Gastronomical Delights!

. . . I turn on the gas burner --- medium-high --- and begin to butter the bread, unwrap the Kraft American cheese and build my grilled cheese sandwich. No one else is home, and I cannot wait until Mom arrives and feeds me. What the heck?! I've seen Mom do this a thousand times, I'll just make a cheesy sandwich. I drop the sandwich in the fry pan; it sizzles ferociously. So far so good, I think. I constantly lift the sandwich off the pan to look at how the underside is browning. Hmmmm, perfect. Time to flip. Well, that went well. I'll leave it and check my email. . . .what is that smell? Shoot! I run to the kitchen and look at my sandwich --- a charcoal and cheese sandwich. I'll try again -- we have a full loaf of bread and lots of cheese. So try again --- fail. Try again --- fail. Try again --- fail. Try again --- fail. Try again ---fail. Try again? There are only four pieces of bread left. Don't try again. . .

My mother and sister do not hesitate to share this humiliating story, and others, with family and friends -- in particular when they sit down to a meal to which I have contributed. Because of epic failures like this, I was considered the daughter that couldn't cook, hated cooking, and deferred such arts to my younger sister (who at the same time was going through a cake-decorating passion --- none of her cakes fell, EVER).

It is amazing, however, what moving out of my parents house did for my inner-Chef. I was able to experiment without being teased for mistakes or simple questions. I found, slowly, that I enjoy preparing delicious, healthful (sometimes not) food, and that I love doing so for others: my friends and boyfriends in college, my family during the holidays, and --- now --- my husband, everyday. I take great pride in a healthy meal made well, how it pleases the senses and sustains the body. I am also proud of how, when I cook, it brings people together --- I am most glad for that.

I am at most a mediocre cook. But, I am learning. Sometimes I still make mistakes, other times I have stellar success. Recently, while staying with my sisters in Salt Lake City, I tried a meatloaf. I wanted something lighter than traditional loaves baked with BBQ sauce, ketchup and brown sugar for flavour. I found this fantastic American Bison Loaf, and it did the trick. Bison meat is naturally sweeter than beef and leaner, too. This recipe adds bulk and flavour with mushrooms, onions, fresh sage and fresh thyme. Rather than being sweet and sugar-laden, this loaf is, instead, a bit spicy due to a red-pepper (or cayenne) seasoned tomato sauce. It was refreshing, delicious, quick and --- best of all --- surprisingly simple!

Me, with the food. This recipe calls for roasted potatoes and spinach (we ate carrots instead of spinach).

Beautiful apron courtesy of Mom.

I substituted a pinch of cayenne pepper for the red pepper. Be careful not to over-pepper!

Everyone sitting down for the meal, minus Rick. The drink is a tasty treat handed down from Oma (Rick's German great-grandma), Italian Plum Juice and soda.

Slowly, these successes are helping me to overcome the trauma of incinerating an entire loaf of bread for a single grilled cheese sandwich. . .

I hope to post about a bread loaf soon. . .

Recent Reads and Recommendations

¡Hola amigos! Perhaps it will be obvious, because I am writing again so soon, but I am happy my computer is back online. As promised in my previous post, I am publishing a list of books I have recently read and am going to elaborate on those which I recommend. This is the first post of this kind for my blog. I will adopt a rating system similar to my husband's (0-5 astericks, more is better). In general, I will only be recommending 3 or higher. Let's get started!

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies - Jared Diamond

Rating: **** (4)

In what is, essentially, a whirlwind history of the world, Jared Diamond analyses history to deduce the necessary conditions to

development of a conquest society. His thesis is that certain environmental conditions favoured the development of guns, germs, and steel which gave the colonial advantage to Eurasians rather than Americans, Africans, or Australians. Diamond focuses primarily on questions of timing and diversity of agriculture as well as timing and diversity of husbandry as the catalysts for marked population growth, which -- consequently -- spurred innovation and disease.

Diamond uses some of the most recent discoveries in geography, anthropology, and environmental history to build his argument. This book is a must for a contemporary understanding of our world history, economics, and politics.

Coming Home to the Pleistocene - Paul Shepard

Rating: ****1/2 (4.5)

A brief book chock-full of information on humanity's roots in the Pleistocene --- and the implications of this fact on humans in industrialised society. Shepard argues, based on studies from evolutionary biology, that we are creatures of the Pleistocene --- we are hunter gatherers at heart, more or less. The thesis is that many of the psychological, physiological, and physical problems we have in modern society are closely related to the denial of our roots. Plainly, our development is stunted by industrial society.

Recognising that we cannot return to the life of pure hunter gatherers, Shepard closes the book by making recommendations of how we can re-incorporate the Pleistocene lifestyle into the Modern one, ultimately improving life for individuals and society.

The Kite Runner -- Khaled Hosseini

Rating : *** 1/2 (3.5)

A contemporary fiction book set in Afghanistan, The Kite Runner touches on many relevant issues related to current events. Through the eyes a middle-aged man reflecting on his life, we experience the last 40 years of Afghan history. It is an intensely personal story of regret, friendship, courage, loss and redemption.

I hesitate to describe in detail what happens as it will all be irrelevant without spoiling one of the most important scenes in the book. I will say, however, that the story centers on the asymmetric friendship of the narrator and a childhood companion and the narrator tries, throughout the book, to regain balance in the relationship.

It is an easy, quick read. There is some graphic imagery (sexual and violent) which may not be appropriate for children under 15 and may disturb readers. However, the lesson from the book and the powerful themes inspire an appreciation of Afghani culture that is worthwhile.

NOTE: The Kite Runner, to me, is a parallel story to A Thousand Splendid Suns. I recommend reading this, then A Thousand Splendid Suns in succession.

A Thousand Splendid Suns --- Khaled Hosseini

Rating: *** (3)

Rated a half-star less than The Kite Runner, this book is not as thematically powerful, in my opinion, as The Kite Runner. It does, however, tell an important story from the female perspective of the last 40 years of Afghani history, the Taliban, and Shar'ia Law in Islam.

A Thousand Splendid Suns tells the story about how two Afghani women are brought together and have to learn to depend on each other to survive. Its salient themes are love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and friendship.

Beautifully written, particuarly in the final chapters. Some violence, but not as graphic as The Kite Runner.

NOTE: Recommended to be read with/after The Kite Runner.

Sex, Economy, Freedom and Community --- Wendell Berry

Rating: **** 1/2 (4.5)

A collection of essays by Wendell Berry, this books discusses important economic and social issues in the Industrialised world

--- environmental degradation, corporatism, consumerism and globalism. Berry argues strongly for localisation of economy in order to preserve the planet and it's resources. Written in the early 1990s, Berry seems to have been one of the first scholars to speak out against globalism and corporatism. Now, twenty years later more and more groups in society are recognising the negativity of non-localised economics.

This is a great book for a budding localist.

I have not finished this book, but feel that it is, already, worthy of being recommended.

Other books I have read recently:

Risk and Reason: Safety, Law and The Environment --- Cass Sunstein, **1/2 (2.5)

Pathways to Bliss --- Joseph Campbell, *** (3)

Luna Nueva (New Moon, Spanish) --- Stefenie Meyer, ** (2)

Back on-line and the holidays!

I am currently in Salt Lake City, Utah visiting my in-laws. Rick and I arrived here after spending Christmas with my family near Grand Rapids, Michigan. We will be staying here until we leave for Kiev on the 12th of January.

Christmas with my family was bittersweet. We arrived 5 days before Christmas and left 5 days afterward. I would have liked more time with them as this was my last Christmas with all the family (especially my grandfather) for a few years. Unfortunately, the earliest we could arrive was the 2oth of December. Anyway, I had a lot of fun preparing for the holiday and celebrating it. Thanks to Martha Stewart (a sort of hero of mine), I was able to make some delicious treats for the parties -- Molasses Gingerbread Men, Gingerbread Cheesecake, Classic Eggnog, and my Grandma Diehl's Sugar cookies (fabulously decorated).

Sugar cookies and Gingerbread Men!

The Gingerbread House I made with Mom in Law

Gingerbread Cheesecake, very yummy, but accidently a bit undercooked. . .:(

Christmas, gift-wise, was very appropriate given that we are moving. Essentially what this means is that we got small gifts (rechargeable batteries), gift cards (iTunes, REI and the Grape Vine organic food restaurant in Salt Lake City) and money. Also, my parents did a very noble thing and got my computer repaired. By their generousity I am able to update you all on the goings on of these holidays! Although I still am sour about PCs, I am grateful to have my computer alive, well and with all files!

I During my time home I also spent some quality time with my sister. On Christmas Day we went to see Avatar 3D (I liked it and recommend it). We also spent a night in a hotel together with some other girlfriends, mostly to sit in the jacuzzi, which was depressingly cool. :( It felt nice to spend some good time with Stephie before leaving.

On the 30th we flew here, to SLC, to spend the New Year with my in-laws. On New Year's Eve we spent the day munching on goodies, playing games (Taboo and Apples to Apples), doing puzzles, and playing pranks on Uncle Dave. It was slow to get going, but once everyone was there and the activities commenced it was really fun. On New Year's Day we went bowling at Fat Cats activity center. All of the brothers and sisters were there and it was a really fun time. Alex and Julie (my sisters with whom we are staying) said they would like to go again before we leave. I hope we do.

On the 2nd we went to the blessing of my niece, the Lizard (nickname not real name). It was an intimate family ceremony. I had never been to a baby blessing and the LDS way of doing it was rather beautiful. Many were emotional -- including Grandma and Grandpa and Mom and Dad. It was a happy time.

Now we have about 9 days until we leave and until then I hope we have some fun adventures and reminisce about my childhood here.

Best,

Kim

Coming posts: recent books I recommend and recent cooking

Damn PCs! Damn WIndows!

I know I said I would post a picture tour of the last two months of my life. However, I currently do not have any of my pictures as I cannot access my hard drive. . .

To preface, I hope this blog post comes up when other pychologically anguished PC users are frantically seeking solutions to yet another system failure or related problem on their computers.

For the second time in less than 18 months I have had systemic, functional failure of my HP laptop or its operating system. This isn't just another little problem, this is something that is beyond my capacity to troubleshoot -- again I will have to take my computer to a technician.

I have experienced my first SMART hard drive failure. SMART was the most ridiculous name they could have chosen; I can do NOTHING with my computer for fear of stressing the hard drive and losing everything, if I haven't already.

I am writing this blog not to rant, as I could EASILY do, but to let my family and friends know that, indefinitely, I have no personal computer and rely on borrowed time from my content, trouble free Mac User husband (who incidentally bought his Macbook at the same time I bought my HP).

Continue sending emails and posting, just know I may not respond as quickly (same goes for Skype calls, email me to schedule).

I am so fed up, I am cosidering selling the parts and saving for a Mac. Needless to say, I will never waste money on a PC again -- quality is tanking and servicing is sub-par!

That is all.

There is a lot to catch up on!

I wrote my last post at the end of October, following the wedding. And, despite my intentions to write about every week, I have not in over a month! Part of my excuse is that not much has changed. I went back to work, worked and that is about it. . . but, stuff has happened --- and that's the other part of my excuse, there has been a lot to write about and it seemed all a bit overwhelming. Anyway, I will fill you in (briefly). Oh, and I will preface this by saying that I have no pictures in this post (although they would have been nice) because a certain someone has all my pictures on his camera. I'll do a picture post next time.

First, after a few weeks home (after the wedding and honeymoon) I got H1N1. That's what the nurse I spoke to said anyway. I, of course, couldn't afford a test. Better safe than sorry I guess. I was unconscious for about 3 days with a mild fever and a cough. Today, about four weeks after the fact, I still have respiratory symptoms that are improving. . .slowly. Last week, Rick developed it.

Second, a little over a week after I returned to work (after being sick), Rick's grandmother (on Mom's side) passed away. We had plans to visit her when we visit Utah for the New Year. Unfortunately, she couldn't make it. I never met her, but at the funeral in Salt Lake I learned a lot about her and know that I would have found her interesting. The visit for the funeral was also the first time I had returned to Utah (my place of birth, if any of you have forgotten), in over 12 years. I was excited to return. And, as I anticipated, I felt a surge of sentimentality well up in me as the plane landed. Being in the city wasn't anything too spectacular or nostalgic (though I remember some sites). However, when Rick and I took a hike to Grandeur Peak in Mill Creek (?) Canyon, I was brought to tears, remembering all the wonderful and surprisingly vivid memories of my childhood. It was strange to have a place feel like home, without anyone who represents my home having been there with me. (Rick doesn't count in this instance, though he helped make the moment feel complete).

Third, I have been simultaneously preparing for our move to Ukraine AND for going home for Christmas. I am inexplicably happy about both. Moving to Ukraine is an exciting opportunity -- an adventure. Having a healthy chunk of time (though not as much as I initially hoped for) at home with my parents and sister will be wonderful. Especially because I do not know when I will see them next after leaving. There is some hope that my sister will study abroad in Italy next year and in this case I would go visit her and have her visit me. I am also hopeful that, somehow, my parents will be able to visit me. I have wanted to share all of my experiences abroad with my family, none of whom have been farther than Canada. To have them experience even a small taste of traveling, I think they will understand me better. Heck, I would be willing to meet them in Ireland or Scotland (a place I know both my parents would love to visit).

Anyway, there is a lot to do before we leave for Ukraine. Drew might be interested to know how the Russian is coming. More poorly than anticipated, I must admit. I have not been a diligent student. That said, however, I feel like I am learning it quickly and understand a lot despite my lack of discipline. I just need practice and to memorize about 500-1000 more verbs. . . no big deal!

That is all for now. My baking (trying to make Saffron Bread) beckons me.

I miss you all and will post a bunch of pictures soon.

Пока! (Paka, Russian for informal "bye")

Wedding and Honeymoon Update

Dear friends,

On 11 October 2009, I married my best friend in a quiet, personal ceremony at the Wabasis Lake Shelterhouse in Greenville, Michigan.



Rick and I planned the wedding around the fall color, perfect weather for hiking, and a lecture by popular scholar and scientist, Dr. Jerad Diamond (Collapse, and Guns, Germs, and Steel.)

On our way from Minnesota (we went through Northern MN, WI and the upper peninsula of MI), we stopped to hike a segment of the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota. After the wedding we took a leisurely tour of Michigan.

THE SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL



Immediately after the wedding, Rick and I went to Ludington, MI with our best man, Todd. We camped and hiked around the park for a day. It was cold, but refreshing. I got a little queasy from the height of the lighthouse!


LUDINGTON STATE PARK

In Alma, Michigan ( my alma mater, Alma College) we stopped and listened to a lecture by Jerad Diamond. Diamond is the author of popular nonfiction books that discuss the relationship of the environment and the success and failure of societies (Collapse). We also were able to speak briefly with him in person. For more details on the visit, Rick has written a very good summary of the themes of the visit on his website, rickdelong.com.

After visiting Alma, we went up north to visit my father's family. En route we stopped (no camping because I was ill), in Tahquamenon Falls to hike a bit. It was beautiful. (See pictures below).

TAHQUAMENON FALLS STATE PARK

We stayed with my uncle and aunt while visiting for a family potluck. The food was delicious. Plenty of dessert. . .enough entrees to satisfy :D We then spent a couple days in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan. There we encountered one of Rick's friends from the Pacific Crest Trail which he hiked this summer. Kurt, the friend, ended up camping and hiking with us. We walked a well-kept trail and saw very little wildlife. The views and smells were fabulous and we would like to return to the park at some indefinite time in the future. Rick has written more on his website. To read his article, follow the link above to his website.

PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK

Finally, we made a visit to Nickerson, Minnesota to stay with Rick's grandparents. It was nice to visit with them and get to know them better --- and I won't deny that the set of pies grandma made were pretty fantastic too!

I started back at work this week past, it was rough, but after such a rejuvenating time off -- I have been in a great mood regardless!

Best.

(All photos are property of Rick DeLong. To ask about use, please contact him via his website.)

Boundary Waters Hike 2009

Snowbank Lake, Boundary Waters
Minnesota, September 2009

Hello all. . .:D

Sorry for the extended absence -- I have been picking up a lot of extra hours at work and focusing a lot of time on the wedding (which is happening 13 days from now! egad.) I have, however, found some time to go out exploring with my lover. Last weekend we went up to the Boundary Waters area of Minnesota with a hiking group we met on MeetUp.com. It was a refreshing break from the mundane life I have monotonously maintained over the last 3 months (i.e. bus, work, bus, waste time, sleep; repeat).

Rick and I with our ultralight backpacks. Woohoo! There is no hiking like hiking light!

We hiked with four other guys and a dog, Seti (who was literally neurotic about sticks -- something that got old real fast). I was the only gal, but it rarely was an issue (save the incident when all the men spent 90+ minutes discussing the most effective way to hang a bear bag. . .a total man thing). We hiked the Snowbank Lake trail, which we think amounted to something like 25 miles or a bit more over the course of three days. Being the only ultralight hikers there, the hike was extremely leisurely for Rick and I (low daily mileage, slow pace, and few walking hours). This, despite, a ill-maintained trail that we were told was a big improvement.

The first day of the hike, Friday, we spent a lot of time in a young forest without much of a view of the lake. It was a slightly hilly area with many steep rocks and roots across the trail. I was warned that I should have brought boots for ankle support. However, I quickly fell in even deeper love with my ankle-support-free trail runners. The grip on the bottom of these suckers is PHENOMENAL and it is so flexible and light that my entire foot can bend and be in contact with the surface of the ground -- ya know, like nature designed our feet to do? -- Anyway, because of this grip, flexibility, and breath-ability, I was in feet heaven not only the first and most rocky of days, but during the whole trip. . .I think I could climb walls with these things!

My sweet Inov-8 F-Lite 230's!!!

The first night we camped at a great outlook over the lake. It was beautiful, with a nice swimming area. After building a fire, Rick and I stayed up late talking with the others about all sorts of interesting topics, most notably spirituality.

We woke up relatively late and hiked the second day through a prescribed burn area. It was interesting to see all those trees charred and the ground lifeless. It looked like something out of Middle Earth. . .Mordor. By midday, one of our companions who was carrying a conventional pack and wearing hiking boots (with ankle support) rolled his ankle and could not walk very well. We camped early at a nice site, but lacking the vistas of the day before. Just the same we were surrounded by placid water, loon calls, and the wind through the trees. That evening Rick gave a little tutorial on ultralight backpacking (another guy moment). I sat by the water. It was peaceful and fresh.

On Sunday, we got out slightly earlier and hiked the morning through a bit of old growth pine forest and through a LOT of clear cut aspen groves. Rick and I, having the lightest packs volunteered to take the injured man's pack --he carried mine. Rick and I alternated carrying the 35-40 lb load, while our new friend experienced how wonderful a 5 lb pack feels (Both these weights are after food and with water).
We made it back to the cars around noon and headed home. We made some new friends and explored a new area. It was fun and much needed, but on the whole I was a little disappointed.

That area of Boundary Waters did not seem very pristine or secluded (there were motor boats on the lake) the prescribed burning and the clear cutting made it obvious that a lot of what we saw was being heavily regulated by man -- not nature. That said, there were some spectacular moments. For me, they often included the lake (which we rarely saw enough of) or a related swimming hole, the sounds of wild birds or trying to distinguish and identify the varieties of trees with Rick. It was a good weekend, but the location was not as I had imagined. I would not hike there again, but am interested in hiking through other areas of the Boundary Waters.

Seti swimming in a beaver pond.

The group, hiking :D

A sign saying the trail is closed due to burning (we went forward with permission from the DNR). Here, we're trying to look tough!

Rick and I in the morning. Nice and cozy. . .mmmm.

The group. (Rick, Kim, Ken, Andy, Rod, David)

This place feels more like home now.

Rick finished his 4-month thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail last week. The trail, which follows 2,660 miles of coastal mountain ranges from Mexico to Canada, lead him -- thankfully-- back to me. (If you want to know more about the hike, please visit Rick's site.) My scruffy-looking lover flew in Friday and we had all weekend to catch-up and begin settling into life here (I admit, the culture shock of returning is more challenging for him than adjusting is for me -- I've had 3 months to begin feeling comfortable here!)


He has been a terrific sport though. He has, of course, welcomed the meals, which are much more balanced and rich than his typical meals on the trail. I made one of our favorite meals "White Mushroom Lasagna" the night of his return (you can get the recipe on the meijer mealbox website, it is delicious and vegetarian AND you can make it with all local and/or organic ingredients :D).

We have also been exploring more of the surrounding areas together. It is much more entertaining with a companion. Saturday (a beautiful day here!) we took a long bike ride to a ecological reserve, tromped through it, had a picnic by the river, then went swimming. We visited with family on Sunday at a cook-out hosted here by Angie and Pete. We have filled our days with picture-looking, talking, biking, swimming, running, and searching for a social life (sounds funny, but true. We are hoping to use the meetup.com website to find some interesting groups of people: skeptics, spanish conversation, humanists, and hiking enthusiasts).

In all, I am absolutely blissful. This place, finally, has started to feel more like a home.

Home is not where you live but where they understand you. ~Christian Morgenstern

Summer was short. . .

I don't know about you guys, but summer was too short this year. I feel like I have hardly had one. I say this because my classes for the fall start this coming week -- a whopping 4 weeks after my summer classes ended (and my job began the week following the end of my summer classes, which means I haven't had a vacant spot in my summer).

Don't get me wrong, I have had a great four months and am grateful to be going to school, have a job, and a home. But, I am sad that I didn't visit a beach or go camping. I do still have some warm weather to do such things, but I am unsure of whether of not I will have time. I still hope to go camping up to Nickerson (the family homestead in northern Minnesota). We shall see.

Either way I do still have classes starting next week. I am taking Chemistry, and Statistics (for sure), and hopefully Environmental Ethics, Intro to Biology, and Intro to Geological Information Systems. I have just applied for a associates degree in Environmental Science and hope to finish it as soon as possible (which may include competency tests to receive the credit in some courses more quickly).

I am not too terribly excited to start back up again, but I am excited to learn and prepare for the next phase of my life. . .marriage, Ukraine, and pre-Masters preparation.

Hope all is well with you!

P.S. LOTR still rocks. And the dress is coming along well. Let me know if you want to be on the email list to receive pictures.

More tornados and an update on my reading list

Well. . .

Tornadoes again. I didn't go into work today and after seeing some of the damage to downtown Minneapolis (particularly the Lutheran Convention), I think I am glad I wasn't downtown today. We've had sirens going off here, on-and-off for about 2 hours. The warnings started right after I got home from the store. Initially we sat in the sub garage, but now we are responding rather like someone has been crying wolf, precisely how one should NOT behave in such situations. . . we are still alive, however. Very alive, in fact. So alive that we are sitting about eating -- them upstairs with their soup and bread, me downstairs with my bruschetta and pellegrino. So alive that later we'll be working on the wedding dress and watching Shine. So alive are we that we will go on living. . . (I suppose that was meant to be poetic, but may come off sounding rather silly.)

In other news, which I find more interesting, the show Merlin has reignited a fantasy streak in my media consumption. Since I rarely watch TV and movies here, the manifestation of this impulse is found in what I have been reading. I have set about to read the entirety of the Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien (if you know nothing of the LOTR, you can go here). LOTR is one large volume composed of multiple books, often broken into three parts. Below I have included the movie preview for the first part, so you get an idea of what it is about. I have finished two chapters and have about 1, 000 pages yet, but I think this time I will finish it. I have tried many times before without luck, but I think I am in the right mood for it -- and I cannot really recall the plot from when I saw the movies.


Have you guys read Lord of the Rings? Would you like to?

Sudan's dress-code row: A martyr to her trousers | The Economist

I loved this article. This woman is a model for all women that don't want to continue conforming to the extreme and often dangerous laws of sharia, which some Muslims have interpreted and enforced literally over issues ranging from how to deal with a raped virgin (kill her -- see Pakistan and some other extreme Muslim states) to how a woman should appropriately dress (burka and definitely NO green pants!)

Sudan's dress-code row: A martyr to her trousers | The Economist

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Spent an hour in the subgarage. . .

Last night, while watching the Fantastiks on hulu.com, I heard a strange sound. It was an unusual sound a kind of whiney wail that alternated in long waves. At first I just dismissed it as a creak of a home running the Central Air, but by the end of the movie, after about a half hour, the sound was still whining. THEN it dawned on me, it was the tornado alarm. I hurried onto weather.com and, sure enough, there was a large TORNADO WARNING banner and the radar map could not have been clear --- a dark red blob hovering over the Anoka, Coon Rapids, Andover area. I felt foolish for ignoring the siren, but I hurried myself with my phone, a blanket, my laptop and a half pint of Stoneyfield Organic Chocolate Choco chip Mint frozen yogurt to the subgarage. The internet stopped working and the power flicked off, then on. I ended up calling my mother so she might listen to the radio for updates (I couldn't figure out how to bring the antiquated panasonic in the subgarage to life). In the end I spent about an hour waiting for the storm to pass. In that time I found some of Rick's old papers from school. They were a hoot. Most were about space, one was about greek mythology, and one about saying no to drugs.

Aside from this, I have only been in one other tornado situation, of which I am not entirely certain that it was a tornado. I was traveling home by car from Florida, through Georgia, with my friends after an early spring break vacation. It was storming very badly and we decided to stop under an overpass to wait. While waiting, the car began moving and an orange road marker barrel blew across the road. When the storm passed we were forced to take a detour because our freeway was closed. We found out later that the freeway was closed because, some of you might remember this, a bus of softball players had been blown off the freeway during a tornado. That was a fairly scary experience.

Have any of you been in a tornado?

Training underway and wedding dress making!

Dear family and friends,

Sorry for not updating sooner. I have been lazy and busy with other stuff (namely training for work, signing up for fall classes, and wedding projects. . . .and watching the first season of Merlin).

Panera Bread is fun and, unlike other jobs that I have had, it keeps me busy. Today, for example I made sandwiches for 2 hours straight, no break in sandwich-making. Lunch is by far the busiest time for the cafe that I work at, mostly because we are right downtown. In addition to all the business people that we normally serve, there was the weekly farmers market. We were swamped. The people I work with are very supportive, however, and friendly so it was fun. Tomorrow (Friday) I start hands-on training as cashier. I think I am going to enjoy cashiering more than sandwich making.

Also, Angie and I have officially started on the modifications for my wedding dress. We added the length to the slip portion last night and have yet to hem it and add the lace around the edge. After we get the right length we'll be making a skirt to fit over the dress (I bought a vintage dress that we are refashioning, for those of you who weren't aware.) I'm getting quite excited and would really like to post pictures, but I want the design and look of the dress to be a complete surprise for Rick on the day of the ceremony. If you are interested in pictures, I will post more when we have it done and you can just let me know where you would like me to email the pictures. In the spirit of wedding-ness, however, I will post some other pictures of how things are coming.


The wedding colors

The paper roses I am making for the bouquets and boutineers

The reception hall at Lake Wabasis

How I want to wear my hair (if it grows enough).

On top of all this other stuff I have wasted a lot of time watching the first season of BBC's new Merlin series. I watched all the episodes online in the span of 3 days. I am glad it is done because it was taking up a lot of time. Though it was kind of addicting. I have always been sort of drawn to the Medieval/ Renaissance type stuff. I love the show; it is so fun -- although corny as all get out. Not to mention the gentleman cast as Prince Arthur is a total hunk (blondes aren't really my type but with the accent and manly-man-ness, I can't resist. :D)



Also, I have been entertaining the idea of visiting the Renaissance festival. :) I think it might make a fun date for Rick and I in September. What do you guys think about such things? Do you like these sort of shows, fashion, and fantastic themes? I think they'd be fun -- magic (the good kind of course) and chivalry, feasts, knights and ladies. Well, at least I think its fun to pretend! If you want to watch some episodes NBC has been showing it and you can watch episodes 5-10 on hulu.com.

I wish you all the best and I will try to post more often.

Love <3

A job, Free food. And the best deal of my life.

Hey everyone!

Last week, as I was finishing my classes, I started training for my new job at Panera Bread. Many of you may not be familiar with Panera Bread. It is a franchised bakery-café. The food is great, fresh, and healthy, maybe except for some of the pastries, which--by nature--are sinfully delicious and fattening. :D The people seem quite friendly and I am, so far, very impressed with the company, how it treats customers, and how it treats employees. When I went for my training sessions last week, the manager was very accommodating to my schedule and sent me home with a BIG bag full of free samples and a sincere "welcome!"

Imagine this, times 2 and plus 4 items more. That is what I got in free samples!

So, yesterday I went to the Goodwill nearby to buy some work clothes. (This is where the best deal of my life comes in. . .). I wanted to get something sorta nice so that I could wear these clothes for more than just work at the café. So, I looked for button down shirts rather than polos. I have wanted a red blouse, so I looked there first. "hmmm, what´s this iridescent one here?" It was a 100% silk Ann Taylor bouse, my size. $4.99. I could not pass it up. I wondered if they might have anything like it in blue. Well, what did I find? A blue 100% silk Ann Taylor blouse, $4.99. Wow, what luck! But it was not too uncommon to find, so I wondered about a bouse in purple. Holy moley. A 100% silk Ann Taylor bouse in rose purple, $4.99. I got them all. So, I am demoting my other bouses to work blouses and these are my new daywear and officewear bouses. Aren´t they beautiful? (Sorry the picture isn't better, but I had to use my webcam).

In all, I am well. Happier everyday as my life begins to settle here in Minnesota. Last night, I went with Pete and Angie to see Les Miserables in concert, a production by local high school students. It was extremely well done -- and I am not just being nice. Some of the performers seemed like they were, in fact, from Broadway. In particular the girl playing Fantina (I Dreamed A Dream), the young man playing Jean Valjean (Bring Him Home) and the couple playing the Thenardiers (Master of the House and Beggars at the Feast). Bravo!

Also, I have included this, for fun. . .
"Who Am I"

1. What time did you get up this morning? 12 pm (I was up late reading/finishing We the Living, Ayn Rand)

2. How do you like your steak? Well

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The New Star Trek

4. What is your favorite TV show? I don't watch enough tv to make a fair judgement. Maybe Discovery, History documentaries?

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Right now, the Oregon-California border.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Left-over Chinese haystacks. It was lunch-time afterall.

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Mexican

8. What foods do you dislike? I sorta don't like olives, but they are growing on me.

9. Favorite Place to Eat? El Rancho

10. Favorite dressing? Italian

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? My bike. :D

12. What are your favorite clothes? My white pencil skirt a button-down shirt and my oxford flats.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Antarctica or Tierra del Fuego

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Depends on the beverage really.

15. Where would you want to retire? Retire-what? Not for me.

16. Favorite time of day? Dawn

17. Where were you born? University of Utah Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football, soccer not American football

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? Irrelevant.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? " "

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? This is for me. . .out of boredom

22. Bird watcher? Not formally.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning if I have work, night if I am left to my own devices.

24. Do you have any pets? Yes. Sort of, but not really. They are at my parents' house, where I will not likely live again.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I got the fabric for my wedding dress! ivory silk dupoini.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A singer, an artist, President.

27. What is your best childhood memory? Playing with fluffy cattails on the railroad tracks with my Dad.

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dogs. Always dogs. I sincerely dislike felines.

29. Are you married? Emotionally. Legally, not quite yet.

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes.

31. Been in a car accident? Yes. . .Craig Lake roll-over

32. Any pet peeves? Fewer and fewer.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? broccoli and tomato with white sauce

34. Favorite Flower? Sunflower.

35. Favorite ice cream? Vanilla with Rick's cocoa sauce and strawberries.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Subway

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Not once.

38. From whom did you get your last email? Mom, I was pinked.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Probably more likely to happen at REI or backcountry outlet, but I do like Victoria's Secret and Anthropologie a lot.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Gave some bread to the street musicians in Minneapolis.

41. Like your job? Yes.

42. Broccoli? Yum.

43. What was your favorite vacation? Hiawatha Music Fest./ Craig Lake or Continental Divide Trail

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Mom and Dad.

45. What are you listening to right now? ClassicalMusicAmerica.com

46. What is your favorite color? Green

47. How many are you tagging for this quiz? No one prolly.

48. Coffee Drinker? sometimes

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 15.28

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