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  The Nivens Family

December 2015 recap

12/30/2015

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December 2015 highlights

  • Night walking to see the lights
  • Tour of Faribault Woolen Mills with Lisa Lukis
  • The New Standards Holiday Show
  • Tides of Winter show featuring our neighbor Zach Miller on percussion
  • U of M student light show
  • Spin class with Anne and Joe
  • Brave New Workshop
  • Marilyn Johnson's retirement celebration
  • Walking around Lake Harriet without a hat and mittens
  • Happening upon a enterprising kids operating a fortune telling stand
  • Blue Apron delivery service
  • 10 days with the Larsons/Skovolts: Christmas Eve gathering at the Skovolt's, wedding dress shopping with Emily, wedding cake testing, puzzles, games, pizza parties, and beer.

December by the numbers

Numbers will be updated on January 1, 2016.
  • 471,551 steps (15,718 steps averaged a day)
  • 206 miles (6.8 miles averaged a day)
  • 949 very active minutes (31 minutes averaged a day)
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Exterior Remodeling

12/30/2015

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This year we tackled a large project to update and in my opinion upgrade our home's appearance and energy efficiency. 
Picture

Project details

Contractor
Craftsman's Choice, Inc.

Windows
  • Marvin Ultimate Double-hung on main-floor
  • Beechworth Awning upstairs

Doors 
  • Therma-Tru Pulse Ari 3-lite with rainglass
  • Thema-Tru Pulse Solei with rainglass
  • Both doors have Millennium Narrow multi-point handlesets in Black Nickel finish
  • Both doors are painted teal on the exterior and pearl on the interior

Siding
  • HardiePlank® Lap Siding 6" with smooth finish in Iron Gray
  • HardieTrim® Boards 6" with smooth finish in Arctic White
House numbers
  • Modern House Numbers in SoCal font with powdered black powder-coated finish
Mailbox
  • ModaIndustria: Custom House Number Mailbox No. 1711 Wrap-Front in Powder Coated Aluminum Modernist Edition
Doorbell
  • Rejuvenation Putman Doorbell Button in oil-rubbed bronze
Lights
  • Barn Light Electric Wheeler™ Esso Wall Sconce in black 8" shade for front and side doors and 10" shade for garage
​Window treatments
We used Hirshfield's in-home design service for our window treatments
  • Hunter Douglas Silhouette Ultraglide 2 Shade A36 - Nouveau 3in 341 - Powdered Sugar
  • Hunter Douglas Applause LiteRise Top-Down/Bottom-Up E3 - Legends 3/4" Blackout 401 - Porcelain
  • Hunter Douglas Applause LiteRise Top-Down/Bottom-Up E6 - Legends 3/4" Semi-Opaque 401 - Porcelain
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40x40: Have a screen-free weekend

12/28/2015

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Related: 40x40 List
Date completed: ​Saturday, December 26 and Sunday, December 27, 2015
I'll admit it - walking a marathon is a breeze compared to going a weekend without screens. They are everywhere! Most of us interact with a variety of screens multiple times a day both for practical reasons and out of habit. Considering the fact that I work on websites for a living, I am not about to advocate for avoiding screens all the time or even most of the time  but after this exercise, I do think it is restorative and eye-opening to take periodic breaks. 

What does "screen-free" mean?

To me, it meant avoiding the use of computers, tablets, smart phones, televisions, and movie screens. If you want to get technical about the definition of a screen (as my scientist hubby does),  I suppose I made exceptions for our alarm clock, the microwave and oven clock, and my FitBit.  

Scree-free preparation

Set email auto-responder. My personal email auto-response was:
Subject: I'm enjoying a screen-free weekend
I'm taking a break from screens until Monday, December 28. If needed, please contact Scott Nivens at [email address]. 


Inform people most likely to contact me. Several of my neighbors let me know their holiday travel schedule so I let them know the two days when they'd need to contact Scott instead of me if anything came up. 

Print key information. I knew I wanted to write and address our holiday greeting cards during my screen-free weekend so I printed out the address list ahead of time. For future screen-free breaks, I know I'll need to consider information that I normally access online and print it in advance or make other arrangements.

Update social media status.  I didn't bother letting people know I was taking a break from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. but some people may feel more comfortable taking a vacation from screens if people know why they aren't posting for a few days. 

Things I did in lieu of screen-time

Because my family and I couldn't rely on passing time with our screens, we got creative! I'm not sure we would have done the following had it not been for my self-imposed screen vacation:
  • Played the celebrity game with my family
  • Walked around the Galleria and looked at Jonathan and Emily's wedding registry at Crate & Barrel
  • Made brunch for my family at home
My Tom Selleck impersonation during the game "Celebrity"
Putting together a puzzle
Brunch at home

What I missed

 During the 48 hours without screens, I missed:
  • One phone call
  • One email from a friend (I don't count email subscriptions, promotions, etc.)
  • Two texts ​

Positive aspects of going screen-free

Be here now
I enjoyed going about life without the distraction of updating my status, checking-in, or taking photos. Because I didn't have my head down looking at my phone while on a walk, I actually saw one of my favorite Twitter/Instagram friends in person! 

Sleep like a baby
Like Amy Poehler, I am a bad sleeper. I don't think going screen-free would solve all of my sleep problems but it certainly would't hurt. I believe I got a eight hours of uninterrupted sleep both nights of my screen-free weekend. 

All the feels
I'm an emotional sponge and the constant stream of input from social media and newscasts can have a significant impact on my mood. Though I don't want to live with my head in the sand, it's definitely nice to take a break from the 24/7 news and status updates cycle. 

Heads up!
You know texting neck is a thing, so a screen-free weekend will give your spine a much needed break. Related, thanks to the screen-free weekend, my family and I had to get creative for entertainment. My sister rallied us to play  the Heads Up! game. Ok, ok we had to use a phone but we never would have started playing games to begin with if it hadn't been for the screen-free weekend! I think this is a justifiable exception. 

Negative aspects of going screen-free

Might as well use smoke signals
I missed texting as an efficient means of communication with family and friends. I like sending updates on my whereabouts or figuring out things like where to meet for dinner. I learned quickly that Scott doesn't want to be my proxy when it comes to texting with family and friends!

Let me Google that for you
I wish I kept track of all of the questions I had over the course of two days that would remain unanswered because of my inability to Google it. Not being able to get instant answers to little questions is both freeing and irritating. It was nice not to have the disruption in conversation to look things up on my phone but I also like learning new tidbits of information as those little questions arise. 

I'm lost!
I generally know my way around the Twin Cities metro but I do rely on Google maps to determine the best route. I wouldn't want to go screen-free when I'm riding the bus. I witness people doing it but that is one activity I refuse to do without my phone. 

What time is it?
I do not wear a watch and rely on my phone for time-keeping. I also use my phone as my kitchen timer. I relied on other people during my screen-free days to both tell me the time and when it was time to take food out of the oven. ​

Screen-free future

Whether it's an entire weekend,  during my commute to/from work, or in the evening when I'm home with Scott, I do plan on setting aside time to purposefully avoid screens. Perhaps I'll even participate in Screen-Free week.
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40x40: Try a spin class

12/21/2015

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Related: 40x40 List
Date completed: ​Sunday, December 13, 2015
Picture
Anne and me at "Power Ride" at Midtown YWCA taught by Joe Ede
 Similar to the motivation behind the other bike-related 40x40, I included trying a spin class to push me out of my fitness comfort zone. My guide for this activity was my friend Anne Knauff whom I first met when I volunteered for Open Streets Mpls in 2011. Anne is extremely active both in terms of fitness (especially cycling) but also in her community both qualities I hope to foster in myself. She and I have been meeting monthly for walks and I'm glad we've found a way to switch things up by going to this class. 

Anne and I chose the 10 AM Power Ride class taught by Joe Ede at the Midtown YWCA:
POWER RIDE Intensity level 2:  The effort generated by a cyclist in a specific amount of time is known as “power” and tracking power measurements is a valuable training tool. Speed, intensity and resistance are the areas of focus in this class. All levels.
When I asked Anne what I needed for class she mentioned that I should bring a towel. I initially brushed it off because I don't typically sweat that much. Boy am I glad that I listed to her! I glowing sweet sweet sweat minutes after our warm-up. It felt great! Joe Ede is a fantastic instructor. He gives clear instructions and provides motivation throughout the class. His music is well chosen for the intervals and he uses parts of songs to trick you into working harder. Though I was motivated from start to finish to work hard, Joe also makes it comfortable to do what's best for you. 

It turns out that I have been following Joe on Twitter and it took Anne telling me a bit about him before I realized it. I'm thankful for the connection and I've liked his Facebook group Cycling with Joe in hopes of joining one of his group rides in the future. 

Though my bum was a bit sore after the class, I'm so glad I went. In fact, I plan on going back for more! Anne has graciously offered to let me join her for future YWCA Power Ride dates. 
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40x40: See show at the Brave New Workshop

12/20/2015

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Related: 40x40 List
Date completed: ​Saturday, December 12, 2015
In our early days of dating, Scott and I went to the Brave New Workshop (BNW) quite a bit at their former theater location (2605 Hennepin Avenue, Minnneapolis). To rekindle our relationship with BNW, I included a trip to their new theater at 824 Hennepin Avenue on the 40x40 list.

Though it was more out of procrastination than an intentional decision, I'm glad we waited for the holiday show--the website description of of annual event speaks to me:
The Brave New Workshop's holiday show is a cherished annual event for those most likely to wind up on the 'naughty' list. ​
This year's show, The Trump Who Stole Christmas was a great way to continue the irreverent holiday celebrations that we kicked-off the previous week at The New Standards Holiday Show.  If you're going to be in the Twin Cities between now and January 30, you should go buy tickets to The Trump Who Stole Christmas. If you won't be going, read this Star Tribune review by Rohan Preston which is a better recap than I'd be able to write. 
Picture
The BNW cast and crew are extremely talented and somehow manage to make time to engage with their audience on Twitter.  A few of them liked my tweet documenting the moment when a woman in the crowd got excited by the mere mention of a country-themed restaurant. Perhaps that's her way of grieving the closure of the St. Louis Park location?

Fave random moment: Mention of Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill got a woot from a woman in the #TrumpBNW crowd and Bobby lost it.

— Janelle (@Janellie23) December 12, 2015
As is the case with many of my 40x40s, I definitely want to boost our support of BNW. At a minimum I'd like to go to the holiday show but hope to catch shows throughout the year. 
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40x40: Take a tour of Faribault Woolen Mill

12/14/2015

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Related: 40x40 List
Date completed: Thursday, December 10, 2015
Picture
Lisa and me in front of Faribault Woolen Mill on the banks of the Cannon River
Celebrating their 150th birthday this year, Faribault Woolen Mills is one of the great comeback stories in American manufacturing. After inheriting a vintage Pak-A-Robe by Faribo blanket from my Grandma Mary, I wanted to learn more about the company. Less than an hour away, I knew that Faribault would be a fun getaway to take advantage of their weekly tours on Thursdays. 

My friend Lisa was up for the adventure and we arrived in Faribault around 10:30 a.m. which gave us plenty of time to explore the grounds around the mill which sit next to the Cannon River Reservoir. Before the tour we both purchased some goods from the retail store. 
The tour impressed upon me the work that goes into making wool blankets, throws, and scarves. It takes 22 steps to get from bales of raw wool to a finished product. All in a relatively small (loud) space. We saw people tending to the spinning machine, inspecting the quality of the weave, and inventorying with laptops. Our tour guide pointed out both vintage and new machinery used during the process as well as the time it takes to set up for a new project (four working days!). This is all to say that the price of a Faribault Woolen Mill product seems more than fair after going on the tour. 
​Both Lisa and I would like our own private tour where we learn more about the people who work at the factory. We were there the day that Mary celebrated her 80th birthday and she's worked at Faribault Woolen Mills for 61 years. Can you imagine? We passed an office while someone was being interviewed and we were told that when hired those positions will bring the employee count to 100.  ​
Picture
Lisa and me in the Faribault Woolen Mill retail store
After our tour, we went to downtown Faribault for lunch at The Cheese Cave followed by a dessert drink at Bluebird Cakery (too full for one of their delicious looking cupcakes, cookies, or other pastries). It was raining while we were there which is a bummer because their downtown is so cute and I would have liked to have checked out their other businesses. Faribault is definitely worth a road trip or a detour off I-35 for a pit-stop. 
Picture
Bluebird Cakery in downtown Faribault, MN
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40x40: Buy a piece of art from a local artist

12/6/2015

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Related: 40x40 List
Date completed: Friday, November 20, 2015
As I near the completion of my 40x40, I'm realizing it is fair to draw some conclusions about me from the list I've created. I hope one discerns that I value art. I am fortunate that I now have the means to support my values and as much as possible, I'd like to put my money where my mouth is and buy works from local artists. 

MCAD Art Sale

This year, that meant buying three pieces of original art from the MCAD Art Sale. Attending the sale is a tradition for many Minnesotans and is becoming one for my friend Lisa and me. 

I purchased these three pieces of art:
  • Brainwaves by Abbey Edmonds
  • Untitled illustration by Avery Knake
  • Harbors & Gambits by Teagan White  
The MCAD Art Sale makes for a great friend date night. Lisa and I have a similar pace for browsing, encourage each other to buy art that catches our eye, and both take on notice and comment on the human art wandering around us (aka people watching). Afterward, we went to Nightingale for a late dinner. 

Local Artists I Love

As I visit galleries, coffee shops, my doctor's office, and other places where local art is exhibited or attend local art events, I'm starting to compile a list of artists I love. I hope to one day display their talents in my home.
  • Teri Bloch
  • Carl Bretzke
  • Francene Christianson
  • David Cunningham
  • Jan Elftmann
  • DC Ice
  • Josie Lewis
  • Lucky Nielsen
  • John Sauer
  • Sarah Wieben
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November 2015 Recap

12/1/2015

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November 2015 highlights

  • Thanksgiving in Sioux Falls with the Jensens  & Johnsons
  • Roddel cousin nacho party at the Jensen's home
  • Volunteered at Habitat for Humanity 
  • MCAD art sale with Lisa
  • Craft date with Amy
  • Cooking for Wellness class at the U of M with Sara, Jaime, and Patty (and reconnected with Marlo)
  • Walked the entire stretch of Lake Street and Marshall Avenue
  • Jim Gaffigan (CONTAGIOUS tour) at The State Theater with Amy
  • Explored Mississippi River towns
  • Watched my neighbor Kate perform with her woodwind quintet (she plays the bassoon) as part of Mia's 100 Musicians in the Galleries
  • Suburbia exhibit at the Minnesota History Center with streets.mn blog folks
  • Attended Minnesota Public Radio's Conversations on the Creative Economy with Clockwork Active Media founder and CEO Nancy Lyons and host Chris Farrell
  • Stewie's 12th birthday

November by the numbers

  • 475,433 steps (15,858 steps averaged a day)
  • 208.59 miles (6.9 miles averaged a day)
  • 943 very active minutes (31 minutes averaged a day)
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