Music Around the World

I never thought I'd hear myself say, "Wow, Carter played a pretty wicked xylophone tonight!" But I'm saying it.

Grant Elementary presented a Music Around the World concert tonight as part of their first ever Fine Arts Night. This is one of those things where just yesterday Carter says, "Mom, I have to be in a concert tomorrow night. I'm singing and playing the xylophone. So I have to go."

Of course, you should go. And nice notice.

This of course meant Carter had to "skip" the second baseball practice of the year. Good thing he has an understanding coach. And he had to get some "spring" dress-up clothes. So we book it to Wal-Mart when we get home and find some extra-long khaki pants (why do they think all boys are tall!) and a pink polo shirt. He looked pretty good.

The gym was packed so it was very hard to take pictures, but I tried.

Group shot of the fifth-graders singing one of their three songs. They did a great job with a Ray Charles song called "Fifty Nifty United States," which Carter said they started practicing in October. Hey, I don't think I could say the 50 states so fast, let alone sing them! It was neat.

Carter jams on the xylophone during an American railroad song called "Pat Works on the Railway." He said he missed one note, but I didn't hear it!

The whole program only lasted 30 minutes so I guess it was worth it to buy the new outfit, skip practice and get home in time for Carter to play with the neighbor girls and Mommy to watch Grey's. Gotta go. It's starting!

Birthday Prep

Our schedules have been so chaotic lately it's probably a good thing there's been a countdown on the wipe board in the kitchen to remind us Carter's birthday is coming up.

Like we'd forget.

This morning, with some 48 hours to go, Daddy and I decided we better get his gift. His list this year is pretty simple: basketball hoop, Mad Libs and a whoopie cushion. Typical 11-year-old, I guess.

We headed into work early so we had time to stop at Wal-Mart and pick up 2 out of 3 items anyway. He's going to be thrilled.

Since there is no school Friday, we had to take care of birthday treats, too, so he could take them to school Thursday. Carter likes to have something creative (read: putzy). Last year, he took "bacon and eggs" made out of pretzel sticks and almond bark. This year: cheeseburgers and fries....


The recipe is pretty simple. Frost two sides of an Oreo (red for "ketchup" and orange for "cheese") and add a 'Nilla Wafer on each side for the "bun." You can't beat a recipe that uses frosting for "glue"! Throw in a side of shoestring potatoes for "fries" and your order is up!

Carter thought the burgers looked like the mini-burgers you see advertised on TV!

We made enough for each classmate to have two burgers and some fries. Since he has to carry them on the bus, I put them in a cake pan that has a cover. But if you make this for a potluck, there are far more creative ways to present this -- perhaps a red dining tray or on a red-checked cloth inside a basket. This will work for a bunch of hungry fifth-graders, though!

With the present and treats off this list, that just leaves two things: 1) Make cake for the family party. 2) Accept that my baby is growing up. (And if I can't and am falling apart, use frosting as "glue"!)

Animal Farm

Years ago, I had this weird fascination with the book Animal Farm by George Orwell. I remember reading it in high school because we had to. Then I later bought my own copy so I could read it again. There is so much symbolism. And even on the surface, it's just creepy to consider animals taking over -- and ousting humans.

I think about it occasionally when we have some weird "animal" disease killing off humans. Bird Flu. Mad Cow Disease. And now Swine Flu.

Now I've got you thinking!

To me, it's just a good reminder to wash our hands (and our food). I'm not a germ-o-phobe in the least. I don't think mothers can be, can we? But I do think it's wise to consider easy carriers for germs -- whether it's for a simple cold or something deadly.

There was a trivia question on the radio about "public" surfaces that carry the most germs. Really, it's not just the toilet seat! But while you're in the bathroom, turning the faucet off with your hand often negates washing it to begin with. Use a towel if you can.

Did you know that menus are a good source of germs? The next time you're in your favorite greasy spoon, place your order then wash your hands before you eat. A good practice anyway.

I never gave shopping carts much thought but they have to be the worst! Think about how long a person grips it. Now when I see a teething kid sucking on the cart bar, I want to puke!

OK, let's not get grossed out here. You get my point. And I must add I am grateful for my health today. And a little less jealous of people who went to Mexico on spring break. I hope they remain healthy, too.

I did notice, though, that even though it's been 6 months since I was in Mexico, I am starting to develop some curious symptoms. My hubby claims I hog the blankets. I'm eating like a pig. And my desk is a sty...

Overtime

I remember now why I left the newspaper business. Sure I enjoyed the writing and the adrenaline rush at deadline. But I do not miss those long hours -- every day!

I just got home from a 14-plus hour day at work. (No, I don't get overtime -- just crunch time.). I am so beat right now I don't even know if I will fall asleep! Thankfully this is not a routine occurrence. I do expect a few more long days before my work project launches next week, but nothing like today. I hope.

I'm getting too old for this! Plus, I miss my guys (and fighting about homework).

At least I can say it was a productive day. I got a lot done that I needed to so I'm cruising along now.

I might even sleep in until 5 tomorrow morning. Depends how many times I hit the snooze! (Poor hubby.)

April Showers...

Somehow the month of April slipped past us. It is going so fast. It was pretty much work, work, cold, then more work, work, nice day, and more work, work, work and rain. This whole weekend has been work, rain, work, rain. And between showers, try to have quality family time.

This morning I headed out the door for work around 5 a.m. Had a rainy drive over to Iola so that did little to wake me up. While I was chugging coffee at my desk, Daddy got Carter to Sunday School and got laundry going.

I put in an intensive 5 hours and turned around and came home by noon. It was still raining so I selfishly felt good that I wasn't missing out on anything like sunny, deck time. Glad our plans for afternoon quality time were indoors, too.

Today was the Royal Event -- an annual fund-raising festival at Assumption High School, featuring food, beer, auction, bingo and all kinds of booths with food, jewelry and themed baskets for sale. We were meeting our friends Mike and Christine there to help celebrate her dad's birthday and have as much fun as a rainy Sunday will allow. Thanks to the tents overhead, their son Nate and Carter were still able to spend plenty of time "outside" and out of our hair while we relaxed, laughed and talked stupid -- like adults need to do occasionally.

By the time we got home after 4, I can tell you my body hit a wall after getting up so early. My wonderful hubby says, "Why don't you get some comfy clothes on (seriously, he meant comfy, not sexy) and sit on the couch and I'll cover you with the blankets. There's a surprise on TV for you!"

He didn't have to tell me twice! I was on the couch in 2 minutes! My surprise? The MLB Network was replaying highlights of the Twins' 1991 World Series victory over Altanta. I missed most of it but we caught the last half hour -- which was the best anyway. I got goose bumps just watching it again (does my hubby know how to please me or what?).

Of course, when it was done, I was psyched up, thinking of our wonderful Twins. Then remembered it's 2009. We're off to a rough start and have a long way to go this season. But that's OK. I'm still a fan.

In fact, I might put my Homer Hanky on my pillow tonight so I have sweet dreams. Lord knows I will be tempted to hit that alarm with a baseball bat when it goes off again at 4:15!

Game Plan

Carter and I just got done watching a movie made a few years ago called The Game Plan. In the movie, the main character thought he had his life planned out to be famous football player. But then he unexpectedly learns he has a daughter and his life is turned upside down. You know what they say about the best-laid plans...

At least in the movie, theirs was a happy ending. Carter's soccer team didn't fare so well today.

The challenge with coming off an 8-1 stomping is that you tend to think you're the best players in the world. You might not take into consideration the first team was not so good. Today Carter's team met a tough opponent -- in much worse weather conditions compared to last week, too.

They just did not look like the same team. Carter played goalie and, unlike last week, was very busy. I counted at least 8 saves but unfortunately, he needed one more. He blocked it with his foot but the ball spun backwards and into the goal. He should have used his hands. But now he knows for next time. The same thing happened with his replacement in the second half so the final score ended up being 2-1.

Tough loss but now they know their game plan for next week. Play your positions and pass and, hopefully, win.

We do have one successful game plan to report from this week. Our friend Mark, who is young like me, was in the hospital about a month ago getting his pacemaker replaced and was told he would need a heart transplant. Due to a combination of circumstances and statistics about his health, he was put high on a transplant list. Still, you never know how soon anything will happen.

Unbelievably, he was called at 3 a.m. Thursday with news they had a heart for him! He was rushed down to Madison and, after 10+ hours of surgery, had a new heart that day and, by Friday, was sitting up and even walking. What an unexpected blessing!

Isn't it amazing when we let God write the game plan? We certainly have a better chance at winning. And I'd have to say it's a pretty great team!

Learning Tour

We were privileged to have Carter give us a tour of his learning environment last night during Grant School's Learning Celebrations Night. It's amazing to see what fifth-graders are learning these days. Some of the highlights:

Carter showed us a Portfolio folder of some of his more time-intensive projects so far this school year. Above, he and Daddy look over his Carter Times newspaper.

Carter also shared a digital Portfolio! Here he shows us a Power Point presentation of some of his favorite subjects and projects, along with some facts about his school "job." Thinking back to our school days, hubby and I figured we probably didn't see or touch a computer until high school or do typing until then. These fifth-graders are learning programs I don't even know yet -- plus becoming skilled at the keyboard. Amazing!

Speaking of amazing... I love the SmartBoard! This replaces the old-fashioned chalk board, which has already been replaced by wipe boards in most schools. Here Carter answers a math problem at the touch of his finger. It's interactive without the powdery white mess!

Let's not forget the teacher! Mrs. Forstner has introduced a lot of creative learning programs that have kept Carter and his classmates excited about school.

We are fortunate Carter has liked all of his teachers -- and fortunate they all have kept him in line. But based on what we observed on our "tour" last night, I don't think that's too tough a job.

Celebrations

Tonight we have Carter's spring teacher conferences. Well, back in the day, we called them conferences -- a time for parents to talk to the teacher. Somewhere along the line they changed it to Portfolio Night -- a time for parents to look at their child's work, too. This year, Carter informs us, it's Learning Celebrations Night -- I guess a time to talk, look and celebrate your child's progress. Cool.

Wouldn't it be great for us grown-ups to have Life Celebrations days?

How often do we celebrate our successes? Sure, it's easy to give out high fives when our team scores a touchdown or do the little Tiger Woods fist pump when we ace a job interview, but how often do we give ourselves the credit (and adulation) we deserve?

Last night I stayed at work late so I could finish a major leg of a project. Everyone around me knows it's been a crazy month and we have 10 days to "launch." As the deadline looms, I wanted and needed to wrap it up. When I got done, sometime after 6, I shouted out, "OK, who wants to do the happy dance with me?" The 2 people left did not hesitate to join -- though it was more quiet cheering than dancing. It still felt good!

No, I am not done with the project. But celebrating our progress has a way of motivating us to keep going.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Learning Celebrations Carter will share with us tonight, observing what progress he's made toward his end goal of passing the fifth grade and learning for life.

Is there something you can find to celebrate today? Maybe you've lost a pound or lasted 3 days without yelling at your kids. Maybe you've handled stress at work really well this week and kept your homicidal thoughts to yourself. Perhaps you managed to look on the light side for one day and thanked God for your blessings.

There must be something worth dancing about. And don't be timid. They say we should dance like nobody's watching.

And we're worth it.

Earth Day

It's Earth Day today and, around our house, we've been trying to observe Earth Week all week thanks to the relentless prodding of our energy watchdog Carter.

You'd think someone like me, with a gene pool inclination to save everything, would be good at this conserving business. But I admit I don't always keep it top of mind like I should. I try to do my part, though.

Back when we first heard about this mysterious ozone, I switched from an aerosol deodorant to a roll-on. I also backed off on using aerosol hairspray for a few years, but I need the power. (At least I switched from AquaNet!) We also are big recyclers -- paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, whatever we can. In fact, I feel guilty if I am somewhere and they don't recycle!

Carter, though, is big on the electricity thing. When I talked to him this morning, he was listing off all the things in the house he unplugged. I said, "You realize we'll need to plug them back in to use them, right?" I think he does.

The other evening we had all the lights off since the sun hadn't fully set yet. Carter invited me to sit on the couch with him so we could talk. "Isn't this great conserving all this energy?" he said. I replied, "Yep, I especially like the part where we're laying on the couch because I don't have energy for anything anyway!"

I suppose if I would have thought of it sooner, the best way to conserve energy today (personal energy anyway) would have been to stay in bed! Unfortunately, due to a deadline crunch at work, I'm sucking the power grid with two computers running at my desk and we had to drive both vehicles so I can stay late.

As Carter said this morning, "I think you're missing the point of Earth Day."

Let's all do a better job of not missing the point.

April Fools?

When I woke up this morning and saw the pretty snowflakes falling down, I thought for sure Mother Nature had her days screwed up. This isn't April Fool's Day! It's April 21st!

Then I woke up a little more and remembered I live in Wisconsin. It would be more unusual if this type of thing didn't happen. Still, I am not a morning person and wasn't finding the humor...

Sometimes I don't know when to take a joke (just ask hubby). But then, I don't always know when someone is joking. It's probably not safe to assume that just because I am occasionally sarcastic (OK, more than occasionally) that everyone else is, too. Sometimes they probably mean what they say.

Sometime last week, there was a buzz started in our community involving some potential violence set to happen at our high school Monday -- which happened to be the 10th anniversary of the Columbine tragedy.

At this point, who knows if someone was joking and it escalated out of control from there. But by yesterday afternoon, hundreds of students left the high school after they and their parents became concerned about the rumored threats.

Apparently, early last week, school officials had already requested additional police presence at the school Monday because it was the Columbine anniversary. That, combined with rumors that passed through Facebook pages and text messages throughout the weekend, caused anxiety. By early afternoon, about 600 of the school's almost 1,500 students went home.

To whoever started the joke -- whether a real joke or a real threat: Not funny.

My heart fills with a sense of dread just thinking that there are potential threats to our children's safety. It shouldn't be that way.

Just last week, Carter had a "lock down" situation at his school because 2 fourth-grade girls went missing while out on a gym class jog through the school forest. Did they get lost? Were they abducted? Police were called and the area searched. In the end, we find out the girls are safe ... because they decided to skip out of school and go to a friend's house nearby. This starts in fourth grade?

Obviously, when people are acting selfish and doing or saying something for their own pleasure (or sick enjoyment) it affects a lot more people than they realize.

I may dislike Mother Nature's cruel joke to dump snow when May is next week, but I'd take that any day over a threat to the safety of the big boys and our May Day baby.

April Showers

They say April showers bring May flowers, but it appears they bring snow first! After encountering just a few sprinkles on the way in today, hubby and I were surprised to see snow once we were within 5 miles of Iola.

I figure this won't be on the ground too long so I thought I better snap a picture (albeit a blurry camera phone snapshot) now for proof!

I know the farmers especially will be happy that we have precipitation in some form -- even snow. I, however, am a bit concerned.

When I arrived at work this morning, there were three waste baskets joined together in the aisle by my desk. We've had leaky roof problems for years around this building. I just didn't know I had moved into a "fixer upper" neighborhood when I moved to my new desk. I can hear the rain hit that ceiling panel, which is darkening the wetter it gets and sagging dangerously. Yikes.

At least it will keep me awake, fully alert and on my toes today. Sometimes we need that on Mondays anyway, right?

Rules are Meant to be... Followed

I decided to follow the whole "Sunday is a day of rest" rule for a change. And I liked it.

Last night I had some unexpected evening and late-night activities transpire, which got me home around midnight -- emotionally on edge and therefore, too wired to fall asleep right away.

I did not set an alarm and planned that we would not go to church and Sunday school if I didn't happen to wake up for it. Well, kitty jumped on my pillow at 8:03 a.m., loudly announcing her presence so I could not fall back to sleep.

So it started as a typical Sunday morning with me dropping Carter off at Sunday school for an hour. Only, I didn't have time to shower so I had to hide out in the car rather than grocery shop (heaven knows, you have to look your best at Wal-Mart). To pass the time, I did go fill up with gas and then stopped by the car wash to vacuum. (Found my missing sunglasses, so it's all good now). I also brought a book with to read. If it had been nice like yesterday, I could have taken a walk -- but it was chilly and in the 30s still. Yuck.

After Sunday school, we came home and I set Carter on homework while I did my normal weekend housework I wasn't around yesterday to do. We were done with our "chores" (including the undomestic goddess actually mending hubby's sweatshirt) by 1 p.m. so we treated ourselves to a movie. We watched Bedtime Stories, which we both enjoyed in the theater and did again today.

My butt really got a good groove on the couch cushion, too, so I wasn't all that motivated to move. Carter went outside and I asked him, "Is it nice enough for me to go for a walk?" He said, "No!" Good answer. I just stayed there in my warm spot and finished my book (and was definitely feeling guilt-free when I saw it start to rain).

I did manage to get off the couch to upload some pictures off the digital camera and order prints -- of everything since New Year's. I need to clean off the memory card a little more often! As long as I'm on the computer, I also have to get scanning some photos in for a top-secret graduation project. Hmm. That kind of sounds like work, though, doesn't it?

I might have to think about that one. I don't want to get caught breaking any rules!

Just for Kicks

We couldn't have asked for a better day for either the garage sale or Carter's first soccer game. Thank you, Mother Nature.

I was at the garage sale by 7:30 a.m. and we were plenty busy until I left at 1 p.m. I was pleased to see a lot of my things go -- but almost had to hug a few of Carter's T-shirts goodbye. I can't believe he has outgrown some of my favorites!

The soccer game started at 2 p.m. I must say his team played pretty darn well together for only having 2 practices this week. The coach started Carter out as goalie because he gets a kick out of seeing Carter "punt" it from one goal to the other. He only got a few chances to punt today, though, because his teammates were doing very well on the other end.

They ended up winning 8-1, with Carter scoring a goal in there, too. It was a good, solid kick. Awesome! Here a few pictoral highlights from the day...

Goalie Carter concentrates while grabbing the ball to prevent a goal.

One time I got nervous about his new glasses because he head-butted the ball. Glasses OK. And here Carter prepares to make a nice pass to a teammate.

Carter gets to the ball first and dribbles it toward the goal.

Carter aims and fires... and makes a goal! I obviously needed to take one more picture. But trust me, it went in!

Just a Glimpse

I know I wasn't the only one thrilled that the weather men (and ladies) were right today. They said we'd see 70 degrees and then some. And we did. Nice!

Tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same so, of course, we had an impossible day at work, trying to stay on task while visions of driving and putting danced in our heads. By the time hubby and I do get our clubs out of the basement and set for the season, the weather will be back to typical Wisconsin spring -- rainy and highs of 40 on Sunday. Today and Saturday, though, we'll get a glimpse of what is yet to come. And we'll take it.

I wanted so badly to get outside more today but was limited to a short walk with Jim around lunch time. Just being out in the glorious sunshine for 10 minutes made it very hard to return to work. It's probably best I don't sit by a window any more.

After work, we picked up Carter at the sitter's. Today was the first day of the garage sale and, thanks to the perfect weather, she had a ton of traffic. I could see some of my stuff was missing (yay!). Tomorrow morning, I'll be over there bright and early to help out until Carter's soccer game in the afternoon. Two reasons to hope for more spring-like weather!

We went into town tonight to stop at a "crawling art show" at the mall. Still not exactly sure what that means but it is tied to Earth Day weekend and the upcoming Prairie Chicken festival somewhere nearby.

The main reason we stopped there is because a high school classmate of Jim's was in town from the Twin Cities, exhibiting at a booth there. Since we've only seen her at the last two class reunions, it was nice to catch up.

Christine is doing work at The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minn. It is a no-kill rescue facility providing humane rescue and sheltering of unwanted, mistreated and neglected privately owned wildcats that pose a risk to public safety. Some very sad stories. Very eye-opening. She's helping to do some incredible work! If you are interested in donating or "adopting" a wildcat or just learning more, visit wildcatsanctuary.org. (Note for my sister Rayna: You could adopt a lion!)

After looking around the other exhibits, we went out to eat and stopped to get a few groceries (essentials like Gatorade for soccer). Typical that we weren't in the house 5 minutes before a neighbor girl was over for Carter. Where does he get that charm? Hmmm. He keeps dragging these girls to his room to show them the new windows and paint job. Right. I better go chaperone.

Enjoy this beautiful glimpse of spring!

Cabin Fever

Some of the weather reporters claim we tickled 70 degrees today. That would explain why everything and everyone came out of the woodwork and grabbed a bit of sunshine if they could. Me included.

It was one of those days where cabin fever hits big time and, had I been back in college, we would have been cutting afternoon classes to lay out in the sun and perhaps sip a cold one (or two). Instead I was sitting at my desk with the urge to play hooky -- but I knew my golf clubs were still in the corner in the basement some 45 miles away. That does me no good. So I gave it an honest 8 and will plan ahead better next time.

Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer! But I do know I have too much work to do so I know I won't be ducking out too early.

Everyone (just about) was looking forward to The Harbor opening tonight. That's a bar and grill on the Chain of Lakes in Waupaca where a bunch of people from work go most Fridays in the summer. It's awesome to be right out on the deck to watch the sun set. They've got great chicken strips, too. Just ask Carter, who likes to accompany us there occasionally in the summer (when he commutes with us) and hang out with some of our cool work friends.

Tonight, since we drove separately today (Jim had a dentist appointment this morning), Jim is enjoying the opening and I got soccer mom duty. I didn't mind. Honest.

It was so nice out, I found myself walking laps around the school yard (and beyond) where he practices, just enjoying the sunshine and the exercise. If it had been raining, this would be a whole different story, of course. (Most likely involving a pouting female character!)

If the weather guys are right -- and this time I hope they are -- we will have nice weather for both the garage sale and soccer. Then, if we make enough money at the garage sale, we can buy a new gas grill for the next nice warm spell ... probably sometime in May.

Tax Day

I shall never use profanity except in discussing house rent and taxes. -- Mark Twain

If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don't get wet you can keep. -- Will Rogers

In this world nothing can be said to be certain but death and taxes. -- Benjamin Franklin

Since today is the deadline for filing income taxes -- or Tax Day -- I thought I'd look up a few quotes about taxes. Pretty entertaining. From the looks of it, we've been complaining about them for hundreds of years. And they're still here!

We did get a refund from the state this year, which has already been received and spent, and had to pay into federal. In typical taxpayer fashion, we got the refund as quickly as possible and held off as long as possible paying in. I mailed that yesterday, the 14th, just to be safe.

So today really wasn't any different than any other day, except for a few things...

One, we have a lot more windows open -- plus the front door -- because temps reached 60! Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer!

Hubby took advantage of the nice weather and raked some leaves and crap (for lack of a better word) up in the back yard. He's burning them now. I love that smell! I should say Carter helped, too, until the neighbor girl flashed her dimples and took him away from the drudgery of manual labor! I was busy pricing the last of my garage sale stuff and folding laundry, so I have an honest free pass.

Secondly, we have a better understanding of the alternative high school stepson #2 is attending. There was an open house and teacher conferences this afternoon (postponed from last week). It was interesting. I'm trying to stay focused on the positive. He's well-liked, his grades are pretty good and he's got potential.

There are some issues that need to be addressed and they will be. It's just frustrating that some things never change. But then, just like our tax refund, we cashed our reality check on this subject a long time ago.

I just hope the struggles we've had to do what's best for this kid won't always be as certain as death and taxes!

Spring has Sprung (for now)

In Wisconsin, we can never really safely say Spring is here because about that time, we'll get one of those surprise snow showers that melt within hours -- but are a nuisance nonetheless. But I'll go out on a limb and say I think it's here to stay.

You know it's spring in Wisconsin when:

... I actually get the urge (gasp!) to exercise -- running, walking, biking, golfing -- anything outdoors to smell the fresh air and feel the sunshine!

... You see blue jays, orioles and cardinals -- in your backyard and the ball diamonds on TV.

... You see someone wearing shorts -- and they're not playing sports. (It helps when people are returning from spring break in warm places like Mexico so they can show off their tan!)

... Even though temps start out in the 30s, we can pop a few windows open in the morning when we leave for work because we know it will warm up later. (Though we're still a bit nervous if these new windows will withstand some kitty pressure against the screen. Let's hope so.)

... The fourth quarter of school is under way. That means the oldest -- suffering from an acute case of senior-itis -- has to keep his mind in the game for a successful high school transcript. And the other two, well, they better kick it in high gear, too!

... Garage sale signs start popping up. The sale I do with Carter's sitter is this weekend. I still am finding things to price -- and expect I'll find a whole lot more to go when I continue my massive de-cluttering project between now and graduation.

... Soccer season is here. Carter had his first practice tonight and his first game is Saturday. He did not play in the fall because he had football, but it appears he hasn't lost his touch. We got his schedule today, too. All of his games will be at 2 p.m. so that will shoot our Saturdays. Good thing he's worth it.

... The days are longer -- in more ways than one. It's lighter out longer and the days seem longer at work because my major deadline is looming. I guess I'm grateful the worst part of this project will be over by summer. Don't get me wrong. I like spring well enough -- and do hope it's here to stay -- but I wouldn't want to give up summer for anything.

Let's keep springing towards summer -- and enjoy ourselves every bounce along the way!

Weekend Wrap

Lent: Now that Lent is over, Carter can go back to playing his video games. He ended up playing only 12 times in the 40 days, which wasn't so bad considering most times were when friends were over. So $3 (reflecting a quarter each time) will go into the Sunday School offering next week. I didn't keep tabs on my Lenten pledge. Basically, I tried to exercise 30 minutes or go 2 miles, whichever came first, each day. On days when I did nothing, I tried to make it up the next day, going 4 miles. That worked out a few times since the weather has been nicer. I'm guessing I should throw $3 in the offering next week, too!

Golf fever: I didn't get to watch the Masters as much as I'd hoped this weekend but it was enough to heighten my golf fever. The problem with watching the Masters and then going out to golf for the first time of the season is that you've seen so much good golf, you expect to do the same. Doesn't happen that way. I wonder if I'm the only one who got a small bit of pleasure out of seeing Tiger hit a tree. Don't get me wrong. I like Tiger, but as Hubby so aptly put it: "I can never say I golf like Tiger but now I can say Tiger golfs like me!"

Countdown: We just realized Casey's graduation party is a mere 2 months away already. Yikes! I have a list a mile long of things to get done around the house. That doesn't bode well for an undomestic goddess like me so I'm begging forgiveness in advance for my crank-ittude! It might get a little stressful (if I let it, right?).

How sweet it is: It's my own fault, but there is way too much sugar in the house right now! I brought some to work but other people brought in their leftovers, too, or items they got in their baskets they don't like (Peeps, etc.). So I can't escape it. I'm looking for some willpower if anyone's got any to spare...

Kick it up: This week will be a busy one as soccer season starts. Carter will have practice Tuesday and Thursday, with his first game Saturday already. This is where we re-learn about time management -- how to get homework done on practice nights without a fight or stress meltdown (where does he get that from?). Looking forward to seeing our little kicker in action. We may have to ban head-butts, though, if he's wearing glasses!

Following the Bunny Trail

In my family, we have a tradition of holding a massive outdoor egg hunt every Easter. We have geographical boundaries but no limits on the age of participants or the amount of candy they can claim. This year, since we just gathered Up North a few weeks ago, we decided not to bring everyone together for the event.

Not wanting Carter to miss out on the thrill of the hunt, I (er, the Easter Bunny that is) created a scavenger hunt for him. The Bunny was worried the clues might be too obscure, but Carter being logical-minded creative-thinker Carter figured them out.

What he first thought was his basket was easy to find. It was sitting on the ledge of our new bay window in the living room. There was some Easter grass, gum and a note inside that read:

That was too easy!
We've just begun!
Put your thinking cap on.
Here's clue no. 1:

You gave me up
But Lent is done.
Turn me on
To start this fun.

Since Carter had given up video games for Lent, he knew right away he should go down into the TV room in the basement where his gaming systems are. There he found a new Nintendo DS game -- and Clue #2:

This is where
we draw the line:
Usually green
either Celtic or pine.

I mentioned recently Carter likes draw (in chalk) an outline of a Boston Celtics basketball court by the hoop outside. Last week, he ran out of sidewalk chalk so next to the hoop was a new box of chalk and Clue #3:

You've stored clothes in here
since before you were 6.
Take a peek again
just for kicks.

Right away he said, "I bet it's cleats in my closet!" Well, he was partially right. He had a new soccer ball in his closet since he's using a No. 5 ball this year and needed one. He already has cleats that fit so I don't know why he thought he was getting new ones. He was plenty happy with the ball and Clue #4:

Call us your peeps.
Call us your fan.
Put us in here
And watch us expand.

Yup, we're the weird type of people who microwave marshmallow Peeps to watch them expand to the point of prairie chicken size -- but not quite exploding. So that was an easy clue. Carter found some Peeps (the very last package at Wal-Mart I might add) in the microwave (not turned on) and his final clue:

Our hunt is coming
down to the wire.
If you want your basket,
you gotta look higher.

Well he certainly took his hunt to all places high in the house. For awhile I thought he'd go outside because he thought the word "wire" was part of the clue. (The Bunny didn't plan it that way.) Eventually he found his basket on his top bunk -- hidden under posters that had fallen off the wall, landing in a new home in the unused part of the bed.

His basket had a card in it from Mommy and Daddy and he questioned that right away. "How did that get in there? Did you see the Easter Bunny when he was hiding my basket?" Quick on my feet (as most lying parents are) I said I put the card in there last night so the Easter Bunny would know which basket was Carter's.

The more I thought about it, though, I am puzzled that Carter still believes in the Easter Bunny but questions the existence of Santa. Whatever. I'm just glad it worked out and he had fun with it.

The rest of the day was uneventful: church, shopping, watching (Masters), walking (sunny and 50s again!), baking ("Easter cookies" with pastel M&M's for the big boys) and eating dinner at Jim's parents' house. Now it's time to brush all the sugar off my teeth and tuck in my little bunny.

Blessed Easter to you all!

Should It Stay or Should It Go?

Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know...
-- The Clash (1981)

I was thinking of this catchy '80s tune by The Clash today. I was facing a closet full of toys and games that featured many prime candidates for the garage sale. Should it stay? Or should it go?

I didn't want to be solely responsible -- though I knew there were plenty of entertainment items I hadn't seen Carter entertain himself with in years. So while Daddy and I were out hunting down the last Easter treats at the store, Carter went through the game room closet and decided what should stay and go.

I had asked him to put everything in a pile in the middle of the floor and I'd take care of dusting it and pricing it. I guess he wasn't keen on touching games with dust or cobwebs on them because when I opened the closet, everything that should go was marked with an X on a sticky note. And we wonder why we can't find a Post-It note when we need one.

I found a few more things to add to the "go" pile. Ended up taking two loads over to the babysitter's since she is already setting up (behind the closed doors) for next weekend's sale. We hope the weather will be as nice as today: 50s and sunny. Awesome!

By the time I got done with price-tagging and doing Saturday cleaning, it was midafternoon. I called my neighbor across the street. "Have you put any miles on your legs yet today?" I asked. Luckily she hadn't. (The walk always goes quicker when you've got someone to talk to.) So we did our 3-mile route -- in short sleeves I might add!

It was so nice, we planned to grill tonight. We even exchanged out propane tank so we'd be set for the season. I had assumed it was empty and that was why our grill didn't work when we tried it a few weeks ago. I was wrong.

I think it has something to do with the fact that it's 10 years old and the igniter (which I've duct-taped into place the past 2 summers) doesn't want to work anymore. Could it be gas grills aren't meant to last 10 years? All I know is if we get a new one, it better come already assembled. I recall about 8 million parts that had to go together for this one. Hubby claims he's blocked out that experience from his memory. I can't say I blame him!

The Reset Button

We've had computer problems at home on and off for about a year now. I shouldn't say computer -- more specifically, Internet connection issues. Sometimes we can hop on a Web site in a second and other times, more often than not, it can take minutes. Since hubby and I aren't the patient sort, this has been a pain.

Since I typically know a computer inside and out, hubby was sure I'd fix it or find someone who can. I couldn't find a solution. I've tried everything but call for help. Oh yes, that was an option. But just like some guys don't ask for directions, Robyn does not pick up the phone and call the Geek Squad. (Did I mention I have issues?) So that has gotten us nowhere, of course.

The baseball season opened this week and Jim is very excited because he signed up for some online service that allows him to listen to games live on the computer. Well, that would work for most people, but not us and our stinkin' computer. Let's just say when he tried to tune into the Reds game the other night, a little Hell broke loose and I was smart enough to hide in the corner like a puppy that did something wrong. Or, in my case, didn't do something.

I heard him talk to the Geek Squad and felt good in a selfish way that they didn't have the answer anyway. So Jim decided to hunt around and eventually found a place where he could just reset all of our Internet settings back to the way they were on day one when we got the computer 2 1/2 years ago. Bingo! That worked! I applaud him for fixing it but, two days later, am still cowering in the corner because I know I deserve a talking to.

Too bad we can't just hit the "reset" button in life and erase all the bad decisions and actions. If you knew you could, how would you act differently? I have a feeling (well, I know) I wouldn't be very responsible. Just think about it. No consequences!

We have a casino gambling game on our computer that gives a player $5,000 to start. If you lose it, you're done. Well once I found out we can reset the player (and their bank account) at any time, I found myself at the high-stakes poker table betting on Texas Hold 'em hands like there was no tomorrow! And there wasn't.

Hmmm... A reset button to set things right. No consequences. Sounds good, but somehow I think that in the end, it will all catch up with us. (Just like a well-deserved lecture!)

First Communion

Holy week became even more special this year because the fifth graders at our church (and their families) shared a Passover meal and received their first communion tonight as part of the Maundy Thursday service.

The Seder Meal is more of an educational experience than anything else. Narrators take us through a typical Passover meal, where we learn the symbolism of certain foods and try them. Matzah (bread that tastes like soda crackers) was a bigger hit with the kids than some of the rest. We learned a little Hebrew, too, which isn't so easy to say out loud -- especially after multiple cups of wine (well, grape juice for some of us).

Before the church service began, Carter was a bit nervous about doing the right thing when we took communion. He's always gone up with me to be blessed, but maybe hasn't paid attention. That wasn't his main concern, though. "What if I don't like the wine?" (You know him and his aversion to drinking medicine!) I told him just to take a sip then. He didn't have to drink it all if he didn't like it. That seemed to work fine.

It was pretty neat to kneel next to him and do that together. This certainly will change our church-going experiences going forward. It will be even more special as we share our faith and watch our boy continue his transition to adulthood.

No rush.

Beyond Our Control

We arranged to leave work early today so we could get to the middle son's school for an open house/teacher conference. Since we had never set foot inside the "alternative" school, it was important for us to be there to check out this mysterious learning environment.

Unfortunately, when we got there (right at 5 when it was scheduled to start), there was a note taped to the door that said, "Due to circumstances beyond our control, the open house is postponed until next Wednesday."

Circumstances beyond our control? Hmm. Wonder what that could be. We certainly spent a few minutes speculating with some creative ideas. But we doubt it was anything so dramatic. And frankly, does it matter? If it was out of their control, it certainly is out of ours, too. Just like most things in life, right?

Right now I have two uncles recovering in hospitals from heart surgery and a stroke. What happens next is certainly beyond our control, but that doesn't stop me from praying for a speedy (and uneventful) recovery for them both.

This week, a woman who worked at our company (in our Cincinnati office) passed away. She was younger than me and had just been in for a routine foot surgery. During recovery -- at home -- she developed a blood clot and died. That whole situation is beyond our control, but I am praying God will provide comfort for her family and the co-workers who knew her best.

In the last day or two at work, I have latched onto some stress I can't seem to release. Right now I am trying to determine what part of this I really can control and what is simply beyond. I imagine when this headache goes away that means I've figured it out.

I recall my mother's struggle to teach us kids some common sense. She tried to lead by example but you know the old saying about leading a horse to water... She just couldn't make us have common sense. That part of the equation was beyond her control.

In our refrigerator we have taken to labeling our water bottles with a Sharpee so we can reuse them a few times before recycling. D for Dad, M for Mom, C for Carter. The point of labeling them should be obvious. My name, my bottle. But there's that common sense thing again...

This morning, Daddy mentioned how he got up during the night because he was thirsty after eating salty pizza for supper. But when he got to the fridge, something was missing. So, he asked, "Has anyone seen my water bottle?" Carter responds, "Oh, the one with the D on it? That's in my room by my bed."

Ahh, yes. Sometimes things are beyond our control... including the ability to hold back an eye roll and a laugh.

Democratic Process

Democracy: The practice or principles of social equality.

Today is one of those days we'll see the democratic process in action. After work, we'll head to the polls to elect (among other offices) our new township chairman and a new county judge (hopefully a friend of ours). As the one definition of democracy points out, there is "social equality." Every vote counts.

We'll also be witnessing democracy on a different level this evening during baseball tryouts. Every kid has a chance to make a team. And frankly, in the true spirit of democracy and social equality, every kid will make a team. Carter doesn't even have to try out. Since Daddy will be coaching again, he's automatically on his team. I guess it's like running for office unopposed.

Jim's coaching partner, Mike, is in Vegas for national bowling this week, so the onus is on Coach Buttermaker to draft a non-Bad News Bears team this year. Their strategy: Pick kids who can pitch! That may make all the difference in the world.

Carter is technically the oldest kid in the 9-10 year olds divisions because the cutoff date is your age on April 30 (and Carter turns 11 on May 1). So we expect big things. Last night Coach Daddy asked him if he thinks his new glasses will help in baseball this summer. "Definitely!" Carter says.

That's good to hear. Just like our votes, he better make every "at bat" count!

Openers

Things are feeling back to normal today. Carter is in school again and baseball season is under way.

Back to school meant it was the first day Carter's classmates got to see his new specs. "There was lots of names being thrown around today," he said. I expected something along the lines of "four eyes" but he said they were more like "genius" and "Einstein." I said that's not so bad. "Mom, they were being sarcastic." Duh.

Today marked the fourth-quarter "opener" so Carter brought his third-quarter report card home. I was thrilled to see the grades in almost all of his classes went up. But, of course being a mom I had to ask why the math grade went down. Carter didn't really have an answer but Daddy pointed out, "I don't think that will keep him out of college." True. Guess I should keep it in perspective.

Baseball season is officially off and running. Neither of us got to see our teams in action, though. Hubby's Reds were on TV -- but during the afternoon, so he couldn't watch them (lose, unfortunately).

The Twins opened at home in their last season at the Dome. They are rarely on TV over here in central Wisconsin so I hope to see them in person this summer. Tonight they lost to the Mariners, which likely will be Carter's new favorite team since Ken Griffey Jr. moved over there from the White Sox in the off season. I don't dislike Seattle as much as Chicago, so I'll probably be OK with that. I will not, however, be content with a Twins' losing season.

Wait, what was that lesson I learned earlier today? Oh yeah, I need to put it in perspective. We've got 160-some more chances for wins. Go Twins!

Outgrown

I love when the weatherman predicts 3-5 inches of snow the first weekend of April... and he's WRONG! We expected an awful, sloppy mess today and got nothing really. That's fine with me!

Got to sleep in today and skip early church since Carter and the Sunday School were singing at the late service. That was nice (both the sleeping in and the singing for Palm Sunday).

After church, Carter and I picked up a few groceries and had to find some "grown up" clothes for him -- nice pants, a dress shirt and tie -- since he's got his first communion coming up this Thursday. We realized he's already outgrown his dress-up clothes from 2 years ago. And later realized he's outgrown just about everything.

Even though the weather was nice outside, I still put Carter on the task of finding the clothes he no longer wears -- either because they don't fit his body or his "style" -- so I could price it for the garage sale. I pretty much spent the afternoon on the chair in the livingroom, lamenting over all the cute shirts we'll never see him wear again and wondering why it is we buy him so much stuff! I have to admit, though, that a lot of his clothes come from his older brothers and cousin so it's not like we intentionally bought him 300 t-shirts sized 10-12. Honest.

While I was pricing away, hubby flipped channels between golf and the NASCAR race. I can't imagine a Sunday afternoon without sports in this house. The golf sure made me itch for summer -- or at least for spring to stay put!

After supper, since I no longer had my pre-planned excuse that it was too cold and snowy out, I went for a quick 2-mile walk. Now I have to have Carter shoo his girl friend out the door so I can cut his hair and he can get to bed early. It's back to school tomorrow! Spring break, for what it was worth this year, is over and done with. Lucky for him, though, he only has to go 4 days this week since the kids get Good Friday off, too. Kinda makes me wish clothes weren't the only thing I've outgrown since childhood!

Work Day

Who cares if it's the weekend? No one escaped a work day around here today.

While I was at the library for hopefully the last time (for work anyway), hubby was painting the hallway and Carter was "organizing" his room so he could move back in there after two weeks in the basement (we kicked him out during window installation and room painting).

By the time I got home from town in the early afternoon, we were all done with the work part of the day and ready to relax. Since the weather was nice again (high 40s), I decided to walk to the gas station and get our Powerball tickets set. This time I just took a direct route to and back so it was just 4 miles. But that felt good and helped ease my guilty conscience after not "moving" all week. Sometimes work gets in the way of the best intentions to exercise. (I know. I always seem to have an excuse!)

Since Carter found a few things to discard from his room, I priced those up for the upcoming garage sale at the babysitter's. Jim ran some tables over there already so next week we can just drive our stuff over. We probably won't have much. On nice sunny days, I'm just not that motivated to be sorting through things and slapping on price tags. Tomorrow, since the forecast calls for crappy with a good chance of sloppy, Carter and I will hit the playroom in the basement and see what treasures we can find for the sale. I have a feeling there are a few toys and games down there that Carter outgrew a few shoe sizes ago!

Tonight, while it still seems like spring, Carter is playing with the neighbor kids outside somewhere (hopefully not crashing into anything in the dark and breaking his glasses) and hubby is drinking a few beers with the guys around a campfire next door.

I actually had full control of the remote for an hour and what did I watch? Basketball! What is wrong with me? If any of you saw the Michigan State game, you'd know it was a good watch. Now, I almost have to watch the second game tonight to see if it's as good.

Unless, of course, Pretty Woman or Dirty Dancing is on. I've only seen them 43 times each...

The Better to See You ...

The numbers on my alarm clock are about 3 inches tall. It wasn't that long ago my vision was so bad, I needed the numbers that big so I could see them in the middle of the night without putting my glasses on. As someone who'd worn glasses (or contacts) since age 5, that was the norm for me.

Five-some years ago, before I had lasik surgery, I literally had to stand next to the wall to see the big E on the eye chart clearly. I remember to my astonishment the morning after my lasik surgery, I awoke to see not only those alarm clock numbers clearly, but the pattern on the wallpaper on the far wall. I was simply amazed. Wow. I can't believe what I was missing.

Carter had much the same reaction yesterday when we picked up his glasses. As soon as he put them on, he was saying, "Whoa! Wow! Everything is so crisp and clear!" As we drove through town, he kept lifting the glasses up to see a "before" and "after" view and he'd be saying things like, "So this is what the world looks like!" And I'm thinking, how bad did we let his eyes get before he got glasses?

I was pleased to hear him say, "This is one of the most amazing things that's happened to me!" Later, when it took the neighbor girl only 2 seconds to call him a "dork," I was worried his enthusiasm would change. But as he watched TV (which looks like hi-def to him now), he said, "Mom, I don't care what people say because these are amazing to me! I bet 10 years from now I'll still be saying 'wow!'"

Well I doubt that, but we'll take it for now and hope he takes better care of his glasses than his cat. Of course, since the cleaning doesn't involve a litter box, I think he'll OK.

A.D.D.

A few years back (OK, something like 12), I did an award-winning (had to throw that in there) newspaper series on Attention Deficit Disorder (commonly referred to as ADD or ADHD). So I know it is a serious matter and nothing to joke about. Still...

I swear I have ADD! This work project is making me stir crazy. Yes, it is more productive for me to be sequestered away in a corner of the library to work on this without any distractions. But, I'm finding that I need those distractions to function! Or I create my own (like blogging in the middle of my project).

I don't know how people who work in factories do it. The repetition would kill me. Right now this project is a lot about labeling pieces of data and hitting "save." I am already dreaming about this -- when I stop coughing during the night long enough to sleep and dream, that is.

I feel like I've worn a groove in this thankfully-padded bench over the past few days working here! But I also know that as soon as I am back in the office tomorrow, I'll be too distracted and I'll be complaining that I'm getting nothing done! So maybe I don't have ADD. Maybe I am just one of those people who always need something to complain about. Nahh. Not me!

There's a new distraction today. I purposely have my back to the windows but I can tell the sun is shining. I think I liked it better the last few days when it was raining. Then everyone was happy to be in the nice dry library!

OK, done whining now. I better get back to data land and stay focused. I can already see my next distraction taking the form of a Mint Oreo Blizzard! Hey, DQ is only a half block away. I could dash over and back and not lose my spot. I can't make any guarantees about not losing my motivation, though.

Yikes. Good thing I know there's medication for this! That is, if ice cream doesn't work first...

Just Jokin'

I was on guard today for an April Fool's joke from the guys, but none were forthcoming. Maybe they feel bad for me and my crazy work situation these days. Or maybe they'll wait to spring something on me when I least expect it!

I'll have to say it was rather boring at the library today without Carter to entertain me with trivial facts and sometimes funny jokes. It sure beats the conversations I have with the committee in my head! My highlight of the day was helping a guy find his wallet he'd dropped in the library. From where I sit in my "corner office" (booth), I was just at the right angle to see it under a chair. He was quite grateful. No reward or anything but he kept saying, "This makes for a great story!"

After "work," I picked up Carter at the sitter's and we headed over to Waupaca to meet up with Daddy for a baby shower for some friends of ours at work. Carter's a big fan of theirs so was happy to be able to go along. He was also in his element, chit-chatting with all the people we work with (he's met them before at various get-togethers -- and some have babysat him).

I couldn't get over how comfortable he felt with the adults versus the "little kids." Like he's getting so old now. He had an arsenal of jokes to tell so he was loving the attention. One of our friends who met him for the first time said, "He's such a little Jim!" I wasn't sure if she meant the physical resemblance or the ability to capture an audience with good storytelling. Either way, that's a compliment! Some of the guys told Carter they'd see him again this summer so he better brush up on his jokes and have some new material by then.

As long as he's concentrating on those jokes, hopefully I can let my guard down until next April 1st. Hopefully.