32.

So, I had a birthday recently.  It fell on a Monday.  I hate that.  Birthdays should always be on a Friday or Saturday as a rule.  I typically celebrate birthday week but it falling on a Monday just had me all out of sorts.  Boyd finally caught a break with my high maintenance birthday week tradition.  We were in Minneapolis this past weekend to clean out the backyard at the Stillwater house and to also catch up with friends.  It was fabulous especially since I didn’t have to do any work in Stillwater - - just Boyd.  He’s lucky like that.  I went to a plethora (LOVE that word!) of garage sales.  I got to see some friends I haven’t seen in awhile and ate a lot of fabulous food.

Because of said birthday . . .. . I am now the proud owner of an iphone.  In other words: I am now the idiot who owns an iphone.**Side note:  I have this weird issue of “giving in” to trends.  I typically try and gauge the trend.  How much do I like this trend?  Does it seem like it will be sticking around?  How expensive is it? Is it a hassle?  Can it be justified? Will I look stupid (i.e. skinny jeans)? Why do I think I need said trend? Am I doing it strictly because of peer pressure?  I was explaining this personal war that I wage on myself from time to time and Sister1 informed me that I was a titch crazy.**   

To be honest, I gave in to the whole iphone thing because I want to use the Instagram app.  I can now take pictures that make my life look cooler than it really is. Yes!!  I tried to download it and it asked for my apple ID.  I do not know my apple ID.  This problem would be categorized under “Trend full of hassles”. 

My new iphone is the one that you talk to.  I’m already annoyed with it.  It isn’t paying attention to me.  AND I find myself obsessed with touching it and looking at it and talking to it.  Fabulous.  I am now one of those people who are always messing with their phone while you are trying to have a conversation with them. *And don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about*  I have somehow managed to create another obstacle for me to test/prove my lack of will power.

Lovely.  My self esteem is sky rocketing and plummeting at the same time.  

In other news.  I have not blogged in a really long time.

Why you ask?

I have no idea.

I just didn’t feel like it.

But I felt like it today, so I did. 

Update:   We put our Watertown house up for sale.  We are hoping to move to the country.  And eat a lot of peaches.

Another update: I am no longer doing Shoppe on the Corner.  Instead, I am holed up in my garage painting furniture furiously to get ready for the FIRST EVER Lucky Day Sale which will be held in June.  Prepare yourselves.  It will be . . . . . awesome.  I hope. I mean . . I can’t be certain but it should be pretty awesome.  

I am feeling energetically inspired again.  I’m geared up to work in the garden, clean my house, paint some furniture and dance in the rain.  I MIGHT even start trying to be healthy.  But I don’t want to get too crazy with my new positive energy.  Plus, my mother-in-law baked me a heavenly chocolate cake and I still have 50% of it left sitting on my kitchen counter.  I can’t be rude . . it was for my birthday after all.  I really shouldn’t even share with Boyd because she made it for ME only.  I’m thoughtful like that.

32 years old.   I think 32 is going to be alright.

This and That.

I forgot that I had a blog.  Sorry.  And yes, part 2 for Costa Rica was fabulous.  It was mostly rainforest near Lake Arenal - absolutely stunning.  Boyd took windsurfing lessons and decided he LOVED it.  His positive attitude can by slightly annoying sometimes.

We did a ziplining tour one day and a strenuous hike at a nearby volcano to see the Blue River and waterfalls, etc.  Gorgeous.

Boyd on Lake Arenal

Rainforest

Waterfall at Blue River

Now we are back home and I have a hard time thinking of what has been going on.

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Lou pooped in my Jeep and then napped the rest of the day.  

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Oli stayed overnight.  He is such a funny little guy and so sweet.  He loves to look at books and scold Lou.

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G had his first ever basketball game.  He hasn't developed the healthy fear of coaches yet.

G:  Hey Robb (coach)!  Robb!  Robb!

R:  Yes?

G:  Can I go in now?

R:  In a minute.

G:  What do I do when I get in?  Do I just dilly-dally?

I have no idea what he thinks dilly-dally means but it must be a fierce basketball strategy.  Ry would have been proud. :)

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My niece Cate turned 1 this month!  She is so stinking cute.  We traveled to Sioux Falls to celebrate.  The weather was perfect so we were able to play outside.  She loved her new doll and stroller I picked out for her.

Other than that . . . . . the wind has been blowing like mad which in turn makes me mad.

The Shoppe's next occasional sale is over Easter weekend so I have to get back to painting, painting, painting!

Costa Rica - Part Uno

Boyd and I are on vacation in Costa Rica.  We have divided up our time into 2 different locations so we can see more of the country.  I like this plan of action because it helps my anxiety when planning a trip.  This helps keep down the cost of my medicinal marijuana use.

In preparation of our vacation. . . . Boyd shaved his chest.  So that was weird.

We are staying in Tamarindo right now at a Bed & Breakfast.  I love the place.  Its simple but nicely done.  Plus, their breakfast is fabulous.  I have had pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies every morning.  

It has been really windy every since we got here which is slightly annoying but I'm trying not to let it get the best of me.  My hair, however, is losing that battle.

A bird pooped on me.  Right away.  It did get the best of me.

I picked Tamarindo because Boyd likes to surf.  He may not be the GREATEST surfer but what he lacks in talent he makes up in heart and determination.  I told him he was being referred to as El Norwegian Ninja Surfer-Man among the locals.  *This is not true but don't tell him*  I first got him started with surfing when we went to Maui about 7 years ago.  He loved it and I have used it to my advantage ever since.  

We went on the "estuary tour" today.  I was completely prepared for this tour because I have been to Walt Disney World and been on the Jungle Book boat ride.   I kept waiting for the plastic hippo to rise out of the water and splash me.  It never happened.  We DID however see crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas, and tons of birds.

Boyd was a good sport about the whole thing and claimed he had fun.  He did get to hold a spider crab so that made him special.

One more day here and then off to La Fortuna which is the area of the volcano and Lake Arenal.  Supposedly it is quite beautiful.  It is inland so our beach section will be over soon.

I'm tired.  Must go to bed.  Boyd is obsessed with Game of Thrones.  He WILL NOT STOP READING.  It is truly amazing (and a little annoying . . . . I think I'm being ignored)

Good night and Pura Vida!

My Thyroid

So I got to have my "lady exam" on Valentine's Day.   Romantic, yes?   For those who didn't know . . I HATE going to the doctor.  I like to ignore problems.  Ignorance IS bliss but I'm typically too curious (aka "genius") to fully embrace that concept.  Come to find out. . . . my thyroid count is low.  When I told Boyd he asked why I seemed "happy" about it.  I explained that NOW I can blame my laziness on my thyroid and not just me being a loser.  Yes!

I'm working at the Shoppe this weekend.  I brought in some projects to work on:  chalkboards, coasters, windows, etc.  I caught Boyd in a moment of weakness and he has now promised some thrift store shopping with me.  HaHA!  I could give a helpful tip on these "moments of weakness" but if you are a married woman and have not figured it out yet . . .well . . . keep thinking.

He claims that doesn't work on him.  Lucky for me he rarely reads my blog.  Or maybe that is unlucky since my own husband is not a "follower" of ME.

Have I mentioned we are going on vacation soon?  YES we are.  Costa Rica is on the agenda.  Ahhh . . . I am so looking forward to it.   Boyd is so easy to persuade (see reasons above) especially when I mentioned surfing, white water rafting, ziplining and ATV jungle tours.  Personally, I'm hoping he can find a friend quickly once we get there because I tried surfing in Chile (decided its not for me) and I also tried white water rafting in Peru (and nearly left Boyd in Peru when we almost fell overboard).  

You know its a bad sign when the "captain" is scared and shouting.

I am aware that surfing looks nice and relaxing but once I step my toe in the water, the waves come full force and the sharks start circling.  I'm a strong swimmer but not a strong shark defender.   I might be exaggerating.

I do hope to snorkel.  I'm a mean snorkeler.  Unless water gets in my goggles or down the air tube.  I hate that.

Yes. I get to spend an entire week with this guy.  Eat your heart out ladies .. . or men . . . I'm not judging.

I love to visit a new place.  I hate to brag (not really) but I am really good at planning vacations.   We like to move around so I always pick 2 different places to stay to break up our week.  That way, if one place is boring, the next place is sure to be better.  It helps my anxiety. :)  BUT I doubt I actually have anxiety . . probably just my thyroid talking.  Wait? That's not a symptom?

All-in-all, I'm looking forward to reading a lot of books and experiencing a new country.

And when I say a lot of books . . . I mean A LOT.  I slam them down.

I bid you a good night.  My sweat pants are calling so I leave you with this:

I Don't Know Why I'm Surprised.

Boyd and I were in Minnesota this past weekend.  Boyd had one small plumbing issue to look at on the Stillwater house and then the rest of the time we got to HANG OUT!  It was fabulous.

On the ride back to SD we were in between Dawson and Watertown which means there is NO WHERE to stop along the way.  Normally this isn't a problem since its not that far.  We passed the sign that said "Marietta" (which is 5 miles off of our route) and I reminisced and said:  "Remember when you weren't paying attention and we had to drive to Marietta to get gas?  I was really mad at you".  He remembered and then changed the subject.  A few miles later, I say:  "How ARE we doing on gas anyway?"  Boyd looks at the gas gauge and says:  "&#RLKSHDF!"

Honestly.  I have never once ran out of gas.  Why?  BECAUSE I have a gas gauge that TELLS me when I'm running low.  Not to mention the HASSLE of hitching a ride, finding gas, etc.  Pain in the butt.  I have been with Boyd when he has run out of gas and I didn't like it at all.  How many times has Boyd run out of gas you ask?  I couldn't say for certain but it has to be over 10 times.

So, we turn around and head back towards Marietta since we only have 20 miles of gas left and Watertown is 35 miles away.  ARGH!  We pull into Marietta which has a population of a family gathering at Christmas.   Their gas station closes at 2pm on Sunday.  It is 2:20 on a Sunday.  AESRI$%HR!!  We find a woman walking and she informs us we can head to Madison which is 10 miles away (in the opposite direction).  We have 12 miles of gas left.  We pull into Madison on fumes.  I didn't talk the rest of the way home.

You have no idea how much I have heard the statement:  "Well, it SAYS I only have x miles left on this tank but I KNOW I have x."

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I probably shouldn't be too hard on Boyd on not paying attention since this morning I went through the McDonald's drive thru and ordered my mocha, paid for it and then drove off.   I didn't realize until I was nearly to Target that I had forgotten to actually GET the mocha.  ARGH!!  How embarrassing!!  Its a big ego blow to know that all the employees at McDonalds are laughing at the stupid girl.  This might be the incident that finally gets me to give up mochas.  A few years ago, I gave them up because I got the flu right after having one. I couldn't look at a mocha for weeks.  BUT I persevered and slowly got them back in my life.  I'm an achiever.

*****

Last week Boyd smelled gas in the house.  He wasn't sure if it was "dangerous" gas or just sewage.  He does some tinkering in the basement and then tells me to turn the heat on and step outside.  Okay.  I do it and then slowly start walking towards the door and get my shoes on.  Boyd said:  "Hustle up!"  I step outside and as he is looking at the house, I REALIZE he is seeing if the house is going to blow up.  WHAT IN THE WORLD?!  There must be a better way to check for that.  And why didn't I grab my purse? or my passports?!

The house did not blow up.  And I still love my husband.  Most of the time.

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I have been busy getting ready for the Shoppe occasional sale which starts on Thursday.  I have warned Boyd that his time is not his own this week.  So far so good.  He did ask me to stop spray painting in the house though.  I'm not sure I can do that.

I have "craft nite" tonight at the Shoppe.  Sister1 has been gracious enough to teach a wool hat class and it has been going pretty well.   I'm not sure what I was thinking when I scheduled the 2nd class for the week of the sale.  Oh yes . . . I wasn't thinking.

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I'm so very sleepy.  I could really use a mocha right now.

Huh.

I have kind of . . .. well . . . sucked at writing in this blog.  BUT . . as an excuse . . starting a blog was a 2011 resolution and thus, it was achieved.

So there.

My resolutions for 2012 were to paint the kitchen and get a bedside lamp plugged in.  Boyd said that there was no way we were painting the kitchen - too many areas to "cut in" so we decided we love the neon yellow.  Done.  AND about 2 weeks into January I put a light bulb in the lamp AND plugged it in (this involved getting an extension cord which about put me over the edge).  Tada!

2012 Resolutions complete.  I am a champion.

I basically just want to give fair warning that I may not write as much anymore.  Or at least, I haven't felt the desire to for awhile.  I have no idea why.

I might write a lot.  I might not at all.

Are we all at the edge of our seats?! I know I am. :)

Christmas Recap.

I love Christmas.  And I forgot to do a post about our Christmas.  Ummmm . . . . . . let me think . . . . it was nice?

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I got to attend the nephews' school Christmas program.  It was cute.  G was King Herod and he did an excellent job with his "tough guy voice".  I asked him after the program if I could borrow the dress he was wearing sometime.  He exclaimed:  "Its a robe!!"

*****

I made a flourless chocolate cake at some point in the month of December.

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?!

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Boyd and I got a Christmas tree.  We brought the boys to help.  I had anticipated a night of Christmas carols, hot chocolate and the boys helping me decorate the tree.  There were SOME carols but mostly a lot of punching and pushing.   Boys and their Christmas spirit. :)

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Boyd's family celebrated Christmas over Thanksgiving.  That seems so long ago and I guess it was. It was great to see everyone and my nephew Jake is getting so stinking tall and old - he's not a little boy anymore!

Here is a family picture.  Yes . . I'm the pasty weirdo up front.  And yes, I probably did not brush my hair.  And yes, my sisters-in-law are crazy pretty.  And no, Jim is not blind.  They are sunglasses.

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I had the book club over to my house for a little holiday party bash.  It was delightful.  I haven't entertained since I lived in Minnesota.  I forgot how much I enjoy . . . people . . . . and books.  I thought I would be doing book updates periodically but I'm lazy.  So as a recap our book club has read: (1) Until They Bring the Streetcars Back by Stanley Gordon West (one of my all time faves); (2) Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (fabulously entertaining); (3) One for the Money by Janet Evanovich (hilarious AND is coming to theaters on 1/27!); and (4) The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (Such a rich story . . . loved every minute of it).

I'm now caught up on my book reviews. . . . I am nothing if not thorough.

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My family Christmas went well.   The weather was creepy warm so we took advantage and played outside.  Much fun was had by all.

It was a beautiful day.  Mom got greedy and wanted the entire crew to go outside to take another family picture at sunset.  She lost.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  Now . . . . on to 2012.