Sunday

Travis, Julie, Don, Kelsey

Jim, Michele, Abby

Kelsey, Adam

Jon, Genevieve

Shelly, Bruce

Jake, Ellie, Dad

Today we had a gathering for my dad's birthday which is actually tomorrow but it worked for most of us to get together today. We met at Davanni's on Suburban in St Paul. It usually isn't super crowded and we got lucky today because we took over one whole party room area. We had 6 large pizzas and sodas. No birthday cake (sorry dad I spaced that one off) but we had a lot of fun. We sang happy birthday to dad after we ate - but we had him open presents while we were waiting for the pizzas. Soooo somewhat disorganized but hey, at least just about everyone made it. Dad will be 69 tomorrow. Seems weird to me. I still think of him around 40 and me in my teens. Same with my mom. They have white hair so you know they are older and yet I still feel like a kid to them. Roll call for the day (and I hope I don't miss anyone) Julie, Don, Travis, Me, Michele, Jim, Kelsey, Abby, Adam, Jon, Genevieve, Ellie, dad, Shannon and Austin (great-grandson), Jake, Shelly, Bruce, Jeanine and TJ. I think I got everyone. We had a good time.

I have been thinking about getting a Lincoln MKZ. A few months ago I saw a Lincoln (it was probably the MKS, more expensive one) at a car wash and fell in love with it and since then have kinda obsessed about it. On Yahoo cars I saw a 2008 Lincoln MKZ with 11k miles for 22k. Dad and Julie went with me after Davanni's to see if we could find the car on the lot since the auto dealer was in Inver Grove Heights, not too far away. I didn't see it but it was also pretty windy and cold outside so for now I just sent an email to see if it's still there. Then I took dad back to Jon and Genevieve's and Julie and I stayed for a bit and visited. Now I am home and ready to flop on the couch for another week of work. The days fly by way too fast.

Oh and also GOOD NEWS! Cousin Lonny FINALLY has a print of the St Paul skyline - like his Minneapolis skyline he made a couple years ago. The colors are blue and green. I can't WAIT to see them and to buy one (or more) Rock On Cousin Lon!

OHHH and one more thing. Did you notice the wee bit of snow in the background? Yes we got a little bit last night. And on Friday when Julie and I went to DSW after I got off work my toe was aching like crazy. My left big toe has arthritis in it somethin' fierce. Anyway I had asked Julie if she knew if it was suppose to snow this weekend and she said that she thought she had heard on the news that it was....lo and behold it did. So now I can call my toe - the Snow Toe (as dad dubbed it). Who needs a meteorologist?

Saturday Eve with Carrie

I did leave the house today and I DID take all the recycleables from Thanksgiving (4 bags) down to the recycle bin in the garage. I went to Carrie's around 4:30 and had pizza for dinner with Lon, Jaime, Alice and Carrie. Alice has a bad cold so Lon and Jaime went to Walgreens to get some medicine for her and she stayed with us and we watched Happy Feet. I always crack up when I see that movie because the year it came out Lon and Mary Jo had seen it in the theater I think. Anyhoo, they came home for one of the holidays and Lon was commenting about how Greg dances the Happy Feet dance. I think mom and Greg had been to Vegas for one of Les and Cheri's daughter's wedding. So every time I see the movie and the penguin dancing I think of Lon giving Greg sh*t! Lon and Jaime brought home Cold Stone Ice Cream for all of us - I love the Cake Batter ice cream - and then they took Alice home for some medicine magic I hope! Carrie and I watched the movie The Other Boelyn. I think that was the name of the movie. It was about King Henry the VII and Anne and Mary Boelyn. We both decided we would need to google Anne Boelyn because we weren't sure if the movie was actually based on history or not. It did seem to follow the historical data to some degree. Both Carrie and I are very thankful we did not live back in the 1500s. We would have never made it. After the movie I stayed to watch the Ellen DeGeneres Really Big Show that was on TBS and Carrie had tivo'd. There were some amazing acts on the show and it was filmed at Caesar's Palace where auntie Mary Jo works.

Well I think I will give up on the tv (nothing interesting on) and hit the sack.

Where in the World is Heidi?

Sorry dad and Ellie, bad picture!

Jim, Adam, Kelsey and Abby playing Ultimate Outburst

Carrie, Julie, Adam and Jim playing Ultimate Outburst - note - see the competitive looks on LRH 1 and LRH 3 faces? And yes their team did win!

Self Portrait!

Mom's head, Adam, Jim, Kelsey and Michele

Zach and Nana

Travis

Don

Greg

Julie and Jon

Carrie, Genevieve, Abby and Adam

Plethera of Food

I know I know I am lame on my Thanksgiving posting but I was EXHAUSTED and am JUST catching up! Okay, so there was lots of talk with me and my turkey at work and the best way to cook it. This would be my first turkey ever and I used Julie and mom's big roaster to cook it. There was lots of advice and I may try it down the road but I slightly fubar'ed by not taking my turkey out Sunday night or Monday morn and it was still a bit frozen on Wed night. My original plan was to put it in the roaster around midnight and cook it on 200 or 250 for 12 hours (suggestion from a friend at work). Instead I thawed the rest of it out Wed night and when I read the box of the Oven Roast Bags it said to cook in the bag for 2 - 2 1/2 hours in a roaster. I made 2 - 11 pound birds instead of one big one. I had read somewhere that if you want to cook a bird over 20 lbs it's best to do 2 smaller ones. I can't really compare since I have never cooked a turkey before but I did put the turkeys in at 9am and they were ready at noon when the rest of the food was. AND there was no dry turkey, it was alll nice and juicy. Now if I can remember all the food! We had turkey, 2 types of stuffing (Greg just likes the basic Stove Top Stufing), corn, green bean casserole, cheese ball and crackers, asparagus with balsamic vinaigrette, sweet potatoes, rolls, baked corn stuffing (it's something that Genevieve makes - I don't remember what she calls it but it is FABULOUS), shrimp and cocktail sauce, mashed potatoes, carrots and french onion dip, turkey and ricotta pinwheels that Carrie made, pumpkin pie, assorted cheesecake and I THINK that is all. Oh, can't forget the gravy! I know we always have sooo much food but I love the leftovers!

We played a game of Ultimate Outburst. It was my first time breaking out that game - I don't even remember how long I have had it but it was a ton of fun. The Horner-Hunters had to go to another Thanksgiving and Don and the boys also went home. Mom and Greg stayed until about 3 (we ate at noon). Jon and Gen stayed because dad and Ellie were going to stop by and hang for a bit after they were done at Shelly's. Dad looks pretty good but his stomach is all bruised up from the surgery. And with the removal of his prostate, he is cancer free now - it did not spread anywhere else. Gen went to take a little nap on my bed until dad and Ellie showed up so Jon, Carrie, Julie and I started watching Batman Begins (Carrie brought it over). About halfway through dad and Ellie stopped by so we paused the movie and chit chatted for a couple hours. After all the Nordin's left (other than me) the LRH's (Little Red Hens) finished watching Batman Begins. I really liked the movie.

I went to bed around 8 and I know I was in bed for awhile but I think I must have been asleep by 9 because I had to get up at 2:30 in the morning to get ready so I could pick up Julie, mom and Greg for shopping on Black Friday. Julie's big purchase was a washer and dryer set at Sears for 600 bucks and Greg bought a little under the counter LCD tv and dvd player at Target for their kitchen. Target was the craziest store for a line. Penny's and Sears wasn't as bad as the past years that I remember. When we looked through all the ads on Thanksgiving day there wasn't any huge thing that I desired so I just ended up getting the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall for $8.98 and Walk the Line for $3.98 at Target along with some Aveeno Body Wash and Lotion. That is the only lotion that really works well for me so yeah it is spendier but it works the best and keeps my skin fairly soft and non-alligator looking. We had breakfast at The Coffee Cup on Rice street around 6:30 then after dropping off the other shoppers I went to work. Julie and mom went back out to stimulate the economy so our 401k's get better. I did some major head bobbing (I was sooo tired) at work right when I got there for about the first hour. I suppose since I had a full belly. But the rest of the day wasn't bad. Us siblings draw names instead of getting each one gifts for Christmas so I was able to buy my sibling's present online because I got an email about a deal. I can't say what it is or who my sibling is (we picked names on Thanksgiving) but I can't wait to give it. My present to Abigail is a day with her auntie Heidi by taking her to a play. I ended up buying our tickets on Friday for the Children's Theater to see The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe. It has been years since I have been to the Children's Theater so I am excited to go back. ANDDD (I haven't told Abby this yet since I am going to wrap her ticket for Christmas) but I got Front Row Seats smack dab in the middle! I CANNOT WAIT! I just might be more excited than Abby! Soooo yeah, I was sooo busy at work. I almost felt guilty getting paid.

After work I met up with Julie again and we went for pedicures and I also needed a new pair of sneakers so stopped at DSW shoes in Woodbury. I am finally giving up on my flip flops for the year. My feet were getting too dried out and I don't like dry skin on my feet. Yes I am a freak about certain things. We stopped at LeeAnn Chin's for dinner then it was home. My intention was to go right to bed but I started doing some more cleanup (I only have one load left for the dishwasher as of today - Saturday) and figured out my checkbook and checked my account online and blah blah blah stuff. I wasn't feeling quite as tired by that time so I decided to catch up on my DVR shows. I watched the first episode I had taped for this season of Dirty Sexy Money and then had to watch all 3 shows because each one kept me hanging and I just HAD to see the next one. Yes, it was 11pm by the time I actually went to bed.

So Saturday morning I slept in until 11am. Well as much as I can sleep in between my pee breaks and my dreams. And OMG I was having crazy dreams this morning. I kept dreaming that people were coming into my bedroom and I couldn't wake up. After about 3 or 4 dreams and peeing in between each one I decided to just get up because I wasn't getting any rest anyway with the bathroom breaks and dreams! (hmmmm, would that be too much information for y'all?). Sorry!

Anyway, I am trying to decide if I am going to leave the house today. I am showered and actually have my shoes on. What to do What to do.

Pre-Thanksgiving Thanks!

This morning was my appt for my annual with my gynecologist (who is female and she totally rocks). Since my appt last November I have lost 9 lbs! Who'da thought? I also told her that I am working towards the gastric bypass and she is excited for me and she said she has had many patients that have done it and have had lots of success. It is nice to hear the support.

BUT, the biggest thanks was when I went to work after the appt. This past summer when I was at a fundraiser for Sandy Masin - Minneapolis Mayor R T Rybak was there and when I told him I worked at US Bank he had great things to say about the CEO of US Bank - Richard Davis (by the way, US Bank has fared very well during all this economic struggle). Anyhoo I had wanted to send Richard Davis an email after the Rybak meeting but figured he probably has someone read his email anyway and I am sure he gets a bazillion a day so he probably won't even see it. When I got to my desk my manager Deb was talking with my co-worker Melanie. I am not sure how we got around to this conversation but I was telling Deb that I had met Mayor Rybak and that Rybak had praises for Richard Davis and I had wanted to send Richard Davis an email to let him know - blah blah blah. Deb said that Richard DOES read his own email and I should send him a note. And I did ... here is what I emailed -

Happy Thanksgiving Mr. Davis!

I wanted to let you know that over the past summer (before the elections) I was attending a house party for a fund-raiser in which Minneapolis Mayor R T Rybak was attending. I had a few minutes to talk with him and told him I worked for US Bank. When he heard that he got a huge smile on his face and said, "I just love Richard Davis! Don't you think he's great?" I told him that since you have become CEO of the bank I have seen a tremendous amount of positive things and am really happy to say that I am a US Bank employee. I truly believe you care about your employees and that is often a rarity anymore. Mayor Rybak also raved about what a great sense of Community you put forth for US Bank. I was very proud to hear these great things from the Mayor who is a man I admire. And I wanted to say "THANKS" for putting our name out there in such a positive light! I am sure many more employees feel the same way as I do. You are leading us in great directions!

May you have an awesome day tomorrow with family and friends.

Respectfully,

Heidi Nordin


AND DUDES AND DUDETTES - GUESS WHAT! Richard Davis CALLLLLLED ME! Unfortunately (well maybe fortunately) I only heard the phone ring once and then nothing happened. So I don't know what's going on with the phone but ANYWAYYYYYYY...he did leave me a voicemail! I mean...little ol peon ME. He said that he really appreciated the note because in these bad financial times it is nice to hear some good news. And more of course but I can't remember it all. Anyhoo, it was about a minute long. When I told one of the guys at work that Richard Davis left me a voicemail he said, Yeah Right! But then I played it back to him and he was like, "No *ucking way, that is cool!"

Yeah, what a great way to end the work day.

Then it was off to see Lisa which always helps me focus and then grocery shopping. I thought it was going to be super crazy in the store but wasn't bad. I already cut up the spuds for the mashed potatoes tomorrow which will probably be the biggest chore other than the birds (2 - 11 pound birds). Oh and I did laundry too. AND I also want to shop on Black Friday before I go to work. I think I will need to recover on Saturday and Sunday!

Tuesday

Well I FINALLY got my own desk at work today with my own laptop and own phone! Whew! I have been sitting and sharing a desk with a dude that works at night and is a pig. Nice dude it seems like but very messy. If you have ever shared a desk with someone at work you know how nice it is to finally have your own. My co-worker Melanie and I kept harassing the desktop support guy to set us up so he finally did. He was going to wait until the docking stations came in but we were like hey, we don't care about the docking stations right now...just give us our desks! Of course it helps that Melanie knew the desktop support guy. I am sooo happy with my new job. It is way less stress than the Rightfax job. I can deal with stress until it gets super high and then I get cranky....so I think it's best that I stay in a medium stress job (or less!).

Tonight after work I met with a couple girls from my Thursday night MIS class. The instructor is really nice but totally sucks at teaching. He does not communicate well. He knows what he is doing but doesn't know how to relay it properly. The three of us got together because we have a final paper due next week and none of us have really gotten the gist (jist?) of what to do. We met at Caribou Coffee near my condo since I am in the middle of where they live. After putting our heads together it made WAY more sense. There is a lot of work to do yet but at least we now know what needs to be done for each of our papers. We are going to meet again next Tuesday at Caribou to see where everyone is at and hopefully most of our papers will be done. I am so thankful I connected with these chicks. We all sat in the back of the class. Last week Jamie and Nicole just kept saying, " I just don't understand what he is looking for". I said I am not sure either because I haven't started the paper but I am sure I can figure it out and then as I was getting ready to leave I said, "If you guys wanted to get together somewhere to work on this I would be up for that." I never thought they would say Yes - but they both said yeah, that would be great. My other class the people were nice but seemed stand-offish. I was reading something the other day and whoever it was wrote...it isn't Minnesota Nice - it's Minnesota Passive-Aggressive. I might have to agree with that. I don't see that Minnesotans are any more or less friendly than other states....they are just afraid to open their mouths sometimes. And YES Carebear I am generalizing and I know you hate that - but that is my observation!

Anyhoo, luckily these girls were open to meeting and the whole paper makes SO much more sense now after we put our heads together. We decided we would be much better at teaching than the current instructor! Like I said, nice guy but needs training on how to communicate his thoughts to us.

One more day of work before turkey day. My birds are thawing in the fridge and I have to dust and vacuum tomorrow and pick up some last minute items at the grocery store but other than that I am all set!

Another weekend gone by!

Friday night I went to the Timberwolves game with Julie. They played the Celtics who won the Championship last year and who Kevin Garnett still plays for. Of course we lost. Also, it was weird to see KG play against us instead of for us. But I am glad he finally got his ring last year. He has always been a very focused player and a team player and so it was about time a team let him be who he is. After the game we stopped at CareBear's because she was having a Pampered Chef party. I thought it would still be going on but by the time we got there everyone had left. Which I didn't mind. Carrie's friend Amy spent the night so all of us ate some chicken and cheese pinwheels and a beef crescent roll thingee leftover from what the Pampered Chef lady made. I also had a virgin margarita and it was very yummy. And we got caught up on some Lipstick Jungle. I am glad that is a show that we all get into! Of course now NBC is talking about cancelling it. One of their few good shows!

Saturday morning I went to Julie's to cut Don's hair. Michele also stopped by to drop of some cookie dough that we had bought from Abby's fundraiser. So the Sisters ended up having a little bit of some good conversation which was nice. We aren't all together much other than holidays or birthdays because Michele and Jim have kid-running around to do a lot of the time. Then I took Don out to Coon Rapids to install a deadbolt lock on Peggy Bear's door (it will decrease her premium for her homeowner's insurance). I forgot she had 2 doors though. So he ended up putting locks on both doors which ended up taking just about all day. That was fine though because I got to visit with Peggy and Beth and also all 3 of us went to The Olive Garden for lunch. I took them out for Beth's birthday which was November 15. I just love the Garden's soup and salad!

Today Julie mom and I went to see the movie Rachel Gets Married with Anne Hathaway. It is a very serious movie and involved Anne Hathaway dealing with her addiction and of course the dysfunctional family. I really loved it though. But lighthearted it is not. So if you are looking for a pick me up movie, do not see Rachel Gets Married. Oh and Debra Winger was the mother. Debra was in An Officer and a Gentleman. She didn't have a huge part but it was interesting to see her back in a film.

I guess the American Music Awards are on tonight which means no Desperate Housewives or Brothers and Sisters for me. Waaaa. I am not a Reality TV or Awards person. Maybe I will actually dust my house tonight in preparation for the Thanksgiving feast coming up.

Trivial Thursday

I had my follow up dr appt today with Dr Hottie (if only I had sleep apnea so maybe I could keep going to him!). This was followup from my Sleep Study. I do not have sleep apnea - which I didn't think I did - so will not be scaring off any future husbands by having to wear a face mask of oxygen at night. I only slept 75% of the night which is not normal but since I was in a different environment they decided it was nothing to worry about. It took me wayyy longer (like 300 plus minutes as opposed to the typical 100 plus) to fall into REM sleep but since I am on an antidepressant it is also nothing to be concerned about and something they see frequently with people on those types of meds. The last thing is that I do move my legs around a lot at night - you know, like the Restless Leg Syndrome commercials - but since it doesn't wake me it was also of no concern. So basically I am a healthy sleeper! One more check off the list for the gastric bypass.

After work tonight I went and met my old teammates from work over at a bar called Buster's in South Minneapolis. One of the developers that I liked a lot - he really knew his "shtuff" is also leaving the bank. There were about 12 of us that went for beers and appetizers. I had crab stuffed shrimp over crostini bread that was quite delicious. I was bummed I had to leave for class because we were allll having a really good time. And it was great to see the old gang. I also met the new Rightfax person that replaced me. He seems like a good guy too.

I will have to say though that I LOVE my new job! I think I have finally found a position that suits me to a T. Hopefully I will still be saying that a year from now! And my manager is rarely around so I don't have someone like Andy breathing down my neck. I can't tell you what a relief it is to have a manager once again that just lets you do your job.

Dad got out of the hospital around 3 and I am sure him and Ellie are crashing at Fort Snelling right now since I am sure neither one slept well. Dad said he has some pain but not too bad.

Dad's Surgery

Dad's prostate surgery went well. He was in good spirits at the hospital tonight tho he wasn't sure if he would be able to stand being in bed all night without getting up! The doctors feel pretty confident that the cancer on his prostate did not progress anywhere else in his body. The pathology results should be back in a few days.

The gift shop at the hospital had all sorts of cute ornaments.

It is COOOOOLLLLDDDDD outside!

g'night! I am very tired!

Thanks for any thoughts or prayers you said for my dad!

Love ya!

Tuesday

First of all I just heard that Ted Stevens - the Republican from Alaska just lost his seat. Rock on Dems.

I had dad and Ellie over. They came into town on Sunday and I invited them over for dinner. I made a pretty decent beef roast with potatoes, carrots and onions in a crockpot (with a gravy type sauce). Unfortunately dad couldn't eat it because he is having surgery tomorrow to get his prostate removed. There are some cancerous cells and they decided to just remove it. The doctors have been keeping an eye on it for awhile so dad doesn't seem too concerned but it still isn't a fun thought that your dad has cancer.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers on Wednesday. Jon took the day off from work so I am glad for that. I will stop up after work and after my therapist session.

P.S I did put some leftovers in a container for dad and Ellie to take back to their room on base so dad can try my food when he can eat again!

Weekend Update (Beware of Pix, not for kids)

Sayde, baby Eli and moi

Julie and the penis topper we got at the Pure Romance Party

Rachel's spotlight with the topper!

John and the beginning of the crazy penis topper!

John and Rachel...Rach, are you trying to drag your man on the dance floor! hahaha

Newest cousin - Baby Eli - son of Joni and Jesse

This brought back great memories of Twister as a kid - Wyatt, Sayde and Lily in the back

Brittney and the homemade pizza

Wyatt entertaining himself at the Craft Sale

Craft Table

Julie, Sayde and Craft Table

The past weekend was the 2nd Annual Lancaster Holiday Craft Fair. It usually ends up Julie making crafts and thus the money...and me driving and socializing. But that's okay. It's fun. This time cousin Rachel also sold some things with us at the table - Rachel's son Wyatt was QUITE the Snowman Poop Salesman!

On the way up north on Friday our cousin Shari called and said that she was having a Pure Romance party and wanted to know if Julie and I wanted to come since we would be in town. Of course, I am always up for those kinds of parties because they are always a hoot. Julie is of course much more quiet about her "business" but she went anyway. The cousins that were there were me, Julie, Joni, Rebecca and Lane. Then there were about 5 or so friends of Shari's. I am thinking about having a party down here because the demonstrator is Shari's step-sister and she lives in the Cities. I am trying to talk all my cousins to coming down here in the spring for a party and then perhaps a Twins game or Mall of America trip or something! I think it would be a lot of fun.

Saturday was the craft show and both Julie and Rachel did pretty decent. After the sale Julie and I went to check out Glad's Clothing store to see if there was anything that my eye grabbed (believe it or not). Then it was back to Joni and Jesse's (where we stayed) to have home-made pizza that was awesomeeee. I finagled Randy and Peggy to come over and watch the kids so us adults could go to the dance at the Legion. We headed up and met cousin Mike, Luke, Brita, Rachel, John and Joey. I only had my fit flops for shoes so I was glad the dj didn't play the Butterfly because if you don't know - it is tradition for Joey, Julie and Me to do the Butterfly dance and try to kill cousin Joey in the process but that darn bugger can always stay on his feet! We all did get out there and dance tho (except for Luke) and had a great time. Bummer though for Joni and Jesse because their oldest kid Jackson started throwing up after the left so they had to cut it short.

Sunday was the long drive home and early to bed for me. I was beat. I love Lancaster and my relatives up there. I am very lucky to be able to experience all that a very small town has to offer in addition to my City life. Small towns are a true community and you learn a lot and learn to help each other at all times.

The Bill of Rights

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

***

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A South Carolina Roman Catholic priest has told his parishioners that they should refrain from receiving Holy Communion if they voted for Barack Obama because the Democratic president-elect supports abortion, and supporting him "constitutes material cooperation with intrinsic evil."

The above is what really annoys me about the overly religious. In our Bill of Rights - as Americans we have the freedom of religion....which I respect BUT then the religious groups should be JUST as respectful of those who aren't religious. In my mind, this priest is being sacriligious! Shouldn't the clerics wants us all to get closer to God in whichever way they deem is appropriate? And yet now this priest is denying his parishioners the body of Christ (Catholics believe that in Holy Communion the bread becomes the Body of Christ) because of who they voted for. CHURCH AND GOVERNMENT should not be getting into each other's business. This is also why I despise people who vote on their religious views only. Being Pro Choice or Gay and wanting to marry the person you love in MY OPINION is not a sin and is not wrong! I will not go to hell for these beliefs. But you may disagree with me and that is fine. I won't tell you how to live as long as you don't tell me how to live. I don't mean "you" that is reading this, but it's just my point.

Well, enough of my ranting...I haven't done that for awhile.

This weekend Julie and I are going to Lancaster for their now annual Craft Fair. Maybe some day I will actually craft, but Julie sells her stuff and I go along for the visit.

Veterans's Day 08

Happy Veteran's Day to all the vets out there..my brother and dad and uncles and cousins. Since I had the day off work I was at the Bariatric Center for 3 hours. 1 hour was meeting with a psychologist and 2 hours was taking tests...an eating assessment, some other test that I don't remember the name and the MMPI which is the Minnesota Multi Phasic Inventory which consists of 510 questions or something like that. I had to take these tests for them to determine if I am ready mentally for surgery and the lifestyle change. I am curious as to how they assess that.

Tonight Julie and I had a NAMI Legislative meeting (we meet once a month). It was Julie's first one so I am hoping she will keep coming. I find them very informative and like that NAMI is working to make the care of anyone with mental health issues better.

OH...I even went grocery shopping today. I am going to try shopping a couple times a week and get smaller amounts of food and see if that helps me keep my fridge stocked better so I eat out less.

And then the day was shot. Why is it that the days off always fly by so fast?

One of my greatest fears...

is to get stuck in an elevator and today, yes today it happened at work. I pushed the button to go up and got inside and I thoughttt it started moving but then all of a sudden I see the arrow button for up blinking red. As cousin Carrie would say, OH MY GOD! I couldn't even think for a minute what to do because I started panting from fear. I started pulling out my cell phone and THEN I noticed the phone inside the little box thing. And it actually worked. It rang to a security guard who actually was very nice but my fear and freakout-ness must not have shown because he was very non-chalant about it. I said, so are you going to come and rescue me? And he said well it probably won't be me, but it will be someone. I had just got back from the Bariatric Center for another appt for my gastric bypass and had picked up some KFC - yes my bad, but I haven't had KFC in so long and was craving it. Anyhoo, so then I called my friend Pam and asked her to let Melanie know I was stuck in the elevator. Melanie is one of the other "bridge" managers with me. Luckily I didn't have to pee or anything so decided to start eating my food since I was stuck. By that time I had calmed down. I kept saying to myself, "Yes Heidi there is enough air in here and I won't run out of air and they will get me out of here soon". Guess it worked and calmed myself down. Either that or once again food was my rescue! Anyhoo, all of a sudden the elevator moved. I was back on first floor. The cleaning person was there and 2 older ladies. As soon as the door opened I said oh thank gawd...I was stuck on the elevator. The cleaning person said I thought it was stuck because the light was blinking. The 2 older ladies almost didn't want to get on but I said c'mon, we can all get stuck together. Anyhoo, the elevator worked this time. whew

So, I have to meet with a dietician a couple times as part of the process for me to get the surgery. I know a lot of things about HOW I should eat but of course it's a matter of making the right choice. But, some of the helpful things I learned is that I should eat 60-80 grams of protein a day (a palm size piece of meat is typically 20-25 grams) and that I should eat proteins first, then vegetables then the carbs or sugars. Hopefully by the time I eat the protein and vegetables I won't be wanting as many carbs. I always thought I ate okayyyyyyyyy but when looking at my food journal over the past month (insert Carrie's OH MY GOD) I am a CARB FREAK! My first step to eating better will be going to a grocery store and getting real food. Another goal I have is to eat out only once a day and the cafeteria at work counts toward eating out - ouch. I need to start reading labels better. If I purchase food with sugar which is just about everything I need to make sure it's 10 grams or less per serving. And the last takeaway I have is to start taking a multi-vitamin every day. I have Tuesday off for Veteran's Day and have the psych test for the surgery and then I will go grocery shopping and I WILL get real food! Carrie and Julie can attest to how pathetic my fridge is.

Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show

Mother Hen, Little Red Hen 2 and Little Red Hen 3

LRH 2 and her new glasses (they are dark purple but hard to see the color)

Mother Hen, LRH 2 and Little Red Hen 1

Another shot (I think this was with the flash, the rest were without the flash)

This year it was was at the Target Center. The nice thing about it being at the Target Center is they have a LOT more space than the Orpheum. So they had awesome video behind the dancers - it was almost 3D like. It was a Little Red Hen outing with the Mother Hen (so me, Carrie, Julie and mom). I always love the Rockettes show so I am glad that I decided at the last minute to get tickets. If you ever have an opportuunity to see the tour, it is well worth it (or to see it in NYC at Radio City Music Hall).

Everyone had seen it before except Carrie and she totally enjoyed it. We all did though - I don't think you can ever get tired of seeing the Rockettes and their precision dancing.

It was a very fun afternoon!

Saturday

Today was errand day. Got my oil changed, new wipers put on and had an eye appt and ended up with new glasses. My eye insurance is decent, my other health insurance sucks. But I only had a 15 dollar co-pay for the exam and my glasses were 20 bucks (it helps to not need bifocals yet). I also stopped at mom and Greg's for a bit and then Julie and I went over to Carrie's. She fed us Papa Johns' pizza (Lonny, Jaime and Alice also joined us) and then the Little Red Hens' sat and watched the movie "Once". I didn't think to ask if it was an independent film but I really liked it. There were no big names in it - at least that I know of. But the music was awesome.

I am super tired now so am going to bed but I will try to get a picture up of my new glasses. I really like them. But I really liked my other ones too! I guess I like to keep changing things up.

OMG

DUH, how can I forget to blog that Sandy Masin won! It was her campaign that I was volunteering for. Chanda was in town Tuesday night so we went to Granite City where the Eagan Dems were having a Victory Party but it was too crowded so we just went and ate some Idaho Nachos (waffle fries with bacon, sour cream and tomatoes) and had a couple sodas. We watched McCain's speech at Granite City which I thought was awesome and if he had portrayed that side of himself during the campaign it may have been a tighter race.

And Obama as usual had a great speech. I feel lots of excitement and hope for the future.

Hope and Therapy!

Ahhhhh...insert HUGE sigh of relief. Obama has won. And I feel the hope that I will assume many who voted for Obama also feel. Hope that America will once again stand proud and tall in the eyes of the world and hope that much of the evilness that has gone on in the past 8 years can be cleared away as much as is possible (and I hope stay away).

It was therapy night. And I don't necessarily feel happy, but I don't feel sad. I am not sure what I feel other than maybe peace, contentment and calm. I didn't blog about this last week because I have had to digest this. This is no slap against my parents either but it is something I am working through. The fact that I haven't felt loved for many years. Well let me re-phrase that. I know I am loved but I am a person that needs that touch and affection. Growing up we weren't a huggy kissy family. It is much better now but it still isn't as touchy as I would like to have it. But I also understand and realize that my own parents probably never got that affectionate kind of love and probably their parents before. So I get that - now that I am 43 and having these "enlightened" moments. It doesn't necessarily make the need or pain that I felt in the past any less. But I am learning from it. It is also a clue as to the type of men I have dated in the past. None of them were overly affectionate either, though that is what I always wanted and dreamed of. And I think that this peace I am beginning to feel more and more is because I am learning to accept that life "is what it is" and probably loving myself more - though that "love" word still needs some help. I got a C on my test last week and I would typically freak out about that. However since I never read any of the chapters and the instructor did ask some obscure questions that if I HAD read I would have known the answer...what more can be expected? And I don't feel the urge or strong desire to have to get that A anymore. Yes it would be nice but between work and volunteering and school, it's okay to not be perfect. And no matter what, I will get the same degree whether I get A's or C's. But yes, I will at least READ the chapters next time because I do LIKE getting good grades but I don't HAVE to get good grades for that praise or love that I was looking for in the past. And that is OKAYYYYYYYY.

First Day in my new job!

Let me just say it was a piece of cake. They didn't have a desk or computer for me so I ended up sitting at a desk that is occupied by a night guy, but that also meant that I didn't have a lot to do today. They are rearranging the whole room and I guess don't have all their sh*t together as to who is going where. I did have a couple meetings. But that is okay if they want to pay me for a few days and I am a slacker because I am sure soon enough it will be crazy!

FINALLY NOVEMBER 4th is here and I get to VOTE tomorrow! Go Democrats!

Today it was 74 degrees in the Twin Cities. Totally unreal! And then maybe snow showers coming this weekend. I am enjoying the long warm weather but I hope it doesn't mean another insanely long winter!

Sunday

I finally caught up on a bunch of movies this weekend. I told you about the first 2 already and the other 3 were 88 Minutes with Al Pacino, Charlie Wilson's War with Tom Hanks and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (don't remember the actors' names) Forgetting Sarah Marshall I thought was hilarious (but shows nudity so I don't recommend for kids). I don't know what movie I liked best, I liked them all. The only super negative comment was that I thought Michael Clayton moved too slow. Julie and I also saw The Secret Life of Bees at the theater. It was an AWESOME movie but a total tearjerker! Queen Latifah, Dakotah Fanning, and I don't remember the other big names but it was a great movie. When we were walking out of the theater one of the ladies that had also seen the movie said it had gotten bad reviews. Hence why I never pay attention to them. Seems like the reviews are always opposite of what I think.

I brought a crockpot of food down to the Get Out The Vote for Congressional District 2 but other than that I am laying low for the big new day tomorrow at the job.

Ahhh yes, the Janisch's

Taylor, Matthew and Grandpa Don (Hannah is behind)

Todd and Greg

Don

Brenda, Rick and Connie

OOPS, same one. Oh well!

Tammy and Pat

Whenever I get together with the Janisch family for some function I am always guaranteed a good time! I didn't make it over to Todd's mom and dad's pool all summer so it's been awhile since I saw everyone! Todd and Greg hosted a birthday party tonight for Matthew who turned 18 and Taylor who turned 13. It was Todd's sister's Brenda's birthday somewhere along the way also but she didn't get any cake! :-( BUT, we did sing to her...the Ugly Song. What is the Ugly Song you ask? Well the Janisch's almost always play a game with quarters. There is a dice game but tonight we played Chase the Ace or as we prefer to call it - Shit on Your Neighbor. I have to preface this with the fact that I never want to sit next to Todd when playing a game because he has the best darn luck ALL THE TIME and he is soooo good to be an evil player to his neighbor. I guess it runs in the family though because his mom Connie gave me quite a few shitty cards tonight too! So yes, I lost all games! I did almost win one, but then Pat (Todd's sister's Tammy's husband) freaking TIED with me so we had to start another round for a double pot! Back to the Ugly Song. Whenever a person loses we alllll get to sing to that person. It goes like this..U-G-L-Y You Ain't Got No Alibi - You Ugly! Of course, I totally got into it..ummm yeah, I think a bit too much because when it became MY turn to be sung too the whole gang STOOD UP and sang U-G-L-Y You Ain't Got No Alibi - You Ugly. Yes, it is a houseful shouting of self-esteem boosters! Actually it's pretty darn funny and totally enhances the game! Todd had sooooo many snacks that I don't know if I will remember them all. But here's the list I remember. Sweet and sour meatballs, mini spare ribs, reuben dip with bagel, buffalo dip with little breads, little smokies wrapped in bacon and cooked in brown sugar, cheesy nacho dip in the crockpot, chips, salsa, candy, strawberries and dip, pickle roll ups, taco dip. Todd and Greg always put on a feast. For dessert there was a Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake and a cake from Byerly's with lemon filling that was shaped like a hamburger. After the gift opening and singing and cake eating, more of Shit on Your Neighbor was played. Then some people departed and us that were left played a game of Phase 10. It was Todd, Greg, Emily (Todd's daughter), Pat, Tammi (his sister and brother in law) and me. I have never won that game but I still persist. I didn't win tonight either BUT we did have great laughs. Greg found a flea on Mason which is their Maltese dog. Wellllll you know me and bugs. Greg gave the flea to Todd to kill and I was sitting next to Todd. Todd is the biggest jokester I know and he ALWAYS gets me so I am waiting for him to flick the flea at me or something and just about knock Tammy over who is half my size as I scream. But Todd actually just tried to kill the darn thing! He didn't throw it at me. But since I screamed everyone started laughing hysterically which then made me laugh and I almost wet my pants so had to run to the bathroom. When I got back all was quiet but I still didn't trust Todd. I knew he had to have placed that flea SOMEWHERE by me. I thoroughly inspected my chair and cards and everything and found no flea (still in shock that he didn't put it on me). BUTTTTT I did FIND THE FLEA on the floor squirming around! Yes, when there is a bug, I WILL FIND IT. Todd actually DID get the flea again and flushed it down the toilet. Tammy and I weren't sure if we should go to the toilet for fear of flea jumping. It was an awesome night and I for sure have to get together with Todd and Greg and the family more because we always crack up and laugh our butts off. Can I just say that I love the Janisch's?

I think I blogged yesterday that I got 5 movies at the Red Box down the street. So far I have only watched Michael Clayton which I enjoyed but it was slow moving and Sex and the City which I thought was totally awesome. I also stoppped by the Target Center today to get tickets to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show for next weekend. I cannot WAIT to see them. I think that is my most favorite show ever...probably doesn't help that I am a Christmas freak.

Off to watch another movie before I got to bed tonight. I haven't laughed as much as I did tonight for a long time so it sureeee felt good!

And yes, I want to start playing Shit on Your Neighbor and sing the UGLY SONG at our holidays! I mean, what better way to say I love you? hahahahahah