Dad used to say...

No, Em and I were not forced to move to the middle of a frozen lake in order to cut costs in during these tough economic times. we'll get to this gem.
but first...
My dad is a cool guy. Through his ninja-esque spacial skills, he was able to fit an extra couch in our POD while moving here. Every once in a while (does that require a hyphen?) when I was leaving to go do some banal task, he would call to me as I sat in the car, "write when you get work." If I had followed through with that plan, he would have waited a while.

But in keeping with that spirit, I announce my employment. I am ending my short career as part-time unschool/home school teacher for two boys to pursue a full-time career at Paradigm Gardens. It's my friend's family garden shop. Over the christmas break I did some true grunt work for them. After bearing witness to the mind-crushing abilities of this well-trained monkey (to scrape gunk off a 20,000 sq ft floor), they had to hire me. I am glad. I will have to send pictures soon, but I have been busy working both jobs until my month of warning to my old job wears out.

It is snowing today.
the cross country skiing on the lakes is good, although em and I went out on sunday and were hard-pressed to find evidence of more than 3 other skiers during the last week. are wisconsinites lazy?

today I did find out that not all ice shacks (for ice fishing) are created equal. you did too. if you can't see the picture right now, I suggest scrolling until you see the pic again. A: realize someone built this and at some point said, " yup, she's done". Secondly, take a look at the lower right-hand corner of the "ice shanty". no it isn't barfing out of a devine feeling of self disgust, that's insulation rubbing against the snow. I love nature, and three-eyed fish. furthermore, the sides on the bottom are plexiglass which is painted over except for the window parts. Maybe the creators of this beast were fearing that other ice fisherwo/men would exact revenge on the inhabitants for crossing a line of decency agreed upon a long time ago. IV, they had to title it to ensure no one would think it was a castle, or part of a tossed-aside gypsy caravan. I figure there was a bet with a small sum made. "hey, I'll let you have a bite of my spam sandwich if you can build a shanty for $76" and thus, a legend was born. West bend WI must be proud.
P.S. note the lightning bolt of duct tape holding a wall together and the rattle can paint job. there are so many touches of genius. I hope that guy enjoyed his bit of spam.

On the way back in I had the chance to take this shot. I've wanted to send something like this for a while. next to the tree is a sign that says "no lifeguard on duty". I heart that sort of thing.

Also, with this new influx of work, I have been able to spend a bunch of money on Emily. First I bought a hat, so she wouldn't have to look at my other hats as often. then I went out and got a cuisinart, it came with a free VHS. Thanks craigslist! I now have the power to make emily 11 cups of pesto in moments. Peanut butter? no problem? hummus? oh yeah, I've been there. Salsa? can you say, "roasted tomatillo-pineapple"? oh, yes! Can you see how excited I am to finally do these things for em? man, I am one good guy!

Emily is busy and loving school. She is pretty busy but never lets it get to her. Em even cross country skied to school on monday. We are planning a tropical themed party for her birthday. More sooner,

G