Dellis Schrock and son die

I was shocked to hear about the death of my former English teacher, Dellis Schrock on the news Monday evening--I was even more shocked to hear how his son, Michael, was killed early Monday morning in a tragic accident.

Michael was in Fargo helping his family prepare for the funeral, when in the early morning hours on Monday, he was walking under the I94 underpass on South University Drive in Fargo when he was struck by a truck, driven by a 22-year-old man who said Michael was wearing dark clothing and that he didn't see him.

My thoughts are with the Schrock family today, as Del's funeral was scheduled for 2 p.m. and can only hope that the man driving the truck that struck and killed Michael will come to know there is no one to blame for this tragedy.

On a happier note--I must give credit to Dellis Schrock, for when I was in the 10th grade at Fargo South High, even though I was a terrible writer, he encouraged me to continue to write poetry--and a part of me wonders whether I would be where I am today if it wasn't for his guidance.

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/27/2008 at 3:53 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

IHOP not in Grand Forks in near future

Grand Forks has a variety of restaurants that serve pancakes, which is why I was surprised to hear that IHOP was planning to open a restaurant near the Village Inn--and the new Denny's, which recently opened.

Although the company has suffered a few snags in getting the business going (and hasn't even broken ground on the facility) I don't think the company should entirely forget the enterprise all together.

Despite a few gripes I've heard from a few acquaintances, I think Grand Forks can support another family-style restaurant. However, it needs to rethink its plans.

It's not that I long for their Swedish pancakes with the lingonberry sauce--OK, so maybe it is just a little--but that I think the company should reconsider it's location to a place that is in need of a pancake house.

Take for example the old Hardee's lot that has sat vacant for four years. This weekend, the Herald mentioned plans are underway for the old Leever's building, and with it a brief mention of the lot on the corner of DeMers and Washington that used to house Hardee's.

Frankly, I'm surprised the location didn't fare better when Hardee's was in business there, but based on my own travels across the city the corner has quite a bit of traffic. Not to be completely illogical and anecdotal, but I should know--I drive past that point at least four times a day.

Who knows, as I'm driving by I just might get a hankering for pancakes.

Especially on Saturdays.

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/25/2008 at 3:15 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Crazy busy, no end in sight!

I've been crazy busy this past few weeks and it looks as if there is no end in sight. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, but I am desperately looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning!

I've been taking on a few more assignments lately (for the Herald), which is providing the opportunity to meet with some wonderful people--definitely a highlight in the past few weeks--including 35th Lt. Governor Rosemarie Myrdal in Edinburg, N.D. and Rev. Gwen Bazajou in Alvarado, Minn.

Somehow, I still manage to find enough time to cover a few fun events around town. I went to the Chamber After Hours event last night at the Canad Inn in Grand Forks and ran into a few friendly, familiar faces. I also snapped a few pics and hope to share them with you in the next issue.

For the first time in eight months, the Chamber finally had a winner for the big money drawing! Someone from Rehabilitative Services won $800, and because it's less than $1200, I doubt she'll have to claim it on her taxes . . . but more on that coming up in April's issue with CPA Trisha Stromsodt.

Well, I'm off to write a few more stories before my deadline catches up with me. :)

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/22/2008 at 1:24 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

It's late and I should be sleeping.

It's late, I should be sleeping, but I'm stressed about Emerson's latest stunts. When I picked her up today from daycare, the caregiver informed me that she's causing trouble.

First, she has excema all over her stomach, legs and chest--which doesn't go away no matter how much lotion I slather all over her--so she's fussy.

Then, she's been eating new foods and is probably teething, so she's had at least one (if not two) diaper blow-outs every day for the past week. No worries though, we've checked out both conditions with her doctor. . .

Of course, that's only the beginning.

I'm told I'm raising a hellion--OK, not in so many words--but Emerson likes to scoot around the room and pull out other babies' pacifiers, causing them to cry. And if that isn't enough, when she's put down for a nap, she'll cry until someone will pick her up and give her one-on-one attention.

Of course, she appears to be playing just fine, that is, until she spots me walking through the door when I come at the end of the day--then she lets out a scream and cry to jab me right between the ribs to let me know just how terrible I am.

Finally, just when we thought she was making progress and trying to sound out words (practicing vowels and stumbling onto consonants), she completely gave up being verbal for her "ppbbletth"-style spitting. First, it meant that she was full, now it's taken on a variety of meanings, such as "No, I don't want to put on my snowsuit" and "No, I don't want to get ready to go to bed" and ultimately, "Hey, I'm pretty funny when I spit in your face," which can be really trying when you just want her to chill.

I guess someone was given a few quarters.

Sheesh. What a baby! :)

Any suggestions?

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/20/2008 at 10:35 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

The Juno Soundtrack ROCKS

So Craig and I did see the movie Juno last Friday night and it was refreshing to hear a few nostalgic sounds from my past.

Although, when the soon-to-be deadbeat dad mentioned his band opened for the Melvins, I had to suspend my belief--puh-lease. But on the other hand, I've always liked Sonic Youth's rendition of the Carpenters . . .



Overall, I thought the movie was a fun, light-hearted comedy. Though I couldn't help but think that the story was written by someone my age because "Juno" seemed more in-tune with trends that were hip in the late 80s to early 90s than what kids are listening to these days (i.e. Emo). I guess I could consider that a unique character trait, but as most of the characters donned "grunge" attire, I thought the writer/director missed the mark.

Then again, I could really be getting old, and grunge may have come full-circle. Yikes!

Anyhoo--after we left the theater, Craig and I couldn't help but laugh at the fact that the moment we get away for a night out without the kiddo, we decide to go see a movie about having one!

P.S. I forgot to mention that I did find a dozen red roses sitting on our dining room table when I came home from work on Valentine's Day. He didn't forget! :)

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/19/2008 at 11:24 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Green Decor

I recently interviewed Kristianne Neeser from CC Plus Interiors in Grand Forks for a story in the April issue on green decor. She provided me with a ton of information about green products and told me what to consider when redecorating or remodeling a home--from paint to fabrics, flooring to countertops.

I never would have realized this could have such an affect on me, until I thought about the funny odor I've been trying to eliminate from Emerson's room. Over the last two months, I've been running the ceiling fan, examining the vents, cracking the window--all in attempt to rid her room of this funky smell.

But it's not dirty diapers--it's the "Animal Soup" Pottery Barn area rug that she'd received from her Grandma and Grandpa Johnson as a shower gift! The rug has a tag on the back that indicates it's been tested as safe for children in India--the country where it was created, but it doesn't indicate that it meets United States standards.

So I made a few phone calls.

After speaking to a manager at the Pottery Barn Kids store at the Easton shopping center in Columbus, Ohio (where my in-laws live), the store assured me that the rug is compatible with both U.S. and Canada standards, but the manager was willing to pay for a UPS pick up and he offered to send me a new one.

I told them I didn't want to worry about another rug--even if this smell is a rare occurance--so he is giving me in-store credit for it, which I can use online.

In the end, I couldn't believe how much she'd spent on it!

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/18/2008 at 11:35 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Real Life: Star Wars

The ongoing international dilemma with an incapacitated satellite reminds me of Ronald Regan's proposal to create a weapon capable of blasting Soviet missles and spyware to smithereens--all while enjoying the comforts of a fireside chat.

The story that graced the pages of today's Herald indicates that a "bus-size satellite loaded with toxic fuel" is on a collision course with Earth. What the article doesn't say is exactly where the 5,000 pound hunk of metal will hit, but AP writer Lolita C. Baldor attempts to assure us that the people manning the Navy cruiser in the northern Pacific Ocean can hit it with sharpshooter accuracy--well, nearly so with an 80 percent chance of hitting their target.

So, if the Navy misses, then what? Would the satellite hit a small town in Oregon--say, Eugene--where the inhabitants become superhero mutants?

Could they be. . .
 Toxic Avengers?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
X-Men?

I Marvel at the thought . . .

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/15/2008 at 10:46 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

V-Day Saga

Yep, it's here, and I think I fared well.

A couple of days ago, Craig read the blog and brought me home a heart-shaped box of chocolates and told me he would appreciate anything he received from me and that he didn't expect anything.

Of course, I'm the type of person that can't do that sort of thing! I confessed to him this morning that I hadn't bought him anything yet, but that I would give him something tomorrow, when we have a date-night planned (thank heavens for Jenny our babysitter who is always so flexible and willing to sit for us!).

Over lunch, I ran to Widman's to see if they had anything left--they did, despite the lunch rush with many like-minded folks. And I might add, they had wonderful service too.

But chocolate wasn't enough, so I ran to Hugo's and picked up a cute little plant for his office, but I didn't want the pot to look too feminine, so I had them change it up a bit, added a card--

Then I delivered it to him at work myself. Saves me the $50 Craig quoted when he told me I wouldn't be receiving a dozen roses at work this year (too expensive for flowers he told me).

Hah! That didn't stop him when we were married (my bouquet was nearly $200), but I guess 5 years later the plight of our daughter takes precedence. Though I'm certain I'll receive something--whether they are flowers or not--Craig is always very thoughtful and generous.

If I don't get flowers this year, I might just have to buy them for myself at the Rose Flower Shop in honor of International Women's Day and get a free gift in the process. . .

Until then, I'm checking out the movie listings for this weekend. I haven't been to a movie since we saw the latest Harry Potter for my birthday--I was still pregnant. After reading a great deal of reviews on the Herald Web site, I want to head over to the new place to see it for myself.

Craig mentioned our friends Mike and Bizzy liked the movie "Juno," but I'm not really certain what that is about--something to do with dating and pregnancy from what I've read.

Thoughts or suggestions anyone?

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/14/2008 at 2:22 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Mayor Brown's State of the City Address

I just returned from the Alerus Center where I had lunch and heard the State of the City address, presented by Mayor Michael Brown.

Overall, he outlined a number of goals that the city accomplished in 2007 and highlighted specific challenges he'd like us to greet head on.

In his address, he threw around quite a few figures, including:

• 54,576 Grand Forks residents in a 2007 population estimate
• 1,518 babies born (yet, he didn't indicate how many of them he was responsible for)
• A 12 percent increase in revenue generated from sales taxes
• $500,000 saved in worker's compensation with employees' efforts to reduce injuries citywide
• Improved housing for working-class families with a total of 125 new homes in the Promenade edition
• $25 a month savings per home-owner in the coming year as the city embraces the Mayor's Green 3 initiative with improved use of energy and recycling efforts
• Grand Forks is listed in the top 100 communities by America's Promise for its contributions to youth projects
• 1 million hours--the challenge Brown emphasized to promote citywide volunteer efforts, urging residents to generate a combined total of 1 million hours of volunteered time beginning Mar. 1, 2008 and ending Mar. 1, 2009.

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/13/2008 at 1:37 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

T-minus 38 hours and counting. . .

I still haven't bought a Valentine's Day gift for Craig. I was thinking about stopping by Widman's and picking him up a box of one-of-a-kind chocolates (sometimes they even have chocolate-covered jalepenos, and they actually taste really good!), but then we were watching Morning Express with Robin Meade this morning that had a big poll that asked men and women what they never wanted to receive for V-Day.

The poll listed three things that a woman shouldn't buy a man:
1. No cologne (by some fancy-named guy that I'd never heard of)
2. No Speedos (the thought is appalling--i.e. a really bad scene in Borat comes to mind)
3. and something else. . . .

I seem to have forgot because Craig talked over the show's commentary to tell me how he thinks receiving a box of chocolates from a woman is the equivalent of giving a woman lingerie for Valentine's Day--the chocolate really isn't intended for him, but as Craig said, "It's like she's thinking, 'Are you going to eat that? Because if you aren't, then I will.' "

So I nixed the idea of buying him chocolate, and I never intended on buying him a Speedo (yikes!). Based on what Robin reported, I guess cologne is out (though he does wear it and likes it), so I guess I'll just have to wing it.

With my luck, it will be the third thing on the list that I can't remember and he'll secretly hate it, but he'll be so polite and thoughtful that he'll never admit it. Which, would have happened, I guess, if we hadn't been watching Headline News this morning . . .

Sheesh. Men!

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/12/2008 at 10:12 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Gluten Free Pancake Feed this Saturday

Last summer, I wrote an article for the Grand Forks Herald on celiac sprue--a digestive disorder in which those who have the disease are allergic to gluten.

In the article, nurse practitioner for Altru Health System, Linda Huss Gackle, who has the disease, described how she learned about the disease and how it changed her life and her relationship with food.

For people like Linda who have the disease, if they continue to eat, or are exposed to gluten (found in wheat and other foods), their bodies' intolerance can result in a skin rash and will eventually lead to irreversible damage to their intestinal tracts.

Yet, there is hope for people who have the disease.

The Red River Celiacs North--a support group that provides recipes and other lifestyle suggestions for people who have the disorder--is hosting a pancake feed to raise money for their organization and create awareness about the disease.

The event is this Saturday, Feb. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ina Mae Rude Center (4200 James Ray Drive, Grand Forks), and the cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 4-12 years old (3 and younger are free).

All food will be gluten-free--yet, it won't lack flavor! The pancake feed includes gluten-free pancake toppings (butter, syrup, you name it) and juice too.

Speaker, Missy Ohe (familiar face!) will present "Gluten Free and Loving It!" at 11:00 a.m.

Since Saturday is my traditional "pancake day" anyway (German pannekoeken is my specialty) I hope to get Craig and Emerson up and running in time to join in the fun (and save my energy for something else--like cleaning the house!).

Event information: (701) 330-7122

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/11/2008 at 12:52 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Getting ready for V-Day

I'm looking forward to another relaxing weekend--maybe I'll clean the house, pay a few bills and finish a few more projects.

One thing I've been working on is candle-making. Because we have so many little baby jars, I've been cleaning them up and making them into candles to give away as Valentine's Day gifts from Emerson.

I decided to splurge and bought a cleaner burning soy wax. According to the label, it was more "eco-friendly" and "microwaveable." However, I quickly learned to read all the directions before beginning a project after I'd miked the wax for about a minute.

Because I'd wanted to make clean-up easier, I'd put the wax in a plastic bucket, and after just one minute in the microwave, I'd melted a hole right through it--as a result, there was burning-hot wax all over the microwave, kitchen counter and floor.

Unfortunately, I didn't think things through, so I tried to clean up the mess as fast as I could by soaking up the wax with paper towels. As the wax started to cool, I had a "duh" moment, when I realized that I could scrape it off the counter and re-melt it again--this time in a glass bowl.

Thankfully, I figured it out and was able to add red dye and cinnamon scent and the whole project eventually came together. I made a few for her aunts and uncles and daycare providers--but I still have a ton more jars, so I guess I'll have to get creative. I could always buy more wax . . . but maybe I'll find something a little less messy.

I still haven't bought Craig a gift yet--but what does a person buy for a guy who has everything? Another fishing lure? Boring. I know there's a few great suggestions that Sandy Grissom has in the current issue of the magazine--I could always do something like that . . .

But, I'd love to hear your suggestions--I'm all ears.

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/08/2008 at 11:01 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Going green is hard to do in winter

I visited with Terrie Mann, board member of the Grand Forks Horticulture Society and Master Gardener, this morning and am working on a story about her and her work with daylillies for the April issue.

She told me about the hybridization process, in which she pollinated plants, and then injected them with a blue dye to monitor her work before performing the real thing with chemicals.

She also showed me a number of pictures she took of the pretty pink and white flowers she created and numerous images of pollen and cells under a microscope that she took while working in the lab.

However, because daylillies only bloom in one day, and because it isn't spring and even the grass is snoozing under a foot of snow--to get pictures that capture her creativity--her "greeness" takes some planning--and a little innovation.

Thankfully, Shawna Widdel (RRVWT photographer) has a natural sense of these things! :)

I can't wait to tell you Terrie's full story!

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/07/2008 at 12:37 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday--and after Obama and Romney--the winners of N.D.'s primary, take off the many beads they've claimed, they'll be back at it again. For many people, today marks the first day of Lent and is signified with by wearing cross marked in ash on one's forehead.

For me, it's just another way for me to feel guilty. Every year, my mother gives up desserts and sweets for Lent, and yet, when I visit her during Lent, every year she has more and more desserts that she prepares.

She's very sweet and giving, but it's almost as if her steel will gives her satisfaction, knowing that she won't allow herself even the slightest indulgence. So, this Lent, like many others in the past, I've chosen to NOT give up any sweets. For me to do so, would be futile--besides, I wouldn't want to appear ungrateful when she put so much love into her homecooked meals.

Instead, maybe Craig, Emerson and I will have to invite her to Grand Forks more often (and stave off the weekend visits to Fargo where she lives, and thereby avoid all the goodies), or, I can resolve to simply give up lounging on the couch every night and be certain that I still hold myself to working out on my recumbent bike--or maybe doing a crunch or two.

Ash Wednesday also makes me think of one of my favorite poets--T.S. Eliot, who wrote a poem in honor of the day.

Here's just a snippet that any editor can appreciate:

V
If the lost word is lost, if the spent word is spent
If the unheard, unspoken
Word is unspoken, unheard;
Still is the unspoken word, the Word unheard,
The Word without a word, the Word within
The world and for the world;
And the light shone in darkness and
Against the Word the unstilled world still whirled
About the centre of the silent Word.

Read the whole poem by clicking here.

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/06/2008 at 11:16 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Caucus is today!

Though I'll be teaching the first of four creative writing classes tonight through the Adult Continuing Education center in Grand Forks, I'll be certain to catch WDAZ's 10 p.m. news and the Herald tomorrow morning to hear the results!

Regardless of whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, be sure to get out there and vote!

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/05/2008 at 12:53 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

The Giants were a big hit

My husband Craig was a little miffed that the Giants won the Super Bowl--truly was an unexpected upset. Perhaps the Patriots thought they couldn't lose, and therefore weren't hungry enough for the win.

Hungry enough? Tomorrow is Super FAT Tuesday--I guess people could host a party at polls with a giant Slurpee and a slice of king cake in hand. I'm going to try and make out, but I'm teaching a Creative Writing class tomorrow night from 7 to 9 p.m., so hopefully, Craig and I will be able to work something out so we both can go and one of us can stay with Emerson.

I just hope the lines aren't too long.

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/04/2008 at 11:21 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Bringing home bacon turns deadly

So it's Friday, and on Fridays, I have a tendency to indulge a little--just to get me through the day.

After dropping the kiddo off at daycare this morning, I decided to head over to McDonald's for the good ol' cup of joe (really is better than Starbuck's) and a bacon, egg and cheese McFATjack sandwich. I ordered, and pulled forward to pay for the meal, and after pitching in an extra buck for a pink heart promoting heart health awareness (in Emerson's name) with proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House, I sat back and listened to the top stories on MPR.

What top story did I hear? None other than the story that indicated Mayo Clinic doctors were examining employees of an Austin, Minn. company, Quality Pork Processing, that suffered from neurological disorders after handling pigs' brains.

Because workers were required to BLAST THE BRAINS OUT OF THE SKULL CAVITIES WITH A POWER SPRAYER (ugh!) they possibly inhaled droplets of brain matter that eventually caused their bodies to attack their own cells. Click here to read the whole story.

Yikes!

So, of course, when I got my order, I couldn't help but think of their condition as I ate the BACON on my sandwich.

So much for Friday indulgences. Maybe I'll have to buy a candy bar later. Then again, I still want to lose a few more pounds and Super Bowl Sunday certainly will promise more than a few extra calories.

Whom are you rooting for?

For me, I usually pick the team that everyone else at the party doesn't want to win--just to make it interesting.

My husband Craig likes the Patriots because he's been following Randy Moss pretty closely after he drafted him for his fantasy football league. I can't complain--he faired pretty well this year.

Posted by: Kristin Garaas-Johnson on 2/01/2008 at 10:27 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

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