First Post!

Life in Minnesota is wonderful.

Granted, the first two months have been a whirlwind, with their difficulties (missing Rick, adjusting to a new home, going without work and trying to make new friends. . .). And, deciding to live with one's parents-in-law has potential to be dicey. Just the same I feel that after six weeks I have begun to settle in well, and I have enjoyed getting to know Pete and Angie as family. Things have also started to fit together the way I imagined. On Monday, I was offered a job working for Panera Bread full-time and I had another promising interview at Dress Barn for evenings and weekends. Also, I am still hoping for a interview with the Minnesota Environement Intiative working on their Project Green Fleet. This job, in particular, is closely realted to my long-term career interests.

In my social life, I have plans to go out with a friend, Danielle, to see a show, Les Miserables. I was introduced to her by Angie at a church brunch. We have had plans to see the new Harry Potter movie, but so far, our schedule haven't matched.

My classes at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Intro to Chemistry and Intro to Statistics, went well; I have my finals for both of these classes this week. Both of the classes were accelerated. What normally would be covered in sixteen weeks, we covered in eight. And, despite recommendations to only take one 4 credit course, I took two. It felt like about an 16 credit course load, which -- thankfully -- I am very used to after all of my doings at Alma College.

Wedding planning is moving along well, I need only to get going on making flowers and programs :D. If you want to see a little about how things are coming and when things are scheduled, see our wedding website. If you are family, particularly Joki family, I would like you all to know that you are invited to the celebration of our wedding (we are keeping the ceremony very small and intimate grandparents, parents and brothers and sisters). I have been looking for family emails to send you all save-the-dates, but haven't had much luck. Please go to the website for details. Also, we will be having a gathering in the Upper Peninsula so everyone who can't make a Sunday reception can meet Rick. I will be posting information about that reunion on the website when I get details about where and when. I can't wait to see you all again. It has been too long and I regret that I didn't have more time when I visited for Paul's funeral.

That's about it for a comprehensive update. I will be updating regularly, at minimum every couple days. Please check back often and stay in touch via this blog, via email (see profile), or via Facebook.

Love,

Kimmee

“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.”

—Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981); pacifist, peace-activist