1st Kayaking Experience of the summer

Took the kayak on it's maiden voyage on the Big Sioux River. Beautiful day, great company, some wildlife, family along the shoreline--very shallow water though. Got high-centered a few times. Looking forward to the weekend in the Hills and kayaking on a lake.

Oh, no. What now??

Yep, this is my new kayak. I decided that I needed my own. It's somewhat silly since I have only kayaked one time in my life**. I am jumping on the bandwagon as a few of my close friends all have their own. I didn't want to be left out and have to borrow a kayak. So, today...I find myself a kayak owner. It's a beginner's kayak and it's pretty stable. I am going to load 'er up and take 'er to the Hills next week too. I am excited.
Wow, I such an outdoorsy wannabe!!
**post edit: I have now kayaked 2 times. Today (Monday) hit the river again! I love it!

The Cooper and Iris show

Anticipation...and a little anxiety

A week from tomorrow I will be heading across the state on an adventure. Some friends and I are going camping in the Black Hills. Now, this causes me a little anxiety for a few reasons. The first being that I have only camped one other time in my life. Last August (with the same great folk) I ventured to Yankton and spent one night in a friend's tent. My couple friends are big campers and have everything one would need to camp, or so I am told. This is probably what made the experience fun, that and the weather was as close to perfect as South Dakota weather gets! The people I am heading west with are the type of people you want to do new things with. They are fun and easy-going. I don't have to worry about what they think or feeling stupid in any way. They are good people.
My next reason for feeling anxiety is that it's across the state. What if the weather turns to shit, what if I decide that I am a prissy little whiny brat and want to go to a hotel? Also, the bathroom thingy seems like it's kind of far from the campsites.
The last thing making me feel anxious is that there are going to be about 8 people. That's a lot of people to organize and manage. You see, I am a bit of a control freak and in situations that are new to me I kind of get uptight. I am not really an uptight person, but I have those tendancies. So I pray for patience and the ability to soak it all in.
I am so excited though too. It's been a long time since I have been to the Black Hills and there is so much to do. We are planning on kayaking, doing the Crazy Horse Volksmarch, going out for dinner, and mostly hanging out by the campfire with a beer. I know I'll have fun...I just have to keep telling myself that.
Say a pray for me....and for my parents, they are watching Cooper!!
The pictures are of the campsites we have reserved at the Sylvan Lake Campground in Custer State Park.

Spring into summer

Yesterday, for the first time in about three years, I went golfing. First off, I am satisfied that I didn't injure myself or fall down. I also made contact most of the time, that's right, I said most of the time. I did indeed whiff. Hole #2, I was expecting to hit into the water, but that didn't happen and I whiffed instead. Oh, well.
The weather was cold and windy, it turned to rain and about three hours after we finished hole #9, the sun was out and it was beautiful. Figures, South Dakota weather.
In the later afternoon, I mowed the yard and took a picture of my lilac bush/tree. It's beautiful for a short time.
On Saturday, I also took this picture of Cooper in his polo, it looks like PJ's but it's a polo T.

I suck...

at cleaning. I really do. I live my life, day to day, as a complete and utter slob. My house isn't ever clean enough to invite friends over (I do have a few). I feel terrible. I have a nice little house with a great deck and yard, yet I can't seem to convince myself that it is important enough to keep it presentable. I guess presentable is all I really want.
Two weeks ago, my sister showed up. Out of the blue. I hate that. I swore at her and only allowed her to walk through to the deck. I am embarrassed of the pit I live in. Everyone and anyone that knows me, knows this is how I am so I shouldn't think it's that big of a deal. But I do.
I always feel better after my mother lays a good guilt trip on me and comes over and "helps" me clean and sort through all of the shit I have accumulated. I always say, "I'll never let it get this bad again." And I do. I am lazy. I would much rather spend 3 hours at the dog park, watch TV, read a book, cruise the iTunes music store...basically anything other than clean my damn house.
I wish I were motivated to clean as I go. Some people (probably most) tidy up on a day to day basis so it doesn't get to the point that you dread the doorbell ringing.

Animals...

Here are a couple random shots of my animals as of late. They are a handful...

A little late but...

Went to Las Vegas with my friend from college over a month ago now, but I am lazy and never got around to post about the trip. We left Thursday and returned to town on a very early Sunday morning flight. We traveled with my mom because she has "connections."
Erica and I got to stay at a very nice hotel that we could never afford on our own. We stayed at the Bellagio and ate great food and watched the fountains whenever we wanted! Cramming a lot of sightseeing and beer drinking in makes girls a bit tired, but we managed to stay out until the wee hours of the next day each night.
We say the Volcano at the Mirage, the Venetian and it's extraordinary canals, a big fat Elvis at Barbary Coast, and the pirate show at TI all in one evening. Of course we managed to walk to shoppes at Caesar's too with our 1/2 yard margaritas in hand.
The next day we went through Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden, the Paris and then headed to the Hofbrau Haus of Las Vegas. The bier and pretzels were great!
Friday evening we headed downtown to witness the Fremont Experience. More margaritas and penny slots consumed our evening. On Saturday we were ready to enjoy the pools at the Bellagio and take it easy. Later in the evening we went to the MGM Grand to see Billy Joel in concert. He was great, I sat next to a lady that smelled like old perfume though.
Then we hit New York New York before going back to the room and awaiting our early morning cab ride to the airport. It was a great time, a whirlwind, but so much fun. The weather was perfect and the company was even better. Thanks E!

Roadtrip

Took a roadtrip this weekend to Rochester, MN. This was a long-awaited trip to meet the newborn daughter of my best friend. A baby. I can't believe my friend from way back when is a mom now. Today is Mothers' Day. Her first of many of course.
It seems like only yesterday I was hanging out on her trampoline, we would jump for minutes, then lay down, laugh, tell stories (gossip), jump a few more minutes and repeat. We used to stay up late, we made home movies, watched movies and ate popcorn. We were good kids. This weekend we had this very discussion. Our parents were lucky to have us! We were lucky to have them too.
We didn't sneak out or sneak beer. We just had fun. Good 'ol fashioned girly fun.
Congratulations to my best friend, a new mom. She's a good one, I know already.

It's been awhile...

Here's an update on my last few weeks:
I absolutely love my Element. It's great. I have joined this online club completely dedicated to the Element. Dorky huh? Yeah, well I never denied my dorkiness. I am one through and through. It's been fun to post about mine and read about other people's all over the country. They even have a national meet....St. Louis this summer! I am considering it!
Let's see...Work is going well. I have been very busy with the various things I do. This is fine, I'd rather be busy. I am looking forward to summer though where I'll work part-time hours.
2 weekends ago I headed to Milan to meet up with my cousin. She is going through some rough stuff and I was so happy that I was able to be there to hug and support her. I have faith in her strength to deal with all the shit she is going through. My aunt and uncle live along a river and surrounded by fields...which sets a great scene for a good dog chase. Yes, Cooper TOOK OFF and ran for about 1 mile down the country roads. My pudgy body chased him until I lost sight of him. I thought he was gone forever, I thought for a brief moment what life would be like without a pooch. Luckily, he came shooting out of a grove of trees and my uncle scooped in for the collar-grab. I wasn't too happy...but really happy he came back.
Then last week I went to Vegas Baby! I traveled with my great friend from college and my wonderful mother. We were treated well and packed full 2 1/2 days with casinos, margaritas, attractions, some beer, a lot of sun and great food. I love the crazy feel of Vegas and am glad I got to experience it with such a close friend and my mom. Then it's back to the reality of work. Blech.
I am ready for a four day weekend to fully recover from the trip though!
We'll have to wait and see what the next few weeks have for me! The past few have been a whirlwind!
Sorry to leave you all hanging for such a long time, I'll try harder to post more. I'll get some Cooper pictures up soon too!

StELla!!

Well, I did it. She's mine. I would like to say it was an impulse buy, but honestly I have been researching this vehicle for quite some time. The Element has been mine since Thursday and I am very happy with it so far. Yesterday at the dog park my friend and his dog climbed in and we explored all of the features in the car. He's jealous, he told me so! I am excited about the car. I have accessories on order, which will alter the look just a little bit. I am going to have a roof rack, door visors and splash guards installed in a week or so. StELla is great! You oughta meet her!

MallWalk '06

For the last few years my family and Sam's friends have formed a team and participated in the Children's Care Hospital and School (CCHS) MallWalk. The point is to raise money for the hospital and school, however we just mooch enough money to get a shirt. It's fun to be part of this event that celebrates special children. The energy that fills the mall is really contagious. Sam utilizes some of the services at CCHS, he goes swimming most every week. He loves the water. The event is also a time that brings the Bennetts and the Horstmeyers together to support Sam and his friends.

He's growing up

I haven't posted about Cooper in a little while. He's doing so well, I really think he's growing up. These are a couple of the reasons why I think this:
1. He sleeps more. We'll have only been awake for about 2 hours and he'll want to nap.
2. Today, he had a pen in his mouth and I said, "Cooper, No. Drop it." He did. He dropped it!
3. He doesn't run around like a freak-show with no destination anymore. He seems to have reason for his movements.
4. He hasn't launched himself at my face with his 'devil dog face' in about a month.
5. Free roam of the house isn't a problem, he doesn't come out of the bedroom with undies in his mouth or kleenex from the bathroom garbage.
6. When he's outside, I only have to call his name about 8 times until he comes running in. I used to have to drag him in.

Anyway, each day he's becoming more of a dog and less of a puppy. I told my mom last night that I love him more now than I did when he was 3 mos. old.

I am anxious for spring though, we want to go to the park!

Every step you take, every move you make....

Each day my nephew makes strides.
This time I mean it literally. I haven't yet seen him take steps using his walker, but I trust my sources. Erin says he moves all over the place! We need to find a warm place that's bigger than the kitchen so he can rip-roar around.
Sam continues to to surprise us. He makes us proud. Aren't these pictures cool? Isn't it amazing to think that he may be able to use a walker and scoot himself around?
I'm telling you people, this kid is something great!

Need not, want not? Is that the saying?

Here it is. The Honda Element.
There are things in life that we want and we don't "need." This is one of those things for me. I just want one. I think they are cool. Everything about it screams unique and just cool. You can add so many accessories to it and just make it your own. I have a perfectly functioning car. It's paid off. Going back to having a car payment is stupid, I know this. But...
I like it. I want it. I am exploring it everytime I get online. I have even gone to the dealership and looked at one up close. My cousin drives one, she really likes it too. In fact, it seems like a small cult. In reading about it online I have found many websites where the contributors are bragging and boasting about being Element owners/drivers. I think I want to be one of those boasters. So, if you would like to donate money to my Element fund please send me an email and I will make sure you have my address. Thanks.

A Valentine's Dinner

I spent the early-evening preparing a meal for my Dad. He called last night to ask if I wanted to join him for dinner because my Mom was playing cards. Real romantic Mom. But anyway, I gladly accepted the offer to spend time with my Dad. He's great, all that know him think so. Going out for dinner is always enjoyable, but I called back and asked him if I could make dinner instead. He accepted.
I thumbed through cookbooks, knowing only what I wanted for dessert. I decided on herb chicken and red potatoes and onion. I also made a salad with sliced almonds and mandarin oranges. Dessert was croissants filled with strawberry preserves, strawberries and whipped topping. It was fun to prepare a meal, probably because I rarely do it. As you all know I had a Pampered Chef party a few weeks back and I was excited to use all of my new gadgets. I think I used about everything I received. I chopped garlic and onion with the handy food chopper, I shredded mozzerella cheese with the grater, sliced potatoes and onions with the ultimate slice and grate...it was fun. I could have been in an infomercial for Pampered Chef.
The meal turned out. It was one of my bests. The company was wonderful too. Thanks Dad. Happy Valentine's Day. There really is no other way I would have wanted to spend my evening.

I have a popular neighbor

Yesterday I forgot to check my mail, I just didn't really have time. I got home from work and hurried to get to Adam's Olympic party and walked past the mail cardboard box. So, this morning I checked it and there was a stack of pretty envelopes. I thought, holy crap, what's with all the mail? Then I looked closer and the purple envelope was addressed to my next door neighbor Karen. I picked up the yellow one, same name on the front, the red one and pastel green one too. Damn, she's popular. It must be her birthday or something. A part of me wants to open them and enjoy them for myself. I know that they are hers though and I'll have to deliver them to her. Lucky lady. Mail is fun, isn't it? Don't we all go to the mailbox with the expectation of receiving something new or unexpected? Anyway feel free to send me mail, make sure it's in pretty envelopes though.

I am glad to be home

I have had a very emotional day. It's been the type of day that has gone by so quickly but dragged at the same time. I received a phone call from my boss last night (Sunday) around 9:30pm and she shared with me that a car accident had occurred over the weekend and a 16year-old student had been killed. The other members of the vehicle were all hospitalized with critical injuries. She then asked if I would head down to the small town, south of Sioux Falls and do some crisis or grief intervention for the students on Monday morning.
The drive down this morning was weird. Here I am, a stranger to these kids. A stranger to the boy that died. These kids don't know me....I didn't know this kid. What I learned today though, from these kids is that this young man had a rough life. It was filled with rejection, abandonment, drugs, alcohol, crime and laughter. I ended that sentence with laughter because that is how they described him. He was a smart-ass, a class clown, a guy that made others feel good about themselves, smart...but didn't brag about it, and he was also a friend to those that needed one. The accident involved alcohol, he knew how to party. His friends shared with me his love of having fun...unfortunately at his life's expense.
A pastor was there this morning as well, and in typical pastor form he was able to sum it all up. He said something to the effect of, "What I have learned today and will share with others is that he was a friend."
It touched me and still is, obviously, having an affect on me. It made me think about, well, everything....from my family, to friends, coworkers and myself. I think of the times that this could have happened to many people I love. It's just a moment in time that's gone wrong. It could happen to anyone, that's what is scary. Impaired driving has no prejudice.
I have experienced loss before. People that I love have passed away, but there is definitely something overwhelming about a large room filled with high schoolers missing a friend. I wasn't sure what to say or how to be amongst these strangers. One girl did tell say to me, "you seem nice, funny too. You would have liked him." For a moment I was accepted into this group of grieving students.
I learned from these kids today, not sure if I was of any comfort or solace to any of them, but I know that through them I learned about a tough young man that knew nothing better than to make these choices.
Through the loss of this teddybear of a friend, I hope others will remember to make better choices. Thank you students for teaching me and reminding me to love and laugh each day.
And to my friends and family that come across this, know that you are valued and loved by me and many others. I love you all and God Bless.

uh, well...yup

This, simply put, is a blog about nothing. Nothing happened this week worth spending time on. Really. Nothing. My week was hectic and busy and I was ready for the weekend. I had nothing planned, just wanted to sleep in and get some "stuff" done. Here is what I accomplished this weekend (and it's only 3pm on Sunday):
played the price is right DVD game with Adam
4 loads of laundry
slept in on Sat. and Sun. mornings
purchased a silver chain to replace the one Sam broke
emptied, loaded and emptied the dishwasher
listened to satellite radio for about 2 hours while drinking coffee and lounging on the couch (perfect morning!)
figured out my DVD recorder, it's been driving me nuts since X-mas!
thumbed through Etc. Magazine
let the dog in and out about 45 times
went to the mall and purchased nothing (that's an accomplishment!)
cleaned the cat boxes
recorded some stuff onto DVD's
played mario golf on the Gamecube
messed around on the internet
made new playlists on iTunes
read Oprah Magazine

well that's about it.

the superbowl is on in a couple of hours and I am sure I'll be productive during that!

Direct Sales Galore!

I have had quite the weekend of firsts and it is just the wee hours of Sunday morning. Friday night I hosted my first ever Pampered Chef party. Now, I have attended quite a few of these, but had never been a hostess for one. My mother, bless her, came over on Thursday night and helped me clean. She thinks I live in utter filth. She'll never say that to me directly, but I have known her for 27 years and can read her pretty well. Anyway, it was clean and spiffy for the Pampered Chef party. I bribed people to attend by offering margaritas. It was a good time, I think. I had about 15 people in and out, which I feel is a good showing. Now, I get free stuff. Gotta love that.
Then this morning (Sat. AM) I attended a Tupperware Party. I wasn't even sure that these still existed, but they do. So, I ended up spending money this morning on what the 'consultant' told me were "practical." Sure, lady. Practical, that's me. I also booked a party for May. More free stuff I guess.
So, that brings me to Saturday evening when I was invited to an 80's party at the house where I grew up. That's just weird. Anyway, so I showed up and it was not only an 80's party, but a sex-toy party. I was bombarded this weekend with direct sales consultants!
There are many other 'parties' out there to attend, Tastefully Simple, Homemaker's Idea, Stamp Parties, Purse Parties, Jewelry Parties, Mary Kay etc, etc.
I guess there is always next weekend.