Aug. 12, 2008

Today was full of minor accomplishments and a few firsts at work. Nothing notable.

Aug. 11, 2008

I made fresh pesto today from basil in my garden. Shocking, I know, but I've never actually made pesto before. It's much easier than it looks. I used the good ole' mortar and pestle too... not the food-processor. That's for sissies. Anyway, I'm freezing a portion of it for the winter. Mmmm.

Then we watched a new movie, The Last Kiss with Zach Braff. It wasn't bad, I guess.

Aug. 10, 2008

Jon and I rode our bikes to brunch at a local diner. Sadly I didn't get anything new. :( Oh well. Then we rode bikes to the bike shop to get mine fixed and then in the evening rode to see the new Indiana Jones movie at the Riverview. Notice all the bike riding? I haven't touched my car all weekend. That in itself is not a first, but it is, when you consider that I did go quite a few places, but haven't used the car to get there.

Oh and did I mention I shaved Jon's head? That was a first for both of us. It was time. I think it suits him.

Aug. 9, 2008

This morning I rode my bike to see a film called "War Made Easy" at the Riverview. Then I biked home with a coffee in one hand and my CSA veggies in a bag on my other wrist. That wasn't easy. Also, I highly recommend this film. It will infuriate you at the state of our government (what's new) and the roll that the media plays in war propaganda.

Then I rode my bike to see a Live Action Set Fringe performance with 2 girlfriends. It was a disturbing but good show. The bike ride was clear across town, I didn't wear a helmet (sadly) and rode home after dark through a slightly scary neighborhood... by myself. A little un-nerving considering what has recently happened in that neighborhood, but envigorating. It was a gorgeous night!

Aug. 4-8, 2008

I can't quite remember what new thing I did each day but here they are:

-Successfully facilitated the launch of a new website: www.deliciouswishes.org
-Learned what it feels like to take a (small) stand against a boss.
-Found out a friend of mine is pregnant
-Danced in a 5-night run of a very successful Fringe Festival show.

Aug. 3, 2008

My husband and I went to this cool record shop a block away from our house. It's called Hymie's. We've lived here almost 7 years and never gone in there before. It's pretty sweet. We picked up some 78's for his dad's old Victrola.

Aug. 2, 2008

I trans-planted day lillies in my back yard. I hope they don't die.

August 1, 2008

Danced my first show of the MN Fringe Festival. Kaleena Miller & Ned Sturgis' show--- a collaboration called "We Live Like This". I urge you to check it out! http://www.fringefestival.org/2008/show/?id=903

Also tonite we ate at a new Indian restaurant near our house called Ghandi Mahal. It was great! Very good food and a nice atmosphere. We both had Mango Lassis (mmm...) and tried a new dish called Malai Kofta. (also mmm...) I think we will be going back there quite often.

July 30, 2008

Today I went to the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital for the first time, and did a wish interview with a 17-year-old boy who has been battling Leukemia. I've done wish interviews before, but never in the hospital. He and his family seemed very sweet.

July 29, 2008

I got a fruit smoothie today from a little place near my office called Taraccino (or something). It's a little coffee shop that also serves yummy gelato (I sampled some... and know I'll be back for a real serving sometime soon!)

I also touched and picked up a snake skin. My dog sniffed it out (just a gardener snake) and was playing with it, so I grabbed it and threw it in the alley. Yeah, I know it's not a big deal, but I am normally a little creeped out by that stuff. But I have to say, I was brave... and it was still a little yucky.

July 28, 2008

Took a comp day today. Had a middle of the week-day tech rehearsal for the Fringe, went to a forum at the Walker and then the real "new thing"... on my way home, I gave a dollar to a young man who was pan-handling. I was in my car, and happened to have a dollar sitting there. I pulled up next to him at a red light and his sign said he was homeless. He looked very innocent...maybe about 25. I gave him the dollar. He thanked me and said "God bless you". I said "you too". Never given someone money from my car before. Maybe he didn't need it, or use it for what I had hoped, but you never know...

July 27, 2008

Saw the Dark Knight tonight. It was very...well...dark. Good movie though...it makes me sad all over again that Heath Ledger is gone. He was impressive!

July 26, 2008

Went to a little wine bar in my neighborhood and had wine & dessert by myself tonite. It was quite enjoyable. Planning out my next moves in life, reading, thinking...

July 25, 2008

Tried unsuccessfully to go see the Dark Knight. It was sold out. So instead we watched a Netflix documentary called Jesus Camp. About fundamentalist Christians sending their kids to an evangelical camp in North Dakota. Yikes! You have to watch it to understand.

July 24, 2008

I started to make head-way. I had a meeting with my boss and brought up a bunch of new topics. Nothing was decided, but it felt good to mention them and get the thought processes going. I'm starting to feel like I know what I'm talking about :)

July 23, 2008

I ate lunch at Pizza Nea in NE with a couple girl friends. Both of whom are pregnant. I had never eaten there before and it was quite good. A little spendy for lunch but I had left-overs for dinner (since I wasn't going to be home until 10pm).

July 22, 2008

I had a student tell me today, that I was the best tap teacher EVER! (she's 6 years old) How cute is that?! I don't think I've ever been told that before.

July 21, 2008

uh... darn. I'm at a lack for something today. I guess I could say I got a mild case of food-poisoning... or so it seems. I've never had it before, but I would imagine this is what it's like. :(

July 20, 2008

I went to see my dad in a production of The Music Man at Mankato State University. It was a great performance! Who knew my dad (and us kids) would enjoy it so much! It was a total role-reversal... I was like the proud parent in the audience, after so many years of being the one on stage!

July 19, 2008

Well today I went to my first motorcycle rally and as a bonus, it was in a town I've never been to before! Yep. It's a fundraiser for called Dreams for Kids. A co-worker and I went, and it was pretty fun! Totally a world that I am not familiar with. It was funny! Here we are:

July 18, 2008

Not only did I go to a new salon/spa today, but I got my first-ever facial. It was nice... a mini-facial they called it, but it was not bad. Not painful, like I've heard they can be, and I didn't have any reactions. And my skin did feel quite soft and moisturized for a day or so. Yay! I also had a massage and manicure. It was quite relaxing. I'm sure I'll be back to my old tense-self tomorrow.

July 17, 2008

Not monumental, but I learned a new tap step today. We're in rehearsal for the Fringe Festival and learned a new and complicated step for the tap piece we're doing... in heels. I'm not very good at it, but hopefully I'll get much better by the time the show opens. :)

July 16, 2008

Today I hosted my first focus group regarding a Speaker's Bureau program we're starting at my office.

Also I went to happy hour with a former intern. It's weird that I have "former interns". But it was fun to catch up... just makes me feel a little old.

July 15, 2008

I went to have dinner at Krista's new house. Very cute little place in NE Minneapolis. She made yummy fajitas and sweet corn salsa...mmm!

July 14, 2008

Today I went to a photo shoot for work. Got to meet a couple great families. And I have never been to the Como Park Pavillion before. I even ate luch there. It was a cute little place.

July 10-13, 2008

We went to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for 4 days. The next few "new things" were done while on that trip.


1. Watched a beaver have a snack and then swim back home
2. Stayed in a campsite for a second time (first time was a year ago on Vera Lake)
3. Had a good night sleep in a tent
4. Helped rescue & provide hospitality for a capsized canoe-full of Boy Scouts
5. Took a photo from the latrine
6. Had to have Jon pull a wood tick out of me. (eew..)

July 9, 2008

Today I had a personal success! I have successfully kept my New Year's Resolution for 6 months, and had it validated. My resolution was to floss my teeth every day. And I can honestly say, I've only missed a handful of times. Today I had my 6 month dentist appointment for a regular check-up and they were blown away with my news. The cleaning was a breeze, not much of the horrible scraping, and an unofficial "Gold Star" from my dentist! Who knew it would make such a difference. I guess I'll keep it up.

July 8, 2008

Had a very frank and honest meeting with my boss. It felt good to get some issues out in the open.

July 7, 2008

Not sure what new thing I did today... i know there was something, so I'll get back to you.

July 6, 2008

This is a big one: I successfully flipped over in a kayak and did a "wet-exit". 3 times actually. I also did a self-rescue. It was scary, but Jon was coaching me through it the whole way. He was very patient - as it took me a long time to get up the nerve to do it. :) I'm proud of myself.

Also we cleaned our gutters when they were DRY. That was new and definitely the way to go. Much easier than cleaning out the wet, rotting muck that's normally in there. We had little trees sprouting from the gutters, so we figured it was time. Super hot day, but we each did half. Not as daunting of a task that way... and it feels good to have it done!

July 5, 2008

Went to a TRIPLE feature at the Vali-Hi Drive-in with my husband. It was a LONG night but pretty fun too. Gorgeous night for it! We saw Hancock (i would recommend), The Incredible Hulk (which I slept through and wouldn't probably recommend) and Get Smart (a rental).

It was fun. We had food and pillows and all that. Got home about 4AM. :) Sleepy...

July 4, 2008

I did nothing on the 4th of July. That's a first. Sat around at home, did some chores, layed around in the sun. Not too exciting, but pretty relaxing.

June 3, 2008

I had wine at a bowling alley. Not typically a place I would recommend having wine, but I wasn't feeling like beer. Yeah, it wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible either.

June 2, 2008

I successfully sold my first event media sponsorship to an outlet that we've never had any relationship with before. I think it will be good!

Catching Up on Posts

Woops! sorry it's been so long since I've posted... here's a recap of the last couple weeks. I'll try to be better about it.

Here goes:


July 1, 2008
Today I initiated plans to hold a blood drive at my office building. I've always donated blood, but never hosted a drive. It's about time.

June 30, 2008
Tried a new restaurant/bar today called Picosa. Not great for vegetarians, but had killer Mojitos!

June 29, 2008
Today I planted dill and golden beets. And I bought a wind-chime. It's something I've always wanted and never had. It's made of capiz. It's very sweet the way it tinkles lightly in the breeze. And another new thing was that I discovered I have 2 tomato plans growing that I didn't plant! hee-hee! Must be from the tomatoes that fell off and rotted last year.

June 28, 2008
Hired a handyman to do a couple things around the house. He was Russian. Very sweet man, but a little hard to understand.

June 27, 2008
Came home and did absolutely nothing- except read a magazine cover-to-cover... ahh...

June 26, 2008
Today I cooked stir-fry with Bok-Choy... mmm... it was good.

June 25, 2008
It's an odd thing, but I had electro-myo stimulation on my back today at the chiropractor. It's very strange, out-of-body sensation where you can't really tell if you're moving your muscles or if the machine is. Weird...

June 24, 2008
I uploaded (and shared) photos using Google's new Picasa tool. It's super fun! And handy.

July 23, 2008
I threw a going-away party for the first time. It was for my good friend... I miss her already. She moved to New York to pursue a life-long dream. How awesome is that!?

June 22, 2008
I drove almost all the way from Milwaukee with the windows down. It was breezy but so nice out!

June 21, 2008
Went to my friend's wedding "reception" in Milwaukee... actually it was more of a picnic. And I wore a mini-skirt! Not because I wanted to, but because it was all I had, besides jeans. You see, I forgot the sun-dress I was supposed to wear. I was upset but it was fine. Just never worn a mini-skirt to a wedding reception.

OH! And I almost forgot, I also ate some of the spiciest Thai food I've ever had this evening. It was good, but I was almost crying!!

June 20, 2008
I drove to Milwaukee by myself to visit my good friend and stayed in her "new" house.

June 19, 2008
I was the house manager for the opening night of "About a Mile" the Keane Sense of Rhythm 10th Anniversary performance. I've never "house managed" before. It wasn't hard. :) And the show was great!

July 18, 2008

I did a few new things today. 1) I ate lunch at Brasa for Katie's "going-away" lunch. It was yummy, but there were few things that were actually meatless. Oh well... 2) I taught my first PACKED tap class. It was awesome! There were like 24 adult students. Very exciting! Usually there's only 8-10 people. This was fun. Like I had my very own tap-army :) 3) I can't remember it right now. Maybe it'll come to me... oh yeah! I got to slap someone as hard as I could across the cheek. I KNOW i've never done that before. It was a consequence of Jon's new thing today... (being slapped on the cheek.) I didn't know i could hit that hard. It was scary, but also funny 'cause he asked me to, and then kind-of scream/laughed afterwards.

June 17, 2008

Today, my husband and I tried a new pizza... it's a mashed potato pizza with feta and tomatoes from Pizza Luce. I've heard rave reviews about it, but I was not impressed. In fact, I only ate one piece. It was just odd.
To make matters worse, they originally brought us the wrong 'zza (which had meat on it) and we had to wait to get another one. Thankfully they tried to compensate for the error by giving us a free giant Rice Krispie bar. If you know Luce, their Rice Krispie bars are the best! I guess "all's well that ends well."

June 16, 2008

Today I gave my first presentation for my organization to a local Women of Today chapter. I had no idea what to expect. They were very nice ladies, but it opened my eyes to a totally different world than the one in which I live.

June 15, 2008

Today was the Walk for Wishes! Gorgeous weather, thanfully! I have never been to Normandale Lake Park before. It's a really cute little suburban park with a nice bike/walking path.

Also, I got to pick-up and lug around 12 - 30lb. bags of ice in my car. That was interesting. Any longer in the hot car, and I would've been drowning in a puddle of slushy water. It was going fast. Luckily, I got it to the park and into coolers quickly, and all water was cooled sufficiently for the walk. :)

June 14, 2008

I totally nerded up today and went to the Star Wars exhibit at the Science Museum with my uber-obsessed husband. It was kind of interesting actually to see some of the behind-the-scenes stuff and the actual props and costumer etc. Then, for some reason, (and I think it kind-of shocked my husband too), I told him I'd play Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with him that evening. Again, that will probably never happen again. Naturally I got to play with a huge handicap (and quite a few hints)... and then still lost. But it was fun.

June 13, 2008

Today I tried a latte from McDonald's new McCafe coffee line. Sad, I know, but it had to be done. I usually avoid McDonald's like the plague. But I was going to another recital and needed a pick-me-up. It wasn't awful, but I don't think I have one again unless I'm desperate for caffeine.

June 12, 2008

Went to my first recital at the new studio where I taught this year. It was fun... long, but the kids did a great job! It makes it all worth it!

June 11, 2008

Today I did a couple different things... one I went to the Minneapolis Golf Club. Ive probably only ever been to 3 golf courses in my life. I also, ate a new kind of frozen edamamme and a new kind of faux-chicken patties. I know that's not that interesting, but I'm picky. Neither brand was as good as what I usually buy. Disappointing dinner. Oh well.

June 10, 2008

I spent the day in Hutchinson...to the Water Carnival and Boat Parade. Don't know that I've ever seen a boat parade anymore. And i know I've probably been to Hutchinson before, but I don't really remember it.

Also since I was driving the RV to Hutchinson, we naturally had to fill up the tank. I don't think I've ever had a gas purchase cost this much... $99.09!!!! yikes! And that was only for a half tank of gas.

June 9, 2008

This was a BIG first for me... I did a live television interview on a local show called Twin Cities Live today. Done interviews before, but never live. It was a little scary, but fun too! Whew!

http://twincitieslive.com/article/day/S20080609.shtml?cat=10699

June 8, 2008

Went to Glencoe and was in the Glencoe Days Parade with the Destination Joy RV! That's definitely a first!

Check it out!

June 7, 2008

Well, my students had their dance recital today. They all did such a great job! My new thing was that I received a dozen roses from one of my students, and another dozen from my director. How sweet is that!? I don't think I've ever gotten roses from a student. Maybe some daisy/carnation-mix, but this was extra special. Too cute! Two dozen...in one day! They look great in my living room.

June 6, 2008

I guess I thought I knew what the word 'repletion' meant, but I was wrong. I learned today the correct meaning:

repletion \rih-PLEE-shun\, noun:
1. The condition of being completely filled or supplied.
2. Excessive fullness, as from overeating.

June 5, 2008

Today, my new thing wasn't so exciting...I tried a new Kashi microwave entree for lunch, which I purchased from SuperTarget. I have to say I wasn't impressed. My shopping trip to SuperTarget wasn't as super as I'd hoped, I guess.

Today I drove a 29 foot RV for the first time! It's not as bad as I thought it would be, but it's a little nerve-wracking... especially thinking about parking it. I should explain... the nonprofit organization I work for is launching a summer outreach campaign. We will be driving around a wrapped RV to different cities and festivals around the state to increase awareness and education about our foundation. Well, today, I test drove the RV. We'll all be taking turns driving it, so I'll have a few more chances to take it for a spin. Hopefully I won't crush any little cars. Watch (out) for it around town!

So, this wasn't an entirely new thing, but it's worth noting. Today I attended (or at least tried to attend) the Barack Obama speech in St. Paul where he officially declared that he is the Democratic candidate! Hooray! I went with my friend Katie, and we were in line in downtown St. Paul with approximately 40,000 other Minnesotans. We didn't actually make it in to the Xcel Center, but instead were able to see the speech on the Jumbo-tron outside with about 15,000 other people. It was amazing, even though we weren't inside! (We saw him earlier this year at the Target Center, so I guess we can't ask too much). History in the making! Can't wait to see what the next few months bring! The battle has just begun, so we can't breathe a sigh of relief quite yet. But it's just so wonderful to see changes happening...to be a part of this momentous election!

June 2, 2008

So today was uninteresting, but I did my grocery shopping at a Super Target. Never done that before. It was quite disappointing. They were out of almost everything in the produce section. I couldn't find the stuff I usually like to buy and I paid more than I usually do. I doubt I'll do that again. About the only nice thing was that I could get the shampoo and sunscreen that I needed at the same time.

Need to back-date the last week

Since I didn't start this blog until after my birthday, I'll need to back-date the new stuff I did. So here goes:

May 25, 2008
Today, I enjoyed a nice cold 40-oz. bottle of the "champagne of beers" with my husband. They serve it a local restaurant from a champagne chiller and poured in classic champagne glasses. A real treat for my 30th birthday!

May 26, 2008
I planed some new annuals in my garden this year... snapdragons, and giant marigolds. Also, I tried a new restaurant, called Duplex, with some friends... It was good!

May 27, 2008
Tonight we ordered Indian food from a great little place near us. I ordered something new, called Kadai Paneer. It was yummy! Oh, and my co-workers had a little birthday celebration for me, so I got to eat cupcakes and ice-cream for lunch. I don't think i've ever done that before! Mmmm... ice-cream.

May 28, 2008
I've been riding my bike to work this year for many reasons, not the least of which is that gas prices are so high. But anyway, I took a new route to work today and shaved 10 minutes off my commute. I hit all the lights perfectly, and it was great! I must remember exactly what time I left.

May 29, 2008
I learned what "halcyon" means... never knew that before:

halcyon \HAL-see-uhn\, noun:
1. A mythical bird, identified with the kingfisher, that was fabled to nest at sea about the time of the winter solstice and to calm the waves during incubation.

adjective:
1. Calm; quiet; peaceful; undisturbed; happy; as, "deep, halcyon repose."
2. Marked by peace and prosperity; as, "halcyon years."

May 30, 2008
Today I learned what LYBUNTS and SYBUNTS are... They're nonprofit fundraising terms for donors that have donated Last Year But Not This Year or Some Year But Not This Year.
I also went to happy hour with my co-workers at Elsie's. We went bowling. I've never bowled at Elsie's before. I was awful!

May 31, 2008
I went to see some friends perform at the Mad Hatter cafe. Never been there before. It's a great little (tiny) tea shop and they did an outstanding job! I'll miss seeing them perform when they both move away in a few weeks. :(

June 1, 2008
Today, some friends and I went to a great Minnesota fest... Grand Ole Day! I can't believe I've never been to it before. Saw some good bands, ate some greasy food and drank lots of beer. It was really hot, we walked around a lot and I'm tired.

Okay- I think I'm caught up on my "new things". But there's a few notable new things that I did just before I turned 30... so count these as bonus "new things":

- went to Vancouver, B.C. (never been to Canada before)
- went whale watching and saw lots of Orca and seals!
- rode an Amtrak through the mountains
- attended my first caucus (yay!)
- started biking to work

Now that I'm 30...

Inspired by another blog, my husband, my good friend and I are all going to try to do one new thing each day this year. We turned 30 recently... yep, so it seemed as good a time as any to take on a monumental task. Some days may be interesting, others may be boring, but maybe we'll inspire someone else to try one of these things. It's a lofty goal, I know... but hopefully this blog will be a record of that accomplishment. Wish me (us) luck!