Denise Nohner's Blog

They're here! They're here!

2009-09-27T13:24:00.006-05:00

Ok - we've only been back from Germany for over a month... but I finally have all the photos uploaded and ready for your viewing pleasure. I could not figure out how to do "albums" on Picasa, so I used the good ol' standby of WinkFlash. I know many people don't have their own account for this, so I created one for everyone to use.

Site: http://www.winkflash.com/photo/signin.aspx
UserID: guestofnohner
Password: nohner123

On the main page, click Friends (small button at the top in the middle). Once you click there, you'll see PiserPower - click on that. In there is a Germany folder. Click on that, and all the sub-folders are ready for viewing. Some have lots of pictures, some have only a few. Hope you enjoy them! I know I had a great time taking them, and look at them often just to remember where we went.

Love and peace,
Denise

Update

2009-09-01T14:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is a lame blog post, but I wanted everyone to know that I am sorting through my 1000+ pictures from Germany, and am trying to put some order to them before sending a link. I don't think I'd get too many people just sitting and scrolling through that many pictures in one sitting. So, I'm attempting to go through my journal to blog about those days/cities, and put the corresponding pictures with it. Thanks for your patience!

love and peace
Denise

Germany!

2009-08-19T02:52:00.002-05:00

Wow - what a trip so far! The Y and the Z are in different places on this keyboard, so typing is not as easy as it should be! Today we are in Oldenburg, which is the home of our host Wilke. He is walking us ragged - bound and determined to get us all in shape before we come back to the states. We flew into Hamburg early Sunday morning, got off the plane and through customs within 30 minutes...let's just say that only two flights had come into the airport that morning. We were in Hamburg until Tuesday morning, and in that time, we saw the Dom Market, Botanical Gardens, Miniature Wunderland, and lots of old buildings with wonderful history. There are lots of historical places documenting WWII, and I am humbled by the pictures of the destruction. I know why America was in the war, but we don't always get all sides of the story when we get taught history.

Tuesday we took the train to Bremen, once again walking all over downtown. The architecture is so beautiful here, and I have taken over 600 pictures so far (yes, that is from Sunday to Tuesday). We then took a tour of the Beck's brewery - and we were certain to get our money's worth when we got free samples. :)

Today we are going to a museum and into the city of Oldenburg. We will have a picnic for lunch, and then out to dinner with Wilke's family. They have borrowed a sports bus for today to haul us around, and they have just arrived. So, time to log off and hit the road once again. If I have a chance to post again before we leave, I will do so. I think our hotel in Hamburg has a hotel, so I can check in one more time before we depart.

We are having a wonderful time, and we all still can't believe that we're actually here.

love and peace
Denise

Farkle!

2009-07-20T13:27:00.004-05:00

Ok, who has played farkle on facebook? I know I have, and I love it - I'm constantly battling myself to get higher scores than all my friends. The thing I hate about this game on FB, though, is I want to play against my sister, but we can't seem to. We can both be logged on at the same time, but we can't see each other. We thought perhaps it was a geographical thing, but I have played against people in England and France, so I don't think that holds water. FB says in their info about it that they are working on being able to just challenge your friends, and we are eagerly waiting for that.

The coolest thing about this app on FB is it reminds me so much of playing this fun dice game as a kid with my grandparents. I mostly think of Grampa, though. When I roll the 6 dice, if I get a 3-of-a-kind of deuces, I put them back and think "gotta grow 'em up." Or when I'm about to roll, I'll say "come on aces, show your faces." I'm sure there are people on FB who don't know Farkle has been around for a long time. You can actually buy a Farkle game nowadays, but why do that when all you need is a cup, 6 dice (or 10 to play Greedy), and a notepad and pen to keep score. I don't think Grampa would be able to play the game like he used to, but the way he would play, and the things he would say, will always be with me, making me smile as I roll the dice.

Does anyone play something today that makes them think fondly of their childhood? Thanks for taking time to read today - I know I don't post often. At least this time I didn't get the "ahem" from the fam damily.

love and peace
Denise

Farewell to a wonderful musician

2009-06-04T13:42:00.003-05:00

I found out this week that my high school band teacher passed away (at the age of 55) from a heart attack on Memorial Day. I have been saddened by this a lot this week. It's not that I was particularly close to this teacher, but he awoke something in me that wasn't there before having him as a teacher. His name was Steve Werpy - Dr Steve Werpy, actually. He worked very hard to get his PhD - in fact was working on it when he taught me my senior year. He was an associate professor a Dickinson State University, and they are holding a memorial for him on June 10th. I felt compelled to write a farewell letter to him, and they are being kind enough to read it at the memorial. I thought I would share it with all of you (whether you knew him or not).

A couple things first... Dr. Werpy was a different sort of guy. If you called his house, his answering machine had a clip from Star Wars - Yoda, to be exact. He loved Star Wars so much that Eric and a few others took the tall, dome-topped garbage can from the band room and painted it like R2-D2...and the Werpster loved it. Dr. Werpy never took our word for it that the Weird Al song called "The White Stuff" was about Oreo cookies...he thought it was a disgusting song, and we got such a kick out of it! Lastly, Dr. Werpy had music living in his blood. Everything to him was music. I sincerely mean it when I say he awakened something more about music in me that last year of my high school career. In my letter, I say something about my xylophone solo - and I mean every word of it.

Here's the letter (sorry this is such a long post). Dr. Werpy was a wonderful teacher, and his passion for music was wonderfully contagious to those who chose to get close enough to catch some of it. I am quite certain this man is leading some sort of heavenly group of musicians.

Love and peace - Denise

"Dear Mr. Werpy,

Oops – you’re Dr. Werpy now, aren’t you? When you taught me my senior year in Sidney (1992-1993), you were only working on your Doctorate then. In fact, I remember your license place said “PHD2BE” and I always knew you would make it. I never had a chance to tell you how your passion for music touched my life…so let me try to now.

When you conducted our band, I’ve never seen anyone so entranced by what he was hearing. You would get on your podium, we would play our song, and you would hold your arms up at the end – even after cutting us off – and just stand there in the moment. Then you would begin to back away from the music stand, and would almost fall off the podium. We thought it was funny at the time, but we all recognized that you were lost in the music.

Had it not been for your encouragement and love for music, I would never have made the Honors Concert at Festival in Glendive that year. That was the hardest xylophone piece I have ever played, and the most fun I’ve had playing one. I thought you were crazy to ask me to use four mallets! Thank goodness Baker always let us use their very nice equipment since ours wasn’t up to par for wonderful solos such as that.

You were not a nickname kind of guy. We had nicknames for quite a few teachers – but not disrespectful or bad ones (well…mostly). I remember asking you if we could call you “The Big W” or “The Werpster”, and you paused and said, “Uh…no.” You didn’t even crack a smile, and I was certain that I offended you. I hope you know that to this day, a few of us still refer to you as The Werpster…we always have, and we probably always will. It has always been a matter of endearment to us.

Thank you, Dr. Werpy. Thank you for bringing another level of LOVE for music to my life. I was sorry to only have you my last year in high school, but you made such an impact. I can still pick out pieces of that xylophone solo, and that was a LONG time ago.

I am so sorry to hear of your passing, but I hope you know that you made a difference in the lives of musicians everywhere you went. I will never forget that wonderful senior year under your tutelage, and only hope that your final resting place is playing your favorite music.

Until we meet again,
Denise Johnson Nohner"

Miscellaneous

2009-05-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

I know - it's been a long time. I'm not a consistent blogger. I am a consistent lazy-butt, though. heehee.

I dropped out of the weight loss challenge at work. I was having bad lung issues, and had to focus on getting them working properly. This meant there was no working out for this gal, and I dropped out of the challenge. I am still desiring to lose weight, but have to motivate myself now. The lungs are back in order now, so the working out can commence.

I have an official start date with Lighthouse1. Mom and Dad - sorry that you didn't hear it from me on the phone, but read it here. Maybe I'll call dad later since he doesn't read this, and tell him the news. My official start date is June 15, and I'm happy. This means I'll finally have insurance again, and can see about getting an upper endoscopy done. Unfortunately, getting insurance with Lighthouse1 doesn't mean much - since their plan is preventative only, with a high deductible. Getting a new job may enable me to be get on Brian's insurance, but I need to speak to his HR person first. After I lost my job, we tried to get me on his, but apparently we waited too long, and they turned me down. So, I need to call her and see what's what.

We planted a garden this year, and most things are coming up nicely. I don't believe our squash worked, and our potatoes were duds. We are considering replanting, understanding that we won't have big potatoes or squash from it. We'll see. I have a double row of peas that are coming up so nicely - and I just put chicken wire between the row so it'll grow up that way. We also have cucumbers, squash (maybe), broccoli, lettuce, carrots, kohlrabi, potatoes (maybe), corn, and sunflowers. We are doing the sunflowers for the birds to feed on. It's neat to see it growing! I also bought a couple topsy turvy tomato planters. Looks so cool on the commercials, but I have already killed 2 plants (grape tomato and regular tomato) - planted those too early. We just planted a second round (cherry tomato and regular tomato). The regular tomato is looking a bit rough, but the cherry tomato plant looks pretty good. I would advise anyone who wants to try these to get plants with a thick stem, and be VERY CAREFUL when putting into the planter. It says to go up and through the hole, not inside the planter and through that way...and that's probably the best. We'll see if we get any tomatoes at all.

Other than that, not too much else is new. The hubby and I bought kayaks over the holiday weekend, and now just need nice weather and no wind to go enjoy them. What fun!

Love and peace
Denise

She goes down...

2009-04-22T09:34:00.002-05:00

Oh, get your mind out of the gutter. =)

As you may recall, I am in a weight loss challenge at work. We had our initial weigh-in four weeks ago, and have now had three weigh-ins. I am happy to report that I am down a total of 8.8 pounds, and I'm really excited about it. :) What am I doing? Well, I am not just going home and sitting on my butt all night - that's a major improvement. The hubby and I are eating more nutritional foods, and not as much as we used to. But, I am hitting my elliptical machine and my Wii Fit and Wii Jillian Michaels games. There are more things that I should be doing, but I am incorporating them slowly. If I try to do too much at once, I won't stick with this. I want to lose 40 pounds by the time we go to Germany in August. I have just under 4 months, and 31.2 pounds to go. I know I can do it.

love and peace!
Denise

Choo...choo!

2009-04-16T11:38:00.001-05:00

I hear the job train a-comin'. Yes...I do. I met with the DQ boss's boss today. Cool guy - likes to talk more than I do...and that's saying something! The job is mine, but it will take possibly 4-6 weeks MORE before they can make it official. The reason for this is one person is shifting out of the DQ team to the CC team, and until they free up some budget on the CC team, there isn't room for me on the DQ budget. So, it's going to take a little time to get that money freed up, but then I was told I am in.

OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Lemme tell y'all...my husband is RELIEVED. And, so am I. I did shoot the boss's boss an email to ask when we will discuss compensation and benefits, as well. I don't want us all working under wrong impressions before the next 4-6 weeks pass.

Did I mention yet that I'm a happy girl? Well, I am. I could just about jump for joy. It felt so great to be told "I've heard wonderful things about you since you've been back on board. You're fast, thorough, and have shown that we need you on our team again."

HELL YEAH.

big sigh. whew. thank you God for everything.

love and peace
denise

I....am....job?

2009-04-14T12:18:00.001-05:00

No, not quite. **sigh** Let's see...I've been a temporary employee of the big L for three months now. In this time, they have been "working" on getting me a permanent place on my old team. Before I rant and rave, I will admit that I am so very thankful to have work and a paycheck. I have friends and family who are not so fortunate right now, and my heart goes out to them. The market is tough everywhere.

I sincerely took for granted that a snap of the fingers would open the door back up at the big L. I mean, when I chose to leave to pursue the position in Sartell, I was told by various people that I had a spot if I ever needed to come back. So, when I choose to come back...where are those people? Well...not with the big L anymore. They have all moved on to other positions as well. So, the new honchos in place know nothing of what kind of an asset I am, therefore are not so anxious at having me back.

I have spent the last three months proving why this company needs me - and have even been involved in what they call SWAT teams (escalation team for major issues). Me...the contrator. :) Feels good...but makes me wonder why the foot dragging continues. I have two colleagues here who are really going to bat for me, and if it weren't for them, I'm sure I wouldn't be here even in the capacity that I am. But, if they really valued my expertise as they say they do...wouldn't they want to make sure to get me in and not let me go again? They know my resume is out there and that I am actively looking. Yet, I continually get the "we're in a holding pattern". I want to say "the runway is clear...land the damn plane!!" But, I don't. My two favorite colleagues keep telling me that the wheels are in motion, and that something will happen soon. Of course...they have said this for nearly a month now...bless their hearts. Plus, there's more to the story than I feel I can put in here at this time because it involves other people. So, that'll have to be another post.

So, fingers stay crossed (which makes it hard to type my blog), and I just keep showing them day in and day out how much @ss I kick. If you have extra things to cross in my favor, please do so.

Thank you also to my hubby for the support and encouragement he gives me. He experiences my frustration often, and doesn't bark back. I'm a lucky girl.

love and peace
denise

Update...and then some

2009-04-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

Thank you to my dear aunt ME who reminded me that I have a blog, and haven't updated in while. When last we left (doesn't that sound like an old-fashioned book or story?), Dad had surgery, went well, and we were waiting for the next step. He has been on the mend for just over a month now (WOW!), and is tired of sitting at home. =) He saw the oncologist on April 1st, and he explained that with the surgery, there was an 85% chance at a total recovery. Incorporating chemo would bring that number to about 90%. However, with Dad's kidney issues and his diabetes, the oncologist did not feel the gain of 5% was worth the risk of screwing those things up. Surgery did enough, and he's getting back to normal with stuff now. No sense riling them all up.

Ahhhhhh.... this whole experience with Dad makes me want to move back to Montana. Life is short and so precious, and I don't want to miss any of it with my folks - or my grand-folks. My grandpa is on the decline toward Alzheimer's and just plain ol' old age. My gramma has to be one of *the* strongest women I've ever known. She does everything for him - reminds him of his meds, makes food, helps him up when he has fallen... It's that last part that concerns me (and others). Gramma just had back surgery yesterday (note to self...call to see how it went), and shes' not going to be able to pick grampa up when he falls. Well...she can't pick him up now, but can manage to get him to a place where he can get up. I make myself so very sad - and I'm so very far away. There's really so little that any of us can do, either. We are supportive, and encouraging, and we have all started talking about the possibility of grampa going into the nursing home. Crap - tears at work...no gouda...

How do you spend over 50 years with someone, and just plunk them in a home? Gramma - if I could offer you strength, I would.

On a brighter note...

I have joined a weight loss challenge at work. We all paid a fee to join, and pay a dollar each week to go into a pot for the "biggest loser" each week. The challenge is 13 weeks long, and we just finished our first week. I am VERY proud to say that I lost 2.21% of my weight!! Woohoo, and YAY ME! I have been utilizing the eliptical machine at home, and our Wii Fit. I am happy to report that my hubby is also hitting the cardio, and doing the Wii Fit as well. Time for the Nohner household to get in shape. As I get in shape, I will find a permanent job (another post...maybe tomorrow...or something). Once I have a permanent job, and am in better shape, I'd like to get knocked up and expand our Nohner family. Freaks us both out...but too bad. haha

That's enough for today. Auntie - have I redeemed myself? I sure hope so.

Love and peace,
Denise

And....exhale

2009-03-09T12:38:00.000-05:00

Yep, holding your breath for like 4 days is very tiring...and I don't think blue looks that good on me, personally. Dad's surgery on Friday went very well. Dr. Bergin said there were no surprises and he was happy with it all. Mom and Carol got to see the tumor that was removed (*hurk*....but still kind of cool). Dad was out of it pretty much all day on Friday. Saturday was a tough day - he was very sore, and the pain meds seemed to make him feel sick. No food/drink can pass through his mouth and down his throat until he has some...uh...air "movement" below. =) His lungs are taking a beating because he is having a hard time breathing really deeply, so he has an oxygen mask on. He was not up for talking on the phone Saturday, and my heart went out to him - and to Mom. She's such a trooper! I hope to have her strength some day.

Sunday, I wanted to call all day, but decided to wait until our appointed Sunday time. Chatted with Mom for just a few, and she handed the phone to Dad. He sounded so frail, and I hope he never knows I said that. :) He had a rough day again - still in a lot of pain, and had to receive two units of blood because he is anemic and not producing enough on his own. He broke my heart when he apologized for not being in the mood to talk on the phone on Saturday. I informed him that we would have plenty of time to talk when I'm home with him the week after he's out of the hospital. Have to remember he'll still be recovering, and leave the joke book at home, though...

Mom called today to say that Dad's having a better day (at first freaked me out to see her calling during the day...assumed the worst...major heart palpitations). They removed the catheter, so he can put pants on (much less drafty that way), and that he is "gurgling", which gives them hope that some things are starting to move. I will continue to post progress here.

So...thank you for your prayers, thoughts, love, and support. It's so hard to be so far away at a time like this. I had to5 my minutes on my cell phone plan so I don't keep going over my minutes limit. :) Keep Dad in your thoughts as he continues to heal, and for my family as we work on being strong. Oh - and if you're a close friend, maybe lift some weights so if I call to lean, you can hold the extra burden.

love and peace
Denise

p.s. my hubby doesn't read this, but my heart goes out to him for being so strong when i break down and cry during all of this. he's not a man of many words...but sometimes it's not the words that count. thank God for my Brian.

Power of Prayer

2009-03-05T19:11:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow my Dad goes in for sugery to remove cancer from his colon. When Dad called to let me know his colonoscopy hadn't gone well, and that there was a "spot", my first thought was that my hubby's dad died from colon cancer. I was a good girl, though, and did not cry on the phone with Dad. He sounded positive, so I was going to be positive. I don't know if he'll ever know how hard that was. I am the one who has heard the horror stories of doctors who tell patients one thing, and it's really another, and they die. Or, a doctor says nothing can be done, and a second opinion proves something can be done, and the fight ensues. I know my parents trust their doctors, and I am happy with that. But, I will also be the daughter who questions things. Ask Dad's kidney doctor... :)

So, Dad checked into the hospital today because the last half of the prep for the surgery is harsh, dehydrating, and really lowers his blood pressure. I called to check in, find out when the surgery is tomorrow, and just to tell him I was thinking of him. The way he told me he loved me before we hung up the phone ripped my heart in two - in such a nice way. I told him I loved him, too and to take care, hung up the phone, and burst into tears. Yes - I get my sappiness from my mother... But, I'm ok with that. I love my parents so much, that the thought of them in pain or suffering just wrenches my insides out.

Short and to the point - please pray for my dad. Pray that God guides the hands of the surgeon, Dr Bergin, that God holds Dad in his arms before/during/after the sugery, and that we all lean on Him for strength in this time. The prognosis is very good, and I am putting my faith in the knowledge of the doctors, and God above. I hope you can find it in your heart to send him happy thoughts.

love and peace
denise

Great Week

2009-01-24T09:33:00.000-06:00

So, the week of my birthday (1-11 to 1-17) was an up and down week. My birthday was good - thankfully. Monday the 12th was pretty ordinary - nothing too special on my end. My dad had cataract surgery in one eye, and now is able to use absolutely no glasses whatsoever (except for driving). It's awesome that the pain in his eye is gone, and the vision is back. Wahoo!

January 13 is my mom's birthday. I know my Gramma planned a little surprise birthday party for her at the church council meeting. Mom and Dad drove back from Williston, and it took over twice as long because of icky weather. Their youngest daughter called them that morning to tell them she had lost her job. Yep. I lost my job. I was so utterly shocked, I can't even describe it to you. I wish I could tell you they were doing layoffs or something. But no...the company is doing quite well, and they are still hiring people. No...they were just unhappy with me. It was such a bummer. My hubby was outstanding - letting me cry when I needed to, be pissy when I needed to, and he did his best to cheer me up when possible.

The great thing about this, though, is I'm a survivor. I got right on Monster that afternoon, and was job searching. I had an IM conversation with a former colleague of mine, and she let me know that my old company (Lighthouse1) is using temps in my former job because they were very behind. So, I emailed another former colleague of mine, asking if they have room for another temp. She said she thought so, and to email the HR person. I did, and two days later, she called me and asked me to come in right away the next day to help out. She also said they would see what they could do about just bringing me back on. Oh man...I hope and PRAY this will happen. I did not leave Lighthouse1 because I was unhappy in my job or anything negative. I left for an opportunity closer to home. So, I'm glad to be back. I hope I can go back for good. When I got there last Friday, it felt like coming home. People hugged me, for Pete's sake! It was so great, I can't even tell you. And, I'm just right back into doing a lot of the things I did when I was there 8 months ago.

The week started with my birthday, which was great. Then I lost my job and was hoping not to hit a huge depression rut. Then, by the end of the week, I had a temporary job lined up, and a possibility of a job. I am doing all I can to impress the hell out of Lh1 so they see how lucky they are to have me back. =)

Love and peace
Denise

Cards

2009-01-07T14:47:00.000-06:00

Do you like to play cards? I love it! It's such a nice way to pass the time on these cold winter days, and most card games do not take a ton of thinking. I have a few favorites to play, and have been trying to teach my new in-law family some of them. Unfortunately, only a few are interested in playing cards. =( Oh well. For those who learn to play, it's fun to teach them, and fun to have them ask to play again.

I recently taught my sister-in-law (SN), niece (HS), and nephew (ZS) to play Hand & Foot. I learned this from a very good friend of mine in the cities (KA). She taught me how to play, and we used to go to her aunt's house for homemade pizza and cards. I've also taught AM and DM how to play. The differences between all of these people is fun. AM and DM like to play nice - making sure everyone has a chance to play lots of cards and get lots of points. Games with them take a long time, which is fun because we thoroughly enjoy our time. Playing with KA and her aunt - there is no mercy. If you don't play your cards right, you will get hosed. It's frustratingly awesome! So, I have taught SN, HS, and ZS how to play in a cutthroat way as well. It's good fun. Well...only when I'm winning, I guess. =) Just ask HS... there is harsh retribution when I get stuck in my hand, and there is a red three in my foot.

Anyone interested in learning to play Hand & Foot, I'll be happy to show you (or tell you somehow if you are far away). A word of warning - Hand & Foot can be a time consuming game...Be prepared to spend an hour to three hours playing, depending on how you play. Enjoy!

Love and peace
Denise

Christmas

2008-12-22T13:33:00.001-06:00

Christmas - I love it so much! It signifies the birth of Christ, and for me creates such a warm feeling (important when it's below zero here in Minnesota). I love the snow, and the lights. I need to take a picture of my mother-in-law's house and her decorations. It's fantastic! There's also a house I know of that really goes all out. Unfortunately it's kind of a drive (more than an hour from my house). But, maybe I'll drive it anyway. I would hope I could make a photo show the awesomeness of it all. =)

No traveling for us this year - our days off just didn't coincide, and we took time off at the start of December. Brian and I are doing a small Christmas with each other (we usually shop hard for each other), as we are going to Germany next August. The saving for that is going to be interesting... :)

Ok - back to Christmas. If you have (more) photos to share of decorations, please do. I love seeing them all. I got a really cool video of someone's house in Ohio that really went all out, I've attached it here so you can see it. It's amazing! My sister thought it was anti-climactic, and hoped for some sort of explosion at the end. Since this was really someone's house, that didn't seem very good. :)

Love to you all. May you have peace this Christmas season.
Denise

WICKED!!

2008-12-04T20:50:00.000-06:00

So, my niece Heather and I went to the play Wicked in Chicago. This play is based off the book "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire. OMG - what a fantastic play!! We saw it at the Ford Theatre in Chicago, and this is not a traveling troupe. The props used are much more extravagant than traveling troupes. Right above the stage is this awesome dragon that moves and lights up. Traveling troupes don't get this - I would assume it's too much to take with and make work in other theatres. And Glinda, the good witch, came down on this metal mechanical bubble (that she was harnessed to). I know for a fact the play in St Paul did not have anything like this.

Oh, we had such a wonderful time! I had just read the book before we went, so I followed it quite well. There are some VERY big differences between the book and the play, however. Not bad differences, but I remember thinking "hey, that's not how it's supposed to be." But, they have to make concessions, and change some things so it can just be a 3-hour play.

Heather and I stayed at the Congress Plaza Hotel - very old hotel and very old building. We were impressed with how high the ceilings were - but were completely unimpressed with having to PAY for internet access. Seriously - what kind of hotel charges for internet access anymore? Well, this one did. We thought it was a crock of total crap.

Not trusting the drivers of this city, we took cabs everywhere (which was almost worse...cab drivers are horrible drivers, and we thought we were going to die a few times). This worked relatively well as long as we were in the right places to catch a cab. Holy buckets...not easy right after a play lets out!! We froze our toes off trying to find a cab back to our hotel. Then we took a cab to go to dinner - we picked Bennihana's, a chain restaurant that does teppanyaki cooking (YUM!). Well, there was a parade of lights going on, so there were blocks and blocks closed for driving traffic. Our cab driver got us as close as possible (costing us 50% more than it normally would have taken, of course), and then we found out the restaurant was closed! DAMMIT! So, we hoofed it around, trying to find other places to eat, and ended up at the Hard Rock Cafe.

If you haven't read this book, and like stuff like this, I would highly recommend it. This author takes stories and gives you a different perspective. This story is all about the life of the "wicked" witch of the west, before she comes across Dorothy in Oz. It tells you why she is so keen on getting those ruby slippers. =) It also portrays her as not really that wicked. Very awesome book, and an easy read.

Heather and I are next going to Rent in St Paul in March. I personally have seen this play four times, but she has not seen it. I can't wait!!!

Perception

2008-10-27T20:09:00.000-05:00

So, I generally think of myself as a fairly perceptive person. I feel I think things through, and try do to the right things most of the time. However...I'm learning - painfully - that just because I think something is the right thing to do, doesn't mean it's the right action for others. How is it possible to feel so positively about something...and turn out heinously wrong? For people affected in this process, how do you make amends? I'm afraid that I have forgotten about putting myself in another's shoes, and seeing it from their point of view - and this is something really good to remember! I'm also forgetting one of my favorite prayers - the Serenity Prayer:

"God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Wisdom is not always an easy thing to come by. Often, a painful lesson is tacked to it. Darn tacks. I guess my posting today is about stopping and thinking. Just because I intended something one way, doesn't mean the perception will be what I intended. I need to stop and think...then act ONLY if it is something I can change.

Love and peace
Denise

Fall!

2008-10-13T16:37:00.000-05:00

I can't even tell you how much I love fall. Do I wish my wedding would have been last weekend or so? Yes - so many more colors now! Of course, it's also been very rainy, harvesting is going on, and campaign has started - so I did it the best way I could. :) Anyhoo - FALL! I love the colors in Minnesota in the fall! I love when the temperatures start to cool down, the dust settles, pollen is not in the air, and my allergies/asthma can settle down. Late summer/early fall has been very rough on my poor lungs. :(

Oh well - on to better things. My friend TS just told me about making chili this past weekend. I like to make chili, but 1) can't figure out a way to make a small batch and 2) it never turns out how I want. I want a nice thick chili, but you could still put some crackers in, and it won't just dry out. I generally stick to black beans because I can stand their texture and they are small. We have to keep the level of spiciness down so the hubby will eat it and enjoy it (plus, my body just can't handle that stuff anymore).

I grew up not liking my dad's chili much - probably too many beans. But, now I wish I could come closer to his - it was nice and hearty and thick. If anyone cares to share - an email would suffice, or you can comment and give me a link or a recipe - I'd love it! I promise to try it and let you know how we did with it. Of course, if we get lots of recipes, it may take a while. ;)

Sorry it's been so long - I'll try to post more often. =)

Pictures?

2008-09-25T22:57:00.000-05:00

Our fabulous photographer, Don, took over 400 pictures, and did quite a bit of photoshopping to them - all in less than a week. What a man! Friends and family added a bunch more in. Would love to see if more people are willing to share photos - may have to send some sort of evite or something... Anyhoo, we have a lot of deciding to do. I want to get pictures printed for albums, and for family...but some just aren't worth printing. Like, the picture my sister took of just my ear when I was getting my hair done before the wedding. LOL.

I downloaded a free software to create photo books. I'm pretty excited about this! I need to organize the pictures that I want to use for them (once Brian and I go through them together), put them in some sort of chronological order, and get the books made. These will make nice gifts for the parents and grandparents. I will print a lot of the pictures and put them in an album. Fun to look at and remember the day.

So, anyone who reads the blog - if you haven't already sent me a link for uploaded pictures, please do. I love getting everyone else's camera perspectives.

And, I love being married to Brian. As my dad told me during our father-daughter dance, "I always knew Brian was the one for you. I'm so happy for you two." Man, I couldn't put it any better. Ups and downs, inside outs. I love him.

We made it!

2008-09-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

Friday, September 12, 2008, was a beautiful, sunshiney, perfect day. It was my wedding day. Oh my, I'll never forget it! Were there moments of stress in the day? Definitely. For instance, taking the pickup into town to get our hair done - would it get us to town...or run out of gas? It's 3:55 PM, and the priest is nowhere to be found... We found him at his house, having a rest...he thought the ceremony should be at 5:00. :) The limo didn't show up - thank God for a family of mini vans.

The day was beautiful. It was the best day of my life.

Who can tell me all the things I need to do to officially change my name now? Do I have to wait for our certified document to do it all, or can I start now? Any help would be great!

It's strange to think my name is different now. Denise Nohner. That's me. I'm a wife. OMG!

Suddenly - serious rambling - sorry. :)

2008-09-09T08:05:00.001-05:00

Have you ever just gone along in life, and all of a sudden, something just really hits you? Like, maybe you're driving to work, and you suddenly realize that you are behind the same car every day of the week, but never paid attention. Or, suddenly one day, your age really hits you - like how did I get to be over 30?! This is how I'm feeling today...how did my wedding day suddenly get to be only three days away?!?! Three days. Not much time in the big picture of life. But, suddenly, these three days are full of "what should I get done today" questions. I have this really great list of things I need to do each day, and have been crossing them off since last week. Last night, I went to Sam's club to get the ribs for the rehearsal dinner, and now I can't find my list. I know it sounds dumb...but I feel lost without my list! Do I know what to do today? Yes...for the most part. I just hope I don't forget something. That's my biggest heart attack factor today - what if I forget something?!?!?!?

Carol and Heidi are hitting the road today (and, of course, Jay). They are taking time from work, their families, and just their own lives, for Brian and me. It's such an overwhelming thought, and it makes my heart pound. Actually, as soon as I wake up in the morning, my heart starts to thud, and my brain starts to just buzz with "what to do". It's maddening. :) I am looking forward to the rest of this week so much - have for a very long time. But, I also can't wait for it to be over and done with. So much has gone into preparing for these few days...time, money, laughter, tears. OMG - I swear I tear up at the dumbest things right now! Of course, this is just a natural occurrence for me - I'm just like my mother.

Ok, all I'm doing is rambling. Can you see how horribly bad my mind is today? I better just cut this off, and get back to work.

I do say a prayer today for all those traveling to Minnesota for this wonderful wedding. I pray for Terry and Maggie on the road up somewhere in Cananda - I hope they hit the lower 48 soon! I pray for those who are having a hard day, a good day, a big day, a small day. God, give me serenity, courage, and wisdom. Thank you God, for blessing me in so many ways.

Love to you all

SparkPeople.com

2008-08-28T19:15:00.001-05:00

For many who know me, I have struggled with my weight since the middle of high school. Once I got my driver's license and stopped riding my bike, I started to gain. My senior year should have been one of the most wonderful years of my scholastic life (to that point), but it was my worst. Somehow, I really ballooned (to 180 pounds). I had to tolerate such nicknames as "jumbo", "whale ass", and "fatty". My self-esteem was already very low from other happenings in high school, but this was a real downer. I have never forgotten these things - they still haunt me today.

Over the years, I have tried various things, only to peter out and stop. This, too, has added to my horrible self-esteem. Many of my friends and family have had to boost me up on many occasions when I am especially stuck on my pitty pot. I know it is within my own power to do something about this, and I am going to keep trying until I achieve the results I want.

Enter www.sparkpeople.com. My friend Tonya S pointed me to this site last week. I checked it out, and unfortunately spent a lot of my work day reading things, getting motivated, and signed up midway through the day. I posted my own introduction on the page, signed up for some groups, and am reading things daily. Now, I just need to implement. I know what to do to control my food intake. I know what to do to exercise so that I am healthier. I know what to do, but haven't been motivated to do it. Now, the motivation is back, and I'm ready to roll.

I wish I would have found this site a year ago. But, I didn't. I am who and what I am right now in this instant in time. I am worth more than I think I am, and I can succeed at whatever goal I set. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. I always thought Coleman Orr thought this up, but I found out today it was Napoleon Hill. Thanks Napoleon. I will believe and achieve. My profile is public, so if you choose to check this site out, look me up. I'm in there as piserpower.

Denise

Internet Radio

2008-08-19T15:49:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, we are unable to put music on our computers at work (since they don't know if we stole them or not, they prefer to ban them). So, I've been listening to my mp3 player, which is great...but redundant. The music that plays in the bathroom at work is either internet radio, or satellite radio. One station is called .977 - and I finally heard their website information and decided to check them out.

This is great - when you choose to listen to one of their channels, it opens a media player of some kind, rather than streaming on the internet (ok, maybe it's still streaming, but I have no idea how to tell if it's doing that or not). The thing I have found with other streaming stations is they do not consistently keep a signal going. This internet site (http://www.977music.com/) is Minnesota-based, and has nine channels for your listening pleasure: The 80s, The Hitz, Country, Rock, Oldies, The Mix, Classic Rock, Comedy, and The 90s. I invite you to have a listen if you like some variety. A word about the Comedy channel - it's not filtered in any way, so swearing occurs. You should be careful listening to this at work if you don't have headphones. I am thoroughly enjoying the music and content on this site.

This one time...at band...

2008-08-14T18:05:00.000-05:00

So, for many who know me, I was a percussionist from sixth grade until I graduated high school. No, I was not a drummer, or as Mr. Felt said, a "dummer". I have a colleague at my new job who plays in the St Cloud Municipal Band, and has encouraged me to come and give them a try. I let her know this would not happen until after the wedding was over. I have, however, contacted the conductor, and all percussive instruments are provided. I am on my way this evening to listen to a concert in Barden Park in St Cloud (on the SCSU campus). My friend plays the euphonium (not the baritone). I'm excited at the prospect of getting into something musical again. For some reason, singing in my car or the occasional karoake contest doesn't count.

Ok. Went to the concert. What fun! The band played fun songs. It was Circus night, so the theme of songs was very circus-y...but they played them well. It's not a huge band, but put out some very good sound. I got recruited to run the camera and video the concert - not too hard since I just had to turn it on and pause between performances. I felt bad - the conductor had set the camera to only have an hour of time - and the concert went about an hour and 20 minutes. He said he puts the videos on You Tube, so I'm going to have to check those out as well. I do not know what the schedule for performances is like in the fall, but I may just have to go and give this a try. :) I couldn't tell if they are limited in the percussion area due to number of people, or instruments available. The conductor told me they have a good range, so will have to see.

See Mom - I will do something musical in my life. :)

What a weekend!

2008-08-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

My highschool classmate Amanda arrived on the train Friday morning from Williston, ND. She has recently gone through some emotional crap, and needed a girl's weekend away. Another classmate, Danielle, and I took Friday off so we could greet Amanda from the train. After a wonderful breakfast at Keys Cafe in St Paul (the original Keys), we meandered our way back to Danielle's townhouse for some rest. Fast forward to a day of shopping, walking around, catching up, and just enjoying our time. After dinner at Buca de Beppo, we packed bags and headed to my house in Paynesville. Poor Brian - converged upon by four women (Amber joined us for dinner and fun). We drank a couple beers and watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.

Saturday brought about my bridal shower - given by Brian's family. The town of Eden Valley has a tradition I've never seen before. There are three stores in town (used to be more, I'm sure), and flyers are placed at these stores, announcing the shower. People in town will contribute money toward a gift or gifts from the store, and their name is recorded on a sheet of paper. Saturday morning, the girls and I hit all three stores to shop for household gifts before the shower began so we could display these items for all to see. What a fantastic idea! The three stores were Bills Bargains & Variety, Valley Meats and Grocery, and Lost and Found. Millie at Bills said when she was married 45 years ago, this same tradition was in place. Back then, she said, if they got fifty cents, they made out very well. I was happy to pull in over $100 combined for all three stores, along with the gifts from the people who attended the shower. Wow - what an experience! We played some fun games, visited with some wonderful people, and had a very nice lunch. Brian was nice enough to send me into town with the truck, which was perfect for hauling back our loot. I had such a lot of fun!

After that, we won't mention the rest of the goings on of the weekend. It involved more beer, tattoos, and a whole lotta fun. :) Amanda's saying is "good friends, cute boys, and cold beer - all make it fun". I think that sums it up.

Dance to the Music

2008-08-07T09:50:00.000-05:00

So, our bathroom at work has speakers in it to pump music in for our listening pleasure. Nowhere else in the building do we have music - and we cannot put music on our computers. We can listen to mp3 players if desired, and many do (at least, they do in the development area). I am one of those persons who needs something like that to keep from being distracted from the goings-on around me. No, I am not distracted by the music in my ears - just conversations around me. Also, complete silence distrubs me.

Anyhoo - back to the bathroom. I do not know who in the company is in charge of the station, but it changes. I think it's on a random rotation from satellite radio. But, there are times when a really good song is on...and I just don't want to leave and miss the song. I've been at the sink washing hands kind of moving to the music... Thankfully, no one has come in. I did walk in one day, and a gal in there looked at me with the "deer in the headlights" look, and I asked if she was grooving to the music, and she just said "yeah, a little bit." It was funny. I stopped by her desk after that and told her I did the same thing, and was waiting for the day to get busted busting a move.

Lately, instead of listening to my mp3 player, and constantly draining the battery, I've been doing live stream to a couple radio stations. One is Lite 99.9 in St Cloud, and the other is 103.7 The Loon in St Cloud. Right now, on 99.9 is George Michael's "Father Figure." Good stuff. Who doesn't love the 80s music? Oh - wait - most of the kids I work with don't. They were all born in the 80s, and think it's really stupid music. But, for the few of us here who are over 30, we like the 80s.

I had a request from MaddieB for wedding drama stories. To be honest, I don't have a lot of them. I picked the colors, and don't have family who tried to push me in one direction or the other. Ok, maybe my sister tried to get me to have pink.... And, looking back, I wish I would have. It would have been so easy! haha. She told me I'm impossible, or something to that effect. But, as far as the planning of stuff, it really hasn't been a dramatic affair. I've been lucky. As it gets closer, I'm sure I'll have issues.

I'm trying VERY hard not to become a bridezilla...no good! I nearly went off on my dad on the phone this past weekend, though. He tried to tell me that my timeline for pictures after the wedding isn't going to work, and it's going to mess everything up. I started getting kind of owly on the phone with him, and finally just told him I was going to hop off. But, he raised a good point - it's possible. So, I am trying to come up with a Plan B if I need one. I am also going to communicate the "schedule" of pictures for after the ceremony to those who need to be there. I think we'll be ok. As Dad says, "It'll all work out."

Getting Started...

2008-08-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

Ok - like my AK auntie, I am new to this. If my fellow colleagues knew I was only just exploring the blogging world, I am sure I would be the brunt of many jokes. They are all very technically savvy (being developers), and have tons of blogs, and have had them for years.

I am hoping to use this forum to keep y'all updated on wedding plans (for now), and then how life is going in general. Should be fun, and I'll try really hard not to make it boring.

As of today, we are 38 days away from the wedding. Plan are going well - I don't have a whole lot left to do. At least, I don't think I do... I have been making lists, and that's all well and good. However...it's keeping track of those lists, and checking things off. I have created a couple lists...and have no idea where they are. :) I know it'll all work out, right Dad? I still have things to do - such as figure out once and for all what container we are using for the table decorations. We have gone through quite a few options, and hope we have finally settled on something. Just need to see the finished product from Carol. Boy, what a help my big sister has been, too! I would not have gotten half the neat stuff we have if it weren't for her. Big kudos to my big sister!!

Other than that, the new job is going really well. I've taken over the Business Analyst spot for one of our teams, and the change is good. One of the developers was acting in this role, and now he can focus solely on developing, and leading the team in that endeavor. We use the agile methodology for software development, and I have high praise for it. It's an adjustment, and I'm happy to say the teams are adapting really well. They are really awesome to work with, and I'm learning a ton. I'm glad for the switch, the shorter commute, and the challenge....but, I miss my friends from my last job. I keep in touch with a few, and that makes it a bit easier. But, it's hard to let that team go, and it still lingers for me.

I'm not as poetic with words as my brother-in-law, but I hope you'll come back and check in again. I'll try to post a few times a week. Love to all!

Denise