do.)

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The Honeymoon Is Over. (literally)

Avenue of the Giants

What a crazy whirlwind 5 day stretch!  We flew out of Minneapolis early Friday morning and landed in San Francisco at 9am.   Then hopped into a rental car and hit the road. We followed Highway 101 north over two hundred some miles through the prettiest countryside I have ever seen. California lived up to it's reputation. The weather was fantastic, the vineyards are amazing, and the redwoods were awe-inspiring.  And the coast!  Mendocino was really a picturesque destination.   Kayaking along such rugged shoreline was a little more intimidating then paddling around Minnesota's lakes and streams.  San Francisco was a treat for the senses and gave Tom's wallet a beating. Helloooo eighteen dollar bloody marys!

So we had a good time. A great time.  It was the best vacation I have ever been on.

But I want to talk about California some more. Specifically, the sights and smells.  You know how people bitch and complain about stereotypes?  They shouldn't.  There is a reason that stereotypes exist.  BECAUSE THEY ARE TRUE.  Do you know how many dirty hippies we saw hitchhiking their way North? And those old-school Volkswagon vans?  Full of dread-locks and tie-dyed shirts? TONS of them.  In fact, it turned into a game.   Who can count the most hippies? hehehe  

source: http://www.susansdesign.com/vwbus.htm

And then there was the overpowering smell of marijuana plants.   We'd be driving along a chunk of highway surrounded by pristine woodlands and crystal clear streams, enjoying the view, when all of the sudden the car filled with the undeniable scent of pot.  It was so bizarre.  And it happened probably a dozen times.  Or more. I have never seen the word 'hydroponic' used in advertising as much as I did out there.  Is that codeword for grow your own grass?   Because really, with that gorgeous weather and lack of freezing winters, why can't you grow everything in the dirt? Hmm?

In Mendocino we met the typical Surfer Dude. We paid him $100 to take us kayaking.   He supplied the wetsuits and kayaks.  We met him at the beach.  He was driving a van.  And only took cash.  There were two other couples along with us - that guy must be making a killing off of tourists!  If he took out two groups a day, that's $600 of cold hard cashola.  Nice. You know he's not paying for business insurance or anything; there were no waivers to sign or release forms.  Now THAT is a good gig.

Chinatown was an experience.  One one block we were surrounded by Italian restaurants and light posts painted red, green and white.   On the next block, I couldn't read anything (because it was all written in Chinese) and the produce at the sidewalk stands was unidentifiable (to us).  It was crowded there and full of energy!  I didn't have to worry about getting separated from Tom in those throngs of people, though.  It's pretty easy to pick out your 6'1" husband in a sea of Asian people!

Where's Waldo? I mean Tom.

The hostel at Fort Mason was also an adventure.  I have never heard so many different accents in one place.   Or talked with people from so many different walks of life.  There were foreign travelers, students, people in transition (ie, homeless), seniors, and a healthy representation of the GLBT community.  Yep, I think I've was immersed in enough culture to last quite a while.

Free breakfast at the hostel!  waffles or bagel and juice, coffee, fruit.

OK, toddler nap time is coming to an end.  I have missed the internet, my blog, and most importantly, my blog friends!  ***big cyber hug peeps!***

 PS: I uploaded about 70 pics of our adventure at ArtsyNina's Facebook Page. Check them out!

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