So, I live in Minnesota. My adventures over the last couple months and the weather reminds me all the time.
The day after Memorial Day, I am at work. I am in the copy room making copies. I reach up to itch the back of my neck and I feel something that shouldn't be there. I try to get it out of my hair. It's stuck. All of a sudden I panic. I grab my papers from the copy room, throw them in my office and run to the "outdoors woman" that I work with. She's on the phone so I leave a post-it note saying, "I need to talk to you!!!" I walk back to my office and sit down, thinking I can get my mind off of the horrible thing on my neck. It doesn't work. I notice my breathing is shallow and I start getting dizzy. I put my head between my knees (cause that's what you are supposed to do when you are hyperventilating...I think). I start pacing. I keep checking to see if my co-worker is off the phone. I can't control my breathing. Full panic mode sets in. After what seems like forever, my co-worker walks in. I shut my office door behind her and start tearing up and tell her that I need her help. She sits down, thinking someone just died. I lift up my hair and ask the dreaded question, "Is there a tick on the back of my neck?!?!?" She almost fell over laughing. I'm crying, she's laughing. She looks, and yes, there was a tick in my neck. I get the willies just thinking about it. She gets it out; all-the-while laughing at the poor city girl. I survived. People here say it's "no big deal" and "it happens all the time." What a horrible childhood these people must have had to think that having a disgusting tick lodge itself under your skin be "no big deal." Frankly, I feel sorry for them.
Weather sucks here. We never really had a summer. It was more reminiscent of Spring. 70's - 80's from April to September. I loved it. Here is the problem, last Saturday, it was nice. Sunday I woke up and it was in the 50's. No easing into the frigid cold. Just BAM, there it is. I wore my thermals to work yesterday. I am not ready yet. It is now dropping to the 30's at night.
On a brighter note, I still love my job and the boy I moved out here for. I also get to go home for my 30th birthday in 2 weeks! I can't wait!!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
"Famous Erin" Is What People Call Me!
So, it's been about 2 1/2 months from the last time I updated. All I can say in my defense, is work has been NUTS!!!
I can say that officially, I am now famous! A couple weeks ago, I went to see my Angels play the Twins. I was decked out in my Angel garb...a red jersey, an Angels visor, and my rally monkey. It was great. I got tickets 11 rows up from the Angels dugout. I could actually see the faces of my beloved Angels!!! How excited was I?!?!?
First of all, before the game, I was standing outside the big marshmallow people call the Metrodome, waiting for my friend to show up. I was standing there, proudly displaying my colors amongst the enemy (Twins fans). I got a couple people shooting rude remarks my way...friendly jabbing. I saw this old (and I mean OLD...almost "let's-get-a-walker-hug-my-great-grandkids" old) woman walking with an equally as old friend. As she walked by me, she looked at me, looked at my monkey, and turned to her friend and said, "Oh, how sad. She brought her monkey." I was shocked! She said it with such content! If I wasn't so afraid of busting her hip, I would have knocked her down! Mean old lady!
Anyway, back to my "Famous Erin" story. I was sitting at my awesome seats and in the middle of the game, one of my best girlfriends back home (CA) text me, "Are you at the game?" I text back that I was, and she said the camera was on me for a bit! I felt such a thrill! Oh, it doesn't stop there...in the last inning of the game, the people in the very front row left. So I hopped over the kids in front of me and ran down to the front. I was hootin' and hollerin', waving my rally monkey...you know, being a fan. When the game was over, I started walking up the steps to meet up with my friend. I received a call from one of my other closest friends, and he said that the coverage of the game closed out with a close-up of me! This game was on channel 13 (not a cable channel) and all of the Angel fans who were watching the game back home saw me, rooting for my home team in Minnesota!!!
On my way to my car, a fellow Angel fan stopped me and gave me a high-five for sportin' my Angel gear like he was. He then stopped, looked at me and said, "Hey, you're the girl with the rally monkey!" I nodded and then he said, "Can I take a picture with you?" Of course, I had to say yes to a fan! I posed, gave him a hug, and bid him adieu.
So, I move to Minnesota, and get famous in California!!!
I can say that officially, I am now famous! A couple weeks ago, I went to see my Angels play the Twins. I was decked out in my Angel garb...a red jersey, an Angels visor, and my rally monkey. It was great. I got tickets 11 rows up from the Angels dugout. I could actually see the faces of my beloved Angels!!! How excited was I?!?!?
First of all, before the game, I was standing outside the big marshmallow people call the Metrodome, waiting for my friend to show up. I was standing there, proudly displaying my colors amongst the enemy (Twins fans). I got a couple people shooting rude remarks my way...friendly jabbing. I saw this old (and I mean OLD...almost "let's-get-a-walker-hug-my-great-grandkids" old) woman walking with an equally as old friend. As she walked by me, she looked at me, looked at my monkey, and turned to her friend and said, "Oh, how sad. She brought her monkey." I was shocked! She said it with such content! If I wasn't so afraid of busting her hip, I would have knocked her down! Mean old lady!
Anyway, back to my "Famous Erin" story. I was sitting at my awesome seats and in the middle of the game, one of my best girlfriends back home (CA) text me, "Are you at the game?" I text back that I was, and she said the camera was on me for a bit! I felt such a thrill! Oh, it doesn't stop there...in the last inning of the game, the people in the very front row left. So I hopped over the kids in front of me and ran down to the front. I was hootin' and hollerin', waving my rally monkey...you know, being a fan. When the game was over, I started walking up the steps to meet up with my friend. I received a call from one of my other closest friends, and he said that the coverage of the game closed out with a close-up of me! This game was on channel 13 (not a cable channel) and all of the Angel fans who were watching the game back home saw me, rooting for my home team in Minnesota!!!
On my way to my car, a fellow Angel fan stopped me and gave me a high-five for sportin' my Angel gear like he was. He then stopped, looked at me and said, "Hey, you're the girl with the rally monkey!" I nodded and then he said, "Can I take a picture with you?" Of course, I had to say yes to a fan! I posed, gave him a hug, and bid him adieu.
So, I move to Minnesota, and get famous in California!!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Born Without...
I know what I am about to write may tick off some extreme feminists. But, it's my opinion, so I am not sorry. :) I believe that there are some things that are innately feminine and masculine. That's not to say that both genders may possess the same qualities but overall, there are some things that are just born into us. For instance, I believe that females are born with nurturing, caring, and loving abilities that make for a great mother (like mine!). Whereas males are born with the "fix-it" attitude, whether it be toys, electronics, or problems, they try and "fix-it."
That being said, I think I was born without one specific thing that I think all girls are born with. The ability to paint nails. I don't have that skill. No matter how hard I try, it always turns out the same...the top part of my finger is painted...skin, nail, cuticle, and most of the time knuckle. Kalar's sister Corean found out about my lack of skill last Friday. (By the way, for the newbies, Kalar is my boyfriend...the one I moved to Minnesnowta for.) My lack of talent in that area is so bad that I have developed a method for the 3 or 4 times a year I do paint my nails. I make sure I do it before bed. I let them dry and then in the morning shower, I scrape off the paint that covers my skin. Mission accomplished, beautifully painted nails for work that day and no one is the wiser.
On Friday, the day before Valentines Day, Corean and I were visiting Cindy in the hospital. While the t.v. show F.R.I.E.N.D.S was on (BEST SHOW EVER!) Corean decided she wanted her nails painted and she requested I paint them for her and in turn, she would paint mine. As I internally freaked out, I somehow calmly said, "Sure." I grabbed a towel to put in my lap as I sat down and faced her. We picked out a nice dark red color. I grabbed her hand, and began. With every mistake, I took my fingernail and tried to scrape off the wet color on her skin. By the time I was done, not only did Corean have the red all over her hands, but somehow I managed to get it all over my hands, fingers, palms, knuckles, back of my hand, etc. I looked at Corean and could tell she was confused at my lack of painting abilities. I told her about my absence of skill with the brush. I apologized and explained that I probably should have warned her ahead of time. She said she noticed what I was doing but didn't have the heart to ask me...she said she could see how hard I was concentrating. When it was her turn to paint my nails, she did it perfectly. Point proven...painting nails is something that gals are born with. Well, all gals except me! Now I know what you are thinking, practice makes perfect. Well let me put it to you this way, I am 29 and have been trying to paint my fingers and toes since I could hold a paint brush. You would think I would have developed that skill by now.
***By the way, Cindy is doing extremely well! She was able to go home for a couple hours this past Saturday and Sunday. The doctors say they don't want her to get too comfortable at the hospital. They wanted to remind her what she was working towards. She said she remembered most of the house, but a lot of it she didn't. The longer she was there, the more familiar it became. She is still working on a lot of her motor skills and relearning to write and tie her shoes. She is just a miracle!
That being said, I think I was born without one specific thing that I think all girls are born with. The ability to paint nails. I don't have that skill. No matter how hard I try, it always turns out the same...the top part of my finger is painted...skin, nail, cuticle, and most of the time knuckle. Kalar's sister Corean found out about my lack of skill last Friday. (By the way, for the newbies, Kalar is my boyfriend...the one I moved to Minnesnowta for.) My lack of talent in that area is so bad that I have developed a method for the 3 or 4 times a year I do paint my nails. I make sure I do it before bed. I let them dry and then in the morning shower, I scrape off the paint that covers my skin. Mission accomplished, beautifully painted nails for work that day and no one is the wiser.
On Friday, the day before Valentines Day, Corean and I were visiting Cindy in the hospital. While the t.v. show F.R.I.E.N.D.S was on (BEST SHOW EVER!) Corean decided she wanted her nails painted and she requested I paint them for her and in turn, she would paint mine. As I internally freaked out, I somehow calmly said, "Sure." I grabbed a towel to put in my lap as I sat down and faced her. We picked out a nice dark red color. I grabbed her hand, and began. With every mistake, I took my fingernail and tried to scrape off the wet color on her skin. By the time I was done, not only did Corean have the red all over her hands, but somehow I managed to get it all over my hands, fingers, palms, knuckles, back of my hand, etc. I looked at Corean and could tell she was confused at my lack of painting abilities. I told her about my absence of skill with the brush. I apologized and explained that I probably should have warned her ahead of time. She said she noticed what I was doing but didn't have the heart to ask me...she said she could see how hard I was concentrating. When it was her turn to paint my nails, she did it perfectly. Point proven...painting nails is something that gals are born with. Well, all gals except me! Now I know what you are thinking, practice makes perfect. Well let me put it to you this way, I am 29 and have been trying to paint my fingers and toes since I could hold a paint brush. You would think I would have developed that skill by now.
***By the way, Cindy is doing extremely well! She was able to go home for a couple hours this past Saturday and Sunday. The doctors say they don't want her to get too comfortable at the hospital. They wanted to remind her what she was working towards. She said she remembered most of the house, but a lot of it she didn't. The longer she was there, the more familiar it became. She is still working on a lot of her motor skills and relearning to write and tie her shoes. She is just a miracle!
Monday, February 2, 2009
January doesn't suck after all!
So, I and others around me experienced a MIRACLE. Believe me, I do not use that word lightly. The woman whom I, and others I know, have been praying for beat the odds. She woke up, and is now walking and talking! The doctors took the catheter out yesterday and let her eat real food! She is still working on her hand-eye coordination and her short term memory but PRAISE GOD she is alive!!! With a lot of occupational therapy and speech therapy, she may even lead a "normal" life! I am so excited! The odds were against her. The doctors though she was brain dead and wasn't going to live very long. The hospital was so amazed at her recovery that they wanted to write a paper on her! I celebrate every day I get to spend with her!
*****
So, Saturday, I was on my way to pick up a friend to go to the hospital. Across the street from where I live is a boat launch to Eagle Lake. The friend lives on the other side of the lake. I decide that because I now live in Minnesota, I will embrace the culture and drive over the lake. I cautiously pull onto the frozen lake, fully intending to drive across the lake, park in their backyard and then proceed to claim the high-fives that were due for my heroism and ingenious fortitude. As I pull my car onto the ice, I remember Kalar telling me to make sure my windows are rolled down and my seat belt is undone, just in case I fall through; I will have an easy escape route. So, I follow his direction and roll my windows down and take off my seat belt. As I am driving, I notice other vehicles on the lake driving with their windows up. I feel sorry for them. If we all fall through, I may be the only one who survives. I focus back on the task at hand. Driving on a lake. The further out I go, the more fun I am having. It seems so amazing to be driving with my car where just a couple months ago, I was riding in a boat! I get halfway across the lake and notice a large cluster of people, vehicles, and ice houses. I think, "Wow, it sure is a busy ice fishing day!" As I expertly maneuver around their ice houses and their red flags stuck in their fishing holes, I see my friends' house. I start imagining the high-fives again. I get about 50 yards from the backyard and stop. Not on purpose. My wheels still were spinning but my car was not moving. Apparently, one can get stuck in the snow on the lake! I pull out my cell phone and dial my friends number. She picks up, "Hello?"
"Corean? It's Erin. I'm stuck." I said with slight embarrassment.
"Where are you?"
"Are you in your kitchen?" I ask this because the house she is in has a beautiful bay window overlooking the lake.
"Yes." She responds.
"Look out your window." The laughter that ensues is one that has marred the inside of my skull forever because I knew my chance of receiving accolades for my deed has died.
She sent her friend (Charlotte) out to help me dig my car out of the snow. It didn't work. We tried for about 10 minutes before we turned to the large fishing population for help. About 7 men came and pushed my car out and Charlotte drove it back across the lake and around on the pavement to Corean's house. One female that walked over explained that she wanted to come help me about 10 minutes ago but the guys she was with were having too much fun laughing at me.
I slowly walk to the back of the house, up the brick steps, and in the back door. I hear the laughter and as I look up, I see a hand held high for me to slap...I got my high-five! Not for the reason I was expecting. I got it for the, oh, how did Darren put it, "The sheer entertainment of it!" He then said that one should only attempt what I did with a 4-wheel truck or SUV. I then looked back at the lake and it was only then did I notice, there was not one car out there.
I later found out that if one should fall through the lake in their car, no car insurance will cover it. And then, to top that off, the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) will fine you $10,000 to remove your car from the bottom of the lake! So, you are out a car and 10 Grand! I wont be doing that ever again. From now on, I will stick to the pavement!
It was an awesome experience I now have in my back pocket!
*****
So, Saturday, I was on my way to pick up a friend to go to the hospital. Across the street from where I live is a boat launch to Eagle Lake. The friend lives on the other side of the lake. I decide that because I now live in Minnesota, I will embrace the culture and drive over the lake. I cautiously pull onto the frozen lake, fully intending to drive across the lake, park in their backyard and then proceed to claim the high-fives that were due for my heroism and ingenious fortitude. As I pull my car onto the ice, I remember Kalar telling me to make sure my windows are rolled down and my seat belt is undone, just in case I fall through; I will have an easy escape route. So, I follow his direction and roll my windows down and take off my seat belt. As I am driving, I notice other vehicles on the lake driving with their windows up. I feel sorry for them. If we all fall through, I may be the only one who survives. I focus back on the task at hand. Driving on a lake. The further out I go, the more fun I am having. It seems so amazing to be driving with my car where just a couple months ago, I was riding in a boat! I get halfway across the lake and notice a large cluster of people, vehicles, and ice houses. I think, "Wow, it sure is a busy ice fishing day!" As I expertly maneuver around their ice houses and their red flags stuck in their fishing holes, I see my friends' house. I start imagining the high-fives again. I get about 50 yards from the backyard and stop. Not on purpose. My wheels still were spinning but my car was not moving. Apparently, one can get stuck in the snow on the lake! I pull out my cell phone and dial my friends number. She picks up, "Hello?"
"Corean? It's Erin. I'm stuck." I said with slight embarrassment.
"Where are you?"
"Are you in your kitchen?" I ask this because the house she is in has a beautiful bay window overlooking the lake.
"Yes." She responds.
"Look out your window." The laughter that ensues is one that has marred the inside of my skull forever because I knew my chance of receiving accolades for my deed has died.
She sent her friend (Charlotte) out to help me dig my car out of the snow. It didn't work. We tried for about 10 minutes before we turned to the large fishing population for help. About 7 men came and pushed my car out and Charlotte drove it back across the lake and around on the pavement to Corean's house. One female that walked over explained that she wanted to come help me about 10 minutes ago but the guys she was with were having too much fun laughing at me.
I slowly walk to the back of the house, up the brick steps, and in the back door. I hear the laughter and as I look up, I see a hand held high for me to slap...I got my high-five! Not for the reason I was expecting. I got it for the, oh, how did Darren put it, "The sheer entertainment of it!" He then said that one should only attempt what I did with a 4-wheel truck or SUV. I then looked back at the lake and it was only then did I notice, there was not one car out there.
I later found out that if one should fall through the lake in their car, no car insurance will cover it. And then, to top that off, the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) will fine you $10,000 to remove your car from the bottom of the lake! So, you are out a car and 10 Grand! I wont be doing that ever again. From now on, I will stick to the pavement!
It was an awesome experience I now have in my back pocket!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
January Sucks
The last two weeks have been an experience that I do not soon want to repeat.
Last week the temp dropped to negative 20's and 30's...that's straight temp, not wind chill! I have a "Carhart" ninja mask that I so elegantly donned for the frozen-ness that was my life. I can't understand why people were laughing at me at work taunting me saying, "Oh, the California girl thinks it's cold," and, "Poor California girl's cold!" (They always throw in the fact that I am from California; as if being from there makes me a wuss!) All I know is, I may have looked ridiculous, but at least my face didn't freeze off!!!
The weather started to warm up to the teens to lower 30's this week. Rumor has it, this winter will have another cold snap or two before Spring. I just keep reminding myself, "I love him," and, "The school system is great out here."
***
This past Saturday was rough. A woman that I have grown to love had a massive heart attack. She is still in the hospital, trying to wake up from a coma. Every day is a little better, she moved her head on her own yesterday! We wont know the severity of brain damage until she is conscience. They had lost a heart beat for 5 min. thus the brain had no oxygen for that long.
This is the first experience of someone close to me coming this close to death out of the blue. She wasn't sick. She is not old. There really was no build up to this! I really don't understand why. I know it isn't possible to see the "why." I can't see the "big picture." I know God does. I know He is a miracle worker. I know He is bigger than medical statistics. I know He is the ultimate healer. I know He answers prayers. But, what if His answer is, "No."?
I know all the "right" things to say, "We'll get through this," "God wouldn't give you anything that you and He couldn't handle together," "There is a reason," etc... It's always different when you are in the middle of it. It is no less true, but it feels different.
Please pray for her. She is important to me and a lot of people I care about.
***
P.S. Happy Birthday Reagan!
Last week the temp dropped to negative 20's and 30's...that's straight temp, not wind chill! I have a "Carhart" ninja mask that I so elegantly donned for the frozen-ness that was my life. I can't understand why people were laughing at me at work taunting me saying, "Oh, the California girl thinks it's cold," and, "Poor California girl's cold!" (They always throw in the fact that I am from California; as if being from there makes me a wuss!) All I know is, I may have looked ridiculous, but at least my face didn't freeze off!!!
The weather started to warm up to the teens to lower 30's this week. Rumor has it, this winter will have another cold snap or two before Spring. I just keep reminding myself, "I love him," and, "The school system is great out here."
***
This past Saturday was rough. A woman that I have grown to love had a massive heart attack. She is still in the hospital, trying to wake up from a coma. Every day is a little better, she moved her head on her own yesterday! We wont know the severity of brain damage until she is conscience. They had lost a heart beat for 5 min. thus the brain had no oxygen for that long.
This is the first experience of someone close to me coming this close to death out of the blue. She wasn't sick. She is not old. There really was no build up to this! I really don't understand why. I know it isn't possible to see the "why." I can't see the "big picture." I know God does. I know He is a miracle worker. I know He is bigger than medical statistics. I know He is the ultimate healer. I know He answers prayers. But, what if His answer is, "No."?
I know all the "right" things to say, "We'll get through this," "God wouldn't give you anything that you and He couldn't handle together," "There is a reason," etc... It's always different when you are in the middle of it. It is no less true, but it feels different.
Please pray for her. She is important to me and a lot of people I care about.
***
P.S. Happy Birthday Reagan!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year!!! I figured I would start this whole "blogging thing." I mean, everyone is doing it, right? I have to tell you from the start, I will not be blogging every day. I will do it as much as I can. If you haven't heard from me in a while, feel free to contact me and remind me I have a blog that needs updating.
That being said, let me share a little about me. I am a California girl, through and through. Then how, you may ask, do I find myself FREEZING in the upper Northwest with an address that reads Minnesota?!?!? Well, as they say, "I had to see about a boy." (Whoever "they" are..."they" say and do a lot that gives us all kinds of statistics and sayings and excuses for our behavior) I miss my family and friends terribly, but I had to try this adult thing on my own...following the "man of my dreams." (cheesy i know, but no less true)
It took me 9 months to find a job out here but I finally found one last September. I always get a kick out of peoples' faces when they ask me what I do for a living and I say, "I'm in rehab!" Truth is, I work in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This facility is for men and GLBT clients in St Paul, Minnesota (the capitol of the state). I absolutely LOVE my job...not just the people I work with, but the job itself.
I still miss my family. Technology today makes it easier to keep in touch, but nothing beats a real hug from mom!
Hopefully I can keep this blog thing up to date for those who choose to read it. If not, I will keep this for myself.
Peace out...for now.
That being said, let me share a little about me. I am a California girl, through and through. Then how, you may ask, do I find myself FREEZING in the upper Northwest with an address that reads Minnesota?!?!? Well, as they say, "I had to see about a boy." (Whoever "they" are..."they" say and do a lot that gives us all kinds of statistics and sayings and excuses for our behavior) I miss my family and friends terribly, but I had to try this adult thing on my own...following the "man of my dreams." (cheesy i know, but no less true)
It took me 9 months to find a job out here but I finally found one last September. I always get a kick out of peoples' faces when they ask me what I do for a living and I say, "I'm in rehab!" Truth is, I work in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This facility is for men and GLBT clients in St Paul, Minnesota (the capitol of the state). I absolutely LOVE my job...not just the people I work with, but the job itself.
I still miss my family. Technology today makes it easier to keep in touch, but nothing beats a real hug from mom!
Hopefully I can keep this blog thing up to date for those who choose to read it. If not, I will keep this for myself.
Peace out...for now.
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