29 Again

I think Mother Nature misunderstood me. When I said I wanted to be 29 again, I wasn't talking about the temperature.

I guess we shouldn't be surprised. It's the last day of September. (I know. Already?!)

If you're a baseball fan, you don't need a thermometer to know we're heading into October. It's pennant race time!

This week is an exciting one for the Twins, who sit 2 games behind the Tigers and play in their "house" 4 times this week. Due to rain Monday night, they played a day/night double-header yesterday and split the difference. So we start today in the same place -- 2 games behind. I don't think I have any fingernails left but I am looking forward to the rest of this week. This is fun baseball!

Not as fun as date nights, but still pretty exciting!

School Night

It's not often we do something on a school night because, well, it's a school night (work night) and we have to get up early and all that. But when hubby asks you out on a rare date, you say "Yes!" no matter what night it is.

Jim and I went to the movie Extract, which looked funny because it is a work-place comedy by the same people who created Office Space. I think Jim wanted to see it because the preview showed a married man determined to get home each night before his wife changed into her comfy (chastity-belted) sweat pants. As someone who likes to slip into something comfortable after work myself, I tried to look past that story line!

Our hope during the day today was that the 6th-grader wouldn't have too much homework and muck up our plans. I pretty much determined that even if he did have a lot, he'd have to fend for himself. I was not missing my date (tough love, right?).

As it turned out, we're not the only ones who rarely have date nights on school nights. (Or the movie has a reputation we weren't aware of. Or the $17.50 for 2 tickets was too much sticker shock.) We actually had the theater to ourselves! Ooh-la-la!

The movie was OK -- not bad but not great. Only a few laugh out loud moments. But that's fine with me. It was time alone with my hubby, away from all the other drama life has to offer. And believe me, that's not always that entertaining either.

Thanks for the date, Jim!

Hang 10 ...er, 12

I guess if it was my great-nephew Anthony's 12th birthday, I should say hang 12 instead of hang 10, but our day at the water park was really more of a surfer dude's day. Here are some hang 10 highlights....

A three-generation photo op: Anthony with his new cell phone, his mom (my niece Caryn) and his grandma (my sister Renell).

Carter and the girls take a break from the action after riding the Master Blaster.

Anthony tries to ride the waves on the Flowrider. The funny thing about watching people do this is the boys more often than not, lost their pants once catipulted up to the top of the "wave" (hill). Both Anthony and Carter held their pants tight before standing up when they were done!

OK, dude. Carter takes some instruction from the lifeguard.

And here is Carter attempting to surf (he was really too light to keep his board in the middle, but at least he gave it a try)...

Not a bad way to hang on a Sunday afternoon!

To a T

Reasons Sundays (this one at least) fit me to a T...

Twelve: Miraculously, my sister, niece and I managed to pull off a surprise for Carter and my great-nephew Anthony, who turned 12 today. We met at the Kalahari indoor water park in Wisconsin Dells to celebrate. (Pictures and video will be coming.) It's tough to get away with taking pre-teens anywhere these days. They're all concerned us moms are taking them somewhere lame, you know.

Tubes: While the cousins and my sister floated around on their tubes and swished down the slick slides, I wisely refrained from risking any further back trauma this week. So I parked on a lounge couch in front of the boob tube. There was a bank of 4 TVs so I was able to watch the Packer game for my sister Renell and watch the score ticker for Viking highlights for the rest of us. Now that game would have exciting to watch. Next week outta be a good one!

Twins: I can't believe I've had to cheer on the White Sox this weekend. But I do thank them for their efforts in taming the Tigers enough to keep the Twins in the run for the Central Division title. This is going to be a fun week! I hope some network (a plea to ESPN) is nice enough to air it for us fans too far from Minnesota television coverage. Go Twins!

Tumbleweed: We are under a wind advisory in central Wisconsin. What does that mean exactly? Well for us, it meant the drive home from the Dells felt like I was in the middle of some sort of video game, dodging tumbleweed and leaves flying at the windshield like snowflakes in a snowstorm. Surreal experience. Glad we're home safely and the only "T" left today is Temperature -- as in, what a nice hubby I have to warm up my blanket for me before we got home. That suits me to a T, too!

Reciprocity

Reciprocity: A mutual exchange or interchange of favors.

One of the magical characteristics of a true friendship is that there is no score card. Two people are simply there for each other -- with a listening ear, arms to hold, a shoulder to cry on and sometimes just a vehicle for a ride. Whatever the need, a friend fills it.

It would be selfish to keep track of each favor, each measure of support. In a deep, long-lasting relationship, it all works out in the end, don't you think?

I was privileged today to spend some time with two longtime friends.

One friend was in the hospital. Thankfully nothing life-threatening. Mainly she's fighting pain and boredom so hubby and I trekked up to Stevens Point for a few hours to help her pass the afternoon. It was the least we could do. She's done that and more for us. We're just thankful she'll be seeing some specialists at Mayo next week. It is always tough to see a friend in pain. We feel so helpless!

A second friend was someone who lived in Rapids when I first moved here 14 years ago and has since moved away (some 5 or 6 years ago). She was in town for a conference, called me up and we met for an evening chat and walk along the river. Isn't it funny how you don't see an old friend for years and your conversation can pick up practically where you left off years before? This friend is in pain, too. The emotional kind. Again I feel so helpless.

What I learned from both of them today is that prayer is still the most powerful answer and display of support when we're apart. I also was reminded how fortunate I am. Between a loving family and friends and my health, I am extremely blessed.

And when I'm not, I know I have friends to call on to be there for me. That's what friends do.

Neat, huh?

Shivers

There are two definitions of Shivers. One -- my favorite -- is the ice cream shop in Iola. The other -- more applicable tonight -- is the twitching of the body after "chilling" out at a sometimes rainy high school football game. B-r-r-r.

Today was really dreary. We pretty much waited for the rain clouds to burst open at any time. Didn't happen at noon so I went running at lunch. Didn't happen at 3:30 so we left work to get home for Carter's soccer practice.

It did happen right before we had to drive him into town. I didn't know how hard-core his coach is this year, so I took him to the practice field just in case. Turns out, not so hard-core. Only one other kid there. No coach. No practice.

So we went to Family Video to get some flicks for a potentially chilly and rainy weekend.

When it looked like the rain was done (according to my professional interpretation of the radar), we decided to accompany hubby to his homecoming football game. Assumption (his alma mater) was playing Loyal. Both teams are just OK this year. It was back-and-forth scoring to begin with, then Loyal ran away with it. Assumption seemed to cut into their lead in the third quarter, but never got any closer than one touchdown difference. They lost 42-28, I believe.

I was paying attention, but -- after a constant breeze and occasional sprinkles -- I was getting chilled by the end. Still fun to watch. Honest. I love football!

Now if we could just get our cat trained to turn on my electric mattress pad about halftime, I'd be all set to catch up on some cozy sleep now. That's OK. Carter insists that we have to stay up late tonight in order to sleep in tomorrow. I can see how that seems logical. But only to someone who must have a good SpongeBob or iCarly re-run coming on at 10...

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Apparently all I needed was a dose of Doctors McDreamy and McSteamy to get myself out from under the weather. Just knowing the 2-hour season premiere of Grey's starts in less than an hour has me feeling better already!

I do have to give some credit to the fact I went to bed early last night. Nothing was on TV to hold my interest. I actually found myself watching Dancing with the Stars. I knew less than 5 of the alleged "stars" but stayed tuned to it because they promised a Patrick Swayze tribute. I know, I couldn't believe my good luck. (Too bad it didn't carry over to the Powerball. Oh well, there's always Saturday.)

My back felt better today and my stomach was only a bit queasy compared to yesterday. I decided to distract myself by doing two things.

One, I went running at lunch. Call me whacko (and people I live with already do), but when I'm feeling crappy, a run tends to make me feel better. I know. All in my head, blah, blah, blah, but it worked.

Two, I emailed random Grey's trivia questions throughout the day to other McFans at work. The contest (with no prize) actually certainly helped the day fly by -- and got us all psyched for tonight's premiere.

I had to whip through my grocery shopping and get laundry going so there will be no distractions. Not even the Schwan's man can drag me away from the TV tonight.

But I may be up for an ice cream break.

See? Getting back to my old self already.

Change of Seasons

We're officially into autumn now. I wonder if that is what had me feeling under the weather today. It certainly wasn't something I ate. We had a great meal last night of steaks on the grill and baked potatoes (yes, completely baked this time in my magic potato bag!). Maybe my body can't handle such a great home-cooked meal!

Something's not right. My back has been hurting since I returned from my wild weekend. Perhaps I was too wild. More than likely, it was just too much time in a car. But worth it! Today I was feeling just plain ol' icky. Like I wasn't going to keep my food down. But I did and I got through work and am looking forward to some quiet couch time this evening.

I do hate to say goodbye to summer -- my favorite season (when I get to golf, that is). I like the fall, too, with its mild temperatures, brilliant colors and, typical of me, the return of Grey's Anatomy (2-hour premiere tomorrow night!) -- and our other shows on hiatus for the summer.

Besides our new-found love of Mad Men, Hubby and I like watching our Monday night comedy lineup together. But we each claim a TV on Thursday nights when both The Office and Grey's are on. I like The Office, too, but usually have to catch that online. Jim, on the other hand, has absolutely no desire to see (or hear about) what he missed on Grey's!

Too bad there's nothing on tonight. I really need to lay down. I guess I can always watch a movie. I'm sure Dirty Dancing is on somewhere... (sob, sob)

Taking a Breather

One of our planned activities for our sister weekend revolved around a deck of cards that are, for lack of a better word, meditations. In this case, they'd probably fit right in with some yoga class because they were all about breathing.

Breathing and thinking, too.

We decided that whenever we needed a "breather," someone would pull their card out, read it and we'd all take a minute to concentrate on the word on the card and its message. For example, if the word was Flow, the message might be something like: "Breathe in the ability to go with the flow. Breathe our your need to control everything."

You get my drift.

To me, the entire weekend was a "breather." A total break from any stress or negativity related to work, motherhood, you name it. While I did think about all that -- at times -- I did my best to concentrate on relaxation and spending quality time with my sisters.

There's something so peaceful about being with people who "get you," who know all about you and your quirks and still love you unconditionally. I don't have to be someone I'm not or try to impress anyone. Not that I find myself doing that very often. I just feel a sense of ease knowing I don't have to.

It was a nice breather. I encourage you all to give it a try.

Breathe in... Breathe out... Breathe in... Breathe out...

By the Numbers...

Just got back from a loooong Wild Women's Weekend! Here are a few highlights by the numbers...

11: The number of annual sister weekends we've had to date. Every year we go to a different location -- typically in Wisconsin or Minnesota (one time in Texas). This year it was up to Park Rapids in north-central Minnesota. I often think the only reason we call it WILD is that we are literally out in the wild somewhere. I'm sure it has nothing to do with our behavior.

7: The number of sisters! Also my average number of hours of sleep each night. (Yawn.) Also the number of times I said "Jinx!" this weekend when a sister and I would say the same thing. Great minds think alike, I guess!

1,127: How many miles I logged on my vehicle since I left last Wednesday night. (And no, I didn't go all the way to Canada. It felt close, though.)

10,000: Allegedly the number of lakes in Minnesota. I think they are short-changing themselves. When we took a boat tour of Lake Itasca on Friday in the Itasca State Park, we discovered it was only one of 100 lakes in that park alone! The photo above is the dock in front of our cabin for the weekend on Potato Lake.

75: Average temperature during our stay. We couldn't have ordered better weather. Sunny and slightly breezy. Just awesome!

4: How many pounds of red licorice we brought with us. I have a terrible travel addiction. I know my body can live without food for 2 1/2 hours, but mind says all road trips require a bag of Twizzlers. (Apparently I am not the only sister that feels that way!)

A zillion: Estimated number of trees in Itasca State Park. Two (including the one my twin and I are peeking around above) are record holders for their size and age. Very cool. Took a neat Wilderness Tour through the park. I have way more tree pictures than I'll know what to do with.

15: About how many strides it took me to cross the Mississippi at its headwaters off Lake Itasca. Learned a lot of history about how they discovered the source of the Mighty Mississip. Of course, we were just concerned about taking pictures and saying, "We walked across the Mississippi!"

18: How many feet tall Paul Bunyan is -- well his statue in Bemidji anyway. Yes, we were the ultimate tourists. I figured if I was that close to Bemidji, let's trot on up there and see Paul and Babe. Corny but cool in a historic tourist trap way.

5: Number of times I got to annoy my Packer-loving sisters with my "Skol Vikings!" ring tone on my cell phone. (tee hee)

Countless: The number of times we laughed, smiled, hugged, laughed, ate, talked, laughed and ate. Did I mention we didn't go hungry? The only reason (I swear) our bellies ached was too much laughing. And that is worth the pain!

Looking forward to number 12 next year!

The WILD Blue Yonder...

I'm heading out to my 11th annual Wild Women's Weekend (aka Sister Weekend). Doesn't seem right that we call it a "weekend" when I'm starting it on Wednesday! But I don't mind.

Actually my sister Rayna and I both get a "head start." She's flying from Texas and I'm meeting her at the airport in Minneapolis tonight. We'll stay at our sister Renell's in Hudson, then head up NORTH in the morning and hook up with the other 4 sisters later in the day.

Our destination this year is Park Rapids, Minnesota. It's up in "lake country," near Itasca State Park and the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi.

Through some sister connections, we are staying in a friend's cabin on a lake (Potato Lake if you know the area). We heard from the owners this morning that there were dozens of loons on the lake. So, yes, it goes without saying that my sisters and I will fit right in!

Looking forward to some relaxation, good company, beautiful scenery and, according to the weather gods, warmth & sunshine! I guess I'm also taking a vacation from blogging unless I can get it to work through my very smart phone. I won't exert myself trying. This weekend is not about that!

The only "work" part is the prep and planning for the Opening Act my twin sister and I always do to kick off the weekend. We always end up winging it and are grateful our sisters love us unconditionally.

Stay tuned. There may be pictures. Maybe. Mostly we follow the overused motto: What happens at sister weekend, stays at sister weekend...

See ya next week if not before!

Tuesday Tidbits

RIP Patrick: It wasn't until after I got done blogging last night that I found out Patrick Swayze had passed away. (I hate cancer!) I am pretty sad about this as I have had a strange connection to Johnny Castle/Sam Wheat/Orrie Main for some time now. Follow link HERE to a previous blog about it. I imagine by now he is teaching the angels to Dirty Dance! Rest in peace.

Working it: Work is just crazy busy for both Jim and me these days. I am working on tagging data again (which means nothing to the average bear) so I get anxious about seeing an end in sight. For this part, it's several, several days away, so I'll keep plugging away. Today I did take a a little bit longer lunch to run a "sister weekend" errand. I'm getting excited! Tomorrow I am working from home -- connecting to work from our computer to "tag" away. Then I'm headin' West!

Holy Homework, Batman! OK it's 9 o'clock and Carter just got done with homework. Seriously, he has been working on it since we got home. That's just too much. We didn't get to spend any time together on my last night home. Of course, I spent 90 minutes in town on errands anyway...

Last-Minute Mable: Honestly, parts of me felt really organized leading up to my annual Wild Women's Weekend. But I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. Had to run into town to get some food stuffs I couldn't get any earlier. Then I wisely packed up the CR-V except for the coolers and my clothes (which I haven't begun to think about). I am not worried about getting it all together. My underlying fear is a bit more serious...

Back at It: I woke up Monday morning with a stiff neck and an inability to turn my head very far to the left. It has gotten only marginally better and right now my entire body feels like a train wreck. So good thing hubby and I see our chiropractor in the morning. Couple's therapy again -- too bad we can't get a 2-for-1 discount! I just hope he can fix it all before I drive 7 hours away. That won't be pretty. I'll make sure I have some ibuprofen or something with.

I'll just add it to the list that doesn't seem to stop growing...

Try it, You Might Like it

Don't freak out on me, but I used my domestic skills 2 days in a row this weekend.

Last night I made another apple treat -- this time an apple cake! Now granted I did use a Tastefully Simple Nana's Apple Cake mix for part of it, but one shouldn't discount my 30 minutes or so of hard labor chopping up those little apples!

I brought the cake to work today and got no complaints there. I actually only came home with one piece for Carter. Apparently I should be wearing the ol' apron more often.

Carter is also trying something new...

Yay, the trumpet came today! He basically is just getting the hang of how you hold the thing. He still has a lot to learn about blowing into it for consistent sound and playing notes.

In this photo he is actually "playing" the intro to Eye of the Tiger. Don't blame me it's an '80s song! And believe me, he's got a long way to go for it to sound anything like it. But, he is enthusiastic about it and wants to succeed.

He had to bring home a goal sheet tonight for his 6th-grade year. Basically, he wrote, he wants to be a great trumpet player and basketball player. We'll settle for good or even nice try. It's just encouraging to see him set goals besides the highest score in Madden '10.

I also have some goals. Tonight I went running for the third day in a row, 3 miles without having to walk. That's a big accomplishment for me after being sedentary so many months. (I won't give the shoes all the credit!) It actually feels good to get moving again.

Let's hope we're all headed in the right direction.

Scheduling Conflict

It's officially football season. Yay! But wait, racing season isn't quite over yet. Now what?

As much as I would've loved to see Adrian Peterson's stellar day, we instead found our way up to Marshfield to watch our nephew Colin have a stellar day of his own!

Today was a special race day. They had an 80-lap Challenge series race that brought in a lot of late models. As a bonus for the fans, they had super stock and 4-cylinder features (much shorter) as well. So we got to see #87 once again start towards the back, move up to the lead and kick tail.

It really is no longer a question of IF he'll win, it's "How many laps will it take to move up to the front?"

I like daytime races. This was one of the few times I didn't have to bundle up! It would have been too nice to sit inside and watch TV anyway. Plus, I am an expert at avoidance. I am so not ready to see that No. 4 on our sidelines. Can you blame me?

It'll always be family B-4 Favre 4 me!

Colin gets a victory cheer in the Winner's Circle from his dad.

Oh I almost forgot ... Colin made the cover of Midwest racing magazine. Click here to read about the "young gun." Way cool!!

Good Stuff

I just realized it's almost 10 o'clock and I never did get around to my Saturday cleaning routine (dust, vacuum, sweep, etc.). Whoops. I guess I got busy.

I did start out the day on the right note and went running. I love my new running shoes. They almost do the running for me. (I wish!) They should for what I paid for them! I guess as long as the financial guilt gets me out on the road, then I'll start burning some calories.

After I got back and showered and dressed, Carter and I headed south to the Adams Flea Market. (Adams is about 30 miles south of Rapids.) There was something there I heard I could find -- and did -- but I can't tell you since it's a surprise for my upcoming sister weekend! I can tell you Carter found a few things (of course) and I bought some books (of course).

On the way home, I had my second ice cream disappointment of the week. The first was Friday when I looked forward to stopping at King Cone on the way home from work "one last time." We get there and it was already closed for the season! Break my heart! Today it was just a screwed up order that I had to live with. It was supposed to be mint ice cream with some chocolate cookie or something in it. Instead it was chocolate ice cream with a mint cookie. Well I'm one of those weird people that really does not like chocolate ice cream, so I was sorely disappointed. Are the ice cream gods out to get me?!!? Between this and the running shoes, I might just lose some weight! Imagine that!

This afternoon, Carter had a friend over. While they were playing I decided to get domestic. Seriously, I did. A friend gave me some apples from her yard so I cut some up and made homemade apple crisp. This is the recipe from my mom that I've had forever. It lists several ingredients with the chopped up apples or a person can just use a can of pie filling. You know me. I've always opted for the pie filling. I tell ya, it sure turned out good the other way, though! Especially when we ate some while it was still warm from the oven, topped with a little bit of Schwan's vanilla ice cream. (Yes, I finally got my ice cream, darn it!)

I also spent some time today getting a few things ready for the Wild Women's Weekend next weekend (which starts Wednesday night for me). Can't tell you what I worked on but I am getting very excited for this annual get-together!

While I was doing all this, hubby finally got out golfing! He took it easy swinging (so he says). We'll see how his back is feeling in the morning. It's been almost 2 months since he's gone. Good thing we've had this streak of summer weather this week so he could go again.

After supper, we went to a wedding dance for the son of Carter's after-school sitter. We had only planned on staying until 9:30 because we've got church and the first day of Sunday School in the morning. Well Carter had a friend there so he was not happy to be leaving.

So now I've got Mr. Cranky I better go tuck in -- who seems to have forgotten about the fun day he had. I could get him up even earlier and drag him out running with me. I can just blame it on the shoes, right?

A Free Moment

I just got in from some quiet relaxation time in the hot tub. It's a clear night so I was doing a bit of star gazing, trying to find the Big Dipper since Carter had asked about it earlier. Staring up at all those constellations (which I don't know by name but know are on his "star map") really makes me realize how insignificant we are in this universe. But we don't feel that way, do we?

We experience events, successes and failures every day that have some significance in our lives. It's not my place to judge what others deem (or don't deem) important. To a person, our perceptions are unique. However, I am reasonably certain that all Americans (at the least) deem today -- this date -- one of the most significant in their lifetimes.

For homework this week, Carter had to interview me about 9/11 -- Sept. 11, 2001. What was I doing when I heard the news, what did I think, etc. As news editor of a daily newspaper, it was quite the hectic day (and week). I certainly remember that. He did ask me if I had a hard time believing what happened. I said yes. We just always felt safe in America. We just didn't think anything of that tragic magnitude would happen on U.S. soil.

Some good did come out of it. We definitely got a wake-up call about national security and the threat of terrorism. We even bonded as a country -- for awhile. And learned not to take our freedoms for granted.

I will admit I forget to appreciate those freedoms now and then. But having had one nephew serve over in Iraq and Afghanistan and another currently serving in Iraq constantly reminds me there are thousands of men and women putting their lives on the line for our simple freedoms.

Today, because of their sacrifices, I was free to go to work (but I could have taken a vacation day if I wanted to). I was free to spend time with my "hair artist" because we are both women with equal opportunities to work outside the home. I was free to take my son to soccer practice because children are allowed to play rather than tote weapons around, protecting their neighborhoods or their country. I was free to attend a high school football game because the spirit of competition can be positive. I was free to write whatever I wanted in this blog because of the freedom of speech our service men and women fight to preserve.

It's just a simple day in my little life. But I think the freedom to have those days is a pretty significant thing. Don't you?

Let us not forget.

Whose Bright Idea is That?

As much as we think we have no control or impact, parents are influential. Think about the last time you asked yourself: Why do I do that? Why do I act like that? Why do I talk that way? If you answered, "Because Mom/Dad did," then you see my point. We do have the power to shape the next generation.

But we share it.

It never ceases to amaze me when our son starts a new "habit" of sorts because somebody (read: not his parents!) encouraged him to do so. He recently was filling up his big water bottle and I observed that it was an awful lot of water. "Well Mom, we should be drinking at least 64 ounces a day. I need to drink two of these."

If I had suggested he drink more water, I lay odds 10-1 he'd have said, "But Mom, I'm not thirsty!" It becomes a darn good idea when the health teacher mentions it, though.

Take this band thing.... Jim and I had never talked to Carter seriously about joining band when the opportunity came in 6th grade. Not that we were judging him by his tone-searching singing or his abilities on Guitar Hero. It just never came up.

When he approached us and actually asked to go to the meeting to sign up, we were delighted he was showing interest in something extra curricular his mean parents weren't forcing on him (i.e. Sunday School, tackle football, etc.). So we're playing it cool and we'll support his interest in this until our ears bleed. Well hopefully it won't go that far.

Carter mentioned in his blog before school started that he is anxious to play school basketball this fall. When we asked him in prior years, he did not want to sign up -- even for the league at the YMCA. Somehow in the past year or so, he jumped on Daddy's Celtics bandwagon and has enjoyed watching it and now playing it (in a shooting hoops solo sort of way).

It wasn't our idea that he go out and shoot hoops just about every night. He certainly would have bucked at it if it was. "What?! I have to practice every day?!?" He's just enjoying it and wanting to do something about it. It's nice when some professional athletes behave like the influential icons they are (but don't get me started on that).

Unfortunately (well not all unfortunate), Carter will still end up doing things like his Dad and his Mom that he doesn't want to. It will eventually just come naturally and he'll be trying to fight it still at 40.

Like the other night when I was cutting his hair and trying to explain/show him on the trimmer the difference between 3/4" and 7/8". Hubby pipes up, "You two should have your own sit-com, you know that?"

At least that is almost a positive comment. Usually he just calls us Idgit #1 and Idgit #2. Apparently it doesn't skip a generation...

09-09-09

Those number-loving types -- I think they're called numerologists -- must have had a field day today on the 9th day of the 9th month of 2009.

09-09-09

Does that sound lucky to you? I would think if you're looking for some kind of financial windfall, the date 07-07-07 would appear luckier since it resembles a slot-machine jackpot (not that I have any experience with that). But hey, I won't turn down a winning lottery ticket tonight on 09-09-09!

While most of us don't consider ourselves suspicious to the level of a numbers freak, I bet each of us has a "lucky number" -- a go-to number -- we use when prompted to "pick a number" for something.

Hubby likes 17, which was worn by Boston Celtics great John Havlicek back in the '70s. I am partial to 28 since that is my birthdate. Carter also likes 28 (for now) but only because Adrian Peterson wears it. Just like his baseball team loyalty, he's pretty fickle with his numbers. And that's OK. We don't always have to stick with one lucky number.

I think 11 is lucky because that's how many years I've been a mother and, coincidentally, how many years my sisters and I have gotten together for out annual weekend escape.

I love 10 because that represents how many people are in my birth family. Mom, Dad and the 8 R's. And we're all still alive and well!

Not to jump on the Vegas bandwagon, but I do like 7, too, because that's how many years I've been married.

The number 6 is good for me as well. That's how many years I've been at my current place of employment. That's also the highest setting on my electric mattress pad. Between the 2 of them, that's 24/7 bliss, right?

Right. Maybe I better hope for some major niner-niner-niner luck in the Powerball tonight!

Brass Kickin'

Cover your ears! Our son is officially a member of the 6th-grade band at Grant Elementary School! (Don't worry, we'll set up a music stand in the far corner of the basement for practice.)

Tonight was the "experimental" meeting where the kids got to try out the instruments of their choice to see what toots their horn. The instructors also graded them on their ability to make a strong, consistent tone through the mouthpiece. From there, they (and paying parents) could make an informed decision.

Going into this, Carter was pretty interested in the Baritone (the biggest instrument after the Tuba) and the Trumpet (easy to hold and only 3 keys!). He tried those and the Trombone. Basically, from his marks, he is welcome in the brass family.

Since we had to make a decision tonight to get the best rental deal and all that, he opted for the Trumpet. This way, if he ever needs some guidance on the notes (we know he won't run out of hot air), he can turn to his trumpeter cousin Colin.

Mom and Dad will be of little or no help. Dad can play a church organ (two-handed, I might add) so he at least can help with notes. Although in 6th grade I could play a mean harpsichord and ukulele. Now the talent is confined to the kazoo.

(My family should be warned about the potential Austin contribution to this year's Christmas program!)

Undomestic Goddess :: Part 37

I remember one time watching someone struggle to write a paragraph promoting some event of theirs. I thought to myself -- not in a cocky way -- that a person is either a writer or they're not. They can't force it if the natural talent isn't there.

I'd have to say the same about culinary skills. Sure you can be schooled in both, but it's not quite the same as innate ability.

In so many ways, I have admitted to being an undomestic goddess. I guess I was hoping it was a temporary ailment. I thought perhaps now that I'm in my 40s, I'd suddenly develop this knack in the kitchen.

Still waiting.

I envy my mother (and many sisters and friends) who can just look in their cupboards, fridge and freezer, pull out a few items and TA-DA! Magically whip together dinner. I just can't "whip" things together. I have a few meals I know how to make, but the rest are tasty, costly, convenient concoctions (found in boxes or your freezer aisle).

I found something cool at the craft fair I went to on Saturday. It is a Magic Potato Bag! The creator, seller, marketer lady said a person can't go wrong with this. A person other than an undomestic goddess, that is. You just put your 3-4 medium potatoes (individually wrapped in dry paper towel) in the cloth bag and nuke for 8-10 minutes. I was mostly excited that I could by one with pretty purple Vikings material (only 100% cotton, said seller). I know hubby likes baked potatoes, so I figured it would be a treat for all.

I was all excited. I had the fixings on the table -- sour cream, shredded cheese, butter, bacon bits. I was ready to present "loaded potatoes."

So where did I go wrong? If I knew anything about anything, I would have realized my honkin' potatoes did not fall into the "medium" category. They were large and therefore, (in hind sight) Better Crocker logic tells me, take longer. Oh.

Well I did the "falling off the fork" check. (Yes, I do know 1 or 2 things). So I thought they were done and served them up with the Shake 'n Bake pork chops for supper and that's when I heard it. There should not be grunting and groaning and struggling when a person is trying to cut into their tater.

So I had to reheat each plate individually and it wasn't quite the family meal together I'd planned. The good thing about being 40 is that even though I am not any more skilled, I am a bit wiser and can retain a few bits and pieces of useful information here and there. Next time, I'll be paying attention to the size of the spud. In the meantime, I am going to drown my sorrows in some mint chocolate chip ice cream.

I know how to serve that up just right!

Bonus Hours

I like having a long "holiday" weekend with nothing going on. It was sort of like we had a bonus day squeezed in today -- and nothing (work or activity-wise) was required.

It may have seemed like a I slept in, but that's only because we got home so late, it took some doing to get 8 hours of sleep. After I accomplished that, who cares what I did -- if anything -- the rest of the day?

I did get a run in.

And did 3 loads of laundry.

And went on a little bike ride with Carter.

And shucked corn on the cob for supper.

And sat on the deck in the sunshine.

And finished my book.

And worked on some Sister Weekend surprises.

And enjoyed a campfire with the neighbors.

Other than that, it was pretty quiet around here...

Lucky 13

In case you didn't hear our noisemakers, air horn and whistles from your home computer, there was much rejoicing in Marshfield tonight when Colin Reffner officially claimed the track championship for the 2009 season.

It has been a fun summer watching our nephew excel at his "hobby." Tonight he was the fast qualifier (again) so he started at the back of the pack in the feature. Then we watched the now-familiar chain of events unfold. Colin gracefully zig-zagged his way to the front of the pack to lead about half the race, then park #87 in the Winner's Circle.

Tonight's victory marked Colin's 13th feature win of the summer! I suspect with all those trophies he'll be wanting a bigger room at home! (And what 15-year-old doesn't?)

Going into tonight's action, we knew Colin had the championship in hand, but we still wanted to be there to witness such a great accomplishment for only his 2nd season in running super stocks.

I did need a nap before we went though. Busy day today. Craft fair with a girlfriend in the morning, then this afternoon, Carter and I had what turned out to be 3 hours of errands to run (recycling, library, shopping, etc.). Totally a nap-worthy day!

Now we'll see -- with all this excitement -- if any of us can get to sleep! (Considering it's past midnight again, it probably won't be a problem.)

The Austin part of the Colin Reffner Racing Fan Club (from left): Aunt Robyn, Grandpa John, Grandma Donna, cousin Carter and Uncle Jimmy.

Nephews' Day

I know it didn't say National Nephews' Day on the calendar but they were at the center of my thoughts today!

Naturally, I am praying with pride each and every day for my nephew Tony, serving over in Iraq. He is never far from my thoughts these days as I sense his impatience to leave "God's litter box" and come home. We are all just as anxious!

I am also anxious to meet the newest member of our family -- the first baby since Carter. The world welcomed in a healthy Tyler Evan last night. Now I have my second great-nephew, my nephew Tim is a daddy (wow) and my nephew Travis is an uncle (cool). I have a sister who has now crossed the line into grandmotherhood, too, but she insists "great aunt" sounds much older than "grandma." Right.

We all couldn't wait for a first look at Tyler. I was checking Facebook like every 30 minutes at work. Finally a picture showed up just as I was talking to my sister RoAnn -- the new grandma -- so I had the privilege of hearing her wonderful reaction at seeing her new grandson! Very cool. (And he's quite adorable, I might add.)

Later today my attention turned to our nephew Colin, who had to race for his life tonight. Well not quite that dramatic. He needed to kick some butt -- finish his races well ahead of the points leader in order to claim the track championship. A lot of things would have had to fall in place for this sort of come-from-behind victory. And all of the things did not.

So he settles for second place but should be very proud of his accomplishments this season. We head to Marshfield tomorrow night where he is a lock to win that championship!

Great things are happening to these great "kids" (ALL my nephews) who seem to be turning into grown men overnight! Gotta love 'em!

If there isn't a National Nephews' Day, there should be. They certainly deserve one.

Anticipation

There was a Heinz Ketchup commercial on TV when I was a kid (around the late 1970s or 1980) featuring the Carly Simon hit Anticipation. "It's making me late! It's making me wait..."

I thought it was a clever commercial then but now it just calls attention to how impatient I am. But, just like when I was a kid, there are somethings that are worth the wait!

Today I got an email from one of my sisters reminding us other sisters that it's just TWO WEEKS until our annual Wild Women's Weekend!! This year we're trekking up to Park Rapids, Minn., near the Mississippi headwaters. Apparently a gorgeous area to be made more beautiful by the 7 Hedberg girls. (Ha, ha.) I am really anticipating our 11th annual getaway, which always proves to be fun, relaxing and uniquely entertaining.

With the racing season drawing to a close this weekend, we have been anticipating the start of fall sports -- mainly football (both high school and NFL). It was such a pleasant evening we went to our first high school game of the season tonight. Jim's alma mater, the Assumption Royals, were hosting Augusta -- and soundly beating them. I ended up sitting between two Austins -- Jim's dad and uncle Joe -- for half the game. They made good conversation and good "heaters." We left at the end of the third quarter since we had such a huge lead and it is a school night after all. Gotta get to bed (all of us) at a reasonable hour.

I know a few people losing sleep tonight, though. My nephew Tim is about to become a daddy for the first time. And my sister RoAnn is awaiting word from their maternity ward out in South Dakota to find out if she's a grandma! How exciting for everyone! They know what that anticipation is all about. Right now we're just praying for a healthy delivery for both baby and momma. When we receive the good word, the Austin clan will be happy to welcome the newest Viking fan into the world! (And no, his name will not be Brett!)

OK, my blanket's warmed up. I'm anticipating sweet dreams tonight...

Chilling Out

This will have to be brief since hubby just informed me the fresh water in the hot tub has already reached ideal temperature. Yay! What a perfect way to relax on this crisp autumn-like night!

Today was a good day. Hubby started out at the chiropractor but his trips there are far less frequent now. He goes back in 2 weeks when we have another "joint appointment." It's beginning to sound like couple's therapy, isn't it?

Work was much better today. I sweet-talked to my computer so all was good. I survived 24 hours without my BlackBerry and got that back this morning so all was really good!

Communicated with Casey a bit. First day of classes as a college student went just fine. Son #2 made it to school again, too, so we're on a roll!

Carter didn't have any homework yet -- besides reading, which he said he'll do each night from 8-8:30. We'll see how long that lasts. Last night he said, "Now don't worry about what I'm reading, Mom." So I'm thinking the worst when I went to check on him (read: spy). And what do I find him reading? The dictionary!

He was looking up a word for his teacher and then just casually reading. Right. I don't know that I buy that. But the thing with books is they don't have a "browser history" like the computer so I can't really spy on what else he might be looking up. I guess I just have to trust this quest for knowledge (for now).

Actually, he's reading right now so I should probably log off and spy, er, check in on him. See if he needs any help.

Then it's out the back door and into heated bliss :)

Back to School

Today was a banner day for the Austins. It was our furriest family member Sylvester's 5th birthday! Oh yeah, and Carter and Clay went back to school.

As is my tradition, I stayed home long enough to take my obligatory scrapbook photos and see Carter get on the bus.

The few times a year I can accompany him to the bus stop, it's always an interesting experience. There are 7 neighborhood kids at the bus stop -- and Carter is the oldest and the only boy. You see why it's interesting!

Today (as is their routine) they had placed their backpacks on the road to hold their spots while they walked around, antsy for the bus to arrive. One of the girls said, "Carter, you've got the same backpack as last year!"

I was proud of his response. "So? There's nothing wrong with it. I didn't need a new one."

I then jumped in and explained, "That's the difference between boys and girls. Boys don't care if they have the same backpack 2 years in a row. They didn't stay up worrying last night about what to wear the first day of school. In fact, Carter didn't even get new school clothes."

Now that was met with a few gasps from the girls with the sparkly "iCarly" backpacks and pink tennis shoes.

It is the truth actually. I won't say all boys, but my boy (for now), isn't worried about new clothes or brand names. I will get him some new pants this fall but he's got like 200 t-shirts of all varieties in his closet and a dozen or so hooded sweatshirts. So he's good! To him, "school shopping" is school supply shopping. I'll go along with that theory as long as he does!

Tonight Carter reported that his first day as a sixth-grader was great. He even got to make an arts & crafts project out of chewed bubble gum (his own, thankfully).

That sounds way better than my technology-challenged day at work. Maybe tomorrow I'll get on the bus, too...