Old Man Winter

I have tried writing a post for the past 3 weeks to no avail. Nothing changes. I still have spring fever. But alas . . . good tidings from the weatherman . . . weekend is looking wonderful. Here are my previous ramblings:

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It is April 18th and we are in the middle of another winter storm. I got half way to work and decided: "this is ridiculous. The roads are already icy and we are supposed to get another 3-7 inches". 3-7 INCHES!!! So I turned around and will try my luck tomorrow.

I think of myself as a fairly "hardy" person - after-all if you have lived in the Midwest for any number of years, you KNOW April snow is not uncommon. But its official: I'm done with winter. I have cross country skied, I have snow-shoed (spelling?), I have sipped hot chocolate during winter days, I have made vats and vats of chili, I have listened to Christmas carols through it all - I even got to do old fashion board sled riding - I'm good. Really. Old Man Winter can feel free to leave now. Plus, my dogs are getting fatter from sitting around. Just the dogs, of course.

I feel like I live in Winterfell. (Holla! Any Game of Thrones fans out there?!)

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Complete side note: I noticed on my drive this morning that people still wave around here. I find this sort of sweet. And I resolved that I would start waving but since I've been out of practice for so long, it feels so very strange. When driving in the Twin Cities, you don't make eye contact and you certainly do not wave. Maybe a friendly middle finger every once in awhile and a short encouraging honk to GET MOVING but that is about the extent of it.

Boyd thinks I need to be friendlier. I think he should keep his opinions to himself.

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We have been working like crazy on the house and you know what ?! Its still a disaster.
It appears I will not be able to host the sale here. BAH!

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The other night we found our tv bunny ears so we thought we should see if any channels come in - after all we live on a hill with very little trees around - should be a clear signal. The TV was scanning and we were watching expectantly and then miraculously the screen says: "3 channels found" OH MY WORD!!! It was like winning the lottery.

And then we realized that ALL 3 channels were public tv.

Ironically, Boyd still sat in front of it like a zombie for a good 45 minutes.

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The other day my family was discussing cell phones (Brother2 wants one). I reminisced on how I never got a cell phone from mom and dad and that I had to wait until I went to college and then pay for my own plan at that point. The FUNNY part of the story is that mom and dad originally did send me out to college with a "car bag phone". Remember those? A sinister black bag with a big-a*s phone in it. I was told that it was to be used for emergency purposes only.

And then after 3 months, mom cancelled the emergency phone plan because I wasn’t using it enough.

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I almost forgot to mention another complaint! The winds have been CRAZY lately. And trust me when I say our house actually sways when the winds reach 35 mph (which is not that uncommon). The other night around midnight, I hear a strange sound downstairs. Boyd is a deep sleeper so he didn’t' even twitch. I decide to ignore it. But my brain won't shut-up with all the possibilities that the sound could be - after all - it could be a crazy intruder.

So I go check it out.

And lo and behold the door has blown wide open. I felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz. The wind is howling, the snow is barreling in, the dogs are whimpering in their enclosed room and the garbage can is flying across the kitchen.

Thankfully no wild critters sought refuge or garbage during this time.

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A few pics:

Boyd and Lance making the best of snowy April days.
Notice how the motorcycle is out and had actually been ridden
only a few days before this pic was taken.

This is how my house looks most days.
I keep reminding myself to be thankful that I have a  roof over my head.

Poor Lou.  He is swearing at me in this picture.
And then he happily ran away.
Again.

I have no idea if this video will work.

Also.  For those of you concerned . . . we recently got another channel.  NBC!!!!  WHOO HOOO!!!!

Spring Fever

Boyd has decided to enroll in a year long teaching course through Black Hills State. So starting May 2014, he will (hopefully) be eligible to teach middle or high school math.

Personally I hate math. A lot.  Apparently I married a dork.

We were having dinner over at my parents and Brother2 was in rare annoying form. I just looked at Boyd and said: "You do realize that this is what you will be teaching every day, right?"

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In other news - Silver lining to Boyd’s unemployment: My house is getting done.

Finally.

We may be eating Ramen Noodles but I almost have a living room.

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Easter came and went. Brother1 and his family came up to visit.
Little Caters is quite smitten with Baby Ellie.

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The snow is finally gone (Almost.). The other day we were taking a walk on the railroad tracks and I point out that it would be a great spot for flying a kite. Boyd looks pleased and says: "Yes it is! It would also work great for an ultra light landing strip!"

Yes. I guess it would.

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I am starting a new book called "Seven". (Originally when it was recommended I thought it was about the serial killer movie Seven but I guess it is not.) I’m only on chapter 1 because it is a discussion book so I’m actually going SLOW. Its basically about declaring mutiny against excess. The first chapter is on food -  the author picks 7 foods that she can eat for one month. This seemed way too intense, organized, and brutal for me so I am "tweaking" this challenge by denying soda, coffee or dessert for the month of April.  This may not seem all that hardcore to you because its what normal people do . . but for me its rather revolutionary.

Boyd laughed when I told him. And then he pointed out that the grocery list on the fridge had 2 items listed: "coffee and icecream".  I countered that with "I can do it! Jesus went without food for 40 days so I think I can handle denying myself a few treats for 30 days".  He didn't look too convinced.

Currently, I am about ready to bash my head against the wall.  Its my only solution to fixing this headache.  I'm fairly certain said headache is from drinking too much water.

I just need a small sip of of a caffeinated beverage . . . . .

A Challenge.

So. Boyd lost his job.

In an effort not to be too spiteful . . I will not name said company.

And instead of sending all of the upper management a personal letter from me (and yes, I have it completely written and ready to go), I am posting my sentiments on the internet instead. 

Because I am nothing if not mature. :)

Here's the thing. The new upper management just hired from California decided that a "buddy" of theirs would be a better fit.

And you know what? Fine. I realize that happens a lot when companies are going through issues (95% of the company has been on layoff since Christmas) but a courtesy of more than 2 days would be appreciated.

The first irony is that Boyd is the model employee. He shows up early and stays late. He takes home work on the weekends. I would argue this "over achieving" constantly with him. I am NOT the model employee. I show up at 7:59:59 and am walking out the door at 5:00:00.

His trust in corporate america was mind boggling to me.

The second irony is that they have had SEVERAL people quit in the past few months. But not Boyd. No sir. The man is not a quitter. So . . they had to terminate him.

And last but not least . . . he actually liked his job.

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I am done. I didn't rant too much, right? My first draft was much angrier.

Trying to take deep breaths and realize that anger only hurts me - Not the guys sitting in their office over at . . . . that place.

Besides. They are doing us a favor, right?!

Boyd's back on the market! :) In the employment sense . . not relationship status.

He has discussed getting his teaching degree, starting his own business, getting back into engineering or trying to find something similar to his production manager position.

If you have any other stellar ideas . . . please email me at

slknudsen7@yahoo.com or Boyd directly at boydknudsen@yahoo.com.  And in the meantime of him finding a new career . . . . he is open to taking some odd jobs. He's very versatile . . . . farming, construction, dancing, etc.

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Side Story: I drove thru the McDonald’s drive thru this morning for coffee (NOT Starbucks because that needs to be taken off of the budget and probably McD’s does too but I’m not quite ready for making my own coffee in the morning) and decided that I should buy for the car behind me since the best policy for combating feeling sorry for yourself is to do something kind for someone else. (Personally, I think combating ugly feelings should be shopping for yourself but the experts disagree) The worker looks at me and says: "Honey. That is really sweet but their total is $28.40. How about you buy the large coffee for the 2nd car after you?"

Yes. That sounds perfect. Large coffee it is. :)

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And honestly . . . . there is nothing to be concerned about.  There is no way anyone can keep this guy down for long.

P.S.  I have no idea why some of the type is large and small.  Please deal with it because I cannot find the care or energy to fix it.

Luxury Madness.

Our water has been out since last Thursday.

I would like to be able to say this is a "first world problem" but I think it might be more of a "third world problem".

We got back from Kauai Thursday evening (I know.  I know.  I shouldn't even bring that up) and I was EXHAUSTED (oh . . poor Sabrina . . so tired from the vacation traveling!) and was looking forward to brushing my teeth, taking a hot shower and heading straight to bed.

Turn on the faucet.  Nothing.  WTH?!

BOYD!!!!!!!!!

Long story short . . . our pump is broken.  So we have buckets of water to pour into the toilet so that we can still flush every so often (we are on the strict code of: "If its yellow, let it mellow.  If its brown flush it down".  I hate this rule.  

I have stopped drinking water in hopes of not having to pee.

Boyd at one point made the comment:  

"Since when is running water an aphrodisiac for you."

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Recap of Vacation:

Kauai is fabulously gorgeous.  The food was wonderful (I may have eaten 20+ fish tacos while there) and Boyd was able to surf to his heart's content.  Boyd made me take videos of all his "awesomeness" but due to lame content no videos will be posted. 

Me:  "I know you FEEL like Tarzan swinging on a rope and jumping in a river but unfortunately the video camera does not see it this way."

He has no idea how he snagged me . . . rare gem that I am. :)

Randomly, Boyd's college buddy, Casey and his wife Sabina (CRAZY, right?!) were also vacationing on Kauai while we were there.  So we hung out and it was great.  Where else should old friends meet up for a mini-reunion but in Hawaii. 

A few pics:

Waimea Canyon.  Lovely

Backyard view from our B&B

Morning coffee

Boyd and Casey on our boat tour

Driveway to our first B&B

Boyd!

We went on a few hikes

Yeah! Celebrating 12+ years of marriage.

A lovely river with rope swing.  No snakes in Hawaii.  How great is that?!

Wailua Falls

Na Pali Coast

See what I mean.  Fantastic.

I'm not going to lie though.  The weather was rainy off and on and not as hot as I would have liked.  BUT I still managed to get sunburned and walk around without layers of clothing on so this is definitely a WIN.

Also, the first B&B was a little tough for me.  I hit the nail on the head with "adventurous" but my high maintenance side of me said . . . "I want my own bathroom".

I'm so weird.

The second B&B was great.  No complaints.

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I sent in our tax paperwork.  Hooray!  Now we just hold our breath and cross our fingers.  I have a feeling that other people handle taxes much more responsibly than us but I have yet to find a system that works for me except PANIC when it hits March 1 and curse and sweat and curse again that I can't find "x document".

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I ALMOST FORGOT!  Sister2 had her baby.  Finally!

While I was on vacation, of course.

And I nearly had a panic attack and called the hospital because the texts were very vague as to how baby and mother were doing. 

 Yes.  I have anxiety issues.

But all is well and I proudly introduce my new niece:  

Elliette "Ellie" Anne King.

Such a sweet baby.

We quickly introduced her to Target.  And yes, for those curious:
It is annoying to have really pretty sisters.

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That is all.  Boyd just barged in and said "TRY THE SHOWER!"

Yes, I live in a house filled with LUXURY MADNESS.

And the Crowd Goes Wild.

Saturday Brother2 had his final 8th grade basketball tourney.
Boyd and Jordan coached.  

I thought the coaches and the boys did a great job
but I may be a little biased.

It was bittersweet.

On the one hand the the guys all worked really hard.  

Great intensity.

But on the other hand all 3 games were lost by 2 points.

However, we did win the best-looking-coaches-award.

Win.

The last game we played, a mother of the opposing team stood up, turned around and literally did a "hulk roar with the flex" to our crowd, right after they won with a last second shot.  

  I was dumbstruck - first of all by the very good impersonation of the "hulk" (one of my favorite Avengers) and secondly, that she had such courage and sense of freedom to pull off such a roar.

  It was Impressive.

I didn't know if I should laugh or run screaming from the building.

So I just laughed nervously. 

Boyd didn't think I should name the town since the entire state of SD is "local" - so I will only give a hint: 

Starts with C and ends with "astlewood".

What would we do without small town rivalry?

Be kind to one another?

Yuck.

In other news, it is raining outside.

The wind is howling.

And our power just went out.

When I Grow Up.

First of all, please know that I am only writing a post so that I can reach my goal of 2 posts per month.

Lofty overachieving is the name of my game.

Here is my obsession for the minute: I am always amazed when people are so SURE about what they want to do with their lives. I have no clue. I started at college going for an education degree. Then I switched gears and got my graphic design degree instead because the classes were a lot more fun. Student teaching vs photography class? Easy Decision.

And then I tried to get a job. And who knew that the graphic design industry was rather saturated?! So I've been doing admin work for the past 10+years.  

Sometimes I think about painting furniture for a living. Or getting my interior design license. Or becoming an expert gardener and selling produce in the summer. Or maybe I could have a water restaurant on my pontoon and sell burgers and hotdogs to all the summer fishermen and recreationists. Or maybe work my blog more.

And then I remember that I need to make more than "tens of dollars".

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We leave for vacation soon. And yes, I'm bragging. I just got a reminder of our reservation at one of the B&B and the instruction was to "bring a flashlight and your directions". Jealous? I also know that our "hut" has no bathroom which means I will be hiking through the jungle to find a toilet. Screw you 5 star resorts! We LIKE to be uncomfortable. Which leads me to our house updates . . . . .

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We have a stove! And it works!

Now for walls.

And to finish all the floors.



This is after Boyd tore up linoleum.  Then we scraped the glue (black stuff)



This is the finished product.

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Basketball season is over which is a bummer because now we have to TRY and be sociable. 

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Boyd and I have gotten quite a bit of snow shoeing and cross country skiing in. I find this makes winter tolerable.  We also volunteered at the Bryant Cinema recently and thoroughly burned the popcorn.

We suckered some friends to help us out.  Tx Lance and Carissa!

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I know the greatest people.  Here is an example:  my friend Shawna (from Minnesota) was telling me about her weekend (we are devoted email buddies). She and her cousin rescued a dog running down the middle of Interstate 169 in the Twin Cities. After running after it and having several people also pull over and help them, they finally captured this dog.  After about 3 hours of dog duty, they got a call from the neighbor of the dog's owner who was checking messages for her neighbor, who was in the hospital with her dying husband. Ugh. Today Shawna emailed me and said she received flowers with the following note:

Dear Rescuing Guardian Angel Girls – Thank you with all my heart for rescuing and taking such good care of my dog on Saturday.　I’m not sure if you’re aware that my husband passed away that same day.　 I’m not sure I could have handled another loss.　I can’t even express how grateful I am in words that are strong enough.　I hope someday when you’re in need you’ll find angels along your highway too.　
Love, Linda and Dash

I love it when people actually CARE. Shawna cared about a dumb dog running down a highway. That dumb dog happens to be giving comfort to a woman in pain. I wish it were more common to hear "Good Samaritan" stories. I know there are people out there doing good things . . . . why don't we hear more about them?

Then Shawna told me the story of how she received a bottle of Steak Sauce from Wells Fargo as an apology for taking so long on her refinancing.  

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Here is proof that I probably am not a Good Samaritan:

Nice.  Sav age 7; Me age 14

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I meant to send out Christmas Cards.  Fail.

Then I was all on board to send out Valentine's Day cards.  Fail.

So.

Happy Late Winter Everyone.



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Dr. Oz can kiss my . . . .

We have moved into the new house. Its not "comfortable" as of yet but its ours. For example: the toilet works (one of my "hard" conditions) but the bathroom sink does not. So I have the dilemma of either going downstairs to wash my hands or nixing personal hygiene.
At this point I’m pretty much 50/50.

We have a fridge but no stove.

We have a furnace but no duct work.

I’m freezing. All the time.

Then I got a letter from my compassion child in the mail where she tells me about how they get water through a pipe and wash their clothes in the sink on Sundays.

Spoiled brat.

I’ve recently decided I should start exercising.

But that seems like a lot of work. The personal trainer that works there always gives me a weird look when I walk through the door. ALMOST as if she is questioning my dedication to the exercise.

What I really want to say is:
"I’m just here to take a shower. Its way too cold at my house."

Seriously though . . . . does anyone else have the problem of what follows mentally when you start to exercise??? Not only do you start to weigh yourself every week, but it is as though an AVALANCHE of other "good things" to do start to raise their ugly heads. Gosh. Well . . since you are exercising you should really know that berries fight cancer. So eat GOBS of berries. Don’t eat carbs. Ever. Except when they are good for you. (Wait a minute . . . ) Don’t eat meat - but get enough protein. Unless you read this article where it says you should only eat meat. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But not apple juice - that is dangerous. Crossword puzzles keep you sharp, along with the color purple (maybe this is a connection to the berries?!). Red wine is good for your heart. But watch those calories!

Do your devotions. Stretch every morning. You really should get more organized. Get that meal chart made. Start using a chiropractor and don’t forget the massage. And maybe start plucking your eyebrows. But not your gray hair - apparently that is a big fat no-no. You need to go in every 6 weeks to keep your hair healthy and good heavens what do you mean you don’t color your hair?! You don’t want to actually look like you are in your 30s do you?! Get on the botox train you silly girl.

I now feel a lot of anxiety.

Hello comfort food and nice soft bread. And yes, I would also like to order 2 large caramel rolls but sprinkle some bacon bits on top for the all important protein. A girl has to eat her breakfast - after all, it is the most important meal of the day.