AK Aaslands

Daredevil

2010-07-18T14:15:00.006-08:00

On our July 4th campout at Quartz Creek we did a daytrip to Seward - a day before the crazy Mt. Marathon event (pictures later). The town was amping up for the big day and the crowds were not quite there yet so we meandered around. Seth saw this and had to try it and then he would not stop talking about how "totally awesome he was at it"

A wee bit nervous - not sure what he has gotten himself into.
Did not want to go too high

After a few jumps into the air was talked into doing a flip

I think he shocked himself.

baseball - 2010

2010-07-11T16:48:00.009-08:00

Seth is in the last year of coach pitch. Next season he actually gets to be pitched at. How it works here is each batter gets 5 pitches from a mechanical arm that is supposed to provide a consistent pitch. If the batter does not hit the ball then the coach does a short pitch for them to hit at. Seth never gets to the short pitch. He swings and is making some great contacts. The only problem is he tends to overrun the teammate ahead of him. Guess we will learn base running next season.

Meanwhile, sister just likes to run around in the sun and scream.

Memorial Day - 2010

2010-06-04T10:24:00.005-08:00

Glen made the reservations for this spot about 6 months ago - gone are the days of heading out on a Friday night and finding a spot anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula or even up north. We pulled the trailer out of storage, took inventory of what we had - I'm sure we could live off the s'mores ingredients alone. We figured out our meals made a stop off at the grocery store and headed south. It was a bit eery, but there was absolutely no traffic holding us up and we made great time.

The kids are at that special age when its really easy to make friends and I think it only took them about 30 seconds to meet the campsite neighbors and off they went exploring in the woods.

The fishing was closed on the Russian River - it actually opened up today at 12:01am and I am sure there were fisherpeople tipping their fishing rods in the river at that precise time.

We took a hike up to Russian River Falls, there was some complaining but the weather was warm with a slight breeze and of course we had snacks to keep their energies up.

Next time up we plan to take the bikes and reach the lake.

but for now, the falls were perfect - total hike 5 miles. Sydney took a nap for about 3 hours when we got back and Seth about fell asleep before he hit the pillow and since we live in Alaska where the sun is still out at 11pm, Glen and I got to sit by the roaring fire.

Alaska evening Sky

2010-05-25T23:37:00.001-08:00

We had some incredible sunsets back in April.

syd elton

2010-05-24T20:53:00.002-08:00

Its about time for an update on Sydney.

She is becoming quite the fun little punk. Her favorite shoes are these very red sparkly slip-ons and she has no idea about The Wizard of Oz. When jumping into bed she requests "sories" and her favorite series is Olivia. In the car, she can sing along to Lady GaGa, Black Eyed Peas, and still belts out Abba tunes - her highly requested one is walerloo.

When at home or the daycare at the club Sydney will put on her dress-up shoes that have a bit of a heel and she walks in them better then I do whenever I wear heels - sometimes she even runs. I invision a twisted ankle as I see her run down the hallway - but she makes it. Favorite color is still pink and will never turn down a cookie. Swimming lessons have started and I introduced her to the art of relaxing in the hot tub afterwards. When asked if she is ready to get out, her response is "no, relax mama" only I am about to pass out.

We got her a bike for christmas and will be putting it in the camper this weekend to toodle around the campground. Lots of adventures ahead with this one.

Oh, and she drives her brother crazy.

2010 Gold Nugget Triathlon

2010-05-17T20:37:00.003-08:00

So April 1st comes around the corner and its in me to sign up for the Gold Nugget Triathlon. This would be my 5th one and the 5th different course and distances - so have I improved, who knows. I just have to remind myself that finishing it is the goal. All those good intentions and then life gets in the way and you think I have a month I better start training. Then the day comes and its sorta like doing your college finals - you've prepared as best you can with the time you have now just do it. So I do. This year I had several friends do it for the first time - we call them newbies and they were not alone - there were 547 of them!!!!

The Sea of Bikes

I remember my first triathlon, they had all the bikes stored in the tennis court and locked them up - that was when there were only 700 people, this year there were over 1500 and the bikes went on forever. I got to watch the first lady in and the last lady and each gave me goosebumps.

The swim was long and the arms were noodles, the bike had a head wind one way and a cross wind the other (thats no fun) and the run was difficult to do because my feet were numb and my legs felt like redwood tree trunks till about 1.5 miles into it.

and next year I will do it all over again.

Raw Video: Dog Leads Police to Fire

2010-04-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

Dogs are amazing. The story behind this is that the Police officer's GPS system in his car did not have the location of the rural home. He was driving and seaching for the fire - aimlessly and then saw Buddy who led him to the home. The owner only received minor burns. The troopers are giving Buddy special recognition for saving his owners life.

Bring in the New Year

2010-01-06T09:23:00.006-09:00

Who can resist a stop off at Gorilla Fireworks on New Years Eve - even when it is -7 outside your nice car with heated seats? We could not.

We headed to Willow Lake where our friends the Knights have a cabin or you could call it a condo in the woods. Cabins around the lake were setting off fireworks under a full moon that was almost like a spotlight. Amazing!

Sparklers are always a hit.

And what do Alaskans do with their beach chairs at -9 degrees in the middle of winter - use them!!

Winter Fun

2010-01-05T10:00:00.016-09:00

Christmas day and the kids had to burn off energy (sugar induced maybe) so we hit the sledding hill in downtown Eagle River. The following pictures are a montage of Sydney's ordeal as it was her first sledding outing.

So it all started with getting all our warm gear on, packing in the sleds and taking off - all smiles and full of excitement.
Then we get to the hill and Sydney's attitude is a 180 degree turn for the worse. She is not liking the outing much anymore.
So, with full refusal to go down the small hill she walks away dejected and sniffles just loud enough for me to hear a few feet away.
Then brother starts to have fun.

Then Dani starts to have fun and you hear them laughing and you look back at Sydney and she is looking over her shoulder at what is going on.

Even Aunt Andi gets in on the fun.
So then we start thinking of making snow angels - close to the sledding hill where all the fun is.

....and maybe its time to try going down.
and when all is said and done, she cries because we are now leaving.
but not before the little punks turn into monkeys
Then it was time to go home and do this.

Conversations with Seth

2009-12-22T10:44:00.003-09:00

Mom: Hey, I need you to make a Christmas wish list.
Seth: I would like 3 things: a DSi, santa buddies dvd and moon shoes.
Mom: (ugh, he still wants the moon shoes)
Seth: I have asked for moon shoes from Santa since I was 6 and then 7 and again this year. I dont understand why I have not gotten them.
Mom: Well, maybe they dont make them anymore?
Seth: (in utter shock and dismay) Moooommmmm, Santa can make anything in his workshop.
Mom: Oh, thats right, what was I thinking those elves CAN make anything.

Citizens Academy

2009-12-19T11:01:00.004-09:00

I got accepted into the Anchorage Police Department Citizens Academy - no, its not the academy where you can become a police officer, but is a place where citizens can get an up close look into what goes on in the departments and what the officers have to deal with. One night a week for 3 hours we listened to presentations on counterfeiting, gangs, domestic violence, patrol, accident investigations, K-9, crime scene investigations, homicides, cybercrime, drugs, personal safety, and maybe the most fun - we got to shoot some guns that SWAT get to use. Let me just tell you I now would like to have a fully automatic rifle and a taser.

So now what - well, I joined the Alumni group and plan on helping where I can. They use this group at large events like the Governors BBQ, AFN, and random places that need extra eyes. I will be volunteering for the disaster drill held at the airport each year and get to go on two ride alongs and if they ever get a new officer academy going I will just have to volunteer to get drunk and have them practice their DUI protocols.

I did not get a t-shirt after all of this, but did get an incredible opportunity to see the human side of our police force. Oh, but I did get this cool mug from my detective friend - thanks Sherlock!

A Very Snowy Christmas

2009-12-17T10:05:00.006-09:00

The fluffy snow has been falling non-stop for almost 3 days. Its time to think about sleds, handwarmers, hot chocolate, and rosey cheeks.

We have watched these 3 trees grow through the seasons and had the intentions on stringing lights on them, but I am not sure I want to knock off the snow.

On the agenda this weekend - COOKIES!!!!!

Been Neglectful

2009-12-13T16:32:00.004-09:00

Hi Folks

Okay, I have not forgotten that I have this blog. I just sorta went on a sabbatical from it for awhile. As the holidays approach I will get back into this and makes some posts. We have been a bit busy and I will admit a bit lazy. Had a wonderful visit up north for Thanksgiving, spending time with family and of course eating some good food. Now we are pulling out the holiday decor, attending christmas parties, anticipating a fun alumni volleyball tournament (can already feel the pain), and discussing Christmas dinner - Glen and my sister are already in the talks and I think its gonna be something grand.

Conversations with Seth

2009-09-24T09:05:00.002-08:00

Well, these seems to just keep coming

Seth: Mom, can I have a phone?
Mom: you dont need a phone, do you know how to dial a phone?
Seth: no
Mom: Do you know any of your friends phone numbers?
Seth: no
Mom: who would you call?
Seth: girls, girlfriends
Mom: oh, and what would you say?
Seth: I would say - and by the way he is using texting fingers - Hi, this is your boyfriend Seth.
Mom: nice, what if it was your wife?
Seth: well, I would say hi wife this is your husband and I am in jail.
Mom: What did you do to go to jail?
Seth: I did drugs.
Mom: yes, you would be in jail for that. Don't do it. Now eat your dinner.

Conversations with Seth

2009-09-15T09:53:00.002-08:00

Mom: Seth wanna go to the movies?
Seth: Yes, awesome.
Mom: okay, its a date.
Seth: Mom, you are too old for me, I mean I am too young for you for a date.
Mom: (now thinking I am raiding his piggy bank to bank roll this outing)

Few minutes later:
Mom: we are going to stop by the store and get treats, kay
Seth: I am getting gum.
Mom: okay, and then we are going to sneak our treats into the movie, kay
Seth: no real response, but he goes with it.

At the ticket counter:
Mom: 2 tickets to G-Force
Seth: we only need tickets and no food because we brought our own.
Mom: uh,uh,uh. nudge seth with elbow while noticing the manager 3 ft away.
Theatre manager: I did not hear that, I did not hear that.
Seth: (repeats alittle louder and alittle slower at the manager) I said we only need tickets because we have our own food.
Mom: ugh.

Conversations with Seth

2009-09-08T17:59:00.002-08:00

Seth loves ice cream and he is starting to help himself in the kitchen. Last night, before brushing his teeth and bed, he reminded me that I said he could have ice cream. Granted I had told him that about 5 hours prior - the boy has a memory!!!! especially when it comes to ice cream. He will even say, "mom, remember you said I could have ice cream yesterday and I never got any?" oops.

So he helped himself with a bowl last night and the talk went like this:

Seth: where is that big scooper?
Mom: in the green crock by the coffee maker.
Seth: yes, thats the big one.
Mom: you want me to do it?
Seth: no, I can do it. {gets scooper} boy, this ice cream is tough, but I am tougher.
Mom: Let it stand and melt some, it will be easier to scoop.
Seth: Mom, I am stronger then the ice cream.
Mom: fine, don't eat the whole carton.

few minutes later:
Seth: mom, I finished with the scooper and put it back.
Mom: back where? (no, he could not have)
Seth: back where I got it.
Mom: (walking to the crock, yes he did) Did you wash it before putting it back?
Seth: Oh, darn it, no.
Mom: Good grief child!!

Sydney Update

2009-08-23T14:16:00.002-08:00

1

This is how Sydney likes to watch her morning shows. She is curled up in Seths blanket only because Seth has left for school. Here she was watching Bambi (her new favorite movie)and I think the scene where the mom was telling Bambi to run. Sydney likes to yell at the screen Rum, Rum (of course that could be Glens influence as well, I dont drink the stuff).

Here are just some fun things that Sydney is up to:
* we are bribing with beads (M & Ms) to try potty training - its a slow process.
* we like to wake mom and dad up at 7:30am on weekends.
* we do a shakey, shakey dance when we mix our chocolate milk in the am (ovaltine)
* we dont go anywhere without baby (yes, the one she is holding in the picture).
* we yell at the top of our voice "Dah" when mom walks in the door - we are working on parental identity
* when we are done eating everything is "Yuck"
* When we get the chance we love to pound the computer keyboard and open mysterious pages and somehow change the color of the keyboard lights. Today we are back to red.
* when asked what color is this? the answer is always PINK - I am in trouble.
* we like to only let the daycare lady do braids and ponytails - that I am ok with.
* we do not understand the meaning of stop - especially when pestering brother.
* we still love to take naps - thats how I know she is mine.
* we can put our crocs on "all myself, I do it"
* we are afraid of cars in the parking lot "scary me, yikes"

Russian River 09

2009-08-15T12:48:00.007-08:00

We packed up the camper and headed south last weekend. To increase the excitement of getting out of town we also brought along Emma, Dani, Beth, and Andrea.

We got into Russian River campsite around 8:30 and the kids were already exploring the grounds on their bikes. Meanwhile, the chilled beers were brought out, grilled cheese sandwhiches were made and the fire got rolling.

Beth was the firemaster as she was able to start the fire by using the coals left by the previous campers. She is now reffered to as Beth Fireball Bennett.

Andrea working the grill

After a lazy morning that ran into the afternoon (1 early morning Aasland riser has no chance against 3 late riser Bennett girls)- we headed to the river - no one was there because no fish were there. 5am is better fishing, but I offered to stay back in the camper if Glen wanted to go and that just never happened (he is learning the ways). The fishing gang did go out at 10pm (another decent time to fish) but when they saw the grizzly fishing in the river - and he actually did get a fish - they decided to come back to the campsite.

The weekend went by fast but we were able to sit around the fire, make smores, relax, chat and spend time together. All in all a great time.

We hope to get out at least 2 more times to catch the fall colors

Siding Be Gone

2009-07-23T09:50:00.004-08:00

In our short summer season we try to jam in yardwork, camping, sports, relaxing, bbqs, birthdays, and of course outside home improvement. This summer is continued work on the deck with the start of the outdoor kitchen and deck railing. We also upgraded our windows in the back and while we are doing that we might as well take down the siding and replace it (hopefully before it snows). Glen started the demo and had a little cheerleader yelling "Go Daddy Go"

Conversations with Seth

2009-07-15T17:56:00.003-08:00

Mom: see that car over there - that is an unmarked police car and the guy driving it is a detective.
Seth: what is a detective?
Mom: a police officer who does not have to wear a police uniform.
Seth: What does he do?
Mom: He investigates and solves crimes.
Seth: ohhhhh, like Scooby-do, they solve mysteries
Mom: Exactly.

A prayer then a leap

2009-07-10T08:52:00.003-08:00

So the day started out with a nice hike into the Catalina Mountains moved on to a nice breakfast of apple sausage and fresh squeezed orange juice, spent some time relaxing at the pool and then I decided to climb up a 35 ft pole and step off of it. Just your typical day. I am not much of a risk taker, but it seemed like a doable challenge and sometimes I think an opportunity to see what you have in you is a bit cathartic.

....and then I went back to this:

Remembering Mom

2009-06-23T06:00:00.001-08:00

Grief is an odd thing, they say it weakens as the days go on, but I disagree. Although it changes into a different kind of grief - one that makes you stop and say - oh, I wish mom was here to see that or I wonder what mom would think of this or how would mom handle that. And when the day of her death comes each year you sit and remember the good and the bad and how you can learn from her mistakes and her wisdom. She had a great life but sometimes a difficult life that she kept to herself - pride I suppose, but it was also a short life. She was in the peace corps in Panama, she travelled across the states with a friend in her VW bug and spun out on a "herd" of frogs that were trying to cross the road, she became a nurse and after 20 some years of raising kids she recertified and went back to it. She survived an anyuerism and 3 teenage daughters but did not survive her lifestyle ways even when we tried to help. She loved the sun and her bubble baths and her wine - uh, oh - so do I!!!

Chicks, Chickens, & Roosters

2009-06-14T14:27:00.006-08:00

We finally got a free day to go see the chicken and roosters that give us our eggs. To think it is just about 3 minutes from our home!!! They just got 60 chicks in from McMurrys

and they were old enough for a visit.

This is about how close Seth would get to the chickens, about 15 minutes into the trip he was ready to leave.

Sydney, on the other hand, was a bit more fearless. Except when one went fly past her face.

These are the banta chickens that lay the smaller green eggs.

Going to Game 5

2009-06-05T23:51:00.002-08:00

As I post this, Glen is on a midnight flight to Detroit to watch his most favorite hockey team, the Red Wings, play in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. I will be watching the game from home looking for him in row 17 behind the Penguins bench sitting next to his partner in crime Steve, but this guy is his new BF who managed to get these fantastic tickets and give Glen a weekend to remember. Thanks Tom.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-25T17:18:00.002-08:00

We had some fabulous sunny skies for our first trip out with the camper to Cooper Center Campground - 100 miles south of Anchorage. Seth ventured out on his bike and Sydney explored the campground - she really has no fear of wandering off and meeting people. I think she said Hi to everyone about 5 times each. Fresh air gives her energy and man was she full of it and luckily when it was bedtime, she zonked. The boys went rafting down the Kenai with trusty guide Jarret and saw a black bear on the shore. The girls took a nap because camping is just exhausting. We took a look at other campsites further south and will be back for at least one more at the Russian River Campground - oh, the memories.

Trouble with capital T

2009-05-21T09:39:00.006-08:00

Mornings are supposed to be calm, quiet, and serene. I get my coffee, get Seth off to school, check my email, send out 50 emails, harvest my fb farm and do mafia jobs - just a normal morning. NOT TODAY. As I am at the computer I get a whiff of Gold Bond diaper powder - but then again I gave Sydney that on her bum this morning and she was just at my side. Then she leaves and I turn to see her go and notice this:

This CANNOT be good, so I look around the corner and see this:

I am getting pretty good at counting to 10 these days

A great day for a triathlon

2009-05-18T09:30:00.003-08:00

Swimsuit (check), goggles (check), awesome borrowed roadbike (check), water (check), shoes & socks (check), bagel and peanut butter (check), bib number 818 (check), anxious (check), listen to "I run for life" one more time for motivation (check), powerade gel bites (check), and Starbucks dark chocolate with espresso treats (check) - gotta have the right fuel.
It was my third one and I was not really nervous - well, until I was asked "ready to go?" , but with a thumbs up the day began. The heart was pumping, the swim stroke was strong and my breathing fast - but wait I caught up to the swimmer in front of me and had to pass - progress already. Then 2 more and then the I hear "last lap, great job" then the stairs to get out of the pool (thank goodness because my arms felt like wet noodles) leg one done. Running, barefooted as I tore off my swim cap and goggles like a seasoned pro I ran past strangers saying "go 818" - people who have been though the self induced misery understand what its like and are willing to give support to anyone starting off. Its great!

Arrived at my bike station and hurridly put my shoes and socks on - no getting outta my swim stuff this year, strapped on the helmet and headed to the bike course - oh, the hills of Birchwood Loop. I got passed by a mountain biker - drats - but as I watched her go by I realized she was channelling the strength of Wolverine - me not. Oh, a down hill and me the speed lover, tucked on my handle bars and rode it out. No brakes for this gal. Then the hill - yikes, failure - had to get off and walk it but that stretched my legs out for the last 2 hills and those I powered though - i think the gel bites had finally kicked in. I turned into the finish bike shoot pedaling to the dismount area and got off the bike - oh, were those tree trunks or my burning quads. I had to look down to make sure. 2nd leg done.

Off goes the helmet, bike back in the stand and onto the run - well actually jog/power walk - this girl hates to run. As runners were returning to the start you could see the smiles on their face and an encouraging comment to keep on - you are almost there. A 14 yr old and I traded jog and speed walk intervals - I would pass her she would pass me - until at the end she won out and crossed the finish line before me - but thats okay - she had a lower number then me which tells me overall I beat her out. HA! Triathlon done!!!!!

Then I came home and had this for dinner - yum Dutch Harbor Crab

Try to do

2009-05-16T14:54:00.001-08:00

Trouble - again

2009-05-06T09:13:00.005-08:00

We all have a few regrets in life and one of those for me is letting Sydney see me doing a mud mask one day because I think it has led to this. Although she decided to continue onto the legs.
At least her skin was nice and soft when we washed her all up.

Product Endorsement

2009-05-05T17:12:00.002-08:00

If you ask me I think soda is the downfall of health. Most people who complain of their weight will add, but I can't live without my 4 bottles of (fill in the name). Even the no calorie or zero calorie choices don't impress me when you read the ingredients and you have to refer to the periodic table to figure out their lab work. If I have a choice, I tend to be a lemonade person - lemons, sugar (non fructose preferred), water. See no periodic table, pipet or burner needed.

So when Glen went on one of his "pre-red wing playoff" trips to the store he brought back this Pepsi product. He is a pepsi guy and I guess you are either that or a Coke guy - which just makes me laugh because my tastebuds really cannot tell the difference - no worries though I have had a $200 bottle of wine and a $14 bottle and have the same issue.

The product has NO, and I say No High Fructose Corn Syrup. No major carbonation, but some fiz from the sparkling water. And the taste - well refer to the above - its not bad and is something I am sure you pepsi and coke heads can deal with. The sugar is a blend of cane and beet sugar and there are no lab created extracts. Give it a try.

Mother of the Year

2009-04-16T17:03:00.003-08:00

My kids are pretty creative and they are starting to show some independence - and I am all for that as I was raised to be independent. We have been going though the "puke" sickness in the house - last week it was Sydney and this week it was Seth who stayed home from school on Tuesday. Out of the blue they just hurled whatever they could and then did not have an appetite. I actually thought for a moment that maybe if I got it I might lose a pound during the temporary semi-bulemic state. But alas, I am healthy. Well, today I got played. Seth woke up early and laid on the couch - normally he is quite a challenge to wake up (thank you Bennett DNA) so when this happens something is not right. He said his tummy hurt and although he went to school on Wednesday I figured maybe he relapsed. I told him he could stay home from school because you don't have to tell this mother that teachers frown on parents who send kids to school and puke at their desk. Blech.

Then when we were at Syd's gym class - my son, who cannot tell a lie, said he played an April Fools on me. What Seth? Mom, I really just did not want to go to school today so I said my tummy hurt, but I am really okay. Ah, well then you can clean the toilets when we get home and read 10 books and give me your DS.

Then there is Sydney who has figured out how to entertain herself when I am preoccupied with laundry, kitchen cleaning, and doing really, really important things on facebook like wordtwist and mafia wars and leaving comment threads all day: she helps herself to a lapfull of oreos and plops herself in the stroller in front, and I mean right in front of the TV. Look at how happy she is!!!!!! Mother of the year award is mine for sure.

Bathroom Adventures

2009-04-15T14:14:00.002-08:00

I have to admit that as I have had the opportunity to travel in Europe, Asia, Mexico and much of the US I do become quite entertained by the local bathrooms. You can always tell the quality of a restuarant lets say in Mexcio or Germany based on how they keep their bathrooms clean and interior designed. I agree with the slide show that when in Europe and especially in England - never leave your hotel without change and in Narita, Japan you will want to carry your own toilet paper. For more fun bathrooms click here

Progress?

2009-04-01T12:23:00.006-08:00

This is Sydney's new entertainment - she likes to run and run away from me whenever I need to do things like get her ready for bed or get her shoes on or sit her down to eat or get her naked little self in the bathroom - are you getting the idea? . As she runs she giggles and says "I gonna get you" We will be signing her up for track. A few times she does not make the corner into the bedroom on the right and goes into the door jam - I try not to laugh, but she looks at you like where did that come from? We shall work on her cornering ability too.

Lately, she has shown some interest in wearing underwear - and I am not sure if this is the right parent thing to do, but hey if she is interested in wearing them this way and it makes me think she is getting that much closer to me not buying diapers anymore then so be it.

and don't worry - we don't go out in public like this.

not much to report

2009-03-25T09:39:00.002-08:00

Its like we are in a waiting pattern around here - waiting for seths spring hockey league to begin, for snow to melt and leaves begin to grow on the birch tree, waiting on a new addition to the Aasland clan (no not me), waiting to see if its a girl or a boy (dang Krissy), waiting on the new furniture to arrive to metamorphis the living room, waiting for Sydney to decide to potty train - She was doing the happy dance the other day and I asked if she needed to use the toilet - she ran and put the ring on the seat!!!! Plus, she now says thank you for changing her diaper - I think its almost time.

Ewwww

2009-03-18T12:18:00.002-08:00

Dog eats $400, but woman recovers some cash later

APEX, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina family's dog didn't eat the children's homework, he ate mom's money. Kelley Davis said she had an extra $400 in cash to deposit after working extra hours as a physical therapist. She told the News & Observer of Raleigh that on Friday she planned to deposit the money, but it wasn't in her pocket.

She remembered leaving it in the bedroom and it occurred to her that the family's 2-year-old greater Swiss mountain dog, Augie, might have eaten it.

Davis, 42, said when she took Augie for a walk Saturday, she found parts of three $100 bills and five $20s in his leavings. She washed them with a garden hose and hopes to find enough pieces to exchange them for cash.
A professor at the North Carolina State University Veterinary School said the money shouldn't hurt the dog.
******************************

If you are a teller in the wonderful state of North Carolina - BEWARE

2009 Iditarod Restart

2009-03-09T22:32:00.001-08:00

We were offered a great opportunity to go to our friends cabin on Willow Lake where the restart of the Iditarod has taken place the past few years. We packed up for an overnighter and headed north Saturday evening to avoid the traffic and got cozy in their Toyostove heated cabin and woke up the next morning to breakfast burritos and coffee. As their friends arrived so did the food - we could have fed a small village with what we had and of course plenty of beverages to wash it all down with. They have quite the set up there - a firepit on the lake, plenty of parking space for your snowmachine, and a sledding hill for Seth to go down. I am not even sure if he realized there was a mushing event going on.

I scored a VIP badge from a gentleman I met while working the gallery the day before and got to schmooze with a lady from Virginia who paid $10,000 to ride in Rick Swenson's sled at the ceremonial start. She said it was an incredible experience.

The Skies

2009-03-04T20:55:00.005-09:00

The sun is not anywhere near Alaska right now, but all the clouds that exist are - so luckily I can go visit The Pioneer Woman and enjoy her sunsets - even if they are in Tulsa, OK.

How exciting is this? Bakerella and The Pioneer Woman are having a baking/cooking get together at The Lodge on march 10th - this ought to be entertaining and very blog worthy!!!

Champs

2009-03-03T08:42:00.000-09:00

It was a thriller to go down in the books. Early in the 1st period we had our first score by Karl, you could feel the collective "whew, we are on the board first" from the parents. Then a second goal by Karl to sort of act as insurance and a 3rd goal that rebounded off a Red Hot Lava players skate and right past the goalie. Ugly, but a goal and we will take it, thank you very much. 2nd period was all Red Hot Lava - they caught up with 3 goals, but we scored one more - we were always just ahead on the board. The 3rd period was a nail biter for 16 minutes. The Wildcats had determination and still some fuel in the legs, the Red Hot Lava team was thirsty for a win and were not giving up. Eli had a breakaway and in prime hockey form scored and raised his stick in celebration then looked up at mom and waved. Seth was vicious at defense, he is learning to go after the puck and pass it off to the hot hands. With 47 seconds left the Red Hot Lava team tied the game at 6-6, do they do over time or one on one with the goalie? We will not have to worry about that, because our young Gretzky Karl got a break away and with some fancy spancy stick moves and the ability to stay on his skates flipped the puck into the net with 7 seconds left on the clock- SCORE!!!!!! and the crowd goes wild - Karls dad giving everyone, including me, high fives.

Who needs the Red Wings when we have the Wildcats??????

Running with the Reindeer

2009-03-01T22:15:00.003-09:00

The second annual running of the reindeer grew 2 more herds this year. Turning out to be one of the better money makers for the Fur Rondy. They have a male herd, female herd, couples herd and a group herd. This big fella was right behind us and I did see him drop his nose a bit, but they mainly just wanted to get to the hay at the end of the 2 blocks we had to run. The sun was out, the strange Alaskans did not disappoint - especially the two men with beards in drag that tried to run with the female herd and no one got gord

The Posse

Front row: Lindsey, Beth Backrow: Julie, me, Steve, Jana

Baze & Croft

2009-02-28T10:34:00.006-09:00

We have not had many visitors this winter, but that means less piles of poop to pick up, so its not all that bad. We are only in the B's so this mama is Baze and her young one is Croft. Croft was in the front yard while Baze was laying in the sun all day in the backyard.

Seth is into his tournament for Hockey now and I think his niche is defense. He hates to be scored against so he likes to stay back and make interference for those who are heading towards his goal and then he likes to camp out in front of the goalie to "help" defend. This means that he will one day be slamming people into the boards and have to develope an aggressive attitude. Oh Joy!!! Right now I can pretty much hear him say "sorry" when he knocks over someone. We have some studs on our team who I am sure go to bed dreaming of scoring goals: Karl, who reminds me of a possible young gretzky, Gregory, Eli and even little miss Hannah - who hangs with the boys and says she hates pig tails - my kind of gal.

Meanwhile: the 2nd born is playing at the bathroom sink and decided to wash my contacts down the drain. For the love of Ugh.

Conversations with Seth

2009-02-22T19:26:00.002-09:00

Seems these days more posts on Sydney are taking up space on the blog and really since Seth is totally into his Wii and fighting off General Grevais he has not given me much subject matter. I can attest though that he is doing well in school, hockey and is in good health. Just sometimes looks like a zombie when he is flying through space in his x-wing.

But today, I do have a conversation to post and here goes - hold on tight.

Mom: Seth, you have a game today are you going to skate fast?
Seth: Yup, but mom I am really worried about finding a wife.
Mom: ah, okay (trying to hold back laughter). You are only 7, don't worry about it.
Seth: But I am really concerned I won't find one, when will I get one?
Mom: you don't get one - like a prize - you will know its her when she makes you laugh and make you want to be around her all the time.
Seth: okay, but I am not having a baby come out of my stomach. Dads don't have babies. Where do babies come from.
Mom: You are right, only moms have babies - do you want a sandwhich?
Seth: No, just a snack.

Whew, another good dodge.

Start them Young

2009-02-18T20:18:00.005-09:00

Normally Sydney likes to bust out of the club after our morning shift, but today she decided to explore the equipment. It was slow and the manager is in the Caymans, drinking a tropical elixir, running her toes through the sands and ahhhhhh soaking up the warm sun - slap, back to the story- so I let her wonder and she decided to jump up on the treadmill. I tell you this kid has no fear and so as a good mom, I decide to start it up. She was walking at a speedy gonzales pace of 1.0mph.

Little Terror

2009-02-09T13:26:00.002-09:00

Sunday started out so nice. I stayed in bed longer then usual, Glen got Sydney out of bed and eventually she came in to say her good mornings to me. Waffles were made, coffee was poured, the Red Wings were one TV and the sun was out. Then the house got quiet - the kids were up to something - In walks Sydney who has just given herself a deep conditioning treatment and facial with Balmex - yes, people diaper rash ointment. So into the tub she goes. Splash, Splash, Splash. Then I go and check on her after awhile - oh nasty, she is bathing amongst poop - yes, people #2. So out of the tub she goes. DISGUSTING. Disinfect, Disinfect, Disenfect. We go to the hockey game and actually all is well. Then we return home and so does little Ms. Monster. I catch her on the counter and playing in the flour bag that was left from the mornings waffles. Once again, its a good thing Ebay does not allow the offering of children.

Caught in the Piggy Bank

2009-02-03T10:51:00.004-09:00

When you hear your child talking in their room and you know they are just waking up, you tend to just let them be until you know they are ready to get out. This morning was just like that, except Sydney is now able to reach over and get things off her shelf and this happens.

By the way, this is not an expression of pain but rather a "if I close my eyes, maybe mom won't see me" expression.

I think its time to move her stuffed animals up to the shelf.

He cannot tell a lie

2009-01-28T19:47:00.003-09:00

I am not against fast food, its just that if I want a hamburger we (okay, Glen) makes better ones at home. I don't deprive the kids fast food but would prefer something healthier and Glen takes them more then I do - so they get their share of it. I have had talks with Seth because whenever we head up the hill the last thing we see are the "Golden Arches" and he always asks to stop and I say "we are almost home we can eat something more healthy there, you can't eat at Mcdonalds all the time its not healthy". Oh, the bad mom that disappoints the child. He gets over it. Well, Glen had to hustle home and take the kids to hockey and here is the conversation I had with Seth when i got home and noticed they had stopped by some place:

mom: Seth did you go to Mcdonalds?
Seth: oh, no mom (as if he was in trouble and said the right thing tone)
Mom: Then what's that? (pointing to the take out bag)
Seth: Oh, we went to Carls Jr.

Like that is any better - actually, the famous star burger and a milkshake is really good.

go ahead, make my day

2009-01-23T09:06:00.002-09:00

So here I am on my first day of shooting Walther. Lil sis's boyfriend Ben was full of instructions that I paid attention to. At the end of the session I learned I need more sessions. In his words, "I baby the gun". And yes, I hit my target - but I also broke 4 nails and blisterd my thumb but I will return.

Not Normal

2009-01-17T15:24:00.005-09:00

This is a bit wrong, we should not be seeing the deck free of snow until March. I am not falling for it because as I learned last year you just can't think its over until its over. We still have the rest of January and February to get through and don't forget the Iditarod in March. Last week at this time we were going through a cold snap - not as cold as the interior or on the peninsula - but cold and with a negative in front of the temp, this past week the winds picked up and so did the temps - today it is 39 and all the snow is either melted down or icey. Just to show you how windy it got take a look at this:

Not really sure how we are going to get that back up!!!!
I am listening to Seth tell Pops about the fort and he says, "it blewed over from the very windy wind, can you believe that?"

Bling

2009-01-11T13:10:00.005-09:00

All his life Seth has been surrounded by girls, the poor guy, his cousins in town are girls and up until recently the neighbors have all been girls. Something tells me too that I am raising a charmer and this will never change - it could be that he is a chip off the old block of the Aasland men.

Well, I have to tell you the story of this necklace.

The night before we got it, Seth and I were in one of the MANY stores at the Magic Kingdom and Seth had seen a dark blue plastic ring with the outline of Mickey in rinestones - Seth has always liked shiny things and also rings so this was a blend of his 2 favorite things - but the ring was $6 and I was not about to spend that on THAT. I also said that it was kind of girly and maybe there was a Skeleton ring from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride - trying in my best motherly way to sway him away from girly bling.

IT WORKED.

Then the next day we were in another store of MANY and he comes up to me and says

"mom, there's something I want to show you" - in kid language every parent knows this means they want us to buy them something. I looked at BIL Tim and he said "he wants something" and so I went along to see what the kid wanted. He brought me to the jewelry stand and pointed at this necklace and the talk went like this:

Seth: "isn't this pretty?"
Mom: "yes, it is but is also kinda girly for you"
Seth: "oh, I know I was thinking of buying it for you because it is pretty and I think you would like it"
Mom: fuzzy feeling and melting, and speechless - or maybe soaking up the moment.
Seth: "I will buy it with my card" (the room card that is also your park pass, resort id, but most importantly a room charge key much like a credit card)

So with that, he proudly marched over to the counter and bought his first piece of jewelry for a girl - FOR ME!!!!!! he even signed the receipt then turned around and said I could put it on now and so I did.

Once on, he asks "can I keep the black case?" (Seth has also always loved little boxes) I said yes and I look over at BIL Tim who is laughing and says "see, he just wanted the case"

I Believe

2009-01-02T12:49:00.002-09:00

I Believe

I believe that the sun shines after the rain

I believe if you don't get hurt you'll never gain

I believe in not doing things the easy way

I believe that being selfish doesn’t pay

I believe in a second chance

I believe in a life long romance

I believe there is life after death

And standing up to a life of mess

I believe in love at first sight

I believe that revenge isn’t right

I believe that first impressions last

And there is nothing better then a good laugh

I believe that dreams do come true

I believe there's destiny for me and you

I believe that good things come to those who wait

I believe love never arrives too late

I believe something good comes from something bad

I believe that for tears of happiness there are tears of sad

I believe everyone has a guardian angel

And the good you do will be rewarded well

I believe sometimes there is no explanation

I believe money can't buy people's affection

I believe you don't know what you've got until it's gone

I believe a new day arrives with every dawn

I believe a smile can be contagious

I believe in being very outrageous

I believe in living with no regretsI

believe that life is as good as it gets

I believe that God watches over us

I believe the little things are worth the fuss

I believe you have each friend for a reason

I believe you will get punished for treason

I believe that what comes first is family

I believe we should all live in harmony

I believe in making the most of a beautiful day

And it's not the end until everything's okay

I believe absence makes the heart grow fonder

I believe you will lose if you sit and wonder

I believe every experience teaches you a lesson

And nothing cures better then a drinking session

I believe everyone has one true love

I believe sometimes we need a little shove

I believe the whole world is a stage

I believe we only get better with age

I believe that to learn you have to live

I believe that to love someone you have to give

I believe one moment can change your life

And there's still help when you’re in strife

I believe everyone has one true friend

I believe love helps a broken heart mend

I believe in the power of a song

And things will change before too long

I believe living is the best experience

I believe in not laughing at other people’s expense (sometimes)

I believe it’s hard to watch a lover leave

And when they’re gone all you can do is breath

I believe to always look on the bright side

I believe that life is just one big ride

I believe when I die people will grieve

But it’s ok because

I believe

Kayla Neil

A thought or a few

2008-12-30T12:34:00.004-09:00

photo by Dan Bush

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.
You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too,
so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love
for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone
you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every
sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.

Yikes

2008-12-28T13:29:00.003-09:00

This picture just cracks me up -

What do you think Sydney is thinking?

I think: mom, save me or I am petrified!! or I could fit in that head

Another site

2008-12-27T18:49:00.006-09:00

I have joined the masses in Facebook - if you have a page as well my page is under Dana Aasland and lets become friends. I find it to be a more user friendly site then Myspace and tons more interactive and fun. Join up, there are long lost buddies out there.

...and to boot, today I synced (is that a word) all 3 ipods that we have onto one Itune Library. I have to reload several of my CDs onto my nano, but eventually I will get caught up. I loaded Seths shuffle with some hip kid music as I think he is out of the Backyardagain genre and more into High School Musical and Jessee McCartney.

I felt so good about my achievement (and coming out of frustration) I had a glass of wine. I had forgotten to stop by the Wine Styles store last month so this month I have 4 jugs of vino. bottoms up.

And here is another pic from the trip of the boys going down the waterslide at the hotel. We also sent Sydney down, she asked for it, and screamed the entire way. Glen put her in and I caught her at the bottom, and yes she was wearing a flotation swimsuit. She actually went down again the next day, again she asked for it. I don't think we are getting the parent of the year award.

Snowmen Unite

2008-12-27T09:07:00.004-09:00

A quiet snowmen protest was made at City Hall on Christmas day in support of their bigger friend Snowzilla. Held signs were: Snowzilla needs a bailout too, Snowmen have rights, and Snowzilla for President. The winter is long here.....

Disney Moments

2008-12-26T17:49:00.001-09:00

Snowzilla

2008-12-26T10:06:00.002-09:00

I would like to introduce Snowzilla. The past few years this Anchorage resident has built a large snowman in his yard and each year it was getting a bit bigger. This year it is 25 feet tall and the neighbors are not thrilled with all the traffic it brings in so in a Scrooge sort of way they initiated a city order for him to not build this year. The resident claims he does not know how it was built this year. hmmmm.

Back Home

2008-12-25T14:49:00.004-09:00

With the snow falling or should I say dumping in Seattle we were set to prepare for an adventure coming home - not a good sign when your flight out of sunny Orlando is delayed - but thanks to our techy gadgets we were informed and spent another hour at the pool and me in the hammock with the thought "well, if there are 3000 people stranded in Seattle, lets give up our seats and stay another day" although the kids would never have that with Santas visit right around the corner. I was pushed out of the hammock and we started our depart from Disneyville all went smooth and we got to Seattle in time for a quick gate change and headed home. It snowed just enough to make it feel like a white Christmas.

We put the kids to sleep - it was 3am when we got home - and just like us, I think they really liked being in their own beds.

I will be heading to an electronics store to purchase another memory card reader as ours went caput. Pics of Christmas and Disney are itching to be posted.

Wishing all of you a relaxful and memory filled Merry Christmas

- I must say the two most popular sayings on our trip was Merry Christmas

and We LOVE your Governor.

Outta Dodge

2008-12-14T03:00:00.000-09:00

We interrupt this blog to let readers know we are on vacation seaching for Mickey & Friends in Orlando. Although I plan to relax, do some rides, soak up sunshine, eat at Emeril's restaurant, watch the kids have fun and make some great family memories I may find the time to post, but you know how best laid plans go.....

The Doghouse

2008-12-13T19:39:00.001-09:00

Please pass on to anyone who needs the warning. Dual Bag, baby - the best.

Dog Snow Pounce

2008-12-13T17:05:00.001-09:00

Good thing the dog has some black in its coat. I need a dog.

I HEART Bakerella

2008-12-11T14:05:00.004-09:00

She just never ceases to amaze me.
blog link in the right sidebar.

Life Lessons

2008-12-09T20:11:00.002-09:00

Most recently I have learned a few life lessons:

1. when at your husband's company Christmas party and he is introducing you to people don't stand too close to the man because as he turns and extends his arm towards you it will slam into the glass of wine you are holding and spill all over your nice gold coldwater creek blouse and drip down to your nice cream linen slacks. You will hear someone command, "club soda, now dana, club soda, go" You will try to remain calm while giving your husband the look of "I'm going to kill you, right after I go get my club soda and hit the ladies room, that's if I come back."

2. when re-heating your peppermint mocha in the microwave, take the top off of the kaladi cup so that it does not explode and paint the inside of the microwave brown. This reminds me of another lesson learned many moons ago: when trying to soften up marshmellows by using the microwave, stop yourself - its not a good idea - they explode too. No marshmellow treats for me that day.

2008-12-07T14:37:00.002-09:00

Playing a bit of catch up that I don't think Seth minded. He got to put up 7 days on the advent tree. Will have to put up high so that "lil Destructor" does not get her hand on it.

1st Visitor

2008-12-05T08:30:00.002-09:00

Let's see how far we get on names this year: starting with Annika. Tried to get a better shot, but Annika was a bit startled from the camera noise and took off - thankfully not towards me, although I was one step away from the front door.

Tis the Season

2008-11-29T11:45:00.003-09:00

Updating the site for Christmas is much easier then getting the fall decor down & packed away, the christmas bins inside the house to unload, clean the house first before even doing that, going out for a christmas tree and all this after being in the mobs of black friday shoppers - saved a whopping $37, and will not be doing that again unless I have been kidnapped and am stuck in someones trunk who is.

Thanksgiving 08

2008-11-28T23:03:00.007-09:00

Yummy pies, perfectly moist Turkey, and the most golden rolls were the stars of the show.

Gotta have a dog in the mix for a bit of begging, this is Lucy and I gave in - heck, its the giving that counts today.

Had a little bit of this (I hope thats the kid stuff)

and a little bit of that

and of course some of this

Rootin for the Lil Guy

2008-11-27T11:08:00.001-09:00

I would be a bit nervous if I was in that boat, but what a smart little penguin.

How You Like Them Eggs?

2008-11-26T10:29:00.006-09:00

For the past year now I have been getting eggs from a friend at the club. She lives in an area that has maintained their zone rights to having livestock - while being surrounded by huge, overpriced, but incredible homes. Normally the eggs I get are the brown variety and normal sizes, but this batch offered some blue, grey, and some odd shaped ones (look at that one in the front!). Do you know how long it takes an egg to get to Alaska? From the moment the egg is taken from the hatch it takes about 6 weeks (unconfirmed) and who knows what the hens were nibbling on prior to laying the eggs. These little gems are hand picked from the hen house and delivered to me that day and they make the most fluffy, light, delicious scrambled eggs - You can tell the difference.

History Time: Once when visiting the family farm, Grandpa Angus took me to the hen house for a lesson on how to fetch eggs. He and I had our little baskets and as he was telling me the reason for these hens existence on the farm (providing eggs) he just jammed his hand under the resting hen and came out with the 2 eggs that she had been nurturing. The hen did not seem to mind and just readjusted her position, but I could not help noticing a look of resentment on her face. "He just took my babies" was what I interpreted. So the next day I was sent out to get some - by myself. I entered the coop, looked around and went to the one hen that did not look too mean. First I tried to move the hen, but she would not budge, so I had to go under her. Yikes. My hand gingerly approached the belly and then the wonderful creature started to fiercely, and I mean in a really angry way peck my hand until I backed away. I went back into the house with an empty basket and turned around to hear Grandpa Angus shake his head and say "city kid."

This may have been the same trip that the Thanksgiving turkey chased my all of 2.5ft tall body around in circles. (Okay, now that I think of it, I may have been alittle taller, but when a monster like that is awkwardly waddling/running behind you saying gobble, gobble, gobble and all you think is in turkey language that is kill,kill,kill you tend to feel really small) I am screaming for my life and my parents are just laughing. That dangly thing on the turkey was right at eye level and it was going to kill me if I stopped running - I was sure of it. I don't remember how I survived, I may have blacked out, but I do remember enjoying every bite of that turkey.

Wouldn't you run if this thing was after you?

Such good times on the family farm

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

or kill, kill kill (however you say it)

Here's Hoping

2008-11-21T14:47:00.003-09:00

We may not get to a bowl game, but beating

Ohio State would be nice.

Update: well that did not happen, not even close.

wow and ouch all at the same time.

Gobble Treat

2008-11-18T17:09:00.002-09:00

Let's just all bow to Bakerella - all together now.

Turkey shoot

2008-11-17T12:36:00.002-09:00

Need something to break your day up - Those gobblers are fast at the end

Click HERE

HIGH SCORE: 64331

Leave your score in the comments

Proof Positive

2008-11-17T09:33:00.003-09:00

Ladies and gentlemen of the blogging world I present to you clear evidence that little boys do before they think.

As I pull into the driveway I notice something is on the roof that was not there earlier. I focus in on the object and I realize it is Seth's lunch box. There has to be an explanation and I had to hear it.

You see, I have a husband who likes to hit golf balls towards the roof and have them roll back to the yard or there are times when he would throw a ball up and have Seth try and catch it when it rolled down. Did Seth think his lunch box would "roll down?"

So here goes:

Mom: SEEEETTTTHHHH, get out here. (one of the reasons why a one syllable name was chosen)

Seth: What?

Mom: Can you explain why your lunch box is up on the roof?

Seth: Well, I was trying to get icecicles down to eat and I threw it up there to knock them down.

Mom: Oh, good grief child.

Explore Alaska

2008-11-16T16:01:00.002-09:00

I need to get out more. Falls Creek is in my backyard (well, a short drive)

Good Grief

2008-11-13T09:03:00.003-09:00

As I have mentioned before, I have a hypothyroid that requires I take a little pill each day - to be in "normal" thyroid function. All editorial comments on the "normal" usage, you can keep to your funny little selves. The instructions to taking this pill says I cannot consume anything for an hour after taking - so I have a routine of putting a pill and a glass of water on the bedside table and at some point during the sleeping hours I roll over, find the pill and gulp down water. The days of sleeping through the night are pretty much over for me, but I have a wonderful knack to regaining the REM status once my head returns to the pillow.

So last night, as in the hundreds before, I did what I do. Or so I thought, because when I woke up the pill was still there in the spot I left it the night before. Did I not awake and take it? No, I remember doing it and when I check the water glass - its empty and I know I filled it. So now I am thinking I hope I did not swallow a Lego.

A Jewel of a Blog

2008-11-11T08:49:00.005-09:00

I am more of a good medical mystery/suspense kind of reader and not much of a romance Danielle Steele kind of gal, but I came across this blog The Pioneer Woman and spent the next few days reading her love story chapters, gazing at her amazing photography of horses, sunsets, early morning sunrises, family, and don't forget Charles- basically I am hooked and wanted to spread the obsession to you.

Trust me, you will thank me later - no gifts necessary.

************************************************************************************

The Night I Met Marlboro Man, Part IVOr, Harlequin Romance Meets Green Acres, Part IVSep. 11, 2007

“Hi, Ree? We met at the J-Bar last Christmas?”
It was the Marlboro Man.
It had been almost four months since we’d met; four months since we’d locked glances in a bar over Christmas; four months since his icy blue-green eyes and prematurely gray hair had made my knees go weak; four months since he’d failed to call me the next day, or week, or month. I’d moved on, of course, but the rugged, smoky image of that Marlboro Man-esque creature had left an indelible mark on my mind. And my hiney.
But. I’d been planning my big move to Chicago before I’d met him that night four months earier, and I continued my planning the next day. By the end of April, just after my brother’s wedding, I was just about ready to go. But suddenly, four months after we’d first met, I found myself on the phone with him, mistaking him for a boy named Walrus and trying to appear cool.
“Oh, hi.” I said, nonchalantly. I was moving to Chicago. I didn’t need this guy.
“How’ve you been?” he continued. Ugh, that voice. It was gravely and whispery at the same time. I hadn’t realized it had already set up permanent residence in the marrow of my bones.
“Good,” I replied, focusing my efforts on appearing casual, confident, and strong. “I’m just gearing up to move to Chicago, actually.”
“No kidding,” he said. “When are you going?”
“Next month,” I replied.
“Oh…” he paused. “Well…would you like to go do something this week?”
This was always the awkward part. I could never imagine being a guy.
“Um, sure,” I said, not really seeing the point of going out with him, but also knowing it was going to be next to impossible for me to turn down a date with the first cowboy I’d ever been attracted to. Actually, the first cowboy I’d ever met. “I’m pretty free all this week, so…”
“How ’bout tomorrow night?” he cut in. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”
He didn’t know it at the time, but that single take-charge moment, that instantaneous transformation from shy, quiet cowboy to this confident, commanding presence on the phone, affected me very profoundly. It positively set my interest afire.
So did the starched denim shirt he wore when he picked me up for our date the next evening.
“Hello,” he said, as I opened the front door of my parents’ house.
Oh, those eyes. They were fixed on mine, and mine on his, for more seconds than is customary at the very beginning of a first date. My knees—the knees that had turned to rubber bands that night four months before in a temporary fit of illogical, immature lust—were once again like spaghetti.
“Hello,” I said, smiling. I was wearing sleek black pants, a violet v-neck sweater, and spiked black boots—a glaring contrast to the faded denim ensemble he’d chosen. Little did I know how utterly symbolic of our future lives together those respective wardrobe choices would turn out to be.
We talked through dinner; I don’t remember the food. About my childhood on the golf course; about his upbringing on the ranch. About my college days at U.S.C.; about his unnatural passion for football. About my retarded brother, Mike; about his older brother, Todd, who died. About Los Angeles and celebrities; about cows, horses, and manure. And by the end of the evening, I had no idea what exactly I’d even said. All I knew was, I was riding home in a white Ford F250 diesel pickup with a boot-wearing cowboy—and there was nowhere else on earth I wanted to be.
He walked me to the door, naturally. Oh, I’d been walked to that same door many times before, by pimply high school boys and cocky college boys and a few miscellaneous suitors along the way. But this time was different, bigger. I felt it.
That’s when the spiked heel of my boot got hung up on the grout line of my parents’ brick sidewalk. I saw my life and any ounce of pride remaining in my soul pass instantly before my eyes as my body lurched forward; I was going to bite it for sure—and right in front of the Marlboro Man. I was an idiot, I told myself, a dork, a clutz of the highest order. I wanted desperately to snap my fingers and magically wind up in Chicago where I belonged, but my hands were too busy darting in front of my torso to brace me from the fall.
Someone caught me, though. An angel? In a way. It was Marlboro Man, whose tough upbringing on a working cattle ranch had produced the quick reflexes necessary to save me, his spastic date, from a certain wipeout. Once the danger was over, I laughed from nervous embarrassment. Marlboro Man chuckled gently. He was still holding my arms, though, in the same strong cowboy grip he’d used to rescue me moments earlier. Where were my knees? I suddenly couldn’t feel them. And suddenly, he wasn’t chuckling anymore; he was standing right in front of me, still holding my arms.
To be continued…

mystery ointment revealed

2008-11-11T08:38:00.002-09:00

The Farmer's Wife got it - it was sunscreen lotion.

The weekend before I walked around the house with a masque on and I think someone wanted to mimic me in her own special way. I was impressed with how she was able to go around her mouth with the lotion without using a mirror (hidden talent?) and I hoped she did not eat any. The next day dashed my hopes as her "diaper gift" was the color of Wasabi - okay, now you'll never look at Wasabi the same way ever again.

Celebrity Sighting

2008-11-10T08:26:00.005-09:00

While working my shifts at the gallery I have had old friends walk in and local celebrities. Once I had Jack Frost, the guy who voices for the Sagaya commercials, come in. I was working on something at the desk and only heard him, thinking it was another commercial then realized I had a CD playing and heard him talking art and not GIANT, DELICIOUS FRESH from the SEA, PRAWNS. Another time, Mr. White Keys was in and I just wanted to find a can of Spam and a camera - he too has another recognizable voice. I wanted to say hi and then the fear of being an add-in to one of his comedy skits set in. (like that would ever happen, but just in case - sit there and don't say a word, let the man shop)

Well last night, Greta Van Susteren was in. She is here to do a post-election interview with S. Palin. I wondered should I play nonchalant and treat her like any other customer? She was browsing and coming closer to the desk, so the words came from somewhere"can you sign our gallery book so when I tell the other gallery gals you were here they'll believe me" She said "sure"and started signing away while almost in an apologetic way said "I am a bit tired" I just said thank you and she said thanks for watching the show. As her group left one said thanks, another said good night and we might come back tomorrow to shop - we are just too tired right now. What did I say? Not, thanks for coming in, have a good night or the normal thing. Dork says "SLEEP WELL."

Who Says That?

Conversation with Seth

2008-11-09T09:58:00.002-09:00

Seth came home on Friday, out of breath, red nose and rosey cheeks, full of excitment and had a story to tell. First that he beat Gabby home from the bus stop - only Gabby likes to saunter home so he wins every day and he thinks its because he is sooooooo fast. But there was more to the excitment and he shared:

Seth: Mom, today is a great day.

Mom: Why is that?

Seth: because Caden, a kid at school, broke his nose and won't be back at school.

Mom: Why does that make it a great day?

Seth: (in a softer tone) Well, Caden is not nice to me and he always cuts in line in front of me.

Mom: That's not very nice - see what happens to people when they are not nice - that is called karma. - and then i had to explain how Karma worked.

Seth: I like karma and I will always be nice.

Mom: (note to self) I should have added something in there about keeping his room clean too.

At it Again

2008-11-07T09:23:00.003-09:00

When things go quiet in the night and Sydney is not down to sleep something is wrong, very wrong. So you go searching for the little tyke and this is what you find.

Any guesses on what the white stuff is?

Its Hockey Season

2008-11-03T15:23:00.006-09:00

We are into another season and had our first game with 3 periods and officials. Seth got a bit spooked when the loud buzzer sounded to end the period. So spooked he did not want to keep playing so the coach took him off the ice to calm him down. Afterwards he said he does not like the horn or jet airplanes.

Halloween 08

2008-11-01T11:06:00.007-08:00

The snow held off for another Halloween Trick or Treat evening. Seth is Indiana Jones and Lil Stinker is a cute pumpkin. I had face paint for a 5 o'clock shadow, but Seth said that having a beard would be ridiculous. He had an inservice day from school so I had to endure an hourly update on when we were to head out for candy and once again we went to about 20 houses and Seth proclaimed he had enough candy and wanted to head home - whose child is this?

Good Happens

2008-10-30T09:07:00.000-08:00

DALLAS — A Texas woman went to a housing auction distraught about the prospect of watching strangers bid on her foreclosed home.
Then one of those strangers bought it back for her.
Now Tracy Orr can return to her Pottsboro home, making payments to the woman who unexpectedly and impulsively bought it for her.

"It means so much to all of us," Orr told Dallas television station WFAA. "It's not just a house."
Marilyn Mock said she was acting on instinct on Saturday when she decided to buy a house she had never seen for a woman she had never met. Mock was at the foreclosure auction to help her 27-year-old son bid on a house when she struck up a conversation with Orr, who was crying about losing her home.

Orr had bought the house for $80,000 in 2004 but fell behind on the payments. She lost her job a month after taking out the loan, and earlier this year she lost the house. On the spot, Mock decided to buy it, eventually bidding $30,000.
"She didn't even know if I had a job or was a nut case," Orr said in a story for Wednesday's online edition of The Dallas Morning News. "She didn't even see a picture of the house."

Mock told a crying Orr she could stay in the house, making payments to her instead of a bank.
"She needed help. That was it," Mock told the newspaper. "I just happened to be there and anybody else would have done the same thing."
Orr said she hopes others will do as Mock did.
"More than my house, she gave me something inside, and that's more important than material or financial things," she said.

The two are waiting on final approval from Fannie Mae before visiting the home.
Mock's son also got a home at the auction.

A Day of Firsts

2008-10-28T21:23:00.005-08:00

I have lived in this town for over 34 years (minus come college years that I considered myself to be on loan to CA and CO) and there are times I will say to myself "I don't think I have ever driven this road" or "I have always wanted to see where that leads" or "wow, have never seen that before" - well you get my drift.

Today was the day of a few firsts.

As I am driving down Elmore Road, a road that connects Abbott with Tudor and edges the Bureau of Land Management (hence, undeveloped parkland) I notice several cars pulled to the side and traffic has stopped. I thought, "oh, another mama moose" OH NO - it was a bear, a big black bear that sauntered across the street and into the woods. Had my camera, but alas it went down where I could not get a pic. First bear I have seen in city limits.

Then, with about 4o minutes to kill and Linda Eder singing to me about Vienna, I decided to explore a road I have not been on - Campbell Creek Airport Road. It was a beautiful, blue sky day so I thought a clear view of the mountains would make for a great pic. The road weaved back into woods I have never been in and now want to go hike. I saw many trailheads and low sloping mountains to explore - lil sis is always up for an adventure, I will grab her and go.

See, I was not kidding about the blue sky

...and since I was on that side of town I decided to visit, well to be honest, pay homage to the newly opened Target Store. Now, most of you would just hem and haw about ANOTHER Target, but this is the first in Alaska (we are catching up) and I was told it needed to restock the shelves after the first week of operating. Krissy - don't fret, its been restocked and properly prepped for your visit as the managers have been briefed

I bought a Michael Buble CD, some dove chocolate looked around to see what I will be filling my home with once it is built and went on my merry way - oh, and speaking of merry, Target already has Christmas stuff out. Can we get past the turkey first people?

Pin the Tail on Syd

2008-10-25T12:31:00.002-08:00

So what do you think of my fast thinking and creativeness. Told Beth, the fabulous graphic designer, to print out a picture and she (with Lindsey, the fantastic marketing extrodinaire) said e-mail it to Kinkos and have them make a poster. Those marketing people have all the quick and creative ideas. Well, that takes my idea up a notch and wa-la. The winner was Mikayla who put it right on the nose.

Only now I am thinking of having them do a more quality picture so I can frame this great pic.

Oh, the madness.

Amazing Grace

2008-10-25T10:28:00.009-08:00

Strength, Love, Faith, and Prayer

****Nie Nie is awake and kids are reunited with Dad****

For an uplifting post read cJane on Oct. 24

For a heartfelt story

on the family (with some insight to the day of the crash - its been some time since I teared up so much I could not read words) read the article "A sister is held even closer" posted on Oct. 26 - you will want to have some tissue ready and then maybe call your sister just to say hi.

2008-10-24T13:03:00.002-08:00

Happy Birthday to Lil Stinker

Sydney turns 2 today and we have some festivities planned. A phasghetti with meatballs feed, some game that I have yet to come up with - although I do have the prizes, plenty of adult tappas (appetizers), cupcakes, Nutter butter balls (because they will be expected) and maybe a Halloween movie.

She has been caught with her pants down - and I mean literally, people- if you do not catch her in time she yanks her diaper off. Right now she has entered the room I am in and has no shirt on. Thank goodness she does not do this in public. The pant/diaper thing may be a good sign though - how? you might ask - well its a sign that she is not liking her wet diaper and might be ready to potty train. The shirt thing has me wondering though.

Conversations with Seth

2008-10-22T08:24:00.003-08:00

The two boys in the house are both playing hockey this season. Glen joined his company team and Seth is in the Mites program in town. If you add up the team fees plus the equipment fees I am thinking I am due a good week at a desert spa - I keep saying that and one day I will follow through - oh, a morning sunrise hike with a yoga class on a peak hill followed with a nice egg white omelete with fresh squeezed OJ and a side of raspberries - okay, slap back to reality.

Glen plays late at night because that is the only time adults can get ice in this town (more rinks please) and Seth was upset that he could not go watch - it's a school night, son. So when Glen got home, Seth, who is still awake in his defiance to fall to sleep, asks "Dad, did you score a goal" Glen responds,"no, I played defense and did not score a goal, but I knocked down 2 guys. Is that good?" Seth: "good job dad."

Learning words - quickly

2008-10-21T08:46:00.004-08:00

Sydney is learning new words/phrases almost daily now. The most recent is "I Love You" although it sounds more like "Uv ew", but we all now what she means. She likes to pick up the phone or the blackberry and babble to someone, she has the pauses and responses down as if she is having a conversation. For bye she says "dye", ask her if she wants something and its a clear "yes or nooooooo" (with an added shake of the head - especially if she is not ready for bed). Seth is Seph, Mom is Mahm, and Dad is Dah - all yelled out especially when we are not in the room.

Almost won!!

2008-10-17T09:38:00.006-08:00

What were you doing last Wednesday night? I was working out and my little sister put herself in a Palin look-alike contest. She came in 2nd! and has to go back for the finale. She got the details down - look at the american flag pin and Alaskan earrings.

The lady in the red blazer won. I will be shopping for a red blazer for Beth.

Kid Logic & Conversations with Seth

2008-10-16T21:40:00.003-08:00

Brought Seth to the club today and Savanna (co-worker & past babysitter) offered Seth some french fries. She was having ranch sauce, the ever popular ketchup replacer, for dipping the fries.

I actually prefer Tartar sauce and you can blame a late night stop to Zips in Spokane - it was all the rage then and it has stuck.

Anyhoo, I told Seth not to double dip, he asked what that was. Then I realized I needed to explain because this is the child that loves ketchup so much that you wonder if its the fry he is eating or the ketchup. Would you like Fries with your Ketchup little guy? So after swim lessons and in between heading to his school's movie night (so happy to be home right now) he got to finish off his fries. So a voice from the back of the car says (not asks) "mom, if you are all by yourself with fries you can double dip." Apparently, the ranch is a hit. I told him yes and then asked for a fry, he then asked me if I wanted it dipped. I hesitated, but thankfully we are family and I said "sure" even if it's not tartar sauce.

How Cool are These?

2008-10-15T19:42:00.005-08:00

Click HERE to look up close to all of them. Scroll down to October 5th.

Been out of town

2008-10-13T08:36:00.002-08:00

I had my camera, but when you are either in meetings all day or combat shopping with limited time you tend to prioritize. Julie and I attended a Regional Volleyball Directors meeting in Colorado Springs, normally our volleyball commish Gary would attend but he is off making thousands in the Iraqi desert.

Glen got to play Mr. mom and I am happy to report that the kids are safe and sound. I even missed Seth scoring his first goal, but was able to listen to a little voice from Sydney on the phone babble on about something - just good to hear her voice.

We were able to fly in a day early for shopping opportunities and everytime we were asked for our zip code people would say "where is that?" and we would tell them Alaska - then of course we would get the question "so what do you think about Palin?" It did seem that most who asked were in favor of her. I was called a maverick just once in the meetings and ironically it came from the Arizona Commish.

Gary and Mike if you are reading: the airline people did not share your humor when you listed us as needing wheelchair assistance because we were described as blind and deaf. Nor did the homeland security guy when he was reviewing our boarding pass. Revenge is a dish best served cold my friends - mark my words.

It's Here

2008-10-07T09:03:00.003-08:00

The temperature drops into the 30's you see how much its raining and you notice the dusting of snow on the Chugach Mountain range, but then the temps go up a bit and the dusting disappears so you think okay I have more time to rake the leaves and see if the store has snowpants yet. Then boom it's snowing and in such a way that any 20+ year resident knows is going to stay for the duration and its okay because your new car has heated seats. God Bless the person who thought that up.

Roadtrip to Williwaw

2008-10-05T13:44:00.009-08:00

Happy Birthday roadtrip for Glen

No more tenting for us, we upgraded to a great travel camper and had to squeeze in one more outing - this time to Williwaw campground in the Portage Valley - about 45 minutes south of home.

Had to test run the oven, oh how those pan cookies made the camper smell so good, and then took a nap because the camper was coozy warm (okay, Seth was a bit too excited to be camping so he is pretending here and I could not get him to stop smiling and when I insisted he just started laughing which became contagious and we all started laughing. So then we went for a walkabout.

see that tiny little white speck in the tree about mid picture, nearer to the top? - thats an Eagle and this is the last time I go on a walkabout without my big lens.

Seth has left the building

2008-10-01T08:54:00.002-08:00

On his way out the door Seth left his mark in the frosty crisp grass.

One more day of a slight wind and the birch tree will be bare and it will be time to fill the pumpkin leaf bags. Oddly, I am ahead of the game this season, the garage just needs a few adjustments and the car can go in, the pumpkins (with good stems) are already adorning the entry way, the mantel is screaming with fall decor, and the bag of all our winter gear is in arms reach.

Oh happy day - and first day of October.

A Fishy Circle of Life

2008-09-27T17:37:00.004-08:00

Seth and I headed down to Campbell Creek Park to watch a Fish and Game presentation on the cycle of life of a fish. Seth's school is going to take care of these eggs through the winter and release them in the spring. We learned there are 5 types of salmon and when the guy asked what the second name for the King was, I told Seth to yell out Elvis, but he said, "mom, that's not it, it's Chinook." I guess there is a difference between being smart and being a smart arse.

Did you know that once the adult fish is ready to leave the ocean to return to their spawning ground in freshwater they quit eating and that is why they turn red. Well, you do now.

Did you know that one fish can have up to 3000 eggs in her? You do now.

Autumn Colors

2008-09-27T16:58:00.007-08:00

Morning Frost Fog

Nothing Gold Can Stay
by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold,

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay

Happy Birthday Dad

2008-09-26T15:28:00.003-08:00

I often wonder what my dad would think of the world if he were still here with us. I know he would love that you could be on the internet and not get kicked off when the phone rang - in its earliest years this would happen and having 2 teenage daughters at home caused the phone to ring a lot. He would shake his head that we are looking at either a black american president or a female VP (from Alaska). I could see him walking the aisles of Home Depot asking Glen "do you have that? you gotta have that, I wish I had something like that back when..." I wonder if he would be impressed with his daughters and how they turned out - I know he would have been relieved to see me in a wedding dress - "yes dad, I promise I will wear one if that ever happens." I wonder if I would have gotten my pilots license if we had more time. Missing you tons.

How to Peel an Egg without Peeling

2008-09-22T19:18:00.003-08:00

Now don't you just want to run to the kitchen and try this? Except for my friend Anne, who was once grounded for the weekend because she refused to eat her scrambled eggs before school. She detests, loathes, and is disgusted by eggs.

Strike a Hat Pose

2008-09-21T11:00:00.002-08:00

Grandma is in the house and she always has a camera ready to shoot pics - the many happy faces of Sydney.

Crockpot Cake

2008-09-20T18:19:00.006-08:00

Well, I must be going through a chocolate something phase or maybe I am trying to redeem myself for the mug cake but I have heard of this Crockpot Cake from several sources and finally was gifted the receipe from Cjane - so fate it is and therefore I bake.

By the by, its been posted on Cjane that Mr. Nielson was able to visit Stephanie in her room the other day - please go read her love story post - goosebumps people - and just another reason to celebrate with cake.

1 package chocolate cake mix
1 container of sour cream (8 oz)
1 cup chocolate morsels
1 cup water
4 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 package instant chocolate pudding mix

Spray crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. Mix cake mix, sour cream, chocolate morsels, water, egss, oil and pudding mix in a bowl by hand. Pour into crock pot. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Makes about 12 servings (if you plan on sharing).

Glen was wondering how to get it out of the crockpot and I said I did not think that far - but I think I might just dive in with a large spoon.