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!!!