North Shore

Jon and I went to the North Shore last weekend and had a great time. Yes...it rained almost the ENTIRE weekend, but we didn't let that hamper our good time. We did manage to have about 4-5 hours of no rain where we fit in some golf amongst the beautiful changing trees and a short (super short cause it started to rain) hike. Besides that, we took it easy, did a bit of sight seeing, and tried to take in a bit of the local cuisine. The trees were beautiful despite the rain, but I have to be honest, after a lot of talk about MN's Fall Season, I think MI could give MN a very, very good run for its money.

Company Work Outing

We decided to do to tour of all of our houses (minus Michelle's). It was so fun and interesting to see where each of us lives and how different our lives are outside of the office. It was a fun, fun night!!

Mindy, Michelle, and Barb on my rooftop!

Me, Michelle, and Barb on the rooftop.

Michelle, Mindy, and Barb in my apartment!

Barb's husband is a very talented artist and did a life size rendition of of a man named "Earl." I had heard about this legendary picture and so the gals felt a need to pose with him.

Mindy and I at Chino Latino's!

Michelle and I at Chino Latino's!

MN State Fair - 2007

Well, with a couple extra lbs. and points on my cholesterol, I can officially say I lived through my first Minnesota State Fair. Wow, what a quality people watching event! I don't think I could have asked for that kind of entertainment for free. And of course it wasn't free, it came with a hefty $50 price tag which consumed in the following manner:

• Admission - $11
• Rides - $15
• Foods on a Stick - $24
• Gaying up the State Fair - Priceless

I will definitely be back next year in tow with my favorite gang of girlie men: Jon, Matt, and Dave. Thanks lads for keeping me from hurling my guts out on the rides where I saw screws and bolts shooting out every time the ride would move. And thanks for taking silly pictures with me...silly pictures are my favorite! Enjoy everyone!!

Matt Starting off the day with ice cream...sweet!

Jon and I doing our best senior picture poses.

Dave, Matt, and Jon doing their best "serious" pose.

The Theory of Evolution explained!

Dave holding his baby...while Jon, Matt, and I look on!

Ahhhh, a nice group shot.

The picture itself isn't particularly note worthy, just the scare crow's shirt which reads "Chicks dig me." True, so so true!

Me examining the garbage situation at the Fair. I look more like an excited Dumpster Diver though!

Matt trying to steal the poor boy's ice cream!

Jon keeping the frog warm that we won as a group spending $20 trying to catapult frogs onto a Lilly pad in the middle of kiddie pool.

Matt is easily excitable.

Matt and Dave sharing an America's Next Top Model moment.

The sights of the Fair!

What is that perverted frog doing to me??

Jon

I recently began dating a very special person named Jon. We met several months ago at a party, but through a series of very strange coincidences and missed opportunities, we only saw each other a few times in passing. We began dating at the end of July and are having a great time together. He treats me exceptionally well and provides me with a sense of security I haven't known until now. In retrospect, I can officially say this is my first real adult relationship. I mean I have been in other serious relationships, but compared to him, they now seem so juvenile. But hindsight is 20/20 I guess. He is 30 and lives in Cottage Grove. He works in IT, enjoys golfing (yea!), tennis, biking, and just hanging out and acting goofy with me. And anyone who knows me well can tell you that last one is a biggie! He also has two doggies (Springer Spaniels). Jon and I at the MN State Fair! Jon holding Garbo Kitty!

Commitment Ceremony Travel

Here are the details of the wedding travel......