What Betsy used to call Torii Cont...Cont...

Okay, so I finally got it done! The lady that did it was really nice and very professional about the procedure. It really wasn't that bad. The worst part was the ice. You think it's bad when you have cold hands or feet-Why don't you throw a couple ice packs on your 'special purpose' and describe for me the vast difference. Anyway- the fact that you can't feel your most sensitive bare skin makes it much less painful. It just felt like little rubberbands snapping- and it only felt like that when your frozen skin thawed. The most awkward part was the back, but it was quick and pretty painless. Anyway- I can't tell a whole lot of difference yet, but my next appointment is in late January. I will have a total of 6 treatments before I am done and I will never have to shave again!

Thanksgiving at our house

I know this is a late entry, but I wanted everyone to know how my first big event went. We had nearly twenty people over for Thanksgiving! What a crazy day. First off- Logan and I were recuperating from the week of the tornadoes and funeral- we got minimal sleep that week-and trying to get our upstairs livable. Plus, I was working odd hours.
My dad, Cindy, and Kelly were planning to come for the holiday, so we were preparing their rooms and getting things set (like filling the fridge, washing sheets, cleaning bathrooms, painting, decorating ect.) So, my dad calls THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING- and says he won't be able to make it. You see- he was going to fly his plane up here and didn't take into consideration the weather in late November in Iowa. He also said something about some gauge not working correctly- who knows if that was the truth. I should know better than to get my hopes up for something my dad promises me.
Anyway-moving on...so we had Logan's mom's entire family over and Gracie loved the attention, but Cloe was not so thrilled with the company. She was hissing and swatting at people(doesn't she know she doesn't have any claws?) We had your traditional Thanksgiving meal with a few unique dishes like scalloped corn with and without oysters. After dinner we played spoons- I am surprised my house still has chandeliers and windows- well anything glass really. They are a crazy bunch. Gracie was forced outside to go to the bathroom- she didn't want to leave the house because there were so many treats she had yet to sneak from her new found buddies. She found the turkey carcasses Logan's mom was taking home to their dog. Needless to say- she ate the equivalent of one small turkey. Half way through the intense game of spoons- she puked all of it up. Later we fed her dinner and she threw that up as well. Sometime during the night she threw up again- this time she threw up small chunks of turkey bone. We just let her tummy rest and she is fine now-Thank God. We were quite worried about her, but not worried enough to take her to the vet obviously. So, in the end- I wouldn't mind if Thanksgiving at our house became a tradition. I love to entertain!

Keep us in your prayers

If you haven't heard, there were F3 tornadoes in Iowa. We suffered a devastating loss on Saturday. Logan's 84 year old grandmother was killed when part of her roof collapsed on top of her. His Aunt and Uncle were also in the house at the time the tornado hit, but Ron walked away and Nancy had a few gashes and a dislocated hip. For more footage on the tragedy, search 'channel 13, Iowa' on google and click on WHO-TV, Central Iowa's NBC affiliate. Then click on 'November Tornadoes- the morning after.' That will take you to who-tv and show you live footage of Stratford, IA. You will see ranch style homes and three of them are without roofs and the home that is completely gone is Lucille Runyan's. The house to her right is red.
We spent the entire day today trying to salvage what we could of her belongings. Bricks from her home were found across the corn field and two large trees found there way into her basement. Lights as well as the backstop from the softball field across the street were found in her back yard. We were able to find a few very important items, like her late husbands flag case from his funeral and many pictures as well as books from the 1920's. We are still looking for the Runyan Family Tree and hopefully someone will find it and return it to the family. Looking at the basement, it is hard to believe anybody got out of that mess alive. The only thing left standing were her front steps and bushes. Not even her basement cinder block wall sustained the wind.
The funeral will be held in Stratford, IA on Thursday. Please pray for our family and let the people you love know how much you love them. Life is precious!

Tetris

Last night Logan and I had a Tetris marathon. When I say marathon I don't mean a couple games, I mean 3-4 hours. It brought back memories- and I am still good at it. I think Angela is still the highest ranking player. Logan was a little frustrated that he wasn't as good at the game as I am, but how many hours in college did we play that game. Not only were my eyes bleeding from watching the screen, but my hands and neck were cramping. I can remember a few times when Logan has mocked me for playing such a child's game, but after 3.5 hours I went to bed and he stayed up trying to improve his strategy. I still think that no matter how much he practices- I will still be able to kick his ass! So, the hours and hours we spent playing that game were not wasted! They were just preparing me for the day when I could stand on my coffee table and announce to our cat and dog that I am better at Tetris than Logan! What a triumphant moment for me. Thank you for helping me get to this point, I am truly grateful!

Angela's Soul Mate

I have found a great match for Angela. He is an OB doctor, slightly old, but full of useless knowledge! He shared a little of that knowledge with me that may help certain people with mountain dew addictions. Just one can of mountain dew has 46 grams of sugar. Say you have one mountain dew each day for 10 days. That is 46 X 10 = 460 grams. 454 grams = 1 lb. So, if you drink one can of mountain dew every day- every 10 days you are drinking 1 lb. of sugar! You Diet Pepsi/Diet Coke drinkers are off the hook!
Update on the laser situation- the lady who does it at the clinic I chose, is making a career change, so she is only working twice a week until they find someone new. It is getting slightly irritating, but I'll just let you know how it goes when it happens.

What Betsy used to call Torii Cont...

So, you are all probably wondering how my appointment went on Thursday. Well, it didn't. They called and canceled because the Dr. was sick. I made an appointment for this Wednesday, so I will let you know how it goes.
On to other things... Last weekend we traveled to beautiful wedding. On the way home that night- around 10:00 or so, we encountered a couch on the interstate. By the way- we are driving our brand new Ford Fusion- just purchased 2 weeks prior to this incident, when we were faced with plowing a full sized sofa or taking out the car next to us. We chose the floral eye sore in front of us and it is now in 15,000 pieces. The worst part about it is eventhough it we didn't put the couch in the middle of the road to hit- we have to pay for our damages. It makes sense I guess because who else would pay for it, but it will affect our insurance eventhough it wasn't considered an 'accident' according to the police. Life sucks sometimes! The accident was very scarey though. We hit it going 75mph and ended up in the ditch- luckily we didn't cross the median, that would have been tragic. For those who think I was driving- I wasn't- I guess I am just bad luck!

What Betsy used to call Torii

OK, so I really had good intentions with this whole blog thing, but I am so busy sometimes and during my free time I want to sit on my ass and do nothing. Plus, I am having trouble with my computer and it keeps shutting off in the middle of whatever I am doing. It is really irritating!!!

So, I am really excited about next Thursday because I am getting a little laser done. I am sick and tired of shaving my (what Betsy used to call Torii). I started waxing right before our wedding and it was great! It lasted for at least two weeks and there was absolutely no irritation- except the minor pain while getting it done. But you have to let it grow out between waxes otherwise the wax won't adhere to the hair. Anyway- so I am getting it lasered! Logan and I have had a discussion about how much to do. Brazilian- Am I going to want everything gone when I am eighty? What about when I have kids- will my little girl comment on how much we look alike? If I choose to leave a little- they will leave a lot and will leave some in places where I want it gone. Such a dilemma, but I think I am going to opt for everything. It is simple and they take everything and I just won't let my little girl see my bottom half naked. Thanks for helping me make that decision- I will let you know how it goes!!!

Becoming an Iowa Fan

This past weekend Logan and I went to Iowa City for the Iowa/Illinois game. We now have free parking for any game because my cousin lives across the street from the stadium- which saves us $20 each trip! My aunt and uncle have season tickets and they aren't able to go to any more games, so they offered us the tickets.
We will be going to the Iowa/Minnesota game in November- Liz and Corey- we'll see you there!!! Now- I am not sure who to cheer for at that game. I never had any direct affiliation with the University of Minnesota, but I did go to a state school and have lived in MN my entire life (except for a short time). However, I am now an Iowan and being a fan for Iowa is the equivalent of living in MN and being a fan for the Vikings, Twins, etc. Plus- I now have more Iowa apparel than I have ever had of MN. I think this might qualify me as a true Iowa fan. I would probably lose my free parking if I went to my cousin's house in anything but bright yellow and black, so I think I have made my decision. I am cheering for Iowa.
Another discovery I made this weekend is- being drunk and crazy is not my scene anymore. My cousin had a kegger- it was fun. We hung out with a few of his friends and my aunt and uncle. My uncle had much more fun than I did- he was so drunk and obnoxious. I know we have all been there. Not to pick on Liz, but she was the bitchiest drunk Freshmen and Sophomore year. After that she was fun to be drunk with! How about all of the drunken fights we have been in. I can remember one such fight about sharing the bathroom with Angela and Liz. While Liz and I were ganging up on Angela (way to stand up to us buddy!) poor Corey was standing in the background as uncomfortable as a guy at his wife's GYN appointment.
Anyway- back to the point of the story- we went to a bar that was packed with drunk people jumping around, making out, grinding on everyone, and just being stupid. What a fun place to people watch. There were definitely some interesting outfits as well. So, it was fun to watch people, but it was so crowded and sweaty. I really just wanted to be somewhere quieter and calmer to sit and talk with family and buddies. I bet I would enjoy that scene if it were Winona homecoming though. Such memories- the promise of getting up at the crack of dawn to start drinking, going to the parade tanked, stealing Kat's blanket, going out to breakfast, coming home for a quick nap before the game, grabbing a few drinks before the game, getting to the game in the second half because we woke up late or maybe we wouldn't go at all, going home for one more quick nap and some Little Ceasars, finally going out to Bullseye and Brother's for a crazy night of drinking, and then home for some more Little Ceasars! Then of course Scott would make sure we all got home okay- giving us the shirt off his back! Fun times in Winona!!
Anyway- just some reminiscing for those who are interested. It was a great weekend except for the driving- Looking forward to the IA/MN game!!! GO IOWA!!!

Happy or Sad

Last night we went to a wedding- well actually two weddings. We went to the ceremony and the beginning of the reception for one and then left just in time to catch the meal at the second reception. We were very full, but we RSVP'd to both meals. We felt too bad missing them- they pay for them whether we eat them or not.
The whole time I was having mixed feelings about these weddings. On one hand I was really sad that I wasn't involved in some way. I was sad that I wasn't the bride. Being the bride was so much fun- everyone tells you how beautiful you are, how perfect everything looks, what a great job you did planning, etc. Now it is all over. That brings me to my next feeling.
I am so glad it's over!!! Our lives, pre-wedding, were consumed by planning- buying dresses, deciding on a cake, planning the rehearsal, picking out singers and arranging a rehearsal for them, picking out tuxes, finding reception sites, photographers, invitations, etc. Then, of course, after the wedding comes the dreaded thank yous! But all in all I am glad our wedding is over and we can just enjoy each other. We still have a lot on our plate- like landscaping, decorating, finishing our basement, etc. But those are things we can take our time doing- we are not on a strict schedule.
I am excited when our close friends start planning weddings. Not naming any names, Betsy, but count me in on the resource team!

Children making adult decisions

So, sorry it's been so long- I have been trying to get into the work groove. I know work is a risky subject, but speaking generally- not one labor has gone perfect! Doctors are jerks and don't come to their deliveries, so we, the nurses, end up delivering the baby and after hours and hours of laboring, all of these young ladies are having c-sections. It really makes me nervous for the big day when any of my buddies or I deliver.
I did have one young girl that was having her second baby at age 17. She needed to have a repeat c-section for this baby and the physicians were letting HER make the decision. She is a child!!! She has no concept of the consequences of her decision. She cannot possibly comprehend the severity of the risks. Obviously the "it will never happen to me" attitude didn't get her very far- as she is in the hospital for the second time giving birth. The biggest problem I see in this situation is the mom- she was telling me what a good mom her daughter was and how she was so happy that she was having another baby. What an idiot- that is completely encouraging her to have fifty babies that she is clearly unable to care/pay for, so people like you and me are paying her way. She needs to close her legs and graduate high school.
I wish she would have learned about birth control after the first baby. The saddest thing is that these children that she is bringing into this world have no consistency. They are from different fathers and who knows how involved they are. I know there are plenty of children that come from this type of family and have turned out great- I really hope that is the case with these kids- it just seems so unlikely. I am sure this isn't the last time I will be seeing this situation, so I will just have to mute my emotions and thoughts about it in the future.

Hold it in or not

Now that Logan and I are married he forts whenever and without regard for me. Of course when we were dating he squeezed his cheeks together and held it in- as we all did. I continued to do that after we were married, but I am tired of it.
The average male forts 14 times a day- about a 20 oz. pop bottle of air. Guess what- so does the average female. We are just more discrete about it. Well Logan and I were talking about it this weekend. There have been many times when I have been laying on his lap and he farted or we were snuggling and he farted, so I said that I wasn't going to hold it in anymore- If I had to fart, I was letting it out- gas is painful when you hold it in. So, not only did I let it out, I ever so nicely placed my butt on his leg and let one rip! I almost died laughing- one of the times I ended up crying because I was laughing so hard. Anyway- after I calmed down I was slightly embarrassed. I am now back to holding it in- most of the time.
I felt like Carrie on Sex in the City when she farted in Big's bed. That is one of my favorite episodes!!!
I think Liz and Betsy have heard one of mine- and I believe it was caught on tape!

Damn you Ebay

My buddy Stephanie has purchased a few large items on ebay- one being a dyson vaccum (the best vaccum ever invented- we have one too and we love it!) and the other being a navigation system. One purchase was worth it and the other, not so worth it- I'll let you guess which one.
My wonderful husband works at a desk all day and is able to surf the internet at his leisure. Yesterday he comes to me and says, "honey, I pulled a Steph." I'm thinking- I am home all day and you are just upstairs, why couldn't you have opened the door and talked to me about it. A couple days ago he put a bid on a PS2. Now, I like an occasional video game (tetris is the best ever, although it may make your eyes bleed), but I don't want to become second to them. I am glad to report that I am still number one in Logan's life. However, now we will have three systems and I am not sure Logan can resist the temptation of playing all the time. I just need to have faith I guess.
Back to Ebay...so he won the PS2. I love how they say you win- you still have to pay! Anyway, so it ended up being a good deal, but when we get it we'll see if he is able to control his urges. Boys and their toys! I think my problem is that we spent money on something we definately don't need! Oh well, don't we all do that!?

In the Beginning

I will admit that I wasn't very fond of Iowa when we first moved here. I didn't have any friends or a job where I could make friends. I did have one person I could hang out with, who has since become my rock in Iowa. Both of our husbands took jobs in Iowa and are best friends- thank god we get along!!! Needless to say- our men brought us here.
Since then I have met a few people and seem to be settling in just fine. My wonderful husband has practically forced me to participate in happy hour with a few girls- where happy hour turns into happy six hours! He, so badly, wants me to like it here- and I do.
Soon I will be meeting more people because I recently accepted a nursing position in Labor and Delivery at a local hospital. I am so excited. I plan to put in a few years in this department and hopefully go back to school to become a midwife. The University of Minnesota is the closest college with that program- luckily, I can take most of the classes online with trips to the University about once a month. Who knows if I will be accepted though. It seems the academic requirements will be no problem, but they are looking to educate a diverse population. I am not very diverse. We'll see.