I Went to WI Dells and All I Got Was This Sunburn

We just got back from Wisconsin Dells! We went there with a few friends (the Schultz's, Matt W. and Steve K.) to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary. It was an action packed weekend. Since we wanted to make the most of our time there, we packed as many activities into the days as possible. Our first activity was the Torture Museum. Basically, the museum took the visitor through the history, techniques, and mechanisms of torture (it wasn't as brutal as it sounds!). Next we went to this awesome pirate themed mini-golf course which was right next to our hotel. The 5 separate courses were filled with flowers and waterfalls. It was actually quite beautiful.
Saturday was my favorite day and one I've been looking forward to all summer. We went to Noah's Ark waterpark! It was a bit chilly to start the day, which actually worked in our favor because it kept the lines down. We went on nearly every ride we could and enjoyed every minute. It felt like we were ten again--being SO excited to ride the rides and screaming the whole way down. We were wiped out by the end of the day. We all felt kind of icky from the sun. The next day we all woke up bright red and aching. Sadly, I have no pictures of the time spent there because our camera is obviously not water friendly. I do, however, have this picture of Gerrit's sunburn. It's worse in real life.
On Sunday we slept in and then went to Paul Bunyan's for brunch. For those who are not familiar, the food is all you can eat camp style food and is soooooo good. I think we overdid it. We felt kind of icky after that too.The rest of the day was spent doing random activities like swimming and doing touristy things. But after dinner was one of the highlights. We were on the lookout for ice cream, but ended up finding a fabulous candy shop in the middle of this little "German" village. Again, we became ten-year-olds. The candy shop had candy there I haven't seen since I was little (like candy cigarettes! I wasn't allowed to have them when I was little, so I guess I rebelled this weekend. Shhhh. Don't tell!)I was sad to leave, but ready to relax. Hopefully the burns will heal soon!

An Iowa Wedding

This past weekend, we had the pleasure of going to a wedding of some good friends. John (who has been friends with Gerrit since high school) and Emily got married in northern Iowa on a gorgeous day. The ceremony was lovely, the bride was beautiful (of course!), the groom was handsome and fun was had by all! Here are some pictures of the day:
I took this last picture right outside the church. This is what I remember seeing on road trips to see my extended family. I love Iowa! I really do! I have fond memories of family reunions there. I wish I could have seen everyone this time around. :(

Here he is...

...Champion of my heart.

Coffee Talk

While working as a Caribou Barista, my magnetic force for awkward moments has only gotten stronger. It amazes me what customers tell me when I simply ask, "How is your day going?" For example, today I asked a girl how her job was going (she comes in often before work). Within 30 seconds she had confessed to being harassed by a guy on her work team, but secretly liking him because some things he says are flattering. Though she admitted that nothing would ever happen since she has a boyfriend who she lives with. She also mentioned her disappointment that the harasser was now dating another girl on the team. Wow, she must need someone to listen to her. Don't we all?
I think the appeal of telling a barista one's struggles must be similar to that of talking to a therapist. The listening ear of a stranger...someone you don't know in "real life." I did want to be a therapist at one point in my life. And now, I have my own version of that. The sessions aren't long. I didn't go to years of school. I certainly don't have a psychologist's salary. But I think God can use those "short-comings" of mine and my awkward magnetic force to make those ten minutes of a stranger's day a little brighter.

A few tid-bits

I saw this on my friend Jenny's blog and filling in my answers. Jenny, I hope you don't mind me stealing your format!

I am: Cassie
I think: Frank Sinatra was a great artist, but not a very nice man...unfortunately.
I know: too many random facts about celebrities...not always useful.
I want: to read more, to be tidier, to have a grown-up job, to be a mom, to be the best wife possible.
I wish: I could work up the guts to be on Survivor.
I hate: broccoli.
I miss: my long-distance family and my friends in foreign countries. But I'm excited to see them soon!
I fear: fear itself, and scary movie previews.
I feel: my feet throbbing from a long day at Caribou.
I hear: Gerrit playing video games. :)
I smell: coffee on my hands! No matter what I do, it won't come off!
I crave: McDonald's all the time. "Supersize Me" had no affect on me. I've had this craving since I was little.
I search: for clean clothes in my laundry basket because I throw them in there whether they are dirty or not.
I wonder: what our kids will look like (Lord willing, we have them).
I regret: buying that shirt at Target. It's actually not cute at all.
I love: God, Gerrit, my family, my friends
I ache: for those who ache...and also for a massage.
I care: too little for endangered species.
I always: have a routine for everyday activities (OCD???)
I am not: motivated to exercise.
I believe: and I know that Jesus died for my sins, rose again, and is coming back one day.
I dance: more awkwardly now than I did in high school. I think my years at Northwestern drained me of rhythm.
I sing: way better when I'm alone. Though, I'm a pretty easy judge on myself...more of a Paula than a Simon.
I cry: whenever I see a bride walk down the aisle...whether I know her or not!
I don't always: do what I'm told (Gerrit said, "that sounds about right").
I fight: about silly things. I typically think I'm right. I need to work on this.
I write: too few blogs; my Sunday sermon notes and other quotes into a little book.
I win: at the game "Life" and Gerrit gets upset that he "didn't catch any breaks!" I love the game because there is so little strategy.
I lose: at most other games I play.
I never: eat the clam chowder at Christmas. I can't bring myself to do it.
I confuse: Memorial Day with Labor Day. Actually, I know what Memorial Day is. But Labor Day is...? I'm sure the whole Magee side of the family is disowning me right as you read this. I know they are important though! Please, still love me! Edit: Gerrit filled me in, bless his heart.
I listen: and then give my opinion. I should really start asking if people want my opinion.
I can usually be found: watching a reality television show.
I am scared: of noises in our apartment.
I need: to go to bed.
I am happy about: my life in general. I've been very blessed by God with an amazing husband, a wonderful family, great friends and most importantly, a relationship with Him.
I hope: to blog more later. Love you all!

Can you beat my score?

This is Gerrit, not Cassie. Thought I'd pick up some of her slack. :)

23

The Latest

Man, I'm a terrible blogger. Sorry, everyone! Well, the latest news is that Gerrit and I are looking for a new place of residence. We aren't looking to buy just yet. Maybe in another year. So far, we've just been looking at ads in the paper and online. I'm looking for something like this.
I particularly like the extensive grounds, the hired help, and of course, the walk-in closets. It might be a few years down the road till we achieve this. But I know we'll get there! I guess I'll settle for a mouse-free apartment or house. :)

I also just got a new job at Caribou Coffee. This is a temporary solution until I find a grown-up job. But for now, I'm enjoying the atmosphere and the people I work with. However, working at a coffee shop is nothing like visiting one. It's hard work! The first time I attempted to steam milk, it splattered EVERYWHERE! It was only slightly traumatizing and I don't think any customers noticed. Thankfully, my manager was very nice about it and did the same thing the next day! Apparently it happens to everyone. Tomorrow I have to take a test about coffee and make 3 drinks. This is more nerve-racking than college finals! Somebody actually has to drink my final exam! So much pressure.

Tonight, Gerrit is playing softball in a league with his good friend, Dave. I will be playing the role of the supportive wife in the stands. Gerrit said I didn't have to come if I would be bored. I said, "Oh, I'll be bored. But I'm coming." I'm missing Survivor for this! But I love the boy, so what can I do? We really need TiVo. That's all for now. Love to all!