Strange how nerve-wracking a first post can be–I feel like I need to have some grandiose introduction or a profound thought to share. Unfortunately, I have neither of those for you today, but I...
Misc.
So I got rid of my car! I know you’re probably thinking that I’m crazy right now, but I swear, carless living has been one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time...
I am enamored with my latest eco find. This trendy little bag rolls up into a compact unit that can be stored in your purse or car. What blows my mind is that it’s waterproof, fashion-forward...
Nick and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to see Mount Rushmore, so I’ll be taking a blogging break for a few days. We also managed to land a cabin in Custer State Park, which is supposed...
So, I came across this crazy contraption called the Pedal Pub and decided I must share it with you. This wild ride can be rented for $120-$140 an hour, depending on the time length you want to take...
So, the Olympics are just around the corner. Several new products are debuting there that will be available to the public shortly after. Check out this great article in Fast Company that talks about...
25. Pit Toilets: By the 2000 Census, the number of Americans who lacked indoor plumbing was down to 0.6%. Even though that’s still an awful lot of Americans using an outhouse or pit toilet...
If you’ve lived in Minnesota for long, you’ve probably heard of Andrew Zimmern. He’s most commonly known for the food column he writes for Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine. Or perhaps...
Well, the U of M has done it again. If you thought the Honeycrisp was good, wait until you try Zestar! First, a little background on the U of M’s Fruit Breeding program: It dates back as far as...
Click here to listen to the audio on MPR and read the article: hour_car_solar Well, it’s not very big, but it’s there… not that I’m complaining! It sure was fun…...
Ha! It seems quite fitting to post the Engagement Photos after the wedding photos, given the strange order that things are playing out in. We shot at the W Hotel – Foshay Tower in Minneapolis...
Remember awhile back when I begged someone to join the St. Paul Curling Club so that I could come observe? Well, my sister answered the plea! Let me tell you, it was no easy task. Rumor has it that...
What a night. WHOA. I don’t think you could pay me enough to get on a bucking animal. I had the opportunity to attend the rodeo on Saturday night with Estelle. We had a blast cheering on our...
On Sunday I was the recipient of my very first shower, hosted by my family and co-workers from LADC. My wonderful mother Janet dreamed up a tacky-tourist theme for the day – complete with Leis...
That is the questions I’ve heard a lot recently from the 25+ crowd. There seems to be a cool societal evolution happening right now which is making it acceptable for “older” people...
I couldn’t resist sharing this – it was just too darn cute! From bottom to top: Janet, Jenna, Emily, Beth, Sarah
As you know, I’ve been spending quite a bit of time on airplanes recently. In the April version of the Delta Skymag, they had a hilarious section about new slang words that have been created...
As many of you know, we’re T minus 5 days and counting until Wedding number 2 in Minnesota. Sorry about the lack of blogging, there’s just so many darn programs left to fold…. I...
Today we’re going to learn some fun facts about the Philippines, so that you can be as knowledgeable as I am about this great country! Here we go: The Philippines is an archipelago of more...
My, how quickly the days are passing! I think that’s a good sign, right?? Pretty normal week here but it seems worthy of a posting. The Helper– We finished our first week and are gelling...
I’m enjoying doing a random update every so often, as I have a few fun pieces of “news-worthy” stuff that don’t merit an entire post (unlike corn dogs!!). As long as...
Dear Minnesota Friends, Please stop complaining about the snow on Facebook. I do not feel sorry for you. Yes, I know it’s cold and the hairs in your nose are freezing and that you’re sick...
This is a great example of a constructive use of “exercise time” at the Cebu Prison in the Philippines. You may be familiar with previous videos of Michael Jackson’s hits performed...
My thoughts this week have been filled with curiosity around what 2010 will hold for both myself and the planet. Times are a changing. Just listening to stories about what expat life was like five...
I am simply addicted to this song at the moment. Produced by the Philippines Department of Tourism, it features 21 top Filipino artists. It’s magical! Take 5 minutes and enjoy the pictures and...
Awww. What can I say? I’m a sucker for weddings. Especially for my own. As you know, my big day was a 20 year event in the making. I can remember back to 7th or 8th grade when I started going...
OMG, this is a great way to start your Monday!  Check out this remarkable video shot from a streetcar traveling down Market Street in San Francisco in 1905.  This was just one year before the...
Seriously, you know how much I love finding up and coming musical talent. This video was spreading like viral wildfire yesterday and after watching it ohhh, maybe 10 times, I decided it was necessary...
OMG, I nearly peed my pants when I learned that my favorite up-and-comer of the moment Sam Tsui is auditioning for GLEE’s open casting calls (that happens to be my favorite SHOW of the moment)...
Hey, remember that great video by the band OK Go where they’re dancing on the treadmills? Well, they’re at it again with another creative expression of their music (this time minus the...
Dear Sam, I’m afraid I must let you know that your singing makes me weak. How can you be so talented and barely even able to legally drink? And just when I thought I’d heard your best...
but we’ll always have this FAB Shakira video to cherish. I swear, the way that woman moves her hips is mesmerizing… it should be illegal! Warning: You’ll find yourself singing...
Since it’s become obvious that I can’t stop time and prevent the one year mark from happening, I’ve decided that for today’s one Year Commemorative Post we’ll take a...
In celebration of being back in Manila, I thought we’d all enjoy a little Sam to start our day off right! It’s been at least two weeks since I shared something of his with you, so I...
I thought we needed a good laugh after the heaviness of the typhoon yesterday. Watch this – it will crack you up! People are so funny…
Greetings Blog Readers – I am THRILLED to unveil our new souped-up blog, NOVAKISTAN! I’ve been craving a fancy blog like this for quite some time and finally had the guts to go for it...
Can’t think of a much better combo than this: Seize the Day from Newsies set to Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. It has a very old-school cool kind of feel to it… enjoy!
WAHOO! I’m thrilled to announce the the INSANELY ADORABLE couple are finally making it official. Yup, that’s right. Emily Miller (#2 in the long line of Miller gals) will be tying the...
With nearly 1,000,000 hits on Youtube, Maggie and Lucas Thompson’s video “Minnesota Gurls” is a bonafide viral success. Nothing makes me happier than to see the next generation of...
I’ve long been a fan of these flash mob scenes that started popping up on Youtube a year or so ago. I think you’ll really enjoy this one in Grand Central Station when 200+ individuals...
Each year Beloit College publishes a list that “provides a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college this fall”. I found it really fascinating to...
This is mind-blowing! I’ve never seen anything like it! Give it 30 seconds, you’ll be hooked…
Friends in India, have you seen this done live?
On Wednesday night Jenna and I went to our very first Twins Game in the new stadium. To be honest, I was pretty sick of hearing all the hype about this stadium and didn’t expect the experience...
Minnesotans still proudly rock the ‘socks and sandals’ look (picture above of our friend Don sporting his combo at the cabin) Everyone has a fancy phone and no one knows how to use them...
Hello All- I am well aware of the fact that I’ve been a very bad blogger lately. You’ll be happy to know that I am thoroughly enjoying my time here and in classic Sarah Miller...
For those who complain that Sam Tsui does none of his own stuff, I am pleased to present his first original song! Now there’s no reason left not to become a fan… Happy...
Cebu Pacific is the exclusive Philippines airline of Novakistan. Remember when they won our hearts after the dramatic “Kindle Episode” in Shanghai? Keep the singing, dancing and in-flight...
I don’t usually post videos two days in a row but this parody is so hilarious that it merits some rule-breaking. Nick and I couldn’t stop laughing – highlights of the video...