#2 Covers

As if this photo is not disturbing enough with the feathered woman 1985 hair, but now, in the year 2006, someone is deciding that Richard "Hold Onto the Night" Marx really was a good idea after all.

Check out the turquoise bracelet. Priceless.

Clay Aiken came out with a CD today that is basically a cover CD of really mediocre songs. He starts it off with a mild bang singing "Right Here Waiting" by Mr. Dick Marx. Out of all of the cheesy ballads from the 80's, he picks this one. Come on, Clay. What about "Meet Me Halfway" by Kenny Loggins or something from the super sappy Chicago?

The one exception to the mediocre song choice is "Every time You Go Away" by Paul Young. It still sounds like Clay Aiken doing karaoke, but it is at least a good tune.

Keep in mind, I was a CLAYMATE during his run on American Idol. I even enjoyed his first CD, yet I am annoyed by this. A person should really do something special on their second album because it means you might stay around. Clay did not follow through. I reserve about 10% of my musical capacity for cheesy, pop ballads and I don't think there will be a spot for Clay this time around. It is already filled with Heart's "These Dreams" and "Alone".

It's Over

SPINACH is like that first puppy love who shows you what life can be like only to turn out to be that stinkin' cheating boyfriend.

Being from North Dakota, a salad consisted of Jell-O and marshmallows or a nice iceberg lettuce until I met you, SPINACH. You showed me there was a world outside of Ranch dressing and croutons. Along with your passionate vinaigrette, you showed me that fruit could be part of my salad. I didn't just have to settle for shredded cheddar cheese in my iceberg lettuce, but I could have goat cheese or a tangy Gorgonzola.

But then, you cheated on me and broke my heart. It was at the Genuardi's with that fantastic salad bar. I never wavered from my choice. I was never tempted by the romaine or the iceberg. I was devoted to you, yet you were not loyal. You were even cruel with that horrific food poisoning of September 2005! I thought I could never trust you again!

In time, I started ordering you in the restaurants again. I tried the delicious honey mustard salad with pears at Christopher's. I started to chop you up in my homemade pesto. But then, you had to go and do it again! Her name is E. Coli and it makes us sick! You make us sick! I don't know if I can love you again.

Sunday Morning Thoughts

Yesterday, I felt like I was digging myself out of a pile of things I had been putting off. Terribly boring things like bills, paperwork, letters to be mailed, blah, blah, blah. But after many stamps, many opened envelopes, and checks written, I am caught up. I can re-enter my life without anything hanging over my head for at least one day.

Let me tell you how shallow I am. I have been a bit of a believing heathen in the past few years. I believe yet I don't go to church. Basically, it comes from my severe love for Sunday mornings. You know the type...coffee, political shows, sleeping in, brunch out. However, the time has come (and this is where you see how shallow I am). I am thinking about joining a church because I would like to make some friends and not just with Jesus. I have one person that I hang out with, but she is gone for a few weeks for work. I have great friends, but they happen to be two to seven states away. I guess I am need for proximal friends.

The Lord is not the only one who is trying to find me friends. I am going to a scrapbooking club next Saturday. I found this group through meetup.com. They have several clubs, but this is one where I can go and meet people and if they are not kindred spirits, at least, I can scrap.

Hey! I'm in My Thirties!

My 30th birthday was celebrated in very Sara fashion.

I started the day at Kindergarten where I stumped the children on whose birthday it was. It couldn't occur to them that their teacher actually had a birthday. We did it up right with some cupcakes and frosting made and enjoyed by the Kindergarteners.

I received several cards, presents, and phone calls throughout the week so it really is the birthday that just keeps giving! It is so nice to be thought of on your birthday. Tim and I went to my favorite Thai restaurant where we enjoyed a sampler appetizer platter, spicy noodle, and some basil fried rice. We couldn't eat it all so we have leftovers. Yum.

After dinner, we went to the new Zach Braff movie The Last Kiss. I knew it was about a guy who struggles with having no more surprises after he turns 30. How depressing. I am not of this mindset. The movie was good for several reasons. First, I love a movie that makes people want to talk about it even after it is over. I liked the music throughout the movie. I thought it was a real portrayal of people at the edge of a so-called adulthood. Go see it. Or rent it when it comes out. At the very least, check out the soundtrack.

A 30 Year Old Midwesterner

Why 30 Will Be a Great Year For Me...

I am still thinking big. The idealism of my twenties has just grown and evolved. I am in a place where these idealist ideas can be cultivated because I have the time and resources to explore them. My big ideas for my 30th year are to complete RAGBRAI, create a haven for us in our new home, and start my own business in the scrapbooking world.

My professional life has been reignited with nine little souls that enter into our classroom with their minds, hearts, and hands open and ready to learn. I feel a great task has been placed into my hands to teach these children.

In my 30th year, I have already made plans to build and maintain the relationships in my life. I used to think it was unhealthy how important I place the people in my life, but I've realized over the past year that it is because of my friends and family that I have a very rich life. I will make seeing friends and family a priority. I will never apologize for my exuberance for my relationships. At the end of the day, I know I have shoulders to lean on and I will be a shoulder to lean on.

Each birthday, I take the opportunity to be more self-absorbed than normal so, thanks. Life is good and getting better.

Right Place, Right Song

You might recall when my friend Courtney and I went to a Cuban restaurant in Philadelphia called Alma de Cuba this spring. Ever since that experience, I have been trying to find out the artist and name of the song on their website. I even resorted to emailing them to ask this burning question, yet I heard nothing.

Fast forward to this evening...

Tim and I walked over to Borders to explore a little. Tim picked up the sixth Harry Potter book in paperback. I had no ambition to buy, but I was enjoying the browsing. As we looked, we heard the exact same song overhead as is played on the Alma de Cuba website. I couldn't believe it. I went to the information desk to see the artist, but it was just a track number for a Putumayo Brazilian album. I went to dig in the world music stacks. I was no fool. I knew this was going to be a challenge because the world music section was always a tough one to find anything. I found three different Brazilian Putumayo albums. I took a listen on the listening machines and found it!

I think that is a strange story.

A New Pod

Dear Shiny Green ipod,
You were my first. You were the one who showed me how much I could love the mix of technology and music. I don't want you to think that we are breaking up. We will still hang out. I'll see you in my car when I listen to you on the road. There will be times when I don't want to bring my new, sleek ipod to the gym. Don't feel like #2. You are always #1 because you were my first. You will never lose your spot on the Midwestern Position's Friday Mix. That was for you and will always be for you. The sleek, new ipod will have other uses than just music. I will store and view my photos on it, watch television and movies on it, and listen to music on it, but remember, you were always the one that shocked the school teachers' lounge with your shiny lime green styling and your new ways. This was long before people knew and appreciated an ipod. You've inspired others to get ipods because I would always say how much I loved you. So, think of the new ipod not as an enemy, but as your new little brother. We are all one big Apple family.

Yada

Why is it that every time I watch Seinfeld, I always see the same episode. It is always the one where Elaine steals the Castanzas' TV Guide, Kramer tries to sell his cigar store Indian, and Jerry is dating the Native American but has difficulty controlling his Native American slurs.

Although I know the show is funny, I more annoyed when I watch it than anything. First of all, George's shallowness drives me crazy. I know that is supposed to be funny, but it just drives me crazy. But there it is. That is what the show is all about shallow nothingness. I only like Jerry and I only sort of tolerate Elaine. But Kramer and George send me over the entertainment edge.

Oddities and More

Quirks. That is what people call idiosyncrasies in their own personalities. Sometimes these quirks should really be categorized as flaws, habits, and/or ignorances, but using the label 'quirk' cleans it up a bit and makes it cute or acceptable.

We all have them. Things that are truths in our lives that might not be understood by everyone who knows us. See, we think we know people, but how well do we know their quirks. I think I know Tim's quirks, but I know there are some still to be discovered. I wonder if Tim knows how much I enjoy the smell of cigar smoke? This is a quirk. Most people are repelled by this aroma. I was driving behind a car today and I could smell it. I almost wanted to follow him as he smoked his stogie in his convertible.

What I appreciate is when people embrace and offer no apologies for their peculiarities. I am sure most people do not enjoy Christmas music or Christmas movies all year long, but I love it. Right now as I write this, I am listening to Elton John's "Step Into Christmas". I enjoyed Will Farrell's "Elf" earlier this week like it was below zero and I was watching for the first time.

I can't wear earrings that actually touch my ears or any other part of my body. They must be hoops or earrings that dangle without touching me. I always have these good intentions with big earrings that have the possibility of touching me, but I take them out before I leave the house because I just can't do it.

I offer up my quirks as a confession and as a call to all to confess. Come clean.

Northern Exposure

Nostalgia is a powerful thing. I know a person who likes anything associated with 1992-1993 because he loved his life during those years. I am not sure if I have years that have a stronger pull than others, but I definitely have 'things' that have that pull.

Today, I watched Season One of Northern Exposure. I watched this show way back when but didn't really appreciate the clever personalities and writing in this show. I think I should also mention that my Hollywood boyfriend, John Corbett, is in this show. This show also makes me crave the wilderness and peace that they show in Alaska, but northern Minnesota would do.

Five is the Magic Number

If you've been wondering about my lack of posts this week, well, I've been quite busy. My days have been spent at the Kindergarten classroom. Along with my teaching partner, I've been cutting, taping, planning, creating, and laminating to make the most inviting classroom I can. Today, we had an hour where the children came to visit and had a mini day. I couldn't have asked for a better first hour of kindergarten. They were so excited to be there and to be five and to be painting and to be a big kindergartener!

Last year, I was with children only 15 hours a week. That wasn't enough for me. So much of my identity was wrapped up in being a teacher for five years and then, with this move, I was no longer a teacher. Well, I was, but only for 15 hours a week. I will be careful to not have my professional life become such a large part of my identity because you never know where life will take you. However, I feel like I have a professional purpose again.

Guts

Today, I was standing at an upscale grocery store checking out the bread when I saw something. Usually, I don't go to this grocery store, but today, I wanted to discover something fun and new. But, back to the bread...

I looked down to the bottom shelf of fresh bread when I saw my first cockroach. I was a little grossed out, but I was surprised too because I didn't expect this from this snobby grocery store. Then, as I was looking, a rude man pushed between me and the bread and stepped on the cockroach. I turned to him in his rush and said, "You just stepped on a huge cockroach." He looked down and reacted with, "Well, that is gross. I'll leave you to tell the manager."

Yes. Yes, I will tell the manager because I live to be bossed around by rude strangers.

I am glad the guts are on his shoe and not mine. Karma.

And I promise, this is the last bitchy post about people who annoy me (for at least a month). That is the best I can do.

Don't Go Out There

Have you ever had a day when you should have just stayed home?

I should have stayed home today. I will warn you. The following post is not a pleasant post.

I think on days like Labor Day, people really lose their minds when they are in public.

First of all, I was standing at Lowe's looking at paint samples and a woman kept and stood next to me. She smelled like she had gas. Over and over again. So, I moved. She followed and continued to pass her gas. This is not an okay thing to do!!!

Then, I went to Barnes and Noble to search for a book about Kindergarten Literacy when I stumbled upon the education section in the bookstore. All would have been fine except another person had set up camp in front of the three columns of education books. She had her many books sprawled all over the floor and she was very engaged in her book. She didn't notice that another person might want to look at books too. About five minutes later as I tried to tiptoe around her piles, she realized I was there. She said, "Oh, I guess I can move." Oh, I wouldn't want to disturb you or make you realize that it isn't always about you.

I left the shopping center annoyed and tried to get on the interstate but people were driving like maniacs. Things were going well with the merging except then someone decided to STOP in the right lane causing all Hell to break lose on the freeway. I decided to just get off the highway and try my luck on the back roads.

My final straw occurred when I decided to venture out again to the local Staples to pick up a few things when I was standing in line and my space was severely compromised! This young girl crowded me to the point where she was bumping into me over and over again when she was flirting with her boyfriend. UGH.

Raised by wolves. Raised by wolves.

Change

I have made a few publishing changes to my blog using the blogger beta. If you are having a difficult time making a comment on the blog using your user name, you have to switch to beta yourself on your Blogger account. I am sorry. I didn't realize this would happen with my switch. You could also leave anonymous comments too.

A New Rule

My new Midwestern Rule was inspired by a woman who gives other women a bad name. I was driving on a mildly busy road today when I was stuck behind this woman who decided that it would be a good time to do her hair, put on lotion, talk on the phone, do her make up, check herself out in all the mirrors she had attached to her car, drive on and off the road, and drive at the same time.

She would ride her brake because she was doing all this and wouldn't want to have a fender bender. This was the most annoying thing that I have seen in a long time. Please. Just stop and drive. Then, when it was finally a passing lane, I could see that the entire passenger side of her car was smashed in. This was further proof that this woman should not be driving.

Gooey Treat

Today feels like fall with the rain and gray skies. This might explain why I have reverted back to my Saturday behaviors of baking dessert and cooking a delicious supper. Today, I am trying out Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cake and we'll have lasagna for supper. Funny how I put dessert first.

I haven't baked since I started my health spectacular because sweets are my downfall. I wasn't raised with my Scandinavian blood without having a treat for every occasion. I have strong memories of my two aunts coming to visit each Saturday and my mom would always have at least two kinds of baked goods on hand to put out during their coffee time. The kids would always grab a bar or cookie as we raced through the kitchen to play downstairs.

Last year, I could bake on Saturday and bring the leftovers to Borders on Sunday, but since I no longer work there, I'll have to come up with a new plan. I think I will send them to Borders anyway. Someone once said that I could put out a bowl of chicken broth at Borders and they would eat it.

I Want My MTV

I have a bone to pick with MTV, so-called Music Television.

True, I am no longer of the generation that MTV caters to and I am no longer on the cutting edge of anything, never have been, but I like a music video or two now and again. However, MTV doesn't play videos anymore. They play videos about once a day on TRL and they don't even play the whole video.

So why does MTV feel they should have a Video Awards show. Should a network pat themselves on the back for something they only do about 10% of the day? Let's call the Video Awards exactly what they are...a platform for already established artists to play their mediocre music that sounds and looks like everything else. It is a media driven show that gives celebrities another opportunity to force themselves down our consumer throat.

Well, that is it. I have had it with MTV. I came from the generation that couldn't get enough Real World back in the day when The Real World wasn't just about hooking up and shock displays. Remember San Francisco? Remember London? Well, London was kind of a bust season, but the fact remains that MTV is a disappointment. I can't stand the dating shows with the total lack of connection. I can't stand the MADE shows where teenagers want to become something they are not rather than just being okay with who they are.

I miss the days of videos, unplugged, and real interviews with real artists. You know, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty used to be on MTV, but do you ever see them now? No. They have some musical integrity that is missing in the MTV of today. From this day forward, I boycot that darn MTV.

Joe

Good news. The inspection went very well. There is a hearth issue with the fireplace, but it will be solved. Either they will fix it or they will credit us to fix it. I think they'll fix it. I can't be bothered. The guy who checked our future property was named Joe Randazzo. What a great name.

Interesting...And I Never Even Lived in Minnesota

You have 68% Iowa in you!

Nice score! Are you embarrassed or proud of being so much Iowa? I would be proud, it's great being so closely tied to the Hawkeye State.

Do you have Iowa in you?

How PA are you? Your Result: Have you ever even been to PA?? You really don't know too much about "The Keystone State". You've never seen a horse and buggy and don't even know what stuffing is. You probably don't even know where to locate it on a map. Where are you from anyways??
You're definitely from PA!!
How PA are you?

You are 76% Minnesotan

You are urban Minnesotan, or at least from the suburbs, and you know your stuff pretty well! Great job!

How Minnesotan are you?
Make Your Own Quiz

You are 55% Philly!!

You have decent amount of Philly in your system. Not enough though, so why don't you go ishkabibbles!!

How Philly Are You?
Make a Quiz

Celebrity Karaoke

Last night, as I watched television, I had a reaction that I usually reserve for Ben Stiller movies. I couldn't help but watch with half my hand over my eyes and more importantly, half my hands over my ears. You many have guessed, but I was watching FOX's new reality program, Celebrity Duets. I am not sure if it was Little Richard as he floated in and out of his own reality or it could have been that I just can't get enough of C-List celebrities living out their musical fantasies for all to see, but I couldn't help myself.

Not only was this the most embarrassing thing I have seen in a long time, but it was on for TWO hours. Do you know what I could have gotten accomplished in TWO hours? Well, probably nothing more than the dishes and a good phone call, but that is still bad. I am not sure who should be more embarrassed, me or the celebrities at this point. I do know one thing and that is that I will not be watching next week's episode. It can only get worse from here.

Rainy Days

I couldn't believe how drenched a person could get just running from her car to her apartment door in a rainstorm. True. I made a crucial mistake in the late afternoon downpour. I thought I had it all worked out with my computer bag thrown across my chest and my workout bag ready to go. Then, I ran to the door and no keys.

It was raining so hard and I couldn't find my keys. By the time I got into the apartment, it was like I had just taken a shower. Gross. The weather woman just told me that it is supposed to rain up to nine inches in the next few days. Awesome.

Time to Own

This is our new house. Maybe. It has to pass the house inspection and then, it is ours.

Tim and I have never owned a house. We've been renters for a number of reasons. We've never thought about mortages, paint samples, and yard work, but that will soon change.

If all goes well, we'll be in our house by Thanksgiving. I couldn't be happier. Well, I could be happier if we have a perfect inspection.

Things I Like Today...

• Putting whip cream in the coffee that I enjoy over a delicious dessert.
• When people stay in their lane while driving.
• Fruit leather...like a fruit roll-up, but healthier.
• Cats who don't force themselves on me.
• Clothes without snaps, zippers, buttons...clothes that I can just put on and go.
• My ten dollar purse.
• All four seasons.
• Being right (correct).
  
• Being left (progressive).
• My flat iron...it is the hair tool that I have needed my whole life.
• Afro-Cuban music.

Check Out the Scraps

I thought I would share one of my favorite hobbies with you. I love to scrapbook and if you look closely, you might see yourself in this slideshow. Scrapbooking is fast becoming not only my hobby, but a future business endeavor. This business idea is in the beginning stages, but I hope you can see how much I enjoy this hobby.

Yuck.

Today, I stumbled upon these 100 calorie oatmeal chocolate chip prepackaged cookies at Trader Joe's. I couldn't wait to get them home to try this sweet treat.

I prepared for this event by measuring out one cup of non-fat skim milk. See...portion control is my new thing.

I opened my bag of crunchy goodness, enjoyed my first cookie, brought my glass of milk to my mouth, drank it in, and then, ran to the sink where I could spit out the nastiest tasting milk I have ever experienced.

Even though I am 29 years old, I have never tasted sour milk until today. I checked the date and it said August 26. Well, that is tomorrow. I should have been able to enjoy this milk for one more day, but some dairy chemist had other plans.

Not to worry, friends. I still had these cookies to take away the sting/stink of the milk.

Ten Down

I am ten miles closer to the 600 training miles they suggest for next summer's RAGBRAI. I have a long way to go, but I am determined and logging every mile, inside and out. I sometimes wonder why people do this bike ride or marathons or anything like that. I know why I want to do it. I want to do it to see if I can do it. Simple. It is the same reason why I am not eating McDonald's in 2006.

With McDonald's, I am not really getting a benefit except the obvious health benefits of not ingesting their food, yet the training that is required with RAGBRAI, it will get me in some serious shape.

Television Nirvana

I am going to be very, VERY busy on August 29 because not one, BUT TWO of my favorite shows has a new season coming out on DVD.

Arrested Development, Season Three will be hitting the shelves and it will be bittersweet. I hate it when a series ends and I have nothing more to enjoy of it. Thank goodness for the DVD that can be watched over and over again. This is one of the few shows that fit into that category for me.

I have been constantly reminded that Nip/Tuck, Season Four starts on September 5 everytime I watch FX. This means some serious dedication to Season Three that comes out on August 29th too! I have a lot of shows to watch before Dr. Christian Troy and Dr. Sean McNamara are up to their sleazy ways. Oh, I love the sleaze.

I can't wait to watch episode after episode. I have no shame about this. Sure, I could be spending my last days of summer outside or reading something worthwhile, but I have to think that I may not have that kind of time on my hands once school starts.

Baby Steps

Tim and I are a little behind when it comes to home buying. Most of our friends have entered the grown up chapter where they talk about mortages and property taxes, but we have not. It hasn't been because we didn't want to have a house, but it came down to the fact that we haven't been somewhere long enough to put down roots. This is not the case for Philadelphia. We plan on being here awhile since Tim is on that stressful, but hopefully, fulfilling tenure track at his university.

So, give us your advice as we start this journey. We are at the VERY beginning where we are assessing needs and costs and location and blah, blah, blah. We really want your advice. Maybe what you wish you had known. Maybe what is the most important thing that helped you make your decision. Anything.

The Soundtrack of your Life

This entertained me for at least 30 minutes as it played through and I got to have a song associated with each stage in my life. Some are pretty interesting for the context.


So, here's how it works:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, etc).
2. Put it on shuffle.
3. Press play.
4. For every question type the song that's playing.
5. When you go to a new question press the next button.
Ready? GO!




Opening Credits:
How Come - Ray LaMontagne

Waking Up:
Scrub - Brenda Weiler

Falling In Love:
In My Life - The Beatles

Fight Scene:
Wondering - Widespread Panic

Breaking Up:
Blackbird - Sarah McLachlan

Make-up:
The Boys Are Back in Town- Thin Lizzy

Life's Okay:
Rock With You - Michael Jackson

Mental Breakdown:
I Can't Dance- Genesis

Driving:
Save It For a Rainy Day - The Jayhawks

Flashbacks:
You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall & Oates

Happy Dance:
Goodbye Stranger - SuperTramp

Regretting:
Boston - Augustana

Final Battle:
I'm Free- Kenny Loggins
(From the Footloose Soundtrack! A complete guilty pleasure!)

Death Scene:
Somebody's Crying- Chris Issac

Keepin' It Simps

I have very little to say today. How about I tell you what I have been listening to lately?

I really dig The Weepies. They are a folky, harmonic, and lyrical pair that sing simple songs just for me. No, not really just for me, but I like to think so as I am driving down the road in my little CRV singing along to one of my favorite songs "Gotta Have You". I like that with every song, I am left saying, "Oh, I get it. I get these lyrics."

If you check out their website, you can listen to their songs and not just a sample. The whole darn song.

I guess I have more to say.

I went on a hike today with a friend to Ridley Creek State Park. It was a five mile walk and it was perfection. Shaded and sunny taking turns all morning. I felt fantastic after this walk for a couple reasons. First, I walked five miles. I was technically done with my exercise for the day, but I went home and did a 10 minute workout with a DVD. I love being outside on perfect 80-something days like this.

And lastly...

I am so excited to try Panera's Crispani pizza. I am going to order tomato and fresh basil on my pizza. I did my research to find that this pizza choice is pretty healthy with 170 calories for one piece. This is a comparison to a medium piece of Dominoes pepperoni at 255 calories.

Now, you know all about my day.

Few Words

I haven't spoken to a single person all day. Well, I did ask Tim what his plans were for the day and wished him a good day as I was leaving the apartment, but that is it. I have been out and about today, but just haven't spoken to anyone.

My school life is very different than it was for the first five years of my professional life. I used to think that teaching in a trailer in North Dakota was isolating, but my new teaching situation is isolating...only at the moment. Soon, my assistant teacher will be in the room with me and four more souls will be milling about the kindergarten center. Until then, I will be hanging in my classroom where I am trying to set up an engaging environment for the children.

Hairy Situation

I am having a bad eyebrow day.

The lovely Inez who usually does such a fantastic job on my unruly eyebrows has made the right eyebrow significantly shorter than the left. There is nothing I can do. It will be this way until there is some unruly grow back. My newly trimmed bangs do fall over most of the right eyebrow so I won't stew much longer on this mishap, but a lesson has been learned. I will try to keep my eyebrows plucked so to avoid the total rehab of the eyebrow when I let it go for so long.

As for the long-term hair plan that I discussed in November, I am making progress. I have been in for trims and that is about it. I haven't had my hair this long since my wedding. I think the only thing that is keeping on this train is the discovery of the flat iron. It is the hair tool I have needed my entire life! I have that boring straight hair that isn't really straight, but instead, straight with some bumps. The flat iron has given me back the control over these stubborn bumps. With my flat iron turned to 350 and my minimal product, I am able to keep the bob in some sort of style.

My Big New Ball

I have purchased a balance ball with this new health kick/lifestyle change. It just might be the second best thing I have ever purchased. It came with three videos for yoga and pilates to work the abs, lower body, and upper body.

I did one video last night before bed. I felt challenged and relaxed at the same time. I stayed up for about 30 minutes after my workout and then, crawled into bed. After a few minutes of conversation with Tim, I fell fast to sleep and experienced the best night of sleep that I have had in MONTHS!

I am not saying that the balance ball is completely responsible, but I think it helped my body relax and feel stretched. I am going to try it tonight for further proof of its restful night abilities.

My New Spot

I have created an oasis for myself.

I have had this mission style desk for six years. For most of the desk's brief life, it has been home to our computer. With the big box, monitor, and keyboard, that pretty much took up all the space. The overhead hutch held all the cords and discs that the computer needed. Last fall, I inherited Tim's Apple ibook laptop computer so I didn't need all that space, but I still used that desk for my computer hobbies.

Well, I did a major overhaul of the desk yesterday. I moved, cleaned, threw away, and condensed all the items of the hutch and desk. I moved in my scrapbooking materials and created what I will now call my scrappin' spot. I can leave my pages out if I am not finished. I can look for paper on the shelves that I have created. I do not have to haul out my scrappin' stuff to the family room everytime I want to get my scrap on.

I was so happy about this new turn in my scrappin' life, I scrapped for six hours this morning.

Man, I love to say scrappin'.

Confession

So, I am on a wagon of sorts. Actually, I am on two wagons. Hopefully, one will lead the other.

If you are confused...I am speaking in terms of a cliche metaphor. I am on the weight loss wagon. Some people have beer. Some people like to throw the slots. Some people even love jogging. I love food. I love everything that is associated with it. I love to shop for it. I love to cook it. I love to look online for recipes to cook it. I like to go to places that have good food. All this being said...I am heavier now than ever before and I just can't go on like this. If I sound dramatic, it is because this is dramatic.

First, I have cut back my Diet Coke intake from four cans/bottles/huge convience store guzzlers to one can a day. The timing of this venture is crucial. If I get it to early in the day, the rest of my day is spent craving one. If I wait too long in the day, I am left with a huge headache. Noon seems to be the right time for my daily dose of the good stuff.

So, with the cut back of Diet Coke, I have been drinking water. My goal is to drink eight glasses a day. So boring.

I have decided the only way I can achieve my goal is to tell people about my plan. I don't want them sabotaging me because it is all I can do to not sabotage myself. No one is allowed to invite me for coffee. No one is allowed to ask me to grab a treat. No one is allowed to take me to dinner at my favorite places.

So far, my plan is working nicely. I walk and that is nice. I am going to purchase some at home workout videos because sometimes I just don't want to go out all gross. I have cooked some incredibly healthy and delicious meals. Tonight, black bean and yellow rice enchiladas with whole wheat tortillas.

I am not sure what my long term goal will be, but I know that I can no longer deal with the chubs that has invaded my body.

We All Make Them

Tim and I listened to our fair share of NPR when we were on the road this summer. Along with the usual world news, human interest stories, and general information, one thing always seemed to occur when we would listen to Talk of the Nation and All Things Considered, our favorite shows. The hosts of the show would share a correction from earlier shows. These corrections were always brought to their attention by their listeners.

Sometimes these corrections were dates that were incorrect. Sometimes they were pronunciation errors. The hosts are always so humble and gracious about their mistakes and thanked the listeners, but it leaves me with a question. Who are these people that correct others?

Who are these people that, first, want to take the time to write to NPR to tell them of their mistake. Are these the same strain of people that will correct others when they make a simple mistake that really doesn't change the content of the story? You know at least one of these people. I think I might even know two. This person takes joy in correcting people. For example, I am sure the people that correct the hosts of NPR love to tell the story that they were cited for a correction on their favorite radio show. In person, these are the people that say something like, "Oh, Sara, you meant Tuesday," when I mistakenly said Thursday but that wasn't the point of my story. How rude? Very rude.

This is a pet peeve of mine because I think unless it makes a huge difference in the information or story that the person is sharing, there is no need to interrupt a person to correct them. It just makes the corrected feel stupid and make the corrector look pompous. Correct me if I am wrong.

Back

I think this is the longest I have been away from you, Midwestern Position. We are not in a fight. I am not boycotting you, Blog. I have just been driving cross country and chillin' with my ND peeps.

Okay, enough with the nonsense. Time to fill you in.

I am back in Philadelphia. The drive was actually pretty nice. We listened to the smart, lime green ipod. We would play shuffle on the ipod and then, I would ask Tim, "Do you like this song?"

His response was either "It's okay" or "No".

We traveled through ND, MN, IA, IL, IN, OH, WV, and PA. Stopping at Steak and Shake, Arby's, and Culvers were high points along the way. We are glad to be back.

Space Saved

Tim was very concerned about the amount of 'stuff' that I brought with us from Philadelphia to Iowa only to be brought back again to Philly. Well, the real problem was going to be making it all fit so that I could also bring back some teacher stuff that I had stored in my parents' basement.

I was concerned but trying to hide it from Tim. I couldn't let on that he could possibly be right.

After some reflection, I decided to try the infomercial Space Saver Bags. They were awesome. They are the plastic bags that gets vacuumed to save space. I was able to condense three suitcases into these bags. I couldn't believe it. I am such a skeptic, but no more. I am now giving my testimony of the Space Saver Bags.

Painters and Painting

There are actions between women that show that they are true friends. Letting her have the last slice pizza. A late night phone call for any number of reasons. Helping them with home improvement projects.

Kecia and I proved our friendship in her dining room on Saturday as we converted it into a warm, inviting playroom. We couldn't have been happier with the results. Armistad Blue on the bottom and Spanish Bluebell on the top.

I always forget what a mess I turn into when I am painting. Kecia was all over that with the Clorox wipes. They work like a gem because I would wipe my hands and it would come right off even when it was dry.

Two more days in Iowa, staying at Kecia's and then, we are off to North Dakota to enjoy friends and family.

Not Even Ten

My friend and I were trying to brainstorm a list of rock bands that have been mostly male but with a female lead singer. We couldn't even come up with ten. This came up because she was watching the new season of Rock Star on CBS where singers compete to be the lead singer for Supernova, a band of alpha male rockers like Tommy Lee and a few others that I can't remember. So, this is what we came up with...

• The Pretenders
• No Doubt
• Heart
• Jefferson Airplane
• Fleetwood Mac (they are debatable since two of the three singers were women)
• Blondie

Can you think of any more?

Yuck. Cleaning.

Today, I am spending my day cleaning my apartment and packing up our few items that we brought to Iowa.
When we arrived in Iowa, the apartment was very dirty. I couldn't believe that a person could live like this. It might not have been her fault since she was gone for a month or so, but some of the filth was definitely there for a long time. For example, the stovetop thingys. They are dirty, but were dirty long before I came here. I wiped them a little, but we hardly cooked enough to make a mess. If it were my apartment and I was leaving it for someone else, they would be clean. So, I have decided not to clean them. It isn't like I get any of the deposit back. I didn't even make a deposit. I am leaving this apartment a lot cleaner than when I arrived at it.
I am very glad that I cleaned my apartment in Philly from top to bottom before I left because now we can return and it will be semi-clean. True, I will have to get to cleaning it again because after two months away, it will be mighty dusty and such. I think I am ready to be back in our cute, cozy apartment with a great couch, a hard bed, and all my beloved kitchen tools.

RAGBRAI Challenge 2007

Today started out like any other day, but I was surprised when I was confronted with a complete and oh-so-right-for-me inspiration.

I was driving down a paved country road when I was stopped at an intersection by hundreds and hundreds of bike riders. They were all taking part in the seven day bike ride called RAGBRAI (The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).

The most impressive part about this display was the diversity in riders. The riders ranged from grade school age to senior citizens and everything in between. There were serious bikers and the not-so-serious bikers.

Aaron from Mathman's Ramblings is a rider this year and I have really enjoyed reading about his adventure. The one thing that has me a little nervous is the camping thing. I hate being stuck in a tent when it is storming. I hate storms in a big hate kind of way.

I asked two of my Iowa friends if they would do RAGBRAI with me next summer and they both stated a very clear NO. I would like this to be something I do in my 30th year. Something big. I would like to see myself get really obsessed with this and have it become something that I can do and be proud of myself for doing. Now, I just have to find someone who will take this challenge with me.

A New Cheap Toy

My friend has lent me her itrip so I could decide if this was something that I needed to own. I had a feeling that I was going to have to make it my own. Anything related to my shiny, green ipod usually finds its way into my hands.

I went to the Apple store in the mall today to make the big purchase. I walked up to the counter with an itrip in my hand, ready to lay down some cashola, when I asked the young man, "So, is this a good one?"

He informed me that it wasn't actually that great and I should consider buying the old school adapter with the tape attached to the ipod which you play in your car tape player. I was shocked because I was just reminiscing about the old days of car CD players with the tape and cord contraption. He assured me that it was old technology but better than the itrip.

His honesty impressed me further when he told me that it was only 20 dollars and they did not have any in the store. He directed me to Best Buy where I could find this new toy.

The Apple man-boy was right. It works like a charm. Very clear.

A Favorite Place

Today, I am going to tell you about a place that I love.

In Grand Forks where I grew up, there are surprisingly a lot of great local restaurants that you cannot find anywhere else but in Grand Forks. We have this amazing Mexican restaurant that has never found an equal. Even non-locals say this about my hometown Paradiso. There is also this fantastic bar and grill called The Blue Moose Bar and Grill that serves this secret recipe spinach cheese con queso. No matter what is going on, we must order some.

Along with these tried and trues in my hometown, there is a coffee shop that makes sense to me on any Grand Forks day, hot and humid August or dry and windy January. The old, downtown architecture and the dark tables only made darker by the dim lighting make this the perfect spot for any type of morning/day/evening that a coffee lover would like to have. It sits on a corner. I like that too.

Like any hometown favorite, there are moments. These moments make up the big love for this place.

• During our first grown up summer, a group of undereducated and searching friends gathered at Urban Stampede only to be surprised that it was Tarot card reading night. Amanda coughed up $10 to find out what we all knew about her already.
• My high school pally Dan and I went downtown to this new coffee shop only to realize that we were the youngest and worst dressed in the whole joint. WHOA. This is some special grand opening that we were obviously not invited to, but hey, we took Theatre 100. We could pull it off.
• I stood staring at the menu with words like Latte and Espresso. No idea. So, I took a risk that yielded a lifelong affair of an addiction when I ordered a large Cafe Mocha. It wasn't just the chocolate. It might have been the espresso, but I know it was the whip cream. All together, it became my staple drink. Extra hot, of course.
  
• Walking down the sidewalk with a friend only to find yourselves standing outside the only adult bookstore in Grand Forks. We couldn't help ourselves
• Countless important conversations.
• Countless coffees to go while you hope that you don't get a ticket for parking in an illegal space.

.

Julia and Maria

The great thing about having great friends is that they produce great kids! Three year old Julia and Baby Maria are no exception. I was entertained by Julia's spinning and story-telling on Saturday. Maria had me entranced by her calm spirit and baby perfect cuddles. Then, I can't talk about Julia and Maria without giving the credit to Ryan and Janelle for sharing their girls with the rest of us. I look forward to the next time.

Oh No, You Didn't!

Over the past two years, I have used this blog as a place to share events, both happy and sad. I have expressed opinions, both political and uneducated. I don't hold back when I want to give a friend or family member a proper shout out. Tonight, The Midwestern Position cannot hold back an additional annoyance.

Since I was a young girl, I have had opinions. I was the girl who did not shy away from my viewpoints even as I weaved my way through the conservative crowd I had chosen as my friends. It never failed that I would be in a discussion where my exuberance would 'shine' through.

As much as I would be passionate about my opinions, I held the same excitement for the simple things like music or books. In any situation where I would share my thoughts about any subject and show some enthusiasm, a person would say the most dreaded thing a person could ever say to me...

"Settle down, Sara."

Now, a person could say this to me or they could say "Relax" or "Calm down". Either way, they will get more wrath from me than they could have ever expected before they uttered those stifling words. How dare a person tell me to settle down, relax, or calm down! I will say whatever I want in whatever agitated, inspired, and/or passionate tone that I please. Thank you very much.

If you have known me for years and years, you know what I am talking about. You have probably heard someone say this to me and seen the reaction it calls for. It isn't that I don't think people mean well by these words. They are usually trying to make nice or make everyone happy and comfortable. They also do this because I am not fitting into some prescribed idea they have about me. They might think, "Hey, this is not the positive, light thinking Sara I know" or "Whoa, I am not okay with someone loving limes that much."

Or, they could be thinking, "I wish Sara would shut up."

Go ahead, readers. I know you want to say it.

My Alliance

Because I know you are dying to enter my subconscious, I will tell you about my dream last night.

I was on a reality television show where I was on a team of physical misfits with one exception...Lance Armstrong. I was supposed to be scaling rock and climbing mountains with these out of shapers and Lance. Lance wasn't the leader of the team. He was just there with us. At one point in my dream, I was dangling from a railroad bridge that crossed a river. Right next to me was Lance. I remember telling myself in my dream, "Sara, stay close to Lance. He'll know what he is doing."

He turned to me and smiled like he had dangled all his life. The next thing I knew, I was swinging across the railroad bridge like I was on a playground and it was the safest thing in the world to do. Lance and I had an alliance. There was no ending to my dream, but I have a feeling that we won the challenge.

Six is the Magic Number

This has been a weekend of highs and lows.

First, my new friend Amy had her first child. Welcome to the world Payton Michelle. I enjoyed visiting Amy and Payton in the hospital on her first full day. She was beautiful and her mom was glowing with happiness.

After that special event, my friend Heidi traveled to Ames where we had dinner with our husbands and an evening out with some former co-workers from school. Unfortunately, we went to a very smokey bar which then led to the low of the weekend.

Maybe I would have gotten a summer sinus cold with or without the bar, but it definitely didn't help the situation. I had a small headache all day on Saturday as I shopped with my friends, but I carried on with high hopes for the evening.

You see, Saturday was our wedding anniversary of six years. Tim and I had plans to go out and eat dinner and then, meet up with friends for drinks afterwards. However, when Tim picked me up from my friend's house, I was driving to the restaurant and turned to him and said/whined, "Hey, can we postpone our anniversary?"

I knew what his answer would be. He is so easy going. He didn't shock me when he said, "Sure. How about Taco Bell?" It was perfect. So, we went home and put some season two of Scrubs in the DVD player. I took some allergy/sinus meds, applied the beloved Vicks rub, and got my proper sick on for the evening.

Even though it wasn't our dream anniversary, something about eating Taco Bell, watching one of our favorite shows, and chillin' on the couch seemed like the right way to celebrate our six years of wedded bliss.

Gratitude is My Attitude

If I haven't told you this lately, I will tonight.

I love my life.

Why you ask? Well, I get to sit home during one heck of a thunderstorm and watch six episodes of Sex in the City, walk to Thai Kitchen and order a mean order of Pad Key Mao (oooo....spicy), and consider the agenda of my less than busy Friday. Seriously, I have it good.

This is not a boast, but rather a gratitude post. I am feeling thankful for the simple fact that I am a happy person. I had a difficult time adjusting to my life in Philadelphia, but even now as I spend time in Iowa, I look forward to my future in Philadelphia. I am looking forward to our return to the east coast where both of us will start a new school year with enthusiasm. I think it is always a good time to take a look at your life and say, "Man, I have it pretty good."

auf Wiedersehen

Like always, I will share my television lust of the moment.

I love me some Project Runway! I am far from a trendmaster. I don't remember the last time I paged through a Vogue magazine, yet this show is fascinating. It could be the creative designers and how we get to watch nothing become something. It could be the inflated egos of the male contestants all vying for the alpha male spot, or it could be that I can't wait for the ultra-gorgeous Heidi Klum to utter "You're Out. auf Wiedersehen" as she boots one of the contestants.

Last night, one of the contestants had my dream job when I was nine years old. He designed dresses for Barbie! Can you believe that?!

"I Want To Be Alone"

Today, I went to The Devil Wears Prada...by myself. This is not the first time I have written about my going to movies by myself, but I am compelled to comment further as I became annoyed at the pity that was shown to me when I shared this with a friend. When asked how I spent my afternoon, I shared my entertainment choice and this friend responded with an "ohhhh" so deep with lament that I couldn't tell if she felt sorry for me that I went to the movie alone or in my choice of movie.

I couldn't help myself. I replied with a quick, "Oh, no. You know I enjoy movies by myself." This is no lie to cover a lack of friends. Midweek matinees are my favorite kind of movie to see. Alone.

Enjoying this kind of isolation confuses people. Not all people. I know plenty of isolationists like myself. Just as I seek out detachment from others, there are people that must be with companions at every turn. There is no right or wrong way.

On the outside, I appear to be the type of person that would want to be with people all of the time. In my life, I have rarely been in a situation where I haven't been "with" someone. I grew up with a brother. I lived in the dorms in college. I lived in a sorority house. I married young so I have always had Tim. I have had friends to call up for a partner. My parents were always willing to hang out too. No matter the context, I have always sought being alone.

I remember seeking the privacy of my bedroom when I was younger. I was lucky enough not to share a bedroom. I had all of my favorite things in my room where I could just be. I was able to listen to the music that I wanted, read what I wanted, and be whatever I wanted in my room. As an adult, I realized that I could have this sort of anonymity and isolation in my everyday, mundane activities.

Bummerfest

I think it happens in every small to medium size town in the midwest. The annual summer festival brings beer gardens, food carts, and cover bands doing their best tribute to Journey's "Wheel in the Sky".

My friends and I started the evening by hanging out on Amy's deck where she had prepared delicious guacamole, salsa, and fruit dip. After a few mudslides, we experienced Ankeny's Summerfest. We should have stayed on the deck where we were having a fabulous time.

Thank goodness that I was with some fun chums because Summerfest will forever be called Bummerfest. First of all, it was partially our fault. We got their late so it was already dark and very crowded. Like everything else in life, food became the savior of Bummerfest. The brightly lit fair food carts drew us away from the drunk crowds with their promise of fried treats and variety of cool beverages.

Jodi and I couldn't resist the promise of the Jumbo Plumper Corn Dog. Penny enjoyed the Walking Taco. All of our hands were in the big bag of kettle corn as we stood around deciding to stay or go.

Although Bummerfest was a bust, the deck fun made up for it ten fold. I guess, you get to a certain point and you just want to hang out with the small group of friends that you enjoy rather than the thousand you have no idea who they are.

Mouse Potato

As I browsed through the many online news articles of the day, I had an embarrassing realization. I am a mouse potato.

Don't know what a mouse potato is? Well, think couch and replace it with a computer mouse. It is one of the newest words in the dictionary, I guess and the newest label I will place on my personality.

It isn't something I am proud of, but its roots lie in the need to communicate, connect, and be entertained. Those are not such bad things. I think being a couch potato is worse than a mouse potato. At least with the computer, I am reading or writing to people. Yes, like the television, there is some trash out there that I read like People magazine online. It is a guilty pleasure. It simply replaces the nightly entertainment shows on television that seem to annoy me so much. On the more educated side of this personal debate, I do get all of my news from the internet. I read two newspapers online. I check several news sources each day. Of course, who can forget my horoscope!

I won't be too hard on myself about this whole mouse potato thing. If it weren't for this trait, this blog would not exist and that would be tragic, right? Right.

My Movie Boyfriend, Part Three

What do Chris O'Donnell, Jason Bateman, and John Corbett have in common?

They are my Hollywood boyfriends.

Oh, you all have them! Don't look so scandalized. Why else do we buy those People magazines.

It has never been the obvious choice for me when it comes to my Hollywood boyfriends, but rather, a combination of the characters that they play, their voice, even the lines they deliver in the shows. Today, I started to watch season three of Sex in the City and realized how much I still enjoy him. So, who is your Hollywood boyfriend or girlfriend?

Regarding Rostov

Check out my adventurous and clever friend's blog, Regarding Rostov. Amy is spending the summer in Russia as she enriches her graduate studies in journalism.

We're Back!

Missed me?

Well, I have been in Missouri with my in-laws celebrating the holiday weekend. Seeing family and friends was a huge part of our Midwestern Summer 2006 so this was perfect. We had a really great time. In order to keep my pattern of brief posts, let me condense the week like a good can of soup.

As you can see, Tim enjoyed feeding the animals at the Springfield Zoo. Tim's mom works at this zoo, so we received a well-informed tour of the zoo. It was a pretty hot morning at the zoo, and SnoCones were in order.

I didn't realize this until later in the weekend, but we were in the Ozarks! It didn't look like what I thought the Ozarks would look like, but I guess jugbands and really large families were a bit out of touch. We did go to Branson, Missouri which is part of the Ozarks where they had some shopping, but we didn't go to any of the shows that have made Branson so famous and that was just fine with me.

Last night, we went to a Springfield Cardinals baseball game. This is a double A minor league team, but it had the feeling of a major league ballpark. First, we had fantastic seats right behind homeplate. I had to really pay attention to the game rather than my favorite baseball game pasttime, people watching. However, I did keep an eye open and saw a reality television star sitting right behind me. To most, his 15 minutes might have passed and not been recognized, but to me, I knew him as Aaron, the second Bachelor in ABC's show. As I was trying to figure out why he'd be there, I remembered that he was from Missouri. Strangely, it was the only season that I watched this ridiculous show.

We had a great time. Just another piece to our fantastic summer of fun in the Midwest!

Slip Slidin' Away

I am not sure if I could have had a more fantastic day.

My friends and I all gathered into the big Envoy and traveled to Nevada, Iowa where we enjoyed the pool and waterpark. We lined up our chairs, spread on the sunscreen ranging from SPF 5 to 50, depending on the person, and spent the afternoon rotating between activities that were offered at the pool.

I couldn't help but notice the waterslides. First of all, I love the kind of waterslide that requires a tube, but this waterslide gave you an option of one person or two person tubes. I asked all of the women if they wanted to try the tubes. Three out of the six women were pregnant so that left me and either Penny or Jodi.

It didn't take much arm twisting for Penny to decide to tube it with me. We climbed up the steps along with the eight year olds. They educated us on waterslide etiquette and strategy. I took the front and Penny opted for the back. She didn't realize that she would have to straddle me, but it all worked out as we went down the slide. The funny thing is that neither of us know how to swim but are the ones flying down a plastic ramp towards water of a mystery depth.

Ms. Mary

I love how music has the ability to catch you off guard.

One minute you think a song is as good as it is going to be. It is already a really fantastic song. Then someone comes along and covers that song and it becomes something I could never imagine it being...even better! This is how I feel about U2's One. An already perfect song and then, Ms. Mary J. Blige comes along and covers it.

I am going to go ahead and say it is the best thing I have heard in a long time. I am not sure what it is about her. I don't even own any of her CDs, but everytime I see her perform on television, I am completely entranced. I remember watching an awards show a few years back when she performed No More Drama. It was so much more than a song. To me, it seems like she is always telling a story.

Covers are a funny thing. I think we like them because we know them, yet covers rarely match the original if ever excede the original, but One does this.

Two Truths and One Lie

I don't know my own home phone number.

I have a $13.25 late fee at the Ankeny Public Library.

I have planned my own funeral.

The Pizza is Good!

Along with most things this summer, a new habit has formed for the chums in Iowa. Every week since my return to the beloved state, we have gathered at Bill's Pizza in Ankeny, Iowa.

The restaurant offers a setting where we are encouraged by Bill to sit, relax, and enjoy the afternoon along with some yummy pizza. One of the first things you notice about Bill's are the characatures around the restaurant. They are of local "celebrities" and/or friends of Bill. It's fun to see if you can guess who is who.

But, back to the pizza!

The pizza is VERY good. I am sure that any pizza that we tried at Bill's would be delicious, but we have a soft spot for the DUTCH OVEN. Creative in its name, it offers onions, green peppers, sausage, pepperoni, and Canadian bacon on a perfect thin crust. A large has been perfect as we have three regulars and one rotating guest each week. Two slices a piece.

Having the DUTCH OVEN would be enough, but we always start with the side salad. It comes with not one, but TWO containers of the house dressing, Creamy Parmesan.

Finally, the service is complete when Bill brings out our bill and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies! Can you believe that?! Free chocolate chip cookies!

Maybe if we keep up with our Bill's Pizza habit, we can end up on the wall of celebrities!

My Scope of Hope

Some days, a person needs some inspiration or guidance. Today, I decided to read my horoscope. I rarely do this, but I had the urge and I don't fight urges.

So this is what it said...

Your ability to value and translate complex ideas is sharp today. Be an interpreter.

Okay. This part is okay, but I was looking for a little more reassurance or foresight so I read on...

Outwardly, you may be the picture of confidence, but inwardly, you're shaking in your boots. It's time to cultivate a sense of faith. When you're ready to take the leap, the ground will be there to support you.

I guess that'll do. Now, what I do with this advice is another thing.

Monday's Walk

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. "

~John Muir

Instead of our regular summer routine of lunch out and then, off to the pool, Jodi and I decided to try to take in the nature that is around us at The Ledges State Park. I had visited a few years ago with Tim and tried to hike some trials. I remember the trails being very steep and rugged, yet I wanted to try it again in the summer.

Neither of us are expert hikers, far from it. The last time I remember doing something in nature with Jodi was a canoe trip that we were pretty much guilted into participating through school. I think that is how much I can take nature. I don't like to camp in a tent. I don't like to cook anything other than a nice s'more over a campfire. So, I think I will just stick to morning hiking trips.

I thought we did pretty well for our first time out this summer. We took a trail with some wood steps and parts of the trail were quite rugged. I can completely understand why people take walking sticks too. There were several times when I could have used one.

Lovin' Cherry Limeade

This is my new favorite thing...Cherry Limeade from Minute Maid. It is the perfect thing. It is best served over ice. I have always enjoyed limeade, but to add this cherry twist to it is a summer drink dream. Enjoy!

Forrest, Forrest Gump

Where Tim can watch several movies over and over again, I can watch only a few. Forrest Gump is one of them. It was on TNT tonight and I had no plans on watching television tonight, but he had me at "Mama always says..."

It isn't just the simple Gumpisms that entertain me, but also how much I appreciate how much Forrest loves in his life. Each of his relationships place him in a role of underdog and in each situation, he stands out as the one who knows how to care, respect, and unconditionally love these people. He adores his mother. He is a kindred spirit with Bubba. It doesn't matter to him that Lieutenant Dan doesn't have legs. His love for Jenny never changes, stays unconditional no matter how poor she treats him.

Everytime that he stands over Jenny's grave and tells her about the day she dies and how smart little Forrest has become, I get that familiar lump in my throat and find myself getting the rare tear in my eyes.

Although I have opinions about movies, particularly romantic comedies, and how I don't like cheesy movies, I will always enjoy Forrest Gump for its humor and sentiment even twelve years after its release.

Deck Envy

I am so happy about the new tradition that was started this afternoon at my friend's house. After spending a few hours on the deck of her house drinking frozen cosmopolitan, it was agreed that this would be a weekly event for the rest of my time in Iowa.

There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting on a deck on a nice day. I think my parents instilled this virtue in my soul from an early age. My father likes nothing better than to sit on his deck with a cool drink at the end of a work day or spend a Saturday evening grillin' and chillin' on his deck. My mom likes to sit in the rocking bench with a magazine or simply, watching the yard. It has always been a gathering place in my family. Last summer, I spent time at my parents' house and friends would come by to visit. We'd always end up on the deck.

In my own grown up version of life thus far, I have only had the privilege to have one deck. I loved it. I sat out there whenever the weather permitted. I planted tomato plants and herbs. I look forward to the day when I can enjoy my very own deck again, but until then, I will take advantage of any invitation from friends to use theirs!

Frozen Treat Wisdom

Tim loves Mr. Freeze Pops. They don't have to be that brand, but any sugar flavored frozen water in a plastic tube like wrapper. Any flavor. Any time. However many he wants to enjoy in one sitting.

"I could eat them all day," Tim proudly states.

Usually, I adore all frozen desserts, but I don't like the Freezer Pop genre. I know this is a shocking and bold statement, but it comes down to one simple engineering problem with the pop. I can't stand the side of the tube. It always cuts the side of my mouth. It is too sharp. Yes, the sugary, artificial goodness in the tube is sometimes worth it on a hot day, but I will usually pass for something more in the ice cream/popsicle family.

It's Back!

We can all breathe a big sigh of relief. My digital camera is back in my grubby little hands so that I can document and share with the world all that is Sara's World!!! I know my friends will be pleased as I will now bring it to the restaurants we frequent, the pool where we swim, and wherever my heart desires to document my life.

It is actually a snowball effect of sadness without the digital camera. I can't take pictures, therefore, I cannot scrapbook. UGH. I can't take pictures, therefore, I cannot post funny pictures on my blog. I can't take pictures, therefore, I cannot blackmail my friends through email. Such a vicious cycle without the camera.

My Weekend in Food

I have sat here with a blank screen hoping for some inspiration. Then, I decided to do a montage of my weekend hoping to find something to write about. However, all that I see is the relaxing weekend that Tim and I spent in Iowa. Let me tell you all the fascinating details of my life...

First, we stayed home Friday night to relax. We were both exhausted from a week of travels and we just really needed an evening to rejuvenate ourselves.

On Saturday, we ventured down to the Des Moines Farmers Market. This is one of my favorite things in Iowa. Mixed in with the fresh produce, you will find delicious food vendors, arts and crafts, and fantastic baked goods. Tim enjoyed some fresh brewed Root Beer where I enjoyed some Crab Rangoon, a midwestern Chinese food classic.

Since our return to Ames, Iowa, we hadn't explored downtown Ames so continued on to downtown. We stopped at a restaurant called The Spice. It was a Thai restaurant, but much nicer than any Thai restaurant I have been to. The atmosphere was simple and sophisticated. Red, black, and white decor. Each dish was served with a delicate presentation. We ordered the chicken and pork satay as an appetizer. I would tell you more of my choices, but I cannot remember what they were called.

We found this pond/lake in northern Ames where we took an evening stroll on Saturday night with a stop off at our favorite midwestern treat hut, the DQ. I had a chocolate cone.

Now, you are all caught up on what I ate this weekend.

Summer Reading List

It is that time again to start thinking about doing something 'worthwhile' with my summer. For as long as I could remember, I always considered summer as this mythical time that I would do, read, eat, see, think, and experience more. I guess that is not such a bad thing if it motivates you to actually do, read, eat, see, think, and experience more. So, as part of that pattern of behavior, I present The Summer 2006 Reading List! Some will be first time reads and some rereads.

• Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
• The Know-It-All : One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World by A. J. Jacobs
• The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart
• Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism by Susan Jacoby

That is a good start.

Oldies

As Tim and I sat at the baseball game on Tuesday night, the huge television screen showed three songs that the fans could cheer for to hear during the eighth inning.

• You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
• Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy
• Red, Red Wine by UB40
  

After the third song was revealed, the 12 year old boy in front of us says to his buddy, "They always pick a few oldies".

Oldies?

Well, this idea was affirmed about 30 miles into Iowa. We were listening to the radio when we enjoyed Fame by David Bowie and Little Red Corvette by Prince. After the songs, the DJ came on to inform us that we were listening to the best OLDIES station in Iowa. Huh? I thought oldies meant The Beach Boys and Elvis. I remember listening to the OLDIES with my parents during our car rides and they were songs from the 50's and 60's.

I guess this makes sense because that was in the 80's. So, we were listening to songs from 20 years ago or more. Now, amazing as it seems, the 80's is 20 years ago. I listen to the OLDIES.

We Made It

We have arrived in Iowa. We traveled for two days with a stop in Pittsburgh to see the Pittsburgh Pirates play the St. Louis Cardinals. We had awesome seats. We were right along the third base line about four rows up. The weather was perfect and we had a fantastic view of the Pittsburgh skyline. Before the game, we explore the Three Rivers Artsfest. The art was good, but the food was even better in our eyes.

Yesterday, we drove from the eastern border of Ohio to Ankeny, Iowa. We were welcomed by our friends Kecia and Eric. We enjoyed their porch and good conversation. Today, we moved our few things into our summer sublet. It is on the seventh floor of an apartment across from the University. I am surrounded by coffee shops, pubs, and ethnic foods. I am excited to try out the different restaurants in my neighborhood.

Wicked

Along with having the fantastic opportunity to head to New York City for a day trip, a person has to make choices because you can't fit it all in. There is just too much to do. Thank goodness it will always be there. It never gets old for me.

I had only one thing on my mind...for over a year. We headed to the Gershwin Theatre to see Wicked on Friday night. About a year ago, I had checked out the book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire from the library, but I wasn't quick enough. I had to return it to the library because more patrons wanted to read it before I finished it. Then, like many other things in life, I forgot about this little gem of the literary world.

Then, I was watching this program on PBS where Kristin Chenoweth sang "For Good". I loved the song and did some quick internet research to find out that it was from the musical Wicked. I started listening to the cast recording of the entire show that was loosely based on Maguire's book.

Thankfully, I was able to do some longterm planning to go to the city this weekend and see the show. The story of friendship and tough choices exceeded my expectations and I loved every minute. I am always impressed when the music, the lyrics, and the story leave a person with their very own connection to stories that were considered complete at one point and it extends that connection into a whole new understanding of a story.

Some NYC Thoughts

Is it just me or does New York City seem like a foreign country to you? I know that sounds naive, but it is the only place that I have traveled to within the US where I feel like I don't speak the language, know the rules, and where there is a high possibility that I will get lost. Of course I use my fancy American dollars to buy the very American Starbucks coffee that seems to lurk on every corner of Midtown, yet I know as soon as I leave the familiar surroundings of that chain, things get complicated.

As I traversed the cross-streets and traffic lights of Manhattan, I observed for the first time what I saw as Ugly American Syndrome. It was at this moment that I solidified my "foreign country" theory about NYC. This was the first trip to NYC that I stayed completely in Manhattan without venturing off to Brooklyn. Most of my time was spent in Midtown where the Broadway shows and high interest tourist destinations dwell and I think that is why I saw so much UAS-Ugly American Syndrome.

The symptoms of this range from the look of disgust and fear in a person's eyes as they pass a street performer playing a song or the peace you see come over their face as they pass through the doors of Starbucks. In such a Starbucks, they can be with their "own kind". As I waited for my hazelnut latte, a woman wearing a NYC sweatshirt came up to me and asked in her thick southern accent, "Where y'all from?"

Was it written all over my face that I was not a native of the island? Of course it was. I was standing in a Starbucks because I wanted to make sure I got what I wanted. As I explained my geographical location to this friendly woman, she proceeded to tell me all that she had done the day before. She continued our conversation about the lack of bathrooms in the city and where she was from, you could just use any old bathroom without a problem. It's not that I am not a friendly person and don't enjoy some chit-chat once in awhile, but it crossed my mind that no where else, North Dakota-Iowa-Philadelphia, would a woman come up to me and start telling me what she had accomplished and her bathroom activities from the day before .

Her behavior wasn't that UGLY, but I think it is safe to say that I could imagine her saying to her friends back home, "Well, New York City was great, but...well...the people there just weren't friendly." Of course they were not friendly, because you only spoke to tourists. The conversations that I heard as I waited in line for the many destinations that we visited, people kept complaining about this and that about New York. I just don't get it. They come to New York, a place where people live and work and expect it to change for them, some folks from Nebraska. I think the same rule applies for NYC as does any foreign country or tourist destination, the tourist must adapt to their culture rather than the culture adapt to that one tourist. I might have even forgot that rule as I stood in line at Starbucks.

New York, Take Four

I will return from New York City on Sunday. I will tell you all about my Broadway adventure and my meal on the town. We will be visiting the Statue of Liberty too.

Midwestern Rant, Oh Yes, Midwestern Rant

So many people know the answers to their problems, but don't solve them. So many people know exactly what they must say and who they must say it to, but don't. Why do we hold back as humans? Is it fear? Is it the possibility that our thoughts and ideas will be rejected...or even more terrifying...accepted and validated.

In our own little fantasy worlds, we say what we want. We say it to those who need to hear it the most. Those few individuals that keep us all wound up in anger, disappointment, frustration, and/or hurt feelings.

Until then, we stew.

Happy 30th Birthday, Tim

Tim will always be three months older than me. He will always have three more months of knowledge to share with me. Starting today, he gets to tell me what it is like to be 30. Tim isn't one for dramatics so I am sure he will say it feels a lot like 29. He is probably right.

A toast to Tim on his 30th birthday...

May you always have the sense of humor of a 12 year old boy. May you always start each baseball season wearing your St. Louis Cardinals hat to class just to show 'em whose side you are on. May you always love your work just as much as you love your play.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Midwestern Position!

It's time to give myself a shout out!

It seems that I have been able to keep this Midwestern Position nonsense going for another year. I wonder when I will get over the whole idea of a blog and move on to other adventures?

Will I be 80 and still be logging into my Blogger account everyday to share with my fellow seniors about the latest musical obsession or the Argentine Tango class I just couldn't resist in the all purpose room at the Senior Center?

Will my readers still be around to give their two cents on whether orthopedic shoes are really that important or can I just keep wearing the Birkenstocks that have been so good to me for the last 50 years?

Here are my blogger's birthday wishes...

• I wish to dress up as a professional wrestler where I get to grab the microphone and make my best threat into the camera....okay, that is quite a fantasy. Not the nearly naked type female wrestlers of today, but the cliche man type wrestler from my 1980's Saturday morning childhood.
• I wish to run into more celebrities so that I can blog about them and how much I loved them in that...that...movie...you know...that movie.
• Instead of tap dancing, I hope to register for some dance lessons that require me to be swung, dipped, twirled, and/or twisted by my lovely husband. He is unaware of this request, but he reads this...
• I want to make downward dog my new best friend. I want yoga to be my new thing rather than iced coffee.
• I want, as my Midwestern Position birthday present, ALL of my readers to leave a comment, wish, question, and/or two cents. Thanks for reading!