The Life of a Minnow...

I think that being a minnow would suck. The past few days I was in the presence of minnows most of the time and just couldn't help but think that they really don't have a lot going for them. Sometimes I think it would be nice to be a dog - eat, sleep, play if you want - pretty much a stress free life. But I would never want to be a minnow - especially the kind that are used for fishing. Think about it. You are kept in a tank and when avid fisherpeople come in and make a purchase you might be one of the unlucky ones who gets netted and transferred to a plastic bag. That remains your new home for a but a few short hours. Eventually you will be chosen and then a hook gets inserted through your mouth - you are still alive and wiggling but you are attached to some color of jig head which is probably quite intimidating for such a little guy! Then you get put back into the big lake - what should be your home. You try to swim free but are confined by mr. jig head once again. Then it's the worst thing that could happen...you see a fish of a larger species come by, and you could be unlucky enough to get eaten. You have no chance to swim for freedom. I think if I were a minnow I'd find some satisfaction knowing that the bigger, meaner fish got hooked...at least it's some payback for picking on the little guy!

So that was one of the many random thoughts that ran through my mind as me and my dad spent the last few days fishing. It was just him and me...me and him. We headed to new territory this year and explored the depths of Bird Lake. We were privileged enough to take the motorhome so our sleeping quarters were comfy. The camping is primitive though so we do have to make do with outhouses, and only the water that was brought in the tanks. Well worth it however.

Just to quickly sum up the results of the weekend...I want to get this over with! I got outfished. I caught 15 and dad caught 27. I got shown up...big time. I guess his experience reigned supreme. It was a very successful few days. I will go on record to say that I caught the first fish, the biggest fish, and my "keeper" fish ratio was substantially higher. The nerd in me came out on the boat when I started figuring out statistics as to who had a higher percentage of fish kept, etc. I had to build my confidence some how! I also managed to catch two fish at once (to be explained later).

We arrived Sunday evening and got everything set up. We then headed out into the lake and tried our luck with some fishing. We went to the end of the lake which happens to be by Tulibee Falls. They weren't big falls but it was still fun to watch, and peaceful. We each caught a couple of fish which made for a great start to a fun few days.

The first night in the camper - well I slept alright. I woke up numerous times, twice to people driving around the campground. Can you believe some city dudes showed up at 4:00 to go fish and then sat around and waited for it to get light? I was surprised.

The first full day of fishing was awesome. We headed out to the falls and we both caught a couple. Then we decided it was time for a new spot. We were driving back and I had a feeling we were at a good spot...it was one of those gut feelings. We drifted back and forth while jigging and it turned out that I my feelings were true. We spend the rest of the afternoon there and had a fair haul of fishies....well dad did. I got good at manning the net. Then we went in for some grub and headed back in the evening. I proved to be more successful come evening. We caught more at "my spot" and then packed it in for the evening.

The first full day got me thinking something. I don't know what is more frustrating: 1) sitting out on the lake all day and not having many bites or 2) sitting out on the lake and getting "nibbles" very regularly but only being able to hook maybe 10% of those dang fish. I was a victim of #2. This is what I kinda figured; I don't mind sitting out on the lake all day, it is enjoyable. The fish are an added bonus, and a fun one at that. If NOBODY is catching fish at least I know that I'm not the incompetent one. BUT I had a lot of experiences the past few days, getting hits but then failing at landing a fish. Part of me thought this was worse because it made me look unable to succeed. Knowing that you are so close makes the pain of letting the big one "get away" that much harder to swallow. However, with every nibble the heart does race, so maybe it isn't so bad!

The evening we had a fire and ate some smores. It was delicious. I was tired from being out all day so I thought that I would sleep well...little did I know that thunderstorms were brewing. I feel asleep and woke up due to some intense thunder. I few times I also thought that the lightening was coming through the camper, but I didn't end up safe. I woke in the morning to a wet bad! I guess I didn't deem it necessary to close the vent on the roof that was right over my bed so it rained on me. No wonder I was so cold!

Unfortunately Tuesday didn't bring the nicest weather. We went out and were bundled in rain gear. The showers were intermittent but on occasion there was a downpour. I think the fish were scared from the thunder the night before cause they too seemed to be less active. We did what we could however, and I still enjoyed the day!

One last story: On Tuesday I did catch 2 fish at once. We were trolling and I just let out my line a ways. I felt something and then I felt something a lot more substantial. I reeled in to find the coolest thing. A tiny walleye was hooked on my spinner, but half of the walleye was in the mouth of a much bigger, and slimier, jack fish. The jack wasn't hooked onto any hook it was just clamped on the poor walleye. We netted them both and took a picture. It was awesome. I guess in that case we saved the life of the walleye, and denied the jack some supper...but once again it was the minnow who really lost out!

So it was a great couple of days with beautiful sights, crazy ducks, lost lifejackets, gourmet meals, no lettuce, lots of fish, and a few games of cribbage (which I won!). I am so happy that my dad is willing to take a few days out of his summer and take me fishing. I know that he loves to fish and am just happy that he shares that with me. It wouldn't be the same with anyone else. It's something I cherish. It's good to get away with just him. Maybe next time I will outfish the champ!

What would I do without FoodTV?

I kept myself quite busy all day and was really looking forward to a little couch time this evening. Well just as I sit down it apparently starts to rain outside. My satellite dish is a little peculiar in that way - as soon as it rains just a bit the signal cuts in and out consistently and it is really quite annoying. I find it odd because all winter it was fine. Anyways I don't like watching the shows in 2 second intervals so I had to find some other way to busy myself...which is why I'm here.

This is the first time in a while where I haven't been "on-the-go" during the week. It has given me time to think...probably not a good thing. I've realized that I really have a passion for a few select things - those being:

• pens and pencils
• cookbooks
• channel 561 - FoodTV (I have that station on all day - even though I'm not just sitting and watching - then when I do sit down and watch in the evening that's generally the station I turn to)
• ORGANIZATION
• small details...I started a photo/video montage yesterday...I worked for 8 hours and finished 25 seconds of "footage"
• making lists

Also I seem to have a rather difficult time relaxing (unless I am sleeping). I'm way to particular about having things a certain way - set in my ways. This past weekend I used my apartment to host the beginnings of a stagette. The clutter of extra people always sort of gives me an unsettled feeling. The feeling like I can't relax at all. I don't mind it, I'm not mad, it's just different. I like hosting people and would never say no. It is always a good time, just like this last weekend was! Here is the kicker...the next morning when I go into the bathroom I notice that the toilet paper was put on the holder the opposite way that I would put it on. I do it the same every time. I was thrown for a loop! I convinced myself that I could deal with it, but found myself switching it around later that day because it just didn't seem right! I can't believe it bothered me that much!

Now today was one of those "domestic" days for me. I guess the Food Network does inspire me. I am having Cory and Christine over for supper tomorrow and was pumped to start getting things prepared today already. I made a list (of course) and went grocery shopping. I brought stuff for tomorrow and then a few things for the supper I made today. I used the afternoon to bake cookies, make supper, and make a marinade for the chicken we will have tomorrow. Spending a considerable portion of the afternoon in the kitchen I realized a few of my other "quirks". Actually, no, I didn't REALIZE them, I was reminded of them...I've known about them all along. I hate clutter so when I bake I wash things as I go along - that's pretty normal I think. By the time the first batch of cookies goes into the oven I have a majority of the kitchen cleaned up. I also hate clutter in my fridge...so every time I go grocery shopping I go through my fridge first and dispose of anything that is old, or on the verge of being old - again probably pretty normal. Cooking a meal presents other challenges. For example, today I made some 3 cheese lasagna. I had everything laid out so that the assembly process would be smooth - which it was. I find, however, that I can't go on unless my dishes from the previous step have been attended to. So after cooking the noodles, before I could start laying them down I had to wash the pot that I used. After putting the completed project in the oven I could get everything put away. Then when it comes to eating I have to make sure all dishes are put away and washed so that there is no clutter when I eat...even if that means letting the food get cold for a few minutes.

Ahh, then there are leftovers. This is the worst. I cook for me, myself, and I. A big pan of lasagna would last me for a month. So after the 2 pieces I had for supper I had about 80% of it left. Having it sit in my fridge bothers me! I can't even think about relaxing before it is cleaned up nicely. I tried watching news, but I couldn't do it. I have to cut it up, put wrap it individually, and dispose of the tinfoil pan completely before I can rest easy. I know all of that is completely normal, but it's the feeling that I get when those things aren't done. It's strange and I wish I could just let things be a little bit more.

So I just rambled a whole lot about nothing. It's one of those nights I guess. But everything is cleaned up, there are no leftovers taking up substantial space in my fridge, and my toilet paper is on the holder the right way - so maybe that means that I can relax this evening??...let's hope!

Wipeout!

Another week near completion and once again I'm full of stories. This summer is a lot different than the last two. I think that I've done more the first 3 weeks than the past 2 summers combined. It has been great. Today we got back from my aunt's cabin at Lake Metigoshie. We got there on Tuesday. The weather couldn't have been better. This trip, as opposed to the last, was more relaxing, but also more strenuous.


Tuesday we stopped in Bottineau and purchased some groceries at Wal-mart. Lots of veggies were bought meaning I knew that the meals would be great! I miss grocery shopping in the states - they have so much cool stuff. When we got to the lake I used the rest of the afternoon to do some lounging on the dock. I read a book and absorbed some sun. Supper was salad and a pizza. After supper we went for a walk. There are some pretty amazing cabins out there. The walk led to some photo opportunites. Actually the weekend as a whole was one long photo opportunity and when all was said and done my mother had 450 pictures and I'm thinking about 98% of those were of me. But let me explain, she set it on continuous shooting so don't think I posed 450 times. I'm more of an action picture type of person as posing doesn't work too well for me. And fear not - I didn't post all the pictures, just a select few. Here are some walk shots:

So Wednesday I woke up to somewhat hazy skies but I had a feeling it would turn out to be beautiful - which is exactly what happened. After lunch we headed out for the afternoon. I was fortunate enough to have a boat driver so I got to do whatever my little heart desired for the rest of the afternoon. We used to spend lots of time at the lake and waterskiing, tubing, and kneeboarding were almost weekly activities. Over the past number of years those occasions have become few and far between. I don't think I made it out at all last year so I knew that it was high time I make time to do those things that I really love so much. A part of me was scared that I had forgotten what to do, but those fears receded as soon as I got into the water. I guess it is kind of like riding a bike. I started kneeboarding. Then I took out the wakeboard. I've never been much of a wakeboarder, but I knew I'd be disappointed if I didn't do it. I'm happy that I did and proved to myself that I still could. The best part of the riding, however, was the air chair. I find it the most exhilarating. I could have done that all afternoon. I didn't feel complete until I ended the fun with a tube ride.

The water sports were the strenuous part of the trip. I used muscles that I didn't know existed. Kneeboarding is okay cause I've done it lots. Wakeboarding...well let me tell you...I felt like I had the resistance of about 6000 pounds pulling against me at one point. I'm just happy that I still have arms that are nicely embedded in their sockets. After we figured out appropriate speeds I was good to go. Air chairing - it is a very elaborate device that allows you to sail a few feet out of the water. It's the best feeling, almost like you are floating. I haven't done that enough to really know how to completely control the ups and downs which led to some very amazing wipeouts - but I LOVE wipe outs. They are the best. I don't mind swallowing a few gallons of water and getting the breath knocked out of me once or twice. In fact, I think that's why it is my favorite thing to do. There isn't anything else that enables me to get that high out of the water and fall with great velocities into the cold water below. Sensational.

I wasn't being towed the whole afternoon. If that would have been the case I wouldn't be walking for a couple of weeks. We went out for a cruise around the lake on the pontoon. Once again, very quiet and relaxing. Wednesday night was capped off with a great meal (lots of veggies!), a refreshing shower, and then time in the hot tub. While sitting in the hot tub we even saw fire flies! They are the coolest things ever.

I slept great, and I kind of figured that I would considering I was pretty much exhausted. I was rudely awakened though. At about 7:00 I hear a loud scream and it sounds just like my mother. I was worried for a slight second, but shortly after I heard laughing so I knew that things were okay. I later found out that they were caught off guard by a fearless chipmunk that was scurrying across the deck and running over their feet. The reaction was a scream (which I heard) and a cup of spilled coffee.

A great few days. Some of the best things about being at the lake are the food, the fires, the smores, the serenity, the walks on the winding roads through the bushes, the outhouses in the bushes, the lake and everything that you can do in the water, the fact that I put my hair back once and that's how it stays all weekend, the fire flies, laying on the pontoon, and being with people that you love. Next up is hopefully a fishing trip with dad!

All lovin'...no oven

July 10 - It's Christine's birthday. I never thought I'd have a sister-in-law that was a cool cat like her. I guess I didn't give Cory enough credit - haha. She's a great friend and always willing to help out wherever she can. She puts up with my sometimes constant ramblings and always has words of wisdom that make everything seem a little brighter. I don't think she realizes how important she is to me! I'm lucky to have her as the sister that I never had - and couldn't ask for anyone better!

Our trip to Minneapolis was an absolute success. It was a trip filled with laughter, a few curses (oops), shopping, tons of steps (40,000+ in two days...which is equivalent to more than 20 miles), coupons, sliding, and riding. You know that it's an awesome time when the worst thing that happened all weekend was when when the waitress dropped a nice cup full of warm butter right onto my only pair of jeans. She didn't apologize...but maybe she didn't notice. Not a big deal cause tide-to-go really proved itself as being a true stain eraser.

Our first day took us to Albertville. It was more of a browsing type evening. I like to scope places out before making any impulsive decisions. We went to target and I bought myself a few movies - they were cheap.

The hotel for the first night was cozy and quaint. The hottub was relaxing - however for some odd reason I had a difficult time sleeping. Tuesday, however, brought with it excitement and an attitude fit for shopping. We backtracked to Albertville and actually made some purchases. I got some sweet bright purple shoes for $29.99. The price might have been the best part. I also got some jeans and a top.

We then ventured to Mall of America. My driving skills enabled us to arrive without incident. We were in the mall around 1ish and it started of with a bang. Right when we walked in there was "The Magic Pan" - a little eating place that just served crepes. It was so good tasting! Then we started our journey through the mall. I have a strategy for almost everything I do and shopping is no different. I hate jumping from stores on one side of the hall to stores on the other...so we had to shop in a organized and structured fashion. We started with the first floor and walked around counterclockwise only visiting the stores on our right. Then we'd make a second lap on the same floor for the stores on the left side. These aren't small "laps" - it took a lot out of me. In fact, we only made it through the first two floors and then went to find the hotel. While walking through the first level I got bribed by one of the Italian salesmen to sit down and he demonstrated his hair straightener. It worked too good and I, of course, had to buy one. He made it sound like he was giving me a deal, with a discount and an employee discount and free holder!! - what a charmer. But I'm sure that many girls left that day thinking they too got the same deal!

Later that day we went to Ikea - that is seriously one of the most overwhelming places ever - cause it is HUGE. I love all the stuff and left wishing I could just load up the show room and magically set it up in my house that doesn't yet exist. Surprisingly I had enough energy to make it back to the mall. We enjoyed a sit down supper at Ruby Tuesdays and then, believe it or not, were sucked in by another Italian salesman. They certainly have their way- or I'm just gullible. I won't get into details but I'll just say that I now feel like I OWN a part of the "Dead Sea." haha

After a slightly better sleep I was ready to tackle the mall again on Wednesday. I knew what I wanted and was set to get it. We visited the game store and I got new games for my classroom. I'm so excited - it makes me want school. I miss those lunch hours with blockus challenges. Next year I'm more prepared and hope I still have kids who want to play!

I got some Puma shoes (the German kids from school had convinced me that they really are the coolest things ever.) I also did some clothes shopping. We were done by 1:00 - which was great cause I had made a new plan...

The new plan was The Waterpark of America. I really wouldn't have known that it even existed if it wasn't for the coupon book. It was just down the road from our hotel so we spent the afternoon there. It was a lot of fun. There were raft slides, body slides, tube slides, a wave pool, huge hot tube, basketball nets, lazy river AND a body surfing pool. I think I would have been a pro body surfer - it was the first thing I tried. But I found out very quickly that the swimsuit which I brought with was not necessarily the most appropriate for that particular venue. I was nervous enough to go body surf cause I had no idea what I was doing...and that nervousness heightened when I quickly found out that it was quite possible for my swimsuit to be quickly consumed by the high pressure "waves." Fortunately I was alert and quick enough to avoid any "exposure" misfortunes...but I can only think that had my bottoms done some surfing of their own they would've been gone for good - and oh those poor bystanders to be subjected to that! Needless to say I didn't dare try it twice - that would've been asking for trouble. Next time I'm packing my board shorts for sure - then I'll be pro! It was, however, a great afternoon!

Wednesday night we headed back to the mall. This time is was supper at Kokomo Cafe. It was delicious. After supper I went for dessert to the place that I had been waiting for all week - Coldstone Creamery! I had the "All Lovin' No Oven" Signature creation (hence the title of this blog). It all started with Cake Batter Icecream - seriously, that is AWESOME. Then they mixed in, by hand, cookie dough, fudge pieces, and other heavenly goodness. It was the GREATEST icecream I have ever had (I love cake batter and whoever thought of making cake batter icecream is genius!) It was loaded with calories...but don't forget that we already put on a good 10 miles - it was okay to indulge.

In the evening I got a wrist band and went on some rides. Okay so riding alone isn't the worst thing in the world. I accepted the fact that everyone in line with me was at least a foot shorter (you can see that in one of the pictures). But we were all having a good time so that's what counts. Mom was watching and taking pictures. Rides are fun and I didn't get sick so all is good! I was leary about the rollercoaster because I've had a few dreams lately of being on a roller coaster that derailed causing me to plummet to my death...but thankfully sometimes dreams don't come true. I felt like a little kid on the rides...so fun.

I have written way to much and I'm sure it's way too boring. But the week was a great one. I don't get to spend that kind of time with my mom often but when I do I cherish it. I forget that she does have blonde moments...lots of them! It truely was a week full of memories - and of course I'll forgive her for the early mornings. I even kicked her out one morning at 6:00 (I was still half asleep and not thinking at all) and she went and read in the vehicle. I didn't mean it!! But seriously - she put up with it. We laughed lots and both had a great time. Can't wait to do it again...

So here's what I've done..

Now that the first week of holidays is nearing an end I figured that it's time to account for what I've accomplished (or what I haven't accomplished). The week started off at a fast and furious pace...can't say that I've really kept that up...Monday I did lots of laundry, organized my cabinets, went grocery shopping, cooked, went out for a walk, lay by the pool and read, organized my "office", and watched a little TV. On Tuesday I did not do a whole lot. I went to blockbuster, but couldn't find anything. Most other stores weren't open. It was altogether a boring day. Wednesday was much better. I shopped with my mom and acquired some goods that were definitely not needed...but they are fun. I got a lounge chair, 4 books, a ps2 and 3 sing star games (seriously...was that necessary?) Now it's Thursday. I figure that today I will probably go the pool in the afternoon - I do have 4 new books to read. Then I'll head back to Altona for Macy's shower this evening.

As I've been reading my book "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch I've picked out some tidbits that I found somewhat thought provoking and worthy of repeating. Just some background: the author of the book, Paush, was a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon. He has terminal cancer but in September was asked to give a "last lecture." His lecture was called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" and talks about overcoming obstacles, seizing moments, and living. There is lots about him online, and his lecture can be found on the Internet. I've enjoyed the book and here are some quotes that stuck out to me:

• "When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you."
• "People are more important than things."
• "Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something."
• "Time must be explicitly managed, like money."
• "You can always change your plan, but only if you have one."
• "I'll take an earnest person over a hip person every time, because hip is short-term. Earnest is long-term."
• "To many people go through life complaining about their problems. I've always believed that if you took one-tenth of the energy you put into complaining and applied it to solving the problem, you'd be surprised at how well things can work out."
• "'If you wait long enough people will surprise you and impress you.' Sometimes this takes great patience 'but in the end people will show you their good side. Almost everybody has a good side. Just keep waiting. It will come out.'"
• "Dance with the one who brung you."
• "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
• "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."
• "Showing gratitude is one of the simples yet most powerful things humans can do for each other."
• "A lot of people want a short cut. I find the best shortcut is the long way, which is basically two words: work hard."
• "One thing that makes it possible to be an optimist is if you have a contingency plan for when all hell breaks loose."
• "People lie for lots of reasons, often because it seems like a way to get what they want with less effort."
• "If I could only give three words of advice, they would be 'tell the truth.' If I got three more words, I'd add: 'All the time.'" "Honesty is not only morally right, it's also efficient.