Algoma's Shanty Days Highlights...I guess



Note to self: next time WE pick the campsite. No more sleeping on a 15 degree incline. But at least we did "rough it" by camping and then biking into town. Maybe next time we'll try it for more than 24 hours.

Yes, I did dress like my mother for the occassion complete with a lighthouse printed T-shirt and nearly matching printed jean shirt. It helped me blend into the shore town fashion.

Can you guess what interest group may own this float? Subtle, hm?

I'd really love to see a sand castle as tall as the Algoma signature water tower.

I WANT this bike.

As a Nam vet, my dad didn't like this "float," but I thought it was original and beautiful. It stood out from all the rest.

Hey...are those real?

I really liked this Nemo float.

I am more than just a street sewer

The interesting things people say while half-asleep. So this last weekend Chris and I went to WI to see my family and attend Shanty Days in the bustling town of Algoma. Okay, so there's nothing doing any sort of hustle or bustle in that little lake town that has actually decreased in population since my mother lived there. But for this one weekend of the year, the city really shows its shine...or spit and polish.

We had an early morning drive to my parents' campsite outside the town, and then rode bikes on a trail to join together in the festivities with some relatives at my aunt's house. There was a 1.5 hour long parade with all the fixin's, a bazaar of craft booths, a flea market, and a special sectioned off pay-to-get-in portion filled with many unhealthy foods and noise pollution bands. During the day we watched the parade, ate a potluck lunch, bought some crafty junk, walked the pier, and took a tour of my family's historical landmarks.

That evening we crashed in our tent for a slanted nap...our tent was on a hill so we had the "fortunate" opportunity to sleep on a 15 degree incline. After literally rolling out of bed, we went with my parents to the critically acclaimed Pizza Bowl for some very slow but very tasty pizza. Then it was time to break off from the fam and go for a romantic stroll along the boardwalk until we found a good spot on the beach to make out. It was so cliche, I had a hard time taking myself seriously. But it was fun, despite the smell of Lake Michigan.

So all in all, a fabulous, if busy weekend. I miss camping. I used to do it a few times a year when I was younger and in Girl Scouts. I think the campfire is my favorite part--what can I say: I'm a pyro in responsible clothing. Anyone want to light my fire and go camping sometime this fall?

Addicted to Maple Sugar...I mean, Story

Jenni introduced me to this online RPG on her blog a while back, and it took me a while to finally download and try it out. I did a couple days ago and...have played it for hours. I know it's fairly childish and silly for an RPG, but it has basically no loading time, you play with people all around the world, and the animationn is amusing. It's like an easier, very cartoon version of WOW, and the best part is: IT'S FREE!

The plan was to play with Jenni sometime, organizing a party and playing together. Problem is, I can't seem to get a hold of her to organize. So, I've been playing on my own, talking to new people now and then. But I wouldn't mind some company. Any body interested? I'm off to GB this weekend for some fun and camping in DC, but I'm here today and back next week. Just drop an email or send an IM and I'll tell you my character's name so we can hook up and have some fun ;)

Photographic Memories of the Southeast Corner



On my adventure to the "Southeast Corner," seeing Mandy in Madison was first. There was food, there was drink, and before I left there was...a free makeover. This is before.

After our makeup makeover. All of this just to go to Milwaukee?

Then it was on to Milwaukee to visit an OLD friend, Justin, who ended up being a very enthusiastic tour guide for the city. He was so good, I might actually now think that there is something in Milwaukee other than lots of cars, conventions, crime, and beer.

This art museum in Milwaukee is stellar. I still can't figure out if it reminds me more of a ship, a whale, or a stingray. Every angle gives it a different presentation.

The Milwaukee skyline in all its glory.

I couldn't tell you if this is an old water tower, an old lighthouse, or just some old meaningless structure. Feel free to use your imagination and come up with your own suggestions of its former use.

I took this picture for Sean and his Cold Press Rad Racers fetish. You can't get much more girly than this, aside from the couple bikes outside this picture that have pretty baskets on the front.

Liz and I walked for hours around Chicago, passed by dozens of interesting landmarks, and even visited my cousin. How many pictures do I have of Chicago? One. But the smile on Liz's face just says it all, doesn't it? What a great trip...I think I'll go back there, and soon.

baaaahm, baaahm, BAAAHM, BAH BAHM!

(Dahn, dahn, dahn, dahn, dahn, dahn, dahn, dahn, dahn, dahn, daaahn)

Only a rendition of "Also Sprach Zarathustra" can really show my excitement.

I have a job. Not just any job. THE job. A full time job with great benefits. A full time job with benefits within the same city. A full time job with benefits in my city teaching my favorite age group, 7th and 8th graders. A full time job with benefits in my city teaching 7th and 8th graders from my classroom that overlooks a beautiful, peaceful lake. A full time job with benefits in my city teaching 7th and 8th graders in a lakeside classroom at a school with a super friendly staff that is going to make me feel really welcome. A full time job with benefits in my city teaching 7th and 8th graders in a lakeside classroom at a school with friendly staff that is going to help pay towards my masters degree after I put in a year of teaching there.

In short: I have my dream job. Excited? Ecstatic.