From the depths of Ohiodawa

A Sweet Surprise

2006-12-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

a sweet surprise
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

I went to work today thinking it was going to be like any other day… and it was… it was when I got home that it was weird. Ok so I’m getting ahead of myself. On September 18th I got this email:
Hi Rach,
I hope you had a good weekend. If you're around tonight (say, after 7) maybe we can talk. I forgot that Michael and I are going to see the Lion King tomorrow night, and then off to Australia!
Love,
Mom
As many of you know there is no way my mother is going to Australia any time soon so I wrote her back:
Sorry think you got the wrong person. i live in Montana???? Ring a bell??? Hear the Lion King is a good show. what are you going to do in Ausi Land??? Whether i know you or not i hope the Lion King was everything you hoped it would be. Have a safe trip to the Land Down Under.;-)
someone who has no idea who you are yet still willing to write you back.
Rachael
I didn’t think anything of it. I just got the message when I happened to have a few minutes.
On December 1st I got this:
Hi Rach,
Sorry I haven't called you back yet. I had Landmark on Wed night when you called and Sunday was busy all around. If you have some time this weekend, I'd like to give you a call. Just let me know what might work and at what #.
Love,
Mom
I was in kind of a giddy mood so I wrote her back:
had Landmark huh? that's too bad. hope it all worked out for you. pretty sure you're not my mom since i didn't call her this week (oh maybe i should get on that) my mothers name is Evelyn Stanley and she lives in Pablo Montana. if you've been hanging out on the Indian Reservation lately maybe you're her but some how i don't think so. As far as this weekend goes i do have a lot of time but unfortunately i believe as my mother you should already have my phone #. my address however is not a problem (Address) like most college students i love Chocolate, care packages and cash!!!!
love always
Rachael
She wrote me back almost immediately thanking me for correcting her and signed it “the other mom”
I thought it was cute but yet again didn’t think anything of it.
TODAY I walked in to the house after a long day at work and I saw a package in my mail box. I thought this was a little strange (nobody sends me packages unless i've spent money.) I began opening it up as I walked down the stairs to my room. I was like Tucson??? Do I know anyone in Arizona? At the bottom of the stairs I screamed. Meg Young thought I had seen a spider. But no, it was not an unwanted arachnid, in the package was a HUGE bar of CHOCOLATE and a little note:
“Enjoy! From the other mom”
isn’t that the sweetest (no pun intended) thing you’ve ever heard????? I’m giddy with happiness. I never get care packages!!!
I wrote her a thank you and I hope she keeps in touch. I don’t mind having more than one mom. My mom has lots of kids… she’s busy!!

Really great memories.

2006-06-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

The spring rains are about over and we’ve officially moved into summer. Today the clouds are rolling in and we might have some thunder and lightning. I hope it will rain it’s so hot that when I go outside it makes me think that my skin is going to melt away.
In my childhood the spring rains were one of my favorite things. I loved to run outside when it was pouring. And when it got too cold I would go inside and watch the lightning and hope that the power would go out. Even if it didn’t I usually turn off all the lights just so I could pretend.
I loved it when the power went out at our house. All five of us would run around the house finding ALL the candles. We would light every single one of them “worried” that people wouldn’t be able to see. After a lot of whining my mom would let us light the oil lamps. I would play that we needed the light because we lived in a time without electricity. I would make up stories in my head about how I would survive the night with the storm raging outside. I was a dramatic child and my brothers and sister didn’t appreciate it. I was usually left to play these games by myself. It didn’t really bother me I made up whole worlds that they never saw. Oh! Wait! Got to stop reminiscing it’s raining outside and I want to get in it.

Easter Play 2006

2006-04-21T01:18:00.000-07:00

Easter play 2006
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

this is the whole fam. Ok so not really my dad isn't there. I guess I should have said this is the whole fam who's ever been a part of the Easter play. From top left to right its: Evelyn, Jonny, Jim, Cathy, ME!!!, and Joe. We were all involved in the passion play at CLC (the church I've attended since I was in second grade.) sadly this will probably be the last year we are all in this play as a family. My parents and my little bore Joe are moving to Pablo. I know Pablo I wouldn't wish that on anyone but it looks like its the way it has to be. My brother Jonny will be joining the marines in August and who knows when he'll be back. (its really ok I'll miss him but I think it's the perfect place for him.) my little sis is feeling God pull her in a different direction like say... Asia. She thinks that she won't be in this sate much longer. My older brother Jim is hoping to have a different job by this time next year and will probably won't be able to get off work. I am going to be in x-ray tech school (if God blesses me that is.) which will take up a great deal of my time and I know I wouldn't be able to do the play.
so all that is to say that this is the end of an era. I know this will never happen again for my family. It's exciting to see that we are all going off to do what God wants us to do but I'll miss all the fun times we've had.
I've been doing the passion plays since I was (wruffly) 12 which means I've done at least 10 passion plays throughout my life time. I think it might be more cause I can remember doing them when the other guy did Jesus and the guy who does them now has been doing them for 9 years. It's kind of cool to think about how many people my life has touched through this play. Around 7000 people come to see it every year. Wow. Well this is really getting mushy so I'll just say it
so long Easter Alive. It was good while it lasted.

KING KONG?

2006-04-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ok so after resisting for many days I finally saw King Kong. Can I just say I love the last line? I think I might just pull it out of now where all the time. Jess and I will be at Ruby’s eating bad pie and all the sudden I’ll just blurt out “it wasn’t airplanes… it was beauty that killed the beast.”
So the movie wasn’t that bad, but as far as last lines go it’s kinda pushing it. I really didn’t want to see this movie cause of all the people that kept telling me I had to see it. The things I was hearing were right: a lot of long face shots. Could there be more shots of Ann’s face in this movie? They could have taken out a half hour just by removing a few seconds from every face shot. And why didn’t King Kong kill Ann? He sure was flinging her around a lot but she didn’t even seem to get whip lash?!?! What’s up with that? And why did the bats attack Kong in the first place. They didn’t seem to care about the humans that were perfect pray for them.
Any way had to get that off my chest. I don’t hate this movie and I think my parents should buy it so I could watch it anytime I wanted but I don’t think it’s as good as everyone says it is.

I know this is kinda wired for my first post for a long time but i figured it's as good a spot as any to start.

A pic of an old Ohiodawinian

2006-02-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

So, I'm here in Korea and I thought I'd send over a good ol' peace sign - take a picture of anyone here in Asia, and it seems that they all do the peace sign (although I forgot whether it is more PC to have the hand facing inward or outward). This is my roomate and best friend, Jessica Burgard, and I in our new hanboks. They are big puffy outfits and they are the traditional Korean women's outfit. The women wear them also for their wedding (only they are a lot more fancy) and different colors are for different members of the family (mother-of-the-bride, bride, etc.). Neither one of us is getting married, mind you, we just wanted to get one and they are pretty. :)

Indiana Zach

2006-02-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

oohohohohoh, and since I'm feeling slightly devious...I was looking through some of my old pictures and happened upon this studly one of Zach. ...I just had to share it. Zach, don't be angry with me. ;) You look quite nice in a hat. I could see you roping in the bad guys already. ;)

What a Beaut'

2006-02-13T23:04:00.000-08:00

Ahh, Jahasika Don Schlabeh...she is so beautiful, although perhaps this picture does not do her justice. To be fair, she was showing how one can make really terrible pictures if one turns the head upside down, wiggles and flops one's face around, and then takes a picture of the resulting expression...

Tribute To My Brother.

2006-01-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

537310-R1-18-18A
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

So I had the best Christmas ever!!!!!
My little brother is the sweetest kid in the world. I asked for an Ipod for my birthday this year and needless to say my family is poor so I didn't get it. I didn't really think I would anyway I know how things work but I have been joking around since then about people getting me one. What I really wanted for Christmas this year was the Jason Upton CD Faith. I knew it would be a hard thing to find but I figured it was a little more in my family's price range. As Christmas approached my family made it clear to me that I would not be getting the CD cause they couldn't find it. I guess as my friend John says "gullible isn't a word in the dictionary." so Christmas comes and I got a pretty scarf from my Aunt and Uncle, some small stuff from my sister, and Jojo, the great kid that he is, gave me two free car cleanings. They were all great gifts. Then Jonny hands me a gift that I can tell is a CD. I wasn't surprised Jonny usually gets me a CD but I opened it up and surprise surprise Jason Upton Faith. What do you know? He had it overnighted at Budget tapes. So I start in on the nasty wrapping and the annoying stickers they put on those things to keep them inside. I guess they just leap out of the jewel case otherwise. I open the case and the CD wasn't there. Instead there was ipod software. I just sat there in shock. I didn't believe it. Jonny got up and pulled the box out of the closet. I was a 20 GB photo and they had put 950 song on it to give me a start. I started to cry. Apparently Jonny had bought most of it for me. I was so touched! he's 18! Works at McDonald he doesn't have that kind of money! My Parents and my big bother had helped too so it wasn't all on his own but it's still a lot. I was so blown away! Any way that's my awesome Christmas story!

An Unbirthday Blog

2005-11-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

So it's not my birthday today ....... Just so you know.

we had bible study today so freaking awesome! Couldn't have a better unbirthday present than having good discussion about God with some of my favorite girls of all time. Jess and I started our "prep" meeting not so good. We had a few things to hash out (we can't have a perfect relationship all the time it would be too exhausting.) and I was a little worried about the study but it was totally cool all the girls got really into it and I don't know we learned cool stuff about God. Our topic was finding Joy in our purpose. Sadly we were forced to look at the "Purpose Driven Life" it has to be said: it's not a "cool" book. However, not so cool book doesn't mean not so cool study.
after bible study I went over to turner to teach Christina how to chochet (is that how you spell it? You know using a needle and yarn to make something beautiful) hats. Was great! She chocheted and I sat in a big papa san chair like a vegetable! We had a good talk.
can I just say it? I love people!!!! Any way more on that later. Now I'm going to sleep off an amazing migraine. :( sad I know but I'll get over it.

A Birthday Blog

2005-11-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Well here it is... 22. Who know it would feel so much like 21?

my birthday always seems to last forever. NOT THAT I'M COMPLAINING.
Sunday I had my family birthday dinner. So nice. The best chile in the world!
Monday my dad and I went to HuHot and to the village 6 to see Elizabeth town. I've got to say one of my favorite movies but my worst theater experience of all time. The movie has a lot of silent moments in it but sadly not for us. We got to hear a loud buzzing throughout the whole thing! I left the theater 3 times to ask them to fix it but the noise never stopped! Very disappointing.
Well it's a good start to my birthday month. Have to wait and see if the rest of it is as good.

Free to Dance!

2005-10-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Free to Dance!
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

Zach & J9 took dance lessons! after a short demonstration you'll all be happy to know Mr. Zach Knoch Has found a beat!

I'd like you all to meet my brother

2005-09-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

537310-R1-26-17
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

isn't he cute?! i finally got some more pictures up in my flickr hopfully there will be more to come. the 1 hour foto picture cd is amazing! i just got a "new" camera and i still need to figure out how to focus it properly but for now the blury picture of my bro is all i've got.

Too cool for school

2005-08-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

I just got out of my speaks class and I don't know what to think. My professor seems pretty cool but what's with the beard and flip flops. Seriously guys shouldn't wear flip flops on the job (unless that guy is Rocky). I hate to say it but this semester is going to be boring!!!!! I can't get excited about a single class. I was kind of stoked for my science class but after sitting in it and listening to the professor I'm worried I might shoot someone. The bright side I have some people in my classes from last semester that I just love, which could be a bad thing. I seriously think Lisha and I will be talking more in class then learning (sadly) what to do? What to do? Anyone have any suggestions to keep the year entertaining???

I'm going crazy about Peter

2005-08-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Picture006.jpg
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

not that one
I recently walked down the street of our beautiful city of Missoula and was intrigued by a small poster on a lamp post. Keep in mind I wasn't out to get involved or anything I just innocently read a poster and it changed my life forever.
the poster (it was more a flyer really) had a picture of Peter Young and a bunch of mangy animals. By pursuing this flyer I learned that Peter Young, 27, aledgedly released mink from mink farms in Wisconsin, Iowa, and who knows where else. He's been running from the law for the last 7 years. This poor unfortunate soul hasn't been able to see his family and friends for fear of incarceration. Recently he was picked up in Florida. After years of being careful he tried to steel CDs from a Starbucks.
this boy needs our support. He's facing 132 years in prison!!! Please visit the SUPPORT PETER web page. We all know how it feels to try to save the world and to be stopped by the long arm of justice as we try to satisfy our music craving.

Ownership and going deep.

2005-07-29T02:02:00.000-07:00

jess owns these steps
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

So jess and I had this amazing conversation last night. We "owned" the steps downtown. A few punks tried to take over but we made the stance and it all turned out fine. Doesn't she have good form?

It’s so amazing to have a friend who you can be completely honest with. I didn't notice it before but Jess and I are like that. There's not sugar coating when it comes to our relationship (not that it isn't totally sweet!!!) Jessie you're special! There's no one who I can talk to and really be myself, truly, without excuse or apology. Thanks for always being there to listen. One day we'll be able to solve the "worlds" problems and have our steps to our selves.

I own this bench.

2005-07-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

I own this bench.
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

this is the "official" stance you take when you want to signify something as your own. If arm flinging is not an option you can put your hands in your pockets or lean back on your elbows. The most important thing is to have your legs flung out telling people not to mess with you. It's also good to have a mean stare.

Make Like A Tree And Get Out Of Here

2005-07-23T01:14:00.000-07:00

Jess and I have decided it sucks to be girls. We have to put up with such crap from guys. All day long we fend off the passes and they just don’t seem to get it… we aren’t interested. Most of the time we just let it go but sometimes we just want to strangle them. (Let me note here that strangulation is a very personal way to kill a person. In other words, we’d be very harsh) I find it very hard to get to work sometimes with all the guys trying to ask me out. does anyone know how to get this “Love potion # 9” attraction to stop?

FYI: this is a blog specifically directed at Jess she will get it but most of you won’t. Sorry I know this is not the place to post inside jokes but she and I needed this one. Besides I posted an entry for all of you down there ▼

Yakking On The Lawn

2005-07-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of discussion on whether the Girls House should get a Sheep. We figure this would solve any number of problems.
1: no more fighting about who mows the lawn (we don’t really fight about this we just want someone else to do it ;-)
2: it has come to the attention that ed and my sis cat need money. They could shear the sheep “gather” the wool and make craft goods to sell at the market.
3:how to display this sheep to the world.

The list could go on. The problem is obtaining this so called sheep. Let me tell you Ebay is not the place to look. And what kind to get. There are over 800 kinds of sheep in the WORLD! OH! The multiplicity! The ones that make the best wool are Australian, New Zealandish, and South American. But what about when ed and cat don't need the money anymore. We may want to eat the thing. In which case don't we want one with good meat? What's a Girls house to do????? The other option, odiously, is a yak. don’t know how good the wool would be but it would be an alternate form of transportation.

The Rumors are false!

2005-07-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I work at Joann’s Fabrics. I’m so excited I’m coming up on my 2nd year!!!! A raise a raise a raise la la la la la. However, this post has very little to do with my aspirating job opportunities. There’s this lady that I work with, Darr, she is amazing. Imagine a very bitchy (there's no other word for it) great aunt type (I know it’s hard) with a raspy voice ‘cause she’s been smoking most of her life. Darr is one of my favorite people. You know you’ll have a good time when you work with her. She always bitches about the company and takes every advantage she can get one over on them.
I learned to count out the till this last 4th of July.
Me: “Sorry I took so long.”
Darr: “Don’t worry about it, you did it on a day when we’re getting time and a half.”
Ok so you get it Darr’s awesome. The thing is there are a lot of rumors going around about Darr:
She was married to a Lebanese Prince.
She lived in Israel for a while.
Her kids look nothing like her because they’re Middle Eastern and Darr is defiantly a pail blond.
Those are just the highlights. So the other day she was shopping in the store and I was like “Darr, so what’s this I hear about you marrying a Middle Eastern prince?” she looked kind of shocked for a second (believe me I never thought I would ever shock Darr.) and she started laughing (her laugh is so fun. Very raspy from years of cigarettes.) She looked at me with big eyes “Who told you that?? Ooh I like that. Could we keep that one going? Well he was Lebanese. Very good looking Lebanese. But they don’t exactly have royalty.” Our conversation was interrupted by my boss and Darr left the store but not without making some biting remark about the Joann’s company and how they’re always trying to screw us over.
As I said, the Rumors are false. I know Darr likes them but we can’t let the lies continue. spread the word!

12 o'clock and all is well... In Ohiodawa

2005-06-21T00:33:00.000-07:00

ITS SO FREEKIN QUIET HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I'm going insane! The house is incredibly quiet. Before there were times of quiet but they were always accompanied by the anticipation of Nat coming home. She would arrive and you'd hear her stomping around or loud conversations upstairs or singing... lots of singing.
as most of you know I come from a family of five kids. I'm used to noise. I grew up with it. I don't feel right without it. Ok that sounded a little crazy. I'm sure I'll get over the Natalia Shock. Sorry if it sounds like I'm ranting but I just miss her.
Rael

Ok so we made it back

2005-06-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

We did finely get home. I just wanted to let you all know cause I know how much you worry. Jill and I are composing our final "road trip to get rid of Natalia" blog. We want to let you all know the miles we put on the car and fun stuff like that. Gas prices maybe. Didn't want you peeps to get board. If you are board you can check out my flickr we have a lot of pics there that we didn't have room for on the blog. Keep it real and you'll hear from us later.
Rael

Huge storm

2005-06-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Huge storm
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

Still on the road

2005-06-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Still on the road
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

We're almost to Butte.we won't be stopping. We want to get Home and there's a huge storm on its way.

La tee da we're on the road.

2005-06-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Yo homies! Well we drove to Valley City North Dakota last night and stayed at a hotel. I was really tired and wanting a bed and a nice bathtub. We stayed at the AmericInn and went for a swim, sat in the hot tub and in the sauna. Rael stayed down there longer but I went to take a bath and boy was it nice. First time in several days we haven’t been at some one’s house to shower. I thought it felt good to just chill. Rael enjoyed the pool and the hot tub. We slept hard and woke around 8am. AmericInn had a nice breakfast for us this morning – Belgian waffles! We ate up and then got on the road. There was some rain this morning but has been pretty hot through Western North Dakota and Montana. We are at the Belgrade Flying J right now We just dropped off a few things at Nat's perents house. We will be back in beautiful Missoula soon. We have been sending post cards to Nat from every state. If she gets 3 in a day they through her in the lake!!!!!
If you would like to send Nat into the Lake her address is
Natalia Kolnik
105 Fawn Dr.
Oxford, WI 53952

We did see several egrets and some pelicans (what’s with pelicans being out here?), there have been other waterfowl too but we haven’t been able to name them – I think I saw some pheasants.
Jello

Jill got to see the worlds largest Bufalo from the road but I was asleep. so sad maybe next time :)
Rael

Look at them antlers

2005-06-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Look at them antlers
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

So we’ve been on the road for a while now. I love these wi-fi Hot spots! Jill bought a months worth of internet from Flying J and I’m sitting in the car in Fargo North Dakota bloging - isn’t that crazy. The original plan was to push really really hard today and get close to Montana so we could have a relaxing day tomorrow- maybe find a pool or something. We ended up stopping like 7 times before we got past Minneapolis but there was an outlet mall and we had to spend a few hours there the cheap clothes were calling to us. It was really good shopping. We went to Puma, Calvin Klein,… the list goes on and on. But all that time shopping really cut in to our driving time. It’s 7 pm here and we just crossed the border. We have had a good drive we haven’t had to dodge any cops sadly it happens to be one of Jill’s specialties and I want to see her in action. This is a picture we took in some park that had huge animals in it we tried to take one of me on a mouse with a block of

Gnat

2005-06-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

P6120284
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

She looks awesome. She must be in good hands with those clothes on.

Do you see the poster we got her in the back?

Fleeing Boyscout Camp

2005-06-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

P6130300
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

After our blog last night we headed back to camp. Rael and I were dying to head down to waterfront and jump in! Waterfront is where Nat will be working. We got our suits on and headed down. After being frightened by a big 5.5 inch long, ¼ inch diameter snake we jumped in the water and swam briefly. The spiders had taken over the ladder but we managed to get out and head back to camp. After showering and chatting we were asleep in no time.

It’s Monday morning. We left the Boy Scout at camp and are heading home to Missoula! We are traveling I-94 now. So it is just Rael and I now. Nothing will be the same. Nat will be at Boy Scout camp for about a month and then she is off to South Korea! Rael will be going back to the Chi Alpha girls’ house and eventually (in the fall) moving into my old room – Ohiodawa! I will be moving my junk when we get back to a studio apartment in University Villages. So we are going back to different lives – exciting and sad all at the same time. Nat will enjoy getting to hang with Zach (who is also working boy scout camp and is the reason Nat ever got involved in this boy scout camp stuff!) for a good month. We said good bye to both Nat and Zach and are hoping to make good time on our way back. We hope to make it somewhere in Western North Dakota or even Billings or Bozeman Montana!! We have traveled over 2000 miles already and are just starting back- hoping to see some wonderful waterfowl ;-)
Jello

BOY did we SHOP!

2005-06-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

Yo People! This is my first time blogging! We are having a great time on our little adventure! We did a whole lot of shopping Saturday, a WHOLE lot! The plan was to shop as individuals for an hour and a half at the outlets in Prarie something or something Prarie, right south of Kenosha, Wisconsin. After the hour and a half was up we were to meet and then go back through to the shops Nat had found stuff at to give our opinions… Rael and I did fine and met at the Nike outlet on time and waited for Nat. Well she came and boy was she an unhappy shopper. I don’t think I have ever seen Nat so MAD… WOWSERS. She didn’t have a whole lot of luck so it was Rael and I to the rescue!! We chilled over a Quizno sub and then said – “Nat, we are going to go into several stores, you grab something and head for the dressing rooms, we will then scour the place grabbing all kinds of stuff for you to try on.” We were off and the mission was ON! We did great and Nat’s frown turned upside down (how lame is that phrase?). She scored some great things to wear in South Korea. She will look like a very professional pretty teacher. Those South Koreans will be checking that woman out!

We saw JENNY!

2005-06-12T16:07:00.001-07:00

Following the shopping spree, we headed to a friend of mine’s house… Jenny Kenesie (was Knight). Jenny went to Louisville with me, was my roommate and we played basketball together. Well… Jenny’s little sister Rachel was having her graduation party so we got to hang out with the Knights! It was great to see the Knights and so fun to see Jenny and get to chat with her. Jenny’s husband, Eric, then appeared in a tree in the backyard dressed as… SPIDERMAN! The kids loved it and ran around trying to keep track of him. I made sure Nat and Rael didn’t go after him, although I could tell they were wanting too…

Dukes of FREAKIN' Hazzard!!

2005-06-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

Did you know the Dukes of Hazzard live in Wisconsin? Driving on HWY 12 today I saw them turn in front of us! I had to follow and catch a glimpse of ‘em. It was awesome. The orange car with the 01 on it! We drove and drove, very fast at times trying to catch them. Finally we were behind them and trying to get them to pull over but they just sped up! They could have been a tad scared… We gave up and came back after about a 10-15 mile detour.

Boy Scout Camp is GREAT but the cafe AIN'T!!

2005-06-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

We then arrived at Boy Scout Camp! Oxford, Wisconsin – what a place! ;-) Nat showed us around camp and we got her set up in her cabana. Rael and I left her a little surprise which she will find tonight maybe or figure out sometime! We walked down to the waterfront and I took a little dip – I wish I would have had my bathing suit;-) Rael and I left Nat to come here – the internet place with REALLY REALLY bad service! These kids ain’t got a clue! “Do you have tea?” Rael says. Bad Service Lady #1 “uhhh, I think so.” “What is the soup of the day?” Jill says… Same Bad Service Lady #1 – “uhhh, I think we are out?” No “do you want something else, we have great sandwiches…”, no “let me check…” They are bugging me! We must leave soon or I think both Rael and I will voice our opinions on service, but they are the only internet café for miles – someone should open another cause they’d make $$- as long as they had better service ladies!! Well, I guess we just voiced it cause I read this to Rael who is sitting across from and I didn’t realize Bad Service Lady #2 is about 12 feet from us! OOPS! Later people- better blog before we get kicked out!!!!

Long Hot Days

2005-06-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

P6100195
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

Because I don’t know how to do more than one picture this is going to be streamed with like the next 10 posts.

When we left you last we were at a crazy internet café on our way to Nat’s uncle Joe’s house. We did end up making it to Kenosha but Uncle Joe’s was really fun. We had his address and phone number but we couldn’t get a hold of him. Nat had already confirmed with him that we could stay but we couldn’t let him know when we would be there. We got totally lost looking for the house. Nat had been there before so we asked her “does any of this look familiar?” she said “Well, if it was lighter I could see better.” At which point we cracked up.
When we finally found what Nat thought was the house, Jill and I stayed in the car and Nat went to take a look. She didn’t find a note or anything and it looked like no one was home so of course she went inside. Jill and I were left sitting in the car. We didn’t have much faith that this was the right house. While we were sitting there a car pulled up. Jill and I have never met these people and Nat is in the house talk about awkward. We got it all straitened out and we ended up sleeping in a very very very hot room.
Morning finally came and Jill and Nat went out to jump on the “jumpy thing” and I took a shower. When I went outside to join them I found 2 pretty young ladies bouncing on a trampoline covered in bird crap.
The plan for the day was to shop a little in Kenosha then head down to Chicago to meet Zach for lunch. We went to the outlets. We were on a mission from God to find Divine appointments with cheep clothing. Sadly that day it was not to be. NAT IS THE SLOWEST SHOPPER IN THE WORLD!!!! We went to 2 stores in 1 HOUR!!!! She did buy 3 things so I guess its ok. (hear the sarcasm drip off those words) while Nat and I were shopping Jill met her friend Jenny who she played ball with. I’ll let her tell you about that glorious reunion.

Will we ever get to Chicago????

2005-06-12T15:49:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Rael1.

When we finally got to Chicago Zach was there waiting. Ahhhh…. Sigh… wonderful Zach. what can we say about Mr. Knoch? He’s amazing.
Zach let us use his shower ‘cause we were all sticky. Did we mention that my car doesn’t have air-conditioning? We drove into Chicago at the break neck pace of 10 miles per hour. Jill thinks we should have taken turns running outside the car. Would have been a good workout but someone would have dropped dead from heat exhaustion.
Zach took us to the Grand Lux Café where I ordered something with cheese on accident. So embarrassing to send back perfectly good food. The waiter hated us for a while but Jill “Batted” her eyes at him and told some commonly funny jokes to him and he warmed up to us. Or her I should say.

playboy

2005-06-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

playboy
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

Zach took us all over downtown Chicago. We saw the parks, some great shops, and this amazing building. Playboy enterprises. We would have stopped to apply for jobs but we just didn’t have the time. We’re pretty sure this picture is already copy written though. We were wondering how many people strip in front of this sign.

Jill gets it good

2005-06-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Jill gets it good
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

We told Jill to stop running around to pier but she wouldn’t listen.

Rael's new man

2005-06-12T15:35:00.001-07:00

P6100200
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

I fell in love at the lego store.
They had this big bin of legos and we had a contest to see who could make the most recognizable thing in 2 min (the store was closing in 2 min.) the picks are on the flicr sight if you see them pop up Jill made a Farris Wheel, I made a gun, Nat made a house, and Zach made a hot spring. We never decided who won. You be the judge.

house of blues

2005-06-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

house of blues
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

When everything good was closed we went to the House of Blues. We got in just before they started the cover charge and we got the table in the front row. the Chicago Blues festival was going on and they had some really talented people, who’s names we don’t remember playing. It was really fun. Some lady sang and she was amazing. I was ready to go but when she came on we had to stay. Jill may be hooked on blues for life.

the Knoch house

2005-06-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

We spent the night at Zach’s place. His mom is so awesome. She let us sleep on her floor even though we had Natalia with us. She was really cool. You can totally tell she loves Zach to death.

What smells Nasty???

2005-06-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

After leaving Zach’s we had to get gas and empty our nasty cooler of warm ham and cheese. Jill told me the car stunk so she bought a Pine air freshener. She took off the plastic cover thingy so it was really strong. Nat new nothing about this. A little while down the road Nat said “what smells hideous?” Jill and I play like we don’t have a clue. Nat thought that it was her foot powder stuff so she started putting her feet out the window then her shoes. We just let her think that. We went shopping for 5 hours, when we came back the car reeked of Pine. Nat was totally clueless and was wondering why we were laughing at her. It was so funny!! We did finally let her in on the joke.

graceful Jill

2005-06-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Rael1.

...trying to get out of the car.

The Cheese of Nat

2005-06-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Rael1.

For Jill they bring sliced cheese. For Nat they bring a block and let her gnaw.

The Land of Many Shurbberies - also known as Minnesota

2005-06-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

P6090125
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

We found our stop of rest and took a jaunt in the park across the street the next morning. Quite nice. Lots of shrubberries.
Exciting things we have seen so far:
Animals we have seen: Jill murdered a butterfly while driving, numerous quails, dead turtle, Roger the dog with a death wish (we didn't kill him - but we came pretty close after Jill decided to not swerve and avoid a bunny rabbit), dead skunk, fly, stuffed raccoon, dead raccoon on the side of the road, dead quail, truckload of pigs, big shopping cart, cow on truck turkey (maybe), and IS that a dead rat on side of the road?
And for a moment Rael was Jill during a phone call.
And we sang "We built this city on Rock and Roll" with Jill's mom over the phone.
Tonight we sleep at Nat's Uncle's house tonight (somewhere in Kenosha...).
And Rael freaked Nat and Jill with silly string...this was in response to Jill scaring us with Snap Pop Firecrackers...
good times, good times. Nat's hungry. What else is new?
And we are writing this in a random internet cafe in a little town in the Dells - story: Nat "found" (b/c she missed the exit she was supposed to take...) this cafe LAST year when coming back from a friend's wedding to come back to camp...crazzzzzziness...

Jill & Nat Getting exercize.

2005-06-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Jill & Nat Getting exercize.
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

It was so wonderful to exercise - of course, who doesn't love running outside of a random gas station that has 1) really bad water and 2) tapes to the counter all the checks that have bounced there. Hmm...interesting? Right now we are standing outside of a Flying J in Sioux Falls, crowded around the back of Rael's mighty car (which is really, really, really full with stuff-and people...we figure the stuff accounts for at least three more people). In about an hour we will be at our designated crashing spot, then tomorrow we will get up at a reasonable hour and run, shower, and leaveeeeee for Kenosha, WI.

Animals we've seen so far (this occupied our almost complete attention for the first half of the day - and Jill decided she likes antelopes): birds, cows, horses, pony, sheep and ewes, ducks and ducklings, two dead "things", antelope and baby antelopes, Western Meadowlark, live deer, Rachael, live prairie dog, mule deer with a white butt, dead prairie dog, dead deer, border collie named "Skip" (perhaps - we didn't stop and ask actually), colts, 2-D cow and horse (stuck in front of a store), llama, live calf, dead smooshed bird in front of the pump at the gas station, donkey, shadows (we got bored and weren't seeing new animals anymore), herd of llamas, long horn cattle, turtle (live - walking across the road), dead turtle (later on down the road - it wasn't us), and quail.

We saw the corn palace from afar - in Mitchell, SD. Jill hollared out the window (she just got up from a nap and was spazzing). It's a small town - they could see we're from Montana - they'll forgive us. We were looking for an internet area. We found the Shell gas station but they LIED. Their wireless did not work. We tried, in the parking lot.

Memorable quotes: Jill "when you're driving, you drive." Jill "your head (Rael's head blocking the view in the back window) is better than the potato chip bag." Nat "please keep something between your butt and the seat..."

We'll bring you more exciting adventures tomooooooooorrow. Now we go somewhere and sleep.

So we're off

2005-06-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

So we're off
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

We left this morning at 530 picked up Nat @ 800 and we're almost to wyoming more later

Ohiodawa Sings

2005-06-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Picture005.jpg
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

So we cut a record.

Its simple really we have amazing voices and the world wants to here them. Gnat was asked to sing a song for the Pea Green Boat, this kids show on Montana Punblic Radio. The song is about how awful gardening is. She didn't want to do it by herself so we Ohiodawidians got involved and helped her out. Gnat and I sang and Jello helped out with the sound effects. It sounds really good but I think i sounds weird when i try to sing like I'm mad. We hope to audio blog it in the near future so stay tuned.

Rael

The Ladies of Chalot

2005-05-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Ladies of Chalot
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

don't we all look cute?

Jello's B-day and The Black Ladies

2005-05-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

P5240013
Originally uploaded by Rael1.

Well she made it to 27! We're all so proud of her. In fact we're so proud we decided to spend money on her!!! Tuesday we went to Guy's Steak House in Lolo. We all ate way too much! Jello couldn't finish which really surprised me.
As some of you know Jello Gnat and I have the same jackets. Black North Face. We decided we are going to start a biker gang. We are calling ourselves the Black Ladies. Get it like the pink ladies in Greece. Cool huh? I know it's a little crazy but you all should be used to us by now. This is just a warning watch out on the road. That is if we ever get bikes ;)
Rael

The Audio Test

2005-05-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

It's the Final Countdown

2005-05-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

to say goodbye to Gnat - she will soon leave (sniff) and begin new and exciting adventures...with a bunch of little Boy Scouts who are the age of her "little" bro. BUUUUT, before Boy Scouts comes (dadadadummmmm) the ROAD TRIP there. We will either bond or die trying!
To Camp Freeland Leslie and BEYOOOOOOND!
Oh, for real, we are embarking upon an excellent adventure - beginning June 7th. Jello Martinez, Rashmashna (also know as Rael), and I (The Gnat) will travel to the distant land of Wisconsin. We shall stop and smell the outlet stores and their incredible prices (we hope - 'cause this Gnat needs some new, stylin' wings) as we travel along along along.
We breathe, therefore we must talk...some of it will soon end up on this site - in a coherent form. Join us for more scintillating repertoire later, gator.
~Gnat