Spring!

We woke early to the birds singing outside the windows. 

Spring! It's here!

Visions of green grass and sunshine...

swimming pools and lakeside docks...

gardening and porch time!

We stretched and pulled ourselves out of bed to glimpse this, the first glorious day of spring.

Mother f****r.

 Back to bed.

Who knew?

Who knew that Barbie would choose a home birth?

Disclaimer: I had some free time recently.

Fact: I am a labor nurse employed in a hospital.

Candor: I support whatever decision you choose.

Incredulity: I didn't know Barbie could think.

Conundrum: How did they make her pregnant belly?

Certainty: I love birth photos. Of humans.

Awe-inspriing: When a photographer captures THAT MOMENT.

Reality: I get to see THAT MOMENT a lot.

Conclusion: I'm blessed in my career.

Necessary sarcastic remark: I bet Ken was scared shitless.

Home

Sometimes going home is juuuuuust right.

The cows are curious.

The naps are cozy.

The baby is funny.

The drive back to Minnesota is a breeze.

And Mom sends some of her homemade soup back with you to eat at work the following week.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Thanks Mom :)

*not my baby. I borrowed him from a friend :)

2/18

February 18th. I love birthdays. Per the norm I spent it at the hospital. With scotcharoos. And awesome coworkers that tolerated my insistence that all topics be somehow related to my birthday.

"I know it's your birthday, so go ahead and answer that call light."

"I've got dr N on the phone for the birthday girl."

"Birthday, beeping. Make it stop."

There were some more colorful comments as well, but I'll leave those to the imagination...

My valentine

Sometimes sentimental is nice. Sometimes having a sentimental Grandma is really nice.

Because then you get to have her valentines all over your house in February.

Old valentines. Classic valentines.

Her valentines. From when she was young.

The best part is that she strung them like this. Not me.

No wait. The best part is the writing on the back.

From Earl. And Roland. Leotia. And Kathryn.

And more.

Oh Grandma :)

hazel walking! :circa 2008

Alright fine. The truth.

The real reason I want to share videos with you is to get this one up so that I can look at it whenever I want wherever I am.

Hazel.

I love her.

And her sister, who, towards the end, needed a little praise as well.

*Note the epic background music. We had Planet Earth playing and it turned out to be the best learning-to-walk soundtrack EVER.

hanging with mom : circa 2007

The other night I was absorbed... nay... sucked into watching archived videos on my computer. A stolen laptop will make you do such things. Watch hours of old video and just be grateful that I BACK THAT SHIT UP.

Ironically, it was the next day that I discovered Vine. A new app similar to instagram, it is video sharing. And I am ever so gently falling in deep deep love with it. Videos. They're the best. The best Jerry! I've been watching too much Seinfeld.

Back to those old videos that had me cramping in my cheeks. I certainly can't share them on Vine, but why not share them here? It would be a travesty if I were the only one to enjoy Hazel's first steps with epic music in the background. or Paul's grinning face. or me snoring covered in stuffed animals. Those videos have, after all, survived not one, but two robberies. And a hard drive malfunction.

Have I mentioned you should always back your shit up?

To kick off it off... I give you "hanging with mom." Circa 2007.

Literally just hanging out with my mom in ND. Probably showing her photos which lead to a video demonstration. 
Which is what you see above.

Sick day

It was bound to happen. I got it.

A sore throat, coughing, achy sickness. I'm a typical nurse, I only go to the doctor if I'm dying. And calling in sick to work.. come on.. they need me. But really... I am replaceable. Though I'm sure the smoker-for-40-years-hacking-trucker voice is sexy to some, patients probably don't enjoy it.

So today I nap, drink tea and snuggle poodles.

And hey... how do you like my new cutting board? Hand made by a friendly friend :)

Instadidn't: Burgled

It was a brief 2.5 years ago that I was ROBBED. And now, I have been *burgled.

Yes. The door was locked. Dead bolted even.

As, my good buddy, the 5-0 said... if they really want to get in, they will get in.

That they did.

Instadidn't: Burgled version

 A nice day spent with this little lady. Oh my, she's exhausted.

 Then returning home to find this...

it takes awhile for your brain to process what happened.

I thought the dogs did it with their superhuman powers.

But they remain innocent. And thankfully, unharmed.

Thankfully. Unharmed.

And extra loved up by their momma since this event.

After a robbery, after a burglary, some new things will happen...

Such as this coming home with me.

And this fancy new door.

And him. On my wall.

Because a little Magnum never hurt anyone.

*I understand the correct term for this is burglarized, but burgled just sounds funnier. Burgled.

*I also don't mean to make light of the situation, but it happened, and it's over. No one was hurt. The dogs are ok and I am ok. Some things were stolen. Just things. Everyone is ok.

*But just to be safe, maybe check to see if your door frame could be reinforced. And don't forget to back that shit up. On your computer. You'll be glad you did.

Get your shit together.

As a medical professional (yes, apparently that's what I am), I feel I should keep up to date on news and research in not only my field, but also the medical world.

There are so many publications out there, and while they all interest me, I prefer the light hearted material. Of course. Just because it makes me smile doesn't mean I'm not learning.

Learn with me now...

Get your shit together.

Ah yes. Learning CAN be fun :)

I like mashed potatoes.

We are celebrating Christmas a tad late this year... and you know what that means. 

A classic voicemail from Dad to let us know what we'll be having for dinner our first night home.

Dad: Hi Nica. Oh, tomorrow night Mom is having a kobe roast and mashed potatoes and corn...

Mom muffled in the background: No, not mashed...

Dad muffled to the side: what?

Mom muffled in the background: Not mashed potatoes, they'll be in the pot roast.

Dad muffled to the side: No Toni! Nica likes mashed potatoes.

Mom muffled in the background: Oh. Ok.

Dad: Ok. We got that straightened out. Bye.

Instadidn't (holiday version)

*Instadidn't = photos that didn't make it onto Instagram. But I still edited with instagram. Because I can.

A friends awesome house decorated for the season.

Typical text to my fashionista sister seeking approval.

And the abominable snow man.

Makin' bacon, drinkin' coffee, in a swimsuit, in December. Like usual.

Watching Home Alone and wrapping gifts.

Bacon jam on toast. BACON JAM.

It isn't a party unless a vacuum comes out. Or boobs. Or both.

My sister and her little old lady Zoe. And a pink balloon.

Happy Days/2013

Goodbye 2012... parts of you sucked.

Hello 2013! Hello day shift! Hello happy!

July in Christmas

Don't ask.

Just know this... my neighbors are the best neighbors.

A day late and a few crayons short of a full box

Happy Halloween. Let's get right to it.

I was a complete dork from the ages of  6-13. Yeah that's right. A seven year stint as an awkward girl.

1988.

Thanks for the homemade costume Mom.

Thanks for letting me wear those sweet Lee Press On Nails.

and

Thanks for letting my first pair of glasses be blue tinted majestic beauties.

If you're confused... I was a rabbit in a hat. I was 10. And I was with two girls dressed as really cool rock stars. I was not the cool kid. But I definitely kicked ass in my own mind.

Alanis

Five reasons to love Alanis Morissette:

1. She rocks

2. Her voice/lyrics are awesome

3. Her husband is a rapper

4. It felt like she was hugging us, the audience, with simply a hand gesture

and

5. She would vote NO to the marriage amendment in MN.

I love her. And my gay and lesbian friends and neighbors :)

Not a bad week

Let's not discuss my sweet work schedule. (It's awesome)
Let's not discuss how my recent second-job-travel-assignment was cancelled. (Last minute)
Let's not discuss how that secretly thrilled me. (It did)
Let's not discuss how I'm turning into a homebody. (Fact.)

Sum it up: I had a surprise week off this past week. With no plans. Not bad at all.

What to do? Go out to eat.

{Monday}

Lunch at Tilia.
Where the server literally used the phrase "I can course it out for you." Yes. Go ahead and course it out for us. Delicious. I have never been disappointed at Tilia. We arrived at 11 am and were the first people there. Within 15 minutes the place was a nut house. In a good way. We had 5 courses (don't judge). The Squash Soup was my favorite, and it was an accidental course that we hadn't even ordered. The secret ingredient? Maple vinegar tapioca pearls. Made in house. I kid you not.

Dinner at Pizzeria Lola.
Oh Lola. I love you. And this was an especially fun trip. One pizza. Several beers. Good conversation. We shut that place down.

{Tuesday}

Lunch at Gandhi Mahal.
For the buffet. I love Indian food. And I love the lady I dined with. Thankfully she loves me too... since I totally burped, while eating, and continued as if it hadn't happened. Classy. She called me out on it immediately. And that, my friends, is why we are friends.

{Wednesday}

Lunch at Sea Salt Eatery.
Good. Awesome scenery. A bit hyped up? A bit. But it's lunch outside and that makes it all good no matter if you wait in line for 20 minutes.

{Thursday}

Breakfast at Blackbird Cafe.
I adore Blackbird. At the risk of sounding like an old woman, they have a $6 early bird special from 8a-10a that is.... well.... cheap and delicious. Sweet potato biscuit with sausage gravy and perfectly cooked hash browns for $6? Please. Give it to me.


Maybe it's time for me to eat tuna on crackers at home for awhile. (maybe not)

Fun fact: These restaurants are all in South Minneapolis.

Yeah bitches.

Now

*I just finished dining on a pinterest WIN.

Asparagus tart. Thank you Martha. Let it be known... I did not "score the dough at 1 inch intervals" nor did I trim the uneven edges... I respect you Martha... but I'm no fool. (Usually.)

*Waylon Jennings is spinning. Literally.

*I am GIDDY over this. The lines are officially... BURIED. That project took only about... oh...
an entire season.

*I keep looking at this photo every hour or so. It is cracking me up.

Baby Zoe. And yet... the old lady. Think about that.

But don't think too hard. It's Thursday after all. Right? Is it Thursday?

Eh. Thursday, Wednesday, Schmednesday.

It's evening time. And that's a nice time.

Asparagus Tart
adapted from the above link to the one and only Martha

1 puff pastry, thawed
2 cups-ish grated gruyere cheese
1 lb-ish asparagus, trimmed
olive oil
salt and pepper

*Thaw the puff pastry at room temp for an hour or so.
*Roll out to a rough shape that will fit into a cookie sheet
*Place on cookie sheet and poke with a fork all over.
*Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 15 minutes, till slightly browned.
*Top with cheese and asparagus.
*Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
*Return to oven for 20-25 minutes till asparagus tender.
*Devour.
*With neighbors.

The ferns

They had a great summer.

Thrived, really.

And now they are off to their foster homes for the winter.

Bring on a blizzard!

Mixologist

Watch out Flight of the Conchords.... you've got competition.

Jemaine... I love you... but I've got so much love to go around. So much to share.

Do you mind if we share our love? With another man/men? No?

Thanks :)


I'd like you to meet my newest boyfriend...
I'm not sure what his name is, but I think we all know he's the bearded rapper....



Smog and Fog. Rap and hilarity? This really is love.

Doesn't hurt that I recently went to a similar bar. I won't name names [marvel bar, downtown minneapolis] but just know they nailed it.

And because my love for Jemaine is undying...
don't forget Flight of the Conchords awesomeness here, here, here, here, and here.

The weekend

I forget that for most people, last weekend was a holiday.

My sah-weet schedule allows for that little misstep.

But I still had a vacation-esq weekend.

Events included, but not limited to:

{making and eating peach cake}

{time with neighbors}

{laziness}

{poodle bandaging}

{VW van driving}

{new couch admiring}

{fry eating}

{deduce: MN State Fair Attending!}

{which means horse gawking}

{and beer hiding}

{hey- you can't take beer into the art building, man}

{followed with a hefty dose of more neighbor time}

Not pictured:

{campfire}

{smores}

{homemade cucumber vodka imbibing}

{badminton}

{pool time}

Not a bad weekend at all.

Why not?

Why not make cucumber vodka after working a weekend of night shifts?

Go ahead. Do it.

Get home at 0758, greet and feed the dogs, then crack a cold one. Preferably a 16 ouncer. Water the ferns and the tree that's almost dead. The ferns like that. The tree... not so sure.

 Be sure to take your beer outside while watering so the neighbors get a good look at you in all your glory... beer toting-greasy faced- tired- but happy to be off- glory.

Then go inside and make some cucumber vodka while listening to a podcast.

Because you can.

Big Ben

Mom- I love you. But I must share the Big Ben story. I must.

.....A few years ago, my mom and sister and I traveled to England.

Of course, we visited Big Ben.

True to our savvy tourist style... and to be sure no one ever doubted we were actually there, we needed to be in a photo with Ben.

Awwwww. Lovely. Look at them! They're in London! Big Ben! The Houses of Parliament! It's obvious!

My turn! I asked Mom to take my picture with Ben.

Mom. Come on.


In Mom's defense, a few days later in the trip she did get "the" photo.
And of course .... I like the one above the best :)

Normal

It's been one hell of a summer.

For a time I thought I'd share why I needed a break... but as time has gone on I've decided against it.

Most importantly- I am back to my normal self- and that feels darn right spectacular.

Thanks for any positive thoughts sent my way.

I'm sending 'em right back at ya.

Loving vibes are always good.

HeHe.

love vibes.

hehe.


I'm back :)

Return

I hope you didn't stop believing that I would be back.

Because I'm back.

*That handsome little man is not my child. But sometimes I pretend he is.

Break

A blogging break. For me.