Minneapolis vs. Iceland

Did you know that Icelandair has very reasonable direct flights from Minneapolis to Reykjavik, Iceland? Well, I did. And I just booked myself a ticket to head there Oct. 1 - 6. Three years after our first European adventure, Katie Hoole and I will be returning to explore the land of waterfalls, moonscape, glaciers, and geothermal pools. The question that begs to be asked is whether Iceland is colder than Minneapolis in October. I will let you know...

El Blogo no es Muerto

I had no idea my readers would take my few-day hiatus so hard. Frankly, I'm not surprised. My life is fascinating. Why, just today I spent an hour in Target trying to figure out a shoe-arranging solution for my closet.


So, where did I leave off? Ahh, yes. Wednesday. On Wednesday my belongings arrived. Four very kind and extremely competent movers took only 5.5 hours to successfully empty the truck and arrange my things. That time includes a couple donut breaks and a pizza break (I was told donuts and pizza go a long way for movers, and it couldn't be more true. Although, donuts aren't easy to come by here in MLPS...thank goodness once again for Alexis and Patrick). Anyway, the delivery went very well, and I spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking.

Simultaneously to the unloading, the bathtub refinisher came to work on the tub. Luckily, he stayed out of the way of the movers. He did a BEAUTIFUL job...the bathtub looks brand new. Unfortunately, I would not be able to use if for a couple days...

I was just ready to call it a day when Katie and Evan called. They had spent the day wandering Mall of America and then went to see a movie. We decided to grab some pizza, and, when Katie heard me mention Trader Joe's, I arranged a stop there as well so they could replenish some of their groceries. It was lovely to see them again. I think they were going to take off for Duluth the next morning...

So, that brings us to Thursday...I worked at the Broker's office and then ran back to the house to meet the un-crater and washer and dryer hooker-upper. Four hours later (ugh), I was good to go. I had a table (the glass top had been crated) and a washer and dryer!

Friday was a work-from-home day. I purchased 3-days worth of internet from the city and have been good to go. It has been tough to not unpack during the work day with all of these boxes staring at me, but I've been able to make progress in the evenings.

I am learning more and more that the kitchen cupboards are not ideal for storage. The insides are a dark, dark brown, which seems to make dark things (such as pots, pans and just about ANY of my baking pieces) disappear into a black hole when you put them away. I have purchased some white lining material, and hopefully it will help.

Along with the kitchen, I hope to have my bedroom complete today, too! I changed my mind on the furniture arrangement in my room, so I just finished moving things around (good thing I'm strong). Hence, the reason I chose to take a little unpacking/moving break and hop on-line.

So, now you know what you've been missing these last few days!

Dad, I've started a list for you to work on when you're here...

Phoenix Friends, Mexican Food, and a Parade

The title pretty much sums it up...

The lovely and always adventurous Katie and Evan David officially win the title of my First MPLS Visitors. They made a little detour on their cross-country trip to stop by and say hello...so wonderful! I gave them a little tour of the house, and Evan properly christened the new home with a couple Coronas he pulled from the cooler in the back of his truck. We then proceeded to Northeast MPLS to get some recommended Mexican food at El Taco Riendo. It was more than a little tricky getting to the restaurant, as the Celebrate Northeast MPLS Parade closed down many of the roads (unbeknownst to us - with the police out in full force, we thought there had been a mass murder or an explosion); however, like good Arizonans, we don't let much get between us and our Mexican food. We persevered, found prime parking and ate a delicious meal all the while taking in a somewhat bazaar (and never ending) Tuesday evening parade. It was great to see the Davids and catch up...they were a nice taste of home.

So, day 5 complete, and I've been to a wedding, a brewery tour, a parade and already had out-of-town visitors. Oh, and I bought a house and sold a house, too. Yes, 10220 N. 12th Pl. #1 closed yesterday. I loved every moment in that home, and I hope the new owner loves it just as much as I did. Adios.

Check List Update

So, day 4 is coming to an end. The Five Hundy arrived this evening. It shared a trailer with a lovely black Range Rover...I was not allowed to take my pick, though the question gave the nice Lithuanian driver a good laugh. Alexis and Patrick continue to go above and beyond and helped me return the rental car, etc. SUCH great friends!

Check the Five Hundy off the list. The bedroom floors are almost done (one coat of varnish to go). The bathtub refinisher is scheduled, and the basement asbestos tile/adhesive removal team is coming next Monday. The to-do list is pretty long, and rest assured that as soon as my things come (WEDNESDAY!), I will be able to post pics. Yea!

Is this thing on?

So, I have a blog. Cripes. While I do think this will be the better way for close friends and family to keep current with my goings-on here in Minnesooota, I am still shocked that I am blogging. Although, I think I may actually like this...like a really long status update that only the coolest people get to read. And much, much more of my inner monolgue on display. Good thing, or bad thing? That's for you to decide.

For now, I'm calling it a night and making one last Happy Father's Day wish to Dad, Brian and Greg...you guys are the cream of the crop and have the coolest kids ever to roam the planet.