Last day of 2007

Can you believe tomorrow is 2008? I surely can't. Time marches on. I never get to excited to celebrate New Years. Just another day really. I will be glad to have it off. Tomorrow is suppose to be bitterly cold so I will probably hibernate at home. I should work on a few projects and get stuff ready for this weekend's trip to Calontir.

Here is another pointless but timefilling meme for you.

1) Where did you begin 2007?
At home on the couch getting adicted to Ugly Betty and watching movies

2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
same as always

3) Favorite movie of 07?
Several actually but the one I am sure most people didn't see and should is Sweet Land

4) How did you earn your money?
working at the Lib

5) Did you have to go to the hospital this year?
no thankfully

6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
No unless you count talking to Thunderbunny at an event.

7) Where did you go on holidays?
visited the parental units

8) What did you purchase that was over $1,000?
I didn't have any large purchases this year

9) Did you know anybody who got married?
Merideth and Bron

10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
yes

11) Did you lose any friends?
Not yet but Jess is moving to Wyoming :-(

12) Did you move anywhere?
I moved around a lot this year but my stuff stayed at home

13) What concerts/shows did you go to?
none

14) Are you registered to vote?
yes

15) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
I don't watch that

16) Where do you live now?
In my apato

17) What's something you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
become SCA Royalty

18) What has been your favorite moment(s)?
There has been too many to put here

19) Where did you go on vacation?
vacation, whats that?

20) Any new additions to your family?
nope

21) What was your favorite month?
September

22) How much have you partied?
some

23) Made new friends?
yes

24) What did you do for 4th of July?

Stayed at Nailz's and went to Khans for supper

25) Favorite Night out?
too many to remember

26) Name the instance in which you had most to drink:
Kaia's birthday

27) Are you in a relationship with someone you met this year?
i have lots of relationships but i really don't have time for romance right now

Every day looks like a picture postcard

All the snow and constant fog has covered everything in a beautiful frost. I should get out and take some pictures. Its quite lovely although driving and walking around is still slippery. I almost wiped out leaving work yesterday but somehow I managed to keep up right. Thank you snow boots. Also took a little skid in the car while going to the bank. Nothing happened but it was one of those oh crap -hey that was fun-lets do that again moments.

Andrew stopped by work yesterday to say hello and to see when would be a good time to go out to dinner this week. He seemed to be doing well. Didn't get a chance to talk to him much. We will be meeting up tonight for dinner.

Rachel also came by in the afternoon. We decided we were hungry for Mexico Viejo so we called Kaia to get out of bed and join us. We called Hagan too but he wasn't quite home yet from his trip to the cities but he would be home in time to go to the movies if we were interested in going. Dinner was muy delicioso. After dinner we went back to my apato and hung out until Hagan got back to town. Around 7 it was getting super foggy so he didn't get back in time to see the early show which was fine since I wanted to chat with Rachel more than I wanted to go to the movies. I can go sit in a dark room and not talk to anyone any time I want.

I didn't know if I felt up to going to the late show but when it was time to go I had decided it would be fun. We went to see National Treasure 2. It was fun but not overly great. I think all of us had it figured out half way through. I was kind of bothered that they never really explained the bad guys motivation. At least not overly well so that was lame. I think we were all deeply amused that the climax takes place in South Dakota.

When we got out of the movie the fog had taken over the town. You could see down the block and not any further. I didn't envy Rachel having to drive back out to her parents.

Why does every day feel like its Sunday

Seems like everyday is a Sunday. I guess thats what you get when a holiday is on a Tuesday. I am thinking that they should make a law that holidays have to fall on a Monday or a Friday. Or if they fall on a Tuesday/Thursday you get that Monday/Friday off and if it falls on a Wednesday total week off bonus.

Christmas was nothing grand but nice. The gifts I gave were happily received. mission success. My niece especially liked her pink hat. She immediately plonked it on her head and ran around showing everyone.

Christmas Day it snowed and looked very pretty up until it was time for me to get out on the road. It wasn't too bad, just wet and slushy but I was glad I headed out when I did. Verm hadn't gotten very much snow by the time I got back home but by the time I went to bed we had about 2-3 inches. If there would have been anyone around to throw snow at it would have been prime snowball weather.

The day before the night before Christmas

The presents are wrapped, bags packed and last minute details are finished. Now all I have to do is make it through the Monday workday. Luckily it hasn't been too bad. Thank you BBC Radio 2 the greatest Radio station in the world. It would be better if we didn't have to be open but if wishes were fishes we would all be sick of fish.

All of Christmas will be spent at the 'rents this year. A little bit different but it has kind of been that way every since my gran moved into her apartment. It should be fun. I asked my niece if she was ready to open presents and her response was "OH Yes!" She didn't know about the whole Santa thing but she was all ready for the presents.

I am sure we will also watch some if not all of The Christmas Story like we always do and my dad will sigh and ask if we have that memorized yet. How can you not get a kick out of Ralphie's quest for a red ryder b-b gun. Its family tradition. And there will be lefse.

I hope everyone has a Happy Christmas!!!!

Oh, crystal ball, crystal ball, Save us all, tell me life is beautiful

I recently got Keane's latest album Under the Iron Sea. It is rockin! I have been playing it non stop. It will probably be the first thing I put on my Mp3 player.

I got my Sandisk Clip yesterday. I read a lot of good things about it. There was even an article about it in Smart Computing in Plain English so it made me happy with my choice. When I ordered it I didn't realize it has a record option on it. That will be fun to play with. The FM tuner works pretty well too. I got a blue one and its tiny. Its about the same size as an ipod shuffle but it has a screen and is cheaper.

So Friday before Christmas. I have finally finished with my shopping. I need to wrap up my parents gifts and then that should all be finished. Yay. I haven't been overly excited for Christmas this week but I also haven't felt overly well either. I either had a mild case of the flu or food poisoning. I finally got some medicine and that has helped greatly along with going to bed early. I am hoping I will feel more perky next week when everyone will be home for Christmas.

Christmas countdown status

The countdown to Christmas is on and I think I am almost ready. I have one more present to get for my mom and I should be done. Huzzah. Then let the wrapping commence.

I have been looking at Mp3 players as a gift for myself but haven't really decided on any one brand. Then I think do I really need one? Although it would be nice to have on long car trips. Maybe I will wait until the after Christmas sales.

Apparently 4 batches of my easy make choc-peanut butter cookies is enough for 10 student workers and still have plenty leftover to give to Hagan.

Another meme

Do you get distracted easily?
what did you say? I was distracted.

When is your next vacation and where?
Gulf Wars in March

Do you ride roller coasters?
Can't say I like them much

Who was the last person you yelled at?
I can't remember. I tend to rant in general than at one person

Are you wearing a necklace?
not right now

What family member do you look like?
My mom and dad. My brothers and I have the same chin and lips. Tough sharing.

Do you take any daily vitamins or pills?
nope

Where does your grandma live?
wakonda

Are you friends with your neighbors?
not really

Where have you lived throughout your life?
Irene, SD, Sioux Falls, Vermillion gah thats depressing

Do you have a routine before going to bed?
not really but I try to go to bed about the same time

Have you ever tee-peed someone's house?
no

Have you ever had a crush on your sister's/brother's friend?
oh yes. Still think about him. I wonder where he ended up.

When was the last time you drove more than 30 minutes?
Sunday

Do you have any enemies?
I have an Arch enemy. Does that count?

What is your usual breakfast?
granola bars or a scone

What are you doing tonight?
finishing christmas shopping

Would you date the person who posted this?
shes cute and all but not really my type. Besides shes taken

What's for dinner?
Who knows. Want to come over and make me something?

Anyone close to you ever died?
yes

Who's always there for you unconditionally?
my parents, my friends

Are you ashamed of your past?
Don't live in regret, esse

When was the last time you saw your best friend?
Saturday

Do you use lyrics to express how you feel?
of course

When was the last time you cried?
sunday

Do you swear often?
Depends on how mad I am.

Who is the last person you had a sleepover with?
sleepover? what am I, 8?

Do you like messages or comments better?
I like it when people talk to me so keep those cards and letters coming.

Do you still talk to the person you LAST kissed?
of course

What is the last thing you ate?
granola bar

Last doctors appointment or hospital visit?
I went to my bone cracker before thanksgiving

Do you know anyone in the military?
Clare, Danny, Iggy, Mouse

Is there anything silver near you?
my favorite pen

Where was your default picture taken?
Anime Detour

What do you like on your pizza?
sausage

What bill do you dread paying?
they are all equally dreadful

Did you ever go through an awkward stage?
I think I am still there

Have you had braces?
no

Do you have a green thumb?
no its normal colored but plants are not friendly to me or is it the other way around.

Ever tied a ribbon on your finger to remember something?
thats what notes in my pockets are for

Last video game you played?
freecell

Do you want another pet?
no

Whats so great about being an 80s kids?
All the great 80's songs

Yule Tide

It was lovely to drive to an event only an hour away. So nice. Headed up to the big city to have breakfast with John and Caillie at Panera. I had never been there before so that was fun. Panera is a bit too fru fru yuppie for me but the food is good and we had a nice visit. I also got a giant popcorn tin full of chocolates and other goodies. Thanks Caillie (and John)!!!

Site opened at ten and we got there not long after that. There were only a few people there. Got all my stuff in and settled. John and Caillie stayed for a bit but since they work nights they headed home around lunch time. More people came and I finished my latest hat. I helped Rue fix her viking brooch strings and Svienn fixed my necklace that broke at Boars Head.

Site has some nice couches so in late afternoon I took a little nap probably longer than I planned but it was nice to catch a little siesta. When I got up Kaia and Jess had arrived and not long after that we ate turkey and all the fixings. All was very good and I had a hard time eating all my pie. I forgot about the pumpkin cheesecake Ruth made but I got to take some home.

Everyone was glad I could come. I had fun. I was glad to go to a nice little event.

If excuses were money, I would be rich

Gah I hate finals week. Its hella hard to schedule people to work during it. If I had money for every excuse I have heard this week I could easily pay for my recent car repairs, all my Christmas presents, pay for the rest of my coronet that Jurgen is making(I can't wait to see it) and probably have some kicking around cash. Okay maybe not that many but it has felt like it. Yeesh. I would love to tell everyone to go get your tests done and enjoy the week but we have jobs that need doing. The semester isn't over yet.

Sometimes I miss having the few weeks off in between Christmas and New Years but its also nice to go to work and have it ultra quiet.

Anyway its Friday and that is awesome. I am looking forward to hanging out with the Border Downs gang this weekend. It will be nice to go to a low key event. I need to fix my necklace that broke and maybe make a few beads.

End of the Saga

The end of the door saga has come to a close. As I mentioned the other day my driver's window would not stay up. The Thursday night before we drove to Wisconsin I was running errands and tried to roll the window down. It protested so I put it back up but the damage was done. Every time you pushed the button it would do nothing and you could hear the motor going round. Craptacular.
I spent Friday morning going to shop to shop to find someone who could look at it that morning. Third times the charm. Unfortunately they needed to order a part and all they could do was tape it. So we drove to Wisconsin with the window taped up. Monday they got the part in which was awesome since I had that day off and could easily drop it off. But then they broke the part. They had trouble with the door panel so they left it off. I was wondering how long I would have to drive around all getto style. Tape on the outside, stripped metal door on the inside with the power controls taped to the door which didn't stay taped for long. I decided I didn't care and just let it hang there. Wednesday came, They got the part and I am back in business. So nice to have that working. What a pain. Merry Christmas to me.

Boar's Head

We had a good trip to Boar's Head despite the cold, the forecast for snow and driver's side window losing ability to stay up without tape. (The stupid track broke and is still broken since they broke the new part while trying to replace it yesterday) sigh.

Anyway got the window taped up in time to leave town and pick up Svienn and Deva. Katsumoto also rode along so we were filled to the gills with gear and people. When Hagan got knighted a few years ago there were 6 of us in the van with 4 sets of armor so we knew we could fit it all in. It helps that Hagan can bend space and time with his master packing skills. The trip out was uneventful. I didn't have to drive too much which was good since I hate driving at night. So need to go to the eye doctor. Sveinn played us some advance tracks of the Skaldheim album that was partial recorded at WW. I can't wait to get my copy. We got to the hotel around 10:30 and I just crashed. Everyone else went out for food but I had no desire to crawl back into the van. The bed was too comfortable.

It so nice to be at a hotel that has hot breakfast. Pancakes, french toast, sausage and eggs and the usual breakfast stuff. So nice. We loaded up and headed to site which was the next exit up the road.

We got set up and dressed and then waited around for Astrid to get there so we could spring our surprise on her. Finally everything was set and we opened court. It was so fun to watch her face go from Hurrah, to huh, oh no.

After that got squared away spent sometime visiting with people and checking out the merchants, stopped by the Princess Sleeve tourney. Everyone there seemed to be having a good time. Then it was time for peerage meetings.

My Aunt Mary who lives in Sheboygan (about an hour from site) came out to visit and was there when our meetings were done. It was fun to show her what I do during my spare time.

Court was a lot of fun but the longest one we have had. Two hours. But with fealties, and baronial court what can you do. During the middle Hagan noticed that he was losing everyone so we had a seventh inning stretch which did a lot of good. Everyone stood up except for all the people behind the throne sat down. Never heard such happy sighs. ;-)

Feast was fun too there were a several illusion foods and they the feasters played Agincourt the game. Hagan and I mostly doled out gems and loot although we decided that there were a surprising amount of poor peasants and poisonings.

Next up: Yule Tide in Border Downs and 12th Night in Calontir.

This blogs for Clare

In an effort to provide entertainment for the troops overseas, yes I mean Clare sitting in her office in Kuwait, I plan to blog a bit more. Did I hear a redhead give a little cheer? Yeah I thought so.

Today's blog brings you a Christmas meme. Feel free to fill it out and post it on your blog.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bag? Both, gift bags are much easier to deal with and reusable

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up your tree? when I feel like it but never before thanksgiving. Not sure if its going up this year.

4. Do you like eggnog? yes

5. Favorite gift received as a child? Princess Leia Doll

6. Hardest person to buy for? mom

7. Easiest person to buy for? dad

8. Worst Christmas gift you've ever received? Sadly I have received many but the worst is crappy Queen Anne Chocolate covered cherries. belch. And the little ceramic Santa with a digital clock in its tummy from my brother Brian. What was he thinking? He was in the Army at the time but come on. Cash and gift cards are highly acceptable .

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? A little of both but not every year

10. Favorite Christmas movie? The Snowman http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Snowman

11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Depends but usually toward the end of the shopping season

12. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes

13. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? lefse, peanut butter cup cookies

14. White or colored lights? colored

5. Favorite Christmas song? Christmas time is here

16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Sure but I have to sing the song

17. Angel or Star on top of tree? Star

18. Open presents Christmas Eve or Morning? Eve

19. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Crowds

20. What I love most about Christmas? how pretty everything is and spending time with my friends and family

Harry Potter Myers Briggs test

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

In the last year or so we have been doing a lot of personality test like Myers-Briggs and StrengthQuest. I figure this Harry Potter version is just as good.

Day of the Ninja

Dec 5 is the Day of the Ninja

In true form it snuck up on me. ;-) Here are my library ninjas at work. I love my minions.

too right

KWAR

KWAR was a lot of fun but it sure went in a hurry. We got up to the Cities about 10:30 -11. We had a good drive up. It was cold but nice drive. Got the hotel and unloaded. Ran into Super Dave right away who helped us unload. Turned out he was in the room right next to ours. He was sharing a room with Uncle Dave, Julio and Bron. Got settled and headed down to the party that was kind of winding down. Lots of people didn't recognize Hagan and I right away without our hats and garb so that was kind of funny to see their reactions. I can't remember what time hotel security came to tell us to break it up but at that point I needed to go to bed.

Saturday morning we got ready and headed down. Nailz showed up when we were signing in at troll so went back to the room with her so she could change. Milled about a bit and visited and then the day was absconded by baronial meetings. We are deciding who gets to be the next Baronage of Nordskogen so we got a whole lot of information on that and met will all the candidates. I think it went pretty well. My brain was pretty full by the end of it and I probably could have used a nap before court but there wasn't time. Sir Tom was kind enough to go out in the snow and get us lunch. As Hagan says Sir Tom is the bomb.

Court was a rather impromptu affair but everyone was enthusiastic about the awards we gave out.

That got over and I hung out and let my brain absorb all the info of the day. Visited with people a bit too. Around 6 the Oakshott Collection was about to open but I was too tired to really enjoy it so went back to the room to change since we were going out to dinner after everyone saw it.

Got changed and everyone was back. There was a big line so they decided to wait until after dinner. So headed out to dinner. The snow was very light at the time but we did have to spend about 20 minutes digging out the van and trying to get the side door to open. It freezes shut rather easily. But we got everyone in and headed off to the Atlantic Chinese Buffet. V. good. mmmm.

Made it back with no fender benders. Yay and then hung out in the room for awhile while the boys went to the hot tub. Went down for Rigo's birthday party. Much silliness was had. Not as much as they had in Rigo's room, which was broken up by hotel security.

Sunday we headed out. I-35 was somewhat icy. We passed about 3 accidents and there were various cars in ditches and tracks that showed where previous cars had gone in the ditch. 90 was better in some spots but someone cranked the wind up and it was bitter cold when we stopped. Was glad to make it home with little trouble.

Hopefully we will have good weather traveling to Boar's Head.

Dudes!

Hey its been a while since I blogged. Thanksgiving was good. Filled with food and friends. No lefse but there will be some for Christmas. Yay!

Would write more but no time lately. Both jobs have me running, running. Might write later this week to talk about KWAR.

In the meantime enjoy this Doctor Who Web comic. Its awesome. It has all the Doctors in it.