I have too much time on my hands, but I HAVE discovered a talent I didn't know I possessed. I am a SUPER bargain hunter. For example, I had to go grocery shopping. Instead of my usual, "grab the keys and just go to the store," I sat down at the computer, looked at the weekly specials online and discovered a buy one, get one sale. It was a GOOD ONE! Most meat was BOGO, so I stocked the freezer with chicken, beef, pork, and bacon. Pasta and sauce was also BOGO. I ended up spending $81, but I saved more than $47! Yeah, I'm pretty awesome.
Example number two: Nate needed more dress shirts and ties. Since I'm convinced I could be a stylist to the stars anyway, I did my research and headed out alone to shop for Nate so I could surprise him with my findings. I knew he liked the fit of Express dress shirts, so I saw they were having their, "buy one, pay $50 each; buy two, pay $40 each; buy three, pay $30 each," sale. Clearly, buying three was the better bargain. However, I also used a "$30 off your purchase of more than $75," coupon, so I paid only $20 per shirt. That is a savings of 60% off the regular price. Express has decent shirt deals, but they get you on their ties. They are $40 each at the regular price and are rarely on sale. Boo. Either way, after a little further research I found a GREAT sale at Macy's on BCBG ties. They are equally as stylish and come in the same great colors. Needless to say, Nate got three new ties too. What makes me most proud is my ability to coordinate. The ties and shirts I picked up will mix with other things he already owns, so I have actually created about 12 new outfits from three shirt/tie combos.
The job search is heating up. I have come across a couple leads by accident. While calling random people from Craigslist in search of a washer and dryer for a rental I happened upon a landscape architect that requested a copy of my resume to forward to his developer friends. It's amazing who you come across when you talk too much :-) Nate's dad has also been a great help, matching me up with someone with great connections to the City of St. Paul. Another position I applied for will be calling for interviews in the next one-to-two weeks. I'm not sure it is my dream job (it's not, who's kidding whom), but it pays VERY well. Hopefully I'll get that call. At this point I'm ready just put money back INTO the bank account.
Nate and I have been fantastic, except for a recent bout of bad luck. Thanks in part to an irresponsible contractor we have had to purchase a new (used) washer and dryer (as referenced above) for an occupied rental unit. When we sent him over for installation he, "needed a part," and was going to go back to finish. Of course he didn't, and instead left with something leaking water into the basement. This meant we had a tenant that was rightfully upset, and a new problem in our laps. Nate is at work, so I called a plumber referred to us who couldn't get there until Monday or Tuesday. The referrals I got from him didn't answer. Frustrated, unsure how much water was accumulating in the basement, and knowing I needed a drain line snaked anyway, I just called Roto Rooter. I'm sure I'll regret it when I see the bill, but knowing there will be a capable person there within an hour is worth the premium.
In addition to this morning's debacle, last night Nate called me from Fridley, a northern suburb. His car was acting up and he had to arrange for a tow to the BMW dealer. Oy. This meant he needed a ride, and the roads were treacherous from the evening snow and freezing rain. Poor guy. The good news was that his insurance covers the tow. The bad news is that we are down to one car and I wasn't able to meet the Roto Rooter guy because I'm stuck here. Good thing Nate's job is flexible. He should be there now. In fact, I just sent him the following text message:
"Don't let him leave until the washer and dryer are functional."
If I'm paying the emergency service fee, that place better perfect when they leave. What a disaster...and learning process. Oh well, I'm off to make potato leek soup. Nate will be ready for some comfort food after such a stressful week.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
I'M BACK!
At the request of my mother, I'm back to send the world a little update. I have been incredibly busy with my job search, spending hours each day submitting online applications for any position I feel I am remotely qualified for. I've found that searching for a job is a job in itself. On the bright side, the City of Minneapolis has sent me a letter of interest. I hope they call for an interview sooner rather than later, but I have reason to believe they are on the slow track to filling their mid-level planner position. Too bad, because it would be great money, excellent benefits, and regular hours. Ahhh, a cushy job sounds like HEAVEN right now.
Today I signed up for my Minneapolis bank account. That's right...it's a little more permanent now! I am now the proud customer of U.S. Bank, so finances will be much easier. It also means I can deposit Nate's checks and my own at the same time. Yay for convenience, and yay for money.
Speaking of Nate, I'm quite proud of him. He got back from his two week stint in New York late last Friday night and he has already shaken up the workplace by landing two sales and a ton of meetings. I'm proud of how well he is doing and hope his enthusiasm lasts because it is so contagious. Plus, it is so much fun watching him walk out the door dressed to the nines every morning.
Anyway, Lipstick Jungle is on, so it is time for me to sit down and drool over beautiful clothes I can't currently afford. More to come! Miss you!
Today I signed up for my Minneapolis bank account. That's right...it's a little more permanent now! I am now the proud customer of U.S. Bank, so finances will be much easier. It also means I can deposit Nate's checks and my own at the same time. Yay for convenience, and yay for money.
Speaking of Nate, I'm quite proud of him. He got back from his two week stint in New York late last Friday night and he has already shaken up the workplace by landing two sales and a ton of meetings. I'm proud of how well he is doing and hope his enthusiasm lasts because it is so contagious. Plus, it is so much fun watching him walk out the door dressed to the nines every morning.
Anyway, Lipstick Jungle is on, so it is time for me to sit down and drool over beautiful clothes I can't currently afford. More to come! Miss you!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Do you know?
Do you know what -14 degree temperatures feel like? What about adding in the "windchill factor" to get that -34 degree feeling?
I do.
As if to say, "Welcome to Minnesota," Mother Nature decided to blast my little dog and I with frigid temps. Baylee was NOT having it this morning, so our usual jaunt around the neighborhood turned into a quick squat in the snow beside the door. Don't worry. I had her bundled up and we very quickly returned back to the warm apartment.
A little about the warm apartment. For those worried about my survival, please note that the radiator heat here is HOT. We are on the top floor, so we get all the heat from the units below us. It is so warm that we have closed the valves on all the radiators but one...and that one is only partially opened. Still, I wear shorts around this place. It is kind of funny, particularly when the dog decides she has to go out and it takes me ten minutes to layer up. I am very much enjoying the long underwear (thank you Eric and Michelle), which go under the jeans and fleece jacket, which is topped by the down coat, hat, mittens, heavy socks, and tennis shoes. I haven't yet purchased boots, but figure when things go on sale in the Spring I'll pick some up.
That's all for now!
I do.
As if to say, "Welcome to Minnesota," Mother Nature decided to blast my little dog and I with frigid temps. Baylee was NOT having it this morning, so our usual jaunt around the neighborhood turned into a quick squat in the snow beside the door. Don't worry. I had her bundled up and we very quickly returned back to the warm apartment.
A little about the warm apartment. For those worried about my survival, please note that the radiator heat here is HOT. We are on the top floor, so we get all the heat from the units below us. It is so warm that we have closed the valves on all the radiators but one...and that one is only partially opened. Still, I wear shorts around this place. It is kind of funny, particularly when the dog decides she has to go out and it takes me ten minutes to layer up. I am very much enjoying the long underwear (thank you Eric and Michelle), which go under the jeans and fleece jacket, which is topped by the down coat, hat, mittens, heavy socks, and tennis shoes. I haven't yet purchased boots, but figure when things go on sale in the Spring I'll pick some up.
That's all for now!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Holy Minnesota!
Hey all! I have FINALLY moved in and spent my first "real" full day. I say "real" because yesterday was a waste. You see, it took longer than expected to get out of the Hoosier state...here is a recap:
I was working on some pretty important grant application on my last few days at work. They kept me busy through my going away party...that's right, I was still finishing as the party wound down. Either way, that meant that my desk wasn't cleaned out, and my computer was still an organizational disaster (and had a picture of my dog as the wallpaper...had to change that). Ashley came to spend Friday night with me (YAY) and ended up going out with Bryan, Angie, Ian, and I for some dinner and a drink at MacNivens. That meant we didn't get back home until we were tired (well, at least I was tired), so we went to bed.
On Saturday morning we hit up Starbucks (thank you Donita for the gift card) and McDonalds (if you haven't had the McSkillet Burrito, you are missing out), and went to the office. Ashley patiently entertained the dog while I cleaned up my desk and computer before heading back home to pack the car. I could not have gotten it packed as efficiently as I did without my sister. Ashley - I owe you BIG TIME! It was a mess, but we got all of the essentials in the car...at about 3:30 pm. This meant I headed north to Auburn a lot later than I had planned, but what can you do? The stop in Auburn meant I got to see my dad and pick up my new licence plate. Dad and I chatted for a while before I started toward the Minnie.
The drive went very well. I did make a stop north of Madison to get a 20-minute cat nap, but otherwise was smooth. I finally arrived home at 4:30 Indy time (3:30 Minnie time) and woke poor Nate up to have him help pull all this crap up the three flights of stairs :-) It only took about a half hour, but we crashed immediately afterward (clearly).
I wish I could report that we slept in and had a much needed day of relaxation together...but that would be too good to be true. Instead, Baylee wanted to potty early in the morning (this required going outside, brrr), and Nate and I needed to wake up anyway because he had to be at the airport for an 11:50 flight to New York. That's right, his training took him to NY for two weeks. Although it is not ideal, it gives me time to unpack, figure out where to shop, and job search. Speaking of job search, I got a letter from the City of Minneapolis. I am in the candidate pool for their Planner position. Some of the pros of this position include regular hours, great benefits, decent pay, and access to the developer network. Could be great, so hopefully I get a call for an interview soon!
Anyway, Sunday was a lazy, wasted day. I did, however, make it to Target. Minneapolis is home to Target's corporate headquarters and they have a downtown store that is pretty awesome. They have solved the parking problem by offering free parking in their garage with your receipt for a $20 purchase (I dare anyone to spend less than $20 at Target). It is a two-level store complete with cart escalators and very conveniently located to our apartment.
That brings me to today: my first "real" day in Minneapolis. Today's adventure included locating the downtown Lund's grocery store. I wish I would have taken a "before" picture of the refrigerator and pantry. The refrigerator contained a jar of applesauce, a gallon of milk, and a half package of hotdogs. Now it is full of real food, as is the pantry. I feel better already.
More on the grocery store for the Indianapolis planning nerds: it is everything that O'Malia's tried to be but isn't. It is in an area with enough traffic to require multiple exits with registers. One services walk-in traffic, while another bank of cash registers services those who have parked in the garage...that's right, the parking garage. It is on the first level of a condo building and also includes a dry cleaner, Caribou Coffee (the local brew choice), and a bank (I think). It isn't a huge sprawling store, but packs a great product punch. They fit a lot of products on the shelves by having just a few of everything. I'm sure it is a restocking nightmare, but I was able to find everything I usually bought in the suburbs. PLUS they have a huge gourmet selection that includes an olive bar, a cheese selection that makes my mouth water, an entire wall of just-baked REAL bread, and a great produce section that was really fresh (O'Malia's never quite figured that out). I think I will spend a lot of time at the grocery store :-)
The apartment is still looking pretty rough. I have decided to take it "one room at a time" and today was all about the kitchen. It has been cleaned up and almost everything has a home. I promise to post pictures as I get things completed.
It is time for me to make some dinner. I hope everyone is doing well!
I was working on some pretty important grant application on my last few days at work. They kept me busy through my going away party...that's right, I was still finishing as the party wound down. Either way, that meant that my desk wasn't cleaned out, and my computer was still an organizational disaster (and had a picture of my dog as the wallpaper...had to change that). Ashley came to spend Friday night with me (YAY) and ended up going out with Bryan, Angie, Ian, and I for some dinner and a drink at MacNivens. That meant we didn't get back home until we were tired (well, at least I was tired), so we went to bed.
On Saturday morning we hit up Starbucks (thank you Donita for the gift card) and McDonalds (if you haven't had the McSkillet Burrito, you are missing out), and went to the office. Ashley patiently entertained the dog while I cleaned up my desk and computer before heading back home to pack the car. I could not have gotten it packed as efficiently as I did without my sister. Ashley - I owe you BIG TIME! It was a mess, but we got all of the essentials in the car...at about 3:30 pm. This meant I headed north to Auburn a lot later than I had planned, but what can you do? The stop in Auburn meant I got to see my dad and pick up my new licence plate. Dad and I chatted for a while before I started toward the Minnie.
The drive went very well. I did make a stop north of Madison to get a 20-minute cat nap, but otherwise was smooth. I finally arrived home at 4:30 Indy time (3:30 Minnie time) and woke poor Nate up to have him help pull all this crap up the three flights of stairs :-) It only took about a half hour, but we crashed immediately afterward (clearly).
I wish I could report that we slept in and had a much needed day of relaxation together...but that would be too good to be true. Instead, Baylee wanted to potty early in the morning (this required going outside, brrr), and Nate and I needed to wake up anyway because he had to be at the airport for an 11:50 flight to New York. That's right, his training took him to NY for two weeks. Although it is not ideal, it gives me time to unpack, figure out where to shop, and job search. Speaking of job search, I got a letter from the City of Minneapolis. I am in the candidate pool for their Planner position. Some of the pros of this position include regular hours, great benefits, decent pay, and access to the developer network. Could be great, so hopefully I get a call for an interview soon!
Anyway, Sunday was a lazy, wasted day. I did, however, make it to Target. Minneapolis is home to Target's corporate headquarters and they have a downtown store that is pretty awesome. They have solved the parking problem by offering free parking in their garage with your receipt for a $20 purchase (I dare anyone to spend less than $20 at Target). It is a two-level store complete with cart escalators and very conveniently located to our apartment.
That brings me to today: my first "real" day in Minneapolis. Today's adventure included locating the downtown Lund's grocery store. I wish I would have taken a "before" picture of the refrigerator and pantry. The refrigerator contained a jar of applesauce, a gallon of milk, and a half package of hotdogs. Now it is full of real food, as is the pantry. I feel better already.
More on the grocery store for the Indianapolis planning nerds: it is everything that O'Malia's tried to be but isn't. It is in an area with enough traffic to require multiple exits with registers. One services walk-in traffic, while another bank of cash registers services those who have parked in the garage...that's right, the parking garage. It is on the first level of a condo building and also includes a dry cleaner, Caribou Coffee (the local brew choice), and a bank (I think). It isn't a huge sprawling store, but packs a great product punch. They fit a lot of products on the shelves by having just a few of everything. I'm sure it is a restocking nightmare, but I was able to find everything I usually bought in the suburbs. PLUS they have a huge gourmet selection that includes an olive bar, a cheese selection that makes my mouth water, an entire wall of just-baked REAL bread, and a great produce section that was really fresh (O'Malia's never quite figured that out). I think I will spend a lot of time at the grocery store :-)
The apartment is still looking pretty rough. I have decided to take it "one room at a time" and today was all about the kitchen. It has been cleaned up and almost everything has a home. I promise to post pictures as I get things completed.
It is time for me to make some dinner. I hope everyone is doing well!
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