I'm Still Here. Are You?

My mom informed me that she is sick of looking at the bottle of wine in the below post. So, I thought I better get on here and give a quick update. I'm still here. I'm still going to blog. I'm still a Mitten Kitten. It's just that life is so....busy.

In a nutshell, since the last time I've blogged, I've been to Texas, ended a job and started a new one, went to Eastern Market, had a girls' night out for a bestie's b-day, helped with Jami's baby shower, saw my mom, went to the musical Rock of Ages, worked a boatload of hours, had a date night with a few of the girls and their husbands, spent two weekends without Ryan while he traveled...and...I don't even remember what else! I guess just all the day to day activities that make up life.

I think I'm going to end up working more at this job than I ever have before. So, when I walk in the door and it's almost 7:00 or after and dinner has to be made and dogs need to be tended to, the last thing I feel like doing is sitting in front of my computer and blogging. Thus, the reason for my month long hiatus. I'm going to try to be better, though. Up next...pics from all the above mentioned activities!

Finally, in the spirit of Thanksgiving...I'm thankful. Thankful for the obvious things, like my family and friends, Ryan and the doggies. And my warm, cozy home. But also for my job that I love so much (even if it keeps me from blogging), and my mom moving back home and the niece I will welcome into the world in January. I have so many things to be thankful for. I love Thanksgiving. What a great day to reflect and be grateful for all the blessings we receive.

Gobble gobble!

A Very Good Welcome Indeed

I've been feeling very blessed this week. I'm loving my new job, and can't help but feel confirmation in the old adage everything happens for a reason. Plus, this morning when I got to work this was waiting for me as a welcome gift:

Hot dog! Love me some red wine!

:)

So, I Didn't Have the Guts to do it...

No Katie Holmes bob for me. How could I, when as soon as I sat down, the hairdresser said, "I hope we're not cutting your hair, you should totally grow it out!". So, I kept with the tried and true. Went a bit darker and got my much needed bangs back.

PS- this pic update is more for my Mommsy. Since she lives in FL, I have to keep her informed of what her daughter looks like ;)

Five Things

Because I'm at work and I'm bored. Because I have nothing else to write about at the moment. And because why not...here are five random things you may not know about me:

1. I sucked my finger (not thumb) until I was about 12. No joke. Maybe even older?
2. I have a vivid, crazy, great imagination. I was the only girl growing up, and played by myself in my room for hours. I didn't need no brothers! To that end, I had a pretend friend named Sesi-go, who I drank after she jumped in my milk one day all because she was a constant source of teasing from my brothers. Sure do miss her!
3. My parents got divorced when I was little. Like really little- two or three years old. But you know what? I'm not bitter about that. I am who I am today, I'm sitting exactly where I'm sitting right now, because of all the events that have happened in my life, parent's divorce included. And I wouldn't change a thing.
4. My wedding, whenever that may be (ahem...next year???), never leaves my mind. I'm constantly thinking about my ring, my dress, my bridesmaids, the venue, where we're going to come up with the money for this lavish affair, the bridesmaid's dresses, the guest list, the music, what song I want to dance to with my dad, military vs. non military, decor- and on and on and on. But I can bet you money I won't actually start planning it until the day I absolutely HAVE to. I'm a procrastinator. It's just the way I roll. Grace under pressure. Hope I can find a venue that will squeeze me in. (Just kidding about that part. I'm sure I'll reserve the place and put a deposit down, and then procrastinate.)
5. I'm getting my hair did at 6pm tonight, and I have half a mind to have her cut my hair like this:

I don't think I have the guts to do it. Because after all, when I do get married next year, I'll need longer hair to be able to achieve the look I'm envisioning in my head.

Is it 5:00 yet :)

At The Big House

I had my first U of M tailgating experience this past Saturday. While I tailgated a few times in college, I knew it wasn't anything like what I was about to experience at The Big House.

What. An. Event.

Over 300,000 people. Wild, crazy, emotional and loyal fans. Food, drink, music, and laughter everywhere. Flip cup, corn hole and horseshoes. And the sunshine. Oh what a beautiful day for some football. We got up at 6:30am and didn't get home until after midnight, so no surprise that on Sunday, I slept over 11 hours and was still exhausted! Maybe I'm just getting old ;)

Unfortunately, U of M lost, but at least to another undefeated Michigan team. Had a blast, and will do it again next year!

Jennette and I...loving the weather, friends and football!

Our men...looking good boys!

Fall Colors Make Me Happy

Driving to Ryan's parents house this past weekend, I made Ryan stop so I could snap this pic:

I know, I know. I've already said it many times before. But seriously, when this is what you're surrounded by, how can you not love Fall?

:)

Saturday at the Mill

A few weekends ago, one gloriously sunny Fall Saturday morning, Ryan took me to the Franklin Cider Mill. I love me some don dons, cider and other mill goodies like no other! And this mill is particularly cute and right on the river. We had fun walking around, taking in all the smells and eating fresh donuts. We bought some fresh bread, summer sausage and a chipotle ranch cheese dip. Afterward we took the doggies for a walk on some trails by the river. It was, my friends, a perfect start to my weekend.

Misc. Musings

Time for me to take the lazy way out and just bullet point some random stuff I've been up to...

• I got a PERMANENT job!!! At a WONDERFUL, FABULOUS agency. I'm really excited. Actually, I got the news about two weeks ago and just haven't posted anything on it yet. I signed my acceptance letter last week, so it's totally official and I start 10/18/10. My contract at CE has been extended until 10/15, so I go right from one job to the next. If you're interested to see just how lucky I am, click here.
• Tomorrow, Jennette and I are flying to Texas to see Carmen. Just in time, seeing as though the weather forecast here for this weekend is going to be less than stellar. We are both incredibly excited for a long girls' weekend away.
• Ryan took me to the famous (I use that term loosely) Franklin Cider Mill this past weekend. Cider, don dons, bread, apples, cheese...yum. I started the day with a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. Yes, it was a grand day.
• Last weekend I went to Jennette's house in Manchester to hang out for the night since my Ryan was at a Tiger's game and her Ryan was out of town. Somehow between 12:30 am and 10:30 am, I misplaced my keys. We spent three hours looking for them at her house. And then Ryan had to come get me on Sunday. We live an hour from Manchester, so let's just say he wasn't very pleased.
• My October calendar is full, making it the fourth month in a row that I've had something big going on every single weekend. Seeing as though I spent the past eight years living in other states, I'm still in shock that one can be this busy every weekend. Ryan and I used to sit at home on weekends begging for something to do! (Well, being the homebody that I am, he begged. I was content.)
• Everyone at work right now is sick. They have this miserable, yucky cough and they are spreading germs my way! I've been popping Vitamin C like it's my job, as I just cannot be sick for this coming weekend. They are probably sick from the weather here. It was, no joke, 89 degrees one day (almost a record) and low 60-something the next day. Followed by two days in the 50s with rain. As much as I love Fall in the Mitt, this weather pattern can't be good for anyone!
• I'm off to Target on my lunch break. I sure wish that store didn't put me in a good mood! Sigh...

Today is my Friday, have a fantastic weekend y'all!

:)

Once a Mitten Kitten...

...always :)

My new license plate to make my move home even more permanent.

The Bad. And the Good.

The Bad:
Our washer hose thing burst last night and flooded our basement.

The Good:
It's an easy fix and nothing down there got ruined. It was just a later-than-usual night at the Noschelman-household. Also, thanks to my brother Patrick, there were three sets of hands on deck to help clean.



The Bad:
It's a rainy day outside. Not only does it make me want to sleep, but it means eight little paws to wipe off each and every time the dogs go in and out.

The Good:
I awoke to an awesome thunderstorm.



The Bad:
I'm leaving my current job for a new one in a few short weeks. Helllllo learning curve.

The Good:
I have a new job, it's a permanent one, and I'm so dern excited about it. Good things ahead!



The Bad:
I have to go to the Secretary of State tonight to register my car and get MI plates. Long lines are in my future.

The Good:
I brought my book to read so hopefully time passes quickly, and after this, I can renew by mail and never have to step foot in the S.O.S. again (well, that's an exaggeration, but at least I won't have to go for a long while).



The Bad:
It's only Wednesday.

The Good:
It's already noon on Wednesday. That much closer to the weekend, and my upcoming Dallas trip. Woop woop!



Moral- you can get something good out of any situation. That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)

Fall in the Mitt

I always felt Memphis was about a month behind Michigan when it came to the weather. So I'm not sure why I was surprised that Fall this year came at the beginning of September (or earlier?). Like so many others, it's my favorite time of year so although early, I welcomed the change of seasons with open arms. Here in the Mitt, Fall means...

...that the Michigan Wolverines are taking over Ann Arbor, the weather is crisp, the leaves are changing, sweaters and boots can be worn, the cider mills and pumpkin patches are open and the windows are left wide open for some good sleeping. All this, and Pumpkin Spice Latte is available once again at Starbucks. It also means...

...that winter is right around the corner. Snow is imminent. Getting up a few minutes early is a must so you can scrape the night's snowfall from your car before you brave the elements and drive to work. Hats, scarves, gloves, snow boots, and heavy winter jackets all become daily attire. Your breath can be seen and snot freezes in your nose.

But you know what? I'm ok with that. Because for now, it's Fall. And it's the first time in over eight years that I get to experience it in it's entirety. The smells, the weather, the leaves. The season is filled with these memories that take me back many, many years. Since this will be my first winter in the Mitten in just as many years, I'm going to try to concentrate on (ahem-talk myself into) all the wonderful things about winter. Like a white Christmas. Or the beauty in a blanket of fresh snow. And the peace, quiet and wonder of a midnight snowfall.

Well, and let's not forget that I get to buy a new jacket and the cute accessories to go along with it! Thank goodness for the small things, right?

Old Mission Wine Tour

There's something about getting away with three of your best girlfriends for the weekend that's just so...refreshing. Relaxing. Rejuvenating. Well, and the wine helped, too ;)

But seriously, last weekend was one of the best weekends I can remember. Jennette and I drove over to Kalamazoo to pick up Sarah, and then the three of us headed north to Stefanie's house in Cadillac. Back in May Stef came up with the idea of the wine tour since she's done it before with her parents and husband. Since she's only about an hour and fifteen minutes from Old Mission Peninsula, we knew we wanted to make a weekend out of it and drive up Friday night to stay with Stef at her house. We got in about 9:30, sat around and caught up, laughed and looked at old pictures (and by the way, we all look much better now than we did ten, fifteen years ago. How is that possible?).

Saturday morning we were off to Traverse City, which is basically where Old Mission Peninsula is. We got up there around 1pm, and by 6pm we had hit up four wineries and had lunch at a cute little grille. The weather was chilly and gray, but it actually added to the ambiance because it made it feel like fall. I tell ya what- I'm not sure there's a whole lot better than crisp Northern Michigan air. Add some besties and wine into the mix and you just can't go wrong! I bought two bottles of wine on the trip. One I'm saving for a special occasion because it's a really good one, and the other is for Ryan's parents. They love going on wine tours and have been up to Old Mission, too. Finally, our last stop was at a brewery called the Jolly Pumpkin- it was time for a beer and the last 2o mins of the Michigan football game.

Rather than driving back to Stef's house, we had decided awhile back to get a hotel room and stay in Traverse City for the night. So after the brewery we headed back to the hotel to get ready for a girl's night out. Our hotel actually had a nightclub in it, so we hit that up and danced, laughed and had a fun girls' night out. Sarah and Stef both have babies that are around nine months old, so it was a lot of fun to have these two out and get "crazy".

Here's a few pics from the trip. It was a great weekend, and we decided that we're going to do a trip again every fall. Next up...Canada!

Jennette, me, Sar and Stef- at Black Star Farms

With Sarah at 2 Lads Winery

Outside Cheateau Chantal with Jennette, Sarah and Stef.

At Brys Winery- my favorite! This is where I bought my wine.

Jolly Pumpkin Brewery

Outside Shimmers, da club in our hotel.

This Woman...

...raised and shaped me into the person I am today.


...has given me nothing but unconditional love, praise and guidance through my 30 years.


...is the strongest lady I know. She's one tough cookie.


...is going to be the best Mother of the Bride and Grandma there is. It will be an exciting couple of years in our family.


...through it all- the good times, the bad times- has never given up hope, has never wavered in her love and has never stopped believing in her children.


...knows how to seek out a bargain. Why can't I be more like that!


...is so much fun. I may roll my eyes from time to time, but really I'm lucky that she's fun to be around.


...can do it all. Sew a christening gown from start to finish, cook food for a party, make homemade ice cream for dessert, look after three little kids, pick vegetables from her garden, mow acres of lawn on top of a big John Deere and gather eggs from the chicken coop. In.One.Day.


...raised three children as a single-mom. Two of whom were boys. Let's just be honest, girls are much easier to raise :)


...is my mom, and I love her more than life itself. So proud to be her daughter! I miss you, mom!

Misc. Musings

We've been busy at the Noschelman household lately, but I'm too lazy to write a full-blown post. So, instead, some random things on my mind:

• I'm going to have a niece!! We just found out today that Jami and Carl are having a precious little girl- Kyle Elisabeth Herschelman. Heart heart heart.
• On Friday, some of the Mitten Kittens (Jennette, Sarah, Stef) are heading here. Just a girls only little getaway, and I can't wait. Wine, Northern Michigan, besties- does it get better?
• On Thursday night, I have a face-to-face interview with Goodby, Silverstein and Partners, a San Fransisco agency who is opening up shop in Detroit now that they have the Chevrolet account. I must be doing something right at C-E because my current supervisor put in a recommendation for me. Fingers crossed that I'm fortunate enough to go right from one amazing, reputable agency to another.
• I jumped on the bandwagon and I'm currently reading The Help. Personally, I thought it was a little slow in the beginning, but it's starting to pick up. Next up on the list is the Sookie Stackhouse series.
• I'm counting down the days to Oktoberfest- what Jennette and I are calling our Dallas getaway. It will be so great to see Carmen and spend a long weekend with her.
• Currently, the temps are in the 70s, and will get to the high 50s tonight. My windows are open, a breeze is coming through, and fall is right around the corner. I love this time of year. I told Ryan that one weekend coming up I want to tour area Cider Mills, and I was only half joking.
• Recently, Ryan and I celebrated three years together. Already? I love that man. He's my best friend, my love, my life. Moving back to MI was such a good choice for us and I'm just in love with our life together here.
• My mom came, now she's gone. She only left this morning and I miss her like crazy already. We had so much fun- Arts Beats and Eats, hanging with family, catching up over dinner at Outback, shopping, watching a movie...just being together!

Well, that's all I can think of. Off to watch Real Housewives and get some reading in before I fall asleep. So happy today is already Tuesday!!!

:)

Nerves...

I have a phone interview in exactly 25 minutes, and the nerves are currently making themselves comfortable in my stomach. I hate this process of a new job, but will be happy to have a permanent position. More later. For now, just wish me luck!

Downtown the Roak, German Park and Family

My mom stayed with me all weekend, and we had a blast! She was at my house waiting for me when I got home from work on Friday, and of course she was doing mom stuff like washing the windows I ignore and wiping down the vent from the bottom of the refrigerator. I mean, who thinks of cleaning that thing other than a mom?! After a couple of hours sitting around and catching up, we decided to have a girls' night out downtown Royal Oak, or, as I affectionately call it, the Roak. We met up with my friend, Melissa, and had fun touring some local spots.

Say Spacebook! We're both caught here in the middle of a huge, genuine laugh.

With Melissa and Mom.

Senior-picture pose.

Next up was German Park, an Ann Arbor summertime tradition. It's a party held in a private park on the last Saturday of the month during June, July and August. Food, music, buckets of beer- just a whole gathering of people celebrating summer and having a good time out in the middle of nowhere. I can remember my mom and her friends going when I was little. I've also been there before years and years ago with my mom, aunts and uncles. On Saturday, a group of us met at the park and enjoyed what was probably the most perfect nights of the summer weather-wise.

With Leigh, Jennette, Mom and Tracey.

On Sunday, we headed to Manchester to celebrate Marti's (Ryan's mom) birthday. We like to spend time at their house on Sundays. It gives us time to get away from city-living for the day and let the dogs loose, and catch up with family. Plus, any time we get to spend with his adorable niece and nephew is fine by me. Sure, I may be a little biased, but aren't they just two of the cutest kids you've ever seen? LOVE them! We had a great time, ate well, and laughed a lot. The kids caught frogs with Alicia (one of Ryan's sisters), and stood still just long enough for me to snap a few pics. Of course I made the mistake of proclaiming my fear of frogs (don't EVEN get me started), so don't think I wasn't tortured a few times.

So curious!

Taylor, in all her adorableness.

Look- frogs! (gag me)

With Wes and Taylor.

I love the weekends! And looking forward to the long weekend coming up. I found out today that C-E is closing at 1pm on Friday, and of course we're closed on Monday. Woot woot!

Destination: Dallas

Tonight, Jennette and I booked our trip to visit Carmen in Texas. So excited, only 38 more days until a FABULOUS girls' weekend. Better go find my cowboy boots...

Don't ask. We clearly have a lot of fun together ;)

Hip Hip...

...HOORAY! My mommsy is coming to visit. She arrives tomorrow and she's mine all mine for two whole weeks. Well, I'm sure I'll have to share her with some other family and some of her friends, but just having her in the same state will be great. A sampling of our agenda:

• German Park
• Dinner with my aunt and uncle (her sister)
• Lake time during Labor Day weekend
• Lunch in Birmingham
• Laughing
• Girl time
• Good talks
• Simply hanging out with my best friend

My goal is to get TONS of pictures of us. I don't have any recent ones, and that, quite frankly, is a shame!

Picking Party

It's sweet corn time in the Mitten! August is one of my most favorite months here. It's still summer, the weather is great and the sweet corn is ready for some eatin'. Last Sunday, we headed to my dad's to pick some corn (in addition to every vegetable known to man, my dad also grows his own corn), and in true dad-fashion, we came home with waaaaay more than we could eat. So, my dad explained the blanching process to me so that I could freeze some and then have on hand during the winter months, and I've been up to my ears (ha ha- get it) in sweet corn ever since. We had a lot of fun spending the day in the country with my dad and Mary, and Kaia and Boomer did, too. I love when I get a chance to let my city dogs loose!

A quick swim and a run through the woods to burn off their pent-up energy.

Family picture :)

Pic some good ones, babe!

Totally tuckered out after a day's play.

Six quart sized baggies, and about three dozen ears left to shuck, blanch and bag!

Canoe Weekend

I had an absolute blast being up north last weekend with my man and my very best friends. Nothing like spending a few days out in the woods with your favorite people- away from jobs, babies and responsibilities. We go up every year, either the last weekend in July or the first weekend in August. Canoeing, sitting in the river, eating, drinking, sitting around the fire, sleeping in the bunkhouse- I look forward to this weekend all year long. And this time, Sarah came up with the idea to have a weekend-long scavenger hunt. The plan was to team up with whomever you rode with. In our car, we had the Hamel's, which, as I mentioned before, I was pretty excited about because Elesa is as competitive as Ryan and I. Each team was responsible for making a team shirt, coming up with a team name and taking pictures of the tasks on the list. I admit- my team talked some serious smack beforehand. Remember, we're a pretty competitive bunch. But, unfortunately, once we got the adult beverages in hand, we put accomplishing tasks on the back burner. It was a great idea by Sarah, and I think we'll even do it again next year.

A few pics from my awesome weekend...

Scavenger hunt task: Get a team member's name next to a sign with his/her name on it. This one was literally a block away from my house.

With Elesa. Team name: Balls Deep. Team Motto: All or nothing. (Told you we were competitive!)

Scavenger hunt task: get a picture of a far-away license plate.

Scavenger hunt task: get a teammates picture with a mullet. I think we should get bonus points for not one, but TWO mullets ;)

Team Balls Deep with Team Roneldo, sporting team attire. We left that morning at different times and from different places, but met up at a bar/restaurant on the way up.

With Tracey and Carmen. The weather was perfect in the evening for long sleeves and a fire.

Stef with her husband, Aaron. They both work at a TV station in Cadillac. Stef is a producer, and Aaron is the evening Sports caster. The Mills' always get in around 2am on the first night because of 11:00 news. When signing off, Aaron always gives the group a shout-out, and you better bet we are inside watching. It's tradition. It's how we roll.

Sarah and Jen. These two have been friends since kindergarten. Their parents are even good friends who vacation together.

One morning waiting for breakfast. Kody and Pinky always cook it on the flat top griddle outside.

Striking a pose with Tracey- it's her husband's (Kody) family cabin. They are PERFECT hosts.

The whole group- all 17 of us. Heading out for a day of canoeing.

With my Texas friend, Carmen

LOVE these girls. Mitten Kittens forever :)