Jumpin' Jellyfish!

Jumpin' Jellyfish is right.  April has been crazy busy, but in the best ways.  Just a little update on whats been going on in my world since my last post.

I may have mentioned that the later part of 2011, and 2012 involves many celebrations.  Two college friends got married in 2011, one of Peter's friends got married 11.11.11, my cousin Brianna asked me to be a co-maid of honor in her 6.9.12 wedding, Peter's cousin is getting hitched in July, another one of my cousins is getting married in July also, two other teammates of mine are getting married this fall, and one of my hometown friends is getting married in September.  Plus, throw in a few baby showers for Peter's sister, and we have one busy year.  Baby showers, Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties, Weddings; and that's not to mention the duties of daily life, and maybe a little family time with my niece and nephews.  Starting this April, pretty much every weekend until August is spoken for.  And for those of you that don't know me, this is PERFECT.  I have always been a busy body, and always love organization and planning, so the fact that I have the next 2-3 months pretty much planned out is great.  I did try to plan on some days off or days that we don't have plans...now, I repeat...I TRIED.  We'll see how that goes.

With all that said, two weekends ago, I attended a Bridal Shower for Peter's cousins fiance - and helped Barb with some of the preparations.  That weekend I also completed my CPR instructor course (which was pretty lengthy actually - 10 hour day IN CLASSROOM, and then 7 hour online Core Instructor Course).  That Monday I also had a Team Meeting (in which LTF Paleo Bites catered!), and last week was National Spa Week.  So we were CRAZY AWESOME busy at work.  Last week I was also busy putting finishing touches on Brianna's Bridal Shower.  I headed for Osseo Friday afternoon and spent the next 36 hours with my beautiful cousin and co-maid of honor Leah Lien shopping and party planning.  Sunday was the big day for Brianna's Shower, and everything went BEAUTIFULLY.  

While at the shower, my sister informed me that Dain has continued missing me (he called me earlier in the week because he missed me, so we chatted on the phone).  In fact I had a dream about him in the last week, so I was missing him big time as well.  So it was decided that I needed to go home through Prescott and stop and see him (and his brother and sister).  Perfect end to a great weekend.  

After about 5 minutes of relaxation, we started to plan for the next weekend - Opening Cabins at Pinewood.  Not to mention an extension of National Spa Week at work and few other exciting things at work.  Although it's a "working weekend" at Pinewood, I'm still SO looking forward to getting up north.  I wasn't able to get up there at all this winter.  The forecast is sounding pretty cool, but I'm pretty stoked breathe some fresh crisp north-woods air, sport a sweatsuit, and cozy into a good book and great company.  As usual I'm also looking forward to the quality time with Peter on the 3 hour drive to the Crosslake, MN area.  

Peter and I will both be working the first weekend of May - Happy Cinco De Mayo!  We already have our tickets for AVENGERS (3D), and I have an agenda to go visit Dain and Company again that weekend.  The following weekend is Brianna's Bachelorette Party!  We have some AWESOME things planned and I'm looking forward to helping her celebrate her last "girls night out".  The following weekend is Maggie's Baby shower, the next weekend is Memorial Day weekend - which we technically don't have definite plans for yet.  First weekend in June is a working weekend for Peter and I, and then Dum Dumm Du Dummm.  Kraft Wedding weekend is here!  

One of my goals in the midst of this busy busy year, is to yes, be prepared and organized, but to also live in the moment.  For instance, I'm finally taking time to blog and sip some coffee before heading in to workout (lift and then first HIIT Cardio Session with one of my new trainers). 

"Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future before it arrives, I have come to believe that in between these two extremes is peace." -Unknown 

Hope you enjoy TODAY!  Cheers!

Overdue...but hopefully not OVERDUE

A while ago, I realized I was WAY WAY over due in regards of blogging about a special someone, and the special events happening in this persons life.

But first off.  I want to start from the beginning.  It was roughly 3 years ago, this new guy in my life, Peter, asked me to accompany him as his date to his aunts wedding.  We hadn't known each other for long, but I decided to go; I'm glad I did.  It was a bit nerve wracking to meet his ENTIRE extended family, for the first time, at such an important event.  But what was more nerve wracking, was meeting one of the ever present and important fixtures in Peter's life.  His sister.

I had heard TONS about her, seen pictures, and I understood how important she was to Peter.  Needless to say, I was SO nervous.  And SO intimidated.  You see, Margaret (Maggie) is an incredibly gorgeous, charismatic, strong willed, brilliant, creative, charming, gorgeous, vivacious, confident, and did I mention gorgeous young woman.

At that family wedding, I met Liz, a family friend, and I think she could see my "Deer In Headlights" look, and helped me with a few introductions (Peter left me, as he had't seen some of his family in awhile, so I was kind of on my own); she then asked..."Have you met Maggie yet?"  I replied No, and she gave me this wide eye'd look, I can't explain it, but she said..."Yah, you need to meet her, she's the one that matters."  (In regards to winning Peter's heart).

That evening was my first Maggie experience, and over the course of the next three years of Peter and my courtship, I have developed such an amazing friendship with her.  She is someone who is always up for anything.  Shopping, crafts, cooking, sushi, chick flicks, pedicures, and everything in between. Now, on top of being an incredibly gorgeous, charismatic, strong willed, brilliant, charming and creative young woman....Maggie is going to be a gorgeous, charismatic, strong willed, brilliant and charming MOTHER.  Her and her boyfriend Angel are expecting a baby boy - Colton Andrus Rivera - due July 7th.

We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little guy.  Peter was a little concerned he "wasn't ready to be an uncle"...but I think that knowing it is a boy, he has come around and is getting REALLY excited about the new edition to the family.  I have to keep him in check because I think he would go to the store and come home with a tool belt and a 101 piece drill set for Colton if I didn't bring him back to earth and remind him that he is simply bun in the oven right now.  Needless to say Colton is already ADORED, and Peter and I are so happy for Maggie and Angel on this new and exciting chapter.  Plus being aunts and uncles are the best, no pressure for diapers and the not so glamorous stuff; we get to help out our loved ones when we can, AND we get a full nights sleep.

I'm always willing to bite the bullet, and lend a helping hand in pampering the preggo lady; so Maggie and I went and got much needed Manicures and Pedicures last night.  I am looking forward to meeting Colton and watching Maggie and Angel grow as parents, and Peter as an uncle :)

The Always Fabulous - 'Maggie May'

Siblings - Peter's Sushi Birthday Celebration

The expecting Parents! 

Thanks for your friendship, and being my first blog follower Maggie May! Love you!

Pictograph Update

Whoopsie Daisy.  My last post was March 20th.  Life has been a little kiddywampus lately, and I haven't made time to post.  Sad face.  I have been home sick for the last 2, going on 3 days, therefore my brain is just kind of mush.  I don't have anything profound, but thought I'd update via pictures a few of the brighter spots of the last few weeks.

A coworker of mine offered Me FREE tickets (row 16) to the Saturday night Wild Hockey Game.  Neither  Peter or I had been to the Excel Center, so we couldn't pass up the opportunity.  It was a great game; and ended in a Shoot Out Wild Win!  Great experience, and so appreciative of the opportunity!

Us before the game.  Right before the game I started to feel not so great, so this was about the time I was realizing I was going to be sick.  Was still able to tough it out and enjoy the game.

Peter and his 1/2 pound Kielbasa.  He was pretty much in love.

Kevin Love Plays Hockey?  :)

Me supporting the Land of 10,000 Lakes.  Please don't be mad my Wisconsinite Family.  They were awesome FREE tickets, I figured I would be a good sport.

Last week Peter and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and went on a casual bike ride around Eagan...

Peter and I rode to Home Depot to return an item...

Stopped at Byerly's for our favorite dinner (well MY favorite for sure)

Actually rode home, as it was getting dark, and then we drove back to BN. 

My favorite section, ever.

Gazed at what I call "Food Porn" and got Hungry again.

Peter went nuts in the Business/Financial/Accounting/Excel  sections. He was like a kid in a candy store.  And actually found ME the book I ended up wanting (ordered on Amazon).

 We have been lucky to have opportunities to get out and about and spend some quality time together recently.  We are expecting to hear back from our mortgage lender this week; so say a little prayer that all goes well, and we will be able to start ACTIVELY looking at some homes.  We are itching to get started on that road.  Whew....nap time.  I'm still trying to rest up so I foresee a nap in my new future.  Hope to be back to work tomorrow!  Toodles Ya'll.