I See London, I See France...

While sitting at Ben's mom's house today, I couldn't help but notice a hunk of fabric stuffed into the corner of her couch next to Ben.  I asked him what it was.  Upon investigation, he discovered that it was a pair of his underwear.  How it traveled with us to Ben's mom is a mystery.  I am hoping it wasn't stuck on Ben during church this morning.  Regardless, we sure had a lot of laughs about it today during Sunday dinner.

After spending time with Ben's mom and Grandma, we traveled over to my aunt Sue's house.  She is dog-sitting for her neighbor.  The dog, Scruffy, just had 5 puppies last week, so the puppies are at my aunts house too!  We got to snuggle with them - they are so precious and tiny - their eyes aren't even open yet!  They just slept in the palms of our hands, making little squeaky sounds.  So, so sweet.

After that, we went to Kohls and Target, where I bought some boots, a hat, a pair of gloves, and some thermal long underwear for my time up north later this week, where dressing in layers will be 100% necessary.

Good night!
Renee

beep beep

Hello Everyone!'

Its Saturday today, and it's no ordinary Saturday.  Today was one of the best days I can remember for a long time for a couple reasons.

First off, I had our dear friends Linda and Tom Solum over for a fun-filled day of food, crafts, woodworking and great conversation!  These Saturdays will go down in history as one of the greatest highlights of my life.  I am sure you will see it on my board when you visit me at my funeral.  Linda made the best roast beef and we had sandwiches along with chips, mixed fruit and cheesecake.  Renee made monkey bread for breakfast.  Great times with great people. 

Secondly - I got my first ever brand new car!  I had been contemplating giving up the minivan for a while due to the fact that I drive so many miles, and at 16-18 mpg I was spending waaayyy to much every week on gas.  Too much to the point that we would be really broke really soon.  The van will be missed in times of hauling stuff and people, but those occurances are very few and far between so it made sense to make the change. 

I chose to get a car with good economy, something cute but not stupid and it had to be a hatchback with a rear wiper and good visibility for Gracie to see outside during our travels.  The dog must like the car or otherwise she will bark up a storm.  I had to feel safe, which is very hard to come by in many small car. But when my good car dealer friend Dennis O'Donnovan at the White Bear Suzuki Mitsubishi dealership brought me on a test drive, I must say I found the car that was just the perfect fit for all of my needs and wants.  I have tried several times to get out of the upside-down loan on the van and at last this option actually worked.  I am so excited to present, as you will see below, our new car, Samuel the Suzuki.  He is a cute blue Suzuki SX4 with the safety of all wheel drive, several air bags, roomy interior and abs.  It is a joy to drive this car - it fits my personality perfectly. 


I give God praise and thanks for the blessings he gave us over the weekend.
Ben

Pizza Party!!

A few years ago at work, I founded the 80's Club.  This club includes everyone in my division who was born in the 80's (hence the clever name). 

Tonight, the ever-expanding club met for a pizza party at Liz's house.  What a great time we had!  Everyone brought their own toppings and we got to sample each other's delicious creations. 

Tim swung the dough around like a pizzeria professional - it was quite impressive.

The pizzas were all unique.  We had a pesto-broccoli-chicken pizza, a gluten free spinach & veggie pizza, a bacon-artichoke-ranch pizza, and many other interesting combinations. 

Here's a photo of the gang, including the dogs who attended!

Front:  Erin, Liz with Cosmo, Ainsley, Renee with Gracie, Ben with Rebel, Thomas and Ashley

Back:  Tim with Bert, Brent, Courtney, Danielle and Kevin

To end the night, we had arts & crafts time!  We made broomball sticks for our upcoming game next Tuesday evening!

What a blessing it is to have GREAT friends!!

Dome Dogs!

The Metrodome might not be any good for football anymore, with a collapsed roof and all... but this makes no difference to the dogs!

Every once in a while, the dome opens it's doors to dogs who have cabin fever and are looking for a nice warm place to run around and meet new friends.

We took Gracie down there tonight, and met a few friends:  Liz and her dog Cosmo, Tim and his dog Bert, and Tom & Janelle and their dog Ollie.  We had a great time visiting while the dogs burned up some energy. 

I am thankful to the people who thought of this great idea.  It is a blessing to provide a warm and safe play zone for Gracie when it's too cold outside to romp around!

Happy Wednesday!

Hello Everyone--

Today we we went to get a ballpark figure of where we would be with our tax stuff.  Thankfully we are much better off than both Renee and I were expecting.  We thought we would be paying way more than we'll need to, so we can now rest a little easier thanks to the good news.  We celebrated with some Arby's after that.  Renee had a marketfresh sandwich and onion rings, and I had the big montana roast beef with a large curly fry!  You just can't beat a great sandwich from Arby's now and then.  It's definitely comfort food!

While today was not overwhelmingly eventful it was a good day and as always, worth thanking the Lord for.  Thanks and praise to Him for His love.

Ben

T.M.T.H.

T.M.T.H.   I learned a few years ago that this is the texting abbreviation for Too Much To Handle.

Today was T.M.T.H.   But not in a bad way. 

I spent my workday trapped in a fortress of cardboard boxes.  I had recently ordered a bunch of prizes to be given away on the upcoming Wonewok trip.  Well, the boxes came, and were conveniently stacked in the doorway of my cubicle.  If I wanted to leave my desk at all today, it was up to me to unpack them.  So I did, and it was fun, even though it took me nearly an entire workday to finish the job!  It kind of felt like my birthday, or Christmas.  I love opening presents.  I know none of the items were for me, but it was still fun to rip open the boxes and look through all the stuff I had ordered. 

After work, I stopped at Petco (where the pets go) to get food for Gracie.  Today's blessing:  I was randomly selected to participate in an online survey.  Upon doing so, I will receive $2.00 off my next purchase.  Woot!

After that fun experience, I came home to a bucket load of accounting homework.  I don't understand any of it, so I have my work cut out for me.  My first exam is next Tuesday!  Therefore, I must go back to studying!

Talk to you on Thursday!
Renee

Monday Monday :)

Well everyone.  Its Monday.  For a Monday it has been pretty good.  I worked today which was a break from life. 

I also got my steamer back from Oreck.  Only took since November to figure out what the problem was.  I think GM could figure out a 2013 model car and have the prototype done in that time but I guess a steamer is just that complicated.  Anyway I got it back and can't wait to use it to clean up our carpets all nice and fresh. 

I miss my dog during the day sometimes and think of how nice it would be to be throwing a frisbee for her instead of doing what ever life brings my way.  If reincarnation was something I believed in I would like to come back as a yellow lab with a family as loving as we are to Gracie.  What a great life.  I do miss Renee too.  I think Wednesday should be a day off of work to spend with your family kind of a catchup day where you get to hang out with the dog and cuddle the wife.  It would make life more balanced 4 days of work and 3 days of family.  Work still wins an additional day over you personally but you would get more personal time to spend at home.  I think that should go to congress. 

Enough of me rambling, must be a Monday thing.

Until Wednesday,
Ben

Minnesota Cold. Canada Dry.

Canada Dry Ginger Ale. Love it. Just sayin.

Anyway. Today is Sunday.  It was a weird day.  For some reason, Ben and I could not get moving this morning.  It's like we both got run over by a steamroller in the middle of the night and could not pry ourselves out of bed this morning.  I finally got up at 10AM, and Ben was fast asleep til 2PM.  We missed our whole morning!!  Not good.

But, Ben's mom once again salvaged our afternoon by providing us with a delicious feast.  Today's menu:  pork chops, hashbrowns, spinach, and bread.  These things aren't special by themselves, but Ben's mom has the ability to transform the simplest of foods into the most delicious meal you've ever had.  The pork chops were smothered with applesauce and onions.  The hashbrowns were cooked in a thick soupy mixture that made them kind of like cheesy potatoes, but better.  The spinach was flash fried (had no idea what that meant until I got a personal demostration today) and coated with garlic, olive oil and strawberry jam. The bread was baked fresh today. 

 For dessert, we had the most delicious blueberry crisp.

This meal was washed down with a glass of ice cold milk, which can't be beat.  Last but not least, I was treated to a can of Canada Dry.  My favorite.  I'm not sure why I don't buy this at the grocery store ever.  I need to start indulging in this more often.  It's so refreshing and bubbly!

I realize that I write about food a lot on here.  I can't help it.  I love food.  And I love enjoying it with people that I love.  For me, there's no better way to spend the afternoon.

Have a good week!
Renee

Artsy Fartsy

Well today was another good day.  I woke up and took Renee to school and went to my Sat morning AA meeting.  Since I forgot to get my 30 day medallion last Sunday I got it today even though it is now 36 days!  Woo Hoo!! 36 days.  It means so much more this time.  Holds a special place in my heart now.  Can't wait til 60.

After the meeting I picked up my cute little bride and we headed off to get Anna (Renee's cousin) to get lunch and go to the art museum.  Anna, age 10, likes art a lot.  Me, I don't care for much of it but it is always nice to see something colorful.  The cool part for me was the early era woodwork that people made.  I felt like I was hosting an episode of New Yankee Workshop and was hunting down a rare piece in Nantucket in a hidden antique shop on some grassy hill with colonial animals nearby.  Super cool. Below is a picture of the cute bride and cousin with a giant white dog that looks happy but has a frostbitten nose from our sub-zero temps.

In the evening I picked up one of my anonymous friends to get to the 7pm meeting.  Now I am home having stopped at walmart for some laundry soap and looking for that perfect valentines gift in the automotive section.  No good finds but I am sure something good will turn up soon.

God Bless you all and have a good night!

Ben

Miracle on 149th St!

Who needs the movie "Miracle on 34th Street" when you can have your very own miracle on 149th St? 

What is this miracle of which I speak?  Something I cooked actually turned out.

That's right.  I cooked.

I got a cookbook from my friend Linda for Christmas, and while flipping through it, a recipe for Chicken Pot Pie caught my eye.  My parents used to make the frozen pot pies for dinner when I was younger, and I haven't had one since.  So, I decideed to relive the past and make a pot pie for myself, just like the good old days.  Except my pot pie was to be homemade.  None of this microwave crap.

While in the oven, it was bubbling and overflowing from the edges of the crust, leading me to believe I'd be cleaning out my oven tonight and eating a handful of Cheez-it's for dinner.  But looks can be deceiving.

Simply put, my pot pie was the bomb.  Recipe below.  A big shout-out to Rachel of Baldwin, Wisconsin, for entering this recipe into the Baldwin Christian School cookbook.  I don't know you, but I love you.

Peace out.
Renee

____________________________________________

Classic Pot Pie

Ingredients:
2 refrigerated pie crusts
1/3 c. margarine or butter
1/3 c. chopped onion
1/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 c. chicken broth
2/3 c. milk
2 1/2 c. cooked chicken
2 c. thawed mixed frozen veggies

Instructions:
Heat oven to 425F.  Lay 1st pie crust into 9.5" pie plate.  Melt butter and saute onion for 2 minutes or until tender.  Stir in flour, salt and pepper.  Gradually stir in both milk and broth.  Cook until smooth and bubbly.  Add chicken and veggies.  Spoon into crust.  Cover with top crust, seal and slit.  Bake 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

Good things can happen to good people.

Greetings yáll,

I feel like the smartest man alive today.  As you all may know, I am a numbers person.  Not much for grammar but I love numbers.  While striving for more hours and wondering how to get there, I collided with opportunity.

I have a boss that is a loving, Christian person and so is her husband.  Recently the person that processes payroll for her husband's company was forced to leave due to a job opp his wife got out of state.  I was attempting to fill more client needs with the cleaning business but we ran in to a few road blocks.  Ironically she mentioned the job and we both kind of looked at each other like "me?  In an office?" 

Well, we talked for a bit and I realized not all office work involves a computer.  She thought I hated office work all together.  Not the case.  I just hate computer applications.  This system involves no computer work at all but a good strong nack for extreme detail and no room for error.  I stayed til 9 pm tonight and found that I like the job.  I'm really in training mode now.  I feel I will pick it up soon. 

So, this fills my money needs while helping a great company owned by great people.  God gave me this opportunity at just the right time.  Funny when you let God drive where you will end up. 

Also, it is Thursday and I got to clean at my favorite client's house today.  I'm tired but it was all worth it. 

Hopefully the 14 below will turn in to 14 above soon so my dog doesn't get a chapped bum while doing her business.

God Bless you all
Ben

Most Boring Blog Ever....

The best thing about today was having coffee with my friend, Lindsay. We met at Caribou and got to visit for a few hours.  We had so much to catch up on! 

Otherwise, today was pretty standard.  Work, work, work.  I spent most of the day working on Wonewok plans (our trip to northern MN in February).  I am so excited to go up there!

I know this post is pretty lame and unexciting... sorry!  Hopefully I'll have something more awesome to say on Saturday!

For Your Entertainment!

Since Ben didn't have the time to write today, we shall provide you with some entertainment courtesy of our favorite Christian music artist, Jeremy Camp.

Enjoy!

Debits and Credits are Hip If You're an Accountant. Having No Hips is Not Hip If You're Me.

It's official.  I have the first week of Accounting class under my belt.  It's going OK so far.  I'm not a fan of math, so I think I'll have plenty of struggles ahead, but here's the good news:  The Accountant in my division at 3M has graciously offered to help me.  Today, he spent 15 minutes going over the problems I couldn't figure out, which was a huge help.  I am thankful to have people in my life who are generous with their time and talents.

And, a piece of bad news.  While standing at the copy machine today, I leaned against the wall and put my hands on my hips.  Only to find that I no longer have hips.  Where did they go?  Oh wait, I think they're hiding under the layers of my newly developed blubber.  I've never not had hips before.  In an effort to get them back, I went straight to the gym after work and exercised for 45 minutes.  I will probably need to do this at least 3 times a week before my hips decide to show themselves again.  Ugh.

The story of my hipless body is quite depressing - certainly not Year of the Strand blog material.  So I'll end it on a happy note.  Exercising feels good.  I especially love how after working out, you can step outside into 10 degree weather, but your body is toasty warm.  Such a snuggly feeling!

Sunday

Hello everyone,

Sunday is my favorite day of the week.  I like it the most because I get to go to church.  Unfortunately, I did miss church today, but we read out of a book our pastor suggested last weekend instead. 

After we got ourselves together, we went to grandma's as usual then off to Mom's for some great beef stew.  Yummmm.  We played farkle in which I cleaned house, no surprise.

Today is also my 30 days sober date.  Should have got a dairy queen cake but ran short on funds.  Not uncommon.  Still a great day because it is a day in which I am saved from sin.  Thank you God for sending your son Jesus to save us! 
Have a great week everyone,
Ben

Bookworm

I spent almost all day today in my jammies, with my nose stuffed in a book... which is pretty much my favorite way to spend a day.

Today's selection:  The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 

I read another book of his a year ago (A Thousand Splendid Suns), which turned out to be my most favorite book ever.  So, I was really excited to dive into his new one.  And, as I suspected, it did not disappoint me!  I give it 5 stars, and would be happy to lend it anyone insterested in reading it.

Next on the list:  Caught by Harlan Coben (my favorite author).  So excited to start this one!

In other book news, I got a cute reading light and a nice cover for my Nook.  Makes e-reading so much more fun!! 

Yay for good books and the people who have the gift of writing them!

Renee

happy friday!

Friday is here and has gone by quickly.  Tonight, I got to celebrate a fellow recovering individual's 6 year sobriety birthday with a group of great people.  Pizza was involved so it was really good. 

It snowing again, so my ass has been getting to know the drivers seat in my car pretty well.  I don't mind driving in snow but it does get tiring after a while. 

I must say that life is good.  I will try to quit smoking again over the weekend and hope I can stay strong. We'll see. 

Thats all for now folks!

Ben

Juicy Lucy

Today I was treated to lunch by my friend Carrie. 

We went to the 5-8 Club, which is just down the street from 3M.  We ate Juicy Lucy's.  This is a Juicy Lucy:

That's right.  It's beefy.  It's cheesy.  It's warm and gooey.  And it comes with onion rings and cole slaw.  Only $5.99 for the whole shebang.  Wash it down with a frosty mug of 5-8 Club's homemade root beer, and you've got yourself the perfect lunchtime experience.

And with that happy thought, I am ready to drift off to sleep... well, as much as I can get while being constantly interrupted by Ben's snoring.  He sounds like a rhinoceros.... whatever they sound like.

Night!
Renee



2 Scoops of Plump Juicy Raisins!!

Don't you just love Raisin Bran?  I know I do.  That's how I started my day off and wouldn't you know it I wasn't hungry til lunch.  Raisin Bran is my new favorite cereal.  It kind of satisfies my taste while still being somewhat healthy I think.  Not a single bite will disappoint you.  At least it hasn't rubbed me wrong.  Well that was my blessing today. 

On to other good news.  I got a package from UPS today containing my Pro 12 vacuum replacement from my friend Andy at Oreck Commercial.  I was super glad to see it.  It is one of my favorite vacuums although I have many. 

I am taking a night off of AA and had planned on going out to finish my garage set-up so I can get crackin' at some projects before my craft show coming up in February.  I will send you all out an invite.  If I forget you just call my customer service hotline and complain.  A friendly staff representative will be happy to assist you.  Anyway, instead of woodworking tonight, I am going to settle in with my very very cute wife, Renee, to read.  I am currently reading Thereby Hangs a Tail by Spencer Quinn.  Gracie the dog may join us as I have heard it may get cold and she likes to snuggle.

That's all for now folks.
Ben

Tuesday Treasures

Today was a day filled with new treasures!

It was the typical workday, except for the fact that I received a bunch of gifts!

For starters, I ate lunch in the cafeteria with my friend Tim, who peeled his orange so that the peel looked like an S.  He gave it to me, saying that S was for Strand.  Way cool.  I can peel oranges to look like an elephant, but I didn't want to out-do him and make him feel bad.  Maybe some other day I can share this talent with him.  Anyway, the S is now hanging in my cube.  It's only a matter of time before it rots, but for now I will choose to enjoy it.

Later in the afternoon, a large package arrived in the mailroom.  It was addressed to me, from my friend Linda who works in another 3M building.  I opened it up to find a bunch of belated Christmas gifts!  In the box was a cookbook from the Baldwin Christian School (where her grand-daughters attend), a bag of pistachio's for Ben, another bag of candy for both Ben and I to share, and last but not least:  a gift for Gracie.

Several months ago, I had dripped a blob of paint on one of my sweaters.  I gave the sweater to Linda, thinking she could make something out of it for one of her many craft shows.  Well... she made a pillow for Gracie!  It is so adorable!  Gracie's name is stitched on it, and it's just the perfect size for her to rest her head on.  It's totally the cutest thing ever.  (Click on the photo for a closer look)

Whether it's an orange peel or a pillow, I love homemade gifts.  I am so blessed to have friends who share their creative talents with me!

Later!
Renee

Monday Monday!

Greetings again my fellow readers.

Today, as you may have noticed, is Monday!  Why the exclamation?  Because Monday is a good day in the life of Ben Strand (your author today). 

Today was a generally relaxed and positive day as most are, since I have given my life entirely to the Lord.  When I say entirely I don't mean I *poof* became perfect, I never will be.  It just means that I let him lead me in all my ways.  Some days I struggle at more than others.  I am still a sinner.  I still have problems.  But with God stearing my life, I feel a large amount of peace has come over me.  Even when I face concequences in the future for wrongs I have done, I have the knowledge that He died for all my sins and rose again.  He will restore me and lead me in paths of righteousness.  It feels good to be me now because of Him.

What a great Monday it has been.  Somehow, Renee's driver side visor is stuck in the down postion and hangs directly in front of your face.  I found out they are on national back order and the Saturn distributor quit making them when the brand ceased to exist.  Great!  One option was to have the Mitsubishi dealer put in calls for it nationwide and hope they could find one.  If they did, it was 47 bucks.  I was driving down 65 today and saw John's Auto Parts (salvage yard) at one of the lights.  I swung in and asked if they had one.  The guy said there are 2 Ions out there... have fun!  The first one was sought out by another person with a broken visor.  On the second try I hit the jackpot.  My original quote was 25 bucks, but they let me take it for 5 bucks!!!!  And even better, I got an air filter for the van for $6.  What a great feeling to get such a deal!

Later today I went to my counseling meeting.  Good as always, and he was extra happy I started to exercise.  On to the beginnings of step 4. 

Orgainzed my office and picked up Renee from work.  Gracie helped with both.  She is a good  little helper!

OK, I'm getting long winded - I will see you again on Wednesday.
Ben

Fluffy Stuff

Today was a wonderful day, one filled with good company, good food, and fluffy things.

GOOD COMPANY:  I got to visit with my church family, my grandma, my aunt Jan, my mom-in-law, my grandma-in-law, and Gousta the cat.  We talked, laughed, ate, and attempted to complete crossword puzzles.

GOOD FOOD:  Once again, I was stuffed silly by Ben's mom.  I'm sitting here four hours after the meal, and I still can hardly move.  We had delicious salad, chicken, potatoes and dinner rolls... and banana cream pie.  Everything was cooked/baked to perfection.  A perfect way to enjoy a Sunday.

FLUFFY THINGS:   We started the day by going to church, where we received a very good reminder of what it means to find rest in the Lord.  A guest preacher went through Psalm 23 verse by verse, explaining it in a way that really opened my eyes to it's true meaning.  I learned that the Lord should not only be my trusted Shepherd, but also my only source or satisfaction, security and success.  Why, might you ask, would I consider this to be fluffy?  Well, only because a photo of a sheep was projected during the sermon... and it doesn't get much fluffier (or cuter) than that!

What else was fluffy today?  I bought the coolest yarn at Michaels, and it is so fun (and sometimes frustrating) to knit with!  It's like cotton balls connected by yarn.  Below is a photo of the beginnings of a scarf, as well as a close-up of the yarn when knitted.  It's so fluffy and soft!  I'm thinking a sheep could look really cute with one of these scarves tied around it's neck :)

Tomorrow is my first day of spring semester.  I am taking accounting and painting.  Prayers needed!  

I'll leave you with Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Have a great week!
Renee

family day for the strands!

Hello you all.

Today is Saturday.  It was a good day today, filled with many events such as going to get Renee's books at college, visiting a few bookstores in search of a book for myself, buying a hat making jig for Renee at Michaels, visiting the gym for my first exercise in many a moon, going to an evening AA meeting, and to finish it off, Savoy's pizza (best in the land).

I am not positive of the highlight of the day, as all the events were fun, but I would have to say Savoy's topped the list.  I love pizza and especially theirs.  It was pepperoni!  I got a small to prove to myself that I was a balanced person and I even shared with Renee. 

Exercise.  If it was easy I guess we would have to wait in line at the Gym.  I for one have never liked it but decided to give it a shot.  I am now a fat-ass having gained 15 pounds in like 2 months.  I guess this is a sign that my metabolism has taken a dirt nap.  I still can't bring myself to "change" my diet.  To me, food is about taste and gaining energy.  If I wanted lettuce and carrots I would have been born a rabbit.  I say bring on the burgers and steak.  If you are craving a steak or a good burger right now call me and you can treat me to either. Ha ha.  Really though call me.  Even if its just pie.


Have a great day,
Ben

Holy Moly!

A mole that I've been carrying around on my shoulder for 29 years has fallen off.  For no reason.  It's just...gone.  It left a little crater in it's place. An ugly crater. I want my mole back.  If you see it, please tell it to come home.   

That's all for today.

Renee

big delivery!

Hi everyone!  Yup, it is me.. Benny your boy!  I am home from a day of surprises as always.  Usually they are good and today's was good/interesting.  While at one of my clients homes, I had expected an oversized package to arrive while my client was out of town.  It came.  It was art. A picture of something that I still haven't seen since I left it in bubble wrap.  The kicker was its size. It was probably the equivalent of what I can imagine a 72" tv might be.  That wasn't the fun part.  Do you know how they are shipped when coming from a high-end art studio?  I got a 4'x 8' package that was constructed of 2 pieces of 1/2 thick chip board with chip board sides, and a bottom built out of 2x4s, which formed a stand.  The picture itself weighs probably no more than 30 pounds.  The gross weight of the delivery was 125 pounds.  Not only that but it had to go to the 12th floor of a luxury condo.  God bless the freight elevator!  That's all I can say.  The clean up took 2 hours after I got it out of the packaging with hammers and crow-bars.  I think I took over 100 nails out of the thing to break it all down...  the good news is I got the plywood home to make some more cool things in the garage with!

Had a good AA meeting also.  They are a fun, politically incorrect bunch of normal people.  I refer to alcoholics as normal people since they are the only people who think like I do.  It is a great time everytime I go. 

I don't want to keep everyone in suspense but I must save more for my next blog!  Don't be surprised if you have problems sleeping anticipating the next blog.  It's perfectly normal.

Peace out,   
Ben

Getting Down to the Knitty Gritty!

Today, my friends at work began a new Wednesday tradition:  The Knit & Crochet Club!  We are planning to meet every Wednesday during lunchtime to work on various projects.  Fun!

Liz, the Chairperson of the club, is going to be teaching us some nifty new tricks.  She will be the 5th person to try to teach me to purl (we're tackling that next week).   Hopefully the 5th time is a charm!

There are a few crocheters in the club, and I'm hoping to learn from them.  Crocheting has always been hard for me, but maybe this will be the year where I am able to tackle that afgan project I've been dreaming about....

The other exciting thing that happened today was the revealing of the Wonewok agenda.  My division is giving me a free trip to the 3M resort in Park Rapids, MN.  I am going to join 46 of my co-workers for 3 days of fun and adventure in the northwoods!  We're going to go dog-sledding (mush mush!), ice fishing, ice skating, snow-shoeing, and more!  Oh!  And we get to go for a sleigh ride, and cook dinner together, and sing karaoke and eat tons of cookies and cheese!  I can hardly wait!  I don't want to wish the Year of the Strand away, but I sure hope Feb. 2 gets here soon!

Bye for now!
Renee

Another Good Day in the Year of the Strand

Today was a good day, and since we are now 4 days in to January, I still can't say it's been a bad year so far.  Got some errands done, gas in the car and nice dinner.  Tomorrow I am back to work and happy to be going. 

I can surely say I have a good and satisfying job cleaning homes of different people.  Most would consider that not so good but there is nothing like seeing the face of the homeowner with such a huge appreciation for what you do.  My clients are great, hours of operation a plus and the pay ain't too bad either.  Wouldn't mind a little more stability as far a quantity of hours but I am thankful for what I am blessed with.

Another thing to be thankful for - Gracie the dog.  She is super cute no matter what she seems to do.  Always wants to go with me and as much as I hate cleaning her fur out of the car, she is surely worth it.  Every experience is better when she is involved.  Just think of that smile and the wagging tail!  Makes any day great.

Well thats all for now folks.  We are 4 for 4!  Yahooooo for the Year of the Strand!



Ben

pIe LOVE YOU

Like many other people, I usually make a New Year's resolution to drop a few (or 20) pounds.  While I have never been successful in doing so, this year I really think I might have a shot of returning to my high school weight.  I have a walking buddy at work, I have a pedometer, I plan healthy meals... Clearly, I have covered all the bases in order to achieve my goal. 

However, I have one minor road block, and his name is Mr. Pie.

On New Year's Eve, Ben and I baked an Apple Pie. See Specimen A below.

Specimen A.  Tested 12/31/10. 

On Sunday, Ben and I went to his mom's house for a delicious Sunday meal, which she lovingly prepares each weekend.  This week, we had a delightfully moist beef roast smothered in creamy gravy, alongside of a pile of hearty carrots and red potatoes.   And for dessert... you guessed it!  PIE.  Not just one kind of pie, but two pies: apple and cherry.  And Donna gave me a giant piece of each.   See Specimens B/C below.

Specimens B/C.  Tested 1/2/11.

Today, I returned to work, fully intending to behave myself and forget all about my love affair with Mr. Pie.  However, I was sabbotaged by a delicious strawberry cheesecake which just so happened to be waiting for me in my cubicle.  My dear friend, Dr. Jeremy Swanson, baked this cheesecake just for me.  How can I turn that down?  See Specimen D below.

Specimen D.  Tested 1/3/11.

As if these pies aren't tempting enough on their own, each specimen was topped with a big blob of this:



In summary, my New Year's resolution may have to wait until all of the pie/cheesecake in my fridge is consumed.

Then, and only then, will I polish off the chocolate that I received for Christmas:

Obviously, there will be challenging times ahead of me, and possibly some larger pants.

Despite this problem, I will remain thankful for:
1) My mother-in-law:  the world's greatest cook!
2) Friends like Jeremy who leave treats on my desk - what a day brightener!
3) The ability to enjoy food and stay nourished when many are hungry

My love affair with Mr. Pie will likely continue into the future.  Don't worry, I will share him with you.

Renee

Sleep is the Chicken Soup for My Soul Today:)

I decided to write in red today because it is happier than standard black.  Who wants to read the same old color black every day?  I don't care how interesting the story is.  Black makes things look like the same old thing. 

Why the title?  I am thankful for rest and the quantity of which I am getting today (and the days leading up to today!).  I am not usually one who likes too much sleep, because it makes me feel like I'm falling behind... but I think I deserve that little slice of daily vacation to snore, dream and be at peace.  The meds I am on are probably making me more tired than usual, but I guess its my new way of learning patience with myself.

As for chicken soup.  It is not my favorite food.  If I had to rename the book series I would name it "Pepperoni and Black Olives For the Soul: Which Crust Would You Like?"   Something good to look forward to.  Not a food I dread eating when I am cooped up sick with strep throat and a nose blockage. 

It's Sunday today, so we went to church.  I like going there.  Now more than ever.  I have had a new revelation come over me this week and it has been so comforting to me - moreso than anything I have ever felt.  I realize that it is so much easier to live with one intention: letting God lead my life... because I am His and am here for his purpose only. 

What purpose do I have in God's plan?  It doesn't really matter what I am meant to do in the world for a job....  It matters that I work and that I do something satisfying to God (and hopefully to me) but it doesn't matter how much I acquire and how I rank.  What a relief!  We should all ask ourselves who and what we're really going after.  Are we seeking God's will?  Or are we chasing an invisible tale/tail and wearing ourselves out doing it? 

Some great things to consider as you are in traffic or in a meeting this week or just walking the dog.  I hope this has inspired you to search yourself. 

More great truths to follow next Sunday!  Meet us at First Evangelical Free Church in Maplewood for the Word.  Everyone invited!

Ben

Happy New Year!

So, here's the first official blog of 2011.

New Year's Eve was a lot of fun!  As tradition would have it, Ben and I spent the evening playing board games, watching movies, and eating lots of food!

I made this really yummy onion and chive dip and served it with crackers.  I also made a pizza hotdish that was quite tasty (recipe below).  And, to top it off, we had apple pie (which to me, tasted kinda like nail polish remover, but I ate it anyway). 

We watched Sleepless in Seattle, and Music & Lyrics.  Both of which I purchased at Target for $3.75 each.

Ben won the Yahtzee championship, while I won the Sorry! tournament.   We played Upwords to break the tie.  I managed to win, despite having junk letters in my hand.  X's, Q's and Z's are totally useless.

The best part of the night was giving our dog, Gracie, a big kiss at midnight!  What a great way to start the new year!

From our little family to yours, we wish you a very happy 2011!

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RECIPE:  PIZZA HOTDISH

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 can tomato soup
12 oz. tomato sauce
1/3 c. water
1 t. oregano
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
6 oz. egg noodles
1/4 lb. thinly sliced mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Brown meat and onion; add tomato soup, sauce, water and spices.  Layer 1/2of the cooked noodles in an 8x8 baking dish (or 2 qt. casserole).  Cover with 1/2 of the sauce mixture and 1/2 of the cheese.   Repeat with remaining noodles, sauce and cheese.  Bake at 350F for 1 hour.

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Renee

The Year of the Strand

*DISCLAMER:  Ben and I are neither Chinese, nor do we believe in astrology*

Visit any Chinese restaurant, and you'll likely see the familiar zodiac calendar placemat beneath your plate of delicious fried rice.  Like me, I'me sure you've searched for your birth year to see what zodiac sign you were born under.  While Ben was born in the Year of the Monkey, I, Renee, was born in the Year of the Rooster.

2010 was the Year of the Tiger.  But for Ben and I, it was more like the "Year of the Ass".  Difficult circumstances made 2010 seem like the worst year ever. 

However, 2011 will be different.  The Chinese zodiac calendar declares it the Year of the Rabbit. 

But, Ben and I have declared it the YEAR OF THE STRAND!

And that is why we started this blog.  We are going to write a daily summary of the GOOD things 2011 brings us.  Then, on December 31, 2011, we can look back and see what our faithful God has done throughout the year. 

Here's to the Year of the Strand!  Cheers!