August 27, 2008
Check it out! Toonces playing ping pong. An SNL classic for your enjoyment.

August 21, 2008
~~Chipmunks!
Because I throw birdseed, old bread, and whatever else out onto the patio there's always some sort of critter out there. The cats stay entertained all day by the little visitors; that's why I try to lure them in. Anyway, the other day we got some baby chipmunks dropping by! Actually, I think they live in the hedges on the other side of the patio fence. They were sooo cute!

Little visitors!

OMG! So tiny that both of them could've fit into the palm of my hand.

~~Couches!
Now that the tiny cuteness is out of the way, I'm relieved to have finally gotten rid of my old couch and chair that have been sucking up all the space in my garage for the past two months. One day I just said screw it and posted them for free on Craig's List. Within an hour I had over 10 emails about it. By that night it was gone! Yay!

Not everyone in the house was happy to see it go; one of us has been enjoying it up until the very day it left, clinging to it with every last hope upon hope. Photos say it better than words, so take a look at what I mean:

Here's the couch and chair that's now history. It was pretty nice but I gave it away for free because I couldn't be bothered to deal with selling it. Notice Olive sitting on the chair--she meowed every day at the garage door until I opened it up for her, at which point she'd run out and curl up on the chair for the entire day. Let's take a closer look so we can see what she's thinking...

~~Competition!
Finally, I have to mention the 2008 Olympics, which I watched a few nights and really enjoyed. The part I especially loved watching was any competition involving Michael Phelps, who has an average-joe-looking face but the body of a god.

Eye candy alert:
MP -- I'm touching his tight little abs in this photo (kidding...)

June 25, 2008
Just got back yesterday from touring Paris and London with my friend Val for three days each. It's going to be a long time before I want to take an airline trip again--I flew to Val's hometown of Chicago, from there we flew to London Heathrow, took a shuttle to London Luton airport to fly to Paris Charles DeGaulle.

Seriously, some of our travel incidents were like scenes from "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles." Trying to purchase tickets for the Paris train back to the airport to return to London, the machine was broken. But the man next to us, an adorable little Italian art professor on his way home, was in the same jam, so he proposed we share a cab to the airport. And, he kindly paid for our cab fare, which we thought was a good turn of luck. Only we ended up getting harassed by an airline agent at the Paris airport who seemed amused by our inability to speak French (his english was minimal by the way-- but being in Paris he had the upper hand of speaking the native language). Then, passing through security for the SECOND time at the Paris airport my carry-on bag was searched by a perplexed male security agent after spotting something suspicous on the x-ray machine; apparenly the French don't know what a curling iron looks like. I can only imagine, after seeing the x-ray and finding the curling iron, what he muttered to the other agent in French, snickering and waving me through the security line. Eeek!

So we boarded the plane back to jolly ol' London. Our plan was to take the London Underground to the hotel. However, things didn't go so smoothly. Apparently due to some contruction on some of the train lines, the cars were jammed packed. Um, and warning to all who visit London: The doors close reeeally fast. Val leapt ahead of me and boarded a train car, only to get her suitcase caught in the door. Then, the car sped away without me on it. Hmmm.... after a few minutes of panic I got on the next train and met her at our prearranged stop (Gloucester Road).

We did have glorious weather in both London and Paris: very springlike and not too warm, but mostly sunny. As far as culture, Paris was like a completely different planet. Besides the language difference, everything moves much more slowly than in the US (or London, for that matter). There was a kitty cat living in our hotel. The hotel room was the size of my bedroom closet. Everyone smokes everywhere. And, I'd go back in a heartbeat. We toured around the city via a bus tour, but most of our traveling was done on foot.

The view from the window of our hotel, Saint Severin, in Paris. This neigborhood, near Notre Dame, is a great place to stay. You really never need to leave the area because there are shops, restaurants, and (of course) Starbucks all over the place.

This little kitty lived in our Paris hotel. We saw her curled up like this on the lobby sofa every day. One day we spotted her outside on a chair at the Italian restaurant next door. She even rode the elevator down to the lobby with Val once.

La Tour Eiffel. Much larger than I expected.

Notre Dame, which we toured. Our hotel was about a five-minute walk away.

Jardin du Luxembourg. Note the palm trees, which I didn't expect to see in France.

London was much more familiar. Not only because of the language, but the buildings and lifestyle. We rode the Underground everywhere ("Mind the Gap!") The Indian food there was sooo good--we even at at the same Indian restaurant two nights in a row. We stayed in the North Kensington area and it was easy to get to everything we wanted to see.

Kensington Palace is in the background of this picture. We toured the palace, which included memorabilia like royal furniture and some of Princess Diana's dresses.

I took this picture on our tour of the Tower of London. I loved the contrast of modern buildings with the ancient ones. I have no idea, by the way, what that bullet-shaped building is in the background.

Guard at the London tower.

Val standing outside one of the London towers.

We spent about an hour shopping at Harrod's. They have an amazing pet department. Notice that the building's exterior is under construction, so they've covered it with an enormous canvas that looks like the exterior. Fancy!

Big Ben.

Westminster Abbey, which we toured. This is the burial/memorial place of London's royalty, writers, musicians, and other notables. Sir Laurence Olivier's resting place, along with Lord Byron and Elizabeth I.

The Tower of London bridge, which runs over the Thames river.

March 29, 2008
Clara's stayed with me all week, since Easter, which at first was kind of scary for me because I was tentative about (a) how the kitties would deal with her extended stay and (b) how I would deal with the extra responsibility of being home on time to feed her and take her out for her little bathroom breaks. I can't say that the kitties are happy with her visit as they've basically hidden away upstairs but I've really come to enjoy having her around. She's no trouble at all and I LOVE taking her for walks. Not that I'm quite ready for a dog myself, but I still think about getting a little white Westie pup of my own someday.

Here are a couple of photos and oh -- Clara insisted on including a message of her own for you. Enjoy!

it'z claRA.
AuntIE KriSTY leT Mee uze hER cumPUTEer TO Rite tO yoo. I luVS Yoo.
WEE go for walKS all tHe tIme.
bUt AunTI KriSTy gived MEE a baTH yesterDay. YUCK. I don’t liKEs The haIR DryER. But I sMMElls ALL niCE and clEEN noW. Itz Hard to TyPE With mY pAWs as YOO caN see.

claRA.

PS. i luVs traDERs JoEs preTZeLs tHat auTIe getz. (SOrry muMMIe, i no iM sUPPozeD tOO beE oN a dIEt riTE NOw).

More news on the home renovation front: I'm nearly done with my new kitchen lighting project! For those of you who don't know, I've recently undertaken the task on my own of installing five recessed lights in my kitchen to replace the single, grossly inadequate light that was there before. I swear, my kitchen was lit about as well as a Zairain cave.

Here's what the project looked like after I completed the wiring for one of the lights. It even worked right away the first time I flipped on the power! NICE! (You can see the wiring from the existing fixture in the middle of this photo.)

Although I've done electrical projects on my own, this project intimidated me a little at first. But it was actually really easy. The hardest part was deciding where to cut the holes in the ceiling and place the lights. The actual wiring and installation took me about 2 hours.

All five lights are installed now, but I haven't decided on the trim yet. I'll post pictures after I've finished it up. But I can tell you the lighting's much improved.

March 12, 2008
It is with much joy that I announce that my passport arrived in the mail Monday! With any luck by summer's end it'll contain stamps from England and France.

This weekend Val, Brandi, and I went to Brian's movie premier ("Empty Fuller") at the Suburban World Theater in Uptown. The film didn't disappoint, although I can't say the same about the weather (miniskirt and heels are NOT ideal dress for zero-degree weather, if you didn't know that already...) You can read a write up about the film here. After the showing we schmoozed with Brian, his wife Tara, and some of the other folks from the film.

March 1, 2008
Finally, a new posting for 2008! It's about time, right?

Because of their constant hovering my cats can make accomplishing the simplest of tasks impossible. Therefore, when I attempt more complex tasks things can be downright frustrating.

Before I illustrate one of their latest maneuvers to stifle my productivity, I have to include the caveat that the only activities I enjoy without their constant nosing around are those that involve power tools. For instance, yesterday I installed cabinet hardware, including sweet little brushed nickle knobs and new brushed nickel hinges. The noisy drill kept the cats away, especially Simon, who was upstairs the whole time.

Kristy's kitchen: Now with knobs!

Although I'm no great sewer, this afternoon I started working on making this dress I've had fabric and a pattern for. Working in the spare bedroom, I cut out the pattern with little interuptions from the kits, then begain pinning the pattern onto the fabric. Made the most unfortunate mistake of leaving the room for one minute, only to discover this when reentering:

No rest for the wicked and fuzzy, apparently. Anyway, I took this as a sign to take a break and went downstairs to watch TV. *sigh* They followed me...

December 13, 2007
Okay, I'm off to Chicago this weekend and hopefully Val and I will do some Christmas shopping because I'm a big loser and have done absolutely none so far. And I don't even have a good excuse why!

I don't know if you know my sister, Karen. Here's a picture of her with her buddy Angie. They're really spry for 70-year-olds, no?

Okay, they're not even close to 70 but thought it'd be fun to go as old ladies for Halloween this year. I apologize to any Septuagenarians who might be offended by this.

Nov 28, 2007
Where did the 6-degree weather come from all the sudden?? What the?!

I was down at Karen's on Sunday and we went out for Mexican and had some margaritas and cerveza. Then we shopped the local thrift shops and dollar stores in search of cheap Christmas decorations. You know, thrift stores are waaaay more fun after you've been drinking.

At the house the dogs were giddy to see me-- it's been a while since I've visited. Karen and I decided to revisit part of Jeb's Halloween costume. I guess he went as a hippie this year.

Doesn't he look stunning in his wig?? He even seems to enjoy wearing it, no?

I think from this angle he looks a little like Bob Dylan. Watch out, Cate Blanchett.

Nov 24, 2007
This site's had sooo many facelifts. Sorry I keep shaking things up. But ooooohhh.... check out the new-shiny-fun features on the right: Google search, MVHS Adoptable Pet randomizer, and the audio player.

Nov 19, 2007
Caught in the act!

Ordinarily I'm not "crazy cat lady who takes thousands of photos of her cats and posts them on the internet." Or, ah, at least I don't like to think of myself that way. But can I just tell you how good it is to be a kitty? Case in point: Simon has spent the entire day lounging on my new Pottery Barn blanket. I hate to think of it covered in cat hair but I can hardly muster the cruelty it would take to move his fuzzy little butt off of it.

Notice the one eye open just enough to make sure nothing dangerous is going on, like perhaps a Mac Truck driving through the living room or whatever.

I know what you're thinking: Someone should call PETA and report this hienous case of animal abuse. Seriously. Why can't I just nap all day, too?? Not fair.

Nov 15, 2007

Is this some kind of joke?

Who are we kidding here? Not that Matt's ugly or anything, but he's hardly the "sexiest man alive." Let's explore this point further, shall we? Ladies, imagine yourself walking into a crowded restaurant to meet your blind date. Walking up to the bar, you spot a man sitting alone--that's him! Now, who would you be more giddy to see waiting for you?

Him---> or him---->

I think I've proven my point. Obviously the folks over at People haven't seen Beck's abductor muscles. Just plain bad judgement on their part. Who will be crowned "sexiest" next year? Edward Norton? Well, at least they didn't pick Brad Pitt (or as my brother calls him: Brad Armpitt) again. He's got the largest nostrils I've ever seen. Ew.

Nov 13, 2007
*sigh* The other day, my sister Karen once again brought up the somewhat sensitive topic of marathons. As many of you know, last year we ran the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, finishing at a respectable chip time of 5:26. However, I've been tired for, like, the past year because of it. And the 18-week training program wasn't a blast either. No offense to Hal Higdon, whose great Novice marathon training program I used, but come on--who wants to spend every weekend running 13 miles or whatever? Which takes someone like me about 2 1/2 hours. By the way, I tried to make those long training runs fun by running at Lake Harriet instead of the gym, but someone as unlucky as me should know better: stung by a bee in the eye, car break in... Duh.

Karen, by the way, is an avid marathoner (aka certifiably insane). So, back to my recent marathon conversation with her. Here's (roughly) how it went:

Karen: "I'm thinking of running the Green Bay Marathon next Spring, it's supposed to be super fun! You should run it with me."
Me: "Um, no."
Karen: "I've heard it's one of the most fun marathons to run! And the course runs through Lambeau Field, where there's like a party and everyone's cooking brats and stuff. Doesn't that sound like fun?"
Me: "No."
Karen: "Come on, it'll be fun! I guess people dress up in crazy costumes--we could wear Packer stuff."
Me: "Nooooo."
(Karen's coaxing continues for several minutes. So do my "NOs.")
Me: "Okay, maybe I'll do the half-marathon. That way, at least I won't feel like death after finishing, so maybe I could eat or at least stand afterwards."
Karen: (perplexed look on her face) "Why would anyone run a half marathon? If you're running that far you might as well run a whole marathon."

Am I taking crazy pills? This doesn't seem like a reasonable argument. As I recall, I felt relatively OK during the marathon until about mile 17. The last 9-10 miles was where my mind kept telling me "Go join the intelligent people standing along the side of the road WATCHING you crazy people hoof this insane distance." And I'm sure it wasn't the first 13 miles that made it impossible for me to so much as roll over in bed the following night.

At any rate, now I'm considering slapping on a cheesehead and running the Green Bay half marathon. At least afterwards I'll be able to stand, beer and brat in hand, while I wait at the finish line for Karen to finish the long, cruel marathon. We'll see.

Nov 09, 2007
Speaking for everyone when I say the early darkness sucks this time of year.. it's only 8:00 and I feel like it's midnight. And it SNOWED today in Bloomington. Big chunks of snow, too; not cute little flakes. Luckily they melted when they hit the ground.

Thinking of getting a cat? Click here to find out what it's really like. No shit. I swear Simon's done this to me a couple of times.

Oct 31, 2007

Pumpkin carving. Todd and I gave out candy to the little trick'r treaters again this year. These were the pumpkins that greeted them. After a "best two-out-of-three" game of rock/paper/scissors we decided on who got the oblong pumpkin and who got the round one.

Mine's the pirate ("awrrrr...."). I dunno. For some reason I'm into that pirate sound right now. Todd's pumpkin's especially cute though. I like how he's looking at the pirate, like a little sidekick.

Oct 30, 2007
I returned last Thursday from my six-day visit to the capital of barbeque and blues--Memphis, TN. Five pounds heavier no less after testing ribs at both world-famous BBQ houses Corkeys and Rondezvous. Todd, Mark, and I also spent a rainy morning touring Graceland. The house itself was smaller than I imagined but the decor was a sight to behold! I spent a couple minutes just staring in awe at the "Jungle Room" and its wall-to-wall, pea-green, shag carpeting, which surely must've been the cat's pajamas back then.

The King of Rock and Roll (and peanut butter/banana sandwiches).

On a more serious note, Wednesday some of my coworkers and I toured the National Civil Rights Museum. If you're ever in Memphis I recommend visiting it. Although it's packed with inspiring but sad artifacts about the country's civil rights movement and historic figures, the outside of the building and the story it tells impacted me the most. It's constructed from two buildings: The Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, and the building across the street from which James Earl Ray shot him. Below are some photos I took of the building's exterior. Click for larger images.

Lorraine Motel where MLK was shot down (the wreath marks the area where he lay shot).

Across the street from the museum entrance and motel exterior; view of the window from which James Earl Ray shot down MLK (the small window at the top, third from the left, is believed to be the shooting window).

Museum entrance, which is attached to the Lorraine Motel exterior.

We also spent a night down on Biel Street enjoying dinner and drinks. You know, when Val and I were in Nashville earlier this year everyone talked about how dirty and undesireable Memphis is. But I don't know what y'all are talking about...Memphis was waaaay more laid back and fun. Maybe they have something against Elvis.

Oct 6, 2007
Back from California after five days of sitting on the beaches and lounging by the hotel pool...mostly because Sarah only had one good foot. But that was fine by me because I reeeallly needed some relaxation. Not that I didn't take my laptop and answer a few teeny tiny work emails.

Laguna Beach

Our hotel was in Costa Mesa but we spent most of our time in nearby Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. We had dinner and drinks a couple nights at this great little Italian restaurant called Roman Cucina in Costa Mesa, and caught a movie one night (I think it was called "The Brave One" with Jodie Foster).

I snapped this image of some bird antics on Laguna Beach.

So since I've been back in MN I've been scrambling to catch up on load after load of laundry. Apparently the cats had better things to do while I was gone...like sleep and eat. You'd think they could've at least done the dishes or something.

Sept 17, 2007

Packers 35, Giants 13...Pack is 2-0!

Call me crazy, but I'm gonna go ahead and celebrate this season's "winning streak." Gimme a break, there hasn't been much to celebrate in the past few seasons. Yesterday we dominated a horrible team, but at least Favre and the Pack were able to pull out a win...in the past few years even the worst teams have handed us our butts. Maybe we're starting a winning season?!

And congratulations to Favre for going down in history as the NFL QB with the most wins! WI loves ya.

Sept 6, 2007
Thanks to my friend and coworker Lisa for sharing her some cake-decorating knowledge and introducing me to the "rose dowel." I am drunk with power and shall begin using my new frosting skills immediately (or whenever someone asks me to do a cake again...)

Okay, so in my Hotmail inbox this morning was yet another one of those threatening "if you don't send me to a million of your friends immediately you'll have 1,000 years bad luck" or whatever (thanks Brandi). And since I don't have a million friends and certainly don't need any more bad luck I'm posting it here. Lucky you--it's your zodiac profile! And it's eerily accurate (or at least mine is...because it's flattering). It all starts with the dark threat posted at the top of the email...

Once you have opened this e-mail, there's no turning back. Below are true descriptions of zodiac signs. Read your sign, then forward it on, with your zodiac sign and label on the subject line. This is the real deal, try ignoring or changing it, and the first thing you'll notice is having a horrible day starting tomorrow morning.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22): The Perfectionist Dominant in relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal companion and friend. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Usually good at whatever they attempt to do. Can be harsh and unforgiving. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Tend to be pessimistic.

Virgo. Virgo. Virgo.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): The Intense One Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and emotional.

LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22): The Harmonizer Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Likes being the center of attention. Frivolous. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible.

ARIES (Mar 21 - April 19): The Daredevil Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18): The Sweetheart Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21): The Chatterbox Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express themselves. Argumentative and outspoken. Likes change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent, But is only changeable. Beautiful physically and mentally.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22): The Boss. Usually organized. Need order in their lives. Like being in control. Often eccentric. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Domineering and bossy. Like to help others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive and loving. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22): The Protector Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome. Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20): The Dreamer Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive and spiritual. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic at times. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19): The Go-Getter Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious and make strong leaders. Humorous. Usually good-looking. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Passionate and loyal companions. Sometimes sarcastic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Work hard to get what they want out of life. Like competition. Good athletes.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): The Enduring One Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings who are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends an emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21): The Happy-go-lucky one Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

Now I feel better.

Aug 30, 2007
State Fair was a success! Not only did I get a corn dog (yummy!), but--in bigger news--a cow Dad recently sold to Regancrest Farms in Iowa--"Twin-Val Durham Amanda"--took Grand Champion Holstein of the state dairy show! Dad and I spent a few hours watching the dairy show in the grandstand before her class came into the ring. We were happily stunned when she won her class. Soon afterward she walked away with Senior Champ and Grand Champ! Dad, being the cow's breeder, was photographed in the award photos. He was so proud... Amanda's next show will be World Dairy Expo in Madison. On to the big time, baby!

Photos below. See the entire Midwest Fall National Holstein Show results here.

Senior Champion Award

Grand Champion Award

Aug 27, 2007
I apologize for the lack of updates, but I've been in "Clarapy." That's right, I once again have a furry black four-legged houseguest who's really good at lifting my spirits. We even visited Julie and her pup Oscar this weekend, and today we're planning a swimming/fetch session over at the crappy little park near my house, which has a crappy little pond. Clara's the sweetest dog-niece anyone could wish for; see the Critters page for a picture. Sadly, the kitties are miserable and have hidden away upstairs.

Mom called yesterday to say Dad wants to come up Tuesday night so we can go to the MN State Fair on Wednesday for one of the dairy shows. I guess Mom & Dad just sold a cow (for what I consider a ridiculously high amount of money, but what do I know) to a guy in Iowa who plans to show her at the fair immediately this week. Dad wants to see how she does. All I know is I plan to grab a cream puff and visit the horse and small animal barns while we're there...I don't really care about the rest of it :)

Aug 15, 2007
We're back! The 107-degree weather made the trip uncomfortable but only slightly hindered our quest to visit as many casinos as humanly possible (mostly Karen's idea but a good one). Public transportation saved us quite a bit of cash, which we promptly coughed up at Blackjack and Roulette tables. Seriously, I broke about even but I think Karen ended up ahead, even winning a "free-99" doughnut at New York New York. Damn it's hard being cute...

Of course, we took some very posed tourista photos. Click to see larger images.