The Unexpected

It's the unexpected that can change things...

I've been going back and forth on whether or not this is something that I'd share on my blog or not...and have decided to share.  After all, this is the life I live, why censor it!?

Two weekends ago I came across a lump in one of my breasts.  At first I thought maybe I was imagining it.  So being the paranoid freak that I am, I kept checking it over and over and over.  Yep, still there, every time.  Panic definitely set in although I kept telling myself that it was nothing.  Monday of that week came, called the doctor and was able to get in the next day.  After having the doctor examine it, he confirmed he too felt something in addition to finding a few other areas of concern.  I was hoping he wouldn't confirm my findings.  He wanted me to be seen for testings so we could get a grip on whatever it was we may be dealing with.  So, later that week, back I went for more examining.  Mammograms, ultra-sounds, the whole sha-bang.  Anything and everything that was foreign to me was being done.

I've heard of women complaining about the pain during a mammogram so I was most nervous about this procedure.  "Do they really smash your breast like a pancake?!"  Yes, that is really what I was envisioning.  I'm 30 years old, this is a process I really shouldn't know about quite yet.  I was hoping that the mammogram would show extra fatty tissue or something of that nature to rule out anything of concern, that was not the case.  The opposite happened.  They found something in the opposite breast that was of concern as well and now taking the spotlight.  Lovely.  Just lovely.  That day went from bad to awful in a matter of seconds.

Up next was the ultra-sound.  This I wasn't too nervous for the process but more the outcome.  I kept telling myself that all would be fine.  It had to be, right?!  Wrong.  The ultra-sound revealed two cysts in my left breast and a tumor in my right.  After telling the doctor they might be wrong, they explained in detail what we were looking at and the difference.  There was a definite difference, that I could see.  I was then instructed as to the possibilities of what it could be.  And it boiled down to this... a benign tumor or...breast cancer.  I basically had two options.  I normally like when only a few options are presented, it's easier that way.  In this case, I sat there wishing I had a million different options. 

I am now currently waiting for my next appointment which will be a biopsy to tell me which direction this is headed.  This isn't exactly something I ever thought to worry about.  It doesn't run in my family.  And for the simple fact that I am young, very young.  Those are both factors I realize now do not always matter.

For those of you that know me well, you know that I do not like showing signs of weakness, asking for help or talking about my feelings.  Well, those three characteristics I'm slowly learning to adjust.  I have had no choice but to let my feelings out.  I have no idea how to mask how utterly terrified I am.  I have tried so hard to be the independent girl that I am during this process and not need any ones help but I am finding out I can't sit in anticipation alone.  My family and close friends that have known from day one have continued to think positive thoughts and I will admit that without that, I'd be pretty down in the dumps.  No matter how hard I tell myself that things will be OK, it's natural instinct to immediately assume the worst scenario possible.  Whatever the outcome, I know I will be fine.  That is something I sincerely believe.

Through this whole situation I am learning a lot about myself and others.  It's amazing how something like this really makes you evaluate things.  I am learning that it's OK to show you need help or support and that some things can't be done alone.  No matter how hard I may try for that.  I am learning that I am quite the lucky girl to have my family, a few close friends, and Joe and his family in my life at times like this or at anytime for that matter.  I am learning to let go of petty things.  There are more important battles to tackle.  Overall, I am just realizing I have A LOT to be thankful for.  Some of which I may have taken for granted. 

This is a scare I never want to encounter again or have anyone I know have to experience. 
Ladies... if you don't check yourself regularly, please start.

Fingers crossed for good news on the results next week.

Great MN Get-Together

It's that time of year... State Fair time!

Joe and I headed to the Fair tonight to walk around for a few hours.  I love, love, love the state fair and not for the obvious reason of the food.  I personally love the people watching.  I am honestly amazed year after year by some of the people that attend the fair.  There are definitely people of all walks of life there.  It sure keeps me entertained.

We didn't indulge in too much food this year and unfortunately I decided to skip the cheese curds.  I'm regretting that decision now.  Joe hasn't been to the fair in a good 15 years so while he was busy taking it all in, I was on a speed walking mission to get around places.


Next year we'll definitely go earlier in the day instead of later at night as it was close to getting dark out.  Chalk one up to another new yearly tradition in the making.

Cookie Monster

Joe and I declared today a lazy, sit in front of the tv in our pj's kind of Saturday.  We had plans to hit up the MN State Fair but the rain changed that for us.  So while joe has football on, I'm surfing pinterest.  Bad news.  I'm not huge on sweets unless it comes to cookies.  They are my weakness.  I found one too many cookie recipes that looked delicious.  And then came across THESE on a friends pin board.  This made me excited for two reasons...no baking AND I actually had the couple ingredients needed for these! Yay!

Two words...delicious and simple!  My kind of dessert!

The Lamp

Before getting Gordie, Joe and I often wondered who would be the softie and who would be the hard ass with him.  We had figured we'd both be about even.  Let me tell you...that is not the case at all.  I am very much the softie, however, I am also the hard ass.  Joe, on the other hand, is 100% softie.  Gordie doesn't really get yelled at by Joe, he just gets the "no, no" finger waved at him.  Last night may have been the first time Gordie has heard Joe raise his voice.

The little stinker thinks it's hilarious to grab kitchen towels and carry them around the house, hoping you'll chase him.  So, last night I was ticked, yelled at Gordie for it and walked towards him... which made him take off running around and behind the couch.  AND... down went a lamp on the end table.  THIS made JOE yell.  Gordie was in complete shock.  He pouted for a good hour afterwards and would not go near or even look at Joe.  It was safe to say that Joe's little buddy was NOT pleased with him.  To give you an idea of what Gordie looks like while pouting...

Needless to say, all is back to being great in the Rosso/Hoppe household.  Gordie has forgiven Joe :)  Which is a good thing because for a while there I thought Joe was going to crawl in a corner and cry his cute little eyes out.  He was pretty hurt that Gordie avoided him.  I'm guessing this means that I will remain the only "hard ass" in our little family.  Ha!

Craft Night

I've never called myself crafty or thought I was good at whipping some crafts together.  I have, however, always thought I was capable of completing some crafts.  I was proven wrong Friday night.  Gina, Jen and myself decided a Pinterest craft night was long over due.  We picked three crafts, headed to Michael's for supplies and got to work...after cracking some beers. 

Here are the three crafts we selected:
1. Frosted Wine Glasses
2. Braided Bracelet
3. Bleach Pen T-shirts

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that NOT ONE of them turned out.  Honestly, they seemed like the simplest crafts and out of the three of us, no one could get one single craft right.  Ha! 

I didn't even take pictures of our bracelets or t-shirts out of sheer disappointment.  The wine glasses on the other hand, we couldn't quit laughing about.  Seriously, how does a person screw these up?!

Here are the beginning and end results...

We have now decided that our next DIY night will consist of projects geared towards toddlers.  Maybe then we can complete one successfully.

Infused

While in Stillwater a few weekends ago, Joe and I tried some pineapple infused vodka at Pub Monique.  Vodka really isn't my cup of tea but there was no denying it was tasty.  We decided to make our own at home.  It's been sitting for a few days and I'm quite tempted to try it before letting it sit for the full 10 days that is recommended.

I'll report back after it's tried!  Hopefully I won't be writing with a headache...

Lobster Dinner

For probably the last 7 months Joe and I have talked about making this particular lobster recipe.  It was in a cookbook that he's had and I can't even begin to describe how many times we've discussed making it but never actually did.  Well, on Saturday...we finally made it!  And by WE, I mean Joe :)

It turned out amazing.  We were both pleasantly surprised how well it turned out.  Definitely will be making it again in the future!

Here's the recipe:

GRILLED LOBSTER WITH BEER BUTTER

4 lobster tails, thawed if frozen, or 4 live Maine lobsters (1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds each)
1 cup Budweiser
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Pinch of kosher salt
Pinch of white pepper
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

Prepare a grill for cooking over high heat. First, oil the grill rack. If using a charcoal grill, prepare a solid bed of hot coals. If using a gas grill, preheat to high (you can hold your hand 1 to 2 inches above grill level only 2 to 3 seconds).

If using lobster tails, cut them in half lengthwise. If using live lobsters, cook them in boiling salted water for 2 minutes and drain. Cut the lobsters in half lengthwise and crack the claws with a nutcracker or hammer.

In a saucepan, combine the beer, shallot, thyme, salt, and white pepper over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer gently until the liquid is reduced by half. Still at a low simmer, add the vanilla and whisk in the butter in small amounts until all the butter is added and the sauce is smooth.

Brush the cut sides of the lobsters with the butter sauce and arrange, cut sides down, on the grill rack. If using a gas grill, close the lid. Cook for about 6 minutes. Turn and cook, brushing the cut sides with the butter, until the flesh is opaque throughout, 3 to 5 minutes longer. Serve hot with the remaining butter sauce.

Makes 4 servings

Twins...don't win.

I hate baseball.  I don't think it's exciting to watch.  I don't know all the rules nor do I care to.  I DO however enjoy Target Field and am willing to enjoy the atmosphere of a ball game.  Last week, we shut down the office and ventured out to watch the Twins play Detroit.  We clearly lost, but it was nice to just do something out of the office during a week day.

The not so nice part of the day...the lightrail.  I do not understand how people can use that mode of transportation.  So gross.  Maybe I'm a germ freak or high maintenance but ISH... that is not for me.

Decor Update

What happens when you have a dog... white isn't exactly a good option for decorating purposes.  I loved our white bedding but without a duvet cover and some pattern or color, Gordie was creating havoc on the stark white look.  So we finally found something that went with our bedroom. 

I know you're thrilled to read such an exciting post :)

5 Months!

Gordie is now 5 months old.  Time is flying by.  He is slowly but surely growing into and out of his puppy quirks.  He is starting to look more like a "dog" and not such a puppy. 

He definitely still has the awkward grace of a puppy but he's getting better.  If you see him running... move.  He doesn't know how to stop quite yet.  Which is pretty hilarious to watch him in action.  He has now taken out a few women at the dog park. 

He continues to be the biggest cuddle monster around.  He loves to sleep all snuggled up next to Joe or I.  I generally like this unless it's while I'm trying to sleep and he's "snuggled up" on my head... not exactly comfortable for me.  He has developed a love for "his" chair.  We rarely use it so I guess it's sort of Gordie's chair now.

He's getting better about listening.  He knows what he is supposed to do but still chooses to do what he wants to do... he is getting better though.  I have to keep reminding myself that he is only 5 months old.  He's allowed "puppy moments" and it's not the end of the world if he doesn't listen to me/us all the time.  He'll get there some day...

Regardless of his monster antics on days, I am so incredibly lucky to have this little guy in my life and love him to pieces.  There is nothing better than coming home to a dog that is so excited to see you all day, every day.  Now that my friends is love :)

Sunday Birthday Dinner

Sunday we had Joe's family birthday dinner at his parents house.  This by far was the most entertaining part of the birthday weekend.  His niece and nephew sure know how to keep a crowd entertained!  At one point I was in tears from laughing so hard.  Always a good time with the Rosso family.

As you can see, Iris wanted to share in helping Uncle Joe blow out the candles on the cupcakes :)

Stillwater!

For Joe's birthday he wanted to do something a little different.  He wanted to head to Stillwater for the day to check out the town and a particular restaurant.  He had never been to Stillwater so I was pretty excited when he suggested it.  I LOVE that town.  It's such a beautiful town and makes you feel like you are hours away from the city, when in reality you're only about 10 minutes away.

We started the day off with lunch at Dock's Cafe.  Awesome view and food!

The rest of the afternoon we spent checking out all the different antique stores that Stillwater has to offer.  We didn't really find much to take home but it was a lot of fun to just look!

For dinner some friends met us at Smalley's Caribbean Pirate Bar.  The restaurant was on the tv show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and after watching it, we decided it needed to be on our "must try" list.  It's a pretty cool atmosphere for a group of people.  Joe thought his wings were the best he's ever had so I'm sure we'll be back to try it again!

Definitely looking forward to heading back to Stillwater in the Fall when the leaves have changed colors.

No Gifts Rule

For our birthdays and Christmas this year, Joe and I decided we'd try the "no gifts" approach since we're saving our money for the Bahamas.  I couldn't NOT do anything for his birthday but I also didn't want to break our rule and have him feel obligated to buy me something for mine in a month.

Here is what I came up with...

I found the idea on Pinterest to this link and decided to tweak it a little bit.  My gift to Joe (who is on a diet) was 31 Reasons Why I Love You... done with Reese's PB Cups.  Maybe he can just read the reasons and I'll eat the cups? ;)

Happy Birthday, Handsome!!

Today I am wishing a giant HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most amazing guy I've ever met...
Or maybe this should be a giant thank you to Joe's parents.  Without them, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet the love of my life. 

Happy Birthday, Joe! 

I hope 31 is the best year for you yet.

Day 2

Although I may have slipped up yesterday on the Caribou and Mt. Dew, I was determined not to let it ruin my new daily plan completely.

Last night, I stuck to my decision of getting back into a running routine.  Over the last year I've quickly learned that my body does not move as smoothly as it used to.  Going for runs have turned into more pain than fun.  My knee is in the shape of a 90 year old woman's knee, my hip actually makes a popping noise these days, and I have flab jiggling in places I didn't know existed.  This is definitely what I call "Old Lady Problems."

So, the easiest solution... start slowly working my way back into the running and start eating more healthy.  After all, I have 189 days until I will be living in a bikini for a week.  My goal is to lose 20lbs by the time our plane takes off for the Bahamas.  Is it do-able?  Yes.  Do I think I can do it?  I sure as hell hope so.

To help me in this journey, I've decided to track everything on my iPhone or iPad.  I'm hoping this makes it easier for me to monitor.  My phone is attached to my finger tips so realistically I have no excuse for slipping up other than pure laziness. 

I'll be calculating nutritional information through My Fitness Pal, as well as my daily exercises/activities.  It's a pretty neat program if you haven't used it before.  You enter the food/drink and it automatically calculates the nutritional values for you.  It has basically all product brands and restaurant menu's stored in it already.  It also calculates calories burned based on the activity/time spent.  Check it out if you haven't.

For running, I'm taking the easiest possible approach.  I'm doing the 5k Runner, essentially the Couch to 5k program.  This should help condition my knee enough to ease me back into running daily and for distance.  We'll see how this goes...

Joys of a Puppy

Gordie has really let his personality shine lately.  Quite frankly, some days it's not a great thing.  He has become such a stubborn and independent little guy.  He listens when he feels like it and has decided that mine and Joe's "relax" time is really "go nuts" play time for him.  This also carries over to bedtime.  When we're ready to sleep, Gordie is ready to run around like he has his head cut off.

His latest and most annoying discovery... reaching the counter tops.  He now wants to know exactly what is on the counter and what we are doing while in the kitchen.  He has recently found out what it's like to get sprayed by the sink hose when he puts his little nose up on the counters.  That did not scare him, go figure.

I've always been a morning person until recently.  The dog sleeps on my head, on my arms, on my legs, or basically just sleeps on me.  Fine when he was a 10lb puppy but now that he's getting larger I tend to wake up with an arm that is asleep from his weight or I'm covered in sweat because he gives off so much heat.  It's not exactly pleasant sleeping.  You literally need to drag me out of bed these days because I sleep so poorly with Gordie in the bed now.  Chipper Krystle has now become Oscar the Grouch in the mornings...

How do you people with kids do it?!

Thanks Gord.

New Tradition Sunday

A few weeks ago Joe came up with a new "tradition" for Sunday nights...making dinner at home.  While we don't eat out all that often, we also don't exactly cook many meals these days either.  It seems we are just grabbing quick bites to eat and never really taking the time to sit down at the dining room table and share an actual meal.  So... starting tonight he wanted to change that.  We have decided to cook something new every Sunday.

Although I had planned to do the whole picture montage of the meal, I quickly forgot about it.  So just imagine the most amazing (ok, maybe not THAT great) bbq pulled sandwhich on a wheat bun.  And... I even cooked it.  In a crockpot.  Now that is my kind of cookin'!  Haha. 

We have started a stack of recipes that we are looking to try on Sunday's.  This first Sunday was a rather lazy effort.  I anticipate Joe cooking most of the Sunday's, so there actually will be recipes worth blogging about at that point :)

Stay tuned!

Definition of Love

Today is my parents wedding anniversary.  My parents have the kind of relationship that I have admired since I was young enough to remember.  They are truly each others best friend and after 30+ years, they are still IN love.  Oddly enough, this seems to be a rarity these days amongst couples.  My parents have always told me the key to relationships is communication and honesty and to view your significant other as your best friend.  I guess they should know what they're talking about after all these years.  I hope to someday be 30+ years down the road with the love of my life and can look back and thank my parents for setting a great example to follow.  Who better to share you life with than your best friend and love of your life all in one...

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad! <3

Bad, Bad, Bad!

If you recall in my Goodbye, Friend post I had planned to give up Caribou...starting today.  Well, that mission failed miserably already.  It is only day 1 and I just couldn't give it up.  Tomorrow is a new day and I'm determined to stick with it.  Or I should say START it. 

I will blame Gordie for my lack of sleep which caused me to need Caribou this morning.  And even a Mt. Dew on top...

Ugh.  I swear this addiction is worse than if I were a smoker.

Happy Birthday, B!

Today is my BFF's daughter, Bristol Jean's birthday!  The big T-W-O years old! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, B!  I hope today is filled with all of your favorites!

Seeing how your Mommy lights up when talking about you has made me realize having a kid may not be a bad thing... many, many years from now :)  Some day you'll understand just how BIG of a statement that really is. 

Beer Tour? Sure, why not.

Date nights have took on a new meaning since getting Gordie and moving in together.  Although we still make time to hang out those nights, we basically have turned them into house project nights or tv nights at home.  Not exactly thrilling most of the time.  Last week we decided we should go back to our "old" ways and actually get out to do things instead of being hermits.

We decided to start up the Old Chicago Beer Tour.  Who doesn't love trying a bunch of different beers each week?  Oh wait, who am I kidding... I drink one or two each time we go.  At this rate, it will take me 5 years to complete the tour.  I did last night find a beer I'm quite fond of! 

It's a Hefeweizen by Widmer Brothers Brewing.  Delish!!

A Little Place I Call HOME

After a few months of being "officially" moved in, it's safe to say I finally feel at home. 

This is the place I now call home.

Moving is always tricky and takes some getting used to the new digs.  Plus, when you're moving into someone else's place, it definitely takes a little longer I've realized.  It started out as his house... it's hard to change that. 

Joe has been beyond great and has tried to make it "our" home from day one.  It ultimately came down to me just needing to feel it on my own.  It's amazing how something so minor can mean so much when it happens.  So, when I woke up the other morning and had the sense of being at home... it made me very happy :)  

I'm looking forward to this new chapter of my life, in our "new" home.

Blog Update

I figured it was time for a little face lift to modernize the blog a bit.  Stick with me as I work through some kinks and changes.

Blog archive, About Me, and Subscription is now in the black hover area on the right.  You can change the layout view on the top left corner where it says "classic" -- you can select the view you'd like to see it in.  Google+, Facebook, and Twitter icons are all now included in each blog.  Should I write something so stellar you'd like to share.  Haha.

And...if you don't like the color...that won't be changing :)

Goodbye, friend.

Okay, Okay...so I've said it before...maybe even one hundred times but THIS time is for real. I'm going on a diet... ;)

Starting on Monday, I will turn into a healthy eating, exercise nut.  Or so I keep telling myself.  For the last few months, Joe has switched his eating habits and has dropped quite a bit of weight while trying to live a healthier lifestyle.  So what is my excuse when the person I live with is already living a healthy lifestyle?  I have none.  Other than my love for this...

It is the death of me.  I live for Caribou Coffee.  I have cut back but not yet quit.  Hey, it's a start, right?!  I am working on cutting it out completely, starting Monday. 

The fridge and cabinets are stocked with healthy foods and my running shoes are polished off.  I'm ready to tackle this beast.  And by beast, I mean a diet...not my love handles.