Thanks for reminding me

So I got this in the mail yesterday:

A gift? For me? You shouldn't have!

And got super excited because it said "Our Gift to You!" on the outer envelope. So I ripped it open and found this:

Isn't that bag on there devine? I want that one!

OMG! $100 to Coach?  This must be my lucky day! Enter the fine print...



Full priced Coach Store? But we don't have any full-price Coach stores here in Montana!!!! (although I never thought about it really until this just reminded me) What is that all about?! Don't you know I have to shop for things like this on the Internet?

Maybe next time this Mike guy should just save the 44 cents he spent on postage and not get my hopes up.

 
Oh well...it wouldn't have fit into my new budget anyhow : (

The lesser of two evils

I was starting to feel really sorry for everyone back on the East Coast (mainly my teacher friends...then again you still get the summer off). The amounts of snow there are horrendous. And everyone thought that I was moving to the snow capital of the world, ha.

But now I think that the jokes on me haha. As I jumped in my car this morning, I knew it was cold but I didn't realize how cold it really was. And the closer to work I got, the colder it got.

So what was that magical temperature you wonder?

A terribly blurry picture...I think its time for a new phone.

Yep. That says -20 degrees. So which is the lesser of the two evils now?

50 Shades of Blue

Last night I began to pack up all of the brushes, rollers, and trays that were scattered around the house our little painting adventure. And all I have to say is "Hallelujah!" Surprisingly I knew exactly what colors I wanted where and my choices only resulted in returning one can of terribly, awful green paint. But visiting that wall of paint chips can often be daunting.

Who knew that there were 50 different shades of blue? And imagine having the job of naming those colors? "Hmmm, I'm feeling like this one should be called Maine Shoreline Blue." I didn't even recall the shoreline in Maine even being blue.

Holding those chips up next to each other, there was often a slight difference in their color but hardly any that I cared about. So I would gather up 10 different paint chips and do what my mom used to do (that is until she discovered those little containers of sample paint). I taped them to the wall and stood back to examine and compare. Still no difference to me.

So I settled for Whisper Blue and returned to the paint store only to be asked what kind of finish I wanted. Finish? I want a quick finish that's what I want. So like a little kid in school, I sat back and listened to the Paint Man give me the 411 on the best finishes for each room in my house. 

After painting 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a hallway, a 30ft x 30ft living room, and a kitchen...I'm done. I'm putting it all away...until I have to paint the downstairs.

Winter project anyone?  

Snow?! Are you serious?!

I remember when I was little and I would see that first hint of winter. It usally came in the form of frost on the front yard or seeing your breath as you waited for the bus in the morning. And even more happiness came when you saw that first snow fall of the season. 

Now in Connecticut that was usually around the first week of December or sometimes even later. We would covet that first day when the weatherman declared it a snow day and when it was perfectly ok to throw on 3 layers when it came time to play outside.

Well here in Montana that first snow fall came yesterday. It was Friday, September 17th. Needless to say, I didn't get that warm and fuzzy feeling that I usually get about the first snow fall. As people posted on my Facebook wall that certain parts of the country were still experiencing 90 - 100 degree weather, the great state of Montana officially began its cold season with a small amount of the fluffy white stuff. 

I watched the snow fall outside my window and laughed hysterically with Griff as Tana walked gingerly through the lawn, chasing snowflakes.

So this is...ready or not. Here comes winter.

The view out of our front window....complete with snow.

Gone Fishin'

Labor Day weekend came so quickly this year but as a tribute to what everyone calls "the end of summer" we decided to spend part of our weekend on the river (unfortunately the other half was spent painting the new house).


Armed with some fly rods and a drift boat (thanks Tyson!) we headed out with some friends to enjoy a summer staple here in Montana; fly fishing. I had never been fly fishing. Finding some worms under a rock, attaching them to my little tiny fishing pole and heading down to the resevoir with my grandfather was about the extent of my fishing knowledge. Not to mention that catching a little yellow perch is nothing compared to the trout found in the Missouri River.


Griff decided that Tyson was going to teach me to fly fish. He bowed out that one gracefully after our second snowboarding trip. Let's just say I was not very happy with him that day. So Tyson gave the basic lesson, taught me what to do and pointed me in the right direction of the fish. Five minutes in, Tyson, his girlfriend Michale, and Griff all screamed "Fish on!" "Fish on what?" was my instant response until I realized that it meant there was a fish nibbling on my line and I was supposed to pull up and set the hook. Better luck next time?


After about 25 minutes of "practicing" I gave up. I'm not patient enough to stand there all day and get no return on my investment of time. Of course, no one else seemed to be having great luck either. Until Griff got a pretty nice looking rainbow that fought him like heck until he tired it out and gracefully guided it to my awaiting net (netting is much easier than actually catching a fish let me tell you).


As the day went on we laughed and joked and enjoyed the company of Tyson, Michale and little Kona. Griff ended up catching another rainbow to be the only successful fisher of the day. And we even hunkered down and waited out two huge rainstorms mid-river. Not it's time to hunker down and wait out the winter so we can get back on the river next summer.

Griff's excited that I can go fishing with him now

First catch of the day!

Second catch of the day!

Tyson and Michale all bundled up for storm #2

Such a beautiful day on the river!

Introducing Miss Tana Hofman

I know, I'm crazy but just look at that face! So how did I end up with one more addition to my already hectic life? Let's just say that God was planning this all along...and we all know how that goes.

Found under a car by a co-worker's sister, Tana (as in Montana) came into my life on Tuesday afternoon. Said co-worker's sister had found this little pup, took her home, fed her, and began hanging up signs for someone to claim her. And no one did. On her way to the pound, she decided to try one last ditch effort to get this little girl a new home and headed into our office of dog lovers. One look at her and I couldn't say no. Ok so maybe it wasn't that easy for me to decide.

After tons of debate, lots of coaxing from my co-workers and a few funny phone calls to Griff, I loaded the little girl into my car and drove to my new house which is still basically empty. We sat at the floor, looking at each, and probably both wondering how this was all going to work out.

And so far we're getting along just great. We think that she's about 4 months old and some kind of boxer/shepard mix. She's house trained which is a huge plus and she has slept through the night without waking me to let her out. She hasn't gotten into any trouble just yet (although I just jinxed myself) and she follows me around like my shadow. "Sit" is also our specialty : )

After 2 days of being away, Griff returned home today to his 2 girls and seems to be completely loving every minute of it.

It's going to get crazy but heck, who's life doesn't get crazy?

Are you a Fair Fanatic?

So it's been awhile...I know I'm sorry. With the trip home and the 4th of July holiday it was instant craziness once I returned back to work. Like I mentioned in a previous post, there are some different summer traditions here in Montana and one of those happens to be State Fairs.

The summer months are filled with the old fashioned culinary and sewing contests, deep fried food, and carnivals here in Montana...and even across the Midwest. Fairs pop up all over the place as people enjoy the warm weather and the days where it's light out legitimately until 10 pm.

And I just have the pleasure to work for one of the biggest fairs in Montana...the Montana State Fair of course. Starting Friday, I will submerse myself in 9 days of Fair fun. Of course, this year the fair isn't for the faint at heart. As this year's State Fair explains, there are plenty of "Fair Fanatics" here and I am proud to say that I am going to get to be a part of one of their favorite past times.

For some people it means taking the whole week off from work just so that they can go to the Fair every day. For others, it's making sure they get to enter their prized steer or swine into the Livestock competitions. Some people come just for the Vikings that are sold from the Sons of Norway booth (I however probably won't be in line for one of those since it's basically a deep fried meatball the size of a softball...oh and of course it's served on a stick).

Since I started my new job in May, I have been introduced to world of Fairs. This includes fantastic concerts..our lineup this year consists of Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Styx, LeAnn Rimes and many more...5 nights of rodeo, a carnival, Dinosaurs...yes I said Dinosaurs...and unbelievable amounts of fried food. I've had the pleasure to be a part of some of the coolest activities that will happen here in Great Falls over the next week.

So as I enter my very first Fair season, wish me luck. These will probably be 9 days of intense chaos, craziness, and down right fun. It will be nice to finally have one under my belt and add "planning the Montana State Fair" to my list of achievements.

Oh, and if you are looking for me...I'm "out of the office" until August 8th around 5pm. Or if you're in this neck of the woods, don't miss out - be sure to make your way down to the Montana State Fair!

Friday Night at the Rodeo

It's starting to turn to summer here in Montana (notice I said turning...we're not there yet) and that only means one thing: Friday nights at the rodeo.

A totally different way to kick off my weekend then I'm used to but it's a part of the culture here. Grab a few friend, a couple of beers and head out to the biggest country showdown that the West has to offer in this day and age. It's a gathering of true cowboys, rooting for a true cowboy sport.

When I was in high school, it was customary to spend your nights in the fall under the lights, watching your hometown boys tough it out on the football field. Here, it's summer nights on the Grandstands, watching your hometown boys and girls ride the bulls, wrestle the steers, and race the perfect barrel pattern.

But what intrigues me the most is the differences that I have seen in the East coast and MidWest. Seriously, how many rodeos do you see in Connecticut, New York New Jersey, or Massachusetts? And if you have seen one in those parts, has there ever been one every weekend? Here in Montana, each city or County will host their prospective PRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association) function. And trust me, it's the place to be.

For me, the sport is really interesting. I have always loved horses and the thought of being a true cowboy. Now I'm not saying that you'll find me picking up the sport of rodeo anytime soon but I can totally see myself becoming a true fan of the old pastime. Since I've started working at the ExpoPark, I've learned so much more about the sport and will even be involved in the 5 nights of rodeo that will accompany the State Fair. 

I'm still learning...like how roughstock events like bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding scores depend upon a cowboy's performance and the animal's performance; how in timed events like steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and steer roping, cowboys and cowgirls, compete against the clock, as well as against each other; and how mutton bustin is the start to a boy's rodeo career. Get it yet?

This year, I'll get to be a part of some of the coolest events I've come across, like "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" which is a night that everyone in the rodeo arena will support the Fight Against Breast Cancer. Running alongside that is the Chicks n' Chaps event. Any girl that ever wanted to know about the sport of rodeo will get the chance to learn three of the staple events from the cowboys and cowgirls who have made barrel racing, bull riding, and bareback riding their lives. And I'll even experience my first rodeo dance with country artist Keith Anderson as he performs live at the rodeo this summer. C'mon what is cooler than that?

This summer will be my first official Rodeo Summer and it will be chock full of nights rooting on the cowboys. For a horse lover, and a closet wanna-be cowgirl, there doesn't seem to be any better way to spend those nights.

Giant Springs Park

The weather here has been amazing. It feels like spring although we all know that it won't last very long. Griff and I ventured out on Monday to get our exercise instead of going to the gym. The Springs are definitely one of the gems of Great Falls and they will be a great place to hang out this summer!


Here are a few pics I took!