NBA bound?

OK I am just trying to venture into the next phase of blogging with VIDEO. Whoo-hoo!

Since we're in the middle of the NBA playoffs (I know this since hubby is a big Celtics fan), let's turn our attention -- and eyes -- to basketball...

See if this works. This is Carter, the day before his 10th birthday, trying to break the record for the world's (or neighborhood's) longest lay-up. Honestly, we got this in ONE try so maybe there's yet another sport he'll dabble in (or should I say dribble in?)

Breakfast, anyone?

I told Carter last night he better start thinking about what he wants to bring for a birthday treat to school Thursday. We are somewhat limited since we leave town in the morning before anyone is at the school. So I'm not going to send a cake with him on the bus. And certainly not a container of cupcakes to get dropped or smooshed or eaten. So I was leaning towards something I could buy. Maybe something from my friend Little Debbie. That didn't happen.

Carter recalled some pretzel-almond bark thing his babysitter made at Christmas time. Something different from our "pretzel doughnuts." These were called "Bacon & Eggs" instead. I kind of remembered what they looked like but told Carter the challenge would be finding Almond Bark at this time of year. It's just one of those things that they have a stockpile of during the holidays, but that's usually it.

So being clever about still getting out of making something, I said, "If they don't have all the ingredients (yes, all 3 of them) for Bacon & Eggs, what is your second choice? Or do you just want me to find something?" He said I could pick.

How evil am I that I was hoping for an easy out? Well, as luck would have it -- as Carter's luck would have it -- Wal-Mart (who has everything, darn it) had Almond Bark, the thin pretzel sticks and M&M's.

We decided to make it tonight since I don't know what time we'll get home from an out-of-town funeral tomorrow evening. So we jumped into it after baseball practice. It was actually a quick-and-easy project. And tasty. We had to eat the ones where the yoke was off-centered because I am a perfectionist and will only serve the best Bacon & Eggs to those 4th-graders!

So if you are in the neighborhood on May 1st, stop on by Grant Elementary to say hello to the birthday boy. I think "breakfast" will be served around 10!

Silver linings are overrated

You know it's going to be a bad day when the first sight that greets you is snow accumulating on your deck chairs. This is like Ground Hog Day, where we keep waking up to this nightmare that we live inside a snow globe!

Anyway, it was an especially trying day and tomorrow looks to be much the same. I confess I just can't find a silver lining every day. And right now I am too tired to try. But don't worry about me. Seriously.

I would appreciate it if you could send some positive thoughts upward for some friends: Sara, a co-worker who had a second cancer surgery today; Tom and Toni, longtime friends who have lost their third parent between them in three years; Karen, feisty friend who is on her second week of chemo; Pastor Steve, who is seeking a new congregation; step-son Clayton, who may need a lightning bolt to get him to school these days; and some people who aren't even aware they'll really need prayers this week.

Thanks. I guess the silver lining is that I don't need a special prayer today for me... just the usual patience, tolerance, understanding...

If you build it...

After yesterday's Arctic Blast, Carter and I decided to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie last night. Since we've been in the sports mode this weekend -- between soccer and the NFL draft -- I decided to get out the "Field of Dreams" DVD Santa left in Jimmy's stocking.

If you haven't seen the movie (and you've been living under a rock), the story follows an Iowa man (played by Kevin Costner) who hears a voice telling him, "If you build it, he will come," then envisions a baseball field. Costner's character doesn't know who "he" is but still decides to act on his faith. He tears up half his corn crop to build the field. Eventually, Chicago White Sox players banned in the 1920s from baseball for throwing the World Series to win gambling bets -- more accurately, their life-like ghosts -- showed up to play. The movie is about faith, mending relationships and, of course, the love of baseball.

I wasn't sure Carter would grasp the "8 men out" story line, but he really, really enjoyed the movie. And he really, really wants to know where those players go when they go back into the cornfield. "What's out there?!"

The movie got me thinking about acting on faith. I sometimes wonder if I shut up long enough to even hear the voice. And when I do, is it really the voice or am I feeding it its lines? Pretending its Thy will when it's mostly my will. I believe what I say and do is with the best of intentions (most of the time). I have faith I am doing the right thing and it's right for everyone. Do I believe others are doing the same or do I question them and their intentions?

A friend of mine (and former boss) reminded me often that we have to "assume the positive." Before feeling targeted or victimized by some decision at work or church or wherever, we have to assume the decision-makers are acting with good intentions for a positive result. Not always easy to do.

We had a lengthy Sunday School meeting today about how things are and aren't working with our new rotation model. As one of the leaders, I knew going into the meeting that I needed a thick skin and positive attitude. Turns out I needed a little of both. Also turns out, by assuming the positive (don't you love the phrase "constructive criticism"?) I could accept what they had to say and realize we are all after the same goal -- to build it (an inviting learning environment) so they (the children) will come. This is our field of dreams. Now we just have to fold our hands, close our mouths and listen for the voice...

Soccer Moms

I must confess I am not the stereotypical soccer mom. You won't see me driving a minivan filled with all sorts of equipment and extra kids. I don't thrive on helping the soccer community by working concessions (especially in the bitter cold) or sitting on the sidelines (especially in the bitter cold).

But, just like those soccer moms, I do love to fill my scrapbooks with pictures of my son in action. I do love to cheer encouragement (or sometimes yell with advice) from the sidelines. I do take pride in his determination and skill -- especially on days like today.

By coincidence, I did drive the minivan to go work concessions at 8:30 a.m. It was snowing lightly and the gusts were coming through that concessions stand like it was some sort of wind tunnel. It was wicked. I served cup after cup of hot chocolate and coffee and still my hands were numb from the cold. I kept thinking, "Good thing Carter's game isn't until noon. It'll warm up."

Didn't happen. It was still cold and windy but somehow that sparked a performance out of that boy that I've never seen. I didn't even have my chair set up yet and when I glanced up he was kicking a goal already. It was one of those "bend it like Beckham" moves -- almost a slide kick -- so he could have gotten into trouble, but he didn't.

He kicked a few more at the goalie that didn't get past. When he was substituted out, he came over for a high five and his water bottle. Both Mommy and Daddy (the "assistant" coaches) told him he needed to work on his follow-through. When he kicks it at the goalie, if it doesn't go in, keep after it. Wouldn't you know it, he went back into that game and the next time he kicked the ball at the goalie and he stopped it, Carter stole it right back, went around him and kicked it in for goal! See, soccer moms and dads know things once in awhile!

The last part of the game was like the Carter show. He'd get that ball and dribble down the field, faking people out, going around them, moving this way and that toward the goal. Unfortunately, there wasn't anyone to pass it to. The other forwards were sort of shadowing him and he had no where to go except shoot for another goal. He didn't score any more but his control of the ball was very impressive. Even his coach said, "You really had your game on!" Carter says something like, "Oh, I play best in the cold" -- like it's happened before.

The final score was 4-0. They are on a two-game "winning streak"!

We did tell Carter it was one of his best-played games. And he, in turn, called Grandma and Grandpa and few aunts to let them know, too! He's pretty pumped up. Makes me proud, too, to be one of those soccer moms!

Life is GREY-t again

It's a grey, foggy day. Perfect! Oh, it feels GREY-t to be talking about a NEW episode of Grey's on a Friday morning. I have missed that!

Yes, after 5 long months of waiting, we finally got to watch a new one last night! Our overall consensus among us Grey's fans here at work was that we didn't really mind that nothing major happened on the show (as in no big hook-ups or anything). We were just thrilled to be watching again!

Carter, who has been rolling his eyes every time I've mentioned Grey's this week, even sat down to watch part of the show. Once he saw the intestine part, he was a little freaked out. During commercial, he says, "Ohmigosh! I can't believe that. Intestines in the hands! Intestines in the hands!" I think he had a new-found respect for me that squeamish Mommy could handle a show like this. I did confess I have to cover my eyes sometimes... as in sometimes during every episode (but not during the McDreamy or McSteamy parts, though!).

Our post-show debriefing talk today was about how we still don't really want the Rose and Derrick thing to work out. And what is Derrick really thinking? Is this serious? There's no other "relationship" on the show to root for right now. That's weird. For me, it was disappointing that they showed Bailey's son in two scenes but didn't acknowledge what was going on with hubby -- a key story plot in the November cliffhanger. Hmmm. We'll have see on that one.

OK, so of if you are not a Grey's fan (and shame on you), you are completely bored right now and I give you credit for still reading.

Jim got home from Kansas City after 9 so I taped The Office for him while I was watching Grey's. Figures both of "our" shows happen to be on at the same time so good thing we are one of those typical American families with 2.3 TVs (or is that kids?).

We have a firm rule that during that 8 o'clock hour, there is no talking, no interruptions. Carter knows better. Unfortunately not everyone does. The phone rang at 8:10 last night and I said, "Who would dare call during Grey's?!" Some people just don't get it.

One sad thing I realized today is that without having Grey's to watch each week, I have actually had 20 extra hours available to me -- almost the equivalent of whole day -- and I can't think what I did with them. I'm guessing I filled them with searches for show spoilers and mindless blogging about a TV show most of you don't care about. Thanks for reading. You're too good to me!

Bird on a Wire

I seem to have fallen into this pattern where my son shocks me with his inquisitiveness about the strangest things.

A while back, we were traveling somewhere and Carter pipes up from the back seat: "Mom, I know this is question out of the blue, but why don't birds get electrocuted when they sit on a wire?" I don't know if I even gave him a scientifically correct answer, but I think so.

Since then, he has referred to that type of questioning twice. He'll say, "This is one of those bird on a wire type questions" -- as in, "I've thought long and hard about asking Mom this but I am going to pretend I just thought of it out of the blue."

The other night, the bird on the wire question was "When can I start wearing cologne?" Last night it was "Can I get some tanning oil?" What the heck is going on at that grade school?!

I gave him a definitive "no" on the tanning oil, but I just wonder what little bird will be talking to him next!

Non-scents

They say every generation grows up faster than the one before. Which is also why parents "don't know anything" at a younger and younger age!

Carter called my mom to have her help with his "Big Words" homework this week. This is where the students see how many words they can make out of a bigger word -- in this case, earthworms. Since Grandma helped one other time and enjoyed it so much, he thought he better let her in on the fun one more time before the school year ends.

As usual, when I got on the phone, Mom is chuckling about something Carter said to her and commenting how "mature" he sounds. I was telling this to Carter later when I was tucking him in and, in his mind, a conversation about maturity was a perfect segue into his request to start wearing cologne.

I was not prepared. I said something like: "You can't even spell cologne! Why would you need to wear cologne? To impress some girl?"

Then I heard the answer that shot arrows into my heart. "Well Mom, I have a whole secret world you know nothing about!"

Oh boy. So I said, "So this is about a girl! Who is it? Tori? Kayla? Bridgette?" I just kept naming names and when he said, "You'll never guess," then I knew I was right. He wants to impress a girl.

So I suggested he take a shower every night if he was concerned about smelling good. He didn't miss a beat and replied: "But Mom, that will wear off when I toss and turn all night wondering when I can wear cologne!"

Thank you, Mr. I Have An Answer For Everything. I mentioned it to Jim and he said Carter shouldn't even think about wearing cologne until he has his driver's license. That sounded good to me. When I told our little fourth-grader that, he said, "Mom! Why did you tell Dad?! I was asking you?"

Nine-year-olds may be smart but they don't know everything. Mom is not the one to go to when you want to bring another female into your life. Someday he'll learn, but hopefully not too soon!

By the way, since Jim is out of town a few days, Carter asked to sleep with me last night. Falling on the heels of the "I'm growing up" cologne discussion, I said yes, of course. This morning when I woke him up, he said he slept really good, then asked: "Can we do things the old-fashioned way and have you carry me out to breakfast?" Old-fashioned? As if his toddlerhood was so long ago! I declined the request, citing my bad back, but I did smile to myself, thinking maybe he doesn't want to grow up so fast after all.

Going Green

It's a sad state of affairs when oil prices rise to an all-time high on Earth Day. A good reminder we need to think seriously about where we as a planet are going. And what can we do about it?

We hear so much buzz today about "going green." I guess if there's one good bandwagon to jump on, it's that one. As long as people are willing to adopt the attitude for the long haul. I heard a lot of "green" tips on the radio this morning on the drive in. Everything I've heard before, but sometimes we forget.

Of course, one of the obvious ones is to use less fuel -- either drive less or buy a hybrid vehicle or both. When we work 44 miles away, it's hard to drive any less, but we do ride together and only drive separately when it's absolutely necessary. Our Honda Civic gets good gas mileage but the minivan is another story. It cost 60 bucks to fill it last night and it wasn't even an empty tank. Ouch! We said we should stop on the way home and buy a Prius. But then I'd probably need a second job to afford one. Just more driving!

They mentioned saving water, too, by doing fewer loads of wash, turning off the water when brushing your teeth and flushing a few less times each day. Since Carter often forgets to flush already, we've got that one covered. Plus, when I was growing up, we didn't even have indoor plumbing until I was Carter's age so I have 10 years of water conservation invested already!

It goes without saying we should recycle, recycle, recycle. I feel guilty if I go someplace where they don't recycle and I have to put an aluminum can in the trash. It just doesn't feel right. We do a good job of recycling aluminum, plastic, glass, cardboard and paper at our house. The cardboard/paper effort requires a trip into town to the drop-off site every now and then but it's not really an extra trip if we tie it into a stop at the grocery store, etc.

In Wisconsin, we are particularly proud of Earth Day since its founder -- Sen. Gaylord Nelson -- lived here. It seems strange to think there was a time when it was OK to toss that can or bottle out the window or into the creek and litter. I distinctly remember that TV commercial when I was a kid where the Native American had a tear rolling down his cheek because he was so sad about what we were doing to the Earth. Not littering was a new thing then. So was caring about the environment. And what is this O-zone thing? The most crushing blow as a teenager was learning I probably shouldn't be using that aerosol can of Aqua-Net hairspray. How did we survive?

Think about what you can do to go green so our children and grandchildren have a safe and beautiful place to live. Why not start today?

Old Faithful

"When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better."

It's easy enough to say you have faith when it hasn't been tested. When life is on cruise control. And you have no need for a higher power. But what do you do when something happens to shake your universe?

Do you say "Help me get through this, Lord" or do you point fingers and ask "Why, God, Why?!"

Do we accept the message behind the quote above and know this tragedy or challenge has to happen in order for a bigger blessing down the road? It's tough, isn't it? If we are on the sidelines watching someone else's situation, it's much easier to say "Everything happens for a reason." But do we believe that when the emergency is happening to us?

I have some co-workers going through some very rough times right now. One just had surgery today to hopefully remove the cancer in her throat and tongue. Another is dealing with the loss of a brother-in-law who was shot and killed by police last week. So much pain. So much tragedy!

In the past 10 years, I have walked what I consider a path of faith. I have had a few events shake up my world, but with each I have asked God to help me cope with whatever He wills to happen. I think I am a strong believer until I hear about friends and co-workers dealing with something huge. Am I ready to deal with the big one when God sends it my way? Are you?

They say faith without works is dead. If we say we have faith but don't use it to help others, then essentially we are walking on a dead end street. Where is my path going? How can I make my faith a journey rather than a destination? I must continue to build up my strength and endurance by offering gratitude each day and praying for God to give strength to others who need it.

Today, if you feel so inclined, please squeeze in an extra prayer for Sara's recovery and for Pete and Bethany's comfort and understanding. Thanks. Faith works if you pass it on...

Suddenly summer

A month ago, when there seemed no end in sight to winter, it probably sounded like a good idea to plan a church bowling party for April 20. Who knew it would be a warm, sunny, summery day with temperatures hovering around 80? And no one would want to be inside?

It was already nice when we got up this morning. After Sunday school, I cleaned off my two deck chairs and placed them on the front deck where the sun was shining brightly. Had to test them out, drinking my pecan caramel coffee and leafing through a magazine (after I changed into shorts, of course). Chairs work!

It was tough to go bowling but since the party was 1-3 p.m. I knew it would still be nice after we got home. Plus, bowling is always fun. Seems we maybe get to go only once a year so we're not pros by any means. My goal is always to break a hundred. I did that in my two games today (no need to elaborate how far beyond 100).

When we got home, I expected hubby would be off golfing somewhere. That was going to be the plan. But he and the neighbor guys got stuck -- or got enthused about -- doing yard projects together. I got home just in time to see them take down a dead tree in our back yard. The plan was that it would fall across the yard -- not our house and not the neighbor's garage. Thankfully, it fell as planned. I had my camera poised (from inside the house) just in case it got interesting. I did get some pics of the guys posing with their muscles flexed. "This is for the scrapbook," I heard one of them say. See, they know me and still humor me!

After that, I took another good, long walk (read multi-tasking: exercising and tanning). I had one scary moment on the walk when I suddenly heard a crash behind me. I turned around and saw a car in the opposite ditch swerving back onto the road and heading toward me. I jumped into my ditch, the guy straightened out and headed to the next driveway. I thought maybe he was going to stop and get out. Instead he just did a U-turn, headed back toward me (I stayed in the ditch) and drove on by, not even looking at me. There was a farmer on a tractor nearby who saw the whole thing. We just looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders like "what the heck was that all about?" Though my heart certainly was beating wildly (even more so than when I got a strike bowling). I guess once you get hit by a car, you have an ongoing fear about that sort of thing happening again. It felt good to get home.

We grilled brats for supper just to top it off like a typical Wisconsin summer day. Now I remember we live here!

Signs of spring

Not sure if the mercury kissed 70 today but it was good enough for me to see 60s and sunshine.

It rained all night and into the morning. Still was drizzling this a.m. when we tried for "one day only!" to have that garage sale again! Wasn't as cold as last weekend, that's for sure. And the sun was trying to shine by the time I left at 11 for Carter's soccer game.

Today was his first game of the season. Last week's was postponed due to snow. (Why do we live here, again?) Since all of his games will be at noon we assume it should be warm enough weather going forward. But I wouldn't dream of assuming anything about the weather in Wisconsin.

The game was pretty good today. This was the first time Carter has played on a team where they really get the concept of passing. Carter's team won 2-0 and he had two assists (that means he passed to the guy who shot the goal). One thing about Carter and soccer -- he's always had quite a powerful kick. Now the trick will be to use that ability to actually kick it with some control. When he played goalie the second half he had to "punt" it quite a bit. Every time it sailed over heads and landed in front of the other goal. It would have been nice if there had been a teammate there to finish the job. Maybe next time. It sure made us wonder if punting will be his thing when he plays football this fall.

The rest of the day was spent doing spring things. Hubby cleaned out the garage and I took a walk. Wait, I know that doesn't sound balanced, but I did do some indoor cleaning and then grocery shopping first.

It felt great to be walking in shorts and not be cold! Maybe spring is here for real! The high Sunday and Monday is supposed to be in the 70s. If I'm not careful, I might find myself with a rake in my hand. Ugh. I never said I loved everything about spring!

Right of Refusal

Despite my failure to succeed at various diet and exercise programs, I am spread too thin in one area: my time.

Although my husband may beg to differ, I have a hard time saying "no." (tee, hee) So I find myself saying "Yes, I'll do this for church and Sunday School," "Yes, I'll lead this service organization," yes, yes, yes. Until I find myself over-committed. Over-volunteered (we can make up words in blogs).

For awhile it's been clear it's added to my stress level. "Working" on projects during my free time. Running to meetings at night and traveling to conferences on weekends. I have been looking for a way out but stop myself when the guilt hits me. I don't want to let them down. I don't want to abandon them. Who will do it if I don't?

I think it had something to do with the cumulative stress this week, but I told Jim on the way home yesterday that I was going to give up one of these time-consuming leadership positions. He said, "Do what's best for you." I said, "No, I want to do what's best for all of us. To be there for you as a wife and to be there for Carter as a mom." Trust me, he said, "When you do what's best for Robyn, it turns out to be the best for all of us."

So last night when I was going to yet another meeting and on the way out the door, Carter asked for my help with homework. I said, "Mommy can't because she's going to a meeting." That sealed my decision.

I told the folks at the meeting that I am missing out on some of the best years of my son's life. We're away from home 55 hours a week for work and then many nights are filled with meetings I must attend -- despite what Carter has going on in his life. I shouldn't have to choose between meetings and mothering. Saying "no" to my son when he needs my help just leaves a pain in my gut. I don't want to have to do that anymore. And you know what? They understood. You are doing this for the right reasons, they said. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders! Has that happened to you before? Why do we put ourselves in that position to begin with?

When I was tucking Carter in later I told him I wasn't going to be going to so many meetings anymore. He asked why. I said I wanted to be around to take care of him, to be there when he needed homework help, to watch him hit those home runs this summer, to be a good mom. "I think that's a good idea," he said. It sure is, honey!

Back in the swing of things

Dear Santa: Thanks for the new golf clubs! Love them!

Since we finally had a spring-like day yesterday -- with temps in the 60s -- I suggested on the way home that we go to the driving range. Jim and Carter were totally on board with that! So I grabbed my new clubs and off we went.

The first thing I noticed is that my clubs are super light compared to the old ones and they are shorter (since they are women's clubs) so I am not standing so far away from the ball. That should be a help.

The second thing I noticed is after hitting a few balls off the deck (that's golf lingo for not using a tee), I grabbed for a towel to wipe off the club and realized there was no towel there. Do you realize I've had these clubs nearly 4 months but never took the time to transfer my "stuff" from my old golf bag to my new one? Where are my priorities?

The third thing hubby and I both noticed is that we were hitting the snot out of the ball. Must be something magical about the first swings ... or maybe we are just more patient or concentrated more. Either way, we hope it carries through to the real game! Carter had his ups and downs but was connecting on occasion. I let Jim handle him. After getting whacked in the head last year, I wasn't going near our Lefty.

We spent some time on the putting green, too. There was another couple practicing at the same time. I didn't realize the man was a lefty also until he came over and said, "Would your boy like a new putter?" I was like, "Are you serious?" He said, "Well, I have new putter and if I get rid of the old one, it will make up my mind which one I should use." How generous!

So now Carter has a new "real person sized" putter. We're thinking we might have to get him some new (or nice used) clubs this year anyway. I think we'd feel better about giving him that for his upcoming birthday than an iPod or Nintendo DS or whatever electronic gadget he's wanting.

I might even give him my old bag. Now I have to clean it out in case it's nice enough to tee off this weekend. Finally got my priorities straight... now I just need to do the same with my drive!

Motivating factors

It's amazing how a warm, sunny day can lighten a person's disposition. It's either that or getting exposed to too much reality TV last night and realizing I have a pretty normal life.

I found myself flipping channels while folding laundry. Just about everything was reality-based programming: American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Biggest Loser. All on at the same time. I don't know much about who's in the running for the singing and dancing shows, so when I saw that it was the season finale for The Biggest Loser, I stopped channel surfing to check it out.

I needed that show to inspire me more than anything else. The winner, apparently a big deal because she was the first female winner, had lost half her body weight in this competition. Remember how I mentioned we had our Biggest Loser contest locally this winter? That success story definitely was not the case with me. I ended up finishing where I started.

Remember I thought I could do it on my own? I couldn't. I've made more progress in the past week because I now have a network of 4 or 5 friends who are all on the same mission to get off our butts before our butts are too big to get out of the chair! One will say, let's go to the fitness center. Another will want to go running. A couple of us do this new aerobics class called Zumba, too. Now that's fun. After all the exercise videos I have put myself through in my life, I thought I was coordinated. One Zumba class put me in my place. But I am catching on to the sexy samba-like dance class. We sweat. We hurt. But it's so fun, you don't notice.

Sometimes it's just easier to suffer, I mean stay motivated, in a group. With a support network. With friends who won't say, "I'd walk a mile in your shoes," but instead say, "I'm walking a mile and you're coming with me!" That's what friends are for, right?!

Serenity 101

I felt like a professional student today. I learned a lesson or two on patience. Failed miserably at tolerance and control. But picked up a few pointers on humility. Yup. It was one of those days!

I've had a few stress factors develop at work lately. Unfortunately, a few came to a head today and my mind and spirit were not prepared. I think I've mentioned before that I often say the Serenity Prayer to myself at work as a reminder I can't change people. Only how I react to them.

Today I revised the prayer to add accepting the things -- people and situations -- I cannot control. I cannot control everything just because I am a manager. Honestly, I can't change or control anything -- because I am human. I may temporarily think I'm the one in charge, but we all know better.

I told someone recently that I am more likely to get from Point A to Point B safely -- and with my sanity intact -- if I let God do the driving. I know this to be true. However, sometimes knowing something and actually living it are two different things, aren't they?

So today I confess that I am human. Therefore I am imperfect. Therefore I get angry, upset and hurt when I lose control of a situation I never really had control of to begin with. I get disappointed with my reaction to others. And I learn that sometimes the best way of dealing with it is a new version of the Serenity Prayer, a cleansing cry at my desk and an Italian ice cream run with friends.

Tee Time... or Tee Vee Time...

Long ago, say 10 years ago, back before I picked up my first golf club, I wondered how in the world a person could sit and watch hours of golf on television. I mean, compared to the fast action of football or basketball, what's the attraction?

I wonder no more.

I have to make a confession here. I spent hours of a sunny day yesterday inside watching the final round of The Masters. Yes, the time was interspersed with a few household tasks and keeping an eye on Carter and his visiting friend. But for the most part, hubby was camped on the couch and I was parked in a chair for the afternoon. I gave myself permission to be officially lazy for the day -- and surprisingly I don't regret it.

Carter had asked who we were cheering for or who we wanted to win. Sure, we have a few favorites. But with golf, we just love to see everyone do well. We like it when they sink a long putt, chip in for an eagle or master a tricky shot out of the rough. You watch and say "I could never do that" in the same breath you are thinking "I want to be able to do that" and "When will the snow be gone so I can try?!"

It was neat to see Trevor Immelman hold on to win it. Here we have this young man who vowed when he was Carter's age that some day he'd be the best golfer in the world. How cool is that? If you are a true fan of the game, yes, you get a lump in your throat when the winner's wife, child and proud parents hug him after his victory -- and when he dons the green jacket.

Yep, it's a golf thing. And while I enjoyed watching the action this weekend, I hope next weekend it is nice enough I can at least christen my new clubs on a driving range!

April showers bring...

How would you like to wake up to this scene the morning you have to sit at a garage sale all day? What a rude awakening! Carter's baby sitter always has her sale the second weekend in April (unless it's Easter) and she has never had to shovel a path to the garage -- until this year.

Thankfully we could close one door of the garage and take turns standing by the opening so I wasn't always in the wind. And the snow was only intermittent today -- the bulk of it sneaked in softly while we were sleeping last night. I dressed in layers to prepare, but after 6 or 7 hours, does it matter?

The good news is that it didn't rain -- sideways into the garage -- like yesterday (when I was working my "real job" and couldn't man the "bagging post"). So I really can't complain. Plus, enough people decided they needed something to do today so they stopped by and shopped. That helped the t-t-time go f-f-faster! I think I'll come out OK on this both profit-wise and knowledge-wise. I learned you can never ever count on spring to arrive in time for garage sale season in Wisconsin!

I was able to come home in mid afternoon and thaw under a few blankets while watching The Masters. I was going to say nothing beats that. But something does -- we could actually be somewhere without snow, golfing ourselves instead of watching it on TV!

Late this afternoon, we had a pleasant surprise. Well Jim and I knew about it but it was a surprise for Carter. My friend Tamara was back in Wisconsin for a wedding and had said she'd swing by to see her "little boyfriend" Carter if it worked out. As it turned out, it did work out. He was totally surprised and very excited to entertain her for the next three hours -- as you can see from his genuine smile in the photo! Seriously, it was so good to see her again! We made sure we took her out to eat where she could have the Wisconsin staples: deep-fried cheese curds and fish. It doesn't get any better than that!

We tried to get her to take some of the snow with her, but we are keeping our fingers crossed that it will be gone by the time her Lincoln crosses the Indiana state line sometime in the next day or two.

It used to be April showers brought May flowers. I'm not sure what April snow showers bring, but I hope it's more special surprises like today's.

Giving back

If you are in a place right now where you aren't happy with your life... Your children are pushing your limits of sanity... You have discontentment at the workplace... Or something is frustrating you on the home front. Then you should have watched American Idol Gives Back last night. We have no idea how good we've got it. Really.

Now I'm not a big reality TV fan and have only seen American Idol probably 3 or 4 times in all the years it's been on. But I've been hearing some buzz about this Idol Gives Back program and I wanted to be sure I caught part of it last night.

The program, which turned out to be 2 1/2 hours long, is actually a major fund-raiser for multiple charities who help children in many ways -- from providing AIDS medication in Africa to books in Appalachia to educational efforts in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans. Interspersed among top-notched musical performances were video segments of some of those stars visiting these poverty-stricken areas.

I have to admit I had three major cries in the first hour of the program. How can you watch that and not cry? As I sat there watching, I said to myself, "Are you really going to just sit there and cry about it and not give?'" Indeed. How could I watch, be both entertained and moved, and not give?

I logged on to the Web site, made my donation and then had Carter watch for awhile, too. "I want you to see how blessed we are," I said. "You are actually lucky you get to go to school, let alone play soccer and baseball and buy books when you want them. If you are in pain or sick, we can get you to a doctor. You have your own bed and your own room. And you have both parents!" I don't know if he feels lucky with that last one some days, but overall, he got the message.

I think lots of people did. Producers are hoping to exceed last year's $76 million raised. At one point in the evening, they'd already reached the $22 million mark and it's still early. If you want to give or simply learn more about these children's charities in Africa and the United States, click here. Then thank God for your many blessings today.

Old Man Winter: 1, Mother Nature: 0

I saw a news clip on the Weather Channel this weekend showing kids out in Washington State playing soccer in the snow. I thought, those poor kids. After last night's winter storm in Wisconsin, I may be saying the same about my own.

There seems to be this fight going on between Old Man Winter and Mother Nature. She likes warmth and sunshine like me -- and he is just not letting go. We woke up this morning to a couple inches of slushy wet snow on the ground and on the trees (the weight of it bending our poor little birch trees out in the front yard). According to the weather man (who I have no fondness for these days), this is just the beginning. Cooler than normal temps will continue all the way through the weekend and we will have more chances of snow in coming days. Just in time for spring sports!

Last night, Carter had baseball tryouts (thankfully indoors) and he'll have soccer practice tonight and Friday night (I am hoping indoors). On Saturday morning, he'll have his first soccer game (unfortunately, these ARE outside). Granted, it has traditionally been cold the first few games of the season, but I don't recall snow on the ground EVER. Good thing the kids can stay warm by running around. It's just us adults on the sidelines who will be clutching our coffees and whining.

There is a chance I won't make the game. I am committed to working at my baby sitter's garage sale for the day. I hope she has heat in her garage! She's not liking the weather men these days either. Hopefully people will disregard the weather and go garage sale-ing anyway. This just might be the year those out-of-style sweaters actually sell!

See, I knew if I thought about this (read: whined about it) long enough, I'd find something good about it. I'll have to dig up some small winter coats while I'm at it... maybe have a hot chocolate stand...

Sweet Nothings

Despite his love for Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls and soft-serve ice cream, Carter doesn't have much of a sweet tooth. I think he likes getting candy, just doesn't have the overwhelming need to eat it!

Case in point: I was in his room looking for items for the garage sale and came across a bag stuffed with Halloween candy plus his Valentine's box full of unopened treats. On the table is still his loot from our Easter egg hunt, too!

I decided that I could at least salvage the Easter candy and take that to work for my "public" candy dish at my desk. His Easter bag yielded 3 large hollow chocolate bunnies, 42 plastic eggs filled with chocolate, candy and 3 quarters, plus some extra goodies not in containers. Carter actually helped me sort it out and didn't even care that I was taking it all away. Whose kid is this?! Apparently, he just enjoys the thrill of the hunt. No wonder he's so skinny!

Side note: Carter also claims chocolate makes him drowsy so he tries to avoid it. Whatever! That doesn't even make sense. OK, I admit I am just a bit jealous he can just say he's not going to have it and then just doesn't!

At least I know the treats tend to disappear pretty quickly at work so I won't have to stare at the remaining peanut butter eggs too long and be tempted! But they're still sitting there in their bright yellow packages, just 2 feet away from my keyboard, calling to me to give them one more chance .... yikes, good thing I have to go to a meeting!

Stubborn Streak

A friend of mine shared her daily devotion with me this morning. The topic: Stubbornness. For the record, she shared this with several people. It wasn't like I was the only person who came to mind. This is what it said:

"Stubbornness is about control. My attempts to control are an attempt to wrap up my fears into a tidy parcel. Perseverance, however, is about surrendering. When I surrender, I am still responsible for the effort, but trust the results will be as they should be.

"Stubbornness is fear driven. Perseverance is about surrender, and is faith based."

When I hear the word "stubborn," I think of my dad (Sorry, LeRoy. Your turn.). The one particular incident that comes to mind is when some of us kids approached Mom and Dad last fall about the dangers (fire hazards and health-wise) with living amongst so much junk in their house. We asked/urged: Shouldn't we get rid of some of this stuff? I picture Dad pounding his cane on the floor, declaring: "It may be lots of stuff, but it's OUR stuff!" One more stomp of the cane for emphasis.

When I was reading this devotion, I can see from this example what it means when it says stubbornness and control are about wrapping up fears into a tidy parcel. Naturally, my parents fear losing their "stuff" -- whether it's in a fire or their nosey children come clear it out. That make sense.

What doesn't make sense is the many times we, well some of us, seem to be stubborn for no reason. Take tree huggers for instance. They persevere, as the devotion says. They seem to have a legitimate cause for holding their ground. But what would be the "cause," for example, for hubby refusing to see where my new desk is at work?

Not picking on him but I moved to a different area of the building on March 17. Hubby has yet to come see me even though he has visited people withing spitting distance of me (if, in fact, I could spit, say 8-10 feet). He says: "I just want to see how long I can go before I visit your new desk." I don't get it.

It reminds me of one of my favorite episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond. They come home from a trip and leave a suitcase at the bottom of the stairs. Both spouses refuse to carry it up the stairs. They just want to see how long it will sit there until the other spouse carries it up. Even though it's in the way and they often trip on it, they both are holding their ground. But for what cause?

I think we do fear that if we "give in" too soon, we are somehow weak. Or we are capable of being wrong. For myself, I think my stubborn streak is illustrated when I think I am right. I try to wait out that other person. They better say they were wrong. They better say they are sorry first. They better say, "You're right, Robyn. You're so smart!" Otherwise, I will have to acknowledge that (gasp!) I am somehow not perfect.

Have you ever disguised your stubbornness behind words like commitment, dedication or conviction? I believe it's time to transform what we know as stubbornness into perseverance. If I don't have faith that I am doing the right thing... If I don't have faith that I not just being selfish...If it feels like I refuse to listen or I could find out I am wrong... If it feels like it's merely an endurance test, like I am just holding out... Then I am just plain stubborn.

Am I getting any better? Well at least I don't hold my breath anymore. But there is that bag of shells we brought back from Spring Break. Still sitting on the kitchen table. Who's going to put those away?!

Happy anniversary to me...

It was one year ago today I decided to embark on this unknown adventure called "blogging." What a trip it's been!

My initial reasons were related to my desire to get back into writing when I could... or when I had something I wanted or needed to say. Little did I know it would become a natural part of my daily routine -- to the point that I missed two days of blogging Friday and Saturday so I got a call from one of my sisters today to make sure I wasn't dying or on a missing person's list.

Probably not a good thing to mention you are sick and then wait 76 hours to type again. It just happened I was pretty much only home long enough to sleep until today when I had about 5 hours to get stuff together for a garage sale the babysitter's having. When I got Rayna's concerned message, I figured I better take a break from life's madness and write. Especially on my anniversary!

I can't believe it's been a year already. I'd have to say my initial goal of "writing more" has been met. Even though I didn't take time every day, I look back and see that, wow, I've done a lot of writing in the past year. That makes me feel good! Although it's not what I would consider creative writing, more like storytelling, I guess, but that's something I aim to work on this year.

Beyond the mere act of writing, this has progressed into quite a journey of self-discovery. And with that, of course, is the good, the bad, the ugly.

At a glance, one can see I absolutely adore my son and hubby. I love my family -- both immediate and extended. I have a sense of humor (obviously reflected in my son), thus The Light Side name. But I have a deep, serious side to me, too. I am spiritual and feel an obligation to share, inspire and advise if I think others may benefit. I guess that's the good part.

The bad part is that even though I am thrilled beyond measure that family and friends are reading this, I have lessened my efforts to reach out to them individually. "What? You didn't hear about that? Didn't you read my blog?" Relationships shouldn't be so one-sided and filled with obligations.

Now the ugly. Do you realize how many times I have vowed to get healthy, exercise more and lose weight in the past year? I don't know either. And I'm not going to count. I honestly don't have a fear of commitment or dedication. I just seem to lack that gene (Oh there I go blaming my mother for something again. That, I should probably stop.) that gives me the ability to act on it for any sustained length of time. Seriously, for every resolution, the road has been paved with good intentions. I just some times forget to put my running shoes on and hit that road. Or I don't forget per se, I just hit the snooze instead.

Thank you, dear reader, for giving me the benefit of the doubt despite my downfalls and dysfunction. I do so love sharing my quirky little Midwestern life as a working mother and wife. And do you know what? I'm just getting started! Please join me as we continue the journey, won't you?

Observations from the sick ward

I discovered over the past several days that I am a wimp when it comes to being sick. Either that or I have reached that age where my body is falling apart at whim (which is entirely a possibility).

I have been fighting what could be a nasty head cold or spring allergies. Since I know my hubby has had the cold, along with several people at work, I would lean toward that. However, spring allergies can disguise themselves as something along those lines, too. Either way, it hasn't been fun but I can tell you a few things I've observed this week...

Vegging: Did you know it doesn't take that long to turn into a couch potato? I really haven't felt like doing anything (even blogging) when I've gotten home from a day of work and nose blowing, so I have actually watched an entire baseball game and two episodes of American Idol. Did you know they have some pretty good singers on there? And what is up with Paula Abdul? You know, I actually saw her in concert 15 years ago. She wasn't loopy then -- just enthused about her Vibeology.

On drugs: I think I have had enough of Ny-Quil. It's tough to get up in the morning! And, despite the fact that daytime cold medicines (which taste absolutely horrible, by the way) say they are non-drowsy, they still make me feel out of it (more than usual, that is). Sort of like I'm walking around with my head floating above me like a balloon on a long string...

For better or for worse: Poor hubby is in his second week of coughing. We told Carter we were having contests on the way home to see if Daddy coughs more times than Mommy blows her nose. We've had some close competitions this week (because you know with us, everything is a competition) and I won't say who's been more miserable but we are on our second box of tissues in the car. Speaking of tissues, you know what's not sexy? Crawling into bed and seeing your spouse, sound asleep, with Kleenex shoved up her nose to stop the faucet. He must really love me!

Customer service: A lot be can said for finding good customer service these days. I had to go to the doctor this morning (my OB-GYN guy -- nothing to do with this cold). As I lay back on the crinkly paper "sheet," I glanced up and was greeted by what can only be described as vintage hotties. Taped to the ceiling tiles were black-and-white publicity shots of Robert Redford, Robert DeNiro, Richard Gere and Marlon Brando. What? We're done already? (Dr. K rocks!)

I think I feel better already!

Baseball Fever

Turns out it was an exciting first night of baseball Monday. I got to see my Twins win on TV and because of rain delays and extra innings, we got to listen to and see part of the Brewers game.

It was tied in the 9th inning when we picked Carter up at the baby-sitter's on our way home from work. Jim stayed in car to listen and I went into the house to get the boy.

Our typical 5-minute ride home goes something like this. Radio is turned off and we say: How was your day, Carter? "Good." What was good about it? "I don't know." What did you learn? "I don't know." What did you have for lunch? "I can't remember."

Yesterday was different. Since we had the intense game on the radio, there was no talking. It wasn't long before I felt a tap on my shoulder and Carter whispers, "Mom, doesn't anyone want to hear about my day?"

So I recline my seat and whisper back: "How was your day?" And he says, "Good." So I ask the usual: "What was good about it?" He says, "I don't know." And I say, "OK" and return my seat to the upright position and listen to the game...

April Fools

Mother Nature sure played a cruel April Fool's joke on us with an overnight snow storm. Even though we just got a dusting in our area, I made it work to my advantage.

By the time I got my sniffling, sneezing, stuffy head self out of bed this morning, Carter was already on the couch eating a bowl of cereal. "Why did you get up so early?" I asked. "Didn't you know we had a snow storm last night? There's no school today!"

"Oh man!" he responds with a groan. "I could kill someone." Which I'm sure meant he'd rather have stayed in bed. Knowing neither one of us has much of a sense of humor in the morning, I really didn't let him sweat it out very long before I said, "April Fool's!" When we saw on the TV that there were several schools Up North that were in fact closed today, he was actually disappointed my prank wasn't for real. I was disappointed, too. I would have loved to drag my sorry butt back to bed for the day!

Don't let Carter fool you, though, I am quite sure he wanted to go to school today. Especially after last night. He got a phone call. From a girl! When he brought the phone back out to the living room, 9 minutes later (but who's counting), we asked who is was. Shayla. What did she want? "Oh she just wanted to know if it was raining here." And it took 9 minutes to answer?!

Perhaps I will not be a mother that deals well with girlfriends when he's a teenager. But in my defense, this phone call came within days of one conversation where Carter (a 4th-grader, mind you) says two people in his class are "going out." Another conversation where he asked, "Mom, when can I start wearing cologne?"

Yep. I'm the fool today. The fool who thinks my little boy is not growing up!