Happy Leap Day! This is the first Leap Year Carter is old enough to grasp that we have an extra day and why. I mean, if his teachers give him a good explanation today, that is.
Daddy and Mommy gave him the simplified version this morning: It takes 365 1/4 days to rotate around the sun each year. So every 4th year, we throw in an extra day to even it out and keep Daylight Savings Time on track, etc.
Then Carter responds with something like: "Did you know the Earth's rotation slows down 10 seconds every decade?" Clearly, the future scientist is more entrenched in Solar System facts than Mom and Dad.
I suspect in general Leap Day is far more interesting to scientists (and wanna-bes like Carter) and those who actually have a birthday or anniversary of sorts on that day. On the way to work, hubby says, "Twenty years ago today I started working at the newspaper." So technically, he only had 3 work anniversaries while employed there 15 years. That would explain why he got so few raises.
Although it seems like just another day, wouldn't it be great if we could stop time, have no requirements to work or go to school, and say: "Here's an extra day for you. Do what you want!"
Wouldn't that be cool? 24 extra hours to scrapbook or golf or play Madden '08 with Carter (just kidding on that one -- I wouldn't know the first thing about operating PS2). If we could pick (and I don't mean to be selfish), I would rather have that extra day in the summer naturally, since I'd rather curse over a missed putt than trudge through the woods on snowshoes.
What would you do with a Leap Day like that?
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Does 'young at heart' count?
We shall not regret the past nor close the door on it...
You know you're getting old when you are technically old enough to be the mother of one of your co-workers. Yikes.
Today is my friend Katy's birthday. She's 24. That means she was born in 1984. And that means she was born the same year I got my driver's license and was learning to type on those fancy electric typewriters in Mr. Lake's class.
Some of the older people at work (and I qualify) say they'd love to be 24 again. I'm not so sure. If I went back, would I be smart enough not to get my heart broken that summer? (And the few times after that?) Would I still be a party girl? Would I be more financially responsible?
As much as there are some moments from my wild, young and single days that I wouldn't mind re-living, I wouldn't go back and change anything -- even the mistakes. Some made my life hell at the time, but now I can say I learned from them. I wouldn't change my life decisions either -- professional, geographic or emotional. They all had to happen for me to meet and befriend some of the neatest people on the planet along the way and get me where I am today -- married to my best friend and the father of three incredible boys.
Nope, other than the gray hairs my "hair artist" makes disappear every other month, I wouldn't go back to being 24 for anything. Besides, 15 years later, I'm actually a few pounds lighter now. You don't hear me say that every day! Now if only they'd extend this Biggest Loser contest over a few years, I might have chance.
You know you're getting old when you are technically old enough to be the mother of one of your co-workers. Yikes.
Today is my friend Katy's birthday. She's 24. That means she was born in 1984. And that means she was born the same year I got my driver's license and was learning to type on those fancy electric typewriters in Mr. Lake's class.
Some of the older people at work (and I qualify) say they'd love to be 24 again. I'm not so sure. If I went back, would I be smart enough not to get my heart broken that summer? (And the few times after that?) Would I still be a party girl? Would I be more financially responsible?
As much as there are some moments from my wild, young and single days that I wouldn't mind re-living, I wouldn't go back and change anything -- even the mistakes. Some made my life hell at the time, but now I can say I learned from them. I wouldn't change my life decisions either -- professional, geographic or emotional. They all had to happen for me to meet and befriend some of the neatest people on the planet along the way and get me where I am today -- married to my best friend and the father of three incredible boys.
Nope, other than the gray hairs my "hair artist" makes disappear every other month, I wouldn't go back to being 24 for anything. Besides, 15 years later, I'm actually a few pounds lighter now. You don't hear me say that every day! Now if only they'd extend this Biggest Loser contest over a few years, I might have chance.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Pre-March Madness
Before March Madness begins, there is February Frenzy (well, there must be some clever name out there) for those of us who follow high school basketball.
My friend Julie emailed me that the boys from our alma mater, Luck High School, have advanced to sectionals. We shared a painful memory of when we (as in our high school boys team -- not the 2 of us) made it to sectionals our junior year and we lost by 1 stinkin' point.
The heart-breaker was that it was on a technical. It was a tie game and down to a few seconds. One of our guys (name withheld) was asking the coach through a hand signal "Do we have any timeouts left?" The ref saw it and thought he was actually signaling for a timeout. We didn't have any left so we got a technical. The other team got to shoot and we had a long, quiet ride home from Spooner.
It's amazing the clarity of that memory. I guess at that point in life, that was the most important thing going on. So much emotion was tied up in school loyalty. It could be a wonderful thing. And a heart-wrenching thing.
The last time the Cardinal boys actually made it to state and played in that championship game was way back in 1973, when some of my older sisters were in high school. They lost by 2 points. One of the players on that team, Rick Giller, is now the coach of our boys team. I hope with a little Luck, he can finally bring that championship home.
Go Cards!
My friend Julie emailed me that the boys from our alma mater, Luck High School, have advanced to sectionals. We shared a painful memory of when we (as in our high school boys team -- not the 2 of us) made it to sectionals our junior year and we lost by 1 stinkin' point.
The heart-breaker was that it was on a technical. It was a tie game and down to a few seconds. One of our guys (name withheld) was asking the coach through a hand signal "Do we have any timeouts left?" The ref saw it and thought he was actually signaling for a timeout. We didn't have any left so we got a technical. The other team got to shoot and we had a long, quiet ride home from Spooner.
It's amazing the clarity of that memory. I guess at that point in life, that was the most important thing going on. So much emotion was tied up in school loyalty. It could be a wonderful thing. And a heart-wrenching thing.
The last time the Cardinal boys actually made it to state and played in that championship game was way back in 1973, when some of my older sisters were in high school. They lost by 2 points. One of the players on that team, Rick Giller, is now the coach of our boys team. I hope with a little Luck, he can finally bring that championship home.
Go Cards!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Carter Joseph Stallin'
Without fail, bedtime is the most drawn-out part of the day at our house. As soon as we approach 8:34, Carter starts stalling for time.
Why 8:34? When Carter was in kindergarten, his bedtime was 8:30 p.m. We said we'd add a minute each year. So this school year the fourth-grader can stay up until 8:34. So far it's worked. Well, not really. We are lucky if he is even in his bedroom by 8:34.
Something always comes up -- like he forgot to pack something in his backpack. Or forgot to feed the cat. Or forgot to floss. Or forgot to do his push-ups and jumping jacks (that's the new one).
Once he is in bed, then he suddenly has news to tell us. "Mom, look at my knee. I scraped it during recess. Can you put a Band-Aid on it?" or "Mom, is there a lump on my head where I got hit with the soccer ball?" or "I had to go to the office today because I wasn't feeling well."
Wow. All these emergencies. All this news and he waits until bedtime to bring it up, knowing a conversation will ensue and it won't be "lights out" until closer to 9. We try to rush it along but don't want to appear cold and uncaring -- especially when there is an injury involved.
Last night's "injury" was hurt feelings. That was a tough one. You can't restore someone's self-esteem in 15 minutes (despite what you might see on TV). There's also the fact that kids don't care what their parents think. We can tell Carter he's not a dork or idiot -- he's cool -- until we're blue in the face, but it does no good when kids say something to the contrary.
So we kiss him, hug him and wipe away the tears and tell him he's awesome anyway. Then we go to bed and lose sleep, too, wondering how we as parents who "don't know anything" can convince our stalling, bedtime-delaying son that he is the bright spot in the center of our universe. That's one thing we do know.
Why 8:34? When Carter was in kindergarten, his bedtime was 8:30 p.m. We said we'd add a minute each year. So this school year the fourth-grader can stay up until 8:34. So far it's worked. Well, not really. We are lucky if he is even in his bedroom by 8:34.
Something always comes up -- like he forgot to pack something in his backpack. Or forgot to feed the cat. Or forgot to floss. Or forgot to do his push-ups and jumping jacks (that's the new one).
Once he is in bed, then he suddenly has news to tell us. "Mom, look at my knee. I scraped it during recess. Can you put a Band-Aid on it?" or "Mom, is there a lump on my head where I got hit with the soccer ball?" or "I had to go to the office today because I wasn't feeling well."
Wow. All these emergencies. All this news and he waits until bedtime to bring it up, knowing a conversation will ensue and it won't be "lights out" until closer to 9. We try to rush it along but don't want to appear cold and uncaring -- especially when there is an injury involved.
Last night's "injury" was hurt feelings. That was a tough one. You can't restore someone's self-esteem in 15 minutes (despite what you might see on TV). There's also the fact that kids don't care what their parents think. We can tell Carter he's not a dork or idiot -- he's cool -- until we're blue in the face, but it does no good when kids say something to the contrary.
So we kiss him, hug him and wipe away the tears and tell him he's awesome anyway. Then we go to bed and lose sleep, too, wondering how we as parents who "don't know anything" can convince our stalling, bedtime-delaying son that he is the bright spot in the center of our universe. That's one thing we do know.
Monday, February 25, 2008
News to me...
Chicken Little: Good news in the "sky is falling" department. The Pentagon said today it has a "high degree of confidence" that the missile fired at a dead U.S. spy satellite in space (remember the one the size of a bus?) destroyed the satellite's fuel tank as planned. Apparently, a space operations center in California is tracking some 3,000 pieces of debris, all smaller than a football. Well, I still think an object smaller than a football, falling thousands of feet from the sky, could hurt, don't you? Think: baseball, Coke bottle, telephone...
Tooth Fairy: I got Scott and Jana's take today on Carter's weekend visit. He behaved quite well and was patient with their almost 4-year-old (for the first 12 hours anyway). If you recall, Carter lost a tooth on Friday so they got to play Tooth Fairy that night. Carter put his tooth in his little snack-sized Ziploc bag and put it under his pillow, where he found two presidential dollars in the morning. One tiny detail Carter was quick to point out to the fairies-in-training: "She (as in the Tooth Fairy) doesn't usually doesn't take the baggie." Oops. I think he still believes -- especially since the ante has been upped to presidential dollars now!
Oscars: I'm glad I didn't bother staying up for the Oscars. Looks like No Country for Old Men took home a bunch. I didn't see that movie (yet) so I wouldn't have been excited or impressed. Sort of like the year Titanic won everything and I was the only person in the western hemisphere who hadn't seen it yet! (Yes, I've seen it since. What's all the fuss?) Of course, now that I am typing about it, the Celine Dion theme song for Titanic is starting to play through my head. I hate when that happens!
Winter Break: We got a reprieve from the arctic air yesterday and today. The mercury moved up beyond the 30 mark! The joy is short-lived, naturally, and temps will dip down to single digits again by tomorrow night. Did I mention I am going somewhere warm for spring break (tee hee)? Three weeks from now, I'll already be in toasty Texas -- where it is 93 degrees as I type this. Whoo hoo!
Concession Stand: We'll be signing up Carter for baseball this evening, which means Mommy and Daddy will have candy bars for sale at their desks for the next few weeks ... or until the box of 50 is gone. Even if you gave up chocolate for Lent, buy one and stick it in your freezer. If we don't sell them, we get stuck eating them ... and I don't think my Biggest Loser team would appreciate that.
(What? Don't all newscasts end in a commercial?)
Tooth Fairy: I got Scott and Jana's take today on Carter's weekend visit. He behaved quite well and was patient with their almost 4-year-old (for the first 12 hours anyway). If you recall, Carter lost a tooth on Friday so they got to play Tooth Fairy that night. Carter put his tooth in his little snack-sized Ziploc bag and put it under his pillow, where he found two presidential dollars in the morning. One tiny detail Carter was quick to point out to the fairies-in-training: "She (as in the Tooth Fairy) doesn't usually doesn't take the baggie." Oops. I think he still believes -- especially since the ante has been upped to presidential dollars now!
Oscars: I'm glad I didn't bother staying up for the Oscars. Looks like No Country for Old Men took home a bunch. I didn't see that movie (yet) so I wouldn't have been excited or impressed. Sort of like the year Titanic won everything and I was the only person in the western hemisphere who hadn't seen it yet! (Yes, I've seen it since. What's all the fuss?) Of course, now that I am typing about it, the Celine Dion theme song for Titanic is starting to play through my head. I hate when that happens!
Winter Break: We got a reprieve from the arctic air yesterday and today. The mercury moved up beyond the 30 mark! The joy is short-lived, naturally, and temps will dip down to single digits again by tomorrow night. Did I mention I am going somewhere warm for spring break (tee hee)? Three weeks from now, I'll already be in toasty Texas -- where it is 93 degrees as I type this. Whoo hoo!
Concession Stand: We'll be signing up Carter for baseball this evening, which means Mommy and Daddy will have candy bars for sale at their desks for the next few weeks ... or until the box of 50 is gone. Even if you gave up chocolate for Lent, buy one and stick it in your freezer. If we don't sell them, we get stuck eating them ... and I don't think my Biggest Loser team would appreciate that.
(What? Don't all newscasts end in a commercial?)
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Happy Camper
Some of those who don't scrapbook have likened my hobby to a cult. So going away for a whole weekend to scrap must be considered a group seance to communicate with the scrapbookers from beyond. Granted it did take place at a camp, but I think all that funky stuff only happens when teenagers are there in the summer.
This was my fifth year at the infamous Camp Crop-A-Lot. For the non-scrappers, we call a scrapbooking workshop a "crop" (derived from cropping photos, etc.). Many of our hubbies have often inserted new words for crop and scrap, so anything you have to say here, trust me, I've heard it all before!
It's really just a weekend to scrap -- uninterrupted and with the opportunity to steal and share layout ideas. We say fun is mandatory but sleep is optional. Yes, we are corny and I love it!
My scrapbooking projects involve chronological family memory albums. I started with 1998 -- when Carter made us a "family." I am currently working on my 2006 book. My goal for camp was to get most of that done if I could. I completed 36 pages and got as far as December so I feel pretty good about that progress. I've got about 10 more pages to do and I am done with that album. (Yay!) Then it's on to the 2007 one...
It may sound like I am almost caught up, but I'm not even close. My stepson graduates in 2009 so I only have a little over a year to do a book just for him. I also only got as far as getting a kindergarten book done for Carter (who's closing out 4th grade). Then there's the Sister Weekend book and all that genealogy stuff Jim and I have going. So there is always some memory to preserve in an album.
Going to camp gives me the opportunity to power scrap once a year and make some headway. We also get to wear "scrapbooking clothes" and talk about things like "power layouts" that only scrappers would understand. The 2-inch mattresses are a pain to sleep on but the "camp food" is much better than I remember. And the pajama parties still make us giggle.
I did manage to get some sleep but not enough to keep me up for the duration of the Oscars tonight. I was going to say you'll have to let me know how they turn out, but our email is still in a Black Hole. Thank goodness the Internet still works. If all else fails, I could blog all day about being a happy camper. (Fine, I know. Who needs to hear about that scrap?)
This was my fifth year at the infamous Camp Crop-A-Lot. For the non-scrappers, we call a scrapbooking workshop a "crop" (derived from cropping photos, etc.). Many of our hubbies have often inserted new words for crop and scrap, so anything you have to say here, trust me, I've heard it all before!
It's really just a weekend to scrap -- uninterrupted and with the opportunity to steal and share layout ideas. We say fun is mandatory but sleep is optional. Yes, we are corny and I love it!
My scrapbooking projects involve chronological family memory albums. I started with 1998 -- when Carter made us a "family." I am currently working on my 2006 book. My goal for camp was to get most of that done if I could. I completed 36 pages and got as far as December so I feel pretty good about that progress. I've got about 10 more pages to do and I am done with that album. (Yay!) Then it's on to the 2007 one...
It may sound like I am almost caught up, but I'm not even close. My stepson graduates in 2009 so I only have a little over a year to do a book just for him. I also only got as far as getting a kindergarten book done for Carter (who's closing out 4th grade). Then there's the Sister Weekend book and all that genealogy stuff Jim and I have going. So there is always some memory to preserve in an album.
Going to camp gives me the opportunity to power scrap once a year and make some headway. We also get to wear "scrapbooking clothes" and talk about things like "power layouts" that only scrappers would understand. The 2-inch mattresses are a pain to sleep on but the "camp food" is much better than I remember. And the pajama parties still make us giggle.
I did manage to get some sleep but not enough to keep me up for the duration of the Oscars tonight. I was going to say you'll have to let me know how they turn out, but our email is still in a Black Hole. Thank goodness the Internet still works. If all else fails, I could blog all day about being a happy camper. (Fine, I know. Who needs to hear about that scrap?)
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Black Hole
By some strange coincidence, the same night as the lunar eclipse, our company email system shut down. I know (or do I?) that it was merely a coincidence, but I feel like it was something cosmic, sending us into this Black Hole of no communication that lasted all day Thursday and may not be resolved until late this afternoon.
What a strange vacuum we're in without email! We actually have to pick up the phone or walk all the way across the building to someone's desk to talk to them. Imagine that. Can we keep that up for another whole day?! (I'm not too concerned as I have off today and am packing for Camp Crop-A-Lot -- my yearly scrapbooking getaway!)
Despite the Black Hole effect, Carter and I did enjoy the lunar eclipse. At our house, the sky was perfectly clear so we had a great view from our sub-zero front deck. We set a timer and would go out and look at it every 5 minutes or so because that's all we could handle in the cold. (Why don't these things happen in the summer?) We used his telescope a few times, but could clearly view the "color transition" with the naked eye. Neat experience!
Speaking of Black Holes (talk about transition, ha ha), Carter has another one in his mouth. He had a super loose tooth last night but I just couldn't pull it out. Admittedly, I am the ultimate in squeamish about that sort of thing, but I did try. I told Carter to tell me if he lost it during the night so we'd make sure he didn't get blood on his pillow.
Really, I just didn't want to screw up the Tooth Fairy delivery again! Just to be safe, we've hired the job out. Seriously, someone else will play Tooth Fairy tonight. Since Jim is out of town and I am leaving town, Carter will be staying with our friends Scott and Jana. I warned them this morning about the big job tonight. This will give them good practice, though, for their son Will, who's almost 4 and has awhile to go before losing any teeth.
My fear is that they'll do such a good job (and who wouldn't compared to our debacle last time?!), that Carter will want to stay at their house every time he loses a tooth going forward! Whatever gets him believing again...
What a strange vacuum we're in without email! We actually have to pick up the phone or walk all the way across the building to someone's desk to talk to them. Imagine that. Can we keep that up for another whole day?! (I'm not too concerned as I have off today and am packing for Camp Crop-A-Lot -- my yearly scrapbooking getaway!)
Despite the Black Hole effect, Carter and I did enjoy the lunar eclipse. At our house, the sky was perfectly clear so we had a great view from our sub-zero front deck. We set a timer and would go out and look at it every 5 minutes or so because that's all we could handle in the cold. (Why don't these things happen in the summer?) We used his telescope a few times, but could clearly view the "color transition" with the naked eye. Neat experience!
Speaking of Black Holes (talk about transition, ha ha), Carter has another one in his mouth. He had a super loose tooth last night but I just couldn't pull it out. Admittedly, I am the ultimate in squeamish about that sort of thing, but I did try. I told Carter to tell me if he lost it during the night so we'd make sure he didn't get blood on his pillow.
Really, I just didn't want to screw up the Tooth Fairy delivery again! Just to be safe, we've hired the job out. Seriously, someone else will play Tooth Fairy tonight. Since Jim is out of town and I am leaving town, Carter will be staying with our friends Scott and Jana. I warned them this morning about the big job tonight. This will give them good practice, though, for their son Will, who's almost 4 and has awhile to go before losing any teeth.
My fear is that they'll do such a good job (and who wouldn't compared to our debacle last time?!), that Carter will want to stay at their house every time he loses a tooth going forward! Whatever gets him believing again...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Polar Plunge
When I woke up to 24 below zero this morning, my first thoughts were of my parents. They fly home to Wisconsin today after spending nearly a month in southern Texas with my sister and brother-in-law.
When we talked to them last night, there was an 80-degree difference in temperatures between here and there -- and that was when it was only 7 below! Carter told my sister: "I think when Grandma and Grandpa get off the plane they're going to turn around and try to get back on it!"
I wouldn't blame them. I liken it to those "polar plunges" you hear about. People step out of their warm winter coat and jump into some frigid body of water (usually for charity, sometimes from liquid courage). I can only imagine how their body is shocked from the plunge in temperatures. That's not for me!
When my dad got on the phone last night, he asked hopefully, "Are you calling to say you've extended our tickets so we can stay?"
No such luck, Dad. You need to clear the way for the Austins. Just 25 days and c-c-c-counting ...
When we talked to them last night, there was an 80-degree difference in temperatures between here and there -- and that was when it was only 7 below! Carter told my sister: "I think when Grandma and Grandpa get off the plane they're going to turn around and try to get back on it!"
I wouldn't blame them. I liken it to those "polar plunges" you hear about. People step out of their warm winter coat and jump into some frigid body of water (usually for charity, sometimes from liquid courage). I can only imagine how their body is shocked from the plunge in temperatures. That's not for me!
When my dad got on the phone last night, he asked hopefully, "Are you calling to say you've extended our tickets so we can stay?"
No such luck, Dad. You need to clear the way for the Austins. Just 25 days and c-c-c-counting ...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bits and Pieces
Wisconsin Primary: I stopped by the town hall on my way home from work yesterday to vote. I was pleased see my "voter number" was 2,058. That meant that in our township of 7,500 residents and probably 2/3 of those registered voters, they'd been busy that day. Hubby pointed out that when he voted a few hours earlier, his number was 1,500. "So that's not very good. They only had 500 people vote in 3 hours." I could see his point. We shouldn't be thrilled with a 30% voter turnout. There are people in other parts of the world who are dying for the right to vote, and many of us only do it if it's convenient or wait it out 'til there's fewer choices in November. That's disappointing. Just like driving a car, voting is a privilege. A right. And the right thing to do.
Whoa, baby: As we left things yesterday morning, I told Carter I hoped he'd get better during the day (even without taking medicine!), that he maybe just woke up feeling stuffy and it would be gone later in the morning. When I walked into the house last night, he comes bounding into the kitchen, and says: "You were right Mom. I feel fine! It was just a morning sickness!" Did I word it like that? Yikes. I hope he didn't tell his teacher that!
Nag-igator: It seems wives get a bad rap for being a nag. I look at it as being helpful, the friendly reminder lady. Very early this morning, Jim left for a business trip to Vegas (no golf clubs this time that I know of). Last night, being the helpful, friendly reminder lady, I made sure he had the camera batteries charged and his dress shoes packed. "Yes, dear." This morning at 5 a.m., just moments after he kissed me goodbye and said "Are you going to get up and work out?" (my friendly reminder), he comes back into the bedroom because he almost forgot his suitcase! I guess I should have set my alarm a few minutes earlier. Is this the part I mention that before he got to the airport, he called about something he did forget that I had to overnight to him first thing this morning? Oh, but then I would be a nag if I told you that! Darn right. And proud of it!
Total Eclipse: Don't forget tonight is a total lunar eclipse. The partial eclipse is supposed to begin at 7:43 Central Time and be a total eclipse from 9:01 to 9:51 p.m. Bundle up and check it out. I'd take pictures but my camera is in Vegas and, really, if it's a lunar eclipse, isn't it pretty dark?! Let me know your observations. And let's hope it doesn't affect people like a full moon!
Whoa, baby: As we left things yesterday morning, I told Carter I hoped he'd get better during the day (even without taking medicine!), that he maybe just woke up feeling stuffy and it would be gone later in the morning. When I walked into the house last night, he comes bounding into the kitchen, and says: "You were right Mom. I feel fine! It was just a morning sickness!" Did I word it like that? Yikes. I hope he didn't tell his teacher that!
Nag-igator: It seems wives get a bad rap for being a nag. I look at it as being helpful, the friendly reminder lady. Very early this morning, Jim left for a business trip to Vegas (no golf clubs this time that I know of). Last night, being the helpful, friendly reminder lady, I made sure he had the camera batteries charged and his dress shoes packed. "Yes, dear." This morning at 5 a.m., just moments after he kissed me goodbye and said "Are you going to get up and work out?" (my friendly reminder), he comes back into the bedroom because he almost forgot his suitcase! I guess I should have set my alarm a few minutes earlier. Is this the part I mention that before he got to the airport, he called about something he did forget that I had to overnight to him first thing this morning? Oh, but then I would be a nag if I told you that! Darn right. And proud of it!
Total Eclipse: Don't forget tonight is a total lunar eclipse. The partial eclipse is supposed to begin at 7:43 Central Time and be a total eclipse from 9:01 to 9:51 p.m. Bundle up and check it out. I'd take pictures but my camera is in Vegas and, really, if it's a lunar eclipse, isn't it pretty dark?! Let me know your observations. And let's hope it doesn't affect people like a full moon!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Medicine Man
I knew it was going to be one of those days when I hit the snooze twice instead of just once.
I don't allow extra time in my morning routine. In order for us to get out the door by 6:45ish, I need to be done exercising by 6, out of the shower by 6:15, done with breakfast (Carter, too) by 6:30, dressed and hair and makeup by 6:45. One little delay and I am off-kilter. That's my issue. (But some days, when it seems I got up on the wrong side of the bed, I make it Carter's and Daddy's issue, too.)
Today, I cut my exercising short so I could get in the shower in time. All was on track until Carter mentioned over breakfast that he was pretty stuffed up and his throat hurt. I said he'd have to take some medicine and we'd see how the day goes in school. Not a big deal, right?
A little background about Carter and medicine: HE HATES IT!! He's always fought taking it. When he was little, he'd run and hide as soon as he saw the bottle of (usually) the pink stuff. Jim and I would literally have to hold him down. One of us pinned his arms while the other pinched his nose shut so he'd open his mouth and we could squirt the medicine in. That's how much he hates medicine!
As he's gotten older, and he has to drink a "shot" of it, it's gotten more challenging because we can't force it in. I kid you not, Carter will just look into the bathroom mirror and just psych himself out over the medicine -- to the point he automatically gags when he's drinking it. We're always like, "Quit looking at yourself! Just drink it!"
Today was no different. Jim had left for work early so I was on Doctor Duty. I poured the shot and there was the usual complaints about the taste (who doesn't love grape?!) and the deep breaths verging on hyperventilating and the gagging -- all before he even took a drink. I was trying to calm him but, in all honesty, I wasn't too calm myself. I was looking at the clock. Getting a bit antsy. I was pushy and basically telling him to drink it already so we could get on with our day.
Finally he drinks it. He didn't gag. He was just staring at himself in mirror. Then I realized his cheeks were puffy and his lips were pursed shut. He hadn't even swallowed it. "Carter, you have to swallow it! If you don't want the medicine taste in your mouth all day, swallow it!" Well that just frustrated him more, so he spit it out in the sink. That's when I added a few more dimes and dollars to my Lenten tally.
"We just wasted 15 minutes and you still don't have medicine in you and now Mommy's going to be late for work!" Insert expletives where you see fit.
I did eventually apologize to him for getting frustrated and yelling. I explained I just wanted him to take the medicine so he'd feel better. (read: Mommy was selfish and really was just concerned about getting to work!) By the time I dropped him off at the sitter's, he had apologized to me, too, for not taking the medicine and asked me to forgive him. Of course I will!
On the way to work, slippery roads prevented me from making up for lost time and I was OK with that. I needed the extra time to chat with God. I asked Him to forgive me for flying off the handle (is getting to work on time that important?), to calm me down, make me realize this is not worth getting upset about and help me see the bigger picture.
He did. It was just minutes after I arrived at work when my friend Sandy got a phone call that her dad died. It sure makes my silly little problem seem pretty insignificant! Petty really.
Take time today to hug your loved ones... Even the teens and pre-teens who don't listen or obey... Even the cranky mommies.
I don't allow extra time in my morning routine. In order for us to get out the door by 6:45ish, I need to be done exercising by 6, out of the shower by 6:15, done with breakfast (Carter, too) by 6:30, dressed and hair and makeup by 6:45. One little delay and I am off-kilter. That's my issue. (But some days, when it seems I got up on the wrong side of the bed, I make it Carter's and Daddy's issue, too.)
Today, I cut my exercising short so I could get in the shower in time. All was on track until Carter mentioned over breakfast that he was pretty stuffed up and his throat hurt. I said he'd have to take some medicine and we'd see how the day goes in school. Not a big deal, right?
A little background about Carter and medicine: HE HATES IT!! He's always fought taking it. When he was little, he'd run and hide as soon as he saw the bottle of (usually) the pink stuff. Jim and I would literally have to hold him down. One of us pinned his arms while the other pinched his nose shut so he'd open his mouth and we could squirt the medicine in. That's how much he hates medicine!
As he's gotten older, and he has to drink a "shot" of it, it's gotten more challenging because we can't force it in. I kid you not, Carter will just look into the bathroom mirror and just psych himself out over the medicine -- to the point he automatically gags when he's drinking it. We're always like, "Quit looking at yourself! Just drink it!"
Today was no different. Jim had left for work early so I was on Doctor Duty. I poured the shot and there was the usual complaints about the taste (who doesn't love grape?!) and the deep breaths verging on hyperventilating and the gagging -- all before he even took a drink. I was trying to calm him but, in all honesty, I wasn't too calm myself. I was looking at the clock. Getting a bit antsy. I was pushy and basically telling him to drink it already so we could get on with our day.
Finally he drinks it. He didn't gag. He was just staring at himself in mirror. Then I realized his cheeks were puffy and his lips were pursed shut. He hadn't even swallowed it. "Carter, you have to swallow it! If you don't want the medicine taste in your mouth all day, swallow it!" Well that just frustrated him more, so he spit it out in the sink. That's when I added a few more dimes and dollars to my Lenten tally.
"We just wasted 15 minutes and you still don't have medicine in you and now Mommy's going to be late for work!" Insert expletives where you see fit.
I did eventually apologize to him for getting frustrated and yelling. I explained I just wanted him to take the medicine so he'd feel better. (read: Mommy was selfish and really was just concerned about getting to work!) By the time I dropped him off at the sitter's, he had apologized to me, too, for not taking the medicine and asked me to forgive him. Of course I will!
On the way to work, slippery roads prevented me from making up for lost time and I was OK with that. I needed the extra time to chat with God. I asked Him to forgive me for flying off the handle (is getting to work on time that important?), to calm me down, make me realize this is not worth getting upset about and help me see the bigger picture.
He did. It was just minutes after I arrived at work when my friend Sandy got a phone call that her dad died. It sure makes my silly little problem seem pretty insignificant! Petty really.
Take time today to hug your loved ones... Even the teens and pre-teens who don't listen or obey... Even the cranky mommies.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Snow Day (sort of)
The only good thing about this weekend's snowstorm was that my "scrapbooking weekend" with my twin was extended another day.
Sunday morning it was evident already that it would be dangerous traveling. She decided to stay another day since her daughter didn't have school today and we had off for Presidents' Day as well. Good thing. We've gotten 10-12 inches since then. Like we needed it!
I'm glad my sister was able to stay. We got lots of "work" done yesterday. I'm also glad we had a "snow day" today to recover. I'll have you know I am getting very good at operating that snowblower. If we get dumped on again while Jim is in sunny Las Vegas later this week, then I'll be set. Bring on the snow. (No, really, I don't want it. Please.)
I've heard lots of adults say they haven't seen a winter like this since they were kids. "Remember when the snow banks were taller than us?" Yes, I do remember. And, as you can see from this picture taken just a few minutes ago, we're getting close to that this year, too (and it's still snowing).
We loved the big snow banks. We used to burrow tunnels through them (considered dangerous, I'm sure) and build forts in them (you know, the '70s sunk-in living room variety). Those were the days I actually liked the snow. Didn't mind the cold so much either. How does that disappear when we become adults?
Probably because we got to play in the snow -- not endure the physical labor of moving it or, if it was really a lot, pay the grader man to come plow us out. Then we knew we were probably in for a snow day the next day! Yippee! A day to have fun outside and get on Mom's nerves inside. It's no wonder moms don't like snow...
Sunday morning it was evident already that it would be dangerous traveling. She decided to stay another day since her daughter didn't have school today and we had off for Presidents' Day as well. Good thing. We've gotten 10-12 inches since then. Like we needed it!
I'm glad my sister was able to stay. We got lots of "work" done yesterday. I'm also glad we had a "snow day" today to recover. I'll have you know I am getting very good at operating that snowblower. If we get dumped on again while Jim is in sunny Las Vegas later this week, then I'll be set. Bring on the snow. (No, really, I don't want it. Please.)
I've heard lots of adults say they haven't seen a winter like this since they were kids. "Remember when the snow banks were taller than us?" Yes, I do remember. And, as you can see from this picture taken just a few minutes ago, we're getting close to that this year, too (and it's still snowing).We loved the big snow banks. We used to burrow tunnels through them (considered dangerous, I'm sure) and build forts in them (you know, the '70s sunk-in living room variety). Those were the days I actually liked the snow. Didn't mind the cold so much either. How does that disappear when we become adults?
Probably because we got to play in the snow -- not endure the physical labor of moving it or, if it was really a lot, pay the grader man to come plow us out. Then we knew we were probably in for a snow day the next day! Yippee! A day to have fun outside and get on Mom's nerves inside. It's no wonder moms don't like snow...
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Memory jogger blogger
When I set out to do this blog nearly a year ago, it was to serve mainly as a creative outlet for me. I wanted, no needed, to get back into writing before I forgot how. Now I realize it has turned into something more -- a way to connect with family and friends, entertain and sometimes inspire others and, at a minimum, serve as an electronic scrapbook of sorts.
My twin sister is visiting this weekend for some serious scrapbooking time. We haven't worked on our albums in ages so we decided it was time to mark the calendar and get back to it!
I am currently working on my 2006 Family Memories album. I was puzzled with my spring pictures. First, I did not have any pictures of our annual Hedberg Easter Egg Hunt. In fact, the only Easter basket pictures of Carter were taken at our house. Secondly, there were clearly pictures taken at a swimming pool in a hotel Up North but that was not an egg hunt weekend. Then why were we there?
Raylene didn't recall us not having a hunt that year. I called my sister in Texas and she wasn't sure either. We had held a birthday party for my mom at their house at the end of March, but Easter was April 16 that year. My parents are visiting down there and when I asked them, they didn't know either.
I told hubby later: If I had been blogging back then, then we'd know!
Now I'm hoping one of my other siblings recall. Not that it matters for the scrapbook. I got those pages done today. But for my peace of mind!
My twin sister is visiting this weekend for some serious scrapbooking time. We haven't worked on our albums in ages so we decided it was time to mark the calendar and get back to it!
I am currently working on my 2006 Family Memories album. I was puzzled with my spring pictures. First, I did not have any pictures of our annual Hedberg Easter Egg Hunt. In fact, the only Easter basket pictures of Carter were taken at our house. Secondly, there were clearly pictures taken at a swimming pool in a hotel Up North but that was not an egg hunt weekend. Then why were we there?
Raylene didn't recall us not having a hunt that year. I called my sister in Texas and she wasn't sure either. We had held a birthday party for my mom at their house at the end of March, but Easter was April 16 that year. My parents are visiting down there and when I asked them, they didn't know either.
I told hubby later: If I had been blogging back then, then we'd know!
Now I'm hoping one of my other siblings recall. Not that it matters for the scrapbook. I got those pages done today. But for my peace of mind!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Photo ops
After my drive home from work today, I now understand why people with those camera phones enjoy the convenience. At a moment's notice, they can capture something beautiful or funny or just plain interesting.
Today, had I had one of those in my possession, I could have captured something that was both majestic and nauseating.
I saw from a distance that two birds were pecking at something at the edge of the road. As I got closer, really close, I saw it was two bald eagles feasting on a deer carcass. Since no one was behind me, I slowed the car to a crawl to observe.
The well-mannered carnivores were taking turns and while one ate, the other stood off to the side in the snow. That is the one I would have wanted to shoot (bad word choice) -- shoot a picture of. He did look majestic with the brilliant white snow behind him. I tried not to look at his partner gnawing away at his afternoon venison snack.
When I realized cars were coming, I had to get moving. I doubt I'll ever be close enough again to a bald eagle, let alone two, to get an actual picture of them. But thanks for letting me share the image in mind.
Today, had I had one of those in my possession, I could have captured something that was both majestic and nauseating.
I saw from a distance that two birds were pecking at something at the edge of the road. As I got closer, really close, I saw it was two bald eagles feasting on a deer carcass. Since no one was behind me, I slowed the car to a crawl to observe.
The well-mannered carnivores were taking turns and while one ate, the other stood off to the side in the snow. That is the one I would have wanted to shoot (bad word choice) -- shoot a picture of. He did look majestic with the brilliant white snow behind him. I tried not to look at his partner gnawing away at his afternoon venison snack.
When I realized cars were coming, I had to get moving. I doubt I'll ever be close enough again to a bald eagle, let alone two, to get an actual picture of them. But thanks for letting me share the image in mind.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
Thankfully, despite all the moves toward political correctness when it comes to Christmas parties at school, they have not done away with Valentine's parties.
I remember one year my twin and I were going to bring Valentine's cupcakes to school. We had them baked and frosted and were going to decorate them with those "Red Hots" candies. Well we waited too long and the frosting had hardened so the Red Hots didn't stick. They just fell off.
Our brilliant plan was to melt them on by using a hair dryer. That sort of did the trick. The next morning, though, Mom refused to let us take them to school. She thought they might have radiation (or something like that) in them from the dryer.
My how times have changed.
What hasn't changed is the party. Just like when I was in grade school, Carter had to create a container for his Valentines. In past years, they've just done these in class, pretty much settling on a decorated large envelope -- or Valentine's Pouch.
This year, Carter opted to do his at home, naturally waiting until Wednesday morning to tell me so we (I mean he) had one night to do this. He said he did not want to use a shoe box so I said maybe I could find some large envelopes or a smaller box at work. "That would be cool," he said. "I know you can add your crafty touch!" No way. I'll provide the supplies and you do it, I told him. (This was a big step for me because I loved trying to make the most creative Valentine's box in the class!)
In the end, I taped the wrapping paper on a box and let him do the rest. He did a mighty fine job, if I do say so myself. I know you can't see the writing but the quote by the boy's heart says: "I'm beating to fast!" and the other message says: "Drop more candy, please!"
We'll see what he comes home with. I'm sure there won't be any radioactive cupcakes!
I remember one year my twin and I were going to bring Valentine's cupcakes to school. We had them baked and frosted and were going to decorate them with those "Red Hots" candies. Well we waited too long and the frosting had hardened so the Red Hots didn't stick. They just fell off.
Our brilliant plan was to melt them on by using a hair dryer. That sort of did the trick. The next morning, though, Mom refused to let us take them to school. She thought they might have radiation (or something like that) in them from the dryer.
My how times have changed.
What hasn't changed is the party. Just like when I was in grade school, Carter had to create a container for his Valentines. In past years, they've just done these in class, pretty much settling on a decorated large envelope -- or Valentine's Pouch. This year, Carter opted to do his at home, naturally waiting until Wednesday morning to tell me so we (I mean he) had one night to do this. He said he did not want to use a shoe box so I said maybe I could find some large envelopes or a smaller box at work. "That would be cool," he said. "I know you can add your crafty touch!" No way. I'll provide the supplies and you do it, I told him. (This was a big step for me because I loved trying to make the most creative Valentine's box in the class!)
In the end, I taped the wrapping paper on a box and let him do the rest. He did a mighty fine job, if I do say so myself. I know you can't see the writing but the quote by the boy's heart says: "I'm beating to fast!" and the other message says: "Drop more candy, please!"
We'll see what he comes home with. I'm sure there won't be any radioactive cupcakes!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Back to the grindstone, er, laptop
Striking Hollywood writers are back on the job today after a three-month hiatus that left us Grey's Anatomy fans in a constant state of withdrawal.
Of course I'm glad they came to an agreement reflecting something both sides can live with, but the bigger question is: What's in it for me? Will my favoriite shows be back thsi spring yet -- or do I have to wait until fall?
I did some searching and, fellow Grey's fans, rest assured, they'll be back. According to an AP report, Grey's will be back this spring for what's left of the current season, with anywhere from 4-7 new episodes. I'd say that's just enough time for Derrick to realize nurse Rose is no Meredyth, right?
The bad news is that we have to exercise some more patience. Now that the strike is over, it still could take 6-8 weeks before a new episode is aired. Jim's favorite show, The Office, may be back in 4-5 weeks. A win for both of us.
In the meantime, my Thursday night vacancy has been filled. I've become ensnared in the tangled web that is LOST, and charmed by Eli Stone. But he's no McDreamy...
Of course I'm glad they came to an agreement reflecting something both sides can live with, but the bigger question is: What's in it for me? Will my favoriite shows be back thsi spring yet -- or do I have to wait until fall?
I did some searching and, fellow Grey's fans, rest assured, they'll be back. According to an AP report, Grey's will be back this spring for what's left of the current season, with anywhere from 4-7 new episodes. I'd say that's just enough time for Derrick to realize nurse Rose is no Meredyth, right?
The bad news is that we have to exercise some more patience. Now that the strike is over, it still could take 6-8 weeks before a new episode is aired. Jim's favorite show, The Office, may be back in 4-5 weeks. A win for both of us.
In the meantime, my Thursday night vacancy has been filled. I've become ensnared in the tangled web that is LOST, and charmed by Eli Stone. But he's no McDreamy...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Face value (or two-faced value?)
Call me naive, but I tend to assume the positive about people. I take their word at face value, never dreaming they'd be lying to me or manipulating me in some fashion. ... Until I get burned or have a rude awakening.
If you ever want to know what someone is really like, see how they act when they think no one is watching. Couple that with a power trip and it can get ugly.
I had a co-worker once who was the nicest guy in world to me. Then I saw him in a situation where he was the man in charge. I witnessed him walking all over the people "under him" and treating them like they weren't worthy of being the dirt on his shoes. It was really disappointing. I felt like I'd been duped.
My friend Tamara was telling me yesterday about her recent opportunity to meet some of the Democratic presidential candidates in Iowa. First, some background. She is a staunch Republican, while I tend to lean to the left.
During this press conference, she got to sit in on a meeting with John Edwards (still in it at the time) and Barack Obama. She said Edwards was personable and Obama was, in a word, powerful. He exuded so much confidence, she had a hard time concentrating (I think she's even going to vote for him!).
The interesting part was Hillary Clinton's appearance. She elected to appear via satellite rather than in person. Before the Q&A with reporters began, Tamara said there were a few moments the cameras were rolling and Hillary didn't know it. As Tamara put it, "She was barking orders to staffers and was a first-class *****!" When the press conference began, of course, she was sweet as pie.
On Sunday night, 60 Minutes aired interviews with both Obama and Clinton. When it was done, hubby and I said we still weren't sure which one we'd be voting for in the primary next week. Now it seems we have a clearer picture. Nothing like an honest moment to clear the air.
Now if only I could figure out this Roger Clemens business ...
If you ever want to know what someone is really like, see how they act when they think no one is watching. Couple that with a power trip and it can get ugly.
I had a co-worker once who was the nicest guy in world to me. Then I saw him in a situation where he was the man in charge. I witnessed him walking all over the people "under him" and treating them like they weren't worthy of being the dirt on his shoes. It was really disappointing. I felt like I'd been duped.
My friend Tamara was telling me yesterday about her recent opportunity to meet some of the Democratic presidential candidates in Iowa. First, some background. She is a staunch Republican, while I tend to lean to the left.
During this press conference, she got to sit in on a meeting with John Edwards (still in it at the time) and Barack Obama. She said Edwards was personable and Obama was, in a word, powerful. He exuded so much confidence, she had a hard time concentrating (I think she's even going to vote for him!).
The interesting part was Hillary Clinton's appearance. She elected to appear via satellite rather than in person. Before the Q&A with reporters began, Tamara said there were a few moments the cameras were rolling and Hillary didn't know it. As Tamara put it, "She was barking orders to staffers and was a first-class *****!" When the press conference began, of course, she was sweet as pie.
On Sunday night, 60 Minutes aired interviews with both Obama and Clinton. When it was done, hubby and I said we still weren't sure which one we'd be voting for in the primary next week. Now it seems we have a clearer picture. Nothing like an honest moment to clear the air.
Now if only I could figure out this Roger Clemens business ...
Monday, February 11, 2008
Personal Foul :: Taunting
Yesterday's Pro Bowl marked the official end of the NFL football season. That's a good thing because I may have to hire one of the referees for Lent.
Would you like to know why? Let me tell you a little bit about taunting:
According to NFL rules, any flagrant acts or remarks that deride, mock, bait or embarrass an opponent are considered taunting. Taunting of an opponent is a foul under NFL playing rules and will be called by the game officials -- a 15-yard penalty -- plus the taunting player will be fined.
In our house, the new game in town is Mommy's Curse Board and Mr. Austin is guilty of taunting. I am trying to give up swearing for Lent. I am actually keeping a tally at home and at work so I can pay the "fine" in the end. Dollars for serious infractions and dimes for lesser ones. Apparently, I should have laid out the ground rules of fair play and sportsmanship when it comes to the other members of the household. Since I have been doing relatively well (if you consider $2.80 in 5 days doing well), Jim has decided to test me. Press my buttons. Bait me. Taunt me.
For example, if we had an in-house referee, he would have thrown a serious flag on hubby while I was vacuuming this weekend. My super-reliable Dyson quit on me a few times for no reason. Oh, I mean there was a real reason, Jim was unplugging it and plugging it back in (out of sight, down the hall) to see how I'd react! Thankfully, I kept my cool ... until I found out what he was up to. Then I used sign language to demonstrate my displeasure at his flagrant foul. Now he says that "sign" should cost me a buck.
What do ya think, ref?
Would you like to know why? Let me tell you a little bit about taunting:
According to NFL rules, any flagrant acts or remarks that deride, mock, bait or embarrass an opponent are considered taunting. Taunting of an opponent is a foul under NFL playing rules and will be called by the game officials -- a 15-yard penalty -- plus the taunting player will be fined.
In our house, the new game in town is Mommy's Curse Board and Mr. Austin is guilty of taunting. I am trying to give up swearing for Lent. I am actually keeping a tally at home and at work so I can pay the "fine" in the end. Dollars for serious infractions and dimes for lesser ones. Apparently, I should have laid out the ground rules of fair play and sportsmanship when it comes to the other members of the household. Since I have been doing relatively well (if you consider $2.80 in 5 days doing well), Jim has decided to test me. Press my buttons. Bait me. Taunt me.
For example, if we had an in-house referee, he would have thrown a serious flag on hubby while I was vacuuming this weekend. My super-reliable Dyson quit on me a few times for no reason. Oh, I mean there was a real reason, Jim was unplugging it and plugging it back in (out of sight, down the hall) to see how I'd react! Thankfully, I kept my cool ... until I found out what he was up to. Then I used sign language to demonstrate my displeasure at his flagrant foul. Now he says that "sign" should cost me a buck.
What do ya think, ref?
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Balancing Act
2008 is shaping up to be a big year. Somewhere between Leap Day and the presidential election will fall the Summer Olympics in Beijing. As much as I love the Olympics, I usually don't get fired up about them this early. That changed this week when we went to a gymnastics meet.
Yes, I'm a typical girl. I love watching the gymnastics in the summer games and figure skating in the winter venue.
The other night, Jim, Carter and I attended a dual meet between the Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point high schools. Some longtime friends of Jim's have a daughter who is doing exceptionally well this year so we thought it would be neat to see her perform and lend our support.
I've never been to a gymnastics meet -- in fact, my only point of reference is the Olympics -- so I was pretty excited. Carter wouldn't have minded staying home to play PS2, but I think he would have to admit he was a little impressed.
I think the reason I like watching gymnastics (and figure skating) is that I am in awe. I know there is no way in heck I could ever physically do anything close to what they do. I'm not a complete clutz, but it does take some effort for me to be coordinated (or at least look it). I admire these girls for what they could do -- their physical abilities and their resolve. If they fell off that beam, they got right back on it and kept going. There were no quitters.
It turned out to be a pretty close match with Point edging Rapids by 2.5 points. Katie, the girl we went to cheer on, finished 3rd in the overall. She obviously hoped to do a little better but she is going into the "playoffs" in the coming weeks with a positive attitude that she can perfect her mistakes and succeed.
I think that's another reason I both respect and envy athletes. They don't lose sight of their goals. When obstacles are thrown in their path, they find a way to get over, around or past them. We could learn a lot from that type of dedication. I'm looking forward to seeing more if it in China this summer.
Yes, I'm a typical girl. I love watching the gymnastics in the summer games and figure skating in the winter venue.
The other night, Jim, Carter and I attended a dual meet between the Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point high schools. Some longtime friends of Jim's have a daughter who is doing exceptionally well this year so we thought it would be neat to see her perform and lend our support.
I've never been to a gymnastics meet -- in fact, my only point of reference is the Olympics -- so I was pretty excited. Carter wouldn't have minded staying home to play PS2, but I think he would have to admit he was a little impressed.
I think the reason I like watching gymnastics (and figure skating) is that I am in awe. I know there is no way in heck I could ever physically do anything close to what they do. I'm not a complete clutz, but it does take some effort for me to be coordinated (or at least look it). I admire these girls for what they could do -- their physical abilities and their resolve. If they fell off that beam, they got right back on it and kept going. There were no quitters.
It turned out to be a pretty close match with Point edging Rapids by 2.5 points. Katie, the girl we went to cheer on, finished 3rd in the overall. She obviously hoped to do a little better but she is going into the "playoffs" in the coming weeks with a positive attitude that she can perfect her mistakes and succeed.
I think that's another reason I both respect and envy athletes. They don't lose sight of their goals. When obstacles are thrown in their path, they find a way to get over, around or past them. We could learn a lot from that type of dedication. I'm looking forward to seeing more if it in China this summer.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Petty Cash
I'm always amused when someone comes into some unexpected cash and people say, "What are you going to do with all that extra money?" If you think about it, there's really no such thing as extra money. It can always be used for something, right?
Yesterday, the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved a multi-billion-dollar plan aimed at "spurring the economy" by sending rebate checks to millions of taxpayers, offering tax breaks to businesses and trying to ease the home lending crunch.
I might just use mine to throw myself one heckuva 40th birthday party. Naturally, you're all invited.
Seriously, while I won't mind receiving the rebate come summer, I don't think it will spur millions of citizens to go shopping and jump-start the economy. Since the recipients are labeled as low and middle class, I suspect most of us will be paying off bills. I mean really, how far can $1,500 go? That wouldn't even cover anything major we'd dream about -- like getting the driveway surfaced or buying the lot next door.
This is who would get the rebate: $600 would go to singles making less than $75,000; $1,200 to couples making less than $150,000; and $300 rebates will be given per child.
I'm wondering if Congress thinks the Austins will use theirs to get that large, hi-def, wall-mounted flat-screen TV they want. Or maybe a riding lawn mower. In all likelihood, it will go into savings as we prepare to replace the high-mileage Windstar.
I am going to keep the option open for a birthday bash, though. I'm pretty sure we could accommodate everyone who reads this blog and still have a little left over for a birthday gift for hubby the following week.
If the president does sign off on this deal -- and it looks like he will -- how will you use your rebate (I mean besides my birthday present, of course)?
Yesterday, the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved a multi-billion-dollar plan aimed at "spurring the economy" by sending rebate checks to millions of taxpayers, offering tax breaks to businesses and trying to ease the home lending crunch.
I might just use mine to throw myself one heckuva 40th birthday party. Naturally, you're all invited.
Seriously, while I won't mind receiving the rebate come summer, I don't think it will spur millions of citizens to go shopping and jump-start the economy. Since the recipients are labeled as low and middle class, I suspect most of us will be paying off bills. I mean really, how far can $1,500 go? That wouldn't even cover anything major we'd dream about -- like getting the driveway surfaced or buying the lot next door.
This is who would get the rebate: $600 would go to singles making less than $75,000; $1,200 to couples making less than $150,000; and $300 rebates will be given per child.
I'm wondering if Congress thinks the Austins will use theirs to get that large, hi-def, wall-mounted flat-screen TV they want. Or maybe a riding lawn mower. In all likelihood, it will go into savings as we prepare to replace the high-mileage Windstar.
I am going to keep the option open for a birthday bash, though. I'm pretty sure we could accommodate everyone who reads this blog and still have a little left over for a birthday gift for hubby the following week.
If the president does sign off on this deal -- and it looks like he will -- how will you use your rebate (I mean besides my birthday present, of course)?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Bread of Life
Our theme for our church's Lenten services this year will be "Bread of Life" -- basically we'll be examining any event or concept of bread in the Bible.
Last night, before the Ash Wednesday service began, they actually had one of those breadmaking machines baking bread in the sanctuary so we walked in to the smell of heaven!
There's just something about the smell of fresh-baked bread that makes you feel all good inside. I'm convinced Jim and I bought our house because we loved the smell of baking bread every time we toured it. Now I know it is a Realtor's trick -- and an effective one at that.
No surprise that last evening the aroma once again brought back a flood of childhood memories.
My mother often made bread rather than purchasing sliced bread from the store. Even if she didn't mix and knead the dough -- opting for frozen loaves -- part of the fun was waking up to see how much the loaf (yeast) had risen while we were sleeping. Of course, that part of the process finished a distant second to the best part: Eating warm bread (with butter, of course), fresh out of the oven. Always, the first loaf was gone in less than 30 minutes. H-m-m-m good!
It gives me a warm (dare I say almost domestic) feeling when my "boys" react the same way to my banana bread. I made some this weekend and, as usual, the first loaf was gone in no time. Carter follows Daddy's lead. When he wants a slice, it better be 3 inches thick!
Hopefully some day that banana bread will come to mind when his pastor talks about the bread of life. Just like God's spirit, a 3-inch-thick slice with butter melting on top certainly does give us a warm, full, contented feeling.
Last night, before the Ash Wednesday service began, they actually had one of those breadmaking machines baking bread in the sanctuary so we walked in to the smell of heaven!
There's just something about the smell of fresh-baked bread that makes you feel all good inside. I'm convinced Jim and I bought our house because we loved the smell of baking bread every time we toured it. Now I know it is a Realtor's trick -- and an effective one at that.
No surprise that last evening the aroma once again brought back a flood of childhood memories.
My mother often made bread rather than purchasing sliced bread from the store. Even if she didn't mix and knead the dough -- opting for frozen loaves -- part of the fun was waking up to see how much the loaf (yeast) had risen while we were sleeping. Of course, that part of the process finished a distant second to the best part: Eating warm bread (with butter, of course), fresh out of the oven. Always, the first loaf was gone in less than 30 minutes. H-m-m-m good!
It gives me a warm (dare I say almost domestic) feeling when my "boys" react the same way to my banana bread. I made some this weekend and, as usual, the first loaf was gone in no time. Carter follows Daddy's lead. When he wants a slice, it better be 3 inches thick!
Hopefully some day that banana bread will come to mind when his pastor talks about the bread of life. Just like God's spirit, a 3-inch-thick slice with butter melting on top certainly does give us a warm, full, contented feeling.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Worth noting ...
Funny Bone: Carter got his report card for the first semester. We were pleased as usual with his high academic marks. He did have one area flagged for improvement: In-class behavior. His teacher wrote something to the effect: "Carter is a very bright student with a wonderful sense of humor. He just needs to learn when it's appropriate to use in class." I wonder where he gets that from. Don't look at me. Jim confesses we probably both got notes like that on our report cards so it's a 50-50 split of blame (or credit).
The Curse: Well I made it until 6:12 a.m. before I expelled my first curse of Lent. I had just gotten out of the shower and was combing through my tangled hair when my comb broke! I now have a tally running on the wipe board for Mommy's dimes and dollars. Dollars will be for the F-bombs. Dimes are for everything else. I expect I'll make a lot of money on myself in the next 40 days. Now I'll just have to decide what good cause to spend it on. Any takers? (ha, ha)
Bucket List: I've officially crossed off one of my items on my Bucket List already. I successfully snowblowed (or is it snowblew) the driveway without breaking the machine, crashing into the garage or losing any limbs. How exciting to accomplish something on my list! At this rate, you can look for my book on the New York Times Best Seller List in about a month!
The Curse: Well I made it until 6:12 a.m. before I expelled my first curse of Lent. I had just gotten out of the shower and was combing through my tangled hair when my comb broke! I now have a tally running on the wipe board for Mommy's dimes and dollars. Dollars will be for the F-bombs. Dimes are for everything else. I expect I'll make a lot of money on myself in the next 40 days. Now I'll just have to decide what good cause to spend it on. Any takers? (ha, ha)
Bucket List: I've officially crossed off one of my items on my Bucket List already. I successfully snowblowed (or is it snowblew) the driveway without breaking the machine, crashing into the garage or losing any limbs. How exciting to accomplish something on my list! At this rate, you can look for my book on the New York Times Best Seller List in about a month!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Fat Tuesday
Today is Fat Tuesday. The epitome of Mardi Gras madness. The day some of us indulge in whatever we can legally get away with before we start 40 days of sacrificing for Lent.
We just used it as an excuse for an all-day grazing festival at work. We've got food (fat and fat-free) and we've got beads! I brought in an Andes mint creme pie and a cheesecake -- both are items I knew I'd come across when I cleaned out my freezer (and knew I couldn't resist when I did) so I'm sharing the guilt.
Although many people do give up something for Lent, I'm not sure I'll be doing that. Remember, my New Year's resolution was not to give up things necessarily, but add them instead (like water and exercise).
If I am going to give up something, I want to have a fighting chance of actually being able to succeed (read: forget caffeine or chocolate). I also have to keep in mind I'll be going on spring break the week before Lent is over. I'd hate to have to deprive myself of any Texas treats on that trip. Whoa. Sorry, God. I guess that's the point, isn't it?
Wow, I better put my thinking cap on. If I approach this honestly, all thoughts of food and beverage aside, probably the hardest things for me to stop doing are swearing (you'd think a writer's vocabulary would be large enough to find alternative curses) and beating myself up (as in putting myself down or blaming myself for everything that goes wrong in the world).
If I could actually set aside those behaviors for 40 days, I bet my husband would buy me caffeine or chocolate every day for the rest of the year. Yes, it would be that big of a deal. And yes, just like everything challenging in life, I can only do it with God's help.
How about you? Is there something you should change or give up? Are you willing to go to any length to accomplish that?
We just used it as an excuse for an all-day grazing festival at work. We've got food (fat and fat-free) and we've got beads! I brought in an Andes mint creme pie and a cheesecake -- both are items I knew I'd come across when I cleaned out my freezer (and knew I couldn't resist when I did) so I'm sharing the guilt.
Although many people do give up something for Lent, I'm not sure I'll be doing that. Remember, my New Year's resolution was not to give up things necessarily, but add them instead (like water and exercise).
If I am going to give up something, I want to have a fighting chance of actually being able to succeed (read: forget caffeine or chocolate). I also have to keep in mind I'll be going on spring break the week before Lent is over. I'd hate to have to deprive myself of any Texas treats on that trip. Whoa. Sorry, God. I guess that's the point, isn't it?
Wow, I better put my thinking cap on. If I approach this honestly, all thoughts of food and beverage aside, probably the hardest things for me to stop doing are swearing (you'd think a writer's vocabulary would be large enough to find alternative curses) and beating myself up (as in putting myself down or blaming myself for everything that goes wrong in the world).
If I could actually set aside those behaviors for 40 days, I bet my husband would buy me caffeine or chocolate every day for the rest of the year. Yes, it would be that big of a deal. And yes, just like everything challenging in life, I can only do it with God's help.
How about you? Is there something you should change or give up? Are you willing to go to any length to accomplish that?
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Bucket List
Call me anal retentive (and many people do), but I like to make lists. It's my attempt at being organized -- or at least appearing to be.
Throughout my childhood, I watched my mother make her daily lists of "Things to Do." I think she must have had the day on the list, like "Things to Do Monday," because each morning she'd start a new list, carrying over the items not crossed off the day before and adding new ones. I often thought (but never dared say, of course) that in the time it took her to rewrite the list in her meticulous, school teacher-like handwriting, she could have gotten something done on the list!
I keep a list of things to do, or tasks, at work but not so often at home. I definitely do not put a day at the top because some days I'm lucky to get one thing crossed off. The longer I keep the original list, the more things I get to cross off. Then it really looks like I've accomplished something! (That's probably a bit like cheating to the truly anal retentive list masters.)
This weekend I learned about a different kind of list. Hubby and I finally got to see the movie The Bucket List, which we both thoroughly enjoyed. In the movie, the two main characters, diagnosed with terminal illnesses, develop a list of things they'd like to do before they die -- or kick the bucket. Thus, the bucket list.
Naturally, everyone walking away from the theater is thinking about their own bucket lists. Jim and I discussed ours on the way home. I realized quickly I have lots of "seeing" things on my list versus "doing" things. I want to see Norway or Sweden and a few other places. But what do I want to do?
Do I want to do things that will address my fears like they did in the movie (Skydiving? Never!)? Or do I want to do things that will prove I accomplished something, that I was successful? Do I want to help others? Or do I just want to have fun?
So far on my list I have two things: Write a book. Learn to operate the snowblower.
Judging by today's forecast, I might get to cross one of those off sooner than I think. That's a pretty good start, huh? What's on your list?
Throughout my childhood, I watched my mother make her daily lists of "Things to Do." I think she must have had the day on the list, like "Things to Do Monday," because each morning she'd start a new list, carrying over the items not crossed off the day before and adding new ones. I often thought (but never dared say, of course) that in the time it took her to rewrite the list in her meticulous, school teacher-like handwriting, she could have gotten something done on the list!
I keep a list of things to do, or tasks, at work but not so often at home. I definitely do not put a day at the top because some days I'm lucky to get one thing crossed off. The longer I keep the original list, the more things I get to cross off. Then it really looks like I've accomplished something! (That's probably a bit like cheating to the truly anal retentive list masters.)
This weekend I learned about a different kind of list. Hubby and I finally got to see the movie The Bucket List, which we both thoroughly enjoyed. In the movie, the two main characters, diagnosed with terminal illnesses, develop a list of things they'd like to do before they die -- or kick the bucket. Thus, the bucket list.
Naturally, everyone walking away from the theater is thinking about their own bucket lists. Jim and I discussed ours on the way home. I realized quickly I have lots of "seeing" things on my list versus "doing" things. I want to see Norway or Sweden and a few other places. But what do I want to do?
Do I want to do things that will address my fears like they did in the movie (Skydiving? Never!)? Or do I want to do things that will prove I accomplished something, that I was successful? Do I want to help others? Or do I just want to have fun?
So far on my list I have two things: Write a book. Learn to operate the snowblower.
Judging by today's forecast, I might get to cross one of those off sooner than I think. That's a pretty good start, huh? What's on your list?
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Super Sunday
Although today is considered the most important football day of the year, most people focus on good snacks and great commercials. And parties abound.
Jim went to the house of a friend who has had a Superbowl party probably as long as he's had a house. Carter and I stayed home and had our own special supper (pizza, of course) and snacks.
Carter was rooting really hard for the Patriots to win. Jim had some Fantasy Football players on both teams he needed to do well. And I just wanted a good game -- and it finally was in the fourth quarter.
In our household, we are all sort of anti-New York fans (except when they played the Packers). The Giants have killed the Vikings in more key games than I care to remember. In fact, the last game Jim and I went to at the Metrodome, the Giants just crushed the Vikes. We vowed that day we were not going to invest any more -- money or emotions -- in our Purple Pride. (We're not fairweather fans. We're just frugal fans.)
At any rate, you'd think I would have been rooting against the Giants. But I have this thing about those Manning boys. I thought it only fair that if Peyton won the big game last year, it was Eli's turn. After seeing him scramble out of the would-be sack near the end of the game to complete a very long pass, I think he deserved it.
Carter doesn't quite see it that way. He's mad that Randy Moss didn't catch the play at the end of the game. Well I guess if you are going to take your anger out at someone, it might as well be an ex-Viking.
At least the pizza was good.
Jim went to the house of a friend who has had a Superbowl party probably as long as he's had a house. Carter and I stayed home and had our own special supper (pizza, of course) and snacks.
Carter was rooting really hard for the Patriots to win. Jim had some Fantasy Football players on both teams he needed to do well. And I just wanted a good game -- and it finally was in the fourth quarter.
In our household, we are all sort of anti-New York fans (except when they played the Packers). The Giants have killed the Vikings in more key games than I care to remember. In fact, the last game Jim and I went to at the Metrodome, the Giants just crushed the Vikes. We vowed that day we were not going to invest any more -- money or emotions -- in our Purple Pride. (We're not fairweather fans. We're just frugal fans.)
At any rate, you'd think I would have been rooting against the Giants. But I have this thing about those Manning boys. I thought it only fair that if Peyton won the big game last year, it was Eli's turn. After seeing him scramble out of the would-be sack near the end of the game to complete a very long pass, I think he deserved it.
Carter doesn't quite see it that way. He's mad that Randy Moss didn't catch the play at the end of the game. Well I guess if you are going to take your anger out at someone, it might as well be an ex-Viking.
At least the pizza was good.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Groundhog Day
It's really no surprise Punxsutawney Phil, the famous furry weather forecaster, saw his shadow today. Six more weeks of winter. Yea. But really, would we expect on Feb. 2 that winter would end any sooner than mid-March anyway?
The only thing I like about Groundhog Day is the movie of the same name that came out in the early '90s. If you haven't seen it, rent it. In the comedy, Bill Murray plays the main character, a somewhat bitter TV weatherman who has to cover the Groundhog Day events in Punxsutawney. Suddenly he finds himself stuck in the little town, repeating the same day over and over again.
It's interesting to see his character change. At first he indulges in anything he can -- from too many jelly doughnuts to too much alcohol -- knowing the next morning it will be like nothing happened and he starts over. Gradually, he begins to reexamine his life and priorities and finds a way to make the experience a positive one.
Wouldn't that be an interesting opportunity? If you could go back and re-live one day of your life, which one would it be? Would it be one of the great ones you want to keep experiencing? Or would it be one you'd want to go back to so you could change something about it?
Interesting to think about. I can honestly say I didn't have a quick answer come to mind.
As for a day I'd change, I wouldn't. Everything I've done or has been done to me, bad and good, had to happen to get me where I am today. I wouldn't change that for anything.
As for one I'd re-live over again, I couldn't pinpoint one specific day, just lots of parts of certain days. I'm guessing that means I still have that one "perfect day" to live. It might be right around corner ... just like spring.
The only thing I like about Groundhog Day is the movie of the same name that came out in the early '90s. If you haven't seen it, rent it. In the comedy, Bill Murray plays the main character, a somewhat bitter TV weatherman who has to cover the Groundhog Day events in Punxsutawney. Suddenly he finds himself stuck in the little town, repeating the same day over and over again.
It's interesting to see his character change. At first he indulges in anything he can -- from too many jelly doughnuts to too much alcohol -- knowing the next morning it will be like nothing happened and he starts over. Gradually, he begins to reexamine his life and priorities and finds a way to make the experience a positive one.
Wouldn't that be an interesting opportunity? If you could go back and re-live one day of your life, which one would it be? Would it be one of the great ones you want to keep experiencing? Or would it be one you'd want to go back to so you could change something about it?
Interesting to think about. I can honestly say I didn't have a quick answer come to mind.
As for a day I'd change, I wouldn't. Everything I've done or has been done to me, bad and good, had to happen to get me where I am today. I wouldn't change that for anything.
As for one I'd re-live over again, I couldn't pinpoint one specific day, just lots of parts of certain days. I'm guessing that means I still have that one "perfect day" to live. It might be right around corner ... just like spring.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Panic Button
Forget caffeine. Nothing gets your heart going in the morning like a good old-fashioned panic attack. You know the kind that happens when, say, you realize you've locked the keys in the car... when it's running...
Like most cars these days, one touch of a button locks all the doors. I'm an especially careful, paranoid freak about this in the winter time when we often warm up the car. (Yes, this has happened to me before.) I always be sure I hit the unlock button before exiting the car so I am sure we can leave it running and not get locked out.
This winter, we've learned that Carter is old enough now to start the car for us on the cold mornings while Mommy and Daddy are still getting ready for work. It's not like the old days when we had to worry abouut hitting the gas just right to get the old engine going. He can just turn the key, crank the heat and come back inside the house.
This morning, he went out to start it when I was packing my lunch. A few minutes later, I was going to put my stuff in the car and come back in to get my purse. I grab the handle of the passenger side door. It won't open. I glance at the back door and see that it is locked, too. "Oh poop, poop!!" I said. (Though you know I didn't say "poop"!)
I carry my stuff back in the house, still saying "Poop!" Carter's like "What?" and I said, "The keys are locked in the car and it's running and I don't know what to do." (See, the problem is that the other set of keys are in Florida with Jim.) Carter breaks down crying immediately and keeps saying, "Mom, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
I go back out to the garage and walk around the back of the car, trying the trunk (not sure why), then the back door on the driver's side. No luck. Then, as I glance at the driver door, it looks unlocked! Could it be possible? It opens! Carter must have somehow hit the lock button while inside the car so the driver door stayed unlocked after he opened it. Whew!
Of course, my heart is still racing and Carter is still crying. I'm trying to calm us both down. Deep breaths, deep breaths. I tell Carter it's OK now. We just had a scare. It's not his fault. He was still a bit upset, though, when I dropped him off at the sitter's. It might be awhile before he volunteers to start the car for us again.
My heart was still beating a mile a minute on the drive to work. I can tell you I've never been so wide awake on a Friday morning, that's for sure. I think I'll stick with my morning cup of coffee, though, from here on out.
Like most cars these days, one touch of a button locks all the doors. I'm an especially careful, paranoid freak about this in the winter time when we often warm up the car. (Yes, this has happened to me before.) I always be sure I hit the unlock button before exiting the car so I am sure we can leave it running and not get locked out.
This winter, we've learned that Carter is old enough now to start the car for us on the cold mornings while Mommy and Daddy are still getting ready for work. It's not like the old days when we had to worry abouut hitting the gas just right to get the old engine going. He can just turn the key, crank the heat and come back inside the house.
This morning, he went out to start it when I was packing my lunch. A few minutes later, I was going to put my stuff in the car and come back in to get my purse. I grab the handle of the passenger side door. It won't open. I glance at the back door and see that it is locked, too. "Oh poop, poop!!" I said. (Though you know I didn't say "poop"!)
I carry my stuff back in the house, still saying "Poop!" Carter's like "What?" and I said, "The keys are locked in the car and it's running and I don't know what to do." (See, the problem is that the other set of keys are in Florida with Jim.) Carter breaks down crying immediately and keeps saying, "Mom, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
I go back out to the garage and walk around the back of the car, trying the trunk (not sure why), then the back door on the driver's side. No luck. Then, as I glance at the driver door, it looks unlocked! Could it be possible? It opens! Carter must have somehow hit the lock button while inside the car so the driver door stayed unlocked after he opened it. Whew!
Of course, my heart is still racing and Carter is still crying. I'm trying to calm us both down. Deep breaths, deep breaths. I tell Carter it's OK now. We just had a scare. It's not his fault. He was still a bit upset, though, when I dropped him off at the sitter's. It might be awhile before he volunteers to start the car for us again.
My heart was still beating a mile a minute on the drive to work. I can tell you I've never been so wide awake on a Friday morning, that's for sure. I think I'll stick with my morning cup of coffee, though, from here on out.
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