hot commodity

I had my annual review. It started out with my boss saying, "You can never leave this company while I am still here." It was a good review, all of my scores were "exceeding expectations." That was fun. Now, I'll just sit back and wait for the big fat raise coming my way. I wish.

In related news, I got an email today from a previous employer asking me to come work for him as their "web design coordinator". Sounds fun, but I'm not sure how many hours/week it would be. And with my regular, full-time job, and the web work I do, I'm not sure I could swing another thing. But, it's worth talking to the guy.

So, I'm feeling like I have skillz today in the employment department.

blast from the past

Last night, we went to a graduation party for a friend of ours. While there, I saw a girl that looked familiar to me, but I wasn’t sure how I knew her. After a while, I heard someone call her “Mandy” and then I knew right away. I had gone on a missions trip to Toronto the summer after graduating high school and she had been my roommate there. I vaguely remembered that she was from Wyoming. I told her I had gone on a missions trip with her and she said “Mandy Ellefson?!” It was crazy. She was one of those people that I had spent two weeks with, but assumed I would probably never see her again. Guess I was wrong.

my first try.

I cut Kyle's hair tonight. Not so much as a cut, but a buzz. It was kinda fun. If he keeps his hair like this - FREE hair cuts! I used clippers, but I did have to get out the scissors for around his ears. I think it looks good. It is summer, after all.

Kyle's summer cut.

new year's resolution - done!!!

My new year's resolution this year was to run a 5k and not come in last. It is officially checked off the list. My first 5k is complete! And, to top it off - I got 2nd place in my age division. Don't ask how many people were in my age division. I'm keeping that secret ;) So, I medaled in my first road race! I'm pretty excited. I'll even post a pic of runner #44.

Team Irby.

still in pain...

Yes, I can barely walk. Yes, I love it. Yes, I'm going again tonight. Why? I'm not sure.

Last night we babysat Mike & Tasha's 3 little boys. I introduced them to the Goonies, my favorite movie of all time. Their baby, Barek, is only 5 months old or so and babysitting him made me want one of my own. Kyle did not have the same reaction. His was more of "Let's wait a few more years." My father-in-law said it best, "She's not getting any younger."

my legs are jello.

So, tonight, Tasha brought her hubby, Mike to work out with us. After a few really good games of raquetball (I won once, Mike won twice), we went to lift. This was the real reason Mike came: to whip our muscles into shape. After some squats and some other leg machine, he told us we were "Certified Wusses". Awesome. Just when I thought I was getting in shape. When we finished, I could barely walk. I thought it might be a good idea to loosen up my jello legs by running around the track a few times. After 6 laps, I couldn't move. So, I called it a night. Kyle might have to carry me up to bed. Tomorrow is going to suck.

weekend at home.

So, the trip home was really great. Went to fast, didn't get to see everyone we wanted to, but great. Friday night Kyle and I went over to Tea, SD to watch karaoke with my dad and his g-friend. The company she works for was sponsoring a Karaoke competition with a prize of $1000. This was the semi-finals. Kyle & I ended up judging. It was super fun. I pretended I was on American Idol. We didn't actually get to talk, just write down their scores. Still fun. The top 6 (of 12) get to go to finals. Wish I was there for that.

Saturday, we did some shopping and tried to visit people. I say tried because EVERY house we stopped at was empty. No one home. EVERY house. So, we got ice cream and went out to Ellefson Implement to visit Dad and get some free John Deere stuff. We had BBQ that night with Grandpa & Grandma. It was really fun. Then Mandy Pod came over and visited for a while.

Sunday was Ryan's (my little brother) confirmation.

Ryan, Me, and Kyle cheesing out.

Ryan's tall. And goofy. It was fun. Got to see some more family. Then we left. Sad.

more snow. awesome.

snow? it's MAY!!!

Today's snowstorm. Gross.

going home.

We're going to Mitchell (Home of the World's Only Corn Palace) this weekend. Going home. No matter where I've moved or lived or gotten married, Mitchell is home. Will that ever change? Not sure. I'm really excited to go back, it's been a while since we've last been there. This weekend will be full - we're having lunch with our friend, Kelly, going to my little brother's (Ryan) confirmation, meeting my dad's new girlfriend (yikes!), and hopefully getting together with another friend we just found out will be in town at the same time. So, it will be a busy weekend...still have lots of family to see on top of all of that. But, I'm really excited. I miss everyone!

winter storm warning

We're in the middle of a winter storm warning today. Yuck. I'm ready to have my garden - keep the flowers outside for a few days instead of bringing them in every other day. Seriously. It's May. Let there be sunshine!

shopping!!!!

After the usual friday (pizza & a movie), I woke up to a rainy Saturday and figured it was a good day to shop. Mother's Day gifts, my brother's confirmation, high school grads - all in need of gifts. So, we got ready quick and headed to the nearest shopping mecca, Rapid City. We love Rapid City - only two hours away (and a beautiful drive through the Black Hills). So, we got there and found the mother's day gifts pretty quickly. Dropped my mom's off at work (she works in the mall - how convenient!) and figured we might as well do some shopping for ourselves. Well, that turned into shopping for me and I came home with a few great things. Even some pants that are a size smaller than usual - HOORAY!!! We headed downtown and got some other gifts, stopped at our favorite Rapid City restaurant, the Firehouse, then headed home. It was a great (and much needed) shopping trip! I'm still excited about it.

no tv - an update

It's official. After reading your comments and listening to the wise advice of friends (and checkbooks), we're cancelling cable. It took Kyle a little while to come around, but as of May 15th, we will no longer be cable customers. Hooray! Will this mean more time on the internet or more time with each other? Perhaps it will just mean more time on the internet together. But, with the swimming pool opening date just a month away, I think it will mean more pool parties! YES!

tennis... for beginners

After we went on our run yesterday, I decided it was about time I learned how to play tennis. I've been playing raquetball and loving it, so it was time to take the next step. Tennis is not easy. Kyle played a little in high school, but we were still not very good. It was really fun, though, I was hitting it pretty frequently - we had several good volleys. We need more practice, though. Lots of practice.