Family Outing at the Japanese Steakhouse

Last night the crew (aka The Leinen Gang or my in-laws) went to Genji's Japanese Steakhouse for, our nephew, Luke's birthday. For the normal diner, this is no big deal, but for my hubs this is like being in actual Tokyo. As I've stated before, Brian eats like a 5 year old--nothing green, no veggies but corn and potatoes. The rest of his diet consists of meat, cheese and bread. He's a processed food freak! I was so surprised this picky eater actually didn't have to hit the Arby's drive through after dinner. Here is my brother in law Brad with his kids, "Birthday Luke" and Lucy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Raspberry Genji (although pretty weak). I guess it's raspberry sake, cranberry juice, and a splash of sprite. Yummy.
They apparently like to embarrass you for your birthday with this umbrella for a pic.
B and I after dinner. I'm stuffed from the fabUlous fried rice.
Afterward we went bowling with the kids...well some of the kids are bigger than others.


Brian is working on his form here, I usually just launch it down the way and break a nail in the process. Speaking of nails...I'll be posting about something cool next time. ;-)

Hartford CT Here We Come

So the few of you who actually do read my blog since I've been SO bad at actually posting lately know I got a new job in advertising sales. I'm liking the change but still learning the ropes. I feel like I haven't quite found my niche in comfort. I do however like how everyone has been very understanding of my newness and I feel my co-workers are really there for me. We just did our taxes for 2009 and I'm glad I made the change financially as well. Last year I made less than I did the year before-by more than I was expecting, so I'm glad I got out of my comfort zone and am trying something new and exciting and I hope will be the best for me and Brian.

The weekend before Easter (aka Holy Week) we have a sales conference in Hartford Connecticut. I've never been there before and while we won't have a ton of time to do anything super involving. My colleague and I, who will be traveling from Omaha together, will be getting to CT a day early since the flights were so much cheaper.

Has anyone been there before? Any suggestions as to a nice place to hang the night before?

Been a While and Changes are Here to Stay

Well it's definitely been a while since I've blogged. I've been going through some major changes in my life--Career changes. Mid January I quit my job at the Toyota Scion dealership I've worked at for almost 4 year! I was definitely sad to leave all my co-workers and friends I made over the years but I still feel it was for the best. Everyone was so sweet my last week at the dealership, it definitely made it hard. Here's my "going away" cake courtesy of our service department...apparently there was a problem at the bakery...
she was blond but not after the guys got a hold of her and "dyed" her hair with a magic marker.
They also threw me a nice going away lunch catered by Qdoba! It was so nice.

I didn't waste any time, and started my new position with LPi the following Monday in Minneapolis for training. All of my new colleagues are really nice too. I am one blessed person to have great people to work with yet again!

While inI stopped off at the Mall of America.
The mall wasn't what I was hoping for, but definitely overwhelming. I couldn't believe how many food options there were in one mall.

I did however happen to find the cutest restaurant (not at the mall) called Patrick's Cafe. This place was a treat! I got a chicken salad and this stellar cheesecake for takeout.
It was almost too pretty to eat...but I managed. Look at that yummy surprise in the cheesecake--raspberry filling!

I'm learning a lot at my new job and hope you girls are doing well. I hope to get back to blogging now that I'm home and working. Please pray for my success at my new job in advertising sales...there's a big learning curve and I need it!

For Sale: Kate Spade Purse

Hello all,
Long time no talk. I've been very busy with a career change and the holidays...and SNOW! I'm hopefully back to my normal blogging self.

I'm cleaning out my closets and came across a few things I thought some of you girls might be interested in. I have more coming soon.

Kate Spade Purse: $25.00

I bought this in Chicago on Michigan Ave. but I think I've only used it once. I'll only charge for actual shipping (whatever that may be). First person to comment they want it--IT'S THEIRS. :-) Let the blog shopping begin.

Christmas Eve Cocktail

I never celebrate the holidays without a bit of cheer. While we're waiting to eat dinner before mass with hubs, mom, and dad, I thought I'd whip up a little fancy for me to enjoy...AZ style. I'm so glad I'm here and not here.Christmas Eve Cocktail

• 1 part ice
• 1 part Trader Joe's Cherry Cider
• 2 parts Prosecco

Mix and enjoy!!

3 Days and Counting!!

Only three more days until I'm on a flight to visit my family and friends in the beautiful state of ...

Yes. ARIZONA!! I can't wait to not have to salt my driveway just to get up inside the garage or bring my snow boots to work-ugh! Why do I live in the Midwest? I have no idea...

I couldn't get up my ice rink driveway last night so I decided to get a little sun the good ole fashioned way...

well it's not like I'm getting any outside?

When I was done, Hubs came home and skated my car into the driveway after a rigorous salting. I don't help with any of that. I don't want to deprive him of the joys of why we live at the North Pole...not one single moment. ;-) Hey I gotta hold to my Diva in the Midwest title right?

I didn't fall off the face of the earth. I was out in Colorado for turkey day. I'm a firm believer in quality posts. Hopefully I'll be back with something entertaining!

Sent from Risa's iPod