ARTiculate{1}

Momma Nanc' vs. Weeds

2011-06-20T09:32:00.001-05:00

Well, I still need to fully transition into the new Tumblr blog, but I have some Momma Nanc' quotes to share in the meantime...

It was Father's Day yesterday (Happy Dad's Day!), but Momma Nanc' stole the show from my Pops as we sat on the deck at our cabin overlooking the lake Sunday morning while drinking Bloody Marys. We had quite the interesting convo regarding weeds. I was flanked by my parental unit, Momma Nanc' was seated to my left and my Pops to my right. Momma Nanc' vehemently discussed her dislike of weeds, saying they were worse than mosquitoes. I disagreed since a weed isn't going to suck my blood, but I just let Momma Nanc' go off on her little rant. The best part was my Pops just responded to her in this quiet, calm, nonchalant way.

Momma Nanc': "I pulled a weed out the other day and it was the size of a shrub!"
Pops: "Yup."
Momma Nanc': "And I laid it out on the table and said, 'Dry out you piece of crap!'" (She may or may not have said 'crap'.)
Pops: "She's the only one I know who has a conversation with weeds."
Momma Nanc': "When I get to heaven that might be the first question I ask God! 'Why in the hell did you create weeds?!'"
Pops: "To test your fortitude Nancy Erickson Langseth."

Oh, bless her...AND him! I love my parents. They consistently entertain me and constantly love me. What more could I ask for?!

New Blog Location

2011-05-27T11:38:00.002-05:00

Dear Avid Blog Followers of Mine (all two of you):

I am slowly transitioning into a new blog location... www.articulate1.tumblr.com I have posted a number of quotes already and some other randomness, but plan on officially switching to Tumblr soon. I don't quite know what makes the move "official" per say, but you know...it sounded good. I also need to update my website like mad because I know you two have been eager for that.

Who are you two blog/web followers anyway? Oh, maybe there are more than two of you. And perhaps there aren't even two of you...

Well, to whom it may concern... Again, the Articulate1 blog is moving to Tumblr. So mosey on over there if you'd like and check 'er out. I thank you kindly.

Cheers!

Have your cake and eat it too...

2011-04-12T14:47:00.004-05:00

Recently I took on the delicious task of baking a Guinness Chocolate Cake from scratch. In fact, it was my first baking-a-cake-from-scratch endeavor...ever. I do enjoy baking, but don't do it particularly often because: 1) I live by myself B) Baked goods are my weakness C) Because they are my weakness, I'm not good at sharing baked goods 4) This means I eat too much if not all of the baked goods E) This then leads to guilt and potentially an extra pound or two added straight to my belly. This Guinness Chocolate Cake business is a perfect example of that, but in all honesty, I enjoyed the cake sooo freaking much that I didn't particularly care about possible weight gain due to eating a piece of cake a day for pretty much a week.

I found this uh-may-zing cake thanks to a delightful little website called Pinterest, where you can catalog a variety of things on an online pinboard. It's fantastic! One of the "curators" for a food pinboard I follow "pinned" a photo of an exquisite Guinness Chocolate Cake, which linked me to Katie Quinn Davies' recipe for it featured on Design*Sponge.

I immediately knew that I had to try to make this cake for a Sunday Night Supper my mom was hosting; these suppers entail my parents and their dear friends getting together at one another's homes to eat darn good food and drink, what I'll call, a fair amount of wine. I regularly attend them as well enjoying the laughs and stories and their lovely friendship; they're like family and my parents are blessed to have such tremendous people in their lives--as am I. Additionally, I make notes for a potential book/movie that the other children and I will one day write... But that's a whole different story!

Anywho, you can't just bring some untested dish to Sunday Night Supper. Nope, this is some serious stuff. So my mom had me bake a trial run cake. This was helpful for me because I had to make some adjustments, but it also meant that I ate an extreme amount of cake...

My first cake did taste awesome, but looked hysterical because I frosted it entirely too soon. I blame it on the fact that myself and a couple of my eager taste-testers wanted to dig in pronto...

My second attempt, served at the prestigious Sunday Night Supper, went much better. Thank goodness, or I may have never been invited again! Phew.

This cake is a definite must try. Again, I had to make some adjustments to Katie Quinn Davies' original recipe. The biggest change is due to the fact that I could not find the called for Dutch process cocoa anywhere where I live, so thanks to the powers of Google I was able to find a substitute using unsweetened natural cocoa and baking powder.

Baking is a science, afterall, and since the recipe uses baking soda you have to add the baking powder to the unsweetened natural cocoa because, unlike Dutch process cocoa, it has not been treated with an alkali to neutralize its natural acidity. Yeah...it's over my head too. Anywho, this substitute called for math skillz that I'm not so sure I possess, but I think I must have worked it all out okay because the cake turned out fantastic! (Seriously, multiplying fractions and stuff... Cripes, I sweat merely thinking about it.)

Perhaps because of the change in cocoa, I found that I needed more liquid to melt down the cocoa... "More liquid" means "more beer". Hooray! For those of you who may fear that the beer will overpower the cake you can add some water instead. (I did this my first time around because I had already drank the rest of my Guinness... Oops.) However, I thought the additional Guinness was just fine, thank you very much; it makes the cake super moist. Aside from that, I added vanilla to the cream when whipping it (whip it real good) because I la-la-love vanilla and to the frosting itself I added caramel Bailey's Irish Cream. My thoughts are, the more booze the better...when it comes to baking. (Please remember to drink responsibly, folks.)

So see my revised recipe below (click on it to enlarge) and enjoy the goodness of this cake. I recommend a milk chaser! Cheers!

The Name Game

2011-04-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

I love America. Truly. How could I not? It's my homeland. It's the land of the free and the home of the brave. It's full of loving, brilliant, humble, hardworking, capable people. That said, it has its flaws and Americans are far from perfect. Just as there are good people roaming from the Lakes of Minnesota to the Hills of Tennessee, there are also bad people doing bad things. Simply put.

And then there are people who are completely mind blowing... Perhaps they aren't bad and they aren't doing bad. No, maybe they're just naive or for whatever reason have a skewed view on life or are spoiled. Yeah, spoiled. It seems to me that reality television is a flaw America loves and that particular flaw showcases some pretty ridiculously spoiled folks.

I'm not gonna lie, I do watch some reality TV shows from time to time. Usually with my mouth gaping and my brow furrowed in disbelief. It is a darn good thing that I only have about twenty channels of cable, otherwise I would likely be sucked into this faux real world depicted on TV. I loved The Osbournes, Made, Little People Big World, and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. I love Project Runway, My Life on the D-List, and The Deadliest Catch. (Are some of these shows still running? I don't even know, aside from Deadliest Catch.) But c'mon... The Real Housewives franchise? Sister Wives? Jersey Shore?! And the equally perplexing Teen Mom?!

One such reality show that I am at this very moment sucked into, despite my better judgment, is Bravo's Pregnant in Heels. I've never seen this show before and don't plan on watching it again, but I am sitting here dumbfounded by a pregnant couple, who are already parents of two girls, as they try to decide on a name for their unborn son. They have hired a maternity concierge (say what?!) to help them in the naming process, which includes having a focus group and think tank to discuss potential baby names.

Are you freakin' kidding me? You need to bring together a language specialist, poet, business exec, and a bunch of other random people/supposed specialists you don't even know to help you name your own child? Seriously?! And how much money did you pay them?

Yup, there's some'n wrong...some'n wrong 'dat, America.

For the love of Pete, here's how you name a baby:

Talk to your husband or wife.
Choose a name.
The end.

Okay, okay, I realize it may be more complicated than that. But honestly, when it comes down to it don't you just have to talk with one another? I mean, you can refer to a book of baby names if necessary or chat with family and friends, but ultimately the decision should be yours because, after all, the baby is yours. And unless you're trying to name your child, oh I don't know, Hitler or Bertha or Branch people should just keep their opinions to their selves. Wait, I'll add to that Hamilton Charles because had I been a boy that would have been my name, after a great uncle. Here's the deal, I am one hundred percent positive that I would have been nicknamed Ham Chuck the Fat Kid. Seriously. That, dear friends, would have been an appropriate name for my parents' family and friends to help them reconsider. Just sayin'...

Hiring a group of strangers to tell you the pros and cons of the name Tucker seems silly. Especially when in the end this particular couple chose a name no one seemed to like but them. Bowen Asher. I mean, it's not a name I'd choose, but again, he's not my son so they should care less about my opinion.

Should this couple have another child down the road I will offer my services to them. Yes indeed, they can pay me a large sum of money and I will help them name their baby using a method my grandma's family utilized to name her. My grandma, an afterthought, was named Carol Shirley after each member of the family put their favorite names in a hat and then drew out her first name followed by her middle name. She always said her name didn't have a ring to it, but the "hat" had spoken and that was that.

Family stories like that, well, I think they are what is right with America.

Quoted

2011-03-29T14:08:00.005-05:00

I saw this amazing quote today and had to share it...

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."

-Henry Havelock Ellis-

The former quote is quite amazing in its own right and is the reason why I started reading The Secret Life of Bees, which thus far is a such a beautiful read. It's poetic and raw and moving. I loved the movie and the book is proving to be even better--as is typically the case. Anyway, here is a quote pulled from The Secret Life of Bees:

"It's something everybody wants--for someone to see the hurt done to them and set it down like it matters."

-Sue Monk Kidd-

I wish I could apparate really, really, REALLY BAD!

2011-03-24T12:04:00.001-05:00

If I could have one magic ability I would totally want to be able to apparate. My fellow Harry Potter fans know what I'm talking about. For you out of the loop muggles... Well, I lost you again didn't I?

Okay, for those of you who are (for some odd reason) unaware of apparition in the Harry Potter sense of the word, perhaps you've heard of teleportation? Essentially it's the ability to be in one place one second and then magically appear in another place an instant later. Pretty cool, right? I mean, even if you don't, again, for some odd reason, like the magical world of Harry Potter you have got to the love the concept of apparition! (And if you don't... We're done here. Seriously. We're done.)

Think about it! Think about the possibilities! If I could apparate I would have no problem whatsoever living in the NoDak if I could pop to NYC or the Twin Cities or London or Italy or wherever whenever the heck I wanted. Or say, I don't know, we have an unlikely HUGE snowstorm at the end of March. No worries! I'll just make my way to Hawaii in a jiffy, thank you very much, without the hassle of booking a flight and airport security and having to sit in teeny tiny, uncomfortable seats for hours. Holla!

The practicality of that magical ability would be grand as well... Overslept and are late for work? Boom, you're there! At work and need a breather because of some jerk? Boom, you're in the middle of an enchanting forest, gazing at the beauty of the sun's rays as they filter in through the branches, with sounds of a nearby creek gurgling and birds chirping, and--wouldn't you know--a butterfly is fluttering on your shoulder. Sooo peaceful. Sigh.

Have a shopping cart overloaded with a ginormous amount of groceries? No need to push that cart out to your vehicle, transfer the groceries into your vehicle, and then find a cart corral. (You find a cart corral, right? Right?!) No need to load up your arms with twenty bags of groceries, slip on a patch of ice and almost fall on your bum, which would then mean there is no need to curse. (Who makes two trips of hauling groceries?) Nope, if you could apparate all you would have to do is have the bags in hand and in a mere instant you're standing in your kitchen with a twinkle in your eye, a shiny bright smile on your face, and no nagging twinging pain in your lower back from slipping on a patch of ice and almost falling on your bum.

And just think of the money you'd save not needing a vehicle! Oh, and apparating is totally environmentally friendly! BONUS!

But here is why I wish I could apparate really, really, really bad... I would never. ever. have to use. a public restroom. ever. again. Ever. Hot damn, as my Grandmama would say. I could just snap on home and use my own bathroom! I truly think this would reduce my stress level in a magnificent way. Especially considering the public restroom I am cruelly forced to use at work.

Now I know everybody poops. A kids' book was even written about that very fact. So yeah, I know everybody poops. No judging here. It's fact of life and good for your health. But, without getting into too much detail, I seriously question the crap some people must eat... (Yup, pun intended. I can just hear my mom saying, "Ann Ma-rie!" Sorry Momma Nanc'.) Besides the bodily function aspect of hating public restrooms, I also am blown away by people's actions or inactions.

At my workplace there are actually two public restrooms for women. I recently used the one located in the upper level of our building for the first time, as opposed to the one I normally use just down the corridor from our office space on the main floor. I got a good chuckle in that upper level women's restroom when I read a sign that said something along the lines of 'please flush the toilet when you are done using it'. Really? I mean, really? People don't flush when they're done? Wow. I guess they don't though, or at least upstairs they weren't because that sign had to be posted for some silly and slightly horrific reason. Can I say wow one more time? Yeah...wow.

In the restroom I typically frequent I would like to post a few signs. The first would be, "NO MEN" because apparently the little plastic sign on the door that reads "WOMEN" means nothing to the dudes who work in our building. I guess we have to reiterate that. Another sign being, "Please courtesy flush when needed". Umm... I don't think I'll say much more about that. The third sign would say, "Please do not be a lazy diva (I say diva because men shouldn't be using this women's restroom) who cannot take two seconds out of her busy day to put a new roll of toilet paper on the toilet paper holder. Thank you."

You see, nothing irritates me quite like an empty toilet paper roll hanging from a holder. That is, however, aside from an empty toilet paper roll with a full roll of toilet paper placed by it, but not on it. In this particular public restroom there is a little shelf hanging on the wall stocked with roll upon roll of toilet paper. It's within arm's reach and just a few feet, if that, away from the toilet paper holder itself. So it is beyond me when someone will use the last scraps of TP and then instead of quickly replacing the empty roll will just grab a new roll and put it on the back of the toilet tank, or lean it against the wall on the toilet paper holder.

Seriously? You did nothing for me. Are you incapable of fulfilling that simple task? Seriously? If so, you've got some follow-through issues that you may want to seek psychiatric help for. I mean it.

Point in case... This morning I entered the public restroom and immediately blurted, "Are you freakin' kidding me?!" This then prompted me to book it back to my office in order to grab my cell phone, which disturbed my co-workers I should add, and hustle back to the restroom. Why? Why did I say such a thing? And why did I take my cell phone with me to the restroom? I'll tell you why (and you knew I would)... Because, dear friends, when I entered the restroom there dangling from the TP holder was an empty roll. Conveniently located on the floor, I repeat, on. the. floor was a new, full roll of toilet paper. Now I don't care that the TP had a thin wrapping shielding it from the dirt and germs of the floor. Wrapping or no wrapping, do not ev-ver put TP on a public restroom floor!

And just so you believe me...

Remember that one older gentleman from American Idol a couple of years ago that sang his original song "Pants on the Ground"? Well, I'm gonna make it big singing this... "TP on the floo'! TP on the floo'! Actin' like fool puttin' TP on the floo'!"

See? Do you see why for this reason alone being able to magically apparate would be beneficial?! The military already has an invisibility cloak of sorts. (True story.) If they could get working on apparition/teleportation I'd be most appreciative aaannnnddddd far more sane.

Here ends my rant.

Ephphatha

2011-03-22T09:09:00.002-05:00

"Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, 'Ephphatha,' that is, 'Be opened.'" -Mark 7:34-

This Mess

2011-03-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

Countless questions,
thoughts,
sighs,
prayers,
hopes,
doubts,
dreams,
fears,
beliefs,
memories,
visions,
emotions
explosively collide in my head.
Whew, some storm.
Perhaps explaining the headache I suffer from?
(Another question.)
This mess intermingles, intertwines, and tangles itself together so passionately
then rips itself apart like a violent breakup of lovers,
leaving me dazed and seeing colorful star bursts.
Oh, I feel this destruction swelling within…
My veins, pressured by a river of adrenaline, fatten.
My heart, no longer willing to keep a steady rhythm, beats intensely.
Erratically even.
I struggle to catch my breath because apparently I’m chasing it
though I’m standing still—and this pose takes a colossal effort.
And then the tears come.
They may fall from my eyes, but they come from everywhere.
Everywhere.
They’re angry tears fueled by confusion.
They’re tears of sadness that should have been shed long ago.
The tears come suddenly, but I remember to stop them.
Bottle them up then empty them into the deep ocean within me,
which I think once upon a time was a mere pond.
There’s a voice that says to let the tears flow,
but the potential damage of the flood is...is...too much.
It’s too damn much.
And so I, in an undignified manner, wipe my eyes and clear my throat.
(I never did cry pretty.)
And so I stand a little straighter.
And so I breathe a little deeper.
And so I shake my head and everything in it.
And so I move on, having settled nothing.
But moving feels good.
So, so, so good.
And at least if I’m moving
this mess has to work to keep up.
If I’m moving I’m alive,
it means I’m alive.
Amen,
I’m alive.

Quoted

2011-03-14T12:45:00.001-05:00

New quote! New quote! I'm thinking I need to read The Secret Life of Bees pronto because it is chalk full of goodness based on the various quotes I've read that come from it. So here is one that hits you in the gut with truth and a vast deepness...

"It's something everybody wants--for someone to see the hurt done to them and set it down like it matters." -Sue Monk Kidd-

I loved the former "Quoted" quote so much that I doodled it and placed it front and center on my desk...

Rejoice!

2011-02-21T10:14:00.002-06:00

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." -Philippians 4:4-8-

Oh Momma Nanc'

2011-02-17T15:08:00.000-06:00

Dear World:

Pay attention because I'm going to officially introduce you to my delightful, hysterical, random, intelligent, silly, witty, and completely lovely Nutter Butter of a Mutter... My mom. My mum. Mi madre. My mother. My mommy. (Drum roll please...) Momma Nanc'. (DA NA NA!)

I've been joyfully writing about her on my Facebook page for quite some time now because, quite simply, she provides me with so much great material. It's hard to keep up with her, really. Her advice is funny and poignant. Her comments candid. Her stories are long and rambling and animated, just like mine. Her shenanigans truly unique. She is a one-of-a-kind, ladies and gentleman, and all together a keeper. But my Facebook status updates no longer do her justice because she is deserving of a wider audience, as opposed to merely my FB BFF's. And truly, a wider audience is deserving of her! I can't keep her all to myself anymore. So I appeal to you, World, and am dedicating a blog label solely to dear, sweet Momma Nanc'. That's right, she gets her very own blog label and I'm sure she is positively thrilled at the prospect of it.

So, without further ado, let's share a story about the now infamous Momma Nanc'...

I have the great pleasure of working with my parents. Clarification: I work for my pops and with my momma, who comes in the afternoons three days a week; I believe her primary job duty is to keep the office entertained and she certainly fulfills that criteria...to say the least.

On this insanely snowy day, I made a coffee run and returned to the office to deliver caffeinated goodness to my boss who was chatting with my mom. My mom said hi to me like nothing was out of the ordinary and I just stared at her with a big grin on my face suppressing a giggle because of a rather large wet spot on her pretty purple argyle sweater. She had spilled coffee, dagnabbit. And to be fair, her spilling isn't out of the ordinary so that would perhaps explain why she was staring at me like nothing was out of the ordinary. Follow? Anywho, she missed a spot of coffee that I pointed out and then went to the sink to wet down her sweater some more and all of a sudden I hear...

"Oh! Oh! What's going on?!"

Somehow she had water cascading down her front all the way to her teeny tiny feet. This is perplexing because the sink is deep and it's just a standard faucet... I don't know how she manages to do half the things she does, God bless her.

My boss helped her out, proclaiming, "Momma Nanc', we can't take you anywhere!" But we are planning on taking her to a local Variety Show tonight and so she'll have to change prior to the performance, which saddened me (I'm being a bit, just a bit dramatic) because I am wearing a purple turtle neck and I jokingly exclaimed, "Aww! Now we won't match!" To which she enthusiastically replied with, "Oh, I'm wearing purple! I'll wear my purple turtle neck!"

Yesss! Now we'll really match.

Well, there you have it folks... Momma Nanc' is da bomb (like tick, tick). Clearly. Be on the lookout for more Momma Nanc' stories. I plan on posting some classics previously shared on my Facebook page and I think I can even find an old blog post where my mom called me and subsequently made my tata's jingle (my own fault) while I was in the middle of an appointment... Yeeeaaaahhhh... That happened.

Cheers!

Crazy Dog Lady Has a Christmas Photo Shoot

2011-01-28T14:40:00.000-06:00

Even though I'm just a single crazy dog lady, I still enjoy sending out a Christmas card and I take it very seriously... By seriously I mean I seriously hope to capture a cliche picture of myself with my two dogs and send it out with a big ol' smile. Last year, for example, we all wore Santa attire and it was glorious. Next year I'm thinking we'll need to sport matching ugly sweaters, but we've got time to prepare for that... However, this year we dressed our best and had a photo shoot with two of my dear friends (the pictures seen here were taken by the lovely Julie Mohl). Whiskey Jack wore a necktie, Gertie Sue her pretty pink tutu, and I (being the less stylish of the three) sported a sweater dress.

All puffed up. The dogs, that is.

Fluffing Gertie's ginormous tutu.

She is such a ham for the camera! I love it.

Whiskey could totally care less. He'd much rather be running all over the place!

Gert' is a solid 40 pounds, so I really had to lean to balance out her girlish figure...

We even took some photos of me sans the dogs,

which was a bit unnerving because I'd rather take pics than be in them.

However, they did get one "model" pose out of me before I felt super silly and awkward.

Merry Christmas 2010

My All-Time Favorite Christmas Card

2011-01-20T17:30:00.001-06:00

Christmas came and went in a blur, as it usually does for adults. I had fun creating my parents 2010 Christmas Card, which features an incredibly attractive (hopefully you smell sarcasm there) picture of my brother, myself, and my sister-in-law on the Stratosphere's Big Shot ride. This picture makes me laugh and laugh hard every...single...time. Seriously, if you're ever depressed or upset or in need of a good belly chuckle pop on over here and take in this beauty...
My brother, Nick, looks constipated and his lovely wife, Casey, looks like she has been drinking non-stop for three straight days. Sandwiched between this beautiful couple is me with a gaping hole for a mouth. I think a softball would fit in there with no problem!

I thought the Christmas card would be perfect with just this image and much funnier, but my momma disagreed and wanted "nice" pics of us all as well. So I appeased her with the inside of the card...

So here's hoping that this card just made your day a little merrier and that you did indeed have a very Merry Christmas, as well as an incredibly Happy New Year!

Cheers!

I suggest...

2011-01-20T16:30:00.001-06:00

I SUGGEST playing like a kid. Oh, but no video games! Go swinging. Slide down all kinds of slides. Play tag. Jump rope. Ride a bike, or better yet...a scooter! Go sledding. Turn empty boxes into glorious forts. Run around barefoot. The possibilities are endless and we, I'm talking about us big kids, do not have to be so darn serious... I recently read that toddlers laugh approximately 400 awesome times a day, but the average adult only manages a chuckle 15 times a day. That is so totally unacceptable. The world is wondrous and magical and hysterical. So what are you waiting for?! Get out there, have some fun, and laugh until you cry!

The previous "I Suggest" is noted below and I still wholeheartedly suggest you do it!

I SUGGEST redefining freedom, which has been defined as "the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints". What about internally imposed restraints? Liberate yourself from yourself. Let go of all that holds you back, release your fears. Leap.

Quoted

2011-01-20T12:03:00.000-06:00

New year. New quote. (Just a bit late.)

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" -Mary Oliver-

And the previous quote...

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." -Scott Adams-

Say what?!

2011-01-13T16:55:00.001-06:00

Are you freaking kidding me?! I haven't posted a blessed thing since July! JULY?! Holy Hector... Where has the time gone? Yeah, I better get on it... Truth is, I really need to invest in an internet connection at home. That might help.

Until then... I hope you are swell, that you enjoyed a magical holiday season, and that you have had a tremendous start to 2011! And I'll leave you with a quote from my Good Earth tea bag "handle"...

"Our patience will achieve more than our force." -Edmund Burke-

Peace to you. (Whoever you are...)

Quoted

2010-07-28T11:53:00.000-05:00

We've got ourselves a new quote thanks to a Facebook posting from To Write Love On Her Arms. Here we go now...

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." -Scott Adams-

And the former quote was...

"And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time." -Libba Bray-

Yeah, I love quotes. Can ya tell?

Honey Bunnies!

2010-06-29T00:52:00.000-05:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to capture some lil' honey bunnies in downtown Minot! I graduated high school and played basketball with the lovely mom of the future heart breaker, Mr. Kameron. His ridiculously cute cousins were also fantastic models. It took Ophelia a while to wake up, but her expressive face was priceless. Little Miss Clementine was in her own world and could have cared less that this strange lady with a big camera was following her around non-stop. And then there were was wee Sammuel, the newest cuddle bug in their family. We had a wonderful afternoon exploring and filling up my memory card with the four kids, two moms, and one of the sweetest/most bad ass grandmas you will ever meet...

Kam

Clem

Sammy

A Simple Observation

2010-06-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

I have found that the more at home I feel within myself, within my own body the more at home I feel spiritually and emotionally. And, well, the more at home I feel with where I physically am.

I lost my bulldog! Well, kinda…

2010-06-08T08:14:00.002-05:00

Last night following my kickboxing class a fellow UBC’er asked me how much my total weight loss was in twenty weeks. When I informed her that I had lost forty-two pounds it dawned on me… Holy Hector! I’ve lost my bulldog!

Before you panic, my darling Gertie Sue is safe and sound. I never actually lost my bulldog you see, but my weight loss is the equivalent to her body weight! For giggles I took some pictures of me holding her. (Please forgive my fashionable look…I was getting ready for bed when these were taken.)

In the first photo I’m clutching her to my chest and belly because those are the areas where my fat goes to first. I have no booty, sadly, and so it's no wonder I could stay upright forty-two pounds ago! My front side was so overloaded with weight you’d think I would have fallen forward nonstop, especially since—in spite of what my first name means—I’m not the most graceful lady you’ll ever meet…

Me with the lovely Gertie Sue

If I lose another twelve pounds, I’ll have lost my wienerdog too! But I don’t think I can manage to hold both my dogs up to my chest for a picture. We shall see…

The handsome Whiskey Jack

In other news, I had a wonderful weekend! It was kicked off bright and early on Saturday morning with my first ATA Fit BootCamp class in Oak Park. Talk about a fun form of torture! It was awesome sweating up a storm on an absolutely beautiful day. Sunday morning I again woke up at the crack of dawn (or a few hours later) and enjoyed a delightful breakfast with an old friend—one of my best friends made a rather impromptu trip to visit family and little’ ol’ me. Then I ended another beautiful day by sipping drinks and eating dinner with new friends… We had an awards dinner on Sunday evening to celebrate the success of all of the ATA UBC graduates. It was fun seeing everyone outside of the gym and out of their work out clothes. We all have much to proud of! I can’t quite remember the statistics, but I believe that combined in ten weeks we lost around 125 pounds (that’s like a person!) and we reduced our body fat by about 45% (say what?!). Needless to say, everyone looks fantastic and it was a lovely way to end a wonderful journey, as well as a wonderful weekend.

Myself and a dear old friend - Marie

Some of my new friends - my UBC life changers!

(L to R: Tina, Kelli, Joni, Dawn and her cutie pie daughter, Rose, Michelle)

Quoted

2010-06-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

Here's a new quote for you... "And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time." -Libba Bray-

The previous quote posted was: “Your faith will perform miracles, especially when you get your hands and feet involved.” -Gordon B. Hinckley-

Goooood stuff, right?

A Wonderful Journey

2010-05-29T13:57:00.003-05:00

Well, the second round of my Ultimate Bodyshaping Course concluded today with fantastic results. I can truly say that I no longer dread what my body is not capable of. Rather, I am proud of what it is capable of and I welcome the challenge to push myself beyond that. I am looking forward to continue building on the foundation UBC has helped me to establish because there is more work to do!

But for now...for now, I'm going to toot my own horn because I am proud of what I accomplished! In twenty weeks I increased the number of push ups I can do on my toes in one minute by thirty and my minute sit ups by twenty-six. I shaved two minutes and twelve seconds off of my mile and a half run (this was accomplished in a ten week long time frame). Let me tell you, I am really proud of that because I used to hate running. Now I rather like it... My body fat has been reduced by 7.6%, my tummy has shrunk 8 1/4 inches, and I've dropped forty-two pounds. And I've got some toned muscles--watch out now! I'm the lightest I've been in at least a handful of years and the strongest I've ever been. Suffice it to say, I am in the best shape of my life and am working hard to further this success. Best of all, I've received support from so many generous people who have helped my Strong Body/Joyful Heart project raise $1,110 to benefit the Joyful Heart Foundation!

What a wonderful journey this has been! I feel remarkable inside and out and I'm eager for more progress. Next up for me is an ATAFit BootCamp for the month of June. It has a similar fitness routine to UBC, but on Saturdays we'll take our workout to the great outdoors at various locations: parks, playgrounds, extremely long flights of stairs... I don't quite know what I am in store for, but I am excited to get my butt kicked!

Thank you for your support and encouragement!

Week 19 of My Fitness Journey

2010-05-19T22:19:00.003-05:00

Hello! Hello! I'm in the middle of week nineteen of my Ultimate Bodyshaping Course fitness journey. The second ten week long round of UBC ends next Saturday and I truly cannot believe it. Time has flown by so darn fast and it's been such a great experience for me.

Working out at ATA in Minot, ND through the UBC has become the highlight of my day. I truly love that there are people there who care whether or not you show up to workout and that you work hard. They see more in me than I do sometimes and that builds my confidence. Each day I'm excited to learn what I am capable of and push through doubts and hesitations. Seeing my body change and feeling my heart change... My goodness, it's been uplifting. I feel like for a long time I was lost in myself, but now I'm finding myself again.

It will be weird when UBC comes to a conclusion and I won't have my guidebook to fill out... But I have no intentions of stopping. I made a commitment to myself nineteen and a half weeks ago. I began this fitness endeavor with the mindset that it was a life change, not just a change for the time being. This truly is a journey that I will be on the rest of my life and I'm excited about that.

On another note, I'm pleased to say that Strong Body/Joyful Heart--the fundraising project I created to coincide with UBC and benefit the Joyful Heart Foundation--has currently raised $870. We're oh so close to my $1000 goal! I really hope to meet that goal in addition to my personal goals. Annnddddd...I think we can do it!

My Four Legged Nephew

2010-05-15T23:31:00.002-05:00

My adorable four legged nephew, Butkus, is sick. The sweet boy has cancer and our days with him are sadly numbered. He was my homey when I lived with my brother--making my days much happier. I'm telling you, you haven't lived until you've spooned a 125 pound dog... Mmmhmm, that's right. But now Butkus has shed weight so he's just a little guy--for a French Mastiff anyway.

Back in April my brother, sister-in-law, and Butkus visited my parents and I. That meant that I got to have Butkus all to myself since Nick and Casey stayed at my parents' house; my parents have a French Mastiff of their own, so Butkus stayed with my dogs and me. I think he had a really great time with Gertie and Whiskey. He's been in love with Gertie since day one, but he actually didn't try to hump her this time. This was a nice change, but also sad because it's just one more indicator that he's not his usual self.

Sigh. It's going to be so hard to say good bye... He's such a good dog! Oh how I love him. All we can do is be thankful for our time with him and cherish the time that remains AND give him all the treats he wants!

Classic Butkus

New Toy

2010-05-15T22:39:00.001-05:00

Hello! Hello! I have a new toy that I want to share with you... Actually I've had this toy for over a month now, but still it's new. :) I am the proud Momma of a Nikon D90. Woot! Woot! This my first DSLR and she is a beaut'. It's crazy to think that less than a year ago I purchased my first camera since I was a senior in high school, which was eight years ago. So there I was for years without a digital point and shoot camera, borrowing my parents and friends when I could and then resorting to my camera phone. And now I have what I affectionately call my "paparazzi camera" and am rounding up volunteer models and preparing for shooting a wedding in September! Photography is captivating me and I hope to develop my skillz (yup, skills with a 'z') more and more. Back in April I attended a photography workshop hosted by the amazing Shawna Noel Photography in Grand Forks, ND. It was a wonderful learning experience and a lovely day! Here are some of my favorites from the workshop called SNAP SHOP.

The Shawna Noel and Michael

Jenna

Clarke

Brooke of Just Add Water provided some absolutely beautiful tulip arrangments

Minot Daily News Article Regarding Strong Body/Joyful Heart

2010-05-02T14:52:00.003-05:00

Losing weight for a cause: Minot woman works out to raise money for charity
Article and photos by Katina Tengesdal - Minot Daily News Staff Writer
(posted 20 April 2010)

Annie Langseth has a unique mission. She’s combining her personal weight loss goals with fundraising for a charity called the Joyful Heart Foundation.

“I was at my all time heaviest weight and I wanted to get healthy again. I had a membership to a gym but I wasn’t pushing myself to make it there every day,” Langseth said.

Along with a friend, Langseth joined a 10-week fitness course, the Ultimate Body Shaping Course at ATA Blackbelt Academy in Minot. As the pounds and inches began to come off, Langseth decided she should add to the benefits by helping others as well.

“One night, after being very sore from class, I thought I should be sore for a very good reason other than just myself,” Langseth said.

Langseth came up with the idea to fundraise for the Joyful Heart Foundation, established by actress and activist Mariska Hargitay. Langseth became familiar with the foundation in college and raised money for it then. She also had the opportunity to meet Hargitay and she was further inspired.
After college, Langseth continued to raise funds for the foundation in various ways, including hosting an art auction in Minot last spring.

The Joyful Heart Foundation assists survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Langseth’s goal this year was to raise $500 for the foundation, by donating according to her inches and pounds of weight lost and through individuals supporting her efforts.

To date, Langseth has lost 18 pounds and nearly four inches in her belly, and she has pledged to double that amount and donate $43.50 to Joyful Heart in addition to the $200 she has already raised. She will continue her fundraising efforts as she gears up to begin another 10-week UBC course.

“When I’m tired, I’ll chant to myself, Strong Body, Joyful Heart. It’s a reminder for me to try and crank out a few more pushups or situps,” Langseth said.

For more information or to support Langseth in her endeavor, visit her Web site at (www.articulate1.com).

My Babies: Whiskey Jack & Gertie Sue

2010-04-20T23:13:00.003-05:00

Strong Body/Joyful Heart Update

2010-03-24T22:36:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday I wrapped up my first 10 week long Ultimate Bodyshaping Course with wonderful results... I lost 23.4 pounds, 4 inches in my belly, and 3% body fat. I also pretty much tripled the amount of push ups and sit ups I can do in one minute. Holla! It's been a really great experience and I have enjoyed seeing my body change for the better. I mean, I've got some muscles now. Some defined muscles. Well... They still need work, but they're there! I've also enjoyed seeing my confidence in myself grow. I haven't felt this good about myself inside and out in a long, long while.

The cherry on top is that I was able to--with the help of some very generous people--meet my $500 fundraising goal. Every penny of that will benefit Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation and its efforts to heal, educate, and empower survivors of violence and abuse. I hope to raise another $500 by the end of my second UBC course, so if you could help spread the word that would be oh so lovely.

Last Friday a reporter from my local newspaper photographed me working out for a feature story they will hopefully be running this week regarding Strong Body/Joyful Heart. I'm pretty sure the picture(s) are going to be something...special... It was weird being the subject of photos because I've become accustomed to taking them! And then to be "paparazzied" while I'm sweating and punching and kicking... Let me reference my Norwegian heritage here and say: uff da! I tried holding a round kick for a pic, but I don't know how solid my form was. Cripes, we shall see...

The important thing is just spreading the word about SB/JH and hopefully inspiring people to make a needed change in their own lives. Maybe that change will be getting healthy physically. Or maybe that change will be getting healthy emotionally. Maybe both. I really hope that overweight people will shed their shame in order to shed some weight. And if someone stumbles upon my Strong Body/Joyful Heart project and has been carrying a burden caused by sexual or domestic violence, I hope that he or she will come to realize that they are not alone and that there are people who want to help. I hope that these survivors will shed their shame--a shame that truly doesn't belong to them--as well and reach out for the help they deserve.

I'm so grateful for what UBC has done for me and that I have been able to use it as an opportunity to help others. So here's to round 2 of UBC and the difference we can continue to make by supporting Joyful Heart Foundation! Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me!

P.S. I'll post a link to the newspaper article as soon as I can...

These Roads

2010-03-15T22:44:00.001-05:00

These roads are all wet

in this drizzling rain

on this dark, dark evening

and, as such,

appear to be metallic.

The lights of this town

filter through the raindrops,

which smudge the black night,

and hit the pavement reflecting light

in such a beautiful, textured way.

There’s depth to these roads now

and romance

for they seem new and exciting somehow.

These roads are different,

like they’re streets in a large city

as opposed to being

the same damn small town roads

I travel on each day.

These roads are magic

in the rain on this night.

They’re city streets.

And I see them taking me

on an adventure of sorts—

nothing grand, mind you,

but an adventure nonetheless.

Some place foreign to me

where I can get lost.

But these streets are just roads

and these roads

only take me home.

Strong Body/Joyful Heart

2010-03-10T21:22:00.003-06:00

A few blog posts ago (13 February 2010) I shared with you a fundraising/fitness endeavor of mine called "Strong Body/Joyful Heart" that entails me working my tush off (quite literally) to raise money for the Joyful Heart Foundation. I've had every intention to blog frequently throughout this little journey, but since this is only my second blog post I have failed to meet that goal. That said, I have been successful in reaching some much more important goals...

First of all, I continue to experience tremendous success on a fitness level. My strength improves each and every week and I'm fitting into clothes much, much better. (Holla!) I don't think I will see an eighteen pound weight loss at my final fitness evaluation, which is March 22nd, like I did at my five week fitness evaluation. But I am confident that my body is tightening up and that I'll be able to meet my goals for push ups, sit ups, and a mile and a half run. Time will tell...very soon! I can't believe this ten week course is almost up, but another goal of mine is to continue working hard to get healthier. In order to accomplish that goal, I have signed up for another ten week long UBC session at ATA.

As for the fundraising aspect of SB/JH, I'm chugging along. My goal is to raise a minimum of $500 by the end of my first UBC session. Currently, with the help of so many generous individuals, I've raised $393.50. This does mean that I have my work cut out for me in these remaining days of my course, but I'm confident that this goal will be accomplished.

Strong Body/Joyful Heart has been a wonderful project for me and has been just what I needed in many ways. I look forward to seeing my progress on March 22nd and into the next ten week session of UBC. Thank you all for your support!

Time

2010-03-07T23:19:00.000-06:00

There's never any time.
Or maybe there is.
Maybe there is plenty of time.
Maybe I just let it slip through my fingers.

So how do I hold on to it?

Back to Peace

2010-02-28T14:53:00.001-06:00

Last night, or I guess very early this morning, I was sorting through old journals and the different loose leaf inserts stuffed in them. It was fun finding thoughts and ideas that haven't been developed just yet. Oh if I had all the time in the world I would really enjoy spending my days writing and painting and dreaming and doodling and thinking and praying...

Anywho, I also found an old poem/song thingy that I wrote back in October of 2006. I thought I'd share it with you. I hope you enjoy it.

BACK TO PEACE

It’s dark and the stars have to fight

to shine their light tonight

and the moon, it’s not in sight.

I’m chilled by a cool breeze

and it’s taking everything in me

not to fall to my knees.

It’s so hard to see when I have nothing to search for.

So hard to dream when I have nothing to reach for.

See my world is one day and one day only.

Until now I never knew being surrounded could be so lonely.

So please dull this pain and let me sleep.

Please bring me back, back to peace.

I can’t make sense of this

and the truth is, the truth is

I’m so pissed.

This is so real it must be fake.

It hurts just to be awake.

I may not fall apart, but I still break.

It’s so hard to move forward when I want the past.

Hard to move at all when I know my strength won’t last.

See my world is one day and one day only.

Until now I never knew being surrounded could be so lonely.

So please dull this pain and let me sleep.

Please bring me back, back to peace.

All I ask for is life, renew it.

Do whatever you have to, please do it.

Doesn’t matter if it’s risky, you can’t ruin it.

You can’t wreck what’s been broken

And you can’t take what’s been stolen.

It may be gone, but I’m still holding—holding on.

It’s so hard to whole when I’m missing a piece.

So hard to be full when I feel so damn empty.

See my world is one day and one day only.

Until now I never knew being surrounded could be so lonely.

So please dull this pain and let me sleep.

Please bring me back, back to peace.

Shift the dark to the side

and bring heaven to life.

Shine it’s light in my eyes.

Please bring me back…

Please bring me back, back to peace.

Quoted

2010-02-27T23:38:00.002-06:00

Former quote:
“You are full of unshaped dreams...
You are laden with beginnings...
There is hope in you...”

-Lola Ridge-

Current quote:
"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books, and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art--write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
-Neil Gaiman-

Losing weight and raising money for the Joyful Heart Foundation!

2010-02-13T15:44:00.004-06:00

Back in the early weeks of January I began a fitness journey known as the Ultimate Bodyshaping Course, which is a kickboxing, resistance, and nutrition course. I decided that if I was going to be participating in this ten week long course that I wanted it to benefit more than just me, so I made a goal to raise a minimum of $500 to benefit the Joyful Heart Foundation and help them assist survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse along a journey of their own--a journey to heal mind, body, and spirit. I've named this project Strong Body/Joyful Heart.

In order to raise funds to support Joyful Heart, I'm asking for individuals to sponsor one week of my fitness journey with a minimum $10 donation. I'll do my part by adding up the pounds and inches I've lost, doubling it, and donating that amount. I think that $500 is a very obtainable goal considering the fabulous support system I have.

I've now reached my half-way check point in this journey and today completed my five week fitness evaluation. I am proud to say that I have lost 18 pounds and 3 3/4 inches in my belly! Better yet, Strong Body/Joyful Heart has raised $243.50. I have a long ways to go to get where I want to be, but I'm confident that I can attain my fitness goals because of the progress I've made, the support I have received, and because of the encouragement from my instructors at ATA Black Belt Academy in Minot, ND. And I wholeheartedly believe that with the generosity of others, Strong Body/Joyful Heart can easily raise $500.

If you can help me along my journey with words of encouragement or a donation, I would be most appreciative! Please visit my website for more information and to find out how you can help.

Quoted

2010-01-11T08:52:00.003-06:00

I'm going to start "archiving" the quotes on the right hand side of my blog. I'll post them on my blog every time I update them that way I...you...we can find them later on because I love, love, love quotes.

So today I updated the quote to the following:

“You are full of unshaped dreams...
You are laden with beginnings...
There is hope in you...”
-Lola Ridge-

And the former quote was:

"For lack of attention a thousand forms of loveliness elude us every day."
-Evelyn Underhill-

I'll probably do the same with my "I Suggest" section as well...

Here's to another week! I hope it's a good one!

The makings of a poem...

2010-01-05T21:39:00.000-06:00

I found the makings of a poem just now. I'm not quite sure when I wrote it and it's still so raw, but it reflects how I am feeling at the moment... I'll hopefully come back to it soon and rework it.

She awakes,
unwillingly shrugging sleep off of her shoulders.
The blanket slides to her side as she sits up
and breathes deeply,
the smell of sleep lingering in the air—
still intoxicating.
She’s drunk on her dreams,
which dully flash to mind.
The colors have dimmed and shapes blurred.
More like she’s hung-over from their brilliance.

Do you see?
Do you see how the waking world
immediately changes the power of the dreams?
Once so vivid and inspiring.
Now they fade in the light of day.
She longs for what she found in them—
for what they found in her.

She wants nothing more than to curl up
in her feather bedding,
this nest of warmth and peace.
But all birds must learn to fly,
so she leaps into a new day.

Heather & Justin

2010-01-02T22:53:00.001-06:00

In early December I took pictures of my co-worker, Heather, and her husband Justin. They truly are a sweet couple and were crazy enough to brave the cold in just jeans and sweaters (it must be the NoDak in 'em) for some Christmas card photos. We did get some lovely pictures with a beautiful snow covering and frosty branches in the Scandinavian Heritage Park and Downtown Minot.

Little Miss Rylee

2010-01-02T22:27:00.003-06:00

Rylee is the adorable daughter of Kristie and Shannon, featured in my previous post. She is too darn cute and also too darn quick for my plain ol' digital camera. I'm hoping that once I get a Digital SLR I'll be able to better capture this little busy bee...

Kristie & Shannon

2010-01-02T00:52:00.001-06:00

Back in November, I took some engagement pictures of my co-worker and her fiance in Downtown Minot. They were just for fun, but ended up turning out quite well. In fact, they were so pleased with the photos they hired me to take their wedding pictures in the fall of 2010. I'm extremely excited for the opportunity, but also have a lot of studying to do! Here are some of my favorites. And by "some" I mean "a lot"...

Makeover

2009-12-16T15:31:00.000-06:00

Dear Blog World:

I'm planning on making over this here blog relatively soon so that it will better correspond with my website, Articulate1. That way I can share different photos, print and art projects, news, information, and ideas better. So be on the lookout for that...whoever you are...

Peace to you.

The one time someone calls me...

2009-11-06T17:41:00.014-06:00

So...funny story... Yesterday I wore a dress with tights to work. I haven't worn tights in I don't know how long, which made me feel like a giant two year old. That's not so funny, but this is...

During my lunch break I went home to eat and let my dogs out and what not. As I was getting ready to leave, my hands were full with my tray of plates and then I was trying to get my dogs into the kitchen. Since I didn't want to forget my cellular and because I didn't have pockets I (naturally) tucked it in between my dress and tank top in the chest area. The kicker is, I forgot it was there until I was in the middle of an appointment with a client and my tatas started ringing. Flustered, I plunged my hand into my bosom to retrieve my cell phone saying, "Well, this is embarrassing. I don't normally put it here."

Yeah...that was awkward.

P.S. I'd like to thank my mom for calling me.

Let the wild rumpus start!

2009-10-16T08:40:00.000-05:00

Proud To Be An American

2009-10-12T21:30:00.003-05:00

My poppa and his two comrades belting an American classic at the Minot Y's Men's Rodeo. They sing this song so darn well, if I do say so myself. My dad is the handsome bald gentleman. :)

On the Road

2009-08-23T21:22:00.004-05:00

A couple of weekends ago I ventured to southern North Dakota for a friend's wedding (and what a lovely wedding it was). I had never driven to this small town before and I was navigating it alone, but I was prepared with my Google Maps directions. So on a beautiful summer morning I hit the highway in my Honda and ventured into uncharted territory...or at least uncharted to me.

I had no problems arriving at my destination, but there were moments of doubt in my head that I was on the wrong road and that I was going the wrong direction. I knew I wasn't, but still I had reservations from time to time and panic would pang my heart. I thought this was interesting because how often in life do we feel this way? We know where we need to go and how to get there and when we start progressing towards our destination we think we're all wrong and that we should go back.

It'd be so easy to go back. Easier yet, to stay where we are. That fear of getting lost, of getting it wrong can be paralyzing. The misleading comfort in routine can be intoxicating. But I think we need to trust ourselves more. We need to trust that we are prepared for adventure and lean on our faith. We need to believe in what we feel so deeply about in our hearts and not disregard it as silly--or let others do the same. Because if we do succumb to that fear and turn back, or we stay put our souls are hungry for more and we end up maintaining a life instead of really living life. We feel empty, inadequate, fake. We feel lost even though we know exactly where we are.

Maybe we need to get lost in order to be found. Maybe we need to get it wrong in order to understand what is right for us. And maybe the journey will be treacherous, long, and dangerous, but doesn't that sound a bit thrilling? Doesn't that sound like a wonderful opportunity to learn more about ourselves, our faith, our world?

Road to the Lake

2009-07-27T13:20:00.008-05:00

Women Changing the World

2009-04-10T23:58:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I snapped this photo "out of context", but please note... Ted Kennedy is a woman changing the world. It cracks me right up.

16 September 2009 - Update: Just want to say that Senator Kennedy was a man changing the world. Rest in peace, sir.

The dear deer...

2009-03-24T10:51:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, while driving home, I saw a herd of deer grazing on small patches of grass where the snow had melted at a mini-gold course and go-cart track. I don't know if herd is the correct terminology for a group of deer, but truly they were a herd. There were approximately 20 young deer resembling Bambi and I was completely amazed.

So yeah, I know deer are commonly found in the NoDak... (Often on the sides of the highway, sadly.) And I know there are a lot of them... But, I don't know... This was just so cool. I've never seen that many wild deer in one place together. Nor at a mini-golf course. They were beautiful. Truly.

I'm a sucker for wildlife. What can I say? They bring a specific joy into my life, making me happy in a way nothing else can. I just think that their purpose in life is both simple and complex all at once. That purpose being survival.

We share that purpose, but we make our survival in this world more difficult than it has to be. To get back to the basics of survival, to living... To live off of the green earth with our loved ones. To take our time in our journey. To take notice of beauty around us along the way. Well, I think that'd be splendid.

Would-be renters please take heed...

2009-01-29T17:50:00.010-06:00

I'm a leasing agent and I know that many people would put me right up there with car salesmen, but it's my job. It's not a job I ever wanted, or a job I ever dreamed of. But it's my job. It pays the bills, keeps food on my table, clothes on my back, and a roof over my head. Today, that's something to be very grateful for and I am.

As a leasing agent I'd like to disperse a bit of knowledge and share some tips with would-be renters. I admit that this advice isn't only beneficial to prospective tenants. A smooth rental process is also beneficial for my sanity as a human being. So please, if you're looking to rent, take heed...

If you don't have money to rent an apartment or house then don't go hunting for a home. I can't barter with you and I can't donate one to you. Let's save both of ourselves some quality time.
If you're a creeper, can you just buy your own home please? I really don't want to be alone in an empty apartment or house with you--particularly in an unfinished basement of an old house. So either uncreep yourself, or just stay the heck away from me.
Sex offender? Hell to tha no. You will not rent from me. Sorry. Wait... No I'm not.
I do not need your life story. Let's keep it professional. Let's keep our convos short and and to the point.
When reviewing an availability list, do just that... Review it. Read over everything and come prepared.
If an apartment is noted as occupied, that means it's not vacant. If you don't know what either of those words--occupied and vacant--mean, look them up. Please. I beg you.
Do not come to an appointment thirty minutes early. You'll be waiting a long time and I'll be fuming for a long time. Trust me on this, five minutes is plenty early. Plenty. Early.
Do not come to an appointment thirty minutes late. You'll be lucky if you get to look at anything. You're better off to call and reschedule if you're going to be more than ten minutes late.
Make one appointment. So you want to look at a few apartments or houses? Great. I'm happy to show you. But I sure as heck do not want to show you the same exact properties multiple times. Make sure you and your roommate(s) can come together at the same time if you all want to see them. If you need measurements, remember to bring that tape measurer with you the first time so I don't have to escort you back there. Whatever it is that could possibly make you want/need to look at the same place twice, I would greatly appreciate it if you could get all of that organized for the first and hopefully last appointment.
Unless you're a first time renter, do not bring your mom and dad with you. Okay, that may be a bit harsh... How about... If you're over forty, don't bring your parents with you. You're an adult. You can make a decision.
If you have four kids or more, it'd be best if you didn't bring them with you on a tour. I love kids, I really do. But let's face it, some kids are not well behaved and if a home is occupied they can get into things. And that's not good. Not good at all.
Treat an appointment to tour homes like you would a job interview. Now I'm not saying you need to come in a suit, but it's always nice when I don't see your underwear and, you know, you're clean.
Speaking of clean... Keep it clean by watching your language. I swear, I do, but I don't do it around you so please don't drop the F-bomb in front of me. And definitely don't say, "I'll have to watch that step when I'm drunk! Ha ha." Seriously.
Use the bathroom before you go on a property tour. I once had a creeper use the bathroom of a vacant apartment and he left the door wide open, this was after he asked me out. So again, I plead with creepers to stay away.
If we're in an apartment or house, please don't plan where every piece of furniture would go for thirty minutes..especially when it's still occupied. I don't want to be in anyone's home longer than I need to be. It's plain awkward. And I don't mean to be rude, but I could really care less where your recliner would go.
Please, please, please don't hem and haw whether or not you and your significant other, or roommate want to rent the apartment or home in front of me for thirty minutes while still in the home...especially when it's still occupied. Again, it's awkward. It's also infuriating. I have no say with your personal business. I also don't have the time (or patience) to listen when you're not even talking to me. I've got paperwork I could finish, people! Talk amongst yourselves and then let me know if you have any questions. I'd be happy to answer them at that time.
Don't lie. If you have bad credit, have been previously evicted, owe people money... Fess up to it. It's going to show up in your credit report anyway. So now not only are you a risk, you're also a liar. That's not a good one-two combo.
Fill out your application fully and clearly. If I have to hunt for needed information and try to decipher your chicken scratch, not only are you going to frustrate me--you're going to delay your pending approval.
When filling out an application, don't ever note that your reason for leaving your current residence is because your "ex was a whore". He or she may have been, but there's no point in sharing that information with me. Seriously. No point.
Do not put a deposit down unless you are 100% certain that you want to and can rent the apartment or house. Plain and simple.

There you have it. My twenty golden rules for a smooth rental process.

To: Blog Community - From: Me - Re: Junk Faxes

2009-01-26T22:39:00.005-06:00

There's nothing that gets my goat quite like junk faxes. Not only are they a waste of time, they're also a waste of paper as they'll no doubt end up in the trash...or hopefully the recycling bin.

This particular fax, however, cracked me right up for two reasons. First, how dumb does the sender think people are?! And two, there truly are dumb people out there who would fall for this silly fax pertaining to a male enhancer. Okay, so that's a third reason why it cracked me up... Male enhancer. (I'm mature.)

I guess I should learn to count because there are a couple more laughable details of this fax... I really love that the receiver of this is supposed to believe that it was accidentally sent to her or him. If a gentleman was to genuinely send such a fax, I'm thinking he would make damn sure to dial the right number.

But I think my favorite part about this junk fax is when "Len" writes to "Bret Z" saying, "Sorry, my cell battery went on me." Really Len? You're cellular died and so instead of picking up a land-line phone you wrote out this detailed fax for your pal Bret? I mean, if you could fax this message you certainly must have a good ol' fashioned phone you could use. Or what about email? I know when I send messages about male enhancers to my friends named Bret, I prefer to email them so as to avoid any potential hand cramps. But hey, that's just me...

Seriously.

Grown Ups and Crazy Dreams

2009-01-23T14:22:00.004-06:00

It's been far too long since I've spilled... My friend, Kendra, brought it to my attention that I needed a new post and she was right! So here I am again and hopefully I'll be here more regularly. I love to write, to ponder, to open so I don't know why I haven't done this more. Hmm...

Perhaps it's this thing called work. Have you heard of it? It's this thing that grown ups do...a lot. It generally occurs every weekday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and when one has finished with work one tends to go home and reboot, only to do the same thing the following day. See, a grown up needs to work because grown ups have bills to pay and by working a grown up can earn the money necessary to pay said bills. However, there is a cost for working and that cost is the loss of life... One most work to live, but when one works one has no time to live. Or so it seems for this grown up.

Holy shit. I'm a grown up. When did that happen?!

In other news... I had some crazy dreams last night, as I usually do. One dream was more like a story that I was following, a movie I was watching. Or maybe I was in it too... Can't quite recall. But what I do remember is that there was some young people making their way through a snowy and cold wilderness. They were dressed in every day clothes and were not equipped for their environment, save for one individual who had a knife and this little bag slung across his or her body...or was it my body... Cripes, I wish I could remember clearly. Anywho, this bag was remarkable because whatever these youngins' needed in their adventures they could pull out of the little shoulder strap bag. They didn't have to ask for the tool, the bag just provided what was needed. I thought this was cool because the tools given weren't necessarily what they thought they would need. Sometimes they thought they needed more than what the bag spit out. Sometimes they thought they needed different tools. But the bag knew better. I wish I had a bag like that...

Well then, I'll leave it at that. Just a random post from yours truly to start off 2009 (twenty-three days late). I'll be back in touch because there is more to share... Until then, have a lovely day...every day.

Take a look at this video...

2008-10-01T20:18:00.001-05:00

This is absolutely delightful and inspiring: The Beckoning of Lovely.

A Lovely Day

2008-09-27T17:14:00.005-05:00

Last Friday was a lovely day for many reasons, but for three in particular...

In the morning I saw a beautiful rainbow reaching up and across the horizon. I haven't seen a rainbow in a long time and it was appreciated.
While driving back to work following my lunch break I passed by a local middle school. There's a brick retaining wall there and twenty or so kids sitting on it, swaying from side to side and as my vehicle got closer they started pumping their fists indicating I should honk. I appeased them and honked and laughed when they victoriously threw their hands up in the air, all while rhythmically swaying from left to right, left to right, left to right.
Later in the afternoon I smiled when I noticed Jesus Clouds. A picture perfect scene of the Heavens' light shining down and being filtered by the clouds, so that one can literally see the rays of sun beaming towards the Earth.

Annnd I'm back!

2008-09-27T15:50:00.003-05:00

I guess I had a hiatus of sorts from blogging... I suppose not a whole lot has changed, but then again a lot has. It's weird. Anywho... You should be hearing more from me shortly. Whoever you are...

Have a lovely fall day!

True Living Project

2008-04-12T19:43:00.002-05:00

You must visit Sabrina Ward Harrison's website and watch the True Living Project "slideshow." It's completely moving.

Looking Up

2008-04-06T11:45:00.007-05:00

Little Gestures

2008-03-26T17:22:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday a couple of "little gestures" impacted me for different reasons...

While driving home from work I saw an older gentleman bundled up--coat, stocking hat, scarf, gloves, and all--making his way through the cold with a big ol' smile on his face. I haven't the faintest idea why he was smiling, but it was contagious.
During the Maundy Thursday service at my church a mom who was sitting two pew rows ahead of me shrugged her elementary aged son's head off of her shoulder after he had rested it there for a mere two seconds. I swear, he plopped his head into her shoulder gently and before he could even get comfortable she moved away from him. It made my heart a bit sad.

Little gestures--moments, sightings, contacts, greetings--can be sooo very big.

The Bad Lighting Epidemic in America Continues

2008-03-25T21:30:00.002-05:00

This hideous and ginormous light fixture was joined by several others in a conference room at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND. Not only does it look like an excessively legged, gold spider hanging upside down from the ceiling, it also sheds a poor amount of light. Thom Filicia, Queer Eye interior design guru, would be horrified and disappointed.

Different strokes, for different folks and so on and so on...

2008-03-20T21:05:00.006-05:00

At work the other day I was completing a lease with an incoming group of tenants. While they were starting various utility services in their name, I left my office to write out a receipt for their pro-rated rent. I forgot that I had left my cell phone on my desk with my ringer volume on...

"This is why I'm hot, this is why I'm hot! This is why, this is why, this is why I'm hot! I'm hot 'cuz I'm fly..."

Yup, those profound words rang loud and clear and sent me scurrying back into my office to grab my phone and silence Mims. What came out of my mouth next, I don't know why...

"It's a stupid ringtone."

One clever young man stated, "You can't spell 'crap' without it."

I left my office annoyed by his line and perplexed as to why I said what I said. Now that song is by no means legendary, but I do enjoy it when I'm "shaking a leg"--as my mom would say. So why, why did I say that? More than likely it's because the threesome (get your mind out of the gutter) were more so a "rocker" crowd. Punk, alternative, what have you. (I can't keep up with labels and I don't really care to, actually. They just distance us from one another.) Perhaps I wanted to be viewed as cool, or something of the likes... What is that?! Who cares what I rock out to?

I don't understand this obligation to edit myself to fit into some category. I don't know why I feel this need to explain myself to strangers. Deep down I don't care, but yet on the surface it escapes me... I try to find the common ground between myself and others in order to relate, but finding those threads that unite us doesn't mean I need to cut the loose strands where we differentiate. The differences don't divide us by any means. The differences tie us to more and more people and create a big, beautiful, diverse web. It's important for me to honor that web of people, to honor my true self...Mims lover and all.

Random Connections

2008-03-13T22:30:00.003-05:00

While driving to an appointment one afternoon a couple of weeks ago I saw a familiar elderly lady walking her chubby ol' wiener dog down the avenue. I've seen the "couple" make their way along the same street a handful of times before and they always catch my attention for a number of reasons...

First of all, I grew up with dachshunds and therefore I take note of every wiener dog I see. Secondly, the dog is just sooo fat. He's round and hysterically cute. Seeing him instantly makes me laugh regardless of the mood of the day. And finally they look so happy trotting along together in the sunshine. (Well, the dog waddles. Truly he does. His belly nearly grazes the ground.) There's a visible love between the two that's rather compelling. You just know that they have been together for many, many years.

Normally when I drive by I'm just an outsider looking in on their walk, but that day... That day I drove by and seeing the two made me genuinely smile yet again. And that day the little, old woman happened to look up and caught me staring and smiling at them. She stood up just a bit straighter, smiled brightly, and warmly waved to me--welcoming me in to that moment of their walk, of their lives. That simple gesture, the smile and wave, made me smile wider and more deeply. There was a brief, sincere, and friendly connection between us that I took with me. A gift from one stranger to another.

I keep that gift in my heart. To some, it would mean nothing. But to me...

We all need more random connections--no matter how short or small. The world would be in a better state of being and we would all be happier. So smile and wave, people, you could very easily make a stranger's day.

Focus

2008-03-09T14:20:00.003-05:00

I am trying to focus on love and peace and hope and progress. This day to day life I lead can be so uneventful, so frustrating, so nothing, so repetitive. It's easy to succumb to the 8:00 to 5:00 work schedule--to work, eat, sleep, rinse and repeat. It's easy to become consumed by anger regarding the stupidest things and to fall into a person I don't necessarily want to be. I mean, it's not that I become this horrible person. That's not the case. But there are moments where anger swells within me. Times where I don't care. Days where I'm not productive in pursuing a greater life.

I need to shift to the good. Need to keep my head up, my heart open. I don't want all of this "noise" to get the best of me, to fill my head and take me over. It's important to shed all that weighs me down. To shake off the negative. To wash off daily the dirt of yesterday.

Each day is clean. A new beginning, an opportunity for rebirth, a chance to make some small difference in my life and in the lives of those around me. So I ask God to help me focus, to help me be present in place and time, and to work steadily with peace in my heart.

Love and peace. Peace and love.

Reach

2008-02-06T21:20:00.000-06:00

"Reach In to Reach Out"

All Kinds of Insane

2008-01-30T21:18:00.000-06:00

It's been an insanely long time since I've written anything here, or really anywhere for that matter. I suppose that has much to do with the time of year and where I am in my life at the moment. It turns out that work takes out a big chunk of one's life. Who would've thunk? And I've been settling into my home, which is a slow process. Slow, but enjoyable--especially now because it's actually looking like a home. So really, I've just summed up my life from my last blog to now. Pretty damn exciting, isn't it? Ha.

I have to say, more insane than my absence is the absurdly cold weather here in North Dakota. It's been thirty to forty degrees below this week. Yes, I said below. See, that is crazy. But it gets crazier... People bundle up and head out in the whipping wind and swirling snow. I think this should be criminal. Work should be canceled. School should be canceled. Every store should be shut down. Everyone should stay home clothed in the coziest of sweat pants and hoodies, wrapped in big ol' blankets, and stationed in front of a fireplace.

And speaking of this cold front and crazy... I've decided that love is waking up at 6:00 a.m., sporting two pairs of sweats, and taking your ten pound dog outside to pee in thirty below weather. That's love and I am in love, with my dog that is. I just adopted him last Friday. He was advertised in the classifieds as a give away. His name is Whiskey and he is a long haired, chocolate wiener dog, who is approximately a year old and full of it. Whiskey is quite good and extremely sweet and I feel very blessed to have the little shit. He keeps me on my toes and we're figuring everything out as we go. I am his third owner in his short life, after all, so there is definitely some adjustments he is experiencing. Me as well. I have to be responsible now. Ha. I really do enjoy having someone to come home to...even if I do have to clean up a mess.

Now that really does sum up my life at the moment. Work. Settling. Whiskey. (If someone only read the previous line he or she would probably think I've got problems...) And with that, I bid you ado. Stay warm. Cheers.

On a scale of 1 to 10, Butkus is off the charts!

2008-01-02T19:22:00.001-06:00

On a scale of 1 to 10, Butkus is off the charts!

HAPPY (belated) THANKSGIVING

2007-11-25T21:32:00.000-06:00

I was flipping through my old second grade story notebooks when I came across a list of sorts I wrote for the Thanksgiving holiday. It's humbling to see what a child really cares about and how these thoughts have stayed with me even today. They're my roots, I guess. I have to say that #37 is completely perplexing though as I have no idea what "lecktesade" is, or what it is supposed to be. Other than that, I think you'll get the gist...

I hope you had a very Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers!

I miss you, I miss you not...

2007-11-13T14:26:00.002-06:00

After a few weeks back in the NoDak I've pondered a bit as to what I miss and do not miss about the Twin Cities. I've composed the following lists and I think they speak for themselves...

I miss:

My homies
Suburban sunsets
B.96 (We are hip hop!)
LeeAnn Chin
Fireflies lighting up spring evenings
Piano bars
Lakes, lakes, and more lakes
My extremely attractive neighbor who built things, played the drums, and road his mountain bike sans a shirt
City life
Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello of WCCO Channel 4 News
Caribou Coffee
Red Box DVD vending machines
Frogs croaking at night
My aunt, uncle, and cousin
Anonymity

I don't miss:

Anonymity
The job hunt
Having to get on a highway to go pretty much anywhere other than the grocery store
Being broke
Selling pornos at the bookstore
Traffic, traffic, and more traffic
An empty home

Why Not Minot?!

2007-11-11T16:54:00.001-06:00

Dear Blog World,

So it's been a while since my last post and I have much to share...

After freaking out over the possibility of returning to my hometown in North Dakota I was presented with an opportunity that I could not refuse. Truly, I would be dumb if I did. I made the rational decision to commit to working as a Rental Agent for a year in Minot. I think it will be an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and I'm looking forward to having a steady source of income. I started work a week and a half ago and am enjoying what I am doing. Pretty much, I am to showing houses and apartments what Vanna White is to turning letters.

Another plus for moving home is that my parents are fixing up a little Craftsman house that I will be able to inhabit for the year. Rent will be incredibly reasonable and it is going to be so much fun decorating my first place. The house is charming and has great character. I'm super stoked that I will have an office with old French doors and an art studio with big windows. I'm feeling very inspired to write, paint, and draw... I can't wait to get into my hizzouse!

Returning to the NoDak will also be beneficial in giving me time to evaluate where I am in my life and where I want to be. Once I get settled into a bit of a routine I can really focus on if I want to return to school and if so, pursue that whole-heartedly. I think that this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on and examine my passions, strengths, weaknesses, and dreams. I'm really trying to embrace my time spent here in Minot and grow as a person in every way I can.

Anywho... I'm a bit scatterbrained at the moment, so I will conclude here. The Giants are playing the Cowboys and I'm trying to pay attention to the game... Go Giants!

Many laughs and much love,
Annie

Chocolate Bar Sweetness

2007-10-24T00:42:00.000-05:00

Today a man--an unknown man who was in his twenties--propositioned me with a candy bar...

Okay, okay so he didn't "proposition me," but he randomly offered to buy me a Godiva dark chocolate bar at the bookstore where I work. He was rather persistent about it and it made me blush and giggle. I asked this young stranger, "Why do you want to buy me a chocolate bar?" And he simply said, "Because it's a nice thing to do. Isn't it?"

Of course I said yes it was and though I felt slightly silly, I accepted his offer. After all, he said he'd only have one if I did and who am I to deny someone chocolate?! I was sort of flustered by his generosity, so much so that I don't know if I properly thanked him. (I didn't even get his name!) I wish I would have told him he made my day. I so appreciate his kindness.

And isn't that something we need to do more often? Kindness. Random acts of kindness. We're all sooo consumed by our own "to do's," worries, and worlds that we forget we're all connected in this one world. We forget to look up and out of ourselves. We're family and it's nice to be nice. To give a little. Give a lot. We receive so much more in return.

Anywho... I don't know if this "candy man" was flirting, or just being sweet. Regardless, it was lovely and the first time a gentleman bought me anything other than a drink...or a taco. But the taco is a completely different story.

I love the 80's...

2007-10-15T12:06:00.000-05:00

The lovely young lady wearing the white dress and standing in the middle of all the "poofiness" you see in the above photo is getting hitched this coming weekend. To celebrate her remaining days of "singledom" we embarked on a time travel adventure to the 1980's. Blue eyeshadow, heavy blush, bright pink lips, big dresses, and even bigger hair ruled the evening. And I have to say we looked dead sexy. I've never received so many hoots and hollers from the young and old, the gay and straight, men and women.

The First

2007-10-12T15:52:00.000-05:00

I recently found a copy of the first poem I ever wrote and by wrote I mean sing... It was back in 1989 and I was five years old, hence I couldn't write. Apparently I was singing a song that I came up with. I remember my dad sitting at the kitchen table writing down the words I sung to him. Later my mom used it in our family Christmas card making me a published poet...or something like that. Anywho, here is the poem:

My heart starts beating...
The angels watch from above.
When the night is glowing,
the stars shine and
the moon starts to
wake up the night.
And when someone needs help,
I help them too.
I keep my heart beating.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2007-10-03T12:36:00.000-05:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) and we can all do a lil' some'n to spread the word and work to save lives. I'm trying to honor this month of awareness and those women and men diagnosed with breast cancer through my voice. I don't have a lot of money to give to charitable organizations and their noble missions, but I'll gladly give of my heart.

For the month of October the background of my blog will be pink to promote NBCAM. I've also included some links to websites for more information about breast cancer and how you can help in the fight against this often, but not always devastating disease. And the truth of the matter is that you are bound to know someone affected by breast cancer...

"Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, it's estimated that About 178,480 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2007. About 40,460 women will die from the disease this year. Right now there are slightly over 2 million women living in the United States who have been treated for breast cancer."
(National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Disease Information: Breast Cancer)

As scary as those facts and statistics are, it's important to remember that there is hope.

You can make a difference in so many ways... Help care for someone affected by the disease. Raise awareness and money through fundraisers. Donate to an organization, or cause dedicated to fighting breast cancer like Lee National Denim Day on October 5th. Participate in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day, or a similar event. Most importantly, educate yourself about the disease and be diligent in regards to your own health--perform monthly breast self exams and upon turning 40, obtain regular mammograms.

Let's honor the women and men living with breast cancer and never forget those who lost their battles. Do something today to save the tatas, to save lives.

For more information, please visit the following websites...

Suburban Sunset

2007-10-02T17:39:00.001-05:00

Story Time

2007-09-17T22:21:00.000-05:00

Here for your entertainment is a story I wrote as a wee child. It is one of many found in the hot pink notebooks I described in my previous post. To forewarn you, there are many misspelled words and errors. (What do you expect from a second grader?) Hopefully you'll get the gist of the 177 word (I noted that in the margin) story and have a few laughs...

"Me I'm Flying For a Cange For Once"
By Ann M L

Well once upon a time. I stell live. I am going to tell a story about me with wings. Once upon a time I was on a trip to the wishing well. I wished for wings. I flew to Hollywood. But when I got on land my wings disappeard. I had a red leather dress on. And I also noticed I was 25 years old. I got a job too. I got a red Ferrari. My bosses name was Ms Miracle Mart. Her first name is Piggly Wiggly. This is how much mony I got paid 1,00000,750,0000. I lived in a matching. Then I got tired of living in Hollywood, so I moved to Alaska. They thought that I was some kind of giant brid. But we got along fine I was a farmer gril. And I also diged for gold. I got ten dolers for a farmer girl. I got gold for diging for gold. Days had past and I got sick of living in Alask so I moved again. I moved to Indana. I lived in a big hous. I worked as a movie star. They called me Ann Adule. I was fames. I had 400 dogs. 200 black labes and 200 duchshund. Then I moved home with all my dogs. But it was just a dream. The End

Why I had wings, moved to Hollywood, wore a red leather dress, worked for Ms. Piggly Wiggly Miracle Mart, moved to Alaska and farmed as well as mined for gold, became famous in Indiana...I haven't the faintest idea... I do love that my boss was named after the local grocery stores. That's genius right there. My favorite twist is that I became a movie star in Indiana as opposed to in Hollywood. I'm thinking the Ferrari is linked to my Barbie's toy version of the car. The development of my show name, Ann Adule, is no doubt due to Paula Adul and her song "Opposites Attract." And the 400 dogs... Well, that's nothing new. I love dogs.

Included with the story, as with all of my stories, was a picture...

Well, that is story time for today. Don't worry though because there are more to share. Yes, indeed. I'll introduce you to fictional characters like Buddy the Baby Cub, Cowboy Jim, the Funny Turkey, Coockoo the Baby Parrot, Fredy Fish and Pale Whale, and M.C Bunny. Get ready for some literary adventures...

Back Then

2007-09-16T12:27:00.001-05:00

I found a couple of old, hot pink, wire bound, and wide ruled notebooks--each with seventy pages measuring 10 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches. You know, just to give you a picture... These notebooks date back to the 1991-1992 school year, when I was in the second grade, and were used to write stories for class assignments. For each story written I received a sticker of some sort to adhere to the back of my notebook. Oh, stickers...

Do you remember the excitement of stickers like I do? I mean, I would do practically anything for a sticker in elementary school. It's a good thing they were distributed by teachers for rewarding good grades and behavior because if it were the other way around... Woo! Who knows what kind of person I'd be today!

Think back though, to your elementary days of past filled with sticker glory... A gold star. The anti-littering sticker that urged us all to "Pitch In!" Those silly, smiley face stickers in bright colors. Valentine heart stickers that said, "CALL ME" and "FOREVER". (Of course now those stickers would say "TEXT ME" and "3 MONTHS".) All of the anti-drug and "Just Say No" stickers. And let's not forget the queen of stickers, Lisa Frank. But the most prized sticker of all...? Oh yeah! The scratch-n-sniff.

Seriously, how much fun was elementary school? Sooo much fun.

We enjoyed recess twice a day until the fourth grade. Because, you know, once you're a fourth grader it's time for the "real world". Lunch was filled with lunch tickets being punched (prior to this digital age), little milk cartons with skinny straws, jokes about sea food and mustard (I'll let you figure those out), and unrecognizable meals. Pencil boxes were cardboard and pencils had crazy eraser tops. Trapper Keepers were the shiznit way before the word "shiznit" was ever uttered. We checked out Where the Sidewalk Ends, The Berenstain Bears, Green Eggs and Ham, and Clifford the Big Red Dog from the library via those cute little cards tucked in pockets in the back of the books. Then we bought our favorite books through book orders and book fairs. (Amazon.com? No, thank you.) As we grew a bit older, we progressed to the "choose your own adventure" books. "To enter the dark cave in the mountain, turn to page 62. To climb the mountain, turn to page 35". Uh-may-zing. Math assignments consisted of adding 2+3 to figure out that all sections of the "color by number" design equaling 5 should be colored blue. "Heads Up 7 Up" was the best game ev-verrr, playing with a giant parachute was considered physical exercise, "show and tell" developed public speaking skills and built confidence, Pizza Hut encouraged reading with their "Book It" program, and folder forts were constructed on the tiny desks to protect against would-be cheaters.

One of my favorite elementary school fashion accessories was my rectangular backpack that was designed to mimic a locker. Forget backpacks on wheels, locker backpacks were and are way cooler. People don't seem to remember those though and it's too bad. Really, it's a shame. However, everyone does remember Hypercolor shirts, Zuba pants, those other pants girls wore with the elastic band that went around the heel, B.U.M. Equipment, inside-out sweatshirts, insulated sweats, and velcro shoes. Sooo classic.

Yeah, elementary school... Stickers for rewards. Two recesses and a lunch break. Whimsical school supplies. Solid reading material. Assignments were fun, games educational. (GeoSafari anyone?) Working out wasn't a chore. Fashion was comical. And we learned how to play the recorder in music class?!

I mean, wow... We had it all figured out back then.

I like it like that...

2007-09-12T15:23:00.000-05:00

I like that when I Google my name the first blurb in the search results is associated with The Joyful Heart Foundation.
I like that toothpaste can double as silver polish.
I like my handwriting.
I like that when I empty spam from my email account Gmail proclaims, "Hooray, no spam here!" We need more "hoorays" in our daily lives.
I like that when I'm with my friends and one asks for chapstick to hydrate her parched lips, it becomes a quick draw race and multiple hands thrust forward to the friend in need clutching a tiny tube of lip balm.
I like that there is a certain stretch of storefront windows on North Washington Avenue in Minneapolis that flatter me with a long and lean reflection. Seriously, I have legs for days in those windows.
I like that my local Dunn Bros knows me by my drink of choice: medium Chai Latte.
I like that when I hear a particular song it reminds me of a fantastically random memory.
I like that when I let my curls down for the evening, after being pulled up all day, they hold on to their form somewhat. It makes my hair look like its flying in the non-existent wind and it makes me giggle.
I like that my dogs absolutely love me just the way I am.
I like that my family thinks I am phenomenally talented even when I don't.

Fire Within the Heart

2007-09-10T19:51:00.000-05:00

I finally painted again and it felt goooood...

"Fire Within the Heart"

The acrylic painting was donated to a silent auction that my fabulous friend, Shauna, organized. She is competing this October in San Francisco as a Team In Training member in the Nike Women's Full Marathon. Not only is she running 26 miles, she is also raising $3800 to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I think she is fantastic for doing so and therefore it was my great honor to create a painting for the event in order to help her raise funds for a wonderful organization and cause.

An older picture of running phenom Shauna with my straight haired alter-ego, Anastasia.

Click here for more information about Team In Training.

Happiness...

2007-09-09T12:09:00.000-05:00

Things and/or people that make me smile and/or laugh... (In no particular order.)

My quote book
Amy Sedaris
Dogs
Tea
Blankets
Philanthropy
Ellen DeGeneres
Sunsets
Cooking for people
My homie Shauna being her hilarious self
An old, worn and comfy hoodie
Art
Baths
Wanda Sykes
Playing cards with my family
Long philosophical talks
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Pretending I can beatbox
Good wine
Exploring faith
My homie Beth and her lack of a filter at inappropriate times
Reading old cards and letters
Toddlers waddling
Floating in the water
Oprah Winfrey
Poetry
Dreams
Playing basketball for fun
Creating and expressing
Dancing
My homie Kelsi and her ability to acquire free drinks
Chess
Warm towels
Flip flops
Hugs
Flight attendant instructions
Chocolate
Meeting extraordinary people
Mariska Hargitay
Traveling
Mail
Photos
Autumn leaves raining from trees

Release

2007-08-21T13:28:00.001-05:00

Last night my mind was kept up by thoughts of poetry. Little thoughts were tapping me on my shoulder seemingly saying, "Excuse me, um excuse me. I'm here for you. Do something with me please." And so, per their request, I did not ignore these thoughts. I paid close attention to their suggestions, "Put me here. Join me with that thought. I belong there." What resulted was the first poem I have written in quite some time and it was the accomplishment of my day. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning in order to weave these thoughts into meaning before they slipped away and escaped me forever. The ironic part is that I denied myself sleep so as to pen a poem about cherishing sleep. Funny how that works out isn't it? Well, at least I think that it is funny. Anywho, here is the poem...

"Release"

When sleep comes and settles
into the seams of your eyes
for the evening,
quietly sealing away
the chaos of the world,
I hope it opens up the doors
painted in red, yellow, blue, and green
to your similarly vivid dreams.
So that in sleep you are awakened
to the truth you have desperately stored
in a forgotten nook of your heart.
I pray you release yourself
and reach in then out
into the endless possibilities.
That you roam freely under
the forgiving starry sky,
tending to your spirit along the way.
And when you feel your body start to stir
I hope you gather your being back up
with open arms and return
to the boundaries of your body.
May you gently wipe the sleep from your eyes
and peer through your fluttering eyelashes
before welcoming the light of a shiny new morning.
Awaking with peace and thanks
to another day of the merciful mess
affectionately known as life.

I like today...

2007-08-19T01:04:00.001-05:00

Today was not extraordinary, though there were moments that were out of the ordinary. All and all this day was average, but splendidly so. Here's why...

When I entered my bedroom I was greeted by the smell of peanut butter and jelly. I don't know why it smelled of a PB&J sandwich, but it did. It was random, but I liked it.

There was a grasshopper hanging out on my living room window, high above his world. I am unsure if he was clinging to the spot, or just enjoying the view. Regardless, he's been there for two days and I appreciate that he chose to visit my window and bare his belly to me. I wonder if he will be there tomorrow... If so, I think I'll have to name him.

I enjoyed a lovely conversation with a dear friend. It was so nice to chat with someone who "gets me." She shared great insight into my current complexes and provided a fresh perspective about a matter that has troubled me. We shared laughs and made promises to each other to cultivate bravery in our respective lives. Her wisdom made me happy.

Finally I will mention that today was dark and rainy, but it was a nice break from the August heat providing a welcomed glimpse into the fall. I wore my favorite sweat pants, enjoyed a cup of tea, and sunk into all things cozy. It was great, truly great.

This day was usual, but what was unusual was my gratitude for the usual. I need to give thanks more often. It brings a calmness into my heart and gives life to a deep, yet simple peace.

Purpose.com

2007-08-17T20:57:00.000-05:00

One uneventful evening I took a tour of my favorite internet destinations. After visiting my email account, Facebook, Mariska.com, and so on I decided to type random words followed by a "dot com." For example, I punched in "holla.com."

Finally I thought, "Hmm... What about purpose.com?" And so I ventured to my online purpose only to find a roadblock similar to the one I face in reality...

When purpose.com loaded I was brought to an almost entirely blank white page. A message written in simple capital letters stated: ACCESS FORBIDDEN. And below that foreboding statement purpose.com declared, "Access denied. Please click on the back button to return to the former page."

I had to laugh because I felt that it was ironic. I know it doesn't mean anything unless I give it meaning, but seriously... If I'm struggling to understand my purpose in life can I just please find a virtual purpose?

Peace Overflows in the Tub

2007-08-13T18:12:00.000-05:00

I took a bath yesterday evening for the first time since I don't know when. Please don't be mistaken, I do shower daily, but a bath is a rare occasion. Anyway...

I was surrounded by everything calming: warm water, bubbles, the soft glow of candlelight, poetry. I was serenaded by sweet music, as well as by the steady rhythm of Butkus breathing, who was sleeping by the side of the tub thankful that he did not have to take a bath. The big boy is not a fan of water unless it is in his water bowl.

The experience of the bath was ever so peaceful and for that moment in time my life was perfect. (It is in the little and often unnoticed things where perfection resides.) I was where I was meant to be right there and then.

Instead of feeling lost in this world, I was lost in the eloquent language of poetry...

But surely death must possess that one tiny,
Intricate light created by the small certainty
Of its own name. And, darling, I know this too,
That in the moment that death comes to cover you,
Lying down carefully over your body, fitting itself
So well, forming belly to belly, matching
Its spreading fingers exactly to your open hands,
Finding its own thighs and its heart and its motion
By finding yours, in that moment, just like a flame
Catching hold suddenly in the center of a lantern
And rising then to fill the dark void of the forest
With its place, death will have no choice,
Must be transformed, illuminated, filled to its farthest
Boundaries by all the glorious sins and virtues
Of your real and radiant grace.
-Excerpt from "The Light Inside of Death" by Pattiann Rogers in her book of poetry entitled Splitting and Binding

Instead of feeling lost in this world, I felt found in ideas. I was stripped of my worries, fears, doubts, and insecurities. All of the "noes" slipped away the moment I slipped under the still water. I was blanketed in serenity, hope, joy, and truth. I was exposed and I was me. I was real. Yes.

I prayed to God that the peace would settle in my soul and linger. That everything that has been holding me back from pursuing peace daily, would wash away like the dirt from my body. I prayed to come to know Him better and through knowing Him, that I would come to know myself even better and realize His dream for my life and fulfill it. I prayed to live and I mean really, truly live.

Find My Way

2007-08-10T18:09:00.000-05:00

Sooo... My brother obtained a new job back in our hometown of Minot, ND. I'm extremely happy for him because it is a great opportunity that will enable him to get his foot firmly in the door of education. It will also be a nice break from his current job, which definitely tears at his heart from time to time being he works with emotionally disturbed youth. Finally, he'll be closer to our parental unit--something both he and my parents will enjoy.

I, on the other hand, am still unemployed and apparently turning into the black sheep of the family. And when my brother moves I'll be homeless since I live with him. Even worse, I'll be separated from my four legged nephew.

My beloved Butkus.

But worse yet, if I don't get my life in control I, too, will be moving back to Minot. If that were to happen I'd at least be close to Butkus, but truly that would not be my ideal living situation. I am proud of where I come from, but for a girl who dreams of NYC that would be a depressing step backwards.

There's nothing and no one there in Minot for me...

I'm just sooo completely frustrated and exhausted. I have shut down and I feel horrible for doing that because it's silly when there are people who are actually fighting their way through a true ordeal. I have no idea what I want to do, what I should do, and where I should be here and now in my life. I've never felt so lost, so alone. I've never felt so absurd. How do I not have a "real job"?! It's ridiculous on my part, I know.

I don't expect to have my dream job at twenty-three. Heck, I don't even know what exactly my dream job is because there is just so much I hope to do. But this world of business seems so petty. I guess I have my head in the clouds. Forgive me, I'm just not equipped for the real world. I never have had to "put myself out there" before and the thought of having to do so now is...is...slightly terrifying.

I want to be brave. I need to be brave.

I should backtrack because I do know what I want to do with my life... I want to write and paint and design my own cards and draw and craft a message. I want to create. And through my creations I want to reach people, touch their hearts, and impact them. I want to make a difference...

But how can I pursue all of that when I am broke? Money doesn't make the world go 'round, but it definitely helps one make her way around the world.

Please pray I find my way.

More of the randomness that is me...

2007-07-08T23:11:00.001-05:00

A life goal of mine is to develop a nonprofit that uses the arts to raise funds and awareness for various social issues, as well as to assist those affected by tragedy, illness, poverty, and violence.
I love when the moon rises at night and also when it shows its face during the day.
Bruises and scrapes resulting from playing sports, or being physically active make me feel tough. Bruises and scrapes caused by my own clumsiness make me laugh at myself.
I have several quote books filled with the many hilarious comments my friends have made. In the future I plan on writing a novel using only their quotes as the dialogue. It should be interesting--very, very interesting.
Ever since becoming a fan of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit I have been extremely suspicious of plain white vans like those used by painters and maintenance men. It seems that "perps" frequently drive those vans in particular.
The first time I had a Twinkie I was in the sixth grade.
I have incredibly weird dreams nearly every night. For example, I recently dreamed that I was swing dancing with Al Pacino.
I love Robins. Last summer my mom woke me up one morning because there was an injured Robin in our driveway. We named the bird Chirpy and tried to nurse him back to health, but unfortunately were not successful in our efforts. Since I have lived in Minnesota I haven't seen a single Robin and it makes me miss Chirpy even more.
I think that Free Runners are positively amazing athletes/artists.
On the back of my left hand there is a small, faint, double "l" scar due to a tubing incident when I was in junior high. I hit a wave, my head whipped down and the braces bracket on my front left tooth collided with my hand cutting it.
Men who can cook, build, speak a foreign language, draw, play a sport, make music, tell a joke, and/or love dogs and kids are incredibly attractive to me.
I sort of wish I was a firefly so I could shine light on darkness. That's a strange wish, I know, but it's more metaphorical than anything.

Transformation Proclamation

2007-06-29T17:18:00.000-05:00

On May 21st of this year I made a sort of "transformation proclamation." I vowed to myself--and to friends--that from there on out, I would hold myself accountable for the person I am and strive to become the person I hope to be...the person I am meant to be. Alas, over a month later I haven't made a whole lot of progress. It's a difficult thing to do, transform, when your life needs improvements in every which way...

I've mainly been focusing on developing a career in order to become a financially stable and independent young woman. Unfortunately, I haven't received the response from employers that I hoped for and there just haven't been opportunities that I qualify for... It's entirely frustrating to feel inadequate when I know that I am intelligent, I am capable, I am someone of worth who has much to offer. But how do I get that to translate? That is the question and that is what I continue to work on so that one day soon, I can work.

Another area which I am hoping to improve in is that of my own personal health. I have been trying to eat healthier and have had some success, with the occasional setback. But I have been running and, for me, that is a huge accomplishment. Trust me, I'm not a natural born runner. However, I've actually surprised myself because I am kind of liking running. I like using my body because I want to take advantage of my physical abilities while they last and I want to become healthier. Plus, I really do love feeling the "good aches" because it means that I've found--and used--muscles I have neglected.

Finally a point of emphasis has been growing in my faith. I think it is very important to come know God because through Him, I'll come to know myself. He provides for me everyday and has blessed me in so many ways. I want nothing more than to bring glory to His name with my life--indeed, that is the reason behind my transformation. Even if I had some hot shot job, loads of cash, the nicest clothes, a sweet ride, a MTV Crib worthy home, yadda, yadda, yadda... Even if I had all of that, it would mean nothing without God. God brings meaning and purpose to my life.

So with that thought, I continue to pursue the "better me." Progress takes time and transformation is a daily task, but the reward is sooo worth it. The reward is a life truly lived, a life that will have mattered, and a life that leads to God.

"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,
who lives in you and who was given to you by God?
You do not belong to yourselves but to God;
he bought you for a price.
So use your bodies for God's glory."
-1 Corinthians 6:19-20-

"The only accurate way to understand ourselves
is by what God is and by what he does for us."
-Romans 12:3-

"A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
a God shaped life is a flourishing tree."
-Proverbs 11:28-

"Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world,
but let God transform you inwardly
by a complete change of your mind.
Then you will be able to know the will of God--
what is good and what is pleasing to Him and what is perfect."
-Romans 12:2-

To whom it may concern, a letter...

2007-05-31T11:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Blog World,

So much has happened in the recent couple of months that there just isn't enough time to detail all of the major happenings in the news and in my own life. However, I'll try to skim... (The operative word being try.)

I wanted to congratulate Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Lady Vols on winning their 7th Women's National Basketball Championship. Even though I'm from the NoDak, the Lady Vols captured my heart. When I was in the eighth grade, phenom Chamique Holdsclaw led them to a perfect season as they crushed LaTech to win the championship. I've been in love with them ever since. But that was back in '98 and I was fearful during that span of 9 championship-less years that I was bad luck to Pat and her crew. I mean UConn won multiple titles for pity sake! Alas, I'm no jinx and UT has plenty of game...and current phenom, Candace Parker.

Unfortunately, their fabulous win was overshadowed by the idiotic and cruel remarks of Don Imus towards the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Tennessee's opponent). Those comments were, of course, completely uncalled for. Especially because when one has a hair-do like he does (a shaggy version of the Trump), one has no right to talk about anyone else's hair. Don, you're an old white guy...own it. Anywho... Vivian Stringer and her young team worked extremely hard in turning their season around in order to make it to the Final Four. They deserve tremendous credit for their play, as well as for the class they demonstrated throughout the Imus "situation."

It would be irresponsible of me not to at least mention the horrific shooting at Virginia Tech, but really I am at a loss for words... All I can say is that my thoughts, love, and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragedies of that April day. I know your lives are forever changed, but I sincerely hope you can heal and find peace.

There's no smooth, or appropriate transition from this topic to the next, so I'll just move on...

The beginning of May sent me on a quick trip to New York in order to interview for a job at an ad agency. I flew solo and wandered around the city with me, myself, and I...and my iPod. I also had the joyful opportunity of visiting one of my favorite nonprofits while I was there and that was truly a lovely treat. All and all it was a great experience, but I didn't obtain the job. I think it was for the best because the timing just wasn't right, but I was frustrated to learn the reason for not being hired. Apparently I was well-liked and regarded as intelligent and articulate, but I was too reticent. In other words, I didn't talk about myself enough. What can I say...? I'm from the Midwest, we don't like to draw attention to ourselves. But despite the frustration, it's a lesson learned and I'll know one area I can improve upon in the future.

After my trip to the East Coast I returned to North Dakota. I visited friends at UND and celebrated Springfest, which is a one day party in the park prior to finals. Fest-goers arise earlier than they normally would for school to enjoy breakfast and drink specials. They wear crazy and, more often than not, inappropriate shirts special for the occasion. And some--like a few of my friends--tie themselves together with bungee cords so as not to lose one another. Pretty much, they party. It's been known to get wild and so in recent years Springfest has been under tight security with alcohol restrictions (it used to be B.Y.O.B., but now has a beer garden). As long as no one burns anymore furniture we should be good.

Following my stint in Grand Forks I traveled back home to Minot for the first time since I moved to the Twin Cities. It was extremely nice to visit the parents and pooches. We headed to the lake for a few days, which was wonderful despite the fact that the weather wasn't the nicest. I was very happy to be able to spend Mother's Day with my momma. I was also happy to visit friends and family that I haven't seen for quite some time.

I returned to Minnesota after about a week and a half in the good ol' hometown. Awaiting me was my brother, his dog, and our dirty house. (A man's idea of clean is mind-boggling...) There's nothing like cleaning for two days straight only to have to re-clean it after a party, which was exactly what happened to me. But now that our home is back in order, I'm back to job hunting. It's work in and of itself, but hopefully it will pay off soon because I'm itching to do something more exciting than walk the dog (as much as I do enjoy a nice walk in the sunshine and fresh air). That and uh...I need to earn some money. I mean, someone has to buy groceries around here!

Anyway the upcoming days will be filled with the hunt and some fun. I have the honor of being a chaperon for a good family friend. The young lady, fresh out of her freshman year in high school, will be flying in to go to the Gwen Stefani concert and I am in charge of her stay in the Cities. I feel so adult...well, sort of.

Okay, this got long, didn't it? But I had a lot to talk about for two months time! And remember, I said I'd try to skim. Have a good one Blog World! God's blessings.

Many laughs and much love,
Annie

Hire Me: Communication Graduate Seeking Entry-Level Career Opportunity

2007-03-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

Can someone please explain to me why an entry-level career requires two to three years of experience? I thought the whole point of an entry-level career was to gain experience. Apparently I'm wrong, very wrong. I'm also screwed because I do not have two to three years of experience for anything. How am I supposed to obtain a job? Help. Someone, anyone. Help me. Please. I'm a capable, hard working, intelligent individual. I've got to be good for something, dang it!

"Don't worry dude, MTV gonna pimp your ride!"

2007-03-18T12:54:00.000-05:00

I just do not understand the fascination with "tricking out" vehicles unworthy of being pimped. Example: I saw a Pontiac Aztec with rims.

Excuse me, rims on a Pontiac Aztec? Really? Rims don't go with an Aztec at all. That vehicle is made for the "great outdoors." It even has its own little tricks for the camping life and what not, so by no means are rims necessary on a Pontiac Aztec.

Furthermore, just yesterday I cringed--and okay I admit it, I laughed, I'm guilty--when I came across a Ford Focus all done up. The hatchback "Hocus Focus" had extremely tinted windows, the clear light biznass, and a vented sporty hood. But to top it off, a personalized license plate stated the "obvious." It read, "2 PHAT."

Whhhyyyyy? I just don't get it! Why would you spend more money on a Ford Focus then you need to?! That little hatchback should be deemed "unpimpable" and come with the warning of, "DO NOT TRICK OUT." And don't even get me started on people who buy the plastic spinners from Wal.Mart. The only thing that is worse than that are cars with two plastic spinners. At least buy a complete set! Please, I beg you. Oh, and puh-lease do not paint your car sherbet orange. Here's a good rule of thumb, avoid pastel colors all together. And finally, if possible (and this should be possible) steer clear of spoilers that could double as dining room tables.

Okay, maybe I'm being mean. If pimping your "unpimpable" ride makes you happy, well then, good for you. By all means, be happy. But I can seriously think of better ways to spend money, like donating it to charity, stocking your kitchen with groceries, and buying new shoes. The list goes on. And hey, if you want to spend money on your car, why not just fill up your gas tank, change the oil, wash it, tune it up, rotate the tires... That's money well spent.

Desperate Times call for desperate measures...

2007-03-09T17:44:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I was finishing my hosting shift at the restaurant I work at around 3:00 p.m. when a woman came to the host stand. She was in her late thirties to early forties, well dressed, and somewhat frantic.

"Hi! I have a flight to catch and this is a really random favor, but all of the airport parking lots are full and I was wondering if maybe someone could help me by coming with me to the airport and then bringing my car back here and then my husband will pick it up later," she said in literally one breath.

I was somewhat taken aback by the desperation hanging in her voice, but I offered to help. "Well, I just finished working so I can go with you," I stated.

"Are you serious? I'll pay you! How much do you want?"

"Oh really, it's not a problem," I replied. And it wasn't. I was indeed done working and the airport was and is maybe a ten minute drive from where I work, so why not help her out? After all, if I were in her position I'd hope that someone would help me out as well.

I told my manager the situation and he gave me a concerned look. "Do you know her?" he asked. I told him that I didn't, but that I could "take her" if need be. I wasn't concerned though because she seemed like a nice woman who was really just in need of spur of the moment random help.

So I followed her to her car, which was a nice Volvo, and got in. She told me her name was Becky and that she was so appreciative of my help. "This is the most random thing I've ever done," she added. I said that I understood that desperate times call for desperate measures and that I was happy to help. She mentioned that she tried to get a cab, but that it was going to be a twenty minute wait--twenty minutes she didn't have to spare as she was off to Chicago for a business trip in which her boss would be picking her up.

During our brief drive we talked about how I was in search of a career, Oprah, and that the parking lots were full because of spring break. As we were nearing the drop off zone Becky's husband called her. He was obviously getting back to her after receiving a panic stricken voice mail. Becky gave him the 411.

"I made a new friend and she is coming with me to the airport and then is taking my car back to the restaurant and then you and Sara need to pick it up later. She'll leave the keys under my seat." She said all of this in, again, literally one breath.

"Are you serious?" he asked somewhat dubiously. Then he said, "Just give her the car. Does she need a car?"

We both laughed and she continued on with her conversation. She noted that she got my name and phone number because she wanted to pay me and said that I was looking for a job, so he should try and help me out. Then she pulled to a stop outside of the airport doors, quickly got out of the car, and flew open the back door pulling out her suitcase. With her cellphone in her left hand and up to her ear and her purse and suitcase in tow in her right hand she thanked me and rushed off to catch her flight. Typical business woman, right?

"Nice to meet you. Have a safe trip!" I said and then climbed into the front seat. I adjusted the seating position and mirrors and slowly drove away, laughing to myself the whole drive. I couldn't believe the amount of trust this woman had. I could have easily drove away with her vehicle!

I was very thankful that I didn't get pulled over or get in a car accident because would I have some explaining to do to the authorities! But the drive was just fine and I parked the car in the restaurant lot and locked the doors with the keys inside as I said I would. The whole experience was random and extremely joyful. Becky was so appreciative and it just really made my day that I could help keep her day rolling as planned. Again, the trust was absolutely awesome and I'm thankful I had the opportunity to help.

It can't be March already, can it?!

2007-03-04T00:50:00.000-06:00

Well February certainly came and went, didn't it? Cripes. I only managed one posting? Oh well, I'm sure you (whoever you are) didn't mind. I have my reasons for not posting, however...

First of all, my days have been filled with work. I obtained a serving job at a restaurant in St. Paul. I wish that it was a bit closer to home for my gas guzzling truck's sake and for my wallet's benefit. I also wish that I earned more moolah, which is again for my wallet's benefit. While I'm making wishes here I should inform you that my biggest wish of all is that I had an actual career with an eight to five, Monday through Friday job complete with a nice salary and solid benefits package, paid vacation... Sigh. But even though it's not much, it is a job and I am thankful for that. I also enjoy the opportunity to interact with people. I'm so much more alive when I can make people happy. And though I realize that I can't live for others, for I live only for God, I can live so that others might live a happier life. Yeah, yeah I know that I'm only a waitress, but for the time being I can make the world a better place, one table at a time.

My other excuse for the lack o' blogging is extremely valid for I have not had a working computer for quite some time. My iBook officially died a couple of months ago after a long and hard fought battle. It's really my fault. I loved my iBook, but I tried to make an improvement to it which ended up being a terrible setback that it never fully recovered from. Excuse me, I just need a moment here... Okay, I've composed myself. So after the demise of my computer I turned to my brother's old school clam shell/toilet seat looking iBook. That was working a-ok, but then the battery died after the adapter broke. Thankfully my parents were nice enough to help us out with the purchase of a new battery and adapter; those two parts alone added up to a $250 bill. I'd love a brand spanking new, full loaded iBook, but being I couldn't even afford to foot that bill I'm sticking with sharing my brother's computer. Anyway, since I was without internet there was to be no blogging from me. I was going through withdrawals, but I think that an internet free life has been good for me. I had become too dependent, some might say addicted, to various legal and non-creepy internet activities (i.e. checking my Facebook and email, visiting my favorite sport and celebrity websites, watching random YouTube videos). Now I don't feel the urge to check my email thirty-two times a day. It's a good thing. However, I have been frequenting many car websites in search of an affordable, safe, and fuel efficient/environmentally friendly vehicle.

But I won't get started on that biznass because this is already an extremely long post. I guess I'm just trying to make up for lost time, but by doing that I'm taking up your time! So I'll end here with a "thanks for reading" and "have a fabulous day!"

Description

2007-02-15T19:11:00.000-06:00

The man walks about with untied shoes
and wears no jacket in the bitter cold.
He knows the art of punctuation
and what a perfectly placed comma
will do to a person.
Drinks cheap vodka
like it's water,
literally pissing away his money.
He scratches himself
and never combs his hair.
He paints portraits of people
in their true colors as he sees them
and laughs at their reactions to his work.
He doesn't vote
or believe in politics
or even watch the news.
Can't swim or dance,
but still dives into the rhythm of the tide.
He speaks nonsense to please his therapist
and occasionally phones his mother.
Calls me woman,
not girl or young lady,
but woman.

The man is dangerous.

Random Me

2007-01-29T23:14:00.000-06:00

Well I haven't posted for a little while, but I can't think of anything poignant to share with the blog world so I am opting to disperse some random information about me. Please don't think I'm self-centered for doing so because I'm really not a narcissistic person, promise. I just truly cannot think of an important topic to discuss. Anyway, on with the randomness...

My thought process is all over the place. Let me tell you, it's quite the process of how I start at point A and arrive at point B. It's a good thing my friends and family are patient and have a good sense of humor.
I have diagnosed myself as "slightly O.C.D." For example... All of my frames, knickknacks, and other decorations have to be "just so" (I inherited this trait from my mother); any labels must face forward; and CDs have to be the right side up in their cases. I'm not a "neat freak" when it comes to everything, but there are certain things that I like a certain way.
Because I have extremely curly hair my older brother used to tell people that I stuck my finger in a light socket. This was absolutely hilarious to him when we were kids. Charming, isn't he?
I can't leave home without chapstick in my pocket. But just in case I do forget to stash it in my pocket I have chapstick stored in my desk, nightstand, makeup bag, purse, and vehicle.
I am very fond of bags of all sorts and wish that I had a Mary Poppins Carpet Bag. You know, like the one where she pulls a lamp out. It would make packing sooo much easier.
I pass out when I donate blood, but I don't mind it too much because that means I get all the free juice and cookies I want. Yesss!
I always have to have a full glass of water next to my bed at night.
My feet look exactly like my mom's. It's almost eerie.
My childhood ambition was to become the first woman in the NBA and then in about fifth grade I came up with the WNBA. Of course, it wasn't until 1997 before anyone paid any attention to me.
I'm not a one word answer kind of gal, in fact I tend to ramble. It runs in the family.
When I was in the first grade I was stepped on by a sheep in the face during my ride in a Mutton Bustin' contest. I took home the glorious first place trophy, however, complete with a golden plastic sheep. The next day at school my best friend asked, "What happened to you? Did you get stepped on by a cow?" Close enough.
In high school I slept with my basketball. I swear that it helped my shooting touch.
I'm very much so indecisive. Never ever ask me the following question: "Where should we go out to eat at?"
My claim to fame is that I was referred to as "the artist" in a Page Six article of the New York Post a couple of years ago.

Bring On a New Day

2007-01-22T01:08:00.000-06:00

It’s late, but there’s life in these homes yet.
People are still awake
and I’m on the outside.
Yes I’m on the outside looking in,
wondering if they’re happy
and if so,
can I be happy like them?

See my life is not so bad,
but I can’t shake this feeling of sad
and I don’t know why,
so I just cry.

I don’t want to think,
don't want to think this way.

So bring on a new day.
Bring on tomorrow.
Bring on a new day
and let go of this sorrow.

Because in order to be held,
I have to let go of myself.
In order to be held,
I have to let go.

It’s just that this hurt
wears a different kind of shirt,
it’s yellow in my mind,
but it’s not mine.

I don’t want to think,
don't want to think this way.

So bring on a new day.
Bring on a true peace.
Bring on a new day
and bring on the release.

Because in order to be held,
I have to let go of myself.
In order to be held,
I have to let go.

It’s late, but there’s life in my head yet.
Thoughts are still awake
and I’m sitting inside.
Yes I’m sitting inside looking out,
wondering if they’re happy
and if so,
what is happy all about?

Bring on a new day,
bring on a new day
and let go.
Bring on a new day
and embrace my soul.

Questions to ponder...

2007-01-18T13:35:00.000-06:00

Why does Carson Daly have a late night talk show? He’s not funny.
When teams play in championships, shirts and hats are made in advance for them and should they win they get to sport them on the field or on the court. But what about the losing team? "Champions" shirts and hats were made for them as well, so what happens to those shirts and hats?
Who turns on city street lights? I’m sure there is a timer set to turn the lights on at night or something like that, but what about when it's foggy in the middle of the day? Someone has to turn on the lights then. I’d also like to know if there is a giant light switch.
Why do celebrities, who have the means to purchase pretty much whatever they want, receive oodles of free stuff? I’m not hate’n, I just find it ironic.
Why do characters on TV and in the movies wear backpacks on one shoulder? No one has done that for real since the 90s and besides, it’s not good for your back. If they want to hang a bag on one shoulder why not use a one strap backpack or a messenger bag?
Who thought of Hypercolor shirts and why did they stop making them? I so wish that I still had my pink and purple Hypercolor shirt. There's nothing so glamorous as to feel like a chameleon.
If you're from North Dakota, as I am, how can you think you're a gangsta? A former classmate of mine is attempting to make it as a rapper and I admit that she's not bad, she can flow. But she makes repeated claims of her gangsta status all the while denying her NoDak roots; she does this, I would imagine, so people will not question her being a gangsta. North Dakota has farmers, business people, some pretty good athletes, Josh Duhamel, and hella fabulous teachers, but we do not have gangstas.
Who gave Carson Daly a contract for a late night talk show? Is Ashton punking us?

Bottomless Beverage of Goodness

2007-01-17T16:12:00.000-06:00

Why is bad news pretty much the only news? Why do we need a “spotlight” on good news or good people? Shouldn't good news dominate the airwaves, and newspaper and magazine pages?

Okay, okay so I guess there's more than just bad news in the media. After all, celebrity sightings and gossip also rule the headlines. Oh, and sports and the weather too. And then, as I previously mentioned, there's the occasional "feel good" story. But honestly, our media seems to be drinking from a glass that is half empty because every day I only learn about all things negative. In fact, there is so much emphasis on hurt, crime, and violence that I'm thinking the media's glass must just contain a couple of sips worth of a beverage.

And on a side note, I truly hope that their beverage of choice is water and not some other clear liquid... Sometimes I wonder.

While it is no doubt important to bring these negative sorts of matters to our attention, I feel that it is equally important to bring positive energy to the lives of people. I know that we live in a violent society; really, I'm not naive enough to believe that we live in a fairy tale sort of land or utopia. And I understand that because we live in an imperfect world the media has a duty to report on our imperfections. By no means can we ignore injustices and pretend that everything is fine and dandy, but to use a classic phrase: “violence begets violence.” If all we see, read, and hear is bad news then isn't it likely that we will continue to produce bad news?

Maybe, just maybe if we paid more attention to the good in and around us it would inspire others to do good. Maybe if we had more of a “pay it forward” attitude rather than a “pay back” mentality we might find ourselves in a more positive state. Maybe...

I know this is sensitive and complicated and I do not presume to have the answers in regards to stopping the violence and hurt, but I prefer to believe that there is more good than bad in the world. So instead of just spotlighting the good, let's make the good shine. Let's fill our glasses to the brim and even order a bottomless beverage of goodness. And you know what? Let's order a round of bottomless goodness for the media as well! They certainly can use a refill.

Cheers!

“So let us not become tired of doing good;
for if we do not give up,
the time will come when we will reap the harvest.”
-Galations 6:9-

“My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad,
but imitate what is good.
Whoever does good belongs to God;
whoever does what is bad has not seen God.”
-3 John 11-

“Let us be concerned for one another,
to help one another to show and to do good.”
-Hebrews 10:24-

Crazy-Pee-In-Your-Pants-Funny

2007-01-16T15:49:00.000-06:00

Please, please, puh-lease Google the funniest person alive: Amy Sedaris.

I'm telling you there's good wholesome funny (think Ellen DeGeneres) and spastic funny (a la Mario Cantone) and plain old inappropriate funny (who else but Kathy Griffin). And then... AND THEN there's crazy funny, a kind of funny that embodies all funnies and that, my friends, is Amy Sedaris. Amy is ADD, talented, witty, beautiful, bizarre, crafty, genius, and potentially on crack. All that adds up to one brilliantly hilarious pint sized funny lady. Not to mention that she is a best-selling author for her fabulous book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence.

If you are unfamiliar with Amy Sedaris do as I said before, Google her, and then search for some fantastically funny video clips of her on YouTube. I assure you, you will not be disappointed. In fact, if you are sad or upset or depressed I am prescribing a healthy dosage of Amy Sedaris. Hell, if you're as happy as a Lutheran at a pot luck (a.k.a. blissful) I still prescribe Amy. She always makes me laugh and I guaran-f'en-tee that she'll make you nearly pee your pants. It doesn't get any better or funnier than that folks.

I have a dream...?

2007-01-14T22:53:00.000-06:00

People often say to believe in your dreams. But then when you share your dream you’re told, “Well that’s unrealistic.”

Excuse me for the lack of better words here… Umm, duh. It’s a dream.

Dreams are supposed to be unrealistic and seemingly unattainable. That’s the beauty of it. That’s the magic. And that’s what makes dreams work. That sense of impossibility is precisely what motivates the dreamer to do what people so foolishly declare cannot be done.

Dreams are your heart’s desires and if you feed those desires there is a satisfaction that cannot be adequately articulated other than to say that there is a sincere feeling of a roaring peace. It’s something of an oxymoron. I guess this feeling is present because the process of attaining a dream brings focus to your life and purpose.

Purpose, meaning to intend. Living life intentionally. Purpose.

The antonym of “purpose” is “indifference,” showing neither interest nor dislike. So to me that means that a life lived without a dream or dreams is a life lived indifferently and that essentially means that you’re not living, but merely existing.

And sadly, that’s me. I do not know what it is I dream of and what it is that my heart desires, what it is yearning for and since I cannot feed it, my heart aches. It’s starving and, currently, I’m wasting away.

When I graduated this past May a General in the United States Air Force delivered a brief, but poignant commencement address. One particular quote stood out to me. He said, “If you don’t dream, you can’t have a dream come true.” At the time I thought I knew me and I thought I knew my dreams. But now not only am I confused, I’m doubtful and I’m becoming one of those fools—one of those people who are dubious of what can be done.

Why? Why can I not will myself to believe and to see the future? Why?

Only I can answer that question and that seriously scares me.

What I Meant to Say Was

2007-01-12T22:01:00.000-06:00

Your life flashing before your eyes.
A flash of light.
The flash of a Kodak Moment.
Flashing your cards.
A flash bomb.
Flashing a smile.
The innocent flash of cleavage.
A flash and it was gone.

Brilliant.

More Than Capable

2007-01-11T01:27:00.000-06:00

A thirteen year old girl was raped on her way to school this week in St. Paul. Thirteen. A child. I just cannot comprehend this.

How can a person see a young girl and think that she is his for the taking? How does a person get to that point in his life? How does he become a rapist? No one grows up with the dream of, "One day I'm going to be a rapist." Little boys dream of becoming astronauts, doctors, football stars, zoologists... How do they go from that into becoming rapists?

I just... I'm at a complete loss. I mean all violence truly perplexes me. I just don't understand the criminal mind, I guess. I'm not sure I want to. The thing of it is, we may not begin life on a level playing field, but I believe that God has made us all more than capable. We're more than capable of rising above, succeeding, growing, overcoming, thriving, etc.

You know when a scientist makes an important discovery? Or...or...when an athlete wows us in an unfathomable way? And a musician, for example, composes the most beautiful music? Um, or when a person who appears to be at a disadvantage by "normal" standards ends up being completely remarkable by any standard? Do you know what I'm talking about? There's that something. And when these people are asked, "How did you do that? Where did that come from?" Many times the response is, "I don't know really. I just did it. It came to me..." That, that is the "more than capable" business I'm referring to. That is the true you coming to absolute life and it will likely take time and hard work for that birth or rebirth, but it's you. It's so you.

I truly feel that we can all accomplish great feats because God has constructed our beings to be, again, more than capable. He has set purposes for individual lives, but God has also given us free will. He has plans for us and it's up to us to carry them out. So it's in our hands what to do with our capabilities. Just as there are amazing do-gooders there are also horrifying monsters. And sometimes it's a thin line as to which side we will end up on. But it is up to us, it's our decision. We need to take responsibility for who we are. Yes, we're influenced by others, but for good or for bad we are who we are because of the actions we chose to take.

So I urge you--whoever you are and whatever "side" you are on--to choose to take action for good, to do good. The good is there in you. Release it.

"It's our choices [...] that show what we truly are,
far more than our abilities."
-J.K. Rowling-

"If you bring forth what is within you,
what you bring forth will save you."
-Gospel of Thomas-

"Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts,
must use for the good of others the special gift
he has received from God."
-1 Peter 4:8-

Reinventing the Phone

2007-01-09T23:33:00.000-06:00

Oh, iPhone, I've been patiently awaiting your arrival ever since the birth of your sibling, iPod! But I find it ironic that you are made to fit conveniently in my hand and yet, you still evade my grasp for alas, you are a bit pricey for my wallet at the moment. Someday. Yes, someday you will be mine...

It Was Then

2007-01-09T00:28:00.000-06:00

Your eyes took me in
and your hand traced
the outline of my body
on its way to my hand
and your lips parted ways
in order to smile
before coming back together
to meet mine.

You, darling, fully embraced me
in that brief span of time.

And it was then,
at that very moment
that I realized
I would be alone.