Movin' on up (Summer Plans)

The blog has been quiet because we're moving. Since last weekend we've finished classes, will quit his job, packed up our apartment, cleaned the 'pad, and, of course, seen 'Son of Rambow' (an event in itself.

Why all the fuss? Well, one of the main reasons for the beginning of the blog is that we are going to working at a canoe outfitter and lodge this summer, and we wanted to be able to keep in touch. We'll be at Clearwater Lodge on the Gunflint Trail in the BWCA, and we'll be working as outfitters and lodge workers for the summer.

It should be an incredible summer. We'll try to keep posting about what's up, up north. Rumor has it that there is internet (but I'll believe it when I see it). Once we get settled, we'll post our address (for care packages), and let you know if the internet and cell reception is a myth or not.

Also, we'd love to have visitors. We're not sure of our hours or weekends, but the location can't be beat. So let us know if you'll be up north and we'll try to connect for a canoe trip or a camp/cook-out.

Skills...

Highly recommend the flick, 'Son of Rambow.' Great British comedy, and an even better '80s soundtrack.

Check the trailer. It's skills, skills on toast.

Mayday, M'aider

Did you know it was the 17th of May? Or rather Syttende Mai? Well Spring Grove, MN sure did.

It felt like the official kick off to summer. Fair food (albeit Norwegian fare), great parade, random Scandinavian crafts, and a little bit of sunburn. Unfortunately this might be our only parade of the summer. But if it was, it was well worth it. Some of the highlights included the lefse with Swedish sausage, massive amounts of candy tossed into the crowd of sugar crazed kids, the marching bands, fire trucks, and parade royalty. Not to mention it was about ten times shorter than the last time we saw a Syttende Mai parade in Ballard.

While I’m (Will) continuing to learn more about Scandi heritage than my own, this was a great warm up for next year’s St. Pattie’s march next year in St. Paul. Who’s with me?

T-minus...

The packing has begun. Trip #2 to drop stuff off is happening. The books, the dishes, the junk we never unpacked from Seattle :) is going. We are headed to Caledonia for the weekend. But next weekend it will be so long MPLS for the summer. Can't believe that: 1) summer is already here, 2) We've been here nearly 2 years, 3) Kirsten's 1/3 of the way done and I'm 1/2 done with school. Yikes!

End of an Era, Part II: Congrats Stevie Bengt

Big Ups to my brother-in-law, Stephen M. Bengtson, for graduating from North Park this past weekend. Although the university is losing a fine young man, and an even better bowler, the city of Chicago and the Lincolnwood Oliver Garden are still in good shape. Here are some pix of the man and the myth, and a weekend that saw too much road construction, not enough Swedes or Mark's old college friends, too much camera case, and not enough sleep...

Resigned, to the facts: Goodbye John Glenn; Hello Summer

It's the end of an era.

I (Will) submitted my letter of resignation (effective next Thursday) to the (job) school today. Sadly my (ex)job is again losing hours, but this time resource/study hall is being moved to the afternoon. Actually, it would be from 11:30ish to 2:30ish. For those of you scoring at home, that is only about 15 hours a week...5 shy of health care. Gotta love our coverage system. Also, and more importantly, since it would be in the middle of the day, it would fall right in the middle of my work day at the practicum I have for my counseling program next fall. Oh well. Some much for having the same job for 2 years in a row. Who does that anyway?! Obviously not me. So if you have any job ideas for the fall, send them my way. But just to through some curve balls at ya: 1) I need to be able to go to class Tuesday and Thursday nights; 2) I need to get in 700 hours (about 22-25/wk) during regular business hours (but most college students don't wake until noon...so mornings or late nights are better); 3) health insurance helps; 4) I'd prefer to like the work (somewhat) and make a bit of money (I can only take out soooo much FAF$A).... You see where I'm headed? Wish me luck; or better buy me lotto tickets.

But today also brought some winter relief. It felt almost springish today, almost. Not a good thing for homework, but mental health...A+. Has this not been the longest winter of all time?! Loring Park never looked and felt so good. Too bad we're so pale that the same can't be said about us...

ps. I'm serious about the job suggestions/connections...you got one, send it my way.

Ballard Driving Academy - Almost Live

Old Seattle memories. Below is a great video. Here's my train of thought. The presidents' show made me do a little researching, which lead me to the Almost Live connection with Chris Ballew (the presidents' president), which lead me to youtube (verb) my favorite skit as a kid. For my MPLS friends, this was the SNL of Seattle in my youth. I could watch these for hours.

Election year - I vote for Chris Ballew

I have to. Even though the show was a week ago, it rawked and I can't deny my readers (however few :) an update on the best show of '08: the presidents of the united states.

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon hearing about tix; the show was hardly advertised for here. Being poor-ish, the tickets were a bit much. Then 'Ding'...neckbeard reminded me of my one and only rock star connection, the lovely Julia Finn. A few myspace messages and we were set, first ever guest list appearance.

Then things headed south. I had a bad feeling about getting in; I was such a nervous newbie to my groupie status. Then Kirsten's never ending paper, well.... However, Nikoli Wilson came through, sick and all, to be my plus one. But then, the last major hurdle, NOT ON THE LIST. So much for being a groupie; Jason Finn you are lucky the set was incredible and you are officially the second coolest J. Finn in the family.

But Nick and I hung tough and picked up some tix after watching Mauer break up a Chi-Sox no-no and the Celtics hang tough in game one at Runyons (great spot; classy bartender). We missed the opening act, and the open song. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that the Presidents, balding and khakis, started early in order to get to bed on time. But boy can they rock. For guys who look like Microsoft VPs, it was a very energetic performance.

I've always wanted to see them. And I don't think I waited too long; they've still got it. Although I wish I could have heard a live rendition of SuperSonics back in the Kemp/Payton era. If you are wondering about getting tix when they visit your 'hood, two words: DO IT! A great mix of old and new. I have a hard time getting into their newer albums now; they are just not easily listening for the cubical. But live, totally different story. They are built for the live stuff.

This is a great link for all about the show. My pix and possible video are coming. But if you just want the set list here it is:

(?L.I.P./Little Indian Princess)
1 Tiki God
2 Kitty
3 Rot in the Sun
4 Some Postman
5 Boll Weevil
6 Ladybug
7 Love Everybody
8 Flame is Love
9 Dune Buggy
10 Mixed Up SOB
11 Back Porch
12 Lump
13 Bad Times
14 Lunatic
15 Ghosts Are Everywhere
16 Mach 5
17 Peaches
18 Kick Out The Jams

Encore:
19 Video Killed The Radio Star
20 Zero Friction
21 Body
22 We're Not Gonna Make It

One final note, if you think the presidents are just Peaches, Lump, maybe the radiostar cover and the drew carey show credits, pick up some of their old discs (e.g. II, Freaked Out and Small). My jury is still out on the latest two discs, but the old ones are very enjoyable.

Lots to catch up on

I know the blog has been quiet. But it's because we're finally having a life again. Probably the most social I've been since the Seattle days.


To list a few...


Kallaus Wedding (congrats, btw)
Thunder home opener (see below)
Presidents show with Nick (videos/pix to come)
St. Anthony Falls Sunburn
Sangria II (the Roseville edition)
Avett brothers
Chicago '08
Etc.


Hopefully I can get some posts going soon. Since we're in the process of moving out of our apartment and wrapping up our respective school years things are a bit crazy. Hence the blog is a bit inconsistent. Sorry.


Until next time...

One of 4,215

Beautiful day in the Twin Cities meant a perfect day for soccer. While it was no MLS or no Sounders, it was a good match. Now I just need a Thunder scarf. Hopefully I can make it out for the Sounders opener. But until then I will be Thunder struck :)

Here's the recap: Thunder Win Home Opener 1-0 Over Rochester

Not Funny!

Now it can be embedded!

Kirsten's other favorite

Buhuld is still #1, but Charlie is 1a

Week old pix

Old news, I know. But blogger wasn't working, or I'm upload-challenged. Anywho, here are a few pix from the Kopicky-SRI extravaganza. Kirsten's transformer phone could have done better, but user-errors are to blame.