With Labor Day under our belts means summer is officially over.  Lots of people are excited for fall - cozy sweaters, vibrant colors, comfort food; I am a little sad by it all because summer is my favorite season!  I swear I was born in the wrong state - I love being outside in the sun, soaking up all of its goodness (and that lovely Vitamin D!).  I realized recently that I hadn't done one single blog about my travels this summer, so here I am!

I am fortunate in that I get many opportunities to travel - not exactly to exotic places, but to lovely places, nonetheless.  I had a wonderful summer, earmarked with experiences involving travel near and far.

MAY 2011

At the end of April/beginning of May, my sister, myself, and a friend of ours went on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever.  The trip was a short 4 day excursion from Tampa, FL to Cozumel, Mexico.  On the ship were about a dozen musical acts - the bigger names were Colbie Caillat, Train, The Script, and Lifehouse.  Sarah and I had been on a cruise before, Amy hadn't, which made things even better!  Sarah and I can't even imagine what it's like to go on a "regular" cruise now with all the amazing concerts we had the opportunity to go to.  We are still kicking ourselves for not making it to The Script, and they performed THREE TIMES!

Tampa is a beautiful city, one I would love to see again.  I woke up early one morning and wandered around the city.  There was a lot of beautiful architecture along with local boutiques and restaurants galore.  I stopped to see the University of Tampa (I love seeing different campuses for some reason) and was entranced by its beauty.

Cozumel was beautiful, but a little too "touristy" for us.  1. We didn't need Mexican currency, 2. They spoke English everywhere, 3. The food was Americanized.  Would I go there again?  No, but I would love to see more parts of Mexico that better reflect its heritage and culture.  However, I had an incredible time snorkeling and parasailing!

In the end, there was lots of amazing music + tasty food + glorious sun + fun waterslides and adventures + gambling experiences + new friends made.  Plus, we were gone when the freak blizzard that took out the electricity in Williston for 3 days - can't get better than that!

Later on in May, I attended my first wedding of the season - it was my good friend from college, Luke, and his new wife, Chelsey.  It was a beautiful wedding on my old college campus in Jamestown, with a mini-reunion of the coolest people you'll ever meet - communication majors.  Plus, I had a date with a guy that I had a crush on all throughout college.  Gotta love having your dreams come true!

JUNE 2011

I didn't have any major trips this month besides going to Dickinson for my first pageant in two years.  After much reflection, I decided to try the "pageant thing" again and see what happens.  I ended up winning Miss Queen City - so unexpected!  I traveled down by myself, enjoying an amazing meal at Spaghetti Western followed by an unforgettable sunset.

JULY 2011

Since my sister worked at the Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo, my mom and I went to support her livelihood for the 2nd year in a row. It is the second largest fair in the state, with the ND State Fair coming in at #1.  We went to two concerts: Little Big Town and Finger Eleven, both of which were a lot of fun.  LBT did a really neat rendition of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," one I wish I would've recorded!

While we were in Fargo, we checked out this place called JL Beers, a 21 and older restaurant in West Fargo that features burgers and beer.  I have never been a beer drinker myself, but mom and I decided that since we had nothing to do on a Friday afternoon, let's try the tour of beers.  We got a tour (each tour had 6 samples) of light beers and another of dark beers.  I enjoyed some, but not all the different variations.  I really know nothing about alcohol and enjoyed learning about the art of making this beverage.

Later on that month, I joined a group of about seven girls to go see "Chicago" performed at the Forth Peck Theatre in Fort Peck, MT.  Along with beer, I don't know much about Montana, either.  It was a lovely trip, filled with laughter, stories (involving ghosts and boys), and top-notch musical theatre.  I highly, highly recommend you make a day trip and see what they have to offer!

AUGUST 2011

Many people talk about their family reunions they've attended, and I am finally one of them!  I went to my first family reunion in Manitou Springs, CO in the first part of August.  It was the best way to end the summer.  We left on my birthday, spending the night in Sheyenne, WY and having a gorgeous meal on a golf course.  I had never been to WY before and was amazed by the beauty that is there.  While in CO, we went horseback riding (first time ever for me!), went golfing, and spent lots of time catching up and enjoying each other's company.  While I was there, I bought a half-size guitar (it's so stinkin' cute!) and had my first tarot card reading.  That was quite an experience!  We ended the trip by seeing my aunt Terri's house in Cope, CO, a quaint little town full of character.  Some of these people I hadn't seen for at least 15 years, something I don't want to ever happen again.  We are already talking about having a reunion in Arizona next year, somehow planned around my graduation from Grand Canyon University!  I love my family, even with the crazy stories that are involved.  I have dubbed my mom's side "The Lebanese Mafia" with the unbelievable stories behind each individual and the love and passion they have for family and life.  I had an amazing time and am so glad it happened, even if it was way overdue.

One of my favorite pictures from this whole trip!  This explains the kind of personalities all of us have! 
(L-R: cousin Nick, Uncle Barry, myself, Aunt Terri, my sister Sarah, and Aunt Holly).  
Not pictured: my mom, Terri's boyfriend Terry (yes, that's his name!), cousin Libby, cousin Ashley, and Libby's boyfriend and his children.

Needless to say, I had an incredible summer, full of fun trips to incredible destinations with even more incredible people.  I can't wait to see what other travels I'll be able to take in the future!

During my time at Jamestown College, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting and successful people.  One of those was a representative from Applecorp, the company that manages the region's Applebee's and Space Alien restaurants.  He was visiting classes in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program, talking about opportunities within the restaurant field.

One time he visited, he talked about the process of developing a new restaurant.  The one they were developing was going to be called "Badlands Grillhouse and Saloon" and located in Minot, N.D.  They took the best things from popular restaurants to create a new concept for a restaurant.  

In the past few weeks, I have traveled to Bismarck for various health reasons.  Twice my mom and I had to stay overnight in Minot because of the bad roads.  The first time this happened, we were really hungry and wanted to eat somewhere.  We had just had a great time shopping at the Dakota Square mall and didn't want to drive too far.  With the ideal location of Badlands, we decided to go there.

This restaurant took my breath away.  You walk into this restaurant and are enveloped in the theme.  They took the rustic beauty that is in the badlands and converted it into a chic eating establishment.  The front of the restaurant had a gorgeous chandelier made out of antlers (or supposed to look like them) with teardrop bulbs.  I normally don't like western/hunting-themed decor, but wow.

The service was incredible; we were seated immediately on a Friday night.  This is drastically opposite of what I can find in Williston; all restaurants have long waiting times because of the influx of people from the economy boom.  We walked by a bar that was hip; the bar counter's wall was made out of rocks, with a beautiful blue light glowing underneath.  It created a feeling of walking into a martini bar.

We were seated in a booth, but not a normal booth.  The only booths I've seen are located along the walls of a restaurant.  Badlands' developers placed a row of booths in the middle of the seating area.   It was surprisingly intimate.  The restaurant had so many different seating areas yet you still feel secluded in your own privacy.  There was a seating area off to the side separated by beautiful dark curtains.  It included large round tables that instantly made the people sitting there feel like a family.  Above each table was a giant chandelier that looked like a Tiffany lamp.  They were gorgeous!

 (part of the seating area...you can see the blue glow of the bar in the back)

Whoever did the decor design of this restaurant deserves so much praise.  There were so many beautiful photos of Western ND; they were vibrant with detail and color.  I did not feel like I walked into a Grizzly's or another western themed restaurant.

But how was the food?  Oh goodness.  Superb.  After receiving your menus, you receive a basket with two warm buns and whipped cinnamon butter for dipping.  Such a simple idea but so flavorful.  Reminded me of what Johnny Carino's does with its bread and garlic/herb dip.  My mom and I wanted to try their specialty alcohol drinks and were pleased.  Mom had a twist on a Colorado Bulldog - it had a coffee liqueur that added a kick.  I ordered a drink that was a combination of a pina colada and strawberry daiquiri I believe.  De. Lish. Ous.

Mom wanted steak and shrimp and even though it wasn't on the menu, our server made it happen.  I ordered a cajun pasta that was again, so flavorful.

Needless to say, mom and I walked away feeling full and anticipating our next visit.  

We went back the next time we were Minot a week later and were not disappointed.

Next time you're in Minot, check out this restaurant!  You'll be glad you did.

I know I said in my last travel blog that I would continue to update you on my travels from this summer, but that’ll have to wait for my next post. These last two weeks have been so incredibly different but good that I needed to write my thoughts down.

Week 1: Two trips to see two comedians

My sister and I live on opposite sides of the state; we don’t get to see each other that often. When we heard about a month ago that two of our favorite comedians, Jeff Dunham and Dane Cook, were coming to ND, we HAD to go. There was no if, it was a for sure thing. Ended up they were both in ND the same week. Jeff was here on November 14 in Bismarck, Dane in Grand Forks on November 18.

So we both ventured to Bismarck on Sunday the 14th. That was a lonnnng day. We both drove back and forth from our respective towns to see Jeff. Sarah called and asked what I was wearing, and we decided that sweats and jeans were fine. I wore my glasses, not looking that presentable, and Sarah wasn’t glammed up like she normally is. We were at our comfiest with one another :)

We tried to take pictures of us before the event started, but were afraid of getting kicked out. The Civic Center was PACKED; a lot different than the first time we saw him in a high school gym in Minot. Guitar Man, like always, had a great warm-up show. Jeff then came out and put on a great show and introduced two new characters - a slutty woman (can’t remember her name) and AJ, Achmed’s son. We had a blast, that’s for sure. 

A few days later (literally), we both got on the road to see DANE COOK in Grand Forks!! I arrived a little earlier than Sarah, so I stopped by Gordman’s to do some shopping. I have officially decided that when I get my own place (whenever that happens), I am going to Gordman’s to furnish my home. They have such cute stuff at really great prices. No, I’m not a paid spokesman :)

Contrary to Sunday, Sarah and I got a little more dressed up for this event and were really excited. We got to the Ralph in the freezing cold weather and ran all the way to the door. Sarah fed me one of her granola bars because I was starving and I nearly choked on it while running, but it was worth it. It was such a change (in Bismarck and GF) to be around non-oil people. In Williston, sometimes it feels like people just don’t care about what they look like. I’m not putting down anyone, but it was a nice change of pace.

Sarah and I decided to get these extra-large daiquiris that were pretty dang delicious. It went nicely with the Little Caesars we munched on.

The anticipation to see Dane was intense. First, there were 3 opening comics, who were all hilarious in their own way. Then we waited for Dane. I seriously felt like God was going to come out and grace us with His presence, that’s how intense it was!! Sarah and I had pretty decent seats for both shows, so that was great.

After Dane did his show, he joined his other comics and they did some awesome music medleys and jokes for us. I had a great time.

The plan afterwards was to drive to Fargo and stay with Sarah, then come back to GF the next day because I had a meeting. Through the powers of Facebook, the unnecessary driving was averted. An old friend of mine and JC Alum saw that I had put my status about being in GF, so he texted me. I told him I had no place to stay in GF, and he offered his apartment. I am so thankful to him!! Gotta love Facebook and Jamestown College Alumni!

The next morning I went and worked out at GF’s Anytime Fitness (very nice facility, by the way), and did some homework. I also met up with a friend from high school at Perkins and then headed to my meeting, which was productive. After that, I drove to Fargo and stayed with a good friend of mine I met through the Miss ND pageant. We went to a vocal jazz concert,

then out for some drinks Friday night (and swing danced with a nice man)

and then went to the Miss ND USA pageant Saturday night. We also did some homework on Saturday; well, I did homework and she facebook crept! She then took me to a musical on MSUM’s campus that was amazing. I had a really good time at it and was impressed with the costume design (I think it was called The Princess Frog).

We also met up with another friend of mine for some amazing sushi!

I then drove home on Sunday to some sad news. My grandmother passed away that day. I was to unpack and repack because we were leaving for Fargo the next day.

Week 2: Time to say Goodbye

Mom and I left on a train (that was an hour late and further delayed because the plumbing almost froze!) for Fargo. We met up with Sarah for some late night McDonald’s and music videos. Dad had left earlier that day for Fargo by himself. The four of us left for Brookings, SD. I was with Dad, Sarah with Mom. I did homework a majority of the way, stopping to get a power cable from OfficeMax in Watertown.

We then met up with the rest of the Christiansons at Grandma’s visitation. Mom said it was a little different than what she was used to because people showed up and stayed to socialize. I thought it was nice catching up with the family.

Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) was the funeral. All 6 grandchildren were the Pallbearers, such an honor. She looked so peaceful in her casket. I really enjoyed the pastor and the service.

Thanksgiving Day we celebrated with a meal at Grandpa’s house. It was my first holiday meal with extended family, something I’ve always wanted to do, but under different circumstances.

(my Aunt Becky and Grandpa sleeping...my Aunt is a ringer for my grandma and is in her chair)

We stayed there all day, then Mom, Sarah, and I went to see Burlesque (which was amazing!). We found out that Mom is better at sneaking stuff in than I am haha! Don’t ask. The four of us left Friday morning, with Dad, Mom, and I continuing the drive to Williston, a ten hour trip in total.

I put in a lot of miles over these two weeks, but it was worth it for entirely different reasons. To read more about my feelings regarding Grandma’s passing, go to my personal website, www.xanga.com/tap_dancer_00