The Last Hurrah

Saturday was Amy's bachelorette party and it was a blast even though I had been so consumed with planning the shower that the bachelorette party took the back burner.

In preparation for the big one, I emailed my friend Kari for some ideas and that's when we realized we were old and not hip anymore.

However, Google did me proud and when I googled "things to do in Milwaukee" Edelweiss Cruise popped up and made this a great party!!

The party started at noon at Luke and Amy's new apartment. The girls came over and we had munchies, drinks and made Amy open her presents, which we than displayed thanks to Adriane!

She looks so guilty

After lots of chatting, laughing, drinks and shots (thanks Jayme and Jenny!!) we headed downtown Milwaukee (thanks Jenny for driving!!) for the two hour Margarita Fiesta on the Milwaukee River.

It was $25 for a two-hour cruise up and down the Milwaukee River with all you can drink margaritas and all you can eat taco bar. It was a great time and the tacos rocked! It wasn't too crowded and there a few other bachelorette parties on the cruise too.

After we docked we decided to head into Lucille's Rockin Pianos. We totally lucked out and a nice couple let us sit with them at their table because everything else was reserved. We promised we wouldn't get to rowdy and to our surprise the lady who let us sit with them got rowdy. She was dancing up by the pianos and one of the bouncers had to escort her from the piano "stage." They left shortly after that.

The rest of the night was spent drinking, singing, dancing and shouting. We partied like we were rock stars and the one thing I learned was although I feel like a rock star, I don't recover like one. Here are some pics of the evening...yes, there are more but those cost money to see...

Me, Jayme, Danielle, Amy, Jenny and Adriane on the cruise

Amy goin' gangsta'

Adriane, me and Jayme

Jenny, Jayme, Amy and Danielle

I refuse to die at work

From 2:30 to 3:15 I was stuck with the rest of the building in the second floor tornado shelter. We were let out for a brief 3 1/2 minutes - enough time to get to our office, sit back down at our desks and be told we had to go back to the second floor.

At this point I kept thinking, I just want to drive home because I do not want to die in this building. Not because I was afraid but because dying at my place of employment just seems depressing.

Last year a tornado went through Rhode Island where one of our sister companies are located. I was on a call with *Sara* and I asked how they were. She told me when the sirens went off, she got in her car and headed home. I was horrified! She left in the middle of a tornado warning!?!? Her reply was "I don't want to die in this crappy building!" Now, a year later, I understand.

After we were let out from the second shelter herding, I was done with work and ready to go. I called Joe and he said it was barely raining by us and everything had headed into WI. I left, after some assurance to my CTO that I a)would not sue b)the storm was East of my home and c)I would be fine. You see, I've been in my share of storms while in a car...

1997
My friend Jenny and I decided to go shopping and headed to Brookfield Square. It was raining but nothing too bad. We headed to Lerner (NY&CO now) and bought some jeans and got a free t-shirt. While in Lerner, the lights flickered and went off and then came back on. We decided to checkout and head home. We got drenched running to the parking lot.

We heard there was flooding and couldn't go home the way we came so I headed to Bluemound. We were in the middle lane right headed west right across from the strip mall where Starbucks is (was??) and my car died. Completely died. So we got drenched running into Starbucks, called the cops. A little later, my car started and we moved it to the parking lot. Again (we were soaked).

Now traffic wasn't even moving, there was flooding all over and Dad and Karl were on the way to get Jenny and I home. They finally showed up Karl drove my car (it was making crazy noise) while I road with Dad. We had to go way out of our way to get home and I was so glad we got home!!

Summer of 2000
Yes, you would have thought I would have learned from prior experience but alas, no. My friend Tami and I (we were in beauty school at this time) met at Southridge to ride the shuttle to Summerfest - we were going to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We got in line to get into the amphitheater and no sooner did we get in then we hear tornado sirens. So into the women's bathroom we went - talk about hot and sweaty!

Who knows how long we were in there before the all clear was sounded. It was still raining but not too bad. We went to our seats (we were on the metal bleachers) and it rained some more and more and than started lightening. The show was delayed and Tami and I said let's go. We headed back to the shuttle (we did not want to be electrocuted at a Chili Pepper's concert) and the heaven's opened as we ran across the Summerfest grounds. We were drenched, and I mean every piece of clothing on us was soaked.

We got back to Southridge, told each other to call when we got to our respective homes and off we went. I called mom and dad and told them I was headed home. Again, I ran into flooding and the only thing the DJ on the radio kept saying was "Please stay home. Do not go out unless it's an emergency. Please stay off the road." We were in a tornado watch/warning (who knows almost 10 years later) and I drove home. It was awful but I made it home. Tami made it to Racine after a long drive due to the storm and I don't think either of us listened to the Chili Peppers much after that.

So this brings be back to why it didn't bother me to leave work at 3:20 when we were in a tornado warning (even though the tornado had already passed us) and oh yeah, I don't want to die at work.

Really??

I'm sure by now you've all heard that Mr. Favre will be gracing Minnesotans with his presence as the fearless leader of our (Joe's) Minnesota Vikings.

I'm a little irritated with this and Brett has definitely fallen from grace in my eyes. Don't get me wrong, I loved him in the green 'n gold and even in the green 'n white last year. However, I have an issue with how he became purple 'n gold.

Yes, I was not at all thrilled when he "retired" from the Packers to then turn around and sign with the Jets. Was it all Brett's fault? Did the suits in the Packer organization force Brett out? Who knows. But last year's constant will he/won't as far as his retirement was concerned really pissed me off (sorry mom). But hey, he went to the Jets, I cheered and all was well. That is until he "retired" again.

And then the rumors swirled in the Land of 10,000 Lakes (ponds is more like it) that Mr. Favre would wear purple 'n gold. For months that was all anyone talked about until the end of July when it became official, Brett would stay "retired" or at least until training camp was over.

So, for 12 million dollars, we get to put up with Brett for a year until he decides to "retire" at the end of this season. The lines have been drawn and on one side stand Viking fans that say "good riddance" to Brett and on the other side stand Viking fans welcoming their long lost son.

I'm smack dab in the middle. At this point, I could take 'em or leave 'em.

Will I cheer for the Vikings? After being here 6 years, yes, but not because Brett is the QB. I was actually looking forward to watching what Sage could do. That's the guy I feel the worst for.

Will I still be cheering for the Pack? You bet your ass! And on game day when it's Vikings vs. Packers, you bet your ass I'll be cheering green 'n gold all the way.

Oh and to the Viking fans who think I'm "scorned" by Brett's "betrayal," good luck this season. And if by chance the Vikings do make it to the Superbowl and win (because you know that's what the team and fans think will happen), savor it because it won't be the Vikings that win the Superbowl, it will be Brett. And frankly, if the Vikings are going to win a Superbowl, I'd prefer it they win it on their own, without Brett.

Hot Turkey Sandwiches

I got this recipe from a friend at work and love it! Depending on your taste, you can use chili powder or cayenne pepper if you want it spicier. It's super easy to make. I had made it for Amy's shower and was asked multiple times how to make it so here it goes:

Ingredients
1 pound sliced deli turkey (not shaved!!)
1 bag shredded cheese
Paprika
Lemon juice
Dried parsley
Olive oil
crock pot

Directions
Turn the crock pot on high (or low if you don't need it soon) and drizzle some oil on the bottom. Put a layer of turkey down, sprinkle spices, lemon juice and cheese. Repeat layers. Every couple of layers or so add some more olive oil. End with cheese on top. Once heated and cheese melted, serve on rolls.

Tortilla Chicken Bake

I made this the other night. It's super easy to make especially if you have some deli chicken and frozen peppers already on hand.

Ingredients:
1 cup red/yellow peppers
1/2 cup onion
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can tomatoes/green chilies (undrained)
6-8 flour tortilla shells
2 cups shredded cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325. Spray baking dish (13x9 or just a little shorter). Heat skillet over medium heat. Add pepper and onion. Cook until tender.

Stir in broth, soup and undrained tomatoes/chilies, chicken and blend well. Bring to a boil, remove from heat.

Layer 2 tortilla shells in baking dish then top with chicken mixture and cheese. Repeat ending with cheese on top. Bake until 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Update to Joe hunting

Monday night was Joe's first night of hunter's safety class. Yes, you read correctly. Joe is bound and determined to go hunting with Dad and Luke so let the studying begin! I'll keep you posted on how his "schooling" goes.

It's raining, It's pouring...Gifts!!

Joe and I arrived in ET Thursday night (7/23) for the big event, Amy's (and Luke's) bridal shower and I don't think I've been that busy and/or tired since my wedding.

Friday, July 24
Dad, Joe, Amy, Mom and I cruised all over Brookfield for who knows what and to get fitted for their tuxes. We stopped for lunch and then it was on to grocery shopping for the party.

Joe and Dad took the grocery list and started while Mom ordered the pizza (for dinner) and A
my and I cruised to look at hair accessories for the wedding - gotta love Super Wal-Mart. We met Joe and Dad back in the grocery part and finished up and headed home.

Mom, Amy and I left to see Grandma Lu while Dad and Joe prepped for the salads as in chopping, chopping and more chopping.

Saturday, July 25th
Started early and brought 2 car loads over to The Heritage by 9 AM. Joe, Dad and Luke made the fruit/veggie pizzas, salads, meatballs, you name it, they made it. Mom and Amy took off to get the buns, balloons and cake while I hung out with Gram.

The guests started arriving at noon and by 12:30 people were eating and Amy was introducing everyone. The first game we played was "How well do you know Amy" (thanks Danielle). Jayme and I teamed up and had the most answers although since we did it together, we didn't count us as winning. I think the winner had 3 questions right. Evidently Amy is quiet mysterious...

The second game we played was Truth and Tear (thanks Jayme). Everyone had to tear off as much toilet paper as they use in one bathroom visit and then make something wedding related out of it. Amy judged on three categories: Most wedding related, most creative and most unrecognizable.

Well Sara won most creative for her wedding dress, Callie (flower girl and A&L's niece) won most wedding related for her basket of flowers (if anyone has a pic, please send to me!!). She also demonstrated it and she did a fabulous job. I can't wait to see her in action again in Sept. And finally, most unrecognizable was went to Deanna!! I was super impressed with all of the things created and I wouldn't have thought of half of what people came up with.

During the gift opening we played BINGO (fill out a card with what presents you think they'll get) and ohh'd and ahh'd over the gifts. Amy got a ton of great stuff and she couldn't wait to use it all.

The bride-to-be

The cake

Most creative

Gift from Danielle

Dad, Joe and Luke meanwhile were at the Sportsman Club shooting things. The guys came back to help clean up and take things home and Joe told me how he is planning to go hunting with Dad and Luke this fall/winter. I'm sorry...come again?

Saturday we hung out by the fire and Luke and Dad made smore's while Joe, Mom, Amy and I ate them. It was just nice and relaxing.

Sunday, July 26

Dad made burgers for breakfast and then it was back to MN. Joe conveniently forgot his wallet in MN which meant I had to drive both ways - ugh. We got back around 1:30ish and vegged out the rest of the day. I didn't unpack until Thursday, yes Thursday.

National Night Out

A big thanks to Jenny and Ellen for organizing Nokomis Ave's 3rd Annual National Night Out. (There was a third lady who helped but I can't remember her name and I didn't meet her - thanks though!!)

The first time they organized the National Night Out was in August of 2007. We've been invited each year but have never made it. This year I told Joe we were going no matter what. So at 5:30ish we wandered down our block, nervous (because we didn't know anyone) and met our neighbors.

There was a steady stream of people stopping by to introduce themselves and say hi. They made us feel very welcome and we never realized how many kids are on our block! We stayed for a little longer and then decided to walk to the block behind our house. We have two backyard neighbors and Cool Mary had invited us to attend their National Night Out as well.

The minute we set foot on their street Mary was yelling to us how glad she was we showed up. We met Bea (whose driveway the party was in) as well as another backyard neighbor (Tom) and a few more people on their street. Mary took Joe and I around to every single person and personally introduced us. It was quite cute.

Joe ended up telling Bea (who has lived in the neighborhood for 47 years) he was a cook and that he wanted a recipe for her dessert thingys. Well, she came out with a plate full of them and gave them to Joe and announced that "He's a cook and we wants my recipe." It was adorable.

After being in our house for two years, it was nice to hang with both "sets" of neighbors. It was a great getting to know people and the neighborhood definitely feels more "neighborly." Heck, we've already been to a party that Bea throws every year (we were told to mark the calendar for 9/26).

I'm gald we went and I can't wait until next year.