Josh has decided....

So, last night, Josh let me know that he's ready for the baby. He's ready to meet this little creature that has been moving around and that we have all been waiting for.

Me....I need a couple more weeks. A few things that I feel like still have to get done. We need to buy the final items (stroller, changing pad, etc). We need to steam the floors still. We need to pack the hospital bag. We need to put the car seat in the car/truck.

Speaking of which, we sold the Altima this weekend and bought this:

I'm seriously bummed....but I understand the need. That 2 door car would have been horrible to cart around a baby in....but I LOVED my Nissan. I really did. I am enjoying my last days with it.

Week 34

Down to 39 days. Yikes.

Went to the doctor today.....Baby K has been SUPER active....and as she was taking the babe's heartbeat, she saw a leg pop out the side. Pretty funny stuff. I feel like these doctor appts are such a waste. Everything checks out and I'm on my way - but it takes a good hour or more out of my day to just have her ask how I am and let me go. I guess I should be thankful - but really!

I would say 75% of people who see me think its a boy. Josh and I are still thinking girl - but it's really based on ZERO. Not knowing has been SO exciting and I love every minute of guessing and picking out 2 outfits, 2 names, 2 everything....since I must be ready:)

First of the Year!

I did it....

I ordered and recieved my first Christmas gifts for a couple family members this year. Does this make me crazy? Nesting? Nah - can't be nesting - I've always done this.

It's fun - and ALWAYS helps when I start to feel the pressure in November.

Getting Baby K Room ready....

The weekend of the 23rd of July - Josh and I were blessed to have his parents, my parents, and Sara and Anders in our home - with the sole purpose of getting our place ready for Baby K! They painted the entire room, put together the crib (after going to get it) and carried the dresser upstairs, cleaned the entire house, and put together shelving. Not only that, but I came home after going to a wedding shower to find the baby bed made with a new mattress even on it! What a great weekend and it really helped the room feel much more ready.

I can't believe I'm in week 32. That means, that in 8 weeks, I'm at the full term - waiting to be induced if I haven't had the baby. It also means that in 5 weeks, this baby could be here - and still be full term. So many mixed feelings - exciting but at the same time it's going to be all new and different - and it's a bit of a mourning for the freedom and life Josh and I used to have. While I know it's going to be so much more fun and we won't know what we did before kids - it's still super scary.

Few things about this baby....
1) LOVES spicy food. I eat, Baby dances.
2) Baby loves music in the car....each time I get in the car and play (specifically country....and more specifically Eric Church...the baby starts moving!
3) Baby also enjoys moving WHILE I'm working out. I'm a bit afraid that I've gotten this baby used to movement .....and this may be an issue when he/she is born!
4) I have no idea if this baby is a boy or a girl. I really thought girl originally....but now I'm at a loss.
5) It's getting harder to move. Stairs are tough. I get pretty tired pretty quickly. Eeeka.

It's amazing how much I love something that isn't even born yet (as it's obvious Josh does as well). I can't wait!

I'm a bit behind - July 16th

On July 19th - Josh and started the morning with a bit of flooding. It wasn't pretty. We woke up at 6 am and tried to stop it as much as we could from flooding our basement. I realized, we don't have a lot of towels:)


The insurance adjuster did come to our house today....and he said that there isn't much damage - we just need to wipe down the walls with bleach and be sure that mold doesn't grow. If it does, we'll have to take out the drywall and insulation on the bottom of the walls. I really hope that doesn't happen.

Luckily, by 9am the water had receeded and Josh was able to go golfing with his friends and I was able to do the morning things I had wanted to. At 4:30pm we picked up our friends Nicole and Brad and headed to the Northern Wisconsin County Fair! Josh and I have gone for the last three years (Year 1: Eric Church, just us; Year 2: Phil Vassar, Mom and Dad Wiersma, Lance and Jimmy; Year 3: Sawyer Brown, Lance, Mom and Dad Wiersma, Nicole and Brad, and two of Mom's friends from BRF) and we just LOVE the concert! We had front row seats this year - which worried me because of baby......but they were great! I actually took off for the back for most of the show - but Sawyer Brown was great. Here are some pics from the event.

It's a BOY!

Or so the gender predictor says......Sorry...you have to click on the image to see:)

So far so good....

So, I went to the doctor yesterday by myself (Josh is in Des Moines) and in all honesty, was not looking forward to it. I know I haven't gained a lot of weight I was certain that I may have to have more tests or it wasn't normal. While the baby has really popped out even more - the rest of my body has become more toned and stronger from carrying the weight differently and from just taking care of myself more than I usually do.

The doctor confirmed I'm ok. The baby's heartbeat was STRONG and still in the middle of the range of boy vs. girl. This baby REALLY doesn't want to tell us what gender he/she is. I'm okay with that - I love the guessing. The baby is growing right on track - I'm measuring 29 weeks versus 30 -but I was last week too. The doctor said, your baby just won't be a big baby - and that's ok. From my viewpoint - that's awesome. Plus, the weight loss after the baby will be a breeze:)

School has been busy for me - and I'm starting to dislike it...which means this might be my last semester. Josh has pretty much retired from basketball - but may start up again in the winter. He truly enjoys getting the workout, seeing his friends, and the extra money.

Alright, enough for baby blogging right now. I still have to post about this fun filled weekend we had last weekend!

30 Weeks

Only 10 more weeks.....I can't even believe it. I'm still feeling great - just a bit more tired. The baby is a mover - I've been punched, kicked at all times of the day! This morning was adorable - as Josh grabbed my belly and said "Let me say hi to the baby" and started talking to Baby K.

I still crave fruit, ice cream, and beef jerky and I HATE pork and Mexican food. At first I hated pregnancy but I've really started to like it - for the most part. It's been so exciting for both of us - my mom continues to tell my how excited Josh is and how obvious it is. I'm so lucky. Josh and I are both so lucky that many of our friends and family are so generous and are making sure that they are attending the showers and invites that we extend to them. I can't believe some of the gifts we've received in the mail and the kind words that people have given us. It's been a huge outpouring and I can't even express how much that means to both Josh and I. We are blessed.

Photo from the weekend!

On Friday, we met the Krogman's for dinner to celebrate Sara's big 2-6 (and oddly - I'm 26 weeks)! I like this picture - I think it shows my tummy pretty well:)

As for the rest of the weekend, we registered at Baby's R Us and Target. 3 hours at Baby's R Us isn't the best way to spend a Saturday - but it was really nice to get it done! I can't wait to get Baby K's room all ready to go!

Plus, all of the shower's are scheduled (Lance is even helping throw a couple's BBQ - whoohooo!) and a date for painting is set as well. It feels great to get things slowly knocked out.

Waiting.......

Still waiting for results. It's like a cruel punishment. I called the doctor and she's not in until 1pm.....so the results are there - she just hasn't released them. Super annoying.....I'm worried!

Having this week and next week off from teaching has been amazing. I don't even really realize how much time I've spent doing that stuff...until I stop doing it!

I'm grateful for so many things - but over the last week I've realized how lucky I really am. I'm having a baby with someone I love more than I ever thought I could....and in the process of doing it, we've become even closer. He's more understanding and through everything, realizes we are a family now. He listens with more empathy and even when I think he may take someone else's "side" on something, he's truly on mine. I can't wait to see what a great father he's going to make.

EDIT (3:30pm):

Results came back! Test range is 60-130 as normal. I scored a 77! I'm even on the low side! Time for some cake:)

Glucose Test

This morning - I had to drink this.....and then wait an hour.....and then have my blood taken. Gross. Luckily, fruit punch wasn't the worst flavor - but the baby definitely loved it.

Doctor said my weight gain so far is ok - and the baby is measuring about 1 cm below where it should be for 26 weeks - but nothing to worry about. So far, so good!

Josh came with and we got to hear the heartbeat again. Definitely getting stronger and the baby can't hide anymore - I mean it's almost 2 pounds!

Self Portrait....in the Bathroom

Since I haven't seen the family much...I sent a few of them this picture. Classy I know.

Missing her & 25.5 Weeks

Sara's out of town on her honeymoon...and I miss her! I just want to talk to her! :( I'll be good and let her enjoy her honeymoon - but it's not until someone's gone for a few days are you grasped by the reality of how much you depend on and love someone:)

Anyway....I'm starting to grow at an amazing rate. I know I said this earlier, but I'm not joking anymore. I wake up each morning and wonder what in the heck is going on. I hope it slows down here or I'm going to be so uncomfortable by the end.

So, here starts the list of random things (inappropriate) that people say to you when you are pregnant. This is just what was said to me today:
- From woman I don't know: Oh honey! Did you eat a watermelon?
- From lunch lady: Here she comes! Now she's getting big!

Seriously people....I get it. But is the watermelon comment really necessary?

The most BEAUTIFUL wedding

What an amazing weekend. Being the maid of honor in Sara and Anders wedding was truly an honor. Everything about the wedding was anticipated and nothing disappointed. Sara looked amazing and it was evident how much the couple loved each other. I heard nothing but compliments and not one negative comment about the entire night. I'll never forget seeing her and Anders together for the first time on Saturday (which I captured above). I'll never forget the way he hugged her during the ceremony and the way he SMILED all day.

Congratulations to the both of you. I love you and couldn't ever imagine a better wedding to be a part of.

Random Thoughts

1) I only have one more week of driving to Lake Elmo on Monday's to teach Financial Accounting. I can't wait to be done. While I will miss the students, I won't miss the two hour commute there and back, the chaos, the amount of work to prep for class, and the added stress. My student were bummed last week when the learned I won't be teaching next semester - but I think they understand.

2) I really dislike going to work lately. Not even just a little bit. A lot. I don't focus...and I am getting short and bitter, and I really just don't have any reason to sit here all day. Today, my boss is gone and I've got 4 hours to figure out how I can pretend to be busy. The overall environment here is pretty negative and nobody seems to care. There is no real reward for doing any better.

3) This baby is getting BIG. I had too many people say to me "Wow - you are showing now" ....really - I had NO idea! It's fine - it's all baby - but even still - it's annoying that it gets so much focus. Last night after teaching, I laid in bed before changing clothes and just watched my tummy. Josh was upstairs with me - and for the first time he was able to see the FLIPS that baby was doing! It was out of control. I'm so lucky to be having a baby - but most importantly to have him so excited for me. I'm realizing more and more each day how important it is to have individuals that are excited for us around us. It's contagious.

4) I think I've picked out a design for the baby's room. Josh agrees with it and thinks it will look adorable - so I'm going with it. Now, it's just to order a few things and get it painted!

5) I was messy before. It's a whole new level now. I bet I use my Tide to Go stick on average four times a day. For example today, I must have ran in to some sort of grease - and I'm wearing a new shirt. Obviously. Last night, I spilt Siracha all over another new shirt. A HUGE amount of bright red sauce all over my shirt. Why am I really surprised.

Sara's Bachelorette Party

Was so much fun! Seriously! To be honest, I figured that being sober would be hard....but it was the BEST bachelorette party I've ever been a part of:) We went to a winery in St. Croix Falls, WI. It was an AMAZING and beautiful day - we had the best weather! It was such a perfect way for the bride and bridesmaids to hang out together. We even had time for a quick stop at an antique store!

Then, we changed into our party clothes and played a few games, ate, and got prepped to hit the town:) We stopped at Gastoffs first where the girls finished a boot! Then, we hit the Moose on Monroe for karoake. By 1AM we headed home, but stayed up until 4AM hanging out together. What a PERFECT party:) I'm so lucky to have a beautiful, smart, and fun sister!

Love....but Stubborn

I love my husband, I do. But, he's stubborn. I've been dropping him off at work in the morning and then he's been taking the bus or I've been picking him back up on my way home. Yesterday, I dropped him off and then met Joelle for a walk after work. Josh knew this and planned on riding the bus home after his 5:30pm meeting. After getting home from my walk at 6pm and still not hearing from him - I wondered where he was. 6:15 passed, 6:30 passed, and finally at 6:42pm Josh calls, mentioninghe just left and was going to catch the bus home. Instead of doing research prior to leaving work, he just left. I promptly looked up the bus schedule and told him that the bus had just left his departure place at 6:38pm and he'd have to wait until 7:08pm to get the next bus.

He tried to get me to meet him in Northeast for a beer (not fun for a 23 week pregnant women). I said no (already upset that he would be home about 2 hours after I thought he would) and that I'd start cleaning the house.

I get a call 20 minutes later, he's decided to walk home. That's a 5.5 mile walk. I let him.

He called another 20 minutes later, saying he was at Psycho Suzis and needed to stop to rest his feet and get a beer.

Angry, I picked him up.

Eating Lunch from Home

At the beginning of the year - Josh and I made some New Year's resolutions - specifically surrounding saving money, etc. I'm really proud of us. We knew it wouldn't be easy - with our trip to Amsterdam, a big wedding this year, and some of the other things we had planned. That didn't even INCLUDE Baby K or the amazing b-day/mother's day baby ring I received. All that being said, we are on our way to reach our goal in the savings. I don't know how we did this - except a lot of little changes that were really hard at first - but are worth it in the long run:

1) We rarely go to dinner anymore and if we do - it's with a Groupon or a Buy One Get One Free

2) I don't drink (obvious savings) and Josh doesn't drink much.

3) We don't go out hardly anymore! We take walks, watch T.V, etc.

4) We do, however, spend more money at Target. A lot more.

5) We bring our lunch every day. I honestly thought that we would never be able to do this. Ever. I really have always enjoyed getting lunch.....but it's become a game. Not spending money all day is so rewarding! Plus, Josh and I are both creatures of habit. I eat very similiar, healthy breakfasts each day, Josh eats a Zone bar, and then we both have Lean Cuisines for lunch with chips and fruit or yogurt. Here are our favorites:

If you think about this one for a second- if we each spent $10/day on average - that's $100/week times 52 weeks - that's $5,200! Now, we still spend money for lunches, don't get me wrong but still an amazing savings.

Doctor Appt

Sorry this is all about baby - but it's really what I've personally been doing a lot of lately! Though, this weekend will be a great break - Sara's Bachelorette Party! I can't even wait to terrorize her and bring out all the fun things I've prepared.

Today we had another appt - just the normal 4 week checkup. I've gained a total of 4 pounds (not a lot) but that's after I lost in the beginning about six. So net, up 10. Baby is growing exactly as Baby K should be and the hearbeat continues to be around 150. The doctor laughed - saying even as the old wives tales go - with that heartbeat you can't tell if it's a boy or a girl! Again, Baby K didn't enjoy being poked and proded and moved around as the doctor took his/her heartbeat.

Next time, in 4 weeks, I have the glucose test. I drink sugar, wait an hour, and they take my blood; this will allow them to tell us if I have gestational diabetes (or "live-betes") as Josh calls it. I hope it goes well.

I'm almost done with class! Teaching three courses, one locally, has been really stressful. I'm still trying to decide if I'll teach two next semester......it's such good money and getting the car paid off before Baby K comes would be really nice. We have so many things to buy for Baby that it also stresses me out! I just don't know how that room is going to come together. That being said, it's not a priority right now. After this big shindig June 11th - I'll be ready to focus on it. Until then, I am looking forward to the party of the year!

I also have a video of the baby moving.....though I won't post it. I'll save those who would rather not see my belly moving. For those of you who do want to see it....email me:)

Bigger

I'm getting bigger. Enough to the point that, this morning, after getting up, I went back in to the bedroom just to show Josh my stomach. The baby bump grew overnight. It's amazing how I can eat the same amount, but wake up bigger each morning. After showing Josh, he made me come back in the room so he could feel it. This baby is taking over my body....and I'm not sure sure how I feel about it.

I'm wearing only maternity pants for work now. I can't handle the tightness of having the pants on me. The bella band seems to help - and I'm sure I'll keep wearing that for awhile. On a brighter side, new clothes seem to help my mood....because I'm seriously a walking case of emotion lately. Having something that's comfortable on my body seems to make me a happier person overall.

Another random note - Josh and I went to the Twins game last night. And, it hailed. And we spent $20 each on tickets that we only saw 20 minutes of a game of. It happens.

Sorry for not posting lately! I hope all is well:)

17 weeks (18 weeks in 2 days)

So - today I felt the baby move. It started this morning, when I was poking around my belly before getting out of bed. I pushed, and something reacted.

Then, during the quarterly financial update that Honeywell gives - I felt four movements in a row. What a crazy, amazing feeling. Here I am in a large meeting and I had no one to share with. Baby must be getting more active and bigger - I'm feeling more!

I had a wonderful 30th bday. I honestly couldn't have asked for anything better. It was so nice to have my family and Josh's family together - as well as have so many supportive friends! I loved every minute of it - even though by 10pm I was ready for everyone to go home so I could sleep:)

As for the baby - everything is going well! On Monday and Tuesday, I had the worst stomach pains I think I've ever had - but most have been from my belly stretching moving because on Wednesday I felt just fine. It's amazing to think that in 4.5 months, we'll get to meet this new baby. I can't even begin to describe all the questions I have and realize I have so much to learn.

Trying to give up a few things....

So, I'm learning to let Josh handle more of the day to day things that I have normally taken care of. Primarily, because I just can't do it with 3 courses, the full time job, and having 3/4 of the normal energy that I have. I'm starting to break down.....and it's not a good time to be doing that. Before leaving for Amsterdam, Josh was put in charge of getting the Euro's. He paid $800 online for 500 Euro and had to pick it up Wednesday downtown (where he's working) before getting on the plane to St. Louis.

He calls at 4:45pm. First thing I ask him, "Did you get the Euros?". I hear, "Oh no. I forgot. Shoot......I gotta go." He somehow rushed there, got them, and still made his plane Wednesday night. Yes, he got them, but Josh, you needed be reminded! As our lives get crazier, the method of organization must get better. In retrospect, funny....but WOULD not have been funny if $800 was left behind in the US in an reasonably unusable format.

On a happier note - Josh and I received more baby presents in the mail! I love random baby gifts and have been amazed at how giving family and friends have been thus far! This is what we received, along with a book and an amazing offer for help on gift registry shopping, from Jessica Balin.

Amsterdam.....5 more days

It wouldn't matter where I was going....I'm excited to be taking some time off of work and getting out of MN! The best part - www.weather.com is saying that the weather will be from 58 to 60 degrees, sunny, and 0-10% chance of rain the entire time we are there! How perfect for the days of long walks and museums and eating at cafe's along the water! I can't even wait. We have nothing major planned - just small trips throughout the days. Even better - it's my birthday in ONE week. I'm actually not that excited about my b-day....and I really don't want any gifts except a lunch bag, sunglasses, and money towards a) a couch or b) a camera. :) Josh has kept bugging me for ideas....but that's it. These big things are the things that keep me up at night worrying about how it's all going to get done. Specifically, the baby's room. Nothing has been done and I can't paint or lift heavy things. I'm nervous. We did the doctor thing on Friday again. Heartbeat at 150 and the doctor said I had abs of steel. I think he was joking, but either way - that made me smile. Happy Monday!

Summer

So....it's not summer. It's still freezing cold. But, since this winter has been so long, I have started thinking about all the things I am looking FORWARD to come this summer.

1. Sara and Anders Wedding!
2. Watermelon. What I wouldn't give for fresh watermelon right now.
3. Not having to use my heating pad to keep me warm.
4. Long walks around the lake with Lila and Josh.
5. Actually looking pregnant instead of like I just ate a few extra donuts.
6. Fourth of July Brewer game! I can't wait to eat a pretzel, no hotdogs allowed right now:(, and a big soda, sit and the sun, watch fireworks over the stadium, and enjoy one my favorite holidays with family.
7. Blonde hair again.
8. No more working TWO jobs!
9. Josh being home more often.
10......watching Lila bathe in the sun and be in total bliss.

Saturday is the day!

First of all - I lost a bet at work.....and had to make a cake. Believe it or not - I've never made a cake...luckily it was easy!More importantly, however, on SATURDAY I'll be THIRTEEN WEEKS! Second trimester - here I come! Hopefully, this sickness will deceast and my sense of smell will lessen...I go to the doctor on April 1st to hear the heartbeat. Hopefully, the don't take 18 ounces of my blood again.

I'm down 2 pounds - and really it's just my belly that's starting to look a little thicker.....

MOM and DAD...start spreading the news. Officially, you can tell WHOMEVER you want starting Saturday.

It's here....

So, I'm somehow getting sick now......and I should be done with all this now. Almost threw up this morning to the smell of coffee. Got to work, ate an orange and immediately ran to the bathroom.

Please tell me this is going to only last day.

He's FREE!

YaY! He's my favorite....

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20472836,00.html?hpt=T2

I mean...I'm not going anywhere....but I wasn't a fan of Jessica Biel. This starts my Friday off on the right foot.

Productive

What a Productive Weekend!

Friday we met Adam and Kara Waldorf and Nicole and Brad Schantz for dinner at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Lucky enough that we got there early and I was able to get a NA beer before everyone arrived - have to keep up appearances:) Josh and I both got steaks (I shared, he didn't) and it was so nice to sit down with these two awesome couples! Hearing Adam and Kara talk about Addison and what they love (the little things) made us even more excited.

Saturday, we worked out and went to IKEA! We only bought a new rug - but really spent some good time with Lance and his roommate Julie. Lance bought quite a bit of misc. stuff for his living room - it's good - he's a DECIDER. Says "Yep - this will work - good to go".

Sunday, we went to Best Buy with our old TVs. You pay $10, and they give you $10 in gift cards back. Seriously, the TVs were both really old.

And in replacement, we bought this printer!

Also, we thought a new router, that we could password protect, would be important. Sadly, someone is NOT happy - since we took away their free internet that they had been stealing from us for over three years. I know this for a fact...my computer asked me if I still wanted to connect last time, even though someone else was on the unprotected network.

All Better

So...a Target run and Lila's in a whole new spot. She loves it.

This dog!

So....a few months ago I posted a picture of Lila, all curled up in her bed while Josh worked at home. She loves her bed and loves laying in it during the day while Josh works....but she also decides to dig in it every once in awhile. Well, she has done this one too many times. Said bed is now in the trash (along with her ball....but don't worry...she's got a new identical one).

This morning, Lila improvised, since Josh is at home with her today....

Needless to say, Josh is on his way to Target right now, getting her a new bed.

I'm not going crazy!

After searching for those dang jellybeans for 2 days....I gave up. I went and bought another bag.

Then, came home last night, and found the original bag.

Where?

In the fruit roll-up box.

I remember thinking....I'm not going to remember this...but these are both sweet treats and I'll remember.

Arg.

I'm going crazy.

I'm losing it

So....I can't find the bag of jellybeans I bought on Sunday. Note my post about how excited I am about them.....and I can't find them anywhere in the house.....

Wedding Scrapbook - Check

The wedding scrapbook is done! The weekend was SO much fun - I never thought I'd be saying that. It was nice to get away and just spend the much needed time to finish the book. I'll definitely be starting up a new one for the Amsterdam trip!

We ended up not going to Murray's. Instead, we went to Keegans and ate some fish (I've been craving and can only have once a month) and watched Paranormal Activity 2. We'll go another weekend soon - since March is pretty open! I love it. This weekend we are eating at Ruth Chris Steakhouse for the Minneapolis Restauraunt week. We've done it every year and it's a great thing - $30 for a three course meal! Even more exciting - we'll be with some of our closest friends - Adam & Kara, Nicole & Brad....and even Jeff Moen may be joining us!

On an even better note....Josh thinks tonight will be his last late night of the busy season! I'm pretty sick of being home alone and having to rush home to take care of the dogger. The gym has been calling my name.....and I really just need to have more contact with him. I miss him!

Who's excited.....

A Little Bit of Scrap

This weekend I'm going scrapbooking! It's sad, because Josh and I have barely seen each other this month, but it's exciting because I can finally finish my wedding book! It's overdue. This is where we are staying! It was $190 for the full weekend - plus that includes all the food! I'm only staying one night - Friday night - and coming home Saturday around 5PM. Should be PLENTY of time to finish my scrapbook - and maybe even catch up on some reading!

Josh will spend the weekend working on Saturday - and I'll be home in time for a nice dinner courtesy of Crowd Cut. We spent $35 for $75 worth at Murray's Steakhouse - one of the best places in Minneapolis...and it's going to be amazing.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

CUTE!!!!

First set of clothes! So stinking cute.

FYI - This blog is only seen by family.....no sharing of information yet (but only 3.5 weeks left)!



I can't BELIEVE how much I can sleep. I came home from work and slept from 4:30 until 6:30. I'm going back to bed (it's 9:20) in 10 minutes.....

Honeywell Creepers

Honeywell picks people each week that are rewarded for going the extra mile at work. It's interesting and actually a HUGE honor to receive the award. However, I think there is a requirement that I don't know about.....and it includes having the ability to look like a stalker in the picture. This is the fourth or fifth in a row and it's become the laughing joke of our group. Check out this week's winner and decide for yourself. This is actually even kind of tame....

STRAP

So - I'm doing the Strategic Planning (STRAP) for all of ECC Americas Sales this year....and I don't think I knew what I was getting in to.....

These are just SOME the products I have to learn about:

https://www.maxoncorp.com/Pages/product-Low-Nox-Burners

I never thought my life would revolve temporarily about burners, boilers, thermostats, and security and lighting system for buildings......

This is the camera I want....I better start saving now.....

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_rebel_t1i_ef_s_18_55mm_is_kit#SampleVideos

As we start to think of things we'll need in the next year.....the list just adds up! The computer we finally got PLUS the camera are both things that will last a lifetime and really needed to make sure we capture all the important events coming up!

This can wait a little bit though.

Happy Valentines Day!

So, last night I gave Josh his gift:And today - I got mine!

Sadly - we always ruin it for each other....and I think what I got is a little bit more on the pricey side.....but Josh has a new suit, new shoes and new dress shirts on his list for March/April....so I guess he's calling it a fair trade.

Tomorrow night, we are headed to Amici Pizza and Bistro - http://www.amiciusa.com/

It's close to our house and privately owned - always nice to support the locals:)

I'm so lucky to have a great guy - ambitious, smart, loving and supportive. He listens to me and always has a way of making me feel better. I do wish he'd be a bit more understanding of my mood swings lately - but hopefully I can learn to control them a bit more. It's a hard time of the year and I've been pretty shut in lately. I need it to be spring so badly!

More Amsterdam Research

So....I've been trying to get this silly trip planned in the midst of everything else going on. I think I have a few ideas....

1. Anne Frank house
2. Cruise through the canals
3. I found this tulip tour: http://www.viator.com/tours/Amsterdam/Keukenhof-Gardens-and-Tulip-Fields-Tour-from-Amsterdam/d525-2550LIN12A
It sounds like a long day - but I really think it might be worth it.
4. Brussels it is. An hour and a half ride and only 29Euro...so not too bad. I'm not sure what we'll do there - but eating deliciousness might be worth it.

Any other thoughts?

Happy Early Birthday!

So....in looking at flights for April, Josh and I were convinced we'd go to Aruba....but we kept waiting to book. In respect of the New Year's Resolution.....last weekend I did more research.

Flights to Amsterdam were only $600 - only an additional $100 than the Aruba flight. Feeling that we could ALWAYS go somewhere warm, I booked the flight to Amsterdam! We leave April 8th, land in Amsterdam at 7am on the 9th - and then leave for home on the 13th! I can't belive we'll be there for my b-day!

We are staying here for FREE: Marriott!

I also did some more searching - and looks like we can take a train to Paris in 2 hours or Brussels in an hour. I'm letting Josh decide where he wants to go - since he's never been to Europe. I've done Paris, but not Brussels or Amsterdam!

I'm definitely putting this on my list:

New Year's Resolutions....

Each and every year I make at least ONE good New Year's goal. The idea is that it holds me accountable. These goals aren't general - they are specific - and they also aren't something that I can ever do on my own. Instead, Josh and I decide on our goals together. This way, someone else is in on this with me and they don't seem so unreachable.

So, after a date night at The Independent with Josh, we decided on 2011 Resolutions (written on a bar napkin):
1. Take one vacation together (vacation=flight).
2. Pay down $20k equity in our house.
3. Maintain weight or lose 10 lbs. (I'm maintain - Josh is lose).
4. Purchase own HOME computer.
5. Increase savings by $15k.

Mostly financial - but some goals that we TALK about forever - but never actually do. Specifically, the vacation.....which with the winter looking as long as it is right now - I'm really pushing for.

Timberwolves Game

The MN Timberwolves game I went to was AMAZING! The tickets were what was really sweet - saw myself on FSN! Here are some pics from the floor seats we had!

Guess What I'm Doing TONIGHT!

I totally scored THESE tickets tonight. I'm SUPER excited....though I wish I would have worn a better outfit. I am NOT going to make an impression on any star players with this outfit.

Tickets are COURTSIDE and we also have a SUITE for food:) I can't wait!