MN: a day in the life

the NEW BLOG is up!!!

2008-08-15T21:36:00.000-05:00

Please check out our newest blog in which we chronicle our experiences living in a small rural, community in southern South Korea. Teaching, traveling and trying to learn about a new part of the world. You can find us here:

http://www.dustinandanne.com/

goodbye party!

2008-08-14T20:24:00.013-05:00

Dustin's family hosted a gathering of our families for one last party before leaving for Korea.

Here are some wonderful shots from the day.

New era ~ New blog

2008-08-10T00:17:00.000-05:00

Here is a photo of our future home...

Yeonggwang, South Korea

We'll be living in the teeny coastal town of Bubseong.

Please follow us along on our journeys at our new website:

www.dustinandanne.com

Please bookmark this site and check back often for updates.

We should have the site active and live within a week!

NOTE: I will no longer be using this blog - as Dustin has created this incredible website to document our journey. However, feel free to peruse it at your leisure and reminisce over the last few years of my life in Japan, graduate school and pre-Korea! It has been a wonderful tool in helping me be more reflective and introspective - as well as hopefully teaching my blog buddies a thing or two about the international scene that I love so much! Thanks for your support and I hope you enjoy the new website just as well: www.dustinandanne.com

We can't wait to share our new adventures with you!

Miss you all! :) ~Anne

last night in my house...

2008-08-09T00:02:00.003-05:00

Well the day of departure is finally here... for those of you who haven't heard - Dustin and I are moving to Yeonggwang, South Korea.

We are heading down to our final farewell party tomorrow and our flight leaves Sunday afternoon. Tonite is my last nite sleeping in my bed...that's always weird. In fact, playing the "last-this, last-that" game will drive a person insane, so I've told myself to just focus on the many new and exciting "firsts" that will be happening in a few short days!

Here is our itinerary:

Non-stop flight from Minneapolis to Tokyo = 14 hour flight

Tokyo to Incheon = 4 hour flight

Incheon to Seoul = 40 minute bus

Seoul to Kwangju = 1 hour flight

Kwangju to Yeonggwang = 2 hour drive

Yeonggwang to Bubseong (our new home) = 15 minute bus

TOTAL: ~23 hours

After crossing the int'l date line -

it will feel as though we've traveled for almost 2 days!

Stay tuned for future updates...after some much needed rest!

The Last Supper

2008-08-08T10:41:00.006-05:00

Our last "American" meal together as a family - before departing for South Korea in less than 24 hours! My mom, dad and brother have always been my best friends and biggest supporters.
I'm going to rely on that support and think of them often,
while living overseas in the coming year.

I'll miss you and I love you!
XOOXoOXoOXoxoOOXXOxOXOoXOXO

Last weekend at The Lake

2008-08-04T00:55:00.000-05:00

Last week was crazy busy trying to get the final preparations ready for our big move. I jammed it all in somehow -- wrapping up both softball and golf leagues, selling my car, submitting my students final grades, visiting with a few old friends, finishing my job, and beginning to pack (er...at least think about what I wanted to pack). To reward myself for the stressful summer - I headed up to the lake with my mom and dad for a few fun days in the sun with my relatives from out of state.
My lovely parents who make leaving difficult,
but coming back so fabulous!

My cousins have adorable daughters...Corrinne is pictured below:

Here is my Grandma -- still going strong! I hope her health strengthens and improves while I am away the next year. She is such a special woman and wonderful Grandma!

I love you "Gi-Gi"!!!

Sophia is another cousin's daughter who has perfected the pout, pictured below:

It's funny, I didn't even graduate from UMD and yet those are the only college clothes we have!? Thought this was a cute picture anyways.... :)

Cousin Mere looks pretty darn good - considering she's in her second trimester! I can't wait to meet my new cousin when we get home!

...and hopefully this one will be OK with having to share the spotlight!

4 days of gorgeous, hot, sunny weather was just what I needed to start to relax and unwind from the crazy summer....well, until I remembered that I had about 10 hours of packing to do in 2 days!!! Fortunately, most everything is already packed and ready to roll for Saturday morning. Wow -- my last days are flying by and the clock is really ticking!

In less than 30 hours, I will be on my way outta town!?!? :) .... ;) .... :(

IEC Graduation Ceremony

2008-08-01T08:16:00.000-05:00

These students use aliases while in America.

L-R: Lucy, Miranda, Erika, Sonia and Paul

Here are a few pictures from the IEC graduation ceremony.I worked in the Intensive English Center @ SCSU this summer. The students come from three continents and 13 different countries.They are a joy to work with and I am happy to have both taught and learned from them. Congratulations students!

Below: Students participate in an international fashion show.

last day of classes

2008-07-31T23:32:00.002-05:00

Another gorgeous, hot, sunny, humid day... here are a couple of shots from our last day of classes. There were others taken of the entire group -

but won't be up for another day or two.

This group was so outgoing and fun! I will sadly miss these folks!

Hong Kong

2008-07-29T20:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks for making such an effort to keep in touch through the moves, the new jobs, and the various countries ... you are a special friend and I'll miss seeing that beautiful smile of yours! Maybe I can catch that on webcam ...?

sEE you SluGGer

2008-07-28T19:28:00.000-05:00

It's "Critter" Time

BuBye DaYnA & RuSty!

2008-07-27T19:11:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for the wonderful Italian treat!

We enjoyed seeing you and will miss you guys next year.

(Or until we meet up in the Phillippines! :)

adios ~ farewell ~ anyeong hi kaseyo!

2008-07-26T14:46:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for stopping by for one last hangout...it was a random group of friends all inter-connected one way or another, but we sincerely enjoyed spending one last nite with you!
Paff- we're sorry we couldn't make it up to Spicer, but thanks for being flexible and making the trek down to Cloudtown. You will be surely missed!

Big squeezes to you two...and good luck with the move! We can't wait to come and visit your new palace someday soon! :)

Anothony rocks the house... please put out another CD soon!

So many goodbyes - really takes it outta ya!

Hope Dayna and Rusty can join us somewhere in Asia next year!!!???

Pretty snazzy looking group of gals!

xooOXXOoXoXOoXoxoxoOXox

Some special goodbyes...

2008-07-24T09:39:00.004-05:00

....this picture makes me smile and yet I feel a couple of tears coming on.

you guys are great friends, but our busy schedules didn't permit

many hangouts this last year.

we'll miss you all and look forward to hearing your stories of new jobs, new homes and new babies?!?!? gosh...we'll miss out on a lot back home!

Eric & Amanda -- we just couldn't get in enough rounds of golf with these two!

Mitch - below - one of my favorite people from kindergarten! Distance has never been tricky for us! Keep in touch babe and best wishes finishing your MA this semester! :)

Bill and Laura - PLEASE please PleAsE visit my parents while we're away. They would love having some young blood around the house! :) And we know you guys won't be complaining about the free beer and wine ;)

Squeezes to all of you! Time flies when you're having a blast - so we'll be back in no time!

Sayonara Masami!

2008-07-23T09:21:00.000-05:00

Masami -- Thank you for the nice lunch! We enjoyed seeing you both! I hope we meet again soon...best of luck finishing up the program this year! Ganbate! And send me an email about the language village up north...that sounded like a great opportunity for you! Take care and keep in touch! :)

dusTin'S bIRthDaY DiNNer

2008-07-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

...birthday boy's choice for his birthday dinner...

of course it had to be The Outback.

delicious dinner w/ his family - although I just realized that

I'm missing pics of his mom and nieces!!??

Sayonara Tomoko, Aki and Ken!

2008-07-21T08:49:00.000-05:00

Heeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeee's AKI!
This is Tomoko's beautiful daughter. Apparently she's usually pretty shy around strangers, but she was a total fireball all day! We enjoyed playing with her many toys that sing, dance, jump, shake and flash....but the one toy she really wanted to play with was my camera....of all things!

Shinobu and I enjoyed a delicious yakisoba meal...complete with kimchi (hey, I gotta start liking that now!) and kabobs. Thank you for cooking for us! It was a treat!

Hope to see you soon!....or maybe if/when you guys fly home next year!

another goodbye...

2008-07-17T14:46:00.001-05:00

Dear Sam, Brittany and Shinobu,

Thanks for making grad school memorable...and dare I say, ... fun :)

Hope to keep in touch with you all as we head in new directions and careers.

I'll miss you girlies.... Cheers to us!

Crosby mine pits

2008-07-15T14:35:00.000-05:00

Dustin's bday weekend was spent camping with good pals in the teeny town of Crosby.

Our main mission was to get in some canoeing and kayaking on the former mine pits,

and the 30 MPH winds

didn't stop us from hitting the waves!
Well,...actually it did almost stop us. We battled and slaved away sloshing through the white caps that pelted the waters all day long. It was exhausting, involved a lot of cussing and thankfully Dustin and I were able to remain cordial with one another after beaching the boats. The picture above shows us ...nearing the end of our mission... pissed and pooped!
Megan and I needed more than a few beers to relax from the day's stresses...

Dustin and his buddies: Poser & Milly

Crosby, MN July 2008

hot sun in the summertime

2008-07-14T22:12:00.001-05:00

The picture above was taken on July 4th...my dad and dustin and I went out trolling for northern when we caught 4 walleye within 15 minutes. Since this species is somewhat rare on our lake, my dad was thrilled and to catch them while watching the fireworks surround us from all sides of the lake made it even more celebratory! After the fireworks show ended, and the walleyes quit biting, we noticed a second light show - a major thunderstorm brewing in the west... after several scary lightning strikes - we called it a night and began the wet, windy, stormy boatride home...

Aside from one small thunderstorm, we had another beautiful hot, summer weekend spent at the cabin with our family this July 4th holiday weekend. We had 3 gorgeous beach days as well as golf (in which I actually shot a legitimate 46 on a "big kid course'), and fabulous dinners made by each couple. Couple of bike rides, bonfires, some boardgames and beverages...many beverages.... and a visit from a couple of friends...and I'd say the weekend was one of our better ones this summer :)

It's hard to believe that we have less than one month to prepare, pack and plan for our travels! Unfortunately, I am so busy w/ school and work this summer, I probably wont' have any time to actually "plan or prepare" until August 1st....yep, that's one week away from departure!

I have to thank my incredible family for their support in our decision to leave the States for awhile...I believe Korea will be one of the greatest experiences of our lives! So much to see and do and experience each day...I am anxious to get outside of my comfort zone and daily grind :) In 26 days, we will be in South Korea!!! I hope it is as beautiful as being up at the lake :)

28 BIG ones

2008-07-10T07:27:00.002-05:00

haPPy bIRtHDaY swEEtHearT!!!

XoXoXOoxoxOxXOXOOX

Sheila's wedding

2008-06-23T23:13:00.006-05:00

Sheila and Joe's first "married" kiss :)
Sheila and Joe's first "married" dance :)

Sheila is one of my best friends from college...she's been living in Phoenix for many years now,...but we've always kept in touch. She was the most beautiful bride---looked just like Vanna White :) I especially loved her dress...the pink trim was gorgeous!

We didn't know a soul there...but still managed to have a good time.

A beautiful day for a white wedding...

another reunion!

2008-06-21T23:07:00.001-05:00

This one is from a get together of old, new and current ESL TA's. We started the nite off with a little competition @ the local mini-golf course and ended on a high note w/ a few drinks at our usual watering hole. I've SO enjoyed working with all of you and will continue to rely on you for innovate ideas and support! :) Best wishes to you all!

summertime...

2008-06-20T22:43:00.001-05:00

Dustin's Dad took us out fishing a couple weekends ago...we caught a few keepers and enjoyed beautiful weather in Randall, Minnesota. We like nothing more than being out on the lake...
Dustin shows us his,..ahem...fishing stance :)

we're gonna miss these days in a couple of months

high school reunion

2008-06-15T22:38:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I was reunited with two of my best friends from high school. Michelle (on the left) currently lives in Minnesota, but Jill (middle) has been out of the country (in JAPAN!) for the last few years....she has finally moved back to the States but will be living out in Virginia. She has two little daughters --Despina is pictured above. They are THE cutest kids....EVER!

Though our paths continue to cross sporadically, they are still wonderful friends! :)

let the summer BBQs begin

2008-06-02T22:13:00.006-05:00

After a day of fun and drinks at the disc golfing course, we finished up with some good friends, yard games, brews and a bon fire. Summer is finally here---at last --- it IS June after all!
Eric, Amanda, me & T

My mom and brother relax next to the (invisible) bonfire.

Nice picture of Dad and Dustin

Below: We finally got the guys to keep their eyes open!

A special Mother's Day

2008-05-12T19:53:00.004-05:00

My mom said this weekend marked one of her most special days as a mom.

She watched her daughter obtain her Master's degree on Friday and her son obtain two Bachelor's degrees on Saturday. We are proud to be her kids!!! :)
Here is a good picture of the "Master's Hood"...it's this weird thing that wraps around you. They make a pretty big deal out of it during the ceremony, but in actuality - it's just really uncomfortable! ...but still worth the tassle and hassle!

Mike and I pose with our graduation gear & Grandma.

My Master's Degree is finished!

2008-05-11T15:59:00.006-05:00

Finally, graduate school has come to an end. It was an exhausting and demanding period of my life, but one in which I learned so much and met many wonderful students, teachers and friends. So much of what I have done would not have been possible without the support of:

my supportive parents

my wonderful boyfriend
my motivated and ambitious students
my understanding colleagues

and all others who helped me stay sane throughout the last two years of studies and stresses!

I couldn't have done it without you! :)

brother's graduation

2008-05-11T15:44:00.008-05:00

My brother graduated from Minnesota State University - Mankato

on Saturday. He double majored in Psychology and Sociology and plans on going to

graduate school next year. He is thinking about becoming a school psychologist.

I'm so proud of him!!!

Above: Mike takes his 'walk of fame' across the stage and gets his degree.

Below: He shows off his prized possession!
My family and I were there to celebrate with him and his girlfriend, Jenny.
It was a freezing cold, rainy day - but that didn't stop us from having a wonderful time together.
Today is Mother's Day and it will surely be memorable for her - as she watched both of her kids graduate in less than 24 hours! :)

last day of junior high school

2008-05-09T14:33:00.010-05:00

I love this picture of these girls!

They seem so happy to be learning English and gaining cultural awareness....

riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. Well, they take good pictures anyway :)

Today was the last day with these crazyspazzy 7-8th graders. They have another 5 weeks left of classes, but I am FINISHED! It's been a learning experience and I definitely have a better understanding of the refugee population's needs (academic and otherwise). I know my experiences in South Korea will be COMPLETELY different than this school -- but a wonderful opportunity just the same! Above: Shafi (sometimes up to no good) and Fahma

Below: Naimo, Fadumo (typical "cool" girl) & Hodan (smart and polite!)

Above: Sadik (always smiling) & Fahma (always laughing)

Below: Naimo (usually grumbling but manages a smile here :)

Group shot with most of the boys in the class is below...

lots of energy with this group (and as a result, LOTS of patience was required!)

as you can see from the photos, they are a pretty unforgettable group of kids!

wishing them luck as they head to high school!

i have the greatest students

2008-05-09T14:15:00.003-05:00

Had a short reunion with some of my former ESL 201 students last nite.

We went bowling and played some pool - two games in which I am skill deficient.

I miraculously ended up getting a 130 in bowling, despite throwing a gutter ball every other frame. My students had only played once or twice before,

so their scores were in the 40's and 50's...

I was really flattered that a few of these students wanted to get together...more were suppose to show up but had untimely finals on Friday morning. It was so nice to catch up with these students who have finished their first year of studying abroad --- they have come so far! I am very proud of them!

L-R: Simeng (China), Eunice (Tunisia), Emmanuel (Ghana)

and pictured above, Irene (Tanzania)

wrapping up the semester...

2008-05-06T15:04:00.004-05:00

Here are some pics from one of my last days working with

some of the ESL students at North Junior High.

I worked with a group of Somali students who have been

living in the USA for between 3 months and 1.5 years. They are a rambunctious,

enthusiastic and charismatic bunch of young adults! They are new to the concept of formal schooling, new to learning how to read or write in any language and new to American culture and customs. The learning opportunities for these students are endless...

They have come a long ways since January, but have a long ways left to go.

I wish them luck as they head to high school next year... :)

The whole group is pictured below (L-R, back to front)

Hamse, Fadumo, Fartun, Ismail, Sadik, Shafi, Mohamed, Hodan

Fadumo, Nimco, Naimo and Fahma.

ESL 102 - final class

2008-05-05T22:26:00.003-05:00

Today my ESL 102 students had their final exam.

I am sure they did very well as I have many

eager students in the class...

Above picture (L-R):

Zhongwei (China), Lansun (China), Ejiro (Nigeria),

Chau (Vietnam), Carene (Gabon),

Shen (China), Miezan (Ivory Coast) & Fahad (Saudi Arabia)

It was a small group of students,

so we were able to cover a lot of material each day.

Also, I was able to individualize the lessons so the students

could get personalized feedback and lots of one-on-one attention.

The picture below came out a little strange

due to us having to rely on the timer. :)

sushi and somali

2008-04-02T14:19:00.004-05:00

I've spent the last two weeks teaching my

Somali students English through Japanese culture.

Above: Ismail, Naimo, Fahma, Shafi, Hodan and Fadumo

We've done many fun activities with Japanese language,
music, clothes, festivals etc... but today was a lesson about food.
After teaching them how to use chopsticks, the students tried various Japanese foods and enjoyed (or not) the new tastes and smells! I wasn't sure how the students would react to this style of instruction, but I think it's gone pretty well. They are so curious to learn about a new culture (and they forget that they are actually learning English too!)

I love this one because it shows they WERE paying attention to the many photos around the room ---which show the notorious peace sign being used in every picture!

it's been awhile...

2008-03-26T23:35:00.000-05:00

I haven't updated my blog in over a MONTH! There are quite a few new things to share, but I have been just too busy to write about them! I am making time tonite to catch up on life in the following message:

1. So, this is my last semester of Grad school and I am SOOOOOOOOOOO ready to be done with school!!! Trying to balance student teaching a couple of ESL classes at North Jr. High, with the ESL class I teach at SCSU, as well as trying to find a job for 2008-2009 AND squeezing in time to finish my thesis is nothing short of exhausting. Everyone says that grad school is a lot of work, but I think what makes it feel 10 times worse is all of the other responsibilities we have (besides doing research for your thesis). If I could only focus on writing my thesis and NOTHING else---I would have that stupid paper finished in a week! Argh....I can't wait to be done with it, so I can have my life back!

2. My lease was also up in March - so I have moved back home with my parents for the next couple of months. They are my best friends so things have been going very well...although it does seem strange to live independently for a few years and then return home at my old age :) I appreciate them "taking me in" and hope to be out of their hair this summer!

3. I have been trying to start the job hunting process this last week. I swear "finding a full time job IS a full time job in itself!" I am swamped with cover letters, organizing all my credentials and preparing for ESL jobs in a K-12 OR college setting, either in the USA or abroad. There are simply TOO many options!

So far, I have sent out about 50 applications to 10 different countries.

I am interested in International Schools --- so K-12 settings in which all students are English speaking and the curriculum/school calendar/philosophies are the same as the USA.

Some of my top Asian picks are: Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Phillippines...

Some of my European choices would be: Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Scandinavia...

And just for good measure, I've also applied to Venezuela, Chile and Costa Rica.

I am reallllllllllly anxious to hear back from some of these places...though I am beginning my international job hunt a little late (most hiring commences in February), I am hoping that an opportunity comes my way soon!?!?!?

Easter Sunday

2008-03-25T23:08:00.000-05:00

I haven't put a photo on here of my parents lately...so here it is on Easter Sunday!

After a rather long mass (1.5 hours!) we returned to the house for an early happy hour. Mom prepared her usual traditional Easter foods - ham and quiche - and my role was kitchen clean up!

Mom makes the most gourmet dishes and today was no exception.

But what made the day most memorable was watching my Grandma try out the Wii!

And she blew us all away!

Here bowling skills are quite competitive but her golf skills are unparalleled.

She smoked me by 10 strokes on the Intermediate level!!! :)

But I gotta love her for trying (and totally showing me up!)

(Below) Here's a good one of her in action....89 years old!

Incredible! I hope I have her longevity genes!

sheila's bridal shower

2008-03-23T22:23:00.002-05:00

Sheila came home from Arizona for a dose of snowy Minnesota.
It had been TOO long since I had last seen her...and we enjoyed catching up a bit at her BRiDal ShoWeR in her hometown of Benson Minnesota! Must admit, it was my first trip to Southwest Minnesota...and was amazed by how peaceful and quiet the drive was!

Sheila looked fabulous and has one of those engagement-glows about her! I am so happy for her and Joe and SO excited about her BIG day coming up in June! ....and I was also a bit saddened to see her for such a short visit. Maybe we will get a quality hangout while you are in MN for your wedding week? Enjoy the next couple months of engaged-ness!!! :)

will it ever stop?!

2008-03-22T22:56:00.000-05:00

Here is the view off of our deck at about 6:30 AM before heading to school. I woke up to a surprising snow village scene!

I can't remember the last time I saw so much snow in late-March!?

This weekend saw another few inches and light flurries that would not quit!!!

It is very pretty and I do enjoy the softness and stillness that surrounds us during the winter...but since when did winter last 6 months!?!?

new cousin!

2008-03-18T23:06:00.000-05:00

My cousin Sara had her baby about 6 months ago...and I have yet to post pics on this new addition to our family. So, with no further adieu........here's CORINNE!

3-day weekend = FINALLY

2008-02-19T18:55:00.005-06:00

The final semester of grad school has finally taken its toll on my health and sanity...I feel exhausted and stressed all the time and I think it is starting to really annoy my family. Nevertheless, they invited us up to the cabin for a 3-day getaway weekend. Little skiing, lots of eating.
And NO schoolwork.
Surprisingly, I felt quite prepared and ready to go for this entire week - which is a treat in itself, as I was feeling a bit guilty for not picking up a book for 5 days!!! Guess that is what I needed and I hope that I can regain my composure for a couple more weeks of craziness and then -SPRING BREAK! (Which for me, will entail moving back home and trying to complete my thesis....fun, fun)

We did our best to whoop it up for my Dad's 55th birthday...although truth be told, he did prepare his own birthday dinner (but who can compete with his incredible culinary delights!?!) And pictured above is the greatest next-best cake to my Mom's delicious desserts = a Snickers cake.

Just your average 2300 calorie meal with my family :)

Valentine's Day!!!

2008-02-19T18:44:00.004-06:00

Last week was Valentine's Day. We decided to have a relaxing nite in - so he made a delicious dinner for us and we watched the best movie I have seen this year... "Once". I hope everyone can check it out! The music is simply perfect * Click on the link above to see a music video of my favorite song...

As tradition permits, I gave him a few cutesy gifts, cards and lovely tokens of my affections...and he gave me a "description" of his gift... He was so upset and disappointed that he couldn't finish my gift, but just hearing about the work in progress made my eyes blink away happy tears. "The Gift" is incredible, but I'll wait to post what it is until I can take a picture of it and describe it on here. ---Oh, but until I receive that gift - he also gave me a gorgeous bouquet of hand-picked flowers (see above).

busy bees

2008-02-19T18:36:00.004-06:00

I haven't had time to update on here in almost a MONTH! Sorry to disappoint the few supportive readers of this blog :) So, while my parents took a vacation to Las Vegas, Dustin and I were in charge of beginning the remodeling of my Dad's barber shop. What a process! I have never done a 'renovation' project like this before - so I guess I haven't anything to compare it to - but this was waaaaaaaaaay more work than I thought possible. Though Dustin did most of the heavy lifting types of tasks - I tried my best to keep the working area clean and got to assist in laying a few tiles and helping hang the sheet rock. I feel a little bit "sheltered" saying this, but I really learned A LOT from this experience! [And I realized just how handy my boyfriend really is!!!] The shop is still a work in progress at the moment...but I will surely post final pictures within the next week when it is complete*.....
Getting to this point (below) took approximatley 30+ hours...

Silver Bay Getaway

2008-01-08T23:07:00.000-06:00

Dustin took an extra day off of work so we could venture further North this weekend. His Grandma lives in Silver Bay (about an hour north of Duluth), so after the xmas festivities in Duluth - we headed up to the Northland. It is SO serene, quiet and gorgeous in the Silver Bay area! We spent the first day with relatives (enjoying their indoor sauna immensely). The next day was a day of sweating and playing...... :
This is a rarity for a Minnesotan to admit...but I have actually NEVER been on a snowmobile before. EVER! Not once in my life... Well, in the North country this is completely unacceptable. So, after a quick snowmobiling tutorial, Dustin gave me my own snowmobile and away we went! The trails were really beautiful and not ONE other snowmobile was to be found (thankfully - I am not an advanced rider and needed all the space I could get on the trails!) I managed to successfully complete our mission - riding up to Finland, Minnesota - relatively unscathed. I did get stuck in some deep snow once and nearly clipped a tree...but otherwise, felt like a bit of a veteran :) We rode for several hours and I LOVED IT ( never thought I would say that). I just felt like it was a great way to experience winter in Minnesota!
After riding, we decided to stop at Gooseberry for some cross country skiing. We had actually skied the previous two days in Duluth and Silver Bay, but felt like trying out one last spot before going home.
Well, after 4 days of 35+ degree weather, it wasn't surprising that the trails were quite slow and mushy.
Enjoyable scenery though - especially when the trail came out by Lake Superior. It isn't every day that we get to ski next to the most beautiful lake in Minnesota! :) [ps: you can't imagine how difficult it was to get these pictures...we made tripods with twigs and mittens and helmets...]
Having spent a few days in the Northland...I have returned home 100% more relaxed and rejuvenated! Now, I need to return my focus to finishing school and preparing for a real job............ :(

duluth christmas

2008-01-05T22:57:00.000-06:00

dustin's buddies in duluth had their annual xmas bash last weekend. the highlight was the outdoor hot tub...granted it was an unusually warm nite for a Minnesota winter evening, it still felt fantastic! no pictures from the hot tub just yet...stay tuned :)
i'm starting to feel a part of "dustin's duluth crowd". having been to this party last year as well... I think I'm starting to fit in! it's tough to be the odd one out at times, but i'm glad they have welcomed me as their own :)

H-A-P-P-Y-B-D-A-Y

2007-12-27T22:52:00.000-06:00

I turned (ahem)...26 a couple days ago. My birthday occurs on one of the most forgotten days of the year = 2 days after Christmas.

I spent the morning and afternoon working out with my Mom and cross country skiing. We had a nice lunch and were JUST returning home, when I slipped on some glare ice, falling REALLY HARD on both kneecaps!!!

It was so painful, my mom brought me into the hospital for x-rays. Doctor said nothing was broken and ordered me to ice and rest for a week (something I really did NOT want to do after eating, consuming, imbibing WAAAAAAAY too much over the holidays!!!) After the hospital, my bday nite was pretty relaxed. We ordered my favorite pizza, Dustin brought over some bday cupcakes and we played "Music-Catchphrase" as a family...overall, the nite didn't really go as planned, but given the circumstances was still enjoyable.

26 years old! I can't believe it!

Here's to the beginning of a new year and a new career (hopefully)!

The Parry Family Christmas

2007-12-24T22:15:00.000-06:00

Like most families, our Christmas Eve has several traditions. We begin the nite snacking on many delicious treats prepared by my parents and slurp yummy Christmas beverages. Actually...this takes up most of the nite...we don't actually begin bringing all the presents under the tree to the basement until after 10.
Usually my brother and I bring all the gifts downstairs and sort them by recipients. I don't know who started this organizational neuroticism, but it does help save time and keep everyone on pace (fairly)...I remember when my brother and I were younger and the fits we'd throw if the other person had opened "more" gifts than the other... sigh...those were the days.
It goes without saying that much sarcasm is present during the gift unwrapping. Each person is given undivided attention while they slowly unveil their treasure...which is accompanied by moans and groans from the audience.

The cookie decorating contest has become a new tradition as well. Pictured above, are the winners of this year's contest.

During the afternoon mom finishes slaving away in the kitchen, preparing the MOST delicious cookie cut-out recipe I have ever tasted. Taste aside, our family has some of the most creative, most clever (and sometimes most unappetizing looking) Christmas cookies.

Dustin and Mike proved to be the big winners this year. Their patience was well-deserving of the (shared) honors. I, on the otherhand, produced many simple, more edible varieties :)

We don't have a lot of kiddies around for the holidays....and no, I am pretty sure that Mike and I are NOT interested in making that happen just yet!.... but my cousin Priscilla made a short appearance on Christmas day. I love these cute pictures of her in mid-rip, anticipating new toys and dolls.

It was great to have my brother home for the holidays. Though he goes to a university that is only 3 hours away...I rarely see him anymore :(

I think that will change this summer however - when he and I both move HOME for a couple of months inbetween jobs!!!

Perhaps the coolest gift this year was from my Grandma. She bought our family a Nintendo Wii!!! It is SUCH a blast! :) Below are a couple pics of Mike and Dustin battling it out in bowling.

Excessive gifts, drinks and food aside...the holidays are really about family. I am more and more thankful each year that I have such an incredibly supportive family. A family that I appreciate year around, but even more so during the Christmas season! Merry Christmas Mom and Dad! Thank you for making our Christmas so memorable! :)

I love you guys!

Dustin's family Xmas (Part I)

2007-12-22T21:52:00.000-06:00

Our week-long Christmas festivities began nearly 2 weeks ago, in Randall with Dustin's family. Several nites of playing cards until 3 AM and way too many of his mom's delicious sugar cookies, made for many sleepless (but memorable) nites! It was my first Christmas with his family and they proved to be wonderful, hospitable hosts!
Dustin and I exchanged Christmas gifts beforehand...and he surprised me with a new set of cross country skiis! I think this is going to be the start of one of our new winter obsessions!!! :)

Thanks for inviting me to your Christmas Gloria and Tom!
I really appreciated the thoughtful gifts as well!
Looking forward to our "Girls' Day" @ the spa...

Christmas Around the World

2007-12-20T12:44:00.000-06:00

Last week, after the semester ended and grades were submitted, my parents offered to host my students for an American Christmas party. 9 of 14 students came to the party and below are some pictures from the fabulous evening!
Each student brought an ethnic dish from their home country. We ate delicious foods from all parts of the world and supplied a few American dishes for them to try. I also made an Egg Nog dessert drink -which they found "interesting...too sweet...delicious...disgusting..." hahaha, so it goes trying new things in a new country!

This semester's class was especially close. I had an even representation of students from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. To my surprise, they were MORE than suportive of one another and actually made a few (hopefully) lasting friendships!
Back row: Tokiko (Japan), Nicole (Brazil) and Simeng (China)

Front row: Sherry (Saudi Arabia), Franck (Ivory Coast), Suyan (China), Kendi (Kenya), Jiayi (China) and Irene (Tanzania)

So you think you can dance?

My mom was a wonderful hospitable host (as usual)!

Dad provided the entertainment (as usual)!

Thanks SO much to my loving parents for their interest in working with this international population!

Most of the students sent emails the following the day saying things like, "I feel like I understand American culture and family more now" and "This was the best nite of my life in America".

Wow! My parents are pretty influential!!!

Below, Simeng treated us to a virtuoso piano performance.

Music certainly is a universal passion...

Dustin got to know my students pretty well that nite....we won't go into details but it has a little something to do w/ imbibing traditions throughout the world...hmmm

This party is one to be treasured by us all.

Best of luck to my students as they forge ahead into University life here in Minnesota! Good luck and Happy New Year!

pre-xmas-fest

2007-12-18T12:33:00.000-06:00

Every year in December, my parents host the Parry Annual Christmas Party. This year's celebration included about 40 of their high school friends and neighbors. I didn't put a lot of their pictures on here (as they hold respectable jobs around town... :) but...

I thought I'd put a few of the appropriate ones below:
Guitar Hero was a huge hit.
Even amongst the older folks - everyone wanted to take a stab at their dream of becoming a RoCkStAr (if only for one nite), proving that age ain't nothin' but a number. some rocked out (above) others danced the nite away
(aren't my parents SO cute in the picture below!?!)

Paff - sporting a not-so-obvious advertisement for the Big Buck - provided wine tasting (a true entrepeneur finds ways to profit off of anything).

A rather nice addition to the usual Parry festivities...

Laura & I were Guitar Hero groupies...

Pictured below: My parents are THE cUtEsT!

I only hope to be so happy after 30+ years of marriage... :)

XoOXoxOOXxo [love you both so much!]

...our wine connosieurs are pictured belOw...

well, we didn't drink any wine that nite, but I think Dustin could give you a few stories about his Tequila encounters....(gross).... well, those that he can remember anyway. As for me, responsible partygoer that I am - woke up after a short but splendid evening of sleep, feeling fantastic!

INH holiday party

2007-12-18T12:18:00.000-06:00

One of many winter gatherings...

Dustin's company party was last Friday nite. They are such a competitive company, so it was no surprise that their evening entertainment consisted of pool, darts, air hockey and foosball tournaments.

Dustin is a wonderful partner to have during such events - so in the picture above we display some of our earnings.... dart champs!!!
And below, though no awards were given, my Guitar Hero skills are fast improving :) I think I need to add 'the Hero' to my xmas list :)

ESL 201

2007-12-11T22:03:00.001-06:00

This semester I taught ESL 201: Listening & Speaking at SCSU.

I taught this course in the Fall of '06 as well, so teaching it a second time proved to be much easier. It has been a really successful semester and I am so proud of my students.
As if you can't tell from these photos, this class was so lively, entertaining and charismatic. Their energy was contagious and made the entire semester so eventful and rewarding!

I shouldn't compare,...but I can't help but admit that this semester's group was The Best! I will miss them terribly, but am happy to have helped them grow as English learners and communicators. Best of luck to them in their future endeavors @ SCSU.

Back row: Eunice (Tunisia), Sharahzad (Saudi Arabia), Nicole (Brazil), Simeng (China), Kiran (Nepal), Jennifer (Kenya), Suyan (China), Irene (Tanzania), Emmanuel (Ghana)

Front row: Tokiko (Japan), Jiayi (China), Franck (Ivory Coast), Ernest (Liberia) - not pictured, Faris (Saudi Arabia)

going to the chapel...

2007-12-03T16:00:00.000-06:00

Kari and Joe's winter wedding was probably more than they had planned for as it fell on the biggest snow storm of the season (as of yet). The blustery winds and 4-wheel drive conditions may have kept some friends and family away, but Dustin and I never say 'no' to a party :) The reception was at the Territories Golf Course - very private and intimate. It was a lovely celebration...

Where are our Christmas colors?
Looks like we are already looking fwd to spring...
We looked like Easter eggs :)

Kari is such a B-E-A-utiful bride!

Where's your husband?!

Looking fwd to see the BOTH of you soon!

HaPPy ThanKsGiVInG

2007-11-29T21:28:00.000-06:00

Above, the object of our tastebud's desires...

My parents share cooking duties for the holidays.

Mom prepares the feast and does most of the cooking.

Dad does the cleaning (both of the house AND the turkey).

Below, Dad carves the turkey.

Dustin and I pose for a pre-dinner picture.

Post-dinner, we are too uncomfortably full to take pictures :)

Below...the evidence of our splurge.

A buffet feast of turkey n' all the stuffings!

Below, my cute mom and Grandma :)

Thanks for a relaxing and filling holiday!

Halloween Part III

2007-11-03T18:31:00.000-05:00

College ESL Ta's 2007

This get together was much overdue. While my colleagues and I see one another most days, we haven't hung out outside of the walls of Riverview for sooooooooo long! It was great to see 'another side' of my classmates --- from witches and sheriffs to geishas and prom queens.

Memoirs of a Geisha meets Karate Kid

David Bowie -

Holly could be a makeup artist!

80's beauty queen princess

Sheriff Shinobu Arrests Adam

Masami and I are twin geishas

Brittany the not-so-wicked Witch

Anthony sounding amazing (again)!

Dustin and I sport matching "jinbeis"

Sassypants Sam steals Shinobu's sunglasses

(try saying that 3 times as fast as you can!)

I am officially Halloween-ed out after 3 costume parties in 7 days! From 80's rockstar to 90's victim of tennis stabbing to Memoirs of a Geisha....

it was fun, it was memorable and now its over!!!

ConCert in Cloud

2007-10-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

Augustana opened for Dashboard Confessional last Sunday on the SCSU campus (of all places). Dustin and I don't enjoy shows with lousy acoustics (like Hallenbeck), but we are really into Augustana and I've loved D/C since I was 16 years old, so I figured we really couldn't miss a show in our backyard. And to both of our surprise, the concert was actually really good!
Chris Carraba played a solo set - w/ the occasional backup of this guy pictured above. D/C, in my opinion, is the first true Emo band and my infatuation did not falter having seen him a second time. I have to admit, hearing him wail away with his band is definitely better, but this show was really intimate - as there was hardly anyone there!

We went with old buddies Michelle and Aaron - although a bit too much fun at the previous evening's Halloween bash left Dustin and I feeling a bit groggy and under the weather...

Augustana was SOOOOOOO good! They sounded great and their band was way more talented than I originally thought :) Below - you can take a listen to some old school D/C....man this music is SO nostalgic...but I accidentally uploaded it sideways. twist your neck and enjoy!

Halloween Part II

2007-10-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

Halloween - Take Two! This party was down in the Cities with Dustin's friends. This is a creative bunch of people, so I was expecting great costumes...I've included a few pics of our pals below:
Anthony was a jellybean machine and I went as a "historical tennis figure" --- Monica Seles after being stabbed by a psychotic Stefi Graf superfan. The few people who actually knew who Seles was, thought the costume was quite clever, but those lame anti-tennis folks weren't so quick on the uptake. Oh well, a sweatshirt and tennis skirt were by far the most comfortable costume clothes I've ever worn for Halloween!

Chet switched places with his dog for the day, Megan was SuperWoman, can't remember Adam's costume...

Below: Tina spreads her Sprite wings and Lindsey oozes of jellyfish

Luke, a Mountain Dew Roman God, takes a stab, while I

took several Aspirin the next morning. :)

Halloween Part I

2007-10-27T16:32:00.000-05:00

Our first of several Halloween parties was Bill and Laura's combined bday/holiday party. I met a few new pals - who seemed to know a few of my old pals. All the more reminding me of how small this world really is... :) Costumes were optional, but at the last minute we pulled together pseudo-impersonations of Debbie Harry and Payne Stewart.

...but Bill wins w/ the "Slash" tribute...

my parents (Bill and Laura's neighbors)

stopped by for a bit

HaLLowEEn hoTTieS

concertpalooza

2007-10-25T23:31:00.000-05:00

Spill Canvas @ Station 4 in St. Paul

Not exaggerating, one of the GREATEST bands of today. Awesome entertainers, passionate songwriters, this group rocked their new album and played many of my old favorites. Lately, my ears have been obsessed with the Spill :) We drove 12 hours last Saturday to see State Radio play an incredible show in Madison. It was the smallest venue I have ever been to and one of the greatest performances. I'm a newbie to SR, but that concert made me want to be a fan. I'll post a picture of the buddies we rode out there with when I get them. Until then, here's a trippy picture of Chad~

Matt's wedding

2007-10-15T20:02:00.000-05:00

I see that it's been a few weeks since I've updated the blog. The semester is half over and I am down to my final 8 weeks of grad classes! It is a really exciting-exhausting-celebratory-stressful time - as I'm sure my friends, family and Dustin will attest to my crazy antics. Sometimes I feel bad that I can't be a better daughter, friend, girlfriend, sister, teacher, etc... but I know this is a temporary moment in my life and soON I will move on to bigger and better things! Namely, an INCOME! ;)

Last weekend, Dustin was a groomsmen in his cousin Matt's wedding. It was a great time, but I had waaaaaaay too much to drink (again). You'd think a girl would learn her lesson the first (hundred) times... So, once again I spent a full 24 hours recovering from the festivities ;)
(above) Dustin's dad & mom

Joline is THE cutest little cousin in the world.

Carrie & Megan are Dustin's non-Randalite cousins.

Minus the intense 'morning after' symptoms, it was a really enjoyable weekend spent with Dustin's family (whom I am really starting to feel a part of lately, ...'and just a shade under a decade'... :)

Moonlight Festival

2007-09-24T15:14:00.000-05:00

Shinobu and I went to the Chinese Moonlight Festival @ SCSU. Unlike other cultural events on campus, this event was completely interactive and engaging. They had many booths set up around the ballroom in which the audience could participate by trying kung-fu, playing toys and games like Chinese yo-yo, trying on Chinese traditional clothes and calligraphy.
Our friend Vivian organized the Moonlight Festival event (above). She did a wonderful job! I was very proud of her and her hard work! :)

Hopefully future culture events will be as entertaining...

up north (again)

2007-09-17T19:56:00.000-05:00

Well, this marks my third consecutive weekend spent at the Lake. I know Minnesota's Fall season will only last another month, so I have been trying to get up to the cabin as much as possible. The colors have yet to turn, but we enjoyed running and biking through the woods just the same. Dustin has become quite the long-distance runner, too! My brother Mike and his girlfriend Jenny also wanted in on the Fall fun. We all drove up Friday nite and had the place to ourselves (free of parents, etc). After a long reunion-like party Friday nite, the four of us went golfing the next day. I think I shot my best round of the year (with a legit 54----on nine of course)! It was Jenny's first time out on the lynx and she proved the real winner on the day w/ a great attitude. Just when I feel like I might-kinda-maybe-sorta be getting the hang of the this sport...winter hits!

The best part about being Up North during this time of the year is that,

other than a few local fishermen, no one else is around.

Grad school is exhausting and stressful, but a few short days Up North has proven to be the best recipe for relaxation and rejuvenation.

(ahem...relaxation comes in many forms among the Parry clan)

Good to see you guys this weekend!

Wish you lived closer... :)

Have a great semester - see you guys around the holidays!

here fishy fishy

2007-09-12T18:09:00.000-05:00

I spent last weekend with my Dad @ the cabin. After a few chores around the yard, we resolved to spend about 4 hours out on the lake fishing each day. Haven't fished that much in years...and man, the tendonitis in my wrists has been awful! (A small price to pay for quality dad-daughter time) Pictures above are from our first day's catch --- the biggest being a 7 pound pike! And pictured below is the smallest catch - a 7 ounce pike :)
Dad's look of horror & disbelief.
In all his years of fishing,
this was the smallest pike he'd ever caught.
Fortunately, the other 20 decent-sized fish made up for it! Now, there's a smile!

hat trick

2007-09-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

Met up with one of my best friends and her husband for some darts. I have never been a good at darts, but enjoy the friendly competition every now and again. After the game ended, I decided to throw 3 more...and I got 2 bullseyes! I walked up to the board, plucked the missing dart and threw it back for yet another bullseye! So, 3 out of 4 darts were bullseyes. I guess it isn't an "official" hat trick, but pry the closest I'll ever come to the real thing :)

the dancin' queen

2007-09-04T19:34:00.000-05:00

Miss Priscilla ~ my delightful little cousin busts a move

in pretty Japanese geita sandals

we're.....back

2007-09-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

School has started &

seeing the ol' gang again couldn't be better!

We are all taking similar classes this semester

and though sociolinguistics won't be enjoyable,

I'm lucky to have these gals

around to maintain sanity :)

Best of luck to you Brit, Sam and Erin!

Munsinger Gardens

2007-08-28T16:26:00.000-05:00

My mom and I enjoyed some quality time together last Sunday afternoon at the park. The flowers were so beautiful, as we chatted along the garden paths. A local jazz band was also performing in the park that day. Sun, songs and good scents made the day quite special!

XooXoXoXOxoxoXox

HOORAH!

2007-08-27T07:52:00.000-05:00

wE ARe ThE cHamPIOns!!!
(don't ask...)

big BiG BIG thanks to Tina for organizing a fabulous end of the year party! we appreciated your hard work and enthusiasm!

finally

2007-08-23T18:33:00.000-05:00

a cold, rainy relaxing weekend spent @ the cabin

with my mom, dad & dustinfish, golf & fun

Last week @ the daycare

2007-08-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of my last couple of days working w/ the little tykes. I have enjoyed nearly every minute working with these peanuts! At a time in which many of my friends are beginning to have families of their own, I really enjoyed

the feeling of 'temporary' motherhood. :)

Japan: 1 year ago

2007-08-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that I left Japan one year ago this weekend. It was with much sadness (and sake) that I said my 'temporary goodbyes' to so many wonderful people that I came to love. I remember spending the nearly every single day during the last 6 weeks at ceremonial farewell parties thrown by the schools, the office and the villagers. It proved to be some of the happiest/saddest, exciting/exhausting of all my days in Japan. And so, I thought it only fitting to retrace my last 24 hours in Japan and my first 24 hours in Minnesota -chronologically in ascending order:

First dinner in Minnesota. American food - YUMMY!!!!

My family took me to my favorite restaurant and low and behold 2 of my favorite buddies just happened to be there....

It is true -- the world is VERY small!

My parents greeting me @ the airport.

My luggage was lost and my IPOD stolen, but being able to read signs and understand PA messages for the first time in a year seemed to offset my frustration. :)

On the flight home.

After nearly 14 hours of flying - we approach Denali State Park in Alaska (just in time for sunset). Aerial views of this beautiful park were a wonderful welcome to the USA.

This was my last photograph taken in Japan.

My first and last homestay families took me to the local shinkansen station where they saw me off. Wearing a traditional summer outfit ( jinbei ) and unparelled queasiness - I managed to keep a smiling face. (Excessive crying would be frowned upon as it draws unnecessary attention to oneself and shows emotional weakness.) As the shinkansen pulled out of the station, my eyes became fixated on the waving hands of my friends....and then, almost immediately, blurry.

I didn't stop crying until Sendai.

And this is my final picture with the Sasaki family. After graciously inviting me to live with them for my last 6 weeks in Japan, I often looked for ways to repay their kindness. On this final nite, I cooked (what appeared to be) my favorite American foods. I made spaghetti, garlic bread and a (tofu) chocolate pie. Though the meal was probably tastier than 90% of the meals I had had that year... on this final nite, I remember it not tasting very good at all. Knowing that I would be eating a zillion more of these italian meals in 24 hours, made this final meal in Japan all the more sad...

We Are the Champions!

2007-08-13T17:17:00.000-05:00

This summer marks my first attempt at playing slow-pitch softball. I played on two leagues this summer and am actually starting to kinda enjoy playing this mock-fast pitch style of game. So, Dustin asked me to play on his work team. As it turned out, the team ended up being really fun and quite competitive! We played well together and seemed to really start playing as a team in these final weeks going into play-offs. So perhaps it is without surprise that our team took the championship, winning 10-6, in front of a packed house of fans and fellow INH coworkers! Thanks INH for letting me pitch in this season - looking forward to a repeat performance again next year! :)

Congratulations INH!

catching up

2007-08-11T17:09:00.000-05:00

...At long last, Kari and I are reunited!

As always, we SO enjoyed your company!

I'm disappointed that we didn't see much of each other this summer, but am hoping that we will have better luck this Fall!

Green Lake ~ Spicer

2007-08-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

My buddy Justin invited us over for a weekend of fun in the sun. We cruised around on the lake and enjoyed a fair share of beverages (if my memory serves me right?) Below are a few pics from our boating outing:

This is Traci = Justin's fabulous girlfriend

Below, listening to some tunes @ Melvins on the Lake.

Outdoor concert + beer + great friends = :)

they are so cute....

Minnesota's North Shore

2007-08-06T23:41:00.000-05:00

(above) Palisade Head

The rocky coastline was breathtaking!

Last weekend, Dustin and I went up to Silver Bay to visit his Grandma and other relatives. The weather was chilly and breezy and much welcomed after all of the heat we have been having these last couple of weeks. While up North, we biked, ran, hiked and relaxed (a bit). The North Shore is one of our favorite places to be and we really enjoyed the gorgeous scenic spots along the way...have a look at some of the places we visited:

a "black beach" made of taconite
Tettegouche Falls

My camera went dead just as we got up to the High Falls. Huge bummer - the water was so low that we actually crossed the river and sat on top of the Falls! Would have made for some spectacular shots...bummer.
Dustin is such a daredevil!
OR Am I just that good of a photographer?

Making a pitstop on our bikeride to enjoy

the magnificent Lake Superior

We biked from Silver Bay to the Split Rock Lighthouse. Unfortunatley, I got us a little lost and we ended up racing down some crazy hills - I even rolled my bike! ouch... Neither of us had been in this Lighthouse for years and years - so we enjoyed touring the beautiful scenery.

The North Shore coastline

workin'

2007-08-06T17:02:00.000-05:00

just another day at the office...

petting animals @ the fair
i made jewelry for Maddie and Rosie

touring a local radio station

Someday, Jack wants to be a DJ...

out on a bike ride around the neighborhood

(Buddy is the dog pictured)

picnic @ a park

@ the zoo in Little Falls

to the zOO

2007-08-02T21:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we took our daycare kids on a fieldtrip to a local zoo. It was SO fun! The kids enjoyed the tigers, bears and wolves. But their favorite part was the petting zoo, of course.

Check out some pics on the day:
Jack, Rose & Peyton
I guess you can read their nametags yourself... :)

Alaina gets a laugh feeding the sheep

The whole gang - aren't they the CUTEST!

Jack and the jack___ AKA: "donkey"

NYC slideshow

2007-07-30T23:29:00.001-05:00

TA BBQ

2007-07-30T18:11:00.001-05:00

My fellow colleagues from the ESL Dept. and I gathered for a summer BBQ last week. Having spent so much time together studying, teaching and partying this last year - it was great to see each other again! Graduate school isn't the greatest of times, but sharing in the experience with these folks has made it much more enjoyable! Thanks for coming over guys!
Below L-R:
Sam, Mag, Yuan Yuan, me, JR, Erin & Ting Ting

New York City

2007-07-22T21:42:00.000-05:00

The Big Apple

7.12.07 - 7.18.07

Dustin & I took a vacation to NYC last week. We took in two Dispatch concerts, several art museums, the best tourist attractions, a Yankees game and toured most of the quaint neighborhoods in Manhattan (Greenwich, Chinatown & Little Italy). It was a fantastic trip full of sun, delicious food and cultural diversity. Best of all, we learned how compatable we are while traveling. Click on the "New York City" link above for more pics if you'd like; otherwise a few of my favorites are below: XoxoOXxoXoOx
Met up w/ some Minnesota
friends in Little Italy
Apollo Theater ~ Harlem

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Empire State Building : birds eye view

strolling through Central Park

Radio City Music Hall

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Times Square

Lower Manhattan ~ Brooklyn Bridge

...and lastly, we got to see the Yankees win :)

Camping @ Mille Lacs

2007-07-18T19:05:00.000-05:00

Every year, Dustin and his old gang of college friends get together to celebrate a few birthdays. This weekend's camping trip was @ Lake Mille Lacs. The weather was SO hot - nearly 90' each day and only 80' at nite! It was NOT comfortable camping weather, but we had a blast!
Above, Megan
Below, Dave

The boys pose by the campfire.

:) Tired, but happy!

4th of July

2007-07-18T18:38:00.000-05:00

Annual 4th of July Family Reunion
One week a year, my relatives from Nashville, Washington D.C. & Atlanta get together for a week long vacation @ the cabin. We had a beautiful week of weather and spent the days fishing, swimming, golfing and eating... have a look at some of my relatives in the following pictures:

Ooops...OK Dustin isn't a relative, but here are a couple

pics out on the water. Lovely :)

This is my newest cousin ~ Sophia (1.5 yrs)

Happy hour with Grandma, Kathy & Sara

My mom is in the orange shirt.

How well can Dustin think after a few glasses of wine?

My Mom

Sophia & Priscilla - My two littlest cousins!

My brother Mike has only been playing guitar for a year, andt he sounds GREAT! He provided the tunes for our karaoke-style bon fire.

Again, all the ladies -

Meredith (Sophia's Mom)

is standing next to me.Out on the links.... ;)

XXXXXxoxooxOXoxOXXOOXO

all in a day's work

2007-06-30T18:30:00.000-05:00

it's summer in Minnesota and i seem to have forgotten just how hot it can get! to keep the kids cool @ work, we spend most mornings swimming in kiddie pools and playing water games.

(and yes, i do (barely) get paid for this!)
Below - the whole gang.
most days, we have about 8-12 kids.
the picture below is after we made a driveway mural of footprints.
kids love to be messy!

SunSetS

2007-06-26T17:16:00.000-05:00

after a long day of work @ the cabin,

we relax by the fire
below: dad & dustin
staying hydrated

sheila's home!!!

2007-06-26T16:47:00.000-05:00

Dear Sheila,

Thanks for making a pitstop in Cloud town. It was SO great to see you, even though it just made me miss you even more. Wish we lived closer - or were even in the same time zone. Let's start thinking about a fall trip to Vegas & the Grand Canyon. You've only been gone a week and already I need another dose of YOU! :) Enjoy the rest of your Minnesota-summer. Safe travels babe!

Love, Anne

We decided to let this guy join our girls nite out.
Actually, Dustin doesn't know it, but it was just a test for Sheila to give her approval/rating of him. And....Dustin passed! :)

Crashing the $1 beers @ Beaudreau's

haPPy FatHer'S DaY

2007-06-17T22:27:00.000-05:00

We spent the last weekend catching up on some family time at the lake. Lots of sun, fishing and partying....and of course lots of work around the new house. We are so lucky to have this fantastic retreat. Many more pictures of future lakeside fun to follow...
Happy Father's Day Dad ~
You are one of my most favorite people in the whole world.
I love you!
chEErS!

Out trolling for -------- rock bass? oops!

Below - the new lakehome @ nite

New suMMer JoB

2007-06-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of the kids at my temporary summer job @ a local daycare. The kids are FAntAstiC & amazingly independent and industrious. It's been a great experience so far and almost makes me miss working with little tykes at the elementary level. This summer is shaping up to be one of relaxation and enjoyment and a refreshing change from working with university students. Enjoy the cute pics! :)

:(

2007-06-04T22:24:00.000-05:00

i MiSS YOu ShinObu ~

Next summer I definitely want to go back to Japan WITH you!

Enjoy your stay and eat lots of senbei & yakisoba for me!

Hope to hear from you soon :)

Munsinger Gardens

2007-05-30T19:58:00.000-05:00

I have nearly finished my first two weeks of temporary summer work at a local daycare. The job is SO fun and a refreshing change from working with troubled teens and inquisitive adults the past few years. But perhaps the best part of the job is that it ends at 4:00 - giving me time to do things I enjoy like walking through parks and appreciating the outdoors - before everyone else gets off of work.
On this particular rainy afternoon, the sun finally broke through and I was able to snap a few pictures. True, I have been to this park probably fifty times, but it never ceases to impress me at how quiet and green it is. And so I spent the rest of the afternoon/early evening - current novel in hand - swinging on a park bench overlooking the dirty, but calming, river; thankful that my summer job allows such treats of solitude.

BBQ

2007-05-21T18:04:00.000-05:00

Jesse, me, Jess & Dustin=

...having more than a couple...

Sometimes Dustin & Jesse

love to hate eachother

Damien Rice: Part II

2007-05-16T14:21:00.000-05:00

No one does it better than Damien Rice.

Day 1 @ The Lake

2007-05-15T14:13:00.000-05:00

My family recently built a new lakehome.

Here are some pictures from MOVE-IN DAY.

Taken from the loft above

The front 4 season porch

A new bar in the basement

There are many more pictures to come...

but again we want to say thanks to those who helped with the move-in. We appreciated your muscles!

HaPPy MoTher's DaY

2007-05-12T13:16:00.000-05:00

~ Love you Mom! ~
Priscilla: Cute as a Button

Today was also Mike's birthday = 22 years old! Whew...time flies! [Note: Can you see the dark circles under my eyes?] I was hit by a frisbee while playing disc golf a few days ago. Dustin threw his disc and it hit a fence and bounced back at my forehead. Pretty painful and a sight for sore eyes to be sure! Should be ship-shape in a few more days...

Uncle Dave & his daughter

Always entertaining w/ these two around...

~ HaPpY MoTher'S DaY ~

CinCo dE maYo

2007-05-07T15:01:00.000-05:00

CinCo de MayO @ Paff's

05~05~07

Many people feared the rain and bad weather, but some of

us die hards braved the less than ideal conditions

for a fAntAstiC FieSta w/ FriEnds, FlaMes and FuN.

Thanks for hosting Justin - it was SO much fun! :)

Hangouts with you are guaranteed good times :)

More than a few beverages were consumed to commemorate Mexico's independence and our insatiable thirst for good times...
Above, Bill and below, Jesse
Our sombrero didn't quite get in the picture below.

Laura & I enjoying Anthony's tunes

XoOXOXOxoX

XoXoxOXOox

Jess, me and Laura : Members of

Anthony's newest fan club

Anthony Bayerl: Live

first of many...

2007-05-01T15:20:00.000-05:00

Dustin and I attended the first of many summer weddings this weekend. We looked quite smashing, while managing to not get smashed.
Reunited with a couple of old friends:
Michelle and Aaron

Cheesey

jApAn NiTE '07

2007-04-30T14:59:00.000-05:00

Samurai & Geisha ~ What a combo!
A beautiful dance about 'sakura'

The REAL taiko team above...and its new

recruits below. :)

Fashion show of yukata and kimono -

Doesn't seem like long ago that I was

wearing those not to make a fashion statement,

but simply to fit in w/ my surroundings!

Shinobu and I

Anthony @ 400 Bar

2007-04-17T22:52:00.000-05:00

Spent the weekend hitting up a few concerts down in Minneapolis. My buddy Anthony (above) had a gig @ the 400 Bar. and HE WAS INCREDIBLE! Look for big things from this guy in the near future.
Also incredible = us :)

Megan & Lindsay & I =

sporting some sun, alas!!!

summer is on its way!

StAge PReSenCe: check

~Dustin is soOOoOo DReaMy~

Anthony poses w/ his Fan Club (L-R)

Dustin, Chet, Megan, Adam, me, Lindsay

colleagues

2007-04-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

Meet the current co-teachers/colleagues

in our ESL Department @ SCSU

(L-R)

Yuan Yuan, Sam, Erin, Mag, Ting Ting,

JR, Masami, me & Shinobu

Couldn't ask for a better group of folks

to work with and learn from!

an 80's flashback

2007-04-01T18:18:00.000-05:00

8o's GlaM

Christina brings back the blue eyes

NYC roadtripping crew...couple more months to go...

Who is that AdoRAblE guy with me?!

Lindsey & I (& Pat Benatar)

anthony provides the best music of the nite -

unsurprisingly of course

dan, anthony, adam and dustin

you don't even know how hard it is to get

guys to pose for pics like this...

megan is the GlaM GaL
Lyndsay & I met in Japan and were randomly

reunited via time travel to the 80's

the go-go girls/sex in the city posse:

christina, me, lyndsey, melissa & megan

g-ma's b-day

2007-04-01T17:39:00.000-05:00

haPpy 88th BirtHday GraNdmA!

...and many more...
My cousin Priscilla ~ musician in-training

gOOd tiMeS

2007-03-16T17:50:00.000-05:00

Anthony's debut @ the Varsity Theater
What a showboat he is! Surely destined to be famous...

I like this one - a moment candidly captured

...it was a good time had by all...

looking fwd to more hangouts w/ these two :)

Swell job Anthony! Where's the next gig?

This is the last picture of me w/ brown hair for awhile.

I just went back to blonde today.

Women are so indecisive ;)

NeiGhBorS

2007-03-11T22:28:00.000-05:00

Above: Bill & Laura

Below: Ryan & Krista

I'm lucky to have such great neighbors!

And the guy below...well, I'm pretty lucky to have him too!