SO. MUCH. IS. CHANGING.

First of all ... I love my life. This is the first time in a long time I can really say that I am in a state of being 'happy'. I still have emptiness in my heart as I miss people terribly, but on a daily basis I wake up happy, work on homework happily, go to work happy, have a great social life, become closer and closer each and every day with my best friend and twin sister (Laura) and my dad, get to know my other bestie more and more each day (Mikey),and meet new people all over the place (work, campus, neighbors, farmers market, EVERYWHERE). I feel little to no stress, urgency to get things done, etc. I couldn't ask for more (other than the obvious - seeing friends & fam more). I LOVE MY LIFE.

For those of you thinking and processing any major life change - my only advice (not that you asked lol) take the chance if you think it may better your life. We didn't make our decision to pack up shop, leave our jobs, benefits, family, & friends lightly. It took a lot of stressful conversations and serious doubt, but I can't imagine still being stuck in the funk we were in. I wasn't happy with the social service world (and my place of employment specifically), Mike so badly wanted to return to school for his passion, and so many more reasons.

Updates:

So Mike has been purchasing tools like crazy for his class. It's bittersweet as they cost a ridiculously large amount of money, but the great thing is these are quality tools he will have for life. I see him get frustrated when he has to go back out to purchase yet another round of tools, but after work when we get to see each other again he explains what he's gotten and there is almost always a smile on his face. I interpret that as - he likes it ;)

Sooo I may be joining the Student Senate at Southeast Technical College. Sort of excited about it. I'm not quite sure I'll bring about change or make any big impact, but I am excited to do something I haven't done. Well there was that one time in the 10th grade when I was a bump on a log in Student Council, but meh. Not sure I should count that lol.

I am also looking into Lasik. AHHH, I know, crazy. Lasers in my eyes. Weird. But anyone who knows me knows I've desperately wanted this surgery for a long while. Northsuburban Eye Specialists offer free evaluations and their total cost includes post op care and a lifetime enhancement guarantee. Soooooo hopefully I can look forward to doing that next summer. Curious, any thoughts on getting Lasik? I'm open to good and bad comments.

The other fun thing happening is what I put on my Facebook status yesterday. We were approached by a college marketing rep and asked to give our dating story. She said she is always looking to write about couples that are in college together - how they met, how they wound up at the same college together, what we are studying, etc. She also asked if she could bring along a reporter from The Republican Eagle (Red Wing's local paper). We are so flattered and excited to do it. We think our story is interesting, but we are very surprised anyone else thinks its interesting :)

Cake pop update:

Lol it's been a long time since I've made my first cake pop and I really need to get in some practice now that I have my very own kitchen. My plan is to try making some 'amp' cake pops. I was hoping to make some amp shaped cake pops for Mike's former boss/boss's wife, but didn't get the chance to. So the new plan is to make a bunch tomorrow morning (Saturday) and have them ready for dinner with new friends - Mike's friend/classmate who loves guitars/amps/music as much as he does!! I cannot wait to try them out, I really hope they look good and taste yummy.

Finally little bit of info....I am about to explode because I have the most fun surprise for two friends of ours that I orderd from BIC APP/Norwood (my new place of employment) - http://norwood.com/. I will totally post pictures what it is after we've given them the surprise!! That is all. ;)

THANKS FOR READING FRIENDS!!!

XOXO

I am loving my life - & everyone that chooses to be in it!

This holiday season started out on such a fantastic note - a huge sense of accomplishment @ my new job. Started my weekend early because of this accomplishment, and had a long overdue movie night with Mikey.
Had brunch with a dear friend talking and laughing and updating each other on life - always a blast Jessie! After my 3 hour coffee date I rushed back home to Red Wing to meet my sister, brother in-law, & nephew for their first weekend visit in our new home! Sunday morning they got a mini tour of the town - of course they will get a bigger, better one when we know even more and have explored a little.

Once all had our fill of RW goodness we made our way up to Blaine to hang with Papa Bear for a Brady Bunch movie marathon - HIS idea of course. We only made it through about 10 minutes of The Bradys go to the White House before we threw in Mean Girls. It was dad's first time watching it and he loved it.

Love you dad!

Monday it was off to the fair!!  This is the 2nd year Mike & I have gone to the Great MN Get Together just the 2 of us and it's such a great time. We do goofy things and take fun pictures.  Here are a few examples (I'll be posting a lot more pictures on FB) -

Finally I got a surprise visit to Red Wing from the lovely Rhonda & Brandon! Thanks for coming all the way out guys! Good luck @ TI!

For an upcoming post I plan to take a friends suggestion & post a few pictures of our new apt, but for most of you I expect a slumber party weekend visit in the near future so the pictures are just a preview ;)

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Missing the loves of my life (That means you. Yeah, you.)

We've finally gotten into our routine & man is it nice. Of course there's always something that has to balance out the awesomeness that is our new lifestyle and that...sadly, is how much we miss all of you. I haven't been around for some major life changes for some family & friends and even though I truly love what our lives have become, I can't help feeling guilty.

Some good friends and even greater people recently lost a beautiful, lovable, fluff monster. By monster I mean large canine friend.

J & V: I want you guys to know that I am always and forever here for you - to talk, to listen, anything.<3

Love you Duder!

I also missed a very special engagement!!! Well sort of. They were in Australia at the time!! But I can't wait to hear details this coming weekend.

Of course there are many more things we aren't a part of now that we are down here in Red Wing, but as I stated before on my FB status - there's an open invite to anyone and everyone in our lives to come hang out, have a fun slumber party, get a tour of Red Wing (well as best as we can give heh), bike ride, hiking, whatevs! Also, don't forget about us! We'd still love the invites too - we just may not be able to make as many events as we used to.

I'll update with pictures of Red Wing soon. We had a great tour of Red Wing on a trolly ride, but kept forgetting to take out the camera. I know I know ... me forget the camera? But it's true. So I owe you. ;)

As always, thanks for reading!

Comment - or try to anyways, apparently the comment feature on this stinkin' blog hasn't been working - AUGH. It's the thought that counts - even though I love reading the thoughts slightly more. :)

XOXO

P.S. PEN PALS are awesome.
2488 Malmquist Ave #204
Red Wing, MN 55066

 

Heaven (minus my monkey)

Life has SERIOUSLY slowed down - & consequently I am in heaven.

The days leading up to our official move on Sunday August 14th were absolutely crazy ....

The week before we moved we spent at my dad's house. Was a lot of good quality father, daughter, & daughter's boyfriend time ;)  Was a nice way to finish out our last week in the Twin Cities.   

Friday we went to the MN Irish Fair where, as some of my FB friends have already heard, a classy gent yelled down from the upper street bridge to Harriet Island to me (while I stood there with Mike's family taking pictures) "I can see down your shirt!" After quickly sweeping the street I realized he was talking about me! So I loudly yelled back "you're welcome!"  I was totally embarrassed, but can't lie - it was slightly satisfying that someone out there thought the view down my top was worthy of screaming out in public. Hah - like I said, classy.  - Anyways here are a couple fun photos we snapped at the fair ....

Jason wanted a whiskey samplin' buddy - so I volunteered my services :)

SUPER GROSS!!! Not a fan apparently ...

Okay so you can't really tell, but I really didn't love it! Haha

Checkin' out the moon

The Fischer's!

Saturday we were up bright & early to celebrate Tom's (Mike's dad) commencement!  He graduated with a 4.0 GPA with a Bachelors in Business! He worked SO hard for this and we are all so incredibly proud of him. The ceremony (although lengthly) was a really special moment for the family.

The Fischer family with their grad!

After the ceremony we all went out for Tom's cele-choice for lunch - the new hibachi grill buffet in Spring Lake Park - t'was yummy! Later on Saturday night we all enjoyed the brownie/sugar cookie bites made to look like mini graduation caps! They weren't the best looking things in the world, but they sure were yummy!!! Of course...I have a pic!!

Sunday we spent at Mike's Grandma's where she hosted a pool party for the whole family. Everyone came!!! It was so wonderful to see everyone all together - I don't think I have ever gotten to experience that in the whole 4 1/2 years Mike & I have been dating - it was great.

What was also great was that Mike's cousin, Brian and his son's took a bunch of us our geocaching.  It was Mike & my first time and it was so much fun.  We went to one nearby first using an app on Brian's phone - c:geo, which we will be using to geocache in Red Wing (thanks Brian, Brice, & Braidon).

After that exhausting afternoon we took our final trips to our parents homes (mine to pick up my clothes and computer) & his parents (to pick up Thursday - our awesome kitty!). Once we made it to our new home we were pooped, but SO excited for the quiet.  Thursday seems to hate it. He was taken from his cousins (Mike's parent's cats - Spike & Checkers) & is constantly meowing. We sort of fear a neighbor revolt. Meh.  For those of you who haven't met Thursday, here he is in all his glory:

Although now (4 years later) he is much much bigger.

This past week has been an amazing experience. I LOVE my new job and feel like this was the position meant for me all along. I miss my old co-workers, but I cannot lie, I don't miss the position - not even a little. That may change over time, but for now I am so very happy right where I am. Mike started his job this week as well and seems to like it. We both start school this Monday.  I think we are both dealing with emotions of excitement & anxiousness. Unfortunately we will be working & attending school at different times and won't be seeing much of each other which will be hard.  But hopefully my shift will change and he will work less as time goes on. Mike will be in school Mon-Fri 8am-5pm then working from 5:50pm-9pm a few nights a week and every other weekend. I'll be doing schoolwork during the day online and working full-time 2pm-10pm Mon-Fri. It sounds like a lot, but surprisingly everything seems so much more doable in Red Wing with its quiet beauty, slow moving cars, farmers markets multiple times a week, empty grocery stores by 7pm, & an "everybody-knows-your-name" feel. I love it. We love it.

We will be spending this weekend with my 2nd bestie, my twin, & my monkey (my godson/nephew), Kaleb, & my brother in-law selling stuff.  We are having a multi-family garage sale!! Starting Friday (earlier today actually), Saturday, & Sunday from 9am-5pm (possibly longer).  It's at Laura & Eric's house - STOP BY!!!

As always, thanks for reading! Comment, comment, comment!

Love you all

xoxo

This week is wonderful & uber stressful!

So we are just days away now. My last day of work as a Family Development Specialist is Friday August 12th. It's bittersweet as I am having a hard time saying goodbye to the people I have grown close to over the years. I know most of us will stay in touch, but of course there is a fear that some will be lost in the shuffle of life.  On the other hand I am so stoked to experience a new career field & go back to school.  Mike attending classes and earning a diploma in Guitar Building & Repair will also be a source of happiness & pride in my life.

I really really really want to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone that has encouraged & supported us through this major transition in our lives. We cannot wait to have you all out to Red Wing for a beautiful bike ride, random road trip/weekend away, a rad slumber party, or any number of fun things we can come up with. I invite any of our family & friends to come for a visit any time. We are totally new to Red Wing, so we will def. have time on our hands when we aren't doing homework, in classes, or working.

So aside from some upcoming adventure pictures, I also plan to start posting some of our baking experiments. Mike knows I have been super stressed and unable to bake as we have been living in limbo - Red Wing, dad's house, Red Wing, dad's house....so Mikey bought & suprised me with an awesome baking kit!

***PDA ALERT***

Even though we bicker sometimes (who doesn't right?), I know I have found my soulmate (don't worry Mahly, you're still my soulmate too).  I don't need the random gifts or flowers, but the fact that he knows just when I need a little something extra to make me smile he pulls through & supports me through it all. I got a good one!

THANKS FOR THE LEMONADE!

http://youtu.be/jKiB9zs5uAs

The Fun Continues!

Mike applied for a position down in Red Wing and within 2 hours got a call back to set up an interview!  He also emailed a guitar shop in Red Wing & recieved a positive response through email right away.
I feel like we are so blessed. Things are really starting to fall into place for us. I am still nervous to start a whole new life, but feel a lot more at ease now that things are coming together.

Yesterday I put in my resignation and have had a full day and a half of excitement & sadness. I truly thought leaving my current place of employment would be easier, but as a friend of mine reminded me, I was a mess of tears when I left my previous position (within the same agency i might add) so why wouldn't I be a mess this time as well? Touche Katie, touche. I've made some really great friends and hope to stay in touch with every one of you!!
My last day will be friday the 12th (next week!!). Shorter notice than I'd like, but it had to happen.

Anyways, this is destined to be a short and sweet blog.

Thanks for reading! Comment, email, call, send a Batman signal, whatevs - I'd love to heard from you ;)

What a day . . .

So the title is actually slightly misleading. I wanted to update about this weekend THEN I'll get to the goings on of today.

Sunday we moved to Red Wing!! The big move happened & it was great. Well the move itself was ridiculously hot. 93 degrees with a heat index of 102. Moving in that ish was terrible!! But as I said on my FB status update, my family is the best! We had some really great helpers with a little joke from Mike's mom Wendy at the end of the move - she asked if we were going to sign a contract stating we will stay in this place for at least 2 years. Hah. Who could blame her?! We move so often!

A big thanks again to Liz, Todd, Laura, Wendy, Eric, Tom, & Amy!  And to Wendy - thank you so much for the wonderful lunch complete with brownie treats you provided everyone. You're the best.

Back to today's craziness . . .

It was a rough day at work as I have felt like I have mono again recently.  By that I mean I have felt fatigued like crazy the last few days with no idea why. I'm guessing it's this terrible weather.

Anyways, I interviewed for a position I was really interested in on Monday afternoon and recieved a call back and a job offer! I have accepted a full-time position in Red Wing and I will be soon joining Mikey in Red Wing in 2 weeks!! I feel so relieved to have accepted a position finally and to not have to interview anymore! I have officially applied for over 10 positions, interviewed for 6, and been offered 6 in the past 2 months. Pretty exciting when people take notice of the hard work put in and offer positions rather than look past you and 200 other applicants. This happened often when I was searching for new positions in the TC in the social service field. The market is just so competitive right now in Mpls/St Paul. No disrespect, but man am I glad we are getting outta dodge and doing something new for a change.

Also today, Mike finished his most recent guitar creation - his first lap steel guitar - made fully from his own imagination and hard work. Below are a few pictures of his amazing work.  As you can tell, I am ridiculously proud!!!

This thing of beauty was made for and given to Mike's parents neighbor, Jerry.  It was his first commission piece and I know he feels good about it. Jerry seemed thoroughly impressed. It was a great success and I cannot wait to see what else Mike can do. Both at school and on his own time.

To my goofball of a bestie - I love you & I am so proud of you!

To round out the interesting day, we had dinner at Mongos with two of our favorites, Laura & Eric (and got to see our chunky monkey, Kaleb before and after dinner).  Was lots of fun and a nice way to celebrate some great things happening in our lives. Thanks for the laughs Laura & Eric!

Thanks again to my followers - all 4 of you ;)