I made it through the first week at the new job (albeit a 3-day week). Orientation, an all-day offsite for Wednesday and Thursday leaving today for the first day of real work (actually training). The people seem really nice, smart and engaged in their work.
Living with my sister has been great. I'm really lucky to be able to do this.
We are currently trying to work out an offer on our house. We're really close and are still discussing smaller details like closing dates. An acceptable offer after 3 weeks on the market seems really good.
Good luck to the clowns doing the Firehouse 50 tomorrow.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Go West
I'm now in Denver. Boo and I drove all day yesterday to get in around 11:00pm. Puling a trailer means going less than the speed limit and stopping for gas every 120 miles. I'm caught up on emails and blogging and ready to unpack my stuff. Work starts tomorrow.
We got word we can expect an offer on our house today or tomorrow. We'll have to wait to see if it is something we can work with.
We got word we can expect an offer on our house today or tomorrow. We'll have to wait to see if it is something we can work with.
RAGBRAI
It was a very fun trip. I'm so glad we did it. 10,000+ bikers. The state patrol did a great job controlling the roads. People were very friendly and happy to have RAGBRAI in their town. It won't be an every year thing but I can definitely see doing a couple days or maybe the entire route every 5 years. Here's what I remember:
Friday
Finished up my last day at Medtronic. Packed up the 4Runner and met Grandma Julie and Grandpa Bob in Preston to drop off Lilly for a week with them. Met Dave and Bill of Overland Touring in Lanesboro, packed up the bikes, ate desert and stayed at Carol and Tim's "off the grid" cabin. What a cool place.
Saturday
Met the group early and drove (2 15-passenger vans + 2 cargo trailers) to Council Bluffs. Council Bluffs were holding their Ribfest in conjunction with the RAGBRAI opening celebration, bike expo and Bare Naked Ladies concert! Paul Sarver was in the states (from his assignment in Iraq) and was able to make it to the concert!!!
RAGBRAI
Holly and Carol
BNL
Sunday
Saturday was a little rough. Train noise and I had to get out of the tent a few times.
Holy crazy bikers Batman. 10,000 registered riders + a estimated 10,000 additional one-day riders from Omaha/Council Bluffs.
Here we go
Sunday night's camp was about 3 miles out of Red Oak. Very peaceful and great hosts. Paul was back again!
Monday
I think there is beer here
Monday's camp was Greenfield. First time eating Ham Balls. Maybe the last.
Tuesday
Tuesday night's camp was in Indianola. Our host Jeremy is a balloonist and took Bill up for a ride over the town. We met our friends Tom and Teresa from Altoona and went to the square for food, beers and the Johnny Holm band. Madonna even made it. What a fun evening!
Good times
Shhhh...
Wednesday
Wednesday's overnight was in Chariton. I saw Jason Beneke (good friend from high school) at a church dinner. We both knew we were doing RAGBRAI but both spaced trying to get cell phone numbers before the trip. I was hoping the whole time I'd run into him and I did.
I went down to the town square and talked with Jason and his sister Melissa for a couple hours. Catching up with them was a big highlight for me.
Thursday
Thursday's overnight was at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Ottumwa. What great hosts. Showers and treats. We were almost carried into the woods by 30 raccoons.
Friday
Friday was RAGBRAI to me. We rode well and fast as a group until lunchtime (about 20 miles from home). I met up with Jason and rode with him for a while and then met the rest of my group at a park/beer garden in the town before Mount Pleasant. We had a few beers and finished the ride feeling good. Living the dream.
Earlier in the day when we were riding well as a group a couple fit cyclists came up behind our line of bikes. Neil and Belinda were riding the tandem strong at the front. One of the guys says to the other, "Now watch out. On hills tandems usually slow down a lot." After cresting the hill still flying he says, "Ok. Maybe not this tandem."
Friday night in Mount Pleasant was interesting as there were storms threatening and a dude named Tom who was, "70% drunk".
Saturday
Saturday was a great ride down to the river in Burlington. What a great ride to cap off an incredible week.
The Mississippi
Friday
Finished up my last day at Medtronic. Packed up the 4Runner and met Grandma Julie and Grandpa Bob in Preston to drop off Lilly for a week with them. Met Dave and Bill of Overland Touring in Lanesboro, packed up the bikes, ate desert and stayed at Carol and Tim's "off the grid" cabin. What a cool place.
Saturday
Met the group early and drove (2 15-passenger vans + 2 cargo trailers) to Council Bluffs. Council Bluffs were holding their Ribfest in conjunction with the RAGBRAI opening celebration, bike expo and Bare Naked Ladies concert! Paul Sarver was in the states (from his assignment in Iraq) and was able to make it to the concert!!!
RAGBRAI
Holly and Carol
BNL
Sunday
Saturday was a little rough. Train noise and I had to get out of the tent a few times.
Holy crazy bikers Batman. 10,000 registered riders + a estimated 10,000 additional one-day riders from Omaha/Council Bluffs.
Here we go
Sunday night's camp was about 3 miles out of Red Oak. Very peaceful and great hosts. Paul was back again!
Monday
I think there is beer here
Monday's camp was Greenfield. First time eating Ham Balls. Maybe the last.
Tuesday
Tuesday night's camp was in Indianola. Our host Jeremy is a balloonist and took Bill up for a ride over the town. We met our friends Tom and Teresa from Altoona and went to the square for food, beers and the Johnny Holm band. Madonna even made it. What a fun evening!
Good times
Shhhh...
Wednesday
Wednesday's overnight was in Chariton. I saw Jason Beneke (good friend from high school) at a church dinner. We both knew we were doing RAGBRAI but both spaced trying to get cell phone numbers before the trip. I was hoping the whole time I'd run into him and I did.
I went down to the town square and talked with Jason and his sister Melissa for a couple hours. Catching up with them was a big highlight for me.
Thursday
Thursday's overnight was at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Ottumwa. What great hosts. Showers and treats. We were almost carried into the woods by 30 raccoons.
Friday
Friday was RAGBRAI to me. We rode well and fast as a group until lunchtime (about 20 miles from home). I met up with Jason and rode with him for a while and then met the rest of my group at a park/beer garden in the town before Mount Pleasant. We had a few beers and finished the ride feeling good. Living the dream.
Earlier in the day when we were riding well as a group a couple fit cyclists came up behind our line of bikes. Neil and Belinda were riding the tandem strong at the front. One of the guys says to the other, "Now watch out. On hills tandems usually slow down a lot." After cresting the hill still flying he says, "Ok. Maybe not this tandem."
Friday night in Mount Pleasant was interesting as there were storms threatening and a dude named Tom who was, "70% drunk".
Saturday
Saturday was a great ride down to the river in Burlington. What a great ride to cap off an incredible week.
The Mississippi
Friday, July 17, 2009
RAGBRAI Here We Come
This afternoon after work we travel down to Lanesboro, MN to meet Mom and Dad and drop off Lilly and Boo. They'll spend a week at Grandma Julie and Grandpa Bob's house terrorizing Morris the cat.
Then RAGBRAI. I can't wait.
Then RAGBRAI. I can't wait.
Last Day
Today is my last day at Medtronic. 10 years. It has been both encouraging and emotional the past few days saying goodbyes to and receiving well wishes from the people who have been such a part of my life. It is also exciting. Moving on to a new challenge, there is an anticipation. Like waiting at the start of a race. You know it is going to be hard and you can't wait to get started.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Showings, Cleaning Out My Desk
We had one showing on our house last night and one scheduled for tonight. Hopefully it is a good sign that we have people looking.
I was cleaning out my desk yesterday and came across a Franklin Covey planner I had had my final year of school (thanks Mom!). In it I ran across a timeline of my hiring process at Medtronic. It brought back memories of on-campus interviews, driving to Minneapolis and staying downtown, a huge "gang" interview for 8 hours, waiting for an offer and getting the phone call while I was working at my part-time job.
We've been busy this week getting ready for RAGBRAI and getting Lilly packed for a week at Grandma Julie and Grandpa Bob's house.
I was cleaning out my desk yesterday and came across a Franklin Covey planner I had had my final year of school (thanks Mom!). In it I ran across a timeline of my hiring process at Medtronic. It brought back memories of on-campus interviews, driving to Minneapolis and staying downtown, a huge "gang" interview for 8 hours, waiting for an offer and getting the phone call while I was working at my part-time job.
We've been busy this week getting ready for RAGBRAI and getting Lilly packed for a week at Grandma Julie and Grandpa Bob's house.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Kecia and Tim Weekend / TSH Party
Our friends Kecia and Tim came up for this weekend. They are marathon runners and have just bought new road bikes and are starting to get into cycling.
I went for a nice 13-mile run with Eric, Todd and Joe out of Joe's house early Saturday morning. Part of the reason Kecia and Tim came was to scout the Square Lake Triathlon bike course so Holly took them on the route Saturday afternoon.
Lilly and I went to Riverfest to look around and have lunch Saturday.
Hand-crafted bubble wands
We ate hamburgers and homemade lemonade and then toured the fire trucks. Lilly got to ride in a boom truck and even run the controls on the way down!
Lilly the Firefighter
Saturday evening we all went to Trailhead for the Team Strong Heart celebration. Cool pictures and stories that brought back some memories of last year. Their hard work and preparation was rewarded with a first place finish. Awesome. I won a bike trainer and Holly won a bottle of wine!
After Saturday's reception at the bike shop Holly and I invited people over to our house to celebrate TSH's return. We've done this the past three years and have had a great night each time. There were stories of this year's adventure and rumors of a superteam 4-man team and maybe even a 4-woman team for next year. Thanks to Neil, Rose and Owen for getting rid of the fireworks left over from last weekend.
Kecia, Tim, Holly, Lilly and I took a lap through Elm Creek on a beautiful Sunday morning. We sent our old bike trainer home with them knowing they'll get some good use out of it. Holly had Silent Sports Foundation work to do so Lilly and I rode to the grocery store and Andrew's Park. We all wound down the weekend eating pizza and watching The Incredibles.
I went for a nice 13-mile run with Eric, Todd and Joe out of Joe's house early Saturday morning. Part of the reason Kecia and Tim came was to scout the Square Lake Triathlon bike course so Holly took them on the route Saturday afternoon.
Lilly and I went to Riverfest to look around and have lunch Saturday.
Hand-crafted bubble wands
We ate hamburgers and homemade lemonade and then toured the fire trucks. Lilly got to ride in a boom truck and even run the controls on the way down!
Lilly the Firefighter
Saturday evening we all went to Trailhead for the Team Strong Heart celebration. Cool pictures and stories that brought back some memories of last year. Their hard work and preparation was rewarded with a first place finish. Awesome. I won a bike trainer and Holly won a bottle of wine!
After Saturday's reception at the bike shop Holly and I invited people over to our house to celebrate TSH's return. We've done this the past three years and have had a great night each time. There were stories of this year's adventure and rumors of a superteam 4-man team and maybe even a 4-woman team for next year. Thanks to Neil, Rose and Owen for getting rid of the fireworks left over from last weekend.
Kecia, Tim, Holly, Lilly and I took a lap through Elm Creek on a beautiful Sunday morning. We sent our old bike trainer home with them knowing they'll get some good use out of it. Holly had Silent Sports Foundation work to do so Lilly and I rode to the grocery store and Andrew's Park. We all wound down the weekend eating pizza and watching The Incredibles.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Virtual Tour
Our Virtual Tour is online.
It made me a little nostalgic to go back and look at these pictures we took 5 years ago. Seems like a lifetime ago.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tired
Last night Holly and I were squeezing in some final prep work and cleanup before people come to take pictures today. When going to bed at 1AM, 5AM comes really quickly. The good news is we're ready. Pictures today and the house will most likely be on the market tomorrow. Here we go...
Monday, July 6, 2009
4th of July Weekend
What a fantastic weekend! The weather was perfect for summer fun on the river and a day at Valleyfair. We had a crowd at our house sharing the fun: My aunt Sheryl, uncle Rick and cousin Megan, their dog Carter, my mom Julie and dad Bob, Holly's mom Shonna and dad Jerry, Holly's sister Teresa, brother-in-law Russ and their daughters Alicia and Jackie, Alicia's boyfriend Ryan, Holly's sister Aimee, her daughters Kalie and Kelsie, her son Alex and their dog Skipper.
Thursday we worked on the house getting it ready to sell. The basement is finished, the deck railing is secure and aside from a little painting we're ready to put it on the market.
Mother and daughter
Friday we spent on the river skiing, tube wars (two tubes at once) and lounging around.
Saturday we went to Valleyfair. There were a few sprinkles which ended up being a good thing as the park wasn't busy. The clouds broke enough in the afternoon to make it nice and hot for the wave pool. Noticing dark clouds rolling in we did a couple last rides and headed for the cars. We ended up getting a little bit wet but not bad. By the time we were home it was sunny and hot and we spent the early evening wakeboarding. At night we sat around the fire and watched a house across the river put on a fireworks show rivaling some town shows.
Octopus
Lilly
Impending doom
Sunday was more skiing and tubing and jetski rides. A minor glitch to the day occurred when one of the jetskis sucked a ski rope into the pump and had to be towed back to the landing. Lilly headed home with Holly's family giving us the early part of the week to finish getting the house ready to show. Holly and I ended the weekend with a nice lap in the park.
The weekend was so fun it prompted comments on why we'd want to move. There were also comments on what we could all do next Fourth of July in Colorado.
Thursday we worked on the house getting it ready to sell. The basement is finished, the deck railing is secure and aside from a little painting we're ready to put it on the market.
Mother and daughter
Friday we spent on the river skiing, tube wars (two tubes at once) and lounging around.
Saturday we went to Valleyfair. There were a few sprinkles which ended up being a good thing as the park wasn't busy. The clouds broke enough in the afternoon to make it nice and hot for the wave pool. Noticing dark clouds rolling in we did a couple last rides and headed for the cars. We ended up getting a little bit wet but not bad. By the time we were home it was sunny and hot and we spent the early evening wakeboarding. At night we sat around the fire and watched a house across the river put on a fireworks show rivaling some town shows.
Octopus
Lilly
Impending doom
Sunday was more skiing and tubing and jetski rides. A minor glitch to the day occurred when one of the jetskis sucked a ski rope into the pump and had to be towed back to the landing. Lilly headed home with Holly's family giving us the early part of the week to finish getting the house ready to show. Holly and I ended the weekend with a nice lap in the park.
The weekend was so fun it prompted comments on why we'd want to move. There were also comments on what we could all do next Fourth of July in Colorado.
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