Vacaciones Mexicanas

We just returned from our vacation to Cancun, Mexico, and although I have many, many amazing adventures and pictures to share, my main focus right now is trying to restore my electrolyte balance and work up to eating 'real' food. Ah, Mexico. So more to come, but until then, here are a few 'teaser' pictures to enjoy that were taken when I was feeling much, much better.

Minnesota is a Giant Icebox

Since Eric and I are spending our fourth winter in Minnesota, we decided we should try and make the most of it and participate in some of the local festivities. We headed off to St. Paul's annual Winter Carnival last week to see what all the fuss was about. It being a weeknight, there wasn't much going on, but we did get the chance to see the amazing ice sculptures on display. That's right people - they can leave giant ice sculptures outside for weeks and they don't melt a bit. It's like living in a freezer. Except colder. Here are some examples of the beautiful creations so you don't have to venture out into the Arctic winter yourself:





After about 20-25 minutes of walking around looking at ice sculptures our camera broke. Well, technically it just stopped working until I warmed it up inside my coat, but still. So we decided that if it was too cold for a camera, it was probably too cold for human flesh and we ventured inside the glamorous and historic St. Paul Hotel to thaw out. While inside, we saw a number of characters coming off of the elevators and knew they had to have something to do with the festivities, but we couldn't quite figure out what. So, like a good tourist, I tried to take paparazzi pictures of them from behind a plant. As you can see below, I wasn't too smooth. Note to all who attempt this: Turn off your flash.


It turns out that I was taking pictures of the festival's 'Prince of the North', and he helpfully came over, took my camera and asked someone to take our photo together. We acted like that was our intention all along.

Finally, here's our picture in front of the festival's runner up - a Tiki inspired creation. I had to stick the camera under my armpit for five minutes to get it working again in order to do this. Happy Winter!

America The Beautiful

Just wanted to post about how proud I am of my country at the moment and how great it was to be a citizen of the United States today. I feel as though I've been holding my breath since the election to see if it was really real. Well, today I got my answer. And with all the hard times and financial mess that seems to surround us, isn't it wonderful to have a day where you can reaffirm your love of country and your hope for the future? I know it will be hard and that it might take a while to turn things around, but today, for the first time in a long time, I feel as though it's actually possible.
How was your experience of the inauguration of the United States 44th President?

Here's a link to Obama's full inaugural speech.

Keeping Those Puppies Warm

Despite this being our fourth Minnesota winter, our dog Harper has still not adjusted to the frigid artic temperatures. To be honest, we haven't either, but we are able to hide out inside or cover our bodies in 4 layers of clothing, paired with hats, socks, gloves and good winter boots. Our poor pooch is forced to bear these freezing temperatures "naked" several times a day when he needs to relieve himself. Frequently, this ends with Harper striking a pose, frozen in mid-step, afraid that he is done for. On one ocassion, Eric even had to carry all 68 lbs of him inside. To combat this, I ordered him a pair of dog booties. We got them in the mail a couple of days ago and couldn't wait to try them out. The hysterical result is captured for your enjoyment.

P.S. I've also included a picture of what I get gussied up in to take Harper out of one of these excursions.

I Could Have Laughed for Days

So I just spent the last 30 minutes watching 'Single Ladies' videos on Youtube while waiting for my roast chicken to finish cooking. I was laughing so hard that Eric thought I had really lost my mind. For your entertainment I am posting my favorite two (though you could probably find dozens if you really cared to - note to those who venture on Youtube: beware of a certain version involving three very large ladies.)

Video #1: A very shapely man performs a very lively and accurate rendition in Fairbanks, Alaska (in 2 degree weather, in snow). I think the Minnesotan in me appreciates the personal sacrifice exhibited here.



Video #2: This video is so obviously where the inspiration for Beyonce's video came from. These ladies are so ahead of their time (the 60's) it's amazing. And if you're still hankering for more from these ladies (doing this same dance to a different song), click here. Trust me, it's worth it.



Anyone care to contribute their own version?