I'm With the Band

I love dating a musician. Not only does he play awesome tunes for me, but when he has gigs, I can go and hang with the band! Here's some of the crew before their gig at Niesen's last week:

Chris Mohr (C-Mohr), Diane, Charlie Mac, & Jarad

Western North Dakota...It's All That!

So last weekend, Jarad & I took a bit of a road trip to western North Dakota (Dickinson, to be exact). The purpose of this lovely scenic drive? To visit/meet his dad, stepmom, & little sister (Jack, Arlyce, & Eden). It was Eden's 13th birthday last week, and Jarad had planned a trip out there some time ago. Along came me, and suddenly, there were two reasons to go out west!

The trip went really well, if I do say so myself. I think I made a good impression on the 'rents, and I definitely bonded with Eden. Having sisters her age of my own, I'm pretty good w/ the teenagers! Oh, and I used to teach kids that age - that may have helped.

We did some nice family things, and spent a day out in the Badlands. What a beautiful, rugged place! I went a little nuts upon seeing buffalo up close & personal - it was like "Dances With Wolves" but without the scalping! There was also a trip down The Enchanted Highway, known for its huge metal sculptures made by a local welder & artist. Very cool stuff, indeed.

Overall, some milestones were reached. Jarad & I spent 9 hours straight in a car together and got along just fine. I've now met all of his parents and they dig me (Jack said I'm "a keeper"!). And last but not least, I saw all that North Dakota has to offer. From Fargo to Dickinson, and back again. Will I run back out and do it again soon? Probably not - but I can now add ND to my list of places I've been!

SassyPants

I'm thinking of renaming Pudder (pronounced "putter"). As some of you may know, she came with the name Puder (pronounced "pooter") which I just couldn't deal with - I mean, you all know what it sounds like, right? Ew. No cat of mine is going to be called that.

Well, now Miss Pudder has copped quite the feline attitude, and I'm reconsidering her name - perhaps changing it to "SassyPants". Between the constant jockeying for more food, not coming back in after I let her out to romp, and the fact that she snuggles up to Jarad before she even considers me...

Well, I think she needs some adjustment in her 'tude, and maybe a new name will help. Check out the look on her face:

Seriously, she practically oozes Stewie-like derision (Stewie from The Family Guy). Sheesh. Is this what I get for all the love and care I give? I mean, I sat through an admonishment by the vet the other day for her (someone gained .25 lbs since her last checkup...bad mommy, giving too many treats!)! This all must be part of the elusive "charm" cats have...?

Name Game

Name Game

I totally jacked this from Natalie's blog, Field Lines. I have no creativity today. So here goes...


1.Your rock star name (first pet, current car) - Tuffy Grand Am

2.Your gangsta name (fave ice cream flavor, fave type of shoe) – Chocolate Strappy Heel

3.Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal) – Red Guinea Pig

4.Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born) – Renee Two Harbors

5.Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name) - DugDi

6.Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink) – Blue Wino

7.NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers) – Edmund Mervel

8.Dancer name (the name of your favorite scent, favorite candy) - Cinammon Dots

9.TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) - Brooks Baltimore

10.Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower) – Autumn Daffodil

11.Cartoon name:(favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now) – Mango Slacks

12.Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) – Egg Scramble Oak Tree

13.Movie (or porn) star name (first pet, first street where you lived) – Cocoa Logan