Day 42: Land of 10,000 Lakes

Beach day with cousins Jake and Nicole! We finally had some glorious weather–it was a perfect day to be at the Bloomington Park Reserve.

I also got to see some of my munchkins, welcome back Aunt Terri and Uncle Jack from their east coast trip, and catch with my suitemates via telephone. I’m starting to get quite “homesick” and am very much looking forward to returning to school. I love being home with my family and in my beautiful state, but I miss my friends, my social life, my job (aka learning), my coffee shops, and my boss at the YCBA… I miss my life. Especially my social life. Having all your friends, favorite bars, parties, events, shows, concerts, etc. all in one place is definitely a big perk of college–as is the understanding that a college student’s social life is worth the investment and the energy to invest. There’s also a certain understanding among Yalies (as I’m sure there is at other schools)–we understand each other, what the college experience has been like for us, what we want out of life, and what others expect of us. We all room similar paths to Yale and understand what is required to get there and stay there. There is no judgement. In college, it feels as if the world revolves around you and your people, that your 1 mile radius is the center of the universe. Turns out I miss that feeling, as do many of my friends.

June 29, 2014: 323 days left as the center of the universe

Day 41: kiddos

The best part of being home, right here:

June 28, 2014: 324 more days of hugs and kisses and cuddles and loves

Day 40: This is why little people shouldn’t drive

It may not be gourmet but I forget how much I love Mac and cheese when I’m at school…

Aiden ran me over with that car immediately following this picture.

June 27, 2014: 325 ways for me to run away

Day 39: Farmers, athletes, and the birthday girl

It was quite the eventful day.

My coworker and I decided to take advantage of the good weather and went to the farmers market on Nicollet Mall. It happens every Thursday, covers several city blogs, is all locally grown, and is conveniently located by all the food trucks. I got the most amazing blueberries and sugar peas… They didn’t last long.

The US looses to Germany, but moves on (obviously)! This is how I got to watch the game at work:

We celebrated Karen’s 21st birthday with a delicious dinner at Chino Latino, commented with even more fabulous drinks (that watermelon mojito ahhh). Better than the food and the drinks themselves, were the names, like The Crack Ho, Mexican Threesome, and the Ha Ha Ha. After dinner we went on a bar crawl in downtown, hitting a sports bar, a gay bar, and a college bar/club. It was an awesome way to celebrate Karen’s birthday!

June 26, 2014: 326 different fruit and drink combinations to try

Day 38: #artsy

The title of today’s post is slightly deceptive. I did in fact get my artsy on this evening with trendy bars and classic art, yet I would in no way describe myself as artsy.

My friend Meghan and I had dinner and drinks (to celebrate her recent 21st birthday) at Psycho Suzi’s in Northeast Minneapolis. It’s a hip, tiki-themed place with wild, fruity drinks in fun glasses, strange (but oh so delicious) pizza concoctions, and an apparent tattoo/piercing/hair dye minimum to work there.

Afterwards, we visited the Walker Art Museum’s Garden Sculpture exhibit, mainly to see Oldenburg’s famous Cherry and the Spoon–a Minnesota icon.

We also discovered this previously unknowns, but AMAZING residential area of Minneapolis. It had massive brick houses, surrounded by fences, and even a castle house. It was up the hill from the Walker so it looked out on the whole of Minneapolis. It was so lovely, I think I found my new dream neighborhood.

June 25, 2014: 327 more ways to be cultured in the big city

Day 37: Kickball!

Charlie’s first adapted kickball game of the season!

His various adapted sports teams throughout the year, comprised of many kids from school and playing other districts, are the cutest and sweetest things I’ve ever seen. There is such camaraderie among the teammates and such joy in the games themselves–no vicious competitiveness, only caring; no aggression, only fun. Watching them play is one of my favorite things to do when I’m home.

Not to mention, Char’s awfully fast for such a little guy. He’s quite the stud.

June 24, 2014: 328 more opportunities to play kickball in college

Day 36: On the Road Again

Bye bye Uncle Bill and Elaine! Bye bye Northern Minnesota! Bye bye swimming in the lake… Bye bye reading in the sun and afternoon naps… Bye bye Elaine’s cooking… Bye bye hanging out with Uncle Bill 😦

One thing I will not miss saying goodbye to–the Mosquitos. I’m literally covered in giant, itchy red welts. Lovely, I know.

So the work week begins again!

Just a reminder of what I’ll be missing the rest of the summer.

June 23, 2014: 329 days (at least) until I’m back in the great north

Day 35: Land of Sky Blue Water

It is my greatest ambition to forever live on a lake.

After a delicious birthday brunch for Elaine, mom and I spent the day shopping and eating in Nisswa. Beginning with a necessary coffee stop, we browsed tons of pictures of Minnesota and local craft works at a lovely little arts fair. After shopping, we snagged ice cream (mom got chocolates) from the famous Chocolate Ox.

We finished our afternoon out in the lake, enjoying a swim in the sun. We had pizza, wine, and a never ending sunset to finish the night. Everyday should end like this.

Happy birthday, dear Elaine!

June 22, 2014: 330 days to enjoy the water

Day 34: Up North

Welcome to the most beautiful state in the Union.

Mom and I are lucky enough to spend the weekend at my uncle Bill and Elaine’s place in Brainerd, MN–about two and a half hours north of the city. Finally we had some nice weather! It was incredibly lovely cruising the lake on the pontoon and eating dinner (Elaine is a master chef) while watching the sun set.

Happy summer solstice!

June 21, 2014: 331 more days to learn to cook

Day 33: Maximum Security

Today I visited CCJ’s parenting class at the Oak Park Heights Prison, Minnesota’s maximum and super maximum security facility (it’s a level 5 out of 5). There was a huge difference in the culture and attitude of the class compared to Rush City earlier this week (that facility is a level 4). We were granted more freedom within the facility because the men are much more restricted–they have single bunks and only move in individual units. Because they don’t get many chances to socialize, they had a greater desire to discuss issues amongst themselves, rather than just be taught. This group was also twinged with bitterness and a sense of hopelessness, perhaps due to the two lifers in the group.

Several of the men had large growths on their arms due to dialysis treatments. One had over five children he wasn’t allowed to contact due to the severity of his crimes. One man carried a picture of his three children behind his ID, strung on a lanyard around his neck. One white man from southwest Minnesota, in for life, had a large tattoo of a swastica on his arm.

All of that being said, the men were once again incredibly nice to me and there were several men who seemed truly invested in learning how to be better fathers both while down and when they get out.p

Now for happier things: every time I visit the kids, I leave with quite the collection of little baby selfies… And a new hairdo, courtesy of my two favorite little stylists.

All this rain we’ve had has given us the most beautiful skies!

June 20, 2014: 332 days left in that minimum security lifestyle