Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Saturday, December 27, 2008

I survived Christmas and I have just a brief commentary on the experience...


MY FAMILY SUCKS!!!


Fortunately my friends more than make up for it.


Love you guys!!

(Os, got your message - we'll talk)

Thursday, December 25, 2008


For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Snow Diary

December 8 6:00 PM
It started to snow. The first snow of the season and
the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by
the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down
from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So
romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9
We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow
covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic
sight! Can there be a more lovely place in
the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've
ever had! Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a
boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.
This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered
up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got
to shovel again. What a perfect life!

December 12
The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a
disappointment! My neighbor tells me not to worry-
we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on
Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much
snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see
snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such
a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14
Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The
temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything
sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed
up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is
the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and
buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling,
but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish
I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15
20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4
Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2
extra shovel s. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants
a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think
that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16
Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in
the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The
wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very
cruel.

December 17
Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go
anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to
pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but
stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I
should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to
her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe
I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20

Electricity is back on, but had another 14 inches of
the damn snow last night. More shoveling! Took all
day. The damn snowplow came by twice.
Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said
they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're

lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about
buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have
another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob
says I have to shovel or the city will have it done
and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22
Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more
inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold,
it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes
to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I
had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and
dressed again. I was too tired to shovel. Tried to
hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of
the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the
asshole is lying.

December 23
Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0.
The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house
this morning. What is she, nuts?!!
Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She
says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24
6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke
the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I
ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow
plow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and
beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he
hides around the corner and waits for me to finish
shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100
miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just
been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas
carols with her and open our presents, but I was too
busy watching for the damn snowplow.

December 25
Merry f---ing Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn
slop tonight - Snowed in!
The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate
the snow!
Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation
and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife
says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking
idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one
more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26
Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It
was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27
Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze;
plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he
only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28
Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The BITCH is
driving me crazy!!!

December 29
10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or
it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever
heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30
Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver, and now
he is suing me for a million dollars, not only for the
beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the
broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to
her mother. Nine more inches predicted.

December 31
I set fire to what's left of the house. No more
shoveling.

January 8
Feel so good. I just love those little white pills
they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed??

Thursday, December 18, 2008

She: I bet you are glad you walk to work this morning huh?

Me: Yep, except for the 5 foot snow berms I had to circumvent


We just got DUMPED ON last night! It is soooo cool. The snow plows are piling snow up in the parking lots higher than my head and it is still coming. I haven't seen snow this deep in a while and I love it. Granted I'm not going to love driving in it this afternoon but I'll make it there and back I'm sure.

On second thought, if you don't hear from me by tonight you might want to call the Highway Patrol.

See ya kiddies :)

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Have you ever thought to yourself "I should have just kept my &%#@ mouth shut!"?

Yeah, I'm getting that a lot lately.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Oooh baby, it's cold outside...

Woo hoo! Over the weekend we got snow. And more snow. And even more snow. It's not too deep in town but the drive to the office Christmas party of Friday night was interesting and the snow kept on a coming. You know what that means, right? Hehe, it's time for snowshoeing in Glacier Park, woo hoo!

Any outside activity right now requires lots of layers because as you can see by that little temperature gauge down to the right - go ahead and look, I'll wait - it is DAMN cold! Still I am so excited that it's finally snowshoeing time.

Grab your gear, grab your thermos full of hot chocolate and Brandy and let's go!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Happy randomness


"I've been an awful good girl so Santa baby, hurry down my chimney tonight"...


I have been having such strange dreams lately. Last night I dreamed I was filling an endless supply of toilet paper rolls.

Monday, December 08, 2008

I started out strong - full of Christmas spirit, ready for the holiday, eager to pick out presents for those I love, put up my Charlie Brown Christmas tree, played Christmas music, watched Christmas movies. And now...







it's fading, fizzled, dimmed, it's lost the luster, it's
etiolating - I'm kind of sad about that.

Now I just want it to be over. I want to start fresh, get on with it all ready, get the holidays over with and move on to a new year.

Bummer!

Friday, December 05, 2008

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness..."

Audrey Hepburn


Monday, December 01, 2008

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home...

Vegas was fabulous but it is sooooo good to be home. I played with MY dog last night and slept in MY bed.

Highlights:
ZUMANITY - If you go to Vegas you must go see this show at New York New York. The women are beautiful, the men stunning and the show itself, amazing! Favorite parts: The champagne glass, the cage match (one of the performers for the cage match was standing at the top of the stairs when we walked in and I could have drowned in his eyes), the school girl with a twist and Antonio. All together a very exciting, funny and sensual show.

The roller coasters - So much fun. I'm not always a thrill ride kind of girl but had an absolute blast on the roller coasters.

The Krispy Kreme donuts my partner in crime thought to get for breakfast. Yum, yum, yum and so much better with coffee in bed.

Lowlights:
Vegas itself. I haven't been there in several years and I don't feel like I have to go back again for a long time. It's a big city and as such it is often times dirty and crowded and I'm not a huge fan of the street hawkers trying to get you into their time share or the pornography trading cards that get passed out, dropped and on display EVERYWHERE. I struck out on my own one night to get some photos and very quickly developed a "don't mess with me" walk - just straight ahead, on a mission, don't want your trading cards and I really don't want your timeshare. However, the trip was great, a lot of fun was had, the weather was beautiful and I'm glad we went.

Oh but it's good to be home to my mountains and fresh air and even the frosting of snow on the ground this morning.

Happy Thanksgiving kiddies!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Bright lights, big city, gone to my baby's head...

EEEEEEEE.....Vegas baby!
In 5 days we leave for Vegas for a long weekend of fun, frolicking, roller coasters, as many Elvi as we can find and a bunch more stuff that isn't good for us.


I'm so excited!


Friday, November 14, 2008

A lesson learned

I took a break between trips to Helena for family and funeral to catch my breath.

A friend came over to listen and console and during my rambling it occurred to me that the ones who love a person most should get to have some say before a sudden death. No one consulted my sister or his children or our family before he died that morning. One minute he was alive and just that quickly he was gone and there was no taking it back.

As I drove back and forth between Kalispell and Helena I remember thinking how sudden death can be and how final it surely is - at least for those left behind. It doesn't quite seem fair that a life that was valued can be gone without those of us who loved him most having some input.

This is cliche and everyone expresses it after a death but it really is true - if you care for someone, love someone, value someone SAY IT! Don't wait, don't think about it too much, don't put it off for even a minute because that minute may be all you have left someday.

I have never heard anyone say that they wish they'd said "I love you" less.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? DON'T WAIT!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

He: Don't take this the wrong way but you're the reason I don't update my blog as much.

Me: What do you mean?

He: Well, I tell you all my stories so now I don't have to blog about them.

Me: But the rest of the world doesn't get to read about your stories and adventures.

He: Yeah, but once I've told them its out of my system.

Me: Well, don't take this wrong but you're the reason I don't update my blog as much either. I tell you all my stories.

Friday, November 07, 2008

Juicy

She: The way he feeds me I'm getting fat

Me: You are not, you're beautiful, right C___?

He: She's perfect

Me: It's statistically proven that most men prefer women who are a little juicy. They like curves and some softness and not all hard angles and rib bones

He: I have an opinion about that

Me: Share with us

He: Any man who is a real man doesn't want someone with the body of a 12 year old boy

Me: Hehe

Thursday, November 06, 2008

A death in the family...

can bring out the best in people. Friends who drive you home from work. Friends who come over to help you pack and to remember your toothbrush and to not pack 40 t-shirts and one pair of pants. Friends who make you eat something before you get on the road. Who come over just to give you a hug or an encouraging word. Friends who want to make sure you drive and arrive safe.

Thank you!

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Sunday, November 02, 2008



why don't ya come and join me in my new deer stand...



Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!

I love this day! I love all things dark and scary. I love watching scary movies with all the lights off. I love watching kids trick or treat. I love the electricity in the air and the feeling of mystery and mischief. It's all so much fun!

Have a good day kiddies and a ghoulish, spooky night. Whooooooooooooooooooo!


Friday, October 24, 2008

Strangest thing....

For the last three days in a row I've woken up with a song stuck in my head.

Wednesday it was "Hang on sloopie, sloopie hang on. Sloopie lives in a very bad part of town. And everybody there tries to put my sloopie down. Sloopie I don't care what your daddy dooooooo. Cuz Sloopie you know yeah, I'm in love with yooooooooou." Because once you sing the first line you have to sing the rest.

Yesterday it was "I can't get nooooo satisfaction. I can't get nooooo satisfaction. And I try, and I try, and I try and I tryyyyy. I can't get no. No, no, no."

This morning it was "Rock the boat, don't rock the boat baby. Rock the boat, don't tip the boat over."

Whewwwwwwwwwwwwww

I gotta stop dropping quarters into my mental jukebox.


Happy Friday kiddies!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008






I choose Hope!




Sunday, October 12, 2008

Mmmmm....


Cold morning

Short run
Hot tea

That's all I've got so far :)

Sunday, October 05, 2008

"You will travel through the valley of rejection, you will reside in the mourning mists, and you will find your way home, though it will not be where you left it."


Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Her: "So what are your plans for Halloween?"

Me: "I don't know yet. There was talk of watching scary movies all night and greeting trick-or-treaters."

Her: "Oh no! Whitefish totally does it up right. It is a blast, you should come. Plus there is a great costume shop there to rent costumes."

Me: "Hmm...maybe."

Her: "We're all going. Do you think K__ would join us?"

Me: "Hmm...maybe."

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Blech...warm brandy sucks! :p

Monday, September 22, 2008

A week spent making memories



Thursday, September 18, 2008

New toyInternet access has been sporadic at best where I'm at so I finally broke down and went to Verizon. It was time for an upgrade anyway so I opted for the whole kit and kaboodle - Blackberry, Internet, modem access, instant messaging and what not. I can do it all now from my hand held. I also set up a new email address just for the Blackberry - pretty cool.

Now I just need to learn how to use the damn thing. Any and all tips are appreciated. :)

Thursday, September 11, 2008

"The fog comes on little cat feet..."

Early morning fog from the balcony of Sperry Chalet

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Sunrise at Lake McDonald

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Glacier National Park




Fish Lake - 6.8 miles round trip.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

All in a day's work

"Can you tell me where the bear grass is going to be blooming in two weeks?"

"I was just wondering how much you charge for a pedicure?"

"We stayed at a really nice campground in the park a couple of years ago, but I can't remember the name of it. Do you know which one it was?"

"Can you put me through to the fire manager?"

~sigh~

Monday, August 25, 2008

Be careful what you wish for little lady, for you will surely get it

Monday, August 18, 2008

I had almost forgotten how good it feels (get your mind out of the gutter Os).

I had almost forgotten how good it feels to really run. Granted my run this morning was a short one, only three miles, but I felt amazing afterward. It was definitely worth getting out of my comfy bed, with the cool fan blowing on my arms, to throw on my running shorts and shoes and get outside.

Today is scheduled to be a scorcher so running tonight probably isn't on the agenda but the rest of the week will be nice and cool so I am thinking a morning run all this week will feel great!

The running high has kicked in again. :)

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Sometimes you have to step out in faith and believe that what you have is worth preserving.



Thursday, August 14, 2008

Random thoughts...

I really miss boot camp

April, April, April, it will be here before I know it (yeah, right)

"You can't have your Kate and Edith too"

Watching the sun come up is a little over-rated

As a woman, having someone who will give you an honest male perspective is invaluable (thank you!)

Sleep, I need sleep - although I slept for 12 hours last night

Sleep is peaceful, peaceful is good (yeah, yeah, and a way to escape, so sue me)


Sunday, August 10, 2008

It always amazes me the number of people who can't read but still manage to get a drivers license.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

The coolest voice mail message ever....


He: "Ok, I found the key and got in. I put the chicken away, watered your plants, did your dishes and stole an ice cream sandwich."




Friday, August 01, 2008

I love those work outs that leave you dripping sweat and aching the next morning.


Yum!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

I'm learning to look forward to Fall more and more.


The nights are getting cooler and this morning when Midget and I went for a run it was almost cold.

I'm ready for summer to be over. I'm ready for crisp leaves as I walk to work and sleeping with the windows open and no fan and for things to slow down a bit.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

It's not often that a person hears they are gorgeous - especially by a complete stranger. I'm not kidding. I couldn't make this up if I tried.

As I'm walking down the street to Walgreens yesterday (for some very gorgeous allergy medicine) this is how the brief conversation went:

He: Wow, you are gorgeous (as he comes around the corner at me)

Me: You scared the hell out of me

He: Sorry but someone has to tell you that you're beautiful

Me: Uh, thanks

He: I'm Gary, and you are?

Me: Going to be late

He: Going to work?

Me: No, to get allergy medicine

He: Do you live around here?

Me: Sorry, you are the last kind of guy I need to meet but thanks for the compliment and have a nice day

He: Can I take you to dinner sometime?

Me: (over my shoulder) I think you need to have your eyes checked.

Apparently he has just moved here from Florida and is making new friends by walking around downtown and introducing himself to strange women. Who knows, it might work. He might just get lucky.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Me: Does everyone around here just get fried by the end of the summer?

She: ~sigh~ Yep!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

A word of advice

If you're out early in the morning, say running with your dog, be sure to cover your mouth if you yawn.



I swallowed a bug.

Monday, July 14, 2008

More from the local police blotter...

3:22 a.m. A mountain lion was seen near Rhodes Draw in Kalispell.

12:44 p.m. A man who was disrespecting his grandmother was taken to jail.

1:53 p.m. A man in Hungry Horse can’t seem to find the words to communicate with his neighbor. He has replaced the standard wave with his middle finger.

3:12 p.m. A soon-to-be divorced couple had a verbal dispute over living arrangements: She wants him out and he wants to stay. One of the two had also removed all the doorknobs in the home.

4:30 p.m. A man in Coram called in to report that his neighbors keep giving him “the bird.”

5:34 p.m. An ex-girlfriend of a man in Hungry Horse keeps driving by his house and honking.

8:56 p.m. A concerned citizen called in to report a couple on a bench engaging in some heavy petting.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Having fun!

I've received a couple of questions about this great new job I have and where it is and what I do etc.

When I moved to Kalispell a couple of months ago I took a fabulous job with the Glacier Institute. It keeps me extremely busy (I'm not ignoring you, I promise) which I love and it allows me to get out into Glacier National Park which you KNOW I love.

The Glacier Institute is the educational center for Glacier National Park. The Institute provides adults and children with hands-on, science based educational opportunities in and around Glacier National Park. Courses such as snorkeling in McDonald Creek and Glacier's Grizzlies.

I really am having a ball. I'm tired and working hard (yeah, I know one or two of you who are working harder than I am) but I'm having so much fun.

If you find yourself in the area, come up and take a course or two. (Moose, you should definitely come to Glacier before your move and come take a course or two with the Institute).

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Comparing mosquito bites


He: "There's one here, here, here and here."

Me: "And I've got one here and here and here. Oooh, you've got three there."

He: (proudly) "Yep!"

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Daily Commute

When I moved to Kalispell I was lucky to find a cute apartment about 3 blocks from the office. Once again I am able to walk to work every day - rain or shine.

You start to develop a routine of sorts when you do something every day. You meet the same people. If I need to pick up breakfast or lunch I'll stop at Sykes where Jane greets me every morning. Then it's off to the post office where I see Fred who polishes the floor every day. We smile and say hi to each other. As I head to the corner I always see the girl who drives the baby blue 1960 Chevy Corvair and at the bank I see Glacier Bank Bob. He holds the door open for all the employees. He and I have a "bit"....

GBB - "we've got to stop meeting like this."

Me - "people are gonna talk."

I've only been here two months and I love it. Perhaps the novelty hasn't worn off yet but I am developing a sense of belonging. I would rather think that part of why I love it is because it already feels like home.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

My boss and the Board sent me flowers today for my work on the Millennium Club. It involved long hours and a lot of work but planning the fund raiser was a lot of fun.

It feels really good to be really good at this job.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Ooooooooh, I hate these things!!!!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Spring in the Flathead Valley...


Monday I walked to work with mittens. Today I walked to work in a short-sleeved t-shirt and flip flops.

Soooo tired. This week has been a killer and I am exhausted. Can't wait to chill and sleep. Wanna join me?

Driving "home" this weekend. I've noticed that everyone wants to see me, wants me to come home but no one wants to make the drive. How come I always have to drive there?

Did I mention how tired I am?

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Spring in the Flathead Valley



Thursday, June 05, 2008

Life in the fast lane...

(accounts from the local police blotter)

10:28 a.m. The driver of a horse and buggy called in to report a driver that swerved in front of him and yelled “get into the 21st century!”

2:44 p.m. A baby cow was standing in the middle of Farm to Market Road.

2:45 p.m. A man ate a doughnut in a Kalispell grocery store and didn’t pay for it.

4:01 p.m. A very thin and old horse lives on Foothill Road.

4:15 p.m. A Whitefish woman called in to report that she went home to find that someone had stolen one of her stuffed animals.

5:11 p.m. A bear sneaked into a Bigfork resident's garage and stole a bag of trash.

9:40 p.m. A man called in to report that his wife was being verbally abusive. They decided to sleep in separate rooms for the night.

11:58 p.m. A woman called in to report that her ex-husband had sent her a mean e-mail.

1:03 a.m. A man on Shady Lane got angry and threw things.


Yeah, its kind of a sleepy little area but thats one of the things I like about it ;)

Monday, May 26, 2008

LOL!!

When I first moved in here my downstairs neighbor said to me, "Its so good to see a nice girl moving in here. The last girl who lived here was perverted and corrupt." (No shit!?!)

This morning that same downstairs neighbor walked by me with a very terse "hi."

LMAO!!!!


(yeah, Os and I both saw that coming)

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

I don't live in the greatest neighborhood.

The apartment complex has an association and contracts with someone to mow the lawn and keep things neat. A lot of people keep little gardens in the front and several of us have plants and flowers on our balconies. Sounds pretty nice right?

Well most of the surrounding properties are not kept up to the same standard. There is the group of teenagers that live across the street. I'm not surprised to see garbage on their lawn once a week. Next door is the little old lady with the purple stairs and about 80 wind chimes hanging from her lopsided porch. The streets near by are filled with little houses that once were cute but have seen better days. Not the richest neighborhood in town - you get the picture.

Anyway, last night around 9:30 all hell breaks loose in the hood. Tires screeching and brakes squealing and crashes and bangs and bumps in the night. I started to think I was going to sleepin' in the bathtub last night.

As suddenly as it started it was gone. All was quiet on the the western front. I lay awake for a little while but eventually fell asleep to the whisper of a fan blowing in the corner and the lawn mower purring outside...

oh, and the old time country music floating up from downstairs and the occasional motorcycle that roared by.

I'm really liking Kalispell and this job and I'm learning a few lessons. One is that home isn't always where you grew up. And sometimes moving away can actually bring people closer.

Monday, May 19, 2008

I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

We had absolutely beautiful weather over the weekend which was good and bad. The great part was that it was perfect for walking and planting and going to the Farmer's Market. The bad part is that it also melted a lot of the remaining snow pack which put the Big Creek camp in danger of flooding.

The office had its volunteer work weekend so I spent some time up at Big Creek camp. Refinishing and reconstructing picnic tables was my job. We didn't have to sand bag just yet so the crew was able to accomplish a lot more than just flood control. Big Creek is running very high now right next to camp so we're watching it carefully.

Played a little ultimate frisbee on Sunday and managed to somehow bang up my knee pretty good. Not sure just how I did it but its swollen and sore today. A night of rest is what I have planned so that should help.

Our big spring fund raiser is this weekend up at Lake McDonald Lodge. It means a busy week for me and a lot of running around on Friday night in heels (uugghhh) and some fancy, schmancy dress.

There's just no rest for the wicked ;)

Monday, May 12, 2008

A blog post because Os told me I had to...

Not much new to report kiddies, the job is going really well and I'm enjoying it a lot. I'm also enjoying Kalispell. It's a great little city with a nice vibe to it.

I got to spend a couple of days with Moose who was in town for a job interview (all of Os' girls are moving to the Flathead) and I also went home to Helena for Mother's Day and spent some time with my mommy. Due to our schedules I didn't get to see Os this time around but next time for sure (miss you big guy).

Hehe, I managed to beat my best time from Kalispell to Helena on Saturday. My previous record was 2 hours and 50 minutes. This weekend I made it in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Yes, I've got a lead foot - I'm working on it, for one thing its not very environmentally sound.

I also found this biking video on Youtube of the Going-to-the-Sun highway. Relax, sit back, put your feet up and take 6 minutes to watch it. It was taken only about a week ago so this is an accurate view of my backyard right now.

Send emails and good thoughts my way people. To be honest my mind has been occupied with other things since moving here and I haven't paid much attention to blogging so chat me up when you can.

Enjoy...

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Transition

The transition has been easier than I expected in some ways. The job is very busy and I'm catching on fast. There is no shortage of things to keep me occupied all day and every day is different. Before I know it the day has flown by and it's 5:00. Home has also come together nicely. I left a lot of stuff back in Helena so the new place has empty space but I kind of like it this way.

The transition has also been harder than I expected in some ways. I don't know anyone and so I've been feeling pretty lonely for the most part. I've gone on a lot of walks with the dog and started a Netflix account to keep me occupied for now. Hopefully I'll get involved with the ultimate frisbee group and possibly join the gym that is two blocks from my house.

I know it hasn't been that long but it definitely doesn't feel like home yet. I know where the grocery store is and the post office and my bank and the library and the sushi place and the mall but I don't feel like I'm home here. I miss my friends. I miss Jess. I miss being able to call people and hang.

I'm definitely not at home yet.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

He: Hey, welcome to Kalispell. I brought dinner and Huckleberry ice cream for dessert.

Me: Oh my gosh, you so rock!!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Wow!

I had the weirdest dream last night and it seemed to go on forever. One of those elaborate, full-color, intense dreams.

It involved a plane hijacking, some sky diving, guns and escape attempts and nuclear warfare.

For some reason I was in an airplane hangar that some guys were trying to take over. They were planning to hijack a plane and explode a nuclear warhead. I was taken hostage along with several other people and they were planning to take the plane up and at some point parachute out. They were strapping all of us to parachutes and we were trying to foil the hijacking plot. Guns were fired and the plane never left the ground but we were all running around and trying to escape and at some point a nuclear bomb went off and people were dying and....

it was a really weird, complex, exciting dream! No more wine and tacos at Bo's house.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008


Let's dance, you and I...






Yep, it's that time again kiddies. Did ya catch Tek's solo homer?

;)

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Happy Birthday Scooter!



April 15th is Os' birthday - yep, he's gettin' up there. Go over and wish the big guy a very Happy Birthday (he likes the attention) and give him hell for the laptop burn on his leg (he needs to have it checked).

Much love to you Os. Thanks for being such a great friend and come up and see me damnit. You have to anyway because I've promised to take you to Moose's for your birthday (I did it that way so you'd have to come to Kalispell).

Love ya big guy!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

A box of clothes, a few things hanging in the closet. That's all that is left.

Everything else sits and waits for me in my new place.

I am covered in bruises from moving.

I definitely have short-timers syndrome.

I just want to be done and gone. Less than a week now.

If you're ever in Kalispell, look me up.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

He: So you're unloading the moving truck Thursday night?

Me: Yep!

He: Know any big, burly men to help with that?

Me: Uhm....I know one

;)

Sunday, April 06, 2008

My recent days have been spent packing and organizing my life in preparation for my move to Kalispell in two weeks. I have taken a job related to Glacier Park and I couldn't be more excited.

I am beginning an amazing adventure that will combine my skills with my love for Glacier National Park. This is something I've been working towards for a while and now it is happening.

The process here in Helena has not been easy. Friends and family have been upset but are trying to be supportive for the most part.

I'm off to chase a dream!

Friday, April 04, 2008


I Got It!!

It is official kiddies. After being offered the position and cogitating on it for a couple of hours I have accepted the job and will be relocating in two weeks. This weekend will be spent packing and organizing and tossing and getting stuff ready to go. I've notified both of my current employers, got a good lead on a place to live and will start work on the 21st. What an exciting adventure I'm embarking on.

Wish me luck!

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Sad

"Rachie, I hate to tell you this but the whole job/interview is an April Fool's joke..."

He is sad to think of me leaving. I know he is. He has told me that he's happy for me if this is what I want but he's sad to see me go.

She is sad to think of me leaving. She is my best friend and I know she is very sad to think of my not being around all the time.

I was left behind when she moved away for a job. Our friendship lasted from Havre to Helena, through road trips and weekend hang outs. I am confident that it will last again but I hate the thought of leaving her behind when I know she is so very sad to see me go.

I feel that if I stay though it will be for others and not for myself. I feel like I've spent a life time doing "the right thing" and always thinking of others. I want to do this for myself. I hate to leave all those who make my life here so rich but I am so excited by this prospect. I am afraid I would be kicking myself if I didn't try.

It may end up being a moot point. I may meet with the board tomorrow and they might question how I made it that far in the interview process. For now I'm going to the interview with plans to be my charming self and leave the rest up to God.

We shall see.

Monday, March 31, 2008

*UPDATE*


Second interview tomorrow Wednesday!




;)

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Do work that matters

The interview went really well and while I'm trying not to get my hopes up I am optimistic that I will be called for a second interview to meet the board etc. (happy dance). I really want this job! Even more so after meeting the Executive Director. It is a natural fit with the skills I bring to the position and a place I am passionate about.


Wish me luck!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Friday, March 21, 2008



Have fun this Spring!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Opportunities abound....

Wish me luck!!

Monday, March 17, 2008

So....

No one should have to get out of bed while it is still dark to go to work. Just sayin'.

Even the small, ten minute St. Patrick's Day parades are fun to watch. Especially the kids.

Os, I looked for your car outside O'Toole's this morning but didn't see you there. I would have stopped and had a shot of Irish whiskey with you.

I hope everyone had a great SBJ Day.

I received the most amazing birthday present over the weekend. Thank you!

I am so ready to leave Helena

This is what happens when I spend time with Bob... ;)




Happy St. Patrick's Day kiddies!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Happy Steak and Blow Job Day


Have fun! ;)

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Monday, March 10, 2008

Ugh, I don't like spring forward nearly as much as fall back. It's still dark outside :( I should have had more time to sleep this morning.


But.....








I got new shoes!!!! Check out that yummy 4 inch heel?


Yes I realize one has nothing to do with the other but its all about celebrating the good today. Happy Monday kiddies!

Saturday, March 08, 2008

I whispered, 'I am too young,'
And then, 'I am old enough';
Wherefore I threw a penny
To find out if I might love.
'Go and love, go and love, young man,
If the lady be young and fair.'
Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,
I am looped in the loops of her hair.

O love is the crooked thing,
There is nobody wise enough
To find out all that is in it,
For he would be thinking of love
Till the stars had run away
And the shadows eaten the moon.
Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,
One cannot begin it too soon.


-William Butler Yeats

Friday, March 07, 2008

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Monday, March 03, 2008

Happy Monday!

A Georgia State Trooper pulls over a pick-up on I-75. He says to the driver, "Got any ID?"




The driver says, " 'Bout what? "

Saturday, March 01, 2008

There is no way Glacier Cool Kitty - Kitty to his friends - is returning to the cat ladies house today. There are some other possibilities for him but until anything good enough arrives he will be staying here.

We started this project a week ago with one bite and some small battle wounds on one side and one very freaked out cat on the other.

A week later we have made some significant progress I think. Kitty has started to enjoy being petted and will actually purr now. He has started rolling all over while being petted on the bed. But then again, who doesn't like that, right? Rub me while I roll around on the bed and I'd purr too.

Kitty still gets freaked out occasionally. I have this surprisingly deep cut on my right hand to prove it. He still spends most of his time in the guest bedroom also but I'm pleased at the progress we've made.

Now it's time for a scratching post and some new food dishes. Masculine ones, of course.

Friday, February 29, 2008

I can't explain why they make me happy, they just do.


I've got them sitting on my night stand and can smell them as I lie in bed.
It's just kinda nice.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

"Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeee"


I checked on kitty this morning and as I walked into the bedroom he was sitting on the floor "meowing" at me. He didn't run for his hiding spot which I took as a good sign but sat there looking at me and meowing.


This is the first noise I've heard the kitty make and he makes the oddest sound. It's not a typical "meow." There is no "m" with it so it sounds like the poor kitty is saying "owwwwwwweeeeee" over and over again.

Now you know that just digs right at my heart, hearing the poor kitty owwweeeeing. With each passing day the kitty does things that endear me to him, but....



he makes me itch and turn all red and splotchy.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Progress

I've managed contact (the non-painful, biting, clawing kind). The cat let me lie on the floor and pet him for about a half hour last night. He was sitting in the corner and I laid down on the floor and talked to him for a while and then inched closer until I was right next to him and could pet him. He tolerated my presence just fine and actually seemed to enjoy being loved on a bit.

Then around 4:00 this morning he discovered the window ledge and pulled the curtains down in the process. No worries, we just moved the curtains for now.

He really is a sweet kitty.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Don't be such a 'fraidy cat


A quiet weekend at the homestead. I made plans that included some outdoorsy stuff, hiking etc. I also planned a nice dinner out with some live music afterward.


It ended up being a weekend spent around the house and in bed - sleeping. Somehow the plans didn't really come together for one reason or another but it was still a good weekend. Although it seemed to fly by at times.

Oh, and we got a cat. I'm not convinced as of yet that this cat is THE cat for us. So far he has stayed under the bed in the guest bedroom, afraid to come out and explore. I heard him early this morning getting something to eat and walking around a bit but other than that, nothing. He's scared and very anti-social. Because of that I am not convinced he's the cat for us. The reason I wanted a cat was for the social interaction (with me, with the dog etc.). This cat wants NOTHING to do with us so far.

I have until Saturday to make a decision. I'm torn because on one hand this cat is not the personality I was hoping for but on the other hand he came from an environment that I'm not too excited to return him to either. Honestly, if things don't improve I can't see myself falling in love with this cat.

Any hints or advice on socializing a cat would be appreciated. It's been ages since I actually had a cat and I've never been around one this freaked out.

I'll keep you posted.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Phones in Church




A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to New York and started working West from there.

Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes.

He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued. A
sign read 'Calls: $10,000
a minute.'

Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The Pastor answered that the golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to Heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.

The man thanked the pastor and
continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches around the country, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Montana. Upon entering St. Raphael's church in Glasgow, MT, behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign
read 'Calls: 35 cents.'

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the Pastor, 'Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in

each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?'

The pastor, smiled and replied, 'Son, you're in Montana now ..... You're in God's Country, It's a local call.'

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Why is it among the most glacial mountain peaks I find the greatest warmth?

Another beautiful weekend spent in Glacier Park. Moose and I drove up to stay at the cabin we rented at Stanton Creek Lodge. After a long drive we were both eager to stay in a cabin surrounded by snow and wilderness and just have some time to relax. Imagine our surprise when we arrived to see this...


The lodge was completed snowed in. Nothing had been plowed, there was no way in and over 2 feet of undisturbed snow rested on the roof of each cabin. There wasn't even a place to park the car other than the side of the road. We decided to drive back to West Glacier where we had cell service and call the National Park Service reservation desk. The kind ladies informed us that the owners of the lodge were in Florida. It was so considerate of someone to inform us that we wouldn't be able to stay at the place where we had confirmed reservations.

Undaunted by this predicament we pressed on and the park service managed to reserve us other accommodations - at the Super 8 in Columbia Falls. Not exactly the cabin we'd had in mind with access to snowshoeing right outside the door but oh well, it was warm and dry.

The next day was spent snowshoeing in Glacier Park. The snow was clean and white, the sun was bright and it turned out to be a beautiful day.


Before we left Glacier we walked down to Lake McDonald for some photo ops and trail lunch.


Our last day began early with a drive to Missoula so Moose could get inked.


There were a few minor set backs and a few disappointments but the good definitely out weighed the bad and overall we had a great time.