A thought for Halloween

I recently volunteered to be a witch for Halloween in a haunted house that a co-worker is organizing. Wouldn't it be great if I wore this mask instead?

Seriously, the woman still scares me.

Life is beautiful

-I had my 90 day review today at work. I knew that things were going well, so I pushed for full-time (with benefits). And it looks like that should be happening in the next month! I can't believe it went so well... I am so happy here and happy that they like having me here.

-I am getting a massage after work today. Hooray! AND, I found a way that I might be able to get super cheap massages through my insurance... I'm talking about a 75% discount, people. I'm all over that.

-There is actually progress in the doggie adoption department. I had an interview with a shelter over the phone and it looks like they will be scheduling a home visit. I originally applied for either an Olde English Bulldogge named Socrates or a Boston Terrier named Tuesday from the shelter. However, I told the woman over the phone that I really want to work with the shelter to find a dog they think will fit well with me. They have a few dogs not listed on the site that are possibilities as well. It might still be a few weeks before I get a dog, but I'm really thrilled that the process is actually moving along!

-I'm trying to blog more regularly, so I may or may not be doing more opinion posts related to news stories. 'Cause, you know, I'm never short on opinions ;)

So hey, the economy may be going to shit, but life's good with me!

My trip back to MN... and various other tidbits

Much has happened. Why haven't I updated? Well I'd like my posts to be accompanied by more pictures. And since my mechanic is holding my camera hostage until I go dancing with him (long story), it doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon. So here is my post, with a couple of old and borrowed pics.

I'm still a non-smoker. Which is crazy considering that I decided to quit on a whim and see how it would go. Apparently, I'm not all that motivated to start up again. I'm not going to lie, I may have one now and again on special occasions, but smoking regularly is just too much work, time, money, and effort.

It helps that I got a new car that I don't want to smoke in. I got a 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4-door sedan... in silver steel, might I add. It's nothing too fancy, very practical and granola. I like it a lot, and I'm really excited to take it camping soon-- 4WD and all.

The dog search is still going slowly. I'm not getting my dog from a breeder and am only applying for certain dogs (ones that live well in apartments, don't shed a ton, will be ok at home when I'm at work, and are good for first-time dog owners). So who knows how long it will be. I know I'll get the dog that's right for me, when the time is right. I just hope that it's sooner rather than later.

I made my first trip back to MN September 3-8th. I went back specifically for my friend Amanda's wedding, and allotted some extra time to see some of the friends and family that I miss so much. I flew in to Minneapolis on a Wednesday, had a great dinner catching up with Mel and got to see my brother Seth's new place. Then I took the train to Winona to spend a few days with my mom, dad, and brother Sam. The wedding was Sunday the 7th, so I was back up in the cities for that. It was beautiful and lots of fun. I was so honored to see two people who love each other so deeply make that commitment. An amazing local band, Romantica, played at the reception which was held at the Varsity Theater, the food was incredible and catered by the Loring Pasta Bar, and my date was my good friend Matty who I always have a blast with. I love the boy dearly :) All in all it was an awesome trip back to MN. And here are my old and borrowed pics to illustrate my post:

Me and Matty on my last night at Hazelden (June 13, 2008)

The last in an awesome series of pics. Someday, when Mel

Andrew and Amanda's reception at the Varisty Theater, Minneapolis

Husband and wife!