In the last 12 months.... dont ya know...

Happy one year anniversary to me and the state of Minnesota. I have lived here officially 365 days! Crazy I know. It seems like only yesterday my Mom and I were driving into my new home of St. James and hauling everything that I had piled into my car up the stairs to my new apartment. So. Here I am. One year later. Here are the things that the state of bitter cold has taught me in the 12 months that I have lived here..

#1 What was formally known as a Casserole in the western part of the United States, is known in Minnesota as a "Hot Dish".

#2 There is a difference between the corn that is grown in a field and fed to cows and the corn that you coat with butter and eat at a BBQ... which brings me to..

#3 What was known as a BBQ, a social gathering of friends, family, complete strangers, where meat is put on a grill and cooked to perfection is called a "grill out" in MN. BBQ's are known as the popular meal of sloppy joes. I hope that you aren't lost yet.

#4 Fish fry's, steak fry's, and chicken fry's are held almost weekly here in MN. Just contact your local VFW, Eagles Chapter, or area Legion.

#5 In the summer, State fairs and County Fairs are HUGE here. Any food that you want fried in a deep fat frier, they will do it for you!

#6 You don't know the meaning of cold until you step outside and the snot running down your face literally gets frozen to your face, and the boogers in your nose become boogercicles. Now that, my friends, is cold.

#7 In the small town that I reside, checks are still accepted and some businesses are not set up to take debit cards. Yeah. Weird.

8# Unlike the state owned liquor stores in the beehive state, the liquor stores in MN are privately owned, and some even come equipped with a drive thru window. Now someone tell me if that is safe?

#9 After a wedding, the bride, groom, and the rest of the wedding party will parade through town on a trailer sitting on hay bails, so that the whole town knows they were "just hitched". I don't know about you, bit it sounds like bad hay fever waiting to happen.

#10 Minnesota is a Pepsi loving state. All of the soda fountains are primarily Pepsi products. Here in St. James, there is one gas station out of four that serves fountain coke. That is not a very high statistic, and out of all the restaurants in town, none of them serve coke out of the fountain. Yes, I know. Sad, but true.

#11 There really is an accent that is acquired when you live here. Ryan's Aunt Brenda (also known as Bea) always says "oh my stars!". I have often found myself saying "ya know" at the end of sentences. If you are a local, sentences often start with "say...have you... or say, did you know?" Some older residents of MN really do say "you betcha!" Which makes me laugh every time.

#12 Even though I have had to drink Coca-Cola out of a can or bottle, and carry cash, or write checks instead of use my debit card, in the past year, I have learned that MN has some of the most caring, loving, nice people, I have ever met. Last year, when I didn't go home for the holidays, I had complete strangers invite me to their houses for Thanksgiving dinner. I have had people that I barely know fix my car. I have had people help me when I have been sick, people offer me a place to live if I ever needed it. There is often talk of a "Minnesota nice" attitude here. If the world could be a little bit more like the state of MN, I think that it would be just a bit better... don't ya know!

birthday...in a short post

I had an AWESOME birthday. The girls at work gave me cards, candy, and more cards. I went to dinner with Ryan's fam, and my closest Minnesota peeps, which is always fun, no matter where we go! Mum, Rachel, and Grandma all sent me cards, with that special little treat inside.. My bff Kate sent me a card. She has been doing that for many years. I look forward to her cards every year. This year she reminded me that we have been friends for 15 years now. Holy Guacamole thats a long time! I can't imagine making it through my adolecense without her. Anyways, my birthday was great. I can probably say one of the best on record!

Girls Camp

Yes, I will be the first to admit it. I have been a huge SLACKER when it comes to my blog. A TON has been going on this summer, and I haven't even had time to blog about it. So here is a short recap. Event #1..I moved out of the apartment above the bakery. Yes it was sad, but it had to be done. Ryan's mom found me an apartment that was the same price, in a better neighborhood, with my own garage, and washer & dryer! I was sold. I have lived there since the end of May, and I am loving it! The only downfall, no free internet, thus my lack of blogging and facebook updates. Sorry friends.

Event #2. Girls Camp in Nauvoo! When I found out in February that our branch was going to Nauvoo for camp, I sort of hinted that if they needed any help that I would love to go. Needless to say I was called as a camp director about a month later. Sort of funny how those things work. Since our branch is so small, we only have three active girls, two of whom are sisters. But everyone got along so well! Unlike previous camps that I have been to before, there were no girls fighting, no tears were shed, it was very calm!

After a 6 hour drive on a thursday, we arrived in Nauvoo. After a quick drive through the town, we set up our tent to make sure that we would have a place to stay for the evening. It was a lot different only having to set up one tent, that would fit everyone, rather than four or five that would squeeze everyone in!

The next morning we toured the town, and visited all the sites. It was quite a humid day! But we made it through. All of the missionaries kept complimenting us, becuase we were the smallest brach there. Later that night, I fixed the girls supper, where we were all pretty much eaten alive by mosquitos. The mosquitos here are not like those that I am used too. They are 20 times larger! They bite you on your leg and immediatly your leg itches and swells!!!

Even though we had to sleep in the van for a night, due to a downpour of wind and rain, and the humidity made your clothes stick to you in places I didn't know they could stick, girls camp this year was definately one that I will never forget. It may have not have been all about passing off certifications, or learning how to live in the wilderness without modern technology. But all of us gained an appreciation of our pioneer ancestors and what they went through each day, and the religious persecution that they went through just the practice what they believed in.

Protect Your Noggin!!!!

Since a lot of you don't get to see me on a daily basis at work, I thought that I would
"borrow" some of the pictures that were posted on my work website. Last Saturday, St. James Medical Center held their annual Bicycle Safety Rally. They, along with various community sponsors sell helmets at a discounted rate to teach children of the area about the importance of bike safety and protecting the old noggin. Some of the girls that I work with and myself decided to volunteer at it, and fit some of St. James' finest with bike helmets. I mostly enjoyed fitting the toddler and baby helmets. How dute is this little peanut?!!! I was putting on his helmet, but I secretly wanted to pinch his little cheeks!!!





After the crowd died down a little, I decided to borrow one of the bikes and try it out for myself, to make sure that I still remembered how. The little girl that I borrowed it from said that I was too big and I wouldn't be able to ride it, but I had to prove her wrong....





Once everyone had been fitted for helmets and were ready for crash landings, we were all set for the big finale. The Mayo One Helicopter was going to make an appearance. I had seen it come to the hospital to take a patient or two, but I had never seen it up close. After the sea of kids left, Hannah, my P.I.C (partner in crime), and I got a chance to check it out. It was HUGE! No wonder they make it to Rochester so quick!

We chatted with the pilot and crew for a few minutes, then snapped a couple of photos, and it was time for them to head out. As I watched them fly away, I thought of how many lives they had saved. It made me proud to be a part of such a great medical organazation as the Mayo Health System!!

Photo Credit for all Pics: Anita Schlabach

Pictured: Neissa, Chelsea (Aka: Crystal), Dr. Amechi, Me, Brenda (Aka: Beatrice), Hannah, Anita

Mum's the Word!

Happy Mother's Day Mum! Wish I was there to give you a big hug! Love you and miss ya! Thanks for everything that you do for me! Love Meags.

Part tres, with a side of thrown rolls.

So...part three of our trip goes like this. We met Steph, my fav Sister-in-law, for supper at Lambert's, home of the famous "throwed rolls". This place was AWESOME!!! I took a couple of videos, but click here to see how much fun it really is! These ladies look like they are having a blast!!

After we all had to be pretty much rolled out of Lambert's, along with the rolls, we headed on home for the rest of the evening.

The next day, we headed back to Springfield. Rachel, Steph, and I did a little more shopping, and a little more eating, while Isz was at school. That night, Isz and I dyed Easter eggs since we didn't get to during Easter, and Andy made a smoked pork roast for supper. Yummo. I don't know where he picked up his BBQ skills, since our dad has one way of cooking things on the grill. Burnt. But, Andy has mastered all types, and I will always be a guinea pig to test out anything that he is willing to serve!

Wednesday morning we decided to head on back to Minnesota. It was hard to say goodbye to my Iszie and Dante, who is such a good little snuggler. He gives the best hugs and kisses, and has the cutest little personality. Who could say no to those baby blues? I know I can't! Iszie didn't want me to leave. If I could have taken her home with me, I would have. Rachel was trying to talk her out of wanting to come with me. She told Iszie that she would be really bored while I was at work since I didn't have any tv, or cable. To which Isz replied, "you mean that they don't have technology in Minnesota?" Rachel just laughed and said, "no, just Aunt Meagie doesn't have technology!"

Hopefully Andy and his family will make it up here this summer, it was really good to see them! I am hoping they will be here soon to make me more delicious salsa!!

Girls trip part deux.. "Missoura" to see the Moss'

After WAY too long of a drive through Iowa, a state that lets just say does not have much to offer for eye candy besides a lot of CORN, we arrived at Andy's house late Sunday night. I had not seen his kids in over a year, and I couldn't believe how much they had grown! I knew of course that the baby would grow, but my little Isz was getting so tall!! Being the awesome dad that my brother is, he decided to let Isz miss a day of school to hang out with her awesome Aunt Rach and Meags and Grandma. First on our agenda was the Bass Pro Shop. Or, as my bro and the locals of MO call it, the "Pro Bass Shop." That place is awesome! For those of you from around MN, it is like Shiells, only ten times bigger, and AWESOMER! Plus, they have a restauraunt that serves gator tail. Something that everyone needs to try at least once, right?


After a few good hours in the "Pro Bass Shop", one coca cola, two trips to the restroom, and one 7 year old lost, found, and returned by a friendly cashier, we were hungry for some dinner, or lunch, as most Americans call it. My brother knew a good BBQ place close by, so there we went.

Now, when you say BBQ in Missouri, they don't mean the junk that they serve you at Famous Dave's. This is the good stuff. They hire people to sit outside a smoker and cook ALL DAY LONG. If you have never had ribs in Kansas City, add it to your bucket list. They are must haves!

After dinner, we decided that we needed to get a little exersise and walk off all the delicious BBQ that we had just scarfed down. My neice wanted to go to a park, but Andy took us to the Springfield Nature Center. It was really pretty, we hiked down to a little lake, and watched the turtles swim and play on the logs.

We let Dante get out of the stroller and run around for awhile, and Iszie took some excellent pictures with my camera. It was a really fun day together. It was all leading up to the AMAZING supper we were about to have with Steph. But that is another post in itself!!! Stay tuned!

Mall of America, Girls Trip Part Uno...

Our day started out with a trip to Jessica's house. For those of you who don't know, Jess is one of many
"adopted" members of the Moss family. She came to spend the weekend at our house, and ended up staying for about two years. She is like another older sister to me. It was SO much fun to see her and her husband Cory and three boys. They are so adorable!!! She is such a good mother to them, they are so smart!

We stole Jess away from her husband and kids for the day and went to the Mall of America! This was my second trip, and I was still overwhelmed at how big it was. We made a mandatory stop at IKEA, where I spent too much money on crap for my apt...then it was off to the mall! Even though we had made a list of stores that were top priority the night before, we were all over the place when we arrived. There was just too much to see! We even had to stop for a coke break!

After a long day of shopping, and a couple unsuccessful tries at finding some of the stores on our list, we called it a day. We took Jess back to her family. It was hard to say goodbye, but now that she is so close, I know that I will definitely be taking a trip up to see her more often! Ten years is too long!!!

Tag

Kate the Great gave me this Tag...FOREVER ago, and since I haven't updated my blog in quite some time, I thought I would put this as top priority! So, here you go!

4 Shows I like to Watch:
1. The Office
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Brother's and Sister's
4. Survivor, American Idol, Amazing Race, any Reality TV show...

4 Things I'm Passionate About
1. Traveling. I absolutely love meeting new people and learning about their cultures, and ways of life.
2. Family and Friends
3. Cooking. I love trying new recipes even though they don't always turn out so well....
4. Photography. I love taking pictures of almost everything!!!

4 Phrases I Say A Lot
1. "What the Heck?" Yes I am from Utah, thats what we say...
2. "Peace out"
3. "Check ya later" Its a famous saying around the Moss house.
4. ....right?" Im with you Kate I say it at the end of things.

4 Places I Would Like to Go
1. Australia
2. Italy
3. Germany
4. Antartica

In the good old US of A

1. NYC
2. Boston
3. Seattle
4. Austin...Texas that is, not MN

4 Things I did Yesterday
1. Worked a 12 hour shift at a job I love
2. Played One Game of Bingo at the Eagles with Ryan and a bunch of Geriatrics
3. Purchased Discounted Easter Candy...MMMM
4. Ate leftover Chinese that was a little too leftover

4 Things I'm looking Forward To
1. Mom and Rachel Coming to Visit on Thursday!!!
2. Going to Visit Andy and Fam.
3. My first summer in MN, with hopefully a trip to the Twins game!
4. LIFE, getting married, having babies...

4 Things I love About Winter
1. Watching people get stuck from the warmth of my apt window
2. Adorable Apparel
3. Snuggling up next to someone to keep warm
4. Soup, hot chocolate

4 Things on My Wish List
1. More money to pay off some bills and pay for a cruise
2. No stress
3. New Clothes
4. Rockin hot tan body

4 Friends to Tag
1. Brandy
2. Steph
3. Cherlelynn
4. Nettie

March Madness

March is gonna be a GOOD month!!!

Today I bought this... No more sitting in a lawn chair, or on the floor to watch a movie. Mostly I bought it in prep for visits from...

Dad, in two weeks, before he goes back to work at Zion's National Park, where he makes sure that the shuttle buses run properly..

Mum in April, which should include heaps of rummage sale shopping, trips to the Mall of America, and IKEA!!! Plus, she is bringing...

This pretty little lady with her!! Its gonna be a fun trip. I have the whole week off. I can't wait. It should be pretty exciting. We plan on taking a little road trip down to see...










The big bro and his family! I love road trips. It should be quite the adventure! I can't wait to see my Iszie. We always have so much fun together. And Dante is almost 2 and walking and talking now, so he is gonna be a lot of fun to see! I haven't seen him in over a year, which is too long!

Exciting things are going on in March! Now that I have a couch, feel free to crash on it!!!

Uncle Craig

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we have if we only seek them with our eyes open."

On Wednesday, the world lost one of its greatest adventurers. Craig Bowen, my Uncle, also a loving Husband and father left this earth to hike the great mountains of heaven, after a brave battle with cancer. He was always a great person to talk to, and was so knowledgeable. His laughter and smile will be greatly missed.

Photo Credit: Cat Bowen

Everybody Poops...

So...if any of you are followers of my facebook status, you will know that I was fortunate enough to have a colonoscopy Friday. Before I go into that, I guess I will give you a little update on what has been going on, because lets face it, colonoscopies aren't something that are on the usually on the yearly to-do list for this 26 year-old.

*Disclaimer* If you don't want to hear about my nasty tummy, don't read this post...

Anyway, I started to have really bad stomach pain shortly before Christmas. Thinking that it was just the flu or something that I ate I didn't think to much of it, until the pain kept getting worse, and worse. Then the nausea and diarrhea started. TMI, I know. But don't we all share a little too much on our blogs sometimes?

Monday I started having severe pains in my stomach, so they put me on a liquid diet. Last Tuesday, the pain in my stomach got SO bad, I couldn't get up off the bathroom floor. I couldn't even keep the liquids down, so I ended up in the hospital on IV's. They let me come home Thursday night, just in time to finish my prep for my colonoscopy. Which "cleans you out" literally. Friday, I had the scope, where they took some biopsies, but didn't find anything too substantial. And today, I am back to square one.

I won't know anything for a couple of days as far as the colonoscopy goes, but all of the other tests that they have done have come up negative. I had some more blood work done today, so we shall see what happens within the next few days! I am trying to stay positive, but I have now lost over 10 pounds in less than a month, and I just want to be able to eat normal again!!! But I will keep you all posted!

Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. Thanks to my family, for staying home..even though it was super hard for you to be so far away. And thanks to Ryan for staying by my side!

MN Hockey...Ole'

Sorry to all my many numerous blog followers....I say that sarcastically, that I have not been keeping up on my blog. But winter time is a very busy time for this Minnesota girl! So let me catch you up on the happenings over the past couple of weeks. New Years Eve was definitely different. I stayed in the little town in St. James to ring in 2010. But different can be and was very good! That weekend I went to a Hockey game with Ryan, Steph, and Cody. Cody would be the one on the end not smiling or looking at the camera. Anyway....Hockey was SO fun. Every time there was a minute left in the quarter the announcer would come on and say "one minute remaining...one minute. You betcha!!!" I laughed so hard! Good times. That's why I love it here...sporting events. In two weeks I will be attending "midget wrestling" or "little people" wrestling. How ever you want to put it...it will be awesome. Not quite an Olympic sport, but its gonna be awesome. After that, there will be the golf course on the lake. Yes awesome as well, and don't you worry, photos will be posted.

If any of you from the desert would like to come visit, and get a load of what it feels like to have the boogers freeze to the inside of your nose...well, book your tickets today!!! I have an air mattress calling your name!!! I will even buy your breakfast. (doughnuts and juice)

*Disclaimer* The boy in the picture is Ryan, I work with his Aunt. Lets just say for right now, "Its complicated"