Carnet of CA and MN

apples

2012-01-27T08:00:00.002-06:00

Last night (yes night) I went to Whole Foods. This guy was asking a employee about what apples to use to juice. You know I like to talk about juicing. I was there for 10 minutes answering the same question over and over and why I like the apples that I use. I left and the poor employee was still there asking him "why does she use those apples when you told me to use these apples".

Just thought it was a crazy thing to happen.

have a great friday.

demi

2012-01-26T06:29:00.000-06:00

I always said that I have the best of a worst situation. If my husband left me or cheated on me I don't think I could EVER get over that. I know I would have a ton of support but I don't think I could get over that.

I feel for Demi - being admitted for for exhaustion I totally understand. I always thought that exhaustion was being tired it until my acupuncturist said exhausted could be from people or being tired of stuff. I always told her I wasn't tired...then I realized it was from other stuff.

That's all just wanted to wish her well.

OHHH one more thing I'm really not liking Barbara Walters lately - she is getting to be like a crappy old lady that thinks she can just say what ever she wants. Seriously ripping on Madonna and Angelina because they are in shape and fit. I have been working out like crazy (what I mean as crazy just 3 days a week) just to have 1/10th of there body (arms). If they were fat or out of shape they would say something about that to. The lesson is that people are always going to have something to say about you - just love yourself and screw everyone that don't like it :)

20 years

2012-01-26T05:02:00.002-06:00

I just heard that 20 years ago today was when Minneapolis hosted the super bowl. It was my first weekend in minneapolis and the next day I started my first day at Kmart. Oh my gosh so much has happened in 20 years.

first day

2012-01-23T05:08:00.000-06:00

Let me share about my first day of class on saturday...Looks wise I was exhausted and just half way took a shower and threw my hair in a pony tail. I also had a goose bump that was black and blue on my fore head from friday sleep walking trying to get ready for pilates I walked into my cabinet door that was open in my bathroom. Yes it still hurts.

Then I forgot what it was like to be in school/office for a whole day. My hands were freezing and my arthritis in my hands is so bad now just from one day. It sucks.

I thought I was there early but most of the was already there - then at the break one of the other students said to me "is this your first time in photoshop" to which I replied is it that obvious. I was the problem child of the class. The people seam ok that are in the class.

Even now I'm trying to work on stuff from class and can't remember - the teacher said ohh it is all in the book step by step - not really the book explains things but doesn't tell you how to be from point a to b.

Here are a few examples of my work from sunday.

This is suppose to be the girls on the beach with the seal...how ever i just keep getting the cut out of them not the photo. Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong but happy that I got that far. Book again not helpful.

White flower before - from Hawaii

Of course this took and hour and half to get this like it and the only color that worked was the ugly one. Don't ask me how I didn't it I can't make it work again. Again the book not helpful.

Hiking

2012-01-19T09:29:00.003-06:00

When I'm in LA I like to hike by the sign...I was going to go hiking again on my trip there but now with this - I don't think Jilaine will go with me anymore.

Also I can't imagine what I would have done if Foxy would have found a head!

Authorities Thursday resumed their search for more body parts near the Hollywood sign after a human head, two severed hands and two feet were discovered earlier this week.A professional dog walker and her mother made the first gruesome discovery Tuesday when one of their dogs led them to the head, which was inside a grocery bag Detectives Wednesday found two hands and two feet near the initial discovery in the 3200 block of Canyon Drive.Police are searching missing persons reports to find a match for the victim, a man believed to be in his 40s. CBS2 spoke with a forensic psychologist who says the killer may be involved in organized crime and obviously wanted to draw attention to the murder.“When someone commits a murder, you know, you can dispose of the body in places that are less sensational. And with the Hollywood sign, you know, it may be heard of around the world,” Dr. Don Hoagland said.LAPD officials, however, say they don’t believe that’s the case, but are continuing their investigation.

normal

2012-01-18T06:24:00.002-06:00

People you don't need to worry anymore my life has returned back to crazy - in every way. My body is happy and sad we are not sitting around anymore - my arthritis was getting bad not moving - it really is true you have to keep moving with that darn stuff or else you get stuck.

The other strange thing is I went bowling last night. Pilates and just working out made a huge differnece. One I could actually carry a ball and throw it down the alley.

There are photos but I didn't get them uploaded last night to busy watching Glee - it was sooo good I still have one song stuck in my head from the show :)

nothing

2012-01-16T05:06:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the random blogs. I have been enjoying doing nothing. I really mean nothing. My life for the last 16 days I have nothing to do. I'm actually getting to the point where I wake up and I'm bored. Which is a good thing I haven't had this for at least 6+ years besides I'm really rested which is also a good thing.

I have been laying in bed and taking everything slowly...yes my pilates schedule has changed so I have to get up on fridays. (I have been late every time in the new year)

This is the last week of this anyway. Then my classes start and other craziness starts. It was great while it lasted. I really missed just being able to lay in bed with nothing to do!

Hope you all have a great week.

no pants

2012-01-12T02:08:00.000-06:00

This year I could not make it to NYC for this...however they did on in Minneapolis. Notice there is no photos from it because everyone is a big chicken. I can't believe out of everyone I asked to do it nobody wanted to. (I didn't think it was the kind of thing i could do by myself in minneapolis)

Which one now???

2012-01-11T05:50:00.000-06:00

I'm back to looking for a new deodorant. The one I had was good I thought till it is sweater season and the scent of it is embedded into my sweater and I can't get it out. I can't keep dry cleaning them every time I wear them. I have been spraying them with lavender and water mixture that kind of helps. UGHHH!

memory

2012-01-09T05:41:00.001-06:00

Ahhh the loss of memory is a wonderful thing. I have been sprinkling cinnamon on my peanut butter toast every morning now for about 6 months. I have to say I have seen a little bit of improvement in my memory...that is why I remembered about 20 mins after I threw away my pistachio nut shells I had my earrings in that mess too.

AHH my garbage was full and I had tied it up and it was sitting outside waiting to be thrown in the can. It was a gross one to dig through too. Fruit fermented, coconut milk, dog poo and mashed sweet potatoes. However I found these darn things.

Here is the kicker - I never take my diamond studs out of my ears and for some reason I wanted to wear these instead of my studs. They are from Scotland I got them when I was there the other summer. Craziness I tell you.

New YEar!

2012-01-05T05:15:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone had a good new year!!!!!

I have been busy taking care of my girls...Ana started on new years eve throwing up and on new years day she was checked into the animal hospital. She was dehydrated, low potassium and white blood count was off the chart. She stayed there till the night and came home with some antibiotics. They don't know what was or is wrong with her.

Yesterday my other dogs started to throw up and act very mellow. So far she has been ok and ANa is starting to get back to normal. So that is how I have been spending my new year how about you guys :)

I did how ever did get a chance to get some LA plans done for the end of the month. Finally a fun trip to LA. One hint is 2 broke girls and hot in Cleveland.

mural art

2012-01-02T06:43:00.000-06:00

This mural always reminds me of Joe when I drive by it. For the nan sayers not the eyes just the whole image and if you can't see it maybe it was just me who saw this side of him

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T05:38:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year - 2012-

The crazy thing is that 2 people that I totally love and one I only talk to once a year and the other one I met in Hawaii both said the exact same thing to me before Christmas. "cheers to 2012 and maybe it be the best year ever"

mural art

2011-12-30T06:35:00.000-06:00

On a building in the lyn-lake area.

WOW

2011-12-29T06:31:00.000-06:00

I saw this guy the other day and pulled over and took a photo for you guys. He was doing a good job I thought anyway.

pop

2011-12-28T08:23:00.002-06:00

So I thought I had my life sorta figured out. However before the i's were dotted and t's crossed I let it slip out to the wrong people. It is now squashed or popped. With hurts like heck considering it too me years to take the leap to do it and now I'm back to square one. I was so looking to the new year with a fresh start, now I'm just frustrated, angry, hurt and have walls back up. Not to mention the blow to my confidence.

It is times like this I really miss Joe, he was always my #1 supporter no matter what it was.

The good news is that I'm back to myself if I can feel things not being numb anymore.

peace

2011-12-23T05:58:00.000-06:00

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Not sure who this is by but it was a favorite of Maria Shriver. I found it when I was cleaning my desk along with some other nice words.

quote for the day

2011-12-21T04:50:00.001-06:00

"Run away from toxic people. Instead, surround yourself with others who are positive, who support you and want you to succeed."

This is something I really believe in - however lately I have been struggling with it...someone in my life makes me feel like crap with I'm with them and 2 times now has said really bad things to me. No matter what I do or say I'm not good enough for them. Sometimes I actually believe they wish it was me who died instead of Joe. I know they would totally treat him different them they treat me. I'm trying to weigh the pros with the cons to see if I should still put up with there crap. That is all for now just need to vent.

rocks

2011-12-20T06:15:00.000-06:00

This is another one from hawaii - I changed it to black/white with a heavy grain effect. I'm thinking I should make copies of these and put it on my fence to keep my neighbors from putting up lights on it.

surfer girl

2011-12-19T05:50:00.000-06:00

here is my attempt to work with my NIK software. If you can believe it I did a dynamic skin tone smother on her and did a contrast only filter with a darker and lighten center and edges. I forgot I also did a detail extractor on her to bring out more detail in the reflection of the sunglasses.

I don't think you can see all of that on this little photo, on my screen you can tell.

Her skin was a major improvement - one reason not to live in hawaii - nobody that lived there had nice skin it was all gross and leather like.

it is ok for my first try I guess

software

2011-12-16T13:00:00.002-06:00

Today I just did my first web - go to meeting. I have bought some new software for my computer to work on my photos and need to learn about it now. I am a big fan of the nik software, just what I have seen anyway. Don't get me wrong I'm still a HUGE purist photographer and don't believe in make adjustments to the photos. To me that is not photography.

I have another one scheduled tomorrow so maybe this weekend I will work on some of my photos and share them with you.

love thy neighbor??

2011-12-14T08:45:00.002-06:00

I need suggestions. My neighbors have copied my fence - asked to put there the front of there fence on my property, painted the other side of my fence cause I wasn't going to and now want to put up lights on the the other side of my fence cause they like mine.

What i gave in last night because this is the 3rd time they asked but I'm leaving a note to say no i need more time. I even gave them suggestions as to what to do with there lights.

help me!!!!!! I like my fence and light cause they are different. Miss Jilaine this is not the same as your neighbor copying you....continuing your landscape into there yard looks nice and if they did something different it would look weird. Like the neighbors on the other side.

I could always take it down...oh I forgot I own 12 inches on the other side of my fence and the guy plays soccer and bang the ball into my fence or over the fence.

Belgium

2011-12-13T08:10:00.002-06:00

My heart has been with my little crazy country Belgium lately...3 years ago we left there for LA with the thought that we would be in LA for 3 years.

Yesterday a friend of mine that lived in brussels sent me a photo of my house that they took before leaving this year. It was a blue sky day with no car parked on the street...but it was half of my house and half of the neighbors. Oh well what can I do but go back some day and take my own.

this morning I was watching the new and heard this terrible news.

A gun and grenade attack in the centre of the Belgian city of Liege has killed at least two people and wounded 47 including a toddler, media say.

Witnesses say a man in his 40s threw grenades at a bus stop in Place Saint Lambert, a busy square. At least two other men are thought to be involved.

Reports say one of the attackers is among the dead. Local media say another has been detained, while a third is involved in a stand-off with police.

It is not clear who the attackers are.

There are reports of a fourth man escaping the scene.

TV images showed blood splattered across the cobblestones.

Medical staff are said to be attending to some of the injured in the courthouse.

Seven of them are in a serious condition, and doctors at a city hospital are trying to save the life of an 18-month-old boy injured in the attack.

Roads into the centre of the city have been sealed off. Police helicopters are hovering overhead and explosives experts are on their way to the square.

A TV report said many shops in the city centre had closed their doors, with customers trapped inside.

Place Saint Lambert is a busy intersection, served by hundreds of buses daily. It hosts an annual Christmas market which attracts some 1.5 million visitors a year.

Summer time

2011-12-13T07:37:00.002-06:00

Anyone free to join me for fun...In june I have 5 twins games and in july I have 2 concerts and 3 games (which I might sell) with a concert and 3 games in august.

cactus

2011-12-09T08:08:00.004-06:00

My cactus is flowering. Which is amazing considering I have been neglecting it for the last 12 months. It was outside from may till mid november (dog sitter brought it in cause she was worried about it) I never water it (thank god it is a cactus). So with doing nothing with it this is what happens. You can see there are other buds coming too, I will keep you posted.

winter

2011-12-07T09:38:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure where the past year went. I don't even know where the spring or summer went. Now winter is here and I'm not ready. I believe the past two winter I was still in a fog. The first one back I never left the house I was just with Ana inside trying to work with her. Last year all I did was shovel and shovel and didn't notice my winter outwear cause all I wore was my snowpants. Now the fog has lifted and I looked at my winter stuff and went what the heck.

My boots from last year were all ripped, jackets need help and I didn't have any warm mittens or hats (stylist ones anyway the ones to shovel and snowblow yes cute no)

The past 3 days I have been trying to find a jacket, mitten hat what ever and found a few things. But does nobody believe in warm scarf anymore???? Not to mention that warm stylish clothes are expensive.

Thanks I feel better now for venting.

new computer/softward

2011-12-05T05:44:00.001-06:00

I got my new computer all set up, however I didn't get my new desk organized yet. I have been playing with all my new photo software. My head is going to explode trying to figure this stuff out. Here is one that I did play with.

Not only do I have to export all my photos to lightroom - I ordered the wrong photo shop - but I have 3 web casts set up for the NIK software I got.

When ever I pick a school to go to watch out world here I come...

Oh Christmas Trees

2011-12-02T04:55:00.000-06:00

This year I did something different, you know I like to change things up sometimes. I got 3 trees that are 3 ft tall and put them on my buffet. It takes up less room and too less time to get all set up.

Tis the season for a little sparkle

Taken with my flash tips from my trip

treadmill

2011-12-01T09:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday at the gym I almost feel off the treadmill...why you ask. I have had my eye on this guy in the gym for a couple months now. He always pop ups from no where, and yesterday he popped out of now where looking really good and caught me off guard - lost my concentration and almost fell.

Yes I know I'm crazy -

flowers

2011-11-30T04:36:00.004-06:00

The reverse of my other photo trip, no animals to photograph on Kauai. The challenge here was sometimes the wind or rain was so strong it was hard to get the flowers to stay still (or use high shutter speed).

This one was taken with my new iphone

cars and etc...

2011-11-29T06:16:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving. My clarisonic face brush broke last week and I went 5 day with out it. It felt like I have an inch of dirt on my face by thursday morning when I had a new fully charged one. That was added to my list of what I was thankful for.

I also found out that the monday after thanksgiving is the best time to bring your car in for repair. I had to take both cars in (there dash boards were light up like a christmas tree with all the warning lights) to get fixed. I have been putting it off for a long time. I was in and out like that - however my one car had to stay over and need some work done. Hopefully I will get it back today.

The other thing I discovered this past week - it was packed at the gym on wednesday and friday just a fyi next year to keep in mind.

My parents and I also on thanksgiving day drove down nicollett mall! I guess on thanksgiving from 6-10 pm you can drive up and down the street. It was fun to do - however the girls were barking like crazy - i believe they knew that they were not suppose to be on it.

classic

2011-11-22T06:32:00.002-06:00

I believe that these two photos say classic Hawaii! Just looking at either of them you would know you were in paradise.

We were suppose to be taking photos of the sunset but this shot was just begging to be taken.

One of the many hula girls I got. We had 6 girls that came and posed for us them we each got one to pose how we wanted. FYI it was cold and raining when this was taken...it was taken with flashes set up on her face to give that sunlight effect. The flash stuff I learned on this trip was amazing. (the pro photographer was holding the flash for me)

zip line

2011-11-21T05:42:00.003-06:00

OK here they finally are - the photos of me zip lining. I will have to download the video later - major computer issues here that need to be figured out today cause it is getting worst the longer I put it off.

One hint - don't wear white when zip lining. You get grease from the clips and smells from the harness on you. Not to mention it poured inbetween lines.

getting my harness tighted

Getting clipped

Just got done repelling backwards over the waterwall

Going down the easiest zip line - which I did last, which made it really easy after the backwards one and jumping off a really high platform.

2011-11-18T07:22:00.003-06:00

Last saturday I drove around taking photos of some murals around my neighborhood. This one I was watching them make and saw it before I left. I guess I wasn't suppose to see it yet...

Sorry no hawaii pics - I'm exhausted and knew I couldn't write a good blog on the photo. I don't know how I am always so busy but now but this week really was bad. Not to mention I'm still tired from the time zone change.

I'm also trying to decided to go back to school where and what I'm not too sure yet. I mean my dream I would like UCLA or UC - Davis.

Have a good weekend.

rooster

2011-11-17T04:13:00.000-06:00

Kaua'i is full of roosters! They are running all over the island. They said the hurricane's are to blame - when it came there chicken coops blew over and they all got loose and the rest is history.

I wanted to get a couple good photos of them - however they don't like to have there picturce taken. Not to mention the pro's with use didn't like that we were taking photos of rooster. Oh well that is too back I took a ton and this is one of the best ones.

I have a couple of them crossing the road...insert your own joke there.

Surfer Dudes

2011-11-16T04:06:00.000-06:00

On my trip they arranged for surfers to model for us. I think that they were looking at some of those waves thinking man I'm missing some good ones.

The first couple I think the background looks kind a fake but we were really on a beach doing a photo shoot. Hard to believe that I took some of these photos.

rain

2011-11-15T06:34:00.000-06:00

As usual my vacation was full of rain...on the other hand I have never seen so many rainbows in my life! I now know why they have rainbows on the license plates.

Aloha

2011-11-14T07:17:00.000-06:00

I'm back from Kauai, Hawaii! I went on another photo trip - this time with Nikon. It was good except for the weather. It rained every day - one day we were totally rained out.

I'm working on the photos and will upload them as soon as I can -

gone shooting

2011-11-02T06:01:00.000-05:00

My horscope for today...It may be that you've come back deeply changed from a long voyage. Of course, travel changes everyone to some extent, but in your case, the change is more profound. You're going to have a problem getting back into your old life. It may feel too limiting for you. So what are you waiting for? Change it

More blogs coming november 14 ;)

sick

2011-10-26T04:21:00.000-05:00

My products that I used to stop from getting really sick. the coldcalm really worked...ok my crazy dog just ripped the scrunchi out of my hair as I'm writing this.

juicer

2011-10-25T04:19:00.000-05:00

I got a juicer and i'm not afraid to use it!

home

2011-10-19T07:30:00.003-05:00

This is what it is like when I come home from some where - i used my new phone to take the video. sorry it is upside down, side wise and somewhat 3d. My dogs are a little crazy.

hairy

2011-10-19T02:47:00.000-05:00

At the party I also had wax mustaches - grape flavor if you were wondering. This is what Jenn and I would look like if we had them :)

halloween party pics

2011-10-18T02:38:00.000-05:00

This year for my halloween party the theme was dress as a song title. Here are some photos from the night. It was a good night

Yummy food truck

"Yellow" sometime I had my submarine sandwich so then I was Yellow submarine and fat bottom girls

Singing in the rain and Anna can't remember the song she is dressed like

In the navy and jail house rock

I don't remember what matt was but running on empty and itsy bitsy spider

truck

2011-10-17T02:33:00.000-05:00

My interesting neighbor across the street the other dragged this truck out from his yard...I never knew that it was even in his yard.
I just wonder what else is hiding in there???

jobs

2011-10-13T08:05:00.002-05:00

Has anyone else heard that the price of peanut butter will go up 40%? I have the girls now looking for a job. We go through a jar of peanut butter every week and half.

With this price increase Joe might have let us start eating jiff again. He made foxy and I change to peanut butter that only had peanuts as the only ingredient in it - that means nothing else. Which means that it is healthy so it is more expensive than regular peanut butter. (of course being healthy is expensive who would have thought)

paddle board

2011-10-12T04:58:00.000-05:00

Tough choice - surfing lesson, helicopter ride or paddle board lessons hmmm. I booked the paddle board lesson, I figure this is something I can do again here. There is still time to do surfing lesson later.

costume

2011-10-11T11:46:00.002-05:00

it's almost that time again to wear costumes. I believe I'm the only one who doesn't like to dress slutty that day. I figure you can dress that way 364 day but on you can't wear a evening dress or fancy dress every day with out being stared at :) slutty dressing you can see that every day and not think twice about it.

gum

2011-10-06T01:46:00.000-05:00

I saw this the other day at whole foods - it is the same brand that Ana use to get for her stress. I will give it a try and let you know if it works.

cleaning solution

2011-10-05T01:39:00.001-05:00

Since I share my room freshener here is my new cleaning product...

add 3-4 teaspoons of tea tree oil to a 1/2 gallon of lukewarm water and then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda.

This is what I do for my counter top or general cleaning in a spray bottle...

16 oz water

3-4 drops of tea tree oil

splash of white vinegar

little baking soda

For my wood floors I mix this up and spray it on the floor then wipe it up.

16 oz warm water

1/2 teaspoon liquid soap

1/2 teaspoon borax

squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar

Happy Cleaning!!!

keep colds away

2011-10-04T01:34:00.000-05:00

I found this tip in a magazine and thought I would give it a try - since I like to share tips here you go...(also the lady next to me on the plane keep sneezing on me with out cover her face)

To fight off colds, make an antiseptic air freshener. Combine ten drops of lavender or rosemary oil with four ounces of water and put it in a spray bottle. tip by tieraona low dog, MD

chi town

2011-10-03T06:13:00.000-05:00

Last week I went to chicago with my mom to see my friends.

equator

2011-09-26T08:21:00.003-05:00

Late post...last friday I meant to do this but oh well...this is the equator line and last friday the sun was directly over this spot in Equador. You have no shadow for a couple minutes when this happens. Also if you stand directly on the line the way the gravity works there is you are 2kilograms lighter. This photo was taken by the photographer that was on the trip with us.

I know you are all love my zip off pants.

this is for what?

2011-09-20T05:39:00.000-05:00

This is my mess of keys. I have Joe's parents cabin keys, the van keys to the moving guys in belgium, Joe's office keys to the office in LA and I found one key to his bronco that we sold before we went to Belgium.

The sad part is I didn't get rid of any of them...I still have this mess in my cabinet.

jobs

2011-09-16T07:46:00.003-05:00

I finally have my resume done! I got an offer yesterday that I think I will turn down and a lead on my old job at fingerhut.

Now do I want to go back to my old stressful life or do I want to totally start over here or somewhere else??? Do I want comfort of what I know or to experience something new and exciting???

coffee?

2011-09-14T06:14:00.000-05:00

next best thing to my seoul mate...I know some of you are smiling right now.

This was a present from Tiff & Scott-thanks guys

hawaii

2011-09-13T06:58:00.000-05:00

I decided I'm going on another photo trip in November...I really want to go to LA for some reason but I found this description of the photographer leading the trip.

inspired by legendary photojournalist Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lucas Gilman has traveled across the globe searching for the decisive moments that make his photos so unique. Gilman is Ansel Adams crossed with Vin Diesel; he shoots stunning scenic shots with a splash of action. With clients like National Geographic and the New York Times.

No comment from me on the Vin Diesel part :)

eight

2011-09-12T07:02:00.000-05:00

Eight years ago many of you were with me on a perfect night in Minneapolis. Eight years ago there was a celebration with blue champagne. Eight years ago I thought I would have had my best friend by my side forever.

I didn't know

2011-09-11T05:21:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to blog on this 10th annivsery of 9/11 - because I thought there would be enough stuff on it. Then I thought I would post this email I got from meet up - it is a group that I found last August when I was fed up with being home all the time. I have done fun things with them and next spring/summer plan on joining the paddle board club. I have a special spot for NYC which you all know but never knew about this connection.

Fellow Meetuppers,

I don't write to our whole community often, but this week is
special because it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and many
people don't know that Meetup is a 9/11 baby.

Let me tell you the Meetup story. I was living a couple miles
from the Twin Towers, and I was the kind of person who thought
local community doesn't matter much if we've got the internet
and tv. The only time I thought about my neighbors was when I
hoped they wouldn't bother me.

When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors
in the days after 9/11 than ever before. People said hello to
neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they'd normally
ignore. People were looking after each other, helping each
other, and meeting up with each other. You know, being
neighborly.

A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring
people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was
born: Could we use the internet to get off the internet -- and
grow local communities?

We didn't know if it would work. Most people thought it was a
crazy idea -- especially because terrorism is designed to make
people distrust one another.

A small team came together, and we launched Meetup 9 months
after 9/11.

Today, almost 10 years and 10 million Meetuppers later, it's
working. Every day, thousands of Meetups happen. Moms Meetups,
Small Business Meetups, Fitness Meetups... a wild variety of
100,000 Meetup Groups with not much in common -- except one
thing.

Every Meetup starts with people simply saying hello to
neighbors. And what often happens next is still amazing to me.
They grow businesses and bands together, they teach and
motivate each other, they babysit each other's kids and find
other ways to work together. They have fun and find solace
together. They make friends and form powerful community. It's
powerful stuff.

It's a wonderful revolution in local community, and it's thanks
to everyone who shows up.

Meetups aren't about 9/11, but they may not be happening if it
weren't for 9/11.

9/11 didn't make us too scared to go outside or talk to
strangers. 9/11 didn't rip us apart. No, we're building new
community together!!!!

The towers fell, but we rise up. And we're just getting started
with these Meetups.

acupuncture

2011-09-09T07:55:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had a good session. I tried cupping?? she rubbed a glass cup thing (suctioned) on my back it felt weird but after and still today is feels good. It is for circulation - the down side I have little hickeys on my back from the suction.

Also I don't recommend sneezing when you stomach is full of needles. Oh that hurts!

cheers!

2011-09-08T06:20:00.000-05:00

Sunday night I thought it would be good to have some family from out of town over for pizza...well somehow Jodi and another one of my friends polished off most of these bottles wine after the pizza.

shoes

2011-09-07T06:16:00.000-05:00

I have always wondered about these shoes. I know people that have them and like them however with my small feet I never thought I could have them. I found a store that had them in kids sizes (usually kids don't fit me).

It takes a little while to get my toes into the right spot off. I used them to walk the girls yesterday and the felt good. I will keep you post as to how it works out then I exercise with them on.

nice though

2011-09-03T16:08:00.001-05:00

You are going to change anyway over time so make it the way you want.

I couldn't say it any better myself - that was a quote I found on cameron alborzian website.

passport

2011-09-02T08:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was all dressed up and had makeup on for a funeral I went to, so afterwards I decided to get my passport photos taken since it expires in feb. They look so much better than my ones 10 years ago. It might have been the camera cause I look totally round face and fluffy. So much so that people customs agents and embassy workers have not believe that it was me - some even commented that I lost a lot of weight. That is how bad it was :)

You know when I said partners push us... I would never would have had that passport if Joe and I were not thinking of going to paris for the tour de france when we were dating. We never did go but my first stamp in it was from our honeymoon in Aruba. Not to mention every stamp after that until he died was with him.

It is sad that it is expiring, it is just another thing I have to start over with.

gym

2011-09-01T09:35:00.002-05:00

Yesterday some how my quiet day at the gym turnout crazy. After Pilates I hung out with my friend Anna from brazil. We did stair master and treadmill. As you know Anna is a little out there. She had on a see through yellow t-shirt on and no bra - she has enhanced top half. Oh the stares we got.

Then we saw this girl that has an eating issue - she is skinner than me if you can believe that - her stomach it totally swollen that is how I know she is not just like me. Any way Anna knew her and then when i was leaving she was parked next to me and we talked or she talked to me I should say. She was actually question my eating habits and the last time I was at the doc. She said she is working on nutrition and gaining weight - which is a load of crap because she does hours and hours on the treadmill and elliptical. That does not get muscle that make you lose weight.

Then I ran into her at whole foods and she was totally looking in my cart. I however could not see in her basket.

giggle

2011-08-30T06:11:00.000-05:00

Have a giggle today

Anna

2011-08-26T05:31:00.000-05:00

I have this new friend Anna - she is in my pilates class and I call her my Brazillian bomb shell. She is the same one that is 40 and engaged to a 29 year old guy. (who I have now met and he is really nice and good to her)

Last wednesday we went for lunch and then a walk. She is so insightful I just love asking her life questions. This one thing made a lot of sense to me.

Partners push us to make us better - that is why we need them and should not be alone. I got to thinking about this I alway knew that I made Joe a better person and vice versa. Then I thought about the dates I have been on since November. The ones I have liked and most of the ones this go around have made me push myself. example one made me motivated to get joe's frequent flyer miles in my account. One has made me take a bike ride and I'm still working on getting other paper work done. I would have not done any of these things with out a little push. It is different than a friend pushing you.

Adventure

2011-08-25T04:09:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been asked if I'm adventurous. Or what adventurous thing have you done? Well I always thought meant crazy outdoor stuff, not sure why but I did. So I never thought I was adventours cause I don't want to jump out a plane or camp :)

Even though lately people called me that word I just never thought it was me.

Definition of ADVENTUROUS

1 a : disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown
b : innovative

2: characterized by unknown dangers and risks
— ad·ven·tur·ous·ly adverb
— ad·ven·tur·ous·ness noun

After reading the definition of the word - I believe I'm the most adventurous person! take that you people that jump out of planes - that only last a little while however my life is one be adventure daily.

Let think I traveled LA, NYC and europe alone (unknow dangers and risks)

Dating (new and unknown with dangers and risks)

Fashion (innovative)

day to day life (ADVENTUROUS)

Maybe that is why I have never had the urge to be crazy adventurous I have enough on a daily basis. Relaxing for me is my for me of the unknown and dangerous and that scares the crap out of me.

So the next time some asks you "are you adventurous" you can think outside the box.

new band

2011-08-18T04:15:00.001-05:00

I just saw this band on Saturday! Love them!

what did you say...

2011-08-17T02:13:00.001-05:00

So the cat is out of the bag and I have been trying to date again since mid July. I went out on a date with a guy that is a little more fluffy than I like. I told one of my very supportive friends (most are which is a good thing according to research the more supportive your love ones are the more successful the experience will be-example if they are not you don't pick good guys) She said "you have worked so hard on your body the past 2 years you deserve someone that is good to their body too". I never thought about it like that - I was thinking i was being picky but why settle for less than I deserve.

boating

2011-08-16T02:07:00.000-05:00

Last week the girls and I went to the cabin. They love the cabin and boat rides who knew!!! I just hoped that they didn't jump out.

new start???

2011-08-15T02:05:00.000-05:00

Starting over…most people when there spouse dies they have a job, friends and their life set. They might have had a more difficult time with a loved one like they were sick and it was long and drawn out. That is the only thing that is a good out of this situation. It was quick and he did not suffer. Also I knew we have an extremely good relationship with nothing left unsaid. We even talked about when Joe died what I should do and etc.(besides my next husband should be rich) I think we both knew something was going to happen just not this soon or this way. I’m not sharing with the world how he thought it would happen it is kind of funny but embarrassing and I might get struck by lighting if I say anything.

My is point of my rambling is…most people have 50 to 85% of there life still intacted after a death. They may not know that at the time but they do. I have 20% left. I have to start all over in every aspect of my life but family and a couple friends. I would like to get out and do things again like I use to. It just really hit me hard this Saturday I really missed my old life. It is just hard to start a new one but I believe one day it will all come together.

tired...

2011-08-09T07:16:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my acupuncturist said I was deeply tired. She always thought I was just lacking sleep tired before because of everything going on in my life but now that somethings have settled down she said I'm just tired of things. That would explain why my sparkle is gone again too.

examples of what I mean.

I'm tired of being criticized, making people happy, doing that other want, working on my resume, getting up at 5 with the dogs, Minnesota, and so on. Which totally makes sense to me. Think about this. The times I have been happiest is when I have gone out to LA for Joe's court stuff. Something I wanted to do for myself. You would think that would be stressful and make me tired of going out for it. However I didn't have to make anyone happy, was not criticized and etc.

She said to fix this I need to start doing things for myself again.

That being said...I'm taking the dogs to the cabin :)

tickets

2011-08-05T08:59:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I went to St. Paul - not my favorite city I always get lost there and i just dont' like it...

I got a ticket for parking where i was not suppose to but the sign said between certain hours and it wasn't in between those hours. Also for insecure/illegible/obstructed plates or tabs. REALLY my plates look no different than any one else.

Another reason to not like St. Paul!

Thank god I have other things in my life to worry about and have been really busy again. (why the lack of blogs)

Minnesota nice

2011-08-01T04:14:00.000-05:00

So I finally figured out the meaning of Minnesota nice – Sunday I had a conversation with someone who shed light on to it. Transplants living in Minnesota making fun of them made up Minnesota nice. Before you get all up in arms it is basically people that were born and raised in the twin cities area. For some reason anyone born north of clouquet doesn’t fit into the “Minnesota nice” category they are actually nice and want to met and talk to people.

He also get freaked out when traveling out of state and people are actually nice and what to talk to you. I have many stories to back up my claim…this past April when I was on my trip; there was an REI group that was basically following up around everywhere we went. Our group talked to them and found out they too had Minnesotans (twin cities) in their group. Oh that was the wrong thing to say they then ignored me whenever they saw me. Normal people would bond over that, right?

The other claim was when I just started working at Fingerhut. I was actually told by what I thought was a friend of a couple month – at least we went to lunch everyday and talked about everything – I asked her to do something like a movie or what ever on the weekend and she said “ I have enough friends I have so many that I can’t see them all now some I have had since grade school” Really??? You haven’t evolved as a person since grade school and what about your college friends?

I am glad to finally found someone that agrees with me that Minneapolis is good but the people not so much. This also got me to thinking I don’t have any associations with actual born and raised twin cities people… All transplants!

my house

2011-07-21T06:03:00.000-05:00

My apartment in Chicago. My windows were the back 2. My door was the side one in the alley - across from where the garage burned down one time and melted my A/C and my neighbors pounded on the back door to wake us up.

The front of the house

The mark I left on Chicago in from of my old apartment "J 10-97"

Wedding photos

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

I know these are long over due too. Here are some photos from Karen's beautiful wedding.

Tim Burton

2011-07-19T06:57:00.000-05:00

This is the entry way to the exhibit. Yes you walk through the mouth of the monster. However you could not take photos in there and I also got kicked out for talking on my cell phone.

too funny

2011-07-18T19:18:00.001-05:00

This is to funny and had to share - I know some of you will laugh at this.

LACMA

2011-07-18T06:51:00.000-05:00

When I was in LA the last time I went to the LACMA. I went to see the Tim Burton showing - basically lots of his private drawings and models. It was great to see it and I was a little sad that it didn't start till after I was there in the end of may. Who knew I would have to go back.

I have always wanted to see the lamp poles outside of it. They are all light up at night but I didn't want to stick around by myself to see that. If you ever saw the move no strings attached there is a scene where the actors are here at night.

405

2011-07-15T08:41:00.001-05:00

I'm a little crazy you know....I want to be in LA this weekend to see what happens when the 405 is closed.

Job!

2011-07-14T05:23:00.000-05:00

So I started the ball rolling on my resume - I contacted on person to help me with it. I casually mentioned this job I had my eye on Sony Studios and he knows people there in the area...no press to get it done now and follow through :)

no sleep

2011-07-13T17:20:00.002-05:00

Last night Foxy was up every hour either wanting to go out and pee or throwing up...it last till 8 am then she wanted to go to sleep. The bad part is she gets needy when she is sick and wanted to sleep on my chest for an hour then my shoulder then my head. She just can't get close enough when she is no feeling good.

new start

2011-07-12T13:57:00.003-05:00

I decided that today was going to be the first day of my new life...So far the girls let me sleep till 5:30 and go back till 8:00!!!!

I also went to my acupuncture session - little did I know she was treating me for deep sorrow and sadness - she said that I am so good right now that she change the focus of my points today - she did frustration points :)

Sound like a good start to a new life to me!

july 11

2011-07-11T05:37:00.003-05:00

Miss you honey!

It was 2 years ago today that I had to call many of you and let you know that Joe died...2 weeks ago I was in LA for the sentencing...

today take a moment and thing of Joe and smile - please don't feel sad

Home

2011-07-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

yesterday Ana just sat at the gate all after noon - I think she is happy to be home!

Not sure who or what she is looking at - but she looks really cute!

4th

2011-07-01T06:02:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a good Fourth of July - I will be celebrating with friends...I'm sure there will be stories for next week.

sentencing

2011-06-29T19:43:00.002-05:00

Marco Antonio Valencia was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison Tuesday in San Fernando Superior Court for a second-degree murder conviction in connection with the July 2009 crash on a remote stretch of Bouquet Canyon Road.

A jury also found Valencia guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident and causing great bodily injury.

girls

2011-06-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

The girls are at camp grandpa and grandma...the house is so quite and I actually looked for them in the bed. On the other hand I have gotten a lot of stuff done.

compliments?

2011-06-27T06:57:00.000-05:00

Last week the eastern European 40 year old that is engaged to a 32 year old guy told me I have sexy legs.

My trainer called me goofy and my acuputurist called me cute as I was putting my feet in front of the heater on a June day.

I guess that covers most of the bases of compliments...

driving

2011-06-17T05:48:00.000-05:00

Foxy and Ana found this on you tube. Now they want to go to Germany and drive around. Only in Europe.

starburst

2011-06-16T05:32:00.000-05:00

This is a funny...

rain

2011-06-15T07:24:00.002-05:00

Is anyone else sick of this weather? A couple people have asked me if I'm moving back to LA...well with the past winter, this crappy spring and what summer...wouldn't you want to move back to LA too?

Not to mention the girls or Ana - when it rains she doesn't want to go outside. So I give her permission to go do her stuff in the house...well she doesn't when it rains, and give me that look like I'm not suppose to go in the house. Any other day of the week she goes in the house though.

Foxy only goes out in the rain because she is use to it from Brussels. I think she figured out that it rains there all the time.

Stay dry today!

getty's

2011-06-14T05:50:00.000-05:00

When I was in LA at the end of May - I went to the Getty Center. It was wonderful I don't know why I never made it there before. I would highly suggest it.

A view of the gardens from up at the center

Self portrait

Waterfall

The entrance of the getty center

my garden

2011-06-13T05:28:00.000-05:00

It was been a year since I had my garden put in. I thought I would share some photos from it now. The flowers really had spread out nicely and everyone that walks by and my neighbors all have commented on how nice it looks.

Right now there is alot of purple flowers - in the spring it was yellow flowers with my white orchids.

caught up

2011-06-09T15:32:00.002-05:00

So I'm almost caught up from being in LA for 5 days. however let me share my battery stories with you. As in how many batteries can be dead at the same time.

My car battery needs to be replaced but haven't done it yet - my Lexus battery was dead and had to be jumped while the key fob's batteries were dead. I googled how to change them and came across a very helpful you tube video. Then I went to mow my lawn and the lawn mower battery was dead and need to be replaced. Then I realized I unplugged my cordless phone which lead to a dead battery. this was all in a 3 day period. It was enough to drive me insane :)

The other weird thing is I just bought some new degree clinical strength deodorant and it says to put it on at night. Which is good I guess so you don't get white spots on your clothes...but it is a little weird.

glee Concert.

2011-06-06T08:03:00.003-05:00

Wednesday I went to the Glee Concert! It was good and my seats were awesome!

a thought

2011-06-01T09:02:00.003-05:00

This last trip to LA I think I finally pinpointed why I'm not happy in Minneapolis - besides the family thing.

I like other cities and living there because they treat me well. Meaning like I am a person, they see me and hear me. In Minnesota I feel left out, invisible and like i don't matter. It doesn't even matter if I'm dressed up or just roll out of bed it is the same feeling.

Examples: the valets guys at the hotel. Yes it is there job to get my car however the talked to me, asked me about my day, where I was going what I was going to do and on and on. I watched them one day and they didn't do that to all the other guest. I don't even want to tell you the service I got when I was all dressed up.

I went to the camera store in LA again to get a new lens cap - the guy remembered me from the last time I was there...Here when I go to the camera store I get attitude and have spent lot of money there and no hello - I remember you - just what do you want after I flag someone down that is ignoring me.

I think I could handle this place when Joe was here cause they saw him and noticed him here and it wasn't so bad then.

I'm still not sure where the whole Minnesota nice thing came from...I think it is when people know people already or something. Kind like when I first moved back here and was at fingerhut. A co-worker told me I don't have time for new friends I barely have time for my high school friends. REALLY!!

my statement

2011-05-31T17:30:00.000-05:00

To make a long story short they did not have the sentencing...but here is what I said in court.

Since July 11, 2009 my life has been turned upside down. I have been left wondering how one person could destroy my future with my husband and best friend in an instant. Now I’m left trying to figure out the rest of my life with out him.

Because of Joe’s frequent travel, long work hours and biking schedule the amount of time we were actually together was limited which is why we made every moment count.

One way he showed how much he cared is through cards.

READ CARDS

Some people live to work we worked to live and living for us was travel and adventure.

Ironically September 11, 2009 2 months after Joe died we had plans to go to Hawaii with my parents to celebrate both our anniversaries our 6^th and their 50^th. We were really looking forward to sharing this experience with my parents.

On July 11, 2009 while my parents were celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary, I was in shock as I called them to say Joe was killed. What was once a day of celebration is now a day of sadness.

We had a trip to experience another culture in April 2010 to Japan. Joe had been to Japan & China many times for work and had dreamed of taking me there. He said I would love it and he had a good trip planned for me.

When we were dating we discovered our love of live music. Which lead us to Austin TX – Live music capital of the world. Were enjoyed Austin City Limits music festivals for our 1^st wedding anniversary. We then fell in love with the city. We dreamed of having a home there for winter get aways that dream was shattered.

Even though we didn’t have any children we had a dog-named Foxy. A small 4-pound Papillion/Chihuahua mix we rescued. At first the two of them had a love hate relationship some how she found her way into Joe’s heart and he loved coming home and spending time with her.

For months after his death she would look for him to come home and even now if I mention the words Daddy her big ears perk up and she looks around for him. I know she misses him everyday.

SHOW PHOTOS OF FOXY & JOE

Even though my planned future with Joe is gone I have many wonderful memories of our life together. In our almost 6 years of marriage we packed so much living that friends often commented that we did more with our short time together than most people do in a whole life time.

I truly miss being able to pick up the phone to hear how his day is going at work, share a story from my day or reminisce on our life and things we have done.

Like how awesome the food is in Italy…Our fascination with seeing the Berlin Wall a piece of history we both remembered living through…Looking at a painting hanging on our wall and laughing at all the trouble we had trying to get it home in the rain.

SHOW TRAVEL PHOTOS

Losing Joe has devasted my parents. They now constantly worry about me, because they lost the person they trusted to take care of me for the rest of my life. They truly thought of Joe as their son and vice versa.

When we lived in Brussels my parents planned a trip over Thanksgiving to visit us. There flight from Minneapolis was delayed which messed up the rest of there connections. Joe was so concerned about them arriving safely that he planned fly to Amersterdam to surprise them. Luckily he was there to help fix the situation. He truly cared about my parents and was grateful for every thing they have done for us.

Joe was thrilled when a year later my parents came for another visit this time at Christmas.

We wanted to do something special for my parents. Joe thought my dad would enjoy the war memorial and sites of Normandy, France. We surprised them with a trip there; Joe and my dad were like little kids climbing in the bunkers, checking out all the museums and almost getting caught in the very fast tides on the beach.

He was not only special to my parents but to my brother and his family. When my nephews Cole & Parker saw Joe race for the first time they were hooked. Joe was happy to talk to them and answer questions about bikes, training and equipment. Since the accident it took them a while to get back to biking.

Not only has Joe’s death impacted my future most deveasting to me is the affect on my present. I’m a very social person and many of our friends are not able to be around me or talk to me because I remind them of Joe. Not only is Joe gone but also my circle of friends is just when I need them the most.

ANNE’S CARD

Here are some comments from people Joe worked with

Joe’s death touched so many people everywhere not just in California and Minnesota.

I think about him everyday – his smile, his eyes, his laugh mostly of all I know that I was deeply loved and cherished by him.

I would like Mr. Valencia to think about what he took away from me, my family, friends and his colleagues every day of his life.

Happy Friday!

2011-05-27T07:01:00.000-05:00

Here's to starting the holiday weekend off in a good way! Have a good weekend.