Wisconsin Death Trip

I Survived. Successfully infiltrating the inner circle of the GF-Unit's family. I gained their confidence and walked confidently through their midst without raising any suspicions.


All kidding aside, I actually had a pretty wonderful time at the GF-Unit's Family Reunion (The Johnstad Family Reunion 2008). See me on the right? (Duh, LEFT...Thanks to CT for pointing out that I am an idiot) It all took place in a small Wisconsin town called Whitehall. They rented a fabulous park for the weekend for everyone to gather, have fun, and camp (if they wanted). The park had sand volleyball, tennis courts, baseball field, a pool with a water slide, and a golf course connected. I didn't do as much as I would have liked because I wasn't expecting that type of thing so came ill-prepared.


We camped - it was the first time in several years that I had been camping and I enjoyed it quite a bit...I wish there had been a closer fire pit to cook HDs and S'mores, but it all worked out in the end. I got to meet some of the family, had some good food, listened to some music, had a water balloon fight, and just hung out. I enjoyed their family auction (to help pay for next year's reunion) although I was disappointed not to win the Blongo/Ladderball/Hillbilly Golf set. But one of the GF-Unit's aunts was dead set on having it. Oh well.


My favorite person at the reunion (besides GF-Unit), was Charlie. He was a wiener dog....a tweenie (not a full size but not miniature either) and was wire-haired. He was adorable. Running around always looking for food (the wiener dog way!). Unfortunately, he was also pretty shy so I didn't get to hug him, and squeeze him, and call him George like I wanted to. I did get to pet him a few quick times before he scampered away though. Charlie, I know my dogs would have hated you at first...but I wanted to dognap you very badly.

Photos in this post are copyright Jessica Kreutzfeldt (aka GF-Unit)...She is a really good photographer if you happen to need one.

Wisconsin Bound

This weekend, I am going to Wisconsin for the gf-unit's family reunion (did I really need to hyperlink Wisconsin?). This sort of frightens me...a lot. I feel a little bit like I will be a contender in a Human Show. Primped and preened, paraded around for the judges. Luckily, I have a decent pedigree and can behave well if I am so inclined. I know all the tricks - heel, beg, shake hands, stand still while someone gropes you.

I am also a little bit excited though, because I haven't been camping in years. Neither have I been to Wisconsin since around 1994. But Wisconsin doesn't remind me of cheese or the Packers or anything like that. Wisconsin reminds me of music. First and foremost is a song by the Dead Milkmen called "I'm Living in Wisconsin". You have no idea how many times this song has gotten stuck in my head...I am pretty sure I drove the people I rode with in 1994 nuts singing this song (could be why we are no longer friends).

I'm living in Wisconsin
But only in my mind
The fields, the grass
The farms I pass
The little country inn
Make me long for
Wisconsin

Oh, I'm living in Wisconsin

Although I'm in PA

I'd be in Wisconsin

If I only knew the way

Refrigerator's running
Wisconsin
The clock strikes twelve
Wisconsin
I'm walking on air
Wisconsin
I wish I could fly
Wisconsin

Trust me, it sounds awesome when the Dead Milkmen sing it. WI also reminds me of the album "Wisconsin Death Trip" by Static-X. A great album. WDT is not my favorite song but it is good song (as is the entire album). My favorite part of this album though is the last song. The whole album is this fist pumping, energy inducing, in your face, shot of adrenaline straight into your cortex. But the last song - December - is this quiet, wistful, slowly building song that is like a cool, damp washcloth on your fevered head. It is soothing and relaxing, easing the tension and anger from your body that the rest of the album has built up....just like Wisconsin (or not, I am really only reminded of this because of the name of the album and need to talk to more...I don't really know much to say about Wisconsin itself).