Here's one for you: Is Attention Deficit Disorder a bad thing if you can still claim to be productive?
I'm not sure where the weekend went. But I've got a pretty good idea...
I woke up Saturday morning and, unbeknown to me, the spirit of Martha Stewart had overtaken my body. So I made a cake and a batch of cookies and got the vacuuming done -- all before noon. Now honestly, the only reason hubby calls me Martha is because he thinks I expect my TV crew to clean up after me. But I was a good girl and took care of my dishes. (This time.)
Yesterday afternoon, all 3 of us headed to work for awhile and from there went northwest of Iola to a friend's house for a bonfire. (See, there was a reason I was making treats.) Despite the frigid temps, we managed to keep warm enough between the fire and the homemade chili. Enjoyed another night under the full moon, too! Thanks to spending several summers at Kidz Camp in Iola, Carter has become friends with their son. So he actually stayed overnight there last night.
When we got home, hubby headed out to the hot tub and I made the mistake of checking email. The only reason I say "mistake," is because my A.D.D. flared up and I forgot all about those wonderful opportunities that exist when there is not a child in the house...
I got an email from a distant, distant relative who is doing family tree work on the mutual parts of our tree. She and her husband got my email address from my mother (who thinks the e in email stands for eager not electronic) so I have been expecting to hear from them. So naturally, I put on my genealogy hat and spent a good half hour reading and responding to their inquiry. Then wondered why hubby was so warm when I got to bed! Doh!
This morning we both went to late church, though. No alarm. Yay.
After church, I continued some correspondence with my "new" cousins. You see, the thing with genealogy is that it can really consume you. Especially if you are on a hot trail of new information. You look at what you have. You see what someone else has. Do they go together? Are these the same people? What else do I know and where did I put it?
Honestly, that was most of my day and evening. Somewhere in there, I did go pick up Carter. I did wear my Martha hat again and whipped together some banana bread. And also went with Jim to the funeral home.
Pre-ancestry obsession, I had every intention of getting some scrapbooking done this weekend. Or at least some things organized for an upcoming camp. I did not get to that. YET. Thankfully, I still have a little bit of time on my side for that. And, if I honestly think about it, those ancestors of mine aren't going anywhere either. So I could actually spend a little time with the guys...
What? The Grammys are on? And the Pro Bowl? And I only walked 2,700 steps today? Ooooh, I was gonna start that new book...
What to do... what to do...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
'Til Death Do Us Part
Back in my newspaper days, I learned the cold, hard truth about our typical readers. And I didn't like it one bit.
Despite my clever sentences and columns and award-winning features, people were not getting the newspaper to read that. They wanted the cops and courts reports and the obituaries. The rest was just filler. My life's work. My endless hours of stress. Just filler. Sigh...
A couple of years ago I decided to subscribe to my hometown newspaper to keep up on things. And yes, see who died and who's in trouble. I've become my own worse nightmare. Another sigh...
This morning I was paging through last week's paper and came across the obit for my kindergarten teacher. Now granted, I haven't thought of Mrs. Berkland in years -- many, many years. But I still felt a moment of sadness. When I think of it, kindergarten was really my first concrete memory. Sure I have sketchy memories of events before school, but not many. I do remember Mrs. Berkland, though. I remember learning the alphabet -- frontwards and backwards -- and playing store during recess. Her obit said she was 92. You know how kids always think their teachers are old! I guess she wasn't that old after all.
Unfortunately, this week ended on a sad note for a lot of people I know. Three unrelated deaths. Three different levels of shock and sadness.
One gentleman is the 85-year-old father of one of my husband's friends. I guess when parents truly do reach "old" age, we shouldn't be completely surprised at their decline. But we still are. And since both Jim and I have had friends lose fathers this month, it's an unwelcome reminder that this could happen to us. We certainly don't foresee it and we don't want to think about it. But we feel deep sympathy for our friends and thank God for watching over our parents. For today anyway.
The second death was a young woman in our community who has been fighting leukemia. I didn't even know her personally but so many people I know either knew her or her parents or family members. At age 25, you don't deserve to be going through chemo and fighting for your life. At one of her recent fund-raisers -- where we had to park a half-mile away -- it was evident her battle with cancer certainly brought a lot of different people from different walks of life together for one purpose: to support her and give her hope. While we shouldn't have been shocked at her death on Thursday, the community is saddened because one smiling, courageous girl gave us hope. And now we've lost it.
The third person is someone I do not know anything about. A high school classmate of my niece took his own life the other night. My niece, a 10th-grader, is having a hard time dealing with this. It's a small school. Most kids have been together since kindergarten. It's like an extended family. I can only imagine what she and the other "survivors" are going though. Grief. Shock. Anger. Suicide is such a selfish way to go. I pray God can comfort family and friends who were not prepared for this. Probably not at all.
Death is strange that way. It doesn't matter if we are surprised or if we suspect it's near because of illness or old age. It still shocks us and hurts us. Hopefully, though, it makes us appreciate even more those who are still with us.
I know I do.
Despite my clever sentences and columns and award-winning features, people were not getting the newspaper to read that. They wanted the cops and courts reports and the obituaries. The rest was just filler. My life's work. My endless hours of stress. Just filler. Sigh...
A couple of years ago I decided to subscribe to my hometown newspaper to keep up on things. And yes, see who died and who's in trouble. I've become my own worse nightmare. Another sigh...
This morning I was paging through last week's paper and came across the obit for my kindergarten teacher. Now granted, I haven't thought of Mrs. Berkland in years -- many, many years. But I still felt a moment of sadness. When I think of it, kindergarten was really my first concrete memory. Sure I have sketchy memories of events before school, but not many. I do remember Mrs. Berkland, though. I remember learning the alphabet -- frontwards and backwards -- and playing store during recess. Her obit said she was 92. You know how kids always think their teachers are old! I guess she wasn't that old after all.
Unfortunately, this week ended on a sad note for a lot of people I know. Three unrelated deaths. Three different levels of shock and sadness.
One gentleman is the 85-year-old father of one of my husband's friends. I guess when parents truly do reach "old" age, we shouldn't be completely surprised at their decline. But we still are. And since both Jim and I have had friends lose fathers this month, it's an unwelcome reminder that this could happen to us. We certainly don't foresee it and we don't want to think about it. But we feel deep sympathy for our friends and thank God for watching over our parents. For today anyway.
The second death was a young woman in our community who has been fighting leukemia. I didn't even know her personally but so many people I know either knew her or her parents or family members. At age 25, you don't deserve to be going through chemo and fighting for your life. At one of her recent fund-raisers -- where we had to park a half-mile away -- it was evident her battle with cancer certainly brought a lot of different people from different walks of life together for one purpose: to support her and give her hope. While we shouldn't have been shocked at her death on Thursday, the community is saddened because one smiling, courageous girl gave us hope. And now we've lost it.
The third person is someone I do not know anything about. A high school classmate of my niece took his own life the other night. My niece, a 10th-grader, is having a hard time dealing with this. It's a small school. Most kids have been together since kindergarten. It's like an extended family. I can only imagine what she and the other "survivors" are going though. Grief. Shock. Anger. Suicide is such a selfish way to go. I pray God can comfort family and friends who were not prepared for this. Probably not at all.
Death is strange that way. It doesn't matter if we are surprised or if we suspect it's near because of illness or old age. It still shocks us and hurts us. Hopefully, though, it makes us appreciate even more those who are still with us.
I know I do.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Full Moon Madness
In light of the full moon, we thought we'd do something wild and crazy tonight. So we went on a Fish Fry Friday "double date" with another couple and left all the kids at home with pizza. Living on the edge, I know!
I realize tonight's moon is called a Wolf moon but it seems we get together with this other couple only once in a Blue moon. Seriously, Halloween was the last time. Crazy when we live only 3 minutes from each other. But that's what happens with busy schedules -- both the adults' and the kids'.
Their daughter is just a year older than Carter but she "volunteered" to take charge of Carter and her two younger brothers. It all worked out. She said Carter handled the 9-year-old so she could play with the almost 3-year-old. "Let's do this again soon!" she said. Hey we're all for that. We went to Anchor Bay (definitely skipped the waiting outside on the patio like we did in the summer) and enjoyed some good fish and great conversation.
When we got home around 10, Carter and I grabbed his 2 telescopes and headed out to the front deck (also not as enjoyable as the summer). I read earlier today that tonight's full moon will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. It offers anyone with clear skies (like we have here) an opportunity to identify easy-to-see features on the moon -- even without a telescope.
Tonight it is apparently about 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than lesser full Moons of the year, according to Spaceweather.com. It looked cool through the telescope. But cool is an understatement. Our fingers were chilled to the bone in a short time period, so we had to wimp it out and head indoors.
Star gazing is definitely a summer pastime, if you ask me. But we certainly would enjoy an evening like this again -- hopefully long before the next Wolf moon or Blue moon.
I realize tonight's moon is called a Wolf moon but it seems we get together with this other couple only once in a Blue moon. Seriously, Halloween was the last time. Crazy when we live only 3 minutes from each other. But that's what happens with busy schedules -- both the adults' and the kids'.
Their daughter is just a year older than Carter but she "volunteered" to take charge of Carter and her two younger brothers. It all worked out. She said Carter handled the 9-year-old so she could play with the almost 3-year-old. "Let's do this again soon!" she said. Hey we're all for that. We went to Anchor Bay (definitely skipped the waiting outside on the patio like we did in the summer) and enjoyed some good fish and great conversation.
When we got home around 10, Carter and I grabbed his 2 telescopes and headed out to the front deck (also not as enjoyable as the summer). I read earlier today that tonight's full moon will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. It offers anyone with clear skies (like we have here) an opportunity to identify easy-to-see features on the moon -- even without a telescope.
Tonight it is apparently about 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than lesser full Moons of the year, according to Spaceweather.com. It looked cool through the telescope. But cool is an understatement. Our fingers were chilled to the bone in a short time period, so we had to wimp it out and head indoors.
Star gazing is definitely a summer pastime, if you ask me. But we certainly would enjoy an evening like this again -- hopefully long before the next Wolf moon or Blue moon.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
That's Sun-tastic!
Part of the fun of being a writer is that we get to make up words occasionally. I mean why not? When it's foggy out and our visibility is fuzzy, I say it's "fuggy." Combine a few legitimate words and it has to be legal with the dictionary gods, right? Sure.
You know who does this more than "real" writers? Weather forecasters. I can't make this up. Every weekday morning on our commute, we hear strange combinations of words or nouns that become verbs. You name it.
Today I came across the ultimate new word. I was checking out the forecast on the local television station's Web site. Today and Friday call for "suntastically cold" weather. Suntastic?? Yes it was really sunny today. And yes it was really cold. (It did get up to 7, though.) So that takes winter up to some fantastic level or something?
I've never heard of such a thing! But I love that word!
You know what else made my day suntastic?
What makes your day suntastic?
You know who does this more than "real" writers? Weather forecasters. I can't make this up. Every weekday morning on our commute, we hear strange combinations of words or nouns that become verbs. You name it.
Today I came across the ultimate new word. I was checking out the forecast on the local television station's Web site. Today and Friday call for "suntastically cold" weather. Suntastic?? Yes it was really sunny today. And yes it was really cold. (It did get up to 7, though.) So that takes winter up to some fantastic level or something?
I've never heard of such a thing! But I love that word!
You know what else made my day suntastic?
- Finally getting to run again at noon. My leg is on the mend. (Yay!)
- Having rootbeer floats in the middle of the afternoon (while my heater was cranked under my desk).
- Getting my 10,000 steps on my pedometer before I left work.
- Having a "family reunion" at my nephew's basketball game (well all my in-laws were there anyway).
- Getting home early enough to get two loads of laundry done.
- Having just enough Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble left over for all of us.
What makes your day suntastic?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
From the Observation Deck...
The week is only half over, yet I feel liked I've learned so much. You know, those life lessons that will get you through ... at least the rest of the week. Here are a few things I've observed:
Down on Your Luck: Just when you think your luck is about to change, sometimes it actually does. I think my bad luck streak is over. The Vikings lost, Carter's basketball team lost, Colin's basketball team lost, but then the varsity team won! Now tonight when I got set for this week's Powerball, I found out I won the lottery this past week! Well, 3 bucks anyway! That's a start, right?
T.M.I.: Just because you've been with someone a dozen years or so does not mean you can read their mind. And, for the record, they can't read yours either. When you think you're giving Too Much Information, sometimes that's just the right amount. And never assume. You know how that phrase goes. Your better half makes an arse out of himself... or something like that.
Rules of Engagement: It's always a good idea to set the ground rules before embarking on a joint project with someone. Carter declared tonight (on Day 6) he is quitting our 30-Day Shred workout. Since we didn't discuss this potential snag beforehand, I didn't know if I was supposed to be Drill Sergeant Mommy and make him drop and give me 20, or Nice Supportive "I love you just the way you are" Mommy. Despite my occasional competitive nature and occasional commitment to health, I chose Option 2... 'cause that's what moms do!
A Mad, Mad World: I don't know if you heard about a shooting at the University of Minnesota campus Monday night. Turns out a student was shot (not fatally, thankfully) right by my nephew's dorm! Scary stuff. The hardest lesson to learn -- and accept -- as a parent is that we can't protect our children all the time. Bad things can happen and we can't do anything about it. I hate that.
Overtime: There are two surefire ways to extend a "quick" shopping trip to Wal-Mart. One is overcoming confusion. Whoever said I am a little on the anal retentive side has no clue ... how close they are to the truth. They changed the packaging on our brand of shower soap. I couldn't remember the exact name of our "fragrance" so I spent a good 5 minutes alternately sniffing from two bottles. I finally just picked one and when I got home realized it's a different brand anyway. G-r-r. The second is picking out a birthday card. I spent a good 5 minutes at least looking over the birthday selection for a card for an old college girlfriend. In the end, I picked the same darn card I just sent to another girlfriend a few weeks ago. G-r-r. At least I got some pedometer steps in!
Break Time: When you don't have to do something, sometimes it's OK to just not do it. We were on pace to have some activity or another going on every night this week! Tonight would have been a road trip to Stevens Point to see Jim's alma mater, the UW-Whitewater Warhawks, take on the No. 1 ranked Pointers in hoops. Three things made us change our mind: 1, It's stinkin' cold out! 2, I have a potluck tomorrow so I had to whip up some Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble. 3, We're pretty sure either the cat or the couch misses us! Honestly, sometimes we have to give ourselves permission to take a break.
Well I've gotta go be Drill Sergeant Mom on someone who should be reading. So that's all from the Observation Deck for tonight!
Down on Your Luck: Just when you think your luck is about to change, sometimes it actually does. I think my bad luck streak is over. The Vikings lost, Carter's basketball team lost, Colin's basketball team lost, but then the varsity team won! Now tonight when I got set for this week's Powerball, I found out I won the lottery this past week! Well, 3 bucks anyway! That's a start, right?
T.M.I.: Just because you've been with someone a dozen years or so does not mean you can read their mind. And, for the record, they can't read yours either. When you think you're giving Too Much Information, sometimes that's just the right amount. And never assume. You know how that phrase goes. Your better half makes an arse out of himself... or something like that.
Rules of Engagement: It's always a good idea to set the ground rules before embarking on a joint project with someone. Carter declared tonight (on Day 6) he is quitting our 30-Day Shred workout. Since we didn't discuss this potential snag beforehand, I didn't know if I was supposed to be Drill Sergeant Mommy and make him drop and give me 20, or Nice Supportive "I love you just the way you are" Mommy. Despite my occasional competitive nature and occasional commitment to health, I chose Option 2... 'cause that's what moms do!
A Mad, Mad World: I don't know if you heard about a shooting at the University of Minnesota campus Monday night. Turns out a student was shot (not fatally, thankfully) right by my nephew's dorm! Scary stuff. The hardest lesson to learn -- and accept -- as a parent is that we can't protect our children all the time. Bad things can happen and we can't do anything about it. I hate that.
Overtime: There are two surefire ways to extend a "quick" shopping trip to Wal-Mart. One is overcoming confusion. Whoever said I am a little on the anal retentive side has no clue ... how close they are to the truth. They changed the packaging on our brand of shower soap. I couldn't remember the exact name of our "fragrance" so I spent a good 5 minutes alternately sniffing from two bottles. I finally just picked one and when I got home realized it's a different brand anyway. G-r-r. The second is picking out a birthday card. I spent a good 5 minutes at least looking over the birthday selection for a card for an old college girlfriend. In the end, I picked the same darn card I just sent to another girlfriend a few weeks ago. G-r-r. At least I got some pedometer steps in!
Break Time: When you don't have to do something, sometimes it's OK to just not do it. We were on pace to have some activity or another going on every night this week! Tonight would have been a road trip to Stevens Point to see Jim's alma mater, the UW-Whitewater Warhawks, take on the No. 1 ranked Pointers in hoops. Three things made us change our mind: 1, It's stinkin' cold out! 2, I have a potluck tomorrow so I had to whip up some Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble. 3, We're pretty sure either the cat or the couch misses us! Honestly, sometimes we have to give ourselves permission to take a break.
Well I've gotta go be Drill Sergeant Mom on someone who should be reading. So that's all from the Observation Deck for tonight!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Getting Acquainted
I mentioned back in December after the Sunday School Christmas program that this is my year of many "lasts" -- mainly any type of program or event tied to elementary school. My baby is growing up and heading to 7th grade next year. Yikes.
Deep down, I was hoping I didn't have to address this reality head-on until like May or maybe June. No such luck. Tonight we had our first introduction to 7th grade already. A Middle School orientation that is probably going to cause numerous sleepless nights in the future. Seriously, when the 6th-grader's primary concern is how it he going to figure out a combination lock, we're in for a long 7 months!
This isn't even touching on the fact we are switching Carter from a public school to a private school, where he may know only a small handful of kids his age. Or touch on the fact the schedule is different -- earlier start to the day plus 8 different class periods and numerous teachers. Did I mention the dress code?
Surprisingly -- and this is a good surprise -- despite all these changes, Carter is very excited about all the opportunities that await him. Honestly, he's said more than once this going to be a good prep for college (which he must have heard from somebody). He's also excited he may see his older cousin Colin on occasion. And, after tonight's orientation meeting, he is thrilled (to put it mildly) that they haven't had a tuba player in the Assumption Middle School band for 4 or 5 years! He's gonna be the man!
Hopefully Daddy, as an alum, can answer questions and help him get even more acquainted with this new experience. Because Mommy will be completely useless.... hovering in the background, clutching my tissues and blabbering about how my baby is growing up too fast.
You can't blame me, can you?
Deep down, I was hoping I didn't have to address this reality head-on until like May or maybe June. No such luck. Tonight we had our first introduction to 7th grade already. A Middle School orientation that is probably going to cause numerous sleepless nights in the future. Seriously, when the 6th-grader's primary concern is how it he going to figure out a combination lock, we're in for a long 7 months!
This isn't even touching on the fact we are switching Carter from a public school to a private school, where he may know only a small handful of kids his age. Or touch on the fact the schedule is different -- earlier start to the day plus 8 different class periods and numerous teachers. Did I mention the dress code?
Surprisingly -- and this is a good surprise -- despite all these changes, Carter is very excited about all the opportunities that await him. Honestly, he's said more than once this going to be a good prep for college (which he must have heard from somebody). He's also excited he may see his older cousin Colin on occasion. And, after tonight's orientation meeting, he is thrilled (to put it mildly) that they haven't had a tuba player in the Assumption Middle School band for 4 or 5 years! He's gonna be the man!
Hopefully Daddy, as an alum, can answer questions and help him get even more acquainted with this new experience. Because Mommy will be completely useless.... hovering in the background, clutching my tissues and blabbering about how my baby is growing up too fast.
You can't blame me, can you?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Moving On
I endured a wicked Favre hangover today. I woke up and wondered "What the hell just happened ... to our football season?"
No alcohol involved, honest. But I still had a bit of a throbbing head ... mainly from listening to some friendly banter (I'm being nice here) from Packer fans. Actually, it was kind of friendly. They feel my pain. And are just happy -- 2 years' post-Brett -- to finally spread it around.
It's time for us all to move on.
I was hoping that going to Carter's basketball game would take my mind off football. But watching his team get smoked 36-8 did nothing for that headache, that's for sure.
I'm starting to get paranoid, too. How come the teams I'm cheering for this week are losing? Is it just me or ... is it just me? Yikes. Let me know if you have a team you want to lose tomorrow. I'll cheer for them. I seem to be on a roll of some kind.
I guess I won't make that extra effort to change the subject and mention a countdown to opening day for my Twins. I certainly don't want to drag them into this curse!
I suppose I could take the guys on in some cards tonight. The way my streak is going, they'd actually have a chance! (Nah, I'm not that nice.) I can remove myself from "sports" but not competition. (Notice I said "remove" not "retire"?)
Moving on...
No alcohol involved, honest. But I still had a bit of a throbbing head ... mainly from listening to some friendly banter (I'm being nice here) from Packer fans. Actually, it was kind of friendly. They feel my pain. And are just happy -- 2 years' post-Brett -- to finally spread it around.
It's time for us all to move on.
I was hoping that going to Carter's basketball game would take my mind off football. But watching his team get smoked 36-8 did nothing for that headache, that's for sure.
I'm starting to get paranoid, too. How come the teams I'm cheering for this week are losing? Is it just me or ... is it just me? Yikes. Let me know if you have a team you want to lose tomorrow. I'll cheer for them. I seem to be on a roll of some kind.
I guess I won't make that extra effort to change the subject and mention a countdown to opening day for my Twins. I certainly don't want to drag them into this curse!
I suppose I could take the guys on in some cards tonight. The way my streak is going, they'd actually have a chance! (Nah, I'm not that nice.) I can remove myself from "sports" but not competition. (Notice I said "remove" not "retire"?)
Moving on...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
It's Like Deja Vu All Over Again
Dang!
I am so not in the mood to blog now. But I had hoped I would be.
We pulled out all the stops -- as fans anyway -- for this game. When the grill didn't work for the brats, we should have taken that as a sign of things to come.
But no. We didn't. We let ourselves get sucked in again. Feeling some hope when we stayed in the game. Feeling frustration with our inability to hang onto the ball. Then ready to hang our hats, er horns, after the 5th turnover.
But just like when we played against Atlanta for this same privilege years ago, we watched helplessly while our team executed terrible clock management in the last 2 minutes. Hoped to count on our kicker. Only this time, we really blew it and never even got that opportunity.
Carter isn't even old enough to remember that NFC Championship game -- or the Giants one a few years later. But hubby and I do. And we're embarrassed that we thought maybe we had a chance this time.
The one thing we do know is that we'll still cheer with Purple Pride next year. That's the curse of not being fair-weather fans.
Make that 2 things we do know. Well, we've got a pretty good hunch anyway that our aging, knocked-around, ankle-injured #4 will likely hold a press conference this week. And we won't have to worry about not liking our QB next year.
But that's the least of our concerns right now. I've got an 11-year-old to console. He's not old enough to know any better. But like a good mom, I won't squash his dreams just yet.
(After tonight, that might just happen on its own.)
Dang.
I am so not in the mood to blog now. But I had hoped I would be.
We pulled out all the stops -- as fans anyway -- for this game. When the grill didn't work for the brats, we should have taken that as a sign of things to come.
But no. We didn't. We let ourselves get sucked in again. Feeling some hope when we stayed in the game. Feeling frustration with our inability to hang onto the ball. Then ready to hang our hats, er horns, after the 5th turnover.
But just like when we played against Atlanta for this same privilege years ago, we watched helplessly while our team executed terrible clock management in the last 2 minutes. Hoped to count on our kicker. Only this time, we really blew it and never even got that opportunity.
Carter isn't even old enough to remember that NFC Championship game -- or the Giants one a few years later. But hubby and I do. And we're embarrassed that we thought maybe we had a chance this time.
The one thing we do know is that we'll still cheer with Purple Pride next year. That's the curse of not being fair-weather fans.
Make that 2 things we do know. Well, we've got a pretty good hunch anyway that our aging, knocked-around, ankle-injured #4 will likely hold a press conference this week. And we won't have to worry about not liking our QB next year.
But that's the least of our concerns right now. I've got an 11-year-old to console. He's not old enough to know any better. But like a good mom, I won't squash his dreams just yet.
(After tonight, that might just happen on its own.)
Dang.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Social Networking
I enjoy connecting through electronic "social networking" avenues as much as the next person. But nothing beats spending time with family and friends in person.
Hubby and I had a great overnight trip to Green Bay last night. Had fun getting together with our friends Scott and Sandy, enjoyed dinner, the play and some night life in the big city. It was sort of refreshing to just socialize -- not whining about work or kids or anything stressful. Just sharing a few beverages, laughing a lot and looking for famous football players.
For my Packer-fan readers: Just so you know we were hanging out with Larry McCarren. Well, he was in the same establishment anyway. I proudly paraded in front of him with my Vikings purse. (I'm not kidding.)
We spent the night at our friends' and hit the road early this morning, quite grateful the weather man was wrong and we did not have to deal with freezing rain. It just rained and rained all day.
We picked up Carter from Grandma and Grandpa's and came home. That's when my "date weekend" changed from Jim and me to Carter and me. We went to the movie The Tooth Fairy, which I realize is going from one end of the drama spectrum to the other in a day's time. However, we both enjoyed the movie. I'd recommend it to anyone. And if your kid is Carter's age (10-12), they might actually understand the overall message about dreams and faith, too. Fun time.
Tonight, since we were all under the same roof again, it was family time. Carter kicked our butts in Sequence and now hubby and I are licking our wounds, I mean licking ice cream. (My coping mechanisms are apparently contagious!) Carter's in bed so we still might head out to the hot tub, too. However, bed sounds good.
This social "networking" takes a lot out of a person!
Hubby and I had a great overnight trip to Green Bay last night. Had fun getting together with our friends Scott and Sandy, enjoyed dinner, the play and some night life in the big city. It was sort of refreshing to just socialize -- not whining about work or kids or anything stressful. Just sharing a few beverages, laughing a lot and looking for famous football players.
For my Packer-fan readers: Just so you know we were hanging out with Larry McCarren. Well, he was in the same establishment anyway. I proudly paraded in front of him with my Vikings purse. (I'm not kidding.)
We spent the night at our friends' and hit the road early this morning, quite grateful the weather man was wrong and we did not have to deal with freezing rain. It just rained and rained all day.
We picked up Carter from Grandma and Grandpa's and came home. That's when my "date weekend" changed from Jim and me to Carter and me. We went to the movie The Tooth Fairy, which I realize is going from one end of the drama spectrum to the other in a day's time. However, we both enjoyed the movie. I'd recommend it to anyone. And if your kid is Carter's age (10-12), they might actually understand the overall message about dreams and faith, too. Fun time.
Tonight, since we were all under the same roof again, it was family time. Carter kicked our butts in Sequence and now hubby and I are licking our wounds, I mean licking ice cream. (My coping mechanisms are apparently contagious!) Carter's in bed so we still might head out to the hot tub, too. However, bed sounds good.
This social "networking" takes a lot out of a person!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Good Night
It's date night tonight for Mr. and Mrs. Austin. And, even though there is another couple involved here, this could be as close as is gets to a real date. In other words, it doesn't involve golf, basketball, a bonfire, stock cars, a movie rental or an Olympic sled hill. Although, we do enjoy all that.
After work, we're heading with our friends to Green Bay for dinner and an evening at the theater. Oooh-la-la!
I guess I sort of lied when I said sports were not involved. We are seeing a one-man play called Runt of the Litter about a former football player who was playing for the Houston Oilers the same time his "big" brother played for another team.
The Web site, www.runtofthelitter.com, had this to say: Bo Eason, former NFL star player turned star of his own one-man show, "Runt of the Litter," inspires audiences to make their dreams a reality. His unforgettable story is living proof that with enough determination, nothing can prevail over the human spirit.
Sounds like it should be a good show. We'll spend the night at our friends' near Green Bay then head home tomorrow. Carter will spend the night at Grandpa and Grandma Austin's tonight and, unlike us, his night likely will involve basketball and perhaps a movie.
Looks like we'll ALL have a good night.
After work, we're heading with our friends to Green Bay for dinner and an evening at the theater. Oooh-la-la!
I guess I sort of lied when I said sports were not involved. We are seeing a one-man play called Runt of the Litter about a former football player who was playing for the Houston Oilers the same time his "big" brother played for another team.
The Web site, www.runtofthelitter.com, had this to say: Bo Eason, former NFL star player turned star of his own one-man show, "Runt of the Litter," inspires audiences to make their dreams a reality. His unforgettable story is living proof that with enough determination, nothing can prevail over the human spirit.
Sounds like it should be a good show. We'll spend the night at our friends' near Green Bay then head home tomorrow. Carter will spend the night at Grandpa and Grandma Austin's tonight and, unlike us, his night likely will involve basketball and perhaps a movie.
Looks like we'll ALL have a good night.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Eating Like Kings, Living Like a Queen
You know what's cool? Not only am I completely at ease being labeled an undomestic goddess, but my guys are, too.
I had to run a few errands in town after we all got home. When hubby asked if I was going to bring supper home, I said, "Sure, what do you want?" Instead of giving me a list of ingredients for some elaborate meal (and it doesn't take much for me to consider it elaborate), he said, "How about a 12-piece meal from KFC?"
I can do handle that. (I love that man!)
I'm not a fan of greasy fast food, but when I bring home KFC extra crispy, Carter and Daddy say they're "eating like kings." That's a direct quote. A reporter doesn't lie.
So I guess if they're eating like kings and the cat is a princess, then I must be the queen to fit into this royal family.
Does this mean I have to admit I'm spoiled some days? OK, most days? 'Cuz I am. I have a husband and son who love me, a job I enjoy, a hot tub at my stress-relieving disposal and, any minute now, the Schwan's man will be here.
Who wouldn't want to be queen for a day? (Or more...)
I had to run a few errands in town after we all got home. When hubby asked if I was going to bring supper home, I said, "Sure, what do you want?" Instead of giving me a list of ingredients for some elaborate meal (and it doesn't take much for me to consider it elaborate), he said, "How about a 12-piece meal from KFC?"
I can do handle that. (I love that man!)
I'm not a fan of greasy fast food, but when I bring home KFC extra crispy, Carter and Daddy say they're "eating like kings." That's a direct quote. A reporter doesn't lie.
So I guess if they're eating like kings and the cat is a princess, then I must be the queen to fit into this royal family.
Does this mean I have to admit I'm spoiled some days? OK, most days? 'Cuz I am. I have a husband and son who love me, a job I enjoy, a hot tub at my stress-relieving disposal and, any minute now, the Schwan's man will be here.
Who wouldn't want to be queen for a day? (Or more...)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Help Wanted
As I sit here typing this, I am accompanied by trumpet music floating up from the basement as Carter makes his way through his band book. Daddy is on the couch catching some sit-com to brighten his day. And Mommy's using up the last Christmas stamps to pay some bills.
Typical night for your typical, all-American family. For the Austins, anyway. Nothing too exciting. But sometimes I like normal.
I was saddened to hear news reports first thing this morning about another earthquake in Haiti overnight. How tragic! I couldn't even imagine what life was like 10 days ago before the quake. (They had so little.) And I certainly can't imagine it now. (They have even less.)
If this natural disaster does nothing else, I certainly hope it gives all of us a wake-up call to be very grateful for what we have. If you are reading this, you have a computer or access to one plus electricity. You have more than them. If you had a crappy day at work but still made a salary, you have more than them. Even if you don't have a job right now but still have a pillow to lay your head on tonight, you have more than them. And, if you have trouble sleeping tonight but can get up and drink a glass of clean water, you have more than them.
Today at work, we held a chili cook-off as a fundraiser for Haiti relief efforts. I donated some chili and honestly didn't care about getting any votes. I just wanted a lot of people to participate and donate to vote. My chili was all gone so I take that as a good sign we raised some money. That doesn't seem like I've done enough, but I'm sure every little bit counts.
Now every day we've got celebrities coming out of the woodwork talking about their donations to Haiti and asking for more. They have a lot to give. They should.
If you really want to feel good about giving, though, you don't have to look at a world map. Take a look in your own backyard, your neighborhood, your community. In our little city alone we've got a food pantry, a resource center for the impoverished and a shelter for domestic-abuse victims.
Can you give of your time, your money or any materials to help those in need? If you can, don't forget to thank God for the ability to do so. If you can't, ask God to nudge those who can.
We're not as helpless as we think. Not by a long shot.
Typical night for your typical, all-American family. For the Austins, anyway. Nothing too exciting. But sometimes I like normal.
I was saddened to hear news reports first thing this morning about another earthquake in Haiti overnight. How tragic! I couldn't even imagine what life was like 10 days ago before the quake. (They had so little.) And I certainly can't imagine it now. (They have even less.)
If this natural disaster does nothing else, I certainly hope it gives all of us a wake-up call to be very grateful for what we have. If you are reading this, you have a computer or access to one plus electricity. You have more than them. If you had a crappy day at work but still made a salary, you have more than them. Even if you don't have a job right now but still have a pillow to lay your head on tonight, you have more than them. And, if you have trouble sleeping tonight but can get up and drink a glass of clean water, you have more than them.
Today at work, we held a chili cook-off as a fundraiser for Haiti relief efforts. I donated some chili and honestly didn't care about getting any votes. I just wanted a lot of people to participate and donate to vote. My chili was all gone so I take that as a good sign we raised some money. That doesn't seem like I've done enough, but I'm sure every little bit counts.
Now every day we've got celebrities coming out of the woodwork talking about their donations to Haiti and asking for more. They have a lot to give. They should.
If you really want to feel good about giving, though, you don't have to look at a world map. Take a look in your own backyard, your neighborhood, your community. In our little city alone we've got a food pantry, a resource center for the impoverished and a shelter for domestic-abuse victims.
Can you give of your time, your money or any materials to help those in need? If you can, don't forget to thank God for the ability to do so. If you can't, ask God to nudge those who can.
We're not as helpless as we think. Not by a long shot.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sounds Good to Me
You know you're having a good day when:
* Your "Monday" starts on a Tuesday. That was nice. Of course, it really did seem like a typical Monday at work -- weekend stuff to catch up on, busy, busy and suddenly the day is gone. That's OK. Tomorrow's Hump Day already. Wow.
* Your pedometer finally registers 10,000 steps! It took some doing, but I got it there after registering maybe a thousand yesterday when I had that bout of Coach-Potato-itis. Today I was much more determined -- and that's not even including the 6 miles I biked (inside) over lunch. Rock on. (Or walk on!)
* You would qualify for multi-tasking if it was an Olympic event. There was one point this evening I was boiling pasta and browning ground beef for chili, baking a cake, dealing with a kid stranded at ball practice and making plane reservations. And I mean this was all happening at one point. One teeny moment in time. And I lived to tell about it. Women are amazing, aren't we??
* You already have your flight and lodging reservations for a summer vacation! Oh do we have something to look forward to now! I won't spill any details because we don't know when we're telling Carter. But it will be a nice get-away with friends. Now I'm really glad I renewed my membership at the fitness center today. Bring on the beach body! (Shhhh.)
All this and I didn't even have ice cream yet. I suppose I could skip it for once. I guess if my day is that good, I could be good, too... I guess.
* Your "Monday" starts on a Tuesday. That was nice. Of course, it really did seem like a typical Monday at work -- weekend stuff to catch up on, busy, busy and suddenly the day is gone. That's OK. Tomorrow's Hump Day already. Wow.
* Your pedometer finally registers 10,000 steps! It took some doing, but I got it there after registering maybe a thousand yesterday when I had that bout of Coach-Potato-itis. Today I was much more determined -- and that's not even including the 6 miles I biked (inside) over lunch. Rock on. (Or walk on!)
* You would qualify for multi-tasking if it was an Olympic event. There was one point this evening I was boiling pasta and browning ground beef for chili, baking a cake, dealing with a kid stranded at ball practice and making plane reservations. And I mean this was all happening at one point. One teeny moment in time. And I lived to tell about it. Women are amazing, aren't we??
* You already have your flight and lodging reservations for a summer vacation! Oh do we have something to look forward to now! I won't spill any details because we don't know when we're telling Carter. But it will be a nice get-away with friends. Now I'm really glad I renewed my membership at the fitness center today. Bring on the beach body! (Shhhh.)
All this and I didn't even have ice cream yet. I suppose I could skip it for once. I guess if my day is that good, I could be good, too... I guess.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Girls Day In
You've heard of a Girls Night Out before. Today, my friend Christine and I -- who both had off for MLK Day -- made it Girls Day In. A day of out of the office and on the couch to enjoy a "chick flick" or two.
We met up last night at the video store to pick out a few movies that looked good and that neither one of us have seen. That wasn't easy. But we decided on 500 Days of Summer, Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Marley & Me.
This morning I was courteous and showered before heading over to her house. It was BYOB -- bring your own blanket (or Snuggie) -- so I was enjoying the comforts of home. We got through all 3 with minimal breaks or movement.
Needless to say I won't be anywhere near my 10,000 steps today -- unless there's a way to count crying as calorie burning. We did plenty of that, which is a good thing. That means we were concentrating on the story lines at hand and not on work or other stressors. I'm pretty sure we "girls" needed that. And hubby got to enjoy some peace and quiet at home, too. So everybody wins.
Hmm, I think I'll start counting down to the next holiday...
We met up last night at the video store to pick out a few movies that looked good and that neither one of us have seen. That wasn't easy. But we decided on 500 Days of Summer, Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Marley & Me.
This morning I was courteous and showered before heading over to her house. It was BYOB -- bring your own blanket (or Snuggie) -- so I was enjoying the comforts of home. We got through all 3 with minimal breaks or movement.
Needless to say I won't be anywhere near my 10,000 steps today -- unless there's a way to count crying as calorie burning. We did plenty of that, which is a good thing. That means we were concentrating on the story lines at hand and not on work or other stressors. I'm pretty sure we "girls" needed that. And hubby got to enjoy some peace and quiet at home, too. So everybody wins.
Hmm, I think I'll start counting down to the next holiday...
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Purple Pride
I guess it's no surprise the Austin household is in a good mood tonight! Quite a day at the Dome! We honestly were not feeling confident about the Vikes going up against the hot Cowboys. You just never know if a week off is going to be a good thing or bad thing. Thankfully, it was all good!
While everyone (but us) is praising Favre, we certainly want to give credit where credit is due. The defense played tough and Sidney Rice had just a stellar day receiving (reminded me of the Big 3 days of Carter, Moss and Reed).
And don't forget to give credit to the fans. We made every effort to show our Purple Pride. Here are some helpful hints if you want to join us next week as we play for the NFC Championship:
First, you gotta set the mood. My sister Romey (who loves the Packers) probably regrets giving me these purple lights last fall with the comment, "Here, you can use these for your Superbowl party!" Thanks, Romey. They're working fine (so far) for the playoffs.
While everyone (but us) is praising Favre, we certainly want to give credit where credit is due. The defense played tough and Sidney Rice had just a stellar day receiving (reminded me of the Big 3 days of Carter, Moss and Reed).
And don't forget to give credit to the fans. We made every effort to show our Purple Pride. Here are some helpful hints if you want to join us next week as we play for the NFC Championship:
First, you gotta set the mood. My sister Romey (who loves the Packers) probably regrets giving me these purple lights last fall with the comment, "Here, you can use these for your Superbowl party!" Thanks, Romey. They're working fine (so far) for the playoffs.
Second, you gotta get your Game Day gear on. Carter donned the horns and I had on my doo-rag. I also pulled out the "vintage" touchdown towels from the '99 season plus my Robert Smith #26 jersey, too. Of course, we had to start the game with a playoff tradition: shots of eggnog in our Vikings shot glasses. Every little bit helps!
Lastly, everybody's gotta get into it. Do not neglect the family pet! Sylvester actually enjoyed a nap under the towel. I think purple is her color, don't you?
OK, I think you're set to join in the fun. Unless you're a Packer fan who is still whining about how the Vikings wouldn't be anywhere without Brett Favre. Those people just need to get over it. We had 7 other players not named Brett who made the Pro Bowl this year. It takes a whole team to get a win for the purple and yellow.
And, as evidenced on Blue Jay Drive today, it takes a whole family to show Purple Pride.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
N-ice Job!
It was a warm day by Wisconsin winter standards, so we decided to hang out on the river. Sort of.
Our nephew Colin, who normally sits behind the wheel of a stock car, decided he'd give snowmobile racing a try this winter. Jim got to see him race two weekends ago. But since the temp was in the single digits and the windchill was below zero, I passed on that one.
Today, though, was no excuse. Sunny, mid-30s -- almost didn't need a jacket! Plus, I have been really curious to see what this "Kitty Kat" racing is all about. So we headed up to Rusty's Backwater Saloon (outside of Stevens Point on the Wisconsin River) to see.
First thing I notice is the track (situated on the iced-over river) is a pretty small oval, almost a circle. But then I see why it doesn't need to be very big. These are tiny "sleds" in this competition. There are classes for kids and adults -- and they call this the Big Boys Series.
Colin was racing in two divisions. I don't know they're called, but one of his sleds is green #99 and the other is the traditional Reffner Blue #87. In this photo you can see Jim in the background (brown jacket) standing next to his sister Sherry, the proud racing mom. I'm taking the photo from the opposite side of the oval, so you can what I mean by a small track.
Colin's friend Cody (on the left) actually got him into this. They had fun racing neck and neck in this heat race. I think Cody wanted me to mention he beat Colin (just for the record, you know).
The feature race was pretty exciting by Kitty Kat standards (nothing like stock cars). Colin managed to catch the leader and pass him for the win.
Does this picture look familiar? Not only is Colin hoisting a checkered flag, his snowmobile is painted to match his race car. Pretty cool, huh?
You see he's got the "pose with the trophy" down. (Lots of experience!) You can also see how little those sleds are! It was certainly something different to see.
Afterwards, we went inside and wolfed down some of Rusty's fine chicken strips (Carter and I are quite predictable, aren't we?). We were home by dark and I think we'll be ready for bed by 8. All that fresh air! Just like a summer day on the river -- without the sunburn (but we're still talkin' racin'!).
Our nephew Colin, who normally sits behind the wheel of a stock car, decided he'd give snowmobile racing a try this winter. Jim got to see him race two weekends ago. But since the temp was in the single digits and the windchill was below zero, I passed on that one.
Today, though, was no excuse. Sunny, mid-30s -- almost didn't need a jacket! Plus, I have been really curious to see what this "Kitty Kat" racing is all about. So we headed up to Rusty's Backwater Saloon (outside of Stevens Point on the Wisconsin River) to see.
First thing I notice is the track (situated on the iced-over river) is a pretty small oval, almost a circle. But then I see why it doesn't need to be very big. These are tiny "sleds" in this competition. There are classes for kids and adults -- and they call this the Big Boys Series.
Colin was racing in two divisions. I don't know they're called, but one of his sleds is green #99 and the other is the traditional Reffner Blue #87. In this photo you can see Jim in the background (brown jacket) standing next to his sister Sherry, the proud racing mom. I'm taking the photo from the opposite side of the oval, so you can what I mean by a small track.
Colin's friend Cody (on the left) actually got him into this. They had fun racing neck and neck in this heat race. I think Cody wanted me to mention he beat Colin (just for the record, you know).
The feature race was pretty exciting by Kitty Kat standards (nothing like stock cars). Colin managed to catch the leader and pass him for the win.
Does this picture look familiar? Not only is Colin hoisting a checkered flag, his snowmobile is painted to match his race car. Pretty cool, huh?
You see he's got the "pose with the trophy" down. (Lots of experience!) You can also see how little those sleds are! It was certainly something different to see. Afterwards, we went inside and wolfed down some of Rusty's fine chicken strips (Carter and I are quite predictable, aren't we?). We were home by dark and I think we'll be ready for bed by 8. All that fresh air! Just like a summer day on the river -- without the sunburn (but we're still talkin' racin'!).
Friday, January 15, 2010
My Sympathies
I feel sorry for anyone that isn't me tonight...
We have this ritual that when we're playing a game or cards at the kitchen table, hubby plays classic country music on one of those cable music stations. If I'm good, he'll occasionally pick the '80s station, but 9 out of 10 times it's Kenny and Dotty and the redheaded stranger.
It used to be I'd know maybe 1 in 20 songs. But now that we've switched cable providers, the "classics" are a little bit more mainstream -- like Eddie Rabbit and Sylvia -- so I can guess those right now and then.
Tonight we heard a Kenny Rogers song I'd never heard before. He sings about how lucky he is to be with the woman he loves and feels "sorry for anyone that isn't me tonight." Jim and I feel the same way.
It was a rough day at work today as more downsizing was implemented again and we had to say goodbye again to 3 friends. We know this is a sign of the times and it's happening to a lot of friends and even family. But it doesn't make it any easier.
It does, however, continue to make us more grateful each day that we are both employed. And, thanks to insight today into challenges some friends and loved ones are facing, we are grateful, too, for our health, for our reasonably behaved children, for family, friends and our marriage.
Oh, and grateful for occasional "alone" time, too. Carter went with a friend to a basketball game tonight so hubby and I played some cards and enjoyed some time out in the hot tub. It's a mild winter evening with a slight breeze so it was perfect. The only sound was the wind and the occasional snowmobile in the distance. The only thing we were concerned about were coyotes (there have been reports, you know) and Carter returned early from the game!
We got out in plenty of time. In fact, Carter just got home and asked if he could stay over night at his friend's. So he packed up and left. So yes, we have the house to ourselves again.
Yup, I feel for anyone that isn't me tonight...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
National Crisis
From the pages of my diary Jan. 14, 1981 (age 13):
I just learned on the news that the U.S. hostages may be
released by Tuesday. I guess I better explain. Iran has had American hostages since Nov. '79. I don't know why. They just held 'em hostage.
You wonder sometimes if kids understand the relevance of major news events when the earthquake in Haiti and Jay Leno's future with NBC both seem billed as a national "crisis." I am sure I am not the only parent who hopes their child is brushing up on "current events" in class every day. But that shouldn't be their only news outlet.
Every morning when Carter calls me at work, I hear a run down of just about every sports score imaginable from the previous night. So I know for a fact, he's tuned into ESPN News while eating his Cocoa Puffs.
But I know we, as a family, don't sit down and watch the 6 o'clock news together every night. Do people still do that? Hubby and I pretty much get our news from various Web sites and some from the radio on our commute.
That's why tonight when I was talking about a chili cook-off fundraiser for Haiti that we're doing at work, I had to ask Carter if he'd even heard about the earthquake. I was relieved he had. And I thank all educators out there for keeping our children in the loop while adding some "current" value to their lessons.
Because after reading the second half of my diary entry from 19 years ago, I can see kids Carter's age may think about an international tragedy, but they're usually dealing with a crisis or two of their own....
Today we had a Pep Fest in school. It wasn't that interesting tho'. Lots of people liked my new glasses. They said they looked good on me but some boys thought they looked dumb because of the fancy bows. Good night.
Whew. Glad I survived that one!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
One Step at a Time
I've come to realize in the 3 weeks I have possessed this work-issued pedometer, that it is really a challenge for a person with a desk job to get 10,000 steps in a day. In fact, today was the first time I officially reached the mark.
Last night, I went to bed 600 steps short so I've been inching closer. Just not getting there. Today, it's only 8 p.m. and I am over the mark. Yay!
I have a few strategies in place. In order to find a reason to get up from desk chair and move now and then (and now and then again), I am downing plenty of coffee and water. It's 138 steps to the bathroom, ya know!
I'm also playing that Wal-Mart card when I can. That's usually good for 1,000 steps or so. If I would park further away, that would add a few more. However, I am still hurting, thanks to my friend Jillian, so I will opt for that "distance strategy" at a later time.
Speaking of Jillian, Carter and I did get back on the beast of an exercise wagon tonight and did our daily Shred. Snap, Crackle, Pop, Owww.
Now that it's over, we feel good. Well, OK anyway. I told Carter he doesn't have to do this with me. He's heard Jillian tell us, "If this were easy, you wouldn't get results! You can't phone it in!" Still, he says he's in it for the long haul. Well, 30 days does seem like a long, long, long haul!
But just like my pedometer, we'll take it one step at a time. We'll get somewhere eventually.
Last night, I went to bed 600 steps short so I've been inching closer. Just not getting there. Today, it's only 8 p.m. and I am over the mark. Yay!
I have a few strategies in place. In order to find a reason to get up from desk chair and move now and then (and now and then again), I am downing plenty of coffee and water. It's 138 steps to the bathroom, ya know!
I'm also playing that Wal-Mart card when I can. That's usually good for 1,000 steps or so. If I would park further away, that would add a few more. However, I am still hurting, thanks to my friend Jillian, so I will opt for that "distance strategy" at a later time.
Speaking of Jillian, Carter and I did get back on the beast of an exercise wagon tonight and did our daily Shred. Snap, Crackle, Pop, Owww.
Now that it's over, we feel good. Well, OK anyway. I told Carter he doesn't have to do this with me. He's heard Jillian tell us, "If this were easy, you wouldn't get results! You can't phone it in!" Still, he says he's in it for the long haul. Well, 30 days does seem like a long, long, long haul!
But just like my pedometer, we'll take it one step at a time. We'll get somewhere eventually.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
No Pain, No Gain
The mighty Stratford Tigers came to town tonight for some boys hoops action at Assumption High School. This is a big deal for the Austin men because the elder set (like my father-in-law) hail from there and the younger ones (like hubby) are Assumption grads.
We went to the game knowing we'd pull for our nephew Colin in the JV game -- which we lost by a sizable margin -- and still cheer for the home team when the varsity squads hit the court. However, if that Austin kid on the orange and black team (belonging to Jim's cousin) scored, we'd be happy for him, too. It's family, after all.
As it turned out, the varsity game was pretty exciting at the end. The Royals almost came back but fell short by a mere 3 points. Too bad. But that Austin from Stratford had a good game.
I was just glad we were out of the house and I wasn't force to do my new workout DVD! Oh yes, I tried something new last night and I am paying for it dearly. Both Carter and I are.
Since my right leg has been bothering me -- usually about 3 minutes into a run or walking -- I thought I'd do a shorter workout with less cardio time. If you've ever watched The Biggest Loser, you know who Jillian Michaels is. I bought her 30 Day Shred DVD, which suggests a person could get a ripped (or "shredded") body doing her 20-minute interval workouts -- offered in 3 levels of intensity.
The key word is interval. Just 2 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of strength, 1 minute of abs... then start over. Done in 20 minutes. Sounds easy, right?
Well, I thought so. I even convinced Carter to do it with me. We wisely started at Level 1. It didn't seem too bad at the time. In fact, I was thrilled that my leg didn't bother me because the cardio stints weren't long enough for that pain to set in.
The bad news: That pain did set in. Today.
Carter and I are both hobbling around because our thighs, mainly, are killing us! I had a hard time holding my curling iron this morning, too, but my arms aren't doing as bad as I expected after those push-ups.
The thing is -- if you want results (as pictured on the DVD case), you gotta Shred every day if possible. No pain, no gain. Well, we got the pain part down. Now we just gotta gain some momentum to get back at it. Tomorrow.
Unless there's another basketball game we just can't miss!
We went to the game knowing we'd pull for our nephew Colin in the JV game -- which we lost by a sizable margin -- and still cheer for the home team when the varsity squads hit the court. However, if that Austin kid on the orange and black team (belonging to Jim's cousin) scored, we'd be happy for him, too. It's family, after all.
As it turned out, the varsity game was pretty exciting at the end. The Royals almost came back but fell short by a mere 3 points. Too bad. But that Austin from Stratford had a good game.
I was just glad we were out of the house and I wasn't force to do my new workout DVD! Oh yes, I tried something new last night and I am paying for it dearly. Both Carter and I are.
Since my right leg has been bothering me -- usually about 3 minutes into a run or walking -- I thought I'd do a shorter workout with less cardio time. If you've ever watched The Biggest Loser, you know who Jillian Michaels is. I bought her 30 Day Shred DVD, which suggests a person could get a ripped (or "shredded") body doing her 20-minute interval workouts -- offered in 3 levels of intensity.
The key word is interval. Just 2 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of strength, 1 minute of abs... then start over. Done in 20 minutes. Sounds easy, right?
Well, I thought so. I even convinced Carter to do it with me. We wisely started at Level 1. It didn't seem too bad at the time. In fact, I was thrilled that my leg didn't bother me because the cardio stints weren't long enough for that pain to set in.
The bad news: That pain did set in. Today.
Carter and I are both hobbling around because our thighs, mainly, are killing us! I had a hard time holding my curling iron this morning, too, but my arms aren't doing as bad as I expected after those push-ups.
The thing is -- if you want results (as pictured on the DVD case), you gotta Shred every day if possible. No pain, no gain. Well, we got the pain part down. Now we just gotta gain some momentum to get back at it. Tomorrow.
Unless there's another basketball game we just can't miss!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Highlights and Low-lights
Just got back from a nail-biter of a sixth-grade basketball game. In the scheme of things, it was much more low-key than a certain playoff game I pledged I would not mention again. However, in Carter's world, it was exciting stuff.
First the low lights. I mean, seriously, the low lights. The lighting in this church gymnasium was awful. So my pictures leave much to be desired but at least I captured a few highlights of the action.
Carter gets set on defense.
The Rapids team scored first and we were up 6-0 after the first quarter. The Rudolph team got hot, though, and shut us down in the second quarter so at the half, they were leading 7-6. I know you can feel the excitement...
Above, Carter (#55 for no special reason) attempts to block a shot. Surprisingly, I have seen a few players who are shorter than him.
First the low lights. I mean, seriously, the low lights. The lighting in this church gymnasium was awful. So my pictures leave much to be desired but at least I captured a few highlights of the action.
Carter gets set on defense.The Rapids team scored first and we were up 6-0 after the first quarter. The Rudolph team got hot, though, and shut us down in the second quarter so at the half, they were leading 7-6. I know you can feel the excitement...
Above, Carter (#55 for no special reason) attempts to block a shot. Surprisingly, I have seen a few players who are shorter than him.With Rudolph expanding their lead in the third quarter, Carter and the rest of the team step up their defense. Carter had a few steals and good defensive plays. He only had one foul and was fouled twice. However, he failed to capitalize on those free throws. Dang. From the field, he missed his first 3 (or was it 4 or 5?) shots. Then...
Here he is making the first of two lay-ups. Yay, Carter! It was so nice to see him score!
Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough. They ended up losing 19-14. But I must say, it was their best-played game to date. Good thing we still have at least 3 more games left. If they get hot, they could finish at .500. If not, who cares? He's having a blast whether they win or lose.
Something I suppose we all could learn.
(But there are always exceptions, right?)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Small Victories
I am in a great mood tonight. Honestly, it has nothing to do with the playoffs or how my fantasy team did or how a certain Wisconsin team did either. Well, maybe a little. But I am biting my tongue on that one. It hurts, but I'll keep biting because I know my team could be in the same boat a week from now.
Anyway, my happiness has nothing to do with anything competitive (though I did beat hubby 2 out of 3 at cards today). It has to do with dreams and goals and that often difficult first step of action to make them a reality.
I have said for quite a while now (countless whiles now) that someday I'm going to write a book or 2 or 3... Well, it's time to let someday begin.
For the last week, I've been putting some thoughts and ideas on paper. I had an idea what direction I wanted to go with this first book, but nothing definite. For some reason, one little hair-raising incident on a slippery road today triggered an idea. Many of them, in fact. When I got home, I wrote out a plot summary, started my "cast of characters" and even wrote 2 pages!
I am thrilled that I got past the hump of just trying to get started. That's a small victory in itself! I realize there is a ton of work to do. Obviously, these things don't write themselves (or publish themselves). But I am just giddy I have concept of the story line in place. Now all I have to do is fill in the blanks. The thousands and thousands of blanks!
For the first time, though, I am not afraid.
Maybe this will be the "Year of Robyn," after all.
And my Vikings didn't lose today so that's gotta be an encouraging sign...
(C'mon, you knew I couldn't let that go.)
Anyway, my happiness has nothing to do with anything competitive (though I did beat hubby 2 out of 3 at cards today). It has to do with dreams and goals and that often difficult first step of action to make them a reality.
I have said for quite a while now (countless whiles now) that someday I'm going to write a book or 2 or 3... Well, it's time to let someday begin.
For the last week, I've been putting some thoughts and ideas on paper. I had an idea what direction I wanted to go with this first book, but nothing definite. For some reason, one little hair-raising incident on a slippery road today triggered an idea. Many of them, in fact. When I got home, I wrote out a plot summary, started my "cast of characters" and even wrote 2 pages!
I am thrilled that I got past the hump of just trying to get started. That's a small victory in itself! I realize there is a ton of work to do. Obviously, these things don't write themselves (or publish themselves). But I am just giddy I have concept of the story line in place. Now all I have to do is fill in the blanks. The thousands and thousands of blanks!
For the first time, though, I am not afraid.
Maybe this will be the "Year of Robyn," after all.
And my Vikings didn't lose today so that's gotta be an encouraging sign...
(C'mon, you knew I couldn't let that go.)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Playoffs and Payoffs
Since I had my energetic moment last night and de-holidayed, the payoff today was well-deserved sloth. OK, not really well-deserved, but I took advantage of a day with nothing on the calendar and shifted into low gear.
I did attempt to hit the treadmill early on. That didn't work out well. I won't go into the aches and pains of an old woman, but I've been having issues with my right leg (to the point of limping around Friday) so the treadmill stint didn't last long. Certainly not enough to get anywhere near my 10,000 steps today!
Hubby spent a frustrating and stressful day at the office so I will not whine and/or complain about anything -- even pain. I did have to bribe Carter to run errands with me. I'm just not a fan of doing that alone all the time. Plus, I needed him to pick out his own get-well card for his babysitter, who fell on the ice yesterday and broke her shoulder.
After errands, I whipped up a batch of chili to take to the invalid, er sitter, who will be out of commission a few days. Then Carter and I claimed our cushy seats and watched the movie Cool Runnings. Do you remember that one? It's about the Jamaican bobsled team? Well I told him it would get him in the mood for the neighborhood sled run and, hopefully, get him excited about the upcoming winter Olympics. It did. He's definitely psyched to watch the bobsledders -- and attempt a speed record next door. (Let's hope no more stitches this winter.)
The NFL playoffs are in full swing this afternoon and evening. Since the Vikings are guaranteed not to lose this weekend, I'm not incredibly interested. But, since I have money on the line by way of a fantasy playoff team, I am keeping an eye on it. So far, my kicker missed 2 easy field goals for Cincinnati, so I am not going to get to emotionally involved here.
I'll save that for next weekend when, hopefully, the payoff of a week off will mean a purple playoff win!
I did attempt to hit the treadmill early on. That didn't work out well. I won't go into the aches and pains of an old woman, but I've been having issues with my right leg (to the point of limping around Friday) so the treadmill stint didn't last long. Certainly not enough to get anywhere near my 10,000 steps today!
Hubby spent a frustrating and stressful day at the office so I will not whine and/or complain about anything -- even pain. I did have to bribe Carter to run errands with me. I'm just not a fan of doing that alone all the time. Plus, I needed him to pick out his own get-well card for his babysitter, who fell on the ice yesterday and broke her shoulder.
After errands, I whipped up a batch of chili to take to the invalid, er sitter, who will be out of commission a few days. Then Carter and I claimed our cushy seats and watched the movie Cool Runnings. Do you remember that one? It's about the Jamaican bobsled team? Well I told him it would get him in the mood for the neighborhood sled run and, hopefully, get him excited about the upcoming winter Olympics. It did. He's definitely psyched to watch the bobsledders -- and attempt a speed record next door. (Let's hope no more stitches this winter.)
The NFL playoffs are in full swing this afternoon and evening. Since the Vikings are guaranteed not to lose this weekend, I'm not incredibly interested. But, since I have money on the line by way of a fantasy playoff team, I am keeping an eye on it. So far, my kicker missed 2 easy field goals for Cincinnati, so I am not going to get to emotionally involved here.
I'll save that for next weekend when, hopefully, the payoff of a week off will mean a purple playoff win!
Friday, January 8, 2010
All Good Things Must Come to an End
About the only thing I don't like about the holiday season is seeing it come to an end.
We kept the tree and decorations up so the in-laws could see them. Since Jim's parents stopped by Sunday night, I knew this weekend would be time to un-deck the halls, un-trim the tree and, when that's done, unwind a bit.
The unwind part was what prompted me to start tonight. I thought, do I really want to wake up to that big project? The answer: no. So I just got going right away when we got home and just a few hours later, the house it back to its pre-Advent condition. Well, except for the remaining cookies, candy, eggnog and Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream. I could extend this holiday until February if I'm good!
Speaking of Valentines (and good things that must come to an end)...
In the soap opera that is Carter's love life (and that he has no clue I'm blogging about, so please don't tattle)... I asked how things were going with the gal pal with the fire-y locks. He said, "Well, not so good. I think I'm going to have to let her pass by."
Oh, such wise, sad words!
Take heart, dear son. Just like the glorious holiday season is hard to let go, it always returns eventually -- so, too, do opportunities to make new friends.
Even redheads.
We kept the tree and decorations up so the in-laws could see them. Since Jim's parents stopped by Sunday night, I knew this weekend would be time to un-deck the halls, un-trim the tree and, when that's done, unwind a bit.
The unwind part was what prompted me to start tonight. I thought, do I really want to wake up to that big project? The answer: no. So I just got going right away when we got home and just a few hours later, the house it back to its pre-Advent condition. Well, except for the remaining cookies, candy, eggnog and Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream. I could extend this holiday until February if I'm good!
Speaking of Valentines (and good things that must come to an end)...
In the soap opera that is Carter's love life (and that he has no clue I'm blogging about, so please don't tattle)... I asked how things were going with the gal pal with the fire-y locks. He said, "Well, not so good. I think I'm going to have to let her pass by."
Oh, such wise, sad words!
Take heart, dear son. Just like the glorious holiday season is hard to let go, it always returns eventually -- so, too, do opportunities to make new friends.
Even redheads.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Winter Wondering
It could be sign of writer's block when a blogger talks about the weather. But in Wisconsin it changes so often, it sometimes is newsworthy or... at least generates a thought or two.
The thing about snow is that it is silent. So we woke up to a few inches covering the ice and were surprised. It took a little longer to get to work, but we figured it was pretty much done for the day. But when I went over to the fitness center to work out over noon, I had to brush and scrape ice and snow off the car before and afterwards. Then again later before heading home.
It didn't take long before the Winter Wonderland turned into Winter Wonder-Why We Live Here.
My husband and I do question that. We're really not fans of the snow or cold. Other than the neighborhood Olympic sled hill, we don't do the ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing activities some people of the Northwoods just love!
We (hubby actually) figured out the answer today, though. Blame it on our stinkin' ancestors! If they hadn't settled here, we wouldn't have sprouted our roots here either. Sure, we can leave on our own power at any time (we're not ordered to stay here by law), but it's easier to blame the Swedes, the Germans, the Norwegians, the Bohemians...
Honestly, if we didn't have a 50-minute commute to work, we probably would embrace it like they did. But I hate driving on the uncertain roads and those that are certain, too -- to be slippery. I'm really a grandma about it and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Tonight I had to run into town on a few errands then planned to stop at a meeting (where my attendance isn't required, but desired). But a little mishap changed my mind. I was driving slowly per usual and I was inching toward the turn into the Wal-Mart parking lot. But when I fish-tailed wide right, then wide left, I pretty much decided that was my last stop.
Probably a good idea I went home early. Some fecal matter hit the fan while I was gone. Not so much in the Wonderland arena than the Wonder About Teens These Days category. But that's another story...
The thing about snow is that it is silent. So we woke up to a few inches covering the ice and were surprised. It took a little longer to get to work, but we figured it was pretty much done for the day. But when I went over to the fitness center to work out over noon, I had to brush and scrape ice and snow off the car before and afterwards. Then again later before heading home.
It didn't take long before the Winter Wonderland turned into Winter Wonder-Why We Live Here.
My husband and I do question that. We're really not fans of the snow or cold. Other than the neighborhood Olympic sled hill, we don't do the ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing activities some people of the Northwoods just love!
We (hubby actually) figured out the answer today, though. Blame it on our stinkin' ancestors! If they hadn't settled here, we wouldn't have sprouted our roots here either. Sure, we can leave on our own power at any time (we're not ordered to stay here by law), but it's easier to blame the Swedes, the Germans, the Norwegians, the Bohemians...
Honestly, if we didn't have a 50-minute commute to work, we probably would embrace it like they did. But I hate driving on the uncertain roads and those that are certain, too -- to be slippery. I'm really a grandma about it and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Tonight I had to run into town on a few errands then planned to stop at a meeting (where my attendance isn't required, but desired). But a little mishap changed my mind. I was driving slowly per usual and I was inching toward the turn into the Wal-Mart parking lot. But when I fish-tailed wide right, then wide left, I pretty much decided that was my last stop.
Probably a good idea I went home early. Some fecal matter hit the fan while I was gone. Not so much in the Wonderland arena than the Wonder About Teens These Days category. But that's another story...
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Midweek Musings
Just a few things happening...
Gossip Girl: Turns out Carter was right about "the break-up" playing out like a game of Telephone. There's a reason his redheaded sweetheart didn't tell him she was breaking up. It's because she wasn't. Some other girl started the rumor and it got out of hand. So, Carter says, "We're still dating." Not sure what that entails. But, he added, "I still forgot to ask her why she (the redhead) didn't bother to set the record straight or at least tell me." Yup, there still are plenty of lessons to be learned with this. Sort of seems like a soap opera, doesn't it? Stay tuned.
At Close Range: After 6+ years of avoiding each other at work -- well, doing our best not to fraternize -- hubby and I now sit within shouting distance of each other. Not that we'd yell at each ever (or at work, anyway). I told you last month we now have the same boss. We still don't really work "together" but it will be easier for him to run over to my desk when he needs chocolate or, more likely, aspirin! Stay tuned for that, too.
Movie Night Part 1: I'm still logging miles (and steps now) on the treadmill while watching movies. Since the holidays are over and I've run out of Christmas movies, I've now moved on to the North and South miniseries -- a trilogy actually, based mainly on the Civil War. The first one came out in 1985 and I enjoyed it very much. (I'm sure it has nothing to do with Patrick Swayze in the starring role.) I got the DVD set for Christmas and have many hours (and miles) ahead of me. Can't wait.
Movie Night Part 2: Tonight, however, we took a break from the War and regular TV -- and hubby and I actually watched a movie together. We had wanted to rent Hangover over our break but never got around to it. We'd heard it was entertaining and wanted to see for ourselves. And yes, it was fun-ny! Just stupid, mindless entertainment that we seldom allow ourselves to enjoy. There's something to be said for small doses of immaturity. (Very small doses!)
Carter, bless his heart, stayed out of the Rated R room and put himself to bed. I'm guessing tonight he just might have sweet dreams again. He certainly deserves it!
Gossip Girl: Turns out Carter was right about "the break-up" playing out like a game of Telephone. There's a reason his redheaded sweetheart didn't tell him she was breaking up. It's because she wasn't. Some other girl started the rumor and it got out of hand. So, Carter says, "We're still dating." Not sure what that entails. But, he added, "I still forgot to ask her why she (the redhead) didn't bother to set the record straight or at least tell me." Yup, there still are plenty of lessons to be learned with this. Sort of seems like a soap opera, doesn't it? Stay tuned.
At Close Range: After 6+ years of avoiding each other at work -- well, doing our best not to fraternize -- hubby and I now sit within shouting distance of each other. Not that we'd yell at each ever (or at work, anyway). I told you last month we now have the same boss. We still don't really work "together" but it will be easier for him to run over to my desk when he needs chocolate or, more likely, aspirin! Stay tuned for that, too.
Movie Night Part 1: I'm still logging miles (and steps now) on the treadmill while watching movies. Since the holidays are over and I've run out of Christmas movies, I've now moved on to the North and South miniseries -- a trilogy actually, based mainly on the Civil War. The first one came out in 1985 and I enjoyed it very much. (I'm sure it has nothing to do with Patrick Swayze in the starring role.) I got the DVD set for Christmas and have many hours (and miles) ahead of me. Can't wait.
Movie Night Part 2: Tonight, however, we took a break from the War and regular TV -- and hubby and I actually watched a movie together. We had wanted to rent Hangover over our break but never got around to it. We'd heard it was entertaining and wanted to see for ourselves. And yes, it was fun-ny! Just stupid, mindless entertainment that we seldom allow ourselves to enjoy. There's something to be said for small doses of immaturity. (Very small doses!)
Carter, bless his heart, stayed out of the Rated R room and put himself to bed. I'm guessing tonight he just might have sweet dreams again. He certainly deserves it!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Little Women
Ask Carter any day of the week what he knows about women and he'll answer, without hesitation, "They suck the life right out of ya!" Now he's learning it can apply to all females.
Yes (though Mommy is only pretending to be sad), Carter got dumped by the redhead. Did I not see this coming?
I was suspicious over the two-week break that she never called and never "showed up" next door to play. But then thought perhaps she was busy with family. I asked Carter about it last night and he said it's over. He thinks.
"Well it's not like she's even told me yet," he said. "She's telling everyone else and they're telling me like we're playing a game of Telephone."
Poor kid. I told him I felt bad if his heart is broken (because I do feel bad), but he said he'll be fine. He'll get over it.
I asked him tonight if she said anything today to him. He said, no. She just giggles with her friends. I said, "Well, you know what you always say..." And he says, "Yeah, but Mom, she's not even a woman. She's a girl."
Well she's a little woman, son. Sometimes they (or do I say "we"?) start early.
Yes (though Mommy is only pretending to be sad), Carter got dumped by the redhead. Did I not see this coming?
I was suspicious over the two-week break that she never called and never "showed up" next door to play. But then thought perhaps she was busy with family. I asked Carter about it last night and he said it's over. He thinks.
"Well it's not like she's even told me yet," he said. "She's telling everyone else and they're telling me like we're playing a game of Telephone."
Poor kid. I told him I felt bad if his heart is broken (because I do feel bad), but he said he'll be fine. He'll get over it.
I asked him tonight if she said anything today to him. He said, no. She just giggles with her friends. I said, "Well, you know what you always say..." And he says, "Yeah, but Mom, she's not even a woman. She's a girl."
Well she's a little woman, son. Sometimes they (or do I say "we"?) start early.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Manic Monday
Let's face it, a person doesn't really go into a Monday with high expectations. About anything. If something goes right, it's a bonus. If nothing does, then our expectations were met.
Those Mondays suck.
Honestly, today I was just happy to turn the alarm off and hit the shower by 5:30 so we could go to work early on our first day back. No problem. I was dragging a bit, but with my self-diagnosed ADD, it was good to be back in the workplace.
Besides the alarm -- set for the first time in 17 days -- I was also dreading the final weigh-in for the Weight Clause at the fitness center. If you recall, the goal of the 6-week program was just to get through the holidays with your weight in check. No outlandish goals to lose pounds during eggnog season, just maintain within 3 pounds of your pre-Turkey Day weight, and you'll be eligible for awesome to-be-named prizes.
I was doing well until the New Year when I decided we (as in me) better eat up all these Christmas treats so they are out of the house! A worthy goal, don't ya think? Good thing I still had to put some miles on my legs each day for the Frostbite Club. That's the only thing that kept me close.
So yes, I succeeded by not going anywhere -- on the scale, that is -- and now will wait to see if or what glamorous prize I won! (The drawings are later this week.)
Sadly, that was the high point of my Monday. Not because I had a bad day -- but those closest to me did.
My twin sister became the latest victim of economy-driven "right-sizing" today when she lost her job of 5 years. She didn't see it coming. She's a hard worker and did her job well. No one deserves that, but it's just a sad reality in today's recession. I've seen a lot of friends go through this in the past 18 months. Somehow, though, when it's family, it moves up a notch on the "This Sucks!" scale. I tried to give her some words of comfort and will keep prayers coming her way. We just never know what God has in mind for us next, do we?
The other bummer today, on a much smaller scale (except in the mind of an 11-year-old), was Carter's basketball game. The team did not get a chance to practice over break and it showed. They really got trounced on -- even though Daddy said before the game, "Mom will pay you a thousand dollars a basket, but if you miss, you owe her that." Well he missed one and made none. Final score: 40-10. Don't worry, I won't collect my debts. I think humiliation and disappointment probably carry their weight in gold some days.
Before anything else happens -- good or bad -- I think I'll go fuel up on some Monday night comedy. Enjoy your Tuesday!
Those Mondays suck.
Honestly, today I was just happy to turn the alarm off and hit the shower by 5:30 so we could go to work early on our first day back. No problem. I was dragging a bit, but with my self-diagnosed ADD, it was good to be back in the workplace.
Besides the alarm -- set for the first time in 17 days -- I was also dreading the final weigh-in for the Weight Clause at the fitness center. If you recall, the goal of the 6-week program was just to get through the holidays with your weight in check. No outlandish goals to lose pounds during eggnog season, just maintain within 3 pounds of your pre-Turkey Day weight, and you'll be eligible for awesome to-be-named prizes.
I was doing well until the New Year when I decided we (as in me) better eat up all these Christmas treats so they are out of the house! A worthy goal, don't ya think? Good thing I still had to put some miles on my legs each day for the Frostbite Club. That's the only thing that kept me close.
So yes, I succeeded by not going anywhere -- on the scale, that is -- and now will wait to see if or what glamorous prize I won! (The drawings are later this week.)
Sadly, that was the high point of my Monday. Not because I had a bad day -- but those closest to me did.
My twin sister became the latest victim of economy-driven "right-sizing" today when she lost her job of 5 years. She didn't see it coming. She's a hard worker and did her job well. No one deserves that, but it's just a sad reality in today's recession. I've seen a lot of friends go through this in the past 18 months. Somehow, though, when it's family, it moves up a notch on the "This Sucks!" scale. I tried to give her some words of comfort and will keep prayers coming her way. We just never know what God has in mind for us next, do we?
The other bummer today, on a much smaller scale (except in the mind of an 11-year-old), was Carter's basketball game. The team did not get a chance to practice over break and it showed. They really got trounced on -- even though Daddy said before the game, "Mom will pay you a thousand dollars a basket, but if you miss, you owe her that." Well he missed one and made none. Final score: 40-10. Don't worry, I won't collect my debts. I think humiliation and disappointment probably carry their weight in gold some days.
Before anything else happens -- good or bad -- I think I'll go fuel up on some Monday night comedy. Enjoy your Tuesday!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sweet Revenge
The regular football season is officially over now. It was a strange season since neither hubby or I could stomach certain personnel changes on the Vikings.
While hubby threatened to become the world's biggest Lions fan when Favre signed, he couldn't really get into it. They just don't air many Lions games here.
So we'd watch the occasional Vikings game when they were actually on TV and cheer for a victory for the whole team. We just couldn't bring ourselves to say, "Great throw, Favre!" Instead we'd be more apt to say, "Nice catch, Rice!" or "Way to go, Adrian!"
We've been sort of watching quietly and haven't really felt the excitement of winning and heading to the playoffs that we have in other years. But I will say today was a longtime coming.
It was 9 years ago now that the Giants handed our butts to us on a platter in the NFC championship game. They beat the Vikes 41-0! Today, when we were seemingly running up the score, I didn't care what it looked like to the casual observer. Viking fans know we needed to stick it the Giants -- and stick it big. A 44-7 victory was sweet revenge, indeed. I only wish it happened during a more critical game... like, say, something post-season!
Oh well, beggars -- and those set on revenge -- can't be choosers. We'll take what we can get. (And hope there's more where that came from!)
While hubby threatened to become the world's biggest Lions fan when Favre signed, he couldn't really get into it. They just don't air many Lions games here.
So we'd watch the occasional Vikings game when they were actually on TV and cheer for a victory for the whole team. We just couldn't bring ourselves to say, "Great throw, Favre!" Instead we'd be more apt to say, "Nice catch, Rice!" or "Way to go, Adrian!"
We've been sort of watching quietly and haven't really felt the excitement of winning and heading to the playoffs that we have in other years. But I will say today was a longtime coming.
It was 9 years ago now that the Giants handed our butts to us on a platter in the NFC championship game. They beat the Vikes 41-0! Today, when we were seemingly running up the score, I didn't care what it looked like to the casual observer. Viking fans know we needed to stick it the Giants -- and stick it big. A 44-7 victory was sweet revenge, indeed. I only wish it happened during a more critical game... like, say, something post-season!
Oh well, beggars -- and those set on revenge -- can't be choosers. We'll take what we can get. (And hope there's more where that came from!)
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Once in a Blue Moon
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow...
gave the lustre of midday to objects below...
gave the lustre of midday to objects below...
In case you didn't notice, we've had quite the full moon the past few nights. And it's not just any moon, it's the legendary blue moon!
According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But if you've seen it, you know it's not actually blue. That's just a name it acquired in some Farmer's Almanac back in the early part of the last century. Since then, we say something unusual happens "once in a blue moon." Blue moons, I discovered through some research, actually do occur about every 32 months. However, the chance of them happening on New Year's Eve are more like once every 19 years.
So blue or not, we had to enjoy part of our New Year's Eve out in the hot tub with friends -- under the light of the blue moon. Just to say we did it, you know.
It was partly cloudy that night, but last night, on New Year's, it was so clear out, it was almost like daylight -- just like the Night Before Christmas story mentions -- casting shadows of pine trees and branches on the snow in our front yard. It was so cool, I had to at least attempt to capture it with the camera. It turned out pretty good.
I'm starting to think it's an omen, though. Occasionally, about once in a blue moon actually, Carter beats us at a game. Between yesterday and today, he won Monopoly, Mexican Train dominoes and a card game. Crazy. I, in turn, kicked hubby's butt in cards today. Which happens more often than once in a blue moon (but not too much more).
Just to be clear, though. Blue moons do happen far more often than hell freezes over. So I don't think my Vikings will be winning any Super Bowl this year. But if the blue changes to a tinge of purple, we may have a chance!
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Year of Robyn?
There's comes an age when -- for the sake of appearances -- we claim we don't believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. There also comes an age, I believe, we are no longer required to make New Year's resolutions. I say that age is 41.
That's a cop-out, I know. But frankly, my resolutions are already being made for me. Sort of.
With this new healthy choices participation plan at work (the one to help us save on insurance premiums), both hubby and I will automatically have weekly weigh-ins, be part of some top-secret weight-loss team and, in my case, clip on a pedometer to achieve 10,000 steps daily.
We still have to do all the legwork, obviously, and make the healthy choices. But for 52 weeks, we sort of have somebody to answer to. I'm kind of looking forward to it. My pedometer arrived in the mail the other day so I have been keeping an eye on what a person has to do get 10,000 steps (basically 5 miles) in per day. I found that on 2 separate trips to Wal-Mart, I logged just over a half-mile each time. So I guess I could make that part of my daily routine...
Of course, by the end of the year, I may be physically fit, but flat broke, too!
I am expecting good things out of this year, though. Just this morning, hubby made some remark that bordered on sarcasm and complimentary. I gave him a questioning look and he innocently says, "What? This is the Year of Robyn." Cool! Awesome, I say.
Then he bends down to scratch Sylvester behind the ears and attempts to recant his statement: "Oh, I mean this is the Year of Kitty." No way, says I. She had her year this year! She's always spoiled.
I threatened to directly quote hubby to the millions, well 12 or 13 people, who read my blog -- just so he follows through. So there you have it. Check back for details.
Seriously, for the record, I do have the best husband in the world. You can quote me on that, too! Happy New Year!
That's a cop-out, I know. But frankly, my resolutions are already being made for me. Sort of.
With this new healthy choices participation plan at work (the one to help us save on insurance premiums), both hubby and I will automatically have weekly weigh-ins, be part of some top-secret weight-loss team and, in my case, clip on a pedometer to achieve 10,000 steps daily.
We still have to do all the legwork, obviously, and make the healthy choices. But for 52 weeks, we sort of have somebody to answer to. I'm kind of looking forward to it. My pedometer arrived in the mail the other day so I have been keeping an eye on what a person has to do get 10,000 steps (basically 5 miles) in per day. I found that on 2 separate trips to Wal-Mart, I logged just over a half-mile each time. So I guess I could make that part of my daily routine...
Of course, by the end of the year, I may be physically fit, but flat broke, too!
I am expecting good things out of this year, though. Just this morning, hubby made some remark that bordered on sarcasm and complimentary. I gave him a questioning look and he innocently says, "What? This is the Year of Robyn." Cool! Awesome, I say.
Then he bends down to scratch Sylvester behind the ears and attempts to recant his statement: "Oh, I mean this is the Year of Kitty." No way, says I. She had her year this year! She's always spoiled.
I threatened to directly quote hubby to the millions, well 12 or 13 people, who read my blog -- just so he follows through. So there you have it. Check back for details.
Seriously, for the record, I do have the best husband in the world. You can quote me on that, too! Happy New Year!
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