Urban Polar Explorers League

Finally. We got some snow. Boy did we get some snow. Which Drew and I couldn't be happier about because we both love the snow and the activities it brings. Our new favorite is that of snowshoeing. So for those of you interested in polar exploration, here is a little info on the gear I use and love when I set off on a snow adventure. First up the base-ics.

Wearing: C9 by Champion Compression Top and C9 by Champion Compression Tights

If you're going to be outdoors in the winter a good base layer is a must. Drew prefers wool base layers I'm a fan of  polypro because it is 1.) Cheaper and 2.) not itchy and I think dries quicker. To each is own though, just invest in a base layer. These actually serve double duty as this is my cold weather running gear. If I get more serious about winter camping and such, I'll invest in different base layers, but for now this works. And don't forget your socks! Liner socks are a must and don't they look hot?

Next up some mid layers, and word to the wise if you've got great base layers that keep you dry and toasty you DO NOT need a mid layer when it's 30+ degrees. If we had actually been out on the trails I might have been in trouble as I was overheating and when I took my down coat off, my fleece got wet and then I got cold which is NOT good. Learn from my mistakes here. 

Wearing: Columbia Omni-Heat half zip (SUPER warm)

This isn't mine exactly but it's basically the same thing

Also in that picture are my snow pants which aren't really a mid layer but an outer. Don't ask why I only wore a mid layer on top. (Dumb) Also I love my snow pants. They're from Patagonia and are da bomb. 

Next up on the super important list is making sure your feet stay dry and warm. Nothing puts a damper on your polar exploration like cold wet and turning frostbitten feet. So you saw the hotness that is the poly blend liners and on top of those I wear my Smart Wool socks. 

You don't have to buy Smart Wool specifically, but definitely invest in some good quality wool socks. My friend Mountain Man Mike likes Darn Tough socks, if you're looking to compare another brand. Sock situation settled you need BOOTS.

Like legit boots, not Uggs. (barf) Mine are Columbia and I heart them. They're warm and comfortable and most importantly water proof. Well warm and comfortable are important too. 

Last but certainly not least, are the accessories. 

Yes two sets of gloves. Kind of like two sets of socks. The black ones on the left are gloves that I use for winter running. They are moisture wicking and makes for a great base layer glove. The silver gloves on the right are my outer water proof gloves by Columbia (surprise) and under neath is my favorite pink fleece hat by Columbia (surprise again) This leads us to our final piece of polar exploration gear which is...the coat.

This photo is from last year. Sorry. But you get the drift. That is my beloved pink down coat by you guessed it...Columbia. And Mike thought I was obsessed with The North Face. Anyways this coat is amazing it's very light weight but very warm, which made my mid layer stupid and unnecessary and made me very very hot. If you have an awesome down coat and a great base layer that is all you need if it's at freezing or just slightly below. Trust. Also that coat is from the kids section. Don't hate, kids can go polar exploring too. 

So there you have it, my long and Columbia filled Urban Polar Exploration gear guide. Anyone else out there snowshoe or do any winter hiking? What gear do you love?

Cheers,

Marisa

An Update

Hello all. It's been a very long time since we last blogged. I'm alive and well. Better than well in fact! As I'm sure you can imagine moving and getting settled in a new city, as well as moving in with your boyfriend and both of you getting settled takes some time. I really just needed to focus all my efforts on that and finding a job. When I last wrote I said that I was up for a job and would be finding out one way or the other about it by the end of that week. Never heard from them at all. I even emailed their HR/recruiters to inquire if the position had been filled, and never heard back from them. So perhaps I dodged a bullet on that one. I did however find a job shortly after that and I'm happy to report that I am loving it. It's a much bigger company than I am used to and I have way more responsibilities, but I welcome the challenge and the opportunity to learn and grow. 

Drew and I are doing well, and so far we've encountered no major conflicts. While I like the apartment we live in now, it is only a one bedroom and we both would like to have more space. So we are currently on the hunt for a house. It is proving more daunting that I expected. But we are on a month to month lease so we don't have any real pressure to find something quick. I want it to be something I love rather than just a place I wouldn't mind living in. 

So, that's been the happenings around here. Drew and I are are playing on a kickball team with some of my work co-workers this spring that I'm excited about. Also I've signed up for the Dam to Dam this year and hope to have better results and a non fractured foot this year. I've also signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon and am sooooo excited to tackle this challenge. It will be tough but I cannot wait for the feeling of achievement you get when you finish a distance race. 2012 is sure shaping up to be amazing!

I can't wait to catch up with everyone . I hope your 2012's are just as amazing!

Cheers!

Marisa

Well Hello Again!

Welcome longtime readers to the new layout! Well, and hopefully the last layout...ever. We're getting more settled now, finding a routine, learning how to give each other space in our little one bedroom apartment. So what's with the title you ask? Well this probably won't be a shock, but I looooovvveeee the Mary Tyler Moore Show, which took place in Minneapolis Minnesota. And for those of you not cool enough to have the theme song memorized, here it is for you:

Who can turn the world on with her smile? 
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? 
Well it's you girl, and you should know it 
With each glance and every little movement you show it 

Love is all around, no need to waste it 
You can have a town, why don't you take it 
You're gonna make it after all 
You're gonna make it after all 


How will you make it on your own? 
This world is awfully big, girl this time you're all alone 
But it's time you started living 
It's time you let someone else do some giving 

Love is all around, no need to waste it 
You can have a town, why don't you take it 
You're gonna make it after all 
You're gonna make it after all


Naturally I changed the you're to we're. I have yet to get my picture taken by the MTM statue outside the downtown Macy's but rest assured it is on my list. Along with exploring the city more. I really need to get on that. So any readers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that want to be my friend, hit me up! I enjoy good food, drinks and anything fun. I have just turned this post into eHarmony. Wow....


I think now that I've got the layout done I can get back to posting on the regular. I've missed it so, and of course I've missed all of your blogs as well! I feel like I've missed out on so much, but I promise I will catch up and it will just be like old times. Until then just remember love is all around :)


Cheers!


Marisa

p.s. Greetings from Bobo & Elvis! They are loving their new digs ;)

Let's Do This

Alright guys so I'm here. Writing this on our couch in Minneapolis with Drew iPad-ing it up next to me. Tomorrow marks my one week anniversary as a Minnesota resident.  Annnnd today marks my one week anniversary of unemployment. I thought I would enjoy a break from work since back in Des Moines I worked 6 days a week and usually no less than 55 hours a week. However after the first few days I found myself longing for a 5am wake up call to get ready for work. Instead I occupy my time with Gossip Girl. How in the hell have I never watched that show before? I had an interview Friday that went pretty well, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that. I probably should be more adventurous and maybe venture downtown and just explore the city more. However I have a hard time tearing myself away from the Chuck/Blair saga. I just want them to be together! Is that so much to ask? 

Anyway, the drive up wasn't too bad. My car was packed, in fact so packed that I probably would have gotten a ticket since my side views were basically obstructed. Luckily I did not get pulled over and just enjoyed the sound of two crying cats for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Turns out my Elvis kitty does not like the musical styling of  Michael Jackson. I know I don't understand it either. Despite our differing tastes in music we all made it safely and the cats have adjusted well to their new home. As for me, we're still figuring things out but all will be well. Just trying to figure out each others routines and how we can work together and Drew is learning how to live with pets. I hope to get my blog reworked this week however certain drama may pose a problem with that (re: Chuck/Blair). Just kidding I really need to do something productive, creative even. Just to keep my mind in shape. I can't sit on a couch forever.....or can I???? ;)

Cheers!

Marisa

Moving

Oh hey there. Long time no blog. I have not completely fallen off the face of the earth just yet. However between packing, transitioning out of my job and searching for a new job, I have not had time to spend in the blogosphere. I just wanted to give a quick update that yes! I will return to blogging as soon as I'm all moved to Minneapolis....which will be this Sunday!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it, I'm so excited. So in short, I miss you all and reading your fabulous blogs. I will obviously be undergoing yet another redesign so I'm open to suggestions. See you when I'm a Minnesotan!!

Cheers,

Marisa

Moving On Up....Literally.

Oh hi there! Long time no see. So remember that one time like a month ago when I said I had news but couldn't share it just yet? Well now I can. Finally. And can return to blogging. What is the news you ask? Well here it is.

I'm moving to Minneapolis at the end of the month.

We're both really excited and it's so amazing to finally be able to tell everyone. It's going to be a change but a welcome one. I am sad to move away from my friends and (non-biological) family, but I know distance won't ruin our relationship and I can't wait to have visitors in the Twin Cities :) You know once Drew and I find a place with a little more....space. 

HOLY FREAKING BALLS I'M MOVING TO MINNEAPOLIS!!!!!!!!!!!

So how have all of you been? I've missed you all terribly. I can't wait to get back at it and catch up with everyone. 

Twin Cities Cheers!

Marisa

P.S. Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls for life. Sorry Minnesota.

Birthmas 2011

Okay finally. Here it is in all it's anti-climatic glory....because someone (me) left their memory card in their laptop and therefore could not take pictures with their camera. EPIC FAIL. However I managed to document a few things with the old Blackberry. And here they are.

Friday night we went out with Drew's brother and his wife to The Melting Pot. I have never experienced fondu before, but as Drew said "it's fonnnn to du it!" so I knew all would be well. It was so delicious I ate so much bread and broccoli covered in cheese. Then there was dessert. Ohhhh the glorious pot of chocolate and all the amazing things you could dip in it. I need a fondu set. Going on the Birthmas list for next year.

Christmas eve day was spent at Target because I forgot how to pack and left some necessities at home, and at Cub Foods to buy groceries for the weekend. We made black bean soup and grilled cheese sandwiches and listened to Christmas music to get in the festive mood before heading to family Christmas. Drew even wanted to wear this sweater.

While I appreciated his holiday spirit...I just could be seen with him like that.

 Now, I've been used to pretty small Christmas gatherings since 2005. Maybe 8 people tops. Prior to that my Christmases consisted of family gatherings at my grandparents house where there were maybe 25 people 30 at most. Drew has 21 first cousins. TWENTY ONE. Add him and his brothers that makes 25 grandchildren. It was overwhelming at first but after the second drink I was a-ok. 

Now on to the gifts!

First up, something I've been pining over at REI for I don't even know how long. And now, they're mine!

No, I have never gone snowshoeing before. However, I love hiking and snow hiking seems like fun. Now we just need some GD snow so I can use these and also use my other gift....

Patagonia snowpants! Despite it being 40 something degrees Christmas Day, I wore these home to Minneapolis. I cant wait to actually use them. 

I also got a Columbia fleece jacket, a North Face half zip fleece, annnndddd....

A flying lesson! Thats right in spring I will get a crash course in flying and actually get to sit in the cockpit and wear my aviators and bomber jacket and only answer to Maverick. 

Christmas evening Drew took me out to dinner to our favorite Indian restaurant (and I do mean favorite) Gandhi Mahal. I ate so much palak paneer I actually thought I was going to puke on the sidewalk. No joke. It really was touch and go there for a while. 

So there you have it. Birthmas 2011! I could not have planned it better myself. Full of food, family and friends and love :)

Cheers!

Marisa

Birthmas Aftermath

Remember that time I said after Birthmas I would do a sweet recap and catch up with you all? Well about that. See I drove back from Minnesota Monday late morning, got home did all my laundry, unpacked and all that good stuff. Then had to go to work...until after midnight. THEN today I had to get up go to work and then after work go to my OTHER work until 11pm. Needless to say, I'm exhausted and feeling ill. Tomorrow though I'm planning a much needed rest day and will then finally be doing a recap and catching up with everyone. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Cheers!

Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas Day 19: OMG 6 MORE DAYS!!!!

Holy crap! Only 6 more days until Birthmas 2012!!! I can't believe it. I am so excited ( I believe I've mentioned it once or twice) to head to Minneapolis. I have the best boyfriend ever who is determined to make my 27th birthday the most special birthday ever. However, all I need to have the best birthday ever is just to relax with him at home...and maybe throw in a bottle of vodka too. Hey it's my birthday after all, and I'm only downhill to 30 now. So you better believe that there will be a cranberry vodka or two (or ten) involved this holiday weekend. What about you guys? Are you excited for Christmas???? If you aren't yet I hope this Christmas picture I drew for Drew (ha!) will fill you with Christmas Cheer!

25 Days of Birthmas Day 15: Weekend and Winner

Quick short post today. I am so excited for the weekend and relaxing. I need it. Not that this week has been particularly rough or anything, perhaps I'm just resting up for next week which will be rough. However, it's almost Birthmas!!!!!!!!! I am really excited to go to Minnesota next weekend, I'm hoping they can provide me with a white Christmas. Don't fail me now Minneapolis.

Moving on it's time for a winner!

Using a random number generator ,the winner is Amy from Tastes Like Red ! Congrats girl I'll be emailing you soon to get your info and mail you your little present :)

Have a great weekend everyone! Last big shopping weekend before Birthmas! Are you all done????

Cheers

Marisa

Accent Video Log

I saw some people do these and thought they were really fun. So I decided to do one for the greatest region on the country: The Midwest. Enjoy!

So feel free to share with my your discrepancies. Are you a pop or soda person? Or just coke? Also does any other state say singles for $1 bills? Maybe it's just an Illinois thing. Oh! And one I didn't mention: casserole or  hot dish? 

Midwest Cheers!

Marisa

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life

Okay, you've asked so I'll tell. I had an amazing time in Minneapolis this weekend. AND I navigated all by myself, the city, 394 and 494 and only once had to bust out "Sorry...I'm from Iowa." Feeling pretty proud of myself. After meeting Drew and his co-worker for lunch we didn't know what to do with our afternoon since we had no plans for the day or evening and it was only 2pm. So we did what anyone would do. Drink beer and go bowling.

(the popcorn was butter herb and parmeasan. Sooo good)

(Drew concentrating real hard)

We had fun and weren't conserned about scores ( I WON) and had a good afternoon.

After bowling we hit up the booze store grocery store for ingredients for inside out lasagna.

(Wine was totally a key ingredient. No really)

This was such an easy recipe and it turned out soooooo awesome. I am craving it right now.

Might have to make that again this week.

Saturday was a bussssyyy day. Started off with touring Drew's work with his grandparents, who were so sweet. Followed by dinner at our favorite Indian restaurant where they have a lunch buffet, and lets just say I'm glad I was wearing leggings. Finally after that we hit up the Walker Art Center.

(Claes Oldenburg!)

(sculpture garden at Walker Art Center)

(Drew growing impatient with my picture taking)

That night we met up with one of Drew's friends for sushi in St. Paul which was amaazzing (again so glad I was wearing leggings!) and I got to see this

Why yes that is the Church of Scientology in St. Paul. Apparently it used to be the children's museum. It is huge. Those scientologists are loaded.

Sunday was brunch with the fam, and it was awesome. His parents are so nice and his mom deserves Mom of the Century or Sainthood or something. Drew is the oldest of 4 boys (thats right FOUR) and his youngest brother is autistic. Yet his mom is the most upbeat, kindhearted person I've ever met. I don't know how she does it. He has some amazing parents. Also she made eggs with Mornigstar Farms "sausage" in it for me. That made me smile :)

So there you have it. My Minneapolis weekend and meeting the fam. Such a great weekend and relocating is becoming less stressful. Now if only someone would give me a job....(hint hint)

Cheers!

Marisa

Title Lyrics: Stevie Wonder "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life"

(Future) Homeward Bound!

I'm heading to Minneapolis today to spend a wonderful weekend with my boy and (gasp!) meet the fam. Keep your fingers crossed for me ;)

We have some really fun things planned, but what I'm really excited for is a trip to the Walker Art Center . Our friends generously gave us tickets they were not able to use the last time they were up there.

(via)

Where this Claes Oldenburg lives

(Oh he's like way famous)

Catch up with you all after the weekend! Hopefully I have some good adventures to post!

And thank you all for your sweet comments, and thank you new commenters and followers. I don't know what I'd do without you guys :)

Cheers!

Marisa

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event

You guessed it....IT SNOWED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes Des Moines received it's first snowfall last night, and everything looked soooo pretty. Now the sun is out and it's warm and it's a big ole sloppy mess. Booooo. Still, this morning I threw on all my favorite winter gear to head out and enjoy the snow while it lasted.

(Hat: H&M Scarf: Burberry Sweater: Express)

(Pleated skirt pea coat: JCPenney Boots: Target)

 

I wanted to take some pretty pictures but by the time I left for work it had already started turning slushy :(

Oh well, I don't think anyone was ready for snow anyways.

Thanks so much for your kind comments on my last post. I know everything will be alright, but I'm the Queen of Worryland. I just need to take a deep breath and focus on ONE thing at a time.

First Snow Cheers!

Marisa

Lucid Dreaming

I'm a lucid dreamer. Are you? It's kind of an awesome thing really, it prevents nightmares from scaring the bejeezus out of me and also allows me to dictate my dreams ending. Which usually involves me being a bad ass and going all John McClane on someone. Anyways, while I allow myself to indulge my inner Die Hard fantasies, I always try to focus on what happened before I realized I was dreaming. I'm a firm believer that dreams are a manifestation of certain things going on in our lives that may be be bothering us that we aren't aware of or don't realize how much they are bothering us. Take Sunday night for an example:

So in my dream, I'm in some college town that I assume is supposed to be Ames, but it doesn't look a thing like Ames. Besides the point. I'm going to some house party to meet Drew and when I get there these two girls start talking to me and I have no idea who they are but they tell me I should ask Drew how his weekend was and I'm like alright you dumb whores I will. So I find him, and am all sooooo how was your weekend? (pretty sure it was the weekend in my dream...whatever I'm not a genius) and he's all oh it was fine. And the dumb whores behind me chime in something to the fact that he had hooked up with someone else. So dream self is all wtf is that true? To which he replies, well yeah, you live in Des Moines. It's at this point that I realize that I'm dreaming because dream self gets upset and storms outside and is making sobbing sounds but I. Can't. Cry. And in my dream I am all WHY AREN"T YOU CRYING? THIS IS THE SADDEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU!!!!!!!!!! Thats when I knew that I couldn't cry, because this isn't real because this would never happen. The boy who sends me good morning texts from his hunting tree perch to wish me a wonderful day and sends me emails that have strategically placed thought out emoticons wouldn't do that. So instead of going all John McClane in college dream land, I just woke up. 

I made myself wake up because I knew exactly why this dream happened. I've been stressing out about relocating to Minneapolis lately. I'm terrified that it could take me forever to find a job. And while I know I'm not technically from Iowa (and by technically I mean I'm not at all) this is still my home. And this is where my family is at. Okay not my biological family but the family I'm closest to. I truly do want, more than anything, to move and finally live in the same city, but my anxiety/ocd does not allow me to just skedaddle on out of Des Moines. There are so many things I want to make sure are thought out first, but sometimes it's just too overwhelming. 

Anyone ever had to relocate? Any advice? Suggestions? Good therapists in Des Moines/Minneapolis...???

Cheers, 

Marisa

Home Sweet Home

For the first time in a month neither Drew nor I will be getting in a car and traveling this weekend. I'm looking forward to it but at the same time am bummed since that means I won't be seeing Drew. :( I think we've been spoiled over the last month getting to spend so much time together. This past weekend was an absolute blast as we attended our very first wedding together, with a bunch of old friends. Many beers were had, much dancing was done, and hopefully there are very few pictures of it as I'm sure I was anything but graceful. To add to the wedding festivities already happening, we learned our good friends had gotten engaged that weekend. Something was definitely in the air that weekend and I'm pretty sure it was love :)

(via)

I picked that photo because Drew holds my hand always and I LOVE IT. Which reminds me of a story I forgot to tell when we were in Duluth. We were walking down the street to go get some lunch and are approaching a mom carrying her young daughter. 

Kid: Mommy look! They're walking together! (meaning holding hands)

Mom: They are because they love each other.

Kid: YAYYY!!!!!!

I wish I could send that kid a card. It made my life :)

Have you had enough of the love fest going on over here? Yes? Okay lets talk golf and beer.

Tomorrow is my company golf outing which means it's time for the annual dragging of my golf clubs out of the basement. Yes I have clubs, but no I cannot golf for shit. But I'm da bomb at drinking beers and driving a golf cart. And really, what else is there to golf? If you don't follow me on twitter you should probably start as tomorrow will be a tweet fest of my amazing beer drinking golfing abilities. 

So follow me @marisa84 and stay tuned. I'm setting my sights high and hoping to win the shortest drive prize. Wish me luck!

Cheers

Marisa

30 Before 30: Camping....Like For Real Camping

So I have a lot of fun stuff coming up the next couple of weekends. Most importantly seeing a lot of Drew. The super fun thing I've got to look forward to is camping in Tettegouche State Park over Labor Day. Camping (for reals camping) is on my 30 Before 30 because....well.....in my 26.5 years of existence, I have never ever been camping. And here is why. 

This is my idea of camping:

(Shelley Long in Troop Beverly Hills)

I know I know I know you all saw me being a bad ass mountaineering woman in Colorado but here's the deal: That was about 5.5 hours in the wilderness. Not all day all night. Sleeping on the ground with possible bugs crawling on you and quite possibly the worst thing ever: PEEING IN THE WOODS!

No, I have never peed in the woods. Shocked? I know most people are. I would rather rupture my bladder than pee in the woods. I am not an outdoorsy girl what can I say. But, I"m determined to do this and to do it well. I may be a pageant doing, makeup/fashion obsessed, bug fearing ,river hating, dirt loathing, break into a cold sweat when on a lake, girl who hates sweating but I WILL successfully camp just as well as any Amazon who pees in the woods and eats bark. I WILL survive with out my concealer and bronzer and my straightening iron, and I WILL NOT call for room service...unless you can actually do that. Then I totally am. 

So this post was not a cheer me on post. This was a heap a lot of praise on Drew and send him good luck vibes and well wishes. He has undertaken a big task and is well aware of my camping/outdoors shortcomings. Luckily he is an Eagle Scout and I'm pretty sure Camping with Whiny High Maintenance Girl is like a patch they have to earn. No? Well then just keep him in your thoughts and prayers. 

Camping Cheers!

Marisa

The Beginning

So perhaps some of you are wondering how in the world I ended up with someone from Minneapolis. Where did we meet, how did it all come about? Well I'm here to answer that.

If you remember from this post I mentioned that Drew was a one of my very best friends from college. I didn't elaborate much more than that. I wish I could tell you the exact circumstances that we met under, but I"m pretty sure it involved being drunk and I"ll be honest I can't remember much from when I was 19 because of that. Anyway, Drew was in the fraternity next to my sorority and are actually considered our "brother" fraternity as our founder was the sister of a Fiji and a lot of our stuff is based off of them. Bit of Greek trivia for you. Drew, myself and our friend Spencer were pretty much inseparable, like the three amigos. All through college though I was literally just like a "sister" and they were my "brothers". We FAC'd together, studied together, went to Perkins at 2am together and took study breaks to DQ together. My senior year when I was competing in the Miss America system Drew was my personal notary public as all my contestant paperwork had to be notarized. 

So what changed you asked? We lost touch for about the last year and half, and then one day I get a facebook message from Drew saying he'll be in the Des Moines area for a Fiji event and if I'd like to grab dinner and catch up. I was so excited, some of my best moments in college involved Drew so I couldn't wait to catch up. The day came and he came by my place to pick me up and I remember walking out and seeing him and being like......whoa whoa whoa. Who is this? This was not the Drew I remembered, this super tall businessy looking guy. Where was the Beatles loving frat boy that would get following down drunk with me? 

After that day of catching up we did a better job of staying in touch and turns out he would be coming back down the weekend of the Dam to Dam. He also turned out to be my hero that weekend as I left all my possessions in cab and he successfully negotiated their safe retrieval. He was on his way to Kansas City for a conference that weekend and on his way back that following Tuesday stopped in Des Moines to have a drink with me. I'll never forget, when he dropped me off he met my roommate, and when he left this is the conversation that occurred: 

Roommate: Who was that?

Me: My friend Drew from college.

Roommate: He's really cute.

Me: I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha. We'll call that the turning point. I was suffering from my stupid stress fracture then and was pretty much immobile the month of June so I didn't get to do any traveling then. Once July hit and I was fracture free, I was looking for any excuse to head to Minneapolis and thank my lucky bands, The Get Up Kids were playing the second weekend in July. And well, as they say the rest is history.  

So there you have it. How the former single girl who spent the last year and a half looking for love ended up finding it 4 hours north in the Twin Cities.  :)

Cheers!

Marisa

Back As Fast As Lightning!!!!

Whoa! It's amazing what can happen once the creative juices start to flow. So I was all worried that I wouldn't have this done by this weekend and here it is Thursday and I'm writing a new post! May still need to do a few tweaks here and there but right now I"m pretty content with it. 

Alright, so I was all worried about what I'd write about now that I'm not  single anymore, but then I realized that I would be doing a whole bunch of fun things in a new city and traveling quite a bit and lets face it something interesting allllways happens when you travel. So I've decided to dedicate my blog to the travels, trials and tribulations that accompany a long distance relationship. Obviously this will just be another chapter of my blog as I don't want this relationship to be permanently long distance, but for now I have every confidence that I won't run out of material while it is. So welcome back to those that have been here a while. I hope you enjoy the new and (somewhat) improved site! And to those stopping by for the first time, welcome! Not sure what this post is all about just peruse through the last month or two of posts. Should bring you up to speed.

Cheers!

Marisa

From bad to good

Thats how my day went. See this morning started out with some sad tears as little car was in need of some repairs that were well....quite pricey. So I basically spent the entire day crunching numbers, panicking, trying not to cry at work and figuring out every single worst case scenario I could come up with in my head. Needless to say by this afternoon I was a nervous wreck, sick and frustrated. However as I have done everyday since my 18th birthday and being on my own, I reminded myself that I would get nothing solved if I didn't keep a level head and remain calm. So I weighed my options, made some calls and when I walked out the door at 5 I had everything taken care of and my car will be all fixed tomorrow. No thanks to my mom. But that's a story for another day. Or week....maybe month.

Anyways, so as I'm on cloud 9 driving home thinking that this day couldn't possibly get any better I get home and grab the mail and what do I see??? A little package for me from Minnesota.

(Larabars and iPod car converter)

Drew sent me some good snacks and the capabilities for good music for my next road trip, since I complained that the only radio options in Minnesota are Jesus or country. After the terrible stressful day that I had then the relief of getting everything figured out, coming home to this was icing on the cake. Lucky for me my day ended with happy tears :)

Whew, that is all I have the energy for today folks. It has been a roller coaster of a day and I am spent. Hope everyone's hump day was far easier!

Cheers!

Marisa