tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97389742024-03-12T20:20:55.609-05:00Loaded Questions, Prada, and Queque.Once when walking through a convenience store, I told some friends that I wanted to buy handcuffs and a briefcase so that people would wonder that important thing I was carrying around handcuffed to my wrist.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-16092268972421247062011-01-04T15:37:00.002-06:002011-01-04T15:38:23.068-06:00Go away...Friends...<br /><br />Instead of posting about Nick's life for him, we've decided to start our own joint blog, which will hopefully take the place of this one. <br /><br />So, go check it out! I'm baptizing it today with its first post: <a href="http://nikkiandnick.blogspot.com/">http://nikkiandnick.blogspot.com</a> (and don't worry, my name isn't first because I created it; my name is first because the other way was already taken!)<br /><br />See you there!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-41382637022931973912010-12-21T16:43:00.002-06:002010-12-21T16:46:44.856-06:00Shameless plugI have a husband.<br /><br />He has a blog.<br /><br />This is me plugging his <a href="http://nickehrenberg.com/">blog.</a><br /><br />He has a lot of writings that he's doing at work, with his very recent job change. But some other things, like grad school options.<br /><br />And basically, I think you should <a href="http://nickehrenberg.com/">read it</a> or add it to your list of blogs you read or whatever you people do.<br /><br />Because I love that he's writing, and professional, and keeping a <a href="http://nickehrenberg.com/">blog</a>!<br /><br />Oh, wait, I'm not sure if I've linked it for you yet. ;) His blog is <a href="http://nickehrenberg.com/">here.</a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-85079732759309692612010-12-18T14:14:00.002-06:002010-12-18T14:20:20.356-06:00Update-d!So, after a friendly nudge from dear bloggerfriend <a href="http://superfluouslysabro.blogspot.com">Sabrina</a>, I realize that it's high time for an update. <div><br /></div><div>We're gearing up for Christmas travel and wonderfulness with our first Christmas as a married couple. We love our new Christmas tree, wrapped presents (thanks, <a href="http://vlachster.blogspot.com">K!</a>), adorable little Holly-dog, and job changes!</div><div><br /></div><div>That job changes are the biggest news. Starting on Monday, I'm going to go back to being an Administrative Assistant (III, if you must know) at the agency that I was previously at. I'll be working 4 days a week in our Bloomington, Minnesota office with the beautiful benefit of FRIDAYS OFF! I couldn't be more ecstatic at the prospect of a 3-day weekend. People keep telling me that I'll be so busy recovering from the longer days of work that I won't like the extra day, but I'm going to find out for myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nick's job is changing, as well. He's going to be working exclusively for KTLK, the local talk radio station, updating their website and keeping tabs on current politics and breaking news. I'm very excited for him, as he'll be able to capitalize on his journalism education, plus his love of politics. Today really sealed the deal for me that his change is fabulous, as we sit and watch CSPAN while the senators take a vote and he names them one by one. He knows his stuff, people, and he's going to use that knowledge!</div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas to you and yours. We hope you have a great holiday-time filled with joy, love, hugs, and holiday cheer!</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-17463350874935349572010-10-25T10:54:00.002-05:002010-10-25T11:03:34.125-05:00Proud ParentsWe are unabashedly proud parents of a new (to us) dog! On Friday we went to the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society and met Holly, a 9 year-old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bichon_Frise">Bichon Frise</a>!<br /><br />Here she is on the ride home from the humane society, cooperating nicely (although she wanted to sit on Nick's lap while driving... oops!)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532013895544820834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_tFGwqhSC2ZdLRqwEuSSKBlEca6hQrE3MgI7s9w3pTgFdwiV12roVYG6UP9HG1WyOl7XwJ_4qYJKZQo6oGSHMjFuLVUERnJmF8q6dyM-zuToOTxXG7a1qkpT287eiCJUppgX/s320/Holly+in+Car.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Holly is very loving and somewhat mellow, although she loves attention. Here she is hanging out on the couch with me on Saturday afternoon while Nick went to catch the Gophers game. Maybe she's sad the Gophers lost??<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnya9GlHrsazUAI33DwZmftBHTI9qzsKITgsLf3_2ZlLUoJN2sl4NBZ1Q55aKlEsKaT0ZZsa6bkkQAkM_cUP2tFL6otN8hCE6W-mTPXygcaeuNlPneBGg_TFxWuO2t1Bp650li/s1600/Holly+on+couch.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532013901952280770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnya9GlHrsazUAI33DwZmftBHTI9qzsKITgsLf3_2ZlLUoJN2sl4NBZ1Q55aKlEsKaT0ZZsa6bkkQAkM_cUP2tFL6otN8hCE6W-mTPXygcaeuNlPneBGg_TFxWuO2t1Bp650li/s320/Holly+on+couch.JPG" border="0" /></a> She's such a joyful dog, we are already head over heels in love with this girl. We're so glad we've adopted a dog!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjJb7qZlCFTGVk-nRomL11uyc7jqpJuCLPTQBp9TE5T63_kZBLkKPMhogGFffZ2x4LLLpfL8F0hx9qofHkm9CswkqYYFxhg2Y2yC0KpRTbqGrZt0HkrWNhTJl27BXi5F5xiwo/s1600/33629_519650156244_148300558_30759255_657938_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532013900733358242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjJb7qZlCFTGVk-nRomL11uyc7jqpJuCLPTQBp9TE5T63_kZBLkKPMhogGFffZ2x4LLLpfL8F0hx9qofHkm9CswkqYYFxhg2Y2yC0KpRTbqGrZt0HkrWNhTJl27BXi5F5xiwo/s320/33629_519650156244_148300558_30759255_657938_n.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-85799197925450000192010-10-22T07:58:00.003-05:002010-10-22T08:04:52.714-05:00VentI just have to vent a little bit. We have an issue in our apartment parking lot. We've been assigned a spot and we're happy to have off street parking. Our "parking neighbors," though, don't seem to have much parking etiquette.<br /><br />For as long as we've been parking there, our neighbors have been precariously parked. Crooked, skewed, sometimes creeping into our spot. It hasn't always been super horrible, and we understand that it's a tricky spot to get into.<br /><br />This week, though, the parking has gotten to be quite atrocious. This morning we walked out to the situation pictured below. Nick, who drives us to work every day, had to walk around the car and get in from the rear because he couldn't get between the cars at the front.<br /><br />More than anything, we wonder if some morning we're going to walk outside and find out that we've been hit because of the poor parking job.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530855142528472274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsf5y0mxcqYcd5tBrMzJeJrnhGiuBPcpnpnA56FctH1iGLCdKNIOFb7eKeQb4m9bXeaP8DnqHVlpFtghR5BoZx-rGurQOIjt3W3BZTbjrTz-VZ7dLCpgupMmU1LkbiKrsTuXi/s400/parking+lot.JPG" border="0" />See what we mean? You'll see a car clearly encroaching in our lane, and, worse, creating almost no space for us to get out without hitting the car.</p><p>We don't know whose spot it is. There are 20 parking spots and they're not assigned by us, so we can't, nor would we, hunt down the drive and approach him. Although I'm tempted to leave a note. </p><p>My only plea is that if this driver park so horribly, that he <em>please</em> realign himself to allow us some exiting room. After realigning, then he can put his Club back on the steering wheel.<br /></p>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-34926376674274173042010-10-14T08:11:00.002-05:002010-10-14T08:13:40.517-05:00more wedding pictures<div>Finally - more pictures! We're still sorting through our pictures from Joanna, our photographer, and picking the ones we love the most (the list is long!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, here are some pictures that my wonderful personal assistant, Roshelle, took the weekend of the wedding. Click on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021073&id=148300558&l=bcba9da207">here</a> to go to the Facebook album, loaded with lots of pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_P5uqhzdKl4wXaNcmies0ZSRdXuk-5svH3HQeviwT9OEGaJOAlO2NTzBpLszavwe124PVNSUhA2Hl_g7kJFL2A9PqToHWdY1W632V0UtuBODklYSyI3HcitXFkhm85l4uWvr/s400/100_1336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527888694874832402" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-2534206614429193472010-10-04T15:48:00.002-05:002010-10-04T15:55:40.744-05:00life is.. lifeSo, we're settling into living life. And we're loving it! Click <a href="http://www.joannaprosser.com/blog/?p=631">here</a> to watch a YouTube video of our wedding pictures from our amazing photographer, Joanna Prosser. She did such an amazing job and we're so happy with the pictures.<br /><br />This weekend, we went through all 675 pictures (eek!) and picked our favorites. I had 133 favorites, Nick had 125. Out of that, we agreed on 40. Hrm... well, we'll have to learn how to compromise! We're putting pictures into an amazing scrapbook that my cousin, Christina, made for us. It's all set to go, we just have to put in the pictures.<br /><br />Oh, and I remembered some of our most exciting news. We're going to grad school!! Nick will be going next fall for a 2-year program for a Master's of Science in Technical Communication. He'll be done in May 2013 and ready to technically communicate with the world. :)<br /><br />In 2 years, I'm going to a 2-year program for a Master's in Social Work. I'm not quite decided on where I'll be going, I just know that I'll be starting in 2 years, finished May 2014. Then we'll be full of higher education and ready to take on the world. Quite literally. I mean, we're going to lift up the world just the two of us and hold it in our hands. Really. Belive me, I'm honest about this one.<br /><br />That's our big news. We're super excited about getting the education to do things we're passionate about. I'm personally excited to have the prospect of a job that doesn't sit me in front of a computer for 8 hours a day.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-51189813256366295872010-09-14T11:10:00.002-05:002010-09-14T11:14:44.117-05:001 MonthWell, we've officially been married for 1 month as of today!<br /><br />So far, we are loving married life. Being together, not saying goodbye at night, and getting settled are just some of the perks, not to mention a husband who goes on a grocery run while his wife watches the premiere of Gossip Girl! <br /><br />We're still waiting on pictures, but they're supposed to be done by this weekend or early next week, so we're hopeful!<br /><br />Until then, you can check out the sneak preview from Joanna, our photographer, <a href="http://www.joannaprosser.com/blog/?p=602">here</a>. Her first look into the pictures is so wonderful, we can't wait to see more!<br /><br />Tonight we eat our first piece of cake - hopefully almond raspberry has kept itself delicious in our freezer :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-69965275026797320492010-08-30T16:31:00.003-05:002010-08-30T16:33:57.118-05:00Still Married... still no pictures!We're still married (okay, 2 weeks, I know, no big feat!) and still have no pictures...<br /><div></div><br /><div>We can't wait to see them and promise to post as soon as we get them. Until then, go check out my Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nikki.ehrenberg">www.facebook.com/nikki.ehrenberg</a> for a few sneak peak pictures (there are tons under photos of me...)</div><br /><div></div><div>Until then, we give you the N/N Ehrenberg clan (inspired by a logo on a wedding card from one of our guests - we just had to make good use of it!)</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511319146845862130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEezOGVuwU9rQSjFInr_7bV8Vi2IKXVNt7wDgH-yR90m0yz6RDCmLCmMiHzrO9nEJBlIyfTDfI6CCHnwLZ0HLvvZYehrG1EitfzqDNQMFgQyDJUeW6GAjRPsQx0wn-ho1PcXgz/s400/LetterheadEuro+no+address.JPG" border="0" /></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-56491308865651494022010-08-23T12:50:00.001-05:002010-08-23T12:51:47.058-05:00We're Married!!!We're married!!!<br /><br />The day was gorgeous and fantastic and wonderful. The honeymoon was bliss. The gift opening was a blast. THe IKEA excursion was long. And now we're back to work!<br /><br />Pictures coming later, I promise :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-61956495543895763622010-08-05T07:09:00.002-05:002010-08-05T07:13:18.064-05:00overdueHi friends,<div><br /></div><div>I'm long over due for a post and I know it. Life has been super chaotic in ways that I never imagined.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're now down to the single digits - only 9 days until we get married. I can hardly believe it's so close, considering it felt like it was such a distant date for so long. Now it's almost here! We're monitoring the absurd 15-day forecasts that can't possibly predict the weather that far out. But we look anyway. High of 77, high of 97 - sure, we can predict the weather!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have 2 more work days left until the fun begins. The crazy (or amazing?) thing is that I don't feel like our to-do list is endless. I know what needs to happen. I know there will be people there to help out, and I know it will get done. But I still think about the wedding ALL the time. I feel stressed, but not because it won't get done. Because that's all I think about. I'm just ready for days when I don't work. Feels like everything else has gone to the wayside with this planning, so I'm looking forward to some planning-free days :)</div><div><br /></div><div>For now, I'll pack up my things and head out for work. I'll make some phone calls, ask people for money, and do my job. But 48 hours from now, I'll be having a girls' night in, enjoying time with friends, and celebrating the freedom of vacation time!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you're all well.</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-42467643012684033062010-06-28T16:10:00.001-05:002010-06-28T16:12:39.990-05:00Someone Else's WeddingThis weekend I went to my dear friend Rachel's wedding. She's been like a sister to me the last few years, and that means a lot to me.<br /><br />After a few years of dating, lots of waiting, questioning, and wondering, Rachel & Josh got engaged and planned a wedding in 4.5 months.<br /><br />Their wedding was fun, laid back, meaningful, and beautiful. Rachel looked beautiful. Josh looked wonderful in a suit (although a little hot!). We sat in the bright, 90-degree sun and fanned ourselves with their program for the reception. The lack of shade or a breeze was worth seeing them get married!<br /><br />More pictures later... I'm going to rob a few ideas from them, for sure!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-30699814334299538842010-06-10T10:25:00.002-05:002010-06-10T10:27:57.340-05:00braggerYou may know it, or you may not, but I'm going to brag anyway.<br /><br />My wonderful fiance has added something fun to his work over at KFAN, our local sports radio station. In addition to creating web content, he also works on the Twin Blog during the Twin season.<br /><br />I'm pretty proud of him, to say the least. Check out his blog <a href="http://www.kfan.com/pages/twinsblog.html">here</a>. He's Nick Ehrenberg, and wrote the most recent post while we were at a Twins game last night (that means he sits in the press box and I bring a friend to keep me company in our cheap seats!).Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-70343574437642105072010-06-09T09:42:00.002-05:002010-06-09T09:46:24.400-05:00new job thoughtsI've had a lot of people ask me how I'm liking my job, my office, my new location, etc. And as I answer, I realize that there are a few things that top the list of "faves" with the new job...<br /><br />*I love, love, love being downtown and being able to walk around and run errands, like going to the transit store, the bank, or the post office<br />*I equally love, love, love taking the light rail in to work, which not only gives me some quiet time, but it also gives me some KDWB time as well as motivation to do some more walking<br />*I quite enjoy having my own office. Although I don't get much of a chance to shut my door, it's nice to have my own space with four walls!<br />*I love learning new things. 4 weeks later, there are still things that I'm learning to do<br />*I love the independence I've been given - I know what I need to be doing. Most of the time, the assumption is that I can do it in whatever way or timing I choose, as long as it gets done by a deadline.<br /><br />Those are just a few things I love. The list for things I dislike is so short and I'm trying to shorten it to none, so I won't even go there!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-45818086380556280832010-06-01T11:48:00.002-05:002010-06-01T12:00:58.594-05:00june bugWow, it's been a long time since posting.<br /><br />I guess I don't know if I have a lot to say. It hasn't really even set in that it's June 1st today...<br /><br />Hmm. Nick had the flu last week, so that week flew by with taking care of him, monitoring his temperature, and praying and crossing my fingers for the fever to break. It finally did, but not before he had to take 4 sick days!<br /><br />We went to Valleyfair for our initial inaugural visit this summer - we've bought season passes, so this will be the first trip of many.<br /><br />Started my new job just over 3 weeks ago. Things are going well and I'm learning fast - I'm almost at the point where I can just do my job duties without having to go to someone else to learn something, although there are still a few odds and ends that need to be taken care of.<br /><br />2 weeks until my birthday, 4 weeks until Nick's. We have a busy June ahead of us, 3 showers for our wedding, 1 for some friends, another wedding to attend, baseball games, happy hour, game nights, engagement pictures, finishing up premarital counseling, and who knows what else!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-22995925429387345782010-04-26T07:32:00.004-05:002010-04-26T07:38:08.544-05:00Drive-by entertainment<div style="text-align: left;">This past weekend, Nick and I drove down to surprise my parents with a visit. My mom is recovering from surgery and we wanted to spend some time with the family.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we arrived, my dad said, "Want to help move some pianos?" Sure! </div><div><br /></div><div>On Saturday, we spent a big chunk of the daylight moving things out of Grandma's house, which will be put up for sale in the near future. One of the projects was to move her piano to my parents' house. In order to that, we first needed to move our piano out of the house into the garage (for someone to hopefully come and take for free). After that, we went back to Grandma's and moved the piano from outside into the back of a pick-up. </div><div><br /></div><div>My mom had always said that it would be fun to play the piano as it was being moved, but she was at home working on surgery recovery, so I took her place instead. My dad slowly drove the short 2-block trip from Grandma's to their house as I played on the way (Amazing Grace, the only song that would come to me at the moment!).</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWTqfrOhVsoE1Bpt03nomc471cE5b03rtxsK-AIWkM4-cEaSUQeKP_4odiEby6D00FnYFObnBL1NxtKy_IOun7D5K8uEfUGSqvJm6dP3LpKCvYwkWdJG52AV0g9h0GtnCTghyphenhyphen/s1600/Moving+Piano+4.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWTqfrOhVsoE1Bpt03nomc471cE5b03rtxsK-AIWkM4-cEaSUQeKP_4odiEby6D00FnYFObnBL1NxtKy_IOun7D5K8uEfUGSqvJm6dP3LpKCvYwkWdJG52AV0g9h0GtnCTghyphenhyphen/s400/Moving+Piano+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464424318883965122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Luckily, it was garage sale weekend in Sioux Center, so we had lots of spectators as we drove along!</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-36491849627379539352010-04-23T07:27:00.003-05:002010-04-23T07:35:36.112-05:00One year and counting!<div style="text-align: left;">Well, friends, it's a year ago to this date that Nick and I first laid our eyes upon each other. Both of us were nervous, wondering what would happen, how things would go, if we would like this person we were about to meet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Little details I remember from the day we met...</div><div>- I had an all staff meeting that morning for work, and got relentlessly teased about going on a first date (I think I was even offered a pair of donated boxers with red lips all over them)</div><div>- I went to the chiropractor, finished early, and sat in my car because I didn't want to show up early</div><div>- I walked in the door of the restaurant to see a very laid back guy wearing khaki shorts and a orange polo (yes, it was warm last April, too!)</div><div>- After the date ended, I remember thinking that it had gone well, he seemed nice, conversation was great, and I would definitely go on another date with him!</div><div><br /></div><div>Countless dates later, here we are! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN-RPwVQI-3XrKsS3bez5P92z_rvASGVv7WmWYX3H5PpxZadkfcbNGt_Oh5LCrT2d79VrQT4i6e14mTIkdqCzLz9hcyj6uwtmvozmrA6n95t2FvbqKRMeuVvIbiKMVt1LhIbY/s1600/100_0694.JPG"><br /></a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0ROM9_OXgyCcbzhjOC8UFKiVB7jb0tX_ZmIAUxAdm5iqnuoEIIqJHEYVIVx4HgWYN5GEgpSoWl8dpWX2-TvYIl3HZeJNQD18qGzsoW6ObxEpql3lWyyQ9KG4TkgYJp8EKZuu/s1600/100_0642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0ROM9_OXgyCcbzhjOC8UFKiVB7jb0tX_ZmIAUxAdm5iqnuoEIIqJHEYVIVx4HgWYN5GEgpSoWl8dpWX2-TvYIl3HZeJNQD18qGzsoW6ObxEpql3lWyyQ9KG4TkgYJp8EKZuu/s200/100_0642.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463309694749421714" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Still crazy....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvywMNQmo5ozQieFf8nlbbMI6mRX3EJveYsYetGORTm1Do358z-EKceBHv0EZkU0eZ-aMgKDoEykrC13VOy7Kd3-QxN-5uVfOBNu6CDpeH0mid6VUC52jXyEuKMAiCitBSRVZ/s1600/100_0747.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvywMNQmo5ozQieFf8nlbbMI6mRX3EJveYsYetGORTm1Do358z-EKceBHv0EZkU0eZ-aMgKDoEykrC13VOy7Kd3-QxN-5uVfOBNu6CDpeH0mid6VUC52jXyEuKMAiCitBSRVZ/s200/100_0747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463309688872478642" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">And happy....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvywMNQmo5ozQieFf8nlbbMI6mRX3EJveYsYetGORTm1Do358z-EKceBHv0EZkU0eZ-aMgKDoEykrC13VOy7Kd3-QxN-5uVfOBNu6CDpeH0mid6VUC52jXyEuKMAiCitBSRVZ/s1600/100_0747.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjMOHM0Rc66Xh2ugZV5EanHHYKea6wjNYMSjjgcuVWxNBadzwvultTIy-k-b8RSApdlzCDkIa8GL5kX3FOWBFX9MJd1GrRwNKp2xffR7EpZvn2tjY2bJEDwMAsgRnNcdKVBcB/s1600/100_0831.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjMOHM0Rc66Xh2ugZV5EanHHYKea6wjNYMSjjgcuVWxNBadzwvultTIy-k-b8RSApdlzCDkIa8GL5kX3FOWBFX9MJd1GrRwNKp2xffR7EpZvn2tjY2bJEDwMAsgRnNcdKVBcB/s200/100_0831.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463309709810821810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjMOHM0Rc66Xh2ugZV5EanHHYKea6wjNYMSjjgcuVWxNBadzwvultTIy-k-b8RSApdlzCDkIa8GL5kX3FOWBFX9MJd1GrRwNKp2xffR7EpZvn2tjY2bJEDwMAsgRnNcdKVBcB/s1600/100_0831.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN-RPwVQI-3XrKsS3bez5P92z_rvASGVv7WmWYX3H5PpxZadkfcbNGt_Oh5LCrT2d79VrQT4i6e14mTIkdqCzLz9hcyj6uwtmvozmrA6n95t2FvbqKRMeuVvIbiKMVt1LhIbY/s1600/100_0694.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN-RPwVQI-3XrKsS3bez5P92z_rvASGVv7WmWYX3H5PpxZadkfcbNGt_Oh5LCrT2d79VrQT4i6e14mTIkdqCzLz9hcyj6uwtmvozmrA6n95t2FvbqKRMeuVvIbiKMVt1LhIbY/s200/100_0694.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463309704112611202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Happy!</div></div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-62840527989657534452010-04-20T19:10:00.004-05:002010-04-20T19:13:40.425-05:00improvisationWhat happens when you have a Rubbermaid storage bin and a laundry basket?<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner table!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcPm8NUINsdjWkjcHf9pCBfiY3IbusziKKyEZCVvuiTDf_Bb8m9iDNOAj4uMej_Uj9n4OuiRzHdsP41FfCrhWyl8NyGyWdJm6E6Ngvkc8xNuEIrrebiPU8KhziBr5l8_eP6uu/s1600/100_1120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcPm8NUINsdjWkjcHf9pCBfiY3IbusziKKyEZCVvuiTDf_Bb8m9iDNOAj4uMej_Uj9n4OuiRzHdsP41FfCrhWyl8NyGyWdJm6E6Ngvkc8xNuEIrrebiPU8KhziBr5l8_eP6uu/s200/100_1120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462376833785079122" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I'm currently without a table, waiting for one to come up our way from my Grandma. But I've been wanting to have a sit-down dinner, share a meal, look at each other, take a little time out from everything that's going on.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I turned the laundry basket upside down, put a Rubbermaid storage bin on time, and then threw a tablecloth. It's not big enough to serve an army, but it will be enough for the two of us to simply have a meal together - until the real thing comes!</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-44624769183020316502010-04-19T14:57:00.003-05:002010-04-19T15:05:31.265-05:00Hello, world of insurance!Friends, I have some exciting news to share with you. I've been sitting on it for about a week and finally have the go ahead to go "public" with my news :)<br /><br />Effective May 10th, I will be starting a new position at the agency that I work for, working as a Billing Specialist/Verification Specialist/Credentialing Specialist. I'm going to call myself an Insurance Specialist instead :)<br /><br />Anyway, I interviewed just over a week ago for this position and am really excited to make the change - I'll be working in our downtown Minneapolis office, which means that I can take the light rail to work, and have super fun coworks, like <a href="http://vlachster.blogspot.com/">KV</a>. (Okay, let's be honest, she's the one who sold me on working DT with the multiple e-mails!)<br /><br />The end.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-20154500755014292752010-04-17T10:39:00.004-05:002010-04-17T10:42:23.829-05:00New Apartment Pictures<div>Well, the apartment is clean "enough" for pictures to be posted. There's still some unpacking to do, but it's at least cleaned up enough that you can get a general view of the place. Click <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019451&id=148300558&l=0a687529fc">here</a> for more pictures.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE87sKU8BLzhydLD0h1E7PST0bPRwVuR1CffEF8mTTTfu66AeGyd3GsnyllPfDd0-jsiOz2asyz164oV4lxZI3VsrvHmEpyp5j4Cl5NoM97hdjc6aJ8j1pDMdijDEbyfOu0sE/s200/100_1108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461131797258099522" /><br /><div><br /></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-21181780619116160552010-04-12T07:27:00.002-05:002010-04-12T07:34:19.360-05:00Opening Day, 2010, in the sun!<div>With a 50% chance of rain looming today, we're all crossing our fingers that the Twins get to play their home opener this afternoon at 3pm. Here are the long ago promised pictures from our trip to the Twins Exhibition game just over a week ago. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xhyl8dSIZjbtgVNXrgU_CDRHyik59NC8flcag5anJmjg6wzdcG092aTEVcGYIj18P3D4i3MV3gpdASMG3rO9CdsMxXNeard2vvGSDab3eF7jbPqtKDmmo4fYVdhmAAfD6_xP/s1600/100_1100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xhyl8dSIZjbtgVNXrgU_CDRHyik59NC8flcag5anJmjg6wzdcG092aTEVcGYIj18P3D4i3MV3gpdASMG3rO9CdsMxXNeard2vvGSDab3eF7jbPqtKDmmo4fYVdhmAAfD6_xP/s200/100_1100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459227470176471522" /></a>Nick's face was pretty much like this the whole game. So was mine. Ecstatically happy just for the fact of baseball. Outside!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGsP6Vi5IumoPsZ6DnpffRRrm_v8K6k1wCz70ne0_t1uWQB-JLu5I4OqQ8qh298TdDpSFHqzXs5Hod-LlHPFOSQF_2kZ7K9AhS5223_qB9Hp00KLCw_bgw-UCbdhZiAloXNoj/s1600/100_1094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGsP6Vi5IumoPsZ6DnpffRRrm_v8K6k1wCz70ne0_t1uWQB-JLu5I4OqQ8qh298TdDpSFHqzXs5Hod-LlHPFOSQF_2kZ7K9AhS5223_qB9Hp00KLCw_bgw-UCbdhZiAloXNoj/s200/100_1094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459227455498085474" /></a>4th largest display screen in MLB. It's big! And it's HD!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3Q3ioJ-aowbsY_cylHIWHfT5bevWdaflcIyaDawMx6lzjkNF1KWYJnXiV-9YnFxER2-2k9A1V_WQEecn27emHy23JwIMqV0qsUC1rym8VaWuLnp4HkSdDXeN3ftrSXuueCKf/s1600/100_1093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3Q3ioJ-aowbsY_cylHIWHfT5bevWdaflcIyaDawMx6lzjkNF1KWYJnXiV-9YnFxER2-2k9A1V_WQEecn27emHy23JwIMqV0qsUC1rym8VaWuLnp4HkSdDXeN3ftrSXuueCKf/s200/100_1093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459227438616346610" /></a>The two men (Minnie and Paul), shake hands and light up when a home run is hit. Thanks, Denard Span, for hitting the first one in the park and giving us the pleasure of seeing the sign in action!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOepp-0NsVuVz0oqw1_dXYcBAckZgkd8LV-7fByPRr0jFYyP3i4Z0lRgOavdPs9zvocK-Vc0e-mXEUvjRMydDIlC6KwkCvFZd0van1uzVyXYt9OdoNIz11ZCtHB_NEedSq9P1/s1600/100_1092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOepp-0NsVuVz0oqw1_dXYcBAckZgkd8LV-7fByPRr0jFYyP3i4Z0lRgOavdPs9zvocK-Vc0e-mXEUvjRMydDIlC6KwkCvFZd0van1uzVyXYt9OdoNIz11ZCtHB_NEedSq9P1/s200/100_1092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459227425176946162" /></a>The beauty of real, green grass. It's not astroturf, folks!<div><br /></div><div>Go home early and watch the game (they don't need you at work!)</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-45850413986791972172010-04-12T07:21:00.002-05:002010-04-12T07:27:44.064-05:00Moving catastrophe?<div>Well, I've moved. The process was actually more seamless than I expected, thanks to help from a few church friends and Nick's dad, in addition to multiple cars and wide hallways.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pictures will be forthcoming... I just haven't cleared up the clutter enough to take good pictures. Maybe later this week, if I'm really productive.</div><div><br /></div><div>But we did have a minor catastrophe. Well, after the move. Nick was over... makes sense, since it's technically his place too, although he sleeps at his other place and keeps his clothes elsewhere. Anyway, he was over. And I notice how badly he needs a shave. We find him a disposable razor and my can of shaving cream that I save for guests, because I don't use shaving cream.</div><div><br /></div><div>He's trying to get some out, says it's all gone. I find this hard to believe, so I mess around, shake, push the button, and then push that little black button on the bottom of pressurized aerosol cans.. Here's what happened...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWvC-Pim29h78yHulvI5eBMTBf72co4hGlBqEVrwBeITehRcVbyAy4-hVpkAQAzlukvedWdnZCIEUMHTI_po6SZ2HQcoAG-KILqku6_VtzdVB34mIHAAIyfKdWgZGJaK55xX3/s1600/100_1104.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWvC-Pim29h78yHulvI5eBMTBf72co4hGlBqEVrwBeITehRcVbyAy4-hVpkAQAzlukvedWdnZCIEUMHTI_po6SZ2HQcoAG-KILqku6_VtzdVB34mIHAAIyfKdWgZGJaK55xX3/s200/100_1104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459225872260302482" /></a>Shaving cream. All over Nikki.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-83927024116824135502010-04-05T07:26:00.002-05:002010-04-05T07:34:51.074-05:00Great weekend behind, busy week ahead!We had a great weekend, filled with all kinds of events. On Friday, we started out by going to the very first Twins exhibition game at Target Field. We can't wait to go back - the field is great, open, and beautiful in the outside! (Pictures soon - my camera won't cooperate this morning!)<div><br /></div><div>From there we drove out to Nick's parents to spend some time with them. Saturday morning breakfast, hang out time, Crazy Golf on the Wii, and then a fun birthday party of a cousin's daughter. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday capped itself off with some massive packing, thanks to some help from a friend. I now have stacks and stacks of boxes and I'm still not done!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday we had brunch with some friends - they served amazing french toast and crepes - we felt entirely spoiled! Then, we enjoyed the outdoors before heading into church to celebrate a risen Christ and a wonderful Eastertime.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week will be hectic, to say the least, but I'm excited for all that it holds. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most of my week will be spent packing boxes, cleaning, organizing, and hopefully donating a large majority of my belongings. On Friday, the moving extravaganza begins, as I hope to be completely moved out, with my keys turned in, by the end of the weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, on Friday, I'll be interviewing for a new position at work. Same agency/place that I work at now, but something different. Currently I fluctuate between nervous and excited. Interviews always freak me out a little bit, but I plan to hone my interviewing skills before then, look my best, and present myself as the best candidate.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's my week, in a nutshell! </div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-57973148027742321192010-04-01T13:39:00.003-05:002010-04-01T13:42:47.057-05:00Grandpa would have loved it.<div>My Grandpa Maatman passed away last week on March 22nd, 2010.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We were comforted with the assurance that he is with his Lord, who he served faithfully all of his 86 years of life.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>He would have been proud to see all of his family joined together for a picture - young and old, from all different parts of the states. Some of us hadn't seen each other for at least 10 years. But for this moment, for this event, we joined together and remembered our grandpa, father, husband, and everything else that he was to us. (Sorry it's not better quality.. that's all I got..)</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455241191611249634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzRNI5LthhNXjAI6wD9N7vY-w-Zgp8Mvlt9wuq-Dh840IRy8xcDkqYTgxPhd-ZlgAk6wfbujFbhvkyUtbqht4qYXU8GBnrsRD-LxYQbelBea9jWREXfw08_VzCx8SqrI_xNGG/s200/MaatmanFamilyMarch2010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9738974.post-62980418098835589292010-03-16T18:20:00.002-05:002010-03-16T18:25:28.058-05:00It's coming.So, it's raining outside. And it's been dreary. And I can hardly take it anymore.<br /><br />So, I'm taking matters into my own hands. I am going to control the weather with my very own handmade machine that diverts the rain from around me, almost like an umbrella, creating sunshine wherever I go so I am blissfully without dreary rain.<br /><br />Or,<br /><br />I'm going to think about the better things that are coming.<br /><ul><li>Twins games! 20 of them! </li><li>Twins vs Braves series on June! Cannot wait. No, literally. More excited than ever.</li><li>Walks with the boy around a lake. In the outside. Without a coat. Feeling the sun. Needing, I mean really <em>needing</em> to wear sunglasses.</li><li>Moving - in 24 days</li><li>Going on a honeymoon to Riviera Maya, Mexico</li></ul><p>Wait, what, you're moving?</p><p>Yes, indeedy friends, the time has arrived. Nick and I found an apartment we are looking forward to call home, althuogh it will be home for me for about 4 months before it is for home. Staying in South Minneapolis, it's a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 1-kitchen, 1-massive living room, 1-half dishwasher, 1-normal sized refrigerator, 1-electric stove, paint colors we got to pick out, apartment! </p><p>We're pretty much in love. Can't wait to live there, to get settled there, for Nick to move in, to start our lives together.</p><p>See, now I don't care about the dreary. It's all about forward thinking.</p>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11765047567982016569noreply@blogger.com2