Nem W. Schlecht

Well, today, its official. I handed in my letter of resignation to the NDSU Library. I’ll miss working with everybody and the University life, but its been time for a change. My last day is August 24th. I then start at Packet Digital on September 3rd.

Robby graciously bought me a chain tool last Thursday and I finally ran over to his house tonight to pick it up (we unsuccessfully tried earlier in the week to find one at Scheel’s). Robby, Lily, and Fiona greeted me when I arrived. Lily at first didn’t recognize me, but that didn’t stop her from sitting on my feet while I bounced her in the air. Soon (actually, luckily – my legs were getting tired), it was time for bed for Lily. Unfortunately, she was out of toothpaste, which caused a few tears, but a few minutes later she happily appeared in a princess dress (she was supposed to have her PJ’s on, though).

After coming home, I was successful (after a couple attempts) in getting my chain properly assembled. Luckily, my chain came with the proper ‘pilot rivet’ (it holds the chain together as well as holding and guiding the rivet while its being inserted). Although I did partially break the pilot rivet (it still works), I did get the chain properly assembled.

Workers yesterday cleared out the trees from these two lots yesterday (located on the south side of 12th Avenue, kitty-corner from the Library). Today, they took down the buildings. This will soon be the site of some small businesses, as well as apartments.

Went to “Transformers” (again!) with Mark, Mazz, Dayna, Quinn & Cameron. The second time was just as good as the first and I was able to pick up a few more tidbits here and there. I can’t wait for it to come out on DVD!

This evening, Doug and Amanda had Mark and Keri (pictured), me, Mazz, Dayna, Quinn and his friend Cameron over for supper. Mark brought ribs and marinated steak, Doug made up chopped potatoes, and Amanda made up cheesy bread and tomatoes for fruchetta. The kids played lawn darts while the “adults” all chatted.

Supper tonight at Mazz & Dayna’s, along with friends Michael and Gary (both involved in theater and Trollwood). We had two different types of pork, sweet and mini potatoes, bread, salad, and grilled veggies. Desert was a shortcake with homemade whipped cream and fruit. We lounged around on the deck and chatted until it was time to go off to MSU for the fireworks show. Mazz, Dayna, Quinn and I were just a hair late, but we still had good seats for the show (which was awesome as usual).

My day started out at the Slator Clubhouse. We dug a big hole in the hopes of raising the front concrete steps. Unfortunately, our efforts were in vain, since they appear to be attached to the front of the house (which we managed to lift about a 1/4 inch!). We cleared out some of the refuse from the back, then proceeded to make our own little fireworks show with one of Dan’s super-magnifying lenses. We were unable to get a penny to melt, but we did burn up several items, including an old sock.

I had a few drinks with Mark last night at Woody’s, then we ate supper at the south Aladdin’s.

Lunch today with Nachos (Bennigan’s) featuring some awesome Guiness shrimp. We both ordered salads. We stopped by Scheel’s so I could pick up a chain tool for my bike, but they didn’t have any (and possible don’t sell any).

A frustrating day today with a minor bug in my MARC conversion code for Michele and then several hours trying to help a patron (whose problem mysteriously just disappeared).

A couple drinks at the Turf, then off to see “Transformers,” which receives a big thumbs-up from me. Saw Victoria & Mike (and Matt) at the theater as well.

Friday evening Mark dropped off Doug over at my place. We then picked up Keri, stopped in Dilworth for a quick supper (at Arby’s) and then drove to Mark’s house in Maple Grove. In preparation for the next day’s events; Mark, Doug, and I had a few beers and a couple sips of whiskey in his garage.

The next morning started off with me power washing the backyard shed while Doug fixed up the drywall in the garage. Mark went off to go buy supplies. When he returned, I started painting the shed while Mark’s brother (Matt) started staining the new baseboard trim for the master bedroom.

Around this time Mark’s mom (Melissa) showed up with lunch. An awesome chip dip, beer, brats, and potato salad. Very tasty.

Two coats later (including another trip to buy more paint), and the shed is looking pretty spiffy.

Doug & I installed an external floodlight (in between coats of paint on the shed) and then installed the trim in the bedroom. I had the fun task of using the air nailer, while Doug had the mundane task of measuring and cutting the trim. Mark, Keri, and Matt were painting the garage during this time. Unfortunately, the mudding Doug had done earlier wasn’t quite dry and there were some problems with tape coming off the wall.

The evening concluded with a couple more of Mark’s friends showing up (Joe & Thad) and grilled teriyaki skewers and veggies. We sat around chatting until Joe broke out some fireworks. Now, these weren’t you average, everyday fireworks. These were big suckers. Much fun was had by all (and by all I mean half of Maple Grove).

The next morning we cleaned up the garage, hauled up an old entertainment center from the basement (a long, hard, heavy task) and then took some pictures of the house.

Mark bought us all lunch (actually, he paid for everything I ate the entire weekend) at Chipotle’s. It’s kinda like Subway for burritos. They were very tasty – I’ll be happy when Fargo gets one.

Then it was a long drive home and a long afternoon of me forcing myself to not take a nap (otherwise I won’t be able to sleep tonight). I’m very tired and very sore, but I had a great time.