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.

Dan Travels Back to Iowa

We just found out yesterday that Dan is going back to Iowa for a couple of days for work. It has been a while since he has gone out to the Iowa plant. I miss him terribly when he is gone but there are some benefits to his traveling: (1) he makes a little extra money, (2) he is earning hotel points, (3) his meals are covered, and (4) I get to drive his nice, new car while he takes mine!

Dan will be gone Wedneday evening through Friday afternoon. So that's only two nights apart, I think I can manage.

Something from Jessie is on Facebook

As you can see from today's title, Something from Jessie can now be found on Facebook! Log on or join Facebook so that you can become a fan and a supporter of the Something from Jessie Memorial Scholarship - sending inner city students to Phantom Ranch Bible Camp in Mukwonago, Wisconsin.

This fan page was created on April 13, 2010, and already it has over 120 fans! So come join us! There are photos, discussions, links to helpful websites, event information, and so much more!

Click on the links below to become a fan and to RSVP for the annual spaghetti dinner at Jessie's home church, Parker Road Bible Church.

Something from Jessie Fan Page
Something from Jessie Spaghetti Dinner

Colorado, Here We Come

Dan and I are going to Colorado in May! We've been trying to plan a time to visit his best friend (and best man), Myk. So, finally, we managed to plan a perfect time to visit! We'll be out there Saturday, May 22nd - Tuesday, May 25th.

While we are out there we are also hoping to visit other friends and family. After all, its not often we get out to Colorado.

I haven't been there since I was a little. Maybe four? My family used to go to Colorado to visit my dad's brother, my Uncle Ed. I remember bits and pieces from our trips out there. I remember my family placing me on giant rocks and taking my picture. I also remember eating Cheerios and feeding them to chipmunks! Those cute little critters would come right up to me.

Now it is time to experience Colorado as an adult! I'm very excited!

We're Moving

After much discussion and a whole lot of praying, Dan and I have decided to move. I'm not crazy about moving, but it is really for the best.

Dan and I are not happy with the management staff at our current apartment and with him going back to school in September we really need a place that is a bit cheaper. Thankfully, we were blessed with options! Again, after much discussion, a couple of pro and con lists, and whole lot of praying, we made the decision to move into a lovely apartment just down the road from where we live now.

I'll admit, I'm pretty bummed about leaving the first place Dan and I called "home" before we even hit our one-year anniversary, but once again, I know that it is for the best. Now I feel like a real Nelson - I'm moving! Ha ha!

Our new home will be bigger, better, and cheaper! Only 8+ years old, this apartment will have fresh paint and brand new carpet. Plus, it'll be close to Jason and Rachel - we've already made summer plans with them and might even be able to carpool to certain church events.

All this apartment junk has really given me a passion for owning a home some day. Unfortunately, until Dan is done with school and knows where he will be working, apartment living is what we need to do for now.

I don't know if I posted this before, but I am job hunting for a full-time job right now. I have been for a couple of months. Nothing yet, but I'm still searching and still applying. Sometimes I get nervous, the closer and closer it gets to summer... but I know that God will provide all that we need.

We're not big spenders and I am constantly clipping coupons and watching sales, so I know that we will find a way to get by if I don't find a job.