Seven

In my on going list of reasons I suck at blogging- number 7 is started waitressing on weekends... So I have been working at Cove Point Crossings on weekends I don't have anything else going on. I am really enjoying it- especially when I work with Libby... We have a lot of fun!

PS this post comes via my new Blackberry, thanks in part to #7!

Eight

On to #8 in my elaboration of the "comeback post."

Matt's 25th birthday... having a few connections in the travel world, he was able to get us a steal at the Graves 601... it's a step up from the usual Holiday Inn and was right across from the new Twin's stadium. Everyone on the street was clearly headed to the Twins game, everyone but us! We had our own game to tend to....

Lucas was my partner in crime and we had one mission helping Matt celebrate 1/4 century of life. I went to my first drag show, Janna came to join in, had some amazing food- prime rib sliders... to die for! Loring Kitchen mmm, shots shots shots, danced on stage the Gay 90s, countless other bars, and finally a late night Jimmy Johns run! Yes it was fun! Here's the only pic of Matt, LC, and I... kind of sums it all up :)

Nine

Continuing my elaboration from this post.

I was all smiles in April when Taylor called to say she wanted me to help her prom dress shop. Of course, she was hoping to come to Duluth and hit up a few stores- but being me, I decided that wasn't good enough and planned a trip for us to the cities. After scouring MOA, all 3 of us cramming in fitting rooms (My mom, Tay, and I), and wrestling a few HS girls to get Taylor her dress (think the episode of Friends where Monica is wedding dress shopping)... we had the winner! A few weeks later I was in the Bay for the big event! And I must say she looked fabulous :) Such a pretty girl and so grown up...

Ten

I know in my last post I said I'd elaborate upon request, but I think all of my Top Ten over the fast few months need some explaining... starting with #10.

Kristina is a bestie of mine, met her at maurices and instantly because great friends! Towards the end of her pregnancy, it appeared she would have her baby girl before her due date... this made me happy (and her ankles were relieved too) since I was going to New York on her due date, but little Layla didn't care and  waited to make her appearance until I was far out of town... and this is the picture I received... melts my heart! Little ladybug, it's been fun to go over to K's house, watch movies, and hold her :)

Best Blogger Ever

Really... what did I do in March, April, May, and June MTD that caused this neglect? TOP TEN

 1. Road trip with Kelly to Hannibal, MO (did I mention 36 hour round trip?)
 2. Saw Megan when she came home for Kirstin's grad
 3. Went to NYC again and saw Rock of Ages- best time ever!
 4. Celebrated 25 years of birth
 5. Went on a semi-blind date...it didn't work out
 6. Organized volunteers for Mile 21 of Gmas Marathon (this wkend- WOO HOO)
 7. Started waitressing a weekend or two here and there
 8. Spent the night at the Graves 601 and had some fun for Matt's 25th
 9. Helped Tay Tay get ready for prom
10. Met Layla... Kristina's amazing baby

Not that I expect anyone to still be reading this, but if you're there... which of the above require some elaborating?  

#40

Crossed another one off the list- Kenzie and I had a blast looking at cars today.... I now own a 2009 Toyota Corolla- my previous car clicked the entire time I drove, sometimes didn't start, and drove me nuts- it was a 2003 Grand Am...YES I'm HAPPY with the upgrade!

V-Day for ALL THE SINGLE LADIES

Today I did what all single girls do on Valentine's Day- shopping, being lazy, eating, and watching sappy chick flicks :) Ingredients Needed:

1. Andi's Closet- the perfect place to feel depressed about your lack of disposable income, aside from that I crossed off #42- yes I'm the proud owner of a pair of Joes Jeans... seriously, the girls at this shop are SOOO nice and helpful, plus all the clothes are merchandised so nicely... for the hour I was there I silently prayed for more cash and a perfect size 5 body....
2. Grizzly's Spinach Artichoke Dip- hot cheesy goodness with carbs on the side
3. A messy bun and hoody sweatshirt- no shower required
4. Dear John- just enough tears, plus it leaves you feeling just enough depression knowing you will never meet the perfect man (aka Channing Tatum)
5. Birthday Cake Remix from Coldstone- just enough brownie with ice cream to give you a sugar jolt
6. A snowstorm- just to remind you it's still February and yes you live here!
7. Facebook- YES, someone else is engaged

In all honesty, I LOVED today- this weekend was a blast! Plus I'm getting excited to leave for North Carlolina/NYC- having something to look forward to will help get me through the next week and a half, I hope :)

Amy's Blog

At work I've been talking up the "101 in 1001" and a lot of my coworkers are starting their own... my friend Amy decided her first day would be today... and by the time I got to work she already had an AMAZING story...I told her she had to blog about it (but since she doesn't have a blog I'm going to share it with you)...

Before work Amy was going to Starbucks with her Dad... while waiting in line she noticed a young girl (mid 20s) dressed cute with a short hair-do in line by her... as she was thinking about how pretty this girl was and how she looked like Halle Berry she remembered her list. One of her "tasks" was to compliment a stranger- so she turned to the girl and said, "Has anyone ever told you you look like Halle Berry?" The girl started crying... and after what felt like minutes (imagine what was going through my friend's head)- the girl told Amy she was a cancer survivor and her hair was just growing back... she told Amy that it was the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her. Of course Amy (being an emotional girl herself) joined in the tears and hugged the girl- continuing their bonding moment in the Starbucks line. Meanwhile Amy's Dad was concerned and confused watching on... Amy explained everything to him on her walk to work as she continued to wipe her tears (yes- she had to touch up her make- up).

When she told me the story I cried too (and she cried some more)- I couldn't believe what a touching moment had occurred all because of a little list... I <3 Amy- she's got such a beautiful heart and I just think this story is a cute reminder of the little things in life :)

Slippery Roadway Ahead

Finally I've been tagged in a picture on FB, ever since Janna got a boyfriend (still love you- haha) photographic evidence of my nights out has been nonexistant. :) Yes, this one is from back in December- but I think it's a super cute of me and Kelsey with the boys. This was right after they (Blair and Darrin) rear ended one another on the bridge going to Superior (not their fault, apparently there was a 3rd party). But even that couldn't stop Ms. Leah's birthday celebration- the show went on while the majority of us waited in anticipation for them (including the birthday girl) to arrive SAFELY. That's when the chaos began- Leah may have went on a voluntary ride along with the Superior Police Dept., I may have shared in a country hoe-down, Darrin may have got food poisoning, and inappropriate text messages may have been sent... yes this picture brings back some memories of a fun night...

Vienna, will you accept this rose?

Okay- can my bachelor followers please stand up and leave me a comment? I NEED my fix. Anyone to talk to about this season! What are you thinking? How are you feeling with the final 4?... here's my ranking...

1. Vienna- don't care that everyone seems to hate her-I LOVE HER! I think she is so cute and fun! It annoys me that all the girls are mean about her, I guess I don't see it. I like how she's totally after Jake and LOVE that she looks like Lady Gaga. Does she not? In case you can't see the difference- she's the top and Gaga is bottom pic... <3

2. Tenley- I do like her, but she's a bit too "safe" and it bothers me that she's always talking about how she can finally fall in love after her divorice and how she never thought she would- blah blah!

3. Gia- I think she's cute and nice, but her body language and reactions to Jake are always fishing for compliments- it's annoying.

4. Ali- She's the worst. Aside from her being the ring leader against my girl Vienna. The San Francisco date was too much from me- really, are you that giggly, happy, in love- and YES we know this is your neighborhood- can you say the word one more time? If I had a nickel for everytime she said "my neighborhood" I'd have at least $1 after their date on Monday's episode..

I have to say though, if I was on this season and Jake called to me, "Sheena do you accept this rose?" I think my response would be something like this- "I don't think we're right for each other, I'd rather you gave this rose to one of the other girls." I'd be thinking- "WOW- you're hot but you're a tool bag!" Anyone else think so? At least he's a gentleman, but come on. Team ED!

Today one of the girls at work told me if I was on The Bachelor I'd probably be the girl that starts dating someone on the crew- :) No comment.

Declaring It

Not that I expect you to have my list memorized...  but there's one that tends to draw a few comments:
"14. Don't have fast food for a year"
Typical responses have been- "That's impossible!" "Don't you remember the McDonalds tour?" or "What restaurants does that include? You're crazy?" So I decided it was my choice which restaurants I call "fast food" and naturally I found myself on Wikepedia- for the complete list click here. Yes I have two exceptions (after all this is a year I'm committing to and it's my list right?)- #1 Subway is fair game #2 DQ Ice Cream is fair game... I'd be crazy not to.

So it's official- my year starts now- so until Feb 1, 2011- good bye hangover heaven, drive thru bliss, potato oles, and McDoubles... you've been there when I needed you most! Am I nuts?

#58

Last night I went to dinner and a movie with my cute pregnant friend Kristina :) Sad to admit, but I love having nights with her because I'm in bed early...

We decided to see Avatar in 3D (strike #58 off the list)...  It's like nothing I've ever seen and was totally out my "norm"- but I LOVED IT! Another thing I loved- seeing everyone wearing the ridiculous glasses- one day our children will see a picture of a "2010 3D movie showing" and laugh at us :) Bonus- I kept the glasses and will be using for the Michael Jackson 3D experience on the Grammy's Sunday.

I'm at my parent's house the rest of the weekend for some R&R- in the AM my Dad is making pancakes... I'm debating on if I should wake up to strike off #33 on the list or if I should save it for another day...I mean I have 1000 left right? HAHAHA- and the procrastination continues!

UPDATE: Today (Sunday 1/31) my Dad was waiting for me to make pancakes aka #33- if you want help in finishing the 101 in 1001 tell the people involved what's on it! Yes- I know the trick is to see how the batter drips off the spoon!

I should also note that I really want to try John Sandstrom's pancakes- I've heard great things, however, no matter what I will tell my Dad his are better :)

Expires 26th of October 2012

This is my 101 in 1001- aka Day Zero Project
Done  In progress
Health/Wellness/Selfishness:

1. Run a 5K

2. Achieve goal weight

3. 30 Day Shred

4. Try hot yoga

5. Crest Whitestrips

6. Write in a journal 30 days in a row

7. Recurring hair cut appointments 3/22/10

8. Use all yoga passes during a session

9. Take a spin class once a week for 12 weeks
10. La Bamba 2/23/2010

11.Stay within my points everyday for a month
12. Eat Breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up for 2 weeks straight
13. Drink 8 glasses of water/day and track it for 2 weeks
14. Don't have fast food for a year 2/1/10
15. Get multivitamins and faithfully take them

Exploring:
16. Go to a music festival Bayfront Blues 7/2010
17. See a show on Broadway 3/4/10
18. Do Park Point/Canal Park 10 times in one summer (0/10)
19. Spend a day exploring the Superior Hiking Trail
20. See the ocean again
21. Spend a weekend in Chicago
22. Dine at Star Tribune's Top 5 Restaurants for Leaf Watchers (3/5)
23. Ride the pizza train
24. Kayak on Lake Superior

Family and Friends:
25. Pick up the bill at a family dinner
26. Visit Megan in Vancouver
27. Spend the day with my cousin and her kids
28. Go the the Portland Malt Shoppe with Taylor
29. Attend the Cranberry Festival
30. Spend a night with Lorraine
31. Go to Wilmar to visit relatives
32. Go with Matt to the tequila bar
33. Learn Dad's pancake recipe 1/31/2010
34. Finish the slide
35. Walk the Lakewalk with Libby
36. Christmas weekend with Kenzie and Mom again
37. Write a letter to a distant relative

Splurges:
38. Buy a laptop
39. Get a massage
40. Buy a new car 3/6/10
41. Get a pedicure 8/4/10
42. Own a pair of premium denim 2/14/10
43. Splurge on a nice winter jacket
44. Purchase and protect designer shades
45. Bring $500 cash to MOA and spend it all
46. Treat myself to a spa facial
47. Invest in dress boots 2/14/10
48. Rent the Runway

Learning and Growing:
49. Take a class through Community Ed
50. Learn Spanish
51. Read a biography
52. Learn to golf
53. Read "A Random Walk Down Wallstreet"
54. Take a cooking class at Blue Heron
55. Read/Study the "Growing Up" book Grandpa gave me
56. Play a song on level hard of Guitar Hero
57. Find my favorite wine

Entertainment:

58. See a movie in 3D 1/29/2010

59. Watch Season 1 of The Office
60. TiVo
61. See John Mayer in concert again
62. Watch Napoleon Dynamite again- Still funny?
63. See Pulp Fiction
64. Tony and Tina's Wedding
65. Judd Apatow- watch all on IMDB list
66. Go to a Vikings game
67. See a movie in the theater alone

Giving Back:
68. Donate blood
69. Volunteer for a day
70. Faith, Love, and Lipstick launched
71. Donate $1 for each completed item
72. Do something Patriotic
73. Visit people in a nursing home
74. Send someone flowers just because

Being an adult:
75. Create a budget and stick to it
76. Write to my congressman
77. Maximum contribution to Roth IRA in a year
78. Attend a local church service
79. For 1 month- no $ spent on the clock
80. Make making my bed a habit
81. Spend a day alone
82. Get a dresser
83. Don't complain about anything for a week
84. Organze computer- pictures, etc
85. Print pictures- frame and albums
86. Save $5 for everyday of this list

Misc:
87. Get someone new to try fish tacos
88. Send a headline to Jay Leno
89. Give fishing another try
90. Wear a floppy hat
91. Resize my Grandma's ring
92. Wear red lipstick out
93. Be a DD on a crazy night out
94. Solve a Rubik's cube
95. Paint a picture
96. Host a theme party
97. Dye my hair 2/16/10
98. Do stand up
99. Revamp and stock up- bras, panties, socks, and camis
100. Wait with someone for pregnancy test results
101. Make Guzzo spaghetti

Life Intervenes

Of my 10 in 10 list- only ONE thing has been completed/is in progress- making my bed everyday. I have been spending every free moment every day with my family and my aunt- so while I may be a failure in my list of 10 I will never regret putting family first... sorry Matt :(

PS Cancer sucks.

10 in 10

I read a few blogs where people talk about 101 in 1001- basically it's a list of 101 things you want to complete in 1001 days! Well, I can't commit to that, so Matt and I decided to do 10 things in 10 days... so here's my list:
1. Vacuum
2. Bring stuff to goodwill, take a 2nd pass at my closet before.
3. Scrub the bathroom and change the light bulb.
4. Make my bed everyday.
5. List big ticket items I want and devise a savings plan to pay cash.
6. Talk to Matt everyday on my way to work (this is a cover).
7. Eat breakfast daily- before leaving for work.
8. Jillian Shred DVD.
9. Buy new underwear.
10. Write a letter.

Anyone else want in on the 10 in 10? We're starting tomorrow!

New Year Resolutions

Once pictures emerge from NYE I will have to post all about it. Until then, here's a spoiler especially for Jenny- My night involved: Deven and 2 Gay Bars... fun times :)

Does anyone make New Years Resolutions anymore? I feel like they are pointless because 3 months from now I won't even remember what I said. I like to make myself promises periodically throughout the year, rather than drum up a long list one day because I feel like I have to. For example- I vowed to be done with soda pop and have kept that promise since August 16th. I drink club soda with my drinks and while I did have a ginger ale or two over Christmas (this one is my debatable topic- I say it's not pop haha) haven't cracked a diet coke, despite some major cravings, since then.

My latest promises?
1. Not to buy myself anything until I've lost 10 pounds- we all know how I love shopping so it's been pretty difficult. I have been eating so well and despite a few drinks on New Years... things are going great!
2. Nov/Dec. I did the 30 day shred and will admit I took one night off (I had a volleyball game so it wasn't like I did nothing that night- right?), however, despite my minor speed bump had a love/hate relationship with it. I loved that I was working out daily (just hated starting it) and it's a tough (in a good way) workout. So as is New Years tradition to attempt to fix your health I'd like to do it again. I feel like it will be so much more effective when I'm not shoveling garbage in my mouth (aka Christmas cookies, turkey dinner, pizza, and holiday treats around the clock at work). Starting on Monday- I think this time I will alternate levels daily- rather than do one level at a time.
3. Savings account- I need to get it built up a bit. I really want to buy a new car, but since I don't have a car payment I really can't justify it, but I think if I had a bigger cushion in my savings I would feel better about making some bigger ticket purchases.

Some of my coworkers/friends and I were chatting one day, talking about New Years resolutions and how they never get completed (unless you're Jenny, then you're at 50% success). So we thought instead of making a resolution- we need to make a "theme" for the year- something you can strive to be but doesn't have a defined result so you can't be let down. My response? To be the best sister. Sounds nice, until I clarified that it didn't mean being good to my sisters but to be the actual best- the prettiest, nicest, smartest, etc.... HAHAHA it was just a joke (and a mighty good one)- but it did get me to thinking....

Kenzie's wedding is in August and I would like to change a few things before it creeps up on us all- so what better time for a fresh start than 2010- so here's to a year of putting me 1st- my health, wealth, and happiness!

Hope everyone has a fantastic 2010! 2009 was so amazing it will be hard to top, but I'm sure I'll do it!