I've Been Interviewed

My beautiful cousin Nicole - who totally needs to get her butt up here and see us - is virtually interviewing me. Here are the tough questions she asked, along with my well thought out answers...

1. If you could go back in time and change one event in your life, what would it be and why?
I have a few - but the one that comes to me A LOT is the day before Pop Pop's surgery. Since my grandparents lived in Virginia, we didn't get to see them a lot, but whenever we did, Pop always made me feel like a million bucks. He always referred to me as Red - my one and only nickname in my whole life - and was always interested in what I was up to. So, him and Mom Mom called the day before surgery - it was either Thanksgiving day or the day before Thanksgiving 1993. The phone was being passed around the family and when it got to me, I passed. I don't know why. Maybe I didn't want to cry? Maybe I was just caught up in my 21 year old drama? Who knows. It turned out to be the last opportunity to talk to him. He died a month later. That choice haunts me to this day. I miss you and love you so much, Pop!

2. What is the best part of your life right now?
This is an easy one. My family. Watching Joe and Ryan grow up before our very eyes is so amazing. It also freaks me out when I see them picking up some of our bad habits and our sarcasm. But definitely, the best part of my life is my family!

3. What is your biggest hope for your sons?
Wow - that is a loaded question. While I was pregnant with Joe, every night I prayed for him to have a happy, healthy, long, loving, full and prosperous life. That would be my biggest hope for both of them.

4. If you were president, what would be your top 3 priorities?
Could you have picked some harder questions? Dang. I don't know. For sure to figure out a gas/energy alternative that doesn't raise other prices by putting farmers into a difficult situation and has long lasting positive impact on the environment. Secondly I would need to figure out a solution to this economic issue that is following us everywhere. New jobs, home loan situations, crooked CEO's, etc. But the solutions can't come so quick that all fall out aspects aren't looked at closely. Finally, a solution to the Iraq/Afghanistan/middle east turmoil. Bring our troops home as it seems like we have done most of the good that we possibly can. We have given them the building blocks and now they need to take them and move them forward on their own if that is what they want to do.

5. Is it easier for you to forgive or forget?
It is easier for me to forgive. I have a mind like a steel trap on some things - don't ask me what I had for lunch yesterday, so forgiving is much easier, but definitely isn't always easy.

Now comes the fun part. For all 3 of you that read my drivvle, if you would like me to interview you, leave the words 'interview me' in the comments along with your email if I don't have it. I will email you 5 questions for you to answer on your blog and you can play this game as well with your readers. No pressure, but it is fun!!

January is COLD

So, up nort' in the land of the frozen tundras, the family and I had a very low key month. For example - a rough Saturday morning committment turned into a nice afternoon with family and beers... (no children were harmed in the taking of these pictures)


Oh, and how can I forget Joe's first black eye - again, not printing details to protect the innocent...


We had a nice day at the zoo -


Did I mention that the COLD causes a lot of static?


The big highlight of January was Ryan and his team's entry at the Future City Competition. This competition begins in September with the submittance of a Sim City computer mock-up of the city that meets certain criteria - I am sure Ryan could go into great detail for you if you would like to know more. Before Christmas they had to submit an essay regarding how they see nano technology playing a major role in the energy and materials of the ciy and then they begin work on their scale model of the city made out of only recycled materials. The city also has to have moving parts generated by one 9V battery. They then bring that model to the competition to present in front of the judges. The judges are from some of the local companies like Opus, 3M, and Xcel Energy. Ryan was voted by his classmates to be one of the 3 presenters, but since he is not in grade 7 or 8 he was only allowed to present to the non official judges. He did a great job and we are so proud of him (even though we aren't going to Washington DC for the finals)!


Finally, some of you may have noticed a new 'widget' on the right side bar of this page. It is for the liz logelin foundation. This foundation is in memory of matt's wife liz and the goal is to financially help young widows and widowers with small children. If the mood strikes you, please donate to this great cause. Thank you!