Biker Chick

On Sunday, May 16th I went for my first motorcycle ride! Finally!

Dan and I were spending Sunday afternoon with our friends, Jason and Rachel [and their dog, Barney]. Jason has a motorcycle and was nice enough to take me for a ride. I'll admit I was nervous for a moment or two before I hopped on, but then I realized... I've gone skydiving before! This should be easier. That it was!

We went cruising around the neighborhood and then out onto the highway. There was one moment when we went over train tracks and I bounced up off my seat. A wild experience when you don't have a roof over your head.

As time went by I enjoyed the ride more and more. We got going pretty fast when we were in the boonies and no one was really around... but by then I had a need for speed!

The experience was a lot like doubling up on a horse... which I have done several times and love it! Basically, you just have to trust the person in front of you, who is in control. Once you relax and do just that, the experience is a lot of fun.

Jason wants Dan to buy a motorcycle... and after my ride with Jason I feel a little more willing to let that happen. That is... after Dan is done with school ($$$) and after I get a new car ($$$) and after Dan gets a new job ($$$) and after... well, we'll see how it goes. Dan and I are on the same page though, so that's a plus. We both agree that other things must come first before he purchases his own motorcycle.

We've Moved

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, we officially moved. We were blessed with lots of terrific helpers. We had breakfast ready for them when they arrived between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Dan's mom [Carol] brought down some yummy chocolate Kringle from Wisconsin.

All of our prep work really paid off! With our amazing help, we got moved out of our old place and into our new place in 3 hours! Seriously, it was insane how quick and easy the whole move was. The week of packing and prepping was, by far, the worst part. The move itself was not bad.

Dan's parents were very helpful... after all, they are the most experienced movers that I know. Dan's dad helped organize the truck while his mom knew when to take down each item.

Once we had everything in our new place we treated our friends and family to some pizza and other goodies that my mom brought. It was fun visiting with everyone... and it helped that everyone got chatty with each other, even if it was their first time officially meeting.

After the move we went up to Wisconsin to visit with Dan's parents, sister [Mandy], and her boyfriend [Cale]. Mandy made homemade pizza and even though we already had pizza earlier that day, Mandy's homemade pizza was so delicious!

We spent the evening playing a mystery game on PS3 and chatting. It is always a good time with the Nelsons!

As of today, we are pretty much all settled into our new apartment. It is actually starting to feel more and more like home. I especially love our private entrance! Makes our place feel more like a town home.

Now, below is a preview of our new apartment. This is our living room. We still have to hang photos and curtain, but you get an idea of what our new place looks like.

My Time in Iowa with Dan

So last week (Sunday - Tuesday) I got to go with Dan to Iowa for a couple of days. Not exactly a second honeymoon sort of trip, but definitely worth taking.

Dan had to go to Iowa for work and I was able to arrange my work schedule so that I could join him. It was a decent area with enough stuff to keep me busy while Dan was at work.

I got to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with him each day and I didn't have to cook! What a deal! One of Dan's co-workers, Jeff, joined us for lunch and dinner each day. We had a blast together!

Not sure when Dan will have to go back, but when/if he does, I wouldn't mind tagging along again.