Going green...but not for the enviornment!

Well, today is the start of the St. Patrick's adventure in Savannah! This place is crazy about this holiday - it is the South's version of We-Fest. I've been hearing bag pipes practicing all week in various parking lots, outside hotels and just on the sidewalk! There are maps online that show you where the porta potties are - what the rules are on making your "campsite" in the squares for the parade this morning - where the shuttles run so you can park 15 miles away from downtown (they close off the streets to vehicles...pedestrian downtown only this weekend) - and the rules of watching how much you drink...I'm told if you have more than two drinks in your hands while walking around you can get arrested for public intoxication (...do I hear a challenge coming from me on that one???)

So, with the businesses closing Mikey and I decided that we might as well put on some green and go and collect beads downtown. It is only appropriate as I was once told that I have a bit of Irish in me (who knows if that is true...my dad could tell me anything and I'd believe it) and since Mikey is very much Scottish. (Yes, he even has a kilt) So, to hold true to the name I will soon have, I will go downtown in green and "rival" with the Irish!

I will be sure to check back in on this site and let you know about all the wild and crazy stories...and I'll give you a count on how beads Mikey and I collect...I'm sure I'll win (unless he wears his kilt)!

...until next time

Annie

Introducing...Cosmo in a box!

Yes, you heard me correct...I am now introducing to all of my friends my latest "great buy." While browsing the shelves of our local liquor store I found what I never thought would be so much fun, but it has proven itself to be a blast!

It is Cosmopolitan in a box! Just open the spout and pour!!! Who knew that it would be so easy to have such a "fancy" drink. Wow, but to keep with the theme of Cosmo in a box I have made one rule. If you choose to partake in this wonderful development, you are ONLY allowed to drink it out of a regular 8 oz. glass. You heard me...no martini glasses - resist if you own them and go for the total "trashin'" style of an 8 oz 'milk' glass!

Enjoy everyone - and soon I will be home so we can have a Cosmo in a box fun night!

Annie

Surprise!!!

Surprise on so many levels...first - I am posting on this blog! wow, I know. Second...I am still alive and actually having a lot of fun planning the wedding. Third - and the real reason for this post - is to update you on how I have the perfect fiance. Tonight at 6:30 he is taking me away to a special night - he says it isn't "romantic," but I beg to differ. Anything that he does that is for my happiness is romantic, and we get to do this together!

Althought I don't know what our date is yet, I'm super excited! I'll be sure to write and fill you in on the surprise for tonight. I hope you are all staying warm and enjoying the love that surrounds you. Miss you all and HUGS all around!

Until next time...

Annie

Checking off the list...the wedding to do list!

Now that Mikey is finally home we are in full force of getting wedding things done. Every night we have a new task from our wedding "to do" list. Some nights you can tell neither of us want to put the energy into it, not because we don't want to get married more because we are just so exhausted! I guess I'll never understand how they expect brides to workout for 1 to 2 hours a day and then have enough energy after work to actually get wedding things done...wow!



We figured out last night we are about a third of the way through the checklist...let's hope that tonight we get one more major thing done! Time to write website copy!!!



Tata for now,



Annie

A month with a ring...and a month without a fiance

It's been just over a month since Mikey and I got engaged...and it's been over a month since I've seen my fiance. Hmmm...is there more to this? I'm starting to wonder if Mikey did it just before going into the field so he could avoid the wedding planning! Just kidding.

It's great to have a ring on my left finger. I still sometimes find myself wanting to play with the ring and put it on other fingers like I did with all my costume rings. It is beautiful and I love all that it means. And even better I'm being treated differently when I go out, which is fun. I am now getting drinks bought for me from the other married men that are there with their single friends...and I'm getting the typical lines such as "you know...a ring doesn't plug holes..." I'm not going to finish that one! It's all in the experience and I can't wait to have more stories. I promise the next time I write about these stories I'll make them more vibrant!

Tata for now -

Annie

Never dull...

I'm walking into Kroeger's Grocery Store to get myself a Starbucks Latte when suddenly I hear a crash and I'm watching, what I feel like is in slow motion, a blue Ford F-150 crash into the front of the store and a big outside lamp light falling onto the ground. The truck surprisingly backs up in a panic and before I know it I'm watching tires racing out of the parking lot. There were at least a dozen eye witnesses right there...and then there goes the "hero" white pickup chasing after them trying to get the plates. Which that pickup has success in doing just that. He gathers the nearby cop that was in the parking lot and so the investigation begins. I really had nothing to add to the police report so I just went in and got my Starbucks.

As I sat in line I listened to all the chatter about what just happened! Thankfully no one was injured. Then, as I find myself driving away and saying good bye to my new found friends (the other bystanders), I realize police lights all around. My first thought...wow, I'm glad I don't own a pickup right now. So, I continue home and as I'm driving I discover that I am trying to be a little detective...every pickup that goes by I take a good stare at. I thought for sure I'd find the pickup. Not sure why, but it kept me entertained until I got home!

Till next time!

Annie

One month of winter...

I just returned from my "one month of winter" into the beautiful spring weather of Savannah. Might I suggest that it is the best way to handle winter, enjoy it for a month and then GET OUT!

I did have a great time back in North Dakota. Many memories were made, including the very special anniversary Mikey and I shared. What a special night, we finally got engaged! What a blessing to know that I get to share the rest of my life with the man that loves and cares for me every moment of every day. We truly are the most fortunate people. And remember all my single girlfriends, waiting proves to be a good idea! Hold out until you find your prince charming like I did. It is SO worth it. We are going to start the beginning of our married life on June 7, 2008. I hope we can get as many people as we know to join us!

I'll be sure to post more about wedding planning later...check back!

Annie

Happy Holidays!

I wish I could call each and every one of you, but since there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day (or on my cell phone calling plan!) I thought maybe this could work as my well wishes to everyone for a great Christmas season and a wonderful start to the New Year!

Enjoy the ones that surround you, think often of the ones that can't be with you and remember that love embraces you in many ways and not only during this holiday season.

May God bless all of you. I hope to see as many of you as I can when I'm back in Fargo at the beginning of 2008!

Until then...

Annie

Fried Green Tomatoes...

The day finally came, I really embraced living in the South! Mikey and I were downtown in Savannah wandering the streets, enjoying the 70 degree weather before going back home into below zero temperatures. And we decided we wanted to try something different. So, we went into a local restaurant, some seafood place that claimed to have the best bloody mary's on River Street. We couldn't resist. So, as we sat at the bar (with me holding my nose as long as possible to try and avoid having to run to the bathroom and puke from the smell of seafood) the nice bartender bragged about the bloody mary's and so she made me one. We joked because it is probably the closet we could find here to the Green Mill bloody mary. The only thing missing was the pepperoni!

As we were glancing through the menu, something struck me as I read "Fried Green Tomatoes." I quickly turned to Mikey and asked if he was ready to try some good ole' "Southern cooking." Much to my surprise, he had already been privileged enough to try them, but was ready to be a team player and try them again with me. (Also promising to eat the rest if I hated them!) Moments later a plate of 5 Fried Green Tomatoes appeared before us. I grabbed the smallest one, still hesitant as I normally don't eat even Red Tomatoes...what was I even thinking that I would like Green Tomatoes - just because they are fried? I cut the first piece and dipped it in the sauce provided - actually drenching it in the sauce! Again...trying to avoid actually tasting them! After a few bites, with less and less drenching, I figured out that I really did like them.

So, it is official - I tried and actually LIKED Fried Green Tomatoes! (Actually - "like" might be a strong word and could have been influenced by the experience more than the taste! By the second one I was done - Mikey had to finish the rest!)

I'll try and cook them sometime for everyone back home, but only if you really want to try the "Southern Cookin'"

Till next time -

Annie

I can tell it has been almost 6 months...

The anniversary of me being a Georgia resident is nearing the 6 month mark and so I thought it was only appropriate to update you on how I can now tell I've adjusted.

1. The smell of the swamp is actually comforting! (it used to make me gag)
2. The bluetooth is not just functional as a communication device...I've learned it is an accessory! And I've accepted it.
3. Y'all doesn't make my skin crawl anymore (don't worry I'm still not using it)
4. Instead of cow tipping I've realized it's fun to go "garbage tipping" as a teen.
5. I can finally stay up for the local news...at 11 PM.
6. I caught myself asking for a 'soda' the other day...instead of a 'pop'.
7. I find myself saying that 60 degrees is cold...and i'm ready to take out the winter coat!
8. I get excited to see license plates that aren't from Georgia!!!

But, here are things that I still haven't adjusted to:
1. Delayed...really long delayed responses to green lights.
2. Speaking with a Southern Accent...which has proved to hinder my advancement in the non-profit world!
3. I still think my programs are on Central time...I am always early for my programs at least!

Well, that is about all I can think of for right now - I'll be sure to add to the list as time continues.

Thanks for all the support even though I'm all the way in the South.

Until next time...Annie

It's been a while...

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to say that I didn't forget about updating this blog, I just haven't been able to really figure out what funny stories I have! I will be sure to update you on some highlights of my trip back to ND as well as our trip to Charleston this past weekend. I promise to get back to this, just bear with me...that is if anyone reads this any more! wink. wink.

Be back soon...

Annie

Welcome...

Welcome to the my home office! I thought this would be a good visual for those that I have conference calls with, or those just were wondering where I spend 8 to 12 hours a day!

I have pictures surrounding me on my bookcase behind me, and most days I have those blinds open so I can watch the wildlife or my "wild neighbors." About a month ago we finally got the walls painted my pretty teal blue and the wood blinds you see. And...might I add that after a full day of hanging those blinds (with 5 trips to Home Depot/Lowe's) means neither of us want to hang blinds again any time soon!


I enjoy working from home, it seems to be much more efficient. I did have to "train" myself that downstairs is off limits until 6 PM (except for lunch time). And, I've noticed that when I do go out in public after work I am very talkative to strangers...more than usual. But, enough about that...let's get to the fun stuff...the adjustments I've made while living here. '

Now that it has been almost a full four months I can tell that I'm starting to adjust to Georgia. (Don't worry...it will never be "home") First, I think anything below 90 degrees is "chilly" and anything below 85 degrees is "cold." (I'm gonig to be wearing a winter parka in ND in October) Second, I now am researching what I need for a hurricane survival kit and preparing to put one in my car...a slight switch from a "winter survival kit." I am starting to notice the Midwestern accent in home videos and when talking to anyone from back home...uh-oh...does that mean I'll be saying "y'all" when I get home!?!?! Sunday football has turned into watching the ticker rather than the game and tuning in to see the highlights at half time...just trying to keep up with the Vikings games!


Well, now that I've bored you all, I figure I'll sign off for tonight. I hope to see as many of you as possible when I'm back in ND in October! Thanks for reading!!!

Tata for now,

Annie

A new definition for "Working Remotely"

It was a typical Monday morning. I was heading to my office early to make sure all my ends were tied up from last week...meaning my timesheet was done before billing. Soon into trying to connect to the internet...my timesheet...I realized that internet wasn't working. So, I ran downstairs to see if it was working for Mikey before he left for work...it wasn't. And then we found out cable wasn't working either. Hmmm...I did the only thing I thought would make sense, I called Comcast. They told me there was a fire that took out one of their major lines to Savannah and that we would be out of service until the afternoon. So, I did the only thing I could think of...I took off in my Jeep in search of a wireless connection that wasn't through Comcast.

After driving 15 minutes I finally found one...outside of Locos...but they weren't open yet so it meant me working out of my Jeep. Then the lunch rush hour hit Locos and I didn't figure it would be appropriate for me to take up a table for a couple hours so I waited until that was done. Since it was nearly 2 PM I figured our Internet had to be working again...got home, nope it wasn't working. The new updated time was end of business day Monday. So, I headed back to Locos and worked out of my car until the end of business day. I figured at this point I had bonded with my Jeep so why go into Locos, plus I was told I had to pay for it if I went in...so I stayed in the Jeep!

Yep, I worked remotely yesterday. That is for sure! I think some of the workers at Locos were trying to figure out if I was a PI or just a stalker! And the customers walking in didn't think anything about it, until they came out to see me still there! Hehe. It was fun, but I did have to zip into the mall every once and a while for a bathroom break and to recharge my computer battery.

Don't worry - I'm back to working from my home office. Phew. My Jeep was getting a little cramped yesterday!

Some "names" have been changed for their protection

Today was a rough day in our household. It was the day that I had to face the reality that I no longer live in North Dakota. I had to get a GA license and my Jeep (completely throwing a fit about it all day) had to get GA plates. The process went smoothly. I spent about an hour and a half in lines, which meant a lot of fun people watching. I was thankful that I did not have any small children, as the wait was a bit long...but we had air so I couldn't complain much.

I waited for my number to be called (so different then in ND where there are 12 people total in line at the DMV) and went through all of the paperwork to start the process of getting my GA driver's license. Don't worry...I didn't have to take a test...if that would have been the case this blog entry might have been more about the great public transportation system of Savannah! I passed the vision test and had all proper documentation. There was one part that made me feel pretty rebellious though...I got to keep my ND driver's license! Hahahaha - I put one past them. I didn't want it taken away, I just needed to keep it as a keepsake. So, I did my research and found a way...as far as the GA DMV knows...my ND driver's license was lost! (That is until they read this blog)

The second line I had to stand in was the Tag Office line. It took about 20 minutes to get through the line and again the process went smooth. She handed me my GA license plate and I was on my way (of course after paying taxes and registration...ouch). One interesting note...I only have one plate...on the back of my Jeep. But, I can tell my Jeep hasn't accepted being a full GA resident yet, if you look at the front you can still read the numbers of my ND plate from the dirt collected behind the plate. Some day it will understand...I think it just has an issue trying to understand why it can be in full 4-wheel drive use like it did most of the year in ND.

Well, that is all I have for now...I am still always going to call ND home. I am just a resident so I abide by the law, no other reason because I am a "Northern Belle", not a "Southern Belle"

Until next time!

Hanging Low

It's been a while since I've updated everyone...mainly because I've been laying low and so the stories aren't as comical. I haven't had any run-ins with the lizard...no more weigh station mishaps...and no armadillo sightings lately! So, I'll update you on the more "boring" side of my life!


This weekend we've been super productive. We are calling it "Grown-Up Weekend." We have been spending money on home improvement elements and getting things done. This week I'll be busy painting my office and Mikey will be busy hanging all my photos! (I'm sure he is excited...or will be when he finds out.) I am also prepping myself for the upcoming events of this week. I am going to have to officially claim to be a Georgia resident. I am sad to give up my ND driver's license and my Jeep is also sad to be a GA registered vehicle. I didn't want to do this, but I guess the time had to come. So...check back and I'll be sure to share photos of the "Jeep makeover" and possibly the new office look!

Looking forward to seeing as many people as I can when I'm home in less then 2 months!