At this time last night, I was getting pretty nervous. Today was my first day at a new job. Scary! This morning I was thinking about when you're a kid, every year you have a first day of school with a new teacher and a new class. Well, when you're an adult, you really don't have to deal with the first day jitters very often. It had been over four years since I had a first day, so it was a little nerve-racking for me.
It was raining when I woke up. I thought to myself...people say it's good luck when it rains on your wedding day (it rained on mine ;)); so maybe it's good luck to have rain on your first day of a new job.
At first, luck didn't seem to be working in my favor. I decided to get Caribou (to help me through the morning), but I didn't want to get my hair wet running from the car to the door (b/c of course, I wanted to make a good impression). On my way back to the car, I help out the door for the delivery man. Between balancing the door, my coffee and my umbrella, I lost the favorite part of my drink...the delicious chocolate dipped coffee bean. Then somehow when I drove out of the parking lot, the coffee spilt all over my front passenger seat. Grr!
But when I got to the office, things went a lot smoother. (Thank goodness!) I had several meetings, filled out HR forms, got logged into my computer -- all the usual first-day stuff. My new teammates seem really cool. They even took me out to lunch and picked out one of my favorite restaurants, Big Bowl. Spent the afternoon going to another meeting and completing some 'conflict of interest' training. Good stuff. lol.
But I made it through. It was a fairly pleasant experience. And I know there will be a learning curve as I learn more about the position, what I'm supposed to be doing, and get to know the people better. But I really know I made a great decision by changing jobs. And I'm looking forward to going back tomorrow for day 2. :)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
pics from Anthony's visit to MN
Visit Katie's blog to see pics of their visit to Minnesota. And warning, the actual blog post is very long! But the photos are great. There are some great ones that she took of me and Dave and also of me in my wedding dress. Also, there are pics from Valleyfair and Murphy's Landing and the Duane Family Reunion. Good times!!!
weekend get-a-way
This last weekend, my friend Michelle invited me and Krissy to her family cabin for her birthday weekend. It was my first time ever at her cabin, so I was really excited to finally visit. Not to mention, I got to spend the weekend with two of my longest-lasting friends on this planet. We weren't the only people at the cabin. Also enjoying Michelle's birthday at the cabin was her parents; her sister, Mindy, who came from Las Vegas; her brother, Scott, who flew from Seattle; Scott's daughter, Kate; her aunt and uncle from New Jersey; and of course her daughter, Julia, the cutest 4-year-old in the world.
The weekend was a blast. We had some awesome weather, and I got to do some of my favorite 'up-north' activities -- reading and relaxing on the dock; having a campfire with s'mores; playing games (volleyball, Apples-to-Apples, Cranium); and shopping in small town gift shops. I worked on catching a fish (I still haven't succeeded!). And best of all, I finally succeeded at water skiing! Ok...it only lasted for about 30 seconds....but it was long enough for me to fully stand and to yell "I did it!" at the top of my lungs before falling backwards and having water go in places where it's not supposed to go. lol. (sorry if TMI). But it made Julia laugh. And now I can check off #74 'learn to water ski' off my 101 in 1,001 list! Krissy got a pic as proof, and hopefully she'll email it to me so I can post it. But she's still up-north at her family's cabin...so we're going to have to wait.
Here's some other pics of the weekend.
Mindy and Michelle
The weekend was a blast. We had some awesome weather, and I got to do some of my favorite 'up-north' activities -- reading and relaxing on the dock; having a campfire with s'mores; playing games (volleyball, Apples-to-Apples, Cranium); and shopping in small town gift shops. I worked on catching a fish (I still haven't succeeded!). And best of all, I finally succeeded at water skiing! Ok...it only lasted for about 30 seconds....but it was long enough for me to fully stand and to yell "I did it!" at the top of my lungs before falling backwards and having water go in places where it's not supposed to go. lol. (sorry if TMI). But it made Julia laugh. And now I can check off #74 'learn to water ski' off my 101 in 1,001 list! Krissy got a pic as proof, and hopefully she'll email it to me so I can post it. But she's still up-north at her family's cabin...so we're going to have to wait.
Here's some other pics of the weekend.
Mindy and Michelle
A tired and hungry Julia waits for her food.
The world famous muskee in Hayward, Wis. (This is as close as I got, b/c I didn't want to pay to go inside the Muskee Museum. lol.)
She's so cute!
Happy Birthday, Cooper Joe!
Cooper Joe enjoys his b-day present! Today, my youngest baby turns 1-year-old! Coincidently, I took the day off work, so I'd have an extra day to relax before I start my new job tomorrow! So I relaxed with my boys and we celebrated Cooper's b-day by doing the things dogs like to do best.
We went to the dog park! I had to do a couple of errands before we went to the park, so we went to the Starbucks drive-thru (ok...I guess I didn't have to go there.) The Starbucks lady gave Otis and Cooper treats as I got my drink. Then we went to the drive-thru at the bank. And once again, the dogs got treats. As usual, the boys loved running around at the park. The weather was marvelous -- no clouds, upper 70's, low humidity. There were two different families that each had three Siberian Huskies, so that was fun to see a whole pack of Huskies.
Later today, I had to run some errands without the dogs. For some reason, Super Target doesn't let dogs go to the store. I got Cooper a b-day present (and of course, I got something for Otis to be fair). They're currently enjoying their pork rawhide rapped with duck. They're chewing as if it's their first rawhide ever. I guess this is their first one ever that's wrapped with duck. Luck boys.
On another note -- did you see the men's swim relay win gold last night? It was so exciting!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Anthony brings Katie and Mary to MN!!!
Forewarning: This blog post will probably end up being way too long, especially since you will probably get Katie's perspective on her blog. But in any event, here's my recollection of how the events occurred from Saturday, August 2 - Tuesday, August 5.
And before I begin, I just must say that I am lucky. I know some people who don't particularly get along with their in-laws and don't look forward for their visits....but I am not one of those people. I love Dave's family and am always excited for their visits (or my visits to their house). And of course, I love my own family too. I just think I'm very blessed to be part of such great families that love and cherish one another.
Ok. Here's my tale of Anthony bringing Katie and Mary to MN.
On Saturday morning, Dave and I had the Derby Days 5K. It is the annual 5K at Canterbury Downs where you get to start through the starting gates for the horses (see photos from last year). I ran with my friends Nicki and Donna, and they each had some friends too. Dave ended up working the water table. It was a hot morning for a run!
As soon as we were done with the 5K, Dave and I took off to River Falls for the Duane Family Reunion. The last name Duane is Dave's grandma's maiden name, and she's the only one remaining of that generation. So basically the reunion was Dave's mom's first-cousins and all their families. I think about 70 people were there. Lots of family that I never met, but of course there was family that I have seen many times in the last 5 years since my first 'encounter' at Anthony's baptism. Anyway, it was my first official family reunion. And I officially became part of the Duane family as I was presented with the official Duane family reunion button (I understand that buttons or t-shirts are standard for family reunions as I've seen my best friend Krissy plan the Kelly family reunion in years past). Anyway, we spent the majority of the day at the Country Inn and Suites hanging out with family. Then we went to mass and dinner at the local supper club. Then we went back to the hotel to say our goodbyes.
Sunday was even busier. Over the course of the day, we had a summer BBQ at our house with more than 40 people stopping by (completing #82 of 101 in 1,001). We spent the morning cleaning, preparing food, setting up tables, etc. Then spent the rest of the day hosting the event. My nieces got to see their ring boy Anthony. Anthony loved playing the Twist Game with them (aka Twister), and Anthony learned the difference between left and right and apparently learned how to read. After lunch was served, some of the cousins went swimming at the pool. When we got back to the house, Katie and I interrupted Anthony assisting Amanda with taking off the wet swim suit (oh, to be 5 years old and be full of innocence), but it was quite amusing to me and Katie. Anyway, it was another great day hanging out with friends and family.
Monday we spent the entire day at Valleyfair. The highlight was talking Dave into going down the speed slide at the waterpark. And Megan, Dave, Katie and I almost capsized the raft on slide in the waterpark that has the raft for 4. I thought we were going to die. I just closed my eyes as we went round the turns and feeling the raft go airborne with Katie directly above me screaming for her life. Anthony was very proud that he got to go on Thunder Canyon, which was the ride that he was growing tall enough so that he could ride. His favorite ride was the Flume. I think Dave's favorite was the foam ball factory. Katie and Mary loved the Wave. Megan and I loved the extreme swing. Anthony got his cotton candy. We all had an awesome time, although we were exhausted by the time we left.
We decided to 'relax' on the last day of the trip. That meant we spent a couple of hours at Murphy's Landing. Followed by a lunch at McDonald's and a visit to see Dave at work. Then we drove to Minneapolis, so Katie could take some pics of my nieces. We also drove by Lake Calhoun, because Mary and Katie (and T) had never seen it (which is hard for me to believe that they lived in MN and never went to that lake). Then we went home and got Dave and went to my parents' neighborhood to do some pics of me and Dave (completing #53 of 101 in 1,001). And me in my wedding dress. The area where we took the pics was pretty secluded and due to the shortage of time, I just changed into my dress right on the path. So of course it was also National Night Out...and all the kids were at the park. So out of the woods I came, (and according to the girls at the park), I was a princess that magically appeared. It was so funny, because they were just awestruck and came up to me just to look and to tell me I was beautiful and then they wanted photos with me. It was hilarious! We got a lot of awesome photos that I can't wait to see! Our photo session wrapped up as the sun went down...so then we went to Dairy Queen for dinner (I changed out of the dress at my parents'). I think we made it home around 10 or so....just in time for Anthony to take charge of getting Mary and Katie packed and tucked in for the 2-3 hours of sleep they got before heading to the airport to go home.
All-in-all, we had a great, great time. Although with having Katie and Mary taking pics the whole time, I didn't snap one photo. Maybe Katie will post the picture version of the trip, since I just wrote enough for the both of us. Can't wait to hang out with the in-laws again!!!
And before I begin, I just must say that I am lucky. I know some people who don't particularly get along with their in-laws and don't look forward for their visits....but I am not one of those people. I love Dave's family and am always excited for their visits (or my visits to their house). And of course, I love my own family too. I just think I'm very blessed to be part of such great families that love and cherish one another.
Ok. Here's my tale of Anthony bringing Katie and Mary to MN.
On Saturday morning, Dave and I had the Derby Days 5K. It is the annual 5K at Canterbury Downs where you get to start through the starting gates for the horses (see photos from last year). I ran with my friends Nicki and Donna, and they each had some friends too. Dave ended up working the water table. It was a hot morning for a run!
As soon as we were done with the 5K, Dave and I took off to River Falls for the Duane Family Reunion. The last name Duane is Dave's grandma's maiden name, and she's the only one remaining of that generation. So basically the reunion was Dave's mom's first-cousins and all their families. I think about 70 people were there. Lots of family that I never met, but of course there was family that I have seen many times in the last 5 years since my first 'encounter' at Anthony's baptism. Anyway, it was my first official family reunion. And I officially became part of the Duane family as I was presented with the official Duane family reunion button (I understand that buttons or t-shirts are standard for family reunions as I've seen my best friend Krissy plan the Kelly family reunion in years past). Anyway, we spent the majority of the day at the Country Inn and Suites hanging out with family. Then we went to mass and dinner at the local supper club. Then we went back to the hotel to say our goodbyes.
Sunday was even busier. Over the course of the day, we had a summer BBQ at our house with more than 40 people stopping by (completing #82 of 101 in 1,001). We spent the morning cleaning, preparing food, setting up tables, etc. Then spent the rest of the day hosting the event. My nieces got to see their ring boy Anthony. Anthony loved playing the Twist Game with them (aka Twister), and Anthony learned the difference between left and right and apparently learned how to read. After lunch was served, some of the cousins went swimming at the pool. When we got back to the house, Katie and I interrupted Anthony assisting Amanda with taking off the wet swim suit (oh, to be 5 years old and be full of innocence), but it was quite amusing to me and Katie. Anyway, it was another great day hanging out with friends and family.
Monday we spent the entire day at Valleyfair. The highlight was talking Dave into going down the speed slide at the waterpark. And Megan, Dave, Katie and I almost capsized the raft on slide in the waterpark that has the raft for 4. I thought we were going to die. I just closed my eyes as we went round the turns and feeling the raft go airborne with Katie directly above me screaming for her life. Anthony was very proud that he got to go on Thunder Canyon, which was the ride that he was growing tall enough so that he could ride. His favorite ride was the Flume. I think Dave's favorite was the foam ball factory. Katie and Mary loved the Wave. Megan and I loved the extreme swing. Anthony got his cotton candy. We all had an awesome time, although we were exhausted by the time we left.
We decided to 'relax' on the last day of the trip. That meant we spent a couple of hours at Murphy's Landing. Followed by a lunch at McDonald's and a visit to see Dave at work. Then we drove to Minneapolis, so Katie could take some pics of my nieces. We also drove by Lake Calhoun, because Mary and Katie (and T) had never seen it (which is hard for me to believe that they lived in MN and never went to that lake). Then we went home and got Dave and went to my parents' neighborhood to do some pics of me and Dave (completing #53 of 101 in 1,001). And me in my wedding dress. The area where we took the pics was pretty secluded and due to the shortage of time, I just changed into my dress right on the path. So of course it was also National Night Out...and all the kids were at the park. So out of the woods I came, (and according to the girls at the park), I was a princess that magically appeared. It was so funny, because they were just awestruck and came up to me just to look and to tell me I was beautiful and then they wanted photos with me. It was hilarious! We got a lot of awesome photos that I can't wait to see! Our photo session wrapped up as the sun went down...so then we went to Dairy Queen for dinner (I changed out of the dress at my parents'). I think we made it home around 10 or so....just in time for Anthony to take charge of getting Mary and Katie packed and tucked in for the 2-3 hours of sleep they got before heading to the airport to go home.
All-in-all, we had a great, great time. Although with having Katie and Mary taking pics the whole time, I didn't snap one photo. Maybe Katie will post the picture version of the trip, since I just wrote enough for the both of us. Can't wait to hang out with the in-laws again!!!
New Glasses!
I found out that I had to use my flex spending account money before my last day at work (which is tomorrow!!!)...So last night I took a little trip to visit Bryan at Lens Crafters to pick out some new glasses. I definitely had the best customer service at Lens Crafters, so if anyone ever needs glasses go to there!!! (ok...I know that probably 95% of my blog readers are related to the Dobosenski family (and Reese family) in some way and would go to Lens Crafters for their eye-wear needs anyway, but I had to give Bryan a plug for helping me yesterday!).
I was just talking to my SIL Katie and she wanted to see a pic. So here it is. And yes, I took the photo while we were still talking. lol.
I was just talking to my SIL Katie and she wanted to see a pic. So here it is. And yes, I took the photo while we were still talking. lol.
Don't forget Gracie!
The forgotten Balow! Gracie! It's probably been a year since I've last mentioned her in my blog, but she's still part of the Balow Bunch. I am actually very proud of what a great cat she's become in the last two years. She used to get so stressed when people came to our house. She would hiss and would stress until she puked. Especially when people she didn't know...kids...or males visited our house. In fact, this is the first time that I didn't take her to my parents house when Anthony has stayed at our house. But Gracie did awesome! No puking. Very little hissing. She let Anthony pet her and I never saw her hiss at him. On Sunday, we had 40 people at our house over the course of the day. Gracie hung out in our bedroom. She just chilled and did great.
She does seem a little confused about one thing now. She was kicked out of her room, because that's where Mary slept (we keep a baby gate in the doorway for Gracie's room, so she can get away from the dogs and have her own space). So yesterday, when I cam home she wasn't hanging out in her room like usual. She burrowed into one of the drawers in my dresser. It was cute so I grabbed a pic before she jumped out.
She does seem a little confused about one thing now. She was kicked out of her room, because that's where Mary slept (we keep a baby gate in the doorway for Gracie's room, so she can get away from the dogs and have her own space). So yesterday, when I cam home she wasn't hanging out in her room like usual. She burrowed into one of the drawers in my dresser. It was cute so I grabbed a pic before she jumped out.
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