The boys at work and I navigated through the Skyway today to obtain some Spicy Noodle at the Skyway Wok. I am full, full, FULL. The long walk back was pure drudgery!
Spicy Noodle is popular entree around our office. We all take delight in the elderly Asian woman who joyfully serves the food. After you request Spicy Noodle, she shouts out in a high pitch, “SPICY NOODLE?” like it’s a question to the cashier.
It’s my simple mundane pleasure for the day.
Where oh where did the Thanksgiving weekend go? Four days off – poof! Gone.
Wednesday night, Adam and I went to dinner with AdamV and Dena at this fabulous little Italian place (Buona Sera). The food was magnifico…I ordered seafood fettucini and Adam had veal. Every morsel melted in my mouth and the leftovers were a repeat of the buttery goodness. I was glad we were able to spend a little time with our friends before the holiday.
Thursday, Adam and I awoke in a panic that our house was not clean up to the Heather Standard. We fluttered around the house cleaning and preparing dinner simultaneously. The Kooyers and Crocketts arrived and started making their contributions to the meal. We had a short prayer before dinner, with each of us announcing all the things we were thankful for. We dug into the bowls and Crockpots o’ food until everyone was stuffed silly. Adam did a fantastic job on the Turkey and each dish was a perfect compliment to it. Wendy helped me clean up, do dishes and box up leftovers for each family (thank God for Wendy). Afterward, we hung out and chatted awhile before everyone decided it was time to go.
Friday and Saturday were shopping/running errands/cranking out thank-you cards days. We were able to accomplish a ton, though we had to cope with a combination of heavy traffic and slippery roads. Bleh. I was mad at the weather for choosing my only days off to wreak havoc.
On Sunday, we delivered our second Thanksgiving feast. Another bird was dropped in the oven in anticipation for some of my family coming to dinner. My Aunt Cindy came first and we yelled and screamed at the Vikes game together in cheers and jeers. This was an exciting game to watch because of the offensive TD’s and turnovers! After the game, my Auntie Carol and Uncle Tom showed, along with my Mom, Audra, Kel, Anton, Deja, Kate, my Dad and his friend, Naomi. Adam had a wonderful repeat performance with the turkey and all of the food turned out swell. My fabulous Mom and Aunties helped with the heaps of dishes and the kitchen was sparkly clean in no time. We hung out in the basement, watched the DVD my Uncle Lenny made of our wedding photos and later played some darts. We were all stuffed; I wished I had some elastic-waistband pants on. Yikes.
Sooo…as for the Thankful Part; I know I’ve been granted a very rich life. The relationship I have with my Adam, my parents, my sisters, my huge extended family (and Adam’s), my wonderful friends…YOU are the riches in my life. I’m so grateful to have you.
I’m so far behind in blogging. So much has happened…
Last month, I was absent from the office for 2 whole weeks, yet it was my best month at work. In fact, I earned “SheRa,” the travelling trophy for top salesperson each month. I closed a fairly large deal with a company who makes cowboy hats & boots (and I keep begging them to give me a cowgirl hat – negotiations on that are pending). I visited them in Texas to give an official presentation, which must have worked. I took so much gratification in getting this contract because I had worked on the account for months! We have several other pieces of business they are interested in pursuing as well. Yay me.
As for November: Wahoooo – I officially exceeded my sales quota yesterday! The ball keeps rolling, it seems. I’ve been in perpetual catch-up mode for 3 weeks now, which kinda bites. I can’t really complain as long as the business comes in. Good news is that my bosses have been so helpful – they’ve even made calls for me and helped on proposals. Now, how often do you hear that?
I went to LA last week to meet some more of my clients and budding prospects. The meetings were fruitful; I enjoyed meeting some of them face-to-face after all of the phone-time we’ve spent (I even got a hug from 2 of them!). And LA is not a bad place to spend a little time. Besides the traffic, which sucked, it was gorgeous. I was in Burbank, Santa Monica, downtown LA, Temecula (by San Diego) and a flurry of other towns.
As for the rest of it, Adam and I have been attempting to relax. We spent some time re-stocking our closets with household goods and groceries, which were neglected while we were gone. Trying to get back into a good routine has been nice. Though, I need to get on the ball with working out again! Guess that’s easier said than done ’round the holidays.
Adam will be taking some time off because we recently found out that he has tonsilitis. He’s having surgery at the end of this month and will be out of commission for a couple weeks. The poor guy will be subject to my cooking for awhile and I’ve already threatened to puree a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for him. Hee.
This weekend we’re preparing for Thanksgiving. We’re having Adam’s family over on Thursday and mine on Sunday (tentatively). We need some major food supplies so we’ll be shopping like mad. Looking forward to stuffing our bellies and watching football in good company.
I thought I was prepared for today. I wasn’t. Anticipating a cold bus stop wait, here’s what I wore:
My black, thick-soled, block-heeled shoes (for traction, of course)
Black tights AND thick gray trouser socks over them
Heavy black poly/cotton/rayon blend slacks
Dark gray angora turtle neck sweater
My heavy fully insulated winter coat (hangs just past my butt)
Cashmere Burberry scarf
White wool short Bohemian-floppy-style hat
Black leather gloves
This morning’s commute was pretty painless (aside from the horribly written book I’ve been reading). It was chilly out but sustainable.
After work, I exited my building and the wind smacked me around. I quickly pulled my huge headphones over the top of my hat to press the wool around my ears; that helped a bit. However, my usual 3 block walk to the bus stop was miserable. As the Pet Shop Boys played into my wool-covered ears, that wind blew right through me…right down into my bones. I waited several extra minutes for my newbie bus driver to scuttle his way to my stop and I eagerly boarded. I warmed up a little and engrossed myself in the crappy book (Blood Justice, if you need to know).
Not much later, I was home. Adam greeted me at the door with a smile and a hug. The house smelled excellent – he had been cooking up the best spaghetti sauce evar. I peeled off my many layers and changed into some fuzzy PJ’s to try and rid my body of the cold. It took a good half hour before I was acceptably warm.
I think I may need to rethink my mode of transportation to work on days like these, OR maybe some better winter gear is in order.
Oof.
Welcome to Winter.
The title quote is from Glenn Kooyer, my father-in-law. It’s the best thing Glenn ever told me and the thing I’ll remember the most about him.
Most of you know that Glenn was killed in an accident just a week after Adam and I were married. But that’s not where I want to start this post.
About 3 months ago, Glenn picked me up from work so that we could meet up with Adam and his Aunt Jan and Uncle George for supper. We had a long trip ahead of us from crowded downtown Mpls to Shakopee: about 45 minutes. We were chatty all the way there. I found the opportunity to ask Glenn if he would give the dinner prayer at our wedding. He thoughtfully agreed.
I got to know Glenn for about 2 short years before the day Adam and I were married. I remember the first time I met him was at Adam’s home. Adam had just put a deck on the back of his house and Glenn came over to see it. I thought Glenn was so cool! We had a couple of glasses of red wine together and talked about the trials and tribulations of being salespeople. I couldn’t believe how easy he was to talk with. I mean, he instantly put me at ease. I know now he had that effect on many people…it’s just in his nature.
The first time Adam and I went to Duluth together was also the first time I met Linda. What a great couple Glenn and Linda made! I felt so comfortable with them both right away. I could tell just how much they loved each other. We had dinner at Red Lobster, which turned out to be a great end to a mini-vacation away from home. I think we were teasing Adam about something at dinner and he was protesting. I’ll never forget what Glenn said as he and Linda were leaving…he said with his trademark grin and twinkle in his eyes, “I like the way you handle him.”
Adam and I would meet Glenn at various lunch or dinner spots whenever he was able. I remember thinking how sweet it was that he reached out to spend time with his son as much as he did. He took real interest in things that Adam did and liked and they shared so much. Glenn and I had so much in common too. He thought it was wild that I used to drag race at Brainerd, as he once had. We traded many stories about our old cars. I always left a lunch or dinner with Glenn feeling a little merrier.
When Adam and I moved in together, my futon moved in with us in the room that served as an office. We quickly tried to get Glenn to stay with us anytime he was in town. On many occasions, he would take us up on the offer, warning that he was tired and would want to go straight to sleep. As I soon found out, he could be coerced pretty easily into having a glass of wine and a chat or simply watching a movie together. Adam relished teaching his dad new things about his computer or iPod, or other toys he had. I loved watching them interact.
Last Thanksgiving, Linda and Glenn invited us up to the cabin for the holiday. We had so much fun…I remember after dinner and wine, Glenn wanted everyone to join him in taking their dog, Kasper, out for a moonlight walk. We bundled up and were lead by Kasper through the wooded trails. Glenn and Kasper were in their element. At one point, he turned over the leash to me and I was pulled by Kasper in this direction and that direction. Glenn just laughed and laughed. I think Adam and Linda wanted to head back, but we dragged them a bit further. I’m so happy for that memory.
I really looked forward to making so many memories with Glenn. I wanted to take him to the NHRA Nationals at Brainerd, hang out at his cabin, take another ride in his awesome boat, spend time together at the holidays, have him get to know my dad better…the list goes on and on.
My heart broke when I had to tell Adam the horrific news. I still don’t feel that it’s real…I guess I keep expecting Adam to tell me Glenn will be spending the night on Wednesday or Thursday, or whatever.
I feel truly blessed that he was able to witness our wedding and see how happy we were. I pray that my grandparents are with him, wherever they all are. Glenn lived his life so well; I hope I can take a page from his book, starting with “Be good to people and they will be good to you.” As cynical and nasty as our world has become, I still feel this is true. Glenn put that phrase into practice in his life and was loved by everyone.
On the morning of October 9th, we hopped a plane to Kaua’i. My mom had snuck a gift bag with cake and champagne in it onto the plane through one of her flight attendant friends. How cool is that!?! We managed to make a healthy dent in the cake over the long tiresome flight. It was dark when we finally made it to our final destination.
I had worried that the weather forecast was preaching rain, rain and more rain all week. Guess I just hadn’t understood how rain works in Kaua’i. A single gray cloud passes, it rains for about 30 seconds, and then you just have sun. In fact, it was sunny and 87 degrees for the most part. And it was windy, very windy.
Monday, we hung out and took photos on Poipu Beach, where our resort was located. We also thoroughly explored our “home for the week,” Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club. Our accommodations were beautiful and we quickly became comfortable there. Adam realized that he needed sandals, so we drove to the local mall for some afternoon shopping. We located a fine restaurant called the Beach House for dinner, which featured a sweeping view of the sunset over the ocean. The food was excellent too.
Tuesday, we took a road trip to the North shores, where you find beach after beach after beach. We pulled to the side of the road each time we saw another large sandy area with waves crashing down on it. We eventually took the road as far as it would go as we gleefully muddied our white rental car. We found a creepy water-filled cave but were too chicken to swim into it to see the infamous “Blue Room.” Apparently, when you swim into this cave, you come upon a “room” toward the back of the cave where, when you look back, the water glows with an electric blue color…eh, maybe next time. We also dipped our feet in Hanalei Bay, made famous by the song, “Puff, the Magic Dragon” (…in a land called Hanalei). That afternoon, we dropped by a grocery store and bought some breakfast staples, and of course, Diet Coke. We chose a world-reknown restaurant called Roy’s, for supper. We enjoyed uniquely spiced and flaky fish dishes neither of us had tasted before.
Wednesday, as everyday, we spent much of the morning in the hot tub. Eventually, we dug out a spot on Poipu Beach to relax on. Adam decided to rent a BoogieBoard and he scared the hell out of me. He ventured too far into the ocean and had to be assisted by a lifeguard to get back. We retired to the safety of our sunny villa that afternoon and just relaxed. We did venture out to a local trading post to look for souvenirs and found some great stuff. Dinner that night was with Doug and his wife, Judy, at a cute place called Joe’s on the Green (yeah, it’s on a golf course, and we were eaten alive by mosquitos). Doug is my dad’s best friend who has lived on Kaua’i for about 10 years now. I hadn’t seen him since I was a kid…it was a fun reunion.
Thursday, we met up with Doug and Judy at their favorite coffeehouse for breakfast. The took us on a tour of their land in the hills of Kaua’i, where they are building a home. The photos I took can’t compare to how lovely the views were. They also showed us their current home, which is smartly decorated with Judy’s eclectic style of Indian and Asian design, with lots of “Island” thrown in. For dinner, Adam and I took my dad’s suggestion and went to Keoki’s. The meal was fabulous, and they even gave us free dessert (called “Hula Pie,” which is mostly yummy vanilla ice cream). After dinner, we shopped a bit at the nearby outdoor mall and spent some time browsing a lovely art gallery with an aquatic theme.
Friday, we took another road trip, this time to the South shores of the island. We drove up a steep, narrow, windy road to get to Waimea Canyon, nestled in the mountains. The canyon and all of its overlooks are incredible. This entire place is a “scenic overlook.” We made our way down the other side of the mountain and found Barking Sands Beach. This beach is long and freckled with fat black rocks everywhere, and the ocean there produced some of the most ferocious waves we saw. We trekked on down the road and found the Kaua’i Coffee Company, which has an adorable gift shop that was packed with people. Adam scored a cup of the Brew of the Day and we gazed over the fields of coffee trees. That night, we had our best dining experience yet: Casa di Amici. We had a quirky waiter who made some expert recommendations that we were sooo happy we took. Our meals were like pieces of art – in form and taste. We were thoroughly impressed! We also met a nice couple sitting next to us and chatted about the weather differences between MN and AZ (their home). It was by and large, the best evening in Kaua’i (though they were all fantastic).
Saturday, we spent much of the day swimming in the pools and hot tubs at the Waiohai. They have a cute little bar near the pool and the beach where we nibbled on appetizers and drinks. We decided to patronize the resort’s own restaurant, The Kiawe Grill, for supper. They had a prime rib buffet, which sounded good to both of us meat-eaters. I wish I could say that we loved it, but that was not exactly the case. The food was pretty average…but at least I had great company in Adam. On a good note, they had live Hawaiian music in the dining room that was really fun. After having our fill, we went over to the Sheraton in hopes of hearing some more live music. We had a little dessert and I started to get sleepy. Adam took me back to the villa for some much needed rest.
On Sunday, it was time to go home. We were both bummed yet excited to be leaving. We packed up our stuff, jamming souvenirs in wherever we could find room. Our plane didn’t leave until later that afternoon, so we went exploring again. Poipu Beach has a state park attached to it and we walked a few blocks over there to check it out. We came upon a Monk seal laying on the rocks within a stone’s throw from the beach. At first look, we thought it was dead as laid there motionless. After a few minutes, a flipper moved and the seal turned itself over to get some sun on the other side. Adam then taped the seal, motionless, for several minutes, as I giggled at him. We traipsed around the park, trying to capture a few last photos. Eventually, with sad faces, we got in the car and drove to the airport.
Our Honeymoon could not have been better. We committed to travel a lot more because we enjoyed ourselves so much. In fact, we’ve already made plans to do so. I hope everyone enjoyed the photos that both Adam and I took (they are located in my PhotoGallery).
Special thanks to my Dad for paying our way to Kaua’i and giving us all the great island tips, and to my sister Audra for watching our home and our kitty while we were gone.
In the weeks and days up to my wedding, my head was in a thousand places. Coordinate, delegate, deliberate…like an INXS song, right? It all came together as planned. I still don’t know how that happened. Anyway, it did happen and it was seriously the best day of my life.
Our wedding was perfect in every way. I haven’t felt such an outpouring of emotion from so many people since my grandparents died. During the ceremony, I was so moved by the words Adam and I gave to each other…the 190 people watching, the impromptu altar, the candles, the flowers – everything faded away as we made promises to love each other for life. Much later, I saw that the Capitol building outside the History Center provided a gorgeous backdrop. I hadn’t even noticed…
Meeting up with so many of my loved ones at our cocktail reception was wonderful. I find it funny that so many family members you don’t often see will turn up for a wedding. I reveled in introducing them all to Adam (as well as meeting Adam’s extended family). I only wished that my grandparents, Jack and Della, could have been there. It meant so much to me to have my grandma Mason there to share the experience.
Before dinner, Glenn somberly gave our wedding dinner prayer. He asked God to bless us…I think his little prayer came true. I say that because our lives are blessed with so much. Our families and friends really made us feel loved. Each of our attendants stepped up to the microphone and gave the nicest speeches about us. We were reminded that we have the most fantastic friends. And I felt so lucky to be able to join Adam’s family and to have him join mine. I can’t express all the joy…
Dinner was excellent – especially for wedding food! After our delicious salad, Adam and I cut the cake for photos. We were prompted by clinking glasses to kiss about a million times during our meal and we kissed at both ends of the head table to give everyone a peep (to hoots and hollars). We finished eating quickly and headed to the tables to greet our guests again. Before we knew it, cake was being served and we almost missed it! We nabbed a couple pieces as people started to move upstairs for the reception. The cake simply rocked. Hands down, it was the best cake evar evaar.
Time had flown; we would only have a couple hours for the dance. Adam had expertly thrown together a slideshow of photos to be shown to the crowd. He incorporated photos of each of us growing up through the years…what a great job he did, just 24 hours before the wedding. After the show, we kicked off our high heels and danced like fools until they booted us out. Adam drove us home at 12:30am with my dress wrapped all around me in my seat. I couldn’t believe it was over.
October 8th, 2005, was the best day of my life.
Special thanks to my mom and dad, and to Adam’s parents for being there for us while we were going wedding-crazy. We appreciate you all so much. We’d also like to thank each of our wonderful wedding attendants and guests for sharing in our wedding with us…it meant so much to us to have all of you there.
