happy to be outside

the weather as of late has been heavenly. reasons why like spring:

1. i no longer have to sprint like a mad person from car to house to avoid the cold.
2. i like walking around with my shoulders not close to my ears.
3. it's good running weather minus the slushy and muddy trails.
4. everything green and beautiful is about to bloom.
5. i like not wearing a winter jacket with all the accessories like mittens, a hat, and a scarf.

this past week we took our first walk outside for the spring season. it was wonderful. then on friday afternoon i was able to stroll around uptown with my friend Courtney. it's always fun chatting with her. then later that night curt and i enjoyed a chinese dinner in Excelsior and a frozen treat at Adele's Custard shop.

Ray and Birchwood Cafe

Check out Curt's blog! He summarized the weekend for us! Other highlights include a friday night home retreat with us watching Ray and enjoying fish and rice. I loved the movie and learned some interesting things about Ray Charles Robinson. Also, I am in love with Birchwood Cafe. We went there for dinner before the division 1 national swim meet on saturday. my kind of place...very relaxed, cheap, cool and healthy. The next time we visit Birchwood I would like to sample the desserts.

oh...we might be able to book a string trio (two violins and a cello) for the wedding ceremony! fun!

a farewell

we were able to attend the funeral for Justin Kukowski today and visitation yesterday. his life touched so many people that i was not surprised to see such a packed house. all week i was getting emotionally prepared for today. at times i was sad for the loss of life and his grieving family, but I also knew it was important to rejoice in his life of kindness and friendship. well, today was the most beautiful morning ever. the bright sunshine felt so warm against my face. yes it was very sad during the service, but the pastor's message and words from his best friend and family were so perfect and hopeful. i really liked the message of friends, family, and faith and how all three are held together with love. it was awesome.

to justin...thanks for being courageous during your fight with cancer, for being good to so many people, for befriending my siblings, and spreading God's message of love and hope.

March birthdays and the dress

we celebrated my sister's and mom's birthday this past wknd. we had lots of vietnamese food and of course birthday cake. the best part was digging out the awkward teen photos for the Mai kids. lots of fun memories.

it was also convenient because I got to model my wedding dress for my family while Curt hid in the basement. I love the dress and can't wait to get it fitted. it's a bit roomy in the chest and butt area. I also picked out my shoes!

menu choices

on friday i attended the last taste-testing with Shanna at Country Inn. We sampled a lot of fish options, steak, and turkey. It was really fun for me to experience the food and decorations ideas. based on findings from the taste tests, i think we are going to go with a chicken option... either the rolled chicked breast (with spinach and feta) or chicken wellington. we also have a solid pick with the grilled salmon. the salmon was delicious. for the vegetarians out there we will offer a veggie mexican lasagna. for the kids out there we will offer a chicken tenders and french fries meal. sorry folks...you have to be 12 and under to have the kids meal.

here are the notes from friday's taste-testing:
broiled pecan crusted walleye: makes me vomit, very hot for Shanna, interesting seasonings
char broiled salmon: Excellent
roasted turkey dinner: no
french roast turkey dinner: tastes like pork
classic sirloin steak: good
jerk mahi: good, a bit plain, very light tasting, my second favorite fish option

Needing Spring Break

It's been very busy at school. For the past two days I was in Brainerd for the state competition for Academic Decathlon. Lakeville placed 4th out of 9 teams and won 3rd place in the large school division. I had fun and so did the kids.

Anyway, it seems like the stress level for teachers is increasing while student motivation and attitude is going downhill. The month of March is always challenging. Kids and teachers alike really need time away.

Wedding news...not much to report here. My dress came in so I am excited to pick it up in Mankato. This friday I will be going to Country Inn to do a food tasting for the beef and seafood options. If you read Curt's blog then you know that we opened a Costco membership. I'm guessing that this is where we will buy some items needed for the wedding...like favors.

I'm trying to be diligent with keeping my fitness up for the triathlon. I'm still going to Lifetime to put some time in on the treadmill and the pool.