The Happy Place Countdown is ON!

1 Week to my flight to happiness - Marco Island. Paul and I will meet Cindo and Colby there next Saturday. The way this winter has gone...for once it's not just about as warm here as it is there. I have been working at warp speed lately it seems. I love my job, but need a total break tree-hugging and from cubicle land.

I did enjoy a break from my cubicle yesterday as I worked with partner in crime Scott Flagg at a conference for landfill people and public works folks at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. Our bosses decided to invest some time and $ into a booth this year. Alex is a carpentry whiz. He whipped up an official Cornhole game. Yes folks that is what it's called - because Angie Googled it and found an actual association - Cornhole!

Scott Flagg with game - note skin with logo

Cornhole is a great tailgating activity! It was good for conferencing too. Alex built an "official" set and Jen had our communications department design a "skin" for it with our section's logo on it, made from sturdy Tyvec material. Angie ordered 4 bags - and yes, they're filled with - corn. It holds up better than beans.

LF Engineer Mike Smith blamed lack of beer for lack of prowess

We also decided to raffle a 4 seater park bench made from recycled milk jugs and plastic bags. This combination made our corner of the packed full exhibit room the "place to be" during session breaks! The sign up for the park bench was a good conversation starter. Those who chose to play the bag toss were eligible for several prizes - left over from last year's State Fair. People had fun with it. New employee Amy B. kept saying - "try the games - all the cool kids are playing!"

Landfill engineer Matt Phoenix, Scott and new girl, Amy Buckendahl(sp?)

Photo looking away from our booth - over 200 attended

Alex - at left is the supervisor of the Solid Waste Section.

I found out this afternoon that the landfill staff at the Iowa County Landfill won the bench and the director, Rick was thrilled! They have a beautiful facility, right by the Amana Colony and are certain to find a great spot to set the bench.

The other nice thing about this conference? Several people told me how they appreciate the attitude at DNR these days - how they feel staff is more committed to working with them. That comes from the top - Director Chuck Gipp was the keynote speaker yesterday and they liked what he had to say. I didn't get to hear it, but he talks at our periodic staff meetings. He gets it.

Enough about work.

We're entertaining for Easter! Paul's sis Carol, her daughter Barb with fam - husband Mike and daughter Mandy and Paul's sis Jean and husband Dave are coming. Paul will be making his standing rib. I'll whip up Mom's party potatoes in the crock pot. I stopped at Whole Foods today and got some yummy bread, and some desserts. Plus these beautiful flowers.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

Tomorrow, Lil Sis Chiya and I are going to the new Oz movie. I'm nervous, because I grew up on Oz - as did my Mom before me. The books are displayed proudly in my room - much beloved. I'm skeptical - but my supe, Jen said she took her 10 year old daughter who loved it. So I'm willing to give it a shot, for Chiya's sake - no 3-D though...that would mess with my head. Even more than I'm messed up already!

Just a couple days...

Is it just Tuesday?
Tonight was our Anniversary date at Centro. Cool place!

Centro

We exchanged cards but didn't have any big gifts for each other...at this age we pretty much get what we want...if we can afford it anyway. So he is getting a big elk hunting trip in September and I received a beautiful ring that I designed myself. It was made from my engagement ring, the anniversary ring Paul gave me for my 13th year (lucky) and two small diamonds from my Mom's engagement ring. I took all those rings to my sis Cindo's jeweler, Dennis, in Edwards, Colorado.

Dennis gave me credit for the gold (he teased me that midwest gold is cheap because we're thrifty...). I described what I had in mind for a ring made up from the stones. When it was done, he sent it to Paul. One day, shortly after that - in June - Paul found me all sweaty on the deck after a walk, and he proposed again. It was very touching when he gave me the ring - my sweetheart. His first proposal may not have been too romantic, but that one meant a great deal to me.

 We enjoyed our meal at Centro! We both started with Cosmo martinis and toasted our 30 years.

Paul had steak while I tried the parmeson crusted halibut - we both got garlic mashed potatoes with our meals, plus I had asparagus. Very good! I have to say Alba is still my fave fancy place though. Maybe I was just hungrier that night...

We did a little shopping in WDM, then all too soon it was time for Paul to head back to Creston. I'll be home in 2 days and we're both excited to see our children this weekend. Amy flies in Friday evening and Jud and Kara are driving up. We'll all attend the ISU game Saturday. Go Clones! Feeling very blessed on our 30th Anniversary.

Monday night I made my first visit to the new Whole Foods store on University in WDM. It looks to be a pretty cool store! Lots of locally grown foods, with organic selections and stuff you can't get elsewhere. It seems much bigger than Trader Joe's but is probably a bit larger.

Outside front door

It wasn't very busy when I was there

Where old cigarette machines go - they become art o mat

No crappy recycling inside the beautiful store - this machine is outside the entrance