The Longest Three Days

Seriously.

This has been the longest 3-day work week since...since...I don't know when it was this long, but dang, I am ready for it to be done!

Coming back from Christmas with my family, I realized that I, for the first time in my life, do not have the luxurious cushion of a week or more vacation surrounding the holidays. As I shot off out of Two Harbors Christmas day, it occurred to me that I may miss that leisure time more than the summer break people often credit as "teacher's favorite".

On top of the time being short, the weather sucked. I got stranded (well, I stopped myself, so not really) in Hinckley due to weather on the way up. It took me an hour and a half to drive 40 miles from Forest Lake to Hinckley - ridiculous! I got a room at the Days Inn and waiting out the blowing snowing mess. And the drive home on Tuesday wasn't much better; ugh, I hate sloppy crap on the roads! By the time I reached Cambridge/North Branch, the freeway was a crawling mess, and I took back roads the rest of the way home.

And the finale, I was sick on Christmas. I'm still trying to figure out how, but I ended up throwing up all that I ate on Christmas Eve. Which really sucks because that is like the best meal I eat all year, man! Mom's cookies, Bob's guacamole, various grazing items, YUM! Yeah, not so much. About two hours after dinner, I started getting that "feeling" you get when things are going to make a second appearance. Ew. My niece was very interested in Auntie Di sitting on the bathroom rug; she thought we were playing some new game, I think! At least she had a good holiday!!

So happy holidays, yada yada yada. I'm looking forward to this week being over, not being sick, and NOT doing a lot of driving around. Happy New Year - to me! And to you!

(Wo)Man on the Run...

Aaaaahhhh!! Things are crazy - where to start?? I'm all over the map, so to speak:

Vegas
Well, I went to Vegas for 4 days last week - haven't been there in about 5 years, so pretty much all the things that used to be there for me to use as landmarks are now g-o-n-e! I went out with my friend Joy, who was attending an educator's conference and had no one to go with her. Being the awesome friend I am, I said, "Sure, I'll stay for free at Treasure Island!" And so we did.

Good times, including playing keno (and losing abominably), drinking too much, window shopping at all the fabulous stores, and general lazing about were the order of the week. Joy & I hit up the restaurants that looked yummy, and relaxed. You know how you can stay home for a few days, but not really relax? Well, going away like this forced me to - it was awesome!

Joy & I had fun, even though our flight home was late by 3 hours. We bought some cards at the airport gift shop and amused ourselves with games and beer. The flight home wasn't too shabby, if I do say so myself! The buzz may have had a little to do with it, but frankly, after the long wait, I probably didn't have much of one left...just giddiness, as I normally am a bit giddy.

Duluth
During my time in Vegas, my brother Nathan called to tell me Grandma Dugas was in ICU in Duluth. Seems she'd developed some fluid around her heart & lungs as a side effect of her lymphoma treatment. Whoa - lymphoma. That was a bit of a shocker - I mean, over Thanksgiving, she'd told me she'd had a scan and that there were some questionable spots, but I didn't realize the cancer was back. Anyway, they got the fluid off her organs, she's much more comfy and started chemo this week. I was a bit frantic for 24 hours while they weren't sure what was going on, but I shouldn't have been - she's a tough bird, my Grandma! I'm looking forward to seeing her over the holidays.

Minneapolis
Back in the Cities, right before I left for Vegas, the heater blower on my car stopped working. I basically drove around in refrigerator for 3 days before I could get it into the shop! It took $450 to get a new motor and resistor, but I now have heat...woo-hoo!! Of course, all this occurred right before I flew out...perfect timing as always.

My boy is still sick, but FINALLY went to the doctor. It took him actually getting told by his mom to go to the doctor to force him into making an appointment. Meanwhile, he's in a big shakedown/job change hoopla at work that has him stressed out - very crappy. I'm stressed on his behalf, which doesn't help since I'm packed at work this week and next....people need the financial counseling just as much around the holidays as any other time, I guess!

Anyways, that's what is going on with me. I'm all over the place - but what else is new? Cheers!

When Boys Are Sick...

I've discovered that there are a few very common reactions when one is sick. Both have legitimacy in my eyes, but really, must others be punished by a sick person's weak immune system? Sigh...

Reaction one to being sick is to hermit oneself away from the world - the I-just-want-to-be-alone-in-my-misery approach. This is fine; why share your illness? Why try to make witty banter with those around you if you don't feel up to it? Why force your germs out into the world, when the world does not accept nor want them? Closet yourself away, recuperate, and emerge victorious and energetic when you can.

Reaction two is the "sick and proud of it" approach - the can-I-have-all-your-attention-and-whine-all-day-for-days-on-end method. Now, this has its place as well, because as people pay attention to us and take care of us, we feel loved and cherished. Some would even say this caretaking lends itself to quicker healing.

All I know is, when I'm trying to sleep and someone is hacking their lungs out next to me, I don't see how my presence is helping anyone. It certainly isn't helping Hacky Hackerson over there; he just keeps coughing. It very definitely doesn't improve my life; I'm exhausted and depleted the next morning, and I'm not even the sick one.

And why is it, when boys are sick, they almost always adopt reaction #2? Do they revert to an instinctual need for motherly care? I'm all about helping someone out if I can, but my being exhausted and cranky doesn't seem to have any benefits, as far as I can tell. Other than making me look sweet (which I can be, but not when I'm tired), I don't see the upside here.

So, all you boys, you're on notice - make your own doctor appointments. Get your own cough remedies. And for God's sake, when we choose to sleep in the other room for the night, don't get the hangdog, sad puppy look on your face. We still love you...just not your cough.

Surprise, Geb!!

So a little over a month ago, my friend's husband left me a very covert, 007-esque message on my voicemail. "We're surprising Geb for her birthday," he said. "Pass it on." Or something to that effect.



Lo and behold, the party was a success, with my friend Geb completely unaware of what was going on until the big moment. Her husband, Paul (now VERY high on my list of friends' significant others) convinced Geb that he had his own office party to attend, and that she needed to come with as his boss would be there. This "party" was the week prior to Geb's birthday, so I doubt she was even thinking Paul might have something up his sleeve.



The guests arrived at the Loon Cafe by 5:00; Paul & Geb closer to 6:00. The look on Geb's face (see photo) was worth all the hiding, sneaking, and planning - priceless! In addition, Geb's sister Rachel flew in from Montana, which no one knew to expect...except their parents, who were in on it.


Surprises and fun abounded; Geb turns 30 this Sunday, but the celebration has already begun! Happy Birthday to my dear, dear friend - I love you, no matter how old we get!!

Thank you for Thanksgiving!

I was fortunate enough this year to celebrate Thanksgiving three times - not too shabby, even in my Brady Bunch family! Thursday was at Deborah's in Edina, Friday at Grandma & Grandpa Dugas', and Saturday at mom & Bob's. The pics below are a scattering from the various events...I'm still in a food coma, so I can't bring myself to write much more. Good times, good times. Thanks, Jess, for the pie - and thank you for buying two!

Com-stock!

The reunion of Comstockians occurred 11/17/07...and I think I'm still hung over. Ugh. We started the festivities at Casa de Di, where drinky-poo's and snack 'ems were abundant. In attendance were: Curt, Rob, Gina, Sara, & Di. Several rounds, many stories, and some slurring later, it was decided to meet up with more Comstockians at The Otter (formal name: You Otter Stop Inn) in NE Minneapolis.

Upon arrival at The Otter, more drinks were digested, thanks in large part to the excellence of Jason the Bartender (Comstockian).



As the evening progressed, silliness ensued. We met up with Paul Honsey & Paul Distad, as well as J-O-N "Jonathan" Moore. Good times, good times. A pitcher of "Jason in a Glass" followed by Lemon Drops for all ensured hilarity amidst the crazy karaoke and eclectic crowd.





At this point, the evening becomes a bit hazy. Reports have placed me as staggering to the bathroom, only to find it in use, and instead of waiting, busting into the men's room instead. Must not have made too much of a scene, as I returned to the bar. Time went by, more drinks consumed, and apparently it was decided that Curt & I should get a cab and go to his girlfriend Ann's house, which was close by. I can say I vaguely remember being on Hennepin Ave. trying to get a cab, but after that... not so much. Curt told me the next morning that I was opening the cab door while the driver was still driving. Oops. Also, there was a significant bump on my forehead come morning, so I must have been extremely graceful in my sloppy state and knocked into something.







Good times. Just like the old days...except, it now takes me 2 weeks to recover. I hate getting old! The next Comstock reunion will hopefully find additions to our already awesome clan - perhaps a Goltzman appearance? Or a Holmes drop-in? We hold our collective breath, daring to hope for this possibility. Until next time, dear Comstockians, it was a blast getting schnockered with you!!

The Family Expands

On November 3rd, my cousin Mike tied the knot with a wonderful gal he's been seeing for some time. Libby (Elisabeth) and Mike work together at Caldrea, and it's been pretty clear from the start that they would end up together. Their wedding was a small, intimate affair, held at the James J. Hill Library in downtown St. Paul. A very cool venue, and so like them I couldn't have imagined a better choice. The ceremony itself was short and sweet, and the dinner and celebration were elegant. I'm so happy Mike and Libby found each other - and that I got to celebrate with them!

The Lillian's Experience

OK, so I had this great opportunity earlier in the week to go to Lillian's in Farmington for a pre-opening store sale. Of course, Fate conspired to not let me go...stupid Fate. Anyway, I discovered something miraculous - there is a Lillian's right by me...in Hopkins!

So last night was their first night open of the once-per-month weekend they are open...and I was there! It was like purse heaven. It was transcendental, baby. Surrounded by leather, suede, rhinestones, clutches, oh my! I managed to keep it under $70, and got myself a fabulous Hermes knock-off and matching wallet, both in a lovely shade of camel, as well as a very cool headband/ headwrap thing, that I am actually sporting today!

I may go back at some point this weekend...there was this outstandingly unique bright yellow bag that caught my eye...decided to sleep on it, though, just to be sure I really wanted it. I mean, if I dreamed of myself carrying it, that would be a sign, right? (Of course, my dreams were filled with purses dancing like sugerplums...but what else is new?)

Meanwhile, I am happy to sport my new bag and wallet, reassured that, even if I didn't get it on clearance, I did get an awesome price considering how much I love it! And that's what it's all about - finding those things in life that make you happy!

P.S. Downtown Hopkins is utterly charming...and they have a Big 10 restaurant! I will be back...

Excercise = death?

According to my boss, Linda, exercise will kill you. So, she just generally prescribes to the no-exercise way of life, and feels okay about it because, you know, it'll kill you.

I, on the other hand, have prescribed to the no-exercise way of life mostly out of habit and laziness and general dislike of actually exercising. But I am finding that, despite a fairly healthy diet, I don't have the energy that I'd like to have, nor do I look or feel as healthy as I want to.

So I joined up at the YMCA (go on, you can sing it...Y---M---C-A). Tonight is my first visit, and I'm not really sure how it's going to go. Mostly I'm just thinking I'll do a stationary bike for a while, something to just ease into it. I mean, seriously, I haven't ridden a bike in years...I'm not going to jump right into a spin class or anything!

So I'll let you know how it goes - if I survive, that is. In the event I do not...well, someone take care of my cat, okay??

LOL - Happy Halloween!

So I have this great thing I've been trying to do for the past few months, and I find it truly makes my day brighter. I laugh out loud. Not all day long like an idiot, although sometimes that happens, too. No, I find one thing in each day that makes me laugh out loud, and I revel in the moment.

OK, so you're thinking, "Hmmm, Di is obviously spending too much time with the hippies in SLP." Not true! I just thought about it, and figured, why not? Why not let out that reaction to the funny things I see around me? So what if I'm alone when I see it? Just because no one is there to hear me laugh doesn't make it any less funny - and laughing, I think, is good for the soul!
So today's LOL: As I was driving to work via Cedar Lake Road, I came to the intersection of Louisiana Avenue, and of course, hit the read light. As I idled and awaited the signal change, I noticed a SLP school bus to my left, also awaiting a signal change. The bus had a peculiarity to it, though.

On the front grill of the bus was a witch. Not just a face of a witch - this witch looked like she had flown into the bus and been smashed up against the grill. Feet sticking out, broom broken, the whole nine yards. Friggin' hilarious! The picture below is similar, although shows said witch flying into a tree. Same idea applies - I just found it utterly amusing at 7:30 am!

Happy Halloween, and be careful what gets stuck on your car grill tonight!

Deliciousness

Oh my goodness, have I found the best thing since sliced bread!

There is this FANTASTIC place in St. Louis Park called Thanh Do. They do Asian cuisine, but it's so much better than your average Chinese joint, I can hardly contain myself.

First off, they had this hot & sour soup that was phenomenal! I think that in and of itself cleared up my little congestion issue! Whew! Then I had Vietnamese-style spring rolls...again, they were fabulous! Delicious stuffing, great temperature, just right with the blended peanut sauce.

And finally, the garlic lovers dish. I know, I know...stinky, ew, etc. But when you want to get rid of a cold, garlic is the way to go (so sayeth my friend Barb, who knows this kind of thing). So I did it up, baby, and man, was it good! I'm going to be oozing garlic out of my pores for a few days (I suppose that'll be attractive to the boy!). I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow (yeah baby!)

So I now have a favorite restaurant in my new neighborhood. This is so exciting - I'm getting to know this place a bit at a time. Incidentally, I also found a laundromat/dry cleaner and a car detailing place that I like. So - "yay" for clean car interiors, bedding, & clothes!!

The Average American

So I always read these articles in the paper citing statistics about "the average American". The average American does this. The average American believes that. Let me tell you what I've learned about the average American while sitting in my office, living in Minnesota, and dealing with people.

1. The average American works hard for their money. He does not spend it frivolously; he simply has so much to pay for that his regular income hardly covers it, if it covers it at all.

2. The average American doesn't care about things like Hollywood, celebrities, and plastic surgery secrets to make us look thinner. He DOES care about his own family, the environment, helping others, and making it through the day.

3. The average American isn't wholly, 100% committed to any one thing if life. He is diversified among is many interests and obligations, and tries like hell to make sure everything and everyone gets the attention deserved.

4. The average American thinks the world was a better place when he was a kid. And he is right...it was.

5. The average American thinks he is somehow different than the rest of us...skin color, level of education, income, etc. The average American looks nothing like the next average American standing in line at the store, nor does he have the same background as the next average American riding on the bus, nor does he make the same as that other average American over there at Caribou. But that first average American is the same as the next one, and the next one, and the next one.

The average American is all of us, I think - but we spend so much time focusing on how we are different that we rarely, if ever, realize just how alike we are. At least, in the ways that matter. We may have small differences, but in the long run, we average each other out. Ya know?

The Franklin Fete

Oh, good gracious, fun was had by the Franklin Family on Friday!! So it was Mike's birthday and Krissy's birthday in the last week or so...the original Franklin's, that is. A birthday bash ensued at The Corner Bar in the Seven Corners area where we (the girls) used to drink adult-type beverages on a regular basis. Not only that, but we drank them in mass quanities (out of fish bowls - don't ask if you weren't there...had to be there).

Anyway, after a little snookie with the boy, I moseyed on up to Mpls. for some Franklin Family Fun. All the players from the wedding were there - Louis, Gay Paul (who is not gay and kept trying to get me to go back to the hotel with him), brother Mitch, etc. Gay Paul still had a hard-on for petting my chest; I've never met anyone that can just molest people and get away with it quite like Paul. I mean, I let him molest me - me, who knows that all of my charm and power and wit are located within the ta-ta's!

Anyway, I had a good time. Wish I could have partied more, but had to go work at the bank the next day...sigh. Whichever way the wind blows, though, I know a good time is to be had at any Franklin Fete. Bravo, Franklin's, bravo!

Get on Board...The Happy Train (of thought)

So I was reading my plethora of online news sources this morning, and came across a neat little blurb about brightening up your day when the sun just won't come out (ie: gloomy-ass MN). The idea was to make a list of 5 (or 10, or 20) things that make you happy. This is to allow yourself to focus on those things, instead of the negative or "downer" things you might be choosing to expend your energy on (such as, why won't it quit raining!?).

With that, my list of things that make me happy:

#10. Coming home at the end of a long, hard-worked day, knowing I helped people.
#9. Cuddling on the couch w/ a certain sweetheart of a guy.
#8. Dogs sticking their heads out of car windows as people drive around town.
#7. Finding that perfect new purse...on clearance!
#6. Spending time doing things that are good for me, physically/emotionally/mentally.
#5. Caribou Coffee's vanilla latte.
#4. Giving little gifts or sending random cards to brighten other's day.
#3. Going out with The Girls and catching up - after 10 years, still much looked-forward-to!
#2. My kitty cat Pudder, who greets me every morning with a head butt to get me up.
#1. My niece Livia, who upon seeing me whispers, "Auntie Di!" and then proceeds to smash me.

I challenge you, dear readers, to come up with your own list of the little (or big) things that bring some sunshine and happiness into your day. Cheers!

Donae

I alluded in an earlier blog about a former student of mine, Donae. At the risk of breaking down, because I'm still really traumatized by my recent visit to her, I want to tell you all what happened. But first, some background:

Donae was a senior at Forest Lake last year. I first met her during 2nd quarter, when she was in my Independent Living class. I recognized the name, having had her sister Elise a few years earlier. With some trepadation, I got to know Donae - she was opinionated, bullheaded, loud, and firm in her convictions. I really didn't care for her at first, and I think the feeling may have been mutual.

That was the quarter when I had my cancer scare and had to miss school for surgery. The kids were all pretty sympathetic about the situation; my Independent Living kids most of all, for whatever reason. When I came back towards the end of the term, I made some concessions regarding missing work because I felt it was unfair to punish the kids for my absence and their subsequent confusion on what was due when. Donae benefitted greatly from this one-time exception, and I think ended up with a B- instead of a D- or F in the class. She was very grateful.

Third term came around, and there was Donae again, but this time in my Interior Space & Design class. I had learned a lesson with her - sit her front & center, and she's not nearly so chatty or easily distracted. It worked well, and I got a chance to enjoy her more, as opposed to constantly flicking her "the look" to get her back on track. Third term went by quickly, and the Interior Design class was a big hit. For Donae, it solidified what she wanted to do post-high school; attend Art Institutes Minneapolis and become an interior designer.

Fourth term flew by, this time I had Donae in my Cultures & Cuisine class. Throughout all of these terms, Donae was notorious for coming to class late. I generally didn't call out kids on that, just let them know privately that it was not acceptable and that their grade was going to suffer because of their tardiness. Donae was never snide or anything, just kind of shrugged like, "I don't know what happens!" and we went on from there.

Donae graduated in June, with plans to wait a year before starting at Arts Institute. Unfortunately, Fate intervened.

Donae was in a drinking-related car crash in June. She got into a car with a driver who later blew a 0.21; this driver went into a ditch while bringing Donae home. Donae broke her neck, partially severed her spinal cord, and broke 4 vertebrae in her back. She is paralzyed from the waist down, and has very limited use of only one arm. She's been in the hospital all summer, had surgery to fuse her back, and has now moved to a rehab facility in Golden Valley.

I went to see Donae because she got in touch with her old counselor, my old colleague, and asked for me specifically. She said I was her favorite teacher.

How could I not go?

The visit was hard; we cried, we laughed, we cried some more. We talked about wishing for a re-do in life, and wondering what the future would hold. I saw the scars, watched Donae just lying there, and thought, "This is not her - she should be skipping around with a frappucino, making noise and disrupting things!" But it IS her; at least, it's her as she is now.

I plan to go back to see Donae this weekend, and per her request, bring some boneless buffalo wings from Applebee's. It's certainly not easy, and it's not something I look forward to like other things in my life, but it's something I feel I need to do. This vibrant girl picked ME as her favorite, as the one she wanted to see, as the one she needed to explain to. The least I can do is listen.

Crazy Old Folks

So this weekend passed in a bit of a blur. I worked both of my jobs Friday, with my annual "lady" checkup in between. Nice to squeeze that in (that will be much pun-nier when I have to have mammograms). Saturday was a work day, at least at the bank, followed by situation my new living room furniture and playing with my kitty, Pudder.

Sunday was a really odd day. First, I visited the Courage Center, a rehab facility, where a former student of mine is currently living. More on that later...I'm still really tense and prickly and near-crying when I think about Donae. Another post.

After that, had lunch at Manning's with Heather & Cat, and then was off to Forest Lake to meet up with Joan, Charlie, and Heather. Why? We were going to Hinckley to see The Lettermen. Our friend Paul has an "in" at the ticket venue, so we got some free seats to the show.

As most of my blogging audience isn't 60 or over, let me explain. The Lettermen had big hits mostly in the 60's, and they were a trio of awesome soloists who could also harmonize really closely to one another. They had amazing hits that you all sing along to...such as: Put Your Head on My Shoulder, I Only Have Eyes for You, When I Fall in Love, and The Way You Look Tonight.

The show was highly entertaining, but Heather & I were seriously the youngest people there. It was so funny, because these singers would come out in the audience during numbers and meet and shake hands with the people. This happened twice to us - 2 out of 3 (not bad, Di) came to our section. The second guy to come by us did a total double take, like, "Whaaaat? No wrinkles? No cane? No Ben-Gay smell?" It was hilarious.

Plus, the Americana Grille there in Grand Casino made a mean bloody Mary, plus I got to watch the Vikes kick some Bears butt! (Sorry, Dean-o...still love me, ok?)

All in all, a great weekend. Am looking forward to less work, more nesting this upcoming weekend.

Until the next post, dear readers, I bid you adieu.

Friday!!

It's Friiiiiiiiiiidaaaaaaaaaaay!

Why does that just bring so much joy into me? There's a bit of a spring in my step, a hitch in my giddyup, and grin on my face that has nothing to do with gettin' some last night...all because the end of the week is here!!

Big plans for the weekend include:
- getting a depo shot so I can continue my wanton ways relatively assured of no babies
- working @ TCF both this evening and all day Saturday
- visiting a former student who was in a car accident this summer (she's paralyzed)
- going to see The Lettermen at Grand Casino on Sunday
- stopping at The Local for Erin's birthday (a friend from grad school)
- putting together my new furniture & arranging my living room.

I'm actively looking for other PT work, as the TCF hours are sporadic and I have to go all over the metro. Friday I work at Blaine East, and Saturday at Fridley. Now, variety is fine and dandy, but at the same time, you guys know me - I'm a routine type of person. I need things that are fairly stable (read: boring) to keep me on track. So I applied for a job at Border's by my house, as well as teaching ABE (adult basic ed) at Minnetonka Public Schools in the evenings. We'll see what shakes out.

For now, it's FRIDAY and I am pumped!!

Flavor of October

So this is Brian. He's not bald under that hat, either - just FYI.

The "Dilemma"

Ok, so it's not really a dilemma, because I know what to do. But it's still making me crazy, so I need to vent! Bear with me as I bare my problems to the light of day.

I started seeing this guy J in July. We met on match.com, and had a few nice dates before we jumped in the sack. Now, we get along great and all that, but at one point J said to me that he just didn't "feel that special, undefinable something" between us. OK. So I thought, "Well, at least I've got someone to call for booty." Fine, whatever. We've pretty much just been bed buddies since mid-July. (Although, I have to say, why is it that I'm never the girl that has "that quality" or whatever!?)

The agreement between us is that if the other person starts something elsewhere, it's time to end our hookup. We just need to communicate with each other to put an end to things. Sounds very solid and grown-up, right?

Well...it's time. I'm into this guy B; also a match.com person. We've been out a handful of times, and I stayed there last night...ya know. I haven't been with J for at least 2 weeks in that sense, and don't plan to again. But I feel like I should see him to tell him I'm moving on. How, then, does one set up a "I-don't-want-to-sleep-with-you-anymore" date that isn't really a date?

Mostly, I'm just chickenshit, because despite what he says, I feel like this is going to hurt him, he'll feel rejected, etc. and that it makes me a bad person or something. I know, I know - NOT logical. But still...I never hurt people if I can possibly avoid it. Maybe this is just a situation in which it cannot be avoided?

Thoughts, friends? Suck it up? Blow him off? Do 'em both? (just kidding on that one)

The New Digs

This is the place! I'm going to be settling in for a bit yet, but I'm thinking eventually I will host some sort of gathering (remember, I'm Monica - "I'm the hostess!"). :)

We..are..fam-i-ly!

This was the final push to get moved in. My favorite brothers mosied (moseyed?) on down with a truck 'n' trailer to help me move my furniture...woo-hoo! Very excited to have all my crap in one place FINALLY! Well, except my cat, but she's coming soon. Just didn't want her to get squashed by a random chair or something. You know how kitties get in that one place they shouldn't...all the time!

Anyway, now comes the settling. Ah, nesting...one of my favorite pasttimes. :) I need to buy a living room set for sure, and a flat-screen TV is also on the menu. Oh, and bedding - must have new bedding! But first, I just want to dig out from underneath the pile, and also figure out how to open my garage door. The previous owner left a smashed up old fashioned opener and a brand-spankin' new one; neither works. Hmmm...may take some investigative work.

In the meantime, I'm just chillin' in MY new pad. Awwww yeah!

Putt-putt

So this is my newest little love, Puder. I pronounce it "putter", as opposed to the way the shelter people pronounced it..."pooter". I just couldn't bring myself to call her something so close to "poo-tang". Nasty. And she's way too cute to be nasty!

People and Their D@mn Guns

OK, I realize it's not really election time yet, so I don't usually start ranting about the idiots of the world who hold the Second Amendment as the end-all, be-all of the Bill of Rights. But given some recent happenings, I have to say that on the whole, people are just too fucking stupid to be allowed the use of firearms!

Cases to back this up:

#1. A 12-year-old (read: my sister's age) was shot in the head in front of her own home in Minneapolis this weekend. No one knows why, all we know is that her older sister found her laying there with a head wound, and the girl is in critical condition. Suspects in custody are also pre-teens.

#2. My friend Natalie has a psychopathic neighbor in her Florida apartment complex who gets his rocks off by shooting cans and feral cats. Never mind the fact that said cats did nothing to him; how about the fact that Natalie and her hubby Dean walk back there to feed the cats? Or the fact that there are little kids all over the place there? Seriously.

#3. The recent customer I had at the bank. He walked in proudly wearing his NRA shirt, sleeves torn off to make it a "muscle shirt", even though it was button-down flannel. And, and lest I forget, he had maybe half the number of teeth he should have, and started ranting about "big government" when his receipt showed his recent paycheck had been garnished. Nice. And we give this guy guns?

So, yes, candidates, please fix the medical care system and get our troops home from Iraq. But also, can we start yanking guns out of people's hands if they are idiots? Clearly, they don't shoot themselves with the guns, so there isn't any benefit to society by them having guns in the first place. Darwin applied here - the guns give these morons an unfair advantage in the survival cycle.

One Giant Step For Diane

Hello dear readers (all 2 of you)! I find myself mere hours away from signing the closing papers on my new condo, and I ponder: is this the biggest step I will take into adulthood? Should I never wed or have a child, it may very well be. I feel like I should have dressed up or gone out for the occasion; instead, I am rocking the Friday casual look, and will swing into Subway for the $1.99 roasted chicken breast sandwich on my way to Edina!

As I did the final pre-closing walk through last night, I was struck by how different this feels, how permanent, in comparison with the other places I've rented. I've been in Forest Lake for 3 years, but it's never really felt like "home". I don't know if it's the gun racks in the trucks, the occasional mullet, or the oft-seen Confederate flag bumper sticker, but FLake never grabbed me.

Now I can get used to the new little caveats of St. Louis Park. Will Hwy 100 become my nemesis, or my best means of getting to downtown for nights out? Will my neighbors like me, or will I like them? Do I have the slightest idea of where a grocery store, pharmacy, vet, or dry cleaner are? These are the fun things about relocating, the adventure of finding what is around you!

Wish me luck, dear readers, and that I don't end up with carpal tunnel after all this signing!

Plop, plop

How does that old Alka Seltzer commercial go? "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is"? I'll be majorly relieved when this week is over!

I'm closing on my condo this Friday. It's been a long month of imposing on my cousin by staying at her place (so I don't have such a horrendous commute), and imposing on my old roommate and his new renter (and my friend), as almost all my stuff is still at that house, taking up space. I feel like a nomad, wandering from home to home but without one to call my very own.

Until now! Well, until Friday. It's gonna feel GREAT to sleep in my own place - even though it will be on an air mattress for the first week, until my brothers come down and help me move my furniture!

Here's to a place to call home - cheers, down go the Alka-Seltzer!

Cut off?

So apparently, I've been cut off by my favorite BP (booty provider). I'm trying to figure out how I offended; was it because I picked up some of the scattered tissues and various newspapers in his house? Because I fell asleep before he came to bed the last time I spent the night? Or was it because I drunk-dialed him Friday after HE turned ME down for dinner & booty? I'm trying to come to some logical conclusion, and I think I have it. Not to be all Sex & The City girl or anything, but any one of you would probably tell me: "He's just not that into you."

OK, I guess that's that. Unless he calls and explains what's up, I suppose that's what I have to go with. I draw the line at calling again; I'm not THAT girl who stalks and cries. But seriously, can't a girl get a little "it's over" phone call, at the very least?

How Lucky I Am

So it occurs to me that I'm awfully lucky.

Not in the I-win-the-lottery sense, or the get-bumped-to-first-class way, but in so many other shapes and forms. What brings on this epiphany? Well, I met with clients today who were absolutely the most charming, sweetest folks I've met in doing this job. They obviously love each other and their kids deeply, and they work hard for each other. How does this make ME lucky, and not them? Well, for starters, they are both deaf.

I never really thought about how different my life would be if I couldn't hear, or see, or walk, or all those things I just take for granted. Sure, I bitch about not being as skinny as I'd like, or that my Diana Ross hair goes out of whack every other day. But do I really have anything to complain about? When looking at what other people deal with on a day to day basis, I feel kind of bad for even THINKING my life has any such woe. I mean, really, to never be able to hear those damn birds every morning? Far worse than them waking you up, I think...

Anyway, it gets me to thinking that I should really make the best of what I have, because I'm so lucky to have it. I SHOULD watch the sunrise, because I can. I SHOULD listen to the opera, because I can. I SHOULD go for a walk, every day, because my legs work and my feet work and I can.

On that note, I'm going to take my lucky self out around the block for a nice stroll in the crisp September air. I'll listen to the wind in the trees, see the sun shine, and appreciate it just a little more than I normally do.

Whew, wedding!

Here comes the bride, and all her drunken cousins... Isn't that how it goes? Well, that's how it went at this weekend's festivities.

So my cousin Sara (a.k.a. "Little Sara") had a beautiful outdoor wedding on the shores of Lake Superior this weekend. The beauty extended to the local American Legion, where a bevy of Dugas cousins consumed mass quantities of beverages and celebrated the nuptials. Please note the "Zoolander" expression on my older brother's face...beer-induced, I'm sure.

All in all, a good time was had by all. The bride looked lovely, the peeps had a good time, and I am still recovering. Argh...so old!

What up, homies?

To all my peeps throughout the land - I am back on Blogger. Yes, I know, about d*mn time, yada yada yada. But there's been a heck of a lot going on!!

So I finally left teaching after 5 years. It was definitely the right decision, but it feels weird to be at a different job (more on that later), rather than in the classroom. The first day of school was thankfully a busy day at the new job, so I didn't reflect too much on what I was missing.

I think of all the things I will miss about teaching, the #1 thing is the people. This includes the people I worked with, but to some extent the students, too. There is an energy inherent to that population, and to be around it 24-7 and then not at all is weird. Of course, that energy isn't always positive, so I probably will get over it...say, right around Homecoming time, when they go over the top, or right before the holidays, when they're climbing the walls...

I had dinner with my girlfriends last month before one of them went back to Tampa. They were both so supportive, and I think they knew all along that I was meant to do something else with my life. Not that I was a bad teacher, but the signs were there that it wasn't something I could keep up at the pace I was going. In fact, I've gotten support from almost everyone I know in regards to the career change, which is so awesome and makes it so much easier!!

OK, that's it for now. Tune in again soon for adventures at the new job and random encounters from being on match.com!!

Gettin' some

FINALLY. And can I just say, YUM.

The Highlight of My Day

So it's Thursday. No big shakes. Got up, went to work, came home, etc.

But the highlight of my day was having dinner with my friend Amanda. We had tried to set up a meet time for the past two weeks, as I had Amanda's pillow. Why, you ask? Well, there was a drunken girls' night a few weeks ago, and among many other things left behind (my dignity, some of that night's dinner, etc.) was Amanda's favorite pillow. And we all know what it's like to miss your favorite sleepy time friend.

Anyway, as Amanda & I chatted and had dinner, I really was touched by the fact that we've been friends now for 10 years. And I have 2 other friends who fall in that same category. How cool is it to have such great girlfriends that we've survived a DECADE in each other's very different lives?! I think it's pretty awesome.

I remember my grandma telling me something very important once. "Di," she said, "always keep your girlfriends as number one. Boys come and go, but girlfriends...they stick." Grandma was right.

Yay, incentives!

I love incentive pay. Many times as I work at the bank, I think, "Why do I try so hard?". And then, I get my incentive pay added to my regular check.

Ch-ching!

It's been so long...

It's been so long since I posted, but I want to start again. Stuff's been going down in my life and the lives of those closest to me, and I feel the need to vent. So here goes...

My cousin lost her husband last week to a bone marrow disease. He was 29, and so full of life. I keep replaying their wedding over and over in my head; the sun is setting over the Hawaiian beach, I'm nervously clutching Brian's wedding band as I stand up there with them, Cindy is saying her vows, my uncle Mitch is crying. It's such a juxtaposition to what the reality is only a year and half later (to this day, in fact). Brian is gone; his funeral was Monday. Cindy is a widow, and I don't know how to help her grieve this man she loved so much.

I'm filled with anger; why couldn't it have been someone else? Why did pneumonia set in like that? Why Brian?

I'm also filled with despair; despite everything everyone did, he didn't make it. What else should have been, or could have been done? If I had prayed, or if this, or if that...

But mostly, I'm just filled with sadness, that a life so well lived was cut so terribly, terribly short. You will always be loved, Brian Swanson - and you will be so very missed.