Throwback Thursday: Tree Stand

Going wayyyyy back this week, folks. I'm about 4 years old in this photo. 

I feel this photo is a clear testament to my roots. Climbing into a tree stand that is used for deer hunting (for fun) is about as Northern Wisconsin as one can get.

The best part is no matter how far I am from home this part of me will always exist. It may hide from time to time under my high-heeled, painted nails, make-up wearing weekday self, but I'm always game for anything outdoorsy. My Carhart vest isn't going to wear itself. 

Throwback Thursday: Bob

Still Thursday out on this coast folks.

Going to be a short post because a) I have six minutes to write this before it does in fact turn into Friday and b) I'm beat.

This week, it's Bob and I circa 2005. Bob is my aunt C's half Labrador, half Border Collie, tennis-ball loving dog. This photo was taken when he was still on a "trial basis" from the family that could no longer keep him. Needless to say he's been a part of the family ever since.

I've never met a dog with such an old-man, crotchety personality. Alas, he's pretty awesome.

Throwback Thursday: Christmas Decorating

Being on a weird quarter system for graduate school has its perks. Instead of studying for finals up to December 23rd, I was done much earlier. This means I can actually enjoy the lead-up to Christmas! We hold the holidays at my aunt's house, so there won't be a tree at my parents' place, but that doesn't mean there won't be a lack of Christmas cheer (in the form of lights, lots and lots of lights, muahahaha).

Flashback to the late 80s and Christmas light prep. I must have been helping...somehow.

I can't help but giggle at my clothing choices back then. I'm pretty sure those are pink Minnie Mouse sandals with white socks. Mad props to my parents for letting me dress myself though.

Throwback Thursday: Madison Farmers' Market

It’s no secret I miss Madison, the downtown, the lakes, the winter (yes, winter), sigh. One of the aspects I miss the most is the farmers' market held on Capitol Square.

I wanted to share a few photos I’ve taken over the years of my beloved farmers' market. Behold, the epitome of autumn:

Throwback Thursday: The Dog Named Pepsi

A while back, I blogged about Rusty, one of the family dogs I grew up with. As promised, I said I would blog about one of our other dogs, Pepsi.

Pepsi was my mom's dog from day one. My mother rescued the poor thing from an abusive owner, and even though I was nowhere near being born yet, I've heard stories of how Pepsi made herself right at home with my mom. It was an instant connection; Pepsi had no trouble curling up into my mom's heart (and subsequently onto the furniture). 

The situation got complicated as my dad entered the picture. Pepsi was a wee bit jealous. Eventually she found a way to cope with this other human in her life and let him marry my mom. Honestly, I think Pepsi resented my dad for making her share my mom's attention. Regardless of her stubborn, yet loving ways, Pepsi found a new friend when I came around.

Just like Rusty, Pepsi put up with my toddler-through-elementary school antics. Seriously, she probably earned her sainthood up in doggie-heaven. Secretly, I think she loved the attention.  

I dressed her up: 

How awesome is that little curly tail?!

...and squeezed her tight.

Once again, there's that "God save me" look.

As an only child, Pepsi (and Rusty) were often my play dates. Even if they spent most of the time sleeping. 

I was blessed with amazing pets as a youngin'.

Throwback Thursday: Once Upon A Time I Rode A Camel

(I'm the second kid from the front)

I've always loved going to the zoo. In fact, I still love going to the zoo (I don't think this will ever change). Kids have their favorite animals, but I remember really loving them all. 

One of my more memorable trips to the zoo is pictured above. I can still remember to this day how excited I was to ride that animal. I also remember being totally jealous of the kid who got to sit in the very front...lucky little dude. 

Throwback Thursday: Dorm Life

Kronshage? 

Yes, that was the name of my dorm freshman year of college. And if you were curious as to how it's actually pronounced, it's "krawn-sage".

There are two main dorm areas on the UW campus, the southeast and lakeshore dorms. I was lucky enough to spend my first year of college in a beautiful lakeshore dorm that was opened in 1938-9. 

M.E.M. and myself as baby-faced freshman on move-in day

Not only was the dorm itself great, the view was amazing: 

On top of that, I made some pretty awesome friends

We decorated for holidays

and had a pretty amazing freshman year...which feels like it happened yesterday. 

                                      

Throwback Thursday: Puppies and Mischief

I grew up with a dog (or two) in the household for the first eighteen years of my life. These past five or so years of living without a dog have been weird, to say the least. When I was born, my parents had two dogs: a rescue dog named Pepsi (whom I will save for another Throwback Thursday) and Rusty, who is featured this week!

Rusty was born at my grandparents' farm in Northern Wisconsin.

As you can see, she was pretty much the cutest thing on the face of the earth. 

She settled into a life with my parents and Pepsi and eventually I came along, which apparently Rusty did not like. Who can blame her? She was the baby of the family until this wrinkly, pink little human came along. Thankfully, she LOVED me once I started eating in a high-chair and dropping food. After that she and I were good buddies...bless her heart, she had a lot of patience.

the "omg someone please help me" look

                               

Ok, now that I probably brought sentimental tears to my mother's eyes, I deem this post a success.

Throwback Thursday: Once a Badger, Always a Badger

The recent shuffling of college football teams was a hot topic at the household before I left for the summer and it really made me a) excited for college football season and b) miss UW!

Words cannot describe how much the city gears up for game day. Beer drinking, cheese curd, brat eating, red and white wearing mania. Beyond the crazy tailgating it's the lyrics to "If You Want to Be a Badger...", tradition after the 3rd quarter for the student section to jump to House of Pain's "Jump Around" and the sentimental "Varsity" that I miss. What I wouldn't give to have a ticket to the home opener this year.

On Wisconsin!

Throwback Thursday: Art Lovers

In honor of the PNWAA show opening this coming Saturday, I scoured my photo archive for this gem:

myself and l.e.b.

This was taken in the wonderful Rathskeller of the Wisconsin Union, post 2009 Student Art Show opening. My friend l.e.b and I were a part of the WUD Art Committee, which continues to display amazing art for the community. Being a part of WUD was a priceless experience, one I will cherish my entire life; I learned so many things and made amazing friends!

Now, l.e.b. and I are both in graduate school, livin' the dream. Miss you Lou!

Throwback Thursday: Long vs. Short Hair

As of late, I've been missing my long hair. This always happens to me. Whenever I decide to make a drastic change with my hair, about three months later I'm ready for another change (usually back to the way it was originally). I cut about 8"+ of my hair back in January and don't get me wrong, I loved the change, but now there are times I wish I could just throw it all back in a ponytail.

Check the before and after difference:

For now, my plan is to leave it grow until it gets to a medium bob length (i.e. grazing my shoulder). We'll see what I want when it gets that long- either I'll keep it that length or grow it out again, ha. Sometimes I'm so indecisive it's ridiculous.

Throwback Thursday: Channeling the Inner-Child

Seeing it's still Thursday out here on the West Coast:

Channeling my inner-child this week and posting a true throwback circa the late 80s. Man, did I love the color red (apparently). I would pay big bucks to live a day as a youngin' again. Here's to never letting go of the above s.l.s.!

Props to my mom for being so awesome and taking this photo back in the day!

Throwback Thursday

A bit of context: my dear friend e.k.s. and I lived in an interesting apartment our junior year of college... and by interesting I mean awful. We had countless issues with the building and our neighbors, ranging from rampant mold growing in our bathroom to having a Heineken bottle thrown through our window at midnight. Thank you oh-so-mature house full of boys from the swim team.

In hindsight, by far the most appalling problem was our lack of heat. Yes, lack of heat...in Wisconsin...until the beginning of November. Our Don Vito look-alike landlord was so cheap he didn't turn on our heat until we threatened with escrow. Priceless advice for said landlord: Don't ever underestimate two independent, determined (and freezing) women.

So, in efforts to stave-off hypothermia during our battle for heat:

(Take that ex-landlord, we didn't pay for utilities).

Ohhhh the memories!

Inaugural Throwback Thursday

I've been playing with the idea of creating a themed day of the week on my blog. Many of my fellow bloggers do something fun on a specific day of the week like "Music Mondays" or "Flashback Fridays". Needless to say, I liked the idea. So, I'm joining the bandwagon and launching "Throwback Thursdays" here on Western Ruminations.

If you're interested in seeing photos from years past and reading my corresponding ramblings, Thursdays are just for you!

This week's Throwback Thursday:

s.a.h., myself, m.e.m.

This gem comes from one of the first weekends of my freshman year of college. It was my roommate (and now good friend) m.e.m.'s birthday (far right). I went to a college where very few of my close friends from high school attended and m.e.m. graciously invited me out to celebrate. I was introduced to an amazing group of girls, and I couldn't have asked for a better first weekend away from home!

I miss you all!