I'm back!

Let me start by saying I haven't blogged in a long time...a long long time. So if this is no good...well...deal with it. :) I hope to blog more often (which you either like or dread seeing) since I usually get super sentimental during the holidays...so: my normal sentimental and quirky self + pregnancy emotions = you're guess is as good as mine!

Ahh, Cities 97 Sampler release day...thank you for finally being here!

This day is one my my personal holidays. I take the day off to wake up by 5:45am to sit in the cold/wind/rain/snow near the side of a Target building all for a cd. I've learned a lot over the years about how to prep for this day. My first Sampler morning I got out to the Eden Prairie Target store about 45 minutes before the store opened deciding to go on a whim. Other than wearing maybe another layer and a hat I didn't prep any more than a usual work morning. The line was long and I was freezing (How come my adorable Mary Jane shoes were not keeping me warm?! But thank God I looked great...). Phf, I was cursing myself for being such an idiot and thinking, 'I'm in line now, I'm not getting out. This cd had better be good.' And it was. I've gone back every year (now in Shakopee) with many more layers, being overly prepared (you'd think I was preparing for the Hunger Games...) and being generally quite comfortable.

But the cd is not the only thing that I go for...in fact in all reality it's not even the main thing. It is the perfect reflection time for me. I'm an extrovert and enjoy being with others, but not always socializing with others. If you leave me at home I am usually snuggling my cats, creating and then dominating a task list, or going out of my mind wondering what I should do and how I can make an excuse to go to a store just to be with other people. I don't relax well alone. The Sampler mornings force me to just sit and be. I have nothing else to do while sitting there - it's too cold to do anything else! And while I'm not alone, I'm not really focused on socializing and am more focused on my own thoughts. I reflect on the past year: the joys, the heartache, the hope. I pray. I thank God for all of the people I have in my life. I think about my loved ones in heaven and miss them so terribly. ...and I occasionally think about how crazy I am for waking up early for a cd. But all in all, the time prepares my heart/spirit/soul for the holidays, and this sacred time calms me so completely. It's one of the days of the year that I am the most at peace.

I have a collection of seven cd's now from my consecutive years of participating in the Sampler release mornings. Every time I listen to them I feel the peace. Peace. Something that is often hard to find in a busy life.

Best thing is my day isn't over yet. I have a freaking awesome day off planned. I write this as I am curled up in a warm blanket in my basement with the fireplace on listening to my Sampler 27 cd while drinking a small non-fat mocha half the chocolate and light whip. I plan to then take a nap then my Pops is coming down for lunch a lunch date with me! After that who knows where the day will take me! Maybe I'll be snuggling my cats, creating and then dominating a task list, or going out of my mind wondering what I should do and how I can make an excuse to go to a store just to be with other people... :)

Wishing you feelings of peace at the start of this holiday season!

Until next time,
Coffee, Cats, and Wine (Dr. Pepper (gotta love pregnancy cravings!) :)

My "30" Stats!

Oh boy, get ready everyone! This is either going to be the most interesting or least interesting post you've read of mine!

In celebration of my 30th b-day I thought I would post 30 useless and random facts about yours truly! 

1. I have never eaten at KFC.
2. I've written two fan letters in my life. One to Prince William and one to Anthony Tolliver. Prince William wrote back (ok, ok...his secretary did), Anthony Tolliver did not...
3. I have three grey hairs (that I can see) and I love them!
4. My favorite movie is Twister (duh)
5. In high school my tire literally fall off my car...apparently those things need air ;)
6. Many dislike brussels sprouts, but they are my absolute favorite veggie...or maybe it's spinach...oh, but I love artichoke!...ok, apparently I need to work on narrowing favorite veggies down.
7. I'm not afraid of little furry fellas like mice, moles, voles, etc. 
8. Every time I pass an animal killed on the side of the road I pray for it's soul. 
9. 'Jeepers', 'irk', and 'oh for crying in the mud' are all a regular part of my vocab. I'm an old soul. 
10. Movies that jump time, like the Time Travelers Wife, confuse the hell outta me...What? Is that the current him or the past/future him? What time period are we in now? *mind. blown.*
11. I have a couple things on my bucket list, but the ones that I'm looking forward to checking off the most are becoming a trained weather spotter and hopefully hearing Mumford & Sons at the Red Rock Amphitheater in CO. Ah...someday :)
12. Tiny Tim and Robin (Kermit the Frogs nephew) all annoy me something fierce! 
13. I've never seen The Sound of Music or Annie in full...actually, add Annie to the list of characters that annoy me.
14. My elbows are double jointed. 
15. I like symmetry and for things to have their place.
16. I enjoy talking like Lou Nanne. Oh, ya know...da hockey guy!
17. Taking the little breather tabs off of coffee cup tops is a must. It's a quirk!
18. I love car washes and think they (usually) smell so good so I blast the air and take deep breaths! The tri color smells so fruity! 
19. I, unlike most people, usually consider gross body stuff so interesting. Seriously, I don't have a queasy stomach. When I had my emergency appendectomy I asked the surgeon if he would save my appendix so I could see it. He did. And it was pure awesome. He even took pictures and gave them too me! Bless his heart!  
20. I like watching sports where you can see easily the players faces, like basketball and swimming vs. football or hockey, because I like to see people's emotions. 
21. Definitely is a word that's spelling gets me every time...
22. After it rains, I watch for worms who've come up from the ground and are on streets/sidewalks and I pick them up and plop them in safer locations. I call it the "Save the Worms Brigade" and have been doing it since elementary school.
23. Shh! I snitch lilacs while on walks :) 
24. I believe that all of the people, animals, and critters who have gone before and whose lives one has touched will be waiting at the pearly gates to welcome them to Heaven! With Jesus of course :)
25. I have over 80 nail polishes. Yes. 80. My grandma (Larson) counted them all with me the last time I saw her before she died. She also proceeded to tell every one at the facility she lived at my number of nail polishes after I painted her nails. It's one of my favorite memories!
26. Currently, I'm a "regular" the Eden Prairie Starbucks, Eden Prairie Old Chicago, and Shakopee Badger Hill Brewery...meaning someone (or multiple people) at each place recognize me. :) Clearly, I'm a big deal folks...
27. You wanna make me bawl? Let's watch The Cure. 
28. I'll take the sound of an organ over a piano any day.
29. Still, to this day, I'm terrified of E.T....that finger haunts me *shudder*
30. I love me some free stuff. Like pens, notepads, jar openers, yard sticks...or chip clips!! So naturally the MN State Fair and professional conferences are exciting ;)

Welp, that's it. That's the list at this point in time! While there are a ton of other things that make me, "me", there is only so much that I can list before I fear that I will bore ya'll to death...which I may have already done!

I'm excited and ready for my 30's! A new decade! A new adventure! Here's to the 20's and the life lessons that were learned - and cheers to to my 30's! I'm ready!

So, this here in history (ha!) is the last blog post of my 20's!

Until next time when I'm 30....

Coffee, Cats, and Wine and I'll Be Fine

Spring is officially here!

Oh. Folks, this is big! If you know me at all you know what an exciting time of year is coming up for me. One word: Twister. Here is my season opener Twister watching criteria:

1) Has rained for the first time...
2) April 1st...
3) Which ever comes first

...considering it's snowing right now I'm not feeling super confident in rain at the moment...I digress...

I've started my rigorous Twister brain exercises. Yep, they are a real thing...and totally legit. IMDb.com is a starter for me. Ya know, gettin' the ol' tootsies wet after a long cold winter off from watching Twister to remind myself of the bloopers and misc/random facts. Then I move on to the online tests. You know what I'm talkin' about: those tacky classy online quizzes made by God-only-knows-who...they are hardly a challenge for this Twister fanatic.

BTW, in case you were curious (or wanting to plan a birthday get away for me *wink wink*) visiting the Twister museum in Wakita, OK is on my bucket list...

...moving on...

Lot's of exciting stuff is happening! I love spring! Friends/family's bellies are going to be popping soon, friends/family's (that are farther along) babies are going to be popping out, weddings are happening!...all good stuff! I'm hoping that Spring will bring some wonderful events to Eric and my life too!

And then there's my birthday that's coming up soon! A big one! The big 3-0. I'm jazzed! Some are scared for this milestone birthday, but I'm excited! I hear 30's are wonderful years of new-found love for yourself and confidence in yourself. All the crap of the 20's is behind you and you are who you are. I already feel comfortable with who I am, but dang...feeling more comfortable and confident would be great too! Dirty 30 - bring it on!

After a seriously exhausting past week, Eric and I had a busy and fun weekend. We celebrated my Godson's birthday this Saturday afternoon, then headed to a comedy show featuring the Common Man, a KFAN radio personality that Eric quotes all. the time. Thankfully, I think he's pretty funny so the constant quotes are entertaining. Anywho, the comedy show was fun! Sunday morning was filled first with coffee at home before church. I love waking up earlier than needed to relax and have coffee on a Sunday morning before heading to church. It gets my head and heart ready for hearing what I need to hear. Later, I headed to one of my best friends baby showers for some celebrating and had a wonderful time. Since I was in the neighborhood, I stopped by my grandparents grave site, curled up in my 'weather emergency' blanket, and sat with their memory for a while. I'll be heading to my other grandparents grave sites soon too for an early Spring visit. I miss them all so much...

Ok, lighter subject. Who's watching March Madness?! Love it. College basketball is so much fun to watch. I'm not someone who closely follows college basketball..well any sport really...but, every year Eric and I create our own brackets with one bet: winner takes the loser to Dairy Queen! We're ALL winners in that deal!

I wish you joy in these final days of March, friends! I'm off to paint my nails...

Until next time,

Coffee, Cats, and Wine and I'll be fine!

Crocheting, Cat Show, and Voles...Oh My!

Whoa. Nelly. Let me tell you about my week folks, cause the life of Jenna got cray cray this week.

If you are expecting a "we took an unexpected trip to Vegas, then quit our jobs to travel around Europe and plan to live off the land in some undiscovered area!!!"....well, you're going to be dissapointed.

1) I learned to CROCHET!!! Yeah. CROCHET!! My wonderfully talented friend, Jessica, has taught me how to crochet my very first scarf. And guess what, folks? ...this gets good... it's an infinity scarf!! Yeah, I'm just that talented right off the bat :) Ok, ok...you all know me too well, as does Jess, who made me take a video of what to do so that when I got stuck I could watch it and re-teach myself. Which I have to admit I've watched numerous times. "Winning!"...puleeeeez, Charlie Sheen...more like "Learning!"

2) I went to a CAT SHOW!!! (right about now is when I bet most are sensing an 80 year old woman theme') Eric had planned this date for me only telling me "It's something that you'll really like" Naturally, I say "winery?!" when he said "no" my next guess was "cat show?!" (folks, my blog is called Coffee, Cats, and Wine and I'll be Fine...cat show should be a surprise to no one!) Oh man. It was SO much fun! As a crazy cat lady I can totally say this. Crazy cat people are strange. And I TOTALLY belonged! Deluxe cat carriers were lined up and down the rows and decorated with tinsel, colorful cloth, and plush cat beds. As if that wasn't enough, they judged cats (though all were winners in my book). Big ones, little ones, fluffy ones, bare ones, meek ones, ones with attitude...all were there! They even had a coffee cart there, so I had my coffee and my cats...if only I had my wine. I coulda died right then n' there a happy cat lady.

 

3) I saved a sweet little vole today! Not familiar with a vole?

There he is! Well, not actually the vole that I saved (p.s. I named him Victor), but a picture of one for your viewing pleasure. Except, I should note Victor was a little less plump and a tish smaller. I should get another patch on my Animal Lover sash for sure. Here's the story: As I am walking into work today, I see a furry little thing running in circles in the parking lot on the main drag. While others are walking away scared from it, I, of course, walk towards it to see what's going on and to help the fella out. As it is running around my feet, going in circles, clearly not able to see I started to become a little panicked not knowing what to do with him. He looks adorable, but I shouldn't pick him up...though it pains me not to (but don't worry, I didn't). The fella's going to get run over though if I don't so something! Then, I am approached by a coworker who tells me it's likely a blind little mole (though now I know it was a vole) who lost his way. Naturally, I start to tear up because it's just so cute and sad and I know I have to do something. So, I scurry inside and get a box (of course telling my coworker how much of an animal lover I am and my NEED to do something) and head back out. As I am trying to get the vole into the box I am instead seeming to scare him towards the dip in the sidewalk towards the building main doors. A nice fella who also works in our building (bless his heart) seemed to accept my explanation of being an animal lover (and wasn't too weirded out) and helped me scoot him to the side of the building where he at least got into the rocky area and (hopefully) found a nice grassy or snowy area to live happily ever after.

...God should not put sweet furry things that need help in my path. Or maybe that's why he does... I've saved a baby snapping turtle and many woolly bears in my work's parking lot before too.

I swear I'm the voted Queen of the Furry Animal Kingdom.

Ok, Well, that's about enough excitement for one week, folks. I'm spent.

So until next time,
Coffee, Cats, and Wine and I'll be Fine :)

New Year's Intentions

I don’t know about you all, but I am happy to see 2014 come to a close. It was just an off year for me. We all have them. I’m tacking it as that in the record books.

As usual, I’m blogging my New Year’s post from a local coffee shop – this time Caribou Coffee – enjoying a northern lite, dark chocolate mocha, no whip. Gotta love those holiday gift cards!

Instead of blogging about resolutions I’d prefer to call them intentions. The word “resolution” just feels too formal and “final” for me this year. Saying resolutions already makes me feel like I am going to mess up (which I’m trying to not beat myself up over if I do – see below). I instead have created some very simple intentions for me. Unlike my list from last year (which I look back on now and a.) feel went on a tish too long!, and b.) clearly had some high hopes…) I have created only two intentions for my 2015.

1. Be more kind to myself. I often have high expectations for myself – normally this is a good thing! – though I give myself a hard time in instances that really don’t warrant it. I need to cut myself some slack.
2. Be more present in my own life. “All I really gotta do is live and die, but I’m in a hurry and don’t know why” – well said Alabama! I plan to take more deep breathes and just enjoy the moment, even the stressful ones, because that is life – and life is beautiful!

2014 had its highs, and also its lows. Unfortunately, I feel like my sight tended to focus on the negatives and I put pressure on myself to feel certain ways which only got me down more. For example: October, November, and December are three of my favorite months. This year, these months lacked the sparkle they usually have for me and I started to wonder what was wrong with me – because certainly something was wrong with me to not feel the sparkle. Ugh, Jenna. So much to learn about life. Some days, months, years will be good, some may be not so good – but don’t beat yourself up over it, homie!

A large stressor of the past chunk of months has been Eric and my journey in trying to start a family. We’ve been trying for 17 months. Even just typing it out looks exhausting. I fully believe that there is a reason that this has not happened yet and that God has some plans that I am just not aware of, but the journey still feels long and unfair. I have faith in what plans the Lord has for us...I just wish I knew them. It’s been hard not having my Grandma Hjort around during this journey as well. She’s the only one who could give me the perfect Bible verse or say the words that I need to hear – which I know in my heart, but can’t seem to form into a sentence for my mind to make sense of. 

As I mentioned, the baby thing has weighed on me for a while. And I let it. I let it affect me month-after-month and become an excuse for another glass of wine (cause heck – why not drink while ya can!), another treat (cause dang that emotional eating feels good sometimes), or my reason to be short (with people, not in height) and moody. In my intention to be more kind to myself, I need to recognize where these feelings are coming from and find some healthier options – although we alllllllll know that wine has some really good health benefits! :)

 

…Yes, yes, Sue (my high school swimming coach and health ed teacher). I hear you! “Everything in moderation!” Gosh I miss swimming…

…I digress…

Another stressor that I have learned from this year is that I need to talk more about me. Now don’t freak out, ya’ll – I’m not going to go all crazy and talk non-stop about my life. What I mean is that I realized that I haven’t been honest with people that care about me in how I am doing. I’ve struggled this year, and tried to cover it up all along the way not being open about what I’ve been having a tough year and seizing the opportunity when someone asks, “how are you?” to talk about it (appropriately of course, I’m not going to drop bomb shells on anyone while in the line at Cub or through friendly girl conversation in the bathroom). And in all reality, I thankfully don’t have any bombshells to drop, anyway. Me not talking about me and my feelings is an annoyance of my trade, I feel. As a social worker I talk with others about how they are doing – you don’t talk about yourself and redirect conversation if questions are asked about you. Unfortunately, to some extent, I feel like I may have been putting that in my personal life too. 

Some things I would like to try this year to help me be more kind to myself and more present in my life are: taking deeper breathes, trying yoga, talking more about how I am doing and recognize that people care, trying meditation, stopping to look around, paying attention to feelings in the moment, and finding quotes that are meaningful and identify with me and the message I need (so you may see more of them in my social media outlets and this blog, heads up!)

Oh, 2015. I have an honest feeling that you will be better than the years past, and I am so glad for that!

I wish you all abundant love, joy and peace in this new year! 

Until next time,

Coffee, cats, and wine and I’ll be fine :)

*sigh* October (and a touch of November) Goodness!

October spoils me big time. In one month I get to celebrate some of my favorite people. It starts with my mom's birthday, then goes to my dad's birthday, then following is my parents anniversary, then following that is Eric's birthday! YAY! But this year packed an additional punch, my best friends (Erica) wedding later in the month! Oh October, you and all things pumpkin (besides Pumpkin Spice Lattes - ish.) are so good to me!

The birthdays were all wonderful, but Erica's wedding was the the extra fizzle to the end of my October. Oh what a day! The female love of my life got married and I could not be more happy in celebrating with old friends and new friends!

 

As if all of that wasn't enough goodness, Erica's wedding festivities also allowed an opportunity for me to visit Winona, MN not once, but TWICE within a two week period. I mean come on: Winona. After seeing my BFF. In the Fall. Twice. My heart could not have been happier! ... Well, I guess it could have been if I hadn't stepped in dog poop while in the park during my first visit, but that's just details :)

 

I'm going to tag on a little November goodness to this blog post also in saying that Eric and I celebrated his 30th birthday big this year with a trip to Las Vegas! Vegas, baby! We did a lot of walking around checking out the Strip and casino hopping to check out the sports books (which I actually found to be quite interesting and fun!) and saw one show while there - get this - it was a animal comedy theater. TOTALLY up our alleys! I got to see cats, dogs, some rats, a goose, and a goat doing cute little tricks in a room of either 8 yr olds or 80 yr olds...it was great!!

 

I swear the last three months of the year is the time when I feel more invigorated, excited, and alive. November is my month of thankfulness. I reflect on the year, my relationships, and loved ones who are no longer with me though have taught me so much. Each year I stand in line at the butt crack o' dawn to get a Cities97 Sampler cd that has some pretty darn good music, but more importantly supports area non-profits. While standing in the cold I give thanks for all that I have previously mentioned and that I have a roof over my head that keeps me warm.

We all have our issues, but we are lucky folks, you and I. And I give thanks for you. 

Until next time,

Coffee, Cats, and Wine and I'll be Fine

Why I Walk to End Alzheimer's

Sure, I work for the Alzheimer's Association, but what's behind my participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer's? Here's my story. 

I started college knowing I wanted to be a social worker. I was not interested in the aging field of social work. Kids...I wanted to work with kids! I had so many wonderful memories and experiences from being active in my church youth group and youth ministry I wanted to continue this path and work with kids. Through the Winona State Social Work program we were asked to go outside of our comfort zone and do a field experience with a population that we didn't think we wanted to work with. I chose to volunteer in an assisted living and nursing facility with older adults. The experience changed my life.

On a weekly basis, I would visit residents to talk and engage in activities. I quickly realized that working with older adults was my calling. One of the units I was asked to visit was the memory care. I can honestly say I loved every unit experience that I had, however the memory care unit became my favorite. I found that memory loss intrigued and fascinated me. How quickly a conversation can be forgotten, or redirected - sometimes easily...sometimes not. How the same story never got old. How every time I was a new person coming to visit, or at best, someone that they recognized and knew was friendly. I learned so much and easily began to treasure my time with the residents of the unit because it was so much more meaningful to me than just a field experience. They shared their life experiences with me, and I was humbled to be the friendly visitor in their lives. 

 

I went on to do my practicum senior year in a hospital. Though I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, there were not the multitude of moments that left my mind to question or my heart to swell quite like my time working in the nursing facility. I quickly realized that working with older adults was my calling.

I graduated and later got a in a nursing facility memory care unit. I was back in my element...a world that I somehow understand so well. My heart misses the residents on the unit because you got to know them all so well - and their families! After what seemed like only a short period of time, the needs of the social work department sent me to short term rehab. But my heart was on the memory care unit and I was often asked or offering to assist as needed. After a couple years of scheduling conflicts I was able to participate in my first Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk (renamed to the current Walk to End Alzheimer's). After walking the planned course with my then co-workers and crossing the finish line, I had the distinct feeling that I wanted to work for the Alzheimer's Association...the feeling was honestly so strong the thought "dream job" came to my mind. I wanted to be a part of the fight against memory loss! A couple months later an opening with the Alzheimer's Association came up...

...And here I am. Months away from my 4th anniversary with the Alzheimer's Association. I talk daily with people on our 24/7 Helpline and in care consultations with people affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia's. People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia's themselves, caregivers, care partners, family members, neighbors, friends, community members, nurses, doctors, students...answering questions, educating about the disease and providing support and suggestions for how to reduce stress and find community resources. There is no question or need that is off limits. To me my job is so much more than a job. I leave every day from work knowing that I made a difference in someones life in the work that I do, but even larger, in the work that the Alzheimer's Association does. 

So, going back to my question of why do I Walk? I Walk for family members and friends. I Walk for the thousands of individuals and families that I have worked with in the past, and I Walk for the ones I will in the future. I Walk with a cause. I Walk with a fight. I Walk with a passion. I Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Donate to my Walk to End Alzheimer's page (http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2014/MN-Minnesota-NorthDakota?px=6164590&pg=personal&fr_id=5206) to help advance the Alzheimer's Association's care, support and research efforts, which helps us move closer to a world without Alzheimer's disease.

Life's Simple Pleasures

You know those small things in life that just make your day? I call them my life's simple pleasures. I keep this list open and write down my simple pleasures whenever I experience one. It's fun to look at when I'm having a rough day, adding to the list, needing a little break from "life", or just randomly!

 Here are some of my life's simple pleasures (in no particular order!). 

- Personalized coffee with my name (or a loved one's name) written on the cup. If my name is on the cup it's like that cup of coffee is made just for me! Or if a loved one who has passed away name is on the cup, it's like I'm having coffee with their memory (and I love that).

- Being awake AND alert watching a sunrise. I don't fully experience that enough!

- The atmosphere of a cozy wine bar. Dark wood. Soft lighting. Often shades of black, brown, and red. Wood floors. Miscellaneous seating options, many with dark leather chairs. Wine decor. A bar top with bottles, not taps. Ahh, yes...

- Tapping coconuts together. Seriously. Just try it.

- Morning news and weather in a different city. I would find this fun, wouldn't I?! Morning news is something that Eric and I have on while getting ready for work. It's just fun to see how a different city does their news and what the days weather will be while rummaging through your suitcase.

- Warm bran muffins with butter. Mmm...

- When my painted nails match the color of my red wine. I love the dark reds, purples, blacks, and browns of nail polish in the winter. But, it gets even better when it matches the red wine that I'm holding.

- Stepping on acorn tops to hear them ‘pop’! They have the most satisfying popping sound when they are dry and steppe on!

- Stepping on crispy fall leaves one at a time. One. At. A. Time.

- Fall walks in 50 to 60 degree weather. When a long shirt or a sweatshirt is all that's needed. The cool air nips just a bit at your nose and ears.

- Drinking ice water out of the mug I got from St.Francis after having my appendix out. Actually, I'm not really sure why I like this so much. The ice clinks around nicely?!

- Woolly Bears! They are just so cute and furry! Such a happy caterpillar!

- Sesame sticks in snack mixes. Yum! 

 

- Dan Haseltine's voice. Since I was 14, every time I listen to a Jars of Clay album I am immediately relaxed by his voice. And what's funny is that it always surprises me when the first song comes on. As a lifelong Jars of Clay fan, I find that entertaining!

Those are some of my simple pleasures. What are yours?

The wind began to switch. The tent to pitch!

Whoa Nelly. The storm geek inside of me had a hootenanny this weekend, folks! To celebrate the 4th of July, Eric and I went up to my parents lake property on Rush Lake. Eric and I purchased a tent recently (after much persuading on my part to Eric) and this was our second time trying it out. Unfortunately, a piece came to us broken, though our tent still manages to stay up - which is even more miraculous as you see where I am taking you in this post.

A beautiful sunset boat ride on Saturday evening was the calm before the storm. A big storm. As the four of us were sitting beside a fire we were able to see large cloud cover over the sky and lightning. Ironically, there was also what we were able to all see as an "angry face" in the cloud formations. Now, I'm sure it's no surprise that what I see as an angry face in the clouds (by it's formation and just the overall look) may intimidate me some, but mostly intrigues me. [Insert: Seriously, am I not a trained weather spotter yet?!] Anyway, Eric and I hustle into my parents camper to get ready for bed knowing that weather is coming our way and we don't want to be hauling our keesters out to the tent when it's raining. After a successful trip to the tent we relax for a bit (and check radar) before deciding that it's time to sleep. Let me add, it's hot and muggy. Sleep was just not in my cards. After about two hours of laying there and one trip to the bathroom later - the wind picks up. DUN DUN DUN. To quote Twister, "This is the fun part, sweetheart." Eric wakes up and we just look at each other. We immediately check our phones to see a large blob coming at us of the usual green and yellow, but in this mix there is also orange and some red. At this point you may be thinking 'you idiots - you're in a tent with a camper right there! Get inside the camper!', but in all honesty I wanted to see what our cozy three person tent could handle! Plus, I grew up camping and consulted with the 'rents - we were good. Plus plus, do I really need to remind you? I'm a weather geek. So, as I was saying, the wind picks up and really starts to whip. Of course, I can't just let my imagination do all the work - I need a visual! Peeking out at our lot from a slightly unzipped screen I could see the trees whipping and our fire, that was left a somber coals, flaring up wildly with sparks dancing wildly across the lot. Yeah, that's enough of a visual. I lay back down on the mattress feeling extremely humbled by nature...and a little uneasy! Rain is pelting our tiny structure and getting in through some of the ventilation flaps. The lightning was SPECTACULAR and was basically nonstop. It was actually more freaky when it would stop for a brief second and you were in the pitch black with only the sounds of the rain, wind and your imagination. And the thunder...oh the thunder. Aggressive rumbles and couple good cracks that were a little too close for comfort shook our mattress. I texted my parents knowing that (bless their hearts) they were both awake and looking out from their camper at our pathetic little tent as it was being shoved from side to side in one of Mother Natures games. Since they had windows and a much better visual of what was taking place than we were going to have without getting drenched, I just asked that they keep us informed about what they are seeing and tell us if we need to bail...or if we fly away. I tried to take some pictures and video from inside the tent however it didn't turn out as I had hoped since the rain hitting the tent completely drowned out the sound of the constant cracks of thunder. Darn phone cameras...why can't they capture the moment like they do in freaking National Geographic and the movies?! That's it...I need a GoPro for stuff like this.

This round of the storm lasted about 30-45 minutes (I'm not sure, I was waaaaay too excited!). After the weather calmed we beebopped into the camper to discuss the event with the 'rents. After making it back into the tent and deciding that we should try to sleep again, we were greeted with the sound of round 2. Less intense, but pretty similar to the first round. And then about 30 minutes after round 2 ended, round 3 decided that it wanted to join the party. Again, pretty similar, but wanting the add a little extra punch and go out with a bang (round 3 is a drama queen), included hail.

I am happy to say that Eric and I were perfectly safe as the storms went through - so no, we are not idiots, just one curious weather crazed female with a camping background and the lucky and trusting guy that was a long for the ride :) It was only after waking to a sunny, beautiful morning with just a couple hours of sleep under our belt that I felt comfortable enough telling Eric all of the Twister quotes and references that I wanted to say last night but A) was too afraid to, and B) didn't want to freak him out. I had some good ones, like when the tent's air pressure inside pushed out all of the sides of the tent then quickly sucked then all in I wanted to say "Bill, we're in the core." and numerous times I felt like I should be getting Dorothy ready (if ya'll don't know these quotes or references, you need to watch Twister again.) Oh, and the tent handled everything perfectly - even with a bum part!

Besides the weather excitement we had a wonderful weekend celebrating America and all those that have fought/are fighting for our freedom by going on boat rides, having morning coffee with a spectacular view, fishing, playing yard games, floating in the lake, visiting with friends, campfires with s'mores, and being a part of nature and seeing critters (a baby skunk and beaver - both so adorable!).

I hope your 4th was less eventful weather wise, but just as enjoyable!



Until next time,

Coffee, Cats and Wine and I'll be Fine

The post that lacks direction

Well, settle in folks because, as the title alludes to, I have no idea what randomness is going to come out.

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged so I wanted to take the opportunity. I am off work today using a freebie holiday day that needed to be used by the end of May. I figured I would make a long weekend out of it – yay! I am at my regular blogging site (Starbucks) enjoying my free birthday drink, a grande non-fat mocha light whip.

Speaking of my birthday, it was a good day! Lots of thunderstorms rolled through the area which of course was right up my alley. I like to think of it as Mother Nature’s gift to me after the crappy winter. Last year I took my birthday off from work, however I learned from this experience that I did not like that. I am a social person who gets energy from being around others, and it was a really lonely day! The lackluster “happy birthday” I got from the guy at Caribou last year who couldn’t have cared less was not ideal. So, this year Eric and I went to get coffee before work, then worked for the day which was nice because of all the wonderful co-workers I have that gave me bright happy birthday messages (Caribou guy, you have things to learn) and then Eric met me for some shopping and dinner! I’ve been asking for a tent for a couple of years now and Eric got me one for my birthday! The Fink’s are going camping!

Regarding the weather, it has been so stinking rainy. I enjoy the rain and the gloomy days but I am ready for some beautiful spring weather – 50’s to 60’s and bright skies. This weekend I potted some flowers for our front stoop and also potted two difference kinds of cherry tomatoes, one larger tomato, basil and rosemary. I was inspired by my Uncle Mike who was telling me recently about all of the things that he has in his garden. I’m ready to reap the rewards of my labor – ha! I realize that to others this may not seem like much of a big deal but I’m super proud of myself! Maybe I’ve found a hobby! Ok, simmer down Jenna…one step at a time. Let’s just hope the plants make it through the spring :)

I’ve been listening more to Jars of Clay again. They are one of my all-time favorite bands. Dan Haseltine’s voice sounds like angels singing into my ears and feeding me chocolate while I bask in the sun and lay on a cloud. Yes. THAT good folks. There are four members of the band, however when I listen to them I become the fifth member who is super talented and can do lead vocals, backup vocals, vocal drums, and a killer vocal guitar.

I need (and maybe want) a new pair of running shoes. Did you know that wearing cotton socks while in your running (or workout shoes) causes the material to break down and bust open in the heel or other areas? Apparently nylon running socks are better for your shoes (don’t cause as much rubbing) and your feet (more breathable)! My blog is highly educational.

Oh, I’m still drinking brewed coffee with creamer!

I’m shipping up to Boston (whoa oh oh!) – if you don’t get the reference Google “Dropkick Murphy’s”. But it’s true! One of my best friends and past co-worker, Bonnie, recently moved to Boston. Eric and I are going to visit her for a long weekend this summer. I’m super excited because even though she’s only been gone about a month, I miss her terribly. Skype and phone dates just aren’t enough! I/we are also excited because we have never been to Boston – or to the East Coast together for that matter! I’m gunna get me some seafood.

I have big plans for some baking in the coming days! The Alzheimer’s Association does a spring bake sale on May 21^st for our building to raise money for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in September. I enjoy baking and I am fairly decent at it, so it’s enjoyable! If you are a baker or know other bakers please consider donating some baked goods to me! Items need to be non-refrigerated but can include cookies, bars, cakes, breads, snack mixes, jams/jelly’s, etc.! Please let me know if you would like to donate some baked goods to me and I will schedule a pick up!

Between family, friends, and the bird’s nest under my deck there are a lot of babies that will be arriving in the new couple of months! Congrats to you all!

As much fun as I’m sure you’ve had reading this, I must save some mystery for another time. Plus, I want to do some shopping, probably take a nap, start baking, and do some laundry…and paint my nails. I have big plans for my days off. I don’t relax well :)

Have a wonderful week, friends!

Until next time….

Coffee, Cats, and Wine and I’ll be Fine

Yikes! My regular readers are rioting in the streets due to my hiatus from blogging! Ok, maybe I made that up, but the point is I'm back :)

I have had a CrAzY past couple of weeks. Let me share with you some eventful and some not so eventful happenings:

1) I completed my polar plunge! Holla! It was SO much fun, folks. The #1 question I get is "was it cold?" Answer: Yup, BUT there comes a point where cold is just cold whether it's being bundled up outside or after jumping into a frozen lake. However, it's seriously not as bad you would think! If you are considering doing a polar plunge at some point - do it! So. Freaking. Fun. Join the slew of people that can say that they have jumped into a frozen lake during a Minnesota winter!

2) I'm drinking coffee. I'm talking straight up, brewed through a coffee pot or Keurig machine coffee. It all just happened one day! I've had some rough days these past couple weeks and mocha's in the morning have been a little pick me up. Well, one morning I was driving to work and decided (again) to stop for a mocha. After waiting for my barista to make my glorious treat in a cup, I got to thinking about how much money I was spending and how many calories I was consuming and that I would be better off if I just started to drink coffee. Boom. Decision made. So, I got me some French vanilla coffee creamer and WALLA! I tolerate and enjoy coffee! Baby steps folks... :)

3) It's a big decision, but I think I'm adding a color to my favorite color list. Yes, one can have two favorite colors. So coral, suit up - you're in! Sorry "happy green". I still deeply love you but coral is just such a peppy color! You two will need to cohabit in this category. Happy green and coral do look good together too so it's all good. 

4)  I am watching Twister for the first day this year. I usually make myself wait until at least April 1 to start watching it, unless the weather is unseasonably warm (like last year) or there are some storms - like tonight! A tornado was spotted in south western MN this afternoon. That's my sign. Twister must be watched. Once a week Twister watching starts now :)

This may seem like a pretty lame blog post, but my goal was to blog more and clearly I haven't done a super great job at that, so this is what you get. I'm hoping that in my next post I will be distracted from typing by the beautiful weather because I will be sitting outside with a spring breeze blowing gently across my face...hey, one can dream right. Mother Nature, where the heck is spring?!

Until next time,

Coffee, Cats and Wine and I'll be Fine

A note of thanks

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all that supported me financially and through thoughts and prayers for my polar plunge today. My heart is warmed by your kind words and support.

I know that I have asked for your support often this year with my participation in The Longest Day, the Walk to End Alzheimer's, and now the polar plunge - all supporting the Alzheimer's Association. Please know that I truly appreciate your donations and warm thoughts. The reason I participate in so many Alzheimer's Association fund raisers is not because I work at the Association, but because I believe it in and the work that the Association does on a daily basis for people affected by the disease. I am blessed to work for a company that I enjoy working for and in knowing that I am a part in making a difference in the lives of those that are affected by this disease.

So, thank you for your support, folks. Seriously. It does not go unnoticed.

Love and warm thoughts to you all! Pictures to come in tomorrow's blog post of my polar plunge experience :)

Until tomorrow...

Coffee, Cats, and Wine and I'll Be Fine

Out with the old, in with the new!

Welp, we did it. We bought a new car and got rid of Eric's 2003 Malibu that I've hated for years! Eric brought it in recently and we were told that it needed some fairly significant repairs. The car was older and we were not willing to throw that much money at it, so we decided to start looking and purchased a 2008 Honda CRV last weekend! I am really enjoying driving it and can totally feel that 4 wheel drive power! I sit up so much higher than in a car! It feels so different to me. I feel like I may as well be driving a truck!! Ha!

We sold the Malibu to a mechanic who thought that he would be able to repair it and plans to use it as his vehicle. Got our asking price in cash. The guy had planned to bring his girlfriend but she was ill and wasn't able to come, so Eric dropped it off at a local store for him to pick up later. I realized that I get attached to things. Knowing that the Malibu is now sold, I feel bad for saying mean things about it for years (that it smelled, that it drove too low and that I felt like Barney Rubble in it, that I was excited for the day when it would be gone, complaining about getting out of it since it's so low it was like getting up off the floor, grumbling like Harry (Joe Pesci) in Home Alone trying to get out of it (ie: razza-frazza-grrrrh-I hate that kid!), etc.). Just knowing that it's sitting in a parking lot alone makes me feel bad. Seriously, Jenna?! Ugh...I'm pathetic. At least we didn't bring it to a junk yard! Oh gosh, I'm having flashbacks to The Brave Little Toaster...

...Man, that movie (The Brave Little Toaster) was good! I always loved that grumbly old vacuum! I guess I've always had a soft spot in my heart for curmudgeons! Maybe I will need to find and watch that again soon! ...Whew, glad this post ended on a positive note!

Enjoy your Valentine's day tomorrow! Whether you have a special someone or not, do something nice for yourself tomorrow, loves! You deserve it!

Until next time...

Coffee, Cats, and Wine and I'll be Fine :)

A decade of 'Eric and Jenna'

Tomorrow marks a special day in my life as it is the anniversary of Eric and my relationship - our dating anniversary. Eric and I haven't celebrated this since we got married (since clearly a wedding anniversary date is basically the mother-load of anniversaries), but we are celebrating tomorrow because it is a significant one in our lives. Tomorrow marks our 10 year dating anniversary. I've been with this guy for 10 years straight! A DECADE of 'Eric and Jenna'. That's cray cray!

Eric and I met through a mutual friend in college, Tyler. The first time meeting Eric is one of my favorite memories from our relationship and one I will never forget. I was studying with Tyler for an upcoming poli-sci test (jeez, I am so happy I never have to repeat a class like that! Sorry, I digress.) when Eric came into the room. I swear to you folks, my world stopped. There Eric stood in the doorway wearing black sandals, black socks, black basketball shorts that were a size too big, a black Roccori HS shirt that read the top ten reasons that his high school basketball team should go to the State tournament, and wearing his black backpack. My first thought was "Oh, this guy needs so much [fashion] help!", then I saw his boy next door face smiling at me. *sign* ...whoa, sorry...I was mentally back in that dorm room all over again! Ok, focus Jenna. Tyler "conveniently" needed to go do something and left us alone. Eric went over to his computer and put on his HUGE headphones (which are actually size-wise popular again now, Beats by Dre anyone?) to listen to music while I sat admiring him from behind...*cough* I mean studying, of course. Eric eventually took off his headphones and turned around to talk to me where we discovered that his cousin was a friend of mine from high school and that I was invited to his cousin and Eric's joint grad party that was at Eric's home (that I couldn't go to because of a conflicting grad party and because it was allll the way out in Cold Spring and at some kid that I didn't knows home!), and that we at numerous times had been at the same place at the same time. I believe with every ounce of my being that God had a plan for Eric and I and that all of those times that we were at the same place at the same time, we were not meant to meet yet. We were meant to meet in college on that October night in the Winona State University Prentiss-Lucas dorm. Funny thing is that I had gone into my freshman year of college swearing not get in a relationship and just have fun - guess God had a different plan and I'm glad that He did :)

It's strange to think that I met Eric when I was 18 and am now 28. The numbers make it look so much more significant, I think. Man, when the heck did I get old?! 

 

Eric and I have grown in so many ways as individuals and as a couple. Eric has been a continual source of support for me and I am blessed to have him in my life. I'm 100% certain that he's my soul mate (you had better have read that in a Kip from Napoleon Dynamite style voice). 

Here are some pictures from our journey the past 10 years: