Minnesota

August 31st, 2010

The Muck Monsters

Alesus and I decided to take a nature-tour with the krakens. Of course the path near the river was flooded and the dogs had to charge right through the middle of the muck:

muddy dogs

Every…freaking…time…

muddy dogs

And I, being ever so prepared, decided to wear flipflops.

muddy dogs

Good thing the dog harnesses made it super easy to throw the dogs in the river to torture clean them off.

And yes, the back seat of my car is a hot mess.
Continue reading “The Muck Monsters” »

August 12th, 2010

Minneapolis love

By Jansen |

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I go to lake Calhoun several times a week.

Lake Calhoun Boats

I have lived in Minnesota for a two years now, and I spend more time at the lakes here than I ever spent on Miami beaches (and I lived in Miami for six years.)

My quality of life is far better in Minneapolis. Miami is glamorous, but it caters to tourists, the wealthy, and the orange.

I love that I can bike around Minneapolis, take public transit without wearing a gas mask, and study at dozens of independent cafes. Minneapolis is caked in parks, full of amusing immigrants and sub-cultures, and just a vibrant place to live.

I love it, crazies, cold, and all.

August 4th, 2010

The not-so-short cut.

By Jansen |

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I biked to work on Sunday. I work 16 miles in the suburbs, and the distance doesn’t bother me, but I hate going up the hill near the office.

The hill is on a street named “Yankee Doodle” which makes the whole situation seem even more ridiculous. But do not be fooled! Yankee Doodle has a massive, half-mile long hill that hurts. The hill is so large that I expect a Buddhist monk or a mountain goat at the top.

So I decide to get cute, take a short cut, and promptly get lost in this Ozarky town named Mendota:

mendota minnesota

Trust me, there are houses down there.
Mendota is in a tiny valley and has about 200 people, a restaurant, a bar, and no real through-streets.

I eventually got out of Mendota, went the wrong way along the Mississippi, and of course, came to an even STEEPER hill than the one I wanted to avoid in the first place.

mendota minnesota

Flippin’ fail.

I ended up where I started, and my 32-mile bike ride became a 47-mile ride.

Yes, my bum is sore.

July 20th, 2010

Blackhawk Lake

By Jansen |

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We had our annual company picnic at Blackhawk Lake. Lawyers playing trivia is always amusing.

The lake itself was kinda bland, but hanging out with the coworkers was hilarious.

blackhawk lake

There was also an intense volleyball game. People changed into athletic clothes. There were dives and aggressive stances. Absolutely amazing.

I also played this bean-bag toss game that apparently is a Midwestern staple. Who knew?

I am the caretaker for my apartment building now, so gloriously awkward phone calls from prospective tenants interrupted the picnic. Apparently my landlord listed my telephone number in the newpaper ads for the building, and these prospective tenants think I am the building owner.

I have 10-types of crazy calling for apartment showings. Good thing the craziest callers end up canceling the apartment showings 10 minutes in advance or don’t call back when I inform them that their prior evictions may, in fact, be a problem. Life in Minnesota gets more amusing every day.

March 14th, 2010

Minnesota Fog

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This week was made far more dramatic by the fog. Downtown Minneapolis looks like Gotham at night and Eagan feels like a druid stomping ground…with Dodge 4x4s. Pictures:

The images link to larger files. Facebook/RSS readers: click here to see the gallery.

March 6th, 2010

Hoar frost & muck

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Things are actually rainy and muddy right now, but a few weeks ago we got some pretty hoar frost.

The images link to larger files.

RSS/Facebook readers: click here if you cannot see the gallery above.

The pictures were taken on my Blackberry.
I’m ambivalent about spring coming. The temperature is warmer but the dogs are muddier, and there’s no dramatic hoar frost.

The worst part of the thaw is that all of the trash, dead animals, and dog shit that has accumulated all winter is now visible. It looks like a big septic tank exploded all over the city. Ick.

See also:

January 18th, 2010

Bemidji Revisited II

By Jansen |

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I obviously when camera-happy on last year’s Bemidji trip… here are the rest of the pictures. Continue reading “Bemidji Revisited II” »

January 18th, 2010

Bemidji revisted

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Around this time last year Jamie and I took a road trip to Bemidji, in Northern Minnesota. Here are some pictures. The thumbnails link to larger images. Facebook/RSS readers: click here if you cannot see the gallery.

December 28th, 2009

Cold times

By Jansen |

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Why yes, it has gotten cold. Why do you ask?
Minneapolis Freeze
It’s 19° with a “feels like” temp of 4°.
Continue reading “Cold times” »

December 25th, 2009

Outline of 2L Fall

By Jansen |

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This semester I took 17 credits (5 classes + moot court), worked 20 hours a week, and had a social life. Oh, and the dog, of course. I might be superman… or a time-shifter.

Here’s what happened:

September

Summer ends, and orientation begins.
Amber needs a talking stick.
The school says: “You may get robbed” but don’t be afraid!
Harley is still going through heartworm treatment.
Tripping around the office and reading the worst case ever.
Got my hair did and Harley is unamused.
I discover the Americano!
Jack meets Seth Rogan, and I get violated…
Harley is knocked out after a long walk.
I deck the walls.
Whitney Houston study break!

Professor L hears a voice, and Professor E’s husband may beat you…
I go organic, lose 20 pounds.
They guess that I’m a law student…somehow.
Dog hair in my car.
Dating frustrations!
I flood the parking ramp with carrots, but my bag looks fierce.
Attention law students: Paula Abdul.

October

Lets pull out the scarves!
Oh my god, shoes!
More dating…my goodness.
Harley rips the sheets.
First date with Joel: at the hockey rink. (Pictures, videos)
Early snowfall, more snow, and plague weather.
Professor A had too much seafood.
Dealing with a seat snatcher here, and a butter-inner, and…
Meth Molly’s working rain or shine.
Unleash a perfume bomb in Conflicts. How do I smell?
Mice! Or pigs…
I become creepy “laughs to himself” guy.
Professor V hears a sound.
Marathon training!
Joel indulges Harley.

FLSA, capital gains…bleh.
Awkward and Racist at the coffee shop.

Barista: “DUDE! Shut up and leave!”

Flem: “NO I WILL NOT LEAVE! I WILL STAND HERE! CRACK CULTURE SUCKS! BLACK CULTURE SUCKS! EVERYONE IN HERE IS WHITE!”