LOVE

This video speaks for itself....

FunnyorDie.com

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Live it - Love it - Learn it

Love is Love.

Running to catch up again....

Jason Mraz - Once again. Love love LOVE him! And I'm seeing him in concert tomorrow night!!!
Let's just say that this week has been shotty from the beginning and if I didn't have Mraz & Mickey to look forward to, I don't know what I would do! Not to mention 10 days off in a row - I haven't had that much time off all together since college!!!

So back to Mr. Mraz - this will be "technically" my 6th time seeing him in concert. The first time I saw him was at First Ave back in 2003.
Since then I've seen him in Milwaukee at Summerfest, at Coffman Hall at the U of M, Northrup and open for Alanis Morrisette. All have been wonderful Mraz experiences. Especially the two times that I met him.
The best was after the Alanis show - I took my sister as her wedding shower present and got us tickets in the 4th row. It was an AMAZING show, both Jason and Alanis. I was wearing my Geek in the Pink Mraz shirt and after the show - I made Elizabeth stick around the buses with me, waiting for Jason. And low and behold, he comes out and meets and greets.
When it is finally our turn, he looks at me and says - Oh I saw you in the crowd - weren't you in the first couple rows on the left side?
And I never looked back after he said that to me. haha And here we are (the first time I met him - after stalking him to Cities 97) I can't help it - stalking is a gift!

Either way, both times meeting him were great experiences and I look forward to many more. haha The only thing is that the show tomorrow is at the Myth. Not a fan of the "club concert." I like when I have my own space, enough to sing and dance and not be bothered. When I saw Jason at First Ave - I literally almost got in a fight. My sister was going to have to pull me off these chicks. I definitely could have and would have kicked their asses. lol
In any case, its me and jason tomorrow night. And I guess Rian is coming too - but when I'm in my concert zone - there IS no one else. hehe Sorry Rian!

Now if me going to a concert of my FAVORITE singer ever isn't enough excitement for one week - on Thursday night, I will be heading to the airport for a 7:15pm flight on Northwest - nonstop to ORLANDO, FLORIDA!!!!
We've been planning this trip for a while - so that all of us are able to be there and I just can't believe that it is already here! It is going to be an amazing trip - filled with fun and laughter and shopping and food and MICKEY!
I already told Rian that we are taking a picture of the three of us! :-)
It is pretty special to me though because Rian has never ever been to Disney World - and I'm so glad that we get to experience it together. Disney World, etc has always been a very important part of my life and I finally get to share it with him.
Words can't even describe how much I'm looking forward to this vacation and how wonderfully magical it will be. I'm a lucky girl!

**My parents are already in Orlando and are at Epcot today. My dad has been sending me pictures on his phone and it has been torcher!! Here is a picture of Belle and the Beast that he sent me...
But soon I will be there enjoying the Florida weather, surrounded by my family and being in my most favorite and happiest place on Earth!

ps: This post is especially brought to you by my cousin Jaclyn, who insists that I update. I will do a better job, Jaclyn - I promise.
Peace Out - Excel.

Bones

Bones is one of the greatest shows on television to date. Reviews have called it a "sexed up version of CSI." I love it! It really is a great drama/crime/comedy/love twisted show on the boobtube! Check it out!

Speaking of Bones - currently, I am watching/listening to an episode off of a great website called Surf The Channel. It is basically a site that has thousands of movies and tv shows for your viewing pleasure. Everything from Family Ties and Growing Pains to Dancing With The Stars and The Hills. Not to mention the movie portion has some movies that have been recently released in the theatres! Some versions are better than others - if you've ever bought a bootleg copy of a movie in New York City from a random street vendor whose entire inventory fits nicely on a wheely cart - you know what I mean!!!
This site is great for people like me who sometimes need background noise at work to help the time go faster. I like following shows even if I can't see what is going on. It really gives me something else to focus on besides work! HA!

Surf the Channel is the best - check it out....I'm just waiting for them to add episodes of Blossom! I LOVE that show!

Song For A Friend

Song for a Friend is the last song on Jason Mraz's previously released CD - Mr. A-Z.
Cleverly hidden in the name is Jason's last name - Mraz. Gotta love him.
I'm counting down the days until we are together again - how ever many days it is from now until November 19th...
This will be the 6th time I've seen him in concert?? I think?? But this time Rian is going with me and he will see a whole other side of me.
The concert Noelle is certainly a completely different everyday Noelle. I wish I could be concert Noelle every day!

Is anyone else a little ( or a lot! ) freaked out about the economy and money situation of this country?!? It is bad enough that I'm on an intense job hunt with no jobs to be found (at least no jobs that seem to be for me) - and things just seem to be getting worse. It isn't making me or anyone else feel any more confident about spending money or making big decisions or opening the front door!
I'm not sure if this comes at a great time or a horrible time for Rian and I to begin out (most likely long) journey of searching for a house. We had our first (of many) talks this weekend about the beginnings of our house hunting. Neither of us have ever bought a house or anything of this magnitude, so we are feeling a bit overwhelmed, but also excited. We are wanting to do this right and be smart. I know we have a lot of figure out as far as money stuff and bank and loan stuff and a million other things. So with that, if anyone has any advice for first time home owners and the buying process - I'm all ears!!!
I'm incredibly excited, and a little nervous, but it will be all worth it.
So any advice - don't be shy - let me know!!

With that, I also need some suggestions for a part time job! I know I don't pull in as much money as Rian - so it is really important for me to have money saved and figure out a way to really get that extra amount and put it towards the house and all the fun things that go along with it. I am looking into doing some sort of seasonal, holiday work at a retail establishment - but it is not my first choice. I played the retail game for many years off and on and what a jolly good time that was. I'd love to do something where I can work at night at home or somewhere like that, but I'm sure that is what everyone is looking for.
I wish I had some sort of a craft I could hone to make some side money or figure out something like that - but it is tough, especially now. Once again - any ideas that you folks out in cyberspace can think of - please send them my way. Or my sister's way for that matter. We are both looking to make some extra cash - although I don't have to worry about another mouth to feed in just a few months! At least they start out little and don't eat as much. hehe I already love my little nephew SO MUCH!!!!! :-)

I know I probably complain a lot about my job and money woes - but I'm blessed beyond belief. I can't imagine the people that are struggling so much worse than I am and all of this financial crisis is going to push them lower and lower. I'm scared shitless of the upcoming election - but I'm working on regaining my faith in the American people that they will see through this apparent "Change is Coming" and know that that direction only leads to a deeper trouble and saddened Nation of care towards the wealthy and backs turned to those in need.
The truth is that the change IS out there and change WILL come if we choose the right leader and that leader chooses the right people to surround themselves with. I will not name names - but if you even know a sliver of who I am, you know who I'm talking about. I'm sure I'll rant more later about certain someones and their lack of truly believing in WOMEN'S RIGHTS!!!!!!!
Now I've said too much. But that's what I'm good at so sometime soon I'll say MORE!

Peace & Love

Sweet Nectar of the Gods

As you must have read in my earlier blog---for our 2 year Anniversary, Rian bought me a certificate so that we could go make our own wine together. I chose to make a Cab Sav.
First we did the mixing of the ingredients at the end of May--which didn't take long at all. Then the mixture had to sit for 6 weeks. Then, at the beginning of July we went in to bottle our wine. It was an interesting set-up with all of the pipes and bottles and everything--but Rian and I had lots of fun fill up our 30 bottles of our own wine!
Here is a picture story of how we made it:

This is the bottle that our wine was made in and where it fermented.....

This is the actual bottling machine....the tube from our big jug hooks right up to it and you are able to stick the bottle in there. You press a button and it knows exactly when to stop filling the bottle!

Here is Rian pressing the button and watching the bottle fill up with our yummy wine!Now this is the corking machine. Here I am putting the cork on top and then sticking the bottle under it...

And here Rian and I are moving the lever down to push the cork down into the bottle. MUSCLES!And here is our finished product! One of THREE cases of wine!

I am happy with my present and excited to drink the Rian & Noelle wine!
It was a great present and I really cannot wait until we can drink it. The downfall is that we have to wait NINE MONTHS before we can drink it! Man....I don't know if I can wait that long!
In the meantime, we bought labels that we are going to put on the bottles---we can print them out on the computer and knowing us, Rian and I will be putting funny picture of us on the bottles. They will be big items on Ebay--so watch out for that!

I'll See You When You Get There.....

Man---Life is so nutty. It really is. Its up and down and all around.
I haven't felt like I've had a steady lull of good stuff (or bad stuff)--everything is just all over the place. I feel like I'm back to square one with so many things, and boy is that frustrating!

I guess I really haven't updated in a while--I'll try to do an overview of some fun things....

Rian and I went to New York and had a blast. Although it was hotter than hell, we braved the heat and enjoyed the Big Apple. We had an amazing time at the Yankees game (even though the Twins lost) and we had fun walking around and exploring the city. Here are some pics...
The Brooklyn Bridge (one of my favorite NYC spots)
This is where Rian and I had our fancy dinner----Koi. A wonderful meal of sushi, shrimp and melt in your mouth Kobi Beef! YUM!Central Park....Rian and I...all nice and sweaty by the BB....

Rian and I in our sweet shades---riding on the open top bus ---enjoy the nice cool breeze!We literally just walked off of the subway---and this is what you see.......YANKEE STADIUM!
Rian and I at Yankee Stadium!!!
We really had a blast--but definitely next time, I would like to go NOT in the dead heat of July!

Rian and I want to try and take a trip to a different ballpark every summer. We are maybe thinking San Fransisco for next year!

I can't believe it is already the middle/end of August! This month really has flown by.
In August, we celebrated my Grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary! Can you even believe it? How many people reach that milestone?!? It was a great night! The only thing missing was Rian but he was hard at work at an airshow in WI.
There was a mass said in their honor as well as they renewed their vows. (Which I of course cried during it all) After dinner, we went to The Lexington for dinner. It was a great time -- nice to catch up with so many family members.

Here is the back of my Grandpa Jim and Grandma Carol---
My family---missing one very important Rian....
Just another typical Sister picture.....We are so cool, or something--at least we make each other laugh.......
This is me and my Great Aunt Dodee from California.....she is so sweet!
Me with the happy couple....still so in love!SO much going on....I'll write more updates SOON!
This quote is something I've been trying to focus on the past couple weeks.....

"If you're going to do something, make it right and make it as good as you can. Don't waste anybody's time, especially your own"

YAY!!!! I am so excited that Jesse got DeAnna's final rose last night!!!! Laura and I have been waiting all season for the finale and it did NOT disappoint! This was honestly my FAVORITE Bachelor/Bachelorette season EVER! I usually don't get into reality TV this much (okay, maybe sometimes I do) but this time--I was so into it.

It was so weird. At the beginning of the episode, I was still up in the air and wasn't sure who she was going to pick and at that point, I was okay with either guy. But somehow throughout the two hour finale, I kept rooting more and more for Jesse and wanting to stick up for him. Especially at the family date when both guys met DeAnna's family. It seemed like the family was leaning on Jason's (the other bachelor) side. But DeAnna would stick up for Jesse and say how nervous he was. Even so, the next day when both Jesse and Jason came to the house to be with her extended family, Jesse came out of his shell more and also asked for DeAnna's Dad's permission to ask her to marry him. And of course her Dad was happy about that and they bonded.

Then DeAnna met both guys for one more date in the Bahamas. The more I watched the two of them together and how perfect of a match they were--I started realizing how much I wanted Jesse to win! Jason is nice and cute and all--but it just didn't seem to fit for DeAnna.
So throughout the whole episode, they made it seem like Jason was the obvious choice, so by the end, I'm thinking along the "reality tv" lines and realizing that they are just trying to fake us out! And then, right when the first guy was going to get out of the limo, I just knew it would be jason and that she was going to choose JESSE! AND SHE DID!
And it was perfect! Here is a clip of Jesse's proposal and DeAnna's acceptance!

What was even more perfect was the next show called "After the Rose"
DeAnna was confronted by Jason about why she didn't chose him. It was sad--but Jason had plenty of ladies woohooing for him that I'm sure he won't be too lonely.
And then--Jesse came out and after the months apart since the show ended, Jesse and DeAnna were finally back together. And I tell ya, I've never seen two people so in love and so right for each other. They could not stop staring at each other, telling the other that they love them and they definitely couldn't stop kissing and hugging. It was adorable.
And honestly, during that show--you could finally see DeAnna and how much she loved him and she was finally able to actually show it. And boy did she ever.
They also announced that they are getting married on May 9, 2009. And Chris Harrison handed them an all expense paid trip to Greece for their honeymoon! Super cute.

Overall--it was one of the best reality TV show moments I've ever watched--and as sappy as it sounds, I honestly believe that they are going to stay together and be happy forever! They are both so real and honest, and always have been. And I really think they are genuine about their feelings and will be happy forever!!!

CONGRATULATIONS DEANNA & JESSE!!!!!!

It's All An Illusion...

I am currently listening to Madonna's 2nd most recent release---Confessions on a Dance Floor. It is by far my favorite Madonna in the recent years. Super fun disco-y type music. I definitely jam out at work as much as I possibly can.

Considering that this is only a three day work week for me--I'm doing pretty well. I actually cleaned up my desk area today at work, which is a pretty big accomplishment for my day. lol
It is only a 3 day work week because Monday I had to take off because we drove back from Kansas city for Larry and Renee's Wedding Weekend 'o Fun!
And it certainly was.

We left MN on Friday afternoon around 2:30pm. Rian and I, along with our good friend Colin (who was also in the wedding) started our roadtrip. I was the spoiled girl who sat in the backseat the whole time while the boys switched off driving. It was nice! hehe I enjoyed sleeping, reading, sudoku and of course I brought my portable DVD player and enjoyed episodes of Sex and the City and Bones.
We arrived on Friday night around 9pm and decided to check into the hotel and then went to grab some food. We ate at Fred P. Otts Hamburger Business--pretty funny.
Then we went back to the hotel to see the bride and groom and others in the hospitality suite that they had rented out the whole weekend for people to hang out in. We stayed up pretty late, just chatting and having fun. I went to bed around 2:30 and Rian didn't come to the room until after 4am.
On Saturday, Rian had to get ready and go for their groomsmen outing which was bowling. I on the otherhand was lucky enough to have a friend in Kansas City that I hadn't seen in a while--Janell along with her baby boy, Ryker--who is 7 months old and I still hadn't met him!
So--Janell and Ryker picked me up at my hotel and we headed off for lunch. It was so nice to catch up and also to hang out with Ryker--who is getting so big but it soooo cute. Here is a picture of me and Ryker at lunch!
After lunch, I got ready for the rehearsal dinner and met up with some new friends to give me a ride - since Rian was at the actual rehearsal and went right to the dinner. And you guessed it--we had good ol Kansas City BBQ for dinner. YUM! It was from Jack Stack BBQ--very, very good but VERY filling. Because of course you have to try a little of everything. This is Rian and I at the rehearsal dinner.
Then of course, Larry's family got up and embarrassed the hell out of him with stories and pictures. We all felt embarrassed for him. lol
After dinner, we walked down the street to a bar called - Tom Fooleries. But we actually were all so tired from the long days that we didn't stay for too late.
Sunday morning, Rian had to get up pretty early to head over to the Synagogue. And yes, it was a Jewish Wedding--therefore it was on Sunday. It was also my very first Jewish Wedding as well as even being in a Synagogue-so I was very excited. Later in the afternoon, I decided to treat myself to getting my hair done since Rian was gone all day and I didnt' have anything to do! So I did---and honestly, I didn't really like what she did, but fortunately I was able to fanagle it enough to make it look cute. And after getting dressed and everything--I hitched a ride again with my new friends to the ceremony.
Now, if you've never been to a Jewish Wedding--I'd love to fill you in on some of the traditions. It is very beautiful and very rich in old traditions. Very refreshing after all of the same old Catholic weddings I've been to.
A couple of the cool different rituals they did include:
Chuppah - Wedding Ceremony Under the Canopy (The Bride and the Groom are under a canopy--but it is open on all four sides to always welcome family and friends) Here is Larry and Renee's Canopy -
The Seven Circles (The Bride circles the groom seven times)
Ketubah - Marriage Contract (This is a separate ceremony before the actual ceremony where the bride and groom sign the Ketubah--and in Jewish tradition, as soon as they do they are actually married)
There is so much more I could talk about but those are a couple of the neat things I learned at the wedding.
All in all, it was a beautiful ceremony, led by an amazing set-up and beautiful reception. Along with a live band--the whole room was up dancing from beginning to end. It was a blast! Rian was even up dancing the whole night with me! hehe Everything went really well and it was one of the most fun weddings both Rian and I have ever been to! Here are some pics from the fantastic weekend.....
Rian and Colin walking down the aisle...
Here is Rian and I with the lovely Bride and Groom

Bittersweet Baby

I guess I'm just starting to have the titles of blogs to come right out of the lyrics of whatever song I'm listening to---because I can sit here for so long trying to think up a clever and witty Subject Title and nothing ever comes to mind. So there it is. Let me take a look at my ipod and see the actual name of the song and artist....
Song: Six O'clock News
Artist: Kathleen Edwards
Apparently this song is from the Cities 97 Sampler, Volume 15. So there you go.

I've been terrible with blogging---I know, right? And I was always lead to the impression that no one ever read my blog and that I was just sending my thoughts and words out into cyberspace for my own pleasure--but I've had a few requests to keep up the blogs, so I'll do my best!!!

I guess it really has been a few months (I believe my last blog was at the end of April), so I'll try to catch my peeps up with some highlights!

*In May, Rian and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary! I still can't believe its been that long, but then it feels like forever all at the same time. I was thinking really hard about what we should do and where we should go for our special night. And we finally came to the conclusion to just go to our favorite sushi place in downtown Mpls. (I believe I talked about it in my last post) We just realized that whenever we want to go to a fancy dinner, we just go. We never really need a special occasion. So for this very special occasion--we decided to go to a place that is very special to both of us. To just be able to spend time with each other at one of our favorite places and enjoy each others company. So that is what we did and it was PERFECT! And of course, we walked to the bar across the street after dinner to watch the twins game--perfect form for us! Here is a picture of us after our fabulous dinner at Koyi Sushi!
And this year, we had very unique and special gifts for each other. Thanks to Ms. Carrie, I had my gift picked out for Rian months ago. Baseball is a huge part of Rian's life - he is a pitcher and he played in high school, college and still plays in an amateur league. Anyways -- Carrie put something on her blog from Red Envelope that they have Ballpark Cuff links. Basically, they are cuff links and you can pick from a number of Ballpark Stadiums all over the country--and they use the paint and material from the seats from those stadiums for the actual cuff links. I got Rian the Wrigley Field ones. And he really likes them.
And with my gift from Rian, he was very creative and meaningful with his gift. Basically what Rian gave me was a brochure for Vine Park Brewing Company which is a brewery on W. 7th in St Paul. I got to pick out what kind of wine that we would make there together. With the whole experience, you actually make enough wine for 30 bottles as well as you get to make your own labels to put on the bottles. And it was so sweet because when Rian was explaining all of this to me, he said that since we have 30 bottles of our own "Noelle and Rian Wine", every year on our anniversary we can open up a bottle of anniversary wine. That was the best part of the whole gift was just him saying that and knowing and thinking about our future and all of the time we will have together and things we have yet to experience together. Overall, it was a perfect evening and perfect anniversary!
I would also suggest to anyone with any interest in brewing or anything to check this place out. They do wine, beer and cider, as well as brew their own kinds of beer that you can buy. It is also a smart move for big events like weddings or bachelor parties or any parties because when it comes down to it, the cost per bottles of wine or beer is pretty cheap--plus you get to put your own labels on to personalize it. Check out their website and take a look!
We are making the Cab Sav --- Mmmmm red wine!!!Life really has been crazy these days with so many changes and happenings going on. We helped Elizabeth and Bryan move into their new house--which is wonderful. And I even got to spend a fun weekend there last weekend--enjoying the weather, deck, friends and lawn games! hehe
The weekend before that I hosted a baby shower for my good friend Theresa. It was a lot of work but it was fun and I'm so glad I could do that for her and baby boy DeWaay!
And then, the last weekend in June, Rian and I are driving down to Kansas City for a wedding! The wedding is our good friends Larry and Renee, who we always have a blast visiting in Milwaukee! It will be a fun filled, busy weekend because Rian is in the wedding, so it will be especially busy, but I cannot wait to see Rian all dressed up in a tux! I've never seen him in a tux before!!! And hopefully, it won't be the last! ;-) It will be quite an event and I'm so excited to be there for their special day! Here is a picture of Rian and I with Larry and Renee on our last visit to Milwaukee...And last but certainly not least---RIAN AND I ARE GOING TO NEW YORK CITY IN JULY!!!!!
Not that I'm excited about it at all---its just that NYC IS THE GREATEST CITY ON EARTH! lol Basically, I'm using the tax money I got and we are going to have a blast!!! Rian has never been there before, and its been 3 years since I've been there, so it was time. ALSO, a big reason why we are going at the time we are is because the MN Twins are in town playing the NY Yankees (boooo) BUT, it is the last season of Yankee Stadium before they tear it down and neither of us have ever been there and wanted to see it before it was demolished. And to see the Twins play there as well....I am just super pumped! My friend Jeff from CSS lives in Connecticut and him and his wife are probably going to join us for the game. I'm so pumped to be the obnoxious out of towners rooting for the away team! ESPECIALLY against the Yankees--the team I dislike the most!
Besides the game, I think Rian and I are going to play it pretty laid back and not plan too much. Like our trip to Chicago last summer, basically we just walked around and explored. That is what Rian and I are best at. And there is SO much to see in NY without having a game plan and just exploring. So that is what we will do! And this time, I refused to stay in an even slightly crappy hotel, so I found us a deal and we are staying at Hotel Metro in Midtown. My biggest selling point on this place (besides looking through endless reviews to make sure this place is legit) is the fact that they have a Rooftop Lounge that overlooks the Empire State Building. It looks absolutely amazing and I was convinced this was the place to be! I cannot wait to sit up there and enjoy the view!

I am all about advice with traveling to different places, so if you have any tips, suggestions or advice on NYC--please let me know!!!

Also--if you've actually made it through this much of my longass blog---It is with great sadness to say that I'm looking for another job. After all of the hard work and excitement of looking and finding this one---it just is not for me. I'm looking for something more challenging and definitely to NOT be anyone's assistant. That ship has sailed! lol So if you hear of anything or have any suggestions with that as well....please let me know!

Okay I'm done now! I guess that's what happens when you don't post for 2 months. But I promise I'll really try to keep up with it now and inform you all on the fabulous and exotic life that I lead. Or something like that....

Reality Check...

Things seem to be headed towards spring/summer and it feels good.
Just to walk outside for 5 minutes to grab lunch was so nice today.

I haven't blogged in a while--but mostly I think it is because I don't think anyone actually reads my blog. haha Oh well.

This last weekend was really nice. Saturday morning I got up early, grabbed some caribou and went to get my hair did. I chopped it and dyed it and I think it looks decent. I get afraid though that people just give you the "Oohhh you got your hair cut!" And then they don't say anything else. It is always hard for me to know if people actually like it or not. lol Oh well, I'm the one who has to live with it and I think it is cute, so that's all that really matters. The color is fun too b/c it is dark but also there is some violet in there that really comes out in the sun. I love it. I think I look like a flapper from the fourties. Someone at work told me I look like Amelie. Either way, it is different and different is good. On Saturday afternoon, Rian and I drove down to the St. Peter/Mankato area.
We were going to go on a adventure around there but after driving around for 20 minutes, we realized there wasn't much to explore. But, we drove around and enjoyed each other. Then we went to dinner and headed to Gustavous Adolphus (sp?) to see Ben Folds in concert. And boy did that put things into perspective!
Me being 25 and Rian 28, we sure felt old being surrounded by 18-22 year olds.
These kids weren't even born when the Twins won their first World Series!!!
It was quite a reality check to be on the other side of things....being the older looking people at something that I've always been so used to being the youthful one. Such is life though. Either way, Ben Folds put on a kick ass show (can i say kick ass if I'm 25??) Mr. Folds actually sings Me and Rian's "song" but unfortunately didn't sing it on Saturday evening. Oh well. I'll just have to hire him to play the piano and sing "The Luckiest" on the cliff overlooking a waterfall in Hawaii where Rian and I will get married. lol Or something like that.
The only downer of the night was the Wild losing and ending their season.
Oh well---now all of my concentration can go to the Twins!

Here is a picture of Rian and I on Saturday night before the concert. You can kind of see my haircut. lol

Otherwise, this week, I'm just looking forward to catching up with friends I haven't seen in a while.
Tonight, I'm going over to my good friend from high school Monica's house for dinner and a walk around Como Lake.
Tomorrow night, I'm going to be meeting some of my past co-workers from the Hennepin Theatres at Chambers downtown Minneapolis for a nice night. Chambers is having an event for their partners and since the theatres are a big partner, they are invited and inviting me! hehe Free drinks and apps from 530-730 on the rooftop lounge! I cannot wait! I certainly do miss my friends from my old job. But I'm lucky that they miss me too and want to get together!
Friday night, Rian and I are going out for sushi happy hour at our favorite place--Koyi Sushi in downtown mpls.
We haven't been there in months because it is really close to my old office and Rian used to pick me up after work and we would go over there for a fantastic happy hour! The prices are great and the rolls are even better!
I cannot wait to go there again. And I recommend anyone that loves sushi to check it out! Happy Hour is 4:30-6:30 Monday thru Friday! Check it out!

Life is just rolling along these days. May and June are both already filling up with me and Rian's weekend getaway with Elizabeth and Bryan before they move, the actual move, Rian is gone a couple weekends and also Larry and Renee's wedding the last weekend in June in kansas city! Crazy but I cannot wait.
I love being busy in the summer and having so many fun things to do and look forward to!

I'm hoping sometime this week I will catch a move---I want to see Smart People. And also, I'm challenging Rian to a game of tennis, which I know he'll kick my sorry ass, but I'm going to make him help me improve my game so I can eventually kick his ass. ha Just hoping the weather continues to hold up and I can actually bring out my summer clothes. And of course go shopping for more!

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!

MATCH DAY!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

So my sister asked me to update her blog to let everyone know what happened today at 11am, so instead of telling the whole story AGAIN, I'm just going to send you all to my sister's blog to read a recap of my hellish morning with a beautiful ending!


http://pershe.blogspot.com/


Go there and read the news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


*noelle

Clifford

I told Rian and someday I would have a post dedicated to Clifford and since I just put a bunch of Clifford pictures online...here goes....

This one is for clifford.

Clifford Snoop Deville Heaslip The First came to live with Rian in December of 2005. Rian got him from an animal rescue of pets from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. (Even though Rian is convinced that Clifford ran all the way up here from New Orleans to live with him!)
Cliff is an American Staffordshire Terrier...part of the American Pitt Bull Terrier family.
Here is a little info...... American Staffordshire Terrier

Although there is a big stereotype on pitt bulls and any dog that looks like them, I can honestly say that clifford is one of the most loving dogs ever. His favorite thing to do (besides play wrestle with Rian) is to scratch at us until we lift up the covers for him to sneak underneath. He loves to cuddle like no dog I've ever met. He loves to be close to people and keep them warm.
I actually have the pleasure of taking care of him next week while Rian is off playing in Vegas, but I don't mind because Clifford and I always have fun together. I know he'll always be my cuddle buddy. If anything, to set the record straight and to stop this stereotype---Clifford and all kinds of dogs like him are NOT violent or mean or anything even close to it. They are the sweetest, most loving dogs you could ever ask for.
Rian and I can't wait until we eventually buy a house so we can get ANOTHER puppy! hehe

Here are some pictures of Clifford so you can see how truly handsome he is!!!

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!

Can you even stand it?!?! I can't! After 6 looooooong months of job searching, endless resumes and cover letters, uncomfortable interviews and even more uncomfortable rejection letters and emails, I GOT A JOB!!! Sadly, my last day here at the theatres is Friday, Feb 15th. And tonight will be my last show here as an employee.....Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I'm excited to see it and it is definitely bittersweet for me, but I am definitely on to a better, healthier job atmosphere.

I have been hired at tpt (twin cities public television) as the Development Assistant in the Philanthropic Funding Department. Pretty fancy, huh??
I couldn't be more excited! I will be making more money (so Rian and I can start saving for a house), I will be a lot closer to home and I just have the feeling that it will be a great atmosphere to work in along with great people. For the first time in so long, I feel wanted in a job and feel like I'm not just an employee but that I'm part of a team where I'm actually making a difference and using my skills. And especially, be challenged and excited by the work I'm doing.
My new boss sent out an email this morning to all of tpt welcoming me to the tpt family and she had so many nice things to say about me. That just solidified to me that I'm moving in the right direction to a positive work environment.
It will be a bittersweet end to my time here, but lord knows I'll be back for as many shows as I can go to. The people here (that I actually like) I will keep in touch with for sure.
I've already gotten emotional about leaving but know that I cannot stay here any longer and that I'm meant for bigger and better things than being a front desk/admin asst for any longer.

I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life. And start off with a clean slate....see where the world decides to take me now.
And of course, what goes better with a new chapter in your life and a clean start?
A NEW WARDROBE!!!! That's right folks, its time to go SHOPPING!!!

Trendy Mode

I've boldly started a new blog.

It is not so much the personal side of my life...but other fun and interesting things...

Check it out to see exactly what I'm getting myself into.

http://trendy-mode.blogspot.com/

The Year of Noelle

Apparently, according to Rian---2008 is "The Year of Noelle."
In any sense of the word, I hope he is right. I am hoping for some great things to happen this year...who knows. But some changes would be nice. Especially in certain areas of my life. Because at this point, I'm not too jazzed about starting the new year still at my current job. I'm struggling like hell to find a new job; one where I am happy and challenged and respected and enjoy my co-workers and bosses. I'm going to continue to bust my ass (like i have been for the past 4 months) to find a new job where I can look at those 40 hours a week as a contribution to my life instead of a burden.
Enough of work crap....Here are some pictures from my trip to California to visit my fantastic family that I started to miss the second I left.

But we had a wonderful time and I can't wait to go back!My fav pic of the trip! Alisha and I at Santana Row.

Nancy and I.

Me, Ashley & Lish

My Cali fam at Christmas in the Park in San Jose.

Alisha and I at the San Jose Sharks hockey game.

Alisha in her dance studio where she takes classes AND she teaches the most adorable little girls!

Alisha and I out in downtown San Jose

Our matching CONS!

Out with Lish and her friends in Downtown San Jose.

So there are some lovely pictures of my trip to No Cal...as the kids call it.
Can't wait for Alisha to come visit me! But only in the warmer weather months! hehe LOVE YOU LISH!

Otherwise, I have some pics from Christmas and misc that I'll have to post as well. SO glad it is Wednesday and the day is almost over. And then Friday is our second week of Broomball! Can't wait!