Honk if you think Pluto should still be a planet!

So by now, we all know that Pluto got booted from the list of Planets. Let's all take a moment and grieve our loss. Okay, so now that we have that out of our system...

I don't think Pluto's coming back, so we best come up with some new mnemonic Devices for helping youngsters remember our planets! Beth and I didn't want to stray to far from our old favorite, "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas!" and came up with, "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles!" I know, I know, we deserve and award for our creativity!

The USA Today printed some new suggestions. Now, first of all, they were wrong on what the original was, so I'm not sure I put too much stock in their new ideas. I think we can do better people, so let's roll!

-My Very Extravagant Mother Just Sent Us Nachos
-My Very Elderly Mother Just Sits Up Nights
-Major Volcanoes Erupt, Making Jolts, Shaking, Unsteadying Nerves
-Make Very Extraordinary Meals of Jell-O, Strawberries, and Unsalted Nuts
-Mary's Violet Eyes Make Jack Stare Until Noticed

*And, they listed one more that I do not feel is appropriate to list here...

Today's Tidbit: Fantasy Football Draft = Interesting :)

Did ya miss me?

Well, I’m sure that some of you have missed me… Or, not so much… But I am just returning home from a much needed vacation! I have oh, so much to blog about. But, instead of putting it all in one blog, it’s in two different places. So, if you want to read about the other part of the trip, go to my MySpace.

I could very easily give you an entire run-down of my trip, but that would take FOREVER! Here are my highlights!

We stopped at a Burger King for dinner on Thursday night. The bathroom had an automatic sink and we could not get it to turn on. Beth decided it would be a good idea to “scare” the sink. She would go into the corner and hide and then jump out to try and startle it on. Kari and I were almost on the floor laughing. When we finally came out of the bathroom, Matt just stared at us. Apparently, the whole place heard our hysterics!

On Friday we headed out to Cedar Point. First of all, it’s beautiful! There is just nothing like riding up to the top of a 300 foot tall roller coaster and looking out over the lake. It was so amazing to see God’s creation like that! I loved it!

On top of that, Cedar Point had the 2 most amazing roller coasters I have ever been on! We started the day heading to Top Thrill Dragster. We knew that it would probably have long lines all day, so we wanted to make sure we got to ride it. We also knew that it has a tendency to break down and didn’t want that to become a factor either. All 4 of us love roller coasters and yet, as we waited in line, 3 of us were not so sure we could do it. Staring up at this thing was just incredible. It is 420 feet, straight up and over. The thing launches you at 120 mph to get over. The train takes off so fast; it’s incredibly loud and a bit frightening. Kari, Matt, and I were getting more and more nervous. As we approached the station, Matt noticed a sign that explained that the train doesn’t always make it over the top. Oh great, just what I wanted to know. Sure enough, one of the trains went up, and then came back down before going over the top. Ahhhhh!

So we finally got up there and get all strapped in. I looked over at Beth and said, “You know we’re not going to make it up, right?” And she laughed. As we sat there waiting, which is by far the worst part, I got more and more scared. We finally took off. There is no feeling in the world like going from 0 to 120 in less than 4 seconds! We went up, and up, and up… And then came hurling backwards toward the ground. Yep, we did not make it over! So, we sat there some more. The workers came over and asked if we were okay to try again, or if we wanted to get off. By that point, I was fine. It was so fun, I was ready to go! I figure we got really lucky because we basically got to do it twice! The second time, we made it over without a problem. The coming down forward part was insane! I seriously felt like I was going to fall straight to the earth. It was the BEST roller coaster ride EVER!

Cedar Point has 16 roller coasters. I loved Top Thrill Dragster and Millennium Force. Millennium Force reaches 310 feet and hits speeds of 93 mph. It’s an insanely fast and super fun coaster! I’d highly recommend it :)

We rode almost all of the coasters at Cedar Point. Several were very jerky and I started to feel pretty sick. There also weren’t many lines, and so we had ridden 6 coasters in less than 3 hours. We wanted to fit in 1 more before lunch so we headed over to the Iron Dragon. I was really not feeling well, I felt insanely sick to my stomach. But, Beth said it looked pretty mild and that I should just try it. As soon as we neared the station at the end of the ride, I just knew I was going to lose it. I ran off that ride and tried to push past people, but to no avail. I threw-up all over the place. All over myself (and sadly, the poor girl behind me), all over the exit ramp, railing, just everywhere! It was horrible! We had to go to buy a new shirt because of how big of a mess I’d made. Of course, I felt much better after that :)

For the rest of the day, I took it easy. Only riding things with big hills, no more going upside down for me! Because I threw-up after riding Iron Dragon, I got the nickname Spewing Dragon and was called by that name for the rest of the trip.

We did get to ride the two best roller coasters twice each, so that was awesome! I’d go back to Cedar Point in a heartbeat. But I’m staying away from Iron Dragon forever!

Today’s Tidbit: I got my first subbing call on Friday. Unfortunately, I was in Sandusky, Ohio and couldn't take the job. It was for 1st grade too! I was sad. But I'm sure there will be more!

All the drama!

I have decided that I really hate being a home-owner! I was sitting at home yesterday, minding my own business. I was babysitting Tucker, doing some laundry, watching the puppy, and just relaxing. I headed into the laundry room to get my clothes out and walked into standing water! The drain had completely backed up and the water was seeping out into my family room (aka, brand new carpet!) At this point, everything just went haywire!

I got on the phone, called my parents, who told me to call our plumber, who told me to call Rochester Drain-Rite. Beth whipped out the wet vac and started getting all the water up. At this point, Tucker started screaming... Apparently, he's not a big fan of vacuums! We got every towel that we own and started to try and sop up water from the carpet. My parents sent Matt into town with all the towels they could find at their house.

My plumber told me that if it was coming up from the floor drain, it had to be a sewer back up, not a plumbing issue. He then told me to be careful because the water was all really sewage. I got a hold of Steve at Rochester Drain-Rite and he came over. He was here for almost 4 hours trying to remedy the problem. Turns out, the sewer was backed up all the way out in the street and he couldn't fix it.

So, this morning around 7:30, we had a construction crew in our street. They closed off the road and dug up a huge hole to fix the sewer! All the neighbors were coming out and trying to figure out what the heck was going on. I have never experienced anything like this! I am so NOT looking forward to getting the bill for all of this!

Well, the problem was fixed and they patched the hole back up. I think they finally left around 3:00 this afternoon, maybe? I hope I never have that happen again, because it really sucked!



Today's Tidbit: Despite all of the drama yesterday and today, I had the best day today! I got a gift to help me with subbing from one of my swim parents, I got to have lunch with Sarah, and I talked to Ben when I brought my car in for an oil change. I had so many great discussions about God today, it made me really happy!

Be the fire in my heart

Beth and I went to church at Autumn Ridge this morning. One of the songs we sang really struck a cord with me. I had never heard it before and I completely fell in love with it. I was able to worship in a way that I haven't in a long time. I guess I realized how many things Jesus can be in my life, if I just let Him. Here are the lyrics. I think it's called Be The Center.

Jesus, be the center
Be my source, be my light
Jesus

Jesus, be the center
Be my hope, be my song
Jesus

Jesus, be my vision
Be my path, be my guide
Jesus

Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in these sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus, Jesus

Today's Tidbit: I hooked Nate up with a Charter e-mail address today. Gotta love that they give me 10 addresses and there is no way I will ever use all of them! Although, I am up to 6 now... 3 for me, 2 for Beth, 1 for Nate.

Jellious Much?

I was sitting at home, relaxing and starting to think that maybe I should start packing and getting ready to go soon when my phone rang. I answered it and it was Christine from my table. She wanted to know if we were getting together before the Agape Celebration. Apparently, I didn't get any of the e-mails that people sent. Stupid technology! Thus began me rushing around trying to get out of town.

I drove to Stewartville to pick up Brandon and we headed to Owatonna to meet up with our table. We went to Blast and had ice cream. It was Christine, Joe, Brandon, and me and then Laura came too. We walked and ate in the misting rain. It was good. Then, we headed to the church for the dance.

I had a blast! It was fun to sit with Nate and pick songs. My favorite two moments were when I ran out to my car, grabbed my iPod, and then played "Jumping in the House of God." An oldie, but a goody. Then, I totally loved our Champion fused with "Move." Too classic.

After the dance, we headed to Perkins. Nate stole my phone and called Ben & Greg. Laura and I split some pancakes. And Ruth didn't cave in and get the Half and Half, very smart girl!

Next up... A trip to Wal-Mart! There were some very creepy guys following us around, but we made it out of there and safely back to Laura's house. We hung-out in Laura's room for awhile and then talked to Ruth when she came home from work. After that, we played a rousing game of Apples to Apples. I was behind the entire game, but I came back and won in the end. I don't know why, but I always get the bad green cards... Hmmm, is that saying something about me? I had so much fun getting to know Abby & Shayla better. And, it is always good to spend time with Nate, Dan, and Laura!

Finally, we went to bed. I'm not even going to mention what time it was! We woke up this morning and headed to the bagel shop. I had a heavenly breakfast, a Maple French Toast bagel with butter and cinnamon and sugar. Oh, it was good! And Jodi was working and she had old TEC pictures. Haha, we got to see pictures of Ben!

We had to say goodbye to the Sibley East folk and then Laura and I went back to her house. We cleaned up her basement and then went for a walk. It was really good. I finally left around 4 and came home. I had an amazing time! And, unlike Nate, I did it without spending very much money :P

Today's Tidbit: I've been reconnecting with a lot of old friends lately. I love that! I'm meeting up with Erin for dinner on Monday and I think I'm having lunch with Sarah this week too. Yeah!

Oh what a relief!

"Dear Janet, It is my pleasure to inform you that your criminal background check has cleared. You are now a Substitute Teacher for the Rochester Public Schools." Oh my goodness, I was so worried that I wouldn't pass that. Well, it's official now. I'm all set up to sub in Rochester.

Not too much going on here. I've been sleeping a lot. I get up and work in the morning and then spend my afternoons playing with the puppy and taking naps. I guess I should enjoy my one month of free time before the craziness starts.

Today's Tidbit: We got my mom a birthday card that sings "Final Countdown." Howie loved the thing. He was chasing it and pushing it around the room. He started chewing it to shreds and then even got it open so it sang at him. Oh it was great!

My favorite square dancing pictures!

Me, Laura, Brianna, and Matt taking a break on the hay bales!

Me and Laura dancing... Or is it laughing?

Left Hand Star

Laura, Me, and Bob (It was really, really hot in the barn!)

All the TECies (minus Jodi cuz she took the picture!)

Grand Square... And Reverse!

Oh my goodness! I had soooooooo much fun at the Square Dance last night! If you weren't there, you really missed out! I wasn't planning on going, but then Rebecca called and asked for a ride. I decided, why the heck not and went. Boy am I glad that I did!

We got there about 6:45 and talked to Cary. At that point, no other TEC people were there. Shortly there after... Bob, Laura, Matt, Brianna, and April all came. It was time to start the dancing! There were way more girls than guys, but that's really not all that surprising. Especially since Bob's two dates didn't come (which was bad for me cuz she had said I could borrow one). No, but it was all good cuz I got to have Laura as a partner for almost the whole night. I had a blast! I'm really horrible at dancing, but it was fun.

My favorite thing we did was the Grand Square. And I loved it cuz I danced with Laura and then Matt was my other person, it was great to make funny faces and get all into it! The caller asked if anyone was a country music fan... I think Matt and I were the only two, heck yeah! The other dance that I really liked was the Virginia Reel. I danced with April on that one, good times! Merissa's dad went through the floor, that was pretty funny. Well, funny after we knew he was okay.

After all the dancing ended, we hung-out outside for a while talking. It was super good to talk to Bob! While we were outside, "Blessed Be Your Name" started playing and Christine and I reminisced :P I had so much seeing everyone! Thanks so much to Merissa and her family for having it! It was great!

When I got home, I had to take a shower right away. I was completely caked in dirt. I also coughed most of the night from all the dust. Oh, good times to be had! I loved that I hardly even noticed the pig smell after only a few minutes :) It reminded me of all the Barn Dances I went to in college. Good old Arthur, North Dakota!

I will post pictures when I get them from Bob :) Haha, should have brought my camera!

Today's Tidbit: My cat, Nigel, survived the vet yesterday. Last summer, we took him in for his yearly vaccinations. He went into Anaphylactic shock from the Rabies vaccine. This year, the vet gave him some meds first and then kept him for observation all day. Nigel did great! Yeah!

I'm a dog owner!

Well, Beth and Matt and I have returned from our trek to Iowa and we have a new puppy to show for it! We left home at 11:30 and got back around 10:45 last night. Of course, we did stop several times, so it wasn't like we were driving the entire time.

After much deliberation, we named the puppy Howell or Howie for short. I am absolutely in love with him! He's so sweet and laid back. It's awesome! I was all prepared for a horrible night with him, but it was pretty smooth. He cried for about 10 or 15 minutes (which was hard to listen to, but over quickly). He's been doing really well today.

So far he loves people, but doesn't so much care for other animals. We stopped at Greg & Jennie's last night and introduced him to them and then to Sadie. He is also terrified of Dory & Nigel. We took him to the pool today and everyone went nuts. Sorry Steve and Cali, we didn't mean to distract all the kids!

That's about all I have to report right now... I have to take my film in and get it developed. Then, and only then, will I have more pictures for you all!

Today's Tidbit: I am finally uploading my CD's into iTunes. I'm at 6,041 songs and counting... I think I need a bigger iPod!

Puppy Preparations

So I got home from the TEC Reunion last night around 7:30. I went right to work with Beth and Matt on organizing our house and getting it ready for the puppy to come home. I moved all my CM stuff downstairs and even set-up a scrapbooking table for me to work at. I moved a bookcase (and almost dropped it down the stairs) and rearranged all of my books. It's about time I got them all on the shelf, instead of in random piles. We moved furniture upstairs to create a space for the puppy. I think I finally went to bed around 2.

My dad came over at 10 and started working on the gate in our backyard. Yeah for playing outside with the puppy! He says he'll be done long before we come home tonight, so that's good. His other project for the day... We finally got our new entertainment center put together, so he has to hook everything up. He wants to change something with how our cable is hooked up, but I don't know what...

We will be leaving in about 45 minutes to go get the puppy! Mapquest is telling us 5.5 hours. Google Maps is telling us over 6 hours... I have decided that Google Maps gives better directions, but their time estimation is way off! It told me 2 hours to get from where I was in the cities to Austin, and it took less than an hour and a half. And I don't even speed! Well, okay, I don't go more than 4 over... Anyway, we're guessing 5 hours, I hope!

Well, I'm off for now... I'll be back with the puppy tonight!

Today's Tidbit: We moved about 8 boxes full of stuff to sell in a garage sale out to the garage last night. I noticed that the garage is getting quite full. Maybe that means it's time for a sale this fall?!? I think so! Then, we can use the money to pay our vet bills :P

Anyone want to name a puppy?

Beth, Matt, and I will be heading to Houghton, Iowa on Monday afternoon to pick up our new puppy! I am so excited, I can hardly wait :) The breeder posted the last pictures today, so I thought I'd post them for y'all to see! I think he's about the cutest dog I have ever seen (but I might be a tad biased). I can't wait to get him home!

Can someone please explain this to me?

Oh my goodness, I am so frustrated right now! I was on the phone making a hotel reservation when my boss called. I ignored the call, because I was right in the middle of giving the hotel my credit card number. I called my voicemail right away and got to hear my boss screaming at me about payroll. Gah, I'm just so annoyed! First of all, it takes him months to pay people. For example, my sister got paid on July 20th for her June hours. Yeah, that's bad! And he's been over 2 months late before. Anyway, he wants my instructors' hours for the summer swim school session. It only ended last week, and I have to evaluate them all before he sees it. My goal is always to have it to him within a week, which I am still within! Ahh!

And then, as if I wasn't already mad enough. He started yelling about our fall session and it better be full and he wants to see numbers and all this crap. Does he not remember that tomorrow is my last full-time day?!? And that I'm working in August to make it easier for him, so he can jet off to California and Spain?!? I mean come on! It's not my job anymore, start harassing somebody else! I'm suppose to take him stuff this morning, but I really don't want to see him. A little birdie told me that he is having lunch with all the graduating seniors, so maybe I'll go when he's gone... I do not want to see him.

Okay, that feels better. Just needed to vent... On the bright side, I only have one day left of being in his control! And I'm realizing even more that I'm glad I'm almost done. I would love to find a job so that I can be completely done, but baby steps will do for now.

Today's Tidbit: My dad and brother's softball team plays in the semi-finals tonight. If they win, they'll have the championship game right afterwards. Go Calvary!