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| Thursday, July 28, 2005 |
| I'm so excited.... |
| ....and I won't be able to hide it early next week when my digital SLR camera arrives. I've been pining for it for months and months. I finally saved enough money from wedding gigs to stop renting (which will save me $100 each wedding). I did a lot of comparison shopping and was glad in the end that I did. Turns out that the great deals I was finding were because some companies are not including batteries, battery charger, cables, software, etc with their camera bodies. And they won't tell you until you order and you call to confirm your order and they try to upsell you $200 worth of goodies you'll need just to make the camera work. I had to hang up on one guy after he got beligerent with me when I asked why the website didn't say what accessories were included and why it would make sense to buy a camera that didn't even have a battery. I also got hung up on once(and subsequently called back to speak with his manager) after the guy told me I was a big liar. Needless to say, I didn't purchase from eithe of those companies. And I ended up getting a bare-bones model anyways, and buying batteries and charger from Best Buy. (I already have lenses and digital memory cards). Now cross your fingers that the process goes as laid out and the camera arrives in time for my Thursday wedding shoot at 2:30. (not to mention the Friday and Saturday ones as well). Should, I paid for 2-day. |
posted by Jen @ 11:31 PM   |
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| My contacts await at the post office |
I finally broke down and bought contacts. I've never purchased them, ever. I have either had them bought for me by my parents or they were bartered from our optical place for movie tickets. But I ripped my last left contact and was scrambling for a replacement, so I bit the bullet and bought a box for each eye. I should be set for more than a year. With my luck, my prescription will change again before I can get through 6 sets. I was at work all day, so the contacts are waiting at the post office for me to ransom them.
Find yourself with cravings for really really healthy food sometimes? I've been eating salad made of baby greens or mixed crazy greens for nearly every meal for the last couple days. That's usually just my body's way of telling me I've been neglecting an important food group or vital nutrient. Also, dairy. Particularily cheese. Especially mac and cheese. So I just made some with some whole wheat pasta and 8 oz of real cheddar and some cultured butter and a little bit of whole organic milk. Oh so yummy. Brad, I'll bring you some for lunch since you're laid up with that knee.
Yesterday was the perfect summer day. The breeze was gentle, the temp about 75, the sun peeking through the clouds, the bugs kept at by, and the sunset over the mild waves on Lake Calhoun was reminicent of northern Minnesota from summers gone by.
Steph and Alyssa and I went for quite a long bike ride. So long in fact, that we needed lights on the way home so no one would hit us with their car. It was dark when we returned. Steph set the pace, getting sidetracked by the "pretty" quite a few times and nearly causing an accident once.
So, property taxes. I kinda forgot to file mine. I hear it's not too late. In fact I think I have about 5 days to get them done and postmarked. No pressure. At least I know where my tax statements are. That's usually the hardest part. For those of you who haven't done yours either, I hear the deadline is August 1st. I could be wrong though. Don't hold me to it. |
| posted by Jen @ 12:27 AM |
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| Tuesday, July 26, 2005 |
| Life of a recovering packrat |
In the last two weeks, I've managed to destroy my mostly cleaned up apartment. It's been too hot lately to move around much while I have been home and I've spent a good portion of time cooling off at friends' who have AC. But as of this evening the heat has broken. It's more like a cool fall evening right now. Guess my excuses are gone. I'll be working on regaining some clean floor space in the next few days. Just when I think I can be less of a slob, I go and be a slob again. Perhaps I'm not meant to be neat yet. More simplification of life is needed.
My other project for the week will be working on websites. I need to do some additions to my photography website. Kierriatta clothing will also be needing a website. Tomorrow Steph and I will sew some more. And I will try to photograph as many of the pieces as possible to get a preliminary website up.
And now, sleeping.....well laying on the couch for a bit until my eyelids won't stay open. |
| posted by Jen @ 12:47 AM |
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| Sunday, July 24, 2005 |
| Blessed Change |
Tonight was the last night in the current space and first night in our new borrowed space for my church. It's strange. I didn't feel the sense of loss I thought I would tonight. The old space seemed so empty, but it didn't feel like the church was even there anymore. It was like all the people and the things that made up the church I know were in the new space. I just expected to feel more nostalgic about the old space. Guess I'm growing up and learning to deal with change better.
There are familiar faces and things surrounding us in the new space to make it feel like home. And though the new space is decidedly less bohemian than our last one, it already seems to fit us well. This move is also inspiring some personal changes in how I'm living my life, what I'm pursuing and the goals I'm setting for myself. Lately I've been less concerned about controlling the situations around me. I'm trying to fill my time with things and people I enjoy and stop worrying too much about the future.
I haven't found myself moved to tears of joy in years. But I did tonight. As the closing song was sung and the refrain of Amens was repeating, the sun broke free and flooded through stain glass at the rear of the space, lighting up the center of our circle and shining on the faces of those I have come to know and love. It was as though God was letting us know that he was still there with us, even in the uncertainty and even in an unfamiliar space. "God special effects" as some friends called it. And to see the faces of those around me light up and heads turn toward the flooding light, I felt a stirring within, a warming sensation of love. It sounds cheesy, but I used to get those feelings back in the camp days seeing a chapel full of kids with arms outstretched singing their little hearts out about how much they loved and needed Jesus. I remember being choked up past the point of loosing my voice on one such occassion.
Mark this move and what it's teaching me as one more milestone in my process towards growing up. |
| posted by Jen @ 11:55 PM |
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| Saturday, July 23, 2005 |
| ...and quick before I sleep |
I filled my today off with many things fun and summery. First, a long, nearly 12 mile bike ride with Micaela who will be leaving very soon for a year. It was a warm day, but good for a bike ride as the breeze is cooling. And then a good long sit underneath the falls of Minnehaha where the temp is usually about 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding park area. Lots of people out and hiking around there today despite the nearly 90 degree weather (or at least it felt that hot, I never did check). Drank about 2 gallons of water today (sweat about that much too). Suprisingly, it's not that long of a ride, nor is it a very hard ride (just a few long hills which you get to enjoy the downhill of later) and it took about 45 min I'd say. I rode my red 3-speed, which, though it's a nice bike and I was debating keeping it, I think I will sell because of it's relatively good working condition and it's likelihood of fetching a good amount which can be invested in previously mentioned fancy new mountain bike.
Dinner tonight for girls' night at Rock Bottom Brewery. Chicken enchiladas (a massive plate which I finished having worked up quite an appetite with my bike ride) and a tasty cold beer (and a large glass of water). Short girls night though due to my working in the morning. Working both jobs that is, which means a 12 hour day. Which means sleep now. More later. |
| posted by Jen @ 1:18 AM |
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| Friday, July 22, 2005 |
| Summer's a beach |
Well summer should be about enjoying the outdoors and the beach, etc. So far, mine has consisted of working too much and the occassional short stint in the stifling mugginess of what is more like Minnesota late August than mid July. But I did get a chance this past weekend to hang out under a shaded tree for a bit with my friend Steph. It was way too hot to move much at all and the sun too scorching to venture into the water for fear of serious burn. And I'm hearing the forecast is the same for this coming weekend (which includes a little time off for me, but we'll see about the enjoyment of the outdoors).
I'm excited about tomorrow and hoping the rain will stay at bay long enough for my "plans". Micaela and I plan on biking for a couple hours and seeing some sites and maybe I'll take her on a little letterboxing hunt (as one of our suggested destinations is a letterboxing site). And then a little low-key "girls' night" might be in order.
There will soon be a new clothing "label" available to all who enjoy handmade clothing and recycled goods. I'll be spending some time designing a website to showcase it to the world, but stay tuned is all I'm going to say at this point. Steph and I are cooking up a batch of handmade unique designs with our own flavor added for pizzazz (is that a real word? just wondering). We're official for now though, Steph filed for a tax ID for us. And we think we've picked a name we can both agree on.
Now, the mountain bike saga. I want a mountain bike. Actually I'd like to have a new bicycle in general. I have a bike that works, but I've never owned a bike that was brand brand new. And I work in a bike shop, so I hear all about some of the great mountain biking trails and parks around here. (not to mention that I have a couple friends who I just might get to mountain bike with me should I aquire one).
So, not only do I want one, I have plans to eventually get one, and have been drooling over a specific one (Cannondale F400 Feminine) for quite some time. Now I have to decide which comes first, the digital SLR camera or the mountain bike........oh the agony. Anyone wanna chip in? Just kidding.
Time for sleeping. Hope the cat decides tomorrow morning that I'm a less tasty treat on my calves than I was this morning. I think he was hungry....his bowl was empty. I gotta either teach him "baby signs" or to speak. |
| posted by Jen @ 1:41 AM |
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| Sunday, July 17, 2005 |
| Rock like your life depends on it |
Well I didn't add any stamps to my letterboxing journal, but I did get a travelling companion to the Green Man Festival. A last minute friend and her tent came along to enjoy the food, music, camping and cooler weather in Duluth.
We were sad to leave early Saturday for prior commitments. It was wildly fun. Vendors in Green Town have inspired Steph and I to pursue a small business venture. (no details just yet, we want to get off the ground and then all of you can enjoy our wares). Also, amazing food from Pizza Luce.......grilled corn on the cob, pizza with artichoke, kalmata olives and feta cheese, and fresh squeezed lemonade.
The glass blowing, blacksmithing and pottery throwing was uber cool.
The last band to play Friday night were the Violent Femmes. For guys pushing 40 they can still rock. I haven't danced like that in about 10 years. Boy do my calves hurt now.
I'm inspired to not hold a regular job next summer. I want to be more free. Less time inside, more time in the fresh air and sunshine, more time spent with friends, more time in what I'm starting to think of as "summer mode". It's gonna require some saving on my part, but I think working some misc jobs and photographing weddings and perhaps the new venture could make that a reality. Just a simpler way of life.
The last gathering in my church's present space tonight. Nostaligic and somewhat sad. We won't be moving far to a temp space, but things will be different. I'm excited about the challenge set forth in this and the opportunities that will be brought about. My comfort level is being tested and I'm becoming inspired to be more flexible in my personal life too. There are some things that I'd like to change and this kind of outside change is spurring on more changes closer to home. Also makes me think more about what is really important to me and further encourages the simplifying of my life and stuff.
My bedtime is near and I'm thinking the remaining heat of the day calls for a tall glass of sun tea. |
| posted by Jen @ 11:46 PM |
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| Thursday, July 14, 2005 |
| Why isn't college free? |
Lately I've been wishing I could go back and not go, or at least go some place less expensive than I did. My loan payments are taking up all the money others my age are spending on cars, bikes, digital cameras, vacations, houses, eating out with friends, etc. Sure, rent is only 1/3 of your income. Then you have insurance (of all varieties), phone bill, internet access (mine's relatively cheap though since I refuse to bow to DSL), gas for your car, groceries (dumpstering sure does help fit this into my budget), and any sort of "necessities" that might need repletishment. I also have a little something called credit card which was a terrible indiscretion while in college, but I'm in a repayment program and making huge bounds to be free of them. After all that, there is usually just enough left to pay for the loans if I'm lucky. No money left for fun, saving, or emergencies. One loan guy (when I called to make arrangements cause I couldn't pay them on time) was brash enough to say (and I quote) "Then get another job" (I was already working 2 - one full time, one part time). Luckily not all my loan companies have that attitude.
The heat and humidity won't quit, so I'm escaping (even if it's only for one day). The Green Man Festival is this weekend and I've wanted to attend for some time and decided the other day I would just go. So far, no one's going with me, I'm just going. There will be music and independant film and mountain bike races to watch and cool "green" vendors and art and organic food and camping (though I think I will sleep in my car as I don't have a tent or $10 to pay for a camping permit - and will be all by my lonesome). I'd go the whole weekend, but work demands I be here Saturday afternoon.
There are Letterboxes in Duluth :) I'm devising a plan to hit a few before the Festival grounds open. Chris, be jealous :) (if you read this, though I'll be showing off my stamps on Sunday). I've been slacking on the whole letterboxing thing. Just too hot for me to move and drive around without AC in the car and I don't like mosquitos (which I hear there are a lot of this year) and and and....excuses excuses excuses. I'll get right on that.
My summer heat guilty pleasure is ice cream. Good, full fat, rich and creamy (and recently peanut butter/chocolate fudge swirl) ice cream. I've been eating about as much as I can stand. It's good to get my dairy (as lately I've not had a connection for raw milk that is working out), but I'm thinking I should switch to yogurt to go easy on the sugar. I've noticed that a bit of the winter weight I've lost came back. I'm sure sitting around trying not to sweat too much hasn't helped either.
Well this has been a rambling collection of thoughts for the day. Thanks to a friend who shared his air conditioned house and the opportunity to use free laundry machines last night. I needed both badly. Time to whip up a batch of my world famous ice water. |
| posted by Jen @ 11:53 PM |
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| Tuesday, July 12, 2005 |
| Migrane....ugh |
I've got one. Woke up with it. Took something, took another something, tried everything, can't kick it. Was supposed to go to work tonight to set up a sale, but my head is pounding, my vision a bit blurry and my neck sore, so I called in "sick" for the first time since getting this job.
Not a total waste of a day though. Slept until 2 cause I could and I've been really tired lately not sleeping well in the heat. Had a guy stop by to pick up a broken old computer (yay, one less thing in my world and one step closer to simplified) about 2:30. Finished editing some long over due photos and took them to be processed. While I was waiting for the 1hour photo (well it's not a 1hour photo, it's a professional quality lab, but I can get them to do my digital prints in an hour when needed), I went to the craft store looking for stamp creating supplies (to create some stamps for some letterboxes I'd like to place by the end of the month - for information on letterboxing click here) and then a quick stop for some blueberries.
I'm sitting in front of a large fan trying to forget it's July in Minnesota and what humidity does to me (I am oh so crabby and should any of you call me today, I'm sorry, I will likely bite your head off without provocation). Migrane and neck pain only heighten the effects of humidity. Hoorah for the next two days of working 12 hours in industrial AC.
So the pigeons are back - or they are trying to be. Found one had laid another egg in a planter this morning. Though I generally can't bring myself to destroy a nest, my most recent war against the bird mites brought on by the last 2 pigeon nests has tainted me. I scooped up the whole next and chucked it over the railing, sending it plummetting three stories to utter demise. My sanity depended on it. I'm just getting over itching. So, sorry pigeons. Nice knowing you, but you need to find a new place of residence.
My poor kitty is laying on the tile in the bathroom to keep cool. I cut his hair. Short of shaving him completely bald and dipping him in the tub, I don't know what else to do to help him. Poor kitty. First you endure a hair cut and now worse heat (and being teased by pigeons on the railing outside). Tips for keeping a kitty cool without AC anyone?
A cool bowl of Cow Tracks ice cream is calling my name. Perhaps chocolate peanut butter therapy is just what the doctor ordered for heat, humidity and migrane. |
| posted by Jen @ 8:38 PM |
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| Sunday, July 10, 2005 |
| Awww, man. |
I wrote a whole spiel and shows how much I know how to use a blog. I went to post it and the blog ate it. Hungry blog, naughty. Bad.
Let's see if I can recap for all of you who will never read that blog caught inbetween reality and cyber space. To start, I thought my blog had been deleted due to non-use, turns out it hadn't been and I can get on for a second chance at being a blogger. (maybe I just want to be cool like everyone else, or maybe it's because I want to write things others might actually read).
On to my week.....I have been both productive and lazy all at once. Worked uber hard two days this week to transform my apartment in preparation for hosting the Porch dinner. One devoted friend showed up to eat my grilled summer veggies, corn on the cob, fruit salad, sun tea and polish sausages. What did I get out of this deal? A clean apartment and some awesome leftovers. Now on to lazy. I had the rest of the mornings this week off, but with the exception of Thursday morning (where I got out of bed early to the news of London bombings), I slept my days away. No biking, sunbathing, writing, or even necessary chores. Just sleeping. And then the working. I'll be glad to be there tomorrow seeing how hot it is in here right now. Don't even want to feel it midday tomorrow. That's the joy of no AC.
I did get a litte sun and some writing (and photography)in today. Took some pasta salad to a lesser known beach (to avoid mega crowds) and sat on the edge of the sand (to avoid children travelling from water's edge up to mom from tracking too much mud into my notebook and letters) and just enjoyed the finer parts of Minnesota summer.
Clover is in full bloom here on July 10, 2005 in Minnesota.
Then I closed by saying that I thought blogging might lead me to do something with my day that's worth writing about (that being what I plan to write about). Now I really must be getting back in front of a fan. I was about to wilt before having to rewrite the post. |
| posted by Jen @ 1:05 AM |
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