Sara's blog

I have now participated in the most popular activity in Baudette: ice fishing. I've never ice fished before. I mentioned wanting to go and a couple guys named Scott and Mike agreed to take me out on Sunday afternoon. They had extra equipment so all I needed to bring was myself. Beforehand, though, we swung by the gas station so I could pick up a fishing license. I bought a one-day pass, and then we were off! I wasn't really sure what to expect. We drove the truck right out onto the ice and pulled up to a shanty on the middle of the river. I stepped inside and there were some benches, some 5 gallon buckets, and along the back edge, six holes were cut out in the ice. This shanty was pretty high end; you could hook up propane tanks and fuel the heater and there was a fan up near the ceiling to blow down the warmer air. I was quite warm and could do without my coat, hat and mittens. The only part of me that was cold were my toes. I guess my new insulated boots aren't so ins...

I went to my first bachelor party last night. No, that's not a typo. It was a bachelor party with all dudes and me. I am the only female Bosch engineer on site this week. What else was I supposed to do while all the guys were at the bar? Hang out by myself in the hotel? Check out the group photo: Can you see me? It's kinda fun being the only girl; at least I feel unique. I'm basically like one of the guys though. People are calling me by my last name and stuff. And I hear everyone ends up with a beard by the end of their stay, so hopefully I'm an exception to that...

So, I've been in Minnesota for a few days now. I have some observations: It's cold! Right now, it's -8 degrees with a forecasted low for tonight of -27 degrees! Also, it's impossible to go anywhere in this small town without seeing someone else from Bosch. I guess when the sign welcoming you to the place says Population: 1,106 and there are around 70 employees on sight, we make up a significant percentage of the populace. So far I'm not sick of it, but it's only been three days, not even. It is crazy having to remember to plug in your vehicle after you park it; every car is equipped with engine block heaters. If the engine is too cold, it won't start, especially on some of the older pool vehicles we use. It looks a little funny, every car having a plug hanging out of the front. And I know at some point I'm going to be "that girl" and drive away with it still plugged in. I deem my purchase of a fur-lined trapper hat worth it. I've alread...