Status Quo

I thought I had a ton of homework to do this weekend, but so far, it doesn’t seem all that bad. Part of me thinks I am almost done. I hope I am not jinxing myself in saying that… It is only Sunday. Technically another day and a half off of class, but lucky me got drawn to work Labor Day at SHP. Another lovely perk of my job. So I have spent the day trying to get as much done in the homework department as possible. I’ve had too many distractions yet I feel I’ve put a good dent in it. Two chapters read. So one blog post to write and a timeline to create. I really wanted to get some PSDs done for Jani’s site though. It’s tough out here. I am spending the day in Oxbow while Jason golfs with his family. I’m sitting poolside with the kids and other s who chose to golf so the noise level and distractions are quite high. So here I sit blogging. It is my out for a lot of stuff when I feel the need to be doing something but have no idea what to do or where to start on what I need to do. Oh, and the sunlight beating down intensely doesn’t make a good design environment either. At times, I can barely find where the cursor is on the screen. Maybe I’ll find some shade ina bit. I haven’t decided. As one of the last days of summer, I am loving the ability to soak up the rays, books, laptop and all. After all, tomorrow I’ll be chained to a desk answering phones. I haven’t checked the weather in a few days. Maybe it will storm and be not so nice tomorrow so it’s not so bad being inside.

I didn’t bring my swimsuit to this outing. Part of me is regretting that. The cool blue water of the pool gets more and more tempting as the temperature rises. I could dangle my feet in the kiddie pool, but I think that would only add to the idea of jumping into the cool waves. Two more hours to stare at it. Two more hours to finish my homework. I would love a nap.

I have to admit, I never thought I’d be sitting at a country club pool for Labor day. Or any day for that matter. I can’t imagine this life. I am usually notjudgemental, but come on, these people are loaded and it’s a status thing to be here. Or at least a member here. I’m here, but it’s certainly not by status. And I don’t think I’d want it to be. I admit. I want a nice big house that is newer, but not because it will move me up the food chain so to speak. I am thankful for this time with Jason’s family. This setting though just isn’t me. And I wish I would have more time with my husband. With school now, we will hardly see each other as it is. Yet the only thing worse than where I am sitting would be chasing a little white ball around the greens. I’ll have to settle for my day of watching rich people.

Oddities

It's weird how I'll be somewhere, like driving home, and think of something I want to write about, yet I sit down, and POOF! it's gone. For starters, I have to say I am bummed about not being at the Bison game. I had class until 6:15 tonight and didn't think there would be enough time to get to the game as Jason would have had to meet me somewhere and all that. Yeah, could have made it easily as class ended shortly after 6. Of course, traffic on campus was a nightmare.

Jason and I take a picture every day as part of our Project 365 we undertook together about six months ago. I think I take really good pictures and have even been complimented many times, but with all the stuff I have going on from day to day and working in WAAAYYY south Fargo where there is basically nothing cool to take a picture of, I struggle with subjects each day. So today I thought it would be cool to have my picture of the day of the happenings before the first Bison FB game of the year. Yep, I wasn't thinking at all and got myself stuck in traffic for about 20 minutes. But I got a picture of some tailgaters, so it was worth it.

But I still can't remember what it was I had to rant about. My rants have been pretty mellow. If only I could log on and write them as soon as they strike me. So, that's how this post got its title. How odd it is of when things strike us. Like I am pretty sure I could have a whole novel written if I could write it in my sleep. I always think of the most incredible thoughts as I drift off to sleep. Or I'll wake up at 3 am and have about four pages in my head, but it's 3 am. You really think I am going to get up and write them down? Maybe I have to start considering it... For now, it's off to the books. I am a nerd. I study the first week of classes. I don't want to be three weeks behind in two. Plus, I am listening to the Bison game so that has to count for something.

Class, Day Two

Well, on day two of classes. I decided not to go to the funeral for RJ's dad. I've been thinking of them all morning, trying to send positive energy. Des told me to get my butt to class and that they are good with lots of people around. I felt confident in not going then as I knew that is what she was more content with.

Class was good last night. I am worried it is going to bore me to tears, but I will try to make the best of it. Not too many people seem to know really what is even going on. I figured it would be a sluff class, but not that bad!!! Today I have what I think will be my tough class, along with my internship of course. I need to start working up some ideas for Jani on that this week. I wanted to do it where she could do her own additions and what not afterwards, but it needs to be all coded in php then - a language I don't know. I am still contemplating on how to proceed, but I am least want to get her some ideas of what the site itself can look like. I'm exicted to start, just don't know where.

I managed to pick up my office area this morning. I used it as scrap book central over the summer and now with the scrap book done, figured it needed to be put back in order. Scrap booking is a way messy, not really for me either. I might do one for our own wedding down the road. We shall see. My main focus now is school though so away all that went. I also listed a few more books on half.com that I forgot about that I think will do well. I've done pretty good selling what I have as is and am happy just to have sold what I have. I hope to finish cleaning upstairs - garbage out already so that's positive. Just the bathroom left and pick up our bedroom. I want the house as clean as possible before I get so caught up in school that I don't even have time to sleep. I don't know if this semester will be like that. I just keep feeling that this will be a cakewalk. I hope I am not totally wrong and it's crazy...

The Nerd in Me

As the first day of my last semester of school (will it be the last one ever?), I am pretty excited. I'll admit to being a nerd and say I am glad to be back at it. Yet, the summer did pass very quickly. I hope I can enjoy the last few weeks of nice weather even with school. Part of me thinks my schedule is a lot lighter this semester than the two past, but one never knows. I'm concerned with the one class already - will it bore me to tears? I am staying positive and saying there is always something to learn. Thankfully this semester I do not have any really long classes, one being 50 mins, the other 75. Then of course my internship. I feel like I have three jobs but will focus on the two I love now. Hopefully I can let work go.

No word back yet on my interview. Am trying to stay positive there too. Part of me doesn't want to get my hopes too high yet part of me knows I am a perfect fit for that position. They will realize that and call me back. I wrote a thank you note on Saturday, so with them seeing that first thing Monday morning, perhaps I set a good thought in motion for the week.

My thoughts remain with Des and RJ today too. Tonight is the visitation and tomorrow the funeral. As of last night, I figured it best to not go to the funeral with school I know Des wants me to focus on school. Her family will be going too so that made me feel better about staying home. If it weren't the first week of actual classes and the first time of the class tomorrow, I would have no hesitationi and be going. I know they both understand.

Oddly, I am having a really good day. It was nice to sleep in this morning (off from work as I worked the weekend, took tomorrow off as well) and did a weigh in as I have been slacking on that in skipping last week. I'll admit, I was worried I had gained after our anniversary outing. The Wii Fit certainly says I have gained, which I am not understanding. My scale today read that I am down 2.5 pounds - yea! My goal was to lose 20 by the time school started, but I am 18 so I'll gladly take that. Of course, I asked my husband out for lunch today last night, but I can eat healthy. Plus, I only ate a banana for breakfast so there were some calories saved. Now, if I can just get myself through a crazy work/school schedule through December and eat healthy at the same time...

I Hate Interviews

As my husband almost immediately picked up as one of my quirks, I speak my mind for the most part. I've gotten better at thinking and then thinking again before saying something, but somethings slip by. I had my interview today at 2. I felt really confident and the two interviewees made me pretty comfortable. They were both easy going and easy to talk to. Yet, I struggled with a few questions. I went into it thinking, I don't have to have the perfect answer, I just need to be myself. However, I always leave those things feeling like I didn't say enough or I should have elaborated on a question more or that i didn't include a very important part of a question. Always those darn what ifs. Then I had to take a "test" - I should have expected this and I should have brushed up on stuff, but I didn't. I could kick myself. I felt positive when they did ask about my school schedule, but they hadn't see that test yet. I guess its good practice if nothing else...

On a really sad note, Des called me this morning to tell me RJ's dad was killed in a car accident this morning. I just can't believe it. I am numb. And I hate being so far away from them and not able to at least be there. I know they understand. Just really frustrated about it all. I am hoping I can make the funeral but am not sure with school. We will see based on what info I get from Des on everything. For now, I can only keep them in my thoughts.

On Cloud 9!

The company I want to work for had a perfect position open up this week, and while it will be a long shot with school, I decided to apply for it and go for it! I've been waiting all week for a call back, granted, they only received my info Tuesday. Of course, today I'd forget my phone. I came home for lunch to grab it (as I needed socks anyways) but nothing. What a bummer... so I logged on to email right when I got home tonight as I am doing a photo shoot tonight for a friend's daughter's senior pics (exciting!). I wanted to see if she responded to what time I should come over. And there it sat - an email from the company saying they'd love the opportunity to interview me!!! I called immediately, and I am usually the person who prefers emails. The lady sounds awesome and set me up with an interview for tomorrow. I am so excited!!! I admit, I hate interviewing and I have a bunch of what if's going through my head, but I am so happy. Now I need to go figure out what to wear!

Wonderful Weekend!

I think I have started two drafts for posts on here, but I'm not in a mood to finish either. I'm actually in lazy mode as Jason and I returned from a weekend in the Twin Cities. While we went for an anniversary weekend and to take in a Twins game, I also got to meet my godson, Jackson! OMG, what a good baby. He is so cute already and loves to cuddle. Des and RJ got themselves a cutie! We drove down to the Cities Thursday, leaving Fargo around 1 as we both worked until noon. We stopped in Albertville for a few hours of shopping as I am slowly trying to update my wardrobe into more career looking clothes. I figure I can get away with buying tops right now as I know (hope) I'll need a smaller pant size(s) by January. After that, and being on a good schedule time wise, I managed to get us lost in downtown St. Paul. Funny thing was, we found an awesome little stop that looked over the Mississippi and skyline of St. Paul, and it was right at sunset. So we got a bunch of good pics as well as one of us in front of the skyline that a man offered to take for us. I told Jason I had it planned that way all along. LOL. We got back on track and managed to find our hotel. We splurged a bit and went with a jacuzzi suite, so after an anniversary supper at Applebee's, we ended the evening nicely with a rexlaxing soak in the jacuzzi.

Friday morning we dined on waffles and then headed to pick up Des and Jackson to take Des to her appointment as she can't drive yet. We got there a bit early so I could get a head start on hogging Jackson. After Des's appointment, we dined at The Olive Garden and then took Des and Jackson back home to get in their nap. Jason and I headed to the zoo as I had won free tickets at a MeritCare Fitness night. After the zoo, we battled Minneapolis rush hour traffic (not smart on our part) and headed back to Des and RJ's place for supper. RJ grilled up some excellent chicken, and we capped off the evening with a game of Mexican Train. Well, we didn't finish it, thanks to me being clutzy as usual and losing a domino into the cracks of the patio... It was a great night though and so nice to spend the evening together. Jason and I drove back to our hotel and I somehow ended up with a horrible migraine, which I woke up to eight hours later. Thankfully we didn't have to check out of the hotel until 12.

After checkout, we headed into the Cities for the Twins game, but had three hours to kill. We decided on lunch at The Hard Rock Cafe and then stopped at a few stores on Nicolette Mall. Thankfully I left my migraine at one of the stores for a few hours to enjoy the Twins game. And what a game it was! Jason taught me how to keep score, and the game got really exciting in the 6th inning when the Mariners tied it all up. Unfortunately, some idiot spilled pop all over me in the 7th, so we had to change seats, but I survived. The Twins pulled it out and won 7-6. After the game we got ourselves out of downtown (relatively quickly and easily, why I do better downtown is beyond me) and had supper in Clearwater. It was such a good weekend! So nice to get away, even if it was only for a few days. I still don't want to go back to work tomorrow... or step on my Wii Fit for a workout tonight.

I'm a Godmommy!

Last night as we were heading to bed, the phone rang. It was RJ letting us know that Desiree, my best friend, was in labor! Another call came in at about 6 this morning, and finally, at 8:17 am, Jackson Robert made his entrance into the world! For those of you who may not know, Des and RJ have asked me to be the little one's godmother, and I am honored to do so. Next Thursday we will be venturing down to the Cities to meet the little man, and I am sure a few photos will make it onto our site. A huge congrats to the new parents and welcome Jackson!

Getting Fit

Usually I don't play into the hype of something, especially if it comes to fitness and losing weight. The only true way to accomplish that hard feat is to work hard doing it. There are no magic pills or machines or anything else. The true magic lies in a low calorie diet and working out, plain and simple. And while it doesn't tout itself exactly as being a miracle for weight loss, there is plenty of hype surrounding the Wii Fit. And while it took almost two months, I finally got to "buy" into it last Friday.

I had had a terrible week at work and will admit that I was napping when my phone rang close to 7 pm Friday night. But a few moments later, I awoke to my husband's voice. I didn't want to get up, and I told him so. Then the magic words were spoken. Alycia, one of our good friends, had called both of our phones and left a voice mail. Five Wii Fits were sitting at Best Buy. It may same strange that someone would call us to tell us this, but it so happens Alycia lucked out several days after the Wii Fit was launched in the US and was able to purchase one. When she did, there were actually two on the shelf, but she didn't think anything of it, and only left Target with the one. I have been teasing her ever since, and just a few days before the Friday night call, she told me she promised to call if she ever saw one again.

She did offer to buy it for us, but it was a Friday night so we just headed to Best Buy for it. Well, two actually. These are a hot commodity, going for at least $160 on Ebay. When we arrived at Best Buy, there were only three left. We settled on purchasing two, Jason worried the entire time they would tell us we could buy only one. There were no questions asked though at the checkout, and a few hours later, we arrived home with our Wii Fit. One being ours, the other one we had already sold.

As for the hype and will it get me fit? Well, I've worked out every day since Friday night, logging about an hour each evening. My muscles ache, which says a lot as I have been working out religiously for over two months, and when I finish a workout, I am tired. Sweat runs down my face, and my heart rate is definitely raised. And after four workouts, well, I am down two pounds. I think that fact speaks for itself.