365. Thursday, December 31

2009-12-31T18:18:00.000-05:00

It seemed like overnight, Emma outgrew her kennel. Unfortunately, she is still a little small for the full-size crate we bought her as soon as we got home to Atlanta. She definitely has room to grow now!

Wednesday, December 30

2009-12-31T18:14:00.000-05:00

Finally! The beard is gone!

Tuesday, December 29

2009-12-31T18:12:00.000-05:00

At the Sheraton in Indianapolis, John took charge of getting Emma to and from our 4th-floor suite.

Monday, December 28

2009-12-31T18:09:00.000-05:00

I ate the last of the Christmas sweets today -- including my Santa cookie from Cindy.

Sunday, December 27

2009-12-31T18:07:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun during the first day at the farm, we went back again on Sunday. The snow totally tired out all of us - especially Emma, who crawled right into Jenna's arms after running in the snow for a few hours.

Saturday, December 26

2009-12-31T18:03:00.000-05:00

We went to Grandpa's farm to snowmobile, sled and introduce Emma to playing hard in the snow. We also attended the Ertel's holiday open house later in the day.

Friday, December 25

2009-12-31T18:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jenna, we woke up at 5.30am Christmas morning to celebrate Christmas. The day had all of the traditional trimmings: presents in front of the tree, an indulgent breakfast, visiting the Suro family with 'Santa Jim,' and dinner to top the day off.

Thursday, December 24

2009-12-31T17:57:00.000-05:00

Due to a big Christmas snow storm, we traded in our annual Christmas lights drive at the Walsh Christmas Eve celebration for a walk in the snowy Apple Valley streets.

Wednesday, December 23

2009-12-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

We opened the front door of the house on Wednesday to find Kris, Sam and Ruby singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" to us.

Tuesday, December 22

2009-12-31T17:51:00.000-05:00

We finally made it home for the holidays midday Tuesday, where Mom, Dad & Jenna got to meet Emma for the first time.

Monday, December 21

2009-12-29T21:06:00.003-05:00

We began our roadtrip home for the holidays today, at 6.30am. Emma could not have been better in the car - she is an awesome travel buddy. By 7.30pm, we arrived in Milwaukee, where we spent the evening with Ken and Nancy.

Sunday, December 20

2009-12-20T18:56:00.002-05:00

Another weekend day focused around Emma. We wake up at 7, play until 8 and repeat throughout the day. We introduced Emma to the hill into the apartment complex today, for a great workout for all three of us.

Saturday, December 19

2009-12-20T13:26:00.003-05:00

We celebrated our first virtual Christmas today. While the Carlson family celebrated Christmas in Sturgeon Bay, we joined via texting. Dad sent videos and photographs to John and I throughout the day - it was so fun to participate in some way. We responded with videos of Emma, of course!

Friday, December 18

2009-12-18T19:26:00.001-05:00

Now that Emma has "come" and "sit" in her repertoire, we are teaching her "down" and "settle."

Thursday, December 17

2009-12-18T18:33:00.002-05:00

John surprised me with flowers - I love having a fresh-cut bouquet in the house.

Wednesday, December 16

2009-12-16T19:04:00.002-05:00

John and Emma in the morning watching 90210 together - what a way to wake up! Emma will stop to watch every once and awhile during playing.

Tuesday, December 15

2009-12-16T19:02:00.003-05:00

John and I have had dinner together every night since getting home - I love this part of the day.

Monday, December 14

2009-12-14T18:39:00.002-05:00

We took Emma to the "dog park" at the apartment complex tonight and had so much fun. We were able to release her from the leash so she could play fetch. She retrieved her frisbee again and again and again.

Sunday, December 13

2009-12-13T18:10:00.003-05:00

Our house is anything but peaceful right now - furniture every which direction, baby gates, puppy crate, mud tracked in. Today, though, with what we could clean up taken care of finally and the Christmas lights twinkling all day long, the chaos felt more right.

Saturday, December 12

2009-12-12T14:56:00.001-05:00

We are slowly getting the hang of this puppy thing. We took Emma on a walk today and found out that she is fearless when it comes to the vacuum cleaner.

Friday, December 11

2009-12-12T14:54:00.001-05:00

It isn't officially the holiday season until popcorn from my uncle Joe appears on the doorstep - which happened tonight at 6.30pm. Ho, ho, ho!

Thursday, December 10

2009-12-12T14:49:00.003-05:00

We decked the halls today, pulling out Christmas decorations that have not seen the light of day since 2007. I was pleasantly surprised that I still liked most of them.

Wednesday, December 9

2009-12-12T14:46:00.001-05:00

After a long drive home, we start pulling the house together for Emma and for 2 people on Wednesday.

Tuesday, December 8

2009-12-12T14:38:00.002-05:00

This is my day: John driving, Emma napping next to me, my computer on my lap as we coast through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia.

Monday, December 7

2009-12-12T14:26:00.003-05:00

December 7th was quite the day. We left Minnesota to move John to Atlanta AND we picked up a new member of our family: Emma!

Sunday, December 6

2009-12-06T17:03:00.002-05:00

I came home today to wrap Christmas presents and found a pleasant surprise - poppyseed cake in celebration of Grandpa's upcoming birthday. This is my absolute favorite food (and my grandpa's and mom's) and it was so delicious.

Saturday, December 5

2009-12-06T16:45:00.002-05:00

John and I went to Mom and Dad's annual "College Christmas Party" on Saturday night at the Kolnberger's home in South St. Paul. This party is always a highlight of the Christmas season and I am so glad we were still in Minnesota to attend.

Friday, December 4

2009-12-05T16:11:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to John! We celebrated with a rib dinner in Center City.

Thursday, December 3

2009-12-05T15:54:00.001-05:00

I finished reading my last issue of "Creating Keepsakes" magazine this week. I have been a subscriber for over 8 years. Now, my favorite scrapbookers who are typically featured in the magazine are moving onto different things, and so I have let my subscription expire. I will miss the "Becky's Sketches" column the most.

Tuesday, December 1

2009-12-03T11:58:00.002-05:00

We had a fun adventure moving John's bed from his house in Uptown to my parent's house in Stillwater with my grandpa's truck. John's friend Mike joined in as we went all over the cities in attempt to transport the mattress.

Monday, November 30

2009-12-01T12:40:00.003-05:00

I am organizing my photos today, making sure I keep on top of them while away from my home computer. This photo was taken over the weekend, while at Abby's house for a birthday celebration for Jeni.

Sunday, November 29

2009-11-29T20:58:00.003-05:00

We awoke this morning to fresh fallen snow - I love when everything turns white. It made for a beautiful drive to Stillwater and a great background to decorating the house for the holidays with my family.

Saturday, November 28

2009-11-29T20:45:00.008-05:00

Saturday started with an early morning drive between Center City (Ertels) and Stillwater (Walshs).

Later that morning, we went down to downtown Stillwater with Cindy and Tara for a little more Christmas shopping. 45 Degrees is our favorite store in Stillwater.

Jenna, Dad and I did our final Christmas shopping on Saturday afternoon, before I returned to Center City.

Friday, November 27

2009-11-29T20:40:00.004-05:00

In typical Black Friday fashion, I spent the day shopping throughout the Twin Cities with my mom, sister, aunt and cousins.

Thursday, November 26

2009-11-29T20:38:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We spent the holiday morning and afternoon with the Ertels and the evening with the Carlson clan.

Wednesday, November 25

2009-11-29T20:29:00.002-05:00

After settling on a breed, finding a breeder and confirming our new puppy, we went shopping tonight for a few basics!

Tuesday, November 24

2009-11-25T13:42:00.002-05:00

I spent a few hours at Starbucks today while waiting for John to finish class - drinking cider, admiring Christmas decorations, making phone calls, surfing the internet.

Sunday, November 22

2009-11-23T19:04:00.005-05:00

I did a little Christmas shopping with Mom and Jenna on Sunday. Our find of the day was the Seasons gallery in Hudson - we found a few one-of-a-kind gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

Saturday, November 21

2009-11-23T19:01:00.000-05:00

I did not get a photograph of what I want to remember about Saturday, November 21 - but this is a moment I want to remember. I flew into Minneapolis in the morning; stepping off the 10am flight, I headed to baggage claim, where I expected John to be picking me up after my luggage came. As I walked towards the carousel, I noticed a familiar looking guy sitting at a table in front of claim 6. John came inside to surprise me - something he has never done before (and something he swore he wouldn't do). His gesture made my day.

Friday, November 20

2009-11-20T16:57:00.002-05:00

The first of my holiday decorations went up today (as the fall decorations came down). I would not normally make the transition so early, but I will not be home until December after I leave for Minnesota tomorrow. I don't want to miss out on any holiday cheer once I'm home.

Thursday, November 19

2009-11-20T16:55:00.001-05:00

I ordered some new photos to put in the wall collage in the hallway, in recognition of John moving in.

Wednesday, November 18

2009-11-20T16:54:00.001-05:00

There's a theme happening this week. I created some Christmas cards tonight, although these are not the design I am planning to send in the mail (I cannot reveal that!).

Tuesday, November 17

2009-11-20T16:52:00.000-05:00

My holiday playlist made its 2009 debut today.

Monday, November 16

2009-11-20T15:59:00.003-05:00

Tis the season ... and one of my first orders of business is watching "Love Actually."

Sunday, November 15

2009-11-15T11:29:00.002-05:00

Chocolate chip pancakes are my weekend brunch of choice. I enjoy whipping up a batch of these on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Saturday, November 14

2009-11-15T11:26:00.001-05:00

My shining stove means one thing: I woke up Saturday with an itch to get things done and feel under control again. I am so happy when I walk into my kitchen now that it is clean again.

Friday, November 13

2009-11-15T11:24:00.002-05:00

I stumbled upon a great find at Target on Friday -- my favorite office supply line has made its way into the mass production market. Good timing, given that it is hard to make it to Russell+Hazel's Edina shop nowadays.

Thursday, November 12

2009-11-15T11:22:00.002-05:00

We sat down today at work to plan out every single thing that is left for us to do in 2009. This is only one piece of the big picture - it is going to be a hectic few weeks between now and Christmas.

Wednesday, November 11

2009-11-15T11:18:00.003-05:00

As I arrived at work on Wednesday, this pretty sunrise through the golden trees greeted me.

Tuesday, November 10

2009-11-15T11:15:00.002-05:00

I am a sucker for socks. I must wear comfortable pairs, whether working out, working or just at home. Smartwools are my absolute favorite everyday (including for work) socks. In the last year, I've been lucky to replace most of my old black and brown socks with pairs of these fabulous socks. My perspective is that everyday is a little better with good socks.

Monday, November 9

2009-11-15T11:11:00.002-05:00

My co-workers were in town again; after our fun at Intimacy in August, we decided to plan another girls night out. This time, we saw Helen at Intimacy, ate dinner at Wildfire in Buckhead and visited Moses for haircuts. It was a great night. Carol, in the photo, won best haircut/color of the evening - this new style was a drastic change for her.

Saturday, November 7

2009-11-07T11:14:00.003-05:00

I unsubscribed from all newsletters I receive today, in hopes of clearing out my inbox. It felt really good to purge.

Thursday, November 5

2009-11-07T11:11:00.002-05:00

The leaves are finally changing and dropping in Atlanta. A year ago, I wasn't so sure if there would even be a fall here ... now, I realize it is one fabulous season down here, with ideal temperatures, full sun and vibrant colors.

Wednesday, November 4

2009-11-07T11:08:00.002-05:00

On our last night in Orlando, we went to the Grand Floridian to eat, catch a glimpse of the Wishes fireworks display and shop. While I didn't purchase this hat, I would have been tempted if I needed a costume.

Tuesday, November 3

2009-11-07T11:06:00.001-05:00

Danette and I had time for one outing while we were in Orlando. My request was Sea World - I have never been but always had a desire to see Shamu. At first, I wasn't too impressed with the park. However, after the sea lion show, the dolphin and bird show and the killer whale show, I was really happy. The impressive shows are what it is all about at Sea World.

Sunday, November 1

2009-11-01T18:38:00.001-05:00

Photo by Sue

As I returned to Atlanta, John enjoyed some time with his parents before the lakes in Minnesota start to freeze.

Saturday, October 30

2009-11-01T18:27:00.002-05:00

We enjoyed a perfect fall day today - breakfast with Abby and Jeni, shopping at The North Face store in Uptown, meeting John's friend Mike and dinner at a trendy Wisconsin restaurant with John and Sue.

Friday, October 30

2009-11-01T18:17:00.002-05:00

We took our yearly family photo today - John captured this great shot as we laughed at Dad during the process.

Tuesday, October 27

2009-11-01T18:09:00.002-05:00

This is my version of "packing light." With John's move coming up soon, we have been hauling extra suitcases back and forth between Minnesota and Atlanta when we get the chance.

Sunday, October 25

2009-10-27T22:22:00.004-04:00

I entered the modern ages today, with my first pair of skinny jeans and Uggs. I have to admit, I feel very hip in this new ensemble.

Saturday, October 24

2009-10-27T22:20:00.001-04:00

After a day of shopping (trying to start to feel Christmas inspiration), Mom, Jenna and I had dinner and watched "The Proposal."

Friday, October 23

2009-10-25T21:01:00.002-04:00

Home sweet home ... Dakota sweet Dakota. My weekend at home starts off wonderfully with a massage with Mom, pizza from Grand Pizza and plans for shopping - love this girls weekend already.

Wednesday, October 21

2009-10-21T20:40:00.002-04:00

My creative juices are flowing after a weekend with fellow creative Colleen... I have some fun projects in the works and I've taken a little time each night this week to scrapbook.

Tuesday, October 20

2009-10-21T20:33:00.002-04:00

After a few trips to a few Targets where I could not find the lip balm I use, Aveeno Intense Relief, I started to get a little worried. Where was my Aveeno? Today, I went on the hunt. I checked out CVS, RiteAid, Amazon.com and others - and learned that Aveeno is no longer making my lip balm. This is the lip balm I keep in five different places at one time, from my purse to my desk to my kitchen. I am so disappointed. I do not have any more tubes in reserve, so I ordered a few new Menthol lip balms online (after I couldn't find any good ones at the drug stores) to test. I'm really hoping one of them works out; in the meantime, I'm treasuring every use of Aveeno.

Monday, October 19

2009-10-19T20:01:00.004-04:00

It is still very cold in Atlanta - today, I pulled out the half-mittens I bought in Blue Ridge to go out, and I finally broke down and turned on the heat, to bring the temperature in the apartment up from 58 degrees!

Sunday, October 18

2009-10-19T19:58:00.002-04:00

Colleen and I charted unknown territory during her weekend here. Beyond our trip to Blue Ridge, we also baked homemade artisan bread (and ate it with New Age wine, cheese, salmon and olive oil - fabulous!), and we discovered the beautiful knitting/sewing shop of Knitch and the Belly General Store in Virginia-Highlands.

Saturday, October 17

2009-10-19T19:54:00.002-04:00

We head to the Blue Ridge Mountains on Saturday, for both of Colleen's and my first visit to the Georgia Mountain country. Although it was chilly (below 50 degrees), we still visited Mercier Orchards, shopped along Main Street in Blue Ridge and took a train ride to McCaysville, GA/Copperville, TN. In this photograph, I am standing in Tennessee and Georgia at the same time - this was the highlight of the train ride's destination location.

Friday, October 16

2009-10-19T19:46:00.003-04:00

During Colleen's first days in Atlanta, we do so many fun things: pedicures, pizza at Vassarano's, shopping in the Midtown Design District and Decatur, a visit to Intimacy, and Martinis & Imax at the Fernbank Museum.

Wednesday, October 14

2009-10-14T22:10:00.002-04:00

I love a sparkling sink - although I don't pull out the SoftScrub nearly enough. Today, I ran a few errands and cleaned my apartment after work, in preparation for Colleen's arrival for the weekend.

Monday, October 12

2009-10-12T17:00:00.001-04:00

I got out a few other fall decorations this weekend, while John was here to help me pull them out of the storage unit. The red apples on my kitchen table are definitely the highlight of my autumn-inspired decor.

Sunday, October 11

2009-10-11T21:53:00.002-04:00

Pumpkins are in the house! Getting a few of these little guys and placing them strategically around the apartment (for maximum orange coverage) makes me so happy.

Saturday, October 10

2009-10-11T21:50:00.002-04:00

At Jeri Lynn and Jason's wedding on Saturday afternoon, we got an adorable favor - hand-decorated cookies. We also had a great time celebrating their nuptials with other co-workers (we were definitely part of "The Office" crowd at this wedding!).

Friday, October 9

2009-10-11T21:47:00.002-04:00

John is in town for the weekend, for our first formal Atlanta get together. We made lunch and dinner together on Friday - the best way to unwind after a long week.

Thursday, October 8

2009-10-11T21:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

Tuesday, October 6

2009-10-11T21:45:00.003-04:00

I looked up this morning in the shower to find John's shampoo and conditioner perched along the edge of the shower edge - just one of those things tall people can do!

Sunday, October 4

2009-10-11T21:43:00.003-04:00

We grab a few bushels of apples from the trees at Rob's cabin before heading back to Stillwater for dinner with my family.

Saturday, October 3

2009-10-11T21:41:00.002-04:00

While at Rob's for the weekend, we carve pumpkins. From left to right: Tori's, mine, John's, Rob's

Friday, October 2

2009-10-05T11:43:00.003-04:00

Somehow, I go from 75 degrees in Atlanta on Friday morning to 40 in western Minnesota on Friday night. Despite the cool temperatures, John and I set up our first tent together while visiting his friend Rob near the South Dakota-Minnesota border.

Thursday, October 1

2009-10-01T17:11:00.002-04:00

I have a small pile of books I use decoratively in my office. I always wonder how the rooms on HGTV can pull off books colorfully without looking cluttered -- my books never have quite the same effect. However, these books are personal favorites and deserve the special space they have.

Wednesday, September 30

2009-09-30T21:09:00.003-04:00

One of the most frequent things I do at work is facilitate meetings. This week, I led a strategic planning session. One of my habits is to take photos of the work we do on the whiteboard, so I create notes later on.

Tuesday, September 29

2009-09-30T20:31:00.001-04:00

Today's photo is a picture I received - one of Jenna's new room at school. She's living in Morrison this year, with three other girls. Luckily, she's got her own room in that mix ... and a mighty cute one, I do have to say!

Monday, September 28

2009-09-28T17:29:00.002-04:00

I ordered a few fall-like photographs for my office this week, including this one of a street between Notre Dame and the Seine River in Paris.

Sunday, September 27

2009-09-27T17:26:00.002-04:00

I sat down for lunch today at the kitchen table, something I rarely do lately. Because I eat pretty late at night, I most often sit down in front of the television to enjoy my dinner. It felt like a rare treat to sit at the table today, as a result. I am looking forward to John and I having dinner at the table together in a few short months - it is important thing to both of us and when we're together, we rarely eat dinner on the couch.

Saturday, September 26

2009-09-27T17:25:00.004-04:00

I have a new hair color today - much needed and so far, I think it is looking good. I love getting a new 'do.

Friday, September 25

2009-09-27T17:23:00.003-04:00

I am so in the mood to decorate for fall! Unfortunately, everything is packed so high in the storage unit that I cannot get out the apples, pumpkins and other fun fall items until John visits in two weekends. Until then, I'm satisfying myself by decluttering some spots around the apartment and gathering ideas from the Pottery Barn catalog.

Thursday, September 24

2009-09-27T17:15:00.002-04:00

This is the "working area" on my desk - where mail comes in and out and things I have to take care of later sit.

Wednesday, September 23

2009-09-23T19:14:00.003-04:00

I have been receiving Storypeople's Story of the Day for over a year and a half. Every morning, an inspirational email is in my inbox. While there are a lot of emails I sign up for and always delete, this is one mass message that I open every single time I receive it. There are so many of these stories that have captured a feeling or an experience just right.

Tuesday, September 22

2009-09-22T19:10:00.002-04:00

I took a long route home in order to get a firsthand look at some of the flood damage in the area. The Chattachoochee River is at the 2nd highest level it has ever been (the only higher time on record occurred in 1919). It was something to see news crews filming and my favorite park (parking lot and all) completely under water.

Monday, September 21

2009-09-21T19:04:00.003-04:00

It has rained and rained and rained for days, resulting in some serious flooding across Georgia. The power even went out here in Vinings for 2 hours this afternoon as a result of the storms. It is the perfect day to snuggle inside...glad I worked from home.

Sunday, September 21

2009-09-21T19:02:00.004-04:00

I am replenishing my card stash in between scrapbooking layouts.

Saturday, September 19

2009-09-21T18:59:00.001-04:00

Back in Atlanta, I pull out my recipe books to update them and find a few healthy things to eat this week.

Wednesday, September 16

2009-09-21T18:56:00.002-04:00

We took a little side trip while in Vegas to visit the Hoover Dam. It was on my list of must-do items - what is more American than a visit to this famous spot? We took a tour of the power plant, stood between Nevada and Arizona and saw Lake Mead before stopping at the Las Vegas sign on the way back to the Strip.

Tuesday, September 15

2009-09-21T14:27:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday, after our conference party at Margaritaville, we headed over to the Paris Hotel and up to the top of the "Eiffel Tower." While it wasn't quite the real deal, it was fantastic to see the Strip at night from such a viewpoint. We also saw the Bellagio fountain show before coming back down.

Monday, September 14

2009-09-21T14:23:00.002-04:00

Christine joins us in Vegas after the first day of the Taleo World conference. We meet up with Abby for drinks at the Venetian, spot wax Whoopi on the way back to Caesars Palace and finish off the night at Taleo's private pool party.

Sunday, September 13

2009-09-21T14:20:00.002-04:00

My first trip to Las Vegas starts with a bang! Jeri Lynn and I meet up with Abby, her parents Kari and Kevin and her friends Nico and Janice to visit all of the Clemons' favorite Vegas hot spots. My favorite stop was the Bellagio.

Saturday, September 12

2009-09-12T22:03:00.003-04:00

I have started watching "The West Wing" during my workouts, thanks to a suggestion from my friend Liesl. After watching 2 episodes, I realized how much I needed a new TV show to watch (others that I have followed on DVD include "Sex and the City," "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Office"). Not to mention how beneficial this is to my workout routine, which happens a little more regularly thanks to me wanting to see the next installment of President Bartlett and his team.

Friday, September 11

2009-09-12T21:59:00.001-04:00

My first strong feelings for fall have arrived, punctuated by cute displays at Pottery Barn and other stores at Lenox Square. I absolutely adore fall.

Thursday, September 10

2009-09-12T21:54:00.002-04:00

I participated in my first Assurant Atlanta corporate event on Thursday, which also happen to be my first 5k. I walked with two co-workers at a time of 54.10.

Monday, September 8

2009-09-12T21:34:00.002-04:00

Back in the office today, I got to creating lists and checking things off of them. I have a few days in the office before a conference next week, and I want to feel prepared going into my week away.

Sunday, September 7

2009-09-12T21:30:00.002-04:00

While I was on my way back to Atlanta during my Grandpa Walsh's 87th birthday celebration, I still got a copy of this photo. It is rare to have such a large group of the Walsh family together and to actually get a photograph of it - this photo is much more exciting and memorable than that of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.